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Carlisle, June 3, 1774.
HONOURABLE SIR: I have been lately over the mountains as far as Westmoreland Court House, about thirty
It is a pity to lose that fine country; I believe there will be an Indian war, and therefore we ought to be prepared for it in time; I make no doubt but the Governour will call the Assembly in order to take proper measures for the protection of our back country. It is certain that a party of Shawanese are out on the frontiers, and it is the general opinion that they will strike some part of Virginia. There is one Camphell killed near Newcomer' s Town, and it is feared that the traders in the Shawanese country are cut off. White Eyes is returned to Fort Pitt, and says that the Delaware Indians are well disposed, but the Shawanese are determined on war. Mr˙ Croghan, I find, has deserted the Virginia cause, although I have little dependance on him, yet he is capable of doing mischief; a number of the principal people over the mountains have agreed to raise one hundred men to range from Fort Pitt to Ligonier. The inhabitants of what is called the town of Fort Pitt is about to stockade it in, and to have no connection with Mr˙ Conolly. A fort is to be built at Hanna' s, thirty miles this side Pittsburgh, one at Captain Proctor' s, seven miles from Hanna' s, and one at Ligonier, but the want of ammunition is a very great discouragement. There is a great number of men in that country, and I think were they properly encouraged would be able to make a stand. I flatter myself that you will exert yourself on this occasion.
I am, honourable sir, your very humble servant,
JOHN MONTGOMERY.
P˙ S. This and a letter for his Honour goes by express from this place. I hope his expenses will be paid by Government.
Letter from John Montgomery, Carlisle, to William Allen
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miles this side of Pittsburgh. There is nothing to be seen but desolation and distress; hundreds of families are flying to the interior parts of the Province; those who would willingly make a stand are discouraged for want of ammunition and arms; which articles they cannot be supplied in only from Philadelphia, and I beg you would use your endeavours with those gentlemen who have the disposing of the public money, if there be any to send a supply of arms and ammunition.