Massacre at Fantinekill
page 5
Mr. Jacob Bevier, of Napanock, was sick and unable to be moved. All the family had fled across the mountain except an insane brother, who was sitting on the fence unconscious of his danger, and a daughter who had resolved to remain with her father. Jacob expostulated with her, saying that if the Indians came, she could not save him, and in that case both must inevitably fall before the tomahawk and scalping-knife. Every feeling of humanity and affection rose in opposition to the disinterested exhortations of a tender father; but his sound reasoning and the instinct of self-preservation at length prevailed, and she made her way for Old Shawangunk, and being more fortunate in finding the path, she arrived first at the place of destination.
The noble conduct of Capt. Kortright on this occasion is worthy of record. As soon as he heard of the affair at Fantinekill, without awaiting orders from his superior officer, he directed his sergeant to order out his company, in all about seventy men, armed and equipped, with provisions for two days, and to report at his house next morning at daylight. The summons was promptly obeyed, and the company was marched to Grahamsville with a view of intercepting the Indians on their return from Fantinekill. He selected a suitable place, arranged his men in order, and awaited the arrival of the Indians. But, as usual, the savages discovered him first; and instead of coming by the usual route, they passed by in the rear of his men. The first intimation that Kortright had of the presence of the Indians was a volley delivered into his midst from an unseen enemy. One rifle ball struck within six inches of the old Captain's head; but the savages kept at a safe distance, knowing they had an old Indian fighter to grapple with.
Capt. Kortright on this occasion is worthy of record. As soon as he heard of the affair at Fantinekill, without awaiting orders from his superior officer, he directed his sergeant to order out his company, in all about seventy men, armed and equipped, with provisions for two days, and to report at his house next morning at daylight. The summons was promptly obeyed, and the company was marched to Grahamsville with a view of intercepting the Indians on their return from Fantinekill. He selected a suitable place, arranged his men in order, and awaited the arrival of the Indians. But, as usual, the savages discovered him first; and instead of coming by the usual route, they passed by in the rear of his men. The first intimation that Kortright had of the presence of the Indians was a volley delivered into his midst from an unseen enemy. One rifle ball struck within six inches of the old Captain's head; but the savages kept at a safe distance, knowing they had an old Indian fighter to grapple with.One of the soldiers named Johannis Vernooey declared that he was hit by a ball. The others, thinking it was only the result of fright, sang out, “Where has it hit you, Honsum? Where has it hit you, Honsum'?” At last it was discovered that the strap which held the buckle to his knee was actually cut off by a bullet. The Indians soon made their way off, filling the woods with their yells and war-whoops, without once coming into view. As an eye-witness of the affair expressed himself, “You can't see an Indian in the woods.”
Johannis Vernooey declared that he was hit by a ball. The others, thinking it was only the result of fright, sang out, “Where has it hit you, Honsum? Where has it hit you, Honsum'?” At last it was discovered that the strap which held the buckle to his knee was actually cut off by a bullet. The Indians soon made their way off, filling the woods with their yells and war-whoops, without once coming into view. As an eye-witness of the affair expressed himself, “You can't see an Indian in the woods.”Bevier affirms that six of the persons who perished at Fantinekill were buried in one grave near the place where they lived and died. The loss of the enemy is not known. The only house that stood where the village of Ellenville is now located, was burned. It was owned by John Bodley, and its occupants had a narrow escape. They, in common with other families scattered along the valley, fled to the mountain and secreted themselves.
John Bodley, and its occupants had a narrow escape. They, in common with other families scattered along the valley, fled to the mountain and secreted themselves.Table of Contents