Forty Years War

The years were in the late 1770's and early 1780's and Thomas Wharton was President of the State of Pennsylvania. These years are now history, especially to the areas of the western section. These areas included Bedford and Westmoreland Counties. The settlers had fear in their hearts, and many families left their homesteads to try and find safety from Indian raids.

Many appeals were made to the Council of Safety for help, but this was slow in coming. Appeals were made expressing fear that the Forts in Bedford and Ligonier might not be strong enough to withstand repeated attacks by the Indians.

On November 27, 1777, two men. George Woods and Thomas Smith, sent a message to President Wharton stating the present situation in Bedford County was extremely bad and they were taking this opportunity to inform him that the Indian war had been in utmost fury. One man was murdered at Stoneycreek, five killed on the mountain near the head of Dunnings Creek, three killed or taken prisoner at Three Springs and some children were massacred at Frankstown.

A party of local settlers formed a scouting party to attempt to track down these maurading savages. After reaching Morrison's Cove, the men failed to find them. In order to cover more territory the party split up. It is possible the Indians were aware of the fact they were being hunted because the one party of eight was ambushed. Seven were killed and one wounded but managed to escape.

Smith and Woods emphasized the fact that there was hardly a day passed without news of a new murder. Also, if no help was received and if the settlers continued to flee from the county, the Council of Safety would find that Cumberland County would become the frontier. Settlers in Morrison's Cove, Croyl's, Friends Cove, Dunnings Creek and half the Glades have fled from their homes, or have fortified them. Also that the Indians have been roaming where they pleased because of the weakness of defense on this frontier.

There were ranging parties out in the mountains, but they had little or no success in locating the Indians. The ranging parties complained that the entire burden of defense fell upon only a few local people while those living at a distance had offered no help. The Militia had not been ordered out to assist because only about one in ten was armed, thus they were unable to be of service. Furthermore, there were very few who were acquainted with the terrain or the methods of fighting the Indian.

Woods and Smith expressed the opinion that a small number of select, well trained men would be far superior and be of more value to guard the frontiers than six times that number of men unfamiliar with the use of arms and the terrain. Therefore, some action must be taken for the safety of the County, the families and their properties. They also recommended that an order be issued to raise 100 Rangers under spirited officers who were well acquainted with the woods and Indian warfare. They believed such a group of men could be raised at once as they understood that a great number of rifles were stored at Carlisle, while this back county was suffering for lack of arms. They also bitterly criticized the Militia for removing the firearms from this area the previous winter when they should have been kept here for such an emergency, and the ammunition was very low what remained was not fit for rifles.

To emphasize the seriousness of conditions here, Colonel John Piper also wrote to President Wharton on January 20, 1778, requesting immediate measures of the Council. This step would help to prevent the frontiers from becoming evacuated. He said it was necessary to give local orders to raise a party of thirty men for the defense of a settlement called the 'Gleads', forty men for the 'senter division' including Bedford.

To obtain these men and the necessity of 'paying exorbitant' prices for all supplies, it meant paying each man five pounds per month for a nine month' service, unless discharged before this period. Emphasis was placed upon the need to appoint a suitable person to lay in a small store of provisions at each post in order to supply the scouting parties or troops who might be employed as guards.

Col. Piper, in his letter, said if these measures are approved by the Council, the settlers would remain, but if they rejected the suggestion, they would leave the county at the next Indian alarm.

When the Council received Col. Piper's letter, apparently, the Council realized something had to be done. A letter dated February 2, to Col. Piper stated that his letter had been brought before the Council by Lt. Col. Davison. The Council questioned Col. Piper's authority to enlist men for a nine month service without their permission. They intimated they had intended to authorize the authority for him to call out the Militia for the County's defense only as a temporary measure until Congress could obtain additional information they felt necessary from which they could form a judgment of what forces would be required to oppose the savages. They expected that the people of Bedford County would be more willing to exert themselves for their own immediate defense and more willing to turn out for this service than be assigned elsewhere, thus, they felt there was no good reason why the people in Bedford County should not exert their strength in their own defense at such a critical time as this on the same terms as other parts of the State rendered this service.

