Sullivan Expedition - Definition and Overview

The Sullivan Expedition, also known as the Sullivan-Clinton Expedition, led by Major General John Sullivan and General James Clinton, was commissioned by the Continental Congress to end the threat of the four nations of the Iroquois who had sided with the British in the American Revolutionary War. It occurred during the summer of 1779 and only had one major battle, at Newtown along the Canisteo River in western New York, in which the Tories and Iroquois were decisively defeated. Sullivan then methodically destroyed Iroquois homes and farms throughout what is now upstate New York, effectively neutralizing the threat against the fledgeling American nation.

The Orders

Orders of George Washington to General John Sullivan, at Head-Quarters May 31, 1779

The Expedition you are appointed to command is to be directed against the hostile tribes of the Six Nations of Indians, with their associates and adherents. The immediate objects are the total destruction and devastation of their settlements, and the capture of as many prisoners of every age and sex as possible. It will be essential to ruin their crops now in the ground and prevent their planting more.

I would recommend, that some post in the center of the Indian Country, should be occupied with all expedition, with a sufficient quantity of provisions whence parties should be detached to lay waste all the settlements around, with instructions to do it in the most effectual manner, that the country may not be merely overrun, but destroyed.

But you will not by any means listen to any overture of peace before the total ruinment of their settlements is effected. Our future security will be in their inability to injure us and in the terror with which the severity of the chastisement they receive will inspire them.

The Route

George Washington instructed Sullivan and his men to cross from Easton, Pennsylvania to the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania and to follow the river upstream to Tioga, New York. He ordered Clinton and his men to travel from Albany, weststward up the Mohawk River to Canajoharie, New York, to cross overland to Otsego Lake, and then travel down the Susquehanna to meet Sullivan at Tioga.

See also

• History of New York
• Sullivan/Clinton Campaign (http://sullivanclinton.com)