Extracts from Capt. V. R's Note Book. May 11, 1797. At Fort Washington dined in Company with the General and other officers at the Lieut. Governors. At Fort Washington I found the men of my old troop dismounted. I had not seen the fine fellows since the great battle in which they bore a distinguished part. The meeting was as unexpected as gratifying. I immediately, on the 12th passed over to Lexington, Ky., to facilitate, superintend and expedite the purchase of horses to mount my men, and in a few days reported myself and troop ready for duty having arrived at Lexington on the morning of the 14th and left in the afternoon of the 18th and reached Georgetown 12 miles after having forwarded the horses for my Troop, and on the 20th reached Fort Washington through a continual rain for 30 miles. 21st. The horses arrived at the river, Lieut. Ball with thirty Dragoons went over and took charge of them. I crossed with him and receipted for them. 22nd. They were crossed in tolerable order and without confusion. The two or three following days, the Blacksmiths were employed in Shoeing of them, and the Tarrier in trimming and Physicing them, whilst myself closely engaged in getting every thing in readiness for the March &c. 25th. Assorted the horses to their Riders and on the 26th, were for the first time mounted, and after being inspected by the Commander-in-Chief crossed the Ohio and encamped on its bank opposite Cincinnati, to prevent the frequent cases of drunkenness in the Troop. This day Captain Isaac Guion received orders to descend the River to Natchez in Mississippi, but did not go until the day after. Captain Ford's company also received orders this day and the General descended the River to the mouth of the Miami to the Camp of the 4th Regiment under the command of Colonel Butler intended for Knoxville, and returned on the day following when Captain Guion Sailed for the post of Natchez. In compliance with my orders received to day, I am exercising my Troop and in a few days will be ready to start. [The equivocal conduct of the Spanish authorities of Louisiana in relation to the treaty of limits &c. induced General Wilkinson to reinforce our military posts on the Mississippi river; and for this service he selected Captain Isaac Guion, an officer of tried confidence and approved intelligence, who had served with General Montgomery before Quebec, and possessed great energy of character."] Sir, General Wilkinson to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Head Quarters, Fort Washington, May 26, 1797. You are, this day, to cross the Ohio river, with your troop, and to commence your march for Knoxville, in the state of Tennessee, without one moments unnecessary delay. You will proceed by easy marches, on the most convenient road for Fort Blount, on the Cumberland river. Should you discover on your approach to, or arrival at this place, that the Indians are hostilely disposed, you are to fall back, either to Nashville, or take some intermediate secure position, where your cavalry can be well subsisted, and wait the arrival of Lieut. Col. Commandant Butler, whose orders you are to receive. But should you find the Indians in a state of tranquility, you will proceed on to Knoxville, with due military precaution and on your arrival there, will report to the senior officer on that station, and require quarters and subsistence for your men and horses, where you are to wait the arrival of Col. Butler, unless otherwise disposed of under the authority of the President. Wishing you an agreeable tour, I remain with much friendship your obedient servant, Ja: Wilkinson Captain Van Rensselaer. General Wilkinson was appointed deputy adjutant general by Gen. Gates, and, after the surrender of Burgoyne, congress made him a brigadier general by brevet. Congress was so overjoyed at the surrender, they allowed Col. Wilkinson, the messenger of the glad tidings, to stand upon their floor and announce the fact. Extracts from Capt. V. R's Note Book. June 4th. Remained until this day in the family of the General Lieut. Ball with the Troop on duty. The General, Inspectors and other Officers visited our camp and reviewed the Troop; in the evening I returned with them and remained until the afternoon of the 5th When I received my Orders to march, and took leave of the General and others. This morning we commenced our march and reached Reads on the Dike Ridge the 20 Miles. Seven of the men were drunk and one lost his sword, for which he received thirty Lashes, and another Six for his carelessness in losing his canteen. 6th. In the morning commenced our March and reached Little Station at 4 oclock P.M. without any accident happening, here Lieut. Ball joined me with Dispatches from the Commander-in-Chief for Knoxville &c, went to day 20 Miles. 7th. Left the Troop under the Command of Lt. Ball and proceeded onward with my Servant and one Dragoon to Lexington 40 miles, with a view to forward him on express if a Citizen of confidence could not be had, and reached that Town about sunset, and proceeded to accomplish the business. 8th. Dispatched the Dragoon Express, and then was employed in Scouring the Country to form our Encampment &c. 9th. The Troop arrived and took possession of a beautiful spot two miles from Lexington. Several of the men intoxicated and three did not join this day which will be all the worse for them. 10th. The men joined. Corporal Joiney I reduced to the ranks and ordered him to receive 25 Lashes for disobedience of orders. Maynard, Culin and Jackson received 50 Lashes each for leaving the Troop and getting drunk. 