This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.
It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.
Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.
Usage guidelines
Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:
+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.
+ Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.
+ Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.
+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe.
About Google Book Search
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web
at|http : //books . google . com/
r
rj>.^..--
i'^ -J.
:^'-
iS^.y*.
I
The pictorial field-hook
of the revolution
Benson John Lossing
"i.r;',.vc7,-,
^:^PkS^^Z
^^
nv^^' ^v
Nv*^>>-^
\^' "VW
'■-<;^:<^;ac<',jM*»^'.»»,jr^»jrjrjr»^-»^?
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
*
.-; C!1©C OF. ^
MRS. MARY WOLFSOHN
tN MEMORY OF
HENRY WOLFSOHN
^Arr:fc^A^^-<kr^ag:K^ir3gJ
fXX2^2B^MM:
■-v^"-vw^"VW
W^*
'^^.^-^^jy^;.^
^ V V V V
V y^vw^
'vvvvv^*^
^^y'^
'^^Vywyv^.<wv^^
^^^fe#l^
yMr'>!?vi.
'^,^vr.;3'3-'
' w't/u*'
■vk^L:^?.y:wyc-
V v'w^y^
'Vwwv^^i^'^y^^/^lr;;
''iS?^«».^»»*v«&" v^4?^--^<^
*¥»^
/nyn^,
»wv»v 'w'f»5''' jy
^^vv- ..w^g-'^V^^W'^V
,v>>vW
iJ!!5;;w^^^^^
WVw
W^^^w/
,/vwwWv'
'W^«*V^^^a/^i^^
. .^v,:i;^'i5v-;^>^^
'^wg
Wv^.^
Vw^ww^^^glfWi^^.:^^,^.^ ;^^
/Ww^V'W
v^v^w^^
.wAw^^^-:/,v::wj'
WVV'
.'W^
^?wwr!!f-yWW^!^'
v^^w^^
'^w'w^'^^^S^^^gllll^iAr^V^^^
:.^^^»g«!<8
w^o^"^^^*^"
-^^^Sii^ril
^'-^^^^NwWWW^vw^^*"^w^w^vw.
;WV^Wv%/W^^
•wwwww
WW W. V^v^^^
'* ¥VW
Digitized by
Google
i
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
"SKP
?i
>.
♦U*
w-f
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
or Tm
VNIYERSiTY
Digitized by
Google
THE
«
#
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
OF
THE REVOLUTION;
OR,
ILLUSTRATIONS, BY PEN AND PENCIL, OF THE HISTORI. BIOG-
RAPHY, SCENERY, RELICS, AND TRADITIONS OF THE
WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE.
BY BENSON J. LOSSING.
WITH ELEVEN HUNDRED ENGRAVINGS ON WOOD, BY LOSSING AND BARRITT,
CHIEFLY FROM ORIGINAL SKETCHES BY THE AUTHOR.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
Vol. I.
NEW YORK:
HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,
FRANKLIN 8QUARB.
1860.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year one thousand
eight hundred and fifty, by
Harper & Brothers,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern. District
of New York.
Digitized by
Google
1 1E story of the American Revolution has been ¥^ell and often
told, and yet the most careless observer of the popular mind
may perceive that a large proportion of our people are but little
instructed in many of th^ essential details of that event, so im-
portant for every intelligent citizen to learn. Very few ai^ ig-
norant of the more conspicuous circumstances of that period,
and all who claim to be well-informed have a correct general knowledge of the
history of our war for independence. But few oven of that, intelligent class
are acquainted with the location of the various scenes depicted by the histo-
rian, in their relation to the lakes and rivers, tovms and cities, whose names
are familiar to the ears of the present generation. For example : the citizen of
Saratoga may have a thorough knowledge of the memorable places in his own
vicinage, and of the incidents which have hallowed them, yet how puzzled he
would be if asked to tell the inquiring stranger, or his more inquisitive children,
upon what particular stream, or lofty height, or broad plain, or in what mount-
ain gorge, occurred the battles of Rocky Mount, King's Mountain, Eutaw Springs,
or the Cowpens. These are places widely known in their respective districts,
and the events connected with them form as important links in the chain of cir-
oamstances which were developed in the progress of the colonies toward independ-
ence, as the surrender of Burgoyne and his army upon the plain at Saratoga.
Among this class, claiming to be generally informed, but ignorant in many partic-
ulars, especially in relation to the character and situation of localities, the writei
places himself; and to an appreciation of the necessity of a more thorough knowl-
edge of these places, and of the men who are identified with the Revolution, the
reader is partially indebted for the pages which follow this confession.
To obtain this accurate chorographical knowledge of our early history as a confed-
eration of states, was not the only incentive to undertake a journey to the battle-
fields and other localities hallowed by the events of the Revolution. My limited
observation had perceived many remaining physical vestiges of that struggle. Half-
!
Digitized by
Google
Tiii PREFACE.
hidden mounds of old redoubts ; the ruined walls of some stronger fortification ; dilap-
idated buildings, neglected and decaying, wherein patriots met for shelter or in
council ; and living men, who had borne the musket and knapsack day after day in
that conflict, occasionally passed under the eye of my casual apprehension. For
years a strong desire was felt to embaUn those precious things of our cherished house-
hold, that they might be preserved for the admiration and reverence of remote pos-
terity. I knew that the genius of our people was the reverse of antiquarian rever-
ence for the things of the past ; that the glowing future, all sunlight and eminence,
absorbed their thoughts and energies, and few looked back to the twilight and dim
valleys of the past through which they had journeyed. I knew that the invbible
fingers of decay, the plow of agriculture, and the behests of Mammon, unrestrained
in their operations by the prevailing spirit of our people, would soon sweep away
every tangible vestige of the Revolution, and that it was time the limner was abroad.
[ knew that, like stars at dawn which had beamed brightly through a long night,
the men of old were fast fading away, and that relics associated with their trials
and triumphs would soon be covered up forever. Other men, far more competent
than myself to use the pen and pencil, appeared indisposed to go out into the ap-
parently shorn and unfruitful field upon which I looked with such covetous delight,
except to pick up a grain here and there for special preservation. I knew that the
vigorous reapers who had garnered the products of that broad field, must have let
fall from their full hands many a precious ear loaded with choice grain, and I re-
solved to go out as a gleaner, carefully gather up what they had left behind, and
add the winnings to their store. Like the servants of Boaz, when Ruth followed
the reapers, they seem to have " let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for
me, that I might glean them," for I found a far greater abundance than hope had
promised. I have ^^ gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that I have gleaned,"
and here is my " ephah of barley."
In the arrangement of a plan for presenting the result of these labors to the
public in an acceptable form many difficulties wwe perceptible. Other histories of
our Revolution had been written, embellished, and read ; what could be produced
more attractive than they ? The exciting literature of the day, ranging in its in-
toxicating character from the gross pictures of sensual life drawn by the French wri-
ters of fiction, to the more refined, but not less intoxicating works of popular and
esteemed novelists, so cheaply published and so widely difiused, has produced a
degree of mental dissipation throughout our land, destructive, in its tendency, to
sober and rational desires for imbibing useful knowledge. Among the young,
where this dissipation is most rife, and deleterious in its effects, it seemed most desi-
rable to have the story of our Revolution knovm and its salutary teachings pondered
and improved, for they will be the custodians of our free institutions when the active
men of the present generation shall step aside into the quiet shadows of old age.
Next to tales of love and gallantry, the young mind is most charmed by the narra-
tives of the traveler. The woof of our history is too sacred to be interwoven with the
tinsel filling of fiction, and we should have too high a regard for truth to seek the
potential aid of its counterfeit in gaining audience in the ear of the million ; but to
the latter taste we may consistently pay court, and in behalf of sober hbtory, use its
Digitized" by
Google
PREFACE. i2
power in disputing for the preference with the tourist. As my journey was among
scenes and things hallowed to the feelings of every American, I felt a hope that a
record of the pilgrimage, interwoven with that of the facts of past history, would
attract the attention, and win to the perusal of the chronicles of our Revolution
many who could not be otherwise decoyed into the apparently arid and flowerless
domains of mere history. I accordingly determined to make the record of the tour
to the important localities of the Revolution a leading feature in the work. Here
another difficulty was encountered. So widely scattered are those localities, and so
simultaneous were many of the events, that a connected narrative of the journey
must necessarily break up the chronological unity of the history, and, at times,
produce some confusion. To give incidents of the journey, and sketches and de-
scriptions of the scenery and relics as they appear at present, in fragmentary notes,
would deny to the work the charm of a book of travel, and thus almost wholly re-
move the prime object in view in giving such narrative. The apparently less objec-
tionable course was chosen, and the history was broken into fragments, arranged,
in the exhibition, in accordance with the order in which each locality was visited,
the fragments individualized as much as possible, yet always maintaining a tie
of visible relationship with the whole. The apparent difficulties in the way of
the student which this plan suggests, are removed by the aid of a complete Ana-
lytical Index at the close of the work, while the narrative of the tour remains un-
broken, except by the continually recurring appendices of history. How far this
arrangement shall accomplish the desired result the candid judgment of the readei
must determine.
To collect the pictorial and other materials for this work, I traveled more than
eight thousand miles in the Old Thirteen States and Canada, and visited every im-
portant place made memorable by the events of the war ; yet, in all that long and
devious journey, through cities and villages, amid mountains and vast pine forests,
along rivers and over fertile plantations, from New England to Georgia, with no
passport to the confidence, no claim to the regard of those from whom information
was sought, except such as the object of my errand afforded, and communing with
men of every social and intellectual grade, I never experienced an unkind word or
cold repulsion of manner. On the contrary, politeness always greeted my first sal-
utation, and, when the object of my visit was announced, hospitality and friendly
services were freely bestowed. Every where the memorials of our Revolution arc
cherished with devotional earnestness, and a feeling of reverence for these things
abounds, though kept quiescent by the progressive spirit of the age. To those who
thus aided and cheered me in my enterprise, I here proffer my sincere thanks. 1
can not name them all, for they are too numerous, but they will ever remain cher-
ished "pictures on memory's wall."
It has been said that "diligence and accuracy are the only merits which a his-
torical writer may ascribe to himself." Neither labor nor care has been spared in
the collection of materials, and in endeavors to produce a work as free from grave
errors as possible. It has imperfections ; it would be foolish egotism to assert the
contrary. In the various histories of the same events many discrepancies appear ;'
these I have endeavored to^ reconcile or correct by documentary and other reliable
Digitized by V3 1^1^ VI
:i^
X PREFACE.
testimony ; and if the work is not more accurate than its predecessors, it is believed
to be equally so with the most reliable. Free use has been made of the available
labors of others in the same department of literature, always accrediting the source
from whence facts were derived. I have aimed to view men and events with an
impartial eye, censuring friends when they deserved censure, and commending en-
emies when truth and justice demanded the tribute. The historical events recorded
were *those of a family quarrel concerning vital principles in jurisprudence ; and
wisely did a sagacious English statesman console himself, at the close of the war,
with the reflection, " We have been subdued, it is true, but, thank Heaven, the
brain and the muscle which achieved the victory were nurtured by English blood ;
Old England, upon the Island of Oreat Britain, has been beaten only by Young
Engtand, in America."
In the pictorial department, special care has been observed to make faithful de-
lineations of fact. If a relic of the Revolution was not susceptible of picturesque
effect in a drawing, without a departure from truth, it has been left in its plainness,
for my chief object was to illustrate the subject^ not merely to embellish the book. I
have endeavored to present the features of things as I found them, whether homely
or charming, and have sought to delineate all that fell in my way worthy of pres-
ervation. To do this, it was necessary to make the engravings numerous, and no
larger than perspicuity demanded, ebe the work would be filled with pictures to
the exclusion of essential reading matter.
The plans of military movements have been drawn chiefly from British sources,
for very few were made by the engineers in the Continental service. These appear
to be generally pretty correct, so far as they represent the immediate movements
of the armies in actual conflict ; but the general topographical knowledge possessed
by those engineers, was quite defective. I have endeavored to detect and correct tbeir
inaccuracies, either in the drawings or in the illustrative descriptions.
With these general remarks respecting the origin and construction of the work,
it is submitted to the reading public. If a perusal of its pages shall aflbrd as
much pleasure and profitable knowledge as were derived from the journey and in
the arrangement of the materials for the press, the eflbrt has not been unfruitful
of good results. With an ardent desire that it may prove a useful worker in the
maintenance and growth of true patriotism,
Digitized by
Google
ILLUSTRATIONS-Vol. I.
u IDmniiutod Frontlipieee.
2. Tide-page.
3. Ornamenul Heed for Profkoe and Initial Letter. . . Page iil.
ITaflPlece ri.
&. Ornamental Head for Contents vli
6. Initial Letter— Introdnction xr.
7. Portrait and Signature of Columbus ztuL
8. Porb^t of babcDa xxiL
9. Spaniah Caravel zxiii.
HI ViewofPaloa «xiiL
U. Ruina of the PinzoD Mansion xxilL
t% Landing of Columbus xxr.
13. Banner of the Expedition xxr.
14. Portndt of Bebastian Cabot xxriL
15w Portraitof Amerigo Vespucci xxviiL
16u Portrsdt of De Soto xxxL
17. Portrait of Verraxzani xxxiL
18. Initial Letter 33
19. TbeClermont 35
90. Portrait of Lieutenant General Burgoyne 37
2L Portrait of General Schuyler 38
82. Initial Letter 43
23. Localities at Bemis's Heights 46
24. Portrait of ThaddeusKowjiusko 49
25. Battle-ground of Stillwater 53
28. Burgoyne's Encampment on the Hudson 57
27. House In which General Frascr died 64
28,29. Tomahawks 64
30. Fraser's Burial-place 66
3L Lady Ackland proceeding to the American Camp 68
32. Initia] Letter 69
33. Schuyler's Mill, Saratoga 73
34. Schuyler's Mansion 74
35. General Gates's Head-Quarters at Saratoga 75
38. Plan of the Armies at Burgoyne's Surrender 77
37. Fac-slmile of the Signatures of Burgojne and Gates. . . 79
38. View ofthe Place where the British laid down their Anns 80
39. Site of the first Interriew between Gates and Bur-
goyne ■... 81
40. Medal struck in Honm' of General Gates and his Army 83
4L Portrait of Silas Deane 85
42. Initial Letter 88
13. The Rledesel House, Saratoga 89
44. Cellar of the Riedesel House 89
45. General Schuyler and Baroness Rledesel 91
46. Place whore Lovelaoe was executed 92
47. Bloody Run 94
4a Fort MIDer, Fordingplnce 9^
49. Fort Edward 95
sa Balm of Gilead at Fort Edward 95
5L Diagram illustratfaiga Fortification 96
52l Jane M'Crea Tree, Tort Edwnrd 97
S3. A RiTer Bateau 96
51 Jane M*CreaSpring 99
5Su Grave of Jane M'Crea 101
S6L Colonel Cochran's Monument 102
37. Mouth of Fort Edward Creek 102
S8l a curious Skull 103
99. TwoSidesofaCross-pistarocn 103
«0l Initial Letter 104
6L View below Glenn's FaDs 105
62. WUliams's Rock 106
63L Portrait of King Hendrick 106
64. Bloody Pond 107
65w Fort William Henry 103
66. Ruins ofthe Citadel of Fort George 112
67. Head of Lake Georse 113
68. Lonjg Point and Vkinity 114
m. Sabbath Day Point 115
70. LakeOeoi^ and part of Lake Champlaln 115
7L Rogers's Rock 116
79l Ground Plan of Fort Hconderoga 118
73. Initial Letter : 121
74. Portrait of Issac Rice 122
73. Ridns St Ticonderoga 127
76. The Bakery 128
77. View from the Top of Mount Defiance 131
78L Portrait of General St Clair 132
791 Site of Fort Anne 139
80L BUJor Israel Putnam in British Uniform 140
8L Battle-ground near Fort Anne 141
82. View at Putnam's Rock 142
83. The Battle-ground at Hubbardton » 145
M, Plan of the Battle 146
85. Head-stone, Mount Independence 148
86. View from Sholee's Landing Pago 149
87. Initial Letter 150
88. Plan of the Fort 151
89. Crown Point 153
90. Inscribed Stone 152
9L Well at Crown Point 153
92l " Vir^al Representation,** a Caricature 158
93. SpUtRock 159
94. Burgoyne addressing the Indians 160
95. Tomb of Ethan Allen 161
96. Scene of Arnold's Naral Battle 162
97. Plan of Arnold's first Engagement 163
98. Plan of Arnold's second Enffagement 164
99. iVashington's Hair-powder Pouch 166
lOa Isle Aux Noix, in the Sorel 167
lOL Military Establishment at St. John's 169
102. FortatChambly -. 171
103. St John's, on the Richelieu River 173
104. Portrsit of Lord George Germain 173
105. French Canadian House 173
106. Canadian Peassnt Girl 174
107. BeloeU Mountain 174
108. Portrait of Francois Vest 175
109. A Thunderstruck Rock 175
110. IIL A Caleche— Aurora Borealis 176
112. Initial Letter 177
113. Grey Nun Praying 178
114. View of Montreal and its Walls in 1760 179
115. Signature of Ethan Alien 180
116. Portrait of ^r Guy Carleton 181
117. WallsofQuebec 183
118. View of Point Leri firom Durham Terrace 189
119. Wolfe's Rarine 187
120. Portrait of General Wolfe 181
121. Wolfe's Monument IW
122. Norrideewock Falls, 1775 191
123. Arnold's Route through the Wilderness, 1775 198
124. Initial Letter 195
125. St John'sGMe 198
136. Cape Diamond 198
127. Place where Arnold was wounded 199
128. Palace Gate, outside 199
129. Portrait of General Montgomery 200
13a Montgomery's Monument 201
13L PaUice Gate, Inside t02
132. Temperance Cross 203
133. Montmorenci Falls 303
134. Wolfe and Montcalm's Monument 205
135. The Cascades, or St Ann's Rapids 906
136. Cedar's Rapids, at St Timothy 907
137. Lumber Raft on t^e St Lawrence 909
13a Cairn 909
139. Sheldon House 210
14a WindmlU Point 211
14L Portrait and Signature of Lord Amherst 213
143. Initial Letter 314
143. Bomb-proof Tower 914
144. Oswego in 1755.. 817
145. Forts at Oiweeo 317
146. Remains of "New Fort," Oswego 318
147. View of Oswego and the Fort in 1798 330
14a View of Oswego Harbor, 1848 331
149. Portrait of Mrs. Cochran 333
150. Distant View of Fort Niagara* 335
15L Niagara Suspension Bridge 338
152. Sepulchral Stone 330
153. Site of Fort Stanwix 231
154. Portrait of Sir William Johnson 333
155. FortJohnson 333
156. Caughnawaga Church 333
157. Guy Park 334
15a Initial Letter 340
150. Portrait of Colonel Ganseroort 340
16a Order of March of St Leger's Forces 241
16L Portrait of Colonel MarinusWillett 344
163. Battle-ground of Oriskany 945
163. Bowlof aPipe 946
164. Fort Schuyler and Vicinity 949
165. Old Stone Church, German Flats 354
166. The Pulpit of the Church 954
167. FortHerkhner 85&
16a Portrait of Joseph Brant 356
169. Hieroglyph of Tejfmdaga^et^ or Little Hendrick 350
170. Hieroglyph of JTaiMifa^M, or Hnns 256
17L Signature and Hieroglyph of King Hendrick 356
Digitized by
Google
zii
ILLUSTRATIONS.
179. Onm ot KammdMgea Page 856
173. Ctom of TYuMtAoMro, or Little Abraham 256
174. Signature of Daniel 256
175. Excaraliona at Little Falla 259
176. ViewofLitUeFalla 259
177. View below Moai laland 259
17a Genera) Herkimer'a Retidenee 260
179. Herlcimer'a Grave 260
180. Caatle Church 261
181. Fort Plain 261
182. Fort Plain Block-houae 262
183. Lipe'a House 263
184. Old Parsonage and Church 263
le.'J. Initial Letter 264
186. Armed Bettlcra 266
.87. Signature of Walter Butler 270
188. Portrait of General Sullivan 272
189. Order of March against the Indians 274
190. Initial I^ettcr 284
191. The Butler House 285
192. Signature of John Butler 285
193. North Front of Johnson Hall 286
194. Signature of Sir John Johnson 286
195. Vignette on Sir WiUiam Johnson's Diploma ,288
196. The Kane House 292
197. Portrait, House, and Signature of J. Dierendorf 293
196. Mansion of Judfle Campbell 296
199. Distant View of Cherry Valley 297
200. Brant^s Rock 297
201. Portrait of Hendriek Hudson 301
802. Schuyler's Mansion at Albany 304
203. Initial Letter 305
904. Washington's Head-quartera at Morristown 309
905. Schuyler's Head-quartera at Morristown 315
206. Fao^mile of the Continental Paper Money 317
907. Fac*simile of the first Money coined In the United
States 318
208. Cipher Alphabet 320
909. Facsimile of Cipher Writing 320
210. Old Apple-tree at Springfield. 322
9U. Plan of the BatUe at Springfield t 322
912. Mrs. Mathews's House 323
913. Caldwell's Monument 336
914. Boudinofs Vault 326
915. Old Tavern at Elizabethport 328
216. Franklta's Stove 328
917. "Liberty Hall" 399
218. Portrait of Governor Livingston 330
919. Steuben's Head-quarten at Middlebrook 333
990. Washington's Rock 334
92L Initial Letter 337
299. Scene In the Wyoming Valley 341
993. Portrait of Count Zinzendorf 349
924. View near Toby's Eddy 343
925. Site of Winterroooes Fort 351
926. Positionofthe Wyoming Forts 353
927. Signature of Colonel Z.Butler 355
228. The Suaquehanna at Monocasy Island 356
229. Queen Esther's Rock 357
930. The Treaty Table 359
23L InitUl Letter 364
939. WyomlngMonument 365
933. Frances Slocum— Af^^on-o-^ua 369
934. Timothy Pickering 374
935. The ♦• Red House".
936. Cara entering tiie Mines at Carbondale.
faMtaer.
375
378
237. LampofaMiner 378
938. Appearance of the Chambera In the Mines 379
939. View ^m the Shawangunk Mountains 381
940. Initial Letter 389
941. The Van Rleek House, Poughkeepsle 383
949. The Livinnton Mansion 385
943. The Constitution House, Kingston 387
944. The Yeoman House 388
945. Monument In Church-yard, Kingston 389
946. View at the Mouth of the Rondout 390
947. Van Schaick's MUl 391
94a Portrait of General Stark 394
949. Plan of the Battle of Bennfaigton 395
250. The Bennington Battle-ground 396
851. Initial Letter 401
959. Distant View of Compo 402
953. Headquarteraof AgnewandEnkios 403
954. Dibble's Bam 404
955. Portrait of Joel Barlow 405
956. Portrait of Joseph Dibble 406
957. Portrait of General Wooster 408
9Sa Place of the Barricades, Ridgefield 409
959. Place where Wooster Fell 410
260. Putnam's Quarters 411
98L Putnam's HOI 419
969. Fitch's Point, the Landing-place of the British 413
963. Darien Church 414
9M. Gnunmon's HiU 415
965. The Green, Fairfield 416
9d6 The Regiddea' Tomb-Monet 490
967. Arnold's RealdeDoe, New Haven Page 491
26a Savin Rock 429
269. West Bridge and Milford HOI 493
970. Campbell's Monument 423
271. Landing-place of General Tryun 424
272. The Buckler House 496
273. Humphreys^ Monument 429
274. Portrait of Colonel Humphreys 42J*
275. PortaitofDr. EneasMunson 430
27a Signature of Nathan Been 431
277. Initial Letter 433
278. First Meeting-house in Connecticut 433
279. The Charter Oak 4:J4
28a TheWebb House 436
281. Elder Brewster's Chest, brought in the May Flower. 437
282. KeyoftheChest 437
283. Fac-simile of the Signatures of the Pilgrims 438
284. Ancient Chair 438
285. Chopping-knife 4.-»
28a Putnam's Tavern Sign 439
287. The old Colony Se57 445
28a Ancient Map of Massachusetts Bay 446
289. The -Pine tree Shilling" 449
290. The Beacon in Boston 451
291. Facsimile of the first American Paper Money 452
292. Seal of George UL, the Purse, and ChanceDoi's Mace. 456
293. Initial Letter 457
294. Portrait of George III. at the Time of his Accession. . 457
295. Usual Appearance of King George IIL, 1776 456
29a Portrait of Queen Charlotte ^. 458
297. Portrait of George Grenville 460
298. Portrait of Colonel Barr6 463
299. Liberty Tree 466
300. Portrait of Governor Hutchinson 468
301. Portrait of Charles, Marquis of Rockingham 470
302. Portrait of WUliam Pitt 479
303. The Province House 474
304. Portrait of John Dickinson 476
305. FaneuilHaU 479
306. Portrait of Augustus Henry, Duke of Grafton 489
307. Portrait of Lord North 483
308. Initial Letter ^ 4t»
309. Title-page of the Boston Ahnanac, 1770 486
310. Music of the *• Massachusetu Song of Liberty^ 487
311. The "Old Sooth" Meeting-house 490
312. Signature of James Otis 492
313. Portrait of Lord Dartmouth 495
314. Portrait of DaridKinnison 499
315. Portrait of G. R. T. Hewes 501
3ia Portrait of Edmund Burke 503
317. Hancock's House, Boston 507
3ia SkuU and" Cross-bones" 507 ,
319. Disjointed Snake— device at the head of Newspapen 506
320. Initial Letter 500
32L Portrait of Samuel Adams 510
322. View of Boston from Dorchester, 1774 519
323. View of the Lines on Boston Neck 513
324. Portrait of John Hancock 515
325. MedalUon Likeness of Adam Smith 517
326. Portrait of Edward Gibbon 519
327. MedaUion Likeness of John Wilkes 520
32a Clarke's House, Lexington 523
329. SWrmlsh at Lexington 594
330. Signature of Colonel James Barret 595
331. Colonel Barret's House 586
339. Battle-sround at Concord 526
333. Plan of the Monuments at Concord 597
334. Initial Letter 533
335. Reverse of a Massachusetts TreasuryNote, 1775 534
336. Charlestown and adjacent Hills In 1775 538
337. Plan of the Redoubt on Breed's Hill 540
33a The New England Flag 541
339. Action on Breed's HIU 543
340. Portraitof Joseph Warren 548
34L Warren's Monument 549
349. Initial Letter 651
343. Monument at Concord 559
344. Monument at Lexington 553
345. Near View of the Monument 553
34a Portraitof Jonathan Harrington 554
347. Washington's Head-quarten at Cambridge 555
348. The Rledesel House. Cambridge 557
349. Bunker HIU Monument 558
350. Signature of the Baroness Rledesel 558
351. Chantrey's Statue Of Washhigton 561
359. Mather's Vault 561
353. Cotton Mather'a Writing 569
354. Speaker's Desk and W&tfarop's Chair 569
355. KingPhOip's Samp-pan 569
35a Captain Church's Sword 569
357. The Washington Elm, Cambridge 564
358. Boston with its Environs, 1776 566
359. The Pine-tree Flag 570
360. Signature of Governor Gage 573
361. Britinh Fort on Bunker HUl 574
369. American Floating Battery 579
Digitized by
Google
ILLUSTRATIONa
363. IniUal Latter Page 577
364. OoM Medal awarded to Washington 584
365. Medal struck in Honor of Lord North 586
366. Roxbory Fort 503
367. Ground Plan of the Fort 5W
368. IniUal Letter 595
369. Signatures of Uncas and his Sons 597
370. Uncas's Monument. ..^ 598
371. Residence of General Huntington 600
S7S. Portrait of Jonathan Trumbull 601
373. Governor TrumbnU's War Office 602
374. The Trumbull House 603
375. The Alden Tavern 603
376. The WUUams House 603
377. The Trumbull Vault 603
378. Birth-place of Benedict Arnold 604
379. Governor Huntington's Mansion 606
380. Governor Huntington's Tomb 607
381. General Huntington's Tomb 607
383. Map of New London Harbor •. . . . 609
383. New London Harbor, looking North 610
384. View of the Landing-place of Arnold 611
385. Monument at Groton 614
386. Portrait of Mrs. Bailey 617
387. Bishop Seabury's Monument 618
388. InitialLetter 619
389. Landing-place of Roger Williams 620
390. Signature of Roger Williams 633
301. Hopkins's Monument 634
399. Governor Cooke's 'Monument 635
393. Signature of Stephen Hopkins 635
394. Old Tavern in Providence 686
395. Stone Tower 628
396. Gaspee Point 628
397. Slgnstnres of the Commissioners 630
398. Old Tower at Newport 633
399. Inscription on Dighton Rock 634
400. PrescoU's Head-quarters 635
401. Perry's Monument 635
403. Top of Tonomy Hill 636
403. Hubbard's House and MiU 636
404. IniUal Letter 643
405. Portrait of Colonel William Barton 643
406. Preacott's Head-quarters 644
407. Portrait of D'Estaing 646
408. Plan o( Operations upon Rhode Island in 1778 648
409. Scene of the Engagement on Rhode Island, August
29.1778 7T.. 651
410. Ancient Sycamore 653
411. Quaker Hill, fh>m the Fort on Butui's Hill 657
413. View Northward from Butts's HiU 658
413. Portrait and Sign-manuel of King Philip 659
414. Three Signatures of chief Warriors of King Philip. . 659
415. HandwriUng of EUiot and Gookin 660
416. Conannicut, or Dumplings Fort 665
417. IniUal Letter 666
418. Washtnston's Head-quarters at Newburgh 667
419. The Dinlng-hall, or Room with seven Doors 668
430. Monument at Goshen 671
491. Signature of Lewis Nicola 673
493. Portrait of John Armatrong 674
493. Portrait of James Clinton 680
494. Remains of ForUflcaUons at Plum Point 681
495. Head-quarters of Greene and Knox 683
496. Signatures of young Ladies on a pane of Glass 083
497. The Square, New Windsor 683
498. Residence of Mrs. Falls 684
499. The Temple 685
430. View of the Camp Ground 685
431. Ancient Stone House near the Temple 685
439. Portrait of Robert Burnet 686
433. Portrait of Usual Knapp 687
434. Signatures of the Officers ofWashington's Life Guard. 688
435. Banner of Washington's Life Guard 668
436. Fae Simile of a Return of the Commander-in-chiefs
Guard ?: 689
437. The Wharton House 690
438. Portrait of Enoch Crosby 690
439. ^itch Church, FlshkUl 691
440. fWnKy Church 693
441. The Verplanck House 603
449. Society of the CincinnaU— Member's Certificate 696
443. Order of the Cincinnati 697
444. IniUal Letter Pue 698
445. Great Chain and Mortars 700
446. View fh>m Fort Clinton, looking North 701
447. Koscuiszko's Garden. 701
448. Koeculszko's Signature 701
449. Interior of Fort Putnam 708
450. Signature of Bernard Romans 703
451. Plan of Fort Constitution , 703
453. Plan of the Magazine , ^04
453. Signature of La Radiere 704
454. View of West Point in 1780 704
455. Signature of DuportaU 704
456. Map of West Point 705
457. Ruins of Fort Putnam, as seen fh)m Fort Webb 707
458. View fhnn ConstituUon Island 708
459. Arnold's WiUow. . > 708
460. The Robinson House 708
461. Portrait of Beverly Robinson 709
463. Portrait of Benedict Arnold 710
463. Fac Similes of a part of Arnold and Andre's Letters. 714
464. Signature of Elisha Sheldon 715
465. Map showing the Scene of Arnold's Treason 716
406. Smith's House 730
467. Signature of VillefVanche 731
468. Signature of M^or Bauman 739
469. Fac Simile of Arnold's Pass 733
470. Signature of Joshua H. Smith 734
471. Initial Letter 725
473. Signatures of Arnold's Aids 795
473. The Breakfkst Room 796
474. View at Beverly Dock 799
475. View near Fort Montgomery 731
476. Lake Sinnipink, or Bloody Pond 731
477. Portrait of Beverly Garrison 732
478. Picture of part of a Boom 739
479. Plan of Attack upon Fort Montgomery 734
480. View fVom Peekskill Landing 734
481. Signatures of Vaughan and Wallace 736
483. The Birdsall House 738
483. Signature of Philip Van Corllandt 739
484. Paulding's Monument, and St. Peter's Church 739
485. View fronj Gallows HiU 740
486. Signature of Alexander M'Dougal 740
487. Signature of Samuel H. Parsons 743
488. Map of Verplanck's and Stony Points. . . , 743
489. Rear View at Stony Point 744
490. Portrait of General Wayne 745
491. Wayne's Monument 745
493. View of Stonv Point fVom the Southwest 746
493. Fac Simile ofWayne's laconicDispatoh toWashlngton 747
494. G(rfd Medal awarded by Congress to General Wayne. 748
495. Medal awarded to Lieutenant-colonol De Fleury 749
496. Medal awarded to M^or Stewart 750
497. IniUal Letter 751
498. The Ferryman 751
499. King's Ferry Sign-board 751
500. View'fh>m Smith's House 753
501. View of the Place where Andrd was captured 754
503. Colfnel Jameson's Head-quarters 756
503. Ancient Dutch Church 758
504. Bridge over Sleepy Hollow Creek 750
505. The Vane 759
506. Communion-table 759
507. Receiving Tomb 760
508. Van Wart's Monument 760
509. View of " Snnnyside," the Residence of Washington
Irving 761
510. View fVom the Ruins of the old Fori 762 •
511. The Livingston Mansion 763
513. Washington's Head-quarters at Tappan 764
513. Portrait of John Andr«, fh>m a Miniature, by himself 765
514. M^or Andrd, fVom a Penc'd Sketch 765
515. Andre's Monument in Westminster Abbey 767
516. Portrait of Aaron Ogden 768
517. M^jor Andrd, from a pen-and-ink Sketch, by himself 771
518. Place of Andre's ExecuUon 773
519. The Captor's Medal 773
520. Ruins of a Forge near Ramapo Village 778
521. Tom Rock 780
522. Remains of Intrenchments at the Ramapo Pans 781
523. The Hopper House 789
524. Hopper's Monument 7g
525. Burr's Head-quarters 7^
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
INTRODUCTION.
Far o^er yon azure main thy view extend,
Where seas and skies in blue confusion blend *.
Lo, there a mighty realm, by Heaven designM,
The last retreat for poor, oppressM mankind ;
FormM with that pomp which marks the hand divine.
And clothes yon vault, where worlds lumumberM shine.
Here spacious plains in solemn grandeur spread ;
Here cloudy forests cast eternal shade ;
Rich valleys wind, the sky-tall mountains brave,
And inland seas for conmierce spread the wave
With nobler floods the sea-like rivers roll,
And fairer luster purples round the pole.
Timothy Dwight.
v:!:..o
VERY nation eminent for its refine
ment, displayed in the cultivation
of the arts, had its heroic age ; a
period when its first physical and
moral conquests were achieved,
and when rude society, with all
its impurities, was fused and re-
fined in the crucihle of progress.
When civilization first set up its
standard as a permanent ensign
in the Western hemisphere, north-
ward of the Bahamas and the
great Gulf, and the contests for
possession began between the wild
Aborigines, who thrust no spade
into the soil, no sickle into ripe harvests, and those earnest delvers
from the Old World, who came with the light of Christianity to plant
a new empire and redeem the wilderness by cultivation, then commenced
the heroic age of America. It ended when the work of the Revolution, in
the eighteenth century, was accomplished ; when the bond of vassalage to
Great Britain was severed by her colonies, and when the thirteen confed-
erated States ratified a federal Constitution, and upon it laid the broad found-
ation of our Republic.
Those ancient civilizations, registered by the stylus of history, were mere gloamings of
morning compared with the noontide radiance which now lights up the Western World ;
and even the more modem nations of Europe, brilliant as they appear, have so many dark
spots upon the disk of their enlightenment, that their true glory is really less than that of
the waxing Star in the West. These ancient and modem civilizations, now past or at
their culminating points, were the results of the slow progress of centuries ; the heroic agt
V.
Digitized by
Google
xvi INTRODUCTION.
•
of America, meteor-like, was brilliant and rapid in its course, occupying the space of only
a century and a half of time from the permanent implanting of a British colony, weak and
dependent, to the founding of our government, which, like Pallas Athena, was, at its birth,
full panoplied, strong, eminently individual in its character, and full of recuperative energies.
The head of Britannia was cleft by the Vulcan of the Revolution, and from its teeming
brain leaped the iuU-grown daughter, sturdy and defiant.
Long anterior to the advent of Europeans in America, a native empire, but little inferior
to Old Rome in civilization, flourished in that region of our continent which now forms the
southwestern portion of the Republic. The Aztec empire, which reached the acme of its re-
finement during the reign of Montezuma, and crumbled into fragments when Cortez dethroned
and murdered that monarch, extended over the whole of Central America : and when
1521. ,
the Spaniards came it was gradually pushing its conquests northward, where all was
yet darkness and gloom. To human apprehension, this people, apparently allied by various
ties to the wild nations of North America, appeared to be the most efficient instruments in
spreading the light of civilization over the whole continent ; yet they were not only denied
thi|( glorious privilege, but, by the very race which first attempted to plant the seeds of Eu-
ropean refinement in Florida and among the Mobilian tribes, and to shed the illumination
of their dim Christianity over the dreary regions of the North, was their own bright light
extinguished. The Aztecs and their neighbors were beaten into the dust of debasement by
the falchion blows of avarice and bigotry, and they form, apparently, not the most insignifi-
cant atom of the chain of events which connects the history of the empires of the Old World
wit^ that of our Republic.
It is believed that, two hundred years before the Aztecs subdued the more ancient people
of the Mexican valley and founded Tenochtitlan,* a handful of rough, half-civilized adven-
turers from the wintery shores of Iceland and the neighboring main, driven by adverse winds
they knew not whither, touched upon the bleak shores of Labrador, and traversed the Amer-
ican continent southward as far as Rhode Island, and, it may be, the capes of Virginia.'
These supposed first modern discoverers of America were the children of the « mighty sea
kings" of the Teutonic romances — ^the Scandinavian reguli, who, scorning to own Gorm
the Old of Norway, and Harcld Fairhair of Denmark, their conquerors, as masters, forsook
their country and colonized Iceland, Greenland, Shetland, and the Orkney Islands, whence
they sent forth piratical expeditions, which became a terror to Western Europe. They
traded as well as plundered, and by commerce and conquest became potential. Every coast
was visited by their squadrons, either for war or traffic. They swept over Denmark and
Germany, and by conquest obtained pSssession of the best portions of Gaul." They invaded
the British Islands, and placed the renowned Canute upon the throne of Alfred.
Long before Christianity had shed its genial rays over their frozen territory of the
North, and banished the barbarous rites of Pagan worship, the lamp of learning had been
^ This city was foanded aboat the year 1210, and was afterward called Mexico^ which signifies tlu place
ef Mexiili, the Aztec god of war. The present capital of Mexico is upon the site of that ancient city.
The Aztecs, at that time, were settled in Lower California. They were divided into six tribes. The
Mexican tribe wandered oflfsoathward, sabdued the Toltecs, and founded the city around which the whole
Aztec nation subsequently gathered. The Toltecs were far more refined than their conquerors, and from
members of that dispersed nation the Aztecs were first made acquainted with painting, sculpture, astronomy,
and many of the useful arts, such as working in metals, building bridges and aqueducts, agriculture, &o.
• See note on page 633.
' Charles ^11., called the Simple, the eighth of the Carlovingian kings of France, ceded to Rolf or Rollo,
one of the Northmen chiefs, the large province called by them Normandy. This event occurred in the
year 918. Rollo and his subjects embraced Christianity, and became tho guardians of France against
further invasion from the Northmen.
Digitized by
Google
rNTRODUCTION. xn\
taken from the cloisters of the South and placed within their temples, and upon dreary
and desolate Iceland and Norway civilization erected its humanizing altars. Ardent, im-
aginative, and devotional, they eagerly accepted Christianity,. and it became to them really
a " Star in the East," leading to where « the infant Jesus laid/' It was not to them Sf
much a personal treasure to be valued for its immortal blessings, as a glorious idea full of
temporal advantage. It became an intense passion, not a sober belief, and its warmth gen
erated mighty events. Among them the spirit of chivalry had its birth and early nurture ,
and in those unholy wars against the possessors of the land of Palestine and of the sepulcher
of Christ, called the Crusades, which shook the nations during three consecutive centuries,
these Northmen furnished the bravest leaders.
From such a people, possessed of every attribute necessary to the successful founding of
new empires, having the ocean pathway to a broad and fertile continent made clear before
them, what great results might not be expected ? But, with the prize just within their
grasp, they, too, were denied the honor of first peopling our land ; yet their mixed descend-
ants, the Anglo-Saxons, now possess it. It is supposed that they attempted settlements,
but failed, and in the lapse of centuries their voyages were forgotten, or only remembered
in the songs of their bards or the sagas of their romancers. For more than five hundred
years after the voyages of those navigators, America was an unknown region ; it had no
place upon maps, unless as an imaginary island without a name, nor in the most acute go-
c^praphical theories of the learned.' It was reserved for the son of an humble wool-carder
of Genoa to make it known to the world.
During the first half of the fifteenth century, maritime discoveries were prosecuted with
untiring zeal by the people inhabiting the great peninsula of Southwestern Europe. The
incentives to make these discoveries grew out of the political condition of Europe and the
promises of great commercial advantages. The rich commerce of the East centered in
Rome, when that empire overshadowed the known world ; when it fell into fragments, the
Italian cities continued their monopoly of the trade of the Indies. Provinces which had
become independent kingdoms became jealous of these cities, so rapidly outstripping them in
power and opulence ; and Castile and Portugal, in particular, engaged in efibrts to open a
direct trade with the East. The ocean was the only highway for such commerce toward
which they could look with a hope of success. The errors of geographical science inte^
posed their obstacles ; the belief that a belt of impassable heat girdled the earth at the
equator intimidated mariners, and none were willing to double Cape Bojador, beyond which
was the fancied region of fire.
Prinoe Henry of Portugal, son of John the First and Philippa of Lancaster (sister of
Henry the Fourth of England), having accompanied his father into Africa, in an expedition
against the Moors, received much information concerning the mineral riches and fertility
of Guinea and other portions of the coast. The idea of making discoveries along the Afri-
can shores filled his mind, and on his return to Portugal he abandoned the court, retired to
a secluded spot near Cape St. Vincent, in full view of the ocean, and drawing around him
the most eminent scientific men in the kingdom, pursued geographical and nautical inquiries
with untiring zeal. He became convinced that Africa was circumnavigable, and that the
* " The [Atlantic] Ocean," observes Xerif al Edrisi, an eminent Arabian writer, quoted by Irving, " en-
circles the ultimate boands of the inhabited earth, and all beyond is unknown. No one has fieen able to
verify any thing concerning it, on account of its difficult and perilous navigation, its great obscurity, its
profound depth, and frequent tempests ; through fear of its mighty fishes and its haughty winds ; yet there
are many islands in it, some of which are peopled and others unii^abited. There is no mariner who dares
to enter into its deep waters ; or, if any have done so, they have merely kept along its coasts, fearful of
departing from them. The waves of this ocean, although they roll as high as mountains, yet maintaii
themselves without breaking, for if they broke, it would be impossible for a ship to plow through them.'*
B
Digitized by
Google
ikvui
INTRODUCTIOIf.*
I486.
Indies might bo leached by doubling its most Bouthorly beadlands. Expeditions were fitted
out ; the Cape de Verd and the Azore Islands were discovered ; Cape Bojador was passed ;
the tropical region .was penetfated, and divested of its terrors ; and at length the lofty prom-
ontory which terminates Africa on the south, was descried. It was hailed as a har-
binger of the coveted passage to the Indian Seas, and on that account King John gave
it the appellation of the Cape of Good Hope
The Spaniards were also making
maritime discoveries a1 the same time,
but Lisbon was the point of great at-
traction to the learned, the curious,
and the adventurous, who were desir-
ous to engage in the expeditions then
continually fitting out there. Among
them came Christopher Columbus, or
Colombo, a native of Genoa, then in
the vigor of maturity.* Already he
had made many a perilous voyage
upon the ocean, having engaged in
the hfe of a mariner at the age of
fourteen years. The bent of his mind
for such pursuits was early discovered
by his father, and in the University
of Pavia he was allowed, by a short
course of study, to obtain sufficient
elementary knowledge of geometry, as-
tronomy, geography, and navigation,
and of the Latin language, to enable
him to make those sciences afterward
subservient to his genius. From the
commencement of his nautical career
to his landing in Portugal, his history
Xf^fl\*:0^^'
is very obscure.
' There is some obscurity and doabt respeoting the precise year in which Columbus was bom. Mufioz,
in his History of the New World, places it in 1446. Mr. Irving, relying upon the authority of Bemaldez,
who says that " he died in 1506, in a good old age, at the age of seventy, a little more or less," places it
in 1436, which would make him about forty-eight years old when he landed in Portugal.
' This peculiar signature of Columbus is attached to various documents written by him subsequent to
his first voyage. It was customary, in his time, to precede a signature with the initials (and sometimes with
the words in fuU) of some pious ejaculation. We accordingly find the signature of Columbus with initial
prefixes, thus :
S
S A S
X M Y
XpQ FERENS
The interpretation is supposed to be " Sancta I Sancta, Ave, Sanbta I Christo, Maria, Yoseph ;" id etL,
ChrUty Mary, Joseph. The xpo are Greek letters ; the word FERENS Roman capitals. X, or a cross,
is the sign for Christo or Christ, and xpo ^ ^'^ abbreviation of ;(pi(iTor, anointed, and expressed the first
and chief portion of the Christian name of Columbus. The Latin word/«reti« (bearing, carrying, or en-
during) expressed not only the latter portion of his name, but also his character, according to his own lofty
conceptions of his mission. He believed himself to be ChriMto fgrem, Christ-bearer or Gospel-bearer, to
the heathen inhabitants of an unknown world. It may be added, that Colombo (Columbus), a dove or
Digitized by
Google
INTRODUCTION. nx
In person, Colnmbns was tall and commanding ; in manners, exceedingly winning and
gracefhl hr one nnaccastomed to the polish of courts or the higher orders in society. He was
a strict observer of the rituals of his religion. His piety was not a m«re form, but an ele-
cted and solemn enthusiasm, bom of a deep conviction of the vital truths of Christianity.
While in Lisbon, he never omitted religious duties in the sanctuary. At the chapel of the
Convent of All Saints, where he was accustomed to worship, he became acquainted with
a young lady of rank named Donna Feiipa, the daughter of Monis de Palestrello, an Italian
cavalier, who had been one of the most distinguished navigators in the service of Prince
Henry. They loved, and were married. His wife's sister was married to Pedro Correo,
a navigator of note. In the family of his mother-in-law he learned all the incidents of the
voyages of her husband ; and the charts, journals, and other manuscripts of that navigator
she delivered to Columbus. These possessions awakened now aspirations in his mind. He
had made himself familiar, by study and large experience, with all the nautical knowledge
of the day, and, in common with the most enlightened men of his time, he was disposed to
credit the narratives of Plato and other ancient writers respecting the existence of a conti-
nent beyond a glorious island called Atlantis,^ in the waste, of waters westward of Europe.
Such a continent was necessary to make his own geographical theory perfect. The gor^
geous pictures of Zipango or Cipangi and Cathay, on the eastern coast of Asia, drawn by
Marco Polo and Mandeville, also excited his warm imagination ; and the alleged appari-
tions of land seen to the westward by the people of the Canary Isles were treasured in his
mind as great realities.* His comprehensive genius constructed a new and magnificent the-
ory, and his bold spirit stood ready to act in unison with his genius. He based his whole
theory upon the fundamental principle that the earth was a terraqueous globe, which might
be traveled round from east to west, and that men stood foot to foot at opposite points.
pigeon, was doubtless associated, in his imagination, with the carrier-bird, and had its dae weight, not only
in his conceptions of his destiny, bnt in forming his sign-manaal. The signature to his will is £L ALMI-
RANTE (the Admiral), with the above letters, instead of xpo FERENS.
' Ancient writers speak of an island which existed at a very early period in the Atlantic Ocean, and
said to have been eventually sank beneath its waves. Plato, who gave the first accoant of it, says he ob-
tained his information from the priests of Egypt. The island was represented to be larger than Asia and
Africa, as they were then known, and beyond it was a large continent. Nine thousand years before Plato's
time, this islimd was thickly inhabited and very powerful, its sway extending over all Africa, including
Egypt, and also a large portion of Europe. A riolent earthquake, which lasted for the space of a day and
a night, and was accompanied by inundations of the sea, caused the island to sink, and, for a long period
subeequent to this,' the sea in this quarter was impassable by reason of slime and shoals. Learned men
of modem times have been disposed to believe in the ancient existence of such an island, and suppose the
West India Islands to be the higher portions of the sunken land. If this belief is correct, then the conti-
nent beyond was America.
According to the account given to Plato, Atlantis was the most productive region upon the earth. It
produced wine, grain, and delicious fruits in abundance. It had wide-spread forests, extensive pasture*
grounds, mines of gold and silver, hot springs, and every luxury for human enjoyment. It vras divided into
ten kingdoms, governed by as many kings, ail descendants of Neptune, and living in perfect harmony with
each other. It had splendid cities, rich and populous villages, vast fortifications, arsenals, and equipments
for navies. There was a temple in the island a stadium (six hundred and six feet nine inches) in length,
dedicated to Neptune. It was ornamented with gold, silver, orichaloium, and ivory. It contained a golden
statue of Neptune, representing the god as standing in his chariot, and holding the reins of his winged
<eeds. Such was the ancient vision.
* So confident were the people of the Canaries that land lay to the westward of them, that they sought
and obtained permission from the King of Portugal to fit out various expeditions in search of it. A belief
was so prevalent that a Scottish priest named Brandon discovered an island westward of the Canaries, iq
the sixth oentuiy, that maps, in the time of Columbus, had the Island o(St. Brandon upon them. It wik
placed under the equator.
Digitized by
Google
XX INTRODUCTION.
This was seventy years before Copernicus announced his theory of the form and mo-
tion of the planets, A and one hundred and sixty years before Galileo was obliged, be-
fore the court of the Inquisition at Rome, to renounce his belief in the diurnal revo-
lution of the earth, b
Cdumbus divided the circumference of the earth at the equator, according to Ptolemy's
system, into twenty-four hours of fifleen degrees each, making three hundred and sixty de-
grees. Of these he imagined that fifleen hours had been known to the ancients, extending
from the Fortunate or Canary Islands to the city of Thinoe in Asia, the western and eastern
boundaries of the known world. By the discovery of the Cape de Verd and the Azore Isl-
ands, the Portuguese had advanced the western frontier one hour, leaving about one eighth
of the circumference of the globe yet to be explored. The extent of the eastern region of
Asia was yet unknown, although the travels of Polo in the fourteenth century had extended
far beyond the Oriental boundary of Ptolemy's map. Columbus imagined that the unex-
plored part of Asia might occupy a large portion of the yet undefined circumference of the
earth, and that its eastern headlands might approach quite near to those of Western Europe
and Africa. He therefore concluded that a navigator, pursuing a direct course from east to
west, must arrive at the extremity of Asia by a far easier and shorter route than following
the coast of Africa around the Cape of Grood Hope. Fortunately, he adopted the opinions
of Aristotle, Pliny, and other writers, who considered the ocean as but of moderate breadth,
so that it might be crossed from Europe in the space of a few days. A knowledge or sus-
picion of its actual extent would have deterred even the bold enterprise of Columbus from
attempting an exploration of its waters in the small ships of that day. Reports of strange
trees, reeds of immense size, curiously-carved pieces of wood, and the bodies of two men — ^un-
like, in color and visage, any of the known races extant — Shaving drifted ashore upon the
Canary and Azore Islands by westerly winds, confirmed him in his belief, and a desire and
determination to undertake a demonstration of l)is theory by an exploring voyage absorbed
his whole attention. " He never spoke in doubt or hesitation," says Irving, « but with as
much certainty as if his eyes had beheld the Promised Land. A deep religious sentiment
mingled with his thoughts, and gave them at times a tinge of superstition, but of a sublime
and lofty kind. He looked upon himself as standing in the hand of Heaven, chosen from
among men for the accomplishment of its high purpose. He read, as he supposed, his con-
templated discovery foretold in Holy Writ, and shadowed forth darkly in the prophecies.
The ends of the earth were to be brought together, and all nations, and tongues, and lan-
guages united under the banner of the Redeemer.'" The prophetic passage in Pulci's
" Morgante Maggiore" was to him full of promise :
" Know that this theory is false ; his bark
The daring mariner shall urge far o^er
The Western wave, a smooth and level plain,
Albeit the earth is fashionM like a wheel.
Man was in ancient days of grosser mold,
And Hercnles might blosh to learn how far
Beyond the limits he had vainly set'
The dullest sea-boat soon shall wing her way.
Men shall descry another hemisphere,
Since to one common center all things tend.
So earth, by canons mystery divine
^ Lift and Voytiges of Columbm.
* Calpe and Abila, or OibraJtar, on the Spanish, and Cape Serra^ on the African shore of the Straits of
Gibraltar, were called the Pillars of Hercules ; it being said, in ancient fable, that Hercules placed them
there as monuments of his progress westward, and beyond which no mortal could pass.
Digitized by
Google
INTRODUCTION. xa
Well Kalanoed, hangs amid the starry spheres.
At our antipodes are cities, states,
And thronged empires, ne^er divined of yore.
But see, the son speeds on hb western path
To glad the nations with expected light."
Peescott's translation of stanza 229, 230, canto xxv.
While matariog his plans, Columbus extended the bounds of his observation and study by a
voyage to Thule, or Iceland, from which remote point he says he advanced one hundred
leagpies northward, penetrated the polar circle,^ and convinced himself of the fallacy of the
popular belief that the froasen zone was uninhabitable.' Whether he saw, in Iceland, written
accounts of the voyages of the Northmen to America, or heard of them as related by tradi-
tion or chanted in songs, we have no means of determining. If he did, it is singular, as
Prescott remarks, that they were not cited by him in support of his hypothesis, while earn*
estly pressing his suit for aid before the courts of Portugal and Spain ; and it is equally sur-
prising that he did not, in his first voyage to America, pursue the route traversed by those
early navigators. He probably heard little more than vague rumors of their voyages, such
as presented insufficient data even for a plausible opinion. His magnificent idea was all
his own, sustained by the opinions of a few learned men, and confirmed by his observations
while on this northern voyage.
Filled with his noble resolutions and lofty anticipations, Columbus submitted the theory
on which rested his belief in a practicable western route to Asia, to King John the Second
of Portugal. That monarch's sagacity perceived the promised advantages to be derived from
such an enterprise, and he eagerly sought the counsel of his ministers and wise men. But
his. court and the college of scientific sages could not comprehend the sublime project ; and
after a long and fruitless negotiation, during which the Portuguese meanly attempted to avail
themselves clandestinely of his information, Columbus quitted Lisbon in disgust, determined
to submit his proposals to Ferdinand and Isabella, the Spanish sovereigns, whose wisdom and
liberal views were the admiration of men of science and learning. His wife was dead ; his
feelings had no hold upon Portugal, and he quitted it forever.
It was teward the close of 1484 when Columbus appeared at the Spanish court.' It
was an unpropitious hour, for the whole resources of the nation were then employed in pros-
ecuting a war with the Moors. For a long time he awaited the decision of the sovereigns,
employing his leisure in the alternate pursuits of science, and engagements in some of the
military campaigns. He was treated with great deference, and, after much delay, a council
of learned men were convened at Salamanca to consider his plans and propositions. After
mature deliberation, they pronounced his scheme "vain, impracticable, and resting on
gprounds too weak to merit the support of government." A minority of the council were &r
from acquiescing in this decision, and, with the Cardinal Mendoza and other ofiicers of govern-
ment, and Fray Juan Perez de Marchena, guardian of the ancient monastery of La Rabida,
' In the age of Columbos, Greenland was laid down upon the maps as a continoation or projection west-
ward of Scandinavia. Colnmbiis discovered this error in his northern voyage, which discovery was a new
fact in support of his theory of a continent Ijring westward from Europe, or at least a proximity of the east-
ern coast of Asia. At that time the climate of Iceland and Greenland was far more genial than at present,
and there b reason to believe that those portions of the latter country which for two or three hundred years
have been ice-bound and uninhabitable, were then tillable. Philosophers of our day, who have studied the
phenomena of terrestrial magnetism with care, have advanced a plausible theory whereby to explain this fact
' It is asserted, but without positive proof, that Columbus, before going to Spain, made application to the
authorities of his native city, Genoa, for aid in his enterprise ; but failing in this he went to Venice, and also
sent his brother Bartholomew to England, to lay h» plans before Henry the Seventh. If these statements
are true, diey exhibit his perseverance in a still stronger light than truthful history presents it.
Digitized by
Google
zni INTRODUCTION.
they indaoed the Bovereigns to soften the decisioDS of the council by a promise to give the
proposition a fair audience when their pressing state engagements should be ended. Co-
lumbus, wearied by procrastination, at length lost all hope of ejecting any thing with the
Spanish court. He turned from it with disgust, and made application to two wealthy and
enlightened Southern dukes, who had ample means at command. He was unsuccessful,
and with a heavy heart he left Spain, to carry his proposals to the King of France.
Isabella of Castile and Leon, sister of the profligate Henry the Fourth, was the successor
October 19, ^^ *^** monarch to the throne. She married Ferdinand, the son of old John the
^^^' Second of Aragon, and, associating him with herself in the government, united the
two monarchies into one great kingdom, the renowned modem Spain. Isabella was emi-
nently virtuous, and her piety and daily good-
ness were the fruit of a deep religious feeling.
Ferdinand was ambitious, and, in the midst
of his perplexity with the Moors, he felt a
strong desire to advance the interests and glory
of the new kingdom, by maritime discoveries ;
yet he could not comprehend the vast plans
of Columbus, and he looked coldly upon the
project. To the pious sentiments of the queen,
Father Perez, a former confessor of Isabella
and a friend of Columbus, appealed with suc-
cess ; and before the navigator had entered
the dominions of France, he was summoned
back to the court, then in the camp at Santa
F6. He arrived in time to witness the sur-
render of Grenada. Joy and exultation per-
isxBELLA OF Ca8tilb.» vadcd all classes. Columbus took advantage
of this state of things, and while he excited
the acquisitiveness of the nobles by reciting wonderful tales of the riches of Cipangi and
Cathay, he eloquently portrayed to the queen the glorious prospect of extending the influ-
ence of the Grospel over benighted heathens, promising to devote the profits of the enterprise
to the recovery of the Holy Sepulcher at Jerusalem from the hands of the Paynim. His elo-
quence was seconded by that of Louis de St. Angel, a favorite officer of the crown. The re-
ligious zeal of Isabella was fired, and, notwithstanding the extravagant demands of Colum-
bus,* she resolved, in opposition to the wishes of Ferdinand, to aid him in fitting out an ex-
^ Isabella was of middle size, and well formed, with a fair complexion, anbnm hair, and dear, blue eyes.
There was a mingled gravity and sweetness in her coontenance, and a singular modesty, gracing, as it
did, great firmness of purpose and earnestness of spirit. Though strongly attached to her husband, and
studious of his fame, yet she always maintained her distinct rights as an allied prince. She exceeded him
in beauty, personal dignity, acuteness of genius, and grandeur of soul. Combining the active and resolute
qualities of man with the softer charities of woman, she mingled in the warlike councils of her husband,
and, being inspired with a truer idea of glory, infused a more lofty and generous temper into his subtile and
calculating policy. — Washington Irving.
* Columbus, in the demands set forth in his proposition, stipulated for himself and heirs the title and au-
thority of admiral and viceroy over all lands discovered by him. This demand was inadmissible, yet the
navigator persisted in it, though it appeared an effectual bar to any arrangement with the queen. His
stipulations were finally acceded to, and Columbus always regarded the queen with feelings of the liveliest
gratitude. "In the midst of the general incredulity," he said in a letter, "the Almighty infused into the
queen, my lady, the spirit of intelligence and energy, and while every one else, in his ignorance, was ex-
patiating only on the inconvenience and cost, her highness approved it, on the contrary, and gave it all the
support in her power."
Digitized by
Google
INTRODUCTION.
zxiii
A Spanish Caravel.
pedition. These demands almost frustrated his designs, and Colnmbns had aerain turned hi^
back upon the Spanish court, when, through
the wise counsels of friends, the queen's ob-
jections were overcome, and the warmest
impulses of her nature aroftsed. " I will
assume the undertaking," she said, when
opposed by her husband and his counsel-
ors, "for my own crown of Castile, and
am ready to pawn my jewels to defray
the expense of it, if the funds in the treas-
ury shall appear inadequate."
All preliminaries being arranged, the
queen lost no time in fitting out two ves-
sels,' and Columbus, aided chiefly by the wealthy and enterprising family of the Pinzons
^_ „^ , ^ equipped a third. With this fee
\^ / '^ > .V V^ ^^® squadron, manned with timid
mariners, Columbus lef^ tlie little
port of Palos, upon the Tinto Riv-
er, in Andalusia, on Friday, the
third of August, 1492, and, spread-
ing his sails to an easterly breeze,
turned his prow toward the waste
of waters in the direction of the
setting 'sun. He had no reliable
chart for his guidance, no director
in his course but the sun and stars,
and the imperfect mariner's com-
visw OF palos.> pass, then used only by a few in
"wr.
^Ifct^^" '^T^^iiia^
' The vessels famished by /Isabella were only caravels, light coasting ships, withoat decks, and furnished
with oars like the ancient galleys. The picture here given is from a low relief sculpture, on the tomb of
Fernando Columbus, a son of the navigator, in the Cathedral of Seville. Such a vessel would be consid-
ered quite inadequate to perform a coasting voyage at the present day. The larger vessel, with a deck,
fitted out by Columbus and his friends, was called the Santa Maria ; the caravels were named respect-
ively Pinta and JBftna. Martin Alonzo Pinzon commanded the Pinta, and Vincent Yanez Pinzon the Mina,
Garcia Fernandez, the physician of Palos, accompanied the escpedition as steward. The whole number of
persons that embarked was one hundred and twenty. The whole expenditure of the queen in fitting out
the caravels amounted to only seventeen thousand florins, or
between eight and nine thousand dollars.* These were small
preparations for an exploring expedition of such vast extent
and importance.
The descendants of the Pinzons are still quite numerous in
the vicinity of Palos. When Mr. Irving visited that town in
1828, he saw the ruins of a family mansion which belonged to
one of the two Pinzons who sailed with Columbus on his first
voyage. Mr. Irving was accompanied in his visit to Palos, the
monastery of Ribida, and other localities in the vicinity, by
Juan Fernandez Pinzon, a descendant of one of the compan^
wns of Columbus.
' The pile of buildings in this view, standing ttpon the bluflf, is the ancient Church of St. George. For
some misdemeanor, the people of Palos were obliged to serve the crown for one year with two armed car
• lUs is the amonnt glren by Mufloz, one of flie most reliable of Spanish authon. Otfaen hare named a much higher ram
Dr. Robertion rates the amount at £4000 iterling, or about $20,000, but does not giro bis authority.
The Pinzon Mansion.
Digitized by
Google
xxiT INTRODUCTION.
navigating the pleasant teas of the Old World. After Tarioat delays at the Canary Islands,
they passed and lost sight of Ferro, the most westerly one of the group^ on Sunday, the ninth
of Septemher. Now Europe was left hehind, and the broad Atlantic, mysterious and un-
known, was before them. As the space widened between them and their homes, the hearts
September, ^^ ^^^ manners failed ; and when, on the thirteenth, the commander and his
^^^ pilots discovered the variations of the magnetic needle, misgivings arose in the
stout hearts of the explorer and his friends, the Pinzons. They were now six hundred
miles westward of the Canaries, in an unknown sea. It was a phenomenon unknown to
the world of science, and Columbus tried in vain to satisfy himself respecting the cause.
He could not long conceal the fact from his seamen. It filled them with c<»istemation
and awe ; for they believed they were entering another world, subject to the influence of laws
unknown and dreadful. Columbus quieted their apprehensions by telling them that the nee-
dle did not point to the north star, but to an invisible point around which that star revolved
daily. Thus he explained a phenomenon now well known ; and his companions, relying
upon his astronomical knowledge, received his theory as truth, and their alarm subsided.
For several days after this event they were wafted pleasantly by the trade winds, which
blow continually from east to west. The air was balmy, and soon vast fields of sea-weeds,
and an occasional petrel upon the wing, heralded an approach to land ; but head winds
and days of profound calm deferred the joyful consummation of their hopes ; and the sea-
men, wearied and home-sick, resolved to retrace their path, and seek the shores of Spain.
Even the little land birds that came upon the spars, and sung merrily their welcome to the
New World, and then left at evening for their distant perches in the orange groves, failed
to inspire the mariners with confidence in the truth of their commander's reasonings, and
open mutiny manifested itself With gentle words, promises of rewards, and threats of
punishment against the most refractory, Columbus kept them from actual violence for sev-
eral days. One evening, just at sunset, Martin Alonzo Pinzon, mounted on
the stem of the Pinta, shouted, ** Land ! land ! Sefior, I claim the reward !"*
Along the southwestern horizon was stretched an apparent island. Columbus, throwing
himself upon his knees, with all the crews, chanted Gloria in Excekis ! In the morning
the island had vanished, for it was nothing but a cloud. For a fortnight longer they floated
upon an almost unruffled sea, when land birds came singing again, and green herbage floated
by ; but days passed on, and the sun, each evening, set in the waves. Again the seamen
mutinied, and Columbus was in open defiance with his crew ; for he told them that the
expedition had been sent by their sovereigns, and, come what might, he was determined to
accomplish his purpose. They were on the point of casting him into the sea, when, just at
sunset, a coast-fish glided by ; a branch of thorn, with berries upon it, floated near ; and a staff*,
artificially carved, came upon the waters to tell them of human habitations not far off*.
The vesper hymn to the Virgin was now sung, and Columbus, after recounting the bless-
ings of Grod thus far manifested on the voyage, assured the crews that he confidently ex-
pected to see land in the morning. On the high poop of his vessel he sat watching until
weli. They were under this penalty when Colombos made his arrangement with Isabella, and they were
ordered to fit oat the two caravels for the expedition. In the porch of the old Church of St. George, Co-
lumbus first proclaimed this order to the inhabitants of Palos. Mr. Irving, who visited Palos in 1828, says
df this edifice, '* It has lately been thoroughly repaired, and, being of solid mason-work, promises to stand
for ages, a monument of the discoverers. It stands outside of the village, on the brow of a hill, looking
along a little valley to the river. The remains of a Moorish arch prove it to have been a mosque in former
times. Just above it, on the crest of the hill, is the ruin of a Moorish castle."
' CcJumbus agreed to give a silk waistcoat, besides the royal pension of thirty dollars, to the person who
first discovered land. — Jftmo*
Digitized by
Google
INTRODUCTION.
zxv
near midnight, when he saw the glimmer of moving lights upon the verge of the horizoa.
Fearing his hopes might have deceived his vision, he called Pedro Gutierrez, gentleman of
the king's bed-chamher, and also Rodrigo |^H^^H^^Ha^ii..^M.._»j^^
Sanchez, of Segovia, to confirm his dis-
covery. They also saw the gleams of
a torch. All night the overjoyed Co-
.umbus watched. At dawn, beautiful
wooded shores were in full view ; the
perfumes of flowers came upon the light
land breeze ; and birds in gorgeous plu-
mage hovered around the vessels, carol-
ing morning hymns, which seemed like
the voices of angels to the late despair-
Oetoberis, ^^S BGamen. In small boats
^^^ they landed, the naked na-
tives, who stood upon the beach in won-
der, fleeing to the deep shadows of the
forest in alarm. Columbus, dressed in
gold -embroidered scarlet, bearing the
royal standard, first stepped upon the
shore. He was followed by the Pinzons,
each bearing the banner of the enter-
prise.' On reaching the land, they all fell
upon their knees,
kissed the earth,
and, with tears of
joy in their eyes,
chanted the Te
Deum Lauda-
Lahdiiio of Columbus.*
Bavvsk of thb Expbdi-
TlOJf.
mu$. Rising from the ground, Columbus displayed the royal stand-
ard, drew his sword, and took possession of the land in the name of
the Spanish sovereigns, giving the island the title of San Salvador '
With the most extravagant demonstrations of joy, his followers
crowded around him. The most insolent in the mutinous displays
were the most abject in making vows of service and faithfulness
All present took an oath of obedience to him as admiral and viceroy,
and representative of Ferdinand and Isabella. The triumph of Co-
lumbus was complete.
The natives had beheld the approaching ships at dawn with fear
* This was a white banner, emblazoned with a green cross, having on each side the letters F. and Y.,
the Spanish initials of Ferdinand and Ysabel, surmounted by golden crowns.
' The island on which Columbus first set his foot in the New World is one of the Luoayas or Bahama
group, and was called by the natives Guanahana, The Spaniards and others still call it San Salvidor ;
the English have given it the vulgar name of Cat Island. It lies between the twenty-fourth and t\i-enty-
filUi degrees of north latitude, and the second and third degrees of longitude east of the meridian of Wash-
ington city, eiighty or ninety miles northeast of Havana, Cuba. Munozy a learned Spanish vnriter, thinks
Watling's Island, and not the one called San Salvador on our maps, was the first landing-place.
* This is copied, by permission of the author, from Irving's Life of Columbut, It is a fac-simile of a
Aetch supposed to have been made by Columbus, in a letter written by him to Don Raphael Xansis, treas
orer of the King of Spain.
Digitized by
Google
xxTi INTRODUCTION.
and awe, regarding them as monsters of the deep. By d^ees their alarm sabsided, and
they approached the Europeans. Each party was a wonder to the other. The glittering
armor, shining lace, and many-colored dresses of the Spaniards filled the natives with admi-
ration and delight ; while they, entirely naked, with skins of a dark copper hue, painted
with a variety of colors and devices, without beards and with straight hair, were objects
of great curiosity to the Spaniards. They were unlike any people of whom they had knowl-
edge. Not doubting that he was upon an island near the coast of Farther India, Colum-
bus called these wild inhabitants Indians^ a name which all the native tribes of America
still retain.
It is not within the scope of my design to relate, in detail, the subsequent career of Co-
lumbus in the path of discovery, nor of those navigators who succeeded him, and share with
him the honor of making known our continent to the Old World. He was the bold pio-
neer who led the way to the New World, and as such, deserves the first and highest reward ;
yet he was not truly the first discoverer of the continent of North America. Eager in
his search for Cathay, he coasted almost every island composing the groups now known as
the West Indies, during his several voyages, but he never saw the shores of the Northern
Aiuroit, Continent. He did, indeed, touch the soil of South America, near the mouth of
1^ the Oronoco, but he supposed it to be an island, and died in the belief that the
lUnds he had discovered were portions of Farther India.'
Intelligence of the great discovery of Columbus, though kept concealed as much as pos-
sible by the Spanish court, for reasons of state policy, nevertheless went abroad, and aroused
the ambition of other maritime powers. The story that Columbus had found vast and pop-
ulous gold-producing regions in the Western Ocean excited the cupidity of individuals, and
^ Columbus returned to Europe in March, 1493. Ferdinand and Isabella bestowed upon him every
mark of honor and distinction, and the nobles were obsequious in their attentions to the favorite of royalty.
On the 25th of September, 1493, he left Cadiz, on a second voyage of discovery. He had three large ships
and fourteen caravels under his command. His discoveries were principally among the West India Islands,
where he founded settlements. He returned to Spain in June, 1496. Misfortunes had attended him, yet
the sovereigns treated him with distinguished favor. On the 30th of May, 1498, Columbus sailed from
San Luoar de Barrameda, with a squadron of six vessels, on a third voyage of discovery. He found the
settlements which had been planted in great confusion, and civil war among the Spaniards and natives was
rife in Hispaniola. In the mean while, intrigues against him were having due weight in the Spanish court
[t was alleged that Columbus designed to found an empire in the New World, oast off all allegiance to
Spain, and assume the title and pomp of king. He had already offended the conscientious Isabella by
persisting in making slaves of the natives, and she readily gave her consent to send out a commissioner to
investigate the conduct of the navigator. Bobadilla, a tool of Columbus's enemies, was intrusted with that
momentous duty ; and, as might have been expected, he found Columbus guilty of every charge made
against him. Bobadilla seized Columbus, and sent him in chains to Spain. His appearance excited the'
indignation of the sovereigns, and they declared to the world that Bobadilla had exceeded his instruc-
tions ; yet justice was withheld, through the influence of Ferdinand, and Columbus was not reinstated as
viceroy of Hispaniola.
While these events were occurring, Tasco de Grtuna, a Portuguese navigator, had reached Cah'cut, in
the East Indies, by doubling the Cape of Oood Hope, and traversing the Indian Ocean. But Columbus
still persevered in his determination to reach Asia by a western route. He induced Isabella to fit out a
fourth expedition for him, and on the 9th of May, 1502, he sailed for Hispaniola. After many troubles and
hardships, he returned to Spain in 1504. His patron and best friend, the queen, died that same year.
Old age had made its deep furrows, and, in the midst of disappointment and neglect, the great disooverer
died on the 20th of May, 1506, at the age of seventy. He never realized his grand idea of reaching India
by a western route. The honor of that achievement was reserved for the expedition of Magellan, fourteen
years aAer the death of Columbus. That narigator passed through the straits which bear his name, at
the southern extremity of our continent, and launched boldly out upon the broad Pacific. He died on the
ooean, but his vessels reached the Philippine Islands, near the coast of India, in safety. Magellan gave the
name of PAcrpic to the pleasant ocean over which he was sailing.
Digitized by
Google
INTRODUCTION.
xztU
many adventurers ofiered their services to sovereigns and men of wealth. Almost simulta-
neously, Sehastian Cahot, of Bristol, and Amerigo Vespucci, a Florentine, sailed for
the lands discovered hy Columhus ; the former under the auspices of Henry the Seventh of
England, and the latter in the employment of Spanish merchants, with the sanction of Fer-
dinand. Cabot's father was an Italian, and had been long a resident of Bristol, then the
chief commercial mart of England. The Northwestern seas were often traversed as far as
Iceland by the Bristol mariners, and they had probably extended their voyages westward to
Greenland in their fishing enterprises. Cabot seems to have been familiar with those seas,
and the English merchants had great confidence in his abilities. He obtained a commis-
sbn from Henry the Seventh, similar, in its general outline, to that given to Columbus by
Ferdinand and Isabella. It empowered him and his three sons, their heirs or deputies, to
discover and settle unknown lands in the Eastern, Northern, or Western seas, such lands
to be taken possession of in the name of the King of England. He fitted out two vessels
at his own expense, which were freighted by merchants of London and Bristol ; and it was
stipulated that, in lieu of all customs and imposts, Cabot was to pay to tiie King one fiflh
part of all the gains.
Cabot's son, Sebastian, a talented young man of only twenty years, with aboutthree hund-
red men, sailed from harbor of Bris-
tol in May, 1497. He directed his
course to the northwest, until he reach-
ed the fiAy-eighth degree of north lat-
itude, when floating ice and intense
cold induced him to steer to the south-
west. Fair winds produced a rapid
voyage, and he discovered land on the
twenty-fourth of June, which he call-
ed Pjeiima Vista, because it was his
fint view of a new region. The ex-
act point of this first discovery is not
certainly known ; some supposing it to
have been on the coast of Labrador,
and others the Island of Newfound-
land or the peninsula of Nova Scotia.
He touched at other points, but did
not attempt a settlement ; the climate
seemed too rigorous, the people too
fierce, and he returned to Bristol.
Cabot made arrangements for a
second voyage. He did not
go in person, but fitted out
vessels for the purpose.
^m^m'&m
Febraarr,
1496.
Sebastian Cabot.
His son, Sebastian, was placed at the head of the expedition, and
in May, 1498, the month in which De Gama reached Calicut, in the East Indies, by way
of the Cape of Good Hope, he sailed for the New World with several ships. He visited
the region first discovered by his father and himself, and called it Newfoundland. It was
not rich in gold and spices, but its shoals abounded with vast schools of codfish ; and within
a few years afler his return to England a permanent fishery was established there. Cabot
sailed along the whole coast of the present United States, beginning at latitude fifty-six
degrees, and terminating at about thirty-six degrees, or Albemarle Sound. His provisions
ailing, he returned to England. He made another voyage in 1517, as fat south as the
Digitized by
Google
zzTiii
INTRODUCTION.
Brazils ; but failing to discover a western passage to the East Indies, he again returned to
England.'
Tn the some month when young Cabot sailed from Bristol, Amerigo Vespucci departed
from Cadiz on his first voyage to the New
World. In that voyage he appears
. ,, . 7: ^ :^^. May, 1497
to have held a subordmate station.
^The expedition under. Ojedai which Amerigo
calls his second voyage, was not undertaken
until 1499. Whether any vessel in that ex-
pedition was under his command is question-
able. Spanish writers assert to the contrary,
and say that he was first a captain when in
the service of Emanuel of Portugal ; but it
is not my province to inquire into this dis-
puted matter. Spanish historians, jealous of
the fame of Columbus, charge Vespucci with
falsehood and fraud ; but early Spanish au-
thors were not always scrupulous in regard to
truth when national pride demanded prevari-
amkbioo vmfucci.* cation, or even absolute falsehood. It was
^ After his second voyage, Sebastian Cabot was incited to Spain, and sailed on a voyage of discovery,
in the service of the Spanish monarch, in 1525. He visited Brazil, and, coasting southward to the thirty-
fiflh degree, he entered a large river, which he called Rio de la Plata, Up this river he sailed one hundred
and twenty leagues. After an absence of sk years, he returned to Spain, but seems not to have been well
received by the sovereign. He made other, but less conspicuous voyages, and in his old age retired to
Bristol, where he died about the year 1557, at the age of eighty years. He received a pension from Ed-
ward'the Sixth, and was appointed governor of a company of merchants associated for the purpose of
making discoveries.
' The name of the Florentine is variously spelled, Amerigo Vespucci, Americus Vespucius, Amerigo
Vespuche. The latter orthography is according to the entry in an account-book containing the expenditure
of the treasurer of the royal mercantile house of Seville, quoted by Muiioz, tome i., page xix of the Intro-
duction. It appears by that account, that on the 24th of February, 1512, was paid to Manuel Catano,
executor of the will of Amerigo, " 10937 and a half maravedis," which was due to him for services as
chief steersman to his majesty. Amerigo was appointed to that office in March, 1508, with a salary
of 50,000 maravedis a year.
Whether he ever commanded an expedition in the Spanish service is a disputed question. He made
several voyages to the New World between 1497 and 1512, the year of his death. With an expedition
under the conunand of Ojeda, in 1499, he visited the Antilles and the coast of Guiana and Venezuela.
On his return, Emanuel, king of Portugal, invited him to his capital, and gave him the command of three
ships for a voyage of discovery. He left Lisbon May 10th, 1501, visited Brazil, and traversed the coast
of South America as far as Patagonia, but failed to discover the straits through which Magellan passed at a
later day. He returned to Lisbon in 1502. He made a fourth voyage, and returned to Portugal in 1504.
Soon after this he wrote an account of his voyage. The book was dedicated to Rene II., duke of Lor-
raine. He again entered the service of the King of Spain, who appointed him to draw sea-charts, and
gave him the title and salary of chief steersman or pilot, which commission he held until his death. Ac-
cording to some accounts, he died in the Island of Terceria, one of the Azores, in 1514 ; others affiim that
his death occurred at Seville.
The portrait of the navigator, here given, was copied, by permission, from the original picture by Bron-
zino, now in possession of C. Edwards Lester, Esq., late United States consul at Genoa. It was commit-
ted to his care by the Vespucci family, to be placed in the possession of our government. No arrange*
ment for its purchase has yet been made, I believe.
An Italian woman named Elena Vespucci, bearing proofs of her lineal descent from the famous navi-
gator, came to America a few years ago, and made application to our Congress for a grant of land, on ao-
eoniit of her relationship to the Florentine from whom our continent derived its name. Subsequently, hef
Digitized by
Google
INTRODUCTION. xxix
iiktaral that they should be tender of the reputation of Columbus, although he was not a
Spaniard, for his discoveries reflected great luster upon the Spanish crown. For this reason
thejr have ever disputed the claims of Vespucci, and denounced him as a liar and a char-
latan. These denunciations, however, prove nothing, and the fame of Columbus loses none
of its brightness by admitting the claims of the Florentine ; claims, it must be acknowl-
edged, that have sound logic and fair inferences as a basis. Amerigo seems to have been
the first who published an account of the discoveries in the New World, and for this pri-
ority the narrow and selfish policy of the Spanish government is responsible. His first an-
nouncement was made in a letter to Lorenzo de Medici, & and soon afterward he pub-
lished a volume giving an account of his four voyages, which he dedicated to the *^^^*
Duke of Lorraine, b In these he claims the merit of discovering the continent, hav- ^
ing landed upon the coast of Paria,^ in Colombia, South America, and traversed the * ^^^'
shores, according to his own account, as far northward as the Gulf of Mexico. If tfais
statement is true, he visited the continent nearly a year previous to the landing of Colum
bus at the mouth of the Oronoco, in the same district of Paria. From the circumstance
of Amerigo making the first publication on the subject, and claiming to be the disooverer of
the continent, the New World was called America, and the Florentine bears the honor of
the name ; but to neither Columbus nor Vespucci does the honor of first discoverer of Amer-
ica properly belong, but to young Cabot, for he and his crew first saw its soil and inhabit-
ants. He alone, of all those voyagers in the fifteenth century, beheld North America.
Whether to Columbus, Vespucci, or Cabot, truth should award the palm, Italy bears the
imperishable and undisputed honor of giving birth to all three.
The expeditions of the Cabots turned attention to the regions north of the West India
Islands. Emanuel of Portugal dispatched some vessels, under the command of Gaspar
Cortereal, in 1501, to follow in the track of the English. Cortereal sailed between two
and three hundred leagues along the North American coast, but his voyage was fruitless of
good results, either to science or humanity. He made few discoveries of land, carried on no
traffic, planted no settlements, but kidnapped and carried to Portugal several friendly na-
tives, to be sold as slaves ! Perfidy and cruelty marked the first intercourse of the whites
with the tribes of our continent ; is it to be wondered that the bitter firuits of suspicion and
hostility should have flourished among them ?
Ponce de Leon, one of the companions of Columbus, and first governor of Porto Rico, a
small island sixty miles east of Haiti, sailed on a voyage of discovery among the Ba-
hamas, in search of the fiibled Fountain of Youth. It was generally believed in Porto
Rico, and the story had great credence in Old Spain, that the waters of a clear spring, bub-
bling up in the midst of a vast forest, upon an island among the Bahamas, possessed the
singular property of restoring age and ugliness to youth and beauty, and perpetuating the
lives of those who should bathe in its stream. De Leon was an old man, and, impressed
with the truth of this legend, he sought that wonderful fountain. After cruising for a while
among the Bahamas, he landed upon the peninsula of Florida, in the harbor of St. Augus-
tine. It was on Palm Sunday when he debarked. That day is called by the Spaniards
Fasqiia de Flares, and, partly from that circumstance, and partly on account of the great
profusion of flowers which, at that early season of the year, were blooming on every side,
brother and two sisters, Amerigo, Eliza, and Teresa Vespncoi, made a similar petition to Congress. They
mention the fact that Elena, " possessing a disposition somewhat indocile and unmanageable, absented her-
self firom her father's house, and proceeded to London. Hence she crossed the ocean, and landed upon the
shores of Braail, at Rio Janeiro. From that city she proceeded to Washington, the capital of the United
States." Elena Yespocoi was treated with respect Possessed of youth and beauty, she attracted much
attentioD at the metropolis, but the prayer in the petition of both herself and family was denied. She was
liTing at Ogdensburgh, New York, when I visited that place in 1848.
Digitized by
Google
XXX INTRODUCTION.
Ponce de Leon gave the eountry (which he supposed to be a large island like Cuha) the
name of Florida. He took formal possession in the name of the Spanish monarch ; but,
feeling unauthorized to proceed to making conquests without a royal commission, he sailed
for Spain to obtain one, af^r failing in his search afler the Fountain of Youth.
He had plunged into every stream, however turbid, with the vain expectation of rising
from it young and blooming ; but, according to Oviedo, instead of returning to vigorous
youth, he arrived at a second childhood within a few years. He was afterward ilppointed
Grovemer of Florida, and was killed while on an expedition against the natives*
While Ponce de Leon was in Europe, where lie remained several years, some wealthy
gentlemen of Haiti fitted out two vessels to explore the Bahamas. The squadron was
commanded by Lucas Vasquez d'Aillon or AUyon, a Spanish navigator. Their ves-
sels were driven northward by a hurricane, and came near being stranded upon the low
dbasts. They finally made land in St. Helen's Sound, near the mouth of the Combahee
River, in South Carolina, about half way between Charleston and Savannah. D'Aillon
called the river Jordan, and the country Chioora. He carried ofiT several natives, whom he
enticed on board his ships, with the intention of selling them as slaves in Haiti. A storm
destroyed one of the vessels, and the captured Indians in the other voluntarily starved them-
selves to death, so the avaricious whites were disappointed in their expectations of gain.
D'Aillon afterward returned, with three ships, to conquer the whole of Chicora. The na-
tives feigned friendship, decoyed the whites on shore, and then, with poisoned arrows, mas-
sacred nearly the whole of them, in revenge for their former perfidy. But few returned
with D'Aillon to Haiti. This was the first discovery of the Carolina coast.
While these events were in progress, Cortez, at the head of an expedition fitted out by
Velasquez, the governor of Cuba, was destroying the empire of Montezuma, in Mexico, then
recently discovered. The success of Cortez excited the jealousy of Velasquez, for he feared
a renunciation of his authority by that bold leader. He sent Pamphilo de Narvaez, with
a strong force, to arrest and supersede Cortez ; but he was defeated, and most of his troops
joined his enemy. Narvaez afterward obtained from the Spanish court a commission as
addantado or Grovernor of Florida, a territory quite indefinite in extent, reaching from the
southern capes of the peninsula to the Panuco River in Mexico. With a force of three
April 3% hundred men, eighty of whom were well mounted, Narvaez landed in Florida,
1588. where he raised the royal standard, and took possession of the country for the
crown of Spain. With the hope of finding some wealthy region like Mexico and Peru, he
penetrated the vast swamps and everglades in the interior of the flat country along the
northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico. His men sufiered terribly from the almost daily
attacks of the natives and the nightly assaults of the deadly malaria of the fens. They
reached the fertile regions of the Appalachians ; but the capital of the tribe, in-
stead of being a gorgeous city like Mexico or Cuzco, was a mean village of two
hundred huts and wigwams. Disappointed, and one third of his number dead, Narvaez
turned southward, reached the Gulf near the present site of St. Mark's, on the Appalachie
Bay, constructed five frail barks, and launched upon the waters. Nearly all his men, with
himself, perished di:iring a storm. Four of the crew, who were saved, wandered for years
through the wild regions of Louisiana and Texas, and finally reached a Spanish set-
tlement in Northern Mexico. These men gave the first intelligence of the fate of the
expedition.
Two years after the return of these members of the expedition of Narvaez, Fernando de
Soto planned an expedition to explore the interior of Florida, as all North America
was then called, in search of a populous and wealthy region supposed to exist there.
By permission of the Spanish monarch, he undertook the exploration and conquest of Florida
Digitized by VjOOQIC
INTRODUCTION. xxxi
At his own rifk and ezpenBo. He was oommiasioned goyernor-general of that country
and of Cuba for life. Leaving his wife to govern Cuba during his absence, he sailed in
June, 1539, and landed at Tampa Bay with
a force of six hundred men in com- j^efo,
plete armor. There he established a ^^^-
small garrison, and then sent most of the ves-
sels of his fleet back to Cuba. He found a
Spaniard, one of Narvaez's men, who had
learned the native language. Taking him
with him as interpreter, De Soto marched
with his force into the interior. For five
months they wandered among the swamps
and everglades, fighting their way against the
natives, when they reached the fertile region
of the Flint River, in the western part of
Georgia. There they passed the winter, with-
in a few leagues of the Gulf, making, through
; u 4^ , ^_ ''^: exploring parties, some new discoveries, among
FutHAiiDo DB Soto. which was the harbor of Pensacola. Early
in May they broke up their encampment,
and, marching northeasterly, reached the head-waters of the Savannah River. After
a bri^ tarry there, they turned their faces w^tward, and, on the twenty-eighth of October,
came upon a fortified town, near the junction of the Alabama and Tombeclbee Rivers. A
severe battle of nine hours' duration ensued. Several thousands of the half-naked Indians
were slain, and their village reduced to ashes. Several of the mailed Spaniards were killed,
and the victory availed De Soto nothing. All his baggage was consumed, and much pro-
vision was destroyed.
The wild tribes, for many leagues around, were aroused by this event. De Soto wont
into winter quarters in a deserted Indian village on the Yazoo. There he was attacked
by the swarming natives, bent on revenge. The town was burned, all the clothing of the
Spaniards, together with many horses and nearly all the swine which they brought from
Cnba, were destroyed or carried away, and several of the whites were killed. Early in the
spring the shorn invaders pushed westward, and discovered the Mississippi. They crossed
it at the Chickasaw Blufis, and traversed the oountrjr on its western shore up to the thirty-
seventh degree, nearly opposite the mouth of the Ohio. They penetrated the wilderness
almost three hundred miles west of the Mississippi during the summer, and wintered upon
the Washita, in Arkansas. They passed down the Red River to the Mississippi in the
spring, where De Soto sickened and died.^ He had appointed a successor, who now . ^faj 31,
attempted to lead the remnant of the expedition to Spanish settlements in Mexico. ^^^
For several months they wandered in the wilderness, but returned in December, ^
to winter upon the Mississippi, a short distance above the mouth of the Red River.
There they constructed seven large boats, and in July following embarked in them. On
reaching the Gulf of Mexico, they crawled cautiously along its sinuous coast, until the twen-
tieth of September, when, half naked and almost famished, they reached a white settlement
near the mouth of the Panuco River, about thirty miles north of Tampico.
While the Spaniards were making these useless discoveries of the southern regions of our
Republic along the Gulf of Mexico, the French fitted out several expeditions to explore the
coast between the peninsula of Florida and the banks of Newfoundland. John Yerrazzani,
a celebrated Florentine navigator, proceeded to America with a squadron of four ships, undei
Digitized by
Google
xxxa
INTRODUCTION.
VSBAAZZAJVI.
the auspices of Francis the First of France, in 1523. Three of his vessels were so dam
aged by a storm that they were sent back ; in the fourth, he proceeded on his voyage.
Weathering a terrible tempest, he reached our
coast near the mouth of Cape Fear River, in
North Carolina. He explored the whole coast
from the Carolinas to Nova Scotia, and taking
formal possession of the country in the name
of the French king, he called it New France,
the title held by Canada while it remained in
possession of the French. Yerrazzani was fol-
lowed, the next year, by Cartier (also in the
service of the French king), who discovered
the Gulf and River St. Lawrence ;* and soon
afterward by the Lord of Roberval, a wealthy
nobleman, who proposed to plant a colony in
the New World. Roberval failed in his un-
dertaking, and returned to France. He sailed
on another voyage, and was never heard of aft-
erward. Other efibrts at settlement along the
southern coasts were made by the French, but
were unsuccessful. A Protestant French colony, planted in Florida, was destroyed by the
Spaniards in 1564, and over the dead bodiA of the Huguenots the murderers placed the
inscription, << We do this not as unto Frenchmen, but as unto Heretics." In 1567, De
Gourgues, a Gascon soldier, fitted out an expedition at his own expense, to avenge this out
rage. He surprised the Spanish forts erected near St. Augustine, and hung the soldiers ol
the garrison upon the trees. Over them he placed the inscription, " I do this not as unto
Spaniards or mariners, but as unto traitors, robbers, and murderers." Thus white people
were exterminated by white people, and Indians again posessed the land.
The history of the early discoveries in North America forms a wonderful chapter in the
great chronicle of human progress and achievements, and in its details there are narratives
of adventure, prowess, love, and all the elements of romance, more startling and attractive
than the most brilliant conceptions of the imagination ever evolved. The story of the prog-
ress of settlements which followed is equally marvelous and attractive. These tempt the
pen on every side, but as they are connected only incidentally with my subject, I pass them
by with brevity of notice. In the preceding pages I have taken a very brief survey of
events in the progress of discovery which opened the way to settlements in the New World,*
a brief survey of the progress of settlements will be found interwoven with the records upon
the pages which follow. They are all united by the often invisible threads of God's prov-
idence ; and each apparently insignificant event in the wondrous history of our continent is a
link as important in the great chain of human deeds, directed by divine intelligence, as those
which arrest the attention and command the admiration of the world. Never was this
truth oflener and more strikingly illustrated than in our history of the war for independ
once ; and the student of that history, desirous of understanding its true philosophy, should
make himself familiar with the antecedents which have a visible relation thereto.
■ See page 178, vol. L
Digitized by
Google
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOE
OF
THE REVOLUTION.
CHAPTEE I.
" Onr yoang wild land, the free, the proud !
Unomah'd by power, unawed by fear,
Her knee to none but God is bow'd,
For Nature teaches freedom here : f
From gloom and snow to light and flowers
Expands this heritage of ours :
Life with its myriad hopes, pursuits,
Spreads sails, rears roofs, and gathers fruits.
But pass two fleeting centuries back ;
This land, a torpid giant, slept,
WrappM in a mantle thick and black
That o^er its mighty frame had crept.
Since stars and angels sang, as earth
Shot, from its Maker, into birth."
Street.
HE love of country, springing np from
the rich soil of the domestic afiections, is a
feeling coexistent and coextensive with social
union itself. Although a dreary climate, barren
lands, and unrighteous laws, wickedly administered, may
repress the luxuriant growth of this sentiment, it will still
maintain firm root in the heart, and bear with patience the
most cruel wrongs. Man loves the soil that gave him birth as
the child loves the mother, and from the same inherent im-
pulses. When exiled from his father-land, he yearns for it as a
child yearns for home ; and though he may, hy legal oath, dis-
claim allegiance to his own And swear fealty to another government,
the invisible links of patriotism which bind him to his country can
not be severed ; his lips and hand bear false witness against his truth-
ful heart.
Stronger far is this sentiment in the bosom of him whose country
is a pleasant land, where nature in smiling beauty and rich beneficence
woos him on every side ; where education quickens into refining activity
the intellect of society ; and where just laws, righteously administered,
r impress all possession, whether of property or of character, with the broad
seal of security. An honest, justified pride elevates the spirit of the citi-
zen of a land so favored ; makes him a vigilant guardian of its rights and
honor, and inspires him with a profound reverence for the men and deeds
eonsecrated by the opinions of the just as the basis upon which its glory rests.
C
Digitized by
Google
34 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
ClaMle LocaUUea. Departure far Saratoga. Voyage up the Hudaoa
It was under the infli^ence of this sentiment, so natural to every American, and a strong
desire to make a personal visit to the classic grounds of my coimtry, and portray their feat-
ures before every ancient lineament should be effaced, that, during the sultriness of midsiun-
mer, I left behind me the cares of business life within the confines of our commercial me-
tropolis, and commenced a pilgrimage to the most important localities connected with the
events of the war for our national independence. For many years, as I occasionally saw
some field consecrated by revolutionary blood, or building nallowed as a shelter of the heroes
of that war, I have felt emotions of shame, such as every American ought to feel, on seeing
the plow leveling the breast-works and batteries where our fathers bled, and those edifices,
coAtaining the council-chambers of men who planned the attack, the ambuscade, or the re-
treat, crumbling into utter ruin. While England erects a monument in honor of the am-
putated leg of a hero who fought for personal renown, we allow these relics, sanctified by the
deeds of soldiers who were more than heroes as the world regards heroism, to pass away and
be forgotten. Acquisitiveness is pulling down walled fortresses ; the careless agriculturist,
unmindful of the sacredness of the ditch and mound that scar his fields, is sowing and reap-
ing where marble monuments should stand ; and improvement, a very Cambyses among .
achievements of labor of former times, under the fair mask of refined taste, is leveling nearly
all that remains of the architecture of the Revolution. To delineate with pen and pencil
what is left of the physical features of that period, and thus to rescue from oblivion, before it
should be too late, the mementoes which another generation will appreciate, was my employ-
ment for several months ; and a desire to place the result of those joumeyings, with a
record of past events inseparably connected with what I have delineated, in an enduring
form before my countrymen, has given birth to these pages.
I resolved to visit the scenes of the northern campaigns during the summer and early av •
tumn. With the exception of the historic grounds lying around New York and among the
Hudson Highlands, the fields of Saratoga, in point of importance and distance, invited the
initial visit.
I left New York on the evening of the 24th of July for Poughkeepsie, on the banks
of the Hudson, there to be joined by a young lady, my traveling companion for the
summer. For many days the hot sun had been unclouded, and neither shower nor dew
imparted grateful moisture to town or country.
" The whispering waves were half asleep,
The clouds were gone to play,
And on the woods and on the deep
The smiles of Heaven lay."
Shvllst.
During the aflemoon the barometer indicated a change, and portents of a gathering
storm arose in the west. At twilight we entered the great amphitheater of the Highlands,
and darkness came down suddenly upon us as a tempest of wind, thunder, and rain burst
over the Dunderberg and the neighboring heights. A thunder-storm at night in the Hud-
son Highlands ! It is a scene of grandeur and sublimity vouchsafed to few, and never to be
forgotten. The darkness became intense, and echo confiised the thunder-peals into one con-
tinuous roar. The outlines of the hills disappeared in the gloom, and our vessel seemed the
only object wrapped in the bosom of the tempest, except when, at every flash of lightning,
high wooded cones, or lof^ ranges, or rocky clifis burst into view like a sudden creation of
the Omnipotent fiat, and then melted into chaos again. The storm continued until we
passed West Point. The clouds then broke, and as we emerged from the upper gate of the
Highlands intp the beautiful expanse of Newburgh Bay, the moon came forth, like a queen
from her pavilion, in beauty and majesty, the winds were quiet, the waters placid, and the
starry sky serene, for
" The thunder, tramping deep and loud
Had left no foot-marks there.''
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
Raturning VoluBteera. Albany. Troy. Fulton's Steam-boat
The next morning the air was clear and cool as in September. At noon we took passage
in one of those floating palaces which are the pride of the Hudson River. What a con-
trast to the awkward contrivance— -the mere germ of the steam-boat of the present day —
that gave such glory to Fulton, and astonished the world.* Her saloon, like a ducal draw-
ing-room ; her table, spread as with a royal banquet ; her speed, like that of the swift bird,
are all the creations of one generation, and seem like works of magic. Among the passen-
gers there were a few — ^plain and few indeed — ^who attracted general attention. They
were a remnant of a regiment of Volunteers returning home, weary and spirit-broken, from
the battle-fields of Mexico. Of the scores who went with them, these alone returned to tell
of havoc in battle and slaughter by the deadly vomito. They were young, but the lesson
of sad experience might be read on each brow, and the natural joy of the homeward-bound
beamed not in their eyes. To them military glory was a bubble burst ; and the recoUee-
tions of the recent past brought not to them that joy which the soldier feels who has battled
in defense of country and home. At Albany preparations had been made to receive them,
and for half a mile the wharves, bridges, vessels, and houses were thickly covered with peo-
ple anxious to see the returning heroes. We landed with difficulty in the midst of the ex-
citement and noise, for cannon-peals, and drum and fife, and the rattle of military accouter-
ments, and wild huzzas of the crowd, and the coaxing and swearing of porters and coach-
men, were enough to confound confusion itself How changed was the scene when we re-
turned, a few weeks later. Wharves, bridges, and houses had been swept by conflagration,
and acres of the dense city were strewn with smoking ruins.
Early on the morning of the 26th we left Albany for Bemis's Heights, near the village
of Stillwater. An omnibus ride of an hour, over a fine McAdam road, placed us in Troy,
where we took stage for the Waterford ferry at Lansingburgh, four miles above. The day
was excessively warm, and eleven passengers occupied " seats for nine." Not a zephyr stirred
the waters or the leaves. A funny little water-man, full of wine and wit, or something stronger
and coarser, oflTered to row us across in his rickety skifl*. I demanded the price for ferriage.
' For the gratification of the oarioos, I here present a drawing of the " Clermont," Folton's experi'
m^nt boat, with some notices of her earlier voyages.
It was constructed under the personal supervision of Fulton,
Jri^'f^Mlii "* 1807. It was one hundred feet long, twelve feet wide, and
^Si ^^MBSk ^ seven feet deep. In 1808 it was lengthened to one hundred and
^jL^^^^Zft ! fifty feet, widened to eighteen, and its name changed to North
^|ft|^Hp||^PH|^k^A^ ^ River. The engine was constructed by Watt & Bolton, En-
^^^^^Br3i'"^^i3f^^7^' ' gland, and the hull by David Brown, of New York. In August,
^^^^^K^ A^jfffl, ^L_. 1807, the boat was propelled from the East River to the Jersey
J!^^^^Es^SKj^Sjg^K^ , shore ; and about the first of September it was started on its
•=^ ' :?i'^ jr^ The following advertisement appeared in the Albany Gazette,
The Chrmoht September 1st, 1807 :
" The North River tteam-boat will leave Paulus's Hook [Jersey
City J on Friday, the 4th of September, at 9 in the morning, and arrive at Albany on Saturday, at 9 in the
ftftemoon. Provisions, good berths, and accommodations are provided. The charge to each passenger is
as follows :
To Newburgh, dolls. 3, time 14 hours.
" Poughkeepsie, " 4, " 17 "
" Esopus, " 5, " 20 "
« Hudson, " 51 " 30 "
" Albany, « 7, " 36 «"
It is noticed in the same paper, of October 5th, 1807, that *^Mr. Fulton's new steam-boat left Ne^
York on the 2d, at 10 o'clock A.M., against a strong tide, very rough vrater, and a violent gale from the
north. She made a headway against the most sanguine expectations, and without being rooked by the
waves." What a change in alx)ut forty years ! Forty years ago a steam-boat voyage from Albany to
New ToriL, one hundred and ^ixty miles, was accomplished in thirty-six hours, at an expense of seven dol-
lars, exclusive of cost of meals. Now the passage is easily and often made in nine and a half hours, at a
cost of one dollar, and frequently for less. Now our first class steam-boats are nearly four hundred fee\
long, and of proportionate depth and breadth of beam.
Digitized by
Google
36 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Croning the Hudson. Cohoet* FalU. Van Schaick's Ifknd. 8tale«f AfMnin 1777.
<* Five thousand dollars/' hicconghed the Charon. I did not object to the price, but
valuing safety at a higher figure, sought the owner of a pretty craft near by, while the little
votary of Bacchus was tugging manfully, but unsuccessfolly, at a huge trunk, to lift it into
his boat. Before he was fairly conscious that he was not yet toiling at our luggage, we were
out upon the stream in the <* Lady of the Lake." I compensated the tipsy boatman for his
labor of love by a brief temperance lecture ; but the seed doubtless fell upon « stony ground,"
Tor he had the hard-heartedness to consign me to the safe keeping of him whom
" The old painters limned with a hoof and a horn,
A beak and a scorpion tail.''
We pushed across the Hudson to the upper mouth or " sprout" of the Mohawk, and,
gliding under the rail-road bridge and along a sluice of the Champlain Canal, clambered up
a high bank, and reached the packet office at Waterford' toward noon. The suppressed
roar of Cohoes' Falls, two miles distant, wooed us to the pleasures of that fashionable resort,
to while away the three hours before the arrival of the canal packet.
These falls, though not so grand as many others either in volume or altitude of cataract,
or in the natural scenery around, nevertheless present many points of beauty and sublimity
exceedingly attractive to the tourist. The Mohawk is here more than one hundred yards
wide, and perfectly rock-ribbed on both sides. The fall is nearly seventy feet perpendicu-
lar, in addition to the turbulent rapids above and below. A bridge, eight hundred feet
long, spans the river half a mile below the falls, from which a fine view may be obtained
of the whole scene.
Before entering the Hudson, the river is divided into four mouths or spratUs, a« they are
called, by three rocky islands. Haver's, Van Schaick's or Cohoes', and Green's or Tibbetts's
Islands, which form a scene that is singularly picturesque. It is generally supposed that
Henry Hudson, the discoverer of the river bearing his name, ascended as far as this point in
1609, and that he and his boat's crew were the first white men who beheld the cataract
of Cohoes.
The iflouth of the Mohawk was a point of much interest toward the close of the summer
of 1777, when Van Schaick's Island was fortified by General Schuyler, then in command
of the northern division of the Continental army. Properly to understand the position of
afiairs at that period, it is necessary to take a brief view of events immediately antecedent
to, and intimately connected with, the military operations at this point, and at Stillwater a
few weeks later.
Incensed at the audacity of the American Congress in declaring the colonies free and in-
dependent states ; piqued at the consummate statesmanship displayed by the members of that
Congress, and foiled in every attempt to cajole the Americans by delusive promises, or to
crush the spirit of resistance by force of arms, the British ministry, backed by the stubborn
king and a strong majority in both Houses of Parliament, determined to open the campaign
of 1777 with such vigor, and to give to the service in America such material, as should not
fail to put down the rebellion by midsummer, and thus vindicate British valor, which seem-
ed to be losing its invincibility. So long as the Americans were tolerably united ; so long
as there remained a free communication between Massachusetts and Virginia, or, in other
words, between the Eastern and the Middle and Southern States, permanent success of ilt*
British arms in America was very questionable. The rebellion was hydra-headed, spring-
ing into new life and vigor suddenly and powerfully, from the inherent energies of union, in
places where it seemed to be subdued and destroyed. To sever that union, and to paralyze
the vitality dependent thereon, was a matter of great importance, and to effect this was a
paramount object of the British government.
General Howe was then in the quiet possession of the city of New York and its vicinity ;
* Waterford is on the west bank of the Hudson, at the head of sloop navigation.
^ ii Digitized by VjOOQIC
OF THE REVOLUTION.
37
BttgUah PreparatioiM for the Cunpaign of 17T7. Instructioiii of Lord George Germain. Biographical Sketch of Boigojme.
a itrong British force occupied Rhode Idand and overawed the eastern coast ; the patriot
insoigeats had been driven out of Canada by General Carleton, and nothing remained to
complete the separation of the two sections of the American States but to march an invad-
ing army from the north, which, forming a juncticn with
Howe, should secure the country and the strong-holds upon
Lakes Champlain and George and the Hudson River.'
Such an expedition was planned jointly by the king, Lord
George Germain, and General Burgoyne, and agreed upon
in council.* The general command was intrusted to Bur-
goyne, who was a natural son of Xord Bingley, and at that
time high in the confidence of the king and his advisers.' He
was brave, skillful, and humane, proud of distinction, san-
guine of success, and eager for military renown. If the tac-
tics of European warfare had been appropriate for the expedi-
tion, success might have attended his efibrts. But in his ap-
pointment, as well as in the minute and positive instructions
given him, without referencAx) any contingency that might
LI.UTEIIAI.T GEN.RAL BuBooYHB. deDMud a widc doparturc from their letter and spirit, the
nmuKnffikh print, iTOi. British ministry, always at fault in the management oi
^ Lord George Germam, then colonial secretary, in a letter to Governor Carleton, of Canada, dated
March 26th, 1777, observes, " With a view of quelling the rebellion as soon as possible, it is become
highly necessary that the most speedy jonction of the two armies should be effected [the forces from Can-
b&, and those of General Howe at New York] ; and, therefore, as the security and good government of
Canada absolutely require your presence there, it is the king's determination to leave about 3000 men un-
der your command for the defense and duties of that province, and to employ the remainder of your army
upon two expeditions, the one under the command of Lieutenant Greneral Burgoyne, who is to force hik
way to Albany, and the other under Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger, who is to make a diversion on the Mo
hawk River." — Bwrgoyne^t Statement of the Expedition from Canada, &c. (Appendix), p. xiii., London, 1780.
• Pictorial History of George III., vol. i., p. 306.
* Lieutenant General Burgoyne was an illegitimate son of Lord Bingley. He entered the army at an
early age, and his education and the influence of his father soon placed him in the line of promotion. In
1762 he was sent into Portugal fwith an English force to assist in the defense of that kingdom against the
Spaniards. He then held the commission of a brigadier, and distinguished himself in the capture of the
garrison of Almeida. After his return to England, he became a privy councillor, and was elected to a
seat in Parliament as representative for Preston, in Lancashire. He came over to America in 1775, and
was at Boston at the time of the battle of Bunker Hill. He was sent to Canada the same year, but earl
in 1776 returned to England. Through the influence of the king and Lord George Germain, he was ap-
p(»nted to the command of the northern British army in America in the spring of 1777. After some suc-
cesses, he was captured, with all his army, at Saratoga, in October of that year. After some delay, he
was allowed to return to England on parole, and he was actually engaged in debates upon the floor of the
Britisli House of Conunons at the very time he was a prisoner to the Americans. His misfortunes lost
him the friendship of the king, and he was denied access to his presence. In 1780 he published a narra-
tive of his Expedition, together with the proceedings of his trial before a committee of Parliament, in vdiich
be well vindicated his character. He soon afterward resigned his emoluments from government, amount-
ing to 915,000 a year. In 1781 he joined the opposition in Parliament, and opposed the further prosecu-
tion of the war against the Americans as impolitic and cruel. From the conclusion of peace until his
death, he devoted his time to pleasure and literary pursuits. He died of an attack of gout, on the 4th of
August, 1792. Among his literary productions are The Maid of the Ooib, Bon Ibn, and Hu Hetren,
dramas which at one time were highly popular. Benevolence and humanity were strong features in
Borgoyne's character, and I think the fierce anathema of Philip Freneau, a poet of the Revolution, was
altogether too severe. After giving Burgoyne several hard rubs in the course of his epic, he describes an
ioe-bound, fog-covered, dreary island north of Scotland, and there consigns the Tories, with Burgoyne at
their head, as follows :
"There, Loyals, there, wttli loyal hearts redre,
There pitch yoor tent^ and Undle there your flre,
There deaert Mature will her sttnga display,
And fiercest hunger on your vitals prey ;
And with yourselves let John Burgoyne retire^
To rsign your monarch, whom your hearts desire.'*
PuNSAlT's Foeme, p. 946
Digitized by
Google
HS
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
K vgoyne i ArriTal in Canada. His Preparations for the Campaign. Appointment of General Schuyler to the Command.
American afiairs, made a most .egregious blunder. Sir Guy Carleton, then Governor of
Canada, and perfectly acquainted with the people and country, should have been placed in
command. Burgoyne was almost totally ignorant of the Canadians and Indians, who formed
a large part of his force, and he knew absolutely nothing of the true character and temper of
the people he was sent to oppose and oppress.
Burgoyne arrived at Quebec in March, 1777, bearing the commission of a lieutenant
general. Carleton, though greatly aggrieved, nobly aided Burgoyne in preparing the ex-
pedition. By extraordinary activity, vessels were constructed, stores were collected, and a
force of more than seven thousand men was mustered at St. John's, at the foot of Lake
Champlain, on the first of June. Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger, with a detachment of
seven hundred Bangers, was sent up the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario to Oswego, to
penetrate the country from that point, arouse and conciliate the Indians, capture Fort
Schuyler,* sweep the valley of the Mohawk with the aid of Johnson and his Tories, and
join Burgoyne at Albany when Lake Champlain and the valley of the Upper Hudson
should lie prostrate at his feet.
As soon as Congress perceived the storm that was gathering on the northern frontier,
they felt the necessity of prompt action and the services of an influential commander. Fear,
loyalty, British gold, would undoubtedly lead the van of the invading army, and none but a
wise and tried man could quiet the alarm of the people and command the fidelity of the militia.
Philip Schuyler,' a gentleman of fortune, and possessed of military skill, experience, sound
judgment, prudent
forethought, and lofty
patriotism, was reap-
pointed to the com-
mand of the forces of
the north, in which
position he had been
superseded, in effect,
a few weeks before,
by Horatio Gates, the
Adjutant General of
the Continental ar-
my. No appointment
could have been more
popular with the peo-
ple of Northern New
York, who were in a
state of great excite-
ment and alarm. In
the late campaigns
against the French
and Indians upon
Lakes George and
Champlain, he had
rendered essential
service to the colony
and to the people of
the northern frontier,
and his many virtues
endeared him to all
who knew him. His
large estate was lying
directly in the path
of the invader; and
if a mercenary feeling
could have existed in
a soul so noble as his,
the defense of his owd
broad acres and costly
mansion would have
made him vigilant
and brave.
General Schuyler
arrived in Albany on
the third day of
June, where he
met General Gates,
and, with all the
frankness of a gener-
ous and unsuspecting
' Fort Schuyler stood at the head of boat navigation, on the Mohawk, where the village of Rome now
is. It was erected in 1758, and was then called Fort Stanwix. It was repaired in 1776, and named
Fort Schoyler, in honor of General Schuyler, in whose military department it was located.
* General Philip Schuyler was bom at Albany, on the 22d of November, 1733. His grandfather, Peter
Schuyler, was Mayor of Albany, and commander of the northern militia in 1690. His father, John Schuy-
ler, married Cornelia Van Courtlandt, a woman of strong mind, and Philip was their eldest son. By vir-
tue of primogeniture law, he inherited the real estate of his father at his death, but he generously shared
it with his brothers and sisters. His father died when Philip was young, and to the thorough training of
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 38
Schnykr and GaDea. Adranoe of BorgoyBe. Ckmditlcm of tiie Continental Army
natare, sought the aid of his counsel and his sword. But he encountered a smaller mind
than his own, and both counsel and sword were refused. He was coldly received by the
adjutant general, who was deeply offended because Congress had not allowed him to retain
liis conmiand. A brave soldier always seeks the post of greatest danger ; and General
Schuyler, not doubting the courage or devotion of Gates, offered him the command of Ti-
conderoga, the point where the first conflict with Burgoyne would inevitably take place, and
where the first laurels were to be won. But the pride of Gates stifled his patriotism. He
refused to serve under Schuyler, and, at his own request, had leave to wi^draw from the
department, where, indeed, he had done literally nothing.
All was terror and alarm among the inhabitants of the north, as Burgoyne victoriously
swept Champlain from St. John's to Crown Point, and with his formidable force, daily aug-
mented by loyalists and savage allies, prepared to beleaguer the strong fortress of Ticondei^
oga. Mount Hope, commanding the road to Lake George, was occupied'; the American
outposts were driven in; the lake was studded with armed vessels, and the formidable
height of Mount Defiance was scaled, and artillery planted upon its very summit, seven
hundred feet above >the fort below.
General St. Clair, who commanded the garrison, when he saw the battery above him,
and the girdle of strong battalions that was closing around him, knew that resistance would
be madness. Under cover of night, he retreated across to Mount Independence, and, with
the small garrison there, fled toward Fort Edward by the way of Castleton and Skenesbor-
ough, leaving the stores and anmiunition behind. The British eagerly pursued the fljring
Americans. The battle of Hubbardton, so disastrous to the patriots, was fought. The
boom across the lake at Ticonderoga was broken, and a free passage made for the vessels
of the enemy. They swept the lake to Skenesborough (now Whitehall), when the Ameri-
can works and the stores that were left became an easy prey to the invaders.
The army under General Schuyler was in a v^retched condition, and daily diminishing.
Food, clothing, ammunition, and artillery were all wanting. The pecuniary resources and
aredit of Congress were daily failing, and all the future seemed dark, and foreboding of evil.
The Eastern militia, sick and disheartened by late reverses, became restless and insubordi-
his gifted mother he was greatly indebted for his success in life. He entered the army against the French
and Indians in 1755, and conunanded a company which attended Sir William Johnson to Fort Edwartl
and Lake Greorge. He soon attracted the attention of Lord Howe, who commanded the first division of
the British army against the forts on Lake George and Lake Champlain, and was placed in the commis-
sariat department. When Lord Howe fell at Ticonderoga, to Colonel Schuyler was intrusted the duty of
conveying the body of that greatly-beloved young nobleman to Albany for sepulture. After the peace of
1763, he was much in active service in the civU government of his state. In the Colonial Assembly of
New York, he was one of the warmest opponents of the British government in its attempts to tax the colo-
nies without their consent. He was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress which assembled in
May, 1775, and in June following he was appointed by that body one of the major generals (the third) of
the American army. He was charged by Washington with the command of the army in the province of
New York, and directed to secure the lakes and prepare for invading Canada. He was taken sick, and
the command devolved on Montgomery. During 1776, he was active in Indian affairs, and in perfecting
the order and discipline of the ncKrthem army. For caoseB quite inexplicable, he was superseded, in effect,
by Gates in March, 1777, but was reinstated in May. Again, when Burgoyne drove St. Chiir from Ti-
conderogat and prudence caused Greneral Schuyler to retreat with his army- from Fort Edvrard down the
Hudson River, cudnmny, that had successfully poisoned the minds of the Eastern people and the militia, be-
came so clamorous for his removal, that Congress placed Gates again in charge of the army in August.
Injured and insulted, the patriot still continued to devote his services and his fortune in aid of his country.
He demanded a court of inquiry, and its verdict, acquitting him of all blame, oonferred as much honor upon
him as his soooesses won at Saratoga. He was urged by Washington to accept military conmiand, but he
preferred to lend his aid to his country in another way. He was a member of the old Congress under the
Confederation ; and alter the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, he was a senator from New
York, with Rufus King. He was again a senator, in place of Aaron Burr, in 1797. He died at Albany,
November 18th, 1804, aged 71 years. He has two daughters still living — ^Elizabeth, the venerable widow
of General Alexander Hamilton, and now (1849) ninety-two years of age; and Catharine, his youngest
daughter, widow of the late Major Cochrane, of Oswego, son of Dr. Cochrane, the distinguished Surgeon
ileiMral of the Revolutionary Army. See page 109, Vol. 11.
Digitized by
Google
40 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
__ — , 1(
Retreat of Schuyler to the Mohawk. 8L Leger in the Mohawk Valley. Relief of the Valley propoaod by Schuyler.
nate, and nearly all of them leflt the army and returned home. These things were exceed-
ingly discouraging to the commander, yet his stout heart never failed. " Should it be ask
ju]yS4, ^>" ^® ^^' ^ ^ letter to the Albany C<mumttee, from Moses's Creek, four miles be-
1777. low Fort Edward, *< what line of conduct I mean to hold amid this variety of di£5
culties and distress, I would answer, to dispute every inch of grcfund with General Bur-
goyne, and retard his descent into the country as long as possible,"
Burgoyne's force, in the mean while, was constantly augmoited by accessions from the
families of the loyal and the timid. Slowly and surely he advanced from Skenesborough to
Fort Anne, and was pressing onward, in the midst of fearful obstacles, toward the Hudson.
Under all these circumstances, General Schuyler thought it prudent to retreat until new
recruits, or a re-enforcement £rom Wadiington, should give more strength to his army. He
accordingly fell back from Fort Edward, the general rendezvous of his forces after the evac-
uation of Ticonderoga, Mount Independence, and Fort Greorge. As Burgoyne approached,
the people fled, in terror and dismay, toward Albany, leaving their ripe harvest fields and
pleasant homes to be trodden down or burned by the enemy. Burgoyne at length reached
Fort Edward ; and as he marched slowly down the valley of the Hudson, Schuyler retreat-
ed in good order to Saratoga, then to Stillwater, and finally to Cohoes' Falls.
In the mean while the people in the Mohawk Valley were in the greatest consternation.
St. Leger had arrived firom Oswego, and was besieging Fort Schuyler, while the Tories and
Indians were spreading death and desolation on every hand. Colonel Gansevoort, with a
handful of men, was closely shut up in the fort ; General Herkimer, with the brave militia
of Tryon county, had been defeated at Oriskany, and the people below hourly ex-
^^^^"^'^ pected the flood of destroyers to pour down upon them. It was a fearful emergen-
cy. Without aid all must be lost. Brave hearts were ready for bold deeds, and during a
night of fearful tempest of thunder and rain. Colonel Willett and Lieutenant Stockwell crept
stealthily from the fort, through groups of sleeping besiegers, beyond their lines, and at dawn
on the second day, mounted upon fleet horses, sped down the valley to the headquarters of
Greneral Schuyler, at Stillwater, and, in the name of the beleaguered garrison and the peo-
ple of Tryon county, implored assistance.
Not a moment was to be lost. The subjugation of the whole valley would inevitably
follow the surrender of Fort Schuyler, and the victors, gathering strength, would fall like an
avalanche upon Albany, or, by junction, swell the approaching army of Burgoyne. The
prudent foresight and fkr-reaching humanity of General Schuyler at once dictated his course.
He called a council,^ and proposed sending a detachment immediately to the relief of Fort
Schuyler. His officers opposed him, with the plea that his whole force was not then suffi-
cient to stay the oncoming of Burgoyne. The clearer judgment of Schuyler made him per-
sist in his opinion, and he earnestly besought them to agree with him. While pacing the
floor in anxious solicitude, he overheard the half- whispered remark, " He means to weaken
the army.'" Treason in the heart of Philip Schuyler ! Never was a thought more foul
' General Sohayler was then quartered in the house of Derrick Swart, Esq., at Stillwater. The house
is still standing, just at the foot of the hill.— CAar^ Neilton, E»q.
' At this time jealousy had created secret enemies for General Sohayler, and he was even charged with
being associated with St. Clair in inreliminary acts of treason, about the time the hitter evacuated 'Hconder-
oga. The ridiculous story got abroad that they had been paid for their treason by the enemy in tiher
hallt, shot from Burgoyne's guns into the American camp I — Stt Thatcker'M Military Jommal, p. 86.
Note. — ^It wUl be observed that, in this rapid view of events connected with the American encampment
at the mouth of the Mohawk, I have avoided all details, where, perhaps, the reader may have wished more
minute information. The necessity for this course arises from the nature of the plan of my work, which
is to notice in detail the various important localities, in the order in which I vitited them, and ntft in chrtmo^
logical iuccestion, as the mere historian would do. For example, I visited Cohoes* and Bemis's Heights
before Fort Edward and Ticonderoga. I therefore describe the scenery and events of the former placed
minutely, and reserve similar minute details concerning the latter until, m the order of the .narrative of my
tour, I reach them. This explanation b necessary, as some might suppose that important places are tc
be slightly noticed, while others of less moment have an undue share oi attention. I have visited all the
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 41
VoluntoeTB for the BeUef of Fort Schayler. Position of the AmericanB at Coboee. Active PreperatioDa to oppose Burgoyne.
or charge more wicked. Wheeling suddenly toward the slanderer and those around him,
and unconsciously biting into several pieces a pipe he was smoking, he indignantly exclaim-
ed, << Grentlemen, I shall take the responsibility upon myself; where is the brigadier that
will take command of the relief? I shall beat up for volunteers to-morrow." The brave
and impulsive Arnold, ever ready for deeds of daring, at once stepped forward and ofiered
his services. The next morning the drum beat, and eight hundred stalwart men Aufnirt I6
were enrolled for the service before meridian. Fort Schuyler was saved, and the ^^^•
forces of St Leger scattered to the winds. In afler years the recollection of those bumin|
words of calumny always stirred the breast of the veteran patriot with violent emotions
If ever a bosom glowed with true devotion to country, it was that of Philip Schuyler.
Such, in brief, were the events which placed the remnant of the main army of the north
at the mouth of the Mohawk in August, 1777, and caused Van Schaick's and Haver's
Islands to be fortified. That seemed to be the most eligible point at which to make a stand
in defense of Albany against the approaches of the enemy from the north and from the west.
Nowhere else could the comparatively feeble force of the Americans so effectually oppose the
overwhelming number of the invaders. At that time there were no bridges across the Hud-
son or the Mohawk, and both streams were too deep to be fordable except in seasons of ex-
iieme drought. There was a ferry across the Mohawk, five miles above the falls, ^ and one
across the Hudson at Half Moon Point,' or Waterford. The " sprouts" of the Mohawk,
between the islands, were usually fordable ; and as Burgoyne would not, of course, cross the
Hudson, or attempt the ferry upon the Mohawk, where a few resolute men could success-
fully oppose him, his path was of necessity directly across the mouth of the river. Fortifi-
cations were accordingly thrown up on the islands and upon the main land, faint traces of
which are still visible.
In this position, with his headquarters at Stillwater, in advance of his army, General
Schuyl^ brought all his energies and resources into requisition for the augmentation and
discipline of his tnx^, preparatory to a first determined conflict with Burgoyne. His pri-
vate purse was freely opened,' and by imwearied exertions day and night the army rapidly
improved in numbers, discipline, and spirits. His correspondence At that time with men
of every degree, from the President of Congress and the commander-in-chief to subordinate
officers and private gentlemen, was very extensive, all having relation to the one great wish
of his heart, the checking of the progress of the British army. He addressed the civil and
miUtary authorities in every direction, urging them to assist him with men and arms. The
Council of Safety, at Albany, was appealed to. « Every militia-man," he said, <* ought to
turn out without delay in a crisis the most alarming since the contest began." He appealed
to the Eastern States. ** If," he said, in a letter to Grovemor Trumbull, of Connecticut,
" the Eastern militia do not turn out with spirit and behave better, we shall be ruined."
To Washington he repeated, in substance, what he had said on the 12th of July previous.
« If my countrymen will support me with vigor and dexterity, and do not meanly despond,
most important localities of the Revolution, and each in its torn, in the course of the work, will receive
its full share of notice.
It is my intention to give in notes, in the course of the work, brief biographical sketches of all the most
important actors in our Revolutionary war, both domestic and foreign. These sketches will be introduced
at points where the record exhibits the most prominent events in the life of the subject. Prominent men
will, therefore, be mentioned often before a biography will be given ; but the reader may rely upon find-
ing it in the work, if a memoir can be found.
^ Loudon's ferry. At this place the left wing of the army rested, under the command of General Arnold.
* So called from the name of Henry Hudson's ship, the Half Moon.
' General Schuyler never allowed his private interest to interfere in the least degree with the public
good. When the Continental army was retreating from Fort Edward, Mrs. Schuyler rode up from Albany
to their beautiful country seat at Saratoga, and superintended the removal of their furniture. While there
she received direction from her husband to set fire with her own hands to his extensive fields of wheat,
find to request his tenants to do the same, rather than sufier them to be reaped by the enemy.— PFbmen of
Xke Riffdution^ vol. i., p. 60.
Digitized by
Google
42 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Schuyler rapeneded by Gitss. FactioM in Congreaa. Noble Conduct of Schnylrr.
we shall be able to prevent the enemy firom penetrating much further into the country."
At the same time all was life and activity in his camp. From his own state recruits were
constantly filling his thinned regiments, and the heart of the patriot was cheered with the
prospect of soon winning back those laurels which, by the late reverses and the events of
the last campaign, had been, in a measure, stripped from his brow.
But secret enemies had been for some time plotting his disgrace by poisoning the minds
of the Eastern people, and raising a clamor in favor of the reinstatement of Gates, who as
yet, for obvious reasons, had met with no reverses. The friends of that officer were an active
faction in Congress at that time, sub rosa, but the next year were far more undisguised in
favoring the scheme for giving Gates the chief command in place of Washington. We are
so accustomed to look upon all the men of the Revolution who took sides with the friends
of America as pure and holy in all their thoughts and actions, that we reluctantly yield to
the conviction that they were ever actuated by motives less worthy and exalted than those
of the loftiest patriotism. This is claiming too much for human nature. While we may
award to them all that is noble and disinterested in feeling, when the good of the common
cause demanded personal sacrifice and pliancy of opinion, it is folly to deny that the spirit
of faction was rife among the members of the Old Continental Congress, and that selfish
motives oflen controlled their actions. Congress, listening to the clamors from the East,
the importunities of Gates's friends, and the suggestions of a false military philosophy, de-
prived General Schuyler of his command just as he was about to lead his troops to victory.
General Gates, with his new commission, arrived at Van Schaick's on the 1 9th of Au-
gust, three days after the battle of Bennington, a battle which, in its efiect upon the British
aJ^niy, gave full assurance of future victory to the Americans. How nobly did the conduct
of Schuyler on this occasion contrast with that of Gates a few weeks previous. On Gates*s
arrival, without the slightest indication of ill humor, the patriot resigned his command, com-
municated all the intelligence he possessed, and put every interesting paper into his hands
simply adding, « I have done all that could be done, as far as the means were in my power,
to injure the enemy, and to inspire confidence in the soldiers of our own army, and, I flatter
myself, with some success ; but the palm of victory is denied me, and it is left to you, gen-
eral, to reap the fruit of my labors. I will not fail, however, to second your views ; and
my devotion to my coimtry will cause me with alacrity to obey all your orders."* ** I am
sensible," he said, in a letter to Congress, *' of the indignity of being ordered from the com-
mand of the army at the time when an engagement must soon take place ;" yet he preferred
to sufier reproach in silence rather than allow his bleeding country to be injured by the with-
drawal of a single arm from its support. Although disgraced by the act of Congrete, he
persevered assiduously in strengthening the army and preparing for the coming conflict.
<* I shall go on," he said to Washington, << in doing my duty and endeavoring to deserve
your esteem." And when General Gates arrived, he cordially profiered his co-operation,
was very active in promoting the success of the battles which soon afler took place, was
present at Saratoga when Burgoyne surrendered his sword, and rejoiced, because his country
was the gainer, when the laurels which should have graced his brow were plaeed upon that
of another. Warmed by such impulses, who can doubt that the bosom of the generous
patriot on that day heaved with nobler pride and purer joy than that of the lauded victor ?
' Garden, p. 359.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 43
Canid Voyage from Waterford to Bemia's Hcigfato. Appearance of the Countrf
CHAPTER II.
" Led on by lust of lucre and renown,
Burgoyne came marching with his thousands down ,
High were his thoughts and furious his career,
PuflfM with self-confidence and pride severe ;
SwoU'n with the idea of his future deeds, .
Onward to ruin each advantage leads."
Philip Frekeau, 1778.
<^=^^E left Waterford at two o'clock P.M. for Bemiss
Heights, the famous battle-ground where Burgoyne was
. _ . ' checked and defeated in the autumn of 1777, a few weeks
after General Gates succeeded to the command of the northern
army. Our conveyance was a neat little canal packet, its cabin crowd-
ed with passengers and a well-supplied dinner-table, and its deck piled
yj^ "^ with as much luggage and as many loungers as low bridges and a hot sun
would allow. For a loiterer who takes no note of passing hours but to mark
and mourn their excessive length, and who loves to ghde along listlessly among
^^ green fields and shady woods without the disturbance of even a carriage ride,
^^^ a day voyage upon a canal is really delightful, especially if the face of nature is
^ attractive, and a pleasant companion or agreeable book assists in smoothing the
passage of time. Such seemed to be the character of nearly all our fellow-passengers, pleas-
ure from personal enjoyment being their chief object. When dinner was over, some slept
some read, and every body talked to every body as freely as old acquaintances would chat.
The country through which we passed is very fertile, and beautifully diversified in aspect.
The plam over which the Hudson here flows is a narrow alluvial bottom, of garden rich-
ness, along the western edge of which passes the canal. Green woods and cultivated fields
skirted the river on either side, and those conical hills and knolls, like western tumuli, which
are prominent features from Stillwater to Sandy Hill, here begin to appear. Some of them
were still covered with the primeval forest, and others were cultivated from base to summit,
giving a pleasing variety to the ever-changing landscape. The dark green corn, just flower-
ing ; the wheat ears, fading firom emerald to russet ; the blackberries, thick in the hedges ;
the flowers innumerable, dotting the pasture fields, and the fragrance of the new-mown hay,
scattered in wind-rows along the canal, were pleasant sights to one just escaped from the
dust and din of the city, and imparted a gratification which only those can feel and appre-
ciate who seldom enjoy it. There was one thing wanting, which leafy June would have
supplied — ^the melody of birds.
" Silence girt the woods ; no warbling tongue
Talks now unto the echo of the groves ;
Only the curled stream soft chidings kept ;
And little gales that from the green leaves swept
Dry summer's dust, in fearful whisperings stirr'd,
As loth to waken any singing bird,"
for it was just the season when the warblers of the forest are still, except at early morning
when they carol a brief matin hymn, and then are quiet. Yet
" The poetry of earth is never dead.
When all the birds are faint with the hot sun,
And hide in cooling trees, a voice will run
Digitized by
Google
44 ^ PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Yotmg Tourists from S«ratogfi Springs. Gates and Borgojne. An Erening Visit to Bemis's Heiglits
From hedge to hedge aboat the new-mown mead ;
That is the grasshopper's."
ESATS.
A.t the Borough, or Mechanicsvilie, nine miles above Waterford, the rail-road from Sara
toga Springs reaches the canal. Here our boat was filled to repletion with a bevy of youn*^
people, who, tired of medicinals and midnight merriment at that Mecca of fashion in sum-
mer, had determined to take a "slow coach" to Whitehall, and meet the stronger tide of
pay tourists flowing to Tioonderoga from Lake George. They were full of life, and not one
of them had ever passed a night upon a canal-boat. Poor souls ! how we pitied them,
while we rejoiced at our own better fortune, intending, as we did, to debark toward cooling
sunset. If " affliction is necessary to temper the over-joyous," our young travelers were
doubtless well annealed before morning in the vapor bath of a packet cabin.
One of the passengers was a roving journeyman printer, fiill of the general intelligence
of the craft, an inveterate tobacco chewer, and evidently a boon companion of John Barley-
corn and his cousins. His hat was a-slonch and his coat seedy. His wit kept the deck
vocal with laughter ; yet, when at times he talked gravely, the dignity of intellig«nce made
us all respectful listeners. He was perfectly familiar with the history of the classic grounds
through which we were then passing. His father was one of the special adjutants appointed
by General Gates on the morning of the action of the 1 9th of September, and from him he
had oflen received minute details of the events of that contest. He mentioned a circum-
stance connected with the commander on that occasion, which, in some degree, explains the
singular &ct that he was not upon the field of action — a fact which some have adduced as
evidence of cowardice. It is admitted that General Gates did not leave his camp during
the contest ; and the special adjutant referred to asserted boldly that tTitoxication was the
chief cause. That, in the opinion of the world at that time, was a weakness far more ex-
cusable, and a crime less heinous, than cowardice ; for a night's debauch and a morning of
dullness and stupidity were things too common among gentleTnen to afiect reputation seri-
ously, unless bad consequences ensued. He was not alone in devotion to the wine-cup at
that very time, for it is said that Burgoyne and Earl Balcarras did not leave their flagon
and their cards until dawn that morning. Burgoyne and the earl, however, had either
stouter heads or stouter hearts than Gates, for they were on duty in the field when the con
test was raging. It may be that neither wine nor cowardice controlled the American com-
mander. Let us charitably hope that it did not, and charge the fault upon a weak judg-
ment ; for we should be ever ready to act toward erring brother-man according to the glo-
rious injtmction of Prior :
" Be to his fanlts a little blind ;
Be to his virtues very kind."
We reached Bemis's Heights between ^ve and six o'clock in the evening. The hotel is
situated a few rods south of the site of the old residence of Bemis. The obliging landlord
anticipated our impatience to view the battle-ground, and when supper was over we found
a horse and light wagon in readiness to carry us to the residence of Charles Neilson, Esq.,
on the summit of the heights, whence a fine view of the whole scene of conflict and of the
surrounding country might be obtained.^ It was too late for much observation, for twilight
soon spread its veil over every object. After spending an hour pleasantly and profitably
with Mr. Neilson and his family, I made an engagement to meet him early next morning,
to ride and ramble over the historic grounds in the neighborhood.
^ Mr. Neilson occupies the mansion owned by his father, an active Whig, at the time of the battles there
He has written and published a volume entitled " An original, compiled, and corrected Account of Bur-
gojme's Campaign and the memorable Battles of Bemis's Heights." It contains many detaUs not found
in other books, which he gathered from those who were present, and saw and heaAl what thev related
It is valuable on that account.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 45
view from Bonis*B Heights. Topographj. Origin of the Name. Headquarters of Revolutionary OfBoen.
The morning broke with an unclouded sky, and before the dew was off the grass I was
upon Bemis's Heights, eager to see what yet remained of the military works of a former
time. Alas ! hardly a vestige is to be seen ; but a more beautiful view than the one firom
Mr. Neilson*B mansion I have seldom beheld. The ground there is higher than any in the
vicinity, except the range of hills on the east side of the Hudson, and the eye takes in a varied
landscape of a score of miles in almost every direction. Bounding the horizon on the north
and west are the heights of Saratoga and itie high mountains on the eastern shore of Lake
George. On the south stretch away into the blue distance toward Albany the gentle hiljs
and the pleasant valley of the Hudson. On the east, not far distant, rises Willard's Moun^
ain, and over and beyond its southern neighbors of less altitude may be seen the heights of
Bennington on the Walloomscoik,' the Green Mountains, and the lofty summit of far-famed
Mount Tom.
Bemis's Heights are situated on the right bank of the Hudson, about four miles north of
the pleasant village of Stillwater (which is on the same side of the river), and about twenty-
five miles firom Albany. The ground here rises abruptly from an extensive alluvial flat,
about half a mile in width a little above, but here tapering until it forms quite a narrow
defile of not more than thirty or forty rods on each side of the river. At the time of the
Revolution, the whole country in this vicinity was covered with a dense forest, having only
an occasional clearing of a few acres ; and deep ravines furrowed the land in various direc-
tions. Fronting the river, a high bluff of rocks and soil, covered with stately oaks and
maples, presented an excellent place on which to plant a fortification to conmiand the pas
sage of the river and the narrow valley below. The bluff is still there, but the forest is
gone, and many of the smaller ravines have been filled up by the busy hand of cultivation.
The only road then much traveled passed along the margin of the river. Upon the road,
at the southern extremity of the bluff, was a tavern kept by a man named Bemis, the only
one of note between Albany and Fort Edward. Good wines and long pipes, a spacious
ball-room and a capital larder, made Bemis's house a famous place of resort for sleighing
parties in winter, throughout the whole of the Saratoga valley of the Hudson. He owned
a portion of the heavy-timbered heights near him, and firom that circumstance the hill de-
rived its name.
On the summit of the height, three fourths of a mile northwest of Bemis*s, the father of
Mr. Neilson owned a clearing of a few acres when the war broke out, and he had erected
a small dwelling and a log bam thereon. The dwelling, with large additions, is still there,
but the log bam, which was picketed and used for a fort, has long since given place to an-
other. Around that old mansion cluster many interesting historic associations, and if its
walls could articulate, they might tell of heroism in action and patient endurance which
the pen of history has never yet recorded.
Upon the next page are given a group of localities about Bemis's Heights and a min-
iature map of the engagements there. The picture at the top of the page represents the
mansion of Mr. Neilson, as seen from the opposite side of the road, looking eastward. It
stands upon the east side of the highway leading to Quaker Springs, about one hundred rods
north of the road firom Bemis's Heights to the watering places of Ballston and Saratoga. It
is a firame house, and the part next to the road is modem compared with the other and smaller
portion, which is the original dwelling. The room in the old part (a sketch of which is'
given in the third picture fh)m the top) is quite large, and was occupied by Brigadier-gen-
eral Poor and Colonel Morgan as quarters at the time of the encampments there. It was in
this room that Major Ackland, the brave commander of the British Grenadiers, who was
severely wounded in the battle of the 7th of October, was kindly received by the American
officers, and visited and nursed by his heroic wife. Lady Harriet Ackland, of whom, and
the event m question, I shall hereafter speak. The bed of the wounded ofiUcer was beneath
' It is said that the smoke of the battle of Beniiington, thirty miles distant, was distinctly seeiulrom
Bemis's Heights.
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 47
LocaUtiet about Bemii't Heights. Gates's Qaartera. Willard's Mountain. Condition of the Northern Army.
the window on the left. The door in the center opens into a fsmall hed-room ; and this
as well as eye^ thing else about the room, is carefully preserved in its original condition.
Where the smaller poplar tree stands was a building which General Arnold occupied ; and
further to the lefl the small buildings are upon the spot where the fortified log barn stood,
which was at the northwest angle of the American works. In compliment to the owner,
the rude fortification was called Fort Neilson.
Between the smaller poplar tree and the house is seen Willard's Mountain, five miles
distant, on the east side of the Hudson. This eminence commands a fine view of the valley
for many miles. From its summit a Mr. Willard and a few others, with a good spy-glass,
watched all the movements of Burgoyne, and made regular reports to General Gates.
This service was exceedingly valuable, for a fair estimate of the number of troops, their
baggage, stores, artillery, &c., was made from his observations. His name is inmiorUllized
by a gigantic monument, which has borne it ever since.
The second vignette from the top is a view of Gfittes*s headquarters at the time of the
battle of the 7th of October. He first made his headquarters at Bemis's house, but after-
ward removed them hither. This house was demolished about four years ago, but, firom a
sketch furnished by Mr. Neilson, I am enabled to give a correct view. The old well curb
is still there, and seems as though it might survive a generation yet. This house stood
about pne hundred and fifty rods south of Fort Neilson, and the traces of the cellar may now
be seen a few yards to the lefl of the Ballston road, ascending from the river.
The third vignette represents the room mentioned above. The picture at the bottom of
the page is a view from the Bemis's Heights Hotel, representing the Champlain Canal, the
Hudson River, and the hills on the eastern side. Near the large trees on the left may be
seen traces of a redoubt which defended a floating bridge that was thrown across the river
here, and so constructed that one end could be detached at pleasure, allov^ng the bridge to
swing around with the current, and thus prevent the enemy from entering upon it. The
lumber for this bridge was furnished by General Schuyler, at his own private expense, and
floated down the river firom Saratoga or Schuylerville.
The map I shall have occasion to refer to when noticing the fortifications and the battles.
The halbert, represented on the left of the picture, was plowed up in the neighborhood, and
is in the possession of Mr. Neilson. When foimd, it had a small British flag or cloven pen-
non attached to it, which soon occupied the utilitarian and more peaceful position of patches
in the bed-quilt of a prudent housewife.
When General Gates took the command of the Northern army,* events were oc- ^Ajwxn w,
curring favorable to his success. Burgoyne was at Fort Edward, paralyzed with ^'^•
alarm and perplexity on account of the failure of an expedition to Bennington — a failure,
in its inunediate as well as prospective eflects, extremely disastrous. The obstructions which
General Schuyler had thrown in the way on his retreat from Fort Anne, made the march
of the enemy slow and toilsome in the extreme.^ The plethora of the conmiissariat depart-
ment was rapidly subsiding by the delay ; the supplies of the surrounding country, already
heavily levied on, were totally inadequate to the demand, and the capture of American
stores was an object called for by stern necessity. Burgoyne, therefore, halted at Fort Ed-
ward, and sent an expedition to Bennington to seize a large quantity of clothing and pro-
' General Sohoyler felled large trees across the roads and bridle-paths through the woods, sunk deep
ditches, and destroyed all the bridges. These evils Burgoyne was obliged to overcome and repair. With
immense toil, the obstructions were removed, and no less than forty bridges over streams and morasses were
coDstnicted, so as to allow the passage of artillery. It must be remembered, too, that a soldier in actual
service is not so lightly accoutered as a soldier on parade. Besides the actual fatigue of traveling and la-
bors, he has a heavy back-burden to bear. Respecting this, we quote Burgoyne's own words : " It consists
of a knapsack, containing his bodily necessaries, a blanket, a haversack with provisions, a canteen, a hatchet,
and a fifth share of the general camp equipage belonging to his tent." These articles (reckoning the pro-
visions to be for four days), added to his accouterments, arms, and sixty rounds of ammunition, make a bulk
totally inoompatible with combat, and a weight of about sixty pounds.
Digitized by
Google
48 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
British Reverses in the Moluwk Valley. Perplexitj of Burgojne. AdTtnoe of Gates to StOlwaler. Kosdwsko
visions which the Americans had coUected ^ere. The detachment sent thither so weak-
ened his forces that he dared not proceed until it should return, bringing back, as he confi-
dently expected, ample provisions for his army until he should enter Albany triumphant.
But the New England militia were on the alert, and they not only saved their stores and
live cattle at Bennington, but defeated and dispersed the enemy, capturing a large number,
together with arms and ammunition, then much needed by the growing ranks of
"*^"^ the volunteers.
Burgoyne had hardly recovered from this shock, before a courier, guided by a friendly
Indian, came in breathless haste by the way of Saratoga Lake and Glenn's Falls, bearing
the direful news of the desertion of the Lidians, the defection of the loyalists of the Mohawk
Valley, and the complete defeat of St. Leger at Fort Schuyler. These reverses
^ fell like an incubus \xpoa the spirits of his army. The Indians in his camp, al-
ready vexed because Burgoyne*s humanity had restrained their purposes of rapine and mur
der, began to waver in their fidelity*, and the Canadians and timid loyalists became luke
warm through very cowardice, and deserted by hundreds.
Burgoyne was greatly perplexed. To proceed at that time would be madness ; to retreat
would not only lose him a promised order, perhaps a peerage, but would operate powerfully
in giving friends to the republicans. The idea of British invincibility would be dissipated,
and thousands who favored the cause of the king on account of that supposed invincibility
and the hopelessness of resistance, would join the patriots, or would, at least, become mere
passive loyalists. In view of all these difficulties, the British commander wisely resolved
to remain at Fort Edward until the panic should subside and stores should be brought for
ward from his posts on Lake George and Lake Champlfldn. He was also in daily expec-
tation of advices from General Howe or Sir Henry Clinton, at New York, announcing a
movement upon the Hudson for the purpose of producing a diversion in favor of Burgoyne,
by drawing away a portion of the American army from the North.
These disasters of the enemy greatly inspirited the Americans, and the Eastern militia,
among whom Gates was very popular, flocked to his standard with great alacrity. The
murder of Jane M*Crea at Fort Edward (of which I shall hereafter speak) was another
powerful agency in swelling the ranks of the patriots. Fierce indignation was aroused in
every honest heart by the highly-colored recital of that event, and loyalists by hundreds
withdrew their support from a cause which employed such instrumentalities as savage war-
riors to execute its purposes.
Perceiving the disposition of Burgoyne to halt at Fort Edward, and the difficulties that
were gathering around him, General Gates advanced up the Hudson to Stillwater, and pre-
pared to act offensively or defensively, as circumstances should dictate. It was at first re-
solved to throw up fortifications at the place where the village of Stillwater now is ; but
the narrowness of the valley and the abruptness of the bank on the western margin of the
flat at Bemis's oflered a more advantageous position, and there, by the advice of Kosciusko,
who was an engineer in the army, General Gates made his encampment and fortified it.'
' Thaddeus Kosciusko was bom in Lithuania in 1736, of an ancient and noble family. He was edacated
at the military school of Warsaw, and afterward became a stndent in France. There he became acquainted
with Dr. Franklin, and was by him recommended to General Washington. Before leaving Poland, he had
eloped with a beautiful lady of high rank. They were overtaken in their flight by her &ther, who made
a violent attempt to rescue his daughter. The young Pole had either to slay the father or abandon the
young lady. Abhomng the former act, he sheathed his sword, and soon after obtained permission of his
sovereign to leave his country. He came to America, and presented himself to the commander-in-chief
He answered the inquiry of his excellency, '' What do you seek here ?" by saying, " I come to fight as a
volunteer for American independence." ** What can you do ?" asked Washington. " Try me," was Kos-
ciusko^s laconic reply. Greatly pleased with him, Washington made him his aid. In October, 1776, he
was appointed engineer by Congress, with the rank of colonel. In the autunm of 1777 he fortified the
camp of Gates at Bemis's Heights, and afterward superintended the construction of the woiks at West
Point, among the Hudson Highlands. He was greatly esteemed by the American officers, and admitted
a member of the Cincinnati Society At the close of our Revolution he returned to Poland, and was made
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION 49
Portificalfoiii at Bemii't Hdgfau. Their pretent Appearance. Preparations for Battle
AloQfif the brow of the hill toward the river a line of breast-works was thrown up, about
three fourths of a mile in extent, with a strong
battery at each extremity, and one near the
center m such position as to completely sweep
the valley, and command even the hills upon
the eastern side of the river. Faint traces of
these redoubts and the connecting breast-works
are still visible. At the northern extremity,
where the largest and strongest battery was
erected, the mound is leveled, but the ditch is
quite deep, and may be traced many rods west-
ward from the brow of the hill, along the Une
of breast-works that were thrown up after the
first battle. But every year the plow casts
in the soil of its furrows, and ere long no
vestige will remain of these intrenchments.
Within the area of the northeast redoubt, at
Thaddeus Kosciusko. *^® ^^^ ^^ ^7 ^^^^> potatoes in desecrating
luxuriance were flourishing, except upon a
very small spot occupied as a bunal-place for a few of the Vanderburgh family. It really
seemed sacrilegious for the vulgar vines of the nutritious tuber to intertwine with the long
grass and beautiful wild flowers that covered the graves. The elder one of those buried
there was an active republican, and had his house burned by the enemy. A few plain slabs
with inscriptions tell who lie beneath the several mounds, but no stone marks the grave
where sleeps that venerable patriot.
From the foot of the hill, across the flats to the river, an intrenchment was opened, and
at the extremity, on the water's edge, a strong battery was erected, which guarded the
floating bridge constructed there, and also commanded the plain on the east side of the river
in such a manner that the enemy might have been terribly enfiladed in case they had at-
tempted to pass down the river or the valley.
Near where the road crossed Mill Creek, a small stream nearly half a mile above Bemis's
tavern, were a short line of breast-works and a strong battery, which, with those mentioned
above, composed all the fortifications previous to the first battle. These being completed
about the 15th of September, and the enemy approaching, Grcneral Gates made preparations
for resistance. Brave officers and determined soldiers, in high spirits, were gathered around
him, and the latter were hourly increasing in numbers. The counsels of Greneral Schuyler
and the known bravery of Greneral Arnold were at his command ; and he felt confident of
victory, aided by such men as Poor, Learned, Stark, Whipple, Paterson, Warner, Fellows,
a major general under Poniatowski. He conunanded jadicioosly and fooght bravely ; and when, in 1794,
a new revolation broke out in Poland, he was made generalissimo, and vested with the power of a military
dictator. In Ootober of that year he was overpowered, woanded, and taken prisoner. In reference to
this event, Campbell, in his Pleasures of Hope, says,
** Hope for a seuon bade the world farewell,
And freedom shrieked when Koscinsko feU.**
He was kept in prison in St. Petersburg until the death of the Empress Catharine, when he was liberated
by Paul, loaded with honors, and offered a command in the Russian service, which he declined. The em-
peror besought him to accept the proffered honor, and presented him with his own sword. But bitterly
reflecting that his country had been annihilated, he refused to receive his sword, saying, *^ I no longer need
a sword, since I have no longer a country to defend.'* He visited the United States in 1797, and received
from Congress a grant of land for his services. He returned to Switzerland toward the close of his life,
and died there Ootober the 16th, 1817. His remains were taken to Cracow, and at Warsaw a public fun-
end was made for him. At West Point, on the Hudson, the cadets erected a monument to his memory.
We have given a drawing of the monument, and a more particular notice, on page 705, of this volume
D
Digitized by
Google
Expedition againflt fha Posts on Lakes George and Champlain. BiarchcfBurgoyne to Saratoga and Stillwater
Bailey, Glover, Wolcott, Bricketts, and Tenbroeck, with their full brigades, and the brave
Virginian, Colonel Morgan, with his unerring marksmen, supported by the regiments of
Dearborn, Brooks, Cilley, Scammel, and Hull.
Small successes about this time, important in the aggregate result, tended materially to
keep up the spirits of the American troops, and made them eager to encounter the main
hody of the enemy. General Lincoln, with about two thousand militia, got in the rear of
Burgoyne, and, by dividing his force into detachments, operated with much efiect. One
detachment, under Colonel Brown, surprised the British posts on Lake George, captured a
vessel containing provisions for the enemy, took possession of Mount Hope and Mount De-
fiance, and, appearing before Ticonderoga, demanded its surrender. But the walls and gar-
rison were too strong, and, afler a cannonade of four days, the siege was abandoned, and all
the troops prepared to unite and attack the enemy in the rear. The threatening aspect of
this movement of Lincoln at the beginning, and the probability of having his supplies from
the lakes cut off, induced Burgoyne, in self-defense, to move forward and execute promptly
what he intended to do. Having, by great diligence, brought fotward provisions for about
thirty days, he advanced along the left bank of the Hudson to the mouth of the Batten
Kill, where he encamped preparatory to crossing the river.' His officers were somewhat
divided in opinion in regard to the expediency of further attempts to reach Albany ; and it
had been plainly intimated to Burgoyne that it might be greater wisdom to fall back from
Fort Edward, rather than advance, for it was evident that perils of no ordinary kind were
gathering aroimd the invading army.
Unwilling to act in opposition to the caressed opinions of his officers, Burgoyne avoided
any intimations of judgment on their part by omitting to consult them at all ; and he as-
sumed the responsibility of crossing the Hudson, resting for his defense, if adversity should
ensue, upon the peremptory nature of his instructions.* He constructed a bridge of boats,
and on the 13th and 14th of September passed his whole army over, and encamped on the
heights and plains of Saratoga, at the mouth of the Fish Creek, where Schuylerville now
is, and within about five miles of the American works below. On the 15th, having suc-
ceeded in getting his artillery, baggage, and stores across the river, Burgoyne moved down
as far as Do-ve-gat (now CoveviUe), where he halted until the morning of the 1 7th, for the
purpose of repairing the roads and bridges before him, when he advanced as far as Swords's
house and encamped for the night. On the morning of the 1 8th he moved down as far as
the place now called Wilbur's Basin, within two miles of the American camp, and here he
made preparations for battle. His chief officers were Major-general Phillips, of the artillery,
who had performed signal service in Germany ; Brigadier-general Fraser, commander of
the grenadiers and light infantry ; Brigadiers Hamilton and Powell ; and the Brunswick
major general, Baron de Biedesel, with his brigadiers, Specht and Gall. Earl Balcarras,
Colonel Breyman, Major Ackland, Lieutenant Kingston, and others of minor grade, were
men of tried courage, and ardently attached to their general and the service.
When the defeat of Burgoyne, a few days later, became known in England, the crossing
of the Hudson River and his persistence in pressing toward Albany, with the American
army in front and a wilderness filling with armed republicans in his rear, formed the chief
theme for the vituperative assaults of his enemies ; and to these steps all his subsequent
misfortunes were attributed. But, as we have seen, he retreated behind the peremptory
instructions of ministers ; and Botta very justly observes, *' that at that time he had not
' His place of encampment was abont one hmidred rods north of Lansing^s saw-mill. The farm, tiU
within a few years, was occupied by Mr. Thomas Rogers. Borgoyne had quite an extensive slaughter-
7ard there, which so enriched the soil, that its effects are still visible on the com crops and other produo
tions. — C. NeiUon.
* In his dispatch to Lord George Germain, dated at Albany, October 20th, 1777, Burgoyne alludes to
this fact, and says, " I did not think myself authorized to call any men into council, where the peremptory
tenor of my orders and the season of the year admitted no alternative.'-— -fita^e of the Ej^pedition, &o., Ap-
pendix, p. Ixxxiv.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 51
-
Material of the American Army on Bemis's Heigfataw Beletire Petition of die two Armiea. Burgojne'a Plan of Attack
yet received any intelligence either of the strength of the army left at New York, or the
movements which Sir Henry Clinton intended to make, or had made, up the North River
toward Alhany. He calculated on a powerful co-operation on the part of that general.
Such was the plan of the ministers, and such the tenor of their peremptory instructions."*
Whether the movement was judicious or injudicious we will not stop to inquire, but,
havmg arranged the two armies within cannon-shot of each other, will pass on to the con-
sideration of an event which solved the question by arguments iar more potential than logic
can command —
THE FIRST BATTLE OP STILLWATER.*
The morning of the 1 9th of September was clear and calm, and every thing without
' • was white with hoar-frost. The hostile armies, within ear-shot of each other's re-
veiUe, were disposed in similar order, each extending from the river westward over the hills.
The main body of the American army composing the right wing, which consisted chiefly of
Glover's, Nixon's, and Patterson's brigades, was under the immediate command of Greneral
Gates, and occupied the hills near the river and the narrow fiats below them. The left
wing, composed of the brigade of General Poor, consisting of Cilley's, Scammel's, and Hale's
regiments, of New Hampshire ; Van Courtlandt's and Henry Livingston's, of New York ;
Latimer and Cook's Connecticut militia ; the corps of riflemen under Morgan, and infantry
under Dearborn, was posted on the heights about three fourths of a mile from the river, and
commanded by General Arnold.* The center, on the elevated plain near the residence of
Mr. Neilson, was composed of Leamed's brigade, with Bailey's, Wesson's, and Jackson's
regiments, of Massachusetts, and James Livingston's, of New York.
The lefl wing of the British army, which included the immense train of artillery under
Generals Phillips and Riedesel, rested upon the flats upon the bank of the river. The cen-
ter and the right wing, composed principally of Hessians,* extended westward upon the hilh,
and were commanded by Burgoyne in person, covered by General Fraser and Colonel Brey-
man, with the grenadiers and light infantry. The front and flanks were covered by tho
Indians, Canadians, and loyalists, who still remained in the camp.
General Gates resolved to maintain a defensive position, and await the approach of
Burgoyne, who, on the contrary, had made every preparation for advancing. Phillips and
Reidesel were to march with the artillery along the road on the margin of the river. The
Canadians and Indians in front were to attack the central outposts of the Americans, while
Burgoyne and Fraser, with the grenadiers and infantry, in separate bodies, and strongly
flanked by Indians, were to make a circuitous route through the woods back of the river
hills, form a junction, and fall upon the rear of the American camp. It was arranged that
three minute-guns should be fired when Burgoyne and Fraser should join their forces, as a
signal for the artillery to make an attack upon the American front and right, force their
way through the lines, and scatter them in confusion.
At an early hour the American pickets observed great activity in the British camp ; the
glitter of bayonets and sabers and the flashing of scarlet uniforms were distinctly seen through
* Otis's Botta, vol. ii., p. 9.
* The conflicts at this point are known by the several titles BemUU Height*^ SHUwater, and Saratoga, from
the iaot that the battles occorred upon Semis's Heights, in the town of Stillwater, and comity of Saratoga.
' These were the same troops which formed the left wing of the army when encamped at the month of
the Mohawk. They were stationed at London's ferry, five miles from the month of the river, and there
Arocld took the command after his return from Fort Schuyler.
^ The Hessiam were some of the German soldiers, hired by Great Britain of their masters, petty German
princes, at a stipulated sum per head, to come to America and butcher her children. The Landgrave of
Hesse-Cassel furnished the larger number, and from that circumstance all of the Germans received the
sreneral appellation of Heaiant. I have given a minute account of them, and of the debates in Parliament
wliich the infamous bill providing for the hiring of these mercenaries produced, on page 689, of this vol-
Digitized by
Google
52 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
t — . . — II
Approach of the two Armiei. Enfugement between tbe Adronoe Corps. UaneaTen of Arnold and FrMer
Ihe vistas of the forest as the troops of the enemy marched and countermarched to form the
various lines for hattle. These movements were constantly reported to Greneral Gates, yet
he issued no orders and evinced no disposition to fight. Ahout ten o'clock it was clearly
perceived that the whole of the enemy's force was in motion, and separated into three divi-
sions. Phillips and Keidesel, with the artillery, commenced marching slowly down the road
along the river ; Burgoyne, with the center division, followed the course of the stream, now
forming Wilhur's Basin, westward ; and Fraser and Breyman commenced a circuitous route
Along a new road partially opened from the hasin, and intersecting the road fh)m Bemis's
ihout two and a half miles north of the American lines.
Arnold was fully apprised of all this, and hecame as impatient as a hound in the leash
His opinion, earnestly and repeatedly expressed to the commander during the morning, that
A detachment should he sent out to make an attack, was at length heeded. Ahout noon,
Colonel Morgan with his light-horse, and Major Dearhom with his infantry, were detached
rrom Arnold's division, and, marching out, made a vigorous attack upon the Canadians and
Indians who swarmed upon the hills. They met at the middle ravine, south of Freeman's
cottage.' The enemy was repulsed ; hut so furious was Morgan's charge, that his men
became scattered in the woods, and a re-enforcement of loyalists under Major Forbes soon
drove the Americans back. Captain Van Swearingen and Lieutenant Morris, with twenty
privates, fell into the hands of the British. For a moment, on finding himself almost alone,
Morgan felt that his corps was ruined ; but his loud signal-whistle soon gathered his brave
followers around him, and the charge was renewed. Dearborn seconded him, and Cilley
and Scammel hastened to their support. The contest was quite equal, and both parties at
length retired within their respective lines.
About the same time a party of Canadians, savages, and loyalists were detached through
the skirt of the woods along the margin of the flats near the river. They were met by Uie
American pickets on a flat piece of ground near Mill Creek, and a smart skirmish ensued.
The enemy was much cut up and broken, and finally fled, leaving thirteen dead on the
field and thirty-five taken prisoners. In the mean while, Burgoyne and Fraser were making
i*apid movements for the purpose of falling upon the Americans in front and on the left flank.
The center division marched through some partial clearings to Freeman's farm,' while Fraser,
liaving reached a high point about one hundred and fifty rods north of the " cottage," moved
rapidly southward for the purpose of turning the lefl flank of the Americans. Arnold, at
the same time, made a similar attempt upon Fraser. He called upon Gates for a re-en-
forcement from the right wing, but the commander deemed it prudent not to weaken it, for
the left of Burgoyne's army was then within half a mile of his lines, and spreading out upon
the heights.
Arnold resolved to do what he could with those under his command, which consisted of
General Learned's brigade and the New York troops. With these he attempted to turn
the enemy's right, and, if possible, cut ofi* the detachment of Fraser from the main army.
So dense was the forest and so uneven was the ground, that neither party fairly compre-
hended the movements of the other, or knew that each was attempting the same maneuver.
They met suddenly and unexpectedly upon the level ground near Mill Creek, or Middle
Kavine, about sixty yards west of Freeman's cottage, and at once an action, warm and de-
structive, began. Arnold led the van of his men, and fell upon the foe with the fury and
impetuosity of a tiger. By voice and action he encouraged his troops ; but the overwhelm-
ing numbers of the enemy for a time repulsed them. By a quick movement, Fraser attacked
the left flank of the right wing of the American army ; but fearing that Arnold (who had
^ The attention of the reader is called to the small map or plan of the engagement, upon page 46, while
perusing the notices of the battle.
' Freeman's farm, as it was called, was a small cultivated clearing, about half a mile east of the present
road leading to Quaker Springs. The farm was an oblong clearing in front of the cottage, about sixty
rods in length from east to west, skirted by thick woods, and sloping south. — Neilson^ p. 141.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
63
Jkpproach of a British Re-enforcemeot under PhMpa.
View of tlie Battie-groiind.
A Lull in the Battle
rallied his troops, and was re-enforced by four regiments under Lieutenant-colonels Brooks,
Cilley, and Scammel, and Majors Dearborn and Hull) might cut the British lines and sep-
arate the two wings, he brought up the twenty-fourth regiment, some light infantry, and
Breyman's riflemen, to strengthen the point of attack. The Americans made such a vigor-
ous resistance, that the British beoran to give way and fall into confusion ; but General
Phillips, who, from his position bcli w the heights, heard the din of conflict on the right
wing of his army, hurried over the hills, through the thick woods, with fresh troops and
part of the artillery under Captain Jones, and appeared upon the ground at the very mo-
ment when victory seemed within the grasp of the Americans. For an hour the repub-
licans had disputed the ground inch by inch, but the crushing force of superior number^
pressed them back to their lines.
It vns now about three o'clock. The contest suddenly ceased, but it was only the lull
which precedes a more furious burst of the tempest. Each army took breath, and gathered
up new energies for a more desperate conflict. They were beyond musket-shot of each other,
and separated by a thick wood and a narrow clearing. Each was upon a gentle hill, one
sloping toward the south, the other toward the north. The Americans were sheltered by
the intervening wood ; the British were within an open pine forest. The Americans stood
' This view is taken from near the house of Mr. Neilson, looking northwest. In the foreground, on the
right, are seen the remains of the intrenchments which here crossed the road from Fort Neilson, the forti-
fiM log bam. The light field in the distance, toward the right of the picture, with a small house within
it, is the old clearing called " Freeman^s farm.*' On the rising ground over the tree upon the slope, near
the oenter of the foreground, is the place where Fraser wheeled southward to turn the right flank of the
Americans. On the level ground, near the small trees on the right of the large tree upon the slope, is the
place where Arnold and Fraser met and fought. On the high middle ground beyond the woods, toward
the left, where several small houses are/een, the British formed their line for the second battle on the 7tb
of Octo^r. The detachments under Poor, Learned, and Morgan, which marched to the attack on that
day, diverged from near the point seen in the foreground on the right, and marched down the slope by the
sheep, across the flat. The brigade of Learned passed on where are seen the dark trees on the left. Mor-
gan l^pt further to the extreme left, and Poor made a direct line across the level ground and up the hill
ia the direction marked by the four slender trees by the fence in the center of the picture. The range of
moontains in the extreme distance borders the eastern shore of Lake George. The highest peak in the
center is Book Mountain, and that upon the extreme left is French Mountain, at the foot of which are the
remains of Forts George and William Henry, at the head of Lake George.
Digitized by
Google
54 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Reoowal of fbe Bal^ Lou loataiiied by bodi Armies. The number end tbe paiticiilar Troops oif aged.
in determined silence, and heard distinctly the voices of the officers upon the opposite hill
as they gave their orders along the lines.
Again the enemy made the first hostile movement, and from a powerful hattery opened
a terrible fire, but without efiect. To this the Americans made no reply. Burgojnie then
ordered the woods to be cleared by the bayonet, and soon, across the open field, column after
column of infantry steadily advanced toward the patriot lines. The Americans kept close
within their intrenchments until the enemy fired a volley and pressed onward to the charge,
when they sprang upon their assailants with a force that drove them far bapk across the
clearing. Like tlvs ebbing and flowing of the tide, the contending armies alternately ad-
vanced and retreated, and for more than three hours the conflict was severe and the result
doubtful. And it was not imtil the su'n went down and darkness came upon them, that the
warriors ceased their horrid strife. Even amid the gloom of evening there were furious con-
tentions. Just at dusk. Lieutenant-colonel Marshall, with the tenth Massachusetts regi-
ment, encountered some British grenadiers and infantry on a rise of ground a little west
of Freeman's cottage, and a brisk but Bhort action ensued.^ The commander of the enemy
was killed, and the troops fled in confiision. Lieutenant-colonel Brooks, of the eighth Mas-
sachusetts regiment, remained upon the field until eleven o'clock at night, and in the course
of the evening he had a skirmish on the extreme left with some of Breyman's rifiemen, whom
he knew as such only by the brass match-cases upon their breasts. He was the last to leave
the field of action. The conflict at length ended. The Americans retired within their
lines, and the British rested on their arms all night upon the field of battle.'
The loss of the Americans was, officers included, sixty-four killed, two hundred and seven-
teen woimded, and thirty-eight missing ; in all,'three hundred and nineteen.' The British
lost, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, <* rather more than less than five hundred."^ Both
parties claimed the honor of victory. The British, it is true, remained masters, or, at least,
possessors, of the field, but this was not their ultimate object. It was to advance^ and that
they failed to do ; while the Americans were intent only upon maintaining their ground,
and this they accomplished. The advantage, therefore, was certainly on the side of the
republicans.
Very few battles have heea marked by more determined bravery and patient endurance
on both sides than this. Phillips and Eiedesel, who had served in the wars in Flanders
and other parts of Europe, said they never knew so long and hot a fire ; and Burgoyne, in
his defense before Parliament, remarked, *< few actions have been characterized by more ob-
stinacy in attack or defense." The number of Americans engaged in the action was about
two thousand five hundred, and of the British about three thousand. The whole British
army in camp and on the field numbered about five thousand, and that of the American
about seven thousand.
Although the aggregate number of killed on both sides did not exceed one hundred and
fifty, the slaughter and maiming were dreadfiil in particular instances. Major Jones, of
the British army, commanded a battery, and fell, while at his post, during the swaying to
and firo of the armies across the clearing, toward evening, when several of the cannons were
taken and retaken a number of times. Thirty-six out of forty-eight of his artillery-men wjre
killed or wounded. Lieutenant Hadden was the only officer unhurt, and he had his cap
shot firom his head by a musket-ball while spiking the cannon. The sixty-second regiment*
' At the urgent solicitatioii of Arnold, Gates sent oat this feeble. re-enforoement, which was all that was
detached from the right wing during the action. Had fresh troops been supplied to support the left wing,
00 doabt the Americans would have gained a decided victory.
' See Gordon, Ramsay, Botta, Marshall, Sparks, Pictorial Histoiy of the Reign of George III., Stedman,
Burgoyne's State of the Expedition, Thatcher, Ndlson, &c.
' Report to the Board of War.
^ Lieutenant-colonel Kingston, the adjutant general, hefore a committee of Parliament.
' The partieular troops engaged in this action were, of the British, the ninth, twenty-first, uxty-eeoona,
and twentieth of Hamilton's brigade ; the twenty-fourth, belonging to Fraser's brigade } Breyman's rifle-
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. fi5
ReideMPt Notice of tlio Battle. Mi^HnlL If arrow J^pe of Bnrgoyiie. Arnold, and the Teftlmony of HiHoiy
of Hamilton's brigade, which congisted of six hundred when it left Canada, was so cut in
pieces, that only sixty men and five officers were left capable of duty. The commander,
Colonel Anstruther, and Major Hamage, were both wounded.
The Baxoness Eiedesel, wife of Greneral Riedesel, who accompanied her husband through
this whole campaign, wrote an admirable narrative of the various events connected there-
with. In relation to the battle of the 19th of September, she says, ** An afiair ha]^pened,
which, though it turned out to our advantage, yet obliged us to halt at a place called Free-
man's &Tm. I was an eye-witness to the whole afifdr, and, as my husband was engaged
in it, I WHS full of anxiety, and trembled at every shot I heard. I saw a great number of
the wounded, and, what added to the distress of the scene, three of them were brought into
the house in which I took shelter. One was a Major Hamage, of the sixty-second regi-
ment, the husband of a lady of my acquaintance ; another was a lieutenant, married to a
lady with whom I had the honor to be on terms of intimacy ; and ithe third was an officer
by the name of Young."
More than one half of an American detachment under Major Hull,' consisting of two
hundred men, was kiUed or wounded. Some of the Americans ascended high trees, and
fjcom their concealed perches picked off the British officers in detail. Several were killed
by the bullets of these sure marksmen. Burgoyne himself came very near being made a
victim to this mode of warfare. A bullet, intended for him, shattered the arm of Captain
Green, aid-de-camp to General Phillips, who at that moment was handing a letter to Bur-
goyne. The captain fell from his horse. In the confusion of the smoke and noise, it was
supposed to be Burgoyne, and such was the belief, for some hours, in the American camp.
Among the Americans who were killed in the battle were Colonels Adams and Colbum,
valuable officers. But it is unpleasant and unprofitable to ponder upon the painful details
of a battle, and we will pass on to the consideration of subsequent events.
Let us pause a moment, however, and render lustice to as brave a soldier as ever drew
blade fi>r freedom. Although in after years he was recreant to the high and sacred responsi-
bilities that rested upon him, and committed an act deserving the execrations of all good men,
strict justice demands a fair acknowledgm'ent of his brave deeds. I mean Benedict Arnold
The testimony of historians is in conflict respecting the part which Arnold performed in
the battle just noticed ; and prejudice and evident falsehood have denied him the honor of
being personally engaged in it. Gordon says, « Arnold's division was out in the action, but
he himself did not head them ; he remained in the camp the whole time." General Wil-
kinson, the adjutant general of Gutes at that time, says in his Memoirs that ** no general
officer was on the field of battle during the day," and intimates that he himself chiefly con
ducted aflairs. He fiirther says, that when, toward evening. Gates and Arnold were to-
gether in front of the camp, Major Lewis* came in firom the scene of action, and announced
that its progress was undecisive. Arnold inunediately exclaimed, " I will soon put an end
to it," and set ofi* in a fiill gallop firom the camp. Gates dispatched an officer after him,
and ordered him back. Botta, who was acquainted with many of the fi)reign officers who
served in this war, and whose sources of correct information were very ample, observes,
men ; a c<nrp8 of grenadiera ; a part of the artilleiy, and a motley swaim of Indians and loyalists. The
American troops in action were those nnder Morgan and Dearborn ; the first, second, and third New Hamp-
shire regiments ; the eighth, ninth, and tenth Massaohnsetts regiments ; the seoond and third of New York,
and a Conneotiont regiment of militia.
^ He was a major general in oar war with Great Britain in 181 2. He surrendered his whole army, with
an the forts and garrisons in the neighborhood of Dttroit, to General Brock on the 1 6th of August of that year.
His wife, Sarah Hull, to whom he had been married but a few weeks when the battle of Stillwater occurred,
determined to share the fortunes and perils of her husband, was in the camp, and was active among those Amer-
ican women who extended comfort and kind attentions to the ladies of die British army after the surrender
of Burgojrne. Because of Us surrender at Detroit, Greneral Hull was tried for cowardice, treason, &C., and
condeinned to be shot ; but, in consideration of his Revolutionary services and his age, he was pardonea
He fived to see his character vindicated, and died in 1825. His wife died the following yetr.
* Morgan Lewis, afterward governor of the state of New York.
Digitized by
Google
56 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
C^ioaeL Varick't Letter reepecting Arnold. Gen^vl Gfetet't Treatment of Arnold. Rnptnre between tfaem.
'< Arnold exhibited upon this occasion all the impetuosity of his courage ; he encouraged his
men by voice and example.'' Stedman, a British officer who served under Comwallis here,
says, in his " History of the American War," " The enemy were led to the battle by Gren-
eral Arnold, who distinguished himself in an extraordinary manner." Allen, in his Bio-
graphical Dictionary, says, " In the battle near Stillwater, September the 1 9th, he conducted
oimself with his usual intrepidity, being engaged incessamtly for four hours." M'Farlane,
in the Pictorial History of England, says, <* Gates's detachment, being re-enforced and led
on by Arnold, fell upon Burgojnie and the right wing." Again : "Arnold behaved with
extraordinary gallantry, but he could make an impression nowhere." Again: "Every
time that Arnold was beaten back, Gates sent him more men from the star redoubt." The
well-founded traditions of the vicinity support the position that Arnold was actively engaged
in the conflict, and a knowledge of the locality is suflicient to cause a doubt of the correct-
ness of Wilkinson's statement.
Finally, Colonel Varick, writing from camp to General Schuyler, three days after the
action, said, " He [Gates] seems to be piqued that Arnold's division had the honor of beat-
ing the enemy on the 19th. This I. am certain of, that Arnold has all the credit of the
action. And this I further know, that Gates asked where the troops were going when
Scammel's battalion marched out, and, upon being told, he declared no more troops should
go ; he would not sufier the camp to be exposed. Had Gates complied with Arnold's re-
peated desires, he would have obtained a general and complete victory over the enemy*
But it is evident to me he never intended to fight Burgoyne, till Arnold urged, begged, and
entreated him to do it." In another letter which he wrote to Schuyler, about a month
afterward, firom Albany, Colonel Varick observed, " During Burgojrne's stay here, he gave
Arnold great credit for his bravery and military abilities, especially in the action of the
1 9th, whenever he spoke of him, and once in the presence of Gates."
Under ordinary circumstances, the statements of General Wilkinson, he being adjutant
general at that time, and presumed to be cognizant of all the events of the battle, ought to
be received as semi-official ; but in this case they must be taken with great allowance.
Gates was evidently jealous of Arnold's well-earned reputation and growing popularity with
the army ; and Wilkinson, who was his favorite, and seemed ever ready to pander to his
commander's vanity, caused, by his officious interference at that very time, a serious mis-
understanding between the two generals, which resulted in an open rupture. In the first
place, he caused a part of Arnold's division to be withdrawn without his knowledge, and
lie was put in the ridiculous light of presuming to give orders which were contravened by
the general orders of the commander-in-chief Wilkinson also insisted on the return of a
part of Arnold's division (Morgan's corps) being made directly to him, and Gates sustained
the unjust demand in general orders. And then, to crown his injustice toward a brave of-
ficer. Gates, in his communication to Congress respecting the battle, said nothing of Arnold
or his division, but merely observed that << the action was fought by detachments firom the
army." This was ungenerous, not only to Arnold, but to the troops under his command,
and he justly complained of the neglect when it became known. Harsh words passed be-
tween the two officers, ai^d Gates even told Arnold that he thought him of little conse-
quence in the army, that when Lincoln arrived he should take away his command, and
that he would give him a pass to leave the camp as soon as he pleased.^
Under the excitement of his feelings, Arnold demanded a pass for himself and suite to
join General Washington. The pass was granted, but in his cooler moments he saw how
injurious it might be to the cause, and how hazardous to his reputation, if he should volun-
tarily leave the army when another battle was hourly expected. He remained, but with-
out any employment in the camp, for Gates put his threat into execution, took command of
Arnold's division himself, and, on the arrival of General Lincoln, on the 29th, placed him
over the right wing.
^ Sparks's Life of Arnold.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OP THE REVOLUTION.
57
Condltioii of the ArmiM after ttie Battle.
Burgoyne'a Gncampmeot
Poverty of the American Comfniiwriat
The morning of the 20th of September waa cloudy, dull, and cheerless, and with the
gloomy aspect of nature the spirits of the British army sympathized. The combatants had
slumbered upon the field during the night, and at dawn, seeing no disposition on the part
of the Americans to renew the conflict, they retired to their camp on the river hills, and
npon the flats at the mouth of the creek, now Wilbur's Basin.
BuBooTXK's Encampmbnt on the West Bank of the Hudson, Septembeb SO, 1777.
From m print poblklMd la Loodoo, lilt.
Burgoyne was surprised and mortified at the bold and successful resistance of the Amer-
icans, and saw clearly that it would be useless to attempt to carry the works by storm, or
in any other way to push forward toward Albany. He resolved to strengthen his position,
endeavor to communicate with Howe and Clinton at New York, and eflect by their co-op-
eration what his own unaided troops could not accomplish. Had he been aware. of the
true condition of the Americans on the morning after the battle, he might easily have won
a victory, for the soldiers composing the left wing, which sustained the conflict, had only a
single round of cartridges left. Nor was the magazine in a condition to supply them, for
such was the difiSculty of procuring ammunition at that time, that the army had a very
meager quantity when the conflict began the day previous, and now there were not in the
magazine forty rounds to each man m the service. At no time was there more than three
days' provisions in the camp, and on the day of action there was no flour. A supply ar-
rived on the 20 th, and the disheartening contingency of short allowance to the weary sol-
diers was thus prevented. Greneral Gates alone was privy to this deplorable deficiency, and
it was not until after a supply of powder and window-leads for bullets was received from
Albany that he made the fact known, and thus gave a plausible reason for not complying
with Arnold's urgent request to commence the battle early again the next morning.
Both parties now wrought diligently in strengthening their respective positions. The
Americans extended and completed their line of breast-works from the northeastern angle
on the river hills,* westward about three fourths of a mile, to the heights, a few rods north
Spi» the small map on page 46.
Digitized by
Google
68 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
i — —
PortiflMlioiiiofbodiCamiM. Junction of Linecrin witb the Army «t Bamk'a. BolallTePodtioiiofthe AnnlM.
of the dwelling of Mr. Neilson. From this point they were extended south and aonthweet
to a large ravine, now on fhe south side of the road leading to Saratoga Spnngs. At the
northwest angle, near Mr. Neilson's, stood the log bam before alluded to. This was
strengthened by a double tier of logs on three sides. Strong batteries, in ciitular form, ex-
tended about one hundred and fifty feet south. The whole was encireled by a deep trench
and a row of strong palisades. The area within was about half an acre. When completed,
it formed quite a strong bulwark, and was named Fort Neilson.
About fifty rods south of the fort was a strong battery ; and in the rear, near the center
of the encampment, stood the magazine, made bomb-proof. The firont of the camp was
covered by a deep ravine skirted by a dense forest, running nearly parallel with the lines,
from the river hills westward. For some distance west of the fort, large trees were felled,
and presented a strong abatis toward the enemy.^
Burgoyne was equally busy in strengthening his position. His camp was pitched within
cannon-shot of the American lines. Across the plain to the river hills a line of intrench-
ments, with batteries, was thrown up, crossing the north ravine not far firom its Junctbn
with the Middle Ravine or Mill Creek. The intrenchments extended northward on the
west sida of Freeman's farm. The Hessian camp was pitched upon an eminence about
half a mile northwest of Freeman's fiirm, where a strong redoubt was reared, and a line of
intrenchments of a horse-shoe form was thrown up. Intrenchments were also made along
the hills fironting the river ; and four redoubts, upon four hills or huge knolls, were erected,
two above and two bebw Wilbur's Basin. A diort line of intrenchments, with a battery,
extended across the flats to the river, and covered their magazine and hospital in the rear.
These composed the principal defenses of the enemy. In many places these works may
still be traced, especially by mounds and shallow ditches in the woods.
As soon as the works were completed, Greneral Gates moved his quarters firom Bemis'e
house to the one delineated in the second picture from the top, among the group of localities
on page 46. The house belonged to Captain Ephraim Woodworth. A bam, which
stood about fifteen rods east of the house, was used for a hospital.
September, Crcneral Lincoln, with two thotteand New England troops, joined the main army
1777- on the 29th. Gates at once gave up the right wing to him, and assumed the
command of the left, which was composed of two brigsuies under Generals Poor and Learned,
Colonel Morgan's rifie corps, and a part of the firesh New England militia. Morgan occu-
pied the heights immediately south of the fort ; Leamed's brigade the plain on the east, and
General Poor's brigade the heights south of Morgan, between him and Gates's headquar-
ters.' In fact, the position of the American army was about the same as at the time of
the battle of the 1 9th. Burgoyne disposed his troops to the best advantage. The Hes-
sians, under Colonel Breyman, occupied a height on the extreme right, and formed a flank
defense rather than a wing of the main army. The light infantry, under Earl Balcarras,
with the choicest portion of Eraser's corps, flanked on the left by the grenadiers and Ham-
ilton's brigade, occupied the vicinity of Freeman's farm ; the remainder of the army, in-
cluding the artillery under Phillips and Reidesel, occupied the plain and the high ground
north of Wilbur's Basin ; and the Hessians of Hanau, the forty-seventh regiment, and some
loyalists, were situated upon the flats near the river, for the protection of the bateaux, hos-
pital, and magazine. Thus in parallel lines to each other, and within cannon-shot, the two
armies lay in menacing attitude firom the 20th of September until the 7th of October. Each
exercised the utmost vigilance, expecting the other to fall upon them in full power, or en-
tangle them by strategy. There were constant skirmishes between small detachments, some-
times foraging parties, and at others a few pickets ; and not a night passed without the per-
' AhatU is a Frenoh word signifymg trees oat down. It is a phrase used in fortifications ; and an abat»
tfl which is composed of trees felled, so as to present their branches to the enemy, is frequently fomid in
woody ooantry one of the most avail ble and efficient kinds of defense.
» Neilson, p. 15, 35
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION 59
iSiiMt of the Battle on the People. Diminution of Borgoyne't Army, eiidliicreMe of Gates*!. Condition of tiie Enemy
fiNrmanoe of some daring exploit, either for the sake of adventure, or to annoy each other.
The Americans were constantly gaining strength, and their superiority of numbers enabled
them to form expeditions to harass the British, without weakening their lines by fatigue or
endangering the safety of the camp.
The success of the Americans in the late battle, and the rapid increment of the army,
almost annihilated loyalty in the neighborhood, and made every republican, whether soldier
or citizen, bold and adventurous. At one time about twenty young Americans, farmers re-
siding in the vicinity, not belonging to the camp, and intent on having a frolic, resolved to
capture an advance picket-guard of the enemy, stationed on the north bank of the middle
ravine. They selected their officers, and each being armed with a fowling-piece and plenty
of powder and shot, they marched silently through the woods in the evening, until they got
within a few yards of the picket. The captain of the party then gave a tremendous blast
upon an old horse-trumpet which he carried, and, with yells and the noise of a whole regi-
ment, they rushed through the bushes upon the frightened enemy. No time was given for
the sentinel's hail, for, simultaneously with their furious onset, the captain of the frolickers
cried out lustily, <* Ground your arms, or you are all dead men !'* Supposing half the Amer-
ican army was upon them, the astonished pickets obeyed, and thirty British soldiers were
taken by the jolly young farmers into the republican camp with all the parade of regular
prisoners of war. This was one of many similar instances, and thus the British camp was
kept in a state of constant alarm.^
Burgoyne saw, with deep anxiety, the rapid increase of the American forces, while his
own were daily diminishing by desertion. Nearly one hundred and fifly Indian warriors,
finom the tribes of the Oneidas, Tuscaroras, Onondagas, and Mohawks, accepted the war-
belt, partook of the feast, and joined the republican army within tJ^ee days afler the battle
of the 1 9th. The Indians with Burgoyne were so dissatisfied with the results of that bat-
tle, and so disappointed in their hopes of blood and plunder, that they deserted him in large
numbers in that hour of his greatest peril. It was their hunting season, too, and this was
another strong inducement to return to their wives and children, to keep starvation from
their wigwams. The Canadians and loyalists were not much more faithful.*
Burgoyne used every means in his power to transmit intelligence of his situation to Howe,
and to implore his assistance either by co-operation or a diversion in his favor. But the
Americaji pickets, vigilant and wary, were planted in all directions ; and it was by the
merest chance that the British commander received a letter from Sir Henry Clinton, at
New York,* written in cipher on the 1 0th, informing him that he should make a diversion
in his favor by attacking Forts Clinton and Montgomery, in the Hudson Highlands, on the
20th. This information raised the hopes of Burgoyne, for he supposed that the attack at
those points would draw off large detachments from Gates for their defense, and render the
belligerent forces at Stillwater nearly equal in numbers. He immediately dispatched two
officers in disguise, and several other persons in different directions, to Sir Henry Clinton,
with a l^ter, urging him to make the diversion without fail, and saying that he had pro-
visions enough to hold out until the 12th of October.
Time rolled on, and Burgoyne heard nothing further firom Clinton. His provisions began
to fail, and on the 1st of October he wa^ obliged to put his troops on short allowance. Not
a man or a biscuit was allowed to reach him from any quarter. The militia were flocking
into Gates's camp from all directions, and perils of every kind were weaving their web
around the proud Briton. At last he was reduced to the alternative to fight or fly.
^ *' I do not believe either officer or soldier ever slept dnring that interval withoat his clothes, or that
any general officer or commander of a regiment passed a single night withoat being upon his legs ooca-
akNudly at difierent hours, and constantly an hour before daylight." — BurgoyneU ^^Revievf of the Evu
ikmee,'^ p. 166.
* Marshall's Life of Washmgton.
' General Howe had left Clinton in command at New Tork, and was then engaged against Washington
on the Delaware, for the purpose of making a conquest of Philadelphia.
Digitized by
Google
60 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Hostile Morements of tfaeBrit^ Prepar«tion» of the AmCTJcani for Batfle. Soqnd Battle of Stfflwater.
The latter was both impracticable and inglorious, and at a connoil of officers it was re-
solved to fight.
On the morning of the 7th of October, Burgoyne, at the head of fifteen hundred regular
troops, with two twelve pounders, two howitzers, and six six pounders, moved toward the
American left, to the northern part of a low ridge of land about three fourths of a mile
northwest firom the American camp, where they formed a line in double ranks. He was
seconded by Phillips, Biedesel, and Eraser. The guard of the camp upon the high grounds
was committed to Brigadiers Hamilton and Specht, and that of the redoubts and plain near
the river to Brigadier-general Gall. This movement was for a two-fold purpose, to cover
a foraging party sent out to supply the pressing wants of the camp, and, if the prospect was
favorable, to turn the left of the American army, and fall upon its flank and rear. Small
parties of loyalists and Indians were sent around through by-paths, to hang upon the Amer-
ican rear and keep them in check. *
Before this movement was known to General Gates, he had ordered out a detachment
of three hundred men under Colonel Brooks, to gain the rear of the enemy and fall upon
his outposts. While Brooks was at headquarters, receiving his instructions, a sergeant ar-
rived with intelligence of the movement of the British army. The order to Colonel Brooks
was revoked, the officers in camp were summoned to their posts, and an aid was sent out
by the commander-in-chief to ascertain the exact position and probable intentions of the en-
emy. He proceeded to a rise of ground covered with woods, half a mile ffom Fort Neilson
(near the house of Asa Chatfield), where he discovered the British in a wheat field cutting
.straw, and several officers on the top of a cabin (Joseph Hunger's) with a spy-glass, en-
deavoring to ascertain the condition of the American left. The aid returned, and had just
reached headquarters with his intelligence, when a party of Canadians, Indians, and loyal-
ists, who had been sent forward to scour the woods, attacked the American pickets near the
middle ravine. They were soon joined by a detachment of grenadiers, drove the Americans
before them, and prised forward until within musket-shot of the republican lines. For
half an hour a hot engagement ensued at the breast-work, a little soulii of the fort. Mor-
gan, with his riflemen, supported by a corps of infantry, at length charged the assailants
with such deadly eflect, that they retreated in confusion to the British line, which was
forming upon a newly-cleared field, preparatory to marching into action.
It was now two o'clock, about the same hour at which the two armies summoned their
strength for combat on the 1 9th of September. The grenadiers, under Major Ackland, and
the artillery, under Major Williams, were stationed on the left, upon a gentle eminence on
the borders of a wood, and covered in front by Mill Creek or Middle Ravine. The light
infantry, under Earl Balcarras, were placed on the extreme right, and the center was com-
posed of British and German troops, under Generals Phillips and Reidesel. Near the cabin
of Mr. Munger, and in advance of the right wing, General Fraser had command of a de-
tachment of five hundred picked men, destined to fall upon the American flank as soon as
the action in front should commence.
This design was at once perceived, and, at the suggestion of Morgan, Gates dispatched
that sagacious officer, with his rifle corps and other troops amounting to fifleen hundred men,
in a circuitous route to some high ground on the extreme right of the enemy, thence to fall
upon the flanking party under Fraser at the same moment when an attack should be made
upon the British left. For the latter service the brigade of General Poor, composed of
New York and New Hampshire troops, and a part of Leamed's brigade, were detached.
About half past two the conffict began. The troops of Poor and Learned marched
steadily up the gentle slope of the eminence on which the British grenadiers, and part of
the artillery under Ackland and Williams, were stationed, and, true to their orders not to
fire until afler the first discharge of the enemy, pressed on in awful silence toward the bat-
talions and batteries above them. Suddenly a terrible discharge of musket-balls and grape-
shot made great havoc among the branches of the trees over their heads, but scarcely a shot
^ook eflect among the men. This was the signal to break the silence of our troops, and.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION 61
Brarety of both Armiea. Qnick and bold Movemcnta of Morgan. Impetuosity and Brayevf of Arnold. General Fraaer
with a loud shout, they sprang forward, delivered their fire in rapid volleys, and opened
right and left to avail themselves of the covering of the trees on the margin of the ridge on
which the artillery was posted.
The contest now hecame fierce and destructive. The Americans rushed up to the very
mouths of the cannon, and amid the carriages of the heavy field-pieces they struggled for
victory. Valor of the highest order on both sides marked the conflict, and fer a time the
scale seemed equipoised. Five times one of the cannon was taken and retaken, but at last
it remained in possession of the republicans as the British fell back. Colonel CiUey, who,
during the whole contest, had fought at the head of his troops, leaped upon the captured
piece, waved his sword high in air, dedicated the brazen engine of death to ** thB American
cause," wheeled its muzzle toward the enemy, and with their own ammunition opened its
thunder upon them. It was all the work of a moment of exultation when the enemy fell
back from their vantage ground. The effect was electrical, and seemed to give the repub-
licans stronger sinews and fiercer courage. The contest was long and obstinate, for the
enemy were brave and skillful. Major Ackland, who was foremost in the conflict, was at
last severely wounded, and Major Williams was taken prisoner. Suddenly deprived of
their superior officers, the grenadiers and artillery-men fled in confusion, and left the field
in possession of the Americans.
Almost simultaneously with the attack on the British left, Morgan with his corps rushed
down the hilk that skirted the flanking party of Fraser in advance of the enemy's right,
and opened upon them such a destructive storm of well-aimed bullets, that they were driven
hastily back to their lines. Then, with the speed of the wind, Morgan wheeled and fell
upon the British right flank with such appalling force and impetuosity, that their ranks
were at once thrown into confiision. The mode and power of attack "^^ere both unexpected
to the enemy, and they were greatly alarmed. While thus in confusion, Major Dearborn,
with some fresh troops, came up and attacked them in front. Thus assailed, they broke
and fled in terror, but were rallied by Earl Balcarras, and again led into action. The
shock on right and left shook the British center, which was composed chiefly of Grermans
and Hessians, yet it stood finn.
General Arnold had watched with eager eye and excited spirit the course of the battle
thus far. Deprived of all command, he had no authority even to fightt much less to order
Smarting under the indignity heaped upon him by his commander ; thirsting for that glory
which beckoned him to the field ; burning with a patriotic desire to serve his country, now
bleeding at every pore ; and stirred by the din of battle around him, the brave soldier be-
came fairly maddened by his emotions, and, leaping upon his large brown horse, he started
off* on a full gallop for the field of conflict. Gates immediately sent Major Armstrong^ afrer
him to order him back. Arnold saw him approaching, and, anticipating his errand, spurred
his horse and left his pursuer &r behind, while he placed himself at the head of three regi-
ments of Leamed*s brigade, who received their former commander with loud huzzas. He
immediately led them against the British center, and, with the desperation of a madman,
rushed into the thickest of the fight, or rode along the lines in r^pid and erratic movements,
brandishing his broadsword above his head, and delivering his orders every where in person.
Armstrong kept up the chase for half an hour, but Arnold's course was so varied and peril-
ous that he gave it up.
The Hessians received the first assault of Arnold's troops upon the British center with a
brave resistance ; but when, upon a second charge, he dashed fiiriously among them at the
head of his men, they broke and fled in dismay. And now the battle became general along
the whole lines. Arnold and Morgan were the ruling spirits that controlled the storm on
the part of the Americans, and the gaUant General Fraser was the directing soul of the
British troops in action. His skill and courage were every where conspicuous. When the
' The aathor of the celebrated "Newburgh letters," written in the spring of 1783. See pages 672 to
678, inclusive, of this rolume.
Digitized by
Google
52 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Death of OeoenaFnwr. Cenfiureof Morgm. Pmic in the BritUh Line. Timothy Mnrphy
lines gave way, lie brought order out of confumon ; when regiments began to waver, be in-
fused courage into them by voice and example. He was mounted upon a splendid iron-
gray gelding ; and, dressed in the full uniform of a field officer, he was a conspicuous object
for the Americans. It was evident that the fate of the battle rested upon him, and this
the keen eye and sure judgment of Morgan perceived.* In ati instant his purpose was con-
ceived, and, calling a file of his best men around him, he said, as he pointed toward the
British right, " That gallant officer is General Fraser. I admire and honor him, but it is
necessary he should die ; victory for the enemy depends upon him. Take your stations in
that dump of bushes, and do your duty." Within five minutes Fraser fell mortally wound-
ed, and was carried to the camp by two grenadiers. Just previous to being hit by the fatal
bullet, the crupper of his horse was cut by a rifle-ball, and immediately afterward another
passed through the horse's mane, a little back of his ears. The aid of Fraser noticed this,
and said, " It is evident that you are marked out for particular aim ; would it not be pru-
dent for you to retu-e from this place ?" Fraser replied, " My duty forbids me to fly from
danger," and the next mcmient he fell.'
Morgan has been censured for this order, by those who profess to understand the rules of
war, as guilty of a highly dishonorable act ; and others, who gloat over the horrid details
of the slaying of thousfuids of humble rank-and-file men as deeds worthy of a shout for glory,
and drop no tear for the slaughtered ones, aflect to shudder at such a cold-blooded murder
of an officer upon the battle-field. War is a monstrous wrong and crud injustice at all
times ; but if it is right to kill at all upon the field of battle, I can perceive no greater
wrong in slaying a general than a private. True, he wears the badge of distinction, and
the trumpet of Renown speaks his name to the world, but his life is no dearor to himself,
and wife, and children, and firiends, than that of the humblest private who obeys his com-
mands. If Daniel Morgan was guilty of no sin, no dishonor, in ordering his men to fall
upon and slay those under the command of Fraser, he was also guiltless of wn and dishonor
in ordering the sacrifice of their chief Indeed, it is probable that the sacrifice of Ms life
saved that of hundreds, for the slaughter was stayed.
As soon as Fraser fell, a panic spread along the British line. It was increased by the
appearance, at that moment, of three thousand New York troops, under Greneral Tenbroeck.
Burgoyne, who now took command in person, could not keep up the sinking courage of his
men. The whole line gave way, and fled precipitately within the intronchments of the
* Samnel Woodrafi^ Esq., of Connecticat, a volanteer in the army at the time, visited Bemis's Heights
some years since, and wrote an interesting account of some of the transaotions of the day. He says the
importance of the death of Fraser was suggested to Morgan by Arnold.
'-The name of the rifleman who killed General Fraser was Timothy Murphy. * He took sure aim from
a small tree in which he was posted, and saw Fraser fall on the discharge of his rifle. Fraser told his
friends before he died that he saw the man who shot him, and that he was in a tree. Murphy afterward
accompanied General Sullivan in his expedition against 'the Indians in Central and Western New York,
where he had a narrow escape firom death. In the fall of 1778 he was stationed in Schoharie county,
where he became enamored of a young girl of sixteen, named Margaret Feeck. He was twelve years
her senior, yet his love was reciprocated. Her parents " denied the bans," and attempted to break ofl* the
engagement by a forcible confinement. But "love laughs at locksmiths," and, under pretense of going
after a cow some distance from home to milk her, she stole away one evening barefooted, to meet her lover,
according to an appointment through a trusty young friend, upon the bank of the Schoharie Creek. He
was not there, and she forded the stream, determined to go to the fort where Murphy was stationed. She
found Mm, however, upon the opposite side of the stream, and, mounting his horse behind him, they en-
tered the fort amid the cheering of the inmates. The young females there fitted her up with comfortable
attire, and the next day they set out for Schenectady. There the soldier purchased for his intended bride
silk for a gown, and several dress*makers soon completed it. They repaired to the house of Rev. Mr.
Johnson, where they were married, and then returned to Schoharie. The parents became reconciled, and
they lived happily together many years. Murphy was an uneducated man, but was possessed of a strong
intellect, and had a good deal of influence over a certain class. He was an early friend of the Hon. William
C. Bouck, late governor of New York, and was among the most active in bringing him forward in public
life. He lost his Margaret in 1807, and in 1812 married Mary Robertson. He died of a cancer in his
throat in 181R — S" SimmU '^Hiitory of SrhoharU County ^
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 63
BrsTery of GeoMral Arnold. Atnnlt on tbe Gemuo Workf. Arnold Wounded. Ckitet and Sir Fnnds darko
camp. The tomultuotu retreat was coyered by Phillips and R^desel. The Americans
poTsaed them up to their very intrenchments in the face of a furious stonn of grape-shot and
musket-balls, and assaulted their works vigorously -mthout the aid of field pieces or other
artillery.
The conflict was now terrible indeed, and in the midst of the flame, and smoke, and metal
hail, Arnold was conspicuous. His voice, dear as a trumpet, animated the soldiers, and,
as if ubiquitous, he seemed to be every where amid the perils at the same moment. With
a part of the brigades of Patterson and Glover, he assaulted the works occupied by the light
infantry under Earl Balcarras, and at the point of the bayonet drove the enemy £rom a
strong abatis, through which he attempted to force his way into the camp. He was obliged
to abandon the eflbrt, and, dashing forward toward the right flank of the enemy, exposed to
the cross-fire of the contending armies, he met Leamed's brigade advancing to make an
assault upon the British works at an opening in the abatis, between Balcarras's light in-
&ntry and the Grerman right flank defense under Colonel Breyman. Canadians and loyal-
ists defended this part of the line, and were flanked by a stockade redoubt on each side.
Arnold placed himself at the head of the brigade, and moved rapidly on to the attack
He directed Colonel Brooks to assault the redoubt, while the remainder of the brigade fell
upon the finmt. The contest was furious, and the enemy at length gave way, leaving Brey-
man and his Grermans completely exposed. At this moment Arnold galloped to the left,
and ordered the regiments of Wesson and Livingston, and Morgan's corps of riflemen, to
advance and make a general assault. At the head of Brooks's regiment, he attacked the
German works. Having found the sally-port, he rushed within the enemy's intrenchments.
The Grermans, who had seen him upon his steed in the thickest of the fight for more than
two hours, terrified at his approach, fled in dismay, delivering a volley in their retreat, which
killed Arnold's horse under him, and wounded the general himself very severely, in the same
leg which had been badly lacerated by a musket-ball at the storming of Quebec, two yeats
befinre. Here, wounded and disabled, at the head of conquering troops led on by his valor
to the threshold of Victory, Arnold was overtaken by Major Armstrong, who delivered to
him Gates's order to return to camp, fearing he << might do some rash thing I" He indeed
did a rash thing in the eye of military discipline. He led troops to victory without an order
Grom his commander. His conduct was rash indeed', compared with the stately method of
Greneral Grates, who directed by orders firom his camp what his presence should have sanc-
tioned. While Arnold was wielding the fierce sickle of war without, and reaping golden
sheaves fi)r Gates's gamer, the latter (according to Wilkinson) was within his camp, more
intent upon discussing the merits of ^e Revolution with Sir Francis Clarke, Burgoyne's
aid-de-camp, who had been wounded and taken prisoner, and was .lying upon the command-
er's bed at his quarters, than npon winning a battle, all-important to the ultimate triumph
of those principles for which he professed so vtrarm an attachment. When one of Gates's
aids came up from the field of battle for orders, he found the general very angry because
Sir Francis would not allow the force of his arguments. He lef); the room, and, calling
his aid afler him, asked, as they went out, ** Did you ever hear so impudent a son of a
b— h ?" Poor Sir Francis died that night upon Gates's bed.
'< It is a curious fact," says Sparks, " that an officer who really had not command in the
army was the leader of one of the most spirited and important battles of the Revolution.
His madness, or rashness, or whatever it may be called, resulted most fortunately for him-
self The wound he received at the moment of rushing into the arms of danger and of
death added fresh luster to his military glory, and was a new claim to public favor and
apfdause. Li the heat of the action, he struck an officer on the head with his sword, an
indignity and ofiense which might justly have been retaliated upon the spot in the most
fatal manner. The officer forbore ; and the next day, when he demanded redress, Arnold
declared his entire ignorahce of the act, and expressed his regret."^
1 Life of Arnold, p. 118.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
64
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Rotreat of the GermiDt, and CIom of tho Battle.
PreparatioDi of Bargoyne to Retreat
The Killed and Wounded
It was twilight when Arnold was wounded and conveyed by Major Ajrmstrong and a
sergeant (Samuel Woodrufi^ from the field. The Germans who fled at his approach, find-
ing the assault general, threw down their arms and retreated to the interior of the camp,
leaving their commander. Colonel Breyman, mortally wounded. The camp of Burgoyne
was thus left exposed at a strong point. He endeavored to rally the panic-stricken Grermans
in the midst of the increasing darkness, but they could not be again brought into action.'
In truth, both armies were thoroughly fatigued, and the Americans were as loth to follow
up the advantage thus presented as were the British to repair their discomfiture. As night
drew its curtain over the scene, the conflict ended, the chmgor of battle was hushed, and all
was silent except the gproans of the wounded, an occasional word of command, and the heavy
tread of retiring columns, seeking for a place of repose.
About midnight. General Lincoln, with his division, which had remained in camp during
the action, marched out to relieve those upon the field, and to maintain the ground acquired.
Perceiving this, and knowing the advantage the Americans would possess with firesh troops
and such an easy access to his camp, Burgoyne felt the necessity of guarding against the
peril at once by changing his position. Before dawn he removed the whole of his army,
camp, and artillery about a mile north of his first position, above Wilbur's Basin, whence
he contemplated a speedy retreat toward Fort Edward.
October, Early on the morning of the 8th the Americans took possession of the evacuated
^'^' British camp, and skirmishes took place between detachments firom the two armies
during the day, in one of which General Lincoln was badly wounded in the leg. As the
news that the British had retreated spread over the surrounding country, a great number
of men, women, and children came flocking into camp to join in the general joy, or to per-
form the more sorrowful duty of seeking for relatives or friends among the wounded and slain.
The loss of the Americans in killed and wounded did not exceed one hundred and fifty.
Arnold was the only commissioned officer who received a wound. The British army suf-
fe:ed severely, and their loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners was about seven hundred.'
Among the officers killed were the gallant Eraser, Sir Francis Clarke (Burgoyne*s aid-de-
camp,) Colonel Breyman, and Lieutenant Reynell. The latter two died on the field ; Sir
Francis Clarke was taken prisoner and carried to Gates's quarters, where he died that night.
Major Ackland, who was severely wounded, was also taken prisoner, and, with Major Will-
lams, was carried into the American camp ; and Eraser, who wa&
conveyed to the house of John Taylor, near Wilbur's
Basin, expired the next morning at about eight o'clock
Burgoyne had several narrow escapes. One ball passed through
Jm hat and another his coat.
The house in which General Eraser died stood until 1846, upon
the right bank of the Hudson, about three miles above Bemis's
„ ^ Heights, near Ensicrn's store, and exhibited the marks of the con-
HOUSE IN WHICH GEMBBAL «. , . ® i ii i i t i i -t*
fbjlsbb died. flict there m numerous bullet-holes. It was used by Buigoyne
Octobers.
* Evidence of Captain Money before a
* *^ The British and Hessian troops killed
on the battle-field. It was not uncom-
mon, after the land was clen red and col-
livated, to see many, soniciimes twen-
ty, human skulls pUed upon stumps in
the fields. I have myself, when a boy,
seen human bones thickly strewn about
the ground, which had been turned
up by the plow." — C. NeiUon. Bur"
goyne^t Campaign, p. 182.
I saw, in the possession of Mr.
Neilson, many relics plowed up from
the liattle-field, such as cannon-balls,
No. a.
committee of Parliament in the case of Burgoyne.
in the foregoing actions were slightly covered with earth and brush
grape-shot, tomahawks, arrow-heads,
buttons, knives, &c., and among them
were some teeth, evidently front ones,
but double. It is supposed that they
belonged to the Hessians, for it is said
that many of them had double teeth all
around, in both jaws. The annexed
are drawings of two tomahawks in my
possession. No. 1 is made of iron, No
2 of stone. It is graywacke, and is
created for the purpose of securing the
handle by a string or by green withes
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION 65
Ptoee of General Fnaer's Death. Account of hii Death bjttwBtfoneMReldead. Fraier'a laat Eeqoeat granfted
for qoarters when he first pitched his camp there, and it was a shelter to several lai^es
attached to the British army, among whom were the Baroness Riedesel and Lady Harriet
Aekland. Greneral Fraser was laid upon a camp-hed near the first window cm the right
of the door, where he expired. I can not narrate this event and its attendant circumstancei
better than by quoting the simple language of the Baroness Biedesel.
" But," she says, " severer trials awaited us, and on the 7th of October. our misfortunes
began. I was at breakfast with my husband, and heard that something was intended.
On the same day I expected Generals Burgoyne, Phillips, and Fraser to dine with us. I
saw a great movement among the troops ; my husband told me it was merely a reconnois-
sance, which gave me no concern, as it often happened. I walked out of tiie house, and
met several Indians in their war dresses, with guns in their hands. When I asked them
where they were going, they cried out, * War ! war I* meaning that they were going to
battle. This filled me with apprehension, and I had scarcely got home before I heard
reports of cannon and musketry, which grew louder by degrees, till at last the noise became
excessive.
" About four o'clock in the aflemoon, instead of the guests whom I expected, Greneral
Fraser was brought on a litter, mortally wounded. The table, which was already set, was
instantly removed, and a bed placed in its stead for the wounded general. I sat trembling
m a comer ; the noise grew louder, and the alarm increased ; the thought that my husband
might, perhaps, be brought in, wounded in the same manner, Vas terrible to me, and dis-
tressed me exceedingly. Greneral Fraser said to the surgeon, * Tell me if my vxmnd is
mortal ; do not flatter me.* The ball had passed through his body, and, unhappily for the
general, he had eaten a very hearty breakfast, by which the stomach was distended, and
the ball, as the surgeon said, had passed through it. I heard him oft^oi exclaim, with a
sigh, ' O fatal amintion ! Poor General Burgoyne ! Oh ! m/y poor vrife !* He was
asked if he had any request to make, to which he replied that, if Genercd Burgoyne tpotdd
permit it, he should like to he buried at six o'clock in the evening, on the top of a mount-
ain, in a redoubt which had been built there. I did not know which way to turn ; all
the other rooms were fiill of sick. Towaird evening I saw my husband coming ; then I
forgot all my sorrows, and thanked Grod that he was spared to me. He ate in great haste,
with me and his aid-de-camp, behind the house. We had been told that we had the ad-
vantage over the enemy, but the sorrowful faces I beheld told a difierent tale ; and before
my hrtsband went away, he took me aside, and said every thing was going very badly, and
that I must keep mysdf in readiness to leave the place, but not to mention it to any one
I made the pretense that I would move the next morning into my new house, and had
every thing packed up ready.
" I could not go to sleep, as I had Greneral Fraser and all the other wounded gentlemen
in my room, and I was sadly afraid my children would wake, and, by their crying, disturb
the dying man in his last moments, who often addressed me and apologized ^for the trouble
he gave me* About three o'clock in the morning I was told that he could not hold out
much longer ; I had desired to be informed of the near approach of this sad crisis, and I
then wrapped up my children in their clothes, and went with them into the room below
About eight o'clock in the morning he died.
'* After he was laid out, and his corpse wrspped up in a sheet, we came again into the
room, and had this sorrowful sight before us the whole day ; and, to add to the melancholy
aceoe, almost every moment some officer of my acquaintance was brought in wounded. The
cannonade commenced again ; a retreat was spoken of, but not the smallest motion was
made toward it. About four o'clock in the afternoon I saw the house which had just been
baih fi>r me in flames, and the enemy was now not far ofi*. We knew that Greneral Bur-
goyne would not refuse the last request of Greneral Fraser, though, by his acceding to it, an
unnecessary delay was occasioned, by which the inconvenience of the army was much in-
cieaaed. At six o'clock the corpse was brought out, and we saw all the generals attend it
to the mountain. The chaplain, Mr. Brudenell, performed the funeral service, rendered
£
Digitized by
Google
66
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Burial of Fnser.
Humanity of the Americana.
Lady Harriet AcklaD<L
FBASER a ilUaiAL-PLJLCB.^
unusually Bolemn and awful from its being accompanied by constant peals from the enemy's
artillery. Many cannon-balls flew close by me, but I had my eyes directed toward the
mountain' where my husband was standing amid the fire of the enemy, and of course I
could not think of my own danger.''
It was just at sunset, on that calm Octbber evening, that the corpse of Greneral Fraser
was carried up the hill to the place of burial within the " great redoubt." It was attended
only by the members of his military family and Mr. Brudenell, the chaplain ; yet the eyes
of hundreds of both armies followed
the solemn procession, while the
Americans, ignorant of its true char-
acter, kept up a constant cannonade
upon the redoubt. The chaplain,
unawed by the danger to which
he was exposed, as the cannon-
balls that struck the hill threw the
loose soil over him, pronounced the
impressive funeral service of the
Church of England with an unfal-
tering voice.' The growing dark-
ness added solemnity to the scene.
Suddenly the irregular firing ceased,
and the solemn voice of a single cannon, at measured intervals, boomed along the valley,
and awakened the responses of the hills. It was a minute-gun fired by the Americans in
honor of the gallant dead. The moment information was given that the gathering at the
redoubt was a funeral company, fulfilling, amid imminent perils, the last-breathed wishes
of the noble Fraser, orders were issued to withhold the cannonade with balls, and to render
military homage to the fallen brave.
How such incidents smooth the rough features of war ! In contrast with fiercer ages gone
by, when human sympathy never formed a holy communion between enemies on the battle-
field, they seem to reflect the radiance of the future, and exhibit a glimpse of the time to
which a hopefiil faith directs our vision, when " nation shall not war against nation," when
* one law diall bind all people, kindreds, and tongues, and that law shall be the law of
UNFVERSAL BROTHERHOOD."
The case of Major Ackland and his heroic wife presents kindred features. He belonged
to the corps of grenadiers, and was an accomplished soldier. His wife accompanied him to
Canada in 1776, and during the whole campaign of that year, and until his return to En-
gland afler the surrender of Burgoyne, in the autumn of 1777, endured all the hardships,
dangers, and privations of an active campaign in an enemy's country. At Chambly, on the
Sorel, she attended him in illness, in. a miserable hut ; and when he was woundcKl in the
battle of Hubbardton, Vermont, she hastened to him at Skenesborough fiH)m Montreal, where
she had been persuaded to remain, and resolved to follow the army thereafter. Just before
crossing the Hudson, she and her husband came near losing their lives in consequence of
their tent taking fire from a candle overturned by a pet dog. During the terrible engage-
ment of the 7th of October she heard all the tumult and dreadful thunder of the battle in
which her husband was engaged ; and when, on the morning of the 8 th, the British fell
* The height occapied by Bargoyne on the 18th, which ran parallel with the river till it approached
General Gates's camp.
' The hill on which the " great redoubt" was erected, and where General Fraser was buried, is abont
one hundred feet high, and almost directly west from the boose wherein he died. The relative situation
of this eminence to the Hndson will be best understood by looking at the view of Burgoyne's encampment,
page 57. The center hill in that drawing is the one here represented. The grave is within the inclosure
on the summit of the hill.
' Burgoyne's ^* State of the Expedition," p. 169. Lieutenant Kingston's Evidence, p. 107.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 67
Coonge and Fortitade of Lady Harriet Aekland. Bnrgoyne'a Reqoeit and Gatet'a GenercMlty.
back in confosion to Wilbur's BasiiL, she, with the other women, was obliged to take refuge
amcmg the dead and dying, for the tents were all struck, and hardly a shed was left stand-
ing. Her husband was wounded, and a prisoner in the American camp. That gallant
officer was shot through both legs when Poor and Leamed's troops assaulted the grenadiers
and artillery on the British left, on the afternoon of the 7th. Wilkinson, Gates's adjutant
general, while pursuing the flying enemy whrai they abandoned their battery, heard a feeble
voice exclaim, " Protect me, sir, against that boy." He turned and saw a lad with a musket,
taking deliberate aim at a wounded British officer, lying in a comer of a worm fence. Wil-
kinson ordered the boy to desist, and discovered the wougded man to be Major Ackland.
He had him conveyed to the quarters of Greneral Poor (now the residence of Mr. Neilson),
on the heights, where every attention was paid to his wants.
When the intelligence that he was wounded and a prisoner reached his wife, she was
greatly distr^ssed, and, by the advice of her ftiend, the Baroness Biedesel, resolved to visit
the American camp, and implore the favor of a personal attendance upon her husband. On
the 9th she sent a message to Burgoyne by Lord Petersham, his aid, asking per- October,
mission to depart. " Though I was ready to believe," says Burgoyne, " that pa- ^^^•
tience and fortitude, in a supreme degree, were to be found, as well as every other virtue,
under the most tender forms, I was astonished at this proposal. After so long an agitation
of spirits, exhausted not only for want of rest, but absolutely want of food, drenched in rains
for twelve hours together, that a woman should be capable of such an undertaking as de-
livering herself to an enemy, probably in the nighty and imcertain of what hands she might
fall into, appeared an eflbrt above human nature. The assistance I was enabled to give
was small indeed ; I had not even a cup of wine to ofler her ; but I was told she had found,
from some kind and fortunate hand, a little rum and dirty water. All I could furnish to
her was an open boat and a few lines, written upon dirty wet paper, to Greneral Gates,
recommending her to his protection."^
She set out in an open boat upon the Hudson, accompanied by Mr. Brudenell the chap-
lain, Sarah Pollard. her waiting-maid, And her husband's valet, who had been severely
wounded while searching for his master upon the battle-field. It was about sunset when
they started, and a violent storm of rain and wind, which had been increasing since morn-
ing, rendered the voyage tedious and perilous in the extreme. It was long after dark when
they reached the American outposts. The sentinel heard their oars and hailed them.
Lady Harriet returned the answer herself. The clear, silvery tones of a woman's voice
amid the darkness filled the soldier on duty with superstitious fear, and he called a comrade
to accompany him to the river bank. The errand of the voyagers was made known, but
the faithftd guard, apprehensive of treachery, would not allow them to land until they sent
for Major Dearborn. This delay was only for a few minutes, not " seven or eight dark and
cold hours," as asserted by Burgoyne. They were invited by that officer to his quarters,
where a cup of tea and other comforts were provided ; and Lady Harriet was also comforted
by the joyftd tidings that her husband was safe. In the morning she experienced parental
tenderness from General Gates, who sent her to her husband at Poor's quarters, under a
suitable escort. There she remained until he was removed to Albany.'
* The following is a copy of the note from Burgoyne to Greneral Gates : " Sir — ^Lady Harriet Ackland,
a lady of the first distinction of family, rank, and personal virtaes, is mider such concern on account of
Major Ackland, her husband, wounded and a prisoner in your hands, that I can not refuse her request to
oommit her to your protection. Whatever general impropriety there may be in persons in my situation
and yours to solicit favors, I can not see the uncommon perseverance in every female grace and exaltation
of character of this lady, and her very hard fortune, widiout testifying that your attentions to her will Uy
me ondtf obligations. " I am, sir, your obedient servant,
"J. BUEOOYKK."*
' Major Ackland reciprocated the generous treatment here extended, by dmng all in his power, while
on parole in New York, to alleviate tibe condition of distinguished American prisoners there. After his
* The orlgfaud is smong Gatet't ptpen (roL x.), hi the poiseialou of the New York Hlatorlcal Society, from which thlt wu
Digitized by
Google
68 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Linei by Mn. Morton. Death of Major Ackland. Second Marriage of Lady Harriet
When we consider the delicate form, the gentleness and refinement in which she had
been nurtured in the lap of rank and fortune, the shining virtues of connubial constancy,
heroic devotion, and unbending fortitude stand out in bold relief in the character of Lady
Harriet Ackland ; and these, in their practical development in her case, furnish romance
with a stranger page than imagination can command, and lend to poetry half its inspiration.
They gave impulse to the lyre of the accomplished lady of Perez Morton, Esq. ; and I will
dose this chapter with an extract from her poem, suggested by the events above noticed.
" To gallant Gates, in war serenely brave,
The tide of fortune turns its refluent wave ;
Forced by his arms, the bold invaders yield
The prize and glory of the well-fought field :
Bleeding and lost, Uie captured jickland lies,
While leaden slumber seals his Fraser's eyes ;
FraserJ whose deeds unfading glories claim,
Endeared by virtues and adorned by fame.
'Twas now the time, when twilight's misty ray
Drops the brown curtain of retiring day,
The clouds of heaven, like midnight mountains, lower,
Waft the wild blast and dash the drizzly shower.
Through the wet path her restless footsteps roam.
To where the leader spread his spacious dome.
Low at his feet she pours the desperate prayer —
Give my lost husband to my soothing care,
Give me in yonder solitary cave,
With duteous love, his burning wounds to lave ;
On the warm pillow which his breast supplies.
Catch his faint breath and close his languid eyes,
Or in his cause my proffered life resign —
Mine were his blessings, and his pains were mine."
return to England, he warmly defended American courage, at a dinner party, against the aspersions of a
Lieutenant Lloyd. High words passed, and a duel ensued. The major was shot dead ; Lady Harriet be-
came a maniac, and remained so two years. After her recovery, she married Mr Bmdenell, the chaplain
already mentioned.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 69
pTBtent PeaoeAiIneM at Saratoga. Carious Meteorological Phenomena. Departure for Sohnylenrillo.
CHAPTER III.
' URGrOYNE and his aimy are at Wilbur's Bann, prepared to retreat
!\ ^ ' toward Lake Champlain, but lingering to pay a last sad tribute of
\:! afiectionate regard to the remains of the accomplished Eraser. Night
has drawn its veil over the scene, and we will turn away for a moment
from the sorrowful contemplation of war and its horrid retinue, to glance
' at a picture lovely to the eye, ennobling to the spirit, and fruitful of pleas-
ant impressions upon the heart and memory.
Like a " dissolving view," the smoking ruins, the sodden field, the trailing ban-
ner, the tent and breast-work and abatis, and slaughtered hundreds, and wailing
' families, painted in gore by the hand of human discord ; and the roar of cannon,
fj the rattle of musketry, the roll of drums, the hiss and detonation of bombs, the sav-
age yell, the loud huzza, the shriek and groan, the prayer and curse made audible
by the boastful voice of physical strength, have all passed away with the darkness, and a
bright summer's sunlight is upon the landscape. Turning the eye northward firom tiie
American camp, there are the same gentle slopes, and deep ravines, and clustering hills,
and flowing river ; and the heights of Saratoga in the far distance loom up as of yore. But '
herds are grazing upon the lowlands, and flocks are dotting the hills ; the ring of the mower's
scythe is heard in the meadow, and the merry laugh goes up from the russet harvest-field.
Art, with its strong arm of industry, has dug anotiier river along the plain for the use of
commerce ; the forest has been reaped by agriculture, habitations of prosperity are on every
hand, and the white wing of peace is spread out over all. It is a pleasant sight ; therefore
let us enjoy it, and, for a while, forget the dark picture of tiie past which we have been
contemplating.
I spent nearly the whole of the day rambling and sketching upon the camp and j^iy *n
battle grounds of Stillwater. It was excessively warm, although a strong breeze ^^^
from the south constantly prevailed. As early as ten o'clock dark clouds began to rise in thf.
west, and the rumbling of distant thunder was audible. All day long, shower after shower
arose threateningly, sometimes approaching so near that sharp claps of thunder would startle
us ; but they all swept along the horizon west and north, and disappeared behind the eastern
hills. Not a drop of rain fell at Bemis's. I remarked the phenomenon, and was told that
showers never reached there from the west. Their birth-place seems to be Saratoga Lake,
about six miles westward firom the Hudson, and the summer rain-clouds which rise there
generally pass up the lake to its outlet, the Fish Creek, and, traversing that stream until it
falls into the Hudson, crose^ the valley and pass on to tiie Green Mountains, or spend their
treasures upon the intervening country.
About half past three in the afternoon a canal packet arrived from the south, and we
embarked for Schuylerville, nine miles above Bemis's. As usual, the boat was crowded to
excess, and, the sun being veiled by the clouds in the west, the passengers covered the deck.
As we passed quietly along the base of the hills whereon was Gates's camp, crossed Mill
Creek or Middle Ravine, and approached Wilbur's Basin, it required but small exercise of
the imagination, while listening to the constant roll of thunder beyond the heights, to realize
the appalling sounds of that strife of armies which shook those hills seventy years before, as
it fell upon the eager ears of wives, and sisters, and children whose cherished ones were in
the midst of the storm.
Proceeding northward, we approached the track of the showers, and, just before we
Digitized by
Google
70 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Approftcb of ft Tempest A Tiolent Gale. Misfortnnes of an IrUh Way-patwmgcr
reached Wilbur's Basin, a cloud, black as Erebus, and so low that it seemed to rest upon
the hill-tops, spread out above us like the wings of a monster bird ; and in its wake huge
masses of vapor, wheeling like the eddies of a whirlpool, came hastening on. The experi-
enced boatmen understood these portents, and covering the baggage with strong canvas,
lashed it tightly to the vessel. The breeze was still, and a hot, sufibcating calm ensued.
The passengers, warned by the helmsman, retreated into the cabin, and the windows were
closed. The cattle in the fields huddled in groups, and every bird and fowl, conscious of
impending danger, sought shelter. A flash of lightning, followed instantly by a crashing
thunder-peal, broke over the valley, and seemed to sever the fetters of the wind. A sullen
roar was heard in the distance, like the rush of great waters ; the trees of the forest began
to rock, and from the roads behind us clouds of dust arose and filled the air. In a few mo-
ments a tornado was upon us in its strength. It lasted only two minutes, but in its track
the results of the labor of the farmer for many days were destroyed. Hay-cocks and wheat
sheaves were scattered like thistle-down, and the standing grain was laid upon the earth as
by the tread of a giant footstep. As the wind passed by, the rain came down gently, and
continued to fall until we reached Schuylervillo.
There came on the boat at Bemis*s ** a poor exile from Erin," with a patched coat and
pair of thin pantaloons hanging over one arm. He was inunediately introduced to the
captain by the attentive steward, when he pleaded poverty, and declared that he hadn't a
'* cint in the world." He was ordered ashore, and the boat was guided accommodatingly
near the bank. The poor fellow urged fatigue, and the weight of his brogans testified to
the truth of the appeal, if he had walked a mile. It was cruel to doubt the honesty of
that hard-favored face, and fifly cents were soon collected for him as a peace-ofi!ering to the
'captain. When the gust came on, he refused to go into the cabin. He had been in a
three days' gale upon the Atlantic, and was not to be frightened by a squall on land. The
first blast of the hurricane wheeled him several times around upon deck, and came very near
putting him ashore, willing or not willing. While he was endeavoring to seize a support,
the wind grasped his extra pantaloons, and, in utter dismay, he saw them gyrating, like a
spread eagle, high in air, and becoming " small by degrees and beautifully less" in the dis-
tance. The loss distressed him greatly — ^far more than the helmsman thought necessary,
and he ordered him to be quiet. " Indade," said the poor fellow, « do ye think a man can
be quiet when the wind is rolling him like a bag o' feathers tied fast at one end, and all he
has in the world snatched from him by the blackguard gale ?" and he looked agonizingly
toward the point where his pantaloons had vanished.
" Precious small estate," answered the amused helmsman, " if a pair of old pantaloons is
all yoii have in the world. I'll give you a better pair than that if you'll stop your noise."
" An' wid three Vickeys sowed up in the waistbands ?" eagerly inquired the exile.
His cautiousness was here at fault. He hadn't a " cint in the world," but he had three
sovereigns sewed up in the waistbands of the pantaloons which had gone a-ballopning. As
soon as the gale passed by, a child of the Green Isle was a foot-passenger tipon the tow-
path, bearing sorrowful testimony to the truth of the ethical maxim, that retributive justice
is always swifl to punish ofienders against truth and honesty. No doubt his thoughts were
all with his absconded sub-treasurer, and the prose of Holmes's poem evidently engrossed
his mind :
" I saw them straddling through the air,
Alas ! too late to win them ;
I saw them chase the clouds as if
The devil had been in them.
They were my darlings and my pride,
lliey carried all my riches :
* Farewell, farewell !* I faintly cried,
* My breeches ! O my breeches !' "
It was about four o clock when we passed the burial-place of General Eraser. It had
been my intention to stop there for an hour, and visit the last earth-home of the illustrious
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 71
Fruer'aGrftre Do-ve-gat or Coverille. Colonel Van Vechtaa Origin of " Whig" and '* Tory." Arrival at Schuylenrille.
dead. But the rain fell fast, and the day was so far consumed that I was obliged to forego
the melancholy pleasure. The canal is so near the base of the hill, that I easily made the
sketch of it (printed on page 67) from the cabin- window. Many years ago a distant rela-
tive of the general proposed to remove his remains to Scotland, and lay them beside those
of his mother ; but they are still undisturbed where his sorrowing comrades laid them.
We reached the little settlement of Coveville at half past four, the rain still falling gently.
This was formerly Do-ve-gat, or Van Vechten*s Cove, as it was sometimes called, the place
where the British tarried from the 15 th till the 17th of September, while a working
party repaired the roads and bridges in advance to Wilbur's Basin. Here was the
residence of Colonel Van Vechten, of the Saratoga militia, on^ of General Gates*s staff. He
was a zealous Whig, and the active Tories, whose plans his vigilance oflen frustrated, were
greatly imbittered against him politically, while they honored him as a brave man and good
neighbor.' Burgoyne, on his retreat to Saratoga after the battle of the 7th of October,
ordered the dwellings of several Whigs to be destroyed ;. and at Do-ve-gat the buildings
of Colonel Van Vechten were the first to which the torch of the invader was laid. His family
fled to Albany on the approach of Burgoyne from Fort Edward ; and when they returned,
late in October, their fine estate was a perfect wreck, and they had no shelter for their heads.
Colonel Van Vechten was at Albany, on public business, at the time of the first battle
on Bemis's Heights. He had received an order from the Committee of Safety at that city,
when Burgoyne marched from Fort Edward, to remove every Tory or disaffected person
from his vicinage into Connecticut. This order touched his excellent heart with grief, for
many of those included in the proscription were his neighbors, and some were his personal
friends, who honestly differed from him in relation to the momentous political questions at
issue. Within six hours after receiving the order he was in Albany, and procured its re-
call. The humanity, policy, and sound wisdom of that step were soon illustrated by the firm
support which some of these disafiected ones gave to the American cause.
We landed at Schuylerville in the midst of " sun and shower," for the sky was clear in
the west, yet the rain-drops came glittering down profusely. The Fish Creek, which here
has a succession of falls and rapids for nearly a mile, affording fine water-power for several
mills, was brimful with the showers of the day, and poured its flood, roaring and foaming,
under the canal viaduct with such force as to shake the solid masonry. It empties its waters
into the Hudson about one hundred rods east of the canal, at the southeast angle of Old Fort
Hardy, now among the buried things of the past. Upon the plain north of the creek, near
the old fort, the forces of Burgoyne laid down their arms ; and on every side of that pleas-
ant village scenes of historic interest lie scattered. The earth was too wet to invite a sun-
set ramble, and we contented ourselves with viewing the beauty of the scene that spread
out before us eastward while loitering upon the upper piazza of the Schuylerville House.
^ I have already bad occasion to use the terms Whig and Tory, and shall do so oflen in the coarse of this
work. They were copied by as from the political vocabolary of Great Britain, and were first used here,
to distinguish the opposing parties in the Revolution, about 1770. The term orip^inated during the reign
of Charles 11., or about that time. Bishop Burnet, in his History of his own TimeSy gives the following
explanation : " The southwest counties of Scotland have seldom corn enough to serve them round the year :
and the northern parts producing more than they need, those in the west come in the summer to buy at
Leith the stores that come from the north ; and, from a word, whiggam, used in driving their horses, all
that drove were called whiggamoresy and shorter, whiggs. Now in that year, after the news came down
of Duke Hamilton's defeat, the ministers animated their people to rise and march to Edinburgh, and then
came up marching at the head of their parishes, with unheajrd-of fury, praying and preaching all the way
as they came. The Marquis of Argyle and his party came and headed them, they being about six thou-
sand. This was dklled the Whiggamore's inroad, and ever after that all that opposed the courts came, in
contempt, to be called Whigg ; and from Scotland the word was brought into England, where it is now
one of oar onhappy terms of distinction." Subsequently all whose party bias was democratic were called
Whigs. The origin of the word Tory is not so well attested. The Irish malcontents, half robbers and
half insurgents, who harassed the English in Ireland at the time of the massacre in 1 640, were the first to
whom this epithet was applied. It was also applied to the court party as a term of reproach. — 8te^ also^
MaanUay^s History of England, i., 240.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
72 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Be«ntlfiil Eroiixig Scene. Commencement of Bnrgoyne*s Betraat toward Saratoga. Hit Retreat antidpatod by Gatea.
It was, indeed, a channing scene, enhanced by the associations of the vicinity. The face
of nature was washed clean by the drenching showers ; the trees and shrubs were brilliant
green ; and from the clustering knolls or lolUer hills beyond the Hudson, once bristling with
bayonets or wreathed by the smoke of cannon, the evening sunlight was reflected back by
the myriad rain-drops lying upon trees, and grass, and blooming com. Nor was this all.
Upon the dark background of the hills was Iris,
" That beautifal one,
Whose arch is refraction, whose keystone the son ;
In the hues of its grandeur sublimely it stood
O'er the river, the village, the field, and the v^ood.''
Charles Swain.
Springing from the plain, its double arch spanned the whole ground where British pnde
was humbled and American valor acknowledged. I never gazed upon the <* bow of prom-
ise" with so much interest, for thought unconsciously bridged over the chasm of seventy
buried years, and it seemed for a moment as if the dark hours of our rebellious conflict had
returned, and that in the covenant seal before me the eye of hope read prophetically the his-
tory of the happy present. As tiie sun went down and the bow fisided, the Spirit of Beauty
left traces of its pencil on my thoughts, and I felt, with << Amelia,'' that
" There are moments, bright moments, when the spirit receives
Whole volumes of thought on its unwritten leaves,
When the folds of the heart in a moment unclose,
Like the innermost leaves from the heart of the rose ;
And thus, when the rainbow had passed from the sky,
The thoughts it awoke were too deep to pass by ;
It left my full soul like the wings of a dove.
All flutt'ring with pleasure, and fluttering with love."
In the evening I visited the son of Colonel Van Yechten just named, a man of three
score and ten years. His memory is tmclouded, and extends back to the closing scenes of
the Hevolution. His father stored that memory with the verbal history of his times, and
every noteworthy locality of Saratoga is as familiar to him as the flower-beds of his beautiful
garden. He kindly oflered to be my guide in the morning to all the places here made mem-
orable by the events connected with the surrender of Burgoyne.
While awaiting the dawn, let us turn to the past, and view occurrences from the burial
of Eraser to the closing scenes of the drama.
October, ^^ ^^^ ^ ^^® funeral ceremonies at Eraser's burial were ended on the evening
1*^- of the 8th, Burgoyne, fearing that the Americans (whose forces constantly increased,
and whose activity denoted preparations for some bold movement) might succeed in turning
his right and surrounding him, commenced a night march toward Saratoga. A retreat
was anticipated by General Gates, and, previous to the action on the 7th, he sent General
Fellows with a detachment of fourteen hundred men to occupy the high grounds east of the
Hudson, opposite the Saratoga ford, intending, in case the enemy retreated, to follow so
closely in pursuit as to be able to re-enforce that officer from the ranks of the main army.
He also sent another detachment, after the action, to occupy ground higher up near Fort
Miller, and ordered a selected corps of two thousand men to push forward and occupy the
heights beyond Saratoga, in the direction of Lake George. But the retreat of Burgoyne
was at a time when Gates least expected it. The troops of the former had been in motion
all the night before, and under arms all day on the 8th, and he supposed that they would
tarry for rest until the morning of the 9th.
At sunset on the 8th a lurid haziness in the west indicated an approaching storm, and
before midnight the rain began to fall. The enemy felt that his situation was too perilous
to be maintained, and the whole British army commenced its march at nine o'clock in the
evening. The loss of Eraser was now severely felt, for he had always showed as consum-
mate skill in managing a retreat as bravery in leading to an attack General Eiedesel
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION
73
Melaneholy Condition of tbe Britisb Army. Gatat's ki««i»mmm to tiie InTalids. Destmction of Schuyler's MQla and Mansion.
oommanded the van-guard and General Phillips the rear-guard. The night was so dark,
the rain so incessant in the morning, and the roads were so had, that the royal army did
not reach Saratoga until the evening of the 9th. They made a halt ahout six o'clock in
the morning, and Greneral Riedesel, exhausted hy fatigue, went into the caleche in which
his wife and children were, and slept soundly for ahout three hours. Wet and weary, and
harassed hy the Americans all the way, the poor soldiers were too much exhausted even to
cut wood for fires, and they lay down upon ^e cold, wet ground and slept. The generals
reposed in the open air, upon mattresses, with no other covering than oil-cloth. The Bar-
oness Reidesel and other women of the British camp were obliged to submit to these priva-
tions. " My dress," the former says, " was wet through and through with rain, and in this
state I had to remain the whole night, having no place to change it ; I, however, got close
to a large fire, and at last lay down on some straw. At this moment General Phillips
came up to me, and I asked him why he had not continued our retreat, as my husband had
promised to cover it and bring the army through. * Poor dear woman,' he said, * I wonder
how, drenched as you are, you have the courage still to persevere, and venture further in
this kind of weather. I wish,' he continued, * you were our commanding general ; General
Burgoyne is tired, and means to halt here to-night and give us our supper.' "* No doubt
there was more sincerity than compliment in General Phillips's wish, for the frequent halts
and great delays of Burgoyne had dissatisfied his officers, and were, doubtless, chief causes
of his misfortunes. His ambition and his love of ease were often wrestling, and the latter
too frequently gained the mastery.
The retreat of Burgoyne was so sudden, that he left all his sick and wounded in the hos-
pital behind him, together with a great number of wheel carriages and other things collected
at Wilbur's Basin. The invalids, amounting to about three hundred, were treated by Gen-
eral Gates with the utmost humanity, which Burgoyne aflerward gratefully acknowledged.
On retiring, the English burned the houses they had occupied, and many other things which
they could not carry away with them. They also wantonly set fire to several buildings on
the way, by order of Burgoyne himself; and among others, when they crossed the Fish
Creek, the mansion of General Schuyler, his mills and other property, amounting in value
to twenty thousand dollars, were destroyed by them.
The house of General Schuyler was elegant for the times, and was very pleasantly situ-
ated upon the south bank of the Fish Kill or Fish Creek. It was rebuilt afler the war,
but in a style much inferior in beauty and expense. It is still standing, __, ^
and in the present possession of George Strover, Esq. The broad law* —-^-r^^.a. •-
in front is beautifully shaded with venerable trees ; and the falls of the
Fish Creek close by contribute, by their music and wild beauty, ^ ^^^
much to the interest of the scene. The mill was also rebuilt in
the same style. In the engraving is given a correct represertation '^
of it- Many of the logs in the dam are the same that
curbed the stream in the time of the Revolu-
tion ; and I was told, that ,....^^^^^^^^^_^_^
little was wanted to make - . -.^ ^^i — .^£:e5^^- -'■^- - - ■^^^^^^^^S^^^r^^-^EI'Sil-Satiiy-^
the whole appear as at that
peric»d, but that the sur-
rounding hills should be
covered with dense woods.
The rain was so heavy
on the 9th, that General
Gates did not commence
his pursuit until nearly
noon on the tenth. The
SCHUTLEB'8 MlI.LS, SaRAT03A.
^ Lettei4 of the Baroness Riedesel
Digitized by
Google
74 ' PrCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Situation of Fellows*! Detachment Conduct of the American Militia. Borgoyne'a Attempt to Retreat
detachment under Fellows was unconsciously in a perilous situation for want of re-enforce-
■ ments. E^esting in supposed security on the
3fli^^ "kb^ "^nHttB^ night of the 9 th, his camp was left so entirely
-ii^MBBHHf^ ^^^^IH^^' unguarded that an officer, who had been sent
^^^^^^SHKr ^j^^^^^^ti!^ forward by Burgoyne to reconnoiter, marched
li|||^^^^^^^^^^^^^^HHnP|ke' all around it without meeting a sentinel ! This
"^^^^B^B^KKli^^KmK^M^^ neglect would have been fatal if Burgoyne had
Wl^^^^^^^^^^^^^S^^B^^o l^i^own the exact position of his enemies around
>|||^^^^^H^M|H^H ^H IBK, him. The officer urged him to allow him to sur-
'-^SMKUL ^ ™'^^" -^ ' -l^'^^I^R^ P^^ Fellows, but misfortune had made the Brit-
J^^*^^'_ ^.; /^'^!IM^HW'''j'|iTZ^ ish general wary and suspicious, and, fortunately
^^■^^^--SK- ^,J^ ^*«i^Kfe*w^-: for the Americans, the request was denied.
GBNER.L SCHUTLKB'S M.KSIOK. , ^^^ "^^ ^"^3^ ^^ ^^^«» '^^^^ ^^^ ^^}
ndge between Saratoga Church and the Fish
Creek at about four in the afternoon of the 10 th. The British had crossed over the creek,
and were encamped upon the high grounds on the slope of which Schuylerville is now built.*
The two armies were within the sound of each other's music. The boats of Burgoyne,
with his baggage and provisions, were at the mouth of the creek. A fatigue party b^an
to carry the stores firom the boats to the heights, but Fellows constantly played upon them
with two field pieces stationed on the flats beyond the river, and they were obliged to retreat
to the camp. Several of the bateaux of the enemy, with their provisions, were captured,
and immediately became objects of plunder for the raw militia and motley followers of the
army. Even the Continental troops were implicated in taking «* pay and rations" for serv-
ices, directly from the enemy, instead of receiving them through the paymaster. These
irregularities became so extensive that General Gates issued an order on the 12th, in which
he declared that he << saw so many scandalous and mean transactions committed by persons
who sought more aftier plunder than the honor of doing their duty, that it was his unalter-
able resolution to have the first person who should thereafter be detected in. pillaging the
baggage and stores taken from the enemy, tried and punished with the utmost severity of
the military law."*
Finding the ford across the Hudson strongly guarded by the Americans, Burgoyne re-
solved to continue his retreat up the right bank of the river to the front of Fort Edward,
force his way across, and take possession of that fortress. He sent forward a working party,
consisting chiefly of loyalists, guarded by Eraser's marksmen, to repair the bridges and open
the roads, and also a detachment of troops to take possession of the fort. The Americans,
who were spreading out in small detachments upon every height, on all sides, soon drove
the workmen back into the camp ; and the British troops found the fort in the possession
of two hundred Americans, under Colonel Cochrane. The militia were flocking to the fort
to strengthen the garrison, and the enemy, believing the Americans to be as numerous in
front as in rear, hastily retreated back to their lines.
^ The village of Schuylerville is on the north bank of the Fish Creek. Old Saratoga, with its church,
was on the south side. The church was about eight hundred yards south of the creek, on the road to Albany.
' It is said that when Burgoyne proposed in council, on the 1 3th, to retreat precipitately, he mildly re-
proached Major Skene, a stanch loyalist, with having brought him into this difficulty by injudicious advice,
particularly with regard to the expedition to Bennington. ** You have brought me into this difficulty," he
said ; " now advise me how to get out of it." '* Scatter your baggage, stores, and every thing else that
can be spared, at proper distances," replied the major, ^* and the militia will be so engaged in collecting
and securing the same, that the troops will have an opportunity of getting clear oflf."
' The two victories on Semis's Heights greatly inspirited the Americans, and when, after the last battle,
General Gates, in order to make victory secure, applied to the Legislature of New Hampshire for more
troops, the militia turned out with alacrity. The speaker of the Assembly, John Langdon, Esq., upon re-
ceiving the application, immediately proposed an adjournment, and that as many members as could should
set off directly as volunteers for the cause, taking with them all the men they could collect. It was agreed
to, and done by himyself and others. — Chrdon^ ii., 262.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 75
UnmqDeasfiil Stratagem of Burgoyne. Perilotta Sitaation of two American Brigad^i. Detertera firom the Biitiah Armj.
Thus the clond of perils thickened around Burgoyne. He now abandoned all idea of
saving his artillery and baggage, and saw no other rhode of escape than a precipitate retreat.
The provisions and other stores in his bateaux were captured or destroyed by the republicans,
and from every direction he was galled by a desultory fire from cannon and small arms.
So overwhelming was the number of the Americans, that to fight would be madness, and
Burgoyne lost all hope of saving his doomed army.
Bat in the midst of all these perils and despondencies, a stratagem of the British com-
mander, suggested by an erring apprehension on the part of Greneral Gates, aided by the
occurrence of a natural phenomenon, came very near being successful, and for a time greatly
cheered ^e drooping spirits of the enemy. Kumor reached General Gates that the whole
British army had moved toward Fort Edward, leaving only a small detachment, as a rear-
guard, in defense of the camp. This rumor originated from the march of the detachment
already mentioned, which was sent forward to Fort Edward. General Gates, therefore,
determined to cross the Fish Creek on the morning of the 11 th, fall in full force upon and
crush the British rear-guard, and make a vigorous pursuit after the main body.
By some means this determination of Gates's became known to Burgoyne, and he resolved
to profit by the false rumor. He left a strong guard at the battery on the creek, and con-,
cealed his troops in the thicket, a few rods in the rear. In the morning the sky was cloud-
less, but a thick fog rested upon the whole country and obscured every object. This was
hailed as a favorable event by both generals, Gates supposing that it would veil his move-
moits from the British rear-guard, and Burgoyne confidently believing that it would conceal
his ambush, and that victory was now certain.
The brigades of Generals Nixon and Glover, and Morgan's corps, were ordered to cross
the creek and fall upon the enemy's camp. Morgan advanced at about daylight, the fog
being so thick ^at he could see but a few rods around him. He at once fell in with the
British pickets, who poured in a volley upon him and killed a lieutenant and several privates.
Morgan instantly conceived that the rumor was false, and that the enemy was in force near.
At that moment Deputy Adjutant-general Wilkinson, who had been sent by Gates to re-
connoiter, rode up, and, coinciding in opinion with Morgan, hastened to report to his com-
mander the supposed peril of his corps. The brigades of Patterson and Learned were im-
mediately dispatched to its support. Nixon and Glover were at the same time pressing
forward to attack the camp, while the whole army advanced to the heights immediately
south of the creek. Nixon crossed the creek to the plain, and surprised a picket guard at
Fort Hardy ; and Glover was about to follow him, when a British soldier was seen hastily
fording the stream. He was captured, and professed to be a deserter. Glover questioned
him, and was informed that the entire British army were in their camp, drawn up in order
of battle. The general suspected him of untruth, and threatened him with instant death
if he should deceive him. The soldier declared that he was an honest deserter, and sol-
emnly affirmed the truth of his tale, which was soon confirmed by a German deserter, and by
the capture of a reconnoitering party, consisting of
a subaltern and thirty-five men, by the advance
guard, under Captain Goodale, of Putnam's regi-
ment. The deserter was immediately sent with
one of Glover's aids to General Gates, and infor-
mation was forwarded to General Nixon, with
urgent advice to halt. Satisfied of the deserter's
truth. Gates revoked all the orders of the evening
previous, and directed the troops to return to their
respective positions. His headquarters were near-
ly a mile in the rear of. his army, and his order
came almost too late to save the troops, who had Gxnebal Gates's headquabtebs at sabatooa.l
* This house is still standbg. The view is taken firom the road, a few rods soathwest of the building.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
76 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
^Hotreatoftiie AmericanttotbeirCam];!. Perplexity of Borgoyne. A icettered Retreat propoMd
already crossed the creek, from destmotioii) for the fog soon passed away and discovered them
to the enemy, th^i in full view, and under arms upon the heights. Nixon, however, had
retreated, and the cannonade opened upon him hy the British took efiect only upon the rear
of his hrigade.'
Greneral Learned, in the mean while, with his own and Patterson's brigades, had reached
Morgan's corps, and was pressing on rapidly to the attack when Wilkinson came up, not
with a counter order from Gates, but with the intelligenoe that the right wing of the Amer-
icans had given way. The brave veteran disliked the idea of retreating, preferring to carry
out the standing order of the previous day to the very letter ;* but, on counseling with Colonels
Brooks and Tupper, and some other officers, a retreat was deemed advisable. As they turn
ed, the British, who were awaiting an attack, opened a fire upon them ; but the Americans
were soon masked by the woods, and Morgan took post upon the flank and rear of the enemy.
Thus, by the providential circumstance of a deserter flying to our camp, our army was
saved from a terrible, perhaps fatal, loss ; for, had the several brigades of Nixon, Glover,
Learned, and Patterson been cut ofiT, Burgoyne mig^t have so much weakened the Ameri-
can army, and strengthened his own by the adherence of the now wavering loyalists and
Indians, as to scatter the remainder of the Continental forces and reach Albany, the darling
object of all his efibrts. But the breath of the deserter blasted all his hopes, and the incident
was, to use his own words, « one of the most adverse strokes of fortune during the campaign."'
Burgoyne now saw no way of escape. He sent out scouts toward the north, who reported
the roads impassable and the woods swarming with republicans. The few Indians who had
remained now left him, utterly disheartened ; and the loyalists, feeling that their personal
security would be jeoparded in case of a surrender, lefl the army every hour. It was pro-
posed to make a scattered retreat, each soldier carrying in his knapsack provisions enough
for two or three days, Fort George being the place of rendezvous ; but such a step would
be perilous in the extreme, for the Americans, apparently as numerous as the leaves upon
the trees, and ever on the alert, would out them ofl* in detail. In battle, a fortunate cir-
cumstance might occur in their favor ; but General Gates, assured that he had his enemy
in his power, could not be induced to jeopard the lives of his troops by an engagement.
Burgojme's only hope rested upon aid firom Clinton below. Not a word, however, could he
get from that general ; yet, clinging with desperation to every hope, however feeble, he re-
solved to await that succor quietly in his strong camp as long as his exhausted stores and a
powerful enemy would allow.
Burgoyne's camp, upon the heights near the Fish Creek, was fortified, and, extending
more than half a mile in the rear, was strengthened by artillery. On an elevated plain,
northwest of the village of Schuylerville, his heavy guns were chiefly posted. Directly in
his rear Morgan and his corps were stationed. In front, on the east side of the Hudson,
It is of wood, and has been somewhat enlarged since the Revolution. It was used uy Greneral Gates for
his quarters from the 10th of October until after the surrender of Burgoyne on* the 17th. It belonged to a
Widow Kershaw, and General Gates amply compensated her for all he had, on leaving it. It is now well
preserved. It stands on the east side of the All^my and Whitehall turnpike, about a mile and a half south
of the Fish Creek. The Champlain Canal passes inmiediately in the rear of it ; and nearly half a mile
eastward is the Hudson River.
^ John Nixon was bom at Framingham, Massachusetts, March 4th, 1726. He was at the siege of
Louisburg in 1745, was captain in the provincial troops under Abercrombie at Tioonderoga, and was es>
teemed a valiant soldier during the whole of the French and Indian war. He took the patriot side when
our Revolution broke out. He was one of the minute men at the Lexington battle, was at the head of a
regiment in the battle of Bunker Hill, and was made a brigadier in the Continental army in August, 1776.
He was then placed in command at Governor's Island, near New York. In the battle of Bemis's Heights
a cannon-ball passed so near his head it impaired the sight of one eye and the hearing of one ear. On ac-
count of ill health, he resigned his commission in 1780. He died March 24th, 1815, aged 90 years.
' The standing order was, ** In case of an attack against any point, whether front, flank, or rear, the
troops are to fail on the enemy at all quarters."
* Letter to Lord George Germain, dated Albany 20th, 1777.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE RE7v)LUTI:)N.
77
RdatiTe Podtion of the two Campt.
Exposed Condition of tiba BritUi Cftmp.
Burgoyne detannioM to Surrender
Fellows, with three thousand troops, was strongly intrenched. The main body of the Amer
ican army, under Gates, was on the south side of the Fish Creek ; and in every direction
gmall detachments of Continentals or republican militia were vigorously watching the enemy
at bay.' Fort Edward was in possession of the Americans, and upon high grotmd in the
vicinity of Glenn's Falls they had a fortified camp,
burgoyne was completely environed, and every part of the royal camp was exposed to
the fire of cannon and musketry. The
soldiers slept tmder arms continually.
There was not a place of safety for the
sick, wounded, and dying, or for the wom-
en and children of the officers and soldiers.
There was no secure place for a council.
None dared go to the river for water, and
thirst began to distress the camp.' The
desertions of the Indians and Canadians,
the cowardice and disaffection of the loy-
alists, and the losses in killed and wound-
ed, had so thinned Burgoyne's ranks, that
his army was reduced one half, and a large
proportion of those who remained were
not Englishmen. There was not bread
for three days in store, and of course none
oould be obtained. Not a word came
firom General Clinton, and Burgoyne was
totally ignorant of his having made any
movement up the Hudson. The last ray
of hope faded away, and toward the even
ing of the 12 th the British commander
held a council with Generals E^eidesel,
Phillips, and Hamilton. It was decided
to retreat before morning, if possible ; but
returning scouts brought only hopeless in-
telligence respecting the roads and the
strength of the enemy.
On the morning of the 1 dth Burgoyne
called a general council of all officers, in-
cluding captains of companies. Their de-
liberations were held in a large tent, which
was several times perforated by musket-
balls from the Americans. Several grape-
shot struck near the tent, and an eighteen
pound cannon-ball swept across the table
at which sat Burgoyne and the other gen-
erals. Their deliberations were short, as
might be expected, and it was unanimous-
ly resolved to open a treaty with General
^W>
Gates fi^r an honorable surrender,
there was no alternative.
It was a bitter pill for the proud lieutenant general, but
' By reference to the above map, the position of the two armies at this juncture will be more clearly un-
derstood. They held the same relative position ontil the surrender on the 17th.
' The consideration of Americana for women was conspicuously displayed at this time. While every
man who went to the river for water became a target for the sure marksmen of the Americans, a soldier's
wife went back and forth as often as she pleased, and not a gun was pointed at her.
Digitized by
Google
78 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Propodtioii of Borgoyne to samnder hit Troops. Termt proposed by Ostes. Terms finally agreed upon.
Toward eyening a flag was sent to Greneral Gates, with a note» intimating that Greneral
Bargoyne was desirous of sending a field officer to him upon a matter of great moment to
both armies, and wishing to know at what hour the next morning it would suit Greneral
Gates to receive him. The reply was, «* At ten o'clock, at Ae advanced post of the army
of the United States." Accordingly, Lieutenant Kingston, Burgoyne's adjutant general, ap-
peared at the appointed hour and delivered the following note from his commander : *< After
having fought you twice. Lieutenant-general Burgoyne has waited some days in his present
position, determined to try a third conflict against any force you could bring against him.
He is apprized of your superiority of numbers, and the disposition of your troops to impede
his supplies, and render his retreat a scene of carnage on both sides. In this situation, he
is impelled by humanity, and thinks himself justified by established principles and precedents
of state and war, to spare the Uves of brave men upon honorable terms. Should Major
general Gates be inclined to treat upon that idea. General Burgoyne would propose a cessa
tion of arms during the time necessary to communicate the preliminary terms by which, in
any extremity, he and his army mean to abide."
^General Gates had already prepared a schedule of terms upon which he was willing to
treat. It enumerated the distresses of the British army, and declared that they coidd only
be allowed to surrender as prisoners of war, and that they must lay down their arms in
their camp. Burgoyne replied, with spirit, that he would not admit that the retreat of his
army was cut ofl* while they had arms in their hands, and that the degrading act of laying
down their arms within their own camp would not be submitted to. The latter condition
was waived, and in the aflemoon General Gates ordered a cessation of hostihties till sunset.
Negotiations continued until the 16th, when every thing was agreed upon and adjusted,
ready for the signatures of the contracting parties. This last act was to be performed on
the morning of the 1 7th.
The substance of the " Convention between LietUenaTit-general Burgoyne and Major-
general Gates'' as the British commander superscribed it, was, Ist. That Burgojme's troops
were to march out of their camp with all the honors of war, the artillery to be moved to the
verge of the Hudson, and there left, together with the soldiers* arms — ^the said arms to be
piled by word of command from their own officers ; 2d. That a free passage should be
granted the troops to Great Britain, on condition of their not serving again during the war ;
3d. That if any cartel should take place by which Burgoyne's army, or any part of it, should
be exchanged, the foregoing article should be void as far as such exchange should extend ;
4th. That the army should march to the ineighborhood of Boston by the most expeditious
and convenient route, and not be delayed when transports should arrive to receive them ,
5th. That every care should be taken for the proper subsistence of the troops till they should
be embarked; 6th. That all officers should retain their carriages, horses, bat-horses, &c.,
and their baggage, and be exempt from molestation or search ; 7th. That on the march,
and while the army should remain at Boston (the port selected for their embarkation), the
officers should not be separated horn their men ; 8th. That all corps whatsoever, whether
composed of sailors, bateaux-men, artificers, drivers, independent companies, or followers of
the army, of whatever country they might be, should be included in the fullest sense and to
the utmost extent of the articles, and comprehended in every respect as British subjects,
whose general had capitulated for them ;^ 9th. That all Canadians and persons belonging
to the Canadian establishment should be permitted a free return to Canada, should be con-
ducted by the shortest route to the British posts on Lake George, should be treated in all
respects like the rest of the army, and should be bound by the same conditions not to serve
during the war, unless exchanged ; 1 0th. That passports should be immediately granted
for three officers, to carry Burgoyne's dispatches to General Howe at Philadelphia, to Sir
Guy Carleton in Canada, and to the government of Great Britain by way of New York ;
nth. That all officers, during their stay in Boston, should be admitted to parole, and from
^ This was to afford protectioii to the loyaliBts or Tories.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OP THE REVOLUTION. 79
UetMfs to Bnrgoyne from General CUntOD. Dbpodtion of Bnrgoyne to withhold hi« Slgiwtare. Laying down of Arma.
first to last be permitted to wear their side-arms ; 1 2th. That if the army found it necessary
to send for their clothing and other baggage from Canada, they should be permitted to do
so, and have the necessary passports granted them; 13th. That these articles should be
signed and exchanged on the following morning at nine o'clock, the troops to
march out of their intrenchments at three o'clock in the aflemoon. Appended ^^^^^ ^'•
to these articles was an addendum or postscript, signed by Greneral Gates, declaring that
General Burgoyne, whose name was not zfientioned in the above treaty, was fully compre-
hended in it.'
^^^^1^,1/rfy
^^^'y-cC^^
;>r
FAC«xaciLx or thx SioNATumss or BxTmooTNX and Qatxs
TO ram •* Contention."
^//J During the night of the 16 th Captain Campbell
/ ' / succeeded in eluding the American sentinels, and
reached the British camp with dispatches from Sir
Henry Clinton announcing his capture of the forts among the Hudson Highlands, and the
expedition of Yaughan and Wallace as far up the river as Esopus. Here was a ray of
hope, and Burgoyne felt disposed to withhold his signature from the " convention." Gen-
eral Gates was apprized of this, and of the cause which had excited new hopes in the Brit^
ish commander. He was better acquainted, too, with the threatening aspect below than
Burgoyne, and he knew that " delays are dangerous." He drew up his army on the morn-
ing of the 17th in order of battle, and then sent a peremptory message to Burgoyne, that
if the articles were not signed by him immediately, he should open a fire upon him. Under
the circumstances, the terms were exceedingly humane and honorable ; far more so than
might be expected if the negotiation should be here broken ofif and again commenced.
With reluctance Burgoyne subscribed his name, and preparations were immediately made
for the ceremonies of surrender.
The British army lefl their camp upon the hills, and marched sorrowfully down upon
the " green" or level plain in front of old Fort Hardy,* where the different companies were
drawn up in parallel lines, and, by order of their several commanders, grounded their arms
and emptied their cartridge-boxes. They were not subject to the mortification of thus sub-
mitting under the gaze of an exulting foe, for General Gates, with a delicacy and magna-
' A copy of these articles, said to be in the handwriting of General Gates, and signed by the two com-
manders, ifl in the possession of the New York Historical Society, from which the above fao-similes were
copied.
* Fort Hardy was situated at the jnnction of the Fish Creek with the Hudson River, on the north side
of the former. It was built of earth and logs, and was thrown up by the French, under Baron Dieskau,
in 1755, when Sir William Johnson was nudcing preparations at Albany to march against the French on
Lakes Champlain and George. It was abandoned by the French, and named by the English Fort Hardy,
in honor of Sir Charles Hardy, who was that year appointed Governor of New York. The lines of the in-
trenchments of the fort inclosed about fifteen acres, bounded south by the Fish Creek and east by the Hud-
son River. This fort was a ruin at the time of the Revolution ; yet, when I visited it (July, 1848), many
traces of its outworks were still visible. Its form may be seen by reference to the map, page 77. Many
military relics have been found near the fort, and I was told that, in excavating for the Champlain Canal,
a great nnmber of human skeletons were found. The workmen had, doubtless, struck upon the burial-
pliMM of the garrison.
Digitized by
Google
dO
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Courtesy of Gftnenil Qates.
The Place of Sorronder.
Pint penonal Meeting of Gates and Bnrgoyne
nimity of feeling which drew forth the expressed admiration of Burgoyne and his officers,
had ordered all his army within his camp, out of sight of the vanquished Britons.' Col-
onel Wilkinson, who had been sent to the British camp, and, in company with Burgoyne,
selected the. place where the troops were to lay down their arms, was the only American
officer present at the scene.*
The sketch here presented, of the place where the British army sur-
rendered, was made from one of the canal bridges at Schuyler-
^J^__ ville, looking east-northeast. The stream of water in the
^.)re-gTound is Fish Creek, and the level ground seen between
it and the distant hills on the left is the place where the
^ __ humiliation of the Britons occurred. The tree by the
9^ m*ll«iCSP^.^" A - fence, in the center of the picture, designates the north-
west angle of Fort Hardy, and the other three trees
on the right stand nearly on the line of the north-
ern breast-work?. The row of small trees, ap-
Vl£W OF THE PLACE WHEBS THE BBITI8H LAID DOWN THEIR ABMS.
parently at the foot of the distant hills, marks the course of the Hudson , and the hills
that bound the view are those on which the Americans were posted. This plain is directly
in front of Schuylerville, between that village and the Hudson. General Fellows was sta-
tioned upon the high ground seen over the bam on the right, and the eminence on the ex-
treme left is the place whence the American cannon played upon the house wherein the
Baroness Reidesel and other ladies sought refuge.
As soon as the troops had laid down their arms. General Burgoyne proposed to he intro-
duced to General Gates. They crossed Fish Creek, and proceeded toward headquarters,
Burgoyne in front with his adjutant general, Kingston, and his aids-de-camp. Captain Lord
Petersham and Lieutenant Wilford, behind him. 1['hen followed Generals Phillips, Riede-
sel, and Hamilton, and other officers and suites, according to rank. General Gates was
informed of the approach of Burgoyne, and with his staff met him at the head of his camp,
about a mile south of the Fish Creek, Burgoyne in a rich uniform of scarlet and gold, and
Gates in a plain blue frock-coat. When within about a sword's length, they reined up and
halted. Colonel Wilkinson then named the gentlemen, and General Burgoyne, raising his
hat grjicefully, said, " The fortune of war. General Gates, has made me your prisoner."
The victor promptly rephed, " I shall always be ready to bear testimony that it has not
* Letter of Burgoyne to the Earl of Derby. Stedman, i., 352. Botta, ii., 21. "See Wilkinsoo.
Digitized by VnOOQlC
OP THE REVOLUTION.
81
Site op the pibst intebview bbtween Oateb. and Bubootmb.3
Umili^iiglleTlewoftbeBritiahPriMmen. Bargoyne'sSnrrender of hla Sword. The Spoils of Victory. Yankee Doodla
been through any fault of your excellency." The other officers were introduced in turn, and
the whole party repaired
to Gates's headquarters,
where a sumptuous dinner
was served.'
Afler dinner the Ameri-
can army was drawn up in
parallel lines on each side
of the road, extending near-
ly a mile. Between these
victorious troops the Brit-
ish army, with light infan-
try in front, and escorted
by a company of light
dragoons, preceded by two
mounted officers bearing
the Amencan flag, marched to the lively tune of Yankee Doodle.* Just as they passed, the
two commanding generals, who were in Gates's marquee, came out together, and, fronting
the procession, gazed upon it in silence a few moments. What a contrast, in every partic
ular, did the two present ! Burgoyne, though possessed of coarse features, had a large and
commanding person; Gates was smallbr and far less dignified in appearance. Burgoyne
was arrayed in the splendid military trappings of his rank ; Gates was clad in a plain and
unassuming dress. Burgoyne was the victim of disappointed hopes and foiled ambition, and
looked upon the scene with exceeding sorrow ; Gates was buoyant with the first flush of a
great victory. Without exchanging a word, Burgoyne, according to previous understand-
ing, stepped back, drew his sword, and, in the presence of the two armies, presented it to
General Gates. He received it with a courteous inclination of the head, and instantly re<
turned it to the vanquished general. They then retired to the marquee together, the Brit-
ish army filed ofl* and took up their line of march for Boston, and thus ended the drama
upon the heights of Saratoga.
The whole number of prisoners surrendered was five thousand seven hundred and ninety-
one, of whom two thousand four hundred and twelve were Germans and Hessians. The
fi>rce of the Americans, at the time of the surrender, was, according to a statement which
General Gates furnished to Burgoyne, thirteen thousand two hundred and twenty-two, of
which number nine thousand and ninety-three were Continentals, or regular soldiers, and
four thousand one hundred and twenty-nine were militia. The arms and ammunition which
came into the possession of the Americans were, a fine train of brass artillery, consisting of
2 twenty-four pounders, 4 twelve pounders, 20 sixes, 6 threes, 2 eight inch howitzers, 6 five
and a half inch royal howitzers, and 3 five and a half inch royal mortars ;* in all forty-two
* See WilkinBoo.
* Tbifl view is taken from the turnpike, lookmg sonth. The old road was where the canal now is, and
ibe place of meeting was about at4he point where the bridge is seen.
' Thatcher, in his Military Journal ^. 19), gives the following account of the origm of the word Yan-
kee and of Yankee DoodU : '* A farmer of Cambridge, Massachusetts, named Jonathan Hastings, who lived
aboat the year 1713, used it as a fisivorite oant word to express excellence, as a yankee good horse or yan^
kee good cider. The students of the college, hearing him use it a great deal, adopted it, and called him
Yankee Jonathan ; and as he was a rather weak man, the students, when they wished to denote a charao-
ter of that kind, would call hmi Yankee Jonathan, Like other cant words, it spread, and came finally to
be applied to the New Englanders as a term of reproach. Some suppose the term to be the Indian cor-
rvptioii of the word Engli^b — Yenglue^ Yanglee^ Yanklee, and finally Yankee,
"A aong, called Yankee DoodU, was written by a British sergeant at Boston, in 1775, to ridicule the
people therOy when the American army, under Washington, was encamped at Cambridge and Rozbury.'*
See ** Origin of Yankee Doodle," page 480, of this volume.
< Two of these, drawings of whioh will be found on page 700, are now in the court of the hiboratori
if the West Point Military Academy, on the Hudson.
F
Digitized by
Google
83 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
•
The Germimf and Heimaiit. Their Arriral at Cambridge and wretched Appeanaoe. Klndneaa of Ae Peoptoi
pieces of ordnance. There were £>ur thousand six hundred and forty-€eyen muflkets, and
six thousand dozens of cartridges, besides shot, carcasses, cases, shells, ^, Among the En-
glish prisoners were six members of Parliament.^ .
Cotemporary writers represent the appearance of the poor German and Hessian troops as
extremely miserable and ludicrous. They deserved commiseration, but they received none.
They came not here voluntarily to fight our people ; they were sent as slaves by their mas-
ters, who received the price of their hire. They were caught, it is said, while congregated
in their churches and elsewhere, and forced into the service. Most of them were torn re-
luctantly from their famiUes and friends ; hundreds of them deserted here before the close
of the war ; and many of their descendants are now living among us. Many had their
wives with them, and tiiese helped to make up the pitiable procession through the country.
Their advent into Cambridge, near Boston, is thus noticed by the lady of Dr. Wjbthrop of
that town, in a letter to Mrs. Mercy Warren, an early historian of our Revolution : *♦ On
Friday we heard the Hessians were to make a procession on the same route. We thought
we should have nothing to do but view them as they passed. To be sure, the sight was
truly astonishing. I never had the least idea that the creation produced such a sordid set
of creatures in human figure— poor, dirty, emaciated men. Great numben of women, who
seemed to be the beasts of burden, having bushel baskets on their backs, by which they were
bent double. The contents seemed to be pots and kettles, various sorts of furniture, children
peeping through gridirons and other uten^. Some very young infants, who were bom on
the road ; the women barefooted, clothed in dirty rags. Such effluvia filled the air while
they were passing, that, had they not been smoking all the time, I should have been appre-
hensive of being contaminated.''*
The whole view of the vanquished army, as it marched through the country from Saratoga
to Boston, a distance of three hundred miles, escorted by two or three American officers and
a handful of soldiers, was a spectacle of extraordinary interest. Generals of the first order
of talent ; young gentlemen of noble and wealthy families, aspiring to military renown ; legis-
lators of the British realm, and a vast concourse of other men, lately confident of victory and
of freedom to plunder and destroy, were led captive through the pleasant land they had covet-
ed, to be gazed at with mingled joy and scorn by those whose homes they came to make des-
olate. ** Their march was solemn, sullen, and silent ; but they were every where treated
with such humanity, and even delicacy, that they were overwhelmed with astonishment and
gratitude. Not one insult was ofiered, not an opprobrious reflection cast ;'" and in all their
long captivity* they experienced the generous kindness of a people warring only to b« firee,
1 Gordon, ii., 267.
• Women of the Revolution, i., 97
^ Mercy Warren, ii., 40.
* Although Congress ratified the generous terms entered into by Gates with Burgoyne in the convenium
at Saratoga, ciroumstances made them suspicious that the terms would not be strictly complied with.
They feared that the Britons would break their parole, and Burgoyne was required to furnish a complete
roll of his army, the name and rank of every officer, and the name, former place of abode, occupation, age,
and size of every non-commissioned officer and private soldier. Burgoyne murmured and hesitated. Gen-
eral Howe, at the same time, was very illiberal in the exchange of prisoners, and exhibited considerable
duplicity. Congress became alarmed, and resolved not to allow the army of Burgoyne to leave our shores
until a formal ratification of the convention should be made by the British government. Burgoyne alone
was allowed to go home on parole, and the other officers, with the army, were marched into the interior
of Virginia, to await the future action of the two governments. The British ministry charged Congress
with positive perfidy, and Congress justified their acts by charging the ministers with meditated perfidy.
That this suspicion was well founded is proved by subsequent events. In the autumn of 1778, Isaac Og-
den, a prominent loyalist oi New Jersey, and then a refugee in New York, thus wrote to Joseph Galloway,
an American Tory in London, respecting an expedition of four thousand British troops which Sir Henry
Clinton sent up the Hudson a week previous : " Another object of this expedition was to open the countr)
for many of Burgoyne's troops that had escaped the vigilance of their guard, to come in. About forty of
these have got safe in. If this expedition had been a week sooner, greater part of Burgoyne's troops prob-
ably would have arrived here, as a disposition of rising on their guard strongly prevailed, and all they
wanted to effect it was some support near at hand.''
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLnxiON.
63
RalatiTe CooditioD and Progpecl of the Americans before the Capture of Burgoyne.
Effect of that ETent
The snnrender of Boigoyne was an event of infinite importance to the struggling repablio-
ans. Hitherto the preponderance of BucceBS had been on the side of the English, and only
a few partial yictories had been won by the Americans. The defeat on Long Island had
eclipsed the glory of the siege of Boston ; the capture of Fort Washington and its garrison
had overmatched the brilliant defense of Charleston ; the defeat at Brandywine had balanced
the victory at Trenton ; White Plains and Princeton were in fair juxtaposition in the ac-
count current ; and at the very time when the hostile armies at the north were fighting for
the mastery, Washington was sufiering defeats in Pennsylvania, and Forts Clinton, Mont-
gomery, and Constitution were passing into the hands of the royal forces. Congress had
fled from Philadelphia to York, and its sittings were in the midst of loyalists, ready to at-
tack or betray. Its treasury was nearly exhausted ; ,its credit utterly so. Its bills to the
amount of fi>rty millions of dollars were scattered over the country. Its frequent issues were
inadequate to the demands of the commissariat, and distrust was rapidly depreciating their
value in the public mind. Loyalists rejoiced ; the middlemen were in a dilemma ; the
patriots trembled. Thick clouds of doubt and dismay were gathering in every part of the
political horizon, and the acclamations which had followed the Declaration of Independence,
the year before, died away like mere whispers upon the wind.
All eyes were turned anxiously to the army of the north, and upon that strong arm of
Congress, wielded, for the time, by Gates, the hopes of the patriots leaned. How eagerly
they listened to every Weath of rumor from Saratoga ! How enraptured were they when the
cry of victory fell upon their ears ! All over the land a shout of triumph went up, and
from the furrows, and workshops, and marts of commerce ; from the pulpit, from provincial
halls of legislation, from partisan camps, and from the shattered ranks of the chief at White
Marsh, it was echoed and re-echoed. Toryism, which had begun to lift high its head, re-
treated behind the defense of inaction ; the bills of Congress, rose twenty per cent, in value ;
capital came forth from its hiding-places ; the militia readily obeyed the summons to the
camp, and the great patriot heart of America beat strongly with pulsations of hope. Amid
the joy of the moment, Gates was apotheosized in the hearts of his countrymen, and they
MBDA.L STRUCK IV BOICOR OP 6BRBBA.L GaTBS AMD HIS ARMT.
The engraving exhibits a view of both sides of the medal, drawn the size of the original. On one
side is a bust of Greneral Gates, with the Latin inscription, " Horatio Gates Ihjci Strenuo Comitia
AxKRiOAif A ;" The American Congress, to Horatio Gates, the valiant leader. On the other side, or
reverse, Bm-goyne is represented in the attitude of delivering up his sword ; and in the background, or
either side of them, are seen the two armies of England and America, the former laying down their arms.
At the top is the Latin inscription, " Salus reoionum Septentrioh al :" literal English, Safety of tki
northern region or department. Below is the mscription, " Hoste ad Saratooam in dedition, accept?
VIE xvn, Oct. mi cclxxvii. j" English, Enemy at Saratoga surrendered October 17tA, 1777.
Digitized by
Google
84 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Wilkijuon before Congrett. Gold Medal awarded to Qetae. Proeeedingsof tbe Biitiah ParUameBt. Speech of Cbattiam.
generously overlooked the indignity ofiered by him to the commander-in-chief when he re-
fused, in the haughty pride of his heart in that hour of yictory, to report, as in duty bound,
his success to the national council through him. Congress, too, overjoyed at the result, for-
got its own dignity, and allowed Colonel Wilkinson,' the messenger of the glad tidings, to
stand upon their floor and proclaim» " The whole British army have laid down their arms
at Saratoga ; our own, full of vigor and courage, expect your orders ; it is for your wisdom
to decide where the country may still have need of dieir services." Congress voted thanks
to General Gates and his army, and decreed that he -should be presented with a medal of
gold, to be struck expressly in commemoration of so glorious a victory.
This victory was also of infinite importance to the republicans on account of its eflects
beyond the Atlantic. The highest hopes of the British nation, and the most sanguine ex-
pectations of the king and his minislers, rested on the success of this campaign. It had
been a favorite object virith the administration, and the people were confidently assured that,
with the undoubted success of Burgoyne, the turbulent spirit of rebellion would be quelled,
and the insurgents would be forced to return to their allegiance.
Parliament was in session when the intelligence of Burgoyne's defeat reached England ;
Deoembers, ^^^ when the moumfiil tidings virere communicated to that body, it instantly
^'^' aroused all the fire of opposing parties.* The opposition opened anew their elo-
quent batteries upon the ministers. For several days misfortune had been suspected. The
last arrival firom America brought tidings of gloom. The Earl of ChiCtham, with far-reach-
ing comprehension, and thorough knowledge of American afiairs, had denounced the mode of
warfare and the material used against the Ajnericans. He refused to vote for the lauda-
tory address to the king. Leaning upon his crutch, he poured forth his vigorous denuncia-
tions against the course of the ministers Hke a mountain torrent. " This, my lords," he
said, <' is a perilous and tremendous moment ! It is no time for adulation. The smooth-
ness of flattery can not now avail — can not save us in this rugged and awful crisis. It is
now necessary to instruct the throne in the language of truth You can not.
I venture to say it, you can not conquer America. What is your present situation there ?
We do not kndw the worst, but we know that in three campaigns we have sufiered much
and gained nothing, and perhaps at this moment the northern army (Burgoyne's) may be a
total loss You may swell every expense, and every eflbrt, still more extrava-
gantly ; pile and accumulate every assistance you can buy or borrow ; traffic and barter
with every little pitiful German prince that sells and sends his subjects to the shambles of
a foreign power ; your efibrts are forever vain and impotent ; doubly so fiom this mercenar)'
aid on which you rely, for it irritates to an incurable resentment the minds of your enemies.
To overrun with the mercenary sons of rapine and plunder, devoting them and their posses-
sions to the rapacity of hireling cruelty ! If I were an American, as I am an Englishman,
while a foreign troop was landed in my country, I never would lay down my arms— never,
never, never I"*
The Earl of Coventry, Earl Temple Chatham's brother-in-law, and the Duke of Rich-
mond, all spoke in coincidence with Chatham. Lord Sufiblk, one of the Secretaries of State,
undertook the defense of ministers for the employment of Indians, and concluded by saying,
" It is perfectly justifiable to use all the means that God and nature have put into our
hands." This sentiment brought Chatham upon the floor. *< That Grod and nature put
' James Wilkinson was bom in Maryland aboat 1757, and, by education, was prepared for the practice
of medicine. He repaired to Cambridge as a volanteer m 1775. He was captain of a company in a regi-
ment that went to Canada in 1776. He was appointed deputy adjutant general by Gates, and, after Uio
surrender of Burgoyne, Congress made him a brigadier general by brevet. At the conclusion of the war
be settled in Kentucky, but entered the army in 1806, and had the conmiand on the MississippL He com-
manded on the northern frontier during our last war with Great Britain. At the age of 56 he married a
young lady of 26. He died of diarrhea, in Mexico, December 28th, 1825, aged 68 years.
« Pitkin, i., 399.
' Parliamentary Debates.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
85
Tbe OppoittioD ia the Hoom of Ck>mmoiit. Poliej of Lord North. Exalted Position of the American Commiadonera at Parla.
into our hands !" he reiterated, with bitter soom. « I know not what idea that lord may
entertain of Grod and nature, but I know that Buch abominable principles are equally abhor-
rent to religion and humanity. What ! attribute the sacred sanction of God and nature to
the massacres of the Indian scalping-knife, to the cannibal and savage, torturing, murdering,
roasting, and eating — ^literally, my lords, eating — ^the mangled victims of his barbarous bat-
tles These abominable principles, and this most abominable avowal of them,
demand most decisive indignation. I call upon that right reverend bench (pointing to the
bishops), those holy ministers of the*Gospel and pious pastors of the Church — 1 conjure
them to join in the holy work, and to vindicate the religion of their God."
In the Lower House, Burke, Fox, and Barr6 were equally severe upon the ministers ;
and on the 3d of December, when the news of Burgoyne's defeat reached London, the lat-
ter arose in his place in the Commons, and, with a severe and solemn countenance, asked
Lord George Germain, the Secretary of War, what news he had received by his last ex-
presses from Quebec, and to say, upon his word of honor, what had become of Burgoyne
and his brave army. The haughty secretary was irritated by the cool irony of the ques-
tion, but he was obliged to unbend and to confess that the unhappy intelligence had reached
him, but added it was not yet authenticated.*
Lord North, the premier, with his usual adroitness, admitted that misfortune had befallen the
British arms, but denied that
any blame could be imputed
to ministers themselves, and
proposed an adjournment of
December, Parliament on the
i"7- * 11th (which was
carried) until the 20 th of
January.* It was a
clever trick of the
premier to escape the cas-
tigationa which he knew
the opposition would inflict
while the nation was smart-
ing under the goadings of
mortifled pride.
The victory over Bur-
goyne, unassisted as our
Prince of Orange, and even Catharine of Russia and Pope Clement XIV. (Ganganelli), all
troops were by foreign aid,
placed the prowess of the
United States in the most
favorable light upon the
Continent. Our urgent so-
licitations for aid, hitherto
but httle noticed except by
France, were now hstened
to with respect, and the
American commissioners at
Paris, Dr. Franklin, Silas
Deane,* and Arthur Lee,*
occupied a commanding po-
sition among the diploma
tists of Europe. France,
Spain, the States Gen-
eral of Holland, the
> Histoiy of the Reign of George HI., i., 326.
• Pitkiii, i., 397. Annual Register, 1778, p. 74.
* Silas Deane was a native of Groton, Connecticut. He graduated at Yale College, 1758, and was a
member of the first Congress, 1774. He was sent to France Early in 1776, as political and commercial
agent for the United Colonies, and in the autumn of that year was associated with Franklin and Lee as
commissioner. He seems to have been unfit, in a great degree, for the station he held, and his defective
judgment and extravagant promises greatly embarrassed Congress. He was recalled at the close of 1777,
and John Adams appointed in his place. He published a defense of his character in 1778, and charged
Thomas Paine and others connected with public afiairs with using their official influence for purposes of
private gain. This was the charge made against himself, and he never fully wiped out all suspicion. He
went to England toward the close of 1784, and died in extreme poverty at Deed, 1789.
^ Dr. Lee 'was bom in Virginia in 1740— -a brother to the celebrated Richard Henry Lee. He was edu-
cated at Edinbargh, and, on returning to America, practiced medicine at Williamsburgh about five years.
He went to London in 1766, and studied law in the Temple. He kept his brother and other patriots of
the Revolution fnlly informed of all political matters of importance abroad, and particularly the movements
of the British ministry. He wrote a great deal, and stood high as an essayist and political pamphleteer.
He was colonial agent for Virginia in 1775. In 1776 he was associated with Franklin and Deane, as min-
ister at the coturt of Versailles. He and John Adams were recalled in 1779. On returning to the United
States, be was appointed to offices of trust. He died of pleurisy, December 14th, 1782, aged nearly 42
Digitized by
Google
86 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
0«r rolatlTo PoaitloQ to tike GoTemments of Europe. Policy of Vergemiee. Beeomnrebab'e Commercial OperatioBe
of whom feaied and hated England because of her inoreanng potency in anna, commerce,
diplomacy, and the Protestant faith, thought kindly of us and spoke kindly to us. We
were loved because England was hated ; we were respected because we could iiyure En-
gland fay dividing her realm and impairing her growing strength beyond the seas. There
was a perfect reciprocity of service ; and when peace was ordained by treaty, and our inde-
p^idence was established, the balance-sheet showed nothing against us, so far as the govern-
ments of continental Europe were concerned.
In the autumn of 1776, Franklin and Lee were appointed, jointly with Deane,
resident commissioners at the court of Versailles, to negotiate a treaty of amity
and conmierce with the French king. They opened negotiations early in December with
the Count De Yergennes, the premier of Louis XVI. He was distinguished for sound wis-
dom, extensive political knowledge, remarkable sagacity, and true greatness of mind. He
foresaw that generous dealings with the insurgent colonists at the outset would be the surest
means of perpetuating the rebellion until a total separation firom the parent state would be
accomplished — an event eagerly coveted by the French government. France hated En-
gland cordially, and feared her power. She had no special love &r the Anglo-American
colonies, but she was ready to aid them in reducing, by disunion^ the puissance of the Brit-
ish empire. To widen thjs breach was the chief aim of Vergeimes. A haughty reserve,
he knew, would discourage the Americans, while an open reception, or even countenance,
of their deputies might alarm the rulers of Great Britain, and dispose them to a compromise
with the colonies, or bring on an immediate rupture between France aivd England. A
middle line was, therefore, pursued by him.'
While the French government was thus vacillating during the first three quarters of
1777, secret aid was given to the republicans, and great quantities of arms and ammunition
were sent to this country, by an agent of the French government, toward the close of the
year, ostensibly through the channel of commercial operations.' But when the capture of
^ Ramsay, ii., 62, 63.
' In the sammer of 1776, Arthur Lee, agent of the Secret Committee of Congress, made an arrange-
ment by which the French king provided money and arms secretly for the Amerioans. An agent named
Beamnarchais was sent to London to confer with Lee, and it was arranged that two hundred thousand
Louis d'ors, in arms, ammunition, and speoie, should be sent to the Americans, but in a manner to make it
appear as a commercial transaction. Mr. Lee assumed the name of Mary Johnson, and Beaumarchais that
of Roderique, Hortales, & Co. Lee, fearing discovery if he should send a written notice to Congress of
the arrangement, conmiunicated the fact verbally through Captain Thomas Story, who had been upon the
oontinent in the service of the Secret Committee. Yet, after all the arrangements were made, there was
hesitation, and it was not until the autumn of 1777 that the articles were sent to the Americans. They
were shipped on board L9 Henreia, in the fictitious name of Hortales, by the way of Cape Fran9ois, and
arrived at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on the 1st of November of that year. The brave and efficient
Baron Steuben was a passenger in that ship.
This arrangement, under the disguise of a mercantile operation, subsequently produced a great deal of
trouble, a more minute account of which is given in the Supplement to this work.
Beaumarchais was one of the most active business men of his time, and became quite distinguished in
the literary and political world by his ^* Marriage of Figaro,*^ and his connection with the French Revolu-
tion in 1793. Borne, in one of his charming' Xe(/erf /rom Parity after describing his visit to the house
where Beaumarchais had lived, where " they now sell lutchen salt," thus speaks of him : " By his bold and
fortunate commercial undertakingB, he had become one of the richest men in France. In the war of Amer-
ican liberty, he fumbhed, through an understanding with the French government, supplies of arms to the
insurgents. As in all such undertakings, there were captures, shipwrecks, payments deferred or refused,
yet Beaumarchais, by his dexterity, :iucceeded in extricating himself with personal advantage from all
these difficulties.
" Yet this same Beaumarchais showed himself) in the (French) revolution, as inexperienced as a child
and as timid as a German closet-scholar. He contracted to furnish weapons to the revolutionary govern-
ment, and not only lost his money, but was near losing his head into the bargain. Formerly he had to
deal ynth the ministers of an absolute monarchy. The doors of great men> cabinets open and close softiy
and easily to him who knows how to oil the locks and hinges. Afterward Beaumarchais had to do with
honest, in other words with dangerous people ; he had not learned to make the distinction, and accordingly
he was ruined." He died in 1799, in his 70th vear, and his death, his friends suppose, was voluntary.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 87
oftfaeFreoehKiof. Independenceof the United States ftcknowledgedbj Fnnoe. Letter of Louis XVL
fiuTgoyne and his anny (intelligence of which arrived at Pans by express on the 4th of De-
cember) reached Versailles, and the ultimate success of the Americans was hardly problem-
atical, Louis oast off all disguise, and informed the American commissioners, through M.
Grerard, one of his Secretaries of State, that the treaty of alliance and conmierce, already
negotiated, would be ratified, and << that it was decided to acknowledge the independence
of the United States." He wrote to his uncle, Charles IV. of Spain, urging his co-opera-
tion ; for, according to the family compact of the Bourbons, made in 1761, the King of
Spain was to be consulted before such a treaty could be ratified.* Charles refused to co-
operate, but Louis persevered, and in February, 1778, he acknowledged the in-
dependence of the United States, and entered into treaties of alliance and com- ®**™**7
merce with them on a footing of perfect equality and reciprocity. War against England
was to be made a common cause, and it was agreed that neither contracting party should
conclude truce or peace with Great Britain without the formal consent of the other first ob-
tained ; and it was mutually covenanted not to lay down their arms until the independence
of the United States shovld be formally or tacitly assured by the treaty or treaties that
should terminate the war." Thiis allied, by treaty, with the ancient and powerful French
nation, the Americans felt certain of success.
^ This letter of Louis was brought to light during the Revolution of 1793. It is a curious document,
and illustrates the consummate duplicity practiced by that monarch and his ministers. Disclosing, as it
does, the policy which governed the action of the French court, and the reasons which induced the king
to accede to the wishes of the Americans, its insertion here will doubtless be acceptable to the reader. It
was dated January 8th, 1778.
'^ The sincere desire," said Louis, " which I feel of maintaining the true harmony and unity of our sys-
tem of alliance, which must always have an imposing character for our enemies, induces me to state to
your majesty my way of thinkmg on the present condition of affairs. England, our conunon and inveterate
enemy, has been engaged for three years in a war with her American colonies. We had agreed not to
intermeddle with it, ai^ viewing both sides as English, we made our trade free to the one that found most
advantage in commercial intercourse. In this manner America provided herself with arms and aomiuni-
tioo, of which she was destitute ; I do not tptak of the ntccort of money and other kindt -which vte have given
her, the tehoU oetentibUy on the tcore of trade. ISngland has tcdEcn umbrage at these succors, and has not
concealed from us that she will be revenged sooner or later. She has already, indeed, seized several of
our merchant vessels, and refused restitution. We have lost no time on our part. We have fortified our
most exposed colonies, and placed our fleets upon a respectable footing, which has continued to aggravate
the ill humor of England.
" Such was the posture of afiOiirs in November last. The destruction of the army of Burgoyne and the
straitened condition of Howe have lately changed the face of things. America is triumphant and England
cast down ; but the latter has still a great, unbroken maritime force, and the hope of forming a beneficial
oiHamce with the cdoniee, the impossibility of their being subdued by arms being now demonstrated. All
the English parties agree on this point. Lord North has himself announced in full Parliament a plan of
pacification for the first session, and all sides are assiduously employed upon it. Thus it is the same to us
whether this minister or any other be in power. From different motives they j(mi against us, and do not
forget our bad offices. They will (all upon us m as great strength as if the war had not existed. This
being onderstood, and our grievances against England notorious, I have thought, alter taking the advice
at my cooncil, and particulu'ly that of M. D'Ossune, and having consulted upon the propositions which the
insurgents make, to treat with them, to prevent their reunion teith the mother country, I lay before your
majesty my views of the subject. I have ordered a memorial to be submitted to you, in which they are
preeeoted In more detail. I desire eageriy that they should meet your approbation. Knowing the weight
of your probity, your majesty will not doubt the lively and sincere friendship with which I am yours,*' &o. —
Quoted by Pitkin (L, 399) from Histoire, &0., de la Diplomatique Fran^aise, vol. vii.
* Spain's Life of Franklin, 430, 433.
Digitized by
Google
88 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A Lady of the Rorolution. Sufferinga of henelf and Family. Her Huaband*a Penaiou allowed lier
CHAPTER IV.
" The son has drank
Tlie dew that lay upon the morning grass ;
There is no rastling in the lofty elm
That canopies my dwelling, and its shade
Scarce cools me. All is silent save the faint
And interrapted murmur of the bee,
Sitting on the sick flowers, and then agam
Instantly on the wing. The plants around
Feel the too potent fervors ; the tall maize
Rolls up its long green leaves ; the clover droops
Its tender foliage, and declines its blooms.
But far in the fierce 'sunshine tower the hills,
With all their growth of woods, silent and stern.
As if the scorching heat and dazzling light
Were but an element they loved."
Bryant.
T was early in the morning of such a day as the poet refers to that we
commenced a ride and a ramble over the historic grounds of Saratoga near
' Schuylerville, accompanied by the friendly guide whose profiered services I have
already mentioned. We first rode to the residence of Mrs. J — ^n, one of the al-
most centenarian representatives of the generation cotemporary with our Revo-
lution, now BO few and hoary. She was in her ninety-second year of life, yet her
mental faculties were quite vigorous, and she related her sad experience of the
' trials of that war with a memory remarkably tenacious and correct. Her sight
and hearing were defective, and her skin wrinkled ; but in her soft blue eye, reg-
; ular features, and delicate form were lingering many traces of the beauty of her
early womanhood. She was a young lady of twenty years when Independence
f':; was declared, and was living with her parents at Do-ve-gat (Coveyille) when Bur-
goyna came down the valley. She was then betrothed, but her lover had shouldered
his musket, and was in Schuyler's camp.
While Burgoyne was pressing onward toward Fort Edward from Skenesborough, the
people of the valley below, who were attached to the patriot cause, fled hastily to Albany.
Mrs. J — n and her parents were among the fugitives. So fearful were they of the Indian
scouts sent forward, and of the resident Tories, not a whit less savage, who were emboldened
by the proximity of the invader, that for several nights previous to their flight they slept in
a swamp, apprehending that their dwelling would be burned over their heads, or that murder
would break in upon their repose. .And when they returned home, after the surrender of
Burgoyne, all was desolation. Tears filled her eyes when she spoke of that sad return.
" We had but little to come home to," she said. " Our crops and our cattle, our sheep,
hogs, and horses, were all gone, yet we knelt down in our desolate room and thanked God
sincerely that our house and bams were not destroyed." She wedded her soldier soon after-
ward, and during the long widowhood of her evening of life his pension has been secured to
her, and a few years ago it was increased in amount. She referred to it, and with quiver
ing lip— quivering with the emotions of her full heart — said, ** The government has been
very kind to me in my poverty and old age." She was personally acquainted with General
Schuyler, and spoke feelingly of the noble-heartedness of himself and lady in all the relations
of life. While pressing her hand in bidding her farewell, the thought occurred that w«
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION
89
Remaliia of the Fortiflcationt of Bargoyne'a Camp.
The RiedeMl HooMb
NuTEtiTe of the BartHieas RiedeaeL
1848.
represented the linking of the living, vigorouB, active present, and the half-buried| decaying
past ; and that between her early womanhood and now all the grandeur and glory of our
Republic had dawned and brightened into perfect day.
From Mrs. J— -n's we rode to the residence of her brother, the house wherein the Baron-
ess Hiedesel, with her children and female companions, was sheltered jast before the sur-
render of Burgoyne. It is about a mile above Schuylerville, and nearly opposite the mouth
of the Batten Kill. On our way we paused to view the remains of the fortifications of
Burgoyne's camp, upon the heights a little west of the village. Prominent traces of the
mounds and ditches are there visible in the woods. A little northwest of the village the
lines of the defenses thrown up by the Grennans, and Hessians of Hanau may be distinctly
seen. (See map, page 77.)
The house made memorable by the presence and the pen of the wife of the Brunswick
general is well preserved. At the time of
the Revolution it was owned by Peter Lan-
sing, a relative of the chancellor of that name,
and now belongs to Mr. Samuel Mar-
shall, who has the good taste to keep
up its original character. It is upon the high
bank west of the road from Schuylerville to
Fort Miller, pleasantly shaded in firont by lo-
custs, and fairly embowered in shrubbery and
fruit trees.
We will listen to the story of the sufierings
of some of the women of Burgoyne's camp in
that house, as told by the baroness herself :
** About two o'clock in the afternoon we again
heard a firing of cannon and small arms ; in-
stantly all was alarm, and every thing in motion. My husband told me to go to a house
not &x ofiT. I immediately seated myself in my caleche, with my children, and drove ofi*;
but scarcely had we reached it before I discovered five or six armed men on the other side
of the Hudson. Instinctively I threw my children down in the caleche, and then concealed
myself with them. At this moment the fellows fired, and wounded an already wounded
English soldier, who was behind me. Poor fellow ! I pitied him exceedingly, but at this
moment had no power to relieve him.
« A terrible cannonade was commenced by the enemy against the house in which I sought
to obtain shelter for myself and children, under the mistaken idea that all the generals were
in it. Alas'! it contained none but wounded and women. We were at last obliged to re-
sort to the cellar for refuge, and in one comer of this I
remained the whole day, my children keeping on the earth
with their heads in my lap ; and in the same situation I
passed a sleepless night. ^ Eleven cannon-balls passed
through the house, and we could distinctly hear them roll
away. One poor soldier, who was lying on a table fgr
the purpose of having his leg amputated, was struck by
a shot, which carried away his other ; his comrades had
left him, and when we went to his assistance we found him in a comer of the room, into
which he had crept, more dead than alive, scarcely breathing.* My reflections on the dan-
ger to whieh my husband was exposed now agonized me exceedingly, and the thoughts of
my children, and the necessity of straggling for their preservation, alone sustained me.
The Riedbsel House, Saratoga..
Cellab op the Riedebel Hovbb.
* The cellar is abont fifteen by thirty feet in size, and lighted and ventilated by two small windows only.
' The place where this ball entered is seen under the window near the comer, and designated in the
picture br a small blaok spot«
Digitized by
Google
90 PICTORIAL PIELD-BOOJK
Companioni In Miieiy of the Baronem RiedeoeL Wounded Soldien. Klndnen of Oeperal Sehujier.
<' The ladies of the army who were with me were Mrs. Hamage, a Mrs. Kennels the
widow of a lieutenint who was killed, and the lady of the commissary. Major Hamage,
his wife, and Mrs. Kennels made a little room in a comer with curtains to it, and wished to
do the same for me, but I preferred being near the door, in case of fire. Not far off my
women slept, and opposite to us three English officers, who, though wounded, were determ-
ined not to be left behind ; one of them was Captain Green, an aid-de-camp to Major-gen-
eral Phillips, a very valuable officer and most agreeable man. They each made me a most
sacred promise not to leave me behind, and, in case of sudden retreat, that they would each
of them take one of my children on his horse ; and for myself one of my husband's was in
constant readiness The want of water distressed us much ; at length we
found a soldier's wife who had courage enough to fetch us some fiom the river, an office
nobody else would undertake, as the Americans shot at every person who approached it ;
but, out of respect for her sex, they never molested her.
<* I now occupied myself through the day in attending the wounded ; I made them tea
and cofiee, and often shared my dinner with them, for which they ofiered me a thousand
expressions of gratitude. Qnei day a Canadian officer came to our cellar, who had scarcely
the power of holding himself upright, and we concluded he was dying for want of nourish-
ment ; I was happy in ofiering him my dinner, which strengthened him, and procured me
his friendship. I now undertook the care of Major Bloomfield, another aid-de-camp of Gren-
eral Phillips ; he had received a musket-ball through both cheeks, which in its course had
knocked out several of his teeth and cut his tongue ; he could hold nothing in his mouth,
the matter which ran from his wound almost choked him, and he was not able to take any
nourishment except a little soup or something liquid. We had some Rhenish wine, and, in
the hope that the acidity of it would cleanse his wound, I gave him a bottle of it. He
took a little now and then, and with such efiect that his cure soon followed ; thus I added
another to my stock of friends, and derived a satisfaction which, in the midst of sufieiings.
served to tranquilize me and diminish their acuteness.
'' One day Greneral Phillips accompanied my husband, at the risk of their lives, on a visit
to us. The general, afler having beheld our situation, said to him, * I would not for ten
thousand guineas come again to this place ; my heart is almost broken.'
« In this horrid situation we remained six days ; a cessation of hostilities was now spoken
of, and eventually took place."
The baroness, in the simple language of her narrative, thus bears testimony to the g^i-
erous courtesy of the American officers, and to the true nobility of character of Greneral
Schuyler in particular : " My husband sent a message to me to come over to him with my
children. I seated myself once more in my dear caleche, and then rode through the Amer-
ican camp. As I passed on I observed, and this was a great consolation to me, that no one
eyed me with looks of resentment, but they all greeted us, and even showed compassion in
their countenances at the sight of a woman with small children I was, I confess, afraid
to go over to the enemy, as it was quite a new situation to me. When I drew near the
tents a handsome man approached and met me, took my children from the ccd^he^ and .
hugged and kissed them, which affected m^ almost to tears. « You tremble,* said he, ad-
dressing himself to me ; < be not afraid.' < No,' I answered, < you seem so kind and tender
to my children, it inspires me with courage.' He now led me to the tent of General Gates,
where I found Generals Burgoyne and Phillips, who were on a friendly footing with the
former. Burgoyne said to me, ' Never mind ; your sorrows have now an end.' I answered
hiriri that I shoidd be reprehensible to have any cares, as he had none ; and I was pleased
to see him on such friendly footing with Greneral Gates. All the generals remained to dine
with Greneral Gates.
" The same gentleman who received me so kindly now came and said to me, < You will
be very much embarrassed to eat with all these gentlemen ; c(nne with your children to
my tentf where I iinll prepare for you a frugal dinner, and give it with a free ivill,* I
said, ' You are certainly a husband and a father, you have shown me so much kindness/
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
91
Arrival of die BritUh OfBcen and Women at Albany.
Courtesy of General Schuyler and Family.
r now found that he was General Sohutler. He treated me with excellent nnoked
^^'T!^?^
GBNBRA.L SCHUTLBB AND BaBORBAS RlBDBSBL.
tongue, beef-8teakB, potatoes, and good bread and butter ! Never could I have wished to eat
a better dinner ; I was content ; I saw all around me were so likewise ; and, what wag
better than all, my husband was out of danger.
«« When we had dined he told me his residence was at Albany, and that General Bur-
- goyne intended to honor him as his guest, and invited myself and children to do so likewise. I
asked my husband how I should act ; he told me to accept the invitation. As it was two
days' journey there, he advised me to go to a place which was about three hours' ride distant.
" Some days after this we arrived at Albany, where we so often wished ourselves ; but
we did not enter it as we expected we should — ^victors !* We were received by the good
General Schuyler, his wife, and daughters, not as enemies, but kind fiiends ; and they treated
us with the most marked attention and politeness, as they did General Burgoyne, who had
caused General Schuyler's beautifully-finished house to be burned. In fact, they behaved
like persons of exalted minds, who determined to bury all recollections of their own injuries
in the contemplation of our misfortunes. General Burgoyne was struck with General Schuy-
ler's generosity, and said to him, < You show me great kindness, though I have done you
much injury.* < That was the fate of war,' replied the brave man ; * let us say no more
about it.' "
General Schuyler was detained at Saratoga when Burgoyne and suite started for Albany.
' General Burgoyne boasted at Fort Edward that he should eat a Christinas dinner in Albany, sorronnded
Vj his yictorions army.
Digitized by
Google
92 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Britith Officers at Schu jler'a Houm. Execution-place of LoTclace. ActiTe and PaadTe Toriea. Rendezvous of Lorelaeeb
He wrote to his wife to give the English general the very best reception in her power.
** The British commander was well received/' says the Marquis de Chastellu^/ in his Trav-
els in America, ** by Mrs. Schuyler, and lodged in the best apartment in the house. An
excellent supper was served him in the evening, the honors of which were done with so
much grace that he was afiected even to tears, and said, with a deep sigh, < Indeed, this is
doing too much for the man who has ravaged their lands and burned their dwellings.' The
next morning he was reminded of his misfortunes by an incident that would have amused any
one else. His bed was prepared in a large room ; but as he had a numerous suite, or family,
several mattresses were spread on the floor for some officers to sleep near him. Schuyler's
second son, a little fellow about seven years old, very arch and forward, but very amiable,
was running all the morning about the house. Opening the door of the saloon, he burst out
a laughing on seeing all the English collected, and shut it after him, exclaiming, * You are
all my prisoners !* This innocent cruelty rendered them more melancholy than before."
We next visited the headquarters of General Gates, south of the Fish Creek, delineated on
page 75. On our way we passed the spot, a few rods south of the creek,
where Lovelace, a prominent Tory, was hung. It is upon the high bluff
seen on the right of the road in the annexed sketch, which was taken
fifom the lawn in front of the rebuilt mansion of General Schuyler. ^
Lovelace was a fair type of his class, the bitterest and most impla-
cable foes of the republicans. There were many _ ^ _ .^..^.l^
Tories who were so from principle, and re-
fused to take sides against the parent coun-
try fjrom honest convictions of the wrong-
fulness of such a course. They looked upon
the Whigs as rebels against their sovereign ;
condemned the war as unnatural, and re- "" ^^'^^^^^'^^^S^^^^^^
^rded the final result as surely disastrous ^ * ' «
° ,.,,./%i 1 n Place where Lovbla.ce was Executed.
•to those who had lifted up the arm of oppo-
sition. Their opinions were courteously but firmly expressed ; they took every opportunity
to dissuade their friends and neighbors from participation in the rebelhon ; and by all their
words and acts discouraged the insurgent movement. But they shouldered no musket, girded
on no sword, piloted no secret expedition against the republicans. They were passive, noble-
minded men, and deserve our respect for their consistency and our commiseration for their
sufierings at the hands of those who made no distinction between the man of honest opin-
ions and the marauder with no opinions at all.
There was another class of Tories, governed by the footpad's axiom, that " might makes
right." They were Whigs when nroyal power was weak, and Tories when royal power was
strong. Their god was mammon, and they oflered up human sacrifices in abundance upon
its altars. Cupidity and its concomitant vices governed all their acts, and the bonds of con-
sanguinity and aflection were too weak to restrain their fostered barbarism. Those born in
the same neighborhood ; educated (if at all) in the same school ; admonished, it may be, by
the same pastor, seemed to have their hearts suddenly closed to every feeling of friendship or
of love, and became as relentless robbers and murderers of neighbors and friends as the sav-
ages of the wilderness. Of this class was Thomas Lovelace, who, for a time, became a ter-
ror to his old neighbors and friends in Saratoga, his native district.
At the commencement of the war Lovelace went to Canada, and there confederated with
five other persons from his own county to come down into Saratoga and abduct, plunder, oi
betray their former neighbors. He was brave, expert, and cautious. His quarters were in
a large swamp about five miles from the residence of Colonel Van Vechten at Do-ve-gat,
but his place of rendezvous was cunningly concealed. Robberies were frequent, and several
inhabitants were carried ofi*. General Schuyler's house was robbed, and an attempt was
^ A French officer, who served in the army in this ooantry during a part of the Revelation.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OF THE REVOLUTION. 93
culture and Death of LoTalaoe. Daring Adrentore of an American Soldier. Departure from SehnylenriQe
made by Lovelace and hb companions to carry off Colonel Van Yechten ; but the actiire
vigilance of General Stark, then in command of the barracks north of the Fish Creek,' in
ihmishing the colonel with a guard, frustrated the marauder's plans. Intimations of his in-
tentions and of his place of concealment were given to Captain Dunham, who commanded
a company of militia in the neighborhood, and. he at once summoned his lieutenant, ensign,
orderly, and one private to his house.' At dark they proceeded to the « Big Swamp," three
miles distant, where two Tory families resided. They separated to reconnoiter, but two of
them, Green and Guiles, were lost. The other three kept together, and at dawn discovered
Lovelace and his party in a hut covered over with boughs, just drawing on their stockings.
The three Americans crawled cautiously forward till near the hut, when they sprang upon a
log with a shout, leveled their muskets, and Dunham exclaimed, '* Surrender, or you are all
dead men !" There was no time for parley, and, believing that the Americans were upon
them in force, they came out one by one witiiout arms, and were marched by their captors to
Greneral Stark at the barracks. They were tried by a court-martial as spies, traitors, and
robbers, and Lovelace, who was considered too dangerous to be allowed to escape, was sen-
tenced to be hung. He complained of inj^ustice, and claimed the leniency due to a prisoner
of war ; but his plea was disallowed, and three days afterward he was hung upon the brow
of the hill at the place delineated, during a tremendous storm of rain and wind, accompanied
by vivid lightning and clashing thunder-peals. These facts were communicated to me by
the son of Colonel Van Vechten, who accompanied me to the spot, and who was well ac-
quainted with all the captors of Lovelace and his accomplices.
The place where Gates and Burgoyne had their first interview (delineated on page 81)
is about half way between the Fish Creek and Gates's headquarters. After visiting these
localities, we returned to the village, and spent an hour upon the ground where the British
army laid down their arms. This locality I have already noted, and will not detain the
reader longer than to mention the fact that the plain whereon this event took place formed
a part of the extensive meadows of General Schuyler, and to relate a characteristic adven-
ture which occurred there.
While the British camp was on the north side of the Fish Creek, a number of the offi-
cers' horses were let loose in the meadows to feed. An expert swimmer among the Amer-
icans who swarmed upon the hills east of the Hudson, obtained permission to go across and
capture one of the horses. He swam the river, seized and mounted a fine bay gelding, and
in a few moments was recrossing the stream unharmed, amid a Volley of bullets from a party
oi British soldiers. Shouts greeted him as he returned ; and, when rested, he asked per-
mission to go for another, telling the captain that he ought to have a horse to ride as well
as a private. Again the adventurous soldier was among the herd, and, unscathed, returned
with an exceedingly good match for the first, and presented it to his commander.'
Bidding our kind friend and guide adieu, we left Schuylerville toward evening, in a pri-
vate carriage, for Fort Miller, six miles further up the Hudson. The same beautiful and
diversified scenery, the same prevailing quiet that charmed us all the way from Waterford,
still surrounded us ; and the river and the narrow alluvial plain through which it flows,
bounded on either side by high undulations or abrupt pyramidal hills, which cast lengthened
shadows in the evening sun across the meadows, presented a beautiful picture of luxurious
repose. We crossed the Hudson upon a long bridge built on strong abutments, two miles
and a half above Schuylerville, at the place where Burgoyne and his army crossed on the
12th of September, 1777. The river is here quite broad and shallow, and broken by fre-
quent rifls and rapids.
We arrived at Fort Miller village, on the east bank of the river, between five and six
o'clock ; and while awaiting supper, preparatory to an evening canal voyage to Fort Ed-
ward, nine miles above, I engaged a water-man to row me across to the western bank, to
^ The place where these barracks were located is jost within the northern suburbs of SchuylervOle.
• Davis, Green, Guiles, and Burden. ' NeUson, 223
Digitized by
Google
94
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Visit to the SiftB of old Fort Edward. Tragedy of » Bloodj Rim." Diring Feet bj Patnem. Fort Miller Fording -place.
view the mte of the old fort. He was a very obligmg man, and well acquainted with the
localities in the neighborhood, but was rather deficient in historical knowledge. His at-
tempts to relate the events connected with the old fort and its vicinity were amusing ; for
Putnam's ambush on Lake Champlain, and the defeat of Pyles by Lee, in North Carolina,
with a slight tincture of correct narrative, ^vore blended together as parts of an event which
occurred at Fort Miller.
We crossed the Hudson just above the rapids. A dam for milling purposes spans the
stream, causing a sluggish current and deeper water for more than two miles above. Here
was the scene of one of Putnam's daring exploits. While a major in the English provincial
army, nearly twenty years before the Revolution, he was lying in a bateau on the east side
of the river, and was suddenly surprised by a party of Indians. He could not cross the
river swiflly enough to escape the balls of their rifles, and there was no alternative but to
go down the foaming rapids. In an instant his purpose was fixed, and, to the astonishment of
the savages, he steered directly down the current, amid whirling eddies and over shelving rocks.
In a few moments his vessel cleared the rush of waters, and was gliding upon the smooth cur-
rent below, far out of reach of the weapons of the Indians. It was a feat they never dared at-
tempt, and superstition convinced them that he was so favored by the Great Spirit that it would
be an afiront to Manitou to attempt to kill him with powder and ball. Other Indians of the
tribe, however, soon ailerward gave practical
evidence of their unbelief in such interposition.
There is not a vestige of Fort Miller left,
and maize, and potatoes, and pumpkin vines
were flourishing where the rival forces of Sir
William Johnson and the Baron Dieskau al-
ternately paraded. At the foot of the hill, a
few rods below where the fort stood, is a part
of the trench and bank of a redoubt, and this
is all that remains even of the outworks of
the fortification.
An eighth of a mile westward is Bloody
Run, a stream which comes leaping in spark-
ling cascades from the hills, and aflbrds fine
trout fishing. It derives its name from the
fisu^t that, while the English had possession of
the fort in 1 759, a party of soldiers from the gar-
rison went out to fish at the plac« represented
in the picture. The hills, now cultivated, were
then covered with dense forests, and afibrded the
Indians excellent ambush. A troop of savages,
lying near, sprang silently from their covert upon
the fishers, and bore ofi* nine reeking scalps be-
fore those who escaped could reach the fort and
give the alarm.
This clear mountain stream enters the Hudson
a little above Fort Miller, where the river makes
a sudden curve, and where, before the erection of
the dam at the rapids, it was quite shallow, and
usually fordable. This was the crossing-place
for the armies ; and there are still to be seen some of the logs and stones upon the shore which
formed a part of the old *' King's Road'* leading to the fording-place. They are now sub-
Bloodt Run.
:^^'0I^,>< n.
Fort Millbb Fordino-placb.l
* This view is taken from the site of the fort, looking northward. The fort was in the town of Northum
berland. It was built of logs and earth, and was never a post of great importance
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
95
Oinal VoTsge to Fort Edward.
Soena on Board.
Fort Edward.
NatioDal Debt of England.
merged, the river having been made deeper by the dam ; but when the water is limpid they
can be plainly seen. It was twilight before we reached the village on the eastern shore
We sapped and repaired to the packet office, where we waited until nine o'clock in the
evening before the shrill notes of a tin horn brayed out the annunciation of a packet near.
Its deck was covered with passengers, for the ii^^resting ceremony of converting the dining-
room into a dormitory, or swinging the hammocks or berths and selecting their occupants,
had commenced, and all were driven out, much to their own comfort, but, strange to say,
to the dissatisfaction of many who lazily preferred a sweltering lounge in the cabin to the
delights of firesh air and the bright starlight. Having no interest in the scramble for beds,
we enjoyed the evening breeze and the* excitement of the tiny tumult. My companion, fear-
ing the exhalations upon the night air, did indeed finally seek shelter in one end of the cabin,
but was driven, with two other young ladies, into tiie captain's state-room, to allow the
« hands'' to have full play in making the beds. Imprisoned against their will, the ladies
made prompt restitution to themselves by drawing the cork of a bottle of sarsaparilla and
sipping its contents, greatly to the consternation of a meek old dame, the mother of one of
the girls, who was sure it was " bed-bug pizen, or some-
thing a pesky sight worse." We landed at Fort Ed-
ward at midnight, and took lodgings at a small but
tidily-kept tavern close by the canal.
Fort Edward was a military post of considerable im
portance during l^e French and Indian wars and the
Revolution.* The locality, previous to the erection of
the fortress, was called the first carrying-pUicet being
the first and nearest point on the Hudson where the
troops, stores, &c., were landed while passing to or from
the south end of Lake Champlain, a distance of about
twenty-five miles. The fort was built in 1755, when
six thousand troops were collected there, under General
Lyman, waiting the arrival of General Johnson, the com
mander-in-chief of an expedition against Ticonderoga and
Crown Point. It was at first called Fort Lyman, in
Fort Eowabd.> honor of the general who superintended its erection. It
^ I refer pardoularly to the war between England and France, commonly called, in Europe, the Seven
Year^ War, It was declared on the 9th of June, 1756, and ended with the treaty at Paris, concladed
and signed Febmary 10th, 1763. It extended to the colonies of the two nations in America, and was car-
ried on with much yigor here until the victory of Wolfe at Quebec, in 1759, and the entire subjugation of
Canada by the English. The French managed to enlist a large proportion of the Indian tribes in their
ikvor, who were allied with them against the Britons. It is for that reason that the section of the Sev*m
Teart* War in America was called by &e colonists the " French
and Indian War." I would here mention incidentally that that
war ciOBt Great Britain five hundred and sixty millions of dol-
lars, ai»d laid one of the largest foundation stones of that national
debt under which she now groans. It was twenty millions in
the reign of William and Mary, in 1697, and was ^en thought
to be enormous ; in 1840 it was about four thousand millions
of dollars 1
* £xPi«A2CATioN : aaaaaa^ sis. cannons ; A, the barracks ;
B, the atore-bouse ; C, the hospital ; D, the magazine ; £, a
flanker; F, a bridge across Fort Edward Creek; and O, a
balm of Gilead tree which then overshadowed the massive
water-gate. That tree is stUl standing, a majestic relic of the
past, amid the surrounding changes in nature and art. It is
ilirectly upon the high bank of the Hudson, and its branches,
heaTily foliated when 1 was there, spread very high and wide.
At the onion below its three trunks it measures more than
twenty feet in circumference.
Balu op Gileao at Fort Edwabh.
Digitized by
Google
96 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Daring Feat of Putnam at Fort Edward. Jane M<Crea Tree. Sir William Johnson and bla Title. Fortliication»
v^as built of logs and earth, sixteen feet high and twenty-two feet thick, and stood at the
junction of Fort Edward Creek and the Hudson River. From the creek, around the fort to
the river, was a deep fosse or ditch, designated in the engraving by the dark dotted part
outside of the black lines.
There are still very prominent traces of ^e banks and foase of the fort, but the growing
Tillage will soon spread over and obliterate them forever. Already a garden was within
the lines ; and the old parade-ground, wherein Sir William Johnson strutted in the haughty
pride of a victor by accident,^ was desecrated by beds of beets, parsley, radishes, and onions
Fort Edward was the theater of another daring achievement by Putnam. In the win-
ter of 1756 the barracks, then near the northwestern bastion, took fire. The magazine was
only twelve feet distant, and contained three hundred barrels •f gunpowder. Attempts were
made to batter the barracks to the ground with heavy cannons, but without success. Put-
lam, who was stationed upon Rogers's Island, in the Hudson, opposite the fort, hurried
'.hither, and, taking his station on the roof of the barracks, ordered a line of soldiers to hand
him water. But, despite his efforts, the flames raged and approached nearer and nearer to
the magazine. The commandant. Colonel Haviland, seeing his danger, ordered him down ;
but the brave major did not leave his perilous post until the fabric began to totter. He
then leaped to the ground, placed himself between the falling building and the magazine,
and poured on water with all his might. The eictemal planks of the magazine^ were con-
sumed, and there was only a thin partition between the flames and the powder. But Put-
nam succeeded in subduing the flames and saving the ammimition. His hands and face
were dreadfully burned, his whole body was more or less blistered, and it was several weeks
before he recovered from the effects of his daring conflict with thd fire.
The first place of historic interest that we visited at Fort Edward was the venerable and
blasted pine tree near which, tradition asserts, the unfortunate Jane M*Crea lost her life
while General Burgoyne had his encampment neaV Sandy Hill. It stands upon the west
side of the road leading from Fort Edward to Sandy Hill, and about half a mile firom the
canal-lock in the former village. The tree had exhibited unaccountable signs of decadence
for several years, and when we visited it, it was sapless and bare. Its top was torn off* by
a November gale, and almost every. breeze diminishes its size by scattering its decayed twigs.
The trunk is about five feet in diameter, and upon the bark is engraved, in bold letters,
Jane M'Ckea, 1777. The names of many ambitious visitors are intaglioed upon it, and
reminded me of the line " Run, run, Orlando, carve on every tree." I carefully sketched
all its branches, and the engraving is a faithful portraiture of the interesting relic, as viewed
from the opposite side of the road. In a few years this tree, around which history and ro-
mance have clustered so many associations, will cnunble and pass away forever.^
The sad story of the unfortunate girl is so interwoven in our history that it has become a
component part ; but it is told with so many variations, in essential' and non-essential par-
' Sir William Johnson had command of the English forces in 1755, destined to act against Crown Point
He was not remarkable for oonragre or activity. He was attacked at the south end of Lake Greorg* by the
French general, Deiskau, and was wonnded at the outset. The comman4 then devolved on Major-general
Lyman, of the Connecticut troops, who, by his skill and bravery, secured a victory over the French and
Indians. General Johnson, however, had the honor and reward thereof. In his mean jealousy be gave
General Lyman no praise ; and the British king (George II.) made him a baronet, and a present of twenty
thousand dollars to give the title becoming dignity.
NoTB.— Aa I ihaU have frequent occasion to employ twchntcal teraif used in fortiflcationa, I here giro a diagram, which, with
the explanation, win make those tenna dear to the reader. The figare ia a vertica] <
j9^\j . . section of a fbrtiflcation. Themassof earth, a&C4<e/^ A, forma the roMparC with
■c^-"'^^ a ^ — X« its poraprt; a > is the interior slope of the rampart; Jcia the toTfrpWwof the ran*.
9^ *^ ^ %p ^'^^ part, on which the troopa and cannon are placed ; i( e is the ton^uattc, or step, ob
which the soldiers mount to fire over the parapet; %fg ia the parapet ; ^ A is the
exterior slope of the parapet ; A < ia the rsv^menc, or wall of masonrj, supporting the rampart ; A iki the exterior front coTer«d
with the reretment, is called the Mopp; < ft 2 a» is the diteA ; 2 ai is tlie counterscarp ; a»»istfaeeoMr«i(«ay,haTlngabanqaene
nop; a r is the glacis. When there are two ditchea, the worka between ttie inner and the outer diloh are called raodtnu, asMl
«n outside of the ditches, outtoork8.—8ee Brando's Cyc^ art Fortifieation.
* It was cut down in 1853, and converted into canes, boxes, &c
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION
97
IIm Fort Edward Ranance.
Mrs. M'Neil and her Grand-daughter.
Narratire of the latter
ticulars, that much of the narratives we have is evidently pure fiction ; a simple tale
dian abduction, resulting in death,
having its counterpart in a hund-
red like occurrences, has been gar-
nished with all the high colorinjr
of a romantic love story. It seems
a pity to spoil the rotiiance of the
matter, hut truth always makes sad
havoc with the frost-work of the im-
agination, and sternly demands the
homage of the historian's pen.
All accounts agree that Miss
M'Crea was staying at the house
of a Mrs, McNeil, near the fort, at
the time of the tragedy. A grand-
daughter of Mrs. M*Neil (Mrs.
F — n) is now living at Fort
Edward, and from her I re-
ceived a minute account of the
whole transaction, as she had heard
it a ** thousand times" from her
grandmother. She is a woman of
remarkable intelligence, about sixty
years old. When I was at Fort
Edward she was on a visit with
her sister at Glenn's Falls. It had
been my intention to go direct to
Whitehall, on Lake Champlain
by way of Fort Ann, but the tra
ditionary accounts in the neigh
of In-
i84a
Jake M*Cbka Trke, Fobt Edwabd.
borhood of the event in question were so contradictory of the books, and I received such as-
surances that perfect reliance might be placed upon the statements of Mrs. F — d, that, anx-
ious to ascertain the truth of the matter, if possible, we went to Lake Champlain by way oi
Glenn's FaUs and Lake George. After considerable search at the falls, I found Mrs. F — ^n,
and the following is her relation of the tragedy at Fort Edward .
Jane M'Crea was the daughter of a Scotch Presbyterian clergyman of Jersey City, oppo
site New York ; and while Mrs. M*Neil (then the wife of a former husband named Camp-
bell) was a resident of New York City, an acquaintance and intimacy had grown up between
Jenny and her daughter. After the death of Campbell (which occurred at sea) Mrs. Camp-
bell married M'Neil. He, too, was lost at sea, and she removed with her family to an estate
G
Digitized by
Google
98 PICTORIAL PIELD-BOOK
Karidwirw of Jme M^Ctm at Fort EdwtfdL Her BetrotfaaL Abdaotkm of Mrs. M'Nefl and Jane.
owned by him at Fort Edward. Mr. M*Crea, who was a widower, died, and Jane went to
live with her brother near Fort Edward, where the intimacy of former years with Mrs.
M*Neil and her daughter was renewed, and Jane spent much of her time at Mrs. McNeil's
house. Near her brother's lived a family named Jones, consisting of a widow and six sons,
and between Jenny and David Jones, a gay young man, a feeling of friendship budded and
ripened into reciprocal love. When the war broke out the Joneses took the royal side of the
question, and David and his brother Jonathan went to Canada in the autumn of 1776.
They raised a company of about sixty men, under pretext of re-enforcing 4he American gar-
rison at Ticonderoga, but they went further down the lake and joined the British garrison at
/vne 1, Crown Point. When Burgoyne collected his forces at St. John's, at the foot of Lake
^^^' Champlain, David and Jonathan Jones were among them. Jonathan was made
captain and David a lieutenant in the division under General Eraser, and at the time in ques-
tion they were with the British army near Sandy Hill. Thus far all accounts nearly agree.
The brother of Jenny was a Whig, and prepared to move to Albany ; but Mrs. M'Neil,
who was a cousin of General Eraser (killed at Stillwater), was a stanch loyalist, and intended
to remain at Eort Edward. When the British were near, Jenny was at Mrs. M*Neil's, and
lingered there even afler repeated solicitations firom her brother to return to his house, five
miles further down the river, to be ready to flee when necessity should compel. A faint
hope that she might meet her lover doubtless was the secret of her tarr3ring. At last her
brother sent a peremptory order for her to join
him, and she promised to go down in a large
bateau* which was expected to leave with
several families on the following day.
Early the next morning a black jxOjTt,
servant boy belonging to Mrs. M*Neil ^'^•
espied some Indians stealthily approaching the
house, and, giving the alarm to the inmates,
A RiviB Batiau. Yie fled to the fort, about eighty rods distant.
Mrs. McNeil's daughter, the young friend of Jenny, and mother of my informant, was with
some friends in Argyle, and the family consisted of only the widow and Jenny, two small
children, and a black female servant. As usual at that time, the kitchen stood a few feet
from the house ; and when the alarm was given the black woman snatched up the children,
fled to the kitchen, and retreated through a trap-door to the cellar.' Mrs. M*Neil and Jenny
followed, but the former being aged and very corpulent, and the latter young and agile, Jenny
reached the trap-door first. Before Mrs. M*Neil could fully descend, the Indians were in
the house, and a powerful savage seized her by the hair and dragged her up. Another
went into the cellar and brought 9ut Jenny, but the black face of the negro woman was
not seen in the dark, and she and the children remained unharmed.
With the two women the savages started ofil on the road toward Sandy Hill, for Bur-
goyne*s camp ; and when they came to the foot of the ascent on which the pine tree stands,
where the road forked, they caught two horses that were grazing, and attempted to place
their prisoners upon them. Mrs. M'Neil was too heavy to be lifted on the horse easily, and
as she signified by signs that she could not ride, two stout Indians took her by the arms and
hunied her up the road over the hill, while the others, with Jenny on the horse, went along
the road running west of the tree.
I^he negro boy who ran to the fort gave the alarm, and a small detachment was imme>
^ Bateaux were mdely oonstmoted of logs and planks, broad and without a keel. They had small draught
and would carry large loads in quite shallow water. In still water and against currents they were pro-
pelled by long driving-poles. The ferry-scows or flats on the southern and western riyers are very much
like the old bateaux. They were sometimes furnished with a mast for lakes and other deep water, and
had cabins erected on them.
* Traces of this cellar and of tb) foundation of the house are still visible in the garden of Dr. Norton, in
'Fort Edward village, who is a relative of the family by marriaffe.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
99
Flight of tfaelndiaas toward Sandy HUL Treatment of Mra. MlTeil. Indian Aoooant of the I>eath of Jana. The Spring.
diately sent out to efiect a rescue. They fired several volleys at the Indians, hut the sav-
ages escaped unharmed. Mrs. M'Neil said that the Indians, who were hurrjring her up the
hill, seemed to watch the flash of the guns, and several times they threw her upon her face,
at the same time falling down themselves, and she distinctly heard the balls whistle above
them. When they got above the second hill from the village the firing ceased ; they then
stopped, stripped her of all her garments except her chemise, and in that plight led her into
the British camp. There she met her kinsman, General Eraser, and reproached him bit-
terly for sending his <* scoundrel Indians" after her. He denied all knowledges of her being
away from the city of New York, and took every pains to make her comfortable. She was
so large that not a woman in camp had a gown big enough for her, so Eraser lent her his
camp-coat for a garment, and a pocket-handkerchief as a substitute for her stolen cap.
Very soon afler Mrs. M*Neil was taken into the British camp, two parties of Indians ar-
rivted with scalps. She at once recognised the long glossy hair of Jenny,^ and, though shud-
dering with horror, boldly charged the savages with her murder, which they stoutly denied.
They averred that, while hurrying her along the road on
horseback, near the spring west of the pine tree, a bullet
from one of the American guns, intended for them, mortally
wounded the poor girl, and she fell from the horse. Sure
of losing a prisoner by death, they took her scalp as the next
best thing for them to do, and that they bore in triumph to
the camp, to obtain the promised reward for such trophies.
Mrs. M*Neil always believed the story of the Indians to be
true, for she knew that they were fired upon by the detach
ment from the fort, and it was far more to their interest to
carry a prisoner than a scalp to the British commander, the
price for the former being much greater. In fact, the In-
dians were so restricted by Burgoyne's humane instructions
respecting the taking of scalps, that their chief solicitude
was to bring a prisoner alive and unharmed into the camp.*
And the probability that Miss M'Crea was killed as they
alleged is strengthened by the fact that they took the cor-
pulent Mrs. M'Neil, with much fatigue and difiiculty, un-
injured to the British lines, while Miss M<Crea, quite light
and already on horseback, might have been carried ofi* with far greater ease.
It was known in camp that Lieutenant Jones was betrothed to Jenny, and the story got
abroad that he had sent the Indians for her, that they quarreled on the way respecting the
reward he had ofiered, and murdered her to settle the dispute. Receiving high touches of
coloring as it went from one narrator to another, the sad story became a tale of darkest hor-
ror, and produced a deep and wide-spread indignation. This was heightened by September 2,
a published letter from Gates to Burgoyne, charging him with allowing the In-
TAs Spbxho.s
1777.
^ It was of extraordinary length and beanty, measuring a yard and a qnarter. She was then about
twenty years old^ and a very lovely girl j not lovely in beanty of face, according to the common standard
of beaaty, but so lovely in disposition, so graceful in manners, and so intelligent in features, that she was
a favorite of all who knew her.
* *' I positively forbid bloodshed when yoa are not opposed in arms. Aged men, women, children, and
prisoners must be held sacred from the Imife and hatchet, even in the time of actual conflict. Tou shall
receive compensation for the prisoners you take, but you shall be called to account for scalps. In con-
formity and indulgence of your customs, which have affixed an idea of honor to such badges of victory, you
shaU be aUowed to take the scalps of the dead when killed by your fire and in fair opposition ; but on no
aoooont, or pretense, or subtilty, or prevarication are they to be taken from the wounded, or even the dy-
ing ; and still less pardonable, if possible, will it be held to kill men in that condition on purpose, and upon
a supposition- that this protection to the wounded would be thereby evaded." — Extract from the Speech of
Burgoyne to the Jn4ian» tueembled vpon'the Bouquet River, June 21, 1777.
' This is a view of a living spring, a few feet below the noted pine tree, the lower portion of which is
leeo near the top of the engraving. The spring is beside the old road, traces of which may be seen.
Digitized by
Google
100 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Maaaacra of the Allen Family. Oatea'a J.<etter. Inquiry reapecUng the DeaUi of Miaa M'Crea. Deaertion of Lieutenant Jooea
dians to butcher with impunity defenseless women and children. " Upward of one hund-
red men, women, and children," said Gates, « have perished by the hands of the ruffians, to
whom, it is asserted, you have paid the price of blood." Burgoyne flatly denied this asser-
tion, and declared that the case of Jane M*Crea was the only act of Indian cruelty of which
he was informed. His information must have been exceedingly limited, for on the same
day when Jenny lost her life a party of savages murdered the whole family of John Allen,
of Argyle, consisting of himself, his wife, three children, a sister-in-law, and three negroes.
The daughter of Mrs. M'Neil, already mentioned, was then at the house of Mr. Allen's
father-in-law, Mr. Gilmer, who, as well as Mr. Allen, was a Tory. Both were afraid of
the savages, nevertheless, and were preparing to flee to Albany. On the morning of the
massacre a younger daughter of Mr. Gihner went to assist Mrs. Ailen in preparing to move.
Not returning when expected, her father sent a negro boy down for her. He soon returned,
screaming, *' They are all dead — ^father, mother, young missus, and all !" It was too true.
That morning, while the family were at breakfast, the Indians burst in upon them and
slaughtered every one. Mr. Gilmer and his family lefl in great haste for Fort Edward,
but proceeded very cautiously for fear of the savages. When near the fort, and creeping
warily along a ravine, they discovered a portion of the very party who had plundered Mrs.
McNeil's house in the morning. They had emptied the straw firom the beds and filled the
ticks with stolen articles. Mrs. McNeil's daughter, who ac-companied the fugitive family,
saw her mother's looking-glass tied upon the back of one of the savages. They succeeded
in reaching the fort in safety.
Burgoyne must soon have forgotten this event and the alarm among the loyalists because
of the murder of a Tory and his family ; forgotten how they flocked to his camp for protec-
tion, and Eraser's remark to the frightened loyalists, " It is a conquered country, and we
must wink at these things ;" and how his own positive orders to the Indians, not to molest
those having protection, caused many of them to leave him and return to their hunting-
grounds on the St. Lawrence. It was all dark and dreadful, and Burgoyne was willing to
retreat behind a false assertion, to escape the perils which were sure to grow out of an ad-
mission of half the truth of Gates's letter. That letter, as Sparks justly remarks, was more
ornate than forcible, and abounded more in bad taste than simplicity and pathos ; yet it was
suited to the feelings of the moment, and produced a lively impression in every p^rt of Amer-
ica. Burke, in the exercise of aU his glowing eloquence, used the story with powerful effect
in the British House of Commons, and made the dreadful tale familiar throughout Europe.
Burgoyne, who was at Fort Ann, instituted an inquiry into the matter. He summoned
the Indians to council, and demanded the surrender of the man who bore ofi* the scalp, to
be punished as a mujrderer. Lieutenant Jones denied all knowledge of the matter, and ut-
terly disclaimed any such participation as the sending of a letter to Jenny, or of an Indian
escort to bring her to camp. He had no motive for so doing, for the American army was
then retreating ; a small guard only was at Fort Edward, and in a day or two the British
would have full possession of that fort, when he could have a personal interview with her.
Burgoyne, instigated by motives of policy rather than by judgment and inclination, pardoned
the savage who scalped poor Jenny, fearing that a total defection of the Indians would be
the result of his punishment.^
Lieutenant Jones, chilled with horror and broken in spirit by the event, tendered a resig-
nation of his commission, but it was reused. He purchased the scalp of his Jenny, and
with this cherished memento deserted, with his brother, before the army reached Saratoga,
and retired to Canada. Various accounts have been given respecting the subsequent &t6
of Lieutenant Jones. Some assert that, perfectly desperate and careless of life, he rushed
into the thickest of the battle on Bemis's Heights, and was slain ; while others allege that
he died within three years afterward, heart-broken and insane. But neither assertion is
true. While searching for Mrs. F — ^n among her friends at Glenn's Falls, I called at the
^ Earl of Harrington's Evidence in Borgoyne's ^^ State of the Expedition," p. 66.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OF THE REVOLUTION. IQI
Efect of Mill BC'Crea'f Deatii on Lieatanant Jones. Attack of Indiana upon American Troops. ReinteAuent of Miss M'Crea
house of Judge R — s, whose lady is related by marriage to the family of Jones. Her aunt
married a brother of Lieutenant Jones, and she oflen heard this lady speak of him. He
lived in Canada to be an old man, and died but a few years ago. The death of Jenny was
a heavy blow, and he never recovered from it. ' In youth he was gay and exceedingly gar-
rulous, but after that terrible event he was melancholy and taciturn. He never married,
and avoided society as much as business would permit. Toward the close of July in every
year, when the anniversary of the tragedy approached, he would shut himself in his room
and refuse the sight of any one ; and at all times his friends avoided any reference to the
Revolution in his presence. •
At the time of this tragical event the American army under General Schuyler was en-
camped at Moses's Creek, five miles below Fort Edward. One of its two divisions was
placed under the command of Arnold, who had just reached the army. His divi- juiy 23,
sion included the reaar-guard left at the fort. A picket-guard of one hundred men, ^'^•
under Lieutenant Van Vecfiten, was stationed on the hill a little north of the pine tree ;
and at the moment when the house of Mrs. M*Neil was attacked and plundered, and her
self and Jenny were carried ofi*, other parties of Indians, belonging to the same expedition,
came rushing through the woods from difierent points, and fell upon the Americans. Lieu-
tenant Van Vechten and several others were killed and their scalps borne oflf. Their bodies,
with that of Jenny, were found by the party that went out from the fort in pursuit. She
and the officer were lying near together, close by the spring already mentioned, and only a
few feet from the pine tree. They were stripped of clothing, for plunder was the chief in-
centive of the savages to war. They were borne immediately to the fort, which the Amer-
icans at once evacuated, and Jane did indeed go down the river in the bateau in which she
had intended to embark, but not glowing with life and beauty, as was expected by her fond
brother. With the deepest grief, he took charge of her mutilated corse, which was buried
at the same time and place with that of the lieutenant, on the west bank of the Hudson.
near the mouth of a small creek about three miles below Fort Edward.
Mrs. M'Neil lived many years, and was buried in the small village cemetery, very near
the ruins of the fort. In the summer of 1826 the remains of Jenny were taken up and de-
posited in the same grave with her. They were followed by a long train of young men and
maidons, and the funeral ceremonies were conducted by the eloquent but unfortunate Hooper
Cummings, of Albany, at that time a brilliant light in the American pulpit, but destined,
like a glowing meteor, to go suddenly down into darkness and gloom. Many who were then
young have a vivid recollection of the pathetic discourse of that gifted man, who on that oc-
casion " made all Fort Edward weep," as he delineated anew the sorrowful picture of the
immolation of youth and innocence upon the horrid altar of war.
A plain white marble slab, about three feet high,
with the simple inscription Jane M'Crea, marks
the spot of her interment. Near by, as seeif in the
picture, is an antique brown stone slab, erected to
the memory of Duncan Campbell, a relative of Mrs.
M*Neil*s first husband, who was mortally wounded
at Ticonderoga in 1758.* Several others of the
same name lie near, members of the family of Don-
ald Campbell, a brave Scotchman who was with
Montgomery at the storming of Quebec in 1775.
We lingered long in the cool shade at the spring before departing for the village burial-
ground where the remains of Jenny rest. As we emerged from the woods we saw two or
* The following is the inscription :
Hers Ltks Thb Body of Duncan Campbell, of Inveesaw, Esqe., Major to the Old Highland
Rbgt., Aoed 55 Years, Who Died The 17th July, 1758, of The Wounds He Rbobivep in the
Attace of Tub Retrenchments of Ticonderoga or Carillon the 8th July, 1758.
Digitized by
Google
102
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Young QIri struck by Lightning.
Village Burial-ground.
Colonel Cochran and his AdTonturoa.
Rogera'a laland.
Wm
-m
three persons with a horse and wagon, slowly ascending the hill from the village. In the
wagon, upon a mattress, was a young girl who had been struck by lightning, two days be-
fore, while drawing water from a well.^ Although alive, her senses were ail paralyzed by
the shock, and her sorrowing father was carrying her home, perhaps to die. With brief
words of consoling hope, we stepped up and looked upon the stricken one. Her breathing
was sofl and slow — a hectic glow was upon each cheek ; but all else of her fair young face
was pale as alabaster except her lips. It was grievous, even to a stranger, to look upon a
young life so suddenly prostrated, and we turned sadly away to go to the grave of another,
who in the bloom of young womanhood was also smitten to the earth, not by the lightning
from Heaven, but by the arm of warring man.
The village burial-ground is near the site of the fort, and was thickly strewn with wild
flowers. We gathered a bouquet from the grave of Jenny, and preserved it for the eye of
the curious in an impromptu herbarium made of a city newspaper. .A few feet from her
** narrow house'' is the grave of Colonel Robert Cochran, whom I have
already mentioned as commanding a detachment of militia at Fort Ed-
ward at the time of Burgoyne*s surrender. He was a brave officer, and
was warmly attached to the American cause. In 1778 he was sent to
Canada as a spy. His errand being suspected, a large bounty was offered
for his head. He was obliged to conceal himself, and while doing so at
one time in a brush-heap, he was taken dangerously ill. Hunger and dis-
ease made him venture to a log cabin in sight. As he approached he
heard three men and a woman conversing on the subject of the reward for
his head, and discovered that they were actually forming plans for his cap-
ture. The men soon left the cabin in pursuit of him, and he immediately
crept into the presence of the woman, who was the wife of one of the men, frankly told her
his name, and asked her protection. That she kindly promised him, and gave him some
nourishing food and a bed to rest upon. The men returned in the course of a few hours,
and she concealed Cochran in a cupboard, where he overheard expressions of their confident
anticipations that before another sun they would have the rebel spy, and claim the reward.
They refreshed themselves, and set ofi* again in search of him. The kind woman directed him
to a place of concealment, some distance from her cabin, where she fed and nourished him until
he was able to travel, and then he escaped beyond the British lines. Several years afterward,
when the war had closed, the colonel lived at Ticonderoga, and there he accidentally met his
deliverer, and rewarded her handsomely for her generous fidelity in the cause of sufiering
humanity. Colonel Cochran died in 1812, at Sandy Hill, and was buried at Fort Edward.
It was hot noon when I left the village cemetery, and took shelter under the shadow
of the venerable balm of Gilead tree at the place of the water-gate of the fort. A few rods be-
low is the mouth of Fort Edward Creek, on
the south of which the British army were
encamped when Burgoyne tarried there to
send an expedition to Bennington, and, aft-
er that disastrous afiair, to recruit and dis-
cipline his forces. Dividing the waters of
the Hudson in front of the fort is Rogers^a
Island, a beautiful and romantic spot, which
was used as a camp-ground by the English
and French alternately during the French
Mouth or Fost Edward Creek.s and Indian war. Almost every year the
^ Tliis moumfol event occnrred in the village, very near the same spot where, a year before, five men
in a store were instantly killed by one thnnder-bolt.
' This sketch is taken from within the intrenchments of Fort Edward, near the magazine, looking south-
west. On the left, just beyond the baUn of Gilead tree, is seen the creek, and on the right, across the
\i*ater, Rogers's Ishind.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
103
Rblics found on RogaiVfl Island.
A remarkable SkulL
SilTer Coin found at Fort Edward.
plow turns up some curious relics of the past upon the island, such as hayonets, tomahawks,
buttons, bullets, cannon-balls, coin, arrow-heads, Sec. Dr. Norton, of Fort Edward, ^ye
me a skull that had been exhumed there, which is remarkable for its
excessive thickness ; not so thick, however, as to resist the force of a
musket-ball which penetrated it, and doubtless deprived its owner of
life. It is three eighths of an inch thick where the bullet entered in
firont, and, notwithstanding its long inhumation, the sutures are per-
fect. Its form is that of the negro, and it probably belonged to the
servant of some officer stationed there.
The silver coin found in the vicinity of Fort Edward is called by the people " cob money."
The derivation of this name I could not learn. I
obtained two pieces of it, both of which are Spanish
coin. The larger one is a cross-pistareen, of the value
of sixteen cents ; the other is a quarter fraction of the
same coin. They are very irregular in form, and the
devices and dates are quite imperfect. The two in
my possession are dated respectively 1741, 1743
These Spanish small coins composed the bulk of specie
circulation among the French in Canada at that time
Two SlBSS OP A CBOSS-PISTAaSXS.
Digitized by
Google
104
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Rld» from Fort Edward to Glenn'f FaUa.
Appearance of the Coantry.
Intereiting Character of the RegloB.
CHAPTER V.
*' Though of the past from no carved shrines,
Canvass, or deathless lyres, we learn.
Yet arbor'd streams and shadowy pines
Are hung with legends wild and stern :
In deep dark glen — on mountain. side.
Are graves whence stately pines have sprung.
Naught telling how the victims died.
Save faint tradition^s faltering tongue."
Street.
^ E dined at three, and immediately left the pleasant little
^ village of Fort Edward in a barouche for Glenn*s Falls, by
the way of Sandy Hill, a distance of six miles. The latter village
is beautifully situated upon the high lefl bank of the Hudson, where the
makes a sudden sweep from an easterly to a southerly course.
Here is the termination of the Hudson Valley, and above it the river
courses its way in a narrow channel, among rugged rocks and high, wooden
, bluffs, through as wild and romantic a region as the most enthusiastic
traveler could desire.
^\ It was early in the afternoon when we reached the Mansion House at Glenn's
F&lla, near the cataract. All was. bustle and confusion, for here is the brief
tarrying-place of fashionable tourists on their way from Saratoga Springs to Lake George.
There was a constant arrival and departure of visitors. Few remained longer than to dine
or sup, view the falls at a glance, and then hasten away to the grand summer lounge at
Caldwell, to hunt, fish, eat, drink, dance, and sleep to their heart's content. We were
thoroughly wearied by the day's ramble and ride, but time was too precious to allow a mo-
ment of pleasant weather to pass by unimproved. Comforted by the anticipation of a Sab-
bath rest the next day, we brushed the dust from our clothes, made a hasty toilet, and started
out to view the falls, and search for the tarrying-place of Mrs. F — n, of Fort Edward.
Here the whole aspect of things is changed. Hitherto our journey had been among the
quiet and beautiful ; now every thing in nature was turbulent and grand. The placid river
was here a foaming cataract, and gentle slopes, yellow with the ripe harvest, were exchanged
for high, broken hills, some rocky and bare, others green with the oak and pine or dark with
the cedar and spruce. Here nature, history, and romance combine to interest and please,
and geology spreads out one of its most wonderful pages for the scnitiny of the student and
philosopher. All over those rugged hills Indian warriors and hunters scouted for ages before
the paleface made his advent among them ; and the slumbering echoes were often awaken-
ed in the last century by the crack of musketry and the roar of cannon, mingled "wdth the
loud war-hoop of the Huron, the Iroquois, the Algonquin, the Mohegan, the Delaware, the
Adirondack, and the Mohawk, when the French and English battled for mastery in the vast
forests that skirted the lakes and the St. Lawrence. Here, amid the roar of this very cataract,
if romance may be believed, the voice of Uncas, the last of the Mohegans, was heard and
heeded ; herb Hawk Eye kept his vigils ; here David breathed his nasal melody ; and here
Duncan Heyward, with his lovely and precious wards, Alice and Cora Monroe, fell into
the hands of the dark and bitter Mingo chiefs
See Cooper's " Last of the Mohicans.''
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION
105
Scenery about the Falle.
** Indian Care" and "Big Snake.**
Departure for Lake Oemrge
.^%«c h^.
The natural scenery about the falls is very picturesque, but the accompaniments of puny
art are exceedingly incongruous, sinking the grand and beautiful into mere burlesque. How
expertly the genius of man, quickened by acquisitiveness, fuses the beautiful and useful in
the crucible of gain, and, by the subtle alchemy of profit, transmutes the glorious cascade
and its fringes of rock and shrub into broad arable acres, or lofly houses, or speeding ships,
simply by catching the bright stream in the toils of a mill-wheel. Such meshes are here
spread out on every side to ensnare the leaping Hudson, and the rickety buildings, the clat-
ter of machinery, and the harsh grating of saws, slabbing the huge black marble rocks of the
shores into city mantels, make horrid dissonance of that harmony which the eye and ear ex-
pect and covet where nature is thus beautiful and musical.
A bridge, nearly six hundred feet long, and resting in the center upon a marble island,
spans the river at the foot of the falls, and from its center there is a fine view of the cata-
ract. The entire descent of the river is about sixty feet. The undivided stream first pours
over a precipice nine hundred feet long, and is then separated into three channels by rocks
piled in confusion, and carved, and furrowed, and welled, and polished by the rushing waters.
Below, the channels unite, and in one
• deep stream the waters flow on gently
between the quarried clifii of fine black
marble, which rise in some places from
thirty to seventy feet in height, and are
beautifiilly stratified. Many fossils are
imbedded in the rocks, among which
the trUobite is quite plentiful. Here
the heads (so exceedingly rare) are fire
quently found.
By the contribution of a York shil-
ling to an intelligent lad who kept " watch and ward'*
at a flight of steps below the bridge, we procured his
permission to descend to the rocks below, and his serv-
ices as guide to the "Big Snake" and the "Indian Cave.*' The
ibrmer is a petrifaction on the surface of a flat rock, having the ap-
pearance of a huge serpent ; the latter extends through the small
island from one channel to the other, and is pointed out as the place where Cooper's sweet
young heroines, Cora and Alice, with Major Heyward and the singing-master, were conceal-
ed. The melody of a female voice, chanting an air in a minor key, came up from, the cav-
ern, and we expected every moment to hear the pitch-pipe of David and the " Isle of Wight.*'
The spell was soon broken by a merry laugh, and three young girls, one with a torn barege,
came clambering up firom the narrow entrance over which Unoas and Hawk Eye cast the
green branches to conceal the fiigitives. In time of floods this cave is filled, and all the
dividing rocks below the main fall are covered with water, presenting one vast foaming
sheet. A long drought had greatly diminished the volume of the stream when we were
there, and materially lessened the usual grandeur of the picture.
We passed the Sabbath at the falls. On Monday morning I arose at four, and went
down to the bridge to sketch the cascade. The whole heavens were overcast, and a fresh
breeze from the southeast was driving portentous scuds before it, and piling them in dark
masses along the western horizon. Rain soon began to fall, and I was obliged to retreat
under the bridge, and content myself with sketching the more quiet scene of the river and
ihore below the cattftact.
We left Glenn's Falls in a " Rockaway" for Caldwell, on Lake George, nine miles north-
ward, at nine in the morning, the rain falling copiously. The road passes over a wild.
* This view was taken from under the bridge, looking down the river,
nrer just below where the figures stand.
The noted cave opens upon the
Digitized by
Google
J06
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Willianu'f Rock.
Approach of Diesksu.
Hendrick, the Mohawk Sachem.
broken, and romantic region. Our driver was a perfect Jehu. The plank road (since fin-
ished) was laid a small part of the way, and the speed he accomplished thereon he tried to
keep up over the stony ground of the old track, to " prevent jolttTig /"
On the right side of the road, within four miles of Lake Geoi^e, is a huge boulder called
"Williams's Rock." It was so
named from the fact that near it
Colonel Ephraim Williams was
killed on the 8th of September,
1755, in an engagement with
4;he French and Indians under
Baron Dieskau. Major-general
(afterward Sir William) John-
son was at that time at the head
of Lake George, with a body of
provincial troops, and a large
Williams's RockJ
party of Indians under Hendrick,
the famous Mohawk sachem.
Dieskau, who was at Skenesbor-
ough, marched along the course
of Wood Creek to attack Fort
Edward, but the Canadians and
Indians were so afiraid of cannon
that, when within two miles of
the fort, they urged him to change
his course, and attack Johnson in
his camp on Lake Greorge. To
HSU
this request he acceded, for he ascertained by his scouts that Johnson was rather carelessly
encamped, and was probably unsuspicious of danger.
Information of his march was communicated to the
English commander at midnight, September 7th,
and early in the morning a council of war was
held. It was determined to send out a small party to
meet the French, and the opinion of Hendrick was ask-
ed. He shrewdly said, <* If they are to fight, they are
too few ; if they are to be killed, they are too many."
His objection to the proposition to separate them into
three divisions was quite as sensibly and laconically ex-
pressed. Taking three sticks and putting them togeth-
er, he remarked, " Put them together, and you can't
break them. Take them one by one, and you can break
them easily." Johnson was guided by the opinion of
Hendrick, and a detachment of twelve hundred men in
one body, under Colonel Williams, was sent out to meet
the approaching enemy.
Before conunencing their march, Hendrick mounted
a gun-carriage and harangued his warriors in a strain
of eloquence which had a powerful efiect upon them. He was then about sixty-five years
old. His head was covered with long white locks, and every warrior loved him with the
deepest veneration.* President Dwight, referring to this speech, says, « Lieutenant-colonel
^ This view is taken from the road, looking northward. In the distance is seen the highest point of the
French Mountain, on the left of which Is Lake George. From this commanding height the French sconts
had a fine view of all the English movements at the head of the lake.
' The portrait here given of the chief is from a colored print published in London during the lifetime of
ihe sachem. It was taken while he was in England, and habited in the full court dress presented to him
by the king. Beneath the picture is engraved, " The brave old Hendrick, the great sachem or chief of the
Mohawk Indians, one of the six nations now in alliance with, and subject to, the King of Great Britain."
' Hendrick (sometimes called King Hendrick) was born about 1680, and generally lived at the Upper
Castle^ upon the Mohawk. He stood high in the estimation of Sir William Johnson, and was one of the
most active and sagacious sachems of his time. When the tidings of his death were communicated to his
son, the young chief gave the usual groan upon such occasions, and, placmg his hand over his heart, ex-
claimed, " My father still alive here. The son is now the father, and stands here ready to fight." — Otn-
tUmen^s Magazine.
Sir William Johnson obtained from Hendrick nearly one hundred thousand acres of choice land, now
lying chiefly in Herkimer county, north of the Mohawk, in the following manner : The sachem, being at
the baronet's house, saw a riohly-embroidered coat and coveted it. The next morning he said to Sir Will-
iam, " Brother, me dream last night." " Indeed," answered Sir William ; " what did my red brother
HlNDBICK.*
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. iQ?
Speech of Hendriek. Fight with the French, and Death of Colonel Williams and Hendrick. Bloody Fond.
Pomeioy, who was present and heard this efiusion of Indian eloquence, told me that, al-
tlfough he did not understand a word of the language, such were the animation of Hendrick.
the fire of his eye, the force of his gestures, the strength of his emphasis, the apparent pro-
priety of the inflections of his voice, and the natuml appearance of his whole manner, that
himself was more deeply afiected with this speech than with any other he had ever heard.''
The French, advised hy scouts of the march of the English, approached with their line
in the form of a half moon, the road cutting the center. The country was so thickly wooded
that all correct observation was precluded, and at Rocky Brook, four miles from Lake George,
Colonel Williams and his detachment found themselves directly in the hollow. of the half
moon. A heavy fire was opened upon them in front and on both flanks at the same mo-
ment, and the slaughter was dreadful. Colonel Williams was shot dead near the rock be-
fore mentioned, and Hendrick fell, mortally wounded by a musket-ball in the back. This
circumstance gave him great uneasiness, for it seemed to imply that he had turned his back
upon his enemy. The fatal bullet came from one of the extreme flanks. On the fall of
WilHams, Lieutenant-colonel Whiting succeeded to the command, and efieoted a retreat so
judiciously that he saved nearly all of the detachment who were not killed or wounded by
the first onslaught.^
So careless and apathetic was General Johnson, that he did not commence throwing up
breast-works at his camp until afler Colonel Williams had marched, and Dieskau was on
the road to meet him. The firing was heard at Lake George, and then the alarmed com-
mander began in earnest to raise defenses, by forming a breast-work of trees, and mounting
two cannon which he had fortunately received
from Fort Edward the day before, when his men
thus employed should have been sent out to re-
enforce the retreating regiment. Three hund-
red were, indeed, sent out, but were totally in-
adequate. They met the flying English, and,
joining in the retreat, hastened back to the camp,
closely pursued by the French.
A short distance from Williams's Rock is a
small, slimy, bowl-shaped pond, about three
hundred feet in diameter, and thickly covered
with the leaves of the water-lily . It is near the
battle-ground where Williams and his men were
slain, and the Fi^ench made it the sepulcher for
the slaughtered Enghshmen. Tradition avers
that for many years its waters bore a bloody hue, Bloody okd.
dream ?" " Me dream that coat be mine." " It is yours," said the shrewd baronet. Not long afterward
8b William visited the sachem, and he too had a dream. "Brether," he said, "I dreamed last night."
'* What did my pale-faced brother dream ?" asked Hendrick. " I dreamed that this tract of land was
mine," describing a square bounded on the south by the Mohawk, on the east by Canada Creek, and north
and west by objects equally well known. Hendrick was astonished. He saw the enormity of the request,
but was not to be outdone in generosity. He sat thoughtfully for a moment, and then said, '^ Brother, the
land is yours, but you must not dream again." The title was confirmed by the British government, and
the tract was called the Royal Grant. — Simms's Schoharie County^ p. 124.
' Colonel Ephraim Williams was bom in 1715, at Newton, Massachusetts. He made several voyages
to Europe in early life. Being settled at Stockbridge when the war with France, in 1740, commenced,
and possessed of great military talent, he was intrusted with the command of the line of Massachusetts
forts OD the west side of the Connecticut River. He joined General Johnson, at the head of a regiment,
IB 1755, and, as we have seen, fell while gallantly leading his men against the enemy. By his will, made
before joining Johnson, he bequeathed his property to a township west of Fort Massachusetts, on the con
dhion that it should be called Williamstown, and the money used for the establishment and maintenance
of a free schooL The terms were complied with, and the school was afterward incorporated (1793) as a
college. Such was the origin of Williams's College. Colonel Williams was forty years old at the time
of hii death.
Digitized by
Google
108
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Arriral at CaldweU. Indian and French Names of Lake George. Fort William Henrj. Attack npon Johnaon'i Camp, 1759
and it has ever since been called Bloody Pond. I alighted in the rain, and made my way
throngh tall wet grass and tangled vines, over a newly-cleared field, until I got a &vorable
view for the sketch here presented, which I hope the reader will highly prize, for it cost a
pair of boots, a linen « sack*' ruined by the dark droppings from a cotton umbrella, and a
box of cough lozenges.
It was almost noon when we reined up at the Lake House at Caldwell. We had an-
ticipated much pleasure from the first sight of Horicon, but a mist covered its waters, and
its mountain frame-work was enveloped in fog ; so we reserved our sentiment for use the
next fair day, donned dry clothing, and sat quietly down in the parlor to await the sover-
eign pleasure of the storm.
Lake George is indeed a beautiful sheet of water, and along its whole length of thirty-six
miles almost every island, bay, and bluff is clustered with historic associations. On account
of the purity of its waters, the Indians gave it the name o^ Horicon, or Silver Water, They
also called it Canideri-oit, or The Tail of the Lake, on account of its connection with Lake
Champlain.^ It was vibited by Samuel Champlain in 1 609, and some suppose that he gave
his name to this lake instead of the one which now bears* it. It is fair to infer, from his
own account, that he penetrated southward as far as Glenn's Falls ; and it is not a little
remarkable that in the same year, and possibly at the same season, Hendrick Hudson wa£«
exploring below the very stream near the head-waters of which the French navigator waa
resting. Strange that two adventurers, in the service of different, sovereigns ruling three
thousand miles away, and approaching from different points of the compass, so nearly met
in the vast forests of wild America. The French, who afterward settled at Chimney Point,
on Lake Champlain, frequently visited this lake, and gave it the name of Sacrament, its
pure waters suggesting the idea.*
The little village of Caldwell contains about two hundred inhabitants, and is situated
near the site of Fort William Henry, at the head of
the lake, a fortress erected by General Johnson to*
ward the close of 1755, after his battle there with
the French under Dieskau. That battle occurred
on the same day when Colonel Williams and his de-
tachment were routed at Rocky Brook. The French
pursued the retreating English vigorously, and about
noon they were seen approaching in considerable force
and regular order, aiming directly toward the center
of the British encampment. When.within one hund-
red rods of the breast-works, in the open valley in
front of the elevation on which Fort George (now a
picturesque ruin) was afterward built, Dieskau halt-
ed and disposed his Indians and Canadians upon the
right and left flanks. The regular troops, under the
immediate command of the baron, attacked the En-
glish center, but, having only small arms, the effect was trifling. The English reserved
their fire until the Indians and Canadians were close upon them, when with sure aim they
poured upon them a volley of musket-balls which mowed them down like grass before the
* Spaflbrd's Gazetteer of New York.
' The bed of the lake is a yellowish sand, and the water is so transparent that a white object, such as
an earthen plate, may be seen upon the bottom at a depth of nearly forty feet. The delicious salmon
trout, that weigh from five to twenty pounds, silver trout, pike, pickerel, and perch are found here in great
abundance, and afibrd fine sport and dainty food for the swarms of visitors at the Lake House during the
summer season.
^ The extent of the embankments and fosse of this fort was fourteen hundred feet, and the barracks were
built of wood upon a strong foundation of lime-stone, which abounds in the neighborhood. This plan is
copied from a curious old picture by Blodget, called a " Prospective Plan of the Battles near Lake George >
1755."
Fort William Henrt.3
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION io»
Batda of Lake Qeorge. and Death of Dieakau. Weaknees of Britiah Commanderi. The Six Nationa. Hendriek'a Rebnka.
scythe. At the same moment a bomb-shell was thrown among them by a howitzer, while
two field pieces showered upon them a quantity of grape-shof . The savage allies, and al-
most as savage colonists, greatly terrified, broke and fled to the swamps in the neighborhood.
The regulars maintained their ground for some time, but, abandoned by their companions,
and terribly galled by the steady fire from the breast-works, at length gave way, and Dies-
kau attempted a retreat. Observing this, the English leaped over their breast-works and
pursued them. The French were dispersed in all directions, and Dieskau, wounded and
helpless, was found leaning upon the stump of a tree. As the provincial soldier^ who dis-
covered him approached, he put his hand in his pocket to draw out his watch as a bribe to
allow him to escape. Supposing that he was feeling for a pocket pistol, the soldier gave
him a severe wound in the hip with a musket-ball. He was carried into the English camp
in a blanket and tenderly treated, and was soon afterward taken to Albany, then to New
York, and finally to England, where he died from the efiects of his wounds. Johnson was
wounded at the commencement of the conflict in the fleshy part of his thigh, in which a
musket-ball lodged, and the whole battle was directed for five consecutive hours by Greneral
L3rman, the second in command.'
Johnson's Indians, burning with a fierce desire to avenge the death of Hendrick, were
eager to follow the retreating enemy ; and General Lyman proposed a vigorous continuation
of eflbrts by attacking the French posts at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, on Lake Cham-
plain. But Johnson, either through fear, a love of ease, or some other inexplicable cause,
withheld his consent, and the residue of the autumn was spent in erecting Fort William
Henry.
