BENJAMIN GILBERT, Son of Joseph Gilbert, was born at Byberry, about 15 Miles from the City of Philadelphia, in the Year 1711, and received his Education among the People called Quakers.

He resided at or near the Place of his Nativity for several Years; during which Time of Resi­dence he married, and after the Decease of his first Wife, he accomplished a second Marriage with Elizabeth Peart, Widow of Bryan Peart, and con­tinued in this Neighbourhood until the Year 1775, when he removed with his Family to a Farm situ­ate on Mahoning Creek, in Penn Township, North­ampton County, being the Frontiers of Pennsyl­vania, [Page 6] not far from where Fort Allen was erect­ed. The Improvements he carried on here were according to the usual Manner of new Settlements, Convenience being principally attended to; his House and Barn being of Logs, to this he had added a Saw-Mill and a commodious Stone Grist-Mill, which, as it commanded the Country for a consi­derable Distance, conduced in some Measure to render his Situation comfortable.

This short Account may not be improper, in or­der to interest our Feelings in the Relation of the many Scenes of Affliction the Family were re­duced to, when snatched from the pleasing enjoy­ment of the Necessaries and Conveniencies of Life. The most flattering of our Prospects are often marked with Disappointment, expressively instruct­ing us that we are all Strangers and Sojourners here, as were our Forefathers.

This Family was alarmed on the 25th Day of the 4th Month, 1780, about Sun-rise, by a Par­ty of eleven Indians, whose Appearance struck them with Terror; to attempt and Escape was Death, and a Portion of Distress not easy to be supported, the certain Attendant on the most patient and sub­missive Conduct. The Indians who made this In­cursion, were of different Tribes or Nations, who had abandoned their Country on the Approach of General Sullivan's Army, and fled within Com­mand of the British Forts in Canada, promiscu­ously settling within their Neighbourhood, and, according to Indian Custom of carrying on War, frequently invading the Frontier Settlements, tak­ing Captive the weak and defenceless.

The Names of these Indians, with their respect­ive Tribes, are as follow:

• 1. Rowland Mo [...]teur, 1st Captain.
• 2. John Monteur, second in Command, who [Page 7] was also stiled Captain: These two were Mohawks descended of a French Woman.
• 3. Samuel Harris, a Cayuga Indian.
• 4. John Huston, and his Son Cayugas.
• 5. John Huston, Jun. Cayugas.
• 6. John Fox, of the Delaware Nation. The other 5 were Senecas.

At this Place they made Captives of the follow­ing Persons:

They then proceeded to Benjamin Peart's Dwell­ing, about Half a Mile further, and brought him­self and Family, viz.

The Prisoners were bound with Cords which the Indians brought with them, and in this melancholy Condition left under a Guard for the Space of Half [Page 8] an Hour, during which Time the rest of the Cap­tors employed themselves in plundering the House, and packing up such Goods as they chose to carry off, until they had got together a sufficient Load­ing for three Horses which they took, besides compelling the distressed Prisoners to carry Part of their Plunder. When they had finished plun­dering, they began their Retreat, two of their Number being detached to fire the Buildings, which they did without any Exception of those belonging to the unhappy Sufferers; thereby aggravating their Distresses, as they could observe the Flames, and the falling in of the Roofs, from an adjoining Emi­nence called Summer Hill. They cast a mournful Look towards their Dwellings, but were not per­mitted to stop, until they had reached the further Side of the Hill, where the Party sat down to make a short Repast; but Grief prevented the Prisoners from sharing with them.

The Indians speedily put forwards from this Place; as they apprehended they were not so far removed from the Settlements as to be secure from Pursuit. Not much further was a large Hill called Mochunk, which they fixed upon for a Place of Rendezvous: Here they halted near an Hour, and prepared Shoes or Sandals, which they call Mockasons, for some of the Children: Consi­dering themselves in some Degree relieved from Danger, their Fears abated so that they could enjoy their Meal at Leisure, which they ate very heartily. At their Removal from this Hill, they told the Prisoners that Col. Butler was no great Distance from them, in the Woods, and that they were going to him.

Near the Foot of the Hill flows a Stream of Wa­ter called Mochunk Creek, which was crossed, and the second Mountain passed; the steep and difficult [Page 9] Ascent of which appeared very great to the much enfeebled and affrighted Captives: They were per­mitted to rest themselves for some Minutes, and then pressed onwards to the Broad Mountain, at the Foot of which runs Nescaconnah Creek.

Doubly distressed by a Recollection of past Hap­piness, and a Dread of the Miseries they had now to undergo, they began the Ascent of this Moun­tain with great Anguish both of Mind and Body. Benjamin Gilbert's Wife, dispirited with the in­creasing Difficulties, did not expect she was able to pass this Mountain of Foot; but being threatened with Death by the Indians if she did not perform it, with many a heavy Step she at length succeeded. The Broad Mountain is said to be 7 Miles over in this Place, and about 10 Miles distant from Ben­jamin Gilbert's Settlement. Here they halted an Hour, and then struck into the Neskapeck Path; the Unevenness and Ruggedness of which, ren­dered it exceedingly toilsome, and obliged them to [...]ove forwards slowly. Quackac Creek runs across the Neskapeck Path, which leads over Pis­mire Hill. At this last Place they stopped to re­fresh themselves, and then pursued their March along the same Path, thro' Moravian Pine Swamp, to Mahoniah Mountain, where they lodged, being the first Night of their Captivity.

It may furnish Information to some, to mention the Method the Indians generally use to secure their Prisoners: They cut down a Sapling as large as a Man's Thigh, and therein cut Notches, in which they fix their Legs, and over this they place a Pole, crossing the Pole on each Side with Stakes drove in the Ground, and in the Crotches of the Stakes they place other Poles or Riders, effectually con­sining the Prisoners on their Backs; besides which, they put a Strap round their Necks, which they [Page 10] fasten to a Tree: In this Manner the Night passed. Their Beds were Hemlock Branches strewed on the Ground, and Blankets for a Covering, which was an Indulgence scarcely to have been expected from Savages: It may reasonably be expected, that in this melancholy Situation, Sleep was a Stranger to their Eye-lids.

Benjamin Peart having fainted in the Evening, occasioned by the Sufferings he endured, was threat­ned to be tomhawked by Rowland Monteur.

26 th. Early this Morning they continued their Route, near the Waters of Teropin Ponds. The Indians thought it most eligible to separate the Prisoners in Companies of two by two, each Company under the Command of a particular In­dian, spreading them to a considerable Distance, in order to render a Pursuit as impracticable as possible. The old People, overcome with Fatigue, could not make as much Expedition as their severe Task-masters thought proper, but failed in their Journey, and were therefore threatned with Death, by the Indian under whose Direction they were placed: Thus circumstanced, they resigned them­selves to their unhappy Lot, with as much Forti­tude as possible. Towards Evening the Parties again met and encamped, having killed a Deer, they kin­dled a Fire, each one roasting Pieces of the Flesh up­on sharpened Switches. The Confinement of the Captives was the same with the first Night, but, as they were by this Time more resigned to the Event, they were not altogether deprived of Sleep.

27 th. After Breakfast a Council was held con­cerning the Division of the Prisoners, which be­ing settled, they delivered each other those Prison­ers who fell within their several Allotments, giving them Directions to attend to the particular Indians whose Property they became. In this Day's Jour­ney [Page 11] they passed near Fort Wyoming, on the East­ern Branch of Susquehanna, about forty Miles from their late Habitation. The Indians, naturally timid, were alarmed as they approached this Garrison, and observed great Caution, not suffering any Noise, but stepped on the Stones that lay in the Path, lest any Footsteps should lead to a Discove­ry. Not far from thence is a considerable Stream of Water, emptying itself into Susquehanna, which they crossed with great Difficulty, it being deep and rapid, and continued here this Night. Benjamin Gilbert being bound fast with Cords, underwent great Sufferings.

28 th. This Morning the Prisoners were all paint­ed according to the Custom among the Indians, some of them with red and black, some all red, and some with black only: Those whom they smut with black, without any other Colour, are not considered of any Value, and are by this Mark generally devoted to Death: Although this cruel Purpose may not be executed immediately, they are seldom preserved to reach the Indian Hamlets alive. In the Evening they came to Susquehanna, having had a painful and wearisome Journey through a very stony and hilly Path. Here the In­dians sought diligently for a private Lodging-place, that they might be as secure as possible from any Scouting-parties of the white People. It is unne­cessary to make further Mention of their Manner of Lodging, as it still remained the same.

29 th. They went in Search of the Horses which had strayed from them in the Night, and after some Time found them. They then kept the Course of the River, walking along its Side with Difficulty. In the Afternoon they came to a Place where the Indians had directed four Negroes to wait their Return, having lest them some Corn for a Subsist­ence; [Page 12] These Negroes had escaped from Confine­ment, and were on their Way to Niagara, when first discovered by the Indians; being challenged by them, answered "They were for the King," upon which they immediately received them into Protection.

30 th. The Negroes who were added to the Company the Day before, began cruelly to domineer and tyrannize over the Prisoners, frequently whip­ping them for their Sport, and treating them with more Severity than even the Indians themselves; having had their Hearts hardened by the Mean­ness of their Condition, and long Subjection to Slavery. In this Day's Journey they passed the Remains of the Indian Town, Wyaloosing. The Lands round these Ruins have a remarkable Appear­ance of Fertility. In the Evening they made a Lodgement by the Side of a large Creek.

5 th. Month 1 st After crossing a considerable Hill in the Morning, they came to a Place where two Indians lay dead. A Party of Indians had taken some white People, whom they were carry­ing off Prisoners, they rose upon the Indians in the Night, killed four of them, and then effected their Escape. The Women were sent forwards, and the Men-Prisoners commanded to draw near and view the two dead Bodies, which remained; (the other two being removed) they staid to observe them a considerable Time, and were then order­ed to a Place where a Tree was blown down. Death appeared to be their Doom; but after re­maining in a State of sad Suspense for some Time, they were ordered to dig a Grave; to effect which, they cut a Sapling with their Tomhawks, and sharpened on End, with which wooden Instru­ment one of them broke the Ground, and the others cast the Earth out with their Hands, the Ne­groes [Page 13] being permitted to beat them severely whilst they were thus employed. After interring the Bo­dies, they went forwards to the rest, and overtook them as they were preparing for their Lodging. They were not yet released from their Sapling Con­finement.

2 d. Having some of their Provisions with them, they made an early Meal, and travelled the whole Day. They crossed the East Branch of Susquehan­na towards Evening, in Canoes, at the Place where General Sullivian's Army had passed it in their Ex­pedition. Their Encampment was on the Western Side of this Branch of the River; but two Indians who did not cross it, sent for Benjamin Gilbert, jun▪ and Jesse Gilbert's Wife, and as no probable Cause could be assigned why it was so, the Design was considered as a very dark one, and was a grievous Affliction to the others.

3 d. The Morning however dispelled their Fears, when they had the Satisfaction of seeing them again, and understood they had not received any Treatment harder than their usual Fare. The Horses swam the Susquehanna, by the Side of the Canoe. This Day the Indians in their March found a Scalp, and took it along with them, as also some old Corn, of which they made a Supper. They frequently killed Deer, and by that Means supplied the Company with Meat, being almost the only Provision they ate, as the Flour they took with them was expended.

4 th. The Path they travelled this Morning was but little trodden, which made it difficult for those who were not acquainted with the Woods to keep in it. They crossed a Creek, made up a large Fire to warm themselves by, and then separated into two Companies, the one taking the Westward Path, with whom were Thomas Peart, Joseph Gil­bert, [Page 14] Benjamin Gilbert jun. and Jesse Gilbert's Wife Sarah; the others went more to the North, over rich level Land. When Evening came, En­quiry was made concerning the four Captives who were taken in the Westward Path, and they were told, that “These were killed and scalped, and you may expect the same Fate to Night.” ^* An­drew Harrigar was so terrified at the Threat, that he resolved upon leaving them, and as soon as it was dark, took a Kettle with Pretence of bringing some Water, and made his Escape under Favour of the Night: He was sought after by the Indians as soon as they observed him to be missing.

5 th. In the Morning the Indians returned; their Search for Andrew Harrigar being happily for him unsuccessful: The Prisoners who remained, were therefore treated with great Severity on Account of his Escape, and were often accused of being privy to his Defign. Capt. Rowland Monteur, carried his Resentment so far, that he threw Jesse Gilbert down, and lifted his Tomhawk to strike him, which the Mother prevented, by putting her Head on his Forehead, beseeching him to spare her Son: This so enraged him, that he turned round, kicked her over, and tied them both by their Necks to a Tree, where they remained until his Fury was a little abated; he then loosed them, and not long after bid them pack up and go forwards. They passed through a large Pine Swamp, and about Noon reached one of the Kittareen Towns, which was desolated. Not far from this Town, on the Sum­mit of a Mountain, there issues a large Spring, [Page 15] forming a very considerable Fall, and runs very rapidly in an irregular winding Stream down the Mountain's Sides. They left this Place, and took up their Lodging in a deserted Wigwam covered with Bark, which had formerly been Part of the Town of the Shipquagas.

6 th, 7 th, 8 th, They continued these three Days in the Neighbourhood of these Villages, which had been deserted upon General Sullivan's Approach. Here they lived well, having in Addition to their usual Bill of Fare, plenty of Turnips and Potatoes, which had remained in the Ground, unnoticed by the Army. This Place was the Hunting-Ground of the Shipquagas, and whenever their Industry prompted them to go out hunting, they had no Difficulty to procure as many Deer as they de­sired.

Roast and boiled Meat, with Vegetables, afford­ed them plentiful Meals: they also caught a wild Turkey, and some Fish, called Suckers. Their Manner of catching Fish, was, to sharpen a Stick, and watch along the Rivers until a Fish came near them, when they suddenly pierced him with the Stick, and brought him out of the Water.

Here were a Number of Colts, some of them were taken, and the Prisoners ordered to manage them, which was not easily done.

9 th, When they renewed their March, they placed the Mother upon a Horse that seemed dan­gerous to ride, but she was preserved from any In­jury. In this Day's Journey they came to Meadow Ground, where they staid the Night, the Men be­ing confined as before related, and the Negroes lay near them for a Guard.

10 th. A wet Swamp, that was very troublesome, lay in their Road; after which they had to pass a rugged Mountain, where there was no Path. The [Page 16] Underbrush made it hard Labour for the Women to travel; but no Excuse would avail with their severe Masters, and they were compelled to keep up with the Indians, however great the Fatigue: When they had passed it, they tarried awhile for the Negroes who had lagged behind, having suffi­c [...]ent Employ to attend to the Colts that carried the Plunder. When all the Company met together, they agreed to rendezvous in an adjoining Swamp.

11 th. A long Reach of Savannas and low Ground, rendered this Day's Route very fatigu­ing and painful, especially to the Women: Eliza­beth Peart's Husband not being allowed to relieve her by carrying the Child, her Spirits and Strength were so exhausted that she was ready to faint; the Indian under whose Care she was, observing her Distress, gave her a violent Blow. When we com­pare the Temper and Customs of these People, with those of our own Colour, how much Cause have we to be thankful for the Superiority we de­rive from the Blessings of Civilization.

It might truly be said, Days of bitter Sorrow, and wearisome Nights were appointed the unhappy Captives.

