DURING THE

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR, Tirom 1"1"15 to 1183,

DESCRIBING INTERESTING EVENTS AND TRANSACTIONS OF THIS PERIOD, WITH NUMEROUS

HISTORICAL FACTS AND ANECDOTES,

FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT. TO WHICH IS ADDED

AN APPENDIX,

CONTAINING

JJiojjrajrtitcai

OE

SEVERAL GENERAL OFFICERS.

BY JAMES JHACHEK, M D.

LATE SURGEON IN THE AMERICAN ARMY.

Aa Americans we hjdl with delight any attempt to rescue from oblivion the word* o'r actions of those whose names we have been taught to revere,"

BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY RICHARDSON AND LORD.

J. H. A. Frost, printer. 1823.

DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, to wit: DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE.

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the seventeenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three and in the forty-seventh year of the Independence of the United States of America, Richardson Sf Lord, of the said Dis trict, have deposited in this office, the title of a book the right whereof they claim as pro prietors, in the words following, to -wit :

"A Military Journal during the American Revolutionary War, from 1775 to 1783, des cribing Interesting Events and Transactions of this period, with numerous Historical Facts and Anecdotes, from the original Manuscript. To which is added, an Appendix, containing Biographical Sketches of several General Officers. By James Thacher, M. D late Surgeon in the American army." 'As Americans we hail with delight any attempt to rescue from oblivion the words or actions of those whose names we have been taught to revere.' "

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, " An Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts and Books to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies, during the times therein mentioned:" and also to an Act entitled, " An Act supplementary to an Act, entitled. An Act for the en couragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies during the times therein mentioned ; and extending the benefits thereof to the Arts of Deigning, Engraving and Etching Historical and other Prints." JOHN W. DAVIS,

Clerk of the District of Massachusetts.

GIFT

DEDICATION.

TO HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN BROOKS, ESQUIRE, Governor of Massachusetts.

IT is with peculiar felicity that your Excellency is recognized as one among the few survivors of that heroic band, who have been crowned with military honors for glorious achievements at an era when our republic was in its infancy, and in peril for its ex istence. This production, though aspiring not to the dignified title of history, may revive in your re collection scenes and events of the deepest interest, in which you nobly participated, and may afford to the rising generation lessons of instruction and motives for gratitude to their progenitors, when we shall be at rest. Long may those public virtues and that philanthropy, which are so eminently your charac teristics, continue to cement the love and gratitude of the people, and may the benedictions of Heaven be your final reward. With sentiments of profound veneration for the patriotic warrior and statesman, this work is dedicated,

By your Excellency's obedient, and very humble servant,

JAMES TEACHER,

Plymouth, January 1st, 1823.

815

INTRODUCTION.

IT is through your earnest solicitations, my dear friends, that I commit to public inspection the crude fragments, recorded in my Military Journal, kept during the American Revolutionary War. The subor dinate station which I sustained did not permit access to the great source from which all important events derived their origin ; nor was I made acquainted with the views and motives of action. The transac tions and occurrences which I shall relate, though of minor import and penned for temporary amuse ment, are nevertheless of a nature too deeply inter esting to be consigned to oblivion. No circumstance pertaining to our country's emancipation, but should be embalmed in the memory of our children and transmitted to the latest posterity, as among the most interesting transactions recorded in the annals of man. When we contemplate the vastly extended conse quences of our revolution, it will be conceded that every incident respecting its rise and progress, and the renowned patriots and heroes by whom it was

VI INTRODUCTION.

achieved, is well worthy of perpetual remembrance. With these are associated the primary principles of the rights of man, which so successfully prevailed at the period of our country's infancy. Those prin ciples, which are the great spring of action in the bosom of the honest patriot, spurn the power and paralyze the hearts of tyrants. The contents of these sheets refer more to details of military manoeuvres and the internal police of camps, than to projects and events which decide the fate of nations ; they may however, afford amusement to the inquisitive mind, and to the rising generation, precepts not alto gether destitute of importance and useful instruction. They will disclose some interesting particulars, not generally known, and may serve to augment the stock of information developing the fatal policy of the British government, as displayed on the theatre of her American colonies. This production may more over subserve the purpose of an epitomy of the history of the revolutionary contest, and abridge in some measure the labor of the youthful mind in the study of the more elaborate and technical histories of that ever memorable epoch. With this view I have prefixed a short sketch of interesting transac tions prior to the actual commencement of hostilities. " History,77 says a late elegant writer, " presents no struggle for liberty, which has in it more of the moral sublime, than that of the American revolution. It has been of late years too much forgotten in the sharp contentions of party, and he who endeavors to withdraw the public mind from these debasing con flicts, and to fix it on the grandeur of that epoch, which, magnificent in itself, begins now to wear the

INTRODUCTION. Vll

solemn livery of antiquity, as it is viewed through the deepening twilight of almost half a century? cer tainly performs a meritorious service, and can scarcely need a justification/'*

It may he deemed reproachful to our country, that nearly half a century has elapsed since the American colonies were emancipated from British thraldom, and that we are yet unfurnished with proper biographical memoirs of the renowned patriots and heroes whose unparalleled efforts under Providence, achieved the inestimable blessings of liberty and freedom. No characters assuredly, are more worthy to excite the curiosity and gratitude of posterity than those who contributed so largely to the establishment of our invaluable civil and religious privileges under a re publican constitution. The immortal chieftain, in deed, and his illustrious compeer, General Greene, can receive no additional memorials from any labors in my power to bestow. I might incur the imputa tion of arrogance were I to imagine myself competent to the duty of portraying in a just light the char acters of those whose revered names are introduced into the appendix of this work. I can only claim the merit of having exerted my best efforts to pro cure documents and assistance, and to illustrate their qualities under the guidance of the legitimate prin ciples of impartiality and justice. Should posterity inquire why their ancestors, destitute of military education or experience, abandoned their peaceful abodes to encounter the perils of uncertain warfare, let them be told it was not to execute the mandates of a tyrant in subjugating their fellow men, but it

*Silliman's Tour from Hurtford to Quebec, 1820.

Vlll INTRODUCTION.

was in defence of our most precious rights and privi leges ; it was a display of that genuine patriotism and true glory which, it is ever most honorable to venerate and cherish. While their own hearts glow with patriotic fervor, let them reflect, that true glory consists in the love of peace and the culture of be nevolence and good will to men. Let their souls hold in detestation every species of warfare, save that which may secure and defend the invaluable heritage which their fathers have bequeathed them, and for which their memories should be embalmed with the incense of gratitude.

N. B. Should the reader conceive that in detailing the ravages and aggressions of the British army, I have in dulged in language of asperity, inconsistent with that urbanity and good fellowship which it is desirable should be cultivated between the two nations at the present day, it may be observed that this is but a feeble specimen of the belligerant language employed by writers at that period when the wrathful passions were reciprocally ex cited and continually aggravated.

MILITARY JOURNAL.— 1775.

January. — At the precise period when my medi cal studies and education are completed, under the patronage of Dr. Abner Hersey of Barnstable, and I am contemplating the commencement of a new career in life, I find our country about to be involved in all the horrors of a civil war. A series of arbitrary and oppressive measures, on the part of the mother country, has long been advancing to that awful crisis, when an appeal to the power of the sword becomes inevitable. The event of this mighty struggle is to decide an affair of infinite magnitude, not merely as it respects the present generation, but as it will affect the welfare and happiness of unborn millions. The great fundamental principle, in the present controversy, is the right which is claimed by the Parliament of Great Britian, to exercise domi nion, as the only supreme, and uncontrollable legis lative power over all the American Colonies. " Can they make laws to bind the colonies in all cases what ever ; levy taxes on them without their consent ; dispose of the revenues, thus raised, without their control ; multiply officers at pleasure, and assign them fees, to be paid without, nay, contrary to and in direct violation of acts of our Provincial Assem- 2

10 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

blies and approved by the crown ? Can they en large the power of admiralty courts ; divert the usual channels of justice ; deprive the colonists of trial by a jury of their countrymen ; in short, break down the barriers which their forefathers have erected against arbitrary power, and enforce their edicts by fleets and armies." Then indeed are we reduced to a state of abject slavery ; and all resistance to acts of Parliament may justly be called by the name of trea son and rebellion. " The people of these colonies consider themselves as British subjects, entitled to all the rights and privileges of Freemen. It is in separably essential to the freedom of a people, and the undoubted right of Englishmen, that no taxes be imposed on them but with their own consent, given personally or by their representatives. From their local circumstances, the colonies cannot be represented in the house of commons of Great Britain ; the only representatives of the people of the colonies are the persons chosen therein by them selves ; and no taxes ever can be constitutionally im posed on them, but by their respective legislatures/* All acts of Parliament therefore, for raising a reve nue in America, are considered as depriving us of our property, without our consent, and consequently as a palpable infringement of our ancient rights and privileges. They are unconstitutional and arbi trary laws, subversive of the liberties and privi leges secured to us by our royal charters. It is not consistent with the principles which actuate the American people, ever tamely to submit to such a degrading system of government ; not however from a want of loyalty to our king, nor from an undue impatience of subordination or legal restraint ; for in a quiet submission and demeanor to constitutional authority, and in zeal and attachment to our king, we dare to vie with any of our fellow subjects of Great Britain ; but it is an innate love of liberty, and our just rights, that impels us to the arduous struggle.

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 11

In no country, it is asserted, is the love of liberty more deeply rooted, or the knowledge of the rights inherent to freemen more generally diffused, or better understood, than among the British American Colonies. Our religious and political privileges are derived from our virtuous fathers ; they were in haled with our earliest breath ; and are, and will I trust ever be, implanted arid cherished in the bosom of the present and future generations. These are the prevalent sentiments in New England at this eventful crisis, and all the other provinces, Georgia excepted, are known to be in unison with us in the resolution, to oppose with all our power every vio lation of our just rights and privileges. We are not however authorized, even in the most glorious of causes, to expect a perfect unanimity among a peo ple. Numerous are the springs of men's actions ; and diversity of sentiment and views are characteristic of human nature. Accordingly we find a small minority in our country who are inimical to the com mon cause, and who are continually opposing every proceeding of the majority. These people are doubtless actuated by various motives ; a few, com paratively, influenced by principle ; some by a spirit of timidity, or the absurd doctrine of passive obe dience and non-resistance ; others, from the strength of their passions, and weakness of judgment, are biassed and led astray by designing demagogues. There are, however, those who are vile enough to prostrate all honor and principle with the sordid view of office and preferment,

" For 'tis their duty, all the learned think, T'espouse that cause by which the}r eat and drink."

Those disaffected individuals, who still adhere to the royal cause, have received the epithet of Tories ; the very name is extremely abhorrent to the people in general, and they are subjected to such rigorous discipline as to prevent them from doing injury to

12 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

the great cause of our country. The great majority of the people are happily united in the resolution to oppose, to the uttermost, the wicked attempts of the English cabinet. This class of people have assumed the appellation of Whigs ; but by our ene mies are stigmatized by the name of Rebels. If, as we affirm, the British government have ceased to rule agreeably to the principles of our constitution, and our royal charter, and have assumed to them selves the high prerogative of despotic sway, then are we absolved from our allegiance and duties as British subjects. A contract abrogated by one party can no longer be binding on the other. If we are menaced with royal power and authority, we justify ourselves in defending our indefeasible rights against despotism and tyrannical oppression. Cowards alone will bend to unjust power, and slaves and sycophants only will yield both soul and body to the disposal of tyrannical masters. Should our efforts, under God, be crowned with the desired success, we shall obtain the honor of rescuing ourselves and posterity from vassalage ; but if compelled to succumb under royal power, then will ours be the rebel's fate, the scaf fold and the gibbet will be glutted with their devot ed victims. We cannot justly be accused of a rash precipitance of proceeding ; for petitions and memo rials, couched in the most loyal and humble language, have been at various periods presented to our royal sovereign, and his parliament, praying for a redress of grievances; but they are deaf to all our complaints and supplications, and the coercive arm of power is suspended over us, threatening implacable vengeance. Among the odious acts of the British Parliament they passed one which imposed a duty on the article of tea, and several cargoes of this commodity were shipped to America to obtain the duty and a market. On the arrival of the tea ships at Boston great indig nation was excited among the people ; town meetings were called to devise some legal measures to prohibit

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 13

the landing of the odious article. It was universally understood that if the tea was once landed, and stored, it would by some means come to a market and the duty to the government would be secured. In order to defeat this object a number of persons in disguise entered the ships at the wharves, broke open 342 chests of tea, and discharged their contents into the water at the dock. This was on the 16th Decem ber, 1773. When intelligence of this summary pro ceeding reached England, it was condemned by the government as enormously criminal. They menaced our Province with the most exemplary vengeance, and Parliament soon passed the Boston Vindictive Port Bill as a part of their coercive system, so that merely the name of tea is now associated with minis terial grievances, and tea drinking is almost tanta mount to an open avowal of toryism. Those who are anxious to avoid the odious epithet of enemies to their country, strictly prohibit the use of tea in their families, and the most squeamish ladies are compelled to have recourse to substitutes, or secretly steal indulgence in their favorite East India beve rage.

March. — For the purpose of enforcing submission to the cruel mandates of the royal government, a reinforcement of the British army has arrived at Boston ; and General Gage is appointed Governor and Commander in Chief. An armed fleet also occupies the harbor ; and the whole port is closed against all but British vessels. In short, the horrors of civil war seem stalking, with rapid strides, towards our devoted country. The people have resorted to the expedient of abolishing all the courts of justice under the new regulations. In our shire towns the populace have collected in sufficient numbers to bar the doors of the court houses, and prohibit the en trance of judges and officers ; the jurors are so intimidated, or zealous in the good cause, that in general they refuse to take the oath, or to act in any

14 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

manner under the new modification of government ; and the clerks of courts, who have issued warrants by which the jurors are summoned, have in many instances been compelled to acknowledge their contri tion, and to publish in the newspapers, a full recanta tion. At the regular term of the Court of Common Pleas at Barnstable, in September last, I witnessed the following prompt procedure. A body of about twelve hundred men assembled and obstructed the passage to the court house door. The leader of this assemblage was Dr. Nathaniel Freeman, a bold son of liberty, of Sandwich. Colonel James Otis, the chief justice of the court, preceded by the sheriff, ap proached; and the venerable chief justice demanded admission. Dr. Freeman replied that it was the intention of the people to prevent the court's being opened to exercise those unconstitutional powers, with which they are invested by Parliament. The chief justice, in his majesty's name, commanded them to disperse, and permit the court to enter and pro ceed to business. But his majesty's name had lost its power ; it can have no charms with the sons of liberty. The venerable judge then said he had acquitted himself of his duty, and retired. This proceeding had been discussed and concerted prior to the court term ; and Colonel Otis himself, a stanch whig, was, it is believed, not only apprized of, but actually acquiesced in, this bold measure. This ex cellent man is now advanced to about 74 years in life ; he is considered as possessing sound sense and good judgment ; and as being of the purest integrity. He lias been, for many years, the leading law character in the Old Colony, and a member of his majesty's coun cil of the province ; but his patriotism and zeal in the cause of our country have rendered him and his family exceedingly odious to Governor Hutchinson, and other adherents of thefcrown. Colonel Otis is the parent of that great champion, and able advocate for liberty and the rights of man, James Otis, jun. Esq.

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 15

This gentleman is now in a melancholy state of men tal derangement ; and all New England is deploring the irreparable loss of the talents, eloquence, and patriotic services of this justly celebrated character. Colonel Otis has two other sons, Joseph and Samuel Allen Otis who are active whigs ; and a daughter, married to James Warren, Esq. of Plymouth, who is now President of our Provincial Congress. Though no judicial courts are in existence, few crimes are committed ; all is peace, order and regularity. The people are their own rulers, and never was there less need of penal laws. Trivial disputes are mutu ally adjusted or decided by reference ; pecuniary demands are suspended, and the simple recommenda tions of Congress, and of our committees of safety, receive that cheerful acquiescence which is scorn fully denied to the coercive edicts emanating from despotic power. For

u Freedom has a thousand charms to show, That slaves, howe'er contented, never know."

We have a Provincial Congress in session at Con cord, consisting of delegates elected by the people, and also a grand Continental Congress at Philadel phia, composed of characters highly distinguished for political wisdom, rigid patriotism and public virtue.

The public indignation is now greatly excited by the following shameful transaction. The people from the country, whose business called them into Boston, were suspected by the officers, of purchasing guns from their soldiers. In order to furnish an oppor tunity to inflict punishment and to raise occasion for a serious quarrel, Lieutenant Colonel Nesbit of the forty-seventh regiment ordered a soldier to offer a countryman an old rusty musket. A man from Billerica was caught by this bait and purchased the gun for three dollars. The unfortunate man was immediately seized by Nesbit and confined in the guard house all night. Early next morning they

16 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

stripped him entirely naked, covered him over with warm tar, and then with feathers, placed him on a cart and conducted him through the streets as far as liberty -tree, where the people began to collect in vast numbers, and the military, fearing for their own safety, dismissed the man, and retreated to their barracks. The party consisted of about thirty gren adiers with fixed bayonets, twenty drums and fifes playing the Rogues' March, headed by the redoubta ble Nesbit with a drawn sword ! What an honor able deed for a British field officer and grenadiers ! The selectmen of Billerica remonstrated with Gen eral Gage respecting this outrage, but obtained no satisfaction.

Jlpril 21 st. — Intelligence is now received that the British regulars have marched out of Boston, and actually commenced hostilities against our people at Lexington. For the purpose of ascertaining the par ticular facts, I have been desired to wait on Col. Otis, at his mansion in this town. It was in the evening, when I found this dignified patriot in his easy chair, with several of his neighbors listening with agitated spirits to some account of this first most awful trage dy. The good old gentleman had received a letter containing a statement of some particulars, and with manifest trepidation he said to this effect. "The British troops marched to Lexington and Concord last Wednesday, the 19th instant, for the purpose of destroying some of our military stores ; our militia collected and met them at Lexington ; the regulars soon commenced firing on them ; our people re turned the fire ; a smart skirmish ensued, and several men were killed on both sides. The British were compelled to retreat, in some confusion, to Boston ; and our people pursued and harassed them. The fearful day has arrived ! a civil war has actually commenced in our land. We must be prepared for the worst, and may God preserve and protect our country." This tragical event seems to have elec-

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 17

trifled all classes of people ; the brave are fired with manly resentment, the timid overwhelmed in despair ; the patriotic whigs sorrowing over public calamities, while the tories indulge the secret hope, that the friends of liberty are about to receive their chastisement. The sword is now unsheathed, and our friends are slaughtered by our cruel enemies ; expresses are hastening from town to town, in all directions through the country, spreading the melan choly tidings and inspiriting and rousing the people To Jlrms ! To Jlrms ! The people of New England have taken the alarm, and their hearts are animated even to enthusiasm. There is an enthusiasm in reli gion, in politics, in military achievements, and in gallantry and love, and why not an enthusiasm in the love of country? No species of enthusiasm surely can be more laudable, or more honorable. Never was a cause more just, more sacred than ours ; we are commanded to defend the rich inheritance bequeath ed to us by our virtuous ancestors ; and it is our bounden duty to transmit it uncontaminated to posteri ty ; we must fight valiantly therefore, for our lives and property, for our holy religion, for our honor, and for our dearest friends. We are not born to be slaves, and are resolved to live and die, free ; ap pealing to the sovereign Ruler of the Universe for the justice of our cause, and relying on his Almighty arm for protection and support. A certain number of active men, in every town, have formed them selves into military companies, under the name of minute men ; they are daily practising the manual exercise, and are held in constant readiness to march against the enemy at a moment's warning. We await with trembling expectation the issue of every hour.

