Byrd's Expedition towards the Cherokees July 1760 Timetable
William Byrd III doesn't want to do this. He'd rather help the commander at Pittsburg, Monckton, then go into the wilderness facing the Cherokee nation. But, the executive Council of Virginia orders him to proceed with this expedition to save Fort Loudoun (in today's Tennessee) to rescue them from the Cherokees.
Byrd's slow progress in July 1760
On July 3, 1760 William Byrd III arrives at Augusta Courthouse in Virginia, now known as Staunton VA. Militia leader Chiswell ordered by Council 8 July 1760 to collect arms from several counties to supply the Virginia Regiment. On July 11 Byrd tells Gov and Council in a letter that he is at Bryan's and will need posts every 25 miles to the Big Island and a big fort should be built at Big Island. Asks what the Ft Loudon (in today's Tennessee) relief plan is? Should the garrison hold out until he arrives? Is he to reinforce or withdraw/abandon it? On July 18 Byrd, at Camp on Roanoke, writes to Monckton, commander of Pittsburgh, "2/3rds of the mob I command (I cannot call them nothing else) are new rais'd men, who at this moment are neither cloathed or armed..." Byrd mentions Montgomery hit lower towns and only has 30 days provisions must want to raid Loudon and abandon if so. On July 19, 1760 Byrd arrives at Roanoke River.
By this time the Montgomery Expedition has come and gone.
It had its battles with the Cherokees on 1 June 1760 and 29 June 1760.
It destroyed some Cherokee towns.
By 1 July 1760 the Montgomery Expedition is back at Fort Prince George, South Carolina's most forward fort next to Keowee one of the Lower Towns of the Cherokee federation homelands.
By the time Byrd reaches Augusta Courthouse 3 July 1760, the Montgomery Expedition is in Charles Town SC and by August is on ships heading toward New York City.
What are the plans? What should I do?
These are questions asked by Colonel William Byrd III of the Council of 23 July 1760, the upper chamber to the House of Burgesses and advisor to the Governor as well as the colony's final court before matters go to London's Privy Council:
". . . two Letters from Colo . Byrd , the first dated Augusta Court House July 4th signifying his arrival there the day before , and that he shall proceed on Sunday , to the Army - that upon examining the Commissary's Returns of what was provided for the expedition , he finds every Article , except . . .
#185 (p.167)
Executive Journals , Council of Colonial Virginia_167
". . . vastly deficient — inclosing a List of every thing they now have in readiness , and also of such Articles as they can't move with- out , which he has ordered to be provided forthwith ; and that he shall get every thing forwarded according to the best of his ability . the 2d dated Camp at Bryan's July the 11th signifying he thinks it will be necessary to have small Posts all the way out to the Big - Island on Holton's 59 River at 25 Miles distance , sending the distances inclosed and the proper places for such Posts - is of opinion a respectable Fort should be built at the Big - Island , from whence the Cherokees might easily be humbled in the Spring -
Byrd's Questions
desires his Honour's Instructions ,
should the Cherokees intimidated at the preparations carried on against them sue for Peace ,
whether he is to grant it them ,
and on what Terms ?
If he finds by any means the Garrison at Fort Loudoun holds out when he gets to Holston's River ,
and should think they might be brought off by a strong scouting Party , and a forced March when the whole Army could not be marched to their relief with Provisions to support them for any considerable Time ,
whether he may attempt to bring off his Majesty's Troops , and abandon the Fort ?
adding he shall be at a loss for an Interpreter should he take any Prisoners ,
or any Flags of Truce should come in —
inclosing a Return of his Strength -
also a return of the Men recruited by the different Officers ."
Answers to Byrd's Questions:
"Upon which it was the advice of the Council
that his Honour would Order Colo . Byrd
Relieve Fort Loudoun
to proceed with all possible Expedition to the relief of Fort Loudoun , [the one in today's Tennessee]
with what is already provided for his March without any View to a future Campaign —
On building Forts
and signifie to him there is no necessity of erecting any more Forts than one at Big Island , and that a Stockaded Fort to secure the Provisions will be sufficient ,
unless it should be likewise necessary to establish some small Post near Stalnaker's —
Peace approach
In relation to any Offers of Peace
from the Cherokee's , they are of Opinion that , as we act only in the Capacity of Auxiliaries ,
all such Proposals , and the Deputy's who bring them , should be referred to Governour Bull , and M'r Montgomery , but that M'r Byrd may Act in concert with them .