Li the colonial wars, as well as in the war of our Revolution, the British government
was often unfortunate in its choice of commanders. Total inaction, or, at best, great tardi-
ness, firequently marked their administration of military aflairs. They could not comprehend
the elastic activity of the provincials, and were too proud to listen to their counsels. This
tardiness and pride cost them many misfortunes, either by absolute defeat in battle, or the
theft of glorious opportunities for victory through procrastination. Their shrewd savage
allies saw and lamented this, and before the commissioners of the several colonies, who met
at Albany in 1754 to consult upon a plan of colonial alliance, in whieh the Six Nations*
were invited to join, Hendrick administered a pointed rebuke to the governor and military
commanders. The sachems were first addressed by James Delancy, then lieutenant-gov-
ernor of New York ; and Hendrick, who was a principal speaker, in the course of a reply
remarked, " Brethren, we have not as yet confirmed the peace with them (meaning the
French-Indian allies). *Tis your fault, brethren ; we are not strengthened by conquest, for
we should have gone and taken Crown Point, but you hindered us. We had concluded to
go and take it, but were told it was too late, that the ice would not bear us. Instead of
this, you burned your own fort at Sar^agh-to-gee [near old Fort Hardy], and ran away
firom it, which was a shame and a scandal to you. Look about your country, and see ;
you have no fortifications about you — no, not even to this city. 'Tis but one step from
Canada hither, and the French may easily come and turn you out of doors.
" Brethren, you were desirous we should open our minds and our hearts to you : look at
^ This soldier is believed to have been General Seth Pomeroy, of Northampton, Massaohosetts. — Evtr*
€t^i Life of Stark,
* At this battle Greneral Stark, the hero of Bennington, then a lieutenant in the corps of Rogers's Rangers,
was first initiated in the perils and excitements of regolar warfare.
' The Six Nations consisted of -the tribes of the Mohawks^ Onondagoi, Oneidas, 8eneca$, Cayugas, and
TWcarorof . The first five were a long time allied, and known as the Five Natioru. Tliey were joined
by the Tiucaroroi of North Carolina in 1714, and from that time the confederation was known by the title
of the Six Nations. Their great council fire was in the special keeping of the Onondagas, by whom it
was always kept homing. This confederacy was a terror to the other Indian tribes, and extended its con-
quests even as far as South Carolina, where it waged war against, and nearly exterminated, the once pow-
erfhl Catawbas. When, in 1744, the Six Nations ceded a portion of their lands to Virginia, they insisted
no tnt continaance of a free war-path through the ceded territory.
Digitized by
Google
no PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Lord London. MontMlm'f first Attack on Fort WiUiam Henrj. Perfidy and Ck>wardioe of Webb. Vigilance of Stark
the French, they are men — ^they are fortifying every where ; but, we are ashamed to say it,
you are like women, bare and open, without any fortificationB.'''
The head of Lake George was the theater of a terrible massacre m 1757. Lord Lou-
dm, a man of no energy of character, and totally deficient in the requisites for a military
leader, was appointed that year governor of Virginia, and commander-in-chief of all the
British forces in North America. A habit of procrastination, and his utter indecision,
thwarted all his active intentions, if he ever I^ad any, and, after wasting the whole season in
getting here and preparing to do something, he was recalled by Pitt, then prime minister,
who gave as a reason for appointing Lord Amherst in his place, that the minister neve?
heard from him, and could not tell toJuU he t^as doing.*
Opposed to him was the skillful and active French commander, the Marquis Moirtcalm,
who succeeded Dieskau. Early in the spring he made an attempt to capture Fort William
BCarch 16, Henry. He passed up Lake Greorge on St. Patrick's eve, landed stealthily behind
1757. Long Point, and the next afternoon appeared suddenly before the fort. A part of
the garrison made a vigorous defense, and Montcalm succeeded only in burning some build-
ings and vessels which were out of reach of the guns at the fort.* He returned to Ticon-
deroga, at which post and at Grown Point he mustered all his forces, amounting to nine
thousand men, including Canadians and Indians, and in July prepared for another attempt
to capture Fort William Henry.
Greneral Webb, who was commander of the forces in that quarter, was at Fort Edward
with four thouifand men. He visited Fort William Henry under an escort of two hundred
men commanded by Major Putnam, and while there he sent that officer with eighteen
Rangers down the lake, to ascertain the position of the enemy on Champlain. They were
discovered to* be more numerous than was supposed, for the islands at the entrance of North-
west Bay were swarming Vith French and Indians. Putnam returned, and begged Gen-
eral Webb to let him go down with his Rangers in full force and attack them, but he was
allowed only to make another reconnoissance, and bring off two boats and their crews which
he lefl fishing. The enemy gave chase in canoes, and at times nearly surrounded them,
but they reached the fort in safety.
Webb caused Putnam to administer an oath of secrecy to his Rangers respecting the
proximity of the enemy, and then ordered him to escort him back immediately to Fort Ed-
ward. This order was so repugnant to Putnam, both as to its perfidy and unsoldierly char-
acter, that he ventured to remonstrate by saying, << I hope your excellency does not intend
to neglect so fair an opportunity of giving battle should the enemy presume to land." Webb
coolly and cowardly replied, <* What do you think we should do here ?*' The near approach
of the enemy was cruelly concealed from the garrison, and under his escort the general re-
turned to Fort Edward. The next day he sent Colonel Monroe with a regiment to re-en-
force and to take command of the garrison at Lake George.
Montcalm, with more than nine thousand men, and a powerfiil train of artillery, landed
^ Reported for the Gtntlemen'i Magazine, London^ 1755.
' This is asserted by Dr. Franklin in his Autobiography (Sparks's Life, 219), where he gives an anec-
dote illostrative of the character of London. Franklin had occasion to go to his office in New York, where
he met a Mr. Innis, who had brought dispatches from Philadelphia from Governor Denny, and was await-
ing his lordship's answer, promised the following day. A fortnight afterward he met Innis, and expressed
his surprise at his speedy return. But he had not yet gone, and averred that he had called at Loudon's
office every morning during the fortnight, but the letters were not yet ready. *^ Is it possible," said Frank
lin, " when he is so great a writer ? I see him constantly at his escritoire." " Yes," said InniS| *' but he
is like St. George on the signs, alway$ <m horseback, but never rides forward^
' The garrison and fort were saved by the vigilance of Lieutenant Stark, who, in the absence of Rogers,
had command of the Rangers, a large portion of which were Irishmen. On the evening of the 16& he
overheard some of these planning a celebration of St. Patrick's (the foilowmg day). He ordered the sutler
not to issue spirituous liquors the next day vrithout a written order. When applied to he pleaded a lame
wrist as an excuse for not writing, and his Rangers were kept sober. The Irish in the regular regiments
got drunk, as \xsM on such an occasion. Montcalm anticipated this, and planned his attack on the night
of St. Patrick's day. Stark, with his sober Rangers, gallantly defended and saved the fort.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. m
Mootcafan'fl lecoiid Attack cm Fort William Henry. Surrender of the Garrison. Perfidy of the French aoftd Indiana.
at the head of the lake, and beleaguered the garrison, consisting of less than three thousand
men/ He sent in proposals to Monroe for a surrender of the fort, urging his humane desire
to prevent the bloodshed which a stubborn resistance would assuredly cause. Monroe, con-
fidently expecting re-enforcements from Webb, reiused to listen to any such proposals. The
French then conmienced the siege, which lasted six consecutiye days, without much slaugh-
ter on either side. Expresses were frequently sent to General Webb in the mean while,
imploring aid, but he remained inactive and indifierent in his camp at Fort Edward. Gen-
eral Johnson was at last allowed to march, with Putnam and his Rangers, to the relief of
the beleaguered garrison ; but when about three miles from Fort Edward, Webb recalled
them, and sent a letter to Monroe, saying he could render him no assistance, and advising
him to surrender. This letter was intercepted by Montcalm, and gave him great joy, for
he had been informed by some Indians of the movements of the provincials under Johnson
and Putnam, who represented them to be as numerous as the leaves on the trees. Alarmed
at this, Montcalm was beginning to suspend the operations of the siege preparatory to a re-
treat, when the letter from the pusillanimous Webb fell into his hands. He at once sent it
in to Monroe, with proposals for an immediate surrender.
Monroe saw that his case was hopeless, for two of his cannon had bursted, and his ammu-
nition and stores were nearly exhausted. Articles of capitulation were agreed upon, and,
under promise of protection, the garrison marched out of the fort preparatory to being es-
corted to Fort Edward.*
The savages, two thousand warriors in number, were enraged at the terms of capitula-
tion, for they were induced to serve in this expedition by a promise of plunder.* This was
denied them, and they felt at liberty to throw off aU restraint. As soon as the last man
left the gate of the fort, they raised the hideoiis war-whoop, and fell upon the English with
the fary of demons. The massacre was indiscriminate and terrible, and the French were
idle spectators of the perfidy of their allies. They refused interference, withheld the prom-
ised escort, and the savages pursued the poor Britons with great slaughter, half way t<
Fort Edward.* Fifteen hundred of them were butchered or carried into hopeless captivity.
Montcalm utterly disclaimed all connivance, and declared his inability to prevent the mas-
sacre without ordering his men to fire upon the Indians. But it left a deep stain upon his
otherwise humane character, and the indignation excited by the event aroused the English
colonists to more united and vigorous action.
Montcalm burned and otherwise destroyed every thing connected with the forti- AnzoBt d,
fication. Major Putnam, who had be^i sent with his Rangerd from Fort Edward "^^'
to watch the movements of Montcalm, reached Lake George just as the rear of the enemy
left the shore, and truly awful was the scene there presented, as described by himself : " The
fort was entirely demolished ; the barracks, out-houses, and buildings were a heap of ruins ;
the cannon, stores, boats, and vessels were all carried away. The fires were still burning,
the smoke and stench ofiensive and sufl[bcating. Innumerable fragments, human skulls and
bones, and carcasses half consumed, were still frying and broiling in the decaying fires.
^ The place where Montcalm landed is a little north of the Lake House, at Caldwell, and aboat a mile
from the site of the fort.
* It. was stipulated, 1st. That the garrison should march oat with their arms and baggage ; 2d. Should
be escorted to Fort Edward by a detachment of French troops, and should not serve against the French for
a term of eighteen months ; 3d. The works and all the warlike stores should be delivered to the French ,
4th. That the sick and wounded of the garrison should remain under the protection of Montcalm, and should
be permitted to return as soon as they were recovered.
» Dr. Belknap.
* The defile through which the English retreated, and in which so many were slaughtered, is called the
Bloody Defile. It is a deep gorge between the road from Glenn's FaUs to Lake George and the high range
of hnis northward, called the French Mountain. In excavations for the plank road near the defile a large
noinber of skeletons were exhumed. I saw the skull of one, which was of an enormous size, at least one
third larger than any other human head I ever saw. The occipital portion exhibited a long fracture, evi*
dentty n^e fay a tomahawk.
Digitized by
Google
112 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Deatrnction of Fort WUliam Henry. Brilliant Expedition under Abercromble. Vidt to tiie RaioM of Fort George
Dead bodies, mangled with scalping-knives and tomahawks in all the wantonness of Indian
fierceness and barbarity, were every where to be seen. More than one hundred women,
butchered and shockingly mangled, lay upon the ground, still weltering in their gore. Dev-
astation, barbarity, and horror every where appeared, and the spectacle presented was too
diabolical and awful either to be endured or described/'
Fort William Henry was never rebuilt. Upon an eminenx>e about a mile southeast of it,
and half a mile from the lake. Fort Greorge was erected, but it was never a scene of very
stirring events. A little south of Fort George was a small fortification called Fort Gage,
so named in honor of General Gage, who served under Lord Amherst, and succeeded him in
the command of the forces in America in 1760, and was Governor of Massachusetts when
the Revolution broke out. Hardly a vestige of this fort can now be seen.
The English, under General Abercrombie and the young Lord Howe, quartered at Fort
George in 1758, preparatory to an attack upon the French posts upon Lake Champlain.
Seven thousand regulars and nine thousand provincial troops were there assembled, with a
one train of artillery and all necessary military stores, the largest and best-appointed army
yet seen in America. On the 5th of July they embarked on Lake George, on board nine
hundred bateaux and one hundred and thirty-five whale-boats, and the next day landed at
the foot of the lake and pushed on toward Ticonderoga. Of the events which befell them
there I shall hereafter write. Let us glance a moment at the present.
Toward evening the rain abated, and, accompanied by an old resident shoemaker as guide,
1 made a visit to the remains of the two English forts. The elder one (Fort William Henry)
stood directly upon the lake shore, on the west side of a clear mountain stream called West
Creek, the main inlet of Lake George. Nothing of it now remains but a few mounds and
shallow ditches, so leveled and filled that the form of the works can not be distinctly traced.
The road along the lake shore passes across the northeast and northwest angles, but the feat-
ures of the past are hardly tangible enough to attract the attention of a passer-by. A little
southwest of the fort, at the base of Rattlesnake or Prospect Hill, is a level clearing called
ihe French Field. It is the place where Dieskau halted and disposed his troops for action.
Many of the slain were buried there ; and I saw a rough-hewn stone at the head of a grave,
upon which was inscribed, in rude characters, "Jacques Cortois, 1755."
Fort George, the remains of which are scattered over several acres, was situated about a
mile southeast from William Henry, upon an eminence gently sloping back from the lake.
The dark limestone or black marble, such as is found at Glenn*s Falls, here every where
approaching near the surface or protruding above, formed a solid foundation, and supplied
ample materials for a fortress. A quadrangular citadel, or sort of castle, was built within
the lines of breast-works, and the ruins of this constitute all that is left of the old fort. I
observed vestiges of the foundations of the barracks and other buildings ; and the quarries
whence materialb were taken for the buildings and ramparts seem almost as fresh as if just
opened. The wall of the citadel, on the east-
em side (the left of the picture), is now about
twenty feet high. Within the ancient area
of the fort there is just sufficient earth to nour-
ish a thick growth of dark juniper bushes,
which, with the black rocks and crumbhng
masonry, presented a somber aspect. Both
forts commanded a fine view of the lake for
ten miles north.
The indications of fair weather which lured
me out suddenly disappeared, and before I
reached the Lake House the heavy clouds
that came rolling up from the south poured ruu,8 of thi citadel op Fobt Georoe.
down their contents copiously. Dark masses
of vapor hovered upon the mountains that begirt the lake, and about sunset the tops of all
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION
113
Storm upon Lake Qeorge.
ArriTals from Ticondero^
Deputore from CaldweB.
were buried in the driving mists. We seemed to be completely shut up within mighty
prison walls, and early in the evening vivid lightning and heavy thunder-peals contributed
to produce a scene of singular grandeur and awe. In the midst of the elemental strife the
steam-boat arrived with passengers from Ticondeiroga, and those pleasure seekers who came
in her, bedraggled and weary, were capital studies for an artistic Jeremiah in search of lam-
entations personified. But an excellent supper, ii^ dry quarters, soon brought the sunshine
of gladness to every face, and before ten o'clock more than half the new-comers were among
the liveliest in quadrille, cotillion, waltz, or gallopade.
I arose the next morning at four. The scene firom my chamber window was one of quiet
beauty. The sky was cloudless, and the lake, without a ripple, was spread out before me,
" A glorious mirror of the Almighty's form."
The east was all glowing with the soft radiance of approaching sunlight, giving a deeper
gray to the lofty hills that intervened, and every tree was musical with the morning song
of the birds.
*' The south wind was like a gentle friend,
Parting the hair so softly on my brow.
It had come o'er the gardens, and the flowers
That kissed it were betrayed ; for as it parted
With its invisible Angers my loose hair,
I knew it had been trifling with the rose
And stooping to the violet. There is joy
For all God's creatures in it."
Willis.
Wt^^
•-s^
From the piazza of the Lake
House, fronting the water, a compre-
hensive view of the historic grounds
In the vicinage may be seen, as delin-
eated in the picture. In the extreme
distance on the left is the range of the
French Mountain, and on the right
is Rattlesnake Hill (one thousand
five hundred feet high), with other lofty elevations, heavily wooded to
their very summits. By the trees on the shore, in the center of the
picture, is the site of Fort William Henry ; and further on the left, and
directly over the flag-staff] is the site of Fort George.
We left this fine summer resort in the steam-boat William Caldwell,
"^ • ^ at eight in the morning. The air was clear and cool, the company agree-
able, and the voyage down the lake delightful. The mountain shores, the deep bays, and
the numerous islands (said to be three hundred and sixty-five, the number of days in the
year) present a constant variety, and all that the eye takes in on every side is one vision of
beauty. I procured a seat in the pilot's room alofl, whence I had a broad view of the whole
ever-changing panorama of the lake in the course of the voyage.
The first island which we passed, of any considerable size, was Diamond Ibland,' Ijdng
1 This name
jpoB it. In
I giTen it on acoonnt of the number and beauty of the quartz crystals whioh are found
and brilliancy they resemble pure diamonds.
H
Digitized by
Google
1 14
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Diamond Island.
Snccesaful Expedition under Colonel Brown.
Long Point, Dome Island, and the NanowsL
directly in front of D^ham's Bay. Here was a depot of military stores for Burgoyne's
army in 1777, and tl^e scene of a sharp conflict between the small garrison that defended
it and a detachment at Americans under Colonel Brown. Between ^the actions of the 19 th
of September and 7th of October at Semis's Heights, Greneral Lincoln, with a body of New
England militia, got in the rear of Burgoyne near Lake Champlain. He sent Colonel Brown,
with a strong division to attempt the recapture of Ticonderoga and the posts in the vicinity,
and thus to cut ofl* the retreat of the British as well as their supplies. It was a service
September 8S, exactly suitcd to Brown's active and energetic character, and, by a rapid and
1777. stealthy movement on a stormy night, he surprised and captured all the Brit-
ish outposts between the landing-place at the north end of Lake Greorge and the main for-
tress at Ticonderoga. Mount Hope, Mount Defiance, the French lines, and a block-house,
with an armed sloop, two hundred bateaux, and several gun-boats, fell into his hands. He
also captured two hundred and ninety-three prisoners, and released one hundred Americans ;
and, among other things, he retook the old Continental standard which St. Clair left at Ti-
conderoga when he evacuated that post. He then attacked the fortress, but its walls were
impregnable, and he withdrew:
Flushed with success. Colonel Brown determined to sweep Lake George, and in the ves-
sels they had captured the Americans proceeded to Diamond Island. The little garrison
there made a vigoroui resistance, and the republicans were repulsed with some loss. They
then pushed for the shore on the south side of Dunham's Bay, where they burned all the
vessels they had captured, and returned to Lincoln's camp.
A little north of Diamond Island is Long Island, which lies directly in front of Long
LoNo Point awd ViciifiTY.*
Point, a narrow, fertile strip of land that projects far into the lake from the eastern shore.
The estuary between the north side of the point and the mountains is Harris's Bay, the
place where Montcalm moored his bateaux and landed on the 16th of March, 1757.
About twelve miles from Caldwell, in the center of the lake, is Dome Island, which, at
the distance of two or three miles, has the appearance of the upper portion of a large dome,
with an arch as regular as if made by art. This island was the shelter for Putnam's men
whom he left in the two boats while he informed General Webb of the presence of the French
and Indians upon the two islands near the entrance of Northwest Bay, and nearly in front
of the landing-place at Bolton, on the western shore.
Shelving Rock, a lofty clifl* on the eastern shore, and Tongue Mountain, a bold, rocky
promontory on the west, flank the entrance to the Narrows, where the islands are so numer-
ous, varying in size from a few rods to an acre, that there is only a very narrow channel for
a steam-boat to pass through. A little north of Shelving Rock is the Black Mountain, its
summit twenty-two hundred feet high, thickly covered with the dark spruce, and its sides
robed with the cedar, fir, pine, and tamarac. There the wild deer, the bear, and the cata-
mount have free range, for the hunter seldom toils up its weary ascent.
^ This little sketch was taken from the steam-boat, near the south end of Long Island, whioh appears in
the foreground. Long Point is seen in the center, and on the right are Dunham's Bay and the northern
extremity of the French Mountain. The highest peak on the left is Deer Pasture, or Bqok Mountain
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
115
Sabbath Day Point
Skinnisb in 1756.
Halt of Abercrombie'a Army.
Splendid Appearance of the ArmamenL
Sabbath Day Point.
A few miles beyond the entrance to the Narrows, on the western shore, is another fertile
strip of land projecting into the lake, called Sab
bath Day Point. It is between three and four
miles from the little village of Hague, in the
midst of the most picturesque scenery imagina-
ble. Here, in 1766, a small provincial force,
pressed by a party of French and Indians, and
unable to escape across the lake, made a des-
perate resistance, and defeated the enemy with
considerable slaughter. Here, in the summer of 1758, General Abercrombie, with his fine
army, already noticed as having / ""^^
embarked in bateaux and whale- .^ " ' ^^?^- t ^ W 'm
boats at the head of the lake, j^^ rtco*^^^^\7^ f 'j
landed for refreshments. It was
just at dark, on a sultry Saturday
July 5, evening, when the troops
1758. debarked and spread over
the beautiful cape for a few hours'
repose. The young Lord Howe,
the well-beloved of both officers
and soldiers, was there, and call-
ed around him* in serious consul-
tation, some of the bravest of the
youthful partisans who accom-
panied the expedition. €aptain
Stark (the K evolutionary gener-
al) was invited to sup with him ;
and long and anxious were the
inquiries the young nobleman
made respecting the fortress of
Ticonderoga and its outposts,
which they were about to assail,
as if a presentiment of personal
disaster possessed his mind.
It was after midnight when
the whole armament moved slow-
ly^down the lake, and it was late on the Sabbath morning before they reached the landing-
place at the foot of it.* The scene exhibited by this strong and well-armed force of sixteen
thousand men was very imposing. " The order of march," says Major Rogers, « exhibited
a splendid military show." Howe, in a large boat, led the van of the flotilla. He was
accompanied by a guard of Rangers and boatmen. The regular troops occupied the center
and the provincials the wings. The sky was clear and starry, and not a breeze ruffled the
dark waters as they slept quietly in the shadows of the mountains. Their oars were muf-
Lake Gborob and part op Lake Champlaiic^
^Explanation of the references: 1. Fort Ticonderoga. 2. Fort Howe. 3. Meant Defiance. 4.
Mount Independence. 5. Village of Alexandria. 7. Black Point. 8. Juniper Island. 9. Anthony's
Nose. 10. McDonald's Bay. 11. Rogers's retreat on the ice to Fort William Henry. 12. Cook's Isl-
ands. 13. SccCch Bonnet. 14. Odell Island. 15. Buck Mountain and RaUlesnake Dens. 16. Shelv-
ing Rock. 17. Phelps's Point. 18. Long Point. 19. Long Island. 20. Dome Island. 21. Diamond
[slaod. 22. Dunham's Bay. 23. Harris's Bay. 24. The route of Dieskau from Skenesborough to Fort
William Henry.
* It being early on Sunday morning when the army left the point, General Abercrombis named the place
Sabbath Day Point. The little sketch here given was taken from the steam-boat, half a mile above, look
iiog northeast.
Digitized by
Google
1 16
PICTORIAL FIELD. BOOK
Skinnish at Sabbath Daj Point, 1776.
Rogers's Slide.
Narrow Escape of BIfjor Rogers.
Prisoners* Island.
fled ; and so silently did they move on in the darkness, that not a scout upon the hills ob-
served them. Day dawned just as they were abreast of the Blue Mountain, four miles
from the landing-place ; and the first intimation which the outposts of the enemy, stationed
there, had of the approach of the English was the full blaze of red uniforms which burst
upon their sight as the British army swept around a point and prepared to land.
At Sabbath Day Point a party of American militia of Saratoga county had a severe bat-
tle with Tories and Indians in 1776. Both were scouting parties, and came upon each
other unexpectedly. The Americans repulsed the enemy, and killed and wounded about
forty. There are now a few buildings upon the point, and the more peaceful heroism of
the culturist, in conflict with the unkindness of nature, is beautifying and enriching it.
On the western shore of the lake, three miles northward of the little village of Hague, is
Rogers's Rock, or Rogers's Slide. The lake
-^ is here quite narrow, and huge masses of rocks,
some a hundred feet high, are piled in wild
,'—*-..-. '-^, confusion on every side. The whole height
of Rogers's Rock is about four hundred feet,
and the ** slide," almost a smooth surface, with
a descent on an angle of about twenty-five
degrees from meridian, is two hundred feet.
This hill derives its name from the fact, that
from its summit Major Rogers, commander of
a corps of Rangers, escaped from Indian pur-
suers.* With a small party who were recon-
noitering at the outlet of the lake, in the win
ter of 1758, he was surprised and put to Eight by a band of Indians. He was equipped
with snow-shoes, and eluded pursuit until he came to the summit of the mountain. Aware
that they would foUow his track, he descended to the top of the smooth rock, and, casting
his knapsack and his haversack of provisions down upon the ice, slipped ofi* his snow-shoes,
and, without moving them, turned himself about and put them on his feet again. He then
retreated along the southern brow of the rock several rods, and down a ravine he made his
way safely to the lakq below, snatched up his pack, and fled on the ice to Fort George.
The Indians, in the mean while, coming to the spot, saw the two tracks, both apparently
approaching the precipice, and concluded that two persons had cast themselves down the
rock rather than fall into their hands. Just then they saw the bold leader of the Rangers
making his way across the ice, and believing that he had slid down the steep face of the
rock, considered him (as did the Indians Major Putnam at Fort Miller) under the special
protection of the Great Spirit, and made no attempt at pursuit.'
In consequence of a detention at Bolton, we did not reach the landing-place at the outlet
of the lake until noon. Within a mile of the landing is a small island covered with shrub-
bery, called Prisoners* Island, where the French, in the Seven Years' War, kept their En-
glish captives who were taken in that vicinity. The first party confined there easily es-
ROOBRS'8 Rocx.1
' This sketch is from the lake, a little south of Cook^s Point, seen just over the boat on the left. Imme-
diately beyond is seen the smooth rock. Nearly opposite the ^^ slide*' is Anthony's Nose, a high, rocky
promontory, having the appearance of a human nose in shape when viewed from a particular point.
' Major Rogers was the son of an Irishman, who was an early settler of Dumbarton, in New Hampshire.
He was appointed to the command of a party of Rangers in 1755, and with them did signal service to the
British cause. In 1759 he was sent by Greneral Amherst from Crown Point to destroy the Indian village
of St. Francis. He afterward served in the Cherokee war. In 1766 he was appointed governor of MiohiUi.
roackinac. He was accused of constructive treason, and was sent in irons to Montreal for trial. In 1769
he went to England, was presented to the king, but soon afterward was imprisoned for debt. He retumeit
to America, and in the Revolution took up arms for the king. In 1777 he returned to England, where he
died. His name was on the proscription list of Tories included in the act of New Hampshire against them,
in 1778. His journal of the Frencli War, first published at London in 1765, was republished at Conooid
in 1831.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. I17
Deburknioii of British Troops. A pleasant traTeling Companion. Trip from Lake Georgt to Ticonderoga.
caped, in consequence of the carelessnesB of the victors in not ascertaining the depth of the
water, which on one side is fordable. A small guard was left in charge of them, and, as
soon as the main body of the French had retreated, the English prisoners loaded from the
island and escaped.
Directly west of this island is Howe's Landing, the place where Lord Howe with the
van-guard of Abercrombie's army first landed, the outlet, a mile below, being in possession
of the enemy. The whole British force debarked here on the morning after leaving Sab-
bath Day Point, and before noon the Rangers under Rogers and Stark were pushing j„, ^
forward toward Ticonderoga, as a flank or advance-guard to clear the woods, while ^'^^*
the main army pressed onward.
The distance from the steam-boat landing to Fort Ticonderoga is four miles. We found
vehicles in abundance awaiting our arrival, and prepared to carry passengers with all their
baggage, from a clean dickey only to a four-feet trunk, for twenty-five cents each. ' I suc-
ceeded in securing my favorite 'seat on a pleasant day, the coachman's perch. At the Lake
House we became acquainted with a young lady from the vicinity of the lofty Catskills,
whose love of travel and appreciation of nature made her an enthusiast, and one of the most
agreeable companions imaginable. She fairly reveled in the beauties of Lake Greorge, not
exhibited in the simpering lip-sentimentality, borrowed from the novelist, which so often
annoys the sensible man when in the midst of mere fashionable tourists, but in hearty, in-
telligent, and soul-stirring emotions of pleasure, which lie far deeper in the heart than mor-
tal influence can fathom, and which gleam out in every lineament of the face. While others
were afiraid of spoiling their complexions in the sun, or of crumpling their smooth dresses or
fine bonnets, she bade defiance to dust and crowds, for her brown linen << sack," with its
capacious pockets for a guide-book and other accessories, and her plain sun-bonnet gave her
no uneasiness ; and her merry laughter, which awoke ringing echoes along the hills as she,
too, mounted the coachman's seat to enjoy the fresh air and pleasant landscape, was the
very soul of pleasure. We rambled with herself and brother that aflemoon over the ruins
of Ticonderoga, and at evening parted company. We hope her voyage of life may be as
pleasant and joyous as those few hours which she spent that day, where,
" In the deepest core
or the free wilderness, a crystal sheet
Expands its mirror to the trees that crowd
Its mountain borders."
The road from the foot of Lake Greorge to Fort " Ty" is hilly, but the varied scenery
makes the ride a pleasant one. We crossed the outlet of the lake twice ; first at the Upper
Falls, where stands the dilapidated village of Alexandria, its industrial energies weighed
down, I was told, by the narrow policy of a " lord of the manor" residing in London, who
owns the fee of all the land and of the water privileges, and will not sell, or give long leases.
The good people of the place pray for his life to be a short and a happy one — a very gener-
ous supplication. From the high ground near the viUage a fine prospect opened on the east-
ward ; and suddenly, as if a curtain had been removed, the cultivated farms and pleasant
villages of Vermont along the lake shore, and the blue line of the Green Mountains in the
far distance, were spread out before us.
The second or Lower Falls is half way between the two lakes, and here the thriving vil-
lage of Ticonderoga is situated. A bridge and a saw-mill were there many years before the
Revolution ; and this is the spot where Lord Howe, at the head of his column, crossed the
stream and pushed forward through the woods toward the French lines, a mile and a quarter
beyond. We arrived at the Pavilion near the fort at one o'clock, dined, and with a small
party set ofi" immediately to view the interesting ruins of one of the most noted fortresses in
America. Before noticing its present condition and appearance, let us glance at its past
history.
Ticonderoga is a corruption of Cheonderoga, an Iroquois word, signifying Sounding wa
Digitized by
Google
1 18 l^ICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
TopographjofTiconderoga. The Fortress. Its InTestment by Abercromble. BrsTery of Lord How&
fers, and was applied by the Indians to the rushing waters of the outlet of Lake George at
the falls. The French, who first built a fort at Crown Point (Fort St. Frederic), estab-
lished themselves upon this peninsula in 1755, and thernext year they began the erection
of a strong fortress, which they called Fort Carillon,^ The Indian name was generally
applied to it, and by that only was it known from
the close of the French and Indian war in 1763.'
The peninsula is elevated more than one himd-
red feet above the lake, and contains about five
hundred acres. Nature and art made it a strong
place. Water was upon three sides, and a deep
swamp extended nearly across the fourth. Within
a mile north of the fortress intrenchments were
thrown up, the remains of which may still be seen
at each side of the road, and are known as the
French lines. The whole defenses were completed
by the erection of a breast- work nine feet high, upon
the narrowest part of the neck between the swamp
and the outlet of Lake George ; and before the
breast-work was a strong abatis.
Here, as I have already mentioned, was the
general rendezvous of the French under Montcalm, Obouitd Plak.
Aueurt 3; preparatory to the attack on Fort William Henry. It continued to be the head-
1757. quarters of that general until Quebec was threatened by an expedition under Wolfe,
up the St. Lawrence, when he abandoned the posts on Lake Champlain, and mustered
all his forces at the capital of Lower Canada.
Montcalm commanded a force of four thousand men at Ticonderoga when Abercrombie
July 6, approached, and was in daily expectation of receiving a re-enforcement of three thou-
i7da gajj(i troops under M. de Levi. The English commander was advised of this ex-
pected re-enforcement of the garrison, and felt the necessity of making an immediate attack
upon the works. His army moved forward in three columns ; but so dense was the forest
that covered the whole country, that their progress was slow. They were also deficient in
suitable guides, and in a short time were thrown into a great deal of confusion. They pressed
steadily forward, and^the advanced post of the French (a breast-work of logs) was set fire to
by the enemy themselves and abandoned. Lord Howe, who was Abercrombie*s lieutenant,
or second in command, led the advanced column ; and as they pressed onward after crossing
the bridge, Major Putnam, with about one hundred men, advanced as a scouting party to
reconnoiter. Lord Howe, eager to make the first attack, proposed to accompany Putnam,
but the major tried to dissuade him, by saying, « My lord, if I am killed the loss of my life
will be of little consequence, but the preservation of yours is of infinite importance to this
army." The answer was, *< Putnam, your life is as dear to you as mine is to me. I am
determined to go.'" They dashed on through the woods, and in a few minutes fell in with
the advanced guard of the French, who had retreated from the first breast- works, and, with-
out a guide and bewildered, were endeavoring to find their way back to the lines. A sharp
skirmish ensued, and at the first fire Lord Howe, another officer, and several privates were
^ This is a French word, signifying chime, jingling, noise, bawling, scolding, racket, clatter, riot.—
B.^yer. Its application to this spot had the same reference to the rush of waters as the Indian name Che^
onderoga.
' This fortress was strongly built. Its walls and barracks were of limestone, and every thing about it
was done in the most substantial manner.
Explanation of the ground plan : a, entrance and wicket gate ; 6, counterscarp twenty feet wide ; c c,
bastions j d, under-ground room and ovens ; e « e e, barracks and officers* quarters ; /, court or parade-
ground ; g g, trench or covert-way, sixteen feet wide and ten feet deep ; k, the place where Ethan AUes
and his men entered by a covert-way from the outside.
' Humphrey's Life of Putnam.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 119
Fight with tfaa French, and Death of Howe. Attack on Ticonderoga, and Defeat of the English. Other Expedittou
killed.' The French were repulsed with a loss of three hundred killed and one hundred
and forty-eight taken prisoners. The English columns wer» so much broken, confused, and
fatigued, that Abercrombie marched them back to the landing-place on Lake George, to
bivouac for the night. Early the next morning Colonel Bradstr^t advanced and took pos-
session of the saw-mills, near the present village of Ticonderoga, which Ihe enemy had
abandoned.
Abercrombie sent an engineer to reconnoiter, and on his reporting that the works were
nnfinished and might easily be taken, the British troops were again put in motion toward
the fortress. As they approached the lines, the French, who were completely shel- j^^^ ^
tered behind their breast-works, opened a heavy discharge of artillery upon them, but ^^^*
they pressed steadily forward in the face of the storm, determined to assault the works, and
endeavor to carry them by sword and bayonet. They found them so well defended by a
deep abatis, that it was almost impossible to reach them ; yet, amid the galling fire of the
enemy, the English continued for four hours striving to cut their way through the limbs and
bushes to the breast-works with their swords. Some did, indeed, mount the parapet, but
in a moment they were slain. Scores of Britons were mowed down at every discharge of
cannon. Perceiving the rapid reduction of his army, Abercrombie at last sounded a retreat ,
and, without being pursued by the French, the English fell back to their encampment at the
foot of Lake Greorge, from which the wounded were sent to Fort Edward and to Albany
The English loss was nearly two thousand men and twenty-five hundred stand of arms.
Never did troops show bolder courage or more obstinate persistence against fearful obstacles.
The whole army seemed emulous to excel, but the Scotch Highland regiment of Lord John
Murray was foremost in the conflict, and sufiered the severest loss. One half of the privates
and twenty-five officers were slain on the spot or badly wounded. Failing in this attempt,
Abercrombie changed his plans. He dispatched General Stanwix to build a fort near the
head-waters of the Mohawk, at the site of the present village of Rome, Oneida county.
Colonel Bradstreet, at his own urgent solicitation, was ordered, with three thousand troops,
mostly provincials, to proceed by the way of Oswego and Lake Ontario, to attack Fort Fron-
tenac, where Kingston, in Upper Canada, now stands ; and himself, with the rest of the
army, returned to Albany.'
While misfortunes were attending the English under the immediate command of Aber*
cromhie, and the power and influence of the French were gaining strength on the lake, a
British force was closely beleaguering Louisburg, on the Island of Cape Breton, at the mouth
of the St. Lawrence, then the strongest fortification in America, and the rallying point
of French power on this Continent. Early in 1758 Admiral Boscawen sailed from
' George, Lord-visconnt Howe, was the eldest son of Sir £. Scrope, second Yisconnt Howe in Ireland.
He commanded five thousand British troops which landed at Halilax in 1757, and, as we have seen, the
next year accompanied General Abercrombie against Ticonderoga. AUading to his death, Mante ob-
senres, ** With him the socd of the army seemed to expire.'' He was the idol of his soldiers, and, in order
to accommodate himself and his regiment to the nature of the service, he cut his hair short, and fashioned
his clothes for activity. His troops followed his example, and they were, indeed, the soul of Aberorombie's
army. He was in the thirty-fourth year of his age when he fell. The General Court of Massachusetts
Bay, as a testimony of respect for his character, appropriated two hundred and fifty pounds sterling for the
erection of a monument in Westminster Abbey.
Captain (afterward general) Philip Schuyler, who was highly esteemed by Lord Howe, and who at that
time was employed in the commissary department, was commissioned to carry the young nobleman's re«
mains to Albany and bury them with appropriate honors. They were pkiced in a vault, and I was in-
formed by a danghter of General Schuyler (Mrs. Cochran, of Oswego) that when, many yeais afterward,
the coffin was opened, his hair had grown to long, flowing locks, and was very beautiful.
* General James Abercrombie was descended from a wealthy Scotch family, and, in consequence ol
signal services on the Continent, was promoted to the rank of major general. In 1758 fifty thousand troops
were placed under his command by Mr. Pitt, and sent with him to America to attempt a recovery of all
that the French had taken from the English. He was the successor of Lord Loudon, but was not much
soperior to the earl in activity or military skill. He was superseded by Amherst after his defeat at Tiooiv
derogm, and in the spring of 1759 he returned to England.
Digitized by
Google
120 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Stege and Captare of Looltbnrg. Preparationa for the Conquest of Canada. Capture of TIconderoga and Crown Point
Halifax, Acadia/ with forty armed vesselB, bearing a land force bf twelve thousand men
under General Amherst. General Wolfe was second in conmiand ; and in appointing that
young soldier to a post so important, Pitt showed that sagacity in correctly appreciating
character for which he was so remarkable.
On the 2d of June the fleet anchored in Gabarus Bay, and the whole armament reached
the shore on the 8th. The French, alarmed at such a formidable force, called in their out-
posts, dismantled the royal battery, and prepared for a retreat. But the vigilance and act-
ivity of Wolfe prevented their escape. He passed around the Northeast Harbor,
and erected a battery at the North Cape, from which well-directed shots soon si-
lenced the guns of the smaller batteries upon the island. Hot shots were also poured
into the small fleet of French vessels Ijing in the harbor of Louisburg, and three
of them were burned. The town was greatly shattered by the active artillery ; the vessels
which were not consumed were dismantled or sunken ; and several breaches were
^^ ' made in the massive walls. Certain destruction awaited the garrison and citizens,
and at last the fortress, together with the town and St. John's (now Prince Ed-
" ^ ward's) Island, was surrendered into the hands of the English by capitulation.
The skill, bravery, and activity of General Amherst, exhibited in the capture of Louis-
burg, gained him a vote of thaiiks from Parliament, and commended him to Pitt, who, the
next year, appointed him to the chief command in America, in place of the loss active Aber-
crombie. So much did Pitt rely upon his judgment and ability, that he clothed him with
discretionary powers to take measures to make the complete conquest of all Canada in a
single campaign. His plans were arranged upon a magnificent scale. Appreciating the
services of Wolfe, one expedition was placed under his command, to ascend the St. Lawrence
and attack Quebec. General Prideaux was sent with another expedition to capture the
strong-hold of Niagara, while Amherst himself took personal command of a third expedition
against the fortress on Lake Champlain. It was arranged for the three armies to form a
junction as conquerors at Quebec. Prideaux, afler capturing the fort at Niagara, was to
proceed down the lake and St. Lawrence to attack Montreal and the posts below, and Am-
herst was to push forward after the capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, down the
Richelieu or Sorel River to the St. Lawrence, and join with Wolfe at Quebec.
Amherst collected about eleven thousand men at Fort Edward and its vicinity, and,
moving cautiously along Lake Champlain, crossed the outlet of Lake George, and appeared
before Ticonderoga on the 26th of July. He met with no impediments by the way,
and at once made preparations for reducing the fortress by a regular siege. The gar-
rison were strong, and evinced a disposition to make a vigorous resistance. They soon dis-
covered, however, that they had not Abercrombie to deal with, and, despairing of being
able to hold out against the advancing English, they dismantled and abandoned the fort,
and fled to Crown Point. Not a gun was fired or a sword crossed ; and the next day Am-
herst marched in and took possession of the fort. He at once set about repairing and en-
larging it, and also arranging an expedition against the enemy at Crown Point, when, to
his astonishment, he learned from his scouts that they had abandoned that post also, and
fled down the lake to Isle Aux Noix in the Richelieu or Sorel. Of his operations in that
direction I shall hereafter write.
* Acadia was the ancient name of the whole country now comprehended within the bomidariet of N^^vs
Scotia, or New Scotland.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
121
Tkonderoga and its Associationa.
Visit to the Rnint of the Fort
A living Soldier of tho RevolutioD
CHAPTER VI.
*' Vm not romantic, but, npon my word,
There are some moments when one can't help feeling
As if his heart's chords were so strongly stirred
By things around him, that 'tis vain concealing
A little music in his soul still lingers,
Whene'er the keys are touched by Nature's fingers."
C. F. HOFPMAK.
ATURE always finds a chord of sympathy in the human heart harmoni-
ously respondent to her own sweet music ; and when her mute but elo-
quent language weaves in with its teachings associations of the past, or
when, in the midst of her beauties, some crumbling monument of history
standi hoary and oracular, stoicism loses its potency, and the bosom of
the veriest churl is opened to the genial warmth of the sun of sentiment.
' Broken arches and ruined ramparts are always eloquent and suggestive
of valiant deeds, even where their special teachings are not comprehend-
ed ; but manifold greater are the impressions which they make when the
patriotism we adore has hallowed them. To impressions like these the American heart is
plastic while tarrying among the ruins of Ticonderoga, for there the first trophy of our war
for independence was won, and there a soldier of the British realm first stooped a prisonei
to the aroused colonists, driven to rebellion by unnatural oppression.
A glimpse from the coach, of the gray old ruins of the fortress of " Ty," as we neared the
Pavilion, made us impatient as children to be among them. Our own curiosity was shared
by a few others, and a small party of us led early and ascended the breast-works, over scat-
tered fragments of the walls, and eagerly sought out the most interesting localities, by the aid
of a small plan of the fort which I had copied for the occasion. Without a competent guide,
our identifications were not very reliable, and our opinions were as numerous and diverse as
the members of our party. We were about to send to the Pavilion for a guide and umpire,
when a venerable, white-haired man, supported by a rude stafi*, and bearing the insignia of
the " Order of Poverty," came out from the ruins of the northern line of barracks, and offered
hia services in elucidating the confused subject before us. He was kind and intelligent, and
I lingered with him among the ruins long after the rest of the party had left, and listened
with pleasure and profit to the relation of his personal experience, and of his familiar knowl-
edge of the scene around us.
Isaac Rice was the name of our octogenarian guide, whose form and features, presented upon
the next page, I sketched for preservation.' Like scores of those who fought our battles for
fireedom, and lived the allotted term of human life, he is left in his evening twilight to depend
upon the cold friendship of the world for sustenance, and to feel the practical ingratitude of a
people reveling in the enjoyment which his privations in early manhood contributed to secure
He performed garrison duty at Ticonderoga under St. Clair, was in the field at Saratoga
in 1777, and served a regular term in the army ; but, in consequence of some lack of doc-
' Mr. Rice sat down in the cool shadow of the gable of the western line of barracks while I sketched his
person and the scenery in the distance. He is leaning against the waU, within a few feet of the entranc*
of the covert-way to the parade-ground, throagh which Allen and his men penetrated. In the middle
ground is seen the wall of the ramparts, and beyond is the lake sweeping around the western extremity of
Mount Independence, on the left beyond the steam-boat. For a correct apprehension of the relative posi-
tion of Mount Independence to Ticonderoga, the reader is referred to the map, ante page 115.
Digitized by
Google
122
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
[bug Rice.
Position of Aflfain in the CoIodIm at tho beginning of 1775.
Secret Agent aent to Canada.
rr
--^<\
uments or some technical error, he lost his legal title to a pension, and at eighty-five years
of age that feeble old
soldier was obtaining a
precarious support for
himself from the free-
will ofierings of visitors
to the ruins of the for-
tress where he was gar-
risoned when it stood in
the pride of its strength,
before Burgoyne scaled
the heights of Mount
Defiance. He is now
alone, his family and
kindred having all gone
down into the grave.
His elder brother, and
the last of his race, who
died in 1838, was one
of the little band who,
under Colonel Ethan
Allen, surprised and
captured Fort Ticon-
deroga in the spring of
1775. We will con-
sider that event and
its consequences before
further examining the
old ruins around us.
The contempt with
which the loyal and
respectful addresses of
the first Continental
Congress of 1774 were treated by the
British
liament ;
the government early in 1775, to coerce ^ ^ ors, convinced
the colonists into submission, and tho CKy^A^^ y( Y the Americans
methodical tyranny of Greneral Gage / r'^ • that an appeal
to arms was inevitable. They were convinced, also, that the province of Quebec, or Can-
ada, would remain loyal,' and that there would be a place of rendezvous for British troops
when the colonies should unite in open and avowed rebellion. The strong fortresses of Ti-
conderoga and Crown Point formed the key of all communication between New York and
Canada, a^d the vigilant patriots of Massachusetts, then the very hot-bed of rebellion, early
perceived the necessity of securing these posts the moment hostilities should commence.
Early in March, Samuel Adams and Joseph Warren, members of the Committee of Corre-
spondence of Boston, sent a secret agent into Canada to ascertain the opinions and temper
of the people of that province concerning the great questions at issue and the momentous
at Boston, and
as 01 1774 were treated oy tne vr; at Jsoston, ana
ministry and a majority in Pax- /r^^Z^C^ j//A > ^e^^-^ ^^ other colo-
t ; the harsh measures adopted by ^ €/yr^Z>^ q/ L-^"'^ jijjJ govem-
^ Oa the 26th of October, 1774, the Congress adopted an address to the people of Canada, recounting
the grievances the American colonies suffered at the hands of the parent countiy, and including that province
in the category of the oppressed, urging them to affiliate in a common resistance. But its Legislative As-
sembly made nc response, and Congress construed their silence into a negative. — Joumalt of Congress^ i., 55
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 123
Beport of the secret Agent Pla& formed in Connectieat to Oapton Tlconderog«. Expedition under Ethan Allen.
events then pending. After a diligent but cautious perfonnanoe of his delicate task, the
agent sent word to them from Montreal that the people were, at best, lukewarm, and ad-
vised that, the moment hostilities commenced, Ticonderoga and its garrison should be seized.
This advice was coupled with the positive assertion that the people of the New Hampshire
Grants were ready to undertake the bold enterprise.^
Within three weeks afler this information was received by Adams and Warren, the bat-
tle of Lexington occurred. The event aroused the whole country, and the patriots j^^ jg
flocked to the neighborhood of Boston from all quarters. The provincial Assembly ^^^
of Connecticut was then in session, and several of its members* concerted and agreed upon
a plan to seize the munitions of war at Ticonderoga, for the use of the army gathering at
Cambridge and Roxbury. They appointed Edward Mott and Noah Phelps a committee
to proceed to the frontier towns, ascertain the condition of the fort and the strength of the
garrison, and, if they thought it expedient, to raise men and attempt the surprise and cap-
ture of the post. One thousand dollars were advanced frx)m the provincial treasury to pay
the expenses of the expedition.
The whole plan and proceedings were of a private character, without the public sanction
of the Assembly, but with its full knowledge and tacit approbation. Mott and Phelps col-
lected sixteen men as they passed through Connecticut ; and at Pittsfield, Massachusetts,
they laid their plans before Colonel Easton and John Brown (the latter was afterward the
Colonel Brown whose exploits on Lake George have been noticed), who agreed to join them.
Colonel Easton enlisted volunteers from his regiment of militia as he passed through the
country, and about forty had been engaged when he reached Bennington. There Colonel
Ethan Allen, a man of strong mind, vigorous frame, upright in all his ways, fearless in the
discharge of his duty, and a zealous patriot, joined the expetdition with his Green Mount-
ain Boys, and the whole party, two hundred and seventy men, reached Castleton, fourteen
miles east of Skenesborough, or Whitehall, at dusk on the 7th of May. A council of war
was immediately held, and Allen was appointed commander of the expedition. Colonel
James Easton, second in command, and Seth Warner, third. It was arranged that Allen
and the principal officers, with the main body, should march to Shoreham, opposite Ticon-
deroga ; that Captain Herrick, with thirty men, should push on to Skenesborough, and cap-
ture the young Major Skene (son of the governor, who was then in England), confine his
people, and, seizing all the boats they might find there, hasten to join Allen at Shoreham ;
' By the grant of Charles II. to his brother James, duke of York, the tract in America called New Tork
was boanded on the east by the Connecticut River, while the charters of Massachusetts and Connecticut
gave those provinces a westward extent to the " South Sea" or the Pacific Ocean. When, toward the
oiiddle of the last century, settlements began to be made westward of the Connecticut River, disputes
arose, and the line between Connecticut and New Tork was finally drawn, by mutuad agreement, twenty
miles east d the Hudson. Massachusetts claimed a continuation of the Connecticut line as its western
boundary, but New Tork contested the claim as interfering with prior grants to that colony. New Hamp
shire, lying north of Massachusetts, was not as yet disturbed by these disputes, for the country west of the
Green Mountains was a wilderness, and had never been surveyed. When Benning Wentworth was made
Governor of New Hampshire, he was authorized to issue patents for unimproved lands within his province,
and in 1749 applications were made to him for grants beyond the mountains. He gave a patent that year
for a township six miles square, having its western line twenty miles ea^t of the Hudson, and in his honor
it was named Bennington. The Governor and Council of New Tork remonstrated against this grant, yet
Wentworth continued to issue patents ; and in 1754 fourteen townships of this kind were laid out and set-
tlements conmienced. During the French and Indian war settlements increased tardily, but after the victory
of Wolfe at Quebec numerous applications for grants were made ; and at the time of the peace, in 1763,
one hundred and thirty-eight townships were surveyed west of the Connecticut River, and these were termed
the New Hampshire Grants. The controversy between New Tork and the Grants became so violent that
military organizations took place in the latter section to resist the civil power of New Tork, and about
1772 tiie military thus enrolled were first called Ch-een Mountain Boys; among the most active and daring
of whom were Ethan and Ira Allen and Remember Baker, men of whom I shall have occasion to speak
hereafter. — See Sparks's Life of Ethan MUn^ and Thompson's Vermont^ part ii.
* Among these were Silas Deane, David Wooster, Samuel H. Parsons, and Edward Stevens, all distin
^i!*bed men during the Revolution.
Digitized by
Google
124 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Expedition agilBft Ticondferoga. Arnold joiiu Allao at CattletDO. Diqrata alKyat Rank. SorpriM of tlie QarriMn.
and that Captain Douglas should proceed to Panton, beyond Crown Point, and secure every
boat or bateau that should fall in his way.
Benedict Arnold, who joined the army about this time, doubtless received a hint of this
expedition before he left New Haven, for the moment he arrived at Cambridge with the
company of which he was captain, he presented himself before the Committee of Safety, and
proposed a similar expedition in the same direction. He made the thing appear so feasible,
1^. 3^ that the committee eagerly accepted his proposal, granted him a ooloners commission,
^^^ and gave him the chief command of troops, not exceeding four hundred in number,
which he might raise to accompany him on an expedition against the lake fortresses. Not
doubting his success, Arnold was instructed to leave a sufficient garrison at Ticonderoga,
and with the rest of the troops return to Cambridge with the arms and military stores that
should fall into his possession. He was also supplied with one hundred pounds in cash, two
hundred pounds weight each of gunpowder and leaden balls, one thousand flints, and ten
horses, by the provincial Congress of Massachusetts. His instructions were to raise men in
Western Massachusetts, but, on reaching Stockbridge, he was disappointed in finding that
another expedition had anticipated him, and was on its way to the lake. He remained only
long enough to engage a few officers and men to foUow him, and then hastened onward and
Mar 9, joined the other expedition at Castleton. He introduced himself to the officers, pulled
1775. a bit of parchment ifrom his pocket, and, by virtue of what he averred was a superior
commission, as it was from the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, claimed the supreme
command. This was objected to, for he came single-handed, without officers or troops ;
and the soldiers, a laige proportion of whom were Green Mountain Boys, and who were
much attached to Allen, declared that they would shoulder their muskets and march home
rather than serve under any other leader. Arnold made a virtue of necessity, and united
himself to the expedition as a volunteer, maintaining his rank, but having no command.
The momentary interruption of Arnold produced no change in the plans, and Allen
marched to the shore of the lake, opposite Ticonderoga, during the night. He applied to a
farmer in Shoreham, named Beman, for a guide, who ofiered his son Nathan, a lad who
passed a good deal of time within the fort, with the boys of the garrison, and was well ac-
quainted with every secret way that led to or within the fortress.' But a serious difficulty
now occurred. They had but a few boats, and none had been sent from Skenesborough or
i^.iQ, Panton. The day began to dawn, and only the officers and eighty-three men had
1775. crossed the lake. Delay was hazardous, for the garrison, if aroused, would make
stout resistance. Allen, therefore, resolved not to wait for the rear division to cross, but to
attack the fort at once. He drew up his men in three ranks upon the shore, directly in
front of where the Pavilion now stands, and in a low but distinct tone briefly harangued
Lhem ; and then, placing himself at their head, with Arnold by his side, they marched quickly
but stealthily up the height to the sally port. The sentinel snapped his fusee at the com-
mander, but it missed fire, and he retreated within the fort under a covered way. The
Americans followed close upon his heels, and were thus guided by the alarmed fugitive di-
rectly to the parade within the barracks. There another sentinel made a thrust at Easton,
but a blow upon the head firom Allen's sword made him beg for quarter, and the patriots
met with no further resistance.
As the troops rushed into the parade under the covered way, they gave a tremendous
shout, and, filing off* into two divisions, formed a line of forty men each along the south-
western and northeastern range of barracks. The aroused garrison leaped from their pal-
lets, seized their arms, and rushed for the parade, but only to be made prisoners by the in-
trepid New Englanders. At the same moment Allen, with young Beman at his elbow as
guide, ascended the steps to the door of the quarters of Captain Delaplace, the commandant
' He died ia December, 1846, in Franklin county, New York, when nearly ninety years old. He had
lived to see our confederacy increase from thirUin to thirty states, and from three milliom of people to
tmenty miUum$,
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 125
Interriew between Allen md Delaplaoe. Allen's Order to nirrender obeyed. TroaUe with Arnold abont command.
of the garrison, and, giving three loud raps with the hilt of his sword, with a voice of pecu-
liar power, ordered him to appear, or the whole garrison should be sacrificed. It was about
four o'clock in the morning. The loud shout of the invaders had awakened the captain and
his wile, both of whom sprang to the door just as Allen made his strange demand. Dela-
place appeared in shirt and drawers, with the frightened face of his pretty wife peering over
his shoulder. He and Allen had been old friends, and, upon recognition, the captain assumed
boldness, and authoritatively demanded his disturber's errand. Allen pointed to his men
and sternly exclaimed, " I order you instantly to surrender." «* By what authority do you
demand it ?" said Delaplace. " In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental
Congress !"^ thundered Allen, and, raising his sword over the head of the captain, who was
about to speak, ordered him to be silent and surrender immediately. There was no alterna-
tive. Delaplace had about as much respect for the << Continental Congress" as Allen had
for <* Jehovah," and they respectively relied upon and feared powder and ball more than
either. In fact, the Continental Congress was but a shadow, for it did not meet for organi-
zation until six hours afterward,* and its « authority" was yet scarcely acknowledged even
by the patriots in the field. But Delaplace ordered his troops to parade without arms,
the g^arrison of forty-eight men were surrendered prisoners of war, and, with the women and
chiMren, were sent to Hartford, in Connecticut. The spoils were one hundred and twenty
pieces of iron cannon, fifty swivels, two ten-inch mortars, one howitzer, one cohorn„ ten tons
of musket-balls, three cart-loads of flints, thirty new carriages, a considerable quantity of
shells, a ware-house fiill of material for boat building, one hundred stand of small arms, ten
casks of poor powder, two brass cannon, thirty barrels of flour, eighteen barrels of pork, and
some beans and peas.
Warner crossed the lake with the rear division, and marched up to the fort just after the
surrender was made. As soon as the prisoners were secured, and all had breakfasted, he
was sent ofl* with a detachment of men in boats to take Crown Pomt ; but a strong head
wind drove them back, and they slept that night at Ticonderoga. Another and successful
attempt was made on the 12th, and both fortresses fell into the hands of the patriots with-
out bloodshed.
Arnold, who yielded his claims to supreme command at Castleton, assumed control the
moment the fort was surrendered. But his orders were not heeded, and the Connecticut
Committee,' of semi-official origin, which accompanied the expedition, interposed, formally
installed Colonel Allen in the command of Ticonderoga and its dependencies, and authorized
him to remain as such until the Connecticut Assembly or the Continental Congress should
send him instructions. They affirmed that the government of Massachusetts had no part
in the transaction ; that the men from Pittsfield were paid by Connecticut ; and that Amold
could be considered only as a volunteer. Finding his commands unheeded, and unwilling
to allow personal considerations to afiect, inimically, the public good, Amold again yielded.
He sent a written protest, with a statement of his grievances, to the Massachusetts Legis-
lature. The Connecticut Committee also sent a statement to the same body. The appoint-
ment of Allen was confirmed, and the Assembly of Massachusetts directed Amold not to in-
terfere. He soon afterward went down the lake to seize a British sloop of war at St. John's,
and to seek other occasions where glory might be won in the service of his country.
The capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point was an event wholly unlocked for by the
' Accordiog to Mr. Rico, history has omitted the suffix to this demand, which in those days was consid-
ered a necessary clinnher to all solemn averments. It is characteristic of the man and the times. Rice's
brother was within a few feet of Allen, and said he exclaimed, " In the name of the Great Jehovah and
the Continental Congrress, hy God^
* The second Continental Congress assembled at Philadelphia at ten o'clock that day (May 10th), and
ehoee Peyton Randolph Pretident, and Charles Thompson Secretary,
* One of the committee, Mr. Phelps, visited the fort, in disguise, the day before Allen and his men ar-
rived. He pretended to be a countryman wishing to be shaved, and, while looking about for the garrison
barber, observed every thing carefully, and saw the dilapidation of the walb and the laxity of duty and
4i8cipHne, particularly as to sentinels.
Digitized by
Google
•26 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
PorbearanoeofthaColonista. Conslatent Conne of thair Delegate* in CongroM. Vuioot Addrenet of the secood Congreat.
Continental Congress, then in temL(m at Philadelphia, and many memben were alarmed at
the lerions aspect of afiairs at the east and north, for as yet the Americans had harbored no
distinct thought or wish derogatory to the truest lojralty. They were aggrieved by the rulers
and legislators of the parent country, and were earnestly seeldng redress. Ten yean they
had been petitioning the king and Parliament to exercise righteousness and equity toward
them, but their prayers were unheeded and their warnings were scofied at and answered by
new oppressions. Yet the colonists remained loyal, and never breathed an aspiration for
political independence. The colonial Assemblies, as well as the mass of the people, looked
forward with anxiety for a reconciliation, for they felt proud of their connection with the
British reahn, whose government was then among the most powerful upon earth. ^
When the news of the capture of the forts on Champlain reached Congress, they recom-
mended to the committees of New York and Albany to remove the cannon and stores to the
south end of Lake George, and to erect a strong post at that place. They also directed an
exact inventory of the cannon and military stores to be taken, ** in order," as the dispatch
said, '* that th^ may be safely returned when the restoration of harmony between Great
Britain and the colonies, so ardently desired by the latter, shall render it prudent and con-
sistent with the over-ruling law of self-preservation."'
The delegates to the first Continental Congress, who met in September of the pre-
viotus year, while they exhibited rare firmness of purpose in tone and manner, again
and again avowed their loyalty, and made most humble petitions to the king and the Legis
lature for a redress of grievances. And those of the Congress in session when the first hos
tile movements on Lake Champlain occurred, while they saw clearly that nothing but a
general resort to arms was now left for the colonists, resolved to make fresh appeals to the
king and Parliament before taking decidedly ofiensive steps in acts of open hostility. They
felt quite certain, however, that the haughtiness of power would not bend so long as its pride
was wounded, and that it would never yield to an agreement for a reconciliation upon terms
other than the absolute submission of the insurgents. Congress, therefore, correctly repre-
senting the public sentiment, resolved to be, at the same time, free men and loyal subjects
as long as a link of consistency should bind those conditions in unity. They adopted an
• May 29, address to the inhabitants of Canada ;« a declaration, setting forth the causes and
b ]V\jQ, the necessity for the qolonies to take up arms ;b an humble petition to the king ;c
d July Is. ^^ address to the Assembly of Jamaica ;d* and an address to the people of Ire-
• July 28.' land.«^ To the king they expressed their continued devotion to his person, and
their deep regret that circumstances had in the least weakened their attachment to the
crown. To the people of Great Britain they truthfiiUy declared that their acts were wholly
defensive ; that the charge which had been made against them, of seeking absolute independ-
ence, was a malicious slander ; and that they had never, directly or indirectly, applied to a
foreign power for countenance or aid in prosecuting a rebellion. They truly set forth that
the rejection of their petitions and the accumulation of oppressive acts of Parliament were
the causes that placed them in the attitude of resistance which they then assumed — an atti-
' The affections of the people of the colonies were Tery mach alienated by the grievances of the Stamp
Act in 1765, and kindred measures, yet they still had a strong attachment to the mother country, even
when the Revolution finally broke out. Dr. Franklin's testimony in 1766 may be quoted as illustrative
of the temper of the people nearly ten years later. In answer to the question concerning the feelings of
the people of America toward Great Britain before the passage of the Stamp Act, he said, " They had not
only a respect but an affection for Great Britain, for its laws, its customs, and its manners, and even a fond-
ness for its fashions, that greatly increased the commerce. Natives of Britain were always treated with
particular regard ; and to be an Old Englandman was of itself a character of some respect, and gave a
kind of rank among us.** — Examinatum of Dr. Fratiklin before the British House of Commom relative to thi
Repeal of the American Stamp Act,
* Pitkin, i., 355.
' Jamaica, one of the West India Islands, was then a British colony, with a provincial Legislature liW
those on the American Continent.
* See Journals of Congress, i., p. 100-168.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
127
Uflitary PreiMiratioas made by Congress.
The Contiaental Armj.
Spirit of the People.
Tlconderoga.
tnde at once necessary and justifiable, and worthy of the free character of subjects of the Brit-
ish realm. " While we revere/' they said, *' the memory of our gallant and virtuous ancestors,
we never can surrender these glorious privileges for which they fought, bled, and conquered :
your fleets and armies can destroy our towns and ravage our coasts ; these are inconsiderable
objects— things of no moment to men whose bosoms glow with the ardor of liberty. We can
retire beyond the reach of your navy, and, without any sensible diminution of the necessaries
'rflife, enjoy a luxury which, from that period, you will want — ^the luxury of being free.'*
TiCOWBEBOOA AT SUNSET
While petitions and addresses were in course of
preparatidh and adoption, Congress proceeded to make
extensive military arrangements. The militia of the
various colonies, and such volunteers as could be ob-
^' tained, were mustered into service under the title of the Conti-
nental ARMY ; and the troops which had flocked to the vicinity of Bos-
ton from all parts of New England after the skirmishes at Lexington and
Concord,"^ and were then investing that city, were adopted and enrolled under the
same title. ^ Congress voted to issue bills of credit, or paper money, to the amount ms
of three millions of dollars, for the pay of the army, and also took measures for the ** ^^^ ^^^'
establishment of provisional Assemblies in the several colonies instead of the royal govem-
{Qents ; for acts of Parliament, declaring the colonies in a state of rebellion, and providing
for the destruction of the commerce of several sea-port towns, and for the sending of fleets
and armies to enforc-e submission, were regarded by the Americans as virtual acknowledg-
ments of the abdication of all power here.* Thus, while the colonists kept the door of rec-
onciliation wide open, they prepared to maintain the righteous position which they had as-
sumed at all hazards.
Let us for a moment close the chronicles of the past, and consider one of the most inter-
esting relics of the Revolution yet remaining — the ruins of Ticonderoga. I lingered with
the old soldier among the fragments of the fortress until sunset ; and just as the luminary
* See Parliamentary Register (1775), p 6-69.
Digitized by
Google
128 PICTORIAL PIELD-BOOK
'. 4
Praaeat Appeannoe of Fort Ticonderoga and Vicinitj. The Bakery. Orenadiert' Battery
went down behind Mount Defiance I made the preceding sketch, which may be relied upon
as a faithful portraiture of the present features of Fort Ticonderoga. The view is from the
remains of the counterscarp, near the southern range of barracks, looking northward. The
barracks or quarters for the officers and soldiers were very substantially built of limestone,
two stories high, and formed a quadrangle. The space within was the parade. Upon the
good authority of his brother, our venerable guide pointed out the various localities of inter*
est, and, having no doubt as to the correctness of his information, I shall accord it as truth
The most distinct and best-preserved building seen in the sketch is the one in which the
commandant of the garrison was asleep when Allen and his men entered the fort. On the
led of the group of figures in the fore-ground is the passage leading from the covered way
into the parade, through which the provincials passed. The two lines of forty men each
were drawn up along the range of buildings, the remains of which are seen on the right and
left of the picture. The most distant building was the officers* quarters. A wooden piazza,
or sort of balcony, extended along the second story, and was reached firom the ground by a
flight of stairs at the left end. The first door in the second story, on the left, was the en-
trance to Delaplace's apartment. It was up those rickety steps, with young Beman at his
side, that Colonel Allen ascended ; and at that door he thundered with his sword-hilt, con-
fronted the astonished captain, and demanded his surrender. Between the ruined walls on
the extreme lefl is seen Mount Defiance, aiid on the right is Mount Hope. The distant wall
in the direction of Mount Hope is a part of the ramparts or out-works, and the woods be-
yond it mark the location of the remains of the <* French lines,*' the mounds and ditches oi'
which are still very conspicuous.
Near the southeastern angle of the range of barracks is the bakery ; it is an under-ground
a?ched room, and 'Was beneath the glacis^ perfectly
bomb-proof, and protected firora all danger from with- ' vCXiT'^^
out. This room is very well preserved, as the annexed
sketch of it testifies ; but the entrance steps are much
broken, and the passage is so filled with rubbish that a
descent into it is difficult. It is about twelve feet wide
and thirty long. On the right is a window, and at the
end were a fire-place and chimney, now in ruins. On
either side of the fire-place are the ovens, ten feet deep.
We had no light to explore them, but they seemed to
be in good condition This bakery and the ovens are Tilk htAwtl
the best-preserved portions of the fortress. For more
than half a century the walls of the fort have been common spoil for all who chose to aval
themselves of such a convenient quarry ; and the proximity of the lake afiibrds rare facilit}
for builders to carry ofi* the plunder. The guide informed me that sixty-four years ago hu
assisted in the labor of loading a vessel y/ixYi bricks and stones taken firom the fort, to build
an earthen-ware factory on Missisqui Bay, the eastern fork of the lower end of Lake Cham-
plain. Year afler year the ruins thus dwindle, and, unless government shall prohibit the
robbery, this venerable landmark of history will soon have no abiding-place among us. The
foundation is almost a bare rock, earthed sufficient to give sustenance to mullens, rag- weed,
and stinted grass only, so that the plowshare can have no efiect ; but desecrating avarice,
with its wicked broom, may sweep the bare rock still barer, for the site is a glorious one for
a summer hotel for invalids. I shall, doubtless, receive posthumous laudation for this sug-
gestion firom the money-getter who here shall erect the colonnade, sell cooked fish and fla-
vored ices, and coin wealth by the magic of the fiddle-string.
On the point of the promontory, just above the steam-boat landing, are the remains of
the "Grenadiers' Battery," a strong redoubt built of earth and stone. It was constructed
by the French, and enlarged by the English. It commanded the narrow part of the lake,
between that point and Mount Independence, and covered the bridge, which was made by
the Americans, extending across to <the latter eminence. The bridge was supported by
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 129
Tha iloatiiig Bridge. View of the Rains by Moonlight The old Patriot, his Memories and Hopes.
twenty-two Bunken piers of large timber, at nearly equal distances ; the space between was
made of separate floats, each about fifty feet long and twelve feet wide, strongly fastened
together by chains and rivets, and also fastened to the sunken piers. Before this bridge was
a boom, made of very large pieces of timber, fastened together by riveted bolts and chains
of ircxi, an inch and a half square.' There was a battery at the foot of Mount Independ-
ence, which covered that end of the bridge ; another half way up the hill ; and upon the
table-land summit was a star fort well picketed. Here, strongly stationed, the Americans
hekl undisputed possession from the 10th of May, 1775, until the 5th of July, 1777, when
they were dislodged by Burgoyne, who began to plant a battery upon Sugar HiU, or Mount
Defiance. This event we i^all consider presently.
I went up in the evening to view the solitary ruins by moonh'ght, and sat upon the green
sward of the old esplanade near the magazine. All was hushed, and association, with its
busy pencil, wrought many a startling picture. The broken ruins around me, the lofty hills
adjacent, the quiet lake at my feet, all fading into chaos as the evening shadows came on,
were in consonance with the gravity of thought induced by the place and its traditions.
" The darkening woods, the fading trees,
The grasshopper's last feeble sound,
The flowers jast waken'd by the breeze,
All leave the stillness more profound.
The twilight takes a deeper shade,
The dosky pathways blacker grow,
And silence reigns -in glen and glade —
All, all is mate below."
- Miller's Evkrino Htmh.
So smoothly ran the current of thought, that I was almost dreaming, when a footstep
startled me. It was that of the old patriot, who came and sat beside me. He always
spends the pleasant moonlight evenings here, for he has no companions of the present, and
the sight of the old walls kejit sluggish memory awake to the recollections of the light and
love of other days. ** I am alone in the world," he said, ** poor and friendless ; none for me
to care fi)r, and none to care for me. Father, mother, brothers, sisters, wife, and children
have all passed away, and the busy world has forgotten me. I have been for almost eighty
years a toiler for bread for myself and loved ones, yet I have never lacked for comforts. I
can say with David, » Once I was young, but now I am old, yet I have never seen the right-
eous forsaken or his seed begging bread.' I began to feel my strength giving way last spring,
and looked fearfully toward the poor-house, when I heard that the old man who lived here,
to show visitors about, was dead, and so I came down to take his place and die also." He
brushed away a tear with his hard and shriveled hand, and, with a more cheerful tone, talked
of his future prospects. How true it is that blessed
" Hope springs immortal in the human breast,"
fixr this poor, firiendless, aged man had bright visions of a better earthly condition even in the
midst of his poverty and loneliness. He took me to an opening in the broken wall, which
fironted a small room near the spot where the provincials entered, and with a low voice, as
if afraid some rival might hear his business plans, explained how he intended, another year,
to elear away the rubbish, cover the room over vnth boards and brush, arrange a sleeping*
(daoe in the rear, erect a rude counter in front, and there, during the summer, sell cakes,
beei and fruit to visitors. Here I saw my fancied hotel in embryo. He estimated the
cash capital necessary for the enterprise at eight dollars, which sum he hoped to save from
his season's earnings, fi>r the French woman who gave him food and shelter charged him but
a trifling weekly sum for his comforts. He calculated upon large profits and extensive sales,
and hoped, if no opposition marred his plans, to make enough to keep him comfortable through
* Bargoyne's Narrative, Appendix, p.
I
Digitized by
Google
130 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Trip to Mount DsOance. Aaoent of the Mountain. An Engliih Mi^Jor and Provincial Subaltera.
life. He entertained me more than an hour with a relation of his own and his father's ad-
ventures/ and it was late in the evening when I hade him a final adieu. '* God bless you»
my son," he said, as he grasped my hand at parting. ** We may never meet here again,
but I Jiope we may in heaven !"
Augusts, Early the next morning I started for Mount Defiance in company with an En-
1848. giiah gentleman, a resident of Boston. We rode to the " lower village," or Ticon-
deroga, where we lefl our ladies to return by the same stage, while we climbed the rugged
heights. We hired a horse and vehicle, and a lad to drive, who professed to know all about
the route to the foot of the mountain. We soon fi)und that he was bewildered ; and, un-
willing to waste time by losing the way, we employed an aged resident near the western
slope to pilot us to the top of the eminence. He was exceedingly garrulous, and boasted,
with much self-gratulation, of having assisted in dragging a heavy six pounder up to the top
of the mountain, five years ago, for the purpose of celebrating the *< glorious Fourth" on the
very spot where Burgoyne planted his cannon sixty-six years before. We followed him
along a devious cattle-path that skirted a deep ravine, until we came to a spring that bub-
bled up fhttn beneath a huge shelving rock whose face was smooth and mossy. The trick-
ling of the water through the crevices within, by which the fountain below was supplied,
could be distinctly heard. From a cup of maple-leaves we took a cool draught, r^ed a
moment, and then pursued our toilsome journey.
Our guide, professing to know every rock and tree in the mountain, now left the cattle-
path for a " shorter cut," but we soon wished ourselves back again in the beaten track
The old man was evidently *< out of his reckoning," but had too much " grit" to acknowl-
edge it. For nearly an hour we followed him through thickets tangled with vines, over the
trunks of huge trees leveled by the wind, and across a dry morass covered with brakes and
wire-grass shoulder high, where every trill of the grasshopper sounded to our suspicious and
vigilant ears like the warning of a rattle-snake, imtil at length we were confronted by a wall
of huge broken rocks, almost perpendicular, and at least fifty feet high. It seemed to ex-
tend north and south indefinitely, and we almost despaired of scaling it. The guide insisted
upon the profundity of his knowledge of the route, and we, being unable to contradict his
positive assertions that he was in the right way, followed him up the precipice. It was a
toilsome and dangerous ascent, but fortunately the sun was yet eastward of meridian, and
we were in shadow. We at last reached a broad ledge near the summit, where, exhausted,
we sat down and regaled ourselves with some mulberries which we had gathered by the way.
A large wolf-dog, belonging to our guide, had managed to follow his master, and seemed
quite as weary as ourselves when he reached us. Another scramble of about twenty min-
utes, over broken rocks and ledges like a giant's stair-case, brought us upon the bold, rocky
summit of the mountain. The view from this lofty hill is one of great interest and beauty,
including almost every variety of natural scenery, and a region abounding with historical
^ His* father was a lieutenant in the English service, and belonged to the CoDneoticut troops that were
with Amherst when he took Tioonderoga. While the English had possession of that post, before seizing
Crown Point, he was much annoyed by a swaggering English major, who boasted that no American in the
country could lay him upon his back. Lieutenant Rice accepted the general challenge. For twenty min-
utes it was doubtful who the successful wrestler would be. Rice was the more agile of the two, and, by
a dexterous movement, tripped his adversary and brought him upon his back. The burly major was greatly
nettled, and declared tiie act unfair and unmanly. Rice made a rejomder, and hard words passed, which
ended in a ohallenge from the major for a duel. It was accepted, aind the place and time of meeting were
appointed. But the fact having reached the ears of Amherst, he interposed his persuasion. The English-
man was resolved on fighting, and would listen to no remonstrance until Amherst toudied his national and
military pride. " Consider," he said, "how glorious is our conquest. We have taken this strong fortress
without shedding one drop of blood. Shall Britons be such savages, that, when they can not spill the blood
of enemies, they will shed that of each other?" The appeal had the desired effect, and the parties sealed
their reconciliation and pledged new friendship over a glass of grog. They then tried their strength again.
The mijor was prostrated in an instant by a fair exertion of superior strength, and from that hour he was
Rice's warmest friend. The major's name was Church. He was a lieutenant colonel under Prevost, and
was killed at Savannah on the 16th of September, 1779.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
131
view from the Top of Mount Defiance.
Mount Independence, Tieonderoga, the Lake, and the Qreen Hountaina
asBociations. The fore-ground of the picture represents the spot whereon Burgoyne hegan
the erection of a battery ; and a shallow hole, drilled for the purpose of making fastenings
View fbom tbb Tor or Mount Depiamcb.
for the cannon, may still be seen. The sheet of water toward the left is the outlet of Lake
George, where it joins Lake Champlain, which sweeps around the promontory in the middle
ground, whereon Fort Ticonderoga is situated. Gray, like the almost bald rock on which
they stand, the ruins were scarcely discernible from that height, and the Pavilion appeared
like a small white spot among the green foliage that embowers it. On the point which the
steam-boat is approaching is the Chrenadiers^ Battery already mentioned, and on the ex-
treme right is seen a portion of Mount Independence at the mouth of East Creek. This
eminence is in Vermont — Mount Defiance and Fort Ticonderoga are in New York. The
point beyond the small vessel with a white sail is the spot whence the Americans under Allen
and Arnold crossed the lake to attack the fort ; and between Mount Lidependence and the
Grenadiers* Battery is the place where the bridge was erected. The lake here is quite
narrow, and, sweeping in serpentine curves around the two points, it flows northward on
the left, and expands gradually into a sheet of water several miles wide. The hills seen in
the far distance are the Green Mountains of Vermont, between which lofty range and the
lake is a beautifully diversified and fertile agricultural country twelve miles wide, a portion
of the famous New Hampshire Grants. From this height the eye takes in a range along
the lake of more than thirty miles, and a more beautiful rural panorama can not often be
found. Let us retreat to the cool shadow of the shrubbery on the left, for the summer sun
is at meridian ; and, while gathering new strength to make our toilmme descent, let us open
again the volume of history, and read the page on which are recorded the stirring eventi>
that were enacted within the range of our vision.
Digitized by
Google
132
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
1777.
Oown Point and Ttoooderoga inTested by Borgoyne. Material of Ua Army. Weaknoat of tiw-Gairiaoo at Ticonderoga
Lieutenant-general Burgoyne, with a strong and well-appointed army of more than seven
thousand men,' including Indians, came up Lake Champlain and appeared before Crown
Point on the 27th of June. The few Americans in garrison there abandoned the fort
and retreated to Ticonderoga. The British quietly took possession, and, after estab-"
iisfaing a magazine, hospital, and stores there, proceeded to invest Ticonderoga on the 30th.
Some light infantry, grenadiers, Canadians, and Indians, with ten pieces of light artillery,
under Brigadier-general Fraser, were encamped on the west side of the lake, at the mouth of
Putnam's Creek. These moved up the shore to Four Mile Point, so called from being that dis-
tance from Ticonderoga. The German reserve,
consisting of the chasseurs, light infantry, and
grenadiers, imder Lieutenant-colonel Breyman,
were moved at the same time along the eastern^
shore, while the remainder of the army, under the
immediate command of Burgoyne himself, were on
board the Royal Greorge and Inflexible frigates
and several gun-boats, which moved up the lake
between the two strong wings, on land. The
land force halted, and the naval force was anchor-
ed just beyond cannon-shot from the American
works.
Major-general Arthur St. Clair* was in com-
mand of tho Ajnerican garrison at Ticonderoga,
a post of honor which Schuyler had oflered to
Gates. He found the garrison only about two
thousand strong ; and so much were the stores
reduced, that he was afraid to make any consid-
erable addition to his force from the militia who
were coming in from the east, until a replenish-
ment of provisions could be efleoted. Had the
garrison been well supplied with stores, six or
eight thousand men might have been collected there before the arrival of the enemy.
^ The day when the British army encamped before Ticonderoga (July Ist), the troops consisted of Brit-
ish, rank and file, three thousand seven hundred and twenty-four ; Germans, rank and file, three thousand
and sixteen ; Canadians and provincials about two hundred and fifty, and Indians about four hundred, mak-
ing a total of seven thousand four hundred and ninety.
* Arthur St. Clair was a native of Edinburgh, in Scotland. He was bom in 1734, and 'came to America
with Admiral Boscawen in 1759. He served in Canada in 1759 and 1760, as a lieutenant under General
Wolfe, and, after the peace of 1763, was appointed to the command of Fort Ligonier, in Pennsylvania. In
January, 1776, he was appointed a colonel in the Continental army, and was ordered to raise a regiment
destined for service in Canada. Within six weeks from his appointment his regiment was on its march.
He was appointed a brigadier in August of that year, and was an active participant in the engagements at
Trenton and Princeton. In February, 1777, he received the appointment of major general, and on the 5th
of June was ordered by General Schuyler to the command of Ticonderoga. He reached that post on the
12th, and found a garrison of two thousand men, badly equipped and very short of ammunition and stores.
He was obliged to evacuate the post on the 5th of July following. In 1780 he was ordered to Rhode
Island, but circumstances prevented him from going thither. When the allied armies marched toward
<rirginia, in 1781, to attack Comwallis, St. Clair was directed to remain at Pfaihidelphia with the recraits
of the Pennsylvania line, for the protection of Congress. He was, however, soon afterward allowed to join
the army, and reached Yorktown during the siege. From Yorktown he was sent with a considerable force
to join Greene, which he did at Jacksonville, near Savannah. He resided in Pennsylvania after the peace ■,
was elected to Congress in 1786, and was president of that body in 1787. Upon the erection of the North-
western Territory into a government in 1788, he was appointed governor, which office he held until 1802.
when Ohio was admitted as a state into the Union, and he dechned an election to the post he had held,
flis military operations within his territory against the Indians were disastrous, and when he retired from
office he was almost ruined in fortune. He made unsuccessful applications to Congress for the payment
of certain claims, and finally died almost penniless, at Laurel Hill in Western Pennsylvania, Aug. 81,1818,
aged 84 years.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 13:,
Ottpotti undefended. Fort on Mount Independence. TardineM of CongreM in suppl jing Men and Mnidtiont
St. Clair was an officer of acknowledged brayery and pradence, yet he was far from being
an expert and akillfhl military leader. His self-reliance and his confidence in the valor and
strength of those under him often caused him to be less vigilant than necessity demanded ;
and it was this fault, in connection with the weakness of the garrison, which gave Burgoyne
his only advantage at Ticonderoga. He soon perceived, through the vigilance of his scouts,
that St. Clair had neglected to secure those two important eminences, Mount Hope and
Sugar Loaf Hill (Mount Defiance), and, instead of making a direct assault upon the fortress,
the British general essayed to possess himself of these valuable points.
When Burgoyne approached, a small detachment of Americans occupied the old French
lines north of tins fort, which were well repaired and guarded by a block-house. They also
had an outpost at the saw-mills (now the village of Ticonderoga), another just above the
, mills, and a block-house and hospital at the entrance of the lake. Between the lines and
the old fort were two block-houses, and the GSrenadiers* Battery on the point was manned.
The garrison in the star fort, on Mount Independence, was rather stronger than that at
Ticonderoga, and better provisioned. The fort was supplied with artillery, strongly picketed,
and its approaches were well guarded by batteries. The foot of the hill on the northwest-
em side was intrenched, and had a strong abatis next to the water. Artillery was placed
in the intrenchments, pointing down the lake, and at the point, near the mouth of East Creek,
was a strong circular battery. The general defenses of the Americans were formidable to
an enemy, but the tardiness of Congress in supplying the garrison with food, clothing, am-
monition, and re-enforcements, made them quite weak.^ Their lines and works were exten-
sive, and instead of a full complement of men to man and defend them, and to occupy Supar
Loaf Hill and Mount Hope, the whole force consisted of only two thousand five hundred and
ibrty-fix Continentals and nine hundred militia. Of the latter not one tenth had bayonets.
While at Crown Point, Buigoyne sent forth a pompous and threatening procla-
Qiation, intended to awe the republicans into passiveness, and confirm the loyalists
in their position by a sense of tiie presence of overshadowing power.* Li his proclamation
the British commander set forth the terrible character of the Indians that accompanied him,
greatly exaggerated their numbers, and magnified their eagerness to be let loose upon the
r^mblicans, whether found in battle array or in the bosom of their families. , ** 1 have," he
said, " but to give stretch to the Indian forces under my direction, and they amount to thou-
sands, to overtake the hardened enemies of Great Britain and America. I consider them
the same wherever they may lurk.*' Protection and security, clogged with conditions,
were held out to the peaceable who remained in their habitations. All the outrages of war,
arrayed in their m!ost terrific forms, were denounced against those who persisted in their
* It was generally believed, until Bnrgojrne appeared at St. John's, that the military preparations in
progress at Quebec were intended for an expedition by sea against the coast towns still in possession ol'
the Americans ; and influenced by this belief, as well as by the pressing demands for men to keep General
Howe and his army from Philadelphia, Congress made but little exertion to strengthen the posts on Lake
Cbamplain. This was a fatal mistake, and it was perceived too late for remedy.
* This swaggering proclamation conunenced as follows : " By John Burgoyne, Esquire, lieutenant gen-
eral of his majesty's forces in America, colonel of the Queen's regiment of Light Dragoons, governor of
Fort William, in North Britain, one of the Commons of Great Britain in Parliament, and commanding ao
army and fleet employed on an expedition from Canada," &c. '* From the pompous manner in which he '
has arrayed his titles," says Br. Thatcher, " we are led to suppose that he considera them as more than a
natch for all the military force which we can bring against them." — MUUary Journal, p. 82.
General Washington, from his camp at Middlebrook, in New Jersey, issued a manifesto or counter proc
junation, which, in sincerity and dignity, was infinitely superior to that issued by Burgoyne. He alluded
to the parity of motives and devotion of the patriots, the righteousness of their cause, and the evident guard-
ianship of an overruling Providence in the direction of affidrs, and dosed by saying, " Harassed as we ara
by unrelenting persecution, obliged by every tie to repel violence by force, urged by self-preservation to
exert the strength which Providence has given us to defend our natural rights against the aggressor, we
appeal to the hearts of all mankind for the justice of our cause ; its event we leave to Him who speaks the
fikte of nations, in humble confidence that as his omniscient eye taketh note even of the sparrow that falletb
to the ground, so be will not withdraw his countenance from a people who humbly array themselves under
Ins banner in defense of the noblest principles with which he has adorned humanity."
Digitized by
Google
134 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ticonderoga invetted by the Britith. CoancUof War in tiw American Camp. The Britiab on Mofont DefiaiieeL
hostility. But the people at large, and particularly the firm republicans, were to far from
being frightened, that they treated the proclamation with contempt, as a complete model
of pomposity.'
On the 2d of July the right wing of the British army moved forward, and Gren-
eral St. Clair believed and hoped that they intended to make a direct assault upon the
fort. The small American detachments that occupied the outposts toward Xjake Greorge
made but a feeble resistance, and then set fire to and abandoned their works. Generals
Phillips and Eraser, with an advanced corps of infantry and some light artillery, immedi-
ately took possession of Mount Hope, which completely commanded the road to LAe George,
and thus cut ofi" all supplies to the patriot garrison firom that quarter. This accomplished,
extraordinary energy and activity were manifested by the enemy in bringing up their artil*
lery, ammunition, and stores to fortify the post gained, and on the 4th Eraser's whole.
corps occupied Mount Hope.* In the mean while Sugar Loaf Hill had been recon-
noitered by Lieutenant Twiss, the chief engineer, who reported that its summit had com-
plete command of the whole American works at Ticonderoga and Mount Lidependence, and
that a road to the top, suitable for the conveyance of cannons, though difiicult, might be
made in twenty-four hours. It was resolved to erect a battery on the height, and, by ardu-
ous and prolonged labor, a road was cleared on the night of the 4th. The Thunderer,
carrying the battery train and stores, arrived in the afternoon, and light twelve pounders,
medium twelves, and eight-inch howitzers were landed.
So completely did the enemy occupy the ground between the lake, Mount Hope, and
Sugar Loaf Hill, that this important movement was concealed firom the garrison ; and when,
at dawn on the morning of the 5th, the summit of Mount Defiance' glowed with the scarlet
uniforms of the British troops, and heavy artillery stood threateningly in their midst, the
Americans were paralyzed with astonishment, for that array seemed more like the lingering
apparitions of a night vision than the terrible reality they were forced to acknowledge.
From that height the enemy could look down into the fortress, count every man, inspect all
their movements, and with eye and cannon command all the extensive works of Ticonderoga
and Mount Independence. St. Clair immediately called a council of war, and presented to
them the alarming facts, that the whole efiective strength of the garrison was not sufiicient
to man one half of the works ; that, as the whole must be constantly on duty, 4hey could
not long endure the fatigue ; that General Schuyler, then at Fort Edward, had not suffi-
cient troops to re-enforce or relieve them ; that the enemy's batteries were nearly ready to
open upon them, and that a complete investment of the place would be accomplished within
twenty-four hours. It seemed plain that nothing could save the troops but evacuation, and
the step was proposed by the commander and agreed to by his officers. It was a critical
and trying moment for St. Clair. To remain would be to lose his army, to evacuate would
July 6^ be to lose his character. He chose to make a self-sacrifice, and at about two o'clock
1^- on the following morning the troops were put in iqotion.
As every movement of the Americans could be seen through the day from Mount Defi-
ance, no visible preparations for leaving the fort were made until after dark, and the purpose
of the council was concealed from the troops until the evening order was given. It was
arranged to place the baggage, and such ammunition and stores as might be expedient, on
board two hundred bateaux, to be dispatched, under a convoy of five armed galleys, up the
lake to Skenesborough (Whitehall), and the main body of the army to proceed by land to
* Gordon, ii., 205.
' This title was given to it by General Fraser, in allusion to the hope they entertained of dislodging the
Americans.
* I was informed by an old man, ninety years of age, residing at Pittsford, not far from the battle-groimd
jit Habbardton, that the British gaye the name of Mount Defiance to Sngar Loaf Hill on the day when they
erected their battery npon it, for from that height they defied the Americans either to resist or dislodge
them. The old man was one of the British regtilars under Bnrgoyne, bat soon afterward deserted to the
Continentals.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 135
Retreat of iIm Americana from llconderoga and Mount Independence. Imprudence of Fermoy. Punniit by tiie Eaem^
the same destination, by way of Castleton. The cannons that could not be moved were to
be spiked ; previous to striking the tents, every light was to be extinguished ; each soldier
was to provide himself with several days.* provisions ; and, to allay any suspicions on the
part of the enemy of such a movement, a continued cannonade was to be kept up from one
of the batteries in the direction of Mount Hope until the moment of departure.
These arrangements were all completed, yet so short was the notice that a good deal of
confusion ensued. The garrison of Ticonderoga crossed the bridge to Mount Independenci
at about three o'clock in the morning, the enemy all the while unconscious of the escape oi
their prey. The moon was shining brightly, yet her pale light was insufficient to betra>
the toiling Americans in their preparations and flight, and they felt certain that, before day
light should discover their withdrawal, they would be too far advanced to invite pursuit.
But General De Fermoy, who commanded on Mount Independence, regardless of express
orders, set fire to the house he had occupied as the troops lefl. The light of the conflagra-
tion revealed the whole scene and every movement to the enemy, and the consciousness of
discovery added to the confusion and disorder of the retreating republicans. The rear-guard,
under Colonel Francis, left the mount at about four o'clock in the morning, and the whole
body pressed onward in irregular order toward Hubbardton, where^ through the energy and
skill of the officers, they were pretty well organized af^er a halt of two hours. The main
army then proceeded to Castleton, six miles further, and the rear-guard, with stragglers
picked up by the way, were placed under the command of Colonel Seth Warner, and re-
mained at Hubbardton until some, who were left behind, should come up. Here a despe-
rate, and, to the Americans, a disastrous battle was fought the next morning, the details
of which will be given hereafter.
As soon as the movement of the Americans was perceived by the British, General Fraser
commenced an eager pursuit with his pickets, leaving orders for his brigade to follow. At
daylight he unfurled the British flag over Ticonderoga, and before sunrise he had passed
the bridge and Mount Independence, and was in close pursuit of the flying patriots.' Major-
general Riedesel and Colonel Breyman, with their Grermans and Hessians, soon followed to
sustain Fraser, while Burgoyne, who was on board the Royal George, prepared for an im-
mediate pursuit of tlie bateaux and convoy by water. The Americans placed great reliance
upon their strong boom at Ticonderoga, and regarded pursuit by water as almost impossible ;
but the boom and bridge were speedily cleft by the enemy. Long before noon a free pas-
sage was made for the gun-boats and frigates, and the whole flotilla were crowding all sail
to overtake the American bateaux. These, with the baggage and' stores, were all destroyed
at Skenesborouffh before sunset.
The evacuation of Ticonderoga, without eflibrts at defense, was loudly condemned through-
oat the country, and brought down a storm of indignant abuse upon the heads of Generals
St. Clair and Schuyler, for much of the responsibility was laid upon the latter because he
was the commander-in-chief of the northern department. The weakness of the garrison,
the commanding position of the enemy upon Mount Defiance, where they could not be
reached by the guns of the fort, and the scarcity of stores and ammunition, were not taken
into the account, and, consequently, the verdict of an excited public was very unjust toward
those unfortunate officers. Washington had placed great reliance upon them both ; nor did
the event destroy his confidence in their ability and bravery, yet he was perplexed,* and
^ This was the third time in consecative ordf^r that the fortress was captured by an enemy to the gar-
rison without bloodshed, namely, in 1759, by the English under General Amherst ; in 1775, by the New
England provincials under Colonel Ethan Allen, and now (1777) by the British under Lieutenant-general
Burgoyne.
' The chief thus wrote to General Schuyler on hearing of the disaster : " The evacuation of TicoMer-
oga and Mount Independence is an event of chagrin and surprise not apprehended nor within the compass
of my reasoning. I know not upon what principle it was founded, and I should suppose it would be still
more difficult to be accounted for if the garrison amounted to five thousand men in high spirits, healthy,
well supplied with provisions and ammunition, and the Eastern militia were marching to their succor, as
yen mentioned in your letter of the ftth [June] to the Council of Safety of New York."
Digitized by
Google
136 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Washington's Raeommendatioii of Arnold. Acquittal of Schuyler and 8t Clair of Blame. Betnm to Tteoodutoga.
clearly foresaw that some other leader would be necessary to inspire sufficient confidence in
the minds of the Eastern militia to cause them to turn out in fierce to oppose the progress
of Burgoyne. Accordingly, he recommended Congress to send an << active, spirited officer
to conduct and lead them (the militia) on."^ But Congress went further. Unwisely list-
ening to and heeding the popular clamor, they suspended St. Clair from command, and ap-
pointed Adjutant-general Gates to supersede General Schuyler. St Clair did not leave the
army, but was with Washington at the battle of Brandywine. By a general court-martial,
held in the autumn of 1778, he was acquitted of all blame, wilJi the highest honor, and
this decision was fully confirmed by Congress in December following. The noble conduct
of General Schuyler toward Gates, and his continued patriotic efibrts in behalf of his country
after sufioring the injustice inflicted by Congress, have been mentioned in another chapter.
After the lapse of several months the public mind was brought to bear with calmness upon
the subject, and, before the close of the war, both generals were fully reinstated in the con*,
fidence of the people.
Our historic picnic upon the mountain-top is ended, and, being well rested, let us " gather
up the firagments, that nothing be lost," and descend to the village of ** Ty," by the way of
the military road which was made impromptu by General Phillips for his cannon, up the
northern slope of Defiance. Very slight traces of it are now visible, and these consist chiefly
of a second growth of timber, standing where the road was cut.
We parted with our guide at the foot of the mountain. Our boy-driver and the vehicle
had disappeared, and we were obliged to walk in the hot sun to the village. Our good tem-
pers were not at all improved when we learned the fact that the stage from Lake George
had passed nearly an hour before, and that no conveyance could be procured until toward
evening to take us to the fort, unless the boy, who had not returned, should make his ap-
pearance ; and where he had gone was a mystery. Dinner at the Pavilion was an event
only a half hour in the future, and two miles in distance stretched between us and the viands.
So we stopped grumbling, trudged on, and, whiling away the moments by pleasant conversa-
tion, we reached the Pavilion in time to take our places at table, too much heated and fatigued,
however, to enjoy the luxuries set before us. Our Boston friends left that afternoon, but we
tarried until two o'clock the next morning, when we departed on the Burlington for Whitehall.
The air was cool and the sky unclouded when we left Ticonderoga. The moon had gone
down, and it was too dark to see more than the outlines of the romantic shores by which
we were gliding, so we took seats upon the upper deck and surveyed the clear heavens, jewel-
ed with stars. The Pleiades were glowing in the southern sky, and beautiful Orion was
up(»i the verge of the eastern horizon. Who can look upward on a clear night and not feel
the spirit of worship stirring within ! Who can contemplate those silent watchers in the
firmament and not feel the impulses of adoration !
** I know tbey mast be holy things
That frotn a roof so sacred shine,
Where sounds the beat of angels^ wings,
And footsteps echo all divine.
Their mysteries I neyer sooght,
Nor hearken to what scienpe tells ;
For oh, in childhood I was taught
That God amid them dweUs.''
MiLLKR.
^ In his letter to Congress (from which this sentence is quoted), dated at Morristown, July 10th, 1777,
Washington continues, " If General Arnold has settled his aflfairs, and can be spared fron^ Philadelphia, I
would recommend him for this business, and that he should inmiediately set out for the northern depart-
ment. He is active, judicious, and brave, and an officer in whom the militia will repose great confidence.
Besides this, he is well acquainted with that country, and with the routes and most important passes and
defiles in it I do not think he can render more signal services, or be more usefully employed at this thne,
than in this way. I am persuaded his presence and activity will animate the militia greatly, and spur
them on to a becoming conduct." Arnold was sent accordingly, and his signal services at Semis's Heights
we have already considered.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 137
knMi at WhitebaU or old SkeoesborooglL HiBtorieal Notice of the Place. Capture of Id^r Skene and his Peopla
Just as the day dawned tiny spiral columns of vapor began to rise from the lake, and
before sunrise we were completely wrapped in a dense fog. After passing the bay south of
Mount Independence, the lake becomes very narrow, and the channel is so sinuous that our
vessel proceeded very cautiously in the dense mist. At the JElbow, half a mile from White*
hall Landing, a rocky point containing « Putnam's Ledge" projects from the west, and occa-
sions such a short and narrow turn in the lake, that it is with much difficulty large class
steam*boats make their way through. It can only be done by the use of hawsers attached
to the bow and stem, and this process requires an annoying d^ay. We reached Whitehall,
at the mouth of Wood Creek,' at the head of the lake, about seven in the evening, and found
comfortable quarters at a well-conducted temperance hotel near the landing.'
This is ancient Skenesborough, and was a point of considerable importance during the
wars on our northern frontier, from 1745 till the close of the Revolution.. Here armies
halted, and provisions, ammunition, and stores were colledted and distributed. A picketed
fort was erected here during the French and Indian war, upon the brow of the hill east of
Church-street. Soon afbr the peace of Paris, in 1763, Philip K. Skene, an English major
under half pay, purchased several soldiers' grants located here, and, to make his title secure,
procured a royal patent. He e^ted a small settlement at this point, and named it Skenes-
boiough, which title it bore until after the Revolution. He had procured a second patent,
and became possessor of the whole of the land comprised within th^ present township of
Whitehall, except four thousand acres on its eastern border. He was a magistrate of the
crown, the owner of black slaves, and was sometimes honored with the title of governor, c)n
account of having held the office of Lieutenant-governor of Crown Point and Ticonderoga.
In addition to a stone residence, he erected another stone edifrce^ one hundred and thirty feet
long, for a military garrison and depot, upon the spot used as a garden by the family of the late
Judge Wheeler. Near the east end was an arched gateway, the key-stone of which is now in
the north basement wall of the Baptist Church, and bears the initials «P. K. S.," and date
"1770."
Skenesborough was a point included in the programme of operations against Ticonderoga.
in the expedition under Colonel Allen in 1775. The council held at Castleton, where Allen
was appointed commander-in-chief, resolved to send thirty men, under Captain Herrick, tc
surprise Skenesborough, capture the son of the proprietor (the latter was then in Europe),
his negroes and tenantry, seize all the boats and other vessels that might be found there, and
hasten down the lake with them to Shoreham. The surprise was so complete, that the plan
was all accompUshed without bloodshed. Major Skene the younger was captured while out
shooting ; the twelve negroes and fifty tenants were secured, and the governor's strong stone
buildings were taken possession of by the captors. In the cellar of his house was found the
body of the wife of the elder Skene, where it had been preserved many years to secure to
the husband an annuity devised to her " while she remained above ground !" The Amer-
^ In the older histories and in the geographies of the state of New York the whole narrow part of Lake
Champlain south of Ticonderoga was called respectively Wood Creek and South River, For fifty years
these names for that portion of the lake have become obsolete, and as historians write for the futnre, they
shook! be careful to note these changes, so as not to mislead the student. Mr. Headly carelessly observes,
when speaking of the retreat from Ticonderoga, that *^ their long procession of boats began by moonlight
to wind up Wood Creek," &c. Again, speaking of Putnam's position when he attacked the French and
Indians in their canoes, he represents the pkice as upon *' Wood Creek where it falls into the lake." The
Gust is, the spot is upon the lake, about a mile below where Wood Creek proper " falls into the lake." He
says again, " A whole fleet of canoes, filled with soldiers, was entering the mouth of the creek." The
month of the creek being a cascade, it would have been difficult for the canoes to enter it. Wood Creek
proper rises in French Pond, in Warren county, and, flowing by Fort Anne in a deep and sluggish stream,
receives the waters of the Pawlet, and falls into Lake Champlain at Whitehall.
' Whitehall is a growing and flourishing village. It is within a rocky ravine at the foot of a high emi-
nence called Skene's Mountain, at the mouth of Wood Creek and the northern terminus of the Champlain
Canal and Rail-road. It has a beautiful agricultural country behind it, and the natural scenery in the vi-
oini^ IS very picturesque. The Indian name of the locality, when the whites first explored the neighbor*
hood, was KoK-cho-qua-na^ which, literally interpreted, is, ^' place where dip fish."
Digitized by
Google
138 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Dettructioii of American VeMols at Skenetboroagfa. Flight of die Americana toward Port Anne. Major Skene.
icans buried the body in the rear of the house, and, embarking on board a schooner in the
harbor, belonging to Skene, they sailed down the lake to join Allen at Shoreham.'
A garrison was stationed at Skenesborough in 1776, and there the vessels of the little fleet
which Arnold commanded in an action on the lake, below Crown Point, were constructed and
partially armed. The Americans strengthened the military works there, and made it quite a
strong post. This was the stipulated point for rendezvous of the army under St. Clair, on
its retreat from Ticonderoga in 1777. I have already observed that those who escaped by
water were unsuspicious of pursuit, and that the flotilla was scarcely moored at Skenesbor-
ough before the frigates appeared and attacked the galle3rs. Two of them were captured,
and the other three were blown up. Unsupported by the feuble garrison at Skenesborou^
or by detachments from the army retreating by land,* and conscious of the futility of conten*
tion with such a force as Burgo3rne presented, the Americans abandoned their bateaux, set
fire to them, together with the fftrt, mills, block-houses, &c., and fied toward the camp of
General Schuyler at Fort Edward.* At Fort Anne they were jomed by a few other troops
sent forward with provisions and ammunition by Creneral Schuyler, but it was a| feeble re-
enforcement, for he had with him at Fort Edward only about seven hundred Continentals
and fifteen hundred militia. The supplies which he sent so reduced the ammunition and
stores of his garrison, that they were several days without lead, except a small quantity
which they received f^om Albany, and which was obtained by stripping the windows.
The troops borne by the flotilla under Buigoyne, and those that marched from Ticonder-
oga in pursuit of the Americans, conjoined at Skenesborough/ where the British commander
resolved to make thorough preparations for pushing forward to the Hudson River. He was
informed by the people at Skenesborough that the Americans were retreating toward Fort
Edward. Lieutenant-colonel Hill, of the ninth regiment, was sent forward on the
' 7th to take post at Fort Anne and watch the movements of the republicans. The
rest of the British army were encamped at Skenesborough and vicinity, where they remained
nearly three weeks, while detachments were repairing the roads and bridges, and constructr
ing new ones on the way to Fort Anne. Burgoyne and his staff were entertained at the
mansion of Major Skene, whose familiarity with the country and the people caused him to
be introduced into the military family of the commander. He was considered a valuaWe
acquisition, but the result proved otherwise. He advised the disastrous expedition to Ben-
nington, and accompanied the enemy there. He was personally known to many of the
Americans engaged in that afiair, who made great eflbrts to capture him alive. Four horses
were shot under him, but, mounting a fifth, he made his escape, although the poor animal
feU^ and expired from the efiiects of a shot, after carrying his rider beyond the reach of his
foes. Skene was with Burgoyne when his army surrendered at Saratoga. He dared not
return home under his parole, but went to England. He ordered his house to be burned, to
prevent its falling into the hands of the Americans. His lands were confiscated and sold by
the state,* and soon after the Revolution the name of Skenesborough was repudiated
by the people, and that of Whitehall substituted. Hardly a vestige of the Revolution
^ See Reyerend Lewis Kellogg's Historical Discourse, Wbitehsdl, 1847.
^ At Castleton St. Clair was informed of the approach of Burgoyne by water, and, instead of marching
to Skenesborough, be struck oflf into the woods on the left, fearing that he might be intercepted by the ene-
my at Fort Anne.
' General Mattoon, late of Amherst, Massaohosetts, was a subaltern m the American convoy. Accord-
ing to his account, there were then only four houses at Skenesborough, besides those belonging to Skene.
While he was in one of them, occupied by a French family, and just in the act of partaking of some refresh-
ments, a cannon*ball from the enemy's fleet entered, crushed the table, and scattered the victuals in' all di-
rections over the room. — KeUogg*8 Discourse, p. 6.
^ The place was very unhealthy at that time. The mortality from sickness among the troops stationed
there during the Revolution was fearful ; and so bad was the reputation of Whitehall in this particular at
the close of the war, that, when the lands of Skene were oflered for sale, bo competitor appeared, and 29,000
acres were struck off* at the first ofier of £14 lOs. to an agent of the purchasers, John Williams, Joseph
btringham, and John Murray. — Kellogg^ s Discouru, p. 14.
A remarkable case of longevity occurred near Whitehall. Henry Francisco, a native of Ent^laod, died
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
139
in 1814.
Ride to Fort Anne Village.
Site of the Fort
Preeent Appearance of tlie Loealitj
» now left there. When another war was waged against us by the same enemy, in 1812,
this was again the theater of hostile preparations. The block-house within the old fort
draa repaired^ furnished with artillery, and garrisoned for the defense of the place. Intrench-
ments and a magazine were constructed on an island a few hundred yards north of the vil-
lage, and barracks were erected on the brow of the hill west of Church Street, the remains
of which have but recently been demolished. The American fleet engaged in September ii,
the battle of Plattsbnrgh, with the vessels captured from the enemy in that en- ^b^^-
gagement, were anchored in the harbor at Whitehall soon afler that event ; and the remains
of some of the vessels of both nations may now be seen decaying together in the lake, a short
distance from the harbor.
After breakfast, on the morning of our arrival at Whitehall, I rode to Fort Anne Angnft a
Village, eleven miles south, accompanied by the editor of the " Democrat,**^ whose i®*®.
kind attentions and free communications of valuable knowledge concerning historical locali-
ties in the vicinity contributed much to the pleasure and instruction of the journey thither.
It is a pleasant little village, situated upon a gently undulating plain near the junction of
Wood Creek and East Creek, and exhibited a charming picture of quiet and prosperity
There I found a venerable kinsman, nearly eighty years of age, who, in the vigor of manhood,
fifty yean ago, purchased an extensive tract of land in this then aboaost unbroken wilderness.^
His dwelling, store-house, and bams occupy the site of Fort Anne, the only traces of which
^^^
fj^^^-^^^J^^^W^
SiTB op Fort Ahni.'
are the stumps of the strong pine pickets with which it was stockaded. It was built by the
English, under Greneral Nicholson, in 1757, two years after the construction of Fort Ed-
ward. It was a small fortress, and was never the scene of any fierce hostility. Although
ninety yean had elapsed since its pickets were set in the ground, what remained of them
near there in Noyember, 1820, aged one handred and thirty-four years. He was present at the corona*
tion of Qaeen Anne, March 8Ui, 1702. He served in the French wars and in the Revolution, and lived
in this country nearly ninety years ; since deceased.
> D. S. Murray, Esq.
* William A. Moore, Esq., president of the Whitehall Bonk.
' This view is from the bridge which crosses Wood Creek, lookmg south. The distant building on the
right is the dwelling of Mr. Moore. Nearer is his store-house, and on the left are his out-houses. The
stumps of the pickets may be traced in a circular line from his dwelling along the road to the crook in the
fence, and to on to the hams and in their yards.
Digitized by
Google
140
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Angnft,
1758.
Putnam and Rogen near Fort Anne. Amboah of French and Indiana. Deaperate Battle. Perilona Situation of Pi
exhibited but slight tokens of decay, and the odor of turpentine was aboaost as strong and
fresh when one was split as if it had been planted but a year ago.
About a mile northwest of Fort Anne is the place where a seyere^battle was
fought between a corps of five hundred Rangers, English and provincials, under Put-
nam and Rogers, and about the same number of French and Indians, under the famous par-
tisan Molang. Putnam and Rogers were sent by Abercrombie to watch the enemy in the
neighborhood of Ticonderoga. When they arrived at South Bay, an expansion of Lake
Champlain near Whitehall, the two leaders separated, taking with them their respective
divisions, but, being discovered by the watchful Molang, they deemed it expedient to reunite
and return immediately to Fort Edward. Their troops were marched in three divisions,
the right cgmmanded by Rogers, the left by Putnam, and the center by Captain Dalyell
(sometimes written D'EU). They halted at evening on the border of Clear River, a fork
of Wood Creek before its jimction with East Creek j and within a mile of Fort Afme. Early
m the morning, while the lines were forming, Major Rogers, regardless of the teachings of
the Ranger's great virtue, precaution, amused himself by firing at a target with a British
officer. The sound reached the vigilant ears of Molang and his Indian allies, who, unknown
to the Americans, were then encamped within a mile of them. He had been searching for
the Rangers to intercept them, and the firing was a sure guide. His men were posted in am-
bush along the paths which he knew they must take, and as the Americans, just at sunrise,
emerged from a dense thicket into the open woods, Molang and his followers fell upon them
with great fury. Rogers seemed to be appalled by the fierce onslaught and fell back, but Put-
nam and Dalyell sustained their position
and returned the fire. The conflict be-
came desperate. At length Putnam's fu-
see missed fire when the muzzle was within
a few inches of the breast of a giant savage,
who thrust it aside and fell upon the major
with the fierceness of a panther, made him
prisoner, bound him firmly to a tree, and
then returned to the battle. ' Captain Dal-
yell now assumed the command. The
provincials fell back a little, but, rallying,
the fight continued with great vigor. The
tree to which Putnam was bound was
about midway between the combatants,
and he stood in the center of the hottest
fire of both, utterly unable to move body
or limb, so firmly had the savage secured
him. His garments were riddled by bul-
lets, but not one touched his person. For
an hour he remained in this horrible posi-
tion, until the enemy were obliged to re-
treat, when he was unbound and carried
ofi* by his savage captors.'
Wounded, exhausted, and dispirited.
Major Isbael Putnam in Britibh Unifobh. Putnam was forced to make a weary
From Ml old ptetoy fa th« powirion ol • geothnum fa N«w London. ConaecUcnt march OVCr a rOUgh COUUtry, Icd OU by
' At one time, when the provincials feU back, and the Indians were near him, a yomig warrior amused
oimielf by trying his skill in throwing his tomahawk as near Putnam's head as possible without hitting
him. When he was tired of his amusement, a French subaltern, more savage than the Indian, leveled his
musket at Putnam's breast, but it missed fire. The major claimed the consideration due to a prisoner of
war, but the barbarous Frenchman was unmoved, and, after striking him a violent -blow upon his cheek
with the butt end of his musket, left him to die, as he thought.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 141
HmBudtj of Pntnun'f Captor. Prepuratkm for Torlare. Interpodtioii of Molang. Battie-gronnd near Fort Anne.
the savages, who had tied cords so tightly aronnd his wrists that his hands were swollen
and dreadfully tortured. He begged for release either from the pain or firom life. A French
officer interposed and unbound the cords ; and just then his captor came up, and, with a sort
of savage humanity, supplied him with moccasins, and expressed grdat indignation because
of the harsh treatment his prisoner had endured. I say savage humanity, for it was pres-
ent kindness, exercised while a dark and atrocious intention for the future made the Indian
complaisant — ^the prisoner was reserved for the stake, and all those exquisite tortures with
which savage cruelty imbitters the death of its victims. Deep in the forest he was stripped
naked, and with green withes was bound fast to a sapling. The wood was piled high around
him, and the wild death-songs of the savages, mingled with fierce yells, were chanted. The
torch was applied, and the crackling flame began to curl around the fagots, when a black
doud, that for an hour had been rising in the west, poured down such a volume of water
that the flames were nearly extinguished. But they burst forth again in fiercer intensity,
and Putnam lost all hope of escape, when a French officer dashed through the crowd of
savages, scattered the burning wood, and cut the cords of the victim. It was Molang him-
self. Some relenting savage had told him of the horrid orgies in the forest, and he flew to
the rescue of Putnam, just in time to save him. After enduring much sufiering, he was
delivered to Montcalm at Ticonderoga, and by him sent to Montreal, where he experienced
great kindness from Cobnel Peter Schuyler, a fellow-prisoner, through whose influence he
was exchanged for a prisoner taken by Colonel Bradstreet at Fort Frontenac.^
About three fourths of a mile north of Fort Anne is a narrow, rocky defile, through which
Wood Creek and the Champlain Canal flow and the rail-road is laid. Art has, widened the
defile by excavation, and cultivation has swept away much of the primitive forest. Here
in this rocky gorge, then just wide enough for the stream and a narrow pathway, a severe
Battlb-obovno mkar Fort Ahhb.*
engagement occurred between the ninth British regiment, under Lieutenant-colonel Hill,
and a detachment of Americans, under Colonel Long. This officer, with about five j^^. g^
hundred republicans, principally of the invalids and convalescents of the army, was ^^•
posted at Fort Anne by General Schuyler, with directions to defend it. Warned, of the
approach of the enemy. Colonel Long prepared not only for defense, but to go out and meet
him. The Americans fit for duty were mustered, and early in the morning they marched
up to the>^uthern edge of the defile. << At half past ten in the morning," said Major
^ See Humphrey's and Peabody's Biographies of Putnajn.
* This sketch was taken from the rail-road, looking north. The forest upon the left is the " thick wood"
of the Reyolotion, bat on the right caltivated fields have taken the place of the forest to a considerable ex-
tent. On the right is seen the Champlain Canal, here occupying the bed of Wood Creek. The fence on
the left indicates the place of the ^public road between Fort Anne and Whitehall When this sketch was
zDade (1848) the rail-road was unfinished.
Digitized by
Google
142
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Batde near Fort Anna
Return to WhitehaU.
Visit to ** Putnam'f Rock."
View of the Scene
Forbes in his testim(my on the trial of Burgoyne, *< they attacked us in front -with a heavy
and well-directed fire ; a large body of them passed the creek on the left, and fired from a
thick wood across the creek on the left flank of the regiment ; they then began to reoross
the creek and attack tis in the rear ; we then found it necessary to change our ground, to
prevent the regiment being surrounded ; we took post on a high hill to our right. As soon
as we had taken post, the enemy made a very vigorous attack, which continued upward of
two hours ; and they certunly would have forced us, had it not been for some Indians that
arrived and gave the Indian hoop, which we answered with three cheers ; the rebels soon
after that gave way."* The major's facts are correct, but his inferences are wide of the
mark. The Americans were not frightened by the Indian war-hoop, for it was a sound
very familiar to their ears, but they " gave way" because their ammunition gave out. Had
Colonel Long been well supplied with powder and ball, the British troops would have been
destroyed or made prisoners. Captain Montgomery, of Hill's regiment, was severely wound-
ed and captured by the Americans, who, when they gave way, set fire to Fort Anne and
retreated to the headquarters of General Schuyler at Fort Edward.
We returned to Whitehall toward evening. The ride was delightful through a country
ever-changing and picturesque, par-
ticularly when approaching the lake.
On the left rise the lofty summits of
the hills on Lake George ; on the
east those of Vermont and Massa-
chusetts ; and down the lake, north-
ward, Mount Defiance may be plainly
seen. After an early evening meal,
I procured a water-man and his boat,
and, accompanied by my traveling
companion and Mr. M., proceeded to
"Put's Rock," near " the Elbow," a
mile from the landing, and near the
entrance of South Bay.' The lake is
here very narrow, and the shores on either
side are abrupt, rocky, and wooded. It was
about sunset when we arrived at the scene of
^ploit, and the deep shadows that gathered upon
ihore, where the famous ledge is situated, height-
ened the picturesque character of the scenery and the force
of the historical associations which lionize the spot. Upon
the rough ledge of rocks seen on the right of the picture Ma-
jor Putnam and fifty men boldly opened a musket battery
upon about five hundred French and Indian warriors under the
famous Molang, who were in canoes upon the water.' This
event occurred a few days previous to the unfortunate battle
View at Putnam's Rock.
^ BurgoyfWs State of the Expedition, &o., p. 81.
' Here I will oorrect a serious geographical error whioh I find in Peabody's Life of Putnam. He says,
^^ Abercrombie ordered Major Patnam to proceed with fii^y men to South Bay, in Lake George." Again.
" The detachment marched to Wood Creek, near the point where it flows into South Bay." South Bay
is in Lake Champlaiii, and Wood Creek does not flow into it at all. See note respecting Wood Creek,
ante, page 137.
' The view is taken from the Vermont shore, where rafts of timber and piles of lumber (as seen on the
left) betoken the chief article of commerce here. The ledge of rocks, which rises about fourteen feet m
height, b on the New York side. From the perpendicular point, rugged and broken, there is a gentle slope
thickly covered with timber and shrubbery, and afibrding an excellent place for an ambuscade. The small
trees in the distance mark the point at the Elbow, and the hill beyond is a portion of Skene's Mountaiii|
wflicb overlooks the harbor at Whitehall.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 143
Putnam and Rogers on Lake Cbamplain. Attack of the former on the French and Indians. The Sarautga and Cimfianc^
near Fort Anne, where Putnam was taken prisoner. Major ilogers, who was also sent by
Abercrombie to watch the movements of the enemy, had taken a station twelve miles dis-
tant, and Putnam and his fi% rangers composed the whole force at this point. Near the
front of the ledge he constructed a parapet of stone, and placed young pine trees before it in
such a natural manner that they seemed to have grown there, and completely hid the de-
fense from observers on the water below. Fifteen of his men, disabled by sickness, were
sent back to the camp at Fort 'Edward, and with his thirty-five Jbe resolved to attack what
ever force might appear upon the lake. Four days he anxiously awaited the appearance of
the enemy, when early one evening he was gratified by the intelligence that a large fleet of
canoes, filled with warriors, was leisurely approaching from South Bay. It was the time
of full moon, the sky was unclouded, and from his hiding-place every movement of the In
dians could be distinctly seen. Putnam called in all his sentinels, and in silence every man
was stationed where his fire might be most efiective. Not a musket was to be moved until
orders were given by the commander. The advanced canoes had passed the parapet, when
one of the soldiers laaX his firelock against a stone. The sound was caught by the watchful
ears of Molang and his followers. The canoes in the van halted, and the whole fleet was
crowded in confusion and alarm directly beneath the ledge. A brief consultation ensued,
and then they turned their prows back toward South Bay. As they wheeled the voice of
Putnam shouted " Fire," and with sure aim each bullet reached a victim. The enemy re-
turned the fire, but without eflfect, and for a time the carnage produced by the Rangers was
dreadful in that dense mass upon the waters. Molang soon perceived by the firing that his
assailants were few, and detached a portion of his men to land below and attack the provin-
cials in the rear. Putnam had perceived this movement, and sent a party of twelve men,
under Lieutenant Durkee, who easily repulsed them when they attempted to land. About
daybreak he learned that the enemy had actually debarked at a point below, and was march-
ing to surround him. This fact, and the failure of his ammunition, warned him to retreat.
Nearly half the number of the enemy perished on that fatal night, while Putnam lost but
two men, who were wounded.^ While retreating through the thick forest, an unexpected
enemy fired upon them, but wounded only one man. Putnam instantly ordered his men to
charge, when his voice was recognized by the other leader, whp cried out, *' Hold, we are
firiends !" " Friends or foes," shouted Putnam, ** you deserve to perish for doing so little exe-
cution with so fair a shot." The party proved to be a detachment sent to cover their retreat.
It was late in the evening twilight before I finished my sketch, but our obliging water-
man would not consent to r^w us back until we should go to his house near by and see his
" pullet and chickens" — his wife and children. His dwelling was at the foot of the steep
Vermont shore, completely hemmed in by rocks and water, but embowered in shrubbery.
His children brought us fruit, and we were refreshed by draughts of water from a mountain
spring close by, of icy coldness. The moon was shining brightly when we passed the Elbow
on our return, and by its pale light we could see the ribs and other decaying timber of the
British ship of war Confiance and the American ship Saratoga. The former was sunk there
in 1814, and the latter, which was aflerward used as a store-ship, was scuttled by some
miscreants while her officers and crew were at the village participating in a Fourth of July
celebration. It was about nine in the evening when we reached the hotel. There I met
that distinguished and venerable divine. Rev. Mr. Pierce, of Brookline, Massachusetts, and
was charmed and edified by his conversation for more than an hour.* His memory was
' These men, one a proyinoial, the other an Indian, were placed under an escort of two others, and sent
toward the camp. They were pursued and overtaken by the Indians. The wounded men told the escort
to leave them to their fate, which they did. When the savages came up, the provincial, knowing that he
would be pat to death, firod and killed three. He was instantly tomahawked. The Indian was kept a
prisoner, aynd from him Putnam learned the above facts when they met some time aflerward in Canada.
* Mr. Pierce was seventy-five years old. He distinctly remembered Washington's visit to Boston in 1 789.
The oavaloade halted near the entrance to the city, and Washington was obliged to sit on horseback two
hours, while the state authorities and the selectmen decided a point of etk[uette — ^whose provinoe it was to
Digitized by
Google
144 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Departure from WhitehaU. Sboles's Landing. Ride to the Battle-ground of Hubbardton. , Picturesque Scenery.
richly stored with historic learning, and our intercourse was to me a pleasant and profitable
appendix to the events and studies of the day.
Early the next morning we left Whitehall on {he steamer Saranac, and landed at Chip-
man's Point, or Sholes's Landing, the port of Orwell, and the most eligible point whence to
reach the battle-ground of Hubbardton. The morning was delightful, and the ride in a light
wagon, accompanied by the intelligent son of Mr. Sholes, proved to be one of peculiar pleas-
ure. Our route was throqgh the pleasant little village of Orwell, five miles southeast d
the landing. There we turned southward, and followed the margin of the broad ravine or
valley through which the retreating Americans and pursuing British passed when St. Clair
evacuated Ticonderoga. The road was made very tortuous to avoid the high ridges and
deep valleys which intersect in all directions, while at the same time it gradually ascends
for several miles. I never passed through a more picturesque country. The. slopes and
valleys were smiling with cultivation, and in every direction small lakes were sparkling in
the noonday sun. Within about six miles of the battle-ground we descended into a roman-
tic valley imbosomed in a spur of the Green Mountains. We passed several small lakes,
lying one below another, over which arose rough and lofty precipices, their summits crowned
with cedar, hemlock, pine, and spruce. The tall trunks of the pines, black and branchless,
scathed by lightning and the tempest, arose above the surrounding forests like mighty senti-
nels, and added much to the wild grandeur of the scene. From the rough and narrow val-
ley we ascended to a high, rolling table-land, well cultivated ; and upon the highest part of
j,^7^ this tract, surrounded on the south and east by loftier hills, the battle of Hubbardton
1777. occurred.
General Fraser, whom I have already mentioned as having started after the Americans
from Ticonderoga, continued his pursuit of St. Clair and his army through the day,
and, learning from some Tory scouts that they were not far in advance, he ordered
his men to lie that night upon their arms, to be ready to push forward at daybreak. About
three in the morning his troops were put in motion, and about five o'clock his advanced
scouts discovered the American sentries, who discharged their pieces and retreated to the
main body of the detachment, which was left behind by St. Clair, under the command of
Colonels Warner and Francis. Their place of encampment was in the southeast part of
Hubbardton, Rutland county, near the Fittsford line, upon the farm of John Selleck,' not
far from the place where the Baptist meeting-house now stands. The land is now owned
by a son of Captain Barber, who was in the engagement. He kindly aooompanied me to
the spot, and pointed out the localities, according to the instriy^tions of his patriotic father.
The engraving on the opposite page represents the general view of the place of encampment
and the battle-ground. When the British advanced guard discovered the Americans, they
were breakfasting near a dwelling which stood close by the Baptist meeting-house, the two-
story building seen in the center of the picture. The dark spot near the fence, seen between
the larger trees in the foreground (I in the map of the battle), marks the remains of the cel-
lar of the old house. The road on the right is that leading toward Ticonderoga ; and the
roofs of the houses, seen over the orchard on the right, mark the direction of the road lead-
receive him. The selectmen carried the day. He explained to me the nature of the apparent error in the
registration- of the birth and christening of Dr. Franklin. The entries of both events are upon the same
day, Sunday, 17th of January, 1706. An old man, who remembered the circumstance well, for it caused
some gossip at the time, told him that Dr. Franklin's mother went to church and received the communion
in the morning, gave birth to her son at noon, and in the afternoon the child was christened.
^ The first settlement in this town was in the spring of 1774, and consisted of only two families. In
1775 seven other families joined them, among whom was Mr. Selleck, and these nine constituted the whole
population of the town when the battle occurred. On the day previous a party of Indians and Tories, un-
der Captain Sherwood, came upon the inhabitants and made prisoners of two fanners named Hickock, and
tneir families, and two young men named Keeler and Kellogg. They captured two or three others, and
carried them all off* to Ticonderoga, leaving their families to shift for themselves. The sorrowing wives
and children made a toilsome journey over the mountains to Connecticut, whence they had emigrated.
The men remained prisoners at Ticonderoga (except two who escaped) until after the surrender of Bur.
goyne in October, when that fortress was retaken by the Americans.— -See Thompion'$ QaxtUttr of Vermont,
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
146
Vifew of the BatUe-grouDd.
The Battle.
Re&eat and Surrender of Colonel Hale.
Hia reaaonable Ezeuae.
ms down to the valley toward Castleton. The large boulder in iiront is famed by local tra-
ThB BATTLK-GBOUnO OF HUBBAJlDTOir.
dition as the observatory of the first man of the British
van who discovered the Americans ; and it is related
that he was shot by a sentinel before he could leap
down. The range of hills in the distance are the Pitts-
ford Mountains, over which a portion of the Americans
fled toward Pwutland. A small branch of a tributary
of Castleton Creek runs through the intervale between
the meeting-house and the hills beyond. The hottest
of the fight occurred upon the slope between the large
tree and the meeting-house. It was covered with ripe grain when I visited it, and Augntt,
the achievements of the tiller gathering his sheaves seemed more truly great than all
the honors and renown which wholesale slaughter ever procured for a warrior chieflain.
It was an excessively hot morning in July when the battle of Hubbardton com- j^^j
menced. The American force consisted of the three regiments of Warner, Francis,
and Hale, and such stragglers from the main army then at Castleton (six miles in advance)
as had been picked up on the way. The Americans were about thirteen hundred strong,
and the British, under Fraser, about eight hundred. Reidesel and his Germans were still
in the rear, but, expecting his arrival every moment, Fraser began the attack at seven in
the morning, fearing that the Americans might escape if he delayed. The charge of the
enemy, was well received, and the battle raged furiously. Had Warner been well sustained
by the miUtiiu regiment under Colonel Hale, he might have secured a victory ; but that
officer, with his troops, fled toward Castleton, hoping to join the main army there under St.
Clair, leaving the commander with only seven hundred men to oppose the enemy. On the
way, Hale and his men fell in with an inconsiderable party of British soldiers, to whom they
surrendered, without ofliering any resistance, although the numbers were about equal.* They
184&
JulyT,
1777.
' Cokmel Hale has been severely censured for this act of apparent cowardice, bat when every oircam-
stiuce is taken into accoant, there is much to indnoe a mitigation of blame. Himself and a large portion
of his men were in feeble health, and quite unfit for active service, and his movement was one of preoau
tion rather than of cowardly alarm. Rivals, soon after he surrendered, ciroulated reports unfavorable to hi^
reputation. On hearing of them, he wrote to General Washington, asking him to obtain his exchange, that
he might vindicate his character by a court-martial ; but before this could be accomplished he died, while
a prisoner on Long Island, in September, 1780.
K
Digitized by
Google
1.4 6
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
BatUe of Hubbardton.
Defeat of the Americana.
Death of Colonel Francia.
were well stationed upon the brow of the hill, but so sudden and unexpected was the attack,
that no other breast-works could
be thrown up than such as a few
trees afibrded. For a
long time the conflict
was severe, for Reide-
sel still did not make his
appearance. The British
grenadiers occupied the
Castleton road, and pre-
vented the Americans
from retreating in that
direction ; but the re-
publicans poured in
such a galling fire
upon them, that
they gave way,
and victory was
almost within
the grasp
the patriots.
At that mo-
ment Rio-
desel i^ith
his con
panions
appear-
prisoners.
ed, his
drums
beating
and ban-
ners flying.
The firing
reaching his
ears, he had
pressed on as
rapidly as the
rough forest road
would allow. His
Chasseurs, under
Major Earner, were
immediately brought
into action in support of
Eraser's left flank. At
that moment the whole
British line made a bayonet
charge upon the Americans with
terrible effect. The latter, suppos-
ing that the Germans in full force were
commg upon them, broke and fled with great
precipitation, some over the Pittsford Mountains
toward Rutland, and others down the valley toward Castleton.'
The Americans lost three hundred and twenty-four in killed, wounded,, and
The brave Colonel Francis was slain while gallantly fighting at the head of his
regiment, and twelve oflicers were made prisoners. The British loss was one hundred and
eighty-three, among whom were Major Pratt and about twenty inferior officers.' The
British also captured about two hundred stand of arms.
When General St. Clair heard the firing at Hubbardton, he attempted to send a force to
the relief of Warner, but the militia absolutely refused to go, and the regulars and othertf
were too far on their way to Fort Edward to be recalled. St. Clair had just learned, too,
that Burgoyne was at Skenesborough, and he hastened forward to join General Schuyler,
which he did on the 1 2th, with his troops worn down by fatigue and lack of pro- ,
visions. The loss to the Americans by the evacuation of these posts on the lake
was one hundred and twenty-eight pieces of cannon and a considerable quantity of ammu-
July, 1777.
Explanation of the Map. — A, advanced corps of General Fraser, attacked at B ; C, position of the
corps while it was forming ; D, Earl of Balcarras detached to cover the right wing ; £, the van-guard
and Brunswick company of Chassears coming up with General Reidesel ; F, position of the Americans
after Riedesel arrived. The lines extending downward show the course of the retreat of the Americans
over the Pittsford Mountains. H, position of the British after the action ; I, house where the wounded
were carried, mentioned in the description of the picture on page 144 ; 0, position of the Americans pre-
vious to the action. This map is a reduced copy of one drawn by P. Gerlach, Burgoyne's deputy quarter-
master general.
^ Many of the Americans, in their precipitate retreat, threw away their muskets to rid themselves of
the encumbrance. Some have been found, within a few years, in the woods on the line of the retreat.
One of thein, of American manufacture, is in my possession, and dated 1774. The bayonet is fixed, the
flint is in the lock, and the powder and ball are still in the barrel.
* The statements concerning the loss in this battle are various and contradictory. Some accounts saj
that nearly six hundred, who were wounded, crawled off* into the woods and died; and others, again, pat:
the American loss down at less than three hundred. There is a preponderance of testimony in favor oT
the nnmber I have given, and it is, doubtless, near the truth.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 147
G«nenl Schuyler's Forces at Fort Edward. Retam to Lake Champlalo. Au old Soldier. Mount Independence.
ttition and stores. In every respect the event was disastrous, and, as we have seen, pro-
duced much discontent in the army and disappointment throughout the country.
General Schuyler summoned the fragments of the broken armies to his camp at Fort Ed-
ward. All united, numbered only four thousand four hundred men, and this was the whole
effective force opposed to the southward progress of Burgoyne. Nearly one half of these de-
serted, not to the enemy, but to their homes, before the end of the month. Yet the general
neither despaired nor remained idle. He kept his men busily engaged in destroying bridges,
felling trees, digging deep trenches, and making other obstructions in the forest paths from
Fort Anne to Fort Edward, to delay the progress of the enemy ; and this labor resulted in
greatly impeding Burgoyne's march, and in delaying his arrival upon the Hudson. The
subsequent events connected with these two armies, excepting the battle of Bennington and
the expedition of St. Leger, have already been noticed in detail. The latter will be con-
sidered in their proper order.
I lingered upon the battle-ground in Hubbardton as long as time would allow, for the
view from that lofty table-land is both beautiful and grand, particularly in the direction of
Castleton, on the southwest. A broad vaUey, bounded on either side by ranges of high hills,
cultivated to their summits, and diversified by rich intervales covered with ripe harvests and
dark green com, spread out below us, a lovely picture of peace and prosperity. The view
at its further extremity is bounded by the high hills near the Hudson, and on the lefl some
of the higher summits were dark with spruce and cedar trees. We returned to Sholes's by the
way of Hyde's, in Sudbury, where we dined. As usual, every delicacy of the season was upon
his table. Indeed, *' a table equal to Hyde*s'* has become a proverbial expression of praise
among tourists, for it is his justifiable boast that he spreads the choicest repasts that are
given between Montreal and New Orleans. His beautifully embowered mansion is near
the base of the Green Mountains, by the margin of a charming lake, on the borders of a
rich valley, about twelve miles east of Lake Champlain, and a more delightful summer
retreat can not well be imagined. Our route thither was over a rough mountain road.
Among the rugged hills we met a venerable, white-haired man leaning upon two canes, and
greatly bowed by the weight of years. I accosted him with reverence, and, in answer to
my inquiry whether he was a soldier of the Revolution, he informed me that he was with
Greneral Sullivan on Rhode Island, and was on duty in the fort on Butt's Hill at the time
<^ the engagement there on the 29th of August, 1778, known as the battle of Quaker Hill.
We arrived at Sholes's between five and six o'clock in the evening. Our excellent host
and his neighbor and friend, living at the foot of Mount Independence, anticipating my
wishes, had a skiff* in readiness to convey us across the bay to visit that memorable spot.
Although I had ridden forty miles during the day, and storm-clouds had been gathering
thick and fast for two hours, and now threatened a speedy down-pouring, I was too anxious
fi>r the visit to allow fatigue or rain to thwart my purpose. Accompanied by my companion
and another young lady, the daughter of Mr. S., we pushed across the bay — five of us in a
light skiff) and the wind rising — to the foot of Mount Independence, on its steep southern side.
We ascended by the old road constructed in 1776. The top of the summit is flat table-
land, and afforded a very eligible site for strong military works. It was first occupied by
the Americans early in 1776, when they commenced the erection of batteries, barracks, and
houses, with the'view of making it a place of general rendezvous, and a recruiting station
for the army of the north.* It was heavily timbered when they took possession of it, but
almost all the trees were felled for building purposes and for fuel. A second growth of tim-
* Mount Independence is sitnated in the soathwest corner of Orwell, in Vermont, one mile north of Sholes's
Landing, and contains about two hundred and fifty acres of land, some of which is arable. The troops sta-
tioned there in 1776 received the news of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence^ by the Conti-
BCtttal Congreoi, with the most extravagant demonstrations of joy. It was just after the reveille, on the
morning of the 18th of July, that a courier arrived with the glad tidings ; and, by a general order, a gala
day for the soldiers ensued. At sunset they fired a salute of thirteen guns, in honor of the confederation,
sad named the place on which they wete eneamped Mount Independence, in commemoration of the event
Digitized by
Google
148 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Preaent Appearance of Monnt Independence. Grarea of SoUUen. VaodaUun. Money-digging.
ber now covers it, except where the parades were. The trees are chiefly maple, some of them
twenty inches in diameter. There are about two hundred of them on the mount, large
enough for the extraction of sap for sugar. The young shoots never sprang up where the
old parades were, and they present bald spots, bearing only stinted vegetation.
During the summer and autumn of 1776 the Americans were diligent in fortifying this
spot. They erected a picketed fort and several batteries, dug many wells, and constructed
nearly three hundred houses for the use of the soldiers. The remains of these are scattered
m all directions upon the mount ; and the foundation walls of the hospital, just coomienced
when the evacuation in 1 777 took place, are now nearly as perfect as when first laid. Nar-
row ditches, indicating the line of pickets on the north part of the mount, and running in
various directions and at every angle, are distinctly seen ; and the remains of the ** horse-
shoe battery," on the extreme north end, are very prominent. Near this battery is a flint
quarry, which seems to have been well known and used by the Indians, for arrow-heads in
every stage of manufacture, from the almost unshapen flint to the perfect weapon, are found
there, I was told, in abundance. Toward the close of 1776 a fatal epidemic prevailed in
the garrison there, called the ** camp distemper," and the graves of the victims are thickly
strewn among the trees. At one time the deaths were so numerous that it was found im-
possible to dig a grave for each, and the spot was shown to me where fourteen bodies were
deposited in a single broad grave, about daylight one morning. Among the hundreds of
these mounds of the d^ad, scattered over the mount, there was only one individualized by an
inscribed stone. The rude monument is a rough limestone,
and the inscription, *' M. Richardson Stoddard," appeared as
if carved with the point of a* bayonet. The tenant was prob-
ably an officer of militia from a town formerly named Stod-
dard, in Vermont. Already some Vandal visitor had broken
^^*^S^4i^' ^^^ "relic" from its diminutive bulk, and ere this some pa-
" triotic antiquary has doubtless slipped the whole stone into his
pocket, and secured a legacy of rare value for his wondering children ! A propensity to ap-
propriate to private use a fragment of public monuments, and a pitiful ambition, allied in
kind to that of the Ephesian incendiary, to associate one's name by pencil or penkldfe in-
scription with places of public resort, have already greatly marred and disfigured a large pro-
portion of our few monuments, and can not be too severely condemned. Charity, that *' oov-
ereth the multitude of sins," has not a mantle broad enough to hide this iniquity, for none
but heartless knaves or brainless fools would thus deface even the meanest grave-stone in a
church-yard. Wolfe's monument on the Plains of Abraham, and the monuments at Red
Bank and Paoli, bear mournful testimony of this barbarism which is abroad.
At various times Mount Independence, as well as Crown Point and other localities in the
neighborhood of Lake Champlain, has been scarred by money-diggers. In 181 5 a company
came hither from Northern Vermont, to search for military treasures which wise seers and
the divining rod declared were buried there. . The chief of the party, entertaining misgiv-
ings on his arrival as to the success of money-digging, purchased land in the neighborhood,
and while his more credulous companions were digging deep into the mount, he was plowing
deep into his land. He raised grain and esculent roots — ^they raised gravel and worthless
clay. When their patience and money were exhausted, they shouldered their picks and de^
parted for Western New York. He remained, became a thrifty farmer, and, by the unerr-
ing divining rod of industry, found the treasure. Credulous people still dig at these locali-
ties, and several pits were pointed out to me which had been recently excavated.'
^ Three or four years ago the white wife of a negro dreamed three times — ^the cabalistic nomber — that
at a certain place on Mount Independence immense treasures were buried when the Americans evacuated
that post. They were, doubtless, the identical silver balls which calumny asserted Burgoyne fired into St.
Clair's camp as the price of treason. The negro procured aid, and a pure white dog to watch them while
cliggiiig* A moonlight night was the chosen time. The secret leaked into the ears of some boys, and set
their' mischievous wits at work. A large pumpkin was emptied of its seeds, and staring eyes, wide noi
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
149
ReCom to Sholet's.
Darkness on the Lake.
View from Sholes's Landing.
Darkness came on, and the rain pattered upon the leaves before ive descended fo the
shore ; and by the time we were Mrly out upon the lake our destined haven was invisible...
The wind was fresh and the waters rough. One of the ladies guided the helm, but her
bright eyes could not discern the distant shore, and her nautical skill was unavailing. The
con of Mr. S., anticipating such a dilemma, discharged a small swivel at the landing, and by
its beacon flash we were safely guided until we came within the rays of the candles at the
house. Wet and weary, we supped and retired early, to resume our journey in the morning.
ViBW PROM SH0LK8*S LaKDINQ^
trils, and grinDiDg teeth were oat oat of the rind, and a lighted oandle was placed within the sphere. This
hideous head, with its fiery eyes and nostrils, was placed on the caput of a bold boy, who marched up to
the pit where the money-diggers were at work. The dog first discovered the grinning specter, and, with
a loud yell, leaped from the cavity and ran for life. The men followed, leaving pick, spade, hat, and coat
behind, quite sure that the '* gentleman in black" was close upon their heels ; and they have ever since be-
lieved that he guards the treasures, and sometimes takes an evening stroll on Mount Independence.
' This is a view from Chipman's Point, or Sholes's Landing, looking north. The high ridge on the right,
in the distance, is Mount Independence. The higher and more distant hill on the left, over the cedar, is
Mount Defiance, and the elevation beyond is Mount Hope. Fort Ticonderoga is on the other side of Mount
Independence, in a line with the highest part.
Digitized by
Google
\t)i)
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
(TUmaey Point
Flrat Settlement by the French.
Fort Rl Frederic
Distant View of Crown PofaiL
CHAPTER VII.
" The green earth sends its inoense np from every mountain shrine,
From every flower and dewy oup that greeted the sunshine.
The mists are lifted from the rills like the white wing of prayer ;
They lean above the ancient hills, as doing homage there.
The forest-tops are lowly cast o^er breezy hill and glen,
As if a prayerful spirit passM on nature as on men.*'
Whittibb.
LIGHT mist was upon the water when we departed from Sholes's, but
a gentle breeze swept it off to the hills as we turned the point of Mount
Independence and entered the broader expanse near Ticonderoga. We
^^ caught a last glimpse of the gray ruins as our boat sped by» and before
nine o'clock we landed at Chimney Point, opposite Crown Point, where
the lake is only half a mile wide.* Here the French established their
first settlement on Lake Champlain, in 1731, and commenced the culti-
vation of the grains of the country. They erected a stone wind-mill in
the neighborhood, which was garrisoned and .used as a fort during the
wars with the English colonies. When Professor Kalm, the Swedish
naturalist and traveler, during his botanical tour through New York and
Canada in 1749, visited this settlement, five or six cannons were mounted in the mill. The
place was then called Wind-mill Point.'
The same year in which the French settled at Chimney Point, they built a strong fort
'-^^■-^i
upon the shore opposite, and
called it Fort St. Frederic,
in honor of Frederic Mau-
lepas, the then Secretary of
State. It was a starwork, in
the form of a pentagon, with
bastions at the angles, and
surrounded by a ditch walled
in with stone. Kalm says
there was a considerable set-
tlement around the fort, and
pleasant, cultivated gardens
adorned the rude dwellings.
There was a neat Httle
gave the name of Chimney Point to the bold promontory.
Chimnbt Point LAifOino.'
church within the ramparts,
and every thing betokened
a smiling future for a hap-
py and prosperous colony.
But the rude clangor of war
disturbed their repose a few
years afterward ; the thim-
der of British artillery fright-
ened them away, and they
retired to the north end of
the lake. For many years
the chimneys of their desert-
ed dwelUngs on the eastern
shore were standing, and
* Chimney Point is in the soathwestem comer of Addison town, Vermont, and is the proper landing-place
for those who desire to visit the mins of Crown Point fortress, on the opposite side of the lake.
' From Kalm's account it appears probable that the wind-mill was upon the shore opposite, at the point
where now may be seen the rains of what is called the Orenadiert^ Battery. He sa3rs it was " within one
or two musket-shots of Fort St. Frederic,'' a fortification immediately on the shore opposite Chhnney Point.
' This view is taken from the green in front of the inn at Chimney Point, looking west-southwest. The
first land seen across the lake is Crown Point, with the remaining barracks and other works of the fortress,
and the dwellings and outhouses of Mr. Baker, a resident farmer. Beyond the point ia Bulwaggy Bay, a
broad, deep estuary much wider than the lake at Chimney Point. Beyond the bay, and rising from its
western .shore, is Bulwaggy Mountain, var3ring in perpondicular height from four to nine hundred feet, and
distant from the fort between one and two miles. A little to the right of the Urger tree on the shore is the
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
151
Vlrit to Crown Point
Description of the Fortreaa.
Iti presont Appearance.
Anxious to leave in the evening boat for Burlington, we sent our light baggage to the inn,
and immediately crossed over to Crown Point on a horse-boat, the only ferry vessel there.
Mr. Baker, an aged resident and farmer upon the point, kindly guided us over the remainiE
of the military works in the vicinity, where we passed between three and four hours. We
first visited old Fort St. Frederic, Uie senior fortress in chronological order. It is upon the
steep bank of the lake, and the remains of its bomb-proof covered way, oven, and magazine
can still be traced ; the form of its ramparts is indicated by a broken line of mounds.
The average width of the peninsula of Crown Point is one mile, and the principal worki
are upon its highest part, near the northern end. The peninsula i^ made up of dark lime-
stone, covered quite slightly with earth. This physical characteristic lent strength to the
post, for an enemy could not approach it by parallels or regular advances, but must make an
open assault. jS^. Frederic, standing close by the water, lacked this advantage ; and the
French, feeling their comparative weakness, exercised the valor of prudence, and abandoned
it on the approach of the English and provincials under General Amherst, in 1759, ,, ^^
and retired to the Isle Aux Noix,* in the Sorel. The British commander took im- ^
mediate possession, but the works were so dilapidated that, instead of repairing them, he at
once began the erection of a new and extensive fortress about two hundred yards south-
west of it, and upon
^ , ', ,, more commanding
. - -.- :r • ^ ' . - — - . ground. The ram-
parts were about
twenty-five feet
thick, and nearly
the same in height,
of solid masonry
^^T^'SU^I^J-TSI^^^y^ 'I'he curtains varied in length from fifty-
WS8TERN LircE OF BARRACKs/r^wo to OHG hundrcd yards, and tho wholc
circuit, measuring along the ramparts*
and including the bastions, was eight hundred and fifty-three
yards, a trifle less than half a mile. A broad ditch cut out of
solid limestone surrounded it. The fragments taken from the ex-
cavation were used to construct the reveting, and the four rows
of barracks erected within. On the north was a gate, and fiK)m
the northeastern bastion was a covered way leading to the lake.
Within this bastion a well, nearly eight feet in diameter and nine-
ty feet deep, was sunk, from which the garrison was supplied with
water. This fortress was never entirely finished, although the
British government spent nearly ten millions of dollars upon it and
its outworks. Its oonstruction was a part of the grand plan de-
vised by Pitt to crush French power in America, and hence, for
Plan of thi Fobt.
site of Fort St Frederic, and at the edge of the circle on the left, along the same shore, is the locality of the
Grenadiers' Battery. The wharf and bridge in the foregroand form the steam-boat and ferry landing at
Chimney Point. ^ This is pronounced O Noo-ak.
* There were four large bnildings used for barracks within the fort, the walls or chimneys of whioh were
boilt of limestone. One of them has been entirely removed, and another, two hundred and eighty-seven
feet long, is almost demolished. Portions of it are seen on the left, in the foreground of the picture. The
walls of the other two— one, one hundred and ninety-two, and the other two hundred and sixteen feet long,
and two stories high — are quite perfect, and one of them was roofed and inhabited until within two or three
years. At each end, and between these barracks, are seen the remains of the ramparts. The view is from
the northwestern angle of the fort, a little south of the remains of the western range of barracks, and look-
ing southeast. The hills in the distance are the Green Mountains on the left, and the nearer range called
Suke Mountain, on the right.
Explanation of the Plan. — A, B, C, the barrackt ; D, the well / the black line denotes the ramparts^ with
Its parapet ; the white space next to it the ditck^ and the shade«i part outside, the covered way. banptette,
and tlacU.
Digitized by
Google
152
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
PropoMd Attack on the French at Iile Aux Noix. Approach of Wlnt^. Appearance of Crown Point InacriptioM
fhis as well as for eveiy other part of the service here, the most extraordinary efibrts were
made, and pecuniary means were freely lavished.'
Amherst constructed several small vessels at Crown Point, and, leaving a garrison to de-
fend the partly finished fort, embarked with the rest of his troops, and sailed down the lake,
to attack the French in their new position in the Sorel. Storm after storm arose upon the
lake, and greatly endangered the safety of his men and munitions in the frail vessels. The
season being considerably advanced, he abandoned the design, and resolved not to risk the
snow-storms that would soom ensue, and the general barrenness of food and forage that now
October % ' Prevailed in an enemy's country. So he returned to Crown Point, and went into
winter-quarters.
1759.
Tbe works at Crown Point are much better preserved than those at Ticonderoga, and the
present owner of the
ground, with a resolu-
tion which bespeaks
his taste and patriot-
ism, will not allow a
stone to be removed
The view here given
is from the parapet
near the end of the
southeastern range of
barr&cks, where the
flag-staff was, looking
down the lake north-
west. At the foot of
the hills on the lake
shore, toward the left,
is Cedar Point, at the
entrance of Bulwag-
gy Fay, and a little
north of it is the vil-
lage of Port Henry,
the location of the
works of a large iron company, composed chiefly of Bostonians. There is a ferry between
this place ai)d Chimney Point, the boats touching at Crown Point.
In the gable wall of the nearest barracks in the view are two inscribed stones, faced smooth
where the inscription is carved. One bears the initials "G.
R.,'' George Hex or King ; the rude form of an anchor, a mark
peculiar to Great Britain, and placed upon her cannon-ballf
and other military articles ; and the date of the construction of
the fortress, " 1769." The other stone has the initial "G.''
without the R., the monogram of Amherst, the anchor, and a
number of rectangular and diagonal lines of inexplicable mean-
ing. The deep well, already alluded to, is close by the covered
way that leads to the lake, and a few rods northeast from the
eastern range of barracks. It was nearly filled with rubbish,
and almost hidden from view by the weeds and shrubbery upon its margin. I was informed
that a general impression prevailed in the vicinity, about twenty-five years ago, that this deep
well was the depository of vast treasures, which were cast into it by the French for conceal-
Cbowh Poiht.
' For the campaign of 1759 the Legislature of New York authorized the levy of two thousand six hund-
red and eighty men, and issued the sum oT five hundred thousand dollars in biUs of credit, bearing interest,
and redeemable in 1768 by the proceeds of an annual tax.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 153
Search for TreMWe in the WelL A renerable Money-digger. Capture of Crown Point by tha Patriots. Seth Warner.
ment when they ahandoned the fort in 1759. Aooordingly, a stook company of fifly men,
whose capital was labor, and whose dividends were to he
the treasure found, cleared the well of all its rubbish, in
search of the gold and silver. One of the comp«uiy fur-
nished the whisky which was drunk on the occasion, and
agreed to wait for his pay until the treasure was secured.
The men " kept their spirits up by pouring spirits down,"
and before the work was completed nearly three hogs-
heads of alcohol were swallowed by them. They cleared
and drained the well to its rocky bottom, and all the metal
which they found was iron in the form of nails, spikes,
bolts, axes, shovels, ico. The whisky and the labor
were lost to the owners, but they found the saying cor-
rect, that " truth lies at the bottom of a well," for they
discovered, when at the bottom, the important truth,
which doubtless taught them wisdom, that credulity is a
faithless though smiling friend, and a capricious and hard
thb wbll. master to serve. Money-digging still continues in the
neighborhood, and several excavations within the fort were pointed out as the scene of quite
recent labor in that line.
In 1 844 a venerable, white*haired man, apparently between eighty and ninety years of
age, leaning upon a staff, and accompanied by two athletic men, came to the fort and began
to dig. They were observed by Mr. B., and ordered away. The old man was urgent for
leave to dig, for he had come from the northern part of Vermont, was very poor, knew ex-
actly where the treasure was, as he had assisted in concealing it, and asked but thirty min-
utes to finish his work. Mr. B. left them, and, returning an hour afterward, saw quite a
deep hole, but no man was near. The diggers were gone, and the impression is that they
really " found something !" There has been a great deal of money-digging upon Snake
Mountain, on the eastern side of the lake, induced, to some extent, by the wonderful discovery
of a crucible there. Among those rugged hills was doubtless the residence of *< May Martin,"
the lovely heroine of the *« Money-diggers."*
Crown Point remained in the quiet possession of the British from 1759 until 1775, when
it was surprised and taken by a small body of provincials called *' Green Mountain Boys,"
under Colonel Seth Warner.* I have already mentioned the fact that he attempted its cap-
ture on the same day that Delaplace surrendered Ticonderoga to Ethan Allen, but was
thwarted and driven back by a storm. That was on the 1 0th of May. The attempt
was renewed on the 1 2th, with success, and the garrison, con^ting of only a sergeant
and eleven men, were made prisoners without firing a shot.' Among the spoils were a hund-
red and fourteen cannons, of which only sixty-one were fit for service.
' See Thompsbn's pretty fiction, ^^May Martin^ or the Money-diggen.^^
* Seth Warner was born in Woodbury, Connecticut, about 1744. He moved to Bennington, Vermont,
in 1773, and was noted for his skill in hunting. He and Ethan Allen were the leaders of the people of the
New Hampshire Grants in their controversy with New York, and on the 9th of March, 1774, the Legisla-
tnre of the latter province passed an act of outlawry against them. After the capture of Ticonderoga and
Crown Point, he received a colonel's commission from the Continental Congress, and joined Montgomery
in Canada. His regiment was discharged at St. John's, and, after the death of his general, he raised an-
other body of troops and marched to Quebec. He covered the retreat of the Americans from Canada to
Ticonderoga, was with the troops when they evacuated that post in 1777, and commanded the rear-guard
that fought a severe battle at Hubbardton. He was one of General Starks's aids at the battle of Benning-
ton, and then joined the army under G^tes at Stillwater. His health soon afterward gave way, and he died
at Woodbury in 1785, aged forty-one years. The state of Vermont gave his widow and children a valua-
ble tract of land. — j3lUn*i American Biography,
* On the day when Allen captured Ticonderoga, he sent a message to Captain Remember Baker, one
of hb colleagues in the violent boundary disputes between the New Yorkers and the pec pie of the New
Hampshire Granto, to join him at that post. Baker obeyed the summons, and when he was coming up
Digitized by
Google
\
154 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Bzpaditioiis of Alien and Arnold againit 8t John's. Preparations to oppose General Carleton on the Lake.
Arnold arrived at Tioonderoga the same evening, and on the 14th about fifty men, who
had enlisted in compliance with his orders given by the way while hurrying on to Castleton
to overtake Allen, arrived from Skenesborough, and brought with them the schooner which
belonged to Major Skene. He manned this vessel instantly, armed it with some of the guns
taken at the fort, and sailed down the lake to St. John's, on the Sorel. There he surprised
and made prisoners the garrison, consisting of a sergeant and twelve men ; captured a king's
sloop with seven men ; destroyed five bateaux ; seized four others ; put on board some of
the valuable stores from the fort, and with his prisoners, and favored by a fair wind which
had chopped around from south to north just as he had secured his prizes, he returned to
Ticonderoga. Colonel Allen, with one hundred and fifty men in bateaux, sti^rted upon the
same expedition, but Arnold's schooner outsailed the flat-boats, and Allen met him within
fifteen miles of St. John's, returning with his prizes. Arnold was on board the king's sloop,
where Allen visited him, and, after ascertaining the actual state of afiairs, the latter determ-
ined to go on to St. John's and garrison the fort with about one hundred men. He landed
just before night, marched about a mile toward Laprairie, and formed his men in ambush
to attack an expected reinforcement for the enemy. He soon learned that the approachmg
force was much larger than his own, and retired across the river, where he was attacked
early in the morning by two hundred men. He fied to his boats and escaped to Ticonder-
oga, with a loss of three men taken prisoners. Thus within one week the strong fortresses
of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, with all their dependencies upon the lake, were snatched
from the British by the bold provincials, without their firing a gun or losing a man ; and
their Uttle fleet upon the lake, their only strength left, was captured and destroyed in a day.
These events aroused Greneral Carleton, the governor of Canada, and a re-enforcement of
more than four hundred British and Canadians was speedily sent to St. John's. It was de-
termined to send small water craft from Chambly and Montreal, to be armed and manned
at St. John's ; and other measures were planned for dispatching a sufficient force up the lake
to recapture Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Tidings of these preparations soon reached the
ears of Arnold, and aflbrded him an opportunity to sever his connection with Allen, so ill
suited to his restless and ambitious spirit. A fleet to oppose the enemy was now necessary,
and, having had some experience at sea in earlier life, Arnold assumed to be the commander
of whatever navy should be fitted out. His assumption was not complained of, and he pro-
ceeded vigorously in arming and manning Skene's schooner, the king's corvette, and a small
flotilla of bateaux. With these and about one hundred and fifty men, he took post at Crown
Point to await the approach of the enemy. There he organized his little navy by the ap-
pointment of a captain and subordinate officers for each vessel. He mounted six carriage
guns and twelve swivels in the sloop, and four carriage guns and eight swivels in the schooner.
He was also active in sending ofl* the ordnance from Crown Point to the army at Cambridge,
and at the same time he sent emissaries to Montreal and the Caughnawagas to sound the inten-
tions of the Canadians and Indians, and ascertain what was the actual force under Carleton
and the nature of his preparations. He also wrote to the Continental Congress in June,
proposing a plan of operations whereby, he confidently believed, the whole of Canada
might be conquered by two thousand men. He asserted that persons in Montreal had agreed
to open the gates when a strong Continental force should appear before the city ; assured
Congress that Carleton had only five hundred and fifty eflective men under him ; and ofiered
to lead the expedition and to be responsible for consequences. His representations were doubt-
less true, but Congress was not prepared to sanction such an expedition. Allen, in a letter
dated Crown Point, June 2d, 1775, made a similar proposition to the Provincial Congress
of New York. In the mean while letters had been sent from Ticonderoga to the Provincial
Congress of Massachusetts, complaining of Arnold's arrogant assumptions, and otherwise dis-
the lake with his party, he met two small boats with British soldiers, going to St. John's with the intelli-
gence of the reduction of Ticonderoga, and to solicit a re-enforcement of the garrison at Crown Point. Ba*
ker seized the boats, and with his prisoneij arrived at the fort just in time to join Warner in taking ]
tion of it. — Sparkt^i Life of Ethan JUm.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 155
CommiMioa from Manacbosetta. Re-enforcementa for the Lake Porta. Regiment of Qreen Mountain Boya.
paraging his deeds. A committee of inquiry was appointed, who proceeded to Lake Cham-
plain. Arnold was at Crown Point, acting as commandant of the fort and commodore of
the navy, and, not suspecting the nature of their visit, he was enthusiastic in his discourse
to them of his expected victories. The first intimation of their errand aroused Arnold's in-
dignation ; and when he fully understood the purport of their commission, he wrote them a
formal letter of resignation, discharged his men, and returned to Cambridge, uttering loud
complaints of ill usage by the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts. Thus ended the naval
operations upon the lake in 1775.
When Ticonderoga and Crown Point were securely in the power of the provincials. Col-
onel Easton went to Massachusetts and Connecticut, and explained to the respective gov-
ernments all the transactions connected with the reduction of these important posts. The
Massachusetts Assembly wrote to Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut, expressing their will-
ingness to allow that colony all the honor, and to withhold all interference in future opera-
tions in that quarter. Trumbull immediately prepared to send a re-enforcement for the
garrisons, of four hundred men. Meanwhile messages were sent to the Continental Con-
gress, and, through courtesy, to the Provincial Congress of New York, within whose juris-
diction the fortresses were situated, to ascertain their views. The Continental Congress
approved the measures of Governor Trumbull, and requested the Convention of New York
to supply the troops with provisions. The four hundred men were immediately sent,
under Colonel Hinman, who superseded Colonel Allen in the command at Ticonderoga.
The latter, with Warner, set off for the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, to procure
pay for their soldiers, whose tenns had expired, and to solicit authority to raise a new regi-
ment in Vermont. The appearance of these men occasioned a great sensation in Philadel-
phia, and they were introduced upon the floor of Congress, to make their communications to
that body orally. Congress at once acquiesced in their wishes, granted the soldiers the same
pay as was received by those of the Continental army, and* recommended to the New York
Convention that, after consulting General Schuyler, they should <* employ in the army to be
raised in defense of America those called Green Mountain Boys, under such officers as the
said Green Mountain Boys should choose." This resolution was dispatched to the New
York Convention, and thither Allen and Warner repaired, and obtained an audience.' The
Assembly resolved that a regiment of Green Mountain Boys, consisting of seven companies,
and not exceeding five hundred men in number, should be raised. The matter was referred
to General Schuyler, who immediately notified the people of the New Hampshire Grants,
and ordered them to raise the regiment. Allen and Warner were not members of the regi-
ment, but soon afterward they both joined General Schuyler at Ticonderoga, where he was
stationed with about three thousand troops from New York and New England, pre- Anraat,
paratory to an invasion of Canada. Early in September Generals Schuyler and ^^^
Montgomery sailed from Ticonderoga and Crown Point with their whole force, and appeared
before St. John's, on the Sorel. Let us for a moment take a general view of affairs having
a relation to the northern section of operations at this juncture and immediately anteced-
ent thereto.
* The Assembly of New York was embarrassed when Allen and Warner appeared at the door of its hall
and asked for admission, and a warm debate ensued. During the then recent oontroTersy of the Legislature
of New York with the people of the New Hampshire Grants, these men had been proclaimed outlaws, and
that attainder had never been wiped off by a repeal. There were members of that body who had taken a
tery actiye part, personally, in the controversy, and they were unwilling to give their old enemies a friendly
greeting. Their prejudices, and the scruples of others who could not recognize the propriety of holding
pablio conference with men whom the law of the land had declared to be rioters and felons, produced a
strong opposition to their admission to the hall. The debates were becoming very warm, when Captain
Sears (the noted " King Sears'^) moved that " Ethan Allen be admitted to the floor of the House.** It was
carried by a very large majority, as was also a similar resolution in regard to Warner. Allen afterward
wrote a letter of thanks to the New York Assembly, in which, after referring to the formation of the bat-
taliun of Green Mountain Boys, he concluded by saying, " I will be responsible that they will reciprocate
this favor by boldly hazarding their lives, if need be, in the common cause of America."
Digitized by
Google
156 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
General View of Afikin. The ** Canada BUL" Oppoeition to it in Parliament DenondatioDi of Barrel
The British ministry, alanned at the rapid progress of the rebellion in America, and par-
ticularly at the disafieotion to the royal government whi^h was manifest in Canada, and ob-
serving that all their coercive measures in relation to Massachusetts had thus far augmented
rather than diminished the number and zeal of the insurgents in that colony, determined, in
1774, to try a difierent policy with Canada, to secure the loyalty of the people. A large
proportion of the inhabitants were of French descent, and members of the Romish commun-
ion. Those who composed the most influential class were of the old French aristocracy, and
any concessions made in favor of their caste weighed more heavily with them than any that .
might be made to the whole people, involving the extension of the area of political freedom,
SLtk idea which was a mere abstraction to them. Religious concessions to the other and
more ignorant class were a boon of great value, and by these means the king and his advisers
determined to quiet the insurrectionary spirit in Canada. A bill was accordingly introduced
into Parliament, " For making more eflectual provision for the government of the province
of Quebec, in North America." It provided for the establishment of a Legislative Council,
invested with all powers except that of levying taxes. It was provided that its members
should be appointed by the crown, and continue in authority during its pleasure ; that Ca-
nadian subjects professing the Catholic faith might be called to sit in the Council ; that the
Catholic clergy, with the exception of the regular orders, should be secured in the enjoyment
of their professions, and of their tithes from all those who professed their religion ; that the
French laws without jury should be re-established, preserving, however, the English laws,
with trial by jury, in criminal cases. The bill also provided that the limits of Canada should
be extended so as to inclose the whole region between the lakes and the Ohio and Mississippi
Rivers, regardless of the just claims of other colonies under old and unrepealed charters.*
These liberal concessions to the Canadians would have been highly commendable, had not
other motives than a spirit of liberality manifestly actuated ministers. The most obtuse ob-
server could plainly perceive their object to be to secure a strong footing north and west of
the refractory colonies, where troops might be concentrated and munitions of war collected,
to be used at a iigoment's warning, if necessary, in crushing rebellion near. Such a design
was at once charged upon ministers by the ever-vigilant Colcmel Barr6, on the floor of the
British House of Commons. " A very extraordinary indulgence," he said, " is given to the
inhabitants of this province, and one calculated to gain the hearts and afiections of these
people. To this I can not object, if it is to be applied to good purposes ; but if you are about
to raise a popish army to serve in the colonies, from this time all hope of peace in America
will be destroyed. The Americans will look on the Canadians as their task-masters, and,
in the end, their executioners." It was urged by ministers that common justice demanded
the adoption of such a measure, for a very large proportion of the people of Canada were
Roman Catholics.' Edmund Burke, Thomas Townshend, Charles Fox, Sergeant Glynn,
and others joined Colonel Barr6 in his denunciations of the bill, particularly in relation to
the clauses concerning the Roman Catholic rehgion, and that providing for the establishment
of a Legislative Council to be appointed by the crown. The former were considered a dan-
gerous precedent for a Protestant government, and the latter was regarded as shadowing
forth the ultimate design of the king and his ministers to subvert the popular form of gov-
ernment in America, and to make the legislators mere creatures of the crown. By its pro-
visions the Governor of Canada was vested with almost absolute and illimitable power, and
permitted to be nearly as much a despot, if he chose, as any of the old Spanish viceroys of
^ Thomas and John Penn, son and grandson of William Penn, then the proprietaries of Pennsylvania and
Delaware, entered a protest against the boundary section of this bill, because it contemplated an encroach-
ment upon their territory. Burke, who was then the agent of the colony of New York, also opposed this
section of the bill for the same reason, in behalf of his principal. The letter of that statesman to the As-
sembly of New York on the subject is published among the Collections of the New York Historical Society,
and is sal^ to be the only one known to be extant of all those which he wrote to that body.
' Governor Carleton asserted, on oath, before a committee of Parliament, that there were then only about
three hundred and sixty Protestants in Canada, while the Roman Catholics numbered one hundred and fiftj
thousand
/
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 157
PMMgeof tlie*'CMiAdaBUL'' EffieotoftfaeBCeaBureinthe Coloniei. BoldneM of Oniton and the Pubm.
South America. On this point Lord Chatham (William Pitt) was particularly eloquent,
and he also took ground against the rehgious features of the bill, as an innovation dangerous
to the Protestant faith and^ to the stability of the throne. The bill, however, with all its
exceptionable clauses, was adopted by quite a large majority in both Houses, and received
the royal assent on the 2 2d of June. It was introduced into the House of Lords by
the Earl of Dartmouth, and passed that House without opposition. This bill is refer-
red to in our Declaration of Independence as one of the ** acts of pretended legislation" that
justified the separation from the parent country.
While this act, with the Boston Port Bill, that for the subver8ioni)f the charter of Massa-
chusetts, and the law authorizing the transportation of criminals to Great Britain for trial,
were in transit through Parliament and receiving the royal signature, the colonists were pre-
paring to make a successful resistance against further legislative encroachments. Through-
out the whole summer and autumn of 1774 the greatest excitement prevailed. The com-
mittees of correspondence were every where active and 'firm, and were constantly supplied
with minute knowledge of all the movements of the home government by secret agents in
thi British metropolis. The people by thousands signed non-importation agreements, and
otherwise attested their willingness to make personal sacrifices in the cause of freedom. The
press spoke out boldly, and orators no longer harangued in parables, but fearlessly called
apon the people to unite. The events of the French and Indian war had demonstrated the
prowess and strength of the Anglo-Americans against the foes of Britain, and they felt con-
fident in that strength against Britain herself, now that she had become the oppressor of her
children, if a bond of union could be made that should cause all the colonies to act in con-
cert. A general Congress, similar to that which convened in New York in 1765, was
therefore suggested. Throughout the colonies the thought was hailed as a happy one, and
soon was developed the most energetic action. The Congress met in September, adopt-
ed loyal addresses to the king and Parliament, to the people of the colonies, of Canada,
of Ireland, and of Great Britain, and took precautionary measures respecting future aggres-
sions upon their rights. The people, highly indignant, every where evinced the strength of
that feeling by open contempt for all royal authority exercised by ofiicers of the crown. The *
acts alluded to were denounced as <' barbarous and bloody," the British ministry were pub-
lished in the gazettes, and placarded upon the walls as papists and as traitors to the Consti-
ttUion, and the patriots even had the boldness to lampoon the king and ^Parliament. (For
an illustration, see next page.)
Such was the temper of the Americans at the opening of the year 1775. The events at
Lexington and Concord added fuel to the flame of indignation and rebellion. As we have
seen, Ticonderoga and other posts on Lake Champlain were assailed, and fell into the hands
of the Americans. In June the battle of Bunker Hill was fought. A Continental j^^^ ^
army was speedily organized. Hope of reconciliation departed. The sword was ^^^•
fairly drawn, and at the close of smnmer an expedition was arranged to invade Canada, for
which an armament was collected at Ticonderoga. Such a step seemed essential for two
reasons : first, to confirm the Canada patriots (who were chiefly in the neighborhood of Mon-
treal) in their opposition to Great Britain by the pressure of armed supporters ; and, sec-
ondly, to secure the strong-hold of Quebec while its garrison was yet weak, and before Gen-
eral Carleton could organize a sufficient force to defend it. That officer, it was well known,
was vested with almost unlimited power as governor of the province, under the act which
we have just considered ; and it was also well known that he was using every means at his
command to induce the Canadians to take up arms against the rebellious colonists. Neithei
bribes nor promises were spared. The imperial government resolved to send out fifteen
thousand mudcets to arm the French Catholics, and agents of lihe crown were busy among
the Indian tribes upon the St. Lawrence and the Ottawa, inciting them to an allianoe with
the army of the king.
Congress had already sent an afiectionate address " To the oppressed inhabitants May^,
of Canada," and its effects were so palpable to Governor Carleton, that he feared ^^5.
Digitized by
Google
168
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Briddi GoTonuneDt carieatared. Curleton'a attempt to aednee the BUhop of Qaebee. Conaiatsney of the Piriate
entire duafieotion to the royal goyemment would ensue. The people were disappointed in
the operations of the act of 1774, and all but the nobles regarded it as tyrannical. Unable
Virtual RxPKKSvifTATioif. 1775.1
/■ '-. ,' • .7^ ;' I
Apra 1, ITTft.
1. One Strinf Jack, DeliTer your property.
%. Begar. juat ao in France. J a-,,,~„,i^..
S. Te Dcum. | A-coomplicea.
4. I give yon that man*a money for my nae.
5. I wUl not be robbed.
0. I ahall be wounded with yon.
7. I am blinded.
8. The French Roman Catholic town of Quebec.
9. The Engliah Protestant town of Boston.
to make an impression favorable to the king upon the Canadians by an appeal to their loy-
alty, Carleton had recourse to the authority of religion. He endeavored to seduce Brand,
the Roman Catholic bishop of Quebec, from his exalted duties as a Christian pastor, to en-
gage in the low political schemes of a party placeman, and publish a mandemerU, to be read
•from the pulpit by the curates in time of divine service. He also urged the prelate to ex-
hort the people to take up arms against the colonists. But the consistent bishop refused to
exert his influence 4n such a cause, and plainly told Carleton that such conduct would be
unworthy of a faithfril pastor, and derogatory to the canons of the Romish Church. A few
priests, however, with the nobility, seconded Carleton*s views, but their influence was feeble
with the mass of the people, who were determined to remain neutral. The governor now
tried another scheme, and with better efiect. He could make no impression upon the masses
by appeals to their loyalty or their religious prejudices, and he determined to arouse. them by
' The above engraving is an exact copy, reduced, of a caricature which I foand in the possession of the
Massachiisetts Historical Society at Boston, entitled " Virlwd Repre$entati<m," On the back of it, appar-
ently in the hand-writing of the time, is the following :
" A full explanation of the within print. — No. 1 intends the K — g of G. 6., to whom the House of Com-
mons (4) gives the Americans' money for the use of that very H. of C, and which he is endeavoring to
take away with the power of cannon. No. 2, by a Frenchman, signifies the tyranny that is intended for
America. No. 3, the figure of a Roman Catholic priest with his crucifix and gibbet, assisting George in
enforcing his tyrannical system of civil and religious government. Nos. 5 and 6 are honest American yeo-
men, who oppose an oaken staff* to G — *s cannon, and determine they will not be robbed. No. 7 is poor
Britannia blindfolded, falling into the bottomless pit which her infamous rulers have prepared for the Amer-
icans. Nos. 8, 9 represent Boston in flames and Quebec triumphant, to show the probable consequence
of submission to the present wicked ministerial system, that popery and tyranny will triujjjph over true re*
ligion, virtue, and liberty.
'* N.B. Perhaps this may remind the Bostonians of the invincible attachment of the Numantines* to their
Uberty," &c.
* The Numantinei inhabited a cl^ on the banks of die Douro, in Spain. Twenty years thejr were besiefsd by tte Romaoa,
Qntn at length the younger Sciplo Africanus entered their city (one hundred and thirty-three years B.C., and twelve yeax8\£tDr
the destruction of Carthage). Tlie Numantines, seeing all hope gone, set fire to their city and perished in the flames rather
than become slaves to their oppressors.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 159
ROjttl Highland Regiment^ hftw raiaed. Our Departure firom Crown Point Split Rock. War-feaat on tbe Bouquet RiTer
appealing to their cupidity. Accordingly, he caused the drums to beat up for volunteers in
Quebec, and by ofiers of good pay, privileges, and bounties, he succeeded in enrolling a few,
under the title of the Royal Highland Regiment ^ About the same time Colonel jq|.
Guy Johnson arrived at Montreal with a large number of Indian chiefs and warriors ^^^•
of ihe Six Nations, who, despite their solemn promises of neutrality, were induced to join the
soldiers of the king. They made oath of allegiance to the crown in the presence of Carle-
ton, and were held in readiness to serve him when he should call.
A small number of regular British troops, with the volunteers and Indians, composed the
bulk of Carleton's army at the close of the summer of 1775, the time when Greneral Schuy-
ler was preparing, at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, for a campaign against Canada. We
thus come back from our historic ramble to our starting-place at Crown Point. The ruins
are sufficiently explored ; let us pass over to Chimney Point and dine, for the steamer will
soon come down the lake to convey us to our Sabbath resting-place at Burlington.
We left Chimney Point in the evening, a cool, gentle breeze blowing from the northwest.
The western shore is bold, and in many places- precipitous, and in the distance the blue peaks
and lofty ridges of the Adirondack Mountains skirt the horizon. The eastern margin is the
termination of the pleasant slopes and beautiful intervales between the Green Mountains and
the lake, cultivated and wooded alternately to the water's verge. At dusk we reached the
famous Split Rock. The moon was shining
brightly in the west, where faint tints of day-
light stiU lingered, and we passed so near that
we had a fine view of that geological wonder.
It is on the west side of the lake, about thirty
miles below Crown Point. Here is a sharp
promontory jutting into the lake, the point oi
which, containing about half an acre, and cov-
ered with bushes, is separated from the main land by a cleft fifteen feet wide. It was ob-
served as a curiosity by the old French explorers. Soundings to the depth of five hundred
feet have been made between the fragment and the main rock, without finding a bottom.
Geologist difier in opinion respecting the cause which formed the chasm, some ascribing it to
an. earthquake, and others to the slow attrition of the current upon a portion of the rock of
softer texture than the rest. A light-house stands near as a guide to the navigator, for the
lake is only a^mile wide at this point. Here it suddenly expands, and at the mouth of the
Bouquet River, eight miles above, it is about five miles wide.
At the falls in the Bouquet, two miles from the lake, is the village of Willsborough, the
place where Burgoyne encamped and gave a war-feast to about four hundred Indians of the
tribes of the Algonquins, Iroquois, and Ottawas, who, accompanied by a Boman Catholic
priest, joined him there. Both he and Carleton were averse to the measure of em- j^^ <q
ploying the savages in the British army, but the express instructions of ministers ^'^•
demanded it, and he dared not disobey.* He made a speech to them, in which he huioanely
endeavored to soften their savage ferocity and restrain their thirst for rapine and blood. His
exordium was words of flattery in praise of their sagacity, faithfidness, forbearance, and loy-
alty. He then spoke of the abused clemency of the king toward the colonies, and declared
to the warriors their relief from restraint. " Go forth," he said, '< in the might of your valor
' Their time of service was limited to the continuance of the disturbances ; each soldier was to receive
two handred acres of land in any province in North America he might choose \ the king paid himself the
aocustovned duties upon the acquisition of lands ; for twenty years new proprietors were to be exempted
from all contribu^n for the benefit of the crown ; every married soldier obtained other fifty acres, in con-
siideration of his wife, and fifty more for euscount of each of his children, with the same privilege and ex-
emptions, besides the bounty of a guinea at the time of enlistment. — Botta, vol. i., p. 220.
.' The employment of Indians by the British ministry, in this campaign, has been excused upon the lame
plea, which has not the shadow of truth, that, unless they were thus employed, the Americans would have
mustered them into their service. — See Knight's Pictorial England^ vol. v., p. 306.
Digitized by
•Google
160
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Burgoyne's Interview with the Indiana.
Speech of an Iroquoii.
Approach to BurUngloA.
and your cause. Strike at the commoa enemies of Great Britain and of America ; disturb-
ers of public order, peace, and happi-
ly, ness ; destroyers of commerce ; par-
ricides of the state." He told them
that his officers and men would en-
deavor to imitate their example in
perseverance, enterprise, and con-
stancy, and in resistance of hunger,
weariness, 'and pain. At the same
time he exhorted them to listen to
his words, and allow him to regulate
their passions, and to conform their
warfare to his, by the rules of Euro-
pean discipline and the dictates of
his religion and humanity. He re-
minded them that the king had many
faithful subjects in the provinces,
and, therefore, indiscriminate butch-
ery of the people might cause the
sacrifice of many friends. He then
charged them, in the words quoted
from his speech in the inote on ante,
page 99, not to kill for scalps, or de-
stroy life except in open warfare, and
claimed for himself the office of urn-
pure on all occasions. When he had finished, an old Iroquois chief arose and said :
'' I stand up in the name of all the nations present, to assure our father that we have atp
tentively listened to his discourse. We receive you as our father, because when you speak
we hear the voice of our great father beyond the great lake. We rejoice in the approbation
you have expressed of our behavior. We have been tried and tempted by the Bostonians,'
but we loved our father, and our hatchets have been sharpened upon our afi!ections. In
proof of the sincerity of our professions, our whole villages able t6 goto war are come forth.
The old and infirm, our infants and wives, alone remain at home. With one common as-
sent we promise a constant obedience to all you have ordered and all you shall order ; and
may the Father of Days give you many and success.'*'
These promises were all very fine, and Burgoyne, to his sorrow, had the credulity to rely
upon them. At first the Indians were docile, but as soon as the scent of blood touched their
nostrils their ferocious natures were aroused, and the restraints imposed by the British com-
mander were too irksome to be borne. Their faithfulness disappeared ; and in the hour of
his greatest need they deserted him, as we have seen, by hundreds, and returned home.
As the lake widened and the evening advanced, the breeze freshened almost to a gale,
and, blowing upon our larboard quarter, it rolled up such swells on our track that the vessel
rocked half the passengers into silent contemplation of the probability of casting their supper
to the fishes. The beacon upon Juniper Island was hailed with delight, for the Burlington
break- water was just ahead. We entered the harbor between nine and ten in the evening,
BUKOOTNK ▲ODBESSIRG THE INDIANS.
* The old chief spoke truly. They had been " tempted by the Bostonians," but not by the Boston patri-
ots. General Gage, then govemor of Massachusetts, and other loyalists in Boston, sent emissaries among
the Indians in various ways, and these were the tempters which the old chief confounded with the enemies
of the crown. I shall have occasion hereafter to speak of Connelly, one of Gage's emissaries, who went
to Virginia, and, under the auspices of Lord Dunmore, carried promises and money to the Indians on the
frontier, to instigate them to fall upon the defenseless republicans of that stanch Whig state.
' So interpreted by Burgoyne in his " State of the Expedition, *' &c.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 161
ftabbath Morning In Bnrllngton. Visit to the GniTe of Ethan Allen. Ira Allen.
and weie soon in comfortable qaarters at the American, fronting the pleasant square in the
center of the village.
The next morning dawned calm and beautiful. The wind was hushed, and the loveli-
ness of repose was upon the village, lake, and country. It was our second Sabbath from
home, and never was its rest more welcome and suggestive of gratitude, for the preceding
week had been to me one of unceasing toil, yet a toil commingled with the most exalted
pleasure. I had been among scenes associated with the noblest sentiments of an American's
heart ; and when, mingling with the worshiper? in St. Paul's Church, the clear voice of
Bishop Hopkins repeated the divine annunciation, *' From the rising of the sun unto the go-
mg down of the same, my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord," I felt
that our own country, so late a wilderness and abiding-place for pagans, but now blooming
under the beneficent culture of free institutions that were born amid the labor-throes of the
Revolution, was a special illustration of that glorious declaration.
Early on Monday morning we procured saddle horses and rode out to the resting-place of
Greneral Ethan Allen, a burial-ground embowered
in shrubbery, lying upon the brow of the hill over-
looking the Winooski, and within sound of its cas-
cades. It is on the south side of the road leading
east from Burlington, nearly half a mile from the
University of Vermont, that stands upon the sum-
mit of the hill, upon the western slope of which is
the village. Allen's monument is a plain marble
slab, resting upon a granite foundation, and bears ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^
the following inscription :
THE
CORPORBAL FART
OP
General Ethan Allen
rests beneath this stone,
THE 12th day of Feb., 1789,
AGED 50 YEARS.
mS SFIRIT TRIED THE JIERCIES OF HIS GoD,
IN WHOM ALONE HE BELIEVED AND STRONGLY TRUSTED.
Near his are the graves of his brother Ira^ and several other relatives. The whole are in-
closed within a square defined by a chain supported by small granite obelisks. A willow
drooped over the tombs of the patriot dead, and rose-bushes clustered around the storm-worn
monuments. The dew was yet upon the grass, and its fragrant exhalations filled the air
with such grateful incense, that we were loth to leave the spot. We galloped our horses
back to the village in time for breakfast, delighted and profited by our morning's ride. Hal^
' Ira Allen was born in Salisbury, Connecticut, in 1752. He went to Vermont in early life, and became
one of the most active citizens of that state, particularly in the controversy between Vermont and New
York respecting the territory called the New Hampshire Grants. It is said that when the Revolution broke
oat be sided with the crown and went to Canada* His stanch Whig brother, Ethiui, indignant at his choice,
recommended the Vermont Assembly to confiscate his brother^s property. Ira heard of it, and challenged
Ethan to fight a duel. Ethan refused, on the ground that it would be ** dbg^raceful to fight a Tory,'' and
so the matter ended. Ira finally became a warm republican, and was active during the remainder of the
war. He was a member of the Convention which foiled the Constitution of Vermont, and became the first
secretary of the state. He was afterward treasurer, member of the council, and surveyor general. He
rose to the rank of major general of militia, and in 1795 he went to Europe to purchase arms for the sup-
ply of his state. Returning with several thousand muskets and some cannon, he was captured by an En-
glish vessel and carried to England, where he was accused of supplying the Irish rebels with arms. A
litigation for eight years, in the Court of Admiralty, was the consequence, but a final decision was in his
favor He died at Philadelphia, January 7th, 1814, aged 62 years.
Digitized by
Google
162
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Burlington tnd Vicinitj. Adjacent Lake Scenery. Place of Arnold's flnt Naval Battle. Military Opbrationfl on the Lake
ing near the university a few minutes, we enjoyed the heautiful view which the height com-
mands. The Green Mountains stretched along the east ; the broken ranges of the Adiron-
dack, empurpled by the morning sun, bounded the western horizon ; and below us,' skirting
the lake, the pleasant village lay upon the slope, and stretched its lengthening form out to-
ward the rich fields that surrounded it. To the eye of a wearied dweller in a dense city all vil-
lages appear beautiful in summer, but Burlington is eminently so when compared with others.
We left the metropolis of the lake for Plattsburgh about noon. On our left, as we emerged
from the harbor, were the Four Brothers, small islands swarming with water-fowl, and the
bald point of Rock Dunder, a solitary spike rising, shrubless and bare, about twenty feet
above the water. Before us spread out the two Heros (North and South), green islands,
which belonged to the Alien family during the Revolution. The first landing-place below
Burlington is Port Kent, on the west side of the lake, ten miles distant. A little below is
Port Jackson, nearly west of the south end of Valcour's Island. This is an interesting por-
tion of the lake to the
American tourist, for it
is the place where our
first naval battle with
Great Britain was
fought. This event
took place October
the 11th, 1776. The
American flotilla was
commanded by Bene-
dict Arnold, and the
English vessels by Cap-
tain Pringle, accompanied by Governor Carleton. In order to a lucid understanding of the
position of afiairs at that time, we must consider for a moment the connecting chain of events
from the autumn of 1775, when General Schuyler was at Ticonderoga and Crown Point
preparing to invade Canada, to the meeting of the belligerents in question.
The forces under Generals Schuyler and Montgomery proceeded to execute the will of
September 10, Congress, and in September appeared before St. John's, at the Sorel. Finding
1775. the fort, as they supposed, too strong for assault, they returned to and fortified
Isle Aux Noix. Schuyler went back to Ticonderoga and hastened forward re-enforcements,
but was unable to return on account of sickness. Montgomery succeeded him in command.
He captured Fort St. John's and Fort Chambly, and entered Montreal in triumph. He
then pushed on to Quebec, when he was joined by a force under Arnold, and early in De-
cember laid siege to that city. After besieging it unsuccessfully for three weeks, the Amer-
December 31, icans Commenced an assault. Montgomery was killed, the Americans were re-
1775. pulsed, and many of them made prisoners. Arnold was wounded. He became
the chief in command, and kept the. remnant of the republican army together in the vicinity
of Quebec, until the arrival of General Wooster early in the spring and General Thomas
in May. General Carleton soon afterward received re-enforcements from England,
and by the middle of June the Americans, afler retreating from post to post, were driven
out of Canada.
Not doubting that Carleton would follow up his successes by providing water crafl upon
the lake, to attempt the capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, a council of officers, un-
der General Gates, who in June was appointed to the command of the Northern army,
resolved to abandon the latter post and concentrate all their fotces at the former. Accord*
SCBMB OP AiKOLD'a Naval Battlk.i
1776.
* This sketch was made from the pilot's room of the steam-boat just after leaving Port Jackson. On the
left is a point of the mnin land, and on the right is seen a portion of Valcour's Island. The high ground in
the extreme distance, on the left, is Cumberland Head, and that dimly seen in the center oC the picture is
ihe Vermont shore.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
163
Fonnatioii of a little Fleet
Excursion down tiie Lake.
Appearance of ttxe British Fleet
Plan of the Battle.
mgly, General Sullivan, who was at Crown Point, withdrew with his forces to Tioonderoga,
and active measures for offensive and defensive operations were there adopted. Materials
(or constructing vessels, as well as skillful artisans, were scarce. The latter had to be ob-
tained from the sea-ports ; yet such was the zeal of the Americans, that by the middle of
August a small squadron, consisting of one sloop, three schooners, and five gondolas, was in
readiness and rendezvoused at Crown Point under Arnold, who received the command of it
from General Gates. The sloop carried twelve guns, one schooner the same number, the
others eight, and the gondolas three each. Toward the close of the month Arnold sailed
down the lake, under positive instructions from Gates not to pass beyond Isle Aux Tetes,
near what is now called Rouse's Point, and to act only on the defensive. He halted at
Wind-mill Point, four miles above Isle Aux Tetes, to reconnoiter, and anchored his vessels
across the lake, to prevent any boats of the enemy from passing up.
As soon as Carleton was advised of the movements of the Americans at Ticonderoga, he
sent seven hundred men from Quebec to St. John's, to construct a fleet, and in the course
of a few weeks several strong vessels were finished and armed for duty. A radeau called
the Thunderer (a kind of flat-bottomed vessel carrying heavy guns), and twenty-four gun-
boats, armed each with a field piece or carriage gun, were added to the fleet. Forty boats
with provisions accompanied the expedition.
Convinced that his position was dangerous, for the British and Indians were collecting on
the shores, Arnold fell back about ten miles to Isle La Motte, where he need not fear an at-
tack from the main land. Here his fleet was considerably increased, and consisted of three
schooneis, two sloops, three galleys, eight gondolas, and twenty-one gun-boats. Ignorant
of the real strength of the armament
VAiCOUR /. * TH£ WEsM^M SHORE (LXHAMPLm)
IT78.
which he knew Carleton was prepar-
ing at St. John's, and unwilling to en-
gage a superior force on the broad lake,
Arnold withdrew his fleet still further
back, and anchored it across the nar-
row channel between Yalcour's Island
and the western shore.
Early on the morning of the
1 1th of October the British fleet
appeared ofl* Cumberland Head, mov-
ing up the lake, and in a short time
it swept around the southern point of
Valcour's Island. The enemy's force
was formidable, for the vessels were
manned by seven hundred chosen sea-
men. Captain Pringle was commo-
dore, and made the Inflexihle his flag-
ship. Among the young officers in
the fleet was Edward Pellew, afler-
ward Admiral Viscount Exmouth,
one of the most distinguished of En-
gland's naval commanders. The ac-
tion began about twelve o'clock, by the attack of the Carleton upon the American schooner
Bxjyal Savage and three galleys. The latter, in attemptbg to return to the line, grounded,
Explanation of tbk Map. — A, American fleet under Arnold ; B, 21 gun-boats ; C, schooner Carleton,
12 six poanders ; D, ship Inflexible, 1 8 twelve pounders \ E, anchorage of the British fleet during the night,
to cut ofi*the Americans' retreat; F, radeau Thunderer, 6 twenty-four pounders and 12 six pounders; G,
gondola Ltn^al Convert, 7 nine pounders ; H, schooner Maria, 1 4 six pounders, with General Carleton on
board ; I, the place where the American schooner Royal Savage, of 8 six pounders and 4 four pounders,
*vas burned. This plan is copied from Brairier^a Survey of Lake Champlain, edition of 1779.
Digitized by
Google
164
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Serera Battle on the Lake. Eacape of the Americana throogfa the Britiah Line. Cbaae bj the Enemy. Another Battle
and was burned, but her men were saved. Arnold was aa board the Congress galley, and
conducted matters with a great deal of bravery and skill. About one o'clock the engage-
ment became general, and the American vessels, particularly the Congress, sufiered severely.
It was hulled twelve times, received seven shots between wind and water, the main-mast
was shattered in two places, the rigging cut to pieces, and many of the crew were killed or
wounded. Arnold pointed almost every gun on his vessel with his own hands,^ and with
voice and gesture cheered on his men. In the mean while the enemy landed a large body
of Indians upon the island, who kept up an incessant fire of musketry, but with little efiect.
The battle continued between four and five hours, and the Americans lost, in killed and
wounded, about sixty men.
Night closed upon the scene, and neither party were victors. The two fleets anchored
within a few hundred yards of each other. Arnold held a council with his ofiicers, and it
was determined to retire during the night to Crown Point, for the superiority of the vessels,
and the number and discipline of the men composing the British force, rendered another en-
gagement extremely hazardous. Anticipating such a movement on the part of the Ameri-
cans, the British commander anchored his vessels in a line extending across from the island
to the main land. A chilly north wind had
been blowing all the aflemoon, and about
sunset dark clouds overcast the sky. It was
at the time of new moon, and, therefore, the
night was very dark, and favored the design
of Arnold. About ten o'clock he weighed
anchor, and with the stifi* north wind sailed
with his whole flotilla, unobserved, through
the enemy's lines. Arnold, with his crippled
galley, brought up the rear. It was a bold
movement. At daybreak' the English watch
on deck looked with straining eyes for their
expected prey, but the Ame^[icans were then
at Schuyler's Island, ten miles south, busily
engaged in stopping leaks and repairing sails.
The British weighed anchor and gave chase.
Toward evening the wind changed to the
south, and greatly retarded the progress of
both fleets during the night. Early on the
morning of the 1 3th the enemy's ves- October,
sels were observed under full sail, and ^"^^
rapidly gaining upon the Americans. The
Congress galley (Arnold's "flag-ship") and
the Washington, with four gondolas, were be-
hind, and in a short time the British vessels
Carleton, InfiexiMe, and Maria were along-
side, pouring a destructive fire upon them.
The Washington soon struck, and General
Waterbury the commander, and his men, were made prisoners.* The whole force of the
' Sparks's Life of Arnold.
« Among the prisoners was Joseph Bettys, aOerward the notorious outlaw and bitter Tory, better known
as " Joe Bettys." He was a native of Saratoga county, and joined the Whigs on the breaking out of the
Revolution. While a captive in Canada, after the battle on Lake Chanaplain, he was induced to join the
royal standard, and was made an ensign. He became notorious as a spy, and, having been caught by the
Americans, he was at one time conducted to the gallows. At the instance of his aged parents, Washing-
ion granted him a reprieve on condition of bis thoroughly reforming. But he inunediately joined the enemy
again, and for a long time his cold-blooded murders, his plunder and incendiarism made him the terror of
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 165
Brmreni of Arnold on tbeCoDgroM Galley. Desperita ReaUtaace. Retreat to Crown Point Effect of the Battle.
attack now fell upon the Congress, but Arnold maintained his ground with unflinching reso-
lution for four hours. The galley was at length reduced almost to a wreck, and surrounded
by seven sail of the enemy. Longer resistance was vain, and the intrepid Arnold ran the
galley and four gondolas into a small creek on the east side of the lake, about ten miles be-
low Crown Point, and not far from Panton. He ordered the marines to set fire to them as
soon as they were grounded, leap into the water and wade ashore with their muskets, and
form in such a manner upon the beach as to guard the burning vessels from the approach
of the enemy. Arnold remained in his galley till driven off by the fire, and was the last
man that reached the shore. He kept the flags flying, and remained upon the spot until
his little flotilla was consumed, and then, with the small remnant of his brave soldiers,
marched off* through the woods toward Chimney' Point, and reached Crown Point in safety.
The rapidity of his march saved him from an Indian ambush that waylaid his path an hour
after he passed by. Two schooners, two galleys, one sloop, and one gondola, the remnant
of his fleet, were at Crown Point, and Greneral Waterbury and moift of his men arrived there
on parole the next day, when all embarked and sailed to Ticonderoga. Greneral October i4,
Carleton took possession of Crown Point, and for a few days threatened Ticon- ^^^
deroga, but the season was so far advanced that he prudently withdrew, and sailed down the
lake to go into winter-quarters in Canada.^ The whole American loss in the two actions
was between eighty and ninety, and that of the enemy about forty.
Although the republicans were defeated, and the expedition was disastrous in every par-
ticular, yet such were the skill, bravery, and obstinate resistance of Arnold and his men
against a vastly superior force, the event was hailed as ominous of great achievements on
the pait of the patriots when such fearful odds should not exist. Arnold's popularity, so
justly gained at Quebec, was greatly increased, and the country rang with his praises.
Sparks justly observes, respecting Arnold's conduct in the engagement on the 1 3th, that
*' there are few instances on record of more deliberate courage and gallantry than were dis-
played by him from the beginning to the end of this action."
We arrived at Plattsburgh at about two o'clock in the afternoon. The day was excess-
ively warm, and I felt more like lounging than rambUng. In fact, the spot has no Revo-
lutionary history worth mentioning, for its existence as a lonely settlement in the wilderness
is only coeval with that of our independence. Count Vredenburgh, a German nobleman,
wha married a lady of the household of the queen of Greorge II. of England, obtained a grant
for thirty thousand acres of land on Cumberland Bay, and just before the Revolution he set-
tled there. When the war broke out he sent his family to Montreal, and soon afterward
his splendid mansion, which stood where the Plattsburgh Hotel now is, and his mills, thre^
miles distant, were burned. He had remained to look after his property, and it is supposed
that he was murdered for his riches, and his house plundered and destroyed. In 1783 some
Canadian and Nova Scotia refugees, under Lieutenant (aflerward Major-general) Mooers,'
who were stationed on the Hudson near Newburgh, left Fishkill Landing in a boat, and,
proceeding by the way of Lakes George and Champlain, landed and commenced the first
permanent settlement in that neighborhood, within seven or eight miles of the present vil-
lage of Plattsburgh. Judge Zephaniah Piatt and others formed a company, after the war,
to purchase military land-warrants, and they located their lands on Cumberland Bay, and
organized the town of Plattsburgh in 1785. Such is its only connection with the history
the vrhole region in the neighborhood of Albany. At last he was captored (1782), and was ezeoated as
a spy and traitor, at Albany.
' It is related that while Carleton was at Ticonderoga, Arnold ventured in the neighborhood in a small
boat. He was seen and chased by young Pellew (afterward Lord Ezmonth), and so rapidly did his pursu-
ers gain upon him, that he ran his boat ashore and leaped on land, leaving his stock and buckle behind him.
h is said that the stock and buckle are still in possession of the Pellew fiunily. — See OttUr^i Life o/Mmu
ral Viscount Exmouth,
* Benjamin Mooers served as a lieatenant and adjutant in the Revolution. He commanded the railitiA
in the Iwttle of Plattsburgh in 1814. For thirty, years he was county treasurer, and often represetw^ his
ooonty in the AsserobHf and Senate of New York. He died in February, 1838
Digitized by
Google
166 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Battle of Plattflbiirgh. Military RenuOns. Inddents of the Maval Batde. ReUc of Waihingtoa
of our Revolution. It is a conspicuous point, bowever, in the history of our war with Great
Britain commenced in 1812, for it is memorable as the place where one of the severest en-
gagements of that contest took place, on the 11 th of September, 1814, between the combined
naval and military forces of the Americans and British. Greneral Macomb commanded the
land, and Commodore M'Donough the naval forces of the former, and General Prevost and
Commodore Downie* those of the latter. The engagements on the land and water were
simultaneous, and for some time the issue was doubtful. _ The Americans, however, were
successful. When the flag of the British commodore's ship was struck, the enemy on land,
disheartened and confused, retreated across the Saranac, and the carnage ceased. The loss
of the Americans was about one hundred and fifty ; that of the enemy, in killed, wounded,
prisoners, and deserters, more than one thousand.
I passed a considerable portion of the afternoon with General St. John B. L. Skinner,
who was a volunteer under Macomb in the battle. He was a member of a company of
young men and boys of the village, who, after the military had gone out pn the Chazy road,
organized and oflered their services to the commander-in-chief They were accepted, and
the brave youths were immediately armed with rifles and ordered to the headquarters of
General Mooers. Only three of the company were over eighteen years old, and not one of
them was killed, though for a long time they were exposed to a hot flre while occupying a
mill upon the Saranac and keeping the enemy at bay. General Skinner's beautiful man
sion and gardens are upon the lake shore, and from an upper piazza we had a fine view of
the whole scene of the naval engagement, from Cumberland Head on the north to Valcour's
Island on the south, including in the far distance eastward the blue lines of the northern
range of the Green Mountains. The bay in which the battle occurred is magnificent, fringed
with deep forests and waving grain-fields. A substantial stone break-water defends the har-
bor from the rude waves which an easterly wind rolls in, and the village is very pleasantly
situated upon a gravelly plain on each side of the Saranac River.
A short distance from the village of Plattsburgh are the remains of the cantonments and
breast-works occupied by Macomb and his forces ; and to the kind courtesy of General Skin-
ner, who accompanied me to these relics of the war, I am indebted for many interesting de-
tails in relation to that memorable battle.* But as these have no necessary connection with
our subject, on account of their remoteness firom the time of the Revolution, I will bid adieu
to Plattsburgh, for the evening is far gone, the lights of the " Burlington" are sparkling upon
the waters near Valcour's Island, and the coachman at the hotel front is hurr}'ing us with
his loud "All aboard I"
It was nearly midnight when we passed the light on Cumberland Head,' and we reached
^ Commodore Downie was slain in the battle and buried at Plattsburgh. His sister-in-law, Mary Downie,
erected a plain monument to his memory over his remains.
* General S. mentioned one or two circumstances connected with the naval engagement worth recording.
He says that, when the fleet of the enemy rounded Cumberland Head, M'Donough assembled his men on
board his ship (Saratoga) on the quarter-deck. He then knelt, and, in humble, fervent supplication, com-
mended himself, his men, and his cause to the Lord of Hosts. When he arose, the serenity of faith was
upon his countenance, and seemed to shed its influence over his men. A curious incident occurred on his
ship during the engagement. The hen-coop was shot away, and a cock, released from prison,
flew into the rigging, and, flapping his wings, crowed out a lusty defiance to the enemy's guns.
There he remained, flapping his wings and crovring, until the engagement ceased. The seamen
regarded the event as encouraging, and fought like tigers while the cock cheered them on. A
notice of a relic of Washington, in the possession of &Bneral S., may not be inappropriate here.
It is a pouch and pufl^-ball, for hair-powder, which belonged to the chief several years. It is
made of buckskin, and is about twelve inches long. The pufi* is made of cotton yarn. Mr.
Gray, who was a number of years sherifl* of Clinton county, readily recognized it as the one
used by himself in powdering Washington's hair, when he was a boy and attached to the gen-
eral in the capacity of body servant. When La Fayette was at Burlington, in 1824, Mr. Gray
went up to see him, and the veteran remembered him as the " boy Gray" in Washington's
militaiy family.
* On this point Is situated the farm presented to Commodore M'Donough by the Legislature of Vermont.
The point is connected with Grand Island, or North Hero (the largest isSand in Ul^^e), by a ferry.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
167
Itooae'a Point and Military Works.
Tlie Territorial Line.
Isle Aux Noix.
Historical Aisociationi
Rouse's Point, the last landing-place on the lake within " the States/' between one and two
in the morning, where we remained until daylight, for the channel here, down the outlet of
the lake, is so narrow and sinuous that the navigation is difficult in the night. On a low
point a little northward of the landing the United States government commenced building a
fort in 1815, and, after expending about two hundred thousand dollars, it was discovered
that the ground was British soil. The work was abandoned, and so remained until the con-
clusion of the treaty formed by Daniel Webster and Lord Ashburton in 1842, when the
territorial line was run a little north of the fort. It is now in course of completion.
The morning on which we left Rouse's Point was clear and calm. A slight Augusts,
mist lay upon the water, and over the flat shores of the Richelieu or Sorel River, i®^-
which we had entered, a thin vapor, like a gauze veil, was spread out. We watched with
interest for the line of separation between the territories. It was about four o'clock in the
morning when we crossed it, twenty-three miles south of St. John's, and so became *« foreign-
ers." A broad stripe like a meadow-swathe, running east and west, cut in the dwarf forest
upon either side, denotes the landmark of dominion, and by a single revolution of the paddle-
wheel we passed from the waters of our republic to those of the British realm. In less than
an hour we were at the landing-place on Isle Aux Noix, a small low island in the Sorel, strongly
fortified by the British as one of their most important outposts in the direction of the United
States. This island is all clustered with historic associations. While the fussy custom-house
oflicer and his attendants are boarding our boat, let us look into the mirror of retrospection.
When the French settlement at Chimney Point was broken up on the approach of Gen-
ISLK Aux NOIX, IN THE SOBEL.l
eral Amherst, in 1759, the people fled down the lake, and, landing
upon this island, fortified it, The walnut and hnrA abonnd^'d there,
'"v vr.^ — ^ <^_:_ and they gave it a name significant of this fact. Commanding, as
it does, completely the outlet of Lake Champlain, the importance of
Its position, in a military view, was at once appreciated. But the French held possession
only a few months, for in the spring of 1760 Uiey were driven from it by Amherst m his
march toward Montreal. After the treaty of Paris in 1763, the necessity for a garrison
upon Isle Aux Noix no longer existed, and the fortifications were allowed to crumble into ruins.
In the autumn of 1775 the island was occupied by the Americans, under General Schuy-
ler. With a considerable force, destined to invade Canada, he sailed down the lake and ap*
peared before St. John's. Informed that the garrison there was too strong for September s,
him, he returned to Ide Aux Noix and fortified it. From this post he sent out ^^^
a declaration among the Canadians, by Colonel Allen and Major Brown, assuring them that
the Americans intended to act only against the British forts, and not to interfere with the
people or their religion.
' The. sketch was made from the pilot's room of the steam-boat, about half a mile above the island, look-
ing east-northeast. The landing is a little beyond the trees on the right, where sentinels are stationed.
The island is small, and wholly occupied by the military works. A broad fen extends some distance from
the northern side, and the wild ducks that gather there afford fine amusement for sportsmen during the
hunting season. ^
^
Digitized by
Google
168 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
.Jobn*a.St CiMCoiD-hoaM Ollloer. Suspicious of an IsneUte. Appsrenay treasonsble A^oTleadiiif Vennoniers.
Early in October the Americans, under General Montgomery (Schuyler b^ng ill), left
the island and proceeded to St. John's, whence they marched victoriously to duebec. From
that time until the close of the Revolution no pemument garrison was established there, but
the island was the halting-place for the troops of both parties when passing up and down
the lake. It was the principal scene of the negotiations between some of the leading men
of Vermont and British officers, which were so adroitly managed by the former as to keep
an English army of ten thousand men quite inactive on our northern frontier for about three
years. ^ The British strongly fortified it in 1813, and it has been constantly garrisoned since.
We arrived at St. John's, on the Richelieu or Sorel River, between six and seven o'clock
hi the morning, where our luggage was overhauled by the custom-house officer, who was re-
ceived on board at Ide Aux Naix. The operation was neither long nor vexatious, and seemed
to be rather a matter of legal form than induced by a desire or expectation of detecting con-
traband articles. In fact, the polite government functionary seemed to have great faith in
mere assertions, and to rely more upon physiognomy than personal inspection of the luggage
for assurance that her majesty's revenue laws were inviolate. He looked every trunk-owner
full in the face when he queried about the nature of his baggage, and only two persons were
obliged to produce their keys for his satisfaction. Our trunk was of prodigious size and weight, '
and made him very properly suspicious of the truth of my allegations that its contents were
only articles for personal use. A descendant of Abraham at my elbow, with nothing but a
rotund bandana handkerchief, appeared to be my scape-goat on the occasion, for while the
officer was making him untie its hard knots, he ordered my luggage to pass. I was told that
the word of a poor Jew is never believed by the uncircumcised Gentile who " sits at the re-
ceipt of customs ;" but in this instance his incredulity was rebuked, for the Israelite's bundle
contained nothing but a tolerably clean shiit, a cravat, and a small Hebrew Bible. At eight
* In 1779-80 the partial dismembermeDt of Vermont and its connection with New York and New Hamp-
shire prodaced great bitterness of feeling, and the Legislature of the former demanded of Congress the en-
tire separation of that state from the other states, and its admission into the confederacy upon a basis of
perfect equality. The disputes ran high, and the British entertained hopes that Vermont would be so far
alienated from the rebel cause, by the injustice of Congress, as to be induced to return to its allegiance to
the British crown. Accordingly, in the spring of 1780, Colonel Beverly Robinson wrote to Ethan Allen
from New York, making overtures to that effect. The letter was not answered, and in February, 1781,
he wrote another, inclosing a copy of the first. These letters were shown to Governor Chittenden and a
few others, and they concluded to make use of the circumstances for the benefit of Vermont. Allen sent
both letters to Congress, and at the same time wrote to that body, urging the justice of the demand of his
state. He closed his letter by saying, ^* I- am as resolutely determined to defend the independence of Ver-
mont as Congress is thai of the United States ; and, rather than fail, I will retire with the hardy Green
Mountain Boys into th^ desolate caverns of the mountains and wage war with human nature at large.*'*
In the mean while, some British scouting parties had captured some Vermonters, and Governor Chittenden
sent Ira Allen and others to negotiate with Colonel Dundas for an exchange of prisoners. They met upon
Itlt Jlux Noix, and there Dundas, under the direction of General Haldimand,'made verbal overtures simi-
lar to the written ones of Robinson to Ethan Allen. The proposals of the British officers were received by
Allen with apparent favor. Haldimand and Dundas were delighted with their skill in diplomacy, and readily
acceded to the proposition of Allen not to allow hostilities on the Vermont frontier until after the next ses-
sion of its Legislature. The Britbh force, consisting of about ten thousand men, was thus kept inactive.
These negotiations with the enemy excited the suspicion of the Whigs and the fears of Congress \ yet with
such consummate skill did Allen manage the afiair, that when he reported the result of his mission to the
Legislature of Vermont, where British emissaries as well as ardent Whigs were In waiting, he satisfied
both parties. Soon afterward a letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Henry Clinton was intercepted
and sent to Congress. It contained so much evidence of the treasonable designs of the leading men in Ver
mont, that Congress felt more disposed to accede to the demands of that state, and thus retain her in the
Union. Peace soon afterward ensued, and Vermont was one of the United States included in the treaty.
How far the designs of the Aliens, of Chittenden, the Fays, and others, were really treasonable, or were
measures of policy to bring Congress to terms, and prevent hostilities upon their weak frontier, can not be
certainly determined. The probabilities are In favor of the rme rather than the tretuon. At any rate, they
should have the benefit of a doubt, and a verdict of acquittal of all wrong intentions.
* A ocnvention, held at Wettmlntter od the 15th of Juaurj, 1777, declared ** That the district and territory oomprebeodlog
and uaually known by the name and deacription of the New Hampahire Grants of right ought to be and is declared forever hero>
after to be a free and independent Jurisdiction or state, to be forever hereafter called, known, and distinguished by the nama
of New Connectlcat, aUas Vxuiokt.*'— See SUuUft StaU Papttrt^ p. 7a
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 169
MIHtBiT Bfrnwlnii at 8t John's. Pretent Work*. Athetiaiia. Approach of the Ainerie«iit fai 1775.
o'clock my companion and our luggage proceeded by rail-road by way of La Prairie to Mont-
real, while I prepared to journey to the same city in a light wagon by way of Chambly and
Longueuil.
St. John's is pleasantly situated upon the western side of the Sorel, at the termination of
steam-boat navigation on Lake Champlain, and near the head of Chambly Rapids. It has
always been a place of considerable importance as a frontier town sinoe the Revolution, al-
though its growth has been slow, the population now amounting to not quite four thou-
sand. The country on both sides of the river here is perfectly flat, and there is^ no
place whence the town may be seen to advantage. A little south of the village, and directly
upon the shore, is a strong military establishment, garrisoned, when we visited it, by three
MiLITAKT ESTABLISHMKMT AT St. JoHR'S.
companies of Highland infantry. Accompanied by an intelligent young gentleman of the
village as guide, I visited all the points of historic interest in the vicinity. We crossed the
deep, sluggish river in a light zinc shallop, and from the middle of the stream we obtained
a fine view of the long bridge' which connects St. John's with St. Athenaise on the opposite
shore, where the steep roof and lofly glittering spire of the French church towered above
the trees.' After visiting the remains of Montgomery's block-house, we recrossed the river
and rambled among the high mounds which compose the ruins of old Fort St. John's. They
occupy a broad area in the open fields behind the present military works. The embank-
ments, covered with a rich green sward, averaged about twelve feet in height, and the whole
were surrounded by a ditch with considerable water in it. We lingered half an hour to view
a drill of the garrison, and then returned to the village to prepare for a pleasant ride to
Chambly, twelve miles distant.
Military works were thrown up at St. John's by the French, under Montcalm, in 1758.
and these were enlarged and strengthened by Governor Carleton at the beginning of our
Revolution. Here, as we have seen, the first organized American flotilla, under Arnold,
made a regular assault upon British vessels and fortifications, and aroused Sir Guy Carleton
to a sense of the imminent danger of Montreal and Quebec. Here too was the scene of the
first regular siege of a British fort by the rebellious colonists. In September,
1775, the Americans, as we have already noticed, sailed down the Richelieu
and appeared before St. John's. They were fired upon by the English garrison when about
two miles distant, but without efiect. They landed within about a mile and a half of the
fort, and, while marching slowly toward the outworks, a small party of Indians attacked
them and produced some confusion. In the evening General Schuyler was informed, by a
man who appeared to be friendly and intelligent, that, with the exception of only fifly men
retained in Montreal by General Carleton, the whole regular British force in Canada was
in the garrison at St. John's ; that this and the fort at Chambly were strongly fortified and
well supplied ; that one hundred Indians were in the fort at St. John's, and that another
large body, under Colonel John Johnson, was hovering near ; that a sixteen gun vessel was
* This view is taken from the eastern side of the river, near the remains of a block-house erected by Mont-
gooiery when he besieged the fort in 1775. On the right is seen the fort, which incloses the magazine •,
in the center is the building occupied by the officers, on either side of which are the barracks of the soldiers.
The large bnilding on the left is the hospital, and the smaller one stiU further left is the dead-hoose. The
river here is about a quarter of a mile wide. The present military works are upon the site of those of the
Revolution.
* It was built by the Honorable Robert Jones, the proprietor, and is called Jones's Bridge.
' This spacious church was not finished. The old one, a small wooden structure, was undisturbed within
the new one, and was used for worship until the completion of the exterior of the present edifice.
Digitized by
Google
170 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Advance of Montgomery against St. John's. Mutiny in the American Camp. Operations at St. John's.
about ready to weigh anchor at St. John's ; and that not a single Canadian could be induced
to join the insurgent standard. The informer was doubtless an enemy to the Americans,
for his assertions were afterward proved to be untrue. General Schuyler, however, gave
credence to them, and returned with his troops to Isle Auz Noix, where illness obhged him '
to leave the army in chaige of Montgomery, and retire to the healthier post of Ticonderoga.
Thence he soon 'went to Albany, and, his health being partially restored, he was active in
forwarding re-enforcements to Isle Awl Noix,
Montgomery, with more impetuosity and less caution than Schuyler, determined to push
forward at once, for the season was near when mihtary operations there would be difficult.
About this time a small train of artillery and a re-enforcement arrived, and he made vigor-
ous preparations to invade Canada. Before leaving the island, a chevaux-de-frise was thrown
across Uie channel to intercept the progress of Carleton's vessels up the lake. On the sev-
september, ©nteenth his whole force was landed on the west side of the Bichelieu. On the
1775. eighteenth he led a corps of five hundred men, in person, to the north side of the
fort, where the village now is. There he met a detachment from the garrison, which had
just repulsed and pursued a small party of Americans under Major Brown, and a short
skirmish ensued. Two field pieces and the whole detachment would doubtless have been
trophies for the Americans had they been true to themselves ; but here that insubordinaticm
which gave Montgomery so much trouble was strongly manifested, and caution, secrecy, and
concert of action were out of the question.^ Montgomery pushed on a little further north-
west, and, at the jimction of the roads running respectively to Montreal and Chambly, formed
an entrenched camp of three hundred men to cut off supplies for the enemy from the interior,
and then hastened back to his camp to bring up his artillery to bear upon the walls of the
fort. The supplies for a siege were very meager. The artillery was too light, the mortars
were defective, the ammunition scarce, and the artillerists unpracticed in their duties. The
ground was wet and swampy, and in many places closely studded with trees. In a day or
two disease began to appear among the troops, and, in consequence of their privations, dis-
affection was working mischief in the army. To escape these unfavorable circumstances,
Montgomery proposed to move to the northwest side of the fort, where the ground was firm
and water wholesome, and commence preparations for an assault. But the troops, imused to
military restraint, and judging for themselves that an attack would be unsuccessful, refused
to second the plan of their leader. Unable to punish them or convince them of their error,
Montgomery yielded to the pressure of circumstances, and so far gratified the mutinous regi-
ments as to call a council of war. It resulted, as Was expected, in a decision against his
l)lan. Disorder continually reigned in the American camp. Irregular firing occurred al-
most daily, and the enemy threw some bombs, but it was a waste of ammunition by both
parties. At length the proposed plan of Montgomery was adopted, and the camp was moved
October 7, *® *^® higher ground northwest of the fort, where breast- works were thrown up.
1775. While the main army was thus circumvallating St. John's, but, for want of am-
munition and heavy guns, unable to breach the walls, small detachments of Americans, who
were joined by many friendly Canadians, were active in the vicinity. One, under Ethan
Allen, attempted the capture of Montreal. Of this foolish expedition I shall hereafter write.
But another, and a successful one, was undertaken, which hastened the termination of
the siege of St. John's. Carleton, supposing that the fort at Chambly, twelve miles north-
ward, could not be reached by the Americans unless the one at St. John's was captured, had
neglected to arm it, and kept but a feeble garrison there. Montgomery was informed of
this by Canadian scouts, and immediately sent Colonel Bedell of New Hampshire, Major
Brown of Massachusetts, and Major Livingston of New York, with detachments, to capture
the fort. The method of attack was planned by Canadians familiar with the place. Ar-
tillery was placed upon bateaux, and during a dark night was conveyed past the fort at St.
John's to the head of Chambly tlapids, where it was mounted on carriages and taken to the
^ Montgomery's dispatch to General Schujler.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OF THE REVOLUTION 171
AtuckupoQ and Surrender of Fort Chambly. Repulae of Carleton et Longueuil. Surrender of St John's. The Spoils
point of attack. The garrison made but a feeble resistance, and soon surrendeied. This
Fort at Chamblt.i
was a most important eventi for it furnished Montgomery with means to carry on the siege
of St. John's vigorously.* The large quantity of ammunition that was captured was sent
immediately to the besiegers, who, by vigorous exertions, erected a strong battery within
two hundred and fifty yards of the fort. A strong block-house was also erected before it,
on the opposite side of the river. The former was moimted with four guns and
six mortars, and the latter had one gun and two mortars.
While these preparations were in progress, Carleton, informed of the capture of Fort
Chambly, left Montreal with a re-enforcement for the garrison at St. John's. He embarked
upon the St. Lawrence in bateaux and flat-boats, and attempted to land at Longueuil, a mile
and a half below the city. Colonel Seth Warner, with three hundred Green Mountain Boys,
was on the alert in the neighborhood, and lay in covert near the spot where Carleton was
about to land. He allowed the boats to get very near the shore, when he opened a terrible
storm of grape-shot upon them from a four pound cannon, which drove them across the river
precipitately and in great confusion. The tidings of this event reached Mont- i^ovember 1,
gomery toward evening, and Colonel Warner soon afterward came in with several i'^^
prisoners captured from one of Carleton's boats that reached the shore. The conmiander-
in-chief immediately sent a flag and letter to Major Preston, the conmiandant of the garri
son, by one of Warner's prisoners, informing him of tha defeat of Carleton, and demanding
a surrender of the fortress to prevent further eflusion of blood. Hostilities ceased for the
night, and in the morning Preston asked for a delay of four days before he should make pro-
posals to surrender. The request was denied and the demand renewed. There was no al-
ternative, and the garrison surrendered prisoners of war. The siege had continued six weeks,
and the bravery and perseverance of the British troops were such, that Montgomery granted
them honorable terms. They marched out of the fort with the honors of war, and the troops
^ This b a view of the soath and west sides of the fort, looking toward the river. It stands dir»<»tly upon
the Richelieu, at the foot of the Chambly Rapids, and at the head of the navigation of the river up from
the St. Lawrence. It is strongly built of stone, and, as seen in the picture, is in a state of exoelWnt pres-
enration.
* The spoils taken at Chambly were 6 tons of powder ; 80 barrels of flour ; a large quantity of rice,
butter, and peas ; 134 barrels of pork ; 800 swivel shot ; 1 box of musket shot ; 6364 musket cartridges ;
150 stand of French arms ; 3 royal mortars ; 61 shells ; 500 hand grenades ; 83 royal fusileer*s muskets
with acooaterroents ; and rigging for 3 vessels. The prisoners consisted of 1 major, 2 captains, 3 lieuten-
ants, captain of a schooner, a commissary and surgeon, and 83 privates. The colors of the seventh regi-
ment of British regulars were there, and were captured. These were sent to the Continental Congress,
and were the first trophies of the kind which that body received. There were a great number of women
and children in the fort, and these were allowed to accompany the prisoners, who were sent with their
baggage to Connecticut.
Digitized by
Google
172
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Snrrender of St John's.
Inflabordinatkm.
Retreat of the Americuu out of Canada.
grounded their arms on the plain near by. The officers were allowed to keep
their side-arms, and their fire-arms were reserved for them. Canadian gentle-
men and others at St. John's were considered a part of the garrison. The whole number
of troops amounted to about five hundred regulars and one hundred Canadian volunteers.'
The Continental troops took possession of the fort, and Montgomery proposed to push on to
Montreal.
Insubordination again raised its hydra-head in the American camp. The cold season was
near at hand, and the raw troops, unused to privations of the field, yearned for home, and
refused, at first, to be led fiirther away. But the kind temper, patriotic zeal, and winning
eloquence of Montgomery, and a promise on his part that, Montreal in his possession, no
further service would be exacted from them, won them to obedience, and all but a small
garrison for the fort pressed onward toward the city.'
The fort at St. John's remained in possession of the Americans until the latter part of
May, 1776, when they were completely driven out of Canada. Arnold and Sullivan, with
their detachments, were the last to leave that province. The former remained in Montreal
until the last moment of safety, and then pressed on to St. John's, with the enemy close at
his heels. Two days before, he had ordered the encampment closed there, and a vessel upon
St. John's, oh thb Richblibu or Sorbl.
From a dnwlof by CaplaiB Anbivy, who ■■btod at ito nptoM in ITTt.
the stocks to be taken apart and sent to Ticonderoga. Sullivan, who was stationed at the
mouth of the Sorel, also retreated to St. John's. The commanders wished to defend the fort
against the pursuing enemy, but the troops absolutely refused to serve longer, and they all
embarked, and sailed up the lake to Ide Aux Noix. When every loaded boat had left the
shore, Arnold and Wilkinson, his aid, rode back two miles and discovered the enemy in rapid
march under Burgoyne. They reconnoitered them a few moments, and then galloped back,
' The spoils of victory were 17 brass ordnance, from two to twentj-foar pounders; 2 eight-inch howit-
zers ; 7 mortars ; 22 iron ordnance, from three to nine pounders ; a considerable quantity of shot and small
shells ; 800 stand of arms, and a small quantity of naval stores. The ammunition and proTisions were in
considerable, for the stock of each was nearly exhausted.
' Armstrong's Life of Montgomery.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION
173
1777.
LOBO GSOSOS GUMAIN.
aendesTow of Bargoyne't Army at 8t John*!. Depaitare for Chambly. Fnnch Canadian Hooaet, Fanna, and People.
Stripped and shot their horses, set fire to the works at St. John's, pushed off from shore in a
small boat, and overtook the flotilla before they reached Ide AtKc Naix. Having no vessels
with which to pursue the Americans, Burgoyne rested at St. John's. In the course of the
autumn he returned to England.
Early in the summer of 1777 St. John's was the theater of active preparations, on the
part of the British, for the memorable campaign which terminated in the capture of Bur-
p^oyne and his whole army at Saratoga. This campaign was planned chiefly by Lord George
Germain, the Secretary of War, and Burgoyne, with the approval
of the king and the full sanction of the Council. Burgoyne was
made commander of the expedition, and arrived at Quebec on the
6th of May. Carleton gave him his cordial cooperation,
and St. John's was the place of general rendezvous for all
the regulars, provincials, and volunteers. On the 1st of June an
army of six thousand men was collected there, and, embarking in
boats, sailed up the lake to Cumberland Head, where it halted
to await the arrival of ammunition and stores. These collected,
the whole armament moved up the lake to the north of the Bou-
quet, where, as already narrated, a council was held with the In-
dian tribes. As the rest of the story of that campaign, so disas-
trous to British power in America, has been told in preceding
chapters, we will return to St. John's, and pass on to Chambly.
I lef^ St. John's about eleven o'clock in a light wagon, accom
panied by the young man who acted as guide among the old mil-
itary remains. There is but little in the appearance of St. John's to distinguish it from a
large village in the States, but the moment we emerged into the country I felt that I was
in a strange land. The road traverses the line of the Chambly Canal, which runs paral-
lel with the Richelieu or Sorel River. The farm-houses are thickly planted by the road-
side ; so thickly that all the way from St. John's to Chambly and Longueuil we seemed to
be in a village suburb. The farms are diminutive compared with ours, averaging from fif-
teen to forty acres each, and hence the great number of dwellings and out-houses. They
are generally small, and built of hewn logs or stone. Most of the dwellings and out-houses
are whitewashed with lime, even the roofs, which gives them a very neat appearance, and
forms a beautiful contrast in the landscape to the green foliage
which embowers them. I was told that each house contains a
consecrated broom. When a new dwelling is erected, a broom
is tabooed by the priest and hung up in the dwelling by the owner,
where it remains untouched, a sort of Lares or household god.
Many of them have a cross erected near, as a talisman to guard
the dwelling from evil. They are generally dedicated to St. Peter,
the chief patron saint of the rural French Canadians. A box,
with a glass door, inclosing an image of the saint, a crucifix, or
some other significant object, is placed upon or within the body
of the cross, and the whole is usually surmounted by a cock. A
singular choice for a crest, for it is a fowl identified with St. Peter*s weakness and shame.
It was in the time of hay harvest, and men, women, and children were abroad gathering
the crops. As among the peasantry of Europe and the blacks of our Southern States, the
women labor regularly in the fields. They are tidily habited in thin stufif of cotton or
worsted, generally dyed blue, and all of domestic manufacture. Their costume is graceful,
and, sitting loosely, gives full play to the muscles, and contributes to the high health which
every where abounds in the rural districts of this region. Their broad-rimmed straw hats,
like the Mexican sombrero, afibrd ample protection against the hot sim. These also are
home-made, and the manufacture of them for our markets, during the long Canadian win-
ters, aflbrds quite a cash revenue to most of the families. These simple people are generally
Digitized by
Google
174
PICTORIAL Field-book
The Richelieu and its Rapids.
Chambly.
The Fort.
Beloeii Moantain.
Large Cross.
uneducated, and superstition is a rtrong feature in their religious character. They are
honest, kind-hearted, and industrious, have few
wants, live frugally, and, in their way, seem to
enjoy a large share of earthly happiness.
The RicheHeu has either a swift current or
noisy rapids nearly the whole distance between
St. John's and Chambly. The stream is broad,
and in many places deep, for it is the outlet for
the whole volume of the waters of Lake Cham-
plain into the St. Lawrence. In some places
the foaming rapids produce a picturesque efiect
to the eye and ear, and vary the pleasure of
the otherwise rather monotonous journey be-
tween the two villages.
Chambly is an old town, at the foot of the
rapids, and bears evidence of thrift. A French-
man bearing that name built a small wood fort
there, which was afterward replaced by the
solid stone structure pictured on page 171.
The latter retained the name of the original
fort, as also does the village. It is a military
station at present, and, being at the head of
the navigation of the Richelieu or Sorel from the St. Lawrence, has a commanding position.
The river here, at the foot of the falls, expands into a circular basin about a mile and a half
in diameter. The old fort is dismantled and ungarrisoned, and is now used only for a
store-house. Near it are seen the remains of the battery erected by Bedell, while pre-
paring to storm the fort in 1775. I tarried at Chambly long enough only to reconnoiter and
sketch the old fortress and the features of the Beloeii, the only mountain range in view, and
Canadian Feasant Giul.
BxLOBiL Mountain.^
then went to an inn to dine, a mile on the road toward Longueuil. There I learned that
& French Canadian, nearly one hundred years old, was living near. Although the sun was
declining, and we had seventeen miles' travel before us, I determined to visit the old man
* This sketch is taktn from the southeast angle of old Fort Chambly, showing the rapids in the fore-
prroand. The mountain is twenty miles dist&nt, near the 9orel. On the highest point of the range the
Bishop of Nancy, a French prelate, erected a huge cross in 1843, the pedestal of which was sufficiently
large to form a chapel capable of containing fifty persons. In November, 1847, during a severe thunder-
{^st, the lightning and wind completely demolished the cross, but spared the pedestal, and that, being
white, may be seen at a great distance
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
170
rnneoic Yett
Hla Age and Reminiscences.
Temperance Pledge.
Ride to LongoeniL
ACaleche.
and sound his memory. We met him upon the road, coming toward the inn. He had just
led his rake in the field, and had on a leather apron and hroad-rimmed hat. He was a small,
firmly-built man, apparently sixty-five years old. Conversation with him was difiicult, fox
his dialect, professedly French, was far worse than Gascon. Still we managed to under-
stand each other, and I gleaned from him, during our brief interview, the facts that he was
bom in Quebec in 1 752 ; remembered the storming of the city by the English under Wolfe ;
removed to Chambly in 1770 ; was a spectator of the capture of the fort by a detachment
from Montgomery's army in 1775 ; assisted in furnishing stores for Burgojrno's army at St
John's in 1 777 ; and has lived upon and cultivated the same small farm of thirty acres from
that time until the present. He was ninety-six years old, and appeared to have stamina suf-
ficient for twenty years more of active life. He seemed to be a simple-hearted creature, igno-
rant of the world beyond the Richelieu and the adjacent village, and could not comprehend
my movements while sketching his honest countenance. He was delighted, however, when
Fbarcois Ysst.
fore, and he felt insulted
by the seeming attempt
to win him from his al-
legiance. Glorious old
convert, and firm old
preacher of principle in
the very den of the fierce
lion, for decanters were
at his elbow, and a
friendly hand profiiered
the contents to his lips !
A vow of total absti-
nence from intoxicating
drinks at the age of
ninety-five I For that
I pressed the hard hand
of Francois Yest with
he saw the outlines of an
old man's face, and knew
them to be his own ; and
when I presented him
with a silver coin, he
laughed like a pleased
child. But when the
young man who accom-
panied me, with intend-
ed generosity, offered
him a glass of brandy,
his #ye» sparkled with
mdignation, and in his
bad French he uttered
an emphatic refusal. He
had signed the temper-
ance pledge a year be-
a firmer grasp when I bade him adieu.
We had a pleasant ride from Chambly to Longueuil (seventeen miles) over a plank road.
Unlike similar roads in New York, the planks were laid diagonally. They had been in use
twelve years, and were but Httle decayed. The country all the way to the St. Lawrence
is flat. The soil, though rather wet, is productive, and almost every rood of it was under
cultivation. Here and there were a few groves, but no forests ; and a soUtary huge bowlder
by the road-side, shivered by lightning, was the
only rock that I saw between the Richelieu and
the St. Lawrence. When within three miles of
Longueuil, the glittering domes and spires of Mont-
real appeared in the distance like gems set in the
dark mountain that formed a background beyond.
It was five o'clock when we reached Lon-
gueuil, a mile and a half below Montreal, on the opposite side of the river. There I parted
from the young gentleman whose light wagon had conveyed me from St. John's, and pro-
ceeded to Montreal on the steam ferry-boat that connects it with Longueuil. Neither cab
nor omnibus was in waiting, and I was obliged to ride a mile in a rickety caleche,^ drawn
' The calgcbe is a two-wheeled vehicle, miioh used in Lower Canada. It is similar in form to our gig,
bat, instead of having but one seat, there is /)ne for the driver upon the dash-board. Four can ride com-
fortably in one of them. Some are made elegantly, with a folding cover to ward off* the sun or rain, and
they are a pleasant vehicle to ride in. I found them in universal use in the narrow streets of Quebec. Such
was the vehicle in use in Canada at the time of our Revolution, and mentioned by the Baroness Reidese)
ts the Idnd in which she and her children traveled with the British army.
'^A^
A Tbdrder-stbuck Rock.
Digitized by
Google
176
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
fUde in a Calache.
Safe Arriral of my CompanioiL
An Erening StroU.
Aurora Borealk
by a representative of Rosinante. The vehicle, horse, driver, and ride alto^ther made a
funny afiair. The driver was a little Frenchman, with a
jocky-coat and breeches, and a red tasseled skull-cap. All
the way he helabored his beast with blows and curses, but
the anim^*s hide and ears seemed impervious. I could think
of nothing but a parody on a couplet of the old song, « If I
had a donkey," &c. As we wheeled up a narrow court from
St. PauFs Street to the Exchange Hotel, a merry laugh of
half a furlong's audibility rang out from. a group of young
ladies upon an upper piazza, and that was my first evidence
that my traveling companion, Miss B — , had arrived safely,
as per consignment in the morning to the care of the urbane proprietors of that excellent
establishment. She had rambled through the city with pleasant company until thoroughly
wearied, so I took an evening stroll alone. The day had been very warm, but the evening
was cool. The stars were brilliant, yet it was too dark to see much beyond the dim forms
of massy buildings, wrapped in deep shadows. But above, in the far north, a phenomenon
seldom exhibited in summer was gorgeously displayed ; more so than we oflen see it in
lower latitudes in winter, and I stood an hour in the Place d*Arms, watching the ever-
changing beauties of the brilliant Aurora Borealis. It is a strange sight, and well might
the ignorant and superstitious of other times regard it with fearful wonder. Lomonosov^ a
native Russian poet, thus refers to the sublime spectacle :
A Calbche.
" What fills with dazzling beams the illcuniiied air? '
What wakes the flames that light the firmament ?
The lightning's flash ; there is no thunder there,
And earth and heaven with fiery sheets are blent ;
The winter's night now gleams with brighter, lovelier ray
Than ever yet adorned the golden summer's day.
** Is there some vast, some hidden magazine,
Where the gross darkness flames of fire supplies —
Some phosphoroos fabric, which the mountains screen,
Whose clouds of light above those mountains rise,
When the winds rattle loud around the foaming sea,
And lift the waves to heaven in thundering revelry?"
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
177
HontreftL A Ride to the Mountain. Interesting View. Visit to the CItj Churchea. Parliament Houie. Grey Nunnery
CHAPTER VIII.
iSt9.
HE pleasure-Beeker will find much about Montreal to amuse him ; and the
staid traveler, searching for the gold of general knowledge, might fill a large
chapter in his journal, in recording what is noteworthy among present things
there. Mine is a tour too specific in its aim to allow much latitude of de-
parture from historic research, and, therefore, things irrelevant, yet incident-
ally connected with the objects of the journey, must be passed by with brief
notice.
Early on the morning afler our arrival we joined purses and com*
pany with a young married couple from Burlington, who were on a
wedding jaunt, and, procuring a barouche, went out to visit the " Hons" of the
city and suburbs. We first rode to the ** Mountain," a lofty hill on the west,
in the rear of the city, composed chiefly of a sort of compound trap-rock slightly
covered with soil upon its summit, and crowned with a forest of small trees. The road, as
it winds up its southern slope, passes the Priests' Farm,* the Grovemor's Palace, and many
beautiful villas, and opens to the view a lovely, cultivated country on the western part of the
island and the Isle of Jesus beyond. Near the summit of the mountain is a cottage com-
pletely enveloped in trees and shrubbery, where ices, wines, and fruit tempt the appetite.
We loitered in its sweet flower-gardens for half an hour, and then ascended to the hill-top.
Beautiful panorama ! The city, with its numerous polished tin roofs, lay glittering at our
feet in the morning sun. The broad St. Lawrence, cleft by St. Helen's and one or two
smaller islands, was teeming with water crafl, and in every direction the landscape was
dotted with little villages, each having its church, " pointing its taper spire to Heaven."
We descended the northern slope of the mountain to the city, and visited St. James's or
the Bishop's Church, one of the largest and most richly decorated church edifices in the
province. It is the cathedral of the titular Bishop of Montreal, and contains many fine
European paintings over the several altars. There were worshipers at all the altars, and
some of the confessionals were occupied by penitents and priests. An attendant, a devout
old Frenchman, showed us a nimiber of relics, and assured us, by a printed placard in French,
that certain prayers and money-ofierings at the diflerent shrines would blot out a host of
transgressions. Our Protestant education taught us that prayers without faith avail noth-
ing ; and our faith in this particular being like a " grain of mustard seed," we saved our
money and time, and hastened to the Parliament House and the Grey Nunnery near. We
stepped into the capacious parish Church or Cathedral of Notre Dame on our way. It has
a marble font said to be twelve himdred years old, having belonged to a church in Rome in
the seventh century. We visited the Lc^slative chambers and the valuable library in the
Parliament House,' and then rang fi>r entrance at the gate of the G&et Nunnery, or Gen-
eral JSospUal of the Charitable Sisters. This, as an almoner of comforts to the ilged and
lonely, is a noble institution, the income of the establishment, and the whole time of the Sis-
I The '* Priests' Farm" {La Maiion de$ Pritre») is an ecolesiastical establishment sitoated on the sonth
side of the " Mountain." The bnUdings, inclosed within high walls, with massive roond towers, are large,
•od have an antique appearance. They are snrronnded by several fine gardens and orchards, and, in sam«
mer, are a weeldy resort for the professors and pupils of Uie seminary and college.
* Hie Parliament House and the valuable library within it, containing the Legislattve records of the
province, were burned by a political mob in April, 1849. The loss is irreparable, for many of the books
«rere too rare to be replaced.
M
Digitized by
Google
178
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Tbe Oroy Nont at Pn^er.
Pint Settlements at Montreal
earlier.
Jealoiuy of the Indiana.
ters of Charity connected with it, being devoted to the relief of poor and infirm old persons,
and the nurture and education of orphans.* The building is spacious, and a large number
of both classes are there made comfortable. Our visit was at mid-day. When the clock
struck twelve, a long procession of the nuns, veiled, marched slowly into the chapel, singing
a Gregorian dhant, and knelt within the nave in prayer. We followed in respectful silence.
Each nun had a small crucifix and string of beads attached ; and whatever may have been
the case with their thoughts, their eyes never wandered, notwithstand-
ing strangers were gazing upon them. They were habited in dark
drab dresses, bound with black velvet and looped up behind ; aprons
with stripes, and over the head (on which they wore a cap with a deep
border), covering the face and neck, a thin black veil was thrown,
through which the features were discernible. Some were young and
pretty, others old and plain, but the sacred character of their labor of
love invested them all with beauty. We visited a few other places
of note, and, after " lunch," I left my company and went down to
Longueuil, where Carleton was defeated by Warner in 1775. We
are upon historic groimd ; let us open the old volume a few moments.
Montreal is built upon an island thirty miles long and twelve wide,
and is upon the site of ancient Hochelaga, a noted Indian village
which gave its name to the river in this vicinity. The first white
man who visited the spot was Jaques Quartier or Cartier, a October 3,
French navigator, who discovered the Gulf and River St. ^^^^5.
Lawrence, and gave them the name they bear.' The vicinity, even
up the slopes of the mountain, was tilled and covered with corn-fields.
Cartier was enchanted with the view from the moimtain — a view of
«* tmrty leagues radius'' — and, in honor of his king (Francis I.), he called it Mount Royal.
In time the name was modified to Montreal, and in this form was borne by the white settle-
ment that gathered there in 1640. The spot was consecrated by the superior of the Jesuits,
and a chapel built in 1642.
The Indians, at first friendly, became jealous, and at length hostile.
GsBY Nun Peatino.
The town was stock-
aded and slight bastions were built, but finally a strong wall of masonry was constructed,
fifteen feet high, with battlements and six gates. The town gradually increased in size and
commercial importance, and at the time of our Revolution was nearly as populous as Quebec.
When, toward the middle of the last century, hostilities commenced between the English and
French colonies, Montreal was an important place as a frontier town. There Duquesnc
de Menneville* and Vaudreuil de Cavagnal, French governors of Canada, fitted out their ex-
peditions against the English on the Ohio and the unfriendly Indians of New York. Mont-
real was thjreatened by the English under Amherst in 1759, but it was not until the autumn
September 8, of 1 760 that it passed out of the possession of the French. Quebec surrendered
a year before, and Vaudreuil retreated to Montreal, with a determination to make
1760.
^ This hospital was founded by M. Charron and others, in 1692. In 1748 it passed into the hands of a
society of ladies, at the head of whom was Madame Youville, who, being left a widow at the age of twenty-
eight, determined to devote her life and fortune to the relief of the infirm poor. In 1755 the plan of the
establishment was enlarged, so as to embraoe orphsuis, the cause of which was singular, as given in Bos-
worth's '* Piotore of Montreal." One winter day, as Madame Y. was passing the " Little River," she saw
an inflEuit hard frozen in the ice, with a poniard sticking in its throat, and one of its little hands raised through
the ice as if in the attitude of demanding justice against the perpetrator of the crime. Madame T. was
dreadfully shocked at the sight, and, on consultation with her associates, it was resolved to extend their
oharity and protection to orphans and foundlings.
' He arrived in the gulf on the festival of St. Lawrence (1 0th of August), and) on account of that circum-
stance, named the waters in honor of the saint. *
* He built a fort on the Ohio, which was called Fort Duquesne. It is memorable as the place near
which Braddock was defeated in 1755, when Washington's military talents were first conspicuously devel.
'>ped. The name of the fort was changed to Pitt, and the present city of Pittsburgh stands upon its site.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION
179
Montreal in 1760.
Captured by the English.
Ethan AOen in Canada.
Proposed Attack on Montreal
there a bold stand in defense of French dominion in Canada. The English invested Mont-
View op Montreal and its Walls in 1760.i
Fn« ■« 0I4 VVpodi prln^
real in September, 1760. Amherst approached down the St. Lawrence from Oswego, Gen-
eral Murray advanced up the river from Quebec, and Colonel Haviland took post on the
south side of the St. Lawrence, opposite the city. Vaudreuil perceived that re- September 6,
sistance would be vain, and two days afterward the city was surrendered to the i'^-
English. With this event French dominion ceased in Canada. The terms of capitulation,
were honorable to both parties. Private property was respected ; the revenues of the priest-
hood were held sacred to their use ; the Homan Catholic religion was undisturbed ; the
privileges of atl classes were preserved and guarantied ; and every thing was done to recon-
cile the people to their new masters. General Gage, afterward Governor of Massachusetts,
was appointed Governor of Montreal.
Montreal remained in quiet possession of the English until 1775, when the invading army
of the insurgent colonies disturbed its repose, after the capture of Forts St. John*s and Cham-
bly. A month previous to these events the town was alarmed by the appearance of an
American detachment under Ethan Allen, but the result quieted their fears. When the
command of the Northern army devolved upon Montgomery, he sent Allen, who had been
traversing Canada in the neighborhood of the St. Lawrence, to retrace his steps and further
arouse the people in favor of the rebellion. Active and brave, Allen gathered a large num-
ber to his standard. A week after he left th» American camp at Isle Aux Noix he was at
St. Ours, twelve miles south of the Sorel, with two hundred and fifty Canadians under arms
He wrote to Montgomery that within three days he would join him in laying siege to St.
John's, with at least five hundred armed Canadians. On his way to join the main army,
he marched up the east side of the St. Lawrence to Longueuil. When between that place
and La Prairie, he fell in with Major Brown, at the head of an advanced party of Ameri-
cans and Canadians, who informed him that Montreal was weak and defenseless, and pro-
posed to make a joint attack upon the city. Allen had confidence in the courage and judg-
ment of Brown, and, as the scheme opened an adventurous field, he agreed to the proposition
* The island with buildings, seen on the left, is St. Helen's or Helena, now strongly fortified. It is in
front of the city, a mile distant, and is a beautiful summer resort. It formerly belonged to the Barons of
Longaeoil, and is now the property of the crown. The pictare is a fac-simile of the print, with all its de-
lects in drawing.
Digitized by
Google
180 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Batde near Montreal Capture of Allen. Brutality of Pretcott Harsh Treatment of tbe Prisonert. Biography of Allen.
Allen was to return to Longueuil. procure canoes, and cross the St. Lawrence with his troops
below the city, while Brown was to cross above the town, with two hundred men, and the
attack was to b,e made at opposite points simultaneously.
September 24, Allen crossed the river at night with eighty Canadians and thirty Americans.
1775. ii YTtLS a rough, windy night, and so few were the canoes that they had to cross
three times, yet the whole party passed the foaming waters in the light vessels safely before
daylight. At dawn Allen expected to hear the signal of Brown, but the morning advanced,
and it was evident that the latter had not crossed over. Guards were placed upon the roads
to prevent persons from carrying intelligence into the town, and Allen would have retreated
if his boats could have carried all over at once.
The Americans being discovered, armed men w^re soon seen issuing firom the gates. A
force of forty British regulars, more than two hundred Canadians, and a few Indians came
down upon them from the town ; but, notwithstanding the disparity in numbers, such was
the bravery of some of the Americans, that the engagement lasted an hour and three quar-
ters. At length, his men having all deserted but twenty-eight, seven of whom were wound-
ed, Allen agreed to a surrender upon being promised honorable terms. They were marched
to Montreal, and the officers who were on the field acted very civilly toward them ; but when
they were delivered into the custody of General Prescott, they experienced the most brutal
treatment at his hands. On learning, by conversation with Allen, that he was the same
man who had captured Ticonderoga, Prescott was greatly enraged, threatened him with a
halter, and ordered him to be bound hand and foot in irons and placed on board the Gaspee
war schooner. A bar of iron eight feet long was attached to his shackles, and, with his fel-
low-prisoners, who were fastened together in pairs with handcufis, he was thrust into the
lowest part of the ship, where neither seat nor bed was allowed them.* We shall have con*
^ Ethan Allen was born in Roxbnry, Litchfield county, in Connecticut. He went to Vermont at an early
age, and about 1770 took an active part in the disturbances that occurred between tbe Hampshire Grants
and the state of New York. The Legislature of the latter province proclaimed him an outlaw, and offered
fifty pounds sterling for his apprehension. A party, determining to capture him while on a visit to his friends
in Salisbury and lodge him in the jail at Poughkeepsie, came near effecting their object. He afterward led
the expedition against Ticonderoga, and his former sins were forgotten by hb enemies. Jn the autumn of
1775 he was twice sent into Canada to observe the disposition of the people, and, if possible, win them
over to the American cause. On returning from his last tour to camp, he was induced by Major Brown to
cross tbe St. Lawrence and attack Montreal. The former failed to co-operate with him, and he was cap-
tured and put in irons. He remained five weeks in irons on board the Gaspee, at Montreal, and when
Carleton was repulsed by Warner at Longueuil, the vessel was sent down to Quebec. There he was trans-
ferred to another vessel, whore he was treated humanely, and sent to England to be tried for treason. He
was placed in charge of Brook Watson, a resident of Montreal, and afterward Lord Mayor of London. Al-
len, in his grotesque garb, attracted great attention in the streets of Falmouth, where he was landed. Ho
was confined for a time in Pendennis Castle, near Falmouth, and was sent to Halifax in the spring of 1776.
He was confined in jail there until autumn, and was then sent to New York, then in possession of the Brit-
bh. There he was kept about a year and a half. In May, 1778, he was exchanged for Colonel Camp-
bell, and returned to his fireside in Vermont. He never afterward actively engaged in military service.
He died at Colchester, Vermont, February 13th, 178;^, and his remains repose in a beautiful cemetery near
the Winooski, at Burlington. Ethan Allen was a blunt, honest man, of purest virtue and sternest integrity.
In religion he was a free-thinker, and passed for an infidel. An anecdote is related of him, which illus-
trates tiie purity of his principles. He owed a citizen of Boston sixty pounds, for which he gave his prom-
issory note. It was sent to. Vermont for collection. It was inconvenient for Allen to pay, and the note
was put in suit. Allen employed a lawyer to attend the court, and have the judgment postponed until he
oould raise the money. The lawyer determined to deny the genuineness of the signature, as the readiest
method of postponing the matter, for in that case a witness at Boston would have to be sent for. When
the case was called, it happened that Allen was in a re-
mote part of the court-house, and, to his utter astonish-
ment, heard his lawyer gravely deny the signature of the
note. With long and fierce strides he rushed through i /^y? Lm jm^^^y
the crowd, and, confronting the amazed ** limb of the law," y^^C/ r^^^^^ \
rebuked him in a voice of thunder. *^ Mr. , I did not
hire you to oome here and lie. That is a true note — ^I «,«-.*„». «. ••„.- a.,—
J •* Till * •-. J Till •* T ... SlOHATORB OF BTRAIf ALLBN.
ngned it — ^I'U swear to it— and rll pay it. I want no
shuffling, I want time. What I employed yon for was to get this business put over to the next ncvurt, not
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
181
If ontgomery'a March upon Montreal. Flight and Captare of Prescott. Escape of Carleton. Matiny in Montgomery's Camp.
siderable to say of the character apd career of the brutal Prescott, >vhile commanding aftei*
ward on Rhode Island.
The cause of Major Brown's failure to cross, and, with Allen, attack Montreal, has never
been explained. The plan was good, and would doubtless have been successful. Half car-
ried out, it proved disastrous, and both Brown and Allen were blamed, the one for propos-
ing, the other for attempting, such a hazardoua enterprise.
After the fall of St. John's, General Montgomery pressed on toward Montreal. Carleton
knew its weakness, and at once retreated on board one of the vessels of a small fleet lying in
the river. Montgomery entered the town in triumph the day after Carleton and Norcmbor 13,
the garrison left it. He treated the people humanely, and secured their confi- ^^^•
dence and good will. Finding there a large supply of woolen goods, he set about clothing
his army, so that those who accompanied him further in the campaign might be prepared
for the rigors of a Canadian winter.
As soon as Montgomery saw the disposition of the garrison to flee, he dispatched Colonel
Easton with Continental troops, ctmnon, and armed gondolas to the mouth of the Sorel.
This force was so advantageously posted that the British fleet could not pass, and General
Prescott, several officers, members of the Canadian Council, and one hundred and twenty
private soldiers, with all the vessels, surrendered by capitulation.' At the midnight preced-
ing Governor Carleton was conveyed in a boat, with inufHed oars, past the American post
to Three Rivers, and
arrived safely at Que-
bec. The Americans
were very anxious to
secure Governor Carle-
ton, for his talents, judg-
ment, and influence
formed the basis of
strength against the
invaders. They were
watchful in their guard-
boats, but a dark night
and a secret way fa-
vored his escape, and
they secured a far in-
ferior captive in Pres-
cott, whose conduct, on
many occasions, made
him a disgrace to the
British army.
Notwithstanding all
Sir Gut Carlbton.>
From a Loodoo print datad lT8t.
the important posts in
Canada except Quebec
were now in possession
of the Americans, Mont-
gomery justly asserted,
in a letter to Congress,
that, "till Quebec is
taken, Canada is un-
conquered." Impress-
ed with this idea, he
determined to push for-
ward to the capital de-
spite the inclemency of
the season and the de-
sertion of his troops.
The term of service of
many hsLd expired, and
others absolutely refus-
ed to proceed further.
Insubordination tnani-
fested itself among the
officers, and it required all the address the general was master of to induce a respectable
force to march to Quebec, after garrisoning Montreal. But amid all these discouragements
to oome here and lie and joggle about it." The result was, that the postponement of the claim was ami-
tably arranged between the two lawyers.
' There were eleven sail of vessels. Their contents were 760 barrels of flour, 675 barrels of beef, 376
firkins of butter, 3 barrels of powder, 4 nine and six pounders, cartridges and ball, 2380 musket cartridges,
8 chests of arms, 200 pairs of shoes, and a quantity of intrenching tools.
' Guy Carleton, afterward Lord Dorchester, was Wolfe's quartermaster at the storming of Quebec, and
was appointed a major in the British army in 1772. In 1774 he was constituted Captain-general and Gov-
ernor of Quebec or Canada. He successfully commanded the British at Quebec when attacked by Mont-
gomery in 1775, compelled the Americans to raise the siege in 1776, and drove them out of the province,
[n October he recaptured Crown Point. He vrna unjustly superseded in military command by Burgoyne
in 1777. He was appointed to succeed Sir Henry Clinton in 1782, and was in command of the British
troc^ when they evacuated New York on the 25th of November, 1783. He died in England at the close
of 1808, aged 83 years
Digitized by
Google
182 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Beturn Home of the DiBaffected. Vlfll ^ LongoeuiL Tlie Village Oracle. FroiUcM Historical Research.
the hopeful general did not despair. He knew that Arnold was traversinf^ the wilderness
along the Kennebeck and the Chaudiere to join him, and was then, perhaps, menacing Que-
bec ; and he knew also that the troops mider Carleton and M'Lean were hardly adequate to
defend the city, even against a smaller force than his own. He winnowed his army of the
recusant and mutinous, and then pushed onward down the St. Lawrence.*
I remarked that I left my pleasant company at Montreal, and went down to Longueuil.
My oliject was to ascertain, if possible, the place where Warner planted his battery and re-
pulsed the boats of Carleton. Longueuil is an old town, chiefly composed of small stone
houses with steep roofs. It has a spacious French church, of antique appearance, though
not more than thirty years old. The people all speak bad French, and for more than an
hour I sought the ** oldest inhabitant." That mysterious creature was an old woman of
unknown age, and so deaf that she could not hear half I said, or understand a word. I re-
ciprocated the latter infirmity, and now confess profound ignorance of all she attempted to
say. An intelligent lad came to the rescue, and silenced our jargon batteries by referring
me to his uncle, who lived near the beach, and " knew every thing." He was a man about
iifty, and spoke English pretty well. I made my business known, and he at once assumed
the patronizing air of Sir Oracle, said he knew it all, and pointed to the shore a little above
as the very spot where ** the cavalry horses were stabled," and where ** the Enghsh dragoons
drank a health to King George and vowed death to the Yankees." He knew Sir George
Prevost, and praised the veterans of Wellington who accompanied him. As British dra-
goons and Wellington's veterans were not with Carleton, and as my mentor's first birth-day
doubtless occurred twenty years afler the time in question, I properly doubted his knowledge
of the facts I was in search of. I told him that it was the American Revolution I was in-
quiring about. He did not seem to understand me, and I called it rebellion. " Oh oui '
yes, yes, I know," he exclaimed. " Two hundred crossed here for St. John's. Captain
Glasgow was a fine fellow. Pity Lord Elgin wasn't as great a man as Sir John Colbome."
With exhausted patience, I explained to him the time and nature of the revolution of the
last century, but he had never heard of it ! He knew nothing behind his own " life and
times." As he represented the «» collective wisdom" of the village, I despaired of better
success, and returned to Montreal with the fruit of a three hours' expedition under a hot
sun — a Yankee's postulate — a shrewd guess, I was as little successful in my search at
Montreal for the battle-ground where Ethan Allen and his men were made prisoners. An
intelligent gentleman, who* was one of the leaders in the rebellion there in 1837, assured
me that the spot was unknown to the inhabitants, for tradition has but little interest in keep-
ing its finger upon the locality, and not a man was living who had personal knowledge of
the event. It is probable that the northern suburbs of the city now cover the locality, and
that the place is not far from the present Longueuil ferry-landing.
Having accomplished my errand at Montreal, we departed for Quebec toward evening,
in the fine pteamer John Muring accompanied by our Burlington friends of the morning.
The magnificent stone quays were crowded with people, and our boat had a full complement
of passengers. At the lower end of St. Helen's we entered the St. Mary's Rapids, and,
darting past Longueuil, were soon out of sight of the spires of Montreal. The banks of the
river are low, and on either side villages and cultivated fields exhibited an ever-changing and
pleasing panorama. Belcsil Mountain loomed up eastward of us, and the white chapel, the
pedestal of the bishop's huge cross upon the loftiest summit, sparkled like a star in the beams
of the setting sun. It was twihght when we arrived at William Henry, or Sorel, an old
town, forty-five miles below Montreal, at the mouth of the Richelieu or Sorel River. A
' Several hundred of the militia, regardless of order, took the nearest route to their respective homes in
New England and New York. About three hundred arrived in a body at Tioonderoga, and, flinging their
heavy packs over their shoulders, crossed the lake on the ice, and traversed the wilderness through the deep
snow to their homes in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. It was an undertaking quite as
perilous as the siege of Quebec. The endearments of home were the goal of the one, military glory was
that of the other. The choice, though not creditable to them as patriots, deserves our respectful homage.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
188
Arriral at Sorel.
Voyage down the St Lawrence.
Morning View of Quebec.
TheWallflofQnebee
French engineer named Sorel built a fort there as early as 1665, and the present town oc-
capies its site. Our boat tarried there an hour for passengers and freight, but it grew too
dark to see much of the town. A motley group crowded the narrow wharf, and when we
lef^, the forward deck was covered with cabbages, leeks, and onions for the Quebec market,
which afibrded perfmne gratuitously for the whole boat.
Sorel was a place of considerable importance at the time of our Revolution. Standing
at the mouth of a navigable river, and at the narrowest part of the St. Lavnrence between
Montreal and Quebec, its possession was important to both belligerents. When the Amer-
icans approached Canada in 1775, Colonel M'Lean, with a Scotch regiment of Royal High*
landers, went up from Quebec and took station there. When Carleton lefr Montreal to re-
enforce the garrison at St. John's, M'Lean was to join him near Longueuil ; but the unex-
pected repulse of the former by the Green Mountain Boys, and the spreading of American de*
tachments over the country east of the St. Lawrence, between it and the Richelieu, so alarm-
ed McLean, that he not only fell back precipitately to Sorel, but abandoned that post to Col-
onel Easton, and retired to Quebec. At Sorel, Colonel Easton did good service a few weeks
later, when, with floating batteries and cannon on shore, he disputed the passage of the Brit-
ish fleet retreating from Montreal, and captured the whole flotilla, with General Prescott.
Leaving Sorel, we passed several islands, and then entered Lake St. Peter's, an expan*
sion of the St. Lawrence about twenty-five miles long, and having an average width of
nine miles. A half moon dimly lighted the sluggish waters, and defined an outline of the
huge serpent of smoke which our vessel left trailing behind. The shores disappeared in the
night shadows, and one after another of the passengers retired to bed, until the promenade
deck was deserted, except by two young ladies, whose sweet voices charmed us for an hour with
'' Dearest May" and kindred melodies. It was near midnight when the nightingales ceased
their warbling, and I sought the repose of my state-room.
Three Rivers, St. Anne's, the Richelieu Rapids, Cape Rouge, Chaudiere, Sillery Cove,
and New Liverpool were all passed during our slumbers, but we were upon the deck in the
morning in time to catoh the first glimpse of Qu^ec in the distance. A forest of masts,
abote which loomed Cape Diamond crowned with the gray citadel and its threatening ord-
nance, were the first objects in view. But as our vessel made a graceful sweep toward Point
Levi, and ** rounded to" at the Queen's Wharf, I think I never saw a more picturesque scene.
It was just at sunrise, and the morning was cloudless. As the orb
of day came up from the eastern hills, the city, spread out upon the
steep acclivities and along the St. Charles, reflected back its bright
rays from a thousand windows, and roofs of polished tin. All was
J" /' "^1 a-glow with luster, except the dark walls and the shipping, and for
^ HPFEOi ^^-^ ^® moment the creations of Aladdin's Lamp seemed before us.
J TOWH' ^^^fj^ "^^ enchantment was soon over, and was succeeded by the sober
^^^M prose of travel, as we passed slowly to the upper town along the
narrow and crooked Mountain Street, through Prescott Gate, closely
jammed in a pigmy coach. We found comfortable quarters at the
Albion, on Palace Street, one of the most respectable English hotels in
the upper city. After breakfast we ordered a barouche, to visit the Falls of
JMontmorenci, the Plains of Abraham, and other places of note, and obtained
a permit firom the commandant to enter the citadel. Before making the'in-
teresting tour, let us turn to a map of the city, trace out its walls and gates
and general topography, and consult the chronicle of its history ; then we shall view its ce-
lebrities understandingly.
Explanation of thb Diaobam. — A is the St. Charles River ; B, the St. Lawrence ; a is Palace Gate ;
^ Gate St. John's *, c, Gate St. Louis ; (2, Governor's Garden, wherein is a stone monument in memory of
Wolfe and Montcalm ; e, the portion of Cape Diamond at the foot of which Montgomerj was killed ; /, the
grand battery ; f , Prescott Gate ; A, Hope Gate ; o is a bold point of rock in the SattU-au-Mateiei^ wherj
Arnold was wounded. The walls here given, with the citadel, inclose the apper town.
Digitized by
Google
184 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
SltoationofaQeboe. Early SeCtlaments and Growth. Freoeh Operatlooa in America. Approach of Wolfe to Clnebee
Quebec is situated upon and around a lofty promontory at the confluence of the St. Law-
rence knd the St. Charles Rivers, and k so strongly guarded against intruders, by steep ao-
cHyities on nearly three sides, that it has been aptly named the " Gibraltar of America."
Art has added strength to these natural defenses, and, except on the rear, it is absolutely
impregnable to any known implements of war. Before it spreads out^ magnificent basin,
where a himdred ships of the line might ride at anchor ; and around it, as far as the eye
can reach, industry has planted a beautiful garden. The plains of the St. Charles, the tow-
ering Cap Tourment, the Falls of Montmorenci and of the Chaudiere, the lovely Island of
Orleans, and the pleasant slopes of Point Levi, unite, with the city itself, to make up a
duster of attractions with which those of few places on earth can vie.
j^y^ The foundation of the city was laid two hundred and forty years ago, by Samuel
i«e. Champlain, and yet it is just upon the margin of the primeval forest, which extends
from a narrow selvage of civilization along the St. Lawrence to the Arctic regions. When
Champlain, with great parade, laid the foundation stone of the future city, Old Hochduga
(now Montreal), discovered by Cartier more than a hundred years before, was blotted from
existence, and but a few whites were planting com and sowing wheat where the Indian
gardens had flourished. Religion and commerce joined hands, and the new city soon became
the capital of French dominion in America. From it missionaries and traders went west-
ward to obtain peltry and furs, make geographical discoveries, and convert the heathen, and
in a few years the French language was heard in the deep forests that skirted the vast lakes,
from the Thousand Islands at the foot of Ontario to the broad waters of the Huron. Im-
migration steadily augmented the population, churches and convents were erected,' and the
bastioned walls of old Fort St. Louis, mounted with cannon, were piled around the temples
of the Prince of Peace at Quebec ; for the treacherous Algonquin, the wily Iroquois, and the
bloody Huron, though mutual enemies, coalesced in jealousy of the French and a desire to
crush their rising strength. As the colony increased in power, and, through its missiona-
ries, in influence over the Indian tribes, the more southern English colonies became jealous,
and a deep-seated animosity between th^ prevailed for a generation. At length llie two
governments quarreled, and their respective colonies gladly espoused each the cause of the
parent state. To guard the St. Lawrence, the French built a strong fortress upon the Island
of Cape Breton, and also began a cordon efforts along the lakes and the Ohio and Mississippi.
Frontenac, Oswego, Niagara, Duquesne, and Detroit arose along the frontier. Fleets and
armies came from the Old World ; the colonists armed and formed strong ^battalions ; the
savage tribes were feasted, and bribed, and affiliated with European warriors, and wilder-
ness Ajnerica became a battle arena. In a little while the difierent fortresses changed mas-
ters ; Louisburgh, the strong-hold of French military power in America, fell before the skill
and bravery of Amherst and Wolfe ;. and at the beginning of 1759 Quebec was the only
place of considerable importance in possession of the French.
We have considered, in a preceding chapter, the success of Amherst and Wolfe in the
capture of Louisburgh, and the high reputation which that event gave them. Pitt, relying
upon the skill and bravery of these two commanders, resolved, if possible, to conquer all Can-
ada in a single campaign, intrusting the chief command to Amherst. That general, with a
large force, attempted to join Wolfe at Quebec, by sweeping Lake Champlain and capturing
Montreal ; he was unsuccessful, and Wolfe alone had the glory of the siege of Quebec.
*Wolfe embarked eight thousand troops at Louisburgh, under convoy of a fleet of twenty-
two ships of the line, and an equal number of frigates and smaller armed vessels, commanded
by Admirals Saunders and Holmes. He landed his army safely near the Church of St. Lau-
jQne 97, '^^^> ^P^^ ^^ Island of Orleans, a few miles below Quebec, where, under the direc-
1W9. tion of Sir Guy Carleton (afterward governor of Canada), batteries were erected.
' These were placed upon the most aooessible portions of the promontory, and near them the rude boild-
ings of the people were erected. To these oironmstances Mr. Hawkms, author of a capital " Guide to
i^aebec," ascribes the present irregular course of the streets.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION
185
Podtiom of Montcalm's Army.
BritiBh PoMesdoa of Orleans and Point Levi
Land near MontmoreneL
The brave and acoomplished Montcalm, with an army of thirteen thousand men, six bat-
talions of which were regulars, and the others Canadians and Indians, occupied the city
with a garrison, and a strongly intrenched camp upon the heights of Beauport, extending
from the St. Charles to the River Montmorenoi. The center of the camp and Montcalm's
View of Point Levi, from Dubuam Tebbace, Quebec.
headquarters were at Beauport.
The whole front was intrenched
and well defended from the En-
glish cannon. Beyond the right
wing a bridge was thrown across
the St. Charles, and strongly pro-
tected, to keep up a communica-
tion with the city. There were
also two batteries for its defense, placed upon hulks sunk in the channel.
Wolfe sent General Monkton to take possession of Point Levi, opposite Quebec.
He landed at Beaumont, and marched up to the point with little opposition, where
he erected batteries, from which the shots dealt destruction upon the lower town lying upon
the St. Charles, but had no efiect upon the walls of the city. Finding cHbrts from that
point unavailing, Wolfe, with his division on Orleans, crossed the north channel of the St.
Lawrence, and encamped near the left bank of the Montmorenci, within cannon-
thot of the left wing of the enemy on the other side of the river. He met with
fierce opposition, but succeeded in maintaining his ground and erecting two batteries there.
Still, Quebec was too distant to be affected by any of his works, and he resolved upon the
bold measure of storming the strong camp of the enemy. On the last day of July the troops
%t Point Levi, and a large number of grenadiers under General Monkton, crossed the St. Law-
rence in the boats of the fleet, and landed a little above the Montmorenci. At the same
time those below Montmorenci, under Generals Townshend and Murray, crossed that stream
by fording it near its mouth, at low water, and joined the other division upon the beach.
The enemy at once made ari^angements to receive them. The right of the French was
' This sketch is taken from Durham Terrace, near the north wall of the Castle Garden. In the fore-
•ptmnd are the tops of the houses below in Champlain, Notre Dame, and St. Peter's Streets, and in the dis-
tance, across the St. Lawrence, is seen Point Levi, with ito pretty little village, its church and wharves
On the extreme lef^ in the distance, is the upper end of the Island of Orleans, which divides the channel.
The point seen is the place where Wolfe erected batteries.
June 29.
July 10
Digitized by
Google
186 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
JaDotkm of the EngUsb Division. Severe Battle. Wolfe dishearteoed. Camp brokeo np. Wolfe's Core
under Baron de St. Ours, the center under De Senezergues, and the left under M. Herhin
The garrison in the city was commanded by M. de Ramezay.
It was nearly night when the English divisions joined, and heavy thunder-clouds were
rolling up from the west. The grenadiers, impatient of restraint, rushed madly upon the
enemy's works, before the other troops that were to sustain them had time to form. Con-
sequently they were driven back to the beach With a severe loss, and sought shelter behind a
redoubt which had been abandoned by the enemy. The French kept up a galling fire, till
the gathering tempest burst with great fury upon the belligerents. Night dosed in while the
storm was yet raging. The tide came roaring up against the current of the St. Lawrence with
uncommon strength, and the British were obliged to retreat to their camp across the Montmo-
renci, to avoid submersion on the beach by the foaming waters. The loss of the English in that
unfortunate attempt was one hundred and eighty killed and six hundred and fifty wounded.
Wolfe was greatly dispirited by this event, for he was very sensitive to censure, and that
he expected for this^ miscarriage. The emotions of his mind, co-operating with iatigue of
body upon his delicate constitution, brought on a fever and dysentery, that nearly proved
fatal. It was nearly a month before he was able to resume the command. When sufii-
ciently recovered to write, he drew up a letter to Pitt, in which, after detailing
^ the events, referring to his illness, and firankly confessing that he had called a
council of war, he said, <* I found myself so ill, and am still so weak, that I begged the gen-
eral officers to consult together for the general safety We have almost the whole
force of Canada to oppose us. In this situation there is such a choice of difficulties, that I
own myself at a loss how to determine. The afiairs of Great Britain require the most vig-
orous measures ; but then the courage of a handful of brave men should be exerted only
where there is some hope of a favorable event." When this letter reached England, it ex-
cited consternation and anger.* Pitt feared that he had mistaken his favorite general, and
that the next news would be that he had either been destroyed or had capitulated. But in
the conclusion of his melancholy epistle Wolfe had said he would do his best ; and that best
turned out a miracle of war. He declared that he would rather die than be brought to a
court-martial for miscarrying, and, in conjunction with Admiral Saunders, he concerted a
plan for scaling the Heights of Abraham, and gaining possession of the elevated plateau at
the back of Quebec, on the side where the fortifications were the weakest, as the French en-
gineers had trusted to the precipices and the river beneath.*
The camp at Montmorenci was broken up, and the artillery and troops were conveyed
flen he 12. ^^^^^^^ ^ Poiut Lcvi, whcuce they were taken some distance up the river by a
portion of the fleet under Holmes, while Saunders, with the rest of the fleet, re-
mained behind to make a feigned attack upon the intrenchments at Beauport. Montcalm,
unable to comprehend these movements, remained in his camp, while Bougainville was sta-
tioned a little above the Plains of Abraham, to watch the operations of the division of the
English fleet that sailed up the river.
At night the troops were all embarked in flat-boats, and proceeded up the river with the
tide. Bourgainville saw them, and marched up the shore to prevent their landing. It was
starlight, yet so cautiously did the boats, with muffled oars, move down the river toward
daylight, with ebb tide, that they were unperceived by the French detachment, and landed
gafely in a cove below Sillery, now called Wolfe's Cove, The first division was commanded
by Lieutenant-colonel (afterward General) Sir William Howe, and were all on shore at dawn
The light infantry scrambled up the woody precipice, and dispersed a French guard undei
Captain de Verjer,* while the rest of the army clambered up a winding and steep ravine.
^ The news of the failure of Wolfe at Montmorenci reached England on the morning of the 16th of Oc-
tober, and was published in an extra Gazette of that date. The same evening Captain Hale arrived and
brought the news of the triumph upon the Plains of Abraham. The general grief was suddenly changed
into great joy, and a day for public thanksgiving was set apart by the old king.
* Pictorial History of England, iv., 609.
' The French guard, who could not comprehend the noise below them, fired down the precipice at ran*
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 187
Aaoent of the English to the Plnins of Abraham. The Battle-gronad. Preparationa for Battle. Wol&'s Raviae.
The Becond division, under General Townshend, landed in good order, and before sunrise five
thousand British troops were drawn up in battle array upon the Plains of Abra- September is,
ham, three hundred feet above the St. Lawrence. ^'^^*
The appearance of the English troops upon the heights was the first intimation Montcalm
had of the real intentions of his enemy. He at once saw the imminent danger to which the
city and garrison were exposed, and immediately marched his whole army across the St.
Charles to attack the English. He brought his troops into battle line about ten o'clock in
the morning. He had two Held pieces ; the English but one, a light six pounder, which
some sailors succeeded in dragging up the ravine at
about eight o'clock in the morning.
I am indebted to Alfred Hawkins, Esq., of Quebec,
for the following account of the position of the two
armies, and fhe present localities identified therewith :
" The battle-ground presents almost a level suiface
. from the brink of the St. Lawrence to the St. Foy Road.
The Grand Allee, or road to Cape Rouge, running par-
allel to that of St. Foy, passes through its center. That
road was commanded by a field redoubt, a four-gun bat-
tery on the English left, which was captured by the light
infantry. The remains of this battery are distinctly
seen near the present race-stand. There were al&o two
other redoubts, one upon the rising ground in the rear
J of Mr. C. Campbell's house — the scene of Wolfe's death
— and the other toward the St. Foy Road, which it was
intended to command. On the site of the country seat called Marchmont, at present the
residence of Major-general Sir James Hope, K.C.B., there was also a small redoubt com-
manding the intrenched path leading to the cove. This was taken possession of by the ad-
vanced guard of the light infantry immediately on ascending the height. At the time of
the battle the plains were without fences or inclosures, and extended to the 'walls on the St
Louis side. The surface was dotted over with bushes, and the roads on either side were
more dense than at present, afibrding shelter to the French and Indian marksmen.
«« In order to understand the relative position of the two armies, if a line be drawn to the
St. Lawrence from the General Hospital, it will give nearly the firont of the French army at
ten o'clock, afler Montcalm had deployed into line. His right reached beyond the St. Foy
Road, where he made dispositions to turn the led of the English. Another parallel line,
somewhat in advance of Mr. C. G. Stewart's house on the St. Foy Road, will give the front
of the British army before Wolfe charged at the head of the grenadiers of the twenty-second,
fortieth, and forty-fifth regiments, who had acquired the honorable title of the Louisburgh
Grenadiers, from having been distinguished at the capture of that place, under his own com-
mand, in 1758. To meet the attempt of Montcalm to turn the British left. General Town-
shend formed the fifleenth regiment en potence, or representing a double front. The light
infantry were in the rear of the left, and the reserve was placed near the right, formed in
eight subdivisions, a good distance apart."
Wolfe placed himself on the right, at the head of the twenty-eighth regiment of Louis-
burgh CrrenadierSf who were burning with a desire to avenge their defeat at the Montmo-
renoi. The English had waited four hours for the approach of the French, and were fully
doiD, and so the British fired up. They all fled bat the captain, who was woanded and taken prisoner.
It is said the poor fellow begged the British officer to sign a certificate of his courage and fidelity, lest he
should be piuiished for accepting a bribe, in the belief that Wolfe's bold enterprise would be deemed im-
posnble without corruption. .
' This scene is about half way up the ravine from Wolfe's Cove, looking down the road, which is a steep
and winding way from the river to the summit of the Plains of Abraham. It is a cool, shaded nook — a de-
lightful retreat from the din and dust of the city in summer.
Digitized by
Google
188
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Battle on the Plaioi of Abraham. Brarery and Death of Wolfe.
Death of Montcalm.
Borial-place of Montcalm.
prepared for action. Montcalm was on the left of the French, at the head of the regiments
of Langtcedoc, Beamed and Guienne, Wolfe ordered his men to load with two bullets each,
and reserve their fire until the French should be within forty yards. These orders were
strictly obeyed, and their double-shotted guns did terrible exeoution. " The hottest of the
fight occurred," says Hawkins, <* between the right of the race-stand and the martello tow-
ers."* After delivering several rounds in rapid succession, which threw the French into con-
fusion, the English charged furiously with their bayonets. While urging on his battalions
in this charge, Wolfe was singled out by some Canadians on the left, and was slightly wound-
ed in the wrist. He wrapped a handkerchief around
to stanch the blood, and, while still cheering on his
men, received a second wound in the groin ; a few
minutes afterward another struck him in the breast
and brought him to the ground, mortally wounded.
At that moment, regardless of self, he thought only of
the victory for his troops. *< Support me," he said to
an officer near him ; "let not my brave soldiers see me
drop. They day is ours — keep it." He was taken to
the rear, while his troops continued to charge. The
ofiUcer on whose shoulder he was leaning exclaimed,
" They run, they run !" The light returned to the
dim eyes of the dying hero, and he asked, with emotion,
" Who runs ?" " The enemy, sir ; they give way
every where." " What," feebly exclaimed Wolfe,
« do they run already ? Go to Colonel Preston and
tell him to march Webb's regiment immediately to the bridge over the St. Charles, and cut
off the fugitives* retreat. Now, God be praised, I die happy !" These were his last words,
and in the midst of sorrowing companions, just at the moment of victory, he died. Mont-
calm, who was gallantly fighting in the front rank of the French left, received a mortal
wound, and died the next morning about five o'clock, and was buried in an
excavation made by the bursting of a shell within the precincts of the Ursuline
Convent, where his remains still rest.* When Lord Aylmar was Governor of Canada, he
Genebal Wolfe.*
September 14.
^ The Martello Toioeri are four strong circular structures erected at diflerent distances in rear of the city,
between the St. Lawrence and the St. Charles. Cannons are mounted upon their tops. They are very
thick on the side toward the open country, but thin toward the city. The object of this manner of construc-
tion is, that, if taken by an enemy, they can easily be laid in ruins by the shot of the grarrison.
* James Wolfe was bom in Westerham, in Kent, January 2d, 1727. He entered the army very young,
and soon distinguished himself by skill, judgment, and bravery. After his return from the expedition
against Louisburgh, in 1758, he was appointed to the command of that section of the expedition again.- 1
Canada that went .up the St. Lawrence. His assault on Quebec was one of the boldest military achieve-
ments ever attempted, but, just at the moment of victory, he lost his life, at the early age of 32 years. His
body was conveyed to England on board the Royal William, and buried at Greenwich on the 20th of No-
vember, 1759, where, in the family vault, the hero rests by the side of his father and mother. His father,
Edward Wolfe, was a lieutenant general, and died in March of the same year, aged 74. The British gov-
ernment erected a monument to the memory of the young hero, in Westminster Abbey.
' Lewis Joseph de St Yeran, Marquis de Montcalm, descended from a noble family of Candiac, in France.
He was educated for a soldier, and distinguished himself at the battle of Placenza in 1746. He rose by
degrees to the rank of field marshal, and in 1756 was appointed Governor of Canada. He ably opposed
the English under Abercrombie, but fell while gallantly fighting Wolfe at Quebec, on the 13th of Septem-
ber, 1759. His remains are within the grounds of the Ursuline Convent at Quebec. A few years ago a
plain marble slab was placed to his memory, in the chapel of that nunnery, by Lord Aylmar, on which i«
the following inscription :
Honneur
Montcalm
Le destin, en lui derobant
La victoire,
L' a recompense par
Une mort glorieuse.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 189
Uonameot where Wolfe felL CapitnlatiOD of Quebec. ' Levi's Attempt to rccaptare it Hia RepnldoB. Captare of MontreoL
naufled a wnall granite pillar, about ten feet high, to be erected npon the spot where Wolfe
fell upon the Plains of Abraham, now just within the
southern suburb of Quebec. It bears the brief inscrip-
tion, Here died Wolpe, victorious. That Vandal-
ism under the specious guise of reverence for the great,
of which I have already had occasion to speak, has sadly
mutilated this monument, as may be seen in the engrav-
ing. The pedestal has lost many a pound of relic, and
the iron railing around the monument has been broken
down.
Wolfe and Montcalm were both able commanders,
and were idolized by their respective troops. The
former, though so young, was almost reverenced by his
officers, for to bravery and great military skill he united
all the virtues and graces of the perfect gentleman,
'^rhe expressions of attachment made by General (afterward Marquis) Townshend illustrate
the sentiment of his officers and men. In a letter written just afler the battle, he says, " I
am not ashamed to own to you that my heart does not exult in the midst of this success. I
have lost but a friend in General Wolfe. Our country has lost a sure support and a per-
petual honor. If the world were sensible at how dear a price we have purchased Quebec
in his death, it would damp the public joy. Our best consolation is, that Providence seemed
not to promise that he should remain long among us. He was himself sensible of the weak-
ness of his constitution, and determined to crowd into a few years actions that would have
adorned length of life."
Five days afler the battle the city of Quebec capitulated and passed into the September is,
possession of the English, and the remnant of the grand army of the French, ^^^o.
under M. Levi, who succeeded Montcalm, retired to Montreal. General Murray was left
to defend battered and half-ruined Quebec, and the British fleet, fearful of frost, retreated
down the St. Lawrence to the ocean. Levi determined on attempting to regain all that
the French had lost, and in the spring of 1760 he marched upon Quebec with a motley
army of ten thousand men, composed of French, Canadians, and Indians. Murray, with
seven thousand men, went out and attacked him, but was sorely defeated, lost ail April 28,
his guns, and was nearly cut off in his retreat back to the city. Levi followed up ^^*^-
his success vigorously, and as soon as the ice leil the St. Lawrence he brought up six French
frigates and prepared to beleaguer the city by land and by water. He encamped upon the
heights above Point Levi, and felt sure of his prey. Fortunately for the English, Lord Col-
ville arrived at this juncture with two good frigates, and destroyed the French vessels
under the eyes of Levi. Thoroughly frightened by the suddenness of the event, and ^
learning that these two fast sailers were only the van of a powerful fleet, the French com-
mander retreated precipitately to Montreal, leaving his artillery and stores behind him.
Vaudreuil, the governor general of the province, was at Montreal, and Amherst, Murray,
and Huviland proceeded to invest that city. Despairing of succor from abroad, Vaudreuil
capitulated on the 8th of September, and on that memorable day French power in
Canada expired and hostilities in America ceased. Peace ensued between the two
governments by the conclusion and signing of a treaty at Paris, on the 1 0 th of February,
1763, and thus ended the famous ** Seven Years' War." From that time the two races
have not been arrayed in battle against each other in the Western world, except while the
French were here as allies in 1780—81, and assisted in the battle at Yorktown and the
capture of Comwallis.
' Since my visit to Qaebec (Aagnst, 1848) the remaint of this monmnent have been removed, and a col-
jmn forty feet high, surmounted by a bronze helmet and sword, has been erected. The monnmont h from
the design of Sir James Alexander
Digitized by
Google
190 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
CoUection of an Army near Boatoo. WMhiogton'a Appointment Hi« Generals. Expedition nnder Arnold pUnned
Quebec enjoyed tranquillity until the Americans, under Montgomery and Arnold, invaded
Canada in the autumn aAd winter of 1775. We left the former preesing forward toward
the city, with the rigors of a Canadian winter gathering around him. Let us return and
watch the progress of that little army of patriots, and also consider the wonderful expedition
of the brave Arnold through the wilderness of the east.
We mentioned incidentally, in a previous chapter, that when the tidings of the capture
of the forts on Lake Champlain reached the Continental Congress, that body promptly took
action to defend the liberties of the people, and secure their rights by force of arms, if neces-
sary. The skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, the menaces against Massachusetts, and
Boston in particular, fuhninated by the home government, and the arrival of several regi-
ments of British troops, for the avowed purpose of crushing the anticipated rebellion, aroused
a spirit of resistance in the colonies hitherto unknown, even when the Stamp Act, ten
years before, had awakened a terrible storm of indignation throughout the land. From aU
directions men flew to arms, and in a few weeks a large patriot army invested Boston, and
threatened Governor Gage and his mercenary troops with destruction. The incongruous
material which composed the army was partially organized by appointing Artemas Ward'«
commander-in-chief until the general Congress should act in the premises. That action
was not long delayed, and on the 15 th of June Congress adopted a resolution to ap-
point a general *< to command all the Continental forces raised for the defense of Amer.
ican liberty." George Washington was unanimously chosen to All the important office,'
jnij 12, SLud he repaired to Cambridge, near Boston, and took command of the army. He
1^^ set about organizing and disciplining the troops, and making preparations for an act-
ive campaign.
About the middle of August, a committee of Congress visited Washington in his camp,
and a plan was then devised to send a force to Canada, by way of the Kennebec River, to
co-operate with Schuyler, already preparing to invade that province by way of the North
em lakes. Arnold was then at Cambridge, uttering loud complaints of ill usage upon Lake
Champlain. His bravery was well known, and the proposed expedition was exactly suited
to his adventurous disposition. To silence his complaints and to secure his services. Wash*
ington appointed him to the command of that perilous expedition, and at the same time
gave him a commission of colonel in the Continental army. Eleven hundred hardy men
were detached for the service from the army, consisting of ten companies of musketeers from
New England and three companies of riflemen from Virginia and Pennsylvania. Arnold's
field officers were Lieutenant-colonel Christopher Greene (the hero of Red Bank, on the
Delaware), Lieutenant-colonel Roger Enos, and Majors Meigs and Bigelow. The riflemen
were commanded by Captain Daniel Morgan, the renowned partisan leader in subsequent
years of the war.
Arnold and his troops marched from Cambridge to Newburyport, where they embarked
on board eleven transports for the mouth of the Kennebec. They reached
^ ' * Gardiner in safety, and found two hundred bateaux ready for them at Pitts-
ton, on the opposite side of the river. Carpenters had been previously sent to construct
^ Artemafl Ward was a native of Massachusetts, and graduated at Harvard in 1748. He was success-
ively a representative in the Legislature and member of the Council of bis state. He was also a justice
of the Court of Common Pleas for Worcester ooonty. Having considerable military knowledge, be was
chosen to command the army that gathered around Boston in the spring of 1775. Congress appointed
him the first of the four major generals nnder Washington, and to him was assigned the division of the
army at Roxbury, when the siege of Boston, in 1776, took place. He resigned his commission a month
after that event, yet, at the request of Washington, he continued in command till toward the last of May.
He was a member of Congress under the Confederation, and also after the adoption of the present Consti*
tntion. He died at Shrewsbury in 1800, aged 73 years.
* Four major generals and eight brigadiers were appointed at the same time. To the former rank
were chosen Artemas Ward, Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam (the Major Putnam in the
French and Indian war) ; to the latter, Seth Pomeroy (supposed to be the soldier who shot Dieskau), Rich-
ard Montgomery, David Wooster, William Heath, Joseph Spencer, John Thomas, John Sullivan, and Na-
thaniel Greene. Horatio Gates was appointed adjutant general, "^n'th the rank of brigadier.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
191
4niral at Fort Weitern.
NorridgewcMsk Falls.
The Ancient Indiana.
Father Ralle.
Fatiguing Portage.
these vessels. The troops then rendezvoused at Fort Western, opposite the present town
of Augusta. This was on the verge of an uninhabited and
almost unexplored wilderness/ aud toward its fearful shadows
these brave men turned their faces.
A small reconnoitering party was sent in advance to Lake
Megantic, or Chaudiere Pond, and another to survey the course
and distances of the Dead River, a tributary of the Kennebec.
The main body moved forward in four divisions, a day apart in
time. Morgan, with the riflemen, was in the van ; next were
Greene and Bigelow, with their compauies of musketeers ;
Meigs, with four other companies, followed, and the rear was
brought up by Enos, with tnree remaining companies. Arnold
was the last to leave Fort Western. He proceeded in a birch
canoe, passed the several parties, and overtook Morgan on the
third day at Norridgewock Falls. Here, upon a beautiful plain
on the eastern bank of the river, the ancient Norridgewock In-
dians, a tribe of the Abenakes, had a village, and in the mids*^
of the grandeur, beauty, and fertility of nature, and the barbar-
ous heathenism of man in this picturesque region, Father Ralle,
a French Jesuit, had erected a Christian altar, and taught the
sublime truths of the Gospel.'
Here the first severe toils of the little army began, for they
were obliged to carry all their bateaux, provisions, and stores
around the falls, a mile and a quarter, into the navigable wa-
ters above. The banks were rocky and precipitous. They
Dund, too, that their boats were leaky, and much of their
provisions was spoiled
or greatly damaged.
Seven days were con-
sumed in passing the
falls and repairing the
NoEEiDaiwooK Falli, 177di
vessels. The same labor, though not so fatiguing, was demanded at the Carratunc Falls.
^ Colonel Montressor, a British officer, had traversed the wilderness fifteen years before. He ascended
the Chaadiere from Quebec, crossed the HighUinds near the head waters of the Penobscot, passed through
Moose-head Lake, and entered the eastern branch of the Kennebec. Arnold possessed an imperfect copy
of the printed journal of Montre^tor, and this, with information received from some St. Francis Indians
who visited Washington's camp, grave him an idea of the country and the privations his men mast sufier.
The same region was traversed by a French missionary named DreuilletUSj more than two hundred
years before. He crossed the St. Lawrence to the sources of the Kennebec, down which river he descended
to its mouth, and thence coasted eastward to the missionary station on the Penobscot. — HUdreih^ ii., 84.
* Father Ralle resided among the Norridgewocks twenty-six years, and possessed great influence over
them. He was considered an enemy to the British settlers in Massachusetts, and an expedition was plan-
ned against him and the settlement. A party fell upon them suddenly, and killed and scalped the priest
and thirty of the Indians. This event occurred in 1724, and when Colonel Arnold was there, in 1775, the
Digitized by
Google
192 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Vojage up tb« Kennebec. The Dead RiTer. Eleralad Coontvy. A Freehat Retorn of Enoa. His Trial and Acquittal
Desertions and sickness reduced their number to about nine hundred and fifty efieotive men
when they arrived at the great carrying-place, twelve miles below the junction of Dead River
with the Kennebec. So rapid was the stream, that the men waded more than half way,
pushing the bateaux against the current ; yet they were in good spirits, and seemed to par-
take of the enthusiasm of their leader.
Arnold now examined his muster-roll and commissariat. The troops, though somewhat
reduced in number, were strong and enthusiastic, and he ascertained that he had twenty-five
days' provisions in store. The Chaudiere, on which were French settlements, he estimated
to be at a distance of ten days' travel. The weather was fine, and the prospect so encour-
aging that they pushed forward with alacrity. The great carrying-place was a portage of
fifteen miles, broken by three ponds. Oxen dragged the bateaux part of the way on sleds,
and the baggage and stores were carried on the shoulders of the men. Over craggy knolb
and tangled ravines, through deep morasses, weeks, and ponds, they pursued their journey,
sometimes carrying their vessels and the vessels sometimes bearing them, until they reached
the Dead River. The ponds afibrded an abundance of delicious salmon-trout, and want of
food had not yet been among their privations. The surfiice of the Dead River was smooth,
and the waters flowed on in a gentle current in the midst of the magnificent forest, now ren-
dered gorgeous by the brilliant hues imparted to the foliage by early firost. Occasional falls
interrupted their progress, but the labors of the men were far less severe than hitherto. Sud*
denly the monotony of the vast forest was broken by the appearance of a lofty mountain cov-
ered with snow, at the foot of which Arnold encamped three days, raising the Continental
flag over his tent.* A small hamlet called Flag-stafl^, in commemoration of the event, is
upon the camp-ground, and the lofty eminence bears the name of Mount Bigelow.*
When the expedition moved forward, a heavy rain set in, which sent down such torrents
from the hills that the river arose eight feet in one night, overflowing its banks
and filling its channels with raiU of drill wood. So'suddenly did this freshet oc-
eur, that the water came roaring down the valley where the soldiers were encamped, so unex-
pectedly and powerfully that they had barely time to retreat to their bateaux before the whole
plain was overflowed. Seven boats were overturned and the provisions lost, and others were
in imminent peril in the midst of the flood. They were yet thirty miles firom the head of the
Chaudiere, and but about twelve days' provisions remained. The storm and exposure made
many sick, and despondency supplanted cheerfulness, for the future seemed pregnant with
misery. A council of war was held, and it was decided to send the sick and feeble back,
and to press forward with the healthy. Arnold wrote to Greene and Enos, who were in
the rear, to select as many of their best men as they could supply with fifteen days' provi-
sions, and come on with them, leaving the others to return to Norridgewock. Enos, either
through a false construction of the order or willful disobedience, returned to Cambridge with
his whole division. His appearance excited the greatest indignation in the Continental camp,
and Enos was looked upon as a traitor for thus deserting his companions and endangering the
whole expedition. He was tried by a court-martial, and it being proved that he was short
o{ provisions, and that none could be procured in the wilderness, he was acquitted. He
never was restored in public estimation, howoverf and soon afterward leil the army.
In the mean while Arnold, with the rest of the troops, pressed onward. The rain changed
to snow, and ice formed upon the water in which the men waded to push the bateaux as
foundations of the ohnroh and altar were still visible, but the red men had forever departed. Father Ralle
left a manuscript dictionary of the Abenake language (the dialect of the Norridgewocks), which is preserved
in the library of Harvard University.
^ What the device on this flag, or what its color was, wo have no means of ascertaining. The stripes
and stars were not used until 1777. On the 14th of June that year, Congress "resolved that the flag of
the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white ; that the Union be thirteen stars,
white in a blue field, representbg a new constellation." Since then we have added a star for every new state.
* Tradition asserts that, while the Americans encamped there, Major Bigelow ascended to the summit
of the mountain, with the expectation of seeing the spires of Quebec I From this fupposed adventure the
mountain derives its name.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
193
October SSL
l^ftka Megantie and tb« Chaadldre. Perilooa Voj^ige. Narrow Escape. Sertigan. Timely Relief for tlieTroopa.
they passed the numerous ponds and marshes near the sources of the Dead River. Seyeu-
teen fiills were passed, and on a hleak day, marching through snow two inches deep, they
reached the Highlands which separated the waters of New England from Canada. A port-
age of &ur miles brought them to a small stream, down which they pushed their vessels and
reached Lake Megantic, the great source of the Chaudiere. There they found Lieutenants
Steele and Church, who had been sent forward from the great oarrying-placo to explore and
clear the portages. Here also was Jakins, who had been sent to the French settlers on the
Chaudiere to ascertain their political sentiments, which he reported to be favorable.^
The little army encamped on the eastern shore of the lake, and the next morn-
ing Arnold, with a party of fifly-fiye men on shore, under Captain Hanchet, and
thirteen men with himself, in five bateaux and a birch canoe, push-
ed onward down the Chaudiere to the French settlements, there to
obtain provisions and send them back to meet the main forces. It
was a feariul voyage. As soon as they left the lake and October 97
entered the river, the current ran with great rapidity, boil- ^""^
ing and foaming over a rocky bottom. They had no guide. They
lashed their baggage and provisions to the bateaux and committed
themselves to the mercy of the stream. At length the fearful roar of
rushing waters met their ears, and in a few minutes they were plung-
ing amid rapids. Three of the boats were dashed in pieces upon the
rocks and their contents ingulfed, but, fortunately, no lives were lost.
Six men struggled long in the waters, but were saved. The other
bateaux were moored in shallow estuaries, while aid was rendered to
those in the stream, and this proved the salvation of the whole party.
The apparent calamity was a mercy in disguise, for had they not been
thus checked, they must all have plunged into destruction over a fall
just beyond, which was discovered by one of the rescued men. For
seventy miles falls and rapids succeeded each other, but the voyagers
reached Sertigan (four miles below the mouth of Des Lou-
pis), the first French settlement, in safety. The people
were friendly, and sold provisions freely. As soon as the wants of
his own party were supplied, Arnold sent back some Canadians and
Indians with flour and cattie for the approaching troops, who were in
great distress, all their boats having been destroyed, with their provi-
sions. They had slaughtered their' last ox several days before. In a
few days the whole army emerged in detachments from the forests,
and united at Sertigan.*
October 30
Sovn THBOUOH THS WlL-
DEHNKM.
' Two Indians were sent forward with Jakins to carry letters, one to General Schuyler on Lake Cham-
plain, the other to some persons in Quebec. They betrayed their tmsts, for the latter, named Eneas, was
known to have reached Qaebec, but the letters went into the hands of Lieutenant-governor Carmah6 instead
of those for whom they were intended. The letters to General Schuyler never reached him.
* Judge Henry, who at the dose of the last century was president of the second judicial district in Penn*
syhrania, was one of the soldiers in this expedition, and has left behind him a lucid and exceedingly inter-
esting narrative of the *^ hardships and sufferings of that band of heroes." In reference to the destitute
condition of the troops before food was sent back from Sertigan, he says, " Coming to a low, sandy beach
of the Chaudiere, for we sometimes had such, some of our companies were observed to dart from the file,
and with their nails tear out of the sands roots which they esteemed eatable, and ate them raw, even with-
out washing. The knowing one sprang ; half a dozen followed ; he who obtained it ate the root instantly.
They washed their moose-skin moccasins in the river, scraping away the dirt and sand with great
care. These were brought to the kettle and boiled a considerable time, under the vague but consolatory
hope that a mucilage would take place. The poor fellows chewed the leather, but it was leather still.
They had not received food for the last forty-eight hours. Disconsolate and weary we passed the night,"
A dog was killed and furnished material for broth, but starvation would have destroyed them all in a few days. "^^
*-Uj dog WM rery Isrge eno a greet fsTorlte. I gsre bhn up to several men of Captain Goodrich's eompan j. They car>
ied him to their company, and killed and divided Um among tfaoee who were lufitBring most serercly firom hanger. They ate
• ery part of him, not excepting hiaentraila.'*—L0(«r<{fOm«ra2 Dtarborn to the Rn. mUiam Atttn,
N
Digitized by
Google
194 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Valley of the Chaadidre. Wadilngton's Maniletto. Joined by Indians. Arrlral at Point LerL Inddenti of tiie Mareb
The beautiful valley of the Chaudiere was now before them, enliyened with a friendly
population and blessed with abundance of proYisions. Arnold had been furnished with
printed copies, in French, of a manifesto by Washington, to be distributed among the peo-
ple. It explained the causes of the contest, and asked them, as neighbors and friends, to
join the standard of liberty. Arnold, with great discretion, circulated these freely, at the
same time acquiescing in the wishes of Washington by treating the inhabitants with the
greatest respect. Every thiifg received from them was paid for, and they rendered aid in
return with a hearty good will.^
About forty Indians of the Norridgewocks, under the famous Natanis and his brother
Sabatii, here joined the American^ and on the 9th of November the whole army that re-
mained arrived at Point Levi, opposite Quebec, afier one of the most wonderfiil marches on
record, during the space of two months. Thirty-two days they traversed the gloomy wil-
derness without meeting a human being. Frost and snow were upon the ground, and ice
was upon the sur&ce of the marshes and streams, which they were obliged to traverse and
ford, sometimes armpit deep in water and mud ; yet they murmured not, and even women
followed in the train of the sufiering patriots.' It was an effort in the cause of freedom
worthy of its divine character ; and the men who thus periled life and endured pain, what-
ever may have been their course in after life, deserve the highest praise from the hearts and
lips of posterity.'
^ I met a gentleman at Qaebeo (Aognst, 1848) who had just made a journey across the coontry firom
the Kennebec to the St. Lawrence by the way of the Chaudiere. He said that many of the oM habiuuu
were still living in that beautiful valley, and spoke very highly of the " good Bostonians," whose passage
through their country was one of the greatest events in the quiet lives of those isolated aiid simple people.
He showed me an order for flocur and cattle, signed by Arnold at Sertigan, which he procured firom an old
man 93 years of age. Many documents of the kind are, he said, preserved in the families of the old settlers.
' Judge Henry speaks of two women, the wives of soldiers attached to the division of the army to which
he belonged. Their names deserve preservation for the Admiration of posterity. " One was die wife of
Sergeant Grier, a large, virtuous, and respectable woman." The other was the wife of a private soldiei
named Warner. Judge H. says, in reference to their march through the wet country near Megantio Lake,
^* Entering the ponds, and breaking the ice here and there with the butts of our guns and feet, we were
soon waist deep in mud and water. As is generally the case with youths, it came to my mind that a better
path might be found than that of the more elderly guide. Attempting this, the water in a trice cooling my
armpits, made me gladly return in the file. Now Mrs. Grier had got before me. My mind was humbled,
yet astonished, at the exertions of this good woman. Her clothes more than waist high, she waded on
before me to firm ground. Not one, so long as she was known to us, dared to intimate a disrespeotfal
idea of her."
' Those most prominent afterward in the history of our country, who accompanied Arnold on that expe-
dition, were Morgan, Greene, Dearborn, Febiger, Meigs, and Burr. " Here it was" (near Sertigan), says
Judge Henry, " that, for the first time. Aaron Burr, a most amiable youth of twenty, came to my view.
^^ ir-^* flipn a cadet."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
196
Amerkan Army at Point LerL
Alarm of the CanacUaiu.
Storm on the St Lawrence.
Passage of the Army.
CHAPTER IX.
^* Oh, few and weak their numbers were,
A handful of brave men ;
Bat to their God they gave their prayer,
And msh'd to battle then.
They left the plowshare in the mold,
Their flocks and herds withoat a fold,
The sickle in the onshorn grain,
The com half gamer'd on the plain.
And moster'd in their simple dress
For wrongs to seek a stem redress —
To right those wrongs, come weal, come wo,
To perish or overcome their foe."
M'Lbllan.
UCH wore the men who followed the bold Arnold, through terrible difficultle^
and privations, from their quiet homes in New England, and, in the midst oi
light falling snow, appeared like a specter army on the heights of Point Levi,
to the wondering people of Quebec. Through the treachery of the Indian
Eneas (who pretended to have been taken prisoner), Cramah6 and his council
knew that a small American force was in the wilderness, but they would not
believe that it would ever reach Quebec ; therefore the fact was not made
known to the military or the people. They had taken the precaution, how-
ever, to keep all boats on the Quebec side of the river. It was about eight
'' o'clock in the morning when Arnold and his followers emerged £rom the forest
and displayed upon the banks of the St. Lawrence. Quebec was at once in a
tumult. The drums beat to arms, and the Canadians were terribly alarmed.
Some near Point Levi had fled across to the city, and their fears caused them to greatly
magnify the number and character of the Americans. By a mistake of a single word the
fears of the people were greatly increased, for the news spr^ that the mysterious army that
descended from the wilderness was clad in sheet iron}
Arnold resolved to cross the river immediately, and found means to communicate his in-
tentions to his friends in Quebec.' But for several days and nights a tempest of wind and
sleet raged upon the St. Lawrence, and he was obliged to wait its pleasure at Point Levi.
In the mean while the garrison of the city was strengthened by troops from Sorel, undei
M*Lean, and the prospect of success for the patriots was proportionably lessened. At length
the wind ceased. Between thirty and forty birch canoes were procured, and about nine
o'clock in the evening of the 1 3th the first division crossed ; before daylight five Morember.
htmdred Amerieans landed safely, and rendezvoused at Wolfe's Cove. The ene- ^^^
my had placed a frigate (Idie Lizzard) and a sloop in the river, to intercept them, but the
vigilance of these they eluded until just as the last party passed a guard-boat. One hund-
red and fifty men were at Point Jjevi, but it was too late to return for them. No time was
' Bforgan't riflemen wore linen frocks, theur oonmion miifbrm. The Canadians, who first saw theae
emerge from the woods, said they were vktu en totj*— «lothed in linen cloth. The word ttjiU was changed
to toU^ iron plate.
* In earlier life Arnold was engaged in trafficking in horses, and shipped many for the West Indies. He
nsited Qaebeo several times to prooore stock, and thus became well acquainted with the place and many
people there. His knowledge of the city anid vicinity was doabtless one cause that led to his appointment
to tiie oommand of the expedition.
Digitized by
Google
196 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Amold't Troops on the Plaina of Abraham. Expected Aid from within. Amold't fmnal Summona to aaiTender
to be lost, for the garrison would soon be alarmed. Arnold, placing himself at the head of
his little band of heroes, scaled the heights where Wolfe had ascended sixteen years before,
and at dawn they stood upon the lofty Plains of Abraham. That goal where glory was to
be won and freedom vindicated, which had lured them from the camp at Cambiidge, and
haunted them in their disturbed dreams amid the perils of the wilderness, was now before
the zealous patriots ; but their hearts sank, and the whisperings of hope were like the breath-
ings of despair, when they saw the dark castle and the massy walls that inclosed the garri-
son of the enemy. They numbered only seven hundred and fifty men. They had no artil-
lery, and nearly half their muskets were rendered useless during their march through the
wilderness. They learned, too, that troops from Sorel and Newfoundland had been added
to the garrison, making an attack upon the town a hopeless waste of efibrt.* But Arnold
relied upon the friendly disposition of the Canadian militia and the people of the city, and,
to ascertain their feelings, he drew up his men within eight hundred yards of the walls and
gave three cheers, hoping that the regulars would sally out to attack them, and that then,
the gates being unclosed, he might rush in, and, by the aid of friends within, secure the city.
*The parapets of the walls were lined by hundreds of the people, and many of them huzzaed
in return. Several guns were fired by the Americans, but without efi^ct. The British at
length brought a thirty-two pounder to bear upon the patriots, but not a shot injured them.
Lieutenant-governor Cramah6 and M<Lean were too wary to be lured into such a snare as
making a sortie, for they knew well the disloyalty of the French citizens and most of the
leading men of Quebec. The English citizens were much dissatisfied with the French laws
that had governed them since the passage of the " Quebec Bill," the previous year.
The French, on the other hand, though petted, so as to be won, could not forget their
ancient national animosities, and were willing to see the English discomfited. The unruly
conduct of the soldiery had also disgusted the people, and some were loud in their complaints
against Carleton and his deputy, for exposing Quebec, by withdrawing its garrison when
Montreal was threatened. The Boyal Scotch, under M<Lean, were all that could be cer-
tainly relied upon. These elements of disafiection combined, made the force in the city, se-
curely sheltered, quite inactive, for M'Lean well knew that Arnold's little army was too
weak to attempt an assault, and he felt sure that the fierce winter winds and driving snow
would soon force them from their bleak encampment.
Finding his attempts vain, by frequent hostile displays upon the heights, to draw out the
garrison, Arnold, in accordance with military usage, sent a fiag to M'Lean, with a formal
summons to surrender, threatening him with terrible disasters if he refused. The movement
was exceedingly ridiculous, and was not only treated with utter contempt by the British com-
mander, but the bearer was fired upon.' About this time Arnold learned that Carleton,
who had fled from Montreal, was approaching Quebec. He also inspected his ammunition
and stores, and to his surprise found that nearly all the cartridges were spoiled, hardly five
rounds to a man being lefl fit for use. Learning, also, from his friends in the city, that a
sortie was about to be made, he broke up his camp and retreated to Point atiz TrenMeSy
twenty miles above Quebec, to await the approaching troops of Montgomery. On his arrival
at Aux Trembles, Arnold was informed that Carleton had gone from that place but a few
hours before, and shortly afterward was heard the cannonading at Quebec that welcomed his
' The garrison, including the regulars and militia within the town, and the marines in the ships, was
about eighteen hundred strong. Surprise has been expressed that these did not march out and destroy the
feeble force of the Americans. The obvious reason was, that the majority of the garrison troops were mili-
tia, and supposed to be ready to join the Americans in the event of a battle.
' *^ It must be confessed,'* says Judge Henry, *^ that this ridiculous affair gave me a contemptible opinion
of Arnold. Morgan, Febiger, and other officers did not hesitate to speak of it in that point of view. How-
ever, Arnold had a vain desire to gratify. He was well known at Quebec. Formerly, he had traded from
this port to the West Indies, most particularly in the article of horses ; hence he was despised by the prin-
cipal people. The epithet of horu-jockey was freely and universally bestowed upon him by the British.
Having now obtained power, he became anxious to display it in the faces of those who had formerly de
spised and contemned him."
Digitized by.
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 197
jnsction of Mon^^mery and Arnold. Ineffectual Efforts against the Town. Mntfaiy in the Camp. Plan of Assaolt
return to the city. Montgomery landed at Point aux Trernbles on the let of Decem-
ber, hit troops, by sickness and desertion, reduced to a mere handful. There he took
command of the combined troops, amounting to only about nine hundred efiective men. He
brought clothing from Montreal for Arnold's half-naked troops. The next day,
in the face of a driving snow-storm, they started for Quebec, and arrived in sight
of the city on the 5th. Their march was slow and excessively fatiguing, for the snow was
deep, and drilled high in the roads. Montgomery established his headquarters at Holland
House, and Arnold occupied a house near Scott's Bridge. The Americans were chiefly en-
camped near the Intendant's Palace, by the St. Charles, in the suburb St. Roche.
The American forces were considerably inferior in numbers to those of the garrison, but
this was unknown within the city. Montgomery endeavored to send a summons to surren-
der, but Carleton would not allow a flag to approach the walls. At length a letter was
conveyed by a citizen to Grovemor Carleton, in which Montgomery demanded an immediate
surrender, at the same time magnifying the number of his followers, and threatening all the
calamities of an assault. Although Carleton thought Montgomery's army larger than it
really was, he was not easily frightened. Montgomery, like Arnold, counted upon friends
within the city, but they were paralyzed by the presence of troops, and dared do nothing
fiivorable to the besiegers. With no other ordnance than some light cannon and a few mor-
tars, a feeble, ill-clad, and iU-fed army, exposed to the severest frost in the open fields, and
snow falling almost constantly, the American commander nearly despaired of success ; yet
the love of his adopted country, and thoughts of the depression of spirit throughout the colo-
nics which a failure would produce, moved him to extraordinary eflbrts. He resolved to an-
noy the people into submission by harassing attacks upon the city, and accordingly attempted
to throw bombs over the walls. These eflbrts were unavailing, and he then erected a six-
gun battery upon some heaps of snow and ice within seven hundred yards of the walls, but
his guns were too light for any efficiency. Nearly three weeks were thus consumed in un-
availing attempts to make an entrance. Mutinous murmurs were audible in the camp, the
term of service of many of the troops had nearly expired, the small-pox appeared among the
soldiers, and the general looked for a speedy dissolution of his whole army.
Perils were gathering a fearful web around the bravie Montgomery. He called a council
of war, and it was resolved, as a last resort, to make a regular assault upon the town at dif-
ferent points. The troops were ascordingly ordered to parade in three divisions at two o'clock
on the morning of the 31st of December. All obeyed with alacrity, except three com-
panies of Arnold's detachment, whose term of service was about expiring. They threat-
ened to leave the army at once unless transferred to another command, but the firmness and
wisdom of Montgomery restored order, and they took their places in the ranks.^ The New
York regiments and a part of Easton's militia paraded at Holland House, under the imme-
diate command of Montgomery ; the Cambridge detachment and Colonel Lamb's company
of artillerists, with one field piece, at Morgan's quarters ; and the two small corps of Liv-
ingston and Brown at their respective parade-grounds. The plan was, for the first and sec-
ond divisions to assault the lower town on opposite sides, and the third, under Livingston
and Brown, to make feigned attacks, from the Plains of Abraham, upon the upper town, in
the neighborhood of St. John's and St. Louis Gates and Cape Diamond Bastion.
Montgomery, at the head of the first division, descended from the Plains of Abraham to
Wolfe's Cove, south of the city, and commenced his march toward the lower town by a road
(now Champlain Street) that ran along the margin of the river, under Cape Diamond. Ar-
' The oaose of this outbreak is not known. Montgomery, in a letter to Schuyler (the last he ever wrote),
spoke of the oconrrence, and intimated that Major Brown was at the bottom of it. He promised a full ex-
planation in his next, but, alas ! ^' the next" was never written. It appears that Arnold had quarreled with
Hanchet, one of his captains, before reaching Point Levi, and two others took sides with the captain. Brown
and Arnold had quarreled at Ticonderoga, and it is supposed that the former took this opportunity to gall
Amoki, by widening the breach between him and his captains, and endeavoring to get them detached from
Amold*s command and joined to his own.
Digitized by
Google
198
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
If ontgomery't Approach to Cape Diamond.
Oppodng Battery.
Hii Charge upon the Battery.
HlaDeadi.
nold, at the head of the second division, advanced from the general hospital, around the
north side of the town, on the St. Charles. Both parties
were to meet at Mountain Street, and force Prescott Gate.
The snow was falling fast, and furious winds were piling
it in frightful drifts. Cautiously Montgomery led his men
in the dark toward the narrowest point under Cape Dia-
mond, called Pres de ViUe, where the enemy had planted
a battery of three pounders.' This post was in charge
of a captain of Canadian militia, with thirty-eight men,
and nine British seamen, under Captain Bamsfare, mas-
ter of a transport, to work the gUDS. On the river side
was a precipice, and on the left the rough crags of dark
slate towered far above him. When within fifty yards
St. John's Gate, outside.
of the battery, the Americans halted to
reconnoiter. The guard at the battery
and the artillerymen with lighted match-
es were perfectly silent, and Montgomery
concluded that they were not on, the alert.
But Bamsfare, through the dim light of
early dawn and the drifting snow, saw
faintly their movements. Montgomery, in
the van of his troops, cried out, " Men of
New York, you will not fear to follow where
your general leads. March on !" and rush-
ed boldly over heaps of ice and snow to charge the
battery. At that moment, when the Americans
were within forty paces, Captain Bamsfare gave
the word, the match was applied, and a discharge
of grape-shot swept the American column with ter-
rible effect. Montgomery, Major M* Phunn his
aid, and Captain Cheeseman were killed, to-
gether with several privates near. The rest, appalled
the dreadful havoc and the death of their general, fled in
confusion back to Wolfe's Cove, where Colonel Campbell
took the command, but made no further attempts to force
a junction with Arnold. Ten minutes the battery belched
its iron storm in the dim space, but, after the first discharge,
there was no enemy there to slaughter.
CA.PB DlA.M0in>.3
^ Judge Henry, who was one of the American prisoners at Qnebeo, was allowed, with some others, to
go out and see the place where Montgomery was slain. He thus describes the British fortification there :
It was a sort of block-house forty or fifty feet square. The logs, neatly hewn, were tightly bound together
by dove-tail work. The lower story contained loop-holes for musketry, so narrow that those within could
not be harmed by those without. The upper story had four or more port-holes for cannon of a large cali-
ber. These guns were charged with grape and canister shot, and were pointed with exactness toward the
avenue at Cape Diamond. The block-house seemed to take up the space between the foot of the hill and
the river, leaving only a cart-way on each side. The bulwarks of the city came only to the edge of the
hill, above that place ; hence down the side of the precipice, slantingly to the brink of the river, there was
a stockade of strong posts fifteen or twenty feet high, knit together by a stout railing at bottom and top
with pins. It was asserted that Montgomery sawed four of these posts himself, so as to admit four men
abreast to attack the block-house.
* This is a view of the spot where Montgomery was killed. The difif is Cape Diamond, crowned with
the citadel. The street at the foot of it is called Champlain, and is inhabited chiefly by a mixed population
of French, Canadians, and Irish. It extends from Mountain Street south almost to Wolfe's Cove. This
view is from Champlain Street, a few rods south of Pr« de VUUj looking north. High upon the rocks Alfred
Hawkins, Esq., of Quebec, has placed a board with this inscription : " Hbrx Majob-gkhkbal Montoou-
EFT 7XLL, Dkcbmbsr 31st, 1775."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
199
Anokfa Opendona. Wounded.
AwafliintB led by Morgan.
SerereFl^t
Captore of Dearborn.
While tliis dreadful scene was in progress at Cape Diamond, Arnold, at the head of the
second division, was pressing onward along the St. Charles, where the snow was worse drifted
than on the St. Lawrence. He led his men in files until he reached the narrow street called
Satdt au Mateht, where, under a high, jutting rock,
the enemy had a two-gun picketed battery, well man-
ned. Like Montgomery, he headed his men, and,
while leading Lamb's artillery to the attack upon the
barrier, was completely disabled by a musket-wound
in the knee, and was carried back to the general hos-
pital, where he heard of the death of Montgomery.
The command of his division now devolved upon Mor-
gan, and for more than an hour the Americans with-
stood the storm of grape-shot and musket-balls at the
first barrier, and finally carried it, for the deadly aim
of the riflemen caused great consternation in the ranks
of the enemy. Passing the first barrier, the patriots
rushed on to the second, which commanded both Savlt
au Matdot and St. Peter's Streets. The defenses
here extended firom the clifi* to the river ; and the
present custom-house, then a private dwelling, had
cannons projecting from the windows of the gable.
Here a fierce contest of three hours ensued, and many
were Iqlled on both sides. At length the Americans
took shelter firom the fire of the battery, in the houses
on both sides of the street, and in the narrow pass that
leads up to Hope Gate. The English and Canadians
already occupied houses near, and the patriots were
terribly galled on all sides, and irom the walls of the city above them. Captain Lamb was
severely wounded by a grape-shot, which carried away a part of his cheek-bone, and other
ofiicers were more or less injured. The Americans finally captured the barrier, and were
preparing to rush into the town, when Carleton sent a large de-
tachment firom the garrison, through Palace Gate, to attack them
in the rear. The news of the death of Montgomery and the re-
treat of his detachment gave the people and the troops within the
walls fresh courage. Captain Dearboruy with some provincials,
was stationed near Palace Gate, and was completely surprised
when its leaves were thrown open and the troops rushed out. It
was a movement entirely unlocked for ; and so suddenly and in
such overwhelming force did the enemy pour upon them, that
they were obliged to surrender.
While Morgan was pressing on vigorously into the town, he
heard of the death of Montgomery, the capture of Dearborn and his company, and the ad-
vance of the enemy in his rear. Surrounded by foes on all sides, and every support cut ofil
Place wbbrb Arxold was Woumdbd.i
Falacb Gate, ouT8iDE.a
' This view is in a narrow alley near the north end of 8ault au Matelot Street, in the rear of St. Paul's
Street. At the time in qnestion St. Paul's Street did not exist, and the water, at high tide, came nearly up
to the precipice. The first barrier and battery extended from the jutting rook seen in the picture, to the
water. The present alley was then the beach. The circular waU on the top of the rook is a part of the
grand battery, one of the most formidable and commanding defenses in the world.
* This is one of the meet beautiful gates of the city, and opens toward the St. Charles, on the northern
!«ide of the town. A strong guard-house is seen at the left, pierced for muskets to defend the entrance.
Immediately adjoining this gate are the artillery barracks. The g^te is at the northern extremity of Palace
Street, one of the broadest in the olty, and *' so named," says Hawkins, ** from the circumstance that it led
oat to the Intendant's house, or palace, which stood on the beach of the St. Charles, where the queen's
wood-yard now is."
Digitized by
Google
200
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
LoM of the Amerleaiia at Quebec BecoTeryandBorialof Montgomery't Body. Hia Life and Berrieea. Coarteqrof Ceriefioa
the patriots yielded, and surrendered themselves prisoners of war.* The remainder of the
division in the rear retreated to their camp, leaving hehind them one field piece and some
mortars in a battery at St. Roche. The whole loss of the Americans at Cape Diamond and
Sault au Matdot, in killed and wounded, was about one hundred and sixty. The British
loss was only about twenty killed and wounded.
As soon as hostilities ceased, search was made
for the bodies of those who fell with Montgomery.
Thirteen were found nearly buried in the snow,
and vrith them was Montgomery's orderly sergeant,
dreadfully wounded, but alive. The sergeant
would not acknowledge that his general was killed,
and persisted in his silence until he died, an hour
afterward. For several hours Carleton was un-
certain whether the general was slain ; but a field
officer among the captured troops of Arnold's divi-
sion recognized the body of the young hero among
those in the guard-house, and, it is said, he there
pronounced a most touching eulogium on the brav-
ery and worth of the deceased, while tears of grief
coursed down his cheeks.' Cramah6, the lieuten-
ant governor, who had known Montgomery years
before, took charge of the body, and it was buried
within a wall that surrounded a powder magazine,
near the ramparts bounding on St. Louis Street,
where it remained forty-two years.' It has been well observed that it would be difficult to
select, firom so small a body of men as that engaged in besieging Quebec, so large a number
who afterward distinguished themselves for patriotism and courage, as that little band pre-
sented. Morgan and his rifie corps became world renowned. Dearborn was distinguished
^-
^c^-^/^'^^"'^
' The foroa that surrendered consisted of 1 lieutenant colonel, 2 majors, 8 captains, 15 lieutenants, 1
adjutant, 1 quartermaster, 4 volunteers, 350 rank and file, and 44 officers and soldiers, who were wounded,
making a total of 426. The prisoners were treated humanely. The officers were confined in the semin*
ary, the oldest literary institution in Quebec. Major Meigs was sent out for the clothing and baggage of
the prisoners, and all testified to the humanity of Carleton.
* Montgomery had a watoh in his pocket which Mrs. M. was very desirous of obtaining. She made her
wishes known to Arnold, who sent word to Carleton that any sum would be paid for it. Carleton imme-
diately sent the watch to Arnold, and refused to receive any thing in return.
' Richard Montgomery was bom in the north of Ireland in 1737. He entered the army at the age of
twenty, and was with Wolfe at the storming of Quebec in 1759. He was in the campaign against the
Spanish West Indies, and afterward resided some time in this country. He quitted his regiment and return-
ed to England. While here he imbibed an attachment for the country, and in 1772, returned to make it
his home. He purchased an estate upon the Hudson, in Rhinebeck, Dutohesa county, and married the
daughter of Robert R. Livingston. When the Revolution broke out, he espoused the cause of the colonists,
and in the autumn of 1775 was second in conmiand, under Schuyler, in the expedition against Canada, with
the rank of brigadier. The illness of Schuyler caused the chief command to devolve upon Montgomery,
and in the capture of St. John's, Chambly, and Montreal, and his attack on Quebec, he exhibited great
judgment and military skill. He was commissioned a major general before he reached Quebec. In that
campaign he had every difficulty to contend with — undisciplined and mutinous troops, scarcity of provisions
and ammunition, want of heavy artillery, lack of clothing, the rigor of winter, and desertions of whole com-
panies. Yet he pressed onward, and, in all probability, had bis Ufe been spared, would have entered Quebec
in triumph. His death was a great public calamity, and throughout the land public honors were paid to
his memory. The eloquence of Chatham, Burke, and Barr^ somided his praises upon the floor of the Brit-
ish Parliament, and the prime minister (Lord North), while acknowledging his worth, and reprobating the
cause in which he fell, concluded by saying, " Curse on his virtues, they have undone his country." As
soon as the news of his death reached Congress, resolutions of condolence with his family for their bereave-
ment, and expressive of their " grateful remembrance, profound respect, and high veneration," were adopted.
It was voted to erect a monument to his memory, which was accordingly done, in the firont of St. Paul'*
Church in New York city, on which is the following inscription :
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
201
Budnenl Oflloen at Quebec Promotloo of Arnold.
Blockade of Quebec.
Honor to tlie Memorj oi Montgomerj.
ApraS7.
ai a Bkillfu] officer at Saratoga and other fielda of the Reyolution, and commanded the troops
that captured York, in Upper Canada, in the spring of 1 8 1 3. Meigs boldly attacked
and destroyed shipping and stores at Sag Harbor, and of his regiment, and that of Febi-
ger, were the forlorn hope at Stony Point. Greene's prowess and skill were well attested
at Red Bank, on the Delaware. Thayer behaved nobly in defense of Fort Mifflin, opposite
Red Bank. Lamb was distinguished at Compo, Fort Montgomery, and Yorktown. Os-
wald was at Compo, and fought bravely at Monmouth ; and Poterfield was killed at Cam-
den, in South Carolina,, when Gates was so terribly defeated there. M'Pherson and Cheese-
man,* Montgomery's aids, were brave and accomplished, and gave assurance of future re-
nown ; but they fell with their leader, and share with him the grateful reverence of posterity.
Colonel Arnold took command of the remnant of the patriot army after the death of Mont-
gomery, and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He could muster only about
eight hundred men ; and, feeling unsafe in his camp under the walls of the city, he retired
about three miles from the town, intrenched himself as well as circumstances would allow,
and assumed the attitude of a blockade, hoping, by cutting off supplies for the city from the
country, to bring the enemy to terms. Carleton, feeling secure within the walls, and ex-
pecting re-enforcements from England as soon as the ice should move out of the St. Law-
This
monument is erected by order of Congress,
25th of January, 1776,
to transmit to posterity a grateftd remem-
brance of the patriotic conduct, enterprise, and perseverance
of Major-general Richard Montgomery,
who, after a series of success amid the most discour-
aging difficulties, Fell in the attack on
QusBBO, 31 St December, 1775, aged 37 years.
In 1 818 a request in behalf of the widow of General Montgomery wu
made to the Govemor-in-chief of Canada, Sir John Sherbrooke, to allow
his remains to be disinterred and conveyed to New York. The request
was readily acceded to, and Mr. James Thompson, of Quebec, who was
one of the engineers at the time of the storming of the city, and assisted
in bmymg the general, also assisted in the disinterment, making an affi-
davit to the identity of the body. He said, in his affidavit, that the body
was taken to the house of Mr. Gobert, and pktoed in a ooffin lined with
flannel and covered with black cloth ; that Rev. Mr. de Montmolin, chap-
lain to the garrison, performed the funeral service ; that Montgomery's
aids (MTherson and Cheeseman) were buried in their clothes, without
ooffins ; and that he (Thompson) afterward wore Montgomery's sword,
but the American prisoners were so affected by the sight of it, that he
laid it aside. He identified t!ie ooffin taken up on the 1 6th of June, 1818,
as the one. The remains were placed in another coffin and deposited be-
neath the monument. The following is the inscription upon a silver plate on the coffin : ^' The state of
New York, in honor of General Richard Montgomery, who fell gloriously fighting for the independence and
libehy of the United States before the walls of Quebec, the 3l8t of December, 1775, caused these remains
of the distinguished hero to be conveyed from Quebec, and deposited, on the 8th day of July (1818), in St.
Paul's Church, in the city of New York, near the monument erected to his memory by the United States."
General Montgomery left no children whom " the state, in gratitude toward their father, distinguished
with every mark of kindness and protection," as Botta asserts. His widow survived him more than half a
eentury. When at the house of his brother-in-law, the late Peter R. Livingston, at Rhinebeck, a few years
ago, I saw an interesting memento of the lamented general. A day or two before he left home to join the
army under Schuyler, he was walking on the lawn in the rear of his brother-in-law's mansion with the
owner, and as they came near the house, Montgomery stuck a willow tvrig in the ground, and said, ** Peter,
let that grow to remember me by." It did grow, and is now a willow with a trunk at least ten feet in
circumference.
^ This officer had a presentiment that he should not survive the battle. When preparing to go forth on
toat stormy December morning, he dressed himself with more care than usual, and putting a considerable
som of money, in gold, in his pocket, remarked, with a smile, " This will insure me a decent burial." He
was of the New York line. A sergeant and eleven men fell with him. He was not instantly killed, but
arose to press forward to charge the battery. It was a feeble effort, and he fell back a corpse, in a wind-
ing-sheet of snow.
MoNTOOKUty's MoNuauurr.
Digitized by
Google
202 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Qmftll-pox In the Armj. Preparatlona to ttonn Qoebee. AnriTtl and Death of Oaneral TfaoniM. Tompemce Grots.
rence, remained quiet ; and in tliis relative position the belligerents continned until the Ist
of April, when G^eneral Wooster, who had remained inactive all winter in Montreal, came
down, and, being superior in rank to Arnold, took the chief command. The force which he
brought with him, and the small addition made by troops that reached the encampment
from New England during the winter, and Canadian recruits, swelled the army to ntorly
three thousand, eight hundred of whom were sick with the small-pox, which raged terribly
in the American camp.
Preparations were made to beleaguer the city at cmce. A battery was erected upon the
Plains of Abraham, and another at Point Levi, and a cannonade was opened upon the town,
but without efiect. At that moment the falling of Arnold's horse upon his wounded leg so
disabled him, that he was unfit for active service, and he asked and obtained leave from Gen-
eral Wooster (with whom he was upon unfiriendly terms) to retire to Montreal. Greneral
Thomas, who was appointed to succeed Montgomery, arrived early in May, but Carle-
ton having received re-enforcements under Burgoyne, the Americans were obliged to
make a hasty retreat, leaving their stores and sick behind. The latter were kindly treated,
and finally sent home. At the mouth of the Sorel the Americans were re-enforced, but
they could not brave the power of the enemy. General Thomas died there of small-pox,
and Sullivan succeeded to the command.^ But Burgoyne, with a considerable force, was
pressing forward, and ultimately, as we have noted in a preceding chapter, the patriots
were driven out of Canada.
We have taken a long historic ramble ; let us vary our pleasure by a ride to Montmo-
renoi, and a visit to other celebrities about Quebec.
The morning was excessively hot when we left the city for the falls of the Montmorenci
Our egress was from the Palace Gate, and with us was quite
a train of vehicles destined for the same point. We passed
through the suburb of St. Roche, in the lower town, and cross-
ed over Dorchester Bridge, a noble structure which spans the
St. Charles, a short distance below the site of the old bridge
fortified by Montcalm. The distance firom Quebec to the
Montmorenci is between seven and eight miles. The road
(McAdamized) is very good, and passes through a rich and
thoroughly cultivated region. Like the road from St. John's
to Chambly and Longueuil, it is so thickly strewn with farm-
houses that we seemed to be in a suburban street the whole
distance. The village of Beauport, an old town, where Mont-
..^..^ ,=,^,=3^ calm's headquarters were, is about midway between the St.
Falacu Gate, imsiok.' ^ ' , , ,.» , ^ /^ ,.
Charles and the Montmorenci, and, like other Lower Canadian
villages, has an antiquated appearance. Between Quebec and Beauport we passed a large
gilt cross reared upon the top of a beautiful Corinthian column, painted white, green, and
vermilion. It was erected, as we were told, by some priests in Quebec, and consecrated to
the cause of temperance. A strong iron railing incloses it, except in front, where two or
three steps lead to a platform at the foot of the column, whereon devout passers-by may
kneel in prayer.
^ John Thomas was descended from a respeotable figimUy of Plymonth, Massachusetts. He served, with
reputation, in the French and Indian war. At the head of a regiment raised by himself in Kingston, Mas-
sachusetts, he marched to Roxbury in 1775, and joined the Continental army. Congress appointed him
one of the first eight brigadier generals, and he commanded a division at the siege of Boston. In March,
1776, he was appointed a major general, and on the 1st of May following joined the army before Quebec.
He died of small-pox, at Chambly, on the second of June. Genend Thomas was greatly beloved
by his soldiers, and his judgment, prudence, and ftnnness commended him to Washington as one promising
to do much for the cause of the colonists.
* This sketch is a view from within Palace Street, looking out upon the open country beyond the Si
Charles. The river, with a few masts, is seen just over the top of the gate. Adjoining the gate, on the
right, is seen a portion of the guard-house.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
203
Franeh
Childrsn.
Falls of
Island of Orieaai.
Point Levi
QMbeo in the Diatanee.
Temperance Cross.
After paasmg Beauport, we were beset by troops of urchins, who stood in groups making
polite bows to win attention and coin, or ran beside the carriage
with the speed of trotting horses, lustily crying out, with extend-
ed hand, « un sou ! un sou /" They were miniature Falstafis
in figure, some not more than four or five years old, with dark
skins and lustrous black eyes. It was amusing to see their vig-
orous but good-natured scrambles for a sou when cast among
them, and the persevering race of the unsuccessM for the next
expected piece of copper. Many a dollar is thus scattered and
picked up by the road side to Montmorenci, during " the sea-
son," for the amusement of the passengers and the comfort of
the habitans.
We left our barouche on the south side of the Montmorenci,
and crossing, upon a bridge, the turbulent stream that rushes,
leaping and foaming among broken rocks, toward the cascade
'rut below, we paid a sou each to a pretty French girl who
guarded a gate opening to a winding pathway through the fields
to the margin of the bank a little below the falls. The path is
down a gentle slope for several rods, and at almost every step
the picturesque scenery of the cascade assumes a new aspect.
These falls, though much high-
er than those of Niagara, have none of the grandeur of that
great wonder. Our first thought here is. How beautiful *
but when the eye and the ear are first impressed with the
avalanche of waters at Niagara, the solemn thought is, How
sublime and wonderful ! When we visited the Montmo-
renci, a long drought had greatly diminished the volume of
its waters, yet it exhibited a scene strikingly picturesque and
pleasing. For two or three hundred yards the river is con-
fined in a narrow limestone bed,' whence it rushes with great
velocity to the brink of the precipice, and leaps into a cres-
cent-shaped bay of the St. Lawrence, more than two hund-
red feet below. There, at low tide, the bare rocks receive
the flood, and send up clouds of spray a hundred feet or more,
on which the rays of the evening sun often depict the beau-
tiful bow. In front* cleaving the broad bosom of the St.
Lawrence, is the Island of Orleans, a paradise of beauty in
summer, and a place of much resort by the citizens of Que-
bec, particulariy the English residents, who see in it much
that resembles their ** sweet Devonshire coast." Its length
is nineteen miles, and its average breadth about five. A
population of five thousand inhabit it, and its rich soil is
thoroughly cultivated for the production of vegetables for the
Quebec market. Beyond, on the right, is Point Levi, and up
the St. Lawrence, glittering in the sun, lies Quebec. Group-
ing the beauties of the natural scenery, the historical asso-
ciations, and the delights of a summer ride, a trip to Mont-
morenci is an event to be long remembered with pleasure.
The sun was at meridian, and the mercury indicated ninety-
Montmorbuci Falls.
^ The river, in this channel, is not more than twelve feet wide, and here the Natural Steps occur. They
rise OB one side of the stream like irregular stairs. They have been formed by the action of the wator on
the softer layers of limestone, and present a ouriosity for the visitor.
Digitized by
Google
204 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Raligloiis EdifioM in Qnebea The Citadel and the W&Qf. View from DaUumaie Baatlon. Plains of Abrahant
three degrees in the shade. The pomts of view were sparsely shadowed hy trees, and we
tarried only long enough to glance at the beauties of the faU and steal its features with a
pencil, and then returned to Quebec, where, before dinner, we visited several churches, the
chapel of the Ursuline Convent,^ the Seminary of Quebec* the chapel of the Hotel Dieu*
and the citadel.
The citadel crowning Cape Diamond is a combination of powerful works. It is three
hundred and fifly feet above the river, and is terminated on the east by a round tower, ovei
which floats the national standard of England, the flag
' " That's braved, a thousand years,
The battle and the breeze."
The approach to the citadel is by a winding road through the acclivity of the glacis from St.
Louis Gate. It is foreign to my plan to notice in detail modem fortifications upon Revolu-
tionary ground, and we will stop to consider only a few points of interest in this most perfect
military work. The main entrance is through Dalhousie Gate, where we presented our per-
mit, and were joined by a young Highland soldier to guide and guard us. On the top oi
Dalhousie Bastion is a covered way with a broad gravel walk, from which is obtained the
finest view of the city, harbor, and surrounding country. The St. Charles is seen winding
through a beautiful undulating plain, and the spires of Beauport, Charlesbourg, and Lorette,
with the white cottages around them, form a pleasing feature in the landscape. The cita-
del and its ravelins cover about forty acres ; and the fortifications, consisting of bastions,
curtains of solid masonry, and ramparts twenty-five to thirty feet in height, mounted with
cannon, are continued entirely around the upper town. Upon the clifif called Sault au Mate*
lot is the grand battery, of eighteen thirty-two pounders, commanding the basin and harbor
below. At the diflerent gates of the city sentinels are posted day and night, and in front
of the jail and other public buildings the solemn march of military guards is seen. The
garrison at Quebec numbered about three thousand soldiers. Among them was the 79th
regiment of Scotch Highlanders, lately firom Gibraltar. They were six hundred strong, and,
dressed in their picturesque costume, made a fine appearance. To a stranger the military
forms a principal feature of Quebec, and the mind is constantly carried back to the era of '
Froissart, when ** Everie fayre towne had strong high walls, and bowmen and spearmen
were more numerous than all others."
We lefl the citadel, emerged firom St. Louis Gate, and, after visiting the monument where
** Wolfe died victorious," rode over the battle-ground upon the Plains of Abraham, and, cross-
ing to the St. Foix Road, went into the country as far as Holland House (the headquarters
of Montgomery), and then returned, pleased and wearied, to the Albion. We strolled at
evening through the governor's garden, rested upon Durham Terrace (see view on page
185), which was crowded with promenaders, and, losing our way in trying to ferret out the
Albion, found ourselves at Hope Gate, where a kind priest, in long black cassock and broad
beaver, conducted us back to Palace Street.
I devoted the following day to business. Before breakfast I went to Durham Terrace,
^ The Ursaline Convent is situated on Parloir Street, near the English CathedraL Inflaenoed by an ap-
peal from the French Jesuits of Canada, a yoong widow of Alen9on, named Madame di la Peltrie^ resolved
to devote her life and fortune to the work of establishing a convent in Quebec. She founded the Ursuline
Convent in 1641. An excellent school for the education of females is attached to it. In the chapel, as
already noticed, is an inscribed marble slab, in memory of Montcalm, whose body lies within the grounds
of the institution.
* This literaiy institution was founded in 1633, by De Laval de Montmorency^ the first bishop of Canada-
The professors, and all attached to it, receive no money compensation ; they are simply guarantied *' food
and raiment, in sickness and in health." The chapel contains several fine paintings. The library has
nearly 10,000 volumes. j.
' The Hotel Dieu, a nunnery, stands between Palace and Hope Gates. It was founded in 1636, by the
Duchess d'Aquillon, a niece of the famous Cardinal Richelieu. The cardinal was a libera benefactor of
the establishment during his life. The chapel is plain, and has but a few paintings
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
205
HiKorkal LocaUtfes at Quebec. An alarmed Eogllahman. Wolfe and Montcalm's Monument Departure for Montreal
and sketched Point Levi and the adjacent scenery beyond the St. Lawrence ; and afler re-
ceiving explicit directions respecting the various historical localities about the city from an
old and intelligent resident, I procured a caleche and started in search lof them, the result
of which is given in the several sketches and the descriptions on preceding pages. As the
day advanced, the heat became almost intolerable, until we reached the cool retreats of Wolfe's
Cove, where, in the shade of a maple that overhangs a bubbling spring, I loitered an hour,
dreading my intended ramble over the Plains of Abraham above. We slowly ascended the
steep and winding road up Wolfe's Ravine (in pity for the poor horse, walking half the way),
and at the top I dismissed the vehicle and went over the plMns on foot. Hardly a shrub
breaks the smooth surface. The ground slopes from the city, and only a few chimney-tops
and a roof or two indicated the presence of a populous town.
While sketching the broken monument on the spot where Wolfe fell, a young English-
man, full of zeal for the perpetuity of British colonial rule, was a spectator, and was very
inquisitive respecting my intentions. With a pointer's keen perception, he determined my
whereabout when at home, and of course looked upon me as a meddling foreigner. He saw
me using the pencil on Durham Terrace in the morning, and also happened to pass while I
was delineating Palace Gate. The idea of ** horrible rebellion*' and « Yankee sympathy"
seemed to haunt his mind, and I fed his suspicions so bountifully with sinless fibs, that be-
fore I finished my sketch he started off for the city, fully impressed with the notion that he
had discovered an emissary from the War Department at Washington, collecting military
data preparatory to an invasion of her majesty's dominions ! I soon followed him, glad to
escape from the burning heat upon the plains, and took shelter under the lofly trees in the gov-
ernor's garden, near the citadel, a delightful public promenade on the west side of i>^ Car-
rieres Street. In the garden, near the street, is a fine mon-
ument, consisting of an obelisk and pedestal of granite, erect-
ed to the memory of Wolfe and Montcalm. At the sugges-
tion of Earl Dalhousie, who was Governor of Canada in 1 827,
a subscription was opened for the purpose, and when it reach-
ed seven hundred pounds, the earl made up the deficiency
and superintended the erection of the monument. It bears
the names of Wolfe and Montcalm, and a Latin explana-
tory inscription.* ^
We left Quebec toward evening for Montreal, Auguatii,
on our way up the St. Lawrence to Ontario. A ^^^
gentle shower crossed our track two miles distant, leaving a
cool breeze upon the waters, and dispelling the haziness of
the atmosphere. Like a thin veil, it hung athwart the eajst-
em sky, not thick enough to cover the face of the moon that
gleamed dimly through it, yet sufiiciently dense to refract and
reflect the solar rays, and exhibit the radiant bow. While
admiring the beautiful phenomenon, I had occasion to administer a quiet rebuke to a young
fop, whose attempts at wit, loud tone, and swaggering manner had attracted our attention at
the dinner-table at Quebec. He was accompanied by an elderly lady and two young maid-
ens, and on the boat I observed him contributing largely to the amusement of the latter by
asking silly questions of Unsuspecting passengers, and receiving grave and polite answers, over
which they made merry. At length it was my turn to be his ** subject." « Can you tell
me," he said, " what causes that rainbow ?" «• Do you ask for information ?" I inquired,
in return. «• Well, yes," he said, a little confiised. " Do you understand the Newtonian
' The following is the inscription : Mortem virtus, commttnem famam historia, monamentmn posteritas
dedit. Hano oolumnam in virorum illustrium memoriam Wolpb et Montcalm P. C« Georgins Comes
De Dalhousie in Septentrionalis AmericsB partibus ad Britannos pertimentibos summam rerom adminis-
trans ; opcu per multos annos prstermissum, quid daoi egregio oonvenientins ? Auctoritate promorens,
exemplo stimnlans, mnnificentia fovens A. 8., MDCCCXXVII., Gcorgio IV., Britannianun Rege.
WOLFB AND MOHTCALM't MoaVMXHT.
Digitized by
Google
206
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A Fop's Leison.
Atrhral at La Chine.
TbeCaicadas.
Dangerofos Voyaga.
Moore's Boat Son^
theory of light ? the laws of refraction and reflection ? and are you familiar with the science
of optics V* I asked, with a serious manner. « No, not much," he mumbled, with an efibrt
to assume a careless air. ** I perceive, sir, that you are not far enough advanced in knowl-
edge to understand an explanation if I should give it," I mildly replied, and left him to his
own reflections. Perhaps I was rude in the presence of that matron and those young girls,
but the injunction of high authority, to <* answer a fool according to his folly," did not parley
with politeness. The maidens, half smiling, bit their lips, while the young man gazed stead-
fastly from the window of the saloon upon the beautiful shores we were passing by. They
were indeed beautiful, dotted with villages, neat white farm-houses, fields of grain, and wide-
spreading woods bathed in the light of the evening sun ; and I hope the calm beauty of the
scene, above and below, soothed the disquieted spirit of the young gazer, and awakened in
his bosom aspirations for that wisdom which leads her willing pupils to perceive
" Tongaes in trees, books in the numing brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in every thing."
We arrived at Montreal at six in the morning, left it by rail-road at ten for La Chine,
nine miles distant, and at the head of La Chine Rapids embarked in the steamer British
Queeii for Ogdensburgh. We were soon at the foot of the Cascades, or St. Ann's Rapids,
near the southwestern extremity of the Island of Montreal.
Thb Cascaobs, oe St. Ajtr's Ratio* &
The St. Lawrence here falls eighty-seven feet in the distance of seven miles. Steam-
boats and other vessels go doum the rapids, but are obliged to ascend through the Beauhar-
nois Canal, which we entered at about noon. This canal is fifteen miles long, fifly feet
wide, and nine feet deep. The navigation of the rapids is very dangerous, and vessels are
sometimes wrecked upon the submerged rocks. A sloop, loaded with staves and lumber,
was lying in the midst of the foaming rapids, where it had struck the day before while guided
by an unskillful pilot. The canal voyage was slow, for we passed nine locks before we reach-
ed the waters above Lake St. Louis, an expansion of the river, where the Ottawa or Uta- .
was comes sweeping around each side of Isle Pero, at its mouth, and swells the volume of
^ These rapids are so called from the eiroamstanoe that a village of the same name is near. This wat:
ooittidered by the Canadian voyageun the phuse of departure when going from Montreal on fhr-trading ez-
omsions, as here was the last choroh upon the island. Tlus fact soggested to Moore the thoughts expressed
in the first verse of his Canadian Boat Song :
« Faintly as toQa the erenlng chimes
Oar Toioes keep tone and our oars keep time ,
Boon as tiie woods on shore look dim.
We'll sing at St Ann's oar evening h jmn.
Row, brotfaen^ row, the stream rnns iast^
The raplda are near, and the dayli^s past**
Moore says, in reference to this song, " I wrote these words to an air which our boatmen smig to us fre-
quently while descending the St. Lawrence from Kingston to Montreal. Our voyageun had good voices,
and sung perfectly in tnne together. I remember when we had entered, at sonset, upon one of those beau-
tiful lakes into which the St. Lawrence so grandly and unexpectedly opens, I have heard t!us simple air
with a pleasure which the finest compositions of the first masters have never given me."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLonON. 207
Joaetinn of the Ottawa and St Lawrence. Cedars Rapida. Garrlaon there in 1776. Conduct of Bedell and ButterfieUL
the St. Lawrence with its turbid flood. ^ We were most of the time in full view of the river,
and had a fine opportunity to observe the people, dwellings, and agricultural operations along
the line of the canal.
We passed the Cedars Rapids, twenty-four miles from La Chine, at about three o'clock.
These rapids vary in intricacy, depth, and rapidity of current, and are nine miles long, run-
ning at the rate of nine to twelve miles an hour. In some places the rocks are covered with
only a few feet of water, and the descent is at all times rather perilous. Small islands, cov-
ered with trees and shrubbery, accelerate the speed of the waters These rapids derive their
Cedabs Rapids, at St. Timothy.
name from the village of Cedars, on the north side of the St. Lawrence, in Vaudreuil dis
trict. The sketch was made firoin the steam-boat, in the canal, while stopping for wood
and water at St. Timothy.
The Cedars occupy quite a conspicuous place in the annals of the Northern campaign of
1775-76. Three hundred and ninety Americans, under Colonel Bedell, of the New Hamp-
shire line, occupied a small fortress there in the spring of 1776. Early in May, Captain
Foster, of the British army, with a detachment of forty regulars, one hundred Canadians,
and five hundred Indians, under the celebrated Brant, or Thayendanegea, descended from
the British station at the mouth of the Oswegatohie (now Ogdensburgh), and approached
the fort. Bedell, under pretense of going to Montreal for re-enforcements, left the garrison
in command of Major Butterfield, an officer quite as void of courage as his superior. Both
have been branded by cotemporary writers as cowards, and their eonduct ou this occasion
confirms the opinion.* Butterfield did not even make a fair show of resistance, but quietly
^ For several miles below the oonflaeoce of the two rivers the maddy water of the Ottawa and the clear
stream of the St. Lawrence are seen contending for the mastery. The line of demarkation may be traced
by the color even below the St. Ann's Rapids.
' Washington, writing to General Schuyler under date of June 10th, 1776, said, " If the aooonnts of Col-
onel Bedell and Major Butterfield's conduct be trae, they have certainly acted a port deserving the most
exemplary notice. I hope you will take proper measures, and have good courts appointed to bring them,
and every other officer that has been or shall be guilty of misconduct, to trial, that they may be punished
according to their offenses. Our misfortunes at the Cedars were occasioned, as it is said, entirely by their
base and cowardly behavior, and can not be ascribed to any other cause." A late writer for one of our
weekly papers, in giving a " true account of the Northern campaign,'* is particularly laudatory of the brav*
ery of Colonel Bedell at St. John's and Chambly. He seems to regard all the official and other records of
the events there as quite erroneous, and " sets the matter right" by quoting a letter written by Bedell to
the Committee of Safety of New Hampshire. He oaUs the style of tiie letter " Ctssarean," and in the free
use of the pronoun / there is certainly a similarity to Csssar's Veni^ Vtdi^ Vici. Taking the coloners letter
as verity, we must suppose that, in the capture of Forts Chambly and St. John's, Montgomery and all other
officers were mere puppets in his hands. In a postscript he says, " This moment I have got possession of
St. John's ; and, the post being obliged to set off, have not time to copy the anidas of capitulation ; and
to-morrow shall march for Montreal, leaving a detachment to keep the fort." Other portions of his letter
plainly indicate that he wished to impress those who sent him to the field with the idea that he was the
master-spirit there. I should not have noticed this matter so minutely but for the disposition of a class of
writers at present to make prominent the exploits of subalterns, upon ex-parte evidence, by hiding the brill
iant deeds of those to whom obmpatriots and cotemporary historians have awarded tiie highest meed ol
praiM. It is an easy, and the only, way to make a sapling conspicuous, to fell the noble trees that snr-
•onnd and overshadow it.
Digitized by
Google
208 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
IfMsacre of Sherburne's Corps. Attempt of Arnold to releise the Prisoners. Menaces of the Indians. Letter from Sherburne
K^i5^ surrendered the fort and garrison as soon as Foster arrived. Meanwhile, Major
^^^ Henry Sherburne was sent by Arnold from Montreal, with one hundred and forty
men, to re-enforce the garrison, but BedeU, ** valuing safety more than fidelity and honor,"'
refused to accompany him. Sherburne arrived upon the shore of Lake^^t Jl^uis on the day
of the surrender, and, having crossed the day after, left forty men as guards, and, with one
hundred, proceeded toward the fort, unconscious of the disgraceful conduct of Butterfield.
About five in the evening the whole force of Foster's Canadians and IndiM^burst from an
ambuscade and fell upon the republicans. They made a brave defense fo^^nirly an hour
and a half, when the Indians, in number greatly superior, formed a girdle around them, and
at a given signal rushed upon the devoted little band and disarmed them. Infuriated by the
obstinate resistance of the Americans, the Indians butchered about twenty of them with knives
and tomahawks, and, stripping the temainder almost naked, drove them in triumph to the
fort.* The loss of the Americans, in the action and by massacre, was fif^-eight ; the ene-
my lost twenty-two, among whom was a brave of the Senecas.
As soon as Arnold heard of the disasters at the Cedars, he marched with about eight
himdred men against the enemy, then at Vaudreuil, for the two-fold purpose of chastising
ii_^ them and releasing the American prisoners. He arrived at St. Ann's on the afler-
vm. noon of the 20th, at which time the bateaux of the enemy were distinctly seen taking
the American prisoners from an island three miles distant, toward the main land on the
south side of the St. Lawrence. About the same time a party of Caughnawaga Indians,*
whom Arnold had sent to the hostile savages in the morning, demanding a surrender of the
prisoners, and threatening them with extermination if any more murders of Americans should
be perpetrate^* returned with an answer of defiance. The Indians sent back word to Ar
nold that they were too numerous to fear him, and that if he should attempt to cross the
river and land, for the purpose of rescuing the Americans, every prisoner should be imme-
diately put to death. Unmindful of this threat, Arnold filled his boats with men, and pro-
ceeded to the island which the enemy had just left. Five Americans, naked and almost
famished, were there, and informed him that all the other prisoners, except two (who, being
sick, were butchered), had been taken to Quinze Chiens, four miles below. Arnold, with
his flotilla, proceeded thither. The enemy opeaed an inefiectual fire upon them, but as night
MayS6, ^^^ closing in, and his men were fatigued, the general returned to St. Ann's and called
1^^ a council of war. He there received a flag from the British commander, accompa-
nied by a letter from Major Sherburne, giving him the assurances that if he persisted in his
design of attacking him, it would be entirely out of his power to restrain his savages from
disencumbering themselves of the prisoners, by putting them to death. Major Sherburne
confirmed the information that a massacre had already been agreed upon. Foster also de-
manded of Arnold an agreement, on his part, to a proposed cartel which Sherburne and the
other ofiicers had been compelled to sign. This agreement covenanted for the delivery of
' (xordon, ii., 65.
' Stone, in his Life of Brant, asserts that that chief used his best endeavors to restram the fnry of the In
dians after the surrender of Sherborne. Captain M'Kinstry (late Colonel M'Kinstry, of Livingston's Manor,
Colnmbia county) commanded the company, on that occasion, which fought most obstinately with the In
dians. On that aocoont the savages had determined to put him to death by the tortmre, and had made prep
arations for the horrid rite. Brant interposed, and, in connection with some humane English officers, made
op a porse and purchased an ox, which the Indians roasted for their oaronsal instead of the prisoner. Brant
and M'Kinstry became personal friends, and the chief often visited the latter at the manor after the war. —
Life of Brant, i., 155.
* The Caughnawagas called themselves the Seven Nations of Canada. Many of them were with the
Mohawks and others of the Six Nations of New York in the battle of the Cedars, hot those upon the Island
of Montreal were friendly to the republicans. A remnant of the tribe now inhabit a village called Caogh-
naviraga, about twelve miles from Montreal, and profess Christianity. They have a handsome church, are
industrious, temperate, and orderly, and, unlike others of the Indian tribes, increase rather than diminish in
population. I saw several of them in Montreal selling their ingenious birch bark and bead work. They
are quite light, having doubtless a liberal tincture of French blood. Their language is a mixture of Iro-
quois and French.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
209
DiahonoraUe Conduct of a Britisb CommaDdar. Waahington's Opinion. Final A4Ju8tznent Cairn on the St Lawrence
an equal number of British soldiers in exchange for the Americans, -with the condition that
the latter should immediately return to their homes, and not again take up arms. Four
American captains were to go to Quebec as hostages till the exchange should be efiected.
Arnold was strongly averse to making such an agreement, but the dictates of humanity and
the peculiar circumstances of the case caused him to yield to the terms, except the conditions
that the Americans should not again take up arms, and that they should be pledged not to
give any information, by words, writings, or signs, prejudicial to his majesty's service. Fos-
ter waived these points, and the convention was signed.'
The part performed by Foster in coercing the American officers into compliance with his
demands, by suspending the bloody hatchet of the Indians over their heads, was thought dis-
graceful, and Congress refused to ratify the agreement, except upon such terms as the Brit-
ish government would never assent to. Although Washington abhorred the act, he consid-
ered the convention binding ; and General Howe complained of the bad faith of Congress.
The British government, however, indicated its appreciation of the matter by letting the
waters of oblivion flow quietly over the whole transaction. The prisoners were finally re-
leased by General Carleton, and the hostages at Quebec were sent home on parole.
Arnold, with his detachment, returned to Montreal, where, a few days afterward, a Com-
mittee of Congress, consisting of Franklin, Chase, and Carroll, arrived, to inquire into the
state of aflairs. Their mission was fruitless, for all hope of maintaining a foothold in Can-
ada was abandoned by the military leaders, and, as previously noted, the Americans soon
afterward withdrew entirely from the province.
We entered the lake near Grand Island, above Cedars Rapids, and, passing the Rapids
of Coteau du Lac, six miles above the latter, landed at a pretty little village of the same
name. Here the St. Lawrence expands into one of those broad lakes which mark its course
from Ontario to* the gulf It is called Lake St. Francis, and is forty miles long, and in some
places twelve or thirteen broad. Beautiful islands, covered with timber and luxuriant shrub-
ber — ^which indicate
a chief feature in the
commerce of that no-
ble river. On one
of the small islands
Lumber Raft on the St. Lawberoe.
bery, are scattered
over its bosom. We
passed many of those
floating islands— ex-
tensive rafts of lum-
on the northern shore, opposite the district of Glengary, is a huge " cairn," sixty feet high,
the pinnacle of which is an .iron cannon, from whose muzzle a flag-stafl* is projected. A
spiral path-way leads from base to summit, sufficiently
wide for a person to pass up and down by it in safety,
[t is built of loose stones, without mortar or cement.
The people of the neighboring parish of Glengary (who
are chiefly Scotch), under the direction of Colonel Car-
michael, reared it, in general testimony of their loyalty
during the Canadian rebellion so called, of 1837—8, and
in especial honor of Sir John Colbome (now Lord Sea-
ton), who was the commander-in-chief of the British
forces in Canada at that time. In imitation of the
manner in which tradition asserts that the ancient
cairns were built, each person in the district, man,
woman, and child, capable of lifting a stone, went to
the island and added one to the pile. We passed St Caibn.*
^ Marshall, Gordon, Allen, Sparks.
' This is probably the only structure of the kind on the American continent. Cairn is a word of Celtic
origin, used to denote the conical piles of stones frequently found upon the hills of Britain. These piles
are supposed by some to have been erected as memorials of some local event, while others assign to them
a sepulchral character. Some are supposed to be sacrificial, like the camedd of the Welsh. They all
have a similar appearance wherever found, being composed of loose stones piled in a conical form.
O
Digitized by
Google
210 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
St Regis and its ancient Chorcb. Paaaage of Rapida. Wind-mill Point and Ogdenaburgfa. Loyalty of a firitiah Veteran.
Regis,^ the first village upon the St. Lawrence within the territory of the United States,
about sunset, and before the twilight had entirely faded we were again out of the river and
rn the Cornwall Canal, on the north side of the St. Lawrence, to avoid the swift rapids, call-
ed the Long Satdt, nearly two miles in extent. We passed the Du Platte Rapids in the
night, and at dawn entered the GaUopes or Galoose Rapids, nine miles below Ogdensburgh.
These are a mile and a half long, and present a formidable obstacle to the upward passage
of vessels. The channel is exceedingly narrow, and very near the southern shore. With
three men at the tiller-wheel, and a full head of steam, our goodly " Queen" cqime up to the
most rapid and intricate part, where, for nearly ten minutes, it was difficult to determine
whether an inch of progress was made, and we were more than half an hour in making the
mile and a half. The usual time occupied in going down firom Ogdensburgh to Montreal
by steam-boat is nine hours. On account of rapids and currents, and the canal navigation,
the voyage up occupies about seventeen hours.
We caught the first rays of the morning sun reflected from the spires at Prescott and
Ogdensburgh, flourishing viUages, which flank the St. Lawrence at the head of all its nu-
merous rapids. Wind-mill Point, on the Canada side, is close by, and as we passed the
famous cape we were edified with a running commentary on the beneficence of monarchy
and the horrors of republicanism, firom an old oflicer of a British corps of marine engineers,
who, with his daughter, was a passenger from Montreal. He had amused me for an hour
the evening previous, after passing St. Regis, by a relation of his personal adventures in that
vicinity during our last war with Great Britain. He then commanded a gun-boat with eighty
men ; and he boasted, with much warmth and satisfaction, of the terrible manner in which
he gall^ the Yankees with <* grape and cannister'* at the time of the engagements at Chrys-
ler's Farm, Williamsburgh, and near St. Regis. He was bubbling over with loyalty, and
became rabid at the mere mention of annexation. His head was white with the bleaching
of threescore and ten years. Great experience and extensive practical knowledge, with frank-
ness and volubility in conversation, made him a most agreeable companion, and we much
regretted parting with him and his amiable daughter at Kingston.
I called Wind-mill Point a « famous cape." Its notoriety is very youthful, yet its history
is one of those epitomes of progress worth noticing, which make up the movements of the
nations. It was here that the Canada patriots (so called) in 1837 took post with a view
of attacking Fort Wellington, a small fortification between the point and Prescott. There
' St. Regis is an old Indian village, and contains a small Roman Catholio Chnroh, bailt about the year
1700. It is said that the priest informed the Indians that a bell was highly important to their worship,
and they were ordered to collect furs sufficient to purchase one. They obeyed, and the money was sent to
France for the purpose. The French and English were then at war. The bell was shipped, but the ves-
sel that conveyed it fell into the hands of the English, and was taken into Salem, in the fall of 1703. The
bell was purchased for a small church at Deerfieid, on the Connecticut River, the pastor of which was tho
Rev. Mr. Williams. The priest of St. Regis heard of the destination of his bell, and, as the Governor of
Canada was about to send an expedition, under Major Ronville, against the colonies of New England, ho
exhorted the Indians to accompany him and get possession of it. Rouville, with 200 French and 142 In-
dians, arrived near Deerfieid in the evening of the 29th of February, 1704. During the night they attackeif
the unsuspecting villagers, killed 47, and made 112 prisoners. The latter, among whom were the pastor
and a part of his family, were taken to Canada. The only house left standing was that of
Mr. Williams, which the assailants themselves occupied in securing their prisoners. It
is still standing, near the center of the village, and is represented in the annexed cut. The
bell was conveyed in triumph through the forest to Lake Champlain, to the spot where Bur-
lington- now stands, and there they buried it with the benedictions of Father Nicolas, the
priest of St. Regis, who accompanied them. Thus far they had carried it, by means of tim-
ber, upon their shoulders. They hastened home, and returned in early spring with oxen shelsom
and sled to convey the sacred bell, now doubly hallowed in their minds, to its destination. Housb.
The Indians of the village had never heard the sound of a bell, and powerful was the im-
pression upon their minds when its deep tones, louder and louder, broke the silence of the forest as it ap-
proached their village at evening, suspended upon a cross piece of timber, and rung continually by the de-
lighted carriers. It was hung in the steeple, and there it remains. The material incidents of tms narrative
doubtless occurred, but later investigaUons show that the bell was taken to a church at Caughnawaga, near
Montreal, instead of St. Regis. — See HouobU Hist, of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties^ p 114.
ere tne pastor
m
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
811
The*' Patriots" of 1837. Preparationfl for a Battle. Fort Wellington. Battle at Wind-mill Point Defeatof the "Patxiota.*'
were several stone buildings and a strong stone wind-mill on the point. These were taken
possession of by the insurgents toward noon on the 12th of November, 1838. They num-
bered about two hundred, many of them being from our frontier towns. They came in two
schooners, which were towed down the St. Lawrence by the steamer United States, the cap-
tain (Van Cleve) supposing them to be, as represented by a passenger, laden with merchand-
ise. As soon as he discovered the character of the vessels, he resolved to go no further,
and stopped at Morristown, ten miles above Ogdensbuigh. The schooners' lines were cast,
and the next morning, filled with armed men, they were at anchor between Ogdensburgh
and Prescott. The insurgents landed at Wind-mill Point, and commenced fortifying their
position. Recruits from our shores swelled their ranks for the first twelve hours afler their
landing. Ogdensburgh and Prescott were in great commotion, and before night not a living
being was to be seen in the latter place, for there would evidently be the battle-field.
