“WE WERE ALL PAINTED AND EQUIPPED LIKE THE INDIANS AS WERE ALL THE TORIES BELONGING TO THE PARTY."

 From Claus' Rangers facebook. They put out some great articles. One of my favourite Revwar groups.

Accounts of both Rebels and Loyalists dressing and painting in the “Indian fashion" are found during the American War of Independence. Rebel rifleman clad in hunting shirts and wearing paint on their faces, which may have been as intimidating to the locals they encountered as it was to the British, is written about.. On the other hand, the accounts of Loyalists on the frontier painting themselves "like Indians" may be exaggerated,could be rebel propaganda used to stir up anti-Royalist fervor, or could be based in fact. Some of these accounts are very specific, others are written by the Loyalists themselves, giving some more credibility than others.

"General Nixon, with about 1000 men lies at and about Fort Ann, to obstruct the passages and intercept the enemy's scouts, of whom our people daily make prisoners. They day before yesterday five were taken between Fort Ann and Skeensborough; three of them appeared like Indians, and upon being washed, were found to be Tories, who were gone over to the enemy from the neighbourhood of Fort Edward."   -THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, August 15, 1777, “FISH-KILL, July 24. Extract of a letter from Albany, July 21.”

Charles Smith to Capt. Walter Butler-

“Harpers Field, 27 July 1778-

I take this opportunity to inform you I have been diligent as I can possible in getting of men, but harvest being at hand the men could not leave here until they had their grain cut. But know as most of them is got their grain in and taken care of, I expect many to come with me. But there is on thing that hinders, they are afraid that the rebels will ruin them before we come to their assistance and are afraid to leave home. But I give them the greatest encouragement as I think it my duty to do so…

I was coming to see you but met Archibald Thompson and returned back to bring out my men and join as soon as possible and bring them from Bostick, from the Beaver Dam, from Healborak and them parts. But I am obliged to say more than the truth to encourage them to come out…

I shall see you soon and hope I shall march in front of my men painted and some of my men painted, so please to give notice to my brethren.” (George Clinton papers, Vol. III. pp 617-618.)

“On the 1st instant, (July) the whole body of the enemy, consisting it is supposed, of near, 1600, (about 300 of whom were thought to be Indians , under their own chiefs, the rest, Tories, painted like them, except their officers, who were dressed like regulars) the whole under the command of Col. John Butler,…came down near the upper fort, but concealed the greatest part of their number, here they had a skirmish with the inhabitants, who took and killed two Indians , and lost ten of their own men, three of whom they afterwards found, killed, scalped, and mangled in the most inhuman manner.” -  from The Pennsylvania Packet, July 30, 1778, POUGHKEEPSIE, July 20.”

“On Friday night last was safely lodged in Poughkeepsie gaol, the noted Tory, John Snow - This villain is one of those who had transformed themselves into savages, the more effectually to assist their master, the King of Great Britain, in conquering the free and independent States of America. - He was taken at Paughkataken, in a full suit of paint, the badge of his royal master in that quarter - Confessed that he had voluntarily joined the Indians and marched with them against the frontier settlement of Leghawegh, where they robbed and burnt several houses. The mare of a poor widow there was found in his possession.” -The Pennsylvania Packet, August 13, 1778, “POUGHKEEPSIE, August 3.”

“Saturday night last the house of the widow Boellisfelt, near the Great Swamp in Amwell, was attacked by seven armed tories painted like Indians, who cruelly robbed her of 700 dollars, threatening that if she made the least noise or resistance, they would put her to immediate death. We doubt not but the Gentlemen in authority will exert themselves to bring those daring villains to exemplary and condign punishment.” - The Pennsylvania Packet, September 3, 1778, "TRENTON, September 2.”

“We were all painted and equipped like Indians as were all the Tories belonging to the party. We were promised by Joseph Brant and Bernard Frey, the two commandants of the Indians and Tories, ten dollars for every scalp we took, and that each person that joined them should have 50 acres of land.” – William Sommer Deposition, July 1781. George Clinton Papers Vol. VII, pp 79-81.