t..,.« ■i-J^. .v*^ ^■ o V -0' .^■■~ o " « ^ ^o. ^ ^iii% ^s^' '<-^ ,r i^. .^"^ la: \ ffltl ^ 4^ HISTORY OF NEW YORK, SCHOOLS BY WILLIAM DUNLAP. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. ^ NEW YORK: COLLINS, KEESE, & CO 230 Pearl street. 1837. T C\xo - '^^ dbnc Entered, "According to Act of Congress, in the year 1837, by WILLIAM DUNLAP, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of tiie Southern Uistri>,M xA New York. NEW YORK : STEREOTYPED BY F. F. RIPLEY. CONTENTS OP THE SECOND VOLUME CHAPTER r. Difficulty of arriving at historical truth, p. 7— Causes of the war of 1775, p. 8— Concord, Lexington, Ticonderoga, Ethan Allen, and Seth Warner, p. 8— Battle of Breed's hill, p. 9— Plan of Boston and Charlestown, p. 10— Prescott and Knowlton, p. 11— Starke, p. 12— Gage's letter to the English government, p. 13— Warren, Putnam, p. 14— Death of Warren, p. 16. CHAPTER II. Lieutenant-governor Colden, p. 19— Marinus Willet, John Lamb, and Isaac Sears, p. 20 — Two governments at the same time in New York, p. 21 — General Washington and Governor Tryon arrive on the same day at New York, and their reception, p. 24. CHAPTER r The provincial congress of New York calit. r ^nnf cticut for aid, p. 26 — The Asia fires on the town, p. 27 — Corresp( ^nce between Captain Vandeput and the mayor, p. 28 — Critical situatio.. of the city, p. 29— Tryon takes refuge on board the Enghsh ships of war, p. 31 — Governor Franklin of New Jersey, p. 32— General Wooster with Connecticut troops encamp at Haerlem, p. 33 — General Lee and Sir Henry Clinton arrive at New York, p. 33— Confusion and terrour in the city, p. 34. CHAPTER IV. Mr. Duane detects a spy of Governor Tryon's, p. 34 — Advantages of Connecticut in not having a governor chosen by England, p. 35 — His- tory of that colony, p. 36— Generals appointed by congress, p. 37 — Schuyler, Chnton,"Woodhull, Tenbroock, and Livingston, p. 39 — Me- moir of Philip Schuyler, p. 43— Sir John Johnson and Schuyler, p. 49. CHAPTER V. Charles Lee, p. 53 — Sir Henry Clinton disappointed at New York, and defeated at Fort Moultrie, p. 54— Lsrael Putnam, p. 55 — Biography of Horatio Gates to the time of his appointment as adjutant-general, p. 63. CHAPTER VI. Gates writes to Lee from Cambridjie, p. 64 — General Washington's head-quarters at Richmond-hill, New York, p. 85 — Gates appointed to command the troops in Canada, p. 65— Sir William Howe and his army arrive at Staten Island, p. 66 — Continental Brigadier-generals Wooster, Mercer, Montgomery, p. 67 — Montgomery's letters to Schuyler, p. 70 — Whitcombe and Brewer, p. 71- Greene, Sullivan, and Stirhng, p. 73. CHAPTER VIL The idle and the studious boy, with their progress in life, p. 76— Sir John Johnson and hiu Indians, p. 77— Thomas Mifflin, p. 78— Extract from Captain Graydon's memoirs : (Connecticut lighthorse at New York, p. 80 — James Rivington, p. 80— Washington's army on Manhattan Island, p, 82. CHAPTER VIIL Gates attempts to assume the command of the northern department, p. 83 — Ilis popularity in New England, and the means by which he gained it, p. 84 — Schuyler resist.s liis pretensions, p. 85 — Difficultiet* that' Schuyler and Washingron had to contend with from internal enemies, p. 87 — Hancock's letter to Gates reproving his pretensions CONTENTS. to command in Schuyler's department, p. 86— Schuyler accused by Gates, and his party, of stopping their letters, p. 89— Battle of Brook- lyn, p. 94 — Captain Graydon's account of the retreat from Long Island, p. 101. CHAPTER IX. Brooklyn, p. 102— Manoeuvres of Sir William Howe, p. 102— He offers to negotiate, p. 104 — American troops withdrawn in part from the city, p. 104 — Affair at Kipp's bay, p. 105 — Major Burr guides a portion of the army from Bayard's Mount in safety, p. 107— Route through woods and swamps now in the centre of ihe city, p. 108— Gallant conduct of Colonel Knowlton of Connecticut, and ^lajor Leitch of Maryland, with their brave compatriots, p. 110— Great fire of 1776, p. 114. CHAPTER X. Death of Captain Hale, p. 116— Skirmishes at White Plains, p. 117 — Attack on Fort Washington, and capture of a large portion of the American army, p. 124 — Captain Graydon's narrative : Treatment of the prisoners, p. 130. CHAPTER XI. The Walton house, p. 131— Loss of Fort Lee, p. 133— Intercepted letter, p. 134 — Affairs in the northern part of the state, p. 135. — Schuyler's efforts to resist external and internal foes, p. 137 — Carleton victori- ous on Lake Champlain, p. 138 — Injurious treatment of Schuyler, p. 139. CHAPTER XII. Washington on the Palisades opposite New York Island, and Fort Washington, p. 140 — Retreat tlirough New Jersey, p. 141 — British soldiers plundering a village, p. 142— Alexander Hamilton, p. 143 — General Lee's disobedience of orders, 144 — His letter to Gates, 145 — Suffers himself to be surprised and made prisoner, p. 145 — Great tri- umph of the enemy, p. 146 — His capture a blessing to America, p. 147. CHAPTER Xni. Washington's army, and his plans, p. 149— Attack on Trenton, p. 150 — Lord Cornwallis advances to Trenton, p. 152 — Attack upon Prince- ton, p. 152 — British army, p. 154 — Foraging party, p. 156— General Lee in New York, p. 156 — General Heath, p. 157 — Affair of Danbury, p. 1-58— Colonel Meigs, p. 158. CHAPTER XIV. General Gates succeeds in supplanting Schuyler, p. 160— General Con- way, p. 161— James Lovell's letter io Gates, p. 162— Schuyler is reap- pointed, and Gates retires from the northern department, p. 164 — Schuyler's strenuous exertions to meet the enemy, and the inade- quate means afforded him, p. 169— Retires before Burgoyne ; battle of Bennington and defeat of St. Leger cripple Burgoyne ; Schuyler prepares to act on the offensive ; is superseded by Gates, p. 169. CHAPTER XV. German Lutheran church in the Swamp, p. 170— Battle of Oriskany, and death of Herkimer, p. 172— Siege of Fort Stamvix, by St. Leger, p. 173 — Defence by Colonels Gansevoort and Willet, p. 173— Doctor Dwight's account of the raising of the siege, p. 175 — Battle of Sara- toga, and the surrender of Burgoyne, p. 180— Schuyler's reception of Burgoyne, p. 190— Of Madame Reidesel, p. 192— Adulation offered Gates, and slights shown to Washington, p. 193. CHAPTER XVI. Old jail ; Provost ; and Captain Cunningham, p. 195 — American prison- ers, p. 199— Conway, Gates, and Washington, p. 202. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XVII. American naval prisoners, p. 203— Old Jersey prison ship, p. 204— Suf- ferings of Thomas Andros, p. 205 — Capture and suiferings of a citizen of New York, p. 208— Escape of prisoners by bribing the subaltern officials, p. 209. CHAPTER XVIII. The ruins of Trinity church as left by the fire of 1776, p. 211— Smith's description of the church as it was in 1757, p. 212— Organization of the government of the state, p. 214— Battle of Monmouth, p. 215— Charles Lee sentenced by court martial, and suspended from com- mand, p. 216— Second great fire in New York, and explosion of a powder magazine, p. 217— Controversy with Vermont, p. 218. CHAPTER XIX. Massacre at Cherry Valley, p. 219— Expedition of Generals Sullivan and Clinton against the Indians, p. 220— General Wayne, p. 220— His at- tack on Stoney Point, p. 221— Major Henry Lee's attack on Powles Hook, p. 223 — The English burn the towns in Connecticut, p. 224 — Transactions in New York city, 1779, p. 225. CHAPTER XX. Massacre of Baylor's regiment, p. 228— Major Lee defeats the Yagers, p. 229— Pulaski's legion defeated, p. 229— Sir John Johnson, Brandt, with their Indians and tories, lay waste the settlements near the Mo- hawk, p. 230— Defeated by General Van Renselaer, p. 230— Colonel Nicholas Fish, p. 231— Colonel Marinus Willet defeats the Indians, p. 231— His "Hurrah," p. 232— His victory over Ross and Butler at Johnstown, p. 233— Death of Butler, p. 233. CHAPTER XXL Albany, p. 234— Winter of 1779-80, p. 235-Lord Stirling's attempt on Staten Island, p. 2.35— Distress for fuel in New York, p. 236— Distress in the American army, p. 236 — Knyphausen's expedition to Spring- field, p. 237— Murder of Mrs. Caldwell, p. 237— Retreat of the British army, p. 237— Baron de Kalb, p. 237— Gates defeated at Camden, p. 239— Death of De Kalb and flight of Gates, p. 239— Battle of Cowpens, p. 239— Morgan, p. 240— Arnold's treason, p. 241— Dormant commis- sion given to Dundas and Simcoe, authorizing them from Sir Heniy Clinton to arrest Arnold, and take his conunand, on appearance of treason to England, p. 242— Story of Sergeant-major Champe, p. 247. CHAPTER XXII. Arnold burns New London, p. 249— Murder of Colonel Ledyard, p. 249 — Surrender of Cornwallis, p. 249— Governor William Franklin and the board of refugees in New York, p. 251 — Story of Captain Huddy, and trial of Lippincot for his nmrder, p. 255. CHAPTER XXIII. Peace concluded, p. 356— Discontents of the army, p. 257 — Incendiary letters, p. 258— Convention of officers addressed by General Wash- ington, and the designs of incendiaries defeated, p. 260— Extracts from letters addressed to General Gates, p. 2G1. CHAPTER XXIV. The friends of Washington and Gates, p. 262 — Washington inaugurated as president of the United States, p. 263 — Events in New York, in 1783, p. 263— Rivington and Ethan Allen, p. 265— Washington takes leave of his companions in arms at Blac-k Sam's tavern, p. 266 — Pro- cession on the adoption of the Federal Constitution, p. 267 — Philip Schuyler, p. 267— Horatio Gates, p. 268— Benedict Arnold, p. 2^— Conclusion, p. 268. 1* ADVERTISEMENT. The author of the History of New York, for Schools, has long been engaged in collecting materials for a history of the city and environs, from the earliest period to the adoption of the Federal Constitution. His intention is, that the City of New York shall be the central point in his work, the environs a wide circuit, comprehending all that is con- nected with that point, or that can elucidate its history. This work he intends to publish by subscription; and it must necessarily be years before its accomplishment. In the mean time, he presents these little volumes as precursors, in the hopes of inspiring the rising generation with a desire to obtain a thorough knowledge of their coun- try, a love of her institutions, and a reverence for the men to whom they owe the blessings they enjoy. That these men may be known, they must be separated from the mass, which an indiscriminate tendency to applaud, or condemn, has generated. No one can appreciate Washington who is unacquainted with the characters of those who endeavour- ed to subvert him. If this abridged work is adopted in our schools, the youth of New York will be prepared for the study of a more com- prehensive history of the State; and it shall be the endeav- our of the author to present it to the publick. HISTORY OF NEW YORK, FOR SCHOOLS. CHAPTER I. The interlocutors of the second volume are three hoys : John, aged fourteen ; William, aged twelve ; Philip, aged ten; and their Uncle, aged seventy-one. John. Now, sir, we are anxious to hear your ac- count of the war of the revolution. Un. The time that has passed since those events so interesting to Americans, has given an opportu- nity to the studious lover of truth for examining the various and ofttimes contradictory statements which the prejudiced, the misguided, the careless, and the honestly industrious have left us. It is only by as- siduous study, and impartial comparison, that we can hope to arrive at the truth of any history. I shall give you my views of the men engaged in the warfare we have now to consider, and of the civil and military transactions of the time, after having- weighed the evidence which I can find with as much critical sagacity as I possess, and with the cool deliberation that characterizes old age. You must all, as you advance in your studies, read and determine for yourselves. My aim is to point the way for your subsequent attainment of knowledge, and to remove some of the impediments in your path, John. We are sure of that, sir. U71. At the time of the stamp act, all America was united. In the ten years that followed, England had 8 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. sown the seeds of dissension among the colonists ; so that in 1775, there were many who were ready- to join the standard of Great Britain when it was displayed in hostility on our shores. Numbers of these were recent emigrants from the territories of England, and they were excited against the native colonists by the numerous governors and officers spread among them. We are now to see the result of these contending passions and interests. The collecting hordes of licentious troops at Boston, and the injuries inflicted on the people of Massachusetts, led, as we have seen, to preparations for resistance by arms ; and the blood shed at Concord and Lexing- ton was the signal for the most daring patriots to commence hostilities elsewhere. Some of the east- ern men immediately saw the necessity of securing the military posts on Lake Champlain ; and, cross- ing into the province of New York, they seized Ti- conderoga and Crown Point. Wm. I remember, sir, what Ethan Allen said when the officer who commanded at old " Ti," (as they called it,) asked him in whose name he de- manded the surrender : " In the name of the Great Jehovah and the continental congress," said. he. Un. He was a rough character ; and his answer, though striking, and likely to be remembered, was not such as reverence to the name of the Creator, or just notions of his attributes, would have inspired in most men. Allen secured Ticonderoga, and Seth Warner seized on Crown Point. W7}i. These were the men who were so turbulent in the disputes with New Ycrk. But now, sir, we have come to the time of che battle of Bunker's hill; and I'm sure I always thought General War- ren was the hero of that day ; and I have read — Un. No. As I have said, Colonel Prescott was the commander ; there were majiy heroes. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 9 Wm. But, Uncle— Joh7i. Hush ! surely Uncle knows best. Un. This first battle, (for the affair of Lexington was a succession of skirmishes without order or de- sign, only as the people rushed individually to avenge the cry of blood,) this first battle I have studied, collated the several accounts, and will give you the result of my deliberate inquiries. I believe you may depend upon the facts I shall state. I have made a little sketch for you that you may under- stand the relative situations of Boston and Bunker's hill : the English army, and the provincial forces. No. 2 — Is the approach to Roxbury. Nos. 1, 1, and I — Boston. No. 3 — Charlestown. No. 4 — Morton's point. No. 6— Bunker's hill; the line between 4 and 6 is Breede's hill, or the line of the battle. No. 7 — Is Charlestown neck; and the white spots on each side are the English floating batteries. No. 9 — Is the river My stick. Nos. 8 and 8 — American lines. No. 10 — Cambridge. You see that Boston is on a peninsula, projected northward from the mainland at Roxbury. An- other peninsula projects from the north, on which is Charlestown with Bunker's and Breede's hills. These hills overlook the north part of Boston, and are connected by an isthmus to the main land, on the north, as Boston is by another on the south. To the east is the harbour and the sea ; to the west is water dividing the English army and the town, from the American troops at Cambridge, and the adjacent villages. On the 16th of June, 1775, it was determined by General Ward, (who command- ed the provincials,) in council with his officers, to take possession of Bunker's hill, which you see is here. John. Yes, sir, to the northward of Breede's hill, and nearer the Charlestown neck or the isthmus. 10 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. U Un. Of course further from Boston. In conse- quence of this determination, Colonel William Pres- cott, of Peperill, a veteran officer, who had served in the French wars, and now commanded six or seven hundred militia, was sent with his regiment, and some additional men, among whom were one hundred and twenty Connecticut troops under Cap- tain Knowlton, in all about one thousand, to take possession of, and throw up a redoubt on. Bunker's hill. At the head of his gallant yeomen, he, (dress- ed in his summer suit and morning gown,) departed from camp in the evening of the 16th of June, and by mistake, or willing to place his redoubt nearer to the enemy, passed over Bunker's hill and commenced operations on Breede's. These men, as well as those who afterward joined them under the veteran Starke, were in their ordinary dress, armed with guns of various calibres, to which they had to fit their bul- lets as they could, and they were scantily supplied with powder. Bayonets, of course, they had none. All night, though so near the English ships and troops, they worked undiscovered, and had thrown up a rude fortification by the dawn of day, when, as soon as they were seen, the cannon of the English were opened upon them, but with little or no ef- fect, and they proceeded in finishing their redoubt. Prescott saw that the post would be disputed, and that not only fresh men, who were free from the ef- fects of a night's Avatching and labour, would be wanted, but a greater number than were with him; he, therefore, sent Mr. Brooks (afterward govern- or of Massachusetts when an independent state) to Cambridge for a reinforcement. Brooks proceed- ed on foot, for no horse was with the detachment, and it was near noon before the additional troops arrived on the ground. They were commanded by Colonel Starke, who had, as well as Prescott, been an officer 12 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. of provincials in the former wars, and was destined to be famous afterward as the hero of Bennington. The troops under Starke had of course to pass over Charlestown neck to reach Breede's hill. Prescotl and his command had crossed unseen in the night ; but now the British ships and floating batteries can- nonaded, with a cross fire, this only road by which Starke and his men could reinforce their comrades. The veteran led his soldiers on deliberately, not- withstanding this exposed situation ; and being asked by a young officer if it would not be better to hasten the march, " the sooner to get out of the range of the enemy's shot ?" Starke coolly answered, " one fresh man in action is worth ten fatigued ones." Wm. Huzza for brave Colonel Starke ! Un. Starke and his companions found Prescott in the redoubt; which was square, with about sixty feet front towards Boston, and a breastwork of fifty or sixty feet extending to the left of the redoubt to- w^ards Mystick river, which you see here. Part of the British army had already crossed over from Boston in their boats under cover of a cannonade from their ships, and had landed at Morton's point, which you see here. Starke said a few words to his men, told them to give three cheers, and advance to a rail fence which extended farther still to the left. They plucked up another rail fence that was near, put them together, and filled up the vacancies with new mown grass, which they found at hand. John. But this would not resist bullets. Un. It served to give confidence to the men placed behind it, who could more deliberately take aim at an enemy. In the mean time, General Gage, the English commander-in-chief, had been pouring over his veteran troops from Boston to dislodge the Amer- icans. Read that extract from his letter to the Brit- ish government from which we know v«;ome oartic- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 13 ulars of this famous day. It is dated 25th June, 1775. John. "An action happened on the 17th, between his majesty's troops and a large body of the rebel forces. The ' Lively' ship of war gave the alarm at daybreak. The rebels were plainly seen at work raising a battery on the heights of Charlestown against the town of Boston. In a few hours a bat- tery from Boston played upon their works." Un. That was from Cop's hill, here, on the north side of Boston. John. " Ten companies of grenadiers, ten com- panies of light infantry, with the fifth, thirty-eighth, forty-third, and fifty-second battalions, with a propor- tion of field artillery, under Major-general Howe, and Brigadier-general Pigott, were embarked and landed without opposition ; the rebels being kept within their works by the fire of some ships of war." Un. And he might have added that the Amer- icans had no artillery, and kept their musket balls for close fight. Go on. John. *' The troops formed as soon as landed ; the light infantry on the right; the grenadiers on the left ; two battalions behind them, and two more in a third line." Un. Thus you see the light infantry would be opposed to the rail fence, and the grenadiers to the redoubt. Read on. John. What follows seems to be a memorandum made by you, sir. Un. Read it. John. "Gage represents the rebels as being in great force, and his veterans as waiting for rein- forcements. After the arrival of a second detach- ment from Boston, he says, 'the troops formed in two lines, advanced and commenced the attack by a sharp cannonade from their field pieces ; the lines VOL.. II. — 2 14 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 'frequently halting to give time for the artillery to Hre. The light infantry were directed to force the left point of the breastwork, to take the rebel line in flank ; the grenadiers to attack in front, supported by the fifth and fifty-second battalions.' AH this was executed ' with perseverance ;' and the rebels forced from their ' strong holds ;' but he says no- thing of the repeated repulses his veteran forces met with." Un. You see by this with what a powerful array of the finest troops in the world, accompanied by field artillery, the commander-in-chief acknowledges that the attack was made ; and we know that it was directed on raw, half-armed, provincials, defending a paltry redoubt thrown up in a few hours, and a rail fence stuffed with grass. Previous to the com- mencement of the battle, Doctor Warren joined Prescott in the redoubt ; who knowing that this dis- tinguished gentleman had been appointed a general by the provincial congress of Massachusetts, (then sitting at Watertown, and of which he had been pres- ident,) asked him if he came to take the command ; and was answered in the negative. He said that he was not commissioned; that he came to serve under him as a volunteer. Gen. Putnam who had been at the redoubt in the morning, had gone back for reinforce- ments ; and appears to have been, during the action, stationed in the rear, and on or near Bunker's hill. John. So that Prescott was the commanding officer. Un. Undoubtedly. But his attention appears to have been given to the defence of the redoubt; while Starke commanded at the rail fence, and along the line to the Mystick river. General Charles Lee, whose opinion on this subject is entitled to high con- sideration, mentions Starke, Prescott, Little, Gard- ner, Nixon, and two gentlemen of the name of Brewer, as deserving immortal honour on this oc- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 15 casion ; but is silent with respect to men who were by the vulgar considered the heroes of the day. Both Prescott and Starke cautioned their respective companions not to return the fire of their adversa- ries until within a short distance of the line of de- fence, and then to take deliberate aim ; this was strictly attended to ; and when the regular troops had advanced, giving their volleys in systematick order by platoons with little effect, and had reached the distance prescribed by Prescott and Starke, a most deadly fire was opened from the Americans, which strewed the field with killed and wounded ; and appears to have been so unexpected and appal- ling that the British forces broke in a few minutes and retreated towards the landing-place. In a short time these disciplined troops were again formed, and again advanced. They attempted more than once to turn the left flank of the provincials near the river, but Starke had, in the time allowed by the retreat of the enemy, thrown up a rough work of stones near the beach, behind which a portion of his men lay ready to receive the attack. Again their well di- rected fire, and the irregular but constant discharge along the line, caused their adversaries to retire with precipitation. Meanwhile a part of the Eng- lish army had entered Charlestown, and set fire to it, so effectually, that of some hundred buildings, in- cluding the church, only a few houses escaped the conflagration. The cannonading of the ships of war, the flames and smoke of the burning town, the conflict along the line from the redoubt to the Mys- tick river, afforded to the spectators on the hills, steeples, and housetops of Boston, a spectacle of the most imposing and awful nature. Wm. It was glorious ! John. Was it not dreadful, sir ? (In. Indeed it was. During this contest, by a 16 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. chance shot, fell the highly talented Doctor War- ren ; a man fitted to guide the councils of his coun- try, or to second her best and bravest in the field. John. Ought he to have been there, sir ? Tin. His motive, doubtless, was to encourage oth- ers ; and his presence might have that effect. In another part of this terrible conflict was observed a British officer on horseback, the only one so dis- tinguished on the field. His elevation made him conspicuous, and the certain aim of the Yankee yeomanry brought him to the earth a corpse pierced with balls. This was Major Pitcairn; the man by whose orders the first blood was shed at Concord. The carnage of this attack, defence, and retreat, may be estimated by the fact, that of three brothers, the captain and two subalterns of the grenadier company of the forty-seventh regiment, (Wolfe's own,) not one escaped the balls of the despised Americans. I knew them all. John. All killed, sir? Un. All borne off the field bleeding ; but they all recovered from their wounds. These defeats could not discourage the disciplined soldiers of Bri- tain ; and a third time with another reinforcement from Boston, they advanced, and forced the redoubt, where Prescott and his comrades could only resist by a feeble fire, for the men's ammunition was ex- hausted, and their muskets were without bayonets; they fought with their clubbed firearms, and retired when their brave commander ordered a retreat. . The left of the American line was likewise broken, and retired, under cover of a brave company of Connecticut men, directed by a young hero — Cap- tain Knowlton. They covered the retreat on the left; and with a loss, trifling in comparison to that of the victors, these brave men left the field to be mourned over by their conquerors. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 17 Wm. I think we had the best of it ! Un. True, boy, it was so. It was in its conse- quences altogether in favour of the American cause. It discouraged their adversaries, and has been from that time to this a rallying word and a source of just confidence to all Americans. I have thought the particulars of this event necessary to your knowledge of the subsequent details of the war, when it approached our own city. But we must pass over the remainder of the siege or blockade of Boston. You will read of it especially in General Washington's letters, for in August of this year he took the command at Cambridge. John. I know, sir, the English were driven from Boston and soon after came to New York. How many men did we lose, sir, at Bunker's hill ? Un. In the return of killed and wounded on the 17th of June, 1775, I find it stated that Starke's New Hampshire regiment lost fifteen killed, forty- five wounded. Of the Connecticut men, under Knovvlton, fifteen were killed and thirty wounded. The Massachusetts men, under Prescott, who de- fended the redoubt, lost forty-two killed and twenty- eight wounded. Most of these last were bayoneted or shot after their ammunition was expended, and they had only the buts of their guns to defend them- selves with. When next we meet I will tell you what happened in this neighbourhood. CHAPTER II. John. Uncle, we have heard a great deal of Lieu- tenant-governor Colden ; what became of him when the war commenced ? 2* 18 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Un. He was then a very old gentleman, and re- tired to his country-seat near Flushing, Long Island, where he died on the 28th of September, 1776, at the advanced age of eighty-nine. Wm. He must have seen a great deal in that long life. Tin. In what has occurred relative to Mr. Golden during our storj^, we have only seen him as a poli- tician, and a king's officer, in very turbulent times; and he did his duty conscientiously no doubt, but unhappily for him it was opposed to the wishes and interests of the people he governed. In his private life he was eminently estimable, and as a literary and scientifick character ranked among the first who visited or resided in America. John. Was he not an American, sir ? Un. No. He was born in Scotland in the year which placed William of Nassau on the throne of England. What year was that ? John. Sixteen hundred and eighty-eight. Un. He was educated as a physician, and coming to America in 1710, he practised physick with suc- cess in Philadelphia. He returned to Great Britain, married in his native land, and brought his bride to New York in 1718. His scientifick acquirements recommended him to Governor Hunter, who ap- pointed him surveyor-general, and he held the of- fice of master in chancery. Governor Burnet, in 1720, chose him as one of his council, and as we have seen, he had a large share in governing the province for England from that time forward. But Doctor Golden was an active student of natural his- tory, and the correspondent of most of the scien- tifick men of Europe and America as a philosopher. He has left us many works ; among which those on botany, the diseases of America, and others of this nature are less known than his celebrated "History of HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 19 the Five Indian Nations," the Iroquois, who held during his time so large a portion of what is now the great State of New York. John. Then, sir, we are much indebted to Gov- ernor Golden. Vn. I should say more to Doctor Golden than to the governor. Be that as it may, let us remember him rather in his scientifick and private, than in his political character; and as such, honour the memory of Cadvvallader Golden. He was the ruler of the province during a part of 1775, owing to the absence of Governor Tryon ; but his rule was not much more than nominal. For now the people paid more heed to their congresses and committees than to any other authorities. While the important events took place in the neighbourhood of Boston of which we have spoken, the inhabitants of New York were alarmed by threats of further aggressions. Regiments were expected from England, and the Asia man-of-war had been ordered from Boston, and anchored off the Battery, in the North river, as if to overawe the city. The troops that had been sta- tioned at New York and in New Jersey had all been withdrawn and concentrated in Boston. But threats and rumours of other regiments intended for this city were propagated, while for the present the seventy-four gun ship was supposed to be sufficient to keep the Sons of Liberty quiet. Wm. I dare say they found themselves in a mis- take. Un. They were so. The first outbreak that I find mentioned, happened in April, wher\ Marinus Willet and John Lamb led or authorized a party of •' Liberty boys" to seize a vessel loaded with boards for the British army in Boston. There was like- wise a popular meeting, at which Gaptain Sears made a motion for every man to provide himself 20 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. with four-and-twenty rounds of powder and bal. Sears was taken with a warrant and carried before the Mayor. As he defied the authority of the king's officer he w^as ordered to jail, but the people rescued him, and carried him in triumph through the town with colours flying. A few days after this the ac- count was received of the bloodshed at Concord and Lexington. Upon this the committee called upon the inhabitants to perfect themselves in military dis- cipline, and each man to provide himself with arms and accoutrements. They likewise addressed the lieutenant-governor, and expressed their determined resistance to the measures of the British parliament. He, in his answer, assures them of the gracious in- tentions of his majesty and his ministers, and com- plains of the tumults in the city. John. I suppose, sir, the people did not rely upon his majesty's gracious intentions. Un. They continued their preparations for resist- ance. Arms and accoutrements were manufactured and exposed for sale. A night guard of forty men was ordered to be kept at the city hall. This guard seized several persons who were sending off provi- sions to the English ships. Notwithstanding all these military indications of resistance, the conti- nental congress recommended to the citizens of New York, in the case of arrival of British troops, to per- mit them to take possession of the barracks, and leave them in quiet while they behaved peaceably, but not to permit them to erect fortifications. They like- wise recommended that the warlike stores should be removed from the town, and places of retreat pro- vided for the women and children. They directed that the men should be imbodied and kept in readi- ness to repel insult or injury. This is signed, Charles* Thompson. Soon after this, Peyton Randolph, the president of the continental congress, retired to at- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 21 tend the assembly of Virginia, and John Hancock was appointed in his place. The provincial con- gress sat in the city of New York, and the great committee nominated Mr. Isaac Sears to represent the city and county instead of George Folliot, " who declined serving." William Bedlow and John Woodward are nominated members of the commit- tee instead of George Folliot and Samuel Jones, " they having never attended ;" and the poll is ordered to be opened for election. Signed, Henry Remsen. Jok'/i. It appears that at this time there were two governments in New York. Un. Yes. The king's lieutenant-governor and the king's council existed in this city ; as did the mayor and common council under the king's au- thority ; and Governor Tryon was hourly expected from England. But the people, in reality, governed by their representatives in congress and committees. The provincial congress recommended the forma- tion of committees in all the counties, and arming all the men. On the 2ist of June, General Hal- diman, a Swiss officer, who had formerly com- manded the British forces in the province, arrived at New York from Boston, and next day Rivington gives in his gazette an account of the exchange of prisoners taken at Lexington. Doctor Warren and General Putnam conducted the English prisoners, under an escort of the Weathersfield company, to the Charlestown ferry, and Major Moncrief landed from the Lively ship of war, to receive them and return Americans for them. This Major Moncrief was an officer of engineers, and connected by marriage with some of our most estimable citizens. It is said that the English officers and wounded men expressed a grateful sense of the humane and kind treatment they had received ; but the Americans who 22 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. were exchanged for them, could not return the com- pliment, but complained of insults. John. Was it not about this time, sir, that the con- tinental congress chose General Washington to be commander-in-chief of the American armies? Un. Two days before the battle of Bunker's hill, that is, on the 15th of Ju^e, 1775, congress, by a unanimous vote, made this most happy choice of a man who was as good as he was great — as wise as he was valiant. On the 1 6th the task was accepted, and George Washington, being at the time a repre- sentative from his native state, Virginia, rose in his place, and acquiesced in the will of his country. Pay he rejected; but said he would keep accounts of his expenses, and require the country to discharge them. It had been long foreseen that he would be called to this post of honour, difficulty, and danger. On the 4th of June, Mr. Elbridge Gerry had ex- pressed his wish that Washington should be " Gen- eralissimo." Before he left home it was well known where the choice of his country would fall, and that he must accept the call. Charles Lee and Horatio Gates, both known to him as men of mili- tary experience, visited him at Mount Vernon, and even then had in view his influence to obtain for them the commissions they soon after held. Wash- ington knew that the armies he was destined to com- mand needed disciplinarians; he knew that Lee and Gates possessed the intelligence and experience re- quired. He nominated Charles Lee for a major- general, and Horatio Gates for adjutant-general, of the continental armies. John Adams had his pro- phetick fears of both these foreign officers. He only gave his vote for them in consequence of the wish of the Southern colonies, and "the earnest desire of General Washington to have the assistance of these officers." Mr. Sparks, in a book you must all read, HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 