12 th. Their Provisions began to grow scant, having past the hunting Grounds: The Want of proper Food to support them, which might render them more capable of enduring their daily Fatigue, was a heavy Trial, and was much increased by their Confinement at Night. Elizabeth Gilbert was reduced so low, that she travelled in great Pain all this Day, riding on Horse-back in the Morning, but towards Evening she was ordered to alight, and walk up a Hill they had to ascend; the Pain she suffered, together with Want of Food, so over­came her, that she was seized with a Chill: The Indians administered some Flour and Water boiled, which afforded her some Relief.

[Page 17] 13 th. Last Night's Medicine being repeated, they continued their March, and after a long Walk, were so effectually worn down, that they halted. The Pilot, John Huston, the Elder, took Ab [...]er Gilbert with him, (as they could make more Ex­pedition than the Rest) to procure a Supply of Pro­visions to relieve their Necessity.

14 th. The Mother had suffered so much, that two of her Children were obliged to lead her. Be­fore Noon they came to Canadosago, where they met with Benjamin Gilbert, jun. and Jesse Gilbert's Wife Sarah, two of the four who had been sepa­rated from them ten Days past, and taken along the Western Path: This Meeting afforded them great Satisfaction; the Doubt and Uncertainty of their Lives being spared, often distressing their af­fectionate Relations.

John Huston, jun the Indian under whose Care Benjamin Gilbert was placed, designing to dispatch him, painted him black; this exceedingly terrified the Family, but no Intreaties of theirs being likely to prevail, they resigned their Cause to him whose Power can controul all Events. Wearied with their Weakness and travelling, they made a Stop to re­cover themselves, when the Pilot returning, assu­red them they should soon receive some Provisions. The Negroes were reduced so low with Hunger, that their Behaviour was different from what it had been, conducting with more Moderation. At their Quarters in the Evening, two white Men came to them, one of which was a Volunteer amongst the British, the other had been taken Prisoner some Time before; these two Men brought some Hom­ [...], and Sugar made from the sweet Maple, the [...] being boiled to a Consistency, and is but a lit­ [...] inferior to the Sugar imported from the Islands: Of this Provision, and an Hedge-Hog which they [Page 18] found, they made a more comfortable Supper than they had enjoyed for many Days.

15 th. In the Morning the Volunteer having re­ceived Information of the rough Treatment the Prisoners met with from the Negroes, relieved them, by taking the four Blacks under his Care. It was not without much Difficulty they crossed a large Creek which was in their Way, being obliged to swim the Horses over it. Benjamin Gilbert be­gan to fail; the Indian, whose Property he was, highly irritated at his Want of Strength, put a Rope about his Neck, leading him along with it; Fa­tigue at last so overcame him, that he fell on the Ground, when the Indian pulled the Rope so hard, that he almost choaked him: His Wife seeing this, resolutely interceded for him, although the Indians bid her go forwards, as the others had gone on be­fore them; this she refused to comply with, unless her Husband might be permitted to accompany her; they replied. “That they were determined to Kill the old Man,” having before this set him apart as a Victim: But at Length her Entrea­tirs prevailed, and their Hearts were turned from their cruel Purpose. Had not an over-ruling Providence preserved him from their Fu­ry, he would inevitably have perished, as the Indi­ans seldom shew Mercy to those whom they devote to Death, which, as has been before observed, was the Case with Benjamin Gilbert, whom they had [...] with black Paint from this Motive. When their Anger was a little moderates, they set forwards to overtake the Rest of the Company: Their Relations, who had been Eye-witness [...] of the former Part of this Scene of Cruelty, and ex­pected they would both have been murdered, re­ [...]d greatly at their Return, considering their Safety as a Providential De [...]verance.

[Page 19] 16 th. Necessity induced two of the Indians to set off on Horse-back, into the Seneca Country▪ in Search of Provisions. The Prisoners, in the mean Time, were ordered to dig up a Root, something resembling Potatoes, which the Indians call Whop­panies. They tarried at this Place, until towards the Evening of the succeeding Day, and made a Soup of wild Onions and Turnip Tops; this they eat without Bread or Salt, it could not therefore af­ford sufficient Sustenance▪ either for young or old; their Food being so very light, their Strength daily wasted.

17 th. They left this Place, and crossed the Ge­nesee River, (which empties its Waters into Lake Ontario) on a Raft of Logs, bound together by Hickory Withes; this appeared to be a dangerous Method of ferrying them over such a River, to those who had been unaccustomed to such Convey­ances. They fixed their Station near the Genesee Banks, and procured more of the wild Potatoe Roots before mentioned, for the Supper.

18 th. One of the Indians left the Company, taking with him the finest Horse they had, and in some Hours after, returned with a large Piece of Meat, ordering the Captives to boil it; this Com­mand they cheerfully performed, anxiously watch­ing the Kettle, fresh Meat being a Rarity which they had not eat for a long Time: The Indians, when it was sufficiently boiled, distributed to each one a Piece, eating sparingly themselves. The Prisoners made their Repast without Bread or Salt, and eat with a good Relish, what they supposed to be fresh Beef, but afterwards understood it was Horse-Hesh.

A shrill Halloo which they heard, gave the Pri­soners some Uneasiness; one of the Indians imme­diately rode to examine the Cause, and sound it [Page 20] was Capt. Rowland Monteur, and his Bother John's Wise, with some other Indians, who were seeking them with Provision. The Remainder of the Com­pany soon reached them, and they divided some Bread, which they had brought, into small Pieces, according to the Number of the Company.

Here is a large Extent of rich farming Land, re­markable for is Levelness and beautiful Meadows. The Country is so flat, that there are no Falls in the Rivers, and the Waters run slow and deep; and whenever Showers decsend, they continue a long Time muddied.

The Captain and his Company had brought with them Cakes of Hommony and Indian Corn; of this they made a good Meal. He appeared pleased to see the Prisoners, having been absent from them several Days, and ordered them all round to shake hands with him. From him they received Infor­mation respecting Joseph Gilbert and Thomas Peart, who were separated from the others on the [...]th Instant, that they had arrived at the Indian Set­tlements, some Time, in Safety.

The Company staid the Night at this Place. One of the Indians refused to suffer any of them to come near his Fire, or converse with the Prisoner, who in the Distribution had sallen to him.

19 th. Pounding Hommony was this Day's Em­ployment, the Weather being warm, made it a hard Task; they boiled and prepared it for Supper, the Indians setting down to eat first, and when they had concluded their Meal, they wiped the Spoon on the Soal of their Mockasons, and then gave it to the Captives: Hunger alone could prevail on any one to eat after such Filth and Nastiness.

20 th. Elizabeth Gilbert, the Mother, being obliged to ride alone, missed the Path, for which the Indians repeatedly struck her. Their Route [Page 21] still continued through rich Meadow. After wan­dering for a Time out of the direct Path, they came to an Indian Town, and obtained the necessary In­formation to pursue their Journey: the Indians ran out of their Huts to see the Prifoners▪ and to par­take of the Plunder, but no Part of it suited them. Being directed to travel the Path back again, for a short Distance, they did so, and then struck into another, and went on untill Night, by which Time they were very hungry, not having eat since Morn­ing; the Kettle was again set on the Fire, for Hom­mony, this being their only Food.

21 st. The Report of a Morning-Gun from Nia­gara▪ which they heard, contributed to raise their Hopes▪ they rejoiced at being so near. An Indian was dispatched on Horse-back, to procure Provisi­ons from the Fort.

Elizabeth Gilbert cold not walk as fast as the Rest, she was therefore sent forwards on Foot, but was soon overtaken, and left behind, the Rest be­ing obliged by the Indians to go on without regard­ing her. She would have been greatly perplexed, when she came to a Division-path, had not her Hus­band lain a Branch across the Path which would have led her Wrong: An affecting Instance of both Ingenuity and Tenderness. She met several Indi­ans, who passed by without speaking to her.

An Indian belonging to the Company, who was on the Horse Elizabeth Gilbert had rode, over-took her, and, as he went on slowly, conversing with her, endeavoured to alarm her, by saying that she would be left behind, and perish in the Woods; yet, notwithstanding this, his Heart was so soften­ed before he had gone any great Distance from her, that he alighted from the Horse and left him, that she might be able to reach the Rest of the Company. The more seriously she considered this, [Page 22] the more it appeared to her, to be a convincing In­stance of the overruling Protection of him, who can "turn the Heart of Man, as the Husband­man turneth the Water-Course in his Field."

22 d. As the Indians approached nearer their Ha­bitations, they frequently repeated their Halloos, and after some Time, they received an Answer in the same Manner, which alarmed the Company much; but they soon discovered it to proceed from a Party of Whites and Indians, who were on some Expedition, though their Pretence was, that they were for New-York. Not long after parting with these, the Captain's Wife came to them; she was Daughter to Siangorochti, King of the Senecas, but her Mother being a Cayuga, she was ranked among that Nation, the Children generally reckon­ing their Descent from the Mother's Side. This Princess was attended by the Captain's Brother John, one other Indian, and a white Prisoner who had been taken at Wyoming, by Rowland Mon­teur; she was dressed altogether in the Indian Man­ner, shining with Gold Lace and Silver Baubles: They brought with them from the Fort a Supply of Provision. The Captain being at a Distance be­hind, when his Wise came, the Company waited for him. After the customary Salutations, he ad­dressed himself to his Wife, telling her that Rebec­ca was her Daughter, and that she must not be in­duced, by any Consideration, to part with her; whereupon she took a Silver Ring off her Finger, and put it upon Rebecca, by which she was adopt­ed as her Daughter.

They feasted upon the Provisions that were brought, for they had been for several Days before pinched with Hunger, what Sustenance they could procure not being sufficient to support Nature.

23 d. Their Spirits were in some Degree revived, [Page 23] by the Enjoyment of Plenty, added to the pleasing Hope of some favourable Event procuring their Releasement, as they were not far distant from Nia­gara.

The Indians proceeded on their Journey, and continued whooping in the most frightful Manner. In this Day's Route, they met another Company of Indians, who compelled Benjamin Gilbert, the Elder, to sit on the Ground, and put several Que­stions to him, to which he gave them the best An­swers he could; they then took his Hat from him and went off.

Going through a small Town near Niagara, an Indian Woman came out of one of the Huts, and struck each of the Captives a Blow. Not long af­ter their Departure from this Place, Jesse, Rebec­ca, and their Mother, were detained until the others had got out of their Sight, when the Mo­ther was ordered to push on; and as she had to go by herself, she was much perplexed what Course to take, as there was no Path by which she could be directed: In this Dilemma, she concluded to keep as straight forward as possible, and after some Space of Time, she had the Satisfaction of over­taking the others. The Pilot then made a short Stay, that those who were behind might come up, and the Captain handed some Rum round, giving each a Dram, except the two old Folks, whom they did not consider worthy of this No­tice. Here the Captain, who had the chief Directi­on, painted Abner, Jesse, Rebecca, and Elizabeth Gilbert, jun▪ and presented each with a Belt of wampum, as a Token of their being received into Favour altho' they took from them all their Hat [...] and Bonnets, except Rebecca's.

The Prisoners were released from the heavy Loads they had heretofore been compelled to carry, and [Page 24] was it not for the Treatment they expected on their approaching the Indian Towns, and the Hardship of a Separation, their Situation would have been tolerable; but the Horror of their Minds, arising from the dreadful Yells of the Indians, as they approached the Hamlets, is easier conceived than described, for they were no Strangers to the cu­stomary Cruelty exercised upon Captives on enter­ing their Towns: The Indians, Men Women, and Children collect together, bringing Clubs and Stones, in order to beat them, which they usually do with great Severity, by Way of Revenge for their Relations who have been slain; this is per­formed immediately upon their entering the Village where the Warriors reside: This Treatment can­not be avoided, and the Blows, however cruel, must be borne without Complaint, and the Prison­ers are sorely beaten, until their Enemies are wea­ried with the cruel Sport. Their Sufferings were in this Case very great, they received several Wounds, and two of the Women who were on Horse-back, were much bruised by falling from their Horses, which were frightned by the Indians. Elizabeth, the Mother, took Shelter by the Side of one them, but upon his observing that she met with some Favour upon his Account, he sent her away; she then received several violent Blows, so that she was almost disabled. The Blood trickled from their Heads, in a Stream, their Hair being cropt close, and the Cloaths they had on, in Rags, made their Situation truly piteous: Whilst they were inflicting this Revenge upon the Captives, the King came, and put a Stop to any further Cruelty, by telling them "It was sufficient," which they immediately attended to.

Benjamin Gilbert, and Elizabeth his Wife, Jes­se Gilbert, and his Wife, were ordered to Captain [Page 25] Rowland Monteur's House, the Women belonging to it, were kind to them, and gave them something to eat: Sarah Gilbert, Jesse's Wife, was taken from them by three Women, in Order to be placed in the Family she was to be adopted by.

Two Officers from Niagara Fort, Captains Dace, and Powel, came to see the Prisoners, and prevent (as they were informed) any Abuse that might be given them: Benjamin Gilbert informed these Of­ficers, that he was apprehensive they were in great Danger of being murdered, upon which they pro­mised him they would send a Boat, the next Day, to bring them to Niagara.

24 th. Notwithstanding the kind Intention of the Officers, they did not derive the expected Advan­tage from it, for the Indians insisted on their going to the Fort on Foot, although the Bruises they had received the Day before, from the many severe Blows given them, rendered their Journey on Foot very distressing; but Capt. Monteur obstinately persisting, they dare not long remonstrate, or re­fuse.

When they left the Indian Town, several issued from their Huts after them, with Sticks in their Hands, yelling and screeching in a most dismal Manner; but through the Interposition of four In­dian Women, who had come with the Captives, to prevent any [...] Abuse they might receive, they were preserved: One of them walking between Benjamin Gilbert and his Wife, led them, and de­sired Jesse to keep as near them as he could, the other three wa [...]ed behind, and prevailed with the young Indians to desist. They had not pur­sued their Route long, before they saw Capt. John Powel, who came from his Boat, and persuaded (though with some Difficu [...]ty) the Indians to get into it, with the Captives, which relieved them [Page 26] from the Apprehensions of further Danger. After reaching the Fort, Capt. Powel introduced them to Col. Guy Johnson and Col. Butler, who asked the Prisoners many Questions, in the Presence of the Indians. They presented the Captain with a Belt of Wampum, which is a constant Practice amongst them, when they intend a Ratification of the Peace. Before their Connexion with Euro­peans, these Belts were made of Shells, found on the Coasts of New-England and Virginia, which were sawed out into Beads of an Oblong Shape, about a Quarter of an Inch long, which when strung together on leathern Strings, and these Strings fastened with find threads made of Sinews, compose what is called, a Belt of Wampum: But since the Whites have gained Footing among them, they make Use of the common Glass Beads for this Purpose.

The Indians, according to their usual Custom and Ceremony, at three separate Times, ordered the Prisoners to shake Hands with Col. John­ston.

25 th. Benjamin Gilbert, Elizabeth his Wife, and Jesse Gilbert, were surrendered to Col, John­son: This Deliverance from such Scenes of Di­stress, as they had become acquainted with, gave them a more free Opportunity of close Reflection than heretofore.

The many sorrowful Days and Nights they had passed, the painful Anxiety attendant on their fre­quent Separation from each other, and the Uncer­tainty of the Fate of the Rest of their Family, over­whelmed them with Grief.

