Based on Frederick Kidder’s Military Operations in Eastern Maine and Nova Scotia During the Revolution (Joel Munse, 1867).

1776

Aug. 3: Fled Nova Scotia

Aug. 11: Arrived in Passamaquoddy Bay

Aug. 13-14:  Arrived in Machias Bay.  Passed party led by Jonathan Eddy, headed in opposite direction to attack Ft. Cumberland.  Convinced that defending the eastern frontier would require the help of the local Indian tribes, Allan set out to obtain supplies from Massachusetts.

Late Oct. (exact day unknown):  Sailed from Machias.

Nov. 3:  Arrived at Piscataqua River.

Nov. 7:  Arrived by stage to Boston.  While in Boston he met with  many prominent men including Adams, Austin and the members of Council, but no promise of aid to the Indians. He was then determined to meet with Congress.

Nov. 29:  Left Boston on horseback for Philadelphia.  Passed through MA, RI, CT, NY, & PA.  In Providence, RI, he called on Gov. Cook, and at Norwich, CT he met Gov. Thrumbull who gave him a pass through the country.

Dec. 22:  Dined with Gen. Washington.

Dec. 25:  Left for Philadelphia.  The next day Allan receives word that Washington crossed the Delaware.  Bitter cold weather.

Dec. 30:  Arrived in Baltimore where Congress had moved fearing an attack in Philadelphia.

1777

Jan. 4:  Received by Congress.  Soon after he was appointed Superintendent of the Eastern Indians and Colonel of Infantry.  Received instructions from Hon. John Hancock.

Jan. 17:  Left for Boston.  During his travels he hears of Eddy’s disastrous repulse at Ft. Cumberland.  In response, Nova Scotia offers £100 for Allan’s capture.  British forces burn Allan’s home and arrest his wife.  When asked to reveal the whereabouts of her husband, she said he had “escaped to a free country.”

Feb. 3:  Arrived in Boston where he stayed for 3 months.  Massachusetts Council agrees to bestow the commission of colonel and approves an expedition to the St. John River valley.

June:  Allan arrives in St. John River valley and establishes friendly relations with the Indians.

June 23:  British arrive and Americans are outnumbered.  Allan is forced to retreat to Machias.  Many loyal warriors and their families join him on the difficult journey through the lakes and rivers of the region.

Aug. 2:  Allan proceeds up Machias River followed by as many as 130 canoes full of Indians, young and old.

Aug. 13:  British forces arrive in Machias Bay.

Aug. 14:  British make their way up Machias River towards town.   Indians were ready to fight and let up a yell, echoed by the local townsmen.  Fearing there were hundreds in the hills ready to fight, the British retreat while being fired upon by the Americans.  Machias is never seriously threatened again.