The same bogus scalp again?
Like Raven of the Cherokee tried to do it. Now here's Captain Johnny, leader of the Catawba, trying to do it. At Fort Loudoun Winchester VA, he's trying to do it.
We're first notified of this subterfuge on July 4, 1758.
We're starting to wonder.
Is this scalp the same one from Raven?
Can you just imagine Raven being royally aggravated and finding it a delicious joke to play on those White toy soldiers?
After all, Raven, was publicly repudiated by both the whites and some other Cherokees for presenting a bogus scalp for bounty.
See that story about Raven and his bogus scalp.
Now here's Captain Johnny
doing the same thing.
Captain Johnny is a Catawba.
He is hawking a scalp, pretending it to be a fresh enemy one so he can get a bounty for it.
But . . .
They are on to him.
See Letter of 11 July 1758:
Bouquet wrote Forbes “the Catawbas have left us like scoundrels, after bringing us one scalp, which was recognized by the Cherokees as an old scalp which they themselves gave them in the spring”
Now think about that.
That might be the scalp taken as revenge against some cheating North Carolina traders in 1757 who stole deerskins from the Cherokee. Two of them got killed and scalped. Those 2 scalps were each split in half. That way 4 bounties could be gotten if presented as scalps taken from an enemy Frenchman or enemy Indian.
Those scalps were taken by the Estatoes, a group of the Cherokee.
Then Raven presented it to Colonel George Washington who refused to pay bounty.
Read the Letter of 10 July 1758.
Washington writes Gov Francis Fauquier:
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"A Letter from Colo. Bouquet of the 6th which I have just receivd Contains this Paragraph.
“The Cuttawbas under the Command of Captn Johnne are gone to Winchester; they have behav’d in the most shameful manner, and run away as a parcell of thieves rather than Warriors without seeing me; they have never killd a deer, and there is the strongest suspicians that the Scalp they pretend to have taken, was an old one."
Source:
Interesting that Bouquet in his own letter to Forbes spells Catawba right but Washington quotes Bouquet spelling it wrong.
So here's a July 4th story.
Read the a Letter dated July 4, 1758:
aAbraham Bosomworth’s commission in the Royal American Regiment was dated 20 Jan. 1756 and he writes about Captain Johnny:
"Desire you’ll be so good as forward the enclosed to Captn Gist that he may not be imposed upon by a Scalp which Captn Johnny pretends to have taken with his Catawbas. Colo. Bouquet is well convinced of the Deceit & desires you will take Care Gist’s letter getts to Winchester before Johnny can, . . . "
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Source
Founders Online Footnote
Abraham Bosomworth’s commission in the Royal American Regiment was dated 20 Jan. 1756. He had “been 12 years in S. Carolina & employed amongst the Indians” (Henry Bouquet to Loudoun, 28 April 1757, in Stevens, Bouquet Papers, 1:102–3). GW was to have frequent dealings with Bosomworth in the summer of 1758 when Bosomworth was handling a detachment of southern Indians brought to Pennsylvania for John Forbes’s expedition. He was the brother of Thomas Bosomworth who with his Creek wife Consaponakieso, better known as Mary Musgrove Bosomworth, set the young colony of Georgia on its ear with their land claims.
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That's it.
That's our lead story.
There's always more.
Skip around.
Read bits and pieces.
Compiled and authored by Jim Moyer July 4, 2022
RELATED LINKS
Have people survived a scalping?
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Picture of Robt McGee scalped by the Sioux Chief Little Turtle in 1864.
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Source
The other picture?
How to treat a scalped vicitm:
Who did the scalping?
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The Humane British?
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Captain Johnny
1. Captain Johnny of the Catawba brought a small party of Catawba to Virginia for a time in the fall of 1756, and he also probably came with the party of Catawba who were in Williamsburg and Winchester in March–May 1757. He was certainly back in Winchester by May 1758, and on 1 June Captain Johnny and twenty-five Catawba marched with Adam Stephen and his troops from Winchester to Fort Loudoun in Pennsylvania. On 28 June Bouquet wrote Forbes: “This morning I sent off Captain Johny and his Catawbas to the Ohio, and gave them Lieut. [Colby] Chew of the Virginians, a very alert young man, with two other men. They have orders to try and take a prisoner, and to reconnoiter the enemy’s forces” (Stevens, Bouquet Papers, 2:142–44). Presumably Captain Johnny returned from his mission with the suspect scalp. Bouquet wrote Forbes on 11 July that “the Catawbas have left us like scoundrels, after bringing us one scalp, which was recognized by the Cherokees as an old scalp which they themselves gave them in the spring” (ibid., 179–83). For Bouquet’s missing letter of 6 July to GW about the Catawba, see GW to Fauquier, 10 July.