26 th. Expression is too weak to describe their Distress, on leaving their Children with these hard Masters; they were not unacquainted with many of the Difficulties, to which they would necessarily [Page 27] be exposed in a Residence amongst Indians, and the Loss which the Young People would sustain, for Want of a civilized and Christian Education.

27 th. In this desponding Situ [...]tion, the Kindness of Sympathy was awakened in one of the Indian Women, who even forgot her Prejudices, and wiped away the Tears which trickled down Eliza­beth Gilbert's Cheeks.

The particular Attention of Col. Johnson's Houskeeper to them, from a Commiseration of their Distress, claims their Remembrance: Benja­min, his Wife, and Jesse Gilbert, were invited to her House, where she not only gave the old Folks her best Room, but administered to their Necessi­ties, and endeavoured to sooth their Sorrows.

Jesse Gilbert was favoured to get Employ, which, as it was some Alleviation of his Misfortunes, may be considered as a providential Kindness.

28 th. A few Days after they came to the Fort, they had Information that Benjamin Peart was by the River Side, with the Indians; upon hearing this Reports, his Mother went to see him, but every At­tempt for his Release was in Vain, the Indians would by no Means give him up. From this Place they intended to march with their Prisoner, to the Genesee River, about an Hundred Miles Distance. As the affectionate Mother's Solicitati­ons proved fruitless, her Son not only felt the af­flicting Loss of his Wife and Child, from whom he had been torn some Time before, but a Renewal of his Grief, on this short Sight of his Parent: She procured him a Hat, and also some Salt, which was an acceptable Burden for the Journey.

Benjamin Gilbert, conversing with the Indian Captain who made them Captives, observed that he might say what none of the other Indians could, “That he had brought in the oldest Man, [Page 28] and the youngest Child;” his Reply to this was expressive; “It was not I, but the great God who brought you through, for we were determined to kill you, but were prevent­ed.”

The British Officers being acquainted that Jesse Gilbert's Wife was among the Indians, with great Tenderness agreed to seek her out, and after a di­ligent Enquiry, found that she was among the De­lawares, they went to them, and endeavoured to agree upon Terms for her Releasement; the Indi­ans brought her to the Fort the next Day, but would not give her up to her Relations.

29 th. As the Cabbins of the Indians were but two Miles from the Fort, they went thither, and Jesse and the Officers used ever Argument in their Power to prevail upon them, representing how hard it was to part these two young People; at Length they consented to bring her in next Day, with their whole Tribe, for a final Release.

30 th. They accordingly came, but started so ma­ny Objections, that she was obliged to return with them.

31 st. Early next Morning, Capt. Robeson gene­rously undertook to procure her Liberty, which, after much Attention and Solicitude, he, together with Liutenant Hillyard, happily accomplished. They made the Indians several small Presents, and gave them thirty Pounds as a Ransom.

When Sarah Gilbert had obtained her Liberty, she altered her Dress more in Character for her Sex, then she had been able to do whilst amongst the Indians, and went to her Husband and Pa­rents at Col. Johnson's, where she was joyfully re­ceived.

Col. Johnson's Ho [...]skeeper continued her kind Attentions to them, during their Stay here, and [Page 29] procured Clothing for them from the King's Stores.

6 th Month 1 st. About this Time, the Senecas, among whom Elizabeth Peart was Captive, brought her with them to the Fort; as soon as the Mother heard of it, she went to her, and had some Con­versation with her, but could not learn where she was to be sent to; she then enquired of the Inter­preter, and pressed on his Friendship, to learn what was to become of her Daughter; this Request he compiled with, and informed her that she was to be given away to another Family of the Senecas, and adopted among them, in the Place of a deceased Rela­tion. Capt Powel interested himself in her [...]ase like­wise, and offered to purchase her of them, but the Indians refused to give her up; and as the Mother and Daughter expected they should see each other no more, their Parting was very affecting.

The Indian Woman who had adopted Rebecca as her Daughter, came also to the Fort, and Elizabeth Gilbert made Use of this Opportunity to enquire concerning her Daughter, the Interpreter informed her, there was no Probability of obtaining the Enlargement of her Child, as the Indians would not part with her: All she could do, was, to re­commend her to their Notice, as very weakly, and of Consequence not able to endure much Fa­tigue.

2 d. and 3 d. Not many Days after their Arrival at Niagara, a Vessel came up Lake Ontario to the Fort, with Orders for the Prisoners to go Montre­al. In this Vessel came one Capt. Brant, an In­dian Chief, high in Rank amongst them. Eliza­beth Gilbert immediately applied herself to solicit and interest him on Behalf of her Children who yet remained in Captivity; he readily promised her to use his Endeavours to procure their Liberty. [Page 30] A short Time before they sailed for Montreal, they received Accounts of Abner and Elizabeth Gil­bert the younger, but it was also understood that their Possessors were not disposed to give them up. As the Prospect of obtaining the Release of their Children was [...]o very discouraging, it was no Al­leviation to their Distress, to be removed to Mon­treal, where, in all Probability, they would seldom be able to gain any Information respecting them; on which Account, they were very solicitous to stay at Niagara, but the Col. said they could not remain there, unless the Son would enter into the King's Service; this could not be consented to, therefore they chose to submit to every Calamity which might be permitted to be [...]al them, and con­ [...] in the great Controller of Events.

Here they became acquainted with one Jesse Pawling, from Pennsylvania, who was an Officer among the British, and behaved with Kindness and Respect to the Prisoners, which induced them to request his Attention also to that Part of the Fa­mily remaining in Captivity; it appeared to them of some Consequence to gain an additional Friend. The Col. also gave his Promise to exert himself on their Behalf.

After continuing ten Days at Col. Johnson's, they took Boat in the Forenoon of the 2 d, be­ing the sixth Day of the Week, and crossed the River Niagara, in Order to go on Board the Ves­sel (which lay in Lake Ontario) for Montreal. The Officers procured Necessaries for their Voyage in great Plenty, and they were also furnished with Orders to draw [...] at certain Places, as they might have Occasion: These Civilities may appear to many, to be too trivial to be mentioned in this Narrative, but those who have been in equal Di­stress, will not be insensible of their Value.

[Page 31] 4 th, The Vessel sailed down the Lake, on the sixth Day of the Week, and on First-day follow­ing, being the fourth Day of the Sixth Month, 1780, came to Carlton Island, where there were such a Number of small Boats, which brought Provisions, that it had the Appearance of a Fleet. Benjamin Gilbert, and Jesse, went on Shore to obtain Leave from the commanding Officer, to go to Montreal in the small Boats, as the Vessel they came in could proceed no further: They met with a kind Reception and their Request was granted.

5 th. On Second-day following, they left Carl­ton Island, which lies at the Mouth of Lake On­tario, and took their Passage in open Boats down the River St. Laurence, and passed a Number of small Islands. There is a rapid Descent in the Waters of this River, which appears dangerous to those unacquainted with these Kind of Falls. The French Men who rowed the Boats, kept them near the Shore, and passed without much Difficulty between the Rocks.

6 th, 7 th, and 8 th. Benjamin Gilbert had been much indisposed before they left the Fort, and his Disorder was increased by a Rain which fell on their Passage, as they were without any Covering. They passed Oswagatchy, an English Garrison, by the Side of the River, but they were not permitted to stop here; they proceeded down the St. Lau­rence, and the Rain continuing, went on Shore on an Island in Order to secure themselves from the Weather: Here they made a Shelter for Benjamin Gilbert, and when the Rain ceased, a Place was prepared for him in the Boat, that he might lie down with more Ease. His bodily Weakness made such rapid Progress, that it rendered all the Care and Attention of his Wife necessary, and likewise [Page 32] called forth all her Fortitude; she supported him in her Arms, affording every possible Relief to mi­tigate his extreme Pains: And although in this di­stressed Condition, he, notwithstanding, gave a sa­tisfactory Evidence of the Virtue and Power of a patient and holy Resignation, which can disarm the King of Terrors, and receive him as a welcome Messenger: Thus prepared, he passed from this State of Probation, the eighth Day of the Sixth Month, 1780, in the Evening, leaving his Wife and two Children, who were with him, in all the Anxiety of deep Distress, although they had no Doubt but that their Loss was his everlasting Gain. Being without a Light in the Boat, the Darkness of the Night added not a little to their melancholy Situation. As there were not any others with Elizabeth Gilbert but her Chil­dren, and the four French Men who managed the Boat, and her Apprehensions alarmed her, lest they should throw the Corps overboad, as the appear­ed to be an unfeeling Company, she therefore ap­plied to some British Officers who were in a Boat behind them, who dispelled her Fears, and receiv­ed her under their Protection.

9 th. In the Morning they passed the Garrison of Coeur de Lac, and waited for some considerable Time, a small Distance below it. Squire Camp­bell, who had the Charge of the Prisoners, when he heard of Benjamin Gilbert's Decease, sent Jesse to the Commandant of this Garrison to get a Cof­fin, in which they put the Corps, and very hastily interred him under an Oak not far from the Fort. The Boat-men would not allow his Widow to pay the last Tribute to his Memory, but regardless of her Affliction, refused to wait; her Distress on this Occasion was great indeed, but being sensible that it was her Duty to submit to the Dispensations of [Page 33] an over-ruling Providence, which are all ordered in Wisdom, she endeavoured to support herself un­der her Afflictions, and proceeded with the Boa [...] ­men.

Near this Place they passed by a Grist-mill, which is maintained by a Stone Wing extended into the River St. Laurence, the Stream being very rapid, acquires a Force sufficient to turn the Wheel, without the further Expence of a Dam.

The Current carried their Boat forwards with amazing Rapidity, and the Falls became so dangerous that the Boats could proceed no further; they there­fore landed in the Evening, and went to the com­manding Officer of Fort Lasheen to request a Lodg­ing, but the Houses in the Garrison were so crowded, that it was with Difficulty they obtained a small Room belonging to the Boat-builders to retire to, and here they stowed themselves with ten others.

10 th. The Garrison of Lasheen is on the Isle of Jesu, on which the Town of Montreal stands, about the Distance of nine miles; hither our Tra­vellers had to go by Land, and as they were en­tirely unacquainted with the Road, they took the Advantage of an empty Cart (which was going to the Town) for the Women to ride in.

The Land in this Neighbourhood is very stony▪ and the Soil thin; the Cattle small, and ill favour­ed.

When they arrived at Montreal, they were intro­duced to Brigadier General M'Clean, who after examining them, sent them to one Duquesne, an Officer amongst the Loyalists, who being from Home, they were desired to wait in the Yard un­til he came; this Want of Politeness, gave them no favourable Impressions of the Master of the [Page 34] House; when he returned, he read their Pass, and gave Jesse an Order for three Days Provisions.

Daniel M' Ulphin received them into his House; by him they were treated with great Kindness, and the Women continued at his House and worked five Weeks for him.

Jesse Gilbert met with Employ at Thomas Bus­by's, where he lived very agreeably for the Space of nine Months.

Elizabeth Gilbert had the Satisfaction of an easy Employ at Adam Scott's, Merchant, having the Superintendence of his Kitchen, but about six Weeks after she engaged in his Service, Jesse's Wife Sarah, was taken sick at Thomas Busby's, which made it necessary for her Mother to disen­gage herself from the Place where she was so agree­ably situated, in Order to nurse her — These three were favoured to be considered as the King's Pri­soners, having Rations allowed them; this Assist­ance was very comfortable, but Elizabeth's Name being erased out of the List at a Time when they needed an additional Supply, they were much straightned: Upon an Application to one Col. Campbell, he, together with Esquire Campbell, took down a short Account of her Sufferings and Situation, and after preparing a concise Narrative, they applied to the Brigadier General, to forward it to General Haldimand at Quebec, desiring his Attention to the Sufferers, who speedily issued his Orders, that the Releasement of the Family should be procured, with particular injunctions for every Garrison to furnish them with Necessaries as they came down.

As soon as Sarah Gilbert recovered from her In­disposition, her Mother returned to Adam Scott's Family.

[Page 35] Thomas Gomersom hearing of their Situation, came to see them; he was educated a Quaker, and had been a Merchant of New-York, and travelled with Robert Walker in his religious Visits; but upon the Commencement of the War, had devi­ated from his former Principles, and had lost all the Appearance of a Friend, wearing a Sword: He behaved with Respect to the Prisoners, and made Elizabeth a Present.

The particular Attention of Col. Closs, and the Care he shewed by writing to Niagara, on Behalf of the Captives, as he was entirely a Stranger to her, is remembered with Gratitude.

As there was an Opportunity of hearing from Niagara, it gave them great Pleasure to be inform­ed that Elizabeth Gilbert was amongst the white People, she having obtained her Release from the Indians, prior to the others.

Sarah Gilbert, Wife of Jesse, becoming a Mo­ther, Elizabeth left the Service she was engaged in, Jesse having taken a House, that she might give her Daughter every necessary Attendance; and in Order to make their Situation as comfortable as possible, they took a Child to nurse, which added a little to their Income. After this, Elizabeth Gil­bert hired herself to iron a Day for Adam Scott; whilst she was at her Work, a little Girl belonging to the House, acquainted her that there were some who wanted to see her, and upon entering into the Room, she found found sx of her Children; the Joy and Surprise she felt on this Occasion, were beyond what we shall attempt to describe. A Messenger was sent to inform Jesse and his Wife, that Joseph Gilbert, Benjamin Peart, Elizabeth his Wife, and young Child, Abner and Elizabeth Gilbert, the younger, were with their Mother. It must afford very pleasing Reflections to any affectionate Dispo­sition, [Page 36] to dwell awhile on this Scene, that after a Captivity of upwards of fourteen Months, so hap­py a Meeting should take Place.

Thomas Peart, who had obtained his Liberty, and tarried at Niagara, that he might be of Ser­vice to the two yet remaining in Captivity, viz. Benjamin Gilbert, jun. and Rebecca Gilbert.

Abigail Dodson, the Daughter of a neighbour­ing Farmer, who was taken with them, having inadvertently informed the Indians she was not of the Gilbert Family, all Attempts for her Liberty were fruitless.

We shall now proceed to relate how Joseph Gil­bert, the eldest Son of the deceased, fared amongst the Indians: He, with Thomas Peart, Benjamin Gilbert, jun. and Jesse Gilbert's Wife Sarah, were taken along the Westward Path, as before related; after some short Continuance in this Path, Thomas Peart and Joseph Gilbert were taken from the other two, and by a different Rout through many diffi­culties, they were brought to Caracadera, where they received the Insults of the Women and Chil­dren, whose Husbands or Parents had fallen in their hostile Excursions.

