Butler, John (1728-1796) Wealthy Loyalist and Indian agent who led a regiment known as Butler's Rangers; he is most remembered for the Wyoming Valley massacre of July 1778, where his rangers and Iroquois allies, after defeating Zebulon Butler and taking Forty Fort, were said to have executed and scalped prisoners and fleeing enemy soldiers. Because of this massacre and a massacre led by John's son, Walter, the same year (Cherry Valley massacre), the name "Butler" was much reviled on the northern frontier.
Autograph Document Signed ("J Butler"), 1 page, 5½ x 8¼, n.p., Aug. 15, 1779. Two weeks before the Battle of Newtown (August 29, 1779), an armed offensive led by General John Sullivan by order of the Continental Congress to end the threat of the Iroquois who had sided with the British, Butler orders nine pounds of powder and "shott" from Major Fonda to be sent "pr. my Negro." The British Loyalists and the Iroquois were defeated and Butler withdrew to Fort Niagara.
Estimated Value $400 - 600,
Joe Rubinfine, 1980,
Colonial and Revolutionary America