The Council also emphasized that the Militia Law points out the mode of calling people together for their own defense. They had no authority to adopt any other plan, or establish an army, however small, on any principles other than those directed by law.

Congress was directly against establishing a standing force of any kind of law different from the Militia. Also, it was very improper, as there were no funds for the payment of these men, and it would be a dangerous example to other counties who might have equal right to claim an exemption from Militia service. Furthermore the prices of supplies was another reason why this plan could not be accepted Thus, Congress would not approve nor pay the advanced wages. However, Col. Piper received an order through Col. Davison on the Treasurer for the sum of two-hundred pounds to be delivered and charged to Col. Piper's account.

It is amusing to note that on May 2, 1778, Council wrote to Col. Archibald Lochry of Westmoreland County lamenting the situation of the back inhabitants and wishing they had more power to offer them immediate help. Council also noted that Lieutenants of Bedford and Westmoreland Counties were empowered by law to call out the Militia for the defense of the frontiers.

Another interesting note was found in Col. John Piper's letter dated May 4, 1778 from Bedford to President Wharton. In it he called the President's attention to an unprecedented incident in which thirty five 'evil minded persons' from one corner of the County banded together and marched to join the Indians and unite with them to kill, burn and destroy men, women and children. This event ended in tragedy for one member and failure to all the other thirty-four. When the band met with the Indians, their chief suspected treachery by the white men. In the ensuing argument, the chief killed and scalped the ringleader before all the members. This sudden event disrupted all their plans. All panicked and fled for their lives. This act perhaps saved many lives on the frontier.

When the news of this party's intentions became known in the community, a number of settlers also joined together to pursue this band of 'rebellions'. The pursuers found five members of the band who were fleeing for their lives. They were arrested and returned under heavy guard to the county gaol (jail).

The five confessed to their crime of open rebellion. It was believed these men were a part of a greater group, and thus for the protection of all, it was suggested to the Council that these criminals be removed to a place of greater security, or, order the commissioners to conduct a speedy trial.

The local citizens were very much incensed over this incident. Also, they were again alarmed over a report of a large band of Indians being in the western part of the state.

It was later learned that many of the men of the rebellious band who escaped made their way to Baltimore, Md., where they intended to board English ships for their safety.

The State Council on May 19 reported to Congress that numerous reports had been received of Indian raids and upwards of thirty persons had been killed in Bedford County.

Col. Piper wrote another report on August 7, on the distressed situation on the frontiers of Bedford County and the frequent raids on the settlements. Because of this, he was obliged to call out a number of Militia to prevent total devastation of the County. He was also much distressed over the lack of a proper person as paymaster. Later, he did receive three hundred pounds of powder and six hundred pounds of lead for the county's use.

Col. Piper did not get too much support from President Wharton. Either he did not realize the seriousness of the dangers here in the county, or he did not care. He sent a protest from Bedford to a May 15 order that he could not submit a report on the arms which were the State's property because they were in the possession of the inhabitants and thus it would be impossible to prepare an exact list of arms. He said that there were approximately two hundred rifles and one hundred muskets. When the exact number became known he would then submit a report to the Council. He felt, or had reason to feel that not less than one-third of the men in the county had actually fled the frontier.

After Thomas Wharton's death, George Bryan, Vice President, became acting President temporarily. He sent a reply to Thomas McKean that it might be well to make examples of some of the most wicked of the prisoners in Bedford as soon as practicable, but when he reflected on the savages having scalped eleven women and children within five miles of Bedford, the people must be all up in arms. He was also afraid these criminals might escape for want of testimony, and the Attorney General could not well bear the expense personally of so long a journey without some salary, thus before a precept could be sent to the sheriff of that county, they should begin to work with the Court and especially prisoners. Thus it would be well to hold one Court and try them all at once.

The Council directed one Judge Hubley on September 19, 1778, to appear and hold Court in Bedford Monday 29 of September for trial of the traitors who took the desperate course of joining the Indians against their countrymen.

