NEWSPAPER & ARCHIVE
At a meeting of a number of the inhabitants from the towns of Greenfield, Milton, Galway and Providence, at the house of Joshua Swan, on the 15th of October, 1808, convened for the purpose of making arrangements for a General Wolf Hunt – Charles Dake, was chosen Chairman, and Joel Keeler, Secretary. The following plans and regulations were unanimously adopted, and is earnestly recommended to the several towns in the northern part of the county, and all others who may wish to unite in destroying those animals.
Resolved, "That the General Attack be on Friday the 4th of November next, under the following regulations, via – That there be three divisions formed the day before the general attack, which will be the 3d of November, in the following order:"
The East Division to be composed of those living east and north of a line drawn from Saxes east of Fisher’s range, and extending south on the said range, as far as the division may extend, and will rendezvous at the house of James Vails, in Greenfield, precisely at seven o’clock in the morning, under the direction of Joseph Mitchell; and in case of his failure, Martin Blackmore.
The West Division to be composed of those living west and north of a line drawn from Schermehorn’s mills, south by Dr. Potter’s on the road that leads to Dr. Barnum’s and in that direction as far as the west division may extend, and will rendezvous at Freeman’s tavern, near Elder Finch’s meetinghouse, in Providence, at 7 o’clock in the morning, under the direction of William Carpenter; Esq.
The Central Division to be composed of those living south, within the limits of those lines, and will rendezvous at Maj, Henry Fillmore’s, on the mountain near Lake Desolation, at 7 o’clock in the morning, under the direction of Maj. Fillmore; and each division will march at 8 o’clock in the morning in the place of their destination.
The Central Division will form, their camp on the banks of the Sacondaga River, a north course of Lake Desolation; the East Division will form their camp as near the centre of the central encampment, and the eastern extremity of the enemy’s ground, as may be ascertained; and the West Division will form their camp as near the centre from the central encampment, and the west extremity of the enemy’s ground, as may be found convenient, and immediately proceed to form a line from the right an’ left, of each encampment, ______ or half moon, to be formed by the aid of sounding of shells and the firing of guns at intervals. When the line is so formed, the whole army will continue in that position during the night – and on the morning of the general attack, there will be three minute-guns fired on each wing at break of day, if prepared for marching, which will be answered from the three general stands, in order that the whole line may be informed of their being in readiness to march; and the line to be regulated throughout the whole route, by blowing shells and firing guns at intervals; and on such information the whole will move on, the wings faster than the centre, until they arrive at the place of ambush, which is recommended to be composed of the Silver Grey’s, and those who may not wish to endure the fatigue of the camp, and to form on the day of the general attack; and the line of ambush to extend from Green’s Store, in Providence, east on the road by Esq. Allen’s, so on to John II. Young’s – from thence by Elder Lewis to Esq. Frink’s and continue on by Morehouse’s Mills to James Vail’s, and so on to Parkman’s tavern in Hadley.
The East Division that forms the ambush, will rendezvous James Vail’s at 7 o’clock in the morning, under the direction of Major John Prior.
The West Division, that is to form the said ambush, will rendezvous at Doctor Potter’s in Providence, at 7 o’clock in the morning of the 3d, under the direction of Doctor Potter.
And the Central Division will rendezvous at Jonathan James’ in Greenfield, at 7 o’clock on the 3d, under the direction of Doctor Israel Youngs, and will immediately proceed to form the line above specified.
It is further recommended, that there be the greatest caution to prevent injury, and that no one load his musket with any thing heavier than course shot, to prevent damage from cross-firing, If any one shall leave the ranks, or his post, or disobey’s orders, he shall be deprived of any of the enemy’s spoils, or game that may be taken. It is further recommended, that all those who have good dogs for the expedition, will bring them on; but that they keep them confined until 12 o’clock of the day of the general engagement.
Fellow-Citizens-Viewing the depredations committed on our commerce by the monsters of the ocean, and the ravenous wolves on the land, we flatter ourselves that general exertions will be made, in order to punish the enemy in our reach; possibly it may alleviate some of those distresses occasioned by the former.
Resolved, That Messrs: Miller and Riggs, and Mr. William Child, be requested to give the above one insertion in their papers.
CHARLES DAKE, CH’N.
JOEL KEELER, Sec’ry
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