Founders Online Footnote:
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Abraham Bosomworth
Abraham Bosomworth’s commission in the Royal American Regiment was dated 20 Jan. 1756. He had “been 12 years in S. Carolina & employed amongst the Indians” (Henry Bouquet to Loudoun, 28 April 1757, in Stevens, Bouquet Papers, 1:102–3). GW was to have frequent dealings with Bosomworth in the summer of 1758 when Bosomworth was handling a detachment of southern Indians brought to Pennsylvania for John Forbes’s expedition. He was the brother of Thomas Bosomworth who with his Creek wife Consaponakieso, better known as Mary Musgrove Bosomworth, set the young colony of Georgia on its ear with their land claims.
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Working Notes
Sunday Word 4
July 4, 1758
A pre-cycled Scalp
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Captain Johnny, a Catawba, is hawking a scalp given him by the Cherokee and pretending it is a fresh one so he can get a bounty paid him.
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They are on to him.
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On 1 June Captain Johnny and twenty-five Catawba
marched with Adam Stephen
and his troops from Winchester
to Fort Loudoun in Pennsylvania.
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This is another event
where
troops at Fort Loudoun Winchester VA
visit Fort Loudoun PA.
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But back to the Catawba with the re-cycled scalp.
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Letter 11 July 1758
Bouquet wrote Forbes “the Catawbas have left us like scoundrels, after bringing us one scalp, which was recognized by the Cherokees as an old scalp which they themselves gave them in the spring”
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Letter 10 July 1758
Washington writes Gov Francis Faquier:
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Quote "
A Letter from Colo. Bouquet of the 6th which I have just receivd Contains this Paragraph.
“The Cuttawbas under the Command of Captn Johnne are gone to Winchester; they have behav’d in the most shameful manner, and run away as a parcell of thieves rather than Warriors without seeing me; they have never killd a deer, and there is the strongest suspicians that the Scalp they pretend to have taken, was an old one."
End Quote.
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-05-02-0215
Interesting that Bouquet in his own letter to Forbes spells Catawba right but Washington quotes Bouquet spelling it wrong.
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Letter July 4, 1758
Abraham Bosomworth’s commission in the Royal American Regiment was dated 20 Jan. 1756 and he writes about Capt Johnny:
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Quote "Desire you’ll be so good as forward the enclosed to Captn Gist that he may not be imposed upon by a Scalp which Captn Johnny pretends to have taken with his Catawbas. Colo. Bouquet is well convinced of the Deceit & desires you will take Care Gist’s letter getts to Winchester before Johnny can, . . . " End Quote.
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Source
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-05-02-0201
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Have people survived a scalping?
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Picture?
Robt McGee scalped by the Sioux Chief Little Turtle in 1864.
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Source
https://nativeheritageproject.com/2014/05/06/surviving-a-scalping/
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The other picture?
https://ournativeamericans.blogspot.com/2018/07/scalping-in-new-world.html
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The Humane British?
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_scene_on_the_frontiers_as_practiced_by_the_%22humane%22_British_and_their_%22worthy%22_allies_LCCN2002708987.jpg
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1. Captain Johnny of the Catawba brought a small party of Catawba to Virginia for a time in the fall of 1756, and he also probably came with the party of Catawba who were in Williamsburg and Winchester in March–May 1757. He was certainly back in Winchester by May 1758, and on 1 June Captain Johnny and twenty-five Catawba marched with Adam Stephen and his troops from Winchester to Fort Loudoun in Pennsylvania. On 28 June Bouquet wrote Forbes: “This morning I sent off Captain Johny and his Catawbas to the Ohio, and gave them Lieut. [Colby] Chew of the Virginians, a very alert young man, with two other men. They have orders to try and take a prisoner, and to reconnoiter the enemy’s forces” (Stevens, Bouquet Papers, 2:142–44). Presumably Captain Johnny returned from his mission with the suspect scalp. Bouquet wrote Forbes on 11 July that “the Catawbas have left us like scoundrels, after bringing us one scalp, which was recognized by the Cherokees as an old scalp which they themselves gave them in the spring” (ibid., 179–83). For Bouquet’s missing letter of 6 July to GW about the Catawba, see GW to Fauquier, 10 July.