23 says, " it is remarkable that Washington should have been himself the chief instrument in pro- moting two officers, who at different stages of the war, caused him much embarrassment, trouble, and pain." He might with equal truth have said, " who throughout the whole war endeavoured to villify his qualities, thwart his measures, and destroy his credit with his countrymen." John. This all appears new to me, sir. Un. After I have mentioned some local affairs appertaining to our city, I will give the characters, as shown by their actions, up to this time, of these men, and some others who are prominent in Amer- ican history. But New York requires our first attention. General Washington, as soon as possible after his appointment, commenced his journey to Cambridge, for the purpose of taking command of the troops there assembled. Our city was to be passed in his way ; and it is somewhat curious in her history that Governor Tryon, the English com- mander-in-chief of the city and province, should have arrived in the harbour, and be expected to land in the capital of his government on the same day, the 25th of June, that General Washington, the com- mander-in-chief of the armies of the whole conti- nent raised in opposition to Tryon's master and gov- ernment, was likewise expected to land on the oppo- site side of the city. Tryon was looked for on the east side of the town with his suite of red-coated attendants. While Washington was known to be approaching to cross the Hudson and land on the west shore, escorted by Generals Lee and Schuy- ler, with a deputation of four members from the New York provincial congress, a political body that had in effect seized upon all Mr. Tryon's authority, at the same time that they professed allegiance to his sovereign. We have seen that Governor Tryon 24 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. had left the province by command of his majesty, to give an account of the troubles in the borders of his government, and he returned to find greater in the centre. The members of the provincial con- gress were puzzled by these expected arrivals, and to get rid of the difficulty, ordered the commander of the regiment of militia that had turned out to honour the visit of General Washington, so to dis- pose of his troops, as to be in condition to receive either the American commander-in-chief, or the king's deputy, as the one party or the other should have precedence in landing. Happily, General Washington arrived some hours before the govern- or, or else the colonel must have been bowing two ways at once ; something like an attempt to serve God and mammon at the same time. General Washington staid but one day in New York. He departed on the 26th, and was escorted on his way to Cambridge, as far as Kingsbridge, by several mil- itary companies of the city, and by the Philadelphia lighthorse, who had accompanied him from the seat of congress. Tryon landed at eight o'clock in the evening of the 25th, and was received with due respect by the militia, and great cordiality by the loyalists ; he was conducted to the house of the honourable Hugh Wallace, one of his majesty's counsellors. The mayor and common council pre- sented to him a congratulatory address, and receiv- ed his answer in due form. On the other hand, the provincial congress of New York addressed Gene- ral Washington in terms somewhat cautious. They spoke of " the most loyal of his majesty's subjects" being "under the necessity of taking up arms.'* Of their confidence in the general, and " hopes of liberty from the struggle," &c. It was signed by P. V. B. Livingston, president. This is a copy of the general's answer. Read it, John. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. "25 John. "New York, 26th June, 1775. Gentlemen: At the same time that with you I deplore the un- happy necessity of such an appointment as that with which I am now honoured, I cannot but feel senti- ments of the highest gratitude for this affecting in- stance of distinction and regard." Wm. I do not understand, sir. Tin. The instance of distinction and regard, is his appointment to the chief command. John. " May your every wish be realized in the success of America at this important and interesting period ; and be assured that every exertion of my worthy colleagues and myself will be equally ex- tended to the re-establishment of 'peace and harmony between the mother country and the colonies, as to the fatal but necessary operations of war. When we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the cit- izen ; and we shall most sincerely rejoice with you in that happy hour when the establishment of Amer- ican liberty, upon the most firm and solid founda- tions, shall enable us to return to our private stations in the bosom of a free, peaceful, and happy country." JJji. In their address the provincial congress of New York had given the general a broad hint that they considered the power intrusted to him liable to future misuse ; at the same time saying, they have the " fullest assurance, that whenever this important contest shall be decided," he " will cheerfully resign the important deposite committed into" his "hands, and resume the character of our worthiest citizen." Joh7i. Washington then made a promise which iie honestly performed. Un. He did, boy. We shall see that in all his actions he was the sincere and honest patriot. VQL II. — 3 26 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. CHAPTER III. Un. General Washington proceeded to Cambridge, and took the command of the forces blockading Boston. By great skill and perseverance he finally expelled the enemy from that part of the country. In the mean time war was approaching New York, and threatening her destruction. The provincial congress requested the aid of Connecticut, and in July, General Wooster marched a body of men from that province and encamped at Haerlem. John. Where were the militia of our province, and General Schuyler? Un. That gentleman had sufficient employment in the north, for in addition to the care of the expe- dition against Canada, he had to guard against the tories, who were numerous in several of the coun- ties ; and Sir John Johnson was arming the high- landers, and others, his tenants or dependants, as well as the Indians, who looked to him as their leader. Some of the people of the city seem to have had great dread of the guns of the Asia man-of-war, at the same time that others committed acts of hostility whenever her boats were beyond protection of her guns. On one occasion they destroyed the ship's barge ; but the magistrates had another built to re- place it. This, when finished, was likewise destroy- ed; upon which the provincial congress publish the following: " Resolved, whereas, the barge ordered to be built to replace the one belonging to his majesty's ship Asia, lately destroyed, was, when finished, sawed to pieces, in the night by some disorderly persons," the magistrates are required to procure another " to be built in this city," and all persons are enjoined to forbear from injuring it. Whether this was compli- ed with does not appear, but soon after the above re- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 27 solve something like open hostilities commenced between the man-of-war and the citizens. The pro- vincial congress having directed that the cannon should be removed from the Battery, Captain Lamb with his company, and a number of the people, armed and unarmed, proceeded thither on the night of the 23d August, and while part remained under arms others were busy in accomplishing the work intend- ed. The redoubted Asia lay off with her broadside presented to the town, and her barge was perceived nearer in shore, as if watching the motions of those on the Battery. It will be recollected that Tryon was permitted to remain on shore, and had been re- ceived with honours and compliments on his arrival. From his agents the captain of the man-of-war knew all that passed. A musket was discharged from the English barge, which drew a volley upon her from the shore, and killed one of her crew. The barge pushed for the ship, and on her arrival, a cannonading with eighteen and twenty-four pounders commenced ; first, as stated, three guns, and then a broadside. The houses near the Battery were riddled, but little further damage done ; and the citizens finished the work of removing all the guns. John. This must have alarmed the town, sir. Un. It did. The drums beat to arms ; the men turned out, many supposing the expected forces of the enemy were landing. The women and children fled for safety, some that night and many more next day. On the 24th, the day after this cannonade. Captain Vandeput, commander of the Asia, sent a letter to Whitehead Hicks, esquire, the mayor of the city, nnd the magistrates, saying, that having in- formation of the intention to remove the guns, he sent a boat to lie near shore and watch ; that the of- ficer havincf command, seeinof the movements on shore, left his station to give notice according to or- 28 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. ders, and had been fired upon and one of the men '* shot dead." " My duty," he proceeds, " called up- on me to repel an attack of this sort, as well as to defend the guns, which occasioned me to fire upon the Battery." He says he does not wish to do hurt, but if the people " persist in behaving in such a manner," the mischief "must be at their doors." On the same day, the gallant Captain Vandeput (not considering that the mayor must call together the corporation, have his letter read to them, and take their sense on it before returning an answer,) despatched another manifesto to the city authorities, repeating the complaints of the first, requiring " due satisfaction" "for these high misdemeanors;" and threatening that if an answer to this second warning is not returned " as soon as may reasonably be expect- ed," he "shall take such measures as may seem necessary." The mayor, that afternoon, by letter, promises him an answer next morning ; but before he has time so to do, receives a third epistle from the impatient warriour, dated the 25th, requiring an an- swer " on the receipt of this." Mr. Hicks, in re- turn, complains of the shot fired from the boat, and states that the firing from the shore was only in re- turn. The captain immediately replies that the shot from his boat, was a signal gun to the ship; that it is his duty to defend every part of the king's stores ; and to the mayor's assertion that he could not see how it was the captain's duty to fire upon the city, nor account for his inducement " half an hour after the return of his boat, and the removal of the cannon, for firing a broadside on the town at large," Vandeput, in reply, says, the broadside was fired because he heard huzzas, and to prevent the removal of the guns, and not to injure the city. He, however, says he shall persist in his duty, but if HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 29 " possible avoid doing hurt to any one." A very- harmless kind of threat, surely. John. But I think when a cannon ball is dis- charged into a town full of women and children, it is too late to bid it do no "hurt to any one." TJn. On the 29th of August, the provincial con- gress issue an order saying, that in consequence of the Asia's firing upon the town and wounding three "of his majesty's subjects," and doing other inju- ries, Mr. Abraham Lott, the contractor supplying his majesty's navy, do send said supplies to Govern- or's Island, to be taken from thence by the ship's crew. And no person is to interrupt such supplies ; and congress will pursue every prudent and proper measure to obtain redress and prevent further injury. John. The provincial congress seem to be very cautious, sir ? Un. The situation of the town was critical. It was filled with the friends of Tryon and England, and threatened by the guns of the Asia. It appears that there were other English ships in the harbour; for on the first of September, I find it stated, " that a boat being perceived coming from a transport in the North river, with two negroes, and two white men," the people waited her arrival and carried the whites to the congress. The negroes said they were free, and hired to carry some persons on board the ship. They were discharged with one of the whites, the other was kept prisoner; and the boat was dragged to "the commons" and burnt. Immediately after this the provincial congress