Authenticated accounts are now received of the battle at Lexington. On Tuesday evening, 18th in stant, General Gage despatched, with as much secrecy as possible, a detachment consisting of eight or nine 3

18 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

hundred regulars, tinder the command of Lieutenant Col. Smith, for the purpose of destroying some military stores, which our people had deposited at Concord, about eighteen miles from Boston. Having arrived at Lexington, six miles short of Concord, they were met by a company of militia, of about one hundred men, who having taken the alarm, began to assemble from different towns before daylight. They were assem bled near the church, about sunrise ; when the British advanced in quick march to within a few rods, Major Pitcairn called out, " Disperse you Rebels, throw down your arms and disperse" Their small number would not admit of opposition, and while they were dispersing, the regulars huzzaed, and immediately one or two pistols were fired by the officers, and four or five muskets by the soldiers ; when a pretty gen eral discharge from the whole party followed, by which eight of our people were killed and seven wounded. The British now renewed their march to Concord, where they destroyed a few articles of stores and sixty barrels of flour. Here they were met by about one hundred and fifty militia men, on whom they fired and killed two, and wounded others. Our militia and minute men were now collecting in considerable numbers, and being justly enraged they made a bold and furious attack on the enemy, and drove them in quick march to Lexington. Gen eral Gage having received intelligence of the critical situation of his troops, immediately ordered out Lord Percy, with a large reinforcement, with two field pieces. He marched over the neck through Rox- bury, his music playing by way of contempt and derision the tune of " Yankee doodle" This timely reinforcement joined the party under command of Colonel Smith at Lexington, which formed a force of about eighteen hundred men. They soon deemed it prudent to commence their inarch to Boston, the provincial militia and minute men, continually in creasing in numbers, pursued and flanked them with

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 19

the hope of cutting off their retreat. A constant skirmishing ensued ; the provincials concealed them selves behind stone walls, and with a sure aim thin ned their enemies' ranks, and occasioned among them great confusion. On their side, they could only keep up a scattering fire, without effect, frequently firing over the stone walls, when there was not a man to be seen behind them. The great object of the British, was to effect a safe retreat to Boston ; but, to avenge themselves, they burnt and plundered houses, destroyed property, and actually murdered several innocent unarmed persons. The situation of the king's forces was, during the day, extremely hazardous ; and it is considered wonderful that any of them escaped. Worn down and almost exhausted with fatigue, and their ammunition nearly expended, they had become nearly defenceless when they reach ed Charlestown, in the evening, after a loss of two hundred and seventy three men, killed, wounded and prisoners* The loss on the side of the Provin cials is eighty eight in the whole. The British officers have received a specimen of Yankee courage, which they have hitherto affected to hold in the most sovereign contempt ; they have ascertained by fatal experience, that the people of New England will bid defiance to their veteran regulars, and fight courageously in defence of their rights. It is truly said to be matter of astonishment and chagrin, that after all their glorying, their veteran troops have been compelled to flee before a comparatively small number of undisciplined Yankees. The origin of this term, so frequently employed by way of reproach to the New England people, is said to be as follows. A farmer, by name Jonathan Hastings, of Cambridge, about the year 1713 used it as a cant, favorite word, to express excellency when applied to any thing ; as a Yankee good horse, Yankee cider, &c. mean ing an excellent horse and excellent cider. The students at college, having frequent intercourse with

20 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

Mr. Hastings, and hearing him employ the term OH all occasions, adopted it themselves, and gave him the name of Yankee Jonathan 5 this soon became a cant word among the collegians to express a weak, simple, awkward person, and from college it was carried and circulated through the country, till, from its currency in New England, it was at length taken up and unjustly applied to the New Eng- landers in common, as a term of reproach. It was in consequence of this that a particular song called " Yankee doodle" was composed in derision of those scornfully called Yankees. *

May. — Since the catastrophe at Lexington, our Provincial Congress have addressed the several towns of the colony in a circular letter, in the following im pressive language. " We conjure you by all that is dear, by all that is sacred, that you give all as sistance possible in forming the Army. Our all is at stake. Death and devestation are the certain consequences of delay. Every moment is infinitely precious. An hour lost may deluge your country in blood, and entail perpetual slavery on the few of your posterity who may survive the carnage. We beg and entreat, as you will answer it to your country, to your consciences, and, above all, as you will answer it 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 that expedition which the vast im portance and instant urgency of the affair demands."

It is scarcely possible to describe the zeal and military ardor which pervades New England since the battle at Lexington. It is supposed that nearly forty thousand men have been in arms with the de sign of investing the town of Boston, and avenging themselves on the enemy for their late slaughter of

* There appears some incongruity in the above definition of the word Yankee. The following; Is supposed by some to be the origin frcra which it is derived. u Yankee is the Indian corruption of Lnglish* Tenches, Yanghs, Yanldes, and finally Yankee."

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 21

our brethren. The universal voice is " starve them out" Drive them from the town and let his majes ty's ships be their only place of refuge. Our Pro vincial Congress have resolved that an army of thirty thousand men be immediately raised and established. A considerable number have already enlisted, and being formed into regiments, have taken their station at Cambridge and Roxbury. The country militia, in great numbers, have arrived from various parts of New England ; and the town of Boston is now in vested on all sides, and thus is the whole royal army reduced to the humble condition of a besieged garri son. The situation of the inhabitants is deplorable ; a considerable proportion of the most affluent have removed into the country ; but others, from various circumstances, are compelled to remain and suffer all the calamities of a besieged town and precarious subsistence. Instances indeed are not wanting of members of families being torn from each other, women and children flying from their husbands and parents, under the most afflictive and destitute cir cumstances.

We are now experiencing a singular kind of In terregnum in our Province ; more than a year has elapsed without any legal government, or any regular administration of law and justice. — No crimes, how ever, of an atrocious nature have, we believe, been perpetrated ; all classes of people appear to be sub missive, under the influence of the principles of moral rectitude and common justice ; and the resolutions and recommendations of Congress have all the weight and efficacy of laws. Our domestic tranquillity is in some measure interrupted by a restless spirit among the tories ; but the great body of the community are actuated by the glorious cause of our country's freedom. The maxim adopt/ed by our enemies is, " Divide and conquer" We enjoin the command, " Unite and be invincible." It is considered in finitely important to encourage and promote a more

22 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

perfect union among the colonies, and harmony and unanimity among the people. " Liberty or death" " Unite or die," are the mottos which blazon the chronicles of the day, and embellish the military standards of almost every militia company. The man who does not acquiesce in the theme of liberty is marked by the vigilant eye of suspicion, or stig matized as an enemy to his country. Liberty poles are erected in almost every town and village ; and when a disaffected tory renders himself odious, by any active conduct, with the view of counteracting the public measures, he is seized by a company of armed men, and conducted to the liberty pole, under which he is compelled to sign a recantation, and give bonds for his future good conduct. In some instances, of particular stubbornness and obstinacy, individuals have been imprisoned, or their names have been published in the newspapers as enemies to their country. It has indeed unfortunately hap pened, that a few individuals, in consequence of their own indiscretion, have been the subjects of a more rigorous procedure. Having fallen into the hands of those whose zeal has transported them beyond the bounds of moderation, they have received from the rabble a coat of tar and feathers, and in this predicament have been exposed to the scoffs and rid icule of the populace. Such examples have the effect of striking terror into the hearts of all the disaffected, and of restraining the whole party from acting against the general sense of the people. The tories make bitter complaints against the discipline which they receive from the hands of the whigs ; their language is, " You make the air resound with the cry of liberty, but subject those who differ from you to the humble condition of slaves, not permitting us to act, or even think, according to the dictates of conscience." The reply is, " It is one of the first principles of a free government, that the majority shall bear rule ; our majority is immensely large ;

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 23

we have undertaken the hazardous task of defending the liberties of our country against the mighty power of Great Britian ; and hold ourselves responsible for our conduct. If you possess not patriotism and courage enough to unite your efforts with ours, it is our duty to put it out of your power to injure the common cause. If we are successful, your party and posterity will participate in the important advan tages to be derived from our efforts. If our party should be crushed, then will yours in turn become triumphant." A small number of our tories have abandoned their homes, their families and property, and resorted to the standard of their royal master in Boston ; consoling themselves in the confident expectation of an ample reward, and a triumphant restoration. The clergymen of New England are, almost without exception, advocates of whig princi ples ; there are a few instances only of the separation of a minister from his people, in consequence of a disagreement in political sentiment. The tories censure, in a very illiberal manner, the preacher who speaks boldly for the liberties of the people, while they lavish their praises on him who dares to teach the absurd doctrine, that magistrates have a divine right to do wrong, and are to be implicitly obeyed. It is recommended by our Provincial Con gress, that on other occasions than the sabbath, min isters of parishes adapt their discourses to the times, and explain the nature of civil and religious liberty, and the duties of magistrates and rulers. Accord ingly, we have from our pulpits the most fervent and pious effusions to the throne of Divine Grace in be half of our bleeding, afflicted country. A zealous divine, who has been compelled to abandon the people of his charge in Boston, on one occasion used, in the pulpit at P#*#, the following emphatical language. "Oh ! Lord, if our enemies will fight us, let them have fighting enough. If more soldiers are on their way hither, sink them, 0 Lord, to the bottom of the sea,"

24 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

Every heart seemed ready to respond, "Amen, yea, let them have fighting enough."

June 14th. — General Gage has issued a proclama tion declaring the province of Massachusetts Bay to be in a state of rebellion, offering a pardon to all who will resort to his standard, and denouncing the penalty of martial law on all those who refuse to submit to his authority, or who shall be found aiding or corres ponding with such as he has designated as unpardon able rebels and traitors. He has been pleased to proscribe by name, Mr. John Hancock and Mr. Sam uel Adams, as objects of his exemplary vengeance. Yet, singular as it may appear, this same authorized Governor, and General in Chief of the royal army, is now cooped up in the town of Boston, panting for a country airing, of which he is debarred by his de nounced rebels.

We are again shocked by intelligence that a ter rible battle has been fought between the British reg ulars and the American soldiers, on Bunker, or rather Breed's hill, in Charlestown, near Boston, on the 17th instant. The report states that the whole town of Charlestown is burnt to ashes by the enemy, and that Dr. Joseph Warren, lately appointed Major General in our army, is killed ; and that several hun dreds of our soldiers are killed and wounded. The battle, it is said, was extremely severe and destruc tive ; but the provincial troops displayed the greatest courage and bravery, in the face of the regulars, and have obtained immortal honor. The British were several times defeated before they took possession of our works, and have suffered a loss of more than a thousand of their best troops ; among whom are a large proportion of their most valuable officers. They are now taught that Americans can bid defi ance to royal regulars, when called to defend their freedom. The situation of our country is truly de plorable, a civil war at our doors ; our neighbors, our fathers and brothers, called from their families to

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 25

encounter an inexorable enemy consisting indeed of brethren and kindred ; our domestic peace and welfare cruelly interrupted, and the aspect of our public affairs gloomy in the extreme. All New England has become a theatre of military array ; and every member of the community manifests the deep est concern for the great calamities, with which the country is afflicted, by the tyrannical measures of a corrupt administration. In the favor of Heaven and the wisdom of our Congress we repose all our hope and confidence. Participating, I trust, in the glori ous spirit of the times, and contemplating improve ment in my professional pursuits, motives of patrio tism and private interest prompt me to hazard my fortune in this noble conflict, with my brethren in the Provincial army. From the critical and embar rassed situation of our country, numerous and almost insurmountable difficulties are opposed to my view ; and I am too young to possess a maturity of judgment, but yet unable to resist the impulse of enthusiasm which characterizes the times. My friends afford me no encouragement, alleging, that as this is a civil war, if I should fall into the hands of the British the gallows will be my fate. The terrors of the gallows are not to be conquered, but I must indulge the hope that I may escape it. Hundreds of my superiors may take their turn before mine shall come. The tories assail me with the following powerful arguments. "Young man, are you sensible you are about to violate your duty to the best of kings, and run headlong into destruction? Be assured that this rebellion will be of short duration. The royal army is all powerful, and will, in a few months, march through the country and bring all to subjection ; for they are experienced in war and expert in discipline. Their fleet is able to destroy every seaport town and beat down all our cities. There remains no rational alternative but a reconciliation and renewed obedience to our lawful government; or we shall soon experience their just 4

26 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

vengeance. What is your army but an undisciplined rabble? Can they stand against an army of regulars? where are your cannon, your fire arms, your bayonets, and all your implements of war? above all, where is your treasure, and where can you look for a barrel of gun powder? the whole country can scarcely afford a sufficiency for a battle of an hour." Not a small portion of their reasoning I feel to be just and true. I am not certain, however, but much of it may prove erroneous. The result of the late battle at Charlestown should convince the most incredulous tory, that our soldiers will face the regular troops, and that we are blessed with the smiles of Heaven on our exertions. It would be presumption in me to determine as to possibilities and prospects ; but the voice of liberty cannot be stifled, while the welfare and happiness of more than three millions of people now in America, and of unborn millions, are involved in the issue. Our rulers are the most competent judges, and under their banners I shall venture, I hope not rashly, to enlist, and trust my destiny in the hands of a kind and overruling Providence. My contemplated enterprise, it is true, requires the ex perience and resolution of riper years than tweny one, and qualifications, which I do not possess, to ingratiate myself with strangers and those in authority. Hav ing consulted Joseph Otis, Esq. of Barnstable, on this occasion, he immediately applauded my enterprise, and politely furnished me with a letter to his brother- in-law^ James Warren, Esq. of Plymouth, who is President of our Provincial Congress at Watertown. Imagination could not fail to paint my prospects in bright colors, and I proceeded, July the 3d, with alacrity to the seat of Congress. I was not disap pointed in my interview with Mr. Warren ; my letter procured for me a favorable and polite recep tion. He honored me with his friendship and kind assistance, and introduced me to his lady, whose father's family and my own, have for many years

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 27

been on terms of friendly intercourse. The office which I solicit is one in the medical department, in the provincial hospital at Cambridge. A medical board, consisting of Drs. Holton and Taylor, are appointed to examine the candidates ; and they added my name to the list for examination, on the 10th instant. This state of suspense continuing several days, excites in my mind much anxiety and solicitude, apprehending that my stock of medical knowledge, when scanned by a learned committee, may be deemed inadequate, and all my hopes be blasted. While on my journey, a visit of a few days to my friends at Plymouth, gave me an opportunity to pay my res pects to the rock9 which received the first footsteps of our venerated forefathers. The inhabitants of this ancient town, from a reverence for the memory of the virtuous band of brothers from whom we de rive our origin, have lately with commendable zeal and much labor, split off the upper portion of the rock, and removed it to a public square near the church and court house. This rock, with its associa tions, would seem almost capable of imparting that love of country, and that moral virtue, which our times so much require. We seem holding converse with the celestial spirits, and receiving monition from those who are at rest in their graves. Have these ancient sages bequeathed their mantle to posterity ? Can we set our feet on their rock without swearing, by the spirit of our fathers, to defend it and our country ? If we reflect on their matchless enterprise, their fortitude, and their sufferings, we must be in spired with the spirit of patriotism, and the most invincible heroism. Unappalled by the dangers of unknown seas, and the perils and the hardships of a savage wilderness, they left their native country and undertook a settlement which promises, through ages, to remain the rich abode of knowledge, religion, virtue and freedom. Let us then cherish a becoming sense of the exalted privileges inherited from our

28 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

ancestors, and resolve to defend them against all attempts of a corrupt administration.

July. — I improve the interim of my suspense to record an authentic narrative of the battle, on Breed's hill, on the 17th of June. Intelligence had been received that it was the intention of General Gage to post a part of his troops, within a few days, on a promontory just at the entrance of the penin sula at Charlestown, called Bunker's hill. It was deemed important that our troops should possess themselves of this eminence, before the enemy could occupy it. Accordingly orders were given to Colonel Prescott a veteran of the last war, with one thousand men to march silently in the evening of the 16th of June, and throw up some intrenchments on the height of Bunkers hill. By some mistake they took possession of Breed's hill, which being about one fourth of a mile nearer Boston, was less capable of being defended. From some cause, the detach ment was delayed in their labor, till 12 o'clock ; but such was their alacrity, that before day light they had formed a small redoubt and some imperfect line of defence. About 4 o'clock in the morning the British were astonished to behold the works which had been thrown up in a single night, within a short distance of their vessels, without giving the least alarm. They immediately commenced a tremendous cannonade from their shipping, their floating batte ries, and from all their fortifications, which could have a bearing on the American works. Bombs and shot were incessantly rolling among the provincials during the forenoon, till the royal grenadiers and light infantry could be prepared to make their for midable attack ; yet one man only was killed ; and the Americans courageously persevered in strength ening their works. They received in the course of the forenoon a small reinforcement, which augmented their number to about fifteen hundred, and this was not much exceeded during the day of battle. It was

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775,. 29

by an unaccountable error that tbose people, who had been laboring all the night, were not relieved by others, nor even furnished with provisions before the battle. Generals Putnam, Warren and Pome- roy, animated and encouraged the troops with their presence. At about 1 o'clock, 17th of June, the royal forces were observed to cross the river from Boston, and land on the shore at Charlestown ; at the head of these veterans were Major General Howe and Brigadier General Pigot ; their force consisted of about three thousand men, well provid ed with field artillery. They formed in two lines, their officers haranging them probably in such lan guage as this. " Those cowardly rebels must and shall be put to flight. See the dastardly Yankees with rusty guns and scarcely a bayonet among them. March on, my lads, march on, show them that you are Britons ; show them these dazzling arms, and bayonets bright and sharp, and you shall soon see them take to their heels and run." Hear the voice of Putnam, of Prescott and Warren. " See my brave soldiers that phalanx approaching ; these lines must and shall be defended ; these are the cruel enemies to your freedom ; they have come to enslave you ; remember their barbarous murders of our friends at Lexington ; fight manfully, and they shall be vanquished, reserve your fire till their near ap proach ; then with a sure aim cut them down, cut them down, and the victory shall be ours." The regulars deliberately advance to the attack, the gren adiers in front. The Americans reserve their fire till the enemy are within eight or ten rods, that they may do effectual execution ; when, by a general discharge of musketry and field artillery, several officers and men are seen to fall, « their ranks are thinned ; see the ground covered with the slain ; see those wound ed officers borne off the field." The conflict be comes close, and such are the fatal effects of the incessant and furious discharge of our musketry, that

30 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

the regulars retreat in disorder and many of them flee even to their boats. The officers greatly agitat ed pursue their men and threaten them with their swords ; with great difficulty they are rallied, and commanded to advance again to the attack. The provincials are prepared, and when sufficiently near, a deadly fire from their ranks puts the enemy a second time to flight, leaving such numbers of dead and wounded that several of their officers exclaim, " It is downright butchery to lead the men on afresh against the lines." At this critical moment Major General Clinton, who till now had been a spectator with General Burgoyne on Copp's hill in Boston, passed over and entered the field, just in time to unite his efforts with those of the other officers for the purpose of forcing the regulars to renew the attack. The Americans still remain firm and coura geous at their posts ; but unfortunately it was now discovered that their powder was nearly expended, and another supply could not be procured. The enemy now change the position of their cannon and place them in a situation to rake the inside of our breast work in its whole course, which at length obliges the provincials to retire within their little redoubt. The firing from the British ships, and other armed vessels and batteries, is now pushed to the utmost extremity ; the regulars are impelled forward by their officers, and our redoubt is attacked on three sides at the same time. Our brave men continue their resistance, and actually confront the enemy with the butt end of their muskets after they had entered the fort. A party of our men under command of Captain Knowlton had taken up a post and rail fence, and placing it against another, filled the vacancy with newly mowed hay, which served as a slight defence. The British light infantry at tempted to force this little party from their stand, and by this means to cut off the retreat of our troops. In this they displayed the greatest bravery, but their

