Tryon County Committee to the Communitees of Schenectady and Albany

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Canajoharie, July 13, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: Mr˙ Ebenezer Cox informed this Board that Mr˙ Peter S˙ Deygert told this informant that he was informed by a person who we have reason to think has it from good authority, that Col˙ Johnson was ready with eight or nine hundred Indians to make an invasion of this County; that the same Indians were to be under the command of Joseph Brand and Walter Butler; and that they were to fall on the inhabitants below the Little Falls, in order to divide the people in two parts; and were to march yesterday or the day before.

Captain Jacob Klock informed this Board, that this morning about an hour before day, three Indians of Fort Hunter came to his house from Oswego, in their way home; that he was informed by a free negro man, a servant of him, that they each had a bag of powder on their horses; that they stayed about an hour, and then went off in great haste. From these and other concomitant circumstances, we have but too much reason to think it is true, and that all our enemies in this country will appear in arms against us, as soon as the Indians are nigh to us, which from the above information, we must expect in a few days.

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We have sent off a party of people by way of a scout, to find out, if possible, the route of the Indians, and to give us early intelligence.

Our ammunition is so scant, that we cannot furnish three hundred men so as to be able to make a stand against so great a number. In these deplorable circumstances, we look up to you for assistance, both in men and ammunition, to save this country from slaughter and desolation, which we beg you will not be backward to afford us as soon as possible.

We have ordered some of our companies up towards the Little Falls, who are to keep scouting parties out, and we intend to keep sitting until such time as we can be convinced of our safety.

This is the more alarming to us, as we shall be obliged in a few days to begin with our harvests; men are therefore absolutely necessary.

We beg of you to forward this by express to Albany, and copies from there to the Provincial Congress and to General Schuyler. Mr˙ Deygert was obliged to promise not to disclose the person' s name who informed him of the above; but be assured that the person is well acquainted with the Indians, and therefore, if found out, is in great danger.

We are, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servants. By order,

CHRISTOPHER P˙ YATES.