The author has been since indebted to the same gentleman for a statement of the battle, and of the events which followed it, drawn up by one of the descendants of Colonel Zebulon Butler, to which the certificates of several gentlemen are annexed, who were engaged in the action.  These documents, with one which will be mentioned, convince him that the combined treachery and savage ferocity which have been painted in such vivid colours, in the narratives that have been given of this furious and desolating irruption, have been greatly exaggerated.  Historic truth demands that these misstatements should be corrected.

The other document alluded to, is a letter from Zebulon Butler to the board of war, making his report of the transaction.  The letter has been lately found among his papers, and is copied below.

Grandenhutten, Penn Township, July 10th, 1778.

Honoured Sir,—­On my arrival at Westmoreland, (which was only four days after I left Yorktown,) I found there was a large body of the enemy advancing on that settlement.  On the first of July we mustered the militia, and marched towards them by the river above the settlement,—­found and killed two Indians at a place where the day before they had murdered nine men engaged in hoeing corn.  We found some canoes, &c. but finding we were above their main body, it was judged prudent to return.  And as every man had to go to his own house for his provision, we could not muster again till the 3d of July.  In the mean time, the enemy had got possession of two forts, one of which we had reason to believe was designed for them, though they burnt them both.  The inhabitants had seven forts for the security of their women and children, extending about ten miles on the river, and too many men would stay in them to take care of them; but after collecting about three hundred of the most spirited of them, including Captain Hewitt’s company, I held a council with the officers, who were all agreed that it was best to attack the enemy before they got any farther.  We accordingly marched,—­found their situation,—­formed a front of the same extension of the enemy’s, and attacked from right to left at the same time.  Our men stood the fire well for three or four shots, till some part of the enemy gave way; but unfortunately for us, through some mistake, the word retreat was understood from some officer on the left, which took so quick that it was not in the power of the officers to form them again, though I believe, if they had stood three minutes longer, the enemy would have been beaten.  The utmost pains were taken by the officers, who mostly fell.  A lieutenant colonel, a major and five captains, who were in commission in the militia, all fell.  Colonel Durkee, and Captains Hewitt and Ransom were likewise killed.  In the whole, about two hundred men lost their lives in the action on our side.  What number of the enemy were killed is yet uncertain, though I believe a very considerable number.  The loss of these