Joseph Gilbert was separated from his Compani­on, and removed to an Indian Villa, called Nun­dow, about seven Miles from Caracadera; his Re­sidence was, for several Weeks, in the King's Fa­mily, whose Hamlet was superior to the other small Huts. The King himself brought him some Hom­mony, and treated him with great Civility, intend­ing his Adoption into the Family, in the Place of one of his Sons, who was slain when General Sullivan drove them from their Habitations. As Nundow was not to be the Place of his Abode, his Quarters were soon changed, and he was taken back to Caracadera; but his Weakness of Body [Page 37] was so great, that he was two Days accomplishing this Journey, which was only seven Miles, and not able to procure any other Food than Roots and Herbs, the Indian Oeconomy leaving them without any Provisions to subsist on. Here they adopted him into the Family of one of the King's Sons, informing him, that if he would marry amongst them, he should enjoy the Privileges which they enjoyed; but this Proposal he was not disposed to comply with, and as he was not over anxious to conceal his Dislike to them, the Suffer­ings he underwent were not alleviated. The Man­ner of his Life differing so much from what he had before been accustomed to, having to eat the wild Roots and Herbs before mentioned, and as he had been lame from a Child, and subject to frequent Indispositions, it was requisite for him to pay more Attention to his weak Habit of Body, than his Captors were willing he should. When the Ma­ster of the Family was at Home, the Respect he shewed to Joseph, and his Kindness to him, ren­dered his Situation more tolerable than in his Ab­sence. Frequnently suffering with Hunger, the Pri­vilege of a plenteous Table, appeared to him as an inestimable Blessing, which claimed the warmest Devotion of Gratitude: In such a distressed Situa­tion, the Hours rolled over with a Tediousness al­most insupportable, as he had no agreeable Employ to relieve his Mind from the Reflections of his sor­rowful Captivity: This Manner of Life continued about three Months, and when they could not long­er procure a Supply by their hunting, Necessity compelled them to go to Niagara Fort for Provi­sion. The greater Number of the Indians belong­ing to Caracadera attended on this Journey, in Or­der to obtain a Supply of Provisions; their Want of Oeconomy being so great, as to have consumed [Page 38] so early as the eighth Month, all they had raised the last Year, and the present Crops unfit to ga­ther: Their profuse Manner of using their scant Pittance of Provision, generally introducing a Fa­mine, after a short Time of Feasting. They com­pute the Distance from Caracadera, to Niagara Fort, to be of 130 Miles; on this Journey they were upwards of five Days, taking some Venison in their Route, and feasting with great Greediness, as they had been a long Time without Meat.

When they reached the Fort, they procured Cloathing from the King's Stores for Joseph Gil­bert, such as the Indians usually wear themselves, a Match-coat, Leggings, &c. His Indisposition confined him at Col. Johnson's for several Days, during which Time, the British Officers endea­voured to agree with the Indians for his Release­ment, but they would not consent. The asslicting Account of the Death of his Father, which was here communicated to him, spre [...]d an additional Gloom on his Mind. After continuing at the Fort about four Weeks, the Indians ordered him back with them; this was a sore Stroke, to leave a De­gree of Ease and Plenty, and resume the Hard­ships of an Indian Life: With this uncomfortable Prospect before him, added to his Lameness, the Journey was toilsome and painful. They were five Days in their Return, and when they arrived, their Corn was [...]ipe for Use; this, with the Advantage of hunting, as the Game was in its greatest Per­fection, furnished a present comfortable Subsist­ence.

Joseph had Permission to visit his fellow Captive, Thomas Peart, who was at a small Town of the Indians, about seven Miles Distance, called [...]un­dow, to whom he communicated the sorrowful [Page 39] Intelligence of their Mother's widowed Situa­tion.

At the first Approach of Spring, Joseph Gilbert and his adopted Brother employed themselves in procuring Rails, and reparing the Fence about the Lot of Ground they intended to plant with Corn; as this Part of preserving the Grain was allotted to them, the planting and Culture was assigned to the Women, their Husbandry being altogether per­formed by the Hoe.

The Indian Manner of Life was by no Means agreeable to Joseph Gilbert; their Irregularity in their Meals was hard for him to bear; when they had provisions in Plenty, they observed no Plan of domestic Oeconomy, but indulged their voracious Appetites, which soon consumed their Stock, and a Famine succeeded.

In the early Part of the sixth Month, 1781, their Corn was spent, and they were obliged to have Recourse again to the wild Herbage and Roots, and were so reduced for Want of Provision, that the Indians having found the Carcase of a dead Horse, they took the Meat and roasted it.

An Officer from the Fort came down to enquire into the Situation of the Indians, upon observing the low Condition Joseph was in, not being likely to continue long without [...]ome Relief, which the Offi­cer privately afforded, he being permitted to fre­quent his House, he advised him by Flight, to en­deavour an escape from the Indians, informing him that he had no other Expedient for his Release; this confirmed him in a Resolution he had for some time been contemplating, but his Lameness and weak Habit, for Want of proper Sustenance, rendered it impracticable to make such an Attempt at that Time, and it would require much Care and Atten­tion to his own Health and Strength, to gather suf­ficient [Page 40] for such an Undertaking; he therefore made Use of the Liberty allowed him to visit the Officer, and partake of his Kindness and Assistance, that he might be prepared for the Journey.

Embracing a favourable Opportunity, when the Men were generally from Home, some in their War Expeditions, and some out hunting, he left them one Night whilst the Family slept, and made the best of his Way towards Niagara Fort, follow­ing the Path, as he had once before gone along it. Having a small Piece of Bread which he took from the Hut, he made a hasty Repast, travelling Day and Night, in Order to escape from the further Distresses of Captivity. As he neither took any Sleep, or other Food by the Way than the Piece of Bread mentioned, for the two Days and Nights he pursued his Journey, he was much fatigued when he reached the Fort, and he experienced the Effects for several Days. Upon his applying to Col. Johnson, he was hospitably entertained, and the next Day saw three of the Indians whom he had left at the Town when he set off.

After a few Days Stay here, as most of the Fa­mily were discharged from Captivity, and waiting for a Passage to Montreal, a Vessel was fitted to take them on Board, in Order to proceed down the Lake.

We come next to Benjamin Peart, who remain­ed the first Night after his arriving at the Indian Huts, with his Wife and Child, but was separated from them the next Day, and taken about a Mile and an Half, and presented to one of the Families of the Seneca Nation, and afterwards introduced to one of their Chiefs, who made a long Harrangue which Penjamin did not understand. The Indians then gave him to a Squaw, in Order to be receiv­ed as her adopted Child, who ordered him to a [Page 41] private Hut, where the Women wept over him in Remembrance of the Relation in whose Stead he was received: After this, he went with his Mother (by Adoption) to Niagara River, about two Miles below the great Falls, and staid here several Days, then went to the Fort on their Way to the Genesee River, where he had the Pleasure of conversing with his Mother, and receiving Information con­cerning his Wife and Child; but even this Satis­faction was short lived, for he neither could obtain Permission to visit his Wife, nor was he allowed to converse freely with his Mother, as the Indians hurried him on board their Bark Canoes, where having placed their Provisions, they proceeded with Expedition down the Lake to the Mouth of the Genesee River; the computed Distance from the small Village to the Mouth of the River, being one Hundred Miles, and from thence up the Genesee to the Place of their Destination, thirty Miles; in their Passage up the River they were about five Days, and as the Falls in this River near its Entrance into Lake Ontario, has made a Carrying place of about two Miles, they dragged their Canoe this Distance to the Place of Boating above the Falls. There were nine Indians of the Party with them. They frequently caught Fish by the Way.

It no Doubt was a sore Affliction to Benjamin, to be so far removed from his Wife and Child whilst amongst the Indians: Patience and Resigna­tion alone could endure it.

When the Party arrived at the Place of their designed Settlement, they soon erected a small Hut or Wigwam, and the Ground being rich and level, they began with their Plantation of Indian Corn. Two white Men who had been taken Prisoners, the one from Susquehanna, the other from Mini­sinks, both in Penns [...]lvania, lived near his new [Page 42] Settlement, and were allowed by the Indians to use the Horses and plant for themselves: These Men lightened the Toil of Benjamin Peart's Servitude, as he was frequently in their Company, and he had the Liberty of doing something for himself, tho' without much Success.

His new Habitation, as it was not very healthy, introduced fresh Difficulties, for he had not conti­nued here long, before he was afflicted with Sick­ness, which preyed upon him near three Months, the Indians repeatedly endeavouring to relieve him by their Knowledge in Simples, but their Endea­vours proved ineffectual; the Approach of the Winter Season afforded the Relief sought for. Their Provision was not very tempting to a weakly Constitution, having nothing else than Hommony, and but short Allowance even of that, insomuch that when his Appetite increased, he could not pro­cure Food sufficient to recruit [...]is Strength. The Company of his Brother Thomas Peart who vi­sited him, was a great Comfort, and as the Town he lived at was but the Distance of eighteen Miles, they had frequent Opportunities of condoling with each other in their Distress.

The Indian Men being absent on one of their War Excursions, and the Women employed in ga­thering the Corn, left Benjamin Peart much Lei­sure to reflect in Solitude.

Towards the Beginning of the Winter Season the Men returned, and built themselves a Log House for a Granary, and then removed about twenty Miles from their Settlement into the hunt­ing Country, and procured a great Variety of Game, which they usually eat with [...]r [...] Bread or Salt. As he had been with the Indians for several Months, their Language became more familiar to him.

[Page 43] Hunting and feasting after their Manner being their only Employ, they soon cleared the Place where they settled of the Game, which made a second Removal necessary, and they are so accu­stomed to this wandering Life, that it becomes their Choice.

They fixed up a Log Hut in this second Hunt­ing place, and continued until the second Month, when they returned to their first Settlement, tho' their Stay was but a few Days, and then back again to their Log Hut.

A heavy Rain falling melted some of the Snow which had covered the Ground about two Feet deep.

The whole Family concluded upon a Journey to Niagara Fort by Land, which was compleated in seven Days. At the Fort he had the Satisfaction of conversing with his Brother Thomas Peart and the same Day his wife also came from Buffaloe Creek, with the Senecas to the Fort [...]; this happy Meeting, after an Absence of ten Months, drew Tears of Joy from them. He made an Inquiry after his Child, as he had neither heard from it or the Mother since their Separation. The Indians not approving of their conversing much together, as they imagined they would remember their for­mer Situation, and become less contented with their present Manner of Life, they separated them again the same Day, and took Benjamin's Wife about four Miles Distance; but the Party with whom he came, permitted him to stay here several Nights, and when the Indians had compleated their Pur­pose of Traffic they returned, taking him some Miles back with them to one of their Towns; but upon his telling them he was desirous of returning to the Fort to procure something he had before forgot, in Order for his Journey, he was permit­ted. As he staid the Night, his adopted Brother [Page 44] the Indian came for him, but upon his complaining that he was so lame as to prevent his travelling with them, they suffered him to remain behind.

He continued at the Fort about two Months be­fore the Indians came back again, and as he la­boured for the white People, he had an Opportu­nity of procuring salt Provision from the King's Stores, which had been for a long Time a Dainty to him.

When one of the Indians (a second adopted Brother) came for him, Benjamin went with him to Capt. Powel, who with earnest Solicitations and some Presents prevailed upon the Indian to suffer him to stay until he returned from his War Expe­dition; but this was the last he ever made, as he lost his Life on the Frontiers of New-York.

After this another Captain (a third adopted Bro­ther) came to the Fort, and when Benjamin Peart saw him, he applied to Adjutant General Wilkin­son to intercede for his Release, who accordingly waited upon Col. Johnson and other Officers, to prevail with them to exert themselves on his Be­half; they concluded to hold a Council with the Indians for this Purpose, who after some Delibera­tion surrendered him up to Col. Johnson, for which he gave them a valuable Compensation.

Benjamin Peart after his Release was employed in Col Johnson's Service, and continued with him for several Months. His Child had been released for some Time, and his Wife by earnest Entreaty and Plea of Sickness, had prevailed with the Indi­ans to permit her Stay at the Fort, which proved a great Consolation and Comfort after so long a Separation.

About the Middle of the eighth Month, there was Preparation made for their Proceeding to Montreal, as by this Time there were six of the [Page 45] Prisoners ready to go in a Ship which lay in Lake Ontario, whose Names were Joseph Gilbert, Ben­jamin Peart, his Wife and Child, Abner Gilbert, and Elizabeth Gilbert the younger: These went on Board the Vessel to Charlton Island, which is as far as the large Vessels they use in the Lake can proceed; the Remainder of the Way (on Account of the frequent Shoals) they are obliged to go in smaller Boats.

The commanding Officer at Niagara procured a suitable Supply of Provision, and furnished them with Orders to draw more at the several Garri­sons, as Occasion required.

In two Days they arrived at the upper End of Charlton Island, and went to the Commander in Chief to shew their Pass, and obtain what they were in Need of. Afterwards they continued on to the Garrison of Oswagotchy by the Side of the River St. Laurence, in an open Boat rowed by four Frenchmen, this Class of People being chiefly employed in laborious Services.

The Stream was so rapid and full of Rocks, that the Prisoners were too much alarmed to remain in the Boat, and concluded to go on Shore until they passed the Danger; but the Frenchmen, who had been accustomed to these wild and violent Ra­pids, (the longest of which is known by the Name of the long Sou) kept on Board: This surprising Scene continued for the Distance of six Miles, and they viewed it with a Degree of Horror, their Heads becoming almost giddy with the Prospect. When the Boats had shot the Falls, they again went on Board and continued down the River to Cour de Lac. No great Distance below this they anchored, and landed at the Place where their Fa­ther was interred, shedding many Tears of filial Affection to his Memory. They afterwards appli­ed [Page 46] to the commanding Officer of the Garrison for Provisions and other Necessaries; they then bid Adieu to this solemn Spot of Sorrow, and pro­ceeded to Lasheen, which they reached the twenty-fourth Day of the eighth Month, having been eight Days on their Voyage.

After refreshing themselves at this Garrison, they set forward on Foot for Montreal, which they reached the same Day. They went to the Briga­dier General and shewed him their Passport, and as soon as at Liberty waited on their Mother at Adam Scott's, as has been already related.

The Situation of Elizabeth Peart Wife of Ben­jamin, and her Child is next to be related;

After she and the Child were parted from her Husband, Abigail Dodson and the Child were taken several Miles in the Night to a little Hut, where they staid till Morning, and the day following were taken within 8 Miles of Niagara, where she was adopted into one of the Families of Senecas; the Ceremony of Adoption to her was tedious and distressing; they obliged her to sit down with a young Man an Indian, and the eldest Chi [...]stain of the Family repeating a Jargon of Words to her unintelligible, but which she considered as some form amongst them of Marriage, and this Appre­hension introduced the most violent agitations, as she was determined, at all events, to oppose any step of this Nature; but after the old Indian con­cluded his Speech she was relieved from the dread­ful Embarrassment she had been under, as she was led away by another Indian.

Abigail Dodson was given the same day to one of the Families of the Cayuga Nation, so that Eliza­beth Peart saw her no more.

The Man who led Elizabeth from the Company took her into the Family for whom they adopted [Page 47] her, and introduced her to her Parents, Brothers and Sisters in the Indian stile, who received her very kindly, and made a grievous Lamentation very kindly, and made a grievous Lamentation over her according to Custom. After she had been with them two Days, the whole Family left their Habitation and went about two Miles to Fort Slusher, where they sta [...]d several Days: This Fort is about one Mile above Niagara Falls.

As she was much indisposed, the Indians were detained several Days for her; but as they cared little for her, she was obliged to lie on the damp Ground, which prevented her speedy Recovery. As soon as her Disorder abated of its Violence, they set off in a Bark Canoe which they had pro­vided, intending for Buffaloe Creek; and as they went slowly, they had an Opportunity of taking some Fish.

When they arrived at the Place of their intend­ed Settlement, they went on Shore and built an House.

A few Days after they came to this new Settle­ment, they returned with Elizabeth to Fort Slush­er, when she was told her Child must be taken away from her; this was truly afflicting, but all Remonstrances were in vain.

