| After Isaac rejoined Fort George, New York, he completed his three years of military service. He was discharged in 1780 with a pension of $30 per year. |
| Written by Isaac Webster, Sergeant, Green Mountain Boys Militia |
This captivity narrative was first printed in 1808 in an early Vermont magazine with the title The Mental Repast:
Rays of Light from the Sun of Science Reflected from the Northern Section of the American Union by a
Number of Friends of Learning.
Rays of Light from the Sun of Science Reflected from the Northern Section of the American Union by a
Number of Friends of Learning.
Fort George is in Lake George, Washington Co., New York. It was used during the
French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812-1815. It is north of
Rensselaer County, east of Saratoga and Warren Counties, and just south of Essex
Co.
French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812-1815. It is north of
Rensselaer County, east of Saratoga and Warren Counties, and just south of Essex
Co.
| Isaac Webster Born: January 7, 1755 in Connecticut to Joseph Josiah Webster and Martha Adams. Genealogy: his father was Joseph Josiah (son of) George (son of) Thomas (son of) Governor John Webster IV. Wife: Anna Robinson Children: Anna, Sarah, Joseph, Persis, Ruth, Mercy, Harriet and Isaac R. Webster. At the time Sgt. Isaac Webster was taken prisoner, he already had suffered a broken arm, previously hit by two musket balls. Military Pension: Received for wounds (battle, Hubbardton, VT) lost pension for having too much land, then received it again later. Died: January 28, 1827 in Bennington, VT. |
I and Another Soldier are Captured by Indians
On August 21, 1779, Silas Canfield and myself (both belonging to Col. Seth Warner's regiment stationed at Fort George)
were walking in the pasture near the fort to look at our horses and give them some salt. We were surprised by a number
of Indians who lay in ambush behind a growth of shrubs and bushes watching the movements at the fort. The Indians,
finding us clearly within their reach, rose and fired upon us, but through the goodness of Providence, neither of us received
any injury from their shot. Finding we were not hurt, they rushed us with great impetuosity, and being completely
surrounded and unarmed, we became the victims of their daring enterprise, within plain sight of the fort.
Having forced us to surrender, they hurried us into the thicket for the purpose of examination, where, forming a circle
around us, they began their inquiry relative to the situation of the fort, etc. During the inquisition, one of the fiercest of them
stepped forward and clapped the muzzle of his gun to my breast, swearing that immediate death should be my portion if I
did not tell them the truth. Among other questions, they asked me how many men were in the fort. I told them that I did
not actually know, but should suppose there might be as many as three hundred.
They concluded by asking me whether I thought troops from the fort would pursue them, and I answered that it was
altogether probable to me that they would. Having thus finished their examination, they fell to rummaging through our coat
pockets and belongings in quest of plunder. In my pocketbook they found one hundred and seventy dollars, Continental
money. But while they were exulting over this part of their booty, I slipped my hand into my trousers pocket and took
from thence a purse containing a few guineas, and dropped it privately into a hollow stump, against which I stood. By this
means, I saved some money to serve a desirable purpose in future exigencies — as this narrative will describe.
The firing of the Indians was heard in the fort, and probably our surrender observed, as we were in plain sight. The alarm
being given, a party was sent out with all possible expedition to pursue the Indians and to afford us relief if practicable.
The Indians, perceiving the movements at the fort, prepared for immediate flight. They appointed us each a master, whom
we were commanded to follow (on the penalty of instantaneous death) in case they were attacked on the retreat. But they
so hastened their flight, and so artfully pursued their course, as to elude the vigilance of our men. They avoided an
engagement and carried us off in triumph.
The Flight Through the Wilderness & Choice of Liberty or Bondage
In this flight, they compelled me to run nearly two miles thro' an almost impassable tract, by which time, being
unfortunately without shoes and stockings, my feet were so wounded by the roughness of the way as to be literally in a
gore of blood. Conceiving it impossible to hold out much longer amidst the cragged stones and piercing briars that
continued to obstruct our passage and rendered our traveling tedious and difficult; I called upon them to halt for a few
moments, and showing my wounded feet, pleaded for mercy. And here I must acknowledge that he who tempers the
chilling blasts to the shorn lamb, so tempered the naturally ferocious hearts of these rough sons of nature that they listened
to my complaints and gave me a pair of moccasins which I gladly accepted, and then proceeded with them on the retreat.
The reader will excuse a short digression, the effect of painful recollection. No person can conceive the distress of my
mind at this trying crisis. In the prime of active life, when my heart palpitated with the ardent hopes of seeing better days;
when I had looked forward to the time (which I thought could not be far distant) when I should have the happiness to
congratulate my brethren in arms on the return of peace, and enjoy with them the fruits of that liberty for which we had
fought and bled: in the midst of these pleasing prospects, to be torn from the bosom of my country, from the embraces of
my friends, from the pleasures of civilized society, and in an unexpected manner hurried into captivity by savage foes
whose tender mercies I had ever conceived to be cruelty — this was a reverse almost too severe for my fortitude as a
man, or my patient endurance as a soldier. But to return to my narration…
We continued our march toward Canada on the west side of Lake George until dark.
The Indians then made a halt and concluded to rest during the night. Here they sat down around a small fire which they
struck up for the purpose of lighting their pipes, and after smoking out two or three pipes apiece, they begun to think
about securing us for the night. They requested us, however, to make an oath that we would not attempt to escape from
them, promising us at the same time, as a reward for our fidelity, that we should be free from bonds, should fare as they
fared, and be treated like brethren. Silas Canfield complied with their request, and had the liberty to sleep unbound. But I
refused to comply, choosing rather to be secured than to be guilty of perjury, as I was determined to escape from them if
Providence favored me with an opportunity.
