CHAPTER VIII.

HIGHLAND SETTLEMENT ON THE MOHAWK.

Sir William Johnson--Highlanders Preferred--Manner of Life--Changed State of Affairs--Sir John Johnson--Highlanders not Civic Officers--Sir John Johnson's Movements Inimical--Tryon County Committee to Provincial Congress--Action of Continental Congress--Sir John to Governor Tryon--Action of General Schuyler--Sir John's Parole--Highlanders Disarmed--Arms Retained--Highland Hostages--Instructions for Seizing Sir John--Sir John on Removal of Highlanders--Flight of Highlanders to Canada--Great Sufferings--Lady Johnson a Hostage--Highland Settlement a Nest of Treason--Exodus of Highland Women--Some Families Detained--Letter of Helen McDonell--Regiment Organized--Butler's Rangers--Cruel Warfare--Fort Schuyler Besieged--Battle of Oriskany--Heroism of Captain Gardenier--Parole of Angus McDonald--Massacre of Wyoming--Bloodthirsty Character of Alexander McDonald--Indian Country Laid Waste--Battle of Chemung--Sir John Ravages Johnstown--Visits Schoharie with Fire and Sword--Flight from Johnstown--Exploit of Donald McDonald--Shell's Defence--List of Officers of Sir John Johnson's Regiment--Settlement in Glengarry--Allotment of Lands--Story of Donald Grant--Religious Services Established 196