Highest
possible compliment to the kindness and good intentions of the patriots,
when they deserted their families and left them to face the foe. When
the flight was brought to the attention of General Schuyler, he wrote to
Colonel Dayton, May 27, in which he says:

"I am favored with a letter from Mr. Caldwell, in which he suggests
the propriety of suffering such Highlanders to remain at their
habitations as have not fled. I enter fully into his idea; but
prudence dictates that this should be done under certain
restrictions. These people have been taught to consider us in
politicks in the same light that Papists consider Protestants in a
religious relation, viz: that no faith is to be kept with either. I
do not, therefore, think it prudent to suffer any of the men to
remain, unless a competent number of hostages are given, at least
five out of a hundred, on condition of being put to death if those
that remain should take up arms, or in any wise assist the enemies of
our country. A small body of troops * * may keep them in awe; but if
an equal body of the enemy should appear, the balance as to numbers,
by the junction of those left, would be against us. I am, however, so
well aware of the absurdity of judging with precision in these
matters at the distance we are from one another, that prudence
obliges me to leave these matters to your judgment, to act as
circumstances may occur."[124]

Lady Johnson, wife of Sir John, was taken to Albany and there held as a
hostage until the following December when she was permitted to go to New
York, then in the hands of the British. Nothing is related of any of the
Highlanders being taken at that time to Albany, but appear to have been
left in peaceable possession of their lands.

As might have been, and perhaps was, anticipated, the Highland
settlement became the source of information and the base of supplies for
the enemy. Spies and messengers came and went, finding there a welcome
reception. The trail leading from there and along the Sacandaga and
through the Adirondack woods, soon became a beaten path from its
constant use. The Highland women gave unstintingly of their supplies,
and opened their houses as places of retreat. Here were planned the
swift attacks upon the unwary settlers farther to the south and west.
Agents of the king were active everywhere, and the Highland homes became
one of the resting places for refugees