Baum’s Second Letter to Burgoyne

Sir,

In consequence of your Excellency’s orders I moved this morning at 4 o’clock with the corps under my command, and after a march of 16 miles arrived at Cambridge at 4 in the evening. On the road I received intelligence of 40 or 50 of the rebels being left to guard some cattle. I immediately ordered 30 of the provincials and 50 savages to quicken their march in hopes to surprise them. They took 5 prisoners in arms who declared themselves to be in the service of the Congress. Yet the enemy received advice of our approach and abandoned the house they were posted in. The provincials and savages continued their march almost a mile, when they fell in with a party of 15 men who fired upon our people and immediately took to the woods with the greatest precipitation. The fire was quick on our side but I cannot learn if the enemy sustained any loss. A private of Capt. Sherwood’s company was the only one who was slightly wounded − in the thigh. From the many people who came from Bennington, they agree that the number of the enemy [there] amounted to 1800. I will be particularly careful, on my approach to that place, to be fully informed of their strength and situation and take the precautions necessary . . .

I cannot ascertain the number of cattle, carts, and waggons taken here, as they have not been yet collected. A few horses have also been brought in, but I am sorry to acquaint your Excellency that the savages either destroy or drive away what is not paid for with ready money. If your Excellency would allow me to purchase the horses from the savages, stipulating the price, I think they might be procured cheap. Otherwise they ruin all they meet with, their officers and interpreters not having it in their power to control them. Our Excellency may depend on hearing how I proceed at Bennington, and of my success there. Praying my most respectful compliments to Gen. Reidesel,

I am most respectfully, Sir,

Your most obedient and humble servant, F. Baume