Porter that by the latest arrivals from Europe a war with America was more than probable. I took such precautions as my situation would permit. In December some Caughnawago Indians came to the Fort from the Sodus and acquainted me that two Onondago Indians had just arrived, who informed them that there were between 300 and 400 men assembled at the Salt Springs,' distant about 36 miles, and intended to proceed to this Fort and to take it by force if refused to be given up. Alarmed at this intelligence I procured a young Indian for some provisions and three dollars in cash to go to Onondago. He returned in four days and informed me that there were no people there except 50 or 60 men employed in the Salt Works; that the others had returned to their homes, having only appeared there on a General Muster of the Militia, the Commander of which, a Major Danford, asked those Onondagoes whether they did not think there were men sufficient to take the Fort. From thence arose this report. If His Excellency thinks my conduct justifiable in sending this Indian express I hope he will order me to be repaid. Three chests with arms arrived in sleighs during the winter at the Salt Works, and a few field pieces said to be intended for them proceeded not further than Fort Stanwix, from whence they are to be conveyed by water. Permit me to reiterate my application for permission to send a party to Montreal for stores under the command of an Officer, as contained in my letter of 3rd December last. Enclosed is a copy of an application of Lieutenant Muller promoted to another Battalion. If His Excellency will permit his departure, being anxious to join as early as possible, I doubt not but another Officer will be immediately sent up in his room. A Report of Survey on some peas accompanies this. Major of Brigade E. B. Littlehales. C. T. A. SCHOEDDE, Sir: FROM LORD DORCHESTER TO J. G. SIMCOE. QUEBEC, 14th April, 1794. The appearance of Hostilities with our Neighbours, which the Intrigues and Influence of France seem to render inevitable, will necessarily draw your attention to the Upper part of the River St. Lawrence by which Passage the main Body of our Troops invaded the Province and completed its conquest in the year Sixty. At present if I mistake not, the Settlement upon, and near its Banks on the west side form the most important part of the Province, and it is the great channel of communication from hence to the Upper Posts & Lakes, it being necessary that the Military Stores & Provisions should be carried at least to the head of the Rapids in Boats or Canoes, and deposited till the Shipping can take them on board. It has been found by experience that the most eligible Station for this Deposit is near the head of the River, on account of many commercial reasons and conveniences which operate equally on the Trade and Military Transport. 1 Now Syracuse, N.Y. A state of War will greatly endanger this Frontier and Communication, and lay them open to hostile Expeditions both in Summer and in Winter. The Deposit of Stores and Provisions, with the Harbour for Boats and Shipping would doubtless be an object for capture or destruction. To prevent this ruinous Event, and to preserve the communication as well as our condition will allow, a station should be chosen where the Craft of all kinds and the Stores might receive some Protection: this must be within the River, as near Lake Ontario as circumstances will permit. There are objections to Carleton Island; and the Reasons you give for rejecting Kingston as a military Post appear to me sufficiently decisive, notwithstanding the many advantages of other kinds which it possesses; but the nearer to this Place a proper Post can be found the better. Toronto is too far out of the way to answer our present purposes. I should imagine from the Works carried on under General Haldimand's Command, at Point Frederic, that he had it in contemplation to remove the Military Post to Haldimand Cove. Capt. Mann's project is laid down agreeably to this idea, on a supposition that the circumjacent Country will afford protection to the Deposit of Stores and Shipping when the different Points are fortified. I inclose a copy of this Sketch wherein you will perceive some marks for military Works and Batteries as well as for other purposes. The Buildings which in a course of time it has been found necessary to erect for the marine or other Stores have been built on a Scite conformable to this Plan. It is of consequence to have the ground more thoroughly examined than Capt. Mann's occupations would allow, and I should wish you to employ a proper Person to make a Survey of this and the opposite point with the adjacent Country and Coves, taking in whatever may lye near enough to affect the Security or convenience of the Port; at the same time I beg to have your observations on the Subject. As this is the most populous part of the Province I should hope the Station would receive considerable Assistance and strength from a well regulated Militia; in return those valuable subjects would obtain protection for their possessions and Commerce. But whether it be here or at Gananoqui it is full time some Port was found capable of affording