11th & 12th. Dined with the citizens who are very attentive and friendly to the officers. There are frequent parties visiting our Camp. The Saddlers and Blacksmiths are employed constantly in the necessary repairs of the Troop. 13th. The Volunteer Troop of horse, gives us a grand and pleasant Barbecue; theirs is a pretty Scarlet with Black and Silver lace. The social entertainment in the open air gave a day spent in harmony and friendship. 14th. Mr. Brown, brother to a Senator in Congress, with his Wife and a number of fine agreeable young ladies honored us with a pleasant visit. 15th. A Ball was given in honour of the Cloth, but not feeling much inclined for such amusements I declined going but I requested Lieut. Ball to attend, which he did. Capt. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My Lovely Harriot, Dragoon Camp, Lexington, Ky., June 14, 1797. * * I have taken possession of a beautiful piece of ground in a sequestered spot two miles from Lexington, and have formed a pretty Camp. The Ladies and gentlemen of the City pay us frequent visits, a large party are to be out to day. It is 9 o'clock A. M., I have ordered the Trumpeter to sound for Roll call. I must attend. While I lived with General Wilkinson in his family at Fort Washington, as an evidence of his confidence, not one single order was given me for the Police or discipline of my Troop. I was left to make such a disposition as I thought proper, it gives me pleasure that my little experience has placed me beyond the unpleasant reflection of inadequacy. Since I have been here, I have received letters from the General, amongst other things he says, Deliver the enclosed to Col. Butler when you meet, and send forward the letter for Knoxville in such a way as your discretion shall direct, it is of importance. Life and Laurels my dear Boy to you." The letter I have forwarded by a confidential sergeant. 5 o'clock P. M. The expected party, my lovely Harriot, have been here, they were quite agreeable, and I did the honors to the best of my skill June 15th. This morning it rained a little which prevented my moving, but it has now cleared off, and have given directions to have every thing in readiness for that purpose in the morning, a little more time can I only devote to you. The Ball is Postponed until this evening in consequence of the rain. Lieut. Ball is now making preparations for the occasion, but for my part, I am off; the perusal of your affectionate letter will, by far, give me more pleasure. I have an elegant pair of bays, these with a fine sleigh and then what pleasure will I have with my Harriot. Jake takes good care of them and behaves well, he is a fine boy and makes an excellent body servant, you will hardly know him. I draw provisions for him by order of the General. I wrote this letter at different times as I could find opportunity, or be spared from the duty of the Troop, it is written on my knee, I need not make any apology for inaccuracy in it. Mr. Ball is just going to Town and I must close, with the cruel word Adieu. SOL. VAN RENSSELAER. Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill, Albany. Extracts from Capt. Van Rensselaer's Note Book. June 16th. Every thing being again ready for a march, the tents were struck and baggage packed. At ten oclock commenced our move through Lexington on the head waters of Elkhorn river, with about 900 inhabitants. Our cavalry passed on in handsome order; the streets were crowded with gaping citizens ex pressing their entire approbation" at the beautiful sight," as they were pleased to term it. The full uniform and dragooner's heavy sword always carry their peculiar charm; perhaps it is owing to the satisfaction felt in knowing how nicely they can slash through the wily Indian skull, just like cutting into a round ripe pumpkin in successful warfare! After a walker of 20 Miles encamped at a hot headed Democrats. 17th. Reached Danville twenty miles more after crossing the Kentucky and Dicks' River; a heavy rain accompanied us this day. The high rocks or precipices being 400 feet high of Dick river are wonderful; some of the banks are of lime stone and other of white marble; they are covered with large groves of red cedar, the banks high on both sides. 18th. It rained fast all day; our clothes being wet, we continued in camp, and were treated with much Civility by the Citizens. 19th. Two pack horses were missing and could not be found; proceeded to William Shaws, found a fine meadow for our horses. 23rd. Having procured provisions and forage we left Shurmans, and after two miles passed through the small town of Greensburgh and 12 miles further brought us to the little Barren river, thence to the Blue Spring grove where we encamped. The streams from some of these springs are quite as brinish as ocean water; the deer and other animals come to these licks to lap up the salt. The land here for eight miles at least may be called very barren in every sense of the word; the Soil is stony, the grass is long and coarse affording but little subsistence for cattle. Save small scopes of timber in a few places, nothing but scrubby oaks are visible. The extent of this piece of most extraordinary land is 100 miles each way, it is extremely unpleasant in warm weather and even dangerous to travelers. There are many curious caves of miles in length with singular pillars and arches; there was also a spring on Green river the water of which was very much like oil and burnt with a fine light. 