30

Abraham Hyatt.

A Continental lieutenant's letters describing Loyalist raids in the Mohawk Valley.

Ramapo, NY, 31 May 1780
Autograph Letter Signed to Captain Jonathan Titus in Salem, NY. One page, 13 x 8 inches, plus integral blank with address panel (no postal markings); folds, foxing, moderate wear.

  • Notes: This letter, written at the tail end of the brutally cold 1779-1780 winter encampment, describes raids in upstate New York's Mohawk River valley by Sir John Johnson's Loyalist troops, the King's Royal Regiment of New York. 

    "We are know on our march for Albany, and where else I no not. The enemy has bin on the Maughhaugh River & kild & taken sum considreal, burnt Major Funday's house and many more. We ware informed that they was commanded by Sir John Johnson and was about 300 strong. They had pursesion of Johnstown but did not burn it. We have news that they have retierd. The lat news from the southward is veary faverable on our side. The col. has this day aranged the officers of the reg't and I am in Capt. Smith's comp'y, and Mr. Havenbargh is in your comp'y, and likewise Mr. Morrill. I could wright much more, but have not time."

    Jonathan Titus (1723-1808) was a captain in the 4th New York Regiment who retired in 1781. Abraham Hyatt (1747-1820) and Rudolph Van Hoevenbergh were lieutenants in the same regiment. 
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