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 31

opposers poured forth their reserved and formidable fire in such a manner as to produce astonishing execu tion, and to arrest their progress, till the whole of the Americans could effect a retreat. The narrow neck of land over which alone the provincials could retire, was so securely guarded by a man of war and two floating batteries, as to render it extremely hazardous to pass over ; but notwithstanding their in cessant firing, our loss there was quite inconsiderable. The provincials were obliged to leave five pieces of field artillery in the hands of the enemy, finding it impossible to remove them. But a loss infinitely to be lamented, and which occasions universal grief and sorrow, is that of Major General Joseph Warren. This distinguished patriot and hero was, but a few days before, appointed by Congress to the rank of Major General in our army. Such was his zeal and ardor that he rushed into the battle foremost in danger with his musket, and encouraged the soldiers by his example, till near the close of the battle, when he received a fatal shot and immediately expired. The loss at this crisis of a man possessing so much public virtue and military ardor is almost irreparable. But the valor with which he is signalized reflects glory on his memory. It yet remains to mention that on this ever memorable day, just at the com mencement of the battle, General Howe ordered the handsome town of Charlestown to be set on fire, that the smoke might conceal their manoeuvres. The town consisted of upwards of three hundred dwelling houses, some of them elegant, and about two hundred buildings of other descriptions, which contained prop erty and goods to a large amount, belonging to the distressed inhabitants of Boston. Fire was commu nicated to a number of houses, which, being wafted by the wind, soon reached the sacred temple, when the flames issued from its lofty spire ; while from the conflagration and the embattled field, smoke mingled with smoke in majestic columns, and ascended to the

32 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

clouds. This, with the roaring of cannon, sheets of fire from the musketry, and the awful slaughter, formed a spectacle which for sublimity and grandeur has never perhaps been exceeded. This most dread ful scene, with all its concomitant horrors, was within view of a vast concourse of agonized spectators, posted on the tops of houses and steeples in Boston, and on numerous surrounding hills, hundreds of whom were trembling for the fate of a parent, a husband or a brother. Well might a devout person exclaim, Good Heavens ! what a scene do I behold ! what carnage of the human race ! what sacrifice of precious life. My God ! stay thy hand, restrain a further effusion of human blood, spare the innocent, let punishment fall on the heads of the guilty. Is there not some hidden curse in reserve for our country's foes ! At the head of the British army General Howe advanc ed with undaunted bravery, continually pressing into the most exposed situation. It is truly wonderful that he escaped with only a wound in his foot. The valiant Major Pitcairn, who was so conspicuously active at Lexington, was among the first who mount ed our breast works, and at the moment when he was heard to exclaim, " the day is ours," the fatal ball pierced his body and he fell. His son, a Captain, received him in his arms, with all the ardor of filial love and tender sympathy, and bore him to the boat where he expired. On the American side, Gen erals Putnam, Warren, Pomeroy, and Colonel Prescott were emphatically the heroes of the day, and their unexampled efforts were crowned with glory. The incomparable Colonel Prescott marched at the head of the detachment, and though several general officers were present, he retained the command during the action. He displayed a native daring bravery alto gether unrivalled, and infused the conquering spirit of a soldier into the hearts of all who were under his command, and crowned himself with immortal honor. Colonel John Stark commanded a regiment from

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 3&

New Hampshire, and signalized himself by his ac tive bravery. His very valiant Major McClary was killed by a cannon ball while recrossing Charlestown neck, which is lamented as a public loss. On this never to be forgotten occasion a fair opportunity was presented for the trial of the courage and prowess of the people of New England, when contending for their constitutional freedom. They marched to the field as an undisciplined, inexperienced body of yeomanry, rather than as professed warriors ; a large * majority of them carrying ordinary fire arms, un.- provided with bayonets, and habited in the style of country laborers. It was their lot to contend with an army of disciplined veterans, professedly experi enced in the art of warfare, uniformly clothed and armed, and commanded by generals whose names, even in Europe, are little less than a host.

The comparative force of the two armies was about two to one, against the provincials, besides the royal artillery ships, and other armed vessels. What in fact is the result of this most unequal com bat? Certain it is, that on the first and the second onset, the veterans were fairly repulsed, and whatever advantage was ultimately obtained, was at the ex pense of some of their most valuable officers, and the flower of the British grenadiers and light infantry. These two corps, at the moment of their first onset, lost three fourths of their number ; of one company five, and of another, fourteen only escaped. The remarkable disparity of loss is a clear demonstration of the superior advantage on our side. It is an ascer tained fact, that of the enemy nineteen commissioned officers were killed, and seventy wounded ; and their total loss, according to General Gage, was one thousand and fifty four. Of the provincials, the killed and dead of their wounds, are one hundred and thirty nine. Other wounded, two hundred and seventy eight. Prisoners by the enemy thirty six. Total four hun dred and fifty three. The provincials have much 5

34 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

reason to triumph on the successful issue of this first general conflict with veteran troops ; it must tend greatly to increase their confidence in their own powers, and give them a serious impression that we are favored with the smiles of Heaven. Had our troops been furnished with a sufficient quantity of ammunition, the enemy must have suffered a total defeat. After our troops retreated, the regulars took possession of their dear hought Bunker's hill, and immediately fortified themselves there. It is said that some of the veteran British officers, who have been in some hard fought battles in Europe, observed, that they had never witnessed any one equal in severity to that on Breed's hill. It is pre sumed they will no longer apply the term paltroons to American soldiers. A considerable number of tories, whose zeal for the royal cause led them into battle, were killed or wounded. Our army has taken post at Cambridge and Roxbury, in such a manner as to invest the town of Boston. Our general officers are Generals Ward, Pomeroy, Thomas and Heath, of Massachusetts colony, and General Putnam from Connecticut.

On the day\ippointed, the medical candidates, six teen in number, were summoned before the board for examination. This business occupied about four hours ; the subjects were anatomy, physiology, sur gery and medicine. It was not long after, that I was happily relieved from suspense, by receiving the sanction and acceptance of the board, with some ac ceptable instructions relative to the faithful discharge of duty, and the humane treatment of those soldiers who may have the misfortune to require my assistance. Six of our number were privately rejected as being found unqualified. The examination was in a consid erable degree close and severe, which occasioned not a little agitation in our ranks. But it was on another occasion, as I am told, that a candidate under exami nation was agitated into a state of perspiration, and

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 35

being required to describe the mode of treatment in rheumatism, among other remedies he would promote a sweat, and being asked how he would eftect this with his patient, after some hesitation he replied, " I would have him examined by a medical com mittee." I was so fortunate as to obtain the office of surgeon's mate in the provincial hospital at Cam bridge, Dr. John Warren being the senior surgeon. He was the brother and pupil of the gallant General Joseph Warren, who was slain in the memorable battle on Breed's hill. This gentleman has acquired great reputation in his profession, and is distinguish ed for his humanity and attention to the sick and wounded soldiers, and for his amiable disposition. Having received my appointment by the Provincial Congress, I commenced my duty in the hospital, July 15th. Several private, but commodious houses in Cambridge are occupied for hospitals, and a con siderable number of soldiers who were wounded at Breed's hill, and a greater number of sick of various diseases, require all our attention. Dr. Isaac Foster, late of Charlestown, is also appointed a senior hos pital surgeon ; and his student, Mr. Josiah Bartlet, officiates as his mate ; Dr. Benjamin Church is Direc tor General of the hospital.

I am informed that General George Washington arrived at our provincial camp, in this town, on the 2d July ; having been appointed, by the unanimous voice of the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, General and Commander in Chief of all the troops raised, and to be raised, for the defence of the United Colonies, as they are now termed. They are, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecti cut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. General Washington is a native of Vir ginia ; he was in General Braddock's defeat in 1755, and having had considerable experience in the wars with the French arid Indians on the frontiers of that

36 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

colony, in former years, — he is supposed to possess ample qualifications for the command of our army, and the appointment gives universal satisfaction. Such is his disinterested patriotism, that he assured Congress, on his appointment, that he should receive from the public, for his military services, no other compensa tion than the amount of his necessary expenses. He has been received here with every mark of respect, and addressed by our Provincial Congress in the most affectionate and respectful manner. All ranks ap pear to repose full confidence in him as Commander in Chief ; it is the fervent prayer of the religiously disposed, that he may be instrumental in bringing this unhappy controversy to an honorable and speedy termination. He is accompanied by General Lee and General Gates ; two gentlemen who have held com missions in the royal army. The former is now ap pointed Major General, and the latter Adjutant Gene ral, by our Continental Congress. General Washing ton has established his head-quarters in a convenient house, about half a mile from Harvard College, and in the vicinity of our hospital. The provincial army is encamped in various parts of this town and Rox- bury, and some works have been erected on Prospect Hill, and on an eminence near Roxbury church, within cannon shot of Boston. The amount of our forces I have not ascertained ; but we are daily in creasing in numbers, both of militia and enlisted sol diers. The operations of the war have interrupted the progress of education at college ; the students have returned to their homes, and the college build ings are occupied by our soldiery.

July 20lh. — This day is devoted to a Public Fast throughout the United Colonies, by the recommenda tion of Congress, to implore the Divine benediction on our country ; that any further shedding of blood may be averted ; and that the calamities with which we are afflicted may be removed. This is the first General or Continental Fast ever observed since the

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 37

settlement of the colonies. I have been much grati fied this day with a view of General Washington. His Excellency was on horseback, in company with several military gentlemen. It was not difficult to distinguish him from all others ; his personal appear ance is truly noble and majestic ; being tall and well proportioned. His dress is a blue coat with buff colored facings, a rich epaulette on each shoulder, buff under dress, and an elegant small sword ; a black cockade in his hat.

August. — The firing of cannon is now frequently practised from our works at Prospect Hill and Winter Hill, advantageous eminences in full view and within cannon shot of the enemy's camp on Bunker's Hill ; and some shot are returned from the enemy ; but without any considerable loss. At Roxbury also our people have fortified several hills, and breast works are thrown up across the main street, within half a mile of the British lines ; from which cannon shot and some bomb shells are every day thrown into Boston. The enemy fire their cannon shot into Rox bury, and several have passed through the church ; but little damage has yet been sustained, and our soldiers become so familiarized to the sight of cannon shot rolling among them, that they manifest little or no fear of the consequences. The right wing of our army at Roxbury is commanded by Major General Ward; and the left, at Prospect Hill, by Major General Lee.

The Continental Congress having voted, " That a sum not exceeding two millions of Spanish' milled dollars be emitted by them in bills of credit for the defence of America" gold and silver soon disappear* ed, and paper bills now circulate instead of specie.

Several companies of riflemen, amounting, it is said, to more than fourteen hundred men, have arrived here from Pennsylvania and Maryland ; a distance of from five hundred to seven hundred miles. They are remarkably stout and hardy men ; many of

38 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

them exceeding six feet in height. They are dressed in white frocks, or rifle shirts, and round hats. These men are remarkable for the accuracy of their aim ; striking a mark with great certainty at two hundred yards distance. At a review, a company of them, while on a quick advance, fired their balls into ob jects of seven inches diameter, at the distance of two hundred and fifty yards. They are now stationed on. our lines, and their shot have frequently proved fatal to British officers and soldiers, who expose them selves to view, even at more than double the distance of common musket shot.

October. — An event of considerable importance has occurred, which occasions much surprise and speculation. Dr. Benjamin Church has long sustain ed high reputation as a patriot and son of liberty. He has, for some time, been a member of our House of Representatives ; and has been appointed Surgeon General and Director of our Hospitals. This gentle man has just been detected in a traitorous corres pondence with the enemy in Boston. A letter in cipher, written by him, was intrusted to the care of a female, with whom he was well acquainted, to be conveyed to Boston. On examination, the woman absolutely refused to reveal the name of the writer, till she was terrified by the threats of severe punish ment ; when she named Dr. Church, he was greatly agitated and confounded, manifested marks of guilt, and made no attempt to vindicate himself. But after the letter was deciphered, and he had taken time to reflect, he used all his powers of persuasion to make it appear that the letter contained no information that would injure the American cause ; and made a solemn appeal to heaven that it was written for the purpose of procuring some important intelligence from the enemy. He was tried, convicted, and expelled from the House of Representatives ; and Congress after wards resolved, " that he be closely confined in some secure jail in Connecticut, without the use of pen,

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 39

ink, or paper; and that no person be allowed to converse with him, except in the presence and hear ing of a magistrate, or the sheriff of the county."*

I have just returned from a ramble to Roxbury, with a view of examining the camp and works in that quarter. Not meeting with any person with whom I am acquainted, I returned after a slight view of the lines and the church in that town, which is pierced through in many places by cannon shot from the enemy.

IQth. — General Gage has sailed for England ; and the command of the army, has devolved on General William Howe. He has issued a proclamation, pro hibiting all persons attempting to quit the town, with out a written license, on penalty of military execu tion, if taken, and if they escape they are to be pro ceeded against as traitors, and their effects to be for feited ; and also declaring, that if any, who are licensed to depart, attempt carrying away more than five pounds in specie, they shall forfeit the whole sum discovered, beside suffering fine and imprison ment. Such is the wretched condition of the Bosto- nians since their native town has been converted into a royal garrison. It is recollected that in April last, it was agreed between General Gage and a committee of the town, that on the inhabitants in general sur rendering up their fire arms to the care of the select men, all such inhabitants as were desirous of remov ing out of town, should have this liberty, with their families and effects. The town voted to comply with this proposal, and General Gage on his part confirm ed the same. It was also stipulated, that those per sons in the country who should incline to remove into Boston should be permitted to change their residence without molestation. The fire arms were accordingly surrendered, and some of the inhabitants were allow -

* Dr. Church was finally permitted to depart from the country. He and his family embarked for the West Indies, the vessel foundered at *ea and all were lost.

40 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775.

ed to depart; but it was not long before General Gage found various pretences to violate his stipula tion, and prohibited any further removals ; in con sequence of which many families were compelled to a cruel separation ; husbands and wives, parents and children were separated, and the aged and infirm left without protection.

The term for which the continental soldiers enlist ed will expire in a few weeks, and it is understood that the recruits for a future army will be enlisted to serve to the 1st of December next, unless sooner dis charged, as hopes are yet entertained that a settlement of our difficulties with Great Britain may be effected. Reports are in circulation that an attack on the town of Boston is contemplated ; or, that the plan has been agitated and is relinquished, till our people can pass over on the ice. The public appear to be impatient to have our inveterate enemies expelled from our territories.

November. — Our hospitals are considerably crowd ed with sick soldiers from camp ; the prevailing dis eases are autumnal fevers and dysenteric complaints, which have proved fatal in a considerable number of instances. It is highly gratifying to observe, that these brave men, while in the service of their conntry, receive in sickness all the kind attention from phy sicians and nurses, which their circumstances require ; they have the prayers and consolations of pious clergy men, and are destitute of nothing, but the presence of their dearest friends, to alleviate their sufferings.

I am sorry to have occasion to notice in my journal the following occurrence. The body of a soldier has been taken from the grave, for the purpose, probably of dissection, and the empty coffin left exposed. This affair occasions considerable excitement among our people ; both resentment and grief are manifested ; as it seems to impress the idea that a soldier's body is held in no estimation after death. Such a practice, if countenanced, might be attended with serious con-

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1775. 41

sequences as it respects our soldiers. Much inquiry has been made, but without success, for the discovery of the persons concerned ; and the practice in future is strictly prohibited by the commander in chief.

The joyful intelligence is now announced in the public papers, that Captain Manly of Marblehead, commander of one of our privateers, has captured an English ship, bound to Boston, loaded with ordnance stores, of immense value at the present time. Among the ordnance is a large brass mortar on a new con struction ; and a number of pieces of line brass cari- jion. There are small arms, ammunition, utensils, &c. &c. in great abundance. An invoice, it is said, could scarcely be formed of articles better suited to our wants and circumstances. Several other store vessels have been taken by our privateers, with car goes of provision and various kinds of stores, to a very considerable amount, which greatly augments the distresses of the troops and people in Boston, and affords us a very opportune and essential supply. It is now represented that the distresses of the inhabi tants and troops in Boston exceed the possibility of description. They are almost in a state of starvation, for the want of food and fuel. The inhabitants, to tally destitute of vegetables, flour and fresh provi sions, have actually been obliged to feed on horse flesh ; and the troops confined to salt provisions ; by means of which they have become very sickly. They have taken down a number of houses, removed the pews from the church, and are digging up the tim ber at the wharves for fuel.

December 2d. — I visited the park of artillery, and was much gratified to find a collection of ordnance far exceeding my expectations, and such as is sup posed by some to be adequate to our present exigence. I had a view of the large brass mortar taken by Cap tain Manly ; it is now called the Congress and will soon be prepared to speak in strong terms to its for mer masters.

6

42 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

4th. — A considerable number of Connecticut troops have left our service and returned home ; no per suasion could induce them to continue in service after their time of enlistment had expired. Enlisting officers are distributed in various parts of New Eng land ; but it is reported that voluntary enlistments go on slowly. The people seem to be unwilling to en gage in the public service, and require higher wages. The spirit of patriotism appears in some degree to have subsided, and the militia are to be employed.

Ilth. — A party of militia, said to be about two thousand, have arrived in camp ; and information is received that three thousand more are on their march. A few enlisted soldiers have arrived ; but so destitute are they of fire arms, that it has been found necessary to take the arms by force from the soldiers who retire, paying for them, in order to supply the recruits.

18th. — The Americans have advanced and broken ground at Lechmere's Point, within half a mile of Boston ; which occasioned a severe cannonade from the enemy ; but they persevered in their work and suffered but an inconsiderable loss. It is stated, from the minutes of some person, that from Breed's Hill battle to the 25th instant, the British have thrown upwards of two thousand shot and shells. By the whole firing, on Cambridge side, they killed only seven, and on Roxbury side five, just a dozen in the whole. At this rate, how many shot and bombs will it require to subdue the whole of his majesty's rebel lious subjects?

January, 1776. — At the close of the last year, as is now reported, our army was reduced to a very critical situation, being obliged to substitute new raised troops and militia in the place of those who had been in ser vice five or six months ; and this exchange was made within musket shot of the enemy's lines. During part of this period, our numbers were not sufficient to man the lines, nor was there powder enough in camp

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 43

to furnish four rounds a man. Before our privateers had fortunately captured some prizes with cannon and other ordnance, our army before Boston had, I believe, only four small brass cannon and a few old honey- comb iron pieces with their trunnions broken off; and these were ingeniously bedded in timbers in the same manner as that of stocking a musket. These machines were extremely unwieldly and incon venient, requiring much skill and labor to elevate and depress them. Had the enemy been made acquaint ed with our situation, the consequences might have been exceedingly distressing.

