men so intimidated the inhabitants, that they gave up the matter of fighting.  Great numbers ran off, and others would comply with the terms that I had refused.  The enemy sent flags frequently—­the terms you will see in the enclosed letter.  They repeatedly said they had nothing to do with any but the inhabitants, and did not want to treat with me.  Colonel Dennison, by desire of the inhabitants, went and complied,—­which made it necessary for me and the little remains of Captain Hewitt’s company to leave the place.  Indeed it was determined by the enemy to spare the inhabitants after their agreement, and that myself and the few continental soldiers should be delivered up to the savages.  Upon which I left the place, and came scarcely able to move, as I have had no rest since I left Yorktown.  It has not been in my power to find a horse or man to wait on the board till now.  I must submit to the board what must be the next step.  The little remains of Hewitt’s company (which are about fifteen) are gone to Shamoken, and Captain Spalding’s company, I have heard, are on the Delaware.  Several hundred of the inhabitants are strolling in the country destitute of provisions, who have large fields of grain and other necessaries of life at Westmoreland.  In short, if the inhabitants can go back, there may yet be saved double the quantity of provisions to support themselves, otherwise they must be beggars, and a burthen to the world.

I have heard from men that came from the place since the people gave up, that the Indians have killed no person since, but have burnt most of the buildings, and are collecting all the horses they can, and are moving up the river.  They likewise say the enemy were eight hundred, one-half white men.  I should be glad that, if possible, there might be a sufficient guard sent for the defence of the place, which will be the means of saving thousands from poverty—­but must submit to the wisdom of congress.  I desire farther orders from the honourable board of war with respect to myself, and the soldiers under my direction.

I have the honour to be

Your Honour’s most obedient, humble servant,

ZEBULON BUTLER.]

[Sidenote:  Colonel Dennison capitulates for the inhabitants.]

Further resistance was impracticable, Colonel Dennison proposed terms of capitulation, which were granted to the inhabitants.  It being understood that no quarter would be allowed to the continental troops, Colonel Butler with his few surviving soldiers fled from the valley.

[Sidenote:  Distress of the settlement.]

The inhabitants generally abandoned the country, and, in great distress, wandered into the settlements on the Lehigh and the Delaware.  The Indians, as is the practice of savages, destroyed the houses and improvements by fire, and plundered the country.  After laying waste the whole settlement, they withdrew from it before the arrival of the continental troops, who were detached to meet them.