Preparations were immediately made at Fort Wellington to dLdodge the patriots, and a
British armed steam-boat, lying at Prescott, prepared to co-operate with the garrison. Dur-
ing the evening the steam-boat Telegraph arrived, having on board Colonel Worth, of the
United States army, and two companies of troops, with a marshal, to maintain neutrality.
Early next morning two armed British steamers arrived with troops, and an assault was
commenced upon the patriots by throwing
bombs upon the houses and the. mill. The
field pieces of their battery on shore returned
the fire, and, after a fight of an hour, the Brit-
ish were driven back into the fort, with the loss
of about one hundred men killed, and many
wounded. Many of the patriots had fled in
the morning, and when the action commenced
there were only a hundred and twenty-eight
lefl on the point, while the government troops
amounted to more than six hundred. The
insurgents lost five men killed and thirteen
wounded. The next day they sent out a flag, but the bearer was shot. On the 15th the
British received a re-enforcement of four hundred regulars, with cannon and gun-boats. The
patriots were also re-enforced, and numbered more than two hundred. The government
troops, with volunteers from ELingston, in all about two thousand men, surrounded the pa-
triots by land and water, and kept up a continual cannonading until the evening of the 1 6th,
when the latter surrendered. A white flag was displayed from the mill, and three or four
others were sent out by the patriots, but the bearers were shot down.' Indeed, there seemed
to be but little disposition on the part of the conquerors to give quarter. The dwellings in
the vicinity of the wind-mill were burned, and it is asserted that a number of the patriots
were consumed in one of them, which stood upon the beach. Other buildings have been
burned since, and their blackened ruins, with liie wind-mill, battered by cannon-balls, stand
there now, gloomy mementoes of an abortive attempt to sever the chains of colonial vassalage.
According to Theller, thirty-six patriots were killed, two escaped, and ninety were^ made
prisoners. The British lost a hundred and fifly men and twenty ofi&cers killed, among whom
was Captain Drummond. The commander of the insurgents was a young Pole, only thirty-
one years of age, named Von Schoultz, who, with ten others, was hung, and a large portion
of the remainder of the prisoners was banished to Van Diemen's Land.
At Ogdensburgh we left the British Queen, and went on board the Lady of the Lake,
bound for Oswego. Having an hour to pass before her departure, we employed it in a pleas-
WiND-NiLL Point. I
' This view was sketched from the steam-boat, when a little below the wind-mill, looking west-north-
vrest The mill is a stiong stone stmctore, and answered a very good purpose for a fort or block-hoose.
Ita narrow windows were used by th^ patriots as loop-holes for their muskets during the action.
» See " TheUer's Canada in 1837-8."
Digitized by
Google
212 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Ofwegatohia. Old Froaoh Fort al Ogdeiulmrgfa. Putnam's Feata. Teattmooy of Hiatory.
ant ramble through the town and along the banks of the dark Oswegatchie. It was Sab-
bath morning, and all was quiet in that pleasant village. We traversed the high banks of
the stream, along its majestic course from the bridge to the dam, about half a mile. The
declivity of the bank is studded with oaks, sycamores, and pines, and lofty trees shade the
pleasant pathway the whole distance, making it a delightful promenade either at hot noon
or in the evening twilight. The water is of an amber color when not turbid, and from this
one of its chief tributaries, the Black Lake, derives its name.
Ogdensburgh is near the site of the old French fort generally known as Fort Oswegatchie,
but on their maps, as early as 1740, it is called Fort Presentation, and sometimes La Gal-
lette. This fort was garrisoned by the French during a part of the Seven Years' War, but
was taken by the English in 1760, while they were descending the St. Lawrence to attack
Montreal. It is related that Putnam, then a lieutenant colonel, performed one of his daring
and original feats here, in the attack upon the fort and upon the two armed vessels that lay
at the mouth of the Oswegatchie River. Humphreys says that he undertook, with one thou-
sand men in fifty bateaux, to capture the vessels by boarding. With beetle and wedges, he
proceeded to secure the rudders, to disable the vessels and prevent them from bringing their
broadsides to bear, and then to make a furious attack upon and board them. As they ap-
proached, the crew of one of the vessels, panic-struck, £)rced the commander to surrender,
and the other vessel was run ashore. The fort was the next object of solicitude. With the
permission of Amherst, Putnam caused a number of boats to be prepared with musket-proof
fascines^ along the sides, so as to form a shelter from the fire of the enemy. The fort was
defended by an ahatis overhanging the water ; and, to overcome such a formidable obstacle,
he caused a broad plank, twenty feet in length, to be attached to the bow of each boat, so
that it might be raised and lowered at pleasure. This was to form a bridge over the pro-
jecting ahatis, on which the besiegers might pass to the attack on the fort. As soon as the
boats, thus strangely equipped, began to move toward the fort, the alarmed garrison, unused
to such martial enginery, surrendered without firing a shot.
These tales, like many others of which Putnam is the reputed hero, partake somewhat of
the marvelous, and in this instance rather conflict with cotemporary history as well as prob-
ability. Colonel Mante, who was intimate with Rogers and Putnam, says that one of the
vessels was grounded before the attack, and that an action oifimr hours occurred with the
other. He also says that " the general ordered the vessels [of the English] to fall down the
stream, post themselves as close to the fort as possible, and man their tops well, in order to
fire upon the enemy, and prevent their making use of their guns, while the gronadiers rowed
in with their broadswords and tomahawks, fascines and scaling-ladders, under cover of the
light infantry, who were to fire into the embrasures."' He says nothing about Putnam's
project or the *< planks.'' Dr. Trumbull says, " The general, receiving intelligence that one
of the enemy's vessels was aground and disabled, and that another lay off La Gallette, de-
termined, with the utmost dispatch, to go down the river and attack Oswegatchie and Isle
Royal. On the 17th of August the row-galleys fell in with the French sloop com-
manded by M. de la Broquirie, who, after a smart engagement, surrendered to the En-
glish galleys By the 23d two batteries wero opened against the fort, and it was
cannonaded by them in concert with the row-galleys in the river. M. Ponchaut, the com-
mander, beat a parley, and surrendered the fort on terms of capitulation.'" From personal
observation of the ground, I am inclined to think that a plank twenty feet long could hardly
have reached the abatis from the water, even in a perpendicular position, unless the altitude
of the shores was less then than now. Very possibly the ingenious idea of wedging up the
rudders of the vessels and of scaling the outworks of the fort was conceived by the fertile
^ Fascines, from the Latin fasoina,/a^, is a term used in fortifications to denote bandies of fagots, twigs,
or branches of trees, which, being mixed with earth, are used for filling up ditches, forming parapets, &c
' History of the Late War in North America, &o., by Thomas Mante, major of a brigade in the cam
paign of 1764 ; London, 1772.
' History of Connecticut from 1630 to 1764, by Benjamin Trumbull, D.D.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
213
Ctptore of Fort Oswegatchie by the En^^iah.
Attacks upon Ogdeosborgh by the BritUh in 181S-ia
mind of Putnam, bat it is not one of the strong points upon which the reputation of the gen-
eral for skill and bravery rests, for it must have been a failure if attempted. One thing is
certain — Fort Oswegatchie fell into the hands of the English at that time, afler a pretty
warm engagement. Lieutenant-colonel Massey, with the grenadiers, took possession of the
fort, the garrison were sent to New York, and the post was named by Amherst Fort Will
iam Augustus.
Ogdensburgh was a place of considerable importance, in a military point of view, during
our war with England, begun in 1812. Lying directly opposite a Canadian village (Pres-
cott) and a military post, it was among the earliest of the points of attack from Canada.
As early as the 2d of October, 1 8 1 2, it was assaulted by the enemy. Greneral Jacob Brown,
with four hundred Americans, commanded there in person. On Sunday, the 4th, the Brit-
ish, one thousand in number, in forty boats, approached to storm the town, but, afler a sharp
engagement, they were repulsed. Another attack was planned, and in February fol- /
lowing it was carried into effect. On the 2 1st of that month, the British, twelve hund-
red strong, attacked it in two columns, and, after an hour of hard fighting, drove Captain
Forsyth and his troops out of the place as far as Black Lake, and took possession of the vil-
lage. The Americans lost twenty men in killed and wounded, the British about sixty.
We can not stay longer upon the beautiful banks of the Oswegatchie, for the signal-bell for
departure is ringing merrily upon the Lady of the Lake.
;^^^* —
Digitized by
Google
214
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Departure from Ogdensborgh.
Tlie St Lawrence and the Tlion«and lalanda.
Kingston.
CHAPTER X.
*' Billows ! there^s not a wave I the waters spread
One broad, unbroken mirror ; all around
Is hosh'd to silence — silence so profound
That a bird's carol, or an arrow sped
Into the distance, would, like 'larum-bell,
Jar the deep stillness and dissolve the spell"
Park Benjahin.
CALM, sweetly consonant with ideas of Sabbath rest, was upon the main,
^ the islands, and the river, and all the day long not a breath of air rippled
^ the silent-flowing but mighty St. Lawrence. We passed the ^^goat 13,
morning in alternately viewing the ever-changing scene as our ^^^•
vessel sped toward Ontario, and in perusing Burke's " Essay on the Sub-
lime and Beautiful." I never read that charming production with so much
pleasure as then, for illustrative examples were on every side. And when, to-
ward noon, our course was among the Thousand Islands, the propriety of his
citation of the stars as an example, by their number and coniusion, of the cause
of the idea of sublimity was forcibly illustrated. ** The apparent disorder," he
says, ** augments the grandeur, for the appearance of care is highly contrary to
our idea of magnificence." So with these islands. They fill the St. Lawrence
through nearly sixty miles of its course, commencing fifteen miles below Kingston, and vary
in size from a few yards to eighteen miles in length. Some are mere syenite rocks, bearing
sufiicient alluvium to produce cedar, spruce, and pine shrubs, which seldom grow to the dig-
nity of a tree ; while others were beautifully fringed with luxuriant grass and shaded by lo%
trees. A few of the larger are inhabited and cultivated. They are twelve hundred and
twenty-seven in number. Viewed separately, they present nothing remarkable ; but scat-
tered, as they are, so profusely and in such disorder over the bosom of the river, their feat-
ures constantly changing as we made our rapid way among them, an idea of magnificence
and sublimity involuntarily possessed the mind, and wooed our attention firom the tuition of
books to that of nature.
We reached Kingfston, Upper Canada, at about four o'clock, where we remained until
nearly sunset. This is a large and flourishing town, at the lower end of Lake Ontario, and
its commercial position is valuable and important. It stands near the site of old Fort Fron-
tenac, and is now a British military post. It seems strongly fortified, and completely com-
mands, by its military works, the entrance of the St. Lawrence firom Ontario. A strong
bomb-proof round tower stands upon Cedar Island, just below the
city. Similar structures guard the portals of Fort Henry, the
open space between the city and the fort, and one is a huge sentinel
in the harbor, directly in front of the magnificent market-house
that fronts upon the quay. They are mounted with cannon, and
'the hollow buttresses are pierced for musketry. A flourishing In-
dian settlement, called Candaragui, was upon the site of Kings-
ton when first discovered by the French, and traces of the build-
er's art, evidently older than the fortifications of the whites, have
been discovered. I was informed by a resident at Kingston, whom I met at Quebec, that
while excavating to form a terrace near his residence, a few months previous, his workmen
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 215
Fort Frontenao. Its Captore bj Colonel Brtdttreet His Life. Braditreef ■ Offloen. Lake Ontario. Otwege.
Struck the stomp of a tree three feet in diameter, and, upon removing it, a stone wall, reg-
ularly laid, was found beneath it.
This spot, known as Fort Frontenac, was a place of much importance during the inter-
cobnial wars of the last century. It was first a fur trading and missionary station of the
Quebec colony. In 1673, Count Louis Frontenac, governor of Canada, erected a fort there
and gave it his own name, and for eighty years it was one of the strongest military posts in
America. It was from this point that Father Marquette (under the patronage of Fronte-
nac) and other missionaries took their final departure for explorations in the Far West, an(^
here provisions and stores were kept to supply other military and religious establishments
upon the great lakes. Fort Frontenac remained in possession of the French until 1758,
when Colonel Bradstreet,^ with a detachment of men, chiefly provincials of New York and
New England, captured it. Afler the disastrous defeat of Abercrombie at Ticonderoga,
Colonel Bradstreet solicited and obtained permission to undertake that expedition. He trav-
ersed the wilderness to Oswego, where he embarked in three vessels already prepared for him,
descended the lake, and suddenly appeared before Frontenac. The weak garrison, over-
whelmed by numbers, surrendered without resistance. The conmiander of the fort was ex-
changed for Colonel Peter Schuyler, then a prisoner in Canada.
Leaving a small garrison to keep the post, Bradstreet and his troops returned and aided
in building Fort Stanwix, upon the Mohawk, at the portage between that river and Wood
Creek, a tributary of Oneida Lake. Among his officers were, Colonel Charles Clinton, of
Ulster county. New York ; Major Nathaniel Woodhull, who fell on Long Island in 1776 ,
and Groosen Van Schaick, of Albany, and Lieutenant Marinus Willett, of New York, who
were aflerward colonels in the New York Revolutionary line.'
We did not land at Kingston, for the tarrying time of the boat was uncertain. It was
nearly sunset when we left, and we passed the southern extremity of Gage Island just in
time to see its last rays sparkling upon the tree-tops on Amherst Island, in the far distance.
Ontario, like the St. Lawrence, was unruffled, and the evening voyage between Kingston
and SacketVs Harbor was exceedingly pleasant, rendered so chiefly by a cool breeze, cush-
ioned seats, agreeable company, and the anticipations of meeting dear friends at Oswego the
next morning. We landed there a little after daybreak, and tarried three days before start-
ing for the « Niagara frontier.''
Oswego is beautifully situated upon Lake Ontario, on each side of the Chouegesen or Os-
wego River, a large and rapid stream, through which flow the waters of eight considerable
lakes in the interior of New York — ^the Canandagua, Crooked, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasoo,
Skaneateles, Onondaga, and Oneida, with their numerous little tributaries— and drains a
surface of four thousand five hundred square miles. Beautifully significant are the Indian
names of Oswego and Ontario — rapid water and pretty lake — for the river comes foaming
1 John Bradstreet was a native of England. He was Lientenant-govemor of St. John's, Newfoundland,
in 1746, and ten years afterward accompcuiied the expeditions against the French on the frontier of Ne^
York. In 1756 he was commissary general, and engaged in keeping np a communication between Albany
and Oswego. He had charge of boats that carried provisions, and so mnoh were they annoyed by the In
dtans in the French service, while passing down the Onondaga or Oswego River, that it required a great
deal of skill and bravery to defend them. A small stockade fort near the site of the present village of Rome
was cut off by the enemy, and they were obliged to depend upon their own power, in the open forest, for
protection. He had a severe engagement near the margin of Oneida Lake, with a large war party of sav*
ages, bnt gained a victory, leaving nearly two hundred of the enemy dead upon the field. His own loss
was about thirty. His capture of Fort Frontenac, in 1758, put into the possession of the English the fort,
nine armed veraels, forty pieces of cannon, a vast quantity of provisions and stores, and one hundred and
ten prisfiners. In the summer of 1764 he was employed against the Indians on the borders of Ontario, and
at Fresque Isle he compelled the Delawares, Shawnees, and other tribes to agree to terms of peace. He
was appnnted major general in 1772, and died at New Tork, October 21st, 1774. '
' The captains of the New Tork troops engaged in this expedition were, Jonathan Ogden, of West Ches-
ter ; Peter Dubois, of New York ; Samuel Bla^ly and William Humphrey, of Dutchess ; Daniel Wright
and Richard Howlet, of Queens; Thomas Arrowsmith^ of Richmond; Rbenezer Seely, of Ulster; and
Peter Tates and Goosen Van Schaick, of Albany
Digitized by
Google
216 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ofwego. EzpeditioDofFroDtenae. Fort built by GoTernor Burnet Fort Niagara
down broad rapids several miles before it expands into the harbor and mingles its flood with /
the blue waters of Ontario. Its hydrauHc power, its commercial position relative to Can-
ada and the great West of our own dominion, and the healthfulness of its climate, mark out
Oswego for a busy and populous city. These advantages of locality were early perceived
by the English, and were probably not entirely overlooked by the French. But military
occupation, for the purpose of spreading wide the overshadowing wings of empire, through
the two-fold influences of religion and traffic, seemed to be the chief design of the French
in planting small colonies at commanding points.
As early as July, 1696, Frontenac, governor of Canada, fitted out an expedition to attack
the Five Nations in New York,* and Oswego was made his place of rendezvous. There he
built a small stockade fort on the west side of the river, and then proceeded with fifty men
into the interior as far as the Onondaga Valley. The Indians fled before him, but upon the
shore of Onondaga Lake, near the present Salina, they left their emblem of defiance — ^two
bundles of rushes suspended from a branch. The governor returned to Oswego, and sailed
for Fort Frontenac, without accomplishing any good for himself or harm to the Indians, ex-
cept burning their dwellings when they fled from them. Three years previously, Frontenac,
by another route, fell upon the Indians on the Mohawk, near Schenectady, slew many, and
took about three hundred prisoners.
These expeditions seemed to be a part of the grand scheme of the French to confine the
English, now pushing into the wilderness in all directions, to the Atlantic sea-board ; but
their forts on the lakes and upon the Ohio, and their extensive alliances with Indian tribes,
could not repress the spirit of adventure and love of gain which marked their southern neigh-
bors. The great confederacy of the Five Nations of New York remained for a long time
the fast friends and allies of the English, none but the Caughnawagas, as the French Jes-
uits termed their converts of the confederacy, lifting the hatchet against them. Protected
by these friendly savages, trading posts were founded, and these in turn became military es-
tablishments. In 1 722, Grovemor Burnet, of New York (son of the celebrated English bishop
of that name), established a trading house at Oswego. His object seemed to be political
rather than commercial, for he desired to gain a foothold there, and thus, in a measure, com-
mand Lake Ontario. He had been advised by the Board of Trade, afler the treaty of Utrecht
in 1713, '< to extend with caution the English settlements as far as possible, as iheie was no
probability of obtaining an arrangement of general boundaries." Acting under this advice
and the promptings of his own clear judgment, he planted the English standard, for the first
time, upon the great lakes, and, in spite of the remonstrances of the French and the mur-
murings of the Oneidas and Senecas (who disliked to see fortresses rising in their neighbor-
hood), he built and armed, at his own expense, a small fort at Oswego in 1 727. The French,
in the mean while, had strongly fortified their trading post at the mouth of the Niagara
River, and thus outflanked the English so far as the lake was concerned. Beauhamois,
the governor of Canada, ordered Burnet to desist. Burnet defied, the Frenchman threaten-
ed, but, after blustering for a while, the latter, as a countervailing measure, took possession
iof Crown Point and built Fort St. Frederic there. From that time until 1755, the En-
glish had undisturbed possession of Burnet's fort, and kept it garrisoned by a ^eutenant and
twenty-five men.
I am indebted to E. W. Clarke, Esq., of Oswego, for much local information concerning
that city and neighborhood. He kindly permitted me to use the manuscript of a lecture de-
livered by him before a literary society there, and firom it I gleaned a description of the trad-
ing-house and fort erected by Governor Burnet. It was situated on the west side of th^
river, directly on the bank of the lake, and forty feet above the water. The bank, composed
of rock and hard-pan, was almost perpendicular. The building was of stone, and about
ninety feet square. The eastern end was circular. It was provided with port-holes and a
' The name of the Confederation of the Five Nations was changed to that of Six Nations when it waf
joined by the Tuscaroras of Carolina in 1714.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION
217
DeMTiptlon of Burnef s Fort Erection of other Fortificatioiis. FortOntaria Shirley's Expedition agatast Niagara.
OSWBOO IN 1755.1
1755.
deep well. The ascent to it from the south was a flight of stone steps (see engraving), the
remains of which have been visible
within a few years. The earth em-
bankments of the fort, with its ditbh
and palisades, were about two hund-
red feet west of the building, upon
higher ground, and traces of these
might be seen until the late growth
of the city obliterated them. The
bluffon which the trading-house and
fort rested has been leveled in filling
in the basin, for the construction of
wharves.
While Braddock was making his fatal march against Fort Duquesne, at the junction of
the Ohio and Monongahela, in 1755, Grovemor Shirley, of Massachusetts, with a force of
about one thousand five hundred men, composed of provincials and Indians, was on the march
from Albany to Oswego, for the purpose of making attacks simultaneously upon Niagara and
Frontenac. His march through the wilderness was perilous and fatiguing, and when he ar-
rived at Oswego in August, his troops were reduced by sickness, and dispirited by the
intelligence of Braddock's defeat. But Shirley, who succeeded Braddock in the chief
command, was not disheartened. He strengthened Oswego by erecting two other forts ; one
westward of old Fort Oswego, called New Fort, one hund- ^^ - -_
red and seventy feet square, with bastions and a rampart
of earth and stones ; and another on the opposite side of the
basin, four hundred and seventy yards distant from the old
fort. The east fortification, called Fort Ontario, was built
of logs from twenty to thirty inches in diameter. It was
eight hundred feet in circumference, and its outer walls
were fourteen feet high. Around it was a ditch fourteen
feet wide and ten deep, and within were barracks for three
hundred men. It was intended to mount sixteen pieces of
cannon. This fort was on a commanding site, the perpen-
dicidar bank being higher than that upon the west side.'
Shirley built vessels and made other great preparations
at Oswego to proceed against Niagara. He constructed and equipped a sloop and schooner
of sixty tons each, two row-galleys of twenty tons each, and eight whale-boats, each capable
of carrying sixteen men. His views were promptly seconded by the New York Assembly.
That body had already voted eight thousand pounds toward the enlistment of two thousand
men in Connecticut, and raised four hundred men of their own in addition to their eight
hundred then in the field. Shirley was also directed to complete the forts, and prepare for
building one or more vessels of a large class, to mount ten six pounders besides swivels, two
more row-galleys, and one hundred whale-boats. But heavy rains delayed his embarkation
so long, that winter approached, and he abandoned the expedition against Niagara. He
\eh seven hundred men in garrison at Oswego, and returned to Albany, where the remainder
of his troops were disbanded. Additional fortifications, to complete the works, were made to
the fort on the west side of the river, and stronger outworks were added to Fort Ontario.
Forts at Oswkoo.'
^ This view is looking north toward the lake. It is a redaoed copy of the frontispiece to Smith's History
of New York, first edition, London, 1 757, and represents the encampment of Shirley there at that time.
« Smith's History of New York; Clarke's MS.
' There are but few traces lef^ of old Fort Oswego. The light-honse that stood upon the bluff between
the okl fort and the present Fort Ontario, is removed, and another substantial one is erected upon the left
pier, in front of the harbor. The city, on the east, is now fast crowding upon the ravelins of the old
Fort.
Digitized by
Google
218 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
BemainB of the " New Fort" Shirley's Preparationa at Albany. Montcalm'a Approach to Oswego. Attack on the Workc
The remains of the ramparti and ditches of the New Fort are now quite prominent at the
junction of Montcahn and Van Buren Streets. The annexed engraving is a view of the
appearance of these remains when I j^xigatt,
visited them. The view is from ^^^
Montcahn Street, looking north, toward the
lake. The mounds and ditch were covered
with a green sward ; and decayed stumps of
trees, three feet in diameter, were upon the
former. The fort had heen abandoned about
ninety years (for Fort Ontario became the
main fortification afrer 1758), and, therefore,
those large trees must have been produced
REMA1K8 OF "New FO.T," AT 08W.00. ^^i^ *^*^ ^^f ^- .
Shirley made vigorous preparations at Al-
bany to re-enforce Oswego, the following spring, for the Marquis de Montcalm, an
enterprising and experienced commander, was governor of Canada, and offensive
operations on the part of the French were certainly expected. Colonel Bradstreet was ap-
pointed commissary general, and, aided by Captain (afterward Greneral) Philip Schuyler, for-
warded large quantities of provisions to Oswego. William Alexander, afterward Lord Ster
ling, of the Revolutionary army, was Shirley's secretary. Early in the spring an army of
seven thousand men, under General Winslow, was at Albany, waiting the arrival of the
commander-in-chief. Lord Loudon. His procrastination, which defeated all the plans for the
season's campaign, was fatal in this instance. He did not arrive until late in the summer.
In the mean while the French, about five thousand in number, under the Marquis de Mont-
calm, came up the lake from Fort Frontenac, and landed stealthily behind a heavily-wooded
cape (now called Four-mile Point), a few miles below Oswego. Montcalm was there nearly
two days before the fact Tyas known to the garrisim. He had thirty pieces of heavy artU-
lery, and was about commencing a march through the forest, to take Fort Ontario by sur
prise, when he waa discovered by the English. Colonel Mercer, the commandant of the
garrison, ordered a brigantine to cruise eastward, and prevent any attempt of the enemy to
approach the fort by water. The next day a heavy gale drove the brigantine ashore, and
while she was thus disabled, the French transported their cannon, unmolested, to within two
miles of the fort. One or two other small vessels were sent out to annoy them, but
"^^ the heavy guns of the French drove them back to the harbor. The enemy pressed
steadily forward through the woods, and toward noon of the same day invested the fort with
thirty-two pieces of cannon, ranging from twelve to eighteen pounders, several large brass
pounders and hoyets, and about five thousand men, one half of whom were Canadians and
j„]y 9^ Indians. Some of this artillery was taken from the Eughsh when Braddock was de-
1755. feated. The garrison, imder Colonel Mercer, numbered only one thousand four hund-
red, and a large portion of these were withdrawn to the fort on the west side of the river, to
strengthen it, and to place the river between Mercer's main body and the enemy. The French
began the assault with small arms, which were answered by the guns of Fort Ontario, and
bombs from the small fort on the other side of the basin. Finding an open assault danger-
ous, Montcalm commenced approaching by parallels during the night, and the next
^***" day he began another brisk fire with small arms. On the day following he opened
a battery of cannons within sixty yards of the fort. As soon as Colonel Mercer perceived
this, he sent word to the garrison, consisting of three hundred and seventy men, to destroy
their cannon, ammunition, and provisions, and retreat to the west side. This they efiected
without the loss of a man. During the night of the 1 3th the enemy were employed, in the
face of a destructive cannonade, in erecting a heavy battery to play upon the fort. On the
morning of the 14th they had finished their battery of twelve heavy guns, and xmder its
cover two thousand five hundred Canadians and Indians crossed the river in three divisions.
Colonel Mercer was killed during this movement, and the command devolved upon Colonel
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 219
Surrender of^ Forte and Garrison to Montcalm. ^s Courtesy. Deetmction of the Forts. 8t Lager. Mrs. Grant
Littlehales. The enemy had a mortar hattery in readiness by ten o'clock, and their forces
were so disposed that all the works of defense were completdy enfiladed. At the same time,
the regulars, under the inmiediate command of Montcalm, were preparing to cross to the
attack. Colonel Littlehales called a council of war, and, it being agreed that a defense was
no longer practicable, a chamadej or parley, was beaten by the drums of the fort, and the
firing ceased on both sides. Two officers were sent to the French general to inquire upon
what terms he would accept a surrender. He sent back a polite and generous answer, re-
marking, at the same, time that the English were an enemy to be esteemed, and that none
but a brave nation would have thought of defending so weak a place so long.^ The fort,
the whole garrison, one hundred and twenty cannons, fourteen mortars, a large quantity of
ammunition and stores, and quite a respectable fleet in the harbor, were the spoils of victory
The forts were dismantled, the prisoners were placed on transports for Frontenac, and, with-
out leaving a garrison behind, the whole military armament went down the lake, and left
Oswego solitary and desolate.
The destruction of the forts was a stroke of policy on the part of Montcalm. They had
been a continual eyesore to the Six Nations, for they had reason to suspect that, if the En-
glish became strong enough, their fortifications would be used as instruments to enslave the
tribes. This act of Montcalm was highly approved by the Indians, and caused them to as-
sume a position of neutrality toward the belligerent Europeans. This was what Montcalm
desired, and he gained far more power by destro3ring the forts than he would by garrisoning
them. French emissaries were sent among the Indians, and by their blandishments, and in
consequence of their successes, they seduced four of the tribes wholly from the British inter-
est. These were the Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas.
The following year English troops again took possession of Fort Ontario, and par-
tially restored it to its former strength, and in 1759 it was rebuilt on a larger scale.
They also erected a small stockade fort near the Oswego Falls, and built Fort Stan-
wix, on the Mohawk. Thus, in a military point of view, Oswego remained until our
war for independence broke out.*
This post was rather too remote for active operations, during the first years of the war,
to attract the serious attention of either party, and the fort was garrisoned by only a few
men until the summer of 1777i when St. Leger, with seven hundred Rangers, detached
from the army of Burgoyne at St. John's, on the Sorel, made this his place of rendezvous
preparatory to his incursion into the Valley of the Mohawk. Here he was joined by Sir
John Johnson and Colonel Daniel Claus, with nearly seven hundred Indians, under Brant,
and four hundred regular troops. Here a war feast was given, and, certain of success, the
party, in high spirits, departed to invest Fort Stan wix. A difierent scene was exhibited a
few weeks later at Oswego. St. Leger, foiled, and his troops utterly routed, oame hastening
back in all the terror and confusion of a retreat, the victors in hot pursuit. His Indian al-
lies, greatly alarmed, were scattered over the vast forests, and a mere remnant of his army,
* His Dote to.Colooel Littlehales was as follows : " The Marquis of Montcalm, army and field marshal,
commander-in-chief of his most Christian majesty's troops, is ready to receive a capitulation upon the most
honorabfe conditions, surrendering to him all the forts. They shall be shown all the regard the politest
nation can show. I send an aid-de-camp on my part, viz., Mons. de Boagainville, captain of dragoons ;
they need only send the capitulation to be signed. I require an answer by noon. I have kept Mr. Drake
for a hostage. " Momtoalm.
* Mrs. Grant, of Edinburgh, Scotland, in her " Memoirs of an American Lady,'* gives a charming pio-
tmne of the scenery about Oswego in 1761-2. She was then a child, and resided £ere with her father;
and her book presents all the vividness of a child's impressions. She noted, in particular, a feature in the
(orett scenery which now delights the sojourner upon the southern shores of Lake Ontario — the sudden
bursting forth of leaves and flowers in the spring. Major Duncan, who was in command of the fort at that
time, was a gentleman of taste, and, in addition to a large and well-cultivated garden, he had a bowling
green and other pleasure grounds. These were the delight of the author of the ** Memoirs," whose pleas-
ing pictures may be found in chapters xliv. to xlvii. inclusive.
Digitized by
Google
220 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
WiUetf fl Attempt to Capture Fort Oswego. Oswego in 1796. Attack upon Oswego in 1814. Fort Oswego
without arms, half naked, add nearly starved, followed him to Fort Ontario, whence he fled
to Montreal. The details of the siege of Fort Stanwix will he given hereafter.
There was no engagement at Oswego during the Revolution. Just at the close of the
war, Washington conceived the design of securing Fort Ontario, and sent an expedition
thither under the command of Colonel Marinus Willett, who had heen an efficient officer in
the Mohawk Valley from the time of the siege of Fort Stanwix. Preliminary articles of
peace had heen signed in Novemher previous, hut as the terms were not definitely agreed
upon, it was the policy of the commander-in-chief to he prepared for the reopening of hostil-
ities, and, therefore, until the settlement was finally made, in September, 1783, by the sign-
ing of the definitive treaty, his vigilance was unrelaxed. This enterprise was undertaken in
mid- winter. Willett assembled his troops at Fort Herkimer, on the German Flats, and on
the 9th of February crossed the Oneida Lake on the ice, and reached Oswego Falls
the next morning. Not being strong enough in numbers to attempt a siege or an open
assault, he there prepared scaling-ladders, and determined to surprise the garrison that night.
A deep snow lay upon the ground, and the weather was so intensely cold that one of the sol-
diers was frozen to death. A young Oneida Indian acted as guide, but the snow and the
darkness caused him to lose his way.
At daylight they found themselves in
sight of the fort, and soon afterward
they discovered three wood-choppers
near. Two of them were captured, but
the third escaped to the fort and gave
the alarm. Willett and his party im-
mediately retreated, and thus ended the
expedition.' In 1 796 this post, with
all others upon the frontier, was given
„ ^ „ .^ up by the English to the United States.
View op Osweoo and the Fort iir 1798.« .. ., -, n n-
. ^ ^ ^ ^_^ , A pnze, m the shape of pubuc stores
From a drawing by Dtwitt, ■urreyor goneraL * ' * *
deposited at the Oswego Falls, attracted
the attention of the British in 1814, and a fleet, bearing three thousand men, appeared be-
fore the town on the fifth of May. Fort Oswego, (called Ontario when repaired sub-
sequent to the War,) on the East side of the harbor, was quite dilapidated, and the little
garrison had small means of defense. They had only six cannons, and three of these had
lost their trunnions. As soon as the sail of the enemy appeared, information was sent to
Captain Woolsey, of the navy, then at the village on the west side of the river, and to the
neighboring militia. Four large ships, three brigs, and a number of gun and other boats
^g^^ appeared, about seven miles distant, at dawn on the morning of the fifth of May.
The Americans prepared a battery on the shore, and gave the enemy such a warm re-
ception, while approaching in boats to land, that they returned to their ships. Early on the
morning of the 6 th the fleet came within cannon-shot of the works, and for three hours kept
up a discharge of grape and heavy bails against the fort and batteries.' The troops finally
effected a landing, and the little band of Americans, not exceeding three hundred in num-
ber, after maintaining their ground as long as possible, withdrew into the rear of the fort,
and halted within four hundred yards of it. After fighting about half an hour, they march-
> Clarke's MS.
* This view is from the west side of the river^ near the site of the present United States Hotel.
' I visited Fort Ontario, which is now a strong and admirably appointed fortification. A small garrison
is usually stationed there, bat at the time of my visit the fort was vacated by troops and left in charge of a
sergeant (Mr. Brown), whose courtesy made our little party feel as much at home amid the equipments of
war as if we were veritable soldiers and our ladies attaches of the camp. He gave me a four-pound can-
non-ball, which was fired into the fort from the British ship Wolfe, the only ship engaged in the action, on
the monring of the Sixth of May, 1814. It bears the rude anchor mark of British ordnance shot, and
was labeled by the sergeant, " A present from John Bull to Uncle Sam.''
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
221
Rflsnlt of the Battle in 1814.
Oswego at Present
Major Cochran.
Dr. John Cochrna
ed toward the falls, to defend the stores, destroying the bridges in their rear. The British
burned the barracks, and, after spiking some of the guns, evacuated the fort, and retired to
their ships at three o'clock on the morning of the 7th. The loss of the Americans was six
killed, thirty-eight wounded, and twenty-five missing. The enemy lost, in killed, wounded,
drowned, and missing, two hundred and thirty-five.^ They returned on the 9th, and sent
a flag into the village, to inform the people of their intention to land a large force and cap-
ture the stores ; but, being informed that the bridges were destroyed and the stores removed,
the fleet weighed anchor and returned to Kingston.
Scarcely a feature of old Oswego is left. The little hamlet of the Revolution and the tiny
village of 1814 have grown
into a flourishing city. Heavy
stone piers, built by the United
, States government, guard the
harbor from storms, and a
strong fortification protects it
from enemies. Lake com-
merce enlivens the mart, and a
canal and rail-road daily pour
their fireights of goods and trav-
el into its lap.
While in Oswego I visited
the venerable Major Cochran and his excellent lady,
the daughter of General Philip Schuyler. Major
Cochran was then nearly eighty years old, and feeble
in bodily health, but his mind was active and vigor-
ous. His father was Dr. John Cochran,' the surgeon
general of the Middle Department of the Revolutionary
army ; and himself was a member of Congress during ^«^ «' oswboo Harbo., 1848.«
the administration of the elder Adams.* His family relationship and position made him ac-
quainted with all the general officers of the Revolution, and his reminiscences afforded me
much pleasure and instruction during my brief visit. He has since gone down into the grave,
and thus the men of that generation, like the sands of an hour-glass, fall into their resting-
* Letter of Commodore Chaunoy to the Secretary of the Navy.
* Dr. Cochran was bom in Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1730. His father came from the north of Ire-
land. He studied medicine at Lancaster, and served as snrgeon^s mate in the hospital department during
the French and Indian war. At the close of that contest he settled in Albany, and married Gertrude, the
only sister of General Schuyler. He entered the Revolutionary army, and in the spring of 1777 Wash-
ington appointed him surgeon general of the Middle Department, and in October, 1781, director general of
the hospitals of the United States. He removed to New York after the peace, and his eminent services
were not forgotten by Washington, who nominated him commissioner of loans for that state. He died at
Palatine, Montgomery county, April 6th, 1807, aged 76.
' This view is from the top of the United States Hotel, looking east-northeast. It was hastily sketched
during the approach of a thunder-storm, and the ^^ huge herald drops" came down just as I traced the dis
tant water-line of the lake. The objects by the figure in the foreground are the balustrade and chimney
of the hotel, now (1848) a summer boarding-house for strangers. The first height beyond the water or
the right is the point on which stands Fort Oswego. The land in the far distance, on the same side, i>
Four-mile Point, behind which Montcalm landed his forces. On the left is seen the light-house upon ont
of the stone piers, and beyond it spread out the waters of Lake Ontario.
'• Circumstances connected with his election are rather amusing. A vessel was to be lanched upon (1
think) Seneca Lake, at Geneva, and, it being an unusual event, people came from afar to see it. The young
folks gathered there, determined to have a dance at night. A fiddle was procured, but a fiddler was want-
ing. Young Cochran was an amateur performer, and his services were demanded on the occasion. He
gratified the joyous company, and at the supper-table one of the gentlemen remarked, in commendation of
his talents, that he was " fit for Congress." The hint was favorably received by the company, the mattei
was ** talked up," and he was nominated and elected a representative in Congress for the district then com-
prising the whole state of New York west of Schenectady. He always claimed to have fiddled himself
into Congress.
Digitized by
Google
222 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Attempted Abduction of General Schuyler by Waltermeyer. Alarm of the Family. Narrow Eacape of an Infbnt
place. His lady, many yean his junior, was the youngest and &vorite daughter of Greneral
Schuyler. She was his traveling companion during his old age, and constantly enjoyed the
advantages of the refined society by which he was surrounded. When her mother departed
from earth, she was his companion and solace, and was at his bedside, to minister to his wants,
in the hour of death. ^ Although the stirring scenes of the Revolution were passed before
the years of her infancy were numbered, her intercourse with the great and honorable of that
generation, during her youth and early womanhood, brought facts and circumstances to her
vigorous mind so forcibly, that their impressions are as vivid and truthful as if made by actual
observation. She related many interesting circumstances in the life of her father, and among
them that of an attempted abduction of his person in 1781.
At the time in question, General Schuyler was residing in the suburbs of Albany, having
left the army and engaged in the civil service of his country. Notwithstanding Ms compar-
atively obscure position, his aid and counsel were constantly sought, in both military and
civil transactions, and he was considered by the enemy one of the prominent obstacles in the
way of their success. He was then charged by Washii^gton with the duty of intercepting
all communications between General Haldimand in Canada and Clinton in New York.
For some time the Tories in the neighborhood of Albany had been employed in capturing '
prominent citizens and carrying them off to Canada, for the purpose of exchange. Such an
attempt was made upon Colonel Gansevoort, and now a bold project was conceived to carry
off General Schuyler. John Waltermeyer, a bold partisan and colleague of the notorious
Joe Bettys, was employed for the purpose. Accompanied by a gang of Tories, Canadians,
and Indians, he repaired to the neighborhood of Albany, but, uncertain how well General
Schuyler might be guarded, he lurked among the pine shrubbery in the vicinity eight or ten
days. He seized a Dutch laborer, and learned from him the exact position of afiairs at
Schuyler's house, after which he extorted an oath of secrecy from the man and let him go.
The Dutchman seems to have made a mental reservation, for he immediately gave inform-
ation of the fact to General Schuyler. A Loyalist, who was the general's personal friend,
and cognizant of Waltermeyer's design, also warned him. In consequence of the recent ab-
ductions, the general kept a guard of six men constantly on duty, three by day and three by
night, and after these warnings they and his family were on the alert.
Anguat, -^^ ^® ^^^^ ^^ * sultry day, the general and his family were sitting in the front
I'si. hall. The servants were dispersed about the premises. The three guards relieved
for the night were asleep in the basement room, and the three on duty, oppressed by the heat,
were lying upon the cool grass in the garden. A servant announced to the general that a
stranger desired to speak to him at the back gate. The stranger's errand was at once com-
prehended. The doors of the house were immediately shut and close barred. The family
were hastily collected in an upper room, and the general ran to his bed-chamber for his arms.
From the window he saw the house surrounded by armed men. For the purpose of arousr
ing the sentinels upon the grass, and perchance to alarm the town, he fired a pistol from the
window. The assailants burst open the doors, and at that moment Mrs. Schuyler perceived
that, in the confusion and alarm of the retreat from the hall, her infant child, a few months
old, had been left in the cradle in the nursery below. Parental love subdued all fear, and
she was flying to the rescue of her child, when the general interposed and prevented her.
But her third daughter' instantly rushed down the two flights of stairs, snatched the still
sleeping infant from the cradle, and bore it ofl* safely. One of the miscreants hurled a sharp
tomahawk at her as she left the room, but it eflected no other harm than a slight injury to
her dress, within a few inches of the infant's head. As she ascended a private stair-case she
met Waltermeyer, who, supposing her to be a servant, exclaimed, " Wench, wench, where
* Grief for the loss of his wife, and the melancholy oircumstances connected with the death of his sod4d-
law, General Alexander Hamilton, weighed heavily upon his spirits. His death was hastened by exposure
and fatigae while accompanying two French dukes over the battle-ground of Saratoga. He was taken ill
there, and never recovered.
• Margaret, afterward the first wife of the late venerated General Van Rensselaer (the patroon) of Albany.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
223
Robbery of General Schajtor'a House.
Retreat of the Harauden.
Abduction of other Patriots.
Hr8.Cochraa
is your marter V* With great presence of mind, she replied, « Godo to alarm the town.*'
The Tory's followers were then
in the dining-room, plundering it
of the plate and other valuables,
and he called them together for
consultation. At that moment
the general threw up a window,
and, as if speaking to numbers,
called out, in a loud voice, " Come
on, my brave fellows, surround
the house and secure the villains,
who are plundering." The as-
sailants made a precipitate re-
treat, carrying with them the
three guards that were in the
house, and a large quantity of
silver plate. They made their
way to Ballstown by daybreak,
where they took General Gor-
don a prisoner from .his bed, and
with their booty returned to Can-
ada.^ The bursting open of the
/y doors of General Schuyler's house
aroused the sleeping guards in the cellar,
who rushed up to the back hall, where they
had left their arms, but they were gone. Mrs.
Church,* another daughter of General Schuyler,
who was there at the time, without the slightest
suspicion that they might be wanted, caused the
arms to be removed a short time before the attack,
on account of apprehended injury to her little son,
whom she found playing with them. The guards
had no other weapon but their brawny fists, and
these they used manfully until overpowered. They
were taken to Canada, and when they were ex-
changed, the general gave them each a farm, in
Saratoga county. Their names were John Tubbs,
John Corlies, and John Ward.
Mrs. Cochran was the infant rescued by her in-
trepid sister. The incident is one of deep interest,
^^^jf ^^ilLp ^ Vv 3 ^ ^^^ shows the state of constant alarm and danger
<Vajt^! //t --(p ^:^'C^'UtA^^^^^ in ^hich the people lived at that day, particularly
those whose position made them conspicuous. Mrs. Cochran kindly complied with my so-
licitation for a likeness of herself to accompany the narrative here given.
' Major Cochran related to me an incident connected with the booty in question. Among the plunder-
ed articles was a silver soup tareen. He was at Washington city at the time of the inauguration of Har-
rison, in 1841, and while in the rotunda of the Capitol, viewing Trumbuirs picture of the surrender of Bur-
goyne, a stninger at his elbow inquired, ** Who is that fine-looking man in the group, in citizen's dress ?"
" General Schuyler," replied Major Cochran. " Greneral Schuyler 1" repeated the stranger. " Why, 1
ate soup not long since, at Belleville, in Canada, from a tureen that was carried off from his house by some
Tories in the Revolution." This was the first and only trace the family ever had of the plundered articles.
' She was the wife of John B. Church, Esq., an English gentleman, who was a contractor for the French
army in America under Rochambeau. He returned to England, and was afterward a member of Parliament
Digitized by
Google
224 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Departure from Oswego. The Genesee Rirer. Storm on tbe Lake. 8e»«ickneaa. Fort Niagara.
It was my intention to go directly from Oswego to Rome, by the plank road that trav-
erses the old war-paths of the last century between those points, for the region westward is
qnite barren of incident connected with the Revolution. Old Fort Niagara, at the mouth
of the Niagara River, was a place of rendezvous for Tories and Indians while preparing for
marauding excursions on the borders of civilization in New York, or when they returned with
prisoners and scalps. Beyond this it ofiered no attractions, for hardly a remnant of its for-
mer material is left. But having been joined at Oswego by another member of my family,
who, with my traveling companion, was anxious to see the great cataract, and desirous my-
self to look again upon that wonder of the New World, I changed my course, and on a
August 17, stormy morning, with a strong north wind awakening the billows of Ontario, we left
^848. Oswego for Lewiston in the steamer Cataract, commanded by the same excellent
Van Cleve whose vessel got a little entangled, ten years before, in the afiair at Wind-mill
Point, near Ogdensburgh. The lake was very rough, and nearly all on board turned their
thoughts inwardly, conversing but little until we entered the Genesee River in the afternoon.
Many lost the breakfast they had paid for, and others, by commendable abstinence and econ-
omy, saved the price of dinner by shunning it altogether.
The scenery upon the tortuous course of the Grenesee is very picturesque. The stream is
'eep and narrow, and its precipitous shores are heavily wooded. The voyage terminated
three fourths of a mile below the Lower Falls of the Genesee, and five miles from Ontario.
Here is the port of Rochester. The city lies upon the plains at the Upper Falls, two miles
distant. Our boat remained there until toward evening, and, the rain having abated, I
strolled up the winding carriage-way as far as the Lower Falls. This road is cut in the
precipitous bank of the river, presenting overhanging clifis, high and rugged, on one side, and
on the other steep precipices going down more than a hundred feet below to the sluggish bed
of the stream. Every thing about the falls is broken and confused. The stream, the rocks,
the hills, and trees are all commingled in chaotic grandeur, varying in lineament at each step,
and defying every attempt to detect a feature of regularity. There sandstone may be seen
in every stage of formation, from the loose soil to shale, and slate-like lamina, and the solid
stratified rock. The painter and the geologist are well rewarded for a visit to the Lower
Falls of the Genesee.
We descended the river toward evening. Heavy clouds were rolling over the lake ; and
the white caps that sparkled upon its bosom, and the spray that dashed furiously over the
unfinished stone pier at the mouth of the river, betokened a night of tempest and gloom.
The wind had increased almost to a gale upon the lake while we had been quietly lying in
the sheltering arms of the Genesee. Premonitions of sea-sickness alurmed my prudence, and
by its wise direction I slipped into my berth before eight o*clock, and slept soundly until
aroused by the porter's beU, a little before daybreak, at Lewiston Landing. The rain con-
tinued, though falling gently. We groped our way up the slippery road to the cars, and,
shivering in the damp air, took seats for Niagara, fully resolved to give the bland invitation
of the ** lake route*' a contemptuous refusal on our return eastward. It may be very pleas-
ant on a calm day or a moonlight night, but our experience made us all averse to the aquatic
journey.
We passed from Ontario into the Niagara River, seven miles below Lewiston, while slum-
bering, and, consequently, I have nothing to say of Fort Niagara from personal observation.
We will turn to veritable history for the record, and borrow the outlines of an illustration
from another pencil.
In 1679, during the administration of Frontenac, a French officer named De Salle in-
closed a small spot in palisades at the mouth of the Niagara River, and in 1725, two yean
before Governor Burnet built his fort at Oswego, a strong fortification was erected there. . It
was captured by the British, under Sir William Johnson, in 1759. The forces, chiefly pro
vincials, that were sent against the fort were commanded by General Prideaux, who sailed
'niy 7, ^^^^ Oswego, and landed near the mouth of the river in July. He at once opened
17^^' his batteries upon the^ortress, but was soon killed by the bursting of a gun. The
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OP THE REVOLUTION.
226
Distant View or Foht Niaoaba.'
Attack oa Fort Niagara. Stratagem of tbe French. TraditionB retfpectfaig the Fort A Refoge for Torlea and Indians.
oommand then deTolved upon Johnson. An army of French regulars, twelve hundred strong,
drawn chiefly from western posts, and accompanied hy an equal num-
ber of Indiahs, marching to the relief of the garrison, were totally rout-
ed by Johnson, and a large part of them made prisoners. The siege
had then continued more than a fortnight, and the beleaguered garri-
son, despairing of succor, surrendered the next day. In addi- jnlj^
tion to the ammunition and stores that fell into their hands, i^^-
the strong fort itself was an important acquisition for the English.
Within its dungeons were found instruments for executions or murders,
and the ears of the English received many horrid tales from the captive
Indians of atrocities committed
'^s^P^^TfjR- there during French rule.
It is said that the mess-
house, a strong building still
standing within the fort, was
built by the French by strata-
gem. The Indians were op-
posed to the erection of any
thing that appeared like a for-
tress. The French troops were kindly received by the savages, and obtained their consent
to build a wigwam. They then induced the Indians to engage in an extensive hunt with
some French officers, and when they returned the walls were so far advanced that they might
defy the savages if they should attack them. It grew into a large fort, with bastions and
ravelins, ditches and pickets, curtains and counter-scarp, covered way, draw-bridge, raking
batteries, stone towers, bakery, blacksmith shop, mess-house, barracks, laboratory, magazine,
and a chapel with a dial over its door to mark the progress of the hours. It covered about
eight acres. A few rods from the barrier-gate was a burial-groimd, over the portal of which
was painted, in laige letters, Rest. The dungeon of the mess-house, called the black-hole,
was a strong, dark, and dismal place, and in one comer of the room was fixed an apparatus
for strangling those whom the despotic officers chose to kill. The walls were profusely in-
scribed with French names and mementoes in that language, and the letters and emblems
were many of them so well executed as to prove that some of the victims were not of com-
mon stamp. When, in June, 18 12,, an attack upon the fort by the English was momenta-
rily expected, a merchant, residing near the fort, deposited some valuable articles in the dun-
geon. He went there one night with a light, and discovered his own family name upon the
walls. Like other ruins, it has its local legends. The headless trunk of a French officer
has been seen sitting on the margin of the well in the dungeon ; and large sums of money
have been buried there, and their localities pointed out by fingers visible only to money-
diggers.'
During the American Revolution <* it was the headquarters," says De Veaux, « of all that
was barbarous, unrelenting, and cruel. There were congregated the leaders and chiefs of
those bands of murderers and miscreants who carried death and destruction into the remote
American settlements. There civilized Europe reveled with savage America, and ladies of
education and refinement mingled in the society of those whose only distinction was to wield
the bloody tomahawk and the scalping-knife. There the squaws of the forests were raised
to eminence, and the most unholy unions between them and officers of the highest rank smiled
upon and countenanced. There, in their strong-hold, like a nest of vultures, securely, for
seven years, they sallied forth and preyed upon the distant settlements of the Mohawk and
^ This is copied from one publinhed in Barber and Howe's " Historical Collections of New York." They
oopied it from an engraving published during the war of 1812. It gives the appearance of the locality at
that time. The view is from \he west side of the Niagara RiVer, near the light-house. The fort is on the
east side (the right of the picture), at the month of the river. The steam-boat seen in the divtance is oat
OQ Lake Ontario. * See De Veanx's Niagara Falls.
P
Digitized by
Google
226 PICTORIAL FIELDBOOK
The Niagara Rirer. ETenta there of the War of 1812. American MOitia. Brock'a Death. miMoniimeni
Susqnehanna Valleys. It was the depot of their plunder : there they planned their forays,
and there they returned to feast, until the time of action came again."
The shores of Niagara River, from Erie to Ontario, ahound in historic associations con-
nected with the military operations on that frontier dunng the war of 1812. The battles
of Chippewa, Lundy's Lane, Queenston, and Fort Erie occurred in this vicinity ; but these
events are so irrelevant to our subject, that we must give them birt brief incidental notice
as we happen to pass by their localities.
Fort Niagara was feebly garrisoned by the Americans, and on the 19th of December,
1813, a British force of twelve hundred men crossed the river and took it by surprise. The
garrison consisted of three hundred and seventy men. The commanding officer was absent,
the gates were open and imguarded, and the fortress, strong as it was, became an easy prey
to the enemy. Sixty-five of the garrison were killed, and twenty-seven pieces of ordnance
and a large quantity of military stores were the spoils of victory for the British.
It was broad daylight when our train moved from Lewiston, and across the Niagara, on the
Canada shore, the heights of Queenston, surmounted by Brock's monument, were in full view.
The battle that renders this towering slope so famous occurred on the 13th of October, 1812.
The Americans were commanded by the late General Stephen Van Rensselaer, the Brit-
ish by General Sir Isaac Brock. The former were about twenty-five hjundred strong ; the
latter numbered about the same, besides a ^orde of Chippewa Indians. The British were
strongly posted upon the heights. At four o'clock on the morning of the 13th about
six hundred Americans, under Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer and Lieutenant-col-
onel Christie, crossed over in boats to dislodge the enemy. The passage was made in the
face of a destructive fire, and the brave Americans rushed impetuously up the acclivity and
attacked the first battery, captured it, and soon stood victorious upon the height from which
they had driven the enemy. General Brock endeavored, in person, to rally his scattered
troops, and was fatally wounded while leading them to the charge.' Dismayed when they
saw their leader fall, they fled in great confusion. At this time Colonel Scott,* with a re-
enfi)rcement of six hundred men, regulars and volunteers, crossed over ; and the enemy was
also re-enforced by troops from Fort George, and ^ve hundred Chippewa Indians. The
strife was fierce for a long time. The British, re-enforced, far outnumbered the Americans,
and the militia remaining at Lewiston could not be indticed to cross over to support their
friends in the combat. Overwhelming numbers closed in upon the Americans, and, afler
fighting eleven hours, they were obliged to surrender. The American loss was about ninety
killed and nine hundred wounded, missing, and prisoners. The behavior of m'any of our
'nilitia on this occasion was extremely disgraceful. Taking advantage of the darkness when
they crossed in the morning, they hid themselves in the clefts of the rocks and clumps of
bushes near the shore, where they remained while the fighting ones were periling life upon
the heights above. The cowards were dragged out firom their hiding-places by the legs, by
the British soldiers, after the surrender.
The rail-road cars from Lewiston to the Falls ascend in their course an inclined plane that
winds up what is evidently the ancient southern shore of Lake Ontario. Deposits of peb-
bles at the foot of the ridge, and many other facts connected with this phyucal feature of
the country from Niagara to Oswego, prove conclusively, to the mind of the close observer,
that this was the shore of Ontario before the great convulsion took place which formed the
^ GeDeral Brook was lieutenant governor of Upper Canada. The Legislature of that province caused a
monament to be erected to his memory, on the heights near the spot where he fell. It is in a position so
elevated, that it may be seen at different points nearly fifty miles distant. The monument is constructed
of freestooe. The base, which covers the vault wherein lie the remains of General Brook and his aid, Lieu-
tenant-colonel John McDonald (who was killed in the same action), is twenty feet square. The shaft rises
one hundred and twenty-six feet from the ground. A miscreant named Lett attempted to destroy it by
gunpowder on the night of the 17th of April, 1840. The keystone over the door was thrown out, and the
shaft was cracked nearly two thirds of its height.
* Now Major-general Scott, of the United States army. The present General Wool was a captain, and
commanded a company in the action.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 227
ArriTal at Niagara. Falla VUlage. View from Goat Idand. BidcOe'a Tower. Sublime Voyage in the "Maid of the Mist**
Falls of Niagara. W6 leave what questions upon this point remain open, to be settled by
wiser minds, and hasten on to the Falls. We iCaught a few glimpses of the green waters
from the windows of the car, and in a few minutes were in thd midst of the tumult of porters
at the village, more clamorous for our ears than the dull roar of the cataract near by. The
fasting upon the lake and the early morning ride had given us a glorious appetite for break-
fast, and as soon as it was appeased we sallied out, guide-book in hand, to see the celebrities.
These have been described a thousand times. Poets, painters, travelers, historians, philos-
ophers, and penny-a-liners have vied with each other in magnifying this wonder, and as I
can not (if I would) ** add one cubit to its stature" for the credulous, a thought concerning
its sublimity and beauty for the romantic, a hue to the high coloring of others for the senti-
mental, or a new fact or theory for the philosophical, I shall pass among the lions in almost
perfect silence, and speedily leave the excitements of this fashionable resort for the more
quiet grandeur and beauty of the Mohawk Valley, once the " dark and bloody ground," but
now a paradise of fertility, repose, and peace.
We crossed the whirling rapids and made the circuit of Goat Island. In this route all
the remarkable points of the great cataract are brought to view. From the Hog's Back, at
the lower end of the i|)and, there is a fine prospect of the river below, and the distant Can-
ada shore beyond. The almost invisible Suspension Bridge, like a thread in air, was seen
two miles distant ; and beneath us, through the mist of the American Fall, glorious with
rainbow hues, the little steam-boat, the ** Maid of the Mist," came breasting the powerful
current. We looked down from our lofly eyrie (literally, in the clouds), through the mist
veil, upon her deck, and her passengers appeared like Lilliputians in a tiny skifi*. From the
southern sido of the island we had a noble view of the Horse-shoe Fall, over which pours
the greater portion of the Niagara River. The water is estimated to be twenty feet deep
upon the crown of the cataract. Biddle's Tower is a fine observatory, overlookbigj on one
side, the boiling abyss below the fall, and standing apparently in the midst of the rushing
waters as they hurry down the rapids above. We spent two hours upon the verge of the
floods, in the shadows of the lofly trees that cover the island, but these scenes were tame
compared with what we beheld from the " Maid of the Mist" toward noon. We rode nearly to
the Suspension Bridge, and, walking down a winding road cleft in the rocks, reached the brink
of the river at the head of the great rapids above the whirlpool. There we embarked on the
little steam-boat, and moved up the river to the cataract. As we approached the American
Fall, all retreated into the cabins, and, the windows being closed, we were soon enveloped in
spray. It was a sight indescribably grand. As we looked up, the waters seemed to be pour-
ing from the clouds. A feeling of awe, allied to that of worship, pervaded us, and all were
alent until the avalanche of waters was passed. The beautiful lines of Brainerd came vivid-
ly up from the shrine of memory, and aided my thoughts in seeking appropriate language :
" It would seem
As if God poured thee from his ' hollow hand,'
And bung his bow upon thine awful front,
And spoke in that loud voice which seemed to him
Who dwelt in Patmos for bis Savior's sake,
* The sound of many waters,' and had bade
The flood to chronicle the ages back,
And notch his cent'ries in the eternal rocks.
Deep caUeth unto deep. And what are we
That hear the question of that voice sublime ?
. Or what are all the notes that ever rung
From war's yain trumpet, by thy thundering side ?
Yea, what is all the riot man can make
In his short life to thy unceasing roar ?
And yet, bold babbler, what art thou to Him
Who drowned the world, and heaped the waters fcr
Above its loftiest mountains ? a light wave
That breaks and whispers of its Maker's might."
Digitized by
Google
228
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
BocUngham'fl Lines. Voyage of the M«id of the Mkt Romantic Blarriage. The Whirlpool The Suspenaion Bridge.
Beautifully has Buckingham expressed the reverential thoughts vrhich fill the mind and
part the lips for utterance in that majestic presence :
" HaU I sovereign of the world of floods I whose majesty and might
First dazzles — then enraptures — then o'erawes the aching sight ;
The pomp of kings and emperors in every dime and zone
Grow dim beneath the splendors of thy glorious watery throne.
" No fleets can stop thy progress, no armies bid thee stay,
But onward, onward, onward thy march still holds its way ;
The rising mist that veils thee, as thine herald, goes before.
And the music that proclaims thee is the thundering cataract's roar.
" Thy reign is of the ancient days, thy scepter from on high —
Thy birth was when the distant stars first lit the gloomy sky ;
The sun, the moon, and all the orbs that shine upon thee now,
Beheld the wreath of glory which first bound thy infant brow !''
Our little boat, after sweeping around as near the great Horse-shoe Fall as prudence would
allow, touched a moment at the landing on the Canada side, and then returned to her moor-
ings. We felt relieved when we stood again on land, for there is some peril in the voyage ;
yet the wonderful scene yields a full compensation for the risk. It afibrds an opportunity to
exhibit courage more sensibly than the foolish periling of life in clambering over the slippery
rocks under the Falls, and sentiment has here some chance for respectahle display. The week
previous to our visit a young couple, with a parson, took passage in the '* Inlaid of the Mist,'*
and, when enveloped in the spray of the cataract, were united in wedlock, What an altar
tiefore which to make nuptial vows I Can they ever forget the solemn promises there made,
i€ be unfaithful to the pledge there sealed ?
We visited the whirlpool, and that wonder of art, the Suspension Bridge, before returning
to the village. The former is at the elbow of the Niagara River, two and a half miles be-
low the cataract, and should never be left unseen by the visitor at the Falls. The Suspen-
sion Bridge spans the river near the head of the rapids above the whirlpool. The present
structure is only the scaffolding for constructing the one intended for the passage of a train
of rail-road cars. Numerous foot-passengers were upon itv and a eoach and horses, with driver
and two passengers, crossed it while we were there. The light structure bent beneath the
weight like thin ice under the skater, yet the passage is considered perfectly safe. I visited
it again toward evening, and made the accompanying sketch to illustrate the method of its
construction and
its relative posi-
tion to the Falls.'
To attempt to
sketch the Falls
truthfully is
vain. They
have never yet
been portrayed
Pabt or MiAOABA SusPKvsiON Bbidox.*
^ The bridge from pier to pier is eight hundred feet long. Its breadth is eight feet. The whole bridge
is suspended upon eight cables, four on each side, which pass over towers fifty-four feet high, built of heavy
timbers. The towers for the larg^ bridge will be of solid masonry eighty feet high. Each cable is eleven
hundred and sixty feet long, and composed of seventy-two number ten iron wires, ^around which is wrapped
small wire three times boiled in linseed oil, which anneals it, and gives it a ooat that can not be injur^ by
exposure to the weather, and preserves the wire from rust. The cables, after passing over the piers on the
banks, are fast anchored in masonry fifty feet back of them. The suspenders are composed of eight wires
each, and are placed four and a half feet apart. The bridge is two hundred feet above the water.
' This view, looking up the river, comprises about one half the bridge, a portion of the bank on the Can-
ada side on the right, the American shore on the left, and a part of the Falls, seen under the bridge, in the
extreme distance.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 229
Departure from the PaDs. A t)tj upon the Rail-road. Syraetue. Earlj HiatoTy of that Region. ' Tlie French.
in their grandeur, and never can be. A picture can not convey an idea of their magnificence
to the eye. They mu«t be seen to be known. Art utterly fails in attempts to transfer their
features to canvas, and degrades nature by its puny efibrts. In their motion consists their
great sublimity, and the painter might as well attempt to delineate the whirlwind 'as to de-
pict Niagara in its glory.
We left Niagara early on Saturday morning, stopped in Buffalo just long enough j^j^g^ 19,
to go from one rail-way station to another, and reached Syracuse at about eight in ^^^
the evening, a distance of two hundred miles. That day's journey seems more like a dream
than reality, for hills and valleys, woods and meadows, hamlets and villages, lakes and riv-
ers, the pufi* of the engine, the rattle of the train, men, women, and children in serried raqks,
are all mingled in confusion in the kaleidescope of memory, and nothing but a map or a Trav-
eler's Guide-book can unravel the tangled skein of localities that was spun out in that rapid
journey of fourteen hours. We remember the broad Niagara, the dark Erie with white
sails upon its bosom, the stately houses and busy streets of Buffalo, the long reaches of flat,
new country, dotted with stumps, from Buffalo to Attica and beyond, the stirring mart of
Rochester, the fields, and orchards, and groves of lofty trees that seemed waltzing by us, the
beautiful villages of Canandaigua and Geneva, the falls of the Seneca, the long bridge ol
Cayuga, the strong prison and beautiful dwellings of Auburn, and the golden sunset and cool
breeze that charmed us as we approached Syracuse. In that flourishing city of the recent
wilderness we passed a quiet Sabbath with some friends, and the next morning I journeyed
to Rome.
Although a quarter of a century has scarcely passed since Syracuse was a village of mean
huts,' it has a history connected with European civilization more than two hundred years
old. At Salina, now a portion of the city of Syracuse, where the principal salt-wells are,
the French, under the Sieur Dupuys, an officer of the garrison at Quebec, made a settlement
as early as 1 655. The Onondaga tribe then had their villages in the valley, a few miles from
Syracuse, and a good understanding prevailed between them and the new-comers. The
jealousy of the Mohawks was aroused, and they attempted to cut off" the colonists while on
their way up the St. Lawrence. They, however, reached their destination in safety, and
upon the borders of the Onondaga Lake they reared dwellings and prepared for a permanent
colony. But the uneasiness of the Indian tribes soon manifested itself in hostile preparations,
and in the winter of 1658 Dupuys was informed that large parties of Mohawks, Oneidas,
and even Onondagas, were arming. Unable to procure assistance in time from Quebec, he
succeeded, by stratagem, in constructing some bateaux and escaping with the whole colony
secretly down the river to Oswego, and thence to Montreal.
Relying implicitly upon the good faith and promised friendship of the Indians, Dupuys
had neglected to preserve his canoes. To construct new ones in view of the Indians would
advertise them of his intentions, and bring their hatchets upon the settlement at once. He
therefore had small bateaux made in the garret of the Jesuit's house, and kept them concealed
when finished. A young Frenchman had been adopted into the family of a chief, and had
' In 1820 the late William L. Stone visited Syracuse in company with Mr. Forman, one of the earliest
and most indostrious friends of the Erie Canal. ^* I lodged for the night," says Mr. Stone, *^ at a miserable
tavern, thronged by a company of salt-boilers from Salina, forming a group of about as rough-looking spec-
imens of humanity as I haid ever seen. Their wild visages, beards ^iok and long, and matted hair even
now rise op in dark, distant, and picturesque effect before me. I passed a resUess night, disturbed by
strange fancies, as I yet well remember. It was in October, and a flurry of snow during the night had
rendered the morning aspect of the country more dreary than the evening before. The few houses I have
already described, standing upon low and ahnost marshy ground, and surrounded by trees and entangled
thickets, presented a very uninviting scene. * Mr. Forman,' said I, * do you call this a village ? . It wmUL
make an owl weep to fly ovtr tt.' * Never mind,'' said he, in reply, ^ you will live to see it a city yetJ* " Mr.
Stone did, indeed, live to see it a city in size, when he wrote the above in 1840, and it is now a city in fact,
with mayor and aldermen, noble stores and dwellings, and a population of some 14,000.
Judge Forman was one of the projectors of the Erie Canal, and the founder of Syracuse. He died at
Rutberfordton, North Carolina, on the 4th of August, 1849, aged 72 years.
Digitized by
Google
230 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Stratagem of a young Prencbnian. Eicape of tiie French. Early Exploratiosia. Monumental Stcne. Silrer-bottomed Laka
acquired great influence over the tribe. By their customs an adopted son had all the priv
ileges of a son by birth. When Dupuys had a sufficient number of bateaux finished, this
young man went to his foster-father, and in a solemn manner related that he had dreamed,
the preisdous night, that he was at a feast, where the guests ate and drank every thing that
was set before them. He then asked the old chief to permit him to make such a feast for
the tribe. The request was granted, and the feast was spread. Many Frenchmen were
present, and with horns, drums, and trumpets, they kept a continual uproar. The French,
m the mean while, were diligently embarking and loading their bateaux, unobserved by the
feasting savages. At length the guests, who had been eating and drinking for hours, ceased
gormandizing, to take some repose. The young Frenchman commenced playing upon a
guitar, and in a few minutes every red man was in a profound slumber. He then joined
his companions, and before morning the whole colony were far on their way toward Oswego.
Late the next day the Indians stood wondering at the silence that prevailed in the dwellings
of the whites, and when, at evening, having seen no signs of human life through the day,
they ventured to break open the fastened dwellings, they were greatly astonished at finding
every Frenchman gone ; and greater was their perplexity in divining the means by which
they escaped, being entirely ignorant of their having any vessels.*
Ten years afterward another French colony settled in what now is called Pompey, about
fourteen miles from Syracuse, and for three years it prospered, and many converts were made
to the Catholic faith from the Onondaga tribe. A company of Spaniards, having been in-
formed of a lake whose bottom was covered with brilliant scales like silver, arrived there,
and in a short time the animosities of the respective adventurers caused them to accuse each
other to the Indians of foul designs upon the tribes. The Onondagas believed both parties,
and determined to rid themselves of such troublesome neighbors. Assisted by the Oneidas
and Cayugas, they fell upon the colony on All-Saints' day, 1669, and every Frenchman and
Spaniard was massacred.'
Evidences of much earlier visits by Europeans have been found in the vicinity, among
which was a sepulchral stone that was exhumed near Pompey Hill. It was of an oblong
figure, being fourteen inches long by twelve wide, and about eight inch-
es in thickness. In the center of the surface was a figure of a tree,
and a serpent climbing it ; and upon each side of the tree was an in-
scription, as seen in the cut : *' Leo X, De Fix, 1520. i. 5. t /2 ."
!Leo5fD'3^'^LliJU This inscription may be thus translated : *' Leo X., by the grace of
God; sixth year of his pontificate, 1520.** The letters L. S. were
doubtless the initials of the one to whose memory the stone was set up.
The cross denoted that he was a Roman Catholic, but the meaning of
the inverted U is not so clear. It has been supposed that the stone
was carved on the spot by a friend of the deceased, who may have been one of several French
or Spanish adventurers that found their way hither from Florida, which was discovered by
the Spaniards in 1502. They were amused and excited by stories of a lake far in the north,
whose bottom was lined with silver, and this was sufiicient to cause them to peril every thing
in searching it out. De Soto^s historian speaks, in the course of his narrative of the adven-
tures of that commander in the interior of America, of extreme cold at a place called by the
natives Saquechama. It is supposed that this name and Susquehanna are synonymous ap-
pellations for the country in Central New York, and that the silver-bottomed lake was the
Onondjiga, the flakes and crystals of salt which cover its bottom giving it the appearance
of silver.*
* See extracts from a MS. history of Onondaga county, by Rev. J. W. Adams, of Syraoose, quoted in the
Historical Collections of New York, p. 398.
* Dewitt Clinton^s Memoir on tkt Antiquities of Western New York,
* See Clinton's Memoir j &o. ; also, Sandford's Jiborigines, note on page 114. The crystals of salt on the
bottom of the lake, into which the salt springs flow, were, like the scales of mica discovered on the eastern
coast by Gosnold and bis party, mistaken for laminsa of silver. There are not many salt springs near the
8EPVLCHRAL St02«X.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
231
Rome.
Site of Fort Stanwiz.
Forts Newport and BaU.
The Portage and CanaL
The Mohawk VaUey.
We have already noticed the expedition of the French, under Frontenac, as far as the
Onondaga Valley. From that time nothing hat Indian feuds disturhed the tepose that rested
upon Onondaga Lake and the heautiful country around, until business enterprise within the
present century began its warfare upon the forests and the rich soil.
I arrived at Rome, upon the Mohawk, toward noon. It is a pleasant village, and stands
upon the site of old Fort Stanwix, on the western verge of the historical ground of the Mo-
hawk Valley. Here was the outpost of active operations in this direction, and here was en-
acted one of the most desperate defenses of a fortress that occurred during our struggle for
independence. The village, in its rapid
growth, has overspread the site of the fortifi-
cation, and now not a vestige of antiquity re-
mains, except a large elm-tree by the house of
Alvah Mudge, Esq., which stood within the
southwest angle of the fort. Mr. Mudge
kindly pointed out to me the area compre-
hended within the fort, and the portion of
tke village seen in the picture covers that
area. The mason-work in the foreground
is a part of the first lock of the Black River
Canal, at present an unproductive work.
The large building in the center of the pic
ture is the mansion of John Striker, Esq.,
president of the Rome Bank, and stands near
the site of the northeast angle of the fort.
The whole view is only a few rods north-
west of the Mohawk River, and a mile east-
ward of Wood Creek, the main inlet of
Oneida Lake. Here was a portage of a
mile, and the only interruption of water communication between Schenectady and Oswego.
This inconvenience was obviated by the construction of a canal between the Mohawk and
Wood Creek, in 1797.
Fort Stanwix was built in 1758, under the direction of General Stanwix, after the defeat
of AbercTombie at Ticonderoga. It was a strong square fortification, having bomb-proof bas-
tions, a glacis, covered way, and a well-picketed ditch around the ramparts. Its position
was important in a military point of view, for it commanded the portage between the Mo-
hawk and Wood Creek, and was a key to communication between the Mohawk Valley and
Lake Ontario. Other, but smaller, fortifications were erected in the vicinity. Fort New-
port, on Wood Creek, and Fort Ball, about half way across the portage, formed a part of the
military works there, and afibrded not only a strong post of resistance to French aggression
in that direction, but also a powerful protection to the Indian trade. The works cost the
British and Colonial government two hundred and sixty-six thousand four hundred dollars,
yet when the Revolution broke out the fort and its outposts were in ruins.
From the commencement of hostilities the Mohawk Valley was a theater of great activ-
ity, and all through the eventful years of the contest it sufilered dreadfully from the effects
of partisan warfare. Every rood of ground was trodden by hostile parties, and for seven
years the fierce Indian, and the ofltimes more ferocious Tory, kept the people in continual
alarm, spreading death and desolation over that fair portion of our land. So frequent and
sanguinary were the stealthy midnight attacks or open daylight struggles, that Tryon coun-
surface, but under the marshes that surround Onondaga Lake, and beneath the lake itself, there seems to
lie a vast salt lake, and sbaiU are sunken from the surface above into it. The water or brine is pumped
np from these sha^ or wells, and vast quantities of salt are manufactured annually in the neighborhood of
Syracuse. A great number of men find employment there, and the state derives a handsome revenue from
the works.
Srrx or Foat Stanwxx.
Digitized by
Google
232
PICTORIAL FIELD-FOOK
Sit WiUiam Johnson and his AasodatM.
EfCact of Political MorementB upon the People.
Formation of Partle«k
ty^ obtained the appropriate appellation of ** the dark and bloody ground," and, long after
peace blessed the land, its forests were traversed with fear and distrust. Here was the seat
of Sir William Johnson,* agent for the British govern-
ment in its transactions with the Six Nations. He was
shrewd, cunning, and licentious, having little respect for
the laws of God or man, and observed them only so fai
as compliance was conducive to his personal interest. By
presents, conformity in dress and manners, and other ap-
pliances, he obtained almost unbounded influence over the
tribes of the valley, and at his beck a thousand armed war-
riors would rush to the field. He died before the events
of our Revolution brought his vast influence over the In-
dians into play, in active measures against the patriots.
Yet his mantle of power and moral sway fell, in a great
degree, upon his son. Sir John Johnson, who succeeded to
his title, office, and estates. The latter, his cousin Guy
Johnson, Thayeizdanegea (Brant) the Mohawk sachem,
Daniel Glaus, and the Butlers were the leading spirits of loy-
alty in Tryon county, and the actors and abettors of scenes
that darken the blackest page in the history of out race.
These will be noticed hereafter. For the present we will
confine our thoughts to the most prominent local eventb
immediately antecedent to the siege of Fort Stanwix, or
// ^ Schuyler, upon the site of which, at Rome, we are standing.
y The excitement of the Stamp Act reached even the quiet valley of the Mohawk,
and implanted there the seeds of rebellion, and the people were eagef listeners while
the conflict of power and principle was going on upon the sea-board, during the ten years
preceding the organization of the Gontinental army.» The meeting of the general
Gontinental Gongress caused opinions to take a definite shape and expression, and in
the autumn of that year the demarkation line between patriots and Loyalists was distinctly
drawn among the people of this inland district.
In the spring of 1775, just before the second Gongress assembled at Philadelphia, at a
court holden at Johnstown, the Loyalists made a demonstration against the proceedings of
Mfe^
.1T75.
' Tiyon connty then included all the colonial settlements in New Tork west and sonthwest of Schenec-
tady. It was taken from Albany county in 1772, and named in honor of William Trjon, then governor of
the province. The name was changed to Montgomery in 1784. The county buildings were at Johns-
town, where was the residence of Sir William Johnson (still standing).
' Sir William Johnson was bom in Ireland, about the year 1714. He was a nephew of Sir Peter War-
ren, the commodore who was distinguished in the attack on Louisburgh,
Cape Breton, 1745. Sir Peter married a lady (Miss Watts) in New York,
purchased large tracH of land upon the Mohawk, and about 1734 young
Johnson was induced to come to America and take charge of his uncle's
afiairs in that quarter. He learned the Indian language, adopted their
manners, and, by fair trade and conciliatory conduct, won their friendship
and esteem. He built a large atone mansion on the Mohawk, about three
miles west of Amsterdam, where he resided twenty years previous to the
erection of Johnson Hall at Johnstown. It was fortified, and was called
Fort Johnson, It is still standing, a substantial specimen of the domestic
architecture of that period. In 1755 he commanded a force intended to
invest Crown Point. He was attacked by Dieskau at the head of Lake
George, where he came ofi* victorious. For this he was made major gen-
eral and a knight. He commanded the assault upon Niagara, alter the
death of Prideaux, and was successful there. He was never given credit
for gpreat military skill or personal bravery, and was more expert in intriguing with Indian warriors, and
sending them to the field, than in leading disciplined troops boldly into action. He died at Johnson Hall
(Johnstown) on the 11th of July, 1774, aged 60 years.
FOAT JOHiriON.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION 233
. "
VioIenoeofLoyalifU. AiMolt npoa Jacob Sammooa. Cangfanawaga Church. ICeeting at Gharry VaUay. John Johnaon.
the National Council, by drawing up and obtaining signatures to a declaration disapproving
of the acts of that body in the preceding autumn. This proceeding of the Tories aroused
the indignation of the Whigs, who composed a considerable majority of the whites in Tryon
county. Committees were appointed and public meetings were called in every district in
the county. The first was held at the house of John Veeder, in Caughnawaga,^ where pa-
triotic speeches were made, and a liberty pole, a most ofiensive object to the eyes of the Loy-
alists, was erected. Before this was accomplished. Sir John Johnson, accompanied by Col-
onel Claus, Guy Johnson, and Colonel John Butler, with a large number of their retainers,
armed with swords and pistols, arrived upon the ground and interrupted the proceedings.
Guy Johnson mounted a high stoop near the old church
and harangued the people. He expatiated upon the
strength of the king and government, and the folly of op-
posing the authority of the crown. He had not a concil-
iatory word for the people, but denounced their proceed-
ings in virulent and abusive language, so irritating, that
Jacob Sammons, a leader among the Whigs, could no
longer restrain himself, but boldly pronounced the speaker
a liar and a villain. Johnson leaped from his tribune and
seized Sammons by the throat ; one of his party felled the
patriot to the ground by a blow from a loaded whip-han-
dle, and then bestrode his body. When Sammons recov-
ered from the momentary stupor, he hurled the fellow from
him, and, springing upon his feet, stripped off his coat and
prepared to fight, when he was again knocked down. Most
,. ^ of his Whig friends had fled in alarm, and he was carried
to his father s house, ** bearmg upon his body the first scars
of the Revolutionary contest in the county of Tryon."*
A spirited Whig meeting was held soon afterward, in Cherry Valley, where the conduct
of the Tories at Johnstown was strongly condemned ; but in the Palatine district and other
places the threats and the known strength of the Johnsons and their friends intimidated the
Whigs for a while.
In the mean time. Colonel Johnson fortified the baronial hall by planting swivels around
it. He paraded the militia, armed the Scotch Highlanders (who lived in the vicinity of
Johnstown, and were Roman Catholics), and by similar acts, hostile to the popular move-
ment, the suspicions of the Whigs were confirmed that he was preparing for the suppression
ol all patriot demonstrations in the county, and was inciting the Indians to join the enemies
' Caaghnawaga is the ancient name of the Indian village that stood a little eastwai^ of the present vil
lage of Fonda. Its name signifies coffin^ and was given to the place in consequence of there being in the
Mohawk, opposite the village, a black stone (still to be seen) resembling a coffin, and projecting above the
sariace at low water. — Historical CoUectiont of New Yorj^ p. 281.
' This old church, now (1848) known as the Fonda Academy^ under the management of Rev. Douw
Van Olinda, is about half a mile east of the court-house, in the village of Fonda. It is a stone edifice, and
was erected in 1 763 by voluntary contributions. Sir William Johnson contributed liberally. Its first pas-
tor was Thomas Romayne, who was succeeded in 1795 by Abraham Van Horn, one of the earliest grad-
uates of King's (now Columbia) College, in the city of New York. He was from Kingston, Ulster county,
and remained its pastor until 1840. During his ministry he united in marriage 1500 couples. The church
was without a bell until the confiscated property of Sir John Johnson was sold in the Revolution, when the
dinner-bell of his father was purchased and hung in the steeple. The bell weighs a little more than one
hundred pounds, and bears the following inscription : ** S. R. William Johnson, baronet, 1774. Made by
Miller and Ross, in Eliz. Town." — Sitnnu^s Schaharie County^ &c.
Over the door of the church is a stone tablet, with this inscription in Dutch : " Komt laett ons op gaen
tot den Bergh des Heeren, to den huyse des godes Jacobs, op dat by ons leere van syne wegen, en dat wy
wandel in syne paden." English^ ^' Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord ; to the house
of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths."
' Stone's Life of Brant, i., 53.
Digitized by
Google
1775.
Q34 . PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Attempted Remoral of Mr. Kirkland. Hostile MoTementa of the Johnsooi. Indian Conncila. * fieT. Samuel Kirkland
of liberty as soon as actual hostilities should commence.^ Another circumstance confirmed
these suspicions. Brant was the secretary of Colonel Guy Johnson, the superintendent of
Indian afiairs ader the death of Sir William, and his activity in visiting the tribes and hold-
ing secret conferences with the sachems was unceasing. Suddenly his former friendly inter-
course with Mr. Kirkland, the faithful Christian missionary, was broken off in 1774, and,
at Brant's instigation, an Oneida chief preferred charges against the pious minister to Guy
Johnson, and asked for his removal. It was well known, that Mr. Kirkland was a Whig,'
and this movement of the wily sachem could not be misinterpreted. But the Oneida nation
rallied in support of the minister, and his removal was for a time delayed.
During the summer of 1775 the Johnsons were very active in winning the Six Nations
from their promises of neutrality in the coming contest.' A council of the Mohawks was
held at Guy Park in May, ^^-. .. at the council, but the result
which was attended by .^HIhIJHIH^ ^^^ unsatisfactory to both par-
delegates from the Albany and /M^fl^^^^^^^ ^^^' ^^® delegates, cognizant
the Tryon county Committees. J^lijPHHRRP'^"^ ^^ ^^^ disaffection and bad faith
Little Abra?iam, brother of the iS^P _ a ai' 'g-j " of the Indians, could not rely
famous Hendrick who was kill- Mpfi^^^^^ |r| >^ ^ upon their present promises ;
ed near Lake George, was the W,% 1 kL^:^ ?1 F f ^^^ ^^y Johnson, alarmed by
principal chief of the Mohawks, ^VHHMHMIP^ ^^^ events at Lexington and
and their best speaker on the oc- ^^^^^^^^T Concord, and by intimations
casion. Guy Johnson, the In- ^ » ^ which he had received that his
dian agent, was in attendance person was m danger of seizure
by order of the General Congress, broke up the council abruptly, and immediately directec
the assembling of another at the Upper Castle, on the German Flats, whither himself and
family, attended by a large retinue of Mohawks, at once repaired. But this council was
not held, and Johnson, with his family and the Indians, pushed on to Fort Stanwix. His
sojourn there was brief, and he moved on to Ontario, far beyond the verge of civilization.
Brant and the Butlers attended him, and there a large council was held, composed chiefly
of Cayugas and Senecas.
Thus far no positive acts of hostility had been committed by Guy Johnson and his friends,
yet his design to alienate the Indians and prepare them for war upon the patriots was un-
doubted. His hasty departure with his family to the wilderness, accompanied by a large
train of Mohawk warriors, and the holding a grand council in the midst of the fierce Cayu-
^ See letter of the Palatine Committee to the Committee of Safety at Albany, dated May 18th, 1775.
' Samuel Kirkland was son of the pious minister, Daniel Kirkland, of Norwich, Connecticut. He learned
the language of the Mohawks, was ordained a missionary to the Indians at Lebanon in 1766, and removed
his wife to the Oneida Castle in 1769. The next spring he removed to the house of his friend. General
Herkimer, near Little Falls, where his twin children were bom, one of whom was the late Dr. Kirkland,
president of Harvard College. The very air of Norwich seemed to give the vitality of freedom to its sons,
and Mr. Kirkland early imbibed those patriotic principles which distinguished him through life. His at-
tachment to the republican cause was well known, and, after the battles of Lexington and Concord, the
provincial Congress of Massachusetts, desirous ol securing either the friendship or neutrality of the Six Na-
tions, sent a letter to him inclosing an address to the Indians, and requesting him to use his influence in
obtaining the ends in view. Mr. Kirkland succeeded in securing the attachment of the Oneidas to the
patriot cause, and continued his religious labors among them during the war, when the other tribes, through
the influence of Brant and the Johnsons, had taken up arms for the king. He ofiiciated as chaplain to the
American forces in the vicinity of his labors, and accompanied Sullivan in his expedition in 1779. The
state of New York, in consideration of his patriotic services, gave him the lands of the " Kirkland patent,"
in the town of Kirkland. After 40 years' service for his God and country, he fell asleep at Paris, Oneida
county, on the 28th of March, 1808, in the 67th year of his age.
' General Schuyler had held a conference with the chiefs of the Six Nations during the previous win-
ter, and, setting before them the nature of the quarrel that had led to hostile movements, received from
them solemn promises that they would remain neutral.
^ This was the residence of Guy Johnson, and is still standing, on the north side of the Mohawk, about
a mile fnom the village of Amsterdam, in Montgomery county. It is substantially built of stone, and may
stand a century yet. Embowered in trees, it is a beautiful summer residence.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 235
Alarm of the People of the Bfohawk Valley. Sir John Johnaon and Higjxlandera. Orders to General Schnyksr.
gas and Senecas, greatly alanned the people of the lower yalley,^ inasmuch as his reply to a
letter from the Provincial Congress of New York, which he wrote from the council- ju]y g,
room in the wilderness, glowed with sentiments of loyalty. It was, moreover, posi- ^'^^^
tively asserted that he was collecting a large body of savages on that remote frontier, to fall
upon the inhabitants of the valley, and this belief was strengthened by the fact that Sir John
Johnson, who held a commission of brigadier general of militia, remained at Johnson Hall,
then fortified and surrounded by a large body of Loyalists. The alarmed patriots appealed
to the Committee of Safety at Albany for protection, and every jjreparation was made to
avert the threatened disaster. Guy Johnson, however, did not return to the valley, but
went to Oswego, where he called another council, and then, accompanied by a large num-
ber of chiefs and warriors of the Six Nations, among whom was Brant, departed for Canada.
He descended the St. Lawrence to Montreal, where he met Sir Guy Carleton and Sir Fred-
eric Haldimand, then governor of Canada, with whom the Indians entered into a formal
agreement to take up arms for the king.' These were the Indians, who appeared against
the Americans at St. John's, on the Sorel, and who, in connection with some Caughnawa-
gas, made the terrible massacre of Major Sherburne's corps at the Cedars in the following
spring, noticed in a previous chapter.
These movements of the Johnsons and their friends, the strengthening of Johnson Hall,
the military organization of the Scotch Highlanders in the vicinity, the increasing alienation
of the Indians, the boldness of the Tories, and the continual alarm of the people of Tryon
county, caused the General Congress, in December, 1775, to take active measures in that
direction. The Dutch and Germans in the Mohawk Valley, Schoharie, Cherry Valley, and,
indeed, in all parts of that extensive country, were ardent Whigs ; and the Highlanders, with
the retainers of the Johnsons and their friends, composed the bulk of the Tory population,
except a few desperate men who looked for plunder and reward. Had these alone been in-
imical to the patriots, there would have been little alarm ; but the country swarmed with
Indians, who were hourly becoming more and more hostile to the Whigs, through the influ-
ence of the Johnsons and their powerful ally, Joseph Brant. It was also reported that mil-
itary stores were collected at Johnson Hall, and that three hundred Indians were ready to
fall upon the whites when Sir John Johnson should give the signal. Congress, therefore,
ordered General Schuyler (who had returned to Albany from Lake Champlain, on account
of ill health) to take such measures as he should think proper to seize the military stores, to
apprehend the Tory leaders, and to disarm the loyal inhabitants. He had no troops at com-
mand, but, aided by the Albany Committee of Safety, he soon mustered seven hundred men
and marched to Schenectady. The Mohawks of the <* Lower Castle" (near Amsterdam),
with Little Abraham at their head, had not been seduced by Brant and Johnson, but kept
to their promise to remain neutral. To preserve their good-will, Schuyler sent to them a
messenger (Mr. Bleecker, the Indian interpreter, then residing at Albany) with a janunry is,
belt, informing them of the object of his expedition. They were not pleased with ^'^
the idea of invasion, and a deputation was sent to the general to persuade him to desist. He
conferred with them at Schenectady, satisfied them of his good intentions and the necessity
of the movement, and then marched on as far as Guy Park. He dispatched a
letter at the same time to Sir John Johnson, requesting a personal interview with """"^
him. They met at Guy Park in a friendly way, and General Schuyler proposed terms by
* On the 11th of July, Colonel Herkimer wrote from Canajoharie to the Palatine Committee, that he had
received credible intelligence that morning that Johnson was ready to march back upon the settlement with
a body of 800 or 900 Indians, and that his point of attack would be just below the Little FaUs. This in-
telligence proved to be untrue.
' British historians assert that General Carleton was averse to the employment of the savages against
the Americans. Mr. Stone, in his Life of Brant, quotes from a speech of that chief, wherein the reverse
is asserted. The British commanders never failed to employ Indians in warfare, when their services could
be obtained. Their feelings of humanity doubtless revolted when coalescing with the savages of the forest
to butcher their brethren, but with them principU too often yielded to expediency in that unrigbUMus war.
Digitized by
Google
236 PICTORIAL riELD-BOOK
DiMimlng of the Tbriai tt Johmoft Halt Perfidy of 8lr John Johnton. Hit Flight Royal Gneot.
which the matter might be settled without bloodshed. He demanded the immediate sur-
render of all arms, ammunition, and stores in the possession of Johnson, the deliyery to him
of all the arms and military accouterments held by the Tories and Indians, and Sir John's
parole of honor not to act inimically to the patriot cause. Sir John asked twenty-four hours
for consideration. His reply was unsatisfactory, and Schuyler marched on to
aniury Caughnawaga, within four miles of Johnstown. The militia had turned out with
alacrity, and his force of seven hundred men had increased to three thousand. Sir John,
alarmed, acceded to all l^e terms proposed by General Schuyler, and the next day that offi-
cer proceeded to Johnson Hall, where arms and other munitions of war were surrendered by
the baronet. About three hundred Scotchmen also delivered up their arms. Colonel (aft-
erward General) Herkimer was empowered to complete the disarming of the Tories, and
General Schuyler and his forces marched back to Albany.
It soon ailerward became evident that what Sir John had promised when constrained by
fear would not be performed when the cause of that fear was removed. He violated his
parole of honor, and the Highlanders began to be as bold as ever in their opposition to the
Whigs. Congress thought it dangerous to allow Johnson his liberty, and directed Schuyler
to seize his person, and to proceed vigorously against the Highlanders in his interest. Col-
onel Dayton was intrusted with the command of an expedition for the purpose, and in
May he proceeded to Johnstown. The baronet had friends among the Loyalists in
Albany, by whom he was timely informed of the intentions of Congress. His most valuable
articles were put in an iron chest and buried in his garden^ when he heard of Dayton's ap-
proach, and, hastily collecting a large number of his Scotch tenants and other Tories, he fled to
the woods by the way of the Sacandaga, where it is supposed they were met by Indians sent
from Canada to escort them thither.* Amid perils and hardships of every kind, they trav-
ersed the wilderness between the head waters of the Hudson and the St. Lawrence, and,
after nineteen days' wanderings, arrived at Montreal. Sir John was immediately commis-
sioned a colonel in the British service, raised two battalions of Loyalists caUed the Johnson
Oreens, and became one of the bitterest and most implacable enemies of the Americans that
appeared during the war. He afterward, as we shall observe, scourged the Mohawk Valley
with fire and sword, and spread death and desolation among the frontier settlements even so
far south as the Valley of Wyoming.
After the flight of Johnson and the Tories, Tryon county enjoyed a short season of repose,
and nothing of importance occurred during the remainder of 1776 and the winter of 1777.
Yet the people did not relax their vigilance. The Declaration of Independence was received
by them with great joy, but they clearly perceived that much was yet to be done to support
that declaration. Congress, too, saw the importance of defending the Northern and West-
em frontiers of New Tork from the incursions of the enemy and their savage allies. The
fortresses on Lake Champlain were already in their possession, and General Schuyler was
ordered to repair and strengthen old Fort Stanwix, then in ruins, and to erect other fortifi-
cations, if necessary, along the Mohawk River. Colonel Dayton was charged with the duty
^ Sir John had a faithful blaok slave, to whom he intrusted the duty of burying bis iron chest. Colonel
Volkert Veeder bought the slave when Johnson Hall was sold, but he would never tell where the treasure
was concealed. Sir John visited the Mohawk Valley in 1780, recovered his slave, and by his directions
found the iron chest. — Simnu.
* This is inferred from a sentence in one of Brant^s speeches, quoted by Mr. Stone, as follows : " We
then went in a body to a town then in possession of the enemy, and rescued Sir John Johnson, bringing him
fearlessly throagh the streets." Brant and Guy Johnson were both in England at that time.
Lady Johnson was conveyed to Albany, and there kept for some time, as a sort of hostage for the good
conduct of her husband. Among the articles left in Johnson Hall was the family Bible of Sir William.
When the confiscated property was sold, the Bible was bought by John Taylor, who was afterward Lieo-^
tenant-governor of New York. Perceiving that it contained the family record of the Johnsons, Mr. Taylor'
wrote to Sir John, offering its restoration. A rude messenger was sent for the Bible. *' I have come for
Sir William's Bible," he said, " and there are the four guineas which it cost." The man was asked what
message Sir John had sent. He replied, '* Pay four guineas and take the book." — Stoned Life of Brant,
u., 145
Digitized by
Google
op THE REVOLUTION 237
Repain of Fort Stmwiz. Brant at Oghkwaga. His hoetOe HoTements. Ezpeditioiu of Herkimer and of Colonel Harper.
of repairing Fort Stanwix, with the assistance of the Tryon county militia, but he seems to
have made little progress, for it was not complete when, in the summer of the next
year, it was invested by St. Leger. He named the new fortress Fort Schuyler, in
honor of the commanding general of the Northern Department, and by that appellation it
was known through the remainder of the war.^
In the course of the spring of 1777, Brant came from Canada, and appeared among the
Mohawks at Oghkwaga,' or Oquaca, with a large body of warriors. He had not yet com-
mitted any act of hostility within the borders of New York, nor was his presence at the Cedars
known in the Mohawk Valley. Yet none doubted his hostile intentions, and his presence
gave much uneasiness to the patriots, while the Tories became bolder and more insolent.
In June his intentions became more manifest, when he ascended the Susquehanna, firom
Oghkwaga to Unadilla, with about eighty of his warriors, and requested an interview with
the Kev. Mr. Johnstone, of the ** Johnstone Settlement.'' He declared that his object was
to procure food for his famished people, and gave the whites to understand that, if provisions
were not furnished, the Indians would take them by force. Mr. Johnstone sounded Brant
concerning his future intentions, and the chief, without reserve, told him that he had made
a covenant with the king, and was not inclined to break it. The people supplied him with
food, but the marauders, not satisfied, drove off a large number of cattle, sheep, and swine.
As soon as the Indians had departed, not feeling safe in their remote settlement, the whites
abandoned it, and took refuge in Cherry Valley. Some families in the neighborhood of Una-
dilla fled to the German Flats, and others to Esopus and Newburgh, on the Hudson Kiver.
As the Indian forces were constantly augmenting at Oghkwaga, it was determined by
General Schuyler and his officers, in council, that Herkimer (now a brigadier) should repair
thither and obtain an interview with Brant. Herkimer took with him three hundred Tryon
county militia, and invited Brant to meet him at Unadilla. This the chief agreed to. In
the mean while. Colonel Van Schaick marched with one hundred and fifty men as far as
Cherry Valley, and General Schuyler held himself in readiness to repair to Unadilla if his
presence should be needed. These precautions seemed necessary, for they knew not what
might be the disposition of Brant.
It was a week after Herkimer arrived at Unadilla before Brant made his appearance.
He came accompanied by five hundred warriors. He dispatched a runner to Herkimer to
inquire the object of his visit.' Herkimer replied that he came to see and converse with
' This chtnge in the name of the fort, from Stanwix to Schuyler, produced some confusion, for there was
ahready an old fort at Utica called Fort Schuyler, so named in*lionor of Colonel Peter Schuyler, a com-
. mander of provincial troope in the war with the French and Indians.
* Toward the close of the winter of 1777 a large gathering of Indians was held at Oghkwaga. The
Provincial Congress of New York dispatched thither Colonel John Harper, of Harpersfield, to ascertain
their intentions. He arrived on the 27th of February, and was well received by the Indians. They ex-
pressed their sorrow for the troubles that afflicted Tryon county, and gave every assurance of their pacific
dispositions. Colonel Harper believed them, and gave them a feast by roasting an ox. It was afterward
discovered that all their friendship was feigned ; their professions of peaceful intentions were gross hypoc-
risy. A few weeks subsequently, while taking a circuit alone through the woods near the head waters of
the Susquehanna, Harper met some Indians, whe exchanged salutations with him. He recognized one of
them ds Peter, an Indian whom he had seen at Oghkwaga, but they did not know him. His grreat-ooat
covered his uniform, and he feigning to be a Tory, they told him they were on their way to cut off the
Johnstone settlement on the east shore of the Susquehanna, near Unadilla. Colonel Harper hastened back
to Harpersfield, collected fifteen stout and brave men, and with them gave chase to the marauders. In the
ooorse of the following night they came upon the Indians in the vaUey of Charlotte River. It was almost
daylight when their waning fires were discovered. The savages were in a profound slumber. Their arms
were sUently removed, and then each man of Harper's party, selecting his victim, sprang upon him, and
before he was fairly awake the savage found himself fast bound with cords which the whites had brought
with them. It was a bolder achievement than if the red men had been killed, and nobler because bloodless.
When tile day dawned, and the Indians saw their captors, Peter exclaimed, ** Ugh I Colonel Harper !
Why didn't I know you yesterday ?'* They were taken to Albany and surrendered into the hands of the
Committee of Safety.
* The real object of the conference is not known. It is supposed that, as Herkimer and Brant had been
near neigbbora and intimate friends, the former hoped, in a personal interview, to persuade the chief to join
Digitized by
Google
238 PICTORIAL FIELD BOOK
Conference with Brant Hii Franknen. HerUmer'a prectatiouary Bfeaniret. Hangfaty Bearing of Brant
his brother, Captain Brant. ** And all these men wish to converse with the chief too ?"
asked the quick-witted messenger. He returned to Brant and communicated the reply.
The parties were encamped within two miles of each other, and the whole assemblage made
an imposing display. By mutual agreement, their arms were to be lefl in their respective
encampments. The preliminaries being arranged, Brant and about forty warriors appeared
upon the skirt of a distant wood, and the parties met in an open field. A circle was form-
ed, and the two commanders, with attendants, entered it for conference. After exchanging
a few words. Brant asked Herkimer the object of his visit. He made the same reply as to
the messenger. " And all these have come on a friendly visit too ?'' said the chief ** All
want to see the poor Indians. It is very kind," he added, while his lip curled with a sar-
castic smile. After a while the conversation became animated, and finally the chief, being
pressed by direct questions concerning his intentions, firmly replied, <* That the Indians were
in concert with the king, as their fathers had been ; that the king's belts were yet lodged
with them, and they could not violate their pledge ; that Greneral Herkimer and his follow-
ers had joined the Boston people against their sovereign ; that, although the Boston people
were resolute, the king would humble them ; that General Schuyler was very smart on ^e
Indians at the treaty of Grerman Flats, but, at the same time, was not able to afibrd the
smallest article of clothing ; . and, finally, that the Indians had formerly made war on the
white people when they were all united, and, as they were now divided, the Indians were
not frightened.'* He also told General Herkimer that a war-path had been opened across
the country to Esopus, for the Tories of UlBter and Orange to join them. The conference
ended then, with an agreement to meet the next morning at nine o'clock, the respective forces
to remain encamped as they were.^
During the conference, some remarks made by Colonel Cox greatly irritated the sachem,
and on his signal to his warriors, who were near, they ran to their encainpment, raised the
shrill war-hoop, and returned with their rifles. In. the mean while the chief became paci-
fied, and the warriors were kept at a proper distance. Herkimer, however, fearful that
Brant's pacific appearance might be feigned, prepared to act with decision on the following
morning. He charged an active young soldier, named Wagner, with the duty of shooting
Brant, if any hostile movement should appear on the part of the chief Wagner was to se-
lect two assistants, who were to shoot the two attendants of Brant at the same time. He
chose Abraham and George Herkimer, nephews of the general, and the three stood by the
side of Herkimer the next morning. There was no necessity for their services, and, haply,
no blood was shed on the occasion. Mr. Stone seems to have mistaken Herkimer's precau-
tion, in this instance, for premeditated perfidy, and says that, had the intent been perpetra-
ted, the stain upon the character of the provincials would have been such that " all the wa-
ters of the Mohawk could not have washed it away." Mr. Wagner was yet living at Fort
Plain when I visited that place in 1848, and I have his own authority for saying that the
arrangement was only a precautionary one, for which Herkimer deserved praise. Mr. Stone
gives his version upon " the written authority of Joseph Wagner himself" Simms has de-
clared, in his '* History of Schoharie County," aqd repeated in conversation with myself,
that Wagner told him he never furnished a MS. account of the afiair to any one. Here is
some mistake in the matter, but the honorable character of General Herkimer forbids the
idea of his having meditated the least perfidy.
Again they met, and the haughty chief — ^haughty because conscious of strength — as he
entered the circle, addressed General Herkimer, and said, « I have five hundred warriors
with me, armed and ready for battle. You are in my power, but, as we have been friends
and neighbors, I will not take advantage of you." He then gave the signal, and all his
warriors, painted in the hideous colors that distinguished them when going into battle, burst
the patriots, or, at least, to remain neutral. It is also supposed that he went to demand restitotion for the
cattle, sheep, and swine of which the sayages had plundered the Johnstone and Unodi'.la settlements.
* Campbell's Jnnali of Tryon County.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 239
BtMktng up of the ConncQ. Grand Coancil at Of wego. Sednctlon of the Indians. Their Coaloicence with the Whites.
from the surrounding forest, gave the war-hoop, and discharged their rifles in the air. Brant
coolly advised the general to go back to his house, thanked him for his courtesy on the occa-
sion, expressed a hope that he might one day return the compliment, and then turned proudly
upon his heel and disappeared in the shadowy forest. " It was early in July, and the morn-
ing was remarkably clear and beautiful. But the echo of the war-hoop had scarcely died
away before the heavens became black, and a violent storm obliged each party to seek the
nearest shelter. Men less superstitious than many of the unlettered yeomen, who, leaning
upon their Arms, were witnesses of the events of this day, could not fail, in aftertimes, to
look back upon the tempest, if not as an omen, at least as an emblem, 9f those bloody mas-
sacres with which these Indians and their associates subsequently visited the inhabitants of
this unfortunate frontier."*
A few days after this conference. Brant withdrew his warriors from the Susquehanna and
joined Sir John Johnson and Colonel John Butler, who were collecting a large body of To-
ries and refugees at Oswego, preparatory to a descent upon the Mohawk and Schoharie set-
tlements. There Guy Johnson and other officers of the British Indian Department sum-
moned a grand council of the Six Nations. They were invited to assemble "to eat the
iesh and drink the blood of a Bostonian" — ^in other words, to feast on the occasion of a pro-
posed treaty of alliance against the patriots, whom the savages denominated Bostonians, for
the reason that Boston was the focus of the rebellion. There was a pretty full attendance
at the council, but a large portion of the sachems adhered faithfully to their covenant of neu-
trality made with General Schuyler, until the appeals of the British commissioners to their
avarice overcame their sense of honor. The commissioners represented the people of the^
king to be numerous as the forest leavea, and rich in every possession, while those of the col-
onies were exhibited as few and poor ; that the armies of the king would soon subdue the
rebels, and make them still weaker and poorer ; that the rwm of the king was as abundant
as Lake Ontario ; and that if the Indians would become his allies during the war, they
should never want for goods or money. Tawdry articles, such as scarlet clothes, beads, and
trinkets, were then displayed and presented to the Indians, which pleased them ^eatly, and
they concluded an alliance by binding themselves to take up the hatchet against the patriots,
and to continue their warfare until the latter were subdued. To each Indian were then pre-
sented a brass kettle, a suit of clothes, a gun, a tomahawk and scalping-knife, a piece of gold,
A quantity of ammunition, and a promise of a bounty upon every scalp he should bring in.^
Thayendanegea (Brant) was thenceforth the acknowledged grand sachem of the Six Nations,
and soon afterward commenced his terrible career in the midst of our border settlements.'
We have thus glanced at the most important events that took place in the Mohawk Val-
ley and adjacent districts prior to the attack of St. Leger upon Fort Stanwix, or Schuyler
(as it will hereafler be called), which mark the progress of the Revolution there, before Brant
and his more savage white associates brightened the tomahawk and musket, and bared the
knife, in avowed alliance with the enemies of liberty. Volumes might be, and, indeed, have
been, written in giving details of the stirring events in Tryon county during our Revolution-
ary struggle.* To these the reader is referred for local particulars, while we consider trans-
actions there of more prominent and general interest.
' Campbeirs Jnnals of Tryon County,
' Seo Life of Mary Jemiton, This pamphlet was written in 1823, and pcbiished by James D. Bemir.
of Canandaigiia, New York. She was taken a captive near Fort Daquesne (now Pittsburgh) when a chilc^
and was reared among the Indians. She married a chief, and became an Indian in every particular, except
birth. At the coancil here spoken of she was present with her husband. Her death occurred at the agr
of 89. She says that the brass kettles mentioned in the text were in use among the Seneca Indians as laf
«• 1823, when her narrative was printed.
* Soon after Brant joined the Indians at Oghkwaga, he made a hostile movement against the settlemen:
of Cherry Valley. He hovered around that hamlet for some days, but did not attack it. Of this a detail
ed aocoont will be given hereafter.
* The most voluminous are Campbell's jinnaU of Trjon CowUy^ Stone*^ Life of Brant and f imn8*i
Schoharie County and Border Wars of New York, •
Digitized by
Google
240
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Indkn Battla-groimd.
Fort Sehnyler.
Colonel Petar GuMorooft
CHAPTER XI.
" A scream ! 'tis but the panther's — naught
Breaks the oalm sunshine there ;
A thicket stirs ! a deer has sought
From sight a closer lair ;
Again upon the grass they droop,
Then bursts the well-known whoop on whoop,
ShriU, deafening on the air,
And onward from their ambush deep,
Like wolves, the savage warriors leap.''
Stkbet.
^ E are now upon an Indian battle-ground, in the bosom of the deep foreat,
' where the cunning and ferocity of the savage had free exercise in the pan-
ther-like maneuvers of the ambuscade, and the unrestrained use of the
hatchet and knife. Hitherto we have seen the red wt^rriors subordinate,
and comparatively inefiective in the conflicts we have considered, except
in the battle at Lake George and in the massacre at the Cedars. We
have seen their method of warfare wholly subverted by European tactics,
and their fiery courage con-
trolled by a policy unknown
in their sanguinary battles,
unsuited to their martial training, and unsatis-
factory to their fierce natures when aroused by
the flow of blood. But in the siege of Fort
Schuyler, which we are about to chronicle, and
particularly in the battle of Oriskany, which
formed a part of the operations of that siege,
the Indians, commanded by Brant, the most
subtle and accomplished war chief of his time,
formed the strong right arm of St. Leger, and
were left firee to fight according to the customs
of their race.
In the spring of 1777, Colonel Peter Gan-
sevoort^ was appointed to the command of Fort
Schuyler, and held that post in the summer of
that year, when Burgpyne was making his vic-
torious march toward Albany by way of Lake
Champlain. The successful progress of the
British commander greatly alarmed the people
of the north, and those of Tryon county were
particularly disturbed by intelligence that a de-
^ Peter Gansevoort was bom in Albany, July 17th, 1749. He accompanied Montgomery into Canada in
1775, with the rank of major, and the next year he was appointed a colonel in the New York line, which
commission he held when he defended Fort Schuyler against St. Leger. For his gallant defense of that
post he received the thanks of Congress, and in 1781 was promoted to th6 rank of brigadier general by the
state of New York. After the war he was for many years a military agent. He held several offices of
trust, and was always esteemed for his bravery and judgment as a soldier, and for his fidelity, intelligence
and piobity as a citizen. He died July 2d, 1812, aged 62 years.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
241
A Spy's lotelUgeiiee.
Rumored PreparatioiM for an IdtmIoii.
Effect on the Whige.
Approach of 8t Leger.
Boeut upon them from Oswego might be expected. As early as June, a man from Canada,
arrested as a spy, had disclosed the fact that a detachment of British troops, Canadians and
Indians, was to penetrate the country by way of Oswego and the Mohawk, to join Burgoyne
when he should reach Albany. This intelligence was soon after confirmed by Thomas Spen-
cer, a friendly Oneida half-breed sachem, who was sent to Canada a secret emissary for in-
formation. He was present at a council where Colonel Claus,^ a brother-in-law of Sir John
Johnson, presided, and there he became acquainted with the general plans of Burgoyne.
The Oneida further informed the inhabitants that Sir John Johnson and Colonel Claus, with
their families, were then at Oswego in command of seven hundred Indians and four hund-
red regular troops ; that there were six hundred Tories at Oswegatchie (Ogdensburgh) ready
to join them ; and that Colonel John Butler was to arrive at Oswego on the 14th of July,
from Niagara, with Tories and Indians.
This information, instead of arousing the Whigs of the Mohawk Valley to prompt and effi-
cient action, seemed to paralyze them with alarm. The timid were backward in preparing
for the field, and the wavering, considering the patriot cause almost hopeless, became Loy-
alists, or, at best, passive Whigs. Fort Schuyler was still unfinished, and feebly garrison-
ed, and certain discomfiture seemed to await the patriots in that region. Colonel Ganse-
voort, however, was vigilant, active, and hopeful. He wrote spirited letters to General
Schuyler, imploring aid, and that officer as urgently laid the condition of Tryon county be-
fore the Provincial Congress of New York, and also the General Congress. But it was
then too late to expect succor firom a distance, and the peo-
ple of the Mohawk Valley were thrown upon their own fee-
ble resources for defense. St. Leger and his Rangers, with
the forces of Johnson, Claus, Butler, and Brant, mentioned
by the Oneida chief, were already in motion, and on the 1st
of August the enemy, one thousand seven hundred strong,
came up Oneida Lake, and near the ruins of old Fort New-
port prepared to invest Fort Schuyler. The Indians were
led by Brant, and the whole beleaguering force, at the be-
ginning of the march at Oswego Falls, was disposed in ad-
mirable order for the journey through the forest. The main
body was led by the Indians, under Brant, in five columns,
four hundred and sixty paces in front of the advanced guard.
The Indians marched in single file, at large distances apart.
Between the five columns and the rear-guard a file of In-
dians, ten paces apart, formed a line of communication. The
advanced guard was one hundred paces in front of the main
column, which was disposed in Indian file, the right and left
flanks covered by a file of savages. The rear-guard was
formed of regular troops. The advanced guard was com-
posed of sixty marksxnen, selected from the corps of John-
son's Koyal Groens, and led by Captain Watts, a brother- « Obokm of Mabcb.*
* Daniel Clans married the daughter of Sir WilHam JohnsoD, and was a man of considerable influence.
Brant entertained for him sentiments of the strongest personal hostility, although both were engaged in the
tame oause. His wife died in Canada in 180 L, and Brant, in the name of the Five Nations, maide a speech
of condolence on her death. William Claus, deputy superintendent of Indian affairs, was his ton.^^SMne'i
Livet of the Loyaluts.
* This diagram, representing the order of march of the besieging force, is a reduced copy of an engraT-
ing in SUm^i Life of Brant. The original drawing, beautifuUy colored, was found in the writing-desk of
St. Leger, which he left behind when he fled from his camp before Fort Schuyler. The following is an ex-
planation of the diagram : aaaaa^ five columns of Indians in front, flanking the British flag ; h, advanced
guard ; «, line of oommunioation between the advanced guard and Indian columns; ce^ dd^ the left and
right wings of the eighth and thirty-fourth regiments (the thirty-fourth on the left side) ; e, rear-guard ,
//, Indians on the r'ght and left flanks ; it, line of oommunioation.
Q
Digitized by
Google
242 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
laveatitare of Port Schaylar. A corioiu Fkg. Arriral of StLeger. Hii pompon* MaidfeftD
in-law of Sir John Johnson. Each corps was likewise famished with practiced marksmen
at short intervals, who were ordered to concentrate their strength upon any point that might
be attacked. St. Legvr, as appears from his private diary, was much annoyed on the way
hy the disposition of his Indian allies to proceed according to their own notions of expediency.
They were averse to approaching the fort in a hody, hat the commander finally persuaded
them to he governed hy his directions, which, at Oswego, they had promised to ohey, and
on the 2d of August Lieutenant Bird and Brant commenced the investment of the fort.
The garrison, under Colonel Gansevoort, counsted of seven hundred and fifly men. In
July, Colonel Marinus Willett, an active and judicious officer, had joined the garrison with
his regiment, and, on the very day when Bird commenced the investiture of the fort, Lieu-
tenant-colonel Mellon, of Colonel Wesson's^ regiment, arrived with two hundred men, and
two bateaux laden with provisions and military stores. With this timely addition, the gar-
rison, had sufficient provision for six weeks, and a plentiful supply of ammunition for small
arms. But for their cannon, their most important means of defense, they had only ahout
four hundred rounds, or nine cartridges for each piece a day for that length of time. The
garrison was also toithout a flag when the enemy appeared, but their pride and ingenuity
soon supplied one in conformity to the pattern adopted by the Continental Congress. Shirts
were cut up to form the white stripes, bits of scarlet cloth were joined for the red, and the
blue ground for the stars was composed of a cloth cloak belonging to Captain Abraham
Swartwout, of Dutchess county, who was then in the fort.* Before sunset the curious mo-
saic-work standard, as precious to the beleaguered garrison as the most beautifully-wrought
flag of silk and needle- work, was floating over one of the bastions. *
On the 3d, Colonel St. Leger arrived before the fort with his whole force. It was a mot-
ley collection of British regulars, a few Hessians and Canadians, well-armed Tories, and
troops of warriors from the various tribes of the Six Nations, except the Oneidas, who were
faithful to their agreement to remain neutral. St. Leger dispatched an officer, bearing a
flag, to the fort, immediately after his arrival, with a copy of a pompous manifesto which he
had sent among the people, conceived very much in the vein of the one issued by Burgoyne
from Crown Point, a few weeks before. He magnified the power, clemency, and justice of
the king, and charged the General Congress, and other assemblies, committees, &c., with
cruelty in the form of ** arbitrary imprisonment, confiscation of property, persecution and
torture, imprecedented in the inquisitions of the Romish Church." ^He also denounced the
patriot civil authorities every where as guilty of ** the profanation of religion," and of " shock-
ing proceedings" of almost every shade of darkness. He then exhorted the people who were
disposed to do right, to remember that he was *< at the head of troops in the full power of
health, discipline, and valor, determined to strike when necessary and anxious to spare when
possible," and tempted them with offers of employment if they would join his standard, se-
curity to the infirm and industrious, and payment in coin for all supplies for his army that
might be brought into his camp. *< If, notwithstanding these endeavors and sincere inten-
tions to efiect them," he said, in conclusion, << the phrensy of hostility should remain, I trust
^ The name of this officer is yarionsly spelled in the books — Weston, Wesson, and Wesson. At the close
of an autograph letter of his among Gates^s Papers (toI. z.), in the New York Historical Society, it is writ-
ten Wesson, and, presuming that he spelled his own name correctly, I give that orthography. It will be
remembered that Colonel Wesson and his regiment were active participators in the battles of Bemis's
Heights, a few weeks later than the time in question.
' It was in Captain Swartwout's company, while at Poughkeepsie, that Samuel Oeake, an emissary of
Sir Henry Clinton, enlisted, in the character of a recruit, insinuated himself into the good graces of the offi-
cers at Fort Schuyler, and acquired much valuable information respecting the means, designs, and expecta-
tions of the Americans. He was suspected, arrested, tried by court-maztial as a spy, and was condemned
to death. He was spared, however, as a witness against Major Hanunell, another recreant American, who
had accompanied him to Poughkeepsie, and who was under arrest at that time. Geake confessed that he
was employed for the purpose of which he was accused. He said that Major Hammell (who had been
taken prisoner by the British) had espoused the cause of the enemy, and was promised a colonelcy in the
British army, and that he (G^eake) was to receive the commission of lieutenant as soon as he should return
to New York from Fort Schuyler.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 244
Mege of Fort Schuyler. OpentioDf of the Indiam. Vloit to the Orlskany BatUe-ground. General Herkimer and the MlUtla.
I shall stand acquitted in the eyes of God and man in denouncing and executing the venge-
ance of the state against the willful outcasts. The messengers of justice and of wrath
await them in the field ; and devastation, faminOi and every concomitant horror that a re-
luctant, hut indispensahle, prosecution of military duty must occasion, will har the way to
their return.'* The patriot people who received the manifesto treated it with derision, and
the little garrison, which had already counted the cost of a siege, and determined upon a
defense of the fort, laughed at its threats, and regarded its ofier of brihes with scorn.
The siege commenced on the 4 th. A few bombs were thrown into the fort, and Angaft,
the Indians, concealed behind trees and bushes, wounded several men who were em- i^-
ployed in raising the parapets. Similar annoyances occurred on the dth, and toward even-
ing the Indians spread out through the woods, encircled the fort, and, by hideous yells through
the night, attempted to intimidate the garrison. St. Leger, confident of success, sent a dis-
patch to Burgoyne at this juncture, expressing his assurance that Fort Schuyler would be
m his possession directly, and the hope that they would speedily meet as victors at Albany.
Let us leave the besiegers and besieged a moment, and ride down to Oriskany, eight miles
eastward of Fort Schuyler, where a terrible episode in the siege occurred.
I left Rome (site of Fort Schuyler) at about two o'clock, in an open light wagon, for Oris-
kany.^ The day was very warm ; the road, although nearly level, was excessively stony,
and when I arrived at the village I was almost overcome by the heat and fatigue. Desir-
ous of reaching Utica that evening, I stayed at the village only long enough to procure a com-
petent guide to the battle-ground. Mr. George Graham, a resident of the village (who was
one of the committee of arrangements for the celebration held upon the battle-ground, on the
anniversary of th^ event, in 1 844), kindly accompanied me to the spot, and pointed
out the various localities which were identified on the occasion referred to by many "
old men who were present, some of whom were in the battle. The locality is about two
miles west of the canal landing in the village, and in the midst of a beautiful agricultural
country. Let lis consult the history while on our way thither, and then we shall better
understand our <* topographical survey."
As soon as St. Leger*s approach up Oneida Lake was known to General Herkimer, he
summoned the militia of Tryon county to the succor of the garrison at Fort Schuyler. The
timidity which seemed to have abated the fire of the Whigs, when the first intimations of
the invasion were given by the Canada spy and the Oneida sachem, now disappeared, when
the threatened danger was at their doors, and the call of Herkimer was responded to with
alacrity, not only by the militia, but most of the members of the Tryon county committee
entered the field as officers or volunteers. They rendezvoused at Fort Dayton, on the Ger-
man Flats, and, on the day when the Indians encircled the fort, Herkimer was
near Oriskany with more than eight hundred men, eager to face the enemy. He ^^^^'^'^
sent a messenger to Gansevoort, informing him of his approach, and requesting him to ap-
prise him of the arrival of his courier by discharging three guns in rapid succession, which
be knew would be heard at Oriskany. But the messenger did not arrive until near noon
the next day. Herkimer was brave, but cautious, and determined to halt there until he
should receive re-enforcements or hear the signal gims from the fort. His officers, influenced
by the impatience of their men to press on toward the fort, were opposed to delay. Herki-
mer, self-relying, was firm. Harsh words ensued, and two of his colonels, Ck)x and Paris,
more impertinent than generous, denounced the old man as a coward and a Tory. This
bitter taunt sank deep into his heart, but his duty governed his feelings, and he calmly re-
plied, « I am placed over you as a father and guardian, and shall not lead you into difficul-
ties from which I may not be able to extricate you." But they persisted in their demands
for an immediate advance, and continued their ungenerous taunts. Stung by imputations
' Oriskany is a little village aboot eight miles west of Utica, at the jonctioii of the Oriskany Creek with
the >Iohawk. The Erie Canal and the rail-rood both pass through it, and the establishment of wooksn
Caotories there promises growth and prosperity to the pleasant town.
Digitized by
Google
244
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Herkimer'a Adrancce to OrUkny Sortie from Fort Schuyler, under Colonel WiQett. Biographical Sketch of WiDett
of cowardice, Herkimer at length yielded, and gave the word to ** March on !'' at the same
time telling those who boasted loudest of their courage that they would be the first to run
on seeing the enemy.
St. Leger had intelligence of the advance of Herkimer, and detached a division of John-
son's Greens, under Major Watts, Colonel Butler with his Rangers, and Brant with a strong
body of Indians, tf intercept him, and prevent an attack upon his intrenchments. Before
the arrival of Herkimer's messenger, Gansevoort had observed the silence of the enemy's
camp, and also the movement of a portion of his troops along the margin of a wood down
the river. The arrival of the courier dispelled all doubts as to the destination of the detach-
ment, and the signal guns were inunediately fired. Herkimer had informed Gansevoort, by the
messenger, that he in-
tended, on hearing the
signals, to cut his way
to the fort through
the circumvallating
camp of the enemy,
and requested him to ,
make a sortie at the
same time. This was
done as soon as the
arrangement could be
made, and a detach-
ment of two hundred
men, consisting of por-
tions of Gansevoort's
and Wesson's regi-
ments, was detailed
for the purpose, who
took with them an
iron three pounder.
Fifty men were also
added, to protect the
cannon, and to act
otherwise as circum-
stances might require.
The enterprise was in-
trusted to Colonel Ma-
rinus WiUett,* who,
by quick and judicious
movements and dar-
ing courage, with his
small force, accom-
plished wonders in a
few hours. Rain was
falling copiously while
preparations for the
sortie were in prog-
ress, but the moment
it ceased Willett sal-
lied out and fell furi-
ously upon that por-
tion of the camp oc-
cupied by Sir John Johnson and his Royal Greens, a detachment of whom, as we have seen,
^ Marinas Willett was bom at Jamaica, Long Island, Jaly Slst (O.S.), 1740. He was the yoangest
of six sons of Edward Willett, a Queen's county farmer. He was early imbued with a military spirit, and
joined the army, under Abercrombie, as a lieutenant in Colonel Delancy's regiment, in 1758. He was in
the disastrous battle at Ticonderoga, and accompanied Bradstreet in his expedition against Fort Frontenao.
Exposure in the wilderness injured his health, and he was confined by sickness in the newly-erected Fort
Stanwix until the end of the campaign. Willett early espoused the republican cause when British aggres-
sion aroused resistance here. When the British troops in the New York garrison were ordered to Boston,
after the skirmish at Lexington, they attempted, in addition to their own, to carry off a large quantity of
spare arms. Willett resolved to prevent it, and, though opposed by the mayor and other Whigs, he cap-
tured the baggage-wagons containing them, and took them back to the city. These arms were aRerward
used by the first regiment raised by the state of New York. He was appointed second captain of a com-
pany in Colonel M^Dougal's regiment, and accompanied Montgomery in his northern expedition. He was
placed in command of St. John's, and held that post until January, 1776. He was that year appointed lieu-
tenant colonel, and, at the opening of the campaign of 1777, placed in command of Fort Constitution, on
the Hudson. In May he was ordered to Fort Stanwix, or Schuyler, where he performed signal services,
as noticed in the text. He was left in command of the fort, and remained there until the summer of 1778
when he joined the army under Washington, and was at the battle of Monmouth. He accompanied Sulli-
van in his campaign against the Indians in 1779, and was actively engaged lu die Mohawk Valley in 1780,
1781, and 1782. In 1792 he was sent by Washington to treat with the Creek Indians at the south ; and
the same year he was appointed a brigadier general in the army intended to act against the Northwestern
Indians. He declined the appointment, fot he was opposed to the expedition. He was for some time sheriff
of New York, and was elected mayor of the city in 1807. He was chosen elector of President and Vice-
president in 1824, and was made president of the Electoral CoUege. He died in New York, August 23d,
1830, in the 9l8t year of his'^ge.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 245
Disperaion of Johnson's Camp. Capture of Storea and otber Valnablea. View and Deacripdoo of tlia Oriakany BatlJe-groand
had been sent to oppose the approach of Herkimer. The advanced guard, unable to with-
stand the impetuosity of the attack, were driven in ; and so suddenly was Sir John's camp
assailed, that he was not allowed time to put on his coat. He endeavored to bring his troops
into order, but they fled in dismay. The Indian encampment was then assaulted, and in a
few moments the savages, too, were scattered. Sir John and his troops fled across the river,
to the temporary camp of St. Leger, and the Indians buried themselves in the deep forest
near. No less than twenty-one wagon-loa^s of spoil, consisting of clothing, blankets, stores,
camp equipage, five British standards, the baggage of Sir John, with all his papers, and
those of other officers, containing every kind of information necessary to the garrison, were
captured. Having secured their prize; Willett and his party returned to the fort without
the loss of a man. The five British colors were raised in full view of the enemy, upon th^
flag-staff, beneath the uncouth American standard, and the whole garrison, mounting the
parapets, made the forest ring with three loud cheers. This chivalrous e;cploit was duly no-
ticed by Congress, and an elegant sword was presented to Colonel Willett in the name of
the United States.
General Herkimer, in the mean while, had moved from the mills, at the mouth of Oris-
kany Creek, toward the fort, entirely unconscious of the ambuscade that, in a deep ravine
two miles distant, awaited his approach. The morning was dark, sultry, and lowering.
His troops, composed chiefly of the militia regiments of Colonels Cos, Paris, Visscher, and
Klock, were quite undisciplined, and their order of march was irregular and without precau-
tion. The contentions of the morning had delayed their advance until about nine o'clock,
and the hard feelings that existed between the commander and some of his oflicers caused a
degree of insubordination which proved fatal in its consequences. Brant and his Tory asso-
TBI Battlx-oeound of OuaiCAinr.i
^ This sketch was made from the eastern side of the ravioe, looking west. The marsh in the bottom
of the ravine, mentioned in the text, is partially drained by a rivulet. When I visited the spot (August,
1848), many logs of the old causeway were still visible, and afibrded a crossing-place for cattle. These
logs are seen in the picture. The road on the left is the present highway between Oriskany and Rome.
The bam stands upon the western side of the ravine, and along the high ground upon which it is situated,
and crossing the road southeasterly, the ambush was placed. The hottest of the battle occurred upon the
high plain between the ravine in the foreground and another beyond the most distant trees in the picture
The hills seen in the extreme distance, on the right, are those upon the north side of the Mohawk. The
frame-work in the ravine is the remains of the scafibldmg erected for the speakers at the celebration alluded
to, ia 1844. The chief speakers on the occasion were John A. Dix and Senator Dickinson, and the audi-
Digitized by
Google
246 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Indian Ambiuh. Snrpriie of HerUmer and Us Troopt. The General wounded. HUCoolneaa. Desperate Battl*.
ciates had learned from their soouts the exact route the patriots had taken, and arranged an
ambuscade accordingly. A deep ravine crossed the path of Herkimer in a north and south
direction, extending from the high groimds on the south to the river, and curved toward the
east in a semicircular form. The bottom of this ravine was marshy, and the road crossed it
by means of a causeway of earth and logs. On each side of the ravine the ground was nearly
level, and heavily timbered. A thick growth of underwood, particularly along the margin
of the ravine, favored conceahnent. It was upon the high ground on the western side of
this ravine that the ambush of the Tories and Indians was laid, in such a manner that the
causeway was surrounded by them, as by a circle, leaving only a small segment open where
the road entered. Unsuspicious of the proximity of the enemy, the whole body of provin-
cials, except the rear-guard, composed of Visscher*s regiment, descended into the ravine, fol-
lowed by the baggage-wagons. Brant gave a signal, and in an instant the circle closed, the
war-hoop was sounded, and spear, and hatchet, and deadly rifle-ball fell upon the patriots
like hail from the clouds that hovered over them. The rear-guard, in fulfillment of Herki-
mer's prediction, instantly fled, and left their companions in the ravine to their fate. They
were pursued by the Indians, and probably sufl^red more, in their cowardly flight, than if
they had boldly aided their environed companions in arms.
This sudden onslaught produced great confusion in the patriot ranks, but they soon re-
covered, and fought with the courage and skill of veteran troops. The slaughter, however,
was dreadful. Herkimer was severely wounded at the commencement of the action, and
Colonel Cox and Captain Van Slyk were killed at the first fire. A musket-ball passed
through and killed the horse of the general, and shattered his own leg just below the knee.
With perfect composure and cool courage, he ordered the saddle to be taken from his slaugh-
tered horse and placed against a large beech-tree near. Seated there, with his men falling
like autumn foliage, and the bullets of the enemy, like driving sleet, whistling around him,
the intrepid general calmly gave his orders, and thus nobly rebuked the slanderers who called
him a coward.*
For nearly an hour the fierce action continued, and by slow degrees the enemy was clos-
ing in upon the republicans. The latter then made an admirable change in their method
of repulsion. They formed themselves into circles, and thus met the enemy at all points.
Their fire became so destructive in this way, that the Johnson Greens and a portion of But-
ler's Tories attempted a bayonet charge. This was promptly met by the patriots, and the
battle assumed the terrible form of a death-struggle in close personal contact. They
" Fought eye to eye, and hand to hand,
Alas ! Hwas but to die ;
In vain the rifle^s deadly flash
SoorchM eagle plume and wampom sash ;
The hatchet hissM on high,
And down they fell in crimson heaps,
Like the ripe corn the sickle reaps.'*
At this moment a heavy thunder-peal broke over the forest, and the rain came down in such
ence was estiihated at 1 5,000 people. The scaflbld was erected upon the spot, as nearly as it coold be
defined, where General Heikimer fell. In the middle of the field beyond the scaflbld, in the
lightest part near the tree, toward the bam, is seen a dark spot. It marks the site, now indi
cated by a cavity, where the beaoh-tree stood under which Herkimer sat and delivered his or
ders. Avarice cut the tree down about eight years ago, and then uprooted the stump to make
room for a more precious bill of potatoes. This view is about two miles west of Oriskany, on
the north side of the main road. Arrow-heads, bullets, bayonets, tomahawks, pipes, &c., are
still found there by the cultivator. The bowl of an earthen pipe was shown to me by a resi-
dent upc»n the ground (whose house is seen in the distance, beyond the bam), which he had
plowed up the day before. He had several other relics of the battle, but would not part with
any. The above is a drawing of the pipe-bowl.
^ It is related that, during the hottest of the action, the general, seated upon his saddle, quietly took hi?
ttnder-bf IX from his pocket, lighted his pipe, and smoked as com)K>sedly as if seated at his own fire-side.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 247
IntenniasioD in the Battle. Its Beramptkm. UiuucceMful Stratagem of Cotoael Butler. The Enemy rented. Mutual LoMea.
torrents that the combatants ceased their strife, and sought shelter beneath the trees. It
was durmg this heavy shower that Willett made his preparations at the fort for the success-
ful sortie just noticed ; and, as soon as the rain subsided, he fell upon Johnson's camp, and
the battle was renewed at Orisk&ny.
During the lull in the conflict, both parties viewed the ground, and made new arrange-
ments for attack and defense. It had been observed by the patriots that the Indians, as
soon as they saw a gun fired by a provincial behind a tree, would rush forward and toma-
hawk him before he could reload. To meet such an exigency in the renewed conflict, two
men stood together behind a tree, and, while one fired, the other awaited the approach of
the savage with his tomahawk, and felled him with his bullet. The provincials had also
made choice of more advantageous ground, and, soon after the renewal of the fight, so de-
structive was their fire that the Indians began to give way. Major Watts came up with a
detachment of Johnson's Greens to support them, but the presence of these men, mostly ref-
ugees from the Mohawk, made the patriots more furious, and mutual resentments, as the
parties faced and recognized each other, seemed to give new strength to their arms. They
leaped upon each other with the fierceness of tigers, and fought hand to hand and foot to
foot with bayonets and knives. It was a terrible struggle, and exhibited the peculiar cruelty
and brutality which distinguishes civil war.
A firing was now heard in the direction of the fort. It was the attack of Willett upon
the enemy's camp. Colonel Butler instantly conceived a stratagem, and was nearly suc-
cessful in its execution. He so changed the dress of a detachment of Johnson's Greens, that
they appeared like American troops. These were made to approach from the direction of
the fort, and were at first (as intended by Butler) mistaken by the patriots for a re-enforce-*
ment from the garrison. But the quick eye of Captain Gardinier, an officer who performed
deeds of great valor on that memorable day, discovered their real character, and, ordering
his men to fall upon these pretended friends, they were soon scattered, in confusion. The
Indians, finding their ranks greatly thinned, and the provincials still undismayed, raised the
loud retreating cry, Oanah ! Oonah ! and fled in all directions. The panic was commu-
nicated to the Tories and Canadians, and the whole force of the enemy retreated in confu-
sion, pursued by the provincials with shouts of victory. Thus, afler a conflict of six hours,
ended the battle of Oriskany, the bloodiest encounter, in proportion to the numbers engaged,
that occurred during the war. Neither party could claim a decided victory. Both had
sufiered dreadfully. The patriots remained masters of the field, but they did not accomplish
the design of the expedition, the relief of the garrison at Fort Schuyler. Their wounded,
nearly fifly in number, were carried from the field on litters, and among them was General
Herkimer, who was taken to his residence below the Little Falls, on the Mohawk, where
he died ten days afterward. The manner and circumstances of his death will be noticed
in the relation of my visit to his mansion, which is still standing.
The loss in this battle seems not to have been officially given on either side. St. Leger, in
a letter to Burgoyne, dated August 11 th, five days after the battle, says, «* Above four
hundred [patriots] lay dead on the field, among the number of whom were almost all of
the principal movers of the rebellion in that county." The enemy also claimed to have taken
two hundred prisoners. Dr. Thatcher, in his Military Journal (page 89), records the loss
of the Americans at " one hundred and sixty killed, and a great number wounded." This
is the number stated by Gordon and other cotemporary writers. The Indians lost about
seventy, among whom were several chiefs.^ Major Watts was badly wounded, and left for
dead upon the field. He revived from the faintness produced by loss of blood, crawled to a
brook and quenched his thirst, and there remained until he was found, nearly three days
afterward, by an Indian scout, and taken into St. Leger's camp. There were many deeds
^ Gordon and others relate that, in the course of thb battle, a portion of the Indians became impressed
with the belief that there was a coalition between Johnson's and Herkimer's men to destroy them, and that,
toward the close of the conflict, the .savages killed many of the Tories. *^ It is thought," says Gordon (il.,
237), " that near as many of Sir John's Tory party were killed by the Indians as by the militia."
Digitized by
Google
248 PICTORIAL PIELD-BOOK
True Aim of History. Captora of Billenger and Frej. St Leger't Measengen. Their llireata, Pennaaioiia, and Falaebooda
of personal courage exhibited in that battle, which, according to the military ethics of a lesr
benevolent age, would entitle the actors to the crown of laurel, the applause of multitudes,
and the panegyric of the historian. But the picture is so revolting to the eye of Christian
benevolence, and so repugnant to the nobler feelings of brotherhood, which are now happily
impressing their benignant features upon society, that it is far better to draw the curtain of
silence before it, and plead for the warriors, in extenuation, the dreadful necessity that im-
pelled them to deeds so shocking to humanity. It is high time that the practice of pamper-
ing a depraved public taste by giving the horrid details of slaughter in battle, and of invest-
ing with glory, as models for imitation, those who fight most furiously and slay most pro-
fusely, should fall into desuetude. These details are not essential elements of history. They
contain no useful lesson, no seed of philosophy worthy of germination, no real benefit for the
understanding or the heart. ^ Thus far I have avoided such recitals, and I shall do so through
the whole work before me. Neither pen nor pencil shall intentionally contribute one thought
for a panegyric on war or its abettors. The student of our Revolution, while he may justly
rejoice at the vast and invaluable blessings which followed that event, should be taught to
lament rather than admire the dreadful instrumentalities that were necessarily employed.
He may thus be taught without lessening the veneration which he ought to feel for those who
periled life and fortune in defense of the liberty we now enjoy. Let us turn from these better
contemplations to the more impleasant task of tracing out the succeeding events of the siege
of Fort Schuyler.
So completely was the garrison still environed by the besieging force, afler the battle at
Oriskany, that no correct intelligence of that event could reach them. St. Leger took ad-
vantage of this circumstance, and, by false representations of victory for himself, the total
discomfiture of the provincials, and the victorious advance of Burgoyne, endeavored to bring
the garrison to surrender. Colonel Billenger and Major Frey were made prisoners, and on
the evening of the battle they were forced to write a letter to Colonel Gansevoort, which
contained many misrepresentations, and a recommendation to cease resistance. St. Leer's
adjutant general. Colonel John Butler, delivered the letter to Gansevoort, and at the same
time communicated a verbal demand of surrender from his commander. Gansevoort refused
an answer to a verbal summons, unless made by St. Leger himself. On the next morning.
Colonel Butler and two other officers approached the fort with a white flag, and asked per-
mission to enter as bearers of a message to the commander. The request was granted ;
they were conducted, blind-folded, within the fortress, and received by Gansevoort in his
dining-room, which was lighted with candles, the windows being closed. Colonels Willett
and Mellen were present, and the messengers of St. Leger were politely received. Major
Ancram, one of them, more fluent in speech than the others, made known the wishes of St.
Leger. He spoke of the humanity of his feelings, and his desire to prevent further blood-
shed. He assured Gansevoort that it was with much difficulty the Indians were restrained
from massacre, and that the only salvation of the garrison was an immediate surrender of
the fort and all the public stores. The officers and soldiers would be allowed to retain their
baggage i^nd other private property, and their personal safety should be guarantied. He ex
pressed a hope that these honorable terms would be immediately complied with, for, if they
were not, it would be out of St. Leger's power to renew the proposition. The Indians, he
remarked, weije ready and eager to march down the country and destroy the inhabitants ;
and they were reminded that the total destruction of Herkimer's relief corps, and the fact
that Burgoyne had possession of Albany ^ extinguished all hope of succor for the garrison.
> An example in an acooont of the batUe in question, given in Stone's Life of Brant, may be cited as an
illustration. A Captain Dillenback was assailed by three of Johnson's Greens. ** This officer," says the
biographer, " had declared he would not be taken alive, and he was not. One of his three assailants seized
his gun, but he suddenly wrenched it from him and felled him with the butt. He shot the second dead, and
thrust the third through with his bayonet. But in the moment of his triumph at an exploit of which even th«
mighty Hector, or either of the toni of Zerviah, might have been proud, a ball laid this brave man low in the
dust." It is the last clause which is chiefly objectionable, for Uierein the historian, not content with record-
ing the bloody act (justified by the law of self-preservation), lauds it as a deed worthy of the highest praise
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
24S
Itoply of CotoiMl WUlett to St Leger't MetMogen.
St Leger't written Demand of Surrender.
OanMToorf • Repl J
This speech, made up of falsehood, persuasion, and threats, excited the indignation of the
patriot officers, and Colonel Willett, with the approbation of Colonel Gansevoort, promptly
and properly replied. I give his words, as contained in his narrative. They were deliyered
with emphasis, while he looked the officer, he says, full in the face : « Do I understand yon,
sir ? T think you say that you came from a British colonel, who is commander of the army
that invests this fort ; and, by your uniform, you appear to be an officer in the British serv-
ice. You have made a long speech on the occasion of your visit, which, stripped of. all its
superfluities, amounts to this— that you come from a British colonel to the commandant of
this garrison, to tell him that, if he does. not deliver up the garrison into the hands of your
colonel, he will send his Indians to murder our women and children. You will please to re-
flect, sir, that their blood will be upon your heads, not upon ours. We are doing our duty ;
this garrison is committed to our charge, and we will take care of it. After you get out of
it, you may turn round and look at its outside, but never expect to come in again, unless you
come a prisoner. I consider the message you have brought a degrading one for a British
officer to send, and by no means reputable for a British officer to carry. For my own part,
I declare, before I would consents to deliver this garrison to such a murdering set as your
army, by your own account, consists of, I would sufler my body to be filled with splinters
and set on fire, as you know has at times been practiced by such hordes 6f women and chil-
dren killers as belong to your army."
These words expressed the sentiments of the garrison, and the officers very justly con-
cluded that Burgoyne could no^ be at Albany, and the Tryon county militia all slain or dis-
persed, else such a solicitude on the part of the enemy for an immediate surrender, on such
favorable conditions, would not be exhibited. . The manner of the messengers and the tenor
of their discourse made the besieged feel stronger, and more resolved to defend their post.
On the 9th, St. Leger sent a written demand for a surrender, which contained the August,
substance of Ma- i""^*
FOBT 8cBUn.XB AND VlCIMITT.*
jor Ancram's speech
Gansevoort immediate-
ly replied, in writing,
" Sir, your letter of this
date I have received, in
answer to which I say,
that it is my determined
resolution, with the force
under my command, to
defend this fort to the last
extremity, in behalf of the
United States, who have
placed me here to defend
it against all their ene-
mies." This prompt and bold stand was
unexpected to the British commander. His
*' cannon had not the least efiect upon the
eod-work of the fort," and his " royals had
only the power of teazing."* He there-
fore commenced approaching the fort by
^ Letter of St. Leger to Bargoyne, dated Oswego, Augast 27th, 1777.
• Dkscriftion of thk Enoravino. — A, Fort Sohuyl&r ; 6, southwest bastion, three guns ; c, nerthwest
bastion, four guns ; d, northeast bastion, three guns ; e, southeast bastion, four guns ; g, laboratory ; A A A,
barracks ; I, horn-works begun ; K, covered way ; L L, glacis ; M, sally-port ; N, officers' quarters ; O O,
Willett's attack. The figures refer to the redoubts, batteries, &c., of the enemy. 1, a battery of three
guns ; 6, bomb battery, four mortars ; 3, bomb battery of three guns ; 4 4 4, redoubts to cover the batter-
ies ; 5, line of approaches , 6 6, British encampment ; 7, Loyalists *, 8, Indians ; 9, ruins of Fort Newport.
Digitized by
Google
250 PFCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A T017 Addreas. ContiiiiutioB of the Siege. Adventure of WUlett and SfeockweH GenieToortft Reaolutioii.
" sapping to such a distaace that the rampart might he hrought within their portices, at the
same time all materials were preparing to run a mine under the most formidable bastion."'
In the mean while an addfess to the people of Tryon county, signed by Johnson, Claus,
and Butler, was issued, strongly protesting their desire for peace, promising pardon and pro-
tection to all that should submit, and threatening all the horrors of Indian cruelty if they
resisted. They called upon the principal men of the valley to come up and oblige the gar-
rison at Fort Schuyler to do at once what they would be forced to do finally— surrender.
This document was sent by messengers through Tryon county, but it efiected little else than
' get the messengers themselves into trouble.* The siege, in the mean while, was steadily,
but feebly, continued. The garrison, fearing that re-enforcements for the enemy might ar-
rive, or that the siege might continue until their own provisions and ammunition should fail,
resolved to communicate with Greneral Schuyler, then at Stillwater, and implore succor.
Colonel Willett volunteered to be the messenger, and on a very stormy night, when shower
August 10^ after shower came down furiously, he and Lieutenant Stockwell lefl the fort by
1777. ^e sally-port at ten o'clock, each armed with a spear, and crept upon their hands
and knees along a morass to the river. They crossed it upon a log, and were soon beyond the
line of drowsy sentinels. It was very dark, their path-way was in a thick and tangled wood,
and they soon lost their way. The barking of a dog apprised them of their proximity to an
Indian camp, and for hours they stood still, fearing to advance or retreat. The clouds broke
away toward dawn, and the morning star in the east, like the light of hope, revealed to them
wheir desired course. They then pushed on in a zigzag way, and, like the Indians, sometimes
traversed the bed of a stream, to foil pursuers that might be upon their trail. They reached
the German Flats in safety, and, mounting fleet horses, hurried down the valley to the head-
quarters of Greneral Schuyler, who had already heard of the defeat of Herkimer,
and was devising means for the succor of the garrison at Fort Schuyler.
St. Leger continued the siege. He advanced, by parallels, within one hundred and fifly
yards of the fort, and the garrison, ignorant of the fate of Willett and Stockwell, or the re-
lief that was preparing for them below, began to feel uneasy. Their ammunition and pro-
visions being much reduced in quantity, some hinted an opinion to their commander that a
surrender would be humane policy. Gansevoort's stout and hopeful heart would not yield
admission to such an idea, and he informed the garrison that he had resolved, in case suc-
cor should not appear before their supplies were exhausted, to sally out at night and cut his
way through the enemy's camp. Suddenly, and mysteriously to the garrison, the besiegers
broke up their camp, and fled so precipitately from before the fort that they left
their tents, artillery, and camp equipage behind them.
The mystery was soon solved. We have already noticed the appeal of General Schuyler
to his troops at the mouth of the Mohawk, and the readiness with which Arnold and sev-
eral hundred men volunteered to march to the relief of Gansevoort. These troops consisted
chiefly of the Massachusetts brigade of General Learned. They marched immediately, un-
der the general command of Arnold, and were joined by the first New York regiment, under
Colonel Livingston. On the 20th, Arnold and a portion of the troops arrived at Fort Day-
ton, where he intended to wait for the remainder, under Learned, to arrive ; but, hearing
of the near approaches of St. Leger to Fort Schuyler, he resolved to push forward, and haz-
ard a battle before it should be too late. He knew that his small force was too inconsider-
able to warrant a regular engagement, and he conceived several stratagems to supply his
deficiency of strength. One, which proved successful, was adopted. Among the Tory pris-
oners who were taken with Walter Butler was a coarse, unlettered, half idiot named Hon-
* Letter of St. Leger to Borgojme, dated Oswego, August 27th, 1777.
' Walter N. Butler, a son of Colonel John Butler, and afterward one of the most bmta] of the Tory lead-
ers, with fourteen white soldiers and the same number of Indians, appeared at the German Flats, at the
house of a Tory named Shoemaker. Colonel Wesson was then in command of a small fortification there,
called Fort Dajrton, and he sent a party to arrest Butler and his associates. They sncceeded, and. Butler
was tried and condemned as a spy, but was afterward sent a prisoner to Albany, under a reprieve.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 251
IIoD-To«t Schuyler. His mecewfU Miadon to St Leger't Camp. Arnold^ Proctematton Alarm of tbelBdians
Yofit Schuyler, a nephew of General Herkimer, who, with his mother and hrother, lived neai
Little Falls. He was tried and condemned to death. His mother hastened to Fort Day-
ton and pleaded for his life. For a time Arnold was inexorable, but finally consented to
spare him, on condition that he should go to Fort Schuyler and endeavor so to alarm St
Leger, by representations of the great number of Americans that were approaching, as to in-
duce him to raise the siege. Hon- Yost readily agreed to perform the duty, for, in reality,
his political creed was so chameleon-like, that it would assume any required hue, according
to circumstances. His mother offered herself as a hostage for his faithfulness, but Arnold
chose his brother Nicholas as security. The latter was placed in confinement, and Hon-
Yost, with a friendly Oneida, who promised to aid him, departed for Fort Schuyler.
Arnold, having issued a proclamation* from Fort Dayton to counteract the address of John-
son, Glaus, and Butler, marched ten miles onward toward Fort Stanwix. There Auffutt23,
he received a communication from Colonel Gansevoort, announcing that the siege "^'
had suddenly been raised, and that the enemy had fled, in great haste, toward Wood Creek ;
why, he could not imagine. Arnold perceived that Hon-Yost had been faithful. He and
the Indian had managed the afiair adroitly, and the charge of idiotcy against Hon-Yost was
wiped out forever. Before leaving Fort Dayton, he had several bullets shot through his
coat, and, with these evidences of a <* terrible engagement with the enemy,'* he appeared
among the Indians of St. Leger's camp, many of whom knew him personally. He ran into
their midst almost out of breath, and apparently much frightened. He told them that the
Americans were approaching in great numbers, and that he had barely escaped with his life.
His buUet^riddled coat confirmed the story. When they inquired the number of the Amer-
icans, he pointed to the leaves on the trees, and shook his head mysteriously. The Indians
were greatly agitated. They had been decoyed into their present situation, and had been
moody and uneasy since the battle of Oriskany. At the moment of Hon- Yost's arrival they
were engaged in a religious observance — a consultation, through their prophet, of Manitou,
or the Great Spirit, to supplicate his guidance and protection. The council of chiefs at tho
pouMvow at once resolved upon flight, and told St. Leger so. He sent for and questioned
Hon-Yost, who told him that Arnold, with two thousand men, would be upon him in twenty-
four hours. At that moment, according to arrangement, the friendly Oneida, who had taken
a circuitous route, approached the camp from another direction, with a belt. On his way
he met two or three straggling Indians of his tribe, who joined him, and they all confirmed
the story of Hon-Yost. They pretended that a bird had brought them the news that the
valley below was swarming with warriors. One said that the army of Burgbyne was cut
to pieces, and another told St. Leger that Arnold had three thousand men near. They
shook their heads mysteriously when questioned about numbers by the Indians, and pointed,
like Hon-Yost, upward to the leaves. The savages, now thoroughly alarmed, prepared to
flee. St. Leger tried every means, by ofiers of bribes and promises, to induce them to re-
main, but the panic, and suspicion of foul play, had determined them to go. He tried to
make them drunk, but they refused to drink. He then besought them to take the rear of
his army in retreating ; this they refused, and indignantly said, ** You mean to sacrifice us.
When you marched down, you said there would be no fighting for us Indians ; we might go
down and bmoke our pipes ; whereas numbers of our warriors have been killed, and you mean
' The address of Arnold was well calculated to awe the timid and give courage to the wavering Whigs.
The prestige of bis name gave great weight to it. He prefaced it with a flourish of his title and position,
4S follows : ** By the Honorable Benedict Arnold, Esq., general and commander-in-chief of the army of tho
United States of America on the Mohawk River.'' He denominated a certain Barry St. Leger ^' a leader
of a banditti of robbers, murderers, and traitors, composed of savages of America and more savage Brit-
ons,'' and denounced him as a seducer of the ignorant and unthinking from the cause of freedom, and as
threatening ruin and destruction to the people. He then offered a free pardon to all who had joined him
or upheld him, " whether savages, Germans, Americans, or Britons," provided they laid down their arms
and made oath of allegiance to the United States within three days. But if they persisted in their " wicked
coursed," and " were determined to draw on themselves the just vengeance of Heaven and their exaspera-
ted country, they must expect no mercy from either."
Digitized by
Google
252 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
FU«fatofStLeger'tForc60toOfwegO. The SpoOf. Aimuement of the Indiaiu. End of the Siege. Csptain Gregf
Aaguit 23, ^ sacrifice us also."' The council broke up, and the Indians fled. The panic was
^^^* commanicated to the rest of the camp, and in a few hours the beleaguering army
were flying in terror toward their boats on Oneida Lake. Hon- Yost accompanied them in
their flight as far as Wood Creek, where he managed to desert. He found his way back to
the fort that night, and was the first to communicate to Colonel Gansevoort the intelligence
of Arnold's approach.' The Indians, it is said, made themselves merry at the precipitate
flight of the whites,' who threw away their arms and knapsacks, so that nothing should im-
pede their progress. The savages also gratified their passion for murder and plunder by kill-
ing many of their retreating allies on the borders of the lake, and stripping them of every
article of value. They also plundered them of their boats, and, according to St. Leger,
<* became more formidable than the enemy they had to expect."* Half starved and naked,
the whites of the scattered army made their way to Oswego, and, with St. Leger, went
down Ontario to Canada.
Colonel Gansevoort, on the retreat of St. Leger, sent a dispatch to Arnold, acquainting
him with the fact. That general sent forward nine hundred men, with directions
to attempt to overtake the fugitives, and the next day reached the fort himself.
Gansevoort had already sent out a detachment to harass the flying enemy, and several pris-
oners were >brought in, with a large quantity of spoil, among which was the escritoire, or
writing-desk, of St. Leger, containing his private papers. Colonel WiUett was left in com-
mand of the garrison at the fort, and Arnold and his men marched back to the main army
(then at Stillwater, under Gates, who had superseded Schuyler), to perform valiant service
in the battle that soon afterward occurred on Bemis's Heights. Thus ended the siege of
Fort Schuyler,* in the progress of which the courage, endurance, and skill of the Americans,
every where so remarkable in the Revolution, were ftdly displayed.'
' Mary Jemison, whose narrative we have referred to, says that the Indians (at least the Senecas) were
greatly deceived. They were sent for to ^^see the British whip the rebels.'' They were told that they
were not wanted to fight, but might sit down and smoke their pipes, and look quietly on. With this im-
pression, the Seneca warriors accompanied the expedition, and, as we have seen, suffered great loss.
' Hon- Yost made his way back to Fort Dayton, to the great joy of his friends. He afterward fled from
the valley with his family and fourteen Tory associates, and joined Sir John Johnson. After the war he
returned to the valley, where he remained until his death in 1818.
' Gordon (ii., 240), on the verbal authority of the Rev. Mr. Kirkland, who was at Fort Schuyler, relates
that St. Leger, while standing on the border of a morass alone with Sir John Johnson, reproached the lat-
ter with being the cause of the disaffection of the Indians. High words and mutual criminations foUowed.
Two chiefs, standing near, overheard the quarrel, and put an end to it by shouting, " They are coming !
they are coming T' Both officers, terribly alarmed, plunged into the morass. This was the signal for the
general retreat of the whole army. Such was their haste, that they left their tents, baggage, and artillery
behind, and the bombardier was left asleep in the bomb battery I When he awoke he found himself alone,
the sole representative in camp of the besieging army. The Indians continued their cry, at intervals,
" They are coming ! they are coming !" behind the fleeing Tories, and thus amused themselves all the
way to Oneida Lake.
* Letter of St. Leger to Burgo3me, August 27th, 1777.
^ Fort Schuyler was destroyed by fire and flood in 1781, and was never rebuilt.
* Before the fort was invested by St. Leger, the Indians, in small parties, annoyed the gamson, and fre
quently attacked individuals when away from their dwellings. On one occasion they fired upon three little
girls who were out gathering blackberries. Two were killed and scalped, but the third escaped. The
remarkable adventure of Captain Gregg is worthy of notice. He was a soldier of the garrison of Fort
Schuyler, and went out one day to shoot pigeons, with two of his soldiers, and a boy named Wilson (who
became an ensign in the army at the age of eighteen, and conducted the surrender of the British standards
at Yorktown). Fearing the Indians, the boy was sent back. They had not proceeded far before some sav-
ages in ambush shot all three down, scalped them, and made off. The captain, though badly wounded,
was not killed. His two soldiers, however, were lifeless, and, laying his bleeding head upon the body of
one of them, he expected soon to die. His dog had accompanied him, anO, in great agitation, whined,
licked his wounds, and otherwise manifested his grief and attachment. He told the dog to go for help, and
the animal, as if endowed with reason, at once obeyed. He ran about a mile, and found two men fishing.
By piteous moans he induced them to follow him to his wounded master. The captain was carried to the
fort, and, after suffering much, was restored to health. " He was a most frightful spectacle," says Dr.
Thacher, from whose joumai (page 144) this account is taken. " The whole of his scalp was removed ;
in two places on the forepart of his head the tomahawk had penetrated the skull ; there was a wound on
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 253
Retnra to OrUkany. Whiletborongh. Utica. Little Fall«. Visit to the German Flati. Origin of the Name
On my return to Oriskany village, ailer visiting the battle-ground, I learned that Mr.
Nellis, who was engaged in that conflict, was still living at Whitesborough, three miles east-
ward. I had dismissed the vehicle that conveyed me from Rome to Oriskany, m tending to
proceed to Utica from the latter place vipon a canal packet. I felt a desire to visit the old
veteran, and yet was anxious to reach TJtica that evening. While deliberating concerning
the matter, a constable from Whitesborough rode up to the hotel in a light wagon, executed
his business in haste, and kindly oflered me a seat on his return. I gladly placed myself in
Lis custody. He said his ^errand to Oriskany was in search of a thief, and I have no doubt
the people of Whitesborough gave him credit for success, for my " fatigue dress" and soiled
" Panama" made me appear more like a prowler than a tourist. Mr. Nellis was not at
home, so my visit was fruitless, except in the pleasure derived from a view of the beautiful
village, as we rode in from the westward. It lies upon a plain, encircled by the arms of
the Erie Canal and the Mohawk River.
At sunset, after partially satisfying a long-suflering appetite from a table at a restorer, on the
verge of the canal, where dainty guests should eat with closed eyes and unwavering faith in the
purity of the viands and the proper proportions of flies and butter, I embarked for Utica, six
miles eastward. It was the close of a calm, sultry day, and peculiarly grateful xngut 90^
was the evening breeze that fiumed us as we glided along upon that tiny river, ^
through cultivated fields and pleasant woodlands. ,
" Sweet to the pensive is departing day,
When only one small cloud, so still and thin,
So thorooghly imbaed with amber light,
And so transparent that it seems a spot
Of brighter sky, beyond the furthest mount.
Hangs o'er the hidden orb ; or where a few
Long, narrow stripes of denser, darker grain.
At each end sharpened to a needle's point,
With golden borders, sometimes straight and smooth,
And sometimes crinkling like the lightning's stream,
A half hour's space above the mountain lie."
Cari.08 Wilcox.
rhis quiet scene was soon exchanged for the bustle and noise of the busy town, and, before
the twilight had fairly faded. I was jolted over the paved streets of Utica. There I spent
some thirty hours with some friends. The city has no noteworthy reminiscences of the Rev-
olution, except the single fact that the army, under Herkimer, crossed the Mohawk at old
Fort Schuyler (then a fortress in ruins), while on his way to Oriskany, and the general in-
terest which belongs to it as that portion of Tryon county which was consecrated by the
presence and the prowess of the patriots. It is a pleasant and thriving city, upon the south-
em slope of the Mohawk Valley. Like all other towns in Western New York, it is young
and vigorous, and every feature glows with the beauty of youth and health.
I lefl Utica at noon by rail-road, arrived at Little Falls, twenty miles eastward, at one
?*clock, and at two started in a light wagon for Fort Herkimer, or Mohawk, on the German
Flats. The driver and guide was a courteous young man, but totally deaf. I never prac-
ticed pantomime with better success, for my companion, intelligent, and apparently well versed
in all the local history of the region, easily comprehended my awkward manipulations, and
answered my mute inquiries promptly and clearly.
The upper valley of the Mohawk, which narrows to a deep, rocky ravine at Little Falls,
has, within a few miles of its lower extremity, a rich and fertile alluvial plain on each side
of the river, known as the German Flats, so called in consequence of being first settled and
cultivated by German^ families. The settlement was originally called Burnet's Field, from
the circumstance that the patent had been granted by Governor Burnet. The patent
comprehended the plain and slopes westward of the junction of West Canada Creek
bis back with the same instrument, besides a wound in his side, and another through his arm with a mus-
ket-ball."
Digitized by
Google
254
BICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Stone Church, German FUta.
Its Palpit
The two Paston.
Fort Herkimer, or Dayton.
Old Btoioe Cbubch, Ok&man Fz.ATt.
and the Mohawk River, and included about ten miles of the valley east and west. Toward
the eastern extremity of the Flats, and about four miles west of Little Falls, on the south
side of the river, is one of the churches which were erected under the auspices and by the lib-
eral contributions of Sir William Johnson.' The
church is of stone, but is somewhat altered in its
external appearance. The walls are very thick,
and it has square buttresses at the comers. It
was altered and repaised in 1811, at an expense
of nearly four thousand -dollars. The roof (for-
merly steep) was raised, an upper row of windows
was formed, and a gallery was constructed within.
The height of the old windows is indicated by the
arches seen over the present square ones, and the
eaves were just above the key-stones. The orig-
inal tower, with its steeple, was similar to the one
at Caughnawaga. The tower, or belfry, was open,
and in it was placed a swivel for the protection of
the inhabitants against the Indians, or to sound an
alarm to the people on the neighboring hills. The
pulpit, although newly constructed when the church
was repaired, is precisely the same, in style, as the
original. The sounding-
board and panels in front are handsomely painted in imitation of in-
laid work, and the whole has an elegant appearance. This church
has never been without a pastor since its construction in 1767,
yet only two ministers have presided over the flock during eighty
years of its existence. The first was the Rev. Abraham Rosen-
krans. Before the church was built, he preached to the people in
that region in their dwellings, school-houses, and barns. He was
installed pastor of the church in 1767, and remained there until his
death in 1796, when his remains were deposited beneath the pulpit.
He was succeeded by the Rev. John P. Spinner, from Germany, who
preached in the German language exclusively until within twenty
years, and afterward in English and German alternately. He died
in May, 1848.
A few rods west of the church was the large stone mansion of the
Herkimer family, which was stockaded and called Fort Herkimer.
Around this, and the church, the humbler dwellings of the farmers were clustered, for so fre
quently did the Indian marauder (and as frequently the unprincipled Tory, in the Revolu-
tion) disturb them, that they dared not live in isolation. Fort Herkimer became a prey to
public vandalism when the Erie Canal was built. The waters flow in part over the site of
the fort, and its stones, so easily quarried, were used in the construction of a lock near by.
Two miles further westward, on a gravelly plain upon the north side of the river, is the
pretty little village of Herkimer. It occupies the site of old Fort Herkimer, erected in the
early part of the Seven Years' War, and known as Fort Dayton during the Revolution, oc-
currences at which we have already mentioned. This beautiful region, like the ** sweet Vale
I'm Pulpit.
^ It was built npon the north side of the old German burying-grronnd. Near the sonthem wall of this
church is a large brown sandstone slab, placed there by the provincial government, on which is the follow-
mg inscription : " Hebx reposes the body of John Ring, Esq., op the Kingdom of Ireland, a cap-
tain OF uis majesty's independent company of the province, who departed this life the 20th
DAT of September, 1755, in the 30th year of his age." Near this church, it is said, was raised the
first liberty-pole in 1775. White, the sheriff of Tryon county at that time, came up with a large body o/
militia from Johnstown and cut it down.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
255
Fon HxsKxMSB.^
/Itnof Fort Herkimer. Destruction of Andnutown. Expedition against the German Flats. Destmctian of the Setdement
of Wyoming," was disturbed and menaced in the earlier periods of the war, and in 1778 it
was made a desolation.
Owing to the distant situation of
Fort Schuyler, its garrison afibrded
very slight protection to this portion
of the valley, and Fort Dayton had
become little better than a dilapida-
ted block-house. The Tories and
Indians were, consequently, bold in
their marauding expeditions, and
the murderer and tha incendiary
kept the patriots in continual alarm.
All the spring and summer succeed-
ing the flight of St. Leger from Fort
Schuyler, the various settlements in
Tryon county were menaced. In
July, a secluded hamlet called An*
drustown, situated about six miles
southeast of the German Flats, and
composed of seven families, was destroyed by a party of savages, under Brant. They owned
a thousand fertile acres among the hills and pleasant valleys toward the Otsego Lake, and
plunder seemed to be the sachem's chief object. This secured, some of the people murdered,
and others made captive, the torch was applied, and the whole settlement utterly laid waste.
Success made the Indians more greedy, and toward the close of August they hung
like a gathering storm upon the hills around the German Flats. Aroused and alarm-
ed by the tragedy at Andrustown, the people had kept scouts on the alert, and the approach
of Brant from Unadilla toward the settlement was heralded by them in time for the resi-
dents to prepare for the coming invasion. These scouts came in hot haste, and informed
the inhabitants that the savages would be upon them in a few hours. There was no time
to look after and secure their sheep and cattle, but, gathering up the most valuable things
which they could carry from their houses, the whole settlement took refuge in Forts Dayton
and Herkimer, and in the old church.
Brant, with three hundred Tories and one hundred and fifty Indians, reached the borders
of the settlement early in the evening.' It was a dark and rainy night, and he lay concealed
in a ravine near Shoemakers (where Walter Butler was captured the year before) until near
daylight, when his warriors were called to duty, and soon swept, like a fierce wind, over the
plain. The houses were assailed, but neither scalps nor prisoners were to be found in them.
At dawn the fires were kindled. Bams, filled with the product of an abundant harvest just
gathered, the dwellings of the people, and every thing combustible, were set on fire, within
view of the sorrowing fugitives in the fort. Having nothing but small arms, the savages
did not attack the fort, but, having laid the whole plain in ashes, collected the horses, sheep.
' I copied this fiketoh from a manasoript drawing in possession of the New York Historical Society. It
was drawn by a private of Captain Ogelvie's company, and presented by bim to ** Charles Clinton, Esq.,*
lieatenant colonel commanding,'' in July, 1758. Herkimer is there spelled Herekheimer.
ExFLAHATioN aF THB Sketch. — A, the parade ; B, dwelling-house ; C, barracks ; D, guard-room ; E,
officers' kitchen ; F, the well ; G, draw-bridge ; H H^ &c., ten swivel guns ; K E, stockades ; L, the oven ;
MM, &o., sentry boxes; N, smith's shop; 0, the Mohawk River; 1, terrace; 2, trench; 3, palisades;
4, parapet ; 5, banqueting.
' At the time in question there were thirty-four houses and as many bams in the settlement on the south
side of the river, and about an equal number on the north side, at Fort Dayton, now Herkimer village,
* Cbarlei Ctinton emigrated to America from Ireland (whither his family fled firom England for refnge in the time of Cram-
veil) in 1729, and in 1731 he fonnded a settlement in Ulster county, New York. He was appointed lieutenant colonel by Got*
emor Delancy, after serving witii distinction under Bradstreet He was the father of General James Clinton (the fadier of the
Isle Dewitt Clinton) and of Goremor George Clinton, of the Revolution. He died NoTember 19, 1773, aged 83 years.
Digitized by
Google
256
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Incunion of the OneidM into the Unadilla Settlement
Damage to the Tories.
Brant, or TTiayfmdanwgfia
and cattle, and drove them off over the flouthem hilla.
ily collected, and pur-
sued them as far as
Edmundston's planta-
tion, on the Unadilla
River, where they
found three acouts
dead ; hut they effect-
ed nothing in the way
of retaliation or the re-
covery of property. A-
party of friendly Onei-
das, however, were
more successful. They
penetrated the Una-
dilla settlement, where
Brant* had his head-
quarters, humed some
of the Tory houses,
took several prisoners,
and brought away
some of the cattle tak-
en from the people at
the German Flats. A
Four hundred
^if.:;!$f^ifc^
'^
militia-men were hast-
deputation of about one
hundred Indian war-
riors of the Onefdaa
communicated the re-
sult of this expedition
to Major Ck>chran,
then in command of
the garrison at Fort
Schuyler. They were
a part of those who
proffered their services
to General Gates, after
the first battle on Be-
mis*8 Heights, in the
autumn previous.
I returned to Little
Falls toward evening,
and the lengthened
shadows of the hills
and trees heightened
the picturesque beau-
ty of the scene. The
view, on approaching
^ Joseph Brant (Tbayendanegea) was a Mohawk of pore blood. His father was a chief of the Onondaga
nation, and had three sons in the army with Sir William Johnson, under King Hendriok, in the battle at
Lake George in 1755. Joseph, his youngest son, whose Indian name was Tbayendanegea, which signi-
fies a bundle of tticks, or, in other words, ttrengtk, was born on the banks of the Ohio in 1742, whither his
parents immigrated from the Mohawk Valley. His mother returned to Canajoharie with two children,
Mary, or Molly, who became the ooncnbine of Sir William Johnson, and Tbayendanegea. His father, Te
^owaghwengaraghkwin, a chief of the Wolf tribe* of the Mohawks, seems to have died in the Ohio country.
* According to Golden, each of the original Fire Nations was divided into three tribes, the Tortoise or Tortie, the Bear, and the
Wol£ Otfaers afBnn that there were ei^ht divisions in each, the other tribes
^jk j^ being the Crane, the Snipe, the Hawk, the Beaver, and the Deer. The first
/^""^^ ^^^^ three seem to liave been preeminent; and among the Mohawks, widi whom
f J the whites had more direct and extensive business and social interconrse
—^^^^S-_ -^ than with any others, these only were known. Title deeds to lands, and
\J / other papers, now in the oflSce of the Secretary of State at Albany, have the
YkQ.\. signatures or marks of the chiefs of these three tribes attached. The annex-
ed cuts are fae^imilea, which I copied from the originals. Na lis the mark
of Teytndagagu^ or Little Hendrick, of the Turtle tribe ; No. 2, that of Kanadagea, or Hans, chief of
the Bear tribe, and Is intended to represent a bear lying on
his back ; No. 3 is the signature and hieroglyphic of Great
Hendrick, the celebrated chief of the Wolf tribe, who was
killed neat Lake George in 1755. Kanadagea sometimes
No. 3.
No. 3.
Timyakaaara^ whom we have noted as friendly to the Americans, made a mark tiius
K
^
made a simple cross, tiius : ,^f Little AbraiMm, or
r
I foimd upon several papers the
name of Daniel, a chief of the Tortoise tribe, often associated with ftat of Little Abraham and of Hans. The signaturea of the
chiefs of all the three tribes appear to have been essential in making those deeds or convey-
ances legal. Besides the eight iotum$ here named, there appears to have been, at an earlier
date, three other tribes, the Serpent, the Porcupine, and the Fox. Giles F. Yates, Esq.. of
Schenectady, one of our most indefatigable antiquaries, discovered a document having the
marks of twenty-one chiefs and that of a woman (Eusena) attached. Among them are those
of TogwaytnmkU of the Serpent ; Sander, of the Porcupine ; and Sfnum, of the Fox tribe. The
date of the document is 1714. It is not my province, neitlier have I the space, to pursue this
interesting subject further, in this connection. Danikj/s Sionatuue.
<^.U
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 257
Eetnni to Little Falls. Cole't Picturei. Scenery at Little Falli. Evidencea of a great Cataract Remarkable Cavttj.
from the west, changes from the quiet beauty of a rolling plain, enriched by the cultivator's
art, and enlivened by a gently gliding river, to the rugged grandeur of lofty hills, craggy
steeps, and turbulent cascades. It reminded me of two of Cole's beautiful pictures in his
it Voyage of Life," wherein is depicted the course of an ambitious youth. lie is out upon a
placid stream, so full of self-confidence that his guardian angel is left behind. All around
is beauty and repose. The stream meanders on without a riflf, but in the distance it sweeps
with a majestic curve around a woodland into a mysterious region. Onward speeds the bark
of the youthful voyager upon the gentle current, until the valley becomes narrower, the wa-
ters run swifUy, the tall trees and beautiful flowers upon its banks disappear, high and bar-
ren rocks wall in his view, and just before him is the wild leap of a cataract into a fearful
gulf below.
The village of Little Falls is upon the rocky bank of the cascades, and only westward
can the eye see any thing from it but rocks, and trees, and running water mingled in wild
confusion. Here the high ridge of the Alleghany range, which divides the head waters of
the Mohawk and the Ontario streams from the Susquehanna and other Atlantic rivers, crosses
the Mohawk Valley, and in ages long past, ere the great Falls of Niagara existed, doubtless
formed the crown of a cataract almost as magnificent, when the waters of Ontario covered
the upper valley, and a portion of its flood here found its way into the great lake that filled
the Hudson basin, whose outlet, in turn, was among the rugged hiUs
of the Highlands at West Point and vicinity. Such is the theory
of the geologist ; and never had opinion stronger presumptive proofs
of its correctness than are found at Little Falls. ^ An obstruction
here, seventy feet in height, would cause the waters to overflow the
Rome summit, and mingle with those of Ontario by the way of Wood
Creek, Oneida Lake, and the Oswego River. The rugged shores
present many incontestible evidences of abrasion by the violent action
of water, thirty to sixty feet above the present bed of the river.
Many of them are circular perpendicular cavities in the hard rocks,
which are composed chiefly of gneiss, granite, and hornblende. In
some instances masses of stratified rocks present the appearance of Cyclopean architecture^
as seen in the above cut,' and hundreds of small cavities, far above the present bed of the
His mother, after her return, married an Indian called Carribogo- (news-carrier), whom the whites named
Barnet ; but, by way of contraction, he was ccdled Bamt, and, finally, Brant. Thayendanegea was called
Joseph, and was known as Brant's Joseph, or Joseph Brant. Sir William Johnson sent young Brant to the
school of Dr. Wheelock, of Lebanon Crank (now Columbia), Connecticut, and, after he was well educated,
employed him as secretary, and as agent in public affairs. He was employed as missionary interpreter
from 1762 to 1765, and exerted himself for the religious instruction of his tribe. When the Revdntion.
broke out, he attached himself to the British cause, and in 1775 left the Mohawk Valley, went to Canada,
and finally to England, where his education, and his business and social connection with Sir William John-
son, gave him free access to the nobility. The Earl of Warwick caused Romney, the eminent painter, to
make a portrait of him for his collection, and from a print after that picture the engraving on the preceding
page was made. Throughout the Revolution he was engaged in warfare chiefly upon the border settlements
of New York and Pennsylvania, in connection with the Johnsons and Butlers. He held a colonePs commission
from the king, but he is generally called Captain Brant. After the peace in 1783, Brant again visited En-
gland, and, on returning to America, devoted himself to the social and religious improvement of the Mohawks,
who were settled upon the Ouise or Grand River, in Upper Canada, upon lands procured for them by Brant
from Sir Frederic Haldimand, governor of the province. The territory embraced six miles on both sides
of the river, from its mouth to its source. He translated the Gospel of St. Mark into the Mohawk lan-
guage ; and in many ways his exertions for the spiritual and temporal welfare of his people were eminently
saccessful, and endeared him to his nation. He died at his residence at the head of Lake Ontario, Novem-
ber 24th, 1807, aged 65 years. One of his sons (John) was an officer in the British service, on the Niagara
frontier, in the war of 1812. His daughter married William J. Kerr, Esq., of Niagara, in 1824, and, I be-
lieve, is still living.
^ This name was given in contradistinction to the Great Falls, now called Cohoes, at the month of the
Mohawk.
* This is a view of a large circular cavity on the western shore of the river a few yards from the rail-
road, and about thirty feet above its bed. On the side of the cavity toward the river is an opening 9\^\ix
R
Digitized by
Google
268 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Gulf below Little FallB. Hie Erie CanaL OreataeM of the Work. An Indian Legend
Btream, indicate the action of pebbles in eddies of water. The hills on either side rise to an
altitude of nearly four hundred feet, and firom that height the ancient cataract may have
poured its flood. Immediately below the present cascades at the foot of Moss Island, or
Moss Rock, the river expands into a broader basin, more than one hundred feet deep, from
whose depths rocky spikes, like church spires, shoot upward, some of them to the surface of
the water. Into this gulf the great cataract doubtless poured its flood, while the rocky
cones, too hard to be abraded, resisted the unceasing attrition of the water for ages.
I strolled along the rail-road at twilight, by the margin of the rapids and of the gulf be-
low ; and before sunrise I went down upon the tow-path to view the scene in the shadows
of early morning. Art and nature here vie with each other in claims upon our admiration.
Here the former exhibits its wonderful triumphs, and the latter displays its beauty and
grandeur. On the south side of the river is the Erie Canal, the passage for which was ex-
cavated through solid rock a distance of two miles. This narrow defile presented the most
formidable obstruction on the- whole line of that great work, and it was supposed that at
least two years would be required to complete the excavation. Skill and persevering indus-
try accomplished the most difficult portion in ninety days. The waters of the canal here
ten feet square, and over the entrance is a massive lintel, which appears as if hewn and placed there by
the hands of man. Within the large cavity, which is open at the top, are smaller ones npon its concave
sides. Two of these concavities are seen in the engraving. The rocks are covered with a luxuriant
growth of shrubbery, springing from the rich alluvial deposits in the fissures. An exploration of them is
dangerous, for some of the fissures are broad and deep. Indian legends invest these caverns with romantio
interest. One of them I will repeat, in brief, as it was told to me, for it is identified with the spot repre-
sented in the picture.
Long ago, when the river was broader and the falls were more lofty, a feud arose between two young
chiefs of the respective tribes of the Mohawk nation, the Wolf and the Tortoise. A maiden of the Bear
tribe was the cause of the feud, as maidens often are. She was loved by both the young chiefs, and for a
time she so coquetted that each thought himself beloved by her in return. Her father was a stem old war
rior, and loved his child tenderly. Both chiefs had fought the Mingoes and Mohegans by his side, and
the bravery of each entitled him to the hand of the maiden. Her afiections were at length stirred by the
more earnest importunities of the Wolf, and she promised to become his bride. This decision reached the
ears of the Tortoise, and the embers of jealousy, which disturbed both while unaccepted suitors, bur^t into
a flame of ungenerous revenge in the bosom of the disappointed lover. He determined to possess the cov-
eted treasure before the Wolf should take her to his wigwam. With well-dissembled acquiescence in her
choice, and expressions of warm friendship for herself and her affianced, he allayed all suspicions, and the
maiden rambl^ with him in the moonlight upon the banks of the river when her affianced was away, un-
conscious of danger. The day approached for the maiden to go to the wigwam of her lord. The Tortoise
was with her alone in a secluded nook upqn the brink of the river. His light canoe was near, and he pro-
posed a voyage to a beautiful little island in the stream, where the fire-flies sparkled and the whippoorwill
whispered its evening serenade. They lanched, but, instead of paddling for the island, the Tortoise turned
his prow toward the cataract. Like an arrow they sped down the swift otfrrent, while the young chief, with
vigorous arm, paddled for the western shore. Skillful as with the bow and hatchet, he steered his canoe
to the mouth of the cavern here pictured, then upon the water's brink, seized the affrighted maiden, and
leaped ashore, at the same moment securing his canoe by a strong green withe. The cave was dry, a
soft bed of the skins of beasts was spread, and abundance of provision was there stored. At the top of the
cave, far above the maiden's reach, an opening revealed a passage through the fissures to the rocks above.
It was known only to the Tortoise ; and there he kept the maiden many months, until her affianced gave
her up as lost to him forever. At length, while hunting on the southern hills in fiowery May, the Wolf
saw the canoe at the mouth of the cave. It solved the question in his mind. The evening was clear, and
the full moon shone brightly. He waited until midnight, when, with an arm as strong and skill as accu-
rate as his rival's, he steered his canoe to the mouth of the cavern, which was lighted up by the moon.
By its light he saW the perfidious Tortoise sleeping in the arms of an unvrilling bride. The Wolf smote
the Tortoise, but the wound was slight. The awakened warrior, unable to grasp his hatchet, bounded
through the opening at the top of the cavern, and closed it with a heavy stone. The lovers embraced in
momentary joy. It was brief, for a fearful doom seemed to await them. The Tortoise would return with
power, and they had to make choice of death, by the hatchet of the rival chief, or the waters of the cata-
ract. The latter was their choice, and, in affectionate embrace, they sat in their canoe and made the fear-
ful leap. The frail vessel struck propitiously upon the boiling vraters, and, unharmed, passed over the
gulf below. Down the broad stream they glided, and far away, upon the margin of the lower lake, they
lived and loved for two generations, and saw their children's children go out to the battle and the chase.
In the long line of their descent, tradition avers, eame Brant, the Mohawk sachem, the strong Wolf of
his nation.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
259
Tlew of Little Falli. First Settlement Night Attack apoa the Settlement Escape of Cox and Skinner. Ride to Danube.
VxBW AT LrrTLi Falls,"
descend forty feet within a mile, by five locks ; and the traveler has ample time to view the
wild scenery while
passing them. On
_ _ ^ . - i.<v *. the north side of the
, ^^v>»^- ^ river the hard rocks
have also been ex-
cavated, for the rail-
road which travers-
es the high bank in
its, winding course.
Altogether, art and
nature have here
presented a scene
worth a long jour-
ney to behold.
There was a
small settlement at
Little Falls at the time of the Revolution. A Scotchman named Ellis had obtained, through
Sir William Johnson, a patent for the mountain gorge, and erected flouring mills there.
These were important for supplying the people at the German Flats and the small garrisons
that were kept at Forts Dayton and Herkimer. A party of Tories and Indians in 1780
joined in an expedition to destroy the mills, and thus cut off the supply of flour for the Whig
garrisons. They made a stealUiy descent, under cover of night. The mill was garrisoned
by about a dozen men, but so sudden and unexpected was the attack, that only a few shots
were exchanged, and one man killed, before its defenders fled for safety. Some leaped from
the windows when the Indians entered, and others concealed themselves below. Two men,
Cox and Skinner, hid in the race-way, under the water-wheel, while two others, Edick and
Gretman, leaped into the race-way above the mill, and attempted to eonceal themselves by
keeping under the water as much as possible. In this they would have succeeded, had not
the assailants set the mill on fire, the light of which revealed the hiding-place of the latter
two, and they were made prisoners. Cox and Skinner were more fortunate. The water-
wheel protected them from the burning timbers that fell around them, and they remained
safe in their hiding-place until the enemy had departed. The object of the assailants was
accomplished, and they returned to their rendezvous among the hills, carrying with them
five or six prisoners.
After breakfkst I rode down to Danube, to visit the residence of Greneral Herkimer while
living, and the old Castle Church near the dwelling-place of Brant in the Revolution. It
was a pleasant ride- along the tow-path, between the canal and the river. Herkimer's res-
idence is about two and a half miles below Little Falls, near the canal, and in full view
^ This view was taken from the rail-road near the village, looking down the river. On the right is seen
the Erie Canal, and on the left, and more in the foreground, the
Mohawk, at the foot of the falls, with the rail-road and the mag-
netic highway. The ragged bluflf in the center is Moss Rock,
at the lower extremity of which is the gulf, seen in the annexed
engraving. This view is from the tow-path, below Moss Rook
On the left is the canal, and on the right are the gulf and a por-
tion of the village in the distance. Moss Rock is an island, form-
ed by the canaJ and the river. The summit of this amorphous
pile has been suggested as an appropriate site for the proposed
monument to the memory of Dewitt Clinton. It seems to me
that the spot is singularly appropriate for that purpose. The Erie Canal, with its busy commerce, is his
perpetual memorial ; and here is the point where the most wonderful triumphs were achieved in the con-
struction of that stupendous work. Here, too, pass all travelers to and from Niagara and the gpreat West
from the eastward, and the monument would be seen, if erected there, by more persons than at any other
kwality that may be named, out of the city of New York.
Digitized by
Google
260
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Herkimer's Reddence.
Hii FanUIy Bwial-groimd.
PabUo Neglect of hU OrsTe.
Ite Location
GKITKBAL HkrJUMSB'S RX3XDBNCB.
of the traveler upon the rail-road, half a mile distant. It is a substantial brick edifice ,
was erected in 1764, and was a splendid man-
sion for the time and place. It is now owned
by Daniel Conner, a farmer, who was modern-
izing it when I was there, by building a long,
fashionable piazza in front, in place of the small
old porch, or stoop, seen in the picture. He
was also improving some of the rooms within.
The one in which General Herkimer died (on
the right of the front entrance), and also the
one on the opposite side of the passage, are left
precisely as they were when the general occu-
pied the house ; and Mr. Conner has the good
taste and patriotism to preserve them so.
These rooms are handsomely wainscoted with
white pine, wrought into neat moldings and
panels, and the casements of the deep windows
are of the same material and in the same style.
Mr. Conner has carefully preserved the great
lock of the front door of the castle — ^for castle it really was, in strength and appointments
against Indian assaults. It is sixteen inches long and ten wide. Close by the house is a
subterranean room, built of heavy masonry and arched, which the general used as a maga-
zine for stores belonging to the Tryon county militia. It is still used as a store-room, but
with more pacific intentions.
The family burial-ground is upon a knoll a few rods southeast of the mansion, and there
rest the remains of the gallant soldier, as secluded and forgotten as if
they were of <* common mold." Seventy years ago the Continental
Congress, gratefiil for his services, resolved to erect a monument to his
memory, of the value of five hundred dollars ; but the stone that may
yet be reared is still in the quarry, and the patriot inscription to declare
its intent and the soldier's worth is not yet conceived. Until 1847,
no stone identified his grave. Then a plain marble slab was set up,
with the name of the hero upon it ; and when I visited it (1848), it
was overgrown with weeds and brambles. It was erected by his grand-
nephew, W. Herkimer. The consecrated spot is in the possession
of strangers, and, but for this timely efibrt to preserve the identity of the gfave, the visitor
might soon have queried, with the poet in search of General Wooster's resting-plade *
" O say, can none tell where the chieftain was laid ?
Where oar hero in glory is sleeping ?
Alas I shall we never more seek oat his grave,
While fame o'er his memory is weeping ?"
Although General Herkimer was severely wounded at the battle of Oriskany, his death
was the result of unskillful treatment, and, if tradition speaks truth, of criminal indulgence
of appetite on the part of his surgeon. He was conveyed from the field on a litter to his
residence. The weather was sultry, and the wound, which was a few inches below the
August 16, knee, became gangrenous. Nine days after the battle, a young French surgeon,
i""^- who accompanied Arnold in his march up the valley, recommended amputation.
Dr. Petrie, the general's medical adviser, was opposed to amputation, but it was done. The
performance of the surgeon was so unskillful that the flow of blood was with great difliculty
stanched. Indeed, the bleeding was not entirely checked, and it was thought advisable for
the surgeon and his assistant to remain with the general, as his situation was very critical.
Colonel Willett called to see him soon after the operation, and found him sitting up in his
Hbbkimbr's Grave
Digitized by
Google
OF THE RESOLUTION.
26:
laddento of Herkimer't Death. Cattle Church. Reddenoe and Farm of Brant Fort Plain. Flan of the Forti6cationi
bed, as cheerful as usual, and smoking his pipe. The blood continued to flow, and what
little skill the surgeon possessed was rendered useless by indulgence in wine. No other phy-
sician was at hand, and toward evening, the blood still flowing, the general became convinced
that his end was near. He called for the Bible, and read composedly, in the presence of
his family and others, the thirty-eighth psalm, applying the deep, penitential confessions of
the poem to his own case. He closed the book, sank back upon his pillow, and expired.
Stone justly observes, " If Socrates died like a philosopher, and Rousseau like an unbeliev-
ing sentimentalist. General Herkimer died like a Christian hero."'
The Castle Church, as it is called — ^the middle one of the three constructed under the
auspices of Sir William John-
son— is still standing (1848),
two and a half miles below the
Herkimer mansion. It is a
wooden building, and was orig-
inally so painted as to resemble
stone. Its present steeple is not
ancient, but its form is not un-
like that of the original. Here
the pious Rirkland often preach-
ed the Gospel to the heathen,
and here Brant and his compan-
ions received lessons of heaven-
ly wisdom. The church stood
upon land that belonged to the
sachem, and the house of Brant,
where Christian missionaries
were often entertained before he
took up the war-hatchet, stood
about seventy-five rods north-
ward of the church. Bricks
and stones of the foundation
were still to be seen in an apple
orchard north of the road, and
the locality was well defined,
when I visited it, by rank weeds,
nowhere else in the field so lux-
uriant. I returned to Little
Falls in time to dine and to take
the western train at one o'clock
for Fort Plain, seventeen miles
down the Mohawk.
Fort Plain (near the junction
of Osquaga Creek and the Mo-
hawk), one of the numerous comely children brought forth and fostered by the prolific com-
merce of the Erie Canal, is near the site of the fortification of that n^me, erected in the Rev-
olution. This fort was eligibly situated upon a high plain in the rear of the village, and
commanded an extensive sweep of the valley on the right and left. A sort of defense was
thrown up there by the people in the early part of the war, but the
fort proper was erected by the government after the alarming demon
strations of the Indians in the Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys in
1778. For a while it was an important fortress, afibrding protec-
tion to the people in the neighborhood, and forming a key to the com-
munication with the Schoharie, Cherry Valley, and Unadilla settle-
ments. Its form was an irregular quadrangle, with earth and log
bastions, embrasures at each corner, and barracks and a strong block-
house within. The plain on which it stood is of peninsular form,
Castjuk CuuacH.
FomT PX.AXN.
^ I waa muQccessful in my leaich for information respecting tha career of General Herkimer in youth
and early manhood. He left no children. Those of the family name are descendants of his only brother,
George Herkimer. His family was among the early settlers of the German Flats, and, though opulent ac-
cording to the standard of his times, he seems to have been quite uneducated. An old man whom I saw
near the Flats remembered him as ** a large, square-built Dutchman,*' and supposed him to have been about
65 years old when he died. Should this meet the eye of any of his descendants, they will confer a favor upon
the author by communicating to him any information they may possess concerning the general and his im-
mediate &mily.
' An aged resident of Fort Plain, Mr. David Lipe, whose house is near the canal, below the old fortifica-
tioD, went over the ground with me, and I made a surrey of the outlines of the fort adcordiog to bis direo-
tioDs. He aided in pulling doym the blook-house when it was demolished after the war, and his memory
teemed to be very accurate. I am indebted to him for much of the information here recorded concerning
Fort Plain.
Explanation or thk Plan. — The black line represents the parapet ; a, the large blook-house ; bbbb,
mall block-houses at each bastion ; c r, barracks. There were two large apple-trees within the fort, and
on the northern side of the hill is the living spring that supplied the garrison with water.
Digitized by
Google
^62
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Fort Plain Block-houae.
Trial of its Strangth.
Inradon of th« Settlement.
True Location of Fort Plain
FoBT Plain Block-houss.^
and acroBs the neck, or isthmus, a breast-work was thrown up. The fort extended along
the brow of the hill northwest of the village, and the block-
house was a few rods from the northern declivity. This block-
house was erected in 1780, after the fort and barracks were
found to be but a feeble defense, under the supervision of a
French engineer employed by Colonel Gansevoort. The lat-
ter, by order of Greneral Clinton, then in command of the
Northern Department, had repaired thither with his regiment,
to take charge of a large quantity of stores destined for Fort
Schuyler. Ramparts of logs and earth were thrown up, and
a strong block-house was erected, a view of which is here
given. It was octagonal in form, three stories in height, and
composed of hewn timbers about fifteen inches square. There
were numerous port-holes for musketry, and in the lower story
three or four cannons were placed. The first story was thirty
feet in diameter, the second forty, and the third fifty. Each
of the upper stories projected about five feet, and in the floor of each projection there were
also port-holes, through which to fire perpendicularly upon an enemy below. The powder
magazine of the fort was placed directly under the block-house for protection.
Some time after the completion of the work, doubts were expressed of its being cannon-
ball proof A trial was made with a six pounder placed at a proper distance. Its ball
passed entirely through the block-house, crossed a broad ravine, and lodged in the hill on
which the old parsonage stands, an eighth of a mile distant. This proved the inefficiency
of the building, and its strength was increased by lining it with heavy planks. In order to
form a protection for the magazine against hot shot, the little garrison that was stationed
there in 1782 commenced throwing up a bank of earth around the block-house. Rumors
of peace, and the quiet that then prevailed in that valley, caused the work to cease, and,
AnffTut, happily, its resumption was never demanded. The mounds which were raised on
^^ the south side of the block-house were yet quite prominent when I visited the locality.
This place was included in the Canajoharie settlement, and in 1780 felt severely the
vengeance of the Tories and Indians, inflicted in return for terrible desolations wrought by
an army under Sullivan, the previous year, in the Indian country west of the white settle-
ments. The whole region on tho south of the Mohawk, for several miles in this vicinity,
was laid waste. The approach of the dreaded Thayendanegea along the Canajoharie Creek,
with about five hundred Indians and Tories, to attack the settlement at Fort Plain, was an-
Anffust s; nounced to the people, then engaged in their harvest fields, by a woman who fired
1780. a cannon at the fort. The larger portion of militia had gone with Gansevoort it
guard provisions on their way to Fort Schuyler, and those who remained, with the boys and
old men, unable to defend their lives or property, fled into the fort for protection. In their
approach the enemy burned every dwelling and bam, destroyed the crops, and carried off
every thing of value. Regardless of the strength of the fort, they marched boldly up wjthin
cannon-shot of the intrenchments, burned the church, the parsonage, and many other build-
^ There is oonsiderable oonfosion in the aoeounts oonceming Fort Plain, for which there is no necessity.
There was a stockade about two miles southwest of Fort Plain, called Fort Clyde, in honor of Colonel Clyde,
an officer in the Tryon county militia ; and another about the same distance northwest, called Fort Plank,
or Blank, from the circumstance that it stood upon land owned by Frederic Blank. The latter and Fort
Plain have been confounded. Mr. Stone erroneously considered them as one, and says, in his Life of Brant
(ii., 95), " The principal work of defense, then called Fort Plank, and subsequently Fort Plain, was situated
upon an elevated plain overlooking the valley, near the site of the village still retaining the name of the
fortress." Other Writers have regarded the block-house as the fort, when, in fact, it was only a part of the
fortifications. The drawing here given is from one published in Stone's Life of Brant, with a description
from the Fort Plain Journal of December 26th, 1837. Mr. Lipe considered it a correct view, except the
lower story, which, it was his impression, was square instead of octagonal, and had four port-holes fof
heavy ordnance.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
263
A Female's Pretenoe of Ifind.
Burning of tfie Church.
Indianf decalTed.
TardinoM of Colonel Wemple.
Old Pabionaox ahd Chubcu.^
ings, and carried off several women and children prisoners. The house of Johannes Lipe,
the father of David, my informant, rrT3«m«nB. *^ * place of conceahnent in a hollow
which is still standing, was saved from P^^^^^ ^^ ^^® '®^> ^^^ ^^^ made several de-
plunder and fire hy the courage and fejjBpKd posites there. The last time she re-
presence of mind of his wife. She had ^^^^flM turned she met two prowling Indians
been busy all the evening carrying her iSi^El at the gate. She was familiar with
most valuable articles from her house ^**'' ' hous*. ^j^^Jj^ language, and, without any ap-
parent alarm, inquired of them if they knew any thing of her two brothers, who were among
the Tories that fled to Canada. Fortunately, the savages had seen them at Oswegatchie,
and, supposing her to be a Tory likewise, they walked ofl*, and the house was spared.
The church spire had a bright brass ball upon it, which the Indians believed was gold.
While the edifice was burning, they
^ , .. ^ , *. .^ waited anxiously for the steeple to fall,
, - ' '-'^ -:^^ that they might secure the prize. When
"^ !'"^ !.^ '^ " It fell, the savages rushed forward, scat-
tered the burning timbers, and several
of them in succession seized the glitter-
ing ball. It was speedily dropped, as
each paid the penalty of blistered fin-
gers, and discovered that "all is not
gold that glistens.''
f ^ /; ''"Upt^^pg^^^^^ With the destruction of Fort Plain
the devastation was, for the time, stayed.
In a day the fairest portion of the valley
had been made desolate. Fifly-three dwellings and as many barns were burned, sixteen of
the inhabitants were slain, and between fifty and sixty persons, chiefly women and children,
were made captives. More than three hundred cattle and horses were driven away, the im-
plements of husbandry were destroyed, and the ripe grain-fields, just ready for the sickle, were
laid in ashes.' The smoke was seen as far as Johnstown, and the people immediately left
the fields and joined the Albany and Schenectady militia, then marching up the valley,
under Colonel Wemple. The colonel seemed to be one of those men who deem prudence
the better part of valor, and was opposed to forced marches, particularly when in pursuit
of such fieifce enemies as were just then attracting his attention. He managed to reach
Fort Plain in time to see the smouldering embers of the conflagration, and to rest securely
within its ramparts that night. The work of destruction was over, and the Indians and
Tories were away upon another war-path.
At Fort Plain I was joined by my traveling companions, whom I had left at Syracuse,
and made it my headquarters for three days, while visiting places of interest in the vicinity.
It being a central point in the hostile movements in Tryon county, from the time of the
flight of St. Leger firom before Fort Stanwix until the close of the war, we will plant our
telescope of observation here for a time, and view the most important occurrences within this
particular sweep of its speculum. The battle of Minisink, and the more terrible tragedy in
the Valley of Wyoming, radii in the hostile operations of the Indians and Tories from our
point of view, will be noticed in other chapters. It is difficult to untie the complicated knot
of events here, and make all parts perspicuous, without departing somewhat from the plan
of the work, and taking up the events in chronological order. Every thing being subordin-
ate to the history, I shall, therefore, make such departure for the present, and reserve my
notes of travel until the story of the past is told.
^ This view is from the high plain on the right of the block-house, looking north. The building upon the
hill aoroes the ravine is the old parsonage, which was immediately built upon the ruins of the one that was
homed. On the left I have placed a church in its proper relative position to the parsonage, as indicated
by Mr. Lipe. It was about half a mile northwest of the fort. On the right are seen the Mohawk River
and Plain, a train of oars in the distance^ and the hills that bound the view on the nortn side of the Mohawk
Valley, in the direction of Stone Arabia and Klock's Field, where two battles were fought in 1780. These
will be hereafter noticed. " Letter of Colonel Clyde to Oovemor Clinton.
Digitized by VJ W W V
IC
264 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Aflpect of Affain in Trjoa Coonty . The Western Indiana. Girtj and his Associates. Fidelity of White £76*.
CHAPTER XII.
ARK and thFeatening was the aspect of afiain for the people of the
Mohawk Valley, in the spring of 1 778, the year succeeding the disper-
sion of St. Leger's motley force at Fort Schuyler. Brant, with his
warriors, retired to Fort Niagara after that event, and during the
autumn and winter he and the British and Tory leaders made exten-
sive preparations for war the ensuing spring. Colonel Hamilton was
in command at Detroit, engaged actively in endeavors to induce the
trihes along the southern shores of the western lakes and the head
waters of the Mississippi to join the four divisions of the Six Nations
of New York* who were in alliance with the crown against the pa-
triots. He was aided by three malignant Tories, M*Kee, Elliot, and Simon Girty.' They
had been confined at Pittsburgh, but, escaping, they traversed the country thence to Detroit,
and by proclaiming that the Americans had resolved on the destruction of the Indians, and
that their only safety consisted in the immediate alliance of the Delawares and Shawnees
with the soldiers of the king, aroused these tribes to a desire for war. Already they had
been excited against the whites in general by the irruption into their county of Daniel Boon
and others (of which I shall hereafter write), and they listened favorably to the appeal of
the refugees. The expedition of M'Intosh into the Ohio Valley gave apparent confirmation
to the assertions of the Tories, and Captain Pipe (the rival chief of White Eyes of the Del-
awares, a fast friend of the Americans) at once assembled his warriors, and urged them to
follow him immediately upon the war-path. He proclaimed every one an enemy who should
speak against his proposition. But White Eyes, the beloved of all, persuaded his people to
desist, and sent a message' to the Shawnees, which had the efiect to keep them in check for
a time. We shall consider the Indian wars in the Ohio country in detail in a future chapter.
The Johnsons and Colonel John Butler were also active at this juncture upon the St.
Lawrence, recruiting Tory refugees, and inducing the Caughnawagas and other tribes to take
up the hatchet ; and at the dawn of the year a powerful combination was in progress, which
threatened the destruction of all the settlements in the Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys.
Two of the Six Nations, the Oneidas and the Tuscaroras, were still faithful to their pledge
of neutrality, nor were the tribes of the other four yet generally in arms. Congress, there-
fore, resolved to make another efibrt to secure their neutrality, if not a defensive alliance/
' The Mohawks, Seneoas, Onondagas, and Cajrngas.
* Girty was an unmitigated scoundFel, and was far more savage in his feelings than the Indians. He
was present when Colonel Crawford was tortured by the Indians in 1782, and loolced upon his agonies with
demoniac pleasm-e. The same year he caused the expulsion of the peaceful Moravians, who were laboring
usefully among the Wyandots ; and he personally ill treated them when driven away. He instigated an
Indian warrior, at the defeat of St. Clair in 1791, to tomahawk the American General Butler, who lay
wounded on the field, and to scalp him, and take out his heart for distribution among the tribes. There
were some Tories, even active ones, whom we can respect ; but miscreants like Girty and Walter Butler,
of the Mohawk Valley, present no redeeming quality to plead for excuse.
' The message was as follows : " Grandchildren, ye Shawnees : Some days ago a flock of birds
(M^Kee, Elliot, and Girty], that had come on from the east, lit at Gaschochking, imposing a song of theirs
upon us, which song had nigh proved our ruin. Should these birds, which, on leaving us, took their flight
toward Scioto, endeavor to impose a song on you likewise, do not listen to them, for they lie.'*
* A resolution to this efi*ect was adopt^ by Congress on the 2d of February, 1778. They instructed the
oommissioners to ^* Speak to the Indians in language becoming the representatives of free, sovereign, and
independent states, and in such a tone as to convince them that they felt themselves so.'' — Journals of
Congress^ iv., 63.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 265
Conncfl at Johaatown. Disposition of the Different Nattooa. Colonel Campbell and La Fayette. Porta strengthened.
A council was called, and the chieis of all the Six Nations were invited to attend. Gen-
eral Schuyler and Volkert P. Douw were appointed commissioners to attend the meeting and
act in behalf of Ck>ngre6S. They requested Grovemor Clinton to send a special commissioner
to be present at the council, and James Duane was accordingly appointed. The council
met at Johnstown on the 9th of March. More than seven hundred Indians were
present, consisting of Tuscaroras, Oneidas, and Onondagas, a small number of Mohawks,
three Cayugas, but not one of the Senecas, the most powerful and warlike tribe of the con-
federacy. The latter not only refused to attend, but sent a message afiecting great surprise
that they were invited to such a council.' It is not certainly known that Greneral Schuyler
was present at the meeting. La Fayette accompanied Duane, and the latter seems to have
conducted the proceedings on the part of Congress. They were opened by an address from
that body, charging the Indians with perfidy, cruelty, and treachery, while the conduct of
the United States had been true and magnanimous toward them. An old Onondaga hypo-
critically acknowledged and bewailed the sins of his tribe, but charged them upon the young
and headstrong warriors who had been seduced by the Tory leaders. The Mohawks and
Cayugas were sullen and silent, while an Oneida chief, conscious of the faithfulness of his
own tribe and of the Tuscaroras, spoke eloquently in behalf of both, concluding with a solemn
assurance that the United States might rely upon their abiding friendship. Those two tribes
were applauded by the commissioners, while the others were dismissed with an admonition
to look well to their ways, as the arm of the United States was powerful, and vengeance
might penetrate the remotest settlements of the Senecas. The council, on the whole, was
unsatisfactory, for it was evident that the most warlike and important tribes, with Brant at
their head, still brooded over their loss at Oriskany, and were determined on revenge.
While La Fayette was at Johnstown, Colonel Samuel Campbell, of Cherry Valley, waited
upon him and directed his attention to the exposed condition of that settlement and of those
upon the Schoharie Creek. The people had built three slight fortifications the preceding
year, but they were quite insufficient for sure protection. They were merely embankments
of earth thrown up around strong stone houses, and stockaded, into which the women and
children might flee for safety in the event of an invasion. They were respectively known as
the Upper, Middle, and Lower Forts.' By direction of La Fayette, these were each manned
by a company of soldiers, with a small brass field piece. He also directed a fort to be erected
in the Oneida country, and Forts Schuyler and Dayton to be strengthened ; and, as we have
already noticed. Fort Plain was afterward enlarged and more strongly fortified. These and
far more efficient preparations fi)r defense were necessary ; for the recovery of the Mohawk
Valley, where their property was situated, was an object too important to the Johnsons, But-
lers, and the large number of refugees who accompanied them to Canada, not to induce ex-
traordinary efibrts for its attainment. Their spies and scouts were out in every direction,
and, at the very time of the council at Johnstown, Colonel Guy Carleton, a nephew of the
Grovemor of Canada of the same name, was lurking in the neighborhood, to watch the actions
and to report upon the dispositions of the chiefs in conclave. His employers at the same
time were upon the frontiers, preparing for invasion.
' *^ It is strange/' said the messenger, '* that while your tomahawks are sticking in our heads [referring
Co the battle of Mskany], our wounds bleeding, and our eyes streaming with tears for the lots of «nr friends
at German FlaU [Oriskany], the comnussioners should think of inviting us to a treaty." — From a MS. Let-
ter of Jamee Duane^ cited by Stone,
* These were situated in the Schoharie Valley. The Upper Fort was near the margin of Schoharie Creek,
about five miles southeast of Middleburgh village, and within the limits of the present town of Fulton.
The remains of the Middle Fort are still visible, near Middleburgh, on the plain east of the road leading to
Schoharie. The Lower Fort was five miles north of Middleburgh, at the village of Schoharie. An old stone
church (yet standing, but much altered from the original), one mile northward of the court-house, was
within the intrenchments, and formed the citadel of the fort. The ramparts inclosed the two story stone
house of John Becker, the kitchen part of which was, untU recently, well preserved. Temporary dwell-
ings were erected within the indosure, and in these the inhabitants kept their most valuable things. — See
Simms's Schoharie^ &c., p. 269.
Digitized by
Google
^66
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Settlan of Tryoa County.
Deftruction of Springfleld.
M'Koan and Bnnt
Early in the spring, Brant and his warriors, with a large number of Tories, appear-
ed at Oghkwaga, his headquarters the previous year. There he organized scalping
parties and sent them out upon the borderers. The settlers were cut off in detail. Ma- ^
rauding parties fell upon isolated families like bolts from the clouds, and the blaze of dwell-
ings upon the hills and in the valleys nightly warned the yet secure inhabitant to be on the
alert. Their dwellings were transformed into block-houses. The women were taught the
use of weapons, and stood sentinels when the men were at work. Half-grown children were
educated for scouts, and taught to discern the Indian trail, and every man worked armed in
his field. Such was the condition of the dwellers of Tryon county during almost the whole
time of the war.
Brant's first hostile movement of consequence, aRer his return to Oghkwaga, was the de-
struction of a small settlement at Springfield, at the head of Otsego lake, ten miles west of
Cherry Valley. It was in the month of May. Every house was burned but one, into which
the women and children were collected and kept unharmed. The absence of Tories -in that
expedition, and the freedom to act as he pleased on the part of Brant, may account for this
humanity. Several men were made captive, and, with considerable property, were carried
off to Oghkwaga.
In Jipe, Captain M'Kean, at the head of some volunteers, was sent to reconnoiter Brant's
encampment at Oghkwaga. M*Kean's headquarters were at Cherry Valley. On his way
down the valley of the Charlotte River, he learned that large war-parties were out, and,
fearing a surprise, thought it prudent to return. He halted an hour to refresh, and wrote a
letter to Brant, censuring him for his predatory warfare ; he intimating that he was too cow-
ardly to show himself in open and honorable conflict, M'Kean challenged him to meet him
in single combat, or with an equal number of men, to try their skill, courage, and strength ;
and concluded by telling him that if he would come to Cherry Valley, they would change
him firom a Brant to a goosed This was an injudicious movement, and, doubtless, incited
^ This letter was fastened to a stick and placed in an Indian path. It soon reached Brant, and irritated
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 267
3«tt]« in the Schoharie Country. Aniral of Begulan. Eacapeof Walter Butler. Treachery of OrmtTVai.
the sachem, in some degree, to join Butler, a few months later, in desolating that settle-
ment.
There was an engagement on the 2d of July, on the upper branch of the Cobelskill, be-
tween a party of regular troops and Schoharie militia, fifty-two in number, and an Indian
force four hundred and fifly strong. The Americans, commanded by Captain Christian
Brown, were overpowered. Fourteen were killed, eight wounded, two were missing, and
the remainder escaped. The dwellings were burned, and the horses and cattle, which the
victors could not take with, them, were slaughtered in the fields. At the same time. Colonel
John Butler, who had penetrated the country from Niagara with a body of Indians and
Tories, eleven hundred strong, broke into the Valley of Wyoming and laid it waste, j^j. 3^^
Of this I shall write in detail hereafter. We have already considered the destruc- 1^ '
tion of the settlement at Grerman Flats, toward the close of this summer. Scalping parties
continued to infest the Schoharie and neighboring settlements until quite late in September,
when troops from the main army checked their depredations for a while. A few days after
the battle of Monmouth, & Colonel William Butler, with a Pennsylvania regiment • j^q^ 2&,
and a detachment of Morgan's rifle corps,* was ordered to Tryon county, and took ^'^
post at Schoharie, whence parties were sent out to chastise the white and red savages, and
to protect threatened settlements. They accomplished but little, however, except in inter-
cepting bands of Tories that were making their way from the Hudson River settlements to
join Johnson at Niagara. One of these parties, collected in the vicinity of Catskill, under
a Captain Smith, was dispersed, the commander killed, and several of the men m^de prison-
ers. This, and a few other exploits of a similar character, inspired the people with confi-
dence, and they anticipated a season of repose. But it was of shoit duration, for already a
cloud was gathering in the west, full charged with desolation.
We have noticed the fact that Walter Butler, a son of Colonel John Butler, was arrested
near Fort Dayton in August, 1777, tried, and condemned to death as a spy, but reprieved
and sent a prisoner to Albany. He was closely confined in the jail there until the spring
of 1778, when, through the interposition of his father's friends, some of them of the highest
respectability, he was liberated from prison, and allowed to reside with a private family,
having a single sentinel to guard him. This family proved to be Tories in disguise. The
sentinel was made drunk, and young Butler, mounting a fleet horse, escaped, and joined his
father at Niagara, just after the massacre of Wyoming. On his way through the Seneca
country he excited the Indians, by tales of the extensive preparations which the Americans
were making to penetrate and lay waste their country, and Uiey were soon ripe for invading
the white settlements.
About this time a Seneca chief, called Great Tree^ who was with Washington during
the summer, left for his own country and nation, with the strongest professions of firiendship
for the Americans. He promised to use his influence in keeping the Senecas neutral, and,
if unsuccessful, he was to return with his personal adherents and join the friendly Oneidas.
According to his own account, he found his people in arms, and uttering loud defiance against
the whites. The chiefs and principal warriors were collected at Kanadaseago and Grenesee ;
and Great Tree, believing the stories of Butler, and finding his people very united, resolved to
join his nation in chastising any whites that might penetrate their county. He was a pop-
ular orator and warrior, and his adherence gave the Senecas much joy. The Indians west
of the Oneidas were thus prepared to follow a leader upon the war-path.
Walter Butler obtained from his father the command of a detachment of his Bangers, and
permission to employ them, with the forces of Captain Brant, in an expedition against the
him exceedingly. In a letter written soon afterward to a Tory named Cass, he said, " The people of
Cherry Valley, though bold in words, will find themselves mistaken in calling me a goose.''
' Timothy Murphy, the man who shot General Fraser at Bemis's Heights, was in this detachment, and
became the terror of the Indians and Tories in the Schoharie country. He used a double-barreled rifle, and
the Indians, seeing him fire twice without stopping to load, supposed that he could fire as often as ho pleased
in the same manner.
Digitizecfby
Google
268 PICTORIAL FIflLD-BOOK
Bntler Hid Brant much toward Cherry Valley. Colond Alden warned. Capture of American Scouta
Bettlements in Tryon county. It was late in the season, but he thirsted for revenge because of
his imprisonment, and departed eastward early in October. While on his way, and near
Grenesee, he met Brant, with his warriors, going from his camp upon the Susquehanna to
his winter-quarters at Niagara. Brant felt a deep personal hatred toward young Butler, and
this feeling was greatly increased on finding himself made subordinate to the latter. But the
difficulty, which threatened, at first, to be serious, was soon adjusted. Thayendanegea had
thought much of the insulting letter of Captain M'Kean, and more willingly turned his face
back toward the settlements. The united forces amounted to about seven hundred men.
This movement was known to Mr. Dean, an Indian interpreter in the Oneida country,
early in October, and he communicated the information to Major Cochran, then in command
at Fort Schuyler. That officer sent a messenger with the intelligence to Colonel Alden, at
Cherry Valley, and also to the garrisons of the Schoharie forts ; but the presence of the Penn-
sylvania troops and riflemen had lulled the people into fancied security, and the report of the
oncoming invasion was treated as an idle Indian tale.
Cherry Valley, the wealthiest and most important settlement near the head waters of the
eastern branch of the Susquehanna, was the enemy's chosen point of attack. Colonel Icha-
bod Alden, of Massachusetts, was in conunand of the fort there, with about two hundred and
fifly Continental troops.' On the 8th of November the commandant received a dispatch
from Fort Schuyler, informing him that his post was about to be attacked by a large force
of Indians and Tories, then assembled upon the Tioga River. Colonel Alden treated the
information with unconcern, but the inhabitants were greatly alarmed. They asked per-
mission to move into the fort or to deposite their most valuable articles there, but the colonel,
regarding the alarm as really groundless, refused his consent. He assured them, at the same
time, that he would be vigilant in keeping scouts upon the look-out and the garrison in prep-
aration, and, accordingly, on the 9th parties were sent out in various directions. One of
these, which went down toward the Susquehanna, built a fire at their encampment, fell
asleep, and awoke prisoners in the hands of Butler and Brant. All necessary information
concerning the settlement was extorted from them, and the next day the enemy moved for-
ward and encamped upon a lof^ hill covered with evergreens, about a mile southwest of the
village, and overlooking the whole settlement. From that observatory they could see almost
every house in the village ; and from the prisoners they learned that the officers were quar-
tered out of the fort, and that Colonel Alden and Lieutenant-colonel Stacia were at the house
of Robert Wells, recently judge of the county, and formerly an intimate firiend of Sir Will-
iam Johnson and Colonel John Butler.
Norember 10; Early in the morning the enemy marched slowly toward the village. Snow
177a had fallen during the night, and the morning was dark and misty. . When near
the village, the Tories halted to examine their muskets, for the dampness had injured their
powder. The Indians, and particularly the ferocious Senecas, eager for blood and plunder,
pushed forward in the van during the halt. A settler, on horseback, going toward the vil-
lage, was shot, but, beings slightly wounded, escaped and gave the alarm. Colonel Alden
could not yet believe that the enemy was near in force, but he was soon convinced by the
sound of the war-whoop that broke upon the settlement, and the girdle of fierce savages,
with gleaming hatchets, that surrounded the house of Mr. Wells. They rushed in and mur-
dered the whole family.' Colonel Alden escaped firom a window, but was pursued, toma-
hawked, and scalped.
' While Brant was collecting his troops at Oghkwaga the previoos year, the strong stone mansion of
Colonel Samuel Campbell, at Cherry Valley, was fortified, to be used as a place of retreat for the women
and children in the event of an attack. An embeuikment of earth and logs was thrown up around it, and
included two bams. Small block-houses were erected within the inclosure. This was the only fort at
Cherry Valley at the time in question.
' The family of Mr. Wells consisted of himself and wife, mother, brother and sister (John and Jane), and
a daughter. His son John (the late eminent counselor of New York) was then at school in Schenectady,
aqd was the only survivor of the family. They had all been living at Schenectady for some months, for
security, but the alarm in the region of Cherry Valley having subsided, they had just returned. The de-
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 269
Mr.Donkp. Mr.MUchelL Destraetion of the SettlemeDt TrMtmentofPriaonen. Battel's SsTageUm and Branfa Humanity.
The house of the venerable minister, Mr. Dunlap (whose wife was the mother of Mrs.
Wells), and that of a Mr. Mitchell, were next attacked, and most of the inmates murdered.'
Hr< Dunlap and his daughter at home were protected by Little Aaron, a Mohawk chief, whc
led him to his door and there stood by his side, and preserved his life and property. But
the good old man sank under the tenible calamity of that day, and joined his lost ones in
the spirit land within a year thereafter. Many other families of less note were out off.
Thirty-two of the inhabitants, mostly women and children, and sixteen soldiers of the garri*
son, were killed. The whole settlement was plundered after the massacre had ceased, and
every building in the village was fired when the enemy left with their prisoners and booty.
Among the prisoners were the wife and children of Colonel Campbell, who was absent at
the time. He returned to find his property laid waste and his family carried into captivity.
The prisoners, numbering nearly forty, were marched down the valley that night in a
storm of sleet, and were huddled together promiscuously, some of them half naked, with no
shelter but the leafless trees, or resting-place but the wet ground. The marauders, finding
the women and children cumbersome, sent them all back the next day, except Mrs. Camp-
bell, her aged mother,* and her children, and a Mrs. Moore, who were kept as hostages for
the kind treatment and ultimate exchange of the family of Colonel John Butler. The re-
turning prisoners carried back with them a letter from Walter Butler to General Schuyler,
m which he pretended that feelings of mercy for the ahnost naked and helpless captives were
the incentive that caused him to release them ; disclaimed all desire to injure the weak and
defenseless ; and closed by assuring him that, if Colonel John Butler's family were longer
detained, he would not restrain the Indians firom indulgence in murder and rapine. The
*' tender mercy" of Butler was that of " the wicked." He was the head and ficont of all the
cruelty at Cherry Valley on that day. He commanded the expedition, and while he saw,
unmoved, the murder of his father's friend and family, and of others whose age and sex should
have secured his regard, his savage ally, the " monster Brant," hastened to save that very
family, but was too late.* Butler would not allow his Rangers even to warn their friends
stmction of the Wells family was marked by circumstances of peculiar ferocity, and I mention them to ex-
hibit the infernal character which the passions of men assume when influenced by the horrid teachings in
the school of war. One of the Tories boasted that he deft open the head of Mr. Wells while on his kneea
in prayer. His sister Jane was distinguished for her beauty, virtues, and accomplishments. When the
enemy burst into the house, she fled to a pile of wood and endeavored to conceal herself. An Indian puj
sued and caught her. He then wiped his knife, dripping with the blood of her relatives, sheathed it, and
deliberately took his tomahawk from his girdle. At that moment a Toiy, who had been a domestic in the
family of Mr. Wells, relented, and, springing forward, claimed her as his sister. The savage thrust him
aside and buried his hatchet in her temple. It is said that Colonel John Butler, professedly grieved at the
coodoot of his son at Cherry Valley, remarked, on one occasion, " I would have gone miles on my knees
to save that family, and why my son did not do it, God only knows."
^ Mr. Mitchell was in the field when the invasion took phioe, and found safety in the woods. After the
enemy had retired, he hastened to the village, when he found his house on fire and the dead bodies of his
wife and three children lying within. He extinguished the flames, and discovered his little daughter ter-
ribly mangled, but yet alive. He took her to the door, hoping fresh air might revive her, when he diMov
eied & straggling party of the enemy near. He had just time to conceal himself, when a Tory sergeant
named Ne^^rry, whose acts in Sphoharie entitle him to a seat in the councils of Pandemonium, approach-
ed, and, seeing the poor child lying upon the door-stone, dispatched her yrith a blow of a h&tchet. This
miscreant was afterward caught and hung by order of General Clinton.
' Mrs. Cannon, the mother of Mrs. Campbell, was quite old. She was an encumbrance, and a savage
slew her with his tomahawk, by the side of her daughter, who, with a babe eighteen months old in her
arms, was driven vrith inhuman haste before her captors, while, with uplifted hatchets, they menaced her
life. Arriving among the Senecas, she was kindly treated, and installed a member of one of the families.
They allowed her to do as she pleased, and her deportment was such that she seemed to engage the real
afiections of the people. Perceiving that she wore caps, one was presented to her, considera^bly spotted
with blood. On examination, she recognized it as one that had belonged to her friend, Jane Wells. She
and her children (from whom she was separated in the Indian country) were afterward exchanged for the
wife and family ojf Colonel John Butler, then in the custody of the Committee of Safety at Albany.
' There are many well-authenticated instances on record of the humanity of Brant, exercised particular-
ly toward women and children. He was a magnanimous victor, and never took the life of a former friend
or acquaintance. He loved a hero because of his heroism, although he might be his enemy j and he was
Digitized by
GoogI'
270 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Character of Walter Butler. The SettlementB menaced. Expedition agahiat the Onondagas. Destraction of their Tawa§.
in the settlement of the approaching danger, but friend and foe were left exposed to the ter-
rible storm ; he had sworn vengeance, and his bad heart would not be content until its crav*
• ^^^^.^ 't^^ ^_^- i°&8 were satisfied. Tender charity may seek to cloak
/rcH^.^^rs/1^ /,j c^C^C^^^^^y jjjg crimes with the plea that partisan warfare justified
sioNATUM oy Waltm BuTLEi. jjjg ^^^ . ^fld lapw of timo, which meUows such crim-
son tints in the picture of a man's character, may temper the asperity with which shocked
humanity views his conduct ; yet a just judgment, founded upon observation of his brief ca-
reer, must pronounce it a stain upon the generation in which he lived. After the destruc-
tion of Cherry Valley his course was short, but bold, cruel, and bloody. British officers of
respectability viewed him with horror and disgust ; and when, in 1781, he was slain by the
Oneidas on the banks of the West Canada Creek, his body was left to decay, while his fallen
companions were buried with respect.
With the destruction of Cherry Valley all hostile movements ceased in Tryon county, and
were not resumed until the following spring, when an expedition was sent against the Onon-
dagas by General Clinton. Frequent messages had been sent by the Oneidas during the
winter, all reporting that Brant and his Tory colleagues were preparing for some decisive
blow. The Onondagas, in the mean while, were making peaceful professions, expressing a
desire to remain neutral, while they were in league and in secret correspondence with the
leaders in the hostile camp at Niagara. Policy, and even the necessity bom of the law of
self-preservation, seemed to demand the infliction of summary and severe chastisement upon
the savages who menaced and desolated the Tryon county settlements. Early in the win-
ter General Schuyler had assured Congpress that, unless something of the kind was speedily
done, Schenectady must soon become the boundary of settlement in that direction.
The arrangement of an expedition against the Indians was intrusted to General Clinton.
April IS, ^^ April he dispatched a portion of the regiments of Colonels Gansevoort and Van
1^^- Schaick, under the latter officer, against the Onondagas. The party consisted of
five hundred and fifly-eight strong men. Van Schaick was instructed to bum their castle
and villages in the Onondaga Valley, destroy all their cattle and other efiects, and make a£
many prisoners as possible. He was further instructed to treat the women that might fall
into his hands with all the respect due to chastity. The expedition went down Wood Creek
and Oneida Lake, and thence up the Oswego River to the point on Onondaga Lake where
Salina now is. A thick fog concealed their movements, and they had approached to within
four or five miles of the valley before they were discovered. As soon as the first village was
attacked, the alarm spread to the others. The people fled to the forests, leaving every thing,
even their arms, behind them. Three villages, consisting of about fifty houses, were destroy-
ed ; twelve Indians were killed, and thirty-three were made prisoners. A large quantity of
never known to take advantage of a oonqnered soldier. I have mentioned the ohaUenge which Captain
M'Kean sent to Brant. After the afiair at Cherry Valley, he inquired of one of the prisoners for Captain
M'Kean, who, with his family, had left the settlement. *^ He sent me a challenge,^' said Brant " I came
to accept it. He is a fine soldier thus to retreat." It was replied, " Captain M^Kean would not turn his
back upon an enemy when there was any probability of snocess." " I know it," replied Brant. " He is
a brave man, and I would have given more to take him than any other man in Cherry Valley ; bat I would
not have hurt a hair of his head."
Dr. Timothy Dwight relates that Walter Batler ordered a woman and child to be slain, in bed, at Cherry
Valley, when Brant interposed, saying, " What I kill a woman and child 1 That child is not an enemy to
the king nor a friend to Congress. Long before he will be big enough to do any mischief, the dispute will
be settled.*' When, in 1780, Sir John Johnson and Brant led a desolating army through the Schoharie
and Mohawk Valleys, Brant's humanity was again displayed. On their way to Fort Hunter an infant was
carried off. The frantic mother followed them as far Yis the fort, but could get no tidings of her child. On
the morning after the departure of the invaders, and while General Van Rensselaer's officers were at break-
fast, a young Indian came bounding into the room, bearing the infant in his arms and a letter from Captain
Brant, addressed to " the commander of the rebel army." The letter was as follows : '* Sir — I send you,
by one of my runners, the child which he will deliver, that you may know that, whatever others may do,
/ do not make war upon women and children. I am sorry to say that I have those engaged with me who
are more savage than the savages themselves." He named the Butlers and others of die Tory leaders
This incident was related to Mr. Stone by the late General Morgan Lewis.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 271
AlannofOaOneidat. Ezpedidon ■gainst OtwegatcUe. Attack oa CobelBUll. Soalping Parties.
provisions, consisting chiefly of beans and com, was consumed. The council-house, or cas-
tle, was not burned, but the swivel in it was spiked. All the horses and cattle in the vicinity
were slaughtered ; and, when the work of destruction was ended, the expedition returned to
Fort Schuyler, after an absence of only six days, and without the loss of a man.
This esqpedition, cruel and of doubtful policy, alarmed the neutral Oneidas.' They were
faithful to the Americans, yet, having intermarried freely with the Onondagas, their relations
had been slain or impoverished, and this distressed them. They sent a deputation to Fort
Schuyler to inquire into the matter. Ck>lonel Van Schaick pacified, if he did not satisfy, them,
and they returned to their people. But the ire of the Onondagas was fiercely kindled, not
only on account of the destruction of their property, but because of the extinguishment of
their council fire. Three hundred braves were immediately sent upon the war-path, charged
with the vengeance of the nation. Guided by a Tory, they came down fiercely upon the
settlement at CobelskiU,' murdering, plundering, and burning. The militia turned out to
repulse them, but, being led into* an ambuscade, a number of them were killed. They foi;^ht
desperately, and while the militia was thus contending, and beating back the savages, the
people fled in safety to Schoharie. Seven of the militia took post in a strong house, which
the savages set fire to, and these brave young men all perished in the flames. The whole
settlement was then plundered and burned. The patriots lost twenty-two killed, and forty-
two who were made prisoners.
While this expedition was in progress, scalping parties appeared at the diflerent points in
the lower section of the Mohawk, and the settlements were menaced with the fate of Cherry
Valley. On the south side of the Mohawk a party fell upon the Canajoharie settlement,
took three prisoners, captured some horses, and drove the people to Fort Plain. On the
same day another party attacked a small settlement at Stone Arabia,' burned some ^p^ xs,
houses, and killed several people. A party of Senecas appeared at Schoharie on the ^'^*
same day, drove the people to the fort, plundered the houses, and carried away two men pris«
oners. These simultaneous attacks were part of a plan for cutting ofl* the settlement in de-
tail. The Indians on the south of the Mohawk were from the Seneca country, and those on
the north from Canada, both, doubtless, the advanced parties of larger forces. The settle^
ments were thoroughly alarmed. The Palatine* Conmiittee wrote immediately to Genera]
Clinton, at Albany, for succor. That efficient officer aflbrded immediate aid, and, by the
timely check thus given to the invaders, the settlers of the valley were prevented firom being
driven into Schenectady.* Other settlements near the Delaware and on the frontiers of
Ulster county were visited by the Indians in May and the early part of June ; and in
July the battle of Minisink occurred, the particulars of which will be hereafter re- j^-go,
lated. 1^-
In the spring of this year it was determined to send a formidable force into the Indian
country of Western New York, for the purpose of chastising the savages and their Tory
allies so thoroughly that the settlements upon the Mohawk and the upper branches of the Sus-
quehanna might enjoy a season of repose.- The tribes of the Six Nations were then popu-
lous. They had many villages, vast corn-fields, and firuitful orchards and gardens in the
' At the time of this expedition there were about forty Oneida warriors at Fort Schuyler. These were
sent, with a party of regulars, under Lieutenants M'Lellan and Hardenburgh, northward to attack the fort
at Oswegatohie. This expedition was unsuccessful in its ostensible objeot, the garrison having been ap-
prised of their approach. It is supposed that the employment of the Oneidas so far away that they could
not notify their kinsmen, the Onondagas, of the invasion, was the principal object of this northern move-
ment, and in that it was successful. The Oneidas were really friendly, to the patriots, but to their credit
it was said by General Clinton (who knew them well), in a letter to General Sullivan, " Their attachment to
one another is too strong to admit of their being of any service when employed against their fellows."
* Cobelskill was taken from Schoharie. The little village is about ten miles west of the former.
' Stone Arabia is about three miles north of the Mohawk, in the rear of Palatine, and thirteen west of
Johnstown.
^ Palatine is on the north side of the Mohawk, opposite Canajoharie, with which it is oonneoted by a bridge^
' Campbell^s jitmals ; Stone's Brant,
Digitized by
Google
272
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Preparatioiis to inrade t)M Indian Conntry.
Oeoeral SalUTsn, Commander-in-diiefl
General James CUntoa
fertile country westward of Otsego Lake.
It was supposed that the most efiectual method
to subdue or weaken them would be to destroy
their homes and lay waste their fields, and thus
drive them further back into the wilderness to-
ward Lake Erie. Already the Mohawks had
been thrust out of the valley of their name, and
their families were upon the domains of the Ca-
yugas and Senecas. It was, therefore, determ-
ined to make a combined movement upon them
of two strong divisions of military, one from
Pennsylvania and the other from the north, at
a season when their fields and orchards were
fully laden with grain and fruits. It was a
part of the pla:n of the expedition to penetrate
• the country to Niagara, and break up the nest
of vipers there. *
General Sullivan* was placed in the chief
command, and led in person the division that
ascended the Susquehanna from Wyoming,
while Greneral Clinton* conmianded the forces
that penetrated the country from the mouth
of the Canajoharie. It was arranged to unite
the two divisions at Tioga.
Clinton's troops, fifteen hundred strong,
were mustered at Canajoharie on the 1 5th of
June, and on the 1 7th he commenced the trans-
portation of his bateaux and provisions across
the hilly country to Springfield, at the head of
Otsego Lake, a distance of more than twenty
^ John Sullivan was born in Berwick, Maine, on the 17th of February, 1740. His family emigrated to
America from Ireland in 1723. He was a farmer in his yoath, and, after arriving at maturity, he studied
law, and established himself in practice in Durham, New Hampshire. He was chosen a delegate to the
first Continental Congress. After retiring from that body, he and John Langdon, the speaker of the Pro-
vincial Congress of New Hampshire, commanded a small force which seized Fort William and Mary, at
Portsmouth, and carried off all the cannon. He was appointed one of the eight brigadiers when the Con-
tinental army was organized in 1775, and early in the following year he was made a major general. Ho
superseded Arnold in the command of the American army in Canada in 1776. When General Greene be-
came in on Long Island, he took command of his division, and was made prisoner at the battle fought there
in August, 1776. He was exchanged, and took command of (General Charles Lee's division in New Jersey
alter the capture of that officer. In the autumn of 1777 he was engaged in the battles at the Brandy wine
and Germantown, and in the winter following he took command of the troops on Rhode Island. He be-
sieged Newport in August, 1778, was unsuccessful, and retreated from the island after a severe battle near
the north end. He commanded the expedition against the Indians in 1779, and this was the last of his mil-
itary career. Having oflfended some of the membors of the Board of War, and believing himself ill treated,
he resigned his commission in 1779. He was afterward a member of Congress, and, for three years from
1'786, was President of New Hampshire. In 1789 he was appointed district judge, which office he held
until his death, which occurred January 23d, 1795.
« James Clinton was bom in Ulster county, New York, August 9th, 1736. At the age of twenty (1756)
he was captain, under Bradstreet, in the attack on Fort Frontenac. In 1763 he was intrusted with the
command of four companies in Ulster and Orange, raised for defense against the inroads of the savages.
He, with his brother George (the Governor of New York during the Revolution), early espoused the patriot
cause. He was appointed a colonel in 1775, and accompanied Montgomery to Canada. In August, 1776,
he was made a brigadier ; and he was in command, under Governor Clinton, at Forts Montgomery and
Clinton when they fell into the hands of the enemy in 1777. He escaped, and made his way to his resi-
dence in safety. Conjointly with Sullivan, he led the expedition against the Indians in 1779. During the
remainder of the war he was connected with the Northern Department, having his quarters at Albany.
He retired to his estate, near Newburgh, Orange county. New York, after the Revolution, where he died
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 273
Ci^itnre of Hare and Mewbeny. Infbnnatioii from General Schuyler. Mr. Deane. Damming of Otiego Lake. Its Efieeta.
miles. It was an arduous duty, for his boats numbered two hundred and twenty, and he
had provisions sufficient for three months. He reached Springfield, with all his luggage, on
the 30th. On his way he captured Hare and Newberry, two notorious spies, the former a
lieutenant in the British service, and the latter the miscreant whom we have already noticed
as the murderer of Mr. Mitchell's wounded child at Cherry Valley. They were tried, and
hanged " pursuant to the sentence of the court, and to the entire satisfaction of the inhabit-
ants of the county."*
Clinton, with his division, proceeded to the foot of Otsego Lake, and there awaited j^i^ i^
orders from Sullivan. A day or two ailer his arrival, Greneral Schuyler communica- ^^^•
ted to him the important information that the purpose of the expedition was known to the
enemy, and that four hundred and fifty regular troops, one hundred Tories, and thirty In-
dians had been sent from Montreal to re-enforce the tribes against whom it was destined.
This information Greneral Schuyler received fiN)m a spy whom he had sent into Canada.
The spy had also informed him that they were to be joined by one half of Sir John John-
son's regiment and a portion of the garrison at Niagara. On the 5th, Mr. Deane,' the In-
dian interpreter, arrived with thirty-five Oneida warriors, who came to explain the absence
of their tribe, whom Clinton, by direction of Sullivan, had solicited to join him.* They con-
firmed the intelligence sent by Schuyler, and added that a party of Cayugas and Tories,
three hundred in number, were then upon the war-path, and intended to hang upon the
outskirts of Clinton's army on its march to Tioga.
Clinton remained at the south end of Otsego Lake, awaiting the tardy movements of Sul-
livan, until the first week in August. His troops became impatient, yet he was not idle.
He performed a feat which exhibited much ingenuity and forecast. He discovered that, in
consequence of a long drought, the outlet of the lake was too inconsiderable to allow his boats
to pass down upon its waters. He therefore raised a dam across it at the foot of the lake,
by which the waters would be so accumulated that, when it should be removed, the bed of
the outlet would be filled to the brim, and bear his boats upon the flood. The work was
soon accomplished, and, in addition to the advantages which it promised to the expedition,
the damming of the lake caused great destruction of grain upon its borders, for its banks
were overflowed, and vast corn-fields belonging to the Indians were deluged and destroyed.
The event also greatly alarmed the savages. It was a very dry season, and they regarded
the sudden rising of the lake, without any apparent cause, as an evidence that the Great
Spirit was displeased with them. And when Clinton moved down the stream with his
luge flotilla upon its swollen flood, the Indians along its banks were amazed, and retreated
into the depths of the forest.
SuUivaa and Clinton formed a junction at Tioga on the 2 2d of August, the entire
finrce amounting to five thousand men, consisting of the brigades of Generals Clinton,
December 22d, 1812, aged 75 yean. He was the iather of De Witt Clinton, the eminent Governor of New
York in 1826-7.
^ So said General Clinton in a letter to General Schayler. The latter remarked, in reply, " In exeoating
Hare yoa have rid the state of the greatest villain in it. I hope his abettors in the ooontry will meet with
a similat exaltation."
' James Deane was the first settler in the town of Westmoreland, Oneida ooonty. He was the son of
ptons New England parents, and at the age of eleven years was sent among the Indians upon the Susqne-
hanna to learn their language, for the purpose of becoming a missionary among them. He was afterward
a student in Dartmouth College. On the breaking out of the war, he was appointed Indian agent, with the
rank of m^jor in the army, and during the contest he was most of the time among the Oneidas. At the
close of hostilities the Oneidas granted him a tract of land two miles square, near Rome, in Oneida county,
which he afterward exchanged for a tract in Westmoreland, where he removed in 1786, and resided until
his death in 1832.
' General Clinton was averse to the employment of the Oneidas or any other Indians ; but such being
the orders of his superior, he engaged Mr. Deane to negotiate vrith them. The Oneidas, to a man, volun-
teered to accompany the expedition, and the few Onondagas who still adhered to the Americans were also
ready to join Clinton. But on the 23d the Oneidas received an address at Fort Schuyler, from Greneral
Haldimand, written in the Iroquois language ; and so alarming were the menaces it contained, that they
suddenly changed their minds, and determined to stay at home and defend their own castles and dwellings.
S
Digitized by
Google
274 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
March of SuUiran's Expedidon. Fortifications of the Enemy. General Edward Hand. The Battle
Hand, Maxwell, and Poor, together with Proctor's artillery and a corps of riflemen. The
movement of the expedition had been so slow that the enemy was prepared to receive them.
Near Conewawah* (Newtown in the histories of the battle), a considerable Indian village
at the junction of the Newtown Creek with the Chemung River, they had thrown up breast-
works half a mile in length, where they had determined to make a bold stand against the
invaders.
The Americans moved cautiously up the Tioga and Chemimg, having lai^e flanking par
ties on either side, and a strong advanced and rear guard,
for they were told that detachments of the enemy were hov-
ering around, ready to strike when an opportunity should of-
fer. On their march they destroyed a small Indian settle-
AofiiBt 29, meat, and the next day Major Parr, of the advanced
1779. guard, discovered the enemy's works. These were
about a mile in advance of Conewawah, and were so covered
by a bend in the river, that only the front and one flank were
exposed to the fire of the assailants. That flank rested upon
a steep hiU or ridge running nearly parallel with the river.
Further to the left was another ridge, running in the same
direction, and passing in the rear of the American army. De-
tachments of the enemy were stationed on both hills, having a o «» of biabch.*
line of communication ; and they were so disposed that they
might fall upon the assailants, flank and rear, as soon as the action should commence. The
Tories and Indians were further protected by the pine-trees and shrub oaks that covered the
ground. Hoping that the Americans might not discover their concealed fortification, they
had arranged it in such a relative position to the road along which the invaders must pass,
that the whole flank of the army would be exposed to an enfilading fire. Happily for the
Americans, their preparations were discovered in time.
General Hand' formed the light infantry about four hundred yards from the breast-works,
and, while thus waiting for the main body to come up, was several times attacked by small
parties of Indians, who sallied out, raised the war-whoop, and then retreated within the
works. The hill upon the right swarmed with savages, and Sullivan ordered Poor to sweep
it with his brigade. He immediately commenced the ascent, and the action became warm
His progpress was bravely disputed for two hours, when the enemy slowly gave way. They
darted from tree to tree as they yielded inch by inch ; and from behind rocks, and bushes,
and trees they galled the Americans terribly with a scattering fire. Brant was at the head
of the savages, and Sir John Johnson, aided by the Butlers and Captain McDonald, one of
' Conewawah was upon the site of the present village of Elmira. The name is an Iroqaois word, sig-
nifying a head on a pole. It was beantifnlly sitnated in the midst of a fertile valley, and, at the time of the
invasion, was surrounded by fruitful orchards and broad fields of fiowering com. The place became a
white settlement, and vras incorporated by the name of Newtown in 1815, which was changed to Elmira
in 1825. There are no vestiges to be seen here of the battle of Chenmng^ as the engagement that took
plaee there is sometimes called. The spot where Sullivan landed b a few rods below the " SulUvIn Mill,'^
which stands upon the Conewawah or Newtown Creek, near its junction with the Chemung. The works
thrown up by Sullivan, and destroyed when he return^ from the (Genesee country, were a little south of
the mill.
' ExPLANATioH OF TBS PLAif . — ^Thc advauccd guard, composed of light infantry, one mile in advance,
a a, flanking corps, b fr, the main body. Clinton's and Hand's brigades were on the right, and Poor's and
Maxwell's were on the left, c, Proctor's artillery and the pack horses. The rifle corps composed a por^
tion of the strong rear-guard.
* General Edward Hand was a native of Leinster province, Ireland, and was bom at the close of 1744.
His amiable disposition and urbanity of manner endeared him to his men, and he maintained, throughout
the war, the unlimited confidence and respect of his superior officers. After the war he was much engaged
in civil offices of trast, and his name is attached to the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1790. So highly did
Washington esteem him, that when, during Adamses administration, be consented to take the chief com-
mand of the American amiy to be raised to resist the threatened and actual aggressions of France, he desired
the appointment of Greneral Hand as adjutant general. He died in 1803.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 275
Hie £flbct of the Artillery. Retreat of the Enemy. Deetmetioo of Cetharineetown and other VlUages and Plantatkma.
the Scotch refugees from Johnstown, commanded the Tories. It is helieved that Guj
Johnson was ahK> in the hattle, hut this is not certainly known-. They fought skillfully and
courageously, and, hut for the artillery that was brought into play as speedily as possible,
the victory would doubtless have been on their side. The cannonade produced a great panic
among the Indians, yet their leader, who was seen at all points, and in the hottest of the
fight, kept them long from retreating. Poor at length gained the summit of the ridge, out-
flanked the enemy, and decided the fortunes of the day. Brant, perceiving that all was lost,
raised the loud, retreating cry, Oonahf Oonahf and savages and Tories, in great confusion,
abandoned their works and fled across the river, pursued by the victors. Thus ended the
battle of Chemung. The force of the enemy was estimated by Sullivan at fifWn hundred,
including five companies of British troops and Rangers. The Americans numbered between
fi>ur and five thousand, a considerable portion of whom were not brought into action at alL
Considering the length of time occupied in the battle, and the numbers engaged, the loss was
very inconsiderable. Only five or six of the Americans were killed, and about fifty wounded.
The loss of the enemy was much greater. In their flight eight Indians were slain and scalped
by their pursuers. Ay, scalped/ for the Americans had been apt scholars in learning the In-
dian art of war that had been so terribly taught them in Tryon county for three years.
Sullivan's army rested upon the battle-ground that night, and the next morning pushed
onward toward Catharinestown, an Indian settlement northwest from Conewawah, and
about three miles firom the head of Seneca Lake. The march was difficult and dangerous.
The route lay through narrow defiles and a deep valley traversed by a stream so sinuous
that they had to ford it several times, the water often waist high. At night fhey
bivouacked in a dark and tangled cedar swamp, without blankets or food, and in ^^^^
continual fear of an enemy in ambush.^ The whole army reached Catharinestown in safe-
ty, and encamped before it on the 2d of September. The people fled, and the nexf day the
village and surrounding corn-fields and orchards were destroyed.
The flying campaign, charged with destruction, had now fairly begun. " The Indians
shall see," said Sullivan, *' that there is malice enough in our hearts to destroy every thing
that contributes to their support," and cruelly was that menace executed. The Indians
fled before him like frightened deer to cover, and the wail of desolation was heard through
OHt their pleasant land, from the Susquehanna to the Genesee. Village after village was
laid waste, and fields and orchards were desolated. Kendaia was swept from • September 6»
existence ;& other and smaller villages were annihilated ; and on the 7 th of Sep- i^^-
tember the conquerors sat down before Kanadaseagea, the capital of the Senecas, near the
head of the beautiful lake of that name. Sixty indiflerent cabins, surrounded by fine or-
chards of apple, peach, and pear trees, became a prey to the army. Not a roof was left to
shelter the sorrowing inhabitants on their return — ^not a fruit-tree to shade them or to give
them sustenance — ^not an ear of com of all the abundance that lay before the invaders when
they approached, was saved firom the devouring flames.
While the chief portion of the army was engaged in this work, detachments went out and
wrought equal devastation elsewhere. Four hundred men went down the west side of the
lake and destroyed Gotheseunquean, or Gaghsiungua, and the plantations around it, and an-
other party, under Colonel Harper, marched to Schoyere, near Cayuga Lake, and utterly de-
stroyed it and its fields of grain.
Taking breath at Kanadaseagea, the invaders marched on to Kanandaigua, at the head
of the little lake of that name, and in a few hours after their arrival the << twenty-
three very elegant houses, mostly framed, and, in general, large,"* with the ex- P*"°***"
tensivB fields of corn and beans, and orchards of heavily-laden ftuit-trees, were destroyed.
^ The enemy might have rallied upon the hills along this periloos route, and greatly thinned, if not quite
destroyed or oaplared, the invading army. Bat, as Brant afterward said, they did not believe that SulUvaa
would commence a march so soon over so bad a route ; and the Indians were so terrified by the cannons^
and disheartened by the result of the battle, that they could not be readily induced to attempt another.
' See Greneral Sullivan's official account of this expedition.
Digitized by
Google
276 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
■
Approach to Genesee. Councfl of the IndUn VlIlagM. A Betde. Capture and Torture of Ueutenant Boyi.
Hbneoye, or Anyeaya, a village lying in the path of the invading army in its march toward
the Valley of the Genesee, was next swept away, and Sullivan prepared to desolate the broad
valley in whose bosom nestled the great capital of the Western tribes, and the most import-
ant of all the Indian settlements.
Thus far the enemy had ded in terror before the invading army, and the villages of the
Indians were destroyed without an efibrt being made to defend them. The beautiful Valley
of the Grenesee, the earthly paradise of the Six Nations, was now menaced. A council of
the villages of the plain was held, and they resolved to turn and strike another blow in de-
fense of their homes. Their women and children were removed to the deep shelter of the
forest, and the warriors prepared for battle i]^n a plain between Honeyoe and the head of
Connissius Lake, now known as Henderson's Flats. There they waited in ambush the ap-
proach of Sullivan's army, and rose upon the advanced guard with the desperation of wound-
ed panthers. The battle was short, the savages were routed, and all that they had gained
was the capture of two Oneida chiefs.^
On the 1 2th, Kanaghsaws and its plantations were laid in ashes. Here the progress of
the army was temporarily checked by a deep stream, which it was necessary to bridge in
order to pass over with the baggage and stores. Before them lay the village of Little
Beard's Town, and, while the army was delayed in constructing a bridge, Lieutenant Boyd,
of the rifle corps, with a detachment of twenty-six men, went to reconnoiter the town. He
found it deserted, except by two Indians, whom he killed and scalped. Returning, his route
lay near the party who had captured the two Oneidas. One of them, as we have seen, was
killed, the other was spared for torture. He broke loose from his captors, and fled in the
direction of Sullivan's camp. Many Indians started in pursuit, and these were joined by
Brant and a large body of warriors, who had lain in ambush to cut ofi* Boyd on his return.
8ept«nber 1% '^^^ pursuing Indians came upon Boyd and his party. Surrounded by over-
1779. whelming numbers, he saw no way to escape but by cutting his way through
the fierce circle. Three times he made the attempt ; almost all his men were killed, and
himself and a soldier named Parker were made prisoners and carried in triumph to Little
Beard's Town.' Brant treated them humanely, but, having business elsewhere, the chief
left them in the custody of Colonel John Butler, who, with his Bangers, was there. The
unfeeling Tory handed them over to the tender mercies of the Indians. By them Boyd was
tortured in the most cruel manner, and then beheaded. Parker was beheaded without being
tortured. Among the few who escaped was Timothy llurphy, the slayer of Eraser at Be-
mis's Heights. The Americans found the bodies of the two victims at Little Beard's Town,
and buried them upon the bank of Little Beard's Creek, under a dump of wild plum-trees
on the road now running firom Moscow to Grenesee.
The Tories and Indians now held another council, and it was concluded that further at-
tempts to oppose such an army as Sullivan's was futile. They therefore resolved to leave
their beautiful country ; and their women and children were hurried oflT toward Niagara,
' One of these was (Genera) SoUivan's guide, and had rendered the Americans very important serrioes.
He had an ekier brother engaged with the enemy, and here they met for the first time since their separa-
tion at the Oneida Castle. Fierce was the anger of the elder chief when he recognized his brother in the
prisoner. Approaching him with violent gestures, he said, ^^ Brother I yon have merited death! The
hatchet or the war-club shall finish your career !" He then reproached him for aiding the rebellion, for
driving the Indians from their fields, and for butchering their children. " No crime can be greater," he
said. " But though yon have merited death, and shall die on this spot, my hands shall not be stained with
the blood of a brother I Who vfiU itrikt?" Instantly a hatchet gleamed in the hand of Little Beard, the
sachem of a village near by,* and the next moment the young Oneida was dead at the feet of his brother.
— See CampbelPs jinnaU,
* Han Terry, an Oneida sachem, was with Lieutenant Boyd, serving him as guide. He fought Fith sig-
nal courage. The Indians knew him, and, several springing upon him, he was literally hacked in {neces by
their hatchets. Han Terry lived at Oriskany at the time of the battle there, and joined the Americans.
He wna a powerful man, and did great execution. For this the Indians defeated in that battle entertained
toward him feelings of the most implacable hatred.
* Little Board's Town, now Ldceatar, ia LiTiofrton coaDty.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 277
DatCmotkMiofQeneMe and fheaorrooiiding Country. Picture of tiboDetolatioiL Name giren to Waahtaigtoii. Corn Planter.
while the warriors hovered around the conquering army, to watch its moyements and strike
a blow if opportunity should occur.
Sullivan proceeded to the Genesee Valley. Gathtsegwarohare and Little Beard's Town
were destroyed, and on the 14th he crossed the river, and the army encamped September,
around Genesee, the Indian capital. Here every thing indicated the presence of ^^^
civilization. There was not a wilderness feature in the scene. The rich intervales present-
ed the appearance of cultivation for many generations,^ and the farms, and orchards, and
gardens bespoke a degree of comfort and refinement that would be creditable to any civilized
community. But a terrible doom hung over the smiling country. The Genesee Castle was
destroyed, and the capital was laid in ashes. « The town*' [Genesee], said SuUivan, in his
dispatch to Washington, " contained one hundred and twenty-eight houses, mostly large and
very elegant. It was beautifully situated, almost encircled with a clear flat, extending a
nimiber of miles, over which extensive fields of com were waving, together with every kind
of vegetable that could be conceived." Yet the contemplation of this scene could not stay
the destroyer's hand ; and over the whole valley and the surrounding country the troops
swept with the besom of desolation. Forty Indian towns were burned ; one hundred and
sixty thousand bushels ct com in the fields and in granaries were destroyed ; a vast number
of die finest firuit-troes,' the product of years of tardy growth, were cut down ; hundreds of
gardens covered with edible vegetables were desolated ; the inhabitants were driven into the
forests to starve, and were hunted like wild beasts ; their altars were overturned, and their
graves trampled upon by strangers ; and a beautiful, well- watered country, teeming with a
prosperous people, and just rising from a wilderness state, by the aid of cultivation, to a level
with the productive regions of civilization, was desolated and cast back a centuiy within the
space of a fortnight.' To us, looking upon the scene from a point so remote, it is difficult to
perceive the necessity that called for a chastisement so cruel and terrible. But that such
necessity seemed to exist we should not doubt, for it was the judicious and benevolent mind
of Washington that conceived and planned the campaign, and ordered its rigid execution in
the manner in which it was accomplished. It awed the Indians for the moment, but did
not crush them. In the reaction tiiey had greater strength. It kindled the fires of deep
hatred, which spread far among the tribes upon the lakes and in the valley of the Ohio.
Washington, like Demetrius, the son of Antigonus, received from the savages the name of
An-na-ta-kau-les, which signifies a taker of towns, or Town Destroyer.*
' The race of Indians that then inhabited the Valley of the Genesee had no knowledge of the earlier cul-
tivators of the soil. They asserted, according to Mary Jemison, that another race, of which they bad no
knowledge, had cultivated the land long before their ancestors came into the valley ; and she saw the dis-
entombment of skeletons mnch larger than those of the race she was among.
' Many of the orchards were oncomoionly large. One that was destroyed by the axe contained fifteen
hondred trees.
' Stone says (Life of Brant, ii., 25), " It is apprehended that few of the present generation are thoroaghly
aware of the advances which the Indians, in the wide and beautiful country of the Cayugas and Senecas,
bad made in the march of civilization. They had several towns and many large villages, laid out with a
considerable degree of regularity. They had framed houses, some of them well finished, having chimneys,
and painted. They had broad and productive fields ; and, in addition to an abundance of apples, were Uie
enjoyment of the pear and the more luscious peach.''
^ At a council held in Philadelphia in 1792, Com Planter, the distingmshed Seneca chief, thus addressed
the President : " Father — ^The voice of the Seneca nation speaks to you, the great counselor, in whose
heart the wise men of all the thirteen fires have placed their wisdom. It may be very small in your ears,
and, therefore, we entreat you to hearken with attention, for we are about to speak to you of things which
to us are very great. When your army entered the country of the Six Nations, we called you The Town
Destroyer ; and to this day, when that name is heard, our women look behind them and turn pale, and our
childroi cling close to the necks of their mothers. Our counselors and warriors are men, and can not be
afiraid ; but their hearts are grieved with the fears of our women and children, and desire that it may be
buried so deep that it may be heard no more."
Com Planter was one of the earliest lecturers upon temperance in this country. While speaking upon
this subject in 1822, he said, " The Great Spirit first made the world, next the flying animals, and formed
aU things good and prosperous. He is immortal and everlasting. After finishing the flying animals, he
same down to earth and there stood Then he made different kinds of trees, and woods of all sorts, and
Digitized by
Google
278 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
BatoraoftbeinTadingArmy. A Celebration. Arriralof tfaeEzpeditioaat Wjomiiig. The Onddai driven from Iloma
From causes not clearly understood, Sullivan did not extend his victorious march to Ni-
agara, the head-quarters of the Tories and Indians, the breaking up of which would have
been far more efficient in bringing repose to the white settlements than the achievements
just accomplished ; but, having desolated the Grenesee Valley, he crossed the river and re-
September SO; traced hls steps. When the army recrossed the outlet of Seneca Lake, Colonel
1779. Zebulon Butler, of Wyoming, was sent with a detachment of five hundred men,
to pass round the foot of Cayuga Lake and destroy the Indian towns on its eastern shore.
Lieutenant Dearborn was dispatched upon similar service along its western shore ; and both
corps, having accomplished their mission, joined the main body on the Chemung.'
^ Butler had burned three towns and the capital of the Cayugas, and Dearborn
had destroyed six towns and a great quantity of grain and fruit-trees. The army reached
Tioga, its starting-place, on the 3d of October, where it was joined by the garrison left in
charge of Fort Sullivan. Destroying that stockade, they took up their line of march on the
4th for Wyoming, where they arrived on the 7th, and pitched their tents on the former camp-
ground near Wilkesbarre. The next day a large portion of the troops left for Easton, on
the Delaware, at which place they were dismissed. Thus ended a campaign before which
we would gladly draw the vail of forgetfulness.
Although beaten back into the wilderness, and their beautiful country laid waste, the In-
dians were not conquered, and in the spring of the foUowing year Brant and some of
his followers were again upon the war-path. During the winter the threat of Sir
Frederic Haldimand against the Oneidas was executed. Their castle, church, and villages
were destroyed, and the inhabitants were driven down upon the white settlements for pro-
tection. They collected together near Schenectady, where they remained until after the
war.' These, too, were particular objects for the vengeance of the hostile savages. They
regarded the Oneidas as double traitors, and determined to punish them accordingly, should
an opportunity ofier to do so.
In April, in connection with a band of Tories, the savages destroyed Harpersfield, and
then marched to the attack of the Upper Schoharie Fort. On their way they captured
Captain Alexander Harper and a small company who were with him, engaged in making
maple sugar. Three of the yeomanry were killed, and ten made prisoners and taken to Ni-
agara. With difficulty Brant kept his Indians from murdering them by the way. At
Niagara Harper met with his niece, the daughter of Mr. Moore, of Cherry Valley, whose
family, with that of Colonel Campbell, was carried into captivity in 1778. She had mar-
ried a British officer named Powell, and through his exertions Captain Harper and his as-
sociates were kindly treated at Niagara. But they were doomed to a long absence firom
home, for they were not released until the peace in 1783 opened all the prison doors.'
The borders of Wyoming, and the Dutch settlements along the western frontiers of the
people of every kind. He made the spring and other seasons, and the weather suitable for planting.
These he did make. But stilU to makt whitky to give to the Indiam he did not make The
Great Spirit has ordered me to stop drinking, and he wishes me to inform the people that they should quit
drinking intoxicating drinks."
^ Lieatenant-oolonel Habley, an officer of the Pennsylvania line, has left an interesting acooont of this
expedition in his Joamal. He says that, on the 25th of September, the army held a celebration in testi«
mony of their pleasure " in consequence of the accession of the King of Spain to the American alliance,
and the generous proceedings of Congpress in augmenting the subsistence of the officers and men." Gen-
eral Sullivan ordered five of his fattest bullocks to be slaughtered, one for the officers of each brigade. In
the evening, after the discharge of thirteen cannons, the whole army performed a feu de joie. Thirteen
appropriate toasts were drunk. The last was as follows : " May the enemies of America be metamor-
phosed into pack horses, and sent on a western expedition against the Indians."
' A remnant of this tribe now occupies land in the vicinity of Rome, Oneida county, New York.
' Among the Tory captors of Harper and his associates was a brute named Becraft, who boasted of hav-
ing assisted in the murder of the Yrooman family in Schoharie. He had the audacity to return to Scho-
harie after the war. The returned prisoners, who had heard \ii8 boast, and others, informed of his pres-
ence, caught him, stripped him naked, and, tying him to a troA, gave him a severe castigation with hick-
ory whips. They enumerated his several crimes, and then gave him a goodly number of stripes for each.
On releasing him, they charged him never to come to the coucty again. Of course he did not.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 279
Johason't IncunloDf Into the Schoharie Country. Attack on the Schoharie Forti. Boldnesa of Murphy.
present Ulster and Orange counties, sufiered firom scalping parties during the spring and
summer of 1780. We have already noticed the destruction of the settlement and mills at
Little Falls, on the Mohawk ; also the devastation of the Canajoharie settlements and the
hamlet at Fort Plain, which occurred in August of that year. The irruption of Sir John
Johnson into the valley in the neighborhood of Johnstown will be considered when writing
of my visit to Johnson Hall.
During the autumn an extensive eiqiedition was planned against the Mohawk and
Schoharie settlements. The Indians were thirsting for revenge for the wrongs and
misery inflicted by Sullivan. The leaders were Sir John Johnson, Brant, and the famous
half-breed Seneca warrior. Corn Planter.^ The Indians rendezvoused at Tioga Point, and,
ascending the Susquehanna, formed a junction at Unadilla with Sir John Johnson and his
forces, which consisted of three companies of his Greens, one company of German Yagers,
two hundred of Butler's Rangers, one company of British regulars, under Captain Duncan,
and a number of Mohawks. They came from Montreal by way of Oswego, bringing with
them two small mortars, a brass three pounder, and a piece called a grasshopper.
The plan agreed upon by the invaders was, to proceed along the Charlotte River, the
east branch of the Susquehsmna, to its source, thence across to the head of the Schoharie,
sweep all the settlements along its course to its junction with the Mohawk, and then dev-
astate that beautiful valley down to Schenectady. They began their mareh at
nightfall, and before morning they had passed the Upper Fort unobserved, and
were applying the torch to dwellings near the Middle Fort (Middleburgh). At daylight sig-
nal guns at the Upper Fort announced the discovery of the enemy there, but it was too late
to save the property, already in flames. The proceeds of a bountiful harvest were in the
bams, and stacks of hay and grain were abundant.
Major Woolsey, who seems to have been a poltroon,' was the commander of the garrison
at the Middle Fort, and sent out a detachment against the foe, under Lieutenant Spencer,
who was repulsed, but returned to the fort without losing a man. That post was now form-
ally invested by the enemy, and Sir John Johnson sent a flag, with a summons to surrender.
The bearer was fired upon by Murphy, the rifleman already mentioned, but was unhurt ;
and, on his return to the camp, Johnson commenced a siege. The feeble garrison had but
little ammunition, while the enemy, though well supplied, did very little execution with his
own. The siege was a singular, and even ridiculous, military display. While a party of
the besiegers were awkwardly trying to cast bomb-shells into the apology for a fort, the rest
were valiantly attacking deserted houses and stacks of grain. Failing to make any impres-
sion. Sir John sent another flag toward noon. Murphy again fired upon the bearer, and
again missed his mark. Woolsey had ordered him to desist, but Murphy plainly told his
conmianding ofiicer that he was a coward, and meant to surrender the fort ; and excused
his breach of the rules of war in firing upon a flag by the plea that the enemy, in all his
conduct, paid no regard whatever to military courtesy.
The siege continued, and again a flag was sent, and was fired upon a third time by Mur-
phy. The ofiicers and regulars in the fort had menaced him with death if he should again
thus violate the rules of war. But the militia, among whom he was a great favorite, ral-
lied around him, and Woolsey and his men were set at defiance. At length Johnson, sus-
« pecting the garrison to be much stronger than it really was, or fearing re-enforcements might
arrive firom Albany, abandoned the siege, and marched rapidly down the vaUey, destroying
^ Corn Planter now first became oonspicaons. According to Stone, this ohief^ and the afterward more
famoos Red Jacket, were among the Indians at the battle of Chemnng. They became rivals, and Red
Jacket finally supplanted Com Planter. Brant always despised Red Jacket, for he declared him to have
acted the part of a coward daring Sullivan's expedition, in trying to get the chiefs to sue for peace upon
the most ignominious terms.
' Campbell, in his Annali^ says, " Woolsey's presence of mind forsook him in the hour of danger. He
concealed himself at first with the women and children in the house, and, when driven out by the ridicule
of his new associates, he crawled around the intrenchments on his hands and knees, amid the jeers and bravos
of the militia, who felt their courage revive as their laughter was excited by the cowardice of the major."
Digitized by
Google
280 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
JohnaoB't March to Fort Hunter. Dettractioa of Property. Expedition of General Van ReoMelaar. Death of Colonel Brown.
with fire every thing combustible in hia way. He attacked the Lower Fort, but, being re-
pulsed by a shower of grapenshot and musket-balls from the garrison in the church, he con-
tinued his march down the river to Fort Hunter,' at its junction with the Mohawk. Not
a house, bam, or grain-stack, known to belong to a Whig, was left standing, and it was es
timated that one hundred thousand bushels of grain were destroyed by the invaders in that
one day's march. The houses and other property of the Tories were spared, but the exas-
perated Whigs set them on fire as soon as the enemy had gone, and all shared a common
fate. Only two persons in the besieged fort were killed, but about one hundred of the in-
habitants were murdered during the day. The Vroomans, a numerous famUy in Schoharie,
Bufiered much, many of them being among the slain.
October, Sir John remained at Fort Himter on the 17th, and destroyed every thing be-
1780. longing to the Whigs in the neighborhood. On the 18th he began a devastating
march up the Mohawk Valley. Caughnawaga was laid in ashes, and every dwelling on
both sides of the river, as far up as Fort Plain, was destroyed.' On the night of the 1 8th Sir
John encamped with his forces near <* The Nose," and the following morning he crossed the
Mohawk at Keder's Rifts,' sending a detachment of fifty men to attack a small stockade called
Fort Paris, in Stone Arabia, about three miles north of the river. The main body kept in mo-
tion at the same time, and continued the work of destruction along the wide line of its march.
As soon as the irruption of Johnson into the Schoharie settlement was made known at
Albany, Grovemor Greorge Clinton, accompanied by General Robert Van Rensselaer, of
Claverack, at the head of a strong' body of militia, marched to the succor of the people in
Tryon county. They arrived at Caughnawaga on the 18th, while it was yet in flames ;
and, ascertaining that Fort Paris was to be attacked the next day. Van Rensselaer dispatch-
ed orders to Colonel Brown, then stationed there, to march out and meet the enemy. Brown
promptly obeyed, and near a ruined military work, called Fort Keyser, confronted the in-
vaders. A sharp action ensued, and the overwhelming numbers of the enemy bore down
the gallant little band of Brown, who, with forty of his soldiers, was slain.* The remain-
der of his troops found safety in flight.
^ Fort Hunter was bailt at the mouth of the Schoharie Creek during the French and Indian war. It
inclosed an edifice called Queen Anne's Chapel, to which a parsonage, built of stone, was attached. The
M fort was torn down at the commencement of the Revolution, but it was afterward partially restored and
often garrisoned. The chapel was demolished in 1820, to make room for the Erie Canal. The parsonage
is still standing in the town of Florida, half a mile below the Schoharie, and a few rods south of the canal.
' Among the many sufferers at this time was Major Jelles Fonda, from whom the present village of
Fonda, near old Caughnawaga, derives its name. He was absent from home at the time, attending a meet-
ing of the state Legislature, of which he was a member, then in session at Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county.
His mansion was at a place called " The Nose," in the town of Palatine. His wife escaped under cover
of a thick fog, and on foot made her way to Schenectady. The house was burned, together with property
valued at $60,000. — Antiquarian Researches^ by Giles F. Yates, Esq.
' Rifts are short, shallow rapids, the frequent occurrence of which in the Mohawk River makes naviga-
tion of that stream, even with bateaux, quite difficult.
* Colonel Brown was a distinguished soldier in former campaigns of the Revolution in the Northern De-
partment, as the reader has already noticed. He was bom in Sandersfield, Berkshire county, Massachu-
setts, October 19th, 1744. He graduated at Yale College in 1771, and studied law with Oliver Arnold (a
cousin of the traitor), at Providence, Rhode Island. He commenced practice at Caughnawaga, New York,
and was appointed king's aUorney. He soon went to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he became active in
the patriot cause. He was chosen by the State Committee of Correspondence, in 1774, to go to Canada
to excite rebellion, in which perilous duty he had many adventures. He was elected to Congress in 1775,
but before the meeting of that body he had joined the expedition under Allen and Arnold against Ticon-
deroga. He assisted in the capture of Fort Chambly in the autumn of that year, and planned the attack
on Montreal, which resulted so disastrously to Colonel Ethan Allen. He was at the storming of Quebec
at the close of the year. The following year Congress gave him the commission of lieutenant colonel. In
1777 he conducted the expedition that attacked Ticonderoga and other posts in its vicinity, released one
hundred American prisoners at Lake George, and captured quite a large quantity of provisions and stores
belonging to the enemy. Soon after this he retired from the service on account of his detestation of Arnold.
Three years before the Utter became a traitor, Brown published a hand-bill, in which be denounced him as
an avaricious and unprincipled man, charged him with *^ selling many a life for gain," and predicted that
he would prove r traitor, in the remarkable words with which the haind-bill oloe^ : ^^ Money is this jnanU
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 281
Poiwitof Jobmonby VanRenawlMr. Intctkm of tiie latter. Battto of Klock't Field. Captan of aoiBe Tories.
Sir John now dispersed his forces in small bands to the distance of five or six miles in
each direction, to pillage the county. He desolated Stone Arabia, and, proceeding to a place
called Klock's Field, halted to rest. Greneral Van Rensselaer, with a considerable force, was
in close pnrsoit. He had been joined by Captain M*Kean, with a corps of volunteers, and
a strong body of Oneida warriors, led by their principal chief, Louis Atyataronghta, whom
Congress had commissioned a colonel.' His whole force was now fifteen hundred strong.
Van Rensselaer's pursuit was on the south side of the Mohawk, while Johnson was ravaging
the country on the north side. Johnson took care to guard the ford while his halting army
was resting, and the pursuers were there kept at bay. The tardy movements of Van Reus*
selaer, who, instead of pushing across to attack the wearied troops of the invader, rode off
to Fort Plain to dine vnth Chvemor Clinton, were justly censured ; and the Onoida chief
even denounced him as a Tory. This accusation, and the remonstrances of some of his offi-
cers, quickened his movements, and toward evening his forces crossed the river and were ar-
rayed for battle. The whites of the enemy were upon a small plain partially guarded by
a bend in the river, while Brant, with his Indians, occupied, in secret, a thicket of shrub
oaks in the vicinity. The van of the attack was led by the late Greneral Morgan Lewis,
then a oobnel. Colonel Dubois commanded the extreme right, and the left was led by
Colonel Cuyler, of Albany. Captain M'Kean and the Oneidas were near the right. John-
son's right was composed of regular troops ; the center, of his Greens ; and his left was the
Indian ambuscade. When the patriots approached. Brant raited the war-whoop, and in a
few moments a general battle ensued. The charge of the Americans was so impetuous that
the enemy soon gave way and fled. Brant was wounded in the heel, but escaped. Van
Rensselaer's troops wished to pursue the enemy, but it was then twilight, and he would not
allow it. They were ordered to fall back and encamp for the night, a movement which
caused much dissatisfaction.'
(Tod, amd to get enough of it he would sacrifice hie amiUry I" This was published at Albany in the winter
of 1776-7, while Arnold was quartered there. Arnold was greatly excited when told of it, called Brown
a scoandrel, and declared that he would kick him whensoeyer and wheresoever they might meet. This
declairation was commnnicated to Brown. The next day, Brown, by invitation, went to a dinner where he
would meet Arnold. The latter was standing with his back to the fire when the former entered the door,
and be and Brown thus met each other face to face. Brown walked boldly up to Arnold, and, looking him
sternly in the face, said, " I understand, sir, that you have said you would kick me. I now present myself
te give yoQ an opportunity to put your threat into execution." Arnold made no reply. Brown then said,
" Sir, you are a dirty scoundrel." Arnold was still silent, and Brown left the room, after apologizing to
the gentlemen present for his intrusion.*
Colonel Brown, after he left the army, was occasionally employed in the Massachusetts service. In the
(all of 1780, with many of the Berkshire militia, he marched up the Mohawk Valley, to act as circumstances
might require. He was slain at Stone Arabia on his birthday (October 19tb, 1780), aged 35 years. On
his way to the Mohawk country, he called upon Ann Lee, the founder of the sect of Shaking Quakers in
this country, then established near Albany. He assured her, by way of pleasantry, that on his return he
should join her society. A fortnight after his death two members of the society waited upon his widow,
tdd her that her husband, in spirit, had joined " Mother Ann," and that he had given express orders for
her to become a member. She was not to be duped, and bade them begone. On the anniversary of Col-
onel Brown^s death (as weU as of his birth), in 1836, a monument was reared to his memory by his son, the
late Henry Brown, Esq., of Berkshire, Massachusetts, near the place where he fell, in the town of Pala-
tine. Upon the monument is the following inscription :
In memory of Colonel John Brown,
who was killed in battle on the 19th day of October, 1780,
at Palatine, in the county of Montgomery.
^.36.
' He was a representative of three nations, for in his veins ran the blood of the French, Indian, and negro.
* While some of M*Kean's volunteers were strolling about, waiting for the main army to cross, ther
came upon a small block-house, where nine of the enemy were in custody, having surrendered during the
night. On one of them being asked how he came there, his answer was a sharp commentary upon the
orimmal inaction of General Van Rensselaer. " Last night, after the battle," he said, ** we crossed the
river ; it was dark ; we heard the word ' lay down your arms ;' some of us did so. We were taken, nine
• StoDe*! Lift of Brant, ii., 117.
Digitized by
Google
282 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Purrait of Johnson and Brant Conduct of Van Reoaaelaer. Captoie of Vroomui and hia Party. Threatened Inradoa.
Louis and M'Kean did not strictly obey orders, and early in the morning they started
off with their forces in pursuit. Jolmson, with the Indians and Yagers, fled towaird Onon-
daga Lake, where they had left their boats concealed. His Greens and the Rangers fol-
lowed. Van Rensselaer and his whole force pursued them as far as Fort Herkimer, at the
Grerman Flats, and there M'Kean and Louis were ordered to press on in advance after the
fugitives. They struck the trail of Johnson the next morning, and soon afterward came
upon his deserted camp while the fires were yet burning. Van Rensselaer had promised to
push forward to their support ; but, having Uttle confidence in the celerity of his movements,
and fearing an ambuscade, Louis refused to advance any ftirther until assured that the main
body of the Americans was near. The advanced party halted, and were soon informed by
a messenger that Van Rensselaer had actually abandoned the pursuit, and was then on his
return march ! It was a shameful neglect of advantage, for, with proper skill and action,
Johnson might have been captured at the Nose,* before Stone Arabia was desolated, or else
overtaken and secured in his flight.
When Van Rensselaer heard of the concealment of Johnson's boats on the Onondaga, he
dispatched a messenger to Captain Vrooman, then in command at Fort Schuyler, ordering
him to go with a strong detachment and destroy them. Vrooman instantly obeyed* One
of his men feigned sickness at Oneida, and was left behind. He was there when Johnson
arrived, and informed him of Vrooman's expedition. Brant and a body of Indians hastened
forward, came upon Vroomad and his party while at dinner, and captured the whole of them
without firing a gun. Johnson had no further impediments in his way, and easily escaped
to Canada by way of Oswego, taking with him Captain Vrooman and his party prisoners,
but leaving behind him a great number of his own men.' Tryon county enjoyed compara-
tive repose through the remainder of the autumn and part of Uie winter.
In January, 1781, Brant was again upon the war-path in the neighborhood of Fort
Schuyler. The slender barrier of the Oneida nation had been broken the previous year by
driving that people upon the white settlements, and the warriors firom Niagara had an un-
impeded way to the Mohawk Valley. They were separated into small parties, and cut off*
load after load of supplies on their way to Forts Plain, Dayton, and Schuyler. Durmg the
month of March two detachments of soldiers near Fort Schuyler were made prisoners, and
the provisions they were guarding were captured. All the information that could be got
respecting the movements of the enemy strengthened the belief that it was his determina-
tion to make another invasion of the valley, and penetrate, if possible, as far as the settle-
ment at Schenectady, to destroy the Oneidas who had found shelter there.
Already the scarcity of provisions at Forts Schuyler and Dayton warned the people that,
if supplies were not speedily obtained, those posts must be abandoned, and the whole county
would thus be left open to the savages. The distress at Fort Schuyler was greatly increased
by a flood early in May, which overflowed the works and destroyed considerable provisions. ■
The damage was so great, that it was decided, at a council of officers, that the strength of
^^y ^ the garrison was totally inadequate to make proper repairs. ■ A few days afterward
1781. the destruction of the fort was completed by fire, the work, it was supposed, of an
incendiary. The post was then necessarily abandoned, and the garrison was marched down
to Forts Dayton and Plain.
of us, and marched into this little fort by seven militia men. We formed the rear of three hundred of John-
son's Greens, who were running promisoaously through and over one another. I thought General Van
Rensselaer's whole army was upon ns. Why did you not take ns prisoners yesterday, after Sir John ran
off with the Indians and left us? We wanted to surrender." The man was a Tory of the valley. — See
Life of Brant^ ii., 123.
' The Noie^ or Anthony's Note^ as it is sometimes called, is a bluff at a narrow part of the Mohawk, in
the town of Palatine, and derives its name from the circumstance that its form is something like that of the
human nose. Here a ridge evidently once crossed the valley and kept the waters in check above, for the
effects of the action of running streams and eddies are very prominent in the rocks. At the upper end of
the plain below are bowlders and large gravel stones, which diminish to sand at the lower end.
' Campbell's AnnaU,
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 283
(Boomy Prospect in the Mohawk Coontry. Patrtotlim of Colonel Willett Hii Command of the Tryon County MUitla
At this period every thing combiaed to cast gloom over the Mohawk, country. Vermont,
as we have noticed in a former chapter, had assumed an equivocal position, amounting al-
most, in appearance, to a treasonable^ rebellion against Congress. General Haldimand, with
a large regular force, was menacing the northern country from his post upon Lake Cham-
plain ; the Johnsons, Butlers, and Brant were laying plans for an extensive invasion of Tryon
county and the settlements near the Delaware ; the forts that served for a defense for the
people were weak from lack of provisions, ammunition, and men ; the principal one, the key
to the Mohawk Valley from the west, was destroyed ; and, worse than all, a spirit of dis-
content and despondency was rife in that quarter, induced by the inefficiency of Congress in
furnishing supplies, and the seeming hopelessness of the patriot cause. General Schuyler
and others expressed their conviction that, if another invading army should come upon the
settlements during the existing state of things, large numbers of the people would join the
royal standard. The undisciplined militia, necessarily engaged in farm labor, and ofren in-
subordinate, were a weak reliance, and nothing but an efficient military force, either of paid
levies or soldiers of the regular army, could give confidence and real protection.
The expectation of such aid was but a feeble ray of hope at the beginning of the summer,
for Washington and the French commander (De Roohambeau) were conco<;ting plans far
more important than the defense of a single frontier section of the vast extent of the colonies.
Governor Clinton was greatly pained and embarrassed by the gloomy prospect in his depart-
ment. In this dilemma, his thoughts turned to Colonel Willett, who had just been appoint-
ed to the command of one of the two regiments formed by the consolidation of five New York
regiments. His name was a " tower of strength'' among the people of the Mohawk Valley,
and Clinton implored him to take command of all the militia levies and state troops that
might be raised for the summer campaigns. He consented, lefl the main army, and estab-
lished his head-quarters at Fort Rensselaer^ (Canajoharie), toward the close of June.
The spirits of the people were revived, although the forces of Willett consisted of mere
fragments of companies hastily collected from the ruins of the last campaign. " I confess
myself,*' he said, in a letter to Governor Clinton, " not a little disappointed in having such a
trifiisg force for such extensive business as I have now on my hands ; and, also, that noth-
ing is done to enable me to avail myself of the militia. The prospect of a sufiering* country
hurts me. Upon my own account I am not uneasy. Every thing I can do shall be done ;
and more can not be looked for. If it is, the reflection that I have done my duty must fix
my tranquillity.'"
While the enemy is threatening invasion and Willett is preparing to repel him, let us
tum from the exciting chronicle, and resume our quiet journey, in the course of which some
of the stirring incidents of the subsequent strife between the patriots and the enemy, in Tryot:
county, will come up in review.
■
' This was upon the Canajoharie Creek, near the janction of its two branches, in the town of Boot.
• Willett's Narrative.
Digitized by
Google
284
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Changes In the Mohawk Pountry.
Present Aspect of the -Mohawk Yallej.
Fll]t)ODTfl]&
Fonda
CHAPTER XIII.
The earth all light and loyeliness, in sammer's golden hoorsi
Smiles, in her hridal vestnre clad, and crownM with festal flowers ;
So radiantly beaatifnl, so like to heaven above,
We scarce can deem more fair that world of perfect bliss and love.
Anonymous.
Look now abroad— Hmother race has fillM
These populous borders — ^wide the wood recedes,
And towns shoot up, and fertile plains are till'd ;
The land is fall of harvests and green meads ;
Streams numberless, that many a fountain feeds,
Shine, disembowerM, and give to sun and breeze
Their virgin waters ; the full region leads
New colonies forth, that toward the western seas
Spread, like a rapid flame among the autumnal leaves.
Bryant. ^
HO that has passed along the Valley of the Mohawk, near the close ol a
I day in summer, has not been deeply impressed with the singular beauty
^of the scene ? or who, that has traversed the uplands that skirt this fruit-
ful garden, and stretch away to other valleys, and mingle with the loftier
tiills or fertile intervales within the borders of ancient Tryon county, is not
dUed with wonder while contemplating the changes that have been wrought
there within a life-span ? When the terrible drama which we have been
considering was performed, almost the whole country was covered with the
primeval forest. Clearings were frequent along the Mohawk River, and
cultivation was assiduous in producing the blessings of abundance and gen-
eral prosperity ; but the southern portions of Herkimer and Montgomery, and all of Scho-
harie and Otsego, down to the remote settlement of Unadilla, were a wilderness, except where
a few thriving settlements were growing upon the water courses. The traveler, as he views
the << field joined to field" in the Mohawk Valley, all covered with waving grain, green pas-
tures, or bending fruit-trees, inclosing, in their arms of plenty, elegant mansions ; or watches
the vast stream of inland commerce that rolls by upon the Erie Canal ; or the villages of
people that almost hourly sweep along its margin afler the vapor steed ; or rides over the
adjacent hill-country north and south, enlivened by villages and rich in cultivation, can hardly
realize the fact that here, seventy years ago, the wild Indian was joint possessor of the soil
with the hardy settlers, and that the light of civilization was as scattered and feeble, and for
a while as evanescent and fleeting in these broad solitudes, as is the i^arkle of the fire-fly on
a summer evening. Yet such is the wonderfiil truth ; and as I passed down the canal at
the close of the day, from Fort Plain to Fultonville, surrounded with the activity, opulence,
and beauty of the Mohawk Valley, I could not, while contrasting this peacefulness and prog-
ress with the discord and social inertia of other lands, repress the feelings of the Pharisee.
Fultonville is sixteen miles below Fort Plain, and it was long afler dark when I arrived
AtuuBt 24, there. Early on the following morning I procured a conveyance to visit old Caugh-
1848. nawaga and Johnstown, north of the Mohawk. A gentleman of leisure and in-
telligence, residing at Fultonville, kindly oflered to accompany me, and his familiarity with
the history and localities of the neighborhood, and freedom of conmiunication, made my morn-
ing's ride plea^t and profitable. Fultonville is upon the canal, and may be called the port
of the village of Fonda, which lies upon the rail-road, on the northern verge of the valley.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 286
Canghnavraga. John Butler't Reddenoe. Johnstowii. An OctogenariuL Biograph j of Botler
The Mohawk cleaves the center- of the plain between the two yiUages, and is spanned by a
fine covered bridge. Fonda and Caughnawaga (now Mohawk) lie in close embrace. The
former has all the fireshness of infancy, while the latter, with its gray old church,^ has a mat-
ronly gravity in its appearance. It is only about half a mile eastward from its blooming
daughter, at the foot of the hills over which winds the eastern fork of the road from Johns-
town. On a commanding eminence, about a mile north of Fonda, we came to the house
where Colonel John Butler resided,' which is believed to
^M^-^-^ he the oldest dwelling in that section, and coeval with
Caughnawaga Church. It overlooks the Mohawk Val-
ley on the south, and commands an extensive prospect
of a fine agricultural country in every direction. It is
now owned by a. Mr. Wilson, and is often visited by the
curious, who are as firequently attracted by the eminent-
ly infamous as by the eminently good. It is a fair speci-
men of the middling class of houses of that period. The
posts stand directly upon the stone foundation, without
sleepers, and there are no plaster walls or ceilings in the
house, the sides of the rooms being lined with pine boards.
The BuTMa Housx "^^^ bricks of the chimney are the small, imported kind
which distinguished many of the edifices in the old
states, that were constructed about a century ago.
The village of Johnstown, which was included in the town of Caughnawaga, organized
in 1798, lies pleasantly in the bosom and along the slope of an intervale, about four miles
north of Fonda.' I met there a venerable citizen, John Yost, eighty years of age, who had
been a resident of the vicinity from his birth. He was oflen dandled on the knee of Sir
William Johnson, and has a clear recollection of the appearance of the baronet and the cir-
cumstances of his death. His father was an adherent of the Whig cause, and instructed
him early in the principles of the Revolution. He was several times employed by Colonel
Willett as an express to carry dispatches from Fort Plain to Tripe's Hill and other points
in the valley, his extreme youth guarding him from suspicion. He was still an active Aogo^
man when I saw him, and his bodily health promised him the honors of a centenarian. ^^
Johnson Hall, the residence of Sir William and Sir John Johnson,* is situated upon a
^ See page 263.
s John Batler was one of the leading Tories of Tryon coiinty daring the whole war of the RevolatioB.
Before the war he was in close official connection with Sir William Johnson, and, afVer his death, with his
ton and nephew, Sir John and Gay Johnson. When he fled with the Johnsons to Canada, his family were
left behind, and were sabseqaently held as hostages by the Americans, and finally exchanged for the wife
and children of Colonel Samael Campbell, of Cherry Valley. He was active in the predatory warfare that
so long distressed Tryon coanty, and commanded the eleven hundred men who desolated Wyoming in 1778.
He was among those who opposed the progress of Sallivan in the Indian coantry in 1779, and accompanied
Sir John Johnson in his destructive march through the Schoharie and Mohawk settlements in 1780. After
the war he went to Canada, where he resided until his death, which occurred about the year 1800. His
property upon the Mohawk, by an act of the Legislature of New Tork, was confiscated ; but he was am-
ply rewarded by the British government for his infamous services in its behalf. He succeeded Guy John-
son as Indian agent, with a salary of $2000 per annum, and was granted a pension, as a military officer,
of $1000 more. Like his son Walter, he was detested for his
cruelties by the more honorable Britbh officers ; and, after the
massacre at Wyoming, Sir Frederic Haldimand, then Grovemor
of Canada, sent word to him that he did not wish to see him.
is but justice to Colonel Butler to say, that he was far more hu-
mane than his son Walter, and that his personal deeds at Wyo- Bionatum of Colonxz. John Butlbb.
ming were not so heinous as the common accounts have made
them. These will be considered when the attack upon that settlement shall receive a more particular notice.
' The old jail in the village was standing when I was there, in August, 1848. It was built in 1762,
and was consumed by fire on the 8th of September, 1849.
* John Johnson was the son of Sir William Johnson by his first wife. He was bom in 1742, and suc-
ceeded his father in his title and estates in 1774. He was not as popular as hift father, being less social
i, &S7Z^^et^^^
Digitized by
Google
286
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
JohnsoD HalL
Ita Stair-ca^ and Brantff Hatchet Marks.
Progress of Western New YoriL
gentle eminence, about three fourths of a mile northward of the court-house in the village,
and near the state road to Black River. This was probably the finest mansion in the prov-
ince, out of the city of New York, at the time of its erection, about the year 1760. The
nail, or main building, is of wood, and double clap-boarded in a manner to represent blocks
.;?■/■• i
NoBTU FmoNT or Johnson Haia,.
of Stone. Its exterior dimensions are forty feet wide, sixty feet long, and two stories high.
The detached wings, built for flanking block-houses, sere of stone. The walls of these are
very thick, and near the eaves they are pierced for musketry. The entrance passage, which
extends entirely through the house, is fifleen feet wide, from which rises a broad stair-case,
with heavy mahogany balustrades, to the second story. The raU of this balustrade is scar-
red by hatchet blows at regular intervals of about a foot, from the top to the bottom, and
tradition avers that it was done by the hands of Brant when he fled from the hall with Sir
John Johnson, in 1776, to protect the house from the torch of marauding savages, for he
assorted that such a token would be understood and respected by them.
The rooms in both stories are large and lofly, and the sides are handsomely wainscoted
with pine panels and carved work, all of which is carefully preserved in its original form by
Mr. Eleazer Wells, the present proprietor. He has been acquainted with the house for fifty
years, and within that time one of the rooms has been neither painted nor papered.* The
and less acquainted with haman nature. His offioial relations to the parent government, and his known
opposition to the rebellious movements
of tlic colonies, caused him to be strictly
watched, and, as we have noted
text, not without just cause.
from his estate, his property <
his family in exile, he became i
promising enemy of the republicans, and y^ X/^ ^^— ^^^^^^^
until the close of the war his influence A/ /^r ^^^^^^^^^
SXONATUBS OF SiB JoHK JORITSOW.
to be strictly y^
noted in the X// jn yf ^j
roonfl^ted, /'^0^yC7^^9,
le an nncom- jf yy ^ ^ c^Xc
'^<P^^^^
was exerted against the patriots.
Soon after the close of the war Sir
John went to England, and, on returning
in 1785, settled in Canada. He was appointed superintendent and inspector general of Indian afiairs in
North America, and for several years he was a member of the legislative council of Canada. To compen-
sate him for his losses, the British government made him several grants of lands. He died at the house
of his daughter, Mrs. Bowes, at Montreal, in 1830, aged 88 years. His son, Sir Adam Gordon Johnson,
succeeded him in his title.
^ In that room Mr. Wells was married in 1807, the house then belonging to his mother-in-law. Mr.
Wells related to me a fact which illustrates the wonderful progress of Western New York in population
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 287
Only Baronial Han In tbe United Statsfl. Sir Wmiam Johnson and hia Wiroa. The Dutch GirL MoUy Brant
paper hangings upon it have been there that length of time, and are doubtless the same that
were first put upon the wall by the baronet. Every thing of the kind is well preserved,
and the visitor is gratified by a view, in its original aspect, of the only baronial hall in the
United States.
Here Sir William lived in all the elegance and comparative power of an English baron
of the Middle Ages. He had many servants and retainers, " wives and concubines, sons and
daughters of different colors.''^ His hall was his castle, and around it, beyond the wings, a
heavy stone breast-work, about twelve feet high, was thrown up. Invested with the power
and influence of an Indian agent of his government in its transactions with the confederated
Six Nations, possessed of a fine person and dignity of manners, and of a certain style of ora-
tory that pleased the Indians, he acquired an ascendency over the tribes never before held
by a white man. When, in 1760, General Amherst embarked at Oswego on his expedi*
tion to Canada, Sir William brought to him, at that place, one thousand Indian warriors
of the Six Nations, which was the largest number that had ever been seen in arms at one
time in the cause of England. He made confidants of many of the chiefs, and to them he
and wealth within half a century. About the time of his marriage he went west, with the intention of pur-
chasing a farm in the Genesee country, always so celebrated for its fertility. Among other places, he vis-
ited the site of the present large city of Rochester. Then a solitary cabin was there. The land was offer-
ed to him for two dollars an acre, but it seemed too wet for his purpose, and he refused to buy. ^^ Had I
purchased then," said Mr. Welis, " it might have made me a mUlionaire^ although such a result is by no
means certain, for the original owner of all the land where Utica now stands was a tenant, and his descend-
ants still are tenants, of other proprietors of the soil there.'* The prize within the reach of the person to
whom he alluded was allowed, through lack of prudence and forecast, to slip through his fingers, and not
a rood of all the acres of Utica is now his own.
' Sir William is said to have been the father of a hundred children, chiefly by native mothers, who were
young squaws, or the wives of Indians who thought it an honor to have them intimate with the distinguish-
ed king's agent. He availed himself of a custom which Golden says was then prevalent among the Six
Nations. " They carried their hospitality so far as to allow distinguished strangers," he says, " the ohoioe
of a young squaw from among the prettiest in the neighborhood, washed dean and dressed in her best ap-
parel, as a companion during his sojourn with them." Sir William had two tm'vet, although they were not
made so until they had lived long with the baronet. Simms says, on the authority of well-authenticated
tradition, that his first wife was a young German girl, who, according to the custom of the times, had been
sold to a man named Phillips, living in the Mohawk Valley, to pay her passage money to the captain of the
emigrant ship iu which she came to this country. She was a handsome girl, and attracted considerable
attention. A neighbor of Sir William, who had heard him express a determination never to marry, asked
him why he did not get the pretty German girl for a housekeeper. He replied, " I will." Not long after-
ward the neighbor called at Phillips's, and inquired where the High Dutch girl was. Phillips replied, " John-
son, that tamned Irishman, came tother day and offered ifte five pounds for her, threatening to horsewhip
me and steal her if I would not sell her. I thought five pounds petter than a flogging, and took it, and
he's got the gal." She was the mother of Sir John Johnson, and of two daughters, who became the wives
respectively of Guy Johnson and Daniel Glaus.* When she was upon her death-bed. Sir William was
married to her in order to legitimate her children. Af^er her death her place was supplied by Molly Brant,
sister of the Mohawk sachem, by whom he had several children. Toward the close of his life. Sir William
married her in order to legitimate her children also, and her descendants are now some of the most re-
spectable people in Upper Canada. Sir William's fint interview and acquaintance with her, as related by
Mr. Stone (Note, Life of Brant, i., 387), have considerable romance. She was a very sprightly and beau-
tiful girl, ai)out sixteen, when he first saw her at a militia muster. One of the field officers, riding upon
a fine horse, came near her, and, " by way of banter, she asked permission to mount behind. Not sup-
posing she could perform the exploit, he said she might. At the word, she leaped upon the crupper with
the agility of a gazelle. The horse sprang off* at full speed, and, clinging to the officer, her blanket flying
and her dark hair streaming in the wind, she flew about the parade-ground as swift as an arrow. The
baronet, who was a witness of the spectacle, admiring the spirit of the young squaw, and becoming enam-
ored of her person, took her home as his wife." According to Indian customs, this act made her really his
wife, and in all her relations of wife and mother she was very exemplary.
* These two daogfatert, who were left bj their dying mother to the care of afriend. were educated almoit in solitode. That
friend was ti)e widow of an officer who waa killed in battle, and, retiring from the world, deroted her whole time to the care
of theae children. They were carefully bttructed in religious duties, and in rarious kinds of needle-work, but were them-
selres kept entirely from society. At the age of sixteen they had nerer seen a lady, except their mother and her friend, or a
gentleman, except Shr WOliam, who visited their room daily, llieir dress was not conformed to the fashions, but always con-
iisted of wrappers of finest cUntx orer green silk petticoats. Thefar hair, which was long and beantifrU, was tied behhxd with a
ilfflple band of ribbon. After tiieir marriage they soon ac<rDrired the habits of society, and made excellent wivea.
Digitized by
Google
288 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Sir wnUam Jobntoa't D^loma. m« Amoieauntt and middeo Death. Flight of Sir John. Hit InTadon of the Volley hi 1780.
was in the habit of giving a diploma, testifying to their good conduct. One of these is in
the possession of the New Yoric Historical Society, a copy of which, with the vignette, is
given in the note.' His house was the resort of Uie sachems of the Six Nations for counsel
and for trade, and there the presents sent out by his government were annually distributed
to the Indians. On these occasions he amused himself and gratified his guests by f<§tes and
fames, many of which were highly ludicrous.' Young Indians and squaws were often seen
mnning foot-races or wrestling fox trinkets, and feats of astonishing agility were firequently
performed by the Indians of both sexes.
Sir William's death was sudden, and was by some ascribed to poison, voluntarily
taken by him, and by others to apoplexy, induced by over-excitement. His posses-
«ions, which, with his offices and titles, passed into the hands of his son, did not long remain
undisturbed, but were abandoned, as we have seen, in 1776, and were afterward sold to
strangers under an act of attainder and confiscation passed by the Legislature of New York.
Sir John, as we have already noted, fled to Canada, where he received a coloners com-
mission. The sequestration of his immense landed property insfured him with feelings of
implacable revenge, which were manifested by his terrible visitations to the settlements in
Tryon county. One of these was chiefly for the purpose of recovering the plate and other
valuables belonging to the baronet, which had been buried near Johnson Hall. The events
of this incursion were as follows :
About midnight on Sunday, the 21st of May, 1780, Sir John, with a force of five hund-
red Tories and Indians, who had penetrated the country from Crown Point to the Sacondaga
River, appeared at Johnson Hall without being seen by any but his friends. His forces
were divided into two detachments, and between midnight and dawn he began to devastate
the settlement by burning every building, except those which belonged to Tories. One di-
vision was sent around in an easterly course, so as to strike the Mohawk at Tripes Hill,' be-
low Caughhawaga, whence it was ordered to proceed up the valley, destroy Caughnawaga,
and form a junction with the other division at the mouth of Cayudutta Creek. This march
was performed ; many dwellings were burned and several lives were sacrificed. Sir John,
in the mean while, at the head of one division, proceeded through the village of Johnstown
unobserved by the sentinels at the small picketed fort there, and before daylight was at the
Hall, once his own, where he secured two prisoners. On his way to join the other division
upon the Cayudutta, he came to the residence of Sampson Sammons, who was, with his
> ** By the Honorable Sir William Johnson, Bart., Bh Majesty's sole Agent
and Saperintendant of Indian Afiairs for the Northern Department of North
America, Cok>nel of the Six United Nations, their Allies and Depend-
ants, &o., &c.
*' To Whbrbas, I have received repeated proofs of your at-
tachment to his Britannic Majesty's Interests and Zeal for his service, upon
sondry occasions, more particularly I do therefor give you this
public Testimonial thereof, as a proof of his Majesty's Esteem and Approba-
tion, Declaring you, the said , to be a of your , and
recommending it to all his Majesty's Subjects and faithful Indian Allies to Treat and Consider you upon all
oocasioos agreeable to your character, station, and services OrvBM under my hand and seal at
Arms, at Johnson Hall, the day of , 17 . .
" By command of Sir W. Johnson."
* Among the amusements invented by Sir William were foot-races, in which the oompetitors had meal-
bags drawn up over their legs and tied under their arms ; a hog, with its tail greased, would be offered as
a prize to the one that should catch it by that extremity ; a half pound of tea was a prize offered to the
one who could make the wryest face ; a bladder of Scotch snuff to the greatest scoki of two old women ;
and children might be seen exploring poob of muddy water, into which the baronet had cast several pen-
nies.— Stmmt, 121.
' At this place lived Garret Putnam, a very active Whig, and his house was the first one assailed. Un-
known to the invaders, Putnam had rented his house to two Englishmen named Gort and Platto, stanch
Tories. The assailants broke into the house, scalped the two men, who had not time to reveal their char-
acters, and it was not until daylight that they discovered their victiou to be their own friends instead of
Putnam and his son, as they had supposed.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTIQN. 289
Capture of the Sammoro Famfly. Croeltiet and Crimes of the Inraden. Johnwm'a Retreat Recorery of hie Negro and Plate
whole family, among the most active and intrepid patriots in Tryon county. Sir John had
always respected Mr. Sammons, and still held him in high estimation, but he was determ-
ined to carry him and his family away prisoners, if possible, and thus lessen the number oi
his more influential enemies in the Mohawk Valley. It was not yet light when a Tory,
named Sunderland, with a resolute band, surrounded the house of Sammons, and the first
intimation the family had of danger was the arrest of Thomas, the younger of three sons, as
he stepped out of the door to observe the weather.' The father and three sons were made
prisoners, but the females of the family were left undisturbed, after the house was plundered
of every thing valuable. The marauders then marched with their prisoners to the mouth
of the Cayudutta, and both divisions went up the valley, burning, plundering, and murder-
ing. A venerable old man, named David Fonda, was killed and scalped by an Indian party
attached to the expedition, and in its march of a few miles nine aged men, four of them up-
ward of eighty years old, were murdered. Returning to Caughnawaga, the torch was ap-
phed, and every building, except the church, was laid in ashes. From Caughnawaga they
proceeded to Johnstown' by way of the Sammonses, on whose premises every building was
burned, and the females, berefl of their protectors and helpers, were left houseless and almost
naked. Seven horses that were in the stables were taken away, and that happy family of
the morning were utterly destitute at evening.
Toward sunset Johnson perceived that the miUtia of the neighborhood were gathering,
under the direction of Colonel John Harper, and resolved to decamp. Several Loyalists had
joined him, and he succeeded in obtaining possession of twenty negro slaves whom he had
left behind at the time of his flight, in the spring of 1776. Among these was the faithful
negro who buried his chests of plate. With his prisoners, slaves, and much booty, he di*
rected his course toward the Sacondaga. The inhabitants seemed so completely m^ss,
taken by surprise, and were so panic-stricken by the suddenness and fierceness of the ^^^•
invasion, that he was unmolested in his retreating march, and reached St. John's, on the
Sorel, in safety. The captives were sent to Chambly, twelve miles distant, and confined in
the fortress there.'
^ Thomas Sammons, who was then a lad, liyed until within a few years, and famished mach of the in-
teresting matter concerning this irruption of Sir John, to the anthor of the lAft ofBrant\ from whose pages
[ haye gleaned much of the narrative^ here given. Mr. Sammons was a representative in Congress from
1803 to 1807, and again from 1809 to 1813.
* I have before mentioned that the silver plate and other valuable articles belonging to Johnson were
boned by a faithful slave. When the Hall and other property were taken possession of by the Tryon county
Committee, under the act of sequestration, the elder of Mr. Sammon's sons became the lessee, and the par-
chaser of the slave William, who had buried the plate. This slave Sir John foand at the Hall, and while he
tarried there for several hoars on the day in qaestion, the negro, assisted by four soldiers, disinterred the
plate, which filled two barrels. It was then distributed among forty soldiers, who placed it in their knap-
neks, the quarter-master making a memorandum of the name of each with the article of plate intrusted to
him, and in this way it was .carried safely to Montreal.
Johnson Hall, with seven hundred acres of land, had been sold by the commissioners to James Caldwell,
of Albany, for $30,000, the payment to be made in pMie tecuriiiet. To show the real value of such se-
enrities — in other words, the state of public Credit of the colonies about 1779, it may be mentioned that
Mr. Caldwell immediately resold the property for $7000, $23,000 less on paper than he gave for it, and
then made money by the operation. He had bought the securities for a trifle, and received hard cash from
the man who purchased from him.
' While halting on the day after leaving Johnstown, the elder Mr. Sammons requested a personal inter-
view with Sir John, which was granted. He asked to be released, but the baronet hesitated. The old
man then recurred to former times, when he and Sir John were friends and neighbors. " See what you
have done, Sir John," he said. *^ Yoa have taken myself and my sons prisoners, burned my dwelling to
ashes, and left the helpless members of my family with no covering but the heavens above, and no prospect
but desolation aroond them. Did we treat you in this manner when you were in the power of the Tryon
county Committee ? Bo you remember when we were consulted by General Schuyler, and you agreed to
sorrender your anns ? I>o you not remember that you then agreed to remain neutral, and that upon that
condition General Schuyler left you at liberty on your parole ? Those conditions you violated. Tou went
off to Canada ; enrolled yourself in the service of the king ; raised a regiment of the disaffected, who aban-
doned their country with you ; and you have now returned to wage a cruel war against us, by burning our
dwellings and robbing us of our property. I was your friend in Uie Committee of Safety, and exerted my-
T
Digitized by
Google
290 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Pnranit of Johnson. Incnnion of Rom and Rntler. Actioa of Willett. Battle at Johnstown. AdveotorM of the
Groyemor Clinton was at Kingston, Ulster county, when intelligence of this invasion
reached him. He repaired immediately to Albany, and sent such forces, composed of mili-
tia and volunteers, as he could raise, tu overtake and intercept the invaders. One division,
commanded by the governor in person, pushed forward to Lakes Georgb and Champlain,
and at Ticonderoga was joined by a body of militia from the New Hampshire Grants. At
the same time Colonel Van Schaick, with eight hundred militia, pUrsti^ the enemy by way
of Johnstown. But Sir John was far beyond the reach of pursuers, and.tpo cautious to take
a route so well known as that of the lakes. He kept upon the Indian paths through the
wilderness west of the Adirondack Mountains, and escaped. This was the last visit made
by Johnson to the MohawK Valley during the war, but his friends invaded the settlement
the following year, and near Johnson Hall a pretty severe battle took place.
On the 24Ui of October, 1781, Major Ross and Walter Butler, at the head of about one
thousand troops, consisting of regulars, Indians, and Tories, approached the settlement ao
stealthily that they reached Warren Bush (not far from the place where Sir Peter Warren
made his first settlement, and the place of residence of Sir William Johnson on his arriva.
in America) without their approach being suspected. The settlement was broken into 83
suddenly that the people had no chance for escape. Many were killed, and their houses
plundered and destroyed. As soon as Colonel Willett, then stationed at Fort Rensselaer^
was informed of this incursion, he marched with about four hundred men for Fort Hunter,
on the Mohawk. Colonel Rowley, of Massachusetts, with a part of his force, consisting of
Tryon county militia, was sent round to fall upon the enemy in the rear, while Willett should
attack them in front The belligerents met a short distance above Johnson Hall, and a bat^
tie immediately ensued. The militia under Willett soon gave way, and fled in great con-
fusion to the stone church in the village ; and the enemy would have had an easy victory,
self to saye ycmr person from injnry. And how am I reqnited ? Tonr Indians have mordered and scalped
old Mr. Fonda, at the age of eighty years, a man who, I have heard your father say, was like a father to
him when he settled in Johnstown and Eingsborough. Tou can not succeed, Sir John, in such a warfare,
and yon will never enjoy your property more !" The appeal had its effect. The baronet made no reply,
but the old gentleman was set at liberty, and a span o^ his horses was restored to him. A Tory, named
Doxstader (whom we shall soon meet again at Currytown), was seen upon one of the old man^s horses,
and refused to give him up. After the war he returned to ^e neighborhood, when Mr. Sammons had him
arrested, and he was obliged to pay the full value of the animal.
The two elder sons of Mr. Sainmons, Frederic and Jacob, were taken to Canada. At Chambly they
concerted a plan for escape by the prisoners rising upon the garrison, but the majority of them were too
weak-hearted to attempt it. The brothers, however, succeeded in making their escape a few days after*
ward, and the narrative of their separate adventures, before they reached their homes, forms a wonderful
page in the volume of romance. It may be found in detail in the second volume of Stone^s LifeofBranL
Jacob, after a toilsome journey from St. John's to Pittstown, in Vermont, through the trackless wUdemess,
reached Schenectady in safety, a few weeks after his capture, where he found his wife and children. But
Frederic was recaptured, and it was nearly two years before he returned. His adventures in making his
escape from an island among the St. Lawrence rapids, above Montreal, and his subsequent travel through
the wilderness from the St. Lawrence to the Mohawk, with a fellow-prisoner, partake of all ^e stirring
character of the most exciting legendary fiction. Almost naked, and with matted hair, they entered the
streets of Schenectady, a wonder and a terror to the inhabitants at first, but, when known, Uiey were the
objects of profound regard. A strange but well-attested £etct is related in connection with the return of
Frederic. After the destruction of his property upon the Mohawk, the elder Sammons and his family re-
turned to Marbletown, in Ulster county, whence they had emigrated. On the morning after his arrival at
Schenectady, Frederic dispatched a letter to his father, by the hand of an officer on his way to Philadelphia.
He left it at the house of Mr. Levi De Witt, five miles distant from Mr. Sammons's. On the night when
the letter was left there, Jacob dreamed that his brother Frederic was living, and that a letter, announcing
the fact, was at Mr. De Witt's. The dream was twice repeated, and the next morning he related it to the
family. They had long given Frederic up as lost, and laughed at Jacob for his belief in the teachings of
dreams. Jacob firmly believed that such a letter was at De Witt's, and thither he repaired and inquired
for it. He was told that no such letter was there, but urged a more thorough search, when it was found
behind a barrel, where it had accidentally fallen. Jacob requested Mr. De Witt to open the letter and ex-
amine it, while he should recite its contents. It was done, and the dreamer repeated it word for word !
Frederic lived to a good old age, enjoying the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citisens. He was chosen
an elector of President and Vice-president in 1837.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 291
lUtrett of Rom and Butler. Fight on West Canada Creek. Deaih o^'/iralter Bnder. Last Battle near the Mohawk.
had not Rowley emerged from the woods at that moment, and fallen upon their rear. It
was then nearly four o'clock in the afternoon, and the fight was kept up with hravery on
hoth sides until dark, when the enemy retreated, or rather fled, in great disorder, to the
woods. During the engagement, and while Rowley was keeping the enemy at bay, Willett
succeeded in rallying the militia, who returned to the fight. The Americans lost about forty
killed and wounded. The enemy had about the same number killed, and fifty made prisoners.
The enemy continued their retreat westward nearly all the night after the battle, and
early in the morning Willett started in pursuit. He halted at Stone Arabia, and sent for*
ward a detachment of troops to make fi>rced marches to Oneida Lake, where, he was inform-
ed, the enemy had left their boats, for the purpose of de8tro3ring them. In the mean while
he pressed onward with the ;nain force to the Grerman Flats, where he learned that the ad-
vanced party had returned without accomplishing their errand. From a scouting party he
also learned that the enemy had taken a northerly course, along< the West Canada Creek.
With about four hundred of his choicest men, he started in pursuit, in the face of
a driying snow-storm. He encamped that night in a thick wood upon the Royal
Grant,' and sent out a scouting party, under Jacob Sammons, to search for the enemy. Sam-
mons discovered their forces a few miles in advance of the Americans, and, after reconnoi-
tenng their camp, communicated the fact to Willett that they were well armed with bayo-
nets. That officer deferred his meditated night attack upon them, and continued his pur-
suit early in the morning, but the enemy were as quick on foot as he. In the afternoon he
came up with a lagging party of Indians, and a brisk but short skirmish ensued. Some of
the Indians were killed, some taken prisoners, and others escaped. Willett kept upon the
enemy's trail along the creek, and toward evening came up with the main body at a place
called Jerseyfield, on the northeastern side of Canada Creek. A running fight ensued ; the
Indians became terrified, and retreated across the stream at a ford, where Walter Butler,
who was their leader, attempted to rally them. A brisk fire was kept up across the creek
by both parties for some time, and Butler, who was watching the fight from behind a tree,
was shot in the head by an Oneida, who knew him and took deliberate aim. His troops
therei^n fled in confusion. The Oneida bounded across the creek, and found his victim
not dead, but writhing in great agony. The Tory cried out, << Save me! Save me I Give
me quarters r* while the tomahawk of the warrior glittered over his head, "ilfe give you
Sherry FaUey qtutrtersT* shouted the Indian, and buried his hatchet in the head of his ene-
my. He took his scalp, and, with the rest of the Oneidas, continued the pursuit of the fly-
ing host. The body of Butler was left to the beasts and birds, without burial, for charity
toward one so blood-stained had no dwelling-place in the bosoms of his foes. The place
where he fell is still called Butler's Ford, The pursuit was kept up until evening, when
Willett, completely successful by entirely routing and dispersing the enemy, wheeled his vic-
torious little army, and returned to Fort Dayton in triumph.* This was the closing scene
of the bloody drama performed in the VaUey of the Mohawk during the Revolution, a trag-
edy terrible in every aspect ; and we, who are dwelling in the midst of peace and abundance,
and so far removed, in point of time, from the events, that hardly an actor is living to tell us
of scenes that seem almost fabulous, can not properly estimate the degree of moral and phys-
ical courage, long suflering, patient endurance, and hopeful vigilance which the people of that
day exhibited. It v«ras a terrible ordeal for the patriots. Like the three holy men of Baby-
bn, they passed through a <' fiery furnace heated one seven times more than it was wont to
1
* The Royal Grant, it will be remembered, was the tract of land which Sir William Johnson shrewdly
proeared from Hendriok, the Mohawk sachem, by outwitting hmt in a game of dreaming. — See page 106.
* The sofierings of the retreating army most have been many and aonte. The weather was cold, and
in their hasty flight many of them tuid cast away their blankets, to make their progress more speedy. Ths
loss of the Americans in this pursuit was only one man ; that of the enemy is not known. It most have
been very great. Colonel Willett, in his dispatch to Governor Clinton, observed, " The fields of Johnstowa
the brooks and rivers, the hills and moontaifls, the deep and gloomy marshes throogh which they had to pasa
tbey only coold tell; and perhaps the officers who detached them on the ezpedkion.'\
Digitized by
Google
292 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Eetorn to PoltDDTineb Hie Sammons Hooae. Local Blatoiluia. The departed Heroea. The Kane Howol
he" yet they came out unscathed — ** neither were their coats changed nor the smell of fire
had passed on them." We are yet to visit Currytown, Sharon Springs, and Cherry Valley,
and note some incidents of the civil war, reserved for record here, and then we shall leave
old Tryon county, with the pleasant anticipations of the ** homeward-hound."
We returned to Fultonville, from our excursion to Johnstown, hy the western road, and
passed the premises formerly owned by Sampson Sammons, near the winding Cayadutta.
The house, which was built upon the foundation of the one destroyed by the miscreants under
Johnson, has a venerable appearance ; but the trailing vines that cover its porch, and the
air of comfort that surrounds it, hide all indications of the desolation of former times. We
arrived at Fultonville in time to dine, and there I spent an hour pleasantly and profitably
with Jeptha R. Simms, Esq., the author of a '* History of Schoharie County and the Border
Wars of New York," a work of much local and general interest, and a valuable companion
to Campbell's ** Annals of Tryon County." It is greatly to be lamented that men like Camp-
bell and Simms, and Miner, of Wyoming, who gathered a large proportion of the fieu^ts con-
cerning the Revolution from the lips of those who participated in its trials, have not been
found in every section of our old thirteen states equally industrious and patriotic. It is now
too late, for the men of the Revolution are mostly in the grave. I have found but few, very
few, still alive and sufficiently vigorous to tell the tales of their experience with perspicuity ;
and a hundred times, in the course of my pilgrimage to the grounds where
Discord raised its trampet notes
And carnage beat its horrid drum,
have my inquiries for living patriots of that war been answered with " Five years ago Cap-
tain A. was living ;" or ** three years ago Major B. died ;" or " last autumn Mother C. was
buried ;" all of whom were full of the unwritten history of the Revolution. But they are
gone, and much of the story of our struggle for independence is buried with them. They
are gone, but not forgotten :
"They need
No statue or inscription to reveal
Their greatness. It is ronnd them ; and the joy
With which their children tread the hallowM ground
That holds their venerated bones, the peace
That smiles on all they fought for, and the wealth
That clothes the land they rescued — ^these, thongh mate,
As feeling ever is when deepest — these
Are monmnents more lasting than the fanes
RearM to the kings and demi-gods of old."
PsRorvAL.
I returned to Fort Plain, by rail-road, toward evening, and the next morning, accompa-
nied by the friend with whom we were sojourning, I started for Currytown.* We went by
the way of Canajoharie, a pleasant little village on the canal, opposite Palatine, and thence
over the rugged hills southward. A little below Canajoharie we
sketched an old stone house which was erected before the Revolution,
and was used soon afterward by the brothers Kane, then the most ex-
tensive traders west of Albany. An anecdote is related in connection
with the Kanes, which illustrates the proverbial shrewdness of Yan-
kees, and the confiding nature of the old stock of Mohawk Valley
Dutchmen. A peddler (who was, of course, a Yankee) was arrested
for the offenae of traveling on the Sabbath, contrary to law, and taken
before a Dutch justice near Caughnawaga. The peddler pleaded the thb Kakx Hoot.
urgency of his business. At first the Dutchman was inexorable, but
at length, on the payment to him of a small sum, agreed to furnish the Yankee with a writ-
ten permit to travel on. The justice, not being expert with the pen, requested the peddlei
to write the " pass." He wrote a draft upon the Kanes for fifty doUars, which the unsu^
> The name is derived from William Cony, the patentee oi the lands in that settlement.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OP THE REVOLUTION.
293
batch Magistrate and Yankee Peddler.
Cnnytown.
Jacob DierendorlE
Indian Mediod of Scalping.
pecting Datchman signed. The draft was presented and duly honored, and the Yankee
went on his way rejoicing. A few days afterward the justice was called upon to pay the
amount of the draft. The thing was a mystery, and it was a long time before he could
comprehend it. All at once light broke in upon the matter, and the victim exclaimed, ve-
hemently, in broken English, " Eh, yah ! I understhands it now. Tish mine writin', and
dat ish de tam Yankee pass !" He paid the money and resigned his office, feeling that it
was safer to deal in com and butter with honest neighbors, than in law with Yankee interlopers.
We reached Currytown, a small village nearly four miles south of Canajoharie, at about
noon. The principal object of my visit there was to see the venerable Jacob Dievendorfi*,
who, with his family, was among
the sufierers when that settle
ment was destroyed by Indians
and Tories in July, 1781. Ac-
companied by his son-in-law
(Dr. Snow, of Currytown),
we found the old patriot
busily engaged in his bam,
threi^ng grain ; and, al
though nearly eighty years
of age, he seemed almost
as vigorous and active as most men are
, at sixty. His sight and hearing are some-
what defective, but his intellect, as exhibit-
ed by his clear remembrance of the circum-
stances of his early life, had lost but little
of its strength. He is one
of the largest land-holders
in Montgomery county,
owning one thousand
fertile acres, lying in
a single tract where
the scenes of his suf-
ferings in early life
occurred. In an or-
chard, a short dis-
tance from his dwell-
ing which was stockaded and used as a fort.
It is fast decaying, but the venerable owner
allows time alone to work its destruction,
and will not suSer a board to be taken from
it. The occurrences here have already
been recorded, by Campbell and Simms, as
related to them long ago by Mr. Dieven-
;^ dorff and others, and from these
details I gather the following
facts, adding such matters of
interest as were communicated
me by Mr. Dievendorff
himself and his near
neighbor, the venera-
ble John Keller.
On the 9th of July,
1781, nearly five hund-
red Indians, and a few Loyal-
ists, conmaanded by ^ Tory
named Doxstader, attacked
and destroyed the settlement
of Currytown, murdered sev-
eral of the inhabitants, and
carried others away prisoners.
The house of Henry Lewis
(represented in the
ISiS.
i his dwell- J t A » ^ I J a ®*^*ving) was
•the house J'^^lrJ>UtJiJ^hlM ii(h id P picketed and used
s still stand- ^^ ^ for a fort.' The
ing,
was still stand-
> I here present a portrait of Mr. Dieyendorfi; which he kindly allowed me to make while he sat upon a
half bushel in his barn. Also, a sketch of the back of his head, showing its appearance where the scalp
was taken off. The building is a view of the one referred to in the text as the Currytown fort, now stand-
ing in Mr. Dievendorff^s orchard. The method used by the Indians in scalping is probably not generally
known. I was told by Mr. Dievendorff and others familiar with the horrid practice that the scalping-knife
was a weapon not unl^e, in appearance, the bowie-knife of the present day. The victim was usually Stun-
ned or killed by a blow from the tomahawk. Sometimes only a portion of the scalp (as was the case with
Mr. Bievendorff) was taken from the crown and back part of the head, but more frequently the whole scalp
was removed. With the dexterity of a surgeon, the Indian placed the point of his knife at the roots of the
hair on the forehead, and made a circular incision around the head. If the hair was short, he would raise
a lappet of the akin, take hold with his teeth, and tear it instantly from the skull. If long, such as the hair
of females, he would twist it around his hand, and, by a sudden jerk, bare the skull. The scalps were then
tanned with the hair on, and often marked in such a manner that the owners could tell when and where they
were severally obtained, and whether they belonged to men or women. When Major Rogers, in 1759, de-
stroyed the chief village of the St. Francis Indians, he found there a vast quantity of scalps, many of them
eomically painted in iSeroglyphios. They were all stretched on small hoops.
* Mr. Dievendorff told me that on one occasion the fort was attacked by a party of Indians. There were
Digitized by
Google
294 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Attack on Ciirrjtown. The CaptiTM. Esqpedition under Captain Groat. Battle at New Dorlach, now Biiaran Spiinga.
settlers, unBuspicioiui of danger, were generally at work in their fields when the enemy fell
upon them. It was toward noon when they emerged stealthily from the forest, and with
torch and tomahawk commenced the work of destruction. Among the sufierers were the
Dievendorfis, Kellers, Myerses, Bellingers, Tanners, and Lewises. On the first alarm* those
nearest the fort fled thitherward, and those more remote sought shelter in the woods. Jacob
Dievendorff, the father of the subject of our sketch, escaped. His son Frederic was over-
taken, tomahawked, and scalped, on his way to the fort,^ and Frederic's brother Jacob, ihea
a lad eleven years old, was made prisoner. A negro named Jacob, two lads named Bel-
linger, Mary Miller, a little girl text or twelve years old, Jacob Myers and his son, and two
others, were captured. The Indians then plundered and burned all the dwellings but the
fort and one belonging to a Tory, in all about twelve, and either killed or drove away most
of the cattle and horses in the neighborhood. When the work of destruction was finished,
the enemy started ofi*in the direction of New Dorlach, or Turlock (now Sharon) with their
prisoners and booty.
Colonel Willett was at Fort Plain when Currytown was attacked. On the previous day
he had sent out a scout of thirty or forty men, under Captain Gross, to patrol the country
for the two-fold purpose of procuring forage and watching the movements of the enemy.
They went in the direction of New Dorlach, and, when near the present Sharon Springs,
discovered a portion of the camp of the enemy in a cedar swamp.' Intelligence of this fact
reached Willett at the moment when a dense smoke, indicating the firing of a village, was
seen from Fort Plain, in the direction of Currytown. Captain Robert M*Kean, with six-
teen levies, was ordered to that place, with instructions to assemble as many of the militia
on the way as possible. With his usual celerity, that officer arrived at the settlement in
time to assist in extinguishing the flames of some of the buildings yet unoonsumed. Col-
onel Willett, in the mean time, was active in collecting the militia. Presuming that the
enemy would occupy the same encampment that night, and being joined during the day by
the forces under M^Kean and Gross, he determined to make an attack upon them at mid-
night, while they were asleep. His whole strength did not exceed one hundred and fifly
efiective men, while the enemy's force, as he af^rward learned, consisted of more than
double that number. The night was dark and lowering, and the dense forest that surround-
ed the swamp encampment of the en^my was penetrated only by a bridle path. His guide
became bewildered, and it was six o'clock in the morning before he came in sight of the ene-
my, who, warned of his approach, had taken a more advantageous position. From this posi-
tion it was desirable to draw them, and for that purpose Willett sent forward a detachment
from the main body, which he had stationed in crescent form on a ridge now seen on the
south side of the turnpike, opposite the swamp, who fired upon the Indians and then retreated.
The stratagem succeeded, for the Indians pursu^ them, and were met by Willett, advanc-
ing with one hundred men. M'Kean was left with a reserve in the rear, and fell fiiriously
upon the flank of the enemy. A desperate fight for a short time ensued, when the Indians
broke and^fled, but kept up a fire firom behind trees and rocks. Willett and his men, un-
derstanding their desultory warfare, pursued them with bullet and bayonet, until they relin-
quished the fight, and fled precipitately down their war-path toward the Susquehanna, leav-
ing their camp and all their plunder behind. They left forty dead upon the field. The
American loss was five killed, and nine wounded and missing. The brave M'Kean was
several women, bnt only one man, in the fort. The savages approached stealthily along a ravine, a little
north of the fort, and were aboot to make an assaolt upon the frail fortification, when they were saluted
with a warm fire from it. There were several muskets in it, which the women loaded as fiist as the man
could fire ; and so rapid were the discharges, that the Indians, supposing quite a large garrison to be pres-
ent, fled to the woods. The remains of the building are still scarred by many bullet marks.
^ He was not killed, but lay several hours insensible, when he was picked up by his uncle, Mr. Keller,
who carried him into the fort. He recovered, and lived several years, when he was killed by the falling
of a tree.
' A part of this swamp may stUl be seen on the north side of the western turnpike, about two miles east
of the springs.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 296
Dectfa of Captain M'Kmh. Tbe Cvrrytown PrlaoBan. DierendorH Sharon Bpringi. Analyalaoftlia Watera
mortally -wounded, and died at Fort Plain a few days after the return of the expedition to
that pott. I was in£)rmed by Mr. Lipe, at Fort Plain, that the body of the captain was
buried near the block-house, and that the fort was afterward called Fort M*Kean, in honor
of the deceased soldier.
At the time of the attack, the Indians had placed most of their prisoners on the horses
which they had stolen firom Currytown, and each was well guarded. When they were
about to retreat before Willett, fearing the recapture of the prisoners, and the consequent
loss of scalps, the savages began to murder and scalp them. Young Dievendorfi* (my in-
formant) leaped from his horse, and, running toward the swamp, was pursued, knocked down
by a blow of a tomahawk upon his shoulder, scalped, and left for dead. Willett did not
bury his slain, but a detachment of militia, under Colonel Veeder, who repaired to the field
aiW the battle, entombed them, and fortunately discovered and proceeded to bury the bodies
of the prisoners who were murdered and scalped near the camp. Young Dievendorfi*, who
was stunned and insensible, was seen struggling among the leaves ; and his bloody face being
mistaken for that of an Indian, one of the soldiers leveled his musket to shoot him. A fel-
low-soldier, perceiving his mistake, knocked up his piece and saved the lad's hfe. He was
taken to Fort Plain, and, being placed under the care of Dr. Faught, a Grerman physician,
of Stone Arabia, was restored to health. It was five years, however, before his head was
perfectly healed ; and when I saw him (August, 1848), it had the tender appearance and
feeling of a wound recently healed. He is still living (1 849), in the midst of the settlement
of Currytown, which soon arose from its ashes, and is a living monument of savage cruelty
and the sufierings of the martyrs for American liberty.^
Toward evening we left Currytown for Cherry Valley, by the way of Sharon Springs.
The road lay through a beautiful, though very hUly, country. From the summits of some
of the eminences over which we passed the views were truly magnificent. Looking down
into the Camyoharie Valley from the top of its eastern slope, it appeared like a vast enam-
eled basin, having its coneavi^ garnished with pictures of rolling intervales, broad cultivated
fields, green groves, bright streams, villages, and neat farm-houses m abundance ; and its
distant rim on its northern verge seemed beautifully embossed with wooded hills, rising one
above another in profuse outlines far away beyond the Mohawk. We reached the Springs
toward sunset, passing the Pavilion on the way.' They are in a broad ravine, and along
the margin of a hill ; and near them the little village of Sharon has grown up.' Our stay
was brief — just long enough to have a lost shoe replaced by another upon our horse, and to
visit the famous fountains-— for, having none of the *< ills which flesh is heir to'' of sufiicient
malignity to require the infliction of sulphureted or chalybeate draughts, we were glad to
escape to the hills and vales less suggestive of Tophet and the Valley of Hinnom. How
any but invalids, who find the waters less nauseous than the allopathic doses of the shops,
nil* I ■
' The little girl (Mary Miller) was found scalped, but alive, and was taken, with the lad Dievendorff,
toward Fort Plam. She was very weak when found, and on taking a draught of cold water, just before
reaching the fort, instantly expired.
' The Pavilion is a very large hotel, situated upon one of the loftiest summits in the neighborhood, and
oommanding a magnificent view of the country. It was erected in 1836 by a New York company, and
is filled with invalids and other visitors during the summer.
' The Sharon Sulphur Springt have been celebrated for their medical properties many years, and are
laid to be equal in eificaoy to those in Virginia. An analysis of the waters, made by Dr. Chilton, of New
York, gives the following result :
Sulphate of magneda • • 49.40 grahM.
Sulphate of lime ... . 111.63 •
Chloridofaodfaim .... 9JM *«
Chloridof magneiium . . SMO **
Bydro-aulphato of ■odlmn ) ajna u
B7dro<«alphateofealchim >
Bolphiireted hydrogen gaa . 18 eablo faichea.
There is a chalybeate spring in the neighborhood. The whde region abounds in fossils, and is an in
teresting place for the geobgist.
Digitized by
Google
296 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Airlral at Cherry Valley. Judge Campbell and his Reaifdenoe. BiM OKpAfitj, Mdremanti of Brant
■» — — — —
and, consequently, are happier than at home, can spend a " season" there, within smelling
distance of the gaseons fountains, and call the sojourn pleasure, is a question that can only
be solved by Fashion, the shrewd alchemist in whose alembic common miseries are trans-
muted into conventional happiness. The sulphureted hydrogen does not infect the Pavilion,
I believe, and a summer residence there secures the enjoyment of pure air and delightful
drives and walks in the midst of a lovely hill country.
It was quite dark when we reached Cherry Valley, eight miles west of Sharon Springs.'
This village lies imbosomed within lofty hills, open only on the southwest, in the direction
of the Susquehanna, and as we approached it along the margin of the mountain on its east-
em border, the lights sparkling below us, like stars reflected from a lake, gave us the first
indication of its presence. In the course of the evening we called upon the Honorable James
S. Campbell, who, at the time of the destruction of the settlement in 1778, was a child six
years of age. He is the son of Colonel Samuel Campbell, already mentioned, and father of
the Honorable William W. Campbell, of New York city, the author of the Annals of Tryon
County, so frequently cited. With his mother and family, he was carried into captivity.
He has a clear recollection of events in the Indian country while he was a captive, his ar-
rival and stay at Niagara, his subsequent sojourn in Canada, and the final reunion of the
family after an absence and separation of two years.* His residence, a handsome modem
"li^kiia. * structure, is upon the site of the old family
^^ /^i^ft^SWj^'^to- mansion, which was stockaded and used as a
""^KI^^^^S/B^^W^^^^^^^ - ^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^"^^ ^^ ^^^ invasion. The doors
^^^^Tr^HH|Lj^K^^£|^^ and window-shutters were made bullet-proof,
jB^^M^B^^^ra^^^^^^^- . and the two bams that were included within
?^jBBBBIB|bSmmjb^JB|p In a former chapter we have noticed that
' ' 'iHsflfliflElK'' Brant's first hostile movement, afler his re-
jiVHP QH^wI^ ^^^^ ^™ Canada and establishment of hif
^^^^^^^^^g(^^^iw«w3BK^^^ head-quarters at Oghkwaga, was an attempt
^^^^^SMBb^L^^j^ ^'^^^^^f^'.''. to ^^^ off the settlement of Cherry Valley, or,
^^^^MPPl^^^ ' "^^^^^m^' at least, to make captive the members of the
, _ , active Committee of Correspondence. It was
Mansion ow Judge Cakpbkll.* ■• , i
a sunny morning, toward the close of
May, when Brant and his warriors cautiously moved up to th» brow of the lofty hill
on the east side of the town, to reconnoiter the settlement- at their feet. He was astonished
and chagrined on seeing a fortification where he supposed all was weak and defenseless, and
greater was his disappointment when quite a large and well-armed garrison appeared upon
the esplanade in front of Colonel Campbell's house. These soldiers were not as formidable
as the sachem supposed, for they were only half-grown boys, who, full of the martial spirit
of the times, had formed themselves into companies, and, armed with wooden guns and
swords, had regular drills each day. It was such a display, on the moming in question,
that attracted Brant's attention. His vision being somewhat obstructed by the trees and
^ Cheny Valley derived its name, according to Campbell, from the following circumstance : " Mr. Don
lop [the venerable pastor whose family suffered at the time of the massacre in 1778], engaged in writing
some letters, inquired of Mr. Lindesay [the original proprietor of the soil] where he should date them, who
proposed the name of a town in Scotland. Mr. Dunlop, pointing to the fine wild cherry-trees and to the
valley, replied, ' Let us give our place an appropriate name, and call it Cherry Valley,' which was readily
agreed to." — Anna!* of Tryon County.
* The children of Mrs. Campbell were all restored to her at Niagara, except this one. In June, 1780,
she was sent to Montreal, and there she was joined by her missing boy. He had been with a tribe of the
Mohawks, and had forgotten his own language ; but he remembered his mother, and expressed his joy at
seeing her, in the Indian language. Honorable William Campbell, late surveyor general of New York, was
her son. She lived until 1836, being then 93 years of age. She was the last surrivor of the Revolution-
ary women in the region of the head waters of the Susquehanna.
' This pleasant dwelling is upon the northern verge of the town, on the road leading firom Cherry Val-
ley to the Mohawk. The sketch was taken from the road.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
297
■rmt deoeiTed by Bcfju.
Death of Lisatonant Wormwood.
ShrawdneMofSltx.
"BranfaRock."
Bhrnbi in which he was concealed, he mistook the boys for full-grown soldiers, and, consid-
ering an attack dangerous, moved his party to a hiding-place at the foot of the Tekaharawa
Falls, in a deep ravine north of the village, near the road leading to the Mohawk.' In that
deep, rocky glen, " where the whole scene was shadowy and almost dark even at mid-day,"
his warriors were concealed, while Brant and two or three followers hid themselves in am-
bush behind a large rock by the road side, for the purpose of obtaining such information as
might fall in his way.
On the morning of that day, Lieutenant Wormwood, a promising young officer of Pala-
tine, had been sent firom Fort Plain to Cherry Valley with the information, for the commit-
tee at the latter place, that a military force might be expected there the next day. His
noble bearing and rich velvet dress attracted a good deal of attention at the village ; and
when, toward evening, he started to return, accompanied by Peter Sitz, the bearer of some
dispatches, the people, in admiration, looked after him until he disappeared beyond the hill.
On leaving, he had cast down his portmanteau, saying, *< I shall be back for it in the morn-
ing." But he never returned. As the two patriots galloped along the margin of the Te-
kaharawa Glen, they were hailed, but, instead of answering, they put spurs to their horsesi.
The warriors in ambush arose and fired a volley upon them. The lieutenant fell, and Brant,
rushing out from his concealment, scalped him with his own hands. Sitz was captured, and
his dispatches fell into the hands of Brant. Fortunately they were double, and Sitz had the
presence of mind to destroy the genuine and deliver the fictitious to the sachem. Deceived
by these dispatches concerning the strength of Cherry Valley, Brant withdrew to Cobelskill,
and thence to Oghkawaga, and the settlement was saved from destruction at that time.* Its
subsequent fate is recorded in a previous chapter.
U£.
DxaTAMT Vxxw or Cummmy Vallkt.
Judge Campbell kindly offered to accompany us in the morning to ** Brant's Rock."*
Having engaged to be back at Fort Plain in time the next day to take the cars for Albany at
two o'clock, and the distance from the " rock" being twelve miles, over a rough and hilly road,
an early start was necessary, for I wished to make a sketch of the village and valley, as also
' The Jkkaharawa is the western branch of the Canajoharie or Bowman*t Creek^ which falls into thA
Mohawk at Canajoharie, opposite Palatine.
** Campbell's Annals.
* This rock, which is aboat four feet high, lies in a field on the
left of the road leading firom Cherry Valley to the Mohawk, abont
a mile and a half north of the residence of Judge Campbell. It is a
fossiliferous mass, composed chiefly of shells. Behind this rock the
body of Lieutenant Wormwood, lifeless and the head scalped, was
found by the viUagers, who had heard the firing on the previous
evening. Judge Campbell, who accompanied us to the spot, point-
ed oat the stump of a large tree by the road side, as the place where
Lieutenant Wormwood fell. The tree was pierced by many bul-
lets, and Judge Campbell had extracted several of them when a boy
Brant's Rock.
Digitized by
Google
298 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
HoraiDf Sc6o« near Cborry Valley. Light Departoro fix* Alboy. Woodwortfa'a Battle
of the rook. At early dawn, the light not being lofficient to perceive the outline of distant
objects, I stood upon the high ridge north of the village which divides the head waters of the
eastern branch of the Susquehanna from the tributaries of the Mohawk. As the pale light
in the east grew ruddy, a magnificent panorama vras revealed on every side ; and as the
stars faded away, and trees, and fields, and hills, and the quiet village arose firom the gloom ;
and the sun's first rays burst over the eastern hills into the valley, lighting it up with sud-
den splendor, while the swelling chorus of birds and the hum of insects broke the stillness ;
and the perfumes of flowers arose firom the dewy grass like sweet incense, the delighted
spirit seemed to hear a voice in the quivering light, saying,
** From the qniokenM womb of the primal gloom
The son roll'd black and bare,
Till I wove him a vest, for his Ethiop breast,
Of the threads of my golden hair ;
And when the broad tent of the finnament
Arose on its airy spars,
I penciled the hue of its matchless blue,
And spangled it round with the stars.
I waken the flowers in their dew-spangled bowers,
The birds in their chambers of green,
And mountains and plain glow with beaaty again
As they bask in my matinal sheen.
Oh, if soch the ghid worth of my presence to earth,
Though fitfol and fleeting the while,
What glories must rest on the home of the blest,
Ever bright with the Deity's smile."
William Pitt Palmir.
On the north the Valley of the Canajoharie stretches away to the Mohawk, twelve miles
distant, whose course was marked by a white line of mist that skirted the more remote hills ;
and on the south Cherry Valley extends down among the mountains toward the Susquehanna
proper, and formed the easy war-path to the settlement at its head, firom Oghkwaga and Una-
dilla. From the bosom of the ridge whereon I stood spring the head waters of the eastern
branch of the Susquehanna and those of Canajoharie. I had finished the sketch here given
before the sun was fairly above the tree-tops, and, while the mist yet hovered over the Teha-
kawara, we were at Brant's Rock, within the sound of the tiny cascades. There we parted
from Judge Campbell, and hastened on toward Fort Plain, where we arrived in time to break-
fast, and to take the morning train for Albany. Before leaving, let us take a parting glance
at the Revolutionary history of the Mohawk Valley, for we may not have another opportunity.
Soon afler the irruption of Dockstader, or Doxstader, into the Currytown and New Dor-
lach settlements, a party of Tories and Indians made a descent upon Palatine, under the
conduct of a son of Colonel Jacob Klock. They were betrayed by one of their number, and
fled to the woods for safety, without accomplishing any mischief. At the Grerman Flats and
in that vicinity several spirited rencounters took place between the enemy and the patriot
militia. One of them was marked by great bravery on the part of Captain Solomon Wood-
worth, and a small company of rangers which he had organized. He marched fix>m Fort
Dayton to the Royal Grant for the purpose of observation. On the way he fell in with an
Indian ambush. Without warning, his little band was surrounded by savages, who made
the forest ring with the war-whoop. One of the most desperate and bloody engagements of
the war ensued. Woodworth and a large number of his rangers were slain, and the victo-
rious Indians took several of them prisoners. Only fifteen escaped.
Another afiair occurred at a settlement called Shell's Bush, about five miles north of
Herkimer village, which deserves a passing notice. A wealthy Grerman named John Chris-
tian Shell, or Schell, had built a block-house of his own, two stories high, the upper one pro-
jecting so as to allow the inmates to fire perpendicularly upon the assailants.^ One sultry
^ At that time there were no less than twenty forts, so called, between Schenectady and Fort Schnyler
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OP THE REVOLUTION. 29S
Deteenl of Toxiet upon ** ShalT* Bnah." Shair* Block-houaa. Fmioiw Batda. Captare of M'Donald. Luther'* Hymn.
afternoon in August, while the people were generally in their fields, Donald M'Donald, one
of the Scotch refugees firom Johnstown, with a party of sixty Indians and Tories, made a
descent upon Shell's Bush. The inhahitants mostly fled to Fort Dayton, hut Shell and his
£unily took refuge in his hlock-house. He and two of his sons (he had eight in all) were at
work in the field. The two sons were captured, hut the father and his other hoys, who
were near, reached the hlock-house in safety. It was finally hedeged, hut the assailants
were kept at a respectful distance hy the garrison. Shell's wife loaded the muskets, while
her husband and sons discharged them with sure aim. M'Donald tried to bum the hlock-
house, hut was unsucoes^ul. He at length procured a crow-bar, ran up to the door, and
attempted to force it. Shell fired upon him, and so wounded him in the leg that he fell.
Instantly the beleaguered patriot opened the door and pulled the Scotchman within, a pris-
oner. He was well supplied with cartridges, and these he was obliged to surrender to his
captors. The battle ceased for a time. Shell knew the enemy would not attempt to bum
his castle while their leader was a prisoner within it, and, taking advantage of the lull in
the battle, he went into the second story, and composedly sang the favorite hymn of Luther
amid the perils that surrounded him in his oontroversies with the pope.^ But the respite
was short. The enemy, maddened at the loss of several of their number killed, and their
commander a prisoner, rushed up to the block-house, and five of them thrust the muzzles of
their pieces through the loop-holes. Mrs. Shell seized an ax, and, with well-directed blows,
rained every musket by bending the barrels. At the same time Shell and his sons kept up
a brisk fire, which drove the enemy ofi*. At twilight he went to the upper story and called
out to his wife, in a loud voice, informing her that Captain Small was approaching fix>m
Fort Dsjixm with succor. In a few minutes, with louder voice, he exclaimed, ** Captain
Small, march your company round upon this side of the house. Captain Getman, you had
better wheel your men ofi* to the left, and come upon that side.'' This was a successful
stratagem. There were no troops approaching, but the enemy, deceived by the trick, fled
to the woods. M'Ifonald was taken to Fort Dayton the next day, where his leg was am-
putated, but the blood flowed so freely that he died in a few hours.' The two sons of Shell
They were generally strong dwellings stockaded, and so arranged that fifteen or twenty families might find
protection in each.
' The following is a literal translation of the hymn, made for the author of the Life of Brant by Profes-
sor Bokmn, of Harvard University. It is from a German hymn book published in 1741.
1.
A roM IbrtreM is our God, » good defense and weapon;
Ho heipe us free from all our tronbles which haTe now be&Ilen vs.
The old evil enemy, ho is now serionslj going to work ;
Great power and much cunning are his cruel equipments,
There is none like him on the earth.
S.
With our own strength nothing can be done, we are rerj soon lost:
For us the right man is lighting, whom God himself has chosen.
Do you ask, Who is lie f His name is Jesus Christy
The Lord Jehovah, and tfiere is no oUier God ;
He must hold the ileld.
3.
And if the world were full of devils, ready to devour us,
We are by no means much afraid, for finally we must overcome
The prince of this world, however badly he may behave,
He can not ii^ure us, and the reason is, because he is the judge,
A little word can lay Urn low.
4.
That word they shall suffer to remain, and not to be tfianked for either;
Be is with us in the field, vrtth his spirit and his gifts.
If they take from us body, property, honor, child, and wifis,
' Let them all be taken away, they hove yet no gain fhnn it;
The kingdom of heaven must remain to us.
t
* McDonald wore a lilver-momited tomahawk, which Shell took firom him. Its handle exhibited thirty-
two scalp notches, the tally of horrid deeds in imitation of his Indian associates.
Digitized by
Google
300 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
DesdiofSbellandbiiSoiL CMsationof HoitilitlM. Departare from Fort Plain. AXb&aj, Hendrick HodaoB.
were carried into Canada, and they asserted that nine of the wounded enemy died on the
way. Their loss on the ground was eleven killed and six wounded, while not one of the
defenders of the block-house was injured. Soon afler this event Shell was fired upon by
some Indians, while at work in his field with his boys. He was severely wounded, and one
of his boys was killed. The old man was taken to the fort, where he died of his wound.'
During this summer the Tories and Indians went down upon Warwasing and other
portions of the frontier settlements of Ubter and Orange counties. These expeditions
will be elsewhere considered. ' The irruption of Ross and Butler into the Johnstown settle-
ment in October, and their repulse by Colonel WiUett, have been related. With that trans-
action closed the hostilities in Tryon county for the year, and the surrender of Comwallis
October 19, ^^^ ^^ whole army at Yorktown, in Virginia, so dispirited the Loyalists that
1781. they m^de no further demonstrations, by armed parties, against the settlements.
Attempts, some of them successful, were made to carry o£f prominent citizens.* The In-
dians still hung around the borders of the settlements in small parties during 178^, but they
accomplished little beyond producing alarms and causing general uneasiness. Peace ensued,
the hostile savages retired to the wilderness, a few of the refugee Tories, tame and submis-
sive, returned, and the Mohawk Valley soon smiled with the abundance produced by peace-
ful industry.
We left Fort Plain toward noon, and reached Albany in time to depart for New York
the same evening. Columns of smoke were yet rising from the smouldering ruins of a large
portion of the business part of the city lying near the river, south of State Street ; and the
piers along the basin, black and bare, e^diibited a mournful contrast to the air of busy activ-
ity that enlivened them when we passed through the place a few weeks before. I have
been in Albany many times ; let us take a seat upon the promenade deck of the Isaac New-
ton, for the evening is pleasant, and, as we glide down the Hudson, chat a while about the
Dutch city and its associations, and its sister settlement Schenectady, and thus close our
FIRST TOUR AMONG THE SCENES OF THE REVOLUTION.
The site of Albany was an Indian settlement, chiefly of the Mohawk tribes, long before
Hendrick Hudson sailed up the North River. It was called Scaghrnegh-torda, a word sig-
nifying the end of the pine woods, or beyond the pine looods. Such, and equally appropri-
ate, was also the name of a settlement on the Mohawk, at the lower end of the valley, which
still retains the appellation, though a little Anglicised in orthography, being spelled Schenec-
tady. From the account given in Juet*s Journal, published in the third volume of Purchases
Pilgrimages, of Hudson's voyage up the river, it is supposed that he proceeded in his vessel
(the Half Moon) as far as the present site of Albany, and perhaps as high as Troy.* But
he left no colony there, and the principal fruit of his voyage, which he carried back to the
Old World, was intelligence of the discovery of a noble river, navigable one hundred and
sixty miles, and passing through the most fertile and romantic region imaginable. This
* Stone's Life of Brant,
* The most prominent Tories engaged in this business were Bettys and Waltermeyer. We have noticed
in another chapter the attempt of the latter to abduct General Schuyler. Among the prisoners thus made
by these two miscreants, from BaUston, were Samuel Nash, Joseph Chaird, Uri Tracy, Samuel Patchin,
Epenetus White, John Fulmer, and two brothers named Bontas. They were all taken to Canada, and,
after being roughly treated, were either exchanged, or became free at the conclusion of the war.
' Henry or Hendrick Hudson was a native of England. While seeking a northwest passage to Japan
and China, he explored the coasts of Greenland and Labrador in 1607-8. After returning to England
from a second voyage, he went to Holland and entered the service of the Dutch East India Company, who
fitted out the Half Moon for him to pursue his discoveries. It was during this voyage that he sailed up the
river which bears his name. The next year (1610) he was. sent out by an association of gentlemen, and
in that voyage discovered the great bay at the north called Hudson's Bay, where he wintered. In the spring
of 1611 he endeavored to complete his discoveries, but, his provisions failing, he was obliged to relinquish
the attempt and make his way homeward. Going out of the straits from the bay, he threatened to set one
or two of his mutiuQus crew on shore. These, joined by others, entered his cabin at night, pinioned his
arms behind him, and with his sons, and seven of the sick and most infirm on board, he was put into a
shallop and set adrift. He was never heard of afterward.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
301
''tflj WatoTj of Albany.
Fort Oraogeu
Pint Stooe Hoom.
TheChnrch.
The Portnit of Hodson.
discovery was made early in the autamn of 1609. As soon as the intelligence reached the
Dutch East India Company, they sent out men to establish trading posts in the country.
These traders'
ascended the river
and built a block-
house on the north
point of Boyd's Isl-
and, a little below
Albany; and it may
b6saidthatinl612
Albany was founded,
for in that year the
first permanent trad-
ing post was estab-
lished there. Next
to Jamestown, in
Virginia, it was the
earliest European
settlement within
the thirteen original
colonies. A tempo-
rary fort was erect-
UXHVMICK HUZMON.'
ed in 1614, and the
place was named, by
the Dutch, Beaver-
wyck, or Beaver
town, from the cir-
cumstance that great
numbers of beavers
were found there.
A fortification, call-
ed Fort Orange, was
built in 1623.' The
town retained its
original name until
1664, when the
New Netherlands
(as the country upon
the Hudson was call-
ed) passed into the
hands of the En-
glish. It then re-
1657.
ceived the name of Albany, one of the titles of James, duke of York, the brother of Charles
II., afterward King James II. of England.
The first permanent settlement that was made at Albany (the traders resortikig thither
only in the autumn and winter) was in 1626, and from that time until 1736 many respect-
able Dutch families came over and established themselves there and in the vicinity. Among
them occur the names of Quackenboss, Lansing, Bleecker, Van Ness, Pruyn, Van Wart,
Wendell, Van Eps, and Van Rensselaer, names familiar to the readers of our history, and
their descendants are numerous among us. The first stone building, except the fort, was
erected at Albany in 1647, on which occasion "eight ankers'* (one hundred and twenty-
eight gallons) of brandy were consumed.' About this time the little village of Beaverwyck
was stockaded with strong wooden pickets or palisades, the remains of which were visible
uitil 1812. The government was a military despotism, and so rigorous were the laws that
quite a number of settlers lefl it and established themselves upon the present site of Schenec-
tady, about one hundred years since. A small church was erected in 1655, and the Dutch
East India Company sent a bell and a pulpit for it, about the time when its first pastor,
Rev. Gideon Schaats, sailed for Beaverwyck. It became too small for the congrega-
tion, and in 1715 a new and larger edifice was erected on its site. This stood about ninety-
two years, in the open area formed by the angle of State, Market, and Court Streets.
Albany had become a considerable town when Kalm visited it in 1749. He says the
people all spoke Dutch. The houses stood with the gable ends toward the streets, and the
water gutters at the eaves, projecting far over the streets, were a great annoyance to the
people. The cattle, having free range, kept the streets dirty. The people were very social,
^ Eight oarious pieces of ordnance were moonted upon the ramparts of Fort Orange, called by the Datoh,
■coordiDg to Vander Kempt, ttien-gettucktfif or stone pieces, because they were loaded with Hone instead
of iron balls. These cannon were formed of long stent iron bars laid longitudinally, and bound with iron
hoops Their caliber was inmiense. The fort does not seem to have been a very strong work, for in 1639
a complaint was made to the Dutch governor that the fort was in a state of miserable decay, and that the
'' hogs had destroyed a part of it."
' This picture \a copied from a painting said to be from life, now in the possession of the Corporation of
the city of New York, and hanging in the *^ Governor's Room," in the City Hall. It was in the old Stadt
House, and was in existence in Governor Stuyvesant's time.
' Letter of the oommissary, De la Montagnie, to the Dutch governor of New Amsterdam (New York).
Digitized by
Google
302 PICTORIAL PIELD-BOOK
Kafan'f Description of Albany. Its Incorporation. Deatmction of Schenectady. Colonial Conrention. Walter WQIe.
and the spacious stoops, or porches, were always filled at evening, in summer, with neigh-
bors mingling in chit-chat. They knew nothing of stoves ; their chimneys were almost as
broad as their houses ; and the people made wampum, a kind of shell on strings, used as
money, to sell to Indians and traders.* They were very cleanly in their houses ; were fru-
gal in their diet, find integrity was a prevailmg virtue. Their servants were chiefly negroes.
In 1 777, according to Dr. Thatcher (Military Journal, p. 9 1 )i Albany contained " three hund-
red houses, chiefly in the Grothic style, the gahle ends to the streets." He mentions the " an-
cient stone church," and also ** a decent edifice called City Hall, which accommodates gen
erally their assemhly and courts of justice." It also had ** a spacious hospital," erected dur-
ing the French war. It was incorporated a city in 1686, and was made the capital of the
state soon after the Revolution.
Albany was an important place, in a military point of view, from the dose of the seven-
teenth century until the hostilities, then begun between the English and French colonies,
ceased in 1763. It was the place where councils with the Indians were held, and whence
expeditions took their departure for the wilderness beyond. It never became a prey to French
conquest, though often threatened. In the depth of the winter of 1 690 a party of two hund-
red Frenchmen and Canadians, and fifty Indians, chiefly Caughnawaga Mohawks, sent out
February 8, ^7 Fronteuac, menaced Albany. They fell upon Schenectady at midnight, mas-
1691. sacred and made captive the inhabitants, and laid the town in ashes. Sixty-
three persons were murdered and twenty-seven carried into captivity. The church and
sixty-three houses were burned. A few persons escaped to Albany, traveling almost twenty
miles in the snow, with no other covering than their night-clothes. Twenty-five of them
lost their Hmbs in consequence of their being frozen on the way. Schenectady, like Albany,
was stockaded, having two entrance gates. These were forced open by the enemy, and the
first intimation the inhabitants had of danger was the bursting in of their doors.* Informed
that Albany was strongly garrisoned, the marauders, thinking it not prudent to attack it,
turned their faces toward Canada with their prisoners and booty. The settlement sufiered
some during the French and Indian war, but it was rather too near the strong post of Al-
bany to invite frequent visits fix>m the enemy. It is said that Schenectady was the princi-
pal seat of the Mohawks before the confederacy of the five Iroquois nations was formed.
One of the most prominent events that occurred at Albany, which has a remote connec-
tion with our Revolution, was the convention of colonial delegates held there in 1 754. For
a long time the necessity for a closer political union on the part of the Enghsh colonies had
been felt. They had a common enemy in the French, who were making encroachments
upon every interior frontier, but the sectional feelings of the several colonies often prevented
that harmony of action in the raising of money and troops for the general service which
proper efficiency required. It was also evident that the Indians, particularly the Six Na-
tions of New York, were becoming alienated from the English, by the influence of French
emissaries among them, and a grand council, in which the several English colonies might
be represented, was thought not only expedient, but highly necessary. Lord Holdemess,
^ Wampum is made of the thick and blue part of sea clam-sheDs. The thin oorering of this part being
split ofi^ a hole is drilled in it, and the form is produced and the pieces made smooth by a grindstone. The
form is that of the cylindrical glass beads called buglet. When finished, they are strong upon small hempen
cords about a foot long. In the manufaotux^ of wampum, from six to ten strings are considered a day's
work. A considerable quantity is manufactured at the present day in Bergen county, New Jersey.
' Walter Wilie, who was one of a party sent from Albany to Schenectady as soon as the intelligenoe
reached that place of the destruction of the town, wrote a baUad, in the style of Chery Chase, in which the
circumstances are related in detail. He says of his ballad, ^' The which I did compose last night in the
space of one hour, and am now writing, the morning of Friday, June 12tlu«1690." He closes it with,
** And here I end the long btOad,
Hie which you Ja«t haTe nedde ;
I wkh that it may ftij on earth
Long after I am dead.**
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 803
ProceedlngB of tiie Colonial ConTentioo. Names of the Delegates. Plan of Union submitted by Franklin.
the English Secretary of State, accordingly addressed a circular letter to aJ^ the colonies,
proposing a convention, at Albany, of committees from the several colonial assemblies, the
chief design of which was proclaimed to be the renewal of treaties with the Six Nations.
Seven of the colonies, namely, New York, Massachnsetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut,
Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, responded to the call, and the convention as-
sembled at Albany, in the old City Hall, on the 19th of June, 1754.^ James Delancy was
chosen president of the convention. The chie& of the Six Nations were in full attendance,
their principal speaker being Hendrick, the sachem afterward killed near Lake George while
in the service of the English. The proceedings were opened by a speech to the Indians from
Delancy ; and while the treaty was in progress, the convention was invited, by the Massa-
chnsetts delegates, to consider whether the union of the colonies, for mutual defense, was not,
under existing circumstances, desirable. The Greneral Court of Massachusetts had empow-
ered its representatives to enter into articles of union and confederation. The suggestion
was favorably received, and a committee, consisting of one member from each colony, was
appointed.' Several plans were proposed. Dr. Franklin, whose fertile mind had conceived
the necessity of union, and matured a plan befi>re he went to Albany, now ofiered an out-
line in writing, which was adopted in committee, and reported to the convention. The sub-
ject was debated '* hand in hand," as Franklin observes, « with the Indian business daily,"
for twelve consecutive days, and finally the report, substantially as drawn by him, was adopt-
ed, the Connecticut delegates alone dissenting.' It was submitted to the Board of Trade,
but that body did not approve of it or recommend it to the king, while the colonial assem-
blies were dissatisfied with it. ** The assemblies did not adopt it," says Franklin, <* as they
all thought there was too much prerogative in it, and in England it was judged to have too
much of the democratic** The Board of Trade had already proposed a plan of their own
•—a grand assembly of colonial governors and certain select members of their several coun-
cils, with power to draw on the British treasury, the sums thus drawn to be reimbursed by
taxes imposed on the colonies by the British Parliament. This did not suit the colonists at
all, and Massachusetts specially instructed her agent in England *< to oppose every thing that
shall have the remotest tendency to raise a revenue in America for any public uses or sfrv-
^ The foUowing are the names of the oolniiuasioners from the seyeral states :
Ntvf York. — James Delancy, Joseph Murray, William Johnson, John Chambers, William Smith.
ManaekutftUf — Samnel Welles, John Chandler, Thomas Hutchinson, Oliver Partridge, John Worthington
New Hampihire. — ^Theodore Atkinson, Richard Wibird, Meeheok Weare, Henry Sherburne.
ConnecHctU, — ^William Pitkin, Roger Wolcott, Elisha Williams.
Rhodi liland. — Stephen Hopkins, Martin Howard.
PennMylvania. — John Penn, Benjamin Franklin, Richard Peters, Isaao Norris.
Maryland, — ^Benjamin Tasker,* Benjamin Bame8.t
* The conunittee consisted of Hutchinson of MasMochusettt, Atkinson of New Hampthire, Pitkin of Con-
nectiaUj Hopkins of Rhode Island, Smith of New York, Franklin of Pemuylvama, and Tasker of Maryland.
* The plan proposed a grand council of forty-eight members — seven from Virginia, seven from Massa-
chusetts, six firom Pennsylvania, five from Connecticut, four each from New York, Maryland, and the two
Carolinas, three from New Jersey, and two each from New Hampshire and Rhode Island. The number of
forty-eight v^as to remain fixed, no colony to have more than seven nor less than two members ; but the ap-
portionment to vary within those limits, with the rates of contribution. This'council was to have the genend
management of civil and military afiairs. It was to have control of the armies, the apportionment of men
and money, and to enact general laws, in conformity with the British Constitutioii, and not in contravention
of statutes passed by the imperial Parliament. It was to have for its head a president general, appointed
by the crown, to possess a negative or veto power on all acts of the council, and to have, with the advice
of the council, the appointment of all military officers and the entire management of Indian afiairs. Civil
officers were to he appointed by the council, with the consent of the president. — Pitkin, i., 143. It is re-
markable how near this plan, submitted by Franklin, is the basis of our Federal Constitution. Coxe, of New
Jemy, who was Speaker of the Assembly of that province, proposed a similar plan in his " Carolana" in
1722, and William Penn, seeing the advantage of union, made a similar proposition as early as 1700.-^
UUdreth, iL, 444.
* Thto Bsme b differentiy ipelled bj difforvat wrilara. Pitkin, In hit text (vol L, p. 14SX wrllM it Tradcer, uid in the UM of
drtf^gBlM in Us appendix (439) k i» TfMber.
tWUliama, in hli5w«mm'iilMi(a2,hM it Abrabcm Instead of BeqjamtaL I bare followed Pidda.
Digitized by
Google
304
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Eariy PatriotiBm of Moasachuactta. Albany in tho Rerolution. General Schayler** Manaion. Return to Now Tork.
ices of government/' This was the first proposition to tax the colonies without their con-
sent, and thus early we find Massachusetts raising her voice as fearlessly against it as she
did twenty years afterward, when her boldness drew down upon her the vengeance of the
British government.
During the Revolution, and particularly after the British took possession of New York
city, Albany was the focus of revolutionary power in the state. There the Committee of
Safety had its sittings ; and, after the destruction of the forts in the Highlands^ and the burn-
ing of Esopus (Kingston), it was generally the head-quarters of the military and civil
officers in the Northern Department. There the captive officers of Burgoyne's invading
army were hospitably entertained by Creneral Schuyler and his family at their spacious man-
sion, then <' half a mile below the town." The house is stil)
standing, at the head of Schuyler Street, a little west of South
Pearl Street, upon an eminence some thirty feet high in front,
and completely imbosomed in trees and shrubbery. Within
it the Baroness Reidesel was entertained, and there occurred
those events mentioned by her and Chastellux, which I have
noticed in a preceding chapter (pages 91 and 92). It was
the scene, also, of the attempted abduction of the general by
the Tory, Waltemeyer, when he robbed the patriot of his plate
in 1781, mentioned on page 223. There La Fayette, Steu-
ben, Rochambeau, and other foreign officers of eminence were
entertained, and there the noblest of the land, as well as dis-
tinguished travelers from abroad, were frequent guests during
the life of the owner ; and its doors were opened as freely when
the voice of poverty pleaded for assistance as when the great
claimed hospitality and courtesy.
We arrived in New York on the morning of the 1st of
September. The air was cool and bracing, the day was fine,
and the lately-deserted streets and shops were thronged with
mingled citizens and strangers plunged as deeply in the maze of business as if no forgetful-
ness of the leger and till had occurred while babbling brooks and shady groves wooed them to
Nature's worship. There I rested a few days, preparatory to a visit to the beautiful valley
Scin7Ti.XB*8 Mansion.!
^On Susquehanna's side, fair Wyoming !"
' This view is from Schuyler Street. The edifice is of brick, having a closed octagonal porch or vesti-
bule in front. It was built by Mrs. Schuyler while her husband was in England in 1760-1. The old fam-
ily mansion, large and highly ornamented, in the Dutch style, stood nearly upon the site of the present City
Hall, between State and Washington Streets. It was taken down in 1800.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
305
Deptftvre for W joming.
Newark and its AtBodittona.
The old Academy.
Trip to Moniitowii.
CHAPTER XIV.
^ The sultry summer past, September oomee,
Soft twilight of the slow, declining year ;
All mildness, soothing loneliness, and peace ;
The fading season ere the falling oome.