Retrieving Fort Loudoun soldiers
As to bringing off the Garrison they advise that his Honour would direct him to take all possible methods to inform Captain Demeri 59. Probably the Holston River . . . "
#186 (p.168)
168 Executive Journals , Council of Colonial Virginia
" . . of his Approach , and endeavour to learn from him in what manner he can be most serviceable to him , to acquaint him he comes to his relief , to assist him to maintain the Fort to the last Extremity ; or in case he should by a superior Force , or by a scarcity of Provision be obliged to abandon it to secure his retreat -
they [the executive Council] also advised that his Honour [Lt Gov Fauquier] would order one of the Smith's to attend M'r Byrd as Interpreter .
The Rank of Officers for the Cherokee Expedition was this Day settled .
Samuel Meredith 1st Captain
John Posey 2d Captain
James Gunn 3d Captain
James Walker 4th Captain
Charles Scott 5th Captain
John Smith 6th Captain
William Christian 7th Captain [political opponent of William Preston]
[Note: Chiswell is not in this list. He is Militia and not part of the Virginia Regiment. Chiswell informs Council on 8 July 2024 that several Counties have received imported weapons. Council tells Chiswell to purchase them for the Virginia Regiment. Sept 3, 1760, Byrd arrives at Reed Creek
This is known as the abandoned Alexander Sayer's Mill, later to have Fort Chiswell built upon it by Feb 1761. ]
"The Council approved of the Lieutenants being rank'd agreeably to a list produced by the Governour ."
"His Honour was pleas'd to desire the advice of the Council , when would be the most convenient time for the meeting of the Assembly .
Upon which it was their advice , and accordingly Ordered That the Assembly which stands prorouged to the first Tuesday in August next , be further prorogued to the sixth Day of October and that a Proclamation immediately issue for that purpose , and for requiring their Attendance at that time for the dispatch of Business ."
Compiled by Jim Moyer 7/13/2024, update 7/14/2024, 7/15/2024, researched in April 2024
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Table of Contents
Appointments and activity before July 1760
William Byrd III is appointed head of 2nd VA Regiment April 12, 1758 for the Forbes Expedition.
On Dec 1, 1758, 2nd VA Regiment term is ended, leaving only one Virginia Regiment.
On 23 January 1759 William Byrd III is appointed officially to head Virginia Regiment after GW resigns end of 1758.
On March 26. 1759 Byrd is in Philadelphia procurring uniforms.
By the way, Forbes died in Philadelphia 11 March 1759. Byrd might have been at Forbes' funeral services.
The next 3 months are all about supplies, recruits, logistics.
TIMELINE of both Byrd and Montgomery Expeditions
1758
April 12, 1758
William Byrd III appointed head of 2nd VA Regiment for the Forbes Expedition
Dec 1, 1758
2nd VA Regiment term is ended
1759
23 January 1759
William Byrd III appointed officially to head Virginia Regiment after GW resigns end of 1758
March 26. 1759
Byrd in Philadelphia procurring uniforms
By the way, Forbes died in Philadelphia 11 March 1759. Byrd might have been at Forbes' funeral services.
At a Virginia Council held April 21st 1759
Also a Letter from Col. Byrd , dated Philadelphia , March 26th signifying he had employ'd Mr. David Franks to provide the Cloathing for his Regiment according to his Honor's Order - that as he was obliged to advance a Great Deal of Money for that Purpose , he had taken the Liberty of drawing a Bill on him in his Favor for £ 5000 Pensylvania Currency . Source: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015004161017&view=1up&seq=154&q1=fairfax&format=plaintext
October 29, 1759
Col Wm Byrd III and Lt Col Adam Stephen in "Pittsburg", not yet called Fort Pitt.
The Governor was pleased to communicate to the Board , two Letters from Col. Byrd , dated Pittsburg the 29th of Octor .
Also a Letter from Lt. Col. Stephen dated the same Day and Place
Nov 28, 1759
Lt Col Peachey (who is also a second Lt Colonel) is at Augusta Court House
and there are goods and presents for the Cherokees still sitting in Salisbury NC
Council held Dec 12, 1759
Also two Letters from Lt. Col. Peachey , dated Augusta Court - House , the one Novemr . 28th , the other , Decemr . 4th
signifying he apprehends no Danger or Disturbance from the Enemy at present on the Frontiers ; and recommending , when the Men under his Command shall be discharged , to allow them to draw Six or Eight Days Provision to carry them Home , and to pay them as long . Upon which it was the Opinion of the Council , that it would be more eligible to discharge that Battalion , six Days before the Time prescribed by Act of Assembly .
His Honor also communicated a Letter from Governor Lyttelton , dated Charles - Town the 25th of Octor , promising ,
if Matters are brought to a successful Issue , in the Cherokee Nation , to take the first Opportunity of acquainting those who remain with the Goods at Salisbury therewith .
