ories were under less control, and
could easily assemble undiscovered. Nevertheless, twenty-seven of them
were taken and sent to Hartford, in Connecticut, but they were
afterwards released. These and others of the same description,
instigated by revenge against the Americans, from whom some of them had
suffered banishment and loss of property, made common cause with the
Indians, and attacked the Wyoming settlement with their combined forces,
estimated at 1,100 men, 900 of whom were Indians. The whole was
commanded by Colonel John Butler, a Connecticut Tory. One of the forts
which had been constructed for the security of the inhabitants, being
very weak, surrendered to this party; but some of the garrison had
retired to the principal fort at Kingston, called Forty Fort. Colonel
John Butler next demanded the surrender thereof. Colonel Zebulon Butler,
a continental officer, who commanded, sent a message to him, proposing a
conference at a bridge without the fort. This being agreed to, Colonel
Zebulon Butler, Dennison, and some other officers repaired to the place
appointed, and they were followed by the whole garrison, a few invalids
excepted. None of the enemy appeared. The Wyoming people advanced, and
supposed that the enemy were retiring. They continued to march on till
they were about three miles from the fort. They then saw a few of the
enemy, with whom they exchanged a few shots; but they presently found
themselves ambuscaded and attacked by the whole bodies of Indians and
Tories. They fought gallantly, till their retreat to the fort was cut
off. Universal confusion ensued. Out of 417 who had marched out of the
fort, about 360 were instantly slain. No quarter was given. Colonel John
Butler again demanded the surrender of Forty Fort. This was agreed to,
under articles of capitulation, by which the effects of the people
therein were secured to them. The garrison, consisting of thirty men and
two hundred women, were permitted to cross the Susquehanna, and retreat
through the woods to Northampton county. The most of the other scattered
settlers had previously retired, some through the woods to Northampton,
others down the river to Northumberland. In this retreat, some women
were delivered of children in the woods, and many suffered from want of
provisions. Several of the settlers at Wyoming had erected good houses
and barns, and made considerable improvements. These and the other
houses in the vicinity were destroyed. Thei