More sob^ than the buxom, blooming May,
And therefore less the favorite of the world,
But dearest month of all to pensive minds."
Carlos Wilcox.
N the morning of the 12th of September I left New York on my
SECOND Toxm. My chief destination was Wyoming, after a visit to
a few noteworthy places in New Jersey, of which Morristown was
the first. I was in Newark just in time to be too late for the morn-
ing train for Morristown. Newark is beautiful and eligible in loca*
tion, and a thriving city ; but it has only a few scraps of Revolu-
tionary history, exclusively its own, for the entertainment of an in-
■"--■"" quirer. The village contained aboat one thousand inhabitants at
that time. British, republicans, and Hessians were alternately billeted upon the people ; .
and,l)eing on the line of travel from New York to Brunswick and Trenton, its monotony was
often broken by the passage of troops. Political parties were nearly balanced at the commence-
ment of the war, and, when the Declaration of Independence was put forth, many of the Loy*
alists left the place and went to New York, among whom was the pastor of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of Newark. It suffered much during the war from the visitations of reg-
ular troops of both armies, and of marauders. When Washington fled toward the Dela-
ware, in November, 1776, his army (three thousand in number) encamped there from the
22d to the 28th. On that day Comwallis entered the town with a pursuing force. Both
armies were quartered upon the inhabitants. Comwallis left a strong guard there, which
remained until after the battle of Princeton. Foraging parties and plunderers kept the in-
habitants in a state of continual alarm. On the night of the 25th of January, 1780, a party
of five hundred of the enemy went from New York to Newark on the ice, burned the acad-
emy,* carried off an active Whig named Hedden, and would doubtless have laid the town in
ashes had not the light of a conflagration at Elizabethtown (the burning of the Presbyterian
Church by another party, unknown to the first) alarmed them, and caused them to hasten
back to New York. No other events of much general importance occurred there during
the war. It seems to have been as famous in early times as now for its dder, Grovemor
Carteret wrote, in a letter to the proprietors in 1682, <'At Newark are made great quanti-
ties of cider, exceeding any we can have from New England, Rhode Island, or Long Island."
I left Newark for Morristown at two o'clock, by rail-road, through a beautifully-diversi-
fied region. The road passes above the upper verge of the sandy plains, through a very
hilly country, and makes some broad curves in its way from Newark to Morristown, a dis-
tance, by the track, of about twenty-two miles. Springfield on the left and the Short Hills
* In that boilding the collegiate school, now the College of New Jersey, seated at Princeton, was held,
whfle under the charge of the Rev. Aaron Burr, the father of the Vice-president of the United States of
that name. This school was institoted at Elizabethtown by Jonathan Dickinson, in 1746. He died the
following year, and the stndents were sent to Newark, and placed nnder the charge of Mr. Burr, who thus
became the second president of the institution. It continned at Newark eight years, and was then removed
to Princeton.
U
Digitized by
Google
306 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Aniral at Morriftomn. Kimble'* Mountaio. Fort Nonaensa. September Sonaet Hie " Head-qQartera.**
on the right, places of note in opr revolutionary history, were pointed out as we sped rapidly
by, and, before memory could fairly summon the events which made them famous, we were
at the station at Morristown, a quarter of a mile eastward of the village green. The town
is pleasantly situated upon a table land, with steep slopes on two sides. On the west is a
high ridge called Kimble's Mountain, two hundred aifd fifly feet above the town, its sum-
mit commanding a magnificent prospect of the adjacent country, and considerably resorted
to during the summer. It was upon the southern slope of this mountain that the American
army, under the immediate command of Washington, was encamped during the winter of
1779-80 ; and upon the same ridge (which terminates abruptly at the village), half a mile
from the green, are the remains of Fort Nonsense. It was nearly sunset when I ascended
the hill, accompanied by Mr. Vogt, the editor of one of the village papers. The embank-
ments and ditches, and the remains of the block-houses of Fort Nonsense, are very promi-
nent, and the form of the embryo fortification may be distinctly traced among the trees. Its
name was derived from the fact that all the labor bestowed upon it was intended mejely to
counteract the demoralizing efiects of idleness. The American army was comfortably htUted,
and too remote and secure firom the enemy to make camp duty at all active. Washington
foresaw the evil tendency of idleness, and discreetly ordered the construction of a fort upon a
hill overlooking the town. There was no intention to complete it, and when the winter
encampment broke up in the spring the work was, of course, abandoned.
From the mountain we saw one of those gorgeous September sunsets so oflen seen in the
Northern States, and so beautifiilly described by Wilcox :
" The sky, without the shadow of a cloud,
Throaghoat the west b kindled to a glow
So bright and broad, it glares upcm the eye,
Not dazzling, bat dilating, with cahn force,
. Its power of vision to admit the whole.
Below, 'tis all of richest orange dye ;
Midway, the blushing of the mellow peach
Paints not, bat tinges the ethereal deep ;
And here, in this most lovely region, shines,
With added loveliness, the evening star.
Above, the fainter parple slowly fkdes.
Till changed into the azure of mid-heaven."
As the warm glow in the west faded, the eastern sky was radiant with the light of the full
moon that came up over the hills, and under it we made our way along the sinuous mount-
ain path down to the village. I spent the evening with the Honorable Gabriel Ford, who
owns the fine mansion which was occupied by Washington as his head-quarters during the
winter encampment there in 1779^0. It belonged to Judge Ford's mother, then a widow,
himself being a boy about fourteen years old. His well-stored mind is still active, notwith- '
standing he is eighty-four years old, and he clearly remembers even the most trifling inci-
dents of that encampment which came under his observation. He entertained me until a
late hour with anecdotes and facts of interest, and then kindly invited me to pass the night
under his hospitable roof, remarking, " You shall sleep in the room which General Wash-
ington and his lady occupied." That certainly was the profier of a rare privilege, and I
tarried till morning. Before making further notes of a personal character, let us look at
the history.
Morristown was twice the place of a winter encampment of the division of the American
army under the personal command of Washington. The first time was in 1777» afler his
brilliant achievements at Trenton, and the battle of Princeton. When the fortieth and
fifty-fifth British regiments, which Washington encountered in that battle, fled, he pursued
them as far as Kingston, where he had the bridge taken up, and, turning short to the left,
crossed the Millstone River twice, and arrived at Pluckemin the same evening. It had
been his intention to march to New Brunswick, to capture British stores deposited there ;
but his troops were so exhausted, not having slept for tiiirty-six hours, and ComwalHs wafl
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 307
Spirit ftnd Conditioii of the Contiiieiital Army. Place of Encainpmwit Free-muonry. Inooaladan of the Army. Jemier.
BO near, that he abandoned the design and advanced to Morristown, where he went into win-
ter quarters. He had achieved much, far more than the most sanguine patriot hoped for.
At the very moment when his army appeared upon the verge of dissolution, and retreating
from town to town, he struck a blow so full of strength that it paralyzed the enemy,
broke up the British line of cantonments upon the Delaware, and made Comwallis turn bis
eyes back wistfully to more secure quarters at New York, under the wing of General Howe,
the British commander-in-chief. Nor did Washington sit down quietly at Morristown. He
had established cantonments at various points from Princeton on the right, under the con-
trol of Greneral Putnam, to the Hudson Highlands on the lefl, at which post General Heath
was still in command, having been lef^ there when the American army ^ed from Fort Lee,
on the Hudson, to the Delaware, the previous autumn. He was in the midst of hills and
a fertile country teeming with abundance, but he did not trust to the strong barriers of na-
ture for his protection. Weak and poorly clad as was his army, he sent out detachments
to harass the British, and with such spirit were those expeditions conducted, that, on or be-
fore the 1st of March, not a British or Hessian soldier remained in the Jerseys, except at
New Brunswick and Amboy. Under the circumstances, it was a splendid triumph, and
greatly inspirited the friends of the republican cause. The martial spirit of the p^ple seemed
to revive, and it was thought that the thinned battalions of the army would be speedily re-
plenished. New courage was in&ised into the Continental Congress, the members of which,
alarmed at the rapid approach of the British to Philadelphia, then the national metropolis,
had fled to Baltimore, and held their sittings there.
The American army was encamped in log huts at Morristown, and Washington's head-
quarters were at the old Freeman Tavern, which stood on the north side of the village
green. In the Morris Hotel, a building then used as a commissary's store-house, the chief
of^n participated in the rites of Free-masonry, in a room over the bar, which was reserved for
a ball-room and for the meetings of the Masonic Lodge. There he conferred the degrees of
the Order upon his oompanions-in-arms, and his warm attachment to the institution lasted
until his death.
Some writers assert that, toward the close of January, the small-pox broke out vio-
lently in the American camp, and that Washington resorted to a general inoculation
of the army to stay its fatal progress. As Dr. Thacher, who performed this service in the
camp in the Highlands, opposite West Point, at a later period, does not mention the circum-
stance in his Journal, and as cotemporary writers are silent on the subject, it was reason-
able to conclude that such an event did not occur at Morristown. But Dr. Eneas Munson,
one of Dr. Thacher*s assistants, and still living in New Haven, has settled the question. I
wrote to him upon the subject, inquiring also whether vaccination was ever substituted for
inoculation during the Kevolution. It was during the preceding year that Jenner, a young
English surgeon, had made his famous discovery of the efficacy of vaccination} It had at-
tracted the attention of Washington, for the soldiers of the Northern army had sufiered ter-
ribly from the disease in Canada during the spring of 1776, and one of the most promising
officers of the Continental army (General Thomas) had fallen a victim to the loathsome mal-
ady. Dr. Munson kindly answered my letter, as follows, under date of November 1st, 1 849 :
** In reply to your inquiries of the 30th ult., I can say that vaccination was not practiced
> Eldward Jenner, -vdio was bom in 1749, had his attention turned to the subject of vaooination at aboot
the beginning of 1776, by the oiromnstanoe of finding that those who had been affected by the cow<^x, or
kkti'pox, as it is popularly called, had become incapable of receiving the variolous infection. Inoculation,
or the insertion of the virus of the common small-pox, had long been practiced. It was introduced into
general notice by Lady Maiy Wortley Montague in 1721, whose son vms inoculated at Constantinople, and
whose daughter was the first to undergo the operation in England. It was reserved for Jenner to disoover
the efficacy and introduce the practice of vaccination, or the introduction of the virus of the cow-pox, more
than fifty years afterward. It was first introduce into the British capital in 1796, but met with great hos-
tility on the part of the medical faculty. The triumph of Jenner was finally complete, and his fame is world
wide. Oxford presented him with a diploma, the Royal Society admitted him as a member, and the Bri^
ish Parliament voted him 1100,000.
Digitized by
Google
308 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
ProclaoMtion of tbe Brothers Howe. Disappointment of Uie People. Washlngtbn's counter Proclamation
generally, nor at all, to my knowledge, in the American army of the Revolution. At Mor-
ristown there was a partial inocukUion, hut it was not general there. At the Highlands,
opposite West Point, it (inoculation) was general, and I assisted in it professionally.^ Vac-
cination was practiced hy my father one year after the close of the war of the Revolution."*
This is unquestionable authority.
When the British entered New Jersey, the proclamation of the brothers Ho^, ofiering
a free pardon to all rebels who should lay down their arms, and full and ample protection
of person and property to those who should take an oath of allegiance to the British crown,
was freely circulated.' This proclamation was received by the people while the American
army was flying before the Britons, and general despondency was crushing every hope for
the success of the patriot cause. Its eflect was, therefore, powerful and instantaneous, and
hundreds, whose sympathies were with the Americans, timid and hopeless, accepted the pro-
tection upon the prescribed terms. They generally remained in their houses while the bel-
ligerent armies were in motion. But they soon found their hopes cruelly disappointed, and
those who should have been their protectors became their worst oppressors. The Hessians,
in particular, being entirely mercenary, and influenced by no feelings of sympathy, plundered,
burned, and destroyed every thing that came in their way, without discriminating between
friend and foe. . The people of all parties were insulted and abused in their own houses,
their dwellings were rifled, their women were oftentimes ravished by the brutal soldiers, and
neither smiling infancy nor decrepit age possessed immunity from their outrages. The Brit-
ish soldiery sometimes participated in these crimes, and upon the British government prop-
erly rested the guilt, for the Hessians were its hired fighting machines, hired contrary to
the solemn protests and earnest negative pleadings of the best friends of England in its na-
tional legislature. But these enormities proved favorable to the republican cause. Those
who had received paper protections regarded Sir William Howe as a perjured tool of oppres-
sion, and the loyalty of vast numbers of the disaflected and lukewarm, that burned so brightly
when recording their oaths of allegiance, was suddenly extinguished, and their sad hearts,
touched by the persuasions of self-interest, felt a glow of interested patriotism. Washington
janoaryss, ^^^ advantage of this state of feeling, and issued a counter proclamation, com-
1777. manding all persons who had received protections from the British commissioners
to repair to head-quarters, or to some general officer of the army, to deliver up such protec-
tions, and take an oath of allegiance to the United States. It nevertheless granted full hb-
erty to all such as preferred " the interests and protection of Great Britain to the freedom
and happiness of their country, forthwith to withdraw themselves and thei^ families within
the enemy's lines." The reasonable time of thirty days was allowed the inhabitants to comply
with these requisitions, after which those who remained, and refused to give up their protec-
tions, were to be regarded and treated as adherents to the king and enemies of the United States.
' In his MUUary Jowmal, p. 250, Dr. Thacher, alluding to the inoculation in the Highlands, says, " All
the soldiers, with the women and children, who have not had the small-pox, are now nnder inoonladon
Of five hundred who have been inoculated here, four only have died.'' He mentions a fact of interest con-
nected with the medical treatment of the paiients. It was then costomary to prepare the system for inoc-
ulation, by doses of calomel and jalap. An extract of btUtemiUy made by boiling down the inner bark of
the tree, was sabstitnted, and found to be more efficacious and less dangerous than the mineral drug. Dr.
Thacher considered it " a valuable acquisition to the materia medica."
' Dr. Munson's father was an eminent physician, and was for many years the President of the Medical
Society of Connecticut. He was a native of New Haven, graduated at Yale College in 1753, and, having
been a tutor, he was a chaplain in the army on Long Island in 1775. He died at New Haven in 1826,
aged nearly ninety-two years. He was a practicing phjrsician seventy years. Being a man of pie^, he
often administered medicine to the mind, by kneeling at ^e bed-side of his patients and oonunending them
to Grod in prayer.
' General Sir William Howe, the commander-in-chief of the British forces in America, and his brother
Richard, Earl Howe, the admiral of the fleet on our coast, Were appointed by Parliament oommiasioners to
negotiate for peace with the American Congress, or to prosecute the war, as events might determine. They
issued a oirciUar letter to all the royal governors, and a proclamation to the people, offering pardon and pn^
tection. This commission will be considered hereafter.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
309
Uppoddon to Waahington's Policy.
Hia Independence and Sagacity.
Good Effect of hia Proclamation
Notwithstanding Washington had been vested by Congress with the power December S7
of a military dictator, and the wisdom and equity of the proclamation were not ^""^
questioned, the Legislature of New Jersey regarded it as an infringement upon state rights,
that political stumbling-block in the progress of the Revolution ; and even members of the
Continental Congress censured the commander-in-chief The former claimed that each state
possessed the exclusive power of requiring such an oath, and the latter deemed the oath ab-
surd'when the states were not legally confederated, and such a thing as "United States"
did not exist. But Washington, conscious of the necessity and wisdom of his course, did
not heed these foolish murmurs. His plan worked admirably, and hundreds flocked to the
proper officers to give up their British protections. The state was purged of the most in-
imical Tories, and the ranks of the army were so rapidly filled by volunteers and new re-
cruits, that, when the campaign opened in June, his force, which numbered about eight thou-
sand men when he left his head-quarters at Morristown, toward the close of May, for Mid-
dlebrook (a strong position, twelve miles from the British camp at New Brunswick), had
swelled to fourteen thousand. He had previously written to the republican governors of
the several states, urging them to adopt prompt and efficient co-operative measures, by rais-
ing recruits and filling up the broken regiments. He also wrote stirring appeals to Con-
gress, but that body, acting under powers undefined, and swayed by the jealousies of the
several states represented therein, was tardy and inefficient in its action. He was obliged,
in his public declarations, to magnify the strength of his army, in order to encourage the de-
sponding people and awe the enemy ; and this justifiable deception made his appeals less ef
fective, for the necessity did not seem so great as represented. These were trying circum-
stances for the commander-in-chief, but his stout heart did not despond, and his hopeful spirit
saw brighter prospects in the future.
)}
i=iE
r^
1
IK "^ ■-
m-
R
\
^Mi^l^^^^H
AM
1
>
rr
1 I
uummuiwuu
^4Mm-
WAaUUrOTON'a llCAO-qUABTSBS AT MomftlSTOWN.^
Morristown was again the head-quarters of Washington durmg the winter of 1779—80
The campaigns for the season had been fruitless of very favorable results to either party.
The war had been carried on chiefly at the extreme south, and in the vicinity of New York
city, at the north. Toward the close of the year. Sir Henry Clinton, who had succeeded
Sir WilUam Howe in the chief command, sailed from New York for Charleston, and the
main body of the American army went into winter quarters near Morristown. They re-
* This view is from the forks of the road, directly in front of the mansion. The house is of hrick, oov«
ered with planks, and painted white. The rooms are large and well finished, and it was a fine mansiou
Sot the times.
Digitized by
Google
310 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Winter Encampment it Morrittown. The Lifio-guard and their Dotia. Pulaski and his Caraliy. Eflbctof Alarum Gun*.
mained in tents untQ the 14th of February, -when log huts were completed for their lue.
Strong detachments were stationed at West Point and other posts near the Hudson, and
the American cavahry were cantoned in the western part of Connecticut. Washington, as
we have noted, made his head-quarters at the residence of the widow of Colonel Jacob Ford,
who had commanded a regiment of Morris county mihtia during Washington's retreat through
New Jersey. It is situated nearly three fourths of a mile east of the village green, on the
Newark and Mornstown turnpike. The general and his suite occupied the whole of the
large building, except two rooms on the eastern side of the main passage, which were re-
served for Mrs. Ford and her family. The lower front room, on the left of the door, was his
dining-room, and the apartment immediately over it was his sleeping-room while Mrs. Wash-
ington was at head-quarters. He had two log additions made to the house, one for a kitchen,
oh the east end, and the other, on the west end, was used as the offices of Washington, Ham-
ilton, and Tilghman. In the meadow, a few rods southeast of the dwelling, about fif^y log
huts were erected for the accommodation of the life-guard, which consisted of two hundred
and fifty men, under General William Colfax. In that meadow Count Pulaski exercised
his legion of cavalry, and his dexterous movements were the wonder and emulation of the
officers, many of whom were considerably injured in attempts to imitate his feats. ^
The main body of the army, as we have noticed, was encamped upon the southern slope
of Kimble's Mountain, beginning about two miles from head-quarters, and extending several
miles westward. They were sufficiently near to be called into service instantly, if necessary
During the winter many false alarms occurred, which set the whole camp in motion. Sen-
tinels were placed at intervals between the camp and head-quarters, and pickets were planted
at distant points toward the Raritan and the Hudson, with intervening sentinels. Some-
times an alarm would begin by the firing of a gun at a remote point. This would be an-
swered by discharges along the whole line of sentinels to the head-quarters and to the camp.
The life-guard would immediately rush to the house of the general, barricade the doors, and
throw up the windows. Five soldiers, with their muskets cocked and brought to a charge,
were generally placed at each window, and there they would remain until the troops from
the camp marched to head-quarters, and the cause of the alarm was ascertained. It was
frequently the case that the attempts of some young suitor, who had been sparking until a
late hour, and attempted to pass a sentinel without giving the countersign, caused the dis-
charge of a musket, and the commotion in the camp. These occasions were very annoying
to the ladies of the household, for both Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Ford were obliged to lie
in bed, sometimes for hours, with their rooms full of soldiers, and the keen winter air from
the open windows piercing through their drawn curtains.
The winter of 1780 was one of uncommon severity, and the troops sufiered dreadfully
from a lack of provisions, clothing, and shelter.* The snow fell in great quantities, and the
^ It is related that, among other feats, that daring horseman would sometimes, while his steed was under
foil gallop, discharge his pistol, throw it in the air, catch it by the barrel, and then hurl it in front as if at
an enemy. Without checking the speed of his horse, he would take one foot from the stirrup, and, bend-
ing over toward the ground, recover his pistol, and wheel into liiie with as much precision a& if he had
been engaged in nothing but the management of the animal.
* Dr. Thacher, in his ^^ Military Joumal,^^ p. 181, says, " The sufferings of the poor soldiers can scarcely
be described ; while on duty they are unavoidably exposed to aU the inclemency of storms and severe cold ,
at night they now have a bed of straw upon the ground, and a single blanket to ecu:h man ; they are badly
olad, and some are destitute of shoes. We have contrived a kind of stone chimney outside, and an opening
at one end of our tents gives us the benefit of the fire within. The snow is now [Januanr 6th, 1780] from
four to six feet deep, which so obstructs the roads as to prevent our receiving a supply of provisions. For
the last ten days we have received but two pounds of meat a man, and we are frequently for six or eight
days entirely destitute of meat, and then as long without bread. The consequence is, the soldiers are so
enfeebled from hunger and cold as to be almost unable to perform their militaiy duty, or labor in construct-
ing their huts. It is well known that General Washington experiences the greatest solicitude for the suf-
fering of his army, and is sensible that they, in general, conduct with heroic patience and fortitude." In
a private letter to a friend, Washington said, " We have had the virtue and patience of the army put to the
severest trial. Sometimes it has been five or six days together without bread, at other times as many with-
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 311
SuflbiingsandFortitadeof the Anny. Sterling's Secret Expedition. Extreme Cold. Cheralier Lnxeroe. Death of MirallM
channels of tnuuportation for provisions being closedi Washington found it necessary to lery
ccmtributions upon the inhabitants in neighboring towns. He applied to the magistrates for
aid, apprehending some difficulty in the exercise of his power, but the people cheerfully com-
plied with his requisitions, and the pressing wants of the army were supplied. The chief
was greatly annoyed by complaints of frequent thefls committed by his soldiers ; but such was
the force of the first law of nature — self-preservation — ^when the commissariat was empty,
that the severest punishments did not deter them firom stealing sheep, hogs, and poultry.
Repeated warnings were given to the army, in general orders and otherwise, against the
marauding practice, yet many suffered the inflictions of the lash, and in some cases of rob-
bery the death penalty was incurred.^
In January, Major-general Lord Sterling, with about fifteen hundred men in sleighs,
set off at night on a secret expedition, ostensibly to procure provisions, but really to at-
tack the enemy in their quarters on Staten Island. They passed over on the ice from Eliza-
bethtown about midnight. It was a starry night, and the weather was extremely cold.
The enemy had notice of their approach, and the object of the expedition was defeated.
They captured some blankets and stores, and then returned to camp about daylight. The
snow was three feet deep on the ground, and so excessive was the cold, that five hundred of
the party were more or less frozen.* A retaliating movement was made soon af^- janu«rT27,
erward by the enemy. A party attacked the American picket guard, and carried ^^•
off a major and forty men. Two or three enterprises of a like nature were all that varied
the monotonous round of duties until the arrival at head-quarters of the Chevalier de
Luzerne, the minister from the French government. He succeeded M. Grerard, the ^
first minister sent to the insurgent colonies from France, and had arrived in Philadelphia the
September previous. He was an accomplished and highly honorable gentleman, and was
received with much regard by the commander-in-chief. Don Juan de MiraUes, a distin-
guished Spaniard, accompanied him ; and during their visits the military education which
Baron Steuben, the celebrated tactician, had imparted to the army was several times dis-
played in reviews and difficult evolutions. Luzerne remained some time at head-quarters,
and a ball, which was attended by Washington and his lady, all his officers, Governor Liv-
ingston and lus lady, and many other distinguished persons, was given in his honor, at the
Morris Hotel. Miralles, in the mean while, was seized, at head-quarters, with a pulmonic
fever, and died on the 28th. The religious ceremonies of the funeral were conducted by a
Spanish Catholic priest, and th^ body was interred with great pomp in the common burying-
ground near the church in Morristown.' A guard of soldiers was placed near the grave, to
oat meat, and once or twice two or three days at a time withoat either At one time the soldiers
eat every kind of horse food but hay. Buckwheat, common wheat, rye, and Indian com composed the meal
which made their bread. As an army, they bore it with the most heroic patience ; but sofferings like these,
accompanied by the want of clothes, blankets, &o., will prodace frequent desertions in all armies ; and so
it happened with us, though it did not excite a single mutiny."
* Dr. Thacher says (MU^tary Journal, p. 182) that whipping with knotted cords, which often cut through
Uie flesh at every blow, api^ed to the bare back, was the most oommon punishment. The drunmiers and
flfers were made the executioners, and it was the du^ of the dram major to see that the chastisement was
well performed. The soldiers adopted a method which they said somewhat mitigated the anguish of the
lash. They put a leaden bullet between their teeth, and bit on it while the punishment was in progress.
They would ^us often receive fifty lashes without uttering a groan or hardly wincing.
' So intense was the cold that winter that New Tork Bay was thickly frozen over, and large bodies
of troops, with heavy cannons, were transported on the ice, from New York city to Staten Island, a distance
of nine miles.
• Dr. Thacher has left a record of the burial. " The deceased," he says (page 188), " had been about
one year a resident vnth our Congress, from the Spanish court. The corpse was dressed in rich state, and
exposed to public view, as is customary in Europe. The coffin was most splendid and stately, lined through-
out with fine cambric, and covered on the outside with rich black velvet, ornamented in a superb manner.
The top of the coffin was removed, to display the pomp and grandeur vnth which the body was decorated.
It was in a splendid full dress, consisting of a scarlet suit embroidered with rich gold lace, a three-cornered
gold-laced hat, and a genteel cued wig, white silk stockings, large diamond shoe and knee buckles ; a pro-
fusion of diamond rings decorated the fingers, and from a superb gold watch, set with diamonds, several
Digitized by
Google
312 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
MutiBy at Moniatown. Ezcme* for the Movement. Iqjiutice toward die Soldiers. Policy and Socoeas of Wajnei
prevent its desecration in search of hidden treasure, until the body could be removed to Phil
adelphia.
Morristown was the scene of the only serious and decided mutiny in the American army
during^ the Revolution. It occurred on the Ist of January, 1781. The whole movement,
when all the circumstances are taken into account, should not be execrated as a military re-
bellion, for, if ever there was just cause for men to lift up their strength against authority,
those mutineers possessed it. They had sufiered every privation during a long, and, in many
respects, disastrous campaign, and not a ray of hope appeared in the gloomy future. Their
small stipend of money was paid irregularly, sometimes not at all, and generally in Conti-
nental bills, which were every day becoming more valueless. The frequent promises of
Congress had as frequently been unfulfilled, and the illiberal interpretations which the offi-
cers gave to the expressed terms of the enlistment of the soldiers produced great dissatisfac-
tion. It was stipulated in those terms that they (the soldiers of the Pennsylvania line, who
revolted) should serve for three years, or during the war. The soldiers interpreted these
words to mean that they should be entitled to a discharge at the end of three years, or sooner,
if the war should terminate. This was doubtless the spirit of the agreement, but the offi-
cers read it otherwise, and claimed their service until the conclusion of the war, however
long that time might be. This was the principal cause of dissatisfaction, and a quarrel with
the officers led to open rebellion.
The Pennsylvania line at that time consisted of about two thousand men, and was sta-
tioned at the old camp-ground near Morristown. The three years' enlistment had expired
with most of them. A bounty of three half joes (about twenty-five dollars) had been ofiered
to new recruits, while the pay of these veterans of three years' service was not increased.
There was still due them their pay for twelve months, and nakedness and famine were theii
daily companions. The officers had murmured somewhat, and the soldiers, hearing the
whisperings of complaint, took courage and spoke out boldly. They appointed a sergeant
major their commander, styling him inajor general ; and in the evening of the 1st of
January, on a preconcerted signal, the whole hue, except a part of three regiments,
paraded under arms without officers, marched to the magazines, supplied themselves with
provisions and ammunition, and, seizing six field pieces, took horses from General Wayne's
stables to transport them. The officers of the line collected those who had not joined the
insurgents, and endeavored to restore order, but some of the revolters fired, killing a Captain
Billings and wounding several others. The mutineers then ordered the minority to come over
to their side immediately, or sufier destruction by the bayonet, and the command was obeyed.
General Wayne was in command of the Pennsylvania troops, and was much beloved by
them. He exerted all his influence, by threats and persuasions, to bring them back to duty
until their grievances should be redressed. They would not listen to his remonstrances, and,
on his cocking his pistol, they presented their bayonets to his breast, saying, ** We respect
and love you ; oflen have you led us into the field of battle, but we are no longer under your
command ; we warn you to be on your guard ; if you fire your pistol, or attempt to enforce
your commands, we shall put you instantly to death." Wajme appealed to liieir patriot-
ism ; they pointed to the impositions of Congress. He reminded them of the strength their
conduct would give to the enemy ; they exhibited their tattered garments and emaciated
forms. They avowed their willingness to support the cause of freedom, for it was dear to
rich seals were suspended. His exoellenoy, General Washington, with several other general officers and mem-
bers of Congress, attended the funeral solenmities, and walked as chief monmera. The other officers of the
army, and nmneroos respectable citizens, formed a splendid procession, extending about a mile. The pall-
bearers were six field officers, and the coffin was borne on die shoulders of four officers of artillery, in full
uniform. Minute guns were fired during the procession, which greatly increased the solemnity of the occa-
sion." Dr. Thacher adds, " This gentleman is said to have been in possession of an immense fortune, and
has left to his three daughters, in Spain, one hundred thousand pounds sterling (half a million of dollars)
each. Here we behold the end of all earthly riches, pomp, and dignity. The ashes of Bon Miralles mingle
with the remains of those who are clothed in humble shrouds, and whose career in life was marked by sor-
did poverty and wretchedness.''
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 313
Pbud A4)astniaiit of DUBeoltlM. EndiMriM of Sir Henry Clinton. Pttriotiani of the HutineerL Fate of the Emlmriee.
their hearts, if adequate provinon could be made for their comfort, and declared their inten-
tixm to march directly to Philadelphia, and demand from Congress a redress of their griev-
ances. Finding threats and persuasion useless, Wayne resolved upon a line of policy that
proved efiective. He supplied them with provisions, and, with Colonels Stewart and But-
ler, officers whom they greatly respected, marched with them to prevent their depredating
upon the inhabitants, and to draw from their leaders a statement of their claims and wishes.
They reached Princeton on the 3d, and there a committee of sergeants submitted to Wayne,
in writing, the Allowing demands : First, a discharge for all those, without exception, who
had served three years under their original engagements, and not received the increased bounty
and re-enlisted for the war. Second, an immediate payment of all arrears of pay and cloth-
ing, both to those who should be discharged and those who should be retained. Third, the
residue of their bounty, to put them on an equal footing with the recently enlisted, and fu-
ture substantial pay to those who should remain in the service. Greneral Wayne was not
authorized to promise a full acquiescence in their demands, and further negotiations were
ceferred to the civil authority of the state of Pennsylvania.
Intelligence of this revolt reached Washington and Sir Henry Clinton on the j^^Lwrj ^
same day. The head-quarters of the former were at New Windsor, on the Hud- ^^^
son, just above the Highlands ; of the latter, in the city of New York. Washington called
a council of war, and, as the extent of the disafiection was unknown, it was determined to
have one thousand men, drafts from the several regiments in the Highlands, held in readi-
ness to march at a moment's notice, to quell the rebellion, if called upon. The council
heartily approved of the course pursued by Greneral Wayne ; and Washington, whose pa-
tience had oflen been severely tried by the tardy movements of Congress, was willing to have
that body arous^ to activity by circumstances which should demand immediate and undi-
vided attention. Sir Henry CHnton, mistaking the spirit of the mutineers, thought to gain
great advantage by the event. He dispatched. two emissaries, a British sergeant, and a
New Jersey Tory named Ogden, to the insurgents, with the written ofier that, on laying
down their arms and marching to New York, they should receive their arrearages, and the
amount of the depreciation of the Continental currency, in hard cash ; that they should be
well clothed, have a free pardon for all past ofienses, and be taken under the protection of
the British government ; and that no military service should be required of them, unless
voluntarily offered. Sir Henry requested, them to appoint agents to treat with his and ad-
just the terms of a treaty ; and, not doubting the success of his plans, he went to Staten
Island himself, with a large body of troops, to act as circumstances might require. Like
hii masters at home, he entirely misapprehended the spirit and the incentives to action of
the American soldiers. They were not mercenary — not soldiers by profession, fighting merel^f
for hire. The protection of their homes, their wives and httle ones, and the defense of holy
principles, which their general intelligence understood and appreciated, formed the motive
power and the bond of union of the American army, and the soldier's money stipend was
the least attractive of all the inducements which urged him to take up arms. Yet, as it
was necessary to his comfort, and even his existence, the want of it afibrded a just pretext
for the assumption of powers delegated to a few. The mutiny was a democratic move-
ment ; and, while the patriot felt justified in using his weapons to redress grievances, he still
looked with horror upon the armed oppressors of his country, and regarded the act and stain
of treason, under any circumstances, as worse than the infliction of death. Clinton's pro-
posals were, therefore, rejected with disdain. ** See, comrades," said one of the leaders,
'* he takes us for traitors. Let us show him that the American army can furnish but one
Arnold, and that America has no truer friends than we." They immediately s.<zed the em-
issaries, who, being delivered, with Clinton's papers, into the hands of Wayne,' were tried
and executed as spies, and the reward which had been ofifered for their apprehension was
^ When they were dellYered up, the insnrgents stipulated that they should not be executed nntil their own
aflain were compromised, and, in case of fiulure, that the prisoners should be delivered when demanded.
Digitized by
Google
314 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
lIotfaiyoftiieNewJeneyLine. Prompt Action of WMhington. Sncoen of Howe. DlaatratioM of Waahlngton'i Cb>raeter.
tendered to the mutineers who seized them. They sealed the pledge of their patriotism hy
nobly refusing it, saying, " Necessity wrung firom us the act of demanding justice from Con-
gress, but we desire no reward for doing our duty to our bleeding country !''
Congress appointed a conmiissioner to confer with the insurgent troops at Princeton. The
result was, a compliance with their just demands, and the disbanding of a large part of the
Pennsylvania line for the winter, which was filled by new recruits in the spring. Thuf
'< terminated," as Thacher remarks, " a most unfortunate transaction, which might have been
prevented had the just complaints of the army received proper attention 19. due season."
The wisdom of Washington's precaution in having a thousand men ready for sudden
marching orders was soon demonstrated. About the middle of January a portion of the
New Jersey line, cantoned at Pompton,^ followed the example of the Pennsylvania muti-
neers, and revolted. The chief resolved not to temporize with them, and ordered a detach-
ment of five hundred men, imder Major-general Robert Howe, to reduce them to subordina-
tion. Howe reached their encampment, afler a fatiguing march of four days through
deep snow, on the 27th of January. His troops were well armed, and, parading them
in line, he ordered the insurgents to appear in front of their huts, unarmed, within five min-
utes. They hesitated, but a second order, as promptly given, made them obedient. Three
of the ringleaders were tried and condemned to be executed on the spot. Two of them were
shot, and their executioners were twelve of the most prominent of their guilty associates.
The other one, less guilty, was pardoned. Their punishment was quick and terrible, and
never were men more humble and submissive than were the remainder of the insurgents.
G-eneral Howe then addressed them efiectively, by platoons, and ordered their officers, whom
the mutineers had discarded, to resume their respective commands. The hopes of Sir Henry
Clinton had been again excited, but the emissary whom he sent to the revolted troops, hear-
ing of the fate of the others, played £sdse to his master, by going directly to Howe and deliv-
ering the papers into his hands. Revolt,, that followed so closely upon Arnold's treason a
few months before, was thus efiectually nipped in the bud.
I have said that I spent an evening at Morristown with Judge Ford, the proprietor of
the head-quarters of Washington. I look back upon the conversation of that evening with
much pleasure, for the venerable octogenarian entertained me until a late hour with many
pleasing anecdotes illustrative of the social condition of the army, and of the private charac-
ter of the commander-in-chief. As an example of Washington's careful attention to small
matters, and his sense of justice, he mentioned the fact that, when he took up his residence
with his (Ford's) mother, he made an inventory of all articles which were appropriated to
his use during the winter. When he withdrew in the spring, he inquired of Mrs. Ford
whether every thing had been returned to her. " All but one silver table-spoon," she an-
swered. He took note of it, and not long afterward she received firom him a spoon bearing
his initials, G. W. That spoon is preserved as a precious relic in the family. His tender
care for the comfort of Mrs. Ford was of^n evinced. On the occasions when the alarms,
which we have noticed, were given, he always went to her room, drew the curtains close,
and soothed her by assurances of safety. And when her son, a lad of seventeen, was brought
home from the Springfield battle, seriously wounded, his first care in the morning was to in-
quire afler the sufierer." Washington's moral and religious feelings were never blunted by
^ Pompton ia a small town upon a fertile plain on the Pompton River, in Peqnannook oonn^.
' The wounded lad recovered, and afterward became a distinguished lawyer in a southern oi^. A re-
markable instance of Washington's remembrance of persons was related to me, as having occurred in con-
nection with the wounded boy. Many years afterward, when success had crowned his professional indus-
try with wealth, and two daughters had nearly reached womanhood, he was returning south with them io
his carriage, after a visit to his friends at Morristown, and stopped at Mount Vernon to see the retired chief.
Reasonably concluding that Washington had forgotten the boy of 1780, he had procured a letter of intro-
duction. When he drove up to Mount Vernon, Washington was walking upon the piazza. He went to the
carriage, and as the servant of Mr. Ford threw open the door, and he stepped out, the general extended his.
hand, and said, with all the confidence of a recent acquaintance, " How do you do. Mr. Ford ?" Eighteen
vears had elapsed since Washine^ton had seen his face, and the bov had crown to mature manhood.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 3 l(j
Prohibition of Gambling. WMhington'i religionji Tolentlon. Anecdote of Colonel Hamilton. RoomoccnpledbjWaihington.
the influences of the camp. While at Morristown, he observed that gambling was frequent
among the officers and soldiers. This growing vice he arrested by prohibition and threats
of punishment, put forth in general orders. It is related that he called upon the Rev. Dr.
Jones, the pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Morristown, on learning ^at the commun-
ion service was to be observed in his church on the following Sabbath, and inquired whether
oonmiunicants of another denomination were permitted to join with them. The doctor re-
plied, " Most certainly ; ours is not the Presbyterian's table, general, but the Lord's ; and
hence we give the Lord's invitation to all his followers, of whatever name." " I am glad
of it," said the general ; « that is as it ought to be ; but, as I was not quite sure of the fact,
I thought I would ascertain it from yourself, as I propose to join with you on that occasion
Though a member of the Church of England, I have no exclusive partialities." Washing
ton was at the communion table on the following Sabbath.
General Schuyler was with Washington during the winter of 1780. His head-quarters
were at a house (still standing) a few rods eastward of
,.^^^^~^_ the rail-way station. A portion of his family was with
^-^ »*' ^^^^kje— him, among whom was his daughter Elizabeth, a charm-
- JSI - ^S fi^^^i altx)ut twenty-two years of age. Colonel Alexan-
lA ^^^^^^^^- ^®' Hamilton, who was Washington's aid and military
w|^^^^^^ secretary, was smitten with her charms and accomplish-
•^^^^^B^p:!— ^r^-=^ ||^~ ments, and his evenings were usually spent with hei^ at
^. ^^f^^^'^^j^^^^^^^jtm her father's quarters. Mr. Ford, then a lad, was a fa-
^pWMmMIBB^^^^B^S vorite with Hamilton, and, by permission of the chief, the
^^^^^^^^Su^^HHp colonel would give him the countersign, so as to allow him
"l^^^^ldll^^^^^^^ to play at the village afler the sentinels were posted for
^^Bj^^^^^^^^^^^^^ the night. On one occasion he was returning home« about
. „ nine o'clock in the evening, and had passed the sentinel,
when he recognized the voice of Hamilton m a reply to
the soldier's demand of « Who comes there ?" He stepped aside, and waited for the colonel
to accompany him to the house. Hamilton came up to the point of the presented bayonet
of the sentinel to give the countersign, but he had quite forgotten it. " He had spent the
evening," said Judge Ford, who related the anecdote to me, *< with Miss Schuyler, and thoughts
of her undoubtedly expelled the countersign firom his head." The soldier lover was embar-
rassed, and the sentinel, who knew him well, was stem in the performance of his duty. Ham-
ilton pressed his hand upon his forehead, and tried hard to summon the cabalistic words from
their hiding-place, but, like the fiedthful sentinel, they were immovable. JUst then he rec-
ognized young Ford in the gloom. ** Ay, Master Ford, is that you ?" he said, in an under-
tone ; and, stepping aside, he called the lad to him, drew his ear to his mouth, and whisper*
ed, <* Give me the countersign." He did so, and Hamilton, stepping in front of the soldier,
delivered it. The sentinel, seeing the movement, and believing that his superior was test-
ing his fidelity, kept his bayonet unmoved. ** I have given you the countersign ; why do
you not shoulder your musket ?" asked Hamilton. '< Will that do, colonel ?" asked the
soldier, in reply. « It will for this time," said Hamilton ; " let me pass." The soldier re-
luctantly obeyed the illegal command, and Hamilton and his young companion reached head-
quarters without further difficulty. Colonel Hamilton afterward married Miss Schuyler.
She still survives him (1849), and at the age of ninety-two years is the attractive center of
a circle of devoted friends at Washington city, her present place of residence.
I passed the night under the hospitable roof of Judge Ford, and in the room which Wash-
ington and his lady had occupied. The carpet upon the floor, dark and of a rich pattern,
is the same that was pressed by the feet of the venerated chief nearly seventy years ago ;
and in an apartment below were a looking-glass, secretary, and book-case that formed a por-
tion of the furniture of the house at that titne.^ The room fronts south, and, the sky teing
^ Since my interesting Tieit, Judge Ford has been taken from among the liring, and these relics will
Digitized by VjOOQIC
316 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Viewof anEcUpieoftfaelloon. Reflectloiis. FinanoMoftfaeReToliUionaryGoTonuiwot EmiMkm of Bflls of Credit
September IS, perfeotly clear, I had a fine view, from the window, of an almott total eclipae
^^^ of the moon, which occurred at ahout midnight. As from that interesting ob-
servatory I watched the progress of the obscuration, and then the gradual enlightenment
of the satellite, it appeared to me a most significant emblem of the political condition of
America, and the cause of the patriots, at the time when, firom the same window, Washing-
ton, with anxious eye, had doubtless gazed upon the same moon in its silent path-way among
the stars. It was the gloomiest period of the war. For many months the bright prospects
of the patriots were passing deeper and deeper within the penumbra of British power and op-
pression, and, at the beginning of 1780, only a faint curve of light was seen upon the disk
of hope ; the eclipse was almost total. Financial embarrassment was the chief bane of the
patriots, and the expected antidote of rebellion fi>r the Loyalists and the king. Let us here
take a brief view of the financial affairs of the Revolutionary government.
When the Continental army was oiganized, in June, 1775, and other methods of defense
were adopted by the Greneral Congress, the necessity for providing pecuniary means for de-
fraying the expenses, demanded and received the most serious attention of the delegates. The
colonies, deprived, in a great measure, of all commercial intercourse with other parts of the
world, by the unwise and oppressive policy of the mother country, a paper medium seemed
to be their only resource. It was a blessing at the beginning, but proved a curse in the end.
To place it upon a footing that should command the public confidence, and to secure it from
depreciation, ^as important and difficult. The New YorkX^onvention, foreseeing the neces-
sity of such a measure, had already considered the subject, and a committee of that body had
reported suggestions a few weeks previously. They proposed three distinct modes of issuing
paper money. First, that each colony should issue, for itself^ the sum which might be ap-
propriated to it by Congress. Second, that the united colonies should issue the whole sum
necessary, and each colony become bound to sink its proportionable part ; and, third, that
Congress should issue the whole sum, every colony be bound to discharge its proportion, and
the united colonies be obliged to pay that part which any colony should fiJl to discharge.
The convention preferred the last mode, aff afibrding higher security to those who should re-
ceive the paper, and, of consequence, as likely to obtain more ready, general, and confidential
circulation. It was also believed that it would be an additional bond of union to the asso-
ciated colonies.^
The Continental Congress adopted, substantially, the last proposition^ and, in the course
of the session of 1775, three millions of dollars were issued in bills of credit, and the faith
of the confederated colonies was pledged for their redemption.' This sum was appropriated
doubtless lose their Talue, by being separated and distributed among the fiimily. I have preserved draw-
ings of the articles here named. Judge Ford expressed his surprise that the mirror was not demolished, for
the room in which it hung was occupied, at one time, by some of the subalterns of the Pennsylvania line,
who were sons of some of the leading men of that state — ^gentlemen by birth, but rowdies in practice.
They injured the room very much by their nightly carousals, but the mirror escaped their rough treat-
ment.
^ Pitkin, L, 347. Records of the New York Convention.
' The resolution providing for the first emission of bills was adopted on the 22d of June, 1775, and was
as follows : " Retolvedy That a sum not exceeding two millions of Spanish milled dollars be emitted by the
Congress in bills of credit, for the defense of America." On the next day the conmiittee appointed for the
occasion reported and offered resolutions (which were adopted) as follows : " Retolved, That the number and
denomination oi the bills to be emitted be as follows :
49,000 bills of 8 dollars each, $392,000
49,000
((
7 *
343,000
49,000
((
6
* 294,000
49,000
{(
5
245,000
49,000
4
" 196,000
49,000
(«
3
" 147,000
49,000
u
2
" 98,000
49,000
u
1
" 49,000
11,800
It
20
" 236,000
Total, 403,800 12,000,000
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
317
GontmeBtd Paper Money. '
Form of the Billa. Dertcet and Mottoei. Paul Rerera and ootemporary EngraTera
among the colonies according to the supposed number of the inhabitants, including negroes
and mulattoes, and each colony was to pay its proportion, in four equal annual payments, the
<•¥
.xt'Y.i
m&^^^^a
Six S>0£m%S- >:5
SrX SPAN KB MtLLED
DOLLARS, or th*
V*u« (hereof in Gold
fiTSl LVIJR. 4act,rd br>4 (o
a Rf.iclxiiiffn or COJV-
GRESSfaiVt^UlFh>
I « ie IfUct Nov z ' 1/7 £"•
KaO-SUUZJB or THS COMnNSNTAl. BXXJA*
first by the last of November, 1779, and the fourth by the last of November, 1782. The
eeveral Colonial Conventions were to provide, by taxes, for sinking their proportion of the
bilk, and the bills themselves were to be received in payment for such taxes. Two general
treasurers were appointed, and it was recommended to each colony to appoint a treasurer.
The amount of the first emission was two millions of dollars.
" Reaolved^ That the fonn of the bills be as followB :
CONTINENTAL CURRENCY.
No, ,
This bill entitles the bearer to receive
DoUan,
Spanish milled dollars, or the value thereof in gold
and silver, according to the resolutions of the Congress, held at Philadelphia on the tenth day of May,
A.D. 1775.
^^Ruolvedy That Mr. J. Adams, Mr. J. Rntledge, Mr. Dnane, Dr. Franklin, and Mr. Wilson be a com-
mittee to get proper plates engraved, to provide paper, and to agree with printers to print the above bills."*
^ The paper on which these bills were printed was quite thick, and the enemy cdled it " the pa$Uboard
money of the rebels." The vignettes were generaUy, both in device and motto, significant The one most
prominent in the engraving represents a beaver in the slow but sure process of cutting down a tree with its
teeth. The motto, " Psrsbvbrando— ^ Pertiverancey^^ said to the colonists, " Persist, and you will be suc-
cessful." I will notice a few other devices and mottoes of bills which I have seen. A globe, with the motto,
in Latin, "Tea Loan esiors; let the earth bbjoicb." A candlestick with thirteen branches and
burners, denoting the number of states ; motto, " Orb fieb, and to thb same purpose." A thorn-bush
with a hand grasping it -, motto, " Sostahv or abstain." A circular chain bearing on each link the name
of a state, an emblem of union ; motto, " We aeb one." I have in my possession a coin, made of some
composition resembling German silver of the present day (of which the following is a fao-simile the proper
* The plates were engrmTed od copper by Paul Revere, of Boeton. Bhnaeit, Nathaniel Hard, of die aame city, Amoa Doolittle,
of Mew Haren, and an EngWahman named Smlthera, in Philadelphia, were the only engrarers in America at tiiat time.' Hard
engrared aa early aa 1760. Rerere began a littie later. In 1766 be engraTed a picture emblematic of the repeal of the Stamp
Act. Tliii, and a earioatare called The Serenteen Reacindera, were very popular, and had an ezteniiTe aale. He engraved and
pabUahed a print in 1770, repreaenting the ** Boaton Maasaore," and In 1774 be engraved another of a aimOar aixe, repreaenting
the landing of the Britiah troopa in Boston. In 1775 be engraved the platea, made tba preaa, and printed the bills of the papet
money ordered by the Provincial Congreaa of Maasachoaetta. DooUttle was at Lexington and Concord, and made drawings and
engravings of the skirmishes at ttioae placea. Hie sketches were made on the morning after the engagements, and were en*
graved daring the aommer of 1775. Mr. DoolitHe aasisted bi re-engraving the battle of Lexington on a smsller scaler in 183S;
forty-three years afterward, for Barber's ** Hiitory and Antiquities of New Haven." A copy of it, by permission, is Inserted in
this worlc
Digitized by
Google
318
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
New Emifltioiig of Continental BQla. Flans for Redemption. ConnterfeitB israed bj the Tori^ Pint coined Honey
1775.
On the 25th of July the Continental Congress ordered the issuing of one million
of dollars more/ and from time to time new emissions were authorized, to meet the
demands upon the treasury, until, at the beginning of 1780, the enormous sum of two hund-
red millions of dollars had been issued, no part of which had been redeemed. While the
amount of the issues was small, the credit of the bills was good ; but when new emissions
took place, and no adequate measures for redemption were exhibited, the people became sus-
picious of those frail representatives of money, and their value began to depreciate. This
efiect did not occur until eighteen months from the time of the first emission had elapsed.
Twenty millions of the Continental bills were then in circulation, besides a large amount
of local issues by the several states. It was now perceived that depreciation was inevita-
ble, and Congress proposed, as a substitute for further issues, a loan of five millions, at an
interest of four per cent. A lottery was also authorized, designed to raise a hke sum on
loan, the prizes being payable in loan office certificates. These offices were opened in all
the states ; the rate of interest was raised from four to six per cent., but the loans came in
very slowly. The treasury ran low, the loan offices were overdrawn by the commissaries'
drafls, the issue of bills was reluctantly recommenced, and ten additional miUions were speed-
ily authorized. During the year 1778 sixty millions and a half were added to the issues
already made, l^be commissioners in France (see page 86) had been instructed to borrow
money there, but as yet they had been unsuccessful.
Various plans were proposed at difierent times to sink those issues of bills of credit, but
none could bo put into efficient practical operation. The several states issued paper money
independently of the Continental Congress ; and the Loyalists, aided by Sir Henry Clinton,
in the autumn of 1778 sent out large quantities of counterfeits of the Continental emissions
of May 20th, 1777, and April 11th, 1778, and scattered them as widely among the people
as their means would allow.^ Under these circumstances. Congress felt the necessity of
making an extraordinary effort to sustain the declining credit of the bills, by making some
provision for their actual redemption. On the 2d of January, 1779, it was "Resolved,
That the United States be called on to pay in their respective quotas of fifteen millions of
dollars for the year 1779, and of six millions of dollars annually for eighteen years from and
after the year 1779, as a fund for sinking the emissions and loans of the United States to
the 31st of December, 1778, inclusive." It was provided that any bills emitted by order
of Congress prior to 1780, and no others, should be received in payment of those quotas. A
period of &Ye months was given for taking out of circulation the emissions which had been
counterfeited, during which time they were to be received into the public treasury in pay-
size), bearing the same device on one side. On a three dollar note is a device representing a stork strug-
gling with an eagle — the feeble col-
onies warring with strong Great
Britain; motto, "The result is
UNCERTAIN." Tlus bill is dated
eighteen days after the adoption of
tfa^ Declfluration of Independence.
A majestic oak-tree; motto, "I
SHALL FLOURISH THROUGH AOES
OP AGES.'' A hand planting a
3roiing tree ; motto, "For poster-
iTT." A boar encountering a
spear; motto, "Death, or life
WITH DECENCY." A harp, de-
noting harmony; motto, "Large
THINGS ARE CONSONANT WITH
SMALL ONES." A flgUrO of JuS- FaMIMILK OF THE FIMT MoNSY COINED BT THE UNITED STATES.
tice ; motto, " The will of Justice."
^ As the signing of so many bills would require more time than the members could spare from publie
duties, Congress appointed twenty-eight gentlemen to perform the duty, allowing each one dollar and thirty-
three cents for every thousand bills signed and numbered by him. It was necessary for each bill tc have
the signature of two of Ihem. • See page 662, Vol. II.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 319
Depreciation of the Paper Honey. Confiuion in Trade. Foreign and Domestic Debt Specie Value of tiie BIDS.
ment of debts and taxes, and also into the Continental loan offices, either on loan or to be
exchanged for other bills of a new tenor, bearing interest at five per cent., and redeemable
in specie within six years. The old bills thus called in were to be destroyed/
This efibrt, like its predecessors, was unsuccessful. Prices rose as the money sank in
value, and every branch of trade was deranged. In several states laws limiting prices were
still in force, and the rapid depreciation of the bills threw all contracts into confusion. The
amount in circulation on the 1st of September, 1779, was a hundred and sixty millions.
Congress resolved that the issues should not exceed two hundred millions in the whole.
The^ loans prior to the Ist of August, 1778, the interest of which was payable in biUs on
France, were seven millions and a hal£ The loans contracted since were more than twenty-
six millions. The debt abroad was estimated at four millions. Only three millions out of
the sixty millions of paper dollars already called for firom the states had been paid into the
public treasury.
Congress was powerless to stay the downward tendency of the paper currency. It oon-
tinued to depreciate and prices to rise. Early in 1780, forty paper dollars were worth only
one in specie.* The commissaries found it extremely difficult to purchase supplies for the
army, for the people refused to exchange their articles for the almost worthless paper.
Direct taxes had been unsuccessfully tried to replemsh the treasury, and, as supplies could
not be obtained, a speedy dissolution of the army and abandonment of the rebellion seemed
inevitable.
Congress was obliged to open new resources for the supply of the army, and required each
state to furnish a certain quantity of beef, pork, flour, com, forage, and other articles, which
were to be deposited in such places as the commander:in-chief should determine. The states
were to be credited for the amount at a fixed valuation in specie. This scheme was utterly
i Joamals of Congress, vol. i., p. 5.
* The following bill of items is preserved, and illustrates the value of the Continental bills in 1781 :
Captain A. M^Laux,*
Bo'*o/W. NiCHOLLS,
JbMfory 5C&, 178L
1 pair boots $600
6f yds. caUco, at 85 ds 752
6 yds. chintz, at 150 ds 900
4| yds. moreen, at 100 ds 450
4 hdkfe., at 100 ds 400
8 yds. quality binding, 4 ds 32
1 skein of silk ; 10
13,144
If paid m spede j618 10«.
Received payment in full,
For Wm. Nicbolls.
JoiiA. Joints.
The following scale of depreciation is also preserved :
Valui qfZlOOm Specie in Continental Money,
1777.
1771
1T79.
178a
1781.
January
.9105 .
$325 ...
... $742 ..
...$2934
.$7400
February ....
. 107 .
350 ...
.. 868 ..
... 3322
. 7500
March-
. 109 .
370 ...
.. 1000 ..
... 3736
. 0000
April
. 112 .
.... 400 ...
.. 1104 ..
... 4000
May
. 115
400 ...
... 1215 ..
... 4600
June
. 120
400 ...
... 1342 ..
... 6400 ....
July
. 125 .
425 ...
.. 1477 ..
... 8900
August
. 150 ,
450 ...
.. 1630 ..
... 7000
September . . .
. 175
475 ...
... 1800 ..
... 7100
October
. 275
500 ..,
... 2030 ..
... 7200
November . . .
. 300
545 ...
... 2308 ..
... 7300
. 310 ,
634 ...
... 2593 ..
... 7400 ....
• Captain H'Ltne
wai the father of the late Secretary of the Trearary.
Digitized by VjO
320 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Unjoft Flnaneial L«w. W—hhuton's Dcpraottoo of It Hopei of the Tories. Cipher Writing of the LoytliiH.
impracticable, from the want of authority to enforce the demands, and the diitanoe of leTeral
Btatet from the army, and CongresB speedily abandoned it. The several states were then
recommended by Congress to pass laws making paper money a legal tender, at its nominal
ralue, for the discharge of debts whi<^ had been contracted to be paid in hard cash. Such
laws were enacted, and many dishonest debtors took advantage of Ihem. Although the bills
were passing at the rate of twenty for one, they were made a lawful tender, and debts were
dischuged at a cheap rate. It was one of the most unwise and unjust acts committed by
Congress during the war. The honest and simple were defrauded, and the rogues were im-
mense gainers.^ The people justly raised a great clamor, while the friends of the king greatly
rejoiced in seeing the growth of what they deemed the canker-worm in the seed of rebellion.'
Among the most prominent evils arising from the rapid depreciation of the paper was a
spirit of speculation and fraud, which excited unfounded jealousies and suspicions. The
^ Washington opposed the measure from the beginning as iniquitoos, mijiist, and fraught with the direst
evils. He was a considerable loser by it. While at Morristown, a respectable man in the neighborhood
was very assiduous in his attentions to the chief^ and they were generally reciprocated. This man paid his
debts in the depreciated currency, under the law, and the fact became known to Washington. Some time
afterward the man called at head-quarters, but the general hardly noticed him. This cokbess was observed
by the officers, and La Fayette remarked, " General, this man seems much devoted to you, and yet you have
scarcely noticed him." Washington replied, sailing, " I know I have not been cordial ; I tried hard to be
civil, and attempted to speak to him two or three times, but that Continental money stopped my mouth.''
• Rev. Charles Inglis, who was rector of Trinity Church, in New Toric, from 1777 until 1782, and, after
the peace, was made Lord Bishop of Nova Scotia, in a letter to Joseph Galloway, the great Pennsylvania
Loyalist, then in London, thus writes, under date of December 12th, 1778, in reference to the immense is-
sues and the depreciation of the bills of credit : " The fee simple of the thirteen United
Slat€i is not equal to this sum, which is still increasing. I therefore think it utterly
impossible to support the credit of this money; and were there nothing else, thit would
be sufficient to destroy the rebellion^ if Britain would hold the places she now possesses,
and keep a moderate number of cruisers on the coast. The mode of securing French
debts, by which the colonies became mortgaged for the fripperies of every French ped-
7 ^^
tion of their money now at Philadelphia is fifteen for one ; and tho' there are clubs and
private associations endeavoring to support its credit, nothing will do, nor can any
thing, in my opinion, now save 'em on this point but a foreign loan, and which, though ^
they aflect otherwise, I think they can not negotiate any where in Europe, unless all the ^g ^^
moneyed nations are turned foob ; and if they can not coomiand a loan, and are pre- JLS^ J"
vented from all remittances and trade southward, they must sink, never again, I hope, ^y p
to rise In short, they never vrere so wretched and near destruction as at this 4f* ^C\ ^49
moment, and, unless some unforeseen event takes pkice in their favor soon, I firmly ^^j^ ^_ ^
expect the next summer must end their independence and greatness For God's sgT ^21 £?/
sake, then, encourage every degree of spirit and exertion i3l you can, and quickly ; a 7^ ^^^^%
good push, and they go to tiie wall infallibly." Such was the tenor of the letters sent ^M ^JjJ^^
to England by the Loyalists from 1778 until 1781. The financial embarrassments oi f •^^
Congress gave Loyalists and friends of government strong hopes that it would accom- Cipbxb Ax.pi[abst.
plish what British arms had failed to do. It may be here remarked that many of the
letters which passed between the Loyalists here and their friends abroad were written in cipher, so that,
should they fisdl into the hands of the patriots, they might not be read, to the disadvantage of the writers and
CZJIITOII HAS 8X1CT A SECRET SXPSDITION UP
TBS Hudson to zrtbrcxpt Washuiotor.
Fac-sixxub of Cifbsb WainifO.
their cause. I here give, for the gratification of the curious, an alphabetical key, and a fac-simile or two
lines of the cipher writing, copied from one of the letters d a distinguished Tory, together with the inter-
pretation.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION 321
Cluilfo againat General Graone. Ezettament throughout die Country. Riot In Philadelphia. Convention at Hartford
rapid rise in prices wai unjustly attributed to extortion on the part of public officers, and
even Greneral Greene, who acted as quarter-master general, was accused of enriching him-
self at the public expense, because he receiyed for his salary a per centage on all moneys dis-
bursed, and the depreciation made the nominal amount vast. Individual speculators and
monopolizers were the extortioners and the oppressors of the people, and of them Washing-
ton said, in a letter to President Reed, « I would to Grod that some of the more atrocious in
each state were hung in gibbets upon a gallows four times as high as the one prepared for
Haman." It was remarked, " that while the honest and patriotic were impoverished, rogues
and Tories were fast growing rich."
Toward the close of the summer of 1779, the country was greatly agitated by the exist-
ing financial embarrassments. Meetings were held in the chief cities on the subject. In
Philadelphia, party feelings, growing out of the currency question, became so strong and de>
eided that a riot took place under the very eyes of Congress. A committee had undertaken
to regulate the prices of flour, rum, sugar, molasses, coflee, salt, and other articles of general
use. Egbert Morris and other leading merchants refused to conform to the regulation. Wil-
son, Clymer, and Mifliin, with their friends, were threatened with banishment to New York,
as abettors and defenders of the Tories. They armed themselves, and repaired to October 4.
Wilson's house. A mob, with fire-arms and two cannons, approached. Some ^^^•
shots were fired, and one of the defenders of the house was killed. A man and a boy of the
mob were also killed. The mob were about to force the door, when Reed, the president of
Congress, appeared with some cavalry, and partially restored order, but it was necessary for
the citizens to turn out and patrol the streets. It was several days before quiet was restored.
In the midst of this general excitement a convention of the five Eastern States October sa
was held at Hartford, and Congress, unable longer to disguise the fact that its ^^^
bills of credit were permanently depreciating, approved of, and recommended, a plan elab-
orated by that convention, to regulate prices on the basis of twenty paper dollars for one of
specie. This measure partially quieted the public mind. Before the end of the year the
two hundred millions were emitted, and the press was stopped.^ At that time the depre-
ciation stood thirty £>r one, and was constantly increasing. The diversion of labor from agri-
cultural and other industrial pursuits, the destruction of grain by the belligerent forces in
various parts of the country, combined with the embarrassed state of the finances of govern-
ment, which we have briefly considered, threatened famine and general bankruptcy ; and
during the winter and spring of 1780, when Washington had his quarters at Morristown,
the hope of the patriot was sufiering an almost total eclipse ; it was the gloomiest period of
the Revolution. The financial operations which subsequently occurred will be noticed here-
after, such as long drafts on the United States commissioners abroad, and foreign loans.
We have made a wide but necessary digression in turning aside to view the financial af
&irs of the patriots at the period under consideration. Let us resume our journey and his-
toric annotations.
I left Morristown for Springfield in the early morning train. The air was September 13.
cool and bracing, and I had a pleasant walk of about a mile from the station, ^^^
at the fix>t of the Short Hills, to the pretty village lying in the bosom of a fertile plain near
the banks of the Rahway River. The trees upon the surrounding hills were beginning to
assume the variegated livery of autumn, not from the eflects of frosts, but of a long drought ,
yet on the plain every thing was as green as in June, except the ripening maize. I sought
for the « oldest inhabitant,'' and found him in the person of the venerable Gilbert Edwards,
who was a half-grown boy at the time of the battle of Springfield, and sold apples to the
American soldiers when they came down from the Short Hills to oppose the invasion of the
enemy under Knyphausen, ^e Grerman general.' He kindly accompanied me to the place
> Pitkin; Marshall, Ramsay, Gordon, SpariES, Hildreth.
' General, the Baron Knyphausen, was a native of Alsace, then one of the Rhenish provinces. His father
was a ookmel in the German regiment of Dittforth, in the service of John, Dnke of Marlborongh. The gen-
end was bred a soldier, and served under Frederic the First, father of Frederio the Great of Pmssia. The
X
Digitized by
Google
322
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Battlegroand «t Springfield. InrMloa by General KnyphauMii. Clinton's Dedgnt. Plan of the Springfield Bttde.
where the principal engagement occurred, which is on the right of the present turnpike lead-
ing from Springfield to Elizabethtown, and a few rods westward of the Rahway. Nothing
now remains upon the spot to indicate military operations, for no works were thrown up on
the occasion. The battle was the result of an unexpected invasion. The knoll on which
the Americans were posted, then covered with apple-trees, is
now bare, only a few stumps remaining ; but on the eastern
slope a few of the trees are left, venerable in form and feature,
and venerated for their associations. One of them is pictured
in the engraving. It bears several scars of wounds inflicted
by the cannon-balls of the approaching enemy. They are " hon-
orable scars," and I bespeak for the veteran a perpetual pension
of respect.
On the 6th of June, 1780, Greneral Knyphausen, then in tern*
porary command of the Britiah troops in New York during the
absence of Sir Henry Clin-
ton at the south, dispatch-
ed Brigadier-general Mathews from Staten Island with
about five thousand troops, who landed at Elizabeth-
iavm Point. He had been informed that the Ameri-
can army at Morristown was much dissatisfied, and
ripe for mutiny and treason, and that the people of New
.Jersey were ready to join the royal standard as soon as
ample protection should be guarantied them. Influ-
enced by these opinions, Knyphausen ordered Mathews
to march toward Morristown, but the annoyances which
he met vrith on the way soon undeceived him. He
ikumed the village of Connecticut Farms, and advanced
^n Springfield, but, being informed that Washington
had sent a force to oppose him, he wheeled and retum-
<m1 to Elizabethtown. Many of his soldiers were cut
ofl* during the recession, by small parties of Jersey men
concealed behind fences, rocks, and bushes. On reach-
ing Elizabethtown Point, he intrenched his forces with-
in the old works thrown up there by the Americans,
where they remained about a fortnight.
In the mean while, General Clinton arrived from the
south, and determined to carry out the plan arranged by Knyphausen, to capture the stores
at Morristown, and, if possible, draw Washington out from his strong position among the
Short Hills, into a general engagement. He also took pains to mislead Washington, by em-
twelve thousand German troops hired by the English government, for service in America, were placed un-
der his command, and the Hessians were led by the Baron de Reidesel. He arrived with his troops, mider
oonvoy of Admiral Lord Howe, in Jmie, 1776, and was engaged in the battle of Long Island in Angost fol-
lowing. He was abo in the battle of Brandywine, and commanded an expedition to Springfield, New Jer-
sey. For some months daring the absence of Sir Henry Clinton at the south, Knyphausen was in command
of the city of New York. He was about sixty years of age, possessed of a fine figure, and was remarka-
bly amiable and simple-minded. La Fayette used to tell an anecdote concerning him, on the authority of
British officers. The passage to America was very long, and one night, while playing whist in the cabin,
Knyphausen suddenly turned to the captain and said, with an air of much sincerity, " Captain, ain't we hab
sailed past America ?'' He died on the frontiers of Germany toward the close of the la^t century.
* Explanation op the Map. — The stream with branches, and running in a southerly direction, is the
Rahway River j o is the house (still standing) of Mrs. Mathews, near which the enemy formed for battle ;
h the site of Byram'a Tavern, at the foot of the first range of hiUs j c, the Springfield and Elizabethtown
turnpike ; i, the Vauxhall Road ; c, the first position of the brigades of Stark and Maxwell, near the mill
and north of the rail-road ; /, Shrieve's regiment at the second bridge ; g, the mill ; A, post of the Ameri-
cans, on the hills in the rear of Byram'$ Tavern. The other localities are printed on the map.
Plan or thx Battlx at 8ruNOFiKX.D.i
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. S23
Washington deodTed by Clinton. Second Invasion under Knyphaiuen. DispoaitioQ of opporing Troops. The Battle
barking troops in transports on the Hudson, as if an expedition was intended against West
Point. Washington was deceived by this movement, and, with a considerable forcO) march-
ed toward the Highlands, leaving Major-general Greene in command at Springfield. Clin-
ton, perceiving the success of his stratagem, crossed over to Elizabethtown, with Knyphau-
sen and additional troops, and at break of day on the 23d the whole army, consisting j^^^
of about five thousand infantry, a considerable body of cavalry, and from fifteen to ^'^'
twenty pieces of artillery, advanced toward Springfield. They moved in two columns, one
on the main road (the present turnpike) leading to Springfield, the other on the Vauxhall
Road, leading to the principal pass among the Short Hills, a series of high ridges at the
head of the Springfield plains. The Americans were under the immediate command of
Greene. The right column of the enemy, on the Vauxhall Road, was opposed by Major
Henry Lee with his cavalry, and some pickets under Captain Walker, and the left was con-
fronted by Colonel Dayton, of the New Jersey line.* The remainder of the American troops
had been posted upon the roads leading to the different passes over the mountains, and it
was with considerable difficulty that they were collected in force at Springfield to oppose
the enemy concentrating there. The latter, afler maneuvering to gain the flanks of the
Americans, formed upon a gentle eminence on the eastern side of the Rahway, near the
house of Mrs. Mathews, which is still standing. Colonel Angell, with his regi-
ment, was posted in the orchard upon the knoll west of the stream, with a single
^ field piece under the charge of Captain Littell, to defend the bridge ; and Cobnel
Shrieve*s regiment was drawn up at the second bridge, in the rear of the town, to
cover the retreat of the Americans, if such a movement should become necessary.
Lee's dragoons, and the pickets under Captain Walker, were stationed at the
Vauxhall Bridge, and the militia were drawn up on the flanks, principally under
the command of General Dickinson, of New Jersey.
The first attack was made by the enemy upon Lee's force at the Vauxhall
Bridge, and the Americans were repulsed. At that instant the British
^ ^ troops near the first Springfield Bridge moved to attack Colonel An-
gell in the orchard. Captain Littell played his artillery so briskly
and well, that he kept the enemy east of the bridge for some time ;
but bringing their artillery to bear, they pressed forward, forded the
stream (which is there only about two rods wide), and drove the
Americans from their position and across the second bridge. The
artillery of the British, being leveled too high, did but little execu-
tion, except among the branches of the apple-trees, and the Amer^
icans retreated with very little loss. The enemy were warmly re
ceived at the second bridge by Shrieve's regiment, but overwhelm-
ing numbers obliged the gallant little band of Americans to fall
back and join the brigades of Maxwell and Stark upon the hill.
The situation of the patriot army was now critical. The enemy
Ums. MATHxws'f HovBB.* was pusluug vigorously forward on the Vauxhall Road, leading in
' EUas Dayton wna bom in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, in 1735. He joined the army during the French
and Indian war. He was a member of the corps called *^ Jersey Bines," raised in 1759 by Edward Hart,
the father of John, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. With that corps he fought under
Wolfe at Quebec. He was one of the Committee of Safety at Elizabethtown at the beginning of the Rev-
olution; in February, 1778, Congress appointed him colonel of a New Jersey regiment; and in 1782 he
was promoted to the rank d* brigadier general. He was in several of the princiiMd battles of the Revolu-
tion, and had three horses shot under him — one at Grermantown, one at Springfield, and one at Crosswiok
Bridge. He was the first president of the Cincinnati of New Jersey, and, during the life of Washington,
enjoyed the warm personal friendship of that distinguished man. He died at EliuLbethtown in 1807.
* This sketch was made from the left bank of the Rahway, at the site of the old bridge. This is now the
rear of the house, but, at the time of the battle, the road was upon this side of it, which formed the front.
The deviation of the road is indicated in the map by a dotted line Remains of the abutments of the old
bridge, where the British crossed, may still be seen.
Digitized by
Google
324 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
PtftUEetnat oftbe Americuu. Buning of SpringiMd. fiatraat of tiba Enemj. Colonel Barber. Conneetfcst FaraMi
their rear, and their numbers were too amall to guard the several passes through the mount-
ains, and have a respectable force engaged in battle. Gre^e accordingly ordered the main
body of the army, except the two brigades already mentioned, to take post on the hills in the
rear of Byram's Tavern, and detached the regiments of Colonels Webb and Jackscm, with
one piece of artillery, to check the advance of the enemy on the Vauxhall Road. The move-
ment was successful, and that important pass was secured.
The Americans were now advantageously posted, and Greneral Greene was anxious fi>r an
engagement ; but Knyphausen saw his own disadvantage, and, after setting fire to the vil-
lage, began a retreat toward Elizabethtown. Greene ordered out detachments to extinguish
the flames of such houses as were not within the reach of the enemy's cannon, but their ef-
forts were of little avail. The church, and every house and bam in the village but three,
were burned. One of the latter now stands close by the tavern of Mr. Reynolds. It is a
very well built house, and exhibits an orifice in the northwestern gable, made by the passage
of a cannon-ball. The parsonage was saved, and in it the congregation won^ped until a
more convenient place was supplied.
As soon as the village was fired, the enemy began their retreat. Captain Davis, with
one hundred and twenty men and large parties of militia, fell up<m their flanks and rear,
and kept up a continual fire upon them all the way to Elizabethtown. The retreat was so
precipitate that Stark's brigade, which was put in motion, could not overtake them. At
midnight the enemy began crossing over to Staten Island on a bridge of boats, and
by six o'clock in the morning they had evacuated Elizabethtown and removed their
bridge.^ The loss in killed and wounded has not been fully given on ^ther side. Lieuten-
ant-colonel Barber, in his return to Greneral Greene, reported thirteen Americans killed, and
fiffy-eight wounded and missing. In this report was not included the return of Davis's de-
tachment and of the militia that pursued the enemy to Elizabethtown. The militia had
twelve wounded and none killed. The loss of the enemy is unknown. The newspapers of
the day put down their loss in the skirmish at Connecticut Farms and vicinity, two weeks
previous, at one hundred and fifty killed, and as many wounded. Colonel Barber, who act-
ed as deputy adjutant general on the occasion, was particularly recommended for his activ-
ity, by General Greene, in his report of the engagement.' Grimeral Washington, on hear^
ing of the movement of the enemy toward Springfield, sent a re-enforcement, but it was too
late to save the town. Greene, in his report, says, ** I lament that our force was too small
to save the town firom ruin. I wish every American could have been a spectator ; they
would have felt for the sufierers, and joined to revenge the injury."
After much difficulty, I procured a conveyance to Elizabethtown. Mr. Meeker, a resi-
dent of Springfield, seventy-four years old, kindly left his plow, and in a light wagon took
me thither, by the way of Connecticut Farms, a small village now called Union, lying four
miles northwest of Elizabethtown. Almost every building in that village was destroyed by
the British invaders while on their way to Springfield, on the 6th of June, 1 780. An event
occurred there at that time, which excited the greatest indignation throughout the country.
The family of the Rev. James Caldwell, the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Eliz-
abethtown, and an ardent Whig, had removed to Connecticut Farms as a place of greater
security, and occupied the parsonage. Mrs. Caldwell was the daughter of John Ogden, of
Newark, and was greatly beloved for her piety and benevolence. When she heard of the
^ Report of General Greene to the oommander-in-chief.
' Franois Barber was bom at Princeton in 1751, and was edaoated at the College of New Jersey. He
was installed rector of an aoademic institution connected with the First Presbyterian Church at Elizabeth-
town, in which situation he remained until the commencement of the Revolution. He joined tiie patriot
army, and in 1776 was commissioned by Congress a major of the third battalion of New Jersey troops ; at
the close of the year was appointed lieutenant colonel, and subsequently became assistant inspector general
under Baron Steuben. He was in constant service during the whole war, was in the principal battles, and
was present at the surrender of Comwallis at Yorktown. He was with the Continental army at Newburgb
in 1783 ; and on the very day when Washington announced the signing of the treaty of peace to the army,
he was killed by a tree falling upon him while riding by the edge of a wood. — Rev, NichoUu Murray,
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 325
Morder of Mn. Cald weU. Hor Murderer Ideotlfled. Tlmothj Meekar and hit Sona. HU Idea of a Standiiif Army.
approach of the enemy, and the people fled from the town, she resolved to remain, trusting
in ProTidence for protection. When they entered the village, she withdrew, with her in£uit
in her arms, into a private apartment, and engaged in religious devotions. A maid, who had
charge of the other children, and accompanied her to the private apartment, saw a <* red-
coat soldier" jump over the fence into the yard, and told Mrs. Caldwell that he was approach-
ing the window. Mrs. Caldwell arose from a hed on which she had heen sitting, and at that
moment the soldier discharged his musket at her through the window. It was loaded with
two balls, both of which passed through her body, and she fell lifeless upon the floor, in the
midst of her children.^ It was with much difliculty that her body was saved from the con-
flagration that ensued. It was dragged into the street, and lay exposed for several hours in
the hot sun, when some of her friends procured liberty to take it to the house of Captain
Wade, on the opposite side of the road. Her husband was at the Short HiUs that night,
sufiering dreadfrdly from anxiety respecting his family. The next day he procured a flag
and went to Connecticut Farms, when he found the village in ruins and his wife no more.
That cold-blooded murder, as well as the wanton destruction of the peaceful village, changed
many Tories to Whigs, and helped to conflrm the settled hatred of the well-afiected and the
patriots against the British government, whose military officers winked at such atrocities.
On our way, Mr. Meeker related some interesting facts concerning his family. His grand-
father was a stanch republican, and had eight sons and four sons-in-law in ^e Continental
army, who were remarkable for their physical strength and moral courage. The father of
Mr. Edwards, the old gentleman who went over the Springfield battle-ground with me, was
one of the sons-in-law. One of his sons (^. Meeker's father) lived up among the Short
Hills, and was a substantial fiurmer. A conversation which he had one day with General
Dayton, at Elizabethtown, well illustrates the political character of many of the yeomanry
of that period. While a portion of the standing army, under the administration of the elder
Adams, was at Elizabethtown, Mr. Meeker went to General Dayton to pay his direct tax,
in hard cash, for the support of the army. " Of what use is your standing army ?'* . asked
Meeker. " To support Congress,'^ replied Dayton. " Ay, to support Congress indeed,"
said the old man, bitterly. <* To support Congress in taking away our liberties, and in al-
tering the Constitution so as to place men in public offices for life. I fought for freedom
through the war for nothing (his Continental money was worthless), and now I want to pay
fbi^my land and be independent indeed, but tax upon tax keeps me poor. I could at any
time raise one himdred men among my neighbors upon the Short Hills, say privately to your
standing army, * Come and help us' — and they would come, and ' we'd march to Philadel-
phia and take your Congressmen from their seats. We will not have a standing army.
Disband it." " Our standing army," said Dayton, " will intimidate the British." " Look
ahere. General Dayton," said Meeker, while his eyes sparkled with emotion, " you are well
acquainted in London. Write to your acquaintances there, and tell them that Timothy
Meeker is dead, and that he has left seven sons, every one of whom is a stronger man than
he. Tell them we are seven times stronger than before, and that will intimidate them more
than all your standing armies, that suck the life-blood from the people." Such was the logic
of New Jersey farmers in 1798, and our government soon acted in accordance with it.
We reached Elizabethtown at about noon, and having ample time before the departure
^ Sack is the current history, and the diabolical act was fixed upon " a British soldier." Some believed
that the ocomrenoe was a mere accident, resulting from the cross firing of the combatants, but there is am-
ple evidence that it was a deliberate murder. A correspondent of the Newark Advertiser says that '* there
is evidence of a very direct character, which afiixes the guilt of murder of the poor lady to a particular in-
dividual.** ** A very respectable citizen,** he adds, " lately deceased, who was a witness of the scenes oi
that day, says that a man named McDonald, from the north of Ireland, who had been in the emplojrment of
Mr. Caldwell, or of his family, was the person who committed the atrocious deed. This man, from some
unknown cause, had conceived a violent enmity against his employer, and it was in this manner he satiated
his revenge. The witness to whom reference is now made, further declared that he saw M 'Donald after
the murder, and heard him avow it, saying, at the same time, that * now he was satisfied,* upon which he
joined and went off with the enemy.**
Digitized by
Google
326
PICTORIAL PIELD-BOOK
Burial-groQxid at Elizabethtown.
Caldwell'i Monument
DlcUiiBOD'i Tomb.
Boudinof ■ Vault
SfK<^-
CALDTirBZJ.'f MORTMXNT.*
of the eveoing train for Middlebrook, my next tarrying-place, I visited the several Revolu-
tionary localities in the vicinity. The burial-ground of the First Presbyterian Church, on
Broad Street, was the chief attraction within the village, for therein repose the remains of
many distinguished men of the Revolution. The church that occupied the site of the pres-
ent one was burned on the night of the 25th of January, 1780, together with the academy
(which stood upon the ground of the present lecture room) and the court-house. A noto-
I'ous Tory named Cornelius Hetfield fired the church with his own hands, and was heard to
lament that the ** black-coated rebel," as he called Dr. Caldwell, the pastor, was not burned
in his pulpit. Near the Broad Street front of the burying
ground stands the monument erected to the memory of the
Rev. James Caldwell and his wife, by citizens of Eliza -
bethtown. It is a handsome marble obelisk, which, with
an inscribed pedestal, rests upon a granite base. On the
left in the picture are seen a recumbent slab, and also an
upright one. The former is of brown stone, and covers
the grave of Jonathan Dickinson,* the founder of the Col-
lege of New Jersey, now located at Princeton ; the latter
is of white marble, and is sacred to the memory of Mar-
garet Van Pelt, a grand-daughter of Mr Caldwell. On
the west side of the cemetery, in
the rear of the church, are sev-
eral vaults shaded by a venera-
ble oak, among which is that of
the celebrated Elias Boudinot,
who was president of Congress
in 1782, and an active patriot during the Revolution. Of him 1
shall have occasion to write hereafter. A little south of Boudinot's
vault is that of General DajTton, just mentioned, and in the vicin-
ity are the graves of General Crane, an active patriot of the Revo-
lution ; Colonel Barber, already mentioned ; Moses Ogden, a young
American officer, who was killed at Connecticut Farms when that settlement was burned ,
and of several others of colonial and Revolutionary eminence, among whom is Governor Belcher.
^ Jonathan Dickinson was born in Hatfield, Massachusetts, April 22d, 1688. He graduated at Tale Col-
lege in 1706, and two years afterward became the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Elizabeth-
town, New Jersey, where he continued nearly forty years. He was the cotemporary of Whitfield, Brai-
nard, Edwards, and the Tennants. He was chiefly instrumental in organizing the academy at Elizabeth-
town, which was chartered as the College of New Jersey in 1746. He was made its first president, but
the institution did not long enjoy the advantages of his care, as he died on the 7th of October, 1747, aged
flfty-nine. The first oommenoement of the college was in 1748, when six young men graduated, five of
whom became ministers of the Gospel.
' The following are the inscriptions upon the Caldwell monument :
East Side. " This monument is erected to the memory of the Rbv. James Caldwell, the pious and
fervent Christian, the zealous and faithful minister, the eloquent preacher, and a prominent leader among
the worthies who secured the independence of his country. His name will be cherished in the church
and in the state so long as Virtue is esteemed and Patriotism honored."
West Side. " Hannah, wife of the Rev. James Caldwell, and daughter of Jonathan Ogden, of Newark,
was killed at Connecticut Farms by a shot from a British soldier, June 25th, "i^ 1780, cruelly sacrificed by
the enemies of her husband and of her country.''
North Side. " ' The memory of the just is blessed.' ' Be of good courage — and let us behave our-
selves valiant for our people, and for the cities of our God, and let the Lord do that which b good in his
bight.' ' The glory of children are their fathers.' "
South Side. '^ James Caldwell. Bom in Charlotte county, in Virginia, April, 1734. Graduated at
Princeton CoUege, 1759. Ordained pastor oi the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethtown, 1762.
After serving as chaplain in the army of the Revolution, and acting as commissary to the troops in New
Jersey, he was killed by a shot from a sentinel at Elizabethtown Point, November 24th, 1781."
* This Ib tn error, as wfll be perceived by reference to the text
Boudikot'8 Vault.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 327
DeiUh of Mr. CaldweU. Executioii of hla Murderer. Mr. Ctldwell's FunemL HU Orphao Family.
The death of Mr. Cald<^ell, which occurred a little more than a year suhseqiient to that
of his wife, was regarded as a foul murder. He was shot upon the causeway at old Eliza-
* bethtown Point, hy an American sentinel named Morgan, who was hung for the deed. The
circumstances are substantially as follows. At the time of the occurrence the Americans
had possession of Elizabethtown, and there was established there a commissariat of prison-
ers, under the superintendence of Major Adams. To facilitate the business for which the
commissariat was established, a sloop made weekly trips between the Point and New York,
then the head-quarters of the British army. Passengers with a flag, and also parcels, were
frequently carried by this vessel, and a strong guard was placed at a tavern on the shore,
having one or more sentinels upon the causeway that extended across the marsh to the wharf.
On the 24th of November, 1781, this vessel arrived at the wharf, having on board a Miss
Berlah Murray (aflerward Mrs. Martin Hofiinan), who had permission to visit her sister (Mrs.
Bamett), at Elizabethtown. Mr. Caldwell went down to the sloop in his chaise to receive
her, but she was not there. He went on board the vessel, when a small bundle belonging
to her was placed in his charge, with which he started for his vehicle. James Morgan, a
sentinel on di^^y upon the causeway, ordered Mr. Caldwell to deliver his bundle to him for
examination, as his orders were not to let any thing of the kind pass without strict scrutiny.
Mr. Caldwell told him it was the property of a lady, which had been placed in his charge,
and refused to give it up. The sentinel reiterated his demand, when Mr. Caldwell turned
from him, and, it is said, went toward the vessel to leave the bundle, rather than subject it
to the inspection of the soldier. The latter, probably irritated by disobedience of his orders.
and, it may be, by words, leveled his musket and shot Mr. Caldwell dead upon the spot.
Opinions were, and still are, various as to the motive of the sentinel. Some justify him as
acting in strict obedience to his orders ; others believe him to have been bribed to murder
the active patriot when the first opportunity should ofier ; and others, again, simply con-
demn him for exceeding the spirit of his instructions. Morgan was arrested, the coroner's
inquest brought in a verdict of willful murder against him, and he was tried, found guilty,
and executed at Westfield on the 29th of January, 1782. He was taken to the church,
where a sermon was preached by the Rev. Jonathan Elmer, from the words of Jeremiah,
" O, do not this abominable thing which I hate ;" and immediately afler the close of the
services the prisoner was hung. The place of his execution is about half a mile north of
the church, in Westfield, and still bears the name of Morgan's Hill. A local controversy
has arisen upon the subject, which seems to turn more upon the inferences of the seversd
writers than upon the material facts here given. " Who shall decide when doctors disa-
gree ?" Cotemporary records form the best umpire in such cases, and correct history, the
'/kUient in question, is not likely to suffer from such a disagreement.
The death of Mr. Caldwell, a pious and eloquent minister, and such an active patriot,
made a powerful impression on the public mind, and there was ** a voice of mourning"
wherever his eminent virtues were known. It was Saturday afternoon when he was shot.
His body was conveyed to the house of his friend, Mrs. Noel, whence it was buried the fol-
lowing Tuesday. " Many," says Dr. Murray, " were ignorant of the tragical deed until
they came to church on the Sabbath ; and, instead of sitting with delight under his^ instruc-
tions, there was a loud cry of wailing over his melancholy end. There was a vast concourse
assembled to convey him to his tomb. The corpse was placed on a large stone before the
door of the house of Mrs. Noel (now the residence of Miss Spalding)^ where all could take a
last view of the remains of their murdered pastor. After all had taken their last look, and
before the cofiSn was closed. Dr. Elias Boudinot came forward, leading nine orphan children,
and, placing them around the bier of their parent, made an address of surpassing pathos to
the multitude in their behalf"'
I rode down to Elizabethtown Point, a place famous in the annals of the Revolution.
' Notes on Elizahethtowny page 77. The fiuieral sermon was preached by Dr. M'Whorter, of Newark,
from Ecolesiastes, viii., 8.
Digitized by
Google
328 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Old EUxabediport Aneteot Ttvern and WharC Fortiflcation of ttie Point Naral EzpeditioD. FrankUn Sliive
The distance is about two miles, aad so nearly adjacent are the houses along the road, that
it may be said the village extends all the way to the Point. The old wharf or landing is
about three quarters of a mile northeast of the present bustling port, and only a solitary
dwelling, the traces of the causeway, and the apparition, at low water, of some of the logs
of the ancient wharf, constitute the remains of the Revolution there, except slight indications
of the works thrown up by the Americans in the rear. Making a journey in a direct line
through some shrub oaks and a field of tangled buck-
wheat, I visited and sketched the old tavern, now the
property of Mr. Isham, of New York, where many of
the stirring scenes of the Revolution occurred. . There
American and British officers were alternately quar-
tered, firom 1776 until the close of the war, and in that
house the corpse of Mr. Caldwell was laid while a
wagon was procured to convey it to the town. In
front of it is a flat shore, overflowed at high tide, across
which was a substantial causeway abo\]t seventy-five
rods in length, with a wharf at the end. Here was
^ „ ^ .the landing-place of troops passing and repassing to
Old Tavuiv at £i.isabktiipoxt.^ ^^ * * * ° * °
and firom Staten Island, closely contiguous ; and firom
this wharf extended the bridge of boats over which the British retreated after the battle of
Springfield. There Washington embarked in the barge prepared to convey him to New
April 24, York, to be maugurated the first President of the United States, and in the old tav-
1789. em he breakfasted that morning.
When the British fleet appeared off" Sandy Hook with the troops of General Howe, in
June, 1776, great alarm spread through New Jersey ; for, as the Americans then had mil-
itary occupation of New York city, it was supposed the enemy would land on the Jersey
coast. Grovemor Livingston, at the head of the New Jersey militia, established his camp
at Elizabethtown Point, and caused a fortification to be constructed by digging ditches and
throviring up breast-works, which extended firom the old to the new Point, and on which a
few cannons were mounted. These works were never of any material use, and hardly a
vestige of them remains.
From the Point several water expeditions were fitted out, for the narrow and tortuous
channel, and low, marshy shore protected the place from the visits of large vessels of war.
One of these expeditions was under the command of Elias Dayton and William Alexander.
The latter is better known in our history as Lord Stirling, and was Governor Shirley's mil-
itary secretary at Albany twenty years before. Informed that a British transport and pro-
vision ship was on the coast, the Committee of Safety at Elizabethtown ordered four armed
boats to attempt its capture. They came in sight of the vessel about forty miles firom Sandy
Hook. The men in the boats were all concealed under hatches, except two in each, unarm-
^ This view is looking eastward. In the distance, on the right, is seen a Tessel, at the entrance of New-
ark Bay, and the land beyond is the high ground intervening between it and Jersey City. In one of the
rooms of the old tavern is a Franklin stove, which has probably been a tenant there
ever since it came fix)m the fomidery. I gave a sketch of it, not only because it is a
relic of the time, but because it doubtless shows the form of the stove as invented by
I>r. Franklin in 1742,* before an '* improvement" was made. On its front, in raised
letters, are the words " Ross and Bird's Hibeniia Foundry, 1 7A2.*' Ross had a found-
ery at Elizabethtown in 1774. as appears^ by the inscription upon the dinner-bell of Sii
William Johnson, now in the belfry of the old Caugbnawaga Church at Fonda. See
note, page 233. ,
* Franklin ny, in reference to thli inrentlon, *' Gorernor Thomu was so pleased with the construction of this stove, that he
offered to giro me a patent for tiie sole rending of ttiem for a term of years; bat 1 declined it, from a principle which has erer
weighed with me on such occasions, viz., that, as we enjoy great adrantages from the inrentions of otliers, we should be g^d
of an opportanlty to senre others by an invention of ours ; and this wo should do freely and generally.** A London ironmonger
made some alterations, which Franklin snys " hurt its operation," got a patent for it there, and made » small fortune by it.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION
329
Capture of a ProTiiion Ship. Prirateering. "London Trading." ** Liberty Hall." Deaigna againat Goremor Liringaton.
ed, who managed the oars. The enemy mistook them for fishing vessels, and allowed them
to come along side. At a preconcerted signal, the hatches were raised, the armed Ameri-
cans poared upon the deck of the ship, and in a few minutes she was their prize, hardly a
show of resistance having been made. She was taken in triumph to Elizabethtown Point,
where her cargo was landed. This exploit was performed in the summer of 1775, soon
after the battle on Bunker Hill. Some privateering expeditions were fitted out here and at
Amboy during the war ; but, with the exception of the invasion already detailed, there were
few military operations there. There are a few blemishes in the general good character for
Whiggery, claimed by Elizabethtown. During the war there was a great deal of " London
trading," or supplying the enemy with provisions and other things, carried on there. The
high price paid by the British on Staten Island tempted even the most ieirdent Whigs to put
money in their purses by the traffic. Many took their pay in British goods, and actually
opened stores in the village with articles thus obtained. Governor Livingston, alluding to
the practice, said, " The village now consists of unknown, unrecommended strangers, guilty-
looking Tories, and very knavish Whigs."
Having an hour to spare on my return to the village, I walked out to old " Liberty Hall,"
the former residence of Govern-
or Livingston, now the proper-
ty of Mr. John Kean. It is a
fine old mansion, imbowered in
shrubs and overshadowed by
venerable trees. It is situated
upon th^left of the Springfield
Turnpike, beyond the Elizabeth
River, and about three fourths
of a mile north of the rail- way
station in the village. Gov-
ernor Livingston was an active
partisan, and during the whole
war was continually employed
in public duties or in wielding
his pen in favor of the Repub-
lican cause. For this reason
he was extremely obnoxious to
the enemy, and particularly to the Tories, whom he cordially hated and despised. Several
attempts were made to abduct him, but they were all unsuccessful. It was also said that
Sir Henry Clinton ofiered a bounty for his life, if he could not be taken alive, and that a
prominent Tory of New Jersey had been solicited to assassinate him for a price. Of this
Governor Livingston accused Clinton, in a letter. The latter did not deny Uie charge, but,
in a very discourteous reply, said, " Had I a soul capable of harboring so infamous an ides
as assassination, you, sir, at least, would have nothing to fear ; for, be assured, I should not
blacken myself with so foul a crime to obtain so trifling an end." Sir Henry, however,
thought the " end not too trifling" to fit out an expedition for the express purpose of captur-
ing the " rebel governor." It was midnight, on the 28th of February, 1779, that a party
of British troops, sent by Clinton from New York, landed at Elizabethtown Point, and,
''LibbbttHaix."!
^ Some time after the death of Goremor Livingston this property 'was purohased by Lord Bolingbroke,
who, ander the assumed name of John Belesis, ran away from England with a daughter of Baron Hompasch,
a Gennan general. She was at a boarding school there, and Bolingbroke had a wife living. He married
the girl here. She died in England in 1 848. The grandimother of the present proprietor, Susan, the daugh-
ter of Peter Van Burgh Livingston, bought the farm of Lord Bolingbroke, and it has been in possession of
the family ever since. Her first husband was John Kean, a member of Congress from South Carolina from
1785 to 1787, and was first cashier of the first United States Bank, chartered by an act of Congress passed
February 8th, 1791. Her second husband was Count Niemcowicz, a Polish nobleman.
Digitized by
Google
330
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Scenei at " Liberty HalL"
Spirit of Goremor Livingston's Daughters.
Sketch of the Life of LiTingston
marching directly to " Liberty Hall/' burst open the doors, and shouted vociferously for <* the
damned rebel governor." Fortunately, the governor had left home some hours before, to
pass the night with a friend, a few miles distant. After becoming convinced that he was
not there, they demanded his papers. Those of the greatest importance (his recent corre-
spondence with Washington, and with Congress and the state officers) were in the box of
his sulky, in his parlor. This box the officer in command was about to seize, when Liv-
ingston's daughter Catharine, a girl of great spirit and presence of mind, represented to him
that the box contained her private property, and appealed to his courtesy as a gentleman and
a soldier to protect it for her. A guard was placed over it, and she then led the men to the
library, where they filled their foraging bags with worthless law papers. After threatening
to burn the house, they returned to Elizabethtown, burned one or two dwellings in the vil-
lage, and then departed for New York.*
Mr. Sedgwick relates a tradition connected with the family of Governor Livingston. At
the time of the mvasion,
when the village of Con-
necticut Farms was bum
ed, Governor Livingston
was absent from home on
official duty. The family
had spent the day in great
alarm, for immediately in
front of their dwelling the
smoke and flames of the
conflagration of that vil-
lage were distinctly seen.
Late in the evening several
British officers came to the
house, told them that their
troops were retreating, and
proposed to pass the night
there. The family felt se-
cure from marauders while
such protectors were pres-
ent, and retired to bed.
About midnight they
were aroused. The of-
ficers were
and soon afterward some
exclaiming, " Gt)d ! it's Mrs. Caldwell, that we killed to-day !''
sed. The of- y ^ y^ j^ a
caUed away. 07^C'^ aCCC' ^fA^^^
[terward some ^
drunken soldiers rushed in-
to the hall, swearing that
they would bum the " rebel
house." There were none
but women in the house.
The maid servant fastened
herself in the kitchen, and
the ladies of the family lock-
ed themselves in another
room. The ruffians dis-
covered their hiding-place,
and, fearing to exasperate
them by refusing to como
out, one of the governor's
daughters boldly opened the
door. A drunken soldier
seized her by the arm, and at
the same moment she seiz-
ed him by the collar with
a force that alarmed him
At that instant a gleam of
light illumined the hall
and fell upon the white
dress of the lady. The
soldier staggered back,
They soon lefl the house.
* Sedgwick's Lift of WUliam Livingiton, p. 322.
' William Livingston was descended from the old Scotch family of that name, whose first representative
in this country was Robert, the " first lord of the manor" upon the Hudson. He was bom in November,
1723, and graduated in Tale College in 1741. He was well educated, and possessed many solid as well
as brilliant attainments in law and literature. He early espoused the cause of the colonists, and, having
removed from New York to New Jersey, was elected a delegate to the first Continental Congress firom that
state. In 1776, ader the people of New Jersey had sent Grovemor Franklin, under a strong guard, to Con-
necticut, Mr. Livingston was elected chief magistrate of the state ; and such were his acknowledged talents,
and repubboan virtue, and the love of the people for him, that he was annually elected to that office until
his death. In 1787 he was a delegate to the convention that formed the Federal Constitution; and, after
being actively employed in public life for almost twenty years, he died at ^ Liberty Hall," near Elizabeth-
town, July 25th, 1790, aged sixty-seven years. The silhouette here given is copied from one in Sedgwick's
Life of lAvingstont which he says was probably taken from life, about 1773. The Livingstons are de-
scended from a noble Scotch family. Lord Livingston, afterward Earl of Linlithgow, was one of the cus-
todians of Mary, Queen of Scots, while in Dumbarton Castle in 1647. The great-grandson of the Earl was
John Livuigston, a pious Scotch minister who fled from persecution, and went to Holland. He was th<*
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. S31
Aniral at Bflddlebrook. Placeof the Encampinent of the American Army. Howe'i Stratagem. Bkirmlsbea
I left Elizabethtown in the cars, at about three o'clock, and arrived at Middlebrook, a
pleasant little village on the Raritan, toward sunset, passing on the way Scotch Plains and
the thriving town of Plainfield. The road passes over an almost level country, and, though
the soil is light and sandy, thrift appeared on every side. Middlebrook and Boundbrook lio
close together, and are included in one village. Here, toward the last of May, 1777, Wash-
ington encamped his army, after breaking up his cantonments at Morristown. His troops
lapidly augmented ; and when, in June, Greneral Howe began to show some disposition to
open the summer campaign, the American army mustered about fourteen thousand effective
men. They were strongly posted upon the Heights of Middlebrook, in the rear of the village,
near the place of the winter encampment in 1 7 7 8-9 , which will be presently noticed. Wash-
ington suspected Howe's design to be to make an attempt to capture Philadelphia. He con-
centrated the Northern forces on the Hudson ; a strong division under Arnold was posted on
the Delaware, and a considerable force was under his immediate cbmmand at Middlebrook.
Greneral Howe had encamped at New Brunswick, ten miles distant, and endeavored to draw
Washington out from his strong position, into a general engagement upon the plains. But
the chief would not hazard a battle while his forces were so divided. Howe remained two
days at New Brunswick ; but, concluding that Washington was too strongly posted among
the hills to be attacked with impunity, the British commander sought to accomplish by strat-
agem what he had failed to do by open and obvious movements. For this purpose j^^^ 14
he advanced rapidly toward Somerset Court-house, feigning a design to cross the ^'^'
Delaware. Failing to draw Washington from his post by this maneuver, he made another
feint, a few days afterward, which succeeded better. He suddenly retreated, first «jQnei9.
toward New Brunswick,^ and then to Amboy,b and even sent some detachments *»J«ne23.
over to Staten Island. Partly deceived by these movements, and hoping to reap some ad-
vantage by harassing the British rear, Washington sent strong detachments afler the retreat-
ing enemy, and also advanced with his whole force to Quibbletown (now New Market), fivo
or six miles from Middlebrook. This was exactly what Howe desired to accomplish,
and, accordingly, on the night of the 25th, he suddenly recalled his troops from Staten
Island and Amboy, and early the next morning marched rapidly toward the American lines,
hoping to cut ofi* their retreat to Middlebrook, and thus bring on a general action. Wash-
ington was too quick and vigilant for Howe, and reached his strong position again. The
advanced guard of the British fell in with Lord Stirling's division, and a warm skirmisli
ensued. On the approach of Cornwallis with a considerable force, Stirling retreated to his
camp with inconsiderable loss. Other skirmishes ensued, but neither party suffered much.
At Westfield the British forces wheeled, and, marching back to Amboy, passed over to Staten
Island, leaving the Americans in the quiet possession of New Jersey.
It was on the gentle slope from the plain to the steep acclivities of the mountain in the
rear of Middlebrook, that seven brigades of the American army were htUted during the win-
ter of 1779-80. After the battle of Monmouth,^ the American army crossed the cj^ne 28,
Hudson River, and took post chiefly in Westchester county. The head-quarters ^'^^
of Washington were at White I*lains. In the mean while the Count d'Estaing had arrived
at Sandy Hook with a French fleet ; but, being unable to pass the bar with his heavy ships,
to attack Lord Howe in the bay, he sailed eastward to co-operate with General Sullivan in
a proposed attack upon Newport, on Rhode Island. Of this expedition, which proved un-
successful, I shall hereafter write.
Washington continued at White Plains until late in autumn, suspecting the design of
Sir Henry Clinton to be to make a movement eastward. Sir Henry gave currency to the
reports that such were his intentions, until Washington moved his head-quarters to Freder-
oommon ancestor of all the Livingstons in America. His son Robert, the first ** lord of the manor** of Liv-
ingston, in Colombia County, New York, came to America about 1675, and from him all the fiunily in this
coontry have descended. They were all remarkable for their patriotism during the Revolution : And for sijLty
years afterward the Livingston! were among our prominent public men
Digitized by
Google
332 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
CHnloii's Operationi in New Jeney. Dlspodtioii of the American Forces. EncampmeDt at BQddlebrook. Plackoniii.
icsburg, near the Ck>nnecticut line, and turned his attention decidedly to the protection of
the eastern coast. Clinton then sent foraging parties into New Jersey, and ravaged the
whole country, from the Hudson to the Raritan, and beyond. The abandonment of the
siege of Newport, the return of Howe's fleet to New York, and the entire withdrawal of
forces from the east by Clinton, except those stationed upon Rhode Island, convinced Wash-
ington that the British commander had no farther designs in that direction, and he prepared
to put his army into the most advantageous winter-quarters. Nine brigades were stationed
on the west side of the Hudson, exclusive of the garrison at West Point. One of these was
at Smith's Cove, in the rear of Haverstraw, one at Elizabethtown, and the other seven were
at Middlebrook. Six brigades were cantoned on the east side of the Hudson and at West
Point. One was at West Point, two were at Continental Village, a hamlet near Peekskill,
and three in the vicinity of Danbury, in Connecticut. The artillery was at Pluckemin, in
Bedminster county, New Jersey.' The head-quarters of the chief were in the vicinity of
Middlebrook. Knox, Greene,^ and Steuben were among the general officers that accompa-
nied him ; and the ladies of several of the officers, among whom was Mrs. Washington, en-
livened the camp by their presence during the winter.
" The place of encampment was about three fourths of a mile northwest from the village.
Log huts were completed, for the use of the soldiers, in February, after they had suffered
exposure under canvas tents for several weeks. The huts, according to the description of
Dr. Thacher, who was there, were made very comfortable by filling the interstices between
the logs with mud, as log houses in our Western and Southwestern states are now made.
The huts were arranged in straight lines, forming a regular and compact village. The offi-
cers' huts were arranged in front of the line, according to their rank, with kitchens in the
rear ; and the whole was similar in form to a tent encampment. Remains of these are still
found in the fields where the encampment was. I could not ascertain where Washington
was quartered ; and, as far as I could learn by inquiries, there is only one house remaining
in the neighborhood which was occupied by any of the general officers at that time, and
that is the dwelling of Mr. Staats, where Major-general Baron Steuben had his quarters.
From a remark by Dr. Thacher, in his Military Journal (page 156), I infer that Washing-
ton's quarters were at or near Pluckemin, a few miles from the camp. The doctor speaks
of an event that occurred ** near head-quarters, at Pluckemin."
In the evening of my arrival at Middlebrook, I called on Mrs. Polly Van Norden, a small,
but vigorous old lady, eighty-four years of age. She lived near the Mcmmouth battle-ground
at the time of the conflict there, and was well acquainted with the suflerings of the Whigs
in that region from the depredations of the desperate band of Tories called the Pine Robbers.
She was a woman of strong but uncultivated mind, and became excited with feelings of the
' Plaokemin lies at the base of a high mountain, about six miles northwest of SomerviUe. There the
American army halted on the 4th of January, 1777 (the day after the battle of Princeton), on its way to
Morristown. In the village burial-ground is the grave of Captain Leslie, of the British army, who was mor-
tally wounded at Princeton. Mr. Cusds, in his Recollections of the Life of Washington, says, " It was while
the commander-in-chief reined up his horse, upon approaching the spot, in a plowed field, where lay the gal-
lant Colonel Harslet, mortally wounded, that he perceived some British soldiers supporting a wounded offi-
cer, and, upon inquiring his name and rank, was answered, * Captain Leslie.' Dr. Benjamin Rush, who
formed a part of the general's suite, earnestly asked, ' A son of the Earl of Levin?' to which the scddiers
replied in the affirmative. The doctor then addressed the general-in-chief : * I beg your excellency to per-
mit this wounded officer to be placed under my care, that I may return, in however small a degree, a part
of the obligation I owe to his worthy father for the many kindnesses received at his hands while a student
at Edmburgh.' The request was immediately granted ; but, alas ! poor Leslie was soon past all surgery,"
He died the same evening, after receiving every possible kindness and attention, and was buried the next
day at Pluckemin, with the honors of war. His troops, as they lowered the body to the soldier's last rest,
shed tears of sorrow over the remains of their much-k)ved conunander. On a plain monument erected to
his memory is the following inscription : " In memory of Captain William Lbslib, of the seventh British
regiment, son of the Earl of Levin, in Scotland. He fell, January 3d, 1777, aged 26 years, at the battle
of PaiNCSTON. His friend, Benjamin Rush, M.D., of Philadelphia, hath caused this stone to be erected, as
a mark of his esteem for his worth, and respect for his family."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
338
Steuben's Head-qnorten. Recollectioniof lfn.Do^. Viait to the Camp-ground. ** Washington's Hock.'* View from it
bitterest hatred against the Tories while telling me of their deeds — a hatred, the keenness
of which the lapse of seventy years has scarcely blunted.
Early the following morning, in company with a gentleman of the village, I September i4,
rode to the residence of the venerable Bergen Bragaw, a hale old man of eighty- i848.
seven. From him I learned the exact locality of the American encampment. His half-
brother was one of the Pennsylvania line, and my informant often visited him in the camp.
He said the slope where the huts were erected was heavily timbered at that time, but it
was completely cleared in cutting down trees for the log houses, and has been a cultivated
tract ever since.
From Mr. Bragaw's we rode to the house formerly owned by Abraham Staats, and now
in possession of his son
Three sisters survive, one
of whom (Mrs. Jane Doty),
nearly eighty years of age,
who resided there during
the Revolution, has a clear
recollection of many events
connected with Baron
Steuben's occupancy of the
house. Although she was
then a child eight or ten
years old, she remembers
the dignity of his appear-
ance, the urbanity of his
manners, for which he was
SrXVBXM'f HjBAI>-qVAftTXB8.*
noted, and the elegance
and richness of the orna-
ments with which he was
adorned. She spoke of a
brilliant medal that hung
by a ribbon upon his breast. *
Mrs. Doty recollected two
visits made to the baron by
Washington and his lady,
one to dine and the othei
to take tea with him. On
the latter occasion several
ladies were present. She
also remembers an enter-
tainment given by the bar
1779.
on to the American officers and their ladies, on which occasion the table was spread in a
grove near by. This occurred a short time before the encampment broke up, which
event took place early in June.
Returning to the village, we proceeded to visit the camp-ground, which is upon the lefl
of the main road over the mountains to Pluckemin ; iilso « Washington's Bock." The
former exhibits nothing worth}|^of particular attention; but the latter, situated upon the
highest point of the mountain in the rear of Middlebrook, is a locality, independent of the
associations which hallow it, that must ever impress the visitor with pleasant recollections
of the view obtained from that lofty observatory. We left our wagon at a point half way up
the mountain, and made our way up the steep declivities along the remains of the old road.
How loaded wagons were managed in ascending or descending this mountain road is quite in-
conceivable, for it is a difficult journey for a foot-passenger to make. In many places not even
the advantage of a zigzag course along the hill sides was employed, but a line as straight as
possible was made up the mountain. Along this difficult way the artillery troops that were sta-
tioned at Pluckemin crossed the mountain, and over that steep and rugged road heavy cannons
were dragged. Having reached the summit, we made our way through a narrow and tangled
path to the bold rock seen in the picture on the next page. It is at an elevation of nearly
four hundred feet above the plain below, and commands a magnificent view of the surround-
ing country included in the segment of a circle of sixty miles, having its rundle southward.
At our feet spread out the beautiful rolling plains like a map, through which course the wind-
' Baron Steuben hsA received from the King of Prussia a splendid medal of gold and diamonds, designat
ing the Order of Fidelity, which he always wore when in full military dress.
' This view is from the field in front of the house, looking north. The dwelling is at the end of a lane
several rods from the main road leading to Middlebrook from New Brunswick. It is on the western side
of the Raritan, and about a mile from £be bridge near Middlebrook. Only the center building was in ex-
istence at the time in question, and that seems to have been enlarged. Each wing has since been added.
The interior of the old part is kept in the same condition as it was when Steuben occupied it, being, like
most of the better dwellings of that time, neatly wainscoted with pina. wrought into moldings and panels.
Digitized by
Google
334
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
view from Wtshington's Rock.
Another similar Rock at Plainfield.
Celebration at Plnckemin in 1779.
ing R&ritan and the Delaware and Hudson Canal. Little villages and neat fann-houses
dotted the picture in every direction. Southward, the spires of New Brunswick shot up
above the intervening: for.
ests, and on -
the left, as
seen in the pic-
ture, was spread the
expanse of Raritan and
Amboy Bays, with many
white sails upon their bo-
soms. Beyond were seen
the swelling hills of Staten
Island, and the more abrupt
heights of Neversink or Navesink
Mountains, at Sandy Hook. Upoi.
this lofty rock Washington often
stood, with his telescope, and reconnoi-
tered the vicinity. He overlooked his
camp at his feet, and could have de-
scried the marchings of the enemy at a
great distance upon the plain, or the evo-
lutions of a fleet in the waters beyond.
In the rear of Plainfield, at an equal ele-
vation, and upon the same range of hills,
is another rock b'-r^ri'^r^ n similar appella-
tion, and from the same cause. It is neai
the brow of the mountain, but, unlike the
one under consideration, it stands quite alone,
and rises from a slope of the hill,
about twenty-five feet firom
base to summit. From this
latter lofty position, it is
said, Washington watched
the movements of the ene-
my in the summer of 1777,
recorded on page 331.
While upon the mount-
ains, a haze that dimmed the
sky in the morning, gathering
into thick clouds, assumed the
nimbus form, and menaced us
with rain. This fact, and the
expectation of the speedy ar-
rival of the train for Somer-
ville, where I viras to take stage
for Easton,
on the Del-
aware, hur-
ried us back
I met an old
February 6,
177a
village. There
gentleman (whose name I have forgot-
ten), who, though a small boy at the
time, remembered the grand display at
Pluckemin during the encampment, on
the Anniversary of the alliance of America with France.' He remembered an
incident which I have not seen mentioned in the published accounts of that
' The following aocoont of this celebration, published at the time, will doubtless interest the reader. It
most be remembered that on the 6th of Febmary, 1778, Dr. Franklin and other American commissioners,
and commissioners appointed by the French government, signed a treaty of friendship and alliance between
the two countries. ^ The event alluded to occurred on the first anniversary (1779) of the alliance, or a few
days afterward. It was postponed imtil the 18th, on account of Washington's absence from camp. The
general-in-chief, and all the principal officers of the army there, Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Knox, Mrs. Greene,
and the ladies and gentlemen for a large circuit around the camp, were of the company ; and there was a
vast concourse of spectators from every part of New Jersey.
The artillery were posted upon a piece of rising ground, and the entertainment was given by General
Knox and the officers of the artillery corps. The entertainment and ball were held at the academy of the
Park. The celebration was commenced at about four o'clock in the afternoon, by a discharge of thirteen
cannons. The company invited then sat down to dinner in the academy. In the evening a display of fire-
works was made, under the direction of Colonel Stevens, ** from the point of a temple one hundred feet in
length, and proportionately high.'' The temple showed thirteen arches, each displaying an illuminated paint-
ing. The center arch was ornamented with a pediment larger than any of the others ; and the whole edi-
fice was supported by a colonnade of the Corinthian order. The illuminated paintings were disposed in the
following order : The 1st arch on the right represented the conmiencement of hostilities at Lexington, with
this inscription : " The scene opened." 2d. British clemency, represented in the burning of Charlestown,
Falmouth, Norfolk, and Kingston. 3d. The separation of America from Britain. A magnificent arch broken
in the center, with this motto : ** By your t3rranny to the people of America, yon have separated the wide
arch of an extended empire." 4th. Britain represented as a decaying empire, by a barren country, broken
arches, fallen spires, ships deserting its shores, birds of prey hovering over its moldering cities, and a gloomy
setting sun. Motto,
** The Babjionian iplrM are smik,
Achaia, Rome, and Egypt moldered down ;
Time shakei the itable tjranny of thronea,
Aod tottering empirea eroah by their own weight**
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. • 335
Inddant at Phickemii^ Departure from Bfiddlebrook. Somenrille. Incldenti by the Way. Aniral at Easton.
afiair. He said that several boys had possession of a small swivel, and, in firing it, one
of them, while loading, had his hand blown off by a premature discharge of the piece. The
boy was the son of a widow, and Washington, hearing of the circumstance, sent his mother
two guineas.
I left Middlebrook at noon, and within half an hour was at dinner in Somerville, five or
six miles distant, whence, at one o'clock, I departed in a stage-coach for Easton. Within
the coach were seven grown persons, three children about ten years old, and two babies of
a respectable size and sound lungs ; while on the outside were four passengers and the driver,
and an indefinite quantity of baggage. The roads were excessively dusty. The rain that
commenced falling gently soon after leaving Somerville relieved us of that annoyance, but
produced a greater — ^the necessity of having the windows of the coach closed, to keep out the
drippings of the increasing storm. A wheezing old gentleman in green goggles insisted upon
keeping the window open near him, to save him from sufibcation ; while a shadowy, mid-
dle-aged lady, upon the next seat, wrapped in a cloak, as earnestly declared that it sHould
be closed to save her from an ague that had threatened her for a week. The matter ap-
peared to be very properly a casus beUi, as prime ministers say ; but, unlike the action of
prime ministers in general, the controversy was compromised by mutual concessions, the
crooked roads over the rough hills presenting a basis for an amicable treaty of peace. It
Mras agreed that, when the course of the road brought the lady to the windward, the window
was to be closed, and at other times the gentleman was to be accommodated with fresh air.
The country through which we passed is beautifully diversified with lofty hills and deep
ravines, forming numerous water courses, whose irrigating streams fertilize the broad valleys
which are found occasionally imbosomed among the less fertile, but cultivated mountains.
Of these, the Musconetcong,' through which flows a small river of the same euphonious
name, dividing the counties of Hunterdon and Warren, is said to be one of the most charm-
ing. We crossed the Musconetcong at the pretty little village of Bloomsbury, at twilight, but
the gloaming and the rain deprived us of the pleasure of a view of the valley and its thriv-
ing town. We were now within six miles of the Delaware, and as the darkness deepened
the storm increased ; and when, at seven o'clock, we crossed the river, and reined up at the
hotel in Easton, we seemed to alight in the very court of Jupiter Pluvius.
Easton is upon the right bank of the Delaware, at its confluence with the Lehigh River,
thirty-seven miles northwest from Somerville. Arriving there after dark, and departing the
next morning before daylight, I had no opportunity to view it. It is said to be a place of
much business, and inhabited by a well-educated, social, and highly moral population, and
is in the midst of natural scenery singularly picturesque. It has but little Revolutionary
history, and that relates chiefly to contests with the Indians. Here the division of the army
5t]i. Amerioa represented as a rising empire. Prospect of a fertile country, harbors and rivers covered with
■hips, new canals opening, cities arising amid woods, splendid son emerging from a bright horizon. Motto,
** New worlds are stQl emerging fh>in the deep,
The old deeoendhig, in their tuma to riae."
6th. A grand illominated representation of Louis the Sixteenth, the enoonrager of letters, the sap-
porter of the rights of humanity, the ally and friend of the American people. 7th. The center arch. The
Fathers in Congress. Motto, " NU detperandwn reipublicm.^* 8th. The American philosopher and em-
bassador extracting lightning from the clouds. 9th. The battle near Saratoga, 7th of October, 1 777. 1 0th.
The Convention of Smtoga. 11th. A representation of the sea fight, off Ushant, between Count d'Orvil-
liers and Admiral Keppel. 12th. Warren, Montgomery, Mercer, Wooster, Nash, and a crowd of heroes
who have fallen in the American contest, in Elysium, receiving the thanks and praises of Brutus, Cato, and
those spirits who in all ages have gloriously struggled against tyrants and tyranny. Motto, " Those who
!thed their blood in such a cause shall live and reign forever." 13th represented Peace, vdth all her train
of blessings. Her right hand displaying an olive branch ; at her feet lay the honors of harvest ; the back-
ground was filled with flourishing cities ; ports crowded with ships ; and other emblems of an extensive
empire and unrestrained commerce.
When the fire-works were finished, the company concluded the celebration by a splendid ball, which was
opened by Washington, whose partner was the lady of General Knox.
' This is an Indian word, signifying *^a rapitUrunning stream.'^
Digitized by
Google
336 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
SttOiTui's Expedition. Indian CoanciL W14teAebl and BraiBard.
of Sullivan, under his immediate command, rendezvoused previous to its flying and desolat-
ing campaign against the Six Nations in central New York in 1779, and hither came the
poor fugitives from the blackened Valley of Wyoming, after the terrible massacre and burn-
ing there in 1778. It has history antecedent to this, but in a measure irrelevant to our
subject. Here, in 1758, the chiefs of the Indian tribes, the Delawares, Shawnees, Miamis,
Nanticokes, Mohicans, Conoys, Monseys, and all of the Six Nations, assembled in grand
council with the Grovemors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Sir William Johnson, and
other distinguished men ; and the eloquence and good sense of the great Indian diplomatist,
Teedyuscung, were here displayed on several occasions. Here, too, before the cabin of the
white man was built upon the Delaware above Trenton, the surrounding hills echoed the
voices of the eminent Whitefield and Brainerd,' as they proclaimed the Gospel of Peace to
the heathen ; and here the good Moravians sang their hymns and held their love-feasts in
the wigwams of the Indians.
' GsoRas Whitsfiild was born in Gloucester, England, December 16th, 1714. Alter making some
progress in learning, he was obliged to assist his mother, who kept an inn. At the age of eighteen he en-
ter^ Oxford, where he became acquainted with the Wesleys (John and Charles), the founders of the Meth-
odists. He joined these eminent Christians, took orders, and was ordained by the bishop in Jane, 1736.
Mr. John Wesley was then in Oeorgria, and by his persuasion Whitefield embarked for AJnerica. He ar-
rived at Savannah in May, 1738, and returned to England in September following. Bishop Benson ordain-
ed him priest in January, 1739. He made several voyages to America, and traveled through nearly all the
colonies. He went to the Bermudas in 1748. In 1769 he made his seventh and last voyage to America.
After preaching in difierent parts of the country, he died suddenly at Newburyport, Massachusetts, Septem-
ber 30th, 1770, aged fifty-five. His powers of eloquence were wonderful, and his ministry was exceedingly
fruitful. His voice was powerful. Dr. Franklin estimated that thirty thousand people might hear him dis-
tinctly when «)r««ohing in the open air. Of him Cowper wrote,
« He loved the world tliat hated him J ttieteer
That dropped npon his Bible wai sincere ;
Assailed by scandal and die tongue of strife,
Bis auij answer was a blameless life ;
And he that forged and he that threw the dart.
Had each a brother's Interest in his heart
PanTs loTB of Christ and steadiness nnbribed
Were copied dose in him, and well transcribed ;
He followed Paul, his zeal a kindred flamoi •
His ^)ostolio charitj the same ;
Like him, crossed cheerfiilly tenqMStuoos seas,
Forsaking country, kindred, friends, and ease ;
Like him he labored, and Ifte him content
To bear It, suffer shame where'er be wait
Blush, Calumny 1 and write upon Us tomb,
f hmiest eulogy can spare Ihee room.
Hie deep repentance of thy thousand lies.
Which, aimed at him, hare pierced th' offended skies,
And say, blot out my sin, confessed, deplored.
Against thine image In thy sain^ ch. Lord I"
David Bbainerd was bom at Haddam, Connecticut, April 20th, 1718. He entered Tale CoUe^e in
1739 ; but, being expelled in 1742, on account of some indiscreet remarks respecting one of the tutors, he
never obtained Us degree. He inmiediately commenced the study of divinity. Toward the close of the
year he was licensed to preach, and immedia^ly aiVerward was appointed a missionary to the Indians. His
first efforts were made among the Stookbridge Lndians, about fifteen miles from Kinderhook, New York.
There he lodged upon straw^ and his food was the simple fare of the savages. After the Stookbridge In-
dians agreed to remove to Stookbridge, and place themselves under the instruction of Mr. Sergeant, Brain-
erd went to the Indians upon the Delaware. There he 'labored for a while, and then visited the Indians
at Crossweeksung, or Crosswioks, in New Jersey, where he was very successful. He worked an entire re-
form in the lives of the savages at that plaoe. In the summer of 1746, Mr. Brainerd visited the Indians
upon the Susquehanna. The next spring, finding his health giving way, he traveled in New England. In
July he halted at Northampton, and there, in the family of Jonathan Edvrards, he passed the remaining
weeks of his life. He died October 9th, 1747, aged twenty-nine years. His exertions in the Christian
cause were of short continuance, but they were intense, incessant, and effectual
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION
337
Deptftnre ibr Wyominf.
NaaareCh.
ItiOrigtai.
A chUlin; Miat
Nap in the Coach
CHAPTER XV.
" On Sosquehaima^fl side, fair Wyoming !
Although the wild flowers on thy ruined wall
And roofless homes a sad remembrance bring
Of what thy gentle people did befall,
Yet thou wert once the loveliest land of all
That see the Atlantic's wave their mcnm restore."
Campbxll.
" Thou com'st in beauty on my gaze at last,
. * On Susquehanna's side, fair Wyoming,'
Image of many a dream, in hours long past,
When life was in its bud and blossoming,
And waters, gushing from the fountain spring
Of pure enthusiast thought, dinmi'd my young eyes,
As by the poet borne, on unseen wing,
I breathed, in fancy, 'neath thy cloudless skies.
The summer's air, and heard her echoed harmonies."
Hallsck.
LEFT Easton for the Valley of Wyoming, sixty miles distant, at three o'clock
in the morning. The storm was oyer, and the hroken clouds, flitting upon a
cool wind from the northwest, permitted a few gleams of moonlight to stray
f^ ' down to earth. Although there were but three passengers in the coach (two
•^ ladies and an infant), I took a seat with the driver, for there were promises of
a bright morning and magnificent scenery. The coachman was a good-natured
Pennsylvania Dutchman, rather taciturn, and such an adept in his profession
that his practiced ear detected the absence of a "shoe from the foot of one of the
•* leaders" when three miles from Easton. A blacksmith by the road side was
aroused, the shoe was replaced, and within an hour we had ascended the fertile
slopes of the Delaware and Lehigh, to Nazareth, a Moravian village about half
way between Easton and the Wind-gap in the Blue Mountains. The day had
not yet dawned, yet the snatches of moonlight enabled me to observe the uni-
form and neat appearance of the houses in the village.' We were now high
among the hills, whence the mists from the rivers and valleys had rolled up
when the storm ceased at midnight, and I was glad to take shelter from the
chilling vapor within the coach. The seats were spacious, and, having one in
exclusive vpossession, I made a couch of it, using the carpet bag of one of the
ladies for a pillow, and slept soundly for an hour. When I awoke, liie morning light was
^ Nazareth is seven miles northwest of Easton. It contains a church, a sisters' house, a large and flour-
ishing seminary for boys, and the usual dead-house and cemetery peculiar to the sect. The place was named,
and, it may be said, founded, by the Rev. George Whitefield, the eloquent cosmopolite preacher. He had
labored in conjunction with the Moravians in Georgia. When, about 1740, they refused to take up arms
for the governor of the province, and left Georgia for the more peaceful domain of William Penn, Whitefield
accompanied them. He began to erect a large building " in the Forks of the Delaware" as a school for
negro children, while the Moravians, under Bishop Nischman, purchased the site and founded the town of
Bethlehem, about ten miles distant. Whitefield named his domain, or manor, Nazareth. He did not com-
I^ete his building, but sold ** the manor of Nazareth" to the Moravians, who finished the edifice. It is still
standing, in the eastern border of the village. The Moravian Sisters of Bethlehem wrought an elegant ban-
ner, and presented it to Count Pulaski. A drawing of the banner, and the beautiful Consecration Hymn, writ-
ten by Longfellow, will be found in another part of this work.
Y
Digitized by
Google
338 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
PASMge tfarougfa the Wind-gap The great Walk. Roscommon Tavern. An Offioe-hnnter.
abroad, and we were within half a mile of the Wind-gap. I again mounted the driver's
box, for all around us Nature was displaying her attractions in the plenitude of her magnifi-
cence and beauty. Before us, and in close proximity, were the Blue Mountains, their sum-
mits curtained in a white fog that was rising toward the loftier clouds. Behind us, far down
into the valleys and intervales, orchards, corn-fields, forests, and meadows were spread out
like a carpet of meUow tints, and on every side the gentle breeze was shaking the rain-drops
from the boughs in diamond showers, glittering in the first rays of the morning sun. While
the bleating of sheep and the bellowing of cattle reminded us of cultivated fields behind us,
the whirring of the pheasant, the drumming of the partridge, and the whistling of the quail
among the rocks and lolly evergreens around betokened the uncultivated wildemesq.
The Wind-gap, unlike the far-famed Water-gap^ in the same cluster of mountains, is a
deep depression of the summit of the range, is quite level on both sides of the road for a con-
siderable distance, and exhibits none of the majestic precipices of the latter. The earth is
covered with masses of angular rocks, among which shoot up cedar and other trees and shrubs,
chiefly of the coniferss order ; but the road, by industry, is made quite smooth. The hills
rise on each side of the Gap to an altitude of eight hundred feet, clothed and crowned with
trees. It was through this pass in the mountains that two expert walkers crossed to a spur
of the Pocono when measuring the extent of a district of country northwest of the Delaware,
for the proprietors of Pennsylvania, in 1737. The Indians had agreed, for a certain con-
sideration, to sell a tract of land included within prescribed points on the river, and extend-
ing back as far as a man could " walk in a day and a half" The proprietors immediately
advertised f(9r the most expert walkers in the province, and they performed a journey, in the
day and a half, of eighty-six miles ! The Indians were greatly dissatisfied, for they had no
idea that such a distance could be accomplished, and it included some of their finest lands.
The walkers ran a considerable portion of the way. They ate as they traveled, and never
stopped from sunrise until sunset. One old Indian said, bitterly, when complaining of the
cheat, " No sit down to smoke— oio shoot a squirrel, but lun, lun, lun, all day long.'* The
Indians, supposing the walk would end not far from the Wind-gap, had collected there in
great numbers ; but, to their astonishment, the walkers reached that point on the evening
of the first day.
The turnpike road through the Wind-gap, and across the valleys and mountains, to Wilkes-
barre, was made by Sullivan for the passage of his troops in 1779, when marching to join
General Clinton on the Tioga. Before that time the pass was little more than a rough In-
dian war-path, and its obscurity made the hurried flight of the people from Wyoming over
the solitary region more perplexing and dreadful than it would be now.
We descended from the Wind-gap, on the western side of the mountain, along a steep and '
winding road, skirting a precipice, crossed a beautiful mountain stream, and alighted at the
Roscommon Tavern, among the hills, where we breakfasted at seven o'clock. At the table
we were honored by the presence of one of the five candidates for the ofiice of sherifl* of Mon-
roe county. He was out canvassing the district for votes, and a more earnest, intelligent,
good-humored man I have seldom met. His strongest claim to the honors and emoluments
of the office seemed to rest upon the fact that he was a representative of New England
pedagogi^eism in the Wyoming Valley as early as " forty years ago ;" had taught the " young
ideas" of the fathers of three Wilkesbarre lawyers " how to shoot," and, therefore, he assumed
to have an undisputed right to the privilege of hanging the inhabitants of a neighboring county.
He accompanied us to the next tavern, the proprietor of which, a fat little man, though al-
ready bearing upon his shoulders the responsibilities of a postmaster, was another aspirant
ambitiously wheezing for the office of sherifl*. Both were too good-natured to be made rivals;
^ The Water-gap is the passage through the Kittatinny or Blae Mountains of the Delaware River, ahout
three miles from Stroudsburg. This village is upon the Delaware, twenty-four miles above Easton, and
was the first settlement which the fugitives from Wyoming reached when fleeing from the valley in 1778
There was a fort there, called Hamilton, during the French and Indian war, and near the eastern end of
th^ village Fort Penn was built during the Revolution.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 339
Aicent of die Pooono. Tha Mountain Scenery. SoUtnde of the Region. A Soldier Coachman. Firit View of Wyoming
they were only different candidates professingp the same political faith. We left them com-
paring notes over a glass of whisky, and in the course of a few hours we had crossed fertile
little valleys and parallel ranges of mountains, and heg^n the toilsome ascent of the famous
Pooono. From hase to summit, the distance, hy the road, is ahout three miles, one third
of which is a straight line up the mountain at an angle of thirty-five degrees. Then our way
was along the precipitous sides of the hills, from which we could look upon the tops of tall
trees, hundreds of feet below. It was noon when we reached the level summit, two thou-
sand feet above tide water ; and there, three fourths of a mile from the eastern brow of the
mountain, John Smith keeps a tavern, and furnished us with an excellent dinner.
The road upon the top of Pocono is perfectly level a distance of four miles ; and all the
way to the Wilkesbarre Mountains, twenty miles, there is but little variation in the alti-
tude. On the left, near Smith's, is an elevation called the Knob, about two hundred feet
above the general level, from the apex of which it is said the highest peaks of the Catskills,
sixty miles distant, may be distinctly seen on a clear morning. All around is a perfect wil-
derness as far as the eye can reach, and so trifling are the variations from a level, that the
country appears like a vast plain. The whole is covered with shrub oaks, from three to
ten feet in height, from which rise lofly pines, cedars, and tamaracks, interspersed with a
few birch and chestnut trees, and occasionally a mountain ash with its blazing berries. The
shrub oaks, at a distance, appeared like the soft light green grass of a meadow, and groups
of lofty evergreens dotted the expanse like orchards upon a prairie. Here and there a huge
blasted pine, black and leafless, towered above the rest, a
' Stem dweller of the mountain I with its feet
Grasping the crag, and lifting to the sky
Its haughty crest I"
Vast cranberry marshes spread out upon this high, rolling table-land, and supply the sur-
rounding settlements with an abundance of that excellent fruit. Indeed, the whole region
is almost a continuous morass, and the road, a large portion of the way, is a causeway made
of logs. Here the gray eagle wheels undisturbed, the bear makes his lair, and the wild deer
roam in abundance. These, with the flocks of pheasants, and the numerous rabbits that
burrow upon this wild warren, invite the adventurous huntsman, willing to " camp out" in
the wilderness. No settlements enliven the way ; and the cabins and saw-mills of lumber-
men, 4¥here the road intersect* the streams, are the only evidences of a resident population,
except three or four places where a few acres have been redeemed from the poverty of na-
ture. This wilderness extends more than a hundred miles between the Delaware and Sus-
quehanna Rivers, and a death-like solitude broods over the region.
I kept my seat upon the driver's box all the way from the Wind-gap to Wilkesbarre,
charmed by the romance of the scene, rendered still more wild and picturesque by the dark
masses of cumulous clouds that overspread the heavens in the afternoon. The wind blew
very cold from the northwest, and the driver assured me that, during the hottest weather in
summer, the air is cool and bracing upon this lofty highway. Poor fellow, he was an ema-
ciated, blue-lipped soldier, recently returned from the battle-fields of Mexico, where the vom-
ito and agite had shattered a hitherto strong constitution, and opened his firm-knit system
to the free entrance of diseases of every kind. He was at Vera Cruz and Cerro Grordo. He
lay sick a whole summer at Perote, and. now had resumed the whip with the feeble hope
of regaining lost health.
We crossed the upper waters of the Lehigh at Stoddartsville, in the midst of the great
lumber country, and reached the brow of the Wilkesbarre Mountains just before sunset.
There a scene of rare grandeur and beauty was revealed, heightened by contrast with the
rugged and forbidding aspect of the region we had just traversed. The heavy clouds, like
a thick curtain, were lifW in the west to the apparent height of a celestial degree, and al-
lowed the last rays of the evening sun to flood the deep valley below us with their golden
light. The natural beauties of the vale, reposing in shadow, were for a moment brought
Digitized by
Google
340 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A charming Landscape. Arrhral at WUkesbarre. Charlea Minor, Esq. HU Pictareofold Wjondng.
out in bold outline ; and from our point of view we gazed upon a picture such as the paint
er's art can not imitate. Like a thread of silver the Susquehanna appeared, in its winding
course, among the lofty, overshadowing trees, upon its margin, and the villages, hamlets,
green woodlands, rich bottoms, and fruitful intervales of Wyoming, twenty miles in extent,
and the purple mountains on its western borders were all included in the range of our vision.
The thought, impious though it may be, came into my mind, that if Satan, when he took
Tmmanuel to the top of an *< exceeding high mountain," exhibited a scene like this, the tempt-
ition was certainly great. Wilkesbarre,* apparently at our feet, was three miles distant,
and it was dark when wie reached the PhoBnix Hotel, upon the bank of the river. It had
been a fatiguing day's journey of sixty miles ; but a supper of venison, warm biscuit, and
honey, and a comfortable bed, made me feel perfectly vigorous in the morning, and prepared
for a ramble over the historic portions of the valley.
September 16^ Afrcr an early breakfast I rode to the residence of Charles Miner, Esq., about
1848. two miles fr6m the village, expecting to rely chiefly upon his varied and extens-
ive knowledge of the history of the valley for information concerning the localities of inter-
est, but was disappointed.* He was sufiering from a severe attack of an epidemic fever
then prevailing in the valley, and was unable even to converse much, yet I have not foigot-
ten the sincere regrets and kind wishes he expressed. He referred me to several gentlemen
in the village, descendants of the first settlers in the valley, and to one of them (Mr. Lord
Butler, a grandson of Colonel Zebulon Butler) I am indebted for many kind services while
I remained there. He accompanied me to the several localities of interest in the valley, and
furnished me with such facilities for acquiring information as only a stranger can appreciate.
We visited Kingston, Forty Fort, the monument, the chief battle-ground. Fort Wintermoot,
Monocasy Island, Sec, ; but a record of the day's ramble will be better understood afrer a
consultation of the history, and we will, therefore, proceed to unclasp the old chronicle.
History and song have haUowed the Valley of Wyoming, and every thing appertaining to
it seems to be wrapped in an atmosphere of romance. Its Indian history, too, long antecedent
to the advent of the whites there, is ftdl of the poetry which clusters around the progress of
the aborigines. Mr. Miner gives a graphic picture of the physical aspect of the valley. <* It
is diversified," he says, <* by hill and dale, upland and intervale. Its character of extreme
richness is derived from the extensive flats, or river bottoms, which, in some places, extend
from one to two miles from the stream, unrivaled in expansive beauty, unsurpassed in luxu-
riant fertility. Though now generally cleared and cultivated, to protect the soil from floods
a fringe of trees is left along each bank of the river — ^the sycamore, the e\m, and more es-
pecially the black walnut, while here and there, scattered through the fields, a huge shell-
bark yields its summer shade to the weary laborers, and its autumn fruit to the black and
gray squirrel, or the rival plow-boys. Pure streams of water come leaping from the mount-
ains, imparting health and pleasure in their course ; all of them abounding with the deU-
cious trout. Along those brooks, and in the swales, scattered through the uplands, grow
^ This name is compoanded of two, and was given in honor of John Wilke$ and Colonel Barrl, two of the
ablest advocates of America, through the press and on the floor of the British Hoose of Commons, during
the Revolution.
* Mr. Miner is the author of a " History of Wyomingy*^ a valuable work of nearly six hundred pages, and
possessing the rare merit of originality, for a large proportion of its contents is a record of information ob-
tained by him from the lips of old residents whose lives and memories ran parallel with the Revolutionary
history of the valley, and events immediately antecedent thereto. He folded up little books of blank paper,
took pens and ink, and, aooompanied by his daughter Sarah, who, though blind, was a cheerful and agree-
able companion, and possessed a very retentive memory, visitoil thirty or forty of the old people who were
in the valley at the time of the invasion in 1778. ''We have come," he said to them, "to inquire about
old Wyoming ; pray tell us all you know. We wish an exact picture, such as the valley presented sixtj
years ago. Give us its lights and. shadows, its joys and sormws." At night, on returning home, he read
over to his daughter what he had taken down, and carefully corrected, by the aid of her memory, '' any error
into which the pen had fallen." In this way Mr. Miner collected a great amount of local history, which
must otherwise have perished with the source whence he derived it. I shall draw liberally upon his inter-
esting volume for many of my historic facts concerning Wyoming.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
341
AackBtBamtj and PeitOlty of Wyoming. Campbell'i **G6rtrude of Wyoming.** ItiErrora. Pint TribM in tlie V«Uey
the wild plum and the bntter-nut, while, wherever the hand of the white man has spared it,
the native grape may be gathered in un-
limited profusion. I have seen a grape-
vine bending beneath its purple clusters,
one branch climbing a butter-nut, loaded
with fruit, another branch resting upon a
wild plum, red with its delicious burden ;
the while, growing in the shade, the ha-
zel-nut was ripening its rounded kernel.
*< Such were the common scenes when
the white people first came to Wyoming,
which seems to have been founded by Na-
ture, a perfect Indian Paradise. Game ,
' of every sort was abundant. The quail
whistled in the meadow; the pheasant
rustled in its leafy covert ; the wild duck
reared her brood and bent the reed in ev-
ery inlet ; the red deer fed upon the hills ;
while in the deep forests, within a few
hours' walk, was found the stately elk.
The river yielded at all seasons a supply
of fish ; the yellow perch, the pike, the
catfish, the bass, the roach, and, in the
spring season, myriads of shad."^
Campbell, vdih a poet's license, sung,
** Delightful Wyoming I beneath thy skies
The happy shepherd swains had naught to do
But feed their flocks on green declivities,
Or skim perchance, thy lake with light canoe,
From mom till evemng's sweeter pastime grew,
With timbrel, when beneath the forest's brow
Thy lovely maidens would the dance renew ;
And aye those sunny mountains half way down
Would echo flageolet from some romantic town.
" Then, when of Indian hills the daylight takes
His leave, how might you the flamingo see,
Disporting like a meteor on the lakes —
And playful squirrel on his nut-grown tree :
And every sound of life was foil of glee,
From merry mock-bird's song, or hum of men «
While hearkening, fearing naught their revebry,
• The wild deer arched his neck from glades, and then,
Unhunted, sought his woods and wilderness again.'^
Wyoming, in the Delaware language, signifies *< large plains." By what particulai In-
dian nation or thbe it was first settled is not certainly known, but it is probable that the
Delawares held dominion there long before the powerful confederacy of the Five Nations, by
whom they were subjugated, was formed. The tribes known as the Wyoming Indians, unto
whom Zinzendorf and his Moravian brethren preached the Gospel, and who occupied the
plains when the white settlers from Connecticut first went there, were of the Seneca and
> Miner's Hittory of Wyammgy preliminary chapter, p. xiv.
* Qtrtrudt of Wyoming. This beautiful poem is foil of errors of every kind. The *^ lakes," the " fla
mingo," and the '* mock bird" are all strangers to Wyoming ; and the historical allusions in the poem are
quite as much strangers to truth. But it is a charming poem, and hyperoritioism may consoientiouslr pass
by and leave its beauties untouched.
Digitized by
Google
342
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Comt Zinnndorl Hk Vkit to Wjomlng. Jaaloiuj of the f ndUna. Attempt to murder Um. Proyidantiel Cinmmetnoe
Oneida natiooB, connected by intermarriage with the Mingoee, and the subjugated Leni-
Lenapes, or Delawares. As it is not my province to unravel Indian history, we will pasp
to a brief ccmsideration of the white settlements there.
The first European whose feet trod the Valley of Wyoming was Count Zinzendorf, who,
while visiting his Mo-
ravian brethren at
Bethlehem and Naza-
reth, in 1742, extend-
ed his visits among the
teighboring Indians.
Qis warm heart had
been touched by the
accounts he had re-
ceived of the moral
degradation of the sav-
ages, and, unattended,
except by an interpret-
er, he traversed the
wilderness and preach-
ed salvation to the red
men. In one of these
excursions he crossed
the Pocono, and pen-
etrated to the Valley
of Wyoming. With
a missionary named
Mack, and his wife,
who accompanied him,
he pitched his tent
upon the western bank
of the Susquehanna, a
little below the present
village of Kingston, at
the foot of t high hill,
and near a place in the
river known as Toby's
Eddy. A tribe of the
Shawnees had a vil-
lage upon the site of
Kingston. They held
a council to listen to
the communications of
the missionaries, but,
suspicious of all white
men, they could not be-
hove that Zinzendorf
and his companions
had crossed the Atlan-
tic for the sole purpose of promoting the spiritual welfare of the Indians. They concluded
that the strangers had come to ** spy out their country" with a view to dispossess them of
their lands ; and, with such impressions, they resolved to murder the count. The savages
feared the English, and instructed those who were appointed to assassinate Zinzendorf to do
it with all possible secrecy. A cool September night was chosen for the deed, and two stout
Indians proceeded stealthily from the town to the tent of the missionary. He was alone, re-
clining upon a bundle of dry weeds, engaged in writing, or in devout meditation. A blanket
curtain formed the door of his tent, and, as the Indians cautiously drew this aside, they had
a full view of their victim. The benignity of his countenance filled them with awe, but an
incident (strikingly providential) more than his appearance changed the current of their feel-
ings. The tent-cloth was suspended from the branch of a huge sycamore, in such a manner
that the partially hollow trunk of the tree was within its folds. At its foot the count had
built a fire, the warmth of which had aroused a rattlesnake in its den ; and at the moment
when the savages looked into the tent the venomous reptile was gUding harmlessly across
the legs of their intended victim, who did not see either the serpent or the lurking murder-
ers. They at once regarded him as under the special protection of the Great Spirit, were
Count Zinskkbohv.!
' Nicolas Lewis, Count Zinzendorf^ was descended from an ancient Austrian family, and was the son of
a chamberlain of the King of Pohmd. He was born in May, 1700, and was educated at Halle and Utrecht.
When about twenty-one years of age, he purchased the lordship of Berthholdsdorp, in Lusatia. Some poor
Christians, followers of John Huss, soon afterward settled upon his estate. Their piety attracted his atten-
tion, and he joined them. From that time until lus death he labored zealously for the good of mankind.
The village of Hemhutt was built upon his estate, and soon the sect spread throughout Bohemia and Mo-
ravia. He traveled through Germany, Denmark, and Enghmd, and in 1741 came to America, and preached
St Germantown and Bethlehem. He returned to Europe in 1743, and died at Hemhutt in 1760. The
Moravian missionaries were very successful in their operations. They established stations in various parts
of Europe, in Greenland, in the West Indies, and in Georgia and Pennsylvania. Piety, zeal, benevolence,
and self-denial always marked the Moravians, and at the present day they bear the character of '* the best
of people."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION
343
View NJCAA Toby's Eddt.*
Tobj*! Eddy. ZlnzendorTi Camp^oond. Alienation of the Indiana. Onadenhutten. The Soaqoehanna Company
filled with profi>und reverenoe for his person, and, returning to the tribe, so impressed their
fellows with the holiness of Zinzen-
dorf 's character, that their enmity
was changed to veneration. A
successful mission was established
there, which was continued until a
war between the Shawnees and the
Delawares destroyed the peace of
the valley.^
Not long aflerward the war that
ensued between the English and
French drew the line of separation
so distinctly between the Indian
tribes that respectively espoused
either cause, that the excitements
of warlike zeal repressed the relig-
ious sentiments which the indefati-
gable missionaries were difiusing
among the savages. The tribes in
the interest of the French soon be-
gan to hover around the Moravian
settlements. Gnadenhutten was
destroyed, and the other settlements were menaced.* For several years these pious mission-
aries suffered greatly, and the white settlements were broken up. After the defeat of Brad-
dock in 1755, the Delawares went over to the French, and the frontiers of Pennsylvania
and Virginia were terribly scourged by these new allies of the enemies of the Engli^.
In 1753 an association was formed in Connecticut, called the Susquehanna Company,
the object of which was to plant a colony in the Wyoming Valley, a region then claimed
by Connecticut by virtue of its ancient unrepealed charter.* To avoid difficulties with the
' This was originated in the foUowing manner. The Shawnees were a seoladad clan, living, by permis-
sion of the Delawares, upon the western bank of the Susqaehanna. On a certain day, when the warriors
of both tribes were engaged in the chase upon the mountains, a party of women and children of the Shaw-
nees crossed to the Delaware side to gather fruit, and were joined by some of the squaws and children of
the latter. At length a quarrel arose between two of the chUdren about the possession of a grasshopper.
The mothers took part respectively with their children, and the quarrel extended to all the women on both
sides. The Delaware squaws were more numerous, and dfove the Shawnees home, killing several on the
way. The Shawnee hunters, on their return, espousing the cause of their women, armed themselves, and,
crossing the river, attacked die Delawares ; a bloody battle ensued, and the Shawnees, overpowered, re-
tired to the banks of the Ohio, and joined their more powerful brethren. How many wars between Chris-
tian nations have originated in a quarrel about some miserable grasshopper I
* This is a view upon a stream called Mud Creek, a few rods from its mouth, at Toby's Eddy, in the Sus-
quehanna, about a inile below Kingston. It was pointed out to me as the place where, tradition avers,
Count Zinzendorf erected his tent, and where the singular circumstance related in the text occurred. It
was near sunset on a mild day (September 16th, 1848) when I visited the spot, and a more inviting phioe
for retirement and meditation can scarcely be imagined. It is shaded by venerable sycamore, butternut,
elm, and black walnut trees. From the Eddy is a fine view of the plain whereon the Delawares had their
village, and of the mountains on the eastern side of the valley. The eddy is caused by a bend in the river.
' The Moravians had established six missionary settlements in the vicinity of the Forks of the Delavirare,
or the junction of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers, viz., Nazareth, Bethlehem, Nain, Freidenshal, Ganden-
thanl, and Gnadenhutten. The latter, the name of which in English is " Huts of Mercy,'' was founded
chiefly for the accommodation and protection of those Indians who embraced the Christian fkith. Hence it
was Uie first settlement attacked by the hostile savages.
^ When the regions in the interior of America were unknown, the charters given to the oolonists were
generally very vague respecting their western boundary. They defined the extent of each colony along
the Atlantic coast, but generally said of the westward extent, " from sea to sea." Such was the expres-
sion in the Connecticut charter, and Wyoming, lying directly west of that province, was claimed as a por-
tion of its territory. The intervening portion of New York, being already in actual possession of the Dutch,
was not included in the claim.
Digitized by
GoogI'
344 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Pimliiiii of WyomJBg. Hm Dekwara Comptny. OppoaidooofPflBD^TMiivif. DeatbofTaedyiMeaiig
Indians, the agents of the company were directed to purchase the land of the Six Nations,
the actual owners, though it was then in possession of the Delawares. A deputation for the
purpose attended the great convention and Indian council which was held at Albany in 1754,
and, notwithstanding the strong efibrts made by the Groyemor of Pennsylyania, through his
agents, to the contrary, the purchase was effected. The tract bargained fi>r included the
whole Valley of Wyoming and the country westward to the Allegany River. The Penn-
sylvanians were irritated at what they called an unfair and illegal encroachment of the Con-
necticut people, and in strong terms protested against the purchase, for they claimed that
iIm whole country included therein was covered by the charter granted to William Penn.
Here, then, was planted the seed which soon burst forth into a mature tree, and bore the
apples of discord in abundance.
Another Connecticut association, called the Delaware Company, had purchased lands upon
the Delaware River, at a place called Cushetunk. They commenced a settlement there in
1757, and the Susquehanna Company prepared to plant their colony in Wyoming the fol-
lowing year. But, owing to the unsettled statd of the country, the French and Indian war
then being in progress, the settlement was deferred until 1762, when about two hundred
colonists pushed forward, and commenced building and planting near the mouth of IVdl
Creek, a little above the present site of Wilkesbarre. The Indians, and among them their
great chief Teedyuscung, were at first opposed to this settlement of the whites in the valley,
but were soon reconciled, and lived in daily friendly intercourse with the new comers. The
Pennsylvanians, however, determined to repel what they held to be a bold encroachment
upon their rights. Proclamations were issued, and writs of ejectment were placed in the
hands of the sheriff of Northampton county, within the limits of which Wyoming was sit-
uated ; but the Yankees continued to build and plant. They brought their families into the
valley, and new settlers were rapidly augmenting their numbers. An event now occurred
which At niio ti^rrible blow cut off this flourishing settlement.
I briefly adverted, at the close of the last chapter, to the fact that a great council was
held at Easton in 1758, where Teedyuscung, the Delaware chief, acted a conspicuous part.
The Six Nations regarded the Delawares as subjects, and were jealous of the popularity and
power of Teedyuscung. They could not brook his advancement, and in the autumn of 1 763
a party of warriors descended the Susquehanna, and came to the valley upon a pretended
visit of friendship. As previously concerted, they set fire to the house of Teedyuscung on a
certain night, and the chief was burned in it ; while, to crown their wicked act, they adroitly
charged the deed upon the whites. The Delawares believed the tale. They loved their
chief, and determined on revenge. At broad noon, on the 1 4th of October, they at-
tacked and massacred thirty of the settlers in their fields.* The whole settlement was
speedily alarmed, and men, women, and children fled to the mountains, firom which they
saw their houses plundered and their cattle driven away. At night the torch was applied
to their buildings, and the lovely abode of several hundred peaceful dwellers in the morning
was made a desolation. Over the wilderness of the Pocono they made their way to the
Delaware, and so on to their homes in Connecticut, a distance of two hundred and fif^
miles. The blow was as imexpected as it was merciless, for they regarded the Delawares
as their friendly neighbors.'
The Susquehanna Company did not attempt a settlement again for several years ; and
in the mean time the proprietaries of Pennsylvania, taking advantage of an Indian council
held at Fort Stanwix in 1768, made a direct purchase of the Wyoming Valley from the
Six Nations, and took a deed from some of the chiefs A lease of the valley for seven years
was given to three Pennsylvanians,* who established a trading house there, which they for-
^ This is the testimony of current history. Mr Miner, on the c<intrary, is persuaded that the same hands
that destroyed Teedyuscung — ^the Six Nations — ^perpetrated this outrage.
• Proud, Gordon, Chapman.
* Charles Stewart, Amos Ofirden, and John Jennings. The latter was tiie sheriff of the ooiinty. Charles
Stewart subsequently became a popular and efficient officer of the Pennsylvania line in the Continental army.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION 345
Hostnitleff between the ** Yankees'* and ** Pennymites." Erection of Forts. Captore of Dnrkee. Borrender of Ogden.
tified. Forty pioneers of the Susquehanna Company, prepared to act promptly, entered the
valley in February, 1769, and closely invested the Pennsylvania garrison. There were but
ten men in the block-house, but they had found means to send a message to Grovemor Penn,
informing him of their situation. They did not wait for succor, however, but, under pre-
tense of consulting about an amicable compromise, three of the Connecticut party were de-
coyed into the block-house, arrested by Sheriff Jennings, and sent to Easton Jail. The Con
necticut immigrants increased rapidly, and Jennings calVed upon the posse of the county and
several magistrates to assist in their arrest. Quite a formidable force marched to Wyoming,
but the Connecticut people had not been idle. They too had erected a block-house, which
they called Forty Fort. Jennings demolished its doors, and arrested thirty-one of the in-
mates, most of whom were taken to Easton Jail. They were admitted to bail, were re-
enforced by about two hundred from Connecticut, and, returning to Wyoming, built a fort,
which they called Fort Durkee, in honor of the officer elected to its command. This forti-
fication was about half a mile below Wilkesbarre, near the Shawnee Flats. They also
built thirty log houses around it, furnished with loop-holes for ibusketry, and^ the number of
the settlers being three hundred able-bodied men, Jennings could make no further impression
upon them. He reported to the Governor of Pennsylvania that the whole power of the county
was inadequate to dislodge the Yankees.
For a short time hostilities ceased, and the Susquehanna Company sent commissionerB to
Philadelphia to endeavor to negotiate a compromise.* Governor Penn refused to treat with
them, and sent an armed force to the valtey, under the command of Colonel Francis. He
demanded a surrender of Fort Durkee, but the order was not obeyed. He reconnoitered,
and, finding the works too strong to be successfully assaulted, returned to Philadelphia, leav-
uig Ogden, one of the lessees of the valley, with a small force in the neighborhood. A larger
force was assembled under SherifiT Jennings, well armed, and provided with a six pound can-
non. Captain Ogden, who was prowling about the settlement, hearing of the approach of
Jennings, darted suddenly among the houses with forty men, and captured several inhabit-
ants, among whom was Colonel Durkee. He was taken to Philadelphia, and closely im-
prisoned. Jennings, with two hundred armed men, appeared before the fort, and began the
erection of a battery. The garrison, alarmed, proposed to surrender upon certain conditions,
which were agreed to. The articles of capitulation were drayn up in due form and signed,
but Ogden acted in bad faith, and the seventeen settlers who were allowed by the capitula
tion to remain in the valley and harvest their crops, were plui](dered of every thing and
driven over the mountains.
In February, 1770, Lazarus Stewart led an armed party firom Lancaster into the Valley
of Wyoming, who were joined by another armed party firom Connecticut. They captured
Fort Durkee, and, proceeding to the house of Ogden (who was then absent), seized the can-
non already mentioned. Captain Ogden, on hearing of these transactions, hastened to Wyo-
ming with fif^y men, and garrisoned his own house. A party of fifty Yankees was sent
against him, and a skirmish ensued. Several Connecticut people were wounded, and one
was killed. Colonel Durkee' had now been released, and had returned from Philadelphia.
Under his command the Yankees commenced a regular siege upon the fortress of the Penny-
mites.* They mounted the four pound cannon upon the opposite side of the river, and for
several days played upon Ogden's house. Receiving no succor from Governor Penn, he sur-
rendered upon terms similar to those allowed the Yankees the year befi>re. He was to with*
^ Colonel Dyer, and Jedediah Elderkin, of Windham, Connecticut.
' J(^ Durkee was a native of that pordoa of Norwich, Conneotiout, called Bean Hill, and was generally
called the " bold Bean Hiller." He left Wyoming and retmned to Conneotioiit. When the Solution
broke oat, he entered into the contest zealoosly. He was at Bunker Hill, and was oonmiiBsiooed a colonel
in the Connecticut line. He was in the battle on Long Island, at Geimantown, and other engagements.
He died at his residence at Bean Hill in 1782, aged fifty-four years, and was buried with military honors.
' This civil commotion is usually termed the Pennymite and Yankee war. The former name was derived
from John Penn, governor of Pennsylvania when hostilities commenced.
Digitized by
Google
346 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
rreatment of OgdeQ. Another AttMk on tbe YankoM. Capture of Fort Durkee. Pennymitea Expelled. New Fortiflcatknia
draw himself and all his men from the valley, except six, who were to remain and guard his
property. But the Yankees, imitating Ogden's had faith with them, seized his property and
burned his house as soon as he was gone. Warrants were afWward issued by the Grovemor
of Pennsylvania against Lazarus Stewart, Zebulon Butler, and Lazarus Young, for the crime
of arson, but they were never harmed.
Governor Penn, fearing political outbreaks in his capital at that time, and unwilling to
^nd any of the few troops away from Philadelphia, called upon Greneral Gage, then in com-
mand at New York, for a detachment of his majesty's troops to restore order at Wyoming.
Gage refused compliance, and the Pennsylvanians were obliged to rely upon their own re-
sources. It was autumn before another attempt was made against the Yankees. Ogden,
with only one hundred and forty men, marched by the Lehigh route, to take the settlers by
surprise. From the tops of the mountains he saw the people at work in groups in their
fields, and, separating his force into parties equal in numbers to the unsuspecting farmers be-
low, they rushed down upon them, made several prisoners, and sent them to Easton. Ogden
lay concealed in the mountains, awaiting another opportunity to assail the Yankees. The
latter sent messengers to solicit aid from their friends on the Delaware. These fell into Og-
den's hands, and, learning from them the exact position of Fort Durkee, he made a night
attack upon it. It was filled with women and children, and the garrison, too weak tu
defend it, surrendered unconditionally. The fort and the houses of the settlement were
plundered, and many of the principal inhabitants were sent prisoners to Easton and Phila-
delphia.
A small garrison was left by Ogden in Fort Durkee. The Yankees having left the val-
1770 ^®y* ^®^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ vigilant. On the night of the 18th of December, between
twenty and thirty men, under Lazarus Stewart, reached the fort by stealth, and cap-
tured it, shouting, " Huzza for King George !*' The Penn3rmites were now, in turn, driven
from the valley. Stewart held possession of the fort until the middle of January following,
when the sherifi* of Northampton county, with a considerable force, arrived before it. Cap-
tain Ogden and his brother Nathan accompanied the expedition. A skirmish ensued at the
fort, and Nathan Ogden was killed.' Stewart perceived that he could not long hold out,
January, *^^ ^^ *^® night of the 20th withdrew firom the valley, leaving twelve men in the
177L £)ft. These were made prisoners and sent to Easton, and quiet again prevailed at
Wyoming.
For six months the Pennymites were undisturbed in the possession of the valley, and the
number of the settlers of C^den's party had increased to about eighty. But their repose
was suddenly broken by the descent from the mountains, on the 6th of July, of seventy armed
men from Connecticut, under Captain Zebulon Butler, and a party under Lazarus Stewart,
who had joined him. Ogden had built another and a stronger fort, which he called Fort
Wyoming.' The invaders were almost daily re-enforced, and commenced several military
works with a view of besieging Ogden and his party in the forts. The besieged were well
supplied with provisions, and, their works being strong, they defied the assailants. Ogden,
in the mean while, escaped from the fort by stratagem,* proceeded to Philadelphia, and sue*
oeeded in inducing the acting governor (Hamilton) to send a detachment of one hundred men
to Wyoming. The expedition was unsuccessful. After prosecuting the siege until the 11 th
of August, Captain Butler sent to the garrison a formal summons to surrender. The gar-
^ A settler named William Speddy was recognized as the man who discharged the musket that killed
Ogden, and in November he was tried for murder, at the Sapreme Court held in Philadelphia. He was
acquitted.
' This fort stood upon the ground now oooopied by the ooort-hoose in Wilkesbarre. There was another
fort on the bank of the river, a little below the Phosnix Hotel. Traces of the ditches were visible when I
visited the spot in 1848.
' Ogden prepared a light bmidle that would float upon the water, on which he fastened a hat. To this
bundle he attached a cord several yards in length, and, entering the river, swam past the sentinels, drawing
the bundle at the distance of the length of the cord behind him. The hat was fired at several time^ but
Ogden escaped unhurt.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 347
CloMofdieCiTil War. Organization of • Goremment Effort to a4jatt DifllealtiM. ^^Lawyenand Ball-froga."
rison refused compliance. Butler had no ordnance, and a colonist named Carey^ made a
cannon of a pepperidge log. At the second discharge the cannon burst, but they had no
further need of artillery, for the gajprison surrendered. On the 14th a detachment of sixty
men from Philadelphia, to re-enforce the garrison, had arrived within two miles of the fort ;
but, hearing of the surrender, they retraced their steps. Several persons were killed during
the siege. By the terms of the capitulation, Ogden and his party were all to leave* the val-
ley. Thus closed the civil war in Wyoming for the year 1771, and the Yankees were left
in possession of their much-coveted domain. •
The settlement now increased rapidly, and the Susquehanna Company applied to the
General Assembly of Connecticut to take them under its protection until the decision asked
of the king should be made. The Assembly advised them to organize a government by them-
selves. Pursuant to this advice, the inhabitants of Wyoming established a thoroughly Dem-
ocratic government. <* They laid out townships,'* says Chapman, << founded settlements,
erected fortifications, levied and collected taxes, passed laws for the direction of civil suits,
and for the punishment of crimes and misdemeanors, established a militia, and provided for
the common defense and general welfare of the colony." The supreme legislative power
was vested directly in the people, and exercised by themselves in their primary meetings. A
magistracy was appointed ; courts were instituted, having civil and criminal jurisdiction ;
and a high court of appeals, called the Supreme Court, was established, composed, like their
Legislature, of the people themselves in primary assembly. The government was well ad-
ministered, the colony rapidly increased, the people were happy, and for two years the smiles
of peace and prosperity gladdened the Valley of Wyoming.
During this season of repose the Assembly of Connecticut made an efibrt to adjust all dif-
ficulties between the settlers and the government of Pennsylvania. Bichard Penn was then
governor of that province, and would enter into no negotiations on the subject. The Con-
necticut Assembly, therefore, made out a case and sent it to England for adjudication.' It
was submitted to the ablest lawyers of the realm^— Lord Thurlow, Wedderbume, Bichard
Jackson, and John Dunning — and their decision was in favor of the Susquehanna Company.
' Mr. Carey was a native of Datchess oounty, New York, and went to Wyoming with his sons in 1769.
His brother, Samael Carey, was a distinguished Quaker preacher. His sons became permanent settlers in
Wyoming, and lived to a good old age.
' Colonel Eliphalet Dyer was sent to Enghmd as agent for the Conneotioot Assembly. He was one of the
most eminent lawyers d that province. His eloquence was of the most persuasive kind. In allusion to this
intellectual power, a wit wrote the following impromptu, while Dyer was advocating the cause of the Sus-
quehanna Company on the floor of the Assembly chamber :
M Canaan of old, as we are told.
When it did rain down manna,
Wa'nt half to good, fbr hearenly food,
Aa Dyer oaakea Suaqnehanna."
This is the same Dyer alluded to in the amusing doggerel entitled " Lawyers and Bull-frogs," in which the
people of Old Windham, in Connecticut, were interested. The poem is printed in the Historical Collections
of Connecticut, page 448. The introduction avers that, after a long drought, a frog-pond became abnost
dry, and a terrible battle was fought one night by the frogs, to decide who should keep possession of the re-
maining water. Many " thousands were found defunct in the morning." There was an uncommon silence
for hoivrs before the battle commenced, when, as if by a preconcerted agreement, every frog on one side of
the ditch raised the war-ory, CoUmtl Dyer I Colonel Dyer I and at the same instant, from the opposite side,
resounded the adverse shout otElderkin tool Elderkin tool Owing to some peculiarity in the state of the
atmosphere, the sounds seemed to be overhead^ and the people of Windham were greatly frightened. The
poet says,
•*Thia terrible nlgbt the parson did firlght
Hii people almost In despair;
For poor Windham souls among the bean-polos
Ho made a most wonderfol prayer.
Lawyer Lndfer called up liia crew ;
Dyer and Elderldn,* you must come too :
Old Colonel Dyer you know well enough.
He had an old negro, his name was Cuff."
* ledediah ElderUn aecompanied Colonel Dyer to Philadelphia in 1760, in behalf of the Susqoehanna Company
Digitized by
Google
348 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Peace and Proeperity of Wjoming; Renewa^ofHoitOitiM. Acdonof CkmgreM. Expedition of Phmkett
The settlement was now taken under the protection of Connecticat, and incorporated into
that colony. The territory was erected into a chartered town called Westmoreland, and at-
tached to Litchfield county ; representatives firom it were admitted to seats in the Greneral
Assemhly, and Zehulon Butler and Nathan Denison were commissioned justices of the peace.
Repose continued to reign in the valley, and unexampled prosperity hlessed the settlement.
A town immediately adjoining Wyoming Fort was planted hy Colonel Durkee, and named
Wilkesharre ; and the whole valley became a charming picture of active life and social hap-
piness. The foot-prints of civil war were eiSaced, and the recollections of the gloomy past
were obliterated. A dream of happiness lulled the people into the repose of absolute secu-
rity. Isolated in the bosom of the mountains, and far removed from the agitations which
disturbed the people upon the ocean coasts, they had heard little of the martial sound of
preparations for the hostihties then elaborating in the imperial and colonial councils. They
were enjoying, in full measure, the blessings of virtuous democracy, and felt none of the op*
pressions of Great Britain, then bearing with such heavy hand upon the commercial cities
of America ; yet they warmly sympathized with their suffering brethren, and their hearts
and hands were open to the appeals of the patriots of the east.
Four years Wyoming enjoyed uninterrupted peace, when its repose was suddenly bn^en
by an attack upon a branch of the colony, located about sixty miles below Wilkesharre, by
a body of Northumberland militia, who were jealous of the increasing prosperity of the Yan-
kees. On the 28th of September, 1775, the unsuspecting inhabitants were suddenly assailed,
several of them were killed, and the residue were sent to Sunbury and imprisoned. About
the same time several boats from Wyoming, trading down the river, were plundered by the
Pennsylvanians. The Continental Congress was then in session in Philadelphia, and the
Connecticut people of Wyoming, preferring peaceful measures to a renewal of the civil war,
petitioned that body for redress. Congress, « considering that the most perfect union between
the colonies was essentially necessary for the preservation of the just rights of North Amer-
ica," adopted resolutions urging the governments of Pennsylvania and Connecticut to « take
the most speedy and effectual steps to prevent hostilities" and to adjust difficulties.^ But
the lawless invaders had not yet learned to respect the voice of Congress. Its resolutions
were unheeded, and the imprisoned settlers were more rigidly confined, under the apprehen-
sion that the exasperated people of Wyoming, now become numerous, might make a retal-
iatory movement against Sunbury. A proposition was made to raise a force, and march
against Wyoming to subjugate it before the people could organize a military government
Grovemor Penn favored the design, and Colonel Plunkett, who was also a magistrate, was
placed in command of the expedition. He was ostensibly vested with civil powers, and his
December so^ ^OTee wa« called the posse of the county. Congress, still in session in Philadel-
177^ phia, passed a resolution urging the immediate termination of all hostilities be-
tween the parties.' But the Pennsylvanians paid no attention to the resolution, and Plunk-
ett advanced toward Wyoming. BKs progress was slow, for the river was much obstructed
by ice ; and before he came to the Nanticoke Rapids, at the south end of the valley, where
he was obliged to leave his boats, the people had made ample preparations to receive him.
The military were under the command of Colonel Zebulon Butler, and numbered about three
hundred efiective men.
From the summit of a bold rock on the western side of the river, that overhung the road
along which Plunkett was marching, a volley of musketry was discharged as he approached,
and arrested his progress. By means of a bateau, which he caused to be brought above the
rapids by land, his men attempted to cross the river, to march against Fort Wyoming on the
eastern side. They were assaulted by an ambuscade on shore, and the whole invading force
immediately retreated to their provision boats, moored below the rapids, where a council of
war was held. This council wisely concluded that the chances of success were few, and the
.expedition was abandoned.
1 Journals of Congress, voL i., p. 215. ' Ibid., p. 279.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OF THE REVOLUTION. 349
Hie Coloaief before the Rerolutioii. Exposed Portion of Wjomlog. Indian Outrtge. Indian Speecli.
The war of the Reyolution had now fairly commenced. The proprietary government of
PennsylYania was soon afterward virtaally abolished, a constituent assembly was or- ^
ganized,^ and the people and the governments of both colonies had matters of much
greater importance to attend to than disputes about inconsiderable settlements. Henceforth
the history of Wyoming is identified with the general history of the Union. I have glanced
briefly at the most important events connected with its early settlement, for they form an
interesting episode in the general history of our republic, and exhibit prominently those social
and political features which characterized the colonies when the war of independence broke
out. Separate provinces, communities, and families, having distinct interests, and under no
very powerful control from without, had learned independence of thought and action, self-
leliance, patient endurance under the pressure of circumstances, and indomitable courage in
the maintenance of personal and political rights, from the circumstances in which their re-
lations to each other had plaoed them. It was in schools like that of the Pennymite war,
the resistance of the New Hampshire Grants to the domination of New York, the opposition
to the Stamp Act and kindred measures, and the Regulator movement in the Carolinas,
that the people were tutored for the firm resistance which they made to British oppressions
during the seven years of our struggle for political emancipation ; and there is more of the
true philosophy of our great Revolution to be learned by studying antecedent, but relative
events, than in watching the progress of the war itself. We will now turn to a considera-
tion of the events which occurred in Wyoming during our Revolution.
The defection of a large portion of the Six Nations, the coalition of the Delawares and
Shawnees with the friends of the king westward of the AUeganies, and the menaces of the
tribes bordering on Virginia, with whom Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of that province,
had long tampered, seeking to bring their hatchets upon the frontier settlements of that re-
bellious state, gave the Continental Congress much uneasiness at the beginning of 1776.
Thousands of mercenary Germans were preparing to come like " destroying locusts upon the
east wind ;" the British Parliament had voted fifry-five thousand men for the American
service ; loyalty to the crown was rife throughout the land ; and the dark cloud of savages
upon the western border of the colonies, smarting under the wrongs inflicted by the white
men for a century and a half, and without any definite ideas of the nature of the quarrel in
question, or means of discriminating between the parties to the feud, were ready to raise the
war-cry, and satiate their appetites for vengeance, rapine, and blood. Westmoreland, or
Wyoming, was peculiarly exi>08ed, lying upon the verge of the Indian country, and to the
people of its lovely valley the conciliation of the Indians was a matter of vast importance.
The council of Onondaga, the chief head of the Six Nations, made professions of peaceful
intentions, but there was evident hypocrisy underlying the fair appearance of the surface,
and occasional outrages upon the remote settlers had been committed without rebuke. On
one occasion a man named Wilson, living within the limits of Westmoreland, had been cru-
elly treated by the Indians, and Colonel Zebulon Butler sent a messenger to ascertain the
true intentions of the savages. A chief called John returned with the messenger, and, in a
speech replete with Indian eloquence, disclaimed, in behalf of the Six Nations, all thoughts
of hostility to the friends of Congress. The Rev. Mr. Johnson, the first pastor in Wyoming,
acted as interpreter. " We are sorry," said the chief, ** to have two brothers fighting with
each other, and should be glad to hear that the quarrel was peaceably settled. We choose
not to interest ourselves on either side. The quarrel appears to be unnecessary. We do
not well understand it. We are for peace." He continued :
« Brothers, when our young men come to hunt in your neighborhood, you must not im-
agine they come to do mischief; they come to procure themselves provisions, also skins to
purchase them clothing.
« Brothers, we desire that Wyoming may be a place appointed where the great men may
meet, and have a fire, which shall ever after be called Wyomick, where you shall judge
best how to prevent any jealousies or uneasy thoughts that may arise, and thereby preserve
our friendship.
Digitized by
Google
550 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
CoIoDel BoUerdaoehred. Strangera In Wyomlnf. Soapidoot of the Peopte.
*< Brothen, you tee but one of our chiefs. You may be suspicious on that account ; but
we assure you this chief speaks in the name of the Six Nations. We are of one mind.
'* Brothers, what we say is not from the lips, but from the heart. If any Indians of little
note should speak otherwise, you must pay no regard to them, but observe what has been
said and written by the chieft, which may be depended on.
« Brothers, we Uve at the head of these waters [Susquehanna]. Pay no regard to any re-
ports that may come up the stream or any other way, but look to the head waters for truth ;
and we do now assure you, as long as the waters run, so long you may depend on our finend-
ship. We are all of one mind, and we are all for peace."
This was the strong language of assurance, and Colonel Butler, confident of its sincerity,
wrote accordingly to Roger Sherman of the Connecticut Assembly. He mentioned in his
letter that the Ladians wanted an American flag as a token of fHendship ; and the whole
tone of his communication evinced a belief in the professed attachment of the savages to the
republicans. But at that very time the Mohawks, Onondagas, and Senecas were leaguing
against the patriots ; and already Brant and five hundred warriors had struck a severe blow
of hostility to the republicans at the Cedars, on the St. Lawrence. The proposed council
fire at Wyoming was doubtless intended as a pretense for assembling a large body of war^
riors in the heart of the settlement, to destroy it ; and the desire for an American flag was
undoubtedly a wish to have it for a decoy when occasion should call for its use. Events
soon occurred which confirmed these suspicions, and the people of Wyoming prepared for
defense against their two-fold enemy, the Indians and the Topes.'
When the war broke out, the Connecticut Assembly prevented further immigration to
Westmoreland. But people came there, from the Hudson and the Mohawk Vallejrs, hav-
ing no sympathy with either of the parties in the ** Pennjnnite war," and, as it appeared^
no sympathy with the republicans. Almost every original settler had espoused the cause
of the Whigs ; and the open expression of hostility to Congress by these interlopers, the
most active of whom were the Wintermoots, Van Gordon, Van Alstyns, and a few other
families, excited the indignation of the Wyoming people.' The recommendation of the Con-
tinental Congress, to organize committees of vigilance in every town, had been promptly
acted upon in Wyoming, and these new comers, the avowed friends of the king, were soon
subjected to the severest scrutiny of the committee there. The people of Wyoming, num-
bering nearly three thousand, and united in thought and action, were pursuing peacefully
their various occupations. The sudden influx of strangers to them, not only in person but
in political creed, justly excited suspicions that they were a colony of vipers, come to nestle
among them for the purpose of disseminating the poison of Toryism. Influenced by these
fears, several of the most suspicious of the interlopers were arrested and sent to Connecticut.
This was an unwise act, although perhaps justifiable, and was one cause of subsequent disasters.
In the mean while two companies of regular troops, of eighty-two men each, had been
raised in the valley, under a resolution of Congress, conmianded by Captains Ransom and
' On the 10th of March, 1777, the following resolutions were adopted at a town meeting held at Wilkes-
barre:
" VotidL, That the first man that shall make fifty weight of good saltpetre in this town shall be entitled to
a bounty of ten pounds lawful money, to be paid out of the town treasury.
" Voted^ That the select-men be directed to dispose of the grain now in the hands of the treasurer or col-
lector in such a way as to obtain powder and lead to the value of forty pounds lawful money, if they can do
the same."
It was also subsequently voted to empower a committee of inspectors " to supply the soldiers* wives and
the soldiers' widows with the necessaries of life." This was a noble resolution.
* Mr. Miner, in a letter to the late William L. Stone, mentions the fact that among the papers of Colonel
Zebulon Butler he found a list of Tories who jomed the Indians. The list contained si^Oy-one names, of
which only three were those of New England men. Most of them were transient persons, who had gone
to Wyoming as hunters and trappers. Six of them were of one family (the Wintermoots), from Minismk.
Nine were from the Mohawk Valley, doubtless in the interest of the Johnsons, four from Kinderhook, and
six from West Chester, New York. There were not ten Tory families who had resided two years in Wyo-
ming.— See SlOfWi HUtory of Wyoming^ p. 181.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
351
The Wintertnoots.
EroctionofftFort
Conntenction of the old SetUen.
Affair on the lOnstone RiTer.
Durkee, and were attached to the Connecticut line.' The Wintermoots, who had purchased
land toward the head of the valley, and upon the old hanks of the Susquehanna,' at a place
where huhbled forth a large and living spring of pure water, erected a strong fortification
known as Wintermoot*s Fort. The town meet-
ing alluded to, suspicious of the design of the Win-
"^ • lermoots, who had hitherto acted so discreetly
that a charge of actual hostility to Congress could
not properly be made against them, thought it best
to counteract their apparent belligerence, and re-
solved that it had '* become necessary for the in-
habitants of the town to erect suitable forts as a
defense against the common enemy." August 84,
A fort was accordingly built, about two ^'^^'
miles above Wintermoot's, under the supervision
of the families of Jenkins and Harding, and called
Fort Jenkins.* Forty Fort (so called from the
first forty Yankees, the pioneers of the Susque-
hanna settlers in Wyoming), then little more than
a weak block-house, was strengthened and en-
larged, and sites for other forts were fixed on, at
Pittstown, Wilkesbarre, and Hanover. It was
agreed in town meeting that these several forti-
fications should be built by the people, *< without
either fee or reward from the town."
As we have observed m a former chapter, the tribes of the Six Nations which had receded
from their solemn agreement of neutrality were not brought actively into the service of the
king until the summer of 1777. It was then that the people of Wyoming perceived, and
fully appreciated, the perils attendant upon their isolation, and the attention of the Conti-
nental Congress was often called to their exposed situation. While St. Leger was investing
Fort Stanwix, some straggling parties of savages hung about and menaced Wyoming ; but,
afler the siege was raised, the people were not disturbed again during the remainder of the
year and the following spring. But early in the summer of 1778 the movements of Brant
and his warriors, and the Johnsons and Butlers and their Tory legions, upon the upper waters
of the Susquehanna, together with the actions of the Tories in the Valley of Wyoming, who
were greatly exasperated on account of the harsh treatment of some of their number by the
Sm or WiNTXAMooT's FoaT>
^ These two companies served with distinction at the skirmish on Millstone River, in New Jersey, on the
20th of January, 1777. This oconrred while the main army of the Americans were suffering from the small-
pox at Morristown. A line of forts had been established along the Millstone River, in the direction of Prince-
ton. One of these, at Somerset Conrt-honse, was occupied by General Dickinson with these two regular
compcmies and about three hundred militia. A mill on the opposite bank of the stream contained consider-
able flrjfir. Comwallis, then l3ring at New Brunswick, dispatched a foraging party to capture it. The party
consisted of about four hundred men, with more than forty wagons. The British arrived at the mill early
in the mominj^, and, having loaded their wagons with flour, were about to return, when General Dickinson,
leading a portion of his force through the river, middle deep, attacked them with so much spirit, that they
fled in haste, leaving the whole of their plunder, with their wagons, behind them.
* Along the western side of the Susquehanna, a large part of the way from the head of the valley to the
village of Kingston, opposite Wilkesbarre, are traces of a more ancient shore than the present, when the
river was broader and perhaps deeper than now. The plain extending from the ancient shore to the foot
of the mountain is a uniform level, several feet above the alluvial bottom between it and the.present bank
of the river.
' There was another fort, called Fort Jenkins, upon the Susquehanna, about half way between Wilkes-
barre and Fort Augusta, or Sunbury. The fort in question was about eight miles above Wilkesbarre.
* This view is from the ancient bed of the Susquehanna, looking west. The building, formerly the prop-
erty of Colonel Jenkins, and now owned by Mr. David Goodwin, is upon the site of old Fort Wintermoot,
which was destroyed at the time of the invasion in 1778. It is upon the ancient bank of the river, hero
from fifteen to twenty feet high, and about sixty rods from the stream in its present channel.
Digitized by
Google
352 PICTOR'IAL FIELD-BOOK
ilarm bk Wyomliif. CooditioQ of the Sottlement Aptfay of Congren. PatriotUm of W joining Women.
Whigs, greatly alanned the people. Several of the Loyalists had left and joined the forces
under Colonel John Butler, and the people very properly apprehended their return with power
sufficient to satisfy their manifest spirit of vengeance. Early in May the savages had com-
mitted many rohberies, and in June some murders, in the neighborhood of Tioga, and other
points on tl^ upper borders of Westmoreland. The Indians were in considerable force at
Conewawah (now Elmira, in Chemung county,. New York), and were in constant commu-
nication with the Tory settlers, by runners, at Wyalusing and in the neighborhood of Tunk*
hannock, within the precincts of Westmoreland. These circumstances were alarming ; yet
die exposed territory, cut off as it was from immediate aid, if demanded, was weakened by
drafts upon its able-bodied men fi>r the Continental army, and demands upon its local treas-
ury for the use of the Connecticut Assembly. Mr. Miner has given, in a spirited historic
•* pen-and-ink sketch," a jHCture of the condition of Wyoming at the close of 1777, and at
the opening of the active operations the following year. He says, " Nearly all their able-
bodied men were away in the service. The remaining population, in dread of the savages,
were building six forts or stockades, requiring great labor, * without fee or reward.' All the
aged men out of the train bands, exempt by law from duty, were formed into companies to
garrison the forts, one of the captains being also chief physician to the people and surgeon to
the military. Of the militia the whole were in constant requisition, to go on the scout and
guard against surprise. The small-pox pestilence was in every district. A tax to go to
Hartford was levied in the assessment of the year, of two thousand pounds,"' not in Conti-
nental bills of credit at their nominal value, but ** lawful money of the state of Connecticut."
Such was the condition of Wyoming when, in June, 1778, an expedition of Tories and
Indians was prepared to fall upon the defenseless inhabitants. Congress was apprised of
the dark design. The officers and men in the army, from Wyoming, pleaded for their wives
and little ones. General Schuyler wrote a touching letter to Congress on the subject ; yet
that body, always tardy in its movements, and at that time too much employed in sectional
disputes and factious intrigues, left the settlement uncared for, and apparently unnoticed, ex-
cept by the resolutions to permit the people to take measures for self-defense by raising troops
among themselves, and finding « their own arms, and accouterments, and blankets."' . The
heads of the families there exposed were cruelly detained in the ranks of the Continental
army elsewhere, and thus, naked and helpless, the settlement presented an easy prey to the
vultures that scented them from Niagara, and whose companions were then glutting their
appetites in the Mohawk and Schoharie settlements.
A force, consisting of the Tory Rangers of Colonel John Butler, a detachment of John-
son's Royal Greeny, and from five to seven hundred Indians, under the general command of
Butler, and numbering in all about eleven hundred men, crossed the Gronesee country from
Niagara, and appeared at Tioga Point, in June, whence they embarked in canoes, and landed
^ History of Wyoming^ page 207. Mr. Miner mentioiis an instanoe of the patriotism of the women of
Wyoming, and the draft which the people made, mider the pressure of oironmstanoes, npon their midevel-
oped resonroea. Gunpowder was very scarce at the time when the settlement was menaced by the enemy.
The husbands, fathers, and brothers were away in the Continental ranks, and the females plowed, sowed,
and reaped. Nor was this all : they manofactored gunpowder for the feeble garrisons in the forts. " They
took up the floors of their houses, dug out the earth, put it in casks, and ran water through it, as ashes are
leached. They then took ashes in another cask, and made ley, mixed the water from the earth with weak
ley, boiled it, and set it to cool, and the saltpetre rose to the top. Charcoal and sulphur were then used,
the mixture was pounded in an implement brought to the valley by Mr. HoUenbaok, and thu^ powder was
produced for the public defense." — ^Page 212.
* See resolution of March 16th, 1778, in the Journals of Congress, vol. iv., p. 113. This resolution au-
thorized the raising of " one full compcmy of foot in the town of Westmorehmd." Nothing further was done
by Congress m behalf of the people there until the 23d of June following, when a resolution was passed to
write to the two independent companies under Durkee and Ransom, then greatly reduced by battle and sick-
ness, and permit them to return home tur the defense of the settlement. Congress also resolved to pay the
officers and soldiers of the companies authorized to be raised by the resolution of the 16th of March preced-
mg, for their arms and accouterments. The sum of $1440 was granted to the Board of War, to be issued
to Colonel Denison. The Continental paper dollars were then rapidly depreciating, four of them being at
that time worth only one in specie.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
353
Approaeh of Indians and Tories.
Preparationa for Defense.
Council of War.
Position of the Wyoming Forts
near the mouth of Bowman's Creek, on the west side of the river, ahout twenty miles above
Wyoming. They entered the valley through a notch from the west, not far from the famous
Dial Rock,' and attacked the people near Fort Jenkins, three of whom were killed.' Butler
then made his head-quarters at Wintermoot's Fort, whence he sent out scouts and j^^^
foraging parties. ^^
Virtually abandoned by Congress, the people had made all the preparations in their power
to meet the invaders, of whose approach they had been informed. A company of forty or
fifty regulars (so called only because the raising of the company was authorized by Congress),
and a few militia, under the general command of Captain Hewett, then recruiting in the
valley, composed the military force to oppose the enemy. Grandfathers and their aged sons,
boys, and even women, seized such weapons as were at hand. Colonel Zebulon Butler, then
an officer in the Continental army, happening to be at home when the enemy entered the
valley, was, by common consent, made commander-in-chief Forty Fort was made the place
of general military rendezvous, and thither the women and children of the valley fled for
safety. Aged men garrisoned some of the smaller forts. There were fearful odds, and no
alternative was left but to fight or submit to the tender mercies of the Indians and the more
savage Tories. ** Retirement or flight was alike impossible, and there was no security but
in victory Unequal as was the conflict, therefore, and hopeless as it seemed in the eye of
^_ ___ 7--^4S^/ prudence, the young and athletic men fit to bear
fl^^ "^ T 7 j> i -^^\i arms, and enlisted for their special defense, being ab-
M xv "'-/ "^ M ^ 1 sent with the main army, the inhabitants, looking
to their dependent wives, mothers, sisters, and little
ones, took counsel of their courage, and resolved to
give the enemy battle."*
On the morning of the 3d of July a coun-
cil of war was held in Forty Fort, to determ-
ine what action was proper. Some, among whom
were Colonels Butler and Denison and Lieutenant-
colonel Dorrance, were in favor of a delay, hoping
that a re-enforcement from Greneral Washington's
camp, then near New Brunswick, in New Jersey
might reach them in time, or that Captain Spald-
ing, who was on the march for the valley with hifl
company, might arrive. Others, having little hope
of succor, were anxious to meet the enemy at once. While the debates were going on, five
commissioned officers from the army arrived at Forty Fort. Hearing of the anticipated in-
* Dial Rock, or Campbell's Rock, as it is sometimes called, is a high bloffat the junction of the Sosqne-
hanna and Laokawana Riven. Its name is derived from the circumstance that the rays of the son first
strike its western face at meridian, and the farmers in the valley have always an unerring indicator of noon-
tide on clear days.
' The victims were all scalped. The bodies were interred by their friends, and over the graves of two
of the Harding family, who were killed, a stone was raised, many years afterward, on which is the follow-
ing inscription : " Sweet is the sleep of those who prefer death to slavery."
' Wyoming Memorial to the Legislature of ConnectiGut.
^ Explanation of the Plan. — ^The several divisions, Hanover, Wilkesbarre, Elingstown, &o., mark the
districts into which the town of Westmoreland was divided ; in inilitary language, the difierent heaU, A
marks the site of Fort Durkee ; B^ Wyoming or Wilkesbarre Fort j C, Fort Ogden j D, village of Kings-
ton ; £, Forty Fort. [This in the early histories of the Revolution is called Kingston Fort.] F^ the battle-
ground J G, Wintermoot^s Fort ; H, Fort Jenkins ; /, Monooasy Island ; /, the three Pittstown stockades.
The dot below the G marks the place of Queen Esther's Rook. The village of Troy is upon the battle-
ground, and that of Wilkesbarre, upon the site of Wilkesbarre Fort and its ravelins. The distances of the
several points from the present bridge at Wilkesbarre are as follows : Fort Durkee, half a mile below, oil
the left bank. Fort Ogden, three and a half miles above, and the Pittstown stockades, about eight miles,
on the same side. Forty Fort, three and a half miles ; the Monument, on the battle-ground, five and a half;
Queen Esther's Rock, six and a half; Wintermoot's Fort and Fort Jenkins, eight miles above, on the west
or right bank of the river. Kingston is directly opposite Wilkesbarre, half a mile westwari.
z
PoimoN or THx Wtokino Fobts.*
Digitized by
Google
364 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK-
Decision of the Wyomiog People. PreparatiODS for Battle. Forces of the Enemy. Campbell's IiOnstice toward Brast
vasion, they had obtained permission to return home to protect their families. Already Fort
Jenkins had been captured, four of the garrison slain, and three made prisoners, and the
other stockade would doubtless share the same fate. Already a demand for the surrender
of Forty Fort and the valley had been made by Colonel John Butler, and the tomahawks
of the Indians were lifted above the heads of those families who had not succeeded in reach-
ing the fort. Upon prompt action appeared to depend their salvation ; and, influenced by
the pleadings of the only hope of safety left — ^victory in battle — ^the majority decided to
march at once against the invaders. The decision was rash, and the minority yielded with
much reluctance.
About one o'clock in the afternoon the little army, consisting of about three hundred vig-
orous men, old men, and boys, divided into six companies and marched from the fort, leav-
ing the women in the most painful anxiety. They were joined by the justices of the court
and other civil officers, and marched up the river to Wintermoot's Fort, intending to sur-
prise the enemy, but Colonel John Butler was too vigilant to be caught napping. He had
news of their approach, and sent for the party then demolishing Fort Jenkins to join him
immediately. When the patriots approached, the enemy was prepared to meet them. Col-
onel John Butler and his Rangers occupied the left, which rested upon the river bank near
Wintermoots ; and the right, extending into a marsh at the foot of the mountains on the
western verge of the plain, was composed principally of Indians and Tories, under a cele-
brated Seneca chief named Gi-en-gwa-tah, which signifies He who goes in the smoke,^ John>
^ Until the late Mr. Stone made his researches for materials for his interesting biography of Joseph Brant,
or Thayendanegea, it was believed that Brant and his Mohawk warriors were engaged in the invasion of
Wyoming. Gcordon, Ramsay, Thacher, Marshall, and Allen assert that he and John Butler were joint com-
manders on that occasion, and upon hb memory rested the foul imputation of being a participant in the horrid
transactions in Wyoming. Misled by history, Campbell, in his Gertrude of Wyoming, makes the Oneida say,
And again :
"TtdB is no time to fill tbe Joyous cop :
The mammoth comes— the foe— the monster Brent,
With all his howling, desolating band."
"Scorning to wield the hatchet for his tribe,
'Gainst Brant himself I went to battle forth ,
Acenrsed Brant I he left of all my tribe
Nor man, nor child, nor thing of living birth.
No I not the dog that watched my household hearth
Escaped that night of blood upon the plains.
An perish'd I I alone am left on earth 1
To whom nor relative nor blood remdns—
No, not a kindred drop that runs in human Teins.**
Brant always denied any participation in the invasion, but the evidence of history was against him, and the
verdict of the world was, that he was the chief actor in the tragedy. From this aspersion Mr. Stone vindi-
cated his character in his Life of Brant. A reviewer, understood to be Caleb Cobbing, of Massachusetts,
disputed the point, and maintained that Stone had not made out a clear case for the sachem. Unwilling to
remain deceived, if he was so, Mr. Stone made a journey to the Seneca country, where he found several
surviving warriors who were engaged in that campaign. The celebrated Seneca chief Kaoundoowand,
better Imown as Captain Pollard, who was a young chief in the battle, gave Mr. Stone a dear aoooont of
the events, and was positive in his declarations that Brant and the Mohawks were not engaged in that cam-
paign. The Indians were principally Seneoas, and were led by Gi-en-grwa-tah, as mentioned in the text.
Jolm Brant, a son of the Mohawk sachem, while in England in 1823, on a mission in behalf of his nation,
opened a correspondence with Mr. Campbell on the subject of the injustice which the latter had done the
c!iief in his Gertrude of Wyoming. The result was a partial acknowledgment of his error by the poet, in
the next edition of the poem that was printed. He did not change a word of the poem, but referred to the
use of Brant^s name there, in a note, in which he says, " His son referred to documents which completely
satisfied me that the conunon accounts of Brant^s cruelties at Wyoming, which I had found in books of trav-
els, and in Adolphus's and other similar histories of England, were groea errors The name of Brant,
therefore, remains in my poem a pure and declared character of fiction." This was well enough as far as
it went ; but an omission, after such a conviction of error, to blot out the name entirely from the poem, was
unworthy of the character of an honest man ; and the stain upon the poet's name will remain as long as the
libel upon a hiuAane warrior shall endure in the epic.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 355
IMsposittoB of tbeBemgerenU for Battle. Speeeh of Colonel Zebolon Batler. The Attack. Colonel Zebulon Butler.
son's Greens, nnder Captain Caldwell,' formed on Butler's right, and Indian marksmen
were placed at intervals along the line. Colonel Zebulon Butler commanded the right of
the Americans, aided by Major Garratt. The left was commanded by Colonel Denison, of
the Wyoming militia, assisted by Lieutenant-colonel Dorrance. The battle-ground was a
level plain, partly cleared and cultivated, and partly covered by shrub oaks and yellow pines
As the Americans approached the lines of the enemy, they perceived Wintermoot's Fori
in flames, fired, no doubt, to prevent its {idling into the hands of the patriots, an event that
seemed quite probable to the Tory leader, who was ignorant of the exact number of men
marching against him. Captains Durkee and Ransom, and Lieutenants Ross and Wells,
were sent forward to reconnoiter and select the position for battle. The Wyoming compa-
nies approached separately, and as they were wheeled into line. Colonel Zebulon Butler thus
addreraed them : ** Men, yonder is the enemy. The fate of the Hardings tells us what we
have to expect if defeated. We come out to fight, not only for liberty, but for life itself,
and, what is dearer, to preserve our homes from conflagration, our women and children from
the tomahawk. Stand firm the first shock, and the Indians will give way. Every man
to his duty."*
At the conclusion of Colonel Butler's short address, the Americans opened the battle on
the enemy's left. It was about four o'clock, the sky cloudless, and the heat quite oppressive.
The Americans were ordered to advance a step at each fire. Soon the battle became gen-
eral, and the British left, where Colonel John Butler, stripped of his feathers and other trap-
^ It is nnoertain whether either of the Johnsons was in thih campaign. As they do not appear in any
official connection, it is probable they were not.
• Zebolon Batler was one of the early settlers in the Wyoming VaUey. He was a native of Lyme, New
London comity, Connecticut, and was bom in 1731. On the breaking out of the French and Indian war
he entered the army as an ensign. He was at Tioonderoga, Crown Point, and other places in Northern
New York. He was also in the memorable expedition to Havana daring that war, and rose to the rank
of captain. He left the service at the peace in 1763. In 1769 he emigrated to Wyoming, and became
one of the leading men in that settlement. Before he left Conneotioat he was strongly imbued with feel-
ings of hostility to the mother country, which the agitations of the Stamp Act had engendered, and when
the Revolution broke out he waa found an active patriot. He was appointed colonel in 1778. He accom-
panied Sullivan in his memorable Indian expedition in 1779, and served with distinction throughout the war.
In 1787 he was made lieutenant of the new county of Luzerne, which office he held until its abrogation by
the new Constitution in 1790. He died on the 28th of July, 1795, at his residence, about a mUe and a
half above Wilkesbarre, and his remains were buried in the grave-yard at the borough. " Among other
marks of respect to his memory," says Mr. Minor, " a monody of a dozen verses was written, one of which
was inscribed on his tombstone :
*• Distinsulabed by bli ufeAihieM
At home and when abroad,
At court, in camp, and in rocesa,
Protected ftlU by God."
Colonel Butler was thrice married. His first wife was Ellen Lord ; his second, the daughter of the Rev
Mr. Johnson, of Wyoming (the Indian interpreter already mentioned) ; and the third was Miss Phoebe
Hatght, whom he married while he was on duty at West Point, near the close of the war. Colonel Butler
was a well-educated and inteUigent man, as his letters show. An autograph letter to General Washington,
kindly given me by his grandson, the Hon. Ches-
ter Butler, of Wilkesbarre, firom which this fac-
sunile of his signature is copied, is a good specimen, not only of the chirography, but of the perspicuity, terse-
DCM, and comprehensive style that characterized the military dispatches of the Revolutionary officers. He
was one of those reliable men whom Washington cherished in memory, and after the war he received tokens
<»f the chief's regard. Activity, energy, and a high sense of honor were the distinguishing naits of Colonel
BmUr's character. He was not a relative of the Tory John Batler, as some have asserted.
Digitized by
Google
366 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Battle of Wyoming. Dqniaon'i Order iniitikffn. Betreatof the Americana. Scene at Mooooa^ laland
pings, appeared, with a handkerchief tied round his head, earnestly cheering his men, began
to give way. But a flanking party of Indians, which covered that wing of the enemy, and
was concealed under some bushes dupon the ancient river bank, kept up a galling fire. Cap
tain Durkee was slain by one of their shots.' In the mean time the Indian sharp-shooters
along the line kept up a horrid yell, the sound of which reached the ears of the women and
children at the fort. For half an hour the battle was waged with unceasing energy on both
sides, but the vastly superior numbers of the enemy began to manifest its advantage. The
Indians on the American left, sheltered and half concealed by the swamp, succeeded in out-
flanking Colonel Denison, and fell with terrible force upon his rear. He was thus exposed
to the cross fire of the Tories and Indians. Perceiving this, he ordered his men to fall back
in order to change his position. The order was mistaken for one to retreat. That word
was uttered with fatal distinctness along the line, and his whole division fled in confusion
at the moment when the British left was giving way. A few minutes more of firm resist-
ance might have given victory to the republicans. The American Colonel Butler and Col-
onel Dorrance used every exertion to rally the fugitives and retrieve the loss, but in vain.
Colonel Butler, seemingly unconscious of'danger, rode along the lin^ exposed to the fire of
the contending parties, beseeching his troops to remain firm. " Don't leave me, my chil-
dren,'' he exclaimed, *' and the victory is ours !" But it was too late ; the Indians leaped
forward like wounded tigers. Every American captain that led a company into action was
slain at the head of his men. Longer resistance was vain, and the whole American line,
broken, shattered, and dispersed, fled in confusion, some in the direction of Forty Fort, and
others toward Monocasy Island,
- ^tigf^^^ .► nearly a mile distant, and the only
point on the river that promised
them an opportunity to escape.
The scene that ensued was ter-
rible indeed. A portion of the
flanking party of Indians rushed
forward to cut ofl* the retreat to
Forty Fort, while the rest of the
invaders, following the main por-
tion of the army, who fled through
^ » .ft, the fields of grain toward Mono •
TUK SUSQUKHANNA AT MONOCAST ISLAND.' -r i i i
easy Island, slaughtered* them by
scores. Many who could not swim, and hesitated upon the brink of the river, were shot
down ; and others, who hid themselves in bushes upon the shor^, were dragged out and shot
or tomahawked, regardless of their cry for quarter. Many swam to Monocasy Island, whither
their pursuers followed and hunted them like deers in cover. Others were shot while swim-
ming ; and some, who were lured back to the shore by promises of quarter, were butchered.
Only a few escaped to the eastern side of the river and fled in safety to the mountains.'
* Captain Robert Darkee was a younger brother of Colonel John Durkee. When the valley was men-
aced, and he was refused permission to return home, he resigned his commission in the army, and hastened
to the defense of his fiBimily. He was a volunteer in the battle where he lost his life.
' This view is from the left or eastern bank of the Susquehanna, opposite the center of Monocasy Island,
looking up the river. Toward the foreground, on the right of the picture, a little beyond the bar-post, is
seen a ravine, through which the fugitives who crossed the river in safety made their way. On the left are
seen the upper end of Monocasy, and a sand-bar which divides the waters of the river. The distant hills
on the left are those which bound the western side of the valley. From the head of Monocasy Island, across
the sand-bar, the river is often fordable in summer to the eastern side.
' It would be neither pleasant nor profitable to relate the many instances of suffering on that occasion.
All the horrors of war, although on a small scale, were exhibited on that memorable day ; and were the
particulars chronicled, the most rapacious gourmand of horrors might be surfeited. I will mention one or
two circumstances, which sufficiently exhibit the bestiality of human character developed by civil war, de-
stroying or stifling every feeling of consanguineous affecticm or neighborly regard. One of the fugitives,
named Pensil, hid h..nself among the willows upon Monocasy Island. His Tory brother, who had joined
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
357
Eacapo of Coloneli Butler and Deniaon. Croeltiee of tha Indiana. Scene at ** Queen Eatber'a Rock.** Queen Esther.
Colonel Zebulon Butler escaped to Wilkeibarre Fort and Colonel Denison to Forty Fort,
where the latter mustered the few soldiers that came in, placed sentinels, and prepared for
a defense of the women and children collected there.
Darkness put an end to the pursuit, but not to the horrors. It was a dreadful night for
Wyoming, for the enemy, elated by victory, held their fearful orgies upon the battle-field.
" Whoop after whoop with rack the ear assailed,
As if unearthly fiends had burst their bar ; •
While rapidly the marksman's shot prevailed,
And aye, as if for death, some lonely trumpet wail'd."^
Many prisoners suffered the martyrdom of savage torture, while some of their friends on the
opposite shore, near Pittston, powerless to help ^
them, observed the dreadful proceedings by ../*!"-
the light of the fires. Captain Bidlack was
thrown, alive, upon the burning timbers of
Wintermoot's Fort, where he was held down
with pitchforks until he expired ! Prisoners
lyere arranged in circles around large stones,
and, while strong Indians held them, they were
dispatched with a tomahawk. One of these
stones, called Queen Esther's Rock, is pointed
out to the curious. It is upon the old river
bank, about forty rods east of the main road,
three miles above Forty Fort, and near the
house that belonged to a Mr. Gay. Around
it sixteen prisoners were arranged in a circle,
and each was held by a savage. A half-breed
Indian woman, called Queen Esther,' assumed
the ofiEice of executioner, and, using a maul and tomahawk alternately as she passed arouud the
in the pursuit, foimd him there concealed, and recognized him. The fugitive cast himself at his brotber^s
feet and begged his life, promising to serve him till death if he would spare him. But the brother was
changed to a demon. '* Mighty well, you damned rebel 1" he tauntingly replied, and instantly shot him
dead i The Oneida tavage mentioned in a previous chapter refused to imbrue his hands in his brother's
blood. The worst passions raged with wild and desolating fury. All the sweet charities of life seemed
extingraished. Lieutenant Shoemaker, one of the most generous and benevolent of men, whose wealth en-
abled him to dispense charity and do good, which vras a delight to him, fled to the river, when Windeoker,
a man who had often fed at his board and drunk of his cup, came to the brink. " Come out, oome out,^'
he said ; " you know I will protect you." How could Shoemaker doubt it ? Windecker reached out his
left hand as if to lead him, much exhausted, ashore, and dashed his tomahawk into the head of his benefac-
tor, who fell back and floated away. — See Miner, p. 225.
' Gertrude of Wyoming.
' This view is near the ancient river bank, looking westward. The rock is a sort of conglomerate, a large
proportion of which is quartz. Some of it is of a reddish color, which the credulous believe to be stains of
blood still remaining. The rock projects only about eighteen inches above the ground, and its size is de-
noted by the' figure standing beside it. In the distance, on the left, is seen the monument which has been
erected to the memory of those who fell on the occasion. This scene includes a portion of the battle-ground.
The little village of Troy also occupies a part of the field of conflict.
* Queen Esther, as she was called, was the oelebrated Catharine Montour, whose residence was at Cath-
njmeatfrsfn, near the head of Seneca Lake, in New York. The town was named after her, and was the first
of the Indian villages destroyed by Sullivan in 1779, after the battle of Chemung. She was a native of Can-
flda, and her father was one of the French governors, probably Frontenao. She was made a captive during
the wars between the Hurons and French and the Six Nations, and was carried into the Seneca country,
where she married a young chief who was signalized in the wars against the Catawbas. He fell in battle,
about the year 1730. Catharine had several children by him, and remained a widow. Her superior mind
gave her great ascendency over the Senecas, and she was a queen indeed among them. She accompanied
the delegates of the Six Nations to Philadelphia on several occasions, where her refinement of manners and
attractive person made her an object of much regard, and she was greatly caressed by the ladies of that
city. From the circumstance of her refinement of manners, Mr. Stone argues that she could not have been
Que EM i^STHBB'S RocK.s
Digitized by
Google
358 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Crueltiet of Qaeen Esther. Soenet at Forty Fort. NegoCiatioiu fi>r a Surrender. Eacepe of Colonel Zeboloa Bmler.
iring, singing tho death-song, deliberately murdered the prisoners in consecutive order as they
were arranged. The time was midnight, and, the scene being lighted up by a large fire burn-
ing near, she appeared like a very fury from Pandemonium while performing her bloody
work. With the death of each victim her fury increased, and her song rose clearer and
louder upon the midnight air. Two of the prisoners (Lebbeus Hammond and Joseph El-
liot), seeing there was no hope, shook off the Indians who held them, and, with a desperate
spring, fled to a thicket, amid the rifle-balls and tomahawks that were sent af^er them, and
escaped. Similar scenes were enacted on other portions of the battle-field on that dreadful
night, but we will draw a vail before the revolting picture, and view occurrences at Forty
Fort, where the hopes of the settlement were now centered.
Terrible were the suspense and anxiety of the people at the fort while the battle was in
progress. They could distinctly hear the firing, and, when the shots became fewer and
nearer, hope departed, for they knew the Americans were dispersed and retreating. At twi-
light Captain John Franklin arrived at Forty Fort, with the Hunterdon and Saleni com-
pany, of thirty-five men. It was a timely re-enforcement, and revived the hopes of the little
remnant of Denison's force. The night was spent in sleepless vigilance and alarm by those
within the forts, while the people without were flying to the mountains and the wilderness
Jaiy 4, l>^yoiidf under cover of the darkness. Early the next morning a messenger was dis-
I'ns. patched to Wilkesbarre Fort, to send up the cannon, and cause the whole settlement
to concentrate for defense at Forty Fort. But all was confusion. The people were flying
in dismay, and leaving their homes a prey to the invaders. The messenger returned with
his melancholy tidings just as another arrived from Colonel John Butler, demanding a sur-
render, and requesting Colonel Denison to come up to head-quarters, near the still burning
ruins of Wintermoot's Fort, to agree on terms of capitulation. Already the principal stock-
ade at Pittston (Fort Brown) had surrendered, and, there being no hope of a successful de-
fense. Colonel Denison complied. Colonel Butler demanded the surrender of all the forts,
and also of Colonel Zebulon Butler and his Continental troops (numbering only fifteen men)
as prisoners of war. Colonel Denison hastened back, by agreement, to consult with his
brother officers. He conferred with Colonel Zebulon Butler at Wilkesbarre Fort, and it
was agreed that the latter and his men should immediately retire from the valley. He placed
Mrs. Butler behind him upon his horse, and that night they slept at Conyngham, in the Nes-
copeek Valley, twenty miles firom Wilkesbarre. Colonel Denison, on returning, reprted to
the British leader that the Continentals were beyond his command, and negotiations were
opened without reference to them. The terms were verbally agreed upon, but, there being
no conveniences for writing at hand, the contracting parties went to Forty Fort, and, upon
a table belonging to a Mr. Bennet, the terms of capitulation were drawn up and signed.*
guilty of the atrooities at Wyoming which history has attribated to her. But Mr. Miner, whose means for
correct information on points connected with the history of Wyoming were much superior to those of Mr.
Stone, clearly fixes the guilt upon her. She was well known to Colonel Denison and Colonel Franklin, and
they both explicitly charge her with the deed. Two of her sons accompanied her in the expedition, and it
is said that her fury on the occasion was exched by the death of one of ^em, in the fight that occurred near
Fort Jenkins on the 2d of July, the day before the battle of Wyoming. She must have been then nearly
eighty years of age. One of General Sullivan's men, in his journal, cited by Minor, speaks of reaching
*' Queen Esther's plantation" [Sheshequin], where she ^* dwelt in retirement and sullen majesty. The ruins
of her palace," he said, " are still to be seen. In what we supposed to be the chapel we found an idol,
which might well be worshiped without violating the third commandment on account of its likeness to any
thing in heaven or on earth. About sunrise the general gave orders for Catbarinestown to be illuminated,
and accordingly we had a glorious bonfire of upward of thirty buildings." One of the sons of Kate Mob*
lour, as she was familiarly called, was with Walter Butler at Cherry Valley, and with his own bands cap-
tured Mr. Cannon, the father of Mrs. Campbell, mentioned in our account of the invasion of that settlement.
The old man's life was spared, and he was taken to Niagara. Kate Montour was there, and ** was greatly
enraged," says Stone, " because her son had not killed him outright." This " exhibition of a savage tem-
per" is in accordance with her acts at Bloody Rock.
' The following b a. copy of the articles of capitulation, dated Westmoreland, July 4th, 1778 :
'' Art. Ist. That the inhabitants of the settlement lay down their arms, and the garrisons be demolished.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 359
SvrenderofttieFoit. Trectj T^le. Condact of tbe Tories. Bad Faith of ttolndluM. TbeTnatji
Colonel Butler, ascertaining that there were several casks of whisky in the fort, ordered them
to he rolled to the hank of the river and emptied, fearing that
they might fall into the hands of the Indians and make them
onmanageahle.
Every thing heing arranged, the two gates of the fort were
thrown open. The arms of the patriots were piled up in the
center, and the women and children retired within the huts that
lined the interior of the stockade. At the appointed time the
victors approached, with drums heating and colors flying. They tu "t
came in two columns, whites and Indians. The former were **^" ^""^'
led by Colonel John Butler, who entered the north gate, and the latter by Queen Esther,
the bloody priestess of the midnight sacrifice. She was followed by Gi-en-gwa-tah, who,
with his warriors, entered the south gate. The wily chief, fearing treachery, glanced quickly
to the right and left as he entered. The Tories, with their natural instinct for plunder, im-
mediately seized the piled arms. Butler ordered them to desist, and presented the muskets
to the Indians. The inhabitants were then marked by the Indians with black paint in their
faces, and ordered to carry a white cloth on a stick. These were badges which, the savages
said, would insure their protection.
The terms of the capitulation were respected by the invaders, particularly the Indians,
fi>r a few hours only. Before night they spread through the valley, plundering the few peo-
ple that were left, and burning the dwellings of those already gone to the wilderness. The
village of Wilkesbarre, containing twenty-three houses, was burned, and the inhabitants, with
.others remaining in the valley, fled in dismay toward the mountains, whither a great num-
ber of their friends had gone during the night. Only one life' was taken after the surrender
" 2d. That the inhabitants oooapy their farms peaceably, and the lives of the inhabitants be preserved en*
tire and unhurt.
" 3d. That the Continental stores be delivered up.
" 4th. That Mijor Butler* will use his utmost influence that the private property of the inhabitants shall
be preserved entire to them.
" 5th. That the prisoners in Forty Fort be delivered up, and that Samuel Finch, now in Miyor Butler's
possession, be delivered up also.
'* 6th. That the propeity taken from the people called Tories, up the river, be made good, and they to
remain in peaceable possession of their farms, unmolested in a free trade in and throughout the state, as far
ts lies in my power.
" 7th. That the inhabitants that Colonel Demson now capitulates for, together with huBself^ do not take
up arms during the present contest.
[Siiniedl "Nathan Denisom
*■ ^ ^ John Butlsb.
*^ Zarah Beech^ Stimutl GMttm^
John Johnson, WiUiam CaldweUy
^ The table on which the capitulation was drawn up and signed was still in possessioii of a daughter of
Mr. Bennet (Mrs. Myers) when I visited her in September, 1848. I shall have occasion to mention this
venerable woman presently. The table is of bhick walnut, small, and of oval form, and was a pretty piece
of furniture when new. It is preserved with much care by the family. The house of Mr. Bennet was near
Forty Fort, and himself and fhmily, with their most valuable effects, were within the stockade when it sur-
rendered. .
* This was Sergeant Boyd, a deserter from the British army. Standing in the gatevi^y of the fort after
the capitulation. Colonel Butler recognized him, and said, sternly, " Boyd, go to that tree !" " I hope," said
* In all accounti of the war John Butler is denominated a colonel, wliile here he girea what was donbtless his true title. Loi4
George QermalDe, in a dispatch to Sir Henry Clinton, gires him the rank of lieuteniint colonel This capitulation was highly
honorable, and oertainly affords a plea in &Tor of the merciftil character of Butler claimed for him by his friends. In the trans
aetioos wUcfa subseqoentiy took place he declared his inability to control tiie Indians. This may hare been tme. But no hon-
orable man would have beaded such an expedition; and wliateTer may hare been his efforts to aBay the whirlwind of destmc-
tkm which be had raised, history holds liim responsible, next to his goremment, for the dreadful tragedy in Wyoming. The
stories of his cruelties, set afloat by the flying fugitives from the valley, and incorporated in the histories of Gordon, Ramsay, and
otiier early historians of the war, have been refuted by ample testimony, and prored to be tiie offiqiring of imaginations greatly
excited by tiie tenors of the batde and flight The story, that when Colonel Denison asked Butler upon what terms he would
aeeept a surrender, iie replied, '*Tho hatohet," and tales of a Undrcd nature of cruelties permitted by him, hare no foundation
tatniih.
Digitized by
Google
360 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Flight of the People over the Pocono. InddentB of the Flight Providential Aid of Mr. HoUenback. Preaervatiaa of Papers.
of Forty Fort, but numbers of women and <^hildren perished in their flight in the great swamp
on the Pocono Mountains, known as the Shades of Death, and along the wilderness paths
by the way of the Wind-gap and Water-gap, to the settlements on the Lehigh and Dela-
ware. So sudden was their departure, that scarcely a morsel of food was secured. Terri-
ble indeed were the incidents of that flight, as related by the suflerere and their friends, and
recorded by Chapman and Miner. " Tears gushed from the eyes of the aged widow of Mr.
Cooper,*' says Mr. Miner, '* when she related that her husband had lain on his face to lap
up a little meal which a companion in their flight had spilled on the earth. Children were
bom, and several perished in the < Dismal Swamp,' or < Shades of Death,' as it is called to
this day. Mrs. Trousdale was taken in labox ; daring to d^lay but a few minutes, she was
seen with her infant moving onward upon a horse. Jabez Fish, who was in the battle, es-
caped ; but, not being able to join his family, was supposed to have fallen ; and Mrs. Fish
hastened with her children through the wilderness. Overcome by fatigue and want, her
infant died. Sitting down a moment on a stone, to see it draw its last breath, she gazed in
its face with unutterable anguish. There were no means ^ dig a grave, and to leave it to
be devoured by wolves seemed worse than death ; so she took the dead babe in her arms and
carried it twenty miles, when she came to a Grerman settlement. Though poor, they gave
her food ; made a box for the child, attended her to the grave-yard, and decently buried it,
kindly bidding her welcome until she should be rested.
« The wife of Ebenezer Marey was taken in labor in the wilderness. Having no mode
of conveyance, her suHerings were inexpressibly severe. She was able to drag her fainting
steps but about two miles that day. The next, being overtaken by a neighbor with a horse,
she rode, and in a week was more than a hundred miles with her infant from the place of .
its birth.
" Mrs. Rogers, from Plymouth, an aged woman, flying with her family, overcome by
fatigue and sorrow, fainted in the wilderness, twenty miles from human habitation. She
could take no nourishment, and soon died. They made a grave in the best manner they
could Mrs. Courtwright relates that she, then a young girl flying with her father's
family, saw sitting by the road side a widow, who had learned the death of her husband.
Six children were on the ground near her — ^the group the very image of despair, for they
were without food. Just at that moment a man was seen riding rapidly toward them from
the settlements. It was Mr. HoUenback.^ Foreseeing their probable destitution, he had
providentially loaded his horse with bread, and was hastening back, like an angel, of mercy,
to their relief. Cries and tears of gratitude and welcome went up to heaven. He imparted
a morsel to each, and hastened on to the relief of others.
" The widow of Anderson Dana, Esq.,' and her widowed daughter, Mrs. Whiton, did not
learn certainly the death of their husbands until they were at Bullock's, on the mountain,
ten miles on their way. Many then heard the fate of ^eir relatives, and a messenger brought
to Mr. Bullock word that both his sons wore dead on the field. Then were heard mourning
and lamentation, with wringing of hands. Mrs. Dana had been extraordinarily careful. Not
only had she provided food, but had taken a pillow-case of valuable papers (her husband being
much engaged in pubHc business), the preservation of which has thrown much light on our
path of research. Depending chiefly on charity, the family sought their ancient home iu
Boyd, imploringly, " your honor will consider me a prisoner of war." " Gro to that tree, sir," shouted Butler.
The sergeant obeyed, and a volley from some Indian marksmen laid him dead upon the spot.
* Mr. HoUenbaok survived the battle, and escaped by svrimming the river at Monocasy Island. He cross-
ed the mountains to the settlements in advance of the fugitives.
' Anderson Dana vras from Ashford, Windham county, Connecticut. He was a lawyer of good attain-
ments ; his talents and zeal, in the promotion of the welfare of the Wyoming settlement, obtained from the
people their unanimous suffrage, and he was elected a member of the Connecticut Assembly. Returning
home when Wyoming was threatened, he mounted his horse, and, riding from family to fanouly throughout
the valley, aroused the people to action, and, though exempt from military duty, haistened to the field and
fell. His son-in-law, Stephen Whiton, but a few weeks married, also went into the battle and was slain.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 361
iiietnre of the Flight. Storjof theFogitiTMpablisbedatFoaghkeepBie. Error* of History. Bad Faith of the Invadera
Connecticut. These few instances, selected from a hundred, will present some idea of the
dreadful flight."'
What a picture did that flight present ! No embellishment of fancy is needed to give it
efiect. One hundred women and children, with but a single man to guide and protect them,
are seen, in the wildest terror, hurrying to the mountains. « Let the mind picture to itself
a single group, flying from the valley to the mountains on the east, and climbing the steep
ascent ; hurrying onward, filled with terror, despair, and sorrow ; the affrighted mother,
whose husband has fallen, with an infant on her bosom, a child by the hand, an aged parent
slowly climbing the rugged steep behind them ; hunger presses them severely ; in the rus-
tling of every leaf they hear the approaching savage ; a deep and dreary wilderness before
them, the valley all in flames behind ; their dwellings and harvests all swept away in this
spring flood of ruin, and the star of hope quenched in this blood shower of savage Vengeance."*
From the settlements on the Delaware the fugitives made their way to Connecticut by
various routes, and the tales of horror of a few who crossed the Hudson at Poughkeepsie
were published in a newspaper printed there. The account o^ tfie atrocities therein' related
was repeated every where in America and in Europe, and, remaining uncontradicted, formed
the material for the darkest chapter in the annals of the Revolution, as reoorded by the ear-
lier historians. No doubt the fugitives believed they were telling truths.* The battle, the
devastation of the valley, and the flight across the wilderness were matters of their own ex-
perience ; and other refugees, joining them in their flight, added their various recitals to the
o*eneral narrative of woe. We will not stop to detail what has been erroneously written.
The pages of Gordon, Ramsay', and Botta will satisfy those who wish to « sup on horrors."
The researches of Mr. Minor have obliterated half the stain which those recitals oast upon
human nature, and we should rejoice at the result, for the honor of the race. It is but just
to the memory of the dead to say, in passing, that the conduct of Colonels Zebulon Butler
and Nathan Denison' on the occasion has been falsely represented, and injustice done to their
characters. All that could be done was done by those brave and devoted men.
Our story of the disaster in Wyoming is almost ended. Although alarm and distress pre-
vailed there until the close of the war, there were no hostilities of greater moment than the
menaoes of savages and a few skirmishes with marauders. But, before closing the historic
tome, let us briefly glance at the events in the valley which followed the surrender of the
forts and the flight of the people.
As we have seen, the terms of capitulation were broken by the invaders within a few
hours after the treaty was signed, and the houses of the people and fields of waving grain
were plundered and destroyed. The Indians began by breaking open the trunks and boxes
in the huts of the surrendered fort* The town papers were scattered, and many valuable
records were destroyed. Colonel Denison called upon Butler repeatedly to enforce the terms
of capitulation by restraining the Indians. Butler did, indeed, attempt to restrain them, but
they utterly disregarded his orders. At length, finding his authority set at naught, doubt-
less considering his own life in danger should he attempt harsh measures of control, and prob-
ably fearing greater enormities on the part of the Indians, Butler withdrew from the ji^g,
valley.* Gi-en-gwa-tah interposed his authority, and a greater part of the Indians ^™'
» HUtory of Wyamingy p. 230.
' The HazUton Travelers. This is not a yolume, but a series of*biographical and historical sketches by
Charles Miner, Esq., in the form of oolloquies between two travelers from Hazleton. They were published
in the Wyoming Republican in 1837-8. They are admirably conceived and written, and contain vivid pic-
tures of the character and sufferings of the people of Wyoming during the Revolution.
' Colonel Nathan Denison was a native of New London, Connecticut, and was one of the early settlers in
Wyoming. He was well educated, and was an active man in the valley. After the close of the war he
held several important offices under the authority of Pennsylvania. Ue died January 25th, 1809, aged
tizty-eight years.
^ Mr. Miner gives Colonel Butler full credit for humane intentions, and believes that he desired to regard
faithfully the terms of the capitulation, and that he made the most earnest endeavors to prevent the pillage
and miners which ensued. On the authority of a Mr. Finch, a prisoner at the tiine, who went over the
Digitized by
Google
362 PICTORIAL FIELD-BO )K
Departure ofthelnvadert from die VaUej. Indlaa Croeltifle. Arriyal o( Bncoor. Ezpedition against the IndiaMa
followed the leaden, with Queen Esther and her retinue in the van. The appearance of the
retiring enemy was extremely ludicrous, aside from the melancholy savageism that was pre-
sented. Many squaws accompanied the invaders, and these hrought up the rear. Some
had helts around their waists, made of scalps stretched upon small hoops ; some had on from
four to six dresses of chintz or silk, one over the other ; and others, mounted on stolen horses,
and seated, '* not sidewise, hut otherwise,*' had on their heads four or five honnets, one with-
in another.
As soon as Butler and the main hody of the invaders lefl the valley, the Indians that re-
mained, wholly uncontrolled, swept over the plains in small hands of from five to ten, and
wantonly destroyed the crops, burned houses and bams, and treated the few remaining peo-
ple most cruelly.* Several murders were committed, and terror again reigned in the valley.
Colonel Denison, and all who remained at Forty Fort, fled, some down the river and some
to the mountains. Except a few who gathered about the fort at Wilkesbarre, the whole
people abandoned the settlement. It presented one wide scene of conflagration and ruin.
Captain Spalding was between the Pocono and Blue Mountains, nearly fifty miles from
Wilkesbarre, on the day of the battle. Apprised of the event by the flying settlers, he hast-
ened forward, and when within twelve miles of the valley sent two scouts to reconnoiter.
From the brow of the mountain they saw the flames rising in all directions, and the valley
in complete possession of the invaders. The effi)rts of a single company would be vain, and
Captain Spalding returned to Stroudsburg, to await the orders of Colonel Zebulon Butler.
• Augusta^ who soon returned to Wyoming. When the enemy had left the valley, Spalding
^- marched thither, and took up his quarters at Wilkesbarre Fort,» which he strength-
ened. Other means for the defense of the valley were adopted, and a few of those who had
fled returned, with the hope of securing something that might be left of all their desolated
possessions. Some of them were waylaid and shot by straggling Indians and Tories. There
was no security ; throughout that fertile valley fire was the only reaper, and the luscious
fruits fell to the earth ungathered. Even the dead upon the battle-ground lay unburied un-
til the autumn frosts had come ; and when their mutilated and shriveled bodies were col-
lected and cast into one common receptacle of earth, but few could be identified.
That sad oflice was performed by guarded laborers, while parties of the enemy,
like hungry vultures, scented their prey firom afar, and hovered upon the mountains, ready
to descend upon the stricken settlers when opportunity should ofler.
Colonel Hartly, of the Pennsylvania line, joined Colonel Zebulon Butler, and an expedi
tion was arranged to expel the marauders. In September a detachment of one hundred and
thirty men marched to Shesequin, Queen Esther's plantation, a beautiful plain on the east
branch of the Susquehanna (now in Bradford county), where a battle ensued. Several of
l)att]e-grotind with Mr. Miner in 1838, he says that Colonel Butler received a letter on the 5th, which hast-
ened his departure from the valley. It probably gave him notice of the approach of Captain Spalding or
some other expected re-enforcements. Mr. Miner tells an amusing anecdote of Finch. They called to-
gether upon Mrs. Jenkms, an aged lady, more than eighty years old, who was a prisoner in Forty Fort.
She instantly recognized Finch, and said, with much archness and humor, " Oh, yes, Finch, to be sure I re-
member you. An old squaw took you and brought you in. She found you in the bushes, and, as she drove
you along, patted you on the back, saying, * My son, my son I' " Finch did not relish the exposure as well
as the by-standers. He had been playing the hero in his aocoimt of the battle. Mrs. Jenkins stripped him
of his plumage, and he soon after left the valley.
' One illustrative instance I will motion. From the farm of an old man named Weekes, seven persons,
three of whom were his sons, one a grandson-in-law, two relatives, and the last a boarder, went out
to the battle. At night the whole seven lay dead on the field 1 After the capitulation, a band of Indians
came to his house and ordered him away. " How can I ?" he said ; " my whole family you have killed.
How can I with fourteen grandchildren, all young and helpless." They feasted on the food in his house ;
and one of the Indians, taldng the hat from the old man's head, and placing himself in a large rocking-chair
which he had taken to the rmid, rocked with much glee. They then informed him that he might have three
days allowed him to prepare for departure, and the use of a pair of oxen and a wagon to carry away his
grandchildren. He departed, and the savages set fire to the building, and destroyed all that was left. Over
the rough country along the Lackawanna Mr. Woekos made his way to Orange county. — See Miner's Wifo-
ming^ p. 238, and HaeUton Travelers,
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 363
RetaroofSetden. ContiiiQed Alarm. Murder of Mr. Slocum. Sunirui't EzpeditioD. Situation of Wyondng.
the^ Indians were killed, their settlement was brol^n up, and a quantity of plunder that had
been taken from Wyoming was recovered. Returning to Wyoming, Colonel Hartly was
called away, but left a garrison of one hundred men at Wilkesbarre Fort. Thus defended,
although the season was much advanced, % few armed settlers plowed and sowed. Maraud-
ing parties of the enemy still hovered upon the mountains, and several of the whites were
murdered in their fields, among whom was Jonathan Slocum, a member of the Society of
Friends. The interesting story of the abduction of his little daughter, and her subsequent
discovery among the Indians, will be related in the next chapter.
In March, 1779, the garrison at Wilkesbarre was menaced by a party of about two hund-
red and fifty Indians and painted Tories, who surrounded the fort. The discharge of a field
piece drove them away, but, the garrison being too feeble to attempt a pursuit, the maraud-
ers carried off much plunder, not, however, without sufiering considerably in some smart
skirmishes with the inhabitants. In April a re-enfbrcement for the garrison, under
Major Powell, while marching toward Wyoming, fell into an Indian ambuscade.
Six of his men were killed, but the Indians were routed.
Toward the close of June, Greneral Sullivan arrived in the valley, with his division of the
army destined for the invasion of the Seneca country, the events of which have been narra-
ted in a preceding chapter. The troops had rendezvoused at Easton, and marched to Wyo-
ming by the way of the present turnpike. They arrived on the 23d of June, and encamped
on the fiats below Wilkesbarre. A large fleet of boats, that had been prepared in the lower
waters of the Susquehanna, arrived, with provisions and stores, on the 24th. We have
seen that Sullivan's movements were remarkably slow, and that the enemy became perfectly
acquainted with his strength and his plans before he reached Tioga. The Indians, guided
by the mind of Brant, tried to divert the attention of Sullivan by attacks upon his outposts.*
Several of these occurred, but the American force was too large to be much afiected by them ,
and on the 31st of July the tents were struck, and the whole army, with martial music
and the thunder of cannon, moved up the Susquehanna, proceeding on the east side.
As the fleet of boats approached Monocasy Island and the battle-ground, the lively music of
fife and drum was changed to a solemn dirge, in honor of the patriot dead. The army en-
camped the first night a little. above Pittston, near the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Lackawanna Rivers. On the 5th it arrived at Wyalusing, on the 9th at Queen Es-
ther's Plains (Shesequin), and on the 11th reached Tioga Point. The remainder
of the story of the expedition has already been told.
As soon as the American army was gone, the Indians and Tories came prowling upon
the borders of the valley, and, until peace was proclaimed, the settlers had not an hour of
repose. " Revenge upon Wyoming," says Stone, " seemed a cherished luxury to the infu-
riated savages, hovering upon her outskirts upon every side. It was a scene of war, blood,
and sufiering In the course of this harassing warfare there were many severe skirm-
ishes, several heroic risings of prisoners upon their Indian captors, and many hair-breadth
escapes."* It would require a volume to detail them, and the reader, desirous of more mi-
nute mformation, is referred to the works of Chapman, Miner, and Stone. I have othei
and broader regions to traverse and explore, and other pages of our wondrous history to open
and recite. Let us close the book for the present, and ramble a while along the banks of the
Susquehanna, where the tragedy we have been considering was enacted, but where now the
smiles of peace, prosperity, and repose gladden the heart of the dweller and the stranger.
' The boldness of the Indians was remarkable. Although the Americans in oamp were three thousand
strong, they appmaohed within two or three miles of the tents, and committed murders.
• History of Wyoming p. 206.
Digitized by
Google
364
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Preient ficonery in Wyomiog.
Allusion to Cofopbeirt Poem
Visit to Kingston nnd Forty Fort
CHAPTER XVI.
^ I then bat dream'd : thou art before me now
In life, a vision of the brain no more.
Fve stood upon the wooded mountain's brow,
That beetles high thy lovely valley o'er.
Nature hath made thee lovelier than the power
Even of Campbell's pen hath pictured ; he
Had woven, had ne gazed one swmy Cour
Upon thy smiling vale, its scenery
With more of truth, and made each rock and tree
EUiown like old friends, and greeted from afar ;
And there are tales of sad reality
In the dark legends of thy border war,
With woes of deeper tint tban his own Gertrude's are."
Halle cs.
MIST still reposed upon the waters, and veiled the fringe of trees along
the Susquehanna, when, late in the morning, I lefl Wilkesbarre, in
company with Mr. Lord Butler, to visit the celebrities of the valley.
The poetry of the bard and the solemn prose of the historian awakened
thoughts and associations which invested every venerable tree and anti-
quated dwelling, the plains, the river, and the mountains, with all the
glowing characteristics of romance. The simple beauty of nature,
though changed in feature, is as attractive as of old.
•
*^ But where are they, tbe beings of the mind,
The bard's creations, molded not of clay.
Hearts to strange bliss and sufiferings assignM —
Young Grertrude, Albert, Waldegrave — ^where are they?
Waldegrave 'twere in vain
To point out here, unless in yon scarecrow
That stands full uniform'd upon the plain
To frighten flocks of crows and blackbirds from the grain.
" For be would look particularly droll
In his * Iberian boot' and ' Spanish plume,'
And be the wonder of each Christian soul,
As of the birds that scarecrow and his broom.
But Gertrude, in her loveliness and bloom.
Hath many a model here ; for woman's eye.
In court or cottage, wheresoe'er her home.
Hath a heart-spell too holy and too high
To be o'er-praised, even by her worshiper — Poesy."
Halleck.
We crossed the plain to Kingston, a pretty village about half a mile westward of Wilkes*
barre, and then proceeded to the site of Forty Fort, three and a half miles above, which is
reached hy a road diverging toward the river from the main road to the head of the valley.
It stood near the river bank, at a curve in the stream. Not a single trace of it is lefl, the
spot having been long a common, perfectly smooth, and covered with a green sward. Near
the site of the fort is a venerable house, one of the few that escaped the general conflagra-
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
266
The -TWaty liable" at Forty Fort
Site of the Fort
VMt po the MoDament.
Inacription upon it
tion, and close by is the residence of one of Mrs. Myers's family, in whose possession I found
the treaty table, pictured in the last chapter. The venerable owner was not there, but I
afterward saw her at the house of her son, near Kingston. A cottage and its garden occupy
the bank of the river where the trembling families at Forty Fort stood and listened to the
noise of the battle ; and from that point is a charming river view, bounded on the northwest
by the lofty range of the Shawnee Mountains, through which the Susquehanna makes its
way into the valley.
From Forty Fort we rode up to the monument, which is situated in a field a few rods east
of the main road, near the pleasant little village of Troy, five
and a half miles from Wilkesbarre. It is constructed of hewn
blocks of granite, quarried in the neighborhood, is sixty two
and a half feet in height, and stands upon the spot where the
dead were buried in the autumn succeeding the battle.* On
two marble tablets are engraved the names of those who fell,
so far as could be ascertained, and also t>f those who were in
the battle and survived. Another marble tablet contains
an inscription, written by Edward Mallory, Esq.' This
monument, like many others proposed to be erected to the
memory of Revolutionary men or events, was tardily con-
ceived and more tardily executed. It remained unfinished
nearly forty years after the first movements were made to-
ward raising money for the purpose. As early as 1809,
Mr. Minor, the historian of the valley, wrote several essays
intended to awaken public attention to the duty of erecting
a monument, and in 1810 Charles F. Wells, Esq., wrote
a stirring ode, concluding with the patriotic interrogation,
Wroaiuso Monithsnt
" 0, when shall rise, with chisel'd head,
The tall stone o'er their burial-place,
Where the winds may sigh for the gallant dead,
And the dry grass rustle around its base ?'*
' Professor Silliman visited many of the Revolutionary grounds about twenty years ago. In his Journal,
vol. xviii., p. 310, in describing his visit to Wyoming, he says that a Mr. Perrin, one of those who assisted
in the burial of the dead, went over the ground with him, and assured him that, owing to the intense heat
and dryness of the air, the bodies were shriveled, dry, and quite inoffensive.
' The following is the inscription upon the monument :
Near this spot was fought,
On the afternoon of Friday, the third day of July, 1778,
THE BATTLE OF WYOMING,
In which a small band of patriot Americans,
Chiefly the undisciplined, the youthful, and the aged,
Spared, by inefficiency, from the distant ranks of the republic,
Led by Colonel Zebulon Butler and Colonel Nathan Denbon
With a courage that deserved success,
Boldly met and bravely fought
A combined British, Tory, and Indian force
Of thrice their number.
Numerical superiority alone gave success to the invader,
And wide-spread havoc, desolation, and ruin
Marked his savage and bloody footsteps through the valley.
THIS MONUMENT,
Commemorative of these events.
And of the actors in them.
Has been erected
Over the bones of the slain, *
By their descendants and others, who gratefully appreciate
The services and sacrifices of their patriot ancestors.
Digitized by
Google
366 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Clforti to erect the Wjomiof Mooament SvcoeM of the Ladies. loddentt of tbe Battle. The Inmaa Famfly.
These appeals caused meetings to be held and resolutions to be adopted, but little more sub-
stantial was done until 183 9, when a committee from Wyoming repaired to Hartford, tc
solicit pecuniary aid from the Legislature of Connecticut. The committee set forth the
claims of the Wyoming people upon Connecticut, in consideration of past allegiance and
services. A report was made, proposing a grant of three thousand dollars, but no further
action was taken during that session. In 1841 another petition was presented, and so ably
was the matter conducted that the lower branch of the Legislature voted the appropriation
asked for, by a large majority. The Senate did not concur, and another failure was the con-
sequence. The ladies of Wyoming, doubtless feeling the truth of Dr. Clarke's assertion, that
** in all benevolent or patriotic enterprises the services of one woman are equal to those of
seven men and a half," resolved that the monument should be erected. They formed a
'* Luzerne Monumental Association,"* solicited donations, held fairs, and by their energy
obtained the necessary funds and erected a monument, commemorative alike of patriotic
deeds and of female influence. There is a world of philosophy (which solicitors of subscrip-
tions would do well to observe) in the saying of Judge Halliburton's clock peddler, <* The
straight road to the pockets of the men is through the hearts of the women."
From the monument northward to the site of Wintermoot*s Fort, a mile and a half, the
road passes over the battle-ground ; but tillage has so changed the whole scene, that nothing
remains as token or landmark of the fight, except the ancient river bank, and the tangled
morass toward the mountains, through which the Lidians made their way and fell upon Col-
onel Denison's rear. The place was pointed out to me, upon the road side, where, tradition
i«ays, one of the Wyoming men, somewhat intoxicated, lagged behind and fell asleep, when
the little band marched to the attack of the invaders. When the retreat became general,
and Colonel Zebulon Butler saw no other means of safety but flight, he put spurs to his horse.
A swift-footed settler, hotly pursued by savages, caught the tail of Colonel Butler's horse as
he passed by, and, with the tenacity of the witch that fastened upon the tail of Tam O'Shan-
ter's mare, held on until he was far beyond danger. As they passed the spot where the in-
ebriate had just awaked, perfectly sober, the man at the tail shouted to him to shoot the pur-
suing savage. He did so, and the Indian fell dead in the road. Near the same spot Rufus
Bennet was pursued by an Indian. , Both had discharged th^ir pieces, and the savage was
chasing with tomahawk and spear. Richard Inman, one of five brothers who were in the
battle, shot the Indian with his rifle, who fell dead within a few feet of his intended victim.'
Passing over the battle-ground, we visited the site of Wintermoot's Fort, a view of which
is given on page 351, and, going down on the ancient bank of the Susquehanna, we came to
Queen Esther's Rock, noticed and described on page 357. There is a scow ferry near, by
which we crossed to the eastern side of the river, along whose margin, skirted with lofty trees,
we had a delightful ride to the ravine opposite Monocasy Island. Here the road departs from
the river bank, and passes among fertile intervales between that point and Wilkesbanre. The
wheat harvests were garnered, but the corn-fields and orchards were laden with the treas-
^ The most aotive ladies in the association were descendants of those who sofiTered at the time of the io-
\*asion. The names of the officers of the society are as follows : Mrs. Chester Batler, President / Mrs. G
M. Hollenback and Mrs. £. Carey, Vice-preiidentM ; Mrs. J. Butler, Mrs. Nicholson, Mrs. Hollenback, Mrs.
Lewis, Mrs. Ross, Mrs. Conyngham, Mrs. Beaumont, Mrs. Drake, Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Carey, Executive Com-
ntittee ; Miss Emily Cist, Dreaturer ; Miss Gertrude Butler, Secretary ; Mrs. Donley, Mrs. L. Butler, Corre-
spanding Committee.
' The Inman family were terrible sufferers. Five brothers went to the field of battle. Two others (for
the father had seven sons) would have gone forth, but they had no arms. Two were killed on the field, two
escaped without injury, and the fifth, plunging into the waters under some willows on the river shore whil*
heated by the exertions of the battle and the flight, took such a cold that in a few weeks he was in his grave.
The reniainder of the family fled with the rest of the settlement In the fall they ventured to return, and
put in some winter grain. A surviving son, a lad of nineteen years, while in the field, heard, as he supposed,
some wild turkeys in the woods. He went afler them, shots were heard, but the boy never came back. In
the spring his body was found. He had been murdered and scalped by the Indians. Thus four sons of Eli-
jah Inman perished within a few months. One of the tons, Cokmel Edvrard Inman, is still living, I believi^
upon a fine farm a few miles below Wilkesbarre.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 367
Ba>idanoe and Grave of Colonel Zebulon Butler. Mr. Slocum and bit Familj History. Abduction of hia Slat>4r.
ores of the season, their abundance betokening the extreme fertility of the soil. We passed
the homestead of Colonel Butler, near which,
** On the margin of yon orchard hill,
Are marks where time-worn battlements have been,
And in the tall grass traces linger still
Of arrowy (rieza and wedged ravelin."
Near the entrance to the village we came to the cemetery where repose many of the patriot
dead of Wyoming. There rest the remains of Colonel Butler and his wife. The rude slab
that first marked the bed of the hero had been removed, and in its place a neat white marble
stone is laid, bearing the following inscription : <* In memory of Colonel Zebulon Butler,
of the Revolutionary army, who died July 28th, 1 795, in the 64th year of his age ; and also
in memory of Mrs. Phoebe H. Butler, his wife, who died January 19th, 1837, in the 82d
year of her age."
It was late in the. day when I reached my lodgings, and, wearied by the rambles of the
morning, resolved to pass the remainder of the afternoon with the HadeUni Travelers.
Their conversation was exclusively of those who acted and suffered at the time of the maS"
socre, and I listened with intense interest to the recitals of the *< knowing one." I would
gladly give the details here, if my space would allow, for they furnish one of the most in-
teresting of those chapters in our Revolutionary history, showing the terrible cost at which
our liberties were purchased. Mr. Minor has niade the record, and to it the reader is referred.
I passed the evening with the venerable Joseph Slocum, whose family was among the suf-
ferers in the Wyoming Valley. He related to me all the particulars of the capture and final
discovery of his sister Frances, and ot^er incidents connected with the sufierings of his fam-
ily. His father was a Quaker, and was disti^uished for his kindness to the Indians. He
remained unharmed at the time of the invasion, and, while the torch Mras applied to the dwell-
ings of others, his was left untouched. But his son Giles was in the battle. This doubt-
less excited the ire of the Indians, and they resolved on vengeance. Late in autumn they
were seen prowling about the house, which was situated about one hundred rods from the
Wilkesbarre Fort. A neighly)r named Kingsley had been made a prisoner, and his wife
and two sons had a welcome home in Mr. Slocum*s family. One morning the Hovember 2,
two boys were grinding a knife near the house, when a rifle-shot and a shriek ^^^
brought Mrs. Slocum to the door. An Indian was scalping the eldest boy, a lad of fifteen,
with the knife he had been grinding. The savage then went into the house, and caught
up a little son of Mrs. Slocum. " See !" exclaimed the frightened mother, <* he can do thee
no good ; he is lame." The Indian released the boy, took up her little daughter Frances,
aged five years, gently in his arms, and, seizing the younger Kingsley, hastened to the mounV
ains. Two Indians who were with him carried oS a black girl, about seventeen years old
Mr. Slocum's little daughter, aged nine years, caught up her brother Joseph (my informant)
two and a half years old, and fled in safety to the fort, where an alarm was given, but the
savages were beyond successful pursuit.
About six weeks afterward Mr. Slocum and his father-in-law, Ira Trip, were .^^^j^
shot and scalped by some Indians while foddering cattle near the house. Again
the savages escaped with their horrid trophies. Mrs. Slocum, bereft of father, husband, and
child, and stripped of all possessions but the house that sheltered her, could not leave the
valley, fi)r nine helpless children were yet in her household. She trusted in the God of
Elijah, and, if she was not fed by the ravens, she was spared by the vultures. She mourn-
ed not for the dead, for they were at rest ; but little Frances, her lost darling, where was
she ? The lamp of hope kept on burning, but years rolled by, and no tidings of the little
one came. When peace returned, and friendly intercourse with Canada was established,
two of the little captive's brothers started in search of her. They traversed the wilderness
to Niagara, ofiTering rewards for her discovery, but all in vain. They returned to Wyoming,
oonvinoed that the child was dead. But the mother's heart was still the shrine of hope,
Digitized by
Google
368 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Un. Slocom'f Presentimenta. A Foundling. Disappointment Singnlar Diieoreiy of die «* lost Bklbor.*
and she felt assured that Frances was not in the grave. Her soul appeared to commune
with that of her child, and she often isaid, '' I know Frances is living." At length the moth-
er's heart was cheered ; a woman (for many years had now passed, and Frances, if living,
must be a full-grown woman) was found among the Indians, answering the description of
the lost one. She only remembered being carried away from the Susquehanna. Mrs. Slo-
cum took her home and cherished her with a mother's tenderness. Yet the mysterious link
of sympathy which binds the maternal spirit to its offspring was unfelt, and the bereaved
mother was bereaved still. *' It may be Frances, but it does not seem so. Yet the woman
shall be ever welcome," said Mrs. Slooum. The foundling also felt no filial yearnings, and,
both becoming convinced that no consanguinity existed, the orphan returned to her Indian
friends. From time to time the hope of the mother would be revived, and journeys wert
made to distant Indian settlements in search of the lost sister, but in vain. The mother
went " down into the grave mourning," and little Frances was almost forgotten. Her
brothers had become aged men, and their grandchildren were playing upon the very spot
whence she had been taken.
In the summer of 1837, fif^-nine years after her capture, intelligence of Frances was re-
ceived. Colonel Swing, an Indian agent and trader, in a letter firom Logansport, Indiana,
to the editor of the Lancaster Intelligencer,^ gave such information that all doubts respect-
ing her identity were removed, and Joseph Slocum, with the sister who carried him to the
fort, and yet survived, immediately journeyed to Ohio, where they were joined by their younger
brother Isaac. They proceeded to Logansport, where they found Mr. Ewing, and ascertain-
ed that the woman spoken of by him lived about twelve miles from the village. She was
immediately sent for, and toward evening the next day she came into the town, riding a spir-
ited young horse, accompanied by her two daughters, dressed in full Indian costume, and
the husband of one of them. An interpreter .was procured (for she could not speak or un-
derstand English), and she listened seriously to what her brothers had to say. She answered
but little, and at sunset departed for her home, promising to return the next morning. The
brothers and sister were quite sure that it was indeed Frances, though in her face nothing
but Indian lineaments were seen, her color alone revealing her origin.
True to her appointment, she appeared the following morning, accompanied as before.
Mr. Joseph Slocum then mentioned a mark of recognition, which his mother had said would
be a sure test. While playing one day with a hammer in a blackraaith's shop, Joseph, then
a child two and a half years old, gave Frances a blow upon the middle finger of the left
hand, which cru^ed the bone and deprived the finger of its nail. This test Mr. Slocu|aa
had withheld until others should fail. When he mentioned it, the aged woman was greatly
agitated, and, while tears filled the furrows of her face, she held out the wounded finger.
There was no longer a doubt, and a scene of great interest ensued. Her auctions for her
' This letter was dated January 20th, 1835, a year and a half previous, and gave the following accoimt :
^^ There is now living near this place, among the Miami tribe of Indians, an aged white woman, who, a few
days ago, told me that she was taken away from her father's house, on or near the Susquehanna River, when
she was very young. She says her father's name was Slocum ; that he was a Quaker, and wore a large-
brimmed hat ; that he lived about half a mile from a town where there was a fort. She has two daughters
living. Her husband is dead. She is old and feeble, and thinks she shall not live long. These considera-
tions induced her to give the present history of herself, which she never would before, fearing her kindred
would come and force her away. She has lived long and happily as an Indian, is very respectable and
wealthy, sober and honest. . Her name is without reproach." The cause of the delay in the publication
of the letter, and of its final appearance and efiect, was not a little singular. Mr. Ewing sent it to the post-
master at Lancaster, with a request that he would have it published in a Pennsylvania paper. The post-
master, not acquainted with the writer, concluded that it was a hoax, and cast the letter among other papers,
where it remained a year and a half. One day bis wife, while engaged in arranging the office, saw the let-
ter, and, having her feelings very much interested, sent it to the editor of the Intelligencer. It so happened
that the issue of his paper in which the letter was published contained an important temperance document,
and a large number of extra copies were printed for general distribution. One of these was sent to a gen-
tleman in Wyoming, who, having heard the story of the " lost sister," and knowing Mr. Joseph Slooum, put
the paper into his hands ; and thus, by a series of providential circumstances, a clew to Frances was discovered
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
369
Interriew between tiie ** lost Siitei^' and her white Kindred. Her NorratiTe. Her Condition. Children and Qrandchildren
kindred, that had slumbered half a century, were aroused, and she made earnest inquiries
after her father, mother, brothers, and sisters. Her full heart — ^fuU with the cherished se-
crets of her history — ^was opened, and the story of her life freely given. She said the sav-
ages (who were Delawares),
afler taking her to a rocky cave
in the mountains, departed for
the Indian country. The first
night was the unhappiest of her
life. She was kindly treated,
being carried tenderly in their
arms when she was weary.
She was adopted in an Indian
family, and brought up as their
daughter. For years she led a
roving life, and loved it. She
was taught the use of the bow
and arrow, and became expert
in all the emplo3rments of sav-
age existenpe. When she was
grown to womanhood both her
Indian parents died, and she
soon afterward married a young
chief of the nation, and remov-
ed to the Ohio country. She
was treated with more respect
than the Indian women gener-
ally ; and so happy was she in
her domestic relations, that the
chance of being discovered and
compelled to return among the
whites was the greatest evil
that she feared, for she had
been taught that they were the implacable enemies of the Indians, whom she loved. Her
husband died, and, her people having joined the Miamies, she went with them and married
one of that tribe. The last husband was also dead, and she had been a widow many years
Children and grandchildren were around her, and her life was passing pleasantly away
When she concluded the narrative, she lifted her right hand in a solemn manner, and said,
" All this is as true as that there is a Great Spirit in the heavens !'* She had entirely for-
gotten her native language, and was a pagan. To her Christ and the Christian's Sabbath
were unknown.
On the day after the second interview, the brothers and sister, with the interpreter, rode
out to her dwelling. It was a well-built log house, in the midst of cultivation. A large
herd of cattle and sixty horses were grazing in the pastures. Every thing betokened plenty
and comfort, for she was wealthy, when her wants and her means were compared. Her an-
nuity firom government, which she received as one of the Miami tribe, had been saved, and
she had about one thousand^ dollars in specie. Her white friends passed several days very
agpreeably with her ; and subsequently her brother Joseph, with his daughter, the wife of
'/This portrait I copied from a painting of life size in the possession of her brother, Mr. Joseph Slooum,
of Wilkesbarre. It was painted for him by an artist named Winter, residing at Logansport. Her under-
dress is scarlet, and the mantle with the large sleeve is black cloth. The Indians gave her the name of
Ma-con-a-qua, a Young Bear, The names of her children and grandchildren are as follows : Eldest daugh-
ter, Kich-ke-ne-che-quah, Cvi Finger ; youngest daughter, 0-saw-she-quah, Yellow Leaf. Grandchildron :
Kip-pe-no-quah, Com Tauel; Wap-pa-no-se-a, Blue Corn^ Kim-on-sa-quah, Young Panther
Aa
Fajufcxs Slocum— Ma-con-a-qua.^
Digitized by
Google
370 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
\ Sabbath in Wyoming. Visit to Mn Mjen. Inddenta of her Life. Eacape of her Fafter and Broker from Indiana.
the Hon. Ziba Bennet of Wyoming, made her another visit, and bade her a last farewell.
She died about four years ago, and was buried with considerable pomp, for she was regarded
as a queen among her tribe.*
September IB, ^ passed a Sabbath in Wyoming. It was a dull and cheerless day. The
^*^ mountains were hooded with vapor, and all day a chilly drizzle made the trees
weep. But Monday morning dawned clear and warm, and in the course of the day I re-
visited Forty Fort and the battle-ground, ascended the mountain to Prospect Rock, to ob-
tain another 'glorious view of the valley, peeped into the black caverns of the coal mines at
ihe foot of the hills, and at noon took shelter from the hot sun in the shaded walks of Toby's
Eddy, where Zinzendorf pitched his tent. Thence I rode to the residence of Mr. Myers, a
son of the venerable lady already alluded to, where I passed an interesting hour with the
living chronicle of the woes of Wyoming. I found her sitting in an easy chair, peeling ap-
ples, and her welcome was as cheerful and cor4ial as she could have given to a cherished
friend. Her memory was clear, and she related the incidents of her girlhood with a per-
spicuity that evinced remarkable mental vigor. Although blindness has shut out the beau-
tiful, and deprived her of much enjoyment, yet pious resignation, added to natural vivacity,
makes her society extremely agreeable. *' I am like a withered stalk, whose flower hath
fallen," she said ; *< but," she added, with a pleasant smile, " the fragrance still lingers."
She was sixteen years old at the time of the invasion, and was in Forty Fort when it sur-
rendered. Every minute circumstance there she remembered clearly, and her narrative of
events was substantially the same as recorded in the last chapter. Her father's house was
near the fort, and for a week after the surrender it was spared, while others were plundered and
destroyed. Every morning when she arose her first thought was their house, and she would
(TO early to see if it was safe. One morning as she looked she saw the flames burst through
I he roof, and in an hour it was a l^ap of embers. She remained twa weeks in the valley
afler the surrender of the fort. The Indians kept her face painted and a white fillbt around
lier head, as a protection against the tomahawks of strange savages, and she was treated
very kindly by them. When Colonel Denison and others fled firom the valley, she and her
family accompanied them. After th& savages left the valley, her family returned, and for
seventy years she has enjoyed the sweets of peace and domestic happiness. Her maiden
name was Bennet, and her family were conspicuous in the events at Wyoming during the
Revolution.* She has been many years a widow. One of her sons was high sherifl* of Lu-
zerne county, another was a magistrate, and a daughter is the wife of the Rev. Dr. Peck,
the editor of the Methodist Episcopal Review, published at the " Book Concern," in New
York. She is yet living (November, 1849), at the ripe age of eighty-eight years, honored
and beloved by all.
I returned to Wilkesbarre at sunset. The evening was as pleasant as June,
" and the moonlight scene from the upper piazza of the Phcenix, embracing the
quiet-flowing Susquehanna, with its fringe of noble trees ; the sparkling of the lights at
^ When the Miamies were removed from Indiana, the " lost sister" and her Indian relatives were ex-
empted. The aflfeoting story of her life was laid before Congress, and so eloquently did John Quincy Adams
l»lead her cause, that he drew tears from the eyes of many members. Congress gave her a tract of land a
mile square, to be held in perpetuity by her descendants, and there her children and grandchildren still dwell.
' Her brother Solomon was in the battle. In the spring succeeding the invasion, the father of Mrs. Myers,
her brother (a lad), and Lebbeus Hammond (one of the two who escaped from Queen Esther at the bloody
rock) were captured by a party of Indians while at work in the field, an^ hurried away to the north. It
was evident that they were destined for torture, and, while the Indians were drinking at a spring on the
third day of their journey into the wilderness, they concerted a plan for escape. Mr. Bennet, being old,
was allowed to travel unbound, but the arms of Hammond and the boy were tied. There were six Indians
in the paH^. At night all were laid down to sleep but Mr. Bennet and an Indian. The former brought
in dry wood for the fire, and kept himself busy for some time. He then sat dovni by the fire, and, ta^g
up a spear, he rolled it playfully on his thigh. The Indian finally began to nod, and the others were snor-
ing soundly. Watching his opportunity, Bennet thrust the savage through with the spear, cut the cords
tluit bound his son and Hammond, and the three attacked the sleeping savages. Five were killed, the other
one escaped. The captives returned home, bringing, as trophies, the scalps of the slain savages.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 371
RoTivalofCivilWtf in Wyoming; Decree of Trenton. Its Effect Injustice toward the ** Tankeea." Inaction of Congress.
Kingston, and the dark outline of the Shawnee MountainB, all hallowed by historic associa
tions, wag one of great beauty and interest. Let us employ the quiet hour in reminiscences
of some stirring events that occurred, within trumpet call of our presence, afler the Revolu-
tion, for early on the morrow I must leave Wyoming, perhaps forever.
We have considered the civil war that disturbed Wyoming before the Revolution. That
great movement absorbed all lesser topics ; but as soon as the storm had subsided, and pri-
vate interests again became paramount, old jealousies and animosities were resuscitated, and
struggled into active life. As soon as all fear of the Indians had subsided, Connecticut pour-
ed hundreds of immigrants into this paradise of the Susquehanna. The influx was regarded
with jealousy by the Pennsylvanians, and it was not long before all the rancor of the Penny-
mite and Yankee war was reproduced.
The Articles of Confederation, under which the general goyemment of the United States
was carried on, having made provision £ot the adjustment of difficulties that might arise be-
tween states, and Connecticut insisting upon the maintenance of its jurisdiction over Wyo-
ming, Pennsylvania applied to Congress to appoint a oommission to hear the claimants by
representatives, and to determine the question in dispute. The commissioners met at Tren-
ton, in New Jersey, toward the close of 1782, and, after a session of Eve weeks, decided,
unanimously, that Connecticut had no right to the land in controversy, and that the juris-
diction and pre-emption of all lands belonged to Pennsylvania. The people of Wyoming
appeared to be weU satisfied with the decision, for, considering it a question of jurisdiction
only, they deemed it a matter of little moment whether they rendered allegiance to Connec-
ticut or Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvanians, however, did not so construe the decision, but
contended not only for jurisdiction, but for the soU, and steps were immediately taken for
a sweeping ejectment of the Connecticut settlers. In March ensuing, two companies were
sent to garrison the fort at Wilkesbarre, under the pretext of afibrding protection to the peo-
ple ; and the name of the fort was changed to Dickinson, in honor of the President of the
Council of the State. Pennsylvania had already appointed three commissioners to repair to
Wyoming, to inquire into the state of aflairs, and report proper measures to be adopted to-
ward the settlers. Their report proposed an entire surrender, on the part of the Wyoming
people, of their tenures, and all claim to the soil then in their possession, with their improve-
ments ; in lieu of which they were to receive an indefinite compensation, at the option
of their oppressors, in the wild lands of some unknown region. It was a most unjust and
tyrannical measure, for the right to the soil had been purchased, not only with money, but
with the dreadful suflerings of those about to be driven away. This report of the commis-
sioners, and the quartering of troops in the valley, now that the war was ended, and the
spirit of tyrannical domination that characterized the soldiers, greatly exasperated the peo-
ple, and ^ey were upon the verge of open insurrection for several months.
Early in the autumn two special justices of the peace were appointed, who, in concert
with the military, formed a tribunal for the adjudication of all questions arising under the
civil law. The real object of constituting this tribunal, sustained by military force, was ob-
vious ; it was to dispossess the Connecticut people of their farms. The tribunal became an
instrument of cruelty and oppression, and a disgrace to the character of civilization. The
next year, according to Chapman, ** the people were not only subject to insult, but
their crops were destroyed in their fields, their cattle were seized and driven away, and
in some instances their houses were destroyed by fire and the females rendered victims of
licentiousness." But why this rigorous treatment ? ** It was," says Pickering, ** not only
to strip the people of their possessions, but, by wearying them of their * promised land,' drive
them firom the valley." Although the inhabitants were greatly excited, they loved peace
and order» and appealed to the Legislature of Pennsylvania for justice. Their appeal was
unnoticed, and they sent a memorial to Congress. That body resolved^ that a ajumaryss,
committee of the states should hear both parties on the first Monday in June fol- ^^•
bwihg ; but neither Congress nor a conunittee of the states were in session at the time des*
ignated, and the people were left without redress.
Digitized by
Google
372 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Great Deluge in Wyoming. Danger and Difltress of the Inhabitants. Eeappearance of tibe Soldiezv. Renewal of HostiUtiea.
In the mean while a terrible Bcourge swept over the valley. The winter had been in-
tensely cold ; snow fell to a great depth, and the Susquehanna was bridged by ice of un-
common thickness. The moimtains, covered with forests, treasured up vast beds of snow
among their rocks and in their deep ravines, from the action of the sun. In March,
a warm rain fell for nearly three days in succession. The snow melted, and every
mountain rivulet became a sweeping torrent, pouring its volume into the Susquehanna. The
ice in the river was broken up, and the huge masses, borne upon the flood, obstructed by
trees, formed immense dams, 'spreading the waters of the swollen river over the plains. At
length the narrow Nanticoke pass at the lower end of the valley became blocked with the
ice, and the water, flowing back, submerged the river flats, and filled all the lower inter-
vales. Houses and bams were uplifted on the bosom of the waters. The people fled to
the higher points in the valley, some to the mountains. For several hours the waters con-
tinued to rise, until suddenly a dam in the mountain gorge, at the upper end of the valley,
gave way, and down came the flood with fearful strength. All the ice barriers in the val-
ley were broken up, and the ponderous masses of ice, mingled with floating houses, bams,
fences, drowned cattle and sheep, stacks of hay, furniture, and agricultural implements, were
scattered over the plains,' or hurried forward to the broader expanse of the river below. It
was a scene of fearful grandeur, and to the poor settlers, shivering in the mountains, or
huddled upon the little hills in the midst of the roaring floods, the star of hope seemed
forever set. The present was utter desolation — ^the future would unveil injustice and op-
pression.
As soon as the floods subsided the inhabitants returned, and with them came the soldiers,
who snatched from them nearly all of the little food that had been saved, for they were
** quartered upon the people." Their rapacity and oppression were greater than ever, and
the settlers, anxious to retrieve their farms from the ruin of the flood, were not allowed to
work in peace, but were tormented by them continually. At length the people resolved to
oppose their oppressors by force, and armed for the purpose. The magistracy, indignant at
their presumption, sent out the soldiers to disarm them ; and in the process one hundred and
fif^ families, many of whom had lost portions of their household in the battle of Wyoming,
were tumed out of their newly-constructed dwellings, and compelled to fly on foot through
the wilderness to the Delaware, a distance of eighty miles. Houses were bumed, and other
atrocities were committed. Ashamed of such conduct, the Legislature of Pennsylvania
(which had refused to vote supplies to the suflerers by the flood), when the naked facts were
known, endeavored to heal the wounds which, under its sanction, had been inflicted, and, in
a measure, to wipe out the stain that rested upon the state authorities. The troops were
discharged, except a small guard left at Fort Dickinson, and a proclamation was issued, in-
viting the people who had been driven away to return. Some of them did so, but the val
ley was allowed but a short season of repose.
So many of the discharged soldiers joined the guard at the Wilkesbarre Fort, that the
people, alarmed, garrisoned Forty Fort. A party of them, having occasion to visit their
July 20, grain-fields below, were fired upon by a detachment of thirty firom the other fort, and
1784. lyfQ promising young men were killed. The people resolved on retaliation, and about
midnight marched to Wilkesbarre Fort, to take the garrison by surprise. The latter, in-
formed of the movement, were prepared to receive them, and the settlers returned to Forty
Fort with a stock of provisions. On the 27th, the people, led by Colonel John Franklin, a
native of Connecticut, invested the Wilkesbarre Fort, and made a formal summons for sur-
render. Two hours were allowed the besieged for an answer. Before one hour had elapsed
information was received that a considerable re-enforcement for the garrison was approaching.
The siege was raised, and the besiegers returned to Forty Fort. It was a false alarm ; the
strangers, who were supposed to be the pioneers of a large number who were approaching.
' It is said that so huge were many of the masses of ioe that were lodged in different portions of the val-
ley, that it was the last of July before they were melted away.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 373
Amutrong'f Espedition. Stratagem. Change in Public Sentiment The Cenaors. Appeal for Reliefl
were a committee appointed by the state council to proceed to Wyoming and disarm both
parties. A conference was held, and such was the state of feeling that neither party would
listen to the commissioners.
Stronger measures were now deemed necessary, and Colonel John Armstrong was sent
with a considerable force to establish order in the valley. From Easton he sent forward a
detachment, which was captured among the mountains on its way to Wyoming, by Anguat 2,
a party of Connecticut people. Armstrong pushed forward, and on the 4th of Au- ^'^^
gust reached Wyoming, where his whole force numbered about /our hundred men, including
the garrison in Wilkesbarre or Dickinson Fort. He found Forty Fort too strong for success-
ful attack, and resorted to stratagem. He professed pacific intentions, and proposed to the
people of all parties to deliver up their arms at Fort Dickinson, and there reclaim any prop-
erty which they might identify as their own. Numbers of the Connecticut people believed
him sincere, went to the fort, delivered up their arms, and were captured. Forty of them
were sent to the prison at Sunbury, and nearly as many to Easton. The jailer of the latter
place was knocked down by a young man named Inman, and the whole party ^
escaped. a They returned to the valley in company with about forty Vermont-
ers, and, fbding Armstrong and the few men left with him (for a large portion of his men
had been discharged when the prisoners were sent to jail) harvesting the crops, they attacked
them and drove them into Fort Dickinson. Forty Fort was again garrisoned by the people,
and a plan was arranged for recovering the arms which they had surrendered. A block-
house in which they were stored was attacked, and the arms recovered. Two men in the
block-house were mortally wounded.
On hearing of this latter event, the executive council sent another expedition to Wyoming,
under Armstrong, who was at the same time promoted to the office of adjutant general of
the state. But the sympathies of the people of Pennsylvania began to be enlisted in favoi
of the Wyoming settlers, and they were regarded as a persecuted party. President Dickin-
son also remonstrated with the Council and Greneral Assembly, but to no purpose.' It so
happened that about this time the Board of Censors held their septennial meeting. They
called upon the Assembly for papers relative to Wyoming. The Assembly refused acqui-
escence. A mandamus was issued, but the Assembly treated it with contempt. Thus treat-
ed, and viewing affairs justly, the Censors openly espoused the cause of the Connecticut peo-
ple, condemned all of the znilitary proceedings, and passed a vote of censure upon the gov-
ernment of the state. This strengthened the hands and hearts of the Wyoming people.
They defied Armstrong and his troops ; and as winter was approaching, food scarce, and not
a recruit could be obtained, that ofiicer discharged the garrison and returned to Philadelphia.
Though relieved of the presence of the military, the condition of the settlers was indeed de-
plorable. What the spring flood had spared was small, and the presence of the troops had
prevented sowing and reaping. They appealed to Congress and to Connecticut for aid,' but
they received little more than the cold charily of words — " Be ye clothed, and be ye fed" —
without contributing to their necessities. The last military expedition against Wyoming
had been accomplished, yet the question of possession was unsettled, and they had but little
heart to improve their lands, not knowing how soon other eflbrts might be made to dispos-
sess them. The population, however, increased rapidly, and for two years quiet prevailed
' Pennsylvaiua, under its first independent state Constitation, had no officer bearing the title of governor.
The government of the commonwealth was vested ip a House of Representatives, a president, and council.
There was also a Board of Censors, elected by the people, who were to meet once in seven years, to inqnire
whether the Constitation had, in the mean while, been violated, and to transact other general supervisory
business, such as trying impeachments, recommending the repeal of unwholesome laws, &c.
' In their appeal to the Connecticut Assembly they set forth that their " numbers were reduced to about
two thousand souls, most of whom were women and children, driven, in many cases, from their proper hab-
itations, and living in huts of bark in the woods, without provisions for the approaching winter, while the
Pennsylvania troops and land claimants were in possession of their houses and farms, and wasting and de-
ftroying their cattle and subsistence."
Digitized by
Google
374 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Luaerne. Timothy Pickering In Wyoming. Organiiation of the County. Memoh* of Pickering
ia Wyoming. On the petition of the people, the district of Wyoming and vicinity
^^^ were formed into a new county, which they named Luzerne.*
Ahout this time Colonel Timothy Pickering," of Massachusetts, hut then a resident of
Pennsylvania, visited Wyoming, and made himself thor-
oughly acquainted with the affairs of the valley. He
became^ convinced that the settlers were satisfied with
the political system of the state, and were ready to be-
come obedient citizens of the commonwealth if they
could be quieted in the possession of their farms. These
views he communicated to Dr. Rush and other eminent
men in Philadelphia, who, anxious to have an amicable
adjustment of the difficulties, proposed to Mr. Pickering
to accept of the five principal county offices, and remove
to Wyoming ; for he, being a New England man, would
doubtless exercise great influence over the people. He
accepted the proposition and went to Wyoming, bearing
to the Connecticut people the full assurance that the
Pennsylvania Legislature would pass a law quieting
them in their possessions.
Clothed with the necessary power. Colonel Pickering
proceeded to hold elections and to organize the county.
He succeeded in persuading the people to memorialize
the Legislature for a compromise law, the chief provisions of which should be, that, in case the
^ So called in honor of the Chevalier de Luzerne, the distinguished embassador from France to the United
States during the bitter years of the Revolution.
' Timothy Pickering was bom in Salem, Massachusetts, on the 17th of July, 1745. He entered Har-
vard University at the age of fourteen years, and received collegiate honors in 1763. He was elected reg-
ister of deeds in the county of Essex ; and before the Revolution he was a colonel of the Essex militia, ami
acquired a thorough knowledge of nodlitary tactics. When the town meeting was held at Salem in 1774,
and an address voted to General Grage on the subject of the Boston Port Bill, Colonel Pickering was appomt-
ed to write the address and deliver it in person to the governor. For him is claimed the distinction of con-
ducting the first resistance, in arms, to the power of the mother country. On Sunday, the 26th of Februa-
ry, 1775, an express arrived at Salem from Marblehead with the intelligence that British troops were bind-
ing from a transport, with the intention of marching through Salem to seize some military stores in the in-
terior. The people were dismissed from their churches, and, led by Colonel Pickering, they opposed the
progress of the British at a draw-bridge. A compromise was effected, the British were compelled to march
back to Marblehead, and bloodshed was avoided.* When he heard of the battle of Lexington, Colonel Pick-
ering marched, vnth his regiment, to intercept the enemy. In 1775 he was appointed a judge of the Court
of Common Pleas for Essex. In the fall of 1776, vnth seven hundred Essex men, he performed duty under
Washington, and was with the chief in his retreat across the Jerseys. He was engaged in the battles of
Brandywine and Germantown, holding the office and rank of adjutant general. Congress appointed him a
member of the Board of War with Gates and Mifflin ; and in 1780 he succeeded General Green as quarter-
master general. At the close of the war he fixed his residence in Philadelphia, soon after which he was
deputed to attempt the settlement of the troubles in Wyoming. He was a member of the convention called
to revise the Constitution of Pennsylvania in 1790. Washington appointed him postmaster general in 1791 >
which office he held nearly four years, when, on the resignation of General Knox, he was appointed Secre-
tary of War. In 1795 Washington made him his Secretary of State, which position he held until 1800,
when he was removed by President Adams on political grounds. He was poor on leaving office, and, build-
ing a log house for his family upon some wild land that he owned in Pennsylvania, he commenced the ardu-
ous duties of clearing it for cultivation. Through the liberality of his friends, he whs induced to return to
* Of tfaif exploit^ Trombnll, in bif if^JF^o/, wrote :
** Tliroagfa Salem itreight, witfaoot delay,
The bold battalion took ita way;
Blarch'd o'er a bridge, in open aigfat
Of sereral Yankeea arm'd for fi^^t ;
Then, without loaa of time or men,
Veer'd round for Boaton back again,
And found ao well their projecta thrire,
That erery aoul got back alive t"
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 375
New Difflcultlefl In Wyoming. John Franklin. Arreat of Franklin. Ethan Allen
commonwealth would grant them the seventeen townships' which had been laid out, and on
which settlements had been commenced previous to the decree of Trenton, they would, on their
part, relinquish all their claims to any other lands within the limits of the Susquehanna pur-
chase. The law was enacted, but new difficulties arose. Many of the best lands in these
townships had been granted by the government of Pennsylvania to its own citizens, in the face
of the claims of the Connecticut people. These proprietors must be satisfied. Commissioners
were accordingly appointed, under the law, to go to Wyoming to examine and adjust claims on
both sides.* They met in May, arranged the preliminaries, and adjourned until Au-
gust. The law satisfied those within the seventeen townships, but the Connecticut
people had extended settlements beyond these limits, and these, excluded from the benefits
of the law, were much dissatisfied. It was also said that, pending the negotiations, the Sus-
quehanna Coztipany had been using great exertions to increase the number of settlers in the
unincluded districts, and Colonel Pickering positively asserted that gratuitous ofiers of land
were made to such as would come armed, *< to man their rights.'** The most active man
in this alleged movement was John Franklin, whose g^eat popularity enabled him to stir up
a violent commotion among the <* out-siders'* — so violent that the commissioners were obliged
to flee from the valley for personal safety. Chiefjustice M*Kean issued a warrant for th'^
arrest of Franklin, on the charge of high treason. But how should they catch him ? They
could not trust the proper officer, the sheriff of Luzerne county, who was living in the midst
of tl^e insurgents, as they were called. Four strong, bold men, two of whom had serveil
in the Revolutionary army, were selected for the purpose, and they repaired to Wyoming.'
Franklin was then thirty-five miles ji^-^^^sf— interfered. Observing the commo-
distant, exciting the people to arm- j^^iM^'''- ^^^^ ^^^^ ^® window of his house,
ed resistance. Preparations were flB^BH^!^. ^® sallied out with his pistols, and,
made for his safe-conduct to Phila- ^|H8^^ presenting one to the breast of
delphia, and, on his return, he was Hn^^tenj Fr&ol^lin, kept him quiet while ho
arrested at the « Red House," near #^!^P^HH ^^ securely bound to a horse,
the river. It was with great dif- &/~' ^^^H^Hf Franklin was carried to Philadei-
ficulty that he was secured, and, as ^^^^li^^B^B P^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^ prison,
the people were assembling for his ^^^^^IpIMB The interference of Colonel Pick-
rescue, he would doubtless have es- ^^^«^d hou„ ..» ®^">& greatly exasperated the peo-
caped, had not Colonel Pickering pie, and retaliatory measures were
immediately adopted. He was informed of the fact that a party was about to seize him,
his native state, out of debt, and a comfortable living in prospect. He was a United States senator in 1803,
and again in 1805. He was a member of the Board of War in Massachusetts in 1812, and in 1814 was
elected a member of the United States Hoose of Representatives. He retired from public life in 1817, and
died in Salem on the 29th of January, 1829, aged eighty-four years.
* These townships were Salem, Newport, Hanover, Wilkesbarre, Pittston, Westmoreland, Putnam, Brain -
tree, Springfield, Claverack, Ulster, Exeter, Kingston, Plymouth, Bedford, Huntington, and Providence.
These towns were represented as nearly square as circumstances would permit, and to be about five miles
on a side, and severally divided into lots of three hundred acres each. Some of these lots were set apart a^
glebes, some for schools, and others for various town purposes.
' The commissioners were Timothy Pickering, William Montgomery, and Stephen Balliott.
' About this time " no little sensation was produced in the valley,'* says Minor, " by the appearance of
the far-famed General Ethan Allen, from Vermont, arrayed in cocked hat and regimentals. The purpose ol
his visit was as well understood by Pickering as by Franklin and his associates. A grant of several thou-
sand acres was made to him by the Susquehanna Company. How many men he was pledged to lead fron^
the Green Mountains we have no means of ascertaining ; but it was not doubted that his object was to re-
connoiter, and concert measures for early and decisive action."
* Three of these were Captain Lawrence Erbe, Captain Brady, and Lieutenant M^Cormick. The other
name is not known.
^ The " Red House" is situated upon the street in Wilkesbarre next the river, and about seventy-five rods
below the bridge. It is the pkce where John Franklin was arrested. On his return (rom a political tour
down the valley, he came up by the way of Hanover to Wilkesbarre. While standing near the ferry, an
acquaintance came up to him and said, " A friend at the Red House wishes to speak to you." Franklin
walked to the house, where a person caught him from behind, and attempted to pinion his hands. He was
a |K>werfnl man. and shook ofi^his captors ; but, a noose being thrown over his head, he was secured. Thev
Digitized by
Google
376 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Pickering's Escape to PfailadelplilA. HisBetarn. Abduction and Treatment Wjoming quieted. Departore from Wyoming.
and he fled to the mountains, whence he made his way to Philadelphia. The partisans of
Franklin now hecame alarmed. They acknowledged their oflense to the council, and prayed
for pardon. Under these circumstances, Pickering thought it safe for him to return to his
family, particularly as the very people whose acts had driven him away had chosen him a
delegate to the Greneral Assembly during his exile ! He returned, but found many of the
people still much exasperated against him, and he was often menaced. Finally, one night
in June, fifteen ruffians, with painted faces, burst open the door of the room where
himself and wife were sleeping, bound him with cords, and in the darkness of the night
carried him up the valley. For twenty days he was kept by them in the forest, and sub-
jected to ill treatment in various forms. Sometimes they threatened him with death ; then
he was manacled and chained, and in this way the miscreants tormented him, and tried to
wring firom him a letter to the executive council recommending the discharge of Franklin.
When this requirement was first proposed, and his own release promised on his compliance,
Pickering promptly replied, « The executive council better understand their duty than to
discharge a traitor to procure the release of an innocent man." This determined tone and
manner he preserved throughout. They finally released him, and he found his way back
to Wilkesbarre, where his death was considered a matter of certainty. Haggard and un-
shaven, his wife regarded him with consternation, and his children fled firom him affrighted.
This was the last scene in the drama of violence so long enacted in Wyoming. Franklin
was liberated on bail, and finally discharged ; and he and Pickering often met as firiends in
public life afterward. The disputes about land titles and possessions in Wyoming remained
unsettled for nearly fifteen years, while the population rapidly increased. Ultimately the
claims were all quieted by law, and for the last forty years the sweet vale of Wyoming has
presented a beautiful picture of repose and prosperity.^ We will close the record and retire,
for the moon has gone down behind the western hills, and chilly vapors are coming up from
the bosom of the river.
September 20^ ^ ^^^ Wilkesbarre on the mail-coach early on Tuesday morning, for the Lack-
i®*8. awanna Valley and the coal regions of Luzerne. The whole of Wyoming was
wrapped in a dense fog, and firom the driver's box, where I had secured a seat, it was with
difficulty that we could observe objects beyond the leaders. The coveted pleasure of another
view of the beautiful scenery as we passed along the uplands was denied ; but when we ar-
rived at Pittston, the cool breeze that came through the mountain gateway of the Susque-
hanna, and from the valley of the Lackawanna, swept away the vapor, and revealed the
rich plains at the head of the valley, the majestic curve of the river where it receives its
tributary, and the grandeur of its rocky margins toward the north. At the junction of the
rivers we turned eastward, and in a few moments Wyoming and all its attractions were left
behind, and scenery and associations of a far difi[erent cast were around us.
1?he Lackawanna River flows in a deep bed, and its valley, wider than Wyoming, is very
rough and hilly, but thickly strewn with fertile spots. Iron and anthracite every where
abound ; and the latter is so near the surface in many places, that the farmers in autumn
quarry out their winter's stock of fuel upon their own plantations with very little labor.
Several iron manufactories are seated upon the river between its mouth and Carbondale,
and little villages, brought forth and fostered by these industrial establishments, enliven the
otherwise ungenial features of the route. At one of these, called Hyde Park, we lunched
and changed horses, receiving an addition to our company in the person of a tall, cadaverous
Yankee lumberman, who, with a huge musk-melon and jack-knife in his hand, took a seat
then attempted to get him on horseback, when he cried oat, " Help, help I WiUiam Slocum I where is
William Sloomn ?" and, drawing his pistols, discharged one, bat without effect He was felled by a blow,
and laid almost senseless. It was seeding time, and nearly all the men were in the fields. Bat the Yankee
blood of Mrs. Slocom (the mother of the " lost sister") was up, and, seizing a gon, she ran to the door, ex-
claiming, " William I Who will call William ? Is there no man here ? Will nobody rescue him ?" —
Miner, Colonel Pickering^s dwelling was near the " Red House." It is still standing, but so modernized
that its original character is lost.
* Chapman. Gordon, Miner, Stone.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 377
A Yankee LnmbennaiL Carboodalo. The Coal Mines. Fatal Accident Heroic Benevolence of Mr. Bryden.
beside me on the driver's box. Haying satisfied his own appetite with the melon, he gener
oQsly handed the small remainder to the driver and myself; and the moment his jaws ceased
mastication, his tongue began to wag like a *< mill-tail." He discoursed fluently, if not wisely,
upon the general demerits of fever and ague, whose subject he had been for nearly a year, and
upon the particular productiveness of " Varmount." *' It's a garden of flowers,'' he said,
** while York state, and all 'tother side on't, is wild land, raism' nothin' but snakes and agers."
" Compared to New England, our hors^ are colts,
Our oxen are goats, and a sheep but a lamb ;
The people poor blockheads and pitiful dolts —
Mere Hottentot children, contrasted with them."
He was a capital specimen of the genus " brag," refined by superb Munchausen polish. His
voice was a shrill falsetto, and, every word being audibl|9 to the passengers, we soon had a
laughing chorus within the coach that awoke the echoes of the hills.
Approaching Carbondale, the road gently ascends a mountain ridge until all traces of cul-
tivation disappear, and pines and cedars compose the forest. From this rugged height it
winds along the steep acclivities ; and the mining village, in the bosom t>f a deep, rocky in-
tervale, may be seen below, at a distance of more than a mile. It was about two o'clock
when we arrived at Carbondale. Having two hours leisure before the departure of the mail-
coach for Honesdale and the Delaware, I applied to Mr. James Clarkson, the chief surveyor
at the mines, for permission to enter one of them. It was cordially granted, and, in com-
pany with his assistant, Mr. Alexander Bryden, as guide, I entered the one wherein an ap-
palling circumstance, resulting in the dealii of several miners, occurred on the morning of
the 12th of January, 1846. Indications of danger were observed several months previously
in one of the chambers. The pillars of coal and pine logs that supported the roof seemed to
be crushing beneath the superincumbent weight, and the chamber was abandoned. Other
portions of the mine appeared to be safe, although in some cases the roof of slate was cracked.
Suddenly, at about eight o'clock on the morning in question, nearly sixty acres of the hill cov-
ering the mines sunk about two feet, crushing every thing beneath it, and producing a pow-
erful concussion. The fall was accompanied by a sound similar to distant thunder, and a
shock which was perceptible throughout the village. Fortunately, a large portion of the
workmen were at breakfast. Under or beyond the fallen body were about sixty men. The
intelligence of the disaster rapidly spread, and general alarm pervaded the town. There
were few who did not fear that some relative or friend was buried in the mine. The scene
was exceedingly painful, and not easily described. There were daughters, wives, and moth-
ers at the mouth of the mine, in an agony of expectation that a loved one was lost, and for a
while it was difficult to entdr to attempt a rescue of those within. The superintendents and
others proceeded immediately, and at the risk of their own lives, to examine the bounds of
the destruction. It was soon perceived that 'some, whose station must be within the limits
of the fall, were probably killed.
Beyond the point where the roof was secure, some thirty or more of the men had escaped
immediate deatii, but their situation was truly horrible, having lost their lights, the roof
still cracking and breaking around them,' and scarcely a hope left of escape from the spot.
Mr. Bryden, with courage sustained by love for his fellow-men, boldly eptered the mine, and
endeavored to reach the point where the men were imprisoned. He succeeded, afler much
labor, and released them. Informed that a man who had met with a serious accident had
been left in another chamber, Mr. Bryden directed his steps thitherward. He found the
wounded man, and carried him upon his back to his companions. Within five minutes after
Mr. Bryden left the chamber wiUi his burden of life, the passage he had traversed was en-
tirely closed by the crushed pillars of coal.
Among those known tp have been at about the center of the faU a short time before the
occurrence, was a young Scotchman named Hosea, another of the superintendents. Dili-
gent search was made foi him on that and the succeeding day without success. On the
third day, while a party were in search of him, he emerged from the mines unaided, having
Digitized by
•by Google
378 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Escape of Mr. Hoses. Effects of the Concxuaion. Entranoe and Exploration of the IGse. Interior Appemnce
dug his way out through fallen masses with his hands ! The excitement relative to him
had heen extreme, and his sudden appearance, under the circumstances, produced great joy.
He had been recently married. His young bride, having lost all hope of his recovery alive,
was in a store purchasing mourning materials, when he was carried by homeward in a sleigh.
The people flocked to his house, and saluted him as one risen from the dead. The hours
he had spent entangled in the passages of the mines were horrible indeed. At one time he
saw the glimmer of lights. He tried to make himself heard by the party carrying them,
but was unsuccessful. He ran toward them, but, stumbling against a car, he fell senseless.
When he revived, the lights had disappeared, and all was intense gloom. He scrambled
over broken rocks and through narrow apertures, and finally reached one of the rail-roads
and made his way out, having been forty-eight hours laboring, without food or 4rink, in re-
moving the fallen masses. Fourteen perished by the disaster ; the bodies of nine have been
recovered, the remainder are still in the chambers — ^to them the « chambers of death.*' The
air was expelled from the mine, when the superincumbent mass settled, with great force. A
train of empty cars, drawn by a horse driven by^a boy, was just entering when the event
occurred. The boy and horse were instantly killed, and the train was shattered in pieces.
The horse appeared to have been rolled over several times by the blast, and pieces of the
harness were found thirty feet from his body.
It was into this mine, now considered perfectly safe, that Mr. Bryden conducted me.
Seated upon a square block of wood on the bottom of one of a train of mine cars, in the at-
titude of a toad, each with a torch in his hand, we entered an aperture at the base of the
mountain, by the side of the canal. The cars (five in a train), running upon iron rails,
1 and drawn by a horse, are three feet long and two feet wide at top, tapering to the bot-
tom. Thus boxed up, and our heads bowed in meek submission to the menaces of the
low roof of the passage, we penetrated the mountain nearly half a mile, when we
''i came to an inclined plane. There the horse that took us in was attached to a
loaded train that had just descended, and went back to the entrance. The dark-
ness was so profound, that objects could be seen by the light of our torches
only a few feet from us, and on all sides were the black wdls of anthracite,
glistening in some places with water that trickled through the crevices. At
the foot of the inclined plane we were one hundred and seventy feet beneath
the surface of the earth. Up the rough steep, seven hundred and
fifly feet, we clambered on foot, and, when half way to the sum
mit, we saw the cables moving and heard the rumble of a de
scending train.* The passage is so narrow that there is very lit
tie space on each side of the cars. * We were, therefore, obliged
for our safety, to seek out one of the slippery ledges of anthracite wide enough to sustain us,
and, while thus '* laid upon a shelf," the vehicles, with their burden, thundered by.
A little beyond the inclined plane is the region of the fall. Here the roof is lower than
in other parts. Crushed timbers and pulverized anthracite, the remains of
the supporters of the chambers, are seen for some distance ; and the filled-
up avenues that led to other chambers, where some of the bodies remain
buried, were pointed out to me. We at length reached the chambers where
men were working, each with a lamp suspended by a hook from the front of
his cap. So intense was the darkness, that, when a little distance from a
workman, nothing of him could be seen but his head and shoulders below the
lamp. The coal is quarried by blasting with powder ; and the sulphurous
vapor that filled the vaults, and the dull lights, with hideous-looking heads,
apparently trunkless, beneath them, moving in the gloom, gave imagination free license to
* There is a doable track upon the uiclined plane, and, by means of cables and pulleys, the loaded train
banls up the empty one by force of gravity. From the main entrance many avenues are seen that extended
to other chambers now exhausted. As fast as these avenues become useless, the rails are taken up, and
ihey are filled with the slate or other imparities of the mines.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 379
PotsUs. Afcent from the Mine. Night Ride. A Grumbler. Change lid the Coal Region.
draw a picture of the palace of Pluto. Added to the sight was the feeling of awe which
the apparent dangers of the place engendered, as
the recollection of the tragedy just recorded was
kept aUve hy the identification of localities con-
nected with the event, hy my guide. After col-
lecting a few fossils,* we sought the " wind en-
trance,*' and, ascending a flight of steps ahout
twenty-five feet, we stood high upon the mount-
ain overlooking Carhondale, three quarters of a
mile from the place of our entrance. Notwith-
APPKAKANCB OF THK chambkrs.* standiug tho air is comparatively pure within, ex-
cept in the working chambers at the time of blast-
ing, I breathed much freer when standing in the sunlight, and removed from all danger.
Hastening down the mountain to the canal, I washed my fossils and hurried to the stage-
office in the village, where I arrived just in time to hear the provoking rattle of the coach-
wheels half a mile distant, on the road to Honesdale, leaving me to decide the question
whether to remain over a day, or, departing at nine in the evening, ride all night. I chose
the latter alternative, and passed the remainder of the afternoon among the mines and miners.
I left Carhondale at nine in the evening, and arrived at Cherry Hill, thirteen miles dis-
tant, at one in the morning. The road was exceedingly rough and the coach rickety. I
had but a single fellow-passenger, and he was as deaf as a post. He was a grumbler of the
first water, and his loud thoughts so amused me that I had no inclination to sleep. At
Cherry Hill we awaited the coach firom Honesdale. Informed that its arrival would be two
hours later, we took beds ; but the first dream had scarcely begun, when the wooden voice
^ The coal is covered by a layer of slate, so even on its under surface that the roofs of the passages, -when
the coal has been removed, are quite smooth and flat. Upon this flat surface are impressions of stalks and
leaves of plants of inmiense size, intermingled with those of the fern, of the size which now grow on the
borders of marshes. Some of these fossil stalks found between the slate and the coal measure from ten to
sixteen inches across (for they are all flattened, as if by pressure), and were evidently at least thirty feet
long. They lie across each other in every direction, and in all cases the stalks are flattened. Many theo-
ries have been conceived to account for the origin of the coal and of the appearance of these fossils. The
most plausible seems to be that the bed of coed was once a vast bed of peat, over which, in ages past, grew
these manmioth ferns ; that the slate that covers the upper stratum of coal was thrown up, in a semi-fluid
state, firom the bowels of the earth by volcanic action, and flowed over the fields of peat, casting dovim the
ferns and other vegetables flat beneath the whekning mass, which, in time, became indurated, and was form-
ed into slate. The huge stalks that have been found may have belonged to a species of water-lily that abound-
ed when the mastodon and megatherium browsed in the marshes that now form the coal beds of the Lacka-
wanna Valley.
' The miners, when they branch off from the main shaft or avenue, leave pillars of coed about eighteen
feet square, to support the roof or mass above. These huge pillars were crushed by the great weight upon
them, in the accident recorded.
Note. — The change which the Delaware and Hudson Canal and Mining Company has wrought in the
physical features of this region is wonderful. Twenty years ago the whole country in the vicinity of Car-
hondale was an uninhabited wilderness ; now fertile farms and thriving villages are there."* When Mau-
rice Wurts, of Philadelphia, after spending years in exploring the country between the Lackawanna and the
Hudson, presented his plan for the gigantic work now in progress, his friends looked upon him as nearly
crazed, and, like Fulton, he was doomed to have hope long deferred. But there were some who compre-
hended the feasibility of the undertaking, and estimated correctly its golden promises of profit. The work
was begun, and in 1829 seven thousand tons of anthracite coal were forwarded to New York. Wonderfully
has the business increased. The company now employs between five and six thousand men and boys, over
one thousand horses, and nearly nine hundred canal-boats, independent of the vessels at Rondout. Last
year (1848) the oon^umy forwarded to market four hundred and fifty thousand tons of coal, and its monthly
disbursements are about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. At Carhondale there are nine mines or
entrances ; and about seven hundred men, chiefly Irish and Welsh, are employed under ground there. The
coal is sent from Carhondale to Honesdale, a distance of sixteen miles, in cars upon an inclined plane, and
there it is shipped for market upon the Delaware and Hudson Canal, the termination of which is upon the
Hudson River, at Rondout, Ulster county.
* Carboadale contained about seven thousand Inhabitants, and Honesdale about four tLousand.
y Digitized by
Google
380 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A Coach Load. , Besolt of PoUteneas. Bad Coach and Drlrer. MOford. The SawkiE
of a Dutch hostler broke our slumbers with the cry of « Stage !" We were charged a quar-
ter each for the privilege of warming a cold bed, which made the deaf grumbler swear like
a pirate. A young woman, unused to crowds, occupied a place by the side of the driver,
and I was obliged to shrink into proper dimensions to share a seat within, with two elderly
women who "^eie by no means diminutive. *' I can't be squeezed, I can't be squeezed !*'
cried one of them, as I opened the coach-door to get in. My size was magnified in the dark-
ness to very improper dimensions, but the lady was pacified by a solemn assurance that what
she saw was more than half overcoat. Thus packed, we were trundled over one of the rough-
est roads in Pike county, and at six o'clock were set down at Decker's, among the Lacka-
wanna Mountains, where we breakfasted. Before reaching there, rain began to fall, and the
delicate young lady, who occupied a seat with the driver for the sake of fresh air, implored
shelter within. Of course her petition was granted, but she proved a destroyer of the com-
fort of two of the passengers. She was a plump Dutch girl, weighing nearly two hundred,
and the two old gentlemen, who, in the plenitude of their good will and politeness, had of-
fered her a seat upon their knees before she alighted from above, " worked their passage"
down the rough mountain roads, for ihfi horses were allowed a loose rein while the shower
lasted. One of the victims, whose obesity was conspicuous, declared that his gallantry could
not have extended another rood, and that the announcement of the appearance of Decker's
sign-post was as gratefiil to him as the " land ho !" is to the returning mariner.
At Decker's we changed coaches, horses, and drivers. The former, like the morals of the
latter, were very dilapidated. A worse vehicle and more wicked driver than we were in the
custody of I never encountered. The rain feU copiously for two hours, and every passenger
was subjected to the filthy drippings through the leaky roof of the coach, and the more filthy
drippings of profanitv and low slang from the lips of the driver, who was within speaking dis-
tance of a companion upon another stage.
Toward noon the clouds broke, and I escaped firom my damp prison to the driver's box just
as we reached the brow of the loftiest hill over which the road passes before descending to the
Delaware Valley. Twenty miles eastward loomed up the dark range of the Shawangunk
Mountains ; on our right, far below, sparkled a beautiful bell-shaped lake fringed with ever-
greens, and, as far as the eye could reach, wooded hills stood " peeping over each others shottl-
ders." The scenery was as wild and more diversified than that of the Pocono. Suddenly we
Clone upon the brow of the mountain that overlooks the beautiful plain of Milford, on the Dela-
ware, and in a few minutes we were rattling through the pretty village. Milford is remarkable
for the picturesque beauty of its own location and surrounding country, and for the size of one
of its publicans, who died in 1841.' * Near it are the beautiful falls of the Sawkill, where,
•
'^ Swift as an arrow from the bow,
Headlong the torrent lei^ps,
Then tnmbling round in darling snow
And dizzy whirls it sweeps *
Then shooting through the narrow aisle
Of this sublime cathedral pile,
Amid its vastness, dark and grim.
It peals its everlasting hymn.''
Stkeet.
' Milford has been settled about fifty years. The chief business of the place is the lumber trade. It is
quite a large village, and, since 1814, has been the county seat of Pike. In 1800 there were but two houses
and a blacksmith's shop upon its site. The plain was then covered with pines, hemlocks, and bushes. The
wadding of a hunter's gun set the brush on fire, and the plain was cleared for a great distance. The build-
ings, however, remained untouched. Some wag published an account of the fire, and said that it had " rav-
aged the town of Milford, and had left but two houses and a blacksmith's shop standing I"
The pMican referred to was a tavern-keeper named Lewis Cornelius, whose dimftnaions were nearly as
great as those of the famous Daniel Lambert. His height was six feet ; in circumference at the waist, six
feet two and a half inches ; circumference below the waist, eight feet two inches ; circumference of arm
above the elbow, two feet two inches ; below the elbow, one foot nine inches ; at die wrist, one foot three
mches ; of the thigh, four feet three inches \ of the calf of the leg, two feet seven inches ; weight, six hund-
red and forty-five and a half pounds, without any clothes.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
381
Delaware Birer and Valley. Port Jervii. The Nereraink Valley. Shawangunk Moimtains. Orange and Rockland.
But the pleasure of a visit thither were denied us hj the urgent heck of time. It was after
one o'clock, and we must he at Port Jervis, eight nliles distant, at three, to enter the cars
for the Hudson River, our point of destination.
The road from Milford to Port Jervis* passes along the margin of the Delaware Valley,
sometimes heneath steep acclivities that seem ready to topple down. We crossed the river
upon a hateau propelled hy two strong men with poles, and guided hy a rope stretched over
the stream, and reached ihe rail-way station just as the last hell was ringing and a dark
cloud hegan to pour out its contents. In a few minutes we were sweeping along the slopes
of the Neversink Valley, and ascending, hy a circuitous route, to the lofty passes among the
Shawangunk Mountains.
The scenery here was indescrihahly grand. On the right the hills towered far ahove, and
on the left, a thousand feet below, was the fertile valley of the Neversink lying in the shad-
ows of the lofty hills on the west. The table-land upon the summit inclines gently to the
eastward ; and a little before sunset we passed through the fine grazing lands of Orange,
lying between Middletown and Goshen, where the cow-herds furnish the materials for the
far-famed Goshen butter. Westward of Middletown we passed near the historic ground of
Minisink, and at twilight, descending the rugged slopes of Rockland along the winding course
of a mountain stream, we passed by Ramapo and Tappan, places famous in our Revolution-
ary history. A visit there was reserved for another occasion, and, proceeding to Piermont,
on the Hudson, the termination of the rail-road, I embarked for New York, and reached
home at nine in the evening.
^ Port Jervis was then (1848) the -western tenninus of travel on the New York and Erie Rail-road. It
is situated on the eastern side of the Delaware, upon a small triangular plain at the mouth of the Neversink
Creek, within the state of New York.
VllW OK THE SRAWAMGVIfK MoUlfTAINS.
Digitized by
Google
382 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
PoaghkeeiMie. OrigiBof itoName. Condition of tibe State tai iTTt
CHAPTER XVIL
** I glory in the sages
Who, in the days of yore,
In combat met the foemen,
And drove them from the shore ;
Who flung our banner^s starry field
In trimnph to the breeze,
And spread broad maps of cities where
Once waved the forest trees.
Hurrah 1
" I glory in the spirit
Which goaded them to rise,
And form a mighty nation
Beneath the western skies.
No olime so bright and beautiful
As that where sets the sun ;
No land so fertile, fair, and free
As that of Washington.
Hurrah!"
Gkosoi p. Morris.
fj*
New England, the nartery of the Revolutionary spirit, T next turned
my attention, and to that interesting field of research I proceeded,
after visiting the battle-ground of Bennington, upon the Wallooms-
coick. I went up the Hudson on the morning of the 25th of
September as far as Poughkeepsie,* where I passed the aHer- ^^^
noon, and in the evening proceeded to Kingston, or Esopus, memo-
rable in our Revolutionary annals for its destruction by the British.
Poughkeepsie is one of the finest villages in New York. It lids principally
upon an elevated plain, half a mile from the east bank of the river, and in the
midst of a region remarkable for its beauty and fertility. Although an old town,
]i ,v!ii?^ b'^'^n founded by the Dutch more than one hundred and fifty years ago, and
lying directly in the path of travel between New York and Canada, it was spared
the infliction of miseries which other places far more isolated suffered during the Revolution ;
and it has but little history of general interest beyond the fact that a session of the state
Legislature was held there in 1778, and that, ten years afterward, the state Convention to
consider the Federal Constitution assembled there.
When the state government was organized, in 1777, by the adoption of a Constitution,
the city of New York was in the possession of the enemy, and the first session of the Leg-
islature under the new order of things was appointed to be held at Kingston, in July of that
year. But the mvasion of the state at several points— -by Burgoyne on the north, by St.
Leger and his Tory and Indian associates on the west, and by Sir Henry Clinton on the south
—compelled Governor Clinton to prorogue that body until the 1st of September. Greater
still, however, was the excitement in the state at that time, for Burgoyne was pressing tri
umphantly toward Albany, and General Clinton was making active preparations to form a
junction with him. No quorum was present until the 9th, and early in October, before any
^ Poughkeepsie is a corruption of the Iroquois word Ap-o-keep-sinok, which signifies fo/lr harbor. On
an old map of the Hudson River in my possession it is spelled P^cieipsey ; and I have heard many of the old
inhabitants of Dutchess pronounce it as if so spelled, the a in the penultimate having the long sound, as in ape.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
383
Ueeting of the LegLslatore at Kiogiton and Pougbkeepaie.
State Conrentioo.
Federal Cona tltadon.
AnaLae.
Tus Vanklxxx H0U8K.i
laws could be matured, the session was broken up, on the rapid approach of the enemy up
the Hudson, after the fall of the forts in the
Highlands. Kingston was laid in ashes, and
all was confusion. About the same time
Burgoyne was conquered and captured, and
Sir Henry Clinton retired to New York.
As soon as the alarm had subsided, Grovem-
or Clinton called a meeting of the Legisla-
ture at Poughkeepsie. It assembled in the
old stone building known as the Van Kleek
House (then a tavern), early in January,
1778. Various acts, to complete the or-
ganization of the state government, were
passed ; provisions were made for strength-
ening the civil and military powers of the
state ; and it was during that session that
the state gave its assent to the February 6,
Articles of Confederation, the or- vns.
ganic law of the Federal Union until our pres-
ent Constitution was formed and adopted.
This building was the meeting-place of the inhabitants to consult upon the public welfare,
when the Boston Port Bill and kindred measures awakened a spirit of resistance throughout
the country.' There the Committee of Correspondence of Dutchess held their meetings,
and there the pledge to sustain the Continental Congress and the Provincial Assembly was
signed by the inhabitants of Poughkeepsie, in June and July, 1775.*
' This is from a sketch which I made in 1835, a few weeks before the venerable building was demolished
by the hand of improvement. It stood upon Mill Street, on the land of Matthew Yassar, Jr., a short dis-
tanoe from the Congregational Church. It was built by Myndert Vankleek, one of the first settlers in Dutch-
ess county, in 1702, and was the first substantial house erected upon the site of Poughkeepsie. Its walls
were very thick, and near the eaves they were pierced with lancet loop-holes for musketry. It was here
that Ann Lee, the founder -of the sect called Shaking Quakers, in this country, was lodged the night previ-
ous to her commitment to the Poughkeepsie jail, in 1776. She was a native of Manchester, England. Dur-
ing her youth she was employed in a cotton factory, and afterward as a cook in the Manchester Infirmary.
She married a blacksmith named Stanley *, became acquainted with James and Jane Wardley, the origina-
tors of the sect in England, and in 1758 joined the small society they had formed. In 1770 she pretended
to have received a revelation, while confined in prison on account of her religious fanaticism ; and so great
were the spiritual gifts she was believed to possess, that she was soon acknowledged a spiritual mother in
Christ. Hence her name of Mother jSnn. She and her husband came to New York in 1774. He soon
afterward abandoned her and her faith, and married another woman. She collected a few followers, and
in 1776 took up her abode in the woods of Watervliet, near Niskayuna, in the neighborhood of Troy. By
9ome she was charged with witchcraft ; and, because she was opposed to war, she was accused of secret
correspondence with the British. A charge of high treason was preferred against her, and she was impris-
oned in Albany during the summer. In the fall it was concluded to send her to New York, and bamsh her
to the British army, but circumstances prevented the accomplishment of the design, and she was imprisoned
in the Poughkeepsie jail until Gk)vemor Clinton, in 1777, hearing of her situation, released her. She re-
turned to Watervliet, and her followers greatly increased. She died there in 1784, aged eighty-four years.
Her followers sincerely believe that she now occupies that form or figure which John saw in his vision, stand-
ing beside the Savior. In a poem entitled " A Memorial to Mother Ann," contained in a book called *^ Christ's
Second Appearing," the following stanza occurs :
** How much they an mlBtalffin who tfalnk that mother's dead,
When through her mhiistratioiis ao many aoula are sared.
In union with the Father, she is the second Ere,
Dispensing fiiU salvation to all who do belieTe."
' The oity of New York eleoted James Duane, John Jay, Philip Livingston, Isaac Low, and John Alsop
delegates to the first Continental Congress, in 1774. The Dutchess county committee, whose meetings upon
the subject were held in the Van Kleek House, adopted those delegates as representatives for their dibtrict
■ See Joumali of Congrtu, i., 7.
' On the 29th of April, 1775, ten days after the skirmish at Lexington, a meeting of the inhabitants of
Digitized by
Google
384 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Hoddlertooe. State Coarentka tt PoogfakeqMie. Patriot Pledge. Federal Cooftitatioa. The Federalist.
Huddlestone, the famom Bpy, who was captured upon Wild Boar Hill» near Yonkers, in
West Cheater county, was tried, condemned, and hung at Poughkeepsie in April, 1780. The
place of his execution was upon a verge of the plain on which the town stands, known as
Forbus^ Hill. I have heard the late venerable Abel Gunn, of Poughkeepsie, who was a
drum major in the Continental army, speak of Huddlestone and of his execution. He de-
scribed him as a small man, with a large head and thick neck. He was accompanied to
the scafibld by the county officers and a small guard of militia enrolled for the purpose.
The state Convention to consider the Federal Constitution assembled* at the Vankleek
House, in Poughkeepsie, on the 17th of June, 1788. There were fifly-seven delegates pres-
ent, and Governor George Clinton was chosen the president of the Convention. In that As-
sembly were some of the most distinguished men of the Revolution, and the debates were of
the most interesting character. In no state in the Union was hostility to the Federal Con-
stitution more extensive and violent than in the state of New York. Forty-six of the fifVy-
seven delegates, including the governor, were anti-Federalists, or opposed to the Constitution.
The principal advocates of the instrument were John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and Robert
Livingston. Mr. Hamilton had been a leading member of the National Convention that
framed the Constitution, and also one of the principal writers of the Federalist.^ He felt
the responsibility of his situation, and the Convention readily acknowledged the value of his
judgment. He was perfectly famiUar with every topic included in the wide range which
the debates embraced, and he was nobly sustained by his colleagues. Jay and Livingston.
The hostile feelings of o&any of the anti-Federalists gradually yielded, and on the 26 th of July
the final question of ratification was carried in the affirmative by a majority of three votes.
A little more than a mile below Poughkeepsie, on the bank of the Hudson, is the resi-
dence of the late Colonel Henry A. Livingston, a grandson of Philip Livingston, one of the
the city of New York, called to consider the alarming state of pablio afiairs, formed a general Association,
or fiutemized, to use a popular term, and adopted a pledge. The Assooiadon and pl^e were approved
by the Provinoial Assembly, and copies of the latter were sent to every ooonty in the state for signatures.
The following was the form of the pledge :
" Persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of America depend, mider God, on the firm un-
ion of its inhabitants in a rigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety ; and convinced of
the necessity of preventing anarchy and confusion, which attend the dissolntion of the powers of government,
we, the freemen, freeholders, inhabitants of — ^ being greatly alarmed at the avowed design of the min-
istry to raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the bloody scene now acting in Massachttsbtts Bat,
do, in the most solemn manner, resolve never to become slaves ; and do associate, under all the ties of re-
ligion, honor, and love to our country, to adopt, and endeavor to carry into execution, whatever measures
may be reoonunended by the Continsntal Conoress, or resolved upon by our Provincial Convention for
the purpose of preserving our Constitution, and opposing the execution of the several arbitrary Acts of
the British Parliament, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and America, on constitutional princi-
ples (which we most ardently desire), can be obtained ; and that we will in all things follow the advice of
our General Committee respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation of peace and good order, and
the safety of individuals and property."
The list of signers, and the names of those who refused to sign in Poughkeepsie, have been preserved.
The number of signers was two hundred and thirteen ; the number who refused to sign was eighty-two. - A
list of the names of the signers, and those who refused to sign, in the various precincts in the ooonty, may
be found in Blake's HUtory of Putnam County^ p. 102-143 inclusive.
^ When the Constitution, adopted by the National Convention, was submitted to the consideration of the
people, extensive and violent opposition vras observed, founded principally upon the undue jealousy witn
which the doctrine of state rights was regarded. The friends of the Constitution saw that general public
enlightenment upon the subject was necessary to secure the ratification of the instrument by the requisite
number of states to make it the organic law of the republic. To this end Jay, Hamilton, and Madison com-
menced a series of essays in explanation and vindication of the principles of government. They appeared
successively every week in the New York papers, between October, 1787, and the spring of 1788. Ths
whole work, which is called The Federalut, consists of eighty-five numbers. Mr. Jay wrote six numbers,*
Mr. Madison twenty-five, and Mr. Hamilton the residue. They had a jwwerful efleot upon the public mind
and contributed largely to the success which finally crowned the eflbrts of the friends of the Constitution.
* Bfr. Jay and other gentlemen anned and placed themselTea under the command of Colonel Hamilton, to sappreaa a riot it
New York known as Tk» Doctor^ Mob. He was nearly killed by a stone thrown by one of the rioters, and was confined to hit
bed for some time. He had written^ fifth number of ^Federalist essays when that event occurred. He recovered in tfanc
10 write the sixty-fourth. <
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
385
Hie LlTingstiMi Mandon.
Haniy A. LiTingsUxi, E«q.
Kiogston, or Esopvs.
Iti Dutch Name.
'Vnm Livingston Mansion.
signeri of the Declaration of Independence, and son of the late John H. Livingston, D.D.,
president of the College of New Brunswick. It was huilt by his paternal grandfather, Henry
Livingston, in 1714, and is a fine specimen of a country mansion of that period. The sit-
uation is delightful, completely imbosomed in venerable trees, and far removed from the bus-
tle of the highway.^ The late oc-
cupant, in the exercise of his good
taste and patriotism, preserved the
old mansion from the invasion of
modern improvements, and kept
up that generous hospitality which
marked the character of the " gen-
tleman of the old school." Even
the orifice in the side of the house,
under the piazza, which was made
by a cannon-ball fired from one of
the British ships that conveyed the
troops up the river, who burned
Kingston, seventy-two years ago, is
preserved with care, and shown to
visitors as a token of the spite of
the enemy against active Whigs.
The last time I visited the mansion
the late proprietor was living, possessing apparently all the vigor and cheerfulness of a man
of fifty, though then past three score and ten years.' In the room which contained his val-
uable library I passed several hours, copying ike portraits of John and Mary Livingston, the
parents of Robert Livingston, the first emigrant of that name to America ; and also an in-
teresting genealogical tree, illustrative of the family growth and connections, which Colonel
Livingston kindly placed at my disposal. I have referred to these before, and they will be
found in another part of this work.
I left Poughkeepsie at ten in the evening, and reached Kingston village, ninety-three miles
north of New York, a little past midnight. The landing is upon a rocky island separated
from the main land by a morass, crossed by a causeway. It is nearly three miles from the
village, which lies upon an elevated plain several miles in extent, and is surrounded by high
hills on all sides except toward the Hudson. On the northwest the Catskill range rises grand
and beautiful, and far enough distant to present an azure hue. I think I never saw a more
imposing display of distant mountain scenery than is presented at Kingston, toward sunset,
when the higher peaks and bold projections cast their long shadows over the agricultural dis-
tricts below, reflecting, at the same time, from their southwestern declivities, the mellow
light of departing day.
Kingston was settled by the Dutch as early as 1663, as appears firom an account of
troubles between the white settlers and the Indians there, and was called Wiltwyck — ^literally
Wild Witch, or Indian Witch. The Dutch built a redoubt upon the bank of the creek, near
the ancient landing-place. The creek was called Redoubt Kill, or Creek, and is now known
by the corrupted name of Rondout Creek.* The Esopus Indians then occupied the beautiful
^ Since my visit the quiet and beauty of the place have been invaded by the Hudson River Rail-road,
vrhich passes within a few feet of the mansion, and in whose construction the beautiful cove has been de-
stroyed, and some of the venerable willows, planted by the first owner, have been uprooted. In our coun-
try the btawtifid has but a feather's weight in the scale against the useful.
* Colonel Livingston died June 9th, 1849. Although hving in the retirement of a gentleman of wealth
and leisure, he often consented to serve the public in offices requiring judgment, industry, a^l integrity.
He was a member of the state Senate one term ; and it is a remarkable fact that he was never absent a
day from his post in the Senate Chamber or in the hall of the Court of Errors. He will long be remembered
in Poughkeepsie as one of its best citizens.
* Benson's Memoin, in the Collections of the New York Historical Society, vol. i., part ii.. p. ll<>
Bb
Digitized by
Google
386 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Bariy Sottlemeiit ftt Kingston. lodlaa TYooblM. The Hoguenotk Fonnation of the Sirta OoMtitnfton.
flats extending from the creek northward nearly to the present town of Sangerties, and, be-
coming dissatisfied with their white neighbors, resolved to destroy them. For this purpose
they fell upon the settlement while the men were abroad in the fields, and killed or carried
ofif sixty-five persons. The survivors retreated to the redoubt, and the Indians began to erect
a stockade near it. A message was sent to Nieu Amsterdam (New York), and Governor
Stuyvesant inmiediately forwarded a body of troops, under Martin Crygier, who drove the
Indians back to the mountains. During the summer, parties of the Dutch made inroads
among the hill fastnesses, destroyed the Indian villages and forts, laid waste and burned their
fields and stores of maize, killed many of their warriors, released twenty-two of the Dutch
captives, and captured eleven of the enemy. This chastisement caused a truce in
December, and a treaty of peace in May following.
The Dutch settlement at Kingston received a valuable accession, toward the dose of the
century, by the arrival of a company of Huguenots,* who, afler the revocation of the Edict
of Nantes, fled firom persecution to America. They were a firagment of the resolute Chris-
tian band of eight hundred thousand who escaped from France into Holland, Grermany, Switz-
erland, and England. They settled in the fertile valleys of Ulster and Orange, but that re-
pose which they coveted was a long time denied them, for the Indians, jealous of the en-
croachments of the pale faces, harassed them continually. The school of suflering in which
they had been tutored before leaving Europe had given them patience and perseverance,
and they succeeded in planting the Grospel of Peace in the midst of the heathen, and gave
many hardy sons to do battle in the council and the field for American independence.
Kingston and the neighboring region suffered much from the Indians and Tories during the
Revolution, for this was emphatically a Whig district ; and when Kingston became so pre-
sumptuous as to harbor rebel legislators, it was marked for severe chastisement by the enemy.
In 1776, after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the Greneral Assembly
of New York changed its title from the " Provincial Congress of the colony" to the ** Con-
vention of the Representatives of the state of New York." The Assembly was to meet in
the city of New York on the 8 th of July, the special object of the session being the forming
of a state Constitution. But before that day arrived, the fleet of Admiral Howe, with a
British army, appeared near Sandy Hook, and the new Congress assembled at White Plains,
in West Chester county, twenty-five miles from the city. At the moment of meeting it re-
ceived intelligence of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, and its first act was
to approve that measure by a unanimous vote. On the 1st of August a committee was ap-
pointed to dipw up and report a Constitution.' John Jay was the chairman of the commit-
tee, and the duty of drafting the instrument was assigned to him.
During the autumn the labors of the Convention were greatly disturbed by military events.
The enemy had taken possession of New York city and island ; had spread over the lower
' These people occupy a oonspiouous place in the history of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and,
as will be observed hereafter, formed an essential element in the machinery of our Revelation, particularly
in the Carolinas. On the 26th of August, 1572, the festival of St. Bartholomew, seventy thousand Protest-
ants were butchered in France by royal and papal authority. Terrible persecutions continued until 1598,
when Henry IV. issued an edict, called the Edict of Nantes, granting toleration to his Protestant subjects.
For nearly a century this edict was in force, but in 1685 Louis XIV. revoked it, and persecutions began
anew. This cruel and injudicious policy lost France eight hundred thousand of her best subjects, who were
Protestants, fifty thousand of whom made their way to England, where they introduced silk weaving, the
manufacture of jewehry, and other elegant employments then monopolized by France. Of those who set-
tled in Ulster county the names of twelve are preserved, whose descendants are numerous, and among the
most respectable citizens of that and Orange county. The following are the names ; Lewis Dubois, Andre
Lefevre, Louis Bevier, Hugues Frere [Frear], Christian Deyo, Jean Hasbrouck, Anthony CrispeU, Isaac Du-
bois, Abraham Hasbrouck, Pierre Deyo, Abraham Dubois, Lyman Lefevre.
' The following are the names of the gentlemen who composed that committee : John Jay, John Sloss
Hobart, \^^iliam Smith, William Duer, Gouvemeur Morris, Robert R. Livingston, John Broome, John Mor-
ris Scott, Abraham Yates, Jr., Henry Wisner, Sen., Samuel Townsend, Charles De Witt, and Robert Yates.
James Duane was subsequently placed on the committee, and, Mr. Jay being absent when the draft of the
Constitution was reported, it was submitted to the Assembly by him. — JownuU of the Convtntiony p. 552
and 833.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
387
'^'i'HM COMITXTUTION HOUSS," KINGSTON.*
ConplalioBaBlAdoptioaoftlieCoiiititiiliaa. Iti Chancier. SolMeqiiflBt Ckmttitatioiic Effeotiof aMiztareof IUcoa
part of West Chester county, and expelled the Amencan troops, and Washington and hie
army had fled before them to the Delaware. The ConTention migrated from place to place,
and held brief sessions at Harlaem, White Plains, and Fishkill in Dutchess county. At the
latter place the members armed themselves for defense against the British or Tories who
should assail them.' Finally they retreated to Kingston, where they continued in session
from February, 1777, until May of that
year. There, undisturbed, the committee
pursued its labors, and on the 1 2th of March
reported the draft of a Constitution. It was
under consideration more than a month, and
^^ was finally adopted on the 2 0 th of April.
It is a document of great merit, and ex-
hibits a clear apprehension of the just frinc-
tions of government, which distinguished the
mind of its author. Its preamble sets forth
explicitly the cause which demanded the erec-
tion of a new government ; and its first arti-
cle declared that no authority should be ex-
ercised in the state but such as should be
derived from, and granted by, the people.
Great wisdom was manifested in all its pro-
visions for regulating the civil, military, and
judicial powers of the state. It was highly approved throughout the country, and English
jurists spoke of it in terms of praise. Under it the government of the state was organized
by an ordinance of the Convention, passed in May, and, as we have noticed, the first ^^^j g
session of the Legislature was appointed to be held at Kingston in July.* This Con- ^^^
stitution remained in force, with a few amendments, until 1823, when a new one was formed
by a state Convention. This, in time, was submitted to the action of a Convention to revise
it, and a third was formed and became law in 1846.
In the history of these movements toward perfecting the organic law of the state of New
York is developed much of the philosophy of that progress which marks so distinctly the ca-
reer of our republic. From the old Dutch laws, sometimes narrow and despotic, but marked
by a sound and expansive policy, to the enlightened features of the Constitution of 1846, we
may trace the growth of the bmevolent principles of equality, and a correct appreciation in
the public mind of human rights. « We may see," says Butler, « in the provisions of our
several Constitutions, the efieots of the intermixture of the difierent races : the Dutch ; the
English, Scotch, and Irish ; the French, Swedes, and Germans ; the Anglo-American from
the eastern colonies, from whom our people have been derived. To this cause, and to the
great number and diversity of religious sects and opinions which have flowed firom it, may
especially be ascribed the absolute freedom and perfect equality in matters of religion, and
the utter separation of thp Church from the State, secured by these instruments.***
' Lives of Gouverneor Morris and John Jay.
' This house, the property and residence of James W. Baldwin, Esq., was used for the session of the statA
invention in 1777. It is built of blue limestone, and stands on the southwest comer of Maiden Lane and
Fair Street. It is one of the few houses that survived the conflagration of the village.
' Popular elections for members of the Legislature were held in all the counties except New York, Kings,
Queens, and Suffolk, which were then in possession of the enemy. George Clinton, then a brigadier general
in the Continental army, was elected to the offices of governor and lieutenant governor. The former office
be held by successive elections for eighteen years, and afterward for three years. Pierre Van Courtlandi,
who was president of the Senate, became lieutenant governor ; Robert R. Livingston was iq>pointed ohan-
oellor ; John Jay, chief justice ; Robert Yates and John Sloss Hobart, judges of the Supreme Court ; and
Egbert Benson, attorney general. — Joumak of the Convention^ p. 916-918.
* Outline of the Constitutional History of New Yorkj a discourse delivered at the annual meeting of the
New York Historical Society, in 1847, by Benjamin F. Butler, late attorney general of the United States.
Digitized by
Google
388
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Manading Expeditioo up the Hudfob.
TiMMting §X Kingrton.
fiurnliig of the Town.
RhiDobeck Flata
1777.
Oetober «, Kingston (or Esopui), being the capital of the itate when Sir Henry Clinton
1777. gained poMession of the forts in the Hudson Highlands, was marked by the con-
queror for special vengeance. Having demolished the chepauaHie-frise at Fort Montgomery,
the British fleet proceeded up the Hudson ; the massive iron chain was not yet stretched
across the river at West Point.' All impediments being removed, a flying squadron of light
frigates, under Sir James Wallace, bearing three thousand six hundred men, under the com-
mand of General Vaughan, sailed up the river. They were instructed to scatter desolation
m their track, and well did they perform their mission. Every vessel upon the river was
burned or otherwise destroyed ; the houses of known Whigs, such as Henry Livingston, at
Poughkeepsie, were flred upon from the ships ; and small parties, landing from the vessels,
desolated neighborhoods with Are and sword. They penetrated as far northward as Kings-
ton, where they landed on the Idth of October. The frigates were anchored a little
above the present landing on Kingston Point, and a portion of the invaders debarked
in the cove north of the steam-boat wharf Another division, in small boats, proceeded to
the mouth of Esopus (now Rondout) Creek, and landed at a place a little northeast of Ron-
dout village, called Ponkhocken Point. The people at the creek fled, afirighted, to Marble-
town, seven miles southwest of Kingston, and their houses were destroyed. The two divi-
sions then marched toward the village, one by the upper road and the other by the Esopus
Creek Road. Near the house of a Mr. Yeoman, who was in the army at Stillwater, they
seized a negro, and made him pilot them directly to the town.
The detachments joined upon a gentle eminence near the vil-
lage, a few rods south of the Rondout Road, and, afler a brief
consultation, proceeded to apply the torch. Almost every
house was laid in ashes, and a large quantity of provisions
and stores situated there and at the landing was destroyed.
The town then contained between three and four thousand
inhabitants, many of whom were wealthy, and most of the
houses were built of stone.* Warned of the approach of the
enemy, a few saved their most valuable efiects, but many lost all their posses-
sions, and were driven back upon the interior settlements upon the Wallkill.
Governor Clinton, with the members of the Legislature, was there, and efibrts
were made to raise a sufficient nimiber of militia for the protection of the town,
but without success. The enemy, however, fearing their wanton cruelty would
bring the people in mass upon them, hastily retreated after destroying the vil-
lage. A detachment crossed the hver and marched to Rhinebeck Flats,* two
miles eastward, where they burned several houses ; and, after penetrating north-
ward as far as Livingston's Manor, and burning some houses there, they rejoined
the main body, and the fleet returned to New York.
This wanton and apparently useless expedition excited great indignation. It was sup-
posed that the destination of the enemy was, according to arrangement, Albany, and a junc-
lion with Burgoyne, then hemmed in by Americans at Saratoga, and anxiously awaiting the
^ A detail of this event, and k drawing of the remains of the chain now at West Point, may be found on
page 700 of this Tolume.
* This view is fiom the road, looking north. An attempt was made by a soldier to bum the house, but
so rapid was the march of the invaders that the flames had made but little progress before the troops were
far on their road to the village. A negro woman, who was concealed under some corn-stalks near, extin-
guished the flames. The house is about half a mile from the river, on the right side of the road from the
landing to Kingston village.
* Governor Clinton, writing to Captain Machin on the subject of erecting works for the defense of Kings-
ton, says, *^ I do not conceive it necessary to inclose the town, as the houses are stone, and will form (if the
windows are properly secured) good lines of defense."
* Rhinebeck Flats village is in Dutchess county, about seventeen miles north of Poughkeepsie. It was
eminently a Whig place during the Revolution. There vras the residence of the widow of General Mont-
gomery, who had been killed at Quebec two years before, and of many of her numerous relatives, the Liv-
mgstons, all of whom were friends of the patriot cause.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 383
Ltrtngston's filaoor. An AdrantBge tfarown away. Gates's Letter. Loyalists. Rondout.
promised aid from Clinton. When Vaughan and his troops were at Livingston's MiLs
(which they destroyed), a flood tide would have carried them to Albany in five hours ; and
So completely had the army of Gates drained the country, in that vicinity, of men, that they
might easily have burned the stores at Albany, and taken possession of that city. Gates
afterward declared that, had such an event occurred, he must have retreated into New
England, and Burgoyne would have escaped. But, instead of becoming honorable victors,
Vaughan and his party appeared content to fulfill the office and earn the renown of success-
ful marauders. They may have thought that their operations would divert Gates's atten-
tion, and cause him to detach troops for the defense of the country below, and thus so weaken
his force as to enable Burgoyne to conquer or escape. But this effect was not produced, and
the expedition was fruitless of gobd to the cause of the king. Gates at that very time was
making the most honora^ble propositions to Burgoyne for a surrender, and, when he heard of
Vaughan's operations, he wrote that officer a letter replete with just severity.*
Kingston was the scene of the execution of several Loyalists during the Revolution, and
there Sir Henry Clinton's spy, who was caught at New Windsor, with a dispatch for Bur-
goyne in a silver bullet (of which I shall hereafter write), was hung upon the limb October is,
of an apple-tree. Several Tories saved their lives by consenting to enlist in the ^'^'
Continental army.
The depredations of the Indians and Tories in the Warwasing and Mamakating Valleys,
and other portions of Ulster county, from 1778 till near the close of the war, will bo noticed
hereafter, in connection with the Minisink massacre. Let us now make a flying visit to the
Revolutionary localities in the vicinity of Kingston, and then pass on to the battle-ground
of Bennington.
With the exception of the <* Constitution House" (depicted on page 387) and two or three
other stone buildings, and the venerable tomb-stones in the old Dutch burying-ground, Kings-
ton presents little attraction to the seeker of Revolutionary relics.* Its hills, and rich plains,
and distant mountain scenery are still there, but greatly modified by cultivation. I passed
the morning in the village, with General Smith, and at about noon proceeded to Rondout.
This thriving little village is nestled in a secluded nook near the mouth of the Rondout Creek,
which here comes flowing through a deep and narrow gorge among the hills, and mingles
its waters with the Hudson. Mr. Gossman, the editor of the Courier^ kindly ofiered to ac-
company me to points of interest connected with the Revolution, and I passed the remainder
of the day in a pleasant ramble with him. Crossing the creek in a skifl* to its southwestern
^ He concluded his letter by 8a3ring, " Is it thus that the generals of the king expect to make converts to
the royal cause ? Their cruelties operate as a contrary effect : independence is founded upon the universal
disgust of the people. The fortune of war has delivered into my hands older and abler generals than Gen-
eral Vaughan is reputed to be : their condition may one day become his, and then no human power can
save him from the just vengeance of an offended people." The friends of the king were also displeased at
the movement. One of the leading loyalists of New York, writing to Joseph Galloway, said, ** Why a de-
lay was made of seven dap after Clinton had taken the forts, we are ignorant of. The Highland forts were
taken on the 6th of October ; Esopus was burned on the 13th ; Burgoyne's convention was signed on the
17th. There was no foroe to oppose even open boats on the river. Why, then, did not the boats proceed
immediately to Albany ? Had Clinton gone forward, Burgojrne's army had been saved. Putnam could not
have crossed to Albany. The army amused themselves by burning Esopus, and the
houses of individuals on the river bank." Clinton and the brothers Howe seem to have
been perfect malaprops, striking at the wrong time, and withholding a blow when most
appropriate and promising the best success.
' In the old grave-yard rest the remains of some of the Huguenots and of many of
their descendants ; and there repose the bodies of not a few who suffered during the
war for independence. Some of the earlier grave-stones are rude monuments. One
of them, at the head of the grave of Andries De Witt, is delineated in the engraving.
The inscription is rudely carved. The tall and slender slate stone is supported by a
cedar post, which was probably set up when the stone was erected, yet it is perfectly
preserved, and retains its odor. I saw it there fifteen years ago, and then " the oldest
inhabitant" remembered it from his boyhood. The meaning of IVLY may need to be
explained to young readers. I was used for J and V for U in former times, and the
letters, therefore, make the word JULY.
Digitized by
Google
390 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
An Octogenarian. Landing-places of Um Britiah. A frightened Duff hman Departure for ttie NorUi
side, we called upon the venerable John Sleight, now eighty yean old, who lives in the
dwelling of hii faUier, on the slope of a high hill near the water. He had a clear recollec-
tion of the landing of the British, and directed us to the difierent localities at the mouth of the
creek. He said there were only three houses where Rondout now is, and they were burned.
The occupants fled to Marbletown, and the few soldiers stationed at the redoubt on the hill,
a httle northeast of the village, with a single cannon, followed the flying inhabitants. The
enemy did not cross the creek, and the house of Mr. Sleight was spared.
From the high hills a quarter of a mile from Mr. Sleight's we had a fine view of the land-
ing-places of both divisions
of the enemy, as seen in the
engraving. The water ex-
tending on the left is Ron-
dout Creek, and that on the
right and beyond the long
point is the Hudson River,
the spectator looking north-
east. The high point on the
lefl is the place where the re-
doubt was thrown up. The
smAll building beyond, stand-
ing upon the water's edge, is
„ „ „ upon Ponkhocken Point, ^ and
Vuw AT THS Mouth or mx Rondout. . ' .
m the cove between it and
the redoubt is the place where the enemy landed. The long point in the distance is the
present landing, immediately above which, in a sandy cove, the main division of the British
army debarked. An amusing anecdote was related to me, connected with that event. Be-
tween the point and Ponkhocken are extensive flats, bare at low water, and yielding much
coarse grass. When the enemy landed, some Dutchmen were at work just below the point,
and were not aware of the fact until they saw the dreaded red-coats near them. It was
low water, and across the flats toward Ponkhocken they fled as fast as their legs could carry
them, not presuming to look behind them, lest, like Lot's wife, they might be detained. The
siunmer hay-makers had left a rake on the marsh meadow, and upon this one of the fugitives
trod. The handle flew up behind him, and gave him a severe blow on the back of his head.
Not doubting that a ** Britisher" was close upon his heels, he stopped short, and, throwing
up his hands imploringly, exclaimed, " O, mein Cot ! mein Cot ! I kivs up. Hoorah for
King Shorge !" The innocent rake was all the enemy that was near, and the Dutchman's
sudden conversion to loyalty was known only to a companion in the race, who had outstrip-
ped him a few paces.
Passing along the river road to the upper point, we visited the landing-place of the Brit-
ish. A large portion of the cove is now filled by a mass of earth, rocks, and trees that slid
down from the high shore a few years ago. The heaps of blue clay have the appearance
of huge rocks, and will doubtless become such in time, by induration. Returning to Ron-
dout, I rode over to Kingston at about sunset, passed the evening with Mr. Vanderlyn' the
painter, and at midnight embarked in a steamer for Albany.
g^^ 27, '^^® morning was cold, and every thing without was white with hoar frost. I was
^^ in Troy a little after sunrise, and at eight o'clock, seated with the driver upon a mail-
coach, was ascending the long hills on the road to Hoosick, in Rensselaer county,* about twenty-
^ The ferry to Rbinebeck was from Ponkhooken Point until 1814, when the causeway was ooDstmoted
at the upper point, and the ferry and landing established there.
* Mr. Vanderljrn was a native of Kingston. He resided many years in Eorope, where he painted his large
picture of the Landing of Columbm^ for the rotunda of the Capitol at Washington. It was completed about
three years ago (1846), and now occupies its appropriate place. He died in 1853.
* The original Manor of Ren$$elaer, or Rtnuelaencyck^ included all of Rensselaer county, except Hoosiek,
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
391
Ride 10 the Hoodck Valley.
Van Schaick's Milla.
Place of the Bennington Battle-ground.
Baome's Diapatcb
five miles east of the Hudson. The country is very elevated and hilly, and, when three miles
east of Troy, the Green Mountains were seen in the distance. Before the Hoosick Valley is
reached, the country becomes extremely broken and picturesque. We descended by a roman-
tic mountain road into the valley, a little past noon, and halted at Richmond's, at Hoosick Four
Comers. This is the nearest point, on the turnpike, to the Bennington battle-ground. The
road thither skirted the Hoosick River northward for three miles, to the falls,* where we turned
eastward, and passed through North Hoosick, situated at the junction of the Walloomscoick and
White Creeks. Here
is still standing the
old mill known as Van
Schaick's in the Rev-
olution. It was occu-
' pied by a party of A mer-
icans when Baume and
his Hessians approach-
ed; and here the mem-
orable battle of Ben-
ning^n ended. From
this mill, along the
hills and the valley on
the right bank of the
Walloomscoick, to the
bridge near the house of
Mr. Barnet, two miles
above, is the scene of
the battle; and the hot*
test of the fight (which
Van Schaick's Mill.*
occurred when the Hes-
sians retreated from the
heights) took place be-
tween the little facto-
ry village of Starkville
and the house of Mr.
Taber. These allu-
sions will be better un-
derstood af^r consult-
ing the history.
The conflict called
the battle of Benning-
ton' was a part of the
operations connected
with Burgoyne*s inva-
sion from Canada, in
the summer and au-
tumn of 1777. The
delay which he had ex-
perienced at Skenesbor-
ough and on his way to Fort Edward had so reduced his. stores and provisions, that a re-
Schaghticoke, and Pittstown, and also the greater part of Albany county. The city of Albany is near the
center of the manor. This domain was granted to Killian Van Rensselaer by patent from the States-Gen-
eral of Holland, after he had purchased the native right to the soil in 1641, and was twenty-four miles wide,
on both sides of the river, and about forty-two miles long east and west. When the English came into
possession of the country, the right to his domain of the proprietor of Rensselaerwyck, who was called the
patroon,* was not questioned, and on the 4th of March, 1685, it was confirmed by letters patent under the
great seal of the state of New York.
^ At the Hoosick Falls is a manufacturing village containing about one hundred dwellings. The river
here falls about forty feet, and affords very extensive water power. Near the factories I observed a hand-
some octagonal edifice, on the road side, on the front of which, in prominent letters, is the following :
« SACRED TO SCIENCE.
In wa, earth, and skj, what are untold
Of God's handiwork, both modem and old."
It contains, I was told, a large collection of natural curiosities, which the wealthy and tasteful proprietor
takes pleasure in exhibiting freely.
^ This battle was fought within the town of Hoosick, and five or six miles from Bennington. At that
time the boundary line between New York and New Hampshire (Vermont, as a state, not being then in ex-
istence) was at the Green Mountains, and Bennington was claimed to be within the borders of New York
' This view is taken from the left bank of the Walloomscoick, a little below the bridge. The mill belong,
ed to a Whig named Van Schaick, who had joined General Stark^s collecting forces at Bennington. Lieu-
tenant-colonel Baume wrote the following dispatch to Burgoyne from this place :
*«8ancoik.f 14th Angnat, 1777, 9 o'clock.
** Sir — ^I have the honor to inform your excellency that I arrived here at eight in the morning, having had
intelligence of a party of the enemy being in possession of a mill, which they abandoned at our approach ;
* ThU title was given to thoae Dutch porchaMn of lands who bought tiie soil fairly from tibe natives, and planted a colonj
lliere were sereral patroon estates, but that of Van Rensselaer is the only one not disturbed bj political changes. This, how
aver, is now on the verge of extinction, and, for several jears past, anti-rentistHj as the opposition to the patroon privilege is call
ed, has been working a change in the public mind unlkrorable to such vast landed monopolies.
i See note respecting this name on page 309.
Digitized by
GoogV
392 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOR
Ponging Expedition to Bennington. Borgoyne's Initructionfl. Banme'f Indian AlUei. Skinni«b near Cambiidga
plenishment was necessary. Infonned that the Americans had a large quantity of these,
and of cattle and horses, at Bennington and in the vicinity, he resolved, with the advice of
Major Skene, to send a detachment of his army thither to capture them. Both Phillips and
Reidesel, the most experienced of his generals, were opposed to the measure ; but Burgoyne,
actuated by an overweening confidence in his strength, and deceived as to the extent of the
Royalist party in the colonies,* dispatched Lieutenant-colonel Baume thither with five hund-
red Hessians, Canadians, and Tories, and one hundred Indians. Burgoyne's instructions to
the commander of the expedition, dated August 9th, 1777,' declared the objects to be to try
the afiiections of the county, to disconcert the councils of the enemy, to mount Reidesers dra-
goons, to complete Peters*s corps [of Loyalists], and to obtain large supphes of cattle, horses,
and carriages. Baume was directed ** to scour the country firom Rockingham to Otter Creek,"
to go down Connecticut River as iar as Brattleborough, and return by the great road to Al-
bany, there to meet General Burgoyne, and to endeavor to make the country believe his corps
was the advanced body of the general's army, who was to cross Connecticut River and pro-
ceed to Boston. He ordered that " all officers, civil and military, acting under the Congress,
should be made prisoners." Baume was also instructed *< to tax the towns where they halted
with such articles as they wanted, and take hostages for the performance, Sec, ; to bring all
horses fit to mount the dragoons or to serve as battalion horses for the troops, with as many
saddles and bridles as could be found."* Burgoyne stipulated the number of horses to be
brought at thirteen hundred at least, and more if they could be obtained, and directed them
to be " tied in strings of ten each, iq order that one man might lead ten horses." Dr. Thatcher,
in his Journal, says, *' This redoubtable commander surely must be one of the happiest men
of the age, to imagine such prodigious achievements were at his command ; that such inval-
uable resources were within his grasp. But, alas ! the wisest of med are liable to disap-
pointment in their sanguine calculations, and to have their favorite projects frustrated by the
casualties of war. This is remarkably verified in the present instance."'
August, With these full instructions, Baume left his encampment on the 13th, and the
^^^* next day arrived at the mill on the Walloomscoick. He reached Cambridge on the
evening previous, near which place an advanced guard of Tories and Indians attacked a
small party of Americans who were guarding some cattle. The patriots, after delivering a
well-directed fire, retreated to the woods, leaving five of their number behind, prisoners.
Some horses were captured, but, according to a dispatch from Baume to Burgoyne, the In-
dians who secured them destroyed or drove away all that were not paid for in ready cash.
In his whole expedition Burgoyne found the savages more trouble than profit. Let us leave
the invader at ** Sancoik's," while we take a retrospect of relative events on the part of the
Americans.
On the evacuation of Ticonderoga, and the advance of Burgoyne toward the Hudson, the
Eastern States were filled with alarm. Burgoyne's destination was not certainly known,
and when he was at Skenesborough it was thought that Boston might be the point to which
he would march. The whole frontier of New Hampshire and Massachusetts was uncovered,
out, in their usual way, fired from the bushes, and took their road to Bennington. A savage was slightly
wounded ; they broke down the bridge, whioh has retarded our march above an hour ; they left in the miU
about seventy-eight barrels of very fine flour, one thousand bushels of wheat, twenty barrels of salt, and about
£1000 worth of pearlash and potash. 1 hove oideied thirty provincials and an officer to guard the provi-
sions and the pass of the bridge. By five prisoners taken here, they agree that from fifteen to eighteen
hundred are at Bennington, but are supposed to leave it on our approach. I will proceed so far to-day as
to fall on the enemy early to-morrow, and make such disposition as I may think necessary, from the intelli-
gence I may receive. People [Tories] are flocking in hourly, but want to be armed. The savages can
not be controlled ; they ruin and take every thing they please.
^^ I am your excellency's most humble servant,
"F. Baume."
* Major Skene assured him that " the friends to the British cause were as five to one, and that they want-
ed only the appearance of a protecting power to show themselves." — Chrdonj ii., 242.
' The origiiml of these instructions is in the archives of the Massachusetts Historical Society.
• Military Journal, p. 92.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 393
Mtman for defeiMting New Hamp«hire. Laogdon s Pati:iotism. Raising ofTroopt. General Stark
2ind strenuous eSbiU were at once made for the defense of these states, particularly New
Hampshire, which was lying nearest the scene of danger. The Committee of Safety of the
New Hampshire Grants (now Vermont) wrote to the New Hampshire Committee of Safety
at Exeter, apprising them of the pressing danger near, and imploring their assistance. The
Provincial Assembly had finished their session, and had gone home, but a summons from the
committee brought them together again in three days. Despondency seemed to pervade the
whole convention when they met, until the patriotic John Langdon,^ then Speaker of the
Assembly, thus addressed them : << I have three thousand dollars in hard money. I will
pledge my plate for three thousand more. I have seventy hogsheads of Tobago rum, which
shall be sold for the most it will bring. These are at the service of the state. If we suc-
ceed in defending our firesides and homes, I may be remunerated ; if we do not, the property
will be of no value to me. Our old firiend Stark, who so nobly sustained the honor of our
state at Bunker Hill, may be safely intrusted with the conduct of the enterprise, and we
will check the progress of Burgoyne.**
Langdon's patriotic spirit seemed to be infused into the Assembly, for the most energetic
measures were planned and put in operation. The whole militia of the state was formed
into two brigades. The first was placed under the command of William Whipple (one of
the signers of the Declaration of Independence), and the second, of John Stark. They or-
dered one fourth part of Stark*s brigade and one fourth of three regiments of Whipple's to
march inmiediately, under the command of the former, to the frontiers of the state, and con-
front the enemy. The militia ofiicers were empowered to disarm the Tories. A day of
fasting and prayer was ordered and observed.
Stark was then a private citizen. He had been a brigadier with Washington at Trenton
and Princeton, and, when the army went into winter-quarters at Morristown, returned to
New Hampshire on a recruiting expedition. Having filled his regiments, he returned to
Exeter to await orders, and there learned that several junior officers had been promoted by
Congress, while he was left out of the list. Feeling greatly aggrieved, he resigned u„ch,
his conmiission and lefl the army, not, however, to desert his country in the hour of ^'^•
peril, for, like Greneral Schuyler, he was active for good while divested of military authority.
He was very popular, and the Assembly regarded him as a piUar of strength in upholding
the confidence and courage of the militia of the state. That body ofiered him the com-
mand, and, laying aside his private griefs, he once more donned his armor and went to the
field, stipulating, however, that he should not be obliged to join the main army, but hang
upon the wing of the enemy on the borders of his state, strike when opportunity should ofier,
according to his own discretion, and be accountable to no one but the Assembly of New
Hampshire.
Joy pervaded the militia when their favorite commander was announced as their chief,
and they cheerfully flocked to his standard, which was raised, first at Charleston and then
at Manchester, twenty miles north of Bennington, where Colonel Seth Warner, with his
Green Mountain Boys was posted. This was only the remnant of the regiment that so gal-
lantly opposed the enemy at Hubbardton on the 7th of July, and was then recruiting at
' John Laogdon was bom at Portsmonth, New Hampshire, in 1740. He received a mercantile educa-
tion, and for several years prosecuted business upon the sea, and, when the Revolution broke out, was a
leading merchant in Portsmouth. He espoused Uie republican cause, and was one of the party which re-
moved the powder and military stores from Fort William and Mary, at New Castle, in 1774. He was a
delegate in the Continental Congress in 1775 and 1776. For a short time he commanded a company of
volunteers in Vermont and on Rhode Island. He was Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of New Hamp-
shire, and Judge of the Court of Conunon Pleas in 1776 and 1777. He was Continental agent in New
Hampshire in 1779, and was again elected a delegate to Congress in 1783. He served in the Legislature
of his state for several years, and in 1788 was chosen President of New Hampshire. The next year he
was elected a member of the United States Senate, and m 1794 was re-elected for another term of six years.
From 1805 till 1811 he was four years governor of the state, and then retired into private life. He was
of Jefferson's political school, and in 1812 the majority in Congress selected him for Vice-president of the
United States, but he declined the honor. He died at Portsmouth, September 18th, 1819, aged seventy
eight years.
Digitized by
Google
S94
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Stark's Refusal to accompany Lincoln. Censure of Congress. The Result HoTements lo oppose Banme. Life of Stark
Manchester. There Stark met General Lincoln, who had heen sent by Greneral
Schuyler, then in command of the Northern Department, to conduct him and his re-
General Stark to conform him-
self to the same rules which
other general officers of the
militia were subject to when-
ever they were called out at
the expense of the United
States."^ This was sound
military logic, but was not
adapted to the circumstances
in question. General Stark,
as well as the Assembly of
New Hampshire, knew better
than Congress what policy, in
the premises, was most condu-
cive to the general good,
^/ y^ and the sequel proved that
■ August 13.
emits to the Hudson. Stark
positively refused to go, and
exhibited the written terms
upon which he had consented
to appear in the field at all.
His refusal was communica-
ted to Congress, and that body
resolved that the
°*^ ' Assembly of New
Hampshire should be inform-
ed that the instructions which
they had given General Stark
were "destructive ot milita-
ry subordination, and highly
prejudicial to the common
cause ;*' and the Assembly x/-y>-vn
was desired "to instruct ^^^ ^T7 L-'"^^^^"'^ ^\ the apparent insubordina-
tion, which seemed so " highly prejudicial to the common cause,'* was productive of great
benefits to the country. It was at this very juncture that Burgoyne was planning his ex-
pedition to Bennington, and on the day of the date of Baume*s instructions Stark
"*" ' arrived at that place.
• Informed of the presence of Indians at Cambridge, twelve miles north of Bennington, and
of their attack upon the party of Americans there, ^ he detached Lieutenant-col-
onel Gregg, with two hundred men, to oppose their march. Toward night he
received information that a large body of the enemy, with a train of artillery, was in the
rear of the Indians, and in full march for Bennington. Stark immediately rallied his bri-
gade, with all the militia that had collected at Bennington, and sent out an urgent call for
the mihtia in the vicinity. He also sent an order to the officer in command of Colonel War-
ner's regiment, at Manchester, to march his men to Bennington inunediately. The order
was promptly obeyed, and they arrived in the night, thoroughly drenched with rain. On
the morning of the 1 4th, about the time when Baume was at Van Schaick's Mills, Stark,*
with his whole force, was moving forward to support Colonel Gregg. He was accompa-
nied by Colonels Warner, Williams, and Brush. The regiment of the former was not with
him ; they remained at Bennington, to dry themselves and prepare their arms for action.
After marching about five miles, they met Gregg retreating, and the enemy within a mile
' Journals of Congress, vol. iii., 273.
' John Stark was the son of a native of Glasgow, in Scotland, and was born in Londonderry, New Hamp-
shire, August 28th, 1728. His father removed to Derryfield (now Manchester), on the Merrimac, in 1736.
While on a hunting expedition in 1752, young Stark was taken prisoner and carried off by a party of St.
Francis Indians. He was redeemed by a Boston friend for the sum of one hundred and three dollars, to pay
which he went on another hunting expedition on the Androscoggin. He served in Rogers's company of
Rangers during the French and Indian war, and was made a captain in 1756. Repairing to Cambridge on
hearing of the battle of Lexington, he received a colonePs commission, and on the same day enlisted eight hund-
red men. He fought bravely on Bunker Hill, his regiment forming a portion of the left of the American line,
and its only defense being a rail inolosure covered with hay. He went to Canada in the Spring of 1776, and
in the attack at Trenton commanded the van of the right wing. He was also in the iMittle of Princeton
In March, 1777, he resigned his commission, and retired to his farm. He commanded the New Hampshire
militia at the battle of Benningrton, in August, 1777, and in September enlisted a new and larger force, and
joined the Continental army, under Gates, with the rank of major general. He served in Rhode Island in
1778 and 1779, and in New Jersey in 1780. In 1781 he had the command of the Northern Department
at Saratoga. At the close of the war be left all public employments. In 1818 Congress voted him a pen-
sion of sixty dollars a month. He died on the 8th of May, 1822, in the ninety-third year of his age. Hf
was buried on a small hill near the Merrimao, at Manchester, and over his remains is a granite obelisk, in-
scribed with the words Major General Stark. A costly monument is now in contemplation.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
395
hvparadoiw for Battle. DisfoeiMon of the Enemy*! Troopi. English Plana of Battles. Error*, and Difflcoltiea in Correctioa
of him. Stark immediately disposed his army for battle, and Baume and his men, halting
adv^antageously upon high ground near a bend in the Walloomscoick River, began to in-
trench themselves. Per-
ceiving this, Stark fell
back about a mile, to wait
for re-enforcements and
arrange a plan of attack.
Baume, in the mean time,
alarmed at the strength of
the Americans, sent an ex-
press to Burgoyne for aid.
Colonel Breyman was im-
mediately di^atched with
about five hundred men,
but he did not arrive in
time to render essential
service.
The 15th was Augurt,
rainy, and both ^^'
parties employed the time
in preparing for battle.
The Hessians and a corps
of Rangers were strongly
intrenched upon the high
ground iiorth of the Wal-
loomscoick, and a party
of Rangers and German
grenadiers were posted at
a ford (now the bridge near Mr. Bamet's), where the road to Bennington crossed the stream.
Some Canadians, and Peters*s corps of Tories, were posted on the south side of the river,
near the ford. At the foot of the declivity, on the east, near the mouth of a smaU creek,
some chasseurs were posted, and about a mile distant from the main intrenchments on the
height, on the south side of the river, Peters's American volunteers, or Tories, cast up a
breast-work. On the same side, upon the Bennington Road, Stark and the main body of
his army were encamped. The Walloomscoick, though called a river, is a small stream.
NoTK. — ^The map here given is a copy, reduced, of one drawn by Lieutenant Durnford, and published in
Burgoyne's *^ State of the Expedition,^^ &o. The WaUoomscoiok is there erroneously called Hosack (mean-
ing Hoosiok), that river being nearly three miles distant from the place of tbe Hessian intrenchments. 1
would here remark that we are obliged to rely almost solely upon British authorities for plans of our Revo-
lutionary battles. They are, in general, correct, so far as relates to the disposition and movement of Brit-
ish troops, but are full of errors respeMing the movements of the Americans, and also concerning the topog-
raphy of the country, with which they were necessarily little acquainted. It is too late now to correct many
of these errors, for the living witnesses have departed, and the hearsay evidence of a younger generation is
not sufficiently certain to justify any important corrections in the published plans of the battles. I have, there-
fore, copied such maps as seemed most trustworthy, and endeavored, by slight alterations, and by descrip-
tions in the text, to make them as correct as possible, as guides to a full understanding of the military op-
erations of the time. In this particular, as well as in local traditions, great caution is necessary in receiving
testimony *, and, where the subject has historical importance, I have uniformly rejected traditions, unless sup-
ported by other and concurrent authority, or the strongest probability.
The group upon this map, composed of a drum without a head, a musket, sword, and grenadier's cap, ie
a representation of those objects thus arranged and hanging over the door of the Massachusetts Senate Cham
ber at Boston. They are trophies of the Bennington battle, and were presented by General Stark to the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The grenadier's cap is made of a coarse fabric resembling flannel, dyed
red, and on the front is a large figured brass plate. The drum is brass ; the sword has an enormous brasi
guard and hilt ; and the bayonet attached to the musket is blunted and bent.
Digitized by
Google
396
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Skirmishing in the Rain.
The Hessian Encampment
A beUieose Clergyman.
Stark's Promise and Fnlfillmept
every where fordable when the water is of ordinary depth. Lying in the midst of high
hills, its volume is oflen siKidenly .increased by rains.
Notwithstanding the rain fell copiously on the 15th, there was some skirmishing. The
Americans, in small parties, fell upion detachments of the enemy ; and so annoying did this
mode of warfare become, that the Indians began to desert Colonel Baume, <* because," as
they told him, " the woods were filled with Yankees." The Hessians continued their works
upon the hill. By night they were strongly intrenched, and had mounted two pieces of
ordnance which they brought with them.
Tks BBMIVINOTON BATTZJC-OaOUNO.*
During the night of the 1 5th, Colonel Symonds, with a body of Berkshire militia, arrived.
Among them was the Key. Mr. Allen, of Pittsfield, whose bellicose ardor was of the most
glowing kind. Before daylight, and while the rain was yet falling, the impatient shepherd,
who had many of his flock with him, went to Stark, and said, '* General, the people of Berk-
shire have often been summoned to the field without being allowed to fight, and, if you do
not now give them a chance, they have resolved never to turn out again." " Well," said
Stark, " do you wish to march now, while it is dark and raining ?" << Noj not just this
moment," replied the minister of peace. " Then," said the general, " if the Lord shall once
more give us sunshine, and I do not give you fighting enough, I'll never ask you to come out
again." Sunshine did indeed come with the morrow, for at the opening of the dawn the
clouds broke away, and soon all Nature lay smiling in the warm sunlight of a clear August
morning ; and '* fighting enough" was also given the parsoo and his men, for it was a day
of fierce conflict.
Early in the morning the troops of both parties prepared for action. Stark had
LT77. arranged a plan of attack, and, after carefully reconnoitering the enemy at the dis-
August 16,
ITT
* This view is from the hill on the southwest bank of the Walloomscoiok, a little west of the road from
the bridge to Starkville, looking northeast. The road over this hill existed at the time of the battle, and is
laid down on the map, page 395. The river, which here makes a sudden bend, is seen at two points — near
the cattle, and at the bridge, in the distance, on the right. The house on the left, near the bridge, is Mr.
Barnet's, and the road that crosses the center of the picture from right to left is the road from Bennington
tx) Van Schaick's or North Hoosick. It passes along the river flat, at the foot of the hills where the battle
occurred. The highest point on the distant hills, covered with woods, is the place where the Hessians were
intrenched. From that point, along the hills to the left, for about two miles, the conflict was carried on ;
and upon the slopes, now cultivated, musket-balls and other relics of the battle have been plowed up.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 397
Commencement of the Battle of Bennington. Terror and Flight of the Indians. Victory for the Americana. Second Battle
tance of a mile, proceeded to act upon it. Colonel Nichols, with two hundred meui was de
tached up the little creek that empties into the Walloomscoick above the bridge, to attack
the enemy's left in the rear, and Colonel Herrick was sent with three hundred to fall upon
the rear of their right, with orders to form a junction with Nichols before making a genera]
assault. Colonels Hubbard and Stickney were ordered to march down the Walloomscoick
with two hundred men, to the right of the enemy, and with one hundred men in front, neai
Peters's intrenched corps, in order to divert Baume's attention to that point. Thus arranged,
the action commenced at three o'clock in the afternoon, on the rear of the enemy's left, by
Colonel Nichols, who marched up from the deep-wooded valley, and fell furiously upon the
Hessian intrenchments. At the same moment the other portions of the American army
advanced ta the attack. As soon as the first voUey from Nichols's detachment was heard,
Stark, who remained with the main body at his camp, sprang to his saddle and gave the
word " Forward !" They pressed onward to the hill above the Tory intrenchments, and
there the whole field of action was open to th«ir view. The heights were wreathed in the
smoke of the cannon and musketry, and along the slopes and upon the plains the enemy was
forming into battle order. ^ The Americans rushed down upon the Tories, drove them across
the stream, and, following after them, the whole of both armies was soon engaged in the
fight. ** It lasted," says Stark, in his official account, *< two hours, and was the hottest I
ever saw. It was like one continued clap of thunder." The Tories, who were driven across
the river, were thrown in confusion on the Hessians, who were forced from their breast-works
on the heights. The Indians, alarmed at the prospect of being surrounded, fled at the com-
mencement of the action, between the corps of Nichols and Herrick, with horrid yells and
the jingling of cow-bells, and the weight of the conflict finally fell upon the brave corps of
Reidesel's dragoons, led by Colonel Baume in person. They kept their column unbroken,
and, when their ammunition was exhausted, were led to the charge with the sword. But
they were finally overpowered, and gave way, leaving their artillery and baggage on the
field. The Americans, like the dragoons, displayed the most indomitable courage. With
their brown firelocks, scarce a bayonet, little discipline, and not a single piece of cannon, they
ventured to attack five hundred well-trained regulars, furnished with the best and most com-
plete arms and accouterments, having two pieces of artillery, advantageously posted, and ac-
companied by one hundred Indians. The mingled incentives of a defense of homes and prom-
ises of plunder' made the American militia fight with the bravery of disciplined veterans.
As soon as the field was won, the Americans dispersed to collect plunder. This nearly
proved fatal to them, for at that moment Colonel Breyman arrived with his re-enforcements
for Baume. They had approached within two miles before Stark was apprised of their prox-
imity. The heavy rain on the preceding day had kept them back, and, although their march
had been accelerated on hearing the noise of the battle just ended, they could not reach the
field in time to join in the action. They met the flying party of Baume, which made a rally,
and the whole body pushed forward toward the abandoned intrenchments on the heights.
Stark endeavored to rally his militia, but they were too much scattered to be well arranged
for battle, and the fortunes of the day were, for a moment, in suspense. Happily the corps
of Colonel Warner, which was left at Bennington in the morning, arrived at this juncture,
fresh and well armed, and fell vigorously upon the enemy. Stark, with what men he had
been able to collect, pushed forward to his assistance. The battle continued with obstinacy
until sunset. It was a sort of running conflict, partly on the plains and partly on the hiUs,
from the heights to Van Schaick's, where the enemy made his last stand, and then fled to-
ward the Hoosick. The Americans pursued them until dark, and Stark was then obliged
* It was at this moment that Stark made the laconic speech to his men, which popular tradition has pre-
served : " See there, men ! there are the red-coats. Before night they are oars, or Molly Stark will be a
widow I" This speech, it is said, brought forth a tremendous shout of applause from the eager troops,
which greatly alarmed the Loyalists in their works below.
* General Stark, in his orders in the morning, promised his soldiers all the plunder that should be taken
in the enemy's camp. — Gordon^ ii., 244.
Digitized by
Google
398 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
ParaaitofOieEoemj. Lom in the Batfle. 8tark'g Poimlarlty. Vidt to the Battie-gnmndL Anecdotes
to draw off his men to prevent them from firing upon each other in the gloom of evening.
Seven hundred of the enemy wejjp made prisonerB, among whom was Colonel Baume. He
was wounded, and died soon aflerward. *< Another hour of daylight," said Stark, in his of-
ficial report, ** and I would have captured the whole hody." Besides the prisoners, four
pieces of hrass cannon, two hundred and fifty dragoon swords, several hundred stand of arms,
eight brass drums, and four ammunition wagons were secured. Two hundred and seven of
the enemy were killed. The loss of the Americans was about one hundred killed, and as
many wounded. General Stark had a horse killed under him, but was not injured himself.
The total loss of the enemy in killed, wounded, and prisoners was nine hundred and thirty*
four, including one hundred and fifty-seven Tories.^
This victory was hailed with great joy throughout the land. It was another evidence of
the spirit and courage of the American militia when led to the field by a good commander.*
It also crippled the strong arm of Burgoyne, and revived the spirits of the American army
at Cohoes and Stillwater. The loud commendatory voice of the people forced Congress to
overlook the insubordination of Greneral Stark, which seemed so ** highly prejudicial to the
common cause,'' and on the 4th of October resolved, ** That the thanks of Congress be
presented to General Stark, of the New Hampshire militia, and the ofiicers and troops
under his command, for their brave and successfiil attack upon, and signal victory over, the
enemy in their lines at Bennington ; and that Brigadier Stark be appointed a brigadier gen-
eral in the army of the United States."*
When I visited the Bennington battle-ground, every ancient resident in the vicinity, who
had been familiar with the locality, had departed, and I was unable to find a person who
could point out the exact place of the German intrenchments. A veridue, a few miles dis-
tant, had attracted the men from home ; but, through the general familiarity with the scenes
of Mr. Richmond, of Hoosick Four Comers, who accompanied me, and aided by the map of
Lieutenant Dumford, which I had with me, the points of interest were easily recogmzed.
Ascending the rough hills northeast of Mr. Bamet's, we soon found, upon the highest knoll
on the crown of the timbered heights, traces of the German intrenchments. Portions of the
banks and ditches are quite prominent, and for several rods on all sides the timber is young,
the spot having been cleared by the enemy. Descending the gentle slope northward, we
emerged into cleared fields, whence we had a fine view of the valleys of the White Creek
on the north and of the Walloomscoick* on the east. Here was the place where Colonel
Nichols made his first attack upon the rear of the enemy's left. The view of the Wallooms-
coick Valley was one of the finest I ever beheld. From our point of vision it stretched away
to the eastward, its extremity bounded by the lofty Green Mountains, about nine miles dis-
' Gordon, Ramsay, Thaoher, Marshall, Allen, Borgoyne's Defense, Stedman, Everett's Life of Stark.