December 1759
Lyttelton's Expedition ends
1760
January - April 1760
Cherokees attack the colonial settlements
Feb 1, 1760
Cherokees kill settlers at Long Cane Massacre in SC
February 16, 1760,
a Cherokee war-party attacked Fort Prince George to free the hostages. The British executed all hostages and repulsed the assault after Lt. Richard Coytmore was killed in an ambush while coming out to parlay with the Cherokees.
Feb/March
Fort 96 attacked in SC
February 21, 1760
Virginia had provided Presents and Supplies for the Cherokees in Salisbury NC.
Virginia had not known yet of the Cherokee attacks violating SC Gov Lyttelton's Treaty.
"...treating his Honor to send a Reinforcement of Men and Provisions to Fort Loudoun as soon as possible , to secure that Post from falling into the Hands of the Indians - adding that he had dispatched an Express to Salisbury in No. Carolina with a Letter to the Store keeper of the Indian - trading - Goods lodged there , belonging to this Province , a Copy of which was inclosed ." Source: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015004161017&seq=169&q1=%22Augusta+Court%22+&start=1
February 24, 1760
Amherst appoints Montgomery
". . . Amherst, commander in chief of the British forces in North America, assigned Archibald Montgomery of 77th Regiment 12 companies of higlanders, totalling 1312 officers and men, to the expedition against the Cherokees."
Page 207 Corkran book
The Cherokee Frontier, Conflict and Survival 1740-1762, by David H Corkran, published by the University of Oklahoma Press 1962).
February 27, 1760
Cherokee attack Fort Dobbs
March 4, 1760
Lt Gov Fauquier announces to House of Burgesses that Jeffrey Amherst is now Governor and Commander in Chief of Virginia.
March 16, 24, 1760
Montgomery's troops ship out to sea From New York and Perth Amboy.
Page 207 Corkran book
March 26, 1760
Cherokee attack Virginia.
The Governor communicated a Letter he received last Week from Col. Maury dated Halifax County March 28th signifying that on the 26th of the said Month he was advised by an Express from Capt . William Satterwhite , living on Smith River , that the Indians had fallen upon the People settled at and near the Confluence of the Dan and Mayo , and taken and killed many Persons ; informing what he had done and intended to do thereupon , till he received his Honor's Instructions . House of Burgesses Journal.
April 5, 6, 1760
Montgomery's troops land on Cooper River above Charlestown (Charleston SC).
Page 208 Corkran book
April 10, 1760
Letter from GW to Richard Washington 10 April 1760:
"...but what may be Montgomery’s Fate in the Cherokee Country I wont so readily determine—It seems he has made a prosperous beginning having penetrated into the Heart of their Country, and is now advancing his Troops in high health and Spirits to the relief of Fort Loudoun—But let him be wary—he has a crafty Subtil Enemy to deal with that may give him most trouble when he least expects it." Source: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-06-02-0260
Also a letter by Alexander to John Ellis 12 April 1760 about Montgomery's expedition.
Page 122 Tortura book
Carolina in Crisis: Cherokees, Colonists, and Slaves in the American .Southeast 1756-1763 By Daniel J. Tortora, published by the University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, 2015.
April 23, 1760
Montgomery's troops start upcountry after delays procurring wagons, supplies, horses.
Page 208 Corkran book
May 2, 1760
Montgomery's troops reach Monck's Corner SC
Page 208 Corkran book
May 9, 1760
[Ensign] Milne [succeeded the killed Lt Coytmore as commander of Fort Prince George] tricked some Cherokee peace makers, taking them hostage. Montgomery thought Milne was wrong in creating further Cherokee distrust, but Montgomery benefited from this. The Cherokees, fearing a new round of hostage killing, held off the Cherokees from planning a successfull ambush of Montgomery's troops
Page 210 Corkran book
May 19, 1760
Lt Gov Fauquier asks the House of Burgesses to help South Carolina's Fort Loudoun (in today's Tennessee).
He speaks of how much money Virginia recieved from the Crown out of the total promised the Southern Colonies and the money recieved from the Crown out of the total promised all the colonies.
Source
May 24, 1760
Montgomery's troops reach Fort Ninety-Six, so named because the surveyor thought the Cherokee town of Keowee was 96 miles away.