From Fort Slusher she travelled on Foot, carry­ing her Child to Niagara, it being eighteen Miles, and in sultry Weather, rendered it a painful Addi­tion to the Thoughts of parting with her tender offspring. The Intent of their Journey was to obtain Provisions, and their Stay at the Fort was of several Days Continuance. Capt. Powel afford­ed her an Asylum in his House.

The Indians took the Child from her, and went with it across the River to adopt it into the Family they had assigned for it, notwithstanding Capt. Powel, at his Wife's Request, interceded that it [Page 48] might not be removed from its Mother; but as it was so young, they returned it to the Mother after its Adoption, until it should be convenient to send it to the Family under whose Protection it was to be placed.

Obtaining the Provision and other Necessaries they came to Niagara to trade for, they returned to Fort Slusher on Foot, from whence they em­barked in their Canoes. It being near the Time of planting, they used much Expedition in this Journey.

The Labour and Drudgery in a Family falling to the Share of the Women, Elizabeth had to assist the Squaw in preparing the Ground and planting Corn.

Their Provision being scant they suffered much, and as their Dependence for a sufficient Supply un­til the gathering their Crop, was on what they should receive from the Fort, they were under the Necessity of making a second Journey thither.

They were two Days on the Road at this Time. A small Distance before they came to the Fort, they took her Child from her, and sent it to its destined Family, and it was several Months before she had an Opportunity of seeing it again. After being taken from her Husband, to lose her darling Infant, was a severe Stroke: She lamented her Condition and wept sorely, for which one of the Indians inhumanly struck her. Her Indian Fa­ther seemed a little moved to behold her so distress­ed; and in Order to console her, assured her they would bring it back again, but she saw it not until the Spring following.

After they had disposed of their Peltries, they returned to their Habitation by the same Route which they had come.

[Page 49] With a Heart oppressed with Sorrow, Elizabeth trod back her Steps, mourning for her lost In­fant, for this Idea presented itself continually to her Mind; but as she experienced how fruitless, nay how dangerous, Solicitations in Behalf of her Child were, she dried up her Tears and pined in Secret.

Soon after they reached their own Habitation, Elizabeth Peart was again afflicted with Sickness. At the first they shewed some Attention to her Complaints; but as she did not speedily recover so as to be able to work, they discontinued every At­tention, and built a small Hut by the Side of the Corn-field, placing her in it to mind the Corn. In this lonely Condition she saw a white Man, who had been made Prisoner among the Indians: He informed her that her Child was released and with the white People; this Information revived her drooping Spirits, and a short Time after she reco­vered of her Indisposition, but her Employment still continued of attending the Corn until it was ripe for gathering, which she assisted in. When the Harvest was over, they permitted her to return and live with them.

A Time of Plenty commenced, and they lived as if they had Sufficient to last the Year through, faring plentiously every Day.

A drunken Indian came to the Cabbin one Day, and the old Indian Woman complaining to him of Elizabeth, his Behaviour exceedingly terrified her; he stormed like a Fury, and at Length struck her a violent Blow which laid her on the Ground; he then began to pull her about and abuse her much, when another of the Women in [...]posed, and re­scued her from further Suffering: Such is the shocking Effect of Spirituous Liquor on these Peo­ple [Page 50] it totally deprives them both of Sense and Hu­manity.

A [...]edious Winter prevented them from leaving their Habitation, and deprived her of the Pleasure of hearing often from her Friends, who were very much scattered; but a Prisoner, who had lately seen her Husband, informed her of his being much indisposed at the Genesee River, which was upwards of one Hundred Miles Distance: receiv­ing this Intelligence, she stood in Need of much Consolation, but had no Source of Comfort, except in her own Bosom.

Near the Return of Spring their Provision fail­ing, they were compelled to go off to the Fort for a fresh Supply, having but a small Portion of Corn which they allowanced out once each Day.

Through Snow and severe Frost they went for Niagara, suffering much from the excessive Cold. And when they came within a few Miles of the Fort, which they were four Days accomplishing, they struck up a small Wigwam for some of the Family with the Prisoners to live in, until the Re­turn of the Warriors from the Fort.

As soon as Capt. Powell's Wife heard that the young Child's Mother had come with the Indians, she desired to see her, claiming some Relationship in the Indian Way, as she had also been a Prisoner amongst them. They granted her Request, and Elizabeth was accordingly introduced, and in­formed that her Husband was returned to the Fort, and there was some Expectations of his Release. The same Day Benjamin Peart came to see his Wife, but could not be permitted to continue with her, as the Indians insisted on her going back with them to their Cabbin, which, as has been related, was some Miles distant.

[Page 51] Elizabeth Peart was not allowed for some Days to go from the Cabbin, but a white Family who had bought her Child from the Indians to whom it had been presented, offered the Party with whom Elizabeth was confined a Bottle of Ru [...] if they would bring her across the River to her Child, which they did and delighted the Fond Mother with this happy Meeting, as she had not seen it for the Space of eight Months.

She was permitted to stay with the Family where her Child was for two Days, when she returned with the Indians to their Cabbin. After some time she obtained a further Permission to go to the Fort, where she had some Needle work from the white People, which afforded her a Plea for often Visit­ing it. At length Capt. Powell's Wise prevailed with them to suffer her to continue a few Days at her House, and work for her Family, which was [...]. At the Expiration of the time, upon the coming of the Indians for her to return with them, she pleaded Indisposition, and by this means they were repeatedly dissuaded from taking her with them.

As the time of Planting drew nigh, she made use of a little Address to retard her Departure; having a small Swelling on her N [...]ck she applied a Poultice, which led the Indians into a Belief it was improper to remove her, and they consented to come again for her in two Weeks.

Her Child was given up to her soon after her Arrival at the Fort, where she lodged at Capt. Powell's, and her Husband come frequently to visit her, which was a great happiness, as her Trials in their Separation had been many.

At the Time appointed some of the Indians came again, but she still pled Indisposition, and had consined herself to her Bed. One of the [Page 52] Women interrogated her very closely, but did not insist upon her going Back. Thus several Months elapsed, she contriving Delays as often as they came

When the Vessel which was to take the other five, among whom were her Husband and Child, was ready to sail, the Officers at Niagara conclud­ed she might also go with them, as they saw no reasonable Objection, and they doubted not but it was in their Power to satisfy those Indians who considered her as their Property.

Abner Gilbert, another of the Captives, when the Company had reached the Indian town within three miles of Niagara Fort, was, with Elizabeth Gilbert the Younger, separated from the rest, about the latter part of the fifth Month 1780, and were both adopted into John Huston's Family, who was of the Cayuga Nation. After a Stay of three Days at or near the Settlement of these Indians, they removed to a Place near the Great Falls, which is about eighteen Miles distant from the Fort, and loitered here three Days more; they then crossed the River and settled near its Banks, clearing a Piece of Land and prepared it by the Hoe for Plant­ing. Until they could gather their Corn their Dependance was entirely upon the Fort.

After the space of three Weeks they packed up their Moveables, which they generally carry with them in their Rambles, and went down the River to get Provisions at Butlersbury, a small Village built by Col Butler and is on the opposite Side of the River to Niagara Fort. They staid one Night at the Village, observing great Caution that none of the White People should converse with the Prisoners. Next Day, after transacting their Business, they re­turned to their Settlement, and continued there but about one Week, when it was concluded they [Page 53] must go again for Butlersbury; after they had left their Habitation a small distance the Head of the Family met with his Brother, and as they are very ceremonious in such Interviews, the Place of Meet­ing was their Rendezvous for the Day and Night. In the morning the Family, with the Brother before mentioned, proceeded for Butlersbury, and reached it before Night. They went to the House of an Englishman, one John Seecord, who was stiled Brother to the Chief of the Family, having lived with him some time before.

After some Deliberation it was agreed that Eliza­beth Gilbert should continue in this Family till sent for; this was an agreeable Change to her.

Abner returned with them to the Settlement; his Employ being to fence and secure the Corn­patch; sometimes he had plenty of Provisions but was often in want.

The Mistress of the Family one Day intending for Butlersbury, ordered Abner to prepare to go with her; but she had not gone far before she sent him back. Notwithstanding he had long been inured to frequent Disappointments, he was much morti­fied at returning, as he expected to have seen his Sister. When the Woman came Home she gave him no Information about her, and all Inquiries on his Part would have been fruitless.

The Place they had settled at served for a Dwelling until Fall, and as it was not very far Distant from the Fort, by often applying for Pro­vision, they were not so much distressed between the failing of their old Crop and the gathering of the new one, as those who lived at a greater Distance.

In the Fall John Huston, the Head of the Fa­mily, went out hunting, and in his Return caught Cold from his careless Manner of lying in the Wet, and thereby lost the Use of his Limbs for a long [Page 54] Time. On being informed of his Situation, the Family moved to the Place where he was; they fixed a Shelter over him (as he was unable to move himself) and continued here about a Month; but as it was remote from any Settlement, and they had to go often to the Fort for the Necessaries of Life, the concluded to return to their own Habitation. Abner, one Indian Man, and some of the Women carried the Cripple in a Blanket about two Miles; this was so hard a Task, they agreed to put up a small House and wait for his Recovery: But not long after they had an Opportunity of conveying him on Horse▪ back to the Landing, about nine Miles above the Fort. As this was their Plantation and the Time of gathering their Crops, they took in their Corn, which, as has been before observed, is the Business of the Women. Then they chang­ed their Quarters, carrying they lame Indian as before in a Blanket, down to the River Side, when they went on board Canoes, and crost the River in order to get to their Hunting-Ground, where they usually spend the Winter.

Abner Gilbert [...]ived a dronish Indian Life, idle and poor, having no other Employ than the gathering of Hickory-Nuts; and although young, his Situation was very irksome.

As soon as the Family came to the Hunting-Ground, they patched up a slight Hut for their Residence, and employed themselves in hunting. They took Abner along with them in one of their Tours, but they were then unsuccessful, taking nothing but Rac [...]oons and Porcupines.

The Crop of Indian Corn proving too scant a Pittance [...]or the Winter; Abner, on this Ac­count, had some agreeable Employ, which was to visit the [...]ort, and procure a Supply of Provisions, [Page 55] which continued to be his Employment for the Remainder of the Season.

In the Spring John Huston, the Indian who had been lame the whole Winter, recovered, and un­happily had it in his Power to obtain a Supply of Rum, which he frequently drank to Excess; and always when thus debauched was extravagantly morose, quarreling with the Women who were in the Family, and at L [...]ngth l [...]t them. Soon after his Departure the Family moved about forty Miles, near Buffalo Creek, which empties its Waters into Lake Erie. At this Place Abner heard of his Sis­ter Rebecca Gilbert, who still remained in Capti­vity not far from his new Habitation. This was their Summer Residence, they therefore under­took to clear a Piece of Land, in which they put Corn, Pumpkins and Squashes.

Abner, having no useful Employ, amused him­self with catching Fish in the Lake, and furnished the Family with frequent Messes of various Kinds, which they eat without Bread or Salt; for the Di­stance of this Settlement from the Fort prevented them from obtaining Provisions so frequently as necessary. Capt. John Powell and Thomas Peart (the latter had by this time obtained his Release from the Indians) and several others came among the Indian Settlements with Provision and Hoes for them. The Account of their coming soon spread amongst the Indians. The Chiefs of every Tribe came, bringing with them as many little Sticks as there were Persons in their Tribe, to ex­press the Number, in Order to obtain a just Pro­portion of the Provision to be distributed. They are said to be unacquainted with any other Power of explaining Numbers than by this simple hiero­glyphic Mode.

[Page 56] It was upwards of a Year since Abner had been parted from his Relations, and as he had not seen his Brother Thomas Peart in that Space of Time, this un-expected Meeting gave him great Joy, but it was of short Duration, as they were forced to leave him behind. During the Corn Season he was employed in tending it, and not being of an impatient Disposition he bore his Captivity without repining.

In the seventh Month, 1781, the Family went to Butlersbury, when Col. Butler treated with the Woman who was the Head of this Family for the Release of Abner, which she at Length consented to, on receiving some Presents, but said he must first return with her, and she would deliver him up in twenty Days. Upon their Return, she gave Abner the agreeable Information that he was to be given up. This added a Spur to his Industry, and made his Labour light.

Some Days before the Time agreed on, they proceeded for Butlersbury, and went to John Se­cord's where his Sister Elizabeth Gilbert had been from the Time mentioned in the former Part of this Narrative.

Abner was discharged by the Indians soon after his Arrival at the English Village, and John Secord permitted him to live in his Family with his Sister. With this Family they continued two Weeks, and as they were under the Care of the English Offi­cers, they were permitted to draw Cloathing and Provisions from the King's Stores.

Afterwards Benjamin Peart and his Brother Thomas, who were both released, came over for their Brother and Sister at John Secord's, and went with them to Capt. Powell's in Order to be nearer to the Vessel they were to go in to Mon­treal.

[Page 57] The next of the Family who comes within No­tice is Elizabeth Gilbert the Sister. From the Time of her being first introduced by the Indian into the Family of John Secord, who was one in whom he placed great Confidence. She was under the Necessity of having new Cloaths, as those she had brought from Home were much worn. Her Situ­ation in the Family where she was placed was com­fortable. After a few Days Residence with them she discovered where the young Child was, that had some Time before been taken from its Mother Elizabeth Peart, as before mentioned; and her­self, together with John Secord's Wife with whom she lived, and Capt. Fry's Wife went to see it, in Order to purchase it from the Indian Woman who had it under her Care; but they could not then prevail with her, though some Time after Capt. Fry's Wife purchased it for thirteen Dollars. Whilst among the Indians it had been for a long Time indisposed, and in a lingering distressing Si­tuation; but under its present kind Protectress, who treated the Child as her own, it soon re­cruited.

Elizabeth Gilbert, jun. lived very agreeably in John Secord's Family rather more than a Year, and became so fondly attached to her Benefactors, that she usually Stiled the Mistress of the House her Mamma. During her Residence here, her Bro­ther Abner and Thomas Peart came several Times to visit her.

The afflicting Loss of her Father, to whom she was affectionately endeared, and the Separation from her Mother, whom she had no Expectation of seeing again, was a severe Trial, although mo­derated by the kind Attentions shown her by the Family in which she lived.

[Page 58] John Secord having some Business at Niagara, took Betsy with him, where she had the Satisfacti­on of seeing six of her Relations who had been Captives, but were most of them released: This happy Meeting made the Trip to the Fort a very agreeable one. She staid with them all Night, and then returned.

Not long after this Visit, Col. Butler and John Secord sent for the Indian who claimed Elizabeth as his Property, and when he arrived they made Overtures to purchase her, but he declared he would not sell his own Flesh and Blood; for thus they style those whom they have adopted. They then had Recourse to Presents, which overcom­ing his Scruples, they obtained her Discharge; af­ter which she remained two Weeks at Butlersbury, and then went to her Mother at Montreal.

Having given a brief Relation of the happy Re­lease and Meeting of such of the Captives as had returned from among the Indians, excepting Tho­mas Peart, whose Narrative is deferred, as he was exerting his endeavours for the Benefit of his Sister and Cousin who still remained behind.

It may not be improper to return to the Mother, who with several of her Children were at Montreal. The Nurse-Child which they had taken, as related in the former Part of this Account, dying, was a considerable Loss to them, as they could not, even by their utmost Industry, gain as much any other Way.