' There are several anecdotes related in connection with this baitie, which exhibit the spirit of the people
and the soldiers. Thacher sajrs that an old man had five sons in the battle. On being told that one of them
was unfortunate, he exclaimed, " What, has he misbehaved ? Did he desert his post or shrink from the
charge ?" " Worse than that," replied his informant. " He was slain, but he was fighting nobly." " Then
I am satisfied," replied the old man ; " bring him to me." After the battle the body of his son was brought
to him. The aged father wiped the blood from the wound, and said, while a tear glistened in his eyes,
" This is the happiest day of my life, to know that my five sons fought nobly for freedom, though one has
fallen in the conflict." This was an exhibition of old Spartan patriotism.
When Warner's regiment came into the field, Stark rode up and ordered a captain to lead his men into
action. " Where's the colonel [Warner] ? I want to see him first," he coolly replied. The colonel was
sent for, and the captain, in a nasal tone, said, *' WeU, colonel, what d'ye want I should do ?" " Drive those
red-coats from the hill yonder," replied Warner. " Well, it shall be done," said the captain, and in an in-
stant himself and men were on the run for the thickest of the battle.
* Journal of Congress, iii., 327. In passing the last clause of the resolution, the yeas and nays were re-
quired and taken. There was but one dissenting voice, Mr. Chase, of Maryland. The delegates from Vir-
ginia did not vote.
* This is said to be a Dutch word, signifying WalloomU Patent. It is variously spelled. On Dumford's
map it is Wdlmtcock. On Tryon's map of the state of New York, 1779, it is Wallamschock ; and others
spell it Wallamsac, Wolmseeo, and Walmsook. The orthography which I have adopted is that which the
New York records exhibit, and is doubtless correct.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 399
flew of the WaDoouucoiek Valley. Inddeot while Sketching. Inaorrectioa in that Vicinity. Its Suppreaaioo
tant, whioh formed a line of deeper blae than the sky, the tint broken a little by gray clifis
md bald summits reflecting occasional gleams of the evening sun. Through the rich inter-
vales of the broad basin, the winding Walloomscoick, traversed by the highway, glistened
at various points among the groves that shade its banks ; and the whole valley, dotted with
farm-houses, presents one picture of peaceful industry. On the right, seven miles distant,
and nestled among the hills near the Green Mountains, lies Bennington, the white spire of
whose church was seen above the intervening forests. From the heights we could plainly
discern a brick house in the valley, that belonged, during the Revolution, to a Tory named
Mathews. It is remarkable only for its position, and the consequences which sometimes re-
sulted therefrom. It stands upon the line between New York and Vermont, and in it cen-
ter the comer points of four towns — Bennington, Shaftsbury, Hoosick, and White Creek ;
also, those of the counties of Bennington, Washington, and Rensselaer. The occupant had
only to step from one room to another, to avoid the operation of a legal process that might
be issued against him in any one of the counties or four towns.
Descending the heights, we crossed the bridge at the old ford, near Bamet's, and went
down the river, on its southern side, to Starkville. From the hill a few rods south of the
place where Peters's Tories were intrenched (slight traces of the mounds were still visible)
we had a fine view of the whole battle-ground. I tarried long enough upon the brow of
the hill, near the river, to make the sketch on page 396. While thus engaged, a low bel-
low, frequently repeated, attracted my attention, and, seeming to approach nearer, induced
me to reconnoiter. Toward the foot of the hill a huge bull was pawing the earth, and mak-
ing menacing advances up the slope. He had mistaken my cloak, fluttering in the wind,
for a formal challenge to combat, and seemed about advancing to the charge. Regarding
ftn honorable retreat as a wiser measure than the risk of a probable defeat, I gathered up
my «« implements of trade," and retired to the fence, thinking all the way of the similarly-
chased negro's use of Henry Laurens's motto, " Millions for de fence.'' It was sunset when
we reached Van Schaick's on our return, and I had barely light sufficient to complete the
drawing of the old mill on page 391, for heavy clouds were gathering. The twilight was
brief, and darkness was upon us when we arrived at Hoosick Four Comers.
There was an insurrectionary movement among the militia in this vicinity in 1 78 1 . Sit-
uated above the north line of Massachusetts, the country was within the claimed jurisdiction
of the New Hampshire Grants. The animosities between the state govemment of New York
and the people of the Grants, which the active Revolutionary operations in that quarter had,
for a time, quieted, now that those operations had ceased, were renewed in all their former
vigor. So warm became the controversy, that, on the 1st of December, an insurreo-
tion broke out in the regiments of Colonels John and Henry K. Van Rensselaer. The
regiment of Colonel Peter Yates also became disaflected, and, indeed, a large portion of the
militia between the Batten Kill and the Hoosick seemed disposed to take sides with the law-
less people of the Grants, who disregarded the urgent demands of patriotism at that juncture.
These disturbances arose in *< Scaghticoke, St. Coych,* and parts adjacent." The insurgent
regiments belonged to General Gansevoort's brigade. He heard of the defection on the 5th,
and immediately directed Colonels Yates, Van Vechten, and Henry K. Van Rensselaer, whose
regiments were the least tainted, to collect such troops as they could, and march to St. Coych,
to quell the insurrection. An express was sent to Governor Clinton, at Poughkeepsie, who
readily perceived that the movement had its origin among the people of the Grants. With
his usual promptness, he ordered the brigade of General Robert Van Rensselaer to the as-
sistance of Gansevoort, and gave the latter all necessary latitude in raising troops for the exi-
gency. Gansevoort repaired to Saratoga, and solicited troops and a field piece from General
Stark, who was stationed there. The latter declined compliance, on the plea that his troops
were too poorly clad to leave their quarters at that season, and also that he thought it im-
' This place was Van Schaick's Mill, now North Hoosick. The name was variously written by the early
historians-— St. Coych, Sancoix, Saintcoix, &o.
Digitized by
Google
400 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Stark and GoTeraor Chittenden. End of the Infurreetion. Ride to Troj. The HoantoQio Valley. * Dmbarj .
proper to interfere without an order from General Heath, hk raperior. Grovemor Chitten-
den, of the Grantg, had just addressed a letter to Stark, requesting him not to interfere ; and,
as his sympathies were with the Vermonters, that was douhtless the true cause of his with-
holding aid from Gansevoort. The latter, with what volunteers he could raise, pushed on
to St. Coych, where he discovered a motley force of ahout five hundred men, advancing to
sustain the insurgent militia. Having only eighty men with him, Gansevoort retired ahout
five miles, and attempted to open a correspondence with the leaders of the rebellion. He
was unsuccessful, and the rebels remained undisturbed. Early in January following,
Washington wrote a calm and powerful letter to Governor Chittenden, which had great
efiect in quelling disturbances there, and no serious consequences grew out of the movement.
September, ^ ^^^ Hoosick at nine on the morning of the 28th, on the Bennington mail-coach, .
^®*^ for Troy. It was full inside, and the driver was flanked by a couple of passen-
gers. The only vacant seat was one covered by a sheep-skin, upon the coach-roof — a de-
lightful place on a pleasant morning, but now the lowering clouds betokened a storm. It
was " Hobson's choice," however, and, mounting the perch, I had a fine view of a portion
of the Hoosick Valley. The high hills that border it are cultivated to their summits, and
on every side large flocks of Saxony sheep were grazing.* As we moved slowly up the ra-
vine, the clouds broke, the wind changed, and, when we reached the high rolling table-land
west of the valley, a bleak nor' wester came sweeping over the hiUs from the distant peaks
of the Adirondack and other lofty ranges near the sources of the Hudson. Detained on the
road by the cracking of an axle, it was nearly sunset when we reached Troy. I had intend-
ed to start for Connecticut that evening, but, as the cars had left, I rode to Albany, and de-
parted in the early morning train for the Housatonic Valley and Danbury.
The country from Albany to the State Line,* where the Housatonic and Western Rail-roads
unite, is quite broken, but generally fertile. Sweeping down the valley at the rate of twenty
miles an hour, stopping for a few minutes only to take in wood and water, the traveler has
very little opportunity to estimate the character of the region through which he is passing.
The picture in my memory represents a narrow, tortuous valley, sometimes dwindUng to a
rocky ravine a few rods wide, and then expanding into cultivated flats half a mile in breadth,
with a rapid stream, broken into rifis and small cascades, running parallel with our course,
and the whole surrounded on all sides by lofty hills, densely wooded with maples, oaks, hick-
ories, and chestnuts. At New Milford the narrow valley spreads out into a broad and beau-
tiful plain, whereon the charming village stands. Thence to Hawleyville the country is
again very broken, but more generally redeemed from barrenness by cultivation.
At Hawleyville I left the rail-road, and took the mail-coach for Danbury, seven and a half
miles westward, where we arrived at two o'clock. This village, one of the oldest in the state,
is pleasantly situated upon a plain on the banks of a small stream, about twenty miles north
from Long Island Sound. Its Indian name was Pahquioqice, and the first eight families
that settled there, in 1685, purchased the land from the aboriginal proprietors.* There is
nothing remarkable in its early history, aside from the struggles, privations, and alarms in-
cident to a new Christian settlement in the midst of pagans. In truth, it seems to have
enjoyed more than ordinary prosperity and repose through the colonial period, but a terrible
blight fell upon it during our war for independence.
^ Wool is the staple prodaction of this region. The first flock of Saxony sheep in Hoosick was introduced
by a German named H. De Grove, about 1820. The price at which these sheep were then held was enor-
mous, some bucks having been sold as high as five hundred dollars. But the great losses incurred in spec-
ulations in merino sheep, a few years previous, made people cautious, and the Saxony sheep soon command-
ed only their fair value. In 1845 the number of sheep of this fine breed in the town of Hoosick was fifty-
six thousand.
' The State Line station is upon the boundary between New York and Massachusetts, thirty-eight miles
from Albany and eleven from Pittsfield.
' Their names were Taylor, Bushnell Bamum, Hojrt, two Benedicts, Beebe, and Gregory. They were all
from Norwalk, on the Sound, except Beebe, who came from Stratford — See Robbim^t Century Sermon, 1801
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. . 401
fyycQ'g Expedition to Danbory. ^ TrambuU'g '^ M'Fingal.'* Life of tha Avtbor.
CHAPTER XVIIl.
" When Yankees, skilled in martial rule,
First put the British troops to school \
Instructed them in warlike trade,
And new maneuvers of parade ;
The true war-dance of Yankee reels,
And manmal exercise of heels ;
Made them give up, like saints complete,
The^^ of flesh ainid trust the feet,
And work, like Christians undissembling,
Salvation out with fear and trembling.''
Trumbull.'
~^~r^ HE expedition to Danburjr, in the spring of 1777, conducted by Gov-
■'^^■^^ ernor Tryon, of New York, in person, was, in its inception, progress,
and result, disgraceful to the British character, no less on account of
the barbarity and savageism displayed than of the arrant cowardice
that marked all the movements of the marauders. Sir William Howe
did well for his own character, in disclaiming any approval of the acts
of Tryon on that occasion, and in endeavoring to excuse the leader of
the expedition by pleading the apparent necessity of such harsh meas-
ures. Every generous American should be ready to accord all the
honor, skill, bravery, and humanity which oflen belonged to British officers during the war,
for some of them, despite the relation which they held to our people struggling for freedom,
demand our admiration and regard. But these very officers, guided by a false philosophy,
and the instructions of ministers grossly ignorant of the temper and character of the colonists,
planned and executed measures which every true Briton then condemned, and which every
true Briton now abhors. The destruction of Danbury, and, two yean later, of Norwalk and
' This is quoted from a political poem in three cantos, by John Tromboll, LL.D., called "M^FingaJ,''
which gained for the author much celebrity in America and Europe. The first part of the poem was writ-
ten in 1775, and published in Philadelphia, where the Continental Congress was then in session. Numer-
ous editions appeared, and it was republished in England, k was not finished until 1782, when the whole
was printed at Hartford, in three cantos. It is in the Hudibrastic strain, " and," says Gnswold, " is much
the best imitation of the great satire of Butler that has been written." The author was bom in Waterbury,
Connecticut, in 1750. So extraordinary was the development of his intellect, that he received lessons in
Greek and Latin before he was six years old, and was pronounced fit to enter Yale College at the age of
seven. He entered college at thirteen, and went successfully through the whole course of studies. In
1771 he and Timothy Dwight were elected tutors in Yale, and in 1773 he was admitted to the practice
of the law. He went- to Boston, entered the office of John Adams, and there, in the focus of Revolution-
ary politics, his republican principles had full play. He commenced the practice of law in New Haven to-
ward the ciose of 1774, and there he wrote Us " M'Fingal." He had already acquired considerable celeb-
rity as a poet. He removed to Hartford in 1782. Joel Barlow^ Colonel David Humphries, and Timothy
Dwight were anoong his most intimate literary Mends. He was one of the " four bards with Scripture
names" whom a London satirist noticed, in some verses commencing,
** David and Jonathan, Joel and Timothy,
Over the water sot up the hymn of the," &0.
In 1800 Trumbull was elected a member of the Legislature, and, the year following, a Judge of the Su-
perior Court. He was Judge of the Supreme Court of Errors from 1808 to 1819. His poems were col
leoted and published in 1820, and in 1825 he removed to Detroit, where he died in 1831, in the 81st yeai
of his age.
Cc
Digitized by
Google
402
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Landing of the British at Compo.
Object of the EzpeditioD.
Pifjng of tiie MHlria.
Character of tho Pei ipla
Fairfield ; the massacre of Baylor's corps at Tappan and Wayne's detachment at Paoli, are
among the records which Britons would gladly hlot out. Aside from the cold-blooded mur-
der and incendiarism involved, there was cowardice displayed of the most abject kind. In
each case, when their work of destruction was efiected, the troops displayed the
** Manaal exercise of heels"
when fleeing back to their respective camps.
On Friday, the 25th of April, 1777, twenty-six sail of British vessels appeared oiTNor-
walk Islands, standing in for Cedar Point. It was a mild, sunny aflemoon. The inhabit-
ants of Norwalk and Fairfield, aware of their approach, took measures for the defense of
their respective towns. But both villages were, at that time, spared. A little before sun-
set about two thousand well-armed troops landed upon the long beach at the foot of the beau-
tiful hill of Compo, on the eastern side of the Saupratuck River, and near its mouth. They
Distant View of Coupo.^
were commanded by Governor William Tryon, assisted by Generals Agnew and Sir William
Erskine. The expedition had been fitted out by Sir William Howe at New York, its os-
tensible object being the destruction of American military stores at Danbury. The force
marched about seven miles into the country that evening, where they rested until toward
daylight. Clouds had gathered during the night, and rain began to fall. Resuming their
march, they reached Reading, eight miles southeast of Danbury, at eight in the morning,
where they halted and breakfasted.
General Silliman, who was attached to the Connecticut militia, was at his residence at
Fairfield when the enemy landed. He immediately sent out expresses to alarm the country
and collect the militia. The call was responded to,* and early the next morning he started
in pursuit. He reached Reading about noon, where his force amounted to five hundred
men. He was there joined by Gisnerals Wooster and Arnold, with a small number of mili-
tia. These oflicers, who were at New Haven, on hearing of the invasion, started immedi-
ately to the aid of Silliman. The Americans continued the pursuit as far as Bethel, within
four miles of Danbury. They did not reach Bethel until eleven o'clock at night, owing to
a heavy rain. There they determined to halt and postpone their attack upon the enemy
until he should attempt to return to his shipping.
April 26, '^^^ British, piloted by two young men of Danbury — Stephen Jarvis and Eh
Benedict — ^reached the village between one and two o'clock in the afternoon. They
1777.
' This view is from the top of a high hill northeast of the dwelling of Mr. Ebenezer Smith, near Norwalk.
Its long sand-bar is seen stretching into the Sound on the right, and over the lowest extremity of the point
the shade trees of Fairfield are visible. The water on the left is the mouth of the Saugatuck River, and
that in the distance, on tho right, is Long Island Sound.
' The people of this region were extremely patriotic, and never hesitated a moment when their country
called. Before actual hostilities commenced (March, 1775), a company of one hundred men was enlisted
in Danbury, for the colonial service, and joined a regiment of Connecticut troops, under Colonel Waterbury
They were engaged in active service until Montgomery reached Montreal, in December, when they return*
ed home without the loss of a single man. The last survivor, David Weed, died in Danbury, June 1 3th,
1842, aged ninety-four years. When this little band of one hundred men left for Lake Champlain, tbeii
friends regarded them as lost. When they all returned, many of those very friends were in their grave.<t
swept away by a prevalent dysentery.
Digitized by
Google j
OF THE REVOLUTION.
402
Enemy's March to Daabury. Entrance into the Village. Anecdotea of Holcomb and Hamilton. Officers' Head-quartern
proceeded through Weston, by Reading Church, over Hoyt's Hill and through Bethel ;* and
so expeditious was their march, that the people of Danbury were not warned of their ap-
proach until they were within eight miles of the town. Then all was confusion and alarm
Although the chief object of the invaders — ^the capture or destruction of the military stores
— ^was understood, the Revolutionary party felt a presentiment that the expedition was fraught
with cruelty and woes. Some fled, with the women and children and a few movable effects,
to the woods and adjacent towns, while others remained to watch and guard the sick and
aged who could not depart. There was a small militia force of only one hundred and fifty
in the town, under the Colonels Cook and Dimon, when the enemy approached* ^too few
to attempt resistance. When Try-
on entered the village at the south
end, Dimon and his troops, who
were mostly without arms, retired
across the Still River at the north,
and, making a circuitous march un-
der cover of night, joined the Amer-
icans at Bethel.*
Tryon established his head-quar-
ters at the house of a Loyalist nam-
ed Dibble, at the south end of the
village, and near the public stores.
Grenerals Agnew and Erskine made
their head-quarters in a house near
the bridge, at the upper end of the
main street, now owned by Mr.
Rnapp. All the other houses in
the village were filled with British
troops at night.
As soon as the enemy entered the town they began to insult and abuse the people, but com-
■'^"^"^iBiSS^ES!^^ ■
HXAD-qUAATKBS OP AONBW AND EkSKINK.*
' At this place the enemy wbs brought to a halt by a single resolute American named Luther Holcomb.
Wishing to give the people of Danbury as much time as possible to escape, or prepare for resistance, he
rode to the brow of a hill over which the invaders were about to march, and, waving his hat, and turning,
as if to address an army behind him, exclaimed, " Halt the whole universe ! break off into kingdoms !" It
was a mighty host whose obedience he evoked. Tryon was alarmed. He caused his army to halt, and,
arranging his cannon so as to bear upon the supposed opponents, sent out flanking parties to reconnoiter.
Finding himself in danger of being surrounded, Holcomb put spurs to his horse and retreated to Banbury.
' On hearing of the approach of the enemy. Colonel Cook sent to General Silliman for arms and ammu-
nition. The messenger was Lambert Lockwood, who, coming suddenly upon the British troops near Read-
ing Church, was made a prisoner. Tryon recognized him as a young man who had given him aid when
his carriage broke down while passing through Norwalk. On that account he took Lockwood under his
protection, but, in his hasty retreat from Danbury, left him to take care of himself. Tryon was writing a
protection for him when he was informed that the Americans were coming. The governor dropped his pen
and seized his sword, and the protection remained unwritten.
' When the British approached, a citizen named Hamilton resolved to save a piece of cloth which was at
a clothier's at the lower end of the village. He had just mounted his horse with the cloth, and fastened one
end to the saddle, when the British advanced guard appeared. Three light horsemen started in pursuit of
Hamilton, whose horse was less fleet than theirs. Drawing near to him, one of the troopers exclaimed,
'^ Stop, old daddy, stop ! We'll have you." ** Not yet," said Hamilton, and at that moment his roll of
oloth unfurled, and, fluttering like a streamer behind him, so frightened the troopers' horses that the old
man got several rods the start. The chase continued through the town to the bridge at the upper end.
Several times the troopers would attempt to strike, but the cloth was always in the way. The pursuit was
finally abandoned, and the old man escaped.
* This house is on the south bank of Still River, at the north end of the main street. It was built by Ben-
jamin Knapp, in 1770, and was owned by him at the time of the invasion. His birth-place is also stand-
ing, on the north side of the river. They were among the few houses not burned. At the bridge seen on
the right the British planted a cannon, and kept a strong guard there until their departure. This house i&
now (1848) owned by Noah Knapp.
Digitized by
Google
i04 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Imprudence of some Cltizeiis. Retaliation of the British. Deatmction of Stores and of the Village
mitted no great excesses. Had the inhabitants who remained kept quiet, the town might
have been saved from conflagration ; but four men/ whose feelings were wrought to the high-
est pitch by the free use of liquor, madly placed themselves in a large and valuable dwell-
ing near the court-house, belonging to Major Starr, and, as the van of the British army ap-
proached, flred upon them several times from the windows, without eflect. The exasperated
troops rushed into the house, seized the men, thrust them into the cellar, and burned the
building over their heads. The unhappy men perished in the flames, victims of most egre-
gious folly.
The public stores were now attacked. The Episcopal Church was filled with barrels oi
pork and flour as high as the galleries, and two other buildings were also filled with pro-
visions. One of them, the bam of Mr. Dibble, is still stand-
ing, on the southwest side of Main Street, at the lower end -^^^^^i^^^.:^.^
of the town. The American commissioners made use of it with-
out his consent. Being a Tory, his barn was spared, and all the
stores in it were saved. Those in the church were taken into
the street and destroyed. The liquors were freely used by the
soldiery, and they passed the night in drinking and carousing.
As yet, the torch had not been applied. The sky was cloudy
and the night was intensely dark. Having marched a greater ' r
portion of the preceding night, the troops were much exhausted
by fatigue and want of sleep. Those who remained awake were intoxicated, except a few
sentinels. The force of two thousand men that landed at Compo was reduced, in reality,
to three hundred ; and could the American generals at Bethel have known the exact state
of things in the hostile camp, they might have annihilated the invaders. Tryon was on the
alert, and slept but little. He was apprised by a Tory scout of the gathering of the militia
at Bethel. Knowing the present weakness of his army, he resolved on flight, and accord-
AprU 27, ^^ly> before daylight on Sunday morning, his troops were put in marching order.
vm. Fire-brands were applied to every house in the village, except those belonging to
Tories. These had been marked with a conspicuous cross the previous evening. At the
dawn of day the enemy marched toward Ricigeway, while for miles around the country was
illumined by the burning village.*
** Through solid carls of smoke the bursting fires
Climb in tall pyramids above the spires,
Concentering all the winds, whose forces, driven
With equal rage from every point of heaven,
Wheel into conflict, round the scantling pour
The twisting flames, and through the rafters roar ;
Suck up the cinders, send them sailing far,
. To warn the nations of the raging war."
JoBL Barlow.'
' Joshua Porter, Eleazer Starr, — Adams, and a negro.
* Robbins's Century Sermon.
' This 18 quoted from the Columbiad, a long epic — ^thevAmerican Revolution its theme. The author was
one of the poets of the Revolution whose writings have outlived them. Dwight, Trumbull, Humphries,
Hopkins, and a few other men of literary reputation in Connectiout, were his friends and associates. He
was a native of Reading, Connecticut, where he was bom in 1755. He was the youngest in a family of
ten. He graduated at Yale College in 1778. He recited an original poem on taking his bachelor's degree,
but it possesses little merit. Four of his brothers were in the Continental army, and during his eolle^iate
vacation he went to the field as chaplain. He was in the battle at White Plains, and displayed good cour-
age in several minor engagements. He married the sister of the Hon. Abraham Baldwin, of New Ha-
ven, and in 1783 removed to Westford, where he commenced the publication of the *^ Mercury." He wat
admitted to the bar in 1785, and the same year, at the request of several Congregational ministers, pre
pared and published an enlarged and improved edition of Watts's version of the PsaLns, and added to them
A collection of hymns, several of them his own. His " Vtnon of Columlm$^^ was published in 1787. It
was dedicated to the unfortunate Louis XVI. In London and Paris it was reprinted, and received consid-
erable applause. He was engaged, with the literary friends just named, in publishing a satirical poem called
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
405
Bstimated Damage.
ReTolutionary Men.-
LeTl Oaborn.
Joel Barlow.
Hie S«in<1<»mMti1aT>«.
Nineteen dwellings, the meeting-house of the New Danbury Society, and twenty-two stores
and bams, with all their contents, were consumed. The exact amount of military stores
that were iestroyed is not known, but, from the best information that could be obtained,
there were about three thousand barrels of pork, more than one thousand barrels of flour,
four hundred barrels of beef, one thousand six hundred tents, and two thousand bushels of
grain, besides many other articles, such as rum, wine, rice, army carriages, &c. A com
mittee appointed to appraise the private losses estimated the whole amount at nearly eighty
thousand dollars.
On inquiring for men of the Revolution in Danbury, I was referred to three, all of whom 1
had the pleasure of seeing. I first called upon the venerable Levi Osbom, then a geptemoer,
eighty-six years of age. a He resided in Danbury when the village was burned, f®^
and remained, amid the jeers of Tories and the insults of the invaders, to protect an aged and
sick parent. He is a leader of the sect of Sandemanians, of the division known as " Os-
bomites."^ His naturally strong mind was yielding to the pressure of bodily infirmities, yet
he still lives, an honored representative of the men of 1776.
After sketching Rnapp's house, printed on page 403, I walked down to the old burial-
ground, toward the lower part of the village, where the remains of many of the men of the
the jSnarchuidj which had considerable influence.
Privileged Orders,^^ and, the fol-
lowing year, The Cofupiracy of
thi Kingi, He had some corre-
spondence with the French Na-
tional Assembly, and, on going
to Paris, was honored by the gif\
of citizenship, and made France
his home. His time was devot-
ed chiefly to commercial pur-
suits, by which he amassed a
fortune. He traveled some on
the Continent, and in Piedmont
wrote a poem called "Hasty
Pddding," the most popular of
his writings. Returning to Par-
is in 1795, he was appointed by
Washington consul at Algiers,
with power to negotiate a treaty
of commerce with the dey, and
with Tunis and Tripoli. After
an absence of seventeen years,
he returned to the United States,
and built a splendid mansion on
the bank of the Potomac, neai
In 1791 he published in London his ^^ Advice to the
Washington, known afterward
as "Kalorama." The Colum-
biad, the original Vttion of Co-
luminu greatly altered, was pub-
lished in 1 808, in a splendid quar-
to, richly illustrated. Its merits
have been variously estimated,
some regarding it as a fit com-
panion of the Iliad, JEneidj and
Paradise Lost, and others allow-
ing it only a small share of mer-
it. Mr. Barlow had prepared
to write a history of the United
States, in 181 1, when the design
was frustrated by his being ap-
pointed minister plenipotentiary
to the French government. In
the autumn of 1812 he was in-
vited by the Duke of Bassano to
a conference with Napoleon at
Wikia, in Poland. He traveled
thitherward without halting to
rest. The fatigue and exposure
brought on an inflamnfiation of
3^7^^Z>^--^-^
the lungs, which caused his death, at an obscure village near Cracow named Zarnowica, on the 2d of Decem-
ber, in the fifty-fourth year of his age. He has been charged with abjuration of Christianity, but the accu-
sation rests solely upon inferences. In private life he was pure and greatly beloved, and his public career
was without spot or hiemish,— Allen's Biographical Dictionary; GriswoUTs American Poets.
^ This small sect derives its name from its founder, Robert Sandeman, a native of Perth, in Scotland.
He came to America in 1764, and in Boston and Danbury organized societies in accordance with his pecul-
iar religious notions. His doctrines were similar to those of Calvin, and his distinguishing tenet was, tliat
*•'' faith was a mere intellectual belief — a bare belief of the bare truth." Like other founders of sects, he
claimed to belong to the only true Church. His followers meet on the Sabbath and Thursday afternoons of
each week, and, seated around a large circular table, each with a copy of the Scriptures, the men read and
comment on them as they are moved by desire. The females are sUent. The attending congregation not
members are mere spectators, and the worshipers seem not to notice their presence. They have prayer
and singing, after which they go to the house of one of the members, and partake of a feast of love. Their
morals are of the purest kind, and their influence in society is exceedingly salutary. The two divisions are
known as the Baptist Sandemanians and the Osbomites. The former practice baptism, the latter do not.
Of late years none have joined them, and death is reducing their number. There are a few in England.
Mr. Sandeman died at Danbury in 1771, aged fifty-three years. His grave is marked by a handsome mar
Ue slab, bearing his name and an epitaph
Digitized by
Google
406
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Obscurity of Wooster's Grara
ResolvM of Congren.
A oentenarlan Loyalist
Treatment by Ua Neig&Dom
Revolution rest, and among them those of the hrave Greneral Wooster, who fell, as we shall
presently observe, while gallantly opposing Tryon and his marauders on their retreat from
Danbury. Not even a rough stone of the field marked his grave, and no person could
then identify it ! The fact is a disgrace to the people, past and present, among whom he
fell in battle ; and the government, whose representatives, with grateful appreciation of his
services, long ago voted money to erect a monument to his memory,*^ is guilty of positive in*
gratitude in so long withholding the paltry sum, while the long grass is weaving a web of
utter obscurity over his dust.
From the cemetery I strolled down the winding road along which Tryon entered Dan-
bury, and, returning, called to see the venerable Joseph Dibble, then in his hundredth year.
He lives with a nephew, near the same
spot where he resided when Danbury
was burned. He is the Loyalist who,
with his father, entertained (xovemor
Tryon while he remained at Danbury.
He was a Loyalist in principle, and ad-
hered to the royal cause in accordance
with his convictions of right as an order-
loving, law-obeying citizen. He was
not armed against his Whig neighbors,
and took no part in the cruelties which
his guest sanctioned, but simply gave
<* aid and comfort to the enemy'' while
there. But the outrages committed by
the men whom he sheltered and fed drew
upon himself much of the odium that be-
longed to them, and for many years he
was greatly despised by the suJSerers.
One night he was taken from his bed by
some of his neighbors in disguise, to a
deep place in the little river near the
village, where they ducked him several
times during the darkness. He expect-
ed that they would leave him under wa-
ter with the fishes at the last immersion,
but there was as much funny mischief
as serious malice in his tormentors, and, to his great joy, they released him on dry land just
as the first hue of light in the east appeared. Time softened the asperities of feeling, and
'^/isM
ffiMS^^
^ On the 17th of Jane, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted a resolation, "That a monament be erect-
ed to the memory of General Wooster, with the following inscription : ^ In honor of David Wooster, briga-
dier general in the army of the United States. In defending the liberties of America, and bravely repelling
an inroad of the British forces to Danbnry, in Connecticut, he received a mortal womid on the 27th day of
April, 1777, and died on the 2d day of May following. The Congress of the United States, as an acknowl-
edgment of his merit and services, have caused this monument to be erected.' " Resolved, " That the ex-
ecutive power of the state of Connecticut be requested to carry the foregoing resolution into execution, and
that five hundred dollars be allowed for that purpose." — Journal* of Congress, iii., 197.
It has been erroneously asserted that the money was subsequently put into the hands of General Wooster's
son, and that it was squandered. This is not true, as the Journals of Congress will show. A bill for the
purpose passed the House of Representatives in 1822, but, in consequence of the numerous similar petitions
that were presented after the passage of the resolution by the Lower House, the Senate did not concur.
Ezra Foote, Esq., a citizen of Danbury, aged eighty-four years, informed me that he could so nearly idea*
tify the grave of Wooster as to pronounce it with certainty to be one of two graves, situated, as I ascertained
by measurement, twenty feet northeast of the grave of Sandeman. General Wooster was not in the Conti-
nental service at the time of his death. Conceiving himself neglected, he had resigned, and was appointed
the first miyor general of militia in his native state.- See note 1, page 408.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 407
Tory Qoldes. Night Bide toward Ridgefleld. Return to Danbury. £idgefield. Military MoTements
for half a century he has lived among his old neighbors and their descendants, a worthy and
respected citizen. The two guides who piloted the army to Danbury did not fare so well ;
they were obliged to flee. After the war, Benedict returned to Danbury for the purpose of
residing there, but the people at once prepared to ride him out of the town upon a rail, and
he fled. Jarvis went to reside in Nova Scotia. Many years afterward he returned pri-
vately to Danbury, to visit his relations. His presence being known, some citizens prepared
tar and feathers for him. They surrounded his father's house, and demanded his person.
His sister concealed him in an ash-oven, where he lay until the search was over and the
party gone, when he left the town, and never returned.
Mr. Dibble was too nearly a wreck to give me any clear account of Revolutionary matters
in that vicinity, and it was with much difficulty that he could be made to understand my
object in wishing to sketch his portrait and obtain his autograph. He was a bachelor, and
assured me seriously that he intended to remain one all the days of his life. He lived ahnost
three years longer, and died in the Summer of 1851.
I also called upon Ezra Foote, Esq., one of the patriarchs of the village. Although eighty-
four years of age, his erect figure, firm voice, and clear, intelligent eye gave him the appear-
ance of a man of sixty. After half an hour's pleasant and profitable conversation with him,
on Revolutionary topics connected with the locality, I returned to the hotel, and prepared
to depart for Ridgefield, nine miles distant, after supper. For two or three hours a strong
southeast wind had been piling the driving scud from the ocean in huge cumulous masses
along the northwestern horizon, and, when darkness came, it was intense. I had ];iired a
conveyance, and a young man to accompany me from Danbury to Norwalk, by the way of
Ridgefield, and, in the midst of the gloom, and the rain that began to fall, we left the vil-
lage. For a little while the beaten road was visible, but, when the light dust became wet
with showers, not a trace of the track could be seen. The young man became alarmed, and
urged me to turn back. I was too anxious to reach New Haven by Sunday to be easily
persuaded, and, borrowing a tin lantern from a farmer whom he knew, we endeavored to
grope our way. The perforations of the lantern were " like angels' visits, few and far be-
tween," and the light that stole through them was just enough to make ** darkness visible."
After tilting half over by the road side once or twice, and being assured by my companion
that there was a *< dreadful ugly place in Sugar Hollow, a mile or two beyond," I consent-
ed to turn back, on condition that he would be ready to start at peep of day. He promised,
and at nine in the evening we were again in Danbury. At dawn we started for Ridge-
field. The rain had ceased, and the clouds were dispersing. We had a delightful ride over
the broken, but fertile country, and before ten o'clock I had visited the place where Wooster
fell, and where Arnold made his escape, and made sketches of the localities. Let us for a
moment follow the British on their departure from Danbury, and the Americans in their op-
posing maneuvers.
Tryon, doubtless fearing that he might be cut ofl* on his retreat directly back to his ship-
ping at Oompo, marched toward Ridgeway, a parish in the town of Ridgefield, and north of
that village. This movement was probably made to deceive the Americans into the belief
that he intended to return by land through West Chester, and then, by a sudden turn, push
for ^e shipping along the least guarded route. When this movement was made known to
the American generals, they divided their forces into two parts. The largest division, con-
sisting of about four hundred men, under Silliman and Arnold, proceeded to take post in
front of the enemy, while Wooster, with the other division of two hundred, was left to hang
upon and annoy their rear.
After proceeding to Ridgeway, the enemy turned southward toward Ridgefield,^ their route
from Danbury thus forming the two sides of a scalene triangle, of which the present direct
* The tract of land oaDed Ridgefield was named by the Indians CandatowOy which signifies high ground
On tome of the hiUs near the vilLge Long Island and the Soond may be seen for a distance of forty miles.
Twenty-five of the inhabitants of Norwalk purchased the groimd of Catoonah, the chief saohem, in 1708,
and the first settlement was made the following year.
Digitized by
Google
108
PICTCRIAL FIELD-BOOK
llie British attacked by VVoocter. Return Firs. Death of Wootter. Sketch of hia Life. Approach of Arnold.
load from village to village is the hypotenuse. This change of direction was made
known to Wooster about nine in the morning, and, hastening forward, he came up
to them when within a few miles of Ridgefield. He attacked the rear-guard, and, afler
April 27,
1777.
a little skirmishing, took
tbrty prisoners. Thus he
harassed them, and kept
them in partial check, un-
til they arrived within two
miles of Ridgefield meet-
ing-house, when another
smart skirmish ensued.
The ground is very bro-
ken, and well adapted for
such a sort of guerrilla
warfare as the American
militia kept up. While
the enemy were hidden
by a hill, near the present
road from Ridgefield to
Salem, Wooster encour-
aged his undisciplined ar-
my to push forward and
attack them on the flank.
The British made sever-
al discharges of artillery,
which caused the Amer-
ican column to break and
give way. Wooster en-
deavored to rally them
exclaiming, <* Come on,
my boys I Never mind
such random shots !"
While thus in the van,
urging his troops, a mus-
ket-ball took him oblique-
ly in the side and broke
his back-bone. He fell
from his horse, and was
removed from the field to
Danbury, at which place
he died.^
General Arnold, informed of the change iu the route of the enemy, made a forced march
across the country to Ridgefield village, where he arrived at about eleven o'clock in the
morning, with his force increased to about five hundred men. Across the upper end of the
main street he cast up a barricade of carts, logs, stones, and earth, which was flanked on the
right by a house and barn, and on the left by a ledge of rocks. Behind this harricade he
formed his men in battle order, and awaited the approach of the enemy. As soon as Tryon
iliscovered Arnold, he ordered General Agnew to advance with the main body in solid col-
* David Wooster was bom in Stratford, Connectioat, on the 2d of March, 1710. He g^raduated at Tale
College in 1738, and the foUowing year, when the Spanish war broke ont, was made a lieutenant, and soon
afterward was promoted to the captaincy of the vessel built and armed by the colony as a guarda cotta, or
coast guard. In 1740 he married the daughter of Rev. Thomas Clapp, president of Yale College. He was
a captain in Colonel Burr's regiment, which went on the expedition to Louisburg in 1745, from which place
he went to Europe, in command of a cartel ship. He was not permitted to land in France, b\;it in England
he was received with distinguished honor. He was presented to the king, and became a favorite at court.
He was made a captain in the regular service, under Sir William Pepperel, and his likeness (from which
our engraving was copied) was published in the periodical magazines of that day. He was first a colonel
and then a brigadier in the French and Indian or Seven Tears' War that ended in 1763. He espoused th
patriot cause, and was one of the principal conspirators against Tioonderoga in 1775, which resulted ini its
capture by the provincials under Allen and Arnold. When the Continental army was organized, Wooster
was appointed one of the eight brigadiers, third in rank. He was in Canada in 1776, where he had the
chief command for a while. Returning to Connecticut, he was appointed the first major general of the mili-
tia of his state. In that capacity he was actively employed when Tryon's invasion occurred. He hastened
to the field, was fatally wounded, carried to Danbury, and expired on the 2d of May, at the age of sipty-
seven years. On the 27th of April, 1854, the comer-stone of a monument to be erected over the obscure
grave of the long-neglected Wooster was laid. When search was made for his grave, it was identified by
unmistakable evidences. With a skeleton was found some matted wire (the remains of epaulets), a portion
of a plume, and a leaden bullet. The latter was a smooth, English bullet, larger than those used by the
Americans. These were satisfactoiy evidence that the right grave had been opened. That bullet undoubt-
edly gave the death-wound to the patriot.* The bones were re-interred, with imposing ceremonies. The
Honorable Henry 0. Deming was the Orator on the occasion.
* Ck>lonel David Dimon, one of Wooster'a subordinate officers at that time (mentioned on page 403), was a native oi Faxr>
aeld, ConnectictU, and was a brave and useful soldier. He was one of the volunteers who captured British stores at Turtle
Bay, New York, and one of Montgomery's staff in the expedition to Canada in 1775. He was active in the capture of St. John
on the Sorel, and Fort Chambly, aAer which he returned to Connecticut on public business, and was not with the army in its
aeteat at Quebec Colonel Dimon continued In active service until after Tryoa's expedition to Danbury. He had the command
at the barricades in Ridgefield, and pursued the British to Compo. A fbver, produced by exposure in the senriee, caused hi
death in September following, when in the 36th year of his age
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 409
Bvricade at Ridgefield. Brarerj of Arnold. Narrow EMape. March to Compo. fllilnnlahaa
umn, while detachments were sent to outflank him and fall upon his rear. With only about
two hundred men, Ar-
nold confronted nearly
two thousand, who ad
vanced, and delivered and
received several fires. In
this way the action con-
tinued nearly a quarter
of an hour. Agnew suc-
ceeded in gaining the
ledge of rocks. From
that position a whole pla-
toon of British infantry
fired, with deliberate aim,
at Arnold, who was not
more than thirty yards
Pi.ACBorTi«BA«aicADB,RxDa«raLD.« distant. Not a bullet hit
him, but his horse was
pierced, and fell dead under him. Seeing their leader prostrate, the Americans fied. For
a moment Arnold could not extricate his feet from the stirrups. Perceiving this, a Tory
named Coon, firom New Fairfield, niched toward the general with his bayonet, to seize him.
" Surrender ! you are my prisoner I" shouted the Tory. " Not yet," exclaimed Arnold, as,
springing to his feet, he drew his pistol, shot the Tory dead, and bounded toward a thick
swamp near by, followed by a shower of bullets, and escaped. The number of Americans
killed in this skirmish was between forty and fiily ; of the enemy's loss no account was given.
Colonel Gould, of Fairfield, was among the slain. He fell about eighty rods east of the
house of Mr. Stebbins, seen in the engraving, and his body was carried to Fairfield.
Having repulsed the Americans, Tryon's army encamped upon high ground about a mile
south of the Congregational Church in Ridgefield, until daylight the next morning, j^^ q^
when they resumed their march toward Norwalk and Compo, through Wilton. ^^^*
Four dwellings were burned in Ridgefield, and other private property was destroyed when
the marauders struck their tents. As they approached Norwalk, Tryon learned that Arnold
was again in the saddle, and was rallying the scattered militia upon the road leading to Sau-
gatuck Bridge. He filed ofi* eastward, and forded the Saugatuck some distance above the
bridge, where about Bve hundred Americans, under Colonel Huntingdon, were posted to op-
pose his passage. Small detachments of i^ilitia annoyed the British all the way from Wil-
ton to the Saugatuck ; and while the latter were pushing forward toward Compo and their
shipping, on the east side of the creek, the former kept upon the west side, and galled them
with cannon-shot and musket-balls. A small detachment of Americans forded the stream,
picked ofi* many of the rear->guard of the enemy, and returned without losing a man.
At the bridge was the battalion of the New York artillery, under Colonel John Lamb,
with three field pieces, under Lieutenant-colonel Oswald. Perceiving the formidable force
there collected, Tryon urged forward his men as fast as they could run, and they succeeded
in passing by the bridge before the main body of the Americans could get over. Exposed to
an enfilading fire, the enemy were partially checked, and for about fifleen minutes there was
a sharp engagement at the bridge.' The Americans pushed across and followed the flying
* This view is at the north end of the main street. It was taken from the spot where, tradition asserts,
Amold^s horse was killed, which is on the west side of the street, near a maple-tree, about one hundred
yards southwest of the house of Samuel Stebbins, Esq., seen on the right in the picture. While making
this sketch an old man (whose name 1 forgot to ask) came along, and informed me that on the day after the
battle himself and some other boys skinned Amold^s horse, and discovered nine bulUt^iole$ in hit hide. The
escape of the rider seemed miraculous.
' The bridge where the engagement took place was at the head of navigation in the Saugatuck, nearly
Digitized by
Google
410 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
CnUne's ManeuTer. The Connecticut Militia. Action of CoogreM concerning Arnold. Place where Wooater £bIL
enemy to Compo, gaining the right flank of their rear in an advantageous position. Here
another hot skirmish ensued, and, but for a successful maneuver of Sir William Erskine, the
exhausted Britons must ail have been captured. That officer landed some marines from the
vessels, who furiously attacked the fatigued Americans in front, and drove them back some
distance. While this conflict was going on, the main body of the enemy embarked, amid a
galling fire from Lamb's artillery. The marines, by a sudden retrograde movement, took to
their boats and reached their vessels. At about sunset the fleet weighed anchor.
A large number of the Connecticut militia had collected at Compo, besides those actually
enrolled in the special service on that day. , Many of them were without arms, others were
insubordinate, and a good proportion of the new-comers behaved in the most cowardly man-
ner. Had they possessed a tithe of the courage of their leader, who was seen urging his men
at points of most inuninent danger, the exhausted troops of Tryon might have been made
prisoners or destroyed. Arnold knew this, and, unmindful of danger, urged on the militia
by voice and example, until his horse was wounded in the neck and disabled. The oppor-
tunity was not courageously improved, and the enemy escaped.
The loss of the Americans during the invasion was about one hundred men ; the enemy
lost, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, about three hundred. Tryon was slightly wounded.
Colonel Lamb, while gallantly leading his men at Compo, received a violent contusion from
a grape-shot. Arnold was imtouched, though a bullet wounded his horse, and another passed
through the collar of his coat. Congress, impressed with the brilliancy of his achievements,
i{_ 3(^ directed the quartermaster general^ to << procure a horse and present the same, prop-
1777. Q^\y caparisoned, to Major-general Arnold, as a token of their approbation of his
gallant conduct in the action against the enemy in the late enterprise to Danbury."^
It was a little afler sunrise when we reached Ridgefield,* and, after sketchmg the place
of the barricade in the village, we rode to the spot where General Wooster fell. It is about
a mile north of Mr. Stebbins's, at the forks of the
road, one of which is the way from Uidgefield to
North Salem. For a long time tradition pointed
to a large chestnut-tree as the place where the brave
soldier was wounded. The tree has been converted
into rails, and the stump, almost decayed into dust,
is flanked by the two thrifty sugar maples seen to-
ward the left of the picture. The taller tree is a
locust. It is to be hoped that some monument will
be reared to mark the spot, before these mature and
decay by age. The owner of the land pointed out
the locality to us, and expressed the patriotic opin-
ion that ** Congress ought to do something." He
had long contemplated the erection of a chestnut
iWK WHKK. WoosTM fell. P^^ .^^ ^^ ^^ cxpeuse, but, having done that, the
public would expect him " to paint some lettering
ou t," and he was not disposed to bear the whole burden himself. Clearly right ; it would
be asking too much of a single citizen.
Returning to the village, we breakfasted at ten at the tavern of Mr. Resseque, whose wife
18 the daughter of Mr. Keeler, the owner of the dwelling at the time of the invasion. It is
ibout half a mile south of the Congregational Church, where the British planted a cannon
chree miles from the sea. There is now a bridge upon the site, within the pleasant village of Westport
(formerly called Saugatuck), which, at the time of the battle, contained only five houses. Seven or eight
men were killed near the present Congregational Church in Westport. The smooth and really beautiful
elevation of Compo is about two and a half miles south of the village, and commands a fine view of the
Sound and of the distant shores of Long Island.
^ Journals of Congress, iii., 158.
' Ridgefield is situated upon a high, rolling plain, and contains about sixty houses, on one street, within
a mile. Like Danbury, it is beautifully shaded with elms and sycamores.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 411
Relic of thfiReTolatioiL Reading. Threatened Mutiny there. Putnam's Speech. Putnam at Greenwich.
after driving the Americans from the barricade. Near the northeast comer of the house is
a four pound cannon-ball, lodged in one of the posts, where it has remained ever since the
Revolution. Some Americans near the house were the objects at which some balls were
discharged. One passed into the building, just over the north door, and, crossing a stair-
case, hit a chimney and fell to the floor. A man was just ascending the stairs when the
ball entered, with a terrible crash, and passed between his legs. Unhurt, but greatly fright-
ened, he fell to the foot of the stairs, exclaiming, ** I'm killed ! I'm a dead man !" and for
some time he insisted that his legs were shot off. As soon as he was undeceived, he put
them in requisition, and fled, as fast as they could carry him, toward Wilton. The house
was set on flre, but the flames were extinguished by a Tory brother of Mr. Keeler, whose
own property was endangered.
A few miles northeast from Ridgefleld is the village of Reading,^ distinguished as being
the head-quarters of General Putnam in the winter of 1779. He occupied that position
with General Poor's brigade of New Hampshire, two Connecticut brigades, Hazen's infantry
corps, and a corps of cavalry under Shelden, for the purpose of covering the country from the
British lines in New York, eastward along the Sound. Like many of the New England vil-
lages, it is scattered, and beautifully shaded with elms, maples, and sycamores. Putnam's
quarters were at a house situated on the Norwalk and Danbury Road,
about three miles westward of the Congregational Church in Reading.
During the winter a mutinous spirit pervaded the Connecticut troops.
They were badly fed and clothed, and worse paid, for their small pittance,
when received, consisted of the rapidly-depreciating Continental bills.
Brooding over their hard lot, the Connecticut brigades finally resolved to
march to Hartford and demand of the Assembly a redress of grievances.
The second brigade had assembled under arms for that purpose, when in- ^j^-^-
formation of the movement reached Putnam. He immediately galloped "" ' ^'>
to the encampment, and, in his uncouth, but earnest manner, thus ad- Putnam's quabtxu
dressed them : ** My brave lads, where are you going ? Do you intend
to desert your officers, and to invite the enemy to follow you into the country ? Whose cause
have you been fighting and sufiering so long in ? Is it not your own ? Have you no prop-
erty, no parents, wives, or children ? You have behaved like men so far ; all the world is
full of your praise, and posterity will stand astonished at your deeds, but not if you spoil all
at last. Don't you consider how much the country is distressed by the war, and that your
officers have not been better paid than yourselves ? But we all expect better times, and that
the country will do us ample justice. Let us all stand by one another, then, and fight it
out like brave soldiers. Think what a shame it would be for Connecticut men to run away
from their officers !" If this speech did not display the polished eloquence of Demosthenes,
who made the Athenians cry out with one voice, " Let us go and fight Philip," it possessed
the same spirit and produced a similar result. When Putnam concluded his short address,
a loud cheer burst from the discontented regiments, and they returned to their quarters in
good humor, resolved to' sufler and fight still longer in the cause of liberty.
It was during Putnam's encampment at Reading, in 1779, that the famous event occur-
red at West Greenwich, or Horseneck, in which the general was the principal actor. He
was visiting his outposts at West Greenwich, and tarrying at the house of the late General
Ebenezer Mead. Early on the morning of the 26th of March, while standing before
a looking-glass, shaving, he saw the reflection of a body of ** red-coats" marching up
the road from the westward. He dropped his razor, buckled on his sword, and, half shaven,
mounted his horse and hastened to prepare his handful of men to oppose the approaching
enemy. They were a body of nearly fifteen hundred British regulars and Hessians, under
Governor Tryon, who had marched from their lines in West Chester county, near King's
^ The township derived its name from Colonel John Read, one of its most prominent settlers. His mon-
ument is in a sinall boiying-groond a little west of the town-house. He died in 1786, aged eighty-five
years. — Barber's Hittorical CoUecHom of Connecticut.
Digitized by
Google
412
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Tryon'a Expedition to Horaeneck.
Skirmiflh at Greenwich.
Defett of the Americani.
Eacape of Putnam
Bridge, the previous evening, with the intention of sarprising the troops and destroying the
salt-works at Horseneck Landing. A scout of thirty men, under Captain Watson, who had
been sent out hy Putnam, discovered the enemy in the night at New Rochelle. At day-
light they had advanced to Rye Neck, and there a slight skirmish ensued between the Brit-
ish advanced guards and Putnam's scouts. The latter retreated to Sawpits, on the Byram
River, and thence to Horseneck, pursued hy the enemy.
Putnam arranged his men (only one hundred and fifly in numher) upon the brow of the
hill, by the Congregational Church in the village. There he planted a battery composed
of two old iron field pieces, and awaited the approach of the enemy. They moved up the
road in solid column until almost within musket-shot, when detachments broke off and at-
tempted to gain Putnam's flanks. At the same moment the British dragoons and some in-
fantry prepared to charge. Perceiving this, and discovering the overwhelming numbers of
the enemy, Putnam ordered a retreat, after a few discharges of the field pieces and some vol-
leys of musketry. So near was the enemy, that the retreat of the Americans became a rout.
The soldiers broke and fled singly to the adjacent swamps, while the general, putting spurs
%
" PoTNAM'a Hn.r..'
to his horse, sped toward Stamford, pursued by several of the dragoons. A quarter of a mile
eastward of the Congregational Church is a steep declivity, on the brow of which the road
turned northward, and passed, in a broad sweep, around the hill. Putnam perceived that
his pursuers were gaining upon him, and, with the daring of desperation, left the road and
wheeled his horse, while on a gallop, down the rocky height, making a zigzag course to the.
bottom, and reaching the road again in safety. The dragoons dared not follow, and, dis-
charging their pistols at Putnam, without efleot, rode back to the main army, and the gen-
eral reached Stamford, five miles eastward, in safety.
Tryon plundered the inhabitants of every thing valuaf)le, and, having destroyed a few salt
• Harch 98, ^orks, a Small sloop and store, and damaged the houses of the Whigs, retreated to
1779. ;^ye the same evening, ^ and the next day reached King's Bridge. As soon as
Putnam arrived at Stamford, he collected some militia and a few of his fugitives, and return-
ed to attack the enemy on his retreat. He succeeded in taking thirty-eight prisoners and in
recapturing a portion of the plunder, which he restored to the inhabitants. There were atK)ut
twenty Americans killed. The loss of the British in killed is not recorded.
I visited the scene of Putnam's exploit in June, previous to my journey to Danbuxy
and Ridgefield, and made the accompanying sketch of ** Putnam's Hill," as it is called,
[t is >about five miles west from Stamford, on the main road to New York from Horseneck*
' This name was given to the peninsula extending into the Sound at Greenwich, from the cirouoL^tanoe
that many horses us^ to be pastured upon it.
184a
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 4I3
Putnam*! HilL Ita present Appearance. Norwalk. Fltch'a Point
Landing. This sketch is taken from the road n^ar the residence of the late General £be-
nezer Mead, looking westward. The aspect of the place has materially changed since the
Revolution. The old road, as I have mentioned, made a circuit northward around the hill.
The present road, seen in the engraving, passes directly over the hill, heing a causeway part
of the distance, and a deep cut through the rocks on the brow of the eminence. On the hill,
just south of the road, and in a line with the tall tree by the causeway, stood the old Epis-
copal Church ; and it was for the accommodation of worshipers there, who lived eastward
of the hill, that a flight of seventy rude stone steps was made. These are the steps so cel-
ebrated in the popular accounts of Putnam's exploit. They are now quite covered with
earth and shrubbery, but their site is distinctly marked. I have given them more promi-
nence than they really have, exhibiting them as they probably appeared when Putnam made
his escape. Between the trees is seen the spire of the Congregational Church at Greenwich,
standing upon the site of the one near which Putnam planted his battery. General Mead
and others saw the descent of Putnam. He wheeled his horse from the road near the house
of Dr. Mead, seen on the extreme right, and did not go down the steps at all {as popular tra-
dition avers), except^four or five of them near the bottom. As he hastened by toward Stam-
ford, General Mead distinctly heard him cursing the British whom he had left behind. The
feat was perilous, but, tmder the circumstances, not very extraordinary. I was told that in
1825 several of the dragoons in the escort of La Fayette to this place performed the same
Let us resume our journey.
The ride from Ridgefield to Norwalk was very pleasant. The clouds were dispersed, and
the air was almost sultry. The country was rough until we entered the valley of the Nor-
walk River, a region of great beauty and fertility. Our road lay jalong that winding stream,
and, as we approached Norwalk, the transition from the open country to the populous town
was almost imperceptible. Venerable elms and sycamores, planted by the early settlers,
shaded handsome mansions thickly strewn along the winding road. These, the tolling of a
bell, and the whistle of steam betokened a village near, and in a few minutes we reined up
at the principal hotel in the compact street of a busy mart. We are again upon Revolu-
tionary ground, the scene of another of Governor Tryon's marauding expeditions.^
After laying Fairfield in ashes. Governor Tryon and Brigadier-general Garth, with their
troops, retreated to their vessels and crossed the Sound to Huntington Bay, Long Island,
whence they sailed over to Norwalk on the night of the 11th of July, 1779. The mam
FrrcH's Point, tub Landiko-plack of tub Bbitish.'
body landed at about nine o'clock in the evening, " in the < Cow Pasture,* a peninsula on the
> Norwalk is dtaated near Long Island Sonnd, not far from the mouth of the Norwalk River (a small
stream), and aboat forty-eight miles northeast from New York. It was among the earliest settlements in
Conneotioiit, having been parchased of the natives in 1640. The bomids of the east tract, sold to Roger
Ludlow, as described in the ancient records, were *^ from Norwalk River to Sawhatno [Saugatuok] River,
from sea, Indian One day walk in the country " — that is, one day's north %mUk into the ooontry ; hence the
name'of Norwalk. The articles given to the Indians for the tract were " eight^ fathoms wampum, six coats,
ten hatchets, ten hoes, ten knives, ten soizers, ten juseharps, ten fathom tobaco, three kettles of six hands
about, and ten looking-glasses." The articles given for the tract on the west side of the river, between it
and Five Mile River, sold to Captain Patrick, were " of wampum ten fothoms, hatchets three, howes three,
when ships come ; six glasses, twelve tobacke pipes, three knives, ten drills, ten needles."-^Barber's JETtt-
toriaU CoUectiont ; Hall's Hittorical Recordt of NoruaUe.
* This view is from the west side of Gregory's Point, looking north-northwest The promontory toward
the left, covered with dark trees, is oaU«9t! Fort Point. There was an Indian fortification when the first set-
Digitized by
Google
414 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Landing of Tryon at Norwalk. Dettroction of the VDlage. Conduct of Trjoa. Scene* at Darlen Church.
east side of the harbor, within a mile and a half of the bridge."^ They lay on their arms
all night, awaiting the expected arrival of a company of Loyalists. At dawn they marched
toward the town, and were met by a company of about fifty Continental soldiers, under Cap-
tain Stephen Betts, who were posted upon an eminence known as Gruman's Hill, \ little
east of the road. A skirmish ensued, but the little band of patriots were soon obliged to flee
before overwhelming numbers, leaving four of their party dead. The people, greatly alarm-
ed, fled to Belden's Hill, five miles distant, during the night. The Continentals and a few
of the militia took post within ** random cannon-shot upon the hills on the north," whence
they annoyed the enemy exceedingly. Tryon halted upon Gruman's Hill untill the other
division landed at Old Well* on the west side of the stream. The two divisions joined, and
soon drove nearly every Whig inhabitant from the village, dispersed the troops collected upon
the hills, and seized one of their cannon. The destruction of property then commenced.
Governor Tryon thus coolly related the circumstances in his official dispatch to Sir Henry
Clinton : '< After many salt-pans were destroyed, whale-boats carried on board the fleet, and
the magazines, stores, and vessels set in flames, with the greater part of the dwelling-houses,
the advanced corps were drawn back, and the troops retired in two columns to the place of
our first debarkation, and, unassaulted, took ship, and returned to Huntington Bay.''
While the village was burning, Tryon sat in a rocking-chair upon Gruman's Hill, and
viewed the scene with apparent pleasure-— a puny imitator of Nero, who fiddled while Rome
was blazing. It was a cruel and wanton destruction of property, and none but a small
mind and spiteful heart could have conceived and consummated so foul an act. Two houses
of worship (Episcopal and Congregational), eighty dwellings, eighty-seven bams, twenty-two
stores, seventeen shops, four mills, and five vessels were laid in ashes in the course of a few
hours, and hundreds of women and children were driven to the woods for shelter. Only six
houses were spared. One of them, now (1848) occupied by Ex-governor Bissell, was saved
through the exertions of a maiden lady living with Mr. Belden, the then owner. Governor
Tryon had been Belden's guest one night, several years previous, and the lady went up to
Gruman's Hill reminded him of the fact, and asked for and received a protection for the
house. Tryon sent a file of soldiers with her to guard it. When the British left, most of
the resident Tories went with them. Among them was the Rev. Mr. Leamington, the Epis-
copalian minister. He had continued praying for the ** king and all others in au-
thority," according to the Liturgy of his Church, until the people forbade him and
threatened him with violence.
About five miles westward of Norwalk, on the main road to Stamford, is a Con-
gregational Church more than one hundred years old. Its pastor in 1781 was the
Rev. Moses Mather. On Sunday, the 2 2d of July, the church was surround-
ed by a party of Tories, under Captain Frost, just as the congregation were
Binging the first tune. Dr Mather and the men of the congregation were tak-
en to the banks of the Sound, thrust into boats, and conveyed across to Lloyd's
Neck, on Long Island, whence they were carried to New York and placed
in the Provost Jail. Some died there. Nineteen of the twenty-five prison- dabww chotct!
ers were exchanged and returned to their families. Peter St. John, one of
the prisoners, wrote an account of the aflair in doggerel verse. Of the Provost he says
" I must conclude that in this place
We found the worst of Adam's race j
tiers arvived at Norwalk. Further to the left, on the extreme edge of the picture, is seen one end of the
rail-road bridge, which crosses Norwalk River. The New York and New Haven Rail-road was then in
progress of construction. The point derives its name from its former proprietor, Governor Thomas Fitch,
whose residence was Norwalk. He was Governor of the colony of Connecticut, and his name is among the
beloved of his generation. He died July 18th, 1774, in the seventy-fifth year of his age.
* Tryon's official dispatch.
• This place is situated a little more than a mile from the center of the village of Norwalk. It received
Its name from an old well from which, in ancient times, vessels engaged in the West Indian trade took their
supplies of water. — Barber
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 415
Viait to Giegoiyi Point The Cow Pasture. Andent Regulations. Gnunmon's Hill. Nathaniel Raymond.
Thieves, mnrderers, and pickpockets too,
And every thing that^s bad they'd do :
One of our men found, to his cost,
Three pounds York money he had lost ;
His pockets picked, I guess before
We had been there one single hour."
Dr. Mather was cruelly treated in the Provost, until his situation was made kiiown to Mrs.
Irving, mother of our distinguished writer, Washington Irving, who obtained permission to
send him food and clothing. He was released at the close of the year.
The Rev. Edwin Hall, of the First Congregational Church, whose historical researches
have made him familiar with localities of interest about Norwalk, kindly accompanied me
as cicerone. We rode down to Gregory's Point, from which I sketched Tryon*s landing-
place, pictured on page 413. On the beautiful plain near by stood the ancient village, the
first settlers having chosen the sea-washed level for their residences, in preference to the
higher and rougher ground at the head of navigation, on which the present town is situated.
The old village had gone into decay, and the new town was just beginning to flourish, when
Tryon laid it in ruins. A little further seaward, upon a neck of land comprising Fitch's
Point and an extensive salt meadow, is the Cow Pasture, so called from the circumstance
that the cows belonging to the settlers were pastured there, under the direction of the town
authorities.'
From Gregory's Point we rode over the hills to the estate of Mr. Ebenezer Smith, and
from a high hill near his house I sketched the distant view of Compo, on page 402. From
that eminence we obtained one of the most beautiful prospects of land and water imaginable.
Southward was the broad mouth of the Norwalk River, with its beautiful green islands, and
beyond was the heaving Sound, dotted with sails, and bounded by the wooded shores of Long
Island in the distance. On the right were clustered the white houses of Norwalk, and on
the left swelling Compo was stretched out,
scarcely concealing the noble shade trees of
1 -is^HL^wfc Fairfield beyond.
» .,M^ -HBB^ Returning along East Avenue to the vil-
Hft "i^^i^^^ j^^^^ J stopped near the residence of Mr. Hall,
-'d^HsL- - '/i and made the accompanying sketch of Grum-
^^^Hw> l^^^jfife' ' 't' *°'® ^^^^' ^^ ^* * ^^°^ elevation, a little
'^^Hk^^^^£ "^^^^S^^^^tJs east of the avenue, partly covered by an or-
^Kmat^^B^mm^^SI^^BKtBf chard, and commanding a fine prospect of the
i^HH^^^^^^^^^^H^^^^^BpL- village, harbor, and Sound. Tryon sat upon
^^g^^^^^BBBlL^^^^^^^ .^,^ the summit of the hill, where the five Lom-
j^ ^'^•illJpjSt?*^^^ -- ^" hardy poplars are seen. The venerable Na-
^ '~ r/ thaniel Raymond, still living, when I was
Gbumaic's Hill. , ^ "^ v , ^, , v.t „ -rr^
there (1848), near the Old Well, or West
Norwalk Wharf (where he had dwelt frpm his birth, ninetyrfive years), remembers the hill
being " red with the British.'^ He was a corporal of the guard at the time, and, after se-
curing his most valuable effects, and carrying his aged parents to a place of safety three miles
* The old records of the town, quoted by Mr. Hall, exhibit many curious features in the municipal regu-
lations adopted by the early settlers. In 1665 it is recorded that ** Walter Hait has undertaken to beat the
dmmm for meeting when all occasions required, for which he is to have 10«. Also, Thomas Benedict has
undertaken to have the meeting-house swept for the yeere ensuing ; he is to have 20s." Again : " At a
town meeting in Norwalk, March the 20th, 1667, it was voted and ordered that it shall be left to the towns-
men from yere to yere to appomt a time or day, at or before the 10th day of March, for the securing of the
fences on both sides, and that they shall give notis to all the inhabitants the night before, and the drumb to
be beten in the morning, which shall be accounted a sufficient warning for every man to secure his fence,
or else to bear his own damages." Again : " At the same meeting (October 17th, 1667), voted and order-
ed that, after the field is cleared, the townsmen shall hier Steven Beckwith, or some other man, to fetch the
cows out of the neck [the Cow Pasture] ; and he that shall be hiered shall give warning by sounding a homo
about twelve of the clock, that he that is to accomptmy him is to repaire to him."
Digitized by
Google
416
PICIORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Time of Tryon'f Landing, Departure from Norwalk. New England Villages. The Green at Fairfield. PeqnoCi
i
distant, shouldered his musket, and was with the few soldieis whom Tryon boasted of having
driven from the hills north of the town. He says it was Saturday night when Tryon landed,
and, like Danbury, the town was burned on Sunday. Mr. Raymond was quite vigorous in
body and mind, and Time seemed to have used him gently. I desired to visit two other an-
cient inhabitants, but the hour for the arrival of the mail-coach for New Haven was near,
and I hastened back to the hotel,, whence I left for the east between three and four o'clock
in the afternoon.
The coach, a sort of tin-peddler's wagon in form, was full, and, quite in accordance with
my inclination, I took a seat with the driver. It was a genial afternoon, and all things in
nature and art combined to please and edify. We reached Bridgeport, at the mouth of the
Housatonic River, fourteen miles east of Norwalk, at sunset, and a more pleasing variety of
beautiful scenery can nowhere be found than charmed us during that short journey. We
passed through Westport (old Saugatuck), Southport, and Fairfield, lovely villages lying upon
estuaries of Long Island Sound, and all replete with historic interest. Unlike most modem
villages, with their rectangular streets, and exhibiting an ambitious imitation of large cities,
the neat houses, embowered in shrubbery, are thinly scattered along winding avenues shaded
by venerable trees, the ground on either side left undulating as the hand of Nature fashioned
It. Herein consists the great beauty of the New England villages, a beauty quite too often
overlooked in other^ states in the process of laying out towns. Nature and art have here
wrought in harmony, and village and country are beautifully and healthfully blended.
I was informed, before leaving Norwalk, that the " Buckly House,'* the last relic of the
Revolution in Fairfield, had fallen under the stroke of public improvem^ent, and also that no
living witness of the cruelty of Governor Tryon was there. I therefore concluded to go di-
rectly through to New Haven that evening. During a deteiition of the coach for half an
hour at the post-office, in Fairfield, I made a rough sketch of the annexed view of the vil-
lage Green, which I subsequently corrected by a
picture in Barber's Historical Collections of Con-
necticut. The view is from the eastern side of
the Green, near the spacious new hotel that fronts
upon it. The jail on the left, the court-house in
the center, and the church on the right were erect-
ed upon the foundations of those that were burn-
ed by the British in 1779, and in the same style
of architecture. Such being the fact, the Green,
from our point of view, doubtless has the same
general aspect that it presented before the ma-
rauder desolated it. As the destruction of Fair-
field was subsequent to the incursion of the enemy into New Haven, I shall give the record
of its hard fate after noticing the movements of Tryon and his associates at the latter place
Immediately back of Fairfield village is the celebrated swamp where the warlike Pequots
made their last stand against the English, in July; 1637.* There they were overthrown
Tm Gbksit, FAiJtraex.]>.
^ The Pequots, or Peqnods, were a formidable tribe of Indians, having at least seven hondred warriors.
'Their principal settlements were on a hill in Groton, Conneoticnt. They were a terror to other tribes, and
became a great annoyance to the Connecticut and Massaohosetts settlements. Gk>vemor Endioott, of the
former province, had tried to treat with them, but in vain, and their bold defiance of the whites increased
Early in 1637 they attacked the small English fort at Saybrook, murdered several women of Weathersfield,
and carried away two girls into captivity. The colonists inustered all their able men, and, being joined by
portions of the Mohegans, Narragansets, and Niantic tribes, fell upon the Pequots in their retreat upon the
Mystic River. A warm battle ensued, and the Pequots were beaten. They fought desperately, but were
finally driven westward, and took shelter in the swamp near Fairfield. Sassacus, their chief, escaped to
the Mohawks, by whom he was afterward murdered. The Indian name of Fairfield was Unguowa. Mr.
Ludlow, who accompanied .the English troops, and was afterward Deputy-governor of the oolony of Cod*
necticut, pleased with the country in the neighborhood of the Sasco Swamp, began, with others, a planta-
tion there, and called it Iheir fair field. Hence its name.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 417
DestmctloD of die Pequota. Greenfield Hill. Bwighf a Poem. Journey to New Haren. A Stroll to Eeet Rock.
aad annihilated, and the place has ever since been called the Peqnot Swamp. They might
have escaped had not one of their number, who loitered behind, been captured by Captain
Mason, and compelled to disclose the retreat of his comrades. One hundred were made
prisoners, the residue were destroyed. The fort at Mystic had previously be«i demolished,
and they took refuge in this swamp.
We passed in sight of Greenfield Hill, near the village, renowned for its academy and
church, wherein President Dwight, of Yale College, ofiieiated as tutor and pastor for twelve
years. The view from the hill is said to be exceedingly fine, and from the belfry of the
church no less than seventeen houses of worship may be seen, in Fairfield and the adjacent
villages. Dr. I>wight, while minister of Greenfield, wrote a poem called " Greenfield Hill."
Referring to the view firom the belfry, he exclaims,
" Heavens, what a matchless group of beauties rare
Southward expands ! where, orown'd with yon tall oak,
Round Hill the circb'ng land and sea o'erlooks ;
Or, smoothly sloping, Glover's beauteous rise,
Spreads its green sides and lifts its single tree,
Glad mark for seamen ; or, with ruder face,
Orchards, and fields, and groves, and houses rare,
And scattered cedars. Mill Hill meets the eye ;
Or where, beyond, with every beauty clad,
More distant heights in vernal pride ascend.
' On either side a long, opntinued range.
In all the charms of rural nature dressed.
Slopes gently to the main. Ere Tryon sunk
To infarpy unfathom'd, throngh yon groves
Once gUstenM Norwalk's white ascending spires.
And soon, if Heaven permit, shall shine again.
Here, sky-encircled, Stratford's churches beam ;
And Stratfield's turrets greet the roving eye.
In clear, full view, with every varied charm
That forms the finish'd landscape, blending soft
In matchless union, Fairfield and Green's Farms
Give luster to the day. Here, orown'd with pines
And skirting groves, with creeks and havens fair
Embellished, fed with many a beauteous stream,
Prince of the waves, and ocean's favorite child.
Far westward fading, in confusion blue,
And eastward stretoh'd beyond the human ken,
And mingled virith the sky } there Longa's Sound
Glorious expemds.'*
The vvening closed in, mild and balmy, before we reached Stratford, three miles eastward
of Bridgeport, and the beautiful country through which we were passing was hidden from
view. We crossed several small estuaries, and the vapor that arose from the grassy salt
marshes was gratefiil to the nostrils. The warm land-breeze ceased at eight o'clock, and a
strong wind from the ocean brought a ohilUng fog upon its wings, which veiled the stars.
and made us welcome the sparkling lights of New Haven as we descended Milford Hill and
crossed the broad salt marsh that skirts the western suburbs of the town. We arrived at
the Tontine a little after nine, and supped with a keen appetite, for I had fasted since break-
fast at Ridgefield at ten in the morning. It was Saturday night, and the weary journeys
of the week made the privileges of the approaching day of rest appear peculiarly valuable.
" The morning dawn'd with tokens of a storm —
A ruddy cloud athwart the eastern sky
GloVd with the omens of a tempest near ;"
yet I ventured to stroll out to East Rock, two miles east-northeast of the city. Crossing
the bridge at the factory owned by the late Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin that
bears his name, I toiled up the steep slope through the woods to the summit of the rock,
Dd
Digitized by
Google
418 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK .
GaatRock. Viow firom ita Sammit Qalnnipiack. Settlement of New Batob.
nearly four hundred feet above the plain below. This rock is the aonthem extremity of the
Mount Tom range of hills. It lies contiguous to a similar amorphous mass called West
Rock, and both are composed principally of hornblende and feldspar, interspersed with quartz
and iron. The oxyd of iron, by the action of rains, covers their bare and almost perpendic-
ular fronts, and gives them their red appearance, which caused the Dutch anciently to de»>
ignate the site of New Haven by the name oiiRed Rock. The fronts of these rocks are com-
posed of assemblages of vast irregular columns, similar in appearance to the Palisades of the
Hudson, and, like them, having great beds oi debris at their bases. A view from either will
repay the traveler fi>r his labor in reaching the summit. That from the East Rook is par-
ticularly attractive, for it embraces the harbor, city, plain, and alnuMt every point of histor-
ical interest connected with New Haven, or Quinnipiack, as the Indiuis called it .
" I stood upon the oliflTs extremest edge,
And dowDward far beneath me o<nild I see
Complaining brooks that played with meadow sedge,
Then brightly wandered on their journey free."
WiLLia Gatlord Clarkb.
Winding through the plain were Mill River and the Quinnipiack, spanned by noble bridges
near the city that lay stretched along the beautiful bay ; and
" Beyond
The distant temple spires that lift their points
In harmony above the leaf-olad town —
Beyond the calm bay and the restless Somid
Was the blue island stretching like a cloud
Where the sky stoops to earth : the Rock was smooth,
And there upon the table-stone jsad youths
Had carved, unheeded, names, to weave for them
That insect's immortality that lies
In stone, for ages, on a showman's shelf.'*
L. M. N.
East and West Haven, where the two divisions of the British invading force landed in 1779 ,
Fort Hale, whence they departed ; Neck Bridge, across Mill River, under which the fugitive
judges of King Charles I. were concealed ; and West Rock, where they " raised their Eb-
enezer*' and dwelt in seclusion for some time, were all in full view. With a spirit fraught
with reverence for the past, and with scenery hallowed by the presence of *< young antiquity'
spread out before us, let us sit down a moment and listen to the teachings of the chronicler
In the sununar of 1637 several wealthy and influential English gentlemen arrived at Bos
ton, preparatory to making a permanent location in wilderness America. The young colony
of Massachusetts Bay regarded them with great favor, and various settlements coveted the
honor of numbering them among their proprietors. But they determined to plant a distinct
colony, and, having heard of the beautiful country along the Sound, from Saybrook to the
Saugatuck, discovered by the English in their pursuit of the Pequots, they projected a settle-
ment in that part of the land. In the autumn a portion of them made a journey to Connec-
ticut, to explore the harbors and lands along the coasts, who finally decided upon the beau-
tiful plain on the Quinnipiaek for settlement, and built a log hut there. ^
In the spring of 1 636 the principal men of the new emigration to the colony — ^Rev. Mr.
Davenport, Mr. Pruden, and Samuk and Theophilus Eaton — ^with the people of their com-
pany, sailed from Boston for Quinnipiaek. They reached the haven in about a fortnight,
and their first $abbath there was the 18th of April, 1638. The people assembled under a
large oak, that stood where Greorge and College Streets intersect ; and under its venerable
branches the New Haven and Milford Churches were afterward formed. > Designing to make
I laige and flourishing settlement, founded on strict justice, they purchased the land of Mau-
^ This was upon the coraer of the present Ghuroh and Geoige Streets, New Haven. — Barbtr,
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OF THE REVOLUTION. 419
Organic Law of the New Haveo Colony. The ** Regiddec" The Concealinent Friendship of Darenport Narrow Bacapa.
magoin, the chief sachem of that region, on honorable terms, and entered into what they call-
ed a planUUion covenant with each other. They laid out their town-plat in squares, design-
ing it for an elegant city. They prospered for more than a year without any fixed laws, and
in 1 639 proceeded to lay the foundation of their civil and religious polity. Theophilus Eaton
was chosen governor, and Mr. Davenport gave him a serious charge before all the people, from
Deut., i., 16, 17. It was decreed by the freemen that there should be a genend court an-
nually in the plantation, on the last week in October. This was ordained a court of elec-
tion, in which ail the officers of the colony were to be chosen. This court determined that
the Word of God should be the only rule for ordering the afiairs of government in that com-
monwealth.
This was the original fundamental Constitution of New Haven, brief in words, but pow-
erful in principle, for the Bible was the statute book. It exhibited the same general relig-
ious aspect in its external afiairs as that of the Massachusetts colony. Seven pillars of the
Church were chosen, and all government was originally in the Church. The members of
the Church (none others being possessed of the elective firanohise) elected the governor, mag-
istrates, and all other officers. The magistrates were merely the assistants of the governor.^
Thus the new colony, having its foundation laid upon divine laws and strong faith in man,
began a glorious career ; and the little settlement, ambitious of excellence, has grown to be,
if not the largest, one of the most beautiful cities in the Western World. From the time of
its foundation until the Revolution broke out, its history, like that of the other New England
settlements, exhibits the ebbing and flowing of the tide of prosperity, under the influences of
the laws of the supreme government and the pressure of Indian hostilities ; sometimes bur-
dened and cast down by the injustice of the former, and menaced with overthrow and ruin
by the latter.
New Haven became famous as the ** city of refuge" for three of the English regicides, or
judges who condemned ELing Charles I. to death. They were Grenerals Gofie and Whal-
ley, and Colonel Dixwell. Whalley was descended from a very ancient family, and was a
relative of Oliver Cromwell. Gofie was the son of a Puritan divine, and married a daughter
of Whalley. Dixwell was a wealthy country gentleman of Kent, and was a member of
Parliament in 1654. On the restoration of Charles II. to the throne of his father, many
of the judges were arrested ; thirty were condemned to death, and ten were executed. The
three above named escaped to New England. G^fie and Whalley arrived at Boston in July,
1660, and took up their residence in Cambridge. Feeling insecure there, they removed to
New Haven, where their unafiected piety won for them the confidraice and esteem of the
people, and particularly of the minister, Mr. Davenport. Their apparent freedom from dan-
ger lasted but a few days. The proclamation of Charles, ofiering a large reward for their
apprehension, and the news that pursuers were on the scent, reached them at the same time,
and they were obliged to flee. They took shelter in a rocky cavern, on the top of West
Rock, where they were supplied daily with food by their friends. They shifted their place
of abode from time to time, calling each locality Ebenezert and occasionally appeared pub-
licly in New Haven. On one occasion they sat under the Neck Bridge, upon Mill River,
when their pursuers passed over ; and several times they came near falling into their hands.
The people generally favored their escape, and &r their lives they owed much to Mr. Dav-
enport.*
' Trumbull's History of Connectiaa ; Barber's History of New Haven.
' About the time when the pursuers were expected ftt New Haven, Mr. Davenport preached publicly from
the text, " Take counsel, execute judgment ; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noon-day ;
hids the omtcasts ; betray not him that wandereth. Let mine outcasts dweU with thee, Moab ; be thoa a cov-
ert to them from the face of the spoilers." Isaiah, xvi., 3, 4. The sermon had the effeet to pat the whole
town upon their guard, and made the people resolve on concealment of the *^ outcasts.*' The following an-
eodote is related of Gk)fie, while, he was in Boston : A fencing-master erected a stage, and upon it he walked
several days, defying any one to a combat with swords. Oofie wrapped a huge cheese in a napkin for a
shield, and, arming himself with a mop filled with dirty water from a pool, mounted the stage and accepted
the challenge. The fencing-master attempted to drive him o^ but Ooffe skillfully received the thrusts of
Digitized by
Google
420 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Goffe at Hadley. Colonel DixwelL TombetODet of the Rcgiddet. Stamp Act Prooeoding*.
In the autumn they left New Haven and went to Hadley. While there, eleven
years afterward, King Philip's War took place. While the people of the town were
in their meeting-house, observing a fast, a body of Indians surrounded them. The continual
expectation of such an event made the inhabitants always go armed to worship. They were
so armed on this occasion, and sallied out to drive off the savages. At that moment there
appeared in their midst a man of venerable aspect and singular costume, who placed him-
self at the head of the people, and, by causing them to observe strict military tactics, enabled
them to disperse the assailants. The stranger then disappeared. The people believed an
angel had been sent to lead them and efiect a victory. The angel was General Grofie.
Colonel Dixwell was with Gofie and Whalley much of the time of their long exile. His
latter years were passed in New Haven, where he called himself James Davids, Esq. He
acknowledged his name and character before his death, which occurred in 1688, about a
month previous to the arrest of Governor Andros in Boston. The governor was hated by
the colonists, and when the news of the revolution in England, which Dixwell had predict-
ed, reached Boston, the people seized the obnoxious chief magistrate and thrust him into prison.'
Gofie and Whalley died at Hadley, and it is supposed that their bodies were afterward
secretly conveyed to New Haven. In the old burying-ground in that city, in the rear of
the Center Church, are stones which bear the initials of the regicides. They are standing
separate ; I have grouped them for convenience. The
two marked E. W. are the head and foot stones of Whal-
ley *s grave ; and the date, by an extension below the five,
may read 1 658 or 1 678. He died about 1 678. These
stones are about two feet wide and high, and dight inches
thick. Gofie's, marked 80 and M. G., is only ten inches
high. The M, it is supposed, is an inverted W. Dix-
weirs stone, seen in front, is two and a half feet high
and broad. It is a red stone ; the others are a sort of
dark blue stone. The reason given for inscribing only
their initials on their stones is, a fear that some sycophant
of royalty, "clothed with a little brief authority" in New
England, might disturb their remains.'
New Haven was greatly agitated by proceedings growing out of the Stamp Act. It was
among the earliest of the New England towns that echoed the voice of opposition raised by
Boston against the oppression of the mother country, and the people were generally zealous
in maintaining the liberty of action professed to be secured to them by disannulled charters.
When Ingersoll, who was appointed stamp-master (or the agent of government to sell " stamp-
ed paper"), announced the reception of the objectionable articles. New Haven soon became
in a state of actual rebellion. Ingersoll was menaced with every indignity, and even his
life was proclaimed forfeit by some, if he persisted in exercising his new vocation. Finding
September 19, ^^^ own town too Warm for him, he proceeded toward Hartford. He was met
176S. Qear Weathersfield by a deputation of about five hundred men, and, when in the
town, they demanded his resignation of the office. He refused acquiescence, on the reason-
able plea that he awaited the action of the General Assembly of Connecticut, whose com-
his sword into the cheese. At the third lunge of his antagonist, Groflfe held the sword fast in his soft shield
long enough to smear the (ajce of the fencing-master with the filthy mop. Enraged, the challenger caught
up a broad-sword, when Gofie exclaimed, with a firm voice, *^ Stop, sir ; hitherto, you see, I have only played
with you, and not attempted to harm you ; but if you come at me now with the broad-sword, know that I
will certainly take your life." Gofie's firmness alarmed the fencing-master, who exclaimed, ^^ Who can you
be ? You must be either Grofie, Whalley, or the devil, for there was no other man in England could beat me."
^ Stiles's Hiitory of the Regieidet ; Barber's History of New Haven.
* A lineal descendant of Colonel Dixwell asked and received permission of the authorities of New Haven
to disinter the remains of his ancestor, and bury them beneath a monument which he proposed to erect to his
memory, on College Green, in the rear of the Center Church. They were accordingly removed in Novem-
ber 1849, and a neat monument, surrounded by an iron railing, is erected there.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 421
Treatment of the Stamp-maater. Joy on the Repeal of the Act Fatriotiam of the People. Boldneta of Benecttot Arnold.
mands in the premises he should implicitly obey. But the people would listen to no legal
excuses, and he, *< thinking the cause not worth dying for," yielded to the menaces of the
people, and signed a paper declaring his resignation of the office. He was then forced to
stand up and read it to the people. Not content with this, they made him throw up his
hat, cry out " Liberty and property," and give three cheers. After dining, he was conduct-
ed to Hartford by a cavalcade of about one thousand, who surrounded the court-house, and
caused him to read his resignation in the presence of the members of the Assembly.
The people were quite as much excited by joy when the news of the repeal of the noxious
act reached them, in May, 1766. The fact was thus announced on the 23d of May, by a
New Haven newspaper : *' Last Monday morning, early, an express arrived here with the
charming news, soon after which many of the inhabitants were awakened with the noise of
small arms from diHerent quarters of the town ; aU the bells were rung, and cannon roared
the glad tidings. In the afternoon the clergy publicly returned thanks for the blessing, and
a company of militia were collected, under the principal direction of Colonel [aflerward Gen-
eral] Wooster. In the evening were illuminations, bonfires, and dances, all without any re-
markable indecency or disorder. The arrival of the regular post from Boston last night has
completed our joy for the wise and interesting repeal of the Stamp Act. Business will soon
be transacted as usual in this loyal colony. In short, every thing in nature seems to wear
a more cheerful aspect than usual — ^to a great majority."
In all subsequent proceedings, in opposition to the unjust acts of the British government
toward the colonies, New Haven was famed for its zeal and firmness ; and the people of
Boston received its warmest sympathies and support in all the trials through which they had
to pass, under the royal displeasure, from 1768 until
^^=;y^ru.^ _ 1776, when that city was purged of the enemies of free-
tfm, _p^^^^t^':^^_,_^ (jom by the Continental army, under Washington.
New Haven was among the first of the New En-
gland towns that sent soldiers to the fields of -the Revolu-
tion. The news of the skirmish at Lexington reached
New Haven at about noon the next day. Ben- ^.^ 20,
edict Arnold was then the captain of the Gov- ^"^^
ernor*s Guards. He summoned his corps, and proposed
starting immediately for Lexington. About forty of them
consented to go.' Arnold requested the town authorities
, j^ ^^ ^ to furnish the company with ammunition. They refused,
and the hot patriot marched his men to the house where
the select-men were in session, formed a line in front, and sent in word that, if the keys of the
' Among the members of the company who went with Araold were Mr. Earl, a portrait painter, and Amos
Doolittle, an engraver. Mr. Earl made four drawings of Lexington and Concord, which were afterward en-
graved by Mr. Doolittle. The plates were twelve by eighteen inches in size, and were executed with great
dispatch, for in the Connecticut Journal of December 13th, 1775, is the following advertisement :
" This day published,
" And to be sold at the store of Mr. James Lockwood, near the college m New Haven, four different views
of the battles of Lexington, Concord, &o., on the 19th of April, 1775.
'' Plate I., the battle of Lexington.
*^ Plate XL, a view of the town of Concord, with the ministerial troops destroying the stores.
" Plate lU., the battle at the North Bridge, in Concord.
" Plate IV., the south part of Lexington, when the first detachment was joined by Lord Percy.
^^ The above four plates are neatly engraven on copper, from original paintings taken on the spot.
*^ Price, six shillings per set for plain ones, or eight shillings colored."
The engraving of the first of the above-named plates was Mr. Doolittle's earliest eflbrt in that branch of
art ; and it is not a little singular that his last day's labor with the burin was bestowed upon a reduced copy
•>f Uie same picture, for Barber's History of New Haven, executed in 1832. A copy of this print will be
found OD page 524.
' Arnold Uved in Water Street, near the ship-yard. The house is still standing (1848), on the left side
-if the street going toward the water It is a handsome frame building, embowered in shrubbery. In the
Digitized by
Google
422 PIC TORI AL'FIELD. BOOK
March of Arnold ttod Us Compuiy to Cambridge. Expedition under Tiyoo. Landing <^ die Troopa near NuwHaTen.
powder-honae were not delivered to him within five minutes, he would order his company to
break it open and help themselves. The keys were given up, the powder was procured, and
sooA the volunteers were on their march through Wethersfield and Pomfiret, for Cambridge.
At Pom£ret they were joined by Greneral Putnam, who left his plow in the furrow, and, on
arriving at Cambridge, they took possession of the elegant mansion of (rovemor Oliver, who
had fled from the vicinity. Arnold's corps made a fine appearance, and so correct was their
discipline, that they were chosen to deliver to (rovemor (rage the body of a British officer
who had died finnn wounds received at Lexington.
New Haven suflTered equally with its sister towns of the sea-board during the whole war
for independence, but the severest trial it endured was an invasion by a British force, under
Grovemor Tryon of New Yoric, and Brigadier-general Garth, in the summer of 1779. For
some time the idea of a predatory war against the Americans had occupied the British com-
manders here. They finally decided upon the measure, and submitted their plans to the
ministry at home. Wearied by fruitless endeavors to quell the rebellion, the king and his
advisers readily consented to the prosecyution of any scheme that promised success. Arthur
Lee» the political spy abroad upon the movements of the British ministry, immediately for-
warded to Grovemor Trumbull, of Connecticut, and the Committee for Foreign Afiairs, in-
formation of the intended change in military operations. Under date of Paris, April 6th,
1779, he says, « I have received intelligence that it is determined in the British cabinet to
send over immediate orders to New York for an expedition through the Sound, up Connec-
ticut River. The enemy are to land at Wethersfield, and proceed by land to New Haven
Bay, where they are to re-embark, after having plundered, burned, and destroyed all in their
way." Adverse winds, and the capture of some of the papers sent by Lee, prevented the
Americans from receiving timely warning.
Having received the ministerial instructions, Sir Henry Clinton proceeded to execute his
orders. Governor Tryon was considered a very proper instrument to perform the nefarious
service, and « force of twenty-six hundred men was put under his command, with Brigadier-
general Garth as his lieutenant. These were placed upon
two ships of war (the Camilla and Scorpion), with transports
and tenders, forty-eight in number, commanded by Commodore
Sir George Collier, and toward evening of the 3d of July they
passed through Hell Gate into the Sound. On the 4th, while
the patriots on land were celebrating the adoption of the Decla-
ration of Independence, the two commanders joined in drawing
up a proclamation and an address to the inhabitants of Connec-
ticut, inviting and urging them to return to their allegiance, and
promising ample protection in person and property to those who should remam
peaceably in Iheir dwellings, excepting the civil and military officers of the rebel
government. This address was sent on shore and distributed, but, before the in-
habitants had time to consult upon the public good, the enemy was among them, savin's rock.*
jq]- Collier's fleet sailed up New Haven Bay on the night of the 4th, and
1779*. early the next (Monday) morning landed in two divisions, those under Tryon at East
Haven, and those under Garth at West Haven. The latter landed about sunrise, and im-
garret of the boose the sign was found recently which hong over the door of Arnold's store, in Water Street.
H was black, with white letters, and painted precisely alike on both sides. It was lettered
B, Arnold, Dkuggist,
Bookseller^ 4^c.,
FROM LONDON.
Sibi Tolique,
The Latin motto may be rendered, For hinuelf and for the toholey or far all, Arnold combined the selling
of drags and books in New Haven from 1763 to 1767.
^ This is a view of the spot where Garth landed, in Orange, formerly West Haven. It is between three
and four miles below New Haven, on the western side of the harbor entrance, and is a place of considerable
resort in smnmer for the people of the city.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
423
Alarm in New Haren. BraTery vf die Militia.
Rattle on Milford HilL
WertBrld^.
Death of Campbell
me^ately prepared to march upon the .town. Information of the approach of the enemy
having reached New Haven the previous evening, preparations had heen made for defense.
All, however, was confusion and alarm, and the care of families and property occupied those
who otherwise might have made a successful stand against the invaders. Many of the in-
habitants took refuge upon East Rock, where they remained until the departure of the enemy.
The first opposition to the invaders was made by twenty-five of the inhabitants of the
town (some of whom were students of Yale College), under Captain Hillhouse, who met an
advanced party of the enemy on Milford Hill. Already the West Bridge on the MilforH
Aim MsLWOMD Bill.
Road had been destroyed, some field pieces taken thither, and slight breast-works thrown up
Although there was but a handfiil of Americans, they were animated by such spirit, when
they saw their homes and families in peril, that they drove the advancing enemy nearly back
to their landing-place, and took one prisoner. The whole body of the invaders now moved
forward, with strong flanking parties and two field pieces. The cannons of the Americans
at West Bridge kept up such a brisk fire that the enemy
dared not venture further upon that road, but moved along
Milford Hill, northward to the Derby Road, to enter the
town by that avenue. This movement required a circui-
tous march of several miles. The first attacking party
of the Americans, continually augmenting, soon swelled to
a hundred and fifty, and a idiarp conflict ensued with the
enemy's left flank, near the Milford Road. In this skirm-
ish Major Campbell, the British adjutant, was killed. He
was singled out by a militia-man concealed behind a rock, .and fell, pierced by a musket-baU
/
/>
k
.■^v.
Campbxll's Monumjbnt.'
' This view \b from the Milford Rood, eastward of West Bridge. The high groand in the distanoe is
Milford Hill, on which ia seen the road, directly over the umbrella. A little to the right of the road is the
spot where Major Campbell was buried. West Bridge is aboat a mile and a half from the central part of
New Haven.
* This mde memorial was erected in 1831, by J. W. Barber, Esq., of New Haven, the historian of that
city, and author of the Hittorical CoUecHont of Connectieuty as a tribute of respect for a meritorious officer.
It is about a foot and a half high. The site of Campbell^ grave was pointed out to Mr. Barber by the late
Chaunoy Ailing, who saw him buried. Several Americans, who were killed at the same time, were buried
near. Their remains were afterward removed. Th'-se of Adjutant Campbell rest undisturbed
Digitized by
Google
424 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Campbell's GraTe. Entnmoe of tbo Enemy into New Haren. Dr. Daggett and l^ Treatment Landing of Tryon.
near his heart. He was wrapped in a blanket, and carried upon a sheep-litter to a httuse
near by, where he expired. He was buried in a shallow grave not far from the spot where
he fell, on the summit of tho high ground near the intersection of the Milford and West
Haven Roads, in the southwest comer of a field known as CampbeWs Lot.
After the skirmish, the British pressed onward toward the Derby Road. Eye-witnesses
described their appearance from points near the city as very brilliant ; Milford Hill seemed
all in a blaze, from the mingled effects upon the eye^of scarlet uniforms and glittering arms.
The Americans annoyed them exceedingly all the way to Thompson's Bridge (now West-
ville), on the Derby Road, and the small force at West Bridge, under Captain Pluneas Brad-
ley, hastened to that point to oppose their passage. Bradley was too late ; Garth had pos-
session of the bridge and the fording-places of the stream, and, after a sharp skirmish of ten
minutes, he drove the militia before him, and marched triumphantly into the town between
twelve and one o'clock. He had been piloted all the way from the landing-place by a young
Tory named William Chandler, who, with his father and family, lefl New Haven when the
enemy departed.
Among those who went out to the West Bridge and beyond, to oppose the enemy, was the
Rev. Dr. Daggett,^ then late President of Yale College, and a warm republican. Armed with
a musket, he joined his friends to oppose the common enemy. Near the West Bridge he
was wounded and made a prisoner, and, but for the interference of young Chandler, the Tory
guide, who had been a student in tho college, he would doubtless have been murdered. He
was cruelly injured with bayonets, and by a severe blow across the bowels with the butt of
a musket, after he had surrendered and begged for quarters.' Yet his firmness did not for-
sake him. While abused and cursed, he was asked whether, if release^, he would again
take up arms against them, and replied, << I rather believe I shall if I get an opportunity."
As soon as the boats that conveyed the first division of the enemy to shore returned, the
second division, under Tryon, con-
sisting chiefly of Hessians and
Tories, landed, with two pieces
of cannon, on the east side of the
harbor, where the light-house now
stands. They marched up and
attacked the little fort on Black
Rock (now Fort Hale), which was
defended by a feeble garrison of
only nineteen men, with three
pieces of artillery. After a slight
Landinoplacs or gkitkbal TavoN. skirmish, the Americans were
driven from the post. The ene-
my then pushed toward the town^ while their shipping drew nearer and menaced the inhab-
^ Naphtali Daggett was a native of Attleboroogh, Massachusetts. He graduated at Yale College in 1 748,
and in 1756 was appointed professor of divinity in that institution, which office he held until his death. He
officiated as president of the college from 1766 until 1777, when he was succeeded by Dr. Stiles. He died
November 25th, 1780, aged about sixty years.
' " I was insulted," sajrs the doctor, in his account preserved in MS. in the office of the Secretary of State,
at Hartford, " in the most shocking manner by the ruffian soldiers, many of which came at me with fixed
bayonets, and swore they would kill nae on the spot. They drove me with the main body a hasty marofa
of five miles or more. They danmed me, those that took me, because they spared my life. Thus, amid a
thousand insults, my infernal drivers hastened me along, faster than my strength would admit in the extreme
heat of the day, weakened as I was by my wounds and the loss of blood, which, at a moderate computation,
could not be less than one quart. And when I failed, in some degree, through faintness, he would strike
me on the back with a heavy walking-stafi*, and kick me behind with his foot. At length, by the support-
ing power of God, I arrived at the Green, New Haven. But my life was almost spent, the world around
me several times appearing as dark aft midnight. I obtained leave of an officer to be carried into the Widow
Lyman's and laid upon a bed, where I lay the rest of the day and succeeding night, in such acute and ex-
cruciating pain as I never felt before."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 425
CoodaetoftheBnemj. People on Ettt Rook. Evacuation by the Britiih. Deatroction of Fairfield.
itanU ^th bombardment. At the bridge over Neck Creek (Tomlinson's Bridge) the Amer-
icans made Bome resistance with a field piece, but were soon obliged to yield to superior
numbers and discipline. Before night the town was completely possessed by the invaders.
Throughout the remainder of the day and night the soldiery committed many excesses and
crimes, plundering deserted houses, ravishing unprotected women, and murdering several
citizens, among whom were the venerable Mr. Beers, and an aged and helpless man named
English.
The general movements of the enemy through the day could be seen by the fugitive in-
habitants on East Bock, and gloomy indeed was the night they passed there. Families
were separated, for the men were generally mustering from all parts of the adjacent coimtry
to expel the enemy. Anxiously their hearts beat for kindred then in peril, and eagerly their
eyes were tflmed toward their homes, in momentary expectation of beholding them in flames.
It was Garth's intention to bum the town. He declared, in a note to Tryon, that the
*< conflagration it so richly deserved should commence as soon as he should secure the Neck
Bridge." But during the night he changed his mind. Early on Sunday moming,^ . j^^j 7^
perceiving the militia collecting in large numbers, he called in his guards, and re- ^^^*
treated to his boats. Part of his troops went on board the ships, and part crossed over to
East Haven, where they joined Tryon's division. Toward that point the militia now di-
rected their attention. In the afternoon, finding himself hard pressed by the citizen soldiers
that were flocking to New Haven from the adjacent country, Tryon ordered a retreat to the
shipping. Several buildings and some vessels and stores were set on fire at East Haven
when they left. At five o'clock the fleet weighed anchor and sailed westward, carrying
away about forty of the inhabitants of the town.
The appetite of Tryon and his troops for pillage and murder was not sated when, on the
afternoon of the 7th, they embarked firom Fort Rock, now Fort Hale.^ Sailing down the
Sound, they anchored ofl* the village of Fairfield on the morning of the 8th. After a fog
that lay upon the waters had cleared away, they landed a little eastward of Kensie's Point,
at a place called the Pines, and marched immediately to the village. Dr. Timothy Dwight
has given a graphic description of the destruction of the town. " On the 7th of July, 1 779,''
he says, " Governor Tryon, with the army I have already mentioned, sailed from New Haven
to Fairfield, and the next morning disembarked upon ^e beach. A few militia assembled
to oppose them, and, in a desultory, scattered manner, fought with great intrepidity through
most of the day. They killed some, took several prisoners, and wounded more. But the
expedition was so sudden and unexpected, that efibrts made in this manner were necessarily
fruitless. The town was plundered ; a great part of the houses, together with two churches,
the court-house, jail, and school-houses, were burned. The barns had just been filled with
wheat and other produce. The inhabitants, therefore, were turned out into the world al-
most literally destitute.
" Mrs. Burr, the wife of Thaddeus Burr, Esq., high sherifl'of the county, resolved to con
tinue in the mansion-house of the family, and make an attempt to save it from conflagration
The house stood at a sufficient distance from other buildings. Mrs. Burr was adorned with
all the qualities which give distinction to her sex ; possessed of fine accomplishments, and a
dignity of character scarcely rivaled ; and probably had never known what it was to be
treated with disrespect, or even with inattention. She made a personal application to Gov-
ernor Tryon, in terms which, from a lady of her high respectability, could hardly have failed
of a satijsfactory answer firom any person who claimed the title of a gentleman. The answer
which she actually received was, however, rude and brutal, and spoke the want, not only
of politeness and humanity, but even of vulgar civility. The house was sentenced to the
flames, and was speedily set on fire. An attempt was made in the mean time, by some
* Fort Hale is situated upon an insulated rock, two miles from the end of Long Wharf^ New Haveu. It
was named in honor of Captain Nathan Hale, one of the early Revolutionary martyrs. The Americans had
a battery of three guns upon this point, which greatly annoyed the enemy when landing
Digitized by VjOOQIC
426 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Dwighfi Account of the Destruction of Fairfield. Tryon's Apology. Extent of the Deitructian. Tlie Buckley Hoiua
of the soldiery, to rob her of a valuable watch, with rich furniture ,* for Grovemor Tryon re-
fused to protect her, as well as to preserve the house. The watch had been already con-
veyed out of their reach ; but the house, filled with every thing which contributes either to
comfort or elegance of living, was laid in ashes.
'* While the town was in flames a thunder-storm overspread the heavens, just as night
came on. The conflagration of near two hundred houses illumined the earth, the skirts of
the clouds, and the waves of the Sound with a union of gloom and grandeur at once inex-
pressibly awful and magnificent. The sky speedily was hung with the deepest darkness
wherever the clouds were not tinged by the melancholy luster of the flames. The thunder
rolled above. Beneath, the roaring of the fires filled up the intervals with a deep and hol-
low sound, which seemed to be the protracted murmur of the thunder reverberated from one
end of heaven to the other. Add to this convulsion of the elements, and theselireadful ef-
fects of vindictive and wanton devastation, the trembling of the earth, the sharp sound of
muskets occasionally discharged, the groans here and there of the wounded and dying, and
the shouts of triumph ; then place before your eyes crowds of the miserable sufierers, min-
gled with bodies of the militia, and from the neighboring hills taking a farewell prospect of
their property and their dwellings, their happiness and their hopes) and you will form a just,
but imperfect, picture of the burning of Fairfield. It needed no great efibrt of imagination
to believe that the final day had arrived, and that, amid this funereal darkness, the morning
would speedily dawn to which no night would ever succeed ; the graves yield up their in-
habitants ; and the trial commence, at which was to be finally settled the destiny of man.
" The apology made by Governor Tryon for this Indian efibrt was conveyed in the follow-
ing sentence : < The village was burned, to resent the fire of the rebels from their houses, and
to mask our retreat.' This declaration unequivocally proves that the rebels were trouble-
some to their invaders, and at the same time is to be considered as the best apology which
they are able to make. But it contains a palpable falsehood, intended to justify conduct
which admits of no excuse, and rejects with disdain every attempt at palliation. Why did
this body of men land at Fairfield at all ? There were here no stores, no fortress, no ene-
my, except such as were to be found in every village throughout the United States. It was
undoubtedly the original object of the expedition to set fire to this town, and the apology was
created afler the work was done. It was perfectly unnecessary to mask the retreat. The
townsmen, and the little collection of farmers assembled to aid them, had no power to dis-
turb it. No British officer, no British soldier would confess that, in these circumstances, he
felt the least anxiety concerning any molestation
from such opposers. The next morning the troops
re-embarked, and, proceeding to Green's Farms, set
fire to the church and consumed it, together with
fifteen dwelling-houses, eleven bams, and several
stores."*
The Hessians who accompanied Tryon were his
incendiaries. To them he intrusted the wielding
of the torch, and faithfully they obeyed their master.
When the people fled from the town, not expecting
that their houses would be burned, they left most .j^ Bucklby Housk »
of their furniture behind. The distress was conse-
quently great, for many lost every earthly possession. Among the buildings saved was that
' Dwight's TVaveU in New England, iii., 512. According to a doooment in the office of the Secretaiy
of State of Connecticut, the number of buildings destroyed was ninety-seven dwellings, sixty-seven banc,
forty-eight stores, two school-houses, one county-house, two meeting-houses, and one Episcopal Church.
' This building stood upon the eastern side of the Green, fronting the church. It was demolished three
or four years ago, having stood more than a century and a half. The engraving is a copy, by permission
of the author, from Barber's HUtorical Collections of Connecticut, page 353. Tryon lodged in the upper
room on the right of the main building.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 427
Trettment of Mrs. BucUej. Ipterierence of General SUUman. Homphreys^i Elegy on the Boning of FaMdd
of Mr. Buckley, pictured in the engraving. Tryon made it his head-quarters. The naval
officer who had charge of the British ships, and piloted them to Fairfield, was Mrs. Buckley's
brother, and he had requested Tryon to spare the house of his sister. Tryon acquiesced, and,
feeling his indebtedness to her brother, the general informed Mrs. Buckley that if there was
any other house she wished to save she should be gratified. After the enemy lefl, the en-
raged militia, under Captain Sturges, placed a field piece in front of the dwelHng, and then
sent Mrs. Buckley word that she might have two hours to clear the house, and leave it, or
they would blow her to atoms. She found means to communicate a notice of her situation
to Greneral Silliman, who was about two miles distant He immediately went to the town,
and found one hundred and fifty men at the cannon. By threats and persuasion he induced
them to withdraw. The next day Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge, with his regiment, ar-
rived from White 'Plains, and, encamping on the smoking ruins, made Tryon's quarters
his own.^
The cruelties committed upon helpless women and children, and the wanton destruction
of property, at Fairfield, were worthy only of savages, and made the name of Tryon a syn-
cmym for every thing infernal. The passions of the soldiery were excited by strong drink,
and murder, pillage, and brutal violence to women were their employment throughout the
night. Like similar outrages elsewhere, these awakened the strongest feelings of hatred and
revenge against the common enemy, and the pen, the pulpit, and the forum sent forth their
righteous denunciations. Colonel David Humphreys, the soldier-poet of the Revolution,
visited the scene of destruction soon after the event, and wrote the following elegy while on
the spot '
" Te smoking rmns, marks of hostile ire,
Ye ashes warm, which drink the tears that flow,
Ye desolated plains, my voice inspire,
And give soft mnsio to the song of woe.
How pleasant, Fairfield, on the enraptured sight
Rose thy tall spires aind oped thy social hafis !
How oft my bosom beat with pore delight
At yonder spot where stand thy darkened walls !
Bat there the voice of mirth resounds no more.
A silent sadness through the streets prevails ;
The distant main alone is heard to roar.
The hollow chimneys hum with sudden gales —
Save where soorohM elms the untimely foliage shed,
Which, rustling, hovers round the &ded green-
Save where, at twilight, mourners frequent tread,
Mid recent graves, o'er desolation's scene.
How changed the blissful prospect when compared.
These glooms funereal, with thy former bloom,
Thy hospitable rights when Tryon shared.
Long ere he seal'd thy melancholy doom.
That impious wretch with coward voice decreed
Defenseless domes and hallow'd fanes to dust ;
Beheld, with sneering smile, the wounded bleed,
And spurred his bfunds to rapine, klood, and lust
Vain was the widow's, vain the orphan's cry.
To touch his feelings or to soothe his rage —
Vain the fair drop that roll'd from beauty's eye.
Vain the dumb grief of supplicating age.
Could Tryon hope to quenoh the patriot flame.
Or make his deeds survive in glory's page ?
Could Britons seek of savages the same, '
Or deem it conquest thus the war to wage ?
* Mrs. Buckley was not a friend of the enemy. According to her testimony, under oath, she vras badl;
treated by the soldiery, notwithstanding she bad a protection from General Gturth, the second in command.
They phindered her house, stripped her buckles from her shoes, tore a ring from her finger, and fired the
bouse five times before leaving it. — See Hinraan's Hiitorieal ColUctiom, p. 620.
Digitized by
Google
428 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Tryoo'B Retreat from Fairfield. Joun^j remuned. Aetium to New Qareo. Virit to West Bridge and other LocidilwM.
Ym. Britons scorn the ooimofls of the nkifo,
Extend wide hayoc, spam the insulted foes }
The insulted foes to ten-fold yengeanoe rise,
Resistance growing as the danger grow^.
Red in their woonds, and pointing to the plain,
The visionary shapes before me stand ;
The thonder bunts, the battle bums again,
And kindling fires enerimson all the strand.
Long, dusky wreaths of smoke, reluctant driven,
In blaok'ning volumes o'er the landscape bend :
Here the broad splendor blazes high to heaven,
There umber'd streams in purple pomp ascend.
In fiery eddies round the tott'ring walls.
Emitting sparks, the lighter fragments fly ,
V ith frightful crash the burning mansion falls,
The works of years in glowing embers lie.
Tryon, behold thy sanguine flames aspire.
Clouds tinged with dies intolerably bright :
Behold, well pleased, the village wrapp'd in fire.
Let one wide ruin glut thy ravish'd sight !
Ere fades the grateful scene, indulge thine eyes,
See age and sickness tremulously slow
Creep from the flames. See babes in torture die.
And mothers swoon in agonies of woe.
Go. gaze enraptured with £e mother's tear.
The infant's terror, and the captive's pain ;
Where no bold bands can check thy cursed career,
Mix fire with blood on each unguarded plain !
These be thy triumphs, this thy boasted fame f
Daughters of mem'ry, raise the deathless song.
Repeat through endless years his hated name.
Embalm his crimes, and teach the world our wrong."
Large numbers of militia had collected in the neighborhood of Fairfield on the morning of
the 9th, and at eight o'clock Tryon sounded a retreat to the shipping. His troops were
galled very much by the militia, and it was noon before all were embarked. At three in
the afternoon they weighed anchor and sailed over to Huntington, Long Island, whence
they made a descent upon, and destroyed, Norwalk.
We will close the record and hasten from the mountain, 'for
" 'Tis Sabbath mora, and lingering on the gale
The roellow'd peals of the sweet bells* arise.
Floating where'er the restless winds prevail.
Laden with incense and with harmonies,"
and inviting me back to the city and the open sanctuary. I arrived in time for a luncheon
breakfast, and to listen to an eloquent sermon in Trinity Church on the College Green, from
a striphng deacon who had just taken orders. The ahernoon was warm and lowery, the
rain came pattering down in the evening, and the next morning a nor'easter was piping its
melancholy notes among the stately ekns of the city,' while the rain poured as if Aquarius
had overturned his water-jar.
There was a lull in the storm about nine o'clock, and, accompanied by Mr. Barber, the
artist-author, in a covered wagon, I visited some of the points of interest about the city. We
first rode to the West Bridge on West River, near which the Americans made their first
stand against Greneral Garth, and in the midst of a heavy dash of rain made the sketch on
page 423. Returning to the city, we visited the dwelling of Arnold, Neck Bridge, and the
Cemetery. In the latter, a large and beautiful << city of the dead," lie many illustrious
remains, among which are those of Colonel David Humphreys, one of Washington's aids.
' The fine elms which shade the public square and vicinity were planted by the Rev. David Austin and
Hon. James Hillhouse. They are the pride of New Haven, and have conferred upon it the title of The city
of Efnu.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
429
The Cemetery. Humphreys's Monument. The Grave of Arnold's Wife. Her Character. Colonel Humphreys.
They lie near the southwestern part of the Cemetery, and over them stands a fine monument
consisting of a granite obelisk and pedestal, about twelve feet in height.
Upon two tablets of copper, inserted in the pedestal, is the following
inscription, written by his friend, the author of M<Fingal : *< David
Humphreys, LL.D., Acad. Scient. Philad., Mass., et Connect., et in
Anglic Aqu» Solis, et Regis Societat. Socius. Patriie et libertatis
amore ac census, j uvenis vitam reipub. integram consecravit. Patri-
am armis tuebatur, consiliis auxit, literis exornavit, apud exteras gen-
tes Concordia stabilivit. In hello gerendo maximi ducis Washington
administer et adjutor ; in exercitu patrio Chiliarchus ; in republica
Connecticutensi, militum evocatorum imperator ; ad aulam Lusitan.
et Hispan. legatus. Iberia reversus natale solum vellere vere aureo
ditavit. In Historia et Poesi scriptor eximius ; in artibus et scien-
tiis excolendis, que vel decori vel usui inserviunt, optimus ipse et
patronus et exemplar. Omnibus demum officiis expletis, cursuq ;
vit» feliciter peracto, fato cessit, Die xxi. February Anno Domini
Um PHBKYS'S MONUUKNT.
MDcccxvm. ; cum annos
vixisset lxv.***
In the northeast sec-
Uon of the Cemetery is a
dark stone, neatly carved
with an ornamental bor-
der, sacred to the memory
of Margaret, the first wife
of Benedict Arnold, who
died on the 1 9th of June,
1775, while her husband
was upon Lake Cham-
plain. Her maiden name
was Mansfield, and by
her Arnold had
three sons. She
was thirty-one
years old when
she died. She
^y^"'^^^'^'^'^^ ^^
is represented as a woman
of the most fervent piety,
exalted patriotism, gen
tleness of manners, and
sweetness of disposition.
These qualities are pow-
erful checks upon unru-
ly passions, particularly
when exerted in the inti-
mate relation of husband
and wife. Had she lived
until the close of the
Revolution, far different
might have been the fate
of her husband,
for there is lit-
tle doubt that
his resentments
against Con-
gress and the managers of military afiairs for two years previous to his treason were fostered
^ Mr. Barber gives the following translation : " David Humphreys, doctor of laws, member of the Acad-
emy of Sciences of Philadelphia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, of the Bath [Agricultural Society] and of
the Royal Society of London. Fired with the love of country and of liberty, he consecrated his youth wholly
to the service of the republic, which be defended by his arms, aided by his counsels, adorned by his learning,
and preserved in harmony with foreign nations. In the field he was the companion and aid of the great
Washington, a colonel in the army of his country, and commander of the veteran volunteers of Connecticut.
He went embassador to the courts of Portugal and Spain, and, returning, enriched his native land with the
true golden fleece.'*'' He was a distinguished historian and poet ; a model and a patron of scicncef and of
the ornamental and useful arts. After a full discharge of every duty, and a life well spent, he died on the
21st day of February, 1818, aged sixty-five years." To complete the brief biography given in this inscrip-
tion, I will add that Colonel Humphreys was born in Derby, Connecticut, in 1753, and graduated at Yale
College in 1771. He soon aftervvard went to reside with Colonel Phillips, of Phillips's Manor, New York.
He joined the Continental army, and in 1778 was one of General Putnam's aids, with the rank of major.
Washington appointed him his aid in 1780, and he remained in the military family of the chief until the close
of the war. For his valor at Yorktown, Congress honored him with a sword. He accompanied Jefierson
to Paris, as secretary of legation, in 1784. Kosciusko accompanied them. He was a member of the Leg-
islature of Connecticut in 1786, and about that time he. Barlow, and Hopkins wrote the Anarchiad, From
* This if in alliiflion to the ftct that Colonel Humphreys was the man who Introduced merino $keep into the United States,
■cnt oTer from Spdn « flock of one hundred in 180L
He
Digitized by
Google
430
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Arnold's Dl
Dr. EneM MoiMon.
Death of Coloiid ScammeU.
Hia Epitaph by Homphreya.
by his interooune with the Tory friends of his second wife, Margaret Shippen, of Philadel
phia. Indeed, the Loyalists claimed him for a friend as early as December, 1 778. Charles
Stewart, writing to Joseph Gralloway, said, *< Grenoral Arnold is in Philadelphia. It is saitf
that he will be
discharged, being
thought a pert To-
ry. Certain it is
that he associates
mostly with these
people."
On leaving the
Cemetery, we call-
ed upon the venera-
ble Eneas Munson,
M.D., a vigorous
relic of the Revo-
lution. He lived
until August, 1852,
when more than
eighty-nine yeais oi
age. He was Dr.
Thacher's assistant
in the Continental
army, and was pres-
ent at the siege of
Yorktown and the
surrender of Com- 11
wallis, in October, \
1781. He was ,\
then a surgeon in \
Colonel Scammell's [
regiment, which, in ;
that action, was at- ^
tached to General
Hamilton's brigade.
During the siege
Colonel ScammeU wa^
shot by a Hessian cava)
officer, while reconuoitering
a small redoubt on a point
of land which had been al-
ternately in possession of the
Americans and British. It
was just at twilight, and,
while making careful observ-
ations, two Hes-
sian horsemen came
suddenly upon him,
and presented their
pistols. Perceiving
that there was no
chance for escape,
he surrendered, say-
ing, « Gentlemen, I
am your prisoner."
Either because they
did not understand
his words, or actu-
ated by that want
of humanity which
generally charac-
terized those merce-
naries, one of them
fired, and wounded
the colonel mortal-
ly. He was car-
ried to Williams-
burg, and Dr. Mun-
son was the first
surgeon in attend-
ance upon him.
He died there on
the 6th of Octo-
ber. Colonel Hum-
phreys (to whose
regiment Dr. Mun-
son was attached
«f^r the death of
Scammell) wrote
the following poetic epi-
taph for the tomb of his
friend. I do not know
whether the lines were ever
inscribed upon marble, or re-
corded by Uie pen of history.
them as a memorial of a brave and accomplished officer of the Revolution.
1788 until he was appointed minister to Portugal, in 1790, he resided with Washington at Mount VemoD.
He was appointed minister plenipotentiary to Spain in 1794 ; married the daughter of a wealthy English
^gentleman at Lisbon in 1797 ; returned in 1801, and for ten years devoted his time to agriculture. In 1812
he took the command of the militia of Connecticut. His death was sudden, caused by an organic disease
of the heart. His literary attainments were considerable. Besides seyeral poems, he wrote some political
pamphlets ; and in 1788, while at Mount Vernon, completed a life of Putnam, a large portion of the mate-
rial of which he received from the lips of the veteran.
^ This ponrait is from a Daguerreotype kindly lent me by Dr. Munson, with permission to copy it
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 433
Nathan Been. Yaie College. Its political Oharecter In the Revoltitlon. AToryStndeol
*' What though no friend coald ward thine early falli
Nor guardian angels turn the treacherous ball ;
Bless'd shade, be soothed ! Thy virtues all are known—
Thy fame shall last beyond this mouldering stone,
Which conquering armies, from their toils return,
Read to thy glory while thy fiaite they mourn.''
A drawing of the place where Scammell was killed, and a biographical sketch of that offi-
cer, are given in the notice of my visit to Yorktown. Dr. Miinson died in October, 1852.
A few doors from Dr. Munson, in the same street, lived the almost centenarian, Nathan
Beers, who was paymaster in Scammell's regiment at Yorktown. He was ninety-six years
old, and completely demented ; second childhood, with all its trials for the subject and his
friends, was his lot ; yet did I look with rev-
^^^^^"'"^ /n erence upon that thin visage and " lack-luster
/// >y5^^ (JA ^ g!r7^ eye," where once were indices of a noble mind
^S^
within. A truer patriot never drew blade for
Sxoif ATuns or Nathan Bxsns at 90.
-^"^ his country, and, above all, he was ** an honest
man, the noblest work of God.'' For years
he struggled with the misfortunes of life, and became involved in debt. At length Congress
made a decision in his favor respecting a claim for a pension as paymaster in the Continental
army, and arrearages amounting to some thousands of dollars were awarded him. There
was enough to give him a competence in his old age, but even this reward for public serv-
ices he handed over to his creditors. He has since gone to receive the final recompense of
the patriot and Christian. He died on the lOth. of February, 1849, aged ahnost 98.
After a short visit to the Trumbull Gallery of Paintings and the Library of Yale College,* I
returned to my lodgings, and at four o'clock in the afternoon departed in the cars for Hartford.
' Tale College, aside from its intrinsic worth as a seminary of learning, is remarkable for the great num-
ber of the leading men of the Revolution who were educated within its walls. That warm and consistent
patriot. President Daggett, gave a political tone to the establishment favorable to the republican cause, and
it was regarded as the nursery of Whig principles during the Revolution. When New Haven was invaded
by Tryon, Yale College was marked for special vengeance, but, as we have seen, the invaders retreated hast-
ily without burning £e town. There were very few among the students, during our war for independence,
wbo were imbued with Tory principles, and they were generally, if known, rather harshly dealt vrith.
One instance may suffice to show the spirit of tiie times. In June, 1775, a student named Abiather Camp
was reported unfriendly to Congress. A committee of investigation was appointed, who wrote a very polite
note to the young gentleman, setting forth the charges made against him, and demsinding an explicit denial,
if the report was untrue. The young scape-grace returned the following answer :
"New Haveii, Jane 13, 1775.
" 7b tht HtmorabU and RupectabU Oentlemm of the CommUUe now residing in Tale College :
** May it please your honors, ham — ham-— ham.
" Fmis cumsistula, popnlarum gig—
A man without a hoEul has no need of a wig.
" Abuthkr Camp."
The insulted committee resolved to advertise Camp as an enemy to his country, and to treat him with all
possible scorn and neglect. Such advertisement was posted upon the hall door. He braved public opinion
until October, when he recanted, and publicly asked pardon for his ofienses.
Yale CoUege was founded by ten principal ministers in the colony, who met for the purpose, at New Ha-
ven, in 1700. Each brought a number of books at their next meeting in 1701, and, presenting them to the
society, said, " I give these books for the founding of a college in the colony." A proposition to found a col-
lege hnd been named fifty years before. The first oonomencement was held at Saybrook, in 1702. In 1717
the first college building was erected in New Haven. It was seventy feet long and twenty-two wide. From
tfane to time several liberal endowments have been made to the institution, the earliest and most munificent
of which was from Elihu Tale, in whose honor the coltege was named. Among its distinguished benefactors
were Sir Isaac Newton, Dean Berkley, Bishop Burnet, Halley, Edwards, &c. The present imposing pile
was oonunenced in 1750. Additions have been made at different times, and it now consists of four spacious
edifices, each four stories high, one hundred and four by forty feet on the ground } a chapel, lyoeum, athe
neom, chemical hiboratory, dining-hall, and a dwelling-house for the president.
Digitized by
Google
432 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
New England and iu Aasociationa. Arrival at Hartford. Continuation of tiie Stona.
CHAPTER XIX.
" Land of the forest and the rock —
■ Of dark blue lake and mighty river —
Of mountains reared aloft to mock
The storm's career, the lightning^s shook :
My own green land forever.
Oh I never may a son of thine,
Where'er his wandering steps incline,
Forget the sky which bent above
His childhood like a dream of love^
The stream beneath the green hill flowing —
The broad-armed trees above it growing —
The clear breeze through the foliage blowing ,
Or hear, unmoved, the taunt of scorn
Breathed o'er the brave New England bom."
Whittier.
^S' LTHOUGH much of the soil of New England is rongh and Bterile, and labor
\r*^ — ^hard and unceasing labor — is necessary to procure subsistence for its
1- teeming population, in no part of our republic can be found stronger birth-
1|^L^^}^ place attachments. It is no sentiment of recent growth, springing up
^n|^^^ under the influence of the genial warmth of our free institutions, but
^ -ir s^ ^ ante-dates our Revolution, and was prominently manifest in colonial
r times. This sentiment, strong and vigorous, gave birth to that zealous patriot*
^ ism which distinguished the people of the Eastern States during the ten years
preceding the war for independence, and the seven years of that contest. Repub-
licanism seemed to be indigenous to the soil, and the people appeared to inhale the
air of freedom at every breath. Every where upon the Connecticut, and eastward,
loyalty to the sovereign — a commendable virtue in a people governed by a right-
eous prince — ^was changed by kingly oppression into loyalty to a high and holy prin-
ciple, and hallowed, for all time, the region where it flourished. To a pilgrim on an errand
like mine the rough hills and smiling valleys of New England are sanctuaries for patriot wor-
ship ; and as our long train swept over the sandy plain of New Haven, and coursed among
the hills of Wallingford and Meriden, an emotion stirred the breast akin to that of the Jew
of old when going^up to Jerusalem to the Great Feast, A day's journey before me was
Boston — the city of the pilgrims, the nursery of liberty cradled in the May Flower, the first
altar-place of freedom in the Western World.
The storm, which had abated for a few hours at mid-day, came down with increased vio-
lence, and the wind-eddies wrapped the cars in such wreaths of smoke from the engine, that
only an occasional glimpse of the country could be obtained. It was almost dark when we
October 3, reac]ied Hartford, upon the Connecticut River, thirty-six miles northward of New
^*®- Haven ; where, sick and weary from the efiects of exposure and fatigue during the
morning, a glowing grate and an " old arm-chair'' in a snug room at the " United States"
were, under the circumstances, comforts which a prince might covet. Let us close the shut-
ters against the impotent gusts, and pass the evening with the chroniclers of Hartford and
its vicinage.
Hartford (Suckiag), and Wethersfield, four miles distant, were the earliest settlements in
Connecticut. In 1633 the Dutch from Nicu Amsterdam went up the Connecticut River,
r
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 433
Flnt Settlement at Hartford. First Meeting-hoiue in Connecticut Oovemmeni organized. Union of New England Colonies.
and established a trading-house and built a smkll fort on the south side of the Mill River,
at its junction with the Connecticut, near the site of Hartford. The place is still known as
Dutch Point. About the same time William Holmes and others of the Plymouth colony
sailed up the Connecticut, in a vessel having the frame of a dwelling on board, and, landing
on the west side, near the present Windsor, erected the first house built in Connecticut. The
Dutch threatened to fire on them, but they were allowed to pass by. In 1635, John Steele
and others, under the auspices of Rev. Thomas Hooker, of Cambridge, reached Holmes's res-
idence, and began a settlement near. Hooker and his wife, with about one hundred men,
women, und children of his flock, leil Cambridge the following year) and marched j^g^
through the wilderness westward to the pioneer settlement, subsisting, on the journey, ^^^
upon the milk of a herd of cows which they drove before them. Over hills and mountains,
through thickets and marshes, they made their way, with no guide but a compass, no shel-
ter but the heavens and the trees, no bed save the bare earth, relying upon Divine Provi-
dence and their own indomitable perseverance for success. The first
house of worship was erected the previous year, and on the 9 th of
July, 1636, Mr. Hooker first preached, and administered the holy
communion there.
The Dutch looked upon the new-comers as intruders, while the
English settlers in turn regarded the Dutch in that light, because the
whole country north of 40° belonged, by chartered rights, to the Plym-
outh and Massachusetts Companies. Much animosity existed for sev- ...
. , , •' FXBST AUKTZNCI-HOITSS.^
end years, the Dutch refusing to submit to the laws framed by the
English colony, and often threatening hostilities against them. Finally, in 1654, an order
arrived from Parliament requiring the English colony to regard the Dutch, in all respects,
as enemies. In conformity to this order, the Dutch trading-house, fort, and all their lands
were sequestered for the benefit of the commonwealth. The Dutch then withdrew.
The first court, or regularly organized government, in Connecticut, was held at Hartford
in the spring of 1636. The people were under the general government of Massachusetts,
but were allowed to have minor courts of their own, empowered to make war or peace, and
form alliances with the natives within the colony. The English settlement was not fairly
seated, before the Pequots, already mentioned, disturbed it with menaces of destruction.
The Pequot war ensued in 1 637, and, although it involved the colony in debt, and caused a
present scarcity of provisions, it established peace for many years, and was ultimately beneficial.
In January, 1639, a convention of the free planters of Connecticut was held at Hartford,
and a distinct commonwealth was formed. They adopted a constitution of civil government,
which was organized in April following, by the election of John Haynes governor, and sijk
magistrates. In 1642 their criminal code, founded upon Jewish laws as developed in
the Scripture, was completed and entered on record. By this code the death penalty was
incurred by those guilty of worshiping any but the one triune God ; of witchcraft ; blasphe-
my ; willful murder, except in defense of life ; man-stealing ; false swearing, by which a
man's life might be forfeited ; unchastity of various grades ; cursing or smiting of parents
by a child over sixteen years of age, except when it could be shown that the child's training
had been neglected or the parents were guilty of cruel treatment ; and of a stubborn diso-
bedience of parents by a son over sixteen years of age.
The following year the colonies of Massachusetts, Pl3rmouth, Connecticut (as Hart-
ford was called), and New Haven confederated for their mutual safety and welfare,
and called themselves the United Colonies of New England,* Each colony was author-
' This picture of the first honse for Christian worship erected in Connecticut is copied from Barber^s JKt-
torical Collections: He obtained the drawing from an antiquary of Hartford, and believes it correct.
* The term New England was first appli^ by Captain John Smith, according to the dedicatory epistle to
the " First Sermon preached in New England" by Robert Cushman. " It was so called," says the address.
" because of the resemblance that is in it of England, the native soil of Englishmen. It being much what
the same for heat and cold in summer and winter, it being champaign ground, but no high mountains, some-
£e
Digitized by
Google
434 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Conjunction of Now Haven and Connecticat Colooiet. James II. Quo Warranto. GoTemor AndroM. The '•Chartei'OalL'
ized to send two commisgioners to meet annually in September, first at Boston, and then at
Hartford, New Haven, and Plymouth, with power to make war and peace, and enact fed-
eral laws for the general good. This union was productive of great benefit, for it made the
united settlements formidable in opposition to their enemies, the Dutch and Indians.
In 1662, Charles II. granted a charter to the Connecticut colony, by which the New
Haven colony was included within that of the former. At first there was much dissatisfac-
tion, but in 1655 the two colonies joined in an amicable election of ofiicers, and chose John
Winthrop for governor.
Charles was succeeded by his brother James, a bigoted, narrow-minded, and unjust prince.
Many of his advisers were ambitious and unprincipled men, scheming for the consolidation
of power in the person of the king. Immediately on the accession of James, they arranged
a plan for procuring a surrender* of all the patents of the New England colonies, and form-
ing the whole northern part of America into twelve provinces, with a governor general over
"July, ^^® whole. Writs of quo warranto were accordingly issued, (^ requiring the several
i6B5. colonies to appear, by representatives, before his majesty's council, to show by what
right they exercised certain powers and privileges.' The colony of Connecticut sent an agent
to England with a petition and remonstrances to the king. The mission was vain, for al-
ready the decree had gone forth for annulling the charters. Sir Edmund Andross was ap-
pointed the first governor general, and arrived at Boston in December, 1686. He immedi-
ately demanded the surrender of the charter of Connecticut, and it was refiised. Nearly a
year elapsed, and meanwhile Andross began to
play the tyrant. His first fair promises to the
people were broken, and, supported by royal au-
thority, he assumed a dignity and importance al-
most equal to his master's, Uioroughly disgusting
the colonists.
In October, 1667, he went to Hartford with
a company of soldiers while the Assembly was in
session, and demanded an immediate surrender of
their charter. Sir Edmund was received with
apparent respect by the members, and in his pres-
ence the subject of his demand was calmly debat-
ed until evening. The charter was then brought
forth and placed upon the table around which the
members were sitting. Andross was about to
seize it, when the lights were suddenly extinguish-
ed. A large concourse of people had assembled without, and the moment the lights disap-
what like the soil in Kent and Essex ; full of dales and meadow groonds, full of rivers and sweet springs,
as England is. But principally, so far as we can yet find, it is an island, and near about the quantity of
Engla!nd, out out from the main land in America, as England is from Europe, by a great arm of the sea,
which entereth in 40^, and runneth up north and west by west, and goeth out either into the South Sea or
else into the Bay of Canada. The certainty whereof and secrets of which we have not yet so found as that
as eye-witnesses we can make narration thereof; but, if God give time and means, we shall, ere long, dis-
cover both the extent of that river, together with the secrets thereof, and so try what territories, habitations,
or commodities may be found either in it or about it.'' This address was written, and the sermon preached
at Plymouth, in December, 1621. By the Bay of Canada is meant the St. Lawrence, and by the " great
arm of the sea," the Hudson River. The explorations of Hendrick Hudson in 1609 seem not to have been
known to the worthy divine, and he imagined a connection between the Hudson and St. Lawrence, by which
^few England was made an island.
^ A writ of quo warranto issues against any person or corporation that usurps any franchise or liberty
against the king without good title, and is brought against the usurpers to show by what right and title
they hold and claim such franchise and liberty. — Lata Dictionary.
' This venerable relic is still vigorous, and is a " gnarled oak'' indeed. It stands upon the northern slope
3f the Wyllys Hill, a beautiful elevation on the south side of Charter Street, a few rods east of Main Street.
This engraving is from a sketch which I made of the tree from Charter Street, on the 3d of October, 1848.
omitted the picket fence in front, in order to show the appearance of the whole trunk. The opening of
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 43£
OoDcotoent of tiie Charter. Expnldon of AadroM. Accident at Hartford. Washington's Conference with Rochambeau.
peared they raised a load huzza, and several entered the chamber. Captain Wadsworth, of
Hartford, seized the charter, and, unobserved, carried it off and deposited it in the hollow
trunk of a large oak-tree fronting the house of Hon. Samuel Wyllys, then one of the magis-
trates of that colony. The candles were relighted, quiet was restored, and Andross eagerly
aooght the coveted parchment. It was gone, and none could, or would, reveal its hiding-
place. Sir Edmund stormed for a time, and threatened the colony with royal displeasure ;
then quietly taking possession of the government, he closed the records of the court, October 31,
or Assembly, with a simple annunciation of the fact. ^687.
The administration of Andross was short. His royal master was driven from his
throne and country the next year, and his minion in America was arrested, and con-
fined in the Castle, near Boston, until February, 1689, when he was sent to England for
tii&l. Able jurists in England having decided that, as Connecticut had never given up her
charter, it remained in full force, the former government was re-established. From that time
until the Revolution no important events of general interest occurred at Hartford. A mel-
ancholy accident occurred there in May, 1766, on the occasion of rejoicings because of the
repeal of the Stamp Act. The day had been spent in hilarity. Bells, cannons, and huz-
zas had testified the general and excessive joy, and great preparations were making for bon-
fires, fire-works, and a general illumination. In the chamber of a brick school-house that
stood where the Hartford Hotel was aflerward built, a number of young men were preparing
fire-works in the evening. Under the house was a quantity of gunpowder, from which the
militia had received supplies during the day. The powder had been scattered from the build-
ing to the street. Some boys accidentally set it on fire, and immediately the building was
reduced to a ruin ; several of the inmates were killed, and many badly wounded.
The most important occurrences of general interest at Hartford, during the Revolution,
were the two conferences between Washington and the Count de Rochambeau, the com-
mander of the French army in America. The first interview was on the 21st of Septem-
ber, 1780, the second on the 23d of May, 1781. The French fleet, under the command
of the Chevalier de Ternay, conveying the troops sent to our shores by Louis XVI. of France
to aid us, arrived at Newport in July, 1780 ; and the conference of Washington with Ro-
chambeau and Ternay, in September following, was to consult upon future operations.' This
interview resulted in the conclusion that the season was too far advanced for the allies to per-
form any thing of importance, and, af^r making some general arrangements for the next cam-
paign, Washington returned to his camp at West Point, in the Hudson Highlands. It was
during his absence at Hartford that Arnold attempted to surrender West Point and its sub-
ordinate posts into the hands of the enemy.
The second conference between Washington and Rochambeau was at Wethersfield, four
miles below Hartford. Rochambeau and General the Marquis de Chastellux, with
their suites, arrived at Hartford on the 2lBt of May, where they were met by Wash-
tbe cavity wherein the charter was conoealed b seen near the roots. The heavy wind that had been blow-
ing for thirty hoars had stripped the tree of a large portion of its autumnal leaves, and strewn the ground
with acorns. The trunk, near the roots, is twenty-five feet in circumference. A daughter of Secretary
Wyllys, vmting to Dr. Holmes about the year 1800, aajs of this oa)^ " The first inhabitant of that name
[WyUys] found it standing in the height of its glory. Age seems to have curtailed its branches, yet it is
not exceeded in the height of its coloring or richness of its foliage The cavity, which was the asy-
hmi of our charter, was near the roots, and large enough to admit a child. Within the space of eight years
that cavity has closed, as if it had fulfilled the divine purpose for which it had been reared.*' The cavity
within remains as large as anciently, but the orifice will hardly admit a hand.
' At that time the French fleet was blockaded in ^arraganset Bay by a superior English squadron. Ter-
nay was quite dissatisfied with his situation, and wrote very discouraging letters to the Count de Yergennes,
the French premier. In one (written September 10th, 1780), from Newport, he said, "We are actually
compelled to remain on a very strict defensive. The Englbh squadron is superior in number and in every
other respect. The fate of North America is yet very uncertain, and the Revolution is not so far advanced
as it has been believed in Europe." An account of the negotiations and other circumstances connected with
the sending of troops from France to aid in the Revolution will be given in a future chapter, devoted to tha
iubject of the diplomacy of the United States during the war for independence.
Digitized by
Google
436
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Conferance at the Webb Hooae. Ifei Object Jonctioii of the allied Armiee. Attsmpt on New York. Windaor.
Thi Whb Hou8B.>
ington, and Generals Knox and Du Portail, and their suites. The meeting was celebrated
by discharges of cannon ; and, afler partaking of refreshments, the officers, with several pri-
vate gentlemen as an escort, rode to Wethersfield. Washington lodged at the house of Mr.
Joseph Webb,' in Wethersfield, and there the
conference was h^d. The object of the inter-
view was to concert a plan of operations for the
ensuing campaign. The minutes of the confer-
ence are in the form of queries by Rochambeau,
which were answered by Washington. The
conclusion of the matter was an arrangement
for the French army to march as speedily as pos-
sible to the Hudson River, and form a junction
with the American army encamped there, for
the purpose of making a demonstration upon the
city of New York, if practicable. An expedi-
tion southward seems to have been proposed by
the French officers, but this idea was abandon-
ed on account of the lateness of the season, and
the danger to which northern troops would be exposed in the Southern States in summer.
It was also agreed to send to the West Indies for the squadron, under Count de Grasse, to
sail immediately to Sandy Hook, and, forming a junction with the fleet under Count de Bar-
ras, confine Admiral Arbuthnot to New York Bay, and act in concert with the combined
armies in besieging the city, then the strong-hold of the enemy. The French troops con-
sisted of about four thousand men, exclusive of two hundred that were to be left in charge
of stores at Providence. A circular letter was sent by Washington to the Eastern Legisla-
tures, and to that of New Jersey, requesting them to supply as large a quota of Continental
troops as possible. Such a force as he felt sure could be mustered, Washington deemed ade-
quate to undertake the siege of New York ; and, on his return from Wethersfield, he began
his arrangements for the enterprise. The two armies formed a junction near Dobbs's Ferry,
at the beginning of July. After several inefiectual attempts upon the upper end of York
Island, circumstances caused Washington to abandon the enterprise. The arrival of a re-
enforcement for Clinton in New York, the expressed determination of De Grasse to sail for
the Chesapeake, and the peculiar situation of aflairs in Virginia, where Comwallis and La
Fayette were operating against each other, induced Washington to march south with the
combined armies. The result was the siege of Yorktown and capture of Comwallis.
The storm was raging as furiously as ever on the morning after my arrival in Hartford,
and I abandoned the idea of visiting Wethersfield and Windsor.' With a letter of introduc-
tion to the Rev. Thomas Robbins, the librarian of the Connecticut Historical Society, I vis-
' " Jtfay 18th. Set oat this day for the interview at Wethersfield with the Coant de Rochambeau and Ad-
miral Barras. Reached Morgan's Tavernf forty-three miles from Fishkill Landing, after dining at Colonel
Yanderburg's. 19th. Breakfasted at Litchfield, dined at Farmington, and lodged at Wethersfield, at the
house of Mr. Joseph Webb." — WaMhington's Diary. The Count Barras was prevented from attending the
meeting by the appearance of a large British fleet, under Admiral Arbuthnot, ofi* Block Island. The resi-
dence of Colonel Vanderburg, where Washington dined, was at Poughquag, in Beekman, Dutchess county.
' This house is still standing (1848), in the central part of Wethersfield, a few rods south of the Congre-
gational Church.
' Windsor is situated upon the Connecticut, a little above Hartford, at the mouth of the Farmington River.
Here was planted the first English settlement in Connecticut, for here the first house was built. It was the
egg from which sprang Hartford and the Connecticut bolonv. East Windsor, on the east side of the Con-
necticut, has a ndtoriety in our Revolutionary annals, on account of its being, for a short time, the quarters
of a portion of the British and Hessian troops of Burgoyne's captured army, on their way to Boston ; also
as the quarters of Governor Franklin, of New Jersey, and General Prescott, captured on Rhode Island, while
prisoners in the hands of the Americans. The events connected with the capture of these two persons will
be noticed elsewhere. They were confined, under a strong guard, in the house of Captain Ebenezer Grant,
which, I was told, is still standing, a few rods south of the Theological Semmary.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 437
♦
Comiecticat Hiitorical Sodetj. Dr. Robbint's Libraiy. Brewster's Chest The Pilgrim CoTenant Names of the Pilgrims.
itod the room of that institution, situated in a fine edifice called the Wadstaorth Atheneum.
This building stands upon the site of the old Wadsworth Mansion, the place of Washington's
first conference with Rochambeau. The cordial welcome with which I was received by Dr.
Robbins was a prelude to many kind courtesies bestowed by him during a visit of three hours.
He is a venerable bachelor of seventy-two years, and, habited in the style of a gentleman
fifty years ago, his appearance carried the mind back to the time of Washington. The li-
brary of the society, valued at ten thousand dollars, is its property only in prospective ; it
belongs to Dr. Robbins, who has, by will, bequeathed it to the institution at his death. It
contains many exceedingly rare books and MSS., collected by its intelligent owner during a
long life devoted to the two-fold pursuits of a Chnstian pastor and a man of letters. There
are many historical curiosities in the library-room, a few of which I sketched. The one in-
vested with the greatest interest was the chest of Elder
Bre:(vster, of the May Flower, brought from Holland
in that Pilgrim ship. Near it stood a heavy iron pot
that belonged to Miles Standish, the " hero of New
England," one of the most celebrated of the Pilgrim
passengers. The chest is of yellow Norway pine,
stained with a color resembling London brown. Its
dimensions- axe four feet two inches long, one foot eight
inches broad, and two feet six inches high. The
key, in size, has more the appearance of one be-
longing to a prison than to a clothing receptacle. The chest is a relic of much inter-
est per se, but a fact connected with its history makes it an object almost worthy of
reverence to a New Englander, and, indeed, to every American. Well-established
tradition asserts that the solemn written compact made by the passengers of the May
Flower previous to the landing of the Pilgrims was drawn up and signed upon the
lid of this chest, it being the most convenient article at hand for the purpose.. That
compact, brief and general, may be regarded as the foundation of civil and reUgious liberty
in the Western World, and was the first instrument of civil government ever subscribed as
tb3 act of the whole pt«ple.' It was conctsived in tbe following terms :
" In the name of Grod, Amen. We whose names are under written, the Loyal Subjects
of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France, and
Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &o., Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and the
advancement of the Christian Faith, and Honor of our King and country, a Voyage to plant
^ Tbe harbor (Cape Cod) in which the May Flower anchored was ascertained to be north of the fortieth
degree of latitude, consequently the proposed landing-place and settlement would be beyond the jurisdiction
of the South Virginia Company, from whom these emigrants had received their charter. That instrument
was, therefore, useless. Some of those who embark^ from England had intimated that they would be un-
der no law when ashore. The majority of the emigrants, concerned on account of this appearance of fac-
tion, thought proper to have recourse to natural law, and resolved that, before disembarkation, they should
enter into an association, and bind themselves in a political body, to be governed by the majority. This
was the origin of the compact. The following is a list of the signatures to the instrument : John Carver,
William Bradford^ Edward Winslow, William Brewster, Isaac Allerton, Miles Standish, John Alden, Samuel
Puller, Christopher Martin, William Mullins, William White,* Richard Warren, John Howland, Stephen
Hopkins, Edwflurd Tilley, John Tilley, Francis Cook, Thomas Rogers, Thomas Tinker, John Ridgedale, Ed-
ward Fuller, John Turner, Francis Eaton, James Chilton, John Crackston, John Billington, Moses Fletcher,
John Goodman, Degory Priest, Thomas Williams, Gilbert Winslow, Edward Margeson, Peter Brown, Rich-
ard Britteridge, George Soule, Richard Clarke, Richard Gardiner, John Allerton, Thomas English, Edward
Doty, Edward Leister. There were forty-one subscribers to the compact, each one placing opposite his
name the number of his family. The whole number of sotUs was one hundred and one. — See Moore's Mem-
airs of Awiifican Oovemon, i., 25.
* Just prerioiM to the landing of the PflgrimB, the w1£b of William White gare birth to a aon, the fint English child bom hi
New England. From the drcunutancea of hia birth he waa named Peregrine. He died at Marshfleld, July SSd, 1704, aged nearly
eighty-four years. William White died soon after the seating of the colony, and his widow married Edward Winslow. This
was the first English marriage in New England. It was a singular circumstance that Mrs. White was the first mother and the
ftrak bride In New England, and mother of the first native goTemor of the oolony, who was also the sole bearer of the honor
of oommander4n-chlef of the foreea of the ooofederale eoloniet.— fiee Beylies^ IL, 1&
Digitized by
Google
438
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Hand-writing of the PilgrimB.
Robin«on*i short Sword.
Ancient Cbtir.
the first Colony in the Northern parts of Virginia ; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mu-
tually, in the Presence of God, and of one another. Covenant and Combine ourselves togeth-
er into a Civil body Politic, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of
the ends aforesaid ; and by Virtue hereof, to enact, constitute, and frame just and equal laws,
ordinances. Acts, Constitutions, and Offices &om Time to Time, as shall be thought most
meet and convenient for the General Good of the Colony ; unto which we Promise all due
Submission and Obedience. In witness whereof we .have hereunder subscribed our Names
at Cape Cod, the eleventh of November, in the year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord,
King James, of England, France, and Ireland the Eighteenth, and of Scotland the Fifly-
fourth, Anno Domini, 1620."
3^ s^»^%
iM^m^
C '
HAMD-wBimro or tbx Pxlobzm8.i
Another curious relic of the Pilgrims, preserved by Dr. Robbins, is a nUndng-knife, made
of the sword-blade that belonged to the Rev. Mr. Robinson, the pastor of
the Pilgrims, at Leyden. Mr. Robinson never
came to New England, but remained at Ley-
den till his death in 1625. His widow and
family came over, bringing liis efiects, among
which was his short sword, an article then gen-
erally worn by civilians as well as military men.
His three sons were desirous of possessing this
relic. It being impossible for each to have it entire, it was cut into
three pieces, and the sons, true to the impulses of New England
thrift, each had his piece made into the useftd implement here rep
resented.
Another interesting relic is a chair which was an heir-loom in
the family of one of the earlier settlers of New Haven. It is made
wholly of turned wood (except the board bottom), fastened together
by wooden pegs, and is similar, in appearance, to Governor Carver's
chair, in the cabinet of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Its
existence is traced back to the thirteenth century. The material is ash and its construction
ingenious.
> These were copied from Rnaseirs " RecoUeotions of the Pilgrims." He obtained them from old deeds
and other docmnents. The writers were members of the first Plymoath Chorch, and some of them were
passengers in the May Flower.
Amount CiiAn.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 439
PatDnn*! Tavern Sign. Oth«r interefldiig Relics. The Conoecticut Charter. Ride to Wetbenfleld. Arrival at Boston.
The tavern sign of General Putnam, which hung before his door in Brooklyn, Connecti
cut) about the year 1768, is also preserved.^ It is made of yellow pine, painted alike on both
sides. The device is a full-length portrait of Wolfe, dressed
in scarlet uniform, and, as a work of art, possesses much merit.
The portrait of the young hero is quite correct. The back-
ground is a faint miniature copy of West's picture of The
Death of Wdfe, painted by that artist during the first years
of his residence in England. The sign-board is full of small
punctures made by shot, the figure of Wolfe having been used
as a target at some time.
A drum, used to call the people to worship ; an ottoman,
that belonged to Mrs. Washington ; the vest, torn and blood-
stained, worn by Ledyard when massacred at Groton, and the
wooden case in which the celebrated charter of Connecticut
was sent over and kept, are in the collection. The latter is M CTcri \\ OLFIli
about three and a half feet long and four inches wide and deep, " „_ ^ „
,.-.,., , . /. , . Putnam's SxoN.
lined with prmted paper, apparently waste leaves of a history
of the reign of Charles I. In the center is a circular projection for the great seal, which
was attached. I saw the charter itself in the ofiice of the Secretary of State. It is writ-
ten upon fine vellum, and on one comer is a beautifully drawn portrait of Charles, executed
in India ink.
The storm abating a little at about noon, I rode down to Wethersfield and sketched the
Webb House, returning in time to make the drawing of the Charter Oak pictured on page
434, the rain pouring like a summer shower, and my umbrella, held by a young friend, scarcely
protecting my paper from the deluge. Pocketing some of the acorns from the venerable tree,
I hastened back to my lodgings, and at a little past five in the evening departed for Boston.
I passed the night at Springfield, ninety-eight miles west of Boston, and reached the latter
place at one o'clock the next day. The city was enveloped in a cold mist that hung upon
the skirts of the receding storm ; and, too ill to ramble for business or pleasure, even if fine
weather had beckoned me out, I passed the afternoon and evening before a blazing fire at
the Marlborough.
We are now upon the most interesting portion of the classic ground of the Revolution.
Before noting my visit to places of interest in the vicinity, let us view the wide field of his-
toric research here spread out, and study some of the causes which led to the wonderful ef-
fect of dismembering a powerful empire, and founding a republic, more glorious, because more
beneficent, than any that preceded it.
> The following letter, in which Putnam alludes to the fact that he had kept tayem, I copied from the
original in his hand- writing, now in possession of the Connecticut Historical Society :
* Brooklyn, Feb'y 18, 1782.
*' GsifTLXMBif — ^Being an Enemy to Idleness, Dissipation, and Intemperance, I would object against any
measure that may be conducive thereto ; and as the multiplying of public houses where the public good does
not require it has a direct tendency to ruin the morals of the youth, and promote idleness and intemperance
among all ranks of people, especially as the grand object of those candidates for license is money, and where
that is the case, men are not apt to be over-tender of people's morals or purses. The authority of this town,
I think, have run into a great error in approbating an additional number of public houses, especially in this
parish. They have approbated two houses in the center, where there never was custom (I mean traveling
custom) enough for one. The other custom (or domestic), I have been informed, has of Uite years increased,
and the licensing of another house, I fear, would increase it more. As I kept a public house here myself
a number of years before the war, I had an opportunity of knowing, and certainly do know, that the travel-
ing custom is too trifling for a man to lay himself out so as to keep such a house as travelers have a right to
expect ; therefore I hope your honors will consult the good of this parish, so as only to license one of the
two houses. I shall not undertake to say which ought to be licensed ; your honors will act according to
your best information. I am, with esteem, your honors' humble servant,
"Israel Putnam.
" 7b M€ Bon'hh County Court^ to be held at Windham on the 19th intt,"
Digitized by
Google
440 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The May Flower. Riae of the Purltana. Biahopt Hooper and Rogera. Henry VUL Elizabeth. Puritan Bddiieaa
I have just mentioned the May Flower, and the solemn compact for the founding of a
commonwealth, with a government deriving its powers from the consent of a majority of the
governed, which was drawn up and signed in its cabin. That vessel was truly the cradle
of American liberty, rocked by the icy billows of Massachusetts Bay. A glance at antece-
dent events, in which were involved the causes that led to the emigration to America of that
body of Puritans called The Pilgrims, is profitable in tracing the remote springs of our Rev-
olutionary movements in New England, for they contain the germs of our institutions.
Just three hundred years ago, when the exiled Hooper was recalled, and appointed
Bishop of Gloucester, the Puritans had their birth as a distinct and separate religious
body. Henry VIII. quarreled with Pope Julius III. because he would not grant that licen-
tious monarch a divorce from Catharine of Aragon, to allow him to marry the beautiful Anne
Boleyn. Henry professed Protestantism, abolished the pope's authority in England, and as-
sumed to be himself the head of the Church. He retained the title, « Defender of the Faith,"
which the pope had previously bestowed upon him in gratitude for his championship of Rome,
for he had even written a book against Luther. Thus, in seeking the gratification of his own
unhallowed appetites, that monster in wickedness planted the seeds of the English Reforma-
tion. The accession of Edward VT., a son of Henry by Jane Seymour, one of his six wives,
led the way to the firm establishment of Protestantism in England. The purity of life which
the disciples of both Luther and Calvin exhibited won for them the esteem of the virtuous
and good. Yet the followers of these two reformers difi^red materiaUy in the matter of ritu-
als, and somewhat in doctrine. Luther permitted the cross and taper, pictures and images,
as things of indifierence ; Calvin demanded the purest spiritual worship. The reform hav-
ing begun by decided opposition to the ceremonials as well as dogmas of the Papal Church,
Calvin and his friends deemed it essential to the full completion of the .work to make no con-
cessions to papacy, even in non-essential matters. The austere principle- was announced;
and Puritanism, which then had birth, declared that not even a ceremony should be allow-
ed, unless it was enjoined by the Word of Grod. Hooper, imbued with this spirit, refused
for a time to be consecrated in the vestments required by law,^' and the Reformed
Church of England was shaken to its center by conflicting views respecting ceremo-
nials. Churchmen, or the Protestants who adhered to much of the Romish ceremonials,
and the Puritans (first so called in derision) became bitter oppone/its. Dur'ng the reign of
Mary, a violent and bigoted papist, both parties wdre involved in danger. The Pu-
ritans were placed in the greatest peril, because they were most opposed to papacy,
and Hooper and Rogers, both Puritans, were the first martyrs of Protestant England.
Elizabeth, the youngest daughter of Henry VIII., succeeded Mary, and, though she pro-
fessed Protestantism, long endeavored to retain in the Church of England the magnificent
rituals of the Romish Liturgy. She had in her private chapel images, the crucifix, and ta-
pers ; she ofi^red prayers to the Virgin ; insisted upon the celibacy of the clergy ; invoked
the aid of saints, but lefl the doctrine of the real presence in the Eucharist, which some had
been burned for denying, and some for asserting, as a question of national indifiierence. With
such views, Elizabeth regarded the Puritans with little favor, while they, having nothing to
fear from earthly power, valuing, as they did, their lives as nothing in comparison with the
maintenance of their principles, were bold in the annunciation of their views. They claimed
the right to worship according to the dictates of their own consciences, and denied the pre-
rogative of the sovereign to interfere in matters of religious faith and practice. They claim-
ed the free exercise of private judgment in such matters ; and the Puritan preachers also
promulgated the doctrine of civil liberty, that the sovereign was amenable to the tribunal
of public opinion, and ought to conform in practice to the expressed will of the majority of
the people. By degrees their pulpits became the tribunes of the common people, and their
discourses assumed a latitude in discussion and rebuke which alarmed the queen and the
great body of Churchmen, who saw therdn elements of revolution that might overturn the
throne and bury the favored hierarchy in its ruins. On all occasions the Puritan ministers
were the bold asserters of that freedom which the American Revolution established.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 441
Podtioo of EUzabedL Tlia Sepantliti. PeraecotioDa. Pniitaiu in Parliament Jamea L Robinaoo.
Elizabeth had endeavored firmly to seat the national religion midway between the su-
premacy of Rome and the independence of Puritanism. She thus lost the confidence of both,
and also soon learned herself to look upon both as enemies. Roman Catholic princes con-
spired against England, while Puritan divines were sapping the foundations of the royal pre-
rogatives, and questioning the divine right of monarchs to govern. A convocation of the
clergy was held ; the " Thirty-nine Articles," which constitute the rule of faith of the En-
glish Church, were formed, and other methods were adopted, to give stability to the hie-
rarchy ; but nearly nine years elapsed before Parliament confirmed the Articles by act, and
then not without some limitations, which the Puritans regarded as concessions to them.
Rigorous orders for conformity were now issued. The Puritans, thoroughly imbued with
an independent spirit, assumed an air of defiance. Thirty London ministers refused sub-
scription to the Articles, and some talked openly of secession. A separate congregation was
at length actually formed. The government was alarmed, and several of the leading men
and women were imprisoned for a year. Persecution begat zeal, and a party of Independ-
ents, or Separatists, appeared, under a zealous but shallow advocate named Brown. The
great body of the Puritans desired reform, but were unwilling to leave the Church. The
Independents denounced the Church as idolatrous, and false to Christianity and truth. Bit-
ter enmity soon grew up between them, the Puritans reproaching the Separatists with un-
wise precipitancy, and they in return were censured for cowardice and want of faith.
Persecution now began in earnest. A court of high commission was established, for
the detection and punishment of Non-conformists. Its powers were almost as absolute
as those of the Inquisition. Parliament, particularly the House of Commons, in which was
the leaven of Puritanism, disapproved of the commission, and a feeling of general dissatisfac-
tion prevailed. Whitgift, archbishop of Canterbury, a man sincerely, but bigotedly, attach-
ed to the English Reformed Church, was at the head of the hierarchy, and assumed to con-
trol the entire body of the English Church. Conventicles were prohibited, yet, in a
few years, it was asserted in Parliament that twenty thousand persons in England at-
tended conventicles. Some were banished, others imprisoned, a few were hanged. The
Separatists were nearly extinguished, while the more loyal branch of the Puritans still suf-
fered r^ntumely and persecution.
Elizabeth died, and the Puritans hailed the accession of James of Scotland, where in-
dependence of thought and action had taken deepest root, as a favorable event. It was
thought that his education, the restraints from profligacy which the public morals of Scotland
hnposcd, and his apparently sincere attachment to Protestantism, would guaranty to them fair
toleration, if not actual power. But they were in error. He was thirty-six years old when
he ascended the throne, and, in the freedom of self-indulgence which his new position afibrd-
ed, exulted in gluttony, idleness, and licentiousness. Incapable of being a statesman, he
aimed to be thought a scholar, and wrote books which courtiers lauded greatly, while wise
men smiled and pitied. Bacon pronounced him incomparable for learning among kings ; and
Sully of France, who knew his worth, esteemed him ** the wisest fool in Europe." A prof-
ligate dissembler and imbecile coward, he was governed entirely by self-interest, vanity, and
artful men. He loved flattery and personal ease, and he had no fixed principles of conduct
or belief. Such was the man upon whom the Puritans, for a moment, relied for countenance ;
but he had scarcely reached London before his conduct blighted their hopes. « No bishop,
no king," was his favorite maxim ; and in 1 604 he said of the Puritans, <* I will make them
conform, or I will harrie them out. of the land, or else worse ; only hang them, that's all."
During that year three hundred Puritan ministers were silenced, imprisoned, or exiled.
Among the exiled ministers at this period was John Robinson. Eminent for piety and
courage, his congregation was greatly attached to him, and they contrived to have secret
meetings every Sunday. But the pressure of persecution finally determined them to seek an
asylum in Holland, " where, they heard, was freedom of religion for all men." Thither Mr.
Robinson and his little flock, among whom was William Brewster (who afterward became
a ruling elder in the Church), went into voluntary exile in 1608 They landed at Amster-
Digitized by
Google
442 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
CharactBr of the Puritan Pilgrims. Preparations to sail for America. Departure from DelfthaTen. The May Flower
dam, &nd then journeyed to Leyden, feeling that they were but Pilo&ims, with no particu-
lar abiding-place on earth. They were joined by others who fled from persecution in En-
gland, and finally they established a prosperous church at Leyden.
While the Pilgrim Puritans were increasing in strength in Holland, and winning golden
opinions from the Dutch on account of their purity of life and lolly independence of thought,
companies were forming for settling the newly-discovered portions of America, north of the
mouth of the Delaware. Toward the Western World the eyes and hearts of the Pilgrims
were turned, and John Carver and Robert Cushman repaired to England, to obtain
the consent of the Virginia Company to make a distinct settlement in the northern part
of their territory. Sandys, Southampton, and other liberal members of the House of Con»
mens, prevailed upon the king to, wink at their heresy. A patent was granted in 1 6 1 9, and
James promised, not to aid them, but to let them alone. This was all they required of his
majesty. Now another difficulty was to be removed : capital was needed. Several Lon-
don merchants advanced the necessary sums. The famous Captain John Smith oflered his
services, but his religious views did not suit them. His notions were too aristocratic, and he
complained of their democracy*— <x>mplained that they were determined " to be lords and
kings of themselves.'' They were, therefore, led ** to make trial of their own follies." In
1620 the Pilgrims purchased two ships, the Speedwell, of sixty tons, and the May Flower,
of one hundred and eighty tons ; and as many of the congregation at Leyden as could be ac-
commodated in them left Delfthaven for Southampton, England. There they were joined
▲ngtuts, by ft f<3w others, and, with a fair wind, sailed for America. But the captain of
^^ the Speedwell and his company, becoming alarmed, and pretending that the ship
was unseaworthy, put back to Plymouth, and the May Flower, bearing one hundred and
September 6, ^^® ^^^* womeu, and children, the winnowed remnants of the passengers in the
1G20. ij^Q vessels, again spread her sails to an eastern breeze. Their destination was
the country near the Hudson, but adverse winds drove them upon the more northerly and
barren coasts of Massachusetts Bay, after a boisterous voyage of sixty-three days. Land
was espied on the 9th of November, and two days afterward the May Flower was safely
moored in Cape Cod Bay. Before they landed, as we have already noticed, they formed
themselves into a body politic by a solemn voluntary compact. ** In the cabin t)f the May
Flower humanity recovered its rights, and instituted government on the basis of < equal laws'
for the general good." John Carver was chosen governor for the year. Democratic liberty
and independent Christian worship were at once established in America.^
The ocean now lay between the Pilgrims and the persecuting hierarchy, and the land of
promise was before them. Yet perils greater than they had encountered hovered around
that bleak shore, already white with the snow of early winter. But
" They sought not gold nor guilty ease ,
Upon this rock-bound shore —
They left such prizeless toys as these
To minds that loved them more.
They sought to breathe a freer air,
To worship Grod unohain'd ;
They welcomed pain and danger here,
When rights like these were gain'd."
Inspired with such feelings, the Pilgrims prepared to land. The shallop was unshipped,
but it needed great repairs. More than a fortnight was employed by the carpenter in mak-
ing it ready for sea. Standish, Bradford, and others, impatient of the delay, determined to
go ashore and explore the country. They encountered many difficulties, and returned to the
ship. When the shallop was ready, the most bold and enterprising set out upon a cruise
along the shore, to find a suitable place at which to land the whole company. They ex-
plored every bay and inlet, and mad^ some discoveries of buried Lidian com, deserted wig-
^ Baem, Barlow, Hume, Hallam, Bancroft.
Digitized by VjOOQ IC'
OF THE REVOLUTION. 443
Exploration of the Gout Attacked bj IndluM. First Sabbath of tiiePUgriini in New Eogland. Landing on Plymooth Rock.
warns, and an Indian cemetery. The voyage was fruitless of good, and they returned to
the May Flower. Again Carver, Standish, firadford, Winslow, and others, with eight or
ten seamen, launched the shallop in the surf. The day was very cold, and the December 6.
spray froze upon them and their clothes like iron mail. They passed that night ^^^*
at Billingsgate Point, at the hottom of Cape Cod Bay, on the western shore of Wellfleet
Harbor. The company divided next morning, but united at evening, and encamped at
Namskeket, or Great Meadow Creek. The next morning, as they arose from their knees
in the deep snow, when their matin devotions were ended, a flight of arrows and a war-whoop
announced the presence of savages. They were of the Nauset tribe, and regarded the white
people as kidnappers.' But the Indians made no further attacks, and the boat proceeded
along the coast a distance of some forty miles. Suddenly a storm arose. Snow and rain
fell copiously ; the heavy swells snapped the rudder, and with oars alone they guided the
frail shallop. Darkness came on and the storm increased. As much sail as possible was
used to reach the shore ; it was too much ; the mast broke in three pieces, and the fragments,
with the sail, fell overboard. Breakers were just ahead, but, by diligent labor with the oars,
they passed safely through the surf into a smooth harbor, landed, and lighted a fire. At
dawn they discovered that they were upon an island, in a good harbor.' There they passed
the day in drying their clothes, cleaning their arms, and repairing their shallop. Night ap-
proached ; it was the eve of the Christian Sabbath. The storm had ceased, but snow nearly
eighteen inches in depth lay upon the ground. They had no tei^, no shelter but the rock.
Their ship was more than fifteen leagues away, and winter, with all its terrors, had set in.
Every personal consideration demanded haste. But the next day was the Sabbath, and they
resolved to remain upon that bleak island and worship God, in accordance with their faith
and obligations as Christians. In the deep snow they knelt in prayer ; by the cold rock
they read the Scriptures ; upon the keen, wintery air they poured forth their hymns of thanks-
giving and praise. In what bold relief does that single act present the Puritan character *
" And can we deem it strange
That from their planting such a branch should bloom
As nations envy ?
Oh ye who boast
In your free veins the blood of sires like these,
Lose not their lineaments. Should Mammon oling
Too close arouid yoor heart, or wealth beget
That bloated luxury which eats the core
From manly virtue, or the tempting world
Make faint the Christian's purpose in your soul,
Turn ye to Plymouth's beach, and on that rock
Kneel in their footprints, and renew the vow
They breathed to God."
Mas. SlGOUENIT.
On Monday morning the exploring party pushed through the surf, and landed December ss;
upon a rock on the main.' The neighborhood seemed inviting for a settlement, ^^^*
and in a few days the May Flower was brought around and moored in the harbor. The
whole company landed near where the explorers stepped ashore : the spot was called New
* The Indians of Cape Cod and the vicinity had experienced the treachery of the whites, for it must be
remembered that the Pilgrims were not the discoverers of that region. Both French and English ships bad
visited the coast. Six years before the Unding of the Pilgrims, an Englishman named Hunt had inveigled
several Indians on board a ship, and carried them to England.
* This island, within the entrance of Plymouth Harbor, has been called Clarke's Island ever since. It
was so named from Clarke, the first man who stepped ashore from the shallop. The oove in which they
were in such danger lies between the Gurnet Head and Saguish Point, at the entrance of Plymouth Bay. —
Moore, i., 35. The May Flower afterward made two voyages fhmi England to America, bearing Emigrants.
* A portion of this rook was conveyed to a square in the center of ^ town of Plymouth in 1774, where
H still remains, and is known as The Forefathert^ Rock.
Digitized by
Google
444 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ponnding of Plymouth. Deititntion and SickiieM. Death of Ctrrer. Election of Bradford. Defiance of tiie Indiana
Plymouth, in memory of the hospitalities which they had received at Plymouth, in England,
and in a few days they commenced the erection of dwellings. The exposure of the explor-
ers, and of others who had reached the shore by wading, had brought on disease, and nearly
one half of the company were sick when the first blow of the ax was struck in the primeval
forest. Faith and hopo nerved the arms of the healthy, and they began to build. *< This
was the origin of New England ; it was the planting of the New England institutions. In
quisitive historians have loved to mark every vestige of the Pilgrims ; poets of the purest
minds have commemorated their virtues ; the noblest genius has been called into exercise to
display their merits worthily, and to trace the consequences of their daring enterprise.'*^
The winter that succeeded the landing of the Pilgrims was terrible for the settlers. Many
were sick with colds and consumptions, and want and exposure rapidly reduced the numbers
of the colony. Governor Carver's son died soon after landing, and himself and his wife pass-
ed into the grave the next spring.' William Bradford was elected to fill his place. The
living were scarcely able to bury the dead, and at one time there were only seven men capa-
ble of rendering any assistance. Forty-six of the one hundred died before April, yet not a
murmur against Providence was heard.
The colonists had been apprehensive of an attack firom the Indians, but not one approach-
ed the settlement until March, when a chief named Samoset boldly entered the rude town,
exclaiming, in broken English, which he had learned from fishermen on the coast of Maine,
« Welcome, Englishmen ! .welcome, Englishmen !'* He gave them much information, and
told them of a pestilence that had swept off the inhabitants a few years before. This ac-
counted for the deserted wigwams seen by the explorers. Samoset soon afterward visited
the colony with Squanto, a chief who had been carried away by Hunt in 1 614 ; and in April
Massasoit, the chief of the Wampanoags, was induced to make the English a friendly visit
Treaties of amity were made, and, until the breaking out of King Philip's war, fifly years
afUrward, were kept inviolate. But Canonicus, a powerful chief of the Narragansets, who
lived on the west side of the Narraganset Bay, regarded the English as intruders, and sent
to them the ominous token of hostility, a bundle of arrows wrapped in a rattle-snake's skin.
Grovemor Bradford' at once sent the skin back to Canonicus, filled with powder and shot.
The chief understood the symbol, and, afiraid of the deadly weapont in which such materials
were used, sent them back ; the Na/ragansets were awed into submission. Massasoit, who
lived at Warren, Rhode Island, remained the fast friend of the English, and his sons, Alex-
ander and Philip (the celebrated King Philip), kept the bond of friendship unbroken until
1675.
After many difiioulties, and receiving some abcessions from immigration, the settlers pnr-
^ Bancroft, !., 3 13.
* John Carver was among the English emigrants to Loyden. He was chosen the first governor of the
colony^ by a majority of the forty-one male adults that sailed in the May Flower. There were twelve other
candidates for the honor. On the 23d of March, 1621, a few laws were enacted, and Carver was regularly
inaugurated governor of the new colony. He was taken snddenly ill in the fields, while laboring, on the 3d
of April. A violent pain in his head ensued, and in a few hours he was deprived of the use of his senses.
He lived but a few days, and his wife, overcome by grief, followed him to the grave in about six weeks. He
was buried with all the honors the people could bestow. His broad-sword is preserved in the cabinet of
the Massachusetts Historical Society.
* William Bradford, the second Governor of Plymouth Colony, was bom at Ansterfield, in the north of En-
gland, in 1588. The first Puritan principles were instilled into his young mind by a minister named Rich-
ard Clifton, and when he was of legal age he was denounced as a Separatist. He followed Mr. Robinson to
Holland, and came to America in the May Flower. While he was absent, with others, searching for a spot
on which to land, his wife fell into the sea and was drovhied. He was appointed governor on the dtoth of
Carver, being then only thirty-three years of age. His energy was of great value to the colony, and so much
was he esteemed, that he was annually elected governor as long as he lived, except occasionally, when, " by
importuning, he got ofij'' as Winslow says, and another took his place pro tempore. His idea of public of-
fice was, " that if it was of any honor or benefit, others besides himself stK>uld enjoy it ; if it was a burden, oth-
ers besides himself should help him to bear it." Present politicians consider such doctrine a " barbarous
relic." Governor Bradford died in May, 1 657, having served the colony as chief magistrate twenty-five
years of the thirty of his residence in America.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
445
' Condition of the Colony. Farther Emigration from England. Winalow. StandisL. Settlement of Weymouth. Shawmut.
chased the rights of the London merchants who had aided them with funds, for nine thou-
sand dollars, and the colony thus severed the last link of pecuniary interest that bound it to
Old England, beyond the claims of commercial transactions. There was one drawback upon
their prosperity — ^the non-existence of private property. There was a community of interest
in all the land and its products. Thence arose, on the part of some, an unwillingness to la-
bor, and of others the discontent which the industrious feel while viewing the idleness of the
lazy, for whose benefit they are toiling. It was now found necessary to enter into an agree-
ment that each family should plant for itself, and an acre of land was accordingly assigned
to each person in fee. Under this stimulus, the production of com became so great that
from buyers the colonists became sellers to the Indians.'
Civil government being fully established to the satisfaction of all, and news of the fertility
of the soil and the beauty of the climate having reached England, in the following autumn
other adventurers prepared to come to America. In
the mean while Edward Winslow, one of the most ac-
complished of the colonists, made a journey to the resi-
dence of Massasoit to strengthen the friendship that ex-
isted, by presents, and by amicable agreements respect-
ing future settlers that might come from England.'
The visit was fruitful of good results. Soon afterward
Captain Standish' marched against the village of Cor-
bitant, one of Massasoit's sachems, who held an inter-
preter in custody, and threatened the tribe with destruc-
tion. The whole country was alarmed at this move-
ment, and on the 1 3 th of September, 1621, ninety petty
sachems came to Plymouth and signed a paper acknowl-
edging themselves loyal subjects of King James.
New settlers now began to arrive, and new explora-
tions of the coast were made. Sixty adventurers from London, under the auspices of a mer-
chant named Weston, began a plantation in the autumn of 1622, at Weymouth, twelve
miles southeast from the present city of Boston, and the whole coast of Massachusetts Bay
was explored. They discovered a spacious harbor, studded with islands, and inclosing a pen-
insula remarkable for three hills, called by the natives Shawmut (sweet water). This wai
the harbor and site of the city of Boston.^
Thk old CoLoifT Sbal.
« Hildreth, i., 171.
* Edward Winslow was bom in Woroestershire, England, in 1594. While traveling on the Continent, he
became acquainted with Mr. Robinson at Leyden, joined his congregation, sailed to America in the May
Flower, and was one of the party that first landed on Plymouth Rock. He made Massasoit a second visit,
and found the sachem very sick, but by means of medicine restored him to health. Grateful for his services,,
the chief revealed to Winslow a plot of some savages to destroy a small English settlement at Weymouth.
Winslow went to England that fall, and in the spring brought over the first cattle introduced into the colony.
He was appointed governor in 1633. He was very active in the colony, and made several voyages to En-
gland in its behalf. In 1 655 he was appointed one of the commissioners to superintend the expedition against
the Spaniards in the West Indies. He died of fever on his passage, between Jamaica and Hispaniola, May
8th, 1655, aged sixty years. His body was oast into the ocean.
* Miles Standish is caUed the " Hero of New England." He served for some time in the English army
in the Netherlands, and settled with Robinson's congregation at Loyden. He was not a member of the
Church — " never entered the school of Christ, or of John the Baptist." He came to America in the Ma^
Flower, and was appointed military commander-in-chief at Plymouth. Hb bold enterprises spread terror
among the Indians, and secured peace to the colony. In aUusion to his exploit in killing Peoksuot, a bold
chief, with his own hand, Mr. Robinson wrote to the governor, " O that you had converted some before you
killed any 1" Standish was one of the magistrates of the colony as long as he lived. He died at Duxbury
in 1 656, aged about seventy-two years.
* The Peninsula of ShatomiU included between six and seven hundred acres of land sparsely covered by
trees, and nearly divided by two creeks into three islands when the creeks were filled by the tides. From
the circumstance of the three hiUs, the English called the peninsula Tri-mountain, the modem Tremont.
These three eminences have since been named Copp's, Fort, and Beacon Hills. The name of Tri-mountain
Digitized by
Google
446
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK.
SettlemeDt of Endieott md otben at Salem. ArriTil oTWinthrop. Founding of Boston. Progreas of free PrinciplM
In 1628 a company, under John Endioott, settled at Salem (Na-nm-keag), and were join-
ed by a few emigranu at Cape Ann, sixteen miles northward. They received a charter from
the king, and were
incorporated by the
name of the "Govern-
or and Company of the
Massachusetts Bay in
New England." In
1 630 about three hun-
dred Puritan families,
under John Winthrop,
arrived, and joined the
Massachusetts Bay col-
ony. They established
themselves at Dorches-
ter, Roxbury, Water-
town, and Cambridge.
A spring of pure and
wholesome water in-
duced some families,
among whom was Mr.
Winthrop, to settle up-
on Shawmnt. Win-
throp was the chosen
Grovemor of the colony
of Massachusetts Bay ;
the whole government,
including Plymouth,
was removed to the new settlement, and thenceforth Boston became the metropolis of New
England.
I have thus traced, with almost chronological brevity, the rise of the Puritans in England,
their emigration to America, and the progress of settlement, to the founding of Boston in 1 630.
It is not within the scope of this work to give a colonial history of New England in all its
important details, and only so much of it will be developed as is necessary to present the links
of coimection between the early history and the story of our Revolution. That Revolution,
being a conflict of principle^ had its origin more remote even than the planting of the New
England colonies. The seed germinated when the sun of the Reformation warmed the cold
soil of society in Europe, over which the clouds of ignorance had so long brooded ; and its
blossoms were unfolded when the Puritans of England and the Huguenots of France boldly
asserted, in the presence of kingly power, the grand postulate of freedom — ^the social and
POLITICAL EQUALITY OF THE RACE. Thesc two sectiobs of independent thinkers brought the
vigorous plant to America — ^the Puritans to New England, the Huguenots to the Carolinas.
The Covenanters of Scotland, and other dissenting communities, watered it during the reigns
of the Charleses and the bigot James II. ; and when the tactics of British oppression had
changed from religious persecution to commercial and political tyranny, it had grown a sturdy
tree, firmly rooted in a genial soil, and overshadowing a prosperous people with its beautiful
foliage. The fruit of that tree was the American Revolution — ^the fruit which still forms
the nutriment that gives life and vigor to our free institutions.
was changed to Boston, as a compliment to the Rev. John Cotton, who emigrated from Boston, in Lincoln-
shire, England.
^ This is a fac-simile of a map of Boston Harbor and adjacent settlements in 1667, and is believed to be
a specimen of the first engraving executed in America. Instead of the top of the map being north, accord-
ing to the present method of drawing maps, the right hand of this is north.
Anczbmt Map of Habsacuusstts Bat.^
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 447
The Puritan character. Witchcraft EngUah Laws on the Subject. The Deluaion in New England. EiSecto of the Deludon.
" The Pilgrim tpirit has not fled ;
It walks in noon's broad light,
And it watches the bed of the glorious dead,
With their holy stars, by night.
It watohes the bed of the brave who have bled,
And shall guard the ice-bound shore.
Till the waves of the bay, where the May Flower lay,
Shall foam and freeze no more."
PiKRPONT.
The persecutions of the Quakers, the proceedings against persons accused of witchcraft,*
the disfranchisement of those who were not church members, and many other enactments in
their civil code, considered alone, mark the Puritan as bigoted, superstitious, intolerant, un-
lovely in every, aspect, and practically evincing a spirit like that of Governor Dudley, ex-
pressed in some lines found in his pocket after his death.
" Let men of God in courts and churches watch
O'er such as do a toleration hatch,
Lest that ill egg bring forth a cooatrice,
To poison all with heresy and vice.
If men be left, and otherwise combine,
My epitaph's, 'I died no libertine 1'
i»"
But when a broad survey is taken of the Puritan character, these things appear as mere
blemishes — spots upon the sun — insects in the otherwise pure amber In religion and mo-
rality they were sincerely devoted to right — " New England was the colony of conscience."*
Their worship was spiritual, their religious observances were few 'and simple. To them the
^ A belief in witchcraft, or the direct agency of evil spirits through human instrumentality, was prevalent
among all classes of Europe toward the close of the seventeenth century, and this superstition had a strong
hold upon the metaph3rsical Puritans in America. A statute, enacted in the reign of Henry YIII., made it
a capital offense for a person to practice the arts of witchcraft. The first James was a firm believer m
witchcraft, and sanctioned some severe laws against its practitioners. Pretenders, called Witch-detectors,
arose, and, daring the commonwealth, traveled from county to county, in England, making accusations, in
consequence of which many persons suffered death. The " Fundamentals" of Massachusetts contained a
capital law against such offenses, founded upon the Scripture injunction, ** Thou shalt not suffer a witch to
live." — ^Exodus, xxii., 18. Increase Mather, father of the celebrated Cotton Mather, in a work called " Re-
markable Providences," enumerated idl the supposed cases of witchcraft that had occurred in New England.
The high standing of the author turned public attention to the subject, and it was not long before a real
witch was discovered in the person of an old woman at Newbury, whose house was alleged to be haunted.
This was in 1686, and from that time until 1693, when King William's veto on the Witchcraft Act prevented
any further trials, and all accused persons were released, the colonies were greatly agitated. Chief-justice
Hale had given the weight of his opinion in England in favor of the delusion, and the Mathers, father and
son, of Boston, eminent lor their piety and learning, had written, and preached, and talked, and acted much
under the belief in the reality of witchcraft. Cotton Mather published a book in 1692, called the " Won-
ders of the Invisible World," giving a full account of all the cases and trials, and stimulating the authorities
to further proceedings. The delusion was now at its height, and no class of society was exempt from sus-
picion. The wife of Hale, minister of Beverly, was accused, at the very time when be was most active
against others, and ahnost every ill-favored old woman was regarded as a servant of the devil. A son of
Governor Bradstreet was accused, and had to flee for his life ; and even Lady Phipps, the wife of the Ad-
miral Sir WUliam, the newly-appointed Grovemor of Massachusetts, was suspected. When ro3ral authority
broke the spell, practical witchcraft ceased to act, and the people of Massachusetts recovered their senses.
Mather, in his " Magnalia," confessed that things were carried a little too far in Salem, but never positively
renounced bis belief in the reality of witchcraft. His credulity had been thoroughly exposed by a writer
named Calef, who addressed a series of letters to the Boston ministers on the subject. At first Ma&er sneer-
ed at him as a " weaver who pretended to be a merchant }" but Calef laid his truths and sarcasms so strong-
ly over the shoulders of Ikf ather, that the latter called him a " coal from hell," to blacken his character, and
afterward commenced a prosecution against him for slander.
The mischief wrought by this delusion was wide-spread and terrible. Society was paraljrzed with alarm ;
evil spirits were thought to overshadow the land ; every nervous influence, even every ordinary symptom of
disease, was ascribed to demoniac power. When the royal veto arrived, twenty persons had been executed,
among whom was a minister of Danvers named George Burroughs ; fifty-five haid been tortured or terrified
into a confession of witchcraft, one hundred and fifty were in prison, and two hundred more had been accused.
' John Quincy Adams.
Digitized by
Google
448 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Rallgioiu Chancier of the PoritanB. MildneM of their Laws. The repretentatiTe Syttem. Infiax of Inunigmti
elements remained but wine and bread ; tbey invoked no saints ; they raised no altar ; they
adored no cruoifix ; they kissed no book ; they asked no absolution ; they paid no tithes ;
they saw in the priest nothing more than a man ; ordination was no more than an approba-
tion of the officers, which might be expressed by the brethren as well as by the ministers ;
the church, as a place of worship, was to them but a meeting-house ; they dug no grave in
consecrated earth ; unlike their posterity, they married without a minister, and buried their
dead without a prayer. Witchcraft had not been made the subject of skeptical considera-
tion, and, in the years in which- Scotland sacrificed hecatombs to the delusion, there were
but three victims in New England.
Rigorous in their moral and religious code, the Puritans were mild in their legislation upon
other subjects. For many crimes the death penalty was abolished, and the punishment for
theft, burglary, and highway robbery was more mild than our laws inflict. , Divorce from
bed and board was recognized by their laws as a barely possible event, but, during the first
fifty years after the founding of New England, no record of such an occurrence is given.'
Adultery was punished by death, the wife and paramour both sufl^ring for the crime ; while
the girl whom youth and afiection betrayed was censured, but pitied and forgiven, and the
seducer was compelled to marry his victim. Domestic discipline was highly valued, and the
undutiful child and faithless parent were alike punished. Honest men were not imprisoned
for debt until 1654 ; cruelty to animals was a civil ofiense, punishable by fine. The people,
united in endurance of hardships during the first years of settlement, were equally united
when prosperity blessed them. They were rich in afiection for one another, and all around
them were objects of love. Their land had become a paradise of beauty and repose, and,
even when the fires of persecution went out in England, none could be tempted to return
thither, for they had found a better heritage. Their morals were pure, and an old writer
said, "As Ireland will not brook venomous beasts, so will not that land vile livers." Drunk-
enness was almost unknown, and universal health prevailed. The average duration of life
in New England, as compared with Europe, was doubled, and no less than four in nineteen
of all that were bom attained the age of seventy years. Many lived beyond the age of nine-
ty, and a man one hundred years old when our Revolution broke out was not considered a
wonder of longevity.
Such were the people who fostered the living principles of our independence — ^the parents
of nearly one third of the present white population of the United States. Within the first
fifteen years— and there was never afterward any considerable increase from England — ^there
came over twenty-one thousand two hundred souls. Their descendants are now not far from
four millions. Each family has multiplied, on the average, to one thousand souls. To New
York and Ohio, where they constitute half the population, they have carried the Puritan sys-
tem of free schools, and their example is spreading it throughout the civilized world.'
In 1634 the colony had become so populous that it was found inconvenient for all the firee-
men to assemble in one place to transact business. By the general consent of the towns, the
representative system was introduced, and to twenty-four representatives was delegated the
power granted to the whole body of fireemen by charter. The appellation of general court
was also applied to the representatives. It was about this time that Hugh Peters, afterward
Cromweirs secretary, and Henry Vane, afterward Sir Henry Vane, who was made governor,
came to the colony, with a great number of immigrants. It was about this time, also, that
Roger Williams occasioned disturbances, and was banished. These circumstances will be
noticed hereafter.
In 1637 the Pequot war ensued ; and about 1640, persecutions having ceased in England,
emigration to the colonies also ceased. The Confederation was efieoted in 1643. From
that time the permanent prosperity of the colonies may be dated.' Their commerce, which
^ Trumbull's HUtory of Connecticut^ i., 283 ; Bancroft's United States^ i., 465.
* Bancroft, i., 467-8.
' Captain Edward Johnson, in his *' Wonder-working Providence of Zion's Savior in New England,'' writ-
ing in 1 650, seven years after the union, says, *' Good white and wheaten bread is no dainty, but eveiy ordinary
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 449
1Y»de of the Colony. FIrat coined Monej. Marriage of the Mlntmatter't Daughter. The Quakera' Condnct and Prndahment
first extended only to the Indians, and to traffic among themselves, expanded, and consider
able trade was carried on with the West Indies. Through this trade bullion was brought
into New England, and " it was thought necessary, to
prevent fraud in money,*' to establish a mint for co^Mng
shillings, sixpences, and threepences. On the first coins
the only inscription on one side was N. E., and on the oth-
er, XII., VI., or III. In October, 1 65 1 , the court order-
ed that all pieces of money should have a double ring, with
the inscription Massachxjsetts, and a tree in the center, on
one side, and New England, and the year of our Lord, on '^ "Pin.™* smLLiNa.-i
the other. The first money was coined in 1 652, and the date was not altered for thirty years.
In the year 1656 a few fanatics in religion, calling themselves Quakers, began to disturb
the public peace, revile magistrates, and interfere with the public worship of the people.
They assumed the name and garb of Quakers, but had no more the spirit and consistency of
life of that pure sect than any monomaniac that might declare himself such. The Quakers
have ever been regarded, from their first appearance, as the most order-loving, peaceful citi-
zens, cultivating genuine practical piety among themselves, and, with few exceptions, never
interfering with the faith and practice of others, except by the reasonable efibrts of persua-
sion. Quite difilerent was the character of some of those who suflered from the persecution
of the Puritans. They openly and in harsh language reviled the authorities in Church and
State ; entered houses of worship, and denounced the whole congregation as hypocrites and
an « abomination to the Lord," very much after the fashion of the wall-placarding and itin-
erant prophets of our day ; and shocked public morals by their indecencies.' They were
man hath his ohoioe, if gay clothing aod a liquoiiBh tooth after sack, sugar, and plains lick not away his bread
tiK) fast, all which are but ordinary among Uiose that were not able to bring their own person over at their
first coming. There are not many towns in the country bat the poorest person in them hath a house and
land of his own, and bread of his own growing, if not some cattle. Flesh is now no rare food, beef, pork,
aod mutton being frequent in many houses ; so that this poor wilderness hath not only equalized England
in food, but goes beyond it in some places for the great plenty of wine and sugar which is ordinarily used,
aod apples, pears, and quince tarts, instead of their former pumpkin pies. Poultry they have plenty." At
that time thirty-two trades were carried on in the colony, and shoes were manufactured for exportation.
' This is a fao-simile of the first money coined in America. The mint-master, who was allowed to take
fifteen pence out of every twenty shillings, for his trouble in coining, made a large fortune by it. Henry
Sewall, the founder of Newbury, in Massachusetts, married his only daughter, a plump girl of eighteen
years. When the wedding ceremony was ended, a large pair of scales was brought out and suspended. In
one disk the blushing bride was placed, and " pine tree shillings," as the coin was called, were poured into
the other until there was an equipoise. The money was then handed to Mr. Sewall as his wife^s dowry,
amounting to a handsome sum in those dajrs. There are a few pieces of this money still in ezist-
enoe. One which I saw in the possession of a gentleman m New York was not as much worn as many of
the Spanish quarters now in circulation among us. The silver appeared to be very pure.
' Hutchinson mentions many instances of fanaticism on the part of the so-called Quakers. Some at Sa-
lem, Hampton, Newbury, and other places, went into the meeting-houses in time of worship, called the min-
isters vile hirelings, and the people an abomination. Thomas Newhouse went into the meeting-house at
Boston with two glass bottles, and, breaking them in the presence of the whole congregation, exclaimed,
^' Thus will the Lord break you in pieces." Mary Brewstejr went into meeting, having her face smeared
with soot and grease ; anollier young married woman, Deborah Wilson, went through the streets of Sa-
lem perfectly naked, in emulation of 3ie Prophet Ezekiel, as a sign of die nakedness of the land. They
were whipped through the streets at the tail of a cart. Ann Hartley declared herself a prophetess, and had
many followers who seceded from the congregation of Boston, and xealously propagated schism. A Quaker
woman entered a church in Boston, while the congregation were worshiping, clothed in sackcloth, with ashes
on her head, her feet bare, and her face blacken^l so as to personify small-pox, the punishment with which
she threatened the colony. — See Hutchinson^s Hittary of Mcutachutettij i., 202^.
Whipping was the usual punishment Marmaduke Stephenson, William Robinson, Maiy Dyer, and Will
iam Leddra were hanged. Mary Dyer was publicly whipped through the streets of Boston. Dorothy Waugb
was three times imprisoned, three times banished, and once whipped, and her clothes sold. William Brand
was four times imprisoned, four times banished, tvrice whipped, and branded, v John Copeland was seven
times imprisoned, seven times banished, three times whipped, and had his ears out ofi*. Christopher Holden
was five times banished, five times imprisoned, twice wtupped, and had his ears cut off. These four were
the leading characters who suffered in one year. — New England 9 Entigne^ p. 105.
Fp
Digitized by
Google
450 PICTORIAL F1£LD.B00K
Origin of tiieQMkMPi. Thdr Pwalteritiai. BaffBriofi la America of tlu)MeaI]liigtli«nMelvMQuak^
fint tenderty dealt i¥ith and kiadlj admoniihed. Penalties ensued, and life was finally tak-
en, before some o£ them would oease interference with the pqpular ceremonials of rehgion.
The exeroiie of power to maintain subordination finally grew to persecution, and the benevo-
lent Puritan became, almost from nece«oity, a persecutor. Enactments for the preservation
of good order were necessary, but the sanguinary laws against particular doctrines and tenets
can not be defended.
The Quaker sect sprang up in England about 1650, under Greorge Fox, and received their
name from the peculiar shaking or quaking of their bodies and limbs while preaching. They
went further than the straitest Puritans in disregarding human authority when opposed to
the teachings of the Bible, yet they w^re allowed full liberty of action during the protector^
ate of Oliver Cromwell. They denounced war, penecution fi>r religious q[Mnions, and, above
all, the slavish idolatry demanded by rulers in Church and State of those under their control.
They condemned all inrdained and paid priesthoods, refused to take oaths, and thus struck a
direct blow at the hierarchy. They difilered firom the Puritans in many tilings, and became
noxious to them. They derived their sjrstem of morals and poHtios chi^y ficom the New
Testament, while the Puritans took theirs firom the more sanguinary and intolerant codes of
the old disp^isation. Laying aride the falsehoods of politeness and flattery, they renounced
all titles, addressed all men, high or low, by the plain title of Friend, used the expressions
yea and nay, and thee and thou ; and offices of kindness and afiection to their fellow-creat-
ures, according to the injunction of the Apostle James, constituted their practical religion.
** The Quakers might be regarded as representing that branch of the primitive Christians
who esteemed Christianity an entirely new dispensation, world-wide in its oli^'ects ; while the
Puritans represented those Judaizing Christians who could not get rid of the idea of a pecul-
iar chosen people, to wit, themselves.'"
The English Puritans had warned their brethren in America against these " children of
hell," and the first appearance in the colony of Mary Fisher and Ann Austin, who came
firom Barbadoes, and professed the new doctrine, greatly alarmed the New England theocracy.
A special law was enacted, l^ which to bring a ** known Quaker" into the cobny viras pun-
ishable with a fine of five hundred dollars, and the exaction of bonds to carry him back again.
The Quaker himself was to be whipped twenty stripes, sent to the House of Correction, and
kept there until transported. The introduction of Quaker books was prohibited ; defending
Quaker opinions was punishable with fine, and finally banishment ; and in 1657 it was en-
acted that for every hour's entertainment given to a Quaker the entertainer should pay forty
shillings. It was also enacted that every male Quaker should lose an ear on the first con-
viction, and the other on a second ; and both males and females, on a third conviction, were
to have their tongues bored through with a red-hot iron. In 1658 the death penalty was
enacted. Under it those who should return to the colony a second time, afler banishment,
were to sufier death. From unwillingness to inflict death, it was provided by a new law,
in 1658, that any person convicted of being a Quaker should be ddivered to the constable
of the town, *< to be stripped naked firom the middle upward, and tied to a cart's tail, and
whipped through the town, and thence be immediately conveyed to the constable of the next
town toward the border of our jurisdiction, and so firom constable to constable, to any the out-
ermost town, and so to be whipped out of the colony. ' In case of return, this was to be
tvdce repeated. The fourth time the convict was to be branded with a letter K on the left
shoulder, and afler that, if incorrigible, to incur the death penalty. Chiefly through the in-
strumentality of King William, these penal laws against the Quakers were abrogated by royal
authority, and that sect became an important element in American society during the eight-
eenth century. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as we shall hereafter see, the Quakers
had a strong controlling influence during the Revolution.
In 1675 King Philip's war commenced, and almost all the Indians in New England were
involved in it. This will be noticed when we are considering my visit to the neighborhood
1 HUdreth, i., 404.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OP THE REVOLUTION.
451
Antral of AadroM. Bit BaitortfoiM. •Barotatioa in Kugteiid. GoTWBBiantofMMnehaMtti. HotliUllM with the FreMh.
!^
of Mount Hope, the residence of the great sachem. Upon the heeb of this war, when the
colonies were much distressed, the ministers of the second James conspired, aam^e have seen,
to destroy popular government in America, and consolidate p6wer in tiie throne. A decidon
was procured in the High Conrt of Chancery, declaring the American charters forfeited, he-
cause of the alleged exercise of powers, on the part of the colonial governments, not recog^
nized by those charters. Sir Edmund Andross, who came with the title of governor gen
end, and empowered to take away their charters from the colonists, made Boston his
head-quarters. He came with the fair mask of kindness, which was soon cast oE Fees
of all officers were increased ; public thanksgivings without royal permission were forbidden ,
the press was restrained ; land titles were abrogated, and the people were obliged to petition
for new patents, sometimes at great expense ; and in various ways Andross and others man
aged to enrich themselves by oppressing and knpoverishing the inhabitants. The free spirit
of Now England was aroused, and the people became very restive
under the tyrant. Secret meetings were held, in which the propriety
of open resistance was discussed ; but before the people of Boston, aft
erward so famous for their bold opposition to imperial power, lifted the
arm of defiance, the news came that James was an exile, and
that William and Mary were firmly seated on the throne of En-
gland. Boston was in great commotion. People flocked in firom the
country, and cries of *' Down with all tyrants*' were mingled with the
notes of joy rung out by the church-bells. Andross, alarmed, fled to
the fort,' but was soon arrested, imprisoned, and, as already no-
ticed, sent home for trial. A new charter was received in 1 6 92,
when the territories of Plymouth, Maine, and Nova Scotia were add-
ed to Massachusetts. By that charter the governor was appointed
by the crown, and a property qualification was necessary to procure
the privilege of the elective franchise in choosing the members of the
General Court or Assembly. Such was the government that existed
when the Revolution broke ont.
About this time the French, who had settled upon the St. Law-
rence, began to excite the Northern and Eastern Indians against the
English settlements in New England. Dover and Salmon Falls in
New Hampshire, Casco in Maine, and Schenectady in New York
were desolated. The colony fitted out a force, under Greneral Win-
throp, to attack Montreal, and a fleet, under Sir William Phipps, to.
besiege Quebec. The expedition was a failure, and for seven years,
until the treaty of peace between France and England was concluded,
the frontier was scourged by savage cruelties. During this time
military operations exhausted the treasury of Massachusetts, and
the government emitted bills of credit, the first paper money issued in the American colonies.
From the beginning of the eighteenth century until the treaty of Paris, or, rather, of Foh
tainbleau, in 1763, the New England colonies were continually agitated by successive wars
ThxBiacon.
' The first fort was npoo one of the three eminences in Boston, called Comhill, from the oiroumstanoe
that the first explorers foond com buried there. The fort vas completed in 1634. It had complete com*
maud of the harbor. It ib now a green plat, two hondred feet in diameter, and called Washington Plaoe
The eminence is called Fort Hill.
Another of the eminences is called Beacon Hill, from. the ciremnstanoe that on the top of it was a beacoa
pole, with a tar barrel at its apex, erected in 1635, which was to be fired, to give an alarm in the ooontry,
if Boston should be attacked by savages. Upon a crane was suspended a basket containing some oombosti-
blet for firing the barrel. This beacon was blown down in 1789, and the next year a pbin Doric oolnmn
of brick and stone, incrosted with cement, was erected. It was aboat sixty feet high, on an eight feet ped-
estal. On the tablets of the pedestal were inscriptions commemorating the most important events firom the
passage of the Stamp Act until 1790. This pedestal is preserved in the State Hoose of Boston. The mon-
ument stood a little north of the site of the present State House. A view of the old beacon is given above.
Digitized by
Google
452
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
FlmAmerietB Paper money. ProweM of CoUmlal Troopt. Tbe Frweh nd Indba War. The Bevotetkiovy Era
with the French and Indians, by jealonries oonoerning colonial rights, which acts of Parlia-
ment from time to time seemed to menace with snbyersioa; and by the discontents arising
TEff5 Irulcut«L Baiof ll/cmtr -^
SKvilXAV Ovr due. fronx iKe Maflaxiuifctr^
Colon/ to tK&I?)IIeiror Uiall l e-prt value^^
eqiialto rn.c3ney 8tlkalltft-accarcLvTtgly'/3
icc©t)ted.ty tkcTreaGrrcr an^aK.eceiycTJ'
liib 0 r itnatc to kvat iactallPub.lick p ay ta :
djTKASor aiy ^toek'at aAtyti/nrvcs i/rutKcO?®
Trealttry, BoJtoa.ttUv New^E ngla/ftdU
fetruary ^ctKireUl<^Oc^By Ordterof
tKe^ (f e/ne«'al GyOi\/rt-Tx>&&
omitce
FAO>8mii.B or ths rxsrr AmBzcAif Fapeb Monxy.
from the avarice and misrule of royal governors sent over from England. For the wars they
ibmished full supplies of men and money, and it was chiefly by the prowess of colonial troopr
that French dominion in America was destroyed. During these wars the colonists discover-
ed their own strength, and, doubtless, thoughts of independence oflen occupied the minds of
many. The capture of Louisburg, the operations in Northern New York and upon Lake
Ontario and the St. Lawrence, and the final passage of Quebec and Montreal into the hands
of the English, have been noticed in former chapters. The campaign against the French
posts on the Ohio and vicinity, when Washington first became distinguished as a military
leader, will receive our attention hereafter.
We have now reached the borders of our Revolutionary era, and Boston, our point of
view, where the first bold voice was heard and the first resolute arm uplifled against meas-
ures of the British Parliament that tended to abridge the liberties of the colonists, is a proper
place whence to take a general survey of events immediately antecedent to, and connected
with, that successful and righteous rebellion.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE RE\rOLUTION. 453
Flnt SiBp toward Abaolntiflin. Democntio Colonies. Board of Trade. Courts of Vtee^mlralty. Gominerdal Bestricttoos.
We have already obeenred, that after tl^ expulsion of Andross a new charter was
abtained by Massachusetts, but the governor thereafter was appointed by the crown.
This was the first link forged for the chain of absolutism with which England for nearly a
century endeavored to enslave her American colonies. Such was the condition of all the
colonies, except Connecticut and Rhode Island, whose original charters had never been sur^
rendered. The other chartered communities were governed by men appointed by the king,
but Connecticut and Rhode Island alwa3rs enjoyed the democratic privilege of electing their
own chief magistrates. These royal governors, by their exactions and their haughty disre-
gard of public opinion in America, were greatly instrumental, it will be seen, in arousing
the people to rebellion. Discontents, however, arising from an interference of the imperial
government with the commerce of the colonies, had aheaidy begun to excite suspicions unfa-
vorable to the integrity of the home government.
Among the first acts of Parliament, after the restoration of Charles II. in 1660, was the
establishment of a board of commissioners, to have the general supervision of the commerce
of the American colonies. This commission was afterward remodeled, and the Board
of Trade and Plantations, consisting of a president and seven members, known as
Lords of Trade, was established. This board had the general oversight of the commerce
of the realm ; and, although its powers were subsequently somewhat curtailed, it exercised
great influence, particularly in America, down to the time of the Revolution, and was the
strong right arm of royalty here. It was the legalized spy upon all the movements of the
people ; it watched the operations of the colonial assemblies ; and in every conceivable way
it upheld the royal governors and the royal prerogatives. Under its auspices courts of vice-
admiralty were established throughout the colonies, having powers similar to those of oui
United States District Courts, in which admiralty and revenue cases were tried without jury.
These often exercised intolerable tyranny.
Previous to the establishment of the first commission, the acts of trade had so little
aflected the colonists that they were hardly a subject of controversy ; but after the Res-
toration, the commercial restrictions, firom which the New England colonies were exempt
during the time of the commonwealth, were imposed with increased rigor. The harbors of
the colonies were closed against all but English vessels ; such articles of American produce
as were in demand in England were forbidden to be shipped to foreign markets ; the liberty
of free trade among the colonies themselves was taken away, and they were forbidden to
manufacture for their own use or for foreign markets those articles which would come in
competition with English manufacturers. In addition to these oppressive commercial acts,
a royal fleet arrived at Boston, bringing commissioners, who were instructed to hear
and determine all complaints that might exist in New England ; and they also had
full power to take " such measures as they might deem expedient for settling the peace and
security of the country on a solid foundation." The people justly regarded this commission
as a prolific seed of tyranny planted among them. The colonists were alarmed, yet none
but Massachusetts dared openly to complain. She alone, although professing the warmest
loyalty to the king, openly asserted her chartered rights, and not only refused to acknowl-
edge the authority of the commissioners, but protested against the exercise of their delegated
powers within her domain. So noxious was the commission to the whole people, that it
was soon abolished. In this boldness Massachusetts exhibited the germ of that opposition
to royal authority for which she was afterward so conspicuous.
In 1672 the British Parliament enacted " that if any vessel which, by law, may trade in
the plantations shall take on board any enumerated articles [mentioned in the act of 1 6601,
and a bond shall not have been given with sufficient security to unlade them in England,
there shall be rendered to hir majesty, for sugars, tobacco, ginger, cocoa-nut, indigo, logwood,
fustic, cotton, wool, the several duties mentioned in }he law, to be paid in such places in the
plantation, and to such officers as shall be appointed to collect the same ; and, for their better
collection, it is enacted that the whole business shall be managed and the imposts shall be
levied by officers appointed by the commissioners of imposts in England." This was the
Digitized by
Google
454 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
FlratlotofOppTCMiaB. ColoaU Ckiint to Oe BJglit oTEeprBMBtyton. The Biglit adoiowladfBd. Oorenor
first aet that impoaed ooftomi on the oolonies alone ; thia was the initial act of a aeriet of
like tenor, whieh drove them to rebellion. The people justly oomplained, and as justly dis-
regarded the law. They saw in it a withering blight npon thor infant oommeree : they
either openly disob^ed its injunctions, or eluded its provisions ; Barbadoes, Virginia, and
Maryland, in partieular, trafficked without restraint.
The colonies in general now began to regard the home government as an oppressor, and
acted with a corresponding degree of independenoe. Edward Randolph, afterward the sur-
veyor general during the reign d* William and Mary, writing to the oommisuoners of custom
in 1 676, iterated the declarations of the people that the law *< made by PurUament oUigeth
them in nothing but what consists with the interests of the cdonies ; th(U the legidative
power is and abiilet in ih&m BOLXLY,*' Grovemor Nicholson, of Maryland, writing
^^^'"^ in 1698, said, « I have observed that & great many people in all these colonies and
piovinoes» especially those under proprietaries, and the two others under C!onnecticut and
Rhode Island, think that no law of England ought to be in force and binding to them with-
out their own consent ; fer they foolishly say they have no representative sent for themselves
to the Parliaments of England; and they look upon all laws made in England, that put
any restraint upon them, to be great hardships." Earlier than this the doctrine that the
colonies should not be taxed without their oonsmit was recognized by Lord Berkley and Sir
G^rge Cartwnght, and not questioned by the long. These distinguished men purchased
New Jersey of the Duke of York (afterward James II.), which he had taken from the
Dutch by the authority of his brother Charles.
These « loids proprietors," fi>r the better settlement of the pioneers, stipulated in their
agreement with those who should commence plantations there that they (the proprietors)
were " not to impose, or suffer to be imposed, any tax, custom, subsidy, tallage, assessment,
or any other duty whatsoever, upon any color or pretense, upon the said province or inhabit-
ants thereof, other than tohat shall he imposed by the authority and consent of the General
Assembl^"^ In 1691 the New York Greneral Assembly passed an act declaring "that no aid,
tax, tallage, Sco., whatsoever shall be laid, assessed, levied, or required of or on any of theii
migesties' [William and Mary] subjects within the provinces, 6co., or their estates, in any
manner of color or pretense whatsoever, but by the act and consent of the governor and coun-
cil, and representatives of the people in Grcneral Assembly met and convened." In 1692
the Massachusetts Legislature made a. declaration in almost the same language, and almost
all the colonies asserted, in some form, the same doctrine. Thus we see that, nearly one
hundred years before the Revolution, the fundamental principle upon which the righteousness
of that rebellion relied for vindication— taxation and representation abb insefailable—
was boldly asserted by the governed, and tacitly admitted by the supreme power as correct.
As early as 1729 Uie conduct of Massachusetts caused a suggestion in the House of Com-
mons that it was the design of that colony ** to shake off its dependency." Grovemor Bur-
net, of New York, was appointed chief magistrate of the province in 1728. The display
that attended his reception at Boston, and the appearance of general prosperity on every hand,
letermined him to demand a fixed and liberal salary from the Assembly, a demand which
^lad involved Shute, his predecessor, in continual bickerings with that body. Burnet made
the demand in his inaugural address, and the Assembly treated it in such a manner that im-
qiediately aflerward the Council expressed their reprehension of the undutifiil conduct of the
qiembers. So bold was the Assembly in denying royal prerogatives and refusing obedience
to laws, that when Massachusetts petitioned the House of Commons, praying that they
might be heard by counsel on the subject of grievances, that body resolved '* That the
petition was firivolous and groundless, a high insult upon his majesty's [Greorge I.] govern-
ment, and tending to shake off the dependeticy of the said qplony upon this kingdom, to
which, in law and right, they ought to be subfect"*
In 1739 a proposition was made to Sir Robert Walpole to tax the American colonies, but
I — — — -^ —
> Smith's History of New Jersey, p. 517. ' Smith's History of New York, p. 75.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OF THE REVOLUTION. 4fi6
WbdomofBolMnWalpola. Battninliig Aetf. Loyalty and Patriodon of the ColoolaiL HM?y Totamtaiy T^xattM-
th&t Statesman took an enlightened and liberal view, and said, smiling, " I will leare that to
some of my suooessors who have more oonrage than I haye, and are less friends to oommeroe
than I am. It has been a maxim with me, daring my administration, to enoourage the trade
of the American oolonies in the utmost latitude ; nay, it has been necessary to pass over some
irregularities in their trade with Europe ; fi)r, by encouraging them to an extensiye growing
commerce, if they gain five hundred thousand pounds, I am conrinced that in two years aft-
erward full two hundred and fifty thousand pounds of their gains will be in his majesty's ex-
chequer, by the labor and produce of this kingdom, as immense quantities of every Idnd of
our mannfactories go thither ; and as they increase in their foreign American trade, more of
our produce will be wanted. This is taxing them more agreeably to their own Constitution
and ours." Had these views continued to prevail in the'British cabinet, Grcorge III. might
not have " lost the brightest jewel in his crown ;" had Walpole yielded, the republic of the
United States might have e]d8ted almost half a century earlier.
Walpole's successors toere ** more courageous" than he, and *' less friends to commerce,"
for in 1750 an act was passed, declaring " That from and after the 24th of June, 1750, no
mill or other engine &r slitting or rolling of iron, or any platting forge to work with a tilt-
hammer, or any furnace for making steel, shall be erected, or, after such erection, continued,
in any of his majesty's colonies in America." The Navigation Act of 1 660 was retained in
ftdl force. Hatters were forbidden to have, at one time, more than two apprentices ; the
importation of sugar, rum, and molasses was not allowed without the payment of consider-
able duties ; and the felling of pitch-pine-trees not within inclosures was prohibited. True,
these revenue laws were administered with much laxity, as Walpole acknowledged, and the
colonies were not mach oppressed by them, yet they practically asserted the right to tax the
Americans — a right that was strenuously denied. These things were, therefore, real griev
anoes, for they foreshadowed those intentions to enslave America which were afterward
more boldly avowed.
I have noticed the Colonial Congress (page 303) held at Albany in 1 754, when Dr. Frank-
lin submitted a plan for the union of the colonies for the general good, and when Massachu-
setts, ever jealous of her rights, instructed her representatives to oppose any scheme for tax-
ing them. The war that had then just commenced (the Seven Years' War) soon diverted
the attention of the colonists from the commercial grievances of which they complained, and
as the common dangers multiplied, loyalty increased. Cheerfully did they tax themselves,
and contribute men, money, and provisions, &r that contest. They lost by the war twenty-
five thousand of their robust young men, exclusive of sailors. Upon application of Admiral
Saunders, the squadron employed against Louisburg and Quebec was supplied with five hund-
red seamen from Massachusetts, besides many who were impressed out of vessels on the fish-
ing banks. During the whole war Massachusetts contributed its fall quota of troops annu-
ally, and also, at times, frimished garrisons for Louisburg and Nova Scotia in addition. That
colony alone contributed more than five millions of dollars, in which sum is not included the
expense of finrts and garrisons on the frontiers. Besides these public expenditures, there must
have been almost an equal amount drantm firom the people by extra private expenses and per-
sonal services. The taxes imposed to meet the pressing demands upon all sides were enor-
mous,* and men of wealth gave freely toward encouraging the raising of new levies. This,
it must be remembered, was the heavy burden laid upon 'one colony. Other provinces con-
tributed largely, yet not so munificently as Massachusetts. Probably the Seven Years' War
cost the aggregate colonies twenty millions of dollars, besides the flower of their youth ; aiti
in return Parliament granted them, during the contest, at dififerent periods, about five mill-
' Saoh was the assessment in Boston one year daring the war, that, if a man's income was three hondred
dollars, he had to pay two thirds, or two hundred dollars, and in that proportion. If his house was valued
at one thousand dollars, he was obliged to pay three hundred and sixty dollars. He had also to pay a poll
tax for himself, and for every male member of his family over sixteen years of age, at the rate of nearly
four dollars each. In addition to all this, he paid his proportion of excise on tea, coffee, rum, and wine, if
he used them. — Gordon,
Digitized by
Google
456
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Dedgns of the BritiBh MinifUy. EzpenditnrM of the Britith Government on Aocoant of America. Acoeoaion of George Hi
ions four hundred and nine thousand dollars.^ Yet the British ministry, in 1760, while the
colonies were so generously supporting the power and dignity of the realm, regarded their
services as the mere exercise of a duty, and declared that, notwithstanding grants of money
had heen made to them, they expected to get it all hack, by imposing a tax upon them after
the war, in order to raise a revenue. Such was the language of Mr. Pitt in a letter to Lieu-
tenant-governor Fauquier, of Virginia. The war ended favorably to Great Britain, and Mas
sachusetts and other colonies looked forward with the full hope of uninterrupted prosperity.
New men were at the helm of State. The old king was dead, and his grandson, the eldest
October 96^ SOU of the deceased Frederic, prince of Wales, had ascended the throne with the
i7fia title of Greorge III. This was the prince who ruled Great Britain sixty years, in
which time was included our wir for independence.
' Parliament sabsequently voted one million of dollars to the colonies, but, on aocoant of the troubles aris-
ing from the Stamp Act and kindred measures, ministers withheld the sum. — Pictorial Hutory oftht Jteign
of Gtorge Ill.y i., 36.
The following is a list of " The grants in Parliament for Rewards, Encouragement, and Indemnification
to the Provinces in North America, for their Services and Expenses daring the last [seven years] War:
" On the 3d of February, 1756, as a free gift and reward to the colonies of New England, New Tork,
and Jersey, for their past services, and as an encouragement to continue to exert themselves with vigor,
voted 9575,000.
*^ May 19th, 1757. For the use and relief of the provinces of North and South Carolina, and Virginia,
in recompense for service9 performed and to be performed, 9250,000.
"June 1st, 1758. To reimburse the province of Massachusetts Bay their expenses in furnishing pro*
visions and stores to the troops raised by them in 1756, $136,900. To reimburse the province of Connec
tiout their expenses for ditto, $68,680.
" April 30th, 1759. As a compensation to the respective colonies for the expenses of clothing, pay oi
troops, &c., $1,000,000.
" March 3l8t, 1760. For the same, 91,000,000. For the colony of New Tork, to reimburse their ex
penses in furnishing provisions and stores to the troops in 1756, 914,885.
*' January 20th, 1761. As a compensation to the respective colonies for clothing, pay of troops, ko.^
91,000,000.
"January 26th, 1762. Ditto, 9666,666.
"March 15th, 1763. Ditto, 9666,666.
" April 22d, 1770. To reimburse the province of New Hampshire their expenses in furnishing provi
sions and stores to the troops in the campaign of 1756, 930,045. Total, 95,408,842.''
In a pamphlet entitled The Jtighti of Britain and Clainu of Axe&ioa, an answer to the Declaration of
the Continental Congress, setting forth the causes and the necessity of their taking up arms, printed in 1776,
I find a table showing the annusd expenditures of the British government in support of the civil and military
powers of the American colonies, from the accession of the family of Hanover, in 1714, until 1775. * The
expression of the writer is, " Employed in the defense of America." This is incorrect, for the wars with
the French on this continent, which cost the greatest amount of money, were wars for ooaquest and terri-
tory, though ostensibly for the defense of the Anglo-American colonies against the encroachments of their
Gallic neighbors. During the period alluded to (sixty years) the sums granted for the army amounted to
943,899,625 ; for the navy, 950,000,000 ; money laid out in Indian presents, in holding Congresses, and
purchasing cessions of land, 930,500,000 ; makii^ a total of 9123,899,625. Within that period the fol-
lowing bounties on American commodities were paid : On indigo, 9725,110 ^ on hemp, and flax, 927,800 ;
on naval stores imported in Great Britain from America, 97,293,810 \ making the total sum paid on account
of bounties 98,047,320. The total amount of money expended in sixty years on aooount of America
9131,946,945.
Griat Seal of Gkoboe III thi Pur8I,and CHAWOiLLOB^a Macb
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
457
Death of George II. announced to hi* Heir.
Influence of the Earl of Bute.
Cool Treatmant of Mr. Pitt.
CHAPTER XX.
^ In a ohariot of light from the regions of day
The goddess of Liberty came,
Ten thousand celestials directed the way,
And hither condacted the dame.
A fair budding branch from the garden above, "^
Where millions with millions agree.
She brought in her hand as a pledge of her love,
And the plant she named Liberty Tree,
^* The oelestial exotic struck deep in the ground,
Like a native it flourished and bore ;
The fame of its fruit drew the nations around,
To seek out this peaceable shore.
Unmindful of names or distinction they came.
For freemen, like brothers, agree ;
With one spirit indued, they one friendship pursued,
And their temple was Liberty Tree.
" But hear, O ye swains ('tis a tale most profane),
How all the tyrannical powers,
Kings, Commons, and Lords, are uniting amain
To cut down this guardian of ours.
From the east to the west blow the trumpet to arms,
Through the land let the sound of it flee ;
Let the far and the near all unite with a cheer
In defense of our Liberty TVee."
Thomas Paini.
HE mtelligence of the death of his grandfather was commanicated to George,
the heir apparent, on the morning of the 2dth of October, while he was ridinor
on horsehack, near Kew Palaoe, with his inseparable companion, the Earl of
Bute. William Pitt, afterward Earl of Chat-
ham, was the prime minister of the deceased
king. He immediately repaired to Kew, where
the young sovereign (then in his twenty-
third year) remained during the day and
night. On the 26th Greorge' went to St. James's, where Pitt
waited upon him, and presented a sketch of an address to be
pronounced by the monarch at a meeting of the Privy Council.
The minister was politely informed that a speech was already
prepared, and that every preliminary was arranged. He at
once perceived that the courtier, Bute, the favorite of the king's
mother, and his majesty's tutor and abiding personal friend, had
made these arrangements, and that he would doubtless occupy
a conspicuous station in the new administration.
Bute was originally a poor Scottish nobleman, possessed of
very little general talent, narrow in his political views, but fa-
vored with a fine person and natural grace of manners. He
was a favorite of George's father, and continued to be an inti-
GiomoK 111.
AT THK TZMX OF HU ACCXSSION.
From Ml uoqjrmoiu priaL
^ George the Third was the son of Frederic, prince of Wales. His mother was the beautiful Princess
Augusta, of Saxe Gotha. He was bom in London on the 24th of May, 1738 He was manied in
Digitized by
Google
456
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Hii
EefignationofPlll
mate friend of the king's mother after Prince Frederic'i death. L:ideed, scandal uttered
•ome unpleasant suggestions respecting this intimacy, even after the accession of Geoige.
" Not contented with being wise," said Earl Waldegrave, « he would be thought a polite
scholar and a man of great erudition, but has the misfortune never to succeed, except with
those who are exceedingly ignorant ; for his historical
knowledge is chiefly taken from tragedies, wherein he
is very deeply read, and his classical learning extends
no further than a French translation/" Such was
the man whom the young monarch unfortunately chose
for his counselor and guide, instead of the wise and sa-
gacious Pitt, who had contributed, by his talents and
energy, so much to the gbry of England during the
latter years of the reign of George II. Like Keho-
boam, Greoige " forsook the counsel which the old men
gave him, and took counsel with the young men that
were brought up with him, that stood before him."
It was a sad mistake, and clouds of distrust gathered in
the morning sky of his reign. The opinion got abroad
that he would be ruled by the queen dowager and Bute,
and that the countrymen of the earl, whom the English
disliked, would be subjects of special favor. Murmurs
were heard in many quarters, and somebody had the
boldness to put up a placard on the Royal Exchange,
with these words: "No petticoat government — no
Scotch minister — no Lord Geoige Sackville."
Thus, at the very outset of his reign, the king had
opponents in his own capital. A general feeling of
discontent pervaded the people as soon as it was per-
ceived that Pitt, their favorite, was likely to become
secondary among the counselors of the king, or, which
seemed more certain, would leave the cabinet altogether. Th^ latter event soon followed.
Disgusted by the assurance and ignorance of Bute, and the apathetic submission of Greorge
to the control of the Scotch earl, and perceiving that all his plans, the execution of which
was pressing his country forward in a career of glory and prosperity, were thwarted by the
UfUAL ArrxAMAMom or the Kma about 1778.
Prom a ikaCeh bf Omt.
September, 1761, nearly a year after his accession, to the Princess Charlotte, of Mecklenberg Strelitz, daugh-
ter of the Lftte duke of that principality. Her character resembled that of her
husband. Like him, she was domestic in her tastes and habits, decorous, rigid
in the observance of moral duties, and benevolent in thought and action. George
was remarkable for the purity of his morals ; even while a young man, in the
midst of the licentious court of his grandfather, and through life, he was a good
pattern of a husband and father. 'He possessed no brilliancy of talents, but
common sense was a prime element in his intellectual character. He was ten-
der and benevolent, although he loved money ; and his resentments against those
who willfully offended him were lasting. He was always reliable ; honest in
his principles and faithful to his promises, no man distrusted him. Their miy-
esties were crowned on the 22d of September, 1761, soon after their marriage,
and a reform in the royal household at once commenced. Their example con-
tributed to produce a great ohangre in manners. " Before their time," says
MTarland, " the Court of St. James had much of the licentiousness of the Court
of Versailles, without its polish ; during their time it became decent and cor-
rect, and its example g^radually extended to the upper classes of society, where
it was most wanted."
For two years, from 1787 to 1789, his majesty was afflicted with insanity.
The malady returned in 1801, and terminated his political life. He died on
the 29th of January, 1 820, aged nearly eighty-two years, this being the sixtieth year of his reign. His qaeer
died in 1818. * Waldegrave's Mtmoin
QviBH Chablotts.
Piom a print bf Worlidca
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 459
Baertt Agents Mot to AaerkMu Wrttiof AmIiIuim. Opposition. JuBMOlis. EptoeopMj dasigDed far Amflrin.
tapple tools of the fayorite, he resigned his office. The regrets of the whole nation followed
him into retirement, while Geoige, really esteeming him more highly than any other states*
man in his realm, in testimony of his appreciation of his services, granted a peerage to his
lady, and a pension of fifteen thousand dollars.
Greater discontents were piodnced in the colonies by the measures which the new admin-
istration adopted in relation to them. By the advice of Bute, who was the real head of the
goTemment, George set about « a reformation of the American charters.'' Secret agents
were sent to travel in the difierent eolonies, to procure access to the leading men, and to col-
lect such information respecting the character and temper of the people as would enable min-
isters to judge what regulations and alterations could be safely made in the police and gov-
ernment of the colonies, in order to their bdng brought more efiectually under the control of
Parliament. The business of these agents was also to conciliate men of capital and station,
hoping thereby to enlist a large number of dependents ; but herein they erred. Unlike men
in a similar condition in England, the man of wealth here could influence very few ; and in
New England such was the general ind^»endence of the people, that such agency was of no
avail. The object of the agents was too apparent to admit of doubt ; the proposed reform
was but another name for despotism, and the gossamer covering of deceit could not hide the
intention of the ministry.
The first reform measure which aroused the colonies to a lively sense of their danger
¥ras the issuing of Writs of Assistance. These were warrants to custom-house offi-
cers, giving them and their deputies a general power to enter houses or stores where it might
be suspected that contraband goods were concealed. The idea of such latitude being given
to the <* meanest deputy of a deputy's deputy" created general indignation and alarm. It
mig^t cover the grossest abuses, and no man's privacy would be free from the invasion of
^ese ministerial hirelings. Open resistance was resolved upon. In Boston public meetings
were held, and the voice of the fearless James Otis the younger called boldly upon the people
to breast any storm of ministerial vengeance that might be aroused by opposition here. The
Assembly sided with the people, and even Grovemor Bernard was opposed to the measure.
Respectful remonstrances to Parliament and petitions to the king were sent, but without ef-
fect. That shortpsighted financier, Greorge Grenville, was Bute's Chancellor of the Excheq-
uer. An exhausted treasury needed replenishing, and ministers determined to derive a rev-
enue from the colonies, either by direct taxation or by impost duties, rigorously levied and col-
lected. They had also determined in council upon bringing about an entire subservience of
the cobnies, politically, religiously, and commercially, to the will of the king and Parliament.'
^ Dr. Gordon says he was informed by Dr. Langdon, of Portsmoath, New Hampshire, that as the Rev.
Bfr. Whitfield was aboat leaving that place, he said to Dr. Langdon, and Mr. Hayen, the Congregational min-
ister, *' I can't, in conscience, ^ve this town without acquainting ^tiOi^ with a secret My heart bleeds for
America. 0 poor New England 1 There is a deep-laid plot against both yonr civil and religious liberties,
and they will be lost. Year golden days are at an end. Ton have nothing bat. trouble before you. My
information comes from the brat authority in Great Britain. I was allowed to speak of the affair in general,
but enjoined not to mention particulars. Your liberties will be lost." — OordoHj i^ 102. It was known that,
among other n/omu, the Puritan, or dissenting, influence in religious matters was to be curtailed, if not de-
stroyed, by the establishment of Episcopacy in the colonies. The throne and the hierarchy were, in a meas-
ure, mutually dependent. In 1748 Dr. Seeker, the archbishop of Canterbury, had proposed the establish-
ment of Eptsoopacy in America, and overtures were made to some Puritan divines to accept the miter, but
without effect. The colonists, viewing Episcopacy in its worst light, as exhibited in the early days of the
American settlements, had been taught to fear such power, if it should happen to be wielded by the hand
of a crafty politician, more than the arm of civil government. They knew that if Parliament could create
dioceses and appoint bishops, it would introduce tithes and crush heresy. For years controversy ran high
upon this subject, much acrimony appeared on both sides, and art was brought in requisition to enforce ar*
guments. In the Political Register for 1769 is a picture entitled ".in Attempt to land a BtMhop in Jmef'
Mu." A portion of a vessel is seen, on the side of which is inscribed The HUUborough.* She is Ijring be-
side a whfljrf^ on which is a crowd of earnest people, some with poles pushing the vessel from her moorings.
One holds up a book inscribed Sidney on Government ; another has a volume of Locke' 9 Eeeaye ; a third, in
the garb of a Quaker, holds an open volume inscribed Barclay* e Jtpology ; and from the mouth of a fourth
* IxirdHOlsboroa^ wMtfaentbeColcmid8eorettf7,siidttwMpresamedtobes the colonies
Digitized by VjOOQIC
460
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Euforcement of Revenue Laws.
Recigiiation of Bate.
GreoTlUe Prfane Bflnieter.
Opposition to Epiicopecy
tiJcoiiGB OxxmruJA*
The idea of colonial subserviency was, indeed, general in England, and, according to Pitt^
" even the chimney-sweepers of the streets talked boastingly of their subjects in America.'"
The admiralty undertook the labor of enforcing the laws, in strict accordance with the letter,
and intrusted the execution thereof to the com-
manders of vessels, whose authoritative habits
made them most unfit agents for such a service
against such a people. Vessels engaged in con-
traband trade were seized and confiscated, and
the colonial commerce with the West Indies
was nearly annihilated.
From causes never clearly understood. Lord
Bute resigned the premiership on the 8th of
April, 1763, and was succeeded by George
Grenville, who, for a time, had fought shoulder
to shoulder with Pitt, but had deserted him to
take office under the Scotch earl. Grenville is
represented as an honest statesman, of great po-
litical knowledge and indefatigable application ;
but his mind, according to Burke, could not ex-
tend beyond the circle of official routine, and
was unable to estimate the result of untried
measures. He proved an unprofitable counsel-
or for the king, for he began a political warfare
against the celebrated journalist, John Wilkes,
which resulted in the most serious partisan agi-
tation throughout the kingdom ; and he onginated the Stamp Act, by which Great Britain
lost her American colonies.
is a scroll inscribed No lordt, ipiriiual or temporal^ in Nno England. Half way ap the shroads of the ves-
sel is a bishop in his robes, his miter falling, and a volume of Calvin^ t works^ hurled by one on shore, about
to strike his head ; from his mouth issnes a scroll inscribed, " Lord^ now Uktett thou thy Mervant depart in
peace.^* In the foreground is a paper inscribed, " Shall they be obliged to maintain bishopi that can not mam'
tain themeelvee?^^ and near it is a monkey in the act of throwing a stone at the bishop. This print wAll il-
lustrates the spirit of the times.
William Livingston, afterward governor of New Jersey, seems to have been one of the most eminent writ-
ers against Episcopacy, and Dr. Chandler and Samuel Seabury (afterward bishop) were among its chief
supporters. An anonymous writer, whose alias was Timothy Tickle, Esq., wrote a series of powerful ar-
ticles in favor of Episcopacy, in Hugh Graines's New York Mercury, in 1768, supposed by some to be Dr.
Auohmuty, of Trinity Church. The Synod of Connecticut passed a vote of tlmnks to Livingston for his es-
says, while in Gaines's paper he was lampooned by a shrewd writer in a poem of nearly two hundred lines.
Livingston wrote anonymously, and the poet thus refers to the author :
"Borne tUnk Um a TIndaU, some think him a Chubb,
Some think him a RanUr that aponta from hia Tub;
Some think him a NewtoHf aome tUnk him a Loek$,
Some tiiink him a Sume, some think him a Stock-^
Bat a Stock he at least may thank Nature for giving^
And if he'B a Stonx, I pronounce it a Lzvino."
Episcopacy was mtroduced into America, took root, and flourished ; and when the Revolution broke out,
seven or eight years afterward, there were many of its adherents found on the side of liberty, though, gen-
erally, so intimate was its relation, through the Mother Church, to the throne, its loyalty became a subject
of reproach and suspicion, for the Episcopal clergy, as a body, were active or passive Loyalists.
' Parliamentary Debates, iii., 210.
* George Grenville was bom in 1722, and in 1750 became a member of the House of Commons, where
he was distinguished for his eloquence and general knowledge. He was made Treasurer of the Navy in
1754, and in 1760 was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer. He became First Lord of the Treasury,
or prime minister, in 1763, and the next year originated the famous Stamp Act. He resigned his office to
Rockingham in 1765, and died on the 13th of November, 1770, aged fifty-eight years. He married the
daughter of Sir William Wyndham. The late Marquis of Buckingham, who inherited the family estates
in Buckinghamshire, was his eldest son.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 46 I
The SUunp Act propoMdL Right to tax the Americans UMited. Stamp Act not new. P<M^;>onament of Action on it
Grenville found an empty trearary, and the national debt increased, in consequence of zo*
cent wan, to nearly seven hundred millions of dollars. To meet the current expenses of
government, heavy taxation was necessary, and the English people were loudly complaining
of the burden. Grenville feared to increase the weight, and looked to the American colonies
for belief. He conceived the righ^ to draw a revenue from them to be undoubted, and, know*
ing their ability to pay, he formed a plan to tax them indirectly by levying new duties upon
foreign articles imported by the Americans. A bill for levying these duties passed the House
of Commons in March, 1764, without much notice, except from Greneral Conway, who saw
in it the seeds of further encroachments upon the liberties of the colonists. The Assembly
of Massachusetts, acting in accordance with instructions given to the Boston representatives,
had already denied the right to impose duties. Mr. Otis had published a pamphlet called
«< The Rights of the British Colonists asserted," which was highly approved here, and a copy
was sent to the Massachusetts agent in England. In that pamphlet Mr. Otis used the
strong language, « If we are not represented we are slaves !"
Thatcher, of Boston, also published a tract against Parliamentary taxation, and similar
publications were made by Dulaney, the secretary of the province of Maryland, by Bland,
a leading member of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, and " by authority" in Rhode Island.
On the 5th of May Mr. Grenville submitted to the House of Commons an act pro-
posing a stamp duty,* at the same time assuring the colonial agents, with whom he had
conferred, that he should not press its adoption that session, but would leave the scheme open
for consideration. He required the colonies to pay into the treasury a million of dollars per
annum, and he would leave it to them to devise a better plan, if possible, than the proposed
stamp duty. The idea was not original with Mr. Grenville. It had been held out as early
as 1739, by a dub of American merchants, at the head of whom were Sir William Keith,
governor of Pennsylvania, Joshua Gree, and others. In the colonial Congress at Albany, in
1754, a stamp act was talked of, and at that time Dr. Franklin thought it a just plan for
taxing the oolcmies, conceiving that its operations would afiect the several governments fairly
and equally. Early in January (1764) Mr. Huske, a native of Portsmouth, New Hamp-
shire, who had obtained a seat in Parliament, desirous of displaying his excessive loyalty, al-
luded to the proposition of a stamp duty made at the Albany Convention, and delighted the
House by asserting the ability of the colonists to pay a liberal tax, and recommending the
levying of one that should amount annually to two and a half millions of dollars.' With
these precedents, and the present assurance of Huske, Grenville brought forward his bill. It
was received, and, on motion of the mover, its consideration was postponed until the next session.
When the new impost law (which was, in fact, a continuation of former similar acts) and
the proposed Stamp Act reached America, discontent was every where visible. Instead of
being in a condition to pay taxes, the colonies had scarcely recovered from the effects of the
late war ; and the more unjust appeared the Stamp Act, when the previous act was about
^ Early in March, 1764, it was debated in the Hoose of Commons whether they had a right to tax the
Americans, they not bebg represented, and it was determined mianimonsly in the affirmative. Of this vote,
and the evident determination of ministers to tax the colonies, Mr. Maadoit, the agent of Massachusetts,
informed the Assembly, and that body inmiediately resolved, " That the sole right of giving and granting
the money of the people of that province was vested in them as the legal representatives ; and that the im-
position of taxes and duties by the Parliament of Great Britain, upon a people who are not represented in
the House of Commons, is absolately irreconcilable with their rights — ^That no man can justly take the prop-
erty of another without his consent ; apon which original principle the right of representation in the same
body which exercises the power of maldng laws for levying taxes, one of the main pillars of the British Con
stitution, is evidently founded."
* It provided that every skin, or piece of vellum, or parchment, or sheet, or pieoe of paper used for legal
purposes, such as bills, bonds, notes, leases, policies of insurance, marriage licenses, and a great many other
documents, in order to be held valid in courts of law, was to be stamped, and sold by public officers appointed
for that purpose, at prices which levied a stated tax on every such document. The Butch had used stamped
paper for a long time, and it was familiar to English merchants and companies, but in America it ^as al
lost wholly u^mown.
' Gordon, i., 1 tO ; Jackson's letter to Lieutenant-governor Hutchinson, December 26th, 1765.
Digitized by
Google
462 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
OppoiltioBtoTazatkmlijthaColoalet. IiMtrMdau to Aeir Afeali^ TIm Stamp Act iatrodaeed la Ptfttameat TowndMMi
to intercept their profitable trade with the Spanish main and the West Indies, whence Uiey
derived mneh of their meant to pay a tax. The right to tax them was ahK> strennously de-
nied, and all the colonial Assemblies, whererer the subject was brought up, asserted their
sole right to tax themselves. New England passed strong resolutions of remonstrance, and
forwarded earnest petitions to the king to pause ; and Virginia and New York adopted the
same course, using firm, but respectfiil, language. They demonstrated, by fair argument,
that the cobnies wm neither actually nor virtually represented in the British Parliament ;
they declared that they had hitherto supposed the pecuniary assistance which Great Britain
had given them (the Parliamentary grants during the war) <^red from motives of human-
ity, and not as the price of their liberty ; and if she now wished a remuneration, she mtist
make allowance for all the assistance she had received fiom the colonies during the late war,
and for the oppressive restrictions she had imposed upon American commerce. They plain-
ly told Great Britain that, as for her protection, they had full confidence in their own abil-
ity to protect themselves against any foreign oiemy.
Remonstrances and petitions were sent by the colonies to their agents in London (some
of whom had not opposed the Stamp Act), with explicit instructions to prevent, as ^ as
they had power to act, the adoption of any scheme for taxing Americans. At this crisb
Franklin was appointed agent fi>r Pennsylvania ; and other colonies, relying upon his skill
and wisdom in diplomacy, his thorough acquaintance with government a^Sairs, his personal
influence in England, and, above all, his fearlessness, also intrusted him with the manage-
ment of their afiairs abroad. When he arrived in London, Grenville and other politicians
waited upon him, and consulted him respecting the proposed Stamp Act. He told them
explicitly that it ¥ras an unwise measure ; that Americans would never submit to be taxed
without their consent, and that such an act, if attempted to be enforced, would endanger the
unity of the empire. Pitt, though living in retirement at his country seat at Hayes, was
not an indifierent spectator, and he also consulted Franklin upon the important subject.
No doubt the expressed opinbn of Franklin delayed, for a while, the introduction of the
Stamp Act into the House of Commons, for it was not submitted until the 7th of Feb-
ruary following. In the mean while respectful petitions and remonstrances were re-
ceived firom America, indicating a feeling of general opposition to ministers, and a determina-
tion not to be sheared by the *< Gentle Shepherd.'" The king, in his speech on the opemng
Jannuj 10^ ^ Parliament, aUuded to American taxation, and the manifest discontent in the
176& colonies ; yet, regardless of the visible portents of a storm, recommended the adop-
tion d'Grenville's scheme, and assured Parliam^it that he should use every endeavor to en-
Febroary 7, ^^'^ obedieucc in America. The bill, containing fifiy-five resolutions, was brought
^^^ in, and Mr. Charles Townshend, the most eloquent man in the Commons, in the
absence of Pitt, spc^e in its favor, concluding with the following peroration : *< And now will
these Americans, children planted by our care, nourished up by our indulgence until they
are grown to a degree of strength and opulence, and protected by our arms, will they grudge
to contribute their mite^to relieve us from the heavy weight of that burden which we lie un*
der V Colonel Barr6 arose, and, echoing Townshend's words, thus commented : " Thef
planted by your care! No, your oppressions planted them in America. They fled firom
your tyranny, to a then uncultivated and inhospitable country, where they exposed themselves
to almost all the hardships to which human nature is liable, and, among others, to the cru-
elties of a savage foe, the most subtle, and I will take upon me to say, the most formidable
of any people upon the face of Gtxl's earth ; yet, actuated by principles of true English lib-
erty, they met all hardships with pleasure compared with those they suflered in their own
^ In the ooune of a debate on the sabject of taxation, in 1762, Mr. Grenrille contended that the money
was wanted, that government did not know where to lay another tax ; and, addressing Mr. Pitt, be said,
'* Why does he not tell na where we can levy another tax ?" repeating, with emphasis, " Let him tell me
where-— only tell me where I" Pitt, though not much given to joking, hummed in the words of a popular
song, " Gentle shepherd, tell me where 1" The House burst into a roar of laughter, and christened Georg«
Grenville Tbs Gintlb Shbphbbb. — Pietarial History of the Reign of George III^ i., 34.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
40d
Btfrt'f Speech reboking Townahend. maDefianMof the Americani. Efieetofhia Speech. Peatege of the Stamp Act
oountry, from the hands of those who should have heen their friends. They nourished up
by ytywr indulgence ' They grew by your neglect of them. As soon as you began to care
about them, that care was «cercised in sending
persons to rule them in one department and an-
other, who were, perhaps, the deputies of depu-
ties to some members of this House, sent to spy
out their liberties, to misrepresent their actions,
and to prey upon them — men whose behavior
on many occasions has caused the blood of those
SONS OF liberty' to reooil within them — men
promoted to the highest seats of justice ; some
who, to my knowledge, were glad, by going to a
foreign country, to escape being brought to the
bar of public justice in their own. They pro-
tected by your arms! They have nobly taken
up arms in your defense ; have exerted a valor,
amid thdr constant and laborious industry, for
the defense of a country whose frontier was
drenched in blood, while its interior parts yielded
all its little savings to your emoluments. And
believe me— remember I this day told you so^
that same spirit of freedom which actuated that
people at first will accompany them still ; but
prudence forbids me to explain myself further. God knows I do not at this time speak firom
motives of party heat ; what I deliver are the genuine sentiments of my heart. However
superior to me, in general knowledge and experience, the respectable body of this House may
be, I claim to know more of America than most of you, having seen and been conversant in
that country. The peojde, I believe, are as truly loyal as any subjects the king has ; but a
people jealous of their liberties, and who will vindicate them if ever they should be violated.
But the subject is too delicate ; I will say no more." For a moment after the utterance of
these solemn truths the House remained in silent amaaement ; but the utter ignorance of
American affairs, and the fatal delusion wrought by ideas of royal power and oolonial weakness,
which prevailed in that assembly, soon composed their minds.* Very little debate was had
upon the bill, and it passed the House afler a single division, by a majority of two hundred and
fifly to fifly. In the Lords it received scarcely any opposition. On the 2 2d of March the
king cheerfully gave his assent, and the famous Stamp Act — ^the entering wedge for the dis-
memberment of the British empire— became a law. The protests of colonial agents, the
remonstrances of London merchants trading with America, and the wise suggestions of men
acquainted with the temper and resources of Americans were set at naught, and the infatu-
ated ministry openly declared " that it was intended to establish the power of Great Britain
to tax the colonies" <* The sun of liberty is set,'' wrote Dr. Franklin to Charles Tfaom-
COLOMSl. BaKBK.'
' This was the origin of the name whioh the associated patriots in America assomed when the speech of
Barr6 reached the colonies, and organized opposition to the Stamp Act was commenced.
* Isaac Barr6 was born in 1727. His early years were devoted to study and military pnrsuits, and he
attained the rank of colonel in the British army.. Thnragh the influence of the Marqais of Landsdowne he
obtained a seat in the House of Commons, where he was ever the champion of American freedom. For
several years previoos to his death he was afflicted with blindness. He died July 1st, 1802, aged seventy-
fiye years. Some have attributed the authorship of the celebrated Lettert of Juniut to Colonel Barr^ the
Marquis of Landsdowne, and Counselor Dunning, jointly, but the conjecture is unsupported by any argument.
' The apathy that prevailed in the British Parliament at that time respecting American affairs was as-
Unushing, considering the interests at issue. Burke, in his Annual Register, termed it the " most languid
debate" he had ever heard ; and so trifling did the intelligent Horace Walpole consider the subject, that, in
reporting every thing of moment to the Earl of Hertford, he devoted but a single paragraph of a few Unes to
the debate that day on America. Indeed, Walpole honestly confessed his total ignorance of American afiairs.
Digitized by
Google
464 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Excitement in America. A Congreaa proposed. The Circular Letter of Masaadnuetta. Mrs. Mercy Warm
son' the very night that the act was passed ; " the Amerioans must light the kmps of in-
dustry and economy."
When intelligence of the passage of the Stamp Act reached America, it set the whole
country in a hlaze of resentment. Massachusetts and Virginia — ^the head and the heart of
the Revolution — ^were foremost and loudest in their denunciations, while New York and
Pennsylvania were not much hehind them in boldness and zeal. All the colonies were shak-
en, and from Maine to Georgia there was a spontaneous expression of determined resistance.
In October, 1764, the New York Assembly appointed a committee to correspond with
their agent in Great Britain, and with the several colonial Assemblies, on the subject d* op-
position to thp Stamp Act and other oppressive measures of Parliament.* In the course of
their correspondence, early in 1765, this committee urged upon the colonial Assemblies the
necessity of holding a convention of delegates to remonstrate, and protest against the contin-
ued violation of their rights and liberties. Massachusetts was the first to act upon this sug-
gestion. That action originated with James Otis, Jr., and his father, while visiting a sister
of the former one evening at Plymouth.* The recommendation of the New York commit-
tee was the subject of conversation. It was agreed to propose action on the subject in the
Greneral Assembly, and on the 6th of June the younger Mr. Otis, who was a member of the
Legislature, made a motion in the House, which was adopted, that « It is highly expedient
there should be a meeting, as soon as may be, of committees from the Houses of Represent-
atives, or burgesses, in the several colonies, to consult on the present circumstances of the col-
onies, and the difficulties to which they are, and must be, reduced, and to consider of a gen-
eral address— to be held at New York the first Tuesday in October.'' The following cir-
cular letter was also adopted by the Assembly, and a copy ordered to be sent to the Speaker
of each of the colonial Assemblies in America :
**Boaton, Jane, 1705.
« Sm — ^The House of Representatives of this province, in the present session of general
court, have unanimously agreed to propose a meeting, as soon as may be, of committees from
the Houses of Representatives, or burgesses, of the several British colonies on this continent,
to consult together on the present circumstances of the colonies, and the difficulties to which
they are, and must be, reduced by the operation of the acts of Parliament for levying duties
and taxes on the colonies ; and to consider of a general and united, dutiful, loyal, and hum-
ble representation of their condition to his majesty and to the Parliament, and to implon^
relief
« The House of Representatives of this province have also voted to propose that such meet-
ing be at the city of New York, in the province of New York, on the first Tuesday in Octo-
ber next, and have appointed a committee of three of their members to attend that service,
with such as the other Houses of Representatives, or burgesses, in the several colonies, may
think fit to appoint to meet them ; and the committee of the House of Representatives of
this province are directed to repair to the said New York, on the first Tuesday in October
next, accordingly.; if, therefore, your honorable House should agree to this proposal, it would
' Mr. ThompBon was afterward the Secretary of tbe Continental Congress. In reply to Franklin's letter
he said, *' Be assured, we shall light torches of another sort," predicting the convulsions that soon foUowed.
' This committee consisted of Robert R. Livingston, John Cruger, PhUip Livingston, William Bayard, and
Leonard Lispenard. Mr. Cruger was then mayor of the city and Speaker of the Assembly.
3 This sister was Mrs. Mercy Warren, wife of James Warren, Esq., of Plymouth, one of the members of
the General Court. She wrote an excellent history of our Revolution, which was published in three vol-
umes in 1805. She was bom September 5th, 1728, at Barnstable, Massachusetts. Her youth was passed
m the retirement of a quiet home, and reading, drawing, and needle-work composed the bulk of her recrea-
tions. She married Mr. Warren at the age of twenty-six. The family connections of both were extensive
and highly respectable, and she not only became intimately acquainted with the leading men of the Revoln-
tion in Massachusetts, but was thoroughly imbued with the republican spirit. Her correspondence wis
quite extensive, and, as she herself remarks of her home, " by the Plymouth fireside were many political
plans originated, discussed, and digested." She kept a faithful record of passing events, out of which grew
her excellent history. She wrote several dramas and minor poems, all of which glow with the spirit of tbv
times. Mrs. Warren died on the 19th of October, 1814, in the eighty-seventh year of her age.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 465
iMombllng of a Cotooiil Congrait in New York. DefectioiiofRagglesaDdOgden. Tlie Prooeedingi. Stamp-mastert.
be acceptable that as early notice of it as possible might be transmitted to the Speaker of
ihe House of Representatives of this province."
This letter was favorably received by the other colonies, and delegates to the proposed Con-
octoberT, g'®^* ^^^ appointed. They met in the city of New York on the first Monday in
nes. October. The time was earlier than the meeting of several of the colonial Assem-
blies, and, consequently, some of them were denied the privilege of appointing delegates. The
Grovemors of Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia refused to call the Assemblies together,
for the purpose. It was, therefore, agreed that committees from any of the colonies should
have seats as delegates, and under this rule New York was represented by its eorresponding
committee. Nine of the thirteen colonies were represented, and the Assemblies of New Hamp-
shire, Virginia, North Carolina, and Greorgia wrote that they would agree to whatever was
done by the Congress.'
The Convention was organized by the election, by ballot, of Timothy Ruggles, of Massa-
chusetts, as chairman, and the appointment of John Cotton clerk. It continued in session
fourteen consecutive days, and adopted a Dedaration of Rights^ a Petition to the King, and
a Memorial to both Houses of Parliament, in all of which the principles that governed the
leaders of the soon-following Revolution were clearly set forth. These documents, so full of
the spirit of men determined to be free, and so replete with enlightened political wisdom, are
still regarded as model state papers.^
All the delegates affixed their signatures of approval to the proceedings, except Mr. Rug-
gles, the president, and Mr. Ogden, of New Jersey, both of whom thiis early manifested their
defection from a cause which they afterward openly opposed. The conduct of the former
drew down upon him a vote of censure firom the Massachusetts House of Representatives,
and he was reprimanded, in his place, by the Speaker. He and Otis were the leaders of the
opposite parties, and as the Revolution advanced Ruggles becanie a bitter Tory.' Ogden
was also pubUcly censured for his conduct on that occasion, was burned in effigy, and at the
next meeting of the Assembly of New Jersey was dismissed from the Speaker's chair, which
honorable post he held at the time of the Congress. The deputies of three of the colonies
not having been authorized by their respective Assemblies to address the king and ParUa^
ment, did not sign the petition and memorial. All the colonies, by the votes of their respect-
ive Assemblies, when they convened subsequently, approved the measures adopted by the
Congress ; and before the day on which the noxious act was to take effect, Amer- HoTember i, •
ica spoke with one voice to the king and his ministers, denouncing the measure, ^^®-
and imploring them to be just.
On the passage of the Stamp Act officers were appointed in the several colonies, to re-
ceive and distribute the stamped parchments and papers. The colonial agents in England
were consulted, and those whom they recommended as discreet and proper persons were ap-
pointed. The agents generally had opposed the measure, but, now that it had become a
law, they were disposed to make the best of it. Mr. IngersoU, whom I have mentioned in
' The following delegates were present at the organization of the Conventioo :
MaM$at^u9etU. — ^James Otis, Oliver Partridge, Timothy Raggles.
New York, — ^Robert R. Livingston, John Croger, Philip Livingston, William Bayard, Leonard Lispenard
New Jersey. — ^Robert Ogden, Hendriok Fisher, Joseph Borden.
Rhode Itland. — ^Metealf Bowler, Henry Ward.
Penntylvania. — John Diokenson, John Morton, George Bryan.
Delaware. — ^Thomas M'Eean, C»sar Rodney.
Connecticut. — Eliphalet Dyer, David Rowland, William S. Johnson.
Maryland* — ^William Murdock, Edward Tilghman, Thomas Ringgold.
South Carolina. — Thomas Lynoh, Christopher Gradsden, John Ratledge.
* The Declaration of Rights was written by John Croger ; the Petition to the King, by Robert R. Living-
ston ; and the Memorial to both Houses of Parliament, by James Otis.
' In Mrs. Warren's drama called The Oroup^ Ruggles figures in the character of Brigadier Hate-All. He
fought against the Americans, at the head of a corps of Loyalists, and at the close of the war settled in Nova
Scotia, where he has numerous descendants.
Go
Digitized by
Google
466
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Fraoklin't Adrioe to IngenoU. Aniral of die Stampa. Patrick Henry's Raaolutiona. ** Liberty Tree."
EflBgtoa.
a fonner chapter as stamp-master in Connecticut, was in England at the time. Franklin
advised him to accept the office, adding, ** Go home and tell your countrymen to get children
as fast as they can" — thereby intimating that the colonists were too feeble, at that moment,
to resist the government successfully, but ought to gain strength as fast as possible, in order
to shake off the oppressions which, he foresaw, were about to be laid upon them. But lit-
tle did he and other agents suspect that the stamp-masters would be held in such utter de-
testation as they were, or that such disturbances would occur as followed, or they would not
have procured the appointments for their friends. The ministry, however, seem to have an-
ticipated trouble, for a clause was inserted in the annual Mutiny Act, authorizing as many
troops to be ^ent to America as ministers saw fit, and making it obligatory upon the people
to find quarters for them.
During the summer and autumn the public mind was greatly disturbed by the arrival of
vessels bringing the stamps, and the first of November was looked forward to with intense
interest — ^by some with fear, but by more with firm resolution to resist the operations of the
May 30, oppressive act. Virginia rang the alarum bell, by a series of resolutions drawn up
1765. )yy Patrick Henry, sustained by his powerful oratory, and adopted by the House of
Burgesses. Of these resolutions, and of Henry's eloquence on that occasion, I shall hereafler
write. So much did the notes of that alarum sound like the voice of treason, that a manu-
script copy which was sent to Philadelphia, and another to New York, were handed about
with great privacy. In the latter city no one was found bold enough to print the resolu-
^ons, but in Boston they soon appeared in the Gazette of Edes and Gill, and their senti-
ments, uttered in the Assembly, were echoed back from every inhabited hill and valley in
New England.
Before any stamps had arrived in America symptoms of an outbreak appeared in Boston.
A large elm- tree, which stood at the comer of the present
Washington and Ussex Streets, opposite the Boy Is ton
Market, received the appellation of " Liberty Tree,"
from the circumstance that under it the association call-
ed Sons of Liberty held meetings during the summer of
1765. From a limb of this tree several of the Sons of
Liberty* suspended two effigies early on the morn-
ing of the 14th of August. One represented An-
'm^^ drew Oliver, secretary of the colony, and just appointed
^P^ stamp distributor for Massachusetts ; the other was a
lar^e boot, intended to repvesent Lord Bute, with a heai
--g.v «: M and horns, to personify the devil peeping out of the top.
-% B' /^ A great number of people were attracted to these effi-
^;^tfriHJ|Mta^B^^p,|l^ gies in the course of the day, the authorities in the mean
-'fSM/KKK^^^^^^^n^'' while taking no public notice of the insult, for fear of
\ *S^- ' t ^^^iJ^yidB^;- serious consequences. Indeed, Sir Francis Bernard, the
royal governor, had thus far been almost non-committal
M LiBssTT tmsm."* ^^ ^^^ subjects that were agitating the colonies, although
he was strongly suspected of secretly encouraging the
jiassage of the Stamp Act and kindred measures. In the evening the effigies were cut down
.\i]ri.|y^iiv4t*
*%>
1765.
^^ -iB "
^ John Avery, Jr., Thomas Crafts, John Smith, Henry Wills, Thomas Chaoe, Stephen Cleverly, Henry Ross,
and Benjamin Edes.
' I am indebted to the Hon. David Sears, of Boston, for this sketch of the " Liberty Tree," as it appeared
jast previous to its destraotion by the British troops and Tories, during the siege of Boston in August, 1775.
Mr. Sears has erected a row of fine buildings upon the site of the old grove of elms, of which this tree was
one ; and within a niche, on the front of one of them, and exactly over the spot where the Liberty Tree stood,
he has placed a sculptured representation of it, as seen in the picture. From the time of the Stamp Act ex-
citement until the armed possession of Boston by Greneral Gage and his troops in 1774, that tree had been
the rallying-place for the patriots, and had fallen, in consequence, much in disfavor with the friends of gov-
ernment. It was inscribed " Libkrtt Tre«," and the ground under it was called " Liberty H.\ll." The
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 467
Riot in BoftOD. Destraction of private Propertj. Attack on HotohiiitoD*t Honae. Dettnictiosiof"I4bert7Tree.*'
and carried in procession, the populace shouting, ** Liherty and property forever ! No stamps !
No taxation without our consent !*' They then proceeded to Kilby Street, and pulling down
a small building just erected by Oliver, to be used, as they suspected, for selling stamps, they
took a portion of it to Fort Hill and made a bonfire of it. The mob then rushed toward
Oliver's house, beheaded his effigy before it, and broke all the front windows. His effigy
was then taken to Fort Hill and burned. Returning to his house, they burst open the door,
declaring their intention to kill him, and in brutal wantonness destroyed his furniture, trees,
fences, and garden. Mr. Oliver had escaped by a rear passage, and the next mom- a Aamtt 15,
iDg,» considering his life in danger, he resigned his office. Four months af^rward "^
he was compelled by the populace to go under Liberty Tree, and there publicly read his res-
ignation. In the evening the mob again assembled, and besieged the house of the late Chief-
justice Hutchinson, now lieutenant governor of the province. They did but little damage,
and finished their evening's orgies by a bonfire on the Common.
On the 2^th the Rev. Jonathan Mahew, minister of the West Church in Boston, preached
a powerful sermon against the Stamp Act,. taking for his text, ** I would they were even cut
off which trouble you. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty : only use not liberty
for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.''* On Monday evening follotring
a mob collected in King Street, and, proceeding to the residence of Paxton, the marshal of
the Court of Admiralty, menaced it. The owner assured them that the officer was not there,
and, conciliating the populace by a present of a barrel of punch at a tavern near by, saved
his premises from injury. Maddened with liquor, they rushed to the house of Story, regis-
trar of the Admiralty, and destroyed not only the public documents, but his private papers.
They next plundered the house of Hallowell, the controller of customs ; and, their numbers
being considerably augmented and their excitement increased, they hurried to the mansion
of Lieutenant-governor Hutchinson,' on North Square. Hutchinson and his family escaped
Essex Grazette of Aogost Slst, 1775, in desoribing the destruction of the tree, says, " They made a furious
attack upon it. After a long spell of laughing and grinning, sweating, swearing, and foaming with malice
diabolioal, they out down the tree because it bore the name of liberty. A soldier was killed by falling from
one of its branches during the operation." In a tract entitled '* A Voyage to Boston," published in 1775
the writer thus alludes to the scene :
** Now shined the giy-faoed ran with morning light.
An Btttore gBsed, emiltiiig ftt the li^t,
When fwift aa wind, to Tent their base-born rage,
The Tory WflUams and the Batcher Gage
Roah'd to the tree, a namelean nomber near,
Torlea and negroes following in the rear ;
Each, toe in hand, attack'd the honor'd tree, ,
Swearing eternal war witili Liberty ;
Nor ceaaed hit atroke till each repeating wound
Tombled ita honors headlong to the ground ;
But ere it feD, not mindless of its wrong,
Avenged, it took one desthted head along.
A Tory soldier on its topmost limb ;
The genius of the Shade look'd stem at him.
And mark'd him out that self-same hour to dine
Where unsnuff'd lamps bum low at Pluto's shrine ,
Then tripp'd his feet from off their cautious stand ;
Pale tum'd tlie wretch— he spread each helpless hand,
But spread in Tain— with headlong force he foil.
Nor stopp*d descending till he stopp'd in heU.**
^ Galatians, v., 12, 13.
' Thomas Hutchinson was bom in 1711, and graduated at Harvard College in 1727. He studied En-
glish constitutional hiw, with a view to public employment. For ten years he was a member of the House
of Representatives of Massachusetts, and three years its Speaker. He suoceeded his uncle Edward as Judge
of Probate in 1752 ; was a member of the Coimcil from 1749 until 1756, and lieutenant governor from 1758
to 1771 . He held the office of chief justice after the death of Sewall, in 1 760. This office had been prom-
ised by Shirley to the elder Otis, and the appointment greatly displeased that influential family. Several
acts of Hutehinson had made him unpopular with certain of the people. In 1 748, the paper currency of the
oolony having depreciated to about an eighth of its original value, Hutchinson projected, and carried through
tJie House, a bill for abolishing it, and substituting gold and silver. It was a proper measure, but displeased
Digitized by
Google
468 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Degtitictkw of Qoreraor Htttrhtntnti'e Propgrtjy. CbaraelaroftbaBiotaralBBotton. " PriMUlillimri T m'
in time to lave their liyes, for the mob were prepared, by liquor and other excitement, for
any deed. It was now midnight. With yelk and curses they entered, and by four o'clock
in the morning " one of the best finished houses in the oolony
had nothing remaining but the bare walls and floors.*' Ev-
ery thing but the kitchen furniture was taken from the dwell-
ing or utterly destroyed. The rioters carried off between four
and five thousand dollars in money, a large quantity of plate,
family pictures, and clothing, and destroyed the fine library of
the lieutenant governor, containing a large collection of manu-
scripts relating to the history of the cobny, which he had been
thirty years collecting. This loss was irreparable. The street
in firont of the house was next morning strewed with plate,
rings, and money— destructi<m, not plunder, being the aim of
the mob.
These proceedings w«re disgraceful in the extreme, and mar
the sublime beauty of the picture exhibited by ^e steady and ^^ \ \ \) .
dignified progress of the Revolution. While no apology for /^^ jLjiJt^^^/u,
mob rioters should be attempted, extenuating circumstances cSfl'ifDfW^^
ought to have thw due weight in the Daiance of just judgment. All over the land the pub-
lic mind was excited against ministers and their abettors, and leading men in the oobnies did
not hesitate to reoonomend forcible resistance, if necessary, to the oppressions of the mother
country. The principles underl3ring the violent movement in Boston were righteous, but the
mass were too impatient for their vindication to await the efiects of remcmstranoe and petition,
argument and menace, employed by the educated and orderly patriots. As is commonly the
fact, the immediate actors in these scries were the dregs of the population. Yet it was evi-
dent that they had, in a degree, the sympathy of, and were controlled by, the great mass of
the more intelligent citizeus. The morning after the destruction of Hutchinson's house, a
public meeting of leading men was held ; expressiohs of abhorrence for the act were adopted,
and the lieutenant governor received a pledge from the meeting that all violence should cease,
if he would agree not to commence legal proceedings. He acquiesced, and order was restored.
The disturbances thus begun in Boston were imitated elsewhere during the summer and
autumn. These will be hereafter considered. It may properly be mentioned here that the
opposition to the Stamp Act was not confined to the continental colonies. The people of
the West India plantations were generally opposed to it, and at St. Kitts the stamp-master
was obliged to resign. Canada and Halifax, on the continent, submitted, and remained loyal
through the Revolution that followed.
Boston, our present point of view, kept up the spirit of liberty, but avoided acts of violence.
k newspaper appeared under the significant title of " The Constitutional Courant, con-
taining matters instructing to liberty, and no ways repugnant to loyalty; printed by Andrew
Marvel, at the sign of the Bribe Refused, on Constitution Hill, North America,'* Its head-
piece was a snake cut into eight pieces (see page 508), the head part having N. E., the in-
many. He alao favored the law granting Writs of Assistance ; and on the bdnoh, in the Cooncil, and in the
Assembly he was always found on the side of the ministry. These fkota acooant for the violent feelings of
the mob against him. In 1768 he was an active ooadjator of Governor Bernard in bringing troops to Boston^
which made him still more onpopolar. When Bernard lefi the province, in 1769, the government devolved
wholly upon Hntchinson. In 1770 the Botton moitacrt oconrred, and mach of the responsibility of that oat •
rage was laid apon him. He was appointed governor in 1771 , and from that time until he left for England,
in 1774, he was in continoal trouble with the Assembly. The popular feeling against him was greatly in-
creased by the publicity given to certain letters of his sent to ministers, in which he recommended stringent
measures against the colonies. Toward the close of 1773 the destruction of tea in Boston Harbor was ac-
complished. The Sons of Liberty had then paralyzed the government, and there was not a judge or sheriff
who dared to exercise the duties of his office against the wishes of the inflamed people. Hutchinson then
resigned his office, and sailed for England in £e spring of 1774. He died at Broropton, England, June
3rd, 1780, aged sixty-nine years.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 469
ProoBedtny JnBotton in Rdatkm to the Stamp Act EfllgiM barned. Elleet of the Stamp Act Man4mportalioiiAMocktionft.
itiab of New England, inBoribed upon it, and the other pieces the initialfl of the other colo*
nies. Accompanying the device was the motto, Join or dk.
The morning of the Ist of November, the day appointed ibr the Stamp Act to take effect
in America, was ushered in at Boston by the tolling of muffled bells, and the vessels in the
harbor displaying their flags at half mast, as on the occasion of a funeral solemnity. On
Liiberty Tree were suspended two effigies, representing Greorge Grenville and John Huske ;
the latter the American member of Parliament whom I have mentioned as suggesting a
heavy tax upon the colonies before the Stamp Act was proposed. A lab^ with a poetic in-
scription, was affixed to the breast of each.' The figures remained suspended until about
three o'clock in the afternoon, when they were cut down in the presence of several thousand
people of all ranks, who testified their approbation by bud huzzas. The effigies were placed
in a cart, and taken to the court-house, where the Assembly i^ere sitting, followed by a vast
concourse in regular procession ; thence the people proceeded to the Neck, and hung the fig-
ures upon a gallows erected there. Speeches were made at ^e place of execution, and, after
the lapse of an hour, they were taken down, torn in pieces, and the limbs thrown in the air.
The people were now desired, by one of the leaders of the pageant, to go quietly home. They
acquiesced, and Boston that night was remarkably tranquiL
The Stamp Act had now become a law. As none but stamped paper was legal, and as
the people were determined not to use it, business was suspended. The courts were dosed,
marriages ceased, vessels were delayed in the harbors, and the social and commercial <^pera-
tions of America were suddenly paralyzed. Few dared to think of positive rebellion ; the
strong arm of government held the sword of power above them, and a general gloom over-
spread the colonies. Yet hope was not extinct, and it pointed out a peaceable, but power-
ful, plan for efiecting a repeal of the noxious act. The commerce between Great Britain
and the colonies had become very important, and any measure that might interrupt its course
would be felt by a large and powerfiil class in England, whose influence was felt in Parlia-
ment. The expediency of striking a blow at the trade occurred to some New York mer-
chants, and, accordingly, on the 31st of October, the day before the act went into op-
eration, a meeting was held, and an agreement entered into not to import fiom England
certain enumerated articles after the first day of January ensuing.* The merchants of Phil*
' The following are copies of the labeU. On. that repiwenting Grenvilla, holding oat a Stamp Act in
Di« left hand:
"TOUR Serrao^ Sin; do you Uke mj Flgorat
TOTTre teen one Rogue, bat here's m bigger.
Father of MiMUef I how I Mtf
Where many a Rogue haa gooe befbre.
Take heed, my Brother Rogoea, take heed.
In me your honeat Portion read:
Dear cooafai PBTsm, no Ezcoae,
Come dance wtth me without your wbom,
*Tia G le caDa, and ahik or awfan,
Tou'd go to h— ^ to IbUow Um."
On the flgnre representing John Hoske :
Qtu$L «< What, Brother H akef why,lUilibadl
Amm. Ah.faideedl butrmawkkedLad;
My Uocher always thought me wQd;
*The GaDows ia thy Portkia. Child,*
She often aald: behold, *tia true.
And now the Dog must huTe hia doe.
For idle Gewgawi, wretched PelC
I mM my Country, d— d myaelf ;
Add for my great, uneqiuaTd Crime
The D 1 takea H ake before hit tfane.
But if aome Brethraa I eould naoM^
Who ihared tlie Crime, ihould dure the ihane,
Hits g^rioua tree, though big and taD,
Indeed would nerer hold *em aD T
* The meeting wat held at the hoose of George Boms, inn-keeper. As the agreement entered into there
is a type of thooe adopted by the merchants and people of other colonies, I copy from the New York Mer-
Digitized by
Google
470
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
December 17.
Cmabjuks, Mabquxs or RocKiNaiiAif.
Pram u BoRliih pnnt
The Non-Importation Agreementa. RocUngfaom made Prime BOniiter. Apatiij in Parliament Domealio Manvftetniee
adelphia readily responded to the mearare, and on the 9th of December those of Boston en-
tered into a similar agreement. Nor were the pledges confined to merchants alone, but the
people in general ceased nsing foreign luxuries ; articles of domestic manufacture came into
general use, and the trade with Great Britain was ahnost entirely suspended.^
j755^ la Jttly the Marquis^ of Rockingham, an honorable and enlightened sUtesman. suc-
ceeded GrenviUe in the premiership. His
cabinet was composed chiefly of the friends of
America, and, for a while, the colonists hoped
for justice. General Conway, who had raised
the first voice of opposition to ministers in their
relations to the colonies, was made one of the
Secretaries of State, and Edmund Burke, one
of the earliest friends of America, was Rocking-
ham's private secretary. But the new minis-
try, against the determined will of the king and
the influence of a strong power behind the throne,
found it difficult to depart from the line of policy
toward the colonies adopted by GrenviUe, and
the hopes of the Americans faded in an hour.
A strange apathy concerning American af-
fairs seemed still to prevail in England, not-
withstanding every vessel from America carried |
tidings of the excited state of the people there. '
Parliament met in December. The
king, in his speech, mentioned that
oary of November, 1765, the portion of the prooeedings of the meeting oontaining the resolations. These
were, " First, That in all orders they send oat to Great Britain for goods or merchandise of any natm^ kind,
or quality whatsoever usually imported from Great Britain, they will direct their correspondents not to ship
them, miless the Stamp Act be repealed. It is, nevertheless, agreed that all such merchants as are owners
of, and have, vessels (dready gone, and now cleared out for Great Britain, shall be at liberty to bring back
m them, on their own accounts, crates and casks of earthen- ware, grindstones, and pipes, and such other bulky
articles as owners usually fill up their vessels with. Secondly, It is further unanimously agreed that aU or-
ders already s^t home shall be countermanded by the very first conveyance ; and the goods and merohan-
dise thereby ordered not to be sent, except upon the condition mentioned in the foregoing resolution. TTtM-
/y, It is further unanimously agreed that no merchant will vend dry-goods or merchandise sent upon oommts-
sion firom Great Britain, that shall be shipped from thence after the first day of January next, unless upon the
condition mentioned in the first resolution. Fourthly, It is further unanimously agreed that the foregoing
resolutions shall be binding until the same are abrogated at a general meeting hereafter to be held for that
purpose. In witness whereof we have hereunto respectively subscribed our names." [Here followed the
names of more than two hundred of the principal merchants.] In consequence of the foregoing resolutions,
the retail merchants of the city entered into an agreement not to buy or sell any goods shipped from England
after the 1st of January.
This was the beginning 'of that system of non-importation agreements which hurled back upon England,
with such force, the conunercial miseries she had inflicted upon the colonies.
^ The foUowing extracts from a letter written by a gentleman in Newport, Rhode Island, to Hugh Graine,
the editor of the New York Mercury, and published in that paper early in 1768, will give the reader an idea
of the industry of the colonists at that time : ** Within eighteen months past four hundred and eighty-seven
yards of cloth and thirty-six pairs of stockings have been spun and knit in the family of James Nixon of this
town. Another family, within four years past, hath manufactured nine hundred and eighty yards of woolen
cloth, besides two coverlids, and two bed-ticks, and all the stocking yam for the family. Not a skein was
put out of the house to be spun, but the whole performed in the family. We are credibly informed that manj
families in this colony, within the year past, have each manufactured upward of seven hundred yards of cloth
of different kinds."
Another letter, dated at Newport, 1765, says, "The spirit of patriotism is not confined to the iom of
America, but glows with equal fervor in the benevolent breasts of her daughters ; one instance of which we
think is worthy of notice. A lady of this town, though in the bloom of youth, and posstesed of virtues and
accomplishments, engaging, and sufficient to excite the most pleasing expectations of happiness in the mar-
ried state, has declared that she should rather be an old maid than that the operation of the Stamp Act should
conunence in these colonies."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION 471
Heetiiig of ParUameBt Bpeechetof.PittaodOreiiTffle. Boldnet* of Pitt Proposition to repeal the Stamp Act
something had occurred in America which might demand the serious attention of the Leg-
isUture ; hut that hody ahnost immediately adjourned until after the Christmas holidays,
and it was the 1 4th of January before they reassembled. The king alluded to the dis-
turbances in America, and assured the Houses .that no time had been lost in issuing
orders to the governors of the provinces, and to the commanders of the forces there, to use
all the power of the government in suppressing riots and tumults. Pitt, who was absent on
account of gout when the passage of the Stamp Act was under consideration, was now in
his place, and, leaning upon crutches, nobly vindicated the rights of the colonies. After cen-
suring ministers for their delay in giving notice of the disturbances in America, and animad-
verting severely upon the injustice of the Stamp Act, he proceeded to vindicate the Americans.
** The colonists," he said, ** are subjects of this kingdom, equally entitled with yourselves to
all the natural rights of mankind and the pecuUar privileges of Englishmen ; equally bound
by its laws, and equally participating in the Constitution of this free country. The Amer-
icans are the sons, not the bastards, of England. Taxation is no part of the governing or
l^slative power. Taxes are the voluntary gift or grant of the Commons alone
When, therefore, in this House we give and grant, we give and grant what is our own. But
in an American tax what do we do ? We, your majesty's Commons for Great Britain, give
and grant to your majesty, what ? our own property ? No ; we give and grant to your maj-
esty the property of your majesty's Commons of America. It is an absurdity in terms."
Grenville also censured ministers for their delay. « The disturbances," he said, « began
in July, and now we are in the middle of January ; lately they were only occurrences; they
are now grown to disturbances^ to tumults and riots, I doubt they border on open rebell-
ion ; apd, if the doctrines of this day be confirmed, that name will be lost in revolution."
And so it was. Grenville also defended his own course, and dissented from Mr. Pitt respect-
ing the right to tax the colonies. He claimed obedience from America, because it enjoyed
the protection of Great Britain. « The nation," he said, << has run itself into an immense
debt to give them protection ; and now they are called upon to contribute a small share to-
ward the public expense — an expense arising from themselves— they renounce your author-
ity, insult your officers, and break out, I might almost say, into open rebellion." Fixing his
eyes intentiy upon Pitt, he exclaimed, with great emphasis, " Tlie seditious spirit of the cdo-
nies owes its birth to factions in this House, Gentlefnen are careless of the consequence^
oftahat they say, provided it answers the purposes of opposition,*'
When Grenville ceased speaking, several members arose to their feet, among whom was
Pitt. There was a loud cry of «* Mr. Pitt, Mr. Pitt," and all but he sat down. He imme-
diately fell upon Grenville, and told him that, since he had challenged him to the field, he
would fight him on every foot of it. " The gentleman tells us," he said, '< that America is
obstinate, America is almost in open rebellion. I rejoice that America has resisted. Three
millions of people so dead to all the feelings of liberty as voluntarily to submit to be slaves,
would have been fit instruments to make slaves of the rest." Alluding to the alleged strength
of Great Britain and the weakness of America, he said, " It is true, that in a good cause, on
a good ground, the force of this country could crush America to atoms ; but on this ground,
on this Stamp Act, many here will think it a crying injustice, and I am one who will lift
up my hands against it. In such a cause your success would be hazardous. America, if
she fall, would fall like th^ strong man ; she would embrace the pillars of the State, and
pull down the Constitution along with her."' Pitt concluded his speech with a proposition
for an abqplute and immediate repeal of the Stamp Act, at the same time recommending an
act to accompany the repeal, declaring, in the most unqualified terms, the sovereign author-
ity of Great Britain over her colonies. This was intended as a sort of salvo to the national
honor, necessary, as Pitt well knew, to insure the repeal of the act. Burke, who had been
elected to a seat in the House of Commons,' Conway, Barr6, and others, seconded the views
' History Debates, &o., of the British Parliament, iy., 292-7.
* At this time Borke commenced his brilliant career as a statesman and an orator. Dr. Johnson asserted
Digitized by
Google
472
PICTORIAL PIELD-BOOK
1766.
Poaition of Lord Camden. Repeal of the Stamp Act Canaea tiuit efiected It ReJoioiiigB in Eng^ud and America
of Pitt, and with that great statesman were the principal advocates of a repeal. Chief-jus-
tice Pratt, now become Lord Camden, was the principal friend of the measure in the Upper
House, but was opposed to the Declaratory Act proposed by Pitt. " My position is this,'*
he said, in the course of debate ; " I repeat it ; I will maintain it to the last hour — ^taxa-
tion and representation are inseparable. The position is founded in the law of nature. It
is more : it is itself an eternal law of nature."
On the 1 8th of March a repeal bill was passed by a large majority of the men who,
a few months previous, were almost unanimously in favor of the Stamp Act. It was
carried in the House of Commons by a vote of two hundred and seventy-five to one hundred
and sixteen. It met strenuous opposition in the House of Lords, where it had a majority of
thirty-four. Thirty-three peers entered a strong protest, in which they declared that " such
a submission of king. Lords, and Commons, in so strange and unheard-of a contest," would
amount to an entire surrender of British supremacy.
The change in the opinions of members of the House of Commons was wrought more by
the petitions, remonstrances, and personal influence of the London merchants, than by ap-
peals from America, or by disturbances there. Ministers would not receive the petitions of
the colonial Congress held at New York, because that assembly had not been legally sum-
moned to meet by the supreme power. It was the importunities of London merchants and
tradesmen, sufiering severely from the efiects of the non-importation agreements, that wrought
the wondrous change. Half a million of dollars were then due them from the colonies, and,
under the existing state of things, not a dollar of it was expected to be paid. Their trade
with the colonies was suddenly suspended, and nothing but bankruptcy and ruin was before
them. London being the business heart of the kingdom, with a cessation of its pulsations
paralysis spread to other portions. Nothing but a
retraction could save England from utter commercial
ruin, and, perhaps, civil war. These were the con-
siderations which made the sensible men in Parlia-
ment retrace their steps. According to Pitt's recom-
mendation, a Declaratory Act, which affirmed the
right of Parliament " to bind the colonies in all cases
whatsoever," accompanied the bill. The repeal of
the Stamp Act became a law, by the reluctant sig^
nature of the king, on the day of its enact- ^^^^^ ^
ment. ^''^
Great joy was manifested in London when the Re-
peal Act passed. Pitt had all the honor of the meas^
ure, and as he came out to the lobby of the House
of Commons he was greeted by the crowd with the
most extravagant demonstrations of joy. They clung
about him like children upon a long-absent father.
The ships in the river displayed their colors ; houses
at night, all over the city, were illuminated ; and the
most fulsome adulation was bestowed upon the king
and Parliament for their goodness and wisdom !
Equally great was the joy that filled the colonies when intelligence of the repeal of the
Stamp Act arrived. The Declaratory Act, involving, as it really did, the kernel of royal
prerogatives which the colonists rejected, was, for the moment, overlooked, and Uiroughout
America there was a burst of loyalty and gratitude. New York voted statues to the king
and to Pitt, both of which were presently erected ;^ Virginia voted a statue to the king ;
William Pitt.
rrom BO EngUsh print.
that his two speeches on the repeal of the Stamp Act " were publicly commended by Mr. Pitt, and filled the
town with wonder."
^ The statue of the king was eqaestrian, and made of lead. It stood within the present inolosare at the
foot of Broadway, New York, called the Bowling Green. The statae of Pitt was of marble, and stood at
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 473
E^loieiiig in Boston. Beleue of Piiaonen for Debt Pynmid on the Common. Poettclnscriptioni. Haneook't Libenlitj.
Maryland pasBed a similar vote, and ordered a portrait of Lord Camden ; and the authori-
ties of Boston ordered full-length portraits of Barr6 and Conway for Fanueil Hall.
The Repeal Act reached Boston at ahout noon on Friday, the 1 3th of May. It was
brought by the brig Harrison, a vessel belonging to John Hancock. Great was the
general joy. The church*bells were immediately rung ; the colors of all the ships vt^re
hoisted ; cannons were discharged ; the Sons of Liberty gathered under their favorite tree,
drank toasts, and fired guns ; and bonfires and illuminations enlivened the evening. A gen-
eral celebration was arranged by the select-men for the following Monday. The dawn, bright
and rosy, was ushered in by salvos of cannon, ringbg of bells, and martial music. Through
the liberality of some citizens, every debtor in the jail was ransomed and set at liberty, to unite
in the genend joy. *< This charitable deed originated in a fair Boston nymph." The whole
town was illuminated in the evening. On the Common the Sons of Liberty erected a magnifi-
cent pyramid, illuminated by two hundred and eighty lamps, the four upper stories of which
were ornamented with figures of the king and queen, and ** fourteen of the patriots who had
distinguished themselves for their love of liberty." On the fi>ur sides of the lower apartment
were appropriate poetic inscriptions.' ** John Hancock, Esq.," says a newspaper of the day,
from which I have drawn this account, " who gave a grand and elegant entertainment to
the genteel part of the town, and treated the populace to a pipe of Madeira wine, erected at
the firont of his house, which was magnificently illuminated, a stage for the exhibition of his
the intersection of William and Wall Streets. The mutilated remains of this statue are now within an iron
railing of the Fifth Ward Hotel, on the comer of Franklin Street and West Broadway. A sketch of the broken
statue will be found on page 688, Vol. II.
' The fk^owing are the poetio inscriptions referred to. They allude to emblematic figures on the lower
rtor?:
** O thou whom next to Heaven we mott rerere,
Fair Liberty I thoa lovely Goddess, hear I
Hare we not wooed thee, won thee, held thee long,
Lahi in thy Lap, and melted on thy Tongue-
Through Death and Dangers, rugged Paths pursued,
And led thee, smiling, to diis toLITUDE—
Hid thee within our Hearts' most golden cell.
And braved the Powers of Eardi and Powers of Hell t
GODDESS I we can not part, thou must not fly,
Be SLAVESI we dare to scorn it--dar« to die."
*> While clanking Chains and Curses shaU sahite
Thine ears, remorseless 6— le^ tfaine^ O tf te,
To you, bless'd PATRIOTS I we our cause submit,
nhistrious CAMBDEN, Britain's guardian, PITT I
Recede not; frown ao^ radier let us be
Deprived of being than of LIBERTY.
Let Fraud or Malice blacken all our crimes,
No disafiectlon stains these peacelbl climes;
O save us, shield us from impending Woes,
Tlie Foes of Britain only are our Foes.**
** Boast, foul Oppression, boast thy transient RMs^
While honest FREEDOM struggles with her Chain ,
But now the Sons d Virtue, hardy, brave.
Disdain to lose through mean Despair to save ;
Aroused in Thunder, awful they appear,
With proud Deliverance stalking in their rear :
WhOe Tyrant Foes tiieir pallid Fears betray.
Shrink from their Arms, and give their Vengeance way ;
See, in the unequal War, OPPRESSORS fall,
The Hate, Contempt, and endless Curse of aU.'*
** Our Faith iqiproved, our LIBERTY restored,
Our Hearts bend grateful to our sovereign Lord :
Hail, darling monarch I by this act endeared.
Our firm AfTeotions are our best Reward ;
Should Britain's self against herself divide.
And hostile Armies form cm either side-
Should Hosts rebellious shake our Brunswick's llirotte,
And as they dared thy Parent, dare the Son,
To ttiis Asylum stretch thy happy Wing,
And we'll contend who best shall love our KING."
Digitized by
Google
474
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Liberality of Otii and others. Tiie Rejoidnga clouded. New Acts of Oppreaaioii.
Inaolcnce of Publie Qfflcera
fire-works." " Mr. Otis, and some other gentlemen who lived near the Common, kept
open house the whole evening, which was very pleasant." At eleven o'clock, on a signal
being given, a horizontal fire-wheel on the top of the pyramid was set in motion, " which
ended in the discharge of sixteen dozen serpents in the air, which concluded the show. To
the honor of the Sons of Liberty, we can with pleasure inform the world that every thing
was conducted with the utmost decency and good
order. * * His maj esty *s Council, by a previous i nvi-
tation of the governor, met at the Province House
in the afternoon, where many loyal toasts were
drunk, and in the evening they went to the Com-
mon to see the fire-works. Past animosities were
forgotten, and the night of the 16 th of May was
a happy one for Boston.
The glad sounds of rejoicing because of the re-
peal of the Stamp Act were not mellowed into the
harmony of confident hope, before the ministry of
England, by its unwise and unjust acts, again
awakened loud murmurs of discontent throughout
\America. That germ of new oppressions, the De-
claratory Act,' which appeared so harmless, began
to expand in the genial soil of ministerial culture.
Ths Pbovxncx Hodsk.1
The House of Commons, by resolutions,
demanded of the colonies restitution to the crown officers who had sufiered lo&s by the Stamp
Act riots. This was just, and the colonies complied ; Massachusetts, however, in passing
the Indemnification Bill, inserted a provision that a firee pardon should be extended to all
-concerned. Much bad feeling was engendered by the insolent manner in which the settle-
ment of the claims was demanded. Governor Bernard of Massachusetts was so peremptory
and insulting, that the people of Boston flatly refused to pay ; and it was not until the gov*
emor had lowered his authoritative tone very much that they complied.*
A new clause in the Annual Mutiny Act' was properly viewed as disguised taxation^ and
a measure calculated not only to strengthen the royal power in America, but to shift a heavy
burden from the shoulders of the home government to those of the colonies. The clause pro-
vided that the British troops that might be sent here should be furnished with quarters, beer,
salt, and vinegar at the expense of the people. It was a comparatively small tax, and easy
to be borne, but it involved the same principles, substantially, that were avowed in the Stamp
Act, and was more odious, because it was intended to make the people support bayonets sent
to abridge their liberties. New York and Massachusetts refused to comply with its provi-
sions, and opposition, as zealous as that against the Stamp Act, was soon arousod. The in-
solent soldiers met rebufis at every corner, and at times serious outbreaks were apprehended
in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.
On the 2d of August, 1766, the Rockingham cabinet was suddenly dissolved. It was
too liberal for *' the king's friends,*' and was unable to stem the current of opposition flowing
from royalty itself. The new cabinet was formed, by his majesty's commands, under the oon-
^ The Provinoe House, the residence of the colonial govemors, is still standing, in the rear of stores on
Washington Street, opposite Milk Street. It is a large brick building, three stories high, and was formerly
decorated with the king's arms richly carved and gilt. A capola sormoanted the roof. In front of the hoose
was a pretty lawn with an iron fence, and on each side of the gate was a large oak-tree. The ground sloped,
and in front were about twenty stone steps. Its grounds are now covered with buildings, and the house can
not be seen without entering Provinoe Court. The king's arms are in the cabinet of the Massachusetts His-
torical Society.
* The amount of indemnification claimed in Boston was as follows : Hutchinson, 912,000 ; Oliver, 9646 ;
Story, 8255 ; HalloweU, $1446.
' The Mutiny Act granted power to every officer, upon obtaining a vrarrant from a justioe, to break into
any house, by day or by night, in search of deserters. Like the Writs of Assistance, these powers might be,
and, indeed, were, used by unprincipled men for other than ostensible purposes ; and the guaranty of the
British Constitution that every uum's house shall be his castle, and inviolate, was subverted.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 475
Pitt OTMtod Lord Cbatham. Picture of hit CabiDet by Borke. New Scheme of Taxa^on. CommlMionera of Coftome
trol of Mr. Pitt, just created Earl of Chatham.^ This honor was conferred on the 29th of
July. The transformation of the great Commoner into an earl was not more surprising than
the curious medley of politicians that formed his cabinet, so diversified and discordant that
neither party knew what confidence to repose in it. ** He made an administration so check-
ered and speckled," said Burke ; ** he put together a piece of joinery so crossly indented and
whimsically dove-tailed ; a cabinet so variously inlaid ; such a piece of diversified mosaic ;
such a tesselated pavement without cement ; here a bit of black stone, and there a bit of
white ; patriots and courtiers, king's friends and republicans ; Whigs and Tories ; treacher-
ous friends and open enemies ; that it was, indeed, a very curious show, but utterly unsafe
to touch and unsure to stand on. The colleagues whom he had assorted at the same boards
stared at each other, and were obliged to ask, < Sir, your name V * Sir, you have the advant-
age of me.* < Mr. Such-a-one, I beg a thousand pardons.' I venture to say it did so hap-
pen that persons had a single ofiice divided between them, who had never spoken to each
other in their lives until they found themselves they knew not how, pig^g together, heads
and points, in the same truckle-bed."* Had the general direction of afiairs been assumed by
Pitt, even this incongruous cabinet might not have done much mischief; but frequent and
serious attacks of gout kept the great orator confined at Hayes, his country seat in Kent.
'' Having," said Burke, " put so much the larger part of his enemies and opposers into power,
the confusion was such that his own principles could not possibly have any efiect or influ
ence in the conduct of afiairs. If ever he fell into a fit of the gout, or any other cause with-
Irew him from public cares, principles directly contrary to his own were sure to predomiu-
ate When his face was hid for a moment, his whole system was one wide sea without
chart or compass." It was during one of these attacks of illness that Grenville propos- January,
ed a tax of two millions of dollars upon America, for the support of troops, &c. Charles ^'^^•
Townshend, Pitt's chancellor of the Exchequer, upon whom devq^ved the duty of suggesting
financial measures, agreed with Grenville as to the right thus to tax the colonies, but, in view
of the late excitement produced by the Stamp Act, thought it inexpedient, at the same time
pledging himself to the House to find a revenue in America sufficient to meet expenses. This
pledge he attempted to redeem in May, by asking leave to bring in a bill to impose a duty
upon paper, glass, painters' colors, lead, and tea imported by the Americans. Leave ^
was granted, and an act levying such duties became a law by royal assent on the 29th
of Jime. Another bill became a law on the 2d of July, which provided for taking ofiT
a shilling on a pound of the export tax on all black and single tea, and granting a drawback
upon all teas exported to Ireland and America. The object of this act was to encourage
the exportation of tea to America, in the belief that the reduced price of the article would
cause a great increase in the consumption, and, consequently, augment the revenue arising
firom it under the new act. But in this ministers reckoned neither wisely nor well.
Another bill was passed, reorganizing the colonial custom-house system, and the establish-
ment of a Board of Revenue Commissioners for America, to have its seat at Boston. There
was a provision in the first bill for the maintenance of a standing army in America, and en-
abling the crown, by sign manual, to establish a general civil list throughout every prov-
ince, fixing the salaries of governors, judges, and other officers, such salary to be paid by the
' Three weeks before the installation of the new cabinet Pitt received an autograph letter from the king,
commanding him to arrange a new administration. Pitt spoke of his age and infirmities (he was then fifty-
eight), and proposed taking to himself the office of the privy seal, which implied and necessitated his removal
to the House of Lords I The king was greatly astonished, but so desperately tangled were the public af-
fairs, and so great seemed the necessity of having the powerful Pitt among his friends, that the king was
obliged to jrield. The witty Lord Chesterfield, alluding to the ambition of Pitt to acquire a coronet, said,
** Every body is puzzled to account for this step. Such an event was, I believe, never heard or read of, to
withdraw, in the fullness of his power and in the utmost gratification of his ambition, from the House of Com-
mons (which procured him his power, and which could alone insure it to him), and to go into that hotpital
of incurabUty the House of LordB, is a meafture so unaccountable, that nothing but proof positive could make
me believe it ; but so it is." Chesterfield called it a ** fall up stairs — a fall which did Pitt so much dam-
age that he will never be able to stand upon his legs again."
' Speech on American Taxation.
Digitized by
Google
476
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Prodi Exottoment in the Coloniea. InoreudBg Importenoe of the Newspapen. " Lettan of a Pennqrl^uiA Fanner.*
crown. Thus the executive and judicial officers, from whom the people were to expect good
government and the righteous administration of laws, were made entirely independent of the
people, and became, in fact, mere hireling creatures of the crown. This had been the ob-
ject of almost every minister from the time of Charles II.*
When intelligence of these acts reached America, the excitement throughout the colonies
was as great as that produced by the Stamp Act, but action was more dignified and efficient.
The royal governors and their retainers, elated with the prospect of being independent of the
colonial Assemblies, eagerly forwarded the schemes of the ministry, and aided greaUy in foe^
teriug opposition among the people. The ministry seemed totally blind to every light of com*
mon sense, and disregarded the warnings of Lord Shelburne and others in Parliament, and
the opinions of just observers in America.*
The colonists clearly perceived the intention of government to tax them in some shape,
and took the broad ground
asserted by Otis in his
pamphlet, that ** taxes on
trade, if designed to raise
a revenue, were just as
much a violation of their
rights as any other tax.'*
The colonial newspapers,
now increased to nearly
thirty in number, began
to be tribunes for the peo-
ple, through which lead-
ing minds communed with
the masses upon subjects
of common interest. They
teemed with essays upon
colonial rights, among the
most powerful of which
were the "Letters of a
Farmer of Pennsylvania
to the Inhabitants of the
British Colonies," writ-
ten by John Dickinson,'
and first published in the
Pennsylvania Chronicle.
They were twelve in num-
ber, and appeared during
the summer and autumn
of 1767. Their eflTeot.
like that of the « Crisis,"
by Thomas Paine, a few
years later, was wonderfiil
in forming and controlling
the will of the people, and
giving efficiency to the
strong right arm of action.
In a style of great vigor,
animation, and simplic-
ity, Dickinson portrayed
the unconstitutionality of
the conduct of Great Biit^
ain, the imminent peril to
American liberty which existed, and the fatal consequences of a supine acquiescence in min-
» Gordon, i., 146.
' Gerard Hamilton (known as Single Speech Hamilton, because when a member of Parliament he made
but one speech) was then in America, and, writing to Colcraft, a member from Lincolnshire, said, *' In the
Ma.ssaohusetts government in particular there is an express law, by which every man is obliged to have a
musket, a pound of powder, and a pound of bullets always near him ; so there is nothing wanting but knap-
sacks (or old stockings, which will do as well) to equip an army for marching, and nothing more than a Sar-
tonius or a Spartaous at their head requisite to beat your troops and your custom-house officers oat of the
country, and set your laws at defiance.''
' John Dickinson was bom in Maryland, November 13th, 1732. His father was Samuel Dickinson, first
judge, in Delaware, of the Court of Conunon Pleas, about 1740. His father was wealthy, and John had
every means given him for acquiring learning which the colonies afforded. He studied law in Philadelphia,
and was for three years at the Temple in London. He first appeared in public life as a member of the
Pennsylvania Assembly in 1764. He was a member from Pennsylvania of the " Stamp Act Congress*' in
1765. He soon afterward began his essays upon various political subjects, and his pen was never idle dur-
ing the conflict that succeeded. Dr. Franldin caused his ^^ Letters of a Pennsylvania Farmer" to be repub-
lished in London in 1768, and in 1769 they were translated into French and published in Paris. Mr. Dick-
enson was a member of the first Continental Congress in 1774. He wrote the Declaration of the Congress
of 1775, setting forth the causes and the necessity for war. He was opposed to a political separation from
Great Britain, and was intentionally absent from Congr^s when the &ial vote on the Declaration of Inde-
pendence was taken on the 4th of July, 1776. In 1777 he received the commission of brigadier general
In 1780 he took his seat in the Assembly of Delaware, and in 1782 vnis elected President of Pennsylvania.
H« was a member of the Convention that framed the Federal Constitution, and was its warm friend. Hs
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 477
Honon to John Dickenson. Mmmrhniwtf ■ Ctrcolar Letter. BotdneM of Otis and Samuel Adasu. Tlie "Resdndera.*'
isterial measures — more fatal as precedents than by the immediate calamities they were cal-
culated to produce.' The people of Boston, at a public meeting, passed a vote of thanks to
T)ickin8on, and some who were afterward leading men of the Revolution composed the com-
mittee to write the letter. In May, 1768, an association in Philadelphia, called the Society
(^ Fort St. David, presented an address to Mr. Dickinson, « in a box of heart of oak." The
foUowing inscriptions were neatly done upon it, in gold letters. On the top was r^resented
the cap of liberty on a spear, resting on a cipher of the letters J. D. Underneath the cipher,
in a semi-circular label, the words Pro Patria. Around the whole, the following : « The
gift of the Governor and Society of Fort St. David to the atUhor of The Farmer's Let-
ters, in grateful testimony to the very eminent services thereby rendered to this country,
1768." On tiie inside of the top was the following inscription : '* The liberties of the Brit-
ish colonies in America asserted tvith Attic eioquence and Roman spirit by John Dickin-
son, Esq., barrister at law.'* Spirited resolutions were adopted by the eolonial Assemblies,
denouncing the acts of Parliament, and new non-importation associations were formed, which
almost destroyed the commerce with England.
A special session of the Massachusetts Assembly was asked for in October, to " con-
sider the late acts of Parliament," but Governor Bernard unwisely refused to call one.
At the opening of the regular session, in December, a large committee was appointed to <* con-
sider the state of the province." It elaborated several measures, the first of which was a
petition to the king, asserting the principles for which they were contending. A bolder step,
and one that most displeased the British ministry, was now taken ; the Assembly pebmary.
adopted a circular letter, to be addressed to all the colonies, imbodying the senti- ^'^^
ments expressed in the petition to the king, and inviting their co-operation in maintaining
the liberties of America. When intelligence of this letter reached the ministers. Lord Hills-
borough, the colonial Secretary, sent instructions to Governor Bernard to call upon the Gen-
eral Assembly of Massachusetts to rescind its resolutions, and, in the event of non-compliance,
to dissolve that body. But the Assembly, or House of Representatives, consisting of one
hundred and nine members, much the largest legislative Convention in America,* were not
easily frightened, and, instead of complying with the governor's demand, made that very de-
mand a fresh cause of complaint. Mr. Otis and Samuel Adams were the principal speakers
on the occasion. The former made a speech which the friends of government pronounced
*< the most violent, insolent, abusive, and treasonable declaration that perhaps ever was de-
livered." " When Lord Hillsborough knows," said Otis, *' that we will not rescind our acts,
he should apply to Parliament to rescind theirs. Let Britons rescind their measures, or
they are lost forever. *' For nearly an hour he harangued the Assembly with words like
these, until even the Sons of Liberty trembled lest he should tread upon the domain of treason.
The House refused to rescind, passed resolutions denunciatory of tiiis attempt to arrest free
discussion and expression of opinion, and then sent a letter to the governor, inform- j,,^^ 30^
ing him of their action. <* If the votes of this House," they said, << are to be con- ^^^
troUed by the direction of a minister, we have lefl us but a vain semblance of liberty. We
have now only to inform you that this House have voted not to rescind, and that, on a di-
vision on the question, there were ninety-two yeas and seventeen nays." The seventeen
*< rescinders" became objects of public scorn. The governor, greatly irritated, proceeded to
dissolve the Assembly ; but, before the act was accomplished, that body had prepared a list
of serious accusations against him, and a petition to the king for his removal. Thus Brit
ain, through her representative, struck the first blow at free discussion in America. Mas-
sachusetts, however, felt strong, for the answer to her circular letter from other colonies glow-
ed with sympathy and assurances of support.
oontiniied in public life, in yarioos ways, until his death, which occurred at Wilmington on the 14th of Feb-
ruary, 1808, at the age of seventy-five.
' American Portrait Gallery, vol. iii.
' About this time the debates in the Assembly began to be so interesting to the public at large, that a gal-
lery was prepared for the use of spectators, which was usually crowded with citizens.
Digitized by
Google
478 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Treatment of & Tide-waiter. Seizure of the Sloop Liberty. Ezcitement of the People. PubUo Meeting in Bo8to&
A new scene in the drama now opened. The commissioners of customs had arrived
in May» and were diligent in the performance of their duties. The merchants were
very restive under the strictness of the revenue officers, and these functionaries were exceed-
ingly odious in the eyes of the people generally. On the 10th of June the sloop Liberty,
Nathaniel Bernard master, belonging to John Hancock, arrived at Boston with a cargo of
Madeira wine. It was a common practice for the tide-waiter, upon the arrival of a vessel,
to repair to the cabin, and there to remain, drinking punch with the master, while the sail-
ors were landing the dutiable goods.' On the arrival of the IMerty, Rirke, the tidesman,
went on board, just at sunset, and took his seat in the cabin as usual. About nine in the
evening Captain Marshall, and others in Hancock's employ, entered the cabin, confined Elirke
below, and landed the wine on the dock without entering it at the custom-house, or observ-
ing any other formula. -Kirke was then released and sent ashore. Captain Marshall died
suddenly during the night, from the effects, it was supposed, of over-exertion in landing the
wine. Li the morning the commissioners of customs ordered the seizure of the sloop, and
Harrison, the collector, and Hallowell, the controller, were deputed to perform that duty.
Hallowell proceeded to place the broad arrow upon her (the mark designating her legal po-
sition), and then, cutting her moorings, he removed the vessel from Hancock's Wharf to a
place in the harbor under the guns of the Romney ship of war.
This act greatly inflamed the people. Already a crowd had collected to prevent the seiz-
ure ; but when the vessel was cut loose and placed under the protection of British cannon,
a strong feeling of anger pervaded the multitude. The assemblage of citizens became a mob,
and a large party of the lower class, headed by Malcomb, a bold smuggler, pelted ELarrison
and others with stones, attacked the offices of the commissioners, and, dragging a custom-
house boat through the town, burned it upon the Common. 'The commissioners, alarmed
for their own safety, applied to Governor Bernard for protection, but he told them he was
utterly powerless. They found means to escape on board the Romney, and thence to Cas-
tle William, a fortress upon Castle Island, in the harbor, nearly three miles southeast of
the city, where a company of British artillery was stationed."
The Sons of Liberty called a meeting at Faneuil Hall on the afternoon of the 13th.* A
large concourse assembled, and the principal business done was preparing a petition to the
governor, asking him to remove the man-of-war from the harbor. The Council passed res-
olutions condemnatory of the rioters, but the House of Representatives took no notice of the
matter. Legal proceedings were commenced against the leading rioters, but the difficulty
of procuring witnesses, and the bad feeling that was engendered, made the prosecutors drop
the matter in the following spring.
Alarmed by these tumultuous proceedings, the governor requested General Gage, then in
New York, and captain general of all the British forces in America, to act upon a permis-
sion already given him by Lord Hillsborough, in a secret and confidential letter, to order
some royal troops from Halifax to Boston. Intelligence of this request leaked out, and the
people of Boston were greatly irritated. The arrival of an officer sent by Gage to prepare
quarters for the coming troops occasioned a town meeting, and a committee, consisting of
James Otis, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and John Adams, was appointed to wait upon
a September 13, ^^ govemor, ascertain whether the report was true, and request him to call
1768. a special meeting of the Assembly. » The govemor frankly acknowledged that
troops were about to be quartered in Boston, but refused to call a meeting of the Assembly un-
til he should receive instructions from home. Bernard was evidently alarmed ; he perceived
the great popularity of the leaders who stood before him, and his tone was far more pacific
' Gordon.
* The present fort upon Castle Island is called Fort Independence, so named by the elder Adams while
visiting it when he was President of the United States, in 1799. It stands at the entrance of the harbor,
and is one of the finest forts in America.
' The private meeting-plaoe of the Sons of Liberty, according to John Adams, was the coonting-room is
Chase and Speakman^s distillery, in Hanover Square, near the Liberty Tree.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION
479
Attempted Bribery of F«triot8. SoundneM of their Principles. Propoeed ConTention In Boston. Orguiixatlon of the Meeting.
than it had recently been. Nor did hia pliancy end here ; he actually stooped to the base
alternative of endeavoring to make some of those leaders his friends by bribes. He gave
FaNKUXL ilALL.t
From an Enciiah pnat oi th« ttHM
Hancock a commission honoring him with a seat in the Council, but the patriot tore the
parchment into shreds in the presence of the people. He ofiered John Adams the lucrative
office of advocate general, in the Court of Admiralty, but Adams hurled back the proffered
patronage with disdain. Bernard also approached that sturdy representative of the Puri-
tans, Samuel Adams, but found him, though poor in purse, as Hutchinson on another occa-
sion said, ** of such an obstinate and inflexible disposition that he could never be conciliated
by any office or gif^ whatsoever."
The governor having peremptorily refused to convene the Assembly, the meeting recom--
mended a convention of delegates from all the towns in the province, to meet in Boston with-
in ten days. '* A prevailing apprehension of war with France'* was made the plausible pre-
tense for calling the meeting ; and they requested the people to act in accordance with a law
of the oolony* authorizing each one to provide himself with a musket and the requisite am-
munition. Every town and district but one — ^more than a hundred in number* — sent a del-
egate. They met on the 2 2d, chose Mr. Thomas Cushing, late Speaker of the
Assembly, as their chairman, and petitioned Governor Bernard to summon a Gen-
September
> Faneail Hall has been denominated "the cradle of American liberty," having been the pq>iilar gather-
ing-place of the Sons of Liberty daring the incipient stages of the Revolution. It was erected in 1742, at
the sole expense of Peter Faneuil, Esq., of Boston, and by him generously given to the town — the basement
for a market, with a spacious and most beautiful hall, and other convenient rooms above, for public meet-
ings of the citizens. It was burned in 1761, nothing but the brick walls remaining. The town inmiedi-
ately ordered it to be rebuilt. Mr. Faneuil had then been dead several years. The engraving shows it as
it appeared during the Revolution. It waa enlarged in 1805, by the addition of another story, and an in-
crease of forty feet in its width. The hall is about eighty feet square, and contains some fine paintings of
distinguished men. The lower part is no longer used as a market. The original vane, copied from that of the
London Royal Exchange, still turns upon the pinnacle. It is in the form of a huge grasshopper (the crest
of Sir Thomas Gresham), through whose munificence the Royal Exchange was built.
* At that time Massachusetts contained sixty-six regularly organized towns.
Digitized by
Google
480 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
GoTernor Bernard's Proclamation. Meeting of the Convention. AniTdofTroopaatBoefeon. Origin of Yankee Doodle
oral Court. The governor refused to receive their petition, and denounced the Convention
as treasonable, notwithstanding the conservatism which the delegates from the country in-
fused into the proceedings.^ They disclaimed all pretension to political authority, and pro-
fessed to have met *' in this dark and distressing time to consult and advise as to the best
manner of preserving peace and good order." The governor warned them to desist from
further proceedings, and admonished them to separate without delay. But iheb Convention,
while it was moderate in its action, was firm in its assumed position. It reni^ined in ses-
sion four days, during which time a respectful petition to the king was agreed to ; also a letter
to De Berdt, the agent of the colony in England, the chief topic of which was a defense of the
province against the charge of a rebellious spirit. They also adopted an address to the people,
in which the alarming state of the country was set forth ; but submission to legal authority
and abstinence from violent tumults were strongly inculcated. This was the first of those pop-
ular assemblies in America which speedily assumed the whole political power in the colonies.
September 27, '^^^ regiments of troops from Halifax, under Colonels Dalrymple and Carr,
^"^^ borne by a considerable fleet, arrived at Boston the day after the adjournment
of the Convention. The people had resolved to oppose their landing. There was room for
the troops in the barracks upon Castle Island, and the inhabitants insisted upon their being
landed there. But the governor and Greneral Gage determined to have the troops near at
hand, and, pretending that the barracks were reserved for two other regiments, ordered by
the home government firom Ireland, proceeded to provide quarters in the town. The gov-
ernor's Council refused to act in concert with him, and he took the Tesponsibility upon himself
On Sunday morning the fleet sailed up the harbor,* invested the town, and, under cover
^ The following is a copy of the governor's proclamation on the occasion. Being short, I give it entire,
as a fair specimen of the mildest tone assumed by the royal representatives in America toward the people :
'^ To the Cftntlemen atiembled at FanetHl HaU under the name of a Committee or Convention :
*' As I have lately received from his majesty strict orders to support his Constitutional authority within
this government, I can not sit still and see so notorious a violation of it as the calling an assembly oi people
by private persons only. For a meeting of the deputies of the towns is an assembly of the representatives
of the people to all intents and purposes ; and it is not the caUing it a Committee or Convention that will
alter the nature of the thing. I am willing to believe that the gentlemen who so hastily issued the sum-
mons for this meeting were not aware of the high nature of the offense they were committing ; and they
who have obeyed them have not well considered of the penalties which they will incur if they should persist
in continuing their session, and doing business therein. A present ignorance of the law may excuse what
is past ; a step further will take away that plea. It is, therefore, my duty to interpose this instant, before
it is too late. I do, therefore, earnestly admonish you that instantly, and before you do any business, yon
break up this assembly, and separate yourselves. I speak to you now as a friend to the province aoud a
well-wisher to the individuals of it. But if you should pay no regard to this admonition, I must, as govern-
or, assert the prerogative of the crown in a more public manner. For assure yourselves (I speak from in-
struction) the king it determined to maintain hit entire tovereignty over thit province^ and whoever shall per-
sist in usurping any of the rights of it will repeq^ of his rashness. Fba. Bkerard.
•"ProTince House, Sept 82d, 1788."
A respectful reply to this proclamation, signed by Mr. Cushing in behalf of the Convention, was sent to
the governor, but he refused to receive the message.
* There were eight ships — the Beaver, Senegal, Martin, Glasgow, Mermaid, Romney, Lannoeston, and
Bonetta. In the Boston Journal of the Timet of September 29th, 1768, I find the following : " The fleet
was brought to anchor near Castle William ; that night there was throwing of sky-rockets, and those pass-
ing in boats observed great rejoicings, and that the Yankee Doodle Song* was the capital piece in the band
* This air, with quaint words aboat '* Lydia Locket** losing ** her pocket,** was known in CromwelFa time. Our lyrio poet,
G. P MoBRisi Esq., in the fbUowing pleasant song, in meter adapted to the air, gires a version of
THE ORIGIN OP YANKEE DOODLE.
Once on a time old Johnny Boll flew in a raging ftiry,
And swore thai Jonathan should have no trials, sir, by Jury ;
That no elections should be held across the briny waters :
And now said he, Til tax the tka of all his sons and daugfaten."
Then down he sate in burly state, and bluster'd like a grandee,
And in derision made a tune call'd ** Yankee doodle dandy."
** Yankee doodle"— these are &cts— ** Yankee doodle dandy :
My son of wax, your tea IH tax ; yom— Yankee doodle dandy.**
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 48
Utndiog of the Troops. Ympoaliig Blilitaiy Display. Exasperation of the People. Non-importation AssoeiatioDS.
of the guns of the ships, the troops, about seven hundred in number, landed with charged
muskets, fixed bayonets, colors flying, drums beating, and every other military parade usual
on entering a conquered city of an enemy. A part of the troops encamped on the Common,
and part occupied Faneuil Hall and the town-house. Cannons were placed in front of the
latter ; passengers in the streets were challenged, and other aggravating circumstances at-
tended the ntrance of the troops. Every strong feeling of the New Englander was out-
raged, his dabbath was desecrated, his worship was disturbed, his liberty was infringed
upon. The people became greatly exasperated ; mutual hatred, deep and abiding, was en-
'gendered between the citizens and the soldiers, and the terms rebel and tyrant were daily
bandied between them.
All Americans capable of intelligent thought sympathized with Massachusetts, and the
engine of non-importation agreements, which worked so powerfully against the Stamp Act,
was put in motion with increased energy.' These associations became general in all the
colonies, under the sanction of the Assemblies. An agreement, presented by Washington
in the House of Burgesses of Virginia, was signed by every member, and the patriotism of
the people was every where displayed by acts of self-denial.*
of music We now behold Boston snrroonded, at a time of profound peace, by about fourteen slups
of war, with springs on their cables and their broadsides to the town I K the people of England could but
look into the town, they would see the utmost good order and obsenranoe of the laws, and that this mighty
armament has no other rebellion to subdue than what existed in the brain or letter of the inveterate G r
B d and the detested conunis— rs of e— — s."
*' October 3. In King [now State] Street, the soldiers being gathered, a proclamation was read, offering
a reward of ten guineas to such soldier as should inform of any one who should attempt to seduce him from
the service."
" October 6. In the morning nine or ten soldiers of Colonel Carres regiment were severely whipped on
the Common^ To behold Britons scourged by negro drununers was a new and very disagreeable spectacle."
' The non-importation agreement of the people of Boston was, substantially, that they would not import
any goods for the fall of 1768, except those already ordered ; that they would not import any goods from
Great Britain from the 1st of January, 1769, to the Ist of January, 1770, except salt, coals, fish-hooks and
lines, hemp and duck, bar lead and shot, wool cards and card wires ; that they would not import on their
own account, or on commission, or purchase from any who should import, from any other colony in Amer-
ica, from January, 1769, to January, 1770, any tea, paper, glass, or painters' colors, until the act imposing
duties on those articles should be repealed.
' A letter from Newport, published in a New York paper in January, 1768, remarks that at an afternoon
visit of ladiee, " It was resolved that those who could spin ought to be employed in that way, and those who
could not should reel. When the time arrived for drinking tea, bohea and hjrperion were provided, and every
one of the ladies judiciously rejected the poisonous bohea, and unanimously, to their very great honor, pre-
ferred the balsamic hyperion." The hyperion here spoken of was of domestic manutaotnre — ^the dried leaves
of the raspberry plant.
John tent Uie tea from o'er the oea, with hesTj dntief rtted;
But whether hyfon or bohea 1 never heard it ttated.
Then Jonathan to pout began— he laid a ftrcmg embargo—
**rU drink no tka, by Jore !** lo he threw overboard the caxga
Tlien Johnny sent a regiment; big worda and kx>ki to bandy,
Wh9ee martial band, when near the land, play'd** Yankee doodle dandy." *
** Yankee doodle— keep it np— Yankee doodle dandy—
m poison with a tax yoor cnp ; yo»— Yankee doodle dandy.**
A long war then they had, in which John waa at lait deibated,
And ''Yankee doodle** was tito march to which hia troopa retreated.
Cute Jonathan, to lee them fly, coold not restrain his laughter;
''That tone,** said he, "suits to a T. FU sing it erer after.**
Old Johnny^s boe^ to his disgrace, was flash*d with lieer and brandy,
E*en while he swore to sing no more this " Yankee doodle dandy.**
Yankee doodle— ho, ha, he— Yankee doodle dandy,
We kept the tmie^ bat not the tea— Yankee doodle dandy.
Pre t(dd yon now Oie origin of this most Urely ditty,
Which Johnny Boll dislikes as "dnU and stupid**— what a pity I
With "Han Colombia** it is sun^ in chorus AiU and hearty—
On land and maht we breathe the strain John made for his tea party.
Mo matter how we rhyme the words, tiie music speaks them handy,
« And Where's the fair can't sbig the air of "Yankee doodle dandy t"
Yankee doodle, firm and true— Yankee doodle dsndy—
Yankee doodle, doodle doo, Yankee doodle dandy.
Hh
Digitized by
Google
482
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Duke of Qrafton.
The King*! Speech, and the Betponse.
Pzx)poeed Re-enactment of a Statote of Henry Yin.
1788.
Let us consider for a moment the acts of the British Parliament at lids juncture. It as-
lembled on the 8th of November. Pitt was ill at his country seat, Townshend was
dead, and the Duke of Graflon, who had been
one of the Secretaries of State in the Rockingham ad-
ministration, was really at the head of this unpopu-
lar ministry. He was an able, straight-forward pol-
itician, a warm admirer and friend of Pitt, and a firm
supporter of his principles.^ The king, in his speech
from the throne, alluded to firesh troubles in America,
and denounced, in strong terms, the rebellious spirit
evinced by Massachusetts. The response of minis-
ters assured the king of their determination to main-
tain " the supreme authority of Great Britain over
every part.of the British empire." The address was
adopted in the House of Lords, but met considerable
opposition in the Commons, where the oppressive acts
of the government toward America were severely
criticised.
Early in January the consideration of American
affairs was taken up in Parliament. The petition
from the Boston Convention was contemptuously re-
jected ; the Lords recommended, in an address to the
king, the transmission of instructions to the Grovemor
of Massachusetts to obtain full information of all treasons, and to transmit the ofienders to
England, to be tried there under a statute of the 35 th of Henry VIII., which provided for
the punishment of treason committed out of the kingdom. The address was opposed in the
Commons by Pownall (who had been Governor of Massachusetts^), Burke, Barr6, and
Dowdeswell. The latter denounced the measure as '' unfit to remedy the disorders,"
and as '* cruel to the Americans and injurious to England." He also censured Hillsborough
for taking the responsibility, during the recess of Parliament, of ordering colonial governors to
dissolve the Assemblies. Burke thundered his eloquent anathemas against the measure.
*< At the request of an exasperated governor," he exclaimed, ** we are called upon to agree
to an address advising the king to put in force against the Americans the Act of Henry VHI.
And why ? Because you can not trust the juries of that country ! Sir, that word must
convey horror to every feeling mind. If you have not a party among two millions of people,
you must either change your plan of government, or renounce the colonies forever." Even
Grenville, the author of the Stamp Act, opposed the measure as futile and unjust. Yet the
Januarrse, &ddress and resolutions accompanying it were concurred in by a majority of one
1769. hundred and fifty-five against eighty-nine."
On the 8th of February Mr. Rose Fuller moved to recommit the address, for he saw in
the proposed rigor toward the Americans the portents of great evil to the nation. He al-
luded to the miserable attempts to collect a revenue in America, and the monstrous evils
growing out of them. « As for money," he said, ** all that sum might be collected in Lon-
Augustus HKitmr, Dukb of Osafton.
From aa Ki^b print
al757
In Boston a party of some forty or fifty young ladies, calling themselves Daughters of Liberty, met at the
house of the Rev. Mr. Morehead, where they amused themselves during the day with spinning '* two hund-
red and thirty-two skeins of yam, some very fine, which were given to the 'worthy pastor, several of the party
being members of his congregation." Numerous spectators came in to admire them. Refreshments were
indulged in, and " the whole was concluded with many agreeable tunes, anthems, and liberty songs, with
great judgment ; fine voices performing, which were animated, in all their several parts, by a number of the
Sons of Liberty." It is added that there were upward of one hundred spinners in Mr. Morehead's society.
^ The Duke of Grafton was the nobleman to whom the celebrated " Junius" addressed eleven of his sooroh-
ing letters. In these he is represented as a most unscrupulous libertine in morals. He succeeded his grand,
father in the family honors in 1757. He died on the 11th of March, 1811, aged seventy-five year*.
* Cavendish's Debates.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 433
Lord North. Colonel Barr6*s Wamingi. General Gage in Boston. No Cooperation. Diasolutionof Aaaembliea. Bernard.
don at less than half the expense.''^ Pownall, af^er alluding to the early settlement of Amer-
ica, the privations of the people, their virtues and courage, perseverance and enterprise, re-
marked, " But now that spirit, equally strong and equally inflamed, has but a slight and
trifling sacrifice to make ; the Americans have not a country to leave, but a country to de-
fend ; and have not friends and relatives to leave and forsiJce, but friends and relatives to
unite with and stand by in one common union.'' But all efibrts to avert the evil were vain ;
Mr. Fuller's motion was negatived by a majority of one hundred and sixty-nine against
sixty-five.
Lord North had succeeded Charles Townshend as Chancellor of the Exchequer. He be-
gan his long career of opposition to the Americans by oflering a resolution, on the 14th
of March, that a respectful petition or remonstrance
from the people of New York shmdd not be received. This
proposition, which was adopted, called up Colonel Barr6.
He reminded the House that he had predicted all that would
happen on the passage of the Stamp Act, and he now plain-
ly warned ministers that, if they persisted in their wretched
course of oppression, the whole continent of North America
would rise in arms, and those colonies, perhaps, be lost to En-
gland forever. But the British Legislature, blinded by igno-
rance of Americans when the Stamp Act was passed, seem-
ed now still more blind, because of films of prejudice gener-
ated by a false national pride. The motion of Lord North
prevailed^—the petition was refused acceptance.
Gage went to Boston in October, to eidforce the req-
uisitions of the Quartering Act. But he found none to
, co-operate with him except Governor Bernard, whose zeal in
his majesty's service had procured him a baronetcy, at the
king's expense. The Council and the select-men declined to act, and Gage was obliged to
hire houses for the troops, and provide many articles for them out of his own military chest.
Thus matters remained until spring, when intelligence of the several acts of Parliament
against Massachusetts aroused the fiercest sentiments of opposition, short of actual rebellion,
throughout the colonies. Legislative Assemblies spoke out boldly, and for this crime they
were dissolved by royal governors. Yet amid all the excitement the colonists held out the
olive branch of peace and reconciliation.
The Massachusetts Assembly convened in May, and resolved that it was incon- Majsi,
sistent with their dignity and freedom to deliberate in the midst of an armed force, ^^®*
and that the presence of a military and naval armament was a breach of privilege. They
refiised to enter upon the business of supplies, or any thing else but a redress of grievances,
and petitioned the governor to remove the troops from Boston. He not only refused, but
adjourned the Assembly to Cambridge, when he informed them that he was going to
England to lay a statement of the afliairs of the colony before the king. The House
unanimously voted a petition to his majesty, asking the removal of Bernard forever ; and albo
adopted a resolution, declaring that the establishment of a standing army in the colony, in
time of peace, was an invasion of natural rights, a violation of the British Constitution, high-
' It has been said that when Charles Townshend's project of taxation was in agitation, the English mer
chants offered to pay the taxes, or an equivalent for them, rather than ran the risk of provoking the Amei^
icans and losing their trade. — Pictorial History of the Reign of George III., i., 72.
' Frederic, Earl of Guilford, better known as Lord North, was a man of good parts, sincerely attached to
English liberty, and conscientious in the performance of all his duties. Like many other statesmen of his
time, he utterly misapprehended the character of the American people, and could not perceive the justice
of their claims. Devoted to his king and country, he labored to support the dignity of the crown and the
unity of the realm, but in so doing he aided in bringing fearful misery upon the Americans for a time. He
was a persuasive orator, a &ir logician, amiable in private life, and correct in his morals. He was afflicted
with blindness during the last years of his life. He died July, 1792, aged sixty years.
Digitized by
Google
484 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Departure of Governor Bernard for England. Effect of tlie Non-importation AgreementB. Hillaboroogfa*! Circnlar Letter
ly dangerous to the people, and unprecedented. The governor, iinding the members inoorri-
/Mgagt % gi^G} dissolved the Assembly, and sailed for England,^ leaving the colony in charge
^®- of his lieutenant, Thomas Hutchinson.
The effects of the non-importation agreements upon English commerce again brought min-
isters to their senses. The English merchants were really more injured by the acts of Par-
liament than the Americans, and they joined their petitions with those of the colonists for a
repeal of the noxious acts." Under the direction of Lord North, Hillsborough sent a circu-
lar letter to the colonies, intimating that the duties upon all articles enumerated in the late
act would be taken off, as a measure of expediency, except on tea. This would be a partial
relief from the burden, but not a removal of the cause of complaint. The principle was the
Bame whether duties were exacted on one article or a dozen, and so long as the assumed right
of Parliament to tax the colonies was practically enforced in the smallest degree, so long the
Americans felt their rights infringed. Principle, not expediency, was their motive of action,
and, therefore, the letter of Hillsborough had no efiect in quieting the disturbed ocean of pop-
ular feeling. The year 1769 closed without any apparent approximation of Great Britain
and her American colonies to a reconciliation.
' Francis Bernard was Governor of New Jersey after Governor Beloher, in 1756. He snooeeded Pow-
nail as Governor of Massachusetts in 1760, and held the office nine years. The first years of his adminis-
tration were satisfactory to the inhabitants, bat, associating himself with ministers in their taxation schemes,
he became odious to the Massachusetts people. His first false step was the appointment of Hntohinson chief
justice instead of the elder Otis. When difficulties arose under the Stamp Act and kindred measures, Ber-
nard was unfit for his position, for he had no talent for conciliation, and was disposed to use British power
more prodigally than British justice in maintaining the supremacy of the laws. He was created a baronet
^ the summer of 1769. He never returned to America after leaving it, and died in England in June, 1779.
' The exports from England to America, which in 1768 had amounted to 91 1,890,000, 9660,000 being
in tea, had fallen in 1769 to 98,170,000, the tea being only $220,000. — Murray's DniUd 8tate$j i^ 352.
Pownall, in the course of a speech in Parliament, also showed that the total produce of the new taxes for
the first year had been less than 980,000, and that the expenses of the new ^mstom-house arrangements had
reduced the net profits of the crown revenue in the colonies to only 91475, jrhile the extraordinary military
expenses in America amounted, for the same time, to ZS5O,000.^Hildrethj ii., 552.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 486
Secret Workfaiga of the Spirit of Liberty. Brief Review. Alternatlvoof the Coloniei. The Newspaper Prew.
CHAPTER XXI.
" There is a spirit working in the world,
Like to a silent, subterranean fire ;
Yet, ever and anon, some monarch hurPd
Aghast and pale attests its fearful ire.
The dongeonM nations now once more respire
The keen and stirring air of liberty.
The straggling giant wakes, and feels he's free ;
By Delphi's fountain-cave that ancient choir
Resume their song ; the Greek astonished hears,
And the old altar of his worship rears.
Sound on, fair sisters ! sound your boldest lyres —
Peal your old harmonies as from the spheres.
Unto strange gods too long we've bent the knee.
The trembling mind, too long and patiently."
Gkokge Hill.
" Grand jurors, and sherifis, and lawyers we'll spurn ;
As judges, we'll all take the bench in our turn,
And sit the whole term without pension or fee.
Nor CusHiNo nor Sewall look graver than we.
Our wigs, though they're rusty, are decent enough ;
Our aprons, though black, are of durable stuff;
Array'd in such gear, the laws we'll explain.
That poor people no more shall have cause to complain."
Honktwood's " Radical Song."
E have considered, in the preceding chapter, the most important events, dur-
ing the first nine years of the reign of George III., having any bear-
ing on the Revolution. We have seen the
'^^^^ germs of oppression, planted at difierent times
from the era of the Restoration, springing into
life and vigor, and bearing the hitter fruit of tyranny ; and observed
the bold freemen of America pruning its most noxious branches, and trampUng
in the dust its ** apples of Sodom." We have seen the tide of British power
swelling high, and menacing, and beheld the firm rock of sound principles fearlessly breast-
ing its billows, and hurling them back toward their source. We have seen a loyid people,
warmly attached to the person of their sovereign, and venerating the laws of their father,
land, goaded, by ministerial ignorance and haughty indifierence respecting the claims of right
when interfering with expediency, to the assumption of manly defiance both of king and Par-
liament, until hireling butchers, with pike and bayonet, were seated in their midst to « harass
the people and eat out their substance.'' We now behold them pressed to the alternative
TO FIGHT OR BE SLAVES.
For several years the newspaper press had been rapidly growing in political importance,
and the vehicle of mere general news became the channel of political and social enlighten-
ment. In proportion to the development of its power and the creation of public opinion fa-
verable to its views, was the increase of its holdness, and at the beginning of 1770 the Amer-
ican press was not only united in sentiment, but almost as fearless in the expression of polit-
ical and religious opinions as the newspapers of the present day. American liberty was its
theme, and almost every sheet, whether newspaper, almanac, tract, or hand-bill, issued at
this time, was tinctured, if not absolutely pervaded, by the absorbing topic. I have before
Digitized by
Google
48(1
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
BickentaiTs Botton Almanac
ExplanatioD of ita Frontispiece.
Heyival of the Terma ** Whig" and ** Tory."
me a copy of Bickerataff's Boaton Almanac for 1770, the title-page of which is here given,
with a fac-simile of the engraving that adorns it. The portrait of Otis is supported on one
side by Liberty, and on
BICKERSTAFF'S
BOSTOJV ALMANACK,
FoT the Vear of our LORD I770. Being the fecond Year after Leap Year.
the other by Hercoles,
or Perseverance. At the
feet of the latter, nncoilt
ing, preparatory to strik-
ing a blow, is the venom-
ous rattlesnake, an em-
blem used on some t)f the
colonial flags when the
war began. This was
significant of the inten-
tion of Ajnerica, under
the guidance of the Spirit
of Liberty, to persevere,
UTid strike a deadly blow,
if necessary. The poet-
ry and maxims of the al-
manac are replete with
political sentiments fa-
vorable to freedom ; and
its pages contain the cel-
ebrated ** Massachusetts
Song of Liberty,** which
became almost as popular
throughout the colonies as
did Robert Treat Paine's
"Adams and Liberty" at
a later day.* It is believ-
ed to have been written
by Mrs. Mercy Warren.
Party lines began now
to be strictly drawn, and
the old names of Whig
and Tory, used in En-
gland toward the close of
the seventeenth century,
and recently revived, were
adopted here, the former
being assumed by those
who opposed Parliament-
ary taxation, and the lat-
ter applied to those who
favored it.' In Boston
the wound inflicted by
Bernard, in the introduction of soldiers, was d^ily festering. A weekly paper, the *' Journal
of the Times/' fostered the most bitter animosity against the soldiers, by the publication of
all sorts of stories concerning them, some true, but many more false and garbled. Daily
quarrels between citizens and soldiers occurred upon the Common and in the streets ; and
' We giTC on the following page a copy of the Massaohnsetts Song of Liberty, with the mnsio, as printed
in the Botton Mmanae.
' See note, page 71.
Hon. JAMES OTIS, jun. Lst^.
Printed by MEIN and FLEEMING, and to be SOLD by JOHN ME IN, at the
LONDON BO0KST9RE, North-fide of KING-STREET.
[Price fcvcn Coppers fingle, and 25 9. Old Tenor, or 3 #, 4. Lawful the Dozen.]
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
487
AboMofMr.OlfaL
llMMehnietti Song of libertj.
the hct that Mr. Otis had been severely beaten with fists and canes, in a coffee-house, by
THE MASSACHUSETTS SONG OP LIBERTY.
!^':j|rrrr[rirF^
s
^^
ifr-rifi I ri " im i^iii'nn^s
Pao«imxu or TBM Muna
« Come 0wbI1ow jout bnmpen, ye Torie$, tod roar,
That tho Sons of ftir Freedom are bampor'd oooe more;
But know that no Out4kroaU our apirita can tamoi
Nor a hoet of Opprm$or$ ahall amother the flame.
I **/» .TVaaifoai tn^rt bom, end; Wu 8(m$ qfth$ bnuM,
fyUl iuv$r nammdir,
But noear to dtfend her.
And ooom to ntrvhn, ifimotU to aoee.
*'Oar grandaire% Ueaa^d beroea, well giro them a tear,
Nor sully thetr honora by atooplng to fear ;
Througli deatha and throng dangers tiielr TropkUa they woo,
We dare be their RhaU, nor will be ootdooe.
**In Freedomtufn bom, 4«.
** Let tyrants and mfaiiona preaome to despise^
Encroach on our Rights, and make FmixDOM tfielr prize ;
Tlie fruits of thehr nqrine ttiey nerer shall keep.
Though Tengeance may nod, yet how abort la her sleep.
**Ih Freedom tss'rs bom, ^
** The tree which proud Baman for Mordocoi rear^
Stands recorded, that Tirtue endangered is spared;
That roguoe, whom no bonnda and no laws can restrain.
Must be strlpp'd of their honors and humbled again.
**In Fretdom w^re bom, 4«.
** Our wirea and our babes, still protected, ahall know
Tlioae who dare to be i^ree shall forever be ao ;
On Uiese arms and these hearts they may aafely rely
For in freedom well lire, or like Herou well die.
"Zfi .pysidoai w^n bom, i/c
« Ye fataolent TfranU! who wish to enthrall ;
Ye WnionM, ye Plaeeoun, Pimpe, Pstuionsrs, all;
How abort ia your triumph, how feeble your trosl;
Your honor must wither and nod to the dnat
"In Frmdom wire bom, i/c
" When oppress'd and approaeh'd; our Kmo we implora^
Still firmly persuaded our Rioara hell leatore;
When our hearts beat to arma to defend a Just rig^
Our monarch rulea there, and forbids na to fight
**/» Freedom wire bom, 4&
" Not tiie glitter oiemoM nor the dread of a fhiy
Could make ua submit to tiieir chaina for a dsj;
Widiheld by affection, on Britone we call,
Prerent the fierce conflict which threatens your felL
**In Freedom wire bom, ^e.
" An agea shall speak widi amaze and applause
Of tiie prudence we show in support of our cauaet
Assured of our safe^, a Bbunswiok still reigns,
Whoee free loyal subjects are strangeia to chaina.
**In Freedom wire bom, ^
•Tlien join hand in hand, brave Amkucans all,
Tb be free is to Ure, to be slares is to fall ;
Haa the land such a dastard aa scorns not a Lomn^
Who dreads not a fetter much more tiian a awordt
'*/» Freedom wire bom,"* ^
Digitized by
Google
488 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
ETMloaoftfaeNoB-tanporUtioBAgreeiDeBtL Tea proMcibed. fi^diitortfae Womoa. Spirit of the Boyi^
one of the commutioiien of outtomg and his firiendi,' produced the ntmott excitement, and
it was with great difficulty that open hostility was presented. Numerous fights with strag-
gling soldiers occurred, and a crisis speedily arrived.
While the non-importation agreements were generally adhered to faithfully, there were a
few merchants who, loving mammon more than liberty, violated their obligations. In Bos-
ton they coalesced with the military officers, and many of the proscribed articles were im-
ported in the names of the latter, ostensibly for the use of the soldien. Many goods were
janaursa^ hrought in and sold under this cover. This fact became known, and a meeting
mo. of citizens was held at Faneuil Hall to consider it. Spirited resolutions were
adopted, among which was one agreeing not only " totally to abstain fiom the use of tea"
(the excepted article mentioned in Hillsborough's letter), and from other of the enumerated
articles, but that they would use all proper measures to prevent a violation of the non-im-
portation pledges. From that time tea was a proscribed article, and the living principle
of opposition to British oppression was strongly manifested by the unanimity with which the
pleasant beverage was discarded.
i_-^_ 0 Early in February the females of Boston made a public movement on the sub-
ject of non-importation, and the mistresses of three hundred families subscribed
their names to a league, binding themselves not to drink any tea until the Revenue Act was
Fafanurr !«. ^P®*^®*^' Thrco days afterward the young ladies followed the example of the
matrons, and multitudes signed a document in the following terms : " We, the
daughters of those patriots who have, and do now, appear for the public interest, and in that
principally regard their posterity— as such, do with pleasure engage with them in denying
ourselves the drinking of foreign tea, in hopes to frustrate a plan which tends to deprive a
whole community of all that is valuable in life.*' All classes were thoroughly imbued with
patriotism, and even the children were sturdy asserters of natural rights.*
Disregarding these expressions of public sentiment, a few merehants in Boston continued
to sell the proscribed articles. Among them were Theophilus Lillie and four others, who
were particularly bold in their unpopular conduct. To designate his store as one to be
Febravy 39, shunued, a mob, consisting chiefly of half-grown boys, raised a rude wooden head
1770. upQQ 1^ poi^ j^Qg^ Lillie*B door, having upon it the names of the other importers.
A hand was attached to it, with the dexter finger pointing to Lillie*s establishment. The
merchant was greatly irritated. One of his friends, named Richardson, a stout, rough man,
tried to persuade a countryman to prostrate the pageant by running his wagon against it.
' Robinson, one of the commissioners, had made such representations of Mr. Otis in Britain as provoked
him to make a publication in the Boston Gazette on the subject. For some expression used in that article
Robinson attempted to poll Otis^s nose at a cofiee-house. An aflraj ensued, in which Mr. Otis was so se-
verely beaten that he was obliged to leave the city and retire to his country residence. From the injuries
then received he never thoroughly recovered. Heavy damages (£2000) were awarded him against Rob-
inson for the assault, but Otis generously forgave- his assailant, and refused to take the money.
' While the king's troops were in Boston, an incident occurred that evinced the bold spirit of even the lit-
tle boys. In the winter they were in the habit of building little hills of snow, and sliding down them to the
|iond on the Common, for amusement. The English soldiers, to provoke them, would often beat down these
hiUs. On one occasion, having rebuilt their hills, and finding, on their return from school, that they were
again demolished, several of the boys determined to wait upon the captain and complain of his soldiers. The
officer made light of it, and the soldiers became more troublesome than ever. At last a meeting of the lar-
ger boys was held, and a deputation was sent to General Gage, the commander-in-chief. He asked why
so many children had called upon him. ** We come, sir," said the tallest boy, " to demand satisfaction."
" What 1" said the general, ^* have your fathers been teaching you rebellion, and sent you to exhibit it here?"
" Nobody sent us, sir," replied the boy, while his eyes flashed and cheek reddened at the imputation o( re-
bellion ; *' we have never injured or insulted your troops, but they have trodden down our snow-hills and
broken the ice on our skating-gprounds. We complained, and they called us young rebels, and told us to
help ourselves if we could. We told the captain of this, and he laughed at us. Yesterday our works were
destroyed the third time, and we will bear it no longer.*' The nobler feelings of the general's heart were
awakened, and, after gazing upon them in silent admiration for a moment, he turned to an officer by his side,
and said, " The very children here draw in a love of liberty with the air they breathe. You may go, my
brave boys, and be assured, if my troops trouble you again, they shall be punished." — Louing'i " 1776,"
p. 90.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 489
FnMMak the Poor of a Merchant Deathof aBoj. Ita Eflect on the Public Mind. Pardon of the Murderer. Biot in Boston
The man was a patriot, and refused, and Richardson attempted to pull it down himself.
The moh pelted him with dirt and stones, and drove him into Lillie's house. Greatly ex-
asperated, Richardson brought out a musket and discharged it, without aim, into the crowd.
A lad named Christopher Grore (afterward Grovemor of the Commonwealth^) was slight- ^
ly wounded, and another, Christopher Snyder, son of a poor widow, was killed. The
mob seized Richardson and an associate named Wilmot, and carried them to Faneuil Hall,
where they were examined and committed for trial. Richardson was found guilty of mur-
der, but Lieutenant-governor Hutchinson refused to sign hid death warrant. Afler two
years' imprisonment, he was pardoned by the king.
The murder of the boy produced a great sensation throughout the country, and in Boston
it was made the occasion of a most solemn pageant. His coffin, covered with inscriptions,
such as « Innocence itself is not safe," and others of like tenor, was taken to Liberty Tree,
where a great concourse assembled, and thence followed the remains to the grave. In that
procession between four and five hundred school-boys took the lead. Six of Snyder's play-
fellows supported the coffin ; after them came the relatives and friends of the deceased, and
nearly fifteen hundred of the inhabitants. The bells of the city were tolled, and those of the
churches in the neighboring towns. The newspapers were filled with accounts of the mur-
der and the funeral, and little Christopher Snyder was apotheosized as iha first martyr in
the cause of American liberty.
A more serious occurrence took place a few days afterward. A soldier, passing the rope-
walk of John Grey, got into a quarrel with the workmen, and was severely beaten. He
went to the barracks, and, returning with some comrades, they beat the rope-makers, and
chased them through the streets. A large number of the people assembled in the aflemoon,
determined to avenge the workmen, but were stopped by the military. It was Friday, and
the act of vengeance was deferred until Monday, so as not to disturb the Sabbath, n^^ch 5,
On the evening of Monday, between six and seven o'clock, about seven hundred men, ^^^
with clubs and other weapons, assembled in ELing (now State) Street, shouting, << Let us
drive out these rascals ! They have no business here — drive them out !" The mob speedi-
ly augmented in numbers, and about nine o'clock an attack was made upon some soldiers in
Dock Square, the mob shouting, «* Town born, turn out ! Down with the bloody backs I"
at the same time tearing up the market-stalls. The fearful cry of « Fire, fire !" was echoed
through the town, and the inhabitants poured into the streets in terror and confusion. The
whole city was in commotion, and before midnight the shouts of the multitude, the ringing
of the alarum bells as if a great conflagration was raging, and the rattle of musketry, pro-
duced a fearful uproar. Two or three leading citizens endeavored to persuade the mob to
disperse, and had, in a measure, secured their respectful attention, when a tall man, dressed
in a scarlet cloak, and wearing a white wig, suddenly appeared among them, and commenced
a violent harangue against the government officers and soldiers. He concluded his inflam-
matory speech by a loud shout, *< To the main guard ! to the main guard !" The populace
echoed the shout with fearful vehemence, and, separating into three divisions, took diflerent
routes toward the quarters of the main guard. As one of these divisions was passing the
custom-house, a boy came up, and, pointing to the sentinel on duty there, cried out, *< That's
the scoundrel who knocked me down."^ Instantly a score of voices shouted, '< Let us knock
kim down ! 'Down with the bloody back ! kill him ! kill him !" The sentinel loaded his
musket, the mob in the mean while pelting him with pieces of ice and other missiles, and
finally attempting to seize him< He ran up the custom-house steps, but, unable to procure
admission, called to the main guard for assistance. Captain Preston, the officer of the day,
> This boy was an apprentice to a barber named Piemont, at whose shop some of the British officers were
in tiie habit of shaving. One of them had come there some months previoos to dress by the quarter, whose
bill Piemont promised to allow to the boy who shaved him, if he behaved well. The quarter bad expired,
bot the money could not be got, although frequently asked for. The last application was made on that even-
Ing, and, as the boy alleged, the officer knocked him down in reply to the '* dun." The^sentry he pointed
out as the man that abused him. — See " Traiti of the Tea Party, ^^
Digitized by
Google
490
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Attack of tfaa Mob upon the SoUton. DiMhargeoTMaakeCry. Threeof the CitlMnakffled. TerriMe Excitement fai Bottom
detailed a picket guard of eight men with unloaded muikets, and sent them to the relief oi
the lentinel. As they approached, the mob pelted them more furiously than they had the
sentinel, and a stout mulatto named Attmcks, who was at the head ci£ a party of saiion
shouted, " Let us fall upon the nest ! The main guard ! the main guard !" The soldien
now loaded their guns. Attucks dared them to fire ; and the mob pressed so closely upon
them that the foremost were against the points of their bayonets. The soldiers, perfectly
understanding the requirements of discipline, would not fire without orders. Emboldened
by what seemed cowardice, or, perhaps, by a knowledge of the law which restrained soldion
from firing upon their fellow-citizens without orders from the civil magistrates, Attucks and
the sailors gave three loud cheers, beat the muskets of the soldiers with their clubs, and shout-
ed to the populace behind them, *< Come on ! don't be afiraid of 'em — ^they daren't fire ! knock
'em over ! kill 'em !" At that moment Captain Preston came up, and endeavored to ap-
pease the excited multitude. Attucks aimed a blow with a club at Preston's head, which
was parried with his arm, and, descending, knocked the musket of one of the soldiers to the
ground. The bayonet was seized by the mulatto, and the owner of the musket was thrown
down in the struggle. Just then voices in the crowd behind Preston cried, « Why don't
you fire ? why don't you fire ?" The word fire fell upon the ears of Montgomery, the sol-
dier struggling with Attucks, and as he rose to his feet he fired, and shot the mulatto dead.
Lmmediately five other soldiers fired at short intervals ; three of the populace were instantly
killed, five dangerously wounded, and a few slightly hurt.^
The mob instantly dispersed. It was near midnight ; the ground was covered with snow
the air was clear and frosty, and the moon, in its first quarter, gave just sufficient
light to reveal the dreadful scene. It was a fearful night for Boston. A cry,
*' The soldiers are rising ! To arms ! to arms ! Turn out with your guns I" re-
sounded through the streets, and the town drums beat their alarum call. Cap-
tain Preston also ordered his drums to beat to arms, and in a short time Colonel
Dalrymple, the commander of the troops in the absence of Gage, with Lieu-
tenant-governor Hutchinson, at the head of a regiment, was on the spot. Or-
der was at length restored, and the streets were quiet before dawn. Captain
Preston, in the mean time, had been arrested and put in prison, and during
the next forenoon the eight soldiers were also committed, under a charge
of murder.
Early in the morning the Sons of Liberty Karchs,
collected in great numbers, and Faneuil Hall ^^^
was crowded with an excited and indignant assembly.
The lieutenant governor also convened his Council.
A town meeting was legally warned and held that after-
noon, in the Old South Meeting-house, then the largest
building in the city, where it was voted ** that nothing
could be expected to restore peace and prevent carnage
but an immediate removal of the troops. " Nearly three
thousand voices were unanimous in its favor. A com-
mittee of fifteen, with Samuel Adams as chairman, was appointed to present the resolutioD
Tim " Old South."*
^ Crispos Attacks, Samuel Gray, and James Caldwell were killed on the spot ; Samnel Maveriok and
Patrick Carr reoeived mortal womuls, of which the former died the next morning, and Carr on Wednesday
of the next week.
* This venerahle and venerated edifice, that stood through all the storms of the Revolntion, and yet re-
mains, stands on the comer of Washington and Milk Streets. It is of brick, and was erected in 1729—30,
apon the site of an edifice built by the Pedo-baptists in 1669. The ancient church was of cedar, two sto-
ries high, with a steeple, gallery, and pews. The '* Old South" was the famous gathering-place of the peo-
ple during the excitements of 1773. The British troops occupied it as a circus for the drill of cavalry in
1775, after removing all the wood-work within, except the eastern gallery and the pulpit and soundin^r
board. The British officers felt no compunctions in thus desecrating a Presbyterian chapel. It was repaired
in 1782, and remains a fine model of our early church architecture. This view is from Washington Street.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 491
DelAg«tian of Patrtotf before the GoTenior. Boldnewof&e second Committee. ConoeMiona. BemoralofdielVoopiL
to the acting governor and his Council, and to Colonel Dalrymple. These officers were as-
sured by Royal Tyler, one of the committee, that the people were determined to remove the
tro^ out of town by force, if they would not go voluntarily. « They are not such people,"
he said, ** who formerly pulled down your iiouse, that conduct these measures, but men of
estates, men of religion. The people,*' he continued, " will come in to us from all the neigh-
boring towns ; we shall have ten thousand men at our backs, and your troops will probably
be destroyed by the people, be it called rebellion or what it may."
Hutchinson and Dalrymple were in a dilemma. They equally feared the popular indig-
nation and the censure of ministers, and each endeavored to make the oihex responsible for
the concessions which they saw must inevitably be made. Hutchinson would not promise
the committee that more than one regiment of the troops should be removed ; their report
to the meeting was, therefore, quite unsatisfactory. In the afternoon another committee was
appointed, consisting of seven of the former deputation,' who bore the following resolution to
the lieutenant governor : « It is the unanimous opinion of this meeting that the reply made
to the vote of the inhabitants, presented to his honor this morning, is by no means satisfac-
tory, and that nothing else will satisfy them but a total and immediate removal of all the
troops." Samuel Adams again acted as chairman. Hutchinson denied that he had power
to grant their request ; Adams in a few words proved to him that he had power conferred
by the charter. The governor consulted with Dalrymple in a whisper, and then made the
ofier again to remove one regiment. The patriots were not to be trifled with. Adams,
-eeming not to represent, but to personify, the universal feeling, stretched forth his arm, as
if it had been upheld by the strength of thousands, and, with unhesitating promptness and
dignified firmness, replied, « Sir, if the lieutenant governor or Colonel Dalrymple, or both
together, have authority to remove one regiment, they have authority to remove ttao ; and
nothing short of a total evacuation of the town, by all the regular troops, will satisfy the pub-
lic mind or preserve the peace of the province."
The officers were abated be&re this plain committee of a democratic assembly. They
knew the danger that impended ; the very air was filled with breathings of suppressed in-
dignation. They receded, fortunately, from the arrogance they had hitherto maintained.
Their reliance on a standing army faltered before the undaunted, irresistible resolution of
free, unarmed citizens.* Hutchinson consulted his Council. The concession was agreed
upon — ^the lieutenant governor. Council, and Dalrymple consenting to bear mutually the re-
sponsibility of the act — and the people were assured of the immediate removal of the troops.
On Monday following the troops were conducted to Castle William, and Boston be- |£g,c|^ i^^
came quiet. ^^^
The obsequies of the victims murdered on the night of the 5th were performed on the 8th.*
The hearses met upon the spot in front of the custom-house, where the tragedy occurred, and
thence the procession, in platoons six deep, marched to the Middle Burial-ground, wherein
the bodies were deposited. As on the occasion of the burial of young Snyder, the bells of
Boston and adjacent towns tolled a solemn knell, and again a cry of vengeance burst over
the land. The story of the << Boston massacre," as it was called, became a tale of horror,
which every where excited the most implacable hatred of British domination ; and the justi-
fiable act of the soldiers, in defending their lives against a lawless mob, was exaggerated into
an unprovoked assault of armed mercenaries upon a quiet and defenseless people.
Captain Preston and the eight soldiers, afler the lapse of several months, were put upon
their trial before Judge Lynde for murder.* John Adams, an eminent lawyer, one of the
' Tlie committee consisted of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, William Molineoz, William Phillips, Joseph
Warren, Joshua Henshaw, and Samuel Pemberton.
* Suow's Bittory of Boston,
' Attucks and Caldwell had no relatives, and were friendless. Theur bodies were borne from Faneoil
Hall. Maverick, only seventeen years of age, was borne from the house of his mother, in Union Street,
and Gray from that of his brother, in Royal Exchange Lane.
* Captain Preston's trial commenced on the 24th of October, and lasted until the 30th. The trial of the
soldiers commenced on the 27th of November, and ended on the 5th of December. So searching was the
Digitized by
Google
402 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
DefiBOBeoftheSoldierabyAdanu. Bemlt of the Trial. New Ministerial Proposition. Its Effects npon the Cokndea
leaders in the attempt to procure the removal of the troops, and greatly esteemed by the peo-
ple for his patriotism, was solicited to undertake their defense. It was a severe ordeal for
his independence of spirit, yet he did not hesitate. At the risk of losing the favor anftl es-
teem of the people, he appeared as the advocate of the accused, having for his colleague Jo-
siah Quincy, another leading patriot, whose eloquent voice had been often heard at assem-
blies of the Sons of Liberty. Robert Treat Paine, afterward one of the signers of the Dec-
laration of Independence, conducted the prosecution, with great reputation, in the absence
of the attorney general. A Boston jury was empanneled, and, after a fair trial, Captain
Preston and six of the soldiers were adjudged not guilty. The other two, Montgomery and
KiUroy, who were known to have fired their muskets, were found guilty of manslaughter only.
They were branded in the hand, in open court, and discharged. This trial, when all the
circumstances are considered, exhibits one of the most beautiful of the many pictures of jus-
tice and mercy that characterized the Revolution, and silenced forever the slander of the
British ministry who favored the revival of the Act of Henry VIII., that American jurors
might not be trusted.
Uarch^ On the very day of the " Boston massacre" Lord North asked leave to bring in
177a a. bill in the House of Commons, repealing the duties upon glass, &c., mentioned in
Hillsborough's circular, but retaining the three per cent, duty upon tea. This duty was
small, and was avowedly a " pepper-corn rent," to save the national honor. North's prop-
osition met with little favor from either party. The friends of America asked £ox a repeal
of the whole act, and the friends of government opposed a partial repeal as utterly fruideoi
of good. The bill, however, after encountering great opposition in both Houses, and partic-
ularly in the House of Lords, was carried, and received the royal assent on the 1 2th of April.
When the intelligence of this act reached the colonies, it was regarded with very little
favor. The same unrighteous principle was practically asserted, and the people felt that
very little concession was made. But they were beginning, toward the close of 1770, to
be less faithful in observing the non-importation agreements ; and in October, at a meeting
of the Boston merchants, it was resolved, in consequence of the almost universal violation
of these agreements in New York, to import every thing but tea. The Philadelphia and
Charleston merchants followed their example, and that lever of coercion in the hands of the
colonists, operating upon Parliament through English merchants, was almost wholly aban-
doned, much to the chagrin of the leading patriots. These associations, while they had a
favorable political effect upon the colonies, were also instrumental in producing social reforms
of much value. Many extravagant customs, such as pageantries at funerals, displays of oost-
ly finery at balls and parties, and kindred measures, involving great expenditure of time and
money, were discontinued ; new sources of wealth and comfort to be derived from home in-
dustry were developed ; and, better than aU, lessons of the strictest economy were learned.
The infant manufactories of America received a strong impulse from the agreements, and
homemade articles, first worn from necessity, became fashionable. The graduating class at
Cambridge took their degrees in homespun suits, in 1770.
For two years very little occurred to disturb the tranquillity of Boston. The brutal at-
tack of Robinson had deprived the patriots of the services of James Otis, for insanity cloud-
ed his active mind and terminated his public career.^ But new men, equally patriotic stood
examination of witnesses by Mr. Qninoy, that Mr. Adams was obliged to ask him to desist, for he was elic-
iting from them facts that were not only irrelevant to the case in hand, but dishonorable to the town.
^ James Otis, Jr., was the son of Colonel James Otis, of Barnstable, Massachosetts, where he was born
February 5th, 1725. He graduated at Harvard College in 1743. He studied law with Mr. Gridley, then
the first lawyer in the province, and commenced the practice of his profession at Plymouth at the age of
twenty-one years. In 1761 he distinguished himself by
his plea in opposition to the Writs of Assistance. His an- y^
y. r ^
tagonist on that occasion was his law tutor, Mr. Gridley.
Of his speech at that time John Adams said, " James Otis ^y^
was a flame of fire American independence was
then and there born. Every man of an immeDse crowded audience appeared to me to go away as I did
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 493
Jamef Otf«. The Boston Pfttrioti. Hntchiiuon made Governor. Hit aaeeited lodependencc of ttie AMemUies.
ready to take his place. John Adams, then in the yigor of life, and rapidly rising in puh-
lie estimation, was chosen to fill his place in the House of Representatives. He, Samuel
Adams, John Hancock, Joseph Warren (a young physician), Josiah Quincy, and Dr. Benja-
min Church were the leaders in private meetings, now beginning to be held, in which schemes
for public action were planned. These men were exceedingly vigilant, and noticed every in-
fringement of natural or chartered rights on the part of government and its agents. In the
House of Representatives they originated almost every measure for the public good, and the
people esteemed them as the zealous guardians of their rights and privileges. When Hutch-
inson removed the Greneral Court to Cambridge, they protested, contending that it March 31
could be held, legally, only at Boston ; and in all the struggles between the Assem- ^'^^'
bly and the governor, during his administration, these men were foremost in defense of pop-
ular rights.
Lieutenant-governor Hutchinson received the appointment of governor in the spring of
1771. About the same time Dr. Franklin was chosen agent for Massachusetts, Dennis de
Berdt being dead. When the Assembly convened in May, the subject of taxing the MMjfo,
salaries of crown officers, that of removing the Greneral Court back to Boston, and ^^^
kindred topics, produced considerable excitement in that body. Hutchinson told them that
he had been instructed not to give his consent to any act taxing the income of the crown of-
ficers, and he positively refused to adjourn the Assembly to Boston. The consequence was,
that the Court was prorogued without making any provision for the public expense.
The next year Parliament, by special act, made the governors and judges of the col-
onies quite independent of the colonial Assemblies for their salaries ; and Hutchinson
informed the Massachusetts Assembly that hence&rth his salary would be paid by the crown.
The Assembly at once denounce the measure as a violation of the charter, and no better
than a standing bribe of six thousand six hundred and sixty-six dollars a year from the crown
to the governor. Other colonial Assemblies took umbrage, and made similar denunciations,
and again the public mind was agitated.
ready to take ap arms against Writs of Assistance." Otis was elected to the Legislature in 1762, and was
a member of the Stamp Act Congress held at New Yoric in 1765. That year he wrote his celebrated pam-
phlet in defense of colonial rights. He held the office (^ jadge advocate, but in 1767 resigned, and renoonced
all offices under government, because of encroachments upon the rights of the people. Brutally beaten by
a commissioner of customs in the autumn of 1769, he was obliged to retire to his country residence. The
injuries he received left theur effects upon his mind, and from that time his reason was shattered. The great
man, though in ruins, lived nearly thirteen years, when, on the 23d of May, 1782, while standing in the door
of Mr. Osgood's house in Andover, he was killed by lightning. He had often expressed a desire to be thus
deprived of life when it should please God to call him. In a commemorative ode, written at the time by the
Ron. Thomas Dawes, the following lines occur :
** Tei, when the g^orioos work which he begun
BhaH ftand the most oompl^e beneath ttie fan —
When peace shall' come to crown the grand design,
His eyes shall lire to see the work dirtne—
The heavens shall then his generous spirit claim,
In storms as load as his immortal fhme.
Hark t the deep tiionders echo roond the sUes!
On wings Of flame the eternal errand flies;
One chosen, charitable bolt is sped,
And Otis mingles with tlM giorioos dead.**
Mr. Otis was a scholar as well as a statesman. He was complete master of classical literature,* and no
American at that time possessed more extensive knowledge. He may be justly ranked among the founders
of our republic, for he was truly the master of oeremonies in laying the comer-stone. He lived to see the
WOTk nearly completed, and beheld the wing of peace spread over the land.
* The following snecdote is related of Ur. Otis as fflustratiTe of his ready use of Latin eren (toring moments of mental aber-
ration. ICen and boys, heartless and dionghtless, woi\Vl sometimes make themselves merry at his expense when he was seen
In tiM streets aflUeted with hmacy. On one occasion he was passhig a crockery store, when a young man, who had a knowl*
edige of Latin, sprinkled some water upon him from a sprinkling-pot with wUch he was wetting tlia floor of the second story,
at the same time saying; P2ifi(lafilipi,iufdo9iMiMtim,5citn« IV ^ ** It ndns so much, I know not how much. DoyouknowT
Otis immediately picked up a missile, and, hurling it tfanragh the window of the crockery store, it smashing erery tiling in its
way, ezdaimeJ, li^ M, neteio quot, 8eU ns tttf "I hare broken so many, I know not how many. Do you knowf
Digitized by
Google
494 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Farther Agitation in Boston. Committees of Correipondenoe. Letters of Hutchinson azidothen. Petition for their RemoraL
In the midst of this efiervescence a circumstance occurred which augmented intensely the
flame of rebellion burning in the hearts of the people. By it Boston was thrown into a vio-
lent commotion, and it was with great difficulty that the people were restrained from enact-
ing aAew the violence against Hutchinson in 1765. In October a town meeting was held,
at which a large committee, composed of the popular leaders, was appointed to draw up &
statement of the rights of the colonies, and to communicate and publish the same to the sev-
eral towns of the province. This paper contained a list of all the grievances which Massa-
chusetts had suffered since the accession of the reigning sovereign, and condemned a plan,
said to have been in agitation for a long time, to establish bishops in America. It was the
boldest exposition of the gjpevances and rights of the colonies yet put forth, and, by its sug-
gestion, Committees of Correspondence, such as were soon afterward organized in Virginia,
were appointed in the several towns.' This paper was republished by Franklin in London,
January, "^^^ & preface of his own, and produced a great sensation. At the opening of the
1773. next session of the Legislature Hutchinson denounced the Boston address as seditious
and traitorous, and violent discussions ensued.
Just at this mon^nt, when the public mind was greatly inflamed against Hutchinson, the
Assembly received a communication from Dr. Franklin, inclosing several letters written by
Hutchinson and others' to Thomas Whately, a member of Parliament, then out of office,
wherein they vilified the character of several of the popular leaders, advised the immediate
adoption of coercive measures, and declared that there " must be an abridgment of what are
called English liberties.'' By what means Franklin obtained possession of these letters is
not certainly known, for he was too honorable to divulge the names of parties concerned.*
They were sent to the Rev. Dr. Cooper, of Boston, and by him handed to Mr. Cushing, the
Speaker of the Assembly. Ailer having been shown privately to leading men for several
months, they were made public. The town was at once in a violent ferment. A commit-
tee was appointed to wait upon the governor, and demand an acknowledgment or denial of
the genuineness of the letters. He owned them as his, but declared that they were quite
confidential. This qualification was not considered extenuating, and the Assembly adopted
a petition to the king for the removal of Grovernor Hutchinson and Lieutenant-governor Oli-
ver, as public slanderers, and enemies to the colony, and, as such, not to be tolerated.
This petition was sent to Franklin, who was instructed to present it in person, if possible.
This request could not be granted. He sent the petition to Lord Dartmouth, then at hiit
country seat, who presented it to the king. Afler considerable delay, Franklin was inform-
ed that his majesty had referred it to his Privy Council.^ The publication of the letters pro-
duced excitement in England, and Franklin, to defend innocent parties, frankly took upon
^ Dr. Grordon says (i., 207) that the system of Committees of ConrespondeDoe originated with James War-
ren, who suggested them to Samael Adams while the latter was passing an evening with the former at Plym-
outh. Adams, pleased with the suggestion, commmiicated it to the leading patriots at the next secret can-
ens, and that powerful engine in the Revolution was speedily put in motion.
James Wariibn was an active patriot. He was descended from one of the first settlers at Pljrmooth, and
was greatly esteemed for his personal worth. He was chosen a member of the Greneral Court of Massachu-
setts in 1760, and, though not a brilliant orator, was a deep and original thinker. He was for many yean
Speaker of the House of Representatives. At the close of the war he retired from public duties, and died
at Plymouth, November 27th, 1808, aged eighty-two years. He was the husband of Mercy Warren, the
historian.
' The names of the several writers were Andrew Oliver, Charles Paxton, Thomas Moflfatt, Robert Audi-
muty, Nathaniel Rogers, and George Rome. Mr. Whately was dead when the letters were given to Franklin.
' The late Dr. Hosack, of New York, in his memoir of Dr. Hugh Williamson, published in 1823, asserts
that the papers were put into Franklin^s hands by that gentleman, without any suggestion on his part. Will
iamson obtained them by stratagem from the office of Mr. Whately, brother of the late Thomas Whately,
then dead. Mr. Whately suspected that Lord Temple, Pitt's brother-in-law, who had asked permission to
examine the papers of Secretary Whately, was the man who abstracted them, and placed them in Frank-
lin's hands. Whately charged the act upon Temple, and a duel was the result, in which the former was
wounded. Of this affair Franklin knew nothing until it was over. In justice io others, he took the respons-
ibility upon himself, as mentioned in the text.
^ The Privy CouncP consists )f the cabinet and thirty-five peers.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
495
January 29,
1774.
