History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

1747.] KING GEORGE'S FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 151
obtained concerning this movement. It is believed that
the detachment penetrated into Vermont, but there is no
indication that any Indians were discovered.
And Afterwards Scarcely had the company returned from
sent to Hoosack.
^}^{q scout, wlicn peremptory orders were
received to march to Hoosack. The following
letter from Col. Stoddard, found among the Pomeroy
papers, undoubtedly contained the orders that sent them
to that point. Unfortunately the letter is without date,
but it fits into the narrative so completely, that little doubt
exists relative to the time of its writing :
'• You are hereby authorized and directed to take charge of the men
now I'aised for his Majesty's special service and march them to Deerfield,
so seasonably that they may have everything in readiness to go
from thence early the next morning.
'• If possible 3"on must be at Horsewick [Hoosuck] to-morrow in case
you hear nothing that renders your going needless. You must march
the men with care, silence and watchfidness especially in straight and
difficult passages.
' If you meet with any of the enemy you must behave with gallant-
ry. Don't lose a good opportunity either through rashness or fear. If
the enemy are lately drawn off probably they maj- be overtaken,
especially if they have wounded men. Take good care to avoid ambushments
and in general you must exercise prudence upon every new
event and do as shall appear needful on all unforseen occurrences.
I am your Servant,
—
John Stoddart.
"To Major Seth Pomeroy.
" If an J' of the men don't take care to carry a week's pro-
vision, let them and not others suffer by their neglect."
The Company at Whatever may have been the occasion of
Fort Massaehu- the march to Hoosack, and whatever the
date of the orders to march thither, certain
it is that Major Pomeroy was at Fort Massachusetts in
August of that year. He was not in command of the fort,
as Major Ephraim Williams had been assigned to that position
iu June. In a letter to his wife, dated Fort Massachusetts,
August 3'', 1747, Major Pomeroy writes : —
" I have written to Lieut. Kellogg to be ready to come for my relief
with twenty- five or thirtj' men, next Monday morning. If he comes at
that time I shan't want any thing sent to me. We live at this Fort
well, my dinner yesterday was a biscake, suet whortleberry pudding
and a good piece of corned beef, with squashes and turnips, no cider,