By 1780, Joseph Reed, Esq., was now President of the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and William Livingston was Governor. President Reed, on July 12, sent a message to Col. William Scott that he was happy to learn that Volunteers had been made up according to the law since the settlers on the frontiers had been much concerned about Indian raids particularly since harvest time was approaching. He thus directed half of the men to march to Bedford County and the remaining part to Westmoreland where they were to be directed by the Lieutenants to the various stations. Col. Piper was the officer in Bedford and Col. Lochry in Westmoreland.

President Reed also said he was sorry that wagons had been sent to obtain arms when there were none in the store nor could they be procured in the city. He therefore directed Col. Scott to try to obtain as many public arms as possible as there should be a large number in the county. If this was not possible, then the captain was authorized to call upon the captains of the Ranging Companies of the previous year to give up the arms which had been furnished to them. He also stressed the need of both County Lieutenants to exert pressure to obtain the rifles and ammunition for the volunteer companies.

Col. Piper sent another important message on August 6 to President Reed saying he had been extremely busy in recruiting the quota of volunteers to defend the county, but due to the shattered situation, a full company was doubtful, especially since the Militia here was broken up. Townships were laid to waste and communications had been broken. He also delivered an important but sad report that Captain Phillips, an experienced woodsman, who had commanded a company of Rangers for a two months service, while on patrol, was ambushed on Sunday the 16 of July. Captain Phillips and eleven of his men were killed. Col. Piper wrote that when he received the news he marched with ten men directly to the place where he found the house burned, and several tomahawks which had been lost in battle. After following the tracks a short distance he found the ten bodies murdered in a cruel manner. These murders so alarmed the people of this entire area that they were in the act of vacating the county. However, it was noted that because of a Lieutenant from Cumberland County sending one Company of Pennsylvania Volunteers to assist, the residents decided to remain and endure the dangers a little longer.

Col. Piper begged for a special order to provide these men with provisions and other necessities until such time as that other provisions could be made for the County's defense. He added a foot note to his letter to please deliver the following: five hundred pounds of powder and lead in proportion, one thousand gun flints, one dozen falling axes, six camp 'kittles' and one half ream of writing paper.

We located a report of a Lieutenant Abraham Smith of Cumberland County, dated August 7, 1780, to President Reed in which he reported he had sent a volunteer group to Northumberland County to assist in helping that County against Indian raids, and another to Bedford. He also reported he went with a party of men to a place called 'Woodcock Valley', where about three weeks previously one Captain Phillips and twelve men were ambushed. The bodies were buried to the best of their ability and it was a disagreeable task. We also found one other note which should prove interesting to local County residents. It was a copy of a letter dated August 7, 1780 from Michael Hillegas, Esq. Confinental Treasurer, to President Reed. In this letter Mr. Hillegas said he was directed by the 'Honorable the Board of Treasury' to present two warrants for one million, seven hundred and ninety six thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars, the other for four million five hundred and sixty nine thousand and forty five dollars and thirty-ninetieths of a dollar, 'for payment and report their answer'.

President Reed's reply to Mr. Hillegas was that it was impossible to make this payment for beef and other flesh in the late existence of the Army, because the State's Treasurer had reported there was only a sum of $46.00 on deposit.

To add further to the worries of the settlers of the County, particularly those living in Quemahoning Township (which is now in Somerset County), a number of them complained to Col. Piper that they were being harrassed by several sub-Lieutenants for large sums of money to pay for the hiring of two men assigned to the Bedford County Company of Pennsylvania Volunteers. He informed the complainants that he recognized their problem, and that this act was contrary to his judgment, and had thus sent a report of this to the Council and like-wise to a Mr. Powell, who was a member of the House of Assembly for this County. He said that the consequences of these acts, instead of supporting the frontiers, will be a means of breaking it up. He informed them these measures were made without his knowledge or permission.

We have shown from time to time the many complaints that were made to the Council and Congress about the conditions in the County during the years of 1777 and 1778 with little support being offered. Sometimes it was not possible to provide help to this area because other districts had been having their problems with the Indians and help had been demanded from many communities.