FmUio before the Prtry Cooncfl. Wedderbnrne'a Abuse. FranUhi'a Vow. New Taacation Scheme. East Indte Company
himself the whole responsibility of sending them to America. He was accordingly som-
moned before the Cooncil, where he appeared without a legal adviser. Finding
WedderbumOi the solicitor general, re-
tained as oonnsel for Hutchinson, Franklin asked
and obtained leave to have counsel also. He em-
ployed Mr. Dunning, one of the ablest Constitu
tional lawyers of the day, and toward the close of
February the case was brought before the Privy
Council. The solicitor general made a bitter at-
tack upon Franklin, accusing him of dishonor in
procuring private letters clandestinely, and charg-
ing him with duplicity and wily intrigue. The
philosophic statesman received this tirade of abuse
in silence, and without any apparent emotion, for
he was conscious that he had violated no rule of
honor or integrity. The accusations and plead-
ings of Wedderbume had their efiect, however.
His abuse greatly pleased the peers, and the pe-
tition was dismissed as ** groundless, scandalous,
and vexatious. " A few days afterward Franklin
received a notice of his dismissal firom the respons-
ible and lucrative office of postmaster general for
the colonies. This was an act of spite which re-
coiled fearfully upon ministers.*
Early in 1 773 a new thought upon taxation made its advent into the brain of Lord North.
The East India Company,* feeling the effects of the colonial smuggling trade, and of the non
importation agreements, requested the government to take off the duty of three per cent, a
pound on their tea, levied in America. Already seventeen millions of pounds had accumu-
lated in their stores in England, and they offered to allow government to retain six pence
upon the pound as an exportation tariff, if they would take off the three-pence duty. Here
was a fair and honorable opening not only to conciliate the colonies, but to procure, with-
out expense, double the amount of revenue. But the ministry, deluded by false views of
national honor, would not take advantage of this excellent opportunity to heal the dissensions .
and disafiection in the colonies, but stupidly favored the East India Company, and utterly
LoBO Dabtmoutb.*
From •& XoglMh pnnt
^ Lord Dartmouth sacceeded the Earl of Hillsborough in the office of Secretary of State for the colonies,
and as head of the Board of Trade, in 1772. Dartmouth was considered rather friendly to the colonies, and
he and Franklin had ever been on terms of amity.
' On returning to his lodgings that night, Franklin took off the suit of clothes he had worn, and declared
that he would never wear it again until he should sign the degradation of England and the independence of
America. He kept his word, and more than ten years afterward, when, on the 3d of September, 1733, he
signed a definitive treaty of peace with Grreat Britain, on the basis of absolute independence for America, he
wore the same suit of clothes for the first time after his yow vras uttered.
'The East India Company, still in existence, is a joint-stock company, originally established to carry on
a trade by sea, between England and the countries lying eastward of the Cape of Good Hope. It was con-
stituted by royal charter in 1600, and enjoyed the monopoly of the trade in those remote regions until 1688,
when another corporation was chartered. The two united in 1702, and the monopoly thus granted to them
was continued, by successive acts of Parliament, until 1 804. It then received some important modifications,
and the charter was renewed for twenty years. In 1833 an act was pasped extending the charter, but abol-
ishing the monopoly of the China trade, which the company had enjoyed nearly two hundred and fifty years.
This company planted the British empire in India. It first established armed factories, and for many years
competed with the French for the trade and political influence in the surrounding districts. Under the pre-
tense ci securing honest trade, they subdued small territories, until Lord Clive, the governor general of the
company in India, by several victories, established British power there, and obtained a sway over some of
the fairest portions of the Mogul empire. At the present time the British Indian empire comprises the
whole of Hindostan, from the Himalaya Mountains to Cape Comorin, with a population of more than one
hundred and twenty millions 1 At the time und^r consideration the East India Company was at the height
of its success, commercial and political.
Digitized by
Google
496 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
T>M8hiptni]forAinerioft. PrepantiOD for their BaeepCkm at Boston. Treatment of the Coodgneea. Haad-bilk and Plaearda.
neglected the feelings of the Amerioani. It waa a laerifioe of principle to mammon which
produced a damage that no nibsequent act could repair.
On the 1 0th of May a biU was passed, allowing the company to export tea to Amer-
ica on their OMrn account, without paying export duty. Ships were immediately laden
Mrith the article, and in a few weeks seyeral large vessels, bearing the proscribed plant, were
crossing the Atlantic for American ports. Agents or consignees were appointed in the sev-
eral colonies to receive it, and the ministry fi>ndly imagined that they had at last outwitted
the vigilant patriots.
Information of tiiis movement had been received in the colonies, and, before the C(mipa-
ny's vessels arrived, preparations were made in the chief cities to prevent the landing of the
cargoes. Pubhc meetings were held, and the consignees were called upon to resign. In Bos-
ton the consignees were known to the public ; they were all friends of Governor Hutchinson.
Two were his sons, and one (Richard Clarke') was hii nephew. They were summoned to
NoT«nber3, attend a meeting of the Sons of Liberty, convened under Liberty Tree, and re-
1773. gigQ ^leir appointments,' but they contemptuously refused to comply. This meet-
ing was announced by the town-crier in the streets, and by the ringing of bells fi>r an hour.
About five hundred persons assembled at the tree, from the top of which, fastened to a pole,
a large flag was unfurled. Two days aflerward a legal town meeting was held, at which
John Hancock presided.* They adopted as their own the sentiments of eight resolutions
passed at a public meeting in Philadelphia a month before, and appointed a committee to
wait upon the consignees and request them to resign. These gentlemen equivocated, and
the meeting voted their answer " unsatisfactory and daringly affirontive." On the 18 th an-
Morember, Other meeting was held, and a committee appointed again to wait upon the con-
1773. signees. Their answer this time was more explicit. ** It is out of our power to
comply with the request of the town." In the evening the house of Richard Clarke and his
sons, in School Street, was surrounded by a crowd. A pistol was fired among them fiN>m
the dwelling, and was responded to by the populace breaking the windows.
The meeting, on receiving the reply of the consignees, broke up without uttering a word.
This was ominous ; the consignees were alanfied, for it was evident that the people had de-
termined to stop talking, and henceforth to act. The governor called a meeting of the Coun-
cil, and asked advice respecting measures for preserving the peace. A petition was presented
by the consignees, asking leave to resign their appointments into the hands of the governor
* John Singleton Copley, the eminent painter, and lather of Lord Lyndhurst, married a daughter of Rich-
ard Clarke. Both Copley and his iather-in-law became early refugee Loyalists, and fled to England, where
the latter was pall-bearer at Governor Hntchinson's foneral in 1780.
' The following is a copy of the hand-bill that advertised the meeting :
*^Jbth€ Freemen of this amd the neighboring Tbwns.
" GsifTLSMEii — ^Ton are desired to meet at the Liberty Tree this day at twelve o'clock at noon, then and
there to hear the persons to whom the tsa shipped by the East India Company is consigned, make a public
resignation of their offices as consignees, npon oath ; and also swear that they will reship any teas that may
be consigned to them by the said company, by the first vessel sailing to London. O. C, Sec'y.
*'Boaloii, November 3^ 1773.
"O:^ Stow me the man that dare take thie dawnP^
The following hand-bill was also cironlated aboat the same time :
" The tme Sons of Liberty and suf^iorters o( the non-importation agreement are determmed to resent any
or the least insult or menace offered to any one or more of the several committees appointed by the body al
Faneuil Hall, and chastise any one or more of them as they deserve *, and will also support the printers in
any thing the committee shall desire them to print.
" [X^ As a wammg to any one that shall affront as aforesaid, upon sure information given, one of these
advertisements will be posted up at the door of the dwelling-house of the offender."
These placards, and others given in connection with the tea excitement, I copied from originals preserved
by the Massachusetts Historical Society, in tome marked Proclamationt,
' On the 12th the captain general of the province issued an order for the Governor's Cadets (Bostoniani)
to stand ready to be called out for the purpose of aiding the civil magistrates in keeping the peace. Joho
Hancock was colonel of this regiment. ^
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 497
ArrlTal of Tea Shipt. ProceedkigB Ih Boeton. Ifoncter Meeting at the " Old Sovtli.'' Speech of Jodah Qnincy.
and Council, and praying them to take measures for the safe landing of the teas. The
prayer was refused on the part of the Council, and the consignees, for safety, withdrew to
the castle.
While the Council was thus declining to interfere, one of the ships (the Dartmouth, Cap
tain Hall) came to anchor near the castle. A meeting of the people of Boston and the neigh-
boring towns was convened at Faneuil HaU,^ which being too small for the assembly, it ad-
journed to the Old South Meeting-house. They resolved "that the tea shall NoTembor29
not be landed ; that no duty shall be paid ; and that it shall be sent back in the ^""^
same bottom." They also voted « that Mr. Roch, the owner of the vessel, be directed not
to enter the tea at his peril ; and that Captain Hall be informed, and at his peril, not to suf-
fer any of the tea to be landed.'' The ship was ordered to be moored at Griffin's Wharf,*
and a guard of twenty-five men was appointed to watch her. The meeting received a let-
ter irom the consignees, ofiering to store the teas until they could write to England and re-
ceive instructions, but the people were determined that the pernicious weed should not be
landed. The ofier was rejected with disdain. The sheriff then read a proclamation by the
governor, ordering the meeting to disperse ; it was received with hisses. A resolution was
then passed, ordering the vessels of Captains Coffin and Bruce, then hourly expected with
cargoes of tea, to be moored at Griffin's Wharf; and, after solemnly agreeing to carry their
resolves into execution at any risk, and thanking their brethren from the neighboring towns,
the meeting was dissolved.
From that time until the 14th every movement on the part of the people re- DeoemtKT.
lating to the tea was in charge of the Boston Committee of Correspondence. The ^^^
two vessels alluded to arrived, and were moored at Griffin's Wharf, under charge of the vol-
unteer guard, and public order was well observed. On the 14th another meeting was heM
in the Old South,* when it was resolved to order Mr. Roch to apply immediately for a clear-
ance for his ship, and send her to sea. The governor, in the mean while, had taken meas-
ures to prevent her sailing out of the harbor. Under his direction, Admiral Montague fitted
out two armed vessels, which he stationed at the entrance of the harbor ; and Colonel Les-
lie, in command of the castle, received Hutchinson's written orders not to allow any vessel
to pass the guns of the fortress outwurd, without a permission signed by himself
On the 16 th several thousand people (the largest meeting ever to that time Deeember,
known in Boston) collected in the Old South and vicinity. Samuel Phillips Sav- ^'"^^
age, of Weston, presided. The youthful Josiah Quincy was the principal speaker, and, with
-words almost of prophecy, harangued the multitude of eager and excited listeners. << It is
not, Mr. Moderator," he said, " the i^irit that vapors within these walls that must stand us
in stead. The exertions of this day will call forth events which will make a very difierent
spirit necessary for our salvation. Whoever supposes that shouts and hosannas will term-
inate the trials of this day entertains a childish fancy. He must be grossly ignorant of the
importance and value of the prize for which we contend ; we must be equally ignorant of
the power of those who have combined againt us ; we must be blind to that malice, invet-
eracy, and insatiable revenge which actuate our enemies, public and private, abroad and in
^ The following is a copy of the hand-bill annocmoing the meeting. The Dartmoath arrived on Sanday,
and this placard was posted all oyer Boston early on Monday morning :
" Friends ! Brethren ! Conntrymen ! — ^That worst of plagues, the detested Tea shipped for this port by
the £ast India Company, is now arrived in the Harbor ; Uie Hour of Destniotion, or manly opposition to the
Machinations of Tyranny, stares yon in the Face ; every Friend to his Country, to himself, and to Posterity
is now called upon to meet at Faneuil HaU, at nine o'clock This Day (at which time the hells will ring), to
make united and successful resistance to this last, worst, and most destructive measure of administration.
- Bofton, November 29, 1773.**
* This was a little south of Fort Hill, near the present Liverpool Dock.
' The notice for the meeting was as follows :
'* Friends 1 Brethren 1 Countrymen 1 — ^The perfidious arts of your restless enemies to render inefleotual
the resolutions of the body of the people, demand your assembling at the Old South Meeting-house precisely
at two o'clock this day, at which time the bells will ring."
I I
Digitized by
Google
498 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
CloM of Quincy's Speech. BreakiDgiipoftibeMeedng. Destruction of Tea in the Harbor. ApaH^ofGoremmentOfllciak.
our bosoms, to hope that we shall end this oontroyersy without the sharpest, the sharpest
conflicts — to flatter ourselves that popular resolves, popular harangues, popular acclamationB,
and popular vapor will vanquish our foes. Let us consider the issue. Let us look to the
end. Let us weigh and consider before we advance to those measures which must bring on
the most trying and terrible struggle this country ever saw.''^
When Mr. Quincy closed his harangue (about three o'clock in the afternoon), the question
was put, << Will you abide by your former resolutions with respect to not suflering the tea to
be landed ?" The vast assembly, as with one voice, gave an affirmative reply. Mr. Rooh,
in the mean while, had been sent to the governor, who was at his country house at Milton,
a few miles from Boston, to request a permit for his vessel to leave the haibor. A demand
was also made upon the collector for a clearance, but he refused until the tea should be landed.
Roch returned late in the afternoon with information that the g6vemor refused to grant a
permit until a dearaiice should be exhibited. The meeting was greatly excited ; and, as
twilight was approaching, a call was made for candles. At that moment a person disguised
like a Mohawk Indian raised the war-whoop in the gallery of the Old South, which was an-
swered from without. Another voice in the gallery shouted, " Boston Harbor a tea-pot to-
night ! Hurra for Griffin's Wharf !" A motion was instantly made to adjourn, and the peo-
ple, in great confusion, crowded into the streets. Several persons in disguise were seen cross-
ing Fort Hill in the direction of Griffin's Wharf, and thitherward the populace pressed.
Concert of action marked the operations at the wharf; a general system of proceedings
had doubtless been previously arranged. The number of persons disguised as Indians was
fifteen or twenty, but about sixty went on board the vessels containing the tea. Before the
work was over, it was estimated that one hundred and forty were ^gaged. A man named
Lendall Pitts seems to have been recognized by the party as a sort of commander-in-chieC
and under his directions the Dartmouth was first boiu^ed, the hatches were taken up, and
her cargo, consisting of one hundred and fourteen chests of tea, was brought on deck, where
the boxes were broken open and their contents cast into the water. The other two vessels
(the Eleanor, Captain James Bruce, and the Beaver, Captain Hezekiah CofiSji) were next
boarded, and all the tea they contained was thrown into the harbor. The whole quantity
thus destroyed within the space of two hours was three hundred and forty-two chests.
It was an early hour on a clear, moonlight evening when this transaction took place, and
the British squadron was not more than a quarter of a mile distant. British troops, too,
were near, yet the whole proceeding was uninterrupted. This apparent apathy on the part
of government officers can be accounted for only by the fact alluded to by the papers of the
time, that something far more serious was expected on the occasion of an attempt to land
the tea, and that the owners of the vessels, as well as the public authorities, felt themselves
* Josiah Qaincy was born in Boston, Febmaiy 23d, 1744. As a student he was remarkably persever-
ing, and with unblemished reputation he graduated at Harvard in 1763. He pursued legal studies under
the celebrated Oxenbridge Thacher, of Boston. The oircumstanoes of the times turned his thoughts to po-
litical topics, and he took sides with Otis, Adams, and others, against the aggressive policy of Britain. As
early as 1768 he used this bold language : " Did the blood of the ancient Britons swell our veins, did the
spirit of our forefathers inhabit our breasts, should we hesitate a moment in preferring death to a miserable
existence in bondage ?" In 1770 he declared, " I wish to see my countrymen break oS'—offfonver I aU
social intercourse with those whose commerce contaminates, whose luxuries poison, whose avarice is insi^
liable, and whose unnatural oppressions are not to be borne." Mr. Quincy was associated with John Adams
in the defense of the perpetrators of the " Boston massacre" in 1770, and did not by that defense alienale
the good opinion of the people. In Februaiy, 1771, he was obliged to go to the soudi on account kA a pnl*
monary complaint. At Charleston he formed an acquaintance with Pinckney, Rutledge, and other patriots,
and, returning by land, conferred with other leading Whigs in the several colonies. Continued ill health,
and a desire to make himself acquainted with English statesmen, induced him to make a voyage to England
in 1774, where he had personal interviews with most of the leading men. He asserts that, while there. Col-
onel Barr6, who had traveled in America, assured him that such was the ignorance of the English peofrfe,
two thirds of them thought the Americans were all negroes ! Becoming fully acquainted with the feelings
and intentions of the king and his ministers, and hopeless of reconciliation, Mr. Quincy determined to return
and arouse his countrymen to action. He embarked for Boston, with declining health, in March, and died
when the vessel was in sight of land, April 26th, 1775, aged tMrty-one years.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
499
EMt India Compuiy the only LcMem Qviet in Boston. A Smugger pfoniihed. NamM of Members of the " Tea Party."
placed under lasting obligations to the rioters for extricating them from a serious dilemma.*
They certainly would have been worsted in an attempt forcibly to land the tea. In the
actual result the vessels and other property
were spared from injury ; the people of Bos-
ton, having carried their resolution into ef-
fect, were satisfied ; the courage of the civil
and military ofBcers was unimpeached, and
the '< national hcmpr" was not compromised.
None but the East India Company, whose
property was destroyed, had reason for com-
plaint. As soon as the work of destruction
was completed, the active party marched
in perfect order into the town, preceded by
drum and fife, dispersed to their homes, and
Boston, untarnished by actual mob or riot,*
was never more tranquil than on that bright
and irosty December night.
A large proportion of those who were en-
gaged in the destruction of the tea were dis-
guised, either by a sort of Indian costume or
by blacking their faces. Mtoy, however,
were fearless of consequences, and boldly
employed their hands without concealing
their &LoeB firom the bright light of the moon.
The names of fifty-nine of the participators
in the act have been preserved,* but only
one of the men, so far as is known, is still liv-
ing. This is David KnnndoN, of Chicago,
Illinois, whose portrait and sign manual are
The engraving is firom a Daguerreotype firom life, taken in August, 1848, when
/:^0 ^4»4^«/
here given.
^ A " Bostonian," in his " Traits of the Tea Party,*' on the anthority of G. R. T. Hewes, one of the sor-
viyors, says that Admiral Montague was at the house of a Tory named Coffin daring the transaction, and
that, when the party marched from the wharf^ he raised the window and said, " Well, boys, yoa've had a
fine, pleasant evening for your Indian caper, haven't yoa ? Bat mind, yoa have got to pay the fiddler yet I"
'* Oh, never mind 1" shoated Pitts, the leader ; *^ never mind, sqoire 1 jost oome out here, if yoa please, and
we'll settle the bill in two minutes." The populace raised a sdiout, the fifisr struck up a lively air, and the
admiral shut the window in a hurry.
' Some, whose acquisitiveness overmatched their patriotism, were pretty severely handled during the de-
struction of the cargoes. One Charles O'Connor was detected filling his pockets and " the lining of his doub-
let" with tea while assisting to throw the broken chests overboard. He was completely stripped of his clothes
and kicked ashore. A man was found at South Boston a few days afterward, with part of a chest of tea,
which he had carried away from the harbor. He had sold some. They made him give up the money, and
then, taking the remainder of the chest, they made a bonfire of it on the common, in front of Mr. Hancock's
house. Some of the tea is preserved at Harvard College.
' The following is a list of those known to have been engaged in destroying the tea :
George R. T. Hewes,* Joseph Shed, John Crane, Josiah Wheeler, Thomas Uranu, Adam Colson, Thomas
Chase, S. Cooledge, Joseph Payson, James Brewer, Thomas Bolter, Edward Proctor, Samuel Sloper, Thomas
Gerrish, Nathaniel Green, Thomas Mellville, Henry Purkett,* Edward C. How, Ebenezer Stevens, Nicholas
Campbell, John Russell, Thomas Porter, William Hurdley, Benjamin Rice, Samuel Gore, Nathaniel Froth-
ingham, Moses Grant, Peter Slater,* James Starr, Abraham Tower, Isaac Simpson,* Joseph Ea3rres, Joseph
Lee, WUliam Molineux, Paul Revere, John Spurr, Thomas Moore, S. Howard, Mathew Loring, Thomas
Spear, Daniel IngoUson, Jonathan Hunnewell,* John Hooten,* Richard Hunnewell, William Pierce,* Will-
iam Russell, T. Gammell, Mr. Mcintosh,* Dr. Young, Mr. Wyeth, Edward Dolbier, Mr. Martin, Samuel
Peck, Lendall Pitts, Samuel Sprague,* Benjamin Clarke, John Prince,* Richard Hunnewell, Jr., David Ki|p-
oiBon.* Many of these were merely lads at the time.
* These were ItTiog in 18Sa AU are now in the grave. Mr. Elnniwmdiedlnl851,attlieageor lldyeers
Digitized by
Google
500 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Age of Mr. Kinniaon. Events of hia LiHo. Eaeape from Wounds daring the Wan. Subeaqoeot penonal I^Jwiee.
the veteran was one hundred and eleven years and nine months old. He was alive a few
weeks since (January, 1850), in his one hundred and fourteenth year. Through the kind-
ness of a friend at Chicago, I procured the Daguerreotype, and the following sketch of his life
from his own lips. The signature was written hy the patriot upon the manuscript.
David Kinnison was horn the 17th of Novemher, 1736, in Old Kingston, near Ports-
mouth, province of Maine. Soon afterward his parents removed to Brentwood, and thoice
in a few years to Lehanon (Maine), at which place he followed the business of farming un-
til the commencement of the Revolutionary war. He is descended from a long-lived race.
His great-grandfather, who came from England at an early day, and settled in liaine, lived
to a very advanced age ; his grand&ther attained the age of one hundred and twelve years
and ten days ; his father died at the age of one hundred and three years and nine numths ;
his mother died while he was young.
He has had four wives, neither of whom is now living ; he had four children hy his first
wife and eighteen by his second ; none by the last two. He was taught to read after he
was sixty years of age, by his granddaughter, and learned to sign his name while a soldi^
of the Revolution, which \b all the writing he has ever accomplished.
He was one of seventeen inhabitants of Lebanon who, some time previous to the << Tea
Party," formed a club which held secret meetings to deliberate upon the^ievances offered
by the mother country. These meetings were held at the tavern of one « Colonel Gooding,"
in a private room hired for the occasion. The landlord, though a true American, was not
snlightened as to the object of their meeting. Similar clubs were formed in Philadelphia,
Boston, and the towns around. With these the Lebanon Club kept up a correspondence.
They (the Lebanon Club) determined, whether assisted or not, to destroy the tea at all haz-
ards. They repaired to Boston, where they were joined by others ; and twenty-four, dis-
guised as Indians, hastened on board, twelve armed with muskets and bayonets, the rest with
tomahawks and clubs, having first agreed, whatever might be the result, to stand by each
other to the last, and that the first man who faltered should be knocked on the head and
thrown over with the tea. They expected to have a fight, and did not doubt that an efiibrt
would be made for their arrest. << But" (in the language of the old man) <* we cared no
more for our lives than three straws, and determined to throw the tea overboard. We were
all captains, and every one commanded himself" They pledged themselves in no event,
while it should be dangerous to do so, to reveal the names of the party — a pledge which was
&ithfully observed until the war of the Revolution was brought to a successful issue.
Mr. Kinnison was in active service during the whole war, only returning home once ftom
the time of the destruction of the tea until peace had been declared. He participated in the
afiair at Lexington, and, with his father and two brothers, was at the battle of Bunker Hill,
all four escaping unhurt. He was within a few feet of Warren when that ofiioer fell. He
was also engaged in the siege of Boston ; the battles of Long Island, White Plains, and Fort
Washington ; skirmishes on Staten Island, the battles of Brandywine, Red Bank, and German-
town ; and, lastly, in a skirmish at Saratoga Springs, in which his company (scouts) were
surrounded and captured by about three hundred Mohawk Indians. He remained a prisoner
with them one year and seven months, about the end of which time peace was declared.
After the war he settled at Danville, Vermont, and engaged in his old occupation of farming.
He resided there eight years, and then removed to Wells, in the state of Maine, where he
remained until the commencement of the last war with Great Britain. He was in service
during the whole of that war, and was in the battles of Sackett's Harbor and Williamsburg.
In the latter conflict he was badly wounded in the hand by a grape-shot, the only injury
which he received in all his engagements.
Since the war he has lived at Lyme and at Sackett's Harbor, New York. At Lyme,
while engaged in felling a tree, he was struck down by a limb, which fractured his skull
aid broke his collar-bone and two of his ribs. While attending a " training" at Sackett's
Harbor, one of the cannon, having been loaded (as he says) *' with rotten wood," was dis-
charged. The contents struck the end of a rail close by him with such force as to carry it
Digitized by
r
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 501
No Knowled^ of hi> Children. His Person and Cirenmttances. Speech at a " Free Soil" Meeting. O. R. T. Hewee.
around, breaking and badly shattering both his legs midway between his ankles and knees.
He was confined a long time by this wound, and, when able again to walk, both legs had
contracted permanent ** fever sores." His right hip has been drawn out of joint by rheuma-
tism. A large scar upon his forehead bears conclusive testimony of its having come in con-
tact with the heels of a horse. In his own language, he " has been completely bunged up
and stove in."
When last he heard of his children there were but seven of the twenty-two living. These
were scattered abroad, from Canada to the Rocky Mountains. He has entirely lost all traces
of them, and knows not that any are still living.
Nearly B^e years ago he went to Chicago with the family of William Mack, with whom
he is now living. He is reduced to extreme poverty, and depends solely upon his pension of
ninety-six dollars per annum for subsistence, most of which he pays for his board. Occasion-
ally he is assisted by private donations. Up to 1 848 he has always made something by labor.
" The last season," says my informant, « he told me he gathered one hundred bushels of com,
dug potatoes, made hay, and harvested oats. But now he finds himself too infirm to labor,
thongh he thinks he conld walk twenty miles in a day by < starting earkff "
He has evidently been a very muscular man. Although not large, his frame is one of
great power. He boasts of " the strength of former years." Nine years ago, he says, he
lifted a barrel of rum into a wagon with ease. His height is about B^e feet ten inches, with
an expansive chest and broad shoulders. He walks somewhat bent, but with as much vigor
as many almost half a century younger. His eye is usually somewhat dim, but, when ex-
cited by the recollection of his past eventful life, it twinkles and rolls in its socket with re-
markable activity. His memory of recent events is not retentive, while the stirring scenes
through which he passed in his youth appear to be mapped out upon his mind in unfading
colors. He is fond of martial music. The drum and fife of the recruiting service, he says,
" daily put new life into him." " In fact," he says, " it's the sweetest music in the world.
There's some sense in the drum, and fife, and bugle, but these pianos and other such trash
I can't stand at all."
Many years ago he was troubled with partial deafness ; his sight also failed him some^
what, and he was compelled to use glasses. Of late years both hearing and sight have re-
turned to him as perfectly as he ever pos-
sessed them. He is playful and cheerful
in his disposition. <*I have seen him,"
tmJ* 7^ T^^^ft^ says my informant, "for hours upon the
"^ " side-walk with the little children, entering
with uncommon zest into their childish
pastimes. He relishes a joke, and often
indulges in ' cracking one himself' "
At a public meeting, in the summer of
1848, of those opposed to the extension of
slavery, Mr. Kinnison took the stand and
addressed the audience with marked efiect.
He declared that he fought for the *< free-
dom of all," that freedom ought to be given
to the " black boys," and closed by exhort-
ing his audience to do all in their power to
ABOLISH SLAVERY.
The portrait of another member of the
'^ ^^^ >r^>^ y^V^^- "Boston Tea Party," George Robert
^^ jf^^ %y^ ^^^^^^(l^'lft^ Twelve Hewes, is preserved. I have
Cf ^ copied it, by permission, from the " Traits
of the Tea Party, and Memoir of Hewei." He was bom in Boston, on the 5th of Septem-
ber, 1742. His early opportunities for acquiring education were very small. To Mrs. Tin-
Digitized by
Google
502 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Character and Patriotism of Hewaf. Hit Death. KKdIement in Parijament In Copaeqaeace of the Botton Taa Riot
kani; wife of the town-crier, he was indebted for his knowledge of reading and writing. Farm-
ing, fishing, and shoermaking seem to have been the chief employment of his earlier yean.
In 1758 he attempted to enlist in the army to sejrve against the Fraush, but did not ** pass
muster ;" he was equally unsuccessful in attempts to join the navy, and then resumed sbo^
making. In the various disturbances in Boston from the time of the passage of the Stamp
Act, Hewes, who was both excitable and patriotic, was generally concerned. He was among
the foremost in the destruction of the tea at Boston. When the Americans invested the city,
and many patriots were shut up under the vigilant eyes of the British officers, Hewes was
among them. He managed to escape, and entered the naval service of the colonies as a pri-
vateer, in which he was somewhat successful. Ai^rward he joined the army, and was sta-
tioned for a time at West Point, imder Greneral M'Dougal. He was never in any land bat-
tle, except with the Cow Boys and Skinners, as they were called, of the neutral ground of
West Chester. After the Revolution he returned to Boston, and again engaged in business
upon the sea. He, like Kinnison, was one of the thousands of that time utterly unknown to
the world, except within the small love-circle of family relationship and neighborly regard ;
and even this present slight embalming of their memotj would not have occurred, had not the
contingency of great longevity distinguished them from other men. Although personally un-
known, their deeds are felt in the political blessings we enjoy. Wlien the Bunker Hill Mon-
ument was completed and was dedicated, on the 17th of June, 1843, Mr. Hewes, then one
hundred and one years old, was there, and honcnred by all. Returning to the residence of
his son, at Richfield, in Otsego county, New York, some sixty miles west of the Hudson, he
soon went down into the grave, when more than a century old, " a shock of com fully ripe."
The events of the 1 6th of December produced a deep s^isation throughout the Brit-
ish realm. They struck a sympathetic chord in every colony, and even Canada, Hal-
ifax, and the West Indies had no serious voice of censure for the Bostonians. But the min-
isterial party here and the public in England were amazed at the audacity of the American
people ; and the friends of the colonists in Parliament were, for a moment, silent, for they
had no excuse to make in behalf of their transatlantic friends for destroying private propwty.
But with the intelligence of the event went an intimation that the town of Boston was ready
to pay the East India Company for the tea, and so the question rested at once upon its orig-
inal basis — ^the right of Great Britain to tax the colonies. Ministers were bitterly indig-
nant, and the House of Lords was like a ** seething caldron of impotent rage." The al-
leged honesty of the Americans v^as entirely overlooked, and ministers and their firiends saw
nothing but open rebellion in the Massachusetts colony. Strange as it may appear, the king
did not send a message to Parliament on the subject until the 7th of March, several
weeks after, the disturbances at Boston were known to government. Then he detailed
the proceedings, and his message was accompanied by a variety of papers, consisting of let-
ters from Hutchinson^ Admiral Montague, and the consignees of the tea ; the dispatches of
several colonial governors (for menaces of similar violent measures had been uttered in other
colonies) ; and some of the most exciting manifestoes,^ hand-bills, and pamphlets put forth by
the Americans. The king, in his message, called upon Parliament to devise means imme-
diately to suppress these tumultuous proceedings in the colonies.
On the receipt of the message and the accompanpng papers in 'the House of Commons,
an address of thanks to the king, and of assurances that he should be sustained in his efiibrti
to preserve order in America, was proposed. This proposition, with the message and papers,
produced great excitement, and the House became, according to Burke, " as hot as Faneoil
Hall or the Old South Meeting-house at Boston." The debate that ensued was excessively
stormy. Ministers and their supporters charged open rebellion upon the colonies, while the
opposition denounced, in the strongest language which common courtesy could tolerate, the
foolish, unjust, and wicked course of the government. They reviewed ihe past ; but minis-
ters, tacitly acknowledging past errors, objected to retrospection, and earnestly pleaded for
strict attention to the momentous present. They asked whether the colonies were or were
not longer to be considered dependent upcoi Great Britain, and, if so, how far and in what
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLIyTION.
503
Hie ilotlMPorClNU proposed and adopted. Debates In Paiiiameat Apparent Defoctioa of Conwaj and Barr^ Borko
manner. J£ it was decided not to give them up to independence, then ministers were ready
to act efficiently. This question they wished settled as preliminary to further action. The
appeal struck upon a tender chord, and awakened national sympathies ; the address was
adopted by an overwhelming majority, without a division.
Feeling his position strengthened by this vote, Lord North brought ferth the first of his
vigorous schemes for subjugating the colonies and punishing the town of Boston. On the
14th of March he ofiered a bill which provided for the removal of customs, courts of
justice, and government of^ten of every kind firom Boston to Salem ; and that « the
landing, discharging, and shipping of wares and merchandise at Boston, or within the harbor
thereof," should be discontinued. It provided, also, that when the Bostonians should fully
submit, the king should have the power to open the port.^ This was the famous Boston
Fort Bill, an act which crushed the trade of the city, and brought the greatest distress upon
its inhabitants. Lord North justified the harsh measure, by asserting that Boston was the
center of rebellious commotion in America, *' the ringleader in every riot, and set always the
example which others followed." He thought that to inflict a signal penalty upon that city
would strike at the root of the evil, and he referred to precedents where whole communities
had been punished for the crimes of some of their
members. The most violent language was used,
by some of the supporters of the ministers, against
the Americans. " They are never actuated by
decency or reason ; they always choose tarring
and fi»athering as an argument," said Mr. Her-
bert. Mr. Van, another ministerial supporter,
denounced the people of Boston as utterly unwor-
thy of civilized forbearance. " They ought to
have their town knocked about their ears and de-
stroyed !" he exclaimed, and concluded his tirade
of abuse by quoting the factious cry of old Roman
orators, "Delenda est Carthago."' Mr. Rose
Fuller proposed the imposition of a fine ; and
even Barr6 and Conway, the undaunted firiends
of America, approved of the measure as lenient,
and afiecting only a single town. They voted
for the bill, and for this apparent disafiection the
people of Boston removed their portraits from
Faneuil Hall. But Burke, who at that time
b^gan his series of splendid orations in favor of
American liberty, denounced the whole scheme as essentially unjust, by confounding and pun-
Edkund Bubxx.'
From UL. Boflbh prist.
' The celebrated Charles James Fox, son of Lord Holland, made his first speech in Parliament on this
bilL It was a strange beginning of lus brilliant career. He objecttd to the power vetted in t&< Britith crowR
to reopen the port of Botton. Neither party supported his suggestion.
* " Carthage mutt be destroyed." This phrase was often mod by Roman orators to excite the people to
the utter destruction of Carthage, then the rival of the great city. During the revolutionary mania among
the French this sentiment was often quoted as a threat against England.
' Edmund Burke, one of England's greatest statesmen, was bom in Carlow, in Ireland, January 1st, 1730.
He was educated at Dublin, a^ took his bachelor's degree in 1749. In 1753, having been unsuccessful in
his ^>plication for the logic professorship at Glasgow, he went to London and entered at the Middle Tem-
ple. He early employed lus pen in literature and hiis eloquence in politics. His first literary production
of note was an essay on the Vtndieution of Natural Society, in imitation of BoUngbroke's style. In 1757
he published his ewy on the Sublime and Beautiful, In 1758 he and Dodswell commenced the Annual
Register, which acqa^red great celebrity. He accompanied Gerard (or Single Speech) Hamilton to Ireland
in 1761, and, by the interposition of that gentleman, obtained a pension of fifteen hundred dollars on the
Irish Establishment. On his return he was introduced to the Marquis of Rockingham, who made him lus
seoretary, and procured his election to a seat in the House of Commons. There he eloquently and efficient-
ly pleaded the cause of the Apierioans. On the down&U of North's administration he became pay-master
Digitized by
Google
504 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Oppoaition in Pftrliament to the Boston Port BUI. FaMage of the BilL Goldimlth'a "Retaliation.'' Epitaph for Burke.
iflhing the innocent with the guilty. " It is wished, then," he said, ** to condemn the ao*
cased without a hearing, to punish indiscriminately the innocent with the guilty ! You will
thus irrevocahly alienate the hearts of the colonies firom the mother country. Before the
adoption of so violent a measure, the principal merchants of the kingdom should at least be
consulted. The bill is unjust, since it bears only upon the city of Boston, while it is noto-
rious that all America is in flames ; that the cities of Philadelphia, of New York, and all
the maritime towns of the continent, have exhibited the same disobedience. You are con-
tending for a matter which the Bostonians will not give up quietly. They can not, by such
means, be made to bow to the authority of ministers ; on the contrary, you will find their
obstinacy confirmed and their fury exasperated. The acts of resistance in their city have
not been confined to the populace alone, but men of the first rank and opulent fortune in the
place have openly countenanced them. One city in proscription and the rest in rebellion
can never be a remedial measure for general disturbances. Have you considered whether
you have troops and ships sufficient to reduce the people of the whole American continent
to your devotion ? It was the duty of your governor, and not of men without arms, to sap-
press the tumults. If this officer has not demanded the proper assistance from the military
commanders, why punish the innocent for the fault and the negligence of the officers of the
crown ? The resistance is general in all parts of America ; . you must, therefore, let it gov-
em itself by its own internal policy, or make it subservient to all your laws, by an exertion
of all the forces of the kingdom. These partial counsels are well suited to irritate, not sub-
jugate." Pownall, Johnstone (late Governor of Florida), Dodsworth, Fox, and others fol-
lowed Burke on the same side, but argument was of no avail. Without a division, the Inll
_^ passed by an almost imanimous vote, and on the 31st of March it became a law by the
royal assent.
general, and obtained a seat in the Coanoil. His great speeches against Warren Hastings, when on trial
before the Hoose of Commons, were such as the British Legislature had never before heard. He retired
from Parliament in 1794, on a pension of six thousand dollars. During his political career he wrote mooh,
and his compositions rank among the purest of the British classics. He died on the 8th of July, 1797, is
the seventieth year of his age.
Goldsmith, in his Retaliation^* wrote the following epitaph for Burke. It was wriuen in 1776, when
Burke was in the midst of his career.
" Here lies our good Edmund, whoae genltu was fucb.
We scarcely can praise it or blame it too much;
Whot bom for the unirerse, narrow'd his mind,
And to partf gave up what was meant for mankind.
Though'fraught with all learning, yet strahiing his tiiroat
To persuade Tommy Townshendf to lend him a rote ;
Who, too deep for his hearers, still went on refinin^^
And tibon^t of convincing while they thought of dining.
Though equal to all things, for all things unfit:
Too nice for a statesman, too proud for a wit ;
For a patriot too cool ; for a drudge, disobedient ,
And toQ fond of the ri^JU to pursue the o^edianL
In short, 'twas his fate, unemployed or in place, air,
To eat mutton cold and cut blocks with a razor."
* I3ie history of this poem Is a *' curiosity of literature." Goldsmith had peculiarities which attracted attentfoo, and U was
proposed, at adub of literary men, of which he was a member, to write characters of hhn in the shape of epitaphs. Dean Bar-
nard, Cumberland, Qanlck, and others complied. Oarrick wrote the following couplet :
** Here lies poor Goldsmidi, for shortness call'd Noll ;
Who wrote like ApoUo, and talk'd WobpoorpolL"
Goldsmith fdt called upon for retaliation, and at the next meetfaig produced tfie poem from which the following is an exmet
It contained epitaphs for several of the dub, and he paid off his friend Garrick with compound interest These lines occur hi
(krriok's epitaph:
** Of praise a mere glutton, he swallow'd what came
And the puff of a dunce he mistook it for fame, ,
TQl his relish grew callous, almost to disease ;
Who pepper'd ttie highest was surest to please.*'
But bi generously added,
f Afterward Lord Sydnev.
" But let us be candid, and speak out our mind—
If dunces applauded, he paid them In Und."
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 605
Other oppreMiTeActi of ParUaDaent MadneMof ICinisten. WandiigsoftheOppoaUloiimiheedad. The •* Qtiebeo Act"
Another bill soon followed, " for better regulating the government of Maasachu-
letts Bay." It was tantamount to an abrogation of the charter of that colony. It
gave to the crown the appointment of counselors and judges of the Supreme Court, and the
nomination of all other officers, military, executive, and judicial, was given to the governors,
independently of any approval by the Council. The sherifis were empowered to select ju-
rors, a duty before performed by the select^men of the towns. All town meetings, except for
elections, were prohibited. This bill, so manifestly hostile to the freedom of British subjects,
elicited a warm debate, and Burke and Barr6 opposed it with all their might. *' What can
the Americans believe," said Burke, " but that England wishes to despoil them of all liberty,
of all franchise, and, by the destruction of their charters, to reduce them to a state of the
most abject slavery ? As the Americans are no less ardently attached to Lberty than
the English themselves, can it ever be hoped that they will submit to such exorbitant usur-
pation, to such portentous resolutions V Pownall warned ministers to pause. He alluded
to that powerful engine, the Committees of Correspondence, then unceasingly working in the
ookmies, and assured ministers that their harsh measure would drive the people to the call-
ing of a general Congress, and perhaps a resort to arms. All opposition was fruitless, and the
bill passed the House by the overwhelming majority of two hundred and thirty-nine against
■ixty-foiur. Lord Shelburne and others vehemently denounced it in the Upper House, and
eleven peers signed a protest in seven long articles.
North had begun to work the lever of oppression so forcibly that it seemed not easy for
him to desist. A third bill was introduced, intended to protect the servants of roy- ^p^ ^^
alty in America against the verdicts of colonial juries. It provided for the trial in ^'^^•
England of all persons charged in the colonies with murders committed in support of govern-
ment. It was suggested by a retrospect of the *' Boston massacre," and was a most unjust
and insulting comment upon the verdict in favor of Captain Preston and his soldiers. It
was more— 4t guarantied comparative safety to those who might shoot a rdfd in the name
of the king. This measure was bitterly denounced by the opposition leaders. " This," said
Colonel Barr6, " is, indeed, the most extraordinary resolution ever heard in the Parliament
of England. It ofiers new encouragement to military insolence, already so insupportable.
By this law Americans are deprived of a right which belongs to every human creat-
ure—that of demanding justice before a tribunal of impartial judges. Even Captain Pres-
ton, who, in their own city of Boston, had shed the blood of citizens, found among them a
fair trial and equitable judges." Alderman Sawbridge was more bold and recriminating in
his denunciations of the measure. He called it *< ridiculous and cruel ;" asserted that it
was meant to enslave the Americans, and expressed an ardent hope that they would not ad-
mit the execution of any of these destructive bills, but nobly refuse them all. " If they do
not," he said, " they are the most abject slaves upon earth, and nothing the ministers can
do is base enough for them." Again remonstrance was vain, and the bill passed the House
by a majority of one hundred and twenty-seven to forty-four ; in the Lords, by forty-nine to
twelve. Eight peers entered a strong protest against it. It became a law by royal assent
on the 20th of May.
A fourth bill, for quartering troops in America, was also brought in, and took the course
of others. Rose Fuller, who generally support^ ministers, attempted to break the severity
of the several enactments, and produce a reconciliation with the colonies, by proposing a re-
peal of the act imposing the duty on tea. His proposition was negatived by a large major-
ity. On the annunciation of the result, Mr. Fuller uttered these remarkable words : " I will
now take my leave of the whole plan ; you will commence your ruin from this day ! I km
iorry to say that not only the House has fallen into this error, but the people approve of the
measure. The people, I am sorry to say, are misled. But a short time will prove the evil
tendency of this bill. If ever there was a nation rushing headlong to ruin, it is this."
Evidently anticipating rebellion in America, and distrustful of the loyalty of the newly-
acquired colony of Quebec, or Canada, a fifth act was brought forward by ministers, making
great concessions to the Roman Catholic population of that province. This law, known as
Digitized by
Google
506 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Proceeding! in Mamwwhuiwtei on Aocoaat of the Port BUL Recall of Hntchimon. Diviiion of Sentiment Quebec Ael.
the Quebec Act, has already been noticed in detail on pages 1 56—7.' Let us now turn our
eyes back to the colonies, and observe the spirit of the people of Boston mi hearing of the
plans maturing for their enslavement and ruin.
Intelligence of the passage of the Boston Port Bill reached Massachusetts in May.
^^ * Already the Assembly had taken high, but correct ground on the subject of the sal-
Jl aries of crown officers in the colonies. In January that body resolved that it was in-
cumbent upon the judges to determine at once whether they would receive their sala-
ries direct from the crown, or depend therefor upon the votes of the Assembly. Chief-jus-
tice Oliver was questioned upon this point, and replied that he should hereafter' look to the
crown for the emoluments of office. The Assembly then resolved, by a majority of sixty-
nine to nine, « That Peter Oliver hath, by his conduct, proved himself an enemy to the Con-
stitution of the province, and is become greatly obnoxious to the good people of it ; that he
ought to be removed from the office of chief justice ; and that a remonstrance and petition
to the governor and Council, for his immediate removal, be prepared." They also resolved
to impeach the chief, justice. The governor not only refused to remove him, but declared
the acts of the Assembly unconstitutional.'
Fortunately for Hutchinson's personal safety, but much to his chagrin, his recall accom-
panied the Port Bill, and General Gage was appointed his successor. Thus far, in aU mat-
ters relative to the agitations in the colonies, G^e had behaved so discreetly that he enjoyed
a considerable share of public confidence and esteem, and in proportion as the people of Bos-
ton detested Hutchinsdn they were disposed to respect the new governor. Hutchinson, de-
prived of the shield of delegated power, so much feared the resentment of the Boston popn-
lace, that he retired to his country house at Milton, where he remained in seclusion until a
June 1, favorable opportunity (^ered for him to leave the province. It is an erroneous be-
1774. lief that the people were unanimous in opposition to government and in support of re-
publican views. For a while, when the issue came, the parties were very nearly balanced
in Boston ; and during the whole time of its occupancy by the British troops, until the evao-
uatbn in 1776, a large portion of the inhabitants were loyal. Before Hutchinson departed,
one hundred and twenty merchants of Boston, and many lawyers, magistrates, and principal
gentlemen of that town, and Salem, and Marblehead, signed an address to him, in which
they expressed entire approbation of his public conduct, and afiectionate wishes for his pros-
perity. These " addressers*' were afterward obliged to recant. Some who would not left
the province, and were the earliest of the refugee Loyalists.
General Gage, doubtful what reception he should meet at Boston, proceeded with great
caution. Four additional regiments were ordered to the rebellions town, but he went
thither from New York unattended by any military except his staff. On the day when he
' A fact not noticed in the former consideration of the Quebec Act is worthy of record, as showing the
actual despotic tendency of Parliamentary enactments at that time. By a provision of the act in question,
the total revenue of the province of Canada was consigned, in the first instance, to a warrant from the Lord
of the Treasury, for the purpose of pensioning judges during pleasure, and the support of a civil list, totally
unlimited. This first Lord of the Treasury, or prime minister, was thus in actual possession of the whole
revenue of the province, and unrestrained in its expenditure, except by general instructions to use it " to
defray the expenses of the administration of justice, and to support civil government in the colonies." Sim-
ilar despotic ingredients were profusely sprinkled throughout the whole batch of measures brought fcnrward
by Lord North to rule the Americans. The superficial observer is apt to consider the zeal of the Ameri-
cans against Parliamentary measures highly intemperate and sometimes censurable, for apparently trifling
causes aroused the most riolent action. But the colonists clearly perceived the huge monster of despotism
artfully covered under a fair guise, and what seemed but an insect, magnified by tbe microscope of preju-
dice, they knew to be the germ of a monster reality. The three per cent, duty on tea, considered alone,
was but a grain of sand as an obstacle to friendly feelings, but the principle tiiat slept tiiere was a tower-
ing Alp.
' Peter Oliver, brother of Andrew Oliver, the stamp-master already noticed, was bom in 1713, and grada-
ated at Harvard in 1730. He was appointed judge of the Superior Court in 1756, and became chief justice
when his brother-in-law, Hutchinson, was appointed governor. He was impeached by the Massachusetts
Assembly in 1774. Judge Oliver soon afterward went to England. He died at Birmingham in October,
1791, aged nearly seventy-nine years.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
507
ArilTal of General Gag* in Bottam. Meeting In Faneuil HalL Excitement among the People. Newapaper Dericea
%"
13,
Hamcook'8 Houbx, Boston.*
entered the barbor the town was greatly excited, news of the Port Bill having just
arrived. He landed at Long Wharf, and was reeeived with much respect by the
immense crowd of people that met him. He was entertained by the magistrates and oth-
ers at a public dinner, and on that -
evening Hutchinson was burned in
effigy on the Common, in front of
John Hancock's mansion. >
The next day a numerously attend-
ed town meeting, at which Samuel
Adams presided, was held in Faneuil
Hall to consider the Port Bill. The
people were, indeed, at their "wits'
end." The decree had gone forth to
blight the town ; a governor, com-
missioned to execute the ministerial
will, was present, and soldiers were
on their way to support his authori-
ty. The meeting voted " That it is
the opinion of the town that, if the
other colonies come into a joint reso-
lution to stop all importation from, and exportation to. Great Britain, and every part of the
East Indies, till the act be repealed, the same will prove the salvation of North America
and her liberties ; and that the impolicy, injustice, inhumanity, and cruelty of the act ex-
ceed all our powers of expression ; we, therefore, leave it to the just censure of others, and
appeal to Grod and the world." Paul Revere, an artist and mechanic of Boston, and one of
the most active patriots, was sent to New York and Phila-
j^ delphia to invoke sympathy and co-operation. A vast num-
ber of copies of the act, printed with heavy black lines around
it, and some of them having the sepulchral device of skull
and cross-bones rudely engraved as a head-piece, were scat-
tered over the country, and cried in cities and villages as the
"Barbarous, cruel, bloody, and inhuman murder!"' The
whole country was inflamed, and every where the most live-
ly sympathy for the people of Boston was awakened. Ora-
tors at public gatherings, ministers in the pulpits, and the
newspaper press throughout the land, denounced the oppres-
sion laid upon Boston as a type of what was in store for the
whole country Some of the newspapers placed at their head
the significant device used during the Stamp Act excitement,
a serpent cut in ten pieces, with the inscription " Join or
die! or " Umte or die/"* The cause of Boston became the
f'p-^^
> This is a sobstanUal stone building, situated upon Beacon Street, fronting the Common. It was ereot->
ed by Thomas Hancock, an nnole of Governor Hancock, in 1737. The present proprietor is a nephew of
the governor.
' The engraving is a fao-simile, one foorth the size of the original, of a device opon one of these papers.
Over the skoU is a rade resemblance of a orown, and beneath the bones that of the Cap of Liberty, denoting
that all was death and destruction between the crown and liberty. This device is supposed to be the work
of Paul Revere, who engraved the pictures of the naval investment of Boston in 1768, and the Boiton Ma$-
taere in 1770. Revere was a very ingenious man, an active patriot, and, as grand master of the Masonic
fraternity in Massachusetts, had extensive influence. He was a co-worker with Samuel Adams, Joseph
Warren, and other compatriots in setting the ball of the Revolution in motion.
' The out upon the next page is a fao-simile of one of those illustrations. I copied it from the Penm-
tfflvania Journal^ 1774, where it appeared for nearly a year, or until the colonies were fairly united by a
Continental Congress. The loyal papers loudly oondemiMd the use of the device. A writer in RivingUm^a
Digitized by
Google
508
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
BmI WedcnaM of the Britidi Mbiytry.
If9wq>tp6c Po0try«
Tbe Suke Derlce.
oauie of all the colonies, and never were the British ministry really weaker in their govern-
ment relations to America than when Lord North was forging, as he vainly thought, the
letters of majestic law to bind the colonies indissolubly to the throne. In honorable conces-
sion abne lay his real strength, but of these precious locks the Delilah of haughty ambition
had shorn him, and when he attempted to put forth his power, he found himself « like other
men," weak indeed !
Roffol Oax€tU,^ who called it a " fcmndaloaf and •snoy refleotion," was answered as follows by a oorrespoiu)-
ent of the Journal :
** 7b t&< jiuthor of the Limn m Mr, Rivinj^ton's Papery on the Snalct depicted m $ome of the jimertcan
Newepapere,
''That K«w Engltfid's aboaad, tad by toas of •••
ditioa,
U granted wHfaoot dtfaer prayer or petidon;
And diat *tU * a ■candakNU. Mocj reflectkHi,
That merlta the aoondeat, aerereat correctioo,'
la readily granted. <Howcamaittopaaar
Beeaaae ahe la peater'd by anakea In the graaa,
Who, by lying and cringing and audi like pre>
Oetplacea omet hooor'd diagreeed with peoaiona.
And yon, ICr. Penaloner, tnirtwad of repentance
(If I don't mlatake yon), have wrote your own
For by aiich enakm aa ftia New Eng^and'a aba»>
ed.
And the head of the aofpenta, 'yon know, amat
bebralaed.''
«*irBW JUSST."
1 Rirlngtoiiwaa the** Ung'a printer" In New York dty. HiaoOoe waa at the aootbeaat comer of Pearl and Wall Streeli. Be
had the entire conlldence of the Britlah anthoritlea, and held the ''rebela'' In great contempt. He waa a caoatio writer, and hla
ramarka were often remembered with blttemeaa for yeara. Hie following anecdote la ffluatratiTe of tfaia fact:
Among tiioae who cherlthed Tery hoatile feeUngi toward Rivlngtim waa duitdare^]eril,Qeneral Ethan AUeo, of Vermont, who
awore he would **Uck RiTlngton the rery fint opportonlty he had.** Rirington himaelf, aware of his Intentiona, gave a moat
hnmorona doacrlpdon of Ua Interrlew with Allen, showing, at the aame time, hia exceeding deTemeaa and tact, which may even
at thia day be profitable to hla editorial brethren. RiTington waa a fine, portly-looking man, droaaed in the extreme of foahkm
—curled and powdered hair, dazet-colored coat, acariet waistcoat trimmed with gold laoe, bnckaUn breechea, and top l>oot»—
and kept ttie rery beat aodety.
The clerk bekm atahra aaw Allen oondng at a distance. "I waa atttlng,''aaidRiThigton, "after a good dfamer, alone, with my
bottle of Madeira before me, when I heard an unusual noise in the street, and a huzza from the boya. I was in the second
story, and, stepping to the window, aaw a tall figure In tamiahed regimentals, with a large cocked hat and an enormooa long
sword, followed by a crowd of boya, who occaaionally cheered him with huzzaa. of which he aeemed insensible. He came up
to my door and stopped. I could see no more. My heart told me It was Ethan Allen. I shut down my window, and retired
behind my table and bottle. I waa certain the hour of reckoning had come. There waa no retreat Hr.Staples, my clerk,
came In paler than cTer, and daapfaig Ua bands, aaid. *Maater, he la come V ' I know it' *He entered tlie atore^ and asked **tf
Jamea Rirington Ured there." I answered, ** Yea, sir." ** Is he at homeT ** I will go and aee, air," I said ; and now, maater,
what la to be done t There he Is In the atore. and the boya peeping at him from tibe street' I had made up my mind. Ilooked
atthebotde of Madehra— poaalbly took a^baa. * Show him up,' aaid I ; « and If auch Madeira can not moOify him, he muatbe
harder tiian adamant' There waa a fiaarfnl moment of auq)enae. I beiard him on the atain, hla long aword danUng at ereiy
step. In he stalked. *Isyourname Jamea RiTlngton f * It la, air, and no man could be more happy tlian lam to see Colonel
Ethan Allen.' * Sir, I have come— ' * Not another word, my dear colonel, until you hare taken a aeat and a g^asa of old Madeira.'
*But,alr,Idonttfalnkitpropei^->* * Not anodier word, colonel Taate thia wine ; I hare had it in g^ for ten years. Oldwlne,
you know, unless it Is originally aound, nerer Improrea by age.' He took the glaaa, swallowed the wine, smacked his Hpa, and
shook hla head approringly. * Sir, I come— ' * Not another word until you haTe taken anotiber g^aaa, and ttien, my dear colonel,
we wlU talk of old affairs, and I haTe aome dnXL erenti to detalL' In aborts we finished two bottles of Madeira, and parted aa
good friends as if we nerer had cause to be otherwiae."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 509
General Oage at Botton. Proceedingi of ttie MauachoMttB ABsembl j. Propoaition for a Geaeral Coilgreai^
CHAPTER XXIL
Sane IV. In Boston, while the Regulars were fljring from Lexington.
Lord Boston, turrounded hy hit Cfuardt and a few OJkert,
Lord Boston. If Colonel Smith suoceeds in his embassy, and I think there's no doubt of it, I shall have
the pleasure this evening, I expect, of having my friends Hancock and Adams's good company ; I'll make
each of them a present of a pair of handsome iron ruffles, and Major Provost shall provide a suitable enter-
tainment for them in his apartment.
Officer. Sure they'll not be so unpolite as to refuse your excellency's kind invitation.
Lord Botton. Should they, Colonel Smith and Major Pitcaim have my orders to make use of all their
rhetoric and the persuasive eloquence of British thunder.
Entert a meuenger in haste.
I bring your excellency unwelcome tidings —
Lord Boston. For Heaven's sake 1 from what quarter ?
Messenger, From Lexington plains.
Lord Boston. 'Tis impossible 1
Messenger. Too true, sir.
Lord Boston* Say — ^what is it ? Speak what you know.
Messenger. Colonel Smith is defeated and fast retreating.
Lord Boston. Good God ! what does he say ? Mercy on me !
Messenger. They're flying before the enemy.
Lord Boiton, Britons turn their backs before the Rebels ! the Rebels put Britons to flight ! Said yon
not so ?
Messenger. They are routed, sir; they are flying this instant ; the provincials are numerous, and hourly
gaining strength ; they have nearly surrounded our troops. A re-enforcement, sir, a timely succor, may
save the shattered remnant. Speedily 1 speedily, sir 1 or they're irretrievably lost.
*<The Fall op Bkitish Tyeahiit, or Ambrican Libertt trxuicphant."^
>
- ENER AL GAGE soon became a tyrant in tlie eyes of tbe people
of Boston. However humane were his intentions, the execution of
his commission necessarily involved harsh and oppressive measures. Pursuant
to the provisions of the Port Bill, he proceeded, after the appointment of the
members of the Council (see TWte 1, next page), to transfer the govern- j,^ ^^
ment offices to Salem, and on the 3l8t of May the Assembly held its final ^^^•
session in Boston. By proclamation, Gage adjourned the House until the 7tb of
June, and ordered the next meeting at Salem. Anticipating this measure, the
House appointed two members of the Assembly — Samuel Adams and James War-
ren— ^to act in the interim, as the exigencies of the case might require. These,
with a few others already named, held private eonferences, and arranged plans for
the public good. On the third evening after the adjournment of the Assembly, their
plans were matured. The suggestions of New York and other places, as well as
the hints thrown out by Pownall in the House of Commons respecting a general
Congress, were favorably considered. A plan was arranged for a Continental Con*
^ gross; they also matured measures for making provisions for supplying funds and
] munitions of war, t)repared an address to the other colonies, inviting their co-opera-
tion in the measure of a general Congress, and drew up a non-importation agreement.
^ This is a well-written drama, pablished by Styner and Cist, Philadelphia, in 1776. IIb sub-title is,
'* A tragi-Comedy of Five Acts, as lately planned at the Royal Theatmm Pandemonium at St. James's.
The principal place of action, in America." It is dedicated '^ To Lord Boston [Greneral Gage], Lord Kid-
napper [Donmore, governor of Virginia], and the innumerable and never-erding class of Macs and Donalds
upon Donalds, and the remnant of the gentlemen Officers, Actors, Merry Andrews, Strolling PUyers, Pi-
Digitized by
Google
510
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
BokbMM of the Pitrioli.
Attempt to DImoIts the AamaMf,
11ie*«L«igae.*
These several propositions and plans were \io\dly laid before the Greneral Court when it
Jima 7, reopened at Salem. The few partisans of the crown in that Assembly were filled
1774. ^th amazement and alarm at the boldness of the popular leaders ; and as rank
treason was developed in the first acts of the majority, a partisan of government determined,
if possible, to put a stop to further rebellious pro-
ceedings. Feigning sudden illness, he was al-
lowed to leave the Assembly. He went im-
mediately to the governor and acquainted him
with the proceedings in progress.* Gage sent
his secretary to dissolve the Assembly by proc-
lamation, but the patriots were too
vigilant for him. The doors of the
Assembly were locked, and the keys were safe-
ly deposited in Samuel Adams's pocket. The
secretary read the proclamation on the stairs,
but it was unheeded by the patriots within.
They proceeded to adopt and sign a " Solemn
League and Covenant," in which aU former
non-importation agreements and cognate under-
takings were concentrated, and a committee
was appointed to send the covenant, as a cir-
cular, to every colony in America.* They also
adopted the other plans matured by Adams and
others, and a resolution that " a meeting of y^ ^ y/._^
committees, from the several colonies on this Jt^ Cl- A^-^^^ >^^7N^lCtf>^'^^^^
continent, is highly expedient ^d necessary, to consult upon the present state of the coun-
try, and the miseries to which we are and must be reduced by the operation of certain acts
of Parliament, and to deliberate and determine on wise and proper measures to be recom-
ratee, and Baocaneera in America." As most of the real names of the cfromatii penona are familiar to the
readers of the few preceding chapters, I give the list as printed in the copy of the drama before me.
Lord ParamomU Bute.
Lord Mocklaw Mansfisld.
Lord HffpocriU Dabtmouth.
Lord Poltroon Sandwich.
Lord Catspaw North.
Lord Wiidom Chatham.
Lord Religum Bishop op St. Asaph.
Lord Juttict Caxdbn.
Lord Patriot Wilkes.
Bold Iruhnum Burke.
Judas HuTCHiifsoif .
Charley Jbnkirson.
Brazen Weddbburnb.
Colonel BARRi.
Lord Botton Gage.
Mmiral Tombetone . . . .Graves.
Elbow Room Howe.
Mr. Caper Burootne.
Lord Kidnapper Dunxore.
Ckneral Waihington.
CknercU Lee. Officers^ soldiers^ tailors, ne-
Chneral Putnam. groes, 4*^., ^c.
^ The political complexion of the new CoanoU did not please Gage. He exercised the prerogative given
to him by the charter to the fiillest extent in rejecting thirteen of the elected coonselors. The remainder
were not mach more agreeable to him.
' General Gage was then residing at the hoose of Robert Hooper, Esq., in Danvers, about four miles
from Salem.
' All who felt an attachment to the American cause were called npon to sign it ; and the covenanters
were required to obligate themselves, in the presence of God, to ceaae all commerce with England, dating
from the last of the ensuing month of August, until the late wicked acts of Parliament should be repealed
and the Massachusetts colony reinstated in all its rights and privileges ; to abstain from the use of any Brit-
ish goods whatsoever ; and to avoid all commerce or traffic with those who refused to sign the League.
Finidly, it was covenanted that those who refused to sign the League should be held up to public scorn
and indignation by the publication of their names. The articles of the League were transmitted by circu-
lars to all the other provinces, with invitations to the inhabitants to affix their names thereto. Pliiladel-
phia alone, as a city, did not accept the invitation to join in such a measure, preferring to refer the matter
to a general Congress, and agreeing to execute faithfully all measures therein agreed upon.
^ A biograDhi(»d sketch of this distinguished patriot will he found among those of the signers of the Dec-
laration of Independence printed in the Sapplement.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 511
AppoiiitmentofDelegateitoaContinentelCongreM. Denondalionof ttie ^'Leagoe." Closing of the Port of BostXML
mended to all the colonies for the recovery and re-estab^shment of our just rights and liber- «
ties, civil and religious, and the restoration of union and harmony between Great Britain
and America, which is most ardently desired by all good men." They designated the 1st
of September as the time, and Philadelphia as the place of meeting. Thomas Gushing, the
Spieaker of the Assembly, James Bowdoin, many years a member of the Council, Samuel
Adams, John Adams, and Egbert Treat Paine, were chosen delegates. A treasurer was
appointed, and the towns were called upon to pay their respective shares of the sum of two
thousand five hundred dollars, voted to the delegates in payment of their expenses. The
whole business being ended, the Assembly adjourned indefinitely, and thus ended the last
session of the Assembly of Massachusetts Bay, under a royal governor.
Gage was greatly irritated by the proceedings of the Assembly, and the acts of the people
of Boston in sustaining these traitorous measures. He refused to receive the answer of the
Greneral Court to his address, and issued a strong proclamation in denunciation of the League
as an unlawful combination, hostile to the crown and Parliament, and ordering the magis-
trates to apprehend and bring to trial all who should be guilty of signing it. The people
laughed at his proclamation, defied the pliant magistrates, and signed the League by thou-
sands. Uncompromising hostility was aroused, and the arm of bold defiance was uplifled,
even in the midst of distress and the menaces of foreign bayonets.
At noon on the 1st of June the port of Boston was closed to all vessels that wished
1774.
to enter, and, afler the 14th, all that remained were not allowed to depart. The two
regiments ordered to Boston by Gage had arrived, and were encamped on the Common.
Soon aflerward, these being re-enforced by several regiments from Halifax, Quebec, Npw
York, and Ireland, the town became an immense garrison. The utter prostration of all bus-
iness soon produced great distress in the city. The rich, deprived of their rents, became
straitened, and the poor, denied the privilege of labor, were reduced to beggary. All class-
es felt the scourge of the oppressor, yet the fortitude and forbearance of the inhabitants
were most remarkable. The sympathy of the people abroad was commensurate with the
Bufierings of the patriots, and from every quarter came expressions of friendship and substan-
tial tokens of attachment to the sufierers. The people of Georgia sent the Bostonians sixty-
three barrels of rice, and seven hundred and twenty dollars in specie. Wheat and other
grain were forwarded to them from difi^rent points ; Schoharie, in New York, alone sending
five hundred and twenty-five bushels of wheat. The city of London, in its corporate ca-
pacity, subscribed one hundred and fiily thousand dollars for the relief of the poor of Boston.
The people of Marblehead and Salem ofiered the Boston merchants the firee use of wharves
and stores, for they scorned to enrich themselves at the expense of their oppressed neighbors.
A committee was appointed in Boston to receive and distribute donations, and, in the midst
of martial law, the sufilering patriots were bold and unyielding.
General Gage was warned to relax the rigor of his military rule, or open rebellion would
9nsue. He afiected to disregard these warnings, yet he employed precautionary measures.
Boston is situated upon a peninsula, at that time connected with the continent by a narrow
strip of land called the Neck. Convinced that hostilities must ensue unless the home gov-
ernment should recede, and relying more upon soldiers than upon conciliatory deeds, Gage
moved in subserviency to this reliance, and stationed a stnHig guard of armed men upon the
Neck. He gave as a reason for this measure the shallow pretext that he wished to prevent
desertions firom his ranks. The people readily interpreted the meaning of his movement,
and saw at once that the patriots of Boston were to be cut ofi* from free communication
with those in the country, and that arms and ammunition were not to be transported from
the city to the interior. For the first time the free intercourse of New Englanders was in-
terrupted, and the lightning of rebellion, that had for years been curbed within the hearts
of the people, leaped forth in manifestations which alarmed the hitherto haughty hirelings of
royalty. The members of the new Council, appointed by the governor under the act which
changed, and indeed abrogated, the charter of Massachusetts, who had accepted office, were
treated with disdain at every step, and a large proportion of them were forced to resign.
Digitized by
Google
512
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Peaceable Reaiatance of tlie People.
Preparadons for War.
Recaiitation of tiie Hntchinaon Addroaaora
Vucw or Boston from Doachxstsa Hsiohts in 1774.^
The courts of justice were suspended ; the attorneys who had issued writs of citation were
compelled to ask pardon in the puhlic journals, and promise not to expedite others until the
laws should he revoked and the charter re-estahlished. The people occupied the seats of
justice, that no room might he left for judges. When invited to withdraw, they answered
that they recognized no other tribunals and no other magistrates than such as were estab-
lished by ancient laws and usage.'
Persuaded that war was inevitable, the people, throughout the province, began to arm
* themselves and practice military tactics daily. Every where the fife and drum were heard,
and fathers and sons, encouraged by the gentler sex, took lessons together in the art of war.
The forge and hammer were busy in making guns and swords, and every thing bore the an-
imated but gloomy impress of impending hostility. The zeal of true patriots waxed warm-
er ; the fears of the timid and lukewarm assumed the features of courage ; the avowed
friends of government became alarmed, and those Addressors, as they were called, who
signed an address to Hutchinson on his departure, were obliged to make public recantations
in the newspapers.* Some of the Boston clergy (particularly Dr. Cooper, the person who
^ This picture is from an English print of the time. Then the principal portion of-the town was apon
the eastern slope and flats. There were a few houses upon the higher ground in the vicinity of Beacon
Hill, around the Common, among which was that of John Hancock. In ^is picture. Beacon Hill is desig-
nated by the pole, which, with its barrel, is noticed in a preceding chapter. The peninsula originally con-
tained about seven hundred acres. The hills have been razed and the earth carried into the water, by which
means the peninsula is so enlarged that it now comprises about fourteen hundred acres.
» Otis's Botta, i., 124.
' There were many persons of some significance who were willing, at this stage of the controversy, to
offer conciliatory measures, and they even gave encouragement to General Grage and his government. One
hundred and twenty merchants and others of Boston signed an address to General Gage, expressing a will-
ingness to pay for the tea destroyed. It is averred, also, that some of the wealthiest people of Boston ac%
ually endeavored to raise money to pay the East India Company for the tea, but the attempt failed. There
were some others who protested against the course of the Conmiittee of Correspondence and the action of
a large portion of the ministers of the Grospel, who, they averred, were unduly exciting the people, and urg
ing them headlong toward ruin. But these movements were productive only of mischief. They made the
colonists more determined, and deluded the home government with the false idea that the most respectable
portion of the people were averse to change or revolution. The following is a copy of the recantation,
signed by a large number of the addressers : " Whereas we, the subscribers, did some time since sign an
address to Governor Hutchinson, which, though prompted to by the best intentions, has, nevertheless, given
i^reat offense tc our country ; We do now declare, that we desire, so far from designing, by that action, to
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 513
fiplrtt of the American Prett. Zed of the Cwiiniiltiww of Coiregikmdeace. Their importance. Fortification of Boilon Keck.
first received Hutohinson't letters from Franklin) were very active in promoting hostility to
the rulers, and the press exerted its power with great industry and effect.'
The Massachusetts Spy and the Boston Gazette were the principal Whig journals, and
through the latter, Otis, Adams, Quincy, Warren, and others communed with the public, in
articles suited to the comprehension of all. Epigrams, parables, sonnets, dialogues, and every
form of literary expression remarkable fi>r point and terseness, filled these journals. The
following is a fair specimen of logic in rhyme, so frequently employed at that day. I copied
it from Anderson's Constitutional (xazette* published in New York in 1775. That paper
was the uncompromising opponent of Rivington*s (Tory) Gazette, published in the same city *
" Ths Quarrel vfitk Jnurica fairly Stated,
" Rodely forced to drink tea, Massaohusetts in anger
Spills the tea on John Boll — ^John falls on to bang hffe\
Massachusetts, enraged, calls her neighbors to aid,
And give Master JcSbn a severe bastinade.
Now, good men of the law 1 pray, who is in fault,
The one who begun, or resents the assaolt ?"
The Boston Committee of Correspondence were busy night and day preparing the people
of the province for energetic action, and it needed bpt a slight ofiense to sound the battle
cry and invoke the sword of rebellion from its scabbard.*
Alarmed at the rebellious spirit manifested on all sides, Grage removed the seat Anrait.
of government from Salem back to Boston, and began to fortify the Neck. The ^"^^
Vbw of thb Lnfst on Boiroif Nscx.
Prom as l^Kih priM pablMhW a im
work went on slowly at first, for British gold could not buy Boston carpenters, and work-
men had to be procured from other places. The people viewed these warlike preparations
with indignatioo, which was heightened by an injudicious act of Gage in sending a detach-
show oar aoqoiesoence in those acts of Parliament so nmversally and justly odious to all America, that, on
the contrary, we hoped we might, in that way, contribute to their repeal ; though now, to our sorrow, we
find ourselves mistaken. And we do now further dechure, that we never intei^ed the o6fonse which this
address has occasioned ; that, if we had foreseen such an event, we should never have signed it; as it al-
ways has been and now is our wish to live in harmony with our neighbors, and our serious determination is
to promote, to the utmost of our power, the liberty, the welfare, and happiness of our oountiy, which is in-
separably connected with our own." The Committee of Correspondenoe declared the recantatioQ satisiao-
torv, and recommended the signers of it as true friends to America.
^ There were five newspapers printed in Boston in 1774, as follows: the Botton Pott, on Monday
morning, by Thomas and John Fleet ; the Botton Newt'Lttter, by Margaret Draper (widow of Richard
Draper) and Robert Boyle ; the Mattackuttttt QaxttU and Botton Pott Boy and Mvertiter^ by Mills and
HickB; the Botton GaxetU and Conntry Jommal^ by Edes and Gill; and the Mattaeknttttt Spy, by Isaiah
Thomas. — See Thomas's HUtory of Printing,
* Anderson was the lather of Dr. Alexander Anderson of New York, the earliest wood-engraver, as a
distinct art, in America. Now (1855), at the age of eighty years, he uses the graver with all the skill and
vigor of earlier manhood.
' The committee of 1774 oonsisted of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, James Bowdoin, John Adams,
William Phillips, Joseph Warren, and Josiah Quincy. The importance of these committees of correspond-
ence may be understood by the estimate placed upon them by a Tory writer over the signature of Ifos-
tachnttttentit, " This," he said, "kb the foulest, subtlest, and most venomous serpent ever issued from the
egg of sedition. It it tht tomret of the rtbeUion. 1 saw the small seed when it was implanted ; it was a
grain of mustard. I have watched the plant until it has become a great tree. The vilest reptiles that crawl
upon the earth are ooooealed at the root ; the foulest birds of the air rest upon its branches. I now would
induce you to go to work immediately with axes and hatchets and cut it down, for a two-fold reason : be-
cause it is a pest to soeiety, and lest it be felled suddenly by a stronger arm, and crush its thousands in
iU faU.*'
Kk
Digitized by
Google
514 PICTORIAL FIELDBOOK
Attempted Sdxnre ci Amu and Ammanltiaa at Cambridfe. Aknn conceniing BoetoD. Ckmveotkm in Boaloci
fleptambwi, ^^^^ of troopt to seize a quantity of gunpowder belonging to the province, stored at
^^^ Charlestown and Cambridge. This act greatly exasperated the people, and large
numbers assembled at Cambridge, determined upon attacking the troops in Boston. About
the same time, intelligeuce went abroad that the ships of war in Boston harbor were bom-
barding the town and the regular troops were massacriug the people, sparing nd-
ther age nor sex. The news spread rapidly, and the thrill of horror produced by
the report was succeeded by a cry of vengeance. In less than thirty-six hours the country
for more than one hundred and seveuty miles in extent was aroused. From the shores of
LoDg Island to the green hiUs of Berkshire, ** To arms ! to arms !" was the universal shout.
Instantly, on every side, men of all ages were seen cleansing and burnishing their weapons,
furnishing themselves with provisions and warlike stores, and preparing for an immediate
march ; gentlemen of rank and fortune exhorting and encouraging others by voice and ex-
ample. The roads were soon crowded with armed men, marching for Boston with great
rapidity, but without noise or tumult. Full thirty thousand men were under arms and
speeding toward the town ; nor did they halt until well assured that the report was un-
true.'
At a convention of delegates from the several towns in Suffolk county, to which Boston
belonged, held on the 6th of September, it was resolved that no obedience was due tc
any part of the late acts of Parliament. Collectors of taxes, and other officers holding
public money, were recommended to retain the funds in their hands until the old charter
was restored ; that persons who had accepted seats in the Council had violated the duty
they owed to their country ; that* those who did not resign by the 20th of September should
be considered public enemies ; that the Xjuebec Act, establishing Romanism in Canada, was
dangerous to Protestantism and liberty, and that they were determined to act on the de-
fensive only 10 long as just reason required. They also recommended the people to seize
and keep as a hostage any servant of the crown who might fall in their way, when they
should hear of a patriot being arrested for any political ofiense. They drew up an address
to General Gage, telling him frankly that they did not desire to commence hostilities, but
that they were determined not to submit to any of the late acts of Parliament ; they also
complained loudly of the fortifications upon the Neck.
Gage denounced the convention as treasonable, and, in reply to their address, declared
that he should take such measures for the safety of his troops and the friends of government
as he thought proper, at the same time assuring them that the cannon placed in battery on
the Neck should not be used except to repel hostile proceedings. Unlike Governor Carleton
of Canada, he had no word of kindness or act of conciliation for the patriots,* and they, in
turn, reviled the governor and set his power at naught. Tarring and feathering and other
violent acts became common, and the Tories or friends of government in the surrounding
country were obliged to seek refuge in Boston. The eight military companies in the town,
composed of citizens, were mostly broken up. John Hancock had been commander of a
corps called the Governor's Independent Cadets. General Gage had dismissed him, and
the company, indignant at the afiront, appointed a committee, on the 1 4th of August, to
' See Hinman's Historical ColUction$ from Ojfficial Recordt, &c., of Connectic%U.
It was believed by somt, that the rumor of the bombardmeDt at Boeton was set afloat by some of the
leadmg patriots, to show General Gage what moltitades of people would rise up to crush his troops if he
dared to abuse his power by committiiig the least act of violence.
' The kindness which Governor Carleton manifested toward the American prisoners captured at Quebec
and the Cedars in 1776, did more to keep down rebellion in that province than any severe metisures could
have eflected. Lamb says, that "in the spring of 1776, Grovemor Carleton addressed the prisoners with
such sweetness and good-humor as was sufficient to melt every heart. ' My lads,' he said, * why did you
come to disturb an honest man in his government that never did any harm to you in his life ? I never in-
vaded your property, nor sent a single soldier to disturb you. Come, my boys, yon are in a very distress-
ing situation, and not able to go home with any comfort. I must provide you with shoes, stockings, and
warm waistcoats. I must give you sooie victuals to oarry you home. Take care, my lads, that you do
not come here again, lest I should not treat you so kindly." — Lamb's Journal of the American War, p. 89 :
Dublin, 1809.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
51 d
Revolutionary Town Meetinga.
Order for Convening tbe AMemblj countermanded.
Meeting of the AMembly.
Octobers.
^}.
wait on the governor at Salem, and return him their standard, << as they had almost unan-
imously disbanded themselves."'
The day before the meeting of the Suf-
folk convention, the general Continental
Septembers, Cougress met in Philadelphia,
1^^ and as soon as information of
its firm proceedings reached Massachusetts,
the patriots assumed a bolder tone. Gage
summoned the House of Representatives to
meet at Salem, to proceed to business ac*
cording to the new order of things under
the late act of Parliament. Town meet-
ings were held, but so revolutionary were
their proceedings, that Gage countermand-
ed his order for the Assembly. His right
to countermand was denied, and most of
the members elect, to the number of nine-
ty, met at Salem on the day ap-
pointed. Gage, of course, was
not there, and as nobody appeared to open
the court or administer the oaths, they re- johm uanoock.^
solved themselves into a provincial Cou-
gress, adjourned to Concord, and there organized by choosing John Hancock president, and*
* I copy from the Massachusetts Spy of September, 1774, the following lampoon in rhyme :
^^ ji sample of gubematorieU eloquence^ as lately exhibited to the company of cadets
*' Your Colonel U— n— k, bj neglect
Has been deficient in reaped ;
As he my iovereign toe ne'er kiaaed,
Twaa proper he ahould be diamisaed :
I never waa and never will
By mortal man be treated ill.
I never was nor ever can
Be treated ill by mortal man.
Oh had I but have known before
That temper of your fiictioua corps,
It should have been my greatest pleasure
To have prevented that bold measure.
To meet with auch severe disgrace—
My standard flung into my face I
Disband youraelvea ! so cursed stout !
Oh had I, had I, turned yououtr
This IS given as a specimen of the fearlessness of the press at that time, for it most be remembered that
the Spy was printed in Boston, then filled with armed troops employed to put down rising rebellion. Gage's
proclamations were paraphrased in rhyme, and otherwise ridiooled. One of these, now before me, com-
mences,
** Tom Oage'a Proclamation,
Or blustering Denunciation
(Replete with Defamation).
Threatening Devastation
And speedy Jugulation
Of the New English Nation.
Who shall his pious ways ahun."
It closes with
" By command of Mother Carm/.
"I'HoaKAS Fluckxb, Sientanf.*
" Thua gradoualy the war I wage,
he witneaaetfa my hand—
TOM OAQE.
* A biographical sketch of Mr. Haneock will be found among those of the signers of the Declaration oi
Independence, in the Supplement.
* Flucker was Secretary of Maasachusetts under Gage. Henry (afterward goneral) Knox, of the Revolution, married hir
Digitized by
Google
616 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Appointment of Committees of Safisty and Supplies. Appointment of military OfiBoers. Spiking of Cumons^ ,
Benjamin Lincoln, afterward a revolntionary general, secretary. A committee, appointed
to consider the state of the province, prepared an address to Gage, which the Congress
adopted, and then adjourned to Cambridge, where another committee was sent to present
the address to the governor. In that address they protested against the fortification of the
Neck, and complained of the recent acts of Parliament, while they expressed the warmest
loyalty to the king and the government. Gage replied, as he did to the Sufiblk committee,
that his military preparations were made only in self-defense, and were justified by the war-
like demonstrations on every hand. He concluded by pronouncing their Assembly illegal,
and in contravention of the charter of the province, and warned them to desist.
The denunciations of Gage had no other efiect than to increase the zeal of the patriots.
The Provincial Congress proceeded to appoint a Committee of Safety, at the head of which
was John Hancock, giving it power to call out the militia. A committee was appointed
to provide ammunition and stores, and the sum of sixty-six thousand dollars was appropri-
Octoberse; ^^^ ^^^ ^^ purposc. Provision was also made for arming the people of the
1774. province. They appointed Henry Gardner treasurer of the colony, under the title
of receiver general^ into whose hands the constables and .tax-collectors were directed to pay
all public moneys which they received. Jedediah Preble, Artemus Ward, and Seth Pome-
roy, Vere appointed general officers of the militia.' The first did not accept the appoint-
ment, and Ward and Pomeroy alone entered upon the duty of organizing the military.
Ammunition and stores were speedily collected at Concord, Wobum, and other places.
Mills were erected for making gunpowder ; manufactories were set up for making arms,
and great encouragement was given to the production of saltpeter.
The Provincial Congress disavowed any intention to attack the British troops, yet took
ifmr»mh«r ft. ™®^'^'®' ^ ^^^ ^^ ^®^' suppUcs from thc couutry. Gage issued a proclama-
tion, denouncing their proceedings, to which no attention was paid ; and as the
recommendations of the Provincial Congress had all the authority of law, he was unsupport*
ed except by his troops, and a few officials and their friends in the city. Apprehending
that the people of Braton might point the cannons upon the fortifications about the town
upon himself and troops, he caused a party of sailors to be landed by night from a ship of
war in the harbor, who spiked all the guns upon the battery at Fort Hill.
At a session of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, convened on the 23d of No-
vember, it was voted to enrol twelve thousand minute men — ^volunteers pledged to be ready
to enter the field at a minute's notice— and an invitation was sent to Connecticut and
Rhode Island to follow this example, and increase the number of minute men to twenty
thousand. They elected the same delegates to the general Congpress, to meet again in May,
1775; appointed Colonel Thomas and Colonel Heath additional generals; and adopted
measures for the formation of a new Provincial Congress, to meet early in the ensuing year.
They then adjourned to. attend the general thanl^ving, held according to their own ap-
pointment.' When the year 1774 closed, the colonies were on the verge of open insurrec-
tion. Let us turn for a moment to view the progress of events in England.
When the colonial agents there observed the manifest improbability of a reconciliation
and the certainty of an appeal to arms, they were exceedingly active in their efiS>rts to
mold the popular opinion in favor of the colonies. The various addresses put forth by the
^ For a sketch of the life of General Ward, see anti^ page 190. Pomeroy was in the battle of Lake
George, in 1755, and was the soldier of ^t name whom Everett sopposes to have shot Baron Dieskan.
See page 109.
' This appointment was always made by the governor, as at the present day, bat the patriots had abso-
tntely discarded his authority.
dao^ter Lucy, in oppoaition to the wiabef of her fiitfaer, who desired a more adrantageoiu matofa for her. Kaox wu a yooag
boolueOer in Boeton, and Mias Flncker, who poMeaied ooniiderable literary taste, became acquainted with him while rlahing
Ua atore to porofaaae articlea in Ua line. A aympatfaj of taste, feeling and Tiewa prodooed motoal esteem, which soon ripened
into loTe. Her frienda looked npon her aa one rained in proapecta of fVitare aodal eateem and personal happiness, in wedding
one who had esponsed flie cause of rebellion ; but many of those rery friends, when ttie great poUtioal change tooli place, weft
outcasts and in porerty, while Lucy Knox was ttie oenter of the first social drde in America.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
617
Bfforti of Fmklin and otlien.
Coanteraetioa by Adam Smith and othen.
Prooeedinga in Parliament
Continental Congress were printed and industriously circulated. Dr. Franklin and other
friends of America traversed the manufacturing towns in the north of England, and hy per-
sonal communications enlightened the people upon the important questions at issue. The
inhabitants of those districts were mostly Dissenters, looking upon the Church of England as
an oppressor ; and, by parity of simple reasoning, its main pillar, the throne, was regarded
equally as an instrument of oppression. They were, therefore, eager listeners to the truths
respecting human rights which the friends of republicanism uttered, and throughout York-
shire, Lancashire, Durham, and Northumberland, the people became much excited.
Ministers were alarmed, and concerted measures to
counteract the efiects produced by these itinerant repub-
licans. Adam Smith, the author of *< The Wealth of
Nations," Wedderbume, the solicitor general, and other
friends of the ministry, wielded their pens vigorously ;
and, at their solicitation, Dr. Roebuck, of Birmingham,
a very popular man among the manufacturing popula-
tion, followed in the wake of Franklin and his friends,
and endeavored to apply a ministerial antidote to their
republican poison. In this he was measurably success-
ful, and the districts were quieted.
Parliament assembled on the 30th of Novem-
ber. The king informed them that America was
on the verge of open rebellion. When the usual address
to the king was proposed in the House of Commons, the
opposition offered an amendment, asking his majesty to
lay before Parliament all letters, orders, and instructions
relating to American affairs, as well as all the intelli-
gence received from the colonies. Lord North opposed the amendment, because it made
the first advances toward a reconciliation, and therefore was inconsistent with the dignity
of the government ! The address was replete with assurances of support for the king and
ministers in all measures deemed necessary to maintain government in the colonies, or, in
other words, in drawing the sword, if necessary, to bring the Americans to the feet of royal
authority. A debate, characterized by considerable bitterness, ensued, but the amendment
was rejected, and the loyal address was adopted by a vote of two hundred and sixty-four
against seventy-three. Similar action was had in the House of Lords, and an address was
carried by a vote of sixty-three to thirteen. Nine peers signed a sensible protest, which
concluded with these words : " Whatever may be the mischievous designs or inconsiderate
temerity which leads others to this desperate course, we wish to be known as persons who
have ever disapproved of measures so pernicious in their past effects and future tendencies ;
and who are not in haste, without inquiry and information, to commit ourselves in declara-
tions which may precipitate our country into all the calamities of a civil war."
Franklin and his associates caused strong remonstrances and petitions to be sent in from
the northern manufacturing districts ; and respectful petitions were also sent in from Lon-
don, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, and other large towns, praying for a just and concilia-
tory course toward America. These petitions were referred to an inactive committee — *' a
committee of oblivion," Burke called it— while a few counter petitions, procured by Roe-
buck, were acted upon immediately. Petitions firom Americans, and even one from Ja-
Adam SaciTH-i
Btqr Tu
' Adam Smith was bom at Eirkaldy, in Scotland, in 1723. At the age of three yean he was carried
off' hy some gipsies, hot soon afterward was recovered. He was educated at Oxford, and was designed for
the Church. He became an infidel in religious views, and of course turned his attention to other tlum cler-
ical duties. He was the friend of Hume, Gibbon, and several of the most distinguished infidel writers of
France. He wrote much, but the work on which his reputation rests is lus " Inquiry into the Nature and
Cause of the Wealth of Nations," published in 1771. It was for a long time the ablest work on political
economy in the English language. He died in 1790, as he had lived, a contenmer of Christianity.
Digitized by
Google
518 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
\l>pearaiice of Pitt iu Partiament K« Speech on American Afiain. Hla conciliatory Propodtian.
maica, in favor of the colonies, were treated with disdain, and the Americans had every
reason to helieve that government was anxious to light up the flame of war, with the ex-
pectation of at once crushing the spirit of independence in the West by a single tread of its
iron heel of power.
Parliament, which adjourned until after the Christmas holidays, reassembled on the
20th of January. Greatly to the astonishment of every one, Lord Chatham (Pitt)
was in his place in the Upper House on the following day. It was understood that he had
washed his hands of American afiairs, and that he would probably not be seen in Parlia-
ment during the session. It was a mistake, and the great statesman opened the business
of the session by proposing an address to the king, asking him to << immediately dispatch or-
ders to General Gage to remove his forces from Bo6ton as soon as the rigors of the season
would permit." " I wish, my lords," he said, " not to lose a day in this urgent, pressing
crisis. An hour now lost may produce years of calamity. For my part, I will not desert,
for a single moment, the conduct of this weighty business. Unless nailed to my bed by ex-
tremity of sickness, I will give it my unremitted attention. I will knock at the door of
this sleeping and confounded ministry, and will rouse them to a sense of their impending
danger. When I state the importance of the colonies to this country, and the magnitude
of danger from the present plan of misadministration practiced against them, I desire not to
be understood to argue for a reciprocity of indulgence between England and America. 1
contend not for indulgence, but justice to America ; and I shall ever contend that the Amer-
icans owe obedience to us in a limited degree." After stating the points on which the sn
premacy of the mother country was justly predicated, the great orator continued : •' Resist-
ance to your acts was necessary as it was just ; and your vain declarations of the omnipo-
tence of Parliament, and your imperious doctrines of the necessity of submission, will be
found equally incompetent to convince or to enslave your fellow-subjects in America, who
feel that tyranny, whether ambitioned by an individual part of the Legislature or the bodies
who compose it, is equally intolerable to British subjects." He then drew a picture of the
condition of the troops in Boston, suffering from the inclemencies of winter, insulted by the
inhabitants, wasting away with sickness and pining for action ; and finally, afler alluding
to the wisdom of the late Congress and the approval of their acts by the people, he ex-
claimed, " I trust it is obvious to your lordships that all attempts to impose servitude upon
such men, to establish despotism over such a mighty continental nation, must be vain —
must be fatal. We shall be forced ultimately to retract ; let us retract while we can, not
when we must To conclude, my lords, if the ministers thus persevere in misadvising
and misleading the king, I will not say that they can alienate the afiections of his subjects
from his crown, but I will affirm that they will make the crown not worth his wearing. I
will not say that the king is betrayed, but I will pronounce that the kingdom is un-
done."
Chatham's motion was negatived by a vote of sixty-eight to eighteen. Not at all dis-
couraged, he immediately presented a bill, in which it was proposed to renounce the power
of taxation, demand of the Americans an acknowledgment of the supreme authority of Great
Britain, and invite them to contribute, voluntarily, a specified sum annually, to be employed
in meeting the charge on the national debt. This accomplished, it proposed an immediate
epeal of all the objectionable acts of Parliament passed during the current reign, and then
n force.^ This, of course, ministers regarded as a concession to the colonies quite as inju-
rious to national honor as any thing yet proposed, and more humiliating, even, than Dr.
Tucker's propositions, then attracting much attention, that Parliament should, by solemn
act, separate the colonies from the parent government, and disallow any application for res-
toration to the rights and privileges of British subjects, until, by humble petition, they should
* These were ten in number : the Sugar Act, the two Q^artering Actt, the Tui Act, the Act tutpending
the New York Legislature (hereafter to be noticed), the two Acts for the Trial in Great Britain of Offenset
rommitted in America, the Boston Port Bill, the Act for Regulating the Creneral Government of Massach%^-
setts, and the Q^cbec Act
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 519
Virtanl De<:Iaration of War agaizut the Colonists. Warm Debates in Parliament Chatham and Franklin. Gibbon and Fox.
ask for pardon and reinstatement.* Chatham's proposition received very little favor in the
House of Lords, though loudly applauded by the more intelligent people without,' and it was
negatived, on the motion of the Earl of Sandwich to " reject the bill now and forever," by a
vote of sixty-one against thirty-two.
The ministry, governed by the ethics of the lion (without his magnanimity), " might
makes right," followed up their foolish rejection of the olive branch, by proposing measures
tantamount to an actual declaration of war upon the American colonists, as rebels. On the
2d of February, North proposed the first of a series of coercive measures. He moved,
in the Commons, for an address to the king, affirming that the province of Massachu-
setts was in a state of rebellion ; that Great Britain
would not relinquish an iota of her sovereign rule in the
colonies, altid urging his majesty to take efiectual meas-
ures for enforcing obedience to the laws. The address
concluded with the usual resolution to support him with
their " lives and fortunes."
On introducing the motion. North intimated that a
part of his plan was to materially increase the military
forces in America, and to restrain the entire commerce
of New England with Great Britain, Ireland, and the
West Indies. Fox moved an amendment, censuring
the ministry and praying for their removal. Dunning
and the great Thurlow engaged in the debate on the
side of the opposition, which became very warm. Fox's
amendment was negatived by a vote of three hundred
and four against one hundred ^nd five, and North's
Edwakd ciiBBON. motion prevailed by a majority of two hundred and
ninety-six to one hundred and six in the Commons, and
iu the Upper House b^ eighty-seven to twenty-seven ; nine peers protesting.'
^ Joeiah Tacker, D.D., dean of Gloucester, was an able English divine, and son of Abraham Tucker, au-
thor of The Light of Nature Purtued, a work in nine octavo volumes. Dr. Tucker was a famous pam-
phleteer at the time of our Revolution. He was the only friend of the British ministry who wrote in favor
of the independence of the colonies.
' The corporation of the city of London passed a vote of thanks to him, and Franklin (to whom Chatham
•nbmitted the bill before offering it in the Senate) sent forth an address to the people of England, and to his
3wn countrymen there, in which he portrayed the wickedness of rejecting this plan of reconciliation, the
3nly fea.sible one that had been offered for years. Franklin and other agents asked to be examined at the
bar of the House of Commons touching the demands of the general Congress ; but even this courtet^, for it
could be called nothing more, was roughly denied.
' Gibbon the historian, author of the Decline and Fall of the Moman Empirt, who had then a seat in
Parliament, writing to his friend Sheffield, said, " We voted an address of ^ lives and fortunes,' declaring
Massachusetts Bay in a state of rebellion ; more troops, but, I fear, not enough, to go to America, to make
an army of ten thousand men at Boston ; three generals, Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne I In a few days we
stop the ports of New England. I can not write volumes, but I am more and more convinced that, with
firmness, all may go well ; yet I something doubt."
Gibbon was very much disposed to take sides with the Americans, and it is said that he publicly declared
at Brockets Coflee-house, that ** there was no salvation for England, unless six of the heads of the cabinet
council were out off and laid upon the tables of the houses of Parliament as examples.*' Gibbon had hif>
price, and, within a fortnight after the above expression was uttered, took office under that same cabinet
council, with a liberal salary and promise of a pension. His mouth was thus stopped by the sugar-plums
of patronage. So says Bailey, author of *' Records of Patriotism and Love of Country," page 169. Bailev
also gives the following poem, which he asserts was written by Fox :
" King George, in a fright, lest Gibbon shonld write
The story of Britain's disgrace,
Thought no means more sore his pen to secure
Than to give the historian a place.
But his caution is vain, 'tis the curse of his reign
That his projects should nerer succeed •
Though he write not a line, jet a cauee of decline
In the anthor'a ei ample we read.
Digitized by
Google
520
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
JoBir WmoM.
rohn Wilkes in Parliament Hlf Character and Career. Bill for destroying the New England Flaheriea. A cjadBattvy Bill
In the debate on this bill the celebrated John Wilkes, then a member of Parliament, for-
merly editor of the North Briton, a radical paper, who had given the government a world
of trouble during a portion of the first eight years of the
reign of G-eoige III., took a conspicuous part in favor of
the Americans. He declared that a proper resistance to
wrong was revolution, and not rd>eUian, and intimated
that if the Americans were successful, they might, in after
times, celebrate the revolution of 1775 as the English did
that of 1688. Earnest recommendations to pursue mild-
er measures were ofiered by the opposition, but without
efiect. It was voted that two thousand additional sea
men and 6ne thousand four hundred soldiers should be
sent to America.
A few days afterward Lord North brought pebnuryiOk
forth another bill, providing for the destruction ^^^
of the entire trade of the New England colonies, and of
their fisheries.' It had a clause, excepting those individ-
uals from the curse who should produce a certificate from their respective governors testify-
mg to their general good conduct, and who should acknowledge the supremacy of the Brit-
ish Parliament. In addition to the opposition which the bill received in the Commons, the
merchants of London presented an earnest remonstrance against it,' and so did the Quakers
in behalf of their brethren in Nantucket, but without efi*ect. It passed by a majority of
one hundred and eighty to fifty-eight. Fresh intelligence from America, represent-
ing the general adhesion to the Continental Congress, arrived at this juncture, and
another bill was speedily passed, in the form of an amendment, including all the colonies in
the Restraining Act, except New York and North Carolina, where loyalty seem-
ed to predominate.
While the Restraining Act was under consideration, North astonished all parties by of-
fering what he pretended to be a conciliatory bill. It proposed that when the proper au-
thorities, in any colony, should ofier, besides maintaining its own civil government, to raise
His book well describes, how corruption and bribes
Orertiirew the great empire of Rome;
And his writings dedare a degen'racy then,
Which his conduct exhibits at home."
The first volume of Gibbon's Rome was published in 1776, and the sixth and last on his fifty-first birth-
day, in 1788. His bookseller, Mr. Cadell, on that day gave him forty thousand dollars. Gibbon died in
January, 1794.
^ This fearless political writer was bom in 1727. He became a member of Parliament in 1757. In the
forty-fifth number of the ** North Briton," published in 1763, he made a severe attack on government, for
which he was sent to the Tower. On account of a licentious essay on woman he was afterward expelled
from the House of Commons. Acquitted of the charge for which he was committed to the Tower, he pros-
ecuted Mr. Wood, the Under Secretary, received five thousand dollars damages, and then went to Paris.
He returned to England in 1768, sent a letter of submission to the king, and was soon afterward elected to
a seat in Parliament for Middlesex. The seat was successfully contested by another. He was then elected
alderman of London, and the same year obtained a verdict of twenty thousand dollars against the Secretaiy
of State for seizing his papers. He was sheriff' in 1771, and in 1774 was elected lord majror, and took his
seat in Parliament for Middlesex. He was made Chamberhiin of London in 1779, and soon afterward re-
tired from the field of party politics. He died at his seat in the Isle of Wight in 1797, aged seventy years.
The likeness here given is copied from a medal struck in his honor. The obverse side has a pyramid upon
a pedestal, beside which stands a figure of Time inscribing upon the pyramid the number 45. On the ped-
estal are the words Magna Charta^ and beneath. In memory of thb tsar MDCCLXVni. Wilkes had a
most forbidding countenance, but his manners were pleasing. In his jnivate character he was licentiouft,
yet his talents and energy employed upon the popular side nude him the idol of the people.
' According to testimony produced in Parliament, about 400 ships, 2000 fishing shallops, and 20,000
men were thus employed in the British Newfoundland fisheries.
* The people of New England were, at that time, indebted to the merchants of London neariy five mill-
ion dollars. With the destruction of the trade of the colonists, all hope of collecting even a small share of
this sum would be lost.
March 8.
Mar«h21.
Digitized by
Google
1T75.
OF THE REVOLUTION. 521
Blngokr PotUkm of Lord North. ilia Trlomph. Action of tlie London MerchantB. The moral Spectacle in the Colom'»
a oertain rerentie and place it at the disposition of Parliament, it would be proper to forbeai
imposing any tax, except for the regulation of commerce. The ministerial party opposed it
because it was conciliatory, and the opposition were dissatisfied with it because it proposed
to abate but a single grievance, and was not specific. To his great astonishment, the min-
ister found himself in the midst of a cross-fire firom both parties ; yet he stood his ground
well, and adroitly carried the proposition through. Although he acknowledged that it was
really a cheat with a fair exterior of honesty, and intended to sow division in the councils of
the colonies, heedless members of Parliament gave it support, and the bill was passed by a
vote of two hundred and seventy-four to eighty-eight
On the heel of this bill Burke proposed a conciliatory plan, and five days after-
ward Mr. Hartley ofiered a mild scheme, similar to Chatham's ; but they were
negatived by large majorities. The " lord mayor, aldermen, and livery of London," urged
by the mercdiants, who were smarting under the efiects of the lash applied to the Americans,
addressed the king in condemnation of the late measures toward the colonies, ^p,
They were sternly rebuked by his majesty, who expressed his astonishment that any
of his subjects presumed to be abettors of the rebels. It was obvious that
" King, Commons, and Lords were muting amain
To out down this guardian of ours,"
and Franklin, abandoning all hope of reconciliation, sailed for America.
For more than ten years the colonies had complained of wrongs, petitioned for redress,
and sufiered insults. Forbearance was no longer a virtue, and, turning their backs upon
Great Britain, they prepared for war. In this movement Massachusetts took the lead.
The Provincial Congress ordered the purchase of ammunition and stores for an army of fif-
teen thousand men. They called upon the Congregational clergy to preach liberty from
their pulpits, and hearty responses were given. <• The towns, which had done so fearlessly
and so thoroughly the preparatory work of forming and concentrating political sentiment,
same forward now to complete their patriotic actions by voting money freely to arm, equip,
and discipline * Alarm List Companies ;' citizens of every calling appeared in their ranks ,
to be a private in them was proclaimed by the journals an honor ; to be chosen to office in
them, a mark of the highest distinction. In Danvers, the deacon of the parish was elected
captain of the minute men, and the minister his lieutenant. The minute men were trained
often, the towns paying the expense ; and the company, after its field exercises, would some-
times repair to the meeting-house to hear a patriotic sermon, or partake of an entertainment
at the town-house, where zealous sons of liberty would exhort them to prepare to fight
bravely for God and their country. Such was the discipline— so free firom a mercenary
spirit, so full of inspiring influences— -of the early American soldiery. And thus an army,
in fact, was in existence, ready at a moment's call, for defensive purposes, to wheel its iso-
lated platoons into solid phalanxes, while it presented to an enemy only opportunity for an
inglorious foray upon its stores."^
Had the counsels of inflamed zeal and passion^— -inflamed by the most cruel and insulting
oppression— prevailed, blood would have been shed before the close of 1774. Troops con-
tinued to arrive at Boston,' and the insolence of the soldiery increased with their numbers
' Frothingham's Siege of Boetony p. 42.
* In November, 1774, there were eleven regiments of British troops, besides the artillery, in Boston. In
Deoember, 500 marines landed from the Asia man-of-war, and, at the close of the month, all the troops
ordered from the Jerseys, New York, and Quebec had arrived. A guard of 150 men waft stationed at the
lines upon the Neok. The army was brigackd. The first brigadier general was Earl Percy, Moncrief
his brigade major ; the second general was Pigott, his major, Small ; thinl general, Jones, his major, Hntoh-
mson, son of ih» late governor. The soldiers were in high spirits, and the officers looked with contempt
apon the martial preparations of the people. " As to what you hear of their taking arms to resist the force
of England," wrote an officer, in November, 1774, *^ it is mere bullying, and will go no further than words ,
whenever it comes to blows, he that can run the fastest will think himself best off*. Believe me, any two
regiments here ought to be decimated, if they did not beat, in the field, the whole force of the Massachu-
setts province."
Digitized by
Google
522 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Carrying Ammunition oat of the City. Detection. Hostile Morements of Gage. Counteraction of the Whii{t
and strength ; but the Americans were determined that when collision, which was inevita-
ble, should take place, the first blow should be struck by the British troops, and thus make
Cfovernment the aggressor. The occasion was not long delayed. Greneral Gage discovered
that the patriots were secretly conve3ring arms and ammunition out of Boston. In carts,
beneath loads of manure, cannon balls and muskets were carried out ; and powder, conceal-
ed in the panniers of the market-women, and cartridges in candle-boxes, passed unsuspected
by the guard upon the Neck.^ On discovering these movements, and learning that some
brass cannon and field-pieces were at Salem, Gage sent a detachment of troops to seize them.
They were repelled by the people under Colonel Timothy Pickering, without bloodshed, as
we have noticed on page 374. This movement aroused the utmost vigilance throughout
March, ^^® Country. At a special session of the Connecticut Assembly, Colonel Wooster
1775. ^ag commissioned a major general, and Joseph Spencer and Israel Putnam were
appointed brigadiers. Elbridge Gerry, a merchant of Marblehead, and afterward a signer
of the Declaration of Independence, was at the head of the Massachusetts Committee of
Supply, and under his directions munitions of war were rapidly accumulated, the chief de-
posit of which was at Concord, about twenty miles from Boston. ^ Meanwhile, Sewall, the
attorney general of the province, wrote a series of powerful articles, calling upon the people
to cease resistance ; and, greatly to the alarm of the patriots lest there should be defection
in their strong-hold. Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut, soon afterward ofl^ered to mediate
between General Gage and the people of Boston, for the sake of preventing hostilities.
Timothy Buggies, president of the " Stamp Act Congress," got up counter associations
against those of the patriots, and a small number at Marsh field and other places signed the
agreement, calling themselves the " Associated Loyalists." But John Adams promptly re-
plied to Judge Sewall ; Governor TrumbulFs apparent conservatism was soon understood
to be but a testimony against government, to prove that offers of reconciliation had been
made and rejected ; the patriots made the " Associated Loyalists" recant, and the republic-
ans assumed a bolder tone than ever of defiance and contempt.
When spring opened. Gage's force amounted to about three thousand five hundred effect-
ive men. He determined, with this force, to nip the rebellion in the bud, and his first act-
ive movement was an attempt to seize or destroy the stores of the patriots at Concord, which
were under the charge of Colonel James Barrett. Officers in disguise were sent to make
sketches of the roads, and to ascertain the state of the towns. Bodies of troops were occa-
sionally marched into the country, and a general system of reconnoissance around Boston was
established. The ever-vigilant patriots were awake to all these movements. A night-
watch was established at Concord, and every where the minute men were ready ^dth bur-
nished muskets, fixed bayonets, and filled cartouches.
Early in April, many who had taken a prominent part in the revolutionary proceedings
at Boston, apprehending arrest, and probable transportation to England for trial, left the
town.' Among those who remained was Dr. Joseph Warren, and he kept the patriots con-
tinually advised of the movements of Gage and his troops. Samuel Adams and John Han-
cock, who were members of the Provincial Congress, were particularly obnoxious to General
Gage, and, as it appeared afterward, he had resolved to arrest them on their return to the
' On the 18th of March the discovery was made, and the guard at the Neck seised 13,425 musket car-
tridges and a quantity of balls. In doing this, a teamster was severely handled. This circumstance, the
oration of Dr. Joseph Warren, in the " Old South," on the anniversary of the Massacre (March 5th), the
tarring and feathering of a citizen of Biilerioa, charged with tempting a soldier to desert, and an assault
upon the house of John Hancock, greatly excited the people. •
' " A daughter of liberty, unequally yoked in point of politics, sent word by a trusty hand to Mr. Samuel
Adams, residing, in company with Mr. Hancock, at Lexington, that the troops were coming out in a few
days. Upon this, their friends in Boston were advised to move out their plate, &c., and the Committee of
Safety voted that all the ammunition be deposited in nine different towns, and that other articles be lodged,
some in one place and some in another; so, as to the 15 medicine-chests, 2000 iron pots, 2000 bowls,
15,000 canteens, and 1000 tents ; and that the six companies of matrosses be stationed in different towns.*^
—Gordon, i., 309.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
523
1775
BrltUi Hxpedftion to Concord. Ita DiscoTery by the Americans. Lexington oroaaed. Midnight March of the Enemy.
■ ' — "^ ■
city. Fortunately, they were persuaded to remain at Lexington, at the house of the Rev-
erend Jonas Clark.
On Tuesday night, the 18 th of April, Gage sent eight hundred British troops, light
infantry and grenadiers, under Lieutenant-colonel Smith, aided by Major Pitcaim, to
destroy the stores at Concord. They embarked at the Common, and, landing at Phipps's
Farm, marched with great secrecy, arresting every person they met on the way, to prevent
intelligence of their expedition being given.
They lefl Boston at about midnight, Gage supposing the movement to be a profound se-
cret ; but the patriots had become aware of the expedition early in the evening. As Lord
Percy was crossing the Common, about nine o'clock, he joined a group of persons, one of
whom said, " The British troops will miss their aim." " What aim ?" inquired Percy,
who was Gage's confidant in the matter. ** The cannon at Concord," replied the man.
.. Percy hastened to inform Gage, and guards were immediately set at every ave-
nue leading from the town, to prevent persons from leaving it. Warren and
his friends had anticipated this, and left. Paul Revere and William Dawes
had just rowed across the river to Charlestown, with a message from War-
ren to Hancock and Adams at Lexington. They were almost captured at
Charlestown Neck by tlie guard, but escaped, and reached Lexington,
thirteen miles northward of Boston, a little after midnight. A guard of
eight minute men was placed around Mr. Clark's house to protect
Adams and Hancock. The messengers made themselves known to
these, but were refused admission to the house, as orders had been
given not to allow the inmates to be disturbed by noise.
*• Noise J" said Revere ; " you'll have noise enough before
long ; the regulars are coming I" Hancock
.^^^
CViL^K'3 HOUSK,
LKXlKaTOX.i
and Adams were aroused, and their safety
being regarded as of the utmost importance,
they were persuaded to retire to Wobum.
Revere and Dawes pushed on toward Con-
cord to give the alarm there. One hund-
red and thirty of the Lexington militia
were collected at the meeting-house upon
the green by two o'clock in the morning, when
the roll was called, and, the air being chilly,
they were dismissed with orders to remahi
within drum- beat.
The midnight march of the British regulars was performed in silence, and, as they sup-
posed, in secret. But vigilant eyes were upon them. Messrs. Gerry, Orne, and Lee,
members of the Provincial Congress, were at Menotomy (West Cambridge), and saw them
passing ; and, as they approached Lexington, the sound of bells and guns warned them that
their expedition was known.*
Colonel Smith detached six companies under Major Pitoairn, with orders to press on to
• This building was standing when I visited Lexington in 1848. It was built by Thomas Hancock, Esq.,
of Boston, as a parsonage for bis father, the Reverend John Hancock, of Lexington, about 130 years ago.
Mr. Hancock was a minister at Lexington fifty-two years, and was succeeded by the Reverend Jonas Clark,
the occupant of the house at the time of the skirmish at Lexington. Mr. Clark lived in the house fifty-two
years. The room in which the two patriots, Samuel Adams and John Hancock, were sleeping on the night
before the skirmish at Lexington, is retained in its original condition. The wainscoting is of Carolina pine,
and the sides of the room are covered with a heavy paper, with dark figures, pasted upon the boards in
rectangular pieces about fourteen inches square. In an adjoining room is one of those ancient fire-phiccs,
ornamented with pictorial tiles, so rarely foand in New England.
■ These three patriots had a narrow escape. They saw the head of the column pass by. Just before
the rear-guard had come up, a detachment was sent to search the house where they were staying. They
escaped to the fields by a back door, where they kept in concealment until the house was search^ and th^
troops moved on.
Digitized by
Google
524 Pictorial field-book
IIm BxitUh Troops and Ifinutie Men at Lexington. Condnct of Mi^or Piteaira. Battle on Lexington ConuBoa
Concord and secure the two bridges ; at the same time he sent a messenger to Boston for
re-enforcements. Pitoaim advanced rapidly toward Lexington by the light of a wanin;^
moon, capturing several persons on the way. One, named Bowman, escaped, and, hasten
ing on horseback to Lexington, notified Captain Parker, commander of the minute men, of
the approach of the enemy. It was now between four and five o'clock in the morning.
The bells were rung, guns were fired, and the drums were beaten. About one hundred of
the militia were speedily collected upon the green, armed with loaded muskets, but in much
confusion and alarm, for the number of the approaching regulars was unknown. In the
gray of the early morning the scarlet uniforms of the troops appeared, and an overwhelming
force halted, within a few rods of the meeting-house, and loaded their pieces. The militia,
undismayed, stood firm. They had been ordered not to draw a trigger untU fired upon by
the enemy, and for a moment silence and hesitation prevailed, for neither party seemed will-
ing to become the aggressor. The parley with judgment was but for a moment. Pitcaim
and other officers galloped forward, waving their swords over their heads, and followed by
their troops in double-quick time. They shouted, *< Disperse, you villains ! lay down your
arms ! Why don't you disperse, you rebels ? disperse !*' In rushing forward the troops
became confused. As the patriots did not instantly obey the command to lay down their
arms, Pitcaim wheeled his horse^ and, waving his sword, gave orders to press forward and
surround the militia. At the same moment some random shots were fired by the British,
but without efiect, which were promptly returned by the Americans. Pitcaim then drew
SKIBJIUH at LxXXKtfTOK.
his pistol and discharged it, at the same moment giving the word Jiref A general dis-
charge of musketry ensued ; four patriots were killed, and the remainder were dispersbJ.
Finding themselves fired upon while retreating, several of them halted, and returned the
shots, and then secured themselves behind stone walls and buildings. Three British sol-
diers, and Pitcairn's horse, were wounded, while eight Americans were killed : four on the
' This is the picture alluded to on page 421, from the one drawn by Earl, and engraved by Doolittle in
1775. The largest building in the picture is the meeting-house, and the officer on horseback in front of it
IS Major Pitoaim. The figures in the foreground are the provincial militia. The dwelling with the two
chimneys, on the left (which is still standing), was Buckman^s Tavern. The position of the monoment
since erected upon Lexington Green, is about where the provincials on the left are seen dispersing. The
merit of this picture consists in its truthfulness in depicting the appearance of the spot at the time of the
engai^ement.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 52A
Tba Concord People arooMcL AwembBng of the BUMtto. Concord taken PotteMJon of by the Enemy. Colonel Barrett
ground, near the Bpot where the monument ttands, and four others while escaping over the
fences.*
As soon as the patriots dispersed, the detachment of regulars, joined by Colonel Smith
and his party, pushed on toward Concord, six miles distant. Confident of success, the
whole party were in high spirits. But Concord had been aroused, and a formidable body
of militia had collected to receive the invaders. We have noticed that Revere and Dawes
started firom Lexington to alarm the country toward Concord. They met Dr. Samuel
Prescott, and, while in conference with him, some British officers came upon them. Re-
vere and Dawes were made prisoners, but Prescott escaped over a wall, and reached Con-
cord about two in the morning. The bells were rung, and before daylight the people were
under arms. When the guns at Lexington were heard in the morning, the Committee of
Safety, and the principal citizens of Concord, had assembled, and arranged a plan of recep-
tion for the British troops. The military operations were under the able management of
Colonel James Barrett,' while
^^Y ^^ the whole male population,
y t5t''7y^,^V J^^.i^.»yv^?^^*'^7^ *^^ wtoA women, aided in re-
^y^ iyj^^-'-'^ y moving the stores lo a place
. r, » ^ of safety in distant woods
BioiTATums or Colonel Baebbtt. _, .;. . «. -r • i «
The mibtui of Lmcoln and
other places hastened to join those of Concord, and the whole paraded on the Common.
Guards were stationed at the North and South Bridges, and in the center of the town, all
under the command of Captain Jonathan Farrar.
At about seven o'clock the Bntish column was seen advancing on the Lexington Road.
Some compftnies of militia that had marched down that road returned in haste and reported
the number of the British as three times that of the Americans. These companies, with
those in the town, fell back to an eminence some eighty rods from the center of the village,
where they were joined by Colonel Barrett, and were formed into two battalions. They
had hardly formed, before the glittering of the bayonets and flashing of the red uniforms of
the British in the bright morning sun were seen, but a quarter of a mile distant, rapidly ad-
vancing. A short consultation was held. Some were for making a desperate stand upon
the spot, while others proposed a present retreat, until re-enforced by the neighboring mili-
tia. The latter council prevailed, and the provincials retired to the high ground over the
North Bridge, about a mile from the Common.
The British troops entered Concord in two divisions '. one by the main road, the other on
the hill north of it. Colonel Smith and Major Pitcaim, who had immediate comman<^ of
the grenadiers and light infantry, remained in the town, but detached six companies under
Captain Parsons to secure the bridges, prevent the militia from crossing them, and to ferret
out and destroy the secreted stores, information concerning which had been given by Captain
Beeman of Petersham, and other Tories. Captain Lawrie, with three companies, was sta-
tioned on the North Bridge, while Parsons, with the other three companies, marched to de-
stroy the stores at the residence of Colonel Barrett. Captain Pole, with a party, took post
at Uie South Bridge, and destroyed what few stores were found in that vicinity ; but so
1 The names of the slain are reoorded on the monnroent erected to their memory on the green at Lex-
ington. A pioture of the monmnent and a copy of the insoription may be found on page 553. Captain
Jonas Parker was among the slain. He had repeatedly said that he never would ran from the British. He
was wounded at the firat fire, bat, continuing to discharge his gun. without retreating, was killed by a
bayonet.
* Colonel Barrett had been a captain in the provincial army during the French and Indian, war. He was
with Shirley at Oswego, and afterward accompanied Aberorombie to Tioonderoga and Amherst to Crown
Point. Becoming aged, he resigned his commission. When the Massachusetts niilitia were organiied at
the beginning of 1775, Captain Barrett was solicited to take command of a regiment, but declined on ac-
count of his age. " We don't want active service, we want your advice," said his earnest townsmen.
Thus urged, ai^ actuated by patriotic seal, he took the command. Colonel Barrett died at about the close
of the war. These facts I obtained from his grandsoo, Mijor Barrett, eighty-seven years old when I vis-
ited him in 1648.
Digitized by
Google
526
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ocstructiua of Property in Concord. Rapid Augmentation of the Btilitia. Preparations for Battle. ICarch toward die Bridge
diligently had the people worked ia conceating
the stores that the object of the expedition was
almost frustrated. The British broke open about
sixty barrels of flour in the center of the town,
but nearly half of that was subsequently saved.
They knocked ofi* the trunnions of three iron
twenty-four pound cannons, burned sixteen new
carriage wheels, and a few barrels of wooden
trenchers and spoons, cut down the liberty-pole
and set the court-house on Are. The flames
were extinguished by a Mrs. Moulton, before
much damage was done. About five hundred
pounds of balls were thrown into the mill-pond
and wells.
While the British were thus engaged, the number of the militia was rapidly increasing
by accessions of minute men from Carlisle, Chelmsford, Weston, Littleton, and Actoa.
neighboring towns, and before ten o'clock the force amounted to nearly four hundred men
Joseph Hosmer, acting as adjutant, formed them into proper line as fast as they arrived on
the field, westerly of the house since owned by Joseph Buttrick. Most of the operations of
the British, within the town, could be seen from this point, and when the fires in the centei
of the village were lighted the people were greatly excited. Many of the prominent citi-
zens, and the Committee of Safety, were with the militia, and, after a brief consultation,
and a stirring appeal from the brave Hosmer, it was resolved to dislodge the enemy at the
North Bridge. " I haven't a man that's afraid to go," said the intrepid Captain Isaac
Davis ; and, wheeling into marching order, they were joined by other companies, and push
?d forward toward the bridfire, under the command of Major John Buttrick, of Concord.
CoLONSL Bamistt's Housb.^
BATTX.S GmOVND AT CONOOBIX'
^ This sketch is from the road leading to the village of Conoord by the way of the North Bridge. The
house was erected about eighty years ago, by Colonel Barrett, and is now owned by his kinsman, Presoott
Barrett.
' This yiew, k)oking southeast, is from the road leading to the village by the way of the North Bridgfu
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
527
Battle at Concord Bridge.
Retreat of the British to the VUIage.
The Scalping Story explained
The Acton company, under Davis, was in front, followed by those of Captains Brown, Miletf,
and Nathan Barrett, and by others whose commanders' names are not recorded, in all near-
ly three hundred efiective men. They marched in double file, with trailed arms. The
British guard were on the west side of the river, but, on seeing the Americans approaching,
they crossed over, and commenced taking up the planks of the bridge. Major Buttriok
called to them to desist, and urged his men forward to arrest the destruction of the bridge.
The enemy formed for action, and when the Americans were within a few rods of the river,
they were fired upon by some of the regulars. The first shots were inefiectual, but others
that followed were fatal. One of the Acton company was wounded,* and Captain Isaac
Davis and Abner Hosmer, of the same company, were killed. " Fire, fellow-soldiers ! for
Good's sake, fire !'* shouted Buttrick, on seeing his companions fall, and immediately a full
volley was giten by the provincials. Three of the British were killed, and several wounded
and made prisoners. Some other shots were fired, but in a few minutes Lawrie ordered a
retreat, and the provincials took possession of the bridge. Two of the British soldiers killed
were left on the groimd, and were buried by the provin-
cials. Their graves are a few feet from the monu-
ment. AnothV} who was not yet dead, was dispatch-
ed by a blow from a hatchet in the hands of a young
provincial who had more zeal than humanity. This
circumstance gave rise to the horrible story sent abroad
by the British and Tories, that the militia " kiUed and
scalped the prisoners that fell into their hands."
Colonel Smith, in the village, on hearing the firing
at the bridge, sent a re-enforcement. These met the
retreating detachment of Lawrie, but, observing the
increasing force of the militia, wheeled, and joined in
the retreat. In the mean time, the party under Cap-
tain Parsons returned from Colonel Barrett's, and were
allowed by the provincials to cross the river at the
North Bridge, where the skirmish had just occurred,
unmolested. It may be asked why the militia did not cut them off, which they might eas-
ily have done. It must be remembered that war had not been declared, and that the peo-
ple had been enjoined to make Great Britain the aggressor, they acting only on the defens-
ive. The militia at Concord had not yet heard of the deaths at Lexington ; tlieir volley
that had just slain three of the king's troops was fired purely in self-defense, and they hesi-
Plak or THK MovsMXirrs at Concobo.'
to the residence of Mr. Presoott Barrett. The point from which the sketch was made is upon an elevation
a little north of that where the militia assembled under Colonel Barrett. The stream of water is the Con-
cord, or Sudbury River. The site of the North Bridge is at the monmnent seen in the center of the pic-
ture. The monument stands upon the spot where the British were stationed, and in the plain, directly
across the river from the monument, is the place where Davis and Hosmer, of the American militia, were
killed. The house, the roof and gable of which are seen in the distance, just on the left of the largest trea
was the residence of the Reverend Dr. Ripley (afterward a chaplain in the army) at the time of the skir-
mish. It is upon the rocLd leading to Concord village, which lies nearly half a mile beyond.
^ He was a flfer, named Blanchard. One of the Concord minute men, named Brown, was also slightly
wocnded. The ball that wounded them passed under the arm of Colonel Robinson, who, by request, ac-
companied Major Buttrick.
* This plan I have copied from Frothingham's interesting woric, History of the Siege of Boston^
p. 70.
Explanation of the Plan. — 1. Lexington Road ; 2. Hills and high land where the liberty pole stood;
3. Center of the town, and main body of the British ; 4. Road to the South Bridge ; 5, 5, 5. Road to the
Xorth Bridge and to Colonel Barnett's, two miles from the center of the town ; 6. High ground a mile
north of the meeting-house, where the militia assembled ; 7. Road along which they marched to dislodge
the British at North Bridge ; 8. Spot where Davis and Hosmer fell ; 9. Reverend Mr. Emerson's house \
10. Bridges and roads made in 1793, when the old roads with dotted lines were discontinued; 11. The
monument. The arrows show the return of Captain Parsons, after the firing at the North Bridge ; 12 i»
the place where re-enforcements met him.
Digitized by
Google
628 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
RotrMt of the Enemy from Concord. Tbeir Anno jance on the Boftd by the Militia. Re>enforoement from Boiloib
tated, for the moment, to act on the ofiensive by renewing the combat. This is the expla-
nation given by their cotemporaries.
Obsenring the rapid augmentation of the militia, Colonel Smith thought it prudent to re-
turn with his troops to Boston as speedily as possible. A Httle after twelve o'clock they
commenced their retreat toward Lexington, the main column covered by strong flanking
guards. They soon perceived that the whole region was in arms, and minute men were
collecting from all points. The cautious counsels at Concord, not to attack the enemy
without further provocation, were disregarded, and at Merriam's Comer, a company of pro-
vincials under Captain Brooks (afterward the distinguished colonel at Saratoga, and Gov-
ernor of Massachusetts), secreted behind bams and fences, made a destractive assault upon
the retreating enemy. A volley was fired in retum, but not a militia-man was injured.
This example was followed along the whole line of march to Lexington, and the British
were terribly galled all the way. From every house, bam, and stone wall guns were fired
with sure aim, and many of the regulars were slain. At Hardy's Hill there was a severe
skirmish, and at almost every wooded defile numbers of the enemy were picked ofi* by the
concealed marksmen. All military order among the provincials was at an end. and each
fought according to the dictates of hi» own judgment. Some of them were killed by the
flankers, who came suddenly upon them behind the walls ; but the number of the militis
slain was comparatively small. Colonel Smith was severely wounded in the leg at Fiske's
Hill, near Lexington ; and near tho battle ground of the morning, at Lexington meeting-
house, several of the British soldiers were shot. Greatly fatigued by the night's maroh and
the day's adventures, and worried on every side by the militia, that seemed, to use the ex-
pression of one of their ofiicers, ** to drop from the clouds," the whole body of eight hundred
men, the flower of the British army at Boston, must have surrendered to the provincials in
an hour had not relief arrived.
An express was sent from Lexington to General Gage, early in the morning, acquainting
him with the rising of the militia, and praying for a strong re-enforcement. At nine o'clock
three regiments of in&ntry, and two divisions of marines, amounting to about nine hundred
men, with two field-pieces, under Lord Percy, left Boston and marched toward Lexington.
They passed through Roxbury, the bands playing Yankee Doodle in derision, it being em-
ployed as a sort of <* Rogue's March" when ofiending soldiers were drummed out.^ Vague
> Gordon relates that a shrewd boy in Roxbury made himself extremely merry when he heard the tone
of Yankee Doodle, and by his antics attracted the attention of Lord Percy. He asked the boy why he was
so merry. " To think," said the lad, " how yon will dance by-and-by to Chevy Chase.^^ Percy was ofteo
much influenced by presentiments, and the remarks of the boy worried him all day. It may be asked why
was Earl Percy troubled, and what connection had the name of Chevy Chase with him. The answer is in
the fact that Percy was a son of the Duke of Northumberland, a lineal descendant of Earl Percy, one of
the heroes of the battle of Chevy Chase, and who was there slain. There was great rivahcy between the
houses of Percy and Douglas, the former an English borderer and the latter a Scotch borderer. Percy was
determined to have a fleM fight with his rival, and so vowed publicly that he would " take pleasure in the
border woods three days, and slay the Douglas's deer." Earl Douglas heard the vaunt. ^' Tell him," he
said, " he will find ont day more than enough." Percy's aim was the armed encounter thus promised. He
appeared at Chevy Chase with his greyhounds and fifteen hundred chosen archers. After taking his i^ort
at the Douglas's expense, gazing on a hundred dead fiedlow deer and harts, tasting wine and venisop cooked
onder the greenwood tree, and saying the Douglas would not keep his word, when
**Lo t yonder doth Eari Donglai oome,
His men in armor Inight;
Full twenty hundred Scottish •pean '
All marching in our ligfat
All men of pleasant TlviotKiale,
Fast by the Hirer Tweed.
*0 cease your sport I* Earl Percy said,
* And take your bows with speed.'
Soon after thia,
"The battle closed on ereiy side,
No slackness there was firaad;
And many a gallant gentleman
Lay gaq;>ing on the ground."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTIO^. 509
Junction of tiie Troop« of Percy and Smith. Their harasaed Retreat to Charlestown. SUrmiah at Wett Cumbridga
rumors of the skirmish at Lexington had reached the people there, and this movement con-
firmed their worst fears. No sooner had the British troops passed by» than the minute men
assembled, and, along the whole march, vigilant corps of militia were gathering, and hovered
around the little army of Percy, ready to strike a blow whenever it might be efiectual.
Percy's brigade met the wearied troops between two and three o'clock, about half a mile
from the Lexington meeting-house. He formed a hollow square, planted his cannon for its
defense on the high ground near Munroe's Tavern, and received within it the worn-out com-
panies of Colonel Smith. Many of the soldiers fell upon the ground, completely overcome.
They " were so much exhausted with fatigue that they were obliged to lie down for rest on
the ground, their tongues hanging out of their mouths, like those of dogs af^er a chase."^
Percy dared not halt long, for the woods were swarming with minute men. A^t partak-
ing of a little refreshment and brief rest, the united forces resumed their march toward Bos-
ton, marking their retreat by acts of vengeance, aside from the more dignified use of ball
and bayonet. Three houses, two shops, and a bam, were laid in ashes in Lexington, and
many buildings were destroyed or defaced, and helpless persons abused on the route. But
prompt and terrible retribution instantly followed. As soon as Percy renewed the retreat,
the provincials again attacked his forces from concealed points, until they arrived at West
Cambridge, where a hot skirmish ensued. Greneral Heath and Dr. Warren were active in
the field, and in this foray Warren barely escaped with his life, a musket ball having knock-
ed a pin out of an ear-curl of his hair. The British kept the militia at bay, and committed
many atrocious acts. Percy tried to restrain his soldiers, but in vain. Houses were plun-
dered, property destroyed, and several innocent persons were murdered. This conduct great-
ly inflamed the militia, and
** Again the conflict glows with rage severe,
And fearless ranks in combat mix'd appear."
*< Indignation and outraged humanity struggled on the one hand, veteran discipline and des
peration on the other."' The contest was brief, and the enemy, with their wounded, press
ed on toward Boston. The Cambridge bridge had been taken np, and they were obliged to
go by the way of Charlestown. They took the road that winds around Prospect Hill, while
the main body of the provincials, unawed by the field-pieces, hung dose upon their rear.
The situation of the British regulars was now critical, for their ammunition was almosi
exhausted, and a strong force was marching upon them from Koxbury, Dorchester, and
Milton. Colonel Pickering, in the mean time, with seven hundred of the Essex militia,
threatened to cut ofl* their retreat to Charlestown. Another short but warm engagement
occurred at the base of Prospect Hill, but the regulars reached Charlestown in safety. By
command of Greneral Heath the pursuit was now suspended.
Throughout the day Charlestown had been in the greatest excitement. Dr. Warren rode
through in the morning, proclaiming the bloodshed at Lexington. Many of the people had
seized their muskets, and hastened to the country to join their brethren. The schools were
The mail-clad leaders combated hand to hand, until the blood dropped from them like lain. " Yield thee,
Percy,'* cried Douglas, ** I shall freely pay thy ransom, and thy advancement shall bo high with our Scot-
tish king."
•«No, Douglas,* qnoth Eari Perey, then,
* Th J proffer I do 00001 ;
I would not yield to any Scot
That erer yet waa bom.* **
Douglas almost mimediately dropped, struck to the heart with an arrow. ** Fight on, my merry men," he
cried with his dying breath. Percy took his hand, and said, ** Earl Douglas, I would give all my lands to
wve thee." At tluit moment an arrow pierced Percy's heart, and both leaders expired together. — See
Knight's Old England, Scott's Castle Dangerous, and the ballad of Chevy Chase.
* Stedman's History of the American War, i., 118.
Stedman was a British officer, and accompanied Earl Percy in this expedition. He highly praisee Percy,
bat <iay.«i that Colonel Smith's conduct was much censured.
• Everett's Lexington Address.
1. r.
Digitized by
Google
530 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
BritiBh Encampment on Bunker HiU. Qoiet the next Day. Genera] Effect of these SkirmlBbcs.
dismissed ; the shops were closed ; and when it was ascertained that the British were re-
treating and must pass through the town, many of the inhabitants prepared to leave and to
carry with them their most valuable effects. When the firing at Cambridge was heard,
the people rushed toward Charlestown Neck, to flee to the country. There they met the
retreating troops, and were obliged to fly back, panic-stricken, to their houses. A report got
abroad that the British were slaughtering women and children in the streets. Terror every
where prevailed, and a large number of the defenseless people passed the night in the clay-
pits back of Breed's Hill. The alarm was false ; not an individual was harmed in Charles-
town. Percy ordered the women and children into their houses, and demanded nothing but
refreshments for his troops. The main body occupied Bunker Hill that night, and a strong
line was formed upon Charlestown Neck. A re-enforcement was sent over from Boston,
guards were stationed in various parts of the town, the wounded were conveyed to the hos-
pitals in the city, and that night all was quiet in the neighborhood. Greneral Pigot assume^
command at Charlestown the next morning, and before noon the crest-fallen troops returned
to their quarters in Boston. Thus ended the first act in the bloody tragedy of the American
Revolution.^ During the day the British lost sixty-five killed, one hundred and eighty wound-
ed, and twenty-eight made prisoners ; in all two hundred and seventy-three. The provincials
lost fifty-nine killed, thirty-nine wounded, and five missing ; in all one hundred and three.*
The events of the 19th of April, 1775, were of vast importance, considered in their rela-
tion to subsequent scenes and results. On that day the life of the first British soldier, sent
hither to oppress a people panting for the privileges of fireedom, was sacrificed— on that day
the first American, aroused by armed invasion to the necessity of resistance, feU in defense
of the dearest rights guaranteed to him by the British Constitution'— on that day « the
scabbard*' was indeed " thrown away,"* and a war of seven years' duration began — and on
that day the jubilee trumpet was sounded, proclaiming " Liberty throughout all the land
unto all the inhabitants thereof"* The events of that day formed the first disruption of
the chr3rsalis of old political systems, whence speedily came forth a noble and novel creature,
with eagle eye and expansive wings, destined speedily to soar far above the creeping rep-
tiles of despotism that brood amid the crumbling relics of old dynasties. They formed the
significant prelude to that full diapason, whose thundering harmony, drawn forth by the
magic touch of the spirit of Freedom, filled the nations with wonder, and ushered in the
New Era so long predicted and so long hoped for.
The military events of the day, compared with the movements of armies in the great con-
tests of war at other times, were exceedingly insignificant in themselves ; but the temper
shown by the provincials, and the vulnerable character of the British soldiery, as exhibited
in the various skirmishes and in the retreat, had a great and abiding eflect upon the minds
of both parties. The haughty boasts of English officers, that three regiments might march
unmolested throughout the continent, and that the Americans were " sorry poltroons, their
courage displayed to its utmost in tarring and feathering individuals," were silenced, and
Gage, in alarm, called upon the ministry to send large re-enforcements. The patriots, on
the other hand, learned their strength when united ; that British troops were not invinci-
ble, and that the true spirit and courage of men resolved on freedom animated and nerved
^ Gordon, Stedman, Stiles, Ripley, Shattuck, Clarke, Frothingham, &c.
' The following officers and citizens of note were among the slain : Justice Isaac Gardner, of Brookhne ;
Captain Isaac Davis, of Acton ; Captain Jonathan Wilson, of Bedford ; Lieutenant John Baron, and Ser-
jeant Elisha Mills, of Needham ; and Deacon Josiah Ha3mes, of Sudbury. The estimated value of prop-
erty destroyed by the invaders is as follows: In Concord, $1375 j in Lexington, $8305; in Cambridge,
$6010. A list of the killed, wounded, and missing is given on page 532.
' It will be seen hereafter that the first life sacrificed in defense of liberty in America was upon the Al-
amance, in North Carolina, in 1771. In that event, however, the militia were in open and armed rebellion
against the royal authority, and were the actual aggressors.
* John Wilkes, in his speech in Parliament, already aUuded to, asked, significantly, " Who can tell
whether, in consequenee of this very day's violent and mad address [to the king], thi $cabbard may mot be
thrown away by them at well 08 by ui .?'*
* Levit. XXV., 10.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. fi31
Dnitj of the American People. Maasadnuetta Provincial Congreaa. Accounts of the Battiea aent to En^and
the militia. Britons were alarmed ; Americans were elated. Individual wrongs' were
adopted by the whole people as their own, and every man slain at Lexington, Concord,* and
Menotomy or West Cambridge, lived again in the strong arms of a thousand determined
patriots. In Massachusetts, in particular, ties of consanguinity, property, marriage, man-
ners, religion, social circumstances, and general equality, made whole communities weep*
over a single victim, and the hearts of the people of the whole province were made to bleed
when the first martyrs in the cause of American Independence were laid in the grave.'
Linked with that grief was the buoyant sentiment expressed by Percival :
" 0 it is great for onr oountry to die, where ranks are contending !
Bright is the wreath of cor fame, glory awaits us for aye —
Glory that never is dim, shining ott with light never ending —
Glory that never shall fade— -never, 0 never I away*
* « « * # * * * *
" 0 then, how great for oar cocintry to die, in the front rank to perish I
Firm, with onr breast to the foe, victory's shont in our ear.
Long they oar stataes shall crovni, in songs oar memory cherish ;
We shall look forth from oor heaven, pleased the sweet mosio to hear.*'
' The Provincial Congress of Massachusetts was immediately summoned, and met at Wa-
tertown, seven miles west of Boston, on the 22d of April. Dr. Joseph Warren was
chosen president, and Messrs. Grerry, Church, and Cushing were appointed a commit-
tee to draw up a " narrative of the massacre."* A committee on depositions was also form-
ed, and many affidavits were taken at Lexington and Concord. .When all necessary in-
formation was coUected, a communication, giving a minute account of the whole afiair, was
drawn up and ordered to be sent to Arthur Lee, the colonial agent in England.
An address <' To the Inhabitants of Great Britain'' was also prepared and sent
with the other papers, and was first published in the London Chronicle of May 30th, 1775.
The address was firm but respectful. While its signers asserted their continued loyalty to
the sovereign, and their readiness to " defend his person, family, crown and dignity," they
boldly exhibited their manhood in declaring that they would no longer submit to the tyran-
nical rule of a weak and wicked ministry. The Honorable Richard Derby, of Salem, was
engaged by the committee to fit out his vessel as a packet, and take the dispatches to Lon-
don. He arrived there on the 29th of May, ten days before Gage's dispatches reach-
ed government. The ministry were confounded, and afiected to disbelieve the state-
ments that appeared in the London Chronicle of the 30th ; but, in a few days, they were
obliged to acknowledge the truth of the report.*
^ In Lexington, Concord, Danvers, and West Cambridge, monuments have been erected in memory of
the slain. The two former will be noticed presently, in connection with an engraving of each. The mon-
nment at West Cambridge has been completed since my visit there in 1848. Beneath it rest the remains
of twelve persons who were killed in the skirmish there. The names of only three are known : Jason Ros-
sel, Jason Winship, and Jabez Wyman. The monument is a simple granite obelisk, nineteen feet high
The funds for its erection were famished by the voluntary contributions of the citizens of West Cambridge.
' The first accounts of tHe events at Lexington and Concord were published in the newspapers and in
handbills. One of the latter, preserved in the library of the Massachusetts Historical Society, has the fig-
ures of forty coffins at the head.
' Dartmouth, the Secretary of State for the colonies, issued the following card on the 30th : " A report
having been spread, and an account having been printed and published, of a skirmish between some of the
people in the province of Massachusetts Bay and a detachment of his majesty^s troops, it is proper to inform
the public that no advice has, as yet, been received in the American department of any such event."
Arthur Lee was in London, narrowly watching every movement of government, and transmitting secret
intelligence to the Committee of Correspondence of Boston, and to his brother, Richard Henry Lee, mem-
ber of the Continental Congress. He was the agent of the Massachusetts colony at that time, and issued
the following card, over his proper signature :
" As a doubt of the authenticity of the account from Salem, touching an engagement between the king's
troops and the provincials, in the Massachusetts Bay, may arise from a paragraph in the Gazette of this
evening, I desire to inform all those who wish to see the original affidavits which confirm that account,
that they are deposited at the Mansion House, with the Ri<^ht Honorable the Lord Mayor, for their inspec*
*ion. Arthttii Lbi.*'
Digitized by CjOOQIC
532 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Exqjtemeat in London. Goremnient Ltmpooned. List of tibte Names of the fint Mar^rn*
The dispatches of Gage were published on the 10th of June, and London was aUnost as
much excited as Boston. Gage's report confirmed every important circumstance mentioned
by the patriots, and the metropolis was soon enlivened by placards, lampoons, and doggerel
verse. The retreat of the British from Lexington was regarded as a defeat and a flight,
and at every comer ministers heard revilings concerning " the great British army at Boston
that had been beaten by a flock of Yankees !"
Note. — ^The following list of the names of the first martyrs in the cause of American liberty, is given
in the eighteenth volume of the Massachusetts Historical Collections :
Lexington. — Killed : Jonas Parker, Robert Monroe, Samuel Hadley, Jonathan Harrington, Jr., Isaac
Muzzy, Caleb Harrington, John Brown, Jedediah Moore, John Raymond, Nathaniel Wyman, 1 0. Wounded :
John Robbins, Solomon Pierce, John Tidd, Joseph Comee, Ebenezer Monroe, Jr., Thomas Winship, Na-
thaniel Fanner, Prince Estabrook, Jedediah Monroe, Francis Brown, 10.
Concord. — Wounded: Charles Miles, Nathan Barrett, Abel Prescott, Jr., Jonas Brown, George Mer-
iot, 5.
CAUBKiDOE.^KUled : William Maroy, Moses Richardson, John Hicks, Jason Russell, Jabez Wyman,
Jason Winship, 6. Wounded: Samuel Whittemore, 1. Mitsing : Samuel Frost, Seth Russell, 2.
Needham. — Killed : John Bacon, Elisha MiUs, Amos Mills, Nathaniel Chamberlain, Jonathan Parker,
5. Wounded : Eleazer Kingsbury, — Tohnan, 2.
SvDBVJLY. ^Killed : Josiah Haynes, Asahel Reed, 2. Wounded : Joshua Haynes, Jc, 1 .
Acton. — Killed: Isaac Davis, Abner Hosmer, James Hayward, 3. Wounded: Luther Blanohard, 1.
Bedford. — Killed: Jonathan Wilson, 1. Wounded: Job Lane, 1.
WoBuvin^^KilUd : Daniel Thompson, Asahel Porter, 2. Wounded : George Reed, Jacob Bacon, -»—
Johnson, 3.
Medford. — Killed : Eenfy Putnam, William Polly, 2.
Charlestown. — Killed : James Miller, Edward Barber, 2.
Watertowu. — Killed: Joseph Coolidge, 1.
TKKUunQTUjt^^Wounded : Daniel Hemminway, 1.
Dedham. — Killed: Elias Haven, 1. Woimded: Israel Everett, 1.
Stow. — Wounded : Daniel Conant, 1
RoxBURT. — Misting: Elijah Seaver, 1.
Brooklinb. — Killed: Isaac Gardner, 1.
BiLLERiCA. — Wounded : John Nichols, Timothy Blanchard, 2.
Chelmsford. — Wounded: Aaron Chamberlain, Oliver Barron, 2.
Salem. — Killed: Benjamin Pierce, 1.
Newton. — Wounded: Noah Wiswell, 1.
Danvers. — Killed: Henry Jacobs, Samuel Cook, Ebenezer Goldthwait, George Southwick, Benjamin
Deland, Jotham Webb, Perley Putnam, 7. W<mnded : Nathan Putnam, Dennis Wallace, 2. Misting .
Joseph Bell, 1.
Beverly. — Killed: Reuben Eerryme, 1. Wounded: Nathaniel Cleves, Samuel Woodbury, William
Dodge, 3.
Lynn. — KUled : Abednego Ramsdell, Daniel Townsend, William Flint, Thomas Hadley, 4. Wounded :
Joshua Felt, Timothy Monroe, 2. Mitting : Josiah Breed, 1.
Total: Killed, 49; Wounded, ^9; Missing. 5 » 93.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 533
Rrnpmtloiis for BdilDg an Armj in MtfMcbnsetti. Zeal of the Committoe of Safety. Circular of the Provincial Coogreaa
CHAPTER XXIII.
^'A viceroy, I, like monarohs, stay
Safe in the town ; let others guide the fray.
A life like mine is of no common worth ; «
'Twere wrong, by Heaven 1 that I should sally forth.
A random bullet, from a riflb sent,
Might pierce my heart, and ruin North's intent.
• ••••••
Te souls of fire, who bum for chief command,
Come ! take my place in this disastrous land.
To wars like these I bid a long good night ; ^
Let North and Gsorob themselves such battles fight."
Gjlob's SoLiLOQxnr, bt Phiup Fbbmsau, 1775
" In their ragged regimentals
Stood the old Continentals,
Yielding not,
When the grenadiers were lunging,
And like hail fell the plunging
Cannon shot ;
Where the files
Of the isles
From the smoky night encampment bore the banner of the rampant unicorn,
And grummer, grummer, grummer rolled the roll of the drummer, through the monk. '
Knickbrbockbr Magazine.
^^HE events of the 19th of April, like an electric shock, thrilled every nerve
through the heart-confederated American colonies, and all over the land there was
% cry to arms ' In Massachusetts there was no more hesitation. Who shall be
the aggressor ? was an answered question. Who shall be the con-
queror ? was the great problem before them. It was for Massa-
chusetts to lead the van in the contest, and her people readily stepped forth
to the duty, knowing that the warm sympathy and generous aid of the sister
colonies were enlisted for the war. The reaesembled Provincial Congress
voted to raise an army of thirteen thousand six hundred men. The Com-
mittee of Safety labored day and night, with a zeal worthy of the glorious
cause in which they were engaged. Circulars were sent out by both bodies,
calling upon the people to form an army as speedily as possible ; and the other New
England colonies were solicited to forward as many troops as they could spare,^ in order to
' The Provincial Congress of Massachusetts sent the following letter to the several committees of safety
in the province :
" In CongresM at Watertoum^ April ZOth^ 1775.
" Gbntlbmbn, — The barbarous Murders on our innocent Brethren on Wednesday the 19th Instant, has
made it absolutely necessary that we immediately raise an army to defend our Wives and our Children firom
the butchering Hands of an inhuman Soldiery, who, incensed at the Obstacles they meet vrith in their bloody
progress, and enraged at being repulsed firom the Field of Slaughter, will, vnthout the least doubt, take the
first Opportunity in their Power to ravage this devoted Country with Fire and Sword. We conjure you,
therefore, that you give all Assistance possible in forming an Ajrmy. Our all is at Stake. Death and Dev-
astation are the certain Consequences of Delay ; every Moment is infinitely precious ; an Hour lost may
deluge your Country in Blood, and entail perpetual Slavery upon the few of your Posterity who may sur-
vive the Carnage. We beg and entreat you, as yon will answer it to your Country, to your own Consciences,
and, above all, as you will answer to God himself, that you will hasten and encourage, by all possible Means,
the Enlistment of Men to form the Army, and send them forward to Head-quarters at Cambridge, with thai
expedition which the vast Importance and instant Urgency of the afiair demands.
" JosBPH Waeeen, Pruident, J* T »
Digitized by
Google
d34
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Army coQeeted at Boflton. Organization of the Troops. Preparationa to Besiege the City. Uaue of Paper Money.
make up a united force of thirty thousand men. These official appeals were scarcely nec-
essary, for as soon as the intelligence of bloodshed went abroad, the people had rushed to-
ward Boston from all quarters, and by the 21st it was estimated that twenty thou- j^prn,
sand men were collected in the neighborhood of that city. General Ward, by virtue ^™
of a previous appointment, took command on the 20 th, and in the ailemoon held a council
of war with the officers present.' Of course all was confusion ; for the people came, some
with arms in their hands, and some having none, with the inquiry marked on every coun-
tenance, What can I do ? A partial organization was effected, and preparations were made
to besiege Boston. Among these who hastened thither was the veteran Putnam, then an
old man of sixty years, who, it is said, left his plow in the furrow, and in his working
dress, mounted one of his horses, and hastened toward Cambridge at the head of a large
body of Connecticut volunteers. Colonel (afterward general) John Stark was also there,
with a crowd of New Hampshire volunteers, and all were active and ardent. In the course
of a few days the troops were tolerably well officered, their pay was agreed upon, and thirty
thousand were dhrolled. But great numbers returned home ; some to attend to pressing
private affiiirs, and others to make permanent arrangements to join the army. The num-
ber was thus suddenly much reduced, and the important pass of Boston Neck was defended
for nine consecutive days and nights by only six or seven hundred men under Colonel Rob-
inson, of Dorchester. The ranks were soon afterward well ffiled, and preparations for a
regular siege of the city commenced.
Cambridge was made the head-quar-
ters, and a line of cantonments was
formed nearly twenty miles in extent,
the left leaning upon the River Mys-
tic and the right upon Roxbur^, thus
completely inclosing the town.
On the 6th of May, the Pro-
vincial Congress resolved '* that
Greneral Gage has, by the late trans-
actions and many other means, utter-
ly disqualified himself from serving
this colony as governor, or in any
other capacity ; and that, therefore,
no obedience is in future due to him ;
but that, on the contrary, he ought to
be considered and guarded against as
an unnatural and inveterate enemy to
the country." Previous to this re-
nunciation of allegiance, they had
prepared for the payment of the army,
by authorizing the issue of bills of
credit, or paper money, to the amount
of three hundred and seventy-five thou-
sand dollars, in sums small enough to
be used as a circulating currency, and
directed the receiver general to bor-
row that amount, upon those notes,
RXVXUK or ▲ SCASBACBX78STT8 TbXASUST NoTK.*
1 The offioers who composed the ooanoil were Generals Ward, Heath, and Whitoombei; Colonels Bridge*
Frye, James Presoott, William Presoott, Bollard, and Barrett; and Lieutenant-oolonels Spaolding, Nixon*
Whitney, Mansfield and Wheelock. Colonels Learned and Warner arrived the next day.
* This is a fao simile of the device on the back of one of the first of the Massachusetts treasniy notes or
bills of credit. The literal traMlation of the Latin inscription is " He seeks by the Sword cahn repose under the
auspices of Freedom." In other words, to use a phrase of the present time, they were determined " to con-
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 535
Gage'i BMtiictk»fl. Gloomy Protpecti of the Poople of Boifeon. Armgements triOi the Setectman. Perfidy of Gtgcu
bearing an intereBt of six per cent. They also forwarded dispatches to the general |£.. 3^
Congress which was to assemble on the 1 0th, suggesting the necessity for making ^^'•
provision for a large army, to oppose the expected troops from Great Britain.
While these transactions were taking place without Boston, General Gage was puiipuing
a course of rigorous surveillance over the people within the city. By his orders all ^p^ ^^
intercourse with the country was cut oET, and none were aUowed to leave the town ^^^
without his permission first obtained. This measure exposed the people to great distress,
for their accustomed supply of provisions and fuel was thus cut ofi*. They at once felt all
the horrors of civil war gathering around them^ — ^visions of famine, rapine, and blood cloud-
ed their thoughts, and all the miseries which gloomy anticipation delineate began to be felt.
Gage himself became uneasy. Boston was surrounded by an exasperated multitude, armed
and ready for combat at the least provocation ; and he was justly apprehensive that, should
an assault commence fiiom without, the patriots within would rise upon his troops. In this
exigency he so far receded from his haughty demeanor toward the municipal authorities as
to seek an interview with the selectmen. It was obtained, and he assured them that no
violence should be done to the town, provided the people would behave peaceably. A town
meeting was held on the 2 2d, and an agreement was entered into between the selectmen
and Gage, '* That, upon the inhabitants in general lodging their arms in Faneuil Hall, or
any other convenient place, und^ the care of the selectmen, marked with the names of the
respective owners, all such inhabitants that are inclined might leave the town, with their
families and eiSects, and those who remained might depend upon the protection of the gov-
ernor ; and that the arms aforesaid, at a suitable time, should be returned to the owners."'
This measure was sanctioned by the Committee of Safety sitting at Cambridge, and the ar-
rangement was carried out in good faith for a short time, until the removal became so gen-
eral as to alarm the Tories and the governor himself.' The Tories, about this time, were
excessively loyal. Two hundred of them were enrolled as a military corps under Timothy
Ruggles, and, ofiering their services to General Gage, were put on duty. They thought
the arrangement Gage had agreed to was unwise, for they apprehended that, when the pa-
triots had all left the town with their efiects, they would not scruple to bum it. They re-
monstrated with Gage, and their importunities and his OMm fears became more potent than
his sense of honor. Obstructions were thrown in the way of removals, until, finally, passes
were denied, or so framed that families would have to be separated, and property lefl be-
hind. Gage, finally, would not allow women and children to leave Boston, but kept them
there as a sort of hostages, or pledges of good behavior on the part of the patriots. This
exhibition of bad faith disgusted and exasperated the people . as much as any of his pre-
vious acts.
quer a peace." The face of the bill has a neatly-engraved border of soroU-work ; and on the left of the
brace where the names of the committee are signed, is a circle with a ship within it. The following is a
oopy of one of the notes :
**Colon7ofthe )■. ^,0 n-^
" The Possessor of this Bill shall be paid by the Treasurer of this colony, Twenty Four Shilunos,
Lawful Money, by the 18th day of August, 1778, which Bill shall be received for the aforesaid sum. in all
payments at the Treasury and in all other Payments by order of the General Assembly.
" Committee, |
^ The following is a copy of one of the passes granted to the inhabitants who left. It is copied from one
preserved in the cabinet of the Massachusetts Historical Society .
" Borton, May, 177S.
" Permit , together with his family, consisting of persons, and effects, to
pass , between sunrise and sunset.
By order of his Excellency the Governor.
" No jirmt nor jimmttnition it allowed to past"
* Under this arrangement 1778 fire-arms, 634 pistols, 273 bayonets, and 38 blunderbusses, were depoji.
ited with the selectmen. The same day (April 27th) the Provincial Congress recommended to the inhab
itants of the sea-ports the removal of their effects, &c. Gordon, i., 336.
Digitized by
Google
536 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Benevolence of the Provincial CongreM of MaMhchoMtti. Efforts of oUier Cdonies. • Organization of the Army.
K^. 1^ The Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, in the mean time, made provision for
1775. five thousand poor people expected from Boston, who were unahle to help themselves.
Each town had a proportion allotted to it, and thus much sufiering was prevented, while
the feelings of the beneficiaries were tenderly respected by the declaration of the resolution
that they were not to be numbered with the town paupers. The same provision was aJso
made for the suffering inhabitants who remained in Charlestown, unable to remove from
the danger that menaced them. So g^reat were the alarm and distress in that thriving sub-
urban village of Boston, that it was almost deserted. Its population of two thousand seven
hundred was reduced to about two hundred.
While Massachusetts was thus exercising its patriotism and humanity, preparatory to the
approaching contest, the other colonies were alive with zeal. The Rhode Island Assembly
voted an army of observation of fifteen hundred men, and appointed Nathaniel
Greene, a young iron master, and a Quaker by birthright, but recently disowned be-
cause of his military propensities, commander-in-chief, with the rank of brigadier. His col-
onels were Vamum, Hitchcock, and Church. The Connecticut Assembly voted to raise six
regiments of a thousand men each ; and Wooster, Putnam, and Spencer, already
commissioned as generals, were each to have a regiment. The others were to be
placed under the command of Hinman, Waterbury, and Parsons. Already, as we have no-
iced, New Hampshire volunteers had flocked to Cambridge, with the gallant Stark, who
vas commissioned a colonel. Under the direction of the Committee of Safety of that colo-
ly, they were supplied with necessaries until the meeting of the Provincial Congress of their
own province in May. That body resolved to raise two thousand troops in addition
to those already in the field, and Nathan Folsom was appointed commander-in-
chief, with the rank of brigadier. They were organized into three regiments ; and two
additional regiments were placed under the command of Stark and James Reed. The latter,
and Enoch Poor, were commissioned colonels. New Hampshire and Rhode Island both
also issued bills of credit. Although other colonies did not send soldiers to Boston, all, with
the exception of New York, approved of the action of the general Continental Congress, and
expressed the warmest sympathy for New England.
On the 19th of May, the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts clothed the Committee of
Safety, then sitting at Cambridge, with full power to regulate the movements of the gath-
ering army.' General Ward, as we have seen, was appointed captain general ; John Thom-
as was made lieutenant general ; and Richard Gridley, the commissioned commander of an
artillery corps authorized to be raised, was appointed chief engineer, assisted by Henry Knox,
late commander of an artillery corps in Boston. To promote rapid enlistments, a resolution
had been previously adopted, promising a captain's commission to every one who should
raise a company of fifty-nine men, and a coloneFs commission to each who should raise a
regiment often companies. The form of the commissions of the several ofiicers was adopt-
ed, the pay of officers and soldiers was fixed, and other provisions for organizing the army
were arranged.
At the beginning of June the combined forces amounted to about sixteen thousand men,'
really united only in respect to the common cause which brought them together, for each
colony had absolute control over its respective troops. But by common consent, sanctioned
by the several colonial authorities, obedience was rendered to General Ward as captain
general. Ward, as well as Putnam, Thomas, Stark, Pomeroy, Prescott, and Gridley, had
been educated in the mihtary art in the practical school of the French and Indian war ;
and the militia that had assembled, familiar with their names and deeds, placed the utmost
confidence in their skill and valor.
^ The Committee of Safety consisted of John Hanoock, Joseph Warren, Benjamin Church, Benjamin
White, Joseph Palmer, Richard Devens, Abraham Watson, John Pigeon, Azor Ome, Benjamin Greenleaf,
Nathan Cashing, and Samuel Holten. Hanoock was necessarily absent, being a delegate to the Continental
Congress.
> Massachusetts famished 11,500 ; Connecticut, 2300 ; New Hampshire, 12(0 ; and Rhode Inland, 1000.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 537
IncreaieofBritish Troops in Botton. Arrival of experienced Officers. Operations In the Vicinity. American IfUitaryWoi^
The British force in Boston had increased, in the mean while, by fresh arrivals from En-
gland and Ireland, to ten thousand men. The Cerberus man-of-war arrived on the 25th
of May, with Grenerals Howe,' Clinton, and Burgoyne, three officers experienced in
the military tactics of Europe, but little prepared for service here. They were sur-
prised at the aspect of affairs, and Gage was reproached for his apparent supineness.' How-
ever, unity of action was necessary, and the new-comers heartily co-operated with Gage in
his plans, such as they were, for dispersing the rebel host that hemmed him in. He issued
a proclamation on the 12th of June, insulting in words and menacing in tone. It declared
martial law ; pronounced those in arms and their abettors ** rebels, parricides of the Con-
stitution^'* and ofiered a free pardon to all who would forthwith return to their allegiance,
except John Hancock and Samuel Adams, who were outlawed, and for whose apprehension
as traitors a reward was offered.* This proclamation, so arrogant and insulting, served
only to exasperate the people. In the mean while, several sldnnishes had occurred between
parties of the British regulars and the provincials, upon some of the cultivated islands that
dot the harbor of Boston. Each party were employed in carrying oET to their respective
camps the live stock up6n the islands, and on one occasion quite a severe action occurred
upon Hog Island, which continued until late at night. One or two armed vessels in the
harbor were engaged in the foray. A considerable number of the provincials were killed.
Toward morning a British schooner got aground. The Americans boarded her, stripped her
of every thing valuable, and returned to camp in triumph. In the course of these |^~ ^s,
depredations the owners were completely despoiled ; several hundred cattle, sheep, ^^^*
and lambs having been carried off by both parties, without leave or remuneration.^ In the
attendant skirmishes the Americans were generally most successful, and they served to ini-
tiate the raw militia into the preliminary dangers of a battle.
But little progress had been made at this time, by the Americans, in erecting fortifica-
tions. Some breast-works had been thrown up at Cambridge, near the foot of Prospect Hill,
and a small redoubt had been formed at Roxbury. The right wing of the besieging army,
under General Thomas, was at Roxbury, consisting of four thousand Massachusetts troops,
including four artillery companies, with field-pieces and a few heavy cannon. The Rhode
Island forces, under Greene, were at Jamaica Plains, and near there was a greater part of
General Spencer's Connecticut regiment. General Ward commanded the left wing at Cam-
bridge, which consisted of fifteen Massachusetts regiments, the battalion of artillery under
Gridley, and Putnam's regiment, with other Connecticut troops. Most of the Connecticut
forces were at Inman's farm. Paterson's regiment was at the breast-work on Prospect Hill,
and a large guard was stationed at Lechmere's Point. Three, companies of Gerrish's regi-
' General Howe was a brother of the young Lord Howe who was killed at Ticonderoga in 1758. In
the address of the Continental Congress to the people of Ireland, adopted on the 28th of July, 1775, the
addressers say, ^' America is amazed to find the name of Howe in the oatalogue of her enemies. She loved
his brother."
' The newly-arrived generals were so assured, before leaving England, that they would have no occa-
sion to draw the sword in support of ministerial measures, that they had prepared /to amuse themselves
with fishing and other diversions, instead of engaging in military service. It seems that the whole affair
of the 19th of April was kept a profound secret from tdl his officers by Gage, except those immediately em-
ployed in it and Lord Percy, until the skirmish had ensued at Lexington, and a re-enforcement was called
for. When General Haldimand, afterward Grovemor General of Canada, who was with Gage, was asked
how the sortie happened, he said that the first he knew of it was from his barber, who came to shave him.
' It has been related that when John Hancock placed his bold signature to the Declaration of Independ-
ence, on the 4th of July, 1776, he remarked, '^ There 1 John Bull can read that name without spectacles.
Now let him double his reward 1"
* It was in reference to these expeditions on the part of the British, that Frenean, the stirring song-writei
of the Revolution, in his " Gage's Soliloquy," thus wrote :
** Let otfaera combat in tiie doitj field ;
Let petty eaptniiu ■corn to lire or yield ;
rn tend my ships to neighboring isles, where stray
Unnumbered herds, and steal those herds away.
Ill strike the women hi this town wi& awe,
And make then tremble at my Mastiax. Law.**
Digitized by
Google
538
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
IMqxMidao of die AmaricMi Troopa.
Prepantioiw tor Blockading Boatoo.
ChariealowB and a^JaMnt Grooada.
raent were at Chelsea ; Stark's regiment was at Modford, and Reid*B at Charlestown Neck,
loJ
with sentinels reaching to Penny
Ferry and Bunker Hill
It was made known to the Com-
mittee of Safety that Greneral Gage
had fixed upon the night of the 18 th
of June to take possession of and for-
tify Bunker Hill and Dorchester
Heights. This brought matters to
a crisis, and measures were taken to
perfect the blockade of Boston. The
Conmiittee of Safety ordered Colone^
Prescott, with a detachment of one
thousand men, including a company
of artillery, with two field-pieces, to
march at night and throw up in-
trenchments upon Bunker Hill, an
eminence just within the peninsula
of Charlestown, and commanding the
great northern road from Boston, as
well as a considerable portion of the
town. To make the relative position
of the eminences upon the Charles-
town peninsula and the Neck, to
Boston, more intelligible to the read-
er, I have copied from Frothingham's '
History of the Siege of Boston, by
permission of the author, the annex-
ed sketch, communicated to him, in
a manuscript of 1775, from Henry
Stevens, Esq. I also quote from Mr.
Frothingham's work a description of
the localities about Bunker Hill.
The peninsula of Charlestown is op-
posite the north part of Boston, and
is about a mile in length from north
to south. Its greatest breadth, next
to Boston, is about half a mile. It
is connected with the main land by
a narrow isthmus or neck. The
Mystic River, half a mile wide, is
on the east, and the Charles River,
here formed into a large bay, is on
the west, a part of which, by a dam
stretching in the direction of Cobble
Hill, is a mill-pond. [See map, page
543] In 1775, an artificial cause-
way [4] was so low as to be fre- ^1 ;
quenUy overflowed by the tides. The ciia«lmtown in i775.»
communication with Boston was by
or;:
'/
a ferry, where Charles River bridge
is, and with Maiden by another, call-
ed Penny Ferry, where Maiden Bridge
now is. Near the Neck, on the
main land, was a large green, known
as the Common. Two roads ran by
it : one in a westerly direction, as
now, by Cobble Hill (M*Lean Asy-
lum), Prospect Hill, and Inman's
Woods, to Cambridge Common ; the
other in a northerly direction, by
Plowed Hill (Mount Benedict) and
Winter Hill, to Medford — ^the direct
road to West Cambridge not having
been laid oiA in 1 775. Bunker Hill
begins at the isthmus, and rises grad-
ually for about three hundred yards,
forming a round, smooth hill, sloping
on two sides toward the water, and
connected by a ridge of ground on
the south with the heights now
known as Breed's Hill. This was a
well-known public place, the name,
<* Bunker Hill," being found in the
town records and in deeds from an
early period. Not so with ** Breed's
Hill," for it was not named in any
description of streets previous to 1 77 5,
and appears to have beep called aft-
er the owners of the pastures into
which it was divided, rather than by
the common name of Breed's Hill.
Thus, Monument Square was called
Russell's Pasture ; Breed's Pasture
lay further south, and Green's Pas-
ture was at the head of Green Street.
The easterly and westerly sides of
this height were steep. On the east,
at its base, were brick-kilns, clay-
pits, and much sloughy land. On
the west side, at the base, was the
most settled part of the town [5].
Moulton's Point, a name coeval with
the settlement of the town, consti-
tuted the southeastern corner of the
peninsula. A part of this tract
formed what is called Morton's Hill.
Bunker Hill was one hundred and
ten feet high, Breed's Hill sixty-two
'•No. 1 is Banker Hill ; 2, Breed's Hill ; 3, Moulton's Point; 4, a causeway near the Neck, at the friot
of Bunker Hill \ 5, Charlestown, at the foot of Breed's Hill. Charlestown Neck is on the extreme left
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 539
fl^Sfat- March to Banker and Breed*s HIIL A Fordfleadon planned on Bunker HUL Bridah Veaaelfl In Boaton Harbor.
feet, and Moalton*8 Hill [3] thirty-five feet. The principal street of the peninsula was
Main Street, which extended from the Neck to the ferry. A road ran over Bunker Hill,
around Breed's Hill, to Moulton's Point. The westerly portions of these eminences con-
tained fine orchards.'
A portion of the regiments of Prescott,' Frye, and Bridge, and a fatigue party of two
hundred Connecticut troops with intrenching tools, paraded in the Cambridge camp at six
o'clock in the evening. They were furnished with packs and blankets, and ordered j^qq ^g
to take provisions for twenty-four hours. Samuel Gridley*s company of artillery ^"^^
joined them, and the Connecticut troops were placed under the command of Thomas Knowl-
ton, a captain in Putnam's regiment, who was afterward killed in the battle on Harlem
Heights. Afler an impressive prayer from the lips of President Langdon, of Harvard Col-
lege, Colonel Prescott and Richard Gridley, preceded by two servants with dark lanterns,
commenced their march, at the head of the troops, for Charlestown. It was about nine
o'clock at night, the sky clear and starry, and the weather very warm. Strict silence was
enjoined, and the object of the expedition was not known to the troops until they arrived at
Charlestown Neck, where they were joined by Major Brooks, of Bridge's regiment, and Gen-
eral Putnam. A guard of ten men was .placed in Charlestown, and the main body march-
ed over Bunker Hill. A council was held, to select the best place for the proposed fortifi-
cation. The order was explicit, to fortify Bunker Hill ; but Breed's Hill being nearer Bos-
ton, and appearing to be a more eligible place, it was concluded to proceed to fortify it, and
^jo throw up works, also, on Bunker Hill, to cover a retreat, if necessary, across Charlestown
Neck. Colonel Gridley marked out the lines of the proposed fortifications, and, at about
midnight, the men, having thrown off their packs and stacked their arms, began their per-
ilous work — perilous, because British sentinels and British ships-of-war were almost within
sound of their picks.*
" No shout disturbed the night,
Before that fearful fight ;
There was no boasting high —
No marshaling of men,
Who ne'er might meet again —
No cap was filled and quaffed to Victory I
' Frothingham, page 129.
* William Prescott was bom at Groton, Massachusetts, in 1726. His father was for some years a coun-
selor of Massachusetts, and his mother was a daughter of another counselor. He was a lieutenant of foot
under General Winslow, at the capture of Cape Breton, where he was distinguished for his bravery. He
inherited a large estate, and resided at Pepperell while the Revolution was ripening. He had command
of a regiment of minute men, and when the news of the affair at Lexington reached him, promptly marched
thither at the head of as many as he could collect. His known military talents caused him to be selected
by Greneral Ward for the important duty of fortifying Bunker Hill ; and in the memorable engagement that
occurred there on the 17th of June, 1775, he was the chief in command, and was greatly distinguished by
his bravery and skill. That evening, although repulsed, and his troops greatly fatigued and much dispir-
ited, he solicited from the Committee of Safety permission to make an attempt to retake the peninsula of
Charlestown. It was a movement too perilous, and the gallant soldier was obliged to rest. He continued
in the service through 1776, and served as a volunteer under Gates until the surrender of Burgoyne in
1777. From 1786 until his death he was an acting magistrate in his native town. He died in Pepperell
on the Idth of October, 1795, aged sixty-nine.' William H. Prescott, of Boston, the eminent historian, is a
grandson of Colonel Prescott. He married a grand-daughter of Captain Linzee, who commanded the sloop
of virar Falcon, that cannonaded the works on Breed's Hill on the 17th of June, 1775. The swords then
used by Colonel Prescott and Captain Linzee, the respective grandfathers of the historian and his wife, are
now in Mr. Presoott's possession, and are crossed, in a conspicuous place, in his valuable library at
Boston.
* The following are the names of the British vessels then in the harbor of Boston, which took part in the
battle that ensued : Somtrtit, 68 guns, 520 men. Captain Edward Le Cras ; CtrbenUj 36 guns. Captain
Chads ; Oloigowj 24 guns, 130 men, Captain William Maltby ; Lively, 20 guns, 130 men, Captain Thomas
Bishop ; Falcon, Captain Linzee ; Symmetry, transport, 18 nine pounders. See the British Jinnval Register
for 1775. The Falcon lay off Moulton*s, or Morton's, Point; the Lively lay opposite the present navy,
yard ; the Somerset was at the ferry ; the Glasgow was near Cragie's Bridge ; and the Cerberus and sev-
eral floating batteries were within gunshot of the American works. — Frothingkam.
Digitized by
Google
d40
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
ConatractioD of the Redoabt on Breed's Hill. Diacoverj of the Works by the Enemy. Surprise of Umb people of Bostoa
No plumes were there,
No banners fair,
No trumpets breathed around ;
Nor the drum's startling sound
Broke on the midnight air." — John Nxal.
Officers and men labored together with all their
might, with pickaxes and spades, and were cheer-
ed on in their work by the distant signals of safe-
ty— " All's well !'* — that came from the shipping,
and the sentinels at the foot of Copp's Hill. It
proclaimed that they were still undiscovered ; and
at every cry of " All's well I" they plied their
tools with increased vigor. When the day dawn-
ed, at about four o'clock, they had thrown up in-
trenchments six feet high ; and a strong redoubt,
which was aflerward the admiration of the ene-
my, loomed up on the green height before the won- .
dering eyes of the astonished Britons like a work
of magic. The British officers could hardly be
convinced that it was the result of a few hours'
labor only, but deemed it the work of days. Gage
saw at once how foolish he had been in not taking
possession of this strong point, as advised, while it was in his power to do so.
The fortification was first discovered at dawn, by the watchmen on board the Lively.
Without waiting for orders, the captain put springs upon his cables, and opened a fire on
the American works. The noise of the cannon aroused the sleepers in Boston, and when
the sun arose on that bright morning, every eminence and roof in the city swarmed with
people, astonished at the strange apparition upon Breed's Hill. The shots from the Lively
did no harm, and, defended by their intrenchments, the Americans plied their labor in
strengthening their works within, until called to lay aside the pick and shovel for gun and
knapsack.
Admiral Graves, the naval commander at Boston, ordered the firing to cease ; but it was
soon renewed, not only by the shipping, but from a battery of six guns upon Copp's ELill in
June 17 *^® ^^*y- Gage summoned a council of war early in the morning. As it was ev-
1775. jc[eut that the Americans were rapidly gaining strength, and that the safety of the
town was endangered, it was unanimously resolved to send out a force to drive them from
the peninsula of Charlestown and destroy their works on the heights. It was decided, also,
to make, the attack in front, and preparations were made accordingly. The drums beat to
arms, and Boston was soon in a tumult. Dragoons galloping, artillery trains rumbling, and
the marching and countermarching of the regulars and loyalists, together with the clangor
Flah or THB RxoouBT ON Bakxd's Bxll.^
^ This plan is copied from an English drawing of the time, first published in the London Qtntleman's
Magazine for 1775.
Explanation. — ^A A represents the situation of two strong fences, composed of stones and rails ; a and .
b, two well-oontrived flanks, so arranged that their fires crossed within twenty yards of the face of the re-
doubt ; c, another well-arranged flank ; dj a bastion, with its flanks e and 6 ; fii, a spiall portion of a trench,
that extended from the eastern side of the redoubt to a slough at the foot of the hill toward the Mystic Riv-
er. On the southeast side of the redoubt was a deep hollow. Two cannons were placed in ei&brasures
at the front of the redoubt, in the two salient angles of which were large apple-trees.
This redoubt was eight rods square. The Bimker Hill Monument now occupies its center. The east*
em side commanded an extensive field. On the north side was an open passage-way, and the breast-
work upon the eastern side extended about one hundred yards north. This trench was incomplete when
the battle began. Between the south end of the breast-work and the redoubt was a sally-port, protected
by a blind, and on the inside of the par^[)et were steps of wood and earth for the men to mount and fire^
Between the slough and the rail fence on the east was an open space, and this was the weakest part of
the lines. Such were the American works of defense when the battle of the 17th of June commenced.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. (541
Cowardice of the Tories. CroMtng ofaBritlBh Force from Bofton to Charlestown. BrmTory of Preecott New Eoglaiid Flag.
of the church bells, struck dismay into many a heart t)efore stout in the presence of British
protectors. It is said that the danger which surrounded the city converted many Tories
into patriots ; and the selectmen, in the midst of that fearful commotion, received large ac-
cessions to their list of professed friends from the ranks of the timid loyalists.
Toward noon, between two and three thousand picked men, from the British army, under
the command of General Sir William Howe and General Pigot, embarked in twenty-eight
barges, part from the Long Wharf and some from the North Battery, in Boston, and landed
at Morton's, or Moulton's Point,' beyond the eastern foot of Breed's Hill, covered by the
guns of the Falcon and other vessels.
'* About two thousand were embarked to go
'Grainst the redoubt and formidable foe.
The Lively's, Falcon's, Fame's, and Glasgow's roar,
Covered their landing on the destined shore."*
The Americans had worked faithfully on their intrenchments all the morning, and were
greatly encouraged by the voice and example of Prescoit, who exposed himself, without care,
to the random shots of the battery on Copp's Hill.' He supposed, at first, that the enemy
would not attack him, but, seeing the movements in the city, he was convinced to the con-
trary, and comforted his toiling troops with assurances of certain victory. Confident of
such a result himself, he would not at first send to General Ward for a re-enforcement ; but
between nine and ten o'clock, by advice of his officers, Major Brooks was dispatched to
head-quarter9 for that purpose. General Putnam had urged Ward early in the morning to
send fresh troops to relieve those on duty ; but only a portion of Stark's regiment was allow-
ed to go, as. the general apprehended that Cambridge would be the principal point of at-
tack. Convinced otherwise, by certain intelligence, the
remainder of Stark's regiment, and the whole of Reed's
corps, on the Neck, were ordered to re-enforce Prescott.
At twelve o'clock the men in the redoubt ceased work,
sent off* their intrenching tools, took some refreshments,
hoisted the New England flag, and prepared to fight.
The intrenching tools were sent to Bunker Hill, where,
under the direction of General Putnam, the men began
to throw up a breast-work. Some of the more timid
soldiers made the removal of the tools a pretext for leav-
ing the redoubt, and never returned. Tm n«w eholakd flaq,*
It was between twelve and one o'clock when the Brit-
* This is written Morton, Moreton, and Moolton, by difierent authors. Morton is the proper name.
* From "The American War," a poem in six books, published in London, 1786.
' A soldier (Asa Pollard, of Billerica) who had ventured outside of the redoubt, was killed by a cannon
ball. The circumstance so alarmed those within, that some of them left the hill. Prescott, to inspire his
men with confidence, walked leisurely around the works upon the parapet, in full view of the British offi-
cers in Boston. Gage, who was reconnoitering the works through a glass, saw his tall and commanding
form, and asked Counselor Willard, who stood near him, who it was. Willard, recognizing his brother-in-
law, said, "That is Colonel Prescott." "Will he fight?" inquired Gage. "Yes, sir," replied Willard;
" he is an old soldier, and will fight as long as a drop of blood remains in his veins." " The works must
be carried immediately," responded Gage, as he turned upon his heel to give orders.
* This is copied from an old Dutch work, preserved in the library of the New York Historical Society,
oontaining pictures of the flags of ail nations. In the original, a divided sphere, representing the earth, is
in the quarter where I have placed the pine-tree. I have made the alteration in the device, because in the
flag raised upon the baation of the redoubt on Breed's Hill, the pine-tree occupied the place of the ephere,
the more ancient device. The question has been unsettled respecting the flag used on that occasion, as
cotemporary writers are silent on the subject. An intelligent old lady (Mrs. Manning) whom I saw be-
tween the Brandywine and Rennet Square, in Pennsylvania, informed me that her father, who was in the
battle, assisted in hoisting the standard, and she had heard him speak of it as a " noble flag." The ground
was blue, and one corner was quartered by the red cross of St. George, in one section of which was the
pine-tree. This was the New England flag, as given in the sketch. Doubtless there were many other
flags belonging to the several regiments. Botta says of Dr. Warren, during the retreat, " Finding the corps
Digitized by
Google
542 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
ExcUflineiit la Cambrtdgs. Ba-enforoomenti Ibr both PutlM. 8«fferingi of die Prorindak. Warren and Pomeroy.
ish troopt, oonsiBting of the fiflh, thirty-eighth, forty-third, and fifVy-second hattalions of in-
fantry, two companios of grenadiers, and two of light-infantry, landed, their rich uniforms
and arms flashing and glittering in the noonday son, making an imposing and fbrmidahle
display. General Howe reconnoitered the American works, and, while waiting for re-en-
forcementt, which he had solicited from Grage, allowed his troops to dine. When the in-
telligence of the landing of the enemy reached Cambridge, two miles distant, there was
great excitement in the camp and throughont the town. The drums beat to arms, the bells
were rung, and the people and military were speedily hurrying in erery direction. General
Ward used his own regiment, and those of Paterson and Gardner and a part of Bridge's,
for the defense of Cambridge. The remainder of the Massachusetts troops were ordered to
Charlestown, and thither General Putnam conducted those of Connecticut.
At about two o'clock the re-enforcement for Howe arrived, and landed at the present
navy-yard. It consisted of the forty-seventh battalion of infantry, a battalion of marines,
and some grenadiers and light infantry. The whole force (about four thousand men) was
commanded and directed by the most skillful British officers then in Boston ;* and every
man preparing to attack the undisciplined provincials was a drilled soldier, and quite perfect
in the art of war. It was an hour of the deepest anxiety among the patriots on Breed's
Hill. They had observed the whole martial display, from the time of the embarkation un-
til the forming of the enemy's line for battle. For the Americans, as yet, very little succor
had arrived. Hunger and thirst annoyed them, while the labors of the night and morning
weighed them down with excessive fatigue. Added to this was the dreadful suspicion that
took possession of their minds, when only feeble re-enforcements arrived, that treachery had
placed then) there for the purpose of sacrifice. Yet they could not doubt the patriotism of
their principal officers, and before the action commenced their suspicions were scattered to
the winds by the arrival of their beloved Dr. Warren and General Poraeroy.* Warren,
who was president of the Provincial Congress, then sitting at Watertown, seven miles dis-
tant, informed of the landing of the enemy, hastened toward Charlestown, though sufierisg
from sickness and exhaustion. He had been commissioned a major general four days before.
Putnam, who was at Cambridge, forwarding provisions and re-enforcements to Charlestovm,
tried to dissuade him from going into the battle. Warren was not to be diverted from his
purpose, and mounting a horse, he sped across the Neck and entered the redoubt, amid the
loud cheers of the provincials, just as Howe gave orders to advance. Colonel Prescott of-
fered the command to Warren, as his superior, when the latter replied, « I am come to fight
as a volunteer, and feel honored in being allowed to serve under so brave an officer."
While the British troops were forming, and preparing to march along the Mystic River
for the purpose of flanking the Americans and gaining their rear, the artillery, with two
field-pieces, and Captain Knowlton, with the Connecticut troops, lefl the redoubt, took a
he commanded hotly pursaed hy the enemy, despising all danger, he stood alone before the ranks, endeav-
oring to rally his troops, and encouraging them by his own example. He reminded them of the mottoes
inscribed on their ensigns, on one side of which were these words, ^Jin appeal to Heaven^* and on the other,
* Qui tranttulit, tiutinet /' meaning, that the same providence that brought their ancestors through so many
perils to a place of refuge, would also deign to support their descendants." Botta often exhibits more po-
etry than truth in his brilliant narrative. After the battle under consideration, and while Putnam com-
manded on Prospect Hill, a flag with the inscription above given was presented to him, and was first un-
furW on the 18th of July ensuing. The author of " The Veil Removed" properly treats the assertion of
Botta as a fiction, and sarcastically remarks that, " instead of such a sentimental allusion to Latin mottoes,
the only command, when their ammunition was spent, must have been Savve qui pent, * Save himself who
can.' " Qui transtulit, sustinet, is the motto in the seal of Connecticut.
^ The most distinguished British officers that accompanied General Howe were General Pigot ; Colonels
Nesbit, Abercrombie, and Clark j Majors Butler, Williams, Bruce, Spendlove, Smelt, Mitchell, Pitcaim,
Short, Small, and Lord Rawdon.
* General Pomeroy left Cambridge wheiu he heard the first sound of the cannon. The veteran borrowed
a horse from General Ward, to ride to Charlestown, but, observing that the guns of the Glasgow raked the
Neck by an enfilading fire, he was afraid to risk the borrowed animal. Leaving him in charge of a sentry,
he walked across the Neck, and, with a borrowed musket, joined the troops at the mil fence as a volunteer.
He was well known, and a loud huzza welcomed him to the post of danger.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
543
March of the British townrd the Redoubt
Poeition of the American Troops.
Cannonade of tilie Redoubt
positioii near Bunker Hill, and formed a breast-work seven hundred feet in length, which
served an excellent purpose. A little in front of a strong stone and rail fence, Knowlton
built another, and between the two was placed a quantity of new-mown grass. This ap-
parently slight breast-work formed a valuable defense to the provincials.
It was now three in the afternoon. The provincial troops were placed in an attitude of
defense, as the British column moved slowly forward to the attack. Colonel Prescott and
the original constructors of the redoubt, except the Connecticut troops, were within the
worlds. General Warren also took post in the redoubt. Gridley and Callender's artillery
companies were between the breast-works and rail fence on the eastern side. A few troops,
recalled from Charlestown after the British landed, and a part of Warner's company, lined
the cart-way on the right of the redoubt. The Connecticut and New Hampshire forces
were at the rail fence on the west of the redoubt ; and three companies were stationed in
the Main Street at the foot of Breed's Hill.
Before General Howe moved from his first position, he sent out strong flank guards, and
directed his heavy artillery to play upon the American line. At the same time a blue
flag was displayed as a signal, and the guns upon Copp's Hill, and the ships and floating
batteries in the river, poured a storm of round shot upon the redoubt. A furious cannonade
was opened at the same moment upon the right wing of the provincial army at Roxbury,
to prevent le-enforcements being sent by General Thomas to Charlestown. Gridley* and
Callender, with their field-pieces, returned a feeble response to the heavy guns of the enemy.
Gridley'a guns were soon disabled ; while Callender, who alleged that his cartridges were
too large, withdrew to Bunker Hill. Putnam was there, and ordered him back to his first
position. He disobeyed, and nearly all his men, more courageous than he, deserted him
In the mean while, Captain Walker, of Chelmsford, with fifty resolute men, marched down
the hill near Charlestown, and greatly annoyed the enemy's lefl flank. Finding their posi-
^ Captain Samuel Gridley vna a son of Richard Gridley, the engineer. He was quite inefficient, and
hod received his appointment solely in compliment to his father.
Digitized by
Google
544 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Bridah Artillery. SUence of the Americana. Tanible Volleys firom Oe Redonbt. FVj^of theEaemy
tion yeiy perilous, they marched over to the Mystio, and did great execution upon the right
flank. Walker was there wounded and made prisoner, but the greater part of his men suc-
ceeded in gaining the redoubt.
Under cover of the discharges of artillery, the British army moved up the slope of Breed's
Hill toward the American works, in two divisions, General Howe with the right wing, and
General Pigot with the left. The former was to penetrate the American lines at the rail
fence ; the latter to storm the redoubt. They had not proceeded far before the firing of their
artillery ceased, in consequence of discovering that balls too large for the field-pieces had been
sent over from Boston. Howe ordered the pieces to be loaded with grape ; but they soon
became useless, on account of the miry ground at the base of the hill. Small anna and
bayonets now became their reliance.
Silently the British troops, burdened with heavy knapsacks, toiled up the ascent toward
the redoubt, in the heat of a bright summer's sun. All was silent within the American in-
trenchments, and very few provincials were to be seen by the approaching battab'ons ; but
within those breast-works, and in reserve behind the hills, crouched fifleen hundred determ-
ined men, ready, at a prescribed signal, to fall upon the foe. The provincials had but a
scanty supply of ammunition, and, to avoid wasting it by inefiectual shots, Prescott gave
orders not to fire until the enemy were so near that the whites of their eyes could be seen.
**Then," he said, «aim at their waistbands ; and be sure to pick off the coomianders, known
by their handsome coats !" The enemy were not so sparing of their powder and baU, but
when within gimshot of the apparently deserted works, commenced a random firing. Pres-
cott could hardly restrain his men from responding, and a few did disobey his orders and re-
iumed the fire. Putnam hastened to the spot, and threatened to cut down the first man who
should again disobey orders, and quiet was restored. At length the enemy reached the pre-
scribed distance, when, waving his sword over his head, Prescott shouted ** Fire !" Terrible
was the efiect of the volley that ensued. « Whole platoons of the British regulars were laid
upon the earth, like grass by the mower's scythe. Other deadly volleys succeeded, and the
enemy, disconcerted, broke, and fled toward the water. The provincials, joyed at seeing
the regulars fly, wished to pursue them, and many leaped the rail fence for the purpose ;
but the prudence of the American ofiicers kept them in check, and in a few minutes they
were again within their works, prepared tb receive a second attack from the British troops,
that were quickly rallied by Howe. Colonel Prescott praised and encouraged his men,
while General Putnam rode to Bunker Hill to urge on re-enforcements. Many had arrived
at Charlestown Neck, but were deterred firom crossing by the enfilading fire of the Glasgow
and two armed gondolas near the causeway. Portions of regiments were scattered upon
Bunker Hill and its vicinity, and these General Putnam, by entreaties and commands, en-
deavored to rally. Colonel Gerrish, who was very corpulent, became completely exhausted
by fatigue ; and other officers, wholly unused to warfare, coward-like kept at a respectful
distance from danger. Few additional troops could be brought to Breed's Hill before the
second attack was made.
The British troops, re-enforced by four hundred marines from Boston, under Major Small,
accompanied by Dr. Jefiries, the army surgeon, advanced toward the redoubt in the same
order as at first, General Howe boldly leading the van, as he had promised.^ It was a
mournful march over the dead bodies of scores of their fellow-soldiers ; but with true En-
glish, courage they pressed onward, their artillery doing more damage to the Americans than
at the first assault. It had moved along the narrow road between the tongue of land and
Breed's Hill, and when within a hundred yards of the rail fence, and on a line with the
breast-works, opened a galling fire, to cover the advance of the other assailants. In the
mean while, a carcass, and some hot shot, were thrown from Copp's Hill into Charlestown,
^ Clarke, an officer in the marines, relates that, jost before commencing the first march toward the re-
doubt, General Howe made a short speech, in which he said, " If the enemy will not come out of their in-
trenohments, we must drive them oat, at all events, otherwise the town of Boston will be set on fire bj
them. / shall not detire one of you to go a step further than where I go myself at your head.^^
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOT.UTION. 54r
' Buniing of Charieftowzu Seeond Repolse of tiie British. Re-enforcod by CUnton. Amnnmition of the Americans exhaoatod.
Mrhich set the Tillage on fire.^ The houses were chiefly of wood, and in a short time nearly
two hundred buildings were in flames, shrouding in dense smoke the heights in the rear
whereon the provincials were posted. Beneath this veil the British hoped to rush unob-
served up to the breast-works, scale them, and drive the Americans out at the point of the
bayonet. At that moment a gentle breeze, which appeared to the provincials like the
breath of a guardian angel — ^the first zephyr that Bad been felt on that sultry day — came
from the west, and swept the smoke away seaward, exposing to the full view of the Amer-
icans the advancing columns of the enemy, who fired as they approached, but with little
execution. Colonels Brener, Nixpn, anKl Buckminster were wounded, and Major Moore was
killed. As before, the Americans reserved their fire until the British were within the pre-
scribed distance, when they poured forth their leaden hail with such sure aim and terrible
efiect that whole ranks of officers and men were slain. General Howe was at the head,
and once he was left entirely alone, his aids and all about him having perished. The Brit-
ish line recoiled, and gave way in several parts, and it required the utmost exertion in all
the remaining officers, from ike generals down to the subalterns, to repair the disorder
which this hot and unexpected fire had produced.' All their efibrts were at first fruitless,
and the troops retreated in great disorder to the shore.
General Clinton, who had beheld the progress of the battle with mortified pride, seeing
the regulars repulsed a second time, crossed over in a boat, followed by a small re-enforoe-
ment, and joined the broken army as a volunteer. Some of the British officers remonstra-
ted against leading the men a third time to certain destruction ; but others, who had ridi-
culed American valor, and boasted loudly of British invincibility, resolved on victory or
death. The incautious loudness of speech of a provincial, during the second attack, declar-
ing that the ammunition was nearly exhausted, gave the enemy encouraging and important
information. Howe immediately rallied his troops and formed them for a third attack, but
in a difiierent way. The weakness of the point between the breast-work and the rail fence
had been discovered by Howe, and thitherward he determined to lead the lef^ wing with
the artillery, while a show of attack should be made at the rail fence on the other side.
His men were ordered to stand the fire of the provincials, and then make a furious charge
with bayonets.
So long were the enemy making preparations for a third attack, that the provincials be-
gan to imagine that the second repulse was to be final. They had time to refresh them*
selves a little, and recover from that complete exhaustion which the labor of the day had
produced. It was too true that their ammunition was almost exhausted, and being obliged
to rely upon that for defense, as comparatively few of the muskets were furnished with bay-
onets, they began to despair. The few remaining cartridges within the redoubt were dis-
tributed by Prescott, and those soldiers who were destitute of bayonets resolved to club their
arms, and use the breeches of their guns when ' their powder should be gone. The loose
stones in the redoubt were collected for use as missiles if necessary, and all resolved to fight
as long as a ray of hope appeared.
During this preparation on Breed's Hill, all was confusion elsewhere. General Ward
was at Cambridge, without sufficient staff officers to convey his orders. Henry (afterward
general) Knox was in the reconnoitering service, as a volunteer, during the day, and upon
his reports Ward issued his orders. Late in the afternoon, the commanding general dis-
patched his own, with Paterson's and Gardner's regiments, to the field of action ; but to
the raw recruits the aspect of the narrow Neck was terrible, swept as it was by the British
^ A carcass is a hollow case formed of ribs of iron, covered with cloth, or sometimes iron, with holes it.
it. Being filled with combustible materials, it is thrown from a mortar into a besieged place, by which
means bmldings are set on fire. The boming of Charlestown had been resolved upon by Gage some time
before, in the event of the Americans taking possession of any of the hills belonging to it. " This resolu-
tion was assigned by a near female relative of the general to a gentlewoman with whom she had become
acquainted at school, as a reason why the other, upon obtaining a pass to quit Boston, should not tarry at
her fiither^s (Mr. Gary's) house in Charlestown." — Dr. Oordan^ i., 352.
« Stedman, i., 127.
Mm
Digitized by
Google
546 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Death of Colonel Gardner. Third Attack of the British. Storming of the Bedonbt Death of Warren and Pitcaira
cannon. Colonel Gardner succeeded in leading three hundred men to Bunker Hill, where
Putnam set them intrenching, but soon ordered them to the lines. Gardner was advancing
boldly at their head, when a musket ball entered his groin and wounded him mortally.
His men were thrown into confusion, and very few of them engaged in the combat that fol-
lowed, until the retreat commenced. Other regiments failed to reach the lines. A part
of Gerrish's regiment, led by Adjutant Christian Febiger, a Danish officer, who aftemi'ard
accompanied Arnold to Quebec, and was distinguished at Stony Point, reached the lines just
as the action conmienced, and efiectually galled the British lefl wing. Putnam, in the
mean time, was using his utmost exertions to form the confused troops on Bunker Hill, and
get fresh corps with bayonets across the Neck.
All was order and firmness at the redoubt on Breed's Hill, as the enemy advanced. The
artillery of the British swept the interior of the breast- work from end to end, destroying
many of the provincials, among whom was Lieutenant Prescott, a nephew of the colonel
commanding. The remainder were driven within the redoubt, and the breast-work was
abandoned. Each shot of the provincials was true to its aim, and Colonel Abercrombie,
and Majors Williams and Speedlove fell. Howe was wounded in the foot, but continued
fighting at the head of his men. His boats were at Boston, and retreat he could not. His
troops pressed forward to the redoubt, bow nearly silent, for the provincials' last grains of
powder were in their guns. Only a ridge of earth separated the combatants, and the as-
sailants scaled it. The first that reached the parapet were repulsed by a shower of stones.
Major Pitcaim, who led the troops at Lexington, ascending the parapet, cried out, « Now
for the glory of the marines !" and was immediately shot by a negro soldier.' Again num-
bers of the enemy leaped upon the parapet, while others assailed the redoubt on three sides.
Hand to hand the belligerents struggled, and the gun-stocks of many of the provincials were
shivered to pieces by the heavy blows they were made to give. The enemy poured into
the redoubt in such numbers that Prescott, perceiving the folly of longer resistance, ordered
a retreat. Through the enemy's ranks the Americans hewed their way, many of them
walking backward, and dealing deadly blows with their musket-stocks. Prescott and War-
ren were the last to leave the redoubt. Colonel Gridley, the engineer, was wounded, and
borne off safely.* Prescott received several thrusts from bayonets and rapiers in his cloth-
ing, but escaped unhurt. Warren was the last man that left the works. He was a short
distance from the redoubt, on his way toward Bunker Hill, when a musket ball passed
through his head, kilhng him instantly. He was lefl on the field, for all were flying in the
greatest confusion, pursued by the victors, who remorselessly bayoneted those who fell in
their way.
Major Jackson had rallied Gardner's men upon Bunker Hill, and pressing forward with
' I have before me a drama, bearing the autograph of (General James Abercrombie, entitled " The
Battle ov Bunker Hill ; a dramatic piece in five acts, in heroic measure : by a gentleman of Maryland."
Printed ^t Philadelphia, by Robert Bell, in 1776. Colonel Gardner is one of the dramatii pertoiMe, and is
made to say, at the moment of receiving the womid,
** A mnsket b«ll, doatfa-winged, hath pierced my groin.
And widely oped the iwift current of my veina.
Bear me, then, soldien, to that hollow space
A little hence, Just on the hill'a decline.
A surgeon there may stop tiie gashing wonnd,
And gain a short respite to life, that yet
I may reCam, and fight one half hour more.
Then shall I die in peace, and to my God
Surrender up the spirit which he gave."
* Major Pitoaim was carried by his son to a boat, and conveyed to Boston, where he soon died. He left
eleven children. The British government settled a pension of one thousand dollars a year upon his widow.
* Colonel Richard Gridley, the able engineer and brave soldier in this battle, was b<mi in Boston in 1721.
He served as an engineer in the redaction of Looisberg in 1 745, and entered the British army as cdoneJ
and chief engineer in 1755. He was engaged in the expedition to Ticonderoga in 1756, and constructed
Fort George, on Lake George. He served under Amherst in 1758, and was with Wolfe, on the Plains of
Abraham, the following year. He was appointed chief engineer of the provincial army near Boston in 1 775.
He died at Stonghton, on the 20th of June, 1796, aged seventy-five years. — Curtoen,
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 547
Conibticmoftlie AmerictiM. Effort! of Putnam to Rally diem. CeuatioD of the Battle. TheLoM. Spectatora of the Battle.
three companies of Ward's, and Febiger's party of Gerrish's regiment, poured a destnictive
fire upon the enemy between Breed's and Bunker Hill, and bravely covered the retreat from
the redoubt. The Americans at the rail fence, under Stark, Reed, and Knowlton, re-en-
forced by Clark's, Coit's, and Chester's Connecticut companies, and a few other troops,
maintained their ground, in the mean while, with great firmness, and successfully resisted
every attempt of the enemy to turn their flank. This service was very valuable, for it saved
the main body, retreating from the redoubt, firom being cut off. But when these saw their
brethren, with the chief commander, flying before the enemy, they too fled. Putnam used
every exertion to keep them firm. He commanded, pleaded, cursed and swore like a mad-
man, and was seen at every point in the van, trying to rally the scattered corps, swearing
that victory should crown the Americans.' ** Make a stand here," he exclaimed ; " we can*
stop them yet ! In God's name, fire, and give them one shot more !" The gallant old
Pomeroy, also, with his shattered musket in his hand, implored them to rally, but in vain.
The whole body retreated across the Neck, where the fire from the Glasgow and gondolas
slew many of them. They left five of their six field-pieces, and all their intrenching tools,
upon Bunker Hill, and they retreated to Winter Hill, Prospect Hill, and to Cambridge. The
British, greatly exhausted, and properly cautious, did not follow, but contented themselves
with taking possession of the peninsula. Clinton lidvised an immediate attack upon Cam-
bridge, but Howe was too cautious or too timid to make the attempt. His troops lay upon
their arms all night on Bunker Hill, and the' Americans did the same on Prospect Hill, a
mile distant. Two British field-pieces played upon them, but without eflect, and both sides
feeling unwilling to renew the action, hostilities ceased. The loss of the Americans in this
engagement was one hundred and fifteen killed and missing, three hundred and five wound-
ed, and thirty who were taken prisoners ; in all four hundred and fifty. The British loss
is not positively known. Gage reported two hundred and twenty-six killed, and eight hund-
red and twenty-eight wounddd ; in all ten hundred and fifty-four. In this number are in
eluded eighty-nine officers. The Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, from the best in-
formation they could obtain, reported the British loss at about fifteen hundred. The battle,
from Howe's first attack until the retreat, occupied nearly two hours. The number of
buildings consumed in Charlestown, before midnight, was about four hundred ; and the es-
timated loss of property (most of the families, with their efiects, having moved out) was
nearly six hundred thousand dollars.
The number engaged in this battle was small, yet cotemporary writers and eye-witnesses
represent it as one of the most determined and severe on record. There was absolutely no
victory in the case. . The most indomitable courage was displayed on both sides ; and when
the provincials had retired but a short distance, so wearied and exhausted were all that nei-
ther party desired more fighting, if we except Colonel Prescott, who earnestly petitioned to
be allowed to lead a firesh corps that evening and retake Breed's Hill. It was a terrible
day for Boston and its vicinity, for almost every family had a representative in one of the
two armies. Fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers were in the afilray, and deep was the
mental anguish of the women of the city, who, from roofs, and steeples, and every elevation,*
gazed with streaming eyes upon the carnage, for the battle raged in full view of thousands
of interested spectators in the town and upon the adjoining hills.' In contrast with the ter-
rible scene were the doudlesr sky and brilliant sun.
' It is said that, for the fool profanity in ^ioh the brave old general indulged on that oocasion, he made
a sincere confession, after the war, before the church of which he ^as a member. " It was almost enough
to make an angel swear,'' he said, ** to see the cowards refuse to secure a victory so nearly won f
' *^ In other battles," said Daniel Webster, in an article published in the North American Review for
October, 1818, "the recollection of wives and children has been used as an excitement to animate the war-
rior's breast and to nerve his arm. Here was not a mere recollection, bat an actaal presence of them, and
other dear connections, hangmg on the skirts of the battle, anxious and agitated, feeling almost as if wound-
ed themselves by every blow of the enemy, and patting forth, as it were, their own strength., and all the
energy of their own throbbing bosoms, into every gallant effort of their warring friends."
Digitized by
Google
518
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Refle^oM on the Battle.
Burgojne's Opinion of the Conflict
The Character of Wi
" The heavensi the calm pore heavens, were bright on high ;
Earth laughed beneath in all its freshening green ; .
The free, blue streams sang as the j wandered by ;
And manj a snnny glade and flowery scene
Gleamed out, like thoughts of youth, life's troubled years between,"
Willis Gatloed Clark.
while upon the green slopes, where flocks were quietly grazing but a few hours before, War
had reared its gory altars, and the earth was saturated with the blood of its victims. Fear-
fully augmented was the terror of the scene, when the black smoke arose from Charlestown
on fire, and enveloped the redoubt on the summit of Breed's Hill, which, like the crater of
a volcano, blazed and thundered in the midst of the gloomy curtain that veiled it.
" Amazing scenes ! what shuddering prospects rise !
What horrors glare beneath the angry skies !
The rapid flames o'er Charlestown's heights ascend ;
To heaven they reach 1 urged by the boisterous wind.
The mournful crash of falling domes resound,
And tottering spires with sparkles reach the ground.
One general burst of piin reigns o'er aU ;
The burning city thunders to its fall 1
O'er mingled noises the vast ruin sounds,
Spectators weep I earth fixnn her center groans !
Beneath prodigious unextinguished fires
Hi-fated Charlestown welters and expires."
EULOGIUM ON Warrkw, 1781.'
<< It was,'' said Burgoyne, who, with Gage and other British officers, was looking on from a
secure place near Copp's Hill in Boston, " a complication of horror and importance, beyond
any thing that ever came to my lot to witness. Sure T am that nothing ever can or has
been more dreadfully ter-
rible than what was to
be seen or heard at this
time." But it is profit-
less to dwell upon the
gloomy scene. Time
hath healed the grief
and heart-sickness that
were bom there ; and
art, in the hands of busy
men, has cove^d up for-
ever all vestiges of the
conflict.
Many gallant, many
\ioble men perished on
the peninsula upon that
sad day ; but none was
so widely and deeply
lamented, because none
was so widely and truly
loved, as the self-sacri-
ficing and devoted War-
ren. He was the imper-
sonation of the spirit of
generous and disinterest-
ed patriotism that inspir-
ed the colonies. In ev-
ery relation in life he was
a model of excellence.
*< Not all the havoc and
devastation they have
made has wounded me
like the death of War-
ren," wrote the wife
of John Adams, j^j
three weeks aft- i™
erward. " We want
him in the Senate ; we
want him in his profes-
sion ; we want him in
the field. We mourn
for the citizen, the sen-
ator, the physician, and
the warrior." General
Howe estimated his in-
fluence, when he declar-
ed to Dr. Jefirios, who
recognized the body of
^ Joseph Warren, son of a Massachusetts farmer, was bom in Roxbury in 1740, and graduated af Har*
vard College in 1759. He studied the science of medicine under Dr. Lloyd, and rapidly rose to the head,
or, at least, to the front rank of that profession in Boston. Sentiments of patriotism seemed to form a part
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
549
The Energy, BoldnaM, and Patriotim of Warren. Maionlc Honon to hii Memory. 1 be oul Monument on Breed's B3I1
Warren on the field the next day, that his death was worth, to the British, five hundred of the
provincial privates. Eulogy and song have aided history in emhalming his memory with the
of his moral nature, and courage to avow them was always prompting him to action. He became neces-
sarily a politician, at a time when all men were called upon to act in public matters, or be looked upon as
drones. He was one of the earliest members of the association in Boston known as the Sons of Liberty,
and from 1768 was extremely efficient in fostering the spirit of rational liberty and independence in the
wide and influential circle in which he moved. His mind, suggestive and daring, planned many measures,
in secret caucus with Adams and others, for resisting the encroachments of British power. In 1771 he
delivered the oration on the anniversary of the Boston Massacre. He solicited the honor of performing a
like duty on the 5th of March, 1775, in consequence of a threat of some of the British officers that they
would take the life of any man who should dare to speak on that occasion. The old South meeting-house
was crowded on the appointed day, and the aisles, stairs, and pulpit were filled with armed British soldiers.
The intrepid young orator entered a window by a ladder, back of the pulpit, and, in the midst of a pro-
found silence, eommenced his exordium in a firm tone of voice. His friends, though determined to avenge
any attempt at assassination, trembled for his safety. He dwelt eloquently upon ^e early struggles of the
New England people, their faith and loyalty, and recounted, in sorrowful tones, the oppressions that had
been heaped upon them. Gradually he approached the scene on the 5th of March, and then portrayed it
in such language and pathos of expression, that even the stem soldiery that came to awe him vrept at his
words. He stood there in the midst of that multitude, a striking symbol of the revolt which he was lead-
ing, firm in the faith of that sentiment, '* Resistance to tyrants is obedience to Grod." Looking at him, it
might be said, as Magoon remarks, in classic quotation,
** Thou haat leen Mount Athos ;
While ftorms and tempetti thunder at its browi
And ooeant beat their billows at its feet»
It stands nnmored, and glories in its height
Such is that haughty man ; his towering soul,
Mid all the shocks and ii^uries of fortune,
Rises superior, and looks down on Caasar.**
When John Hancock went to the Continental Congress, Warren was elected
to fill his place as president of the Provincial Congress. Four days previous
to the action on Breed's Hill, that body gave him the commission of major
general, and he was the only officer of Uiat rank engaged in the conflict ; yet
he was without command, and fought as a volunteer. *' He fell," as Everett
has beautifully expressed it, *^ with a numerous band of kindred spirits — ^the
gray-haired veteran, the stripling in the flower of youth — who had stood side
by side on that dreadful day, and fell together, like the beauty of Israel in
their high places !" Warren's body wbs identifled, on the morning after the
battle, by Dr. Jeflries, who was his intimate acquaintance. He was buried
where he fell, and the place was marked. After the evacuation of Boston in
1776, his remains were disinterred, and, on the 8th of April, were carried in
procession from the Representatives' chamber to King's Chapel, and buried
with military and masonic honors. The Reverend Dr. Cooper oflered pray-
ers, and Perez Morton pronounced an oration on the occasion. Warren's re-
mains now rest beneath St. Paul's Church. He was Grand Master of Free-
masons for North America at the time of his death. A lodge in Charlestown
erected a monument to his memory in 1794, pn the spot where he fell. It
was composed of a brick pedestal eight feet square, rising ten feet from the
ground, and supporting a Tuscan pillar of wood eighteen feet high. This
was surmounted by a gilt urn, bearing the inscription *' J. W^ aged 35," en-
twined with masonic emblems. On the south side of the pedestal was the following inscription
•'Erected A.D. MDCCXCIV.,
By King Solomon's Lodge of Free-masons,
constituted in Charlestown, 1783,
In Memory of
Major-general Joseph Warren
and his associates,
who were slain on this memorable spot June 17,
1775.
None but they who set a just value upon the blessings of liberty are worthy to enjoy her. In vain we toiled
in vain we fought ; we bled in vain, if you, our oflspring, want valor to repel the assault of her invaders.
Charlestown setUed, 1628. Burned, 1775. Rebmlt, 1776."
This monument stood forty years, and then was removed to give place to the present granite structure,
known as Bunker Hill Monument. A beautiful model of Warren's monument stands within the colossal
obelisk, from which I made the accompanying sketch.
Wauucn's Monuxxmt
Digitized by
Google
550 PICTORIAL PIELD-BOOK
Character of the Troopt engaged in tfie Battle on Breed's HiB. Monnment to Warren ordered by Congreaa.
immortality that rests upon the spot where he fell. He was a hero in the highest sense of
the term, and so were Prescott and other compatriots in the struggle ; but all were not he-
roes who surrounded them. Unused to war ; some entirely ignorant of the sound of a can-
non ; inferior, by two thirds, in number, and vastly so in discipline, to the enemy, the won-
der is that the provincials fought so well, not that so many used their heels more expertly
than their hands. Many officers, chosen by the men whom they commanded, were totally
unfitted in knowledge and spirit for their stations, and a few exhibited the most arrant cow-
ardice. They were tried by court martial, and one was cashiered for disobedience and for
being a poltroon.^ But they have all passed away ; let us draw the curtain of charity
around their resting-places, remembering that
" Hero motivety placed in judgment's scale,
Outweigh all actions where the heart is wrong."
Here let us close the volume of history for a time, and while the gentle breeze is sweepmg
the dust and smoke of battle from Bunker Hill,* and the tumult of distress and alarm is sub-
siding in Boston, let us ride out to Lexington and Concord, to visit those places consecrated
by the blood of the first patriot martyrs. We have had a long, but, I trust, profitable con-
sultation of the records of the past. I have endeavored to point out for consideration the
most prominent and important links in the chain of events, wherein is remarkably manifest-
ed the spirit of true liberty which finally wrought out the independence of these American
states. In brief outlines I have delineated the features of those events, and traced the prog-
ress of the principles of freedom from the little conventicles of despised and persecuted, but
determined men, toward the close of the sixteenth century, who assembled to assert the most
undoubted natural right, that of worshiping God as the conscience of the creature shall die
tate, to the uprising of nearly two millions of the same people in origin and language, in de-
fiance of the puissance of the mightiest arm upon earth ; and the assembling of a council in
their midst, of which the great Pitt was constrained to say, " I must declare and avow that
in all my reading and study — and it has been my favorite study ; I have read Thucydides,
and have studied and admired the master states of the world — ^that for solidity of reasoning,
force of sagacity, and wisdom of conclusion, under such a complication of circumstances, no
nation or body of men can stand in preference to the general Congress of Philadelphia."
On the 8th of April, 1777, Congress, by resolution, ordered " that a monument be erected to tiie mem-
ory of General Warren, in the town of Boston, with the following inscription :
In honor of
Joseph Warren,
Major General of Massachusetts Bay.
He devoted his life to the liberties
Of his country ;
And in bravely defending them, fell
An early victim,
In the battle of Bunker Hill,
June 17th, 1775.
The Congress of the United States,
As an acknowledgment of his services,
Have erected this monument to his memory.
Congress also ordered *' that his eldest son be educated at the expense of the United States."* The patri-
otic order for the erection of a monument has never been obeyed.
1 This was Captain Callender. The court sentenced him to be cashiered, and, in an order of July 7th,
Washington declared him to be " dismissed from all further service in the Continental army.*' Callender
felt much aggrieved, and, confronting the charge of cowardice, remained in the army as a volunteer, and
fought so bravely at the battle of Long Island, the next year, that Washington commanded his sentence to
be erased from Uie orderly-book.
' This battle should properly be called the battle of Breed's Hill, for there the great events of the day
occurred. There was much fighting and slaughter upon Bunker Hill, where Putnam chiefly commanded,
but it was not the main theater of action.
* Jouniala of Congren, liL, 96
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 551
Trip to Concord. Bfi^ Barrett His Connectioii with the RerolutloiL
.**••* -.«^
/O
CHAPTER XXIV.
" How saddenlj that straight and glittering shaft
Shot thwart the earth 1 in crown of living fire
Up comes the day 1 As if they oonsoioos qaaff'd
The sunny flood, hill, forest, city spire >-j
Laugh in the waking light." ' ^r?li
Richard H. Dana. ^yy
" War, fierce war, shall break their forces ; >^
Nerves of Tory men shall fail ;
Seeing Howe, with alterM courses,
Bending to the Western gale.
Thus from every bay of ocean
Flying back with sails unfurl'd,
Toss'd with ever-troubled motion,
They shall quit this smiling world."
Military Song, 1776.*
T was a glorious October moniiDg, mild and brilliant, when I left
Boston to visit Concord and Lexington. A gentle land-breeze dur-
ing the night had borne the clouds back to their ocean birth-place, and not
a trace of the storm was left except in the saturated earth. Health re-
Cumed with the clear sky, and I felt a rejuvenescence in every vein and
muscle when, at dawn, I strolled over the natural glory of Boston, its
broad and beautifuUy-arbored Common. I breakfasted at six, and at half
past seven left the station of the Fitchburg rail-way for Concord, seven-
teen miles northwest of Boston. The country through which the road
passed is rough and broken, but thickly settled. I arrived at the Concord
station, about half a mile from the center of the village, before nine o'clock,
and procuring a conveyance, and an intelligent young man for a guide,
proceeded at once to visit the localities of interest in the vicinity. We
rode to the residence of Major James Barrett, a surviving grandson of Col-
onel Barrett, about two miles north of the village, and near the residence of his venerated
October ancestor. Major Barrett was eighty-seven years of age when I visited him, and
^^^ his wife, with whom he had lived nearly sixty years, was eighty. Like most of
the few survivors of the Revolution, they were remarkable for their mental and bodily vigor.
Both, I believe, stiU live. The old lady — a small, well-formed woman — ^was as
sprightly as a girl of twenty, and moved about the house with the nimbleness of foot
of a matron in the prime of life. I was charmed with her vivacity, and the sunny radiance
which it seemed to shed throughout her household ; and the half hour that I passed with
that venerable couple is a green spot in the memory.
Major Barrett was a lad of fourteen when the British incursion into Concord took place.
He was too young to bear a musket, but, with every lad and woman in the vicinity, he la-
bored in concealing the stores and in making cartridges for those who went out to fight.
With oxen and a cart, himself, and others about his age, removed the stores deposited at
the house of his grandfather into the woods, and concealed them, a cart-load in a place, un-
der pine boughs. In such haste were they obliged to act on the approach of the British
* This song of forty-eight lines, by an anonymous writer, b entitled " A Military Song, by the Army, on
General Washington's victorious entry into the town of Boston."
Digitized by
Google
552
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Concealment of Stores at Concord.
Concord Monument
Hie 'Ullage.
Bide to Lezingtan.
MONUMXNT AT CONOOEO^
from Lexington, that, when the cart was loaded, lads would march on each side of the oxen
and goad them into a trot. Thus all the stores were eflectually concealed, except some
carriage-wheels. Perceiving the enemy near, these
were cut up and hurned ; so that Parsons found [nl — -— -^^BHHBH^^^^5-__^:;=Jn|
nothing of value to destroy or carry away.
From Major Barrett's we rode to the monument
erected at the site of the old North Bridge, where
the skirmish took place, and I sketched, on my way,
the residence of Colonel Barrett, depicted on page
526. The road crosses the Concord River a little
above the site of the North Bridge. The monu-
ment stands a few rods westward of the road lead-
ing to the village, and not far from the house of
the Reverend Dr. Ripley, who gave the ground for
the purpose. The monument is constructed of
granite from Carlisle, and has an inscription upon
a marble tablet inserted in the eastern face of the
pedestal.^ The view is from the green shaded lane
which leads from the highway to the monument,
looking westward. The two trees standing, one upon each side, without the iron railing,
were saplings at the time of the battle ; between them was the entrance to the bridge.
The monument is reared upon a mound of earth a few yards from the lefl bank of the river.
A little to the left, two rough, uninscribed stones from the field mark the graves of the two
British soldiers who were killed and buried upon the spot.
We returned to the village at about noon, and started immediately for Lexington, six
miles eastward.
Concord is a pleasant little village, including within its borders about one hundred dwell-
ings. It lies upon the Concord River, one of the tributaries of the Merrimac, near the junc-
tion of the Assabeth and Sudbury Rivers. Its Indian name was Musketaquid. On account
of the peaceable manner in which it was obtained, by purchase, of the aborigines, in 1635,
it was named Concord. At the north end of the broad street, or common, is the house of
Colonel Daniel Shattuck, a part of which, built in 1 774, was used as one of the depositories
of stores when the British invasion took place. It has been so much altered, that a view
of it would have but little interest as representing a relic of the past.
The road between Concord and Lexington passes through a hilly but fertile country. It
is easy for the traveler to conceive how terribly a retreating army might be galled by the
fire of a concealed en^my. Hills and hillocks, some wooded, some bare, rise up every where,
and formed natural breast-works of protection to the skirmishers that hung upon the flank
and rear of Colonel Smith's troops. The road enters Lexington at the green whereon the
old meeting-house stood when the battle occurred. The town is upon a fine rolling plain,
and is becoming almost a suburban residence for citizens of Boston. Workmen were in-
closing the Green, and laying out the grounds in handsome plats around the monument,
^ The followiDg is a copy of the inscription :
Here,
On the 19th of April, 1775,
was made the first foroible resistance to
British Aggression.
On the opposite bank stood the American
militia, and on this spot the first of the enemy fell
in the War of the Revolution,
which gave Independence to these United States.
In gratitade to God, and in the love of Freedom,
This Monument was erected,
A.D. 1836.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
553
MoNumziT AT LxzoroToir.*
The Lexington MonomenL The " Clark Houae" and ita Aaaociadona. Tradition ol tlie Surpriae. Abijali Harrington.
which stands a few yards from the street. It is upon a
spacious mound ; its material is granite, and it has a mar-
ble tablet on the south front of the pedestal, with a long
inscription.* The design of the monument is not at all
graceful, and, being surrounded by tall trees, it has a very
'* dumpy" appearance. The people are dissatisfied with it,
and doubtless, ere long, a more noble structure will mark
the spot where the curtain of the revolutionary drama was
first lifted.
After making the drawings here given, I visited and
made the sketch of *' Clark's House," printed on page 523.
There I found a remarkably intelligent old lady, Mrs. Mar-
garet Chandler, aged eighty-threo years. She has been an
occupant of the house, I believe, ever since the Revolution,
and has a perfect recollection of the events of the period.
Eler version of the escape of Hancock and Adams is a little
difierent from the published accounts, which I have adopted
in the historical sketch. She says that on the evening of the 18th of vApril, some
British officers, who had been informed where
these patriots were, came to Lexington, and inquir-
ed of a woman whom they met, for ** Mr. Clark's
house." She pointed to the parsonage ; but in a
moment, suspecting their design, she called to them
and inquired if it was Clark's tavern that they
were in search of Uninformed whether it was a
tavern or a parsonage where their intended vic-
tims were staying, and supposing the former to be
the most likely place, the officers replied, " Yes ;
Clark's tavern." " Oh," she said, »* Clark's tav-
ern is in that direction," pointing toward East Lex-
ington. As soon as they departed, the woman
hastened to inform the patriots of their danger, and
they immediately arose and fled to Wobum. Dor-
othy Quincy, the intended wife of Hancock, who
was at Mr. Clark's, accompanied them in their flight. Paul Revere soon afterward arriv-
ed, and the events already narrated then occurred.
I next called upon the venerable Abijah Harrington, who was living in the village. He
was a lad of fourteen at the time of the engagement. Two of his brothers were among the
^ The following is a copy of the inscription :
" Sacred to the Liberty and the Rights of Mankind ! 1 1 The Freedom and Independence of America —
sealed and defended with the blood of her sons — This Monument is erected by the Inhabitants of Lexipg-
ton, mider the patronage and at the expense of the Commonwealth of Massachosetts, to the memory of
their Fellow-citizens, Ensign Robert Monroe, Messrs. Jonas Parker, Samuel Hadley, Jonathan Harrington,
Junr., Isaac Muzzy, Caleb Harrington, and John Brown, of Lexington, and Asahel Porter, of Woburn, who
fell on this Field, the first victims of the Sword of British Tyranny and Oppression, on the morning of the
ever-memorable Nineteenth of April, An. Dom. 1775. The Die was Cast ! ! I The blood of these Martyrs
in the Cause of God and their Country was the Cement of the Union of these States, then Colonies, and gave
the Spring to the Spirit, Firmness, and Resolution of their Fellow-citizens. They rose as one man to re-
venge their Brethren's blood, and at the point of the Sword to assert and defend their native Rights. They
nobly dared to be Free I ! I The contest was long, bloody, and affecting. Righteous Heaven approved
the Solemn Appeal ; Victory crowned their Arms, and the Peace, Liberty, and Independence of the United
States of America was their glorious Reward. Built in the year 1799."
* This view is from the Concord Road, looking eastward, and shows a portion of the inclosore of the
Green. The distant building seen on the right is the old " Buokman Tavern,*' delineated in Doolittle's en-
graving on page 524. It now belongs to Mrs. Merriam, and exhibits many scars made by the bullets on
the morning of the skirmish. '
MxAs Vixw or Tus Monument.
[digitized by
Google
554
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ineidente of the Battle at Leziagton. Jonatfaan Harrington and hit Brother. Annirozsary Celebration at Concord io 185a
minute men, but escaped unhurt. Jonathan and Caleb Harrington, near relatives, were
killed The former was shot in front of his own house, while his wife stood at the window
in an agony of alarm. She saw her husband fall, and then start up, the blood gushing
from his breast. He stretched out his arms toward her, and then fell agam. Upon his
hands and knees he crawled toward his dwelling, and expired just as his wife reached him.
Caleb Harrington was shot while run-
ning from the meeting-house. My inform-
ant saw almost the whole of the battle,
haying been sent by his mother to go near
enough, and be safe, to obtain and convey
to her information respecting her othei
sons, who were with the minute men.
His relation of the incidents of the morn-
ing was substantially such as history has
recorded. He dwelt upon the subject i
with apparent delight, for his memory of \
the scenes of his early years, around which
cluster so much of patriotism and glory, ^
was clear and full. I would gladly have
listened until twilight to the voice of such
experience, but time was precious, and 1
hastened to East Lexington, to visit his
cousin, Jonathan Harrington, an old man . .
of ninety, who played the fife when the
minute men were marshaled on the Green
upon that memorable April morning. He
was splitting fire-wood in his yard with a
vigorous hand when I rode up ; and as he
sat in his rocking-chair, while I sketched his
placid features, he appeared no older than a
man of seventy. His brother, aged eighty-
eight, came in before my sketch was finished,
and I could not but gaze with wonder upon
these strong old men, children of one moth-
er, who were almost grown to manhood when the first .battle of our Eevolution occurred !
Frugality and temperance, co-operating with industry, a cheerful temper, and a good con-
stitution, have lengthened their days, and made their protracted years hopeful and happy.*
The aged fifer apologized for the rough appearance of his signature, which he kindly wrote
for me, and charged the tremulous motion of his hand to his labor with the ax. How te-
naciously we cling even to the appearance of vigor, when the whole frame is tottering to
its fall I Mr. Harrington opened the ball of the Revolution with the shrill war-notes of the
fifb, and then retired from the arena. He was not a soldier in the war, nor has his life,
passed in the quietude of rural pursuits, been distinguished except by the glorious acts which
constitute the sum of the achievements of a good citizen.
I left Lexington at about three o*clock, and arrived at Cambridge at half past four. It
was a lovely autumnal afternoon. The trees and fields were still green, for the frost had
' The seventy-fifth anniyersary of the battles of Lexington and Conoord was celebrated at the latter
plane on the 19th of April, 1850. In the procession was a carriage containing these venerable brothers,
aged, respectively, nearly ninety-one and ninety-three ; Amos Baker, of Lincoln, aged ninety-four ; Thomas
Hill, of Danvers, aged ninety-two ; and Dr. Preston, of Billerica, aged eighty-eight. The Honorable Ed-
ward Everett, among others, made a speech on the occasion, in which he very happily remarked, that ** it
pleased his heart to see those venerable men beside him ; and he was very much pleased to assist Mr. Jon-
athan Harrington to put on his top coat a few minutes ago. In doing so, he was ready to say, with the
eminent man of old, ' Very pleasant art thou to me^ my brother Jonathan I' " He died in March, 1854.
^^?Wl O^ j^^i^^'^K/^jT^^
^^i^ed-^^
3^^.
^
TS^tft-
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
55d
Ride to Cambridge.
Early Hiatory of the Town.
Waahiogtoii*a Head-qoartera.
not yet been busy with their foliage and blades. The road is Macadamized the whole dis-
tance ; and so thickly is it lined with houses, that the village of East Leiuugtcn and Old
Cambridge seem to embrace each other in close union.
Cambridge is an old town, the first settlement there having been planted in 1631, co-
temporaneous with that of Boston. It was the original intention of the settlers to make it
the metropolis of Massachusetts, and Grovemor Winthrop commenced the erection of his
dwelling there. It was called New Town, and in 1632 was palisaded. The Reverend
Mr. Hooker, one of the earliest settlers of Connecticut, was the first minister in Cambridge.
In 1636, the Greneral Court provided for the erection of a public school in New Town, and
appropriated two thousand dollars for that purpose. In 1638, the Reverend John Har-
vard, of Charlestown, endowed the school with about four thousand dollars. This endow-
ment enabled them to exalt the academy into a college, and it was called Harvard Univers-
ity in honor of its principal benefactor.
Cambridge has the distinction of being the place where the first printing-press in America
was established. Its proprietor was named Day, and the capital that purchased the mate-
rials was furnished by the Reverend Mr. Glover. The first thing printed was the ^ Free-
man*s Oath,'* in 1636 ; the next was an almanac; and the next the Psalms, in meter.'
Old Cambridge (West Cambridge, or Menotomy, of the Revolution), the seat of the Uni-
versity, is three miles from West Boston Bridge, which connects Cambridge with Boston.
Cambridgeport is about half way between Old Cambridge and the bridge, and
East Cambridge occupies Lechmere's Point, a promontory fortified duiing the -c^
siege of Boston in 1775. ^ ^^"
Arrived at Old Cambridge, I parted company with the vehicle and driver
that conveyed me from Concord to Lexington, EUid hither ; and, as the Jay
was fast declining, I hastened to sketch the head-quarters of Washington, an
elegant and spacious edifice, standing in the midst of shrubbery and stately
elms, a little distance from the street, once the highway from liar- ^T/^V Vti'
vard University to Waltham. At this mansion, and at Winter jJWr"^^ \ii! (^ #'/*
Hill, Washington passed most of his time, after taking
command of the Continental army, until the evacuation
of Boston in the following spring.
Its present owrfer is Henry ^ '*^'l
Wadsworth Longfellow, pro-
fessor of modern languages in
Harvard University, and widely
known in the world of litera-
ture as one of the most gifted
men of the age. It is a spot
worthy of the residence
of an American bard so
endowed, for the associ-
ations which hallow it
are linked with the no-
blest themes that ever
awakened the inspiration
of a child of song.
WAfROtOTOIV*! USAl>.qUABTBaiL
" When the hoars of Day are nomber'd,
And the Toioes of the Night
Wake the better seal that slumbered
To a holy, calm delight ;
Ere the evening lamps are lighted,
And, like phantoms grim and tall,
Shadows from the fitful fire-light
Dance upon the parlor wall," — ^Lono fellow,
* Recordfl of Hanraid College.
Digitized by
Google
556 PICTORIAL FIELL-BOOK
Defcripdon of Washington'B Headqoarten at Cambridge. PhOlii, the black Poet Washington*! Letter to Fhillb.
then to the thoughtful dweller must come the spirit of the place and hour to weave a gor.
geous tapestry, rich with pictures, illustrative of the heroic age of our young repuhlic. My
tarry was brief and busy, for the sun was rapidly descending — it even touched the forest
tops before I finished the drawing^ — but the cordial reception and polite attentions which I
received from the proprietor, and his warm approval of, and expressed interest for the suc-
cess of my labors, occupy a space in memory Uke that of a long, bright summer day.
This mansion stands upon the upper of two terraces, which are ascended each by five
stone steps. At each front corner of the house is a lofty elm — ^mere saplings when Wash-
ington beheld them, but now stately and patriarchal in appearance. Other elms, with
Rowers and shrubbery, beautify the grounds around it ; while within, iconoclastic innovation
has not been allowed to enter with its mallet and trowel to mar the work of the ancient
builder, and to cover with the vulgar stucco of modern art the carved cornices and paneled
wainscots that first enriched it. I might give a long list of eminent persons whose former
presence in those spacious rooms adds interest to retrospection, but they are elsewhere iden-
tified with scenes more personal and important. I can not refrain, however, from noticing
the visit of one, who, though a dark child of Africa and a bond- woman, received the most
polite attention from the commander-in-chief. This was Phillis, a slave of Mr.Wheatley,
of Boston. She was brought from Africa when between seven and eight years old. She
seemed to acquire knowledge intuitively ; became a poet of considerable merit, and corre-
sponded with such eminent persons as the Countess of Huntingdon, Earl of Dartmouth, Rev-
erend George Whitefield, and others. Washington invited her to visit him at Cambridge,
which she did a few days before the British evacuated Boston ; her master, among others,
having left the city by permission, and retired, with his family, to Chelsea. She passed
half an hour with the commander-in-chief, firom whom and his officers she received marked
attention.*
* Phillis wrote a letter to General Washington in October, 1775, in which she inclosed a poem eulogistic
of his character. In February following the general answered it. I give a copy of his letter, in illustration
of the excellence of the mind and heart of that great man, always so kind and courteous to the most hum-
ble, even when presised with arduous public duties.
u Cambridge, Febroaiy S8, 1776.
" Miss Phillis, — ^Tour favor of the 26th of October did not reach my hands till the middle of Decem-
ber. Time enough, you will say, to have given an answer ere this. Granted. But a variety of import-
ant occurrences, continually interposing to distract the mind and withdraw the attention, I hope will apol-
ogize for the delay, and plead my excuse for the seeming, but not real neglect. I thank you most sincerely
for your polite notice of me in the elegant lines you inclosed ;^ and however undeserving I may be of such
encomium and panegyric, the style and manner exhibit a striking proof of your poetical talents ; in hcmor
of which, and as a tribute justly due to you, I would have published the poem, had I not been apprehensive
that, while I only meant to give the world this new instance of your genius, I might have incurred the im-
putation of vanity. This, and nothing else, determined me not to give it a place in the public prints. If
you should ever come to Cambridge, or near head-quarters, I shall be happy to see a person so favored by
the Muses, and to whom nature has been so liberal and beneficent in her dispensations. I am, with great
respect, your obedient, humble servant, Geo. Washington."
* " I have not been able to find,** aays Mr. Sparks, ** among V/ashington's papers, the letter and poem addreiaed to him." Her
Hnes " On the Death of Whitfield,'* " Farewell to America,** and kindred pieces, exhibit considerable poetic talent The follow-
ing Is a specimen of her verse, written before she was twen^ years of age. It is extracted from a po^m on " Imagination.*
** Though winter frowns, to fancy's raptured eyes
The fields may flourish and gay scenes arise ;
The frozen deeps may break their iron bands.
And bid their waters murmur o'er their sands ;
Fair Flora may resume her fragrant reign,
And with her flowery riches deck the plain ;
Sylvanus may diffuse his honors round, ^
And all the forests may with leaves be crown'd ;
Showers may descend, and dews their gems disclose,
And nectar sparkle on the blooming rose.**
m 1773, when she was at the age of nineteen, a volume of her poems was published In London, dedicated to the Countess of
Huntingdon. They give evidence of quite extensive reading and remarkable tenacity of memory, many of them abounding
with fine allusions to freedom, her favorite ihetoe. After the death of her master. In 177^ she married a man of her own color,
but who was greatly her inferior. His name was Peters. She died in Boston, hi extreme pover^, on the dtfa of December,
ITt^, aged nearly thirty-one years.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
557
The RnocsEL House, Ca»biudgx.(
The " Rledesel Honie." Deacription of th» Place by the Baroneaa RledeseL Attestation of the genuinenen of Phfllls'B Poetry.
A few rods above the residence of Professor Longfellow is the house in which the Bruns-
wick general, the Baron Riedesel, and
his family were quartered, during the
stay of the captive^ army of Burgoyne
in the vicinity of Boston. I was not
aware, when I visited Cambridge, that
the old mansion was still in existence;
but, through the kindness of Mr. Long-
fellow, I am able to present the feat-
ures of its southern front, with a de-
scription. In style it is very much
like that of Washington's head-quar-
ters, and the general appearance of
the grounds around is similar. It is
shaded by noble linden -trees, and
adorned with shrubbery, presenting to the eye all the attractions noticed by the Baroness of
Riedesel in her charming Letters.' Upon a window-pane on the west side of the house
^ This is from a pencil sketch by Mr. Longfellow. I am also indebted to him for the fac-simile of the
aatograph of the Baroness of Riedesel. It w^ be perceived that the t is placed before the e in spelling the
name. I have heretofore given it with the e first, which is according to the orthography in Bnrgoyne^s
Stati of the Expedition^ &c., wherein I supposed it was spelled oorreotly. This autograph shows it to be
erroneoos. Mr. Longfellow's beantiful poem, *' The Open Window," refers to this mansion.
s She thus writes respecting her removal from a peasant's house on Winter Hill to Cambridge, and her
residence there :
" We passed three weeks in this place, and were then transferred to Cambridge, where we were lodged
in one of the best houses of the place, which belonged to Royalists. Seven families, who were connected
by relationship, or lived in great intimacy, had here farms, gardens, and splendid Mansions, and not far off
orchards, and the buildings were at a quarter of a mile distant from each other. The owners had been in
the habit of assembling every afternoon in one or another of these houses, and of diverting themselves with
music or dancing, and lived in affluence, in good humor, and without care, until this unfortunate war at once
dispersed them, and transformed all their houses into solitary abodes, except two, the proprietors of which
were also soon obliged to make their escape.
"On the 3d of June, 1778, 1 gave a ball and supper, in celebration of my husband's birth-day. I had
invited all our generals and officers, and Mr. and Mrs. Carter. General Burgoyne sent us an apology, after
he had made us wait for him till eight o'clock. He had always some excuse for not visiting us, until he
was about departing for England, when he came and made me many apologies, to which I made no other
reply than that I should be extremely sorry if he had put himself to any inconvenience for our sake. The
dance lasted long, and we had an excellent supper, to which more than eighty persons sat down. Our
3rard and garden were illuminated. The king's birth-day falling on the next day, it was resolved that the
company should not separate before his majesty's health was drank ; which was done, with feelings of the
liveliest attachment to his person and interests. Never, I believe, was ' God Save the King' sung with
more enthusiasm, or with feelings more sincere. Our two eldest girls were brought into the room to see
■
Tlie following cariont attestation of tho genoipeneM of the poema of PhUUa is printed in the preface to die volume. SCany of
the names will be recognized as prominent in the Rerolution.
**To TRS Public— As it has been repeatedly suggested to the pabliaher, by persons who have seen the manoseript; that
nnmbers would bo ready to suspect they were not really the writings of PhilUs, he has procured Uie following attestation from
the most respectable characters in Boston, that none might hare the least ground for disputing their original: *We, whose
names are underwritten, do assure the world that the poems specified In the foUowing page were (as we rerily bollere) written
by PhflUs, a young negro girl, who waa, but a few years since, brought an uncuItiTated barbarian from Africa, and has eTf>r
since been, and now is, imder the disadrantage of serving as a slave in a fiunQy in this town. She has been examined by some
of the best Judges, and is thought qualified to write them.
•"His Excellency Thokas HurcRxifSoir, Oocenter
*"The Hon. AjfDxxw OLzvxm, LteuL Oovernor
** * The Hon. Thomas Hubbard, The Rev. Charles Chaunoey, D.D.,
The Hon. John Erving, TTie Rev. Mather Byles, D.D.,
The Hon. James Pitts, Tlie Rev. Edward Pemberton, D J).,
The Hon. Harrison Gray, The Rev. Andrew EUot, D.D.,
Tlie Hon. James Bowdoin, Tlie Rev. Samuel Cooper, D J).,
John Hancock, Esq^ The Rev. Mr. Samuel Mather,
Joseph Green, Esq., The Rev. Mr. John Moorfaead,
Richard Carey, Esq., Mr. John Wheatlry (her matter).' **
Digitized by
Google
558
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Autograph of Ricdeael.
The " Washington Elm."
Bonker HQl Monnment
Dewcratlon of the Spot
^u3lBjt<_
may be seen the undoubted autograph of the accomplished geaeral,
inscribed with a diamond point. It is an interesting memento, and is
preserved with great care. The annexed is a fac simile of it.
During the first moments ^of the soft evening twilight I sketched the
"Washington elm," one of the ancient anakim of the primeval forest,
older, probably, by a half century or more, than the welcome of Samoset to the white set-
tlers. It stands upon Washington Street, near the westerly comer of the Common,
and is distinguished by the circumstance that, beneath its broad shadow, Greneral
Washington first drew his sword as commander-in-chief of the Continental
L _ army.»* Thin lines of clouds, glowing in the light of the setting sun .jajra,
like bars of gold, streaked the western sky, and so prolonged the ^™
twilight by reflection, that I had ample time to finish my drawing before
the night shadows dimmed the paper.
Early on the following morning I procured a chaise to visit Charles-
town and Dorchester Heights. I rode first to the former place, and
climbed to the summit of the great obelisk that stands upon the site
of Ihe redoubt upon Breed's Hill. As I ascended the steps which
lead from the street to the smooth gravel- walks upon the eminence
whereon the " Bunker Hill Monument" stands, I experienced a feel-
ing of disappointment and regret, not easily to be expressed. Be-
fore me was the great memento, huge and grand— all that patriotic
reverence could wish — ^but the ditch scooped out by Presoott's
toilers on that starry night in June, and the mounds that were
upheaved to protect them from the shots of the astonished Brit-
ons, were effaced, and no more vestiges remain of the handi-
work of those in whose honor and to whose memory this obelisk
was raised, than of Roman conquests in the shad
- . ow of Trajan's Column — of the naval battles of
^?»s?rr - Nelson around his monument
^-■^; _. ^^ ' '"'^ -^ '' ' ^^ ' -. ii^ Trafalgar Square, or of
French victories in the Place
Vendome. The fosse and
the breast* works were
T^^all quite prominent
when the
'^ foundation
stone of the
monument
was laid,
the illumioation. We were all deeply moved, and proud to have the courage to display such sentiments in
the midst of oar enemies. Even Mr. Carter* oould not forbear participating in oar enthusiasm." — Letten
and Memoirt relating to the War of American Independence^ and the Capture of the German Troop$ at Sar-
atoga : By Madame De RiedeseL
^ This important event is recorded on page 564, where a pictare of the tree is given.
' This monnment stands in the center of the grounds included within the breast- works of the old redoubt
on Breed's Hill. Its sides are precisely parallel with those of the redoubt. It is built of Quincy granite,
and is two hundred and twenty-one feet in height. The foundation is composed of six oourses of stones,
and extends twelve feet below the surface of the ground and base of the shaft. The four sides of the foon-
^ Mr. Carter waa the aon-fai-law of General Schuyler. Remembering the kindneaa which ahe had reodved from that gentie-
man while in Albany, the baroneaa aonght out Mr. and Mra. Carter (who were living in Boston) on her aniTal at Cambridge.
" Mn. Carter,** ahe aaya, ** resembled her parents in mildness and goodness of heart* but her hoatand was revengefol and false.**
The patriotic zeal of Mr. Carter had given rise to foolish stories respecting him. **They seemed to feel much friendship for
us,*' says Madame De Riedcsd ; * though, at the same time, this wicked Mr. Carter,, in consequence of General Howe*8 having
burned several villages and small towns, suggested to his countrymen to cut off our generals' heads, to pickle them, and to pu*
diem in small barrels, and, as often as the English should again bum a village, to send tiiem one of tfiese barrels ; but tiiat cro
city was not adopted."
BuiocKn Hill Uosvmmmt,*
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 559
DotcriptionofBuDkerHill Monument View from iti Chamber. Its Conatruction and Dedication. ''Hancock" and "Adams."
and a little care, directed by good taste, might have preserved them in their interesting
state of half ruin until the passage of the present century, or, at least, until the sublime
centenary of the battle should be celebrated. Could the visitor look upon the works of the
patriots themselves, associations a hundred-fold more interesting would crowd the mind, for
wonderfully suggestive of thought are the slightest relics of the past when linked with noble
deeds. A soft green-sward, as even as the rind of a fair apple, and cut by eight straight
gravel -walks, diverging from the monument, is substituted by art for the venerated irregu-
larities made by the old mattock and spade. The spot is beautiful to the eye untrained by
appreciating afiection for hallowed things ; nevertheless, there is palpable desecration that
may hardly be forgiven.
The view from the top of the monument, for extent, variety, and beauty, is certainly one
of the finest in the world. A "York shilling" is charged for the privilege of ascending the
monument. The view from its summit is ** a shilling show" worth a thousand miles of
travel to see. Boston, its harbor, and the beautiful country around, mottled with villages,
are spread out like a vast painting, and on every side the eye may rest upon localities of
great historical interest. Cambridge, Roxbury, Chelsea, Quincy, Medford, Marblehead,
Dorchester, and other places, where
dation extend aboat fifty feet horizontally. There are in the whole pile ninety courses of stone, six of them
below the surface of the groand, and eighty-four above. The foundation is laid in lime mortar ; the other
parts of the structure in lime mortar mixed with cinders, iron filings, and Springfield hydraulic cement.
The base of the obelisk is thirty feet square ; at the spring of the apex, fifteen feet. Inside of the shaft is
a round, hollow cone, the outside diameter of which, at the bottom, is ten feet, and at the top, six feet.
Around this inner shaft winds a spiral flight of stone steps, two hundred and ninety-five in number. In both
the oone and shaft are numerous little apertures for the purposes of ventilation and light. The observatory
or chamber at the top of the monument is seventeen feet in height and eleven feet in diameter. It has four
windows, one on each side, which are provided with iron shutters. The cap-piece of the apex is a single
stone, three feet six inches in thickness and four feet square at its base. It weighs two and a half tons.
Almost fifty years had elapsed from the time of the battle before a movement was made to erect a com-
memorative monument on Breed^s Hill. An association for the purpose' was founded in 1824 ; and to give
eclat to the transaction, and to excite enthusiasm in favor of the work, General La Fayette, then " the na-
tion's guest," was invited to lay the comer-stone. Accordingly, on the 17th of June, 182.5, the fiftieth an-
niversary of the battle, that revered patriot performed the interestmg ceremony, and the Honorable Daniel
Webster pronounced an oration on Uie occasion, in the midst of an inunense concourse of people. Forty
survivors of the battle were present ; and on no occasion did La Fayette meet so many of his fellow-soldiers
in our Revolution as at that time. The plan of the' monument was not then decided upon j but one by Solo-
mon Willard, of Boston, having been approved, the present structure was commenced, in 1827, by James
Savage, of the same city. In the course of a little more than a year, the work was suspended on account
of a want of funds, about fifty-six thousand dollars having then been collected and expended. The work
was resumed in 1834, and a^in suspended, within a year, for the same cause, about twenty thoi^sand dol-
lars more having been expended. In 1840, the ladies moved in the matter. A (air was announced to be
held in Boston, and every female in the United States was invited to contribute some production of her own
hands to the exhibition. The fair was held at Faneuil Hall in September, 1840. The proceeds amounted
to sufficient, in connection with some private donations, to complete the structure, and within a few weeks
subsequently, a contract was made with Mr. Savage to finish it for forty-three thousand dollars. The last
stone of the apex was raised at about six o'clock on the morning of the 23d of July, 1842. Edward Games,
Jr., of Charlestown, accompanied its ascent, waving the American flag as he went up, while the interest-
ing event was announced to the surrounding country by the roar of cannon. On the 17th of June, 1843,
the monument was dedicated, on which occasion the Honorable Daniel Webster was again the orator, and
vast was the audience of citizens and military assembled there. The President of the United States (Mr.
Tyler), and his whole cabinet, were present.
In the top of the monument are two cannons, named, respectively, " Hancock" and " Adams," which
formerly belonged to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. The " Adams" was burst by them
in firing a salute. The following is the inscription upon the two guns :
"SACRED TO LIBERTY.
'* This is one of four cannons which constituted the whole train of field-artillery possessed by the British
colonies of North America at the commencement of the war, on the 19th of Apnl, 1775. This cannon
and its fellow, belonging to a number of citizens of Boston, were used in many engagements during the
war. The other two, the property of the government of Massachusetts, were taken by the enemy.
'' By order of the United States in Congress assembled, May 19th, 1788."
Digitized by
Google
560 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
View from Banker Hill Monument The Fast and the Present Dorcheater Heights. Condition of the Forttfleattoos
"The old Contmentals,
In their ragged regimentals,
FalterM not,"
and the numerous sites of small fortifications which the student of history can readily call
to mind. In the far distance, on the northwest, rise the higher peaks of the White Mount-
ains of New Hampshire ; and on the northeast, the peninsula of Nahant, and the more re-
mote Cape Anne may be seen. Wonders which present science and enterprise are devel*
oping and forming are there exhibited in profusion. At one glance from this lofly observa-
tory may be seen seven rail-roads,* and many other avenues connecting the city with the
country ; and ships from almost every region of the globe dot the waters of the harbor.
Could a tenant of the old grave-yard on Copp's Hill, who lived a hundred years ago, when
the village upon Tri-mountain was fitting out its little armed flotillas against the French in
Acadia, or sending forth its few vessels of trade along the neighboring coasts, or occasionally
to cross the Atlantic, come forth and stand beside us a moment, what a new and wonderful
world would be presented to his vision ! A hundred years ago I
" Who peopled all the city streets
A hundred years ago ?
Who fill'd the church with faces meek
A hundred years ago ?"
They were men wise in their generation, but ignorant in practical knowledge when com-
pared with the present. In their wildest dreams, incited by tales of wonder that spiced the
literature of their times, they never fancied any thing half so wonderful as our mighty dray
horse,
'* The black steam-engine ! steed of iron power —
The wond'rous steed of the Arabian tale,
Lanoh'd on its course by pressure of a touch—
I The war-horse of the Bible, with its neck
Grim, -clothed with thunder, swallowing the way
In fierceness of its speed, and shouting out,
* Ha I ha 1" A little water, and a grasp
Of wood, sufficient for its nerves of steel.
Shooting away, * Ha ! ha !' it shouts, as on
It gallops, dragging in its tireless path
Its load of fire." Stbeet.
I lingered in the chamber of the Bunker Hill monument as long as time would allow,
and descending, rode back to the city, crossed to South Boston, and rambled for an hour
among the remains of the fortifications upon the heights of the peninsula of Dorchester.
The present prominent remains of fortifications are those of intrenchments cast up during the
war of 1812, and have no other connection with our subject than the circumstance that
they occupy the site of the works constructed there by order of Washington. These were
greatly reduced in altitude when the engineers began the erection of the forts now in ruins,
which are properly preserved with a great deal of care. They occupy the summits of two
hills, which command Boston Neck on the left, the city of Boston in front, and the harbor
on the right. Southeast from the heights, pleasantly situated among gentle hills, is the
village of Dorchester, so called in memory of a place in England of the same name, whence
many of its earliest settlers came. The stirring events which rendered Dorchester Heights
famous will be noticed presently.
I returned to Boston at about one o'clock, and passed the remainder of the day in visit-
ing places of interest within the city — ^the old South meeting-house, Faneuil Hall, the Prov-
ince House, and the Hancock House, all delineated and described in preceding pages. I am
' When I visited Boston, in 1848, it was estimated that two hundred and thirty trains of ears went daHy
over the roads to and from Boston, and that more than six millions of passengers were conveyed in them
during the preceding year.
* Job, xzxix., 24. 25.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
561
Miwnentoai of Jola Haaeook.
Tbe State Hovm.
Chantrey's WMhingtOQ.
Copp'8 on. Thfi MmAm Tomb
indebted to John Hancock, Esq., nephew of the patriot, and present proprietor and occupant
of the ** Hancock House,'' on Beacon Street, for polite attentions while visiting his interesting
mansion, and for information con-
cerning matters that have passed
under the eye of his eiqperience of
threescore years. He has many
mementoes of his eminent kins-
man, and among them a beauti-
fully-executed miniature of him,
painted in London, in 1 7 6 1 , while
be was there at the coronation of
Greorge III. He also owns the
original portrait of Grovemor Han-
cock, of which the engraving on
page 5 1 5 is a copy.
Near Mr. Hancock's residence
is the State House, a noble struc-
ture upon Beacon Hill, the cor-
ner-stone of which was laid in
1795, by Governor Samuel Ad-
ams, assisted by Paul Revere,
master of the Masonic grand lodge.
There I sketched the annexed
picture of the colossal statue of
Washington, by Chantrey, which
Wasuikoton.i
stands in the open center of the
first story; also the group of
trophies from Bennington, that
hang over the door of the Senate
chamber.* Under these trophies,
in a gilt frame, is a copy of the
reply of the Massachusetts Assem-
bly to Greneral Stark's letter, that
accompanied the presentation of
the trophies. It was written fifty
years ago.
After enjoying the view firom
the top of ihe State House a
while, 1 walked to Copp's Hill, a
little east of Charlestown Bridge,
at the north end of the town,
where I tarried until sunset in
the ancient burying-ground. The
earliest name of this eminence
was Snow Hill. It was subse-
quently named afler its owner,
William Copp.' It came into
the possession of the Ancient and
BUthebs* Vault.
Honorable Artillery Company by mortgage, and when, in 1775, they were forbidden by
Gage to parade on the Conunon, they went to this, their own ground, and drilled in defi-
ance of his threats. The fort, or battery, that was built there by the British, just before
the battle of Bunker Hill, stood near its southeast brow, adjoining the burying-ground. The
remains of many eminent men repose in that little ceme-
tery. Close by the entrance is the vault of the Mather
family. It is covered by a plain, oblong structure of
brick, three feet high and about six feet long, upon which
is laid a heavy brown stone slab, with a tablet of slate,
bearing the names of the principal tenants below.^
Oct. 7, I passed the forenoon of the next day in the
^^^ rooms of the Massachusetts Historical Society,
where every facility was afibrded me by Mr. Felt, the
librarian, for examining the assemblage of things curious
collected there.* The printed books and manascripts, relating principally to American his-
' See map on page 395.
* This is a piotore of Chantrey's statoe, which is made of Italian marble, and cost fifteen thousand dollars.
' On some of the old maps of Boston it is caUed Corpu HiU, the name supposed to have been derived
from the circomstanoe of a bnrying-groond being there.
* The following is the inscription upon the slate tablet : " The Reverend Doctors Increase, Cotton, and
Samuel Mat^r were interred in this vault.
"IiccEEASE died August 27, 1723, JE, 84.
Cotton " Feb. 13, 1727, " 65.
Samuel " Jan. 27, 1785, " 79."*
* This society was incorporated in February, 1794. The avowed object of its organization is to collect,
preserve, and communicate materials for a complete history of this country, and an account of all valuable
efforts of human industry and ingenuity from the beginning of its settlement. Between twenty and thirty
octavo volumes of its " Collections" have been published.
* Tbe library of Dr. Samuel MaOier was burned at Cbaxieatown, when It waa deetroyed by the Britiah la ITTS.
Nn
Digitized by
Google
562
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
CoUaetiaBt of the MiwiliiiwiWi Hlatorical Sodetj.
Colooial and otiber Relka.
DopwtiirB uToin Bodoo.
tory, are numerons, rare, and valuable. There is also a rich depoiitory of the autograplis
of the Pilgrim fathers and
their immediate descend- § iit , m . ^ / /
ants. There are no less ^^^^J^^ p^racfx,^ 4>A ^ ^r,Vi*/f A^f/(4i^f^t^
than twenty.fire large folio volumes of ^ P^^f^^ ^^^ VJvn4»^^^^H fixa^
valuable manuscript letters and other p. "^9^%$^ • yCJt^\A^B0%^\:: ^tun/St
documents ; besides which are six thick ft,y^ ^V»#n i**^"^ t t^tr^ iA^^^^fi^^
quarto manuscript volumes — a comment- it- n m^W ^»?^ 0^n^ «y«.f'w|^y^7^^/
ary on the holy Scriptures — in the hand- writing of AW«X^ . 1 6^% %
Cotton Mather. From an autograph letter of that ^ ^^^ s
singular man the annexed fac-simile of his writing v^(7/f7T77 l!uCU^wlJtn»
and signature is given. Among the portraits in the ii^THsm*! Waimro.
cabinet of the society are those of Governor Winslow,
supposed to have been painted by Vandykoi Increase Mather, and Peter Faneuil, the
founder of Faneuil Hall.
I had the pleasure of meeting, at the rooms of the society, that indefatigable antiquary,
Dr. Webb, widely known as the American correspondent of
the <' Danish Society of Northern Antiquarians" at Copenha-
gen. He was sitting in the chair that once belonged to Grov-
emor Winslow, writing upon the desk of the speaker of the
colonial Assembly of Massachusetts, around which the warm
debates were carried on concerning American liberty, from the
time when James Otis denounced the Writs of Assistance, un-
til Governor Gage adjourned the Assembly to Salem, in 1774.
Hallowed by such associations, the desk is an interesting relic.
Dr. Webb's familiarity with the collections of the society, and
his kind attentions, greatly facilitated my search among the six
thousand articles for things curious connected with my subject,
and made my brief visit far more profitable to myself than it
would otherwise have been. Among the relics preserved are
the chair that belonged to Governor Carver, very similar in its appearance to
the ancient one delineated on page 438 ; the sword of
Miles Standish ; the huge key of Port Royal gate ; a
samp-pan, that belonged to Metacomet, or King Philip ;
and the sword reputed to have been used by Captain
Church when he cut off that unfortunate sachem's head.
The dish is about twelve inches in diameter, wrought
out of an elm knot with great skiU. The sword is very
rude, and was doubtless made by a blacksmith of the colony. The handle is
a roughly-wrought piece of ash, and the gflard is made of a wrought-iron
plate. The circumstances connected with the death of Philip will be noticed
hereafter.
I lingered in the rooms of the society, copying and sketching, with busy
hands, until after one o'clock. An urgent call beckoning me homeward, I de-
parted in the cars for Norwich and New-London between two and three
o'clock in the aflemoon, regretting that my tarry in the city of the Pilgrims
was necessarily so brief, and that I was obliged to forego the pleasures of a
visit to the neighboring villages, all of which are associated with events of the
Revolution. Before departure let us revert to the history of Boston subse-
quent to the battle of Bunker Hill. That event was but the beginning of the stirring scenes
of the siege, which terminated in success for the Americans.
' This desk is made of ash. The semicircolar front is about three feet in diameter The chair, whiob
belonged to Governor Winslow, is of English oak. It was made in 1614.
8PBAKXB*f DksK and WXNtLOW'i
Chaul*
\>*
PUIJF'i Samf-pan.
\
ChUBCH 8 :$WOBX».
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 503
Appointmeiit of a Commimdflr-in.chtof of the Contineotel Army. WMhington't acceptance of the OflBoe. Hii Modesty.
On the 15th of June, 1775, two days before the Bunker Hill battle, the Continental
CongresB, in seasion in Philadelphia, resolved *< That a general be appointed to command all
the Continental forces, raised or to be raised for the defense of American liberty ;" also, " That
five hundred dollars per month be allowed for the pay and expenses of the general."^ The
most difficult question then to be decided was the choice of the man for the responsible of-
fice. Military men of much experience were then in the field at the head of the army be-
leaguring Boston, and by the common consent of the New England colonies General Arte-
mus Ward was the commander-in-chief It was conceded that he did not possess all the
requisites of a skillful and judicious commander, so essential for the service ; yet, it being
doubtful how the New England people, and particularly the soldiery, would relish the su-
percession of General Ward by another. Congress was embarrassed respecting a choice.
The apparent difiiculty was soon overcome by the management of the New England dele-
gation. The subject of the appointment had been informally discussed two or three days
before, and John Adams had proposed the adoption of the provincial troops at Boston as a
Continental Army. At the conclusion of his remarks, he expressed his intention to pro-
pose a member from Virginia for the office of generalissimo. All present understood the
person alluded to to be Colonel George Washington, whose commanding military talents, as
displayed in the service of Virginia, and his capacity as a statesman, as exhibited in the
Congress of 1774, had made him exceedingly popular throughout the land. Acting upon
this suggestion, Thomas Johnson, a delegate from Maryland, nominated Colonel Washing-
ton, and by a unanimous vote he was elected commander-in-chief On the opening of the
session on the following morning, President Hancock communicated to Washington, jqwit.
officially, a notice of his appointment. He rose in his place, and signified his ac- ^^^
ceptance in a brief and truly patriotic reply.* Richard Henry Lee, Edward Rutledge, and
John Adams were appointed a committee to draught a commission and instructions for the
general ; these were given to him four days afterward.' Four major generals, eight brig-
' Journals of Congress, i., Ill, 112.
■ The following is a copy of bis reply :
" Mr. President, — Though I am truly sensible of the high honor done me in this appointment, yet I feel
great distress, from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the ex-
tensive and important trust. 'However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty,
and exert every power I possess in their service, and for the support of the glorious cause. I beg they will
accept my most cordial thanks for this dlstingubhed testimony of their approbation. But, lest some unlucky
event should happen unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered, by every gentleman in
this room, that I this day declare, with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I
am honored with. As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress that^ as no pecuniary consideration
could have tempted me to accept the arduous employment at the expense of my domestic ease and happi-
ness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of my expenses. Those, 1
doubt not, they will discharge, and that is all I desire."
His expressions of distrust in his own ability to perform the duties imposed by the acceptance of the ap-
pointment were heartfelt and sincere. In a letter to his wife, dated the day after his appointment, he said,
" You may beMeve me, mj dear Patsy [the familiar name of Martha], when I assure you, in the most sol-
emn manner, that, so far from seeking the appointment, I have used every endeavor in my power to avoid
it, not only firom my unwillingness to part with you and the family, but from a consciousness of its being a
trust too great for my capacity ; and that I should enjoy more real happiness in one month with you at
home than I have the most distant prospect of finding abroad, if my stay were to be seven times seven
years." Washington was at this time forty-three years of age.
' His commission was in the following words :
" To George Washington, Esq. — ^We, reposing special trust and ctmfidenoe in your patriotism, valor,
conduct, and fidelity, do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be genend and commander-in-
ohief of the army of the United Colonies, and of all the forces now raised, or to be raised by them, and of
all others who shall voluntarily offer their serrioes, and join the said army for the defense of Amemcan lib-
erty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof; and you are hereby vested with full power and au-
thority to act as you shall think for the good and welfare of the service. And we do hereby strictly charge
and require all officers and soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders, and diligent in the
exercise of their several duties. And we do also enjoin and require you to be careful in executing the
great trust reposed in you, by causing strict discipline and order to be observed in the army, and that the
soldiers be duly exercised, and provided with all convenient necessaries. And you are to regulate yoar
Digitized by
Google
564
PICTORIAL FIELl BOOK
1775.
Departure of Washington for the Camp. Reception at New York, Watertown, and Cambridfe. Takes Command of the Army
adiers, and one adjutant general weie appointed,^ and the pay of the Beveral officers was
agreed upon.*
Washington left Philadelphia for the camp at Cambridge on the 21st of June,
where he arrived on the 2d of July. He was every where greeted with enthusiasm
by crowds of people, and public bodies extended to him all the deference due to his exalted
rank. He arrived at New York on the 25th, escorted by a company of light horse from
Philadelphia. Governor Tryon arrived from England on the same day, and the same es-
cort received both the distinguished men. There Washington first heard of the battle
of Bunker Hill. He held a brief conference with Greneral Schuyler, and gave that officer
directions concerning his future operations. Toward evening, on the 26th, he led New
York, under the escort of several military companies, passed the night at Ringsbridge, at
the upper end of Manhattan or York Island, and the next morning, bidding adieu to the
Philadelphia light horse, pressed on toward Boston. He reached Watertown on the morn-
ing of the 2d of July. The Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, presided over by James
Warren, was in session, and voted him a congratulatory address. Major-general Lee, who
accompanied him, also received an
address firom that body. They ar-
rived at Cambridge at two o'clock
in the afternoon, and Washington
established his head-quarters at the
house prepared for him, delineated
on page 555.
On the morning of the 3d of
July, at about nine o'clock, the
^"^ troops at Cambridge were drawn
up in order upon the Comknon to
receive the commander-in-chief Accom-
panied by the general officers of the army
who were present, Washington walked from
^his quarters to the great elm-tree that now
stands at the north end of the Common, and, under
the shadow of its broad covering, stepped a few
paces in front, made some remarks, drew his sword,
and formally took command of the Continental army.
That .was an auspicious act for America ; and the love and reverence
thk WASHiNOToif Elu.s ^hich all felt for him on that occasion never waned during the eight
long years of the conffict. When he resigned that commission into the
hands of Congress at Annapolis, not a blot was visible upon the fair escutcheon of his char-
acter ; like Samuel, he could boldly " testify his integrity"* in all things.
oondact in every respect by the rules and discipline of war (as here given yon), and ponctoally to observe
and follow such orders and directions, from time to time, as yon shall receive from this or a future Con-
gress of these United Colonies, or committee of Congress. This commission is to continue in force until
revoked by this or a future Congress. Signed, Johh Hancock, PruidentJ'
The original of this commission, with other relics of the illustrious ohief^ is carefully preserved in a glass
case, in a room of the Patent Office building at Washington City.
' The names of these several officers are contained in a note on page 190.
' The pay of the several officers was as follows, per month : major general, 8166, and when acting in
a separate department, $330 ; brigadier general, $125 ; adjutant genera^ $125 ; commissary general, $80 *,
quarter-master general, $80; his deputy, $40; paymaster general, $100; his deputy, $50; chief engi-
neer, $60 ; three aids-de-camp for the general, each, $33 ; his secretary, $66 ; commissary of the mus-
ters, $40.
' The house seen in this sketch is one of the oldest in Cambridge, having been built about 1750. It
has been in the possession of the Moore family about seventy-five years. Since I visited Cambridge I have
been informed that a Mrs. Moore was still living there, who^ from the window of that house, saw the cere-
mony of Washington taking command of the army. « 1 Samuel, zii., 3.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
565
CounoU of War. ChanctBr oftbe Army. PunlahmentB. Riflemea. Number of Troop* in the Field. A model Order.
Washington called a council of war on the 9th. It was composed of the major j^^
generals and the hrigadiers, and the ohject of the council was to consult upon future ^^^*
operations. The commander-in-chief found himself at the head of an army composed of a
mixed multitude of men of every sort, from the honest and intelligent citizen, possessed of
property and station, to the ignorant knave, having nothing to lose, and consequently every
thing to gain. Organization had been effected in a very slight degree, and thorough disci-
pline was altogether unknown. Intoxication, peculation, falsehood, disobedience, and disre-
spect were prevalent, and the punishments which had been resorted to were quite ineffectual
to produce reform.' It was estimated by the Council that, from the best information which
could be obtained, the forces of the enemy consisted of eleven thousand five hundred elect-
ive men, while the Americans had only about fourteen thousand fit for duty.* It was unan-
imously decided by the Council to maintain the siege by strengthening the posts around Bos-
ton, then held by the Americans, by fortifications and recruits. It was also agreed that, if
the troops should be attacked and routed by the enemy, the places of rendezvous should be
Wales's Hill, in the rear of the Roxbury lines ; and also that, at the present, it was " in-
expedient to fortify Dorchester Point, or to oppose the enemy if he should attempt to take
possession of it."
Some riflemen firom Maryland, Virginia, and Western Pennsylvania, enlisted under the
orders of Congress, and led by Daniel Morgan, a man of powerful frame and sterling cour-
age, soon joined the camp.' Upon their breasts they wore the motto ** Liberty or Death."
A large proportion of them were Irishmen, and were not very agreeable to the New En-
glanderS. Otho Williams, afterward greatly distinguished, was lieutenant of one of the
Maryland companies. Both these men rose to the rank of brigadier.
The first care of the commander-in-chief was to organize the army.^ He arrangod it
into three grand divisions, each division consisting of two brigades, or twelve regiments, in
' These pomshments consisted in pecuniary fines, standing in the pillory, confinement in stocks, riding
a wooden horse, whipping, and drumming out of the regriment.
' The follovring return of the army was made to Adjatant-general Gates on the 19th of July :
CWMMk
flo.pt
edoflkera
kodcUA
5oiH»m-
DiiMkmwl
oflkm.
UnkaodUa
Totd.
pTOMOt at for
Sick
praMoL
Sick
tbMDt.
Ontof
louitl..
On com*
raand.
Massachusetts ....
Connecticut
New Hampshire. - .
Rhode Island
Total
26
3
3
3
789
125
98
107
1,326
174
160
108
9,396
2,105
1,201
1,041
757
212
115
24
450
2
20
18
311
14
49
2
774
279
11,688
2,333
1,664
1,085
35
1,119
1,768
13,743
1,108
490
376
1,053
16,770
' These men attracted much attention, and on account of their sure and deadly aim, they became a ter-
ror to the British. Wonderful stories of their exploits went to England, and one of the riflemen, who was
carried there a prisoner, was gazed at as a great curiosity.
* The following general order was issued on the 4th of July, the day alter Washington took command
of the army :
"The Continental Congress having now taken all the troops of the several colonies, which have been
raised, or which may be hereafter raised for the support and defense of the liberties of America, into their
pay and service, they are now the troops of the United Pboviivces of Noeth Ambrica ; and it is hoped
that all distinction of colonies will be laid aside, so that one and the same spirit may animate the whole,
and the only contest be, who shall render, on this great and tr3ring occasion, the most essential service to
.the great and common cause in which we are all engaged. It is required and expected that exact disci-
pline be observed, and due subordination prevail through the whole army, as a failure in these most essen-
tial points must necessarily produce extreme hazard, disorder, and confusion, and end in shameful disap-
pointment and disgrace. The general most earnestly requires and expects a due observance of those articles
of war, established for the government of the army, which forbid profane cursing, swearing, and drunken •
ness ; and in like manner, he requires and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged on actual duty,
a punctual attendance on divine service, to implore the blessings of Heaven upon the means used for our
safety and defense.*'
This brief order may be regarded as a model. In a few words, it evokes harmony, order, the exercise
of patriotism, morality, sobriety, and an humble reverence for and reliance upon Divine Providence. It
includes all the essential elements of good government. These principles were the moral bonds of union
that kept the little Continental army together during the dreary years of its struggle for the mastery.
Digitized by
Google
566
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Arrangement of the Army.
Location of the acTeral Diriaiona.
OflScera of the aame.
General Joeeph Spencer.
which the troops from the same colony, as far as practicahle, were hrought together. The
right wing, under Major-general Ward, consisted of two hrigades, commanded hy Generals
Thomas and Spencer/ and was stationed at Roxhury and its southern dependencies. The
left wing was placed under the command of General Lee, and consisted of the brigades of
Sullivan and Greene. The former was stationed upon Winter Hill ; the latter upon Pros-
pect Hill. The center, stationed at Cambridge, was commanded by General Putnam, and
consisted of two brigades, one of which was commanded by Heath, and the other by a sen-
ior officer, of less rank than that of brigadier. Thomas Mifflin, who accompanied Wash-
ington from Philadelphia as aid-de-camp, was made quarter-master gen'eral. Joseph Trum-
JfRnfiTriN WITH ITfi FNViRONS.i?^
^ Joseph Spencer served as a major and colonel daring the Seven Years' War. He was a native of East
Haddam, in Connecticut, where he was bom in 1714. He was with the Continental army in the expedi-
tion against Rhode Island, in 1778, and assisted in Sullivan's retreat. He soon afterward resigned his
commission, and left the army, when he was chosen to be a delegate in Congress from his native state. He
died at East Haddam in January, 1789, aged seventy-five years. General Seth Pomeroy, who was ap*
pointed with Spencer and others, refused to serve, and Spencer took rank next to Putnam in the army at .
Boston. This removed, in a degree, the difficulty that was apprehended in settling the rank of some of the
officers. By this arrangement, General Thomas, who was Ward's lieutenant general, was made the first
brigadier.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 567
RelatiTtt Pooition of die beUigerent Armiei. Atnfirifaiii Foitiflcatloofl. Emenon't Plctare of tbo Cunp.
bull, a Bon of the patriot governor of Connecticut, was appointed commissary general, and
upon Joseph Reed, of Philadelphia, was bestowed the post of secretary to the commander-
in-chief. In the course of a few months Reed returned to Philadelphia, and was succeeded
in office by Robert H. Harrison, a Maryland lawyer.
The relative position of the belligerent armies was, according to a letter written by Wash-
ington to the President of Congress, on the 10th of July, as follows : the British were
strongly intrenched on Bunker Hill, about half a mile from the chief place of action
on the 17th of June, with their sentries extending about one hundred and fifly yards beyond
the narrowest point of Charlestown Neck. Three British floating batteries were in the
Mystic River near Bunker Hill, and a twenty-gun ship was anchored below the ferry-place
between Boston and Charlestown. They had a battery upon Copp's Hill in Boston, and
the fortifications upon the Neck, toward Roxbury, were strengthen^. Until tho 7th, the
British advance guards occupied Brown's Buildings, about a mile from Roxbury meeting-
house. On that day a party from Greneral Thomas's camp surprised the guard, drove them
in, and burned the houses. The bulk of the army, commanded by Greneral Howe, lay upon
Bunker Hill ; and the light horse, and a corps of Tories, remained in Boston.
The Americans had thrown up intrenchments on Winter and Prospect Hills, in full view
of the British camp, which was only a mile distant. Strong works were also thrown up at
Roxbury, two hundred yards above the meeting-house. Strong lines were made across
from the Charlestown Road to the Mystic River, and by connecting redoubts, there was a
complete line of defense from that river to Roxbury.'
A letter written by the Reverend William Emerson, a chaplain in the army, a few days
after Washington's arrival, gives the following life-like picture (jf the camp : **New lords,
new laws. The generals, Washington and Lee, are upon the lines every day. New orders
from his excellency are read to the respective regiments every morning afler prayers. The
strictest government is taking place, and great distinction is made between officers and sol-
diers. Every one is made to know his place, and keep in it, or to be tied up and receive
thirty or forty lashes, according to his crime. Thousands are at work every day from four
till eleven o'clock in the morning. It is surprising how much work has been done. The
lines are extended almost from Cambridge to the Mystic River ; so that very soon it will be
morally impossible for the enemy to get between the works, except in one place, which is
supposed to be left purposely unfortified, to entice the enemy out of their fortresses. Who
would have thought, twelve months past, that all Cambridge and Charlestown would be
covered over with American camps, and cut up into forts and intrenchments, and all the
lands, fields, and orchards laid common — horses and cattle feeding in the choicest mowing
land, whole fields of com eaten down to the ground, and large parks of well-regulated lo-
custs cut down for fire-wood and other public uses. This, I must say, looks a little melan-
choly. My quarters are at the foot of the famous Prospect Hill, where such preparations
are made for the reception of the enemy. It is very diverting to walk among the camps.
They are as difierent in their form as the owners are in their dress, and every tent is a por-
traiture of the temper and taste of the persons who encamp in it. Some are made of boards,
and some of sail-cloth ; some partly of one and partly of ^e other. Again, others are made
of stone or turf, brick or brush. Some are thrown up in a hurry ; others are curiously
wrought with doors and windows, done with wreaths and withes, in the manner of a basket.
Some are your proper tents and marquees, looking like the regular camp of the enemy. In
these are the Rhode Islanders, who are furnished with tent equipage and every thing in
the most exact English style. However, I think this great variety rather a beauty than a
blemish in the army.""
While Washington was organizing the Continental army. Congress was active in tho
' The reader will more clearly understand the relative position of the hostile forces and their respective
fortifications, by a careful oxamuiation of the map on the preceding page. It shows the various worki
thrown up during the summer and autumn of 1775, and at the beginning of 1776.
• Spark's Lift and Writingt of Wathington (Appendix), iii., 491.
Digitized by
Google
568 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Action of Congress. Treason of Dr. Clinrdi. Tho New England Colonies Franklin's Post4)aioe Book.
adoption of measures to strengthen his hands, and to organize civil government. Acting
upon the suggestion of the Provincial Congress of New York, we have already observed
Jane 23, (^^> P^^ ^16) ^^^ Congress authorized the emission of bills of credit. Articles
1775. of war were agreed to on the 30th of June, and on the 6th of Jnly a Declaration
was issued, setting forth the cause and necessity for taking up atms. A firm but respectful
petition to the king was drawn up by John Dickinson, the author of '< Letters of a Penn-
sylvania Farmer,'' &c., and adopted on the 8th ; and addresses to the inhabitants of Great
Britain, Ireland, Canada, and Jamaica, were adopted in the course of the month. The In*
dians. were not overlooked ; it was important to secure their neutrality at least ; and three
boards for Indian affairs were constituted : one for the Six Nations and other northern
tribes ; a second for the Cherokees, at the South ; and a third for the intervening nations,
on the borders of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Already some Stockbridge Indians, from
Massachusetts, near the New- York line, the last remnant of the tribes of Western New En-
gland, were in the camp at Boston ; and Kirtland, the missionary among the Six Nations of
New York, was making overtures to the Oneidas and the Mohawks. Congress also estab-
lished a post-office system of its own, extending in its operations from Falmouth (now Port-
land, Maine) to Savannah, and westward to remote settlements. Dr. Franklin was ap-
pointed post-master general.^ An army hospital for the accommodation of twenty thousand
men was established. At its head was placed Dr. Benjamin Church, of Boston, till this
time a brave and zealous compatriot of Warren and his associates. Soon after his appoint-
ment he was detected in secret correspondence with Gage. He had intrusted a letter,
written in cipher, with his mistress, to be forwarded to the British commander. It was
found upon her ; she was^ken to head-quarters, and there the contents of the letter were
deciphered, and the defection of Dr. Church established. He was found guilty, by a court
martial, of criminal correspondence with the enemy. Expulsion from the House of Repre-
sentatives of Massachusetts, and close confinement in Norwich Jail, in Connecticut, by order
of the general Congress, speedily followed. His health failing, he was allowed to leave the
country. He sailed for the West Indies ; but the vessel that bore him was never afterward
heard from. His place in the hospital was filled by Dr. John Morgan, one of the founders
of the Medical School in Philadelphia. Church v^as the first traitor to the American cause.
The New England colonies, sustained by the presence of a strong army, labored energet-
ically in perfecting their civil governments. Connecticut and Rhode Island, as we have
observed, were always democratic, and through the energy of Trumbull, the governor of the
former, that colony took an early, bold, and commanding stand for freedom. Nor was the
latter colony much behind her democratic colleague. Benning Wentworth, governor of
New Hampshire, having lost all political power, shut himself up, for two months, in Fort
William and Mary at Portsmouth, during which time his house was pillaged by a mob.
He prorogued the Assembly in July, and then fled to Boston for safety. Massachusetts
organized a House of Representatives under the original charter ; and as, according to the
provisions of that charter, the executive authority devolved upon the Council in the absence
of the governor and his lieutenant, that body, chosen on the 21st of July, assumed
such authority. Such continued to be the government of the colony until the adop-
tion of a state constitution in 1780. A single executive committee was constituted, vested
with all the powers hitherto exercised by the several committees of correspondence, inspec-
tion, and safety. This consolidation produced far greater efficiency. Of tiie civil and mil-
itary operations of other colonies I shall write hereafter ; for the present, let us view the
progress of events at Boston.
* In the General Post-office at Washington city I saw, several years ago, the book in which Franklin
kept his post-office acoonnts. It is a common, half-boand folio, of three qaires of coarse paper, and con-
tained all the entries for nearly two years. The first entry was November 17, 1776. Now more than
fifteen hundred of the largest-sized ledgers are required annually for the same porpose ; the number of con-
tractors and other persons having accounts with the office being over thirty thousand. There are about
one hundred clerks employed in Sie department.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 569
Tlie bemgerent Annies at Boston. SUrmishes and other hostile Moveraenti. Naral Operations on the CoMt Ntry Boards.
During the remainder of the summer, and throughout the autumn, the beUigerents con-
tinually menaced each other, hut neither appeared ready for a general engagement. The
British were awaiting re-enforcements, and the Americans were too feehle in men, disci-
pline, and munitions of war, to make an assault with a prospect of success. Several skir-
mishes occurred, and on two or three occasions a general hattle was apprehended.
The declaration of Congress, setting forth the causes and the necessity for taking up arms,
was read by President Langdon,' of Harvard, before the army at Cambridge, on the 1 5th
of July. On the 18th, it was read to the division under General Thomas, at Eox-
bury, and also to the troops under Putnam, upon Prospect Hill. At the close of the
reading a cannon was fired, three hearty cheers were given by the army, and the flag that
was presented to Putnam a few days before was unfurled.' ** The Philistines on Bunker
Hill," said the Essex Gazette, in its account of the afiair, << heard the shouts of the Israel-
ites, and being very fearful, paraded themselves in battle array." The 20th was observed
as a day of fasting by the whole army. On the 30th (Sunday), five hundred British troops
marched over Charlestown Neck, and built a slight breast-work ; at the same time a Brit
ish floating battery was rowed up the Charles River. Another party of troops sallied out
toward Roxbury, drove in the American sentinels, and set fire to a tavern. Frequent ex-
cursions were made by both parties to the islands in the harbor, and skirmishes, sometimes
severe, were the consequences. These things kept the two armies on the alert, and disci*
plined them in habits of vigilance.
British cruisers kept the New England coast, from Falmouth to New London, in. a state
of continual alarm.' They were out in every direction, seeking plunder and endeavoring to
supply the camp with fresh provisions. Lieutenant Mowatt, commander of a British brig,
made a descent upon Gloucester, Cape Anne, and attempted to land. He was repulsed,
after he had thrown several bombs into the town without serious efiect. Sto- Angnst la.
nington, in Connecticut, was bombarded for a day ; two men were killed, and September ao.
the houses were much shattered. In October, Mowatt was sent to Falmouth (now Port-
land, in Maine), to obtain a supply of provisions from the inhabitants, and to demand a sur-
render of their arms. They refused obedience, and boldly defied him ; whereupon, after
giving time sufficient for the women and children to leave the town, he bombarded and set
it on fire. It contained about five hundred buildings, and presently a large portion of them
were in flames. One hundred and thirty-nine houses, and two hundred and sev-
enty-eight stores and other buildings were destroyed ; but the resolute inhabitants
maintained their ground, repulsed the enemy, and prevented his landing. Bristol, on the
east side of Narragansett Bay, and other towns in the neighborhood, were visited in like
manner by the depredators. These wanton cruelties excited intense indignation, and the
American troops that environed Boston could hardly be restrained from attacking the op-
pressors of their countr3rmen.
The Americans, as a countervailing measure-, fitted out cruisers, and in a short time each
colony had a navy board. These privateers became very formidable to the enemy, and the
extent of British depredations along the coast was greatly lessened. Washington sent out
five or six armed vessels to intercept supplies coming into the port of Boston, and some im-
portant captures were made. Some of the American naval officers proved very inefficient.
Captain Manly, almost alone, at that time, sustained the character of a bold and skillful
commander, and he and his crew did good service to the cause. They bravely maintained
their position off" Boston Harbor, and in the course of a few weeks captured three valuable
' Reverend Samuel Langdon was a native of Boston, and graduated at Harvard in 1740. He snoceeded
Mr. Locke as president of that institntion, in 1774. On aocoont of a lack of urbanity, he was disliked by
the students, who made his situation so disagreeable that he resigned the presidency in 1780. In 1781,
at Hampton Fall, New Hampshire, he resumed his mimsterial labors, in which he continued faithful until
his death. This event ocounred on the 29th of November, 1797, at the age of seventy-four.
' This was the flag before alluded to, which bore on one side the motto ^^jin appeal to fifaven," and on
the other " Qm tranttulO^ iuHimt:^
Digitized by
Google
670
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
1775.
Capture of Ammunition. Attempt to leize Manly. Repulee of Linzoe. Scarcity of Powder. Expected Sortie.
vessels, one of which was laden with heavy guns, mortars, and intrenching tools — a valu-
able prize for the Americans at that time. Only thirteen days before, Washington wrote to
Congress, "I am in very great want of powder, lead, mortars, indeed most sorts of military
stores.'' Captain Manly supplied him more promptly and bountifully than Congress could
do. The finest of the mortars was named Congress, and placed in the artillery park at
Cambridge.
Manly soon became a terror to the British,
and the Falcon sloop-of-war. Captain Linzee,
was sent out to attempt to seize him. He
was chased, in company with a schooner, into
Gloucester Harbor. The schooner was seiz-
ed by the enemy. Manly ran his brig ashore.
Linzee fired more than three hundred guns,
and sent barges of armed men to take the
brig ; but the crew and the neighboring mili-
tia behaved so bravely Jthat Linzee was re-
pulsed, having lost nearly half his men. Man-
ly's vessel was got ofi* without much damage,
and was soon cruising again beneath the pine-
tree flag.*
Early in August, Washington discov-
ered that a great mistake had been
made in reporting to him the condition of the
commissariat, in the article of powder. <* Ou r
situation," he said, in a letter to Congress, "in
the article of powder, is much more alarming
than I had the most distant idea of." « In-
stead of three hundred quarter-casks," wrote
Reed, "we have but thirty -two barrels."
Powder-mills were not yet in successful oper-
ation in the province, and great uneasiness prevailed lest the enemy should become acquaint-
ed with their poverty. Vessels were fitted out, on private account, to go to the West In-
dies for a supply of powder. The Provincial Congress of Massachusetts passed a law pro-
hibiting a waste of powder in shooting birds or for sports of any kind, and every
precaution was adopted to husband the meager supply on hand.
Although Washington did not feel strong enough to make an assault upon Boston, he was
prepated to receive an attack from the enemy, and was anxious for such an event. For
weeks it had been rumored that the British intended to make a sortie in full force ; and,
finally, the 25th of August was designated as the day selected for the demonstration. It
was understood that Earl Percy was to have the command of Boston Neck, where he ex-
pected to retrieve the honors which he lost in his retreat from Lexington. In the mean
while, the British were daily practicing the maneuvers of embarking and debarking, and
ever;- movement indicated an intention to make an efibrt to break up the circumvallating
line of provincials that hemmed them so closely in.
On Saturday night, the 26th of August, General Sullivan, with a fatigue party of
one thousand men, and a guard of two thousand four hundred, marched, in imitation
of the feat of Prescott's, to Plowed Hill (now Mount Benedict), within point blank shot of
Thr Pikk-trxb Flao.«
August 12.
1775.
^ Bradford's History of Massachusetts, page 75.
• This engraving is a reduced copy of a vignette on a map of Boston, published in Paris in 1776.
The
London Chronicle, an anti-ministerial paper, in its issue for January, 1776, gives the following description
of the flag of an American cruiser that had been captured : "In the Admiralty office is the flag of a provin-
cial privateer. The field is white bunting ; on the middle is a green pine-tree, and upon the opposite sidf
is the motto, ^Appeal to Heaven.^ "
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 571
Pordllcations on Plowed HUL Heary Bombardment Condition of Troope and People m Boston.
the enemy's batteries on Bunker Hilli and before morning cast up such intrenchments as af-
forded excellent protection against the cannons of the British. Washington hoped this ma-
neuver would bring on a general action, and he rejoiced to hear the cannonade that opened
upon the American works in the morning, from Bunker Hill and a ship and two floating
batteries in the Mystic. More than three hundred shells were thrown by the enemy on that
occasion.' On account of the scarcity of powder the cannonade was not returned. A nine
pounder, planted on a point at the Ten Hills Farm, played so efiectually against the float-
ing batteries that one of them was sunk and the other silenced. The British cannonade
ceased at night. In the morning, troops were observed to be drawn up on Bunker Hill, as
if for marching. Washington now expected an attack, and sent five thousand men to Plowed
Hill* and to the Charlestown Road. It was a bold challenge for the enemy, but he pru-
dently refused to accept it For several dnja he fired a few cannon shots against the Amer-
ican works, but, perceiving them to be ineflectual, he ceased all hostilities on the 10th of
September. It was about this time that the Continental army received seven hundred
pounds of powder from Rhode Island ; " probably a part," says Gordon, " of what had been
brought from Africa."*
The close investment of Boston by troops on land and privateers at sea began to have a
serious eflcct upon the officers, troops, and people in the city.^ They had an abundance of
salt provision, but, being unaccustomed to such diet, many fell sick. Gage, doubtless, spoke
in sentiment, if not in words, as Freneau wrote :
" Three weeks, ye gods 1 nay, three long years it seems
Since ro<ut beef I have toached, except in dreams.
In sleep, choice dishes to my view repair ;
Waking, I gape, and champ the empty air.
Say, is it just that I, who rale these bands,
Should live on hnsks, like rakes in foreign lands ?
Come, let us plan some project ere we sleep,
And drink destruction to the rebel sheep.
On neighboring isles uncounted cattle stray ;
Fat beeves and swine — an ill-defended prey —
These are fit 'visions for my noonday dish j
These, if my soldiers act as I could wish,
In one short week would glad your maws and mine ;
On mutton we will sup— on roast beef dine."
Midnight Musings; on, a Trip to Boston, 1775.
In daily apprehension of an attack from the provincials, and the chances for escape hourly
diminishing, they exerienced all the despondency of a doomed people. Gage was convinced
that the first blow against American freedom had been struck in the wrong place, and that
the position of his troops was wholly untenable. He had been re-enforced since the battle
of Bunker Hill, but the new-comers were a burden rather than an aid ; for he had the sa-
gacity to perceive that twice the number of troops then under his command were insufficient
to efii^tually disperse the Continental army, backed, as it was, by other thousands ready to
step from the furrow to the intrenchment when necessity should call. Idleness begat vice,
in various forms, in his camp, and inaction was as likely as the weapons of his enemy to
decimate his battalions.* Much annoyance to the British officers was produced by the cir-
^ During this cannonade, Adjutant Mumford, of Colonel Vamnm's Rhode Island regiment, and another
soldier, had their heads shot ofi^ and a rifleman was mortally wounded.
' Bunker Hill, Plowed Hill, and Winter Hill are situated in a range from east to west, each of them on
or near the Mystic River.
' Early in 1775, two vessels, laden with New England rum, sailed from Newport to the coast of Africa.
The rum was exchanged, at the British forts, for powder ; and so completely did this traffic strip the for-
tresses of this article, that there was not an ounce remaining that could be taken from the use of the gar-
risons. This maneuver produced a seasonable supply for the provincials.
< The number of inhabitants in Boston, on the 28th of July, was six thousand seven hundred and fifty-
three. The number of the troops was thirteen thousand six hundred.
* Most of the soldiers were encamped on the Common, which was not, as now, shaded by large trees^
Digitized by
Google
572
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
American Hand-bills In the British Camp.
Opinions concerning tihe Provincials.
Plan for relieving Boston
culation of hand-bill addresses among the soldiers. They found their way into the British
camp ; how, no one could tell.^ They were secret and powerful emissaries ;• for the soldiers
pondered much, in their idle moments, upon the plain truths which these circulars contained.
Every thing now betokened ruin to the royal cause. Even as early as the 25th of
June, Gage said, in a letter to Dartmouth, when giving an account of the battle of
the 1 9 th, << The trials we have had show the rebels are not the despicable rabble too many
have supposed them to be ; and I find it owing to a military spirit encouraged among them
for a few years past, joined with an uncommon degree of zeal and enthusiasm, that they are
not otherwise." Toward the close of July he wrote despairingly to Lord Dartmouth. After
averring that the rebellion was general, he said, " This province began it — ^I might say this
town ; for here the arch rebels formed their scheme long ago." He spoke of the disadvan-
tageous position of the troops, and suggested the propriety of transferring the theater of oper-
ations to New York, where " the friends of government were more numerous."
The few patriots who remained in Boston were objects of continual suspicion, and sub-
ject to insults daily. They were charged with sketching plans of the military works, tele-
graphing with the provincials by signals from steeples, and various other acts, for which
some were thrown into prison. At length provisions became so scarce, and the plundering
expeditions sent out by Gage to procure fresh food were so unsuccessful,* that the coounander
determined to make arrangements for the removal of a large number of the inhabitants firom
the town. It was notified that James Urquhart, the town major, would receive the names
juiyiM, of those who wished to leave. Within two days more than two thousand names
1775. y^QjQ handed in, notwithstanding there was a restriction that no plate was to be car-
ried away, and no more than five pounds in. cash by each person. Many people of property,
who would gladly have lefl, were unwilling to do so, for they knew that what property re-
mained would become a prey to the soldiery. Of those who departed, many women quilted
silver spoons into their garments. Coin was smuggled out of the city in the same way.
These refugees landed principally at Chelsea, and scattering over tiie country, were all re-
bat exposed to the heat of the summer smi. " It is not to be wondered,'' said a letter-writer, in August,
, *' that the fatigue of duty, bad accommodations, and the use of too much spirits, should produce fever is
the camp. The soldiers can not be kept from rum. Six-pence will buy a quart of West India rum, and
four-pence is the price of a quart of New England rum. Even the sick and the wounded iiave often noth-
ing to eat but salt pork and fbh."
^ I saw one of diese hand-bills among the Proclamations, &o., in the Massachusetts Historical Society.
It was an address to the soldiers who were about embarkingr for America, and was printed in London. The
writer, in speaking of the course of the provincials, emphasizes, by italics, printed in a single conspicuous
line, the expression,
" Before God and man they ari right /"
On the back of this address is the following endorsement, which was evidently printed in this country, the
type and ink being greatly inferior to the other. It alludes to the two camps : the one on Prospect Hill,
under Putnam ; the other on Bunker Hill, under Howe.
Pbospbct Hiu..
I. Seven dollars a month.
II. Fresh provisions, and in plenty.
III. Health.
lY. Freedom, ease, af&uence, and a good farm.
Bunker Hnx.
I. Three-pence a day.
U. Rotten salt pork.
III. The scurvy.
rV. Slavery, beggary, and want.
' One of these, in August, was quite successful. In the neighborhood of New London, a small British
fleet obtained eighteen hundr^ sheep and more than one hundred head of oxen. Frothingham (page 236)
quotes a letter from Oage to Lord Dartmouth, in which this important fact is announced. This letter was
published, and in the anti-ministerial London Chronicle the following impromptu appeared :
"In dajM of yore the Brltiih troopa
Have taken warlike kings In battle ;
But now, alas I their valor droops,
For Gage takes naught but— harmless catUe.
** Britons, wiA grief yoor bosoms strike I
Tonr fodod laurels loudly weep I
Bdiold your heroes, Quixotte Uke,
Driving a timid flock of— aheep I'
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 573
Counoil of War. SltoAtton of the Annj. Waahingtoii*« Ckwoplaints. Gaga recalled. His LUb and Character.
oeived with the open aims of hospitality every where, except a few Tories who ventured to
leave the city. These were treated with bitter scorn, and there were many martyrs for
opinion's sake. This measure was a great relief to Gage ; and the capture, about that
time, of an American vessel laden with firesh provisions, made food quite plentiful in the
city for a while.
The inactive and purely defensive policy pursued by both armies became exceedingly on-
erous to Washington, and he resolved, if expedient, to endeavor to put an end to it. Con*
gross, too, became impatient, and requested Washington to attack the enemy if he perceived
any chance for success. The commander-in-chief, accordingly, called a council of war op
the 1 1th of September. In view of the rapid approach of the time when the term of
enlistment of many of the troops would expire, and also of the general unfavorable con-
dition of the army, Washington desired to make an immediate and simultaneous attack upon
the city and the camp of the enemy on Bunker Hill. But his officers dissented ; and the
decision of the Council was '* that it is not expedient to make the attempt at present." Ten
days afterward, Washington wrote a long letter to the President of Congress, in which, after
milking a statement which implied a charge of neglect on the part of that body, he drew a
graphic picture of the condition of the army. *' But my situation," he said, « is inexpress-
ibly distressing, to see the winter fast approaching upon a naked army, the time of their
service within a few weeks of expiring, and no provisions yet made for such important events.
Added to these, the military chest is totally exhausted ; the paymaster has not a single dollar
in hand ; the commissary general assures me that he has strained his credit for the subsist-
ence of the army to the utmost ; the quarter-master general is in precisely the same situa-
tion ; and the greater part of the troops are in a state not far from mutiny, upon a deduc-
tion from their stated allowance. I know not to whom I am to impute this failure ; but I
am of opinion that, if the evil is not immediately remedied, and more punctuality observed
in future, the army must absolutely break up." Thus we perceive, that within three months
after his appointment to the chief command, Washington had cause to complain of the tardy
movements of the general Congress. Throughout the war, that body often pressed like a
dead weight upon the movements of the army, embarrassing it by special instructions, and
neglecting to give its co-operation when most needed. It was only during the time when
Washington was invested with the powers of a military dictator, that his most brilliant mil-
itary achievements were accomplished.
It was in September that the expedition to Quebec, under Arnold, by the way of the Ken-
nebec, was planned. This important measure, and the progress and result of the expedition,
have already been noticed on pages 190 to 194 inclusive.
Convinced of the inefficiency of Gage, and alarmed at the progress of the rebellion, the
king sunmioned that officer to England to make a personal explanation of the state of af-
fairs at Boston. Gage sailed on the 10 th of October, leaving afiairs in the hands of
General Howe.^ Before his departure, the Mandamus Council, a number of the prin-
' Thomas Gage, the last royal governor of Massachusetts, was a native of England, and was an active
officer dnring the Seven Tears* War. He was appointed Governor of Montreal in 1760, and, at the de-
parture of Amherst from America, in 1763, was commissioned command-
er-in-chief of the British forces in America. He superseded Hutchinson /^^ y)
as Governor of Massachusetts, and had the misfortune to enter upon the i/^j^ ^ J^my^ ^^
duties of his office at a time when it became necessary for him, as a faith- (/'^ * /ryf^^
ful servant of his king, to execute laws framed expressly for the infliction /7 jff ^-,^^^^
of chastisement upon the people of the capital of the colony over which ho ^
was placed. From that date his public acts are interwoven vrith the his- yy""^
XjoTf of the times. He possessed a naturally amiable disposition, and his
benevolence often outweighed his justice in the scale of duty. Under other circumstances his name might
have been sweet in the recollection of the Americans ; now it is identified with oppression and hatred of
freedom. He went to England in the autumn of 1775, vrhere he died in April, 1787. Gage expected to
return to America and resume the command of the army ; but ministers determined otherwise, and appointed
General Howe in his place. The situaticm was offered to the veteran Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia,
bat as he would not aooept the conmiission unless he could go to the Americans with assurances from gov-
Digitized by
Google
574
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Loyal AddreM to Gage. Saperiortty of Howe. Fortifications in Boston. The ** Old Sooth" deseonUsd. Oflloers frigfaleoed.
cipal inhabitants of Boston, and several who had taken refuge in the country, in all about
seventy persons, addressed him in terms of loyal afiection, amounting to panegyric. It was
certainly unmerited ; for his civil administration had been weak, and his military operations
exceedingly inefficient. This was felt by all parties. His departure was popular with the
army ; and the provincials, remembering the spirit displayed by General Howe in the battle
on Breed's Hill, anticipated a speedy collision. Howe was superior to Gage in every par-
ticular, and possessed more caution, which was generally found-
ed upon logical deductions from fact. Governed by that cau-
tion, he was quite as unwilling as Gage to attack the Amer-
icans. He remembered the disparity in numbers on the 17th
of June, and the bravery of the provincials while fighting be-
hind breast- works cast up in a single night. He properly ar-
gued that an army of the same sort of men, fifteen thousand
strong, intrenched behind breast- works constructed by the labor
of weeks, was more than a match for even his disciplined troops
of like number, and prudently resolved to await expected re-en-
forcements from Ireland before he should attempt to procure
that " elbow-room" which he coveted.* In the mean while, he
strengthened his defenses, and prepared to put his troops into
comfortable winter quarters. He built a strong fort on Bunker
Hill,' and employed six hundred men in making additional for-
tifications upon Boston Neck. In the neighborhood of the hay-
market, at the south end of the city, many buildings were pull-
ed down, and works erected in their places. Strong redoubts
were raised upon the difierent eminences in Boston, and the old
South meeting-house was stripped of its pews and converted
into a riding-school for the disciplining of the cavalry.' This
last act took place on the I9th of October, and the desecration
greatly shocked the feelings of the religious community. On
October, *^® 28th, Howe issued three proclamations, which
created much indignation, and drew forth retaliatory
1775.
Bbxtuh Foat on Bukkbb Hill
eminent that strict justice shoald be done them, the post was assigned to Howe. This was a tacit admis-
sion, on the pcurt of ministers, that justice to the Americans formed no part of their scheme.
^ It is said that both officers and soldiers regarded the Americans with a degree of saperstitious fear, for
many highly exaggerated tales of their power had been related. Dr. Thatcher says (Journal, p. 38) that,
according to letters written by British officers from Boston, some of them, while walking on Beacon Hill in
the evening, soon after the arrival of Gage, were frightened by noises in the air, which they took to be the
whizzing of bullets. They left the hill with great precipitation, and reported that they were shot at with
air-guns. The whizzing noise which so much alarmed these valiant officers was no other than the whiz-
zing of bugs and beetles while flying in the air. Trumbull, in his MTingall, thus alludes to this ludicrous
circumstance :
** No more the British colonel mns
From whizzing beetles as air-gun*:
Thinks hom-bngs bullets, or, through fears,
Mosquitoos takes for musketeers ;
Nor 'scapes,^ as if you'd gain'd supplies
From Beelzebub's whole host of flies.
No bug these warlike hearts appals ;
They better know the sound of balls."
• This was a well-built redoubt. The parapet was from six to fifteen feet broad ; the ditch Yrom four-
teen to eighteen feet wide, and the banquet about four feet broad. The galleries and parapet before them
were raised about twenty feet high, and the merlons at the six-gun battery in the center were about twelve
feet high, a a, two temporary magazines; b 6, barracks; c, guard-houses; d, magazine; e, advanced
ditch ; h A, bastions.
' A Mr. Carter, quoted by Frothingham, writing on the 19th of October, says, " We are now erecting
redoubts on the eminences on Boston Common ; and a meeting-house, where sedition has been often preach-
ed, is clearing out to be made a riding-school for the light dragoons." Gordon says, " In clearing every
thing away, a beautiful carved pew, with silk furniture, formerly belonging to a deceased gentleman [Dea- .
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 575
Harsh Meatoros, and Retaliation. Congress Committee at Headquartera. Little Nary organized. Floating Batteries
measures from Washington. The first forbade all persons leaving the town without per-
mission, under pain of military execution ; the second prohibited persons who were permit-
ted to go from carrying with them more than twenty-five dollars in cash, under pain of for-
feiture—one half of the amount to be paid to the informer ; and the third ordered all the
inhabitants within the town to associate themselves into military companies. Washington
retaliated by ordering General Sullivan, who was about departing for Portsmouth, New
Hampshire, to seize all officers of government unfriendly to the patriots. Similar orders
were sent to Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut, and Deputy-governor Cooke, of Rhode
Island.
While Howe was thus engaged, Washington was not idle. A committee of Congress,
consisting of Dr. Franklin, Thomas Lynch, and Benjamin Harrison (father of the late Pres-
ident Harrison), arrived at head-quarters on the 18th of October, to confer with the com-
mander-in-chief respecting fiiture operations. Deputy-governor Griswold and Judge Wales,
of Connecticut ; Deputy-governor Cooke, of Rhode Island ; several members of the Massa-
chusetts Council, and the President of the Provincial Congress of New Hampshire, were
present at the conference, which lasted several days, and such a system of operations was
matured as was satisfactory to G^tieral Washington.* A plan was agreed upon for an en-
tirely new organization of the army, which provided for the enlistment of twenty-six regi-
ments of eight companies each, besides riflemen and artillery. Already measures had been
adopted to organize a navy. As early as June, Rhode Island had fitted out two armed
vessels to protect the waters of that colony ; Connecticut, at about the same time,
«ne or two armed vessels ; and, on the 26th of June, the Provincial Congress of Massachu-
setts resolved to provide six armed vessels. None of the latter had been got in readiness as
late as the 12th of October, as appears by a letter from Washington to the President of the
Continental Congress.
Having received no instructions from Congress on the subject, Washington took the re-
sponsibility, under his general delegated powers, of making preparations to annoy the enemy
t)y water. Agents were appointed to superintend the construction of vessels, and to furnish
4upplies. Cap'tain Broughton, of Marblehead, received a naval commission from Washing-
ton, dated September 2d, 1775, the first of the kind issued by the Continental Congress
through its authorized agent. Before the close of October, six vessels of vmall size' bad been
armed and manned, and sent to cruise
within the capes of Massachusetts
Bay. Two strong floating batteries
were launched, armed, and manned
in the Charles River ; and, on the
26th of October, they opened a fire
upon Boston that produced great alarm
and damaged several houses. The
six schooners commissioned by Wash-
con Hubbard] in high estimation, was taken down and canied to Mr. John Armory's house, by the order
of an officer, who applied the carved work to the erection of a hog-stye."
' While Dr. Franklin was at head-quarters, the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts paid him the re-
maining moneys dae him for services as agent for the colony in England, amounting to nine thonsand two
hundred and seventy dollars. Five hundr^ dollars had been sent to him from London as a charitable do-
nation for the relief of the Americans wounded in the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, and for the
widows and orphans of those who were killed. This sum he paid over to the proper committee.
' The names of five of these vessels were Hannah, Harrison, Lee, Washington, and Lynch. The six
commanders were Broughton, Selman, Manly, Martindale, Coit, and* Adams.
' I am indebted to the kindness of Peter Force, Esq., of Washington city (editor of " The American Ar-
chives''), for this drawing of one of the American floating batteries used in the siege of Boston. It is copied
from -an English manuscript in his possession, and is now published for the first time. I have never met
with a description of those batteries, and can judge of their construction only from the drawing. They ap-
pear to have been made of strong planks, pierced, near the water-line, for oars ; along the^ides, higher up,
for light and musketry. A heavy gun was placed in each end, and upon the top were four swivels The
AMXUICAS t'hOATlSQ BaTTXKT.*
Digitized by
Google
576 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Vessels of War authorized by CongreM. Letters of Marque and ReprisaL Condition of the Army before Boatoik
ington, and the floating batteries, sailed under the pine-tree flag. The Continental Congress
^October 13, authorized two vessels to be fitted out and manned ;^ afterward two others, one
b October 30. of twenty and one of thirty-six guns, were ordered. ^ On the 28th of November,
a code of naval regulations was adopted. On the 1st of February following (1776), the
navy, if so it might be properly called, was formed into a new establishment, being composed
of four vessels — ^the Hancock, Captain Manly ; the Warner, Captain Burke ; the Lynch,
Captain Ayres ; and the Harrison, Captain Dyer. Captain Manly was the commodore of
the little fleet. ^ In November, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress issued letters of
marque and reprisal, and established courts of admiralty. Such was the embryo of the navy
of the United States. A more detailed account of the organization of the navy and its oper-
ations during the Revolution, will occupy a chapter in another portion of this work. I have
mentioned here only so much as related to operations connected with the siege of Boston.
The term of enlistment of many of the troops was now drawing to a close, and Washing-
ton felt great apprehensions for the result. Nearly six months had elapsed since the battle
of Bunker Hill, yet nothing had been done, decisively, to alter the relations in which the
belligerents stood toward each other. The people bc^gan to murmur, and the general Con-
gress fretted. New enlistments were accomplished tardily, and in December not more than
five thousand recruits had joined the army. It became excessively weakened in numbers
and spirit, and as the cold increased, want of comfortable clothing and fiiel became an almost
insupportable hardship. Many regiments were obliged to eat their provisions raw, for the
want of wood to cook them. Fences, and the fruit and shade trees for more than a mile
around the camp, were used for fuel. The various privations in the camp produced frequent
desertions. The Connecticut troops demanded a bounty, and being refiised, resolved to leave
the camp in a body on the 6th of December. Mesisures were taken to prevent the move-
ment, yet many went ofi* and never returned. The commander-in-chief was filled with the
greatest anxiety. Still, he hopefully worked on in preparation for action, either ofiensive
or defensive. A strong detachment under Putnam broke ground at Cobble Hill (now
M'Lean Asylum) ; the works on Lechmere's Point were strengthened, fmd a call that was
made upon the New England militia to supply the places of the troops that left the army
in its hour of peril, was nobly responded to.
At the close of the year most of the regiments were full ; and about ten thousand minute
men, chiefly in Massachusetts, were held in ready reserve to march when called upon. The
camp was well supplied with provisions ;* order was generally observed, and in the course
of a fortnight a wonderful change for the better was wrought. The ladies of several of the
oflicers arrived in camp ; and the Christmas holidays were spent at Cambridge quite agree-
ably, for hope gave joy to the occasion.'
ensign was the pine-tree flag, according to Colonel Reed, who, in a letter from Cambridge to Colonels Glover
and Moylan, dated October 20th, 1775, sdd, " Please to fix some particular color for a flag, and a signal
by which our vessels may know one another. What do you think of a flag with a white ground, a tree in
the middle, the motto * Appeal to Heaven ?' This is the flag of our floating batteries."
* Sparks's Life and Writingi of Washington^ iii., 516.
* The rations for the soldiers were as follows : corned beef and pork four dap in the week, salt fish one
day, and fresh beef two days. Each man had a pound and a half of bee^ or eighteen ounces of pork a day;
one quart of strong beer, or nine gallons of molasses, to one hundred men per week ; six pounds of candles
to one hundred men per week ; six ounces of butter, or nine ounces of hogs' lard per week ; three pints of
beans or pease, per man, a week, or vegetables equivalent ; one pound of flour per day, and hard bread to
be dealt out one day in the week.
* Mrs. Washington arrived on the 1 1th of December, accompanied by her son, John Parke Custis, and his
wife. Some persons thought her in danger at Mount Vernon, as Lord Dunmore was making the most de-
termined hostile movements against \«publicanism in Virginia. It was feared that he might attempt to
seize the person of Lady Washington, to be held as a hostage. As the oonunander-in-chief could not leave
the army, she was requested to pass the winter with him at Cambridge. The expenses incurred by the
occasional visits of Mrs. Washington to the camp during the war were charged to the government. Wash*
' ington was careful to call attention to this fact, and in the rendition of his accounts for settlement he refers
to it, and expresses a hope that the charges will be considered right, inasmuch as he had not visited his
home during his time of service, a privilege which he was allowed by the terms of his appointment
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
577
Fint anAiriing of the Union flag.
Return of Colonel Knox, with heary artillery.
CHAPTER XXV.
' When Freedom, from her moantaia height,
Unfurl'd her standard to the air,
She tore the azare robe of night,
And set .the stars of glory there.
She mingled with its gorgeoos dyes
The mUky baldric of the skies,
And striped its pure celestial white
With streakings of the morning light ;
Then from his mansion in the sun
She caird her eagle-bearer down,
And gave into his mighty hand
The symbol of her chosen land."
Joseph Rodman Drake.
r
N the first of January, 1776, the
^ new Continental army was organ-
i:^)^ '>^ ized, and on that day the Union
FLAG OF THIRTEEN STRIPES WaS Un-
fuxled, for the first time, in the American
camp at Cambridge. On that day the
king s speech (of which I shall presently write) was
received in Boston, and copies of it were sent, by a
flag, to Washington. The hoisting of the Union en-
' sign was hailed by Howe as a token of joy on the re-
ceipt of the gracious speech, and of submission to the
;; crown. ^ This was a great mistake, for at no time had
) Washington been mora determined to attack the king's
troops, and to teach oppressors the solemn lesson that " Ke-
sistance to tyranny is obedience to God."
After the arrival of Colonel Knox with military stores from the
north, whither he had been sent in November, the commander-in-chief
resolved to attack the enemy, either by a general assault, or by bombard-
ment and cannonade, notwithstanding the British force was then near-
ly equal to his in numbers, an^ greatly superior in experience. Knox
brought with him from Fort George, on forty-two sleds, eight brass mor-
tars, six iron mortars, two iron howitzers, thirteen brass cannons, twenty-
six iron cannons, two thousand three hundred pounds of lead, and one
* Washington, in a letter to Joseph Reed, written on the 4th of January, 1776, said, " The speech I send
yoo. A volume of them was sent oat by the Boston gentry, and, farcical enough, we gave great joy to
them without knowing or intending it ; for on that day, the day which gave being to the new army, but be-
fore the proclamation came to hand, we had hoisted the Union fiag^ in compliment to the United Coloniei*.
* This flag bore the device of the English Union^ which distinguishefl the Royal Standard of Great Britain. It is eompoeed
of the cross of Si. George, to denote England, and St. Andrew's cross, in the form of an X, to denote Scotland. This device
was placed in the comer of the Royal Flag, after the accession of James the Sixth of ScoUand to the throne of England as
James the First. A picture of this device may be seen on page 321, Vol. II. It most be remembered that at this time the Amer-
ican Congress had not declared the colonies "Ihse and independent" states, and that even yet the Americans proffered their
warmest loyalty to British justice, when it should redress their grievances. The British ensign was therefore not yet dis-
carded, but It was used upon their flags, as in this instance, with the field composed of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white,
as embtematie of the union of the thirteen colonies in the struggle for flreedom. Ten months before, "a Union flag with a red
lleid" was hoisted at New York, upon the Liberty-pole on the " Common," bearing the inscripUon—" George Rex^ and the
Liberties of Aroeriea," and upon the other side, ** No Popery." It was this BrlUsh Vnien, on the American flag, which caused
the misapprehension of the British in Boston, alluded to by Washington. It was a year and a half later (and a year after the
eolonles were declared to be independent states), that, by official orders, "thirteen white stars upon a blue field" waa a device
substitnted for the British Unions and then the *' stripes and stars" became our national banner.
I. 20
Digitized by
Google
578 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Plan of Attack on Boston. Re-enforcement of the Anny. ConnoQofWar. Nnmber of t2ie l^txipfc SltaationofWaebingloli.
barrel of flints. In the harbor of Boston the enemy had several vessels of war,^ and upon
Banker Hill his works were very strong.
Washington's plan depended, in its execution, upon the weather, as it was intended to
pass the troops over to Boston, from Cambridge, on the ice, if it became strong enough.
The Neck was too narrow and too well fortified to allow him to hope for a successfol eflbrt
to enter the town by that way. The assault was to be made by the Americans in two divi-
sions, under Brigadiers Sullivan and Greene, the whole to be commanded by Major-general
Putnam. Circumstances prevented the execution of the plan, and January pass^ by with-
out any decisive movement on the part of either army. The American forces, however,
were daily augmenting, and they were less annoyed by the British cannon than they had
oeen, for Howe was more sparing of powder than Gage.'
The Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, at its winter session, organized the militia of
the province anew. John Hancock, James Warren, and Azor Ome were appointed major
generals, and thirteen regiments were formed. A new emission of paper money, to a large
amount, was authorized, and various measures were adopted to strengthen the Cdntinental
army. Early in February, ten of the militia regiments arrived in camp ; large supplies of
ammunition had been received ; intense cold had bridged the waters with ice, and Washing-
ton was disposed to oommence operations immediately and vigorously. He called a council
Febrnary, ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^ ^^^t ^ whom he communicated the intelligence, derived from care-
1776. fui returns, that the American army, including the militia, then amounted to a
little more than seventeen thousand men, while that of the Britbh did not much exceed five
thousand fit for duty. Many of them were sick with various diseases, and the small-pox
was making terrible havoc in the enemy's camp.' Re-enforcements from Ireland, Hali&x,
and New York were daily expected by Howe, and the present appeared to be the proper
moment to strike. But the council again decided against attempting an assaiilt, on acoonnt
of the supposed inadequacy of the undisciplined Americans for the task. They estimated
the British forces at a much higher figure ; considered the fact that they were double o£S-
cered and possessed ample artillery, and that the ships in the harbor would do great execu-
tion upon an army on the ice, exposed to an enfilading fire. It was resolved, however, to
bombard and cannonade the town as soon as a supply of ammunition should arrive, and that,
in the mean time, Dorchester Heights and Noddle's Island (now East Boston) should be
taken possession of and fortified. The commander-in-Kshief was disappointed at this decision,
for he felt confident of success himself. " I can not help acknowledging," he said, in a letter
February 18, ^ Cougress, '* that I have many disagreeable sensations on account of my situ-
1776. ation ; for, to have the eyes of the whole Continent fixed with anxious expecta-
tion of hearing of some great event, and to be restrained in every military operation for the
want of the necessary means for carrying it on, is not very pleasing, especially as the means
Bat behold ! it was received in Boston as a token of the deep impression the speech had made npon us, and
as a signal of submission. So we hear by a person out of Boston last night. By this time, I presume, they
begin to think it strange that we have not made a formal surrender of our lines." The principal flag hith-
erto used by the army was pUin crimson. Referring to the reception of the king's speech, the Annual
Register (1776) says, "So great was the rage and indignation [of the Americans], that they burned the
speech, changed their colors from a plain red ground which they had hitherto used, to a flag with thirteen
stripes, as a symbol of the number and union of the colonies.'* The blue field in one comer, with thirteen
stars, was soon afterward adopted ; and by a resolution of the Continental Congress, already referred to,
passed on the 14th of June, 1777,* this was made the national flag of the United States.
^ The Bo3me, sixty-four guns ; Preston, fifty guns j Scarborough, and another sloop, one of twenty and
the other of sixteen guns, and the Mercury.
' From the burning of Charlestown to Christmas day, the enemy had fired more than two thousand shot
and shells, one half of the former being twenty-four pounders. They hurled more than three hundred bombs
Ht Plowed HUl, and one hundred at Lechmere's Point. By the whole firing on the Cambridge side they
killed only seven men, and on the Roxbuiy side just a dozen l-^Oordon, i., 418.
' Quite a number of people, sick with tUs loathsome disease, were sent out of Boston ; and General How«
was charged w>th the wicked design of attempting thus to infect the American army with the malady.
* Jooniala, UL, 194.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 679
ConditiQii of tfaaBritiih Troops in Boston. A Ftroe and its TerminttioD. Bombardment of Boston. Industry of tliePstriotii
used to conceal my weakness fitom the enemy conceal it also from our firiends, and add to their
wonder/' In the midst of these discouragements Washingtmi prepared for a bombardment
The British troops in Boston were beginning to be quite contented with their lot, and
Howe felt almost as secure as if he was on the shores of Old England. He wrote to Dart-
mouth that he was under no apprehension of an attack from the rebels ; and so confident
were the Tories of the triumph of British arms, that Crean Brush, a conceited and syco-
phantic Loyalist from New York, offered to raise a body of volunteers of three jannairio,
hundred m^n, to « occupy the main posts on the Ccmnecticut River, and open a ^^^*
line of communicatbn westward toward Lake Champlain," after ** the subduction of the
main body of the rebel force. "^ The enemy had also procured a plentiful supply of provi-
sions, and the winter, up to the 1st of February, was tolerably mild. « The bay is open,''
wrote Colonel Moylan, from Roxbury. " Every thing thaws here except Old Put He is
still as hard as ever, crying out, < Powder ! powder ! ye gods, give me powder !' " The
British officers established a theater ; balls were held, and a subscription had been opened
for a masquerade, when Washington's operations suddenly dispelled their dream of security,
and called them to lay aside the " sock and buskin," the domino, and the dancing-slipper,
for the habiliments of real war. They had got up a farce called " Boston Blockaded ;"*
they were now caUed to perform in the serio-comic drama of Boston bombarded, with appro-
priate costume and scenery.
The design of Washington to fortify Dorchester Heights was kept a profound secret, and,
to divert the attention of Howe, the Americans opened a severe bombardment and cannon-
ade, on the night of the 2d of March, from the several batteries at Lechmere's Point,
Roxbury, Cobble and Plowed Hills, and Lamb's Dam. Several houses in the city
were shattered, and six British soldiers killed. The fire was returned with sjMrit, but with
out serious efiect. In the course of the bombardment, the Americans burst the " Congress'*
thirteen inch mortar, another of the same size, and three ten inch mortars.
On Sunday and Monday nights a similar cannonade was opened upon the city. March 3,4,
At seven o'clock on Monday ev^ung. General Thomas, with two thousand men, ^'^^•
and intrenching tools, proceeded to take possession of Dorchester Heights. A train of three
hundred carts, laden with fascines and hay, followed the troops. Within an hour, march-
ing in perfect silence, the detachment reached the heights. It was separated into two divi-
sions, and upon the two eminences already mentioned they commenced throwing up breast-
works. Bundles of hay were placed on the town side of Dorchester Neck to break the rum-
ble of the carts passing to and firo, and as a defense against the guns of the enemy, if they
should be brought to bear upon the troops passing the Neck. Notwithstanding the moon
was shining brightly and the air was serene, the laborers were not observed by the British
sentinels. Under the direction of the veteran Gridley, the engineer at Bunker Hill, they
worked wisely and well. Never was more work done in so short a time, and at dawn two
forts were raised sufficiently high to afibrd ample protection for the forces within. They
presented a formidable aspect to the alarmed Britons. Howe, overwhelmed with astomsh-
ment, exclaimed, " I know not what I shall do. The rebels have done more in one night
than my whole army would have done in a month." They had done more than merely
raise embankments ; cannons were placed upon them, and they now completely commanded
the town, placing Britons and Tories in the utmost peril.
^ Frothingham ; from manuscripts in the office of the Secretary of State of Massaohnsetts.
' This play was a burletta. The figure designed to represent Washington enters with mioouth gait,
wearing a large wig, a long, rusty swoi^ and attended by a country servant with a rusty gun. While this
farce was in course of performance on the evening of the 8th of January (1776), a sergeant entered sud-
denly, and exclaimed, **" The Yankees are attacking our works on Bunker Hill I" The audience thought
this was part of the play, and Uughed immoderately at the idea ; but they were soon undeceived by the
voice of the burly Howe shouting, " Officers, to your alarm-posts I^' The people dispersed m great confu-
sion. The cause of the fright was the fact that Majors Knowlton, Carey, and Henly had crossed the mill-
liam from Cobble Hill, and set fire to some houses in Charlestown occupied by British soldiers. They burned
tight dwellings, killed one man, and brought off five prisoners.
Digitized by
Google
58b PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
AatoniBhment of the British. Insecurity of the Fleet and Anny. Prepentioos for BomberdiDg Boelaa.
The morning on which these fortresses were vevealed to the enemy was the memorable
5th of March, the anniversary of the Boston Massacre.^ The associations connected with
the day nerved the Americans to more vigorous action, and they determined to celebrate and
signalize the time by an act of retributive vengeance. Howe saw and felt his danger ; and
nis anxiety was augmented when Admiral Shuldham assured him that the British fleet in
the harbor must be inevitably destroyed when the Americans should get their heavy guns
and mortars upon the heights. Nor was the army in the city secure. It was therefore re-
solved to take immediate measures to dislodge the provincials. Accordingly, two thousand
four hundred men were ordered to embark in transports, rendezvous at Castle William, and,
under the gallant Earl Percy, make an attack that night upon the rebel works.' Wash*
ington was made acquainted with this movement, and, supposing the attack was to be made
immediately, sent a re-enforcement of two thousand men to Greneral Thomas. Labor con-
stantly plied its hands in streng^thening the works. As the hills on which the redoubts were
reared were very steep, rows of barrels, filled with loose earth, were placed outside the breast-
works, to be rolled down upon the attacking column so as to break their ranks ; a measure
said to have been suggested by Miffin. All was now in readiness. It was a mild, sunny
day. The neighboring heights were crowded with people, expecting to see the bloody trag-
edy of Breed's Hill acted again. Washington himself repaired to the intrenchments, and
encouraged the men by reminding them that it was the 5th of March. The commander-
in-chief and the troops mevQ in high spirits, for they believed the long-coveted conflict and
victory to be near.
While these preparations were in progress on Dorchester Heights, four thousand troops,
in two divisions, under Grenerals Sullivan and Greene, were parading at Cambridge, ready
to be led by Putnam to an attack on Boston when Thomas's batteries should give the signal.
They were to embark in boats in the Charles River, now clear of ice, under cover of three
floating batteries, and, assaulting the city at two prominent points, to force their way to the
works on the Neck, open the gates, and let in the troops from Roxbury.
Both parties were ready for action in the afternoon ; but a furious wind that had arisen
billowed the harbor, and rolled such a heavy surf upon the shore where the boats of the en-
emy were obliged to land, that it was unsafe to venture. During the night the rain came
down in torrents, and a terrible storm raged all the next day. Howe abandoned his plan,
and Washington, greatly disappointed, returned to his camp, leaving a strong force to guard
the works on Dorchester Heights.
The situation of Howe was now exceedingly critical. The fleet and army were in peril,
and the loyal inhabitants, greatly terrified, demanded that sure protection which Howe had
]ic„^]j^ so often confidently promised. He called a council of officers on the 7th, when it
i''^^ was resolved to save the army, by evacuating the town. This resolution spread
great consternation among the Tories in the city, for they dreaded the just indignation of the
patriots when they should return. They saw the power on which they had leaned as almost
invincible growing weak, and quailing before those whom it had aflected to despise. They
well knew that severe retribution for miseries which they had been instrumental in inflict-
ing, surely awaited them, when British bayonets should leave the peninsula and the excited
patriots should return to their desolated homes. The dangers of a perilous voyage to a
strange land seemed far less fearful than the indignation of the oppressed Americans, and
the Loyalists resolved to brave the former rather than the latter. They began, therefore,
to prepare for a speedy departure ; merchandise, househoM furniture, and private property
of every kind were crowded on board the ships. Howe had been advised by Dartmouth, in
' The day, usaally observed in Boston, was now commemorated at Watertown, notwithstanding the ex-
citing events oocorring in the city and vicinity. The Reverend Peter Thaoher delivered an oration on the
occasion. — Bradford, 94.
' Three weeln previoosly, saspecting that the Americans were about to take possession of Dorchester
Neck, Howe sent a detachment from Castle William, under Lieutenant-colonel Leslie, and some grenadiers
and light infantry, under Major Musgrove, to destroy every house and other cover on the peninsula. They
passed over on the ice, executed their orders, and took six of the American guard ftisoners.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 581
ConditioiioftfaePatrlotafaiBoflUML Tftdt Agreement to qwra the Town. Cannonade renewed. Comtntwrimi to plunder.
November, to evaonate Boston, bat excused bimself by pleading that the shipping was inad-
equate. He was now obliged to leave with less, and, in addition to his troops, take with
him more than one thousand refugee Loyalists, and their effects. Ammunition and war-
like magazines of all kinds were hurried on board the vessels ; heavy artillery, that could
not be carried away, was dismounted, spiked, or thrown into the sea, and some of the forti-
fications were demolished. The number of ships and transports was about one hundred and
fiAy ; but these were insufficient for the conveyance of the multitude of troops and inhabit-
ants, their most valuable property, and the quantity of military stores to be carried away.^
The few patriots who remained in Boston now felt great anxiety for the fate of the town.
They saw the preparations for departure, and were persuaded that the enemy, smarting un-
der the goadings of disappointed pride and ambition, would perform some signal act of venge-
ance before leaving — ^probably set fire to the city.' Actuated by these surmises (which were
confirmed by the threat of Howe that he would destroy the town if his army was molested
in departing), and by the fearful array of ships which the admiral had arranged around the
city, a delegation of the most influential citizens communicated with the British commander,
through General Robertson* The conference resulted in a promise, on the part of Howe,
that, if Washington would allow him to evacuate quietly, the town should be spared. A
communication to this efiect, signed by four leading men — John Scollay, Timothy Newell,
Thomas Marshall^ and Samuel Austin — ^was sent to the camp at Roxbury without any spe-
cial address. It was received by Colonel Learned, who carried it to Washington. The
commander-in-chief observed, that as it was an unauthenticated paper, without an address,
and not obligatory upon Greneral Howe, he would take no notice of it. Learned commu-
nicated this answer to the persons through whom the address from Boston was received.
Although entirely non-committal, it was received as a favorable answer, and both parties
tacitly consented to the arrangement.
Washington, however, did not relax his vigilance, and continued his preparations for an
assault upon Boston if the enemy did not speedily leave. A battery was placed near the
water on Dorchester Neck on the 9th, to annoy the British shipping. On the same if^^^
night a detachment marched to Nooks' Hill, a point near the city completely com- ^^^
mandiug it, and planted a battery there. A fire imprudently kindled re voided their labor
in progress to the enemy. A severe cannonade was immediately opened upon the patriots
from the British batteries in the city. This was a signal for a general discharge of cannons
and mortars from the various American batteries, and until dawn there was a continual roar
of heavy guns. More than eight hundred shot were fired during the night. It was a fear-
ful hour for the people of Boston, and all the bright anticipations of a speedy termination of
the dreadful suspense in which for months they had lingered were clouded. But the bellig-
erents were willing to avoid bloodshed. Washington determined to have possession of Bos-
ton at all events, but preferred to take it peaceably ; while Howe, too cautious to risk a gen-
eral action, and desirous of employing his forces in some quarter of the colonies where better
success might be promised, withheld his cannonade in the morning, and hastened his prep-
arations for evacuation.
And now a scene of great confusion ensued. Those who were about to leave and could
not carry their furniture with them, destroyed it ; the soldiers broke open and pillaged many
stores ; and Howe issued an order to Crean Brush,' who had fawned at his feet ever since
the siege began, to seize all clothing and dry goods not in possession of Loyalists, and place
^ General Howe's official aooount.
' Congress gave Washington instructions in the Antnmn to destroy Boston if it should be necessary to do
so in order to dislodge the enemy. This instruction was given with the full sanction of many patriots who
owned much property in the city. John Hanoock, who was probably the largest property holder in Boston,
wrote to Washington, that, notwithstanding such a measure would injure him greatly, he was anxious the
thing should be done, if it would benefit the cause. Never were men more devoted than those who would
be the g^reatest sufierers.
' This order, which is dated March 10th, 1776, is in the office of the Secretaiy of State of Massachusetts,
and bears Howe's autograph. — Frothingham,
Digitized by
Google
582 PICTOHIAL FIELD-BOOK
Bftd Conduct of the Britlth Troops. Tlw EmbarkttUm. Eattrance of the Amerlcami into the Ctty. TbeRetagMik
them on board two brigantines in the harbor. This autlwrized plunder caused great dis-
tress, for many of the inhabitants were completely stripped. Shops and dwellings were bro-
ken open and plundered, and what goods could not be carried away were wantonly destroyed.
These extremes were forbidden in general order the next day, but the prohibition
was little regarded.
On the 1 5th, the troops paraded to march to the vessels, the inhabitants being ordered
to remain in their houses until the army had embarked. An easterly breeze sprang up, and
the troops were detained until Sunday, the 1 7th. In the mean while, they did much mis-
chief by destroying and defacing furniture, and throwing valuable goods into the river.
They acted more like demons than men, and had th^ not been governed by officers possessed
of some prudence and honor, and controlled by a fear of the Americans, the town would
doubtless have sufiered all the horrors of sack and pillage.
Early on Sunday morning, the embarkation of the British army and of the Lo3^ists com-
menced. The garrison on Bunker Hill left it at about nine o'clock. Washington observed
these movnnents, and the troops in Cambridge immediately paraded. Putnam with six
regiments embarked in boats on the Charles River, and landed at Sewall's Point The sen-
tinels on, Bunker Hill appeared to be at their posts, but, on approaching, they w&re observed
to be nothing but effigies ; not a living creature was within the British worin. With a
loud shout, that startled the retreating Britons, the Americans entered and took possession.
When this was efiected, the British and Tories had all left Boston, and the fleet that was
to convey them away was anchored in Nantasket Roads, where it remained ten days.^ A
detachment of Americans entered the city, and took possession of the works and the military
stores that were left behind.' The gates on Boston Neck were unbarred, and Grcneral Ward,
with five thousand of the troops at Roxbury, entered in triumph, Ensign Richards bearing
the Union flag. General Putnam assumed the command of the whole, and in the name of
the Thirteen United Cohnies took possession of all the forts and other defenses which the
•March 18, i^^treating Britons had left behind. » On the 20th, the main body of the army,
1776. ^th Washington at the head, entered the city, amid the joyous greetings of hund-
reds, who for ten months had sufliered almost every conceivable privation and insult. Their
friends from the country flocked in by hundreds, and joyful was the reunion of many fam-
ilies that had been separated more than half a year. On the 28 th, a thanksgiving sermon
was preached by the Reverend Dr. Elliot, from the words of Isaiah, ** Lode upon Zion, the
city of our solemnities : thine eye shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that
shall not be taken down : not one of the stakes thereof shall be removed, neither shall any
of the cords thereof be broken.'" It was a discourse full of hope for the future, and oon-
^ The whole effective British force that withdrew, inohidiDg seamen, was aboat eleven thousand. The
Loyalists, classed as follows, were more than one thousand in number : 132 who had held official stations j
18 clergymen; 105 persons from the oomitry; 213 merchants; 382 farmers, traders, and mechanics:
total 924. These returned their names on their arrival at Halifax, whither the fleet sailed. There were
nearly two hundred more whose names were not registered. It was a sorrowful flight to most of them ;
for men of property left all behind, and almost every one relied for daily food upon rations from the army
stores. The troops, in general, were glad to depdrt. Frothingham (page 312) quotes from a letter written
by a British officer while lying in the harbor. It is a fair exhibition of the feelings of the troops : " Expect
no more letters from Boston ; we have quitted that place. Washington played upon the town for several
days. A shell which burst while we were preparing to embark did very great damage. Our men have
suffered. We have one consolation left. Tou know the proverbial expression, * Neither Hell, Hull, nor
Halifax can affi>rd worse shelter than Boston.' To fresh provision I have for many noonths been quite an
utter stranger. An egg was a rarity. The next letter from Halifax."
^ So crowded were the vessels with the Loyalists and their effects that Howe was obliged to leave some
of his magazines. The principal articles which were left at Castle Island and Boston were 250 pieces of
cannon, great and small ; four thirteen and a half inch mortars ; 2500 chaldrons of sea coal ; 2500 bu^eb
of wheat ; 2300 bushels of barley ; 600 bushels of oats ; 100 jars of oil, containing a barrel each, and 150
horses. Some of the ordnance had been thrown into the water, but were recovered by the Americans. In
the hospital at Boston a large quantity of medicine was left, in which it was discovered that white and yel-
low arsenic was mixed I The object can be easily guessed. — Gordon^ ii., 32.
' Isaiah, xxxiii., 20.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 583
Condltkm of Boston after tlie Eraonation. Trgopa sent to New York. Lingering of Britlih Vesaele. Final Depeitnre.
finned the Btrong faith of the hundreds of liBtenen in the final triumph of liberty in
America.
Sadness settled upon the minds of the people when the first outburst of joyous feeling had
subsided, for Boston, the beautifiil city — ^the metropolis of New England — ^was a desolation.
Many of the finest houses were greatly injured ; shade-trees were out down ; churches were
disfigured ; ornamental inclosures were broken or destroyed ; and the public buildings were
shamefully ddaced. The spacious old South meeting-house, as we have seen, was changed
into a riding-school ; and in the stove that was put up within the arena were burned, foi
kindling, many rare books and manuscripts of Prince's fine library. The parsonage house
bebnging to this society was pulled down for fuel. The old NorUi Chapel was demolished
for the same purpose, and the large wooden steeple of the West Church was oonverted to
the same use. Liberty Tree, noticed on page 466, vol. i., furnished fourteen cords of wood.
Brattle Street and Hollis Street churches were used for barracks, and Faneuil Hall was con-
verted into a neat theater.^ A shot from the American lines, which struck the tower of
Brattle Street Church, was picked up, and subsequently fastened at the point where it first
struck, and there it remains.
Ignorant of the destination of Howe, and supposing it to be New York, Washington sent
ofiT five regiments, and a portion of the artillery, under Greneral Heath, for that ^^^^^ ^g^
city. They marched to New London, where they embarked, and proceeded to ^"^^
New York through the Sound. On the departure of the main body of the British fleet from
Nantasket Roads, Washington ordered the remainder of the army to New York, except five
regiments, which were left for the protection of Boston, under Greneral Ward. Sullivan
marched on the 27th ; another brigade departed on the 1st of April ; and the last brigade,
under Spencer, marched on the 4th. Washington, also, left Cambridge for New
York on that day.
A portion of the British fleet, consisting of five vessels, still lingered in the harbor, and
was subsequently joined by seven transports, filled with Highlanders. The people of Boston
were under great apprehension of Howe's return. All classes of people assisted in building
a fortification on Noddles Island (now East Boston) and in strengthening the other defenses.
These operations were carried on under the general direction of Colonel Gridley. In May,
Captain Mugford, of the schooner Franklin, a Continental cruiser, captured the Brit-
ish ship Hope, bound for Boston, with stores, and fifteen hundred barrels of powder.
On the 1 9th, the Franklin and Lady Washington started on a cruise, but got aground at
Point Shirly. Thirteen armed boats from the British vessels attacked them, and a sharp
engagement ensued. Captain Mugford, while fighting bravely, received a mortal wound.
His last words were those used nearly forty years afterward by Lawrence, ** Don't give up
the ship ! You will be^t them ofi*!'' Ajud so they did. The cruisers escaped, and put
to sea.
In June, General Lincoln proposed a plan for driving the British fleet from the harb6r.
It was sanctioned by the Massachusetts Assembly, and was put in execution on the 14th.
He summoned the neighboring militia, and, aided by some of General Ward's regular troops,
took post on Moon Island, HofiTs Neck, and at Point Anderton. A large force also collected
at Pettiok's Island, and Hull ; and a detachment with two eighteen pounders and a thirteen
inch mortar took post on Long Island. Shots were first discharged at the enemy firom the
latter point. The fire was briskly returned ; but the commander. Commodore Banks, per-
ceiving the perilous situation of his little fleet, made signals for weighing anchor. After
blowing up the light-house, he spread his sails and went to sea, leaving Boston harbor and
vicinity entirely free from an enemy, except in the few dissimulating Tories who lurked in
secret places. Through a reprehensible want of foresight, no British cruisers were left in
the vicinity to warn British ships of the departure of the troops and fleet. The consequence
was, that several store-ships from England soon afterward arrived, and, sailing into the harbor
' FroUungham, page 328.
/Google
Digitized by ^
584
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Capture of Campbell and Store-ahipe.
Effect of the Evaciiation of Boaton.
Medal awarded to Waahingtoa
without suspicion, fell into the hands of the Americans. In this way, Lieutenant-colonel
Campbell and seven hundred men were made prisoners in June.
The evacuation of Boston diHiised
great joy throughout the colonies, and
congratulatory addresses were receiv-
ed by Washington and his officers
from various legislative bodies, assem-
blages of citizens, and individuals.
The Continental Congress received
intelligence of the evacuation, by ex-
press, on the 25th of March, and im-
mediately, on motion of John Adams,
passed a vote of thanks to the com-
mander-in-chief and the soldiers under
his command, and also ordered a gold
medal to be struck and presented to
the general. John Adams, John Jay,
and Stephen Hopkins were appointed
a committee to prepare a letter of
thanks and a proper device for the
modal. ^
The intelligence of this and other
events at Boston within the preceding
ten months produced great excitement
in England, and attracted the atten-
tion of all Europe. The British Par-
liament exhibited violent agitations,
and party lines began' to be drawn al-
most as definitely among the English
people, on American afiairs, as in the
colonies. In the spring, strong meas-
ures had been proposed, and some
were adopted, for putting down the
rebellion, and these had been met by
counter action on the part of the
American Congress.' During the
summer, John Wilkes, then Lord
Mayor of London, and his party, rais-
ed a storm of indignation against gov-
ernment in the English capital. He
presented a violent address to the king
in the name of the livery of London,
Gold Mxdal awaedso to WijHmoroir.*
' Journals of Congress, ii., 104.
' Congress issued a proclamation, declaring that '* whatever punishment shall be inflicted upon any per-
sons in the power of their enemies for favoring, aiding, or abetting the cause of American liberty, s^l bo
retaliated in the same kind, and in the same degree, upon those in their power, who had favored, aided, or
abetted, or shall favor, aid, or abet the system of ministerial oppression." This made the Tories and the
British officers cautious in their proceedings toward patriots in their power.
' T4us drawing is the size of the medal. It was struck in Paris, from a die cut by Duvivier. The device
is a head of WashingtoD, in profile, vrith the Latin legend "Georgio 'Washing ton, buprbko puci sxie-
ciTuuM AD8SRT0&I LiBERTATis coMiTiA Akbricana j" " Thc American Congress to George Washington,
oonmiander-in-ohief of its armies, the assertors of freedom." Reverse : troops advancing toward a town ;
others marching toward the water; ships in view; General Washington in front, and mounted, with his
^tafT, whose attention he is directing to the embarking enemy. The legend is " Hostxbus primo fuqatm;"
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 585
OemmdationjB by John Wilket. The King taaied. Boldnenof the Common Cooncil. Gorernor Penn. John Horae Tooke
in which it was asserted that it was plainly to he perceived that government intended to es-
tahlish arhitrary rule in America withoat the sanction of the British Constitution, and that
they were also determined to uproot the Constitution at home, and to estahlish despotism
upon the ruins of English freedom. The address concluded hy calling for an instant dis-
missal of the ministers. The king was greatly irritated, and refused to receive the address,
unless presented in the corporate capacity of " mayor, aldermen, livery,'' &c. This refusal
Wilkes denounced as a denial of the light of the city to petition the throne in any respectful
manner it pleased ; " a right," he said, " which had been respected even by the accursed race
of Stuarts." Another address, embodying a remonstrance and petition, was prepared, and
inquiry was made of the king whether he would receive it while sitting on the throne, it be-
ing addressed by the city in its corporate capacity. The king replied that he would receive
it at his next levee, but not on the throne. Ohe of the sheriffs sent by Wilkei to ask the
question of his majesty, assured the king that the address would not be presented except when
he was sitting uppn the throne. The king replied that it was his prerogative to choose
iohere he would receive conmiunications from his subjects. The livery of London declared
this answer to be a denial of their rights, resolved that the address and remonstrance should
be printed in the newspapers, and that the city members in the House of Commons should
be instructed to move for *' an impeachment of the evil counselors who had planted popery
and arbitrary power in America, and were the advisers of a measure so dangerous to his
majesty and to his people as that of refusing to hear petitions."^ The common council adopted
a somewhat more moderate address and remonstrance, which the king received, but whether
sitting upon the throne or at his levee is not recorded.*
On the 23d of August, the government, informed of the events of the 17th of June
at Charlestown, issued a proclamation for suppressing rebellion, preventing seditious
correspondences, et cetera. Wilkes, as lord mayor, received orders to have this proclama-
tion read in the usual manner at- the Royal Exchange. He refused full obedience, by caus-
ing it to be read by an inferior officer, attended only by a common crier ; disallowing the
officers the use of horses, and prohibiting the city mace to be carried before them. The vast
assembly that gathered to hear the reading replied with a hiss of s6orn.
A few days afterward the respectful petition of the Continental Congress was laid before
the king by Richard Penn. Earl Dartmouth soon informed Penn that the king had resolved
to take no notice of it ; and again the public mind was greatly agitated, particularly in Lon-
don, at what was denominated ** another hlow at British liberty." The strict silence of
ministers on the subject of this petition gave color to the charge that they had a line of
policy marked out, from which no action of the Americans could induce them to deviate
short of absolute submission. The Duke of Richmond determined to have this silence bro-
ken, and procured an examination of Governor Penn before the House of Lords. That ex-
amination brought to light many facts relative to the strength and union of the colonics
which ministers would gladly have concealed. It revealed the truth that implicit obedience
** The enemy for the first time put to flight." The exergue under the device — ** Bostonium rboupbratum
xYii MAETii MDccLzzvi;** "Boston recovered, 17th March, 1776."
' Pictorial History of England, v., 235.
* It was about this time that the celebrated John Home Tooke, a vigorous writer and active politician,
was involved in a proceeding^hich, in November, 1775, caused him to receive a sentence of imprisonment
for one year, pay a fine of one thousand dollars, and find security for his good behavior for three years. His
alleged crime was " a libel upon the king's troops in America." The libel was contained in an advertise-
ment, signed by him, from the Cohstitutioiial Socibtt (supposed to be revolutionary in its character), re-
specting the Americans. That society called the Lexington affair a *' murder^" and agreed that the sum of
five hundred dollars should be raised " to be applied to the relief of the widows, orphans, and aged parents
of our beloved American fellow-subjects" who had preferred death to slavery. This was a set-off' against
subscriptions then being raised in England for the widows and orphans of the British soldiers who had per-
ished. The sum raised by this society was sent to Dr. Franklin, who, as we have seen, paid it over to the
proper committee, when he visited the army at Cambridge, in October, under the direction of Congress.
Out of the circumstance of Home Tooke*s imprisonment arose his letter to Counselor Dunning, which formed
the basis of his subsequent philological work, Tkt Diversiom of Purity^ published in 1780.
Digitized by
Google
586
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Strength of the Amerlcaiii.
Pottdcel Chenge in the London Common ComicO.
Penecnlicm of Stephen Sayrei
to Congress was paid by all classes of men ; that in Pennsylvania alone there were twenty
thousand efiective men enrolled for military service, and four thousand minute men ; that
the Pennsylvanians perfectly understood the art of making gunpowder ; that the art of cast-
ing cannon had been carried to great perfection in the colonies ; that small arms were also
manufactured in the best manner ;^ that the language of Congress was the voice of the peo-
ple ; that the people considered the petition as an olive branch ; and that so much did the
Americans rely upon its effect, that if rejected, or treated with scorn, they would abandon
all hope of a reconciliation.
On the 11 th of October an address, memorial, and petition, signed by eleven hundred and
seventy-one "gentlemen, merchants, and traders of London," was laid before his majesty, in
which it was charged that all the troubles in America, and consequent injury to trade, arose
from the bad policy pursued by Parliament ; and the new proposition which had just leaked
out, to employ foreign soldiers against the Americans, was denounced in unmeasured terms.
A counter petition, signed by nine hundred and twenty citizens of London, was presented
three days afterward, in which the conduct of the colonists was severely censured. This
was followed by another on the same side, signed by ten hundred and twenty-nine persons,
including the livery of London, who, a few months previously, under Wilkes, had spoken out
80 boldly against government. This address glowed with loyalty to the king and indigna-
tion against the rebels / Like petitions from the provincial towns, procured by ministerial
agency, came in great numbers, and the government, feeling strengthened at home, contem*
plated the adoption of more stringent measures to be pursued in America. Suspected per-
sons in England were closely
watched, and several were
arraigned to answer various
charges against them.' Lord
North became the idol of
the government party, and,
in addition to being feted by
the nobility, and thoroughly
bespattered with fulsome ad-
ulation by corporate bodies
and the ministerial press,
the University of Oxford had
a medal struck in his honor.
Parliament assembled on the 26th of October, much earlier than common, on ac-
^^^' count of the prevalent disorders. The king, in his speech at the opening,' after men-
tioning the rebellious position of the American colonies, expressed (as he had done before) his
determination to act decisively. He alleged that the course of government hitherto had
been moderate and forbearing ! but now, as the rebellion seemed to be general,- and the ob-
MkDAL 8TBUCK nC HOKOR OF LOSO NOBTH.
^ I have in my poesession a mnsket manafaotared here in 1774, that date being engrayed apoo the
breeoh. It is quite perfect in its oonstruction. It was ibond on the battle field of Hubbardton, in Vennont,
and was in the possession of the son of an American officer (Captain Barber) who was in that action. See
page 146, of tMs volume.
* On the 23d of October (1775), Stephen Sayre, a London banker, an American by birth, was arrested
on a charge of high treason, made against him by a sergeant in the Guard (also a native of America), named
Richardson. He charged Sayre with having asserted that he and others intended to seize the king on his
way to Parliament, to take possession of the town, and to overturn the present government. Sayre was
known to be a friend to the patriots, and on this charge Lord Rochford, one of the secretaries of state, caused
his papers to be seized and himself to be arrested. Sayre was committed to the Tower, from which he was
released by Lord Mansfield, who granted a writ of habeas corpus. Sayre was subsequently tried and ac-
quitted. He prosecuted Lord Rochford for seizing his papers, and the court awarded him a conditional
verdict of five thousand dollars damages. The conditions proved a bar to the recovery of the money, and
Sayre was obliged to suffer a heavy pecuniary loss in costs, besides the personal indignity.
' This is the speech alluded to in the beginning of this chapter, which the British officers in Boston 8up<
posed had produced a determination on the part of the Americans to submit
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 587
renor of the Ktng't Speech. Hifl falae Hopee. Winn Debatee in Parliament Dnke of Grafkon in oppoailion.
jeoto of the iiunurgents an independency of empire, they must be treated as rebels. He in-
formed Parliament that he had increased the naval establishment, and greatly augmented
the land forces, ** yet in such a manner as to be least expensive or burdensome to the king-
dom." This was in reference to the employment of Grerman troops, which I shall presently
notice. He professed a desire to temper his severity with mercy, and for this purpose pio-
posed the appointment of commissioners to ofier the olive branch of peace and pardon ti all
ofienders among ** the unhappy and deluded multitude" who should sue for forgiveness, as
well as for whole communities or provinces. He also expressed a hope that his friendly re-
lations with other European governments would prevent any interference on their part with
his plans.'
The address of Parliament responsive to the king's speech was, of course, but an echo of
that document. It was firmly opposed by all the old leaders of opposition, and the man-
agement of the summer campaign in America was severely commented upon. Ministers
were charged with placing their sovereign in a most contemptible position before the world,
and with wresting from him the scepter of colonial power in the West. " They have acted
like fools in their late summer campaign," said Colonel Barr6. <* The British army at Bos-
ton," he said, ** is a mere wen — an excrescence on the vast continent of America. Certain
defeat awaits it. Not the Earl of Chatham, nor Frederic the Great, nor even Alexander
the Great, ever gained so much in one campaign as ministers have lost." ** They have lost
a whole continent," said Fox ; and at the same time he characterized North as « the blun-
dering pilot who had brought the vessel of state into its present difficulties." « It is a hor-
rible idea, that the Americans, our brethren, shall be brought into submission to ministerial
will by fleets and armies," said General Conway ; and other members were equally severe
upon ministers. In the Upper House, the Duke of Graf^n, Lords Shelbume, Camden,
Richmond, Gower, and Cavendish, and the Marquis of Rockingham, took decided ground
against ministers. Chatham was very ill, and could not leave his country seat The Duke
of Grafton, one of the minority, was bold in his denunciations, and in the course of an able
speech declared that he had been greatly deceived in regard to the Americans, and that
nothing short of a total repeal of every act obnoxious to the colonists passed since 1763
could now restore peace. The Cabinet, of course, did not concur with his grace, and he re-
signed the seals of office, and took a decided stand with the opposition.' Dr. Hinchclifie,
bishop of Peterborough, followed Grafton, and also became identified with the opposition.
Thurlow and Wedderbume were North's chief supporters. The address was carried in both
houses by large majorities.
Burke again attempted to lead ministers into a path of common sense and common jus-
tice, by proposing a conciliatory bill. It included a proposition to repeal the November 16,
Boston Port Bill ; a promise not to tax America ; a general anmesty ; and the ^^^
calling of a Congress by royal authority for the adjustment of remaining difficulties. North
was rather pleased wiUi the proposition, for he foresaw heavy breakers ahead in the course
' The king did not redcon wisely when be relied upon the implied or even expressed promises of non-
intervention on the part of other powers.- He had made application to all the maritime powers of Enrope
to prevent their subjects from aiding the rebel colonies by sending them arms or ammonition ; and they all
professed a friendship for England, while, at the same time, she was the object of their bitterest jealousy
and hate, on aooomit of her proad commercial eminence and political sway. The oomt of Copenhagen
(Denmark) had issued an edict on the 4th of October against carrying warlike articles to America. The
Dutch, soon afterward, took similar action ; the punishment for a violation of the edict being a fine of only
four hundred and fifty dollars, too small to make shipping merchants long hesitate about the risk where such
enormous profits were promised. In fact, large quantities of gunpowder were sooo afterward shipped to
America from the ports of Holland in glass bottles invoiced " gin." France merely warned the people that
what thoy did for the Americans they must do upon their own risk, and not expect a release from trouble,
if they should get into any, by the French admiralty courts. Spain fiatly refused to issue any order.
* His office of Lord of the Privy Seal was given to Lord Dartmouth, and the offioe of that nobleman was
filled by his opponent, Lord George Germaine — "the proud, imperious, unpopular Saokville." Germaine
bad taken an active part in iavor of all the late coercive measures, and he was considered the fit instrument
to carry out the plans of gova^^^ment toward the Americans, in the capacity of Colonial Secretary.
Digitized by
Google
688 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Tbe (}olonief placed under Mar^al Law. AngmaitBtioii of the Army and Navy. Propoaition to enqploy fiMrelgn Troop*
of the vessel of state ; but he had abhorred concession, and this appeared too mnch like it.
A large majority voted against Burke's proposition.
Lord North introduced a bill a few days afterward, prohibiting all intercourse
or trade with the colonies till they should submit, and placing the whole country
under martial law. This bill included a clause, founded upon the suggestion in the king's
speech, to appoint resident commissioners, with discretionary powers to grant pardons and
cfiect indemnities.^ The bill was passed by a majority of one hundred and ninety-two to
sixty-four in the Commons, and by seventy-eight to nineteen in the House of Lords. Eight
peers protested. It became a law by royal assent on the 21st of December.
Having determined to employ sufficient force to put down the rebellion, the next necessary
step was to procure it. The Committee of Supply proposed an augmentation of the navy to
twenty-eight thousand men, and that eighty ships should be employed on the American sta-
tion. The land forces necessary were estimated at twenty-five thousand men. The king,
as Elector of Hanover, controlled the troops of that little kingdom. Five regiments of Han-
overian troops were sent to Gibraltar and Minorca, to allow the garrisons of English troops
there to be sent to America. It was also proposed to organize the militia of the kingdom,
so as to have an efficient force at home while the regulars should go across the Atlantic.
For their support while in actual service it was proposed to raise the land-tax to four shill-
ings in the pound. This proposition tovched the pockets of the country members of Parlia*
ment, and cooled their warlike ardor very sensibly.
The peace establishment at home being small, it was resolved, in accordance with sug-
gestions previously made, to employ foreign troops. The king wrote an autograph letter to
the States G^eneral of Holland, soliciting them to dispose of their Scotch brigade for service
against the Ajnericans. The request was nobly refused. A message was sent to the Par-
liament of Ireland requesting a supply of troops ; that body complied by votiog four thousand
men for the American service. They servilely agreed to send men to butcher their brethren
and kinsmen for a consideration ; while the noble Hollanders, with a voice of rebuke, dis-
sented, and refused to allow their soldiers to fight the strugglers for freedom, though stran-
gers to them in blood and language.'
The king was more successful with some of the petty German princes. He entered into
a treaty with the Landgrave of Hesse-Cassel, the Duke of Brunswick, the Prince of Hesse,
and the Prince of Waldeck, for seventeen thousand men, to be employed in America. On
the 29th of February, 1776, Lord North moved ** that these treaties be referred to the Com-
mittee of Supply." A most vehement debate ensued in the House of Commons. Ministers
pleaded necessity and economy as excuses for such a measure. *' There was not time to fill
the army with recruits, and hired soldiers would be cheaper in the end, for, after the war,
if native troops were employ^, there would be nearly thirty battalions to claim half pay."
Such were the ostensible reasons ; the real object was, doubtless, not so much economy, as
the fear that native troops, especially raw recruits, unused to the camp, might afiBliate with
the insurgents. The opposition denounced the measure as not merely cruel toward the
Americans, but disgraceful to the English name ; that England was degrading herself by
applying to petty German princes for succors against her own subjects ; and that nothing
would so effectually bar the way for reconciliation with the colonists as this barbarous prep-
^ This bill became a law, and under that clause General Howe, and his brother, Lord Howe, were ap-
pointed commissioners.
' 1 can not forbear quoting the remarks of John Derk van der Chapelle, in the Assembly of the States of
Overyssel, against the proposition. " Though not as principals, yet as anidliaries our troops woold be em-
ployed in suppressing (what some please to call) a rebellion in the American colonies ; for which purpose
I would rather see janisaries hired than troops from a free state. In what an odious light must this unnat-
ural civil war appear to all Europe — a war in which even savages (if credit can be given to newspaper in-
formation) refuse to engage. More odious still would it appear for a people to take a part therein who
were themselves once slaves, bore that hateful name, but at last had spirit to fight themselves free. But,
above all it must appear superlatively detestable to me, who think the Americans worthy of every man^s
esteem, and look upon them as a brave people, defending, in a becoming, manly, and religious manner, tbo^e
rights which, as men, they derive £^om God, and not from the Legislature of Great Britain."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 589
ReMoiM for employing German TVoops. Opposition to it in Parliament Terma on y^akHi the Mercenariea were hired.
aration to enslave them. It was also intimated that the soldiers to be hired would desert
as soon as they reached America ; for their countrymen were numerous in the colonies, were
all patriots, and would have great influence over them ;^ that they would accept land,
sheathe their swords, and leave the English soldiers to do the work which their German
masters sent them to perform. On the other hand, ministers counted largely upon the valor
of their hirelings, many of whom were veterans, trained- in the wars of Fr^eric the Great,
and that it would be only necessary for these blood-hounds to show themselves in America
to make the rebellious people lay down their arms and sue for pardon. The opposition, act-
uated by a sincere concern for the fair fame of their country, pleaded earnestly against the
consummation of the bargain, and used every laudable endeavor to arrest the incipient ac-
tion. But opposition was of little avail ; North's motion for reference was carried by a ma-
jority of two hundred and forty-two to eighty-eight.
Another warm debate ensued when the oommittee reported on the 4 th of March ;
and in the House of Lords the Duke of Richmond moved not only to countermand
the order for the mercenaries to proceed to America, but to cease hostilities altogether. The
Earl of Coventry maintained that an acknowledgment of the independence of the colonies
was preferable to a continuance of the war. <* Look on the map of the globe,'' he said ;
'* view Great Britain and North America ; compare their extent, consider the soil, rivers,
climate, and increasing population of the latter ; nothing but the most obstinate blindness
and partiality can engender a serious opinion that such a country will long continue nnder
subjection to this. The question is not, therefore, how we shall be able to realize a vain,
delusive scheme of dominion, but how we shall make it the interest of the Americans to con-
tinue faithful allies and warm friends. Surely that can never be effected by fleets and ar-
mies. Instead of meditating conquest and exhausting our strength in an inefliectual struggle,
we should, wisely abandoning wild schemes of coercion, avail ourselves of the only substau-
tial benefit we can ever expect, the profits of an extensive commerce, and the strong support
of a firm and friendly alliance and compact for mutual defense and assistance.''* This was
the language of wise and sagacious statesmanship-^— of just and honorable principles — of
wholesome and vigorous thought ; yet it was denounced as treasonable in its tendency, and
encouraging to rebellion. The report recommending the ratification of the bargain was
adopted, and the disgraceful and cruel act was consummated. The Landgrave of Hesse-
Cassel agreed to furnish twelve thousand one hundred and four men ; the Duke of Bruns-
wick, four thousand and eighty-four ; the Prince of Hesse, six hundred and sixty-eight, and
the Prince of Waldeck, six hundred and seventy ; making in all seventeen thousand five
hundred and twenty-six soldiers, including the oflicers. Perceiving the stem necessity which
compelled the British government to negotiate with them, these dealers in fighting machines
drove a hard bargain with Lord George Germaine and Lord Barrington, making their price
in accordance with the principle of trade, where there is a small supply for a great demand.
They asked and received thirty -six dollars for each man, and in addition were to receive a
considerable subsidy. The whole amount paid by the British government was seven hund-
red and seventy-five thousand dollars ! The British king also guarantied the dominions of
^these princes against foreign attack. It was a capital bargain for the sellers ; for, while
they pocketed the enormous poll-price for their troops, they were released from the expense
of their maintenance, and felt secure in th^r absence. Early in the spring these mercena-
ries, with a considerable number of troops from England and Ireland, sailed for America,
under convoy of a British fleet commanded by Admiral Lord Howe.* The fierce German
* It was estimated that, when the Revolution broke out, there were about one hundred and fifty thousand
German emigrants in the American colonies, most of whom had taken sides with the patriots.
* Cavendish's Debates.
' Admiral Howe, who was a man of fine feelings, hesitated long before he would accept the command of
the fleet destined to sail against his fellow-subjects in America. In Parliament, a few days before he sailed,
he spoke with much warmth upon the horrors of civil war, and '* declared that he knew no struggle so pain-
ful as that between a soldier's duties as an officer* and a man. If left to his own choice, he should decline
serving ; but if commanded, it became his duty, and he should not refuse to obey." General Conway said
Digitized by
Google
690 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Parliunent alarmed by a Rumor.. French EmlBtarj in Philadelphia. Ofildal Annoonoemeat of the Eracnatiaa of Boatoa
warriors — fierce, because brutish, unlettered, and trained to bloodshed by the continenta]
butchers — ^were first let loose upon the patriots in the battle of Long Island,^ and thence-
forth the Hessians bore a prominent part in many of the conflicts that ensued.
During the residue of the session of Parliament under consideration, American aflairs oc-
cupied a good portion of the time of the Legislature, but nothing of great importance was
done. The Duke of Graflon made an unsuccessful attempt to have an address to the king
adopted, requesting that a proclamation might be issued to declare that if the colonists should,
within a reasonable time, show a willingness to treat with the commissioners, or present a
petition, hostilities should be suspended^ and their petition be received and respected. He
assured the House that both France and Spain %ece arming ; and alarmed them by the as-
sertion that " two French gentlemen had been to America, had conferred with Washington
at his camp, and had since been to Philadelphia to confer with Congress.' The duke's prop-
osition was negatived.
A very brief official announcement of the evacuation of Boston appeared in the London
Gazette of the 3d of May, 1776.* Ministers endeavored to conceal full inteUigeoce of the
transaction, and assumed a careless air, as if the occurrence were of no moment But Od-
onel Barr6 would not allow them to rest quietly under the cloak of mystery, but moved in
the House of Commons for an address to his majesty, praying that copies of the dispatches
of General Howe and Admiral Shuldham might be laid before the House. There, and in
the House of Lords, the ministry were severely handled. Lord North declared that the
army was not compelled to abandon Boston, when he well knew to the contrary ; and Lord
George G^rmaine's explanation was weak and unsatisfactory. The thunders of Burke's elo-
quent denunciations were opened against the government, and he declared that « every meas-
ure which had been adopted or pursued was directed to impoverish England and to eman-
cipate America ; and though in twelve months nearly one thousand dollars a man had been
a war with oar fellow-subjeots in America differed very widely from a war with foreign nations, and that
before an officer drew his sword against his fellow-sabjects he oogbt to examine well his conscience whether
the cause were just. Thnrlow declared that snch sentiments, if once established as a doctrine, must tend
to a dissolation of all governments. — Pictorial History of Englandy ▼., 248.
' I intended to defer a notice of these German troops (generally called Hesiians, becaose the greater por-
tion came from Hesse and Hesse-Cassel) nntil the battle of Long Island should be under consideration ; bm
the action relative to their employment ooonpies snoh a oonspionons place in the proceedings of the sessioB
of Parliament, where the most decided hostile measnres against America were adopted, that here seemed
the most appropriate place to notice the sobjeot in detail. See note 2, page 164, vol. iL
* Some time in the month of November, 1775, Congress was informed that a foreigner was in Philadel-
phia who was desirous of making to them a coniSdential communication. At first no notice was taken of
it, but the intimation having been several times repeated, a oonunittee, consisting of John Jay, I>r. Franklin,
and Thomas Jefferson, was appointed to hear what he had to say. They agreed to meet^hun in a room in
Carpenters* Hall, and, at the time appointed, they found him there — an elderly, lame gentleman, and appar-
ently a wounded French officer. He told them that the French king was greatly pleased with the exer
tions for liberty which the Americans were making ; that he wished them success, and would, whenever it
should be necessary, manifest more openly his friencUy sentiments toward them. The committee requested
to know his authori^ for giving these assurances. He answered only by drawing his hand across his throaty
and saying, " Gentlemen, I shall take care of my head." They then asked wha^ demonstrations of friend-
ship they might expect from the King of France. *' Gentlemen," he answered, " if you want arms, yoa
shall have them ; if you want anmiunition, you shall have it ; if you want money, you tAaH have it." The
committee observed that these were important assurances, and again desired to know by what authority
they were made. '* Gentlemen," said he, again drawing his hand across his throat, " I shall take care of
my head ;" and this was the only answer they could obtain from him. He was seen in Philadelphia up
more. — See Lift of John Jay^ written by Ait son, William Jay,
' The official announcement in the Gazette was as follows : " General Howe, commander-in-chief of his
majesty's forces in North America, having taken a resolution on the 7th of March to remove from Boston
to Halifax with the troops under his command, and such of the inhabitants, with tl^eir effects, as were de-
sirous to continue under the protection of his majesty's forces ; the embarkation was effected on the 17th of
the same month, with the greatest order and regularity, and without the least interruption from the rebels
When the packet came away, the first division of transports was under sail, and the remainder were pre-
paring to follow in a few days, the admiral leaving behind as many men-of-war as could be spared from
the convoy for the security and protection of such vessels as might be bound to Boston."