A very distressing scene ensued, upon my deciding not to swear to them. They ordered me to lie down on my back,
which having done, they took a small cord, put it round my neck, and fastened it to a stake, which they had driven into the
ground for that purpose. They then caused me to extend my arms, as far as I could, and fastened them by the wrists, as
they had done my head, to stakes driven into the ground. Two of the Indians then lay down, one on each side of me, with
their tomahawks in their hands and their bodies across my arms.
Thus I was secured during the night, and a long and painful night it was. My arms were benumbed by their unnatural
position, and by the weight of the two Indians bore upon them, and my face and hands were left to the mercy of the gnats
and mosquitoes, which had the liberty to augment my suffering by fattening undisturbed on my blood.
So great were my sufferings on this memorable night that the recollection of them is still attended with painful emotions.
Notwithstanding the lapse of nearly thirty years, not a vestige of the trying scene is obliterated from my remembrance, not
a circumstance is buried in forgetfulness. Even now, in my state of security, when reclined on the pillow of ease, I am
sometimes awakened having imagined I had seen in my perturbed slumbers, the savage warrior with his uplifted
tomahawk, menacing me with instantaneous and horrid death.
But I must return to my history, a brief relation of the principal incidents which occurred during my captivity. The next
morning we renewed our march and traveled as far as North West Bay: Here the Indians killed a deer and permitted us to
regale ourselves in common with them, on the fortune of the chase. We had indeed a plenteous repast which was
peculiarly welcome, from its being the first supply we had since we were so unhappy as to be made prisoners. At this
place, likewise, we found another Indian, whom the party had left behind them on their march to the fort, and who had
procured some flour and other necessaries for the march back.
Having finished their repast, and suitably disposed of their supplies, the Indians again set out and traveled as far as Rogers'
Rock, at which place they again thought proper to put up for the night. Here again I had the offer of an exemption from
bonds if I would swear fidelity to them during the march; but still indulging the hope of finding an opportunity to escape, I
refused the oath and was consequently obliged to experience a renewal of the distressing confinement of the night
preceding.
Early the next morning, we laid our course for Crown Point, resting one night on the way, when again refusing to swear to
be true to the Indians, I had a third time to endure the distressing confinement which I had before experienced. The next
day we reached Crown Point, where the Indians hailed a British vessel and obtained a fresh supply of provisions, and then
embarked in their boats for Canada. At night we all went on shore near the Split Rock, where they again encamped, and
once more offered me my liberty in case I would swear to be true to them and not leave them.
Having now lost all hopes of being rescued from them by our men, or of being able to effect my own liberation on the
march, and being moreover apprehensive that it would be more than I could endure, to be confined in so disagreeable a
manner through the march as I had been the three preceding nights, I took the oath they tendered, and had the happiness
to find that they faithfully performed what they had solemnly engaged.
They gave me more liberty than I could reasonably expect while a prisoner, and treated me
with at least as much humanity as they did each other. After a relation of what I had endured the three nights preceding, it
will readily be perceived, that this was a night of peculiar refreshment to me. As soon as morning appeared, the Indians
took boat here and proceeded by water to Canada, going on shore every night to lodge.
The Hessian [German] Deserters
Nothing worthy of particular notice occurred during our voyage until we reached a small bay near the Canada line. Soon
after entering this bay, the Indians discovered a canoe, which they pursued and in a short time overtook: There were four
men on board of it, whom they found to be Hessian deserters, endeavoring to effect their escape into the United States.
Upon making this discovery, all the native ferocity of the Indians became apparent. In a few moments they sunk the canoe
of the Hessians, dragged the poor wretches by the hair of their heads out of the water, into their own boat, threatened
them with immediate death and prepared with horrid yells and menacing gestures to execute their denunciation.But when
the system of vengeance appeared arranged, and the murderous tomahawks were upraised for slaughter, the Humane
Interpreter threw himself between the furious warriors and their intended victims, and partly by the energy of his arm, but
more by the persuasiveness of his eloquence, dissuaded them from their bloody purpose and preserved the lives of the
newly acquired prisoners.
But though He had saved their lives, He could not fully screen them from the barbarity of their captors. They dragged
them ashore, robbed them of all their money (amounting to thirty-six dollars in gold), stripped them almost entirely of their
clothes, and bound them hand and foot; after which throwing them into their boat, they shaped their course for the Isle
Aux Noix where the British had a small fort.
At this island we all went on shore in order to refresh ourselves, and here I had the good fortune to be very politely
treated by the British commandant, who invited me into the fort, welcomed me to the entertainment of his table, and
conversed with me in a courteous manner. The Indians were not permitted to enter the fort, which gave them great
offence, tho' they did not treat me with any neglect or severity on that account after I was returned to them. From this
place we sailed to St. Johns, where we drew a small quantity of provisions and some rum. From thence we proceeded to
La Prairie, where we put up for one night, and where for our better accommodation, the Indians divided into two
companies and lodged in separate houses.
A Rum Induced Fight & Arrival in the Indian Village
On August 21, 1779, Silas Canfield and myself (both belonging to Col. Seth Warner's regiment stationed at Fort George)
were walking in the pasture near the fort to look at our horses and give them some salt. We were surprised by a number
of Indians who lay in ambush behind a growth of shrubs and bushes watching the movements at the fort. The Indians,
finding us clearly within their reach, rose and fired upon us, but through the goodness of Providence, neither of us received
any injury from their shot. Finding we were not hurt, they rushed us with great impetuosity, and being completely
surrounded and unarmed, we became the victims of their daring enterprise, within plain sight of the fort.
Having forced us to surrender, they hurried us into the thicket for the purpose of examination, where, forming a circle
around us, they began their inquiry relative to the situation of the fort, etc. During the inquisition, one of the fiercest of them
stepped forward and clapped the muzzle of his gun to my breast, swearing that immediate death should be my portion if I
did not tell them the truth. Among other questions, they asked me how many men were in the fort. I told them that I did
not actually know, but should suppose there might be as many as three hundred.