order that no provisions be carried to the navy or army of the ministry ; and threaten punishment, at the discretion of any com- mittee, upon those guilty of encouraging the enemy. And a sloop from "little Esopus," having come down the river and gone to the Asia ; on her depart- ure she was followed, captured, and burnt. On the, 3* ^ HISTORY OF NEW YORK, Other hand, the British landed upon and swept Gard- ner's Island of all the stock they could find. Wm. More and more like war ! Un. Still, however, the king's governor remained in New York, or the neighbourhood, and the com* mon council seemed to wish his continuance, although it was known that he was encouraging resistance to the American cause. On the ISth of October, Try- on, in consequence of some notification, or suspicion, wrote to the mayor, saying that the continental con- gress had recommended to the provincial congress of New York to seize him ; and he places himself under the protection of the mayor and corporation. At the same time he threatens that if he is made prisoner, Captain Vandeput of the Asia Avould de- mand him and enforce the demand. To avoid this, he says, if it is the wish of the citizens, he will em- bark, and requests that any interruption to his em- barkation, or the removal of his property, may be prevented. He was answered, that upon his letter being read, the " members of the corporation ex- pressed themselves in terms of the strongest affec- tion" to him, and are disinclined to his removal " from the capital of the province ; that " the city committee desire the continuance of his residence ;" and the mayor adds, " I have not the least doubt of your enjoying the most ample protection." Joh7i. But had not the war commenced ? Un. Certainly. At Lexington and Bunker's hill. At Ticonderoga, Ethan Allen had captured the Eng- lish garrison, and was at this time himself captured and in irons, as a rebel, in Montreal. All this Tryon knew, and he therefore replied, the same day, to Mr. Hicks, that as the citizens had not authorized the mayor to pledge to him " their assurances of securi- ty," his duty to his sovereign will not justify him in staying on shore unless he has positive declarations HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 31 of full protection "under every circumstance." The mayor tells him he will consult the committee, and adds, that " people of all ranks" express great anxiety that he should not leave the city. On the 17th Oc- tober, the committee authorize the mayor to assure Tryon that they " are not apprehensive of the least danger to his person or property," and add, he may be assured of all that protection from us and our fel- low-citizens which will be consistent with the great principles of our safety and preservation. They declare their confidence in his wisdom ; and that he will mediate to restore harmony ; and express their desire that he would remain among them. Tryon's conscience told him that the Americans ought to se- cure him, and prevent the mischief he was plotting against them, and he got off privately to the Halifax packet, from whence he wrote again to the mayor, saying the assurances were not sufficient, and his duty had impelled him to embark and seek his safe- ty on board a king's ship. Some time after, he writes again (from on board the Dutchess of Gor- don) to David Matthews, who had been appointed by him to the mayoralty instead of Mr. Hicks, at the same time advanced to the bench, as a judge of the supreme court. To Mr. Matthews he sends a pa- per to be made publick, in which he says his ma- jesty "is graciously pleased to permit him to with- draw from his province;" that he is ready to do the inhabitants any service ; that it gives him great pain to see them in such a turbulent state ; and he la- ments the calamities that must befall them," &c. Thus the governor took care to secure himself on board a king's ship of war, while exercising au- thority on shore by the appointment of civil officers. William Franklin, the governor of New Jersey, did not manage so well. In his address to his assembly he tells them that his majesty has directed his com- 32 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. missioners to proceed as in the case of a town in actual rebellion, against any place in which violence shall be offered to any of his majesty's officers. He says, he should have sought an asylum on board one of his majesty's ships, as other king's governors have done, but for the wish to prevent his majesty's vengeance falling upon them for any apparent hostility to him. But if they cannot answer for his safety, he begs them to tell him so in plain lan- guage. '* For," says he, " as sentiments of indepen- dency are by some men of present consequence openly avowed, and essays are already appearing in the publick papers to reduce the people's fears, of that horrid measure^^ " it is high time that every man should know what he has to expect." JnJm. And this man was the son of Benjamin Franklin ! TJti. But no more like his father " than I to Her- cules." Benjamin Franklin, even had he been a " king's governor," could not have penned such an address. Win. Was this Governor Franklin an ugly little fellow. Uncle ? TJn. No, boy. He was a fine tall, handsome gentleman as any in his government. This unwise address is the resemblance of his mind, not his per- son. At the time he uttered threats he showed his fears. The consequence was, that the persons of " present consequence^'' made him prisoner, and he was shortly after ordered as such into Connecticut, where the governor was not a " king's governor." John. There appears to have been a strange state of confusion about this time, sir. Un. There certainly was. The continental con- gress in Philadelphia had appointed generals, and directed the raising of troops. Their armies were pressing upon the king's forces in Boston, and in- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 33 vading Canada; while in other provinces the king's authority was acknowledged, and dependence on England professed. In no place was this appear- ance of mingled authority and " half-faced fellow- ship" more conspicuous than in our own good city. The Connecticut troops, under General Wooster, encamped on the island. The governor of the province dissolved the general assembly, by orders issued from ships of war in the harbour, " with the advice of his majesty's council." He likewise gave notice to the inhabitants that the ships of war are ordered to treat them as rebels, if any violence is offered to his majesty's officers, or any bodies of men raised and armed, or any fortifications erected, &c. At the same time the people were doing all these things, and yet an officer on board the Asia dying, his corpse is brought on shore and buried in Trinity churchyard, the Marine Society of the city attend- ing. The provincial congress resolved that every person, not an inhabitant, shall show a certificate that he is friendly to the liberties of America, or in default thereof, be treated as an enemy. The com- mittee announced that the city " has become a scene of confusion and distress, occasioned by an appre- hension of unmerited hostilities that will shortly be commenced by the ships of war lying in this harbour," "that the poor are abandoning their hab- itations," flying the town and taking refuge where they can find it. They call upon the neighbour- ing people to receive them, and afford them relief. About this time the British being forced to abandon Boston, were expected here in force. American troops were pouring in ; and on the same day Major- general Charles Lee, of the continental army, arrived in the city, and Sir Henry Clinton sailed into the harbour in an English ship of war, attended by some transports with soldiers, and other armed vessels. 34 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. John. This is confusion indeed, sir. Un. When next we meet I will endeavour to make things plain. CHAPTER IV. Un. It is time that I should inform you who the generals were that congress had appointed ; and by a sketch of the previous history of each, give you a necessary knowledge of the character of these individuals, so important to our future story. But in the first place 1 must relate a circumstance Avhich occurred at this period in New York, rela- tive to Governor Tryon, and elucidating the diffi- culties the patriots had to struggle with. It is sta- ted that in March, 1776, some of the manoeuvres of the governor convinced the provincial congress in New York that he had intelligence from a spy, of their debates and transactions ; and Mr. James Duane, a member of that body, suspected that his valet, who had formerly been a servant with Tryon, might have taken his minutes of the congressional proceedings from his pocket at night, when he went to bed, copied them, and sent the copy to his late master, on board the English fleet. Mr. Duane informed the provincial congress of his suspicions, and proposed to put fictitious minutes in his pocket. This was done, and Tryon bei;ig misled, acted ac- cordingly : but he soon found that he had been im- posed upon by the servant, or that his spy had been outwitted, and he gave him notice accordingly. The traitor finding that he was discovered, fled, and found means to put himself under the protection of the governor, who sent him ofl* to England. John. You said, sir, that Governor Franklin, of HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 35 New Jersey, who called himself a " king's govern- or," was sent as a prisoner to Connecticut, where there was no king's governor. Will you explain this? Un. I expected this question from you. It leads me to speak of our eastern neighbour, that you may know something of Connecticut as well as of New Jersey. That province had the happiness of self-government from its original charter. The governor and his assistants or council, were elected by the people, as well as the house of assembly. They had neither king's governor nor king's council. John. And, I dare say, sir, that they found an American governor of their own choosing quite as good as any English governor the king could have sent them. Un. They thought so, and have never changed their opinion on the subject. At this time they had great reason to be pleased, that instead of a king's governor, as in New Jersey and New York, who should talk to them of his gracious majesty's favour, while his soldiers were approaching with fire and sword to enslave and rob them, and then take refuge on board a king's ship and join their enemies, they had a governor of their own choice, acting with them and for them, in opposition to the armies of a foreign power. Such was governor Trumbull. John. I wish, sir, you would tell us something of the circumstances by which Connecticut obtained and preserved this republican government. Un. As far as is necessary to our main subject, 1 will. You already know that New York province extended to the west bank of Connecticut river, con- sequently included much of the present state of that name. The grants and patents of the early period were vague and conflicting. In 1633, the Dutch of Nieuw Nederlandts buik a trading house, or fort, where Hartford now is. The English puritans 36 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. from Massachusetts took possession of this region in 1635, and began the colony of Connecticut; while others, in 1637, settled farther south, and formed a distinct government at New Haven, and so remained until 1665. The general court of the province consisted of the governor, deputy or lieu- tenant-governor, magistrates, and house of assembly ; all elected by the people. Under wise and good officers the colony thrived ; and in 1662 obtained from Charles II. a charter granting them the form of government they had chosen. As to the bounds of Connecticut, such was the ignorance of those who parcelled out provinces in America, that what was granted to Lord Say and Seal, was likewise given to Wm. Penn, and to the Duke of York, and it was only by arbitration and compro- mise that the present lines were fixed. John. Did not the English King endeavour to change the free elective government of Connecticut ? Un. Yes. And the governor of New York, Fletcher, who began the contest with the assembly respecting a 'permanent grant of money for govern- ment supplies, attempted to impose himself upon Connecticut. It is said that, attended by his secre- tary. Col. Bayard, he went to