[dateline] Ticonderoga August. 11th. 1776
[salute] Mrs. Adams
Inclosd I send you a Copy of General Carltons Orders of the 7th. Instant, which we
received by Major Biggelow of Connecticut, who was sent by the Genl. the 28th. ult:
with the Resolutions of Congress, concerning the Carteel stipulated by Genl. Arnold,
at the Cedars, which was, not to
ratify it, unless they would deliver up Capt. Foster and those Officers who were present
and suffered the Savages to Murder the Prisoners in cool Blood.
1 The Flagg arrived, and after a Stay of a few Days, (in which Time was treated with
Politeness) was dispached, with a Party commanded by Capt. Fraizer
[Frazier], to escort him over the Lake.
The Capt. delivered him a Letter, subscribed to George Washington Esqr. He not knowing
the Resolution of Congress in that Respect, altho he greatly disliked the Superscription,
says “I can take it,” at the same Time, the Capt. gave him the inclosed with the Letter,
saying that is for you. But Major Biggelow very discreetly refused it.—The Captain
insisted on the Majors going with him, putting a Sergt. with the Flagg Boat, whom
they had furnished with a Number, and who distributed them to the Men. Thus we have
it, cut and dried, an End to Truces. Mr. How, however was more
[agreea]ble
2 and wished a more free Intercourse with our
[army?].
Now for the Assassination mentioned.—One Lieutenant Whitcomb, in our Army an old Indian
Hunter, was sent on a Scout, and if possible to get a Prisoner. His Party which was
four, by some means all left him, one Deserted to the Enemy. In the Character of a
french Peasant he visited them, after the Desertion however he had like to have been
taken, before he left the Place, he discovered an Officer riding by, as he lay conceald
in the Bushes, and considering him as his enemy and being accustomed to such Things,
having also a great fancy for his Watch and Sword as he says, he fired upon him. Not
killing him Dead on the Spott, he was obliged to make his Escape. It proved to be
no less than Brigadr. Genl. Gordon, who received two Balls in his Shoulder of which
Wound he died next Day. This se[ems] rather Murder, but it is treating them on[ly] in their own Way.
The Malitia are comeing in fast, but am a little surprised they receive such Bounty
for no longer Time, and the Continental Army to pay it who have never received any
and born the whole.
[salute] I am with the greatest Respect your humble Sert.,
[signed] N Rice
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