Page 208 Corkran book
May 24, 1760
In defense of Byrd's slowness
Upon being ordered to march to the relief of the besieged Fort Loudon Garrison, Byrd wrote Brigadier General Monkton on May 24th, 1760 that "...You will judge of the impossibility of the attempt when I tell you that this fort [Loudon] is six hundred miles beyond our outermost inhabitants & not a post in the whole way; no men are yet levy'd for that purpose, neither are any provisions or carriages engaged. These men [of the Fort Loudon garrison] must unavoidably fall into the hands of the savages who will shew them no mercy." (Correspondence of the Three William Byrds of Westover Virginia 1684-1776 Volume 2). Despite his protests and attempt to resign from the expedition, Byrd did his best to muster a relief party. The experienced Byrd recommended a plan to advance in stages along the lines of the "Protected Advance" utilized by Forbes in the campaign prior. - meaning Forbes built camps and forts around every 25 miles before advancing.
Byrd's ill equipped forces slowly moved southward, many of them without regimental clothing and unarmed. By the time his under-strength regiment was fully armed in late August (with the assistance of Colonel Chiswell), the Garrison at Fort Loudon had already surrendered to the Cherokee and many of the men had been massacred. Byrd continued his route towards the Big Island (Kingsport Tennessee), and advanced parties encountered survivors of the garrison and a party of Cherokees under Attakullakulla (Little Carpenter) who had ransomed Captain Stewart and removed him to the safety of the Virginian's lines.
May 28, 1760
Montgomery's force grows
Troops aim towards Fort Prince George next to the Cherokee Keowee town.
". . . accompanied by 295 rangers, 40 picked men of the provincials, about 12 guides, and 40 or 50 Catawbas, the highlanders set out for Fort Prince George. The force now numbered 1,650 exclusive of Indians and pack horse men."
Page 208 Corkran book
May 29, 1760
Colonel William Byrd III offers to be excused from commanding an expedition to deal with the Cherokee rebellion. That letter is read by the Virginia Executive Council 11 June 1760. They reject his offer to be excused. They must also reply to Monckton, head of Fort Pitt, who had already requested Byrd to lead the 300 Virginia Regiment soldiers at "Pittsburg." They, the Council of Virginia, requests Lt Gov Fauquier to write to Monckton to explain Virginia needs Byrd to head the expedition to save Fort Loudoun (in today's Tennessee), that this is more urgent than the relatively currently relaxed situation at Fort Pitt.
Byrd does offer resignation from total command 2 Dec 1760, but he is ordered to continue on to Stalnaker's. He finally really resigns in August 1761. Adam Stephen takes command in Sept 1761.
Sources:
Pages 56-57, in Norman Baker's book, Fort Loudoun, Washington's Fort in Virginia published in 2000.
June 11, 1760
". . . . a Letter from Colo . Byrd dated Winchester May the 29th - requesting that he may be excused from taking the Command of the Troops raised for the Cherokee Expedition , and to desire the Opinion and Advice of the Council thereupon . The Council were of Opinion that Colo . Byrd was indispensably obliged , while in the Government to pay obedience to the Governours Commands ;
and advised his Honour to give him peremptory Orders to return , if he has not joined the Regulars , and in case he has , that his Honour [Lt Gov Francis Fauquier] would write to General Moncton [current commander at "Pittsburg" building the fort there] , acquainting him how necessary Mr. Byrd's presence here [for the southern expedition to Cherokee lands] will be at this juncture , and desiring he would order him back ;
they further advised his Honour to signify to Colo . Byrd that this Board was surprised and concern'd to learn that the three hundred Men appointed for the Protection of the Southern Frontiers were not yet compleated according to the directions of the Act of Assembly . The Governour acquainting the Council that having great reason to believe the whole body of Men to be rais'd for the Cherokee expedition was already compleat , he proposed , with their Appro- bation , to issue a Proclamation directing the Gentlemen on the recruiting Service not to proceed to inlist more Men , until the returns of those at present inlisted are made to him ; and requiring them to make such returns immediately , and to march their Men . . . ."
#180 (p.162)
Executive Journals , Council of Colonial Virginia
". . . with all speed to the places of Rendezvous : And that he intended , if there should be a surplus of Recruits , to transfer Sixty to the Virginia Regiment to supply the deficiences of that Corps if the Men should be willing to serve in it , for the time they inlisted ."
Source
Executive Journals , Council of Colonial Virginia volume 6
June 23rd
Byrd called down from Fort Bedford, PA (formerly known as Forbes' camp Raystown) to command (in a Sept 16th letter to Abercromby) says was mortified to be told to command “this ill-concerted expedition” Source: https://ofsortsforprovincials.blogspot.com/2020/10/a-timeline-of-virginia-cherokee.html
Montgomery's Expedition
First Blood
June 1, 1760 before Noon
Montgomery's troops reach Twelve Mile Creek in South Carolina.
"Here it expected a Cherokee assault. Troops and wagons must go down a steep bank to the ford and up over rocks to regain the road level. But the crossing proceeded without interruption, and Montgomery believe the Cherokees to be unaware of his approach. He did not know that [Ensign] Milne [succeeded the killed Lt Coytmore as commander of Fort Prince George] held them [the Cherokees] to peace with hostages."