Hartford, and the militia being paraded to honour him, he ordered Bayard to read his commission ; but as soon as the secretary began to read, Captain Wadsworth order- ed his drummer to strike up : the governor threat- ened, but the captain very fairly told him that he would put his sword through him, and so ended the business. The governors of Connecticut have been men distinguished for their patriotism, as well as for their morality and religion. Win. But, Uncle, had they not, in early times, terrible wars with the Indians ? Un. They had. There was a nation of fierce HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 87 warriours called the Pequods, with whom the settlers had to contend. And there was a great man, called by the English, King Philip, who conceived a plan for extirpating the strangers ; but I must refer you to books for these transactions, and return to the province of New York in 1776; for it is time for us to examine the men to whom Congress had in- trusted the military affairs of the continent. It was on the 15th day of June, 1775, that George Wash- ington was appointed commander-in-chief, and by his recommendation, Charles Lee and Horatio Gates, known to him as experienced officers, were appointed, the first a major-general, and the second as adjutant-general. Congress, at the same time, appointed Artemas Ward, then commanding at Cambridge, Philip Schuyler, of New York, and Israel Putnam, of Connecticut, major-generals. We have seen that General Washington, attended by Schuyler and Lee, passed through New York at the time Tryon arrived from England. We will now see who and what Philip Schuyler, Charles Lee, and Horatio Gates were, and what they had been doing, up to this time. John. We know, sir, that Mr. Schuyler had been the champion of liberty in the New York legislature. Un. I will read you some brief notes which I have drawn up for your instruction, from various sources, but particularly from Mrs. Grant's " Me- moirs of an American Lady," and Chancellor Kent's " Biographical Sketch of Philip Schuyler." The ancestor of General Schuyler had the same name, Philip, and was a large, landed proprietor of the province, in its early days. He settled at " the Flats," some miles to the north of Albany, and was esteemed one of the most enlightened men of the province. His was at the time a frontier settlement. VOL. 1 1.— 4 38 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. His brother John was likewise a proprietor, and aided him in his wise measures for keeping peace with the Indians who surrounded them. Colonel Philip Schuyler formed and executed the plan of carrying several chiefs of the Five Nations to Eng- land, and introducing them to Q.ueen Ann, by way of securing their attachment to the English colo- nists : in this he was successful, and returned with his five kings in the year 1709. At this time Mrs. Grant's heroine, Catalina Schuyler, the daughter of the colonel's brother, John, was nine years of age, and was adopted into Philip's family, as a compan- ion and sister of his own daughter and sons, in consequence of the death of her father. In the year 1719, Colonel Schuyler's oldest son, Philip, was married to Mrs. Grant's heroine, (and his cousin,) Ca- talina. Philip inherited the estates at the Flats, and his brothers Peter and Jeremiah had seats on eminences in the neighbourhood. Philip had also a large house in Albany. In 1721 the first Philip Schuyler, or the old colonel, died. Philip the sec- ond was a member of the legislature ; and in the war which occurred at this time, he raised and com- manded a provincial regiment. Philip Schuyler the third, who is the subject of our research, was the son of John, and grandson of Peter, above men- tioned. Born the 22d of November, 1733, he was educated by a good and wise mother until sent to a school at New Rochelle, where he experienced a long confinement at the age of 16, from an attack of hereditary gout. He here acquired a knowledge of the French language, and improved himself in various branches of learning. The exact sciences were his favourite study, and to them he owed his superiour skill in finance, military engineering, and political economy. In 1755 he commanded a com- pany in the New York levies, and served with Sir HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 39 William Johnson in the French war. In 1758 Lord Viscount Howe selected young Schuyler as chief of the commissariat department, and the tal- ents of the youth justified the choice. When Howe fell in the ill-judged attack of Abercrombie upon Ticonderoga, Schuyler was directed to convey the corpse of that gallant gentleman to Alban}'-, and there cause it to be buried with appropriate hon- ours. We shall see that Charles Lee was shot through the body at the head of his company of grenadiers, in this same murderous action, and was received and nursed in the family mansion of the Schuylers at the Flats. After the peace of 1763, Philip, now called Colonel Schuyler, served as a commissioner on the part of New York, in the con- troversy with Massachusetts, respecting the boun- dary line. In 1768 he represented the city and county of Albany in the general assembly, and continued his patriotick exertions until the assembly was dissolved by Tryon, in 1775. With the glo- rious minority he combated the influence of Eng- land, and with George Clinton, Nathaniel Wood- hull, Col. Tenbroeck and Col. Philip Livingston, he is entitled to the eternal gratitude of New York and America In May, 1775, Colonel Schuyler was elected by his fellow-citizens as their delegate to the continental congress in Philadelphia, and had scarcely taken his seat when he was appointed the third major-general of the American army, and charged by Washington with the contmand of the province of New York, on the 25th of June. Six days after, congress directed him to repair to Ti- conderoga and Crown Point, secure the command of Lake Champlain, and, " if practicable and ex- pedient, to take possession of St. John's, Montreal, and Q,uebec." The difficulties of an expedition into Canada, without the materials or equipments of .40 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. war, were clearly perceived by him, and strongly felt, but he surmounted them with a rapidity and success that " no other individual," says the judi- cious Chancellor Kent, " could at that period have performed." John. This is high praise, sir, from such a man. Un. I believe it is perfectly just. I will give you a few words respecting General Schuyler, from a book written by Captain Graydon, who about this time was sent by congress to convey a sum of mo- pey to the gei^eral from Philadelphia, and found him on the borders of Lake George. " Though General Schuyler has been charged with such haughtiness of demeanour, as to have induced the troops of New England to decline serving under his command, as stated in Marshall's Life of Wash- ington, the reception we met with, was not merely courteous, but kind. His quarters being contracted, a bed was prepared for us in his own apartment, and we experienced civilities that were flattering from an officer of his high rank. Though tho- roughly the man of business, he was also a gentle- man, and man of the world; and well calculated to sustain the reputation of our army in the eyes of the British officers, (disposed to depreciate it,) as is evi- denced by the account given by General Burgoyne of the manner in which he was entertained by him, at Albany." •' He certainly was at no pains to con- ceal the extreme contempt he felt for a set of offi- cers, who were both a disgrace to their stations and the cause in which they acted !" Before the end of August a large force was sent down Lake Cham- plain under General Montgomery, who declared his happiness in serving under the orders of so com- petent a commander as Schuyler. But this truly efficient man was prevented following farther than the Isle Au Noix, where he was conveyed in a state HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 41 of exhaustion from severe sickness, and obliged to fix his head-quarters. Montgomery wrote to him, " I hope you will join us with all expedition. Let me entreat you (if you can possibly) to follow in a cockle-boat, leaving somebody to forward on the troops and artillery. It will give the men great confidence in your spirit and acti\'ity. Be assured I have your honour and reputation highly at heart, as of the greatest consequence to the publick ser- vice." You shall see how the opinion of this good man will contrast with the words of some others. " All my ambition," said the chivalrick Montgom- ery to his commander, " is to do my duty in a sub- ordinate capacity, without the least ungenerous in- tention of lessening the merit so justly your due." Schuyler was obliged to return to Ticonderoga, but never ceased his exertions for the success of the ex- pedition. John. Was he not a great man, sir 1 TJn. I think so. Read that extract from Chan- cellor Kent's memoir. John. " His very impaired health rendered Gen- eral Schuyler's situation oppressive. He was charg- ed with the duty of supplying the Canadian army with recruits, provisions, clothing, arms, and money, and to do it adequately was beyond his power. He was obliged to apply to congress for leave to retire. But his application was not listened to, and on the 30th of November, congress resolved that his con- duct, attention, and perseverance, merited the thanks of the united colonies. They expressed, through president Hancock, their ' greatest concern and sym- pathy for his loss of health, and requested that he would not insist on a measure which would deprive America of his zeal and abilities, and rob him of the honour of completing the glorious work which he had so happily and successfully begun.' Gen* 42 HISTORY or NEW YORK. eral Wasnington, who always maintained a close and constant correspondence with Schuyler, express- ed the same regret and desire, and in his letters of the 5th and 24th December, conjured both him and Montgomery to lay aside all such thoughts of retire- ment, 'alike injurious to themselves, and excessive- ly so to the country. They had not a difficulty to contend with that he had not in an eminent degree experienced.' Who can withhold his unqualified admiration of the man, who gave such advice, at such a crisis ! To his incomparable fortitude and inflexible firmness America owes her national ex- istence. " General Schuyler determined to continue in the service, and especially, as he said, after the fall of his 'amiable friend Montgomery, who had given him so many proofs of the goodness of his heart, and who, as he greatly fell in his country's cause, was more to be envied than lamented.' The distressed condi- tion of the northern army in the winter and spring of 1776, was quite unparalleled in the history of the revolution. General Schuyler was roused to the litmost limit of exertion in his endeavours to relieve it, by collecting and despatching men, provisions, arms, and military and naval equipments to the northern posts, and to the army. His attention was directed to every quarter, exacting vigilance, order, economy, and prompt execution in all the compli- .cated concerns of the department. His duty was more arduous and difficult; it was inexpressibly vexatious, and could not be sternly and effectually performed without collisions, provoking jealous and angry feelings, and requiring large sacrifices of transient popularity. With his exhausted and de- bilitated frame of body, every person who saw him, concluded that he must soon sink under the pressure 01 his duties. His incessant correspondence with HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 43 congress was full of the best practical advice. At that crisis, congress multiplied his concerns to an overwhelming degree. On the 8th of January, he was required to cause the river St. Lawrence, above and below Q,uebec, to be well explored. He was to fill up blank commissions for the Canada regi- ments in his discretion. He was to establish an ac- countability for the waste of the publick supplies. He was to put Ticonderoga in a defencible condi tion. But the army in Canada engrossed his atten- tion. After the death of Montgomery, the command devolved on Brigadier-general Wooster. The most alarming, and next to the want of provisions, the most distressing deficiency in the northern army, was in muskets, ammunition, and cannon. The call was also loud and incessant for specie, and General Schuyler went so far, as to raise, on' his own per- sonal security, 2,100/., York currency, in gold and silver, for that service. Nothing shows more strik- ingly the want of arms than the fact that even Gen- eral Washington, in his camp at Cambridge, appli- ed to Schuyler for assistance in that particular. 