this necessary protection, and as near the head of the River as circumstances will permit. After the River St. Lawrence, the Districts of Detroit and of Niagara are the most essential for the Protection of the King's Subjects their Possessions and Commerce. The defence of the former seems to depend on that of the River Miamis; and the Fort of Niagara should be put in a State of repair to resist an immediate attack. I flatter myself the Militia every where will unite in their own defence. Unfortunately we have not at present as many Troops as I could wish; but joined with the Militia they may form a respectable Corps; separated from them our weakness will be greatly encreased; no more can be spared for Oswego, or Michilimakinac; and whatever merits Toronto may have in provincial Speculation I cannot approve of its being a deposit for Stores, or a Station for Troops; these are divided too much without that Measure; besides it would take them too far from the inhabited Country which requires all the Force we can collect for its protection. You desire to know how you are to carry on Provincial Establishments by Military Force, and how far arrangements connected therewith are to be considered as Provincial? The prospect of a War will probably suspend those Projects, yet I must observe that so far as a Military Force is concerned, you may carry them on, according to the Practice of Military affairs; that is, with the approbation of the officer in the Chief Command, and under his special Orders. In administering the Government, it will be as regular if in the first instance you submit those projects to the King's Ministers, stating at large their object and extent, with the full amount of all necessary expence: and this I think is the more advisable as the General, even should he approve, must send the Estimate home, not having it in his power to contribute to those Expences in any mode, as you may perceive by the Inclosure. When they shall have received the King's approbation, his pleasure will be signified through the regular channel and agreeably to the subordination he has established among his Servants: no difficulty will then remain. Col. Simcoe. 1794. I am with Regard Sir Your most obedient humble Servant Endorsed:-A In Lord Dorchester's No 24 to Mr. Dundas (Dup) of the 26 April Sir: FROM C. T. A. SCHOEDDE TO J. G. SIMCOE. From a late paper I saw of the 3rd April at Albany, there seems reason to fear a sudden rupture with America will take place. 15,000 men are voted to be raised and the whole sea coast to be put in a state of defence. It contained also accounts of the evacuation of Toulon on the 22nd December; likewise a defeat of the Allies at Haguenau on the 24th December, and the Speech of Lord Dorchester to the Indians. I would have taken copies thereof but the man was in a hurry and would not part with the papers. I have the honor to be, &c. His Excellency Colonel Simcoe. Sir: FROM C. T. A. SCHOEDDE TO FRANCIS LE MAISTRE. FORT ONTARIO, 15th April, 1794. By His Excellency Colonel Simcoe's orders, I have the honor of transmitting to you for the information of the Commander in Chief, a statement of the actual settlers who have located themselves in the vicinity of my Post within the last two years. The first settler is 10 miles distant, by name Bush. He suffered a long imprisonment for his loyalty during the late War, but I believe his sentiments are changed. His son is settled immediately above him. The others, none distant above 12 miles, are as follows. Haskill, an infamous character, has tried to persuade my men to desert and harbored those who did. Fuller, the same. McMasters, Pilot to all the smugglers, a violent man. Penailler, a Cooper, employed to make barrels for the Onondago Salt Works. Two more, names unknown, employed in smuggling. There are no settlers, except one at 3 River Point, distant 24 miles, until the beginning of the Onondago Salt Works. The number of settlers I have not been able to learn, but altogether including the workmen they amount to about 200, the vilest banditti of America. A great many families are expected to arrive this Spring, and some have marked lots for settlement within 3 miles of the Fort. One Smith from New Geneva, intends building a store at the Rapids, but being within cannon shot of the Garrison I will not permit it till further orders. Colonel Simcoe having further directed me to make such remarks as circumstances may suggest on the consequences which may affect my Post, or his Majesty's general Interests, I beg leave to state the different routes the Americans have to communicate with the back country of Canadesego Lake, where the settlement of New Geneva is, and of the Genesee Country. All boats from Fort Stanwix must come down as far as 3 River Point, then proceeding up the western branch of the Onondago River for 80 miles. There is a Carrying Place of 10 miles to the Big Sodus, which is an excellent harbor fit for building of vessels, and there is commonly 11 feet water on the bar. This Carrying Place, I understand, is to be properly established. 