CHAPTER V.

Gloomy opening of the year--Distresses of the army--Revolt of the Pennsylvania line--Negotiations--Revolt of the New Jersey troops--Arnold's expedition to Virginia--Progress of the war at the South--Distresses at the North--Active movements of Brant in the Mohawk country--Meditated attack upon the Oneidas--Letter of Colonel Claus--Destitution of the country--Letter of General Schuyler--Destruction of Fort Schuyler by fire and flood--Suspicions of design--General Clinton's correspondence respecting that catastrophe--Hostile indications in the North--Indications of extensive treachery--Arrest of the disaffected at Ballston and its vicinity--Bearing of Washington in adversity--Colonel Willett appointed to the command of the Mohawk District--Slender means at his disposal--Burning of Currie-town--Battle of Durlagh--Defeat of the Indians--Death of Captain McKean--Irruption into Palatine--Willett's letter to Washington--Willett's influence upon the broken militia--Battle near the German Flats--Death of Solomon Woodworth--Story of John Christian Shell--Invasion of Ulster County by Indians and Tories under Captain Cauldwell--Another case of individual bravery--Incidents on the Kentucky border.

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