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-05-02-0201#GEWN-02-05-02-0201-fn-0001
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Abraham Bosomworth’s commission in the Royal American Regiment was dated 20 Jan. 1756. He had “been 12 years in S. Carolina & employed amongst the Indians” (Henry Bouquet to Loudoun, 28 April 1757, in Stevens, Bouquet Papers, 1:102–3). GW was to have frequent dealings with Bosomworth in the summer of 1758 when Bosomworth was handling a detachment of southern Indians brought to Pennsylvania for John Forbes’s expedition. He was the brother of Thomas Bosomworth who with his Creek wife Consaponakieso, better known as Mary Musgrove Bosomworth, set the young colony of Georgia on its ear with their land claims.
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-04-02-0021
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Like Raven tried to do it. Now here's Captain Johnny, leader of the Catawba, doing it. Presenting a scalp claimed to be obtained from the enemy.
Indian Warrior with Scalp by Barlow, a 1789 engraving published by William Lane, London, England. Courtesy of the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Dr. Thacher described one form of the Native American scalping procedure. “With a knife they make a circular cut from the forehead, quite round, just above the ears, then taking hold of the skin with their teeth, they tear off the whole hairy scalp in an instant, with wonderful dexterity.”
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To George Washington from Abraham Bosomworth, 4 July 1758
From Abraham Bosomworth Camp at Reas Town 4th July 1758
Dear Sir I Desire you’ll be so good as forward the enclosed to Captn Gist that he may not be imposed upon by a Scalp which Captn Johnny pretends to have taken with his Catawbas. Colo. Bouquet is well convinced of the Deceit & desires you will take Care Gist’s letter getts to Winchester before Johnny can,1 The Circumstances are so strong against him that they admit of no manner of doubt, therefore think he has been sufficiently rewarded for the Service he has done us & deserves not the least Countenance for such a Scandalous attempt. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon & am Dr Sr With perfect regard Your most Obedt Hble Servt A. Bosomworth
my Complts to Colo. Byrd &ca. Please to Seal Gists letter.
ALS, DLC:GW.
Founders Online Footnote:
1. Captain Johnny of the Catawba brought a small party of Catawba to Virginia for a time in the fall of 1756, and he also probably came with the party of Catawba who were in Williamsburg and Winchester in March–May 1757. He was certainly back in Winchester by May 1758, and on 1 June Captain Johnny and twenty-five Catawba marched with Adam Stephen and his troops from Winchester to Fort Loudoun in Pennsylvania. On 28 June Bouquet wrote Forbes: “This morning I sent off Captain Johny and his Catawbas to the Ohio, and gave them Lieut. [Colby] Chew of the Virginians, a very alert young man, with two other men.
They have orders to try and take a prisoner, and to reconnoiter the enemy’s forces” (Stevens, Bouquet Papers, 2:142–44). Presumably Captain Johnny returned from his mission with the suspect scalp. Bouquet wrote Forbes on 11 July that “the Catawbas have left us like scoundrels, after bringing us one scalp, which was recognized by the Cherokees as an old scalp which they themselves gave them in the spring” (ibid., 179–83).
For Bouquet’s missing letter of 6 July to GW about the Catawba, see GW to Fauquier, 10 July.