In the Fall of the Year 1781, Col. Johnson, Capt. Powell, and some other Officers came to Montreal upon Business, and were so kind in their Remembrance of the Family, as to inquire after them, and to make them some Presents, congra­tulating the Mother on the happy Releasement of so many of her Children. They encouraged her [Page 59] with the Information of their Agreement with the Indians, for the Releasement of her Daughter Re­becca, expecting that she was by that Time at Ni­agara; but in this Opinion they were mistaken, as the Indian Family who adopted her, valued her too high to be easily prevailed with, and it was a long Time after this before she was given up.

Elizabeth Gilbert and her Daughters took in Cloaths to wash for their Support, and being in­dustrious and careful, it afforded them a tolerable Subsistence.

Jesse Gilbert obtained Employ in his Trade as a Cooper, which yielded a welcome Addition to their Stock.

Elizabeth Gilbert suffered no Opportunity to pass her, of inquiring about her Friends and Re­lations in Pennsylvania, and had the Satisfaction of being informed by one who came from the Southward, that Friends of Philadelphia had been very assiduous in their Endeavours to gain Infor­mation where their Family was, and had sent to the different Meetings, desiring them to inform themselves of the Situation of the captivated Fa­mily, and, if in their Power, afford them such Relief as they might need.

It gave her great Pleasure to hear of this kind sympathizing Remembrance of their Friends, and it would have been essentially serviceable to them, could they have reduced it to a Certainty.

[...]eborah Jones, a Daughter of Abraham Wing, a Friend, sent for Elizabeth Gilbert in order to attend her as a Nurse; but her Death, which was soon after, frustrated the Prospect she had of an agreeable Place, as this Woman was better grounded in Friends Principles than most she had met with; which Circumstance united them in the Ties of a close Friendship: And as Elizabeth Gil­bert [Page 60] had received many Civilities and Favours from her, her Death was doubly afflicting to their Fa­mily.

A Person who came from Crown-Point, inform­ed her that Benjamin Gilbert, a Son of the de­ceased by his first Wife, had come thither in or­der to be of what Service he could to the Family, and had desired him to make Inquiry where they were, and in what Situation, and send him the earliest Information possible.

A second agreeable Intelligence she received from Niagara, by a young Woman who came from thence, who informed her that her Daugh­ter Rebecca was given up to the English, by the Indians. This Information must have been very pleasing, as their Expectations of her Release were but faint; the Indian, with whom she lived, considering her as her own Child.

It was not long after this, that Thomas Peart, Rebecca Gilbert, and their Cousin Benjamin Gil­bert came to Montreal to the rest of the Family. This Meeting, after such Scenes of Sorrow as they had experienced, was more compleatly happy than can be expressed.

Reflection, if indulged, will steadily point out a protecting Arm of Power to have ruled the va­ried Storms which often threatned the Family with Destruction on their Passage through the Wil­derness, under the Controul of the fiercest Ene­mies, and preserved and restored them to each other, although separated among different Tribes and Nations: This so great a Favour, cannot be considered by them but with the warmest Emoti­ons of Gratitude to the great Author.

Rebecca Gilbert and Benjamin Gilbert, jun. were separated from their Friends and Connexions at a Place called the Five Mile Meadows, which [Page 61] was said to be that Distance from Niagara. The Seneca King's Daughter, to whom they were allot­ted in the Distribution of the Captives, took them to a small Hut where her Father Siangorochti, his Queen, and the Rest of the Family were, eleven in Number. Upon the Reception of the Prisoners into the Family, there was much Sorrow and Weeping, as is customary upon such Occasions, and the higher in Favour the adopted Prisoners are to be placed, the greater Lamentation is made over them.

After three Days the Family removed to a Place called the Landing, on the Banks of Niagara Ri­ver: Here they continued two Days more, and then two of the Women went with the Captives to Niagara, to procure Cloathing from the King's Stores for them, and permitted them to ride on Horse-back to Fort Slusher, which is about eigh­teen Miles distant from Niagara Fort. On this Journey they had a Sight of the Great Falls of Niagara.

During a Stay of six Days at Fort Slusher, the British Officers and others used their utmost En­deavours to purchase them of the Indians; but the Indian King said he would not part with them for one thousand Dollars.

The Indians who claimed Elizabeth Peart, came to the Fort with her at this Time, and although she was very weakly and indisposed, it was an agree­able Opportunity to them both of conversing with each other, but they were not allowed to be fre­quently together, lest they should increase each others Discontent.

Rebecca being drest in the Indian Manner, ap­peared very different from what she had been ac­customed to: Short Clothes, Leggings, and a gold laced Hat.

[Page 62] From Niagara Fort they went about eighteen Miles above the Falls to Fort Erie, a Garrison of the English, and then continued their Journey about four Miles further, up Buffalo Creek, and pitched their Tent. At this Place they met with Rebecca's Father and Mother by Adoption, who had gone before on Horse-back. They caught some Fish and made Soup of them, but Rebecca could eat none of it, as it was dressed without Salt, and with all the Carelessness of Indians.

This Spot was intended for their Plantation, they therefore began to clear the Land for the Crop of Indian Corn. While the Women were thus em­ployed, the Men built a Log House for their Resi­dence, and then went out hunting.

Notwithstanding the Family they lived with, was of the first Rank among the Indians, and the Head of it styled King, they were under the Necessity of labouring as well as those of lower Rank, although they often had Advantages of procuring more Provisions than the Rest. This Family raised this Summer about one Hundred Skipple of Indian Corn (a Skipple is about three Pecks) equal to se­venty-five Bushels.

As Rebecca was not able to pursue a Course of equal Labour with the other Women, she was favoured by them by often being sent into their Hut to prepare something to ea [...], and as she drest their Provisions after the English Method, and had erected an Oven by the Assistance of the other Wo­men, in which they baked their Bread, their Fa­mily fared more agreeably than the others.

Benjamin Gilbert, jun. was considered as the King's Successor, and entirely freed from Restraint, so that he even began to be delighted with his Manner of Life; and had it not been for the fre­quent [Page 63] Counsel of his Fellow-Captive, he would not have been anxious for a Change.

In the Waters of the Lakes there are various Kinds of Fish, which the Indians take sometimes with Spears; but whenever they can obtain Hooks and Lines they prefer them.

A Fish called Ozoondah, resembling a Shad in Shape, but rather thicker and le [...]s bony, with which Lake Erie abounded, were often dressed for their Table, and were of an agreeable Taste, weighing from three to four Pounds.

They drew Provisions this Summer from the Forts, which frequently induced the Indians to re­pair thither. The King, his Daughter, Grand­daughter, and Rebecca went together upon one of these Visits to Fort Erie, where the British Offi­cers entertained them with a rich Feast, and so great a Profusion of Wine, that the Indian King was very drunk; and as he had to manage the Canoe in their Return, they were repeatedly in Danger of being overset amongst the Rocks in the Lake.

Rebecca and Benjamin met with much better Fare than the other Captives, as the Family they lived with were but seldom in great Want of Ne­cessaries, which was the only Advantage they en­joyed beyond the Rest of their Tribe.

Benjamin Gilbert, as a Badge of his Dignity, wore a Silver Medal pendant from his Neck.

The King, Queen, and another of the Family, together with Rebecca and her Cousin Benjamin set off for Niagara, going as far as Fort Slusher by Water, from whence they proceeded on Foot car­rying their Loads on their Backs. Their Business at the Fort was to obtain Provisions, which oc­casioned them frequently to visit it, as before re­lated.

[Page 64] Rebecca indulged herself with the pleasing Epec­tation of obtaining her Release, or at least Permis­sion to remain behind among the Whites; but in both these Expectations she was disagreeably disappoint­ed having to return again with her Captors; all Efforts for her Release being in Vain. Col. John­son's Housekeeper, whose repeated Acts of Kind­ness to this captived Family have been noticed, made her some acceptable Presents.

As they had procured some Rum to carry Home with them, the Chief was frequently intoxicated, and always in such unhappy Fits behaved remark­ably Foolish.

On their Return, Thomas Peart, who was at Fort Niagara, procured for Rebecca an Horse to carry her as far as Fort Slusher, where they took Boat and got Home after a Stay of nine Days.

Soon after their Return, Rebecca and her Cou­sin were seized with the Chill and Fever, which held them for near three Months. During their Indisposition the Indians were very kind to them; and as their Strength of Constitution alone, could not check the Progress of the Disorder, the Indians procured some Herbs, with which the Patients were unacquainted, and made a plentiful Decoction; with these they washed them, and it seemed to af­ford them some Relief: The Indians accounted it a sovereign Remedy.

The Decease of her Father, of which Rebecca received an Account, continued her in a drooping Way a considerable Time longer than she would otherwise have been.

As soon as she recovered her Health, some of the Family again went to Niagara, and Rebecca was permitted to be of the Company. They staid at the Fort about two Weeks, and Col. Johnson exerted himself in order to obtain her Release, [Page 65] holding a Treaty with the Indians for this Purpose; but his Mediation proved fruitless: She had there­fore to return with many an heavy Step. When they came to Lake Erie, where their Canoe was, they proceeded by Water. While in their Boat a Number of Indians in another Canoe came to­wards them, and informed them of the Death of her Indian Father, who had made an Expedition to the Frontiers of Pennsylvania, and was there wounded by the Militia, and afterwards died of his Wounds; on which Occasion she was under the Necessity of making a Feint of Sorrow, and weeping aloud with the rest.

When they arrived at their Settlement, it was the Time of gathering their Crop of Corn, Pota­toes, Pumkins, and preserving their Store of Hickory Nuts.

About the Beginning of the Winter some British Officers came amongst them, and staid with them until Spring, using every Endeavour for the Dis­charge of the two Captives, but still unattended with Success.

Some Time after this, another British Officer, attended by Thomas Peart, came with Provision and Hoes for the Indians. It afforded them great Happiness to enjoy the Satisfaction of each others Conversation, after so long an Absence.

Rebecca and her Cousin had the additional Pleasure of seeing her Brother Abner, who came with the Family amongst whom he lived, to settle near this Place; and as they had not seen each other for almost twelve Months, it proved very agreeable.

Thomas Peart endeavoured to animate his Sis­ter, by encourageing her with the Hopes of spee­dily obtaining her Liberty: But her Hopes were often disappointed.

[Page 66] An Officer amongst the British, one Capt. Lat­teridge, came and staid some Time with them, and interested himself on Behalf of the Prisoners, and appeared in a fair Way of obtaining their En­largement; but being ordered to join his Regi­ment, he was prevented from further Attention until his Return from Duty; and afterwards was commanded by Col. Johnson to go with him to Montreal, on Business of Importance, which ef­fectually barred his undertaking any Thing further that Winter.

It afforded her many pleasing Reflections when she heard that six of her Relatives were freed from their Difficulties, and Thomas Peart visiting her again, contributed, in some Measure, to reania­mate her with fresh Hopes of obtaining her own Freedom. They fixed upon a Scheme of carrying her off privately; but when they gave Time for a full Reflection, it was evidently attended with too great Danger, as it would undoubtedly have much enraged the Indians, and perhaps the Lives of eve­ry one concerned would have been forfeited by such Indiscretion.

During the Course of this Winter she suffered many Hardships and severe Disappointments, and being without a Friend to unbosom her Sorrows to, they appeared to increase by Concealment; but making a Virtue of Necessity, she summoned up a Firmness of Resolution, and was supported un­der her Discouragement beyond her own Expecta­tions.

The Youth and Inexperience of her Cousin did not allow of a sufficient Confidence in him, but she had often to interest herself in an Attention to, and Oversight of, his Conduct; and it was in some Measure owing to this Care, that he retain­ed his Desires to return amongst his Friends.

[Page 67] Col. Butler sent a String of Wampum to the Indian Chief, who immediately called a Number of the other Indians together upon this Occasion, when they concluded to go down to Niagara, where they understood the Design of the Treaty was for the Freedom of the Remainder of the Prisoners; for especial Orders were issued by Ge­neral Haldimand, at Quebec, that their Liberty should be obtained. At this Council Fire it was agreed they would surrender up the Prisoners.

When they returned they informed Rebecca that Col. Butler had a Desire to see her, which was the only Information she could gain: This being a frequent Custom amongst them to offer a very slight Surmise of their Intentions.

After this the whole Family moved about six Miles up Lake Erie, where they staid about two Months to gather their annual Store of Maple Su­gar, of which they made a considerable Quantity.

As soon as the Season for this Business was over, they returned to their old Settlement, where they had not continued long, before an Indian came with an Account that an astonishing Number of young Pigeons might be procured at a certain Place, by falling Trees that were filled with Nests of young, and the Distance was computed to be about fifty Miles: This Information delighted the several Tribes; they speedily joined together, young and old, from different Parts, and with great Assiduity pursued their Expedition, and took Abundance of the young ones, which they dried in the Sun and with Smoke, and filled several Bags which they had taken with them for this Purpose, Benjamin Gilbert was permitted to accompany them in this Excursion, which must have been a curious one for whole Tribes to be engaged in. [Page 68] On this Rarity they lived with Extravagance for some Time, faring sumptuously every Day.

As the Time approached, when, according to Appointment, they were to return to Niagara and deliver up the Prisoners, they gave Rebecca the agreeable Information, in order to allow her some Time to make Preparation. She made them Bread for their Journey with great Cheerfulness.

The Indians, to the Number of thirty, attended on this Occasion with the two Captives. They went as far as Fort Slusher in a Bark Canoe. It was several Days before they reached Niagara Fort, as they went slowly on Foot. After attend­ing at Col. Butler's, and confering upon this Oc­casion, in Consideration of some valuable Presents made them, they released the two last of the Cap­tives Rebecca Gilbert, and Benjamin Gilbert, jun.

As speedily as they were enabled, their Indian Dress was exchanged for the more customary and agreeable one of the Europeans; and on the third of the sixth Month, 1782, two Days after their happy Release, sailed for Montreal.

The Narrative of the Treatment of Thomas Peart, another of the Family, still remains to be given:

He was taken along the Westward Path with the Prisoners before mentioned, viz. Joseph, Sa­rah, and Benjamin Gilbert jun.

Thomas was compelled to carry a heavy Load of the Plunder which the Indians had seized at their Farm. When separated from the rest, they were assured they should meet together again in four Days.

The first Day's Travel was in an exceeding disa­greeable Path, across several deep Brooks, through which Thomas had to carry Sarah and Benjamin Gilbert, jun. This Task was a very hard one, as [Page 69] he had been much reduced for Want of sufficient Nourishment.

The first Night they lodged by the Banks of Cayuga Creek, the Captives being tied as usual. The next Morning they took a Venison, and this, with some decayed Corn which they gathered from the deserted Fields, served them for Sustenance. This Day's Journey was by the Side of Cayuga Creek, until they came to a steep Hill, which they ascended with Difficulty.

When Night came on, they sought a Wigwam which had been deserted precipitately upon Gene­ral Sullivan's March against the Inhabitants of these Parts.

The Land in this Neighbourhood is excellent for Cultivation, affording very good Pasture.

Thomas Peart assured the Indians, that he, with the other Captives, would not leave them, and therefore requested the Favour to be freed from their Confinement at Night; but one of them checked his Request, by saying he could not sleep if the Captives were suffered to be untied.

Their Meat being all exhausted, Thomas and three Indians went near three Miles to gather more decayed Corn; and this, mouldy as it was, they were obliged to eat, it being their only Food, except­ing a few Winter Turneps which they met with. They went forwards a considerable Distance by the Side of Cayuga Creek, and then with much Dif­ficulty crossed it; immediately afterwards they ascended an uncommon miry Hill, covered with Springs. Going over this Mountain they missed the Path, and were obliged to wade very heavily through the Water and Mire.