22 miles further up the most westerly branch of the river, there is another carrying place of 17 miles where waggons are always to be had to carry the goods across into Rondigut (Irondequoit), from whence they are but four miles to the Genesee. It is to be remarked, however, that this route can only be used in the Spring when the waters are high. The route most commonly made use of after coming down to 3 River Point is to proceed until the entrance into Cayuga Lake, (distance 90 miles) then taking Canadasego river for twenty miles, leads into that lake where New Geneva is, from thence there is a good waggon road to the Genesee Country, distant 60 miles. There is likewise a good road from White's Town on the Mohawk river to Geneva 120 miles long, but all land carriage. On viewing the difficulties of those communications it is not to be wondered at if the Americans are anxious for the possession of this Post. The Salt Works at Onondago begin also to be an object of commercial attention as there are now many thousand bushels made there in a year, and with this place in their hands they would soon supply the whole country. Dry goods and liquors of all sorts would likewise find an easy access to every part of Lake Ontario, and the safety even of Kingston and Dependencies in their present state would become problematical. It is not necessary to make any remarks on the bad state of this Fort, a report of which I had the honor of making some time ago, but I will beg leave to observe that if the Americans are permitted to settle nearer, the danger of the Post must naturally increase, and desertions and insults will accumulate. Their smuggling boats may lay within sight, without being permitted to touch them, should their settlements once be acknowledged. The Albany and Schenectady people, whose very existence depends on the commerce they carry on with the back country, will naturally exert every measure calculated to distress this Post. I have the honor to be, &c. C. T. A. SCHOEDDE. Captain 60th, Commanding. Captain Le Maistre, M.S. Sir: FROM LORD DORCHESTER TO J. G. SIMCOE. QUEBEC, 16 April, 1794. You will receive herewith Statements showing the Guns & Stores for the armed Boats & Vessels on the Upper Lakes, distinguishing the Peace from the War establishment. You will also receive a list of Officers whose Services have secured them half-pay when their State of health shall oblige them to retire. You will be pleased to form a scheme for filling up the Vacancies which officers so retiring or other circumstances may occasion as you shall judge best for the King's Service; attending to the respective merits and seniority of the Candidates; these Lists you will send to Head Quarters for approbation, and that proper Commissions may be made out, in the meantime you will station those Officers in their Posts and Command, according to your recommendation in the Lists so prepared. All the Armaments which originated here were named Provincial to distinguish them from those sent from Europe, but whether properly or improperly called, the Vessels in question were built and commissioned by the Commander in Chief, as such, to assist the Troops and cooperate in carrying on the War, and have continued in the Military Line ever since. I am glad to hear the Onondago has been got off. Young Bouchette's exertions you will have an opportunity to reward: I entirely agree with you that the Sons of Gentlemen of the Country, more particularly of Half pay Officers, should be encouraged. The Establishment of Midshipmen shall be considered, but before the alteration can be adopted it will be necessary to have a Statement of the additional expence it would occasion. Besides I am not without hope that a considerable Reinforcement may be sent out this spring both for the Land and Sea Service. But whatever succors are sent us, Upper Canada should fit out Man and arm Gun Boats particularly for the Bay of Quinté, and of the Rivers St. Lawrence, Niagara and Detroit. You cannot too much impress on the Minds of the people the importance of preserving a Command of the Waters and of keeping open an undisturbed communication with this Country. With the concurrence of the Council and Assembly a System of defence by Gun Boats, to cooperate with your Militia, might be formed which would afford Security to your Settlements against predatory Parties, and greatly protect the communication. This will be the commencement of your Provincial Marine which time and experience will improve, and strengthen according to your progress in population and wealth. I shall order two Gun Boats to be built to replace those converted into Vessels for transport: I am in hopes Capt Glasgow will be able to give us sufficient information concerning the Spanish Gun Boat used at Gibraltar to form the directions according to your recommendation. In all events you will cause such alterations to be made in the Plan as you may judge best adapted to the Service. We are building two for this Province, after the form of those we used near New York, and in the Chesapeak last War; I am told they were light and swift, if these succeed I shall have an exact description sent you. I am with Regard, Sir Your most obedient humble Servant Colonel Simcoe. DORCHESTER D Endorsed: B In Lord Dorchester's No 24 to Mr Dundas of the 26 April 1794. |