On March 1, 1771, President Reed directed a reply to the inhabitants of Bedford County. He stated it was not within his power to give a full answer to their pleas on the frontier, but for their satisfaction he felt it necessary to inform them that the Council had laid a plan for their defense before the Assembly whereby four companies of sixty men each were to be raised as a standing force and three hundred thirty Militia to be maintained for eight months and so stationed as to be most useful to the areas exposed to Indian atrocities. However, he left a loophole which, I am certain, left the settlers wondering. He said he did not know how far the state of the Treasury would be adequate to the end proposed, nor did he give further encouragement, because of the state of things, upon which to base their determinations. He hoped this report would give the Council great satisfaction to relieve the distress of the County and to remove apprehensions. He hoped the time was not too far distant when this would be effectively done by an honorable issue to the war, provided proper executions were made on the part of the Council.

To further simplify the protection of the County, the Lieutenants met and decided to divide the county into districts. One batallion would be assigned to Bedford (twp.) Turkeyfoot, Brother Valley, Quemahoning, Mifflin and part of Providence Townships. Another batallion would cover Dublin, Shirley, Barree, Hopewell, Frankstown and Huntingdon Townships. A third district consisted of Air, Bethel, Providence and Cumberland Valley Townships, except those individuals who lived on the north side of the 'Juniatta' River and the following families; John Livingston, Amos Jones, Adam Miller, and Abraham Covalt who lived on the south side of the 'Juniatta' River. They were to fall under the Bedford batallion.

How much protection this military coverage would provide remained to be seen. We found another incident reported May 19,1781 to President Reed. On the fourth of May the Indians killed a man, a woman and two children and took a man prisoner within a mile of Col. Piper's home on Yellow Creek.

Lieutenant George Ashman of the Bedford unit also reported he received the returns of all male white inhabitants residing within the county that came under the Militia Law. The whole was found to be fourteen hundred and fifty six which he planned to draft into service.

We must remember back in the years of 1777 to 1781, Bedford County consisted of an area which cover many counties today.

Lieutenant Ashman requested his Excellency to order an additional hundred Militia from Cumberland County to be ready to post this county when those who were presently serving, would end their term of service within the month. He, too emphasized the fact that if this was not carried out he could assure the Governor that many families will move as already many families have 'mooved when the late damage was 'dun'. He also said the Cumberland Militia had depleted his supply of ammunition, thus he requested an order of three hundred pounds of powder and six hundred of lead to be for the use of this county. He further reported that on June 5 word had been received from Frankstown that a party of volunteers from Bedford enroute to that place was ambushed.

Thirty were killed and only seven made their escape. Five days later he sent a report to President Reed that a party of Rangers under a Captain Boyd and Volunteers under Captain Moore of the Militia had an engagement with a large number of Indians within three miles of Frankstown. A young lieutenant and his men brought the dead and wounded to the Fort while three escaped to Bedford. The Indians quickly retreated over the 'alligany' Hill, but the waters were so high due to heavy rains, that they could not be pursued. Once more, he reminded the President of the Supreme Executive Council that this county was in a deplorable situation and that many families were 'flying' daily since this massacre took place. He also emphasized that if immediate assistance was not sent here the whole frontier would move out. He mentioned, too, he had received information that no more orders had been received by the Cumberland County Militia to send help. Therefore, he intended to move his own family to Maryland within a few days because he was now convinced that not any one settlement had been able to make any definite stand against superior numbers of the enemy.

Once more a request was made for his Excellency to place an order for no less than three hundred men. Less than this number would be of little help to this county. Also the supply of ammunition was exhausted, and to make matters worse, a number of the Cumberland County Militia would be discharged in two days. Lt. Ashman begged for three hundred pounds of money as it had been impossible to conduct business without it.

On June 28, President Reed issued an order to one Col. Abraham Smith of Cumberland County to call one class of Militia to relieve the poor inhabitants of Bedford County who were in great distress. In addition to being low on arms, ammunition and supplies, the officers here had been having difficulty in using the money which they had received. One Captain Charles Cesna sent one of his men to Col. Jacob Morgan, Jr., Superintendent of the Commissioners of purchases of Pennsylvania, for the purpose of obtaining advice, because it seemed that not one single article could be obtained for the money that was then current.

