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Chapter 3: The Revolu- tionary War Chapter 4: Thompson’s
Chapter 3: The Revolutionary War
The Fifth Battalion Cumberland County Militia, commanded by Colonel Arthur Buchanan, was drawn from the area known as the Kishacoquillas Valley around present Lewistown, Pennsylvania.
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Because of its position, elements of the battalion were often called out, in rotation, to march west for the protection of the frontier. Because the Kishacoquillas Valley was not directly threatened on most occasions, but yet within practical marching distance of areas that were, its manpower was often utilized in this manner.
Their duties included garrisoning the county’s most important western fort, Fort Standing Stone, at Huntingdon, and also protecting farmers working in their fields.
Usually, from March until November constant watch had to be kept for native American war parties. Lewistown (originally Old Town) and Carlisle were both frequent meeting points for the militia when they were called up. In our area it was at Squire Brown’s, who was a commissary who frequently sent rations and horses over to Penns Valley from Kishacoquillas Valley for the troops who were stationed there.
One of the most notable actions of the Battalion came in the spring of 1778 when two classes, the 7th and 8th, marched west under the command of Colonel Buchanan to put down a Loyalist uprising in Bedford County. While in service, they assisted in the protection of a lead mining operation under the command of General Daniel Roberdeau and helped build a fort in Sinking Valley, Pennsylvania for the protection of the mines. This recreated Fort (Fort Roberdeau) can be seen and toured in Altoona, today.
Roberdeau began the expedition to the mines at Carlisle, assembling workmen and supplies necessary for his mining project, and with the help of John Carothers, Cumberland County Lieutenant of Militia (an administrative position not to be confused with the subaltern military rank), he enlisted two companies of militia to provide military protection for the project.
Writing to President Thomas Wharton of the Supreme Executive Council, Roberdeau reported on April 17, 1778.
“I find the state is guarding against the incursions of savages. This confirmed me in the preconceived intention of erecting a stockade fort in the neighborhood of the mine I am about to work. Mr. Carothers, convinced of the necessity of the work, condescendingly offered one company of the militia which he would expect to consist of 40 men, under my command, to co-operate in so salutary a business.” [13]
Roberdeau also referred to one additional company which could be diverted from an assignment at Standing Stone unless council objected. These companies were the 7th and 8th classes of the Fifth Battalion. John Carothers stated in a letter to President Wharton dated April 24, 1778, “I have been obliged to send up to Sinking Valley and Bald Eagle the marching classes of the Fifth Battalion, which will amount to near 70 privates.” [14]