'Your letters and mine,' said the former, 'seem echoes to each other, enumerating our mutual diffi- culties.' " Great apprehension was entertained at this event- ful moment, for the disaffected inhabitants in the Mo- hawk country under the influence of Sir John John- son, and congress directed General Schuyler to cause the tories in that quarter to be disarmed, and their leaders secured. He accordingly marched into that country, in the month of January, and exe- cuted the service with such zeal, despatch, and dis- cretion, as to receive the special approbation of con- gress." Un. I must give you a more particular account 44 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. of this expedition into the Indian country, and the behaviour of Sir John Johnson. Joh7i. This Sir John, was, I suppose, sir, the son of the Sir William who superseded the ancestor of General Schuyler, as agent for the English with the Indians. Un. The same. Phil. I remember Sir William's dream. Un. The Indians of the Six Nations never forgot their friendly intercourse with the Schuylers, and the services of Colonel Peter Schuyler ; but the Johnsons had now been a long time the medium through which they received their blankets, guns, knives, and rum from England, consequently their influence was paramount. But General Schuyler had persuaded the Indians in 1775 to promise neu- trality in the approaching troubles. He had now reason to believe that the influence of Sir John John- son was pt^evailing with them. John. He had the advantage of living near them. Un. General Schuyler having no troops where- with to execute the orders of congress, and knowing that secrecy and despatch Avere necessary to his suc- cess, communicated his plan to a sub-committee of Albany county, administering an oath of secrecy; but advices arrived from Tryon county respecting the hostile preparations of Johnson, his Scotch ten- ants and adherents, as well as the Mohawks, that made secrecy unnecessary, and seven hundred of the militia were called out with the avowed purpose of disarming this internal enemy. With this force the general marched, but before he reached Caugh- nawaga, his army had increased to three thousand. At Schenectady a deputation from the Mohawks met him. Schuyler had sent them a message in- forming them of his intention to march into their country, but with no design of hostility to them. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 45 At their meeting the usual form of making speeches iook place. They acknowledged the receipt of his message, and his information that a number of men were imbodied about Johnstown and Sir Johns, and intended to commit hostilities down the river ; and that he was coming to inquire into the matter. They acknowledged that he had assur- ed them no harm was intended to them; as they had the last summer publickly engaged to take no part against him in the dispute with the "great king over the water." They proposed to Schuyler, that instead of marching his troops to Johnstown, he should send up six men to inquire into the truth of what he had heard, and send his soldiers home. They said that the council of their nation had sent them to meet him, and warn him to take care what he is about. They remind him again of their agreement to keep peace, and that he had said " if any person was found in their neighbourhood inimical to peace, he should consider such person as an enemy;" and the Six Nations thought he meant "the son of Sir William," and they particularly desire that he should not be injured. They repeatedly warn the general •• not to spill blood," and sa}^ that they intend to ob- serve the treaty made with him, and remain at peace. They say that their chiefs had begged Sir John not to be the aggressor : that he had promised he would not. That he had but " a handful of men," and could not be the aggressor ; therefore, if Schuyler and his men should come up and any evil happen, they should look upon him as the aggressor, or as " shutting up the path of peace." They denied that Sir John was making military preparations or forti- fying his house, and asserted that every thing re- mained as in the time of Sir William. They profess a sincere desire for peace, but acknowledge that some among them are disposed to hostilities. They in- 46 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. sinuate that if this hostile array proceeds they may not be able to restrain their warriours, who are de- termined, if Schuyler persists in going to Johnson- Hall, that they will be present at his meeting with Sir John, and the counsellors and chiefs cannot be answerable for what may happen. The orator con- cludes by saying that he had persuaded the war- riours " to sit still," and await his return with the answer Schuyler may give him. John. This was all very artful, sir. Un. And no doubt dictated by Johnson. Schuy- ler answered them in their own fashion. The sub- stance was, that he had hoped a previous message sent by him to the Six Nations had convinced them no hostile intentions were entertained towards them; and is sorry the Mohawks had not sent that message. That he has full proof that many people in Johns- town and the neighbourhood have been making preparations to carr}'- into execution "the wicked desio-ns of the kind's evil counsellors." That the force he commands is not brought for war with the Six Nations, but to prevent it, by seeing that the people of Johnstown do not interrupt the harmony of the colonies with the Indians. That he will not injure the people of Johnstown, if they agree to such terms as shall give assurance of security to their neighbours. That he will not permit any of his followers "to set foot on the Mohawk lands;" all he requires of them being that they do not interfere in the "family quarrel of the whites." He reminds them that notwithstanding their treaty of peace, some of their warriours had attacked the Americans at St. Johns, and had been killed there; which, he says, " you did not complain of, as you knew it was right to kill them in self-defence." He says, " in a little time, I and my friends may be called to fight our enemies to the eastward, and will it be prudent HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 47 to leave our wives and children exposed to enemies here at hand? We shall send a letter to Sir John inviting him to meet us on the road, and if every- thing is not settled he shall return safe to his own house." He wished the Indians to be present at the interview; but added, that if he is obliged to resort to force, and they join his enemies, they must take the consequence. He begs them to repeat all this to their council. John. He shows that he understands both the In- dians and Sir John. Un. The 16th of January the general despatched a letter to Johnson, saying that information having been received of designs dangerous to the liberties of his majesty's subjects in the county of Tryon, he had been ordered to march thither to contravene them, and wishing that no blood may be shed, he requests Sir John to meet him to-morrow on his way to Johnstown, pledging his honour for his safe con- duct back and forth; concluding with a message tending to quiet any apprehensions in the mind of Lady Johnson. Accordingly, the next day Johnson met the general on his march, and received terms requiring the delivery of all the cannon and milita- ry stores under his control, except his personal arms and ammunition therefor. That he should remain on parole in Tryon county. That the Scotch inhab- itants immediately deliver up their arms and give hostages. That all presents intended by England for the Indians be delivered to a commissary ap- pointed to receive them. These terms, if agreed to, Schuyler pledges himself for the protection of Sir John and the inhabitants of the county. Wm. What said the knight to this ? Un. At first he blustered a little, and said the In- dians would support him, and that some were alrea- dy at Johnson-Hall for the purpose. To this the an- 48 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. swer was, " force will be opposed to force, and blood must follow;" on which Sir John asked time to con- sider until next evening, which was granted. Another Mohawk chief waited on Schuyler, and assured him that the Indians would not interfere except as medi- ators. The general then marched forward and halt- ed within four miles of Johnstown, where he received propositions from Johnson for himself and the peo- ple of Kingsborough, which were, that all arms be- longing to Sir John "and the other gentlemen" should remain with them, all others to be given up. Of military stores belonging to the crown he says he has none. He expects to go where he pleases. The Scotch inhabitants will deliver up their arms, and promise not to take any without permission from the continental congress ; but they cannot command hostages. This is signed, J. Johnson, Allan Mc- Dougall; and dated, Johnson-Hall, 18th January, 1776. Schuyler answers, that this proposition can- not be accepted, and he must obey his orders. He at the same time sends a passport to Lady Johnson, with a request that she would retire. Time is al- lowed until midnight for another answer, and gen- tlemen sent to receive it. Soon after, the sachems of the Mohawks wait upon Schuyler and ask more time for Sir John's answer. This is granted " for their sakes," and within the period fixed the knight agrees for himself and the inhabitants of Kingsbo- rough to give up their arms, and that he would not go westward of German Flatts and Kinsiand dis- trict ; likewise, that six Scotch inhabitants may be taken as hostages. Sir John and the Scotch gentle- men pledge themselves, as far as their influence goes, for the delivery of the arms of the inhabitants, and Johnson gives assurance that he has no stores in his possession as presents to the Indians. Upon receiving the last answer, Schuyler told the Indians HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 49 that all would be settled, and they may go home. On the 19th the general marched into Johnstown and drew up his men in a line ; the Highlanders were drawn up facing them, and grounded their arms. The military stores were surrendered ; and this service being performed, Schuyler and his mi- litia returned. It was found afterward that the High- landers had not delivered up their broadswords or their ammunition. Here is a picture of Johnson- Hall, as it appeared in 1815. But for many years the provincial governors and other king's officers were frequent visiters, and no stranger of rank but was entertained at Johnson-Hall ; while the sachems of the Six Nations and all the Mohawks repaired thither for the gifts from the great king over the water. VOL II. — 5 50 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. CHAPTER V. John. Now, sir, we wish to hear something of the early history of the famous General Gates. Un. We have seen that on the 15 th of June, 1775, the continental congress made choice, by a unanimous vote, of Colonel George Washington to be commander-in-chief of the armies of America. As his major-generals they appointed Artemas Ward, Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam. Now, I think, we had better pass these gentlemen in review, in the order of their rank, only omitting Schuyler, as circumstances have brought him before us out of the order which his appointment would mark. Wvi. And then, sir, if you tell us of the adjutant- general, and the brigadiers, we shall go to war as regularly as Homer and Virgil do after reviewing their heroes. 