They concluded by asking me whether I thought troops from the fort would pursue them, and I answered that it was
altogether probable to me that they would. Having thus finished their examination, they fell to rummaging through our coat
pockets and belongings in quest of plunder. In my pocketbook they found one hundred and seventy dollars, Continental
money. But while they were exulting over this part of their booty, I slipped my hand into my trousers pocket and took
from thence a purse containing a few guineas, and dropped it privately into a hollow stump, against which I stood. By this
means, I saved some money to serve a desirable purpose in future exigencies — as this narrative will describe.
The firing of the Indians was heard in the fort, and probably our surrender observed, as we were in plain sight. The alarm
being given, a party was sent out with all possible expedition to pursue the Indians and to afford us relief if practicable.
The Indians, perceiving the movements at the fort, prepared for immediate flight. They appointed us each a master, whom
we were commanded to follow (on the penalty of instantaneous death) in case they were attacked on the retreat. But they
so hastened their flight, and so artfully pursued their course, as to elude the vigilance of our men. They avoided an
engagement and carried us off in triumph.
The Flight Through the Wilderness & Choice of Liberty or Bondage
In this flight, they compelled me to run nearly two miles thro' an almost impassable tract, by which time, being
unfortunately without shoes and stockings, my feet were so wounded by the roughness of the way as to be literally in a
gore of blood. Conceiving it impossible to hold out much longer amidst the cragged stones and piercing briars that
continued to obstruct our passage and rendered our traveling tedious and difficult; I called upon them to halt for a few
moments, and showing my wounded feet, pleaded for mercy. And here I must acknowledge that he who tempers the
chilling blasts to the shorn lamb, so tempered the naturally ferocious hearts of these rough sons of nature that they listened
to my complaints and gave me a pair of moccasins which I gladly accepted, and then proceeded with them on the retreat.
The reader will excuse a short digression, the effect of painful recollection. No person can conceive the distress of my
mind at this trying crisis. In the prime of active life, when my heart palpitated with the ardent hopes of seeing better days;
when I had looked forward to the time (which I thought could not be far distant) when I should have the happiness to
congratulate my brethren in arms on the return of peace, and enjoy with them the fruits of that liberty for which we had
fought and bled: in the midst of these pleasing prospects, to be torn from the bosom of my country, from the embraces of
my friends, from the pleasures of civilized society, and in an unexpected manner hurried into captivity by savage foes
whose tender mercies I had ever conceived to be cruelty — this was a reverse almost too severe for my fortitude as a
man, or my patient endurance as a soldier. But to return to my narration…
We continued our march toward Canada on the west side of Lake George until dark.
The Indians then made a halt and concluded to rest during the night. Here they sat down around a small fire which they
struck up for the purpose of lighting their pipes, and after smoking out two or three pipes apiece, they begun to think
about securing us for the night. They requested us, however, to make an oath that we would not attempt to escape from
them, promising us at the same time, as a reward for our fidelity, that we should be free from bonds, should fare as they
fared, and be treated like brethren. Silas Canfield complied with their request, and had the liberty to sleep unbound. But I
refused to comply, choosing rather to be secured than to be guilty of perjury, as I was determined to escape from them if
Providence favored me with an opportunity.
A very distressing scene ensued, upon my deciding not to swear to them. They ordered me to lie down on my back,
which having done, they took a small cord, put it round my neck, and fastened it to a stake, which they had driven into the
ground for that purpose. They then caused me to extend my arms, as far as I could, and fastened them by the wrists, as
they had done my head, to stakes driven into the ground. Two of the Indians then lay down, one on each side of me, with
their tomahawks in their hands and their bodies across my arms.
Thus I was secured during the night, and a long and painful night it was. My arms were benumbed by their unnatural
position, and by the weight of the two Indians bore upon them, and my face and hands were left to the mercy of the gnats
and mosquitoes, which had the liberty to augment my suffering by fattening undisturbed on my blood.
So great were my sufferings on this memorable night that the recollection of them is still attended with painful emotions.
Notwithstanding the lapse of nearly thirty years, not a vestige of the trying scene is obliterated from my remembrance, not
a circumstance is buried in forgetfulness. Even now, in my state of security, when reclined on the pillow of ease, I am
sometimes awakened having imagined I had seen in my perturbed slumbers, the savage warrior with his uplifted
tomahawk, menacing me with instantaneous and horrid death.
But I must return to my history, a brief relation of the principal incidents which occurred during my captivity. The next
morning we renewed our march and traveled as far as North West Bay: Here the Indians killed a deer and permitted us to
regale ourselves in common with them, on the fortune of the chase. We had indeed a plenteous repast which was
peculiarly welcome, from its being the first supply we had since we were so unhappy as to be made prisoners. At this
place, likewise, we found another Indian, whom the party had left behind them on their march to the fort, and who had
procured some flour and other necessaries for the march back.
Having finished their repast, and suitably disposed of their supplies, the Indians again set out and traveled as far as Rogers'
Rock, at which place they again thought proper to put up for the night. Here again I had the offer of an exemption from
bonds if I would swear fidelity to them during the march; but still indulging the hope of finding an opportunity to escape, I
refused the oath and was consequently obliged to experience a renewal of the distressing confinement of the night
preceding.
Early the next morning, we laid our course for Crown Point, resting one night on the way, when again refusing to swear to
be true to the Indians, I had a third time to endure the distressing confinement which I had before experienced. The next
day we reached Crown Point, where the Indians hailed a British vessel and obtained a fresh supply of provisions, and then
embarked in their boats for Canada. At night we all went on shore near the Split Rock, where they again encamped, and
once more offered me my liberty in case I would swear to be true to them and not leave them.