Captain Cesna said he had been threatened by the local residents for not having suitable provisions for the Militia and furthermore it had been impossible for him to get it for the money he still had, and the articles he had purchased as well as his duputies had been forced to use credit of the money which was then useless. He insisted something had to be done immediately in order to get provisions for those who were employed in protecting the county. The money used to purchase supplies had been so fluctuating that while it dubiously had been used thus far, there was no room for a certain price to be established for any one article, and no one wanted to obtain any quantity of it even for a single beef cattle.

The reason for this financial crisis was due to the paper money being retired from circulation. For a time everyone had experienced great difficulties for money. There was not a single species of a shilling in the treasury and nothing could be done without it.

We might explain here that in the early days of our young nation before the U.S. dollar was issued, there was in circulation the English shilling. The dollar was adopted by the Congress in 1785 and the sudden change over caused confusion and slowed up trade. The procuring of hard money was most essential and an indispensible requisite to restore the public credit. The thought of bringing paper money back to its former standard was most important.

Captain Stokley of Ft. Ligonier notified President Reed on August 4 that he, too, had trouble with the currency problem. The state money was at that time much under value and was depreciating. In fact for a time it was entirely out of circulation. In some cases the passing of the English money resulted in five to six pounds for one of hard money. Because of this problem, he had difficulty enlisting men. Only thirty eight had been obtained. They were badly in need of clothing and desperately in need of provisions.

Col. Lochry on the same date wrote to President Reed to express his appreciation for the reports he received the previous day. He reported he was leaving with Captain Stokley's Company and fifty Volunteers to join General Clark at Ft. Henry on the Ohio River. However his men were all in need of procuring provisions, particularly meat as their money had not been in the best credit.

On September 12, Lieutenant Abraham Smith reported to President Reed that the militia which had been serving in Bedford County had returned to their home in Cumberland County and the inhabitants of that county had met with no disturbances from the savages during the time they were here and for a considerable time prior to their arrival. The last to be reported was one man killed about six weeks before. Three Indians had been observed then, but none since.

William Moore, who had been Vice President of the State of Pennsylvania was elected President on November 14, 1781. Things appeared to be rather quiet on the county frontier until August 1782 when he was informed that on the 8th a Peck family of four had been found massacred and scalped within a half mile of the great road eighteen miles from Bedford. The house was burned. The enemy had now penetrated so far into the very heart of the country. A general panic had caused most of the people to flee their homes for Maryland, Virginia or Conecocheague. Several stations in the county were occupied by the Bedford Pennsylvania Company of Rangers and the Bedford County Militia. The stations were 'Frankstown', Heads of Dunnings Creek, Fort Piper and the town and Inviron of Bedford, as well as along the 'Juniatta' River and other inconsiderable small parties at other stations, totaling about 150 to 160, but there was less than a week's provisions.

The reporter of this news was Bernard Dougherty, who was one of the first Justices of Bedford County. He said he did not have a penny to purchase supplies and if a speedy supply was not made, nearly all the stations mentioned would be evacuated. If this occurs the whole country would leave at once. These stations, he said, are the most material means of defense. He mentioned, also, that he had information that other frontier counties were equally distressed, and that it also came to his attention that the noted Simon Girty had made threats to destroy the town of Bedford and Hannah's Town. How soon he planned to carry out his threats was not known but he was greatly afraid.

Mr. Dougherty and Charles Cessna, in December 1781 wrote that the only place in the County fit for storing provisions was in the town of Bedford, which in every direction was a considerable distance from such places as are capable of making the necessary defense. Sending supplies to Lead Mine Gap was fifty five miles, to Frankston 40 miles and the same distance to Conemaugh would be of considerable expense and entirely out of the County's power to defend.

A Lieutenant of the Westmoreland Rangers reported on March 1783 the savages had now started their cruel incursions on the frontiers. Two persons had been killed and two taken prisoner. He thought the settlers on the frontiers seemed more discouraged this spring than they had been in previous years. They had hoped for peace.