Digitized'by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 591
Royal ApproTal of Howo't Coone. OplnioQi of the People. Podtian of the Colonies. Count Romford. FortUlcatlont.
spent for salt beef and sour-kioat,^ the troops could not have remained ten days longer if the
heavens had not rained down manna and qnails."
The majority voted down every proposition to elicit full information respecting operations
in America, and on the 23d of May his majesty, after expressing a hope " that his
rebeUious subjects would yet submit/' prorogued Parliament.
The evacuation of Boston was approved by the king and his ministers, and on the day
when the announcement of the event was made in London, Lord George Grermaine jf^ 3,
wrote to Howe, deploring the miscarriage of the general's dispatches for the minis- ^^^'
ters,' praising his prudence, and assuring him that his conduct had " given the fullest proofs
of his majesty's wisdom and discernment in the choice of so a6le and brave an officer to com-
mand his troops in America."
Thus ended the Siege of Boston, where the first decided triumph of American arms over
the finest troops of Great Britain was accomplished. The departure of Howe was regarded
in England as a flight ; the patriots viewed it as a victory for themselves. Confidence in
their strength to resist oppression was increased ten-fold by this event, and doubt of final and
absolute success was a stranger to their thoughts. « When the siege of Boston commence,
the colonies were hesitating on the great measures of war ; were separated by local inter-
ests ; were jealous of each other's plans, and appeared on the field, each with its independent
army under its local colors. When the siege of Boston ended, the colonies had drawn the
sword and nearly cast away the scabbard. They had softened their jealousy of each other ;
they had united in a political association ; and the Union flag of thirteen stripes waved over
a Continental army.""
Few events of more importance than those at other large sea-port towns occurred at Bos-
ton after the flight of the British army. The Americans took good care to keep their for-
tifications in order, and a fiiU complement of men to garrison them sufficiently.* This fact
* A Dntoh or German dish, made of cabbage.
' It appears that Howe aent diipatohes to England on the 23d of October, 1775, by the hands of Major
Thompson, and those were the last from him that reached the ministry before the army left Boston for Hal-
ifax. Major Thompson was afterward the celebrated philosopher, Count Romford. He was a native of
Wobum, in Massachusetts, and was bom on the 26th of March, 1753. He early eviaoed a taste for phi
losophy and the meohanio arts, and obtained permission to attend the philosophical lectures of Professor
Winthrop at Cambridge. He afterward taught sohool at Run^ord (now Concord), New Hampshire, where
he married a wealthy young widow. In consequence of his adhesion to the British cause, he left his family
in the autumn of 1775, went to England, and became a favorite of Lord George Germaine, who made him
under secretary in the Northern Department. Near the close of the Revolution he was sent to New York,
where he commanded a regiment of dragoons, and returning to Enghind, the king knighted him. He be-
came acquainted with the minister of the Duke of Bavaria, who induced him to go to Munich, where he be-
came active in public affairs. The duke raised him to a high military rank, and made him a ooont of the
empire. He added to his title the place of his marriage, and became Count Rumford. He was in London
in 1800, and projected the Royal Institution of Great Britain. His wife, whom he abandoned, died in 1794
in New Hampshire. Count Rumford died August 20th, 1814, aged sixty-one years. His scientific dis-
coveries have made his name immortal. He bequeathed fifty thousand dollars to Harvard College.
' Frothingham, page 334.
* With the exception of Dorchester, Bunker Hill, and Roxbury, I believe there are few traces of the for-
tifications of the Revolution that can be certainly identified ; and so much altered has been the fortress on
CasUe Island that it exhibits but little of the features of 1776. Every year the difficulty of properly loca-
ting the several forts becomes greater, and therefore to preserve, in this work, a record of those landmarks
by which they may be identified, I condense from SiUiman^s Journal for 1822 an interesting article on the
subject which was communicated by J. Finch, Esq., with such references as later writers have made. A
recurrence to the map on page 566, vol. i., will assist the reader.
I. Brisd's Hill and Bunexe Hill. — These works were on the summits and slopes of the hills, looking
toward Boston. Bunker Hill Monument now stands upon the spot where Prescott^s redoubt was thrown up.
n. Plowed Hill. — ^This fort was upon the summit of the eminence, commanding the Mystic River and
the Penny Ferry. It was in a direct line from Charlestown Neck to Winter Hill, forther northward.
HI. Cobble or Baeeell's Hill. — ^In consequence of its strength, the fort on this bill was called Put*
nam's impregnable fortress. This was on the north side of Willis's Creek, in full view of Bunker and
Breed's Hills, and commanding the whole western portion of the peninsula of Charlestown.
IV. Lbchmeee's Point was strongly fortified at a spot one hundred yards from West Boston Bridge
Digitized by
Google
592
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Boston Harbor.
Remaina of the Revolutionary Fortificationa aroond Boatoi
seemed to be well known to the enemy ; for while Newport and the places adjacent suffered
from the naval operations of British vessels, Boston Harbor was shunned by them. Some
There was a causeway across the marsh, and a line of works along Willises Creek to connect with those on
Cobble Hill.
v. Winter Hill. — ^The works at this point, commanding the Mystic and the coantry northward from
Charlestown, were more extensive than any other American fortification around Boston. There rested the
left wing of the army ander General Lee, at the time of the siege of Boston. There was a redoubt near,
upon the Ten Hill Farm, that commanded the Mystic ; and between Winter and Prospect Hills was a re-
doabt, where a quarry was opened about the year 1819. This was called White Home Redoubt^ in the
rear of which, at a farm-house, Lee had his quarters.
VI. Prospect Hill has two eminences, both of which were strongly fortified, and connected by a ram-
part and fosse, or ditch. These forts were destroyed in 1817. There is an extensive view from this hill.
VII. The Cambridge Lines, situated upon Butler^s Hill, consisted of six regular forts connected by a
strong intrenchment. These were in a state of excellent preservation when Mr. Finch wrote. The Second
Line of Defense might then be traced on the College Green at Cambridge.
VIII. A semicircular Battery, with three embrasures, was situated on the northern shore of Charles
River, near its entrance into the bay. It was rather above the level of the marsh.
IX. Brooeline Fort, on Sewall's Point, was very extensive. The ramparts and irregular bastion, which
commanded Charles River, were very strong. Th^ fort was nearly quadrangular.
X. There was a battery on the southern shore of Muddy River, with three embrasures. Westward of
this position was a redoubt ; and between Stony Brook and Roxbury were three others.
XI. Roxbury. — There were strong fortifications at this point, erected upon eminences which command-
ed Boston Neck, sometimes called Roxbury Neck. About three quarters of a mile in advance of these
rddoubts were The Roxbury Lines, situated north-
ward of the town. There were two lines of intrench-
ments, which extended quite across the peninsula ;
and the ditch, filled at high water, made Boston an
island. The works thrown up by Gage when he for-
tified Boston Neck were near the present Dover Street.
Upon a higher emi-
nence, in the rear of
the Roxbury lines (at
present [1850] west
of Highland Street,
on land owned by the
Honorable B. F. Cope-
land), was Roxbury Fort^- a strong quadrangular
work, with bastions at each angle. The magazine
appears to have been on the southwest side, near which was a covered way
and sally-port. I have nowhere seen a fortification of the Revolution so well
preserved as this; except the old quadrangrular fort or ca$tle at ChamUy, on
the Sorel ; and it is to be hoped that patriotic reverenoe will so consecrate
the ground on which this relic lies, that unhallowed gain may never lay upon
the old ramparts the hand of demolition.
The history of the construction of Roxbury Fort is somewhat obscure. It is known to have been the
first regular work erected by the Americans when they nearly circumvallated Boston. Tradition avers,
that when the Rhode Island '* Army of Observation," which hastened toward Boston, under Greene, alter
the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, encamped at Jamaica Plains, a detachment was sent forward and
commenced this redoubt at Roxbury. General Ward, who, by common consent, was captain-general of the
accumulating forces, ordered them to desist, as he was about to commence a regular line of fortificationf;
under the direction Of Gridley. The Rhode Islanders, acknowledging no authority but their own Provincial
Assembly, proceeded in their work ; and when Washington took command of the army, he regarded this
fort as the best and most eligibly located of all the works then in course of construction. During the siege
1 This view Is from the southwest angle of the fort In the foreground a portion of the ramparts is seen. Tliese are now
overgrown, in part, with shrubbery. On the right is seen the bouse of Mr. Benjamin Perkins, on Highland Street and extmding
across the picture, to the left, is the side of the fort toward Boston, exhibiting prominent traces of the embrasures for the can-
nons. It was a foggy day in autumn when I visited the fort in company with Frederic Kidder, Esq., of Boston, to whose coW
esy and antiquarian taste I am indebted for the knowledge of the esdstenoe of this well-preserved fortification. No distant view
could be procured, and I was obliged to be content with the above sketch, made in ttie intervals of "sun and shower." The
bald rocks on which the fort stands are huge bowlders of pudding-^one, and upon three sides these form natural revetments,
which would be difficult for an enemy to scale. The embankments are from eight to fifteen feet in height and within, the
urre^lein, on which the soldiers and cannons were placed, ia quite perfect
3 See map on page 566, vol. i.
> This is a ground plan of the fort as it now appears. A is the parade; B, the magazine; C, the sally-port D, the side toward
Boston.
UOXBUKY F0BT.>
Qbound Plan of thk Fobt.>
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION 593
The *' CoDTentioii Troops." Their Parole of Honor. Pietore of the Captires. Burgoyne hi Boeton
of the Tories who went with Howe to Halifax returned, and cast themselves upon the clem-
ency of the new government. Those who*possessed influence that might he dangerous were
immediately arrested and thrown into prison, where they were confined for several months,
until satisfkctory arrangements were made for their release.
Boston was the place whither the captured troops of Burgoyne were sent in 1777, to
emhark for England on parole.^ They entered Camhridge on the 7th of November,
during the prevalence of a severe northeast storm. A graphic description of the ap-
pearance of the Hessians is given in a letter from Mrs. Winthrop to Mrs. Warren, printed
on page 82. Speaking of the British portion of the captive army, the same writer says :
*< Their baggage<wagons were drawn by poor half-starved horses ; but to bring up the rear
was a noble-looking guard of American, brawny, victorious yeomanry, who assisted in bring
ing these sons of slavery to terms. Some of our wagons, drawn by fat oxen, driven by joy
ous-looking Yankees, closed the cavalcade. The generals and other officers went to Brad
ish's, where they quarter at present. The privates trudged through thick and thin to the
hills, where we thought they were to be confined ; but what was our surprise when, in the
morning, we beheld an inundation of these disagreeable objects filling our streets." These
captive troops were quartered in some of the best private houses, and the students of Har-
vard College were dismissed to make room for these foreign soldiers. Alluding to this fact,
Mrs. Winthrop writes, " Is there not a degpree of unkindness in loading poor Cambridge,
almost ruined before this great army seemed to be let loose upon us ?' Surprising
that our general [Gates], or any of our colonels, should insist on the first university in Amer-
ica being disbanded for their genteel accommodation, and we, poor oppressed people, seek an
asylum in the woods against a piercing winter General Burgoyne dined on Sunday
in Boston with General . He rode through the town properly attended, down Court
Street and through the Main Street, and on his return walked to Charlestown ferry, followed
by as great a number of spectators as ever attended a pope." There must have been a
great contrast between the feelings of Burgoyne at that time and when he walked the same
streets two years before, a general covered with fresh laurels won upon the Spanish Penin-
sula.' The captive army were sent to Charlottesville, in Virginia, at the beginning of 1 779.
of Boston, RoxBUBT Fort was oonsidered superior to all others for its strength and its power to annoy the
enemy.
XII. DoECHisTBE HxiOHTs. — ^Tho anoisnt fortifications there are covered by the remains of those erected
in 1812, and have little interest except as showing the locality of the forts of the RevolHtion.
XIII. At Nook's Hill, near South Boston Bridge, the last breast-work was thrown up by the Americans
before the flight of the British. It was the menacing appearance of this suddenly-erected fort that caused
Howe to hasten his departure. The engineers employeid in the construction of these works were Colonel
Richard Gridley, chief; Lieutenant-colonel Rufus Putnam, Captain Josiah Waters, Captain Baldwin, of
Brookfield, and Captain Henry (afterward general) Knox, assistants. These were the principal works
erected and occupied by the Americans at Boston. When Mr. Finch wrote in 1822, many of these were
well preserved, and he expressed a patriotic desire that they should remain so. But they are gone, and art
has covered up the relics that were left. But it is not yet too late to carry out a portion of his recommend-
ation, by which to preserve the identity of some of the localities. "The laurel, planted on the spot where
Warren fell, would be an emblem of unfiEuling honor; the white birch and pine might adorn Prospect Hill ;
at Roxbury, the cedar and the oak might yet retain their eminence ; and upon the heights of Dorchester we
wmdd plant the laurel, and the finest trees which adorn the forest, because there was achieved a glorious
victory, without the sacrifice of life I"
' I have before me the original paroles of honor, signed by all the surviving officers of Burgoyne's cap-
tared army. They are the pn^rty of J. Wingate Thornton, Esq., of Boston,, who kindly placed them in
my hands for use. The paroles are dated at Cambridge, December 13th, 1777. One is signed by 185
English officers, headed by Burgoyne ; the other by 95 German officers, headed by Riedesel, the Bruns-
wick general. Their names may be found in the Supplement, page 672.
* This sudden influx menaced the country about Boston with famine, for the five thousand prisoners of war
had to be fed. Every article rapidly rose in price ; wood was sold at twenty-seven and a hidf dollars a cord.
' When Burgoyne left Boston for England, General Phillips was left in chief command of the captive
troops, quartered on Prospect Hill. He was a conceited, irritable person, and often his haughty pride made
him forget the relation in which he stood to the victorious Americans, whom he had been taught to despise.
On one occasion, one of his officers was returning from Boston, with two females, to the British camp, and
refused to answer the challenge of the sentinel. He was shot dead, and the act was justified by the rulet
I. Pr
Digitized by
Google
594 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Expedition against Ponobscot Ita Failure. General PldUipa. General Wadawordi. Cloae of die Chronicles of Bo«cnB.
In July, 1779, the State of Massachusetts fitted out an expedition at Boston to go aofainst
the British troops at Penobscot, a small town on the east side of Penobscot River in Maine.
The enemy were estimated to be one thousand strong. Fifteen hundred men were ordered
to be raised for the expedition, but only about nine hundred were actually employed, and
some of these were pressed into the service. Some were conveyed thither by a fleet, con-
sisting of several sloops of war, carrying from sixteen to twenty-eight guns, one of thirty-two
guns, seven armed brigs, and twenty-four other vessels, which served as transports. Other
portions of the militia marched from the lower counties of Maine. Commodore Salstonstall
commanded the fleet, and Generals Lovell and Wadsworth led the land forces. A disagree-
ment arose between the commanders of the fleet and army, which greatly weakened the
power of the expedition It was agreed, however, to attack the enemy. The American
land force debarked, and rushed to the assault of the fort up a steep declivity, in the face of
a storm of shot from the enemy. The marines did not come to their support, and a large
naval re-enforcement for the British arriving at that moment, the assailants were repulsed
and forced to abandon the expedition. The Americans destroyed many of their vessels to
prevent them from falling into the hands of the enemy, and in scattered detachments, the
troops, marines, and sailors, made their way back to their homes, suflering great hardships
in their route through the almost unbroken wilderness. It was a most unfortunate afliiir
The General Court of Massachusetts instituted an inquiry, which resulted in censuring the
naval commander, and commending Lovell and Wadsworth.^
Here let us close the chronicles of Boston. Henceforth we shall only refer to them inci-
dentally, as the elucidation of prominent events elsewhere shall make this necessary. We
have seen the discontents of the colonies ripen into open rebellion in this hot-bed of patriot-
ism ; we have seen a Continental army organized, disciplined, and prepared for action, and
those yeomanry and artisans, drawn from the fields and workshops, piling, with seeming
Titan strength, huge forti6cations around a well-disciplined British army, and expelling it
from one of the most advantageous positions on the continent. Let us now proceed to places
where other scenes in the great drama were enacted.
of war. General Phillips was greatly enraged, atiu wrote the foUowing impudent letter to General Heath,
the commanding officer :
" Cambridge, June 17, 1778.
'^ Murder and death have at length taken place. An officer, riding out from the barracks on Prospect
Hill, has been shot by an American sentinel. I leave the horrors of that bloody disposition, which has joined
itself to rebellion in these colonies, to the feelings of all Europe. I do not ask for justice, for I believe every
principle of it has fled from this province. I demand liberty to send an officer to General Sir Henry Clin-
ton, by way of the head-quarters of General Washington. Wx. Phillips, Major Otneral.^^
This was strange language for a prisoner of war to use toward his keeper 1 3efore the insulting note
had been received by Heath, the sentry had been put under guard to await the decision of a jury of inquest.
Heath had also written a polite note to Phillips, informing him of the fact. As 1 have observed before, the
haughty insolence of the British functionaries, civil and military, toward the Americans, did more to engen-
der hatred and foster the rebellion than any other single cause. Phillips's condubt is a fair picture, amon^
many others, of the haughty bearing of the Britons in authority. I have before me an autograph letter to
General Heath, written at about the same time, by Lieutenant Kingston, Burgoyne's deputy adjutant gen-
eral. It is marked by flippant insolence, although a little more polite than Phillips's letter.
^ Peleg Wadsworth was a native of Massachusetts, and graduated at Harvard College in 1769. After
his unsuccessful attempt against the British fort at Penobscot in 1779, where his bravery was acknowledged,
he was sent to command in the district of Maine, whither he took his family. In February, 1781, a party
of the enemy captured him in his own house, and conveyed him to the British quarters at Bagaduce or Cas-
ein. In company with Major Burton, he effected his escape from the fort in June, crossed the Penobscot in
a canoe, and traveled throagh the wilderness to his home. Of his capture, suflerings, and escape, Ih-.
Owight has given a long and interesting account in the second volume of his JVavelt in Ntw England. For
many years Wadsworth was a member of Congress from Cumberland district. He died at Hiram, in Maine,
in November, 1829, aged eighty years. His son, Lieutenant Henry Wadsworth, was 6lown op in a fire-
jhip in the harbor at Tripoli in September, 1804. — AUen't American Biograpfty,
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
595
Oeptitun from Potton.
Scenery on the Rome.
CocUtoate.
The Qnfaiebanf .
Tradition of MeduoNiag.
CHAPTER XXVI.
" Day wanes ; 'tis autiimn's eventide again ;
And, sinking on the blue hill's breast, the son
Spreads the large bounty of his level blaze,
Lengthening the shades of mountains and tall trees,
And throwing blacker shadows o'er the sheet
Of the dark stream, in whose nnmffled tide
Waver the bank-shrub and the graceful elm,
As the gray branches and their trembling leaves
Catch the soft whispers of the evening air."
Georox LtmT.
T was in the afternoon of a warm, bright day in October, that I left
Boston for Norwich and New London, npon the Thames, in Connecticut,
where I purposed to pass two or three days in visiting the interesting lo-
calities in their respective neighborhoods. I journeyed upon the great
Western rail- way from Boston to Worcester, forty-four miles westward,
where the Norwich road branches off in the direction of Long Island
Sound, and courses down the beautiful valleys of the French and Quine-
baug Rivers. Every rood of the way is agreeably diversified. Hill and
mountain, lake and streamlet, farm-house and village, charmed the eye
with a kaleidoscope variety as our train thundered over the road at the
rate of thirty miles an hour. Yet memory can fix upon only a few prom-
inent points, and these appear to make the sum of all which the eye gazed
upon. Thus I remember the sweet Lake Cochituate, whose clear waters now bless the city
of Boston with limpid streams. I remember it stretching away north from the rail-way,
pierced with many green headlands, and rippled by the wings of waterfowl. Thus, too, I
remember the beautiful little Mashapaug,' lying in s bowl of the wooded hills of Killingly,
sparkling in the slant rays of the evening sun as we swept by and became lost among the
rugged heights and dark forests at twilight.
The Quinebaug is dotted with pretty factory villages at almost every rift in its course ;
and, as we halted a moment at the stations, the serried lights of the mills, and the merry
laughter of troops of girls just released from labor, joyous as children bursting from school,
agreeably broke the monotony of an evening ride in a close car. We reached the Shetucket
Valley at about half past seven o'clock, and at eight I was pleasantly housed at the Mer-
^ This sheet of water is now known by the unpoetical name of Alexander's Lake, from the circumstance
that a Scotchman, named Neil Alexander, settled there, and owned all the lands in the vicinity in the year
1720. The Indians, who called it Mashapaug, had a curious tradition respecting the origin of the lake. I
quote from Barber^ i HUtorieal CoUectiom of Connecticut, p. 431 : " In ancient times, when the red men of
this quarter had long enjoyed prosperity, that is, when they had found plenty of game in the woods and fish
in the ponds and rivers, they at length fixed the time for a general po%ptDO»~-h sort of festival for eating,
drinking, smoking, singing, and dancing. The spot chosen for this purpose was a sandy hill, fft mountain,
covered with tall pines, oocupjring the situation where the lake now lies. The powwow lasted four days in
mocessioii, and was to continue longer, had not the Great Spirit, enraged at the lioentiousnesif that prevailed
there, resolved to punish them. Accordingly, while the red people, in inmiense numbers, were capering
about on the smmnit of the mountain, it suddenly gave way beneath them and sunk to a great depth, when
the waters from below rushed up and covered them all, except one good oid iquaw^ who occupied the peak
which now bears the name of Loon's Island. Whether the tradition is entitled to credit or not, we will do
it justice by affirming that in a clear day, when there is no wind, and the surface of the lake is smooth, the
huge trunki and leafless branches of gigantic frine$ may be occasionally seen in the deepest part of the wa
ter, some of them reaching almost to the suHliice, in such huge and fantastic forms as to cause the beholder
to startle I"
Digitized by
Google
596 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Arrival at Norwich. A literary Friend. Indian History of Norwich. Uncaa and Miantonteioh.
chants' Hotel in Norwich, a city beautifully situated at the confluence of the Yantic and
Shetucket Rivers, whose wedded waters here form the broa^ <ind navigable Thames.
Early in the morning I started in search of celebnties, and had the good fortune to meet
with Edwin Williams, Esq., the widely-known author of the " Statesman's Manual" and
other standard works. Norwich is his birth-place, and was his residence during his youth,
and he is as familiar with its history and topography as a husbandman is with that of his
farm. With such a guide, accompanied by his intelligent little son, an earnest delver among
the whys and wherefores in the mine of knowledge, I anticipated a delightful journey of a
day. Nor was I disappointed ; and the pleasures and profit of that day's ramble form one
t)f the brightest points in my interesting tour. I procured a span of horses and a barouche
to convey us to Lebanon, twelve miles northward, the residence of Jonathan Trumbull, the
patriot governor of Connecticut during the Revolution. While the hostler is harnessing our
team, let us open the chronicles of Norwich and see what history has recorded there.
Like that of all the ancient New England towns, the Indian history of Norwich, com-
mencing with the advent of the English in that neighborhood about 1643, is full of romance,
and woos the pen to depict it ; but its relation to my subject is only incidental, and I must
pass it by with brief mention.
Norwich is in the midst of the ancient Mohegan country, and Mohegan was its Indian
name. Uncas was the chief of the tribe when the English first settled at Hartford, and
built a fort at Saybrook, at the mouth of the Connecticut River. He formed a treaty of
amity with the whites ; and so fair were his broad acres upon the head waters of the Pequot
River, now the Thames, that the sin of covetousness soon pervaded the hearts of the Puritan
settlers. Wawekus Hill, now in the center of Norwich, was a famous observatory for his
warriors, for eastward of them were the powerful Narragansets, sworn enemies of the Mo-
hegans, and governed by the brave Miantonomoh, also a friend of the white men. In the
spring of 1643 the flame of war was lighted between these powerful tribes, and Miantono-
moh led his warriors to an invasion of the Mohegan country. His plans were secretly laid,
and he hoped to take Uncas by surprise. For this purpose six hundred of his bravest war-
riors were led stealthily, by night marches, toward the head waters of the Pequot. At
dawn, one morning, they were discovered at the Shetucket Fords, near the mouth of the
Quinebaug, by some of the vigilant Mohegan scouts upon the Wawekus. From the rocky
nooks near the falls of the Yantic, a canoe, bearing a messenger with the intelligence, shot
down the Thames to Shantock Point, where Uncas was strongly fortified. With three or
four hundred of his best warriors he marched to meet Miantonomoh. They confronted at
the Great Plains, a mile and a half below Norwich, on the west side of the Thames. A
fierce conflict ensued. The advantage gained by Uncas by strategy^ was maintained, and
the Narragansets were put to flight, closely pursued by the Mohegans. Through tangled
woods and over rocky ledges, across the Yantic, and over the high plain of Norwich toward
the Shetucket Fords, the pursued and pursuers swept like a blast. Two swifl-footed Mo-
hegans pursued Miantonomoh with unwearied pertinacity, and finally outstripped him, he
being encumbered with a heavy corselet. They impeded his progress, but did not attempt
to seize him, that honor being reserved for their chief As soon as Uncas touched Mianto-
nomoh, the latter halted and sat down in silence. He was conducted in triumph to Shan-
tock, where Uncas treated him with generous kindness and respect. The conflict had been
brief, but ^hirty of the Narragansets were slain. Among the prisoners were a brother of
the captive king, and two sons of Canonicus, his uncle.
Uncas, probably fearing that the Narragansets would make an attempt to recapture their
^ When Uncas saw the superior nrnnber of MiantonOmoh's warriors, be sent a messenger to that chief
to say, in the name of Uncas, " Let ns two fight single-banded. If you kill me, my men shall be yours ; if
I kill you, your men shall be mine." MiantonOmoh, suspecting treachery, disdainfully rejected ^ propo-
sition. Unoas then fell on his face, a signal previously agreed upon with his warriors, who, with bent bows,
rushed upon the Narragan«ete, who were carelessly awaiting the result of the conference, and thus put them
to flight
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 597
dorrenderofMIantontaiohtotfaeEnj^h. Ui^Jint Dedtloii. Murder of Hlantondmoh. Settlenent of New London
chief, sent him to Hartford, and surrendered him into the custody of the English, agreeing:
to he governed in his future conduct toward his prisoner hy their advice. Miantonomoh
was imprisoned until Septemher, when the commissioners of the United Colonies, at their
meetmg in Boston, after debating the question whether it would be lawful to take the life
of Miantondmoh, referred his case to an ecclesiastical tribunal, composed of five of the prin-
cipal ministers of the colonies. Their decision was in favor of handing him over to Uncas
for execution, without torture, within the dominions of that sachem. Delighted with the
verdict of his Christian allies, the equally savage Mohegan, with a few trusty followers, con-
ducted Miantondmoh to the spot where he was captured, and, while marching unsuspicious
of present danger, a brother of Uncas, at a sign from that chief, buried his hatchet in the
head of the royal prisoner. Uncas cut a piece of flesh from the shoulder of the slain cap-
tive and ate it, saying, <* It is very sweet ; it makes my heart strong." Satisfied revenge
made it sweet ; and no doubt his heart felt stronger when he saw his powerful enemy lying
dead at his feet. The whole transaction was base treachery and ingratitude. Miantono-
moh had been the firm firiend of the whites on Rhode Island, and his sentence was a fla-
grant ofiense against the principles of common justice and Christianity. He was buried
where he was slain, and &om these circumstances the place has since been called the Ba
chem's Plain.*
The Narragansets, burning with revenge, and led by Pessacus, a brother of Miantono-
moh, invaded the Mohegan country in the spring of 1645. Plantations were laid waste,
and Uncas, vidth his principal warriors, was driven into his strong fortress at Shantock.
There he was closely besieged, but found means to send a messenger to Captain Mason, the
destroyer of the Pequots, then commanding the fort at Saybrook. As in duty bound, that
officer sent succor to his ally, not in men, for they were not needed, but in provisions.
Thomas Leflingwell, a young man of undaunted courage, paddled a <umoe up the Pequot at
night, laden with many hundred weight of beef, com, pease, Sec., and deposited them safely
within the fort at Shantock. This timely relief was made known to the besiegers by hoist
ing a piece of beef upon a pole above the ramparts of the fort. Unable unkos,
to break down the fortress, the Narragansets raised the siege and returned
to their own country. This invasion was repeated, and with almost fatal
efilect to Uncas. The English saved him, and, finaUy, after nearly twenty
years of strife, the hatchet was buried between these tribes. ^ ^*^*^
It was in the midst of these hostilities that the younger Winthrop and OwAmo^
others commenced a settlement at Pequot Harbor, now New Lon-
don ; and in 1659 Uncas and his two sons signed a deed at Say-
brook, conveying a tract of land, " lying at the head of the Great River," hUnurk.
nine miles square, to Thomas Leffingwell and others, for a value consid- attawaphoop^
eration of about three hundred and fifty dollars. Leffingwell had thirty- "^-^^^I-^-rvJ^
five associates, and there founded the city of Norwich, at the head of the ^UMmLL
plain now known as the old town, or up town. It is not my province to sxokatdbxs or uncas
trace the progress of settlement, but simply to note the prominent points ^^ "■ ^**'"'
^ The spot where MiADtonOmoh was buried is a little northward of the village of OreenvUle, on the west
bank of the Shetaoket, and about a mile and a half from Norwich. A pile of stones was placed upon his
grave, and for many yean a portion of his tribe came, in the season of flowers, and mourned over his re-
mains, each one ackling a stone to the tmnnhis. At length their visits ceased, and the voice <tf tradition
being seldom heard at that isolated spot, the proprietor of the land, ignorant of the fact that the pile of
stones was sepulchral and sacred to patriotism, used them in the construction of the foundation of a bam.
On the 4th of July, 1841, the people of Greenville celebrated, by a festival, the erection of a monument to
Miantondmoh, on the spot where he was slain. It is a block of granite eig^t feet high, and about five feet
square at the base, bearing the inscription
MiahtohOmoh.
1643.
UNK08,
r
I did not visit the spot, but, from description, I think the initial letter I, at the beginning of this chapter,
is a fair representation of it.
' Owaneko was a bold warrior in lus youth, and was distinguished in King Philip's War. In maturity.
Digitized by
Google
(198 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
SotUement of Norwich. MohegMi Cemelery. Udcm*! Moottmeat. ReTohitiooary SpUriL Owaneko
in the colonial hxitory of a people who were among the earliest and most ardent supportert
of the ReTolution.'
It wai a charming spot where the Puritan settlers fi)unded the city of Norwich, a
name given to it in honor of the English hirth-plaoe of some of them. ** Birds and
animals of almost every species belonging to the climate were numerous to an uncommcm
degree ; and the hissing of snakes, as well as the howling of wolves and bears roust soon
have become familiar to their ears. To complete the view,
it may be added, that the streams swarmed with fish and wild
fowl ; in the brooks and meadows were found the beaver and
the otter, and through the whole scene stalked at intervals
the Indian and the deer.'*' The planting of this settlement
{2nreatly pleased Uncas, but irritated the Narragansets ; the
former regarding it with pleasure, as the latter did with anger,
as a barrier to the meditated invasions of the Mohegan country
by the tribe of Miantonomoh. Uncas remained a firm firiend
to the whites until his death, which occurred soon aAer the
close of King Philip's War, probably in 1683. He died at
Mohegan (Norwich), and was interred in the burial-ground of
his family, situated upon the high plain just above the falls of
the Yantic. The royal cemetery has been inclosed, and a
granite monument erected therein to the memory of the cele-
brated sachem. Uwcai'i Moiir««iiT.«
Norember 1, '^^ ^"^ ™^® white child bom in Norwich was
i6». Christopher Huntington, afterward recorder of the town. The name of Hunt-
ington is intimately connected with the whole history of that settlement, and is prominent
in our revolutionary annals. Several of that name were engaged in the army, and one.
Samuel Huntington, was President of Congress. Indeed, the whole population seemed to be
thoroughly imbued with the spirit of freedom, and firom the Stamp Act era until the
close of the war for independence, almost every patriotic measure adopted was an act
of the town, not of impromptu assemblages of the friends of liberty or of committees.* Like
haying lost the stimakis of war, " he used to wander abuat with his blanket, metonep, and sandals, his gun,
and lus sqaaw," says Miss CaoUdns, ** to beg in the neighboring towns, qoart^ring himself in the kitchens
and oathooses of his white friends, and presenting to strangers, or those who coold not well understand his
imperfect English, a brief, which had been written for him by Mr. Richard Bnshnell. It was as follows
** 'Oneeo IdBg, his qoaen dotfi bring
TobegaUttiefood;
Af tfaflj go along Aeir frloDdt unong
To try how kind, how good.
Some pork, aoaie boot for their relief;
And if jon e«i*t spire breed.
Shell thank yon for yoor pnd^ng^ as they go a goodin^
And carry it on her head.' "
^ The reader is referred to a well-written yolame of 360 pages, Ji History of Norwich^ Cotmectiatt,from
iU Settlement in 1660, to January, 1845 : by Mite F. M. Caulkint, It is oarefolly compiled from the town
records, old newspapers, and well-anthentioated traditions, many of the latter being derived from then living
witnesses of the scenes of the Revelation. I am indebted to this valuable little work for mnch interesting
matter connected with Norwich. * Miss Canlkins, page 40.
' This monument is on the soa^ side of Prospect Street, and stands within a shaded indosnre sorroanded
by a hedge of prim, npon the estate of Jndge Ooddard. The obelisk is a single block of granite, and, with the
pedestal, is about twenty feet high. The monument was erected by the citizens of Norwich. Tbs founda-
tion-stone was laid by President Jackson, while visiting Norwich during his Eastern tour in 1832. Several
small tomb-stones of those of the royal line of Uncas are within the inclosore. The name has now beoome
extinct, the last Uncas having been buried there about the beginning of ^e present century. A descendant
of Unoas, named Mazeon, was buried there in 1827, on which occasion the wife of Judge Goddard (he being
absent) invited the remnant of the Mohegan tribe, then numbering about sixty, to partake of a odd collation.
* On the 7th of April, 1765, on the reoeipt of intelligenoe of the passage oi the Stamp Act, the people, in
town-meeting assembled, voted unanimously *' that the town clerk shall proceed in his office as usual, and
the town will save him harmless from all damage that he may sustain thereby.'*
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 099
Norwicb L0>ert7 Trae. Celebration under it Honors to John ^i^nikes. Pitriotio Town Meeting. Benevolence of the People.
those of Bostoiii the people of Norwich had their Liberty Tree, under which public meetings
were held in opposition to the Stamp Act. It was brought from the forest, and erected in
the center of the open plain. IngersoU, the stamp distributor for Connecticut, was burned
in effigy upon the high hill overlooking the plain, just above the site of the old meeting-
house. The repeal of the Stamp Act was celebrated, on the first anniversary of the event,
on the 18th of March, 1767, with great festivity, under Liberty Tree, which was decked
with standards and appropriate devices, and crowned with a Phrygian cap. A tent, or
booth, was erected under it, called a pavilion. Here, almost daily, people assembled to hear
news and encourage each other in the determination to resist every kind of oppression.^
The inhabitants of Norwich entered heartily into the scheme of non-importation from
Great Britain. The pledge was generally signed, and almost all were strictly faithful. On
♦he 7th of June, 1768, an entertainment was given at Peck's tavern," to celebrate the elec-
tion of John Wilkes to a seat in Parliament. Every thing was arranged in excellent taste.
All the table furniture, such as plates, bowls, tureens, tumblers, and napkins, were marked
"45," the number of the North Briton, Wilkes's paper, that drew down upon his head the
ire of the British government, and, consequently, as a persecuted patriot, obtained for him
a seat in the House of Commons. The Tree of Liberty was decorated with new banners
and devices, among which was a flag inscribed "No. 45, Wilkes and Libertt." Another
celebration was held there in September, avowedly to ridicule the commissioners of customs
at Boston ; and in various ways the people manifested their defiance of British power, where
it wielded instruments of oppression. The margins of their public records, for a series of
years, were emblazoned with the words Liberty ! Liberty ! Liberty ! Every man was
a self-constituted member of the committee of vigilance, and none could drink tea, or use
other proscribed articles with impunity. Some who ofiended were forced publicly to recant.
The conduct of such persons was under the special inspection of the Sons of Liberty, of whom
Captain Joseph Trumbull, eldest son of Governor Trumbull, was one of the most active.
On the 6th of June, 1774, a town meeting was held in Norwich, to take into considera-
tion " the melancholy state of afi^airs." Honorable Jabez Huntington was chosen modera-
tor ; a series of resolutions, drawn up by Captain Trumbull and Samuel Huntington, wen*
adopted,' and a standing committee of correspondence, composed of some of the leading pa
triots of the town, was appointed.* The people of Boston, in their distress, consequent upoi\
the closing of the port,<^ received substantial testimonies of the sympathy of those of •June i
Norwich \* and when the rumor which went abroad that the British soldiers wore massa-
cring the people of Boston, reached Norwich, a multitude gathered around the September 3.
Liberty Tree, and the next morning (Sunday) four hundred and sixty-four men, ^'^^^•
* Miss Canlkins, page 208.
* This building, though somewhat altered, is yet standing on one side of the green in the upper town, not
far firpm the coart-honse. Belah Peek, Esq., son of the proprietor of the house at that time, and then a half-
grown boy, was yet living. I met him npon the road, when returning from Lebanon, sitting in his wagon
as erect as most men at seventy. He died toward the close of 1860, in the ninety-fifth vear of his age.
^ Jne of these resolutions, looking favorably to a general Congress, was as follows : " That we will, to the
upmost of our abilities, assert and defend the liberties and immunities of British America ; and that we will
co-operate with our other brethren, in this and the other colonies, in such reasonable measures as shall, in
gentrtU Congren or otherunu, be judged most proper to release us from burdens we now feel, and secure
VLs from greater evils we fear will follow from the principles adopted by the British Parliament respecting
the town of Boston." This was one of the earliest movements in the colonies favorable to a general
Congress.
* The committee consisted of Captain Jedediah Huntington, C. Leffingwell, Dr. Theophilus Rogers, Cap-
tain William Hubbard, and Captain Joseph Trumbull. Captain Huntington was afterward aid to General
Washington, and brigadier general in the Continental army. Captain Trumbull was made a commissar}
in the army.
* The inhabitants of Norwich sent cash, wheat, corn, and a flock of three hundred and ninety sheep, for
the relief of the suffisring poor of Boston. This liberality was greatly applauded in the public pruits of the
day. A further instance of the liberal devotion of the people of Norwich to the cause may be mentioned.
The Connecticut Gazette for January, 1778, published at New London, says, *^ On the last Sabbath of De<
oember, 1777, a contribution was taken up in the several parishes of Norwich for the benefit of the offioem
Digitized by
Coogle
600
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
March of Militia to Boston.
General Huntington.
The French Offioeri.
Be^Jamhi Huntington.
a large proportion of them well mounted, started for the oppressed city, under Major John
Durkee. The report proved to be false ; but the following year, when the skirmish at Lex
ington inflamed all Anglo- America, a large proportion of these same men hastened to Cam
bridge, and Durkee and others were in the battle of Bunker Hill.* A company of one hund-
red choice men, raised by Durkee in Norwich, marched thither under Lieutenant Joshua
Huntington, and were annexed to Putnam's brigade.
In the spring of 1776, the Continental army that left Boston for New York after the
British evacuation of the former place, passed
through Norwich to embark for New London.
There General Washington met Governor
Trumbull by appointment, and both dined to-
gether at the table of Colonel Jedediah Hunt-
ington. The dwelling of that active patriot,
pictured in the engraving, is well preserved in
its original character. It is in the present
possession of his nieces, the daughters of Col-
onel Ebenezer Huntington. Its roof at difier-
tnt times sheltered several of the foreign offi-
cers— ^La Fayette, Steuben, Pulaski, the Duke
de Lauzun, and the Marquis de Chastellux.
While Lauzun's legion was cantoned at Leb-
anon, in the winter of 1780— 81, General Huntington invited that nobleman and his officers
to a banquet at his house. The noble and brilliant appearance of these men when they
rode into the town attracted great attention. Afler the dinner was over, the whole party went
into the yard, now adorned with flowering shrubs, and gave three loud huzzas for liberty '
Our vehicle is at the door ; let us take the reins and depart for Lebanon.
Before leaving Norwich, we called upon Jonathan G. W. Trumbull, Esq., a grandson of
the patriot governor of that name, who kindly furnished us with a letter of introduction to
" the oldest inhabitant" of Lebanon, Captain Hubbard Dutton. Mr. Trumbull is a lineal
descendant, through his grandmother, of the Reverend John Robinson, the Puritan divine
whose flock were the Pilgrim Fathers. Among other relics, Mr. Trumbull showed us a
Residkkck or Gsnebal HuirmraTON
and soldiers who belonged to said town, when they collected 386 pairs of stockings, 227 pairs of shoes, 118
shirts, 78 jackets, 48 pairs of overalls, 208 pairs of mittens, 11 baffcaps, 15 pairs of breeches, 9 coats, 22
rifle iirocks, 19 handkerchiefs, and d£258 17s. Sd. [about $1295], which was forwarded to the army. Also
collected a quantity of pork, cheese, wheat, rye, Indian corn, sugar, rice, flax, wood, &c., &c., to be dis-
tributed to the needy families of the officers and soldiers. The whole amounted to the sum of <3£l400,'* or
about $7000.
^ This was the Colonel Durkee engaged in afiairs at Wyoming, and known as " the bold Bean HiUer *
See note, page 345,
^ This pleasant mansion is situated in Old Norwich, or "up town,'^ a few rods eastward of that of Gov-
emor Huntington. The original owner, Jedediah Huntington, was one of flve sons of General Jabez Hxut-
ington, who were in the Continental army at diflerent times during the war. He was bom at Norwich,
August 15, 1745, and graduated at Harvard College in 1763. The address which he delivered upon that
occasion was " the first Englitk oration ever heaxd upon the commencement boaitts*' of that institntioin.
When opposition to British rule began, young Huntington was aroused, and at once espoused the cause of
the colonists. He was an active Son of Liberty, and was one of the earliest captains of militia in his native
town. He raised a regiment, and with it joined the Continental army in 1775. In 1777, Congress com-
missioned him a brigadier, which office he held until the close of the war. Washington highly esteemed
him, and appointed him collector of the port of New London in 1789. He i'esided there until his death,
which occurred on the 25th of September, 1818. His first wife was daughter of Governor Trumbull. She
died at Dedbam, while her husband was on his way to Cambridge, in 1775. His second wife was sister to
the late Bishop Moore of Virginia. She died in 1831.
Benjamin Huntington, of another family, was the first mayor of Norwich, and was a representative in the
Continental Congress from 1784 to 1787 inclusive ; also during Washington's administration. His son Ben-
iamin married a daughter of General Jedediah Huntington, who became the mother of Huntington, our dis-
tinguished artist. He was at one time one of the most eminent of New York brokers. He died on the 3d
rtf August, 1850, at the age of seventy-three years.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
601
A preciouB Heir-loom. The Road to Lebanon. Boxrah and FltchTiUe. Sitoation of Lebanon. Governor TrambuH
silver cap, with a richly-wrought handle, and bearing the initials I. R., which belonged to
Mr. Robinson. It is properly preserved as a most precious heir-loom.
The road to Lebanon passes through a broken but fertile country, every where thoroughly
cultivated where tillage is practicable. We passed through Old Norwich and ovei Bean
Hill, but, mistaking the Colchester road for the
Lebanon turnpike, found ourselves at Fitch-
ville, in Bozrah, nearly two miles from our
most direct way.' The ride along the high
banks of the winding Yantic, coursing in a
deep bed among stately trees, was ample com-
pensation for the loss of time, and we had no
inclination to chide the road-fork that deceiv-
ed us.
The gentle hills rise one above another to-
ward Lebanon, until they are lost in a high,
rolling plain, on which the old town is situ,
ated. The land throughout that region has
ever been held in the highest estimation for
its fertility; and around Lebanon, the focus
of Connecticut patriotism and vigilance during
the Revolution, cluster associations of the deep-
est interest. Here was the residence of Grov-
emor Trumbull, whose name and deeds are
worthily associated with those of Washington,
on the recorda of our war for independence.
No man during that contest acted with more
' The origin of this name is a little amusing. A plain man, who lived where Fitchville now is, was not
remarkable for qaoting Scripture oorreotly. On one occasion, in quoting the passage from Isaiah, " Who is
this that Cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah," &c., he stated that the Prophet Bozrah
said thus and so. He was afterward called the Prophet, and the place of his residence Bozrah, When the -
town was incorporated, that name was given to it. — Barber^ 302.
' Jonathan Trumbull was bom at Lebanon, Connecticut, on the 10th of June (0. S.), 1710. He gradu-
ated at Harvard in 1727, and commenced the study of theology with the Reverend Solomon Williams, of
Lebanon. The death of an elder brother, who was engaged in a mercantile business with his father at Leb-
anon, caused him to become a merchant instead of a clergyman. At the age of twenty-three he was elected
a member of the Connecticut Assembly, where his business capacities raised him rapidly in public estima-
tion. He was elected lieutenant governor of the colony in 1766, and by virtue of that office became chief
justice of the Superior Court. His first bold step in opposition to Great Britain was in refusing to take the
oath enjoined in 1768, which was an almost unconditional submission to all the power claimed by Parlia-
ment ; nor would he be present when others, more timorous than he, took it. Because of his firmness he
was chosen governor of the colony in 1769, and he has the proud distinction of being the only colonial gov-
ernor at the commencement of the Revolution who espoused the cause of the colonies. He was considered
the whig leader in New England while the Adamses and Hancock were legislating in the Continental Con-
gress ; and during the whole contest no man was more implicitly relied upon as a firm, consistent, and active
friend of liberty than Governor Trumbull. " General Washington relied on him," says Sparks, " as one of
his main pillars of support." In 1783, when peace for the colonies returned. Governor Trumbull, then sev
enty-three years old, declined a re-election to the office of governor, which he had held fourteen consecutive
years. He retired from public life, but did not live long to enjoy the quiet he so much coveted in the bo-
som of his family. He was seized with a malignant fever in August, 1785, and on the 17th of that month
died. His son was afterward Governor of Connecticut, and in 1849 his grandson fiUed that responsible
office.
The Marquis de Chastelluz, who came to America with Rocharabeau in 1780, has left behind him a
charming, life-like description of his sojourn here. He thus pleasantly alludes to Governor Trumbull. " I
have already painted Governor Trumbull. At present you have only to represent to yourself this little old
man, in the antique dress of the first settlers in this colony, approachmg a table surrounded by twenty hms-
zar officers, and, without either disconcerting himself or losing any thing of his formal stiffness, pronouncing,
in a loud voice, a long prayer in the form of a benedicite. Let it not be imagined that he excites the laugh-
ter of his auditors ; they are too well trained ; you must, on the contrary, figure to yourself twenty jSmenM,
Digitized by
Google
602
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Character and Servioea of Governor TnunbuU. His Dwelling and War Office.
Set^ment of Lebanon.
Lauzuo
QovsBNOft Tbumbvll's Wab OFnCE.1
energy, or plied his talents and resources with more industry than he. During the whole
war, the responsible duties and services of governor of the state rested upon him, yet he per-
formed immense labors in other departments of the field to which he was called, notwith-
standing he was more than threescore years
old. His correspondence was very extensive, - __ ---:..
and he sat in council no less than one thou-
sand days during the war. Washington never
applied to him for supplies of any kind with-
out receiving an immediate response. It is a
fact worthy of record that, although Connecti-
cut can not point to any brilliant battle field
within her borders, she furnished for that war
more troops and supplies than any other col-
ony, except Massachusetts. If the old war
office of Governor Trumbull, yet standing at
Lebanon, had a tongue to speak, it might tell
of many a scheme elaborated there, which, in its consummation, may have been the act thai
turned the scale of destiny in favor of the Americans. There the illustrious owner discussed
with Washington, Franklin, Rochambeau, and others, the gravest questions which then oc
cupied the attention of two hemispheres. Such a spot is like consecrated ground, and. the
shoes of irreverence should never press the green-sward around it.
We dined at the upper end of the village, ami
z^ -^^ t^6^ proceeded to visit the relics of the era of thi*
^^ ^ >- Jtlevolution which remain. I have called Leba
non an old town. A portion of fh|;^ract was pur
chased about 1 698, of Owaneko, the son of Uncas
There were several tracts purchased by the whites
in the vicinity, all of which were united in the
year 1700. The village is situated principally
upon a street thirty rods wide, and more than a
mile in length. Several well-built houses erected
before or about the time of the Revolution yet re.
main. Among them is that of Governor Trum
bull. It is a substantial frame building, and is now
(1849) owned by Mrs. Eunice Mason, a widow
eighty years of age. We were denied tne pleas-
ure of an interview with her on account of her feeble health. The house is on the west
side of the street, near the road running westward to Colchester. Sixty or seventy rods
southwest from the Trumbull House is the <' barrack lot,*' the place where Lauzun's legion
of cavalry were, encamped.* His corps consisted of about five hundred horsemen. Rocham-
TUJE TnUMBULL UOUSK.
issuing at once from the midst of forty mostaohes, and yon will have some idea of the little scene." — Trw-
eUy i., 458.
^ This was the building in which Goyemor TnimbuU transacted his public business. It formerly stood
near his dwelling, but is now several rods northwest of it, on the same side of the Common. For many
years it was occupied as a post-office. This sketch was taken from the open field in the rear, looking north.
' The Duke de Lauzun was an accomplished, but exceedingly voluptuous and unprincipled num. His
personal beauty, talents, wit, wealth, and bravery were passports to the friendship of men who abhorred his
profligacy. Why he espoused the cause of the Americans it is not easy to determine, unless, surfeited with
sensual indulgences, he vras desirous of engaging in new excitements, where he might regain the waning
vigor of his body. His conduct here made him very popular. After his return to Europe he became ac-
quainted with Talleyrand, and accompanied him on a mission to England in 1792. There one of his fa
miliar associates was the Prince of Wales, afterward George IV. On the death of his uncle, the Duke dc
Biron, Lauzun succeeded to the title. He became involved in the stormy movements of the French Revo-
lution, and being found guilty of secretly favoring the Vendeans, was executed on the 31st of December, 1 793.
Two officers in his regiment in America, named Dillon, brothers, also suffered death by the guillotine.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
603
Tbe Aldea Tnrem.
Qeneral Preicott honewhipped there.
Tha Williami House.
The Tnunbun Vault
The Aldxn Tatxsn.
beaa was there, with five regiments, for ahout three weeks, in the winter of
1780, and while he tarried Washington arrived, stayed a few days, and re-
viewed the French troops. A French ^Idier was shot for desertion, a few
rods north of the ♦* harrack lot."
Nearly opposite the Trumhull mansion is the old tavern kept during the
Revolution by Captain Alden. It is famous generally as a place of rendez-
vous of the French officers, for drinking and playing, and
more particularly as the house where General Fresco tt,
the British officer who was captured on Rhode Island,
stopped to dine, while on his way, under an escort, to
Washington's camp, and received a horsewhipping from
the landlord.^ Of the remarkable circumstances of Fres-
cott*s capture I shall hereafter write. Mr. Wattles, the
present proprietor of the old tavern, is a descendant of
Captain Alden. While making the annexed sketch we
were joined by Captain Button, the venerable citizen to
whom we bore a letter of introduction, but who was ab-
sent from home when we arrived in the village. He has a
distinct recollection of all the revolutionary events about Leb-
anon and vicinity, and could direct us to every spot made mem-
orable by those events.
On the comer of the road leading from Lebanon to Wind-
ham is the house once occupied by William Williams, one of
the signers of the Declaration of Independence. It has been
shghtlv jnodififlik but its general appearance is the same as it
was during tCe Revolution Its present occupant is Mr. Sim-
eon Feckam. A bi-
ographical sketch of
Mr. Williams will be
found among those
of the Signers, in another portion of this work, and
the most prominent events of his life are also no-
ticed in his epitaph, given on the next page.
We will pass on to the sacred inclosure con-
taining the vault of the Trumbull family. It is
in a cemetery a little eastward of the village, and
near the Windham Road — a cemetery which
probably contains the remains of more distinguish-
ed men of the Revolution than any other in the
country. In the Trumbull tomb are the remains
of two governors of Connecticut, the first com-
missary general of the United States, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
' While at table, Mrs. Alden brought on a dish of succotash (boiled beans and com), a dish much valued
in America. Prescott, unused to such food, exclaimed indignantly, " What ! do you treat me with the
food of hogs ?" and taking the dish (rom the table, strewed the contents over the floor. Captain Alden,
being informed of this, soon entered With a horsewhip, and flogged the general severely. After Prescott
was exchanged and restored to his command on Rhode Island, the inhabitants of Newport deputed William
Rotch, Dr. Tupper, and Timothy Folger to negotiate some concerns with him in behalf of the town. They
were for some time refused admittance to his presence, but the doctor and Folger finally entered the room.
Prescott stormed with great violence, until Folger was compelled to withdraw. After the doctor had an-
nounced his business, and Prescott had become calm, the general said, " Was not my treatment to Folger
very uncivil?" "Yes," replied the doctor. "Then," said Prescott, "I will tell you the reason; ho
looked so much like a d-— d Connecticut man that horsewhipped me, that I could not endure his presence."
— Thatcher* $ Jowmal, p. 175.
' The marble monument standing in front of the tomb is in memory of William Williams, a signer of the
Thk Williams Houss.
Tint TmuMBCLL Vault.*
Digitized by
Google
604 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
- - _^ — ti ■
Return to Norwich. Destruction of the Yantio Falls. Birthoplace of Arnold. Inscription upon the Trumbull Blomunent.
The day was waning when I finished my sketches, and bidding Lebanon and its inter-
esting associations adieu, we returned to Norwich, stopping for a few mmutes at the Sa-
chem's Burial-ground, on the vergt of the city, to delineate the monument of Uncas, printed
on page 30.
On the following morning, accompanied by Mr. Williams and his son in a light dearborn,
I proceeded to visit the many points of historic interest within and around Norwich. We
went to the plain and the upper town by the road that passes along the margin of the Yan-
tic, to the once romantic falls near the mouth of that river. The natural beauties of this
cascade were half hidden and defaced long ago by towering factories ; but the chief spoiler
was public improvement, which, with pick and powder-blast, hammer and trowel, has digged
down the crown of the waterfall, and bridged it by a rail-way viaduct. A curve of a few
rods might have spared the beautiful Yantio Falls ; but what right has Nature to intrude
her charms in the way of the footsteps of Mammon ? I saw at the house of Mr. Trumbull,
in Norwich, a fine picture of these romantic
falls, painted by the eminent artist John
Truhbtjll, a son of the patriot governor, be-
fore' a layer of brick or the sound of an ax had
desecrated the spot. It was, indeed, a charm-
ing scene.
About half way between Norwich city and
the upper town, on the right or south side of tho
road, was the birth-place of Benedict Arnold,
depicted in the annexed engraving. The view
is from the road, looking southeast. The house
had had some slight additions to its size since
Arnold played in its garden in petticoats and
bib, yet its general appearance was the same bultb-placs of Bsmeoxcr Abkolv.
as at that time. Several circumstances bord-
Deolaration of Independence, and bears the following inscription : " The remains of the Honorable Will-
iam Williams are deposited in this tomb. Bom April 8th, 1731 ; died the 2d of August, 1811, in the
81st year of his age. A man eminent for his virtues and piety. For more than 50 years he was con-
stantly employed in public life, and served in many of the most important offices in the gift of his fellow,
citizens. During the whole period of the Revolutionary war, he was a firm, steady, and ardent friend of
his country, and in the darkest times risked his life and wealth in her defense. In 1776 and 1777 he was
a member of the American Congress, and as such signed the Declaration of Independence. His public and
private virtues, his piety and benevolence, will long endear his memory to his surviving friends ; above all,
he was a sincere Christian, and in his last moments placed his hope, with an humble confidence, in his Re-
deemer. He had the inexpressible satisfaction to look back upon a long, honorable, and well-spent life."
On the pedestal upon the top of the tomb are the following inscriptions : " Sacred to the memory of Joo
athan Trumbull, Esq., who, unaided by birth or powerful connections, but blessed with a noble and virtuous
mind, arrived to the highest station in government. His patriotism and firmness during 50 years' employ-
ment in public life, and particularly in the very important part he acted in the American Revolution, as
Governor of Connecticut, the faithful page of history wfll record. Full of years and honors, rich in benev-
olence, and firm in the £euth and hopes of Christianity, he died, August 9, 1785, States 75.'*
" Sacred to the memory of Madam Faith Trumbull,* the amiable lady of Governor Trumbull, bom at Dux-
bury, Mass., A.D. 1718. Happy and beloved in her connubial state, she lived a virtuous, charitable, and
Christian life at Lebanon, in Connecticut, and died lamented by numerous friends A.D. 1780, aged 62 years.*^
" Sacred to the memory of Joseph Trumbull, eldest son of Governor Trumbull, and first commissary gen-
eral of the United States of America ; a service to whose perpetual cares and fatigues he fell a sacrifice
A.D. 1778, aged 42 years. Full soon, indeed ! may his person, his virtues, and even his extensive benev-
olence be forgotten by his friends and fellow-men. But blessed be God I for the Hope that in his presence
he shall be remembered forever."
" To the memory of Jonathan Trumbull, £sq.,t kite Governor of the State of Connecticut. He was bom
March 26th, 1740, and died August 7th, 1809, aged 69 years. His remains wefo deposited with those oi
his father."
* Her maiden name was Eobinwrn, and she was a Uneal deacendant of the Reverend Mr.Robinaon, pastor at Lejden of many
of the Pflgrim Fathera.
t Son of the first gOToraor
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 605
Arnold's curly Tears. Attempt to commit Murder. A Ringleader in BiHachie£ His Mother. Scorching Acroetle.
ering upon the marvelous, and viewed with a little superstition, gave the house an unpleas-
ant notoriety, and for many years it ^ as untenanted, because it was haunted ! by what or
whom rumor never deigned to reveal. When I visited it, only two or three rooms were oc-
cupied, the others being empty and locked. The room in which Arnold was bom, in the
southwest comer of the second story, was occupied, and the people seemed to be familiar
with the traditions respecting the boyhood of that distinguished man. Amold was blessed
with a mother (Hannah Ring, of Norwich), who was, says her epitaph, << A pattem of pa-
tience, piety, and virtue," but her lessons seem to have been fruitless of good efiect upon the
headstrong boy.' He was wayward, disobedient, unscrupulous, and violent— straits of char-
acter which finally worked his rain. He even attempted murder, while a young tnan re-
siding at Norwich, by shooting a youthful Frenchman, who paid court to Arnold's sister,
Hannah, by whom his love was. reciprocated. Young Arnold disliked him, and finding per-
suasion powerless on the mind of his sister to induce her to break off her engagement with
the foreigner, vowed vengeance upon him if he ever caught him in the house again. The
opportunity occurred, and Amold discharged a loaded pistol at him as he escaped fix>m a
window, fortunately without efifeot. The young man left the place forever, and Hannah
Amold lived the life of a maiden. Amold and the Frenchman afterward met at Honduras
They fought a duel, in which the latter was severely wounded.
When a mere boy, Amold's courage was remarkable, and among his playmates he was
a perfect despot. A ringleader in every mischievous sport, he often performed astonishing
feats of daring. On a gala-day, he set a field-piece upright, poured powder into it, and
dropped from his own hand a firebrand into the muzzle. On another occasion, at the head
of a number of boys, he rolled away some valuable casks from a ship-yard at Chelsea,' to
make a thanksgiving bonfire. An officer, sent by the owner to recover them, arrested the
casks on their way. The stripling Arnold was enraged, and, taking off his coat upon the
spot, dared the constable, a stout man, to fight him ! Such was the boyhood of one of the
most intrepid generals of our Revolutions-such was the early type of the unscrapulous, vio-
lent man whose memory is black with the foulest treason.* We have met him in preceding
' Miss Canlkiiis publishes the following letter from Mrs. Arnold to Benedict, while he was at school in
Canterbary. It exhibits the character of his mother in strong contrast with his own in alter life.
"Norwich, April IS; 1751
" Dkar Child, — ^I received yours of the 1st instant, and was glad to hear that you was well. Pray, my
dear, let your first concern be to make your peace with God, as it is of all oonoerns of the greatest import-
ance. Keep a steady ^xratch over your thoughts, words, and actions. Be dutiful to superiors, obliging to
equals, and afiable to inferiors, if any such there be. Always choose that your companions be your betters,
that by their good examples you may learn.
" From your afiectionate mother, Hanm ah Arnold.
" P.S. — ^I have sent you 50<. Use it prudently, as you are accountable to God and your &ther. Your
father and aunt join with me in love and service to Mr. Cogswell and lady, and yourself. Your sister is
from h<nne."
* Chelsea is the old port of Norwich. The houses cluster chiefly at the mouth of the Shetucket.
' Oliver Arnold, a cousin of Benedict, and also a resident of Norwich, was the reputed author of the fol-
owing scorching acrostic, Written after the treason of his kinsman. It is bad poetry and worse sentiment.
** Bom for a cone to Tirtne and mankind,
Earlh'i broadest realm ne'er knew to black a mhid.
NIghtfi sable reU your crimes can nerer hide.
Each one so great 'twould glnt historic tide.
Deftmct, your cnraed memory will livet
• In an the g^are that infiuny can gire.
Curses of ages will attend your name,
Traitors alone will glory in your shame.
*' Abnigfaty Tengeanoe sternly waits to roll
Rirers of sulphur on your treacherous soul ;
Nature looks shuddering back with eonscious dread
On such a tamish'd blot as she has made.
Let heU reoeiTe you riveted in chains,
Doom'd to ttie hottest focus of its flaznes I"
The author of the above had a peculiar talent for making extempore verses. Joel Barlow onoe met him
Digitized by VjOOQIC
606
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Residence of Governor Huntington.
Unpublished Letter written by Wadiingtor.
pages in his glorious career as a bold patriot ; we shall meet him again presently amid the
scenes of his degradation.
Leaving the Arnold House, we
rode to the upper town, and halted
at the spacious mansion of Charles
Spaulding, Esq., formerly the resi-
dence of Grovemor Samuel Hunt-
ington, who was also a signer of
the Declaration of Independence,
and President of Congress. It was
considered the finest dwelling in
Norwich when occupied by the gov-
ernor, and now presents an excellent
specimen of the architecture of that
era. Surrounded by shade-trees and
adorned with shrubbery, it is a sum-
mer residence to be coveted by those
who love spacious rooms and a quiet
location. I saw in the possession
of Mrs. Spaulding an autograph letter of General Washington, written to Grovemor Hunt-
ington, then President of Congress. It has never been published, and as its purport is of
an interesting public nature, I give a copy of it here.*
GoVKRNOft UUNTXNOTON'S MANSION.
Sir,
"Head-quartera, New WindMr, lOth April, 178L
** I beg leave to introduce to your excellency Colonel Menonville, deputy adjutant general
to the French army. This gentleman, who is charged by his excellency the Count de Ko-
nhambeau with matters respecting a contract entered into by Dr. Franklin, in behalf of the
United States, for the supply of a quantity of provision, will, through your excellency, lay
his business generally before Congress.
*< He will also, agreeably to the wishes of Count Rochambeau, make an application for
some heavy iron cannon for the use of the works at Newport, which he understands were
imported into New Hampshire for the use of the seventy-four gun ship now upon the stocks.
The brass artillery at present in them are the artillery of siege, and must be removed should
the army remove. If there are such cannon in New Hampshire, and there is no probability
of their being soon wanted for the purpose for which they were intended, I think a part of
them can not be better applied.
« I recommend Colonel Menonville to your excellency's personal attention as a gentleman
of peculiar merit.
" I have the honor to be, with great respect, your excellency's most obedient and humble
servant, Geo. Washinoton.
*' Hia Excellency the Preaident of Congreaa.**
In the rear of the Huntington mansion is the cemetery of the first Congregational society
of Norwich. Within it lie ihe remains of many of the early inhabitants of the town, and
in a book-store in New Haven, and asked him for a specimen of his talent. Arnold immediately repeatfJ
the following :
*• YoaVo proTod yonrarlf a t&jital cre'tar ;
You've murder 'd Watta and apoil'd the inetor ,
Yoa'TO tried the Word of God to alter,
And for your paina deaorve a halter.**
To anderstand the witty sarcasm of these lines, it must he remembered that Barlow, at that time, was ec
joying much notoriety by a publication of a revised and altered edition of Watts's Psalms and Hjrrans.
^ The only letter written by Washington at this date, and published in his ^' Life and Writings'* by
Sparks, was addressed to the Count de Rochambeau, on the subject of an expedition to Penobscot. See
Sparks, viii., 8.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
60)
PmnUy Vault of Qoremor Huntington. Tomb of General Jaboz Huntington. His five Son«. The old Burying'groonii
upon the steep southern slope of a hill is the family vault of Governor Huntington. It is
substantially built of brick. On the
front, over the entrance, is an inscribed
marble tablet.^ The tomb is some-
what dilapidated, and the ground over-
grown with brambles. In the south-
em portion of the cemetery, separated
from the others by a stone fence, is the
family vault of General Jabez Hunt-
ington,' formerly one of the leading
men of Norwich, and peculiarly honored in contributing five hardy sons to the Continental
army. Jedediah was a brigadier general ; Andrew was a commissary ; Joshua and Eben-
czer were colonels. Zachariah, the youngest, was still living with his son, Thomas M. Hunt-
ington, Esq., a few rods north of the residence of General Jedediah Huntington, pictured on
page 32. We called to see him, but indisposition prevented his receiving visitors. He
was then nearly eighty-six years of age. He was drafVed in the militia in 1780, but saw
little of active military service.'
General Jabez Huntington*s tomb, like that of the governor, is constructed of brick, having
an inscribed marble tablet in front * but, uu-
GoTCBNOft HuirriNaTON's Tomb.
:j?m^|-
Uknbbal HnxfTiNOTON'f Tomb
like the other, it was not covered with bram-
bles, nor was there a blade of grass upon the
old graves that surround it. The ground had
been burned over to clear it of bushes and bri-
ers, and the ancient tomb-stones were shame-
fully blackened by fire. A few yards from
Huntington's tomb is the more humble grave
of Diah Manning,* who was a drummer in the
Continental army. He was the jailer at Nor-
wich during the French Revolution. When
Boyer, aflerward President of Hay ti, was brought to Norwich, among other French prison-
ers, in 1797, he was treated with great kindness by Manning. The prisoner did not forget
it, and when President of St. Domingo, he sent presents to Manning's family.
Leaving the ancient cemetery, we returned to the city, and called upon the almost cen-
tenarian Captain Erastus Perkins, residing on Shetucket Street. He is yet living (1850),
in the ninety-ninth year of his age. We found him quite strong in body and mind. Many
scenes of his early years are still vivid pictures in his memory, and he was able to reproduce
them with much interest. He said he distinctly remembered the circumstance of quite a
large body of men going from Norwich to New Haven, in 1765, to assist in compelling In-
' The following is a copy of the inscription : " Samusl HuifTricoTON, Esq., Oovemor of Conneoticnt,
having served his fellow-citizens in various important offices, died the 5th day of January, A.D. 1796, in the
05th year of his age.''
" His consort, Mrs. Martha Huntington, died June 4th, A.D. 1794, in the 57th year of her age."
A portrait and biographical sketch of Governor Huntington will be found among those of the signers of
the Declaration of Independence, in another part of this work.
' Jabez Huntington was bom in Norwich, in 1719. He graduated at Yale College in 1741, and soon
afterward entered into mercantile business. At one time himself and sons owned and fitted out at the port
of Norwich twenty vessels for the West India trade. In 1 750 he was elected a member of the Conneotiont
Assembly, was spieaker iur several years, and also a member of the Council. He lost nearly half his prop-
erty by Uie capture of his vessels when the Revolution broke out. He was an ardent patriot, a very active
member of the Council of Safety, and held the office of major general in the militia. He died at Norwich
in 1786.
' General Zachariah Huntington is no more. He died in June, 1850, at the age of eighty-eight. Thus
one after another of those whom I visited has since gone to rest in the grave.
* The following is a oopy of the inscription : ** The family tomb of the Honorable Jabez Huntington,
Est]., who died October 5, 1786. aged 67 years.''
Digitized by
Google
608 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOfc
Capcain PerkiiM. Old Men of Norwich. GreeBTiHe. Tbrj HOL Letter of Goieral Wflliaiiu
genoll, the stamp distributor, to resign his office. Captain Perkins went to Roxbury in
1775, and was a sutler in Colonel Huntington's regiment at the time of the battle of
Bunker Hill. He was in New York about two years ago, and pointed out the spot
in Wall Street where he stood and saw Washington take the oath as President of the
United States, sixty-one years before. For many years Captain Perkins was surveyor of
the port of Norwich, and throughout a long life has preserved the esteem of its citizen?
He is now the honored head of five generations.' A few friends of his youth are still living
m Norwich, but most of that generation have long since departed. I was informed by Dr.
W. P. Eaton that, the day before I visited Norwich, Captain Perkins and three other men
were in his store, whose united ages were three hundred and fifty-seven years— an average
of eighty-nine I
Toward evening we strolled up the Shetucket to Greenville, visited the extensive papei
and cotton mills there, and returning, crossed, at Chelsea, to the Preston side of the river,
and ascended by a winding road to the lofty summit of Tory Hill, so called from the cir-
cumstance that it was the confiscated property of a Tory of the Revolution. A magnificent
prospect opens to the view from that bald, rocky pinnacle. Southward was visible the dark
line of Long Island Sound ; on the west, half hidden by groves, rolled the Thames ; north-
ward and eastward lay a vast amphitheater of cultivated hills, and the valleys of the Yantio,
Quinebang, and the Shetucket, and at our feet was Norwich .city, in crescent form, clasping
a high, rocky promontory, like the rich setting of a huge emerald, for in the midst rose the
towering Wawekus, yet green with the lingering foliage of summer. A more picturesque
scene than this grand observatory afibrds need not be sought for by the student and lover
of nature. There we lingered until the sun went down behind the hills that skirt the great
liohegan Plain, and in the dim twilight we made our way back to the city. Between eight
and nine o'clock in the evening I bade my kind friend Mr. Williams' adieu, and left Nor-
' It is a r&tber singalar fact that CapCain Perkins and his wife were both bom on Sunday. Their first
child was bom on Sunday. They had one bora on every day of the week — the first on Sunday moraingf
and the last on Saturday evening ; and the head of each of the five generations of which he is the eldes'
was bora on Sunday.
' Mr. Edwin Williams, and his elder brother, Mr. Joseph WiUiams, of Norwich, are sons of General Jo-
seph Williams, who, though a young man, was an active patriot during the Revolutionary war. He was a
merchant, and, in connection with his partner, William Coit, whose daughter he married, was engaged in
fitting out armed vessels from Norwich and New London. In one of these he made a voyage to the West
Indies. The vessel was pursued by a British armed ship, and an action ensued in which the American vessel
was the winner. General Williams spent much of the latter portion of his life in organizing and disciplin-
ing the militia of New London county ; and until his death he was extensively engaged as a shipping and
importing merchant. He died in October, 1800, aged fortj-seven years.
Mrs. Russell Hubbard, of Norwich, daughter of General Williams, permitted me to have a copy of a lettei
nf his, written in 1776, from near New York, to his business partner, Mr. Coit. Young Williams had ac-
companied the Connecticut Continental troops to New York, taking with him a supply of articles adapted
to the use of the army. He was then only twenty-4hree years of age. The letter is interesting, as exhib
iting a feature in the business life of the day, and the perfect coolness with which trade was carried on in
the midst of the most inmiinent peril. The letter is written on the blank leaf of an account book.
•* New York, sereo mflet from the city, September 8, 1778.
"DbarSir,
" Ever since I wrote you by Mr. Walden we have been in confusion. The enemy opened two batteries
opposite to our fort at Hell Gate last Saturday evening, and began cannonading and bombarding early on
Sunday morning. They fired several shot into the house where we kept our store. We thought it pradent
to move a little beck, which we have done, but have not got clear of their shot ; they are flying about us
continually. We have about ^140 in value on hand, berides money that I have purchased since I came
here with what was on hand before.
^^ The enemy are now landing on the Island between Hell Gate and the main, and 'tis supposed they mean
to make a push for Kingsbridge, and cut us ofi* from the main ; but I believe they can not do it, as we are
prepared for them at Kingsbridge ; but I make no doubt we shall soon have an engagement.
" Colonel Sergeant, Dr. Hamans, and I, have sent what money we have to West Chester by Dr. Hamans's
boy. I have sent about <£150. It will not do to move our stores till the regiment is obliged to go, as they
can not do vrithout some necessaries here.
Digitized by
Google
.OF THE REVOLUTION.- 609
N«w London. Iti Settlement FortifleatkHis. Tbe Hartxxr. Rerohitionary MoTementi.
wich, in the cars, for Allyn's Point, seven miles below, whence I embarked for New London,
eight miles further down the Thames, arriving there at ten.
New London is pleasantly situated upon a rocky slope on the right bank of the Thames,
three miles from Long Island Sound, and one hundred and thirty-four miles eastward of
New York city. From the high ground in the rear of the city, whereon many fine resi
dences are built, a very extensive view of the Sound and the surrounding country is obtained
Its earliest Indian name was Nameaug ; but the first English settlers, John Winthrop and
others, called it Pequot, from the people who had inhabited the country on the banks of the
Pequot or Thames River. By an act of the Assembly of Connecticut, in March, 1658, it
was named New London, to perpetuate in America the title of the capital of England. The
river was also named Thames, by the same authority and for a similar reason. The harbor
is one of the best in the United States. It is commanded by forts Griswold and Trumbull,
situated, the former upon its east bank, at Groton, and the
latter upon the west. The fortifications are upon the sites of
those of the same name which were erected there in the time
of the Revolution.
New London and Norwich were intimately associated in
all political matters when the controversy with Great Britain
arose. The latter, included within New London county, was
regarded as the chief place ; while the former, being the port
of entry, became the point of most importance when British
fleets and armies came to subdue the Americans. From an
oarly period the harbor of New London was a favorite resort ^ jj«w Lonbok hamobT
for vessels navigating the Sound, on account of the depth of
water and its sheltered position. Here the brigantines and other vessels of the famous buc-
caneers sometimes sought shelter from storms ; and it is believed that therein lay the vessel
of the notorious Captain Kidd about the time when his treasures were concealed on Gardin-
er's Island, on the oppoaite side of the Sound. Great eflbrts were made by the commanders
of British ships to obtain possession of the city and harbor during the Revolution, and for a
long time a fleet of some thirty vessels hovered along the coast in the vicinage, chiefly in
Gardiner's Bay and the neighborhood of Fisher's Island. But the vigilant authorities and
people of Connecticut kept them at bay. From the time of the Bunker Hill battle until
the town was burned by British troops, headed by the then traitor, Benedict September 6,
Arnold, a strong military force was kept there, and every attention was paid to ^^^
fortifying the harbor.
In 1774 the people of New London held a town meeting, and passed strong res-
olutions in reference to the oppressive acts of the British Parliament. After ex-
pressing their sincere loyalty to the king, they resolved that ** the cause of Boston is the
common cause of all the North American colonies ;*' that a union of all the colonies was of
the greatest importance ; that they earnestly wished f(Mr, and would promote, the assembling
'* I shall send Isaac* oat to-day. If we are taken or killed^ yoa cao send for the money I have sent out.
I would not have this stop your sending the goods I wrote for, as far as it will do to oome by water.
" From yoar hnmbie servant,
"Joseph Williams.
" P.S. — Commandant Serjeant tells me he has just received intelligence that our Congress has appointed
a committee to wait on Lord Howe."t
* He WM a brodier of the writer of the letter, and wm then aboat fifteen jeara old. He ferred hit country daring a greatev
oortton of the war, and waa finally captured by the EngUah and pretaed Into their naral ■erriee, tai which he lott a leg. Sogrea
was hia hatred of the Engliih, that he engaged in die French marine ferrice during die French Berolatfoo, in oonaeqoenoe oi
which he waa tried for Tioladng the United Statea hiwa of nentrality, waa fonnd gnilty, and fined and impriwned. He died a
Pretton, when about eighty yeara of age. General WUlianu had two other brothera tai the Continental army— Frederic, win
died or waa killed in New York in 1T76, and waa buried in 8t Paul's church-yard ; and BenJimin, who lost hit liib tai the Jeney
priaon-ship, in 1781, at the age of twenty-three.
f The oonferance of tfaii committee with Lord Howe was held on the lldi of September, 1770, at the house of Colonel BIDop
yet •tanding at the sonthweat end of Staten Island. A drawing of die bniUUng wiU be fonnd on page 009, toI. UL
I. a«
Digitized by
Google
610 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Forte Griflwold and Trumbull. Prizes. CUnton't Destgna. Amold't Expeditkn. Naral Force of Ckmneccicat
of a general Congress ; and that they would religiously ohserve and ahide by the resolves of
such a body. They also appointed a committee of correspondence for the town.^
New London Habbob, lookino North.*
In 1775 the erection of two forts for the defense of the harbor of New London was begun,
one upon the rocky extremity of a peninsula on the west side of the Thames, about a mile
below the city, and the other upon Groton Hill, on the opposite side of the harbor. The
former, when completed, was called Fort Trumbull, and the latter Fort Griswold. Several
vessels of the little naval armament of Connecticut were fitted out at New London ; and
into that port a number of prizes captured by American cruisers were taken, and their oar-
goes disposed of* In 1777, a frigate of thirty-six guns, ordered by the Continental Con-
gress to be built in Connecticut, was constructed in the Thames^ between New London and
Norwich, under the direction of Captain Joshua Huntington. Several small armed vessels
on private account sailed from this port, and greatly annoyed the' enemy upon the coast,
capturing their provision vessels, and injuring transports that happened to be separated from
convoys. These things so irritated the British commanders here, that New London was
marked for special vengeance, and Benedict Arnold was the chosen instrument to execute it.
I have already alluded to the junction of the American and French armies upion the Hud-
son, in the summer of 178JL, and their departure for Virginia — ^the original design of attack-
ing New York city having been abandoned, in consequence of the reception, by Clinton, of
re-enforcements from abroad, and the intelligence that the Count de Grasse might not be ex-
pected from the West Indies in time for such an operation.* When Sir Henry Clinton be
came certain of the destination of the allied armies, and perceived that they were too far on
their way for him to hope to overtake them in pursuit, he dispatched Arnold, who had just
returned from a predatory expedition in Virginia, to make like demonstrations upon the New
England coast. Clinton's hoped-for result of this measure was to deter Washington from
his purpose of pushing southward, or, at least, to make him weaken his army by sending
back detachments for the defense of the New England frontier upon the Sound. But he
failed to efiect his purpose, and the expedition of Arnold was fruitful only of misery for a few
inhabitants, and of abundant disgrace and contumely for the perpetrators of the outrage.
At daybreak on the morning of the 6th of September, 1781, a British fleet, under Cap-
tain Beasly, consisting of twenty-four sail, bearing a considerable land and marine force under
the general command of Benedict Arnold, appeared off the harbor of New London, having
left the eastern end of Long Island the evening previous. A large proportion of the land
forces consisted of Tories and some Hessians, the instruments employed when any thing cruel
^ Tbis committee consisted of Richard Law, Garden Salstonstall, Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., Samuel H. Par-
sons, and Guy Richards. The little village of Groton, opposite, also held a town meeting the week pre-
vious, and, after passing similar resolutions, appointed a committee of correspondence. — See Hinman's Hit-
torical CoUectionty p. 52—56.
* This little sketch shows the relative position of the forts. Fort Trumbull is seen on the left of the pic-
.ture, and Fort Griswold, with the Groton Monument, is on the extreme right.
' The following are the names of the war-vessels in the service of the State of Connecticut during the
Revolution : Brigs Minerva, American, Silliman ; ship Oliver Cromwell ; frigates Trumbull, Bourbon ;
schooners Spy, Defense ; sloops Dolphin, Mifflin, Resistance, Schuyler, Stark, Young Cromwell, Confederacy,
'Count de Grasse, Tiger, Alliance, Phoenix; and row-galleys Shark, Whiting, Crane, The Guilford, New
il>«ren!ee, Putnam, ami Revenpre. * See page 436, vol. i.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 611
I^andiiif of dia Enemy. March toward New London. DoBtanctionof tlieTown. Property destroyed. *« Fire Landa."
was to be perfonned.' They landed in two divisions of about eight hundred each : one on
the cast or Groton side d*the Thames, commanded by Lieutenant-KX)lonel Eyre, and the other
on the New London side, led by the traitor genera], who debarked in the cove at Brown's
Farm, near the light-house. The militia hastened in
small parties to oppose them, but were too few to
produce much effect other than wound-
ing some of the enemy on
their march toward
the town. The ad-
viBw OF THB LAifWK^iirci OP ABMoiili' vaucc battcry, situatcd
^ about half way be-
tween Fort Trumbull and the light-house, in which were eight pieces of cannon, as well as
the fort itself, was too feebly manned to oiler resistance, and the troops of each evacuated,
and crossed over to the stronger post of Fort Griswold, on Groton Hill. The city was thus
left exposed to the enemy, whose great weapon of destruction was the torch. First, the
stores upon the wharves were set on fire, and then the dwellings on Mill Cove were con-
sumed. Nearly the whole town was laid in ashes, and several vessels were burned.* Many
inhabitants in oomfortable circumstances were now houseless and wanderers, reduced to ab-
solute beggary. None were permitted to save their furniture, and the soldiery were allowed
free scope for brutality and plunder. It is said that Arnold stood in the belfry of a church,
^ The divifiion under Arnold consisted of the 38th regiment of regulars, the Loyal Americans, the Amer-
ican Legion, refugees, and a detachment of fifty Yagers. Colonel Eyre^s was composed of the 40th and
54th regiments, the third battalion of Jersey voluiteers, and a detachment of Yagers and artillery.
* This sketch is from the west side of the cove in which the troops under Arnold landed. In the dis-
tance, on the extreme right, is the point where the division on'der Eyre debarked, and near the center is
seen the monument on Groton Hill, near Fort Griswold. The shores of the cove are sandy, but the pro-
jections which form them are bold promontories of granite rock.
' The boildings burned in this expedition were 65 dweUing-hooses containing 97 familiea, 31 stores, 19
shops, 20 bams, and 9 public and other buildings, among which were the court-house, jail, and churoh ; in
all 143. Fifteen vessels with the effects of the inhabitants escaped up the river. The value of propeity
destroyed was estimated at $485,980. This was the estimate of the committee which was appointed by
the General Assembly of Connectiont, after the war, to ascertain the amoant of loss sustained by the sev-
eral towns in the state by conflagrations during the predatory inroads of the enemy. In 1793, the Assem-
bly granted to the sufferers five hundred acres of land, Ijring within the precincts of the Western Reserve,
in Ohio, and now included in the counties of Huron and Erie, and a small part of Ottawa. This tract is
knovni as the *' Fire Lands." I have noticed on page 371, vol. i., the settlement, by commissioners, who
met at Trenton in 1782, of the question of jarisdiotion over the Valley of Wyoming, and that it was decided
m favor of Pennsylvania. Althoagh Connecticut acquiesced in that decision, that state still claimed a right
to the country westward of Pennsylvania, in extent north and south equal to its own limits in that direction
and indefinitely westward, according to the letter of its charter. Connecticut, however, waived this claim
by a sort of compromise, in 1786, by ceding to the United States all the lands thus inofoded within its charter
limits westward of Pennsylvania, except the reservation of a tract one hxmdred and twenty mUes in length,
adjoining that state. This tract was called the Wettem Reterve. After giving the half million of acres to
the snffeifers of Danbory, Fairfield, Norwalk, New Haven, and New London, the remainder was sold in
1795, and the proceeds were used as a school fund, for the support of schools in the state. Congress con-
firmed the title of Connecticut to the Retervt in 1800. It now forms % part of the State of Ohio, and is
settled ehieflv by New England people.
Digitized by
Google
(512 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Infiuny of Arnold. Attack on Fort QriswokL Ifei Defense and Oaptnre. Murder of Colonel LedyanL
while the town was hurning, and looked upon the scene with the apparent satisfaction of a
Nero. Had he been content to be a traitor merely, the extenuating circumstances that have
been alleged in connection with his treason might have left a feeling of commiseration in the
bosoms of the American people ; but this murderous expedition against the neighbors of his
childhood and youth, and the wanton destruction of a thriving town, almost in sight of the
spire pf the church wherein he was baptized, present an act of malice too flagrant to be
overlooked even by " meek-eyed pity" or loving charity. It was his last prominent blow
against his country, and was such a climax to his treachery, that Britons, who ** accepted
the treason, but despised the traitor," shunned him as a monster of wickedness.
When the enemy 'landed, alarm-guns were fired ; and before noon, while the town was
burning, the militia collected in large numbers. Perceiving his peril, Arnold hastily re-
treated to his boats, closely pursued by the armed inhabitants. Five of the enemy were
killed, and about twenty wounded. The Americans lost four killed, and ten or twelve
wounded, some of them mortally.
When Fort Trumbull was evacuated, Arnold sent an order to Lieutenant-colonel Eyre
to take immediate possession of Fort Griswold, in order to prevent the American shipping
from leaving the harbor and sailing up the river. The militia hastily collected for the de-
fense of the fort to the number of one hundred and fifty-seven — so hastily that many of them
were destitute of weapons. Colonel William Ledyard was the commander of the fortress.
The enemy approached cautiously through the woods in the rear, and captured a small ad-
vanced battery. Colonel Eyre then sent Captain Beckwith, with a flag, to demand a sur-
render of the fort, which was peremptorily refused.^ An assault was begun ; the American
flag on the southwest bastion was shot down, and an obstinate battle of about forty minutes
ensued, during which the British were repulsed, and were on the point of fleeing back to
their shipping. The attack was made on three sides, the fort being square, with flanks.
Thers was a battery between the fort and the river, but the Americans could spare no men
to work it. The enemy displayed great coolness and bravery in forcing the pickets, making
their W9y into the fosse, and scaling the revetment, in the face of a severe fire from the little
garrison. When a suflicient number had obtained entrance thus far, they forced their way
through the feebly-manned embrasures, and decided tl^s conflict with bayonets, after a des-
perate struggle with the handful of determined patriots, many of whom were armed only with
pikes. The fort was surrendered unconditionally. Colonel Eyre was wounded near the
works, and died within twelve hours afterward on ship-board. Major Montgomery was
pierced through with a spear, in the hands of a negro, and killed as he mounted the parapet,
and the command devolved upon Major Bromfield. The whole loss of the British was two
commissioned officers and forty-six privates killed, and eight officers (most of whom after-
ward died), with one hundred and thirty-nine non-commissioned officers and privates, wound-
ed. The Americans had not more than a dozen killed before the enemy carried the fort.
When that was eSected, Colonel Ledyard ordered his men to cease firing and to lay down
their arms, relying upon the boasted generosity of Britons for the cessation of bloodshed.
But instead of British regulars, led by honorable men, his little band was surrounded by wolf-
like Tories, infernal in their malice, and cruel even to the worst savagism, and also by the
hired assassins, the German Yagers. They kept up their fire and bayonet thrusts upon the
unarmed patriots, and opening the gates of the fort, let in blood-thirsty men that were with-
out, at the head of whom was Major Bromfield, a New Jersey Loyalist. ** Who com-
mands this garrison ?" shouted Bromfield, as he entered. Colonel Ledyard, who was stand-
ing near, mildly replied, " I did, sir, but you do now," at the same time handing his swonl
to the victor. The Tory miscreant immediately murdered Ledyard by running him through
the body with the weapon he had just surrendered !' The massacre continued in all parts
*■ There were several hundreds of the people coUeoted in the vicinity, and an officer had been sent out to
obtain re-enforcements. Upon these Colonel Ledyard relied ; bat the officer became intozioated, and the
expected aid did not arrive.
* Colonel Ledyard was a cousin of John Ledyard, the celebrated traveler, who was a native of Groton
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 613
CnieltlM at Fort Oriawold. Fanny Ledyvd. Departure of the Enemy. ETcnfei in 1813. Arnold's Dtipatchea.
of the fort, until seventy men were killed, and thirty-five mortally or dangeronsly wounded.*
The enemy then plundered the fort and garrison of every thing valuable. Their appetite
for slaughter not being appeased, they placed several of the wounded in a baggage- wagon,
took it to the brow of the hill on which the fort stands, and sent it down with violence, in-
tending thus to plunge the helpless sufierers into the river. The distance was about one
hundred rods, the ground very rough. The jolting caused some of the wounded to expire,
while the cries of agony of the survivors were heard across the river, even in the midst of
the crackling noise of the burning town ! The wagon was arrested in its progress by an
apple-tree, and thus the sufferers remained for more than an hour, until their captors stretch-
ed them upon the beach, preparatory to embarkation. Thirty-five of them were paroled and
carried into a house near by, where they passed the night in g^at distress, a burning thirst
being their chief tormentor. Although there was a pump in a well of fine water within the
fort, the wounded were not allowed a drop with which, to moisten their tongues, and the
first they tasted was on the following morning, when Fanny Ledyard, a niece of the mur-
dered colonel, came, like an angel of mercy, at dawn, with wine, and water, and chocolate.
She approached stealthily, for it was uncertain whether the eneiny had left. Fortunately,
they had sailed during the night, carrying away about forty of the inhabitants prisoners.'
Thus ended the most ignoble and atrocious performance of the enemy during the war, and
the intelligence of it nerved the strong arms of the patriots in the conflict at Yorktown,.in
Virgmia, a few weeks later, which resulted in the capture of the British army of the South
under Comwallis.
During the war between the United States and Great Britain, from 1812tol815, New
London was several times menaced with invasion by the enemy. In May, 1813, as Com-
modore Decatur, then in command of the United States, with his prize, the Macedonian,
fitted out as an American frigate, was attempting to get to sea, he was chased by a British
squadron under Commodore Hardy, and driven into New London, where he was blockaded
for some time. On one occasion the town and neighborhood were much alarmed on account
of a report that the enemy were about to bombard the place. A considerable military force
was stationed there, and preparations were made to repel the invaders. The forts were well
garrisoned with United States troops, and the militia turned out in great numbers. The
enemy, however, did not attempt an attack, and, becoming wearied of watching Decatur,
the British squadron put to sea, soon followed by our gallant commodore. Since that time
no event has disturbed the repose or retarded the progress of New London. The whaling
business, and other commercial pursuits, have poured wealth into its lap, and spread its
pleasant dwellings over more than thrice its ancient area.
The most prominent point of attraction to the visitor at New London is the Groton Mon-
ument, on the eastern side of the Thames, which, standing upon high ground, is a conspic-
uous object from ^very point of view in the vicinity. I crossed the Thames early on the
His niece, Fanny, mentioned in the text, was from Soathold, l«ong Island, and was then on a visit at the
boose of her onole. The vest worn by Colonel L. on that occasion (as I have ahready noticed) is preecnred
in the cabiiiet of the Coonecticat Histprioal Society.
' Arnold, m his dtspatoh to Sir Henry Clinton, gave the impression that the killed were victims of honor,
able strife. Of course he knew better, for his dii^toh was written two days after the event, and every oir-
camstance mnst have been known by him. Hear him : " I have inclosed a return of the killed and wounded,
by which your excellency will observe that oar loss, though very considerable, is short of the enemy's, who
lost most of their officers, among whom was their commander, Colonel Ledyard. Eighty-fiv* mtn vnr
found dead in Fort Ori$ipoldf and sixty wonnMl, most of them mortally. Their loss on the opposite side
(New London) most have been considerable, bat can not be ascertained."
' See Arnold's Ditpateh to Sir H. Clinton; Gordon, iii., 249 ; Sparics's Lift ofjimold; The ConmctU
cut Journal^ 1781 ; Narrativt of Stephen Hempttead, Mr. Hempstead was a soldier in the garrison at the
time of the massacre, and was one of the woonded who were sent down the declivity in t^e baggage-wagon,
sofiered daring the night, and experienced the loving kindness of Fanny Ledyard in the morning. His nar-
rative was oonunanioated to the Missouri Repablican in 1826, at which time he was a resident of that state.
Mr. Hempstead was a native of New London, and entered the army in 1775. He was at Dorchester daring
the siege of Boston, was in the battle of Long Island, and also in the engagement on Harlem Heights, where
he had two of his ribs broken by a grape-shot.
Digitized by
Google
MOMUlOnffT AT GSOTOK.I
614 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Qroton MonumeDt Iiiaeziption upon it AaoentofitoStoir-caae. View from Uw Top
October 19; moming afler my arrival, and ascended to Fort Griswold, now a dilapidated for-
1848. tress, without ordnance or garrison, its embankments breaking the regular outline
of Groton Hill, now called Mount Ledyard.
A little northward of the fort rises a granite A:
monument, one hundred and twenty-seven feet 'i^^ii
high, the foundation-stone of which is one I ' * ^
hundred and thirty feet above tide-water. It
was erected in 1830, in memory of the patri-
oU who fell in the fort in 1781. lU pedes-
tal, twenty-six feet square, rises to the height
of about twenty feet, and upon it is reared an
obelisk which is twenty-two feet square at the
base, and twelve feet at the top. It is as-
cended within by one hundred and sixty -eight
stone steps ; and at the top is a strong iron
railing for the protection of visitors. Marble
tablets with inscriptions are placed upon the
pedestal.' The cost of its erection was eleven
thousand dollars, which amount was raised by a lottery authorized by the state for that
purpose.
I paid the tribute-money of a << levy,'' or York shilling, to a tfdy little woman living in the
stone building seen at the right of the monument, which procured for me the ponderous key
of the structure, and, locking myself in, I ascended to the top, with the privilege of gazing
and wondering there as long as I pleased. It was a toilsome journey up that winding stair-
case, for my muscles had scarcely forgotten a similar draught upon their energies at Breed's
Hill ; but I was comforted by ^e teachings of the new philosophy that the spired is the
only true ascent to a superior world of light, and beauty, and expansiveness of visbn ;' and
so I found it, for a most magnificent view burst upon the sight as I made the last upward
revolution and stood upon the dizzy height. The broad, cultivated hills and valleys ; the
forests and groves slightly variegated by the pencil of recent frost ; the city and river at my
feet, with their busy men and numerous saUs ; the little viUages peeping from behind the
hills and woodlands in every direction, and the heaving Sound glittering in the southern hor-
izon, were all basking in the light of the moming sun, whose radiance, from that elevation,
seemed brighter than I had ever seen it. It was a charming scene for the student of na-
ture, and yet more charming for the student of the romance of American history. At the
^ This is a view from the southwest angle of old Fort Griswold, looking northeast. The embankments
of the fort are seen in the foreground ; near the figure is the well, the same mentioned by Mr. Hempstead
in his narrative ; and just beyond this is the old entrance, or sally-port, through which the enemy, under
Bromfield, entered the fort.
' Over the entrance of the monument is the following inscription :
This Monument
was erected under the patronage of the State of Connecticut, A.D. 1830,
and in the 55th year of the Independence of the U. S. A.,
In memory of the brave Patriots
who fell in the massacre at Fort Griswold, near this spot,
on the 6th of September, A.D. 1781,
when the British under M command of
the traitor Benedict Arnold,
burned the towns of New London and Grdton, and spread
desolation and woe throughout this region.
On the south side of the pedestal, toward the fort, on a large tablet, are the names of the elgh^-dve per-
sons who were killed in the fort, over which is the following :
" Zebulon and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives until the death in the high plaoes of ibe
field. — Judga^ 5 chap.y 18 verse."
' See Swedenborg^s Ftewt of the Spiritual Worlds and Revelations of Davis, the dairroyant.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 615
A Retrospect ThePequoti. Bngttih Ezpedltioii againtt tbem. Attack on their Fort PeqnotHlD.
base of the monament were the ruined fortifications where patriot blood flowed in abund-
ance ; and at a glance might be seen every locality of interest connected with the burning
of New London and the massacre at Groton. Here was Fort Griswold ; there were Fort
Trumbull and the city ; and yonder, dwindling to the stature of a chessman, was the light-
house, by whose beacon the arch-traitor and his murderous bands were guided into the harbor.
Let us turn back two centuries, and what do we behold from this lofty observatory ?
The Thames is flowing in the midst of an unbroken forest, its bosom rippled only by the
zephyr, the waterfowl, or the bark canoe. Here and there above the tree tops curls of blue
smoke arise from the wigwams of the savages, and a savory smell of venison and fish oomes
up from the Groton shore. Around us spreads the broad fair land known as the Pequot
country, extending firom the Nahantic, on the west, to the dominion of the Narragansets-^
the Rhode Island line— on the east, and northward it interlocks with that of the Mohegans,
where Uncas, the rebel sachem, afterward bore rule.^ On yonder hill, a little southeast from
our point of view, crowned with the stately oak and thick-leaved maple, is the royal resi-
dence of Sassacus, the prince of the Pequots. Haughty and insolent, he scorns every over-
ture of friendship from the whites, and looks with contempt upon the rebellious doings of
Uncas. Near by is his strong fort upon the Mystic River, and around him stand seven
hundred warriors ready to do his bidding. The English are but a handful, what has he to *
fear ? Much, very much !
It is the season of flowers. The white sails of vessels flutter in Narraganset Bay
(now the harbor of Newport), and Captain Mason and seventy-seven well-armed '
men kneel upon their decks in devotion, for it is the morning of the Christian Sabbath. On
Tuesday they lancT. Miantonomoh, the chief sachem, gives them audience, and a free pass-
port through his country. Nor is this all ; with two hundred of his tribe, Miantonomoh
joins the English on their march of forty miles through the wilderness toward the Mystic
River ; and the brave Niantics and the rebellious Mohegans, led by Uncas, swell the ranks,
until five hundred savage « bowmen and spearmen" are in the train of Captain Mason.
It is a clear moonlight night. Sheltered by huge rocks on the shore of the Mystic sleeps
the little invading army,' while the unsuspecting Pequots in their fort near by are dancing
and singing, filled with joy, because they have seen the pinnaces of the English sail by with-
out stopping to do them harm, and believe that the Pale-faces dare not come nigh them.
Little do they think that the tiger is already crouching to spring upon his prey ! On that
Itfgh hill, upon the right, is the Pequot fort.' It is early dawn, and the little army j^^^^
is pressing on silently up the wooded slope. The Narragansets and Niantics, seized ^^^•
with fear, are lagging, while the eager English and Mohegans rush up to the attack.* All
but a sentinel are in a deep sleep. Too late he cries, *' Otoanux! OwanuxT* « English-
men ! Englishmen !'' The mounds are scaled ; the entrance is forced ; the paUsades are
' Unoas was of the royal blood of the Pequots, and a petty sachem under Sassaous. When the English
Arst settled in Connecticut, he was in open rebellion against his prince. To save himself and be revenged
on his adversary, he sought and obtained the alliance of the English, and when the Pequot nation was de*
stroked, Uncas became the powerful chief of that tribe of Pequots called the Mcdiegans, from the circum-
stance of their inhabiting the place called Mohegan, now Norwich.
The Pequot country comprised the present towns of Waterford, New London, and Montville, on the west
side of the Thames, and Groton, Stonington, and North Stonington, on the east of that river. Windham,
and a part of Tolland county, on the north, was the Mohegan country.
* These are called PorUtr^i Roekt^ and are situated near PorteniviUe, on the west side of the Mystic.
They are on the shore, about half a mile south of the resideoDe of Daniel Eldridge. — See Barber's Hut.
CM. of Conn., p. 313.
' This hill, eight miles northeast from New London, is known at the present day by the name of Pequot
Hill. It is a spot of much interest, aside from the commanding view obtained from its sununit, as the plaoe
where the first regular conflict between the English and the natives of New England took place. Such
was the terror which this event infused into the minds of the Indian tribes, that for neariy foity years they
refrained from open war with the whites, and the colonies prospered.
* Sassacus was the terror of the New England coast tribes. A belief that he was in the fort on Pequot
Hill was the cause of the fear which seised the Narragansets. ^ Sassacus is in the Ibrt I Sassacus is all
— J
Digitized by
Google
616 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Dettroctioiii of the Fort Terrible MaMacre. Departure of the Englkh. Another InrasioiL Destruction of Oe PeqwMa.
broken down ; the mattings of the wigwams and the dry bushes and logs of the fort are set
on fire, and seven hundred men, women, and children, perish in the flames or by the sword !
It is a dreadful sight, this slaughter of the strong, the beautiful, and the innocent ; and yet,
hear the commander of the assailants impiously exclaiming, ** Grod is above us ! He laughs
his enemies and the enemies of the English to scorn, making them as a fiery oven. Thus
does the Lord judge among the heathen, filling the place with dead bodies !"^
From the other fort near the Pequot (Thames), where dwells Sassacus, three hundred
warriors approach with horrid yells and bent bows. But the English are too skillful, and
too strongly armed with pike, and gun, and metal corselet, for those bare-limbed warriors,
and they are scattered like chaff by the whirlwind of destruction. The English make their
way to Groton ; and yonder, just in time to receive them, before the remnant of the Pe-
quots can rally and fall upon them, come their vessels around the remote headland. With
a fair breeze, many of the English sail for Saybrook, making the air vocal with hynms of
praise and thanksgiving. Others, with the Narragansets, march through the wildemessto
the Connecticut River, and then, in happy reunion, warriors, soldiers, ministers, and magis-
trates join in a festival of triumph !'
Stately and sullen sits Sassacus in his wigwam on yonder hill, as the remnant of his war-
riors gather around him and relate the sad fortunes of the day. They charge the whole
terrible event to his haughtiness and misconduct, and tearing their hair, and stamping on the
ground, menace him and his with destruction. But hark ! the blast of a trumpet startles
them ; from the head waters of the Mystic come two hundred armed settlers from Massa-
chusetts and Plymouth to seal the doom of the Pequots. Despair takes possession of Sas-
sacus and his followers, and burning their wigwams and destroying their fort, they flee across
the Pequot River westward, pursued by the English. What terrible destruction is wrought
by the new invaders ! Throughout the beautiful country bordering on the Sound wigwams
and corn-fields are destroyed, and helpless men, women, and children are put to the sword.
With Sassacus at their head, the doomed Pequots fly like deer pursued by hounds, and take
shelter in Sasco Swamp, near Fairfield, where they all surrender to the English, except the
chief and a few men who escape to the Mohawks. The final blow is struck which anni-
hilated the once powerful Pequots, and the great Sassacus, the last of his royal race in power
except Uncas, falls by the hand of an assassin, among the people who opened their protect-
ing arms to receive him.*
The dark vision of cruelty mdts away ; smiling fields, and laden orchards, and busy towns,
the products of a more enlightened and peaceful Christianity than that of two centuries
back, are around me. Russet corn-fields cover the hill — the royal seat of Sassacus — and in
the bright harbor where the little English pinnaces, filled with bloody men, were just an-
* See Captain Mason's Brief History oftfu Pequot War, published in Boston in 1738, firom which the
principal^facts in this narrative are drawn. It makes one shudder to read the blasphemoas allasions to the
interposition of Grod in favor of the English which this narrative contains, as if
«<The poor Indian, whose nntator'd mkid
Sees God in clouds or hears him in the wind,**
was not an object of the care and love of the Deity. Happily, the time is rapidly passing by when men be>
lieve that they are doing God service by slaughtering, maiming, or in the least injuring with vengeful feel-
ings any of his creatures.
' The English lost only two men killed and sixteen wounded, while the Indians lost nearly six hundred
men and seventy wigwams.
> The ostensible cause of this destructive war upon the Pequots was the fact that in March of that year,
Sassacus, jealous of the English, had sent an expedition against the fort at Saybrook. The fort was attack-
ed, and three soldiers were killed. In April they murdered several men and women at Wethersfield, car-
ried away two girls, and destroyed twenty cows. The English, urged by fear and interest, resolved to chas-
tise them, and terrible indeed was the infliction. " There did not remain a sannup or a squaw, a warrior
or a child of the Pequot name. A nation had disappeared in a day !" The Mohegans, under Unoas, then
became the most powerful tribe in that region, and soon afterward, as we have seen, they and the Narr^
gansets, w!io assisted in the destruction of the Pequots, began a series of long and cruel wars against earh
other.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
617
Mn. Anna Bdlej.
Her Husband at Fort Griiwold.
Her BCementoes and her Folllica.
chored, spreads many a tail of peaceful commerce. The sua is near the meridian ; let us
descend to the earth.
From the monument, afler sketching the picture on page 46, 1 returned to the village of
Groton, on the river bank, and visited the patriarch-ess of the place, Mrs. Anna Bailey, fa-
miliarly known as '< Mother Bailey." Her husband. Captain Elijah Bailey, who died a few
weeks previous to my visit, was appointed postmaster of the place by President Jefierson,
and held the office un-
til his death, a lapse of
forty years. He was
a lad about seventeen
years old when New
London was burned, and
was in Fort Griswold
just previous to the at-
tack of Colonel Eyre.
Young Bailey and a
man named Williams
were ordered by Led-
yard to man a gun at the
advanced redoubt, a lit-
tle southeast of the fort.
They were directed, in
the event of not being
able to maintain their
ground, to retreat to the
related this circumstance to me,
fort. They soon found
it necessary to abandon
their piece. Williams
fled to the fort and got
within ; but young Bai-
ley, stopping to spike the
gun, lost so much time,
that when he knocked
at the gate it was close
barred, for the enemy
were near. He leaped
over the fence into a
corn-field, and there lay
concealed until the bat-
tle and massacre in the
fort ended. " He was
courting me at that very
time, boy as he was,'*
said Mrs. Bailey, who
She was then a girl six weeks older than her lover, and
Mas. BAzx.xr.1
remembers every event of the " terrible day.'' I was agreeably surprised on being intro-
duced to Mrs. Bfiiley, expecting to find a common, decrepit old woman. She sat reading her
Bible, and received me with a quiet ease of manner, and a pleasant countenance, where,
amid the wrinkles of old age, were lingering traces of youthful beauty. I had been fore-
warned that, if I wished to find any favor in her sight, I must not exhibit the least hue of
Whiggery in politics— a subject which engrosses much of her thoughts and conversation.
Her husband had been a Democrat of the old Jefierson school ; and she possessed locks of
hair, white, sandy, and grizzled, from the heads of Presidents Jackson and Van Buren, and
of Colonel Richard M. Johnson, all of whom had honored her house by personal visits.
With such precious mementoes, how could she be other than a Democrat ? Almost the first
words she uttered on my entrance were, ♦* What are Cass's prospects in New York ?** Fore-
warned, forearmed, I summoned to the support of my conscience all the possibilities in his
favor, and told her that Mr. Cass would doubtless be elected President — at any rate, he ought
to be. These words unlocked her kind feelings, and I passed an hour very agreeably with
her. Her mind was active, and she related, in an interesting manner, many reminiscen-
ces of her youth and womanhood, among which was the following, in which she was the
chief heroine. When the British squadron which drove Decatur into the harbor of New
London, in 1813, menaced the town with bombardment, the military force that manned the
forts were deficient in flannel for cannon cartridges. All that could be found in New Lon-
don was sent to the forts, and a Mr. Latham, a neighbor of Mrs. Bailey, came to her at Gro-
ton seeking for more. She started out and collected all the little petticoats of children that
she could find in town. " This is not half enough," said Latham, on her return. " You
' While making this sketch, I remarked to Mrs. Bailey (and with sinoerity, too) that I saw in her features
evidence that Captain Bailey was a man of good taste. She immediately comprehended my meaning and
the compliment, and replied, with a coquettish smile, " I was never ashamed of my face, and never mean
to be." She lived happily with her husband for seventy years. Since the above was pnt in type, she hn^
died. Her clothes took fire, and she was bnrned to death on the 10th of January, 1851, aged about 89
Digitized by
Google
618 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Mn. Bafley't Patriotiflm. Landing-place of Arnold. Biahop Soabaiy's Monument First Printing In Connoctievt
shall have mine too/' said Mrs. B., as she cut with her scissors the string that fastened it,
and taking it ofi*, gave it to Latham. He was satisfied, and hastening to Fort Trumbull,
that patriotic contribution was soon made into cartridges. << It was a heavy new one, but
I didn't care for that,'' said the old lady, while her blue eyes sparkled at the recollection.
** All I wanted was to see it go through the Englishmen's insides !" Some of Decatur's men
declared that it was a shame to cut that petticoat into cartridge patterns ; they would rather
see it fluttering at the mast-head of the United, States or Macedonian, as an ensign under
which to fight upon the broad ocean ! This and other circumstances make Mrs. Bailey a
woman of history ; and, pleading that excuse, I am sure, if she shall be living when this
page shall appear, that she will pardon the liberty I have taken. I told her that the sketch
of her which she allowed me to take was intended for publication.
I recrossed the Thames to New London, and af^r an early dinner rode down to the light-
house, near which Arnold landed, and made the drawing printed on page 43. Returning
along the beach, I sketched the outlines of Fort Trumbull and viciuity, seen on page 42, and
toward evening strolled through the two principal burial-grounds of the city. In the an-
cient one, situated in the north part of the town, lie the remains of many of the first settlers.
In the other, lying upon a high slope, westward of the center of the city, is a plain monu-
ment of Bishop Seabury, whose name
is conspicuous in our Revolutionary
annals as that of an unwavering Loy-
alist. . I shall have occasion to notice
his abduction from West Chester
county, and imprisonment in Con-
necticut, as well as his general biog-
raphy, when I write of the events at
White Plains.
BuBop. ssABumfs MoNUKXMT.i ^^ wlll uow bid adieu to New
London, not forgetting, however, in
our parting words, to note the fact so honorable to its name and character, that the first
printing-press in Connecticut was established there, according to Barber, forty-five years be-
fore printing was executed in any other place in the colony. Thomas Short, who settled iu
New London in 1709, was the printer, and from his press was issued The Sayhrook Plat-
form* in 1710, said to be the first book printed in the province. Short died in 1711, and
there being no printer in the colony, the Assembly procured Timothy Green, a descendant
of Samuel Green, of Cambridge, the first printer in America, to settle at New London.
Samuel Green, the publisher of the " Connecticut Gazetteer" until 1845, the oldest news-
paper in the state, is a descendant of this colonial printer.
Business demanding my presence at home, I lefl New London at ten in the evening, in
the " Knickerbocker," and arrived in New York at nine the following morning.
* The following is the inscription upon the slab : " Hero lieth the body of Samxtkl Seaburt, D.D., bishop
of Connecticut and Rhode Island, who departed from this transitory scene February 25th, Anno Domini
1796, in the 68th year of his age, and the 12th of his Episcopal consecration. |
" Ingennoos without pride, learned without pedantry, good without severity, he was duly qualified to dis-
charge the duties of the Christian and the bishop. In the pulpit he enforced religion ; in his conduct he
exemplified it. The poor he assisted with his charity ; the ignorant he blessed with his instruction. The
friend of men, he ever designed their good ; the enemy of vice, he ever opposed it. Christian 1 dost thou
aspire to happiness ? Seabury has shown the way that leads to it."
' This was a Confession of Faith or Articles of Reh'gion arranged in 1708. Tale College was first es-
tablished at Saybrook, and fifteen commencements were held there. To educate yomig men of talents and
piety for the ministry was the leading design of the institution. The founders, desirous that the Churches
should have a public standard or Confession of Faith, according to which the instruction of the college should
be conducted, such articles were arranged and adopted after the commencement at Saybrook in 1708.
and from that circumstance were called the Saybrook Platform. The standards of faith of the Congrega-
clonal and Presbyterian Churches are substantially the same as the Saybrook Platform,
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
619
VoyaffB to Bhode IiUnd.
StoningtoD.
* Arrival at Proridenoa
CHAPTER XXVn
" I Ve gazed upon thy golden olood
Which shaides thine emerald sod ;
Thy hills, which Freedom's share hath plowed,
Which narse a race that have not bow'a
Their knee to aught but God.
And thoQ hast gems, ay, living pearls,
And flowers of Eden hue j
Thy loveliest are thy bright-eyed girls.
Of (airy forms and elfin carls,
^ And smiles like Hermon's dew.
TheyVe hearts, like those they're bom to wed,
Too proud to nurse a slave.
They'd scorn to share a monarch's bed,
And sooner lay their angel head
Deep in their humble grave."
Hugh Peters.
" Te say they all have pass'd away,
That noble race and brave ;
That their light oaonoes have vanish'd
From ofl* the crested wave ;
That mid the forests where they warr'd
There rings no hunter's shout ;
But their name is on your waters,
Ye may not wash it out"
Mrs. Sigourney.
O the land of the Narragansets and Wampanoags — ^the land of Mas*
sasoit and Philip, of Canonicus and Miantonomoh — ^tbe land of Roger
Wiiliams and toleration — ^the Rhode Island and Providence planta-
tions of colonial times, I next turned my attention. On a clear frosty
evening, the moon in its wane and the winds hushed, I went up the
Sound in the steam-boat Vanderbilt. We passed through October 19
the turbulent eddies of Hell Gate at twilight, and as we ^^^
entered the broader expanse of water beyond Fort Schuyler, heavy
swells, that were upheaved by a gale the day before, came rolling in
from the ocean, and disturbed the anticipated quiet of the evening voy-
age. It was to end at Stonington' at midnight, so I paced the prom-
enade deck in the biting night air to keep off* sea-sickness, and was successful. We landed
at Stonington between twelve and one o'clock, where we took cars for Providence, arriving
there at three. Refreshed by a few hours* sleep, and an early breakfast at the " Franklin,"
I started upon a day's ramble with Mr. Peeks, of Providence, who kindly offered to accom-
pany me to memorable places around that prosperous city. We first visited the most inter-
esting, as well as one of the most ancient, localities c<mnected with the colonial history of
Rhode Island, the rock on which Roger Williams first landed upon its shores. It is reached
' Stonington is a thriving town, situated upon an estuary of Long Island Sound, and about midway be-
tween the mouths of the Mystic and Pawcatuo Rivers. It was settled by a few families about 1658. The
Orrt nquatter was William Cheeseborough, from Massachusetts, who pitched his tent there in 1649. It has
but little Revolutionary history except what was eommoa to other coast towns, where frequent alarms kept
the people in agitation. It suffered some from bombardment in 1813, by the squadron under Sir Thomas
I lardy, which drove Decatur into the harbor of New London. The enemy was so warmly received, that
Hardy weighed anchor, and made no further attempts upon the coast of Connecticut.
:;"-.-ii<.
Digitized by
Google
620 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Roger Wmiams't Rock. «* Water Lofei.'* Propowd Deaecrafloo. Arrival of Roger Williama. Hia Char«rtar
from the town by the broad avenue called Power Street, which ex-
tends to the high bank of the Seekonk or Pawtucket River, and term-
inates almost on a line with the famous rock, some sixty feet above
high water mark. The town is rapidly extending toward the See-
konk, and the hand of improvement was laying out
broad streets near its bank when 1 was there. The
channel of the Seekonk here is narrow, and at low tide
broad flats on either side are left bare. I was inform-
ed that a proposition had been made to dig down the
high banks and fill in the flats to the edge of the chan-
nel, to make ** desirable water lots," the " Roger Will-
iams* Rock" to be in the center of the
public square, though at least thirty feet
below the surface I Mosheim informs us
that when the Jews attempted to rebuild
Jerusalem, in the time
of Julian, the "w^orkmen
Lanbino-pljus or Rogbs Williams.^
were prevented from labor by the issuing of fire-balls from the earth with a horrible noise,
and that enterprise, undertaken in opposition to the prophecy of Jesus, was abandoned'
Should mammon attempt the desecrating labor of covering the time-honored rock on the
shore of old Seekonk, who can tell what indignant protests may not occur ?
Here is a mossy spot upon the patriarch's back ; let us sit down in the warm sunlight
and wind-sheltered nook, and glance at the record.
A few months af^er the arrival of Winthrop and his company at Boston, and before Hooker
and Cotton, afterward eminent ministers in the- colony, had sailed from England, there landed
Febmary 5, ^^ Nautaskct an enlightened and ardent Puritan divine, young in years (for he
1631. ^a^g QQiy thirty-one), but mature in judgment and those enlightened views of true
liberty of conscience, which distinguish the character of modern theological jurisprudence from
the intolerance of the seventeenth century. He was a fugitive from English persecution ;
but his wrongs had not clouded his accurate understanding. In the capacious recesses of his
mind he had resolved the nature of intolerance, and he alone had arrived at the great prin-
ciple which is its sole efiectual remedy. He announced his discovery under the simple prop-
osition of sanctity of conscience. The civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never con-
trol opinion ; should punish guilt, but never violate the freedom of the soul.' This was a
wonderful discovery in modem science ; too wonderful for the hierarchy of England, or the
magistrates and ministers of the Puritan colony of America. They could not comprehend
' This view is on the left bank of the Seekonk, looking sonth. The point on which the figure stands v
the famous rock, composed of a mass of dark slate, and rising hut little ahove the water at high tide. The
high banks are seen beyond, and on the extreme left is India Point, with the rail-road bridge near the entrance
of the river into Narraganset Bay.
• Mosheim's Church HUtory (external), part i., chap, i., sec. xiv.
' Bancroft, i., 367.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 621
tittnow Viewa of the old Poiitans. Zeal of Roger WUHamp. Dlstarbanoe at Salem. Williama arraigned for Treason.
its beauty or utility ; and as it had no affinity with their own narrow views of the dignity
of the human bouI» they pronounced it heresy, as soon as the discoverer began to make a
practical development of his principles. Yet they perceived, with a yearning afiection for
^ts truth, that it would quench the fires of persecution, abrogate laws making non-conformity
a felony, abolish tithes, and all forced contributions to the maintenance of religion, and pro-
tect all in that freedom of conscience to worship Grod as the mind should dictate, for which
they had periled their lives' and fortunes in the wilderness. Still, its glory was too brilliant ;
it dazzled their vision ; the understanding could not comprehend its beneficent scope ; they
looked upon it with the jealous eye of over-cautiousness, ^d, true to the impulses of human
nature, what they could not comprehend^ they rejected. This great apostle of toleration
and intellectual liberty was Roger Williams.
The New England Churches had not renounced the use of coercion in religious matters,
and Williams, so soon as his tolerant views were made known, found himself regarded with
suspicion by the civil and religious authorities. Disappointed, yet resolutely determined to
maintain his principles, he withdrew to the settlement at Plymouth, where be remained two'
years, and by his charity, virtues, and purity of life, won the hearts of all. The people of
Salem called ^im to be their minister, a movement which made the court of Boston marvel.
Being an object of jealousy, and now having an opportunity to speak in the public ear, he
was in perpetual collision with the clergy. The magistrates insisted on the presence of every
man at public worship. Williams reprobated the law. To compel men to unite with those
of a different creed he regarded as an open violation of their natural rights ; to drag to public
worship the irreligious and unwilling seemed only like requiring hypocrisy. This doctrine
alarmed both magistrates and clergy, and they began to denounce Williams. In proportion
to the severity of their opposition his zeal was kindled, and so earnest did he become in en-
forcing his tolerant views, that intolerance and fanaticism marked his own course. He de-
nounced King James as a liar ; declared that the settlers had no right to the lands they oc-
cupied, these belonging to the aborigines ; raised a tumult about the red cross cf St. George
in the banner ;»* at last boldly denounced the Churches of New England as aijti- •
Christian, and actually excommunicated such of his parishioners as held intercourse
with them. The vision of that great mind which saw general principles of righteousness in
a clear light, became clouded in his practical endeavors to bring the power of those princi-
ples to bear upon society. When weak and persecuted, the scope of his vision of intellectual
liberty and Christian charity embraced the earth ; when in power and strong, it contracted
to the small orbit of his parish at Salem — ^himself the centr^ sun of light and goodness.
Such is the tendency of all human minds under like circumstances ; and Roger Williams,
flnreat and good as he was, was not an exception.
The magistrates were greatly irritated ; some of Williams's language was construed as
treasonable and schismatic, and he was arraigned before the General Court at Boston on
this charge. There he stood alone in defense of his noble principles ; for his congregation,
and even the wife of his bosom, could not justify all his words and acts. Yet he was un-
daunted, and declared himself " ready to be bound, and banished, and even to die in New
England," rather than renounce the truth whose light illuminated his mind and conscience.
Ho was allowed to speak fi)r himself before the court, and also to dispute upon religious
points with the Reverend Mr. Hooker. Every efibrt to " reduce him from his errors" was
unavailing, and the court, composed of all the ministers, proceeded to pass sentence October,
of banishment upon him. He was ordered to leave the jurisdiction of the colony ^^^
^ The preaching of Williams warmed the zeal of Endicott, then one of the board of military commission-
ers for the colony, and afterward governor. The banner of the train-bands at S&lem had the cross of St.
George worked npon it. Endicott, determining to sweep away every vestige of what he deemed popish or
heathenish superstition, caused the cross to be cut oat of the banner. The people raised a tomnlt, and the
eoort at Boston, meroifolly considering that Endicott's intentions were good, though his act was rash, only
'^ ndindged him worthy admonition, anid to be disabled for one year from bearing any public office."— -Sav-
age's Wimthrap^ i., 158; Moore's Colonial Qovemon^ i., 353.
Digitized by
Google
622 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Baniibment of Roger WnUams. Flight to the Soekonk. Landing at Providence. Oonimenoement of • SettiemeBi '
within six weeks. He obtained leave to remain until the rigors of winter had passed, but,
continuing active in promoting his peculiar views, the court determined to ship him imme-
diately for England. He was ordered to Boston for the purpose of embarking. He refused
obedience, and, hearing that a warrant had been issued for his arrest, set out, with a few
followers, for the vast unexplored wilds of America, with an ambitious determination to found
a new colony, having for its foundation the sublime doctrine of liberty of conscience in all its
plenitude, and the equality of opinions before the law. In the midst of deep snows and blt-
Jannary, ^ winds they joumeyed toward Narraganset Bay. " For fourteen weeks he was
1636. sorely tossed in a bitter season, not knowing what bread or bed did mean."' He
describes himself, in a letter to Mason, " as plucked up by the roots, beset with losses, dis-
tractions, miseries, hardships of sea and land, debts and wants." He at last found refuge
and hospitality from the Indian sachem Massasoit, whom he had known at Plymouth ; and
in the spring, under a grant from that sachem, commenced a settlement at Seekonk,' on the
east side of the Seekonk or Pawtucket River, just within the limits of the Plymouth colony.
Many of the ministers in that colony wrote him fiiendly letters, for he was personally be-
loved by all. Winslow, who was then governor, wrote a letter to Williams, in which he
claimed Seekonk as a part of the Plymouth domain, and suggested his removal beyond the
jurisdiction of that colony to prevent difficulty. Williams heeded the advice of Winslow.
and, entering a canoe with five others, paddled down the Seekonk almost to its
mouth, and landed upon the west side of the river, upon the bare rock, delineated
on page 52. He crossed over to the west side of the peninsula, and upon that shore, at the
head of the bay, commenced a new settlement. He obtained from Canonicus and Mianto-
nomoh, principal chiefs of the Narragansets, a grant of land for the purpose. He named
his new settlement Providence, <<in commemoration of Grod's providence to him in his dis-
tress." " I desired," he said, '* it might be for a shelter for persons distressed for conscience."
And BO it became, for men of every creed there found perfect freedom of thought. Although
every rood of land belonged to Williams, by right of deed from the Narraganset sachems, not
a foot of it did he reserve for himself. He practiced his holy precepts, and " gave away his
lands and other estates to them that he thought most in want, until he gave away all."*
Nor was there any distinction made among the settlers, ** whether servants or strangers ;"
each had an equal voice in the affairs of government, and the political foundation of the
settlement was a pure democracy. Tho Massachusetts people believed that the fugitives
*< would have no magistrates," and must necessarily perish politically, yet they thrived won-
derfully. The impress of that first system is yet seen upon the political character of Rhode
Island, for '* in no state in the world, not even in the agricultural state of Vermont, have
the magistrates so little power, or the representatives of the freemen so much."* Such was
the planting of the first and only purely democratic colony in America ; and its founder,
though persecuted and contemned, maintained, in the opinion of all good men, that high char-
acter Vhich Cotton Mather and others were constrained to award him, as ** one of the most
distinguished men that ever lived, a most pious and heavenly-minded soul."*
The Christian charity of Roger Williams was remarkably displayed soon after his ban-
ishment from Massachusetts. In 1637, when the Pequots were attempting to induce the
Narragansets to join them in a general war upon the whites, and particularly against the
' Masiochutetti Historical Collections, i., 276.
' Seekonk is the Indian name for the wild or black goose with which the waters in that region originally
aboonded. The town is the ancient Rehoboth, first settled by William Blackstone, an English non-con-
formist minister, a few months previons to the arrival here of Roger Williams. Blaokstone was the first
white man who lived upon the peninsula of Shawmut, where Boston now stands. Williams^s plantation was
on the little Seekonk River, the navigable portion of which is really an arm of Narraganset Bay.
Although Williams was the real founder of Rhode Island, Blaokstone was the first white settler within
its borders. He had no sympathy with Williams, and continued his allegiance to Massachusetts, though
without its jurisdiction.
» Backus*s History of New England, i., 290.
* Bancroft, i., 380. • Callender's Historical Discourse.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 623
WUliams'B NcgociaUona with the Indians. Ingralltii4p of the Massachasetta Colony. March of the French Army to Providence.
Maasachuaetts people, Mr. Williams infonned the latter of the fiwt They BoUcited his me-
diation, and, forgetting the many injuries he had received from those who now needed his
favor, he set out on a
cahinofCanonicus. The ^^^ Roam WoliaiuM SiowATum..!
Pequots and Narragan-
sets were already assembled in council. The former threatened him with death, yet he re-
mained there three days and nights. " God wonderfully preserved me," he said, *< and helped
me to break in pieces the designs of the enemy, and to finish the English league, by many
travels and changes, with the Narragansets and Mohegans against the Peqviots.*' This al-
liance we noticed in the last chapter. Notwithstanding this great service, the Massachu-
setts court would not revoke Williams's sentence of banishment.
Let us now close the volume for a time, and visit other places of historic interest.
Leaving the Seekonk, we walked to the site of the encampment of the French army in
the autumn of 1782, while on its march to Boston for embarkation. It had remained in
Virginia after the battle of Yorktown, in the autumn of 1781, until the summer of 1782,
when it joined Washington and his army on the Hudson. The place of its encampment
there was near Peekskill. The order and discipline of this army, and its uniform respect
for property — ^the soldiers not even taking fruit from the trees without leave — were remark-
able, and on their march northward Rochambeau and his ofiicers received many congratu-
latory addresses.' The army remained at Peekskill until October, when it commenced its
march for Boston, going by the way of Hartford and Providence. Count de Ro- October 83,
ohambeau accompanied it to the latter place, where he took his leave of the troops ^^^
and returned to Washington's head-quarters. The army had received orders to sail to the
West Indies in the French fleet of fifUen sail of the line and four frigates, then lying in the
harbor of Boston, in the event of the evacuation of New- York or Charleston by the British.
The Baron de Viomenil was ordered to accompany the troops as commander instead of Ro-
chambeau. The latter, with several other officers, returned from Rhode Island to Virginia,
and at Norfolk embarked for France.
' RoGBR Wn.LiAif8 was bom in Wales, in 1599, and was edaoated at Oxford. He became a minister in
the 'Church of England, but his views of religious liberty made him a non-conformist, and he came to Amer-
ica. Bold in the annunciation of his tenets respecting the perfect liberty of mind and conscience, he was
banished firom Massachusetts, and planted a colony at the head of Narraganset Bay, now the city of Prov-
idence. In 1639 he embraced the doctrines of the Baptists, and being Iraiptized by one of his brethren, ho
baptized ten others. Doubts as to the correctness of his principles arose in his mind, and he finally con-
cluded that it would be wrong to perforin the rite of baptism without a revelation from Heaven. The
Church which he had formed was accordingly dissolved. He went to England in 1643, as agent for the
oolony, and obtained a charter, with which he returned in September, 1644. This charter was granted on
the 14th of March, and included the shores and islands of Narraganset Bay, west of Plymouth and south of
Massachusetts, and as far as the Pequot River and country, to be known as the Pbovidenob Plantations.
He landed at Boston, but was not molested on account of being under sentence of banishment, for he brought
with him recommendatory letters from influential members of Parliament. He went to England again for
the oolony in 1651, where he remained until 1654. He was chosen president of the government on his re-
turn, which offioe he held until 1657, when Benedict Arnold was appointed. In 1672 he held a dispute
with the Quakers for three days at Newport, of which he wrote an account.* He died in April, 1 683, aged
eighty-four years.
* At Philadelphia, a deputation of Quakers waited upon Rochambeau, and one of them, in behalf of the
others, said, " General, it is not on account of thy military qualities that we make thee this visit ; those we
hold in little esteem ; but thou art the friend of mankind, and thy army conducts itself with the utmost order
and discipline. It is this which induces us to render thee our respects."
* Tba titie of die ptmphlH oootiining the aoooimt (which WM pobHihed in 167
It being written against Fox and Borrowa, two eminent Qoakera. An answer to it was pfubUahed in 1679, entitled **A Nm Sn-
gland Finland Quenched.**
Digitized by
Google
624 P[CTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The French Troops at Providence. Site <^ the Encampment Remains. Departure of the French from Boaton.
The French troops arrived at Providence in November, and to give color to the pretext
that they marched eastward to go into winter quarters, made excavations, in which to^nd
protection from the cold, instead of pitching their tents, as a moving army would do. The
object was to allow the expedition to the West Indies— where ft brisk naval warfare was in
progress between the French and British — ^to remain a secret even to the suspicions of the
English. After remaining about a fortnight at Providence the troops marched toward Bos-
ton, where they arrived early in December.* On the 24th of that month the French fleet
sailed from Boston for St. Domingo, with all the troops except Lauzun's legion, the army
having been in the United States two and a half years.*
The place of the encampment at Providence is in a field of cold, wet land, rough and
rocky, a mile and a half east-northeast ftom Market Square in the city. It lies on the
northeast side of Harrington's Lane, at the head of Greene Lane, which latter runs parallel
with Prospect Street. We passed on our way along the brow of Prospect Hill, whence we
had a fine view of the city and surrounding country, including northward the spires of Paw-
tucket, and southward the blue waters of Narraganset Bay. The encampment was on the
western slope of the northern termination of Prospect Hill. Several shallow pits and heaps
of stones, with some charcoal intermingled (the remains of the temporary dwellings of the
French soldiers), are yet to be seen. It was a sheltered position, and favorable for a
winter encampment The ground is full of small surface springs, which, with the
wash from the cultivated hills above, will soon obliterate every
trace of the encampment.
About a quarter of a mile westward of the camp ground is
the " North Burying-ground," belonging to the city. It has
been beautified within a few years by graveled foot-paths and
carriage-ways, fine vaults, handsome monuments and inclos-
ures. Its location is such that it may be jnoade a beautiful
cemetery, though small. Not far from the south entrance is
a marble monument about nine feet high, erected to the mem-
ory of Stephen Hopkins, for a long time colonial governor of
Rhode Island, and one of the signers of the Declaration of In-
dependence. Oh the southern side of the obelisk is the name
of Hopkins in large letters. The inscriptions are upon three
sides of the pedestal.*
UopKXNs'8 Monument. ^^ ^^® northeast part of the burial-ground is a granite ob-
^ Soon after their arrival, Governor John Hancock and the Council gave a public dinner to the commaDd-
mg general, Viomenil, and his officers, and to the commander of the fleet, Vaudreoil, and his officers.
* The Magnifiqw, a French seventy-fonr gnn ship, one of the fleet, having been lost in Boston Harbor by
accident, Congress, in testimony of their sense of the generosity of the French king, had resolved, more than
three months before (September 3), to present the America^ a seventy-four gun ship, to the French minis-
ter, the Clfevalier de Luzerne, for the service of his king. — -See Joumah of Congress, viii., 343.
' The following are the inscriptions :
NoBTH SIDE. — ^'Sacred to the memory of the illustrious Stephen Hopkins, of Revolutionary fame, at-
tested by his signature to the Declaration of our National Independence. Great in council, from sagacity
of mind ; magnanimous in sentiment, firm in purpose, and good as great, from\)enevolence of heart, he stood
in the first rank of statesmen and patriots. Self-educated, yet among the most learned of men, his vast
treasury of useful knowledge, his great retentive and reflective powers, combined with his social nature,
made him the most interesting of companions in private life."
West side. — " His name is engraved on the immortal records of the Revolution, and can never die. Hit
titles to that distinction are engraved on this monument, reared by the grateful admiration of his native state
in honor of her favorite son.''
South side. — Bom March 7, 1707. Died July 13, 1785."
A biography and portrait of this venerated patriot will be found among those of the signers of the Dec-
laration of Independence, in another part of this work. The fao-simile of his signature here given is a copy
of his autograph in my possession, attached to the commission of Captain Ephraim Wheaton, issued in J'une,
1761. Mr. Hopkins was then Governor of Rhode Island, and in that capacity signed the instrument. It
is attested by Henrt Ward, secretary. Mr. Ward was one of the delegates from Rhode Island to the
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION
625
aoremor Cooke's Monumeot
La Fayette's Head-quarters.
Roger Williams's Spring.
elisk erected to the memory of Nicholas Cooke, who was Governor of Rhode Island from 1775
until 1778, and an active and efficieot patriot until his death, which occurred before the in-
dependence of his country was secured by treaty.^
His biography is briefly inscribed upon his mon-
umeht in the following words :
" Nicholas Cooke, bom in Providence, Feb-
ruary 3d, 1717; Died September 14th, 1782.
Unanimously elected Governor of Rhode Island
in 1775, he remained in office during the dark-
est period of the American Revolution. He
merited and won the approbation of his fellow-
citizens, and was honored with the friendship
and confidence of Washington." This is the in-
scription upon the east side, immediately above
which, in raised letters, is the name Cooke. On
the west is the following :
" Hannah Sabine, relict of Nicholas Cooke,
bom in Killingly, Connecticut, March 13th
1722 ; died in Providence, March 22d, 1792.'
This monument is about twenty feet high
composed of a single block. The sketch of it here given is from the cemetery, looking east-
ward, and includes in the distance the French camp-ground just mentioned. The most re-
mote of the two fields seen between the trees on the right, is the one wherein the remains
of the encampment are to be seen.
On the road leading firom the cemetery to the town is a brick building, with a hip-roof,
which La Fayette occupied as head-quarters, while in Providence a short time in 1778
He had been sent by Washington with two thousand men to assist Sullivan in the siege of
Newport. The house is well preserved, but changed somewhat in its external appearance
On our way into the town we passed along Benefit Street, on the east side of which, in
a vacant lot, upon the slope of a steep hill, near the mansion of the father of Governor Dorr,
is a living water-fountain, called Roger Williams's Spring, Tradition asserts that here,
in the cool shade of sycamores (of which the huge trees that now overshadow it are the
sprouts), Williams first reposed after his journey, and that here his first tent was pitched, at
twilight, on a beautiful evening in June. It is a pleasant spot now, even with the pent-up
city around it ; it must then have been a delicious resting-place for the weary exile, for be-
low him were the bright waters of the Narraganset, beyond which arose the gentle slfipes
and more lofly hills of the fair land of Canonicus, his friend and protector.
GOTXBNOB COOKX'S MONVMXZiT.
SlGNATUBS OP StBPHKN H0PS3N8.
" Stamp Act Congress" in 1765. This sig-
nature of Hopkins exhibits the same tremu-
lousness of hand which is seen in that attach-
ed to the Declaration of Independence, writ-
ten fifteen years afterward, and is a proof^ if
evidence were wanting, that it was not the
effect of fear, bat '* shaking palsy," that
makes the patriot's sign-numual to onr Na-
tional Document appear so suspiciously
crooked.
* Mr. Cooke was deputy governor in 1775. When the Assembly, or House of Magistrates of the colony,
voted to raise an army of fifteen hundred men, Joseph Wanton, then the Governor of Rhode Island, his dep-
uty, and others in the government, were opposed to the measure. The people were displeased, yet Wan-
ton, who had been chief magistrate since 1769, was rechosen governor in May ; but, failing to appear and
take the prescribed oath, the Assembly directed that the deputy governor should perform the duties of chief
magistrate. Mr. Cooke became convinced that the warlike measures of the Assembly were correct, and
entered heartily into all their views. Wanton appeared in June, and demanded that the oath of office should
be administered to hun, but, as he had not given satisfaction to the Assembly, his request or demand wa«
oof complied with.
Rr
Digitized by
Google
626
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Old TiTieni in Proridenoe. Its Aaeociationf. Deatruction of Tea in Market Square. Rhode Island Historical Sodetj
Within the city, on the east side of Market Square, stands the old tavern, with moss-
grown roof, where many a grave and many a boisterous meeting were held by the freemen
of the Providence Plantations during the Stamp Act excitement, and the earlier years of the
war of the Revo-
lution. There the
Sons of Liberty met
and planned their
measures in opposi-
tion to the British
ministry. From
the same balcony
were read the proc-
lamation announc-
ing the accession of
George III. to the
throne in 1760;
the odious Stamp
Act in 1765; the
bill for its repeal in
1766; andtheDec-
laration of Inde-
pendence in 1776.
That balcony seem-
ed to be the forum
Old Tavkrn in PsovroxNCX.^
of the people ; and
many excited audi-
ences have crowd-
ed Market Square,
in front of it, to
listen to patriotic
speeches
The people of
Providence, and
particularly the
matrons and maid-
ens, cheerfully ac-
quiesced in the de-
mands made upon
their self-denial by
the non-importation
agreements, and for-
eign tea was dis-
carded as if it had
been a poisonous
drug.' In 1773,
when it was ascertained that the ships of the East India Company, heavily laden with tea,
were about to sail for America, the people of Providence were among the first to express
their disapprobation ; and on one occasion the town crier, with a drum, patroled the streets
in the evening, announcing that a bonfire of tea would be made in Market Square at ten.
o'clock at night, and requesting those who possessed and repudiated the article to cast it
upon the heap. At the appointed hour the square was crowded, and the old tavern front
and its neighbors were brilliantly illuminated by the glow of the burning tea, aided by other
combustibles, while shouts long and loud went up as one voice from the multitude. This
was but a prelude to the united and vigorous action of the people when the war notes from
Lexington aroused the country ; and until the close of the contest Providence was a " nest
of rebels against the king.*'
Pconcluded the labors and pleasures of the day by making the above sketch, and in the
evening attended, by invitation, a meeting of the Rhode Island Historical Society, over which
Albert G. Greene, Esq., presided, the venerable president, John Howland, then ninety-one
years of age, being absent. Their rooms are in a small but convenient building near Brown
University, and contain about five thousand volumes of books and pamphlets, many of them
very rare. The meeting was one of much interest, especially to Rhode Islanders, for Pro-
fessor Gammel, of the University, made a verbal communication on the subject of important
manuscripts concerning the early history of New England, which are in the British colonial
office. He imparted the gratifying intelligence that J. Carter Brown, Esq., of Providence,
' This view is from the market, looking north. The building stands on the east side of the square, and
parallel with its front commences North Main Street. In the yard on the right is a venerable horse-chestnut
tree, standing between the house and the Roger Williams' Bank. In former times, a balcony extended
across the front. The door that opened upon it is still there, but the balcony is gone. The roof is com-
pletely overgrown with moss, and every appearance of age marks it.
* On the 12th of June, 1769, twenty-nine young ladies, daughters of the first citizens of Providence, mei
under the shade of the sycamores at the Roger Williams' Spring, and there resolved not to drink any more
tea until the duty upon it should be taken off. They then adjourned to the house of one of the company
(Miss Coddington), where they partook of a frugal repast, composed in part of the " delicious Hyperion,'
4 tea of domestic manufacture — See note on page 481 »
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 627
Valuable Manotcripts. A teleacopic Peep at the Moon and Stara. Bryant* a *^ Song of the Stars." Voyage to Gaapee Point
— ^ .^ ^ ^ ^
with an enlightened liberality worthy of all praise, had made arrangements to have dU the
manuscripts in question copied at his own expense, under the direction of Mr. Stephens, the
eminent agriculturist, then in Europe.' The manuscripts relate to New England his-
tory, from 1634 to 1720, and consist of more than four hundred pieces, about two
hundred an<| fifty of which have special reference to the Rhode Island and Providence Plan-
tations. Among them is a minute account of all the transactions relating to Captain Kidd,
the noted pirate. Already two thousand four hundred pages of copies, beautifully written
by one hand, on vellum foolscap, had been forwarded to Mr. Brown, a few of which wer«
exhibited by Professor Gammel.
Moon and stars were shining brightly when we left the Society's rooms, and afibrded a fine
field of view through a large telescope that was standing under the porch of the college.
The professor having it in charge kindly allowed me a glance at our celestial neighbors.
The moon was gibbous, and brilliant as molten silver appeared its ragged edges. Saturn
was visible, but the earth being upon the plane of its rings, they could not be seen. Some
double stars, even of the seventeenth magnitude, were pointed out ; and over the whole field
of view, those distant worlds, that appear like brilliant points to the unaided vision, were
seen glowing in all the beautiful colors of the emerald, the ruby, the sapphire, and the topaz
While gazing upon them, it seemed to me as if
" Their silver voices in chorus rang,
And this was the song the bright ones sang .
" Away ! away I through the wide, vride sky —
The fair blue fields that before ns lie.
Each son with the worlds that round it roll ;
Each planet poised on her turning pole ;
With her isles of green and her clouds of white,
And her waters that lie like fluid light.
" For the Source of Glory uncovers his face,
And the brightness overflows unbounded space ;
And we dri^, as we go, the luminous tides,
In our ruddy air and our blooming sides.
Lo I yonder the living splendors play ;
Away I on our joyous path, away !
" Glide on in your beauty, ye youthful spheres,
To weave the dance that measures the years.
Glide on in the glory and gladness sent
To the farthest wall of the firmament —
The boundless, visible smile of Him,
To the veil of whose brow our lamps are dim."
Brtant^s *' Soiia op ths Stars.*'
On the morning of the 2lBt, I procured a sort of pinnace, and a boatman to man- October.
age it, and with a stiff, cold breeze firom the northwest, sailed down the Narragan- i®*®-
set Bay' to Gaspee Point, a place famous in our Revolutionary annals as the scene of a dar-
ing act on the part of the people of Rhode Island. The Point is on the west side of the
bay, about six miles below Providence, and consists, first, of a high jutting bank, and then
a sandy beach stretching into the bay, almost uncovered at low tide, but completely sub-
merged at high water. The bay is here about two miles wide, and the low bare point ex-
tends at least half a mile from the bank, its termination marked by a buoy. The naviga-
tion of this section of the bay is dangerous on account of the sand-bars, and also of sub-
merged rocks, lying just below tb^ surface at low water. Two of them, in the vicinity of
Field's Point, are marked by strong stone towers about thirty feet high, both of which are
' Mr. Brown is a son of Nicholas Brown, whose liberal endowment of the college at Providence, and
active influence in its favor, caused the (acuity to give his name to the institution. It is called Brown
University.
' The northern portion of the bay is quite narrow, and from the Pawtuxet to its head is generally caUed
Providence River.
Digitized by
Google
628
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
TbfeOMpaa.
Coodaet other i
Bkttch ai Gmpm Poin.
OovcnorWa
abore Gaipee Point The tide was ebbing when we ar-
hred at the Point, and anchoring our ressel, we aooght to
reach the ihore in ita little ikiff — a feat of no tmall diffi-
culty on account of the shallowneit of the water. I waited
nearlj an hour for the ebbing tide to leare the Point bare,
before making mj sketch.
The historical incident alluded to was the burning of the
Gaspee, a British armed schooner, in 1772. She first ap-
peared in the waters of Narraganset Bay in March, having
been dispatched thither by the commissioners of customs at
Boston to prevent infractions ef the revenue laws, and to
put a stop to the illicit trade which had been carried on for
a long time at Newport and Providence. Her appearance
disquieted the people, and her interference with the free nav-
igation of the bay irritated them. Deputy-governor Ses-
sions, residing at Providence, wrote in behalf of the people there to Governor Wanton* at
Newport, ezprMsing his opinion that the commander of the Gaspee, Lieutenant Dudding-
ton, bad no legal warrant for his proceedings. Grovemor Wanton immediately dispatched
tflOJU TOWBB.
Gasfkb Ponrr.*
a written message, by the high sheriff, to Duddington, in which he required that olUcer to
produce his commission without delay. This the lieutenant refused to do, and Wanton
made a second demand for his orders. Duddington, apparently shocked at the idea that a
colonial governor should claim the right to control, in any degree, the movement of his maj-
esty's officers, did not reply, but sent Wanton's letters to Admiral Montague at Boston.
^ Joseph Wanton was a native of Newport, Rhode Island. He graduated at Harvard in 1751. In 1769
he was elected Governor of Rhode Island, which office he held by re-election ontil 1775, when his opposi-
tion to the views of the people, and his neglect to take the oath of office at the proper time, made the As-
sembly declare his place vacant. His deputy, Nicholas Cooke, performed the duties of governor. The oon-
fidence of the people in his attachment to American liberty was doubtless shaken by his appointment, under
the great seal of England, to inquire into the afiair of the Gaspee. But in that he acted as a conscientious
man, and there was evidently a desire on bis part that the incendiaries of that vessel should not be known,
although he labored with apparent zeal to discover them. He was regarded as a Loyalist during the re-
mainder of his life. He died at Newport in 1782.
' This view is from the bank of the cove just below the Point, looking northeast, showing its appearance
at low water when the clam-fishers are upon it. The buoy is seen beyond the extreme end of the Point on
the right. The bank is about fifteen feet high. In front of Pawtuzet, about a mile above, are the remains
of breast-works, thrown up during the war of 1812. There are also breast-works at Field^s Point, two
miles below Providence, where is a flag-stafif. There is the quarantine ground.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 629
Montagoe't iiiflolent Letter. Wanton's Rejoinder. Captain LindMj'a Packet chased by the Gatpee. Onmndingof tfaeGaspee.
That functionary, forgetting tbat the Governor of Rhode Island was elected to office by the
voice of a free people — ^that he was the chief magistrate of a colony of free Englishmen, and
not a creature of the crown — ^wrote an insulting and blustering letter to Governor Aprn 6.
Wanton in defense of Duddington, and in reprehension of his opponents. In it he ^^^
used these insulting words : " I shall report your two insolent letters to my officer [Dud-
dington] to his majesty's secretaries of state, and leave them to determine what right you
have to demand a sight of all orders I shall give to all officers of my squadron ; and I would
advise you not to send your sheriff on board the king's ship again on such ridiculous er-
rands." To this letter Governor Wanton wrote a spirited reply. "I am greatly Migrg^
obliged," he said, « for the promise of transmitting my letters to the secretaries of ^^
state. I am, however, a little shocked at your impolite expression made use of upon that
occasion. In return for this good office, I shall also transmit your letter to the Secretary of
State, and leave to the king and his ministers to determine on which side the charge of in-
solence lies. As to your advice not to send a sheriff on board any of your squadron, please
to know, that I will send the sheriff of this colony at any time, and to any place within the
body of it, as I shall think fit." On the 20th of May, Governor Wanton, pursuant to a
vote of the Assembly, transmitted an account of the matter to the Earl of Hillsborough ;
but, before any reply could be received, the Gaspee became a wreck, under the following
circumstances :
On the 9th of June, 1772, Captain Lindsey left Newport for Providence, in his packet,'
at about noon, the wind blowing from the South.' The Gaspee, whose commander did not
discriminate between the well-known packets and the strange vessels that came into the
harbor, had often fired upon the former, to compel their masters to take down their colors in
its presence — a haughty marine Gesler, requiring obeisance to its imperial cap. As Cap-
tain Lindsey, on this occasion, kept his colors flying, the Gaspee gave chase, and contin-
ued it as far as Namquit (now Gaspee) Point. The tide was ebbing, but the bar was cov-
ered. As soon as Lindsey doubled the Point, he stood to the westward Duddington, com-
mander of the Gaspee, eag^r to overtake the pursued, and ignorant of the extent of the sub-
merged Point firom the shore, kept on a straight course, and in a few minutes struck the sand.
The fast ebbing tide soon left his vessel hopelessly grounded. Captain Lindsey arrived at
Providence at sunset, and at once communicated the hci of the grounding of the Gaspee to
Mr. John Brown, one of the leading merchants of that city. Knowing that the schooner
could not be got off until flood-tide, after midnight, Brown thought this a good opportunity
to put an end to the vexations caused by her presence. He ordered the preparation of eight
of the largest long-boats in the harbor, to be placed under the general command of Captain
Whipple, one of his most trusty ship-masters ; each boat to have five oars, the row-locks to
be muffled, and the whole put in readbess by half past eight in the evening, at Fenner's
Wharf, near the residence of the late Welcome Arnold. At dusk, a man named Daniel
Pearce passed along the Main Street, beating a drum, and informing the inhabitants that
the Gaspee lay aground on Namquit Point ; that she oould not get off until three o'clock in
the morning ; and inviting those who were willing to engage in her destruction to meet at
the house of James Sabine, afterward the residence of Welcome Arnold. The boats left
Providence between ten and eleven o'clock, filled with sixty-four well-armed men, a sea cap-
tain in each boat acting as steersman. They took with them a quantity of round pavii^g-
stones. Between one and two in the morning they reached the Graspee, when a sen- j^^^ 9^
tinel on board hailed them. No answer being returned, Duddington appeared in ^^^
his shirt on the starboard gunwale, and waving the boats off, fired a pistol at them. This
' This paoket was called the Hannah, and sailed between New York and Providence, tooohing at
Newport.
' Cooper, in his Naval Hiitoryy i., 81, says that the Hannah was " favored by a fresh loatheriy breeze.''
The details here given are taken chiefly from a statement by the late Colonel Ephraim Bowen, of Provi*
denoe, who was one of the party that attacked the Gaspee. Colonel Bowen says the wind was from the
North. The ciroomstanoes of the chase, however, show that it most have been fiom the Sonth.
Digitized by
Google
630
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Expedition against tlie Gaspee.
Her Destruction.
EfTorts to discoTer the Incendiaries.
The ConmiisrioDen
discharge was returned by a musket from one of the boats.' Duddington was wounded in
the groin, and carried below. The boats now came alongside the schooner, and the meu
boarded her without much opposition, the crew retreating below when their wounded com-
mander was carried down. A medical student among the Americans dressed Duddington'e
wound,' and he was carried on shore at Pawtuxet. The schooner's company were ordered
to collect their clothing and leave the vessel, which they did ; and all the efiects of Lieu-
tenant Duddington being carefully placed in one of the American boats to be delivered to
the owner, the Gaspee was set on fire and at dawn blew up.'
On being informed of this event, Governor Wanton issued a proclamation, order-
ing diligent search for persons having a knowledge of the crime, and ofieiing a le-
ward of five hundred dollars *' for the discov-
Janel2.
ery of the perpetrators of said villainy, to be
paid immediately upon the conviction of any
one or more of them." Admiral Montague
also made endeavors to discover the incend-
iaries. Afterward the home government of-
fered a reward of five thousand dollars for the
leader, and two thousand five hundred dollars
to any person who would discover the other
parties, with the promise of a pfurdon should
the informer be an accomplice. A commis-
sion of inquiry, under the great seal of En-
gland, was established, which sat from the
4th untn the 22d of January, 1773.* It then
adjourned until the 26 th of May, when it as-
sembled and sat until the 23d of June. But
not a solitary clew to the identity of the per-
petrators could be obtained, notwithstanding
30 many of them were known to the people.'
The price of treachery on the part of any ac-
complice would have been exile firom home
and country ; and the profiered reward was
not adequate to such a sacrifice, even though
weak moral principles or strong acquisitive-
ness had been tempted into compliance. The
commissioners closed their labors on the 23d
of June, and further inquiry was not attempted.'
SlOZf ATUBU OF THE COMXUSIOVKBS.
^ Thomas Baoklin, a yonng man about nineteen years of age, fired the musket. He afterward assisted
in dressing the wound which his bullet inflicted.
* This was Dr. JohnMawney. His kindness and attention to Duddington excited the gratitude of that
officer, who offered young Mawney a gold stock-buckle ; that being refused, a silver one was offered and
accepted.
' The principal actors in this affair were John Brown, Captain Abraham Whipple, John B. Hopkins,
Benjamin Dunn, Dr. John Mawney, Benjamin Page, Joseph Bncklin, Turpin Smith, Ephraim Bowen, and
Captain Joseph Tillinghast. The names were, of course, all kept secret at the time.
^ The commission consisted of Governor Joseph Wanton, of Rhode Island ; Daniel Horsmanden, chief
justice of New York ; Frederic Smjrth, chief justice of New Jersey ; Peter Oliver, chief justice of Massa-
chusetts ; and Robert Auchmuty, judge of the Vice-admiralty Court.
^ The drum was publicly beaten ; the sixty-four boldly embarked on the expedition without disguise
and it is asserted by Mr. John Howland (still living), that on the morning after the afiair, a young maD^
named Justin Jacobs, paraded on the " Great Bridge," a place of much resort, with Lieutenant Dudding'
ton's gold-laced beaver on his head, detailing the particulars of the transaction to a circle around him.
^ See DoftinMnfary History of the Deitructum of the Gaepee, by the Honorable William R. Staples ; Prov
idence, 1845. In a song written at the time, and composed of fifty-eight lines of doggerel verse, is iag^-
niously given the history of the affidr. It oloees with die following allusion to the rewards offered :
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 63t
Retiim to ProTideDo6. Viiit to Mr. John Howland. His military Career In the ReToIutioa
After finishing my sketch of Namquit, or Gaspee Point (page 60), we embarked for Prov-
idence, the wind blowing a gale from the northwest. It was with much difficulty that we
managed our vessel ; and before we reached the harbor we were drenched with the spray
that dashed over the gunwale from the windward. In company with Mr. Weeden I visited
the fine library of the Athenium Association,' and afterward had the pleasure of a brief in-
terview, at his residence, with the venerable Mr. Howland, president of the Historical So-
. ciety. So clear and vigorous was his well-cultivated mind, that I regretted the brevity of
my visit, made necessary by the near approach of the hour of departure of the steam-packet,
in which I was to proceed to Newport. Mr. Howland passed his ninety-first birth-day a
few days before I saw him. He was a soldier early in the war for independence, having
been drafled as a minute man in the winter of 1775, to go to Newport. He was afterward
attached to the Rhode Island regiment under Colonel Lippincott, and joined the Continental
army under Washington at Kingsbridge, at the upper end of York or Manhattan Island.
He was in* the retreat to White Plains in the autunm of 1776, and was engaged in the
skirmish at Chatterton's Hill. He related an amusing circumstance which occurred during
that retreat. While the Americans halted upon Chatterton's Hill, the British, in close pur-
suit, rested, for a short time, upon another eminence close by. An Irishman, one of Colone]
Lippincott's servants, who was called « Daddy Hall," seemed quite uneasy on account of the
presence of the enemy. He had charge of the coloneFs horse, and frequently exclaimed,
*« What are we doing here ? Why do we stop here ? Why don*t we go on ? I don't be-
lieve the colonel knows that the red-coated rascals are so near." Paymaster Dexter,' seeing
the perturbation of the poor fellow, said, " Daddy Hall, you're afraid ! you're a trembling
coward !" The Milesian's ire was aroused at these words, and looking the paymaster in the
face with a scornful curl of his lips, he said, ** Be jabers ! no, Maisther Dexther, I'm not
afeerd more nor yez be ; but faith ! ye'U find yourself that one good paii^ of heels is worth
two of hands afore night ; if ye don't, call Daddy Hall a spalpeen." And so he did ; for
before sunset the Americans were flying before their pursuers, more grateful to heels than
hands for safety.
Mr. Howland accompanied Washington in his retreat across New Jersey^ and was in the
division of Cadwallader, at Bristol, which was to go over the Delaware on the night when
Washington crossed that river, and surprised the Hessians at Trenton. The December ss,
ice prevented ; but they crossed the next day, and were stationed at Crosswicks ^"^^
for a day or two. Mr. Howland was among those at Trenton who were driven across the
Assanpink by the British on the evening of the 2d of January, the night before the
battle of Princeton. The bridge across the Assanpink was much crowded, and Mr.
Howland remembers having his arm scratched by one of Washington's spurs as he passed
** Now, for to find tbeee people oat.
King George haa offered very itout.
One thousand ponndt to find out one
That wounded WUliam Dnddington.
One thooaand more he aaya hell spare.
For those who say the sherifl^s were. ^
One thonsand more there dodi remain
For to find out the leader's name ;
Iilkewise fire hundred pounds per man
For any one of all Ae dan.
But let Urn try his utmost skill,
rm apt to thfaik he nerer will
Find out any of those hearts of gold,
niough he should offer fifty-fold."
' Mr. Weeden was formerly librarian of the institution. It is situated in a handsome building on the east
side of Benefit Street, and contains about five thousand volumes, among which is a copy of the great work
on Egypt, arranged under the superintendence of Denon, and published by Napoleon at the expense of the
government of France. This copy belonged to Prince Polignao, the minister of Charles X. Many of the
plates were colored by his direction. It is a beautiful copy, bound in morocco.
* I was informed, after leaving Providence, that Mr. Dexter was yet living in the northern part of the
town, at the age of ninety-two years.
Digitized by
Google
632 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK ,
Departure for Newport Appeanmce of Rhode Island. Old Tower at Newport Bfaodonof OoTernor GIbbt
by the commander in the crowd, who sat upon his white horse at the south end of the
bridge. He performed the dreary night march through the snow toward Princeton, and was
in the battle there on the following morning. His term of sendee expired while the Amer-
ican army was at Morristown, whither it went from Princeton. From Morristown, himself
and companions made their way on foot, through deep snows, back to Providence, crossing
the Hudson River at King's Ferry (Stony Point), and the Connecticut at Hartford. Gladly
would I have listened imtil sunset to the narrative of his great experience, but the first bell
of the packet summoned me away.
Ileiit Providence at three o'clock in the Perry, and arrived at Newport, thirty miles dis-
tant, at about five, edified on the way by the conversation of the venerable William Cran-
ston, of Attlebury, Massachusetts, then eighty-one years of age, who was a resident of New-
port during the Revolution. The bald appearance of Rhode Island, relieved only by or-
chards, which showed like dark tufts of verdure in the distance, with a few wind-mills and
scattered farm-houses, formed a singular and unfavorable feature in the view as we approach-
ed Newport ; while upon small islands and the main land appeared the ruins of forts and
batteries, indicating the military importance of the waters we were navigating. This was
^' Rhode Island, the land where the exile sought rest j
The Eden where wandered the Pilgrim oppress'd.
Thy name be inmiortal ! here man was made free,
The oppress^ of ail nations found refuge in thee.
'^ There Freedom's broad pinions our fathers unfurl'd,
An ensign to nations and hope to the world ;
Here both Jew and Gentile have ever enjoy'd
The freedom of conscience in worshiping God."
Arthur A. Ross.
The fair promises of a pleasant morrow, sweetly expressed by a bright moonlight evening,
October 22, '^^^^ ^^^ realized, for at dawn heavy rain-drops were pattering upon my window,
1®^- and the wind was piping with all the zeal of a sudden " sou'easter." I had in-
tended to start early for the neighborhood of Quaker Hill, toward the north end of the island,
the scene of conflict in 1778 ; but the storm frustrated my plans, and I passed the day in
visiting places of interest in the city and its immediate vicinity. The object of greatest at-
traction to the visitor at Newport is the Old Tower, or wind-mill, as it is sometimes called.
It stands within a vacant lot owned by Grovemor Gibbs, directly in front of his fine old
mansion, which was erected in 1720, and was then one of the finest dwellings in the colony.
It is a brick building, covered with red cedar. The main object in the picture is a repre-
sentation of the tower as it appeared at the time of my visit. On the right of it is seen
the residence of Grovemor Gibbs,* surrounded by shade-trees and flowering shrubs in abund-
ance. I passed the stormy morning under its roof; and to the proprietor I am indebted for
much kindness during my visit at Newport, and for valuable suggestions respecting the sin-
gular relic of the past that stands upon his grounds, mute and mysterious as a mummy.
On the subject of its erection history and tradition are silent, and the object of its construc-
tion is aUke unknown and^onjectural. It is a huge cylinder, composed of unhewn stones
— common granite, slate, sandstone, and pudding-stone — cemented with coarse mortar, made
of the soil on which the structure stands, and shell lime. It rests upon eight round col-
umns, a little more than three feet in diameter, and ten feet high from the ground to the
spring of the arches. The wall is three feet thick, and the whole edifice, at the present
time, is twenty-four feet high. The external diameter is twenty-three feet. Governor Gibbs
informed me that, on excavating at the base of one of the pillars, he found the soil about
four feet deep, lying upon a stratum of hard rock, and that the foundation of the column,
which rested upon this rock, was composed of rough-hewn spheres of stone, the lower ones
about four feet in circumference. On the interior, a little above the arches, are small square
Mr. Gibbs was Governor of Rhode Island in 1819.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUnON.
633
Old Tbwer at Newport
Ms fiiniier Appeannoe.
Attempt to destroy it
Obaearitj of its Oiigii*
niches, in depth ahout half the thickness of the wall, designed, apparently, to receive floor-
timhers. In several places within, as well as upon the inner surface of some of the columns.
Old Towxft at Nswpobt.
are patches of stucco, which, like the mortar, is made of coarse sand and shell lime, and as
hard as the stones it covers. Governor Gibhs remembers the appearance of the tower more
than forty years ago, when it was partially covered with the same hard stucco upon its ex-
terior surface. Doubtless it was originally covered within and without with plaster, and
the now rough columns, with mere indications of capitals and bases of the Doric form, were
handsomely wrought, the whole structure exhibiting taste and beauty. During the posses-
sion of Rhode Island by the British, in the Revolution, the tower was more perfect than
now, having a roof, and the walls were three or four feet Jiigher than at present.* The
British used it for an ammunition magazine, and when they evacuated the island, they at-
tempted to demolish the old ** mill" by igniting a keg of powder within it ! But the strong
walls resisted the Vandals, and the only damage the edifice sustained was the loss of its roof
and two or three feet of its upper masonry. Such is the Old Tower at Newport at the
present time. Its early history is yet unwritten, and may forever remain so.'
^ Governor Gibbs showed me a CoDtineDtal bill of the denomination of five dolRurs (not signed), which his
son foond in a crevice in the tower.
' There has been mnoh patient investigation, with a great deal of speonlation, concerning this ancient ed-
ifice, but no satisfiictory conclusion has yet been obtained. Of its existence prior to the English emigration
to America there is now but little donbt ; and it is asserted that the Indians, of whom Mr. Coddington and
other early settlers upon Aquitneck (now Rhode Ishmd) solicited information oonceming the stmotore, had
no tradition respecting its origin. Because it was called a '* mill" in some old documents, some have ar-
gued, or, rather, have flippantly asserted, that it was built by the early English settlers for a wind-mill.
Thus Mr. Cooper disposes of the matter in his preface to Red Rover, A little patient mquiry would have
given him a different conclusion ; and if the structure is really ante-colonial, and perhaps ante-Columbian,
its history surely is worthy of investigation. That it was converted into and used for a wind-mill by some
of the early settlers of Newport, there is no doubt, for it was easily convertible to such use, although not by
a favorable arrangement. The English settlement upon the island was commenced in 1636, at the north
end, and in 1639 the first house was erected on the site of Newport, by Nicholas Easton. Mention is made
in the colonial records of the erection of a wind-mill by Peter Easton, in 1663, twenty-five years after the
founding of Newport ; and this was evidently the flrtt mill erected there, from the fact that it was consid-
ered of sufficient importance to the colony to induce the General Court to reward Mr. Easton for his en-
terprise, by a grant of a tract of fine land, a mile in length, lying along what is still known as EoMUmU
Digitized by
Google
634 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
First Wind-mill at Newport Inquiries respecttng the Tower. •« Antiquitates Americana." Inscription on Digfaton Rod.
The rain ceased at ten o'clock, and a westerly wind dispersed the clouds, but made the daj
unpleasant by its blustering breath. I sketched the house on the comer of Spring and Peck-
Beack. That mill was a wooden sfructure, and stood upon the land now occupied by the North Barying-
ground, in the upper suburbs of Newport. The land on which the Old Tower stands once belonged to
Governor Benedict Arnold, and in his will, bearing the date of 1678, forty years after the settlement, he
mentions the " stone mill,'' the tower having evidently been used for that purpose. Its form, its great so-
kiity, and its construction upon colunms, forbid the idea that it was originally erected for a mill ; and cer-
tainly, if a common wind-miU, made of timber, was so highly esteemed by the people, as we havs seen, the
construction of such an edifice, so superior to any dwelling or church in the colony, would have received
special attention from the magistrates, and the historians of the day. And wherefore, for such a purpose,
were the foundation-stones wrought into spheres, and the whole structure stuccoed within and without ?
When, in 1837, the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries of Copenhagen published the result of their
ten years' investigations concerning the discovery of America by the Northmen in the tenth century, in a
volume entitled " Antiquitates Americana," the old "mill" at Newport, the rock inscription at Dighton, in
Massachusetts, and the discovery of skeletons, evidently of a race diflferent from the Indians,^* eUcited the
earnest attention of inquirers, as subjects in some way connected with those early disooveries. Br. Webb
(whom I have mentioned as extending to me his friendly services at the rooms of the Historical Society of
Massachusetts), w^ho was then a resident of Providence, and secretary to the Rhode Island Historical Soci-
ety, opened a correspondence with Charles C. Rafn, the secretary to the Royal Society of Copenhagen.
Dr. Webb employed Mr. Catherwood to make drawings of the " mill," and these, with a particular account
of the structure, he transmitted to Professor Rafn. Here was opened for the society a new field of inquiry,
the products of which were published, with engravings from Mr. Catherwood's drawings. According to
Professor Rafn, the architecture of this building is in the ante-Gothic style, which was common in the north
and west of Europe from the eighth to the twelfth century. " The circular form, the low columns, their
thickness in proportion to their distance from each other, and the entire want of ornament," he says, " all
point out this epoch." He imagines that it was used for a baptistry^ and accounts for the absence of build-
ings of a similar character by the abundance of wood in America. The brevity of the sojourn of the North-
men here was doubtless another, and perhaps principal reason, why similar structures were not erected.
The fact that the navigators of Sweden, Norway, and Iceland visited and explored the American coast as
far as the shores of Connecticut, and probably more southerly, during the tenth and eleventh centuries (five
hundred years before the voyages of Columbus), appecurs to be too well attested to need further notice here-
For the proofs, the reader is referred to the interesting work alluded to, " Antiquitates Americana."
The inscription upon the rock at Dighton has given rise to much speculation and to many theories. The
rock lies upon the east side of Taunton River, between
high and low water marks, so that it is covered and
exposed at every ebb and flow of the tide. It is an in-
sulated mass of fine-grained granite, or grunstein, ly-
ing northwest and southeast on the sands of the river.
Its length is eleven feet, and its height four and a half
feet. It has a regular surface and nearly smooth,
whereon the inscription is carved. The inscription
presents four parts or divisions, and evidently refers to
a combat. On the lef^ is a figure armed with a bow
and arrow, and may represent an Indian. Next to it
IXBCBipTxoN ON DioHTON RocK. is au inscriptiou composed of Runic or PhcBuician char-
acters, doubtless a history of the event there partially
pictured. Further to the right is a vessel, and on the extreme right are two figures, difibring from the one
on the \e(t, without bows and arrows, and evidently connected with the vessel. These and the vessel doubt-
less indicate them as voyagers from a distant land.t Between the figures and the boat are Runic or PhoB-
nician characters. The question arises. By whom was the inscription made ? The Phoenician characters
seem to be proof that those ancient navigators visited the American coast and made this record of oombat
* Dr. J. C. V. Smith, of Boston, has written an account of a remarkable stone cemetery, discovered abont fifty year* ago on
Rainsford Island, in Boston Bay, which contained a skeleton and sword-hilt of iron. Dr. Webb has also published an interesting
account of a skeleton discovered at Fall River, in Massachuaetts, on or near which were found a bronxe breast-pUte, bronze tabes
belonging to a belt^ &&, none of which appear to be of Indian, or of comparatirely modem European manuiactore. Drs. Smith
and Webb both concluded tiiat these skeletons were those of Scandinavian voyagers.
t Kendall, in his TrateU, published in 1809, describes this rock and the inscription, and gives the following Indian traditiOD :
** Some ages past, a number of white men arrived in the river in a bird [sailmg vessel], when the white men took Indians into
the bird as hostages. They took freatk water for their consumption at a neighboring spring, and wliile procuring it, ttie Inifiam
fen upon and murdered some of tfaeno. During the afiVay, thunder and li^htnin^ iuuedfrtm tk» bird, and frightened the Indians
away. Their hostages, lu>wever, escaped." The thunder and lightning spoken of evidendy refers to fir»>arms, and, if the tra-
dition is true, ibe occurrence must liave taken place as late as the latter part of the fourteenth century, fbr gunpowder, for war-
like purposes, was not used in Europe previous to 1350. In a representation of the battle of Creasy (which was fbu|^t hi 1343)
upon a manuscript FroLssart, there are no pictures of fire-arms, and probably they were not in conmion use at that time ; yet
tirare is a piece of ordnance at Amberg; in Germany, on which is inscribed the year 1303. Roger Bacon, who died in 1S9S; was
•cquainted with gunpowder, and the Chinese and other Eastern nations were ftmUiar wlA it long before that time.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
635
PrMcotf • Head-qturteri in Newport
Old Cemetery.
Perry'f Monument
llanic Inscriptions elsewhere.
ham Streets, now owned by Mr. Joshua
Sayre, which was occupied as his cit}'
head-quarters by the petty tyrant, Gen-
eral Prescott, while he was in command
of the British troops on Rhode Island.
His acts will be noted presently. About
noon I strolled up to the cemetery in
the northern part of the city, where lie
the remains of a great multitude of the
early inhabitants of Newport. Work-
TVien were employed in regulating it, by
placing the old
Paucott'8 Hsao-^uabtbbs.
PSBET'fl MOKUMKirr.
grave - stones
upright, and
painting them
so as to bring
out their half-
efiaced inscriptions, and in beautifying the grounds in various ways.
There, beneath a broad slab of slate, repose the bodies of John and
William Cranston, father and son, who were governors of Rhode
Island — ^the former in 1679, the latter from 1698 to 1726. Near
by is the tomb of William Jefieray, who, tradition says, was one of
the judges of Charles I. It is covered by a large slab of gray-
wacke, ornamented, or, rather, disfigured, at the head, by a repre-
sentation of a skull and cross-bones, below which is a poetic epitaph.
He died January 2d, 1 675. On the top of the slope on which a
portion of the cemetery lies, is a granite obelisk, erected to the mem-
ory of Commodore Perry, by the State of Rhode Island, at a cost
of three thousand dollars. It is formed of a single stone, twenty-
three feet in height, standing upon a square pedestal ten feet high,
with the Indians ; and hence some reject the opinion of others that the rook was inscribed by the hand of a
Scandinavian. When we remember that the Phcsnicians were for many ages in the undisputed possession
of the traffic of the Baltic, aromid which clustered the Scandinavian nations, and that Runic, or ancient Ger-
man inscriptions, in Phoenician characters, have been discovered in abundance in all the countries formerly
occupied by these nations, the inference is plainly correct, that the Scandinavians received their alphabet
from the Phoenicians.* In the Journal dei Debat$ of Paris, a letter was published, dated Copenhagen,
February 5, 1850, in which it is mentioned that Br. Pierre Andr6 Munch, professor at the University of
Christina, then in Copenhagen, had just presented to the Society of Northern Antiquaries an extremely cu-
rious manuscript, in a state of excellent preservation, which he discovered and obtained during his voyage,
in 1849, to the Orkney Isles. This manuscript, which the professor refers to the ninth and tenth centuries,
contains several episodes, in the Latin langruage, on the history of Norway, presenting some important facts,
heretofore entirely unknown, which illustrate the obscure ages that in Norway preceded the introduction of
Christianity. Dr. Munch also presented to the society several fao-similes of Runic inscriptions, which he
discovered in the Orkney Isles and in the north of Scotland. It is probable these discoveries may cast some
light upon the obscure subject under consideration. In the record of the voyages to America of the North-
men, a severe combat with the natives {$kreUing») is mentioned, and various circumstances show that in the
vicinity of this inscription the battle occurred. Is it not reasonable to infer that those Scandinavians, ac-
quainted with the Phttnician alphabet, made a record of the battle upon the rook, by a mingling of alpha-
betical characters and pictorial hieroglyphics ? And may not the same people have reared the Old Tower
at Newport, in the vicinity, for a baptistry, with a view of erecting a church, and making a permanent set-
tlement there ? for it must be remembered that at that time those Northern nations were nominal Christians.
The records of their voyages were compiled by Bishop Thorlack, of Iceland, a grandson of Snorre,t son of
Gudrida, who was bom in Wineland, or Massachusetts, in 1008. The subject is one of great interest, and
worthy of further and more minute inquiries than have yet been made.
* On tfali point eonralt SchlegeVa fourth lecture on The Hi$torf of Ltteratvre,
t The lute Bertel Tborwaladen, the greetest eenlptor of our time, wut a lineal deteendant of Snorra.
Digitized by
Google
636
PICTORIAL FIELD.BOOK
ToDomjHIlL
HoblMnri HoMe omI 1
iBwripCioB OB Peny'i MoBomeot
having white marble tablets. It vb incloMd by an iron railing, and hai an impofiing ap-
pearance.'
About a mile and a half northward of Newport riies a bold, rocky eminence, called " To-
nomy HiU" (the firrt word being an abbreviation of Miantonomoh), celebrated as the seat
r<^(\'
Top OF TOA-OMY IIlU..>
of the Narraganset sachem of that name, and the commanding site of a small fort or re-
doubt during the war of the Revolution. Thitherward I made my way from the old cem-
etery, passing several wind-mills that were working*
merrily in the stiff breeze which swept over the island ^'^ ' _
from the west. The absence of streams of sufficient ' l_
strength to turn water-wheels is the cause of the re- - - ~
tention of these ancient mills, which give Rhode Island
an Old England appearance. One of them, standing
near the junction of the main road and the lane lead-
ing up to «* 'Tonomy Hill," is a patriarch among the
others, for its sails revolved when the Gaspee lorded
over the waters of the Narraganset. It is invested
with associations of considerable interest. The mill
and the old house near by were owned by a man
named Hubbard. When the British took possession
e^^.^»,rfWl>
HUBBAU)*8 House AlfD MxLL.'
^ The inscriptions apon the monnraent are as follows :
East side. — " Oliver Hazard Perry. At the age of 27 years he aohieved the victory of Lake Erie,
September 10, 1813.'*
North side. — " Bom in Soath Kingston, R. I., Aognst 23d, 1785. Died at Port Spain, Trinidad, Angnst
23d, 1819, aged 34 years."
West side. — *' His remains were conveyed to his native land in a ship of war, according to a resolution
of Congress, and were here interred, December 4, 1826."
South side. — " Erected by the State of Rhode Island."
* This view is from the north side of the hill, looking soath. The wall appearance is a steep precipice
cf huge masses of padding-stone, composed of pebbles and larger smooth stones, ranging in size from a pea
to a man's head. It is a very singular geological formation. In some places the face is smooth, the stones
and pebbles appearing as if they had been cat with a knife while in a pasty or semi-fiaid state. On the top
of this mooad are traces of the breast-works that were thrown ap, not high, for the rocks formed a nataral
rampart, on all sides bat one, against an enemy. Here Miantondmoh had his fort, and here his councils
were held when he planned his expeditions against the Mohegans. The observatory is a strong frame, cov-
ered with lattice-work. On the right is seen the city of Newport in the distance.
* The house and the mill are covered with shingles instead of olap-boards. This view is from the lane,
looking east. The ocean is seen in the distance, on the left.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 637
OpprettioaoftfaeWhlgtbyPraBcott View from Tonomy HQL Mn. Hntchiiuon and Sir Hairy Vnne.
of Rhode Island, Preeoott tamed many of the families of the Whigs (and there were but few
others) oat of their hoases, to take shelter in bams and other coverts, while his soldiers or-
eapied their comfortable dwellings. Mr. Hubbard and his family were thus driven from
their house, and compelled to live for nearly two years in their mill, while insolent soldiery,
ignorant and vile, occupied their rooms. The family of Mr. Hubbard took possession of the
house on the evening after the evacuation, but all was desolation, the enemy having broken
or carried away every article the family had left there.
'Tonomy Hill is said to be the highest land upon the island, except Quaker Hill, toward
the northern end. On its southem slope is the mansion of Mr. Hazzard, where families
firom a distance have a pleasant home during the warm season, while the younger fashion-
ables are sporting at the Ocean House on the shore. On the top of the hill Mr. Hazzard
has erected an observatory, seventy feet high, over a ceUar which was dug by the Indians,
and in which is a living spring of water. The hill is two hundred and seventy feet above
the bay, and the top of the observatory conmiands one of the most beautiful panoramic views
in the world. Stretching away northward was seen Narraganset Bay, broken by islands
and pieced by headlands, and at its remote extremity the spires of Providence were glitter-
ing in the sun. On its westem shore were glimpses of Warwick, Greenwich, and Wick-
ford, and on the east were seen Warren and Bristol, and the top of Mount Hope, the throne
of Eang Philip. On the south and west were the city and harbor of Newport, the island
of Canonicut with its ruined fort, and the smaller islands in the harbor, with the remains
of fortifications. Beyond the city, looking ocean ward with a spy-glass over the ramparts of
Fort Adams, was seen the dim outline of Block Island, like a mist lying upon the waters
There rolled the dark and boundless Atlantic, with no limit but the blue horizon, no object
but a few sails. Tuming the glass a little more eastward, there was a faint apparition of
Gayhead, on Martha's Vineyard, and of some of the islands in Buzzard's Bay. The culti-
vated fields of more than one half of Rhode Island, upon' which I stood, were spread out like
a map around me, rich in Nature's bounties and historical associations. From our lofty ob-
servatory, let us take a field survey with the open chronicle before us.
We have seen Roger WiUiams expelled from Massachusetts because of alleged heresy.
The rulers of that colony had scarcely recovered their equanimity, before similar difficulties
arose from an unexpected quarter. Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, a Lincolnshire lad/of good birth,
education, and great energy of character, had been leavened by the tolerant principles of
Williams before he left, and assumed the right to discuss religious dogmas and to detect the
errors of the clergy. A privilege had been granted to hearers, at the end of sermons, to ask
questions '* wisely and sparingly." Mrs. Hutchinson put so many searching questions upon
abstmse points in theology, in a manner which convinced the ministers that she well under-
stood the subject, that they were greatly annoyed. She held conferences at her own house
every Sabbath evening, which were fully attended, and her brother-in-law, a minister named
Wheelwright, who was of the same mind with her; drew crowds to his chapel every Sunday.
Henry Vane, a young man of splendid talents, heir to a princely fortune, and son to Charles
the First's chief secretary, had just arrived in the colony, and took up his residence with the
Reverend Mr. Cotton, who treated Mrs. Hutchinson's views with gentleness, if not with
favor. Vane (afterward Sir Henry Vane) was elected govemor the following year, and being
imbued with the spirit of toleration, was on terms of intimacy with Mrs. Hutchinson. The
ministers were alarmed ; their churches were thinned, while the chapel of Mr. Wheelwright
could not contain the hundreds that flocked to hear him. A clamor was raised by the old
party of ministers and their friends, and the next year Mr. Winthrop was elected govemor,
and Vane soon afterward retumed to England.
A general synod of ministers now assembled at Salem, consisting of the preach- Aagagt ao.
ers, deputies from the congregations, and magistrates, and after a session of three ^^^'
weeks, marked by stormy debates, unanimously passed sentence of censure against Mr. Wheel-
wright, Mrs. Hutchinson, and their adherents. Continuing to hold her conferences, Mrs.
Hutchinson was ordered to leave the colony within six months ; and a similar command was
Digitized by
Google
J
638 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
reraecution of Mn. Hutchinson and her Friends. Setdement of Rhode Island. Its first CkmstitotloB. Sbofl Chaiter.
given to Mr. Wheelwright, Mr. Aspinwall, and others. They, like the Tories in the Rev-
olution, were required to deliver up their arms. With their departure ended the Antino-
raian strife in Massachusetts. Wheelwright and his friends went to the banks of the Pia-
cataqua, and founded the town of ^eter at its head waters ; but the larger number of Mrs.
Hutchinson's friends, led by John Clarke and William Coddington, proceeded southward,
designing to make a settlement on Long Island, or with the Swedes on the Delaware. On
their way through the wilderness Roger Williams gave them a hearty welcome, and by his
influence and the name of Henry Vane as their friend, obtained for them from Miantonomoh,
chief of the Narragansets, a gift of the beautiful island of Aquitneck.* A deed signed by
Canonicus and Miantonomoh was given them in March, 1638. Naming the beautiful land
the Isle of Rhodes, because they fancied that it resembled the island of that name in the
eastern Mediterranean, they bound themselves as a community of freemen, by these solemn
words, to found a new state, appealing to the great Searcher of Hearts for aid in the faith-
ful performance of their promises :
*« We, whose names are underwritten, do swear solemnly, in the presence of the Great
Jehovah, to incorporate ourselves into a body politic ; and as he shall help us, will submit
our persons, lives, and estates unto the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of
lords, and to all those most perfect laws of his, given us in his most holy word of truth, to
be guided and judged thereby."
This was a simple declaration, but a broad and sure foundation upon which to build a
state. Mr. Clarke and eighteen others began their new settlement at Pocasset (Ports-
mouth), on the north part of the island ; borrowed the forms of the administration of laws
from the Jews ; elected Coddington "judge in the new Israel," and prospered greatly. Soon
after the arrival of these pioneers, Mrs. Hutchinson, with her children, made her way through
the wilderness to the settlement of Roger Williams, and paddling down the Narraganset in
a canoe, joined her friends on Rhode Island. She had been left a widow, but blessed with
affectionate children. Her powerful mind continued active ; young men from the neighboF^
ing colony were converted to her doctrines, and so great became her influence that " to the
leaders of Massachusetts it gave cause of suspicion of witchcraft," and they sought to en-
snare her. Rhode Island seemed no longer a place of safe refuge for her, and the whole
family removM into the territory of the Dutch, in the neighborhood of Albany. The In-
dians and Keift, the Dutch governor, were then at enmity. The former regarded all white
people as enemies, and Mrs. Hutchinson and her whole family, except one child, were mur-
dered by the savages, and their dwelling burned.'
So rapid was the increase of the Rhode Island settlement at Pocasset, that another town
was projected. Newport was founded in 1639. Settled by persecuted men holding the
same liberal views, the republic of Roger Williams at Providence, and that upon Aquitneck,
governed by no other than the Divine laws of the Bible, felt themselves as one political
community, and were so regarded by the other colonies. Under the pretense that the Prov-
idence and Rhode Island Plantations had no charter, and were claimed by Plymouth and
Massachusetts, they were excluded from the confederacy that was formed in 1643. Per-
ceiving the disadvantages of an entire independency of the imperial government, Roger Will-
iams proceeded to England, and in March, 1644, through the influence of his personal cha^
acter, and of Henry Vane, obtained a free charter of incorporation from Parliament, then
waging a fierce war with King Charles the First. The two plantations were united by it
under the same government, and the signet for the state was ordered to be a *< sheafe of ar-
rows," with the motto «* Amor vincet oBtNu." — Love is all fOfwerfyl,
In 1647, the General Assembly of the several towns met at Portsmouth, and organized
the government by the choice of a president and other officers. They adopted a code of
' This Indian name of Rhode Island is variously spelled : Aquiday, Aquitnet, and Aquitneck. It is a
Narraganset word, signifying peaceable isle.
* Bancroft, i., 388, 393. Winthrop, i., 296. Callender, Gorton, in Hutchinson's History of Massaoba-
^tts, i., 73.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 639
oleratlon in Rhode Island. Separation and Reonion of the Plantations. Newport Destmctlon of the Sloop Liberty.
Jaws by which entire freedom of thought in religious matters, as well as a democracy in
civil afiairs, was guarantied. Churchmen, Koman Catholics, Quakers, were all tolerated ;
and none were excluded from the ballot-box on account of their religious opinions. Conse-
quently, many Quakers settled in Rhode Island, and they have ever formed a large and in-
fluential class of the population.
The two plantations were separated for a brief time, when, in 1 651, Mr. Coddington was
appointed by the supreme authority of England, Grovemor of Rhode Island alone. The peo-
ple, alarmed at the apparent danger of having their freedom abridged by depriving them of
the choice of their own rulers, sent Roger Williams to England, who obtained a revocation
of the appointment. Mr. Coddington retired to private life, the Plantations were reunited,
and from that time until the Revolution they were prosperous and happy, disturbed only by
the alarms produced by King Philip's War, to be noticed presently, and the distant conflicts
with the French and Indians during the first half of the eighteenth century. A charter of
incorporation was obtained in 1663 from Charles II., by which the province was constituted
a body poUtic, by the name of **The Governor and Company of the Rhode Island and Prov-
idence Plantations in New England, in America." Under this charter the state has been
governed until the present time. Rhode Island quietly submitted to the brief usurpation of
Andross, and its charter was undisturbed. On his imprisonment, thd people assembled at
Newport, resumed their former charter privileges, and re-elected the officers whom that petty
tyrant had displaced.
The fine harbor of Newport and its healthy location made that place one of th<> most
important sea-port towns on the American coast ;* and soon after the Revolution it was said
that if New York continued to increase as rapidly as it was then growing it would soon rival
Newport in commerce ! The navies of all Europe might safely ride at anchor in its deep
and capacious harbor, and for a long time Newport was regarded as the future commercid
metropolis of the New World. During the wars with the French, English and colonial
privateers made Newport their chief rendezvous. In the course of one year, more
than twenty prizes, some of them of great value, were sent into that harbor.
During all the occurrences preliminary and relative to the Revolution, the people of Rhode
Island, thoroughly imbued with the principles of freedom, took a firm stand against British
oppression, and were ever bold in the annunciation and maintenance of their political views.
Indeed, Newport was the scene of the first overt act of popular resistance to royal authority
other than the almost harmless measures of opposition to the Stamp Act in 1765. This
was the destruction of the British armed sloop Liberty, which the conmiissioners of customs
had sent to Narraganset Bay on an errand similar to that of the Gaspee subsequently.
This vessel was boarded, her cable cut, and having drifled to Goat Island, ^e was
there scuttled and set on fire, afler her stores and armaments had been thrown ^*
overboard.*
* Dr. Benjamin Waterhoose, in an article published in the Botton Intelligencer^ in 1824, says, "The island
of Rhode Island, from its salubrity and surpassing beauty, before the Revolutionary war so sadly defaced it,
was the ohoeen resort of the rich and philosophic from nearly all parts of the civilized world. In no spot
of the thirteen, or, rather, twelve colonies, was there concentrated more individual opulence, learning, and
liberal leisure." "In 1769," says Mr. Ross, " Newport rivaled New York in foreign and domestic navi-
gation. The inhabitants of New Haven, New London, &c., depended entirely upon Newport for a market
to supply themselves with foreign goods, and here they found a ready market for the produce of their own
state." — See Hittorical DUcouru by Reverend Arthur A. Ross of Newport : 1838, page 29.
' A sloop and a brig belonging to Connecticut had been seized and brought into Newport. The wearing
apparel and sword of the captain of the brig were put on board the Liberty, and going for tbem he was
violently assaulted. As his boat left the sloop a musket and brace of pistols were discharged at him. Thi?
act greatly exasperated the people of Newport They demanded of Captain Reid, of the Liberty, that the
man who fired on Captain Paokwood, of the brig, should be sent ashore. The request was denied, or
rather, a wrong man was sent each time, until the populace determined not to be trifled with longer. A
number of them went on boards yai her cables, and set her adrift, with the result mentioned in the text
Her boats were dragged up the Long Wharf, thence to the Parade, through Broad Street, at the head o/
which, on the Common, they were bmrned. The " Newport Mercury," of July 31, 1769, contained this an
nonncement : " Last Satunky the sloop Liberty was floated by a high tide, aiid drifted over to Goat Island,
Digitized by
Google
640 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Atlmlnl Wallace In Narraganaet Bay. Disarming of the Toriea. SUrmiah in tibe Harbor. Engagement at Sea.
The first warlike menace made against Rhode Island was in the autumn of 1775. We
have already noticed the alacrity with which the people armed and hastened toward Boston
when they received intelligence of the affair at Lexington. Admiral Wallace commanded
a small British fleet in the harhor of Newport during that summer, and the people became
convinced that it was his intention to carry ofl* the live stock from the lower end of the isl-
and, with which to supply the British army at Boston. Accordingly, on a dark night in
September, some of the inhabitants went down and brought off about one thousand sheep
and 'fifty head of cattle. Three hundred minute men drove up to Newport a large number
more, and Wallace was foiled in his attempts at plunder. Enraged, he threatened the town
with destruction. He laid the people under contributions to supply his fleet with provisions,
and, to enforce the demand, he cut off their supplies of fiiel and provisions from the main.
The inhabitants were greatly alarmed, and about one half of them left the town, among
whom were the principal merchants, with their families. By consent of the state govern-
ment and the Continental Congress, a treaty was entered into. The people agreed to supply
October 1, ^® ^^^^ "^^^ ^^' ^^^ firesh provisions, and Wallace removed all restrictions upon
1775. their movements. He then sailed up the bay to Bristol, and demanded firom the
inhabitants there three hundred sheep. They refused compliance, and the town was bom-
barded, the assault commencing at about eight o'clock in the evening. The rain
was pouring in torrents. The house of Grovemor Bradford, with some others, was
burned, and in the midst of the darkness women and children fled to the open fields, beyond
the reach of the invaders' missiles, where they suffered dreadfully. This Wallace was the
same officer who was afterward sent up the Hudson River to plunder and destroy, laying
Kingston in ashes, and desolating the farms of innocent men because they loved fireedom better
than tyranny and misrule.^ He was a commissioned pirate in the Narraganset Bay, and
for a month reveled in the wanton destruction of property. Every American vessel that
came mto Newport harbor was captured and sent into Boston. He burned and plundered
the dwellings upon the beautiful island of Providence, in the bay ; and at the close of No-
vember passed over to Canonicut, and destroyed all the buildings near the ferry.
These outrages aroused the vengeance of the people, and the few Tories upon the island
who favored the marauders were severely dealt with. Washington, then at Boston, sent
General Charles Lee, with some riflemen, to their assistance. Lee arrested all the Tories
he could find, deprived them of their arms, and imposed upon them the severest restrictions.
Wallace maintained possession of the harbor until the spring of 1776. On the 6 th of
April, American troops, with two row-galleys, bearing two eighteen pounders each, arrived
from Providence. The British fleet was then anchored about a mile above Newport. Two
eighteen pounders, brought by the provincial troops, were planted on shore in view of the
enemy, and without any works to protect them. These, commanded by Captain Elliot, with
the row-galleys, under Captain Grimes, promised Wallace such great and immediate danger,
that he weighed anchor and lefl the harbor with his whole squadron without firing a shot.
Soon aflterward, the Glasgow, of twenty-nine guns, came into the harbor and anchored near
Fort Island, having been severely handled in an engagement with Admiral Hopkins off
Block Island.* Colonel Richmond, the same evening, ordered several pieces of heavy artil-
and is grounded near the north end, near the place where the pirates were buried. What this prognosti-
cates we leave to the determination of astrologers." The same paper ohserved, August 7, " Last Monday
evening, just after the storm of rain, hail, and lightning, the sloop Liber^, which we mentioned in our last
as having drifted on Goat Island near where the pirates were buried, was discovered to be on fire« and con-
tinued burning for several days, until almost entirely consumed." — See Ross's Discourse.
^ See page 388.
' This engagement occurred on the same day when WaUaoe left Newport. Hopkins, with his little fleet,
was on a cruise eastward, having left the Capes of the Delaware in February, visiting the Bermudas, and
was now making his way toward Massachusetts Bay. On the 4th of April (1776) he fell in with a British
schooner on the east end of Long Island, and took her. About one in the morning of the 6th he fell in
with the CHasgoWy of twenty-nine guns and one hundred and fifty men. The American brigantine Caboi^
Captain Hopkins, Junior, and the Columbut, Captain Whipple, raked her as she passed. The American
brig Annadona and sloop Providence were also in the engagement, yet the Qlaegow escaped and fled into
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 641
CoDtiaaed Hoitilitiei In Newport Harbor. Prirateers. AniTil of a large British Force. Conduct of the Enemy
leiy to be brought to bear upon the Glasgow from Brenton's Point, where a slight breast-
work was thrown up. On the following morning such a vigorous fire was opened from this
battery upon the Glasgow and another vessel, that they cut their cables and went to sea.
A few days after these events, the British ship of war Scarborough, of twenty
guns and two hundred and twenty-five men, and the Scymetar, of eighteen guns ^
and one hundred and forty men, came into the harbor with two prize ships, and anchored a
little south of Rose Island. The Americans resolved to attempt the rescue of the prizes.
The Washington galley. Captain Hyers, attacked the Scarborough, and at the same time
Captain Grimes and his men, of the Spitfire galley, boarded one of the prizes and took it.
The guns upon the North Battery and upon Brenton's Point were well manned, to give aid
if necessary. The Scarborough attempted to recapture her prize, and the other schooner in
her custody tried to get under the protecting wing of that vessel ; but the hot cannonade
from the Washington and the North Battery arrested the progress of both, and the schooner
was captu^ and sent to Providence. The Scarborough and Scymetar now came to an-
chor between Canonicut, and Rose Island ; but a battery upon the former, unknown to the
enemy, poured such a shower of well-directed balls upon them, that, finding no safe place in
the harbor, they determined to take refuge in the broad expanse of the ocean. As they passed
out of the harbor, they were terribly galled by a cannonade from Brenton's Point and Castle
Hill.* For eight days War held a festival upcm the waters of Newport Harbor, yet in all
that time the Americans did not lose a man, and had only one slightly wounded I
The summer of 1776 was a season of comparative quiet for the people of Phode Island.
They were active, however, in fitting out privateers, and in preparations for future inva-
sions.* Early in the fall intelligence reached them that the British fleet and army, which
had been so roughly received and efiectually repulsed at Charleston, in South Carolina, were
on the way to take possession of Rhode Island. These forces arrived on the 26th of De-
cember, the day on which Washington crossed the Delaware and accomplished his brilliant
achievement at Trenton. The squadron was commanded by Sir Peter Parker, and the land
forces, consisting of about an equal number of British and Hessians, in all between eight and
ten thousand men, were commanded by General Clinton and Earl Percy. The squadron
sailed up on the west side of Canonicut, crossed the bay at the north point of the island,
and landed the troops in Middletown, about four and a half miles above Newport. They
were encamped upon the southern slope of two hills (Gould's and Winter's), except a few
who landed at Coddington's Cove and marched into Newport. When the enemy entered
the harbor, there were two Rhode Island frigates (the Warren and Providence) and several
privateers at anchor. These, with the weak land force, were insufficient to make a success-
ful resistance, and the island was left at the mercy of the invaders.* The American frig-
ates and privateers fled up the bay to Providence, whence, taking advantage of a northeast
gale, and eluding the vigilance of the blockading squadron, they escaped, and went to sea.
A system of general plunder of the inhabitants was immediately commenced by the troops,
and, after one week's encampment, the British soldiers were unceremoniously quartered in
the houses of the inhabitants, firom ten to forty in each, according to the size and conven
ience of the edifice. The beautiful Aquitneck, or Isle of Peace, soon became the theatei
of discord, misery, and desolation. •
Newport Harbor, whither Hopkins thought it not pmdent to follow. Of the American navy of the Revo
lotion and its operations in general I have given an accoont in the Supplenient, page 637.
' These localities will he better understood by reference to the map of Narraganset Bay on page 648.
* These privateers captured about seventy-five prizes (some of them very vaJoable) daring the season
and sent them to Providence, New London, and one or two other ports.
' On hearing of the approach of the enemy, the people of the island drove large quantities of sheep anii
cattle from it, crossing to the main at Howland's Ferry.
I. Ss
Digitized by
Google
642
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
CoBflUtioii of Rhode Iibnd in 1777.
Re«ncampment of tibe Biitlah.
Genenl Profcott
CHAPTER XXVIII.
ft
" The winds of Maroh o'er Narraganset's Bay
Move in their strength ; the waves with foam are white ;
O'er Seekonk*8 tide the waving branches play ;
The winds roar o'er resounding plain and height.
'Twixt sailing clouds, the son's inconstant ray
But glances on the scene, then fades from sight.
The frequent showers dash from the passing clouds*,
The hills are peeping through their wintery shrouds."
Duefee's "What Chebe?"
EAR after year the free dwellers upon Rhode Island had beheld a scene like
that described by the poet, and more cruel wintery storms, piling their huge
snow-drifts, had howled around their dwellings, but never in their history had
the March winds and April floods appeared to them so cheerless and mourn-
ful as in the spring of 1777. They had cheerfully brooked all the sufferingF
attendant upon a new settlement, and gladly breasted the tempest on land or
sea in pursuit of wealth or social enjoyment, while freedom was their daily
companion and solace : but now the oppressor was in their midst ; his iron
heel was upon their necks ; their wives and daughters were exposed to the low ribaldry,
profanity, and insults of an ignorant and brutal soldiery ; their peaceful dwellings were made
noisy barracks ; their beautiful shade-trees, pleasant groves, and broad forests were destroyed,
and the huge right arm of general plunder was pljring its strength incessantly. Enslaved
and impoverished, the bright sun and warm south winds, harbingers of on-coming summer
and the joyous season of flowers, brought no solace to them, but were rather a mockery. At
home all was desolation ; abroad all was doubt and gloom.
Early in May the British troops left the houses of the inhabitants and returned to
their camp. This was some relief, yet plunder and insolence were rife. Greneral
Clinton, with nearly half of the invading army, soon afterward left the island for New York,
and the command of those who remained to hold possession devolved upon Major-general
Prescott, infamous in the annals of that war as one of the meanest of petty tyrants when in
power, and of dastards when in danger. He had been nurtured in the lap of aristocracy,
and taught all its exclusive precepts. Possessing a narrow mind, utterly untutored by be-
nevolence or charity ; a judgment perverse in the extreme ; a heart callous to the most
touching appeals of sympathy, but tender when avarice half opened its lips to plead, he was
a most unfit commander of a military guard over people like those of Rhode Island, who
could appreciate courtesy, and who might be more easily conquered by kindness than by the
bayonet. He was a tyrant at heart, and, having the opportunity, he exercised a tyrant's
doubtful prerogatives.^
^ Mr. Ross, in his Hittorical DUcowrte^ mentions several circumstances iUnstrative of Prescott's tyranny.
His habit while walking the streets, if he saw any of the inhabitants conversing together, was to shake his
cane at them, and say, " Disperse, ye rebels I" He was also in the habit, when he met citizens in the
streets, of commanding them to take oflf their hats, and unless the order was instantly complied with, it was
enforced by a rap of his cane. One evening, as he was passing out of town to his country quarters, be
overtook a Quaker, who did not doff his hat. The general, who was on horseback, dashed up to him, pressed
him against a stone wall, knocked off his hat, and then put him under guard. Prescott caused many citi-
zens of Newport to be imprisoned, some of them for months, without any assigned reason. Among others
thus deprived of liberty, was William Tripp, a very respectable citizen. He had a large and interesting
family, but the tyrant would not allow him to hold any conmiunication with them, either written or verbal
1777.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
643
Bad Cooduct of Geueral Preacott
Colonel Barton's Flan for capturing him.
Biographioal Sketch of Barton
^^^*r^^ .„,i:2>5»
Incensed by the oonduot of Prescott, the inhabitants devised several schemes to rid them-
selves of the oppressor. None promised success,
and it was reserved for Lieutenant -colonel Bar-
ton, of Providence,* to conceive and execute one
of the boldest and most hazardous enterprises un-
dertaken during the war. It was accomplished on
the night of the 1 0th of July, 1777. At that time
General Prescott was quartered at the house of a
Quaker named Overing, about &ye miles above
Newport, on the west road leading to the ferry, at
the north part of the island. Barton's plan was to
cross Narraganset Bay from the main, seize Pres-
cott, and carry him to the American camp. It was
\ a very hazardous undertaking, for at that time there
were three British frigates, with their guard-boats,
lying east of Prudence Island, and almost in front
of Prescott*s quarters. With a few chosen men,
Colonel Barton embarked in four whale-boats, with
muffled oars, at Warwick Point, at nine o'clock in
the evening, and passed unobserved over to Rhode
Island, between the islands of Prudence and Pa-
The first intelligence he received from them was by a letter, baked in a loaf of bread, which was sent to him
by his wife. In this way a correspondence was kept up daring bis confinement of many months. Daring
his incarceration, his wife sought an audience with the general to intercede for the liberty of her husband,
or to obtain a personal interview with him. She applied to a Captain Savage, through whom alone an in-
terview with the general could be obtained. She was directed to call the following day, when the tavage
by name and nature, echoing his master's words, roughly denied her petition for an interview with the gen-
eral, and with fiendish exultation informed her, as he shut the door violently in her face, that he expected her
husband would be hung as a rebel in less than a week 1
I was informed that when Piesoott took possession of his town quarters, he had a fine sidewalk made
for his accommodation some distance along Pelham and up Spring Street, for which purpose he took the
door-steps belonging to other dwellings. The morning ai\er the evacuation, the ovniers of the steps hast-
ened to Prescott's quarters, each to claim his door-stone. It v^as an exciting scene, for sometimes two or
three persons, not positive in their identification, claimed the same stone. Prescott's fine promenade soon
disappeared, and like Miss Davidson's
** Forty old bachelors, some yoanger, fome older.
Each carryiDg a maiden home on hia ahoalder,"
the worthy citizens of Newport bore off* their long-abased door-steps.
' William Barton viras a native of Providence, Rhode Island. He was appointed to the rank of lieutenant
colonel in the militia of his state, and held that position when he planned and executed the expedition for the
abduction of Greneral Prescott For that service Congress honored him by the presentation of a sword, and
also by a grant of land in Vermont. By the transfer of some of this land he became entangled in the toils
of the law, and was imprisoned for debt in Vermont for many years, until the visit of La Fayette to this
country in 1825. That illustrioos man, hearing of the incarceration of Colonel Barton and its cause, liqui-
dated Uie claim against him, and restored his fellow-soldier to liberty. It was a noble act, and significantly
rebuked the Shylook who held the patriot in bondage, and clamored for " the pound of fiesh." This cir-
cumstance drew from Wbittier his glorious poem. The Pritonerfor Debt, in which he exclaims, «
" What has the gray-hair'd prisoner donef
Has murder stain'd his liaods with gore t
Not so ; his crime's a fouler one :
Ood made dU old nan poor.
For this he shares a felon's cell.
The fittest earthly type of bell I
For this, the boon for which he ponr'd
His young blood on the invader's sword.
And counted light the fearful c
His biood-gain'd Uberty is lost.
Down with the law that binds him thus !
Unworthy freemen, let it find
No refuge firom tfie withering corse
Of God and human Und f
Digitized by
Google
644
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Bxpeditloii to capture Preioott
Pretcotf • Qautera.
A Sentinel deceived.
Namei of Barton*t lien.
PbISOOTT'S HMAD-qVAMTKBS*
tience.' They heard
thecry,"Air8weUr
from the gu&rd-boats
of the enemy, as they
passed silently and
unobserved, and land-
ed in Coddington's
Cove, at the mouth
of a small stream
which passed by the
quarters of Prescott.
Barton divided his
men into several
squads, assigning to
each its duty and sta-
tion, and then, with
the strictest order and
profound silence, they
advanced toward the
house. The main
portion of the expe-
dition passed about
midway between a
British guard - house
and the encampment
of a company of light
horse, while the re-
mainder \\d6 to make a circuitous route to approach Prescott's
quarters from the rear, and secure the doors. As Barton and his
men approached the gate, a sentinel hailed them twice, and then
demanded the countersign. ** We have no countersign to give,"
Barton Raid, and quickly added, *• Have you seen any deserters here
to-night ?" The sentinel was misled by this question, supposing
:^^^^V/
Open the prisoner's Uving tomb,
And Qsher from its brooding gloom
The victims of yoor savage code
To the free sun and air of God 1
No longer dare, as crime, to brand
The chastening of the Almighty's hand I"
Colonel Barton was wounded in the aotion at Bristol Ferry in 1778, and was disabled from further serrioe
during the war. He died at Providence in 1831, aged eighty-four years. The portrait here given is from
a painting of him executed soon after the close of the Revolution, and now in possession of his son, John B.
Barton, Esq., of Providence, who kindly allowed me to make a copy.
* Mr. Barton, by request, furnished me with the following list of the names of those who accompanied
his father on the perilous expedition :
Officers. — Andrew Stanton, Eleazer Adams, Samuel Potter, John Wilcox.
NoN-coMMissioNED OFFICERS. — Jofihua Babcock and Samuel Phillips.
Privates. — Benjamin Pren, James Potter, Henry Fisher, James Parker, Joseph Guild, Nathan Smith,
Isaac Brown, Billuigton Crumb, James Haines, Samuel Apis, Alderman Crank, Oliver Simmons, Jack Sher-
man, Joel Briggs, Clark Packard, Samuel Cory, James Weaver, Clark Crandall, Sampson George, Joseph
Ralph, Jedediah Grenale, Richard Hare, Darius Wale, Joseph Denis, William Bruff, Charles Hassett, Thomas
Wilcox, Pardon Cory, Jeremiah Thomas, John Hunt, Thomas Austin, Daniel Page (a Narraganset Indian),
Jack Sisson* (black), and Howe, or Whiting, boat-steerer.
* This house is on the east side of the west road, about a mile from the bay. The view is from the road
where the small stream crosses, after leaving the pond seen in the picture. It is a beautiful summer resi-
* In Allen's American Biographf, the name of the black man is written Prince, and he says that he died at Plymouth in 19S1,
sged seventy-eight years. The name given by Mr. Barton most be correct, for he has the original p^^r «f his father.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 645
Entnmce to Prescotf • Room. Seixnra of the General and hit Aid-deHMump. Barton rewarded by Congreti.
them to be friends, and was not undeceived until his musket was seized, and himself bound and
menaced with instant death if he made any noise. The doors had been secured by the division
from the rear, and Barton entered the front passage boldly. Mr. Overton sat alone, reading,
the rest of the family being in bed. Barton inquired for General Prescott's room. Overton
pointed upward, signifying that it was directly over the room in which they were standing.
With four strong men, and Sis^n, a powerful negro who accompanied them, Barton ascende<^
the stairs and gently tried the door. It was locked ; no time was to be lost in parleying ; thr
negro drew back a (5buple of paces, and using his head for a battering-ram, burst open the
door at the first effort. The general, supposing the intruders to be robbers, sprang from his
bed, and seized his gold watch that was hanging upon the wall. Barton placed his hand
gently upon the generaFs shoulder, told him he was his prisoner, and that perfect silence was
now his only safety. Prescott begged time to dress, but it being a hot July night, and time
precious. Barton refused acquiescence, feeling that it would not be cruel to take him across
the bay, where he could make his toilet with more care, at his leisure. So, throwing his
cloak around him, and placing him between two armed men, the prisoner was hurried to the
shore. In the mean time. Major Barrington, Prescott's aid, hearing the noise in the gen-
eral's room, leaped from a window to' escape, but was captured. He and the sentinel were
stationed in the center of the party. At about midnight captors and prisoners landed at
Warwick Point, where General Prescott first broke the silence by saying to Colonel Barton,
" Sir, you have made a bold push to-night." " We have been fortunate," coolly replied
Barton. Captain Elliot was there with a coach to convey the prisoners to Providence,
where they arrived at sunrise. Prescott was kindly treated by General Spencer and j^ij n^
other officers, and in the course of a few days was sent to the head-quarters of ^^^'
Washington, at Middlebrook on the Earitan. On his way the scene occurred in the Al-
den Tavern at Lebanon, mentioned on page 603. Prescott was exchanged for General
Charles LeeVin April following, and soon afterward resumed his command of the Brit-
ish troops on Rhode Island. This was the same Prescott who treated Colonel Ethan
Allen so cruelly when that officer was taken prisoner near Montreal in the autumn of 1775.
On account of the bravery displayed and the importance of the service in this expedition,
Congress, having a '^just sense of the gallant behavior of Lieutenant-colonel Barton, and the
brave officers and men of his party, who distinguished their valor and address in making
prisoner of Major-general Prescott, of the British army, and Major William Barrington, his
aid-de-camp,"' voted Barton an elegant »word ; and on the 24th of December fol- juiy g;^
lowing, he was promoted to the rank and pay of colonel in the Continental army.* ^'^'
General Sullivan was appointed to the command of the American troops in Rhode Island
in the spring of 1778, at about the time when Prescott resumed his command of the ene-
my's forces. The latter, incensed and mortified by his capture and imprisonment, determ-
ined to gratify his thirst for revenge. Under pretense of an anticipated attack upon the isl-
and, he sent a detachment of five hundred men up the bay on the 24th of May, to de-
stroy the American boats and other property that fell in their way. At daylight the
next momiug they landed between Warren and Bristol, and proceeded in two divisions to
execute their orders. One party, who proceeded to the Kickemuet River, destroyed seventy
flat-bottomed boats and a state galley ; the other burned the meeting-house and a number
of dwellings at Warren, and plundered and abused the inhabitants in various ways. The
females were robbed of their shoe-buckles, finger-rings, and other valuables, and live stock
were driven away for the use of the British army. They then proceeded to Bristol, and fired
denoe, the grounds around it being finely shaded by willows, ehns, and sycamores. The present occapant
kindly showed me the room in which Prescott was lying at the time of his capture. It is on the second
floor, at the southwest comer of the house, or on the right as seen in the engraving. It is a well-built
frame house, and was probably then the most spacious mansion on the island out of Newport.
^ General Lee had been captured at Baskingridge, in New Jersey, in December, 1776, while passing
from the Hudson to join Washington on the Delaware.
• Journals of Congress, iii., 241. ' Ibid., 459.
Digitized by
Google
646 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Predotorj Exeonlons. French Fleet for America. Coimt d'Estaing. France tnd England. Exdtament in ParHament
the Episcopal church (mistaking it for a dissenters' meeting-hoase), bamed twenty-two dwell-
ings, and carried off considerable plunder. A few days afterward, another marauding party
of a hundred and fifty burned the mills at Tiverton, and attempted to set fire to and plunder
the town, but a resolute band of twenty-five men kept them at bay, effectually disputing their
passage across the bridge. Satisfied with this great display of prowess and vengeance, Pres-
cott refrained from further hostile movements, until called upon to defend himself against the
combined attacks of an American army and a French fleet.
I have noticed on pages 86 ai\d 87, ante, the treaty of alliance and commerce concluded
between the United States and France on the 6th of _^
February, 1778.* Pursuant to the stipulations of that
treaty, a French squadron for the American service
was fitted out at Toulon, consisting of twelve ships of
the line, and four frigates of superior size. Count
d'Estaing, a brave and successful naval officer, was
appointed to the command, and on the 1 3th of
April the fleet sailed for America. Silas Deane,
one of the American commissioners, and M. Gerard,
the first appointed French minister to the United
States, came passengers in the Languedoc, D'Estaing's
flag-ship. Authentic information of the sailing of this
expedition reached the British cabinet on the
4th of May. Some of the ministers being out
of town, a cabinet council was not held until the 6th,
when it was determined speedily to dispatch a power-
ful squadron, then at Portsmouth, to America. On
the 20 th, Admirals Byron and Hyde Parker, with
twenty-two ships of the line, weighed anchor. Doubtful of the destination of D'Estaing, and
not knowing that Deane and Gerard were with him, ministers countermanded the order for
sailing, and the squadron, overtaken by an express, returned to Plymouth, where it remained
until the 5th of June, when it again sailed under the command of Admiral Byron alone.*
The conduct of the French government, in thus openly giving aid, by treaty and arms,
to the revolted colonies, aroused the ire, not only of ministers, but of the people of Great
Britain, in whose bosoms the embers of ancient feuds were not wholly extinct. In Parha-
ment, which was just on the eve of adjournment, ministers moved an appropriate address to
the king. The opposition proposed an amendment requesting his majesty to dismiss the
ministry ! A furious debate arose, but the original address was carried by a majority of two
hundred and sixty-three against one hundred and thirteen in the Commons, and an equally
^ The French envoy, De Noailles (uncle of La Fayette's wife), delivered a rescript to Lord Weymoath
on the 17th of March, in which he informed the British coart of the treaty. While in it he professed in the
name of the government a desire to maintain amicable relations with Great Britain, and declared that the
" coart of London'' would find in his communication " new proofs of his majesty's [Louis XVI.] constant
and sincere disposition for peace," he plainly warned it that his sovereign, ^^ being determined to protect
efTeotnally the lawful commerce of his subjects, and to maintain the dignity of his flag, had, in consequence,
taken effectual measures, in concert with the Thirteen United and Independent States of America." This
note greatly incensed the British ministry, for they considered it more than half ironical in language, and
mtentionally insulting in spirit. Orders were issued for the seizure of all French vessels in English ports
A similar order was issued by the French government. War thus actually commenced between the two
nations, though not formally declared.
' Charles Henry Count d'Estaing was a native of Auvergne, in France. He was under the famous Count
Lally, governor general of the French possessions in the East Indies, in 1756. He was taken prisoner by
the English, but escaped by breaking his parole. He was commander at the taking of Grenada after his
services in America. He became a member of the Assembly of Notables in the French Revolntion, and,
being suspected of unfriendliness to the Terrorists, was guillotined on the 29th of April, 1793.
* Admiral Byron carried with him to Earl Howe, the naval conunander on the American coast, a permit
for that officer to return to England, pursuant to his own urgent request Byron became his successor in
the chief conmiand.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 647
Hio Kioflf • Speeolv BoldneM of the Opposition. The Biitiih and French Fleets. Sandy Hook end Amboy Bay.
decided miyority in the Upper House. Parliament soon aflerward adjoamedi and did not
meet again until November, when the king, in his speech at the opening, directed the atten-
tion of the Legislature to the conduct of France. After speaking of the good faith of Great
Britain, and the quiet then prevailing in Europe, he said, '* In a time of profound peace,
without pretense of provocation or color of complaint, the court of France hath not forborne
to disturb the public tranquillity, in violation of the faith of treaties and the general rights
of sovereigns ; at first by the clandestine supply of arms and other aid to my revolted sub-
jects in North America ; afterward by avowing openly their support, and entering into forma]
engagements with the leaders of the rebellion ; and at length by committing open hostilities
and depredations on my faithful subjects, and by an actual invasion of my dominions in
America and the West Indies." He alluded to the want of success in America, the means
that had been put forth to suppress the rebellion, the complete failure of the commissioners
to conclude a peace, and the evident preparations for. hostilities which Spain was making.
He closed his address by calling upon Parliament to put forth their utmost energies which
the crisis demanded, assuring them that his cordial co-operation would always be extended,
and informed them that he had called out the militia for the defense of the country. In
fact, the king carefully avoided casting^ censure upon ministers for the late miscarriages in
America, and, by implication, fixed the blame upon the commanders in that service. The
address was warmly opposed in both houses, and in the Commons the king was accused of
falsehood — ^uttering ** a false, unjust, and illiberal slander on the commanders in the service
of the crown ; loading them with a censure which ought to fall on ministers alone." Yet
ministers were still supported by pretty large majorities in both houses, while the war-spirit,
renewed by the French alliance, was hourly increasing among the multitude without.'
After a voyage of eighty-seven days, the French squadron arrived on the coast,
and anchored at the entrance of Delaware Bay. Howe, with his fleet, had, for- ^
tunately for himself, left the Delaware a few days before, and was anchored ofiT Sandy Hook,
to co-operate with the British land forces under Clinton, then proceeding from Philadelphia
to New York.* On learning this fact, Deane and Gerard proceeded immediately up the
Delaware to Philadelphia, where Congress was then in session.' After communicating with
that body, D*Estaing weighed anchor and sailed for Sandy Hook. Howe was within the
Hook, in Raritan or Amboy Bay,^ whither D*Estaing could not with safety attempt to follow
him with his large vessels, on account of a sand-bar extending to Staten Island from Sandy
Hook.* He anchored near the Jersey shore, not far from the mouth of the Shrewsbury
River.
On the 22d of July, D*Estaing sailed with his squadron, at the urgent request of
Washington, to co-operate with General Sullivan, then preparing to make an attempt
*Loe8ing'8"1776,"p. 274.
' It was daring this progress of the British army toward New York that the Americans, under the imme-
diate command of Washington, pursued and overtook them near Monmouth court-house, in New Jersey,
where a severe battle occurred on the 28th of June, 1778.
* Congress had sat at York, in Pennsylvania, from the time of the entrance of the British into Philadel-
phia in the autumn of 1777, until the 30th of June, 1778, after the evacuation of that city by the enemy
under Clinton.
^ Howe's fleet consisted of only six 64 gun ships, three of 50, and two of 40, with some frigates and
sloops. Several of D'Estaing's ships were of great bulk and weight of metal, one carrying 90, another 80,
and six 74 guns each. Had D*Estaing arrived a little sooner, and caught Howe's fleet in the Delaware, he
might easily have captured or destroyed it ; and doubtless the land forces of the enemy would have shared
the fate of those under Burgojrne at Saratoga.
^ Sandy Hook, in form and extent, has been greatly changed since the time in question. According to a
map, in my possession, of the State of New York, published under the direction of Grovernor Tryon, in 1779,
Sandy Hook was a low point, extending northward from the Highlands of Neversink or Navesink. The
sandy bar on which the Ocean House, at the mouth of the Neversink River, now stands, forming a sound
many miles in extent, was not then in existence ; and it was not until the sea made a breach across the neck
of Sandy Hook in 1778, that there was a passage within it along the base of the Highlands from the Rari-
tan or Amboy Bay. Now the water is from thirty to forty feet in depth in the main ship channel, imme-
diately above the east beacon on Sandy Hook, quite sufficient to allow ships as heavy as D'Estaing's to enter.
Digitized by
Google
J
648
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ueneral Spencer's Expedition against Rhode Island. His Resignation. French Fleet off Newport American Land Forces
vm.
to expel the enemy from Rhode Island. In consequence of the failure' on the part of Gren-
eral Spencer, to carry out the plan of an expedition against the British on Rhode Island in
1777, Congress ordered an inquiry into the cause. This expedition was arranged hy Gren-
eral Spencer at considerable expense, and with fair promises of success. The Americans
September, ^^^^ Stationed at Tiverton, near the present stone bridge, and had actually em-
1777. barked in their boats to cross over to Rhode Island to surprise the enemy, when
Spencer prudently countermanded the order. He had ascertained that the British command-
er was apprised of his intentions, and seeing no efibrt on the part of the enemy to oppose his
landing, apprehended some stratagem that might
be fatal. Such, indeed, was the fact. The Brit-
ish had determined to allow \he Americans to
land and march some distance upon the island,
when they would cut off their retreat by destroy-
ing their boats, and thus make them captives.
General Spencer, indignant at the censure im-
plied in the proposed inquiry of Congress, resign-
ed his commission, and General Sullivan was ap-
pointed in his place. ^
The French fleet appeared off the har-
bor of Newport on the 29th of July, and
the next morning, to the great joy of the inhab-
itants, the Vessels of the allies were anchored near
Brenton's Reef, where General Sullivan had a
conference with the admiral, and a plan of oper-
ations was agreed upon. One of the ships ran
up the channel west of Canonicut, and anchor-
ed at the north point of that island.
Washington had directed Sullivan to call upon
Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut
for five thousand militia. The call was made,
and promptly responded to. The Massachusetts
militia marched under John Hancock as gen-
eral ;* and so great was the enthusiasm engen-
dered by the presence of the French squadron,
that thousands of volunteers, gentlemen and oth-
ers, from Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Ports-
mouth, &c., engaged in the service." Two bri-
gades of Continental infantry, under La Fayette,
were sent from the main army ; and the whole
force, ten thousand strong, was arranged in two
divisions, under the immediate command of Gren-
erals Greene^ and La Fayette.
On the morning of the 5th of August, D'Es-
Opbaatxons upon Khods Island in 1778.*
' Joseph Spencer was born at East Haddam, in Connecticut, in 1714. He was a major in the colonial
army in 1756, and was one of the first eight brigadiers appointed by the Continental Congress in 1775.
He was appointed a major general in August, 1776, and in 1777 was in command of the American forces
on Rhode Island. After his resignation he was elected a delegate to Congress from his native state. He
died at East Haddam in January, 1789, aged seventy-five years.
« Hildreth, iii., 252. * Gordon, ii., 369.
^ General Greene was then the quarter-master general of the Continental army. His prudence, military
skill, and the fact that he was a Rhode Islander, induced Washington to dispatch him to that field of oper-
ations at that time.
* The letters upon the map indicate the position of the following named objects : A, head-quarters of
Prescott when he was captured \ C D, the two British lines across the island, the former extending from
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 649
DettrQCtionofBritiah VetMls. Lmding of Amoriown on Rhodo Iiland. Naval Batfle. Great Storm.
taing commenced operations. Two of his vessels approached to the attack of four British
frigates (the Orpheus, Lark, Juno, and Cerherus) and some smaller vessels, lying near Pru-
dence Island. Unahle to fight successfully or to escape, the enemy set fire to all these ves-
sels, and soon afterward sunk two others (the Flora and Falcon), to prevent their falling
into the hands of D'Estaing. Unfortunately, the American troops were not quite prepared
to cooperate with the French fleet. Although Sullivan had every thing in readiness at
Providence, a delay in the arrival of troops prevented his departure for Rhode Island, and
it was nearly a week hefore he was prepared to make a descent upon it. This delay was
the occasion of great difficulty, and proved fatal to the enterprise.
On the 10th, according to agreement, the whole American force, in two divi- Aiuniat,
lions, crossed from Tiverton in eighty-six flat-bottomed boats,* prepared under the di- ^^^
rection of the energetic Major Talbot, and landed on the north end of the island, where it
was to be joined by four thousand marines from the French squadron. The British had just
been re-enforced, and were about six thousand strong, under the immediate command of Sir
Robert Pigot. They abandoned their works on the north part of the island when the Amer-
icans landed, and retired within their strongly-intrenched lines about three miles above New-
port. Perceiving this movement, Sullivan ordered the Americans to advance, without wait-
ing for the landing of the French troops. They moved from the ferry, and in the aflemoon
encamped upon the high ground known as Quaker Hill, between ten and eleven miles north
of Newport.
Within five days after D*£staing \fi(t Sandy Hook, four British men-of-war had arrived
singly at New York. With this re-enforcement Howe determined to proceed to the relief
of his majesty's army on Rhode Island. He appeared ofi* Newport harbor with a Aoffort,
fleet of twenty-five sail on the afternoon of the 9th ; and the next morning, D'Es- ^^
taing, instead of landing his marines according to agreement, spread his sails to a favorable
breeze, and sailed out of the harbor, under a severe cannonade from the British batteries,
to attack Admiral Howe. It was about eight o'clock in the morning when the Anguit lo,
French fleet went out into the open sea, and all that day the two naval com- "^
manders contended for the weather-gage.* This maneuvering prevented an engagement.
The next morning the wind had increased to a gale, and a violent tempest, that raged for
nearly forty-eight hours,* separated the belligerents. Two of the French ships were dis-
masted, and the count's flag-ship lost her rudder and all her masts. In this condition she
was borne down upon by a British frigate under full sail, from which she received a broad-
side, but with little damage. Another of the French disabled vessels was attacked in tht;
Kame way, the assailants sheering ofi* after firing a single broadside ; but the junction of six
sail of the French squadron on the 1 4th prevented other attacks on the crippled ships. On
the 16th, the French seventy-four gun ship Cesar and the British fifty gun ship Iris had a
^Tooomy HUl, H, and the latter crossiiig the slope near Rose Island, near Newport ; E, the American lines
between Qaaker and Turkey Hills and Batts^s HUl, at the north end of the island ; F, the position of the
Americans, with their batteries, when preparing to attack the British lines and waiting for D'Estaing ; G,
Barker's Hill, fortified by the British ; H, 'Tonomy HIU ; O, the west or Narraganset passage of the bay ;
P, the middle ; and Q, the east or Seaoonet passage. The Bristol Ferry, aoross which the Americans re-
treated, is named on the map. It was at the narrowest place, a line to die right of the word Butts. There
were fortifications upon Gold, Rose, Goat, and Contour Islands, as well as upon Canonicut, ruins of which
are still visible. The short double lines upon the map, immediately above the letter N in Newport, mark
the site of the present Fort Adams, the Castle Hill of the Revolution, and opposite, upon a point of Canon-
icut, is the Dumplings Fort, or Fort Canoniout, now a picturesque ruin.
* These boats were capable of bearing one hundred men each. They were fitted out with great dts*
patch, and Talbot, who directed the operations, became so wearied by over-exertions, that he slept soundly,
for a long time, tinder one of them, while the hammers of the caulkers, who were at work by candle-light,
were rattling over his bead. — ^Tuckerman's Life of Talbot^ p. 47.
* A ship is said to have the weather-gage when she is at the windward of another vessel. In naval en-
gagements, obtaining the weather-gage is an important desideratum for the oontenduig squadrons.
* This storm is still spoken of by the older inhabitants of Newport as " the great storm," accounts of
wfakh they had received from their parents. So violent was the wind, that the spray was brought by it
from the ocean, and incmsted the windows in the town with salt.
Digitized by
Google
660 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
State of the American Troops. Beftioal of die French to cooperate. They sail for Bottmi. Protesla
severe engagement for an hour and a half, in which both vesselfl were mnch injured. This
ended the contest, and D'Estaing, with his disabled vessels, appeared off the harbor of New-
port on the 20th.
The Americans, greatly disappointed and chagrined by the abandonment of them by their
allies, nevertheless continued their preparations for attack with vigor. They had sufiered
much from the gale and the rain. On the night of the 12th, not a tent or marquee could
be kept standing. Several soldiers perished, many horses died, and all the powder delivered
to the troops was ruined by the rain. The troops were in a deplorable state when the
AnguBt; storm ceased on the 14th, yet their courage and ardor were not abated. On the
^^ 15th, in expectation of the speedy return of the French squadron, as promised by
the admiral, they marched forward in three divisions, took post within two miles of the en*
emy's lines, commenced the erection of batteries, and soon afterward opened a fire of balls
and bombs upon the British works.* On the night of the reappearance of D'Estaing, Greo-
erals Greene and La Fayette proceeded to visit him on board his vessel, to consult upon
measures proper to be pursued. They urged the count to return with his fleet into New-
port harbor ; for the British garrison, disappointed and dispirited on account of not receiving
provision and ammunition from Howe, would doubtless surrender without resistance. D'Es-
taing was disposed to comply, but his officers insisted upon his adherence to the instructions of
his government to put into Boston harbor for repairs in the event of injuries being sustained by
his vessels. Such injuries had been sustained in the late gale and partial engagement, and,
overruled by his officers, he refused compliance, sailed^for Boston, and left the Americans to
take care of themselves.* Greene and La Fayette returned on the night of the 2l8t with
a report of the resolution of the French admiral, and the next day Generals Sullivan and
Hancock sent letters of remonstrance to him. A protest against the count's taking the fleet
to Boston, signed by all the general officers except La Fayette^ was sent to him, declaring
such a measure derogatory to the honor of France, contrary to the intentions of its monarch,
destructive to the welfare of the United States, and highly injurious to the alliance formed
between the two nations.* D'Estaing afiected to be ofiended at this protest, and returned
AugnstsT, & spirited answer, just as he weighed anchor for Boston, which drew from SulH-
177& yg^ 3^ sarcastic reflection, in general orders, the following morning.^ From Bos-
ton the count wrote an explanatory and vindicatory letter to Congress, in which he com-
plained of the protest and of Sullivan's ungenerous innuendoes. The whole matter was final*
ly amicably adjusted.
Disgusted at what they deemed the perfidy of the French commander, and despairing
' General Sullivan quartered about five miles from Newport, at what is now called the Gibb's Farm
La Fayette quartered on the east side of the island, at what was then called the Boiler Garden Farm ; and
Greene had his quarters in Middletown, on the farm now owned by Colonel Riohard E. Randolph. — ^Roas's
Historical Ditcourte^ page 53.
* It is asserted that D'Estaing was disliked by his offioers, not on aocoimt of personal considerations, bat
from the (act that he had been a land officer, and they considered it an afiront that he was placed over them.
They therefore cast every impediment in his way, where opportunities were presented in which he might
gain personal distinction. In the case in question, all his (^oers insisted upon his proceeding to Boston,
and entered into a formal protest against his remaining at Newport.
^ This protest was signed by John Sullivan, Nathaniel Greene, John Hancock, J. Glover, Ezekiel Cor-
nell, William Whipple, John Tyler, Solomon Lovell, and John Fitzconnel.
^ " The general can not help," said Sullivan, in his orders, " lamenting the sudden and unexpected de-
parture of ibe French fleet, as he finds it has a tendency to discourage some who placed great dependeoce
upon the assistance of it, though he can by no means suppose the army or any part of it endangered by this
movementJ'^ Sullivan was doubtless correct in his opinion, intimated in the last clause, that the French al-
liance was of little advantage to the Americans, as will be hereafter seen. This same Admiral d'Estaing
subsequently abandoned the Americans at the South, at a most critical juncture, under pretense that he most
seek safe winter quarters, although it was then only in the month of October ! The English and Americans
were both duped by " his most Christian majesty" of France ; and, as I have elsewhere said, a balance-
sheet of favors connected with the alliance will show not the least preponderance of service in &vor of the
French, unless the resdlt of the more vigorous action of the Americans, caused by the hopes of suocesB from
ibaX alliance, shall be taken into the account.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
651
Retreaxof&e AmerieanttoBatts'sHilL Battle of Quaker HOI. Scene of the Engagement Loaaof the BelligenDti.
of jiuccess, between two and three thousand of the American volunteers left for home on
the 24th and 25th. The American force was thus reduced to about the number of
that of the enemy. Under these circumstances, an assault upon the British lines was
deemed hazardous, and a retreat prudent. La Fayette was dispatched to Boston, to so-
licit the return of D'Estaing to Newport, but he could only get a promise from that offi-
cer to march his troops by land to aid the Americans in the siege, if requested. It was
too late for such a movement.
On the night of the 28th, the Americans commenced a retreat with great j^^
order and secrecy, and arrived at the high grounds at the north end of the island,
with all their artillery and stores, at three the next morning. Their retreat having been
discovered by the enemy, a pursuit was undertaken. The Americans had fortified an em-
inence called Butts's Hill, about twelve miles from Newport. Here they made a stand,
and at daylight called a council of war. General Greene proposed to march back and
meet the enemy on the west road, then approaching in detachments, and consisting only of
the Hessian chasseurs and two Anspach regiments under Lossberg. On the east road was
S^
ScKNX OF THB ENGAOSimiT oiv Rhods Iax.AZfo, Auo. 29, 1778.
.From a pnnt in th« 0«otl«Baii*» Mafuino, 1778
General Smith, with two regiments and two flank companies. To the former were op-
posed the light troops of Lieutenant-colonel Laurens, and to the latter those of Colonel
Henry B. Livingston. Greene's advice was overruled, and the enemy were allowed to col-
lect in force upon the two eminences called respectively Quaker and Turkey Hill.* A large
detachment of the enemy marched very near to the American left, but were repulsed by
Glover, and driven back to Quaker Hill. About nine o'clock the British opened a severe
cannonade upon the Americans from the two hills, which was returned from Butts's Hill
with spirit. Skirmishes continued between advanced parties until near ten, when two Brit-
ish sloops of war and other armed vessels, having gained the right flank of the Americans,
began a fire upon that point simultaneously with a furious attack there by the land forces of
the enemy. This attempt to gain the rear of the Americans, and cut o£r a retreat, brought
on an almost general action, in which from twelve to fifteen hundred of the patriots were
at one time engaged. The enemy's line was finally broken, afler a severe engagement, in
attempts to take the redoubt on the American right, and they were driven back in great
confusion to Turkey Hill, leaving many of their dead and wounded in the low grounds be-
tween the contending armies, where the hottest of the battle occurred. This was between
two and three o'clock in the afternoon of a very sultry day, and a number on both sides
perished from the efiects of the heat and fatigue. A cannonade was kept up by both parties
until sunset, when the battle ceased. The skirmishing and more general action continued
seven hours without intermission, and the most indomitable courage was evinced by both
parties. The Americans had thirty killed, one hundred and thirty-two wounded, and forty-
' The three eminences, Bntts's, Qoaker, and Turkey Hill, are seen in the pictare, the former on the left,
its slopes covered with the American tents, Qoaker Hill in the center, and Turkey HUl on the right. The
honae in the fore-groond, on the right, belonged to a Mr. Brindley, now near the site of the residence of
Mr. Anthony.
Digitized by
Google
652 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
BTicaatioii of Rhode Island by the Americani. Retam of La Fayette from Boston. Esqpedition against New Bodlbrd.
four missing. The British lost, in killed and wounded, two hundred and ten, and twelve
missing.
So nearly matched were the helligerents, that both willingly rested in their respective
camps during the night, and the next morning each seemed reluctant to renew the battle
Sullivan had good cause to refrain from another engagement, for at break of day a messen-
ger arrived from Providence, informing him that Howe had again sailed for Newport, was
seen off Block Island the day before, and probably, before night, would be in New-
^ port harbor.* Under these circumstances, Sullivan thought it prudent to evacuate
Rhode Island, a measure concurred in by his officers. There were difficulties in the way,
for the first indications of a retreat on the part of the Americans would bring the repulsed
enemy upon them in full force. The sentinels of the two armies were only four hundred
yards apart, and the greatest caution was necessary to prevent information of Sullivan's de-
sign from reaching Sir Robert Pigot. Fortunately, Butts's Hill concealed all movements
in the rear of the American camp. During the day, a number of tents were brought for-
ward by the Americans and pitched in sight of the enemy, and the whole army were em-
ployed in fortifying the camp. This was intended to deceive the British, and was success-
ful. At the same time, and, indeed, during the engagement of the previous day, the heavy
baggage and stores were falling back and crossing Bristol ferry to the main. At dark the
August 30, tents were struck, fires were lighted in front at various points, the light troops,
iT7a ^ii^ ^^Q ijaggage, marched down to the ferry, and before midnight the whole
American army had crossed in flat-bottomed boats to the main, in good order, and without
the loss of a man. During the retreat, La Fayette arrived from Boston, whither, as we
have seen, he had been sent to persuade D'Estaing to proceed with his squadron to Newport
again. He was greatly mortified at being absent during the engagement.* Anticipating
that a battle would take place, he traveled from Rhode Island to Boston, nearly seventy miles,
in a little more than seven hours, and returned in six and a half.* Although denied the lau-
rels which he might have won in battle, he participated in the honors of a successful retreat.
The evacuation of Rhode Island was a mortifying circucfistance to General Sullivan, for
Newport had been almost within his grasp, and nothing could have saved the British army
^ The fleet of Lord Howe had on board Sir Henry Clinton, with four thousand troops destined for Rhode
Island ; but on approaching Newport, and hearing of the retreat of Sullivan (for the fleet did not arrive until
the 31st, the day after) and the sailing of the disabled French squadron to Boston, Howe changed his coarse,
and sailed for the latter port, where he arrived on the 1st of September. Perceiving no chance of success
in attacking D'Estaing, Howe prudently withdrew, after throwing the town of Boston into the greatest ooo-
stemation, and, with the disappointed Sir Henry Clinton, sailed for New York. On the way, Clinton or-
dered his marauding officer. General Grey, to land with the troops at New Bedford, on the west side of the
Aoushnet River, and proceed to destroy the shipping in the harbor. They landed upon Clark^s Neck, at
the mouth of the river, and between six o'clock m the evening on the 5th of September and twelve the next
day, destroyed about seventy sail of vessels, many of them prizes taken by American privateers, and several
small craft ; burned the magazine, wharves, stores, warehouses, vessels on the stocks, all the buildings at
MTherson's wharf^ the principal part of the houses at the head of the river, and the mills and houses at
Fairhaven, opposite. The amount of property destroyed was estimated at $323,266. Grey and his troops
then embarked, and proceeded to Martha's Vineyard, where they destroyed several vessels, and made a
requisition for Uie militia arms, the public money, three hundred oxen, and ten thousand sheep. The de-
fenseless inhabitants were obliged to comply with the requisition, and the marauders returned to New
York with a plentiful supply of provisions for the British army.
* La Fayette had advised a retreat from Newport six days before. On the 24th he gave his opinion in
writing, as follows : " I do not approve of continuing the siege. The time of the mUitia is out, and they
will not longer sacrifice their private interests to the common cause. A retreat is the wisest step." Writ*
ing to Washington after the retreat, he expressed his mortification, and said, " That there has been an ac-
tion fought where I oould have been, and was not, will seem as extraordmary to you as it seems to myself."
He arrived while the army was retreating, and brought off the rear guard and pickets in the best manner.
His feelings were soothed by the resolutions of Congress, adopted on the 19th of September, thanking Gen-
eral Sullivan and those under his command for their conduct in the action and retreat, and specially re-
questing the president to inform the marquis of their due sense of his personal sacrifloe in going to Boston,
and his gallantry in conducting the pickets and out-sentries in the evacuation. — JoumaU of Congrett, iv., 378.
' Gordon, ii., 376.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 653
Marmnringi ugaixut tfaa French. Eracuatioii of Rhode Island by the Biitiah. Severe Winter. Sir Robert Pigot
from capitulation had D'Estaing co-operated. Policy, at that time, dictated the course of
Congress in withholding the voice of censure, hut the people unhesitatingly charged the fail-
ure of the expedition upon the had conduct of the French. The retreat was approved of hy
Congress, in a resolution adopted on the 9th of September. It was not unanimously
agreed to, and an unsuccessful attempt was made to reconsider it. ' With this event ^^^
closed the Eastern campaign, neither party in the contest having gained any thing.^
The British held possession of Rhode Island until the autumn of 1779, when Sir Henry
Clinton, desirous of making a further demonstration at the South, and apprehending an at-
tack upon New York from the combined forces of the American and French, supposed to
have been concerted between Washington and D'Estaing, dispatched a number of trans^
ports to bring off the troops from Newport to strengthen his position at head-quarters. They
embarked on the 25th of October, leaving Rhode Island in possession of the Ameri-
cans, after an occupation of three years by the enemy. During their stay, they had ^"**
desolated the island. Only a single tree of the ancient forest is left, a majestic sycamore,
standing near the bank of the Seaconet channel,
on the eastern side of the island. When they ^^.^ . >^
left, they burned the barracks at Fort Adams ,-vx^^^ \aA^ r^ \V A^' P^
and the light-house upon Beavertail Point. ^iM^siiy H^^ \^^
They also carried away with them the town ^^MfinPwr^^^V^
records. These were greatly injured by being *^^2?^^^ffiL^w ..i^C^'" r>
submerged in the vessel that bore them, which ^^^^'^^^^Wi^m^^'^^^ Z^
was sunk at Hell Gate. They were recovered x^^^^^^^^lMp'^^^V^^^
and sent back to Newport, but were of little '^^^'^^^^^'y^W^^^^'^^
service afterward. This event produced some ^^h^^^Rr Jy ^^ ^
embarrassment in respect to property, but they '^^-f 1&^
were as nothing compared to the sufferings of - '---^^-^t^^?^ *^ '-^^^« ^
the impoverished inhabitants when they re- '^ *^^iS^=J^/^.^.^^^^^«^
turned to their mutilated dwellings and deso- ■'"'^^tt^^^Ss^/^/tKlfS^^^'
lated farms. The winter of 1779-80 was a ^^^m^t^^^'^'^^^r^^^.
terrible one for the people of Rhode Island.* anciwct sycauobx*
It is proper to remark, that after Sir Robert
Pigot superseded Prescott in command of the British forces in Rhode Island, the people
were greatly relieved of the annoyances they had been subject to under the rule of the latter.
Private property was respected, plunder ceased, the people were treated with respect, and,
when the evacuation took place, no violence marked the departure of the enemy. General
Gates was then at Providence with a small force, and kept a vigilant eye upon the move-
ments of the British,^ anticipating predatory excursions along the coast ; but General Pigot
' Washington, in a letter to Brigadier-general Nelson of Virginia, written on the 20th of August, says :
" It is not a little pleasing nor less wonderful to contemplate that, after two years* maneuvering, and un-
dergoing the strangest vicissitudes that perhaps ever attended any one contest since the creation, both
armies are brought back to the very point they set out from, and that the offending party in the beginning
is now reduced to the use of the spade and pickaxes for defense. The hand of Providence has been so con-
spicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an mfidel that lacks faith, and more wicked, that has not
gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations." — Sparks's Life and Writing$ of Woihington^ vi., 36.
' This was the severest winter ever experienced in America. Narraganset Bay was frozen over ; aqd
'iie reader will remember the fact already mentioned, that the Bay of New York was so firmly bridged
that troops and heavy field-pieces crossed from the city to Staten Island. The British having destroyed the
trees on Rhode Island, fuel was very scarce. It was sold in Newport for twenty dollars a cord. Food,
also, was very scarce ; com sold at four silver dollars a bushel, and potatoes at two dollars. A tax of ten
thousand dollars was levied for the relief of the poor, and Tiverton and neighboring towns contributed gen-
erously to their aid. — Ross's Historical Ditcourte^ p. 59.
* This tree stands, solitary and peerless, within a few rods of the water. It is upon the land of Mr.
Thomas R. Hazzard, and between his fine mansion and the river. It is thirty-two feet in circumference
within twelve inches of the ground. It is yet vigorous, though storms have riven some of its topmost
branches. When I made the sketch it was leafless, the autumn winds having defoliated it.
* During the occupation of the island by the British, aSter the retreat of Sullivan, Gates was in constant
Digitized by
Google
654 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Betam of La Fayette to France. His Zeal and Succees. Washington appointed Lieatenant-general bj ^ Frendi Bbuf.
was no marauder, and scorned to do, even under command, what Tryon, Wallace, and Grey
seemed to take great delight in.
Early in the summer of 1779 the Marquis de La Fayette obtained leave of absence for
one year, and returned to France. But this absence was not a season of idleness among
his old associates, or of forgetfulness of the Americans on the part of La Fayette. On the
contrary, the chief design of his visit to his native country was to enlist the sympathies of
his people and government more warmly in the cause of the Americans, and to procure for
them more substantial aid than they had hitherto received. After passing a few days with
his beautiful and much loved wife, he addressed a long letter to the Count de Vergennes, one
of the French ministers, on the subject of furnishing an army, well-appointed in every par-
ticular, to fight in America. In making such a request, a soul less ardent and hopeful than
the youthful general's would not have perceived the least probability of success. He was
acting without instructions from the American Congress, or even its sanction or the full ap-
proval of Washington. It seemed but too recently that French and American troops were
battling in opposition in the Western World, to hope that they would freely conmiingle,
though Britons were still the foes of the French. La Fayette, however, understood French
character better than Washington and Congress did, and he knew that success would at-
tend the measure. *' He had that interior conviction which no argument or authority could
subdue, that the proposed expedition was practicable and expedient, and he succeeded in
imparting his enthusiasm to the ministers."' He was only twenty-two years old, and hxM
a subordinate rank in the army of his king ; he, therefore, had no expectation of being com-
mander of any force that might be sent ; his efforts were disinterested.* Nothing could di-
vert him from his object, and, with a joyful heart, he returned to America the following
spring, bearing to the patriots the glad tidings that a French squadron, with an
' army of more than four thousand men, admirably officered and equipped, and con-
veying money for the United States Treasury, was about to sail for our shores. The mar-
quis also brought a commission from Louis XVI. for Washington, appointing him lieutenant
general of the armies of France, and vice-admiral of its fleets. This was a wise measure,
and operated, as intended, to prevent difficulties that might arise respecting official etiquette.
It was stipulated that the French should be considered as auxiliaries, and always cede the
post of honor to the Americans. Lieutenant-general the Count de Rochambeau, the com-
mander of the French expedition, was to place himself under the American commander-in-
chief, and on all occasions the authority of Washington was to be respected as supreme.
This arrangement secured the best understandmg between the two armies while the allies
remained in America.*
receipt of inteUigence respecting the movements of the enemy, by means of secret letters and a sort of tel-
egraphic communication. Lieutenant Seth Chapin employed a woman, residing in Newport, to write down
every thing of importance, and conceal the letter in a hole in a certain rock. By setting up poles, as if to
dry clothes, and by other signals agreed upon, the lieutenant was informed of the presence of a letter in the
secret post-office, and of perfect safety in coming to receive it. He would then row across from the oppo-
site shore of Little Compton, get the packet, and send it ofi* to Gates. After the evacuation, the lieutenant
and his aids received one thousand five hundred dollars. Continental money, for their services, the whole
amount being worth then only about seventy dollars in specie.
' Everett's Eulogy on La FayeHe,
* At the request of Count de Vergennes, La Fayette drew up a statement containing a detailed plan of
the proposed expedition. It is a paper of great interest, and exhibits genius of the highest order, of which
a general of threescore might be proud. The number and disposition of the troops, the character of the
officers proper to accompany thcEU, the appointments of the fleet and army, the time of embarkation, proper
place for landing, and the probable service to which the fleet and army would be called, were all laid out
with a minuteness and clearness of detail which seemed to indicate almost an intuitive knowledge of the fu-
ture. The whole expedition was arranged in accordance with the plan of the marquis.
* This arrangement was conceived by La Fayette, and he made it a fundamental point. Not content
with soliciting troops for America, La Fayette requested large supplies of clothing, guns, and ammunitioo
for the Republican army. They were promised, but only a part were sent. Such was the importunity of
La Fayette, and such the disinterested enthusiasm with which he represented the wants and claims of his
Republican friends, that the old Count Maurepas, who was then prime minister, said one day in the Coun-
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 655
Good Tidings brought by La Fayette. Tbdr effect Aniral of tfaa AUiet. Encampment at Newport
Great was the joy of the American Congress produced by the tidings brought by La Fay-
ette, and assurance possessed the minds of that assembly that the next campaign would se-
cure peace and independence to the States. Although policy forbade giring publicity to the
fact that aid from abroad was near at hand, sufficient information leaked out to diffuse
among the people pleasant hopes for the future. The return of La Fayette was hailed with
delight. Congress, by resolution, » testified their satisfaction at his return, and ac- a May is.
cepted with pleasure a tender of the further services of so gallant and meritorious an ^^^'
officer.^ Three days aflerward^ Congress resolved that bills be immediately drawn
<m Dr. Franklin for twenty-five thousand dollars, and on Mr. Jay for the same
amount, payable at sixty days* sight ; and that the money be applied solely to the bringing
of the army into the field, and forwarding them supplies in such a manner as the exigency
and nature of the service shall require. Also, that the States of Virginia, Maryland, Del-
aware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts
Bay, and New Hampshire, be most earnestly called upon to pay into the Continental treas-
ury, within thirty days, ten millions of dollu^. It was also resolved that the Legislatures,
from New Hampshire to Virginia, be requested to invest their executive authority, or some
other persons, with such powers as would enable them, on the application of the committee
at the head-quarters of the army, to draw forth the resources of the state.* The Carolinas
and Georgia were exempt from the requisition, because they were then bearing the heavy
burden of an active campaign within their own limits. Congress thus began to prepare for
the most energetic co-operation with the allies when they should arrive.
The French fleet, under the command of Admiral de Temay, sailed from Brest early in
April, and appeared ofl* the coast of Virginia on the 4th of July.' On the evening of
the 10 th it entered Newport harbor, on which occasion the town was brilliantly illu-
minated, and every demonstration of joy was made by the inhabitants. Greneral Heath,
then in command on Rhode Island, was present to receive Rochambeau and his troops on
landing, and to put them in possession of the batteries upon the island. On the 24th, the
General Assembly, then in session, presented complimentary addresses to Rochambeau and
Temay ; and General Washington, having heard of their arrival, recommended, in general
orders at his camp in the Hudson Highlands, to the officers of the American army, to wear
cockades of black and white — the grou7id being of the first color, and the relief oHhe second
«-as a compliment to, and a symbol of friendship and affection for their allies.^ The Amer-
ican cockade, at that time, was black ; the French white.
As soon as intelligence was received of the arrival of the aUies, La Fayette set out for
Newport, under instructions from Washington, to concert measures with Rochambeau for
future operations. The French troops were pleasantly encamped southeast of Newport, but
they were not suffered to remain quiet. When intelligence of the sailing of Temay from
Brest reached the British cabinet, they dispatched Admiral Graves, with six ships of the line,
to re-enforce Admiral Arbuthnot, the successor of Byron, then commanding the squadron on
the American coast. Graves arrived at New York three days after Temay entered New-
cil, " It is fortnn&te for the king that La Fayette does not take it into his head to strip Versailles of its for-
niture, to send to his dear Americans, as his majesty would be onable to refuse it." La Fayette purchased,
on his own account, a large quantity of swords and other military equipages, which he brought with him
and presented to the officers of the light infantry whom he commanded during the campaign. — See Appendix
to vol. vii. of Sparks's Life and WritingM of Woihington^ where will be found interesting documents relat-
ing to this expedition.
' JowmaU of Congrats yi., 49. While in France, La Fayette was presented with an elegant sword, pre-
pared there under the directions of Franklin, by order of Congress. Franklin sent it to the marquis from
Passy, by his grandson. An aooount of this sword, and drawings will be found on page 119, vol. ii.
■ JommaU of CongriUf vi., 50, 51.
' The fleet consisted of two ships of eighty guns each, one of seventy-four, four of sixty-four, two frigates
of forty, a cutter of twenty, a hospital-ship, pierced for sixty-four, a bomb-ship, and thirty-two transports.
The land forces consisted of four regiments, a battalion of artillery, and the legion of the Duke de Lauzun,
amounting in all to about six thousand men.
* Thacher, p. 200. Gordon, iii., 65.
Digitized by
Google
666 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Mifak Biockad0 of Namgaiiwt Bqr. CUsloa't EzpedidoB. Dsiafa of Taniaf. WaiiiiB(tDo fai Newpoft
j«]yj3; port harbor. The English fleet, now stronger than the French, prooeeded imme-
178a diately to attempt a blockade of the latter in Narraganset Bay. On the 1 9th, four
British ships, the adyanoe sail of the fleet rendezvousing at Block Island, appeared ofi* New-
port. The next morning, as soon as the wind would permit, three French frigates went in
pursuit of them, but, falling in with nine or ten ships of the enemy that were approaching,
made sail for the harbor, under full chase.
Intelligence was received that General Clinton, lately returned to New York firom th^
South, was preparing to proceed in person, with a large part of his army, to attack Rhodv
Island. Menaced by sea and land, General Heath called earnestly upon Rhode Island,
Massachusetts, and Connecticut for troops, and his requisition was promptly complied with ,
so promptly, that, before any enemy appeared, the allied forces felt quite competent to oppose
the largest army that Clinton could possibly bring into the field. Sir Henry actually sailed
from New York with eight thousand troops, but proceeded no further than Huntington Bay,
in Long Island Sound. Informed there of the fortified position of the French at Newport,
the rapid gathering of the militia, and the approach of Washington toward New York city,
Clinton abandoned the expedition and returned to his head-quarters.
While these events were taking place on our coast, the French and English fleets were
striving for the mastery in the West Indies. The former was commanded by Admiral de
Guichen, the latter by Admiral Rodney. It was the understanding when Ternay and Ro-
chambeau left France, that they were to be joined at Rhode Island by the squadron of De
Guichen. Events unforeseen prevented this junction. The arrival of Rodney at St. Lucie,
and subsequent maneuvers and encounters, detained De Guichen in the West Indies until
July ; and five days before Ternay arrived at Newport, De Guichen left St. Do-
mingo for Europe, his ships having sufiered greatly in the engagements, and the land
troops which they carried having been terribly diminished by sickness. The failure of this
co-operation, the great number of invalids among the French troops at Newport, and the
expectation of an attack there, or an attempt to blockade the squadron, made it inexpedient
to break up the encampm^it on Rhode Island and attempt any operations at a distance. It
was concluded to pass the winter there. Lauzun and his legion, as we havo seen, were can-
toned at Lebanon, in Connecticut. Three thousand five hundred militia were kept under
arms at Newport, to assist in guarding the French squadron, and the allies became a bur^
den, rather than an aid, to the Americans. The conference between Washington and Ro-
chambeau, and the final departure of the French troops in 1781, to form a junction with the
American army on the Hudson, have been noticed on page 436.
The Chevalier de Ternay died at Newport soon after the arrival of the fleet, and was
buried with distinguished honors in Trinity Church-yard, where a slab was afterward erected
UuxA, to his memory. Admiral de Barras succeeded him in command early in the foUow-
17B1. ^Qg spring, about which time Washington arrived at Newport, and held a conference
with Rochambeau. The town was illuminated on the occasion of his visit, and from that
time until the departure of the allies, quiet prevailed on Rhode Island. Active military op-
erations ceased there, and, until the close of the war, the people were undisturbed, except
by occasional menaces from English vessels in pursuit of American privateers, of which a
large number hailed from Narraganset Bay, or made its waters their place of refuge when
in danger upon the coast.' Newport sufiered terribly during the war. Its population of
eleven thousand in 1774, was reduced to about six thousand in 1782 ; and, according to an
* It is believed that Newport famished more seamen for the naval service of the United States during
the Revolution than any other port on the continent, except Boston. At least one thousand men were
shipped for service in the navy from that port, one half of whom fell into the hands of the enemy and died
in prison-ships. The naval commanders in the war who belonged to Rhode Island were John Grimes, Ben-
jamin Pierce, Joseph Gardiner, William Dennis, James Godfred, Remembrance Simmons, Thomas Stacy,
Oliver Read, Captain Bently, Samuel Jeffers, John CoggeshRll, William Finch, Captain Jaques, James PhU-
lips, Ezekiel Burroaghs, John Murphy, Isaac Frabor, William Ladd, Joseph Sheffield, and Captain Gazzee.
These either sailed from Newport previous to its possession by the enemy, or subsequently from other ports
of New England. — Rou^ page 62. Silas Talbot, also, belonged to ^hode Uland.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
657
Pmyeity destroyed in Newport Ride to Butts's Hffl. Hospitality. Fort on ButtB*s HHL View of the Batae-groond.
estimate of a committee of the Greneral Assembly, appointed for the purpose, the value of
private property destroyed was six hundred and twenty-four thousand dollars, silver money.
The sun has gone down behind Coiiannicut and the hills of the Narraganset country ;
the broad sails of the wind-mills are still ; the voices of the milkers come up from the neigh-
boring farm-yard, and twilight is spreading its mysterious veil over the bay, the islands, and
the ocean. Let us descend from our observatory on the hill of Miantonomoh and return to
the city, and in the morning visit the places hallowed by events just viewed in the speculum
of history.
The morning of the 23d was cold and blustering ; the ground was hard frozen ; October,
ice covered the surface of the pools, and the north wind was as keen as the breath ^^^'
of December. I started early in a light rockaway for the battle-ground at the north end of
the island, making a brief call on the way (or, rather, out of the way) upon Mr. Nathaniel
Greene, a grandson of the eminent genenil of the Revolution who bore that name. He re-
sides about three miles above Newport, and kindly furnished me with explicit directions re-
specting the localities I was about to visit. About a mile north of his estate I came to. the
head-quarters of Prescott, printed on page 76, which I sketched in haste, for my fingers were
too soon benumbed with cold to hold the pencil expertly. Twelve miles from Newport I
came to the residence of Mr. Anthony, which is, I believe, the ** Brindley House'* in the pic-
ture on page 83. An introductory line from his brother, David Anthony, Esq., was a key
to his generous hospitality; and after accompanying me to the top of Butts's Hill, and point-
ing out the places of interest included in the view from its summit, he kindly invited me to
dine with him when my sketching should be finished, an invitation heartily accepted, for a
ride of twelve miles in the cold morning air was a whetstone to my usually good appetite.
QoAiucB Uiu., raoH tub Fokt cm Butts's Hxu..
The remains of the old fort on Butts's Hill, the embankments and foss6, with traces of
the hastily-constructed ravelins, are well preserved. Even the ruts made by the carriage-
wheels of the cannons, at the embrasures (for the ordnance was composed of field-pieces),
were visible. The banks, in some places, are twenty feet high, measuring from the bottom
of the foss6. Fortunately for the antiquary, the works were constructed chiefly upon a rocky
ledge, and the plow can win no treasure there ; the banks were earth, and afibrd no quarry
for wall builders, and so the elements alone have lowered the ramparts and filled the ditches.
Southward from this eminence, I had a fine view of Quaker and Turkey Hills— indeed, of
the whole battle-ground. Sitting upon the exterior slope of the southern parapet, and shel-
tered from the wind by a clump of bushes and the remains of one of the bastions, I sketched
the above view, which includes all the essential portions of the field of conflict. The emi-
nence in the center, on which stands a wind-mill, is Quaker Hill ; that on the right is Tur-
key Hill, on the northern slope of which is seen the west road. In the hollow at the foot
of these hills the hottest of the battle was waged. On the lefl is seen the little village of
Newton, beyond which is the Eastern or Seaconet Channel, stretching away to the ocean,
and bounded on the lefl by the cultivated slopes of Little Compton. The undulations in the
foreground are the embankments of the fort.
1. Tt
Digitized by
Google
658
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
North View from Batts^s HUl.
Tlie NarnifaiiBet Country.
Mauaaoit and hit SoDfl.
King Philip,
Northward the view is more extensive, and in some respects more interesting. The
houses near the center of the picture mark the site of the old Bristol ferry, over which the
wm
Ll^
'^^f.t" Vf
jj^t^
' ^MM&sii^SgSB^
^^M^^_^A
ir.w Northward from Butts's HmL.
Americans, under Sullivan, retreated to the main land. A little to the lef^, lying upon the
cast shore of the Narraganset, was Bristol ; heyond was a glimpse of Warren ; and in the
far distance, directly over the steam-hoat seen in the picture, the church spires of Providence
were visible. On the right the high promontory of Mount Hope loomed up ; and turning
eastward, beyond the limits of th6 sketch, stood Tiverton and its old stone bridge, already
mentioned. I could find no sheltered nook in making the sketch ; upon the bleak summit
of the hill I plied the pencil, until I could hold it no longer ; but the drawing was finished.
From this eminence the vision takes in some of the most interesting portions of the Na^
raganset country and of the domains of Massasoit, the fast friend of the English. There
were old Pocasset and Pokanoket, and, more conspicuous and interesting than all, was Meant
Hope, the royal seat of King Philip, the last of the Wampanoags. It is too cold to torn
the leaves of the chronicle here ; let us wrap our cloaks around us, and, while gazing upon
the beautiful land over which that great sachem held sway, read the records upon the tablets
of memory, brief but interesting, concerning " King Philip's War."
" *Ti8 good to muse on nations pass'd away
Forever from the land we call our own ;
Nations as proud and mighty in their day,
Who deem'd that everlasting was their throne.
An age went by, and they no more were known !
Sublimer sadness will the mind control,
Listening time's deep and melancholy moan ;
And meaner griefs will less disturb the soul ;
And human pride falls low at human grandeur's goal."
Robert C. Sands.
We have observed how Massasoit, tho sagamore of the Wampanoags, whose dominioiu
extended from Narraganset Bay to that of Massachusetts, presenting the hand of friendship
and protection to the white settlers, remained faithful while he lived. His residence was
near Warren, on the east side of the Narraganset ; and so greatly was his friendship prized
by the Pilgrim Fathers, that Winslow and others made a long journey to visit him when
• March, dangerously ill.& Recovering, he entered into a solemn league of firiendship with
the whites, and faithfully observed it until his death, which occurred thirty-two
years afterward. ^ Alexander, his eldest son, succeeded him, and gave promise of
equal attachment to the whites ; but his rule was short ; he died two years afler
the death of his father, and his brother^ Pometacom or Metacomet, better known as King
Philip, became the head of hii| nation. He was a bold, powerful-minded warrior, and al-
^ Bancroft and Hildretb say nephew. Earlier historians disagree. Prince and Trumbull say he vns
grandson to Massasoit, and Hutchinson and Belknap call him his son. Governor Prince, it is said, named
Alexander and Philip after the great Macedonians, in compliment to Massasoit, indicating his idea of their
character as warriors. They were doubtless sons of Massasoit.
1623.
bl655.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
659
Jedotuy of King Philip. Treaties with tfaa Whites. CortBlhneiitofhiBDoauiiii. Hli chief Captaina. John EUot.
ready his keen perception gave him uneasiness
respecting the fate of his race. Year after
year the progress of settlement had curtailed
the broad domains of the Wampanoags, nntil
now they possessed little more than the nar-
row tongues of land at Pocanoket and Pocas-
set, now Bristol and Tiverton ; yet Philip re-
newed the treaties made with Massa-
soit, and kept them faithfully a dozen
years ; but spreading settlements, reducing his
domains acre by acre, breaking up his hunting-
grounds, diminishing the abundance of his fish-
eries, and menacing his nation with the fate
of the landless, stirred up his savage patriot-
ism, and made him resolve to sever the ties
that bound him, with fatal alliance, to his ene-
mies. His residence was at Mount Hope ;
and there, in the solitude of the prime- >? >*; /) jj'C^ ^
val forest, he called his warriors around ^yo/?^'^^ c^^ib^^,^^^
him, and planned, with consummate /^yr ^^
skill, an alliance of all the New En- ^
gland tribes against the European in-
truders.'
For years the pious Eliot' had been preaching the gospel among the New England tribes ;
POBTEAIT JLlfD SlOlf-KAlfUAL OF KlNO PRILir.S
PT
No. L No. a.
No. 3
^ The number of Indians in New England at that time has been Tarionsly estimated. Dr. Trumbull, in
his History of the United States (i., 36), supposes that there were thirty-six thousand in all, one third of
whom were warriors. Hutchinson (i., 406) estimates the fighting men of the Narragansets alone at two
thousand. Hinckley says the number of Indians in Plymouth county in 1685, ten years after Philip's war,
was four thousand. Church, in his History of ^ng Philip* s War^ published in Boston in 1716, estimated
the number of Indian warriors in New England, in the oommencement of that war, at ten thousand. Ban-
croft (ii., 94) says there were probably fifty thousand whites and hardly twenty-five thousand Indians in
New England, west of the Piscataqua ; while east of that stream, in Maine, were about four thousand
whites and more than that number of red men.
' I copied this and the annexed marks of Philip's chief captains, from an original mortgage given by the
sachem, to Constant Southworth, on land four miles square, lying south of Taunton. The
mortgage is dated October 1, 1672. It was drawn up by Thomas Leonard, and is signed
by himself^ Constant Southworth, and Hugh Cole. It was acknowl-
edged before, and signed by, John Alden.* This interesting docu-
ment is in the possession of that intelligent antiquary, S. G. Drake,
Esq., of Boston, to whose kindness I am indebted for these signatures.'
No. 1 is the sign of Munashum, aliiu Nimrod ; No. 2, of Wonokom-
FAWHAif ; No. 3, of Captain Ann awan, the " next man to Philip," or his chief warrior.
* John Eliot, usually called the Apostle of the Indians, was minister of Roxbury, Massachusetts. He
was bom in Essex county, England, in 1604, and came to America in 1631. Educated thoroughly at
Cambridge University, he soon obtained great influence among the settlers. Touched by the ignorance of
the Indians respecting spiritual things, his heart yearned to do them good, and for many years he labored
assiduously among them, with great success. He founded, at Natiok, the first Indian church in America,
in 1660. The next year he published the New Testament in the Indian language, and in a few years the
whole Bible and other books. He died May 20th, 1690, aged about eighty-six. The venerable apostle
was buried in the Minitter$' 7bm6,t in the first burying-ground at Roxbury, which is situated on the east
side of the great avenue across the Neck to Boston. The residence of Eliot was opposite the house of
Governor Thomas Dudley, on the other side of the brook. Dudley's mansion was taken down in 1775, and
a redoubt was erected upon the spot. The site is now occupied by the Universalist church. Reverend
Dr. Putnam, of Roxbury, is the fifth pastoral successor of the apostle in the first church. The remains of
* AUen was a puteager in the May Flower, and one of tfaa Immortal voBTT-oits who aigned the faitrmnent of cItU gorem-
meot^ given on pagea 437 and 438, voL L, of tUs work, where alao ii tiie algnatare of SonfiiwortfL
t In 1724-5^ a citizen of Roxborj, named Wmiam Bowen, waa made priaoner bj the Torka. The people of Ua town raised
a ram of money rafflclent for Idt ranaom. Before it could be applied they reeeired Intelligence of hia doeflfc. The money was
Acn appropriatei to the boUding of a tomb for ttie miniatera of the church.
Digitized by
Google
660 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Enlightenmeotoftlieliidiaiit. SasBamon. BidngoftheNewEnc^andTxibeft. Daoid GookiB.
no pains were spared to teach them to read and write ; and in a short time a larger pro-
portion of the Massachusetts Indians could do so than, recently, of the inhabitants of Rus-
sia.' Churches were gathered among the natives ; and when Philip lifled the hatchet,
there were four hundred « praying Indians,'' as the converts were called, who were firmly
attached to the whites ; yet Christianity hardly spread beyond the Indians on Cape Cod.
Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, and the seven feeble villages around Boston. Philip.
like Red Jacket of our days, opposed meddling with the religion of his fathers, and, two
years before the war, boldly and openly, at the head of seven hundred warriors, boasted of
his own and their attachment to the ancient belief
^ Pani\
HAmiWMTUO OF EUOT MSD GoOKXlf.
A " praying Indian" named John Sassamon, who had been educated at Cambridge, and
(employed as a teacher, had fled to Philip on account of some misdemeanor, and became a
sort of secretary to the sachem. Being persuaded to return to the whites, he accused Philip
of meditated treason. For this he was waylaid by the savages, and slain. Three of Phil-
ip's men, suspected of the murder, were tried by a jury of half English and half Indians,
convicted, and hanged. The evidence on which they were convicted was slender, and the
Wampanoags were greatly irritated. Philip was cautious ; his warriors were impetuous.
Overruled by their importunities, and goaded by a remembrance of the wrongs and humili-
ations he had sufiered from the English,* he trampled solemn treaties beneath his feet, and
lighted the flame of war. Messengers were sent to other tribes, to arouse them to co-oper.
ation, and, with all the power of Indian eloquence, Metacomet exhorted his followers to
curse the white men, and swear eternal hostility to the pale faces.,
" Away ! away I I will not hear
Of aaght but death or vengeance now ;
By the eternal skies I swear
My knee shall never learn to bow !
I will not hear a word of peace,
Nor clasp in friendly gprasp a hand
Link'd to the pale-broVd stranger race,
That work the ruin of our land.
his predecessors all lie in the Ministers* Tomb. The commissioners of the Forest Hills Cemetery have
designated the heights on its western border as the Eliot HiUt, and there the oitiaens of Roxbuiy are about
to erect a beautifid monument to the memory of the apostle.
Daniel Gookin, whose signature is given above, was the friend of^ and a zealous co-worker with, Mr.
Eliot. He came to Virginia, from England, in 1621 . He went to Massachusetts with his &mily in 1644,
and settled in Cambridge. He was soon called to fill civil and military offices, and in 1652 was appointed
•superintendent of the Indians. This office he held until his death, in 1687, at the age of seventy-five years.
Gookin wrote an historical account of the New England Indians, and was the firm firiend of the red man
clurough life. His remains are in the old burying-ground at Cambridge. Lieutenant Gookin of our Rev-
olutionary army was his lineal descendant.
^ Bancroft, ii., 94.
* In 1671, Philip was suspected of secret plottings against the English, and, notwithstanding his assev-
erations to the contrary, was ordered to give up his fire-arms to the whites. This was a fortunate occur-
rence for the English ; for, had the Indians possessed those arms in the war that ensued, their defeat would
have been doubtful.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 661
Phmp^s Appeal CoocUticmofthelDdlanf. Commencement ofSoatflitiet. Ctnonchet Mather*! MagnaUai
'* Before their ooming, we had ranged
Oar forests and our uplands free ;
Still let ns keep unsold, nnohanged,
The heritage of Liberty.
As free as roll the chainless streams,
Still let us roam oar ancient woods ;
As free as break the morning beamsi
That light our moantain solitudes.
*^ Toach not the hand thej stretch to yoa ;
The &]sely-profier*d cap pat by ;
Will yoa believe a coward true ?
Or taste the poisonM draught, to die ?
Their friendship is a larking snare ;
Their honor bat an idle breath ;
Their smile the smile that traitors wear ;
Their love is hate, their life is death.
" And till your last white foe shall kneel,
And in his coward pangs expire—
Sleep— ^ut to dream of brand and steel ;
Wake—bat to deal in blood and fire."
C. Shxeet.
Although fierce and determined when once aroused, no doubt Philip was hurried into this
war against his best judgment and feelings, for his sagacity must have forewarned him of
failure. The English were well armed and provisioned ; the Indians had few guns, and
their subsistence was precarious. *< Phrensy prompted their rising. It was but the storm
in which the ancient inhabitants of the land were to vanish away. They rose without hope,
and therefore they fought without mercy. For them as a nation there was no to-morrow.**'
Bancroft has given a condensed, yet perspicuous and brilliant narrative of this war.
*' The minds of the English," he says, " were appalled by the horrors of the impending con-
flict, and superstition indulged in its wild inventions. At the time of the eclipse of the
moon, you might have seen the figure of an Indian scalp imprinted on the center of its disk.
The perfect form of an Indian bow appeared in the sky. The sighing of the wind was like
the whistling of buUets. Some distinctly heard invisible troops of horses gallop through the
air, while others formed the prophecy of calamities in the howling of the wolves.*
" At the very beginning of danger, the colonists exerted their wonted energy. Volunteers
from Massachusetts joined the troops from Plymouth, and, within a week from the commence-
ment of hostilities, the insulated Pokanokets were driven from Mount Hope, and jannarr 89,
in less than a month Philip was a fugitive among the Nipmucks, the interior
nnarrS
tribes of Massachusetts. The little army of the colonists then entered the territory of the
Narragansets, and from the reluctant tribe extorted a treaty of neutrality, with a promise
to give up every hostile Indian. Victory seemed promptly assured ; but it was only the
commencement of horrors. Canonchet, the chief sachem of the Narragansets, was the son
of Miantonomoh ; and could he forget his father*s wrongs ? And would the tribes of New
England permit the nation that had first given a welcome to the English to perish una-
venged ? Desolation extended along the whole frontier. Banished from his patrimony,
^ Bancroft, ii., 101.
' Cotton Mather, in his Magnalia^ ii., 486, says, " Yea, and now we speak of things ommoiif, we may
add, some time before this [the execation of three Indians for the marder of Sassamon], in a clear, stiU,
ivmshiny morning, there were divers persons in Maiden who heard in the air, on the soatheast of them, a
(treat gtm go off; and presently thereapon the report of imaU pms, like masket shot, very thick discharging,
as if there had been a battle. This was at a time when there was nothing visible done in any part of the
colony to occasion sach noises ; bat that which most of all astonished them was the flying of buiUts^ which
came singing over their heads [beetles ? See page 574, vol. i.], and seemed very near to them ; after which
the soond of drums, passing along westward, was very aadible ; and on the same day, in Plymooth colony,
m several places, invisible troops of horse were heard riding to and fro.*' No credence is to be attached
to this book of Mather's.
Digitized by
Google
662 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
jidinlCetfiodofWtfiSuv. Dettruotion of New England Villages. Terrible Beteliatbm by tlie Whltai.
where the PilgriniB found a friend, and from his cahin, which had sheltered the exiles, Philip
and his warriors spread through the country, arousing their hrethren to a warfare of ex-
termination.
" The war, on the part of the Indians, was one of ambush and surprise. They never
once met the English in open field ; but always, even if eight-fold in number, fled timor-
ously before infantry. But they were secret as beasts of prey, skillful marksmen, and in
part provided with fire-arms, fleet of foot, conversant with all the paths of the forest, pa-
tient of fatigue, mad with passion for rapine, vengeance, and destruction, retreating into
swamps for their fastnesses, or hiding in the green-wood thickets, where the leaves muflled
the eyes of the pursuers. By the rapidity of their descent, they seemed omnipotent among
the scattered villages, which they ravaged like a passing storm ; and for a full year they
kept all New England in a state of terror and excitement. The exploring party was way-
laid and cut ofl*, and the mangled carcasses and disjointed limbs of the dead were hung upon
the trees to terrify pursuers. The laborer in the field, the reapers as they went forth to
harvest, men as they went to mill, the shepherd's boy among the sheep, were shot down by
skulking foes, whose approach was invisible. Who can tell the heavy hours of woman ?
The mother, if left alone in the house, feared the tomahawk for herself abd children ; on the
sudden attack, the husband would fly with one child, the wife with another, and perhaps
only one escape ; the village cavalcade, making its way to meeting on Sunday, in files <m
horseback, the farmer holding the bridle in one hand and a child in the other, his wife seated
on a pillion behind him, it may be with a child in her lap, as was the fashion of those days,
could not proceed safely ; but, at the moment when least expected, bullets would whiz among
them, discharged with fatal aim firom an ambuscade by the wayside. The red men hung
upon the skirts of the English villages * like the lightning on the edge of the clouds.'
« What need of repeating the same tale of horrors ? Brookfield was set on
bS^^^MTii ^^i*^ <^^ rescued only to be abandoned. Deerfield was burned.l> Hadley,
surprised during a time of religious service,^ was saved only by the daring of
GrofTe, the regicide, now bowed with years, a heavenly messenger of rescue, who darted from
his hiding-place, rallied the disheartened, and, having achieved a safe defense, sank away in
his retirement, to be no more seen. The plains of Northfield were wet with the blood of
> September ss Beers* and twenty of his valiant associates. Lathrop's company of young
men, the very flower of Essex, culled out of the towns of that county, were
b September 88. butchered ;b hardly a white man escaped ; and the little stream whose chan-
nel became red with their life currents, is called Bloody Brook to this day."
The.Narragansets played false to the white men, and in winter sheltered the foe that
wasted their settlements. It was resolved to treat them as enemies, and through the deep
snows of December, a thousand men, levied by the united colonies, marched to the great fort
of the tribe.' Its feeble palisades quickly yielded, and fire and sword soon « swept away
the humble glories of the Narragansets. Their winter stores, their wigwams, and all the
little comforts of savage life, were destroyed ; and more, their old men, their women, their
babes, perished by hundreds in the fire.'** It was a terrible blow for the Indians. Cold,
hunger, and disease followed, and were the powerful allies of the English in the decimation
of the tribe. Yet Canonchet did not despair, and he fought gallantly, until, being taken
prisoner by the English, he was put to death.
In the spring, the spirit of revenge and retaliation began its work. Weymouth,
Groton, Medfield, Lancaster, and Marlborough, in Massachusetts, were laid in ashes ,
^ See page 420, of this vol.
' The fort was sitoated upon an island containing four or five aoree, imhosomed in a swamp. The isbiid
was encompassed by high and strong palisades, with abatit outside, and there three thousand of the Narra-
gansets were oolleoted to pass the winter. This swamp is a short distance southwest of Kingston Tillago,
in the township of Kingstonf Washington county, Rhode Island. The Stonington and Providence rail-way
passes along the northern verge of the swamp.
' Bancroft, ii., 105.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 663
Deeimatfcmoftfaelhdimi. Btiifei among them. Phflip a FngHi?e. Hia Death. HiaSon. Captain Church.
Warwick and Providence, in Rhode Island, were burned ; and every where the isolated
dwellings of adventurous settlers were laid waste. But as the season advanced, and more
remote tribes came not to re-enforce them, the Indians, wasted and dispirited, abandoned all
hopes of success. Strifes arose among them. The Connecticut Indians charged their mis-
fortunes upon Philip, and so did the Narragansets. The cords of alliance were severed.
Some surrendered to avoid starvation ; other tribes wandered off and joined those of Canada ;
while Captain Church, the most famous of the English partisan warriors, went out to hunt
and destroy the fugitives.' During the year, between two and three thousand Indians were
killed or submitted. Philip was chased from one hiding-place to another ; and although he
had vainly sought the aid of the Mohawks, and knew that hope was at an end, his proud
spirit would not listen to words of peace ; he cleft the head of a warrior who ventured to
propose it. At length, af\er an absence of a year, he resolved, as it were, to meet his des-
tiny. He returned to the beautiful land where his forefathers slept, the cradle of Aogiut
his infancy, and the nestling-place of his tribe. Once he escaped narrowly, leaving ^'
his wife and only son prisoners. This bereavement crushed him. " My heart breaks,'*
cried the chieftain, in the agony of his grief; '< now I am ready to die." His own follow-
ers now began to plot against him, to make better terms for themselves. In a few days he
was shot by a faithless Indian, and Captain Church cut off* his head with his own sword.
The captive orphan was transported to an island of the ocean. So perished the princes of
the Pokanokets. Sad to them had been their acquaintance with civilization. The first
ship that came on their coast kidnapped men of their kindred ; and now the harmless boy,
who had been cherished as an only child and the future sachem of their tribes — ^the last of
the family of Massasoit — ^was sold into bondage, to toil as a slave under the suns of Ber-
muda.' Of the once prosperous Narragansets of old, the chief tribe of New England, hardly
one hundred remained. The sword, famine, fire, and sickness had swept them from the
earth. « During ^the whole war the Mohegans remained fiiithful to the English, and not
a drop of blood was shed on the happy soil of Connecticut. So much the greater was. the
loss in the adjacent colonies. Twelve or thirteen towns were destroyed. The disbursements
and losses equaled in value half a million of dollars — an enormous sum for the few of that
day. More than six hundred men, chiefly young men, the flower of the country, of whom
any mother might have been proud, perished in the field. As many as six hundred houses
were burned. Of the able-bodied men in the colony, one in twenty had fallen ; and one
family in twenty had been burned out. The loss of lives and property was, in proportion
' Benjamin Church was bom at Doxbary, in 1639. He was the first white settler at Seaoonnet, oi
Little Compton. He was the most active and noted combatant of the Indians during King Philip's war,
and when Philip was slain, Charch cut off his head with his own hands. The sword with which he per-
formed the act is in the cabinet of the Massachusetts Historical Society (see page 562, ante). In 1689,
Church was oommissicmed by President Hinckley, of Plymoath, and the governors of Maine and Massaoho-
setts, commander-in-chief of a force sent against the Eastern Indians. He continued making expeditions
against them until 1704. In his old age he was corpulent. A fall from his horse was the cause of his
death, which occurred at Little Compton, January 17, 1718, at the age of seventy-seven years. Under his
direction his son prepared a history of the Indian wars, which was published in 1716.
' The disposal of this child was a sobject of much deliberation. Several of the elders were urgent to put
him to death. It was finally resolved to be mercifuly and send him to Bermuda, to be sold into slavery.
Such was the fate of many Indians, a fate to them worse than death. During the war the government of
Plymouth gave thirty shillingrs for every head of an Indian killed in battle, and Philip's brought the same
price. Their living bodies brought a high price in Bermuda, and probably more living Indian heads went
thither than dead ones to the market at Plymouth. Witamo, the squaw sachem of Pocasset, shared in the
disasters of Philip. She was drowned while crossing a river in her flight. Her body was recovered, and
the head cut ofi* and stuck upon a pole at Taunton, amid the jeers of the whites and the tears of the cap-
tive Indians. The body of Philip was beheaded and quartered, according to the sentence of the English
law against traitors. One of his hands was g^ven to the Indian who had shot him, and on the day appointed
for a pablic thanksgiving, his head was carried in triumph into Plymouth. What a mockery of Christian-
ity I Men, guilty of gross injustice to a race that had befriended them, lifting their hands toward heaven
reeking with the blood of those they had injured, and singing 7> Deum Laudamut^ or praising Ood for his
providential care I No Providence for the poor Indian, because be had neither cunning, skill, nor gun-
powder!
Digitized by
Google
664 PICTORIAL FIELP-BOOK
Sufferings of UieColonlfta. A Happy Change. Capture of the Pigot by Tdbot
to numbers, as distressing as in the Revolutionary war. There was scarce a family from
which Death had not selected a victim.''' Thus ended the first general Indian war in New
England. Righteousness, sitting upon the throne of judgment, has long since decided the
question of equity ; and we, viewing the scene at a distance, can not fail to discern the true
verdict against the avaricious white man.
Those dark days of distress and crime are passed away forever. The splendors of an Oc-
tober sun, which then shed 4 radiance over the forests and the waters, beautiful as now, no
longer light up the ambuscade of the red men, oi the hiding-places of the pale-faces larking
for blood. "From the bald eminence on which I stand, the land of Philip and Canonchet,
of Witamo and Miantonomoh, and the broad waters where they sported in peace, are spread
out to the eye beautiful as the " Happy Valley," and upon the whole domain rest the be-
neficent influences of love, harmony, righteousness, and peace. Let us, then, endeavor to
forget the gloomy past, and leave upon memory only the bright vision of the present.
The vision was bright indeed, but it was the sheen of the glacier. The unclouded sun
and the uncurbed north wind wrestled for the mastery. The latter was the victor, and,
until I was warmed at the table of Mr. Anthony, I could not fully comprehend the charms
which I had beheld while half frozen among the mounds of the old fortress on the hill.
I returned to Newport by the way of Vaucluse, on the eastern road, where I sketched
the great sycamore pictured on page 653, which is standing upon the bank of the Seaconnet
or Eastern Channel. Near the mouth of this passage, a little below Vaucluse, occurred one
of those events, characterized by skill and personal bravery, which make up a large portion
of the history of our war for independence. In order to close up this channel, when the
French fleet appeared off* Newport, the British converted a strong vessel of two hundred
tuns into a galley, and named it Figot, in honor of the commander on Rhode Island. Its
upper deck was removed, and on its lower deck were placed twelve eight-pounders, which
belonged to the Flora, that was sunk in Newport harbor, and also ten swivels. Thus
armed, she was a formidable floating battery. Major Silas Talbot, whose exploits had al-
ready won the expressed approbation of Congress, proposed an expedition to capture or de-
stroy this vessel, for it effectually broke up the local trade of that section. Greneral Sulli-
van regarded his scheme as impracticable, but finally consented to give Talbot permission to
make the attempt. A draft of men for the purpose was allowed, and with sixty resolute
patriots, Talbot sailed from Providence in a coasting sloop called the Hatok, which he had
fitted out for the purpose. Armed with only three three-pounders, besides the small arms
of his men, he sailed by the British forts at Bristol Ferry, and anchored within a few miles
of the Pigot. Procuring a horse on shore, he rode down the east bank and reconnoitered.
The galley presented a formidable appearance, yet the major was not daunted. At nine
o'clock in the evening, favored with a fair wind, and accompanied by Lieutenant Helm, of
Rhode Island, and a small re-enforcement, Talbot hoisted the anchor of the Hawkt and with
a kedge-anchor lashed to the jib-boom to tear the nettings of the Pigot, he bore down upon
that vessel. It was a very dark night in October. Under bare poles he drifted past
Fogland Ferry fort without being discovered, when he hoisted sail and ran partly un-
der the stem of the galley. The sentinels hailed him, but, returning no answer, a volley
of musketry was discharged at the Hawk without eflect. The anchor tore the nettings and
grappled the fore-shrouds of the Pigot, enabling the assailants to make a free passage to her
deck. With loud shouts, the Americans poured from the Hawk, and drove every man of
the Pigot into the hold, except the commander, who fought desperately alone, with no other
mail than shirt and drawers, until he perceived that resistance was useless. The Pigot was
surrendered, with the officers and crew. Her cables were coiled over the hatchways, to se-
cure the prisoners below, and, weighing anchor, Talbot, with his prize, entered the harbor
of Stonington the next day. This bold adventure was greatly applauded, and, on the 1 4tb
of November following, Congress complimented Talbot and his men, and presented him with
> Bancroft, ii., 108, 109.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
665
Promotioo of Talbot
Deputore from Nswport
Adieu to New England.
Halleck's ** Connecticat"
a oommission of lieutenant colonel in the anny of the United States.^
transferred to the navy, in which service we shall meet him again.
I reached Newport at four o'clock, and at sunset was on hoard
the Empire State^ a nohle Sound steam-hoat (which was partially
destroyed hy fire a few weeks afterward), hound for New York.
We passed old Fort Canonicut and Fort Adams, and out of the
harhor at twilight ; and at dark, leaving the Beaver>tail light he-
hind, we were breasting the moon-lit waves of the ocean toward
Point Judith. I now bade a final adieu to New England, to visit
other scenes hallowed by the struggle of our fathers for liberty.
Oflen since has the recollection of my visit there come up in mem-
ory like a pleasant dream ; and never can I forget the universal
kindness which I received during my brief tarry among the people
of the East.
" They love their land because it is their own,
And scorn to give aught other reason why \
Would shake hands with a king upon his throne,
And think it kindness to his majesty ;
A stabbom race, fearing and flattering none.
Such are they nurtured, such they live and die,
All, but a few apostates, who are meddling
With merchandise, pounds, shillings, pence, and peddling \
" Or, wandering through the Southern countries, teaching
The ABC from Webster's spelling-book ;
Gallant and godly, making love and preaching,
And gaining, by what they call * hook and crook,*
And what the moralists call overreaching,
A decent living. The Virginians look
Upon them with as favorable eyes
As Gabriel on the Devil in Paradise.
" But these are but their outcasts. View them near,
At home, where all thoir worth and pride are placed ;
And there their hospitable fires bum clear,
And there the lowliest farm-house hearth is graced
With manly hearts; in piety sincere;
Faithful in love, in honor stem and chaste.
In friendship warm and trae, in danger brave.
Beloved in life, and sainted in the grave.'*
Halleck's " Cokkecticut."
^ See Tuokerman's Life of TaXbot; JowmaU of Congress, iv., 471.
He was aflerward
Canonicut, ok Dvkpxjkos
FOBT
Digitized by
Google
666 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The HudBon HigfalandB. Newburgfa. The Indian Sammer. Itioharaeter
CHAPTER XXIX. .
" By wooded bluff we steal, by leaning lawn,
By palace, village, cot, a sweet surprise
At every turn the vision breaks upon ;
Till to our wondering and uplifted eyes
The Highland rocks and hills in solemn grandeur rise.
" Nor clouds in heaven, nor billows in the deep.
More graceful shapes did ever heave or roll ;
Nor came sueh pictures to a painter's sleep,
Nor beam'd such visions on a poet's soul !
The pent-up flood, impatient of control.
In ages past here broke its granite bound,
Then to the sea in broad meanders stole,
While ponderous ruin strew'd the broken ground.
And these gigantic hills forever closed around."
Theodore S. Fat.
VERY place made memorable by Revolutionary events has an interest
^^ in the mind and heart of the American, and claims the homage of re-
gard from the lover of freedom, wheresoever he may have inspired his
first breath. But there are a few localities so thickly clustered with asso-
ciations of deep interest, 'that they appear like fuglemen in the march of
events which attract the historian's notice. Prominent among these are the
Highlands, upon the Hudson, from Haverstraw to Newburgh, the scenes of
councils, battles, sieges, triumphs and treason, in all of which seemed to be
f\ involved for the moment, the fate of American liberty. Thitherward I journeyed
at the commencement of our beautiful Indian summer,' the season
"When first the frost
^ Turns into beauty all October's charms ;
When the dread fever quits us ; when the storms
Of the wild equinox, with all its wet,
Has left the land as the first deluge left it,
With a bright bow of many colors hung
Upon the forest tops,"
Braxneed.
and rambled for a week among those ancient hills and the historic grounds adjacent. I ar-
rived at Newburgh on the morning of the 25th of October. The town is pleasantly
situated upon the steep western bank of the Hudson, sixty miles from New York, and
in the midst of some of the finest scenery in the world, enhanced in interest to the student
of history by the associations which hallow it. In the southern suburbs of the village, oo
the brow of the hill, stands the gray old fabric called " The Hasbrouck House," memorable
^ The week or ten days of warm, balmy weather in autumn, immediately preceding the advent of winter
storms, when, as Irving says of Sleepy Hollow, a " drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land
and pervade the very atmosphere," appears to be peculiar to the United States, and has attracted the «^
tention of travelers and philosophers. It is called Itidian tummer, because it occurs at a season when the
natives gathered in their crops of maize or Indian com. The atmosphere is smoky, and so mellows the
sunlight that every object wears the livery of repose, like the landscapes of Southern Italy. The cause of
the warmth and other peculiarities of this season is an unexplained question. It is the season when the
fallen leaves of our vast forests begin to decay. As decadence is slow combustion, may not the heat evolved
in the process produce the efiects noticed ?
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
667
The ** Haibrouck Home** tnd Vicinity. lU intarior conitractioii. Pnrchaiedby tte State. Ceremonies at its Dedication.
as the head-quarters of Washington »t the dose of the Revolution. From the rickety pi-
azza or stoop on the riv-
er front may be seen the
historic grounds of Fish-
kill, New Windsor, Plumb
Point, PoUopers Island,
and the Beacon Hills;
and through the mighty
gateway in the Highlands,
whose posts are Break-
neck and Butter Hills,
in altitude fifteen hund-
red feet, appear glimpses
of distant West Point
and the amphitheater of
mountains which surround
it. Let us take a peep
within the venerable mansion ; and as the morning sun is shining pleasantly upon the
porch, we will there sit down, and glance over the pages of the old clasped volume, the vade
mecum and Mentor of our journey.
The front door opens into a large square room, which was used by Washington for his
public audiences, and as a dining hall. It is remarkable for the fact that it has seven doors,
and only one window. Of the two doors on the lefl in the picture, the nearest one to the
spectator was the entrance to the chief's sitting-room ; the other, to his bed-room. There
is no plaster ceiling above ; the heavy beams, nine inches wide and fourteen deep, com-
pletely exposed, give it a strong as well as antique appearance. Properly taken care ef,
WaSBINOTOK'S HXAD-qUABTXBS AT NKWBUmOH.*
^ This view is from the northisast, comprising the north gable and east or river front. The house is sub-
stantially boilt of stone, and is now (1850) just one hundred years old. This remark applies only to the
portion containing the large room with seven doors, and the two bed-rooms on the north of it. This portion
was built in 1750. Afterward a kitchen was built on the south end, and in 1770 an addition was made to
it, on the west side, of the same length and height of the old part. The dates of the first and last additions
are cut in the stones of the building. The fire-place in the large room is very spacious, " in which,'' says
Mr. Eager, " a small bullook might have been turned upon a spit."* The house has been in the posses-
sion of the Hasbronck family (one of the oldest of the Huguenot families in the county) from the time of its
erection until recently, when it was purchased by the State of New Tork for the purpose of preserving it
as a relic of the Revolution. It is placed in charge of the trustees of the village of Newburgh, who are re-
' quired to expend a certain amount in repairs, ornamenting the grounds, &c. The family residing in the
house is employed for the purpose of receiving and attending visitors. The house has been thoroughly
repaired since the above sketch was made, under the direction of an advisory committee for its restoration
and the embellishment of the grounds. Some of the modem alterations within have been changed, and the
whole appearance of the edifice is now as much like that of the era of the Revolution as it is possible to
make it. Interesting ceremonies were had upon the occasion of its dedication, on the 4th of July, 1850.
There was a civic and military procession. The ceremonies on the green before the house were opened
with prayer by Reverend Doctor Johnson, and an address by J. J. Monell, Esq., of Newburgh. While a
choir was singing the following last stanza of a beautiful ode, written by Mrs. Monell,
* With a pnyer jonr faith ezproMlng;
Raise our coontry*! flag on high ;
Here, where reats a nation's blessing,
Stan and stripes shall float for aye I
Mutely telling
Stirring tales of days gone by,**
major-general Scott, who was present, hoisted the American flag npon a lofty staff erected near. The
Declaration of Independence was read by Honorable F. J. Betts, after which Honorable J. W. Edmonds
pronounced an oration, marked by evidences of much historic research. Henceforth this venerated relic be-
longs to the people of New Tork ; and doubtless its cabinet of Revolutionary remains, already begun, will
be augmented by frequent donations, until a museum of rare interest shall be collected there.
* HiMary ofOrmn^M County,
Digitized by
Google
668
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
WMhington'i Diniag-haD. Anecdote eoscerning it Lady Washington'! Gardening.
Settlemeat of lUewhut^
this relic of the Revolution may remain another century. The timbers are sound, the walls
massive, and the roof and weather-boards were well preserved.
1783.
Thb Dinino-halx., OB Room with Sxvxiv Doobs.^
Lady Washington was a resident of the "Hasbrouck House" during the summer of 1783,
and, in gratification of her taste for gardening, a large space in front of the house was culti-
vated by her. Mr. Eager, the historian of Orange county, informed me that within his re-
membrance the brick borders of her flower-beds remained. Washington, with his lady, left
there about the middle of August, to attend upon Congress, then in session at Prince-
ton, New Jersey, leaving the portion of the Ck>ntinental army then in service under
the command ofXreneral Knox. The commander-in-chief did not return to Newburgh, but
made his Jiead-quarters, for a few days in November, at West Point, from whence he re-
Noremberss^ paired to Ncw York and took possession of that city on its evacuation by the
1783. British troops.
Orange county was among the first settled portions of the State of New York. It was
organized in 1683 ; its name was given in honor of William, prince of Orange, afterward
King of England. The first permanent settlers in the county were Germans, and their
original location was in the present town of Newburgh, at a place called by the Indians
Quassaic, on a creek of that name, a little below the village. They obtained a patent from
Queen Anne, in 1719, for twenty-one hundred and ninety acres, extending north from the
Quassaic Creek, and proceeded to lay out a village which they called New Burgh or New
* In the December number of the New York Mirror for 1834, is an interesting account of this old build-
ing, by Gulian C. Verplanck, Esq. He relates the following anecdote connected with this room, which he
received from Colonel Nicholas Fish, father of the late governor of the State of New York. Just before
La Fayette's death, himself and the American minister, with several of his countrymen, were invited to dine
at the house of that distinguished Frenchman, Marbois, who was the French secretary of legation here dur-
mg the Revolution. At the supper hour the company were shown into a room which contrasted quite oddly
with the Parisian elegance of the other apartments where they had spent the evening. A low boarded,
painted ceiling, with large beams, a single small, uncurtained window, with numerous small doors, as well
as the general style of the whole, gave, at first, the idea of the kitchen, or largest room of a Dutch or Bel-
gian farm-house. On a long rough table was a repast, just as little in keeping with the refined kitchens of
Paris as the room was with its architecture. It consisted of a large dish of meat, uncouth-looking pastiy,
and wine in decanters and bottles, accompanied by glasses and silver mugs, such as indicated other habits
and tastes than those of modern Paris. '* Do you know where we now are ?" said the host to La Fayette
and his companions. They paused for a few minutes in surprise. They had seen something like this be-
fore, but when and where ? "Ah I the seven doors and one window," said La Fayette, " and the silver
camp-goblets, such as the marshals of France used in my youth I We are at Washuigton's head-quarters
on the Hudson, fifty years ago 1"
The view here given is from the west door of the dining-haU, looking out of the east door upon the Hud-
son, the green fields of FishkiU, and the North Beacon of the Highlands, whereon the Americans lighted
watch-fires when occasion demanded it. The fire-place on the right is within the area of the room, having
a heavy hewn stone for a hack-log. The visitor may stand there, and look up the broad-mouthed chimnej
to the sky above.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 669
Pim SetdemeMti in Orange CoQDtj. Indian Wart. SafRsringaofdid Pfcple. Attack on Minirink.
Town. Five hundred acres were reserved as glebe land, and under favorable auspices the
village of Newburgh was founded. The Grermans in time became dissatisfied, sold out their
patent and dispersed, some going to Pennsylvania, and others to the Mohawk country. Some
English, Irish, New Englanders, and a few Huguenots from Ulster filled their places, and
flourishing settlements were soon planted along the river, or upon the rich bottoms of the
water-courses. They also spread interiorly, and Groshen, Minisink, Wawarsing, and other
thriving towns started up in the midst of the red men. The ante-revolutionary history of
this section of the state is full of stirring incidents, for the wily Indian, properly suspicious
of the pale faces, was ever on the alert to do them damage ; and the privations, alarms,
and sufierings of those who opened the fertile bosom of the country to the sun and rain, and
spread broad acres of cultivation where the deer grazed in shady solitudes, compose a web
of romance wonderful indeed. And when the Revolution broke out, and the savages of the
Mohawk Valley and of Western New York were let loose upon the remote settlements, the
people of Orange county were intense sufierers, particularly those upon its firontier settle-
ments, in the direction of the wilderness. The Tories and their savage associates spread
terror in every direction, and in Wawarsing and vicinity many patriots and their families
were the victims of ambuscade or open attack. But I will not repeat a tale of horror such
as we have already considered in viewing the history of the Mohawk Valley. The atroci-
ties committed in Orange county were but a counterpart in character and horror of the for-
mer.' Strong houses were barricaded and used as forts ; the people went armed by day,
and slept armed at night ; and almost hourly murder and rapine stalked boldly abroad. It
was a time of darkest misery ; and not until the Indian power of the West was broken, and
the Tories failed to receive their aid, was the district blessed with quiet.
The invasion of Mmisink,' alluded to in a former chapter, was one of those prominent
links in the chain of Indian and Tory depredations, that I may not pass it over with only
brief mention. Here let us consider it. There were very few engaged in the battle that
ensued, yet that few fought with wonderful valor, and sufi^red a terrible slaughter.
Count Pulaski and his legion of cavalry were stationed, during a part of the winter of
1778*9, at Minisink. In February, he was ordered to South Carolina, to join the army
under Lincoln. The settlement was thus lefl wholly unprotected, which being perceived
by Brant, the accomplished Mohawk warrior, he resolved to make a descent upon it. Dur-
ing the night of the 1 9th of July, at the head of sixty Indians, and twenty-seven Tories
disguised as savages, he stole upon the little town, and before the people were aroused
from their slumbers he had fir^ several dwellings. With no means for defense, the inhab-
itants sought safety in flight to the mountains, leaving their pretty village and all their
worldly goods a spoil to the invaders. Their small stockade fort, a mill, and twelve houses
and barns were burned, several persons were killed, some taken prisoners, the orchards and
plantations were laid waste, cattle were driven away, and booty of every kind was carried
to Grassy Brook, on the Delaware, a few miles above the mouth of the Lackawaxen, where
the chief had left the main body of his warriors. When intelligenoe of this invasion reached
Goshen, Doctor Tusten, colonel of the local militia, issued orders to the officers of his regi-
ment to meet him at Minisink the next day^ with as many volunteers as they could muster.
The call was promptly responded to, and one hundred and forty-nine hardy men were gath-
ered around Tusten the following morning. Many of these were principal gentlemen of the
vicinity. A council was held, and it was unanimously determined to pursue the invaders.
' For details of the trials of the settlers, and the atrooities committed by the Indians and Tories in this
flection, see a pamphlet pahlished at Rondout, entitled " The In diars ; or, Narratives of Mauaerts, ^e.^
in Wawarting and it$ Victnity during the American RevolutionJ*^
' Minisink was one of the most ancient settlements in Orange coonty. It was in extstence as a white
Mttlement as early as 1669, when a severe battle was fought with the Indians on the 22d of Jnly, ninety
years, to a day, previous to the conflict in question. From that time until the Revolution it was ohen the
scene of strife with the red men, and almost every dell, and rock, and ancient tree has its local tradition.
The place of the ancient settlement is situated ahont ten miles northwest of Goshen, among the Shawan-
gunk Mountains, between the Wallkill and the Navasink Valleys.
Digitized by
Google
670 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Intemperate zeal of the Vohmteen. Unwise DeeUlon. Battle of MinSsink. Iti Location. * The Maaiaem
Colonel Tusten, who well kneW the skill, prowess, caution, and crafUness of Brant, opposed
the measure, as a hazardous undertaking with so small a force. He was overruled, and the
debates of the council were cut short by Major Meeker, who mounted his horse, flourished
his sword, and shouted, «* Let the brave men follow me ; the cowards may stay behind !"
These words ignited the assembly, and the line of march was immediately formed. They
traveled' seventeen miles, and then encamped for the night. The next morning, Colonel
Hathorn, of the Warwick militia, with a small re-enforcement, joined them. He was Tns-
ten's senior officer, and took the command. They resumed their march at sunrise, and at
Half-way Brook came upon the liidian encampment of the previous night ; the smoldering
watch-fires were still smoking. The number of these fires indicated a large savage force,
and the two colonels, with the more prudent of the company, advocated, in council, a return,
rather than further pursuit. But excited bravado overcame prudence, and a large rnajority
determined to pursue the Indians ; the minority yielded, and the march was resumed.
A scouting party, under Captain Tyler, was sent forward upon the Indian trail. The
pursuers were discovered, and a bullet from an unseen foe slew the captain. There was
momentary alarm ; but the volunteers pressed eagerly onward, and at nine in the morning
they hovered upon the high hills overlooking the Delaware near the mouth of the Lacka-
waxen. The enemy were in AiU view below, marching in the direction of a fording-place.
Hathorn determined to intercept them there, and disposed his men accordmgly. The inters
vening hills hid the belligerents from each other. Brant had watched the movements of
his pursuers, and comprehending Hathorn's design, he wheeled his column, and thridding
a deep and narrow ravine which the whites had crossed, brought his whole force in the
rear of the Americans. Here he formed an ambuscade, and deliberately selected his battle
ground. '
The volunteers were surprised and disappointed at not finding the enemy where they ex-
pected to, and were marching back when they discovered some of the Indians. One of
them, mounted on a horse stolen at Minisink, was' shot by a militia-man. This was a sig-
nal for action, and the firing soon became general. It was a long and bloody conflict. The
Indians were greatly superior in numbers, and a detachment of Hathom*s troops, consisting
of one third of the whole, became separated from the rest at the commencement of the en-
gagement. Closer and closer the savages pressed upon the whites, until they were hemmed
within the circumference of an acre of ground, upon a rocky hill that sloped on all cades.
The ammunition of the militia was stinted, and they were careful not to fire at random and
without aim. Their shots were deadly, and many a red man was slain. The conflict be-
joiy 22, E^^ ^^ eleven o'clock, and continued until the going down of the sun, on that long
^'^' July day. At twilight the battle was yet undecided, but the ammunition of the
whites being exhausted, a party of the eiiemy attacked and broke their hollow square at one
comer. The survivors of the conflict attempted to retreat. Behind a ledge of rocks. Doctor
Tusten had been dressing the wounds of the injured during the day. There were seventeen
men under his care when the retreat commenced. The Indians fell upon them furiously,
and all, with the Doctor, were slain. Several who attempted to escape by swimming across
the Delaware were shot by the Indians ; and of the whole number that went forth, only
about thirty returned to relate the dreadfiil scenes of the day.^ This massacre of the wound-
ed is one of the darkest stains upon the memory of Brant, whose honor and humanity were
often more conspicuous than that of his Tory allies. He made a weak defense of his con-
duct by asserting that he ofiered the Americans good treatment if they would surrender ;
* The place of conflict is about two miles from the northern bank of the Delaware, and the same distance
below the LeckatNuhsin or Lackawaxen River. It is aboat three miles from the BarryviUe station, on the
New York and Erie rail-road. The battle ground and the adjacent region continue in the same wild state
as of old, and over the rocky knolls and tangled ravines where the Indians and the Goshen militia fooght,
wild deer roam in abundance, and a panther occasionally leaps npon its prey. The place is too rocky Sot
cultivation) and most ever remain a wilderness. At the Mohackamack Fork (now Port Jervis, on the Del-
aware) was a small settlement, and a block-house, called Jersey Fort.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
671
Braatfi DefeoM. Effect of the llaMacre. Salyation of Bbjor Wood. Interment of the Remains of UieSUds. Monument
that he warned them of the fierceness of the thirst for blood that actuated his warriors,
and that he could not answer for their conduct after the first shot should be fired ; and that
his humane proposition was answered by a bullet from an American
musket, which pierced his belt.*
Goshen and the Burrounding country was filled with the voice of
mourning, for the flower of the youth and mature manhood of that
region was ^in. The massacre made thirty-three widows in the
Presbyterian congregation at Goshen. At the recital, a shudder ran
throughout the land, and gave keenness to the blade and fierceness
to the torch which, a few weeks afterward, desolated the Indian par-
adise in the country of the Senecas and Cayugas.
Orange county labored much and sufiered much in the cause of
freedom. Newburgh and New Windsor, within it, having been the
chosen quarters of Washington at different times, from December,
1780, until the conclusion of peace in 1783, and a portion of that
time the chief cantonment of the American army, the county is a
conspicuous point in the history of the war. At the close of 1780,
the army was cantoned at three
points : at Morristown, and at
Pompton, in New Jersey, and
at Phillipstown, in the Hudson
Highlands. Washington es-
tablished his head-quarters at
MoNUUKirr at Gosubn.*
^ During the battle, Major Wood, of Goshen, made a masonic sign, by accident, which Brant, who was
a Free-mason, perceived and heeded. Wood's life was spared, and as a prisoner he was treated kindly, nntil
the Mohawk chief perceived that he was not a Mason. Then, with withering scorn, Brant looked upon
Wood, believing that he had obtained the masonic sign which he nsed, by deception. It was purely an ac-
cident on the part of Wood. When released, he hastened to become a member of the fraternity by whose
instrumentality his life had been spared. The house in which Major Wood lived is yet standing (though
much altered), at the foot of the hill north of the rail-way station at Goshen. The house of Roger Town-
send, who was among the slain, is also standing, and well preserved. It is in the southern part of the vil-
age. The Farmtn^ Hall Academy^ an old brick building, two stories high, and now used for a district
school-house, is an object of some interest to the visitor at Goshen, from the circumstance that there Noah
Webster, our great lexicographer, once taught school. An old gentleman of the village informed me that
he had often seen him at twilight on a summer's evening in the grove on the hill northward of the rail- way
station, gathering up the manuscripts which he had been preparing in a retired spot, after school hours.
' In 1822, the citizens of Orange county collected the bones of those slain in the battle of Minbink,
which had been left forty-three years upon the field of strife, and caused them to be buried near the center
of the green at the foot of the main street of the village. On that occasion there was a great gathering of
people, estimated at fifteen thousand in number. The cadets from West Point were there, under the com-
mand of the late General Worth, then a major. The comer-stone was laid by General Hathom, one of the
survivors of the battle, then eighty years of age. He accompanied the act with a short and feeling address.
A funeral oration was pronounced by the Reverend James R. Wilson, now of Newburgh. Over these re-
mains a marble monument was erected. It stands upon three courses of brown freestone, and a stone pave-
ment a few feet square, designed to be surrounded by an iron railing. In consequence of neglecting to
erect the railing, the monument has suflered much from the prevailing spirit of vandalism which I have al-
ready noticed. Its comers are broken, the inscriptions are mutilated, and the people of Goshen are made
to feel many regrets for useless delay in giving that interesting memorial a protection. On the east side
of the pedestal is the following inscription :
Sacrid to the memory of their fellow-
**Erxctid by the inhabitants of Orange county, 22d July, 1822.
citizens who fell at the battle of Mimisink, 22d July, 1779.*'
Upon the other three sides of the pedestal are the following names of the slain :
" Benjamin Tusten, colonel ; Bezaleel Tyler, Samuel Jones, John Little, John Duncan, Benjamin Vail,
captains ; John Wood, lieutenant ; Nathaniel Finch, adjutant ; Ephraim Mastin, Ephraim Middaugh, en-
signs ; Gabriel Wisner, Esq., Stephen Mead, Mathias Terwilliger, Joshua Lockwood, Ephraim Ferger-
son, Roger Townsend, Samuel Knapp, James Knapp, Benjamin Bennet, William Barker, Jonathan Pierce,
fames Little, Joseph Norris, Gilbert Vail, Abraham Shepperd, Joel Decker, Nathan Wade, Simon Wait,
Talhnadge, Jacob Dunning, John Carpenter, David Barney, Jonathan Haskell, Abraham Williams,
Digitized by
Google
672 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Cantonment of the Anny near Newburgh. Head-qoarten of the Offloers. Nleola'a Propoaitlon to Waahingto^
New Windsor in December, 1780, where he remained until June, 1781, when the French,
who had quartered during the winter at Newport and Lebanon, formed a junction with the
Americans on the Hudson. In April, 1782, he established his head-quarters at Newburgh,
two miles above the village of New Windsor, where he continued most of the time until
November, 1783, when the Continental army was disbanded.
For a short time in the autumn of 1 782, while the head-quarters of Washington were at
Newburgh, the main portion of the army was encamp^ at Verplanck's Point, in pursuance '
of an engagement with Rochambeau to form a junction of the American and French forces
at that place, on the return of the latter from Virginia. The allies marched eastward late
in autumn, when the American army crossed the Hudson at West Point, traversed the
mountains, and arrived in the township of New Windsor on the 28th of November,
where it was hutted for the winter. The main portion of the army was encamped in
the neighborhood of Snake Hill ; of this we will write presently. Washington continued
his head-quarters at the stone house at Newburgh ; Generals Knox and Greene, who had
the immediate command of the chief forces and of the artillery, were quartered at the house
of John Ellison (now Captain Charles Morton's), in the vicinity of the main camp near
Snake Hill ; Gates and St. Clair, with the hospital stores, were at Edmonston's, at The
Square ; La Fayette was at William Ellison's, near by ; and the Baron Steuben was at
the house of Samuel Verplanck, on the Fishkill side of the river.
At Newburgh occurred one of the most painful events in the military life of Washington.
For a long time the discontents among the officers and soldiers in the army respecting the
arrearages of their pay and their future prospects, had been increasing, and in the spring of
1 783 became alarmingly manifest. Complaints were frequently made to the conmiander-
m-chief. Feeling the justice of these complaints, his sympathy was fully alive to the inter-
ests of his companions in arms. Colonel Nicola, an
experienced officer, and a gentleman possessed of
V ^^^"^1^ much weight of character, was usually the medi-
um for communicating to him, verbally, their com-
plaints, wishes, and fears. In May, Colonel Nicola
addressed a letter to Washington, the tenor of which struck harshly upon the tenderest chord
in that great man's feelings. Afler some general remarks on the deplorable condition of the
army, and the little hope they could have of being properly rewarded by Congress, the col-
onel entered into a political disquisition on the difierent forms of government, and came to
the conclusion that republics are, of all others, the least susceptible of stability, and the least
capable of securing the rights, freedom, and power of individuals. He therefore inferred
that America could never become prosperous under such a form of government, and that the
English government was nearer perfection than any other. He then proceeded to express
his opinion that such a government would be the choice of the people, after due considera-
tion, and added, " In this case it will, I believe, be uncontroverted, that the same abilities
which have led us through difficulties apparently insurmountable by human power to vic-
tory and glory — ^those qualities, that have merited and obtained the universal esteem and
veneration of an army — ^would be most likely to conduct and direct us in the smoother paths
of peace. Some people have so connected the idea of tyranny and monarchy as to find it
very difficult to separate them. It may, therefore, be requisite to give the head of such a
constitution as I propose some title apparently more moderate ; but, if all other things were
once adjusted, I believe strong arguments might be produced for admitting the title of king,
which I conceive would be attended with some national advantage." How amazingly Col-
onel Nicola, and those officers and civilians (and they, doubtless, were i^ot a few) whom he
represented, misapprehended the true character of Washington, may be readily inferred from
the prompt and severe rebuke which they received from his hand. The commanAer-in-chief
replied as follows :
Tames Mosher. Isaac Ward, Baltos Nierpos, Gamaliel Bailey, Moses Thomas, Eleaser Owens, Adam Em-
bler, Samuel Little, Benjamin Dunning, Samuel Reed."
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 673
Washington'! Letter of Rebuke to NicoU. Patriotinn of the Chief. Discontent! in ttie Army. Memorial to Congreaa
<« Sir,— With a mixture of great surprise and astonishment, I have read with attention
the sentiments you have submitted to my perusal. Be assured, sir, no occurrence in the
course of this war has given me more painful sensations than your information of there being
such ideas existing in the army as you have expressed, and which I must view with abhor-
rence and reprehend with severity. For the* present, the communication of them will rest
in my own bosom, unless some further agitation of the matter shall make a disclosure nec-
essary. I am much at a loss to conceive what part of my conduct could have given en-
couragement to an address which to me seems big with the greatest mischiefs that can befal]
my country. If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself, you could not have found a
person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. At the same time, in justice to my
owi\ feelings, I must add, that no man possesses a more serious wish to see ample justice
done to the army than I do ; and, as far as my power and influence, in a constitutional way,
extend, they shall be employed to the utmost of my abilities to efiect it, should there be
any occasion. Let me conjure you, then, if you have any regard for your country, concern
for yourself or posterity, or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind, and
never communicate, as from yourself or any one else, a sentiment of the like nature. I
am, &c."»
In this afiair the disinterested patriotism of Washington shone with its brightest luster.
At the head of a victorious army ; beloved and venerated by it and by the people ; with per-
sonal influence unbounded, and with power in possession for consummating almost any po-
litical scheme not apparently derogatory to good government, he receives from an officer
whom he greatly esteems, and who speaks for himself and others, an ofler of the scepter of
supreme rule and the crown of royalty ! What a bribe !' Yet he does not hesitate for a
moment ; he does not stop to revolve in his mind any ideas of advantage in the proposed
scheme, but at once rebukes the author sternly but kindly, and impresses his signet of stron-
gest disapprobation upon the proposal. History can not present a parallel.
The apprehensions which this event produced in the mind of Washington, though allayed
for a while, were painfully revived a few months later. The same circumstances of present
hardship and gloomy prospects that disturbed the army when Nicola addressed Washington,
not only continued to exist, but reasons for discontent daily increased. Ailer the return of
the army from Verplanck's Point, and their settlement in winter quarters in the neighbor-
hood of Newburgh and New Windsor, the officers and soldiers had leisure to reflect upon
their situation and prospects. Expecting a dissolution of the Revolutionary government
when peace should be established, and a thorough reorganization of civil and military af-
fairs, they apprehended great difficulties and losses in the adjustment of their claims, partic-
ularly those appertaining to the long arrearages of their pay. They were aware of the pov-
erty of the treasury and the inefficiency of the existing government in commanding resources
for its replenishment ; a condition arising from the disposition of individual states to deny
the right of Congress to ask for pecuniary aid from their respective treasuries in satisfying
public creditors. This actual state of things, and no apparent security for a future adjust-
ment of their claims, caused great excitement and uneasiness among the officers and
soldiers, and in December they addressed a memorial to Congress on the subject of
their grievances.' A committee, composed of General M*Dougal, Colonel Ogden, and Col-
onel Brooks, were appointed to carry the memorial to Philadelphia, lay it before Congress,
and explain its import. Congress appointed a committee, consisting of a delegate from each
state, to consider the memorial. The committee reported, and, on the 25th of Jan-
uary. Congress passed a series of resolutions, which were not very satisfactory. In
^ Sparks^s Lift and WHHngi of WoiMngton^ \ciii., 300, 302. Washington's letter to Colonel Nioola is
dated at Newborgh, 22d May, 1782.
' This memorial comprehended five different articles : 1. Present pay; 2. A settlement of the aoooonts
of the arrearages of pay, and security for what was dne ; 3. A oommatation of the half-pay authorized by
different resolutions of Congress, for an equivalent in gross ; 4. A settlement of the accounts of deficiencies
of rations and compensation; 5. A settlement of the accounts of deficiencies of clothing and compensation
I. U u
Digitized by
Google
r,7 4
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
RatuIntlotM of CoocreM raipeetiBf ClalBU. The Army Hfll dittitiited. AetkmoftlMOfloen. tUior Axautnm^
regard to pretent pay» the rapeiintendent of finance was directed to make ** such payment
and in such measure as he shall think proper/' as soon as the state of public finances would
permit. In relation to arrearages and the settlement of accounts, it was resolved '* that the
several states be called upon to complete, without delay, the settlements with their respects
'ive lines of the army, up to the 1st day of Au-
gust, 1783, and that the superintendent of
finance be directed to take such measures as
shall appear to him most proper for efiecting
the settlement from that period." Ck>ncem-
ing security for what should be found due on
such settlement, Congress declared, by resolu-
tion, that they would *< make every efibrt in
their power to obtain firom the respective
states substantial funds, adequate to the ob-
ject of funding the whole debt of the United
States, and will enter upon an immediate and
full consideration of the nature of such funds,
and the most likely mode of obtaining them."*
In these resolutions, Congress, feeble in
actual power and resources, made no definite
promises of present relief or future justice ; and
when Greneral Knox, who had been appointed
by the army to correspond with their commit-
tee, reported the facts, the discon- pebnnry 8,
tent and dissatisfaction was quite as ^^'^
great as before the action of Congress. Some thought it necessary to further make known
their sentiments and enforce their claims, and to this end it was deemed advisable to act
with energy. A plan was arranged among a few ** for assembling the officers, not in mass,
but by representation ; and for passing a series of resolutions, which, in the hands of their
committee, and of their auxiliaries in Congress, would furnish a new and powerful lever" of
operation. Major John Armstrong,* Greneral Gates's aid-de-camp, a young officer of six-and-
/t^/ucc ^<^y^^^^^-^
' Jfmmah of Congreu^ viii., 82. The remainder of the report was referred to a oommittee consisting
of Messrs. Mann, Osgood, Fitzsimmons, Gervais, Hamikon, and Wilson.
' John Armstrong was bora at Carlisle, in Pennsylvania, on the 25th of November, 1758. He was the
youngest of two sons of General John Armstrong, of Carlisle, distingnished by his services in the French
and Indian war in 1756. In 1775, at the most critical period of the American Revolution, young Arm-
strong, then a student of Princeton College, joined the army as a volunteer in Potter's Pennsylvania regi-
ment. He was soon after appointed aid-de-camp by Greneral Hugh Mercer, and remained with him till
the connection was severed on the bloody field of Princeton by the death of his chief. He subsequently oc-
cupied the same position in the family of Major-general Ga^es, and served through the campaign which
ended in the capture of Burgoyne. In 1780 he was made adjutant general of the Southern army, but fell-
ing sick of fever on the Pedee, was succeeded by Colonel Otho Williams, a short time previous to the de-
feat at Camden. Resuming his place as aid, he remained with General Gates till the oloee of the war.
He was the author of the celebrated Aeici6iir^A Addrtun^ the object of which has been greatly misrepre-
sented, and very generally misunderstood. They were intended to awaken in Congress and the States a
sense of justice toward its creditors, particularly toward the army, then about to be disbanded without re-
quital for its services, toils, and suflferings. General Washington, in 1797, bore testimony to the patriotio
motives of the author.
Armstrong's first civil appointments were thoee of Secretary of the State of Pennsylvania, and adjutant
general, under Dickenson's and Franklin's administrations; posts which he oontinoed to ooeupy till 1787,
when he was chosen a member of the old Congress. In the autumn of the same year, he was appointed by
Congress one of the three judges for the Western Territory ; this ai^potntment he declined, and having mar-
ried, in 1789, a sister of ChanceUor Livingston, of New York, removed to that state. Here he purchased a
farm, and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits ; and, though offered by President Washington, in 1793,
f he place of United States supervisor of the collection of internal revenue in the State of New Tork, he de-
clined this and other invitations to public office, until, in the year 1800, he was elected United States sen-
ator by an almost unanimous vote of botn houses of the Legislature. Ilaving resigned in 1 802, he was again
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 675
MeetiDg of Offloen privately called. ' Anonymooa Addren to the Army. Dangerous Tendency of its Recommendationi>
twenty, and possessing much ability, was chosen to write an address to the army suited to
the subject ; and this, with an anonymous notification of a meeting of the officers, was cir*
culated privately.^ The address eidiibits superior talents, and was calculated to make a
deep impression upon the minds of the malcontents. Referring to his personal feelings, and
his sacrifices for his country, the writer plays upon the sensibilities of his readers, and pre-
pares their minds for a relinquishment of their faith in the justice of their country, already
weakened by circumstances. " Faith," he says, " has its limits as well as temper, and there
are points beyond which neither can be stretched without sinking into cowardice or plung-
ing into credulity. This, my friends, I conceive to be your situation ; hurried to the verge
of both, another step would ruin you forever. To be tame and unprovoked, when injuries
press hard upon you, is more than weakness ; but to look up for kinder usage, without one
manly efibrt of your own, would Bx your character, and show the world how richly you de-
served the chains you broke." He then takes a review of the past and present — their
wrongs and their complaints — their petitions and the denials of redress — and then says,
'* If this, then, be your treatment while the swords you wear are necessary for the defense
of America, what have you to expect from peace, when your voice shall sink, and your
strength dissipate by division ; when those very swords, the instruments and companions of
your glory, shall be taken from your sides, and no remaining mark of military distinction
left but your wants, infirmities, and scars ? Can you, then, consent to be the only suffer-
ers by the Revolution, and, retiring from^the field, grow old in poverty, wretchedness, and
contempt ? Can you consent to wade through the vile mire of dependency, and owe the
miserable remnant of that life to charity, which has hitherto been spent in honor ? If
you can, go, and carry with you the jest of Tories and the scorn of Whigs ; the ridicule,
and', what is worse, the pity of the world ! Gro, starve, and be forgotten."
The writer now changes firom appeal to advice. " I would advise you, therefore " he
says, <* to come to some final opinion upon what you can bear and what you will sufier. If
your determination be in proportion to your wrongs, carry your appeal from the justice to
the fears of government. Change the milk-and-water style of your last memorial ; assome
elected in 1803, and, the year following, appointed by Mr. Jeflerson minister plenipotentiary to France ;
which post, at a very critical period of oar relations with that conntry, he filled with distinguished ability
for more than six years, discharging incidentally the functions of a separate mission to Spain with which
he was invested.
In 1812 he was appointed a brigadier general in the United States army, and commanded in the city of
New York until called by Mr. Muiison, in 1813, to the War Department. This office he accepted with
reluctance, and with little anticipation of success to our arms. In effecting salutary changes in the army,
by substituting young and able officers for the old ones who had held subwdinate stations in the army of
the Revolution, he made many enemies. The capture of the city of Washington in 1814 led to his retire-
ment from office. Public opinion held him responsible for this misfortune, but, as documentary history has
shown, without justice. No man took office with purer motives, or retired from it with a better clum to
have faithfully discharged its duties.
General Armstrong died at his residence at Red Hook, N. T., on the 1st of April, 1843, m the eighty,
fifth year of his age. He was among the remarkable men of a remarkable generation. The productions
of his pen entitle him to rank with the ablest writers of his time and country. These consist of a volumin-
ous correspondence, diplomatic and military ; a valuable treatise on agriculture, the result of some expe-
rience and much reading ; and " Notices of the War of 1812^" a work written with great vigor of style.
The portrait of Greneral Armstrong, printed on the preceding page, is from a painting in possession of his
daughter, Mrs. William B. Astor, drawn from life by John Wesley Jarvis.
^ This notice was circulated on the 10th of March, 1783. It was in manuscript, as well as the anony-
mous address that followed. The originals were carried by a -major, who was a deputy inspector under
Baron Steuben, to the office of Barber, the adjutant general, where, every morning, aids-de-camp, majors
of brigades, and adjutants of regiments were assembled, all of whom, who chose to do so, took copies and
I'irculated them. Among the transcribers was the adjutant of the commander-in-chiefs guard, who prob-
ably furnished him with the copies that were transmitted to Congress. The following is a copy of the
anonymous notification :
" A meeting of the field officers is requested at the Public Building on Tuesday next at eleven o^dook.
A commissioned officer from each company is expected, and a delegate from the medical stafi*. The object
of this convention is to consider the late letter of our representatives in Philadelphia, and what measures
(if any) should be adopted to obtain that redress of grievances which they seem to have solicited in vuin.''
Digitized by
Google
676 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
B<^ Tone of the AddnM. Similar Opiniona held by HandltoiL Wiahingtoii'i Coontenictidn. Second anoaymoai Addre«
a bolder tone, decent, but lively, spirited, and determined ; and suspect the man who would
advise to more moderation and longer forbearance/ Let two or three men who can feel as
well as write, be appointed to draw up your last remonstrance — for I would no longer give
it the suing, soft, unsuccessful epithet of fnemorial" He advises them to talk boldly to
Congress, and to warn that body that the slightest mark of indignity from them now would
operate like the grave, to part them and the army forever ; " that in any political event, the
army has its alternative. If peace, that nothing shall separate you from your arms but
death ; if war, that, courting the auspices and inviting the direction of your iUustrious lead-
er you will retire to some unsettled country, smile in your turn, * and mock when their fear
Cometh on.' Let it represent, also, that should they comply with the request of your late
memorial, it would make you more happy, and them more respectable."
A copy of these papers was put into Uie hands of the commander-in-6hief on the day of
their circulaticm, and he wisely determined to guide and control the proceedings thus b^gon,
rather than to check and discourage them by any act of severity. In general orders the
March u, Q^^t moming, he referred to the anonymous papers and the meeting. He express-
^783. Q^ }|jg disapprobation of the whole proceeding as disorderly ; at the same time, be
requested that the general and field officers, with one officer from each company, and a propei
representation of the staff of the army, should assemble at twdve o'clock on Saturday the
1 5th, at the New Building (at which the other meeting was called), for the purpose of hear-
ing the report of the committee of the army to Congress. He requested the senior officer
in rank (General Gates) to preside at the meeting. On the appearance of this order, the
writer of the anonymous address put forth another, rather more subdued in its tone, in which
he sought to convince the officers that Washington aj^roved of the scheme, the time of
meeting only being changed. The design of this interpretation the commander-in-chief^took
care to frustrate, by conversing personally and individually with those officers in whose good
sense and integrity he had confidence. He impressed their minds with a sense of the dan-
ger that must attend any rash act at such a crisis, inculcated moderation, and exerted all
^ This sentence, particularly alluded to by Washington in his address to the officers, was the one which
drew down npon the head of the writer the fiercest anathemas of public opinion, and he alone has been held
responsible for the suggestion that the army should use its power to intimidate Congress. Such a concla-
sion is unwarrantable. It is not likely that a young man of twenty-six, acting in the capacity of aid^
should, without the promptings of men of greater experience who surrounded him, projpose so bold a meas-
ure. It is well known, too, that many officers, whose patriotism was never suspected, were privy to the
preparation of the address, and suggested many of its sentiments ; and there can be no reasonable doubt
that General Grates was a prominent actor. Nor was the idea confined to that particular time and place.
General Hamilton, one of the purest patriots of the Kevolution, wrote to Washington from Philadelphia, a
month before (February 7, 1783), on the subject of the grievances of the army, in which he held similtr ■
language. After referring to the deplorable condition of the finances, the prevailing opinion in the annj '
" that the disposition to recompense their services will cease with the necessity for them," and lamenting
"that appearances afibrd too much ground for their distrust,'' he held the following language: "It be-
comes a serious inquiry. What is the true line of policy ? The clainu of the army, urged teith moderation
btU with firmness, may operate on those weak minds which are influenced by their apprehensions more than
by their judgments, so as to produce a concurrence in the measures which the exigencies of affairs demand.
They may add weight to the applications of Congress to the several states. So £bu:, a useful turn may be
given to them."* What was this but " carrying their appeal from the justice to the fears of government ?"
Hamilton further remarked, that the diffioufty would be " to keep a complaining and suffering army within
the bounds of moderation ;" and advised Washington not to discountenance their endeavors to procure re-
dress, but, " by the intervention of confidential and prudent persons, to take the directuM of tAem." Hamil-
ton was at that time a member of Congress. In a letter to him, written on the 12th of March, Washington
remarked that all was tranquillity in the camp until after the arrival from Philadelphia of " a certain gen-
tleman" (General Walter Stewart), and intimated that the discontents in the army were made active bj
members of Congress, who wished to see the delinquent states thus forced to do justice. Hamilton, in re-
ply, admitted that he had urged the propriety " of uniting the influence of the public creditors" (of vrhom
the soldiers were the most meritorious) " and the army, to prevail upon the states to enter into their view8.''t
But, while Hamilton held these views, he deprecated the idea of the army turning its power against the
civil government " There would be no chance of success," he said, " without hafing recourse to means
that would reverse our Revolution."!
* See the Life of Hamiiton, by hiB ion, John C. Hunilton, IL, 47. t Ibid^ U, 7L t lUd.. ^ ^
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OP THE REVOLUTION. 677
UodCing called by WMhingfeon. Mi^or Burnetts BacoUectiooa. Waahington'a Addr«M to the Oflken.
his powers of argument to appease their discontents. They were thus prepared to deliber-
ate in the proposed convention without passion, and under a deep sense of the responsibili-
ties which rested upon them as patriots and leaders.
The meeting was held pursuant to Washington's orders. There was a full attendance
of officers, and deep solemnity penraded the assembly when the commander-in-chief stepped
forward upon the platform to read an address whicH he had prepared for the occasion.'
This address, so compact in construction of language ; so dignified and patriotic ; so mild,
yet so severe, and, withal, so vitally important in its relation to the well-being of the unfold-
ing republic and the best interests of human freedom, I here give entire, in a foot-note, for
a mere synopsis can not do it justice.'
' Major Robert Bamet, of Little Britain, Orange coanty, who was one of the offioen present, informed
me {hat the most profound silence pervaded the assembly when Washington arose to read his address. As
he put on his spectacles,* he said, ** You see, gentlemen, that I have not only grown gray but blind in your
service." This simple remark, under such circumstances, had a powerful effect upon the assemblage.
Humphreys, in his L\fe of Putnamy mentions this oiroumstanoe ; so, also, does Mr. Hamilton, in the Lift
of his lather.
' " Gentlsmen, — By an anonjrmous summons, an attempt has been made to convene you together ; how
inconsistent with the rules of propriety, how unmilitary, and how subversive of all order and discipline, let
the good sense of the army decide. In the moment of this summons, another anonymous production was
sent into circulation, addressed more to the feelings and passions than to the reason and judgment of the
army. The author of the piece is entitled to much credit for the goodness of his pen, and I could wish he
had as much credit for the rectitude of his heart ; for, as men see through different optics, and are induced
by the reflecting iaoulties of the mind to use different means to attain the same end, the author of the ad-
dress should have had more charity than to mark for suspicion the man who should recommend moderation
and longer forbearance ; or, in other words, who should not think as he thinks, and act as he advises.
** But he had another plan in view, in which candor and liberality of sentiment, regard to justice, and
love of country have no part ; and he was right to insinuate the darkest suspicion to effect the blackest de-
sign. That the address is drawn with great art, and is designed to answer the most insidious purposes .
that it is calculated to impress the mind with an idea of premeditated injustice in the sovereign power ot
the United States, and rouse all those resentments which must unavoidably flow from such a belief; that the
secret mover of this scheme, whoever he may be, intended to take advantage of the passions while they were
warmed by the recollection of past distresses, without giving time for cool, deliberate thinking, and that
composure of mind which is so necessary to give dignity and stability to measures, is rendered too obvious,
by the mode of conducting the business, to need other proofs than a reference to Uie proceedings.
" Thus much, gentlemen, I have thought it incumbent on me to observe to you, to show upon what prin.
ciples I opposed the irregular and hasty meeting which was proposed to have been held on Tuesday last,
and not because I wanted a disposition to give you every opportunity, consistent with your own honor and
the dignity of the army, to make known your grievances. If my conduct heretofore has not evinced to
you that I have been a faithful friend to the army, my declaration of it at this time would be equally una-
vailing and improper. But, as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our conmion country j
as I have never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty ; as I have been the
constant companion and witness of your distresses, and not among the last to feel and acknowledge your
merits ; as I have ever considered my own military reputation as inseparably connected with that of the
army ; as my heart has ever expanded with joy when I have heard its praises, and my indignation has arisen
when the mouth of detraction has been opened against it, it can scarcely be supposed, at this last stage of
the vrar, that I am indifferent to its interests. But how are they to be promoted ? The way is plain, says
the anonymous addresser. ** If war continues, remove into the unsettled country ; there establish yourselves,
and leave an ungrateful country to defend itself." But who are they to defend ? Our wives, our children,
our farms, and other property which we leave behind us ? or, in this state of hostile separation, are we to
take the two first (the latter can not be removed), to perish in a wilderness, with hunger, oold, and na^
kedness?
** If peace takes place, never sheathe your swords," says he, " until you have obtained full and ample just-
ice. This dreadful alternative of either deserting our country in the extremest hour of her distress, or turn-
ing our arms against it — which is the apparent object — ^unless Congress can be compelled into instant com-
pliance, has something so shocking in it, that humanity revolts at the idea. My God 1 what can this wnter
have in view by recommending such measures ? Can he be a friend to the army ? Can he be a friend to
this country ? Rather, is he not an insidious foe ? some emissary, perhaps, from New York, plotting the
* It is nid that the identlcsl ipectadet used bj Washington during the Rerohition are now (1850) in the possession of an aged
lady, named Marsh, who resides in Detroit, Michigan. They came to her from a deeeased relattye, who exchanged spectacles
with the general. '* They are of a heary silTer tnme,** says the Detroit Adrertiaer, ^ with very large, round glasses, and appar
Hntly constnietsd after the stylo we hare been accnstomed to see, in the books, upon the nose of Red Biding Hood*s grand*
mother.*
Digitized by
Google
678 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Waahington'i Addresf. Actkm of the Meeting of OfficezB. A ttroiig Reeolutfioa
Afler reading the address, Washington retired without uttering a word, leaving the offi-
cers to deliberate without restraint. Their conference was brief; their deliberations short.
They passed resolutions, by unanimous vote, thanking their chief for the course he had pur-
sued ; expressing their unabated attachment to his person and their country ; declaring their
unshaken confidence in the good faith of Congress, and their determination to bear with pa-
tience their grievances, until in due time they should be redressed.* These proceedings were
ruin of both, by sowing the seeds of discord and separation between the civil and military powers of the
Continent ? And what a compliment does he pay to our understandings, when he recommends measures,
in either alternative, impracticable in their nature ?
" But, here, gentlemen, I will drop the curtain, because it would be as imprudent in me to assign my
reasons for this opinion, as it would be insulting to your conception to suppose you stood in need of them.
A moment's reflection will convince every dispassionate mind of the physical impossibility of carrying either
proposal into execution. There might, gentlemen, be an impropriety in my taking notice, in this address
to you, of an anonymous production ; but the manner in which that performance has been introduced to the
army, the efieot it was intended to have, together with some other circumstances, will amply justify my ob-
servations on the tendency of that writing.
*^ With respect to the advice given by the author, to suspect the man who shall reconunend moderate
measures and longer forbearance, I spurn it, as every man, who regards that liberty and reveres that justioo
for which we contend, undoubtedly must *, for, if men are to be precluded firom oaring their sentiments on
a matter which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences that can inrite the consideration
olf mankind, reason is of no use to us. The freedom of speech may be taken away, and dumb and silent we
may be led, like sheep, to the slaughter. I can not, in justice to my own belief, and what I have great reason
to conceive is the intention of Congress, conclude this address, without giving it as my decided opinion that
that honorable body entertains exalted sentiments of the services of the army, and, from a full oonvictioD of
its merits and sufferings, will do it complete justice ; that their endeavors to discover and establish funds
for this purpose have been unwearied, and will not cease till they have succeeded, I have not a doubt But,
like all other large bodies, where there is a variety of different interests to reconcile, their determinations are
slow. Why, then, should we distrust them, and, in consequence of that distrust, adopt measures which may
cast a shade over that glory which has been so justly acquired, and tarnish the reputation of an army which.
IS celebrated through all Europe for its fortitude and patriotism ? And for what is this done ? To bring
r'ne object we seek nearer ? No ; most certainly, in my opinion, it will cast it at a greater distance. For
myself (and I take no merit in giving the assurance, being induced to it from principles of gratitude, verac-
ity, and justice, a grateful sense of the confidence you have ever placed in me), a recollection of the cheer-
ful assistance and prompt obedience I have experienced from you under every vicissitude of fortune, and the
sincere affection I feel for an army I have so long had the honor to commeind, will oblige me to declare, in
this public and solemn manner, that in the attainment of complete justice for all your toils and dangers, and
in the gratification of every wbh, so far as may be done consistently with the great duty I owe my coun-
try, and those powers we are bound to respect, you may freely command my services to the utmost extent
of my abilities.
" While I give you these assurances, and pledge myself in the most unequivocal manner to exert what-
ever ability I am possessed of in your favor, let me entreat you, gentlemen, on your part, not to take any
measures, which, viewed in the calm light of reason, will lessen the dignity and sully the glory you have
hitherto maintained. Let me request you to rely on the plighted faith of your country, and place a full
confidence in the purity of the intentions of Congress, that, previous to your dissolution as an army, they
will cause all your accounts to be fairly liquidated, as directed in the resolutions which were published to
you two days ago, and that they will adopt the most effectual measures in their power to render ample jus-
tice to you for your faithful and meritorious services. And let me conjure you, in the name of our common
country, as you value your own sacred honor, as you respect the rights of humanity, and as you regard
the military and national character of America, to express your utmost horror and detestation of the man
who wishes, under any specious pretenses, to overturn the liberties of our country, and who wickedly at-
tempts to open the flood-gates of civil discord, and deluge our rising empire in blood.
'* By thus determining and thus acting, you will pursue the plain and direct road to the attainment of
your wbhes ; you will defeat the insidious designs of our enemies, who are compelled to resort from open
force to secret artifice ; you will give one more distinguished proof of unexampled patriotism and patient
virtue rising superior to the pressure of the most complicated sufferings ; and you will, by the dignity of
your conduct, afford occasion for posterity to say, when speaking of the glorious example you have exhib-
ited to mankind, * Had this day been wanting, the world haid never seen the last stage of perfection to which
human nature is capable of attaining.* — Journals of Congress^ viii., 180-183.
^ One of the resolutions is expressed in the following strong language :
" Resolved unanimouslify That the officers of the American army view with abhorrence and reject with
disdain the infamous propositions contained in a late anonymous address to the ofiicers of the army, and re-
sent with indignation the secret attempts of some unknown persons to collect the officers together in a man
ner totally subversive of all discipline and ^ood order."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 679
Raeord of ProoeedlngB tent to Congr«M. Wiahingtoii'i Opinion 'of Armftrong*! MotiT««. Oa fiiurewell AddroM
signed by General Gates, as president of the meeting ; and on the 1 8th, Washing- March.
ton, in general orders, expressed his entire satisfaction. All the papers relating to ^^^
the afiair were transmitted to Congress, and entered at length upon their Journals.'
It was in this old building at Newburgh, on the porch of wJ^ich we are sitting, that
Washington wrote his address to the officers, on the occasion just considered ; and here, also,
lie penned his admirable circular letter addressed to the governors of all the states, on dis-
banding the army. This was his last official communication with these function- juq^ g,
aries. *' This letter," says Sparks, " is remarkable for its ability, the deep interest ^^^'
it manifests for the officers and soldiers who had fought the battles of their country, the
soundness of its principles, and the wisdom of its counsels. Four great points he ^ims to
enforce, as essential in guiding the deliberations of every pubhc body, and as claiming the
serious attention of every citizen, namely, an indissoluble union of the states ; a sacred re-
gard to public justice ; the adoption of a proper military peace establishment ;' and a pacific
and friendly disposition among the people of the states which should induce them to forget
local prejudices, and incline them to mutual concessions for the advantage of the community.
These he calls the pillars by which alone independence and national character can be sup-
ported. On each of these topics he remarks at considerable length, with a felicity of style
and cogency of reasoning in all respects worthy of the subject. No public address could
have been better adapted to the state of the times ; and coming from such a source, its in-
fluence on the minds of the people must have been efiectual and most salutary.'*' The
Legislatures that were then in session passed resolves highly commendatory of the public
acts of the commander-in-chief ; and he received letters from several of the governors, ex-
pressing their thanks and gratitude for his long and successful services in the cause of his
country.
Many of the troops now went home on furlough, and Washington, having leisure, pro-
At that time the anther of the anonymous addresses was unknown except to a few j and for forty year»
there was no certainty in the public mind that Major Armstrong was the writer. That he was generally
sospeoted of bemg the author, among those who were acquainted with his abilities, is evident from a letter
to him written by Colonel Timothy Pickering, in after years, in which he says, that so certain was he, at
the time, of the identity of the author, that he endorsed the copy of the address which he received, "Writ-
ten by Major John Armstrong, Jr.'' An article appeared in the January number of the United States
Magazine for 1823, in which the author, understood to be General Armstrong, avowed himself the writer
of the Newburgh Addresses. The article in question contains a history of the event we have been just con-
sidering, and defends the course of the writer on that occasion with the plea that apparent urgent necessity
justified the act. Subsequent events proved the writer to be mistaken in his views, and his proposition to
be highly dangerous to the common good. General Armstrong has, consequently, been greatly censured,
and his patriotism has been questioned by writers and speakers who have judged him by results instead of
by the circumstances in which he was placed. I can see no reason to doubt the purity of his motives and
the sincerity of his patriotism. Other men, as we have noticed in a preceding note, who were far above
suspicion, held similieur views. Unfortunately for his reputation, in this particular, he was the aid-de-oamp
and confident of Gates, whose ambition had made him a plotter against Washington. In fact, the com-
mander-in-chief plainly alluded to Gates, when, writing to Hamilton concerning the scheme, he said that
4ome believed it to be " the illegitimate offspring of a person in the army."
It appears that the first president was made acquainted with the authorship of these addresses toward
the close of his second administration, some fourteen years after they were penned. His estimate of the
motives of the writer may be understood by the following letter, acldressed to Armstrong :
« Philadelphia, February S3d, 1797.
" Sir,— Believing that there may be times and occasions on which my opinion of the anonymous letters
and the author, as delivered to the army in the year 1783, may be turned to some personal and malignant
purpose, I do hereby declare, that I did not, at the time of writing my address, regard you as the author
of said letters ; and further, that I have since had sufficient reason for believing Uiat the object of the author
was just, honorable, and friendly to the country, though the means suggested by him were certainly liable
to much misunderstanding and abuse.
** I am, sir, with great regard, your most obedient servant, Georgi Washington."
^ Joumali of Congreu^ vol. viii.
' Washington proposed the establishment of a military academy at West Point as early as April, 178^
His proposition will be hereafter noticed.
> Sparks'sZt/e ani Writingt of WathingUm^ i., 395.
Digitized by
Google
680
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
WaBhington'i Tour to the Northern Battle Fields. Called to Prineeton. A Statue ordered by Congren. Qeneral Cttatoa
ceeded up the Hudson with Governor Clinton to visit the principal fields of military opera-
tions at the north. He passed over the hattle ground at Stillwater, with Grenerals Schuyler
and Gansevoort, and extended his journey as far northward as Ticonderoga and Crown
Point, and westward to Fort Schuylqr (now Rome), on the Mohawk. He returned to New-
burgh after an absence of nineteen days, where he found a letter firom the President of Con-
gress requesting his attendance upon that body, then in session at Princeton, in New Jer-
sey. While he was awaiting the convalescence of Mrs. Washington, and preparing to go,
Congress conferred upon the chief the distinguished honor of voting, unanimously, that an
equestrian statue of him should be executed by the best artist in Europe, imder the direction
of the minister of the United States at the court of Versailles, and erected at the place where
the residence of Congress should be established.^ Like other similar memorials authorized
by Congress to be made in honor of their servants, this statue has never been constructed.
Upon the lawn before us, now covered with the matted and dull-green grass of autumn,
Washington parted with many of his subalterns and soldiers forever, on the day he left the
Augiutie, army to attend upon Congress at Princeton. It was an affecting prelude to the
^''^ final parting with his official companions in arms at Fraunce's tavern, in New
York, a few months subsequently, and furnishes a noble subject for the pencil of art. The
scenery is beautiful and grand, and here I would fain loiter all the day, musing upon the
events which hallow the spot ; but the sun has climbed high toward meridian, and I must
hasten away to adjacent localities, all of which are full of interest.
I left^Newburgh toward noon, and rode
down to New Windsor, two miles below, along
a fine sandy road upon the beach. The little
village, once the rival of Newburgh, is nestled
in a pleasant nook near the confluence of
Chambers's Creek with the Hudson, on the
western rim of the bay. Its sheltered position
and fertile acres wooed the exploring emi-
grants from Ireland, who were seeking a place
whereon to pitch their tents on the banks of
the Hudson, and here some of them sat
down. Among them was Charles Clin-
ton ; and at a place called Little Britain, a
few miles interior, were bom his four sons;
two of whom, James and George, were dis-
tinguished men of the Revolution. The for-
mer was a major general in the army, and the
latter a brigadier, and Governor of New York
during the contest.
New Windsor claims the distinction of
being the birth-place of Gt>vemor Dewitt
Clinton, a son of General James Clinton ;
ITSL
^ The (bllowing is a description of the proposed statue, as given in the resolution of Congress adopted on
the 7th of August, 1783 :
" Rtiolvtd, That the statue be of bronze : the general to be represented in a Roman dress, holding a
truncheon in his right hand, and his head encircled with a laurel wreath. The statue to be supported by a
iTMirble pedestal, on which are to be represented, in basso relievo, the following principal events of the war,
in which General Washington commanded in person, viz., the evacuation of Boston ; the capture of the
Hessians at Trenton ; the battle of Princeton ; the action of Monmouth ; and the surrender of York. On
the upper part of the front of the pedestal to be engraved as follows : The United States in Congress as-
sembled, ordered this statue to be erected in the year of our Lord 1783, in honor of George Washingtoo,
the illustrious commander-in-Kshief of the armies of the United States of America, during the war which vin-
dicated and secured their liberty, sovereignty, and independence."
' A biographical sketch of General Clinton may oe found on page 272, anttt and also a brief notice of
his father on page 255
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
681
A vvry little ICaiden.
HerDignitj.
Plum Point
Fortifications there.
An Acroetic
but evidence is adduced to prove that a violent snow storm, which detained his mother at
'* the Fort,'* in Deerpark, the residence of her brother, deprived the village of the intended
honor. ^ Although denied the distinction of the paternity of a great man, it can boast the
residence, for a time, of one of the smallest of women, beautiful, witty, and good. The name
of this *' pretty, charming little creature" was Anna Brewster ; her height, in womanhood,
three feet ; her symmetry of form perfect ; her face sweet and intelligent ; her mind active
and pure ; her extraction truly noble, for her ancestor was Elder Brewster, of the May
Flower. Too little to be .wooed, too wise to be won, she was loved and admired by every
body. She lived a charming maiden until she was seventy-five years old, when she
died. Filly years before, a rustic poet, inspired by her charms during an evening
passed in her company, portrayed her character in verse.' Mrs. Washington, pleased with
the sprightly little maiden, invited her, on one occasion, to visit her at head-quarters while
the chief was at New Windsor,' but she declined, believing it to be curiosity rather than
respect that prompted the invitation. It was a mistake ; but she had through life such a
dig^iified self-respect, that it repelled undue familiarity, and closed all opportunities for the
indulgence of prying cu*
riosity.
From New Windsor
I rode to Plum Island,
or Plum Point, the fine
estate of Philip A. Ver-
plandc, Esq. At high
tide, this alluvial height,
which rises about one
hundred and twenty feet
above the Hudson, is an
island, approached by a
narrow causeway from
the main, which bridges
a rivulet, with a heavy
stone arch. Murderer's
Creek washes its south,
western border, and a
RKMAXsn or FoBTmcATXONS at Plttm Point.«
marsh and rivulet in-
close it upon the land
side. Upon a broad, lev-
el table -land of some
thirty-five acres in ex-
tent, stands the mansion
of Mr. Verplanck, noted
for the beauty and gran-
deur of the scenery which
encompasses it. Accom-
panied by the proprietor,
I strolled down the wind-
ing pathway to the. base
of the steep river bank,
where, overgrown by a
new forest, are well-pre-
served remains of a for-
tification, erected there
' See Eager's Hittory of Orange County, page 630.
' His poetic eflbrt prodaced the foHowing
"ACROSnc
"A pretty, chaiming little creature.
N eat and complete in erery feature,
M ow at New Windaor may be seen,
A 11 beanteooa in her air and mien.
B irth and power, wealth and iiune,
R ise not to view when her we name :
E Tery Tirtae in her thine,
W isely nice, bat not o'er fine.
S he ha* a aoul thaf • great, *tia said,
T hough imall'i the body of this maid :
£ 'en though the caaket it but small,
R eaaon prodaima Uie Jewel*8 all."
October B,Vm.
^ Washington established his head-quarters at New Windsor village, first on the 23d of Jane, 1779, and
again toward the close of 1780, where he remained till the sununer of 1781. He liyed at a plain Dutch
house, long since decayed and demolished. In that humble tenement Ladj Washington entertained the most
distinguished officers and their ladies, as well as the more obscure who sought her friendship. On leaving
New Windsor in June, 1781, Washington established his quarters, for a short time, at Peekskill.
* This view is from the interior of the redoubt looking eastward upon the river. In the distance is seen
Pollopel's Island, near the upper entrance to the Highlands, beyond which rise the lofty Beacon Hills,
whereon alarm-fires often gleamed during the war.
Digitized by
Google
682
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Redoabt on Plum Point
Chevauz-de-lrifle.
Anecdote.
Head-qoarten of Oreeoe and Kiox.
partly at an early period of the war, and partly when the American army was in the vicin-
ity. It was a redoubt, with a battery of fourteen guns, and was designed to cover strong
chevaux-de-frise and other obstructions placed in the river, and, extending from the flat be-
low Murderer's Creek to FoUopers Island/ It would also rake the river channel at the
opening in the Highlands. The chevavaj-de-frise were constructed under the superintend-
ence of Captain Thomas Machin, in the summer of 1778. Had they and the strong re-
doubt on Plum Point been in Existence a year sooner, the marauding expedition of Vaughau
and Wallace, up the Hudson, could not have occurred. The remains of this battery, the
old Continental road, and the cinders of the forges, extend along the river bank several hund-
red feet. The embrasures are also very prominent.
Mr. Verplanck pointed out the remains of the cellar of a log-house, which stood a little
above the battery, and belonged to a man named M'Evers, long before the Revolution.
M'Evers was a Scotchman, and when about to emigrate to America, he asked his servant,
Mike, if he would accompany him. Mike, who was faithful, and much attached to his
master, at once consented to go, saying, in illustration of the force of his love, *< Indeed, gude
mon, I'll follow ye to the gates o* hell, if ye gang there yersel'." The voyage was long
and tempestuous, and instead of entering New York harbor by the Narrows, the vessel sailed
through Long Island Sound and the East River. At the whirlpool called HiellgaU, the
ship struck upon the Hog's Back with a terrible crash. The passengers, in afiright, rushed
upon deck, and none was more appalled than Mike. ** What place is it ?" he exclaimed.
ply of a sailor. " God ha'
** I promised my master I'ti
but I didna say I'd ganir
sel floated off with the tide,
and Mike lived to be a
* Hellgate" was the short re-
mercy on me !'* groaned Mike ;
follow him to the gate o' hell,
through with him I" The ves-
arrived safely in New York,
gardener on Plum Point.
A pleasant ride of about
thre^ miles westward from
Plum Point placed me at the
residence of Charles F. Mor-
ton, Esq., a picturesque old
mansion on the south side of
the New Windsor road. It
was built about 1735' by John
Ellison, one of the first settlers
in New Windsor. The mate-
rial is stone, and its dormer windows an
and irregular roof g^ve it the appearance of a large
cottage in rural England. A living stream passes
through a rocky glen within a few yards of it. Just
below is the old mill, erected more than a hundred hkad-quahtkiis of gheknk a»d k»ox.>
years ago by the first proprietor ; nor has the monotonous music of its stones and hopper
yet ceased.
This old mansion was the head-quarters of Generals Greene and Knox while Washmgton
was domiciled at the Hasbrouck House in Newburgh, and it was from hence that the com-
* According to a survey made by Henry Wisner and Gilbert Livingston in the antunin of 1776, the cton-
nel of the river, wherein these cheoaux-de-frUe were placed, was about fifty feet deep, and eighty chains,
or about five thousand two hundred and eighty feet broad. The channel east of Pollopers Island vas not
deep enough for the passage of ships of war.
' One of the fire-plaoes has a cast-iron back, on which, in raised letters, is the date 1734.
' This view is from the turnpike road, looking southeast. The water in front is a mill-pond, over the dam
of which passes a foot-bridge. The mill is hidden by the trees in the ravine below. This side was orig-
inally the rear of the house, the old Goshen road passing upon the other side. The old front is a storr and
a half high. Captain Morton, the proprietor, is a son of the late General Jacob Morton, of New York city.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
683
Ball at the Qnartert of Greene and Knox.
Signaturee of yonng LacUea.
WaaUngton on Daneing.
The Square.
mander-in-chief, accompanied by those generals, after taking some refreshments, rode to the
*< New Building," to attend the meeting of officers convened by Washington on account of
the anonymous addresses just considered. Here the accomplished Lucy Knox gave her
choice soirees, graced by the presence of Mrs. Washington, and other ladies of taste and re-
finement with which that region abounded ; and here, if tradition is truthful, Washington
opened a ball on one occasion, having for his partner Maria Golden, then one of the pretty
belles of Orange county.*
I dined with Mr. Morton in the old drawing-room, which, with the other apartments, is
preserved by him, with scrupulous care, in the original style. The ceilings are high, and
the wainscoting displays architectural taste. The heavy window-sashes, with their small
squares of glass, remain ; very few of the panes have been broken and replaced since the
Revolution. On one of them, inscribed by a diamond, are the
names of three young ladies of the ** olden time" (Sally Jan-
son, Gitty Winkoop, and Maria Golden), one of whom was the
reputed partner of Washington at the ball. May not these
names have been written on that occa-
sion? Believing it probable, I copied
the signatures, and present them here
for the gratification of the curious and
the sentimental.
In October, 1777, the vicin-
(J^l<^&n^
^y^
C\rv^
ct
>Cn/iy
age we are now considering was
the scene of much commotion.
Forts Glinton and Montgomery, among the Hudson Highlands, fell beneath one heavy blow,
suddenly and artfiiUy dealt by a British force from New York, and the smitten odober 6,
garrisons were scattered like frightened sheep upon the mountains ; not, however, ^'^•
until they had disputed the possession of the fortresses with the besiegers long and desper-
ately. General James Glinton and his brother George were in command of the fortresses,
and escaped up the river. At a place afterward called Washington Square,* about four
^ I was infomied by the venerable Mrs. Hamilton that Washington ntver danced. He often attended balls
by invitation, and sometimes walked the figures, but she never saw him attempt to dance. Probably no lady
of that day, if we except Mrs. Knox, was more often at parties and social gatherings with Washington than
Mrs. Hamilton.
It may not be inappropriate here to give a copy of a letter on the subject of danoing, written by Wash-
ington a short time before his death. It was in reply to an invitation from a committee of gentlemen of
Alexandria to attend the dancing assemblies at that pkce. I copied it from the origbal in the Alexandria
Mnseom.
" 2b Messri. Jonathan Swift, O^orge Deneale^ William Newton, Robert Young, Charlei Alexander, Jr.,
JanuM H. Hoole, Manageri,
" Moont VerDon, 1301 Norember, 1799.
" GxitTLBMBN, — Mrs. Washington and myself have been honored with your polite inritation to the as-
semblies of Alexandria this winter, and thank you for this mark of yoor attention. But, alas ! our danoing
dairs are no more. We wish, however, all those who have a reUsh for so agreeable and innocent an amuse-
ment all the pleasure the season will aifibrd them ; and I am, gentlemen,
" Tour most obedient and obliged humble servant,
"Gxo. Washwotoii."
' " The Square*' is a small district of oonntry, and so called
from the fact that the public roads ran in such a drection as to
form a diamond-shaped indosure, as seen in the diagram, in
which a is the road to Newburgh ; b, to Goshen ; e, to Little
Britain ; and d, to New Windsor. 1 denotes the house of Mrs
Falls ; 2, the quarters of St. Clair and Gates ;* and, 3, the quar-
ters of La Fayette.
* There are two andent hontet at thU angle of "The Square," but I could not asoertaln which waa occupied byUioae ofBcert.
It ia probable, howoTcr, that the one on the northweat tide of the road, which ia aoppoaed to have been Edmonaton'a, wa«
•tx* one.
Digitized by
Google
M&8. Falls'b.^
684 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A spy in the American Camp. Dispatch in a allyer Bullet Name and Fate of the Spy
miles west of the village of New Windsor, Governor Clinton established his head-qaarten
at the honse of a Mrs. Falls, and there the dispersed troops were collected, preparatory to
their marching for the defense of Kingston.
At about noon on the 1 0th of October,
a horseman, apparently in great haste,
approached the disordered camp. The senti-
nel on duty challenged him, when he replied,
*" I am a friend, and wish to see General
Clinton." The horseman was a messenger,
bearing a secret dispatch from Sir Henry Clin-
ton to Burgo3nie, the latter being then hedged
round by the Americans at Saratoga. The
messenger supposed the American forces in the
Highlands to be utterly broken and destroyed,
and having never heard of a general Clinton*
in the patriot army, he believed himself to be among his friends. He was conducted to
Clinton's quarters, and, when ushered into his presence, he perceived his mistake. *I am
lost !" he exclaimed, in a half subdued voice, and immediately cast something into his mouth
and swallowed it. Suspicion was aroused, and he was arrested. Dr. Moses Higby, who
was then residing near Mrs. Falls's, was summoned. He administered to the prisoner a
powerful dose of tartar emetic, which soon brought from his stomach a silver bullet of an
oval form. Though closely watched, the prisoner succeeded in swallowing it a second time.
He now refused the emetic, but yielded when Governor Clinton threatened to hang him upon
a tree and search his stomach by the aid of the surgeon's knife. The bullet again appeared.
It was a curiously-wrought hollow sphere, fastened together in the center by a compound
screw. Within it was found a piece of thin paper, on which was written the following note :'
" Fort Montgomery, October 8, 1777.
" Nous y voici,^ and nothing now between us and Gates. I sincerely hope this little
success of ours may facilitate your operations. In answer to your letter of the 28th of Sep-
tember, by C. C.,' I shall only say, I can not presume to order, or even advise, for reasons
obvious. I heartily wish you success.
" Faithfully yours, H. Clinton.
" Gbn. Bubooynb."
The prisoner's guilt was clear ; out of his own mouth he was condenmed. Governor
Clinton soon afterward marched to Esopus, or Kingston, taking the spy with him. At
Hurley, a few miles from Kingston, he was trif^d, condemned, and hanged upon an apple-
tree near the old church, while the village of Esopus was in flames, lighted by the maraud-
ing enemy.*
' This house, now (1850) owned by Mr. Samuel Moore, is a frame building, and stands on the right side
of the New Windsor road, at the southeastern angle of " The Square." It is surrounded by locust and large
balm-of-Gilead trees. There Major Armstrong wrote the {nmams Newburgh JtddretteSf and there those in
the secret held their private conferences.
' The British officers in this country adhered pertinaciously to the resolution of not dignifying the rM
officers with their assumed titles. They were called Mr. Washington, Mr. Clinton, Mr. Greene, &c. It
is amusing to look over the Tory newspapers of the day, particularly Rivington's Gazette, and observe the
flippant and attempted witty manner in which the American generalissimo was styled Mister Washington.
' Letter of Governor Clinton to the Council of Safety, dated '* Head-quarters, Mrs. Falls's, 11th October,
1777."
♦ " Here we are." I copied this note from a transcript in the handwriting of Governor Clinton, which »
among the manuscripts of General Gates in the library of the New York Historical Society. It is endowed
" Sir Henry Clinton to J. Burgoyne, 8th of October, 1777, found in a silver bullet.*' That identical bullet
was, a few years ago, in the possession of the late General James Tallmadge, executor of the will of Governor
George Clinton. It is now the property of one of Clinton's descendants.
* Captain Campbell. See page 79, vol. i.
• The name of the spy was Daniel Taylor. He was a sergeant in the British service. The father of the
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
685
Site and probable Form of the 7«Mp{e.
View from it
The Camp Ground and Vicinity.