25th. — The newspapers announce the most painful intelligence from our army in Canada. General Mont gomery, the commander, made a desperate, but un successful assault on the city of Quebec, on the 31st ultimo. The event has proved most fatal and dis astrous. General Montgomery, and his aid- de- camp, with several other officers, were slain. Colonel Ar nold, the second in command, heroically passed the first barrier with his small party, and received a wound in his leg. About three hundred of the con tinental troops were made prisoners, and about sixty killed and wounded. We remain unacquainted with further particulars. The death of General Mont gomery is universally deplored. In the public papers we have the following account of this brave officer. " He was a captain of grenadiers in the 17th regiment of British troops, of which General Monckton was colonel. He served the last war in the expeditions in the West Indies and America, and returned with his regiment to England. In 1772 he quitted his regi ment, though in a fair way of preferment. Whilst in America he imbibed an affection for this country — he had, while in the king's service, declared his disap probation of the sentiments of the ministry, and viewed America as the rising seat of arts and freedom. ??

February 9th. — A very considerable firing was heard last evening from Boston ; it was occasioned by

44 MILITAKY JOURNAL, 1776.

a detachment of one hundred men, under the com mand of Major Knowlton, who made an incursion into Charlestown, for the purpose of burning a number of houses, to deprive the enemy of their use. He effected the object of his expedition by burning about ten houses in the possession of the enemy, and returned in less than two hours, bringing off some muskets, without the loss of a single man either killed or wounded.

14th.-— The following anecdote is worth notice ; it appears by extracts from letters written by the officers who are the subjects of it. Some British officers, soon after General Gage arrived at Boston, while walking on Beacon Hill in the evening, 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, and wrote frightful ac counts of the affair to their friends in England. The whizzing noise which so alarmed these valiant officers, could be no other than the buzzing of bugs and beetles, while flying in the air.

16th. — It might be supposed that the melancholy aspect of the times, and the dreadful disappointments and privations of the British officers and tories in Boston, would afford matter for the most serious con sideration, and effectually check every emotion bor dering on levity and amusement. We find however that they do not deny themselves balls and theatrical amusements, for they say in the language of the poet,

u What need of piping for the songs and sherry, " When our own miseries can make us merry."

It is asserted from Boston, that on the evening when Major Knowlton set fire to the houses in Charles- town, 8th instant, the farce of " The Blockade of Boston," of which General Burgoyne is the reputed author, was to be performed. The figure designed to burlesque General Washington was dressed in an

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 45

uncouth style, with a large wig and long rusty sword, attended by his orderly sergeant in his country dress, having on his shoulder an old rusty gun seven or eight feet long. At the moment this figure appeared on the stage, one of the regular sergeants came run ning on the stage, threw down his bayonet, and ex claimed, " The Yankees are attacking our works on Bunker's Hill." Those of the audience who were unacquainted with the different parts, supposed that this belonged to the farce ; but when General Howe called out, Officers to your alarm posts, they were undeceived ; all was confusion and dismay ; and among the ladies, shrieking and fainting ensued. How pure the satisfaction to a great mind employed in bur lesquing those Yankees by whom they are besieged !

ISth. — Dr. John Morgan of Philadelphia is ap pointed by Congress Director General of our hospitals, instead of Dr. Church, removed. Since his arrival here, a new and systematic arrangement in the medi cal department has taken place ; the number of sur geons' mates in the hospital is to be reduced, and vacancies in regiments are to be supplied. I have been subjected to another examination by Dr. Mor gan, and received from him the appointment of sur geon's mate to Dr. David Townsend, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Asa Whitconib, stationed in the barracks on Prospect Hill.

22d. — Our regiment, according to orders, marched to Roxbury ; and took quarters in the large and ele gant house formerly belonging to Governor Shirley. Great preparations are making in our army for some important event. Several regiments of militia have arrived from the country ; and orders have been re ceived for surgeons and mates to prepare lint and bandages, to the amount of two thousand, for fractured limbs, and other gun shot wounds. It is however to be hoped that not one quarter of the number will be required, whatever may be the nature of the occa sion. Great activity and animation are observed

46 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

among our officers and soldiers, who manifest an anxi ous desire to have a conflict with the enemy. Either a general assault on the town of Boston, or the erec tion of works on the heights of Dorchester, or both, is generally supposed to be in contemplation.

March 2d. — A very heavy discharge of cannon and mortars commenced from all our works at Cam bridge and Roxbury.

3d. — The firing from our works continues, but the great brass mortar, the Congress, and two others, have unfortunately burst ; which is exceedingly re gretted.

4th. — The object in view is now generally under stood to be the occupying and fortifying of the advan tageous heights of Dorchester. A detachment of our troops is ordered to march for this purpose this even ing ; and our regiment, with several others, has re ceived orders to march at 4 o'clock in the morning, to relieve them. We are favored with a full bright moon, and the night is remarkably mild and pleasant ; the preparations are immense ; more than three hun dred loaded carts are in motion. By the great exer tions of General Mifflin, our Quarter Master General, the requisite number of teams has been procured. The covering party of eight hundred men advance in front. Then follow the carts with the entrench ing tools ; after which, the working party of twelve hundred, commanded by General Thomas, of Kings ton. Next in the martial procession are a train of carts, loaded witli fascines and hay, screwed into large bundles of seven or eight hundred weight. The whole procession moved on in solemn silence, and with perfect order and regularity; while the con tinued roar of cannon serves to engage the attention and divert the enemy from the main object.

5th. — At about four o'clock our regiment followed to the heights of Dorchester, as a relief party. On passing Dorchester Neck I observed a vast number of large bundles of screwed hay. arranged in a line

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 47

next the enemy, to protect our troops from a raking fire, to which we should have been greatly exposed, while passing and repassing. The carts were still in motion with materials ; some of them have made three or four trips. On the heights we found two forts in considerable forwardness, and sufficient for a defence against small arms and grape shot. The amount of labor performed during the night, considering the earth is frozen eighteen inches deep, is almost incred ible. The enemy having discovered our works in the morning, commenced a tremendous cannonade from the forts in Boston, and from their shipping in the harbor. Cannon shot are continually rolling and rebounding over the hill ; and it is astonishing to observe how little our soldiers are terrified by them. During the forenoon we were in momentary expec tation of witnessing an awful scene ; nothing less than the carnage of Breed's hill battle was expected. The royal troops are perceived to be in motion, as if embarking to pass the harbor, and land on Dorches ter shore, to attack our works. The hills and eleva tions in this vicinity are covered with spectators to witness deeds of horror in the expected conflict. His Excellency General Washington is present, an imating and encouraging the soldiers, and they in return manifest their joy, and express a warm desire for the approach of the enemy ; each man knows his place, and is resolute to execute his duty. Our breast works are strengthened, and among the means of defence are a great number of barrels, filled with stones and sand, arranged in front of our works ; which are to be put in motion and made to roll down the hill, to break the ranks and legs of the assailants as they advance. These are the preparations for blood and slaughter ! Gracious God ! if it be determined in thy Providence that thousands of our fellow creatures shall this day be slain, let thy wrath be appeased, and in mercy grant, that victory be on the side of our suffering, bleeding, country. The anxious day

48 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

has closed, and the enemy has failed to molest us. From appearances, however, there are strong reasons to suppose, that they have only postponed their meditated work till another day. It is presumed that the martial fire, which has been enkindled in the breasts of our soldiery, will not be extinguished during the night, and that they will not rest quietly under their disappointment. Early in the morning of the 6th, our regiment was relieved from its tour of duty, and I bade adieu to Dorchester heights, without being called to dress a single wound. Not more than two or three men were killed or wounded during the twenty four hours. Some of the British troops were seen to embark, and pass down towards the castle last evening, to be in readiness, it was sup posed, in conjunction with others, to attack our works this morning ; but a most violent storm came on in the night, and still continuing, obliges General Howe to abandon his enterprise, and thus has a kind Provi dence seen fit to frustrate a design, which must have been attended with immense slaughter and blood shed. General Howe must now be sensible of his exposed situation, and be convinced of the immedi ate necessity of evacuating the town of Boston, if he would prevent the sacrifice of his fleet and army.

7th. — There are strong indications in Boston, that the king's troops are preparing to evacuate the town ; and that no attempt will be made to dispossess our people of the works, which we have constructed on Dorchester heights.

8th. — A flag of truce has come out of Boston with a message from the selectmen ; acquainting General Washington that General Howe has come to the de termination to evacuate the town ; and that he would leave it standing, provided his army should be permitted to retire without being molested. At the same time intimating, as is reported, that in case he should be attacked by our army, the town should be set on fire in different places, in order to secure his

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 49

retreat. We are unacquainted with the determina tion of his Excellency respecting this proposition ; but it is well known that he has been in favor of making an attack on the town ; and that the neces sary preparations were made, and the plan arranged, to be put in execution, in the event of the enemy's meditated attack on our works at Dorchester heights. Four thousand troops, the first division commanded by General Sullivan, the second by General Greene, were ordered to be in readiness, and in case the enemy had advanced and been defeated on the heights of Dorchester, this force, at a given signal, was to have rushed into the town and taken possession.

It is credibly reported from Boston, that on the morning when the British officers discovered our newly erected works, which, on account of a fog loomed to great advantage, and appeared larger than the reality, General HowTe, on viewing them, was heard to say in astonishment, "I know not what I shall do, the rebels have done more in one night than my whole army would have done in weeks. His admiral soon assured him that if the rebels were per mitted to hold possession, he should not be able to keep a single ship in the harbor in safety.

Nothing of consequence occurred to observation till Sunday morning, March 17th, when at an early hour it was perceived that the royal army commenced their embarkation on board of transports. In the course of the forenoon we enjoyed the unspeakable satisfac tion of beholding their whole fleet under sail, waft ing from our shores the dreadful scourge of war. It was in the power of the provincials by a cannonade to have annoyed the enemy's shipping and trans ports as they passed Dorchester heights, and to have occasioned great embarrassment and destruction among them ; but no orders were given for this purpose, and they were suffered to pass unmolested. By this event we are happily relieved of a force con sisting of seven thousand five hundred and seventy 7

50 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

five regulars, exclusive of the staff, which, with the marines and sailors, may be estimated at about ten thousand in the whole. This force greatly exceeds the five regiments, with which General Grant vauntingly boasted in England, that he could march successfully from one end of the American continent to the other. A considerable number of tories, who had joined the royal standard, took passage with their families on board of the transports with the army, and bade adieu to their native country, without knowing what part of the world is to be their destiny.

Immediately after the enemy sailed from Boston harbor, General Washington ordered the major part of his army to march to New York, to secure that city against the apprehended invasion of General Howe. It was not till Wednesday, the 20th, that our troops were permitted to enter the town, when our regiment, with two or three others, were ordered to march in, and take up our quarters, which were provided for us in comfortable houses. WThile march ing through the streets, the inhabitants appeared at their doors and windows ; though they manifested a lively joy on being liberated from a long imprison ment, they were not altogether free from a melan choly gloom which ten tedious months' siege has spread over their countenances. The streets and buildings present a scene, which reflects disgrace on their late occupants, exhibiting a deplorable desola tion and wretchedness.

22d. — A concourse of people from the country are crowding into town, full of friendly solicitude ; and it is truly interesting to witness the tender interviews and fond embraces of those, who have been long separated under circumstances so peculiarly dis tressing. But it is particularly unfortunate on this occasion, that the small pox is lurking in various parts of the town ; which deters many from enjoying an interview with their friends. The parents and sister of my friend Dr. Townsend have continued in

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 51

town during the siege ; being introduced to the family by the Doctor, 1 received a kind and polite invitation to take up my abode with them, where I am enjoying the kindest attentions and civilities. I accompanied several gentlemen to view the British fortifications on Roxbury neck, where I observed a prodigious number of little military engines called caltrops, or crow feet, scattered over the ground in the vicinity of the works to impede the march of our troops in case of an attack. The implement consists of an iron ball armed with four sharp points about one inch in length, so formed that which way soever it may fall one point still lies upwards to pierce the feet of horses or men, and are admirably well calcu lated to obstruct the march of an enemy.

23d. — I went to view the Old South Church, a spa cious brick building near the centre of the town. It has been for more than a century consecrated to the service of religion, and many eminent divines have in its pulpit labored in teaching the ways of righteous ness and truth. But during the late siege the inside of it was entirely destroyed by the British, and the sacred building occupied as a riding school for Bur- goyne's regiment of dragoons. The pulpit and pews were removed, the floor covered with earth, and used for the purpose of training and exercising their horses. A beautiful pew, ornamented with carved work and silk furniture, was demolished ; and by order of an officer, the carved work, it is said, was used as a fence for a hogsty. The North Church, a very valuable building, was entirely demolished and consumed for fuel. * Thus are our houses, devoted to religious worship, profaned and destroyed by the subjects of his Royal Majesty. His Excellency the commander in chief has been received by the inhabi tants with every mark of respect and gratitude ; and a public dinner has been provided for him. He requested the Rev. Dr. Eliot, at the renewal of his customary Thursday Lecture, to preach a thanks-

52 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

giving sermon, adapted to the joyful occasion. Ac cordingly on the 28th, this pious divine preached an appropriate discourse from Isaiah xxxiii. 20, in pres ence of his Excellency and a respectable audience.

29th. — The Massachusetts House of Representa tives and Council, presented his Excellency a respect ful and affectionate address ; and received from him a reply no less respectful and satisfactory.

One of our soldiers found a human skeleton in complete preparation, left by a British surgeon, which I have received as an acceptable present.

Jlpril Sth. — I attended at the Stone Chapel, where were performed the funeral solemnities over the remains of that patriot and hero Major General Joseph Warren. The remains were taken from the earth at Breed's hill, placed in an elegant coffin, and brought into the chapel, where, in the presence of a numerous assembly, a eulogy was pronounced by Perez Morton, Esq. a young lawyer of abilities. The ceremony was conducted by the society of Free Masons, of which the deceased was Grand Master. A grand procession was formed, and the remains hav ing received the customary masonic honors, were de posited in the vault under the chapel. This pro ceeding was to me a pleasing novelty, and in the view of the public, a grateful tribute to the memory of a beloved fellow citizen.

4' Let laurels, drench'd in pure Parnassian dews,

Reward his memVy dear to every muse,

Who, with a courage of unshaken root,

In honor's field advancing his firm foot,

Plants it upon the line that justice draws,

And will prevail or perish in her cafcse.

'Tis to the virtues of such men man owes

His portion in the good that Heaven bestows.

And when recording history displays

Feats of renown, though wrought in ancient days *

Tells of a few stout hearts, that fought and died

"Where duty placM them, at their country's side ;

The man that is not movM with what he reads,

That takes not £re at their heroic deeds,

Unworthy of the blessings of the brave,

Is base in kind, and born to be a slave." — COWPER.

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 53

May. — As the smallpox is in many parts of the town among both the inhabitants and soldiers, I was advised by my friends to have recourse to inocu lation for my own safety, though contrary to general orders, I was accordingly inoculated by my friend Dr. John Romans, and have passed through the disease in the most favorable manner, not suffering one day's confinement.

June 13th. — The harbor of Boston has not been entirely cleared of British shipping since the town was evacuated. A fifty gun ship and several other vessels still occupy the lower harbor, near Nantasket. A number of provincial troops and volunteers are now ordered on an expedition, under command of General Benjamin Lincoln, with heavy,. cannon, for the purpose of driving them from the harbor. A part of our regiment being ordered on the expedi tion, we embarked at the Long Wharf, and landed on Long Island, and immediately made arrangements for a cannonade. A few shot soon convinced the Commodore of his danger ; he returned the fire with some spirit ; but having received a shot through his upper works, he soon got under sail and hastily de parted. Thus is the port of Boston again opened by our own authority, after being closed during two years by virtue of an act of the British Parliament.

20th. — The removal of the British armed vessels from Nantasket has been productive of very favora ble consequences. Three days after their departure two transports from Scotland bound to Boston, unap- prized of the event, entered Nantasket road, and were accosted by a discharge of cannon from an Amer ican battery before they were undeceived. In this situation it was impossible for them to escape, and several of our privateers made their appearance, and commanded them to strike their flag. This being refused, a smart action ensued and continued about an hour and a half, when they were obliged to yield and strike to the privateers. On board the

54 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

transports Major Menzies and eight others were killed, and seventeen wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell, two hundred and sixty seven Highlanders, and forty eight others, were made pri soners. Major Menzies has been buried here with the honors of war.

July 3d. — Orders are given to inoculate for the smallpox, all the soldiers and inhabitants in town, as a general infection of this terrible disease is ap prehended. Dr. Townsend and myself are now constantly engaged in this business.

12th. — Melancholy accounts have been received respecting the situation of our army in Canada ; they are subjected to very great hardships, sufferings, and privations. Destitute of the necessary supplies of provisions and stores, exhausted by fatigue, and re duced by sickness, with the smallpox attended by unexampled mortality, they are in a state but little short of desperation. In addition to all their suffer ings, they now have to deplore the loss of their valuable commander Major General John Thomas. This gentleman was a native of Kingston, Massachu setts. He was in military service in former wars against the French and Indians, where he acquired a high degree of reputation. He was among the iirst to espouse the cause of his country in a military character in 1775, and during the siege of Boston, and on the heights of Dorchester, he was distin guished as an active, vigilant and brave officer. In March, 1776, he was promoted by Congress from a Brigadier to the rank of Major General, and by them appointed to command our forces in Canada. On his arrival there he 'found innumerable difficul ties to encounter ; the smallpox frequently breaking out among the troops, arid the soldiers being in the practice of inoculating themselves, to the great in jury of the public service. The general deemed it necessary, for the safety of the army, to prohibit the practice of inoculating, and not excepting himself

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 55

irom the injunction, he unfortunately received the infection, which proved fatal to him, and deprived the public of a valuable general officer. He was held in universal respect and confidence as a military character, and his death is deeply deplored through out the army.

The very important intelligence from Philadel phia is now proclaimed, that on the 4th instant, the American Congress declared the thirteen United Colonies, " Free, Sovereign, Independent States" The subject has for some time agitated the public mind, and various opinions have been entertained relative to this momentous transaction. Opinions of much weight and authority have been and still are in collision, and it has been considered very doubtful whether the grand object would be accomplished at the present time. Objections however have yielded to imperious necessity, and a new epoch for United America has now commenced. We are now, in the 16th year of the reign of his Majesty King George the Third, absolved from all allegiance to the British crown ; and all political connexion between us, as subjects, and his government is totally and forever dissolved, unless indeed Providence shall so order, that we shall be again reduced to a state of depend- ance and vassalage.

18th. — This day the declaration of American In dependence has been proclaimed in form from the balcony of the State House in this town. On this most joyful occasion Colonels Whitcomb and Sar- geant's regiments were paraded under arms in King street ; and also a detachment from the Massachu setts regiment of artillery with two field pieces. A number of the members of our council and house of representatives, the magistrates, clergymen, select men, and a large number of other gentlemen of Boston, and of the neighboring towns, assembled in the council chamber. At 1 o'clock the declara tion was proclaimed by Colonel Thomas Crafts, and

56 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

was received with great joy. Three huzzas from the concourse of people were given, after which thirteen pieces of cannon were fired from Fort hill and from Dorchester neck, the Castle, Nantasket, &c. The detachment of artillery in King street, discharged their cannon thirteen times ; which was followed hy the two regiments in thirteen separate divisions ; all corresponding to the number of the American United States ; after which the gentlemen in the council chamber partook of a collation, and a number of appropriate toasts were proclaimed by the president of the council.