Page 208 Corkran book
Noon to 8pm
Montgomery's troops had already travelled 20 miles. Instead of resting, Montgomery chose to strike. He pushed his army to march 25 miles more, bypassing Cherokee town Keowee adjacent Fort Prince George to strike at Estatoe.
Page 209 Corkran book
2am
Montgomery's troops reached a single log bridging Crow Creek, a quarter of a mile from the Estatoe houses. That's when the Cherokee fired upon them.
Page 209 Corkran book
June 2, 1760 2am to 4pm
Estatoe was destroyed. It had 200 houses, well supplied from all the plunder the Cherokees took from Jan to May 1760.Montgomery's troops went on to destroy Qualareetchee, Conasatchee, and Toxaway. By then at 4pm, Montgomery's troops circled back to the Keowee and Fort Prince George area to rest.
Page 209 Corkran book
36 hours since June 1, 1760
Montgomery's troops had travelled 60 miles, killed 60 to 80 Cherokees, burned 5 villages, taken 40 prisoners.
Page 209 Corkran book
June 15, 1760
Peace Initiatives. Montgomery releases some Cherokee hostages held by Ensign Milne at Fort Prince George to go to the Cherokee towns to discuss peace. Tistoe is one of them.
Byrd's Expedition
Meanwhile, the slow moving Virginians
July 5, 1760
Byrd arrives at Augusta Courthouse in Virginia
Page 130 Tortura book
Carolina in Crisis
But the Virginia Executive Council of 24 July 1760, states 3 July 1760::
". . . two Letters from Colo . Byrd , the first dated Augusta Court House July 4th signifying his arrival there the day before . . . "
July 7
Fort Loudon (TN) garrison runs out of corn
July 9
(in a Sept 16th letter to Abercromby) Byrd says levies/recruits complete but not armed or clothed.
July 11
Byrd tells Gov and Council in a letter that he is at Bryan's and will need posts every 25 miles to the Big Island and a big fort should be built at Big Island. Asks what the Ft Loudon (TN) relief plan is, should the garrison hold out until he arrives, is he to reinforce or withdraw/abandon it.
July 18
Byrd at Camp on Roanoke to Monkton "2/3rds of the mob I command (I cannot call them nothing else) are new rais'd men, who at this moment are neither cloathed or armed..." . . .mentions Montgomery hit lower towns and only has 30 days provisions must want to raid Loudon and abandon if so.
July 19, 1760
Byrd at Roanoke River
Page 130 Tortura book
Aug 1, 4, 5 1760
Some of Montgomery's soldiers desert and head towards Virginians
Page 130 Tortura book
August 8 Fort Loudon surrenders
Sept 3, 1760
Byrd at Reed Creek
This is known as abandoned Alexander Sayer's Mill, later to have Fort Chiswell built upon it by Feb 1761.
Page 134 Tortura book
Months prior to Byrd showing up at Reed Creek,
It is interesting to note that John Chiswell petition for land in this area of Reed Creed, the abandoned Sayers Mill, Byrd eventually builds a fort in this area and names it after John Chiswell: His petition was certainly helped by a very strong force in the name of The Speaker of the House and Treasurer, John Robinson.
At a Council held May 6th 1760
On the Petition of John Chiswell Esqr . Leave is granted him to take up and survey One Thousand Acres of Land lying on both Sides of the New River , begining on the South Side , at Humberstone Lyons's lower Corner , and runing down the said River so as to include that Quantity . On the Petition of John Robinson Esqr . Leave is granted him to take up and survey One Thousand Acres of Land , on both Sides of the New - River , begining on the South Side , joining the Lines of
#176 (p.158)
158 Executive Journals , Council of Colonial Virginia
John Chiswell's Grant , and runing down the said River , so as to include that Quantity .
Source
Sept 9 1760 and Sept 10 1760
Major Andrew Lewis at Spring Hill 9 Sept 1760
Colonel William Byrd III at Sayer's Mill 10 Sept 1760 map location
Fort Loudoun [in today's Tennessee] is seized by the Cherokees
During the sitting of the Council the Governour received another Letter from Colo . Byrd at Sayer's Mill dated September 10th inclosing a Letter to him from Majr . Lewis dated Spring Hill the 9th
Fort Loudoun falls
informing that the Garrison of Fort Loudoun [the one in today's Tennessee] had not march'd above 15 Miles before they were fir'd upon by a large Party of Indians ; all the Officers kill'd ( except Captain Stewart ) [not the Virginia Regiment Robert Stewart] and about 25 of the Privates , the others made Prisoners and disposed thro ' the Nation . The Council having considered this unhappy Incident ,
Virgina asking advice of others on next step:
advised his Honour to send the above Orders to Colo . Byrd , and write to Governour Bull [succeeeded Lyttelton of SC] requesting that he would as soon as possible acquaint him what Resolutions South Carolina shall come to in this dangerous Emergency , that he may communicate the same to our Assembly ; and that he and Governour Dobbs [succeeded James Glenn of NC] would concurr with him in representing to General Amherst the perilous Situation of the Southern Provinces , and intreating in the most pressing Terms an effectual and speedy Aid against an Enemy too Powerful for their united Strength .
