supposed we came upon our private business &<= -- he sent us to the coujuKindant who entered our names, and offered us a pass to go ovt-r to the British side, which we accepted. Quite fatigued we were hnppy to find a tavern, and something to eat ; a few hours sleep brought me again to myself. Tliis fort is now garrisoned by the 5^i» regiment, commanded formerly by Earl Piercey, and had the honour of dancing yankee doodle on the plains of Cambridge, 19th April 1775. The commander of the fort is a Col. Smith. The day after our arrival we crossed the river Erie to the town of Ni.igara v*here probably tne Brilish fort will be built, when the present one is given up. We met Col. B.l This is the man who dill po much t'xecntio.n in the late war with the Indians, upon the Mohawk river, Schohary and Cherry Valley. We found him holding a council with a body of chiefs who were at Philadelphia

1 qu. Col. Butler ?

WESTERN NEW- YORK. 1109

in April last, informing him what they had done there. A M^ Johnson, some relation of the famous Sir John Johnson, interpreter to the Indians was also present ; and I have no doubt remaining but they elTaced every favourable impression made on their minds by presents from Congress. I see enough to convince me of the absurdity of our endeavours to hold the Savages by presents, while the British are situated at Detroit, Niagara, &«. They have all their clothing, cooking utensils, ammunition, &<= served almost as regularly as the troops in garrison ; if they want provisions, they get it free.