24th. Encamped at Sinking Creek; for 13 miles the water was very bad, nauseous with sulphur and the land same as yesterday with very singular cavities; the Creek disappears for some miles. 26th. Found the 4th Regiment under Col. Butler encamped at the Forks of the road from Nashville I therefore advanced three miles from them and encamped at Major Wilson's 26 miles from our last encampment, where I got some excellent timothy and corn for the horses and Indian meal for the men, rain all this day. 27th. Proceeded in the rain four miles to Gen. Winchesters, where I purchased seven days provisions and Forage. This is the Cumberland Settlements and the richest soil I ever beheld. The Fourth Regiment encamped near us, only a creek dividing the camps. Col. Butler to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Sir, Please give the Corporal a Pass to travel the Caney-fork road to South-west Point. I have notified the Officer at that post of your movements, and directed Capt. Sharks to provide for the Dragoons until they receive your orders to Join. June 28th 1797. Your Humble Servt. THOS. BUTLER L. Gen. 4th U. S. Regt. The Regiment moved before sunrise fifteen miles. My Troop continued in Camp until near 12 o'clock, being detained by rain, when it ceased the line of march was taken up. Being obliged to have on hand a quantity of provisions and forage to last us for 150 miles (not burgagable to get any at the Stations in the wilderness) I directed the Dragoons to march on foot to save the horses. The road being through a rich country and a continual thicket of cane-brake; it was very muddy in consequence of the rain. 29th. Early in the morning moved through rain and over intolerable roads, passed the Infantry encampment, who remained there for the day; the Country was rich and well timbered. Crossed the beautiful River Cumberland at the Caney-fork ferry and formed our Camp on the South Bank thereof, between the large Caney Branch and this river, fifteen miles. This River is very deep and consequently the current not rapid. 30th. Moved early in the morning, the Dragoons still on foot but the road being over a light hilly ridge the traveling is better. The beautiful waterfalls among the hills over which we had passed and the high cliffs was an impressive scene. Passed the Line (two miles south east) between the United States and the Cherokee Indians where we encamped having gone twenty-five miles. July 1st. Our route to day lay through a Barren Country for about six miles to the forks of the Caney-fort and Fort Blount roads at the foot of the Cumberland Mountain. Capt. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. * My Lovely Harriot, Dragoon Encampt. July 11th 1797. I reached Knoxville the place of my destination on the 5th Inst. after a long march of six Hundred miles, which I performed in one month precisely from Fort Washington. Not being pleased with my situation in Town, and Col. Butler with the Fourth Regiment not soon expected, I moved on the 6th to this place two miles from it, formed my Camp and built fine strong Stables which has engrossed all my time. * * My Troop is to be stationary near this place. The Country is beautiful and healthy, the river scenery exceedingly fine; the mountains and valleys have great natural wonders, and all is most agreeable to me. Every thing drives on smoothly about me, not a man or horse have I lost on the march or here. The Fourth Regiment have lost several by desertion etc; in about ten days they will be here, when my Troop will probably take its position at Telico Block House 30 miles distant. The pleasing hope of receiving a number of letters from you on my arrival in this state, made me bear with greater fortitude the fatigues of so long a march, but Col. Butler is now daily expected and I hope on the first of September I will leave this, never to return more if you are only spared to me. My time is almost constantly employed in the Police and discipline of my Troop, business and company leave but little for writing. I have this moment received a letter from Colonel Butler advising me of his arrival at the Confluence of the Tennessee and Clinch Rivers, forty miles from here, in a few days he will be here, possibly before this leaves me on next Wednesday by the mail. Under the Knoxville head of the inclosed paper you will find my name mentioned, it will please you and so I send it on. I have a beautiful pair of Moccasins for you, and from this will see I intend to make a little squaw of you. I must stop with this attempt at a little liveliness, it does not correspond with my feelings. Let me not look back to past scenes, it is too distressing; instead of finding the happy Harriot to welcome me with a tender embrace on my return from short visits on business I must attend to the dull routine of camp duty and then roused from my broken slumbers by the Trumpet before daylight in the morning. The Commissioners are proceeding with amicableness in the limit line survey, and my furlough will allow me to leave, if not necessarily required here. May you not be disappointed in spending your Birthday, Sept. 3, with me, we will celebrate it together, aud may you see many days equally happy with your doting Husband and |