#188 (p.170)
300 Virginians to stay at Fort Pitt
His Honour was pleased also to communicate a Letter from Major General Moncton dated Fort Pitt August 21st signifying it will be absolutely necessary that at least three hundred of the Virginia Troops now there should be continued for the Winter .
.
.
16 Sept 1760
#187 (p.169)
His Honour communicated to the Council , and desired their advice upon ,
several Letters from Colo . Byrd of last Month ,
the first dated from Camp at Campbells
the last at Sayer's Mill
informing of his present situation ,
the Disposition of the Troops under his Command , and the steps he had taken towards the relieving Fort Loudoun [in today's Tennessee]
Source Virginia Executive Council 16 Sept 1760
300 Virginia Regiment still at Fort Pitt
a Letter from Major General Moncton dated Fort Pitt August 21st signifying it will be absolutely necessary that at least three hundred of the Virginia Troops now there should be continued for the Winter .
Source Virginia Executive Council 16 Sept 1760
Dec 3, 1760
Byrd is at Winchester will be in Williamsburg for next assembly session, "is sorry he has given so little satisfaction in his command, and therefor resigns his commission." Source
Confused on all the resignations?
Byrd first offers to be excused from the expedition which is different from resigning his command. On May 29, 1760, Colonel William Byrd III offers to be excused from commanding an expedition to deal with the Cherokee rebellion. That letter is read by the Virginia Executive Council 11 June 1760. They reject his offer to be excused. Byrd offers resignation from total command 2 Dec 1760, but he is ordered to continue on to Stalnakers on the Holton River, now Kingsport KY. He finally really resigns in August 1761. Adam Stephen takes command in Sept 1761.
Pages 56-57, in Norman Baker's book, Fort Loudoun, Washington's Fort in Virginia published in 2000.
William Byrd III portrait by Cosmo John Alexander, 1724 - 1772
1761
On March 5, 1761,
the Council of Colonial Virginia received a letter dated February 7, 1761, with the heading "Fort Chiswell" from Thomas Bullit, one of the officers mentioned above, with a copy of a letter written to him from William Fleming, another of the officers. Fleming was
requesting instructions regarding the expected visit from the Cherokees, who were coming to the fort in March. 12 This letter is the first documented reference to the name Fort Chiswell. No other Colonial record written at or near the time of construction has been located, in spite of extensive inquiries. The letter itself has not been located; it is only referred to in the Council records.
Reed Creek - Fort Chiswell - Sayers Mill:
Sayers Mill is on Reed Creek and at some Byrd's men build a Fort Chiswell at this location.
This place remains valuable for 20 or more years because of its lead deposits to make musket balls.
From a book on William Preston:
"George Washington had resigned command of the Virginia forces it was up to his replacement, Colonel William Byrd III, to organize a series of expeditions beginning in 1760 against the Cherokees. Preston had turned to peaceful pursuits and had little to do with the expeditions which involved his friend William Fleming and William Christian, son of of his political rival, Israel Christian,
Colonel Byrd's men rendevoused at Fort Chiswell which guarded the lead mines. John Chiswell for whom Byrd had built and named the fort had been trying since 1754 "for lead upon some hunting grounds belonging to the Indians, toward New River . . . where it is said, there is fine ore, and in great plenty, lying avove ground." He bought the mines from James Patton's estate. The person to discover lead here is unknown. Patton was the first white trader owner and Humberton Lyon, a trader who would have known lead when he saw it, had long lived therre and may have been the discoverer. Chiswell is given the credit. From this time through the revolutionary period, Fort Chiswell would be a strategic base of operations . . . "
Byrd marched to the Great Island of the Holston at present Kingsport Tennessee, but did not relieve Fort Loudoun which fell August 8 1760, with the people massacred. He was bitterly criticized for failing to save the fort and resigned his command."