Having now lost all hopes of being rescued from them by our men, or of being able to effect my own liberation on the
march, and being moreover apprehensive that it would be more than I could endure, to be confined in so disagreeable a
manner through the march as I had been the three preceding nights, I took the oath they tendered, and had the happiness
to find that they faithfully performed what they had solemnly engaged.
They gave me more liberty than I could reasonably expect while a prisoner, and treated me
with at least as much humanity as they did each other. After a relation of what I had endured the three nights preceding, it
will readily be perceived, that this was a night of peculiar refreshment to me. As soon as morning appeared, the Indians
took boat here and proceeded by water to Canada, going on shore every night to lodge.
The Hessian [German] Deserters
Nothing worthy of particular notice occurred during our voyage until we reached a small bay near the Canada line. Soon
after entering this bay, the Indians discovered a canoe, which they pursued and in a short time overtook: There were four
men on board of it, whom they found to be Hessian deserters, endeavoring to effect their escape into the United States.
Upon making this discovery, all the native ferocity of the Indians became apparent. In a few moments they sunk the canoe
of the Hessians, dragged the poor wretches by the hair of their heads out of the water, into their own boat, threatened
them with immediate death and prepared with horrid yells and menacing gestures to execute their denunciation.But when
the system of vengeance appeared arranged, and the murderous tomahawks were upraised for slaughter, the Humane
Interpreter threw himself between the furious warriors and their intended victims, and partly by the energy of his arm, but
more by the persuasiveness of his eloquence, dissuaded them from their bloody purpose and preserved the lives of the
newly acquired prisoners.
But though He had saved their lives, He could not fully screen them from the barbarity of their captors. They dragged
them ashore, robbed them of all their money (amounting to thirty-six dollars in gold), stripped them almost entirely of their
clothes, and bound them hand and foot; after which throwing them into their boat, they shaped their course for the Isle
Aux Noix where the British had a small fort.
At this island we all went on shore in order to refresh ourselves, and here I had the good fortune to be very politely
treated by the British commandant, who invited me into the fort, welcomed me to the entertainment of his table, and
conversed with me in a courteous manner. The Indians were not permitted to enter the fort, which gave them great
offence, tho' they did not treat me with any neglect or severity on that account after I was returned to them. From this
place we sailed to St. Johns, where we drew a small quantity of provisions and some rum. From thence we proceeded to
La Prairie, where we put up for one night, and where for our better accommodation, the Indians divided into two
companies and lodged in separate houses.
A Rum Induced Fight & Arrival in the Indian Village
| Green Mountain Boys: A paramilitary group organized in western Vermont, forming the basis of the Vermont Militia. The Green Mountain Boys was comprised of settlers and land speculators who held New Hampshire titles to land between the Connecticut River and Lake Champlain (what is now Vermont). New York was given control of the area by a decision of the British crown and refused to respect the New Hampshire Grants and town charters. The Green Mountain Boys effectively prevented the Albany, NY government from exercising its authority in the northeast portion of the Province of New York. |
There we met with some difficulty, for two of the Indian chiefs having made too free with their rum, became quarrelsome, and from words proceeding
to engagement with their knives would doubtless have occasioned bloodshed in the house where I was quartered. But at the moment of attack, the
interpreter sprang and seized one of the combatants, and — inspired by his example — I instantly seized the other and brought them to an agreement
to settle their difficulties over a new bottle.
But in the other house, the party was less fortunate, for or a quarrel arising there likewise between two Indians.A fight ensued. One of them received
so severe a wound as in three days to die.
Early the next morning, we were conducted in triumph to Caghnawaga, an Indian village at some distance from La Prairie, the Indians shouting all the
way to announce their good success and the number of prisoners they had brought with them.
At a small distance from the town, we were met by the principal part of the male inhabitants, which occasioned us to take a short halt. The villagers
expressed great joy on the return of their friends and upon the presenting of their prisoners, as the trophies of their victory, the transports became
indescribable. Their mode of congratulation was more pleasing, by far, to the savage villagers than acceptable to us, for they obliged us all to run the
gauntlet. In this unwelcome ceremony, both Canfield and myself were so fortunate as step ahead of our file leaders and run as for or our lives, so that
the blows intended for or us principally fell on them, to make them keep up with us. But the poor Hessians, we were informed, were beaten very
severely and sent immediately to the regiment from which they deserted, where they were tried by court-martial and sentenced to a still more rigorous
punishment than that which was inflicted upon them by their copper-colored captors.
After having passed through the ceremony of the gauntlet, we were taken into the town and, being considered as under the guaranty of our oaths of
fidelity, we were treated by the Indians with singular humanity during our further stay in Caghnawaga -- which was only two days and two nights.
Our next remove was across the river St. Lawrence to a place called Lasheen, from whence we were conducted to Montreal; where immediately
upon our arrival we were conducted into a large building, fitted up with seats for the accommodation of the Indians, and were admitted to the
enjoyment of refreshment in common with them. But while we were regaling ourselves freely with wine and water, the king of the Mohawks entered
the room, took a seat with his subjects, partook of their wine and water, and discoursed freely with them for or about half an hour, when rising from
his seat and advancing up to me, he addressed me nearly as follows: "You, and your countrymen are rebels; you have rebelled against the great king;
you have driven us from our seat on the Mohawk and forced us to come here, where we are compelled to dwell in tents."
Then, turning to Canfield, he addressed him in nearly the same manner, and after having finished his harangue, he gave
each of us a very heavy blow on the back of the head with his clenched fist, saying, "This is to bid you welcome to Canada."
Such treatment from savages, the extent of whose singularities and usages we were strangers to, and did not incline to become acquainted with;
Canfield and myself applied to their Col. whose name was Close, to obtain redress. He accordingly took us from them and confined us for three days
in an upper chamber of the house we were in where we were comfortably supplied with necessaries and suffered no real inconvenience except the
privation of liberty.
