1775 : Committees of Safety Organize for the Common Defense….the Johnson Problem

The Revolutionary War Committees of Safety were formed, in part, to implement and enforce the Articles of Association enacted by the First Continental Congress in October 1774.  

After the events of April 19, 1775, the committees would begin to organize.  They would quickly assume the duties of local government. Foremost was organizing  local militia companies for their defense and procuring necessary supplies and munitions.   They would actively recruit their residents to subscribe to the Association, thereby identifying those supporting the cause, and those likely to promote and defend the interests of the Crown. Enforcement of the various economic regulations and controls required by the Association would eventually occur as shortages of various goods became common, but defense was the concern at the outset.

In 1772, the Crown created Tryon County from Albany County.  The new Tryon County had a smaller population than Albany County, but had a significant concentration of Loyalists and Iroquois.

Sir William Johnson, prior to his death in 1774 was arguably one of the most ardent supporters of the Crown in British North America.  He had served as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, was Knighted, and created a Baronet for his services during the French and Indian War. Upon his death, his son John assumed  the title. John’s cousin (and brother in law) Guy, became Indian Superintendent.  The Johnsons, the Butler family, and Sheriff Alexander White would not support a rebellion to the Crown.  Moreover, the Johnsons essentially commanded the Militia organized under Crown rule, and the supplies and munitions available in Tryon County.

Records of the Tryon and Albany County Committees show extensive communication concerning the Johnsons, and the need for supplies. Guy was the immediate concern, with frequent rumors that he would be moving towards Albany with a large number of Indians to end the threat to Crown rule.  At the same time, Sir John began fortifying Johnson Hall against an expected attack by the rebels to the Crown.  

In May 1775, the immediate threat posed by Guy Johnson was neutralized when he was ordered to Montreal to support a planned  attack in New England, …..he will return.

John Johnson will remain Loyal, and the focus of Committee surveillance. Correspondence to and from Johnstown was intercepted and reviewed by the Committees for hostile intent.

In January 1776, General Philip Schuyler, and a large party of troops will arrive at Johnson Hall, and essentially disarm Johnson and his supporters. Though paroled, he will eventually flee to Canada in May of 1776.  

Although the immediate threat posed by the Johnsons was neutralized in 1776, history will show that Sir John, the Butlers, and their Iroquois allies will be frequent visitors to the Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys for the remainder of the Revolutionary War, not stopping with the British surrender at Yorktown in October 1781.

Next time, the economic controls enforced by the Committees.