Pages 68-69
"William Preston and the Allegheny Patriots" by Patricia Givens Johnson, published 1976 by B.D. Smith & Brothers, Inc 21 North Third Street, NW., Pulaski VA 24301
Autumn of 1770
[William Preston's] political rival, William Christian, who had lost the bid for surveyor was moving from the "Stone House" to Manaheim (Dunkard's Bottom) on the New River. Christian had seen Manaheim when he camped with Byrd's Cherokee expedition in 1761.
Page 104
"William Preston and the Allegheny Patriots" by Patricia Givens Johnson, published 1976 by B.D. Smith & Brothers, Inc 21 North Third Street, NW., Pulaski VA 24301
updated by Jim Moyer 6/5/2024
May 25,26 1761
Troops from Winchester coming
Two Letters from Colo . Byrd dated Staunton May the 25th and 29th ;1761
the first signifying his arrival there that Evening — that he is informed the Detachment from Winchester will be in next Day- that he fears the Want of Provisions will retard the Execution of his Orders - that as soon as he can support the Men at Fort- Chiswell , he shall March them there :
By July 1761,
Byrd reported that "My whole force is only six hundred and seventy men fit for duty. Those I have employ'd since I came here in building a block-house, & throwing up an intrenchment round it, for the security of themselves & provision." This fort at Stalnaker's was named after Attakullakulla and was near the modern town of Chillhowie Virginia, about 58 miles from the Great Island.
Byrd really finally resigns
1761 continued
Excerpt from
August 1.
Byrd's letter to Amherst says he arrived at Stalnakers on July 19th, doesn't have enough men to do 200 miles, Grant did little with more and retired says "My whole force is only six hundred and seventy men fit for duty. Those I have employ'd since I came here in buildign a block-house, & throwing up an intrenchment round it, for the security of themselves & provision..." says 200 miles more road to build, Cherokees are coming in suing for peace,he resigns, appoints Stephen.
Adam Stephen Expedition
August 26th
NC provincials have reached Salisbury, NC on the way up with 374 Men & 52 Indians, "that he had not above 50 Stands of Arms for the Whole"
Sept 7 1761
Adam Stephen is at Ft Chiswell in command
Sept 12
troops under Adam Stephen finish fort at Stalnakers (Stephen to Amherst oct 5) he marches to the Holston, gets letter from "obstinate" Cherokee
October 8, 1761
AS reports NC Troops under Waddell reached Fort Chiswell
3. Adam Stephen wrote Governor Fauquier on 8 Oct. that Hugh Waddell (c.1734–1773), colonel of the North Carolina forces, had arrived at Fort Chiswell with about three hundred men and a number of Tuscarora Indians (Exec. Journals of the Virginia Council, 6:199).
October 9 1761
90 men at Fort Chiswell, bulk of troops at Great Island
October 24th
AS @ Great Island: "I have erected a square redoubt of hewed logs on a piece of very strong ground on the banks of the river, with four bastions, the exterior 120 feet. I have done this from the just sense
I have of the great advantage of it will be to have a post maintained here, either by the King or Colony. It is the only advanced betwen Pittsburg & Ft. Prince George, commands
a large river navigable to the Missippi & not only awes the Cherokees, but several other numerous tribes of Indians.
Nov 19
treaty agreement with Cherokees
Nov 28 1761
Adam Stephen return of troops at great Island
744 Virginia Regiment 408 North Carolina [including 52 Tuscarora Indians] 1152 total
Timberlake agrees to go to Cherokee towns as hostage
December 20 1761
4 Barrels of Powder, 200 weight of barr lead and 150 quires of cartridge paper are at Ft Chiswell with 17,899 lbs of flour, 300lbs beef and 8 bags of salt
December 25 1761
Northern allied Indians skirmish with Cherokees Col. Stephen to Col. Henry Bouquet (Fort Chiswell, Jan. 7, 1762)
Stephen, Adam in: B. M., Add. MSS.,21648, f. 1, A. L. S., and in Stevens,et all., The Papers of Col. HenryBouquet, Series 21648, part I, pp. 1-2.p. 1.
(page 1)
About Seventy Northern Indians, Set Some Cherokees a Scampering on Christmas day last; but let one fellow slip through their fingers after they had taken him. They behaved themselves extreamly well to our People, but conducted themselves, very indifferently as Warriors, they had Opportunity to give the Cherokees a Severe Blow. They very readily produced there pass on all Occasions, Signed At Pittsburg Ocr 27. George Croghan.
1762
March
Timberlake at Fort Attakullakulla
April
Timberlake at Wmsburg with Cherokee delegation
May
Timberlake takes Cherokees to London
1763
March Timberlake returns to Va
1764
fall Timberlake takes Cherokees to London
1765
September
Timberlake dies
1777
January 1 or 2
Despondent and nearly broke, Byrd killed himself
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That's our lead story.