In this situation we congratulated each other on our release from the whims and power of the Indians and indulged in the hope that some propitious
overture of providence would grant us further relief and enable us again to behold the faces of our friends and to embrace our families with great
affection.
After we had been confined three days, Col. Close came to our room and addressed us nearly as follows, "You have, by me, been relieved from the
Indians, and it is my wish to do you further kindnesses as far as by duty will permit. I therefore came from principles of humanity to inform you what
my duty enforces upon me, and to give you advice in the case.
"In the first place, it is my duty to send you to headquarters, at Quebec, where you will be put in close confinement in a prison of which I cannot give
you a very agreeable account either as to its convenience or cleanliness. You will be kept, if you live, until exchanged — which is a very unlikely
event, or until the end of the war — a period impossible to be ascertained, but by no means likely to happen this two or three years, unless your
countrymen should come to a sense of their duty, and return to their allegiance.
"The case therefore stands thus: you have got to go to Quebec, and there to lie in close confinement in a dreary prison for at least eighteen months, or
you can obtain your liberty by your own voluntary act.
"You are young men, and it would really be a pity to throw yourselves into a hopeless state of imprisonment at the risk of your lives and with the
likelihood of great injury to your constitutions (health); while liberty, good living, and good pay awaits you by enlisting into a corps of loyalists to serve
his majesty in erecting necessary fortifications in this province.
"You have now a fair chance, gentlemen, to enjoy liberty or to throw yourselves into close confinement, perhaps for life; and I give you an hour to
converse together and make your choice freely."
The Prisoners Enter the King's Service
The Col. then left us and we talked the matter over between ourselves, placing it in every point of view our capacities would admit, and the result was
that upon the return of the Col. we both enlisted and were, in consequence, immediately sent to Sorel, about forty-five miles down the river from
Montreal, to join a regiment of loyalists.
At this place we continued in the king's service about 20 days, in which time our task was very severe and our prospect of escape dark and gloomy.
We had, by enlisting, only made an election of one out of two evils, and not with the remotest intention of continuing in the service any longer than
until an opportunity of escape should offer. For to live among the enemies of our country and to be assisting them in their plans for carrying on an
unjust war, in no wise accorded with our feelings, as we had from sentiment become soldiers in the cause of the United States, and as warmly as
sentimentally, espoused the cause of liberty.
We therefore formed a resolution, to free ourselves from our recent engagement, as speedily as circumstances would admit, but how this could be
effected, was a question often agitated in our minds, and a source of great perplexity and unquiet.
We were constantly under the watch of numerous jealous eyes; we were entirely destitute of clothing, except a military suit, which might lead to
detection in case we were pursued; we had no compass to guide us through a trackless wilderness, which spread itself before us more than a hundred
miles, nor any provisions to satisfy the calls of nature, while performing so long a journey, except a scanty pittance we might possibly save from our
rations. All these things presented themselves to our view with undesirable aspect, and Canfield was apt to consider them as insurmountable
obstacles, to the completion of our designs. Under great depression of spirits, therefore, he determined to resign to fate, return to his duty as a British
soldier, and fearing the consequences which might ensue, should our scheme be detected, or ultimately prove abortive, to leave entirely to me the plan
and its execution.
Mr. Webster Plans to Escape
Inspired with hopes of success, however, and determined to risk my life, rather than remain in a service in every way so abhorrent to my feelings, I
immediately set about making preparations for our flight, not doubting but that Canfield would conquer his timidity, and agree to accompany me,
when my schemes were ripe for execution.
In order to elude the vigilance of the jealous eyes that I was conscious were continually upon me, I feigned myself sick, and unable to do duty. Our
captain being informed of my indisposition, ordered a physician to call on me, and, if necessary, prescribe some medicine, to promote my recovery.
He accordingly came, examined into my case, left me a little physic, and happily did not detect the imposition.
On account of this, my pretended indisposition, I was free from duty for two days; and in this period I obtained an order from the Captain, under the
plea of being unfit to attend to any other duty, to obtain clothing for both Canfield and myself, to the amount of our wages due, and also drew six
day's rations apiece, on the ground of being ordered for fatigue service, for some time on the fortifications.
Having effected these necessary preparations, and got everything in readiness for our intended flight, as far as the nature of the case would allow, I
informed Canfield what I had done, and that I waited only for the approach of night, to put my plan into execution. Canfield approved of the
procedure, and readily expressed a willingness to share with me, in every difficulty and danger which might occur, in the further prosecution of the
design.
The Prisoners Escape During the Night
Night at length came on, and a dark and dreary time it was, attended with a heavy rain, and considerable wind. In common cases these circumstances
would have been unpleasant, but to us they were agreeable, as it rendered our track the more obscure, and the sentinels the less vigilant on their
stands. In this obscurity, therefore, we passed out between the sentries, and made directly for a swamp, about three miles distance, where we lay
concealed all the next day.
The next night we resumed our flight, laying our course for the Chamblee mountains, which we reached in five days, after an unremitted series of toil
and suffering, and obstructed by storms of rain and snow; the former of which, however, though tedious to endure, by obliterating our tracks,
rendered our escape more certain; but in all this time we had not dared to make a fire, either to dry our clothes, or to dress any food; but here,
considering ourselves out of the usual course of pursuit by our enemies, we ventured to strike up a fire to warm our benumbed limbs, dry our clothes,
and cook the remains of our provisions.
Having here refreshed ourselves and for a short space rested our weary limbs, we descended from the mountain, and kept our course, through the
swamp and low land, till we came to the river opposite St. John's, where to our serious alarm, we observed the footprints of a scout of Indians, who
from attendant circumstances, we became convinced, had been sent out in pursuit of us. Upon making this alarming discovery, we changed our route,
and kept nearer to the lake, forcing our way through a dismal swamp, for the space of nearly thirty miles in the whole course of which it was with
difficulty that we found a dry spot, whereon to repose our weary bodies, during one solitary night.