This highly important transaction of our Congress is the theme of every circle and topic of universal discussion, and it receives the sanction and approba tion of a large majority of the community. When we reflect, on the deranged condition of our army, the great deficiency of our resources, and the little prospect of foreign assistance, and at the same time contemplate the prodigious powers and resources of our enemy, we may view this measure of Congress as a prodigy. The history of the world cannot fur nish an instance of fortitude and heroic magnanimity parallel to that displayed by the members, whose signatures are affixed to the declaration of American Independence. Their venerated names will orna ment the brightest pages of American history, and be transmitted to the latest generations. The in strument was signed by John Hancock, Esq. as Presi dent, and by fifty four others, delegates from the thirteen United States. The Congress have in their declaration recited the grievances and oppressions, for which we could not obtain redress ; and pro claimed to the world the causes, which impelled them to a separation from the crown of Great Britain. A sensible and popular writer, in a production en titled " Common Sense" argues the necessity of the measure from the following considerations. " We had no credit abroad because of our rebellious de.pen-

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 57

dency. Our ships could obtain no protection in foreign ports, because we afforded them no justifiable reason for granting it to us. The calling of ourselves subjects, and at the same time fighting against the Prince we acknowledge, was a dangerous precedent to all Europe. If the grievances justified our taking up arms, they justified our separation ; if they did not justify our separation, neither could they justify our taking arms. All Europe was interested in re ducing us as rebels, and all Europe, or the greater part at least, is interested in supporting us in our independent state. At home our condition was still worse ; our currency had no foundation ; and the state of it would have ruined whig and tory alike. We had no other laws than a kind of moderated passion ; no other civil power than an honest mob ; and no other protection than the temporary attach ment of one man to another. Had independency been delayed a few months longer, this continent would have been plunged into irretrievable confusion ; some violent for it, some against it — all in the greatest cabal ; the rich would have been ruined, and the poor destroyed. The necessity of being independent would have brought it on in a little time, had there been no rupture between Britain and America. The increasing importance of commerce — the weight and perplexity of legislation — and the enlarged state of European politics, would clearly have shown to the continent the impropriety of continuing subordi nate ; for after the coolest reflection on the matter, this must be allowed, "that Britain was too jealous of America to govern it justly ; too ignorant of it to govern it well ; and too distant from it to govern it at all." The author of Common Sense is Mr. Thomas Paine lately from England. I am credibly informed that the following anecdote occurred on the day of signing the declaration. Mr. Harrison, a delegate from Virginia, is a large portly man — Mr. Gerry of Massachusetts is slender and spare. A Kttle time 8

58 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

after the solemn transaction of signing the instrument, Mr. Harrison said smilingly to Mr. Gerry, " When the hanging scene comes to be exhibited I shall have the advantage over you on account of my size. All will be over with me in a moment, but you will be kicking in the air half an hour after I am gone."

20th. — It appears by the public papers, that a de tachment from the Bristish army of two thousand eight hundred men, under the command of Major General Clinton, Lord Cornwallis, and a fleet consisting of two line of battle ships, frigates, and other armed vessels, amounting to forty or fifty, have lately made a furious attack on the town of Charleston, South Carolina. Major General Lee, who commands our army in that quarter, has written to Congress a par ticular statement of the engagement, which, he says, continued for twelve hours without intermission. The enemy was twice repulsed with great loss ; and the Carolina troops and militia have gained the high est honor by their brave and intrepid conduct. Colonel Moultrie, in a particular manner, is deserv ing of the highest praise. But the British fleet has suffered a loss almost beyond example. Their ships shattered almost to total ruin, and one frigate of twenty eight guns was blown up by her own crew. A number of officers were killed and wounded, and the number of men is said to be one hundred and seventy nine killed, and two hundred and sixty wound ed. Not one man, who was quartered at the begin ning of the action on the Bristol's quarter deck, escaped being killed or wounded. Lord Campbell, the late governor of that colony, being a volunteer on board, received a mortal wound ; and the Commo dore, Sir Peter Parker, had a material part of his breeches torn away and was otherwise wounded. The whole of the British forces displayed the great est courage and bravery. In a southern newspaper are inserted the following lines on Sir Peter's dis aster.

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 59

" If honor in the breech is lodg'd,

As Hudibras hath shown, It may from hence be fairly judg'd

Sir Peter's honor's gone.1'

The English Parliament, doubting the competency of their own powers to subjugate the United Colonies, have resorted to the assistance of foreign troops to prosecute their sanguinary purposes. They have actually entered into treaty with several German Princes to furnish seventeen thousand men, to aid in the great work of reducing the Americans to the same degraded state of vassalage with these hirelings themselves. The terms stipulated in the treaties are, that besides the wages to be paid these foreigners, Parliament engages to pay for every soldier who shall not return, thirty pounds sterling ; and for every disabled soldier fifteen pounds sterling ! These mer cenary troops, it is said in England, are to " assist in forcing the rebels to ask mercy." It has been assert ed in the House of Lords, that the expense to Eng land for these foreign troops cannot be less than one million five hundred thousand pounds for one year ! There is now the clearest evidence, that the British ministry are wofully disappointed in their expecta tions respecting the spirit and temper of the Ameri can people. They had entertained no idea that the colonists would proceed to such daring enormity as to spurn their mighty power and authority. They ap pear now determined by their augmented forces to crush at a blow all opposition to their mandates, and to coerce the rebels into a sense of duty to their king. It is estimated that a force exceeding forty thousand men is to be employed in America the present year. His majesty has appointed the two brothers, Lord Howe and General Howe, commissioners for restoring peace to the colonies, and for granting pardon to such of his Majesty's subjects, now in rebellion, as shall deserve the royal clemency. Besides the two commissioners, they are about to send on the same

60 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

service a combination of Hessians, Brunswickers, Waldeckers, English, Scotch, and Irish. The Scots may perhaps come prepared with the following advice,

u O learn from our example and our fate, Learn wisdom and repentance ere too late."

The following transaction is now a subject of news paper discussion and of general conversation. Ad miral Lord Howe arrived off the city of New York, not long since, to take the command of the British fleet ; on his arrival he proclaimed to the public that he and his brother General Howe were appointed his Majesty's commissioners, with full powers to grant pardons to all or to any town, county, or dis trict, who may have departed from their allegiance and duty to his Majesty, &c. and who are willing by a speedy return to reap the benefit of the royal favor. These royal commissioners despatched Colonel Pat terson, Adjutant General of the British army, to General Washington, at New York, with letters re specting their mission ; but as the letters were not directed in a manner expressive of his official station, his Excellency refused to receive them ; but treated Colonel Patterson with much politeness, and dismissed him. The conduct of General Washington in this interview received the approbation of Congress, and they resolved, " that he had acted with a dignity becoming his character." They further resolved, " that no letters or messages be received on any oc casion whatever from the enemy, by the Commander in Chief or others, the commanders of the American army, but such as shall be directed to them in the characters they respectively sustain." It was not many days after this that Colonel Patterson again waited on General Washington, and on this occasion he addressed him by the title of Excellency ; and in the name of the Commissioners apologized for any deficiency in point of respect or punctilio, and as sured him that they had the highest personal respect for General Washington, and did not mean to dero-

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 61

gate from his rank ; that the letter, of which he was now the bearer from the Commissioners, was directed to George Washington, Esq. &c. &c. &c. which they hoped would remove all difficulties ; as the three et ceteras might be understood to imply every thing that ought to follow. To this the General replied, that though it was. true the three et ceteras might mean every thing, it was also true they might mean any thing, and as Congress had approved of his conduct in the first interview, he could not enter into any new treaty without fresh authority, and de clined receiving the letter; adding that he should absolutely decline any letter directed to him as a private person, when it related to his public station. Colonel Patterson said, Lord and General Howe were invested with exceedingly great powers, and were very desirous of being the medium of an accommo dation of difficulties. The General replied, he had read the act of Parliament, and found they were merely empowered to grant pardons. The Americans had committed no wrong, and therefore wanted no pardons ; we were only defending what we deemed our indisputable rights. Colonel Patterson seemed confused, and replied that this would open a wide field for argument. The Adjutant General conduct ed with the greatest attention and politeness; and manifested great solicitude that the letter might be received, and that the interview might be productive of favorable results. He expressed strong acknow ledgments for the favor done him, in omitting the usual ceremony of blinding his eyes, when passing our works. General Washington invited him to par take of a collation provided for him, and he was in troduced to our General Officers. After many com pliments and polite expressions, he departed with saying, " Has your Excellency no commands to my Lord or General Howe ?" " None, Sir," replied the General, "but my particular compliments to both of them."

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This event furnishes an irrefragable testimony of the manly firmness of mind and dignity of conduct of our Commander in Chief; and is calculated to impress the English commanders with a just sense of his exalted merit and character.

August 1st. — The continental army, under the im mediate command of General Washington, is stationed at New York ; and it is expected that the British army, under command of General Howe, will en deavor to take possession of that city the present season.

5th. — Colonel Whitcomb's regiment, consisting of five hundred men, has now gone through the small pox in this town by inoculation, and all, except one negro, have recovered.

7lh. — This regiment, with Colonel Sarjeant's, are preparing to march to Ticonderoga. A number of teams are procured to transport the baggage and stores, and this morning, at seven o'clock, they march ed out of town with colors displayed and drums beat ing. Being myself indisposed, I am permitted to tarry in town till my health is restored, and in the mean time I am directed to take charge of the sick soldiers, that remain here.

2Q/7*. — Having recovered my health, and being prepared to follow our regiment, I am this day to bid adieu to the town of Boston, where I have re sided very pleasantly for the last five months. I am destined to a distant part of our country, and know not what sufferings and hazards I shall be called to encounter, while in the discharge of my military duty. I shall commence my journey in company with Lieutenant Whiting and fourteen men who were left here as invalids.

September. — We took our route through Worces ter, Springfield, Charlestown, in New Hampshire, and over the Green Mountains to Skeensbury 5 which is the place of rendezvous for the continental troops and militia destined to Ticonderoga. Here

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 63

boats are provided at the entrance of Lake Champlain, which are continually passing to and from this place. We embarked on the 6th instant, and with good oars men and sails we arrived the same day, and joined our regiment here, a distance of thirty miles. While on our march, we received alarming reports respecting some military operations between our army, com manded by General Washington, and the British, under command of General Howe, on Long Island, near New York. The report states that our army has suffered a complete defeat with great loss, and that two of our general officers are taken prisoners. The inhabitants through the country are in great alarm ; but have not obtained the particulars ; as the account at present is vague, and somewhat contra dictory, we hope and trust that a particular detail will prove the event to be more favorable to our cause. Soon after my arrival here, a soldier had the impru dence to seize a rattlesnake by its tail ; the reptile threw its head back and struck its fangs into the man's hand. In a few moments a swelling commenced, at tended with severe pain. It was not more than half an hour, when his whole arm to his shoulder was swollen to twice its natural size, and the skin became of a deep orange color. His body, on one side, soon became affected in a similar manner, and a nausea at his stomach ensued. The poor man was greatly and justly alarmed ; his situation was very critical. Two medical men, beside myself, were in close attendance for several hours. Having procured a quantity of olive oil, we directed the patient to swallow it in large and repeated doses, till he had taken one quart ; and at the same time we rubbed into the affected limb a very large quantity of mercurial ointment. In about two hours we had the satisfaction to perceive the favorable effects of the remedies. The alarming symptoms abated, the swelling and pain gradually subsided, and in about forty eight hours he was hap pily restored to health.

64 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

. — I have omitted to record the following in cidents, till I could ascertain the particulars of the reports.

We learn by accounts from New York, that some time since, a plot of a most atrocious nature was de tected in that city. A gang of tories had associated for the purpose of joining the British army ; and had concerted a plan, it is said, to assassinate his Excel lency General Washington, and some other officers ; and while our army were engaged with the enemy, to blow up our magazines, &c. The mayor of the city, and an armorer who was employed in making rifles for the tories, and several others, were taken into custody, and committed to close prison. The mayor, on examination, confessed that he received money from Governor Tryon to pay the armorer for the rifles. Two of his Excellency's guards were confederate; and a third, to whom the secret was confided, honestly disclosed the information. Several of these miscreants were tried and convicted, and two or three were executed. Another vile plot has been discovered in the city of Albany. By the con fession of two tories, the plan was to set the city on fire, and to blow up the magazine. Some of the in cendiaries were apprehended, and the meditated plot frustrated. We have now ample evidence, that the tories are the most virulent and implacable of our enemies ; and it is to be considered as a remarkable interposition of Providence, that their vile machina tions are so frequently defeated. Internal secret enemies are always more dangerous than avowed foes in the field ; and so numerous and active are the tories in the vicinity of our main army, that it has been found necessary to adopt coercive measures, and to compel them to take the oath of allegiance, as prescribed by our Congress, or to depart from our territories.

12th. — I must not omit to notice another instance of villany in a German, by the name of Ledwitz.

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 65

By his solicitation he was appointed Lieutenant Colo nel in our army, and he has been detected in a trai torous correspondence with Governor Tryon of New York. He entrusted his letter to one Steen, an honest German, to be conveyed to New York ; but he considered it his duty to expose the perfidy, and delivered it to General Washington. In his letter he first presents his compliments in a formal manner to Lord Howe, and then proceeds to profess a con sciousness, that the world will censure him for his treachery, in corresponding with the enemy of those in whose service he is employed, but apologizes by asserting, that he had been forced to accept his com mission, for fear of ruin to himself and family ; and as he had engaged, through compulsion, by a rebel lious mob, he can be under no obligation to be faith ful in their service. Besides this, he adds, he had previously taken Governor Tryon's advice, and had promised to do all he could in his new capacity for his majesty's service. He then asserts that a person who is a friend to the king, though an interested one, had offered to furnish him with weekly returns of the strength and detail of the continental army, for the sum of four thousand pounds sterling, to be paid in advance in gold ; but that he had agreed with him to render that service for two thousand pounds, which sum, he requested, might be immediately conveyed to him. By this criminal act the perfidious wretch had forfeited his life, according to the articles of war, but on his trial by a court martial, his life wras saved by the casting vote of a militia officer, who pretended some scruples of conscience ; he was however cashier ed, and declared incapable of holding any military office in the service of the United States.

15 th. — I have now ascertained, by accounts pub lished, that the battle on Long Island took place on the 27th of August. The British and Hessian army, supposed to amount to twenty four thousand, landed on the island under cover of their shipping. The 9

66 MILITARY JOURNAL^ 1776.

continental army consisted of ten thousand five hun dred and fourteen effectives only ; and these were so situated, that but a small part could be brought into action ; the conflict therefore was extremely unequal. In point of numbers, of discipline, experience in war, and of artillery, the enemy possessed the most de cided advantage ; besides the important assistance afforded by a powerful fleet. The very judicious plan of attack by the British generals was carried into execution with irresistible ardor and impetuosity. The Americans defended themselves with great bravery, till a considerable number of them were completely surrounded, and the remainder dispersed. The palm of victory was on the side of the enemy ; and our loss is very considerable. Major General Sullivan, and Lord Sterling, were obliged to sur render as prisoners ; and our total loss is supposed to be not less than one thousand or twelve hundred in killed, wounded, and missing. The enemy suffered very severely.

After this unfortunate skirmishing, our army re treated within their lines at Brooklyn, and were ex posed to the greatest hazard ; our troops, fatigued and discouraged by defeat, a superior enemy in their front, and a powerful fleet about to enter the East River with a view of effectually cutting off their retreat ; but an interposition of Providence, and the wisdom and vigilance of the Commander in Chief preserved our army from destruction. Having resolved to with draw his army from its hazardous position, General Washington crossed over to the Island in the night of the 29th of August, and personally conducted the retreat in so successful a manner, under the most em barrassing circumstances, that it is considered as a remarkable example of good generalship. A circum stance which is remarked as manifestly Providential, is, that a thick fog enveloped the whole of Long Island in obscurity about two o'clock in the morning, while on the side of the enemy at New York, the

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 67

atmosphere was perfectly clear. Thus by a Provi dential interposition of an unusual fog, our army, con sisting of nine thousand men, in one night embarked under great disadvantages, and with their baggage, provisions, stores, horses, and the munitions of war, crossed a river, a mile or more wide, and landed at New York undiscovered and without material loss. The enemy were so near, that they were heard at work with their pick axes, and in about half an hour after, the fog cleared off and the enemy were seen taking possession of the American lines.

20th. — General Washington, finding the city of New York untenable, has removed his whole army about nine miles up the country ; which he effected in safety, though under a heavy cannonade from the British shipping. General Howe with his army took immediate possession of the city. Major General Sullivan, who was captured on Long Island, has been permitted to return on his parole ; and is charged with a message to Congress from Lord Howe. The purport of the message is, that his Lordship, as com missioner, could not treat with Congress, as such ; bat is desirous of a conference with some of the mem bers, as private gentlemen. Congress could not con sider themselves justified in sending any of their members in their private character ; but, ever de sirous of establishing peace on reasonable terms, offer ed to send a committee to inquire, whether his Lord ship had any authority to treat with persons au thorized by Congress for this purpose, and what that authority was ; and to hear such propositions, as he should think proper to make respecting the same. They accordingly made choice of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Esq. and Edward Rutledge, Esq. who had an interview with Lord Howe on Sta- ten Island. The first proposition from his Lordship was, that the colonies should return to their allegi ance and obedience to the government of Great Britain. The committee expressed their opinion.

68 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

that a return to the domination of Great Britain was not to be expected. They mentioned the repeated humble petitions of the colonies to the King and Par liament, which had been treated with contempt, and answered with additional injuries ; the unexampled patience we had shown under their tyrannical govern ment, and that it was not till the last act of Parlia ment, which denounced wrar against us, and put us out of the king's protection, that we declared our in dependence ; and that it is not now in the power of Congress to agree that the people should return to their former dependant state. The committee re ported to Congress that it did not appear, that his Lordship's commission contained any othe.r authority of importance than what is expressed in the act of Parliament, namely, that of granting pardons, with such exceptions as the commissioners shall think pro per to make, and of declaring America, or any part of it, to be in the king's peace on submission. The committee conducted the business with great judg ment, and in a manner becoming the dignity of their character. The Congress adopted no other mea sures on this occasion ; and the British commissioners, finding that the United States could not relinquish their independency, published their declaration to the people at large, recommending to them " to re flect seriously on their present conduct and expec tations, and to judge for themselves, whether it is more consistent with their honor and happiness to offer up their lives as a sacrifice to the unjust and precarious cause in which they are engaged, or to return to their allegiance, accept the blessings of peace, and be secured in the free enjoyment of their liberties and property." Had the declaration of in dependence been deferred but a few weeks longer, this proceeding of the commissioners might have been productive of consequences exceedingly disastrous to our country. It would probably have increased the number of opposers to the measure, and occasioned

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 69

the greatest confusion and embarrassment. It was undoubtly their object, by a specious prospect of re conciliation, to create a division among the colonies and people, and thereby paralyze their exertions and preparations for war. But at the present time, the de claration of the king's commissioners is not calculated to effect the great purpose which they have in view ; the people at large have become too wise to be duped and cajoled out of their freedom. They repose un bounded confidence in the wisdom of the Congress of their choice ; and have no disposition to counteract their views, or embarrass their counsels. The num ber of individuals, who have accepted of the proffer ed conditions, is supposed to be very inconsiderable ; and by far the largest portion of them are in the city of New York, and its immediate vicinity. By a flag from New York we learn, that about five days after the British army took possession of that city, a de structive fire broke out, and raged with such vio lence, that about one thousand houses, some of the most superb buildings, being about one quarter of the whole city, were consumed. Some suspicions were entertained that this disaster was occasioned by Ame rican emissaries, and several persons had been treated with great cruelty, though no proof was produced against them. There is on the contrary much reason to conclude that the conflagration was merely acci dental.