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Table of Contents
Other Stories on Byrd
Places
Portraits of Byrd
SC Governor Lyttelton's Expedition of 1759
Compiled by Jim Moyer March 2023, updated last 4/20/2024, 4//21/2024
Other stories on Byrd
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Places
Reed Creek has 2 places
We believe the Virginia Regiment arrived at this first location, which is more direct in line to approach Fort Loudoun in today's Tennessee.
Reed Creek - Fort Chiswell - Sayers Mill
The fortifications formed a line well to the east of the New River basin [which is where Reed Creek is]. It was the fall of 1760 before construction was started at Fort Chiswell. This fort was built on the land of Alexander Sayers on the south side of Reed Creek. It was named for John Chiswell who had discovered lead mines eight miles to the south.
This is a different Reed Creek
Reed Creek - Fort Trial
"In the mid-1700s, the forts of Mayo and Trial were built as part of a line of forts constructed to protect the settlers from Indians throughout the colonies. Fort Trial was on the Smith River, at the mouth of Reed Creek, near the town that today is called Martinsville. George Washington visited both of these remote outposts during his 1756 inspection of frontier forts."
Spring Hill. James Patton's Farm.
Near Stuarts Draft near the Augusta Courthouse (today's Staunton VA).
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Sept 9 1760 and Sept 19 1760
Major Andrew Lewis at Spring Hill -- map location
Colonel William Byrd III at Sayer's Mill
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There are connections between James Patton and Major Andrew Lewis. James Patton had an old quarrel with Andrew Lewis's father, John Lewis. James Patton died in 1755, but Patton's place was still called Spring Hill.
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Byrd was assigned by the VA Council to command an expedition to save Fort Loudoun in today's Tennessee.
Major Andrew Lewis and his forces are on the way to join Byrd in that 1760 expedition, camps at James Patton's Spring Hill.
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Major Andrew Lewis writes to the Virginia Council from Spring Hill, the home of James Patton.
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Colonel William Byrd III writes to the Virginia Council from Sayer's Mill, Alexander Sayer's old abandoned plantation along Reed Creek.
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Sources:
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Old picture of Spring Hill:
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This view of the home site of James Patton's "Springhill", with the spring at the left and the hill in the foreground, was taken just up the hill from the old house site. The large drain from the spring is seen flowing into South River. Thhe location of this site is on the farm of John Britton, two miles east of Stuarts Draft, Virginia.
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Stalknakers
Portraits of Byrd
About the portrait of William Bryd III
Date: ca. 1747-1750
This portrait was occasionally attributed to Cosmo Alexander based on his wife’s signed and dated portrait by Alexander in 1771. However, the technique does not match Alexander’s known paintings and the costume dates closer to ca. 1750. Byrd traveled to England in 1747 and probably commissioned this portrait there. William Byrd III married first, Elizabeth Hill Carter, and second, Mary Willing of Philadelphia. He inherited Westover and built the home still standing today. The subject was also painted as a child.
Mary Willing Byrd’s 1813 will states “I give to my said daughter M[aria] H[orsmanden] Page the portrait of her honored father and one of myself.” This is probably that portrait, which descended along with one of Mary Willing Byrd.
Dimensions: 30 x 25 in. (76.2 x 63.5 cm.)
The portrait represents a man turned three-quarters to his right with his right hand in his waistcoat. He wears a brown jacket with elaborate gold trim and a white waistcoat with the same trim. His shirt has lace cuffs. A hat trimmed with white fur and a button is tucked under his left arm. He wears a white wig with a large, dark ribbon holding his hair back.
See: “The Will of Mrs. Mary Willing Byrd, of Westover, 1813, with a List of the Westover Portraits.” The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 6, no. 4 (April 1899): 345–58; Encyclopedia Virginia
Lyttelton's Expedition 1759
Lyttelton's Expedition has left - Tricky Trader John Elliott's end
posted Jan 2, 2024 in Untold Stories
Lyttelton's Treaty with the Cherokees 26 Dec 1759 - Part IV
posted Dec 26, 2023 in Untold Stories
Lyttelton's Expediton Part III - the salute or salute? at Keowee
posted Dec 6, 2023 in Untold Stories
Lyttelton's Expediton II - in an enchanted, dangerous forest
posted Dec 6, 2023 in Untold Stories
Lyttelton's Expedition part I - Little Carpenter can just cry
posted Dec 5, 2023 in Untold Stories
Lyttelton's Expedition mid to end of Nov 1759
posted Nov 19, 2023 in Untold Stories
Governor Lyttelton of SC
posted Nov 1, 2023 in Untold Stories
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