In the Close of the [...]ay they came to a sine Meadow, where they agreed to continue that Night, having no other Provisions than the Mouldy [Page 70] Indian Corn they accidentally met with in the Indian Plantations, which had been cut down and left on the Ground by General Sullivan's Army.

Next Morning they set forwards, walking leisure­ly on, so that the Company who went by the other Path might overtake them, and frequently stopped for them.

When Night approached, they came to a large Creek where some Indians were, who had begun to prepare the Ground for planting Corn. At this Place they staid two Nights, and being too indo­lent to procure Game by hunting, their Diet was still very poor, and their Strength much exhausted, so that they became impatient of waiting for the others, which was their Intention when they first stopped.

After travelling till near Noon, they made a short Stay, stripped the Bark off a Tree, and then paint­ed, in their Indian Manner, themselves and the Prisoners on the Body of the Tree; this done, they set up a Stick with a Split at the Top, in which they placed a small Bush of Leaves, and leaned the Stick so that the Shadow of the Leaves should fall to the Point of the Stick where it was fixed in the Ground; by which Means the others would be directed in the Time of Day when they left the Place.

Here they separated the Prisoners again, those to whom Thomas Peart and Joseph Gilbert were allotted went westward out of the Path, but Sa­rah Gilbert and Benjamin Gilbert jun. with one Indian, continued in the Path. This was very di­stressing to Sarah to be torn from her Relations and deprived of all the Comforts and even Necessaries of Life. These two, with the Indian who had the Care of them, after they had parted with the other two and travelled forward a few Miles, came to [Page 71] some Indians by the Side of a Creek, who gave them something to eat. The next Day the Indian who was their Pilot exerted himself to obtain some Provisions, but his Endeavours proved fruitless, they therefore suffered greatly. At Night the Indi­an asked Sarah if she had ever eaten Horse-Flesh, or Dog's; she replied, she had not; he then further surprised her by asking whether she had ever eat Man's Flesh; upon her expressing her Abhorrence, he replied that he should be under the Necessity of killing the Boy, for he could not procure any Deer. This Threat, altho' perhaps not intended to be ex­ecuted, terrified her exceedingly. He hunted with great Diligence, leaving the Captives by themselves, and appeared to shudder himself, at what he had theartned, willing to try every [...]ource; but not­withstanding his Exertions, her Fears prevailed in a very great Degree. They went forwards slowly, being very weak, and in addition to their Distress there fell a very heavy Rain, and they were oblig­ed to continue in it as they were without Shelter. In this reduced Situation they at Length came to one of the Huts at Canodo [...]ago, where they dress­ed the Remains of their Mouldy Corn, and the Day after were joined by the Part of the Compa­ny whom they had left ten Days before.

As the few Days solitary Sufferings of Sarah Gilbert had been before unrelated, the foregoing Digression, from the Narrative of Thomas Peart's, may not be thought improper.

To return to the two who were separated from the Path, and had to go forwards across Mountains and Vallies, Swamps and Creeks.

In the Morning they eat the Remainder of their Corn. The Indians then cut off their Hair, ex­cepting a small rund Touft on the Crown of the Head; and, after painting them in the Indian [Page 72] Manner, in Order to make them appear more ter­rible, they took from them their Hats. Being thus obliged to travel bare Headed in the Sun, they were seized with violent Head achs; and this added to a Want of Provisions, was truly distress­ing.

When they approached the Indian Settlements, the Indians began their customary Whooping, to announce their Arrival with Prisoners, issuing their dismal Yells according to the Number brought in.

After some short Time an Indian came to them: With him they held a Discourse concerning the Prisoners, and painted them afresh, part black, and part red, as a distinguishing Mark. When this Ceremony was concluded, the Indian who met them returned, and the others continued their Route.

As they were not far from the Indian Towns, they soon saw great Numbers of the Indians col­lecting together, though the Prisoners were igno­rant of the Motives.

When they came up to this disagreeable Compa­ny, the Indian who first met them, took the String that was about Thomas Peart's Neck with which he had been tied at Night, and held him whilst a Squaw stripped off his Vest.

Joseph Gilbert was ordered to run first, but be­ing lame and indisposed, could only walk. The Clubs and Tomhaws slew so thick, that he was sorely bruised, and one of the Tomhawks struck him on the Head and brought him to the Ground, when a Lad of about fifteen Years old run after him, and, as he lay, would undoubtedly have ended him, as [...]e had li [...]d the Tomhawk [...]or that Purpose, but the King's Son sent Orders not to kill him.

[Page 73] After him, Thomas Peart was set off; he seeing the horrid Situation of his Brother, was so terri­fied, that he did not recollect the Indian still kept hold of the String which was round his Neck; but, springing forwards with great Force and Swift­ness, he pulled the Indian over, who, in Return, when he recovered his Feet, beat him severely with a Club. The Lad who was standing with a Tomhawk near Joseph Gilbert, as he passed by him, threw his Tomhawk with great Dexterity, and would certainly have struck him, if he had not sprung forwards and avoided the Weapon. When he had got opposite to one of their Huts, they pointed for him to take Shelter there, where Joseph Gilbert came to him as soon as he recover­ed. In the Room were a Number of Women who appeared very sorrowful, and wept aloud; this, though customary amongst them, still added to the Terror of the Captives, as they imagined it to be no other than a Prelude to inevitable De­struction.

Their Hair cropt close, their Bodies bruised, and the Blood gushing from Joseph Gilbert's Wound, rendered them a horrid Spectacle to each other.

After the Lamentations ceased, one of them asked Thomas Peart, if he was hungry; he replied, he was: They then told him, “You cat by and by.” They immediately procured some Victu­als, and set it before them, but Joseph Gilbert's Wounds had taken away his Appetite.

An Officer, who was of the French Families of Canada, came to them, and brought a Negro with him to interpret. After questioning them, he con­cluded to write to Col. Johnson, at Niagara, rela­tive to the Prisoners.

[Page 74] The Indians advised them to be contented with their present Situation, and marry amongst them, giving every Assurance that they should be treated with the utmost Respect: But these Conditions were inadmissable.

After this, Joseph Gilbert was taken from his Brother, as related in the Narrative of his Suffer­ings.

Thomas Peart continued at the Village that Night, and the next Day was given to the Care of a young Indian, who went with him about two Miles, where several Indians were collected, dress­ed in horrid Masks, in Order, as he supposed, to make Sport of his Fears, if he discovered any: He therefore guarded against being surprised, and when they observed him not to be intimidated, they permitted him to return again. Not long af­ter his arriving at the Village, Capt. Rowland Mon­teur came in, who gave Thomat Peart some Ac­count how the others of his Family had suffered, and told him that he had almost killed his Mother and Jesse, on Account of Andrew Harrigar's mak­ing his Escape. He had come in before the others, in Order to procure some Provisions for the Com­pany, who were in great Need of it.

When the Captain returned, Thomas Peart ac­companied him Part of the Way, and the Capt. advised him to be cheerful and contented, and work faithful for the Friend, for so he styled the Indian under whose Care Thomas Peart was plac­ed, promising him that if he complied, he should shortly go to Niagara.

They employed him in chopping for several Days, having previous to this taken the String from his Neck, which they had carefully secured him with every Night.

[Page 75] The Plantation on which they intended to six for a Summer Residence, and to plant their Crop of Corn, was several Miles down the Genesee or Lit­tle River. Prior to their removing with the Fami­ly, some of the Men went thither and built a Bark Hut, which was expeditiously performed, as they executed it in about tow Days, when they return­ed to their old Habitation.

Thomas Peart was the next Day given to the chief Indian, who endeavoured to quiet his Ap­prehensions, assuring him he should meet with kind Treatment.

The Indian Manner of Life is remarkably dirty and lousy; and although they themselves disre­gard their Filth, yet it was extremely mortifying to the Prisoners to be deprived of the Advantages of Cleanliness: And this was by no Means among the Number of smaller Difficulties.

As Thomas Peart had been accustomed to In­dustry, and when first among the Indians was con­stantly exerting himself, either in their active Di­versions or useful Labour, they were much de­lighted with him. When they had conclued upon sending him to the Family he was to reside with, they daubed him afresh with their red Paint. He was then taken about seven Miles, where he was adopted into the Family, and styled "Ochnusa," or Uncle. When the Ceremony of Adoption was performed, a Number of the Relatives were sum­moned together, and the Head of them took Tho­mas Peart into the Midst of the Assembly, and made a long Harrangue in the Indian Language. After this he was taken into the House, where the Women wept aloud for Joy, that the Place of a deceased Relation was again supplied.

The old Man, whose Place Thomas Peart was to sill, had never been considered by his Family [Page 76] as possessed of any Merit; and strange as it may appear, the Person adopted, always holds in their Estimation the Merits or Demerits of the deceas­ed and the most careful Conduct can never over­come this Prejudice.

As soon as the Ceremony of Adoption at this Place was finished, he was taken by the Family to Nundow, a Town on the Genesee River. The Head of this Family was a Chief or King of the Senecas. But before Thomas was fully received into the Family, there was a second Lamentati­on.

Their Provisions, notwithstanding it was a Sea­son of great Plenty, was often Deers Guts, dried with the Dung, and all boiled together, which they consider strong and wholesome Food. They never throw away any Part of the Game they take.

Thomas Peart's Dress was entirely in the Indian Style, painted and ornamented like one of them­selves, though in a meaner Mannner, as they did not hold him high in Esteem after his Adoption.

Greatly discontented, he often retired into the Woods, and reflected upon his unhappy Situation, without Hopes of returning to his Relations, or ever being rescued from Captivity.

He continued in this solitary Seclusion about five Weeks, when their Corn was mostly consum­ed; and as their Dependence for a fresh Supply was on Niagara Fort, they concluded to go thi­ther, but at first would not consent that Thomas should accompany them; but he was so urgent, they at length consented, and the next Day they had an Indian Dance preparatory to their Expedi­tion.

In the Route Thomas Peart got a Deer, which was an acceptable Acquisition, as they had been [Page 77] for some Days without any Meat, and their Corn was likewise expended.

When they came within two Miles of the Fort they halted, and staid there until Morning.

A white Prisoner, who came from the Fort, gave Thomas Peart a particular Relation of his fellow Captives: This was the first Account he had of them since their Separation at the Indian Towns. As soon as he came to the Fort, he appli­ed to some of the Officers, requesting their exer­tions to procure Thomas's Liberty, if possible; but he was disappointed, as nothing could be then done to serve him.

He eat some salt Provisions, which, as he had tasted but little Salt since his Captivity, (although pleasing to his Palate) affected his Stomach, it be­ing difficult for him to digest.

As he was to return with the Indians in about a Week, it was very distressing, being much dis­gusted with the Fare he met amongst them.

They returned by Way of Fort Slusher, and then along Lake Erie, up Buffalo Creek, taking some Fish as they went. They passed by the Place where Elizabeth Peart and Rebecca Gilbert were, but he had not an Opportunity of seeing them.

The Stores they took Home with them, consist­ed of Rum, Salt, and Ammunition.

Lake Erie is about three hundred Miles long from East to West, and about forty in Breadth: It receives its Supply of Waters from Lakes Supe­rior, Michigan and Huron, by a North-west Pas­sage, called the Streights of Detroit. A very long narrow Piece of Land lies on its North Side, which projects remarkably into the Lake, and has been noticed by most Travellers, and is known by the Name of Long Point. There are several Islands in it, which, with the Banks of the Lake, were [Page 78] more infested with different Kinds of Snakes, par­ticularly the Rattle-Snake, than other Places.

The Navigation of this Lake is allowed to be more dangerous than the others, on Account of the high Lands projecting into it; so that when sud­den Storms arise, Boats are frequently lost, as there are but few Places to land, and seldom a Possibility of finding a Shelter near the craggy Precipices.

The Waters of Erie pass through a North-east Communication into the River Niagara, which, by a No [...]herly Course of near thirty-six Miles, falls into Lake Ontario.

At the Discharge of this River into Lake Onta­rio▪ on the East Side, stands Fort Niagara; and at the Entrance from Lake Erie lies Erie Fort; between these two Forts are those extraordinary Falls which claim the Attention of the curious, and are amongst the most remarkable Works of Nature.

This stup [...]ndous Cataract is supplied by the Wa­ters of the several Lakes, and their distant Springs; which, after traversing many hundred Miles, rush astonishingly down a most horrid Precipice, and which, [...] a small Island, is separated into two large Columns, and each near one hundred and forty Feet perpendicular, and in a strong, rapid, in­conceivable Foam and Roar, extends near nine Miles further; having in this Distance a De­scent nearly equal to the first.

The Streight of Niagara is esteemed dangerous for a Mile or upwards above the Falls. The Wa­ter of the Falls raises a very heavy Mist, somewhat resembling a Continuation of the River, and this Deception, together with the Rapidity of the Cur­rent, frequently hurries the Ducks and Geese down this dreadful Precipice.

[Page 79] This vast Body of Water, after passing through the Streight of Niagara, is received by Lake On­tario, or Cataraqui, which is nearly of an oval Form. Its greatest Length is from North-east to South-west, and is generally allowed to be six hun­dred Miles in Circumference. And although the least of the five great Lakes of Canada is much the safest for Shipping, as the Channel is less ob­structed by Rocks or Islands, than the other Lakes. The South Side is the most commodious for Bat­teaux and Canoes, having a moderately shelving Bank and Shore on that Side: The other is more rocky.

Many of the Rivers which fall into it, are bar­red in their Entrances by broken Hills, but the Vallies are uncommonly fertile.

On the South the most considerable Rivers which fall into this Lake, are, the great and little Sene­ca. The Falls of these Rivers, render them not navigable near the Lake; but after the Carrying-places are passed, they run slow and deep.

In Order to keep up the Communication be­tween the different Parts of Canada, there is a Portage from the Landing below Niagara Falls, to the Landing above, up three sharp Hills, along which, the Road for about eight or nine Miles, has been made as [...]asy for Carts as it possibly could; (thence to Lake Erie is about eighteen Miles) but the Stream is so swift here, that it is almost impos­sible to stem it for a Mile or two in a Ship with the stiffest Gale; though Batteaux and Canoes Pass along without much Danger, as the Current is less rapid near the Shore. On the North-east it emp­ties itself into the River Cataraqui.

From this short digressive Account of the Lakes, we may return to the Situation of the Prisoner, and the Indian Family:

[Page 80] When they had consumed their last Year's Stock of [...]orn, they lived very low, and were reduced to great Necessity, digging what wild esculent Roots they could find; this was so different from what he had been accustomed to, that he could not bear it with that Cheerfulness with which the Indians met such Difficulties. His painful Reflecti­ons, and the Want of Necessaries, reduced him exceeding low.

Whilst in this Distress, he happily obtained the Use of a Testament from a white Woman, who had been taken Captive, and afterwards married amongst them: With this solacing Companion, he frequently retired into the Woods, and employed himself in reading and meditating upon the In­struction couched in it.

The Indians directed a white Girl to inform him, that they intended a Hunt of twenty Days, and were desirous he should attend them; to this he agreed, and the whole Family accompanied the Hunters. They passed by the Town where Joseph Gilbert was, who informed his Brother that he was going to Niagara: Thomas Peart replied he had already been there, and then informed him how the others of their Relations were dispersed.