Leaving Mr. Morton's, I proceeded to visit the site of the " New Building," or Temple,
as it was called, where the meeting of officers was held. It is in a field now helonging to
Mr. William M'Gill (formerly to the late Jahez Atwood), upon a com- ^^
manding eminence about one hundred rods east of the road to Newburgh,
and two miles northward of Morton's. The day was foggy and drizzly,
and the distant scenery was entii;ely hidden from view ; but, on a second
visit, upon a bright summer day, with some Newburgh friends, I enjoyed
the magnificent prospect to be obtained from
that observatory. On the southeast loomed
the lofly Highlands, clell by the Hudson ;
North and South Beacons, and Butter Hill,
rising above their hundred lesser compan-
ions, were grouped in a picture of magnifi-
cence and beauty. Glittering in meridian
sunlight were the white houses of Cornwall Tbi tbkpls.»
and Canterbury ; and far up the slopes of the
mountains, stretching westward to Woodcock Hill, yellow grain-fields and acres of green maize
variegated the landscape. In the far distance, on the northwest, was the upper Shawan-
gunk range, and an occasional glimpse was caught of the blue high peaks of the Catskills,
sixty miles northward. Across the meadows westward we could distinctly trace the line of
the old causeway, constructed
while the army was encamp-
ed there ; and in the groves
which skirt the slopes (whith-
er we soon afterward went)
we found the remains of sev-
eral huts that were built for
the use of the soldiers.
The Temple was a large,
temporary structure, erected
by command of Washington
for the several purposes of a
chapel for the army, a lodge-
room for the fraternity of
Vkw of tbe Camp G»omn>.« Free - masons which existed
late Judge Woodward, of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, acted as judge-advocate on the oc-
casion. On page 389, ante, I have aUoded to this occurrence, and remarked that ^ngston was the place
of the execution of the spy. Hurley was then included in the township of Kingston.
^ This view is from the site of the Ttmple, looking southeast. In the distance is seen the opening of the
Highlands into Newburgh Bay. On the right is Butter Hill, and near it is the village of Cornwall. The
form and appearance of the Temple was drawn from the description given by Major Burnet, and doubtless
has a general resemblance to the original.
' This is from a painting by Tice, in my possession. The land on which the encampment on the west side
of the meadow was, is now owned chiefly by Gilbert Tompkins and Nathaniel Moore.
This view is from the land of Mr. Tompkins, looking east-southeast. On the slopes
seen in the foreground, and on the margin of the meadow beyond, Van Cortlandt^s
New York regiment, and the Maryland and Virginia troops were encamped. On the
east side of the meadow, upon the most distant elevation in the middle ground, the
New England troops were stationed. On the slope toward the right of that elevation
stood the Temple, In the distance is seen the upper entrance of the Hudson into the
Highlands. The meadow was formerly called Beaver Dam Swamp, from the circum-
stance that beavers constructed dams at the lower extremity, causing the waters to overflow the low grounds.
The Americans built • causeway across, and a stone dike, or levee, on the west side, to protect their parade.
I saw the remains of this causeway ; its site is marked by the light line across the flat. About a quarter
of a mile north of the site of the Temple is an ancient stone house, seen in the picture, the only dwelling
near in the time of the war. It was built by Samuel P. Brewster in 1768, as appears from an inscribed
»toc3 in the front wall. It was owned by a Mr. Moore. Its present occupant is Francis Weyant
Digitized by
Google
ri86
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Temple u described by M^Jor Burnet
Two living Patriots.
Visit to UajoT Bomet
among the officers, and for public meetings of various kinds. When erected, it was called
The Temple of Virtue ; when dedicated, the suffix was properly omittod, and it was named
simply The Temple. The orgies held on the occasion of its dedication disrobed it of its
mantle of purity. It was described to me by Major Burnet, who is still living (1851) in
the neighborhood, as a structure of rough-hewn logs, oblong square in form, one story in
height, a door in the middle, many windows, and a broad roof. The windows were square,
unglazed, and about the size of ordinary port-holes in a man-of-war. There was a small
gallery, or raised platform, at one end, for speakers and presiding officers. We traced, near
an old apple-tree in Mr. M'GiU's field, evident lines of the foundation of the building. It
must have been some eighty feet long and forty wide. On the crown of the hill northward
are traces of fire-places, and there, at the beginning of the present century, a long building
was standing. Some have supposed this to have been the Temple; it was only the bar-
racks for the New England troops stationed there. In a few years those faint land-marks
and that old apple-tree will be no more seen. The spot is consecrated by one of the loftiest
exhibitions of true patriotism with which our Kevolutionary history abounds. There love
of country, and devotion to exalted principles, achieved a wonderful triumph over the se-
ductive power of self-love and individual interest, goaded into rebellion against higher mo-
tives by the lash of apparent injustice and personal sufiering. It is, indeed, a hallowed spot ;
and if the old stone house at Newburgh is worthy of the fostering regard of the state be-
cause it was the head-quarters of the beloved Washington, surely the site of the Temple,
where he achieved his most glorious victory,
deserves some monument to perpetuate the
memory of its place and associations.
At Little Britain, a few miles from the
Temple, and within a quarter of a mile of
each other, reside two of the sons of Orange
county, who loved and served Washington and
their country in the war for independence.
These are Robert Burnet and Usual Knapp.
Of the once long list of Revolutionary pen-
sioners in Orange county, these only remain,
honored living witnesses of the prowess of those
who wrestled successfully for freedom. I left
the Temple field on the occasion of my first
visit with the intention of seeing these patriot
fathers, but missing the proper road, and the
night shadows coming thickly with the fog
and rain, I made my way back to Newburgh.
Kind friends afterward procured
likenesses and autographs of both for
me.' Better than this, I subsequent-
ly enjoyed the pleasure of a person-
al interview with Major Burnet at
his residence. It was on the occa-
sion of my second visit to the camp
ground. At dark, on that Aaguti,
sultry day, we made our way up a green lane, flanked by venerable willows — a few ^^^
cast down by a recent tornado — and sat down in the spacious hall of the old soldier's roan*
* I am indebted to Mr. Charles U. Cushman, of Newburgh, for a daguerreotype, from life, of Major Bur-
net, from which the picture above was copied. The likeness of Mr. Knapp is from an excellent painting
of the almost centenarian's head, by Mr. Charles W. Tice, an accomplished self-taught artist of Newburgh,
who kindly famished me with a copy for my use.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
687
PobUo LifiB of Uijor Burnet aad Sergeant Kiiapp.
Washington*! Letter to Greene.
•ion. He had jnst retired to his bed-room, but soon appeared, standing before us as erect and
manly as if in the prime of his life, although then in his ninetieth year.
The father of Major Burnet was a Scotchman, his mother a native of Ireland. He was
a lieutenant in Captain Stevens's company, and commanded Redoubt No. 3, at West Point,
at the time of Arnold's defection. He afterward attained to the rank of major in the serv-
ice, and was one of the delegates who attended the meeting of officers at the Templet He
continued in the army, under the immediate command of the chief, until the disbanding of
the forces in 1783. When the Americans marched into the city of New York as the Brit-
ish evacuated it, he commanded the rear guard. He told me that he remem- Notember 85,
bered distinctly the dignified appearance of Washington, when, with Governor ^''^
Clinton and other civil and military officers, he stood in front of an old stone house,* about
two miles below Kingsbridge, while the troops, with uncovered heads, passed by. He saw
Cunningham, the wicked provost-marshal at New York, strongly guarded by his friends, in
the march to the place of embarkation, while the exasperated populace were eager to seize
and punish him according to his deservings.
Major Burnet was also present when Washington finally parted with his officers at
Fraunce's' tavern, in New York. How could the heart do otherwise than beat quick and
strong with deep feel-
ing, while conversing
face to face with one
who grasped the hand
of the chief on that oc-
casion, so pathetically
described by Marshall
and others ! The lips
of the patriot quiver-
ed with emotion while
speaking of that scene,
and I perceived my
own eye dimmed with
the rheum of sympa-
thetic sentiment. Ma-
jor Burnet has seen,
what few men in mod-
em times have be-
. held, the living rep-
resentatives of seven
generations of his kin*
dred : his great-grand-
father, grandfather, fa-
ther, himself, his chil-
dren, grandchildren,
and great - grandchil-
dren.*
It was late when we
said farewell to Major
Burnet — too late to
visit his neighbor, Mr.
Knapp, who was nine-
ty-one years of age, and
quite feeble. From an-
other I learned the
principal events of his
public life, and obtain-
ed his autograph, a fac-
simile of which is here
given, with his por-
trait. Mr. Knapp was
bom in Connecticut, in
1759. He joined the
army when about eigh-
teen years of age. His
first experience in war-
fare was in the battle
at White Plains ; aft-
erward he served under General Wooster in the skirmish at Ridgefield.* When La Fayette
* Washington, in a letter to General Greene, dated *' Newburgh, 6th February, 1782," refers to Mr.
Burnet as follows : " I intended to write yon a long letter on sundry matters ; but Major Burnet came un-
expectedly at a time when I was preparing for the celebration of the day, and was just going to a review
of the troops previous to the feu dejoie.* As he ii impatient, from an apprehension that the sleighing may
fail, and as he can give you the occurrences of this quarter more in detail than I have time to do, I will
refer you to him."
' This stone house is yet standing. A drawing of it may be found in another part of this work. It has
other interesting reminiscences.
* This tavern, now (1850) the Broad Street Hotel, is well preserved. It stands on the comer of Broad
and Pearl Streets. A drawing of it may be found on page 633, vol. ii«
4 Died Dec 1, 1854, aged 92 years snd 9 months. S See page 408.
* Tlie annircrMry of the stgnlug of tiie treaty of aDIanoe between the United Statea and Fraaoe ia berr allnded to.
Digitized by
Google
688
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Coinmaiider*in-chief '■ Guard.
ItB Orgaaizatioii, Chancier, and Uniform.
Its
/p ecXo^
SZGNATUBXS OF TRX OrFICXBS OF WASmNOTOIf'S
LiFK GUAAO.*
enrolled his corps of light infantry, Mr. Knapp became a member, and with them fought in
the battle at Monmouth, in June, 1778.^ He was soon afterward chosen a member of the
C ornmander 'in-chief 's Chiard, and served faithfully as a sergeant therein for more than two
years. Ue led the service in 1782, bearing the approbation of Washington. He is be-
lieved to be the only surviving member of that well-disciplined corps of the RevolutioD,
Washington's Life Gitakd.* Although feeble in body, I was informed that his mind wu
1 Many of the muskets which belonged to that corps are now preserved in the Relic Room o£ the Head-
^oarters at Newbnrgh. La Fayette purchased them with his own money in France, and presented them
to his favorite corps.
* The Commander-ifKhiefa Otmrd, commonly called The Life Ouard, was a distinct corps of superior
men, attached to the person of the oommander-in-chidt, bat
never spared in battle. It was organized in 1776, soon after
the siege of Boston, while the American army was encamped
upon York or Manhattan Island, near the city of New Tort.
y ^ ^ ^^ It consisted of a major's conunand— one hundred and eighty
^^^V^^^,^^ ^^,#^^*'^i^.^^^^^? ™®'*- C*leb Gibbs, of Rhode Island, was its first chief; and
^^^^^^^ ^ ^^ bore the title of ca'piain commandant. He held that office
until the close of 1779, when he was succeeded by William
Colfax, one of his lieutenants. Gibbs's lieutenants were
Henry P. Livingston, of New York, William Colfax, oi New
Jersey, and Benjamin Goymes, of Virginia. Colonel Nicho-
las, of Virginia, was a lieutenant under Colfax. The
latter officer remained in command of the corps until
the disbanding of the army in 1783. The terms of en-
listment into the Guard were the same as those into
any other corps of the regular army, except in the mat-
ter of qualification. They were selected with special
reference to their physical, moral, and intellectual
character ; and it was considered a mark of peculiar
distinction to belong to the Commander-in'Chiefs
Ouard, From George W. P. Custis, Esq., of Ar-
lington House, Virginia, I learned many particulars
respecting this corps. Mr. Custis is a grandson of
Lady Washington, and the adopted son of the gen-
eral. He was acquainted with several of the offi-
cers and privates of the Guard, distinctly remembers
their uniforQi, and is familiar with their history. He
owns a flag which once belonged to the Guard. It
b now in the museum at Alexandria, on the Poto-
mac, where I sketched the annexed representation
of it. The flag is white silk, on which the device is
neatly painted. One of the Guard is seen holding a
horse, and is in the act of receiving a flag from the
Genius of Liberty, who is personified as a woman leaning upon the Union shield, near which is the Amei-
ican eagle. The motto of the corps, " Conquer or Die," is upon a ribbon. The uniform of the Ouard
consisted of a blue coat with white facings, white waistcoat and breeches, black half gaiters, a cooked hat
with a blue and white feather. They carried muskets, and occasionally side arms.
The corps varied in numbers at diiSerent periods. At first it consisted of one hundred and eighty men.
During the winter of 1779-80, when the American army under Washington was cantoned at Morristowa,
in close proximity to the enemy, it was increased to two hundred and fifly. In the spring it was redaced
to its original number *, and in 1783, the last year of service, it consisted of only sixty-four non-conunissionfld
officers and privates. Care was always taken to have all the states, from which the Continental army was
supplied with troops, represented in this corps.
Peter Force, Esq., of Washington City, kindly allowed me to copy the names of the Guard, contained in an
original Return in his possession, bearing the date of March 2, 1783. It is signed by Colfax, and on the back
is an endorsement in the handwriting of Washington, a fac simile of which is given on the next page. I found
in the archives of the State Department another Return, dated June 4th, 1783.t It is one of the last Re-
* I copied these fignatares from the orighial oaths of alleglanoe, signed at Valley Forge, in the spring of 1778, bjeach ofBcer
of tile Continental army, and of the militia tiien in service there. These oaths are carefiilly preserved la the ardiives of the
State Department at Washhigton City.
t The following are the names of the non^sommisaioDed offleen and privates, from the varions states, who oonsUtiitBd tli^
Oommander-in-ehi^8 Ouard on the 4th of June, 1783 :
Nsw HAMFSBias.— Ebenezer Carlton and Samuel Smitfi, prhatee.
Banner of Washtkgton's Life Guasix
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 689
Savgeuit Kiupp. Return to Newbni^ Departure for FishkilL Return of the Commander-in-chleTi Onard
quite active and. clear respecting the war-scenes of his youth. He delights « to fight hir
battles o'er again,*' and is pleased when,
" With chenib smile, the prattling boy,
Who on the veteran's breast reclines,
Has thrown aside the favorite toy,
And round his tender finger twines
Those scattered locks, that, with the fliffht
Of ninety years are snowy white ;
And, as a scar arrests his view,
He cries, * Grandpa, what wounded you ?^ "
Hannah F. Gould.
Broad flashes of sheet lightning, and rumbling thunder, on the van of an approaching
shower, made us use the whip freely when we left the dark lane of the patriot. We reached
Newburgh at eleven o'clock, wearied and supperless, the tempest close upon us, but in timt'
to escape a drenching. This, be it remembered, was on the occasion of my second visit to
the camp ground in New Windsor, in the fervid summer time. Let us resume our narra-
tive of the autumnal tour.
The mist and clouds were gone the next morning. At six o'clock I crossed October 96,
the Hudson to FishkiU landing, and at half past seven breakfasted at the village, ^^^-
five miles eastward. The air was a little frosty, but as soon as the sun appeared above the
hills, the warm breath and soil light of the Indian summer spread their genial influence over
the face of nature, and awakened corresponding delight in the heart and mind of the trav-
eler. The country through which the highway passes is exceedingly picturesque. It skirts
the deep, rich valleys of Matteawan and Glenham, where flows a clear stream from a dis-
tant mountain lake and bubbling spring,^ turning, in its course, many mill-wheels and thou-
sands of spindles set up along its banks. On the south the lofty range of the eastern High-
lands, rocky and abrupt near their summits, come down with gentle declivities, and mingle
their rugg^ forms with the green undulations of the valley. Up their steep slopes, cultivated
rams maae lo ine ccminianaer-in-cniei, lor me >'r>|
army was disbanded soon afterward. The roll yVx9 Z^"
is precisely the same as that in possession of •^ 2.^y€^<^C/'2y>>^
Mr. Force, with the exception of the omission _^^^ ^^^^ /^ ^ '
of the names of John Dent, corporal, and Sam- ^^^y/ij2^ CyCy^Py\^ C^^)^
uel Wortman, j>rt«a^e, in the June Return. ^ ^!P Q\
Dennis Moriarty, who was a corporal in -^'^"'^^ ^^y^Z^'^^'^y
March, appears as a private in June. The /y ^
latter Return is signed by Colfax, with his oer- ^H <^ y^^ y^ -^ *7 IP i?
tification that "The above list includes the ^ • uXX^^-^'2.-0^^ / / O :^
whole of the Guard." It is endorsed, " Re-
turn of the non-commissioned officers and privates in the Commander-in-chiefs Guard, who are engaged t(-
serve during the war."
I have been thus particular respecting this corps, because history is almost silent upon the subject, and
because the living witnesses, now almost extinct, will take with them the unwritten records of the QwLv^i
into the oblivion of the grave.
^ The chief sources of this beautiful stream are Whaley's Pond, situated high among the broken hills of
the eastern Highlands, on the borders of Pawlings, and a spring at the foot of the mountains in the Clove
in Beekman.
MAMACHUiSTTS^-^ohn PhilUpf^ eergtmi ; John Herrick, eorpanl f Ifaae Mannfag, Jtfer ; Joaeph Vfaial, John Barton, Joel
Croaby, priwtfci.
Rhods Island.— DaTia Brown, $ergeaiiu ; Randall Smith, Reuben Thompaon, William Tanner, Solomon Daley, prhaUt.
CoNNSCTicuT. — Eliha Hancock, corporal; Diah Manning [aee notice of bim on page 007], dmm major t Jutd Goodrich and
Frederic Park, ji/ert ; Peter Holt, Jedediah Brown, Lorl Dean, Jamea Dadj, Henry Wakelee, £1^ Lawrence, prhatta.
Nrw ToBK. — John Robinaon, Jacob Schriver. Edward Wiley, John Cole, prioatea.
Nsw JsHST.— Jona^ian Moore, BeiOamin Eaton, Stephen Hetfidd, Lewla Campbell, Semoel BaDey, William Bfartin, Laban
Landor, Robert Blair, Benjamin Bonnel, prhatea ; J<^ Fenton, drummer.
PxifNtyi.VAifiAw— WiUiam Hunter and John Arnold, eergeanUi Enoch WlOa, corporal i Comeliaa Wilaoo, dnmmeri Charlo*
Doos^ierty, William Kamahan, Robert Fhidley, John Dowthar, John Patton, Hu^ Call, Jamea Hnghea, John Finch, Dennis
lloriarty, John Montgomery, Daniel Hymer, lliomaa Forreat, WUllam Kenneaaey, Adam Fontz, George Fisher, prhmtag.
Mabtlakd^— Edward Weed, Jeremiah Drlakel, Thomaa Gillen, prhaue.
VxsoimA.— Reaps Mitchell, etrgeaaui Lewis Flemistcr, WilUam Coram, WUIiam Pace, Joseph Tlmberlake, pritmet,
I. Xx
Digitized by
Google
690
PJCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
PishldU VQlage.
The "Wliarton House."
Enoch Crosby.
The "SpyUi
fields have crept like ivy upon some gray old tower ; and there, tinted with all the glories
of autumn, they seemed to hang in the soft morning sunlight like rich gobelins in the cham-
ber of royalty.
Fishkill village lies pleasantly in the lap of a plain near the foot of the mountains, and is
a place of much interest to the student of our history. Securely sheltered by high mount-
ains from invasion from below, and surrounded by a fertile country, it was chosen as a place
of safe depository for military stores ; for the confinement of Tory prisoners and others cap-
tured by strategy or in partisan skirmishes upon the Neutral Ground^ in West Chester ;
and, for a while, as the
place of encampment of a
portion of the Continental
army, and the quiet delib-
erations of the state Leg-
islature.' The barracks
were about half a mile
south of the village, ex-
tending along the line of
the road, from the resi-
dence of Isaac Van Wyck,
Thb Wsubton HonsK.
Esq., to the foot of the
mountains. The head-
quarters of the officers
were at Mr. Van Wyck's,
then the property of a Mr.
Wharton. From this cir-
cumstance it is known as
"The Wharton House."
The burial-place of the sol-
diers is at the foot of the
mountains, where a road
hranphes eastward from the turnpike.
This vicinity is the scene of many of the most thrilling
events portrayed by Cooper in his ''Spy; a Tale of the Neu-
tral Ground" In the Wharton House, Enoch Crosby, the
alleged reality of the noyelMs fictitious Harvey Birch, was
subjected to a mock trial by the Committee of Safety, and
then confined in irons in the old Dutch church in the vil-
lage. Crosby engaged in the " secret service" of his coun-
try in the autumn of 1776, and eminent were his personal
achievements in making revelations to his Whig friends of
the movements and plans of the Tories. At that period,
secret enemies were more to be feared than open foes
among these, in West Chester and the southern portions of
Dutchess, Crosby mingled freely, for a long time, without
incurring their distrust. While on one of his excursions, he
solicited lodgings for the night at the house of a woman who
proved to be a Tory. From her he learned that a company
of Loyalists were forming in the neighborhood to march to
S^C^n.^^'</^^
^ The Marquis de Chastellux, who visited Fishkill in the autumn of 1780, says, in his interesting nam-
tive, " This town, in which there are not more theui filly houses in the space of two miles, has been long
the principal depot of the American army. It is there they have placed their magazines, their hospitals,
their work-shops, &c. ; but all these form a town of themselves, composed of handsome large barracks, built
in the wood at the foot of the mountains ] for the Americans, like the Romans in many respects, have hardly
any other winter quarters than wooden towns or barricaded camps, which may be compared to the hUmalia
of the Romans." — Travels in North Americn^ 1., 54.
The war-sword of Washington, carefully preserved in a glass case in the National Museum at Washing-
ton City, was manufactured by J. Bailey, in Fishkill, and bears his name. His shop was yet in existence
when I was there, but used as a stable. It was demolished in 1849. A drawing of the sword, and of the
staff which Franklin bequeathed to Washington, may be found in another part of this work.
' This picture is from a sketch from life by Captain H. L. Barnum, the author of a small, thin volume, en-
titled The Spy Unmasked, dedicated to James Fennimore Cooper, Esq. It contains the memoirs of Enoch
Crosby, who, the author asserts, was the original of Mr. Cooper's " Harvey Birch." The narratives were
taken from Crosby^s own lips, in short-hand, by Captain Barnum. Attempts have been made to cast dis-
credit upon the work ; but Doctor White, of Fishkill, who kindly accompanied me to the localities in that
vicinity, assured me that his father, an aged man still living, was well acquainted with Crosby, and says the
narrative of Barnum is substantially correct. Enoch Crosby was a native of Harwich, Barnstable county,
in Massachusetts, where he was born on the 4th of January, 1750. During his infancy his parents went to
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
691
ISxploiti of Enoch Croebj.
Incidents of his Life.
Ancient Dutch Church.
FishkUl Villaga
New York and join the Britinh army.
Dutch Chvbch, Fisukilz..'
He became excessively loyal, and, agreeing to en-
list with them, he obtained the unbounded
confidence of the captain, who revealed to
him all his plans. That night, when all
was quiet, Crosby left his bed stealthily,
hastened to White Plains, where the Com-
mittee of Safety resided,* communicated the
secrets of the expedition to them, and was
back to his lodgings, unobserved, before day-
light. At Crosby's suggestion, a meeting
of the company was held the following even-
ing, and while in session, the house was sur-
rounded by a band of Whigs, sent for the
purpose by the Committee of Safety, and
the inmates were all made prisoners. They
were conveyed to Fishkill, and confined in
manacles in the old stone church, one of
the relics of the Kevolution yet remaining.
The Committee of Safety, who had come up
to try them, were at the Wharton House.
Afler an examination, the prisoners were
all remanded to prison, Crosby among the
the State of New York, and settled in Southeast, in Dutchess (now Putnam) county. In the midst of the
noble and picturesque scenery of that region his childhood was passed. He learned the trade of a shoe-
maker. When the Revolution broke Qut, he laid aside his lapstone and last, and shouldered a musket. He
was then residing at Danbury, and was one of the hundred men before mentioned, who, in 1775, marched
to Lake Champlain, and were engaged in the battles in that quarter until Quebec was stormed. After his
return, Crosby remamed quiet for a while, and then became engaged in the " secret service." He caused
many Tory companies to fall into the hands of the Whigs, and on such occasions he was usually captured,
suffered imprisonment, but was generally allowed to escape. At length his successful exits from durance
excited the suspicion of the Tories, and Crosby, deeming it unsafe to mingle with them longer, joined the
detachment of the Continental army under Heath, then stationed in the Highlands. When his term of serv-
ice expired, he returned to Southeast, where he cultivated a small farm, until his death in 1834. Captain
Barnum asserti that the plan of Cooper's Spy was conceived at the house of John Jay, at Bedford, in West
Chester county. Mr. Jay was one of the Committee of Safety who employed Crosby, and was necessarily
acquainted with his exploits. Crosby was a witness at a court in New York city in 1827, and was recog-
nized by an old gentleman, who introduced him to the audience as the original of " Harvey Birch."* The
fact became noised abroad. The Spy^ dramatized, was then in course of performance at one of the thea-
ters ; Crosby was invited to attend ; his acceptance was announced ; and that evening a crowded audience
greeted the old soldier. Our gifted countrywoman, Miss Anne C. Lynch, has written thus doubtingly,
"On a Pictuu of Habtxt BimcH.
'* 1 know not if thy noble worth
My coontry^s annals claim.
For In her brieC bright history,
I have not read thy name.
" I know not if thoa e'er didst lire,
Sare in the rlTid thought
Of him who chronicled thy life,
With silent suffering IHugfat
*• Yet to thy history I see
Pull many a great soul's lo^
Who Joins the martyr^army's ranks,
That the world knoweUi not"
' The Committee of Safety then consisted of Messrs. Jay, Piatt, Duer, and Saokett, distinguished patrioU
during the Revolution.
* This is from a pencQ sketch by Miss Newlin, taken from the yard, looking southwest, the same point
* In a monthly historical work, published at Concord, New Hampshire, in 1823, by Jacob B. Moore, Esq., Ute librarian of the
New York Historical Society, is a brief biographical sketch of David Gray, who was a * spy" of the " Neutral Ground." Thr
writer says, " The toddents of his life correspond to many particulars wltii the character of Harrey Bhxh, to the popular novr
'>f the • Spy.' " This was written six years before the publication of" The Spy Unmasked."
Digitized by
Google
692
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Escape of Croiby.
His Exploits at Teller's Point
A Tery old Man and rejected LoTec
Trinity Clmrch.
rest. By apparent accident he was led alone with the committee a few minutes, and a plan
of escape was devised. He efiected it through a window at the northwest comer of the
church, which was hidden hy a willow. On reaching the ground, he divested himself of his
loose manacles ; and with the speed of a deer he rushed by the sentinels, and escaped unhurt
to a swamp, followed by three or four bullets, fired at random in the gloom. He was made
a prisoner, with Tories, twice afterward, but managed to escape.
Several British and Hessian soldiers were at one time prisoners in the old stone church.
The former were captured by stratagem at Teller's Point, near the mouth of the Croton
River ; the latter were stragglers, who fell in with a party of Loyalists near Yonkers, on
the Neutral Ground. The British soldiers were captured by Crosby and a few men who
composed part of a detachment under Colonel Van Cortlandt, then stationed on the east side
of the Hudson to watch operations upon the Neutral Ground. While they were near Tel-
ler's Point, a British sloop of war sailed up the river and cast anchor in the channel opposite.
Crosby and six others proceeded to the Point, five of whom, with himself, concealed them-
selves in the bushes ; the other, dressed in infantry uniform, paraded the beach. The offi-
cers on the vessel observed him, and eleven men were dispatched in a boat to capture him.
When the Englishmen landed, the American took to his heels. Unsuspicious of danger, they
followed, when Crosby and his five men, making a noise in the bushes as if half a regiment
was there, rushed out and bade the enemy surrender. Deceived and alarmed, they complied
without firing a shot. The next day they were prisoners in the stone church in Fishkill.
Before visiting the Wharton House, I called upon the Reverend Mr. Kip, the pastor of
the old church. He kindly allowed me to examine the records of the society, which, until
a late period, were made in the Dutch language. They extend back to 1730, at which
time, and for many years afterward, the church at Fishkill and another at Poughkeepsitf
were united, with the title of " The Parish Church at Fishkill and Poughkeepsie." I could
find no account of the building of the church, but there is reason to believe that it was erected
about the year 1725. Mr. Kip showed me a silver tankard, belonging to the communion-
service of the church, which was presented to the society by Samuel Verplanck, Esq., chiefly
for the purpose of commemorating.
by an inscription upon it, a resi-
dent Norwegian, who died at the
extraordinary age of six score and
eight years.*
I passed half an hour at the
Wharton House, and, returning to
the village, sketched the old En-
glish church (now called Trinity)
by the way. It stands upon the
west side of the road, in the sub-
urbs of the village, and in form is
about the same as it was when it.
was used as an hospital for the
TbINITT CmTBCH.3
of view from whence I made a drawing, less pleasing to myself than the one kindly furnished me by the fail
artist. The church is built of rougb-hewn stone, stuccoed on three sides.
^ The following is a copy of the inscription : " Presented by Samuel Verplanck, Esq., to the First Re-
formed Dutch Church in the town of Fishkill, to commemorate Mr. Englebert Huff, by birth a Norwegian,
in his lifetime attached to the life guards of the Prince of Orange, afterward King William III. of England
He resided for a number of years in this country, and died, with unblemished reputation, at Fishkill, 21si
of March, 1765, aged 128 years." .
It is related of Huff, that when he was a hundred and twenty years old he made love to a pretty girl of
twenty. She already had an accepted lover of her own age, and of course rejected the suit of the Nestor.
The old suitor was indignant at the refusal. He thought he had the best right to claim the heart and band
of the maiden, for he had a hundred years more experience than " the foolish boy," and knew better ho\f
to treat a wife than the interfering stripling. ^
' This picture is also from a pencil sketch by Miss Newlin.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 693
Printiiif of the flnt Coattitatioii of the State of Mew York. Head-qiiarteri of Baron Steuben. Anecdote of tbe Baron.
sick, and as a meeting-place of the flying Legislature of New York, when it adjourned from
White Plains to Fishkill. According to the records, the session here commenced on the 3d
of September, 1776. A few years since, while digging a grave in the yard, the sexton dis-
severed a skeleton, with bits of scarlet cloth and a brass button, the remains, doubtless, of
a British soldier, who was buried in his uniform.
An interesting bibliographic fact, connected with Fishkill, was communicated to me by
Gulian C. Verplanck, Esq. I have already noticed the harassing circumstances under
which the first republican Constitution of the State of New York was elaborated, discussed,
and adopted ;* the Legislature retiring before the approach of British bayonets, first to Har-
lem, then to Kingsbridge, Yonkers, White Plains, Fishkill, and Kingston. ** The Con-
Uitution of the State of New York** says Mr. Verplanck, " was printed in 1777, and was
the first, as well as the most important book, ever printed in the state. The people
could find but one press in their domain with which to print this work of their represent-
atives. It was done at Fishkill, by Samuel Loudon, who had been a Whig editor and
printer in the city of New York, and who had retired with his press to Fishkill, where was
the chief deposit of stores, hospitals, &c., of the northern army of the United States.*'* Mr.
Verplanck possesses a copy of this precious piece of American typography. They have be-
come almost as scarce as the Sibylline Books, and quite as relatively valuable, for the princi-
ples therein embodied foreshadowed the destiny of the commonwealth. Unlike Tarquin the
Proud, the possessor values it above all price.
I left the village toward noon, and, tak-
ing a more northerly route for the ferry, vis-
ited the residence of the late Judge Ver-
planck, situated in a beautiful, isolated spot,
about a mile from the east bank of the
Hudson, and two miles northeast of Fish-
kill landing. It is approached from the
highway by a winding carriage track which
traverses a broad, undulating lawn, shaded
by venerable trees. The old mansion is of
stone, a story and a half high, with dormer
windows, and in the style of the best class
of Dutch-built houses erected one hundred
years ago. It was owned by Samuel Ver-J
planck, Esq., during the Revolution. An"
addition, two stories high, has been erected tux Vkkplanok Houas.
at the north end. I sketched only the an-
cient edifice. This house is remarkable, in connection with my subject, as the head-quarters
of the Baron Steuben when the American army was encamped in the vicinity of Newburgh,*
and also as tbe place wherein the celebrated Society of the CincinruUi was or- yj^^yj^
ganized in 1783. The meeting for that purpose was held in the large square
room on the north side of the passage.* The room is carefully preserved in its original style.
> See page 387, this volume. ■ I have a public document, printed there by Loudon, in 1776.
» An anecdote illustrative of Steuben's generous character is related, the scene of which was at New-
burgh, at the time of the disbanding of the army. Colonel Cochrane, whom I have mentioned in a former
chapter, was standing in the street, penniless, when Steuben tried to comfort him by saying that better times
would come. " For myself," said the brave officer, " I can stand it ; but my wife and daughters are in
the garret of that wretched tavern, and I have nowhere to carry them, nor even money to remove them."
The baron's generous heart was touched, and, though poor himself; he hastened to the family of Cochrane,
poured the whole contents of his purse upon the table, and left as suddenly as he had entered. As he was
walking toward the wharf, a wounded negro soldier came up to him, bitterly lamenting that he had no
means with which to get to New York. The baron borrowed a dollar, and handing it to the negro, hailed
a sloop and put him on board. " God Almighty bless you, baron 1" said the negro, as his benefactor
^-alked away. Many similar acts hallow the memory of the Baron Steuben.
* The following record of the proceedings at the final meeting of the convention I copied from the ong.
Digitized by
Google
694 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Sodety of the Cindimatl. Final Proceedings in the Organization of the InstiftotSoo.
*' While coutemp]ating a final separation of the officers of the army," says Doctor Thach-
er, ** the tenderest feelings of the heart had their afflicting operation. It was at the sug-
gestion of General Knox, and with the acquiescence of the commander-in-chief, that an ex-
pedient was devised hy which a hope was entertained that their long-cherished friendship
and social intercourse might he perpetuated, and that at future periods they might annually
communicate, and revive a recollection of the honds by which they were connected."* Pur-
suant to these suggestions, the officers held a meeting. A committee, consisting of Generals
inal manascript in the possession of Peter Force, Esq., of Washington City, and print it here as an inter-
esting scrap in the history of the closing scenes of the Revolution.
" Cantonment of the American Army, 19tfa June, 17B3L
" At a meeting of the general officers, and the gentlemen delegated by the respective regiments, as a
convention for establishing the Society of the Cincinnati, held by the request of the president, at which were
present Major-general Baron de Steuben, president ; Major-general Howe, Major-general Enoz, Brigadier-
general Paterson, Brigadier-general Hand, Brigadier-general Huntington, Brigadier-general Putnam, Col-
onel Webb, Lieutenant-colonel Huntington, Major Pettengill, Lieutenant Whiting, Colonel H. Jackson, Cap-
tain Shaw, Lieutenant-colonel Hull, Lieutenant-colonel Maxwell, and Colonel Cortlandt, General Baron de
Steuben acquainted the convention that he had, agreeably to their request at the last meeting, transmitted to
his excellency the Chevalier de la Luzerne, minister plenipotentiary from the court of France, a copy of the
institution of the Society of the Cincinnati, with their vote respecting his excellency and the other character:
therein mentioned, and that his excellency had returned an answer declaring his acceptance of the same, and
expressing the grateful sense he entertains of the honor conferred on himself and the other gentlemen of tiie
French nation by this act of the convention.
" Reaolvedf That the letter of the Chevalier de la Luzerne be recorded in the proceedings of this day, and
deposited in the archives of the society, as a testimony of the high sense this convention entertain of the
honor done to the society by his becoming a member thereof.
(Here follows the letter.)
*^ The baron having also communicated a letter from Major TFnfant, inclosing a design for the medal
and order containing the emblems of the institution,
" Resolved, That the bald eagle, carrying the emblems on its breast, be established as the order of the so-
ciety, and that the ideas of Major FEnfant respecting it and the manner of its being worn by the mem-
oers, as expressed in his letter, hereto annexed, be adopted. That the order be of the same size, and in
every other respect conformable to the said design, which for that purpose is certified by the Baron de Stea-
ben, president of this convention, and to be deposited in the archives of the society, as the original froin
which all copies are to be made. Also that silver medals, not exceeding the size of a Spanish milled dol-
lar, with the emblems, as designed by Major FEnfant and certified by the president, be given to each and
every member of the society, together with a diploma, on parchment, whereon shall be impressed the exact
figures of the order and medal, as above mentioned, any thing in the original institution respecting gold
medals to the contrary notwithstanding.
(Here follows Major TEnfant's letter.)
** Resolved, That the thanks of this convention be transmitted by the president to Major PEnfant for his
care and ingenuity in preparing the aforementioned designs, and that he be acquainted that they cheerfully
embrace his offer of assistance, and request a continuance of his attention in carrying the designs into ex-
ecution, for which purpose the president is desired to correspond with him.
" Resolved, That his excellency the commander-in-chief be requested to officiate as president general,
until the first general meeting, to be held in May next.
" That a treasurer general and a secretary general be balloted for, to officiate in like manner.
" The ballots being taken, Major-general M'Dougall was elected treasurer general, and Major-general
Knox secretary general, who are hereby requested to accept said appointments.
^^ Resolved, That all the proceedings of this convention, including the institution of the society, be recorded
from the original papers in his possession by Captain Shaw, who at the first meeting was requested to dct
as secretary, and that the same, signed by the president and secretary, together with the original papers,
be given into the hands of Major-general Knox, secretary general to the society, and that Captain North,
aid-de-camp to the Baron de Steuben, and acting secretary to him as president, sign the said records.
** The dissolution of a very considerable part of the army, since the last meeting of this convention, hav-
ing rendered the attendance of some of its members impracticable, and the necessity for some temporary
arrangements, previous to the first meeting of the general society, being so strikingly obvious, the conven-
tion found itself constrained to make those before mentioned, which they have done with the utmost diffi-
dence of themselves, and relying entirely on the candor of their constituents to make allowance for the
measure.
*^ The principal objects of its appointment being thus accomplished, the members of this convention think
fit to dissolve the same, and it is hereby dissolved accordingly.
" Steuben, Major General, President.^'
^ JUUitary Journal p. 317.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTIOxN. 695
Pkn and Name of the Socie^ of the Cincinnati. The Constitution. Oppodtion of Judge Burke and often.
Knox, Hand, and Huntington, and Captain Shaw, was appointed to revise the proposals for
the institution. Another meeting was held on the 13th of May, at the quarters of Steuhen
Verplanfek's), when the committee reported. A plan, in the following words, was adopted,'
and the society was duly organized :
'*'It having pleased the Supreme Governor of the universe, in the disposition of human
afiairs, to cause the separation of the colonies of North America from the domination of
Great Britain, and, after a bloody conflict of eight years, to establish them free, independent,
and sovereign states, connected by alliances, founded on reciprocal advantages, with some of
the greatest princes and powers of the earth :
** To perpetuate, therefore, as well the remembrance of this vast event, as the mutual
friendships whidh have been formed under the pressure of common danger, and in many in-
stances cemented by the blood of the parties, the officers of the American army do hereby,
in the most solemn manner, associate, constitute, and combine themselves into one society
of friends, to endure so long as they shall endure, or any of their eldest male posterity, and
in failure thereof, the collateral branches, who may be judged worthy of becoming its sup-
porters and members.*
** The officers of the American army, having generally been taken from the citizens of
America, possess high veneration for the character of that illustrious Koman, Lucros Qum-
TTUS CiNCiMNATUS, and being resolved to follow his example, by returning to their citizen-
ship, they think they may with propriety denominate themselves the
Society op the Cincinnati.
<* The following principles shall be immutable, and form the basis of the Society of the
Cincinnati :
" An incessant attention to preserve inviolate those exalted rights and liberties of human
nature for which they have fought and bled, and without which the high rank of a rational
being is a curse instead of a blessing.
"An unalterable determination to promote and cherish, between the respective states, that
unison and national honor so essentially necessary to their happiness and the future dignity
of the American empire.
" To render permanent the cordial aflection subsisting among the officers, this spirit will
dictate brotherly kindness in all things, and particularly extend to the most substantial acts
of beneficence, according to the ability of the society, toward those officers and their families
who unfortunately may be under the necessity of receiving it.
" The general society will, for the sake of frequent communications, be divided into state
societies, and these again into such districts as shall be directed by the state society.
'* The societies of the districts to meet as often as shall be agreed on by the state society ;
those of the state on the 4th day of July annually, or oftener if they shall find it expedient ;
and the general society on the first Monday in May annually, so long as they shall deem it
necessary, and aflerward at least once in every three years.
^ This docuroent, according to Colonel Timothy Pickering, was drawn tip by Captain Shaw, who was the
secretary of the committee.
* This clause gave considerable alarm to the more rigid Whigs, beoanse of the recognition of the right
of primogeniture in membership succession. Judge .£danus Burke, of South Carolina, attacked it with
much vehemence, as an incipient order of nobility, and an attAnpt to establish the pretensions of the mili-
tary to rank above the mass of citizens. The objection was groundless, for no civil, military, political, or
social prerogative was claimed. On the other hand, the King of Sweden (Gustavus Adolphus III.) declined
permitting the few officers in the French army who were his subjects to wear the order of the Cincinnati,
on the ground that the institution had a republican tendency not suited to his government. On this subject,
Washington, in a letter to Rochambean, written in August, 1784, said, " Considering how recently the King
of Sweden has changed the form of the government of that country, it is not so much to be wondered at that
his fears should get the better of his liberality as to any thing virhich might have the semblance of repub-
licanism ; but when it is further considered how few of his nation had, or could have, a right to the order.
I think he might have suffered his complaisance to have overcome them.*' — See Sparks's Life and Writ-
ingi of Woihingtonf ix., 56.
Digitized by
Google
696
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Certificate of Memberehip of the Cincinnati.
The Design and Engraying.
▲Iteration of the Plate.
"At each meeting, the principles of the institution will be fully considered, and the best
measures to promote them adopted.
'* The state societies will consist of all the members residing in each state lespectively,
and any member removing from one state to another is to be considered m all respects as be-
longing to the society of the state in which he shall actually reside.^
IvWK
/
\
I
'j!%"''/^^ G^/"«-t«^* <f^2Lu O^^w
Society of the Cincinnati.— Members' Cbbtificatb.*
^ This clause is omitted by Dr. Thacher and others. I find it in a manuscript copy of the Constitution
of the society, and records of the proceedings at its formation, among the papers <of Colonel Richard Varick,
in the handwriting of General William North.
' This engraving is a fac simile of a certificate, about one fourth the size of the original, which is thixteen
inches and a half in breadth, and twenty inches in length. The originals are printed on fine Tellum. The
plate was engraved in France by J. J. le Veau, from a drawing by Aug. le Belle. I am indebted to the late
James 6. Wilson* son of Ensign Wilson, named in the certificate, for the use of the original in making this
copy. The former was engraved on copper ; this is engraved on wood. The. design represents AmericaD
liberty as a strong man armed, bearing in one hand the Union flag, and in the other a naked sword. Be-
neath his feet are British flags, and a broken spear, shield, and chain. Hovering by his side is the eagle,
our national emblem, fr6m whoae talons the lightning of destruction is flashing upon the British lion. Bri-
tannia, with the crown falling from her head, is hastening tovirard a boat to escape to a fleet, which denotes
the departure of British power from our shores. Upon a cloud, on the right, is an angel blowing a trumpet,
from which flutters a loose scroll. Upon the scroll are the sentences Palam nuntiata libertatisj* A.D. 1776.
Fadtu sociale cum Gallia^ A.D. 1778. Pax : libertas parta^ A.D. 1783 : " Independence declared, A.D.
1776. Treaty of alliance with France declared, A.D. 1778. Peace ! independence obtained, A.D. 1783."
Upon the medallion on the right is a device representing Cincinnatus at his plow, a ship on the sea, and a
walled town in the distance. Over his head is a flying angel, holding a ribbon inscribed Virtutis pr^tnaumi
" Reward of virtue." Below is a heart, with the words Esto perpelua : *' Be thou perpetual." Upon the
rim is the legend, Soeietas Cincinnatorum Jnstituta A.D. MDCCLXXXIII. : "Society of the Cincin-
nati, instituted 1783." The device upon the medallion on the left is Cincinnatus with his family, near hu
house. He is receiving a sword and shield from three senators ; an army is seen in the distance. Upon
the rim are the words Omnia relinquU sertare rempublicam : " He abandons every thing to serve his coon-
try" (referring to Cincinnatus).
* There is a fhct connected with this sentence worthy of notice. In the earlier impressions fttrni the plate, taken prerioai
to the year 1785, the sentence is Palam nuntiata libertas, not Ubertatis. Some person, who donbtless si^yposed the origlntl
word to be incorrect, caused the letters f i « to be crowded into the space occupied by the final s in Ubertaa. I have the a1ltllo^
ity of one of our most learned Latin critics, to whom the question was submitted, for saying that the original word was eat-
rect, and that tlie alteration senders the sentence ungrammatical and totally incorrect, thereby destroying its meaning. Po any
of our historical antiquaries know by whose authority the alteration was made T
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
697
The Order of the Sedety.
The eucceeeive Presidents General.
Departure for Weat Point.
" The state societies to have a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and assistant
treasurer, to be chosen annually by a majority of votes at the stated meeting.
" In order to obtain funds which may be respectable, and assist the unfortunate, each offi-
cer shall deliver to the treasurer of the state society one month's pay, which shall remain for-
ever to the use of the state society. The interest only of which, if necessary, to be appropri-
ated to the relief of the unfortunate.
** The society shall have an order, by which its members
shall be known and distinguished, which shall be a medal
of gold, of a proper size to receive the emblems, and be sus-
pended by a deep blue ribbon, two inches wide, edged with
white, descriptive of the union of America with France."
I am indebted to the kindness of Colonel Joseph Warren
Scott, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, now (1850) the presi-
dent of the society of that state, for the following information
respecting the successive presidents general of the institution.
General Washington was the first president general, and con-
tinued in office until his death, in December, 1799. In May,
1800, General Alexander Hamilton was elected as his suc-
cessor. He was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr in 1804,
and, at the next general meeting, General Charles Cotesworth
Finckney, of South Carolina, was elected as his successor.
He died in August, 1825. At a special meeting of the socie-
ty, held at Philadelphia in November, 1826, Major-general
Thomas Finckney was elected president general.^ At his
death, Colonel Aaron Ogden, of New Jersey, was elected to
fill his place. He held th» office until his decease in April,
1838, when General Morgan Lewis, of New York, became
his successor. General Lewis died on the 7th of May, 1844,
in his ninetieth year, and the venerable Major Fopham, also
of New York, was elected as his successor at the general meet-
ing in November following. Major Fopham died in the sum-
mer of 1848, and, at the meeting in November of that year.
General Dearborn, the present incumbent, was elected to sup-
ply the vacancy. Such is the brief history of a society over
which the venerated Washington first presided.
I left the interesting mansion wherein the society was or-
ganized at noon, and reached Newburgh in time to dine and
embark at half past one for West Foint, eight miles below.
Order of the Cinciniiati.*
^ "At that meeting/' says Colonel Scott, in a letter to me dated July 9, 1850, ** delegates attended firom
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and South Carolina. Col-
onel Ogden and myself were delegates from New Jersey. At that meeting it was ascertained that all the
officers of the society but one had departed this life. The surriTor was Major Jackson, of Pennsylvania.
These communications were given and received in sadness, and a respectful and affectionate notice was
taken of those who had left us forever."
* This was drawn from an original in the possession of Edward Phalon, Esq., of New York. The en-
graving is the exact size of the original. The leaves of the sprigs of laurel are of gold, and green enamel ;
the head and tail of the eagle gold, and white enamel ; and the sky in the center device blue enamel. The
device and motto are the same fs upon the medallion on the right of the certificate.
Digitized by
Google
698
PICTORIAL FIELD-BCiOK
WMt Point and its Associations.
Mrs. Faugeres.
Sufferings of Mrs. Bfeecker
CHAPTER XXX.
** What though no cloister gray nor ivyed column
Along these olifls their somber ruins rear ;
What though no frowning tower nor temple solemn
Of despots tell, and sup>erstition here ;
What though that moldering fort's fast-crumbling walls
Did ne'er inclose a baron's bannered halls,
" Its sinking arches once gave back as proud
An echo to the war-blown clarion's peal —
As gallsuit hearts its battlements did crowd
As ever beat beneath a breast of steel,
When herald's trump on knighthood's haughtiest day
Called forth chivalric hosts to battle-fray."
C. F. Hoffman
" Low sunk between the Alleghanian hiUs •
For many a league the sullen waters glide,
And the deep murmur of the crowded tide
With pleasing awe the wondering voyager fills.
On the green summit of yon lofty clift
A peaceful runnel gurgles clear and slow.
Then down the craggy steep-side dashing swift,
Tumultuous falls in the white surge below."
MarOaretta V. Faugbeks.'
N the midst of wild mountain scenery, picturesque but not magnificent when
compared with the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Adirondack
and Catskill range in New York, or the Alleghanies in Western Pennsyl-
vania and Virginia, is a bold promontory called West Point, rising more
than one hundred and fifty feet above the waters of the Hudson, its top a
perfectly level and fertile plateau, and every rood hallowed by associations
of the deepest interest. West Point I What a world of thrilling reminis-
cences has the utterance of that name brought to ten thousand memories in
times past, now, alas ! nearly all slumbering in the dreamless sleep of the
dead ! How does it awaken the generous emotions of patriotic reverence
for the men, and things, and times of the Revolution, in the bosoms of the
present generation ! Nor is it by the associations alone that the traveler is
moved with strong emotions when approaching West Point ; the stranger,
indifi^erent to our history and of aU but the present, feels a glow of admira-
^ Mrs. Faugeres was the grand-daughter of Brandt Schuyler, and daughter of Mrs. Anne Eliza Bleeck-
er, one of the notable sufierers from the invasion of Burgoyne in 1777. Mrs. Bleecker was then living,
with her husband, about eighteen miles from Albany. Mr. Bleecker went to that city to make arrange-
ments for moving his family thither. While absent, Mrs. Bleecker heard of the approach of Burgoyne and
his horde of savages, and, leading her eldest child by the hand, and bearing her youngest in her arms, she
started on foot for Albany. After a wearisome journey of a day, and a night passed in a wretched garret,
she started forward with her precious charge, and soon met her husband, with whom she returned to the
city. Her babe died a few days afterward, and within a month her mother expired in her arms, at Red
Hook, in Dutchess county. Her husband was afterward captured by a party of Tories. This event, and
his sudden restoration when she thought him dead, so overpowered her, that her constitution sunk beneath
the shocks, and she died in the autumn of 1783. Margaretta (afterward Mrs. Faugeres) was the "sweet
sister" alluded to in the following lines, extracted from a poem written by Mrs. Bleecker on the death of
her child :
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 699
Scenery urounil West Point The MQitarj Establishment Wood's Monument Interesting Relics.
tioQ as he courses along the sinuous channel of the river or climbs the rough hills that em*
bosom it. The inspiration of nature then takes possession of his heart and mind, and
" When he treads
The rock-encumbered crest, and feels the strange
And wild tumultuous throbbings of his heart,
Its every chord vibrating with the touch
Of the high power that reigns supreme o'er all,
He well may deem that lips of angel-forms
Have breathed to him the holy melody
That fills his o'erfraught heart.''
Bayard Tayloe.
The high plain is reached by a carriage-way that winds up the bank from the landing ;
the visitor overlooking, in the passage, on the right, the little village of Camptown, which
comprises the barracks of United States soldiers and a few dwellings of persons not imme-
diately connected with the military works. On the led, near the summit, is ** the Artillery
Laboratory,*' and near by, upon^a little hillock, is an obelisk erected to the memory of Lieu-
tenant-colonel Wood.* On the edge of the cliff) overlooking the steam boat landing, is a
spacious hotel, where I booked myself as a boarder for a day or two. A more delightful
spot, particularly in summer, for a weary traveler or a professed lounger, can not easily be
found, than the broad piazza of that public dwelling presents. Breezy in the hottest weath-
er, and always enlivened by pleasant company, the sojourner need not step from beneath its
shadow to view a most wonderful variety of pleasing objects in nature and art. Upon the
grassy plain before him are buildings of the military establishment — ^the Academic Halls,
the Philosophical and Library buildings, the Observatory, the Chapel, the Hospital, the Bar-
racks and Mess Hall of the cadets, and the beautifully shaded dwellings of the officers and
professors that skirt the western side of the plateau at the base of the hills. On the parade,
the cadets, in neat uniform, exhibit their various exercises, and an excellent band of music,
delights the ear. Lifting the eyes to the westward, the lofty summit of Mount Independ-
ence, crested by the gray ruins of Fort Putnam, and beyond it the loftier apex of Redoubt
Hill, are seen. Turning a little northward, Old Cro' Nest and Butter Hill break the hori-
zon nearly half way to the zenith ; and directly north, over Martelaer*s Rock or Constitu-
tion Island, through the magnificent cleft in the chain of hills through which the Hudson
flows, is seen the bright waters of Newburgh Bay, the village glittering in the sunbeams,
and the beautiful, cultivated slopes of Dutchess and Orange. The scenery at the eastward
is better comprehended and more extensive as seen from Fort Putnam, whither we shall
presently climb.
I passed the remainder of the afternoon among the celebrities clustered around October 26,
the plain. I first visited the Artillery Laboratory, where are deposited several ^®^-
interesting trophies and relics of the Revolution. In the center of the court is a group of
great interest, consisting of a large brass mortar, mounted, which was taken from the En-
glish when Wayne captured Stony Point ; two small brass mortars, taken from Burgoyne
at Saratoga, and a portion of the famous chain which the Americans stretched across the
river at West Point to obstruct the passage of the vessels of the enemy. The large mortar
** Rich in my children, on my arms I bore
My living treararet from the scalper*! power.
When I sat down to rest beneath some shade.
On the soft grass how innocent she play*d.
While her sweet sister from the flagrant wild
Collects the flowers to please my precious child."
* The following is the inscription on this monument :
" To the memory of Lieutenant-colonel E. D. Wood, of the corps of engineers, who feU while leading a
charge at the sortie of Fort Erie, Upper Canada, 17th of September, 1814, in the 31st year of his age. He
was exemplary as a Christian, and distinguished as a soldier. A pupil of this institution,* he died an honor
to his country. This memorial was erected by his friend and commander, Major-general Jacob Brown.'*
* Military Academy at West Pdnt
Digitized by
Google
700
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Size of the Mortars and Chain.
Position of the Chain in the River.
Other Relict.
KoadoaElu/t
has a caliber of ten and a half inches ; the smaller ones, of four inches and three quarters.
The former is emblazoned with the English coat of arms, beneath which is engraved *< As-
cfialeh, fecit, 1741." There are twelve links, two clevises, and a portion of a link of the
Qbkat Chain Ata> Hobtam
great chain remaining. The links are made of iron bars, two and a half inches square,
average in length a little over two feet, and weigh about one hundred and forty pounds each.
The chain was stretched across the river at the narrowest point between the rocks just be-
low the steam-boat landing, and Constitution Island opposite. It was fixed to huge blocks
on each shore, and under the cover of batteries on both sides of the river. The remains of
these are still visible. " It is buoyed up," says Doctor Thacher, writing in 1780, " by very
large logs of about sixteen feet long, pointed at the ends, to lessen their opposition to the
force of the current at flood and ebb tide. The logs are placed at short distances from each
other, the chain carried over them, and made fast to each by staples. There are also a
number of anchors dropped at proper distances, with cables made fast to the chain, to give
it greater stability."* The history of this chain will be noted presently.
Near this group is a cannon, by the premature discharge of which, in 1817, a cadet named
Lowe was killed. There is a beautiful monument erected to his memory in the cemetery
of the institution. I observed several long !l^rench cannons, inscribed with various dates ;
and among others, two brass field-pieces, of British manufacture, bearing the monogram of
the king, "G R.," and the inscription *'W, Bowen, fecit, 1755." These were presented
to General Greene by order of Congress, as an inscription among the military emblems avers.*
At the northeast corner of the plain, a little eastward of the hotel, are mounds denoting
Jthe ramparts of old Fort Clinton. Among these mounds stands the monument erected to
the memory of KoscmszKo. It is made of white marble, and is a conspicuous object to
travelers upon the river. On one side of the pedestal, in large letters, is the name Kosci-
^ Military Journal, page 211.
• The inscription is as follows :
" Taken from the British army, and presented, by order of the United States in Congress assembled, to
Major-general Greene, as a monument* of their high sense of the wisdom, fortitude, and military talents
which distinguished his command in the Southern department, and of the CRiinent services which, amid com-
plicated dangers and difficulties, he performed for his country. October y* 18th, 1783."
* To ite dishonor of our country, it must be said thtt theae two brazen cannons form the only ** monnmentf* ever made to
the memory of that great commander. Savannah, in Georgia, hag a ward and a aquare bearing his name, and in the center of
the latter ia tiie fonndation-itone of an intended monument to hia memory. This and the comer-etone of a monument to Pb-
lasU were laid by La Fayette in 1835. For a further notice of this matter, See page 514, toI. ii
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
701
Kosciofzko'a Garden.
Other LocaUtiet.
Fort Arnold.
Fort Putnam.
Visw FBOV FoBT Clinton, looking Nobtk.
CJSZKO ; and on the other is the brief inscription, ** Erected by the Corps of Cadets, 1828.*'
The monument was completed in 1829, at a cost of five thousand dollars. A drawing of
it forms a portion of the vignette of
the map printed on page 137. From
this monument the view of the river
and adjacent scenery, especially at the
northward, is very fine, and should nev-
er be unobserved by the visitor.
Emerging from the remains of Fort
Clinton, the path, traversing the mar-
gin of the clifi^ passes the ruins of a bat-
tery, and descends, at a narrow gorge
between huge rocks, to a flight of wood-
en steps. These terminate at the bot-
tom upon a grassy terrace a few feel
wide, over which hangs a shelving clifl'
covered with shrubbery. This is called
Kosciuszko's Garden, from the circum-
stance of its having been a favorite re-
sort of that officer while stationed there
as engineer for a time during the Revolution. In the center of
the terrace is a marble basin, from the bottom of which bubbles
up a tiny fountain of pure water. It is said that the remains of a
fountain constructed by Kosciuszko was discovered in 1802, when
it was removed, and the marble bowl which now receives the jet
was placed there. It is a beautiful and romantic spot, shaded by
a weeping willow and other trees, and having seats provided for
those who wish to linger. Upon a smooth spot, high upon the
rocks and half overgrown with moss, are slight indications of writ-
ten characters. Tradition says it is the remains of the name of
Kosciuszko, inscribed by his own hand ; but I doubt the report, for
he possessed too much common sense to be guilty of such folly as
the mutilated benches
around the fountain ex-
hibit ; his name was
already upon the tab-
let of Polish history,
and his then present deeds were marking it deep upon that of our war for independence.
The sun had gone down behind the hills when I ascended from the garden to the plain.
The cadets were performing their evening parade, and, as the last rays lefl Bear Hill and
the Sugar Loaf, the evening gun and the tattoo summoned them to quarters. During the
twilight hour, I strolled down the road along the river bank, half a mile beyond the bar-
racks, to Mr. Kingsley's Classical School, situated upon a commanding eminence above the
road leading to Buttermilk Falls. Near his residence was a strong redoubt, called Fort
Arnold, one of the outposts of West Point in the Revolution. I was informed that the re-
mains are well preserved ; but it was too dark to distinguish an artificial mound from a nat-
ural hillock, and I hastened back to my lodgings.
Unwilling to wait until the late hour of eight for breakfast the next morning, I arose at
iawn, and before sunrise I stood among the ruins of Fort Putnam, on the pinnacle of Mount
"^X^-
Koscxuszico's Gajldkn.
47^ccc^lf^^
KoflCiuazKo'f Signature.
Independence, nearly five hundred feet above the river.
I had waked
From a long sleep of many changing dreams,
And now in the fresh forest air I strnkl
Digitized by
Google
702 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
View from the Rains of Fort Putnwn. Names of the Highland Peaks. Drake's **CuiprH f»f^
Nerved to another day of wandering.
The sky bent roand
The awful domes of a most mighty temple,
Built by Omnipotent hands for nothing less
Than infinite worship. Here I stood in silence ;
I had no words to tell the mingled thougrhts
Of wonder and of joy that then came o'er me
Even with a whirlwind's rush."
James G. Pbecival.
Around me were strewn mementoeB of the Revolution. My feet pressed the russet turf
upon the ramparts of a ruined fort. Eastward, behind which were glowing the splendors
of approaching day, stretched a range of broken hills, on whose every pinnacle the vigilant
patriots planted batteries and built watch-fires. At their feet, upon a fertile terrace almost
a mile in breadth, was the *' Beverly House," from which Arnold escaped to the Vulture ,*
old Phillipstown, around which a portion of the Revolutionary army was cantoned in 1781,*
and intermediate localities, all rich with local traditions and historic associations. On the
lef%, over Constitution Island, arose the smoke of the furnaces and forges at Cold Spring, a
thriving village at the river terminus of a mountain furrow that slopes down from the east-
ern hills. A little beyond, and beneath the frowning crags of Mount Taurus,* appeared
•< Under Cliff," the country seat of George P. Morris, Esq., lying hke a pearl by the side of
a sleeping giant, and just visible in the fading shadows of the mountains. Nowhere in our
broad land is there a more romantic nook, or more appropriate spot for the residence of an
American song-writer than this,
" Where Hudson's waves o'er silvery sands
Winds through the hills afar,
And Cro' Nest like a monarch stands
Crown'd with a sbgle star."
MORETS
Hark I the sunrise gun on the plain below hath spoken I How eagerly its loud voice is
caught up by echo and carried from hill to hill ! The Sugar Loaf answers to Redoubt
Mountain, and Anthony's Nose to Bear Mountain and the Dunderberg, and then there is
only a soft whisper floating away over the waters of the Haverstraw. The reveille is heat-
ing ; the shrill notes of the fife, and the stirring music of the comet-players, come up and
fill the soul with a martial spirit consonant with the place and its memories. Here, then,
let us sit down upon the lip of this rock-fountain, within the ruins of the fort, and commune
a while with the old chronicler.
The importance of fortifying the Hudson River at its narrow passes among the Higb-
^ It was here that the general inoculation of the soldiers of the Continental army was performed by Doc-
tors Cochrane, Thacher, Munson, and others, as mentioned on page 307, vol. i.
* This, in plain English and common parlance, is Bull Hill. I feel very much disposed to quarrel with
my countrymen for their want of taste in giving names to localities. Thoy have discarded the beaatifol
^* heathenish'* names of the Indian verbal geographies, and often substituted the most oonomonplace and in-
appropriate title that human ingenuity, directed earthward, could invent — Bull Hill I Crow's Nest I Butter
Hill ! I Ever blessed be the name and memory of Joseph Rodman Drake, whose genius has clothed these
Highland cones, despite their vulgar names, with a degree of classic interest, hy thus summoning there
with the herald voice of imagination,
" Oaphe and goblin 1 imp and sprite t
Elf of eve and starry fay I
Ye that love the moon's soft lights
Hither, hither wend your way.
Twine ye in a Jocnnd ring ;
Sing and trip it merrily ;
Hand to hand and wing to wing, ,
Round the wild witch-hazel tree 1**
The Ctopbit Pat, oarto xeevi.*
* This bcaatiful poem was written eon amove, daring a brief ramble of the author among the Hndson Higfala»U
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OF THE REVOLUTION.
703
Fortiflcatioiis in the Highland! ordered.
Action of the New York AMembly.
Fort Constttntion.
1775.
iNTKRIOm OF k'OMT PVTNAM.*
lands was suggested to the Continental Congress by the Provincial Assembly of New York
at an early period of the war. On the 6th of October, 1775, the former directed the latter
to proceed to make such fortifications as they
should deem best.* On the 18th of No- , ^ ^^v^'
vember, Congress resolved to appoint a
commander for the fortress, with the rank of
colonel, and recommended the New York As-
sembly, or Convention, to empower him to raise
a body of two hundred militia from the coun-
ties of Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster, and a
company of artillery from New York city, to garrison them. The Convention was also rec-
ommended to forward from Kingsbridge such ordnance as they should think proper.* That
body had already taken action. On the 18th of August, a committee was appointed to su-
perintend the erection of forts and bat-
teries in the vicinity of West Point.*
They employed Bernard Romans, an
English engineer (who, at that time,
held the same office in the British army),
to construct the works ; and Martelaer's
Rock (now Constitution Island), oppo-
site West Point, was the chosen spot for
the pfincipal fortification. Romans commenced operations on the 29th of August, and on
the 1 2th of October he applied to Congress for a commission, with the rank and pay of col-
onel. It was this application which caused the action of Congress on the 1 8th of Novem-
ber. In the mean while, Romans and his employers quarreled, and
the commission was never granted ; the work was soon afterward
completed by others. The fort was named Constitution, and the
island has since borne that title.* The fort and its outworks were
quite extensive, though the main fortress was built chiefly of perish-
able materials, on account of the apparent necessity for its speedy
erection. The whole cost was about twenty-five thousand dollars.
The remains of the fort and surrounding batteries are scattered over
the island. Near the highest point on the western end are the Plan or Fobt Cokstitutiok.*
* Journals of Congreis, i., 199.
* This little sketch is a view of the remains of the casemates, or vaults, of Fort Patnam. There were
owe originally, bat only six remain in a state of fair preservation. They were built of brick and covered
with stone ; were twelve feet wide and eighteen feet deep, with an arched roof twelve feet high. Each
one had a fire-place, and they seem to have been used for the purposes of barracks, batteries, and maga-
zines. In the center of the fort is a spring, that bubbles up in a rocky basin. The whole interior is very
rough, it being the pinnacle of a bald, rocky elevation.
' JoumaU of Congrtu, i., 223.
* The committee consisted of Isaac Sears, John Berrien, Colonel Edward Fleming, Anthony Rutger, and
Christopher Miller. Fleming and Rutger declined the appointment, and Captain Samuel Bayard and Cap-
lain William Bedlow were appointed in their places.
* This island belonged to the widow of Captain Ogilvie, of the British army, and her children, during the
Revolution, as appears by a correspondence between the New York Committee of Safety and Colonel Bev-
erly Robinson. The committee supposed that the island belonged to Robinson, and applied to him for its
purchase. In his reply* he mentioned the fact of its belonging to Mrs. Ogilvie, and added, " Was it mine,
the public should be extremely welcome to it. The building of the fort there can be no disadvanta^re to
the small quantity of arable hind on the island." Robinson afterward chose the royal side of the poHtical
question, and held the commission of a colonel in the British army.
* This plan of Fort Constitution is from Romans's report to the Committee of Safety of New York, on the
14th of September, 1775, and published in the American Archive*^ iii., 735.
Explanation. — O) guard-room and store-house ; 6, barracks ; c, block-house and main guard ; (i, maga-
zine ; e, the gateway; 1, a battery of four four-pounders; 2, three twelve-pounders; 3, three twelve-
pounders and one nine-pounder ; 4, five eighteen-pounders ; 5, four twelve-pounders ; 6, three eighteen-
pounders ; 7 and 8, one each, nine and twelve-pounder ; 9, one four-ponnder.
Digitized by
Google
704
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
New Porta in the Highlands proposed.
West Point selected.
Radidre and other Engineers firom Pranee
Plan of the Maoazinb.
well-preserved remains of the magazine, the form of which is given in the annexed diagram.
It is upon a hif^h rock, accessible only on one side. The whole wall is quite perfect, except
at the doorway, D, where a considerable portion has fallen down and
blocked up the entrance.
After the capture of Forts Clinton and Montgomery, near the lower
entrance to the Highlands, in 1 777, and the abandonment of Fort Con-
stitution hy the Americans a few days afterward, public attention was
directed to the importance of other and stronger fortifications in that
vicinity. On the 5 th of November, Congress appointed General Gates
to command in the Highlands, or rather that post was connected with
the Northern department. Gates was made president of the Board of
War about that time, and never entered upon the prescribed duties in
the Highlands. Anxious to have those passes strongly guarded, Wash-
ington requested General Putnam to bestow his most serious attention upon that important
December 2, subject. He also wrote to Governor Clinton, at the same time, desiring him to
17^- take the immediate supervision of the work ; but his legislative duties, then
many and pressing, made it difficult for him to comply. Clinton expressed his willingness
to devote as much time as possible to the matter, and also made many valuable sugges-
tions respecting the proposed fortifications. He mentioned West Point as the most eligible
site for a strong fort.
Duty calling General Putnam to Connecticut, and General Parsons not feeling himself
authorized to progress with the works, but little was done until the arrival of General
•1778. M'Dougal, who took command on the 20th of March following.t^ In the mean
t> January, while, several ofiicers examined various localities in the neighborhood, ^ and all
were in favor of erecting a strong fort on West Point, except /; ^^
La Radiere, a French engineer.* A committee of the New ^/y j€d^/^^ >V
York Legislature, after surveying several sites, unanimously •'^^— *^
recommended West Point as the most eligible. Works were accordingly commenced there,
under the direction of Kosciuszko, who had been appoint-
ed to succeed Radiere in the Highlands, his skill being
quite equal, and his manners more acceptable to the peo-
ple. Kosciuszko arrived on the 20 th of March, and
the works were pushed toward completion with ^'"^
much spirit. The principal redoubt, constructed chiefly
of logs and earth, was completed before May, and named
Fort Clinton. It was six hundred yards around within
the walls. The embankments were twenty-one feet at
base, and fourteen feet high. There were barracks and
West Point in 1780.»
^ The American oommissioners in France were instructed by Congress to procure some good engineers
for the Continental army. Franklin and Deane contracted with four officers of this description, ¥^o had
served in such capacity, under commissions, in the French army, namely, Duportail, Laumoy, Radiere, and
Gouvion. These officers came to the United States with the knowledge and approbation of the French
government, and were the only ones engaged by the express authority of Congress. The Chevalier Du-
portail was appointed colonel of engineers, Laumoy and Ra-
diere lieutenant colonels, and Gouvion major. Duportail
was afterward promoted to a brigadier, Laumoy and ~
diere to colonels, and Gouvion to a lieutenant colonel,
diere died in the service at the begpinning of 1780.
JoumaU of Congre$8, iii., 224, 322, 403.
• This view is from a print published in the New York Magazine for 1790. It was taken from Consti-
tution Island. On the left is seen a portion of old Fort Constitution. The great chain, four hundred and
fifty yards in length, and covered by a strong battery, is seen stretched across the river, immediately belov
Fort Clintouj the structure on the high point. In the distance, on the left, two mountain summits are seen,
crowned vrith fortifications. These were the North and Middle Redoubts. Upon the range of the Sugar
Loaf Mountain, higher than these, and hidden, in the view, by Fort Clinton, was another redoubt, called thi^
South Battery. The view on page 708 I sketched from the same spot whence this was taken.
Emd Ka-
). See ^ ^..^--^
Digitized by
Google
UP THE REVOLUTION.
705
WMt Point In 1780.
ConstmeCion of the great Choln.
History of the Work.
MapofWestPoiot
huts for about six hundred men.* The cliff on which Fort Clinton was erected rises one
hundred and eifirhty-ei^ht feet above the river, and is more elevated than the plain in the
rear. The oTily iccc^si-
\WEST iTOIJSlX
t/» Tfttic
ble point from the river
-N^-as at the house and
dock, on the water's edge,
seen in the engraving.
That point is now a lit-
tle above the steam- boat
landing. This weak point
was well defended by pal-
isades
To defend Fort Clin-
ton, and more thoroughly
to secure the river against
the passage of an enemy's
fleet, it was thought ad-
visable to fortify the
heights in the neighbor-
hood. The foundation of
a strong fort was accord-
ingly laid on Mount In-
dependence, and, when
completed, it was named
Putnam, in honor of the
commander of the post.
On eminences south of it,
Forts Webb, Wyllys, and other redoubts were con-
structed ; and at the close of 1779, West Point was
the strongest military post in America. In addition
to the batteries that stood menacingly upon the hill
tops, the river was obstructed by an enormous iron
cham, the form and size of which is noted on page
132. The iron of which this chain was constructed
was wrought from ore of equal parts, from the Stir-
ling and Long Mines, in Orange county. The chain
was manufactured by Peter Townshend, of Chester,
at the Stirling Iron Works, in the same county, which
were situated about twenty-five miles back of West
Point.* The general superintendent of the work, as
engineer, was Captain Thomas Machin, who after-
ward assisted in the engineering operations at York-
NoTK. — This map eschibits all of the most important localities at West Point during the Revolution and
at the present time. It will be seen that the Hudson River rail-road crosses the cove and Constitution Isl-
and a little eastward of the ruins of the main fortress, on that side of the river. The islaod is owned by
Henry W. Warner, Esq., and upon the eminence where the ravelins of the fort were spread is his beautiful
country seat, called '* Wood Crag.*' The kitchen part of his mansion is a portion of the barracks erected
there in the autunm of 1775.
* Letter of General Putnam to the commander-in-chief, January, 1778. In this letter, Putnam gives, in
a few words, a picture of the terrible privations which the soldiers in the HigUands were enduring, while
those at Valley Forge were also suffering intensely. " Dubois's regiment," he sajrs, " is unfit to be ordered
on duty, there being not one blanket in the regunent. Very few have either a shoe or a shirt, and most of
them have neither stockings, breeches, or overalls. Several companies of enlisted artificers are in the same
situation, and unable to work in the field.
' The Stirling Works are still in operation. They are situated on the outlet of Stirling Pond, about five
I. Yy
Digitized by
Google
706 PICTOHIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Chain weakened by Arnold. Importance of West Point EstabUahmoit of the BQUtary Academy Ibera
town, when Comwallis was captureid. The chain was completed abont the middle of April,
1778, and on the Ist of May it was stretched across the river and secured.^
When Benedict Arnold was arranging his plans to deliver West Point and its dependen-
cies into the hands of the enemy, this chain became a special object of his attention ; and it
is related that, a few days before the discovery of his treason, he wrote a letter to Andr6,
in a disguised hand and manner, informing him that he had weakened the obstructions in
the river by ordering a link of the chain to be taken out and carried to the smith, under a
pretense that it needed repairs. He assured his employer that the link would not be re-
turned to its place before the forts should be in possession of the enemy. Of the treason of
Arnold I shall write presently.
West Point was considered the keystone of the country during the Revolution, and there
a large quantity of powder, and other munitions of war and military stores, were collected.
These considerations combined, made its possession a matter of great importance to the en-
emy, and hence it was selected by Arnold as the prize which his treason would give as a
bribe. When peace returned, it was regarded as one of the most important military posts
in the ooimtry, and the plateau upon the point was purchased by the United States govern-
ment. Repairs were commenced on Fort Putnam in 1794, but little was done. Not being
included in the government purchase, the owner of the land on which the fort stood felt at
liberty to appropriate its material to his private usdf and for years the work of demolition
was carried on with a Vandal spirit exercised only by the ignorant or avaricious. It was
not arrested until Congress purchased the Gridly Farm (see the map), on which the ^
stood, in 1824, when the work had become almost a total ruin.
The Military Academy at West Point was established by an act of Congress, which be-
came a law on the 16th of March, 1802. Such an institution, at that place, was proposed
by Washington to Congress in 1 793 ; and earlier than this, even before the war of the Rev-
olution had closed, he suggested the establishment of a military school there.' But little
prc^ess was made in the matter until 1812, when, by an act of Congress, a corps of en-
gineers and of professors were organized, and the school was endowed with the most attrac^
ive features of a literary institution, mingled with that of the military character. From
that period until the present, the academy has been increasing in importance, in a military
point of view. Over three thousand young men have been educated there, and, under the
superintendence of Major Delafield, who was appointed commandant in 1838, it continues
to flourish. The value of the instruction received there was made very manifest during
the late war with Mexico ; a large portion of the most skillful officers of our army, in that
conflict, being graduates of this academy.
The bell is ringing for breakfast ; let us dose the record and descend to the plain.
miles soathwest of the Sloatsbnrg station, on the Erie rail-way. They are owned by descendants of Peter
Townshend, and have now been in operation aboat one hundred years, having been established in 1751, by
Lord Stirling (the Revolutionary general) and others.
^ Gordon and other early writers have promulgated the erroneous opinion that this chain was oonstrocted
in 1777, and was destroyed by the British fleet that passed up the Hadson and homed Kingston in October
of that year. Misled by these anthorities, I have published the same error in my Seventeen Hundred amd
Seventy-eix. Doctunentary evidence, which is far more reliable than the best tradition, shows that the chsin
was oonstmoted in the spring of 1778. Colonel Timothy Pickering, accompanied by Captain Maohin, sr-
rived at the house of Mr. Townshend late on a Saturday night in March of that year, to engage him to make
the chain. Townshend readily agreed to construct it ; and in a violent snow-storm, amid the darkness of
the night, the parties set out for the Stirling Iron Works. At daylight on Sunday morning the forges were
in operation. New England teamsters carried the links, as fast as they were finished, to West Point, and
in the space of six weeks the whole chain was completed. It weighed one hundred and eighty tons.
* In die spring of 1783, Washington'communicated a request to all his principal officers, then in camp st
Xewburgh, and also to Governor Clinton, to give him their views in reference to a peace establishment,
which must soon be organised. They complied, and, from their several letters, Washington compiled t
communication to Congress, extending to twenty-five folio pages. In that conununication, the commander-
in-chief opposed the proposition of several officers to establish military academies at the different arseoab
in the United States, and recommended the founding of one at West Point. For his proposed plan in out*
line, see Woihington't Life and Writinge, viii., p. 417, 418.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
707
Pom Webb, Wyllyi, and PuHum.
VUit to Constitution Island.
Remains of Fort Constitutloa
The winding road from Fort Putnam to the plain is well wrought along the moimtain
tide, but quite steep in many places. A little south of it, and near the upper road leading
to the stone quarries and Mr. Kingsley's, are the ruins of Fort Webb, a strong redoubt,
man to convey me in his skiff to Coiistitutiou Island,
and from thence down to Buttermilk Falls,' two milw
below West Point. I directed him to come for me
at the island within an hour and a half, but, either
forgetting his engagement or serving another cus-
tomer, it was almost noon before I saw him, when
my patience as well as curiosity was quite exhausted.
„ „ .„ I had rambled over the island, making such sketches
auim OF FoBT Punt AXi, am ssxsr nov Fobt Wxbb. •, -, . -. ,/. i -, -,
as I desired, and for nearly an hour I sat upon a
smooth bowlder by the margin of the river, near the remains of the redoubt made to cover
and defend the great chain at the island end. On the southeast side of a small marshy
cove, clasping a rough rock, a good portion of the heavy walls of Fort Constitution remain.
The outworks are traceable several rods back into the stinted forest. The sketch on the
next page is from the upper edge of the cove, and includes, on the left, a view of the re-
' These falls derive their name from the milky appearance of the water as it rushes in a white foam over
the rooks in a series of cascades.
Digitized by
Google
708
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Battermnk Palli.
A venenible Boatmaa.
Beverly Dock and Robinaon Honae.
Amold'a Willow.
Vucw PBOM Constitution Island.
1807.
mains of the redoubt across the river, the site of Fort Clinton, the chain, and Kosciuszko's
monument, and, in the distance. Fort Hill, in the neighborhood of Ardenia and the Robin-
son House.
From Constitution Island we proceeeded along
under the high cliffs of West Point to Buttermilk
Falls. There was a strong breeze from the south
that tossed our little orafl about like an egg-shell,
and my cloak was well moistened with the spray
before reaching the landing. There, in a little cot-
tage, overhung by a huge clifi*that seemed ready to
tumble down, lived a boatman, named Havens, sev-
enty-nine years old. For more than fifty years him-
self and wife have lived there under the rocks and
within the chorus of the cascades. He was too
young to remember the stirring scenes of the Rev-
olution, but immediate subsequent events were fresh
in his recollection. He was engaged in removing
powder from Fort Clinton, at West Point, when
the Clermont, Fulton's experiment boat, with its bare paddles, went up the river, ex-
citing the greatest wonder in its course. After I had passed a half hour pleasantly
with this good old couple, the veteran prepared his little boat
and rowed me across to *' Beverly Dock'* (the place from whence
Arnold escaped in his barge to the Vulture), where he agreed to
await my return from a visit to the Robinson House, three quar-
ters of a mile distant. The path lay along the border of a marsh
and up a steep hill, the route which tradition avers Arnold took
in his fiight. Two of the old willow trees, called ** Arnold's wil-
lows," were yet standing on the edge of the morass, riven and
half decayed.
The Robinson House, formerly owned by Colonel Beverly Rob-
inson, is situated upon a fertile plateau at the foot of Sugar Loaf
Mountain, one of the eastern ranges of
the Highlands, which rises in conical
form to an elevation of eight hundred
feet above the plain. This mansion,
spacious for the times, is at present oc-
^ cupied by Lieutenant Thomas Arden,
.a graduate of West Point, who, with
commendable taste, preserves every part
of it in its original character. The
lowest building, on the left, was the
farm-house, attached to the other two
which formed the family mansion.
Here Colonel Robinson lived in quiet,
iiis kobinbun Huui>iv. but not in retirement, for his house had
AaiNOLD'S W1LX.OW.
Jkummm-^
* This house, the property of Richard D. Arden, Esq. (father of the proprietor), is now called Beverly,
the Christian name of Colonel Robinson. The dock built by Colonel R., and yet partially in existence, is
Beverly Dock. The fine estate of Mr. Arden he has named Ardenia.
This view is from the lawn on the south side of the house. The highest part, on the right, was the portioo
occupied by Arnold. On the extreme right is an ancient cherry-tree, which doubtless bore Aiiit during die
Revolution. This mansion was the country residence of Colonel Beverly Robinson, who married a daughter
of Frederic Phillipse, the owner of an immense landed estate on the Hudson. Colonel Robinson was a son
nf John Robinson, who was president of the Council of Virginia on the retirement of Governor Gooch in
1734 He was a major in the British army under Wolfe at the storming of Quebec in 1759. He eoii
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION
701)
Arnold in PhilAdelphia.
Hia EztraTBgance.
Marriage with Bfiai Shippen.
Memoir of Beverly Robinaoo.
too wide a reputation for hospitality to be often Mrithout a guest beneath its roof There
Generals Putnam and Parsons made their head-quarters in 1778^9. Dr. D wight, then a
chaplain in the army, and residing there, speaks of it as a most delightful spot, " surrounded
by valuable gardens, fields, and orchards, pelding every thing which will grow in this cli-
mate." But the event which gives the most historic importance to this place was the trea-
son of Arnold, which we will here consider.
When the British evacuated Philadelphia in the spring of 1778, Arnold (whose leg,
wounded at the battle of Stillwater the previous autumn, was not yet healed) was appointed
by Washington military governor of the city, having in command a small detachment of
troops. Afler remaining a month in Philadelphia, Arnold conceived the project of quitting
the army and engaging in the naval service. He applied to Washington for advice in the
matter, expressing bis desire to be appointed to a command in the navy, and alleging the
state of his wounds as a reason for desiring less active service than the army, yet a service
more fitted to his genius than the inactive one he was then engaged in. Washington an-
swered him with caution, and declined ofiering an opinion. As no further movement was
made in the matter, it is probable that the idea originated with Arnold alone ; and, as he
could not engage the countenance of Washington, he abandoned it.
Fond of show, and feeling the importance of his station, Arnold now began to live in a style
of splendor and extravagance which his income would not allow, and his pecuniary embarrass-
ments, already becoming troublesome to him, were soon fearfully augmented. The future was
all dark, for he saw no honorable means for delivering himself from the dilemma. No doubt,
dreams of rich prizes filled his mind while contemplating a command in the navy, but these
grated to New York, and beoame very wealthy by his marriage. The mansion here delineated was his res-
idence when the war of the Revolution broke oat, and, loving qniet, he refrained from engaging in the ex-
citing events of the day. He was opposed to the coarse of the ministry during the few years preceding
the war, joined heartily in carrying out the spirit of
the non-importation agreements, but, opposed to any
separation of the colonies from the parent country, he
took sides with the Loyalists when the Declaration of
Independence was promulgated. He removed to New
Tork, and there raised a military corps called the Loy-
al American Regiment, of which he was commission-
ed the colonel. His son, Beverly, was commissioned
its lieutenant colonel. It is supposed that he wa«(
Amold^s correspondent and confidant in his prelim-
inary acts of treason, and that the intentions of the
traitor were known to him before any intimation of
them was made to Sir Henry Clinton. Robinson fig-
ures publicly in that aflair, and bis country mansion
was the head-quarters of the recusant general while
arranging the crowning acts of his treachery.
At the conclusion of the war, Colonel Robinson and
a portion of his family went to England, where he
remained until his death, which occurred at Thorn-
bury in 1792, at the age of 69 years. His wife died
in 1822, at the age of 94. Colonel Robinson and
Washington were personal friends before the war, and
it is asserted that, at the house of the former, the Vir-
ginian colonel, while on his way to Boston in 1756,
to consult General Shirley on military affairs, saw and
" fell in love^' with Miss Mary Phillipse, a sister of Mrs. Robinson. It is also said that Washington made
a proposition of marriage to her, but she refused him, telling him frankly that she loved another. The fa-
vored suitor was Roger Morris, one of Washington's companions in arms in the battle of the Great Meadows,
where Braddock was killed. Morris was that general's aid-de-camp. A portrait of this lady may be foond
on page 626, vol. ii.
The miniature from which this likeness of Colonel Robinson was copied is in the poesesaion of his grand-
son, Beverly Robinson, Etfq., of New York. It was painted by Mr. Plott in 1785, when Colonel Robinson
was sixty-two yean old. The letter from which I copied his signature was written in 1786. The last sur-
viving son of Colonel Robinson (Sir Frederick Philipse Robinson), died at his residence, at Brighton, En-
gland, on the 1st of January, 1852, at the age of 87 years.
^U/(^^^^i^i^^
Digitized by
Google
710
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
AiBold'i Retidence and Style of Living.
Hla fraudulent Dealings.
Charge of Bfalfeaaance preferred agiintt bia
being dissipated, he saw the web of difficulty gathering more closely and firmly around him.
He had recently married Miss Margaret Shippen, daughter of Edward Shippen, one of the
disafiected or Tory residents of Philadelphia. She was much younger than he, and he loved
her with passionate fondness — a love deserved by her virtues and solidity of understanding.
In addition to these advantages, she was beautiful in person and engaging in her manners.
When the British troops entered Philadelphia, a few months previously, her friends had given
them a cordial welcome ; therefore the marriage of Arnold with a member of such a family
excited great surprise, and some uneasiness on the part of the patriots. ** But he was pledged
to the republic by so many services rendered and benefits received, that, on reflection, the
aUiance gave umbrage to no one."'
Arnold resided in the spacious mansion that once helonged to William Penn,' and there
he lived in a style of luxury rivaled by no resident in Philadelphia. He kept a coach-and-
four, servants in livery, and gave splendid banquets. Rather than retrench his expenses
and live within his means, he chose to procure money by a system of fraud, and prostitution
of his official power,* which brought him into collision with the people, and with the pres-
ident and Council of Pennsylvania. The latter preferred a series of charges against him,
all implying a willful ahuse of power and criminal acts. These were laid before Congress.
A committee, to whom all such charges were referred, acquitted him of criminal designs.
The whole subject was referred anew to a joint com-
mittee of Congress, and the Assembly and Council of
Pennsylvania. After proceeding in their duties for a
while, it was thought expedient to hand the whole
matter over to Washington, to he submitted to a mil-
itary tribunal. Four of the charges only were deem-
ed cognizable by a court martial, and these were trans-
mitted to Washington. Arnold had previously pre-
%nted to Congress large claims against the govern-
ment, on account of money which he alleged he had
expended for the public service in Canada. *A part of
his claim was disallowed ; and it was generally be-
lieved that he attempted to cheat the government by
false financial statements.
Arnold was greatly irritated by the course pursued
by Congress and the Pennsylvania Assembly, and com-
plained, probably not without cause (for party spirit
was never more rife in the national Legislature than
at that time), of injustice and partiality on the part of Benedict arnox.d.4
* American RegUter, 1817, ii., 31.
' A view of this mansion, which is still standing, may be found on page 95, vol. ii.
' Under pretense of supplying the wants of the army, Arnold forbade the shop-keepers to sell or buy ; he
then put goods at the dispc^al of his agents, and caused them to be sold at enormous profits, the greater
proportion of which he put into his own purse. " At one moment he prostituted his authority to enrich his
accomplices ; at the next, squabbled with them about the division of the prey.*' His transactions in this
way involved the enormous amount of one hundred and forty thousand dollars.
* Benedict Arnold was bom in Norwich, Connecticut, on the 3d of January, 1740. He was a descend-
ant of Benedict Arnold, one of the early governors of Rhode Island. He was bred an apothecary, nnder
the brothers Lathrop of Norwich, who were so much pleased with him as a young roan of genius and en-
terprise, that they gave him two thousand dollars to commence business with. From 1763 to 1767, be
combined the business of druggist and bookseller in New Haven. Being in command of a volunteer com-
pany there when the war broke out, he marched to Cambridge, and thenceforth his career is identified with
•fiome of the bravest exploits of the Revolution, until his defection in 1780. In preceding chapters his coane
and character have been incidentally noticed, and it is unnecessary to repeat them here. On going over m
the enemy, he received the commission of brigadier general in the British army, together with the price of
his treason. After the war he went to England, where he chiefly resided until his death. He was eo-
ga^ed in trade in St. John's, I^ew Brunswick, from 1786 till 1793. He was fraudulent in his dealings, rdiI
became so unpopular, that in 1792 he was hung in effigy by a mob. He left St. John's for the Wi^t In-
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 711
Arnold ordered to be tried hj a Court MartiaL HIa Trial, Verdict, and Pnniahment Ili Eflbcta
the former, in throMring aside the report of their own committee, hy which he had heen ac-
quitted, and listening to the proposals of men who, he said, were moved by personal enmity,
and had practiced unworthy artifices to cause delay. After the lapse of three months, the
Council of Pennsylvania were not ready for the trial, and requested it to be put off, with
the plea that they had not collected all their evidence. Arnold considered this a subter-
fuge, and plainly told all parties so. He was anxious to have the matter settled, for he was
unemployed ; for on the 18th of March, 1779, after the committee of Congress had reported
on the charges preferred by the Council of Pennsylvania, he had resigned his commission.
He was vexed that Congress, instead of calling up and sanctioning the first report, should
yield to the solicitations of his enemies for a military trial.'
The day fixed for the trial was the 1st of June ; the place, Washington's head-quarters
at Middlebrook. The movements of the British prevented the trial being held, and it was
d^erred until the 20th of December,* when the court assembled for the purpose, at
Morristown.' The trial commenced, and continued, with slight interruptions, until
the 26th of January, b when the verdict was rendered. Arnold made an elaborate
defense, in the course of which he magnified his services, asserted his entire inno-
cence of the criminal charges made against him, cast reproach, by imputation, upon some
of the purest men in the army, and solemnly proclaimed his patriotic attachment to hit
country. « The boastfulness and malignity of these declarations,'* says Sparks, ** are ob-
vious enough ; but their consummate hypocrisy can be understood only by knowing the fact
that, at the moment they were uttered, he had been eight months in secret correspondence
with the enemy, and was prepared, if not resolved, when the first opportunity should ofier,
to desert and destroy his country."
Arnold was acquitted of two of the four charges ; the other two were sustained in part.
The court sentenced him to the mildest form of punishment, a simple reprimand by the com-
mander-in-chief* , Washington carried the sentence into execution with all possible delicacy ;*
but Arnold's pride was too deeply wounded, or, it may be, his treasonable schemes were too
far ripened, to allow him to take advantage of the favorable moment to regain the confi-
dence of his countrymen and vindicate his character. He had expected from the court a
triumphant vindication of his honor ; he was prepared, in the event of an unfavorable ver-
dict, to seek revenge at any hazard.
»
dies in 1794, but, finding a French fleet there, and fearing a detention by them, the allies of America, he
sailed for England. He died in Gloucester Place, London, Jane 14th, 1801, at the age of sixty-one. His
wife died at the same place, on the 14th of Jane, 1804, aged forty-three. Arnold had three children by his
first wife, and foar by his second, all boys.
> Sparks's Life and Trtaion of AmM, 131, 133.
* Arnold continued to reside in Philadelphia sifter resigning his command. No longer afraid of his power,
the people testified their detestation of his character by various indignities. One day he was assaulted in
the streets by the populace. He. complained to Congress, and asked a guard of twenty men to be placed
around his residence. Congress declined to interfere, and this added another to the list of his alleged griev-
ances. In the mean while, Arnold devised several schemes by which to relieve himself of his pecuniary
embarrassments. He proposed to form a settlement in Western New York for the officers and soldiers who
had served under him. He also conceived the idea of joining some of the Indian tribes, and, uniting many
of them in one, become a great and powerful chief among them.
* Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt, of West Chester county, recorded the following in his diary : " General
Arnold being under arrest for improper conduct in Philadelphia while he commanded there, I was chosen
one of the court martial, Major-general Howe, president. There were also in that court four officers who
had been at Tioonderoga when Colonel Hazen was called on for trial, &c. We were for cashiering Arnold,
but the majority overruled, and he was finally sentenced to be reprimanded by the commander-in-chief. Had
all the court known Arnold's former conduct as well as mjrseli; he would have been dismissed the service."
* " When Arnold was brought before him," says M. de Marbois, " he kindly addressed him, sajring, * Our
profession is the chastest of all. Even the shadow of a fault tarnishes the luster of our finest achievements.
The least inadvertence may rob us of the public favor, so hard to be acquired. I reprimand you for hav-
ing forgotten that, in proportion as you had rendered yourself formidable to our enemies, you should have
been guarded and temperate in your deportment toward your fellow-citizens. Exhibit anew those noble
qualities which have placed you on the list of our most valued commandera. I will myself furnish yon, as
far as it may be in my power, with opportunities of regaining the esteem of your country.' "
Digitized by
Google
712 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Arnold's Interview with Luzerne. Hia Wife and M^jor Andr& Sympadiy »f Schuyler and LiftogMoa
In manifest treason there was great danger, and, before proceeding to any overt acts of
that nature, Arnold tried other schemes to accomplish his desire of obtaining money to meet
the claims of his creditors and the daily demands of his extravagant style of living. He ap-
parently acquiesced in the sentence of the court martial, and tried to get Congress to adjust
his accounts by allowing his extravagant claims. This he could not accomplish, and he ap-
plied to M. de Luzerne, the French minister, who succeeded Gerard, for a loan, promising
a faithful adherence to the king and country of the embassador. Luzerne admired the mil-
itary talents of Arnold, and treated him with great respect ; but he refused the loan, and
administered a kind though keen rebuke to the applicant for thus covertly seeking a bribe.'
He talked kindly to Arnold, reasoned soundly, and counseled him wisely. But words had
no weight without the added specific gravity of gold, and he left the French minister with
mingled indignation, mortification, and shame. From that hour he doubtless resolved to
sell the liberties of his country for a price. *
Hitherto the intimacy and correspondence of Arnold with officers of the British army had
been without definite aim, and apparently incidental. His marriage with the daughter of
Mr. Shippen (who was afterward chief justice of Pennsylvania) was no doubt a link of the
greatest importance in the chain of his treasonable operations. That family was disaffected
to the American cause. Shippen*s youngest daughter, then eighteen years of age, remark-
able, as we have observed, for her beauty, gayety, and general attractions, had been ad-
mired and flattered by the British officers, and was a leading personage in the splendid fiU
called the Mischianza, which was given in honor of Sir William Howe when he was about
leaving the army for Europe. She was intimate with Major Andre, and corresponded with
him after the British army had retired to New York. This was the girl who, attracted by
the station, equipage, iand brilliant display of Arnold, gave him her hand ; this was the girl
he loved so passionately. From that moment he was peculiarly exposed to the influence of
the enemies of his country, and they, no doubt, kept alive the feelings of discontent which dis-
turbed him after his first rupture with the authorities of Pennsylvania. His wife may not
have been his confidant ; but through her intimacy with Major Andre his correspondence
with Sir Henry Clinton was eflccted. Whether she was cognizant of the contents of the -
letters of her husband is not known ; probably she was not.
West Point was an object of covetous desire to Sir Henry Clinton. Arnold knew that
almost any amount of money and honors would be given to the man who should be instm-
mental in placing that post in the hands of the enemy. He resolved, therefore, to make
this the subject of barter for British gold. Hitherto he had pleaded the bad state of his
wounds in justification of comparative inaction ; now they healed rapidly. Though he could
not endure the fatigues of active service on horseback, he thought he might fulfill the duties
of commander at West Point. Hitherto he was sullen and indiflerent ; now his patriotism
was aroused afresh, and he was eager to rejoin his old companions in arms. He was ready
to make the sacrifice of domestic ease for an opportunity to again serve his bleeding country.
With language of such import he addressed his friends in Congress, particularly Greneral
Schuyler, and others who he knew had influence with Washington. He intimated to Schuy-
ler his partiality for the post at West Point. He also prevailed upon Robert R. Livingston,
then a member of Congress from New York, to write to Washington and suggest the expe-
^ M. de Marbois, who was the secretary of the French legation, has preserved a viyid picture df this in-
terview in his accotint of the treason of Arnold, an excellent translation of which may be found in the Amer-
ican Register^ 1817. He says Luzerne listened to Arnold's discourse with pain, but he answered with
frankness. " You desire of me a service," he said, " which it would be easy for me to render, but which
would degrade us both. When the envoy of a foreign power gives, or, if you will, lends money, it is ordi-
narily to corrupt those who receive it, and to make them the creatures of the sovereign whom he serves ;
or, rather, he corrupts without persuading ; he buys and does not secure. But the firm league entered into
between the king and the United States is the work of justice and the wisest policy. It has for its basis a
reciprocal interest and good will. In the mission with which I am charged, my true glory consists in fal-
filling it without intrigue or cabal, without resorting to any secret practices, and by the force alone of the
oc^dition of the alliance."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 713
Ainold't VUit to the American Camp. Wathinftoo Decehed by him. Obtains tlie Command at Weat Point
dienoy of giying Arnold the command of that station. Livingston cheerfully complied, but
his letter had no appearance of being suggested by Arnold himself. Scarcely had Living-
ston's letter reached the camp, before Arnold appeared there in person. Under pretense of
having private business in Connecticut, he passed through the camp, to pay his respects to
the commander-in-chief. He made no allusion to his desire for an appointment to the com-
mand of West Point, and pursued his journey. On his return, he again called upon Wash-
ington at his quarters, and then suggested that, on joining the army, the command of that
post would be best suited to his feelings and the state of his health. Washington was a
little surprised that the impetuous Arnold should be willing to take command where there
was no prospect of active operations. His surprise, however, had no mixture of suspicion
Arnold visited and inspected all the fortifications, in company with General Robert Howe
and then returned to Philadelphia.
Having resolved to join the army, Arnold applied to Congress for arrearages of pay, to
enable him to furnish himself with a horse and equipage. Whether his application was sue
oessful no record ejcplains. He reached the camp on the last day of July, while the
army was crossing the Hudson from the west side, at King's Ferry (Verplanck's Point).
On the arrival of the French at Newport, Sir Henry Clinton made an efibrt to attack them
before they could land and fortify themselves. The result we have already considered.
This movement caused Washington, who was encamped between Haverstraw and Tappan,
to cross the river, with the intention of attacking New York in the absence of Clinton. Ar-
nold met Washington on horseback, just as the last division was crossing over, and asked if
<^ny place had been assigned to him. The commander-in-chief replied that^he was to take
oommand of the led wing, the post of honor. Arnold was disappointed, and perceiving it,
Washington promised to meet him at his quarters, and have further conversation on the
subject. He found Arnold's heart set upon the command of West Point. He was unable
to account for this strange inconsistency with his previous ambition to serve in the most con-
spicuous place. Still he had no suspicion of wrong, and he complied with Arnold's request.
The instructions which gave him command of ** that post and its dependencies, in which all
*\re included from Fishkill to King's Ferry,'" were dated at Peekskill on the dd of August,
^ 780. Arnold repaired immediately to the Highlands, and established his quarters at Col-
onel Robinson's house. Sir Henry Clinton having abandoned his expedition against the
French at Newport, the American array retraced its steps, and, crossing the Hudson, marched
down to Tappan and encamped, where it remained for several weeks. General Greene
commanded the right wing, and Lord Stirling the left ; six battalions of light infantry, sta-
tioned in advance, were commanded by La Fayette.
Thus far Arnold's plans had worked admirably. He had now been in correspondence
with Sir Henry Clinton for eighteen mouths,' both parties always writing over fictitious
names, and, for a great portion of the time, without a knowledge, on the part of the British
commander, of the name and character of the person with whom he was in communication.
Arnold corresponded with Clinton through the hands of Major Andre. Writing in a dis-
* Sparkit Life and Writings of Washington, viii., 139.
* It is not positively known how early Arnold's correspondftnce with officers of the British army oom-
tnenoed, or at what precise period he first conceived the idea of betraying his country. The translator of
the Marqais de Chastellox's Travels in North Amtrica, an English gentleman of distinction, and a resident
here daring oor Revolution, says (i., page 97), " There is every reason to believe that Arnold's treachery
took its date from his connection with Lieutenant HeU, killed afterward on board the Formidable, in the
West Indies, and who was undoubtedly a very active and industrious spy at Philadelphia in the winter of
1778, whither he was sent for that purpose in a pretended flag of truce, which being wrecked in the Del-
aware, he was made prisoner by Congress, a subject of much discussion between them and the commander
at New York. That the intended plot was known in England, and great hopes built upon it long before it
was to take place, is certain. General Mathews and other officers, who returned in the autumn of 1780,
being often heard to declare * that it was all over with the rebels ; that they were about to receive an irre-
parable blow, the news of which would soon arrive, &o., &o.' Their silence, from the moment in which
they received an account of the dulure of the plot and the discovery of the traitor, evidently pointed out the
object of their allusions.*'
Digitized by
Google
714 PICTORIAL FaELD-BOOK
Correspondence of Arnold and AndrA. Proposed Plan of the BrUkh to gdn Posteaaion of Weat Poiat
gnised hand, he olothed his meaning in the ambiguoiis ityje of a oommercial correspondence,
and affixed to his letters the signatnre of Gustavus. Andre signed his John Andersoit.
He was an aid-de-camp of the commander-in-chief of the British forces, and was after-
ward the adjntant general of the British army. He enjoyed the onhoanded confidence of
Sir Henry Clinton, and to him, when the name and station of Arnold became known, wit
w — t<Ut^4 ^> vv. — , f^^^i;,^
J
FaC dlMlLR or AbNOLD'A DISGUISPD UANOWRrrlNO.
Fao Simxls or a Postion or oioe or Andre's Lbttib8.>
intrusted the delicate task of consummating the bargain with the traitor. Even while the
name of Arnold was yet concealed, Clinton was confident that his secret correspondent was
an officer of high rank in the American army ; and before Arnold was tried by a court ma^
tial, the British general was convinced that he was the man. That trial lessened his value
in the estimation of Clinton ; but when Arnold obtained the command of West Point, the
affair assumed greater magnitude and importance.
The general plan of operations agreed upon for placing West Point in possession of the
enemy was, for Sir Henry Clinton to send a strong force up the Hudson at the momeat
when the combined French and American armies should make an expected moveme&t
against New York. This movement was really a part of Washington's plan for the an-
tumn campaign, and Sir Henry Clinton was informed of it by Arnold. It was concluded
that West Point and its dependencies would be the depositories of a great portion of the
stores and ammunition of the allied armies. It was rumored that the French were to land
on Long Island, and approach New York in that direction, while Washington was to march
with the main army of the Americans to invade York Island at Ringsbridge. At this junc-
ture, a flotilla under Rodney, bearing a strong land force, was to proceed up the Hudson to
^ This is a portion of a coocluding sentence of a letter from Andre to Colonel Sheldon, "which will be
mentioned presently.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OF THE REVOLUTION. 715
AdcM appoiotad to ooofer with AmokL An Intenrlew proposed by tiie Traitor. Letter to Colonel Sheldon.
the Highlands, when Arnold, under pretense of a weak garrison, should surrender the post
and its dependencies into the hands of the ei^emy. In this event, Washington must haye
retreated from Kingsbridge, and the French on Long Island would probably have fallen into
the hands of the British. With a view to these operations, the British troops were so posted
that they could be put in motion at the shortest notice ; while vessels, properly manned,
were kept in readiness on the Hudson River.
It was now necessary that Clinton should be certified of the identity of G^ieral Arnold
and his hidden correspondent, in order that he might make himself secure against a coun-
terplot. A personal conference was proposed, and Arnold insisted that the officer sent to
confer with him should be Adjutant-general Major Andre.' Clinton, on his part, had al-
ready fixed upon Andre as the proper person to hold the conference. It must be borne in
mitid that Andre did not seek the service, though, when engaged in it, he used his best en-
deavors, as in duty bound, to carry out its objects. %
As money was the grand lure that made Arnold a traitor, he felt it necessary to have an
understanding respecting the reward which he was to obtain. Under date of August
30th, he wrote to Andre in the feigned hand and style alluded to, and said, referring
to himself in the third person, « He is still of opinion that his first proposal is by no means
unreasonable, knd makes no doubt, when he has a conference with you, that you will close
with it. He expects, when you meet, that you will be fully authorized from your house ;
that the risks and profits of the copartnership may be fully understood. A speculation of
this hind might be easily made vnth ready money** Clinton understood this hint, and
Andre was authorized to negotiate on that point.
Arnold's first plan was to have the interview at his own quarters in the Highlands, An-
dre to be represented as a person devoted to the American interest, and possessing ample
means for procuring intelligence from the enemy. This was a safe ground for Arnold to
proceed upon, for the employment of secret agents to procure intelligence was well known.'
He dispatched a letter to Andre informing him of this arrangement, and assuring him that
if he could make his way safely to the American outposts above White Plains, he would
find no obstructions thereaAer. Colonel Sheldon
was then in command of a detachment <
stationed on the east side of the Hudson. His ^^£<-i^ /t^tiy ^^^^^eJ ^^7^2.,^
head-quarters, with a part of the detachment, was
at Salem, and those of his lieutenant (Colonel Jameson) and of Major Tallmadge, with the
remainder of the corps, were at North Castle. Arnold gave Sheldon notice that he expected
a person firom New York, with whom he would have an interview at the colonel's quarters, to
make important arrangements for receiving early intelligence from the enemy. He requested
Sheldon, in the event of the stranger's arrival, to send information of the fact to his quarters
at the Robinson House. Arnold's plan was not entirely agreeable to Andre, for he was not
disposed to go within the American lines and assume the odious character of a spy. He
accordingly wrote the following letter to Colonel Sheldon, signed John Anderson, which,
he knew, would be placed in Arnold's hands. It proposed a meeting at Dobbs's Ferry,
upon the Neutral Ground. '* I am told that my name is made known to you, and that I
may hope your indulgence in permitting me to meet a friend near your outposts. I will
endeavor to obtain permission to go out with a flag, which will be sent to Dobbs's Ferry on
Monday next, the 1 1th instant, at twelve o'clock, when I shall be happy to meet September,
Mr. G . Should I not be allowed to go, the officer who is to command the ^^*^-
escort — ^between whom and myself no distinction need be made— can speak in the afiiair.
lel Sheldon ^
dson. His />^Cii^ A^^iy ^^^u^^) t
' Sir Henry Clinton's letter to Lord George Germain.
' In this connection it may be mentioned, that when Arnold was about to proceed to the Highlands, he
went to La Fayette, and reqaeeted him to give him the names of spies which the marquis had in his em-
ploy in New York, suggesting that intelligence from them might often reach him more expeditiously by the
way of West Point. La Fayette objected, saying that he was in honor bound not to reveal the names of
spies to any person. The object which Arnold lutd in view became subsequently obvious.
Digitized by
Google
716
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Effect Of Andrd's Letter to Sheldon. Arnold*! attempted Intenriew with Andrd. His Letter to Waahingtoo. Joahna H. Sndib
Let me entreat you, sir, to favor a matter so interestrng to the parties concerned, and which
is of so private a nature that the public on neither side can be injured by it." This letter
puzzled Colonel Sheldon, for he had never heard the name of John Anderson, nor had Ar-
nold intimated any thing concerning an escort. He supposed, however, that it was from
the person expected by Arnold. He therefore inclosed it to the general, telling him that he
(Sheldon) was too unwell to go to Dobbs*s Ferry, and expressing a hope that Arnold wouW
meet Anderson there himself Andre's letter puzzled Arnold too, for he found it difficult
to explain its meaning very
plausibly to Colonel Sheldon.
But the traitor contrived, with
consummate skill, to prevent
the mystery having any im-
portance in the mind of that
officer.
Arnold left his quarters on
the 1 0th, went down the river
in his barge to King's Ferry,
and passed the night at the
house of Joshua Hett Smith,
near Haverstraw,' who afW
ward acted a'oonspicuous part
in the work of treason, he be-
ing, as is supposed, the dupe
of Arnold . Early in the morn-
ing the traitor proceeded to-
ward Dobbs's Ferry, where
Andre and Colonel Beverly
Robinson had arrived. As
Arnold approached that point
not having a flag, he was firea
upon by the British gun-boats
stationed near, and closely pur-
sued. He escaped to the op
posite side of the river, and
the conference was necessa-
rily postponed. Having gone
down the river openly in hie
barge, Arnold deemed it necessary to make some explanation to General Washington, and
accordingly he wrote a letter to him, in which, ailer mentioning several important mat-
ters connected with the command at West Point, he incidentally stated that he had come
down the river to establish signals as near the enemy's lines as possible, by which he might
receive information of any movements of a fleet or troops ujp the Hudson. This letter was
' This house is yet standing. A drawing of it is presented on page 152. It is about two miles and s
half below Stony Point, on the right side of the road leading to Haverstraw.
There has ever been a difierence of opinion concerning the true character of Smith ; some supposing him
to have been a Tory, and acting with a full knowledge of Arnold's instructions ; others believing him to
have been the traitor's dupe. Leake, in his Lift of John Lamb (p. 256), says that Arnold often visited
Smith to while away tedious hours ; and that Colonel Lamb, while in command at West Point, was frequently
invited to visit him, but invariably declined, notwithstanding Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Lamb were nearly re-
lated. Colonel Lamb said he knew Smith to be a Tory, and he would not visit his own father in a similar
category. There is evidence that he was a Whig. See William Smith's letter on page 724.
' This map includes the Hudson River and its shores from Dobbs's Ferry to West Point, and exhibits a
chart of the whole scene of Arnold's treason, and of the route, capture, and execution of the tufortoiiate
Andre. The thin lines upon the map indicate the public roads. By a reference to it, in perusing the oar.
rative, the reader will have a clear understanding of the matter.
Map showing the Scbns of Arnold's Tbbason.'
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 717
Paitbm «mogeiiient» for an Intenrlew. Arnold*! Correcpondence with Beverly Rdblnson. Waahinston on hit Joomej
dated at "Dobbs's Ferry, September 11th," and on that night he returned to his qaarters
at the Robinson House.
It was now necessary to make arrangements for another interview. No time was to be
lost ; no precautionary measure was to be neglected. Arnold knew that Washington was
preparing to go to Hartford, to hold a conference with the newly-arrived French officers,
and that the proper time to consummate his plans would be during the absence of the com-
mander-in-chief. As Washington would cross the Hudson at King's Ferry, it was very
necessary, too, that no movement should be made until his departure that might excite his
suspicions.
Two days after Arnold returned to his quarters, he found means to send a September 13.
communication to Andr^, which, as usual, was couched in commercial language. ^^^
He cautioned Andr^ not to reveal any thing to Colonel Sheldon. « I have no confidant,''
he said ; '< I have made one too many already, who has prevented some profitable specula-
tion." He informed Andre that a person would meet him on the west side of Dobbs's Fer-
ry, on Wednesday, the 20th instant, and that he would conduct him to a place of safety,
where the writer would meet him. «« It will be necessary," he said, ** for you to be in dis-
guise. I can not be more explicit at present. Meet me, if possible. You may rest assured
that, if there is no danger in passing your lines, you will be perfectly safe where I propose
a meeting." Arnold also wrote to Major Tallmadge, at North Castle, instructing him, if
a person by the name of John Anderson should arrive at his station, to send him without
delay to head-quarters, escorted by two dragoons.
Sir Henry Clinton, who was as anxious as Arnold to press the matter forward, had sent
Colonel Robinson up the river on board thft Vulture, with orders to proceed as high as Tel-
ler's Point. Robinson and Arnold seem to have had some general correspondence previous
to this time, and it is believed (as I have mentioned on a preceding page) that the former
was made acquainted with the treasonable designs of the latter some time before the sub-
ject was brought explicitly before Sir Henry Clinton. As Arnold was occupying Colonel
Robinson's confiscated mansion, a good opportunity was afibrded him to write to the general
without exciting suspicion, making the burden of his letters the subject of a restoration of
his property. This medium of communication was now adopted to inform General Arnold
that Robinson was on board the Vulture. Robinson wrote to General Putnam, pretending
a belief that he was in the Highlands, and requesting an interview with him on Uie subject
of his property. This letter was covered by one addressed to Arnold, requesting him to hand
the inclosed to General Putnam, or, if that officer had gone away, to return it by the bearer.
'* In case General Putnam shall be absent," he said, ** I am persuaded, from the humane
and generous character you bear, that you will grant me the favor asked." These letters
were sent, by a flag, to Verplanck's Point, the Vulture then lying about six miles below.
On the very day that Washington commenced his journey to Hartford, Arnold
had come down to the Point, a few hours before the arrival of the chief at the
ferry on the opposite shore, and received and read Colonel Robinson's letter. He mentioned
the contents to Colonel Lamb and others, with all the frankness of conscious integrity. The
commander-in-chief and his suite crossed the river in Arnold's barge* soon afterward, and
the latter accompanied them to Peekskill. Arnold frankly laid the letter before Washing-
' Sparks {jimerieam Biography, vol. iii., from which a large portion of these details are drawn) says that
two inoidents occarred daring this passage across the river, which, though almost annoticed at the time,
afterward, when the treachery was known, assumed some importance. The Valture was in full view, and
while Washington was looking at it through a glass, and speaking in a low tone to one of his officers, Ar-
nold was observed to appear uneasy. Another incident was remembered. There was a daily expectation
ci the arrival of a French squadron on the coast, under Count de Guichen. La Fayette, alluding to the
frequent communications by water between New York and the posts on the Hudson, said to Arnold, " Gen-
oral, since you have a correspondence with the enemy, you must ascertain, as soon as possible, what has
become of Guichen." Arnold was disconcerted, and demanded what he meant ; but immediately control-
ling himself, and the boat just then reaching the shore, nothing more was said. No doubt, for a moment,
Arnold thought his plot was discovered.^Page 186.
Digitized by
Google
718 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
WMhtagloo again deoelTed bj Aniold't DapUdty. Smidi employed to bring AndrA from the Vnltora. Hb DifflcaldM.
ton, and asked his advice. His reply was, that the ciril authority alone ooald act in the
matter, and he did not approve of a personal interview with Robinson. This frankness on
the part of Arnold efieetually prevented all suspicion, and Washington proceeded to Hart-
ford, confident in the integrity of the commandant of West Point.
Arnold dared not, after receiving this opinion from Washington, so far disregard it as to
meet Robinson, but it gave him an opportunity to use the name of the commander-in-chief
in his reply, which he openly dispatched by an officer in a flag-boat to the Vulture. He
September, informed Colonel Robinson that on the night of the 20th he should send a person
^'*'- on board of the Vulture, who would be furnished with a boat and a flag of truce ;
and in a postscript he added, «< I expect General Washington to lodge here on Saturday next,
and I will lay before him any matter you may wish to communicate." This was an in-
genuous and safe way of informing the enemy at what tmie the oommander-in-chief would
return from Hartford.
Arnold's communication was sent to Sir Henry Clinton, and the next morning Andre
proceeded to Dobbs's Ferry, positively instructed by his general not to change his dress, go
within the American lines, receive papers, or in any other way act in the character of a spy.
It was supposed that Arnold himself would visit the Vulture ; but he had arranged a plan
for eflecting a meeting involving less personal hazard. Joshua Hett Smith, just mentioned,
who lived about two miles below Stony Point, had been employed by Greneral Robert Howe,
when in command of West Point, to procure intelligence from New York. Smith occupied
a very respectable station in society, and could coomiand more valuable aid, in the business
in question, than any other person. To him Arnold went with a proposition to assist him
in his undertaking, without, as Smith alleged, revealing to him his real intentions. He
flattered him with expressions of the highest oonfidence und regard, and informed him that
he was expecting a person of consequence from New York with valuable intelligence from
the enemy, and he wanted Smith's service in bringing him within the American lines.
While at Smith's on this business, Arnold was joined by his wife with her infant child, who
had come on from Philadelphia. There she remained all night, and the next morning hei
husband went vnth her, in his barge, to head-quarters.
Arnold made his arrangements with Smith to have his meeting with Andre (whom he
had resolved should be brought on shore from the Vulture) take place at his house, in the
event of the conference being protracted. Smith, accordingly, took his family to Fishkill
to visit some friends, and returning, halted at the Robinson House, and arranged with Ar-
nold a plan of operations. The general gave him the customary pass for a flag of truce, sent
an order to Major Kierse, at Stony Point, to supply Smith with a boat whenever he should
want one, and directed Smith to proceed to the Vulture the following night and bring on
shore the person who was expected to be there. Smith failed in his endeavors to make the
arrangements, and did not visit the Vulture at the time he was directed to. Samuel Col-
quhon, one of his tenants, to whom he applied for assistance as boatman, refused to go.
Smith sent Colquhon to Arnold with a letter, informing him of his failure. The messenger,
by riding all night, reached the Robinson House at dawn. Early in the fore-
noon, Arnold himself went down the river to Verplanck's Point, and thence to
Smith's house. At Verplanck's, Colonel Livingston handed him a letter which he had just
received for him from Captain Sutherland of the Vulture. It was a remonstrance against
an alleged violation of the rules of war by a party on Teller's Point.' The letter was in
the handwriting of Andre, though signed by Sutherland. Arnold at once perceived the main
object of this secretaryship to be, to inform him that Andre was on board the Vulture.
Arnold now hastened to make arrangements to bring Andre ashore. He ordered a skifi*
' A flag of trace was exhibited at Teller's Point, inviting, as was supposed, a pacific interooarse with
the ship. A boat, with another flag, was sent ofi^ but as soon as it approached the shore it was fired npon
by several armed men who were conoealed in the bashes. On aoooant of this oatrage, Captain Satherland
lent a letter of remonstrance to Colonel Livingstrn, " the oommandant at Verplanck's Point.'' The lettei
was dated " morning of the 21st of September."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 719
ReliMal of tiie Colquhooa to accompany Smith. Fimd Compliance. Landing of Andrd and hia firat Interview with Arnold.
to be 8eQt to a certain place in Haveratraw Creek, and then proceeded to Smith's house.
Every thing was made ready, except procuring two boatmen, and this was found a diffionlt
matter. The voyage promised many perils, for American guard-boats were s^tioned at va-
rious places on the river. These, however, had been ordered not to interfere with Smith
and his party. Samuel Colquhon and his brother Joseph wore again solicited to accompany
Smith, but both positively refused at first to go ; they pelded only when Arnold himself
threatened them with punishment. At near midnight the three men pushed off from shore
with muffled oars. It was a serene, starry night ; not a ripple was upon the Hudson, not
a leaf was stirred by the breeze. Silently the little boat approached the Vulture, and when
near, the sentinel on deck hailed them. Af^er making some explanations and receiving some
rough words, Smith was allowed to go on board. In the cabin he found Beverly Robinson
and Captain Sutherland. These officers and Major Andre were the only persons in the
ship who were privy to the transactions in progress. Smith bore a sealed letter from Ar-
nold to Beverly Robinson, in which the traitor said, '* This will be delivered to you by Mr
Smith, who will conduct you to a place of safety. Neither Mr. Smith nor any other person
shall be made acquainted with your proposals. If they (which I doubt not) are of such a
nature that I can officially take notice of them, I shall do it with pleasure. I take it for
granted that Colonel Robinson will not propose any thmg that is not for the interest of the
United States as well as himself." This language was a guard against evil consequences
in the event of the letter falling into other hands. Smith had also two passes, signed by
Arnold, which Robinson well understood to be intended to communicate ^e idea that the
writer expected Andr^ to come on shore, and to secure the boat firom detention by the wa-
ter-guard.*
Major Andre was introduced to Smith, and both descended into the boat. They landed
at the foot of a great hill, called Long Clove Mountain, on the western shore of the Hudson,
about two miles below Haverstraw. This place had been designated by Arnold for the
meeting, and thither he had repaired from Smith's house. Arnold was concealed in the
thick bushes, and to the same place Smith conducted Andre. They were left alone, and
for the first time the conspirators heard each other's voice ; for the first time Arnold's lips
uttered audibly the words of treason. There, in the gloom of night, concealed from all hu-
man cognizance, they discussed their dark plans, and plotted the utter ruin of the patriot
cause. When, at the twilight of an autumn day, I stood upon that spot, in the shadow of
the high hills, and the night gathering its veil over the waters and the fields, a superstitious
dread crept over me lest the sentence of ancUJiema, maranathat should make the spot as
unstable as the earth whereon rested the tents of the rebellious Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
The hour of dawn approached, and the conference was yet in progress. Smith came,
and warned them of the neoessity for haste. There was much yet to do, and Andre reluct-
antly consented to mount the horse rode by Arnold's servant, and accompany the general to
Smith's house, nearly four miles distant.' It was yet dark, and the voice of a sentinel, near
^ These passes, which are still in existenoe, are as follows :
** Head^qnartera, BoUnaon Honae, September SO, 1780.
" Permission is given to Joshua Smith, Esquire, a gentleman, Mr. John Anderson, who is with him, and
his two servants, to pass and repass the guards near King's Ferry at all times.
"B. Arnold, Jtf.Gen'Z."
*' Head'qoartera, Robinaon Honae, September 31, 1780.
" Permission is granted to Joshua Smith, Esq., to go to Bobbs's Ferry with three Men and a Boy with
a Flag to carry some Letters of a private Nature for Gentlemen in New Tork, and to Return immediately.
" B. Arnold, M. QtrCL
^ N.B. — ^He has permission to go at such hours and times as the tide and his business suits.
"B. A."
' The &ct that Arnold had provided a spare horse (for there was no neoessity for a servant to accompany
him to the place of meeting), is evidence that he expected a longer oonferenoe than the remainder of the
night would afibrd. Furthermore, convicted as Arnold is of innate wickedness, it may not be unjust to sup-
pose that he was prepared, after getting Andr^ within the American lines, to perform any act of dishonor
« extort a high price for his treason, or to shield himself from harm if circumstances should demand it.
Digitized by
Google
720
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Smith's House. ^
Arrival of the Conspiraton at Smith's House. The Voltare fired upon. Plan of Operations arranged. Colonel LlTingiioa
the village of Haverstraw, gave Andre the first intimation that he was within the Arae^
ican lines. He felt his danger, but it
was too late to recede. His nniform
was efiectually concealed by a long
blue Burtout, yet the real danger that
environed him, he being within the
enemy's lines without a flag or pass,
made him exceedingly uneasy. They
arrived at Smith's house at dawn, and ^/
at that moment they heard a cannon-
ade in the direction of the Vulture.
Colonel Livingston had been informed
that the vessel lay so near the shore
as to be withm cannon shot. Ac-
cordingly, during the night, he sent a
party with cannon from Verplanck's
Point, and at dawn, from Teller's
Point, they opened a fire upon the Vulture, of such severity that the vessel hoisted her an-
chors and dropped farther down the river.' This movement Andre beheld with anxiety ;
September 23, ^^^ whou the firing ceased, his spirits revived. During that morning the whole
^^^' plot was arranged, and the day for its consummation fixed. Andre was to re-
turn to New York, and the British troops, already embarked under the pretext of an expe-
dition to the Chesapeake, were to be ready to ascend the river at a moment's warning. Ar-
nold was to weaken the various posts at West Point by dispersing the garrison. When the
British should appear, he was to send out detachments among the mountain gorges, under
pretense of meeting the enemy, as they approached, at a distance froip the works. As we
have noticed, a link from the great chain at Constitution Island was to be removed. The
river would be left free for the passage of vessels, and the garrison, so scattered, could not
act in force ; thus the enemy could take possession with very little resistance. Ail the
^ This view is from the slope in front of the house. The main building is of stone ; the wings are wood.
The piazza in front of the ipain building, and the balustrades upon the top, are the only modern addittoos;
otherwise the house appears the same as when Arnold and Andr^ were there. It stands upon a slope of
Treaton Hill, a few rods west of the road leading from Stony Point to Haverstraw, and about half way be-
tween the two places. It was in a room in the second story that the conspirators remained during the day
of their arrival. The present owner of the house and grounds is Mr. William C. Houseman.
' Colonel Livingston, on perceiving the position of the Vulture, conceived a plan for destroying her. He
asked Arnold for two pieces of heavy cannon for the purpose, but the general eluded the proposal on frii/-
clous pretenses, so that Livingston's detachment could bring only one four-pounder to bear upon her. He
had obtained some anmmnition from Colonel Lamb, from West Point, who sent it rather grudgingly, and
with an expressed wish that there might not be a wanton waste of it. ** Firing at a ship with a four-
pounder,'' he said, " is, in my opinion, a waste of powder.'* Little did he think what an important bearii^
that cannonade was to have upon the destinies of America. It was that which drove the Vulture from her
moorings, and was one of the causes of the fatal detention of Andre at Smith's house. The Vulture was so
much injured that, had she not got off with the flood, she must have struck. Colonel Livingston saw Ar-
nold pass Verplanck's in his barge when he escaped to the Vulture ; and he afterward declared that he had
such suspicion of him that, had his guard-boats been near, he would have gone alter him instantly, and de
manded his destination and errand.
Henky Livingston, who commanded at Stony Point at the time of Arnold's treason, was bom at the
Livingston Manor, in Columbia county. New York, January 19th, 1752. He married in Canada at as
early. age, and while residing there became familiar with the French language. He was among the first
who took up arms against Great Britain. He accompanied Montgomery to St. John's, Montreal, and Que-
bee. He assisted in the capture of the fort at Chambly, and otherwise distinguished himself in that cam-
paign. He was a lieutenant colonel in the army at Stillwater, and was present at the capture of Burgoyne.
At the close of the war he was made a brigadier general, and throughout a long life maintained the highest
confidence and respect of his countrymen. The Marquis de ChasteUux, who breakfasted with him at Ver-
planck's Point on one occasion, says of him, in his Journal (i., 94), *^ This is a very amiable and weU-ii>-
formed young man." He died at his residence, Columbia county. May 26th, 1823, at the age of seventr*
one years.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 721
The Papers taken from Andrd'i Boot ••ArtUlery Orders.*' Foreee at Wert Point Vfllefranche'i Eatimata.
plans being arranged, Arnold supplied Andre with papers explanatory of the military con-
dition of West Point and its dependencies.^ These he requested him to place between hi*
^ These documents, with five of the passes given by Arnold on this occasion, are now preserved in the
Library of the State of New York, at Albany, having been purchased from the &mily of a Hneal descendant
of Governor George Clinton. They were in my custody a few weeks, when I had the opportunity of con^
paring the following copies, previously made, with the originals, and found them correct. These manuscripts,
though somewhat worn, are quite perfect. Those written upon one side of the paper only have been pasted
upon thicker paper for preservation. The others yet exhibit the wrinkles made by Andre's foot in his boot.
The following are true copies of the several papers :
•* West Point, September 5th, 1780.
" JtrtUUry Orders.^The following disposition of the corps is to take place in Case of an alarm :
*' Capt Dannills with his Comp'y at Fort Putnam, and to detaoh an Offioer with 12 men to Wyllys's Re-
doubt, a Non Commjssioned Officer with 3 men to Webb's Redoubt, and the like number to Redoubt No. 4.
*^ Capt. Thomas and Company to repair to Fort Arnold.
" Captain Sinunons and Company to remain at the North and South Redoubts, at the East side of the
River, until further Orders.
" Lieutenant Barber, with 20 men of Capt. Jackson's Company, will repair to Constitution Island ; the re-
mainder of the Company, with Lieut. Mason's, will repair to Arnold.
" Capt. Lieut. George an^ Lieut. Blake, with 20 men of Captain Treadwell's Company, will Repair to Re-
doubt No. 1 and 2 ; the remainder of the Company will be sent to Fort Arnold.
" Late Jones's Company, with Lieut. Fisk, to repair to the South Battery.
" The Chain Battery, Sherbum's Redoubt, and the Brass Field pieces, will be manned from Fort Arnold
as Oooation may require.
" The Commissary and Conductor of Military stores wiU in turn wait upon the Commanding Officer of
Artillery for Orders.
" The artificers in the garrison (agreeabls to former Orders) will repair to Fort Arnold, and there re-
ceive further Orders from the Command'g Offioer of Artillery.
" S. Bauman, Major Comm't ArtUUry?^
This document gave the British full information of what would be the disposition of the Americans on
the occasion ; and as Sir Henry Clinton and many of his officers were acquainted with the ground, they
would know at what particular points to make their attacks. This and the following document are in Ar-
nold's handwriting :
" EitimtUe of Forca at Wst Point and iU Dependenciei^ StpUmber 13, 1780.
" A brigade of Massachusetts Militia, and two regiments of Rank and File New Hampshire, Inclus-
ive of 166 Baueaux Men at Verplanck's and Stony Points 992
" On command and Extra Service at FishkiUs, New Windsor, &c., &c., who may be called in oo-
catiooally 852
" 3 regiments of Connecticut Militia, under the oom'd of Colonel Wells, on the lines near N. Castle 488
" A detachment of New York levies on the lines ^ 115
Militia, 2447
^ Colonel Lamb's Regiment 167
** Colonel Livingston's, at Verplank and StoneyPts 80
Continent : 247
** Colonel Sheldon's Dragoons, on the lines, about one half mounted 142
" Batteanx Men and Artificers 250
Total, 3086."
The (bllowing document is in the handwriting of Yillefiranohe, a French engineer :
" EtHmaU of tU Number of Men neeeetary to Man the Workt at Wett Point and in the Vteinity,
*FortAmold 620
Putnam 450
Wyllys 140
Webb 140
Redoubt No. 1 150
Redoubt No. 2 150
ditto 3 120
ditto 4 100
ditto 5 139
ditto 6 110
Redoubt No. 7 78
North Redoubt 120
SouthRedoobt 130
Total, 2438
^^^^^i</t'£l^nrt^€^4^ * ^^^^>^^^^^<^
*' N.B. — ^Tbe Artillery Men are not Included in the above Estimate."
I Zz
Digitized by
Google
722
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Rctara of tfaa Ordnance in the different Forts at West Point
Arnold's Deacriptian of the Workc
Stockings and feet, and in the event of accident, to destroy them. He then gave him a pa»,
a fao simile of which is printed on the next page, and bidding Andre adieu, Arnold went
The following table is in the handwriting of Banman, Major Commandant of Artillery :
" RETURN OF THB ORDNANCE IN THE DIFFERENT FORT8, BATTERIES, &C., AT WEST POmT AND ITS DE
PENDENCIES, SEPT. 5, 1780.
Calibers .
24
18
12
0 5
,^5
4f
Fort Arnold.
Fort Putnam
Constitution Island .
South Battery
Chain Battery
Lanthom Battery . .
Webb's Redoubt...
Sherman's Redoubt
Megg's Redoubt.. .
South Redoubt
North Redoubt ....
Wyllys's Redoubt . .
Rocl^HiU, No.4..
" No. 1 . .
" No. 2..
Verplanok's Point . .
Stony Point
Brass
Iron
Brass
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Brass
Iron
I"
I"
10
5
3
2
4
5
2
5
6
5
2
5
2
3
4
Total .
1 18 3 14 5 9 14 5 2 1 3 6 5 11 2
100
N.B. — ^The following ordnance not distributed :
No. 6 iron 12 pounder.
4 " 9 "
1 " 6 "
1 " 4 "
2 " 3 "
14
^^^^^^'^^a^^.^^z-^'t — '
3 brass 24 pounders.
7 " 12 "
1 " 8-inch howitzer.
11
c^e-f^/^
'^
The following description of the works at West Point and its dependencies is in the handwriting of Ar-
nold, endorsed " Remarks on Works at West Point, a copy to be transmitted to his Excellency GeoeitJ
Washington. Sep'r. 1780."
** Fort Arnold is built of Dry Fascines and Wood, is in a ruinous condition, moompleat, and subject ta
take Fire from Shells or Carcasses.
" Fort Putnam, Stone, Wanting great repairs, the wall on the East side broke down, and rebaildisg
From the Foundation ; at the West and South side have been a Chevaux-de-Frise, on the West side broke
in many Places. The East side open ; two Bomb Proofs and Provision Magazine in the Fort, and Slight
Wooden Barrack.^A commanding piece of ground 500 3rards West, between the Fort and No.
Rocky HiU.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 723
'#7>^
Arnold's Psm. Smith's Refusal to take Andrd back to the Vulture. ffis insaiBcieiit Excuse.
up the river, in hw own barge, to head-quarters, fully believing that no obstacle now in-
terposed to frustrate his wicked scheme. Andre passed the remainder of the day alone, and
as soon as evening came, he applied
to Smith to take him back to the
Vulture. Smith positively refused
to go, and pleaded illness from ague
as an excuse. If he quaked, it was
probably not from ague, but from
fear, wrought by the firing upon the
Vulture ; for he ofiered to ride half
the night with Andre, on horseback, if he would take a land route. Having no other means
of reaching the vessel, Andre was obliged to yield to the force of circumstances. He con-
" Fort Webb, built of Faaoines and Wood, a slight Work, very dry, and liable to be set on fire, as thr
approaches are very easy, withoat defenses, save a slight Abattis.
" Fort Wyllys, built of stone 5 feet high, the Work above plank filled with Earth, the stone work 15 feet,
the Earth 9 feet thick. — ^Ko Bomb Proofs, the Batteries without the Fort.
'* Redoubt No. 1. On the South side wood 9 feet thick, the Wt. North and East sides 4 feet thick, no
cannon in the works, a slight and single Abattis, no ditch or Pickett Cannon on two Batteries. No Bomb
Proofs.
" Redoubt No. 2. The same as No. 1. No Bomb Proofs.
" Redoubt No. 3, a slight Wood Work 3 Feet thick, very Dry, no Bomb Proofs, a single Abattis, the
work easily set on fire — no cannon.
" Redoubt No. 4, a Wooden work about 10 feet high and fore or five feet thick, the West side fiused
with a stone wall 8 feet high and four thick. No Bomb Proof^ two six pounders, a slight Abattis, a com-
manding piece of ground 500 yards Wt.
** The North RMloubt, on the East side, built of stone 4 feet high ; abore the Stone, wood filled in with
Earth, Very Dry, no Ditch, a Bomb Proof, three Batteries without the Fort, a poor Abattis, a Rising piece
of ground 500 yards So., the approaches Under Cover to within 20 yards. — ^The Work easily fir^ with
Faggots diptd in Pitch, &o.
'^ South Redoubt, much the same as the North, a Commanding piece of ground 500 yards due East — 3
Batteries without the Fort."
The "Artillery Orders" of September 5, 1780; the estimate offerees at West Point; estimate of men
to man the works, by Yillefranche ; the "Return" of Bauman ; the description of the works at West Point
and vicinity, and a copy of a council of war held at Washington's quarters, September 6, 1780, are the pa-
pers which were taken from Andre's stocking. The latter document, which set forth the weakness, wants,
and gloomy prospects of the American army, was a statement made by Washington to the council. It is
too long for insertion here. Preserved among these papers are five passes, signed by Arnold ; a memo
Digitized by
Google
724 PICTORIAL PIELD-BOOK
AaJHPa fwihtrngt of Coatoi H« Md Saritib eroM *e HadHW. flttidi^ Ucier to hit BraCber. ABUfWMu Maaonadam.
•eatad to oro« King's Ferry to VerpUnek's Point, and make hit way back to New York by
land. He had been prerailed upon by Arnold, in the ereat of his taking a land route (which
had been talked of), to exchange hit military ooat for a citizen's dre«. This act, and the
reoeiTing of papers from Arnold, were contrary to the express orders of Sir Henry Clinton,
bat Andr^ was obliged to be governed hf the nnforeseen cironmstanees in which he was placed.
Smith agreed to attend him on the way as far as the bwer outposts of the American lines.
sefitBoAm, ^ ^^^ before sunset, on the evening of the 22d, accompanied by a negro serrant,
1780. ^y crossed King's Ferry. At dusk, they passed throagh the works at Ver
planck's Point, and tamed their (aces toward White Plains. * While they are porsoing
their route toward the Neutral Ground, let us consider events at the Robinson House, and
then resume our own journey. We shall overtake the travelers presently, when the con-
cluding portion of the narrative of Arnold's treason will be given.
randmii, which, from iu imbigiuty, is nnintelligible,* and the foUowing letter from Joshna Smith to his
brocher Tbomss, after hit arrest on suspicioii of being aa aooomplioe with Amold :
•BobiaMNk Houe, Befit SSd^ 178a
^ DiAft Beotssb, — ^I am here a prieoner, and am thereibre vnable to attend in person. I would be
obliged to yoa if yoa woold deliver to Captain Cairns, of Lee^s Dragoons, a Britidi oniform Coat, which yon
will find in one of the drawers in the room above stairs.t I woold be happy to see yon. Remember me
to yoor iSunily.
" I am afieotaonately yours,
€^^a<^
I have before me three interesting MS. letters, written by Smith and his two brothers, at shoot this time.
The first is from the Toiy Chief Jastiee Smith, of New York, to his brother Thomas; the second is from
Thomas to Governor Clinton, covering the one from Judge Smith ; and the third is from Joshua H. Smith,
written in the jail at Goshen. See Note * on page 76S.
•*JUm Tod^ 14tk Oelobv, ITM.
** DsAB Sib,— To« vrill nstvrally seppose ns In great snxkcy Ibr oor brother Joslras, tbouffa General Arnold assured ua tliat
he knew nochiag of ki» deaifna, aad that he haa written to General Waahlnclon more than ooee aaaertinf his, and the Ibdo-
eeooe of aereral othera atlU more likely to be avapeeted, from their eonneetkHia with him, while in hia conSdenoe. Joahoa
meeta with a fUthftU reward from hia old frienda. God AUnifhty protect him. 1 hope hia relationa, at kaat, have not deaerted
him in hia afllictioBa. Oor laat accoonta were, that be waa atill in the handa of the army, which appeara atranga to all here
that have juat riewa of dril liberty, or know any thing of Thomaa Smith, Eaq., that that model fbr a Conatitation poor Joahoa
helped to frame at Kingaton,! aa ma improvement vpon that nnder whieh we wcve an bom.
** Toor frienda here woold be all well, if they thtraght yoa were ao. Oor aister, LiTingaton, has spent sereral weeks with
OS, mid wiU retom sooner than we wlah.
" Yonr aon*a health seema at length to be eatsMiahed, and he seema inclined to vrimer in Sooth Caroilna. I have snspended
my aaaent to the voyage till I kilpw yoor opinion ; which ooght to come aoon, to arold the danger of a winter Toyage.
** Commend me to all frienda. I add no more, from an attention to yoor condition in an angry and aoapiciooa hoar. God
presenre yoo and yoors throagh the storm, which I hope is nearly orer.
** Etct moat aflbctionately yoors, William Smith."
•*l<UOeti*«r.lT80.
'* DBAS Sib,— The indoaed vras this moment deUTered me by Mrs. Hofltaan, who came oot in a Flag via Elizabeth Town,
aa I wlah to receive no lettera from my brother bat aoch aa are 80b)ect to poblic ioapection. I hare Uken the liberty to indooe
it fbr yoor peroaal. The aitoation In vrhieh the onhappy aflhir of my brother Joahoa haa placed me and all the fkmity, calla fbr
the greateat care to arold aoapidon. 1 am yoora, with eateem and aflbetion, TnoMAa Smitb.
** HiB Ewatiimtj Oortnor CLonow.
** P.S. I ahoold be glad, if yoor house st Windsor is not engaged, to hire It, sa I am determined to quit tfaia place."
** G««k«D, OnDf* Coaotj, Itth. Nor., lYSO.
** Sib,— In poraoanoe of a vrarrant of the ConmiiaaionerB of Conspiracy, I vras on the ISth day of thia inatant committed to
the cloae eostody of the aherilfof thia Coonty. My long and serere eonfnement befne and daring my trial by the cout-martlal
tiaa greatly impaired my health, and I find my conatitution moch ahattered. I haTe been aobject to repeated attacka of a biliona
oolicandaniuennlttentlbTeri and am adriaed that a cloae conflneinent will aoon terminate my exiatence, onleaa I can be penmt-
ted to oae aome exerciae. I hare, therefore, to reqoeat aome indolgence on thia head, in compaaaion to my diatreaaed sitaaliott.
" Aa I haTe never been offleiaUy aeqoainted with the aentence of the ooort-martial, I haTe also to reqoeat yoor ExeeUancy to
fhTor mo vrith a copy of it by M^or Hatilekl, and thereby moch oUige,
** Yoor ExoeUency*a moat obediem and diatreaaed hamble aervant,
*« Hii IttillMiey QaoBes CLnmnr, Esq., Ae., Ac. ** JosHCA H. SMITH."
* Copy oftbememorandom:
**Hennlsot
Elijah Honter
Mr. I. Johnaon, B. R r
Mr. J. Stewart, to the care of Joahoa Smith, Eaq., to be left at Head Q*T8.
laaac Adama, 6 , , 5 , , 5."
f Thta was Major Andrd's coat, which that officer exchanged with Smith fbr a ettlxen*a dress-coat, as mentioned in die text.
I SeepagetS? ofthiavoloma. ^
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 725
irnokPiCoiBporareiaPreieiioeofhisAidi. Washlngton'i Retara firom Hartford. Hk Approach to Arnold'i Qnaiten.
CHAPTER XXXI.
*' Here onward swept thy waves,
AVhen tones, now silent, mingled with their sound,
And the wide shore was vocal with the song
Of hunter chief or lover's gentle strain.
Those passed away — forgotten as they passM ;
But holier recollections dwell with thee.
Here hath immortal Freedom built her proud
And solemn monuments. The mighty dust
Of heroes in her cause of glory fallen,
Hath mingled with the soil, and hallowM it.
Thy waters in their brilliant path have seen
The desperate strife that won a rescued world,
The deeds of men who live in grateful hearts,
And hynm'd their requiem."
Elizabeth F. Ellbt.
ITH such consummate art had General Arnold managed his scheme o1
villainy thus far, that not a suspicion of his defection was abroad. He
returned to his quarters at the Robinson House, as we have observed,
toward evening, and after passing a half hour with his wife and child,
and one or two domestics, he conversed freely with his aids-de-
camp, Majors Varick^ and Franks, concerning the im-
portant information he was expecting to receive from
New York, through a distinguished channel
i7' which he had just opened. This was on
the 22d ; the 24th was the day fixed upon for the ascent of the river by the September.
British, and the surrender of West Point into the hands of the enemy. Yet, ^^^-
with all this guilt upon his soul, Arnold was composed, and the day on which his treason
was to be consummated, no change was observed in his usual deportment.
Washington returned from Hartford on the 24th, by the upper route, through Dutchess
county to Fishkill, and
thence
land road
town. Soon after leav-
ing Fishkill, he met Lu-
zerne, the French min-
ister, with his suite, on
his way to visit Ro-
chambeau. That gen-
tleman induced the com- Sionatu™ of Amnold^b Aim.
mander-in-chief to turn back and pass the night with him at Fishkill. Washington and
his suite were in the saddle before dawn, for he was anxious to reach Arnold's quarters by
' Richard Variok, who, before the close of the war, was promoted to colonel, was a sterling patriot He
admired Arnold as a soldier ; and when that officer's defection became known, Variok was almost insane for
a day or two, so utterly contrary to the whole life of Arnold appeared the fact. Varick became one of
Washingrton's military family near the close of the war, as his recording secretary. He was mayor of the
city of New York from 1791 to 1801. On the death of John Jay, he was elected president of the Amer>
ioan Bible Society, which office he held until his death, which occurred at Jersey City, July 30th, 1831, at
the age of seventy-nine years.
to FishkOl, and
Digitized by
Google
726
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Waahington'i Delay in reaching Arnold's Quartera. Announcement of Andrd*s Arrest Flight of Arnold. His Wile and Soa.
breakfast time, and they had eighteen miles to ride. The men, with the baggage, started
earlier, and conyeyed a notice to Arnold of Washington's intention to breakfast with him.
When opposite West Point, the commander-in-chief turned his horse down a lane toward
the river. La Fayette, perceiving it, said, «* General, you are going in a wrong direction ;
you know Mrs. Arnold is waiting breakfast for us, and that road will take us out of the way.'*
Washington answered, good-naturedly, «*Ah, I know you young men are all in love with
Mrs. Arnold, and wish to get where she is as soon as possible. You may go and take year
breakfast with her, and tell her not to wait for me, for I must ride down and examine the
redoubts on this side of the river,* and will be there in a short time." The officers, how-
ever, did not leave him, except two aids-de-camp, who rode on, at the general's request, to
make known the cause of the delay.
Breakfast was waiting when the officers arrived, and as soon as it was ascertained that
the commander-in-chief and the other gentlemen would not be there, Arnold, his family, and
the aids-de-camp sat down to breakfast. Arnold appeared somewhat moody. The enemy
had not appeared according to arrangements, and Washington had returned at least two
days sooner than he anticipated. While they were at table. Lieutenant Allen came with
a letter for Arnold. The general broke the seal hastily, for he knew by the superscription
that it was from Colonel Jameson, stationed at one of the outposts below. The letter was,
indeed, from that officer ; but, instead of conveying the expected intelligence that the enemy
were moving up the river, it informed him that Major Andre, of the British army, was a
prisoner in his custody '^ Arnold's presence of mind did not forsake him, and, although
to General Wash-
ington, when he
arrived, that he
was unexpectedly
called over the riv-
er, and would soon
return. He order-
ed a horse to be
made ready, and
then leaving the
table, he went up
to Mrs. Arnold's
Thk Bjueakfast Room.'
agitated, his emo-
tion was not suf-
ficiently manifest
to excite the sus-
picion of those
around him. He
informed the aids-
de-camp that his
immediate attend-
ance was required
at West Point, and
desired them to say
chamber, and sent for her.* There was no time to be lost, for another messenger might
speedily arrive with evidence of his treason. In brief and hurried words he told her that
they must instantly part, perhaps forever, for his life depended on reaching the enemy's lines
without detection. Horror-stricken, the poor young creature, but one year a mother and
not two a bride, swooned and sunk senseless upon the floor. Arnold dared not call for as-
sistance, but kissing, with lips blasted by words of guilt and treason, his boy, then sweetly
sleeping in angel innocence and purity,* he rushed from the room, mounted a horse belonging
^ These redoubts were upon the point, near the rail-way tunnel above Garrison^s Landing.
' This letter was written on the 23d, two days before. The circumstances of the arrest of Andr^ are
detailed on page 752 to 758 inclusive.
' This is a view of the room in the Robinson House in which Arnold was at breakfast when he received
Colonel Jameson's letter announcing the arrest of Andre. It is preserved in its original style, which is
quite antique. The ceiling is low ; the heavy beams are bare ; the fire-place surrounded with neat panel-
work; without a mantel-shelf. The door on the right opens into a small room which Arnold used as an
office ; the windows on the left open upon the garden and lawn on the south, from whence I made the sketch
of the house printed on page 708.
^ This chamber is also preserved in its original character. Even the panel-work over the fire-place has
been left unpainted since the Revolution, in order to preserve some inscriptions made upon it with a knife.
There is carved in bold letters, " G. Wallis, Lieut. VI. Mass. Reg't."
' This was the only child of Arnold by his second wife, born in the United States. His name was James
Robertson. He entered the British army, and rose to the rank of colonel of engineers. He was stadoned
at Bermuda from 1816 to 1818, and from the last-named year until 1823 was at Halifax, and the command-
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 727
Arnold's Paaiage to the Vulture. Treatment of hiaOarunen. Washington's Tkit to West Point Discovery of the Treason.
to one of the aids of Washington, and hastened toward the river, not hy the winding road
that led to the « Beverly Dock,'* hut along a by-way down a steep hill, which is yet called
ArnolcCs Path, At the dock he entered his barge, and directed the six oarsmen to push
out into the middle of the stream, and pull for Teller's Point.^
Arnold's oarsmen, unconscious of the nature of the general's errand, had their muscles
strengthened by a promise of two gallons of rum, and the barge glided with unusual speed,
lie told them he was going on board the Vulture with a flag, and was obliged to make all
possible haste, as he wished to return in time to meet General Washington at his quarters.
When he passed Verplanck's Point, he displayed a white handkerchief, which, as a signal
of amity, answered for both Colonel Livingston at the Point, and Captain Sutherland of
the Vulture, which lay in sight a few miles below. They reached the Vulture without in-
terruption, and, afler having introduced himself to Captain Sutherland, Arnold sent for the
coxswain, and informed him that he and his oarsmen were prisoners. They indignantly as-
serted their freedom to depart, alleging truly, as they supposed, that they had come on board
under the protection of a flag. Arnold coolly replied that they must remain on board. Cap-
tain Sutherland would not interfere with Ajrnold's commands, but, despising his meanness,
he gave the coxswain a parole to go on shore and get such things as he wanted. This was
done, and, when the Vulture arrived in New York, Sir Henry Clinton set them all at lib-
erty. In this transaction, the inherent meanness of Arnold's spirit was conspicuous, and
made the British officers regard him with scorn as a reptile unworthy of that esteem which
a high-souled traitor — a traitor because of great personal wrongs— might claim.
Washington arrived at Robinson's house shortly after Arnold had left. Informed that
he had gone to West Point, the commander-in-chief took a hasty breakfast, and concluded
not to wait, but go directly over and meet Arnold there. Hamilton remained behind, and
' it was arranged that the general and his suite should return to dinner. While crossing the
river in a barge, Washington expressed his expectation that they would be greeted with a
salute, as General Arnold was at the Point ; but, to his surprise, all was silent when they
approached the landing-place. Colonel Lamb, the commanding officer, who came strolling
down a winding path, was much confused when he saw the barge touch the shore. He
apologized to Washington for the apparent neglect of courtesy, alleging his entire ignorance
of his intended visit. The general was surprised, and said, << Sir, is not General Arnold
here ?" " No, sir," replied Colonel Lamb, <* he has not been here these two days, nor have
I heard from him within that time." This awakened the suspicions of Washington. He
proceeded, however, to inspect the several works at West Point, and at about noon returned
to the Beverly Dock, from whence he had departed.
While ascending from the river, Hamilton was seen approaching with hurried step and
anxious countenance. He conversed with Washington in a low tone, and returned with him
into the house, where he laid several papers, the damning evidence of Arnold's guilt, before
him. These consisted of the documents given in a preceding chapter, which Arnold had
placed in Andre's hands. They were accompanied by a letter from Colonel Jameson, and
one from Andre himself Jameson, uninformed of the return of Washington from Hartford,
had dispatched a messenger thither, with the papers, to the commander-in-chief After rid-
ing officer of engineers in Nova Sootia and New Brunswick. While thus in command, he was at St. John\
and, on going into the house built by his father, in King Street (which is still standing), wept like a child.
His wife was a Miss Goodrich, of the Isle of Wight. He is a small man, tus eyes of remarkable sharpness,
and in features bears a striking resemblance to Us father. A gentleman who has been in service with him,
and Lb intimately acquainted with Mm, speaks of him in terms of high conunendation, and relates that he
expressed a desire to visit the United States. Since the accession oX. Queen Victoria, he has been one of
her majesty's akls-de-camp. In 1841, he was transferred from the engineer's corps, and is now (1846) a
major general, and a knight of the royal Hanoverian Guelphlc order.--See Sabine's Biographical Sketches
of American LoyalisU,
' The coxswain on the occasion was James Larvey. The aged Beverly Garrison, whom I saw at Fort
Montgomery, knew him well. He said Larvey always declared that, had he been aware of Arnold's inten-
tion,. he would have steered to Verplanck's Point, even if the traitor had threatened to blow his brains oat.
Digitized by
Google
728 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
WMhiogton'apreioiiceofMiiid. Condition of Mri.Araold. Attsmpti to **headr tba Traitor. Hii Lettera finom the Vvtem
ing almost to Danbury, the messenger heard of the return of Washington by the upper road,
and, hastening back, took the nearest route to West Point through Lower Salem, where
Andre was in custody. He thus became the bearer of Andre's letter to Washington.' Ha
arriyed at the Robinson House four hours after the departure of Arnold, and placed the pa-
pers in the hands of Hamilton.
Washington called in Knox and La Fayette for counsel "Whom can we trust now?*'
said the chief, with calmness, while the deepest feeling of sorrow was evidently at work in
his bosom. The condition of Mrs. Arnold, who was quite frantic with grief and distress in
another room, awakened his liyeliest sympathies. He believed her innocent of all previous
knowledge of her husband's treasonable designs, and this gave keenness to the pang which
her sorrows created.' Yet he maintained his self-possession, and calmly said, when dinner
was announced, " Come, gentlemen, since Mrs. Arnold is unweU, and the general is absent,
let us sit down without ceremony.''
As soon as the contents of the papers were made known, Washington dispatched Hamil-
ton on horseback to Verplanck's Point, that preparations might be made there to stop the
traitor. But Arnold had got nearly six hours' the start of him, the tide was ebbing, and
the six strong oarsmen, prompted by expected reward, had pulled with vigor. When Ham-
ilton arrived at the Point, a flag of truce was approaching from the Vulture to that post.
The bearer 1i)rought a letter from Arnold to Washington, which Hamilton forwarded to the
conmiander-in-chief, and then wrote to Greneral Greene at Tappan, advising him to take
precautionary measures to prevent any movement of the enemy in carrying out the traitor's
projects/ The failure of the plot was not known to Sir Henry Clinton until the arrival of
the Vulture at New York the next morning, and then he had no disposition to venture in
attack upon the Americans in the Highlands, now thoroughly awake to the danger that had
threatened.
Arnold's letter to Washington was written to secure protection for his wife and child.
*' I have no favor to ask for myself," he said ; ** I have too often experienced the ing^ratitude
of my country to attempt it ; but, from the known humanity of your excellency, I am in-
duced to ask your protection for Mrs. Arnold from every insult and injury that a migtolcM>
vengeance of my countrymen may expose her to. It ought to fall oidy on me. She is as
good and innocent as an angel, and is incapable of doing wrong." In this letter Arnold
avowed his love for his country, and declared that that sentiment actuated him in his present
1 This letter of Andre's is a model of frankness, and exhibits the highest regard for tmth and honor.
After revealing his name and character, and relating the oiromnstances under which he was lured within
the American lines without his knowledge or consent, and mentioning his capture, he says, " Thus, as I
have had the honor to relate, was I betrayed (being adjutant general of the British army) into the vile con-
dition of an enemy in disguise within your posts." He disavowed any intention of being a spy, and asked,
as a favor, that he should not be branded as such, he " being involuntarily an impostor." He further re-
quested the privilege of sending an open letter to Sir Henry Clinton, and another to a friend, for linen ; and
concluded by intimating that there were several American prisoners who were taken at Charleston for
whom he might be exchanged.
' " She, for a considerable time," says Hamilton, in a vivid desoription of the scene, " entirely lost her-
self. The general went up to see her. She upbraided him with being in a plot to murder her child. One
moment she raved ; another, she melted into tears. Sometimes she pressed her infant to her bosom, and la-
mented its fate, occasioned by the imprudence of its father, in a manner that would have pierced Insensibil-
ity itself. All the sweetness of beauty, all the loveliness of innocence, all the tenderness of a wife, and all
the fondness of a mother, showed themselves in her appearance and conduct. We have every reason to
believe that she was entirely unacquainted with the plan, and that the first- knowledge of it was when Ar-
nold went to tell her he must banish himself from his country and irom her forever. She instantly fell iato
convulsions, and he left her in that situation."
Mr. Leake, the biographer of Colonel John Lamb, basing his opinion upon information received from Ar-
nold's sister Hannah, in 1801, regards this scene as only a trick to deceive, and believes that Amokl's wife
was the chief instrument in bringing about the ddection of her husband. Hannah Arnold averred that the
traitor's wife received a pension from the Queen of England during her life. — See Life of John Lamk, bj
Isaac Q. Leake, p. 270. I can not but regard the inference of Mr. Leake as untenable. It was otrtainly
oonsoling to the feelings of Hannah Arnold to believe that the influence of another, and not his own bate
principles, was the source of the defection and disgrace of her brother.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
729
Bererly RoUmon'a Letter to WashfaigtoD.
TIm Army at Tippan pnt in Motioo.
AndrA ordered to West Point
3onduct. ** In short/' says Sparks, *' the malignant spirit, impudence, and hlonted moral
feeling shown in this letter were consistent with his character. Attachment to his wife
was the only redeeming quality which seemed not to he extinguished."^
Washington also received a letter from Beverly Robinson, dated on board the Vulture,
demanding, in mild terms, the release of Andre, claiming it as equitable, he being on shore
with a flag of truce at the request of General Arnold. Robinson attempted to influence the
mind of the chief by referring to their former friendship, but the letter had not the least ef-
fect upon Washington's firmness of purpose. He was ignorant of the extent of defection,
and his thoughts and efibrts were first directed to measures of security. He had a most del-
icate task to perform. He might suspect the innocent, and give his confidence to the un-
worthy. He resolved, as the least dangerous course, to confide unreservedly in all his offi-
cers, and this resolution, promptly acted upon, had a very salutary efiect.'
Washington sent orders to General Greene, directing him to put the left wing of the
army, near Tappan, in motion as soon as possible, and march toward King's Ferry. It was
midnight when the express reached Greene's quarters ; before dawn the whole division was
upon the march. The commander-in-chief also dispatched a letter to Colonel Jameson, di-
recting him to send Andre to Robinson's house under a strong guard. This messenger also
reached his destination at Lower Salem, at midnight. Andre was aroused, and, although
the rain was falling fast, and the night was exceedingly dark, a guard, under Major Tall-
madge, set ofi* with the prisoner immediately. They rode all night, and arrived at Robin-
Beptsinber,
178a
^.^'-^'---r.
son's house at dawn on the 26th. Andre was taken over to West Point the same
evening, and on the morning of the 28th was conveyed, under a strong escort of
cavalry, to Tappan, where he was tried and convicted as a spy. This event will be noticed
in connection with the details of
his capture. For the present, my
tour leads me to the consideration
of other important transactions
within cannon-echo of the Sugar
Loaf, at whose base we are stand-
ing, and up whose steep sides I
was desirous of climbing, to view
the prospect so glowingly depict-
ed by the pen of Dr. Dwight ;*
but recollecting that the venera-
ble boatman was awaiting my return, I exchanged
hasty adieu with Lieutenant Arden, and ha&teued back
to the Beverly Dock by way of AmoUTs Path. There I found the old waterman quietly
' Inclosed in the letter to Washington was one for Mrs. Arnold, who, when thus made acquainted of her
husband's safety, became more quiet. She was treated with great tenderness by Washington, and was soon
afterward sent to New York under an escort, and joined her husband. Her afTeotion survived his honor,
and through all his subsequent career she exemplified the character of a true woman's love, which often
" Clings like ivy to a worthless thing."
* The position of Colonel Livingston at Yerplanck's Point, with some circumstances that appeared sus-
picious, made him liable to be distrusted, for it might fairly be presumed that he was directly or indirectly
concerned in Arnold's movements. By a brief letter, Washington ordered Livingston to come to head-quar-
ters immediately. Conscious of his integrity, that officer promptly obeyed, but he expected his coniduct
would be subjected to a strict investigation. Washington made no inquiries. He told him that he had more
explicit orders to give than he could well conmiunicate by letter, and that was the object of calling him to
the Highlands. " It is a source of gratification to me," said the ooomiander-in-chief, " that the post was
in the hands of an officer so devoted as yourself to the cause of your country." Washington's confidence
jras not misplaced, for there was not a purer patriot in that war than Henry Livingston.
* Dwight's TSraveU in New England.
* This view is taken from the Hudson River rail-road, looking north. The dock, covered with cord wood,
is seen near the point on the left. It is at the termination of a marsh, near the point of a bold, rocky prom-
ontory, through which is a deep rock cutting for the road. The distant hills on the extreme left are on the
Digitized by
Google
730 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Buttermilk Falls. Ride to Fort Montgomery. Mn.Ro8e. A specnlatlDg Bangixter.
fishing, and apparently unconscious that two houi^ had elapsed since we parted. He locked
his oars, and in a few minutes we were at the foot of Buttermilk Falls. I clambered up
the steep, rough road under the cliff, to the village, dined at a late hour upon cold mutton
and stale bread, and in a light wagon, procured with difficulty for the occasion, set off, witli
a boy driver, for Fort Montgomery, about four miles below. For half the distance the road
(which is the old military one of the Revolution) was smooth ; the residue of the way wan
as rough as rocks and gulleys could make it. On every side huge bowlders, many of them
ten feet in diameter, lie scattered over the bare flat rocks, like fruit shaken from a tree in
autumn. They become more numerous toward the base of the steep mountain range on the
west, where they lie in vast masses, like mighty pebbles rolled up by the waves upon the
shore. Here the geologist has a wonderful page spread out for his contemplation.
Within a short distance of Fort Montgomery, we turned up a rough mountain road to
visit an old lady named Rebecca Rose, eighty years of age, who lived close by Fort Mont-
gomery at the time it was taken by the enemy. I found her upon a bed of sickness, too
feeble then to converse, but at a subsequent visit she was well and communicative. She
was a child only seven or eight years old, and has no distinct recollection of events at the
taking of the forts, except her care and anxiety in concealing her rag babies in a sap trough,
while her parents were hiding their property in the woods. ^ Her father was a tanner and
shoemaker, in the employ of the garrison at the two forts. The British tried to frighten
him into the performance of the duty of a guide for them, by twice hauling him up to an
apple-tree with a halter around his neck. He resolutely defied them, and they passed on.
From the cottage of Mrs. Rose, among the hills, is one of the most magnificent views of rock
and forest, cliff and river, imaginable ; overlooking Forts Montgomery and Clinton, the Race
flanked by Anthony's Nose and the Dunderberg, and the fertile hills of West Chester in
the distance.
Near Mrs. Rose lived an old soldier who was wounded at the siege of Fort Montgomery.
I found him living with his daughter, a little plump widow of fifty, in a cottage beside a
clear stream that comes leaping down from the hills. He was a private in Captain De
Vere*s company, Colonel Dubois's regiment, and was bayoneted in the thigh when the enemy
made their way over the ramparts of Fort Montgomery and fought the garrison hand to
hand. Although nearly ninety years old, he was vigorous and talked sensibly. I asked the
privilege of sketching his portrait, which he readily granted, and I was about unlocking my
port-folio for the purpose, when his daughter, resting upon a broom handle, and assuming the
shrewd look of a speculator, inquired, " What*ll ye give ?" " For what ?** I inquired. " For
daddy's likeness," she answered. Unacquainted with the market value of such commodi-
ties, and being doubtful as to the present sample possessing much intrinsic worth, I made
the indefinite ofl^er of " What is right." " No, no," she said, tuning her voice to a higher
key, and beginning to sweep the floor vigorously, " you sha'n't look at him till you tell me
what you'll give. We've been cheated enough a'ready. Two scamps come along here last
week, and told my darter they'd make a likeness on her for their breakfasts, and they on'y
guv her a nasty piece of black paper, that had a nose no more like sis's than that tea-pot
spout. No, sir ; give me a half a dollar, or clear out quick I" The more fortunate sil-
houettists had evidently ruined my prospects for a gratuitous sitting of the old soldier ; and
feeling very doubtful whether the demanded half dollar, if paid, would add a mite to his
comforts, I respectfully declined giving the price. The filial regard of the dear woman was
terribly shocked, and she called me a cheat and other hard names. I shook hands with the
old " Continentaler" as I rose to depart, and turning quietly to the dame, who was yet
sweeping around the room in a towering passion, invited her to sit for her portrait ! This
produced a climax ; she seized the broom by the brush ; I saved my head by closing the
door between us. I walked off unscathed and much amused, in the midst of a perfect
west side of the Hudson ; and through the gorge formed for the road may be seen the military edifices d
West Point.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
731
Silas of Foitt Clinton and Montgomery. •
Lake Sinnipink.
Beyerlj Oarriaon.
ViKW NCAA FoJklT MONTGOMEBY.*
Bho^*er of grape-shot from her tongue-battery, compelled to content myself with a pen and
ink sketch of the hornet instead of the one I had asked for.
We descended the hills, and proceeded
to the site of Fort Montgomery, a rough
promontory on the north side of Peploap's,
or Poplopen's, Kill.' It terminates in a
steep cli£r at the mouth of the stream, and
was an admirable situation for a strong for-
tress to command the river. Almost the
entire line of the fortifications may be trac-
ed upon the brow of the cliff, which is
rocky, and bare of every thing but stinted
grass and dwarf cedars. More than half
way down to the water*8 edge are the re-
mains of the two-gun-battery which was
placed there to cover the chain and c?i€V'
auct de frise which were stretched across
the river from the upper side of Poplopen's Kill to Apthony's Nose.
We crossed to the southern side of the stream, and clambered up a winding and romantic
pathway among cedars, chestnuts, and sassafras, to the high table land whereon stood Fort
Clinton, within rifle shot of Fort Montgomery. A fine mansion, belonging to Mrs. Pell,
with cultivated grounds around it, occupy the area within the ravelins of the old fort. The
banks of the fortress have been leveled, its fosse filled up, and not a vestige of it remains.
About a quarter of a mile west of Mrs. Pell's is
Lake Sinnipink, a small sheet of crystal water,
surrounded by the primitive forest, and as wild
in its accompaniments as when the Indian cast
his bait in it9 deep waters. From its western
rim rises the highest peak of Bear Mountain to
an altitude of more than a thousand feet. The
lake itself is one hundred and twenty-three feet
above the river.
Near the north end of Lake Sinnipink, on the
river slope of the hills, stands the cottage of the
aged Beverly Garrison, a hale old man of eighty-
seven years. He was a stout lad of fourteen
when the forts were taken. His father, who
worked a great deal for Beverly Robinson, and
admired him, named this boy in honor of that
gentleman. When the British approached the Lakk suwipink, o« Bloodt Pond.^
^ This kill, or creek, is the dividing line between the towns of Monroe and Cornwall, in Orange ooanty.
Its correct orthography is uncertain. Upon a map of the State of New York made in 1779 it is called Cop-
lap^s Kill; in the British plan of the engagements there, of which the map given on page 166 is a copy, it
is spelled Peploap^s ; Romans, who was engaged in the construction of the forts, wrote it Pooploop's.
' This view is from an eminence near the mountain road, about three quarters of a mile in the rear of
Fort Montgomery. In the distance, the cultivated slopes of West Chester, between Peekskill and Ver-
planck's Point, are seen. On the left is the high, rocky promontory called Anthony's Nose ; on the right
is the Dunderberg, with a portion of Beveridge's Island ; the buildings in the center of the picture, owned
by Mrs. Pells indicate the site of Fort Clinton ; toward the right is seen the deep ravine through which
flows Poplopen's Creek, and on the extreme right, partly hidden by the tree in the foreground, and fronting
the river, is the site of Fort Montgomery. The scenery from this point of view is indeed magnificent
This picture is from a pencil sketch by Tice, who accompanied me to the spot.
' This view is from the outlet of the lake, within a few rods of the spot where a large number of the
Americans and British were slain in a preliminary skirmish on the afternoon when the forts were taken.
The bodies were thrown into the lake, and from that circumstance it was afterward called Bloody Pond.
Digitized by
Google
732
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Mr. Oarrtoon's RecoUectkms.
< Captain MoUy."
Character of Porta CUntot|and Montgomeiy.
ObiMMCdtyHML
forts, Beverly and his father, who was wagon-master at Fort Montgomery, were ordered to
take a large iron cannon to the outworks on the neck of the promontory. While thus en-
gaged, they were made pris-
oners ; but Beverly, being a
boy, was allowed his liberty.
He told me that he was
standing on the ramparts of
Fort Montgomery on the
morning when Arnold passed
by, in his barge, fleeing to
the Vulture, and that he rec*
ognized the general, as well
as Larvey, his coxswain. He
also informed me that a Tory,
named Brom Springster, pi-
loted the enemy over the
Dunderberg to the forts.
Brom afterward became a
prisoner to the patriots,
f^jS^ui C^^nVf^
but his life was spared on
condition that he should pilot
Wayne on his expedition over
the same rugged hills to at-
tack Stony Point. Mr. Gar-
rison remembered the famous
Irish woman called Captain
MoUyt the wife of a cannon-
ier, who worked a field-piece
at the battle of Monmouth,
on the death of her husband.
She generally dressed in the
petticoats of her sex, with att
artilleryman's coat over.
She was in Fort Clinton,
with her husband, when it
was attacked. When the
Americans retreated from the fort, as the enemy scaled the ramparts, her husband dropped
his match and fled. Molly caught it up, touched ofi* the piece, and then scampered ofl*. It
was the last gun fired by the Americans in the fort. Mrs. Rose (just mentioned) remem-
bers her as Dirty Kate^ living between Fort Montg%>mery and Buttermilk Falls, at the
close of the war, where she died a horrible death from the efl!ects of a syphilitic disease. I
shall have occasion to refer to this bold camp-follower, whom Washington honored with a
sergeant's commission for her bravery on the field of Monmouth, nearly nine months after-
ward, when reviewing the events of that battle.
Here, by the clear spring which bubbles up near the cottage of the old pjitriot, and in
the shadow of Bear Mountain, behind which the sun is declining, let us glance at the Rev-
olutionary history of this region.
Forts Clinton and Montgomery were included in the Highland fortifications ordered to
be constructed in 1775—6. These, like Fort Constitution, were commenced by Bernard
Romans, assisted by skillful French engineers, and were finally completed under the super-
intendence of Captain Thomas Machin. Fort Montgomery was of suflicient size to accom-
modate eight hundred men ; Fort Clinton was only about half as large. They were built
of stones and earth, and were completed in the spring of 1776. Pursuant to a recommend-
ation of Romans, made the previous autumn, preparations were made to place obstructions
in the river from the mouth of Poplopen's, or Peploap's Kill, to Anthony's Nose, opposite.
These obstructions, which were not completed until the autumn of 1777, just before the
forts were attacked, consisted of a vrey strong boom, and heavy iron chain.' The lat-
ter, eighteen _ in length, wai
hundred feet — f-'lPlliMMIiiJHHmM I Illj I 11 11111111 buoyed up by
heavy spars, connected by iron links, and also by large rafls of timber. It was believed
that these obstructions, covered by the guns of the fort, and accompanied by several armed
vessels, would be sufficient to efiectually prevent the enemy from ascending the river. The
result, however, was otherwise.
' Generals Knox and Greene visited Fort Montgomery in the spring of 1777, in company with Genenb
Wajrne, M^Dougal, and Clinton. They made a Joint report to Washington, in which they reoommeoded
the completion of the obstmctions substantially as they were afterward done. The boom and the dawamt
defrUe so obstructed the current of the river (here very strong), that the water was raised two or three
feet above them, and pressed upon them heavily. Twice the chain was parted by this preasore : first, «
swivel, which came from Ticonderoga, was broken ; and the second time a clevis, which was made at
Poughkeepsie, gave way.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 733
CMdMoBortlMBriliihForcet. Patnam'a tntnided Expedition. Sir Henry Clinton's StnUagem. Landing of BritiahTh>opa.
When Burgoyne found himself environed with difficulties at Saratoga, and perceived the
rapid augmentation of the American army under Gates, he dispatched messengers to Sir
Henry Clinton, then commanding at New York in the ahsence of General Howe,' urging
him to make a diversion in his favor, and join him, if possible, with a force sufficient to scat-
ter the half-disciplined provincials. Clinton was eager to comply ; but a re-enforcement of
troops from Europe, expected for several weeks, was still delayed. This force, amounting
to almost two thousand men, under General Robertson, arrived at the beginning of Oc-
tober. Having sailed in Dutch bottoms, they were three months on the voyage. The
first battle of Stillwater had now been fought, and the second was nigh at hand. Putnam
was in the Highlands, with fifteen hundred men ; his head-quarters were at Peekskill.
Washington had drawn upon Putnam, toward the close of September, for twenty-five hund-
red troops, to aid in defending Philadelphia and the works on the Delaware, then menaced
by the enemy.' Their places were supplied by militia of New York and Connecticut ; but,
apprehending no hostile movement up liie Hudson, Putnam had discharged about one thou-
sand of them, leaving his efiective force only fifteen hundred strong. Forts Clinton and
Montgomery, commanded by the brothers James and Greorge Clinton, were feebly garrisoned ;
in both fortresses there were not more than six hundred men, chiefly militia fjrom Dutchess
and Ulster. There was a fortification near Peekskill, called Fort Independence, which was
also feebly garrisoned ; in fact, the Highland posts were almost defenseless against a respect-
able demonstration on the part of the enemy.
On the arrival of re-enforcements. Sir Henry Clinton prepared for an expedition up the
Hudson, partly for the purpose of destroying American stores at Peekskill, but chiefly to
make a diversion in favor of Burgoyne. On Saturday evening, the 4th of October,
he proceeded up the river in flat boats and transports, with about five thousand men,
and landed at Tarrytown, nearly thirty miles from New York.' This was a feint to de-
ceive General Putnam into the belief that Peekskill was his destination. To strengthen
this belief, and to divert Putnam's attention from the Highland forts, Clinton proceeded on
Sunday, with three thousand troops, to Verplanck*s Point, eight miles below Peekskill, where
he debarked. General Putnam fell back, on his approach, to the high ground in the rear
of Peekskill, and sent a messenger to Governor Clinton, desiring him to send to his aid as
many troops as he could spare firom the forts. The militia in the vicbity rallied around
Putnam, and he had about two thousand men, on the afternoon of the 5th, to dispute the
progress of the enemy up the Hudson, either by land or water. Sir Henry Clinton per-
ceived that his stratagem was successful, and the next morning, under cover of a fog, he
passed two thousand of his troops over to Stony Point, whence they made their way among
the tangled defiles and lofty crags of the Dunderberg to Forts Clinton and Montgomery,
twelve miles distant. The transports were anchored near Stony Point, and the corps of
Loyalists, under Colonels Bayard and Fanning, remained at Verplanck's Point. A detach-
ment was left near Stony Point, to guard the pass and preserve a communication with the
fleet. Three frigates, the Tartar, Preston, and Mercury, proceeded up the river to a posi-
tion between what is now known as Caldwell's Landing and Fort Lidependence, and within
cannon-shot of the latter.
Grovemor Clinton received advices on Sunday night of the arrival of the enemy's ships
and transports at Tarr3rtown, and, on Monday morning, a scouting party of one hundred
^ General Howe was now in PennsylTania. His army was encamped at Gennantown, and being in pot-
senion of Philadelphia^ he had established his headquarters in that city.
' When this reqoBition was made, Pntnam was prepttring a plan for attacking the enemy at font different
points : Staten Island, Long Island, Panhis's Hook, and New York. He relied upon the militia of Conneoti-
cnt, New York, and New Jersey, to accomplish his designs. Fortnnately, Washington made his requisi-
tion in time to prevent what must have proved a disastrous expedition.
' Colonel Luddington was posted at Tarrytown with about five hundred mOitia. Clinton sent a flag with
a peremptory summons for them to surrender themselves prisoners of war. While parleying with the flag,
the enemy endeavored to surround the militia, which Luddington perceiving, he ordered a retreat. The
British then returned to their shipping.
Digitized by
Google
734
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
OoTernor Clinton informed of the Landing of the British.
A reconnoiterlng Party.
Skirmish i
men under Major Logan, which he had
gent to the Dunderberg to watch the mo-
tions of the enemy, returned with inform-
ation that about forty boats, filled with
troops, had landed near Stony Point. An-
other party of thirty men was sent out
upon the mountain road leading from Fort
Clinton to Haverstraw ; and at a place
called Doodletown, three miles south from
the fort, they fell in with the advanced
guard of the approaching British. The
Americans were ordered to surrender, but
refused, when the enemy fired upon them
They returned the fire with spirit, and re
treated to the fort without losing a man
The design of the enemy was now appa
rent. It was past noon, and no intelli
gence had been received from Putnam.
Clinton had dispatched a messenger to that
officer, requesting him to send him a strong
» This view is from Peekskill landing, looking up the river. On the left is the Dunderberg, or Thunder
Mountain, over wHich the troops marched to Forts Clinton and Montgomery. The dark spot on the brink
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 735
Treachery of a Heaaenger. Putnam deedyed. Skirmish near Fort Montgomery. Forts ordered to be Surrendered.
re-enforcement to defend the forts. The messenger, whose name was Waterbury, treacher-
ously delayed his journey, and the next day deserted to the enemy. In the mean while,
Putnam, astonished at hearing nothing further from the enemy, rode to reconnoiter, and did
not return to his head-quarters, near Continental Village, until after the firing was heard on
the other side of the river. Colonel Humphreys, who was alone at head-quarters when the
firing began, urged Colonel Wyll3rs, the senior officer in camp, to send all the men not on
duty to Fort Montgomery.* He immediately complied, but it was too late. It was twi-
light before they reached the riyer, and the enemy had then accomplished their purpose.
The British army, piloted by a Tory, traversed the Dunderberg in a single column, and
at its northern base separated into two divisions. One division, under Lieutenant-colonel
Campbell, consisting of nine hundred men, was destined for the attack on Fort Montgomery ;
the other, under the immediate command of Sir Henry Clinton, and consisting of an equal
number, was to storm Fort Clinton. There was a large body of Hessians in each division.
Groyernor Clinton, on hearing of the attack upon his scouts near Doodletown, sent out a de-
tachment of more than one hundred men, under Colonels Bruyn and M'Claghrey,' with a
brass field-piece and sixty men, to an advantageous post on the road to Orange furnace. As
the enemy approached, another detachment of one hundred men was sent to the same point,
but they were pressed back by the bayonets of a superior force, and retreated to a twelve-
pounder in the rear, leaving their guns (which they spiked) in possession of the assailants.
With the second cannon they did great execution, until it bursted, when they retreated to
Fort Montgomery, followed by Emerick*s corps of chasseurs, a corps of Loyalists and New
York volunteers, and the fifty-second and fifty-seventh British regiments, under Campbell.
The pursued kept up a galling fire with small-arms while on their retreat, and slew many
of the enemy.
Sir Henry Clinton, in the mean while, made his way toward Fort Clinton with much
difficulty, for upon a narrow pass between the Sinnipink Lake at the foot of Bear Mount-
ain and the high river bank was a strong abatis,* This was overcome after much hard
fighting, and at about four o'clock both forts were invested by the enemy. Sir Henry Clin-
ton sent a flag, with a summons for both garrisons to surrender prisoners of war within five
minute«, or they would all be put to the sword. Lieutenant-colonel Livingston was sent by
Grovemor Clinton to receive the flag, and to inform the enemy that the Americans were de-
termined to defend the forts to the last extremity. The action was immediately renewed
of the river, upon\he extreme left, show» the place of the cofier-dam made by the deluded seekers after
Captain Eidd's treasure. At the water's edge, on the right, is seen the grading of the Hodson River rail-
road, in coarse of constnxction when the sketch was made. The dark mountain on the right is Anthony's
r>fose. Intermediately, and projecting far into the river, is a high, sandy blofif, on which stood Fort Inde-
pendence. Farther on is Beveridge's Island ; and in the extreme distance, behind the flag-staff, is seen Bear
Mountain. Between the point of Fort Independence and the rock catting of the rail-road is the month of
the Peek's Kill, or Peek's Creek. The Plan of the attack here given is copied from the narrative of Stedman,
a British officer, and appears to be mainly correct. The reader may correct the slight errors by the text.
' See Hamphre3rs's Life of Putnam. This detachment seems to have heen mistaken hy Stedman for the
whole army onderTatnam, for on his map, at the top, he says, '* General Putnam with 2000 men endeav-
oring to cross the river."
* In connection with a notice of Colonel M'Claghrey, who was made a prisoner at the capture of the fort,
Mr. Eager, in his History of Orange County^ makes a slight error. He says he was taken to New York,
and confined in the Hospital. In the room above him, he affirms, was Colonel Ethan Allen, who had been
a prisoner in the hands of the British smoe the aatumn of 1775. The floor between them was fall of wide
cracks, through one of which M'Claghrey, who had heard of the capture of Bargoyne, passed a scrap of
paper to Allen, on which he had written the information. Allen immediately went to his window, and
called oat to some British officers passing in the street, ** Bargoyne has marched to Boston to the tane of
Yankee Doodle." " For this and other offenses, we believe," says Mr. Eager, " Allen was sent to En-
gland in chains." Quite the contrary. He was sent to England in irons two years before, and had re-
tomed to New York, where he was admitted to his parole. In January, 1777, he was ordered to reside
on Long Island ; and in August following he was sent to the provost jail, where he remained until ex-
changed in May, 1778.
' These abatis were placed on the margin of the outlet of Lake Sinipink, near its center, the place from
which the view on page 731 was sketched
Digitized by
Google
736 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Attack oa Forti Cllatxai and MuBtjuineij. FUffbt of tha AimttoaM DaaUattfua of VcaMb and tha Charaax da frin.
*
with grtet vigor oo both tides. The British voMeli under Commodore (afterw&rd Admiral)
Ilotham approached within cannon shot of the Ibrts, and opened a deaoltory fire upon them,
and on some American Tcueb lying abore the chevaux dtfrut} At the same time, Coont
Grabowiki, a brave Pole, and Lord Rawdon, led the grenadiers to the charge on Fort Mont-
gomery. The battle continued until twilight, when the superior number of the assailants
obliged the patriots at both forts to give way, and attempt a scattered retreat or escape.
It was a cloudy evening, and the darkness came on suddenly. This favored the Americans
in their flight, and a large proportion of those who escaped the slaughter of the battle made
their way to the neighboring mountains in safety. The brothers who commanded the forts
escaped. Greneral James Clinton was severely wounded in the thigh by a bayonet, but es-
caped to the mountains, and reached his residence in Orange county, sixteoi miles distant,
the next day, where he was joined by his brother George, and about two hundred of the sur-
vivors of the battle. Lieutenant-colonels Livingston, Bruyn, and Claghery, and Majcnrs
Hamilton and Logan, were made prisoners. The loss of the Americans in killed, wounded,
and prisoners, was about three hundred ; that of the British about one hundred and forty
in killed and wounded, among whom were Colonel Campbell and Count Grabowski.'
Above the boom the Americans had two frigates, two gaUeys, and an armed sloop. On
the fall of the forts, the crews of these vessels spread their sails, and, slipping their cables,
attempted to escape up the river, but the wind was adverse, and they were obliged to aban-
don them. They set them on fire when they left, to prevent their falling into the hands of
the enemy. « The flames suddenly broke forth, and, as every sail was set, the vessels soon
became magnificent pyramids of fire. The reflection on the steep face of the opposite mount-
ain, and the long train of ruddy light which shone upon the water for a prodigious distance,
had a wonderful tSaoX ; while the ear was awfully filled with the continued echoes from the
rocky shores, as the flames gradually reached the loaded cannons. The whole was sub-
limely terminated by the explosions, which lefl all again in darkness.'" Early in the mom-
Oetober 7, ^t ^® obstructions iu the river, which had cost the Americans a quarter of a
^^^' million of dollars. Continental money, were destroyed by the British fleet. Fort
C<mstitution, opposite West Point, was abandoned, and the enemy had a clear
passage up the Hudson. Vaughan and Wallace ^y^^ sailed up the river upon their
marauding expedition, and, as we have before no-
ticed, burned Kingston, or Esopus. It was deemed
too late to assist Burgoyne by a junction with
him, for on that very day Uie second battle
of Stillwater, so disastrous to that com-
mander, was fought ; ten days aft-
erward he and his whole army
were captives. Yet the fall of
the Highland forts was a seri-
ous blow to the Americans, for quite a large quantity of ordnance and ammunition was col-
lected there.*
" An acommt in the AumwaX Register for 1778 eays that the British galleys ai^|>roached so near the forts
that the men ooold toacb the walls with their oars ! Both forts were upon a precipice more than one hund-
red feet above the water, rather beyond the reach of oars of ordinary length.
« Count Grabowski fell at the foot of the ramparts of Fort Montgomery, pierced by three bollets. He
jrave his sword to a grenadier, with a request that he would oonyey it to Lord Rawdon, with the assurance
of the owner that he died as a brave soldier ought to. — Stedman, i., 362. A pile of stones still marks th«
burial-place of the count.
' Stedman, i., 364.
* The Americans lost 67 cannons in the forts, and over 30 in the vessels, making a total of more than 100
pieces. Also, 54 casks, 1 1 half barrels, and 12,236 pounds of loose powder, exclusive of what was in te
vessels. There were also 1852 cannon cartridges, and 57,396 for muskets. Also, 9530 round cannon
shot, 886 double-headed, 2483 grape and case, and 36 cwt. of langridge; 1279 pounds of musket balls,
116 pounds of buck shot, and 5400 flints. In addition to these were stores of various kinds, such as gun-
carriages, port-fires, tools, &c., in great plenty
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 737
EveniDg Voyage in a Fisherman** Shallop. Anthony'a Nose. PeekaUIL Situation of die VlOagf
It was almost suoset when I led the ruins of Fort Montgomery to seek for a watermai.
to carry me to Peekskill, on the east side of the river, four miles distant. The regular fer-
ryman was absent on duty, and af^r considerable search, I procured, with difficulty, the
services of a fisherman to bear me to the distant village. We embarked at twilight — a
glorious Indian summer twilight — ^the river as calm as a lake of the valley.
" The Dunderberg sat silently beneath
The snowy clouds, that form'd a vapory wreath
Above its peak. The Hudson swept along
Its mighty waters — oh ! had I a pen
Endued with master gifts and genius, then
Might I aspire to tell its praise in song.'*
Thomas MacKellab.
The boat was a scaly affair, and the piscatory odor was not very agreeable ; nevertheless,
I had no alternative, and, turning my eyes and nose toward the glowing heavens, I tried
to imagine myself in a rose-scented caique in the Golden Horn. I had half succeeded, when
three or four loud explosions, that shook the broad mountains and awoke an hundred echoes,
broke the charm, and* notified me that I was in a fisherman's shallop, and a little too near
for safety to St. Anthony's Nose,' where the constructors of the Hudson River rail-road, then
working day and night, were blasting an orifice through that nasal feature of the Highlands.
We sheered ofi* toward the Dunderberg, and, shooting across Peekskill Bay, with the tide
flowing strongly down its eastern rim, I landed in time for a warm supper at the '< Atlantic."
Early on the morning of the 27th I made the sketch from Peekskill landing October,
printed on page 166, and then walked up to the village on the slopes and hills, by a ^^^'
steep winding way that overlooks a deep ravine, wherein seyeral iron founderies are nestled.
The town is romantically situated among the hills, and from some of its more prominent points
of view there are magnificent prospects of the river and Highland scenery in the vicinity.
Here, spreading out south and east for miles around, was the ancient manor of Cortlandt,'
stretching along and far above the whole eastern shore of Haverstraw Bay, and extending
back to the Connecticut line. The manor house, near the mouth of the Croton River, is yet
standing. Within Peekskill village, opposite the West Chester County Bank, is the old Bhrd-
sall residence, a part of which, as seen in the picture upon the next page, is a grocery store.
This building was erected by Daniel Birdsall, one of the founders of the village. His store
was the first one erected there.* The owner and occupant, when I visited it, was a son of
* This is a high rooky promontory, rising to an altitude of twelve hundred and eighty feet above the level
of the river, and situated directly opposite Fort Montgomery. The origin of its name is uncertain. The
late proprietor of the land, General Pierre Tan Cortlandt, sajrs, that before the Revolution^ as Captain An-
thony Hogans, the possessor of a remarkable nose, was sailing near the place, m his vesselj^ his mate looked
rather quizzically first at the hill, and then at the captain's nose. The captain comprehended the sileni
allusion, and said, " Does that look like my nose ? If it does, call it Anthony's Nose, if you please." The
story got abroad on shore, and it has since borne that name. Washington Irving, in his authentic history
of New York, by Diedrich Knickerbocker, gives it an earlier origin. He says that while the fiery-nosed
Anthony Tan Corlear, the trumpeter of one of the Dutch governors, was staiuling one morning upon the
deck of an exploring vessel, while passing this promontory, a ray of the sun, darting over the peak, struck
the broad side of the trumpeter's nose, and, glancing off into the water, killed a sturgeon I What else could
the hill be called, under the circumstances, but Anthony* » Note ?
' The Courtlandts, or Van CourtUndts, are descended from a noble Russian family. The orthography,
in the Dutch language, is properly korte-landt, meaning thort landy a term expressing the peculiar form of
the ancient duchy of Courland in Russia. This domain constituted a portion of Livonia, but was conquered
by the Teutonic knights in 1561, and subsequently became a fief of Poland. It remained a short time in-
dependent, under its own dukes, after the fall of that power, but in 1795 it was united to Russia. The
dukes of Courland were represented in 1610 by the Right Honorable Steven Tan Cortlandt, then residing
at Cortlandt, in South Holland. He was the father of Oloff Stevenson Tan Cortlandt, the first lord of the
manor, of that name, on the Hudson.
3 The first settlement at PeekskUl commenced one mile north of the present village, near the head wa-
ters of the creek. The name is derived fro» John Peek, one of the early Dutch navigators, who, mistukioc
the creek for the course of the river, ran his yacht ashore where the first settlement was conunenced. The
settlement of the present village' was commenced in 1764. — Bolton's History of West Chester^ i., 63.
I. Aaa
Digitized by
Google
733 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
rbe BlrdMU UooM. An OctogaiartM. OdK UilL Vn CortSadt Bomb. PltOip Van Corli«idt
the fint owner, and was then eighty yean of age. Hii lady, many yean hit junior, kindly
showed me the different apartments made memorable by the presence and oocupancy of dis-
tingnisbed men in the ReTolution. It was ooenpied
•^T^ by Washington when the head-qnarten of the army
'^- were there ; and the rooms are pointed out which
were used by the chief and La Fayette as sleeping
apartments. Chain, a table, and an old clock which
has told the houn for more than eighty yean, are
still there ; and in the parlor where Whitefield once
preached, I sat and sketched one of the pieces of this
▼enerable furniture. This old mansion, projecting
into and marring the regularity of the street, is an
eyesore to the rillagen, and when the present owner
^ „ „ shall depart, no doubt this relic will be removed by
Tub Bxazmuux Uoubb. * . '
the desecrating hand of improyement.
On leaving the Birdsall House, I proceeded to visit another octogenarian named Sparks,
whoso boyhood and long life have been passed in Peekskill. I found him sitting in the sun,
upon his stoop, reading a newspaper without glasses, and his little grandson, a fair-haired
child, playing at his feet. For an hour I sat and listened to his tales of the olden times,
and of scenes his eyes had witnessed. He had often seen Washington and his suite at the
Birdsall House, and well reraemben Putnam, Heath, M*Dougall, and other officen whose
quarters were at Peekskill. He never became a soldier, and saw only one battle during the
war. That occurred near the Van Cortlandt House, two miles east of Peekskill, between
some American pickets at the foot of Gallows Hill, and a picket guard of the enemy at the
base of the eminences opposite. They were too near each other to keep quiet, and a skir-
mish at length ensued. ** They made a great smoke and noise," said Mr. Sparks, '* but
nobody was hurt except by fright." Pointing to a huge oak standing near the Peekskill
Academy on Oak Hill, and in full view of our resting-place, he related the circumstance of
the execution of a British spy, named Daniel Strang, upon that tree. He was a Tory, and
was found lurking about the American army at Peekskill with enlisting orden sewed up in
his clothes. I left the vigorous old man to enjoy the warm sunlight and his newspaper
alone, and procuring a conveyance, rode out to Van Cortlandt's house ; the church-yard,
where rest the remains of one of Andre's capton ; Gallows Hill, famous as the camping-
ground of Putnam for a short period during the Revolution, and to Continental Village, the
scene of one of Tryon*s marauding expeditions.
Van Cortlandt's house is situated in the midst of one of the fine estates of that family.'
It is a brick mansion, and was erected in 1773. It stands in the center of a pleasant lawn,
shaded by locust trees, on the north side of the post-road. It was occupied by Washington,
for a brief space, as head-quarten ; and there the Van Cortlandt family resided in safety,
* General Philip Tan Cortlandt was the last possessor of the manor house, near Croton, by entail. He
was bom in the city of New York on the Ist of September, ^^ ^ ^
1749, and was reared at the manor house. At nineteen, he ^^? i^J J^J^^^Jk^I^^*
commenced business as a land survejor, but when the Revo- oS r^ ^ y^ /
lotion broke out, agreeing in sentiment with his father, Honorable Pierre Van Cortlandt, he joined the Re-
publican army. His Tory relatives tried to dissnade him from his purpose, and Governor Tryon forwarded
him a major^s commission in the Cortlandt militia. He tore it in pieces, and accepted a lieutenant ool-
onel's commission in the Continental army. He was appointed a colonel in 1776, and in that capacity
served at the battles of Stillwater. He also served against the Indians on the New York frontier in 1778,
and in 1779-80 was a member of the oonrt martial convened for the trial of Arnold. He conmianded a
regiment of militia under La Fayette in 1781, and for his gallant conduct at the siege of Yorktown he was
promoted to a brigadier's conunand. Seven hundred of the British and Hessian prisoners of war were after-
ward intrusted to his care while on their march from Charlottesville to Fredericktown, in Maryland. He
was for sixteen years a member of Congress, but in 1811 declined a re-election. Genera] Van Cortlandt
accompanied La Fayette in his tour through the United States in 1824. He died at the manor house, at
Croton, November 2 Ist, 1831, at the age of eighty-two. With him expired the property entail.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OP THE REVOLUTION.
739
The Cortlandt Manor House.
Paulding's Monument, and St Peter's Church.
GaUows HOI.
while desolation was rife around them. When I visited the mansion, Greneral Pierre Van
Cortlandt, the late owner (brother of General Philip Van Cortlandt, of the manor October,
house), had been dead but a few months. Many of the family portraits were yet ^^^'
there, some of them more than one hundred years old. They have since been removed to
the old manor house at Croton. The mansion which we are considering was occupied for
a while by General M'Dougall's advanced guard, when the British took possession of Peeks-
kill in March, 1777, an event that will be noticed presently. The old oak tree is standing
in a field a little eastward of the house, which was used for the purpose of a military whip-
ping-post during the encampment there. It is green and vigorous, and so regular are its
branches, that, when in full foliage, its form, above the trunk, is a perfect sphere.
Upon a knoll, a little eastward of Van Cortlandt's house, is an ancient wooden church,
erected in 1767 for worship, according to the rituals of the Church of England. Within
its grave-yard, which spreads over the
hAULDXNO'S MoZfUMSHT, ANft 8t. PCTSB'S CHUSCB.>
knoll westward, is the monument erect-
ed to the memory of John Paulding,
one of the captors of Andre, by the cor-
poration of the city of New York. Tht
monument is constructed of West Ches
ter marble, in the most simple form,
consisting of a pedestal surmounted by
a cone. It is massive, and so con
structed as to last for ages. The base
of the pedestal covers a square of seven
feet, and is surrounded by a strong iron
railing. The height is about thirteen
feet. One side of the monument ex
hibits a representation, in low relief, of
the face of the medal voted by Con
gross to each of the captors of Andre ; the other side exhibits the reverse of the medal. The
main inscription is upon the western panel of the pedestal.*
From the old church-yard I rode to the summit of Gallows Hill, a lofty ridge on the
north, and bared of trees by the hand of cultivation. It is famous as a portion of the camp-
ground of the division of the American army under Putnam in 1777, and also as the place
where a spy was executed, from which circumstance the hill derives its name. Leaving my
vehicle at the gate of a farm-house by the road side, I crossed the fields to the place designated
by tradition as the spot where the old chestnut.tree stood, near which the spy was hanged f
It is about one hundred rods west of the road, on the southeastern slope of the hill, and is
marked by a huge bowlder lying upon the surface, by the side of which is the decayed trunk
^ The site of this charch and the graye-yard was a gilt of Andrew Johnson, of Perth Amboy, New Jer-
sey. The parish was called St. Peter's ; and this and the parish of St. Philip, in the Highlands, were en
dewed with two hundred acres of land by Colonel Beverly Robinson.
' The following are the inscriptions :
North side. — ** Here repose the mortal remains of Johh PAtrLDiifo, who died on the 18th day of Feb-
raary, 1818, in the 60th year of his age."
West side. — " On the morning of the 23d of September, 1780, accompanied by two yoang farmers of
the coonty of West Chester (whose names will one day be recorded on their own deserved monuments), he
intercepted the British spy, Andrd. Poor himself, he disdained to acquire wealth by the sacrifice of his
couRTRT. Rejecting the temptation of great rewards, he conveyed his prisoner to the American camp ;
and, by this act of noble self-denial, tBe treason of Arnold was detected ; the designs of the enemy baffled :
West Point and the American Army saved ; and these United States, now by the grace of God Free and
Independent, rescued from most imminent peril.''
South side. — "The Corporation of the city of New Tork erected this tomb as a memorial sacred to
PUBLIC ORATITUDB."
The monument was erected in 1827 ; the cone was placed on the pedestal on the 22d of November of
that year, in the presence of a large concourse of citizens, who were addressed by William Paulding, then
Mayor of New Tork. A copy of the medal presented to the captors of Andre may be found on page 773 .
Digitized by
Google
740 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ezecation place of a Spy. Fotnam'a laconic Letter. View firom Oallowa Hill. ItelatiTe impoftanoe ctf Peekakin
of a chestnut, as seen in the picture/ said to be a sprout of the memorable tree. The name o(
the spy was Edmund Palmer. He was an athletic young
man, connected by nature and afiection with some of the
most respectable families in West Chester, and had a wife
and children. He was arrested on 8uspici6n, and enlisting
papers, signed by Governor Tryon, were found upon his per-
son. It was also ascertained that he was a lieutenant in
a Tory company. These and other unfavorable circum-
stances made it clear that he was a spy, and on that charge he
was tried, found guilty, and condemned to be hung. His young
wife pleaded for his life, but the dictates of the stem policy of war made Put-
nam inexorable. Sir Henry Clinton sent a flag to the American commander,
claiming Palmer as a British oflicer, and menacing the Republicans with his se-
verest wrath if he was not delivered up. Putnam's sense of duty was as deaf to the
menaces of the one as to the tears of the other, and he sent to Clinton the follow-
ing laconic reply :
^'Head-quartera, 7th Augoat. 1777.
** Sir, — Edmund Palmer, an officer in the enemy's service, was taken as a spy, lurking
within our lines. He has been tried as a spy, condemned as a spy, and shall be executed
as a spy ; and the flag is ordered to depart immediately. Israel Putnam.
*' P.S. — ^He has been accordingly executed."
From the top of Gallows Hill there is a glorious prospect of the surrounding country, pai
ticularly southward, in which direction the eye takes in glimpses of Peekskill village, the
river and its rocky shores on the west, and the fertile estates of West Chester as far as the
high grounds of Tarrytown. On the southeast of the ridge is the beautiful undulating
Peekskill Hollow, and on the north, between it and the rough turrets of the Highland tow-
ers, is scooped the Canopus Valley, deep and rich, wherein is nestled Continental Village,
the scene of one of Tryon's desolating expeditions. We are upon historic ground ; let us
open the chronicle for a few moments.
In view of the relative position of the belligerent armies at the opening of 1777, Peeks-
kill was regarded by the commander-in-chief as a very important post. Believing that the
chief design of the next campaign would be, on the part of the enemy, to accomplish a junc-
tion of the forces under Sir William Howe at New York and an army preparing in Canada
March 12, ^^^ invasion, Washington wrote, in a letter to General Schuyler, as follows : " Un-
, 1777. jgj. these considerations, I can not help thinking much too large a part of our force
is directed to Ticonderoga. Peekskill appears to me a much more proper place, where, if
the troops are drawn together, they will be advantageously situated to give support to any
of the Eastern or Middle States. Should the enemy's design be to penetrate the country up
the North River, they will be well posted to oppose them ; should they attempt t6 pene-
trate into New England, they will be well stationed to cover it ; if they move westward,
the Eastern and Southern troops can easily form a junction ; and besides, it will oblige the
enemy to have a much stronger garrison at New York."' With these views, the command-
er-in-chief deterinined to collect a respectable force at Peekskill. This was done as speedily
as possible, and General Heath, of Massachusetts, was placed in command. This officer
was obliged to return to his state, and the command devolved upon General M*DougalL'
^ Near this bowlder a gallows, rudely constnioted of logs, was erected, on which the spy was hmg. It
remained there for several years afterwurd, an object of superstitious dread to the country people who were
obliged to pass it in the night. ' Sparks's Washington^ iv., 359.
' Alexander M^Dougall was the son of a Sootchman from the ^ ^--v
Lowlands, who came to America about twenty years before the ^ ^,/yf'*'Vy^j^Ofp^t..^A^ ^^^
Revolution broke out, and commenced business in the city of ^^"^"^^ ^^ ^^
New York. The date of his birth is not known. He became a zealous Whig during the years immedi-
ately preceding the Revolution, and when the war broke out he joined the army. In August, 1776, he wai
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 741
Stratagem of Sir Wniian Howe. biTaaion of PeekakilL Deetmetioa of Stores. Deatmctioii of Contlneiital Village
Cattle and military stores, in large quantities, were collected at Peekskill and in the vicin-
ity ; and the post, not being very strongly manned, attracted the attention of the enemy. Sir
William Howe projected a scheme to capture or destroy them. Stratagem was a part of
his plan. He caused a conversation on the subject to be held in the hearing of an Amer-
ican officer who had been captured at Fort Washington, in which it was arranged that an
excursion was to be made into the country by three divisions : one to go up the Sound and
land at Mamaroneck, another to march up the center road by Kingsbridge, and a third to
go up the Hudson and land at Tarrytown. The officer was soon afterward released, and
escorted with a flag to the American lines. The object was to have him report the con-
versation, and thus draw off* General M^DougalFs attention from the real point of attack.
M'Dougall had only two hundred and fifty effective men, too few to attempt opposition. He
immediately commenced sending his stores to Forts Clinton and Montgomery for safety, but
before he had accomplished his design, ten sail of British vessels appeared off* Tarrytown,
and two went up to Haverstraw Bay, at a point twelve miles below Peekskill. March 22,
The next day the whole fleet anchored in Peekskill Bay ; and at one o'clock, five ^'^•
hundred men, in eight flat-boats, under the command of Colonel Bird, landed at Lent's
Cove, on the south side of the bay. They had four pieces of light artillery, drawn by the
sailors. General M*Dougall retreated to Gallows Hill and vicinity, giving directions for de-
stroying such stores as could not be removed. At the same time, he sent a dispatch to
Lieutenant-colonel Willett, at Fort Constitution, to leave a subaltern's command there, and
hasten to his assistance. The British held possession of the town until next day,
when a detachment advanced toward the Highlands. These were attacked by
Colonel Willett, and a smart skirmish ensued. The detachment retreated back to the main
body of the enemy, and in the evening, favored by the light of the moon, they all embarked
and sailed down the river. Their object, the destruction of the stores, was partially accom-
plished, but not by their own hands. They had nine of their number killed in the skirmish
with Willett, and four at the verge of the creek, while attempting to bum some boats. The
Americans had one man killed by a cannon shot.' Two or three houses were burned, and
about forty sheep, furnished by the Tories, were carried off*.
Near the banks of Canopus Creek, and overlooked by Gallows Hill, is Continental Vil-
lage. It is about three miles from Peekskill, at the main entrance to the Highland passes
northward. There, in 1777, were constructed barracks sufficient to accommodate two thou-
sand men. A large number of cattle, and a great quantity of military stores under the
charge of Major Campbell, were collected there. Two small redoubts were erected on the
high ground, for the double purpose of protecting the public property and guarding the mount-
ain road. Hither, on the morning of the 9th of October, three days afler the capture
of Forts Clinton and Montgomery, General Tryon was detached with Emerick's chas-
seurs and other Germans, with a three-pounder, to destroy the settlement. He accomplished
the object most effectually. The barracks, and nearly every house in the little village, to-
gether with the public stores, were consumed, and many of the cattle were slaughtered.
The inhabitants fled to the hills, while the few troops that were led when Putnam and the
main force retired to Fishkill on the fall of the mountain fortresses, were compelled to fly
for safety. In a few hours the smiling little valley was a scene of utter desolation.* Gen-
appointed a brigadier, and in October, 1777, he was promoted to the rank of major general. He com-
manded in the action near White Plains, and was in the battle at Germantown in the autumn of 1777. In
1781 he was elected to a seat in the Continental Congress, and was afterward a member of the New York
State Senate. He died Jane 6, 1786.
» Oeneral BPIhugaWt MS^ Letter of March 29, 1777, quoted by Sparks.
' The feelings of Tryon toward the Repoblioans may bo learned from a letter of his, written a few weeks
after this transaction, in reply to one of remonstrance on the part of General Parsons. "I have,'' he says,
'* the candor enough to assure you, as much as I abhor every principle of inhumanity or ungenerous con-
duct, I should, were I in more authority, bum every committee-man's house within my reach, as I deem those
agents the wicked instruments of the continued calamities of this country ; and in order sooner to purge
this country of them, I am willing to give twenty-five dollars for every acting committee-man who shall be
delivered up to the king's troops."
Digitized by
Google
742 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
PeektUll poMOMod by the Americans The Soldier't Spring. Verplanck's Point Hndaon and the InAa^
eral Parsons' marched down from Fishkill with two thousand men a few days afterward,
and took possession of Peekskill. From that
^ /^ time it was the scene of no stirring milituy
-y^ %^;// y^>.^xx^/rv2/^ events, other than those incident to the hrief
t/CZyyyiy^i ^ ^^ CI^K^ ^ ^ encampment of regiments or divisions of the
American army.
Afler sketching the only prominent ohject on the site of poor Palmer's gallows, I resumed
the reins, and, when part way down the northern slope of the ridge, turned up a green lane
near the Soldier's Spring* to the farm-house of Mr. Lent, to inquire for an aged couple of
that name. Informed that they lived at a little village called Oregon, a mile and a half
distant, I returned to Peekskill Hollow, and proceeded thither. My journey was fruitless
of information. They were, indeed, a venerable pair ; one aged eighty-four, and the other
eighty-three years.
After dinner at Peekskill, I rode down to Verplanck's Point, eight miles below.' It was
October 27, ^ lovely aftcmoon ; a fine road amid ever-varying scenery, and every rock, and
1848. knoll, and estuary of the river clustered over with historic associations, made the
journey of an hour one of great pleasure and interest. Verplanck's Point is the termination
of a peninsula of gently rolling land, gradually ascending from the neck toward the shore,
where it ends in a blufi*, from thirty to fifty feet high. Here, during the memorable season
of land and town speculation, when the water-lot mania emulated that of the tulip and
the South Sea games, a large village was mapped out, and one or two fine mansions
were erected. The bubble burst, and many fertile acres there, where com and potatoes
once yielded a profit to the cultivator, are scarred and made barren by intersecting streets.
not t^^pulated, but t^npopulated, save by the beetle and grasshopper. On the hrow of
In allosipn to this and kindred expeditions, TramboU makes Maloom say,
"Bohold, like whelps of Britain's lion,
Oar warriors, Clinton, Vaoghan, and Tryon, * -
March forth with patriotic Joy
To rarisb, plunder, and destroy.
Great gen'rala, {ioremost in tiieir nation.
The Journeymen of Desolation I
Like Sampson's foxes, each assails,
Let loose with fire-brands in their tails.
And spreads destruction more forlorn
Than they among Philistines' com."
M'FnroAx., Canto it.
' Samttkl Holdbn Parsoits was a native of Connecticat, and one of a oommitte* of oorrespoodence in
that state before the oommencement of the war. He was appointed a brigadier general by Ckuigress in
Angost, 1776, and seryed his country faithfaUy daring the contest. Under Us direction, the saocenfnl ex-
pedition of Colonel Meigs against the enemy at Sag Harbor, on Long Island, in 1777, was sent out. He
was appointed a commissioner to negotiate with the Western Indians in 1785. In 1787, he was appointed
one of the judges of the Northwestern Territory. He was drowned in the Ohio, in December, 1789.
' This is a little fountain bubbling up by the road side, and named Tkt Soldier^t Springy from the circum-
stance that an American soldier, while retreating before the enemy, stooped at the fountain to quench his
thirst. While so doing, a cannon ball, that struck the hills above him, glanced obliquely, bit and shattered
his thigh, and left him dying beside the clear waters. He was conveyed in a wagon that passed soon aft-
erward, to Fishkill, where he expired.
' This was the pomt off* which Henry Hudson's vessel, the Balf Jfoon, came first to anchor after leaving
the mouth of the river. The Highland Indians, filled with wonder, came flocking to the ship in boats, bat
their curiosity ended in a tragedy. One of them, overcome by acquisitiveness, crawled up the rudder, en-
tered the cabin window, and stole a pillow and a few articles of wearing apparel. The mate saw the 'hief
pulling his bark for land, and shot at and killed him. The ship's boat was sent for the stolen articlef , and
when one of the natives, who had leaped into the water, caught hold of the side of the shallop, hit band was
cut off* by a sword, and he was drowned. This was the first blood shed by these voyagers. InteUigenoe
of this spread over the country, and the Indians hated the white man, afterward, intensely.
The exceedingly tortuous creek which traverses the marsh southward of Verplanck's Point was eaDed, by
the Indians, Meahagh, and this was the name which they gave to the peninsula. It was purchased of
the Indians by Stephanus Van Cortlandt in 1683. From him it passed into the possession of his son Johan-
nes, whose only daughter and heiress, Gertrude, married Philip Yerplanok, from whom it acquired its pres-
ent appellation
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
743
Portificatioiifl at Verpbinck's Point
Ctcpbare of Fort Fayette.
Surrender of tbe Garriaoo.
the Point, near the western extremity, and overlooking the water, a small fortification, called
Fort Fayette, was erected It was an eligible site for a fort ; and, in connection with the
fortress oa the rocky promontory opposite, was capable of being made a formidable defense
at this, the lower gate of the Hudson Highlands. These two promontories make the river
Maj, 1779
quite narrow, and, if well fortified, might defy the passage of any number of hostile vessels.*
The site of Fort Fayette is distinctly traceable in the orchard upon the high grounds in the
rear of Mr. Bleakly's store upon the wharf. The mounds and fos86 of the main fort, as it
was enlarged and strengthened by the British, and also the embankments of the smaller out-
works, are quite prominent in many places.
The small forts at Verplanck's and Stony Points were captured by the enemy commanded
by Sir Henry Clinton in person, on the lst*of June, 1779. The garrison of Stony Point
consisted of only about forty men, and that at Verplanck's of seventy men, conmianded by
Captain Armstrong. As these forts secured a free communication between the troops of
New England and those of the central and southern portions of the confederacy, Clinton de-
termined to dislodge the Americans therefrom. Accordingly, on the 30th of May, he sailed
up the river with a strong force, accompanied by General Vaughan ; the flotilla was com-
manded by Admiral Collier. They landed in two divisions on the morning of the
31st, the one under Vaughan, on the east side, eight miles below Verplanck's, and
the other under Clinton, on the west side, a little above Haverstraw. The garrison at
Stony Point retired to the Highlands on the approach of the enemy, and the fort changed
masters without bloodshed. The next morning, the guns of the captured fortress, and the
cannons and mortars dragged up during the night, were pointed toward Fort Fayette oppo-
site, and a heavy cannonade was opened upon it. Unable to make a respectable resistance
to this assault, and attacked in the rear by Vaughan's division, the little garrison surrendered
themselves prisoners of war.' The loss of these forts was greatly lamented by Washington,
^ This map shows the relative position of Yerplanck^s and Stony Points, and of the forts in the time of
the Revolution. A represents the position and form of the fort on Stony Point ; B, General Wayne^s right
oolomn, and C his left oolamn, when he stormed the ramparts and fort ; and D shows the site of Fort Fay-
ette, on the east side of the river.
' The following were the terms of capitnlation :
« On the glacLi of Fort Fayette, June Ijt, 1779.
" His excellenoy Sir Henry Clinton and Commodore Sir George Collier grant to the garrison of Fort La
Fayette terms of safety to the persons and property (contained in the fort) of the garrison, they sorrender-
iug themselves prisoners of war. The officers shall be permitted to wear their side-arms.
*' John Amdrk, jitd-de-camp.*'
Digitized by
Google
744 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
UlipotWoaorthe American Troo|M on the Hufkoa. Preparatiooa for ttfiipking Stony PuJat The Negro Spy.
and his first care was to make an efibrt to recorer them, for West Point was now in danger.
The main body of the American army was moved from Middiebrook toward the Highlands,
and Washington established his quarters at Smith's Clove, far in the rear of Haverstraw.*
Sir Henry Clinton gave orders for the immediate strengthening of the forts, and to guard
the detachments left for the purpose, he descended the river with his army only as far as
Phillipsburgh, now Yonkers.
On the 23d of June, Washington established his head-
quarters at New Windsor, leaving General Putnam in
command of the main army at Smith's Clove. General
M'Dougrall was transferred to the command at West Point ;
the garrisons at Constitution Island, and at the redoubts
opposite West Point, were strengthened ; the road to Fish-
kill was well guarded, and three brigades were placed un-
der the conmiand of General Heath, who had lately been
ordered from Boston. On the 1st of July, General Wayne
was appointed to the command of the light infantry of the
KsAA vuw 8x0 Po « ^^^^' *°^ ^" stationetl in the vicinity of the Dunderberg,
between Fort Montgomery and the main army at the
Clove. The British had now greatly enlarged and strengthened the two forts in question,
well supplied them with ammunition and stores, and had them strongly garrisoned. The
force at Stony Point consisted of the seventeenth regiment of foot, the grenadier companies
of the seventy-first, and some artillery ; the whole under the command of Lieutenant-colonel
Johnson of the seventh. The garrison at Verplanck's was commanded by Lieutenant-col-
onel Webster, and was quite equal in force to that at Stony Point. Several small British
vessels of war were anchored in the bay within close cannon shot of the forts. Such was
the situation of the two armies, when the attack of the Americans under Wayne and Howe
upon Stony Point and Verplanck's Point was planned and executed by order of Washington
On the morning of the 1 5th of July, all the Massachusetts light infantry were
marched to the quarters of Wayne at Sandy Beach, fourteen miles from Stony Point.
At meridian on that exceedingly sultry day, the whole body moved through narrow defiles,
over rough crags, and across deep morasses, in single file, and at eight in the evening ren-
dezvoused a mile and a half below Stony Point. There they remained until General Wayne
and several ofiicers returned from reconnoitering the works of the enemy, when they were
tbrmed into column, and moved silently forward under the guidance of a negro slave belong-
ing to a Captain Lamb who resided in the neighborhood.'
Tho position of the fortress was such that it seemed almost impregnable. Situated upon
% huge rocky blufiT, an island at high water, and always inaccessible dry-shod, except across
* Smithes Clove extends northward (rom the Ramapo Valley, not far from Turner's station on the Erie
ail-mad.
* This sketch presents a rear view of the old embankments of the fort, and of the light-hoase, which is seen
>y ail travelers npon the river, just before entering the Highlands. The beacon stands exactly in the center
•f the fort, upon the site of the magazine. There was a covered way toward the water on the north side
of the hill, and about twenty yards in the rear are some prominent remains of the ravelins which extended
ucross the point.
' Mr. Ten Eyok, the old ferryman at Stony Point, informed me that he knew this negro well. His name
was Pompey, and for his services on that night his master gave him a horse to ride, and never exacted any
labor from him afterward. Pompey's master was a warm Whig, and himself was a shrewd negro. Soon
after the enemy took possession of the Point, Pompey ventured to go to the fort with strawberries to sell.
He was kindly received ; and as the season advanced, and berries and cherries became plentiful, he carried
on an extensive traffie with the garrison, and became a favorite with the officers, who had no suspicion that
he was regularly reporting every thing to his Whig master. Finally, Pompey informed them that his mas-
ter would not allow him to come with fruit in the daytime, for it was hoeing-com season. Unwilling to
lose their supply of luxuries, the officers gave Pompey the countersign regularly, so that he could pass the
sentinels in the evening. He thus possessed a knowledge of the countersign on the night of the attack, and
made good use of it. That countersign was, ** The fort's our own," and this was the watch- word of the
Americans when they scaled the ramparts.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION
745
Condition of Stonj Point
Wayne's Propotttioo to Storm it
Biography of Wayne.
Hi« Monument.
a narrow causeway ia the rear, it was strongly defended by outworks and a double row of
abatis. Upon three sides of the rock were the waters of the Hudson, and on the fourth
was a morass, deep and dangerous. But Wayne was not easily deterred by obstacles ; and
tradition avers, that while conversing with Washington on the subject of this expedition, he
remarked, with emphasis, «* General, 1*11 storm hell if you will only plan it." He possessed
the true fire of the flint, and was always governed by the maxim, " Where there's a will
there's a way." He resolved to storm ike fort at all hazards, and only waited for the ebb-
ing of the tide, and the deep first slumber of the garrison, to move toward the fortress.
Uknkbai. Waynk.*
^ Anthony Wayne was born in tlie township of
Eastown, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, on the 1st
of January, 1745. He was educated in Philadelphia,
and having studied mathematics with care, he opened
a surveyor's office in his native town. He was sent
to Nova Scotia in 1765, to locate a grant of land from
the crown to several gentlemen in Pennsylvania. They
made Wayne superintendent of the settlement. This
post he held until 1767, when he returned home, mar-
ried a young lady in Philadelphia, and resumed his
profession as surveyor. In 1773, he was appointed a
representative to the general Assembly of his state.
He quitted the council for the field in 1775, where ho
was appointed a colonel in the Continental army, and
went to Canada with General Thomas. At the close
of the campaign there in 1776, he was promoted to
brigadier general. He was with the coramander-in
chief at Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth, in
all of which engagements he was distinguished foi his
valor. The capture of Stony Point raised him to the
highest mark in the admiration of his countrymen. In
1781, he went with the Pennsylvania line to the South,
and in Virginia co-operated with La Fayette. After
the capture of Comwallis, he was sent to conduct the
war in Georgia, and was very successful. As a re-
ward for his services, the Legislature of Georgia made
him a present of a valuable farm. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Convention that ratified the Fed-
eral Constitution. In 1792, he succeeded St. Clair in the command of the army to be employed agains't
the Western Indians, and gained a great victory over them in the battle of the Miamis, in August, 1794.
He concluded a treaty with the Indians in August, 1795. While en-
gaged in the public service, and. returning home from the West, he
was seized with the gout, and died in a hut at Presque Isle, in De-
cember, 1796, aged fifty-one years. He was buried, at his own re-
quest, under the flag-staff of the fort, on the shore of Lake Erie, from
whence his remains were conveyed in 1 809, by hi^ son. Colonel Isaac
Wayne, to Radnor church-yard, in Delaware county. The venerable
church, near which the body of the hero lies, was erected in 1717.
The Pennsylvania State Society of the Cincinnati caused a handsome
monument of white marble to be erected over his remains, upon which
are the following inscriptions :
North front. — ** Major-general Anthony Wayne was bom at
Waynesborough,* in Chester county. State of Pennsylvania, A.D.
1745. After a life of honor and usefulness, he died in December,
1796, at a military post on the shore of Lake Erie, commander-in-
chief of the army of the United States. His military achievements
are consecrated in the history of his country and in the hearts of his
countrymen. His remains are here interred.''
South front. — " In honor of the distinguished military services
of Major-general Anthony Wayne, and as an affectionate tribute of
respect to his memory, this stone was erected by his companions in
arms, the Pennsylvania State Society of the Cincinnati, July 4, A.D. 1809, thirty-fourth anniversary of the
•ndependence of the United States of America ; an event which constitutes the most appropriate eulogium
sjf an American soldier and patriot."
Watnx's Monualbnt.
* This ifl an error. ULi birth-place was about a mile and a quarter toutfa of the PaoU tavem
Digitized by
Google
746
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Approach of the Americans to Stonj Point.
Capture of Sentinels.
Storming of the Fort
^^^.y^
It was half past eleven o'clock at night when the Americans commenced their silent
march toward the fort. All the dogs in the neighborhood had been killed the day before,
that their, barking might not give notice of strangers near. The negro, with two strong men
disguised as farmers, advanced
alone. The countersign was
given to the first sentinel, on the
high ground west of the morass,
and while he "was conversing
with Pompey, the men seized
and gagged him. The silence
of the sentinel at the causeway
was secured in the same manner,
and as soon as the tide ebbed suf-
ficiently, the whole of Wayne's
little army, except a detachment
of three hundred men under
General Muhlenburg, who re-
mained in the rear as a reserve,
crossed the morass to the foot
of the western declivity of the
promontory, unobserved by the enemy. The troops were now divided into two columns ;
the van of the right, consisting of one hundred and fifty volunteers, under Lieutenant-colonel
De Fleury, and Uuit of the left, of one hundred volunteers, under Major Stewart, each with
unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets. An avant-guard of twenty picked men for each
company, under Lieutenants Gibbon and Knox, preceded them, to remove the abatis and
other obstructions. These vans composed the forlorn hope on that memorable night.
At a little past midnight the advanced parties moved silently to the charge, one company
on the southern, and the other toward the northern portion of the height. They were fol-
lowed by the two main divisions ; the right, composed of the regiments of Febiger and Meigs,
being led by General Wayne in person. The left was composed of Colonel Butler's regi-
ment, and two companies under Major Murfey. The Americans were undiscovered until
within pistol shot of the pickets upon the heights, when a skirmish ensued between the sen-
tinels and the advanced guards. The pickets fired several shots, but tho Americans, true
to orders, relied entirely upon the bayonet, and pressed forward with vigor. The garrison
was aroused from their slumbers, and instantly the deep silence of the night was broken by
the roll of the drum, the loud cry To arms f to arms ! the rattle of musketry from the
ramparts and behind the abatis, and the roar of cannon, charged with the deadly grape-shot,
from the embrasures.' In the face of this terrible storm, the Americans forced their way, at
Vxxw OF Stony Point r&oac thk SouxmrBST.^
^ This view shows a large portion of the morass, and the place where the assaulting party divided and
prepared for an attack upon the fort, which was situated where the light-house is seen. The place of the
causeway is on the left, denoted by the cattle. When I made this sketch it was quite high water, and the
morass, there about one hundred feet wide, was ahnost covered. There was another place near the river
shore, on the right, where the Point was accessible at times. It is distinguished in the sketch by the nar-
row strip of land extending nearly across the mouth of the morass. Upon this the enemy had dug pits and
placed sharpened stakes within them, so that, had the Americans attempted to reach the Point by that way
many would have been impaled. The position of the Americans in the attack, and of the outworks and the
abatiif will be better understood by a reference to the map on a preceding pa^re.
* Major (afterward General) Hull says in his Memoir, " At about half past eleven oVlock, the two columns
commenced their march in platoons. The beach was more than two feet deep with water, and before the
right column reached it we were fired on by the out-guards, which gave the alarm to the garrison. We were
now directly under the fort, and, closing in a solid column, ascended the hill, which was almost perpendicu-
lar. When about half way up, our course was impeded by two strong rows of abatis^ which the forlorn hope
had not been able entirely to remove. The column proceeded silently on, and, clearing away the ahaUs,
passed to the breast-work, cut and tore away the pickets, cleared the chevaux de firise at the sally-poit,
mounted the parapet, and entered the fort at the point of the bayonet. Our column on the other side en-
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
717
Wajne wounded.
HU Bravery.
Snirender of die Fort.
Wayne's laconic Diapatch.
the point of the bayonet, through every obstacle, until the van of each column met in the
center of the works, where each arrived at the same time.' At the inner abatis, Wayne
was struck upon the head by a musket ball, which brought him upon his knees. His two
brave aids, Fishbow and Archer, raised him to his feet, and carried him gallantly through
the works. Believing himself mortally wounded, the general exclaimed, as he arose, " March
on ! carry me into the fort, for I will die at the head of my column !" But the wound was
not very severe, and he was able to join in the loud huzzas that arose when the two col-
umns met as vietors within the fort. Colonel De Fleury first entered the works, and struck
the British standard with his own hands. The garrison surrendered at discretion as pris-
oners of war, and that brilliant achievement was rendered the more glorious for the clem-
ency which the victors exercised toward the vanquished. Not a life was taken after the
flag was struck and the garrison had pleaded for quarters. Wayne had but fifteen killed
and eighty-three wounded ; the British had sixty-three killed ;' and Johnson, the commander,
with five hundred and forty-three oflicers and men, were made prisoners. The ships of the
enemy lying in the river in front of Stony Point slipped their cables and moved down to a
place of security. Before daylight, Wayne sent to ' the commander-in-chief the brief but
comprehensive reply, of which a fac simile is here given :
flp^'UX^r^^
tered the fort at the same time. Each of oar men had a white paper in his hat, which in the darkness dis-
ttngubhed him from the enemy ; and the watch-word was, *^Ae forCt our own V " Some authors have as-
serted that bomb-shells were thrown by the British, bat sach, probably, was not the foct No offidal ac-
count that I have seen mentions the use of shells.
> Wayne's official dispatch, dated at Stony Point, July 17, 1779.
* This is the number given in the American account. Colonel Johnson, in bis official 4i«F«tcb, says he
had only twenty killed.
Digitized by
Google
748
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Fort Fayette Cannonaded.
Reliered by Sir Henry Clinton.
OttHey with Ordnance auik at CaldwvinL
At dawn the next morning the cannons of the captured fort were turned upon the enemy's
works at Verplanck's Point under Colonel Wehster, and a desultory bombardment was kept
up during the day. Major-general Robert Howe had been sent to attack Fort Fayette, but
on account of delays, and some misconceptions of Washington's orders, he did not make the
attack in time to dislodge the garrison. News of Webster's critical situation and the cap-
ture of Stony Point was speedily communicated to Sir Henry Clinton, and he immediately
sent relief to the menaced garrison at Verplanck's. Howe withdrew, and the enterprise
was abandoned.
Washington, clearly perceiving the danger of attempting to retain the post at Stony Point
Gold Mjcoal awasdkd by Cokorxss to Gbnkbai. Wayns.^
with SO few troops as could be employed in the service, concluded to order an evacuation,
and a destruction of the works afler the ordnance and stores should be removed. This was
accordingly done on the night of the eighteenth. All that was originally intended
was accomplished, namely, the destruction of the works and the seizure of the ar-
tillery and stores. A large portion of the heavy ordnance was placed upon a galley to be
conveyed to West Point. As soon as the vessel moved, a cannonade from Verplanck's and
the British shipping was commenced upon it. A heavy shot from the Vulture struck it be-
low water-mark, and the galley went down at the point just above Caldwell's Landing,
where speculation recently made credulity seek for treasures in a sunken vessel alleged to
have belonged to the famous Captain Ridd. If, as asserted, a cannon was drawn up firom
a vessel lying at the bottom of the river there, it was doubtless one of the pieces taken from
Stony Point, and the ** ship's timbers" there discovered are the remains of the old galley.
The " treasures," if secured, would be of little worth in these " piping times of peace."
The British repossessed themselves of Stony Point on the 20 th, but they had little of value
left them but the eligible site for a fortification.
The storming and capture of Stony Point, regarded as an exhibition of skill and indom-
itable courage, was one of the most brilliant events of the war. General Wayne, the leader
^ This is a representation of the medal, the size of the original. On one side is a device representing an
Indian queen crowned, a quiver on her back, and wearing a short apron of feathers. A mantle hangs from
her waist behind, the upper end of which appears as if passed through the girdle of her apron, and hangs
gracefully by her left side. With her right hand she i* presenting a wreath to General Wayne ; in her left
she is holding up a mural crown toward his head. At her feet, on the left, an alligator is lying. The
American shield is resting against the animal. Over the figure is the legend ^* Antonio Watnb Duci £x-
KRCiTus," and beneath, ^^ Comitia Americana ;" *^ The American Congress to General Anthony Wayne."
On the reverse is a fort on the top of a hill ; the British flag flying ; troops in single file advancing up the
hill, and a large number lying at the bottom. Artillery are seen in the foreground, and m vessels in the
river. The inscription is, " Stony Point sxpugnatum, xv. Jul. mdoolxxiz. ;" " Stony Point captured,
July 15, 1779."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
740
Uedid awarded to Wayne.
Hii Popularity.
Medal awarded to Colonel De Fleoiy
of the enterprise, was every where greeted with rapturous applause.* Congress testified
their grateful sense of his services by a vote of thanks ** for his brave, prudent, and soldierly
conduct." It was also resolved that a medal of gold, emblematical of this action, should be
struck, and presented to General Wayne. Thanks were also presented by Congress to Lieu-
tenant-colonel De Fleury' and Major Stewart, and a medal of silver was ordered to be struck
HSDAL AWASOBD TO LXETTTCICANT COLO NIL Dc FLXXTBT.*
and presented to each. The conduct of Lieutenants Gibbon and Knox was warmly applaud-
ed, and brevets of captain was given to each, and to Mr. Archer, the volunteer aid of Wayne,
who was the bearer of the generars letter to Washington on the occasion. Pursuant to the
recommendation of the commander-in-chief, and in fulfillment of promises made by Wayne
before the assault, with the concurrence of Washington, Congress resolved, " That the value
of the military stores taken at Stony Point be ascertained and divided among the gallant
^ General Charles Lee, who was not on the most friendly terms with Wayne, wrote to him, saying, " 1
do most seriously declare that yonr assault of Stony Point is not only the most brilliant, in my opinion,
chroughoat the whole course of the war, on either side, but that it is the most brilliant I am acquainted with
in history ; the assault of Schiveidnitz, by Marshal Laudon, I think inferior to it." Br. Rush wrote, saying,
*^ Our streets rang for many days with nothing but the name of General Wajrne. You are remembered
constantly next to our good and great Washington, over our claret and Madeira. You have established the
national character of our country ; you have taught our enemies that bravery, humanity, and magnanimity
are the national virtues of the Americans.''
' De Fleury was descended from Hercule Andre de Fleury, a French nobleman, who was the preceptor
of the grandson of Louis XIV. during the latter years of the life of that monarch. He was afterward made
cardinal and prime minister. The subject of our sketch came to America soon after the news of the revolt
reached France. Washington received him kindly, obtained for him a commission, and he proved to be a
brave and worthy soldier. Educated as an engineer, his talents were brought into requisition here. In
that capacity he was acting at the time of the engagement at Fort Mifflin, on the Delaware. He was at
the battle of Brandywine, and for his gallantry there Congress gave him a horse. He returned to France
soon after the capture of Stony Point.
' This is a representation of the medal, the size of the original. The device is a helmeted soldier, stand-
ing against the ruins of a fort. His right hand is extended, holding a sword upright ; the staff of a stand
of colors is grasped by his left ; the colors are under his feet, and he is trampling upon them. The legend
is, ^'VlBTUTIS KT AUDACIJB MONUM ET PRJEM1I7M. D. D. FlBURT EqUITI GaLLO PRIMO KUROS RXSP.
Amxric. d. d. ;" " A memorial and reward of valor and daring. The American Republic has bestowed
(this medal) on Colonel D. de Fleury, a native of France, the first over the vtralk (of the enemy) .*' On the
reverse are two water batteries, three guns each ; a fort on a hill, with a flag flying ; a river in front, and
six vessels before the fort. The legend is, " Aggeres paludbs bostzs victi ;" " Mountains, morasses,
foes, overcome." Exergue, ** Stony Pt. expuon., xv. Jul., mdcclxxix. j" " Stony Point stormed, 15th of
July, 1779."
This identical silver medal was found by a boy while digging in a garden at Princeton, New Jersey, to-
ward the close of April, 1850, and was deposited in the bank at that place for the inspection of the curious.
How the medal came there is uncertain. De Fleury returned to France before the medal was struck, and
it probably was never in bis possession. Congress was afterward in session at Princeton, and the medal
may have been lost by the secretary, in whose custody it properly belonged until delivered to the recipient
of the honor.
Digitized by
Google
750
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Promifled Rewards for tiie brarost Men. Division of the Spoils among the Troops. Medal awarded to M^r 8fiewait
troops by whom it was reduced, in such manner and proportions as the commander-in-chi6(
shall prescribe."*
MSDAL AWABDXD TO MaTOB StSWABT.*
^ See JoumaU of Congras, v., 226, 227. The following rewards were promised : To the first man wbo
entered the enemy's works, five hundred dollars ; to the second, four hundred ; to the third, three hondred;
to the fourth, two hundred ; to the fifth, one hundred : being fifteen hundred dollars in the aggregate. The
ordnance and other stores were estimated at one hundred and fifty-eight thousand six handred and forty dol>
lars in value, which amount was divided among the troops in proportion of ofiioers and privates. — Sparb's
Washington, vi., 540.
' This represents the medal the size of the origmal. The device is America personified by an Indiab
queen, who is presenting a palm branch to Major Stewart. A quiver is at her back ; her left hand is rest-
ing on the American shield, and at her feet is an alligator crouohant. The legend is, ** Joakni Stewast
CoHORTis pRAFECTo, CoMiTiA Americana ;" " Thc American Congress to Major John Stewart." On
the reverse is a fortress on an eminence. In the foreground an officer is cheering on his men, who are fol-
lowing him over ahiitis with charged bayonets, the enemy flying. Troops in single file are ascending to
the fort on one side ; others are advancing from the shore ; ships are in sight. The inscription is, " Sto5T
PoiKT oppuoNATUM IV. JuL. MDCCLxxix. j" " Stouy Poiut attacked 15th of July, 1779."
I believe there is no biography of Major Stewart extant. Professor Wyatt, in his Memoirs of Jmericsn
Oenaralss Commodores^ &c., says he was killed by a fall from his horse, near Charleston, South Carolina.
Lieutenant James Gibbon, who commanded one of the " forlorn hopes," was finally promoted to major.
He died at Richmond, Virginia, on the first of July, 1834, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. His re-
mains were interred with military honors.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
751
King's Ferry.
JoUj old WatemuD.
BtODj Point
Erening waUc toward Uarentraw
CHAPTER XXXII.
** From Cain to Catiline, the world hath known
Her traitors — vaunted votaries of crime —
Caligula and Nero sat alone
Upon the pinnacle of vice suhlime ;
But they were moved by hate, or virish to climb
The rugged steeps of Fame, in letters bold
To write their names upon the scroll of Time ;
Therefore their crimes some virtue did enfold —
But Arnold ! thine had none — 'twas all for sordid gold 1'*
EsTSLLx AififA Lewis.
HE localities more immediately associated with the hrief career of Andr^
during his hapless connection with Arnold, now commands our attention,
for toward Haverstraw I next journeyed. It was three o'clock in the ail*
emoon when I crossed the ferry at Verplanck's Point in a small row-hoat
This was the old King's Ferry of the Revolution, where the good Wash
ington so often crossed, and where hattalion after hattalion of troops, royal,
French, and American, at various times spanned the Hudson with their
long lines of flat-hoats, for it was the main crossing-place of armies moving
between the Eastern and Middle States. It was here, too. that a portion of the forces of
Burgoyne crossed the Hud-
son when on their march
from Massachusetts to Vir-
ginia. The landing-place on
the Stony Point side, in for-
mer times, was in the cove
at the opening of the marsh,
on the north of the promon
tory ; now the western ter-
minus of the ferry is a little
above, at the cottage of Mr
Tenyck, the jolly old ferry-
man, who has plied the oar
there, almost without inter-
Tux FsamYifAM.
mission, ever since 1 784. He
was sitting upon his door-
stone when his son moored
the boat at its rock-fasten-
ing; and, as we ascended the
bank, the old man held up a
bottle of whisky, and profier-
ed a draught as a pledge of
welcome to the « millionth
man" that had crossed his
ferry. Preferring milk to
whisky, I sat down under the
rich-leaved branches of a ma-
ple, and regaled myself with
that healthful beverage. While the veteran and two of his neighbors were enjoying the
aqua vitse, I sketched the old Ring's Ferry sign-board, with its
device, which was nailed to a sapling near, and then, accompa-
nied by the old man and his companions, started for a ramble
over the rough site of the fort on Stony Point. Upon its ancient
mounds I sat and listened for an hour to the adventurous tales of
the octogenarian, until the long shadows of the mountains warned
me that the day was fast waning, when I hastened to make the
drawings upon pages 744 and 746. At sunset, accompanied by
4>ik
£lfismnKi3llls^
m^
one of the men as bearer of my light baggage, I started on foot for the neighborhood of
Haverstraw. The road passes through a truly romantic region, made so by nature, his-
tory, and tradition. I stopped ofW to view the beautiful river prospect on the southeast
while the outlines of the distant shores were imperceptibly fading as the twilight came on.
At dusk we passed an acre of ground, lying by the roadside on the right, which was given
Digitized by
Google
752 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
'* God's Acre.** Betuoo'i Tkrern. Intenriew with a Builder of Stonj Point Fort. View from Sodtfa'e Hoaae
many years ago for a neighborhood burial-place. Its numerous white slabs proclaimed an
already populous city of the dead, and ere long another generous hand should donate an acre
near for the same purpose.
" I like that ancient Saxon phrase which calls
The barial-ground CMTt Acre I It is just •,
It consecrates each grave within its walls,
Alid breathes a benison o'er the sleeping dost.
Gocf « Acrt I Tes, that blessed name imparts
Comfort to those who in the grave have sown
The seed that they had gamerM in their hearts,
Their bread of life, alas ! no more their own."
Longfellow.
It was quite dark when we reached the tavern of Mr. Benson, near Sampson ville, about
three miles below Stony Point. Haverstraw was two miles distant, and, wearied wit^ the
rambles of the day, I halted at Benson's untU morning. Afler an early breakfast I pro-
ceeded to the foot of Tom Mountain, a little northwest of Haverstraw, to visit a man named
Allison, who was eighty-eight years old. I had been informed of his vigor of body and
mind, and was much disappointed on finding him in bed, feeble and sinking from the efiects
of a fall. Our conversation was brief, but his short communications were interesting. He
was a young man of eighteen when the fort at Stony Point was built, and assisted in car-
rying material for its construction from the main. In company with many others in the
neighborhood not allowed to join in Wayne's expedition, he hung upon the rear of the little
army on that eventful night ; and when the shout of victory arose from the fort, his "roioe
was among the loudest in the echo that was sent back by the yeomanry gathered upon the
neighboring hills. He gave me a minute account of the movements of the Americans be-
fore crossing the morass, and told me of a black walnut-tree still standing by the roadside
between Haverstraw and Stony Point, under which the negro, Pompey, took charge, as pi-
lot, of Wayne's assaulting force. I had intended, on leaving Mr. Allison, to go down near
the river bank, where Arnold and Andre met; but the hour was approaching at which I
had promised mj^self to return to Verplanck's Point, so I postponed my visit to this inter-
esting spot until a subsequent date.
On my return toward Stony Point, I tarried at and sketched Smith's House, deline-
ated on page 720. It is in the present possession of William C. Houseman, whose good
taste has adorned the grounds around it with fine shrubbery. It is located upon the brow
of an eminence, known, for obvious reasons, as Treason Hill, and commands an extensive
view of the Hudson and the country beyond.^ From the window in the second story,
where, tradition avers, Andre looked with anxious eyes for the appearance of the Vulture,
I made the drawing printed on the opposite page. Between the foreground and the river is
seen the broad alluvial flat in the rear of Haverstraw, and on the brink of the neater is the
village. The headland on the left is Teller's Point, and the highest ground on the extreme
right is Tom Mountain, extending down to the verge of Haverstraw Bay, where it is called
' The Marquis de Chastellox, in his Travels in North America (i., 98, 99), says, " My thoughts were
oocapied with Arnold and his treasoA when my road brought me to Smith's farm-house, where he had his
interview with Andre, and formed his horrid plot .... Smith, who was more than suspected, but not con-
victed of being a party in the plot, is still in prison,* where the law protects him against justice. But his
home seems to have experienced the only chastisement of which it was susceptible ; it is punished by soli-
tude ; and is, in fact, so deserted, that there is not a single person to take care of it, although it is the man-
sion of a large farm."
* Jottaoa Hett Smith, implleated in Arnold's treason* was a brother ofthe Tory chief justice, William Smith, and a man ofeoa-
siderable indnenee. The part which he had acted with Arnold made him strongly sospected of known partidpation in his gaik.
He WM arrested at nshkill, In Dntchest county, and wai taken to die RoUnaon Hoaae a few hoora previooa to the aniral of
Andr^ There Smith waa tried by a military court and acqoitted. He waa aoon afterward arreatad by the cItO aotfaority of
the atate, and committed to tho Jail at Ooahen, Orange connty, whence he eacaped, and made hia way tiiroogh the coontiy, la
the dlsgoiBe of a woman, to New York. He went to England with the Britlah army at the cloae of the war, and in 1808 pab-
Hahed a book In London, entitled An Avthtntie NarraOv* qfthe Cau$t$ which Ud to ffke Death ofM^arAndvi; a work of TOiy
Uttle reliable anthority, and filled with abnae of Washington and other American officers. Smith died In New ToHc In ISK.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
753
Vinr wuoM Smrii's Houax.
Andont black Walnnt-tree. Tarrytown. Cow-bojs and Sktamera. Neutral Ground. Place where Andrt was Captured.
the Hook Mountain. The vesBel in the rirer denotes the place where the Vulture lay at
anchor.
Half a mile above the Smith
House, on the right of the road to
Stony Point, is the huge black wal-
nut-tree mentioned by Mr. Allison.
I procured a branch from it, large
and straight enough for a,matil'Stick,
and then plodded on in the warm
sun, to the ferry. The old water-
man, though nearly eighty years of
age, rowed his boat across with a
vigorous hand, and at one o'clock 1
left Verplanck's for Tarrytown, a vil-
lage on the eastern bank of the Hud-
son, twenty-seven miles above New
York, and memorable as the place where Major Andre was captured.
The village of Tarrytown lies scattered over the river front of the Greenburgh Hills, ana
presents a handsome appearance from the water. It is upon the site of an Indian village
called Alipconck, which, in the Delaware language, signifies the Place of Elms. The
Dutch, who settled there about 1680, called the place Tarwe Town, or "wheat town,*'
probably from the abundant culture of that grain in the vicinity.' The salubrity of its <^
mate, and the commanding river view in front, has always made it a desirable place of res-
idence. During the Revolution it was the theater of many stormy scenes, consisting chiefly
of skirmishes between the lawless bands of marauders known by the distinctive appellation
o( Couhboys and Skinners.^ These infested the Neutral Ground' in West Chester, and
made it a political and social hell for the dwellers. Many left it, and allowed their lands
to become a waste, rather than remain in the midst of perpetual torments.
The place where Andre was captured is upon the turnpike on the northeast verge of the
village, three quarters of a mile from the river, and near the academy of Mr. Newman. A
few yards south of the academy, a small stream crosses the road and runs through a deep
ravine riverward. The marshy and thickly-wooded glen into which it poured was known
as Wiley's Swamp. A little south of this stream, on the west side of the road, is a dwarf
cedar, near which (indicated, in the picture, by the spot where the figure sits) are the re-
mains of a tree, said to be that of the stately white- wood under whose shadow the captors
of Andre caused him to strip, and then made the momentous discovery of the papers in his
^ Bolton. Irving, in his Legend of Sleepy Hollow^ says, " This name wbb given, we are told, in former
days, by the good hoosewives of the adjacent comitry, from the inveterate propensity of their husbands to
linger about the village tavern on market days."
' The party called Covhboye were mostly Refugees belonging to the BriUsb side, and engaged in plun-
dering the people near the lines of their cattle and driving them to New York. Their vocation suggested
their name. The Skinnen generally professed attachment to the American cause, and lived chiefly within
the patriot lines ; but they were of easy virtue, and were really more detested by the Americans than their
avowed enemies, the Couhboye. They were treacherous, rapacious, and often brutal. One day they would
be engaged in broils and skirmishes with the Cow4ioy» ; the next day they would be in league with them
in plundering their own friends as well as enemies. Oftentimes a sham skirmish would take place between
them near the British lines ; the SkifMun were always victorious, and then they would go boldly into the
interior with their booty, pretending it had been captured from the enemy while attempting to smuggle it
across the lines. The proceeds of sales were divided between the parties. See Sparki's Life of AmoUL,
218-21 inclusive.
' The Neutral Ground, thirty miles in extent along the Hudson, and embracing nearly all West Chester
county, was a populous and highly cultivated region, lying between the American and British lines. Being
within neither, it was called the Neutral Ground. The inhabitants suffered dreadfully during the war, for
they were sure to be plundered and abused by one party or the other. If they took the oath of fidelity to
the American cause, the Cow-boyt were sure to plunder them ; if they did not, the Skinnen would call them
.Tories, seize their property, and have it confiscated by the state.
Bbb
Digitized by
Google
754
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Journey of Andrd and Smith to Crompond.
Vifplunce of Captain Boyd.
Andrtfi UoeMtoeat
September 29-
1780.
stocking.* By a spring in the grove, just over the fence on the left, the young men were
•card-playing when their victim approached. We will not anticipate the history in the de-
scription, hut here resume the
narrative of events connected
with Andre's capture and trial,
from the time we left him and
Smith to pursue their journey
from Verplanck's Point toward
the Neutral Ground.
It was after dark
when Andre and
Smith left Verplanck's Point.
They took the road toward
White Plains, and met with no
interruption until hailed by a
sentinel near Crompond, a little
village eight miles from Ver-
planck's Point.' He belonged
to a party under Captain Boyd.
That vigilant officer made many
and searching inquiries of the
travelers, and would not be sat-
isfied that all was right until he
procured a light and examined
the pass from Arnold, which
they assured him they possessed.
During the investigation Andre was uneasy, but the pass being in explicit terms, and known
to be genuine, Captain Boyd was readily persuaded that all was correct. The captain apol-
ogized for the strictness of his scrutiny, and manifested much concern for their safety on ac^
count of the prevalence of Cow-boys in the neighborhood. He advised them to remain till
morning ; but Smith assured him that their business was urgent, and it was necessary ibr
them to proceed immediately toward White Plains. The captain magnified the dangers
to which they were exposed, and Smith, taking counsel of his fears, was disposed to tarry.
Andre was difierently inclined, and it was a long time before he could be persuaded to turn
back and take lodging at the cottage of Andreas Miller. The travelers slept in the same
bed, and, according to Smith's account, it was a weary and restless night for Andre. He
was up at dawn, and at an early hour they were again in the saddle. As they approached
Pine's Bridge, and Andre was assured that they were beyond patrolling parties, his taciturn-
ity and gloom were exchanged for garrulity and cheerfulness, and he conversed in an almost
playful manner upon poetry, the arts, literature, and common topics. Near Pine's Bridge*
they parted company, after partaking of a frugal breakfast with Mrs. Sarah Underbill, whose
grandson, I believe, still owns the house. Smith proceeded to Fishkill by the way of the
ViBW or TKV PLACB WHBftB ANDRS WAS CAPTUltSO.
' " This tree towered like a giant," says Irving, in his Sketch Book, " above all the other trees of the
neighborhood, and formed a kind of landmark. Its limbs were gnarled and fantastic, large enough to form
trunks for ordinary trees, twisting down almost to the earth, and rising again into the air." The trunk
was twenty-six feet in cironmference, and forty-one feet in length. It was stmok by lightning on the same
day that intelligence of Arnold's death arrived at Tarrytown, a coincidence which many thought remarkable-
' Here, at the parsonage, the Torktown Committee of Public Safety met ; and members of the Provinciai
Congrress assembled there to grant commissions to officers. Colonel Robertson, who commanded a regi-
ment of Loyalists, was ordered to destroy that post ; and, piloted thither by a Tory named Caleb Morgan,
he burned the parsonage in the autumn of 1776.
' This bridge, situated in the southeast comer of Torktown, spanned the Croton River. At this pkoe
the great dam connected with the Croton aqueduct is situated, and the present bridge erosses the lake above
it, a little eastward of the Revolutionary structure. Here the Americans genendly kept a strong guard,
as it was the chief point of communication between the lines.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 755
Volnnteer Ezpeditioo agahift the Cow-boft. Arrest of Mijor Andr^ Discovery of Papers in his Stockings.
Robinson House, where he pleased Arnold by communicating^ the particulars of the journey
and the place where he left Andre. It is not at all probable that Smith, at this time, was
acquainted with the real name and mission of Andre, for he knew him only as Mr. Anderson.
Andre, being told that the Cow-boys were more numerous on the Tarrytown road, took
that direction, contrary to the advice of Smith and others, for these marauders were his
friends, and from them he had nothing to fear.
On the morning when Andrd crossed Pine's Bridge, a little band of seven volunteers went
out near Tarrytown to prevent cattle being driven to New York, and to arrest any suspi-
cious characters who might travel that way. John Yerks (who was living in the town of
Mount Pleasant in 1848) proposed the expedition the day before, and first enlisted John
Paulding, John Dean,' James Romer, and Abraham Williams. They were at North Sa-
lem, and Paulding procured a permit from the officer commanding there, at the same time
persuading his friend, Isaac Van Wart, to accompany them. On their way toward Tarry-
town they were joined by David Williams. They slept in a hay barrack at PleasantviUe
that night, and the next morning early they arrived near Tarrytown. Four of the party
agreed to watch the road from a hill above, while Paulding, Van Wart, and David Will-
iams were to lie concealed in the bushes by the stream near the post-road. Such was the
position of the parties when Andre approached. The circumstances of the capture are mi-
nutely narrated in the testimony of Paulding and Williams, given at the trial of Smith, eleven
days afterward. The testimony was written down by the judge-advocate on that occasion,
from whose manuscript Mr. Sparks copied it, as follows :' *< Myself, Isaac Van Wart, and
David Williams were lying by the side of the road about half a mile above Tarrytown, and
about fifteen miles above Ringsbridge,.on Saturday morning, between nine and ten o'clock,
the 23d of September. We had lain there about an hour and a half, as near as I can rec-
ollect, and saw several persons we were acquainted with, whom we let pass. Presently,
one of the young men who were with me said, ' There comes a gentleman-like looking man,
who appears to be well dressed, and has boots on, and whom you had better step out and
stop, if yon don't know him.' On that I got up, and presented my firelock at the breast
of the person, and told him to stand, and then I asked him which way he was going. * Gen-
tlemen,^ said he, * I hope you belong to our party.' I asked him what party. He said,
* The Lower Party.' Upon that I told him I did.* Then he said, < I am a British officer,
out in the country on particular business, and I hope you will not detain me a minute ,'
and, to show that he was a British officer, he pulled out his watch. Upon which I told
him to dismount. He then said, * My God ! I must do any thing to get along,' and seemed
to make a kind of laugh of it, and pulled out General Arnold's pass, which was to John
Anderson, to pass all guards to White Plains and below. Upon that he dismounted. Said
he, * Gentlemen, you had best let me go, or you will bring yourselves into trouble, for your
stopping me will detain the general's business ;' and said he was going to Dobbs's Ferry to
meet a person there and get intelligence for General Arnold. Upon that I told him I hoped
he would not be ofiended ; that we did not mean to take any thing firom him ; and I told
' While strolling among the ancient graves in the Sleepy Hollow ohuroh-yard, a little north of Tarry*
town, at the time of my visit there, I was joined by an elderly gentleman, a son of Mr. Dean. He pointed
oat a brown freestone at the head of his father's grave, on which is the following inscription : " In memory
of John Dean. He was bom September 15th, A.D. 1755, and died April 4th, A.D. 1817, aged 61 years,
6 months, and 20 days.
** A tender fiither, a friend linoers,
A tender hnsband alnmberB here;
Then let ui hope Ua tool U glren
A ble«t and rare reward in heeren.**
By his side is the grave of his father, who was bnried eighty years ago.
• See Sparks's Lift omd TVeMon of Arnold^ Am, Biog., iii., 223-226.
• "Paulding had effected his escape," says Bolton (i., 224), "only three days previously, firom the New
Vork Sugar House, in the dress of a German Yager. General Van Cortlandt says that Padding wore this
dress on the day of the capture, which tended to deceive Andre, and led him to exclaim, * Thank God I ]
am once more among friends.' "
Digitized by
Google
756 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Depoaitioii of David Willianu. Strange Conduct of Colonel Jameson. HU Letter to Qeneral AnioUL
him there were many bad people on the road, and I did not know but perhaps he might
be one."
When further questioned, Paulding replied, that he asked the person his name, who told
him it was John Anderson ; and that, when Anderson produced Greneral Arnold's pass, he
should have let him go, if he had not before called himself a British officer. Paulding also
Baid, that when the person pulled out his watch, he understood it as a signal that he was a
British officer, and not that he meant to ofier it to him as a present.
All these particulars were substantially confirmed by David Williams, whose testimony
in regard to the searching of Andre, being more minute than Paulding's, is here inserted.
« We took him into the bushes," said Williams, *« and ordered him to pull off* his clothes,
which he did ; but< on searching him narrowly, we could not find any sort of writings. We
told him to pull off his boots, which he seemed to be indifferent about ; but we got ooe
boot ofi^, and searched in that boot, and could find nothing. But we found there were some
papers in the bottom of his stocking next to his foot ; on which we made him pull his stock-
ing off, and found three papers wrapped up. Mr. Paulding looked at the contents, and saki
he was a spy. We then .made him pull ofi* his other boot, and there we found three more
papers at the bottom of his foot within his stocking.
<< Upon this we made him dress himself, and I asked him what he would give us to let
him go. He said he would give us any sum of money. I asked him whether he would
^ive us his horse, saddle, bridle, watch, and one hundred guineas. He said * Yes,' and told
us he would direct them to any place, even if it was that very spot, so that we could gat
them. I asked him whether he would not give us more. He said he would give us any
quantity of dry goods, or any sum of money, and bring it to any place that we might pitch
upon, so that we might get it. Mr. Paulding answered, ' No, if you would give us ten
thousand guineas, you should not stir one step.' I then asked the person who had called
himself John Anderson if he would not get away if it lay in his power. He answered,
' Yes, I would.' I told him I did not inteiui he should. While taking him along, we asked
him a few questions, and we stopped under a shade. He begged us not to ask him ques-
tions, and said when he came to any commander he would reveal all.
** He was dressed in a blue over-coat, and a tight body-coat, that was of a kind of claret
color, though a rather deeper red than claret. The button-holes were laced with gold tinsel,
and the buttons drawn over with the same kind of lace. He had on a round hat, and nan-
keen waistcoat and breeches, with a flannel waistcoat and drawers, boots, and thread
stockings."
Andre was conducted to North Castle, the nearest military
post, and there, with all the papers found upon his person,
he was delivered up to Lieutenant-colonel Jameson, the offi-
cer in command. With an obtuseness of perception most
extraordinary and unaccountable, Jameson resolved to send
the prisoner immediately to Arnold ! He knew a portion
of the papers to be in the undisguised handwriting of Gen-
eral Arnold, and it is most extraordinary that the circum- colootx jAMjnof^Tmuii-qioA
stances under which they were found should not have awak-
ened a suspicion of the fidelity of that officer. Washington afterward said, in allusion to
Jameson's conduct, that, either on account of his " egregious folly or bevrildered conception,
he seemed lost in astonishment, and not to know what he was doing." There can be no
doubt of the purity of his intentions, but who can- respect his judgment ? He penned a letter
to Arnold, saying that he sent a certain Mr. Anderson forward under the charge of Lieu-
tenant Allen and a guard, who had been taken while on his way to New York. " He had
a passport," said Jameson, ** signed in your name, and a parcel of papers, taken finom under
^ This is a view of the out-buildings of Mr. Sands, at North Castle, situated a few yards from his resi-
dence. The lowest building, on the left, is the dwelling, now attached to the bam c^ Mr. Sands, which
Jameson used as his head-quarters. In that building Andre was kept guarded until sent to West Point
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 757
Better Jndgroeiit of Colonel Tallmadge. M^r Andrd tt Sheldon's Head-quarters. Andrd's Letter to Washington.
his stockings, which I think of a very dangerous tendency.*' He described the papers, and
informed Arnold that he had sent them to Washington.
Major Benjamin Tallmadge, next in command to Jameson, was on duty below White
Plains on that day, and did not return until evening. When informed of the September S3,
circumstances, he was filled with astonishment at the folly of Jameson, and ^^^'
boldly expressed his suspicions of Arnold's fidelity. He ofiered to take upon himself the en-
tire responsibility of proceeding on that ground, if Jameson would allow it. The latter re-
fiised to sanction any action that should imply a distrust of Arnold. ' Tallmadge then earn-
estly besought him to have the prisoner brought back. To this he reluctantly consented,
but insisted that his letter to Arnold should be forwarded, and that the general should be
informed why the prisoner was not sent on. This was the letter which Arnold received in
time to allow him to make his escape to the Vulture.
Jameson sent an express after Lieutenant Alien, with orders to conduct his prisoner back
to head-quarters at North Castle. As soon as Tallmadge saw him, and observed his man-
ner and gcut while pacing the room, he was convinced that he was a military man ; and,
joining this belief with other circumstances,' his suspicions of Arnold's treachery were fully
confirmed to his own mind. He partially imbued Jameson with the same opinions, and
that officer agreed, with TallmadgCi that it was advisable to keep their prisoner in close cus-
tody until orders should be received from Arnold or Washington. Andre was accordingly
removed, under an escort commanded by Major Tallmadge, to Colonel Sheldon's quarters
at North Salem, as a more secure place. They arrived there at about eight in the morn-
ing. Andre was introduced to Mr. Bronson, who was attached to Sheldon's regiment, and
that gentleman kindly ofiered to share his little room with the prisoner. Learning that the
papers found on his person had been sent to General Washington, he wrote, in Bronson's
room, a letter to the American chief, in which he frankly avowed his name and rank, and
briefly related the circumstances connected with his present situation. This letter he hand-
ed to Major Tallmadge to read, who was greatly astonished to find that the prisoner in his
custody was the adjutant general of the British army. The letter was sealed and sent to
Washington. From that hour the prisoner's mind seemed relieved.'
^ Eight or nine days previous to the capture, Major Tallmadge received a letter from Arnold of similar
import to the one Colonel Sheldon received from him, in which he requested, if a man by the name of An-
derson shoold come within the lines, to have him sent to head-qnarters with two horsemen. This incident
was strongly in favor of Tallmadge's suspicions.
' The following is a copy of the letter :
"Salem, September 34th, 1780.
" Sir, — What I have as yet said concerning myself was in the justifiable attempt to be extricated. I
am too little accustomed to duplicity to have succeeded.
" I beg your excellency will be persuaded that no alteration in the temper of my mind, or apprehension
for my safety, induces me to take the step of addressing you, but that it is to rescue myself from an impu-
tation of having assumed a mean character for treacherous purposes or self-interest ; a conduct incompati-
ble vrith the principles that actuate me, as well as with my condition in life. It is to vindicate my (ame
that I speak, and mot to solicit security. The person in your possession is Major John Andre, adjutant gen-
eral to the British army.
" The influence of one commander in the army of his adversary is an advantage taken in war. A cor
respondence for this purpose I held, as confidential (in the present instance), with his excellency Sir Henr}
Clinton. To favor it, I agreed to meet, upon ground not within the pwtts of either army, a person who
was to give me intelligence. I came up in the Vulture man-of-war for this efl*ect, and was fetched by a
boat from the ship to the beach. Being here, I was told that the approach of day would prevent my return,
and that I must be oonoealed until the next night. I was in my regimentals, and had fiiirly risked my
person.
" Against my stipulations, my intention, and without my knowledge beforehand, I was conducted within
one of your posts. Your exceUenoy may oonoeive my sensation on this occasion, and must imagine how
much more must I have been afieoted by a refusal to reconduct me back the next night as I had been
brought. Thus become a prisoner, I had to concert my escape. I quitted my uniform, and was passed
another way in the night, without the American posts, to neutral ground, and informed I was beyond all
armed parties, and left to press for New York. I was taken at Tarrytovni by some volunteers. Thus, as
I have had the honor to relate, was I betrayed (being adjutant general of the British army) into the vile
condition of an enemy m disguise within your posti
Digitized by
Google
768 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Andrd taken to West Point and thence to Tappan. Hia Diacloaurea to Tallmadge. Bla Caae and Hale^a compared
Pursuant to an order from General Washington, Andre was conducted to West Point,
September, where he remained until the morning of the 28th, when he was conyeyed in a
^'^' harge to Stony Point, and from thence conducted, under a strong escort, to Tap-
pan, ahout two miles westward of the present Piermont, the Hudson River terminus of the
New York and Erie rail-road. Major Tallmadge, who commanded the escort, and rode by
Andre's side all the way, has led, in a communication to Mr. Sparks, an interesting account
of the events of that day's march. As he and Andre were about the same age, and held
the same rank in the respective armies, they agreed on a cartel, by the terms of which each
one was permitted to put any question to the other not involving a third person. In the
course of conversation^ thus made as unreserved as possible, Andre informed Tallmadge that
he was to have taken a part in the attack on West Point, if Arnold's plan had succeeded,
and that the only reward he asked was the military glory to be won by such service to his
king. He had been promised, however, the rank and pay of a brigadier general if he had
succeeded. In reply to Andre's earnest inquiries respecting the probable result of his cap-
ture, Tallmadge frankly reminded him of the character and fate of the unfortunate Captain
Hale. ** But you surely do not consider his case and mine alike ?" said Andre. <* Yes,
precisely similar," replied Major Tallmadge, *< and similar will be your fate." Andre be-
came troubled in spirit, and from that time until the hour of his execution his most poignant
sorrow arose from the reflection that he was branded with the odious name of a spy.'
As soon as Washington had completed all necessary arrangements for the security of
West Point, he hastened to the army at Tappan. The next day after his ar-
rival he summoned a board of general officers, and directed them to examine
into the case of Major Andre and report the result. He also directed them to give their
opinion as to the light in which the prisoner ought to be regarded, and the punishment that
should be inflicted. We shall visit Tappan presently, and then the events in the last scene
of this drama shall be rehearsed ; for the present, let us stroll about Tarrytown during the
remainder of this pleasant afternoon.
After sketching a view of the spot where Andre was captured, I walked to the famous
old Dutch church of Sleepy Hollow, standing by
the side of the post- road, about a mile northward.
I can not better describe its location than by
quoting the language of Mr. Irving concerning
it. " The sequestered situation of the church,"
he says, << seems always to have made it a fa-
vorite haunt of troubled spirits. It stands on a
knoll, surrounded by locust-trees and lofty elms,
from among which its decent white-washed walls
shine modestly forth, like Christian purity beam-
ing through the shades of retirement. A gentle
ancixmt Dutch CHURca.a slope descends to it from a silver sheet of water,
^^ Having avowed myself a British officer, I have nothiog to reveal but what relates to myself, which is
true on the honor of an officer and a gentleman. The request I have to make to yoar excellency, and 1
am conscioas I address myself well, is, that in any rigor policy may dictate, a decency of conduct toward
me may mark that, though unfortunate, I am branded with nothing dishonorable, as no motive could be mine
but the service of my king, and as I was involuntarily an impostor. Another request is, that I may be per-
mitted to write an open letter to Sir Henry Clinton, and another to a friend for clothes and linen.
*' I take the liberty to mention the condition of some gentlemen at Charleston, who, being either on pa-
role or under protection, were engaged in a conspiracy against us. Though their situation is not similar,
they are objects who may be set in exchange for me, or are persons whom the treatment I receive might
affect. It is no less, sir, in a confidence of the generosity of your mind, than on account of your superior
station, that I have chosen to importune you with this letter.
" I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your excellenoy^s most obedient and most humble servant,
" John AiiDai, Jdfvtant General}'
^ See Sparks's Jmer. Biog., iii., 255-259.
' This view is from the church-yard, looking southwest. - The porch seen on the right fronts upon the
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
759
Dridge orer Sleepy IIollow Creek. Ichabod Crane and the Headleaa Horseman. Castle Philipae. Tarrytown Cemetenr.
bordered by high trees, between which p^ps may be caught of the blue hills of the Hud-
son. To look upon its grass-grown yard, where the sunbeams seem to sleep so quietly, one
would think that there, at least, the dead might rest in peace. On one side of the church
extends a woody dell, along which laves a large brook among broken rocks and trunks of
fallen trees. Over a deep black part of the stream, not far from the church, was formerly
thrown a wooden bridge. The road that led to it, and the
bridge itself, were thickly shaded by overhanging trees,
which cast a gloom about it, even in the daytime, but
occasioned a fearful darkness at night."'
It was at this bridge, in the dark glen near the church,
that poor Ichabod Crane had his terrible encounter with
the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow.* The road still
** leads through a sandy hollow, shaded by trees for about
a quarter of a mile,'' but ** the bridge famous in goblin
story*' is no more. The present structure is a few yards
westward of the site of the old one ; and although not so
shaded in cavernous gloom, is quite as romantic in its sit-
uation. From its planks there is a fine view of Castle budok oyxa slccpt Uollow cuuk.
Philipse, as the ancient manor house of Frederic Philipse
was called, from the circumstance of its being originally fortified against the Indians. It
is a spacious and substantial stone building, and near it is the old mill, whose wheel turned
in the same place during the Revolution. The dam forms a pleasant little lake extending
back almost to the bridge.
Upon the slopes and the brow of the hill eastward of the old church is the Tarrytown
cemetery, extending down to the ancient burial-ground. It is susceptible of being made one
of the most attractive burial-places in this country, for, aside from the beauties of nature
there spread out, associations of the deepest interest give a charm to 'the spot. The Re-
ceiving Tomb, constructed of light stone, is near the top of the hill ; and around it for many
highway, and is a modem addition, the anoient entrance beuig on the south side.
This is believed to be the oldest church
in existence in this state, having been
erected, according to an inscription
upon a stone tablet upon its front, by
Vredryck Flypsen (Frederic Philips)
and Catharine his wife, in 1699. It
IS built of brick and stone, the former
having been "imported from Holland
'or the express purpose. The old flag-shaped vane, with the
initials of the founder cut out of it, yet turns upon its steeple,
and in the little tower hangs the ancient bell, bearing this in-
scription : **8I. DEUS. PRO. NOBIS. QUI8. CONTRA. N08. 1685^
'* If God be for us, who can be against us !*' The pulpit and communion-table were imported from Holland ;
the latter alone has escaped the ruthless hand of modem improvement. ^ Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
* Ichabod, according to Irving, in the Legend, returning from a late evening tarry with Eatrina Van Tassel,
on his lean steed Gunpowder, wasi chased by a huge horseman, without a head, from the Andre tree to the
bridge. " He saw the waUs of the church dimly gleaming under the trees beyond. He recollected the place
where Brom Bones^s ghostly competitor had disappeared. *If I can but reach that bridge,' thought Ichabod,
* I am safe.* Just then he heard the black steed panting and blowing close behind him ; he even fancied that
he felt his hot breath. Another convubive kick in the ribs, and old Gunpowder sprang upon the bridge ;
he thundered over the resounding planks ; he gained the opposite side ; and now Icha^xl cast a look be-
hind, to see if his pursuer should vanish, according to rule, in a flash of fire and brimstone. Just then he
saw the goblin rising in his stinrups, and in the very act of hurling his head at him. Ichabod endeavored
to dodffe the horrible missile, but too late ; it encountered his cranium with a terrible crash ; he was tum-
bled headlong into the dust, and Gunpowder, the black steed, and the goblin rider, passed like a whirlwind."
A shattered pumpkin was found on the road the next day, but Ichabod had gone to parts unknown.
Brom Bones, his rival, soon afterward led the pretty Katrina to the altar. The good country people always
maintained that Ichabod was spirited avray by the keadleu horumany who wta the ghost of a Hessian soU
Jier, whose body, deprived of its caput by a oanoon-ball, was sleeping in the church-yard near.
Tux Vans.
COMMUNION-TAJII.K.
Digitized by
Google
760
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Oreenburgh ok the Nepera.
Van Warf • MoQameDt
StMnytUU, tho Eesideiice of Wadungton IiTiii§
Kjecbxvxno Tomb.
rods, where the hand of improvement had not yet effaced them, might be seen vestiges of
a small fortification, thrown up there during the war.
I passed the night at Tarrytown, and the next morning
rode out to the beautiful Saw-mill Valley, to visit the bur-
ial-ground at Greenburgh, wherein repose the remains of
Isaac Van Wart, one of the captors of Andre. The ground
is attached to the Presbyterian church, and is near the
lovely Nepera, or Saw-mill River. Over the remains of
the patriot is a handsome marble monument, erected to his
memory by the citizens of West Chester county, in 1829.
Its completion was celebrated by a large concourse of peo-
ple assembled there on the 11th of June of that year.
General Aaron Ward, of Sing Sing, was the orator on the
occksion. Mr. Van Wart was an efficient officer of that
church for many years, and acted as chorister up to the
time of his death. On returning to Tarrytown, I rode down to Sunnyside, the residenoe
of Washington Irving, situated upon the river bank, about two miles below. It is reached
from the post-road by a winding carriage-way, that cleaves rich cultivated fields and pleas-
ant woodlands. Desirous of passing an hour at Dobbs's Ferry, and of crossing the Hudson
at Tappan in season to visit places of note there, I enjoyed the friendly greeting of the gifbd
proprietor but a few moments, and then pursued ray journey. I subsequently visited Sunny-
side, and made the sketch given* on the opposite page. It was in leafy June, and a
lovelier day never smiled upon the Hudson and its green banks. Close by Mr. li-
ving's residence, a prospective village* had recently burst into
existence, almost as suddenly as the leaves had unfolded iirom
the buds in the adjacent groves ; and a rail-way station, with
its bustle and noise, was upon the river margin, within bird-call
of the once secluded Wolfert's Roost. I strolled along the iron
way to a stile, over which I clambered, and, ascending the bank
by a shaded pathway, was soon seated in the elegant little parlor
at Sunnyside, where the kindest courtesy makes the stranger-
visitor feel that he is indeed upon the sunny side of humanity,
and in the warmest glow of that generous feeling which illu-
mines every pen-stroke of Geoffirey Crayon. Beautified and en-
riched by the hand of nature, hallowed by the voice of tradi-
tionary history speaking out from the old walls and umbrageons
trees, and consecrated by the presence of true genius, Suwty-
Van WAs.i'8 MoNUHXMT.a ^^ ^^^ a charm for the American mind as bewitching and
1650.
Dearman ; afterward altered to IrvingtoD.
' The following are the inscriptions upon this monaraent : "
North side. — " Here repose the mortal remains of Isaac Van Wart, an elder in the Greenhurgh
church, who died on the 23d of May, 1828, in the 69th year of his age. Having lived the life, he died the
death, of the Christian."
South side. — "The citizens of the county of West Chester erected this tomb in testimony of the h^b
sense they entertained for the virtuous and patriotic conduct of their felloe-citizen, as a memorial sacred to
public gratitude."
East side. — " Vincit, Amor Patrise. Nearly half a century before this monument was built, the oca
script fathers of America had, in the Senate chamber, voted that Isaac Van Wart was a faithful patriot,
one in whom the love of country was invincible, and this tomb bears testimony that the record is tme."
West side. — " Fidelity. On the 23d of September, 1780, Isaac Van Wart, accompanied \j Jom
Paulding and David Wiixiams, all farmers of the county of West Chester, intercepted Major Andr^ OQ
his return from the American lines in the character of a spy, and, notwithstandin^r the large bribes offered
them for his release, nobly disdained to sacrifice their country for gold, secured and carried him to the coib>
manding officer of the district, whereby the dangerous and traitorous conspiracy of Arnold was bron^ to
light, the insidious designs of the enemy baffled, the American army saved, and our beloved ooontry btt.^
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
761
View of SonnTside, the ancient '* Wol£erCs Rooat"
Jacob Van Taaacu
classic as were the groves where Orpheus piped and Sappho sang to the Acadians of old.
As I sat beneath a spreading cedar sketching the unique v^a, and scolded without stint by
a querulous matronly cat-bird on one side and a vixen jenny-wren on the other, and observed
the '* lord of the manor" leading a little fair-haired grand-nephew to the river brink in search
of daisies and butter-cups, I could not repress the thoughts so beautifully expressed in his
own little story of The Wife: " I can wish you no better lot than to have a wife and chil-
dren. If you are prosperous, they are to share your prosperity ; if otherwise, they are to
comfort you. . . . Though all abroad is darkness and huxniliation, yet there is still a little
world of love at home [for the husband] of which he is the monarch.''*
ViXW OF **8Ul«NT8XOX,'* THS RMIUDKSCE OV WASHIirOTOir IBFINO.
The residence of Mr. Irving is upon the site of the famous « Wolfert's Roost" of the olden
time. It was built by Wolfert Ecker, an ancient burgher of the town, and afterward came
into the possession of Jacob Van Tassel, one of the *' race of hard-headed, hard-handed,
stout-hearted Dutchmen, descended of the primitive Netherlanders." Van Tassel was the
owner when the Revolution broke out, and was a stanch Whig. His house was in the
midst of the debatable region called the Neutral Ground, and in the broad waters of the
Tappan Sea' in front, British vessels were almost constantly anchored. The Republican
propensities of Van Tassel were well known, and as the Roost was a place of general ren-
> Sketch Book,
* Tappaan Zee, or Tappan Sea, was the name given by the Datoh to the expansion of the Hadson at diis
place.
Digitized by
Google
\
762 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
** The Roost" a Ciwtle. Its Garrison. Attack upon, and Defense of " the Rooet" Dobba's Ferry.
dezvous for the American water-guards* and land-scouts, he was made liable to attacks from
the enemy. He pierced his old mansion with musketry loop-holes, and took other measures
for defense. His garrison, per se, consisted of his stout-hearted wife and a redoubtable sis-
ter, Nochie Van Wurmer, a match, as he said, for the " stoutest man in the country." His
ordnance was a goose gun " of unparalleled longitude," capable of doing great execution.
He was in league with many ardent Whigs in his vicinity, who had sworn eternal hostility
to the Cow-boys and Skinners who infested the region, and the Roost was their head-quar-
ters. Van Tassel frequently joined his companions in distant expeditions. On one of these
occasions, while far away from his castle, an armed vessel came to anchor off the Roost.
The garrison consisted of only Jacob's spouse, his sister Nochie, a blooming daughter, and a
brawny negro woman. A boatful of armed. men put off from the vessel toward the Roost.
The garrison flew to arms. The goose gun, unfortunately, was with its owner. Broom-
sticks, shovels, and other missiles were seized, and a vigorous defense was made ; but, alas *
it was all in vain. The house was sacked, plundered, and burned ; and as the marauders
were about departing, they seized the pretty «* Laney Van Tassel, the beauty of the Roost,"
and endeavored to bear her to the boat. Mother, aunt, and Dinah flew to the rescue, and
a fierce struggle ensued all the way to the water's edge. A voice from the frigate ordered
the spoilers to leave the prize behind, " and the heroine of the Roost escaped with a mere
rumpling of the feathers."' Soon after this event Van Tassel fell into the hands of the en-
emy, was sent to New York, and there remained a prisoner until near the close of the war.'
His house was rebuilt upon the ruins of the Roost and that phcenix, modified and enlarged,
is the present mansion at Sunnyside.
From Mr. Irving*s I rode down to Dobbs's Ferry, two or three miles below. This is a
small village, lying pleasantly upon the river slope, and along a ravine of the Greenburgh
^,^^^E£sss:^^s^^^^^^^^^^^^^sc^ Hills, at the mouth of the Wysquaqua Creek. It
derives its name from the ancient family of Dobbs,
who owned the property here, and first ea-
tablished a ferry. It is a place memorable
in the annals of the Revolution, not for sanguinary
battles, but for the relative importance of its loca-
tion in the movements of armies. Upon the high
bank immediately above the rail- way station at
the lower landing are remains of the first fort
erected there. It was built at the beginning of
1776, and in October of that year Colonel Sar-
'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^WB^^ gent strongly garrisoned it, by order of (reneral
vaw raoM thk Rums of the old Fo«t.» Heath.* Several other strong redoubts were thrown
^ The water-guards were resolute men, well armed with muskets, and skillful with the oar, who, in
small vessels technically called whcU^-boats (sharp, canoe-shaped boats), lurked in the ooves and behmd the
headlands of the river, to obtain information of the approach or position of vessels of the enemy. With
muffled oars, they often reconnoitered the British ships at night, and sometimes out off boats that ventured
from them toward the shore.
* Knickerbocker Magazine,
* There were a number of the Van Tassels living in the vicinity of the Greenburgh church. In Novem-
ber, 1777, a party of Chasseurs, under Captain Emeriok, went up from Kingsbridge, surprised the Van Tas-
sels, burned their houses, stripped the women and children of their clothing, and carried oflf Peter and Cor-
nelius Van Tassel prisoners. In retaliation for the outrage, the patriots fitted out an expedition at Tany-
town under the conunand of Abraham Martlingh, which proceeded down the river in boats, passed the wa-
ter-guards of the enemy in safety, landed a little below Spuyten Devil Creek, set fire to General Oliver de
Lanoey's house, and returned without losing a man. General De Lancey was a most active and bitter Loy-
alist. He will come under our observation in a conspicuous manner hereafter. See page 624^ vol. ii.
* The garrison consisted of five hundred infantry, forty light horse, a company of artillery, with two
twelve-pounders under Captain Horton, and Captain Crafts with a howitzer.
^ This view is from the bank immediately above the rail-way station, looking northwest. In the fore-
ground is seen the wagon-road, passing by, on an arch of masonry, over the rail- way. On the left is the
whturf.' Toward the right, in the distance, is seen the long pier and village of Piermont ; and at the ex
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 763
Old Fort at Dobbf's Fenrj. The Liringston Mannon. Rendezvoui of the British. The Paliaadefl. Tkiipm.
up in the vicinity, remains of which are still visible. One, a little southwest of the resi-
dence of Mr. Stephen Archer (the ancient mansion of Van Brugh Livingston), appears to
have been equally strong with the one just mentioned. A few rods north of this
mansion, in a locust grove, on the west of the post-road, are very prominent re
mains of a strong redoubt. They extended through the adjoining garden, but
there the mounds have been leveled and the foss6 filled up. These forts com-
manded the ferry to Paramus (now Sneeden's) landing on the Jersey 8hore, and
also the passage of the river. They often greatly annoyed the
British shipping while passing and repassing.
In this vicinity the British portion of the enemy rendezvoused
* October 2^ after the battle of White Plains,* before march-
b November 16. ing agaiust Fort Washington ;b and at Hastings,
one mile below, a British force of six thousand men, under Com
wallis, embarked in boats, and, crossing over to
Paramus, marched to the attack of Fort Lee, and th« LmNorrow ALiirnosi.i
then commenced the pursuit of Washington and his broken army
through the Jerseys. Here, in January, 1777, the division of the American army undei
Lincoln was encamped for a brief space. Here was the spot selected by Arnold for his first
conference with Andre in 1780 ; and here, on the night of the 3d of August, 1781, while
the American anay lay in the neighborhood, and the chief's head-quarters were at the Liv-
ingston mansion, a skirmish ensued between some guard-boats of the enemy and the little
garrison of the fort on the river bank.
After viewing the remains of the old forts, and passing a pleasant half hour with Mr
Archer (a member of the society of Friends) upon the shaded porch of the Livingston Man-
sion, I crossed the Hudson in a small boat to Sneeden's, and proceeded on foot to Tappan,
a distance of about two miles, where I arrived in time to sketch the head-quarters of Wash-
ington, printed on page 196, and to visit the place of Andre's execution.
Tappan village lies in the bosom of a fertile, rolling valley, not far from the head of the
deep gorge which terminates on the Hudson at Piermont. Southwest of the village is a
lofty ridge, on which the American army lay encamped. Upon its gentle slope toward the
road to old Tappan, Major Andre was executed. Travelers passing up the Hudson, and
viewing with astonishment the mighty amorphous wall of the Palisades, along the western
shore, have no idea of the beauty and fertility of the country in the rear. The Palisades,
so bare and precipitous in front, present a heavily-wooded slope in the rear, reaching down
into a plain of great fertility. This plain extends, with a slight variance from a level, from
Tappan to Bergen Point, a distance of twenty-seven miles, and is watered by the Hacken-
sack and its tributaries. It was a country noted for the abundance of its forage at the time
of the Revolution, and was an eligible place for an army to encamp. After visiting the
interesting localities in the neighborhood, I walked to Piermont, about two miles distant,
where I arrived in time to embark in the boat of the Erie Rail-road Company, at eight
o'clock, for New York. Though <* wearied and worn" with the day's ramble, let us turn
to history a while before retiring to rest.
Tappan, lying upon one of the great lines of communication from the East, by way of
treme right, in the distance, is the moantain near the foot of which Ardrd and Arnold first met. Piermont
is the port of Tappan, the place where Andre was executed. The sketch here presented was made when
I visited Dobbs's Ferry in the autumn of 1849, after the rail-way was finished.
^ This is a view from the lawn on the north side. It is embowered in trees and shrubbery, and is one
of the most pleasantly-located mansions in the country, overlooking interesting portions of the Hudson River.
Within its walls many of the leading men of the Revolution were entertained. It was the head-quarters
of Washington, when he abandoned an attempt to capture New York city, changed his plans, and marched
his whole army to Virginia to capture Comwallis. There, at the close of the war, Washington, Governor
Clinton, and General Sir Guy Carleton, and their respective suites, met to make arrangements for the evac-
uation of the city of New York by the British. Washington and Clinton came down the river from West
Point in a barge ; Carleton ascended in a frigate. Four companies of American Infantry performed ths
duty of guards on that occasion.
Digitized by
Google
764
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
M sMacre of Baylor's Corpe at Tappan. The " 76 Stone Hoiue," where Andrd waa confined. Waahhigton'a Headqoarten
King*8 Ferry, was made a place of considerable importance as a camping-ground ; its poa-
tion among the hills, and yet contiguous to the river, being very favorable. When, in Sw-
tember, 1778, Comwallis had possession of the Hudson portion of New Jersey, foraging par-
ties were sent in this direction, as well as scouts, to ascertain the condition of the posts at
West Point. General Knyphausen, with a large force, was at the same time on the ea»t
side of the Hudson, at Dobbs's Ferry, and Washington believed that an expedition up the
river was intended. Lieutenant-colonel Baylor, with a regiment of light horse, was seat
to watch the movements of the enemy, and to intercept their scouts and foragers. He made
his head-quarters at old Tappan, and there lay in a state of such unsoldierly insecurity, that
Comwallis was led to form a plan for taking his whole corps by surprise.^ Greneral Grey,
September w, ''^th some light infantry and other troops, was sent, at night, to approach Tap-
^778. pim Qn i\^Q west, while a corps from Knyphausen's division was to approach
from the east, and thus surround and capture not only the sleepers in Baylor's camp, but a
body of militia, under Wayne, who were stationed near. Some deserters finom the enemy
gave the militia *timely warning ; but Baylor's troops, who lay unarmed in bams,' were not
apprised of the proximity of the enemy. At midnight. Grey approached silently, cut off a
sergeant's patrol of twelve men without noise, and completely surprised the troop of hcose.
Unarmed, and in the power of the enemy, they asked for quarter, but this was inhumanly
refused by Grey, who, like Tryon, was a famous marauder during the war.' On this oc-
casion he gave special orders not to grant any quarter. Many of the soldiers were bayoneted
in cold blood. Out of one hundred and four persons, sixty-seven were killed or wounded.
Colonel Baylor was wounded and made prisoner, and seventy horses were butchered.
The event of the most importance which occurred at Tappan was the trial and exeen-
tion of Major Andre. He was confined, while there, in the old stone mansion, now
occupied as a tavem, and called the " 76 Stone House." Its whole appearance has
been materially changed. The room wherein the unfortunate prisoner was confined, and
which was kept with care in its original condition more than half a century, has been en-
larged and improved for the purposes of a baUrroom ! I was there a few years ago, when
the then owner was committing the sacrilege, and he boasted, with great satisfaction, that
he had received a " whole dollair for the old look that fastened up Major Andrew !" Sen-
timent does not obey the laws of trade
— ^it seems to cheapen with a decrease
of supply. The sign-board is now the
only evidence that there is any on
hand at the " 76 Stone House." The
trial took place in the old Dutch
church, which was tom down in 1 836.
Upon its site another and larger one
of brick has been erected. It stands
within a few yards of the house where
Andre was confined. Washington's
head-quarters were in the old stone
building now occupied by Samuel S
Verbryck, situated near the road from
Sneeden's Landing, within a few rods
WASHiNOTOM'i uxia>-quAmTXB8 AT Tappak.* of xtB junction with the main sticel
1850.
» Gordon, ii., 391.
* The encampment, on the night in question, was about two and a half miles ecmthwest of Tappan vil-
lage, near the Hackensaok River.
' General Grey, on account of his common practice of ordering the men mider his command to take ^
flints oat of their moskets, that they might be confined to the use of the bayonet, acquired the name of Ik
no-fiint general.
* This view is from the yard, near the well. The date of its erection (1700) is made by a peonliar ar-
rangement of the bncks in the front wall. In the large room called " Washington's quarters" the fire
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION.
766
Oowt of Inquizy In AndM's Caw. The Prlaoner's Caidiict Nunet of those who compoMd the Court Judge Lai;rano«.
of the village. It was then owned by John de Windt, a native of St. Thomas's, West In-
dies, and grandfather of Mrs. Verbryck, who now resides there.
I have mentioned that, on the arrival of Washington at Tappan, he ordered a court of
inquiry. This court, consisting of fourteen general officers,* was convened at Tappan on the
29th of September, and on that day Major
178a
tng the charges pre-
ferred against him,
by remarking, ** 1
leave them to oper^
ate with the Board,
persuaded that you
will do me justice."
He was remanded
to prison, and, afler a long and careful deliberation, the Board re-
ported, " That Major Andrd, adjutant general of the British army,
ought to be considered as a spy from the enemy, and that, agreea-
bly to the law and usage of nations, it is their opinion he ought to
suffer death.*' On the next day Washington signified his approval
of the decision as follows :
Andr^ was arraigned before it and ex-
amined. John Laurance,' aflerward
a distinguished legislator and jurist, was
judge advocate. Andre made a plain state-
ment of the facts we have been considering ; <
acknowledged and confirmed the truthfulness
of his statements in his letter to Greneral
Washington from Salem ; confessed that he
came ashore from the Vulture in the nighty
and vrithout a flag; and answered the query
of the Board, whether he had any thing fur-
ther to say respect-
JOHN AnDAB.
rrora a Miamtora, by bImMll
ILAJOft AlfDftS.'
fnm a PmcU SlMick.
place is sarroonded by Dutch pictorial tiles illustrative of Scripture scenes. Indeed, the whole boose re-
mains in precisely the same condition, except what the elements have changed externally, as it was when
the chief occnpied it. When I visited it, Mrs. Yerbryok's sister, an old lady of eighty, was there. She said
she remembered sitting often upon Washington's knee. She was then ten years old.
' The following are the names of the officers who composed the conrt martial on that occasion : Major-
generals Greene, Stirling, 8t. Clair, La Fayette, R. Howe, and the Baron Steuben ; and Brigadiers Panont,
Jamet Clinton, Knox, Olover, Paterion, Hand, Huntington, and Stark, General Chreene was president of
the board, and John Laurance jadge-advooate general.
' Mr. Laorance was a native of Cornwall, England, where he was bom in 1750. He held the rank of
colonel in the Continental army, and was highly esteemed by the commander-in-chief. Colonel Laurance
was a representative for New York in the first Congress held after the adoption of the Federal Constitution,
and retained a seat therein daring President Washingrton's first administration. On his retiring from office,
Washington appointed him a jadge of the District Court of New York. He was elected to the United
States Senate in 1796, and served four years, when he resigned his seat and retired to private life. He
died at No. 356 Broadway, New York, in November, 1810, in the sixtieth year of his age. Judge Lau-
rance married a daughter of General Alexander M*DoogalI, of the Continental army, who, with Sears, Wil-
lett, Lamb, and others, early and earnestly opposed the British government in its aggressive acts. An in-
teresting sketch of the public life of Judge Laurance, from the pen of Edwin Williams, Esq., was published
in a New York journal in February, 1851.
' This is a fac simile of a pencil sketch which I received from London with the drawing of Andre's
monument in Westminster Abbey, printed on page 767. I do not know from what picture the artist
copied, but, considering the channel through which I received it, I think it may be relied on as a correct
profile.
John AifBai was a native of London, where he was bom in 1751. His parents were from Geneva, il
Switxerland, and at that place he was educated. He returned to London before he was eighteen years of
age, and entered the counting-house of a respectable merchant, where he continued nearly four yean
Digitized by
Google
766 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
WMUagtOB'sApproTilortlMDeekioBortlMCoart Moiolr of Aadrl. HooonSMjd. Mr. Edfewotti. MlMSewwd
"Baad^wrtm, Septnnber dO, ITM.
** The oommander-in-chief approYei of the opinion of the Board of general officers respect-
ing Major Andre, and orders that the execution of Major Andre take place to-morrow at
five o'clock P.M."
PoMewing a litorary taste and prombing genius, he beoame acquainted with several of the writers of the
day, among whom was Miss Anna Seward, the daughter of a clergyman in Litchfield. Miss Seward had
a ooosin named Honora Sneyd, a charming girl of whom Andre became enamored.* His attachment was
reciprocated by the yoong lady, and they made an engagement for roarnage. The father of the girl inter-
posed his authority against the match, and the marriage was prevented. Four years afterward, Hooora
^was wedded to Richard Lovell £dgeworth,t father of the late Blaria Edgeworth, the novelist, by a former
wife. Until that event occurred, Andre had cherished the hope that some propitious circumstance might
eflect their reunion. The portal of hope was now olased, and, turning from commercial pursuits, he re-
solved to seek relief from the bitter aasociatioos of his home amid the turmoils of war. He entered the
army which came to Amerioa in 1775. He was taken prisoner at St. John^s, on the Sorel, when that post
was captured by Montgomery, and was sent to Lancaster, in Pennsylvania. In a letter written to a friend
from that place, he said, " I have been taken prisoner by the Americans, and stripped of every thing except
the picture of Honora, which I concealed in my mouth. Preserving that, I yet think myself fortunate."
This picture had been delineated by his own hand from the living features of his beloved, at the time of his
first acquaintance with her at Buxton, in 1769. The bravery and talents of Andre secured for him the
aflectionate regards of hb commander. Sir Henry C^ton, and he raised him to the duty of adjutant general
of the British army in America, with the rank of major. His future career was full of brilliant promises,
when Arnold, the wily serpent, crept into the paradise of his purity and peace, and destroyed him. He was
not yet thirty years old when he suffered the death of a spy.
Major Andrs possessed a graceful and handsome person, with rare mental accomplishments. He was
passionately fond of the fine arts, and his journal, kept during his life in America, was enriched by many
drawings of such objects of interest as attracted his attention. While here, he wrote several poetical pieces
for the loyal newspapers ; and it is a singular fact that the last canto of his satirical poem, called Thk Cow
Chass, was published in Rivington^s Royal Gazette, in New Tork, on the 23d of September, 17S0, the
day of his capture. It ends with the following stansa :
*' Aod DOW Pre doted mj efrfe itnin,
I tremble m I •how it,
Leet thU Mine warrio-drorer, Wajne,
Should erer catch the poet rX
His memory has been embalmed in verse by his friend, Miss Seward ;f and his king testified his admiration
of his character and genius by the erection of a beautiful monument to his honor in Westminster Abbey,
near the PotU^ Comer. The monument is in relief against the wall, and is about seven and a half feet in
height. It is composed of a sarcophagus, elevated on a molded paneled base and plinth, and was executed
in statuary marble by P. M. Van Gelder, from a design by Robert Adam. On the front of the sarcophagus
is a Uu$o relievo, in which is represented General Washington and officers in a tent at the moment when
* Miss Seward, hi her poem entitled ** Tlie AnniTenary,'* that aUndes to her eowiB :
*• Why fled je an M frit, ye happy hoan,
That saw Hooora'a eyea adorn tbeae bowers ff
Theae darling bowers that orach the lored to haO ,
The q>irea ahe called The Ladiea of the Vale r
t Mr. Edfewortfa was educated pertiy at Trinity College. Dublin, and partly at Oxford. Before he was twenty, be rsn off
with Mist Elers, a yoang lady of Oxford, to whom he waa married at Gretna Qreen. He embarked in a life of gaye^ and dla-
■ipation. In 1770 he sooceeded to hla Iriah property. During a Tidt to Utchfldd soon afterward, he saw Honora Soeyd, loved
ber, and married her after the death of Ua wife. Hooora died fix years afterward of oonaumption, when he married her sister.
-Chambers's CfdopediM ^ En^lUk Liuraturt, VL 568.
X Tliis Mtfarical poem was written at General Clinton's head-quarters, now No. 1 Broadway, New York. It if not a Utde sin.
fular that Wayne commanded the diriaion of the army at Tappan when AndrA was executed.
§ In Ainsworth'i llagazine of a recent date I iind the foDowing record of ^1 irtam nalited : ** HsJor Andr^ the circoroitsnoea
of whose lamented death are too well known to make it neoeaaary for me to detail them here, was a friend of Miaa Seward*a.
and, prerioualy to \iAm embarkation for America, he made a Journey into Derbyahire to pay her a riait, and it waa arranged that
they should ride over to aee tiie wonders of the Peak, and introduce Andrd to Newton, her minstrel, aa ahe called him, and to
Mr. Cunningham, tibe curate, who waa also a poet
** While tbeae two gentlemen were awaiting the arriral of their guests, of whose Intentions they had been spprised, Mr. Cun-
ningham mentioned to Newtim that, on the preceding night, he had a very extraordinary dream, which he could not get out of
hia head. He had fonded himself hi a forest; the place was strange to him ; and, while looking about, he perceiTed a horae-
man approaching at great speed, who had scarcely reached tiie apot where tfie dreamer stood, when three men rushed out of
the thidrat, and, seizing hia bridle, hurried him away, aftser doaely searching hia person. The countenance of the stranger being
rery interesting^ tiie sympatiiy felt by the aloeper for his apparent misfortune awoke him ; but he presently fell asleep again,
and dreamed that he waa stsiiding near a great city, among tiiousands of people, and that he saw tiie same person he Ind seen
seised in tiie wood brought out and suspended to a gallowa. When Andrd and Mlas Seward arrived, he was horror-struck lo
perceive that hia new acquaintance was the sntitype of the man In &e dream.**
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
767
Andri'a Death-wamnt
HiiWilL
Disposition of Ills Remains.
His Monument.
The youth, candor, and gentlemanly bearing of Andre during the trying scenes of his
examination made a deep impression upon the court ; and had the decision of those officers
been in consonance with their feelings instead of their judgments and the stern necessities
imposed by the expedients of war, he would not have suffered death. When the decision
of the court was made known to him, the heroic firmness of his mind challenged the admi-
ration of all. He exhibited no fear of death, but the manner was a subject that gave him
uneasiness ; he wished to die as a soldier , not as a spy. Tender of the feelings of his com-
mander, he obtained permission of Washington to write to Sir Henry Clinton,
for the purpose of assuring him that the dilemma in which he found himself
was not attributable to the duty required of him by his general. In that letter he implied a
presentiment of his fate, and said, *' I have a mother and two sisters, to whom the value of
my commission would be an object, as the loss of Grenada has much efiected their income.'*'
There could be no question among military men as to the equity of Andre's sentence, and
September 29.
the chief had received the report of the court of inquiry ; at
the same time a messenger has arrived with the letter from
Andre to Washington, petitioning for a soldier's death (see
page 770). On the right is a guard of Continental soldiers,
and the tree on which Andre was executed. Two men are
preparing the prisoner for execution, while at the foot of the
tree, Mercy, accompanied by Innocence, is bewailing his fate.
On the top of the sarcophagus is the British lion, and the
figure of Britannia, who is lamenting the fate of the accom-
plished youth. Upon a panel is the following inscription :
^* Sacred to the memory of Major John Andr^ who, raised
by his merit at an early period of life to the rank of adjutant
general of the British forces'in America, and employed in an
important but hazardous esterprise, fell a sacrifice to his zeal
for his king and country, on the 2d of October, A.D. 1780,
universally beloved and esteemed by the army in which he
served, and lamented even by his Fobs. His gracious sov-
ereign, Kino George the Third, has caused this monu-
ment to be erected." On the base of the pedestal upon
whioh the sarcophagus rests has subsequently been inscribed
the following : " The remains of Major John AwDni were,
on the 10th of August, 1821, removed from Tappan by
James Bttchanan, Esq., his majesty's consul at New York,
under instructions from his Royal Highness, the Duke or
York *, and with the permission of the Dean and Chapter,
finally deposited in a grave contiguous to this monument, on
the 28th of November, 1821."*
The king settled a pension upon the family of Andre ; and, to wipe out the imputed stain produced by
his death as a spy, the honor of knighthood was conferred upon his brother. A certified copy of Andre's
will is in the office of the Surrogate of New York. It is dated at Staten Island, 7th of June, 1777, and
signed "John Andr^, captain in the 26th regiment of foot." The date of probate is October 12, 1780,
ten days after his execution. The will is sworn to October 9, 1781, before Carey Ludlow, Esq., then
Surrogate of New York. By his will, Andre gave the bulk of his property to his three sisters (Maria, Anna
Marguerite, and Louisa) and his brother, each $3500, on condition that they pay to his mother, Mary Louise
Andre, each $50 a year. Anna Marguerite Andr^^ — " the tuneful Annii," as Miss Seward called her —
his last surviving sister, lived a maiden, and died in London in 1848, at the age of ninety years. Andre's
watch was sold for the benefit of his captors. It was bought by Colonel William S. Smith, of the Conti-
nental army, for thirty guineas, and, through General Robertson, he generously transmitted it to Andre's
family. His commission was sold by Sir Henry Clinton for the benefit of his mother and sisters.
' Colonel Hamilton, who was the bearer of the request from Andre to Washington asking his permission
to send this open letter to Clinton, observes, in an account which he gave to Colonel Laurens, that Andre
seemed to foresee the result of the proceedings in which he was concerned. " There is only one thing
which disturbs my tranquillity," he said to Hamilton. " Sir Henry Clinton has been too grood to me ; he
has been lavish of his kindness ; I am bound to him by too many obligations, and love him too well, to bear
the thought that he should reproach himself, or others should reproach him, on the supposition of my having
conceived mjrself obliged, by his instructions, to run the risk I did. I would not for the world leave a sting
in his mind that should imbitter his future days."
* An sccoont of this tmnctioa may be ftMind%n ptfe 771
AirOBX*! MONUVSNT IN WCSTMINSTXA AbBXT
Digitized by
Google
768
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Bqnity of Aodrd't Sentence.
EffortB to Bare him.
£mbanj of Colonel Ogden.
WMUngfaia Vilified
yet there was a general desire on the part of the AmericanB to save his life. Washington
was deeply impressed with this feeling, and was ready to employ any measnre to efiect it
consistent with his puhlic duty.' The only mode to save Andre was to exchange him for
Arnold, and hold the traitor responsihle for all the acts of his victim. This could hardly
be expected, for Sir Henry Clinton was a man of nice honor ; nor would the American com-
mander make a formal proposition of this kind. It was, however, determined that an op-
portunity for such an arrangement should be offered, awl
a plan for that purpose was conceived. Washington
placed a packet of papers, directed to Sir Henry Clinton,
in the hands of a trusty officer of the New Jersey line.
Captain Aaron Ogden, containing an official account of
the trial of Andre, the decision of the Board of inquiry,
and the letter written by Andre to his general. Ogden
was directed to go to General La Fayette for further in-
structions, after he should arrange his escort of men,
known for their tried fidelity. La Fayette was in com-
mand of the light infantry, stationed nearest to the Brit-
ish lines. He instructed Ogden to travel so slowly, that
when he should reach Paulus's Hook (now Jersey City),
it might be so late that he would be invited to stay idl
night. He was then to communicate to the command-
ant of the post, as if incidentally, the idea of an exchange
of Andre for Arnold. Every thing occurred as was an-
' Never was a sympathy more real, or feeling more genuine, than that exhibited by the American offi-
cers on this occasion ; and yet the prejudiced MTarland, after quoting from a letter of La Fayette to
his wife, in which he expressed his sympathy for Andre, says,^ *' Some of the American generals, too, la-
metUed, but kept twisting the rope that was to hang him ;'' and then falsely adds, " There are acooonts
which say that the deep sympathy and regret was all a farce, and that Andre, who was a wit and a poet,
was most cordially hated by the Americans on account of some witticisms and satirical verses at their ex-
pense.''— Pictorial History of the Reign of Oeorge Ill.y i., 434.
The London Oeneral Evening Post for November 14th, 1780, in an article abusive of Washmgton, gives
a pretended account of Andre's " last words," in which the unfortunate man is made to say, " Remember
that I die as becomes a British officer, while the manner of my death must reflect disgrace on your com-
mander." Andre uttered no sentiment like this. Miss Seward, his early friend, on reading this aooonnt,
wrote thus in her " Monody on Major Andre :"
«0h WMhington I I thought thee great and good.
Nor knew thy Nero-thirst for guilUesa blood I
Serere to tue the poVr that Fortune gave,
Thou cool, determin'd murderer of the brare I
Lett to each fah^r virtue, that inapires
The genuine fenror of the patriot firea I
And you, the baae abettors of the doom,
lliat BUn)c hla blooming honon In the tomb,
Th' opprobriona tomb your hardened hearts decreed
While all he asked was as Oie brare to bleed i"
' Aaron Ogden was bom the 3d of December, 1756, at Elizabethtown, New Jersey. He graduated at
Princeton in 1773. ' He was nurtured in the love of Whig principles, and took an active part in the early
struggles of the patriots. In the winter of 1775-6, he was one of a party who boarded and captured a
vessel lying off Sandy Hook, named Blue Mountain Valley^ and carried her safely into Elizabethport. Mr.
Ogden received an appointment in the first New Jersey regiment in the spring of 1777, and continued in
the service until the close of the war. He was in the battle of Brandywine in the autumn of 1777 ; "vrna .
brigade major in a portion of the advanced corps of General Lee at Monmouth in the summer of 1778, and
served as assistant aid-de-camp to Lord Stirling during that memorable day. He was aid-de-camp to Gen-
eral Maxwell in the expedition of Sullivan against the Indians in 1779, and was in the battle at Springfield,
in New Jersey, in 1780, where he had a horse shot under him. "^ On the resignation of MaxweU, Ogden
was appointed to a captaincy of light infantry under La Fayette, and was serving in that capacity when
called upon to perform the delicate service mentioned in the text. He afterward accompanied La Fayette
m his memorable campaign in Virginia in 1781. At the siege of Torktown, Captain Ogden and his com-
pany gallantlv stormed the left redoubt If the enemy, for which he was " honored with £e peculiar appro*
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 769
PmpoaitioQ to Exchange Andrd lor Arnold declined. A Deputation from the Bridah General
ticipated. The commandant reoeiyed Ogden courteoo^y, sent the packet across the river,
aakea him to stay all night, and in the course of the eyeing Andre became the subject of
conyersation. Ogden, in reply to the commandant's question, ** Is there no way to spare
Andre's life ?" assured him ^at, if Sir Henry Clinton would giye up Arnold, Andre might
be saved. He informed him, however, that he had no assurance to that effect from Wash-
ington, but that he had reason to know that such an arrangement might be efiected. The
commandant immediately left the Qompany, crossed the river, and had an interview with
Clinton. Sir Henry promptly refused compliance, for honor would not allow the surrender
of a man who had deserted £rom the Americans and openly espoused the cause of the king.
This decision was eommunicated to Ogden, and he prepared to return to the camp. At
dawn, on mustering his men, a sergeant was missing — ^he had deserted to the enemy during
the night. No time could be lost in searching for the deserter, and Ogden returned to Tap-
pan without him.* October 1,
Great was the distress of Sir Henry Clinton on reading Washington's dispatch ^^^
and the letter of Andre. He immediately summoned a council of officers, and it was re-
solved that a deputation of three persons should proceed to the nearest American outpost,
open a communication with Washington, and, presenting proofs of the innocence of Andre,
endeavor to procure his release. Toward noon on the 1st of October, Greneral Robertson,
Andrew Elliott, and William Smith, the deputation appointed by Clinton, accompanied by
Beverly Robinson as a witness in the case, arrived at Dobbs's Ferry, in the Greyhound
schooner, with a flag of truce. A request for a parley had been sent by Clinton to Wash-
ington, by Captain Ogden, in the morning. General Greene was deputed by the chief to
act in his behalf, and he was already at the ferry when the Greyhound came to anchor.
General Robertson, with great courtesy of manner and flattering words, opened the confer-
ence, and was proceeding to discuss the subject at issue, when Greene politely interrupted
him by saying, " Let us understand our position. I meet you only as a private gentleman,
not as an officer, for the case of an acknowledged spy admits of no discussion." With this
understanding the conference proceeded ; but Robertson produced nothing new calculated to
change Greene's opinion respecting the justice of the sentence of the prisoner. A letter from
Arnold to Washington, which had been kept in reserve, was now produced and read. The
deputies believed that this would have the desired eflect, and kept it back until verbal ar-
guments should fail. Had their words been full of persuasion and convincing facts, this
letter, so hypocritical, malignant, and impudent, would have scattered all favorable impres-
sions in the mind of Greene to the winds. The traitor menaced Washington with dreadful
retaliation if Andre should be slain, and in prospective charged upon the commander-in-chief
the guilt of causing torrents of blood to flow.' *< It is hardly possible," says Sparks, " that
this letter could have been read by Sir Henry Clinton, although written at his request, with
bation of Washington." He applied himself to the study of the law after the war, and rose rapidly in his
profession. He was appointed one of the electors of president and vice-president in 1800, a state senator
in 1801, and in 1812 he was elected governor of New Jersey. He died in April, 1839, at the age of
eighty-three years.
^ The desertion of the sergeant was arranged by Washington, without the knowledge of Ogden. The
object was to obtain information of maoh importance. A paper had been intercepted in which was found
the name of General St. Clair, so relatively connected with other particulars as to excite a suspicion that he
was concerned in Arnold's treason. The intelligent sergeant soon ascertained that there were no grounds
for such suspicion, and that the paper in question was designed by the enemy to fall into Washmgton's
hands, and excite jealousy and ill feelings among the American officers. The papers were traced to a Brit-
ish emissary named Brown. The sergeant found means to convey this intelligence to Washington.
' " If^ after this just and candid representation of Major Andre's case," wrote Arnold, " the board of gen-
eral officers adhere to their former opinion, I shall suppose it dictated by passion and resentment ; and if
that gentleman should suffer the severity .of their sentence, I shall think myself bound by every tie of duty
and honor to retaliate on such imhappy persons of your army as may fall in my power, that the respect due
to flags and the law of nations may be better understood and observed."
What could have been more injudicious than holding such language to Washington, under the oirdcm-
stances ? and as to the " respect due to flags," the traitor well knew that in no part of the transaction had
Andre been under such protection.
I. C C C
Digitized by
Google
770 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Remit of tlie Efforts to Sa^e Andrd. His Letter to Waahington uUng to be Shot Vnilb's Pcr^lirMe.
a view of operating on the judgment and clemency of Washington. Could any language
written by an individual have a more opposite tendency ? Disgust and contempt were the
only emotions it could excite ; and it was at least an evidence that neither the understand-
ing or the heart of the writer had been improved by his political chaise. Hitherto he had
tliscovered acuteness and mental resources, but in this act his folly was commensurate with
his wickedness.* ''
The conference ended at sunset, and Greene returned to Tappan. Robertson expressed
his confidence in Greene's candor in communicating the substance of their discussion to
Washington ; informed him that he should remain on board the Greyhound all night, and
expressed a hope that in the morning he might take Major Andre back with him, or at least
bear to his general an assurance of his ultimate safety. At an early hour the next mom-
October 2, ^S ^^^ Commissioners received a note from Greene, stating that the opinion and
17^- decision of Washington were unchanged, and that the prisoner would be executed
that day. Robertson was overwhelmed with astonishment and grief. He had written to
Clinton the evening before, expressing his belief that Andre was safe. The wish was father
to the thought, for he had no reasonable warrant for such a conclusion, except in the known
clemency of General Washington. Reluctant to return without some word of consoling
hope for Clinton, Robertson wrote a letter to Washington, recapitulating the points discussed
at the conference ; but it was of no avail. No new fact was presented ; no new phase was
exhibited. Sir Henry Clinton also wrote a long letter to Washington, ofiering some im-
portant prisoners in exchange ; but it was too late. Let us turn from the contemplation
of their noble eHbrts to save the prisoner, to the victim himself.
I have said that Andre had no fear of death, but the 7nan?ter was a subject that dis-
turbed him. When the sentence of the Board was communicated to him, he evinced no
surprise or evident emotion ; he only remarked, that, since he was to die, there was still a
choice in the mode, which would make a material difierence in his feelings. He was anx-
ious to be shot — to die the death of a soldier — and for this privilege he importuned Wash-
ington, in a letter written the day before his execution.* He pleaded with a touching yet
manly earnestness for this boon, but it could not be granted by the customs of war. Un-
willing to wound his feelings by a positive refusal, no answer was returned either to his
verbal solicitation or his letter, and he was \eh the consoling hope that his wish might pos-
sibly be gratified.
The 1st of October, at five o'clock in the aflemoon, had been fixed for the time of his
' Life of Arnold^ jimer. Biog^ iii., 275.
' The following is a copy of his letter : the original is at Charlottesville, Virginia.
" SiE, — Buoyed above the terror of death by the consciousness of a life devoted to honorable parsaits.
and stained with no action that can give ine remorse, I trust that the request I make to your excellency at
this serious period, and which is to soften my last moments, will not be rejected. Sympathy toward a soU
lier will sorely induce your excellency, and a military tribunal, to adapt the mode of my death to the feel-
'Ugs of a man of honor. Let me hope, sir, that if aught in my character impresses you with esteem towani
me, if aught in my misfortunes marks me as the victim of policy and not of resentment, I shall experieoce
the operation of these feelings in your breast by being informed that I am not to die on a gibbet.
" I have the honor to be, your excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,
" JOHW ANDBi.**
This letter has been thus beautifully paraphrased, in verse, by N. P. Willis :
"It if not tfae fear of death I can giro up the yooxig ftme
That dampa my brow ; I bnm'd to whi ;
It is not for another breaA All— bnt the spotleas name
I ask thee now ; I glory in.
I can die with a lip nnsthrr'd,
And a quiet heart— " T*»in« *• *« P«''«' ^ 8^^^
Let but this prayer be heard Tb^ne ^ ^^7^
Ere I depart J<^ ^°^ **»« ^^'^ ^ ^"^
Calmness to die.
' I can give np my mother's look^ By all the brave should cheiish.
My sister's kiss ; By my dying breath,
I can think of love— yet brook I ask that I may pcrtah
A death like this ! By a soldiei's death.**
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
771
Andrd*0 Compofore of Mind.
Pen-and-ink Sketch of himself:
Name of hia Executioner.
execution, but, in consequence of the protracted conference at Dobbs's Ferry, it was post-
poned mntil the next day. Andre had procured his military suit, and in calmness counted
MaJOK AlfDRi.
Prom a Pvnaod ink Sketch bjr hiroMlTJ
the speeding hours of his life, talking with self-possession to those who visited him, and even
indulging in the practice of his favorite accomplishment. On the morning of the day fixed
for his execution, he sketched with a pen a likeness of himself, sitting by a table, October i.
of which a fac simile is here given. The original is now in the Trumbtdl Gal- ^''^
lery at Yale College. It will be seen that there is a strong resemblance in the features of
this sketch to those in the portrait on page 197.
Major Andre was executed at Tappan, at twelve o'clock, on the 2d of October, 1780.'
Doctor Thacher, then a surgeon in the Continental army, and present on the occasion, has
lefl the following account in his Journal : " Major Andre is no more among the living. 1
have just witnessed his exit. It was a tragical scene of the deepest interest The
^ I copied this fao simile from one in Sparks's Life af%d Tretuon of Arnold^ where is given the following
extract from a letter, written by Ebenezer Baldwin to the president of Tale College, and dated at New
Haven, August 8th, 1832:
** It affoi^ me pleasure, as agent of Mr. Jabez L. Tomlinson, of Stratford, and of Mr. Nathan Beers [see
page 431, this volame, for a notice of Mr. Beers], of this city, to request yonr acceptance of the accompany-
ing miniature of Major John Andk^. It is his likeness, seated at a table, in his guard-room, and drawn
l>y himself^ with a pen, on the morning of the day fixed for his execution. Mr. Tomlinson informs me that
a respite was granted until the next day, and that this miniature was in the mean time presented to him
(then acting as officer of the guard) by Major Andre himself. Mr. Tomlinson was present when the sketch
was made, and says it was drawn without the aid of a [looking] glass. The sketch subsequently passed
into the hands of Mr. Beers, a fellow-officer of Mr. Tomlinson, on the station, and from thence was trans-
ferred to me. It has been in my possession several^years."
' His executioner was a Tory named Strickland, who resided in the Ramapo Valley. He was in con-
finement at Tappan, and was set at liberty on condition that he should perform the office of hangman. Ben
jamin Abbot, a dram-major, who died at Nashua, New Hampshire, in June, 1851, at the age of 92 years,
played the dead march on that occasion.
Digitized by
Google
772
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Or. Thacher'a Acoonnt of Andrd't Ezecatkm.
Feelings of the Spectatort.
Tbe Place of his Dea& and BoHaL
principal guard-officer, who was constaatly in the room with the prisoner, relates, that when
the hour of execution was announced to* him in the morning, he received it without emotion,
and, while all present were affected with silent gloom, he retained a firm countenance, with
calmness and composure of mind. Observing his servant enter his room in tears, he ex-
claimed, * Leave me, until you can show yourself more manly.* His breakfast being sent
to him from the table of General Washington, which had been done every day of his con-
finement, he partook of it as usual, and, having shaved and dressed himself, he placed his
hat on the table, and cheerfully said to the
guard-officers, <I am ready at any moment,
gentlemen, to wait on you.' The fatal hour
having arrived, a large detachment of troops
was paraded, and an immense concourse of
people assembled. Almost all our general and
field officers, excepting his excellency' and his
stafiT, were present on horseback. Melancholy
and gloom pervaded all ranks, and the scene
was awfully afiecting. I was so near, during
the solemn march to the fatal spot, as to ob-
serve every movement, and to participate iii
every emotion the$ melancholy scene was cal-
culated to produce. Major Andre walked
from the stone house in which he had been
confined between two of our subaltern offi-
cers, arm-in-arm. The eyes of the immense
multitude were fixed on him, who, rising su-
perior to the fears of death, appeared as if con-
scious of the dignified deportment he display-
ed. He betrayed no want of fortitude, but
retained a complacent smile on his countenance, and politely bowed to several gentlemeu
whom he knew, which was respectfully returned. It was his earnest desire to be shot, as
being the mode of death most conformable to the feelings of a military man, and he had in-
dulged the hope that his request would be granted. At the moment, therefore, when sud-
denly he came in view of the gallows, he involuntarily started backward and made a pause.
' Why this emotion, sir ?' said an officer by his side. Instantly recovering his composure.
he said, * I am reconciled to my death, but I detest the mode.' While waiting, and stand-
ing near the gallows, I observed some degree of trepidation — ^placing his foot on a stone and
rolling it over, and choking in his throat as if attempting to swallow. So soon, however,
as he perceived that things were in readiness, he stepped quickly into the wagon, and at
this moment he appeared to shrink ; but, instantly elevating his head with firmness, he said,
* It will be but a moment&ry pang ;' and, taking from his pocket two white handkerchiefs,
the provost marshal, with one, loosely pinioned his arms, and with the other the victim,
afler taking ofi* his hat and stock, bandaged his own eyes with perfect firmness, which melt-
ed the hearts and moistened the cheeks not only of his servant, but of the throng of spec-
tators. The rope being appended to the gallows, he slipped the noose over his head, and
adjusted it to his neck, without the assistance of the awkward executioner. Colonel Scam-
mel now informed him that he had an opportunity to speak, if he desired it. He raised the
^ It is said that Washington never saw Major Andre, having avoided a personal interview with him finom
the beginning.
* The place of Andre's exeontion is now designated by a stone, Ijring on the right of a lane which ran*
from the highway from Tappan village to old Tappan, on the westerly side of a large peach orchard owne«l
by Dr. Bartow, about a quarter of a mile from Washington's head-quarters. The stone is a small bowlder,
on the upper surface of which is inscribed " Andk^ bxscuted Oct. 2d, 1780." It is about three feet in
length. This stone was placed there and inscribed in 1847, by a patriotic merchant of New Tork. A
more elegant and durable monument should be erected upon the spot.
PI.ACB ov EzBcunoir.*
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
773
fbe Capton of Andrd rewarded.
Disinterment of Andrd*8 Remaina.
Honored by the Duke of York
handkerchief from his eyes, and said, • I pray you to bear me witness that I meet my fate
like a brave man.* The wagon being now removed from under him, he was suspended, and
instantly expired. It proved, indeed, * but a momentary pang.' He was dressed in his
royal regimentals and boots. His remains, in the same dress, were placed in an ordinary
coffin, and interred at the foot of the gallows ;' and the spot was consecrated by the tears
of thousands. Thus died, in the bloom of life, the accomplished Major Andre, the pride of
the royal army, and the valued friend of Sir Henry Clinton.""
The captors of Andre (Paulding, Williams,' and Van Wart), were nobly rewarded by Con-
gress for their fidelity. In a letter to the president of Congress, Washington said, October?,
♦• Their conduct merits our warmest esteem ; and I beg leave to add, that I think ^^**'
the public would do well to allow them a handsome gratuity. They have prevented, in
all probability, our suffering one of the severest strokes that could have been meditated
against us." Pursuant to this recommendation, Congress adopted a resolution NoTembcr 3,
expressive of the public sense of the virtuous and patriotic conduct of the " three ^^^•
young volunteer militia-men," and ordered "that each of them receive annually, out of the
public treasury, two hundred dollars in specie, or an equivalent in the current money of
these states
during life,
and that the
Board of War
procure for
each of them
a silver med-
al, on one side
of which shall
be a shield
with this in-
scription; Fi-
delity; and
on the other
the follow-
ing motto :
ViNCIT AMOR
Ths Captobs' Mxzul.
PATRLE, 'the
love of coun-
try conquers,'
and forward
them to the
commander-
in-chief, who
is requestedito
present the
same, with a
copy of this
resolution and
the thanks of
Congress, for
their fidelity,
and the emi-
nent service
^ In a subsequent publication by Doctor Tbacber, entitled Observationt relating to the Execution of Major
Jlndriy he says that the regimentals of that officer were given to his servant. His remains were taken up
in 1831 by Mr. Buchanan, the British consul at New York, removed to England, and deposited near bis
monument in Westminster Abbey. As no metallic buttons were found in his grave, it is evident he bad
been stripped of his regimentals before burial. He was interred in an open field then belonging to a Mr.
Mabie.
Mr. Buchanan published an interesting account of the disinterment in 1831. It was done by command
of the Duke of York. On opening the grave, the moldering coffin was found about three feet below the
surface. The roots of a peach-tree, which some sympathizing hand had planted at the head of bis grave,
had twined like a net-work around the young hero's skull. A leather string, which he had used for tying
hb hair, was perfect ; this Mr. Buchanan sent to Andre's surviving sisters. While a prisoner after his cap-
ture at St. John's in 1775, Andr^ parted with his watch. This was also obtained and sent to bis sisters.
Two small cedars were growing by the grave. A portion of one of these was sent to England with the
remains, and Mr. Buchanan suggested to the duke the propriety of having a snuff-box made of some of the
wood, as a present for the Reverend Mr. Demare6t,of Tappan, who greatly assisted the consul in the dis-
interment. The duke had an elegant box made, lined with gold, and inscribed " From his royal highness
the Duke of York to the Reverend Mr. Demarest." Mr. Buchanan received a silver inkstand, inscribed
'^ The surviving sisters of Major Andrd to James Buchanan, Esq., his majesty's consul, New York."
They also sent a silver cup, with a similar inscription, to Mr. Demarest.
* Military Journal^ p. 222, 223.
' David Williams was bom in Tarrytown, October 21st, 1754. He entered the army in 1775, was
under Montgomery at St. John's and Quebec, and continued in the militia service until 1779. He took an
active part against the Cow-boye and Skinnert on the Neutral Ground. He was not in regular service when
he joined in the expedition the day before the capture of Andre. After the war, he married a Miss Bene-
Digitized by
Google
774 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Desire to eecure Arnold. A Plan to Abdact him. Its Ezecatlon committed to M^jor Henry Lea
they have rendered their country.''^ The medals were aflerward given to the three iodi-
viduals by Washington himself, at head-quarters, and the captors enjoyed the annuity dur-
ing their lives.*
Commensurate with the strong feeling of sympathy evinced for Andre was the sentiment
of indignant hatred and disgust of Arnold, and it was the ardent desire of Washington and
his compatriots to obtain possession of the person of the arch-traitor and punish him as his
wickedness deserved. Various plans were arranged, secret and open, to capture him, and
several expeditions were formed for that avowed object One, while the army was yet at
Tappan, and the tears of sympathy for poor Andre were hardly dry upon the cheeks of the
soldiers, was almost successful. It was known only to Washington, Major Henry Liee, and
Sergeant Champe, the latter the principal actor in the movement.
Washington had learned that Arnold's quarters in New York were next door to those of
Sir Henry Clinton (now No. 3 Broadway), and that he seemed to feel so secure with his
now friends that his usual caution was but little exercised. The chief conceived a plan for
abducting the traitor and bringing him to the American camp. The principal difficulty
appeared to be to procure the proper instruments for such an enterprise. Recent events
had made the commander-in-ohief suspicious, for he knew not where smaller traitors might
be lurking. He sent for Major Henry Lee, the commandant of a brave legion of cavalry ;
a man in whose patriotism, prudence, and judgment he knew he could confide. Already he
had intrusted to this officer the delicate service of ascertaining the truth of many flying ru-
mors that other officers of high rank were likely to follow Arnold's example. To him Wash-
ington disclosed his wishes. " I have sent for you, Major Lee," he said, ** in the expecta-
tion that you hav^ in your corps individuals capable and willing to underteke an indispens-
able^ delicate, and hazardous project. Whoever comes forward on this occasion will lay me
under great obligations personally, and in behalf of the United States I will reward him am-
ply. No time is to bo lost ; he must proceed, if possible, to-night." The nature of the
service was disclosed to Lee, and he promptly replied to his commander that he had no
doubt his legion contained many men daring enough to undertake any enterprise, however
perilous ; but for the service required there was needed a combination of talent rarely (bund
in the same individual.* Lee suggested a plan which was highly approved of by Washing-
diet, and settled in Schoharie coanty. He died at Broome, in that county, on the 2d day of August, 1831,
at the age of seventy-seven. His remains were interred, with military honors, at LivingstonvUle, in the
presence of a large concourse of citizens. His widow, I believe, is yet living with her son at Broome, at
the age of ninety-four. Ten years after the death of her husband, she obtained a continuance of his peosioo,
which had been stopped at his death, receiving $2000 at once. Congress has been repeatedly petitiooeil
for an appropriation to erect a monument to Williams, but without suceess. See Simms's Schoharie Cotmty.
* Journals of Congrei$, vi., 154.
' In 1817, Mr. Paulding applied to Congress for an augmentation of his annuity. Major Tallmadge,
who was then a member of the House of Representatives, strongly opposed the prayer of the petitiooer, on
the ground that he and his companions had been more than compensated for the real patriotiem which thej
exercised on the occasion of making Major Andre a prisoner. The statements of Andre, at the time, im-
pressed Tallmadge with the belief that the plunder of a traveler was their first incentive to arrest his prog-
ress, and that, could they have been certified of their prisoner's ability to perform his promises of large pay
for bis release, they would not have detained him. Andre solemnly asserted that they first ripped up the
housings of his saddle and the cape of his coat, in search of money, but finding none, one of the party said.
" He may have it [money] in his boots." The discovery of the papers there concealed gave them the first
idea that he might be a spy. Major Andre was of opinion that if he could have given them a small sum
in specie at first, they would have let him pass ; but he only had a small amount in Continental bills, which
was given him by Smith. While we may not claim entire purity of intent on the part of the captors when
they first arrested the progress of Andre, we can not doubt the strength of their patriotism to withstand the
lure of large bribes after they discovered his real character. For particulars on this point, see a small vol-
ume, entitled Vindication of the Captort of Major jSndri^ published in New York in 1817; also Walsh's
American RegUter^ vol. ii., 1817. In this volume of the Register may be found a translation of Marbois-s
Complot du Arnold.
' In addition to the capture of Arnold, the emissary was to be oommissiooed to ferret out informatioo
touching the alleged defection of other officers of the -Continental army. Already, as we have lyiticed. a
sergeant under the command of Captain Ogden had been employed for such a purpose, and satisfied Wash-
ington of the innocence of one general officer Vho was accused.
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 776
SergoaDt Cbampe. Hii Sense of Honor. CoDMntotoftttempttheAbdactioa of Arnold. His Deeertioa farored by Lee.
ton. He named Champe, the sergeant major of his cavalry, as every way well qualified
for the service, but he was afraid his sense of personal honor would not allow him to take
the first step in the perilous expedition— desertion — ^for he was anxiously awaiting a va-
cancy in the corps to receive a promised commission.^
Lee sent instantly for Champe, communicated to him the wishes of Washington, and de
picted, with all the earnestness and eloquence of which he was master, the glory that await-
ed him, if successful. Champe listened with the deepest attention, his countenance evincing
the greatest excitement of feeling. He expressed himself charmed with the plan, and its
proposed beneficial results ; declared that he was ready to embark in any enterprise for his
country's good, however perilous, which did not involve his honor ; but the idea of desertion
to the enemy, and hypocritically espousing the cause of the king^ were obstacles in his way
too grave to be disregarded, and he prayed to be excused. Lee combated these scruples
with every argument calculated to impress the heart of a brave soldier. He spoke of the
personal honor which success promised ; the honor of the corps to which he belonged ; the
great service which he would perform for his beloved commander-in-chief, and the plaudits
of his countrymen. He told him that desertion, by request of his general, for a laudable
purpose, carried with it no dishonor, and that the stain upon his character would remain
only until prudence should allow the publication of the lacts. After long persuasion, the
sergeant major consented to undertake the mission, and preparations were immediately made.
Washington had already drawn up instructions. These were read to Champe, and he
carefully noted their import in such a way that their true meaning could not be understood
by another. He was to deliver letters to two individuals in New York, unknown to each
other, who had long been in the confidence of the general. He was to procure such aid in
bringing Arnold away as his judgment should dictate ; and he was strictly enjoined to for-
bear killing the traitor under any circumstances.* These preliminaries being settled, the
difficulties that lay in his way between the camp and the enemy's outposts at Paulus's Hook,
were next considered. There were many pickets and patrols in the way, and straggling
parties of American irregulars often ventured almost to Bergen Point in search of booty or
an adventure. Major Lee could ofier the sergeant no aid against these dangers, lest he
^hould be involved in the charge of favoring his desertion, and Champe was left to h» own
resources. All that Lee could do was to delay pursuit as long as possible, after it should
be ascertained that the sergeant major had deserted.
At eleven o'clock at night, Champe took his cloak, valise, and orderly-book, ostoberdo,
mounted his horse secretly, and with three guineas in his pocket, which were given ^^^*
him by Lee, ** put himself on fortune." Lee immediately went to bed, but not to sleep.
Within half an hour. Captain Cames, the officer of the day, came to him in haste, and in-
formed him that one of the patrols had fallen in with a dragoon, who, on being challenged,
put spurs to his horse and escaped. Lee complained of fatigue and drowsiness, pretended
to be half asleep, and thus detained the captain some minutes before he seemed fairly to un-
derstand the olject of that officer's visit. He ridiculed the idea that one of his own dra-
goons had deserted, for such an event had occurred but once during the whole war. The
captain was not to be convinced by such arguments, but immediately mustering the whok*
squadron of horse, by Lee's reluctant order, satisfied both himself and his commander that
one had deserted, and that he was no less a personage than Champe, the sergeant major,
who had decamped with his arms, baggage, and orderly-book. Captain Carnes ordered an
^ John Champs was a Virginian. " He war a native of London ooanty,'' says Lee, in his Memoirt,
"and at this time twenty-three or twenty-foar years of age; enlisted in 1776; rather above the common
size ; full of bone and moscle ; with a satamine countenance, grave, thoughtful, and taciturn, of tried cour-
age and inflexible perseverance, and as likely to reject an overture, coupled with ignominy, as any officer
in the corps." — Memoin^ p. 272.
' Lee made an arrangrement with Mr. Baldwin, of Newark, to aid Champe. With him the sergeant was
to have daily intercourse, as if by accident, and through him Lee was to receive communications from his
sergeant major. He agreed to pay Baldwin, if successful, one hundred gaineas, five hundred acres of 1mi4^
and thrws negroes.
Digitized by
Google
776 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
PuTBuitofChampe. His Skill in elodiiig hit Fnrraen. He Eacapei to a British Galley. Sir Henry dintoa deeelred
immediate pursuit. Lee made as much delay in the preparation as possible, and when all
was ready, he ordered a change in the command, giving it to Lieutenant Middleton, a youn^r
man whose tenderness of disposition would cause him to treat Champe leniently, if he shoold
be overtaken. By parleying and other delays, Champe got an hour the start of his pnrsoers.
It was a bright starry night, and past twelve o'clock, when Middleton and his party took
the saddle and spurred afler the deserter. A fall of rain at sunset had effaced all tracks in
the road, and thus favored the pursuit, for the single foot-prints of the dragoon's horse were
easily traced and recognized.^ Oflen, before dawn, when coming to a fork or a crosB-road,
a trooper would dismount to examine the track. Ascending an eminence at sunrise near
the " Three Pigeons,"* a tavern a few miles north of the village of Bergen, they descried
from its summit the deserting sergeant, not more than half a mile in advance. The pur-
suers were discovered by Champe at the same moment, and both parties spurred onward
with all their might. They were all well acquainted with the roads in the vicinity. There
was a short cut through the woods to the bridge below Bergen, which lefl the great road a
little below the Three Pigeons. There Middleton divided his party, sending a detachment
by the short road to secure the bridge, while himself and the others pursued Champe to Ber-
gen. He now felt sure of capturing the deserter, for he could not reach Paulus's Hook
without crossing the bridge in question. The two divisions met at the bridge, but, to their
great astonishment, Champe had eluded their vigilance, and was not to be found. He, too.
was acquainted with the short out, and shrewdly considered that his pursuers would avail
themselves of it. He therefore wisely determined to abandon his design of going to the Briti^
post at Paulus's Hook, and seek refuge on board one of two of the king's galleys which were
lying in the bay in front of the little settlement of Communipaw, about a mile from Bergen.
Middleton retired hastily from the bridge to Bergen, and inquired if a jdragoon had been
seen there that morning. He was answered in the affirmative, but no one knew which way
he went from the village. The beaten track no longer gave a legible imprint of hi3 horse's
shoes, and for a moment his pursuers were foiled. The trail was soon discovered on the
road leading to Bergen. The pursuit was vigorously renewed, and in a few moments Champr
was discovered near the water's edge, making signsils to the British galleys. He had lashei^
his valise, containing his clothes and orderly-book, upon his back. When Middleton wtf
within a few hundred yards of him, Champe leaped from his horse, cast away the scabbard
of his sword, and with the naked blade in his hand, he sped across the marsh, plunged into
the deep waters of the bay, and called to the galleys for help. A boat filled with strong
oarsmen responded to his call, and he was soon, on board the galley, with all the evidences
of the sincerity of his desertion in his possession. The captain of the galley gave him a letter
to Sir Henry Clinton, in which the scene just mentioned was described, and before night
the sergeant was safely quartered in New York.
Middleton recovered the horse, cloak, and scabbard belonging to Champe, and returned
to Tappan. Lee was grieved when he saw the supposed evidence that .poor Champe wu
slain ; but equally groat was his joy when he learned from Middleton that the sergeant had
escaped safely on board one of the enemy's galleys. Four days afterward Lee received a
letter from Champe, in a disguised hand, and without signature, informing him of the oc-
currence just narrated.
Champe was sent by Clinton, for interrogation, to his adjutant general. The faithful-
ness of the legion to which he had hitherto been attached was well known in the British
army, and this desertion was regarded as an important sign of increasing defection among
the Americans. This opinion Champe fostered by adroit answers to questions proposed.
Sir Henry Clinton also questioned him closely ; and so sincere seemed to be the sergeant's
desire to serve the king, that he won the entire confidence of the British general. Clinton
^ The horses of Lee's legion were all shod by a farrier attached to the corps, and eveiy shoe, alike in
form, had a private mark put upon it. By this means the foot-prints of Champe's horse were recogmsed,
and the coarse of the deserter made obrioas to his pursuers.
' There is now a hamlet of that name there, situated on the high road from Hackensaok to Hoboken.
Digitized by
Google
OP THE REVOLUTION. 777
Cbunpe M&t to Arnold. Joint Ub Legion. Prepantiontfbrctfrying off tiia Traitor.
gave Champe a couple of guineas, and recommended him to call upon General Arnold, who
was engaged in raising an American legion, to be composed of Loyalists and deserters. This
was exactly the course to which Champe had hoped events would tend. Arnold received
him courteously, and assigned him quarters among his recruiting sergeants. The traitor
asked him to join his legion, but Champe begged to be excused, on the plea that if caught
by the rebels, he would surely be hanged ; but promised Arnold that, if he changed his
mind, he would certainly join his legion.
Champe found means to deliver the two letters before mentioned, and five days after his
arrival in New York, he made arrangements with one of Washington's corre- October ss,
spondents to assist him in abducting Arnold, and then communicated the facts to ^^^
Major Lee.' He enlisted in the traitor's legion, so as to have free intercourse with him, and
ascertain his night habits and •pursuits. In the rear of Arnold's quarters was a gafden, ex-
tending down to the water's edge.* Champe ascertained that it was Arnold's habit to re-
turn to his quarters at about midnight, and that previous to going to bed he always visited
the garden. Adjoining the garden was a dark alley leading to the street. These circum-
stances were favorable to Champe's plans. He had arranged with two accomplices (one of
whom was to have a boat in readiness) to seize and gag Arnold, on a certain night, in his
garden, convey him to the alley, and from thence, through the most unfrequented streets, to
the river. In case of detection while carrying the traitor, they were to represent him as a
drunken soldier whom they were conve3ring to the guard-house. Once in the boat, they
might pass in safety to Hoboken.
Champe carefully removed some of the paling; between the garden and the alley, and
replaced them so slightly that they might again be rem9ved without noise. When all was
arranged, he wrote to Lee, and appointed the third subsequent night for the de- Norember 5,
livery of the traitor on the Jersey shore. On that evening, Lee and a small ^^^
party left the camp, with three accoutered horses— one for Arnold, one for the sergeant, and
one for his associate — and at midnight concealed themselves at an appointed place in the
woods at Hoboken. Hour afler hour passed, and the dawn came, but Champe and his pris-
oner did not arrive. Lee and his party returned to camp greatly disappointed. A few days
afterward he received a letter from his sergeant, explaining the cause of his failure, and an
assurance that present success was hopeless. On the very day when Champe was to exe-
cute his plan, Arnold changed his quarters, to superintend the embarkation of troops for an
expedition southward, to be commanded by himself* In this expedition the American le-
* In this first oomnranication he assnred Lee that his inqoiries concerning the alleged defection of other
American officers were satisfactory, and that no snch defection existed.
' Arnold's quarters were at No. 3 Broadway, adjoining those of Sir Henry Clinton. The hoase is yet
standing, and is represented, with Clinton's quarters, on page 592, of volume ii. The garden ex-
tended along the street to the northern boundary of the Mlantic Hotely No. 5, where the dark alley, men-
tioned in the text, divided it from the premises No. 9, now known as the Mlantic Cfarden, The shore of
the liver was formerly a few ywrda west of Greenwich Street, West Street being all "made ground."
' Arnold received, as the price of his desertion (rom the Americans and attempted betrayal of the liber-
ties of his country into the hands of the enemy, a commission as colonel, with a brevet rank of brigadier, in
the British army, and the sum of nearly fifty thousand dollars. It may be mentioned, for the information
of those unskilled in the technicalities of the military servioe, that the term brevet is used to a commission
fiivmg nominal rank higher than that for which pay is received. A brevet major serves and draws pay as
a captain, and a brevet brigadier as coloneL Arnold was lower in office, both actual and nominal, among
his new friends than he had been in the American army. But largre brib^ of gold was a salvo to that nice
sense of honor for which he had so often wrangled. He was heartily despised by the British officers, and
he was frequently insulted without possessing the power to show his resentment. Many anecdotes iUus-
trative of this point have been related. It is said that, on one occasion, a British statesman, as he rose to
make a speech in the House of Commons, saw Arnold in the gallery. ** Mr. Speaker," he said, " I will not
speak while that man (pointing toward Arnold) is in the house." George the Third introduced Arnold to
Karl Balcarras, one of Burgojrne^s officers at Berois's Heights. " I know General Arnold and abominate
traitors," was the quick reply of the earl, as he refused his hand and turned on his heel. When Talley-
rand was about to come to America, he was informed that an American gentleman was in an adjoining
room. He sought an interview, and asked for letters to his friends in America. ^' I was bom in Amer-
Digitized by
Google
778 PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Champe foiled. Taken by Arnold to Virginia. Eacapes and rejoins hia Legion in the Carolinaa. Ramapo VaBer-
gion was to be employed, and poor Champe, who had enlisted in it to carry out his plans,
was in a sad dilemma. Instead of crossing the Hudson that night, with the traitor his
prisoner, he found himself on board of a British transport, and that traitor his commander !
December 16^ The expedition sailed, and Champe was landed on the shores of Virginia. He
^^^' sought opportunities to escape, but found none, until afler the junction with
Cornwallis at Petersburg, where he deserted. He passed up toward the mountains, and
into the friendly districts of North Carolina. Finally, he joined the legion of Major Lee,
just after it had passed the Congaree in pursuit of Lord Rawdon. . Great was the surprise
of his old comrades when they saw him, and it was increased at the cordial reception which
the deserter received at the hands of Lee. His story was soon told, and four-fold greater
than before his desertion was the love and admiration of his corps for him. They felt proud
of him, and his promotion would have been hailed by general acclamation. Knowing that
he would immediately be hanged if caught by the enemy, he was discharged from service.
The commander-in-chief munificently rewarded him ; and seventeen years aflerward, when
President Adams appointed Washington to the chief command of the armies of the United
States, then preparing to defend the country from the threatened hostility of the French, the
chief sent to Colonel Lee for information concerning Champe, being determined to bring him
forward in the capacity of a captain of infantry. But the gallant soldier had removed to
Kentucky, and was asleep in the soil.'
A few months after my visit to Tappan, I made another tour to the vicinity. I passed
two days in the romantic valley of the Ramapo, through which the New York and Erie
rail-way courses. Every rocky nook, sparkling water-course, and shaded glen in that wild
valley has a legendary charm. It is a ravine sixteen miles in extent, opening wide toward
the fertile fields of Orange county. It was a region peculiarly distinguished by wild and
daring adventure during the Revolution, and, at times, as important military ground. There
the marauding Cow-boys made their rendezvous ; and from its dark coverts, Claudius Smith.
the merciless freebooter, and his three sons, with their followers, sallied out and plundered
the surrounding country.* Along the sinuous Ramapo Creek, before the war of Uie Revo-
lution broke out. and while the ancient tribe of the Ramapaughs yet chased the deer on the
rugged hills which skirt the valley, iron-forges were establish-
ed, and the hammer-peal of spreading civilization echoed from
the neighboring crags. Not far distant from its waters the
great chain which was stretched across the Hudson at West
Point was wrought ;* and the remains of one of the Ramapo
forges, built at the close of the war, now form a picturesque
ruin on the margin of the rail-way.^ A few miles below it,
Ramapo village, with its extensive machinery, sends up a per-
ica, lived there till the prime of my life, bat alas ! I can call no man in America my friend,'' replied the
stranger. That stranger v^soj Arnold.
^ See Lee's Memoirt of the War in the Southern Department of the United Statet, from page 270 to 284
The reader, by observing the dates of his correspondence with Washington, vrill perceive that Lee has con
founded the eflfort of Ogden to save Andre by having Arnold given up, and the desertion of his sergeant,
with the expedition of Sergeeuit Champe. In his acooant of Champe's maneaver, he makes the salvation
of Andre a leading incentive to efibrts to capture Arnold ; but Andre was executed on the 2d of October,
whereas Champe did not desert until the 20th of the same month.
' Claudius Smith was a large, fine-looking roan, of strong mind, and a desperado of the darkest dye.
Himself and gang were a terror to Orange county for a long time, and tempting rewards were offered for
his apprehension. He was finally captured near Oyster Bay, on Long Island, and taken to Goshen, where
he was chained to the jail floor, and a strong guard placed over him. He was hung in the village oo the
22d of January, 1779, with Gordon and De la Mar — the former conrioted of horse-stealing, and the latter
of burglary. Smith's residence was in the lower part of the present village of Monroe, on the Erie rail-
way. Several murders were afterward committed by Smith's son Richard, in revenge for the hanging of
his father ; and for a while the Whigs in that region suffered more from the desperate Cow-boys than be-
fore the death of their great leader. For a detailed account of transactions connected with Claudius Smith,
see Eager's Hittory of Orange County^ p. 550-564. ' See page 700.
* This ruin is situated about half way between the Sloatsborgh station and Monroe works. The fotge
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION. 779
Ramapo Village. Mr. Pleraon. Morementa of the two Armies in 1777. Washington'a Perplexities.
petual hymn of industry from the wildemeaB. This village, now containing a population
of three hundred,* is owned hy the Piersons, the elder having established iron-works there
fifty years ago. Jeremiah H. Pierson, the original proprietor, is yet living there at the age
of eighty-four, and to the kind hospitality of himself and family I am indebted for October,
much of the pleasures and profit of my visit to the Ramapo Valley. God has taken ^^•
his eyesight from him, but mercifully vouchsafes good health, sound mind, sunny cheerful-
ness, and the surroundings of a happy family. I listened with interest to a narrative of his
clear recollections of the past, and the traditions gathered from his scattered neighbors when
he first sat down there in the almost wilderness. Not twenty years had elapsed since the
war closed when he erected his forges, and the sufferers were living in small groups all
around him. They have all passed away, and volumes of unwritten traditionary history are
buried with them.
The American army under Washington was encamped in the vicinity of Ramapo for a
few days in July, 1777. The head-quarters of Washington had been at Morristown durin<r
the previous winter and spring. Believing it prudent to act on the defensive, he had waited
anxiously for Sir William Howe, who was quartered in New York city, to make some de-
cided movement. Sunmier approached, and yet the British commander g&ve no intima-
tions respecting his designs for a campaign. It was believed that he would either make a
demonstration against the strong posts in the Highlands, or attempt a passage of the Dela-
ware and a seizure of Philadelphia. Washington's position at Morristown was an eligible
one for acting promptly and efficiently when Howe should move either way.
General Howe had a considerable force stationed at New Brunswick. This force was
augmented early in May, and Washington received information that they had begun to
build a portable bridge there, so constructed that it might be laid upon flat boats. Believ-
ing this to be a preparation for crossing the Delaware, Washington collected the new levies
from Virginia and the Middle States, at Morristown, and ordered those from the eastward to
assemble at Peekskill. Toward the close of May, the American army moved from
Morristown, and encamped upon the heights of Middlebrook, in a very strong position,
and commanding the country from New Brunswick to the Delaware. The maneuvers of
detachments of the two armies in this vicinity in June» are noticed on page 331, ^itt?
vol. i. The British finally crossed over to Staten Island from Amboyb on the tjuneao.
bridge which they had constructed at New Brunswick, and entirely evacuated the Jerseys.
The next day Washington received intelligence of the approach of Burgoyne from Can-
ada, and at the same time spies and deserters from New York informed him that a fleet of
large vessels and transports were preparing in the harbor of that city. The commander-
in-chief was greatly perplexed. At first it appeared probable that Howe was preparing to
sail with his army southward, go up the Delaware, and attack Philadelphia by land and
by water ; but the intelligence that Washington continued to receive from the North made
it appear more probable that a junction with Burgoyne, and the consequent possession of the
Hudson River, by which thie patriots of the Eastern and Middle States would be separated,
and a free communication with Canada be established, would engage the eflbrts of Sir Will-
iam Howe. The possession of the Hudson River had been a prominent object from the be-
ginning of the war.
was built in 1783-4, by Solomon Townshend, of New York, to make bar-iron and anchors, and was named
the Angusta Works. A sketch of the ruin forms a pretty frontispiece to The Salamander (or Hugo, as it
is now called), a legend of the Ramapo Valley, by Mrs. Elizabeth Oakes Smith. The historic anecdote re-
lated in the introduction to this charming legend I also beard from the lips of the ^Wenerable Mr. P .,"
through whose kindness I was enabled to visit the ** Hopper House." The relics of the Revolution are
pleasingly grouped in the introduction referred to.
* When the large cotton factory (the spindles of which are now idle) and the screw factory of Mr. Pier-
son were in operation here, the village contained about seven hundred inhabitants. The whole valley of
the Ramapo has but three or four owners. Many thousand acres belong to the Townsends ; the Lorillard
family own another immense tract ; Mr. MTarland another ; the Sloats have considerable possessions, and
the lower part belongs to the Piersons.
/
Digitized by
Google
780
PICTORIAL PlfiLD-BOOK
March of the American Army toward the HighlanoLi.
Howe's Defltination determined.
Tlaedore.
Washington remained at Middlebrook with the main division of the army, anxiously
awaiting the movements of th^ enemy, until toward the middle of July. He dispatched
two regiments to Peekskill, on the Hudson, and had his whole army in readiness to march
in that direction, if circumstances should require. When it was certainly known that the
British army had actually embarked on board the fleet, Washington moved slowly toward
the Highlands by way of Morristown, Ramapo," and the Clove*. He encamped in the latter
place on the 1 5th, eleven miles above the Ramapo Pass (of which I shall pres
ently write), and immediately sent forward Lord Stirling, with a division, to Peeks-
kill. He established his head-quarters at Ramapo on the 23d ; but so much was that re-
July, 1777.
gion infested with Cow-boys and
other Tftries, that it was with great
difficulty that he could obtain cor-
rect information from a distance.*
Northward from the present Ram-
apo village rises a range of lofly
hills, upon the highest summit of
which is upreared a huge mass of
p^ranite, shaped like a mighty dome,
the top covered with trees. From
this eminence, five hundred feet
above the village, a small portion
of New York Bay, Staten Island,
and the ocean near Sandy Hook,
may be distinctly seen on a clear
day, the distance being about thir-
ty-five miles. To this observatory,
it is said, Washington was piloted,
and with his glass saw a portion
TOAN ROCK.«
of the fleet of the enemy near
Sandy Hook. The Weehawken
Hill obstructed a full view of New
York Harbor, and the commander-
in-chief was uncertain whether the
whole fleet had dropped down to
the Hook ; but, on returning to his
quarters at Ramapo, he received
positive information that the Brit-
ish fleet had gone to sea. Con-
vinced that Philadelphia was the
destination of Howe, Washington
recalled Stirling's division from
Peekskill, broke up his encamp-
ment in the Clove, and the army
pursued various routes toward the
Delaware. The battle of Brandy-
wine, and other events in the vi-
cinity of Philadelphia, which oc-
June 1, 1779.
curred soon afterward, will be noticed in subsequent chapters.
On the return of Commodore Sir George Collier and General Matthews from a maraud-
ing expedition to Virginia, at the close of May, 1779, they sailed up the Hud-
son River to attack the forts in the Highlands. This e]q)edition, as we have
noticed on page 175, was under the command of Sir Henry Clinton. As soon as Wash-
ington was advised of this movement, he drew his troops from their cantonments in New
Jersey, and, by rapid marches, reached the Clove on the 7 th with five brigades and two
Carolina regiments. He pressed forward to Smith's Clove, whence there were mountain
passes to the forts in the Highlands, and there he encamped. Small detachments for ob-
servation and protection to couriers were stationed at difierent points from the encampm^t
^ Ramapo, or Romopook, was a small settlement on the Ramapo River, about five miles sooth of the
present Saflfem's Station on the New York and Erie rail- way, and within (he province of New Jersey. It
was nearly seven miles below the present village of Ramapo, founded by Mr. Pierson.
' The Clove here mentioned was chiefly the Ramapo Valley extending to Smith's Clove, which continues
northward from the former, in the vicinity of Turner's Station, on the New York and Erie rail-road, far in
the rear of Haverstraw and Stony Point. Through this clove, by the way of Ramapo, was the best route
for an army from New Windsor into the upper part of New Jersey. The main division of the Continental
army was again encamped in the Clove in 1779, when General Wayne captured Stony Point.
' " i can not give you any certain account of General Howe's intended operations," wrote Washington
to General Schuyler. " His conduct is puzzling and embarrassing beyond measure. So are the informa-
tions which I get. At one time the ships are standing up toward the North River ; in a little while they
are going up the Sound ; and in an hour after they are going out of the Hook. I think in a day or two we
must know something of his intentions."
* This view is from the verge of the dam above the Ramapo works, near the rail- way, looking northeast.
The eminence is called Tom Rock, from its ragged appearance on its southeastern side. There is a deep
fissure in a portion of the bare rock, from which comes up a sound like the ticking of a watch, caused by
the water which percolates through the seams in the granite. A tradition was long current that Wash
ington lost his watch in the fissure, and that, by some miraculous power, it continued to tick /
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
781
The Bammpo Paas.
March of the allied Armiea to Virglida.
Clinton DeceiTed by Washington's Lettera.
RJCMAINS or ImTXSNCHMKNTS at TUK IUxAPO PA88.A
1779
southward to old Ramapo, and strong intrenchmentB were thrown up at the Pass^ a narrow
gorge about half a mile below the present Ramapo village. The passage between the hills
here is only wide enough for the stream, the rail-way, a wagon-road, and a narrow strip of
meadow-land. The hills on each side
rise abrupt and rocky. It was a
place almost as easy to fortify and
guard as the pass of old Thermopylae.
The ditch and bank from the wagon-
road eastward are yet quite promi-
nent. Large trees have overgrown
them, and with care these mementoes
of the past may be long preserved.
. While the army was encamped at
Smith's Clove, the successful expedition of General Wayne against Stony Point was accom-
plished. This success, the subsequent evacuation of that post and of'Verplanck's Point by
the British, and the necessity for sending re-enforcements to General Lincoln at the South,
caused the camp in the Clove to be broken up early in the autumn. The main por-
tion of the army went into winter quarters at Morristown, where the commander-in-
chief established himself, and strong detachments were stationed at difierent points among
the Highlands.
Once again, and for the last time, the Ramapo Valley became the temporary theater of
military operations. It was in the summer of 1781, when the allied armies took up their
line of march for Virginia to achieve the defeat of Comwallis. They had conjoined upon
the Hudson for the purpose of making an attack upon the head-quarters of the British army
in the city of New York. The failure of Count 'De Grasse, commander of a French fleet
then in the West Indies, to co-operate with the land forces, made Washington abandon this
project, and turn his attention to the military operations at the South. To prevent obsta-
cles being thrown in his way by Sir Henry Clinton, or re-enforcements being sent to Com-
wallis, Washington kept up the appearance of a meditated attack upon New York.
The two armies, which had remained nearly six weeks in the vicinity of Dobbs's Ferry,
crossed the Hudson at Verplanck's Point, and marched by different routes to Trenton, under
the general command of Lincoln ; some passing through the Ramapo Valley and the Pass
to Morristown, and others taking the upper route above the Ringwood Iron-works. The
French took the river route, by Tappan and the Hackensack Valley, to Newark and Perth
Amboy. At the latter place they built ovens, constructed boats, collected forage, and made
other movements indicative of preparations to commence an attack, first upon the British
posts on Staten Island, and then upon New York. Previous to the passage of the Hudson,
Washington had caused deceptive letters to be written and put in the way of being inter-
cepted,* all of which deceived Sir Henry CHnton into the belief that an attack upon New
^ This view is from the road, looking north toward the village of Ramapo. The remains of the intrench-
ments are seen along the right in the foregromid. On the left, in the distance, is seen a glimpse of the hills
on the other side of the narrow valley.
' One of the bearers of these letters was a young Baptist clergyman, named Montagnie, an ardent Whig,
who was directed by Washington to carry a dispatch to Morristown. He directed the messenger to cross
the river at King's Ferry, proceed by Haverstraw to the Ramapo Clove, and through the Pass to Morris-
town. Montagnie, knowing the Ramapo Pass to be in possession of the Cow-boys and other friends of the
enemy, ventor^ to suggest to the commander-in-chief that the upper road would be the safest. " I shall
be taken," he said, "if I go through the Clove." "Your duty, young man, is not to talk, but to obey !"
replied Washington, sternly, enforcing his words by a vigorous stamp of his foot. Montagnie proceeded as
directed, and, near the Ramapo Pass, was caught. A few days afterward he was sent to New York, where
he was confined in the Sugar House, one of the famous provost prisons in the city. The day after his ar-
rival, the contents of the dispatches taken from him were published in Rivington's Grazette with grreat pa-
rade, for they indicated a plan of an attack upon the city. The enemy was alarmed thereby, and active
preparations were put in motion for receiving the. besiegers. Montagnie now perceived why he was so
positively instructed to go through the Ramapo Pass, where himself and dispatches were quite sure to be
Digitized by
Google
782
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Hw - Hopper Hoom."
PBtrtotiim of the Owner.
lotareetiiif BaUet.
York city was the jprand object of the AmericaDS. The allied anoiec had crossed the Del-
aware, and were far on their way toward the head of Elk, before the British commander
was fully aware of their destination.
About four miles south of the Ramapo Pass,
and threo from Sufiern*s Station, on the road
to Morristown, is the " Hopper House," where
Washington made his head-quarters from the
2d until the 18th of September, 1780. The
mansion was owned by Hopper, one of
the most active Whigs of the day. He was
often employed by Washington in the secret
service, and frequently visited his friends in
New York city while the enemy had possession
of it. On such occasions, he obtained much
valuable information respecting the strength of
the enemy, without incurring suspicion, as he
never committed a word to paper. The re-
mains of the patriot rest beneath a small marble monument, in a family cemetery, upon a
Tbs Hoppkb HootmJ
grassy knoll by the road side, not far
from the mansion. This is the house
wherein those letters of Washington, be-
ginning with ** Head-quarters, Bergen
county," were written ; it being in New
Jersey, about two miles from the New
York line. It was here that he receiv-
ed the news of the defeat of Grates at
the disastrous battle near Camden, on
the 16th of August, 1780; and from
hence ho set out on his journey to Hart-
ford, on Monday, the 18th of Septem-
1780.
her, to meet the French officers in council, the time when Arnold attempted to sur-
render West Point into the hands of the enemy. The venerable widow of Mr. Hop-
per resided there until her death in 1849, when she had reached the ninety-ninth year of
her life. Her daughter, who was oflen dandled on the knee of Washington, is still living,
but was absent on the day of my visit, and I was denied the gratification of viewing those
relics of the Revolution which are preserved in the house with much care.'
Close by Sufiem*s Station is an old building coeval with the original Hopper house. It
was the head-quarters of Lieutenant-colonel Aaron Burr, while stationed there in command
of Malcolm's regiment in September, 1777. It has been sometimes erroneously called the
head-quarters of Washington. While encamped here for the purpose of guarding the Ram-
seized. When they appeared in Rivington^s Gazette, the allied armies were far on their way to the Dela-
ware. MoQtagnie admired the wisdom of Washington, bat disliked himself to be the victim. Mr. Pier
son, from whom I obtained the narrative, received it from the lips of Montagnie himself.
Upon this incident Mrs. Elizabeth Oakes Smith (who also received the narrative from Mr. P.) founded
her interesting prize tale called the Ramapo Pan. She also mentions it in her introdaction to 7%e SeUa-
mander.
* This view is from the road, looking northeast. The low part, on the left, is a portion of the old man-
sion of the Revolution, which contained the dining-hall. It was a long stone building. A part of it has
been taken down, and the present more spacious edifice, of brick, was erected soon after the war.
* Mrs. Smith, in her introdaction to Tlu ScUamander, makes mention of the centenarian, and of these rel-
ics. " The ancient matron," she says, ^* has none of the garrulity of old age ; on the contrary, as she ad-
verted to past scenes, a quiet stateliness grew upon her, in beautiful harmony with the subject Rarely
will another behold the sight, so pleasing to ourselves, of five generatiotu, each and all in perfect health
and intelligence, under the same roof-tree. She spoke of this with evident satisfaction, and of the length of
time her ancestors had been ufxin the soil ; in truth, we had never felt more sensibly the honorableness of
gray hairs We were shown the bed and furniture, remaining as when he [Washington] used thefff ,
for the room is kept carefully locked, and only shown as a particular gratification to those interested in all
that concerns the man of men. Here were the dark chintz hangings beneath which he had slept ; the quaint
furniture ; old walnut cabinets, dark, massive, and richly carved ; a Dutch Bible, mounted with silver, with
clasps and chain of same material, each bearing the stamp of antiquity, yet all in perfect preservation ; largo
China bowls ; antique mugs ; paintings upon glass of cherished members of the Orange family. These and
other objects of interest remain as at that day."
Digitized by
Google
OF THE REVOLUTION.
783
Colonel Aaron Bnrr at SufiernB'a. Confiision of the Militia. Night Attack upon the Britiih Pickets near Hackensack.
apo Pass, Colonel Burr performed an exploit which was long remembered in the neighbor-
hood. He received intelligence that the enemy were in considerable force at Hackensack,
and advancing into the country. Leaving a guard to protect the camp, Burr marched with
the remainder of his elect-
ive men to Paramus, a dis-
tance of sixteen miles, in
the direction of Hacken-
sack. They arrived there
at sunset, and found the
militia of the district gath-
ered in great confusion.
Having arranged them in
order, Burr marched for-
ward with thirty picked
men, and at ten o'clock at
night approached the pick-
ets of the enemy. When
within three miles of Hack-
ensack, Burr led his men
Buaa's UsAXMiUAKTBas.
into the woods, ordered
them to sleep until he
should awaken them, and
then went alone to recon-
noiter. A little before day-
light he returned, aroused
his men, and directed them
to follow him, without
speaking a word or firing
a gun until ordered, on
pain of death. Leading
them unobserved between
the sentinels, until within
a few yards of the picket-
guard, he gave the word
Fire! His men rushed
upon the enemy before they had time to take up their arms, and a greater portion of them
were killed. A few prisoners and some spoil was carried ofi*by the Americans, without the
loss of a man on their part. Burr sent an order to Paramus by an express for all the troops
to move, and to rally the country. This success inspirited the militia, and they flocked in
great numbers to the standard of Burr. The enemy, thoroughly frightened, retreated in
haste to Paulu8*s Hook (Jersey City), leaving behind them a greater portion of the plunder
which they had collected.
We will now leave the Ramapo, and, saying farewell to the Hudson and its associations,
wend our way toward the sunny South.
END OF VOLUME I.
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
^
Digitized by
Google
^i!y^'^'^>
1WI8 BOOK 18 DUE ON THE LAST DATE
STAMPED BELOW
RETURN
IP
[ITIAL FINE OF 26 CENTS
- ■-•»««Bo FOR FAILURE TO RETURN
s to Circulorion
!g due dote
FORM NO. DD6, 40., 3/78 "'""^'^^^^^SiS?
®s
?-«**¥*?'*"»5*-v'vv.
VW Wv> W
M%m^^^^^^
/-y-vJv(^;i--!vSvs>:*»»?S^^5»'*-*J**i?5-'
Cf""^ .>^^,
'^ ./.^•^.
^VWW^
'^'^/^'
,^s'|5^^;^»*v«w'
^H
^Wv^'WV
' ^^ ' ^ r^^ V -^w.^r.::^.-> ' - ■"
v^vvVv^^
wwii«ii^s«^ig^«<(^Vi
'^Wwww/
'vy;:;-^^
-w y^y^'
.^^^s^SVW
.-^«^v
^*^*.-
^^4.4
^^"y i
^^Mx^.
,«^^A,,
J^#f!i
^¥^K,
"V'^^V
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11