1171. True, boy. Mr. Ward, as you know, command- ed the troops assembled before Boston at the com- mencement of the war. He soon retired from the ser- vice, and left Charles Lee the oldest major-general. This officer was an English gentleman of some for- tune, and son to a colonel in his majesty's service. Charles was commissioned at the age of eleven, so that he was almost from birth in the army. Quick in perception, and ardent in all his pursuits, he be- came a good scholar, and an able tactician, as far as a man devoid of prudence may be so esteemed. His first military service was under General Abercrom- bie, in America, and as I have incidentally mentioned, he was wounded at the defeat of that officer by the French on the banks of Lake Champlain. Great were the preparations of the English for attacking HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 51 Ticonderoga, a strong fortress near the outlet of Lake George into the greater inland sea which it was built to command ; and it was garrisoned by a veteran French force of four or five thousand men. Abercrombie advanced with as fine an army of dis- ciplined soldiers as the world could produce, and like Braddock, sacrificed them by disdaining the ad- vice of provincials, Charles Lee was a captain in the forty-fourth regiment, and is twice mentioned by Mrs. Grant; who says the army advanced in detachments from Albany by the Flats, to the residence of the Schuylers. "One of the first of these divisions was commanded by Lee, of frantick celebrity." She adds, "Captain Lee neglected to bring the customary warrants for impressing horses and oxen, &c. ; he, however, seized every thing he wanted where he could most readily find it, as if he were in a conquered country ; and not content with this violence, poured forth a volley of execrations on those who presumed to question his right" of appropriation. Even Mrs. Schuyler "was not spar- ed." Such is the testimony of a lady, herself the daughter of an English officer, and partial to the military of her own country. John. This agrees with all you have told us, sir, of the insolence of these foreign officers, and their contempt for the provincials. Un. In a few days the wounded of this proud army, after their defeat, were brought back to " the Flats," and received by the Schuylers as "men and brethren." The barn was fitted up as an hospital, and a part of the house allotted to the surgeon, among whose patients, says Mrs. Grant, " was Lee, the same insolent and rapacious Lee, who had in- sulted" the mistress of the mansion. He was re- ceived and treated as a child. " Even Lee," says the writer, "felt and acknowledged the resistless 52 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. force of such generous humanity. He swore, in his vehement manner, he was sure there was a place reserved for her in heaven, though no other woman should be there." Such, children, is the power of true benevolence upon the most reckless characters. But Lee, though selfish, vain, presu- ming, and passionate, was not without many good qualities; he was quick-witted, frank, courageous, and capable of feeling and admiring the character of the benevolent and forgiving Mrs. Schuyler. John. I think this lady was the aunt of General Schuyler. Un. Yes; at that time the widow of Colonel Philip Schuyler the second. Lee returned to Eu- rope, and in 1762 served with General Burgoyne in Portugal. Ever restless, he entered the Polish service, and had attained the rank of major-general before he returned to America, for which country he appears to have had a sincere attachment, not the less probably for his adventures at Schuyler's Flats. He, however, had rambled all over Europe; had killed his man in a duel, and had been engaged in several others before he again crossed the At- lantick. He was in Philadelphia in 1774, and in July of that year, Horatio Gates, then on a planta- tion in Virginia, wrote to him a letter of invitation, and persuaded him to buy a farm in his neighbour- hood, which, after visiting New York, Rhode Island, and Boston, he accomplished. He was now a vio- lent anti-ministerialist, and had published several essays in defence of the colonies. Gates, in his let- ter, says, "a good bed is provided for you, two or three slaves to supply all your wants and whimseys ; and space enough about us for you to exercise away all your spleen and gloomy moods, whensoever they distress you." The farm bought by Lee is descri- bed as containing two thousand four hundred acres, HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 53 and is valued at thirty shillings sterling an acre. Besides these, he had a claim for five thousand acres on the Ohio, to be granted by warrant from Lord Dunmore. Gates advises him to be cautious in re- spect to Gage, and professes his own willingness to join the cause of America. Win. These gentlemen were old acquaintances, it seems. Un. Both military men, and long known as sol- diers to each other. They were in exteriour and in manner extremely different; Gates was courteous, accommodating, and insinuating; with a very prepos- sessmg person. Lee, abrupt, rude, careless, ca- pricious, and so unaccommodating as to be very disagreeable to the neat or the scrupulous, especially to ladies. He was always attended by his only fa- vourites, two dogs; who by his desire must be at his side in the drawing-room or at the dinner-table. At the time he entered the American service, and formally renounced his English commission and half- pay, he was supposed to be an immense acqui- sition to the cause; and it was well known that Washington recommended both Lee and Gates to congress for the several commissions they bore. General Clinton, with a British force, arrived at New York, and Lee came on to that place in 1776, and was very active in throwing up fortifications in and around the town. Tryon and the commander of the king's ships in the harbour, "threatened per- dition to the town if the cannon were removed from the batteries and wharves;" "but," says Lee, in a letter to Gates, " I ever considered threats a brutum fulmen, and even persuaded the town to be of the same way of thinking ; we accordingly conveyed them to a place of safety in the middle of the day, and no cannonade ensued. Captain Parker pub- lishes a pleasant reason for his passive conduct. 54 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. He says it was manifestly my intention, and that of the New England men under my command, to bring destruction on this town, so hated for its loyal prin- ciples, but he was determined not to indulge us ; so remained quiet out of spite. The people here laugh at his nonsense, and begin to despise the menaces, which formerly used to throw them into convul- sions. To do them justice, the whole show a won- derful alacrity ; and in removing the cannon, men and boys of all ages worked with the greatest zeal and pleasure. I really believe that the generality are as well affected as any on the continent." The " convulsions," he alludes to, were the symptoms of terrour shown by the defenceless inhabitants when the Asia fired upon the town in 1775. Wm. What did Parker mean by calling New York a loyal or a tory town? Un. It was the plan of Tryon and others to divide the colonists, therefore New York was represented as attached to England, and hated by the whigs. But the people were, as elsewhere, loyal to their country. New York was found too well prepared to resist the force under Sir Henry Clinton, and he sailed to the South, where Lee was despatched to meet him, and when the British appeared off Charles- ton, General Lee was already there in command. The defeat of the British ships of war by the gal- lant Moultrie belongs to the history of the United States, but we must observe that this added greatly to the already high reputation of Charles Lee. Lee and Gates visited Washington at Mount Vernon just before he went to congress, and there doubtless it was proposed and settled that they should enter the ser- vice as American officers. The fourth major-general appointed by congress was Israel Putnam, of Con- necticut, a man recommended by his zeal for the cause, and by his having been a good subaltern HI8T0RY OF NEW YORK. 55 scouting officer in the provincial service during the French war; of his qualifications for com- manding an army we must judge hereafter by events. Wm. Now, sir, for General Gates. Un. Horatio Gates was born in England, and was the son of Captain Robert Gates of the British army; so you see that both Lee and Gates were not only Englishmen and in the British army, but sons of his majesty's officers. Gates received his first name from his godfather, the celebrated Horatio or Horace Walpole ; who mentions him as his " godson," on an occasion hereafter to be noticed. What farther connexion Gates had with the family of the Earl of Orford, I do not know ; certainly he was in early life protected by high aristocratick influence, and had hopes, from that class, of prorhotion of no ordi- nary character until 1773. That he received a lib- eral education is evident from his letters. As early nsl749 he served as a volunteer under General Ed- ward Cornwallis, who commanded in Nova Scotia as §"overnor of Halifax. By him Horatio was appoint- ed a captain-lieutenant in Warburton's regiment, and Cornwallis espoused his interest very warmly, offering by letter to his father, an advance of money for the purchase of a company for the young man In this letter, directed to Captain Gates, Southamp ton street, London, he farther says, that he has giv en his son an employment that will bring him in 2001. a year. Four years after this, young Gates was in England, busily engaged in purchasing promotion in the army, and on the 13th of September, 1754, is dated his commission as captain of an independent company, at New York, late Clarke's. This is signed " Holderness," by order of George the Sec- ond. In 1755, Captain Horatio Gates had re- turned to America, and shared with Braddock in 56 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. the disasters of Monongahela. Here may have commenced his acquaintance with Colonel George Washington of the despised provincials. Previous to leaving England the young captain had married Miss Phillips, the daughter of an English officer. In the years 1756, '7 and '8, Gates was on service in the western part of the province of New York, and in the last of these years received the appoint- ment of brigade-major from General Stanwix, whose name was long attached to a frontier fort at the sources of the Mohawk river, where now the town of Rome is built. During these years Major Gates held the independent company stationed at New York, which he purchased of Captain Clarke. John. Was it the custom to purchase promotion in the English army 1 Un. Yes ; the universal usage. Clarke writes to Gates in 1756, that Calcraft, the agent in pur- chasing the independent company, will "bear no more blame" respecting the settlement; and had re- quired Clarke to apply to Gates. He tells Gates to convince the world that he "prefers equity and truth to all those mean refuges that artful men make to save their interest for a little while." He adds, " I want nothing of you but what honesty and truth demand ; I have been injured, and you know it." Wm. Why this looks like quarrelling over a marketable commodity between two hucksters. Un. These highminded gentlemen in scarlet and gold were as anxious to seize upon a bargain as any dealers in other marketable commodities ; and watched the expected death of a messmate for an opportunity to purchase and obtain rank, as eagerly as the lowest huckster ever sought to fore- stall a market. John. Where was Mr. Gates at this time ? Un. In the western part of the province of New HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 57 York ; and while there, James Abercrombie writes to him, giving some incidents of the war, and saying that the provi?icials through ignorance missed an opportunity of defeating a French force near Fort Edward. He says, they are averse to " a junction with the king's troops." " Since they are unwil- ling to take our assistance, I would e'en let them try it themselves, but have regulars to secure the fools in case they should be repulsed." Joh7i. I don't wonder the provincials were averse to a junction which subjected them to the commands of such self-sufficient gentry. U71. This will remind you of the letter I men- tioned to you before, written to Gates in the year 1759, when he was at Pittsburgh, from another of his brother king's-officers. Wm. I remember it, sir ; where he says, nothing but consideration for his majesty's service, prevents his answering a letter from a member of the New York provincial legislature with his cane. U71. Such was the universal feeling of these gen- tlemen in livery. When there was an exception, it was to a general rule. In 1760, General Robert Monckton was commander-in-chief of the troops at New York, and he appointed Major Gates one of his aids. The major being in Philadelphia in Oc- tober