On their Way up the Genesee River, where they intended to hunt, they took a Deer.

The fourth Day, as Thomas Peart was beating for Game, he lost his Company; but at Length came to some Indians who directed him. When he came to the Family, much fatigued, and told them he had been lost, they were very much de­lighted at the perplexing Situation he had been in.

The next Day they moved further, hunting as they went, and in the Evening fixed their Quar­ [...]s, where they staid two Nights.

[Page 81] Thomas Peart, not endeavouring to please them, they took Umbrage at his Neglect: This, added to a Fit of the Ague, induced them to leave him in the Woods, he being so weak he could not keep up with them, and was obliged to follow by their Tracks in the Leaves.

Their Provisions soon began to waste, and it was not long before it was entirely consumed; and as they took no Game, they were under the Necessity of eating wild Cherries.

The Prospect appeared very gloomy to our Cap­tive, to be thus distressed with Hunger, and to be from Home near one hundred Miles with the whole Family: But this Situation, though so alarming to him, did not appear to reach their Stoic Insensibility. In this Extremity one of the Indi­ans killed a fine Elk, which was a long wished-for and delightful Supply; but as the Weather was very warm, and they had no Salt, it soon became putrid, and filled with Maggots, which they, not­withstanding, eat without Reserve.

After they had been out upwards of thirty Days, the Indians changed their Course, towards their own Habitation, making but little Progress for­wards, as they kept hunting as they went. And as Thomas had long been uneasy, and desirous to return, not expecting to have been absent more than twenty Days, they gave him some Directions and a small Share of Provisions; he then left them after an unsuccessful Hunt of forty Days: And, although weak and unfit for the Journey, he set off in the Morning, and kept as near a North-west Course as he could, going as fast as his Strength would permit over large Creeks, Swamps and rug­ged Hills; and when Night came on▪ made up a small Fire, and being exceedingly fatigued, said [Page 82] himself down on the Ground, and slept very soundly: In the Morning he continued his Jour­ney.

When he considered the great Distance through the Woods to the Indian Towns, and the Diffi­culty of procuring Game to subsist on, it dejected him greatly. His Spirits were so depressed, that when his Fire was extinguished in the Night, he even heard the wild Beasts walking and howling around him, without regarding them, as with all his Exertions and Assiduity, he had but small Hope of ever reaching the Towns, but providenti­ally he succeeded.

On the Journey he eat a Land Tortoise, some Roots and wild Cherries.

When he reached the Town, the Indians were pleased with his Return, and inquired the Reason of his coming alone, and where he had left the Family he went with; which he fully informed them of.

This being the Time for feasting on their new Crop of Corn, and they having plenty of Pump­kins and Squashes, gave an agreeable Prospect of a short Season of Health, and frequent, though sim­ple, Feasts.

About ten Days after this, the Family returned; they soon inquired if Thomas Peart had reached Home, and upon being informed that he had, re­plied that it was not expected he ever could.

The Indians concluding to make a War Excursi­on, asked Thomas to with them; but he determi­nately refused them, and was therefore left at Home with the Family; and not long after had Permission to visit his Brother Benjamin Peart, who was then about fifteen or eighteen Miles di­stant, down the Genesee River.

[Page 83] Benjamin Peart was at that Time very much in­disposed: Thomas, therefore, staid with him se­veral Days, and, when he recovered a little Strength, left him, and returned to his old Habi­tation.

He was thoroughly acquainted with the Cu­stoms, Manners and Dispositions of the Indians, and observing that they treated him just as they had done the old worthless Indian, in whose Place he was adopted, he having been considered a Per­quisite of the Squaws; he therefore concluded he would only fill his Predecessor's Station, and used no Endeavours to please them, as his Business was to cut Wood for the Family; notwithstanding he might easily have procured a sufficient Store, yet he was not so disposed, but often refused, and even left it for the Squaws sometimes to do themselves, not doubting if he was diligent and careful, they would be less willing to give him his Liberty.

Joseph Gilbert came to see him, and, as has been mentioned, informed him of the Decease of their Father.

Some Time in the Fall, the King (whose Bro­ther Thomas was called) died, and he was directed to hew Boards and make a Cossin for him; when it was compleated, they smeared it with red Paint. The Women, whose Attention to this is always insisted on amongst the Indians, kept the Corps for several Days, when they prepared a Grave, and interred him; it being considered amongst this Tribe, disgraceful for a Man to take any No­tice of this solemn and interesting Scene. A Num­ber of Squaws collected upon this Occasion, and there was great Mourning, which they continued for several Days at stated Times. As the Place of Interment, as well as that appointed for weeping, [Page 84] was near the Hut Thomas Peart resided at, he had an Opportunity of indulging his Curiosity, through the Openings of the Logs, without giving Of­fence.

Soon after this, one of the Women who was called Thomas's Sister, desired him to accompany her about fifty Miles towards Niagara. Some others of the Family went with them, and in their Way they took a Deer and other Game.

They were from Home on this Journey about six Days; during the Time, there fell a very heavy Snow, which made their Journey toilsome. The Women were sent homeward before the rest, to prepare something against they came.

When they had loitered at Home a few Days, they set about gathering their Winter Store of Hic­kory-nuts: From some of them they extracted an Oil▪ which they eat with Bread or Meat, at their Pleasure.

Frequently before they set off on their Hunting Parties, they make an Indian Frolick; when, commonly, all the Company become extravagantly intoxicated: And when they intend to go off this Winter, they first give the preparatory Entertain­ment.

After they were gone, Thomas Peart and the Mistress of the Family disagreeing, she insisted up­on his joining to the Hunters, and living on the Game, that she might save more Corn. He plead the Coldness of the Season, and his Want of Cloathing, but it would not avail; he was there­fore turned out, and upon finding the Hunters, he built them Hut, where they staid for some Weeks, taking the Game, and eating wild Meat without Corn, as the Supply they had raised was short.

When they were weary with their Employ, they moved to their old Hut, and lived in their idle [Page 85] Manner for a long Time. They then again re­turned to their Hut, and staid about ten Days, and took several Deer.

A few Days after their Return from hunting, they acquainted Thomas that they should set off for Niagara; which was truly grateful to him. There were fifteen of them on this Visit. The old Woman gave Thomas Peart a strict Charge to re­turn.

Although the Prospect of seeing or hearing from his Relations was delightful, yet the Journey was excessively painful; the Snow covering the Ground to a considerable Depth, the Cold increased, and they had to wade through several deep Creeks, the Water often freezing to their Legs; and Thomas Peart, as well as the Rest, were uncloath­ed, excepting a Blanket and Pair of Leggings.

In five Days they came to Fort Slusher, and at the Treats they there received, were most of them drunk for the Day.

Next Morning they went to Niagara, where he immediately made Application to the British Offi­cers to solicit his Release. Capt. Powell informed Col. Johnson, who requested it of the Indians; they required some Time to deliberate upon the Subject, not willing to disoblige the Col. and at Length concluded to comply with his Request; telling him, that however hard it might be to part with their own Flesh, yet, to please him, they con­sented to it, hoping he would make them some Present.

Col. Johnson then directed him to his own House, and desired him to clean himself, and sent Cloaths for him to dress with. Here he had Plen­ty of salt Provisions, and every Necessary of Life: This, with the happy regaining of his Liberty, [Page 86] gave a new Spring to his Spirits, and, for a few Days, he scarcely knew how to enjoy sufficiently, this almost unlooked-for Change.

When recruited, he went to work for Col. John­son, and a few Weeks after had the Satisfaction of his Brother Benjamin Peart's Company; who, though not released, yet was permitted to stay at the Fort, and worked with his Brother until Spring; when Capt. Powell, Lieutenant Johnson, and Tho­mas Peart went up Buffalo Creek, with two Boats loaded with Provisions, and a Proportion of plant­ing Corn, together with Hoes, to be distributed among the Indians.

In this Expedition Thomas had the Satisfaction of seeing and conversing with his Sister Rebecca, which was the first of their Meeting together, af­ter a Separation of a Year.

At the Distribution of the Corn and Hoes, the Indians met and made a general Feast; after which, they dispersed; and the Officers, when they had compleated their Business, returned to Niagara, after an Absence of eight or nine Days.

Thomas Peart was settled at Col. Johnson's, to work for him at two Shillings and six Pence per Day, till the eighth Month, when six of the Cap­tives were sent to Montreal, and Thomas also had Permission to go, but he chose rather to stay, to afford his Assistance to his Sister Rebecca Gilbert, and his Cousin Benjamin Gilbert, jun. who yet remained in Captivity; exerting himself as strenu­ously as possible on their Behalf.

In the Fall, he went up again to Buffalo Creek, where he saw his Sister and Cousin a second Time, and assured his Sister that the Col. intended to in­sist on her being relased: This encouraged her to hope.

[Page 87] The Indians are too indolent to employ sufficient Pains to preserve their Grain in the Winter; there­fore, those who plant near the Fort, generally send the greater Part to the English to preserve for them, and take it back as they want it: Therefore, what this Neighbourhood had more than for a short Supply, they carried with them in their Boats to the Fort.

In the Winter, Thomas Peart undertook to chop Wood for the British Officers, and built himself a Hut about two Miles from the Fort, in which he lodged at Night. A drunken Indian came to his Cabbin one Evening with his Knife in his Hand, with an Intention of Mischief; but, being debili­tated with Liquor, Thomas Peart easily wrested his Knife from him.

A Wolf came one Night up to the Door of his Cabbin, which he discovered next Morning, by the Tracks in the Snow; and, a few Nights after, paid a second Visit, when he fired at him, and, by the Blood on the Snow, supposed he had mortal­ly wounded him.

Next Spring, Thomas went with the Officers again up Buffalo Creek, when he afresh animated his Sister, by informing her that General Haldi­mand had given Orders to the Officers, to procure their Liberty.

As they returned by Fort Erie, their Boats were in Danger from the Ice in the Lake and River. It continues in these Parts until late in the Spring; sometimes as late as the fifth Month; and, as soon as melted, the Vegetation is astonishingly quick.

About two Weeks after they returned, Thomas Peart went back again with some Officers, who were going to the Indians.

After a Tour of fifteen Days, he came again to the Fort, where he staid for several Weeks, [Page 88] and received several Letters from his Relations, at Montreal, by some Officers who were on their Way to Cataraguors, on Lake Erie, about eighty Miles from Niagara; who, in their Way, saw Re­becca and Benjamin Gilbert, jun. with a Number of Indians, going for Niagara. Thomas Peart made as quick Dispatch as possible, to meet them, delighted with the Prospect of their obtaining their Liberty.

They took a Porcupine, which is somewhat larg­er than a Rackoon, and covered remarkably with Quills of Bone, about eight or nine Inches long, which they can discharge with such Force, as to penetrate through a Man's Hand at a considerable Distance.

A few Days after he returned from this Expe­dition, the Captives were delivered up: These two had been with the Indians upwards of two Years.

In a short Time after their Release, Thomas Peart procured Permission for them and himself to proceed to Montreal, and was furnished with a Pass, containing an Order to obtain what Provi­sions they might be in Want of in their Passage.

The second Day of the sixth Month, 1782, they went on Board the Ship Limner▪ and proceeded towards Montreal. When they came against the Place where their Father was interred, those whom they were with, gave Thomas and Rebecca No­tice, though they did not land, but pursued their Voyage; and, after being seven Days on the Wa­ter▪ they reached Fort Lasheen, where they staid that Night, and the next Day went to Montre­al to their Relations: Soon after which, a Let­ter was received from the before mentioned Ben­jamin Gilbert, then at Castleton, acquainting them of his being so far on his Way to Montreal, in [Page 89] Order to give them Assistance in getting Home, and requesting that Permission might be obtained for his Coming in; which, Elizabeth immedi­ately applyed to the Officers for: Who, with great Cheerfulness, wrote in her Behalf to General Hal­dimand, at Quebec, who readily granted her Re­quest, together with other Favours to Elizabeth, worthy of her grateful Remembrance; by which Means, Benjamin's Arrival at Montreal was soon effected, where he had the Pleasure once more of seeing and conversing with his Relations and near­est Connexions, to their great Joy and Satisfacti­on, after an Absence of near three Years; during which Time, they had but little if any certain Ac­count of each other.

After some Time spent in inquiring after their Relatives and Friends, and conversing on the once unthought of and strange Scenes of Life they had passed through since their Separation, it be­came necessary to prepare for their Journey home­wards, which was accordingly done, and in about five Weeks from the Time of Benjamin's Arrival, they took Leave of the Friends and Acquaintances they had made during their Residence there; whose hospitable and kind Treatment, merits their grate­ful and sincere Acknowledgements, and most ar­dent Desires for their Welfare in every Scene. And on the twenty-second Day of the eighth Month, 1782, attended by a great Number of the Inhabitants, they embarked in Boats prepared for them, and took their Departure. Having crossed the River, and Carriages being provided, they pro­ceeded on their Journey without much Delay, un­til they came to St. John's, where they went on Board a Sloop; but the Winds being unfavourable, rendered their Passage in the Lake somewahat te­dious.

[Page 90] They did not arrive at Crown-Point, until about two Weeks after their Departure from Montreal. They continued here several Days, and from thence went in open Boats to East-Bay in about two Days, where they landed and staid all Night, and were next Day delivered up to the Officers of Vermont. Here some of the Company staid two Nights, on Account of Benjamin Peart's Child being very ill; by which Time it so recovered, that they proceeded on to Castleton, where those that went before had halted, and near that Place stay­ed all Night, and in the Morning Elizabeth the Mother having engaged to do an Errand for a Friend, was under a Necessity of riding about thir­ty-five Miles, which occasioned her to be absent two Nights from the Family, who were at Capt. Willard's; at which Place Benjamin provided Horses and Waggons for the Remainder of the Journey, together with some Provisions. Here they were very civilly treated, and generously en­ertained free of Expence.

The Family then proceeded on, and met their Mother at the House of Capt. Lonson, where they staid that Night, and until Noon next Day, and were also kindly treated by him.

Continuing their Journey, they met with John Bracanage (who, together with Capt. Lanson, were Passengers with them to East-Bay) he gave them an Invitation to his House, which they accepted, and arrived there about Noon next Day, and con­tinued with him two Nights, and were respect­fully entertained.

Having prepared for prosecuting their Journey, the proceeded on for the North-River, where they met with Lot Trip and William Knowles, who kindly conducted the Women to the House of David Sands, where they lodged that Night. The [Page 91] rest of the Family came to them in the Morning, and several of them attended Friends Meeting, not having had the like Opportunity for several Years before.

In the Afternoon they pursued their Journey, the before mentioned Lot Trip and William Knowles accompanying them, and being in a Waggon, kindly took Elizabeth and her younger Daughter Passengers with them, which proved a considerable Relief.

In a few Days they came into Pennsylvania, where they met with some of their Relations and former Acquaintances and Friends, who were unitedly rejoiced at the happy Event of once more seeing and conversing with them.

The next Day, being the twenty-eighth Day of the ninth Month, 1782, they arrived at Byberry, the Place of their Nativity, and the Residence of their nearest Connexions and Friends, where Eli­zabeth and her Children were once more favoured with the agreeable Opportunity of seeing and con­versing with her ancient Mother, together with their other nearest Relatives and Friends, to their mutual Joy and Satisfaction; under which happy Circumstance we now leave them.