CHAPTER X.
Expedition against the Mohawk Valley from Oswego--Despondency of the people in Tryon County--Letter of John Jay--Arrest of several of the disaffected--Flight of others to Canada--Schuyler's complaints of the cowardice of the people--Great discouragements--Proclamation of General Herkimer--Letter from Thomas Spencer--St. Leger's approach--Caution and plan of his march--Diary of Lieut. Bird--Fort Stanwix invested--Colonel Gansevoort takes command--Its deplorable condition--Gansevoort joined by Willett--Story of Captain Gregg--Situation of the garrison--Arrival of St. Leger--His proclamation--Burgoyne's affairs becoming critical--Affair of Bennington--General Herkimer, with the Tryon County militia, advances to the relief of Gansevoort--Battle of Oriskany--Bloody upon both sides--Unexampled bravery of Captain Gardenier--Major Watts--Dissatisfaction of the Indians--Sortie and success of Colonel Willett--Death and character of General Herkimer. 209