John Dickinson was now President of the Council. He said that the last reports from the frontiers indicated more than forty inhabitants had been killed on April 29, 1783, he suggested to the Delegates in Congress to consider if it would not have a good effect on the Indians to inform them that peace had been made with Great Britain, and all the back country with all the forts thereby ceded, thus they must now depend upon the United States for their preservation, and unless they immediately ceased their outrages and remained quiet until a treaty could be held with them, this country would instantly turn upon them with the armies that conquered the King of Great Britain.

We were unable to find any further references to Indian raids in Bedford County. However, on October 20, 1786 the war office notified the Congress they received reports from their intelligence service of hostile intentions of the Indians in the Western Country. A large number of Indian nations, particularly Shawanese, Paletamies, Chippawas, Tawas, Twightees and outcasts from Mingos and Cherokees were assembling in the Shawanese towns. These tribes were attempting to draw other nations to unite with them in a war with the Americans. Reports indicated no less than one thousand warriors would be dispatched to start hostilities. The report to Congress suggested speedy measures should be taken to counteract and defeat their plans. Failure to do this would result in a most dangerous and lasting consequences. Congress, whereupon, whereupon resolved to raise 1340 men for a three year period, to serve with those already in service thus to be formed into a legionary corps to consist of 2040. Troops were also raised in four of the New England States as well as Maryland and Virginia.

These Indian raids in Bedford County area were not the first. History of the State shows that as the settlers moved westward in the early 1700's and began to build cabins, claim and clear the land, the Indians began to resent their intrusion. County records show that a Scotchman by the name of MacRay opened a trading post around 1750 at the location of or near Bedford. This man disappeared suddenly. Whether he was forced to move or whether he was murdered has never been proven. Later, one Garret Pendergrass came here. Historians claim it is about the year of 1752. However, a few years later, he too, was forced to leave because the Indians were burning cabins and murdering those who would not leave.

Brigade Major Joseph Shippen dispatched a report to Col. James Burd on June 23, 1763-' The late mischief done near Bedford, I am told have so alarmed the frontier inhabitants as to occasion the whole of those settled on the Juniata and in Path Valley to remove to the interior parts of the County.' There were thirteen persons killed and several houses burned about four miles from Ft. Loudon.

Major Shippen sent a second report on August 16, 1758 from his camp at Raystown that he had an army of about 2500 men, exclusive of about 1400 who were hired to cut and clear a road between here and 'Loyal Hanning'. He was expecting Col. Washington and 400 of his Regiment and two Companies of Col. Burd from Virginia to join him.

For protection and storage of provisions, a good stockade Fort had been built as well as several large store houses. A good breastwork and a small ditch on the outside had been erected.

During the 1760's and 1770's many raids had been made. One Captain Ourry was commander here in 1762 and 1763. It seemed he was not as much concerned about the strength of the Fort as he was about the terror of the settlers, who were essentially defenseless against the Indian raids. Scores of families had been driven from their homes, many murdered and scalped, their cabins burned and cattle slaughtered. All possessions were lost.

The result of all this was the heavy flow of refugees coming to the fort for sanctuary. The same situation existed at Fort Ligonier, the question of these officers was what they should do with them all. Supplies for the Militia were low and not enough to feed several hundred persons.

The Indians causing this were the Shawanese and Delaware. They would strike quickly and then suddenly disappear in the west. We found another reference in which the Indians were preparing to retaliate against the Whites because Lord Dunmore had gone into Ohio in 1774 and massacred a number of friendly Indians.

We have to remember that during the years of 1775 and 1776, the colonies had a little dispute with Great Britain, thus a number of men from these parts of Pennsylvania left their homes to try to break the British control. After July 1776, Pennsylvania ceased to be a province and Virginia ceased to be a crown colony. Both became states in the American Confederation. Virginia had a war going against the Shawanese thus members of this tribe were afraid to go to Fort Pitt to trade. Virginia had issued a proclamation to claim the region west of Laurel Mountains. This almost led to an open war between the settlers of Western Pennsylvania. Some did not accept the Virginia issue thus they claimed loyalty to Pennsylvania. Many neighbors became enemies over this dispute. However, this bitter inter colony conflict ended when two regiments were formed and marched east to fight with the Patriots under the leadership of George Washington.

Thus from 1745 to 1785, a period of forty years the people in western Pennsylvania had been almost continuously deluged in blood.