Founders Online:
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From George Washington to Francis Fauquier, 10 July 1758
To Francis Fauquier To The Honble Governor Fauquier— Honble SirCamp at Fort Cumberland 10th July 1758 Your favour of the 25th past, I had the Honour to receive Yesterday. I am obligd to you for the blank Commission you sent me, your honour may depend, I shall have regard to strict justice in disposing of it. I Marchd from Winchester the 24th Ulto according to Orders, and Incampd at this place the 2d Instt; Colo. Byrd follow’d the 26th and arrivd here 4 days after me. before I left Winchester I appointed Lieutt Smith of my Regiment and 30 Invalids to remain at Fort Loudoun to take care of our Stores; and I orderd him to continue the minor at Work in the Well, and to proceed in covering the Barracks till your honour shoud be pleasd to direct him further on these matters. The Work woud have sustaind considerable damage if these small, but essential parts of it, were neglected. I left Mr Smith £25 for this purpose, which he is to account for. Inclosd is an account of the Stores left at Winchester; the Arms are not Included; because they were then repairing at the Armourers. I have however directed Mr Smith to transmit your Honour an Acct of them by this Express. I have also Inclosd an Account of the Tools deliverd out of our Stores, to the Artificer’s of Colo. Byrds Regiment, by Order of Sir Jno. St clair; and have directed Mr Ramsay (Contractor for supplying the Troops of Virginia with Provisions) to render your Honour an exact account of all the Provisions that has been expended, of his purchasing, since the time of Sir John St clairs first arrival at Winchester; that you may be able to settle that matter on the part of Virginia; it being imagind, we are entitled to Provisions from the Crown, since that time.1 A Letter from Colo. Bouquet of the 6th which I have just receivd Contains this Paragraph. “The Cuttawbas under the Command of Captn Johnne are gone to Winchester; they have behav’d in the most shameful manner, and run away as a parcell of thieves rather than Warriors without seeing me; they have never killd a deer, and there is the strongest suspicians that the Scalp they pretend to have taken, was an old one. “I think it woud be very necessary to send a message to their Nation to complain of their Conduct, and know at once if they are Friends or Enemies. if you approve of it, I shoud be obligd to you to propose the thing to the Governor of Virginia: I write to General Forbes on the subject.”2 We have no advice of the General, and there is the greatest uncertainty when we shall move from this place. I am with all due respect Yr Honours Most Obedt and Most Hble Servt Go: Washington LB (original), DLC:GW; LB (recopied), DLC:GW. This letter appears in the letter book after the two letters to Bouquet of 13 July. 1. Neither the account of stores left at Winchester nor the account of the tools given to the artificers in the 2d Virginia Regiment has been found. William Ramsay, merchant of Alexandria, in the fall of 1757 got the contract to supply the Virginia troops in Frederick and Hampshire counties (see Articles of Agreement, 21 Oct. 1757, enclosed in Dinwiddie to GW, 24 Oct. 1757). For the accounts that Fauquier did and did not receive, see Fauquier to GW, 20 July. 2. Bouquet’s letter has not been found, but see GW to Bouquet, 7 July, n.7. For Bouquet’s report on 11 July to Forbes on the actions of the party of Catawba, see Abraham Bosomworth to GW, 4 July, n.1.
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FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON
TO ROBERT DINWIDDIE,
9 NOVEMBER 1756
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TO ROBERT DINWIDDIE
[Winchester, 9 November 1756]
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To The Honble Robert Dinwiddie Esquire Governor of Virginia. Honble Sir,
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Route taken
In mine from Hallifax I promised your Honour a particular detail of my remarks and observations, upon the situation of our Frontiers, when I arrived at this place.1 Altho’ I was pretty explicit in my former, I can not avoid recapitulating part of the subject now: as my duty, and its importance for redress, are strong motives. From Fort-Trial, on Smith’s river, I returned to Fort-William, on Cuttawba,2 where I met Colonel Buchanan with about 30 men (chiefly officers) to conduct me up Jackson’s-river, along the range of forts.3
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Capt Johnny of the Catawba
13. The party of Catawba Indians under Captain Johnny were in Winchester by 28 Oct. (see Orders, 27, 28 Oct. 1756) and were on a scouting expedition near Fort Duquesne in November (see Dinwiddie to GW, 27 Dec. 1756, n.5, and GW to Dinwiddie, 24 May 1757, n.1). The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), 6 Jan. 1757, printed an extract of a letter from Lancaster, Pa., 1 Jan. 1757, “with an Account that eight Catawba’s and five white Men, had been . . . about a Mile from Fort Du Quesne, where they attacked an Indian Cabbin, and killed and scalped four Indians. . . . they crossed Monongahela, and went down towards the Fort, near which they fell in with about a Hundred Shawanese and Delawares, with whom they engaged some Time, but were at last oblidged to run off. They left three white Men and two Indians, dead.” The surviving Catawba left Fort Cumberland near the end of December for Williamsburg and then home (Pennsylvania Gazette [Philadelphia], 10 Mar. 1757).
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