We have the information, that before bur army evacuated the city of New York, General Howe's army landed, under cover of five ships of war, the British and Hessians in two separate divisions. So soon as this was announced to our Commander in Chief, by a heavy cannonade from the men of war, he instantly rode toward our lines, but he was astonished and mortified to find that the troops which had been posted there, and also two brigades which had been ordered to support them, were retreating in great confusion and disorder. He made every effort to

70 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

rally them, but without success ; they were so panic struck that even the shadow of an enemy seemed to increase their precipitate flight. His Excellency, distressed and enraged, drew his sword and snapped his pistols, to check them ; but they continued their flight without firing a gun ; and the General, regard less of his own safety, was in so much hazard, that one of his attendants seized the reins, and gave his horse a different direction. The following fact is of considerable interest.

When retreating from New York, Major General Putnam, at the head of three thousand five hundred continental troops, was in the rear and the last that left the city. In order to avoid any of the enemy that might be advancing in the direct road to the city, he made choice of a road parallel with and contiguous to the North River, till he could arrive at a certain angle, whence another road would con duct him in such a direction as that he might form a junction with our army. It so happened that a body of about eight thousand British and Hessians were at the same moment advancing on the road, which would have brought them in immediate con tact with General Putnam, before he could have reached the turn into the other road. Most for tunately, the British generals, seeing no prospect of engaging our troops, halted their own, and repair ed to the house of a Mr. Robert Murray, a quaker and friend of our cause ; Mrs. Murray treated them with cake and wine, and they were induced to tarry two hours or more, Governor Tryon frequently joking her about her American friends. By this happy incident General Putnam, by continuing his march, escaped a rencounter with a greatly superior force, which must have proved fatal to his whole party. One half hour, it is said, would have been sufficient for the enemy to have secured the road at the turn, and entirely cut off General Putnam's retreat. It has since become almost a common saying among our

MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776. 71

officers, that Mrs. Murray saved this part of the American army.

I have collected from the preceding pages of my Journal some observations relative to the forma tion and character of our army. After the battle at Lexington, such was the enthusiasm for the cause of liberty, and so general and extensive the alarm, that thousands of our citizens, who were engaged in the cultivation of their farms, spontaneously rush ed to the scene of action ; and an army was assembled almost without the efforts of public authority. At this most eventful period, it was the fond hope of a large proportion of our patriotic leaders, that the controversy with our parent country would yet be compromised on honorable and equitable terms. Though the haughty Britons had unsheathed the sword, and shed the blood of their brethren, it was impossible to endure the idea, that our loyal and humble supplications to the king could any longer be contemptuously rejected ; more especially after a complete union of all the colonies in a determined opposition to their tyrannical measures was clearly demonstrated. Calculating therefore, that the ser vices of an army would be required for a short period only, and the troops in the field consisting chiefly of minute men, volunteers and militia, it was a considerable time before they were regularly or ganized into regiments and brigades. In many in stances the soldiers were indulged the privilege of choosing their own officers ; the consequence was, as might be expected, that the choke did not fall on the most respectable and meritorious, but on those who were the most popular among the lower class ; and these too frequently proved unqualified to discharge their military duties in a manner creditable to them selves or advantageous to the public service. Nor was it to be expected that this description of people could appreciate the importance of the great desid erata in. all armies; discipline and subordination. It

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has been found, by sad experience, that but little dependance can be placed on an army of militia, and those whose term of service is so short that they are almost continually fluctuating from camp to their farms, and in whom the noble spirit of patriotism is in a considerable degree extinguished. There is another evil of a very serious complexion which has manifested itself in our camp. Since the troops from the Southern states have been incorporated and associated in military duty with those from New England, a strong prejudice has assumed its un happy influence, and drawn a line of distinction between them. Many of the officers from the South are gentlemen of education, and unaccustomed to that equality which prevails in New England ; and however desirable, it could scarcely be expected that people from distant colonies, differing in manners and prejudices, could at once harmonize in friendly intercourse. Hence we too frequently hear the bur lesque epithet of Yankee from one party, and that of Buckskin, by way of retort, from the other. The troops which compose the continental army being enlisted for a few months only, their time of service will soon expire. Congress, being apprized of the absolute necessity of a permanent army, have lately resolved, "to raise a standing army to consist of about seventy five thousand men, to serve for the term of three years, or during the war." These troops, when raised, are to be systematically arrang ed on the continental establishment, and according to their apportionment, is the quota of Massachusetts fifteen battalions, or about twelve thousand men. To encourage enlistments, each soldier is to receive a bounty of twenty dollars, besides his wages and allowance of rations, and one hundred acres of land, if he serve during the war. The officers are to receive land in proportion to their respective ranks, from two hundred to five hundred acres. Their monthly pay is to be as follows :

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73

A Colonel, a month, Lieutenant Colonel, Major, Chaplain, Surgeon, Surgeon1s Mate, Adjutant, Quarter Master, Regimental Pay Master Captain,

g75 > 60 50 33 33 33 33 18 40 27 50 , 26 67 40

Lieutenant, Ensign, Sergeant Major, Quarter Master Sergeant, Drum Major, Fife Major, Sergeant, Corporal, Drummer and Fifer, Privates,

20 9 9 8

8 33 8

7 33 7 33 6 67

Each commissioned officer is allowed the privilege of taking a soldier from the ranks for a waiter, and he is exempted from camp and other duty, except in time of action. The officers are also allowed a number of rations in proportion to their rank. A surgeon draws three, and a mate two rations. One pound of beef or pork ; one pound of bread or flour a day ; a small quantity of vegetables, when to be had ; one gill of rum or whiskey a day ; a small quantity of vinegar, salt, soap and candles, a week, constitute a ration.

Ticonderoga is situated on an angle of land form ing the western shore of Lake Champlain ; or rather what is called South Bay ; being the inlet into the Lake. It is about twelve miles south of the old fortress at Crown Point ; and about one hundred and ten miles north of Albany. This point of land is surrounded on three sides by water, and on the north west side it is well defended by the old French lines and several block houses. The works at this place were originally erected by, the French, in 1756, and the post was considered of ' high importance by both the French and English, as commanding the pass direct from Canada to the provinces of New York and New England. In the war between the English and French, in the year 1759, it was sur rendered to General Amherst, which was a prelude to the conquest of Canada, by the English and Pro vincial army. In 1775, after the commencement of hostilities at Lexington, this post was taken from the English, by a small party of militia volunteers 10

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under command of Colonel Allen and Colonel Arnold, which put the Provincials in possession of a large number of cannon, mortars and other ordnance ; a part of which was transported to Cambridge during the siege of Boston. On the east side of South Bay, directly opposite to Ticonderoga, is a high circular hill, on the summit of which our army has erected a strong fort, within which is a square of barracks. This is called Mount Independence. A communica tion is maintained between the two places by a float ing bridge thrown across the Lake, which is about four hundred yards wide. The army stationed at this post at present, is supposed to consist of about eight or ten thousand men, and Major General Gates is commander in chief. We have a naval armament on Lake Champlain, below this garrison, which is commanded by the intrepid General Arnold ; Gen eral Waterbury is second in command. The British have also a naval armament, of superior force, at the head of which is the celebrated Sir Guy Carle- ton. Preparations are making on both sides, for a vigorous combat to decide which power shall have dominion on the Lake. Should Sir Guy Carleton be able to defeat our fleet, it is supposed that he will pursue his victorious career by an attempt to possess himself of this garrison ; and our troops are making the utmost exertion to put our works in the best possible state of defence. Each regiment has its alarm post assigned, and they are ordered to repair to it, and to man the lines at day light every morn ing. Among our defensive weapons are poles, about twelve feet long, armed with sharp iron points, which each soldier is to employ against the assailants when mounting the breast works. We are happy to learn from head quarters that the two continental generals, taken in the action on Long Island, Lord Stirling and Major General Sullivan, have returned to our camp : being exchanged for General Prescott, cap tured in Canada, and Governor Brown who was

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brought off from New Providence by one of our armed vessels.

October. — By some gentlemen from head quarters, near New York, we are amused with an account of a singular machine, invented by a Mr. D. Bushnell of Connecticut, for the purpose of destroying the British shipping by explosion. This novel machine was so ingeniously constructed, that, on examination, Major General Putnam was decidedly of opinion that its operations might be attended with the desired suc cess ; accordingly he encouraged the inventor, and resolved to be himself a spectator of the experiment on the British shipping in New York harbor. Mr. Bushnell gave to his machine the name of American Turtle or Torpedo. It was constructed on the prin ciples of submarine navigation, and on trial it has been ascertained that it might be rowed horizontally, at any given depth under water, and the adventurer, concealed within, might rise or sink, as occasion re quires. A magazine of powder was attached to it in such a manner as to be screwed into the bottom of the ship ; and being now disengaged from the ma chine the operator retires in safety, leaving the in ternal clock work in motion ; and at the distance of half an hour, or an hour, the striking of a gun lock communicates fire to the powder, and the explosion takes place. It was determined to make the experi ment with this machine in the night, on the ship Eagle, of sixty four guns, on board of which admiral Lord Howe commanded. General Putnam placed himself on the wharf to witness the result. Mr. Bushnell had instructed his brother in the manage ment of the Torpedo with perfect dexterity ; but being taken sick a sergeant of a Connecticut regiment was selected for the business, who, for want of time, could not be properly instructed. He however, succeeded so far as to arrive in safety with his appa ratus under the bottom of the ship, when the screw, designed to perforate the copper sheathing, unfor-

76 MILITARY JOURNAL, 1776.

tunately struck against an iron plate, near the rudder, which, with the strong current and want of skill in the operator, frustrated the enterprize ; and, as day light had begun to appear, the sergeant abandoned his magazine, and returned in the Torpedo to the shore. In less than half an hour a terrible explosion from the magazine took place, and threw into the air a prodigious column of water, resembling a great water spout, attended with a report like thunder. General Putnam, and others who waited with great anxiety for the result, were exceedingly amused with the astonishment and alarm which this secret explo sion occasioned on board of the ship. This failure, it is confidently asserted, is not to be attributed to any defect in the principles of this wonderful machine ; as it is allowed to be admirably calculated to execute destruction among the shipping.

10th. — By intelligence from our fleet, on the lake, 'we are in daily expectation of a decisive naval ac tion, as the British are known to have a superior force ; our officers here, I understand, are full of anxiety respecting the important event. Great con fidence is reposed in the judgment and bravery of General Arnold, whom General Gates has appointed to command our fleet.

15 th. — I have now to record an account of a naval engagement between the two fleets on Lake Champlain. The British, under command of Sir Guy Carleton, advanced on the llth instant, and found our fleet in a line of battle prepared for the attack. A warm action soon ensued, and became extremely close and severe, with round and grape shot, which continued about four hours. Brigadier General Watcrbury, in the Washington galley, fought with undaunted bravery, till nearly all his officers were killed and wounded, and his vessel greatly in jured ; when General Arnold ordered the remaining shattered vessels to retire up the lake, towards Crown Point, in order to refit. On the 13th, they were

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overtaken by the enemy, and the action was renew ed, in which was displayed the greatest intrepidity on both sides. The Washington galley, being crip pled in the first action, was soon obliged to strike and surrender. General Arnold conducted during the action with great judgment, firmness and gallan try, obstinately defending himself against a superior force, both in numbers and weight of metal. At length, however, he was so closely pressed that his situation became desperate, and he run his own ves sel, the Congress galley, on shore, which with five gondolas were abandoned and blown up. Out of six teen of our vessels, eleven were taken or destroyed, five only arrived safe at this place. Two of the enemy's gondolas were sunk by our fleet, and one blown up with sixty men. Their loss in men is sup posed to be equal to our own, which is estimated at about one hundred. A large number of troops were on board the British fleet, consisting of regulars, Canadians and Savages, which have been landed on each side of the lake, and it is now expected that Sir Guy Carleton, at the head of his army, reported to be about ten thousand strong, will soon invest this post. By order of General Gates, our commander, the greatest exertions are constantly making, by strengthening our works, to enable us to give them a warm reception ; and our soldiery express a strong desire to have an opportunity of displaying their courage and prowess ; both officers and men are full of activity and vigilance.

~L8th. — It is now ascertained that the British army and fleet have established themselves at Crown Point, and are strengthening the old fortifications at that place. Some of their vessels have approached with in a few miles of our garrison, and one boat came within cannon shot distance of our lower battery, in order to reconnoitre and sound the channel ; but a few shot having killed two men, and wounded an other, soon obliged her to retire. All our troops arc

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ordered to repair to their alarm posts, and man the lines and works ; every morning, our continental colors are advantageously displayed on the ramparts, and our cannon and spears are in readiness for action.

20th. — Ever since the defeat of our fleet we have been Providentially favored with a strong southerly wind, which has prevented the enemy's advancing to attack our lines, and afforded us time to receive some reinforcements of militia, and to prepare for a more vigorous defence. It seems now to be the opinion of many of our most judicious officers, that had Sir Guy Carleton approached with his army, immediately after his victory on the lake, the struggle must have been most desperate, and the result precarious; but we now feel more confidence in our strength.

Several letters, lately received from Canada, ac knowledge that no man ever manoeuvred with more dexterity, fought with more bravery, or retreated with more firmness, than did General Arnold on the 11 th and 12th instant. After making every effort to compensate, by the advantage of situation, for the inferiority of force, and seeing his own vessel, and the rest, torn to pieces by the superior weight of metal, and the execution of the enemy's howitzers, he set fire to his vessel and would not quit her till she was so completely in flames that it was impossi ble for the enemy to strike her colors on their arrival, and they were left flying among the flames to the last. This, says one of the letters, was supporting a point of honor in a manner almost romantic 5 yet so it was.

November 1st.— The enemy remain at Crown Point, and evince no disposition to molest our garrison, hav ing probably discovered that our means of defence are too formidable for them to encounter. General Gates has now ordered a detachment of troops to march towards Crown Point, to reconnoitre their posi tion, or to attack them. A report was soon returned that the whole fleet and army have abandoned Crown

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Point, and retired into Canada, where they will pro bably occupy their winter quarters in peace, and it is not probable that Sir Guy Carleton intends to invest our garrison, at this advanced season, unless however, he should attempt it by marching his army over the ice, when the lake is frozen, which will probably be very practicable.

15th. — Ticonderoga is situated in about latitude forty four degrees. I have no means in my possession of ascertaining the precise degree of cold ; but we all agree that it is colder here than in Massachusetts at the same season. The earth has not yet been cover ed with snow, but the frost is so considerable that the water of the lake is congealed, and the earth is frozen. We are comfortably situated in our barracks ; our provisions are now good, and having no enemy near enough to alarm or disturb us, we have nothing of importance to engage our attention. Our troops are quite healthy, a few cases of rheumatism and pleurisy comprize our sick list, and it is seldom that any fatal cases occur.

December Wth. — Intelligence has lately arrived at head quarters here, that a British fleet, and a de tachment of five or six thousand of the royal army have taken possession of Newport, in Rhode Island, without any opposition ; many of the inhabitants being friendly to the royal cause, they were received as friends. By letters from officers, and by other infor mation from our main army, we learn with sorrow, that our affairs in that quarter are in a most deplora- v ble and almost desperate situation. Since the evacu ation of New York, several battles and skirmishes have taken place between the two armies, with con siderable loss on both sides ; but his Excellency the Commander in Chief has constantly avoided a general action. Fort Washington and Fort Lee have fallen into the hands of the enemy, with a considerable number of prisoners ; and our army being reduced y to the lowest ebb, discouraged and dispirited, are ^

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retreating through the Jersey s, and the enemy in close pursuit. The continental army has even cross ed the Delaware and left the whole state of Jersey in the possession of the royal army.

20th. — Another disaster ot much importance, is the capture of Major General Lee ; on the 13th instant, marching at the head of his division to join the main army, he very incautiously took up his lodgings at a house three or four miles from his troops. Informa tion of this was, hy some tories, communicated to Colo nel Harcourt of the British light horse, who resolved to attempt his capture. Accordingly, with a detach ment of dragoons, he speedily surrounded the house ; made General Lee his prisoner, and not permitting him time to take his cloak and hat, mounted him on a horse and in triumph conveyed him to New York. The loss of this favorite general officer, it is feared, will be attended with very serious consequences, as respects the American cause. He was from his youth an officer in the British service, where he sustained a reputation of the highest grade, as a brave and skilful warrior. Having adopted our country, and become a zealous advocate for its liberties, he had acquired the confidence and highest regard of the public, and was exalted to the rank of second in com mand in our army.

u Such is now the gloomy aspect of our affairs that the whole country has taken the alarm ; strong ap prehensions are entertained that the British will soon

A have it in their power to vanquish the whole of the remains of the continental army. The term of ser vice of a considerable part of our troops has nearly

X expired, and new recruits do not arrive in sufficient numbers to supply their places. His Excellency General Washington is continually making every pos sible effort to produce a change of circumstances more auspicious to our country. The critical and distress ing situation in which he is placed is sufficient to overwhelm the powers of any man of less wisdom and

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magnanimity than our Commander in Chief. He has the confidence and the affection of the officers and soldiers of the whole army ; and there is not perhaps another man to he found so well calculated to discharge the duties of his important and respon sible station. It is generally agreed by our officers, that in his retreat through the Jerseys, and over the Delaware, under the most pressing difficulties, he displayed the talents and wisdom characteristic of a great military commander, possessing unfailing re sources of mind. While retreating through the Jerseys with an army not exceeding three thousand five hundred men, and deeming our cause as almost desperate, he said to Colonel Reed., passing his hand over his throat, " my neck does not feel as though it was made for a halter, we must retire to Augusta county in Virginia, and if overpowerd we must pass the Alleghany mountains." General Washington at this time was suffering the most agonizing distress for the fate of his army and his country.

The king's commissioners, flushed with the success of the royal army, have availed themselves of the occasion, and put forth another proclamation, granting pardons to all those who shall within sixty days sub scribe a declaration to remain peaceable, not to take up arms nor encourage others to act against the king's authority, and at the same time, they charge and command all who are assembled in arms against his Majesty to disband, and all under the names of General and Provincial Congress committees, &c. to desist from their treasonable practices, and relinquish their usurped power within sixty days from the date of the proclamation.

This production, couched in the haughty style of royal authority, demands submission of those who have long since been compelled to abjure all allegi ance to the British crown. How far the people of this continent may be disposed to retrace their steps, to abandon the government of their choice, relinquish 11

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their independence and succumb to arbitrary power., is a point to be decided within sixty days. How ever apparently forlorn is our situation, we presume to hope that his Majesty's commissioners will not realize their sanguine expectations, though British clemency on the one hand, and the gallows on the other, may be the alternative. The Congress resolv ed on the 12th instant, that it be recommended to all the United States as soon as possible to appoint a day of fasting and humiliation. This is according s to the custom of our pious ancestors in times of im- Xininent dangers and difficulties. Considering the rapid movements of the enemy, and knowing it to be their intention to possess themselves of the city of Philadelphia, the Congress have resolved to retire to Baltimore in Maryland. They have also ordered, that hand bills be circulated through the states with the view of rousing the whole people to a sense of the impending danger, and the calamities that will ensue should the enemy succeed in the attempt to get possession of the capital.

