Courier wrong about Minisink battle

To the Editor:
Sorry to say, the Courier's article on the Battle of Minisink on Friday, July 18, misrepresented the facts with the comment that the battle was triggered by a “rifle accidentally discharged, alerting the enemy.” When you don’t tell the truth about that first shot? It implies that the Native Americans went out of control. We know they killed the wounded, but why? This battle was a landmark in history. It was so brutal that George Washington decided to drive the Indian tribes out of New York State (the Sullivan campaign) so he could concentrate on only fighting the English.

Historians have published Brant’s account of why he, an educated, decorated chief, known for fairness, showed no mercy that day. It’s because the first shot was fired at him on purpose, while he was talking to the militia, unarmed, unprotected in a clearing, offering them the option of giving up since it was clear Brant had them surrounded.

This particular historical record has great lessons for all of us about courage, honor, and folly.

Source: "History of Sullivan County," James Eldridge Quinlan, Chapter 3, Sullivan in the Revolution, page 51: “While parleying with them, he was shot at by one of the militia, whose ball passed through Brant’s belt, who then retired from view, and joined his warriors.” Quoted by Quinlan from Dawson’s Battles of the United States. The statement is made on the authority of Brant himself.

Barbara C. Thompson
Goshen
(Employee at the Artery Gallery in Milford)