Mr. Webster and Mr. Canfield Argue About What Direction to Take (Hardships in the Wilderness)
While passing through this swamp, an altercation took place between Canfield and myself about the point of compass we were steering. Canfield
contended that we had turned about and were marching directly towards the enemy. I did everything in my power to undeceive him, except to
accompany him in the direction of his choice far enough to convince him of his mistake.
That I dared not do, as it was impossible to decide what time or unnecessary trouble it would cost us, while life would be hazarded in every step. But
all my reasoning proving ineffectual, we separated, and each pursued our own chosen path.
Those only who have been in an equal dilemma have anything of an adequate conception of the melancholy sensations we experienced in this trying
hour. To be left alone in a howling wilderness, far from the probability of human aid in case any accident should befall us, and mutually impressed with
the additional distressing idea, that the other was forcing his way towards punishment or inevitable death, was a situation calculated to excite
commiseration and call forth every degree of fortitude.
Summoning to my aid, therefore, every power of my mind, and exerting the remaining vigor of my limbs, I resolutely recommenced my journey,
trusting for direction and support to that beneficent Providence, which is capable of conducting the pilgrim through the labyrinths of nature and guiding
him to the haven of his hopes. But I had not proceeded very far when, looking back, to my great joy, I perceived Canfield making towards me in
rapid haste. I immediately halted until he came up, when finding he had got thoroughly convinced of his error, we pursued our journey again in
company to the bay near the mouth of the Pike River.
Having arrived at Pike River, we were arrested in our progress until we could form a raft capable of bearing us across: we sat about it immediately,
but our operations, though zealously engaged in, were weak, for our provisions were exhausted, our vigor impaired, and our spirits languid. A
beneficent providence was, however, displayed toward us, in this as in numerous other incidents on our tedious tour.
While we were engaged in the construction of our raft, we found upon the bank of the river part of a fish, which we devoured raw after making as
equal a division of it as possible. The recollection is still recent in my memory. Its taste was delicious to us at that moment, as the best prepared and
most curiously seasoned dish could possibly be to the high fed epicure.
After crossing this river, we kept round the bay, through the woods, until we reached the Missisque river, where we were again necessitated to
construct a raft in order to effect a passage.
Having performed this business, faint, waysore and hungry, we directed our march towards the river La Moille, which we reached on the 12th day of
our travel, having effected it on six day's provision. Our situation now became truly distressing. We had no kind of stores (supplies), were still
encircled by a howling wilderness, yielding very little for our comfort or sustenance; nearly overcome by fatigue, and many long miles yet before us.
We were at times almost overcome by despondency, and oppressed with the apprehension that we should perish in the woods, even in the
neighborhood of our friends.
But here the kindness of heaven was again manifested in our case; for when nearly sinking under an accumulated train of distressing incidents, a
small otter was thrown in our way, which we caught, and ate with a most voracious appetite and greatly to our
comfort and refreshment.
The Two Prisoners Return to Their Families and Comrades
At Brandon, we found inhabitants friendly to the cause of their country and willing to administer to our wants and relieve our distresses. They received
us courteously, listened to a recital of our past troubles and toils with commiseration, and gave us every refreshment our weakness and necessity
required.
From Brandon, we proceeded to Pittsford, and from thence to Fort Edward by the way of Skeensborough. Here Canfield, to his great joy, found his
wife and family all in good health, whose feelings at meeting him again can scarcely be described, as it was almost like beholding one restored to them
again from the dead. From Fort Edward we proceeded to Fort George, from whence we had been taken, and rejoined our respective companies.
Our comrades received us with every possible mark of affection and regard, and our joy at meeting was evidently reciprocal. After the first emotions
had subsided, and I had sufficiently recruited my strength, I went and found my money which I had dropped into a hollow stump at the time the
Indians were rifling me, which was an agreeable supply to my necessities, and after nineteen days of as severe suffering and toil as human nature is
generally capacitated to sustain, I once more enjoyed the happiness of being encircled by friends, united in the cause of freedom, and zealous to
secure the liberty and independence of my country.
to engagement with their knives would doubtless have occasioned bloodshed in the house where I was quartered. But at the moment of attack, the
interpreter sprang and seized one of the combatants, and — inspired by his example — I instantly seized the other and brought them to an agreement
to settle their difficulties over a new bottle.
But in the other house, the party was less fortunate, for or a quarrel arising there likewise between two Indians.A fight ensued. One of them received
so severe a wound as in three days to die.
Early the next morning, we were conducted in triumph to Caghnawaga, an Indian village at some distance from La Prairie, the Indians shouting all the
way to announce their good success and the number of prisoners they had brought with them.
At a small distance from the town, we were met by the principal part of the male inhabitants, which occasioned us to take a short halt. The villagers
expressed great joy on the return of their friends and upon the presenting of their prisoners, as the trophies of their victory, the transports became
indescribable. Their mode of congratulation was more pleasing, by far, to the savage villagers than acceptable to us, for they obliged us all to run the
gauntlet. In this unwelcome ceremony, both Canfield and myself were so fortunate as step ahead of our file leaders and run as for or our lives, so that
the blows intended for or us principally fell on them, to make them keep up with us. But the poor Hessians, we were informed, were beaten very
severely and sent immediately to the regiment from which they deserted, where they were tried by court-martial and sentenced to a still more rigorous
punishment than that which was inflicted upon them by their copper-colored captors.
After having passed through the ceremony of the gauntlet, we were taken into the town and, being considered as under the guaranty of our oaths of
fidelity, we were treated by the Indians with singular humanity during our further stay in Caghnawaga -- which was only two days and two nights.
Our next remove was across the river St. Lawrence to a place called Lasheen, from whence we were conducted to Montreal; where immediately
upon our arrival we were conducted into a large building, fitted up with seats for the accommodation of the Indians, and were admitted to the
enjoyment of refreshment in common with them. But while we were regaling ourselves freely with wine and water, the king of the Mohawks entered
the room, took a seat with his subjects, partook of their wine and water, and discoursed freely with them for or about half an hour, when rising from
his seat and advancing up to me, he addressed me nearly as follows: "You, and your countrymen are rebels; you have rebelled against the great king;
you have driven us from our seat on the Mohawk and forced us to come here, where we are compelled to dwell in tents."
Then, turning to Canfield, he addressed him in nearly the same manner, and after having finished his harangue, he gave
each of us a very heavy blow on the back of the head with his clenched fist, saying, "This is to bid you welcome to Canada."
Such treatment from savages, the extent of whose singularities and usages we were strangers to, and did not incline to become acquainted with;
Canfield and myself applied to their Col. whose name was Close, to obtain redress. He accordingly took us from them and confined us for three days
in an upper chamber of the house we were in where we were comfortably supplied with necessaries and suffered no real inconvenience except the
privation of liberty.
In this situation we congratulated each other on our release from the whims and power of the Indians and indulged in the hope that some propitious
overture of providence would grant us further relief and enable us again to behold the faces of our friends and to embrace our families with great
affection.
After we had been confined three days, Col. Close came to our room and addressed us nearly as follows, "You have, by me, been relieved from the
Indians, and it is my wish to do you further kindnesses as far as by duty will permit. I therefore came from principles of humanity to inform you what
my duty enforces upon me, and to give you advice in the case.
"In the first place, it is my duty to send you to headquarters, at Quebec, where you will be put in close confinement in a prison of which I cannot give
you a very agreeable account either as to its convenience or cleanliness. You will be kept, if you live, until exchanged — which is a very unlikely
event, or until the end of the war — a period impossible to be ascertained, but by no means likely to happen this two or three years, unless your
countrymen should come to a sense of their duty, and return to their allegiance.
"The case therefore stands thus: you have got to go to Quebec, and there to lie in close confinement in a dreary prison for at least eighteen months, or
you can obtain your liberty by your own voluntary act.
"You are young men, and it would really be a pity to throw yourselves into a hopeless state of imprisonment at the risk of your lives and with the
likelihood of great injury to your constitutions (health); while liberty, good living, and good pay awaits you by enlisting into a corps of loyalists to serve
his majesty in erecting necessary fortifications in this province.
"You have now a fair chance, gentlemen, to enjoy liberty or to throw yourselves into close confinement, perhaps for life; and I give you an hour to
converse together and make your choice freely."
The Prisoners Enter the King's Service
The Col. then left us and we talked the matter over between ourselves, placing it in every point of view our capacities would admit, and the result was
that upon the return of the Col. we both enlisted and were, in consequence, immediately sent to Sorel, about forty-five miles down the river from
Montreal, to join a regiment of loyalists.
At this place we continued in the king's service about 20 days, in which time our task was very severe and our prospect of escape dark and gloomy.
We had, by enlisting, only made an election of one out of two evils, and not with the remotest intention of continuing in the service any longer than
until an opportunity of escape should offer. For to live among the enemies of our country and to be assisting them in their plans for carrying on an
unjust war, in no wise accorded with our feelings, as we had from sentiment become soldiers in the cause of the United States, and as warmly as
sentimentally, espoused the cause of liberty.
We therefore formed a resolution, to free ourselves from our recent engagement, as speedily as circumstances would admit, but how this could be
effected, was a question often agitated in our minds, and a source of great perplexity and unquiet.
We were constantly under the watch of numerous jealous eyes; we were entirely destitute of clothing, except a military suit, which might lead to
detection in case we were pursued; we had no compass to guide us through a trackless wilderness, which spread itself before us more than a hundred
miles, nor any provisions to satisfy the calls of nature, while performing so long a journey, except a scanty pittance we might possibly save from our
rations. All these things presented themselves to our view with undesirable aspect, and Canfield was apt to consider them as insurmountable
obstacles, to the completion of our designs. Under great depression of spirits, therefore, he determined to resign to fate, return to his duty as a British
soldier, and fearing the consequences which might ensue, should our scheme be detected, or ultimately prove abortive, to leave entirely to me the plan
and its execution.
Mr. Webster Plans to Escape
Inspired with hopes of success, however, and determined to risk my life, rather than remain in a service in every way so abhorrent to my feelings, I
immediately set about making preparations for our flight, not doubting but that Canfield would conquer his timidity, and agree to accompany me,
when my schemes were ripe for execution.
In order to elude the vigilance of the jealous eyes that I was conscious were continually upon me, I feigned myself sick, and unable to do duty. Our
captain being informed of my indisposition, ordered a physician to call on me, and, if necessary, prescribe some medicine, to promote my recovery.
He accordingly came, examined into my case, left me a little physic, and happily did not detect the imposition.
On account of this, my pretended indisposition, I was free from duty for two days; and in this period I obtained an order from the Captain, under the
plea of being unfit to attend to any other duty, to obtain clothing for both Canfield and myself, to the amount of our wages due, and also drew six
day's rations apiece, on the ground of being ordered for fatigue service, for some time on the fortifications.
Having effected these necessary preparations, and got everything in readiness for our intended flight, as far as the nature of the case would allow, I
informed Canfield what I had done, and that I waited only for the approach of night, to put my plan into execution. Canfield approved of the
procedure, and readily expressed a willingness to share with me, in every difficulty and danger which might occur, in the further prosecution of the
design.
The Prisoners Escape During the Night
Night at length came on, and a dark and dreary time it was, attended with a heavy rain, and considerable wind. In common cases these circumstances
would have been unpleasant, but to us they were agreeable, as it rendered our track the more obscure, and the sentinels the less vigilant on their
stands. In this obscurity, therefore, we passed out between the sentries, and made directly for a swamp, about three miles distance, where we lay
concealed all the next day.
The next night we resumed our flight, laying our course for the Chamblee mountains, which we reached in five days, after an unremitted series of toil
and suffering, and obstructed by storms of rain and snow; the former of which, however, though tedious to endure, by obliterating our tracks,
rendered our escape more certain; but in all this time we had not dared to make a fire, either to dry our clothes, or to dress any food; but here,
considering ourselves out of the usual course of pursuit by our enemies, we ventured to strike up a fire to warm our benumbed limbs, dry our clothes,
and cook the remains of our provisions.
Having here refreshed ourselves and for a short space rested our weary limbs, we descended from the mountain, and kept our course, through the
swamp and low land, till we came to the river opposite St. John's, where to our serious alarm, we observed the footprints of a scout of Indians, who
from attendant circumstances, we became convinced, had been sent out in pursuit of us. Upon making this alarming discovery, we changed our route,
and kept nearer to the lake, forcing our way through a dismal swamp, for the space of nearly thirty miles in the whole course of which it was with
difficulty that we found a dry spot, whereon to repose our weary bodies, during one solitary night.
Mr. Webster and Mr. Canfield Argue About What Direction to Take (Hardships in the Wilderness)
While passing through this swamp, an altercation took place between Canfield and myself about the point of compass we were steering. Canfield
contended that we had turned about and were marching directly towards the enemy. I did everything in my power to undeceive him, except to
accompany him in the direction of his choice far enough to convince him of his mistake.
That I dared not do, as it was impossible to decide what time or unnecessary trouble it would cost us, while life would be hazarded in every step. But
all my reasoning proving ineffectual, we separated, and each pursued our own chosen path.
Those only who have been in an equal dilemma have anything of an adequate conception of the melancholy sensations we experienced in this trying
hour. To be left alone in a howling wilderness, far from the probability of human aid in case any accident should befall us, and mutually impressed with
the additional distressing idea, that the other was forcing his way towards punishment or inevitable death, was a situation calculated to excite
commiseration and call forth every degree of fortitude.
Summoning to my aid, therefore, every power of my mind, and exerting the remaining vigor of my limbs, I resolutely recommenced my journey,
trusting for direction and support to that beneficent Providence, which is capable of conducting the pilgrim through the labyrinths of nature and guiding
him to the haven of his hopes. But I had not proceeded very far when, looking back, to my great joy, I perceived Canfield making towards me in
rapid haste. I immediately halted until he came up, when finding he had got thoroughly convinced of his error, we pursued our journey again in
company to the bay near the mouth of the Pike River.
Having arrived at Pike River, we were arrested in our progress until we could form a raft capable of bearing us across: we sat about it immediately,
but our operations, though zealously engaged in, were weak, for our provisions were exhausted, our vigor impaired, and our spirits languid. A
beneficent providence was, however, displayed toward us, in this as in numerous other incidents on our tedious tour.
While we were engaged in the construction of our raft, we found upon the bank of the river part of a fish, which we devoured raw after making as
equal a division of it as possible. The recollection is still recent in my memory. Its taste was delicious to us at that moment, as the best prepared and
most curiously seasoned dish could possibly be to the high fed epicure.
After crossing this river, we kept round the bay, through the woods, until we reached the Missisque river, where we were again necessitated to
construct a raft in order to effect a passage.
Having performed this business, faint, waysore and hungry, we directed our march towards the river La Moille, which we reached on the 12th day of
our travel, having effected it on six day's provision. Our situation now became truly distressing. We had no kind of stores (supplies), were still
encircled by a howling wilderness, yielding very little for our comfort or sustenance; nearly overcome by fatigue, and many long miles yet before us.
We were at times almost overcome by despondency, and oppressed with the apprehension that we should perish in the woods, even in the
neighborhood of our friends.
But here the kindness of heaven was again manifested in our case; for when nearly sinking under an accumulated train of distressing incidents, a
small otter was thrown in our way, which we caught, and ate with a most voracious appetite and greatly to our
comfort and refreshment.
The Two Prisoners Return to Their Families and Comrades
At Brandon, we found inhabitants friendly to the cause of their country and willing to administer to our wants and relieve our distresses. They received
us courteously, listened to a recital of our past troubles and toils with commiseration, and gave us every refreshment our weakness and necessity
required.
From Brandon, we proceeded to Pittsford, and from thence to Fort Edward by the way of Skeensborough. Here Canfield, to his great joy, found his
wife and family all in good health, whose feelings at meeting him again can scarcely be described, as it was almost like beholding one restored to them
again from the dead. From Fort Edward we proceeded to Fort George, from whence we had been taken, and rejoined our respective companies.
Our comrades received us with every possible mark of affection and regard, and our joy at meeting was evidently reciprocal. After the first emotions
had subsided, and I had sufficiently recruited my strength, I went and found my money which I had dropped into a hollow stump at the time the
Indians were rifling me, which was an agreeable supply to my necessities, and after nineteen days of as severe suffering and toil as human nature is
generally capacitated to sustain, I once more enjoyed the happiness of being encircled by friends, united in the cause of freedom, and zealous to
secure the liberty and independence of my country.
Historical Biography: The Captivity of
Isaac Webster
Isaac Webster
Glynn Patrick & Associates: Capturing Forever
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| Congress tried to demand that George Washington take control of Vermont, but he had bigger problems with the British. |
Led by Brigadier General
and cousin Col. Seth
Warner, the Green
Mountain boys fought in
major Revolutionary War
battles. Seth Warner was
based at the Catamount
Tavern in Bennington, close
to Albany.
and cousin Col. Seth
Warner, the Green
Mountain boys fought in
major Revolutionary War
battles. Seth Warner was
based at the Catamount
Tavern in Bennington, close
to Albany.
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