26th. — A singular kind of riot took place in our barracks last evening, attended by some unpleasant consequences. Colonel A. W. of Massachusetts, made choice of his two sons, who were soldiers in his regi ment, to discharge the menial duties of waiters, and one of them having been brought up a shoe maker, the Colonel was so inconsiderate as to allow him to work on his bench in the same room with himself. This ridiculous conduct has for some time drawn on the good old man the contemptuous sneers of the gentlemen officers, especially those from Pennsylvania. Lieutenant Colonel C. of Wayne's regiment, being warmed with wine, took on himself the task of repre hending the " Yankee" Colonel for thus degrading his rank. With this view he rushed into the room in the evening and soon despatched the shoe maker's bench, after which, he made an assault on the ColoneFs person, and bruised him severely. The noise and confusion

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soon collected a number of officers and soldiers, and it was a considerable time before the rioters could be quelled. Some of the soldiers of Colonel Wayne's regiment actually took to their arms and dared the Yankees, and then proceeded to the extremity of firing their guns. About thirty or forty rounds were aimed at the soldiers of our regiment, who were driven from their huts and barracks, and several of them were severely wounded. Colonel C. in making an assault on a superior officer, and encouraging a riot, is guilty of one of the highest crimes in our articles of war. It was in the power of Colonel W. and in fact, it was his duty to bring the audacious offenders to exemplary punishment ; but, as if to com plete the disgrace of the transaction, Colonel C. sent some soldiers into the woods to shoot a fat bear, with which he made an entertainment, and invited Colonel W. and his officers to partake of it ; this effected a reconciliation ; and Colonel W. was induced to over look the high handed assault on his own person and on the lives of his soldiers. Our Colonel is a serious, good man, but is more conversant with the economy of domestic life than the etiquette practised in camp. January 5th. — At the close of the last year, the situation of our main army was gloomy and discourag ing, a large proportion of the troops had retired from service, as their term of enlistment expired, and the .small remains of our army was retreating before the enemy, and passed the Delaware for safety. It is now announced in our general orders, to our inex pressible joy and satisfaction, that the scene is in some degree changed, the fortune of war is reversed, and Providence has been pleased to crown the efforts of our Commander in Chief with a splendid victory. His Excellency, having obtained information that the advanced party of the enemy, consisting of about fifteen hundred Hessians and British light horse, under command of Colonel Rahl, was stationed at the village of Trenton, concerted a plan for taking

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them by surprize. For this purpose he made choice of Christmas night, under the idea that in conse quence of the festivity, they might be less vigilantly guarded. At this time the whole force under his immediate command did not exceed three thousand men. At the head of about two thousand four hun dred men, one division being commanded by Gen eral Greene, and the other by General Sullivan, he crossed the river Delaware in boats, in the night of the 25th of December, during a severe storm of snow and rain. The passage of the boats was rendered extremely difficult and hazardous by the ice, and part of the troops and cannon actually failed in the attempt. Having landed on the Jersey shore, he had nine miles to march, and he reached the village about 7 o'clock in the morning with such prompti tude and secrecy, as to attack the enemy almost as soon as his approach was discovered. A smart firing ensued, which continued but a few minutes, when the enemy, finding themselves surrounded, threw down their arms and surrendered as prisoners. Colonel Kahl, the commanding officer, was mortally wounded, and seven other officers were wounded and left at Trenton on their parole. About thirty five soldiers were killed, sixty wounded, and nine hundred and forty eight, including thirty officers, were taken prisoners, amounting in all to one thousand and forty eight. Of the Continentals not more than ten, it is supposed, were killed and wounded. General Wash ington recrossed the Delaware the same day in triumph, bringing off six excellent brass cannon, about one thousand two hundred small arms, and three standards, with a quantity of baggage, &c. This very brilliant achievement is highly honorable to the Commander in Chief, and to all that were engaged in the enterprize. We are sanguine in the hope that this most auspicious event will be productive of the happiest effects, by inspiriting our dejected army and dispelling that panic of despair into which the peo-

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pie have been plunged. General Washington allow ed the Hessian prisoners to retain their baggage, and sent them into the interior of Pennsylvania, ordering { that they be treated with favor and humanity. This A conduct, so contrary to their expectations, excited their gratitude and veneration for their amiable con queror, whom they styled, " a very good rebel"

15th. — By some friends from the main army, and from current report, it appears that the British, hav ing overrun the Jerseys, considered the Continental army as on the point of annihilation, and flattered themselves that what they term the rebellion, is effectually crushed. In their march through the Jerseys they have committed such licentious ravages and desolation, as must be deemed disgraceful by all civilized people ; an indiscriminate robbery and plun dering mark every step of their progress ; rapine and murder, without distinction of friend or foe, age or sex, has been put in practice with an inexorable spirit, and countenanced by officers of rank and dis tinction. Even those unfortunate inhabitants who have been deluded by their promises, and received printed protections, are equally sufferers by these cruel and atrocious wretches. Hundreds of inhabi tants, both male and female, have been deprived of their dwellings and sustenance, stripped of their cloth ing, and exposed to the inclemency of the winter, and to personal insult and abuse of almost every de scription. But their wicked career is about to be checked. Providence will not suffer such enormities to be perpetrated with impunity. Those miserable inhabitants, whose lives have been spared, are driven to desperation, and feel that they have no hope but in the extirpation of their cruel enemies. The peo ple who have been subdued, have with a noble spirit, risen on their conquerors, and are resolved to revenge the injuries which they have suffered.

We are now informed of another very important advantage which General Washington has gained

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over the royal army by means of a well concerted stratagem. After his success at Trenton, General Washington received considerable reinforcements of troops from Virginia and Maryland, and some regi- ments of militia, which enabled him again to cross the Delaware into the Jerseys and face the enemy. While at Trenton, Lord Cornwallis advanced to attack him, and a severe cannonade commenced. In the evening, General Washington ordered a great number of fires to be lighted up, and leaving a sufficient num ber of men to keep them burning during the night, to deceive the enemy, stole a march with his main army, taking a circuitous route, and, at 9 o'clock the next morning, attacked three regiments of the British who were posted at Princeton, routed them, and drove them from their redoubts. By this masterly ma noeuvre, the enemy lost about five hundred in killed, wounded and prisoners. The loss on our side is very inconsiderable in point of numbers, but we have to lament the death of Brigadier General Mercer, a brave officer who commanded the Virginia militia. The fact is published, that after General Mercer sur rendered himself, the enemy, deaf to the voice of humanity, stabbed him with their bayonets, and with the butt end of a musket battered and disfigured his face in a savage manner. It is to be remarked, that on this memorable occasion Lord Cornwallis was completely out generated ; while he was expecting to find the Continental army at their lighted fires at Trenton, he was astonished and confounded to hear the firing occasioned by this, same army, beating up their quarters twelve miles in his rear. His lordship immediately repaired by a forced march to Princeton, but arrived too late to retaliate on his vigilant an tagonist who had taken up his route to Morristown. Finding that the Continentals were out of his reach, his lordship proceeded without halting, to Bruns wick. Stratagems in war, when wisely concerted, and judiciously executed, are considered as charac-

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terizing a military genius of superior order, and is a quality of inestimable value in every commander. It is often exultingly remarked in our camp, that Washington was born for the salvation of his coun try, and that he is endowed with all the talents and abilities necessary to qualify him for the great under taking. The militia of Jersey, immediately on their being liberated from the control of the British, flew \/ tojirjiSj exasperated and stimulated by a recollection, of their sufferings, and have become their most bitter and determined enemies ; and are very active and vigilant in harassing them on all occasions, keeping a continual watch, and cutting off small parties when ever opportunities offer. It is gratifying to the army that Congress have conferred on their Generalissimo more ample powers, and appointed him Dictator for the limited term of six months ; to reform and new model the military arrangements, in such manner as he may judge most advantageous for the public service. Much good is expected to result from this measure.

30th. — It is with infinite satisfaction we learn, that the royal army has been compelled to quit almost every part of the Jerseys, and that our army is pur suing them from post to post, and they find no security but in the vicinity of their shipping.

General Washington has issued a proclamation com manding all persons having taken the oath of allegi ance to Great Britain, and accepted protections and certificates, to deliver up the same, and take the oath of allegiance to the United States. Granting at the same time full liberty to all those who prefer the protection of Great Britain to the freedom and hap piness of their country, forthwith to withdraw them selves and families to the enemy's lines.

The winter hitherto has been mild and temperate ; Lake Cham plain is now frozen over, and the ice is about one foot thick, the earth is covered with snow, but the storms have not been very violent, and the cold not so intense as might be expected in a northern

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climate. There have been frequent instances of per sons being detected lurking about the country who are employed by the enemy in enlisting soldiers for the tory regiments in New York. In order effec tually to prevent this nefarious conduct, every per son of this description who may fall into our hands is to be tried by a court martial, and if found guilty, will be executed as a spy. A few days since one Daniel Strong was found lurking about our army at Peekshill, and on examination enlisting orders were found sewed in his clothes 5 he was immediately tried as a spy from the enemy, sentenced to suffer death, and was executed accordingly.

February. — The present unfortunate situation of General Lee, who is in close confinement in the pro vost prison, in New York, affords a topic for general conversation both in and out of the army. A cor respondence between General Washington and Gene ral Howe has taken place relative to the subject, from which it appears that General Lee receives the most rigid and ungenerous treatment, under the absurd pre tence that he is a deserter from the British service, when it is well known that he resigned his commission long before he received an appointment in our army. As we have not in our possession any British officers of equal rank, General Washington has proposed to make an exchange of six Hessian field officers for General Lee, that being considered as the usual pro portion for the disparity of rank. This proposal be ing rejected, his Excellency next required of General Howe that General Lee should receive from his hands treatment suitable to his rank, and such as the custom of all armies has prescribed for prisoners of war. If this should be refused, General Howe was assured, that the unpleasant expedient of retaliation should be immediately adopted. This unhappy affair soon ar rested the attention of Congress, and they resolved " that General Washington inform General Howe, that should the proffered exchange of General Lee not be

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accepted, and the ill treatment of him be continued, the principle of retaliation shall occasion five of the Hessian field officers, together with Lieutenant Colonel A. Campbell, or any other officers that are or may be in our possession, equivalent in number or quality, to be detained in order that the same treatment which General Lee shall receive may be exactly inflicted on their persons." The result of this unfortunate business is, that the threatened retaliation has been resorted to on our part, and that Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, and five Hessian field officers are com mitted to prison, and subjected to the same rigorous treatment which has been ascertained is inflicted on the person of General Lee. Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, being on parole near Boston, is confined in the jail at Concord. In a letter to General Howe, which has been published, after acknowledging the liberal and generous attention which he had pre viously received, he describes his present condition as being most horrid, and in his view altogether unjusti fiable. It remains therefore with General Howe to afford to Colonel Campbell all the relief which he de sires, and extend to him all the comforts and privi leges which his rank demands, by first relaxing his severity, and complying wTith the rules of war, as respects General Lee ; it being the determination of our government to place the British prisoners in pre cisely the same circumstances with our prisoners in their custody. My leisure hours permit me to ad vert to another subject which excites the interest and the inexpressible indignation of every American. I allude to the abominable conduct of the British com manders towards our unfortunate officers and soldiers, who, by the fortune of war, have fallen into their hands. In all countries and armies, prisoners of war have a just claim on the duties of humanity ; from the moment of their captivity hostilities should cease, the sword should be sheathed; being themselves disarmed, no arm can of right be lifted against them, and while 12

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they conduct in a manner becoming their condition, they are entitled to the customary immunities, and to he treated with lenity. Among the savage tribes we know their captives are tortured by fire, by the scalping knife, and the tomahawk, but we are yet, and for the honor of human nature, hope we ever shall remain unacquainted with any civilized nation except the English, who devote their captives to various forms of destruction. It would seem that the application of the term rebel to our prisoners, is suf ficient to reconcile the consciences of their victors to inflict on them the most unprecedented cruelties. The following is a brief summary of the systematic method adopted and practised for their destruction, as taken from the New London Gazette, from General Washington's letter of complaint to General Howe, and from the verbal statement of the officers and sol diers who have returned from New York by ex change. They were crowded into the holds of prison ships where they were almost suffocated for want of air, and into churches, and open sugar houses, &c. without covering or a spark of fire. Their allow ance of provisions and water for three days, was in sufficient for one, and in some instances, they were for four days entirely destitute of food. The pork and bread, for they had no other sustenance, and even the water allowed them, were of the worst possible quality, and totally unfit for human beings. A minute detail of their dreadful sufferings would only serve to harrow up the feelings of surviving friends ; as a gross outrage against the principles of humanity, suffice it to say, that in consequence of the most barbarous treat ment, died within a few weeks, not less than fifteen hundred American soldiers, brave young men, the pride and shield of our country. After death had released the sufferers, their bodies were dragged out of the prisons and piled up without doors, till enough \vere collected for a cart load, when they were carted out and tumbled into a ditch, and slightly covered

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with earth. Besides the above diabolical treatment, the prisoners were continually insulted and tantalized by the British officers, and malicious tories, cursing and swearing at them as rebels, saying, " this is the just punishment of your rebellion ; nay, you are treated too well for rebels, you have not received half you deserve, and half you shall receive ; but if you will enlist in his majesty's service, you shall have victuals and clothing enough. " Thus these callous hearted Englishmen meanly endeavored to augment the royal army by the enlistment of American prison ers, or to diminish the number of their opposers; but such was the integrity and patriotism of these men, that hundreds submitted to death rather than become rebels to their own native country. In one instance, four of our wounded officers, of respectable rank, were put into a common dirt cart and conveyed through the streets of New York as objects of deri sion, reviled as rebels, and treated with the utmost contempt.* But, it may be inquired, if I mean to describe the British commanders as transformed into demons ?

I only record notorious facts, and it is not my jour nal, but the faithful and impartial pages of history that will transmit to posterity this stigma on the Eng lish character. Gracious heavens ! are these the peo ple from whom we derive our origin, and who are in viting the Americans to a reconciliation ? A more

* A friend, who was unfortunately a prisoner in New York, has recently favored me with the following facts. In 1776, a number of prisoners were made by the British in our retreat from Long Island. Among others, a Lieutenant Dunscomb, of New York. He and his fellow officers were ordered before the commanding general, who, in harsh language, reproached them for their crime of rebellion and its necessary consequences. A gentleman present, began to plead their youth as an apology. It won't do, said General Howe, you shall all be hanged ! Hang, and be d — d, said Dunscomb. They hanged no one that I know of, but they plaved the fool by going through the farce of making them ride with a rope round their necks seated on coffins to the gallows. Otho Williams, subsequently Adjutant General to the southern arm}', arid a most worthy and amiable gentleman, I particu larly know was treated in this manner.

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dreadful curse can scarcely be denounced ! It is worthy of observation, that the British arid Hessian pri soners in our hands were treated in a manner directly the reverse of that just described, and they never found cause to complain. It is some satisfaction to find, that since the brilliant success of our army in the Jerseys, and a considerable number of British and Hessians having fallen into our hands, the cruel severi ties inflicted on our prisoners have been in some de gree mitigated. To the foregoing unparalleled cata logue of criminal proceedings, I have to add, from another writer, that the enemy wantonly destroyed the New York water works, an elegant public library at Trenton, and the grand orrery made by the cele brated Rittenhousc, which was placed in the college at Princeton, a piece of mechanism which the most untutored savage, staying the hand of violence, would have beheld with wonder and delight. Thus are our cruel enemies warring against liberty, virtue and the arts and sciences. To make war against litera ture and learning is the part of barbarians. I cannot resist the temptation to transcribe a few paragraphs from an elegant speech of Governor Livingston to the General Assembly of the state of New Jersey, March the 5th. " They have plundered friends and foes ; effects, capable of division, they have divided ; such as were not, they have destroyed : they have warred on decrepid old age, warred on defenceless youth ; they have committed hostilities against the professors of literature and the ministers of religion, against pub lic records and private monuments ; books of improve ment, and papers of curiosity ; and against the arts and sciences. They have butchered the wounded, asking for quarter ; mangled the dead, weltering in their blood ; refused to the dead the rites of sepulture ; suffered prisoners to perish for want of sustenance ; insulted the persons of females ; disfigured private dwellings of taste and elegance, and in the rage of impiety and barbarism, profaned edifices dedicated to Almighty God."

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Lake Champlain is now open and free from ice in its whole extent, and the hostile Indians begin to lurk about our lines, laying/wait for their prey. A party of these savages in the British interest, a few days since, discovered about thirty of our unarmed recruits on their way to join their corps at Fort George, they immediately made their attack, killed and tomahawked some, made several prisoners, and escaped towards Canada ; a few of these men fortu nately escaped, and several that were wounded were brought into our lines. Colonel Whitcomb with a party of continentals was ordered to pursue the In dians, he overtook part of them and killed several, but the prisoners were carried off beyond his reach.

An enterprize of little importance has lately been put in execution by a detachment of royalists from New York. Their object was to destroy* some stores which were deposited at Peekskill. General McDou- gal, who had the command of the post, with a small number of men, found it prudent to retire, and the enemy accomplished in part the object of the expedi tion. Lieutenant Colonel Willet however, with only sixty men, came on them by surprize, when a skirmish ensued which obliged them to retire with great pre cipitation on board their vessels in the North River, after having suffered a considerable loss.

April 1st. — The term of service of Colonel Whit- comb's regiment having expired, they have now left the service and returned to New England. Having received, an invitation from Dr. Jonathan Potts, the surgeon general in this department, to accept the office of surgeon's mate in the general hospital, I have received the said appointment and commenced my official duties accordingly at this place ; Dr. D. Townsend being at the same time appointed senior surgeon. We find here about eighty soldiers labor ing under various diseases, and eight or ten that have been cruelly wounded by the savages who have been sculking in the woods in the vicinity. In our retired

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situation here, we are unacquainted with any military transactions in other quarters till they transpire in the public papers.

May. — It is just announced that the enemy have undertaken an expedition to Danbury, in Connecticut? for the purpose of destroying a magazine of stores at that place. Governor Tryon, a Major General of the Provincial troops in New York, was the commander of the detachment, consisting of one thousand eight hundred men, and Brigadier General Agnevv, and Sir W. Erskirie were commanders under him. When the enemy had landed and commenced their opera tions in their usual manner, by burning and destroying houses, and other buildings, the country was alarmed, the militia collected, and were commanded by Major General Wooster, Brigadier Generals Arnold and Silliman. A smart action soon ensued and continued about one hour, in which our militia and a small number of continentals conducted with distinguished bravery, but being overpowered by a superior force, they were obliged to retreat. The amount of stores destroyed by the enemy was very considerable, but the loss of valuable officers and men is infinitely more important. General Wooster was mortally wounded, and died soon after. Lieutenant Colonel Gould and four or five other officers were killed, and about sixty men were killed and wounded. Among the slain is Dr. Atwater, a respectable character whose death is greatly lamented. General Arnold had his horse shot under him when within ten yards of the enemy, and a soldier was advancing with fixed bayo net towards him, when, with great presence of mind, he drew his pistol from his holsters and instantly shot him through the body. On the side of the royalists the loss, as stated by General Howe, is one hundred and seventy two in killed, wounded and missing, but by other accounts it is much more considerable. Among their wounded is Brigadier General Agnew and two other field officers.

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A captain Roofa, and his Lieutenant, two noted lories, lately taken in arms as they were marching to wards the enemy, were condemned by a court martial and hanged at Esopus, in the state of New York, as a suitable reward, says a writer in the newspaper, for their treasonable practices, they having induced a number of others to enlist in the service of the enemy.

