Autograph Letter Signed

Captain James Bruff report from Fort Niagara

Discussed his muster roll and shifts of detachments at Fort Niagara. Mentioned returned deserters and musicians. Enlistments due to expire soon. Discussed problem of soldiers deserting to Canada and enlisting in the British Army. Bruff was mortified that his men deserted, but noted that desertion is not from lax discipline; rather it was because of a desire for change, and incentives such as 200 acres of land, enlistment bounty, and high wages across the water. Bruff wishes the pay were enough to induce the soldiers to remain in service for the full term. News of British Army in Canada: military in upper Canada has orders to hold themselves in readiness to march to Quebec at a short notice. If they invade Canada, perhaps the rage to get on that side of the water may not be so great as present. Muster and pay rolls sent to the War Office. Discusses the difficulty of getting ships for transport on the Great Lakes. Bruss asked for a newspaper or two with next dispatch, since they are seldom received.

Report lamented high desertion rate; difficulty of reenlisting men; reasons why men were deserting; military activities in Canada

1796

11

05

Niagara

War Department

William Simmons

James Bruff

William Farr

Chd. Thomas

Private Smallwood

Captain Kiltissen

Alexander Withers

Hunt

Heaton

Pain

Major Rivardi

Captain Littlefield

War Department

Niagara

Quebec

St. Johns

Great Lakes

Canada

Detroit

Oswego Harbor

Upper Canada

1796110570101

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