June. — Congress have appointed Major General Schuyler to command in the northern department, including Albany, Ticonderoga, Fort Stanwix and their dependencies, and Major General St Clair has the immediate command of the posts of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence. It is also understood, that the British government have appointed Lieutenant General Burgoyne, commander in chief of their army in Canada, consisting, it is said, of eight or ten thou sand men. According to authentic reports, the plan of the British government for the present campaign is, that General Burgoyne's army shall take possession of Ticonderoga, and force his wray through the coun try to Albany ; to facilitate this event, Colonel St. Leger is to march with a party of British, Germans, Canadians and Indians to the Mohawk river, and make a diversion in that quarter. The royal army at New York, under command of General Howe is to pass up the Hudson river, and, calculating on success in all quarters, the three armies are to form a junction at Albany. Here, probably, the three commanders are to congratulate each other on their mighty achieve ments, and the flattering prospect of crushing the re bellion. This being accomplished, the communica tion between the southern and eastern states will be interrupted, and New England, as they suppose, may become an easy prey. Judging from the foregoing detail, a very active campaign is to be expected, and events of the greatest magnitude are undoubtedly to be unfolded. The utmost exertions are now making to strengthen our works at Ticonderoga, and if pos-

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sible, to render the post invulnerable. Mount Inde pendence, directly opposite to Ticonderoga, is strong ly fortified and well supplied with artillery. On the summit of the mount which is table land, is erected a strong fort, in the centre of which is a convenient square of barracks, a part of which are occupied for our hospital. The communication between these two places is maintained by a floating bridge ; it is sup ported on twenty two sunken piers of very large tim ber, the spaces between these are filled with separate floats, each about fifty feet long and twelve wide, strongly fastened together with iron chains and rivets. A boom composed of large pieces of timber well secured together by riveted bolts, is placed on the north side of the bridge, and by the side of this is placed a double iron chain, the links of which are one and a half inch square. The construction of this bridge, boom and chain, of four hundred yards in length, has proved a most laborious undertaking, and the expense must have been immense. It is how ever supposed to be admirably adapted to the double purpose of a communication, and an impenetrable barrier to any vessels that might attempt to pass our works. By way of amusement I went with three gentlemen of our hospital to endeavor to explore a high mountain in this vicinity. With much diffi culty we clambered up and reached the summit. From this commanding eminence we had one of the most singularly romantic views which imagination can paint. Northward we behold Lake Champlain, a prodigious expanse of unruffled water, widening and straitening as the banks and clifts project into its channel. This lake extends about one hundred miles towards Quebec, and is from one to five miles wide. On each side is a thick uninhabited wilderness varie gated by hills and dales ; here the majestic oak, ches- nut and pine, rear their lofty heads ; there the dimi nutive shrub forms a thicket for the retreat of wild beasts. Looking south west from our stand we have

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a view of part of Lake George, emptying its waters into Lake Champlain, near Ticonderoga. Turning to the east, the prodigious heights called Green Mountains, ascending almost to the clouds, are exhibited to view, with the settlements in that tract of territory called New Hampshire grant. The ancient fortress at Crown Point, is about twelve miles north of this place ; it is by nature a very strong position, but it has been abandoned by both armies.

July 1st. — We are now assailed by a proclamation of a very extraordinary nature from General Bur- goyne, enumerating a string of titles, which he has doubtless received from his royal master as a reward for his merit. From the pompous manner in which he has arrayed his titles, we are led to suppose, that he considers them as more than a match for all the military force which we can bring against him. They stand thus,

" By John Burgoyne, Esquire, Lieutenant Gen eral of his Majesty's forces in America* Colonel of the Queen's regiment of Light Dragoons, Gover nor of Fort William, in North Britain, one of the Commons of Great Britain in Parliament, and commanding an army and fleet employed on an expedition from Canada, fyc. fyc." This sanguinary proclamation is to be viewed as the forerunner of his formidable army, and all the opposers of his authority are menaced with his avenging power. " I have,'7 says the proclamation, (( but to give stretch to the Indian forces under my direction, and they amount to thousands, to overtake the hardened enemies of Great Britain and America. I consider them the same wherever they may lurk." The British minis try, not satisfied with the disgraceful expedient of hiring foreign mercenaries, resort also to the savages of the wilderness for aid in the glorious cause of tyranny and of spreading the horrors of war by fire and sword throughout our country. The militia of New England are daily coming in to increase our 13

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strength ; the number of our troops, and our ability to defend the works against the approaching enemy, are considerations which belong to our commanding offi cers ; in their breasts let the important secret remain, and in their superior judgment our confidence must be reposed. One fact, however, is notorious, that when the troops are directed to man the lines, there is not a sufficient number to occupy their whole ex tent. It appears, nevertheless, so far as I can learn, to be the prevalent opinion, that we shall be able to repel the meditated attack and defeat the views of the royal commander ; both officers and men are in high spirits and prepared for the contest.

July 2d. — The British army is now approaching, some of their savage allies have been seen in the vicinity of our out works, which, with the block house beyond the old French lines, has this day been aban doned. On the 3d and 4th, the enemy are making their approaches and gaining as is supposed some ad vantages. They have taken possession of Mount Hope, our batteries are now opened, and a can nonading has commenced. General St. Clair endea vors to animate the troops, and orders every man to repair to the alarm posts at morning and evening roll call, and to be particularly alert and vigilant. There seems to be a diversity of opinion whether General Burgoyne intends to besiege our garrison, or to attempt to possess himself of it by an assault on our lines.

5th. — It is with astonishment that we find the ene my have taken possession of an eminence called Sugar-loaf Hilly or Mount Defiance, which, from its height and proximity, completely overlooks and com mands all our works at Ticonderoga and Mount In dependence. This mount it is said ought long since- to have been fortified by our army, but its extreme difficulty of access, and the want of a sufficient num ber of men are the reasons assigned for its being neg lected. The situation of our garrison is viewed as

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critical and alarming ; a few days, it is expected, will decide our fate. We have reason to apprehend the most fatal effects from their battery on Sugar-loaf Hill. 14th. — By reason of an extraordinary and unex pected event, the course of my Journal has been interrupted for several days. At about 12 o'clock, in the night of the 5th instant, I was urgently called from sleep, and informed that our army was in motion, and was instantly to abandon Tieonderoga and Mount Independence, I could scarcely believe that my in formant was in earnest, but the confusion and bustle soon convinced me that it was really true, and that the short time allowed demanded my utmost industry. It was enjoined on me immediately to collect the sick and wounded, and as much of the hospital stores as possible, and assist in embarking them on board the batteaux and boats at the shore. Having with all possible despatch completed our embarkation, at 3 o'clock in the morning of the 6th, we commenced our voyage up the South bay to Skeensborough, about 30 miles. Our fleet consisted of five armed gallies and two hundred batteaux and boats deeply laden with cannon, tents, provisions, invalids and women. We were accompanied by a guard of six hundred men, commanded by Colonel Long, of New Hampshire. The night was moon light and pleasant, the sun burst forth in the morning with uncommon lustre, the day was fine, the water's surface serene and unruffled. The shore on each side exhibited a variegated view of huge rocks, caverns and clifts, and the whole was bounded by a thick impenetrable wilderness. My pen would fail in the attempt to describe a scene so enchantingly sublime. The occasion was peculiarly interesting, and we could but look back with regret, and forward with apprehension. We availed our selves, however, of the means of enlivening our spirits. The drum and fife afforded us a favorite music ; among the hospital stores we found many dozen of choice wine, and breaking off their necks

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we cheered our hearts with the nectareous contents. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon we reached our des tined port at Skeensborough, being the head of navigation for our gallies. Here we were unsuspicious of danger, but behold ! Burgoyne himself was at our heels. In less than two hours we were struck with surprize and consternation by a discharge of cannon from the enemy's fleet, on our gallies and batteaux laying at the wharf. By uncommon efforts and in dustry they had broken through the bridge, boom and chain, which cost our people such immense labor, and had almost overtaken us on the lake, and hor ridly disastrous indeed would have been our fate. It was not long before it was perceived that a number of their troops and savages had landed, and were rapidly advancing towards our little party. The officers of our guard now attempted to rally the men and form them in battle array ; but this was found impossible, every effort proved unavailing, and in the utmost panic, they were seen to fly in every direc tion for personal safety. In this desperate condition, I perceived our officers scampering for their baggage ; I ran to the batteau, seized my chest, carried it a short distance, took from it a few articles, and instant ly followed in the train of our retreating party. We took the route to Fort Ann, through a narrow defile in the woods, and were so closely pressed by the pursuing enemy, that we frequently heard calls from the rear to " march on, the Indians are at our heels." Having marched all night we reached Fort Ann at 5 o'clock in the morning, where we found provisions for our refreshment. A small rivulet called Wood Creek is navigable for boats from Skeensborough to Fort Ann, by which means some of our invalids and baggage made their escape ; but all our cannon, pro visions, and the bulk of our baggage, with several in valids, fell into the enemy's hands.

On the 7th instant, we received a small reinforce ment from Fort Edward, by order of Major General

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Schuyler, and on discovering that a detachment of the enemy under command of Colonel Hill had ar rived in our vicinity, a party from our fort was order ed to attack them in their covert in the woods. The two parties were soon engaged in a smart skirmish, which continued for several hours, and resulted greatly to our honor and advantage ; the enemy, being almost surrounded, were on the point of sur rendering, when our ammunition being expended, and a party of Indians arriving and setting up the war whoop, this being followed by three cheers from their friends the English, the Americans were induced to give way and retreat. One Surgeon with a wounded Captain and twelve or fifteen privates, were taken and brought into our fort. The Surgeon informed me that he was in possession of books, &c. taken from my chest at Skeensborough, and singular to relate, some of the British prisoners obtained in the same manner, and had in their pockets, a number, of private letters which I had received from a friend in Massa chusetts, and which were now returned to me. Fort Ann being a small picket fort of no importance, orders were given to set it on fire, and on the 8th, we departed for Fort Edward, situated about 30 miles southward, on the banks of Hudson river. General St. Clair with his main army from Ticonderoga, took a circuitous route through the woods to Hubbard- town, and Charlestown, in the New Hampshire grants, and being pursued by a strong detachment from Bur- goyne's army, his rear guard, commanded by Colo nel Francis, was overtaken, and on the 7th instant, a very close and severe engagement took place, in which bloody conflict, the brave Colonel Francis fell with other valuable officers, while fighting with dis tinguished gallantry. The Americans made an honorable defence, and finally a secure retreat. We lost in this action about three hundred, in killed, wounded and prisoners. The enemy, according to estimation, about two hundred. On the 12th, Gen-

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eral St. Glair arrived here with the remains of his army, greatly distressed and worn down by fatigue. General Schuyler is commander at this post, he has a small army of continentals and militia, and is making every possible exertion, by taking up bridges, throw ing obstructions in the roads and passes, by fallen trees, &c. to impede the march of Burgoyne's army towards Albany.

The abandonment of Ticonderoga and Mount In dependence has occasioned the greatest surprize and alarm. No event could be more unexpected nor more severely felt throughout our army and country. This disaster has given to our cause a dark and gloomy aspect, but our affairs are not desperate, and our exertions ought to be in proportion to our mis fortunes and our exigencies. The conduct of Gen eral St. Clair on this occasion has rendered him very unpopular, and subjected him to general censure and reproach ; there are some, indeed, who even accuse him of treachery ; but time and calm investigation must decide whether he can vindicate himself as a judicious and prudent commander. There is much reason to suppose that neither the strength of Bur- goyne's army, nor the weakness of our garrison were properly considered or generally understood. It must be universally conceded, that when the enemy had effected their great object by hoisting cannon from tree, to tree, till they reached the summit of Sugar-loaf Hill) the situation of our garrison had become perilous in the extreme. General Schuyler is not altogether free from public reprehension, alleg ing that he ought in duty to have been present at Ticonderoga during the critical period. It is pre dicted by some of our well informed and respectable characters, that this event, apparently so calamitous, will ultimately prove advantageous, by drawing the British army into the heart of our country, and thereby place them more immediately within our power.

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It may be deemed ludicrous that I should record a rumor so extravagantly ridiculous as the follow ing, but it has received too much credence to be- altogether omitted. It has been industriously report ed, that generals Schuyler and St. Clair, acted the part of traitors to their country, and that they were paid for their treason by the enemy in silver balls, shot from Burgoyne's guns into our camp, and that they were collected by order of General St. Clair and divided between him and General Schuyler.

25th. — The sick soldiers under my care at this place have been accommodated in barracks and tents. I have now received orders to accompany them to the hospital at Albany, about 55 miles ; boats being provided, we embarked about forty sick and invalids, and proceeded down the North river, and arrived on the third day at the place of our destination.

August 3d. — The pleasing information is received here that Lieutenant Colonel Barton, of the Rhode Island militia, planned a bold exploit for the purpose of surprizing and taking Major General Prescott, the commanding officer of the royal army at Newport Taking with him, in the night, about forty men in two boats with oars muffled, he had the address to elude the vigilance of the ships of war, and guard boats, and having arrived undiscovered at the quar ters of General Prescott, they were taken for the sentinels, and the General was not alarmed till his captors were at the door of his lodging chamber, which was fast closed. A negro man, named Prince, instantly thrust his beetle head through the pannel door and seized his victim while in bed. The gen- eraPs aid de camp leaped from a window undressed and attempted to escape, but was taken, and with the general brought off in safety. In repassing the water guards, General Prescott said to Colonel Barton, " Sir, I did not think it possible you could escape the vigilance of the water guards/' This is the

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second time that General Prescott has been a prisoner in our hands within two years. This adventure is extremely honorable to the enterprizing spirit of Colonel Barton, and is considered as ample retalia tion for the capture of General Lee by Colonel Harcourt. The event occasions great joy and ex ultation, as it puts in our possession an officer of equal rank with General Lee, by which means an exchange may be obtained. Congress resolv ed that an elegant sword should be presented to Colonel Barton for his brave exploit. It has been ascertained that General Howe has relaxed in his rigid treatment of General Lee, and conducted to wards him in a manner suitable to his rank. The Hessian officers, on whom retaliation had been inflict ed, are also restored to their former condition as prisoners of war.

It appears by the papers, that Congress resolved, on the 14th of June last, 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, representing a new constellation.

His Excellency General Washington, at his quar ters in the Jerseys, has published a manifesto in answer to General Burgoyne's proclamation, from which I extract a few paragraphs. He observes, "The associated armies in America act from the noblest motives, and for the purest purposes, — their common object is liberty. The same principles ac tuated the arms of Rome in the days of her glory, and the same object was the reward of Roman valor. When these sacred ideas are profaned, when the abominable mixture of mercenary, foreign and sav age forces dare to mention the love of country, and the general privileges of mankind," referring to Burgoyne's proclamation, " the freemen of America protest against such abuse of language and prostitu tion of sentiment." In another paragraph, " We beg leave to observe, if the power of his Britannic

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Majesty's fleets and armies have been driven from Boston, repulsed from Charleston, cut off at Treri- ton, expelled the Jerseys, and be now after almost three campaigns, commencing its operation, that this is a power we do not dread." In the close, " Ha rassed as we are by unrelenting persecution, obliged by every tie to repel violence by force, urged by self preservation to exert the strength which Provi dence 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 submit to Him who speaks the fate of nations, in humble confidence that as his omniscient eye taketh note even of the sparrow that falleth to the ground, so He will not withdraw his countenance from a peo ple who humbly array themselves under his banner in defence of the noblest principles, with which he hath adorned humanity." It is a matter of pride to our country that our Commander in Chief has ex hibited a production so far surpassing in dignity of sentiment and justness of observation the pompous proclamation to which this is a rejoinder. It is no less satisfactory to reflect, that the measure referred to has not been productive of those glorious advan tages to the royal cause, or the dire consequences as respects our own, which the sanguine spirit of its author had contemplated. Though he threatened us with all the outrages of war, arrayed in terrific forms, aided by savages eager to be let loose on their prey, yet the proclamation has been viewed rather as a curious model of an ostentatious display of self importance than a formidable weapon calculated to awe a free people into submission.

8th. — We have just been apprized, by express from the Mohawk country, that Colonel St. Leger, and Sir John Johnson, with a body of Britons, Cana dians, tories and Indians, had invested Fort Schuyler, one hundred and ten miles from Albany, that General Herkimer, with about eight hundred militia, was ad- 14

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vancing to disperse this motley collection, and to re lieve the garrison ; but unfortunately he fell into an ambuscade and suffered a considerable loss. Being himself wounded in both legs, he was seen sitting on a stump and courageously encouraging his men, by which they maintained their ground and did great execution among the enemy. Several of the Indian chiefs were slain by the first fire, which so disheart ened the remainder, that they were thrown into the greatest confusion, and turning on the tories, and other white people, a warm contention ensued be tween them, and many of the whites were killed. Colonel Gansevort, the commander of the fort, sent out Lieutenant Colonel Willet with two hundred and fifty men, who bravely routed the Indians and tories, destroyed their provisions and took their kettles, blankets, muskets, tomahawks, deer skins, &c. with five colors, and returned to the fort. The brave General Herkirner soon died of his wounds, and one hundred and sixty of his militia men, having fought like lions, were killed, besides a great number wound ed. St. Leger's victory over our militia was pur chased at a dear price, more than seventy of his In dians were slain, and among them a large proportion of their most distinguished and favorite warriors, and the survivors were exceedingly dissatisfied. The object of the expedition was far from being accom plished ; the commander did not however despair of getting possession of the fort, for this purpose he sent in a flag demanding a surrender. He greatly magni fied his own strength, asserted that Burgoyne was at Albany ; and threatened that on refusal his Indians would destroy all the inhabitants in the vicinity, and so soon as they could enter the fort every man would be sacrificed. Colonel Gansevort nobly replied in the negative, being determined to defend the fort at every hazard, aware however, of his perilous situa tion, he found means of sending to General Schuyler at Stillwater for assistance. General Arnold was

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now despatched with a brigade of troops to attack the besiegers ; but finding their force greatly supe rior to his own, he sent back for a reinforcement of one thousand light troops.

An object which cannot be accomplished by force is often obtained by means of stratagem. Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks, an intelligent officer from Mas sachusetts, being in advance with a small detachment, fortunately found one Major Butler, a noted officer among the Indians, endeavoring to influence the in habitants in their favor, and he was immediately secured. A man also by the name of Cuyler, who was proprietor of a handsome estate in the vicinity, was taken up as a spy. Colonel Brooks proposed that he should be employed as a deceptive messenger to spread the alarm and induce the enemy to retreat. General Arnold soon after arrived, and approved the scheme of Colonel Brooks ; it was accordingly agreed that Cuyler should be liberated and his estate secured to him on the condition that he would re turn to the enemy and make such exaggerated report of General Arnold's force as to alarm and put them to flight. Several friendly Indians being present, one of their head men advised that Cuyler's coat should be shot through in two or three places to add credibility to his story. Matters being thus adjusted, the impostor proceeded directly to the Indian camp, where he was well known, and informed their war riors that Major Butler was taken, and that him self narrowly escaped, several shot having passed through his coat, and that General Arnold with a vast force was advancing rapidly towards them. In aid of the project, a friendly Indian followed and arrived about an hour after, with a confirmation of Cuyler' s report. This stratagem was successful, the Indians instantly determined to quit their ground, and make their escape, nor was it in the power of St. Leger and Sir John, with all their art of persuasion to pre vent it. When St. Leger remonstrated with them, the

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reply of the chiefs was, " When we marched down, you told us there would be no fighting for us Indians, we might go down and smoke our pipes ; but now a number of our warriors have been killed, and you mean to sacrifice us." The consequence was, that St. Leger, finding himself deserted by his In dians, to the number of seven or eight hundred, deemed his situation so hazardous that he decamped in the greatest hurry and confusion, leaving his tents with most of his artillery and stores in the field. General Arnold with his detachment was now at liberty to return to the main army at Still water ; and thus have we clipped the right wing of General 13 ur- goyne. In the evening, while on their retreat, St. Leger and Sir John got into a warm altercation, criminating each other for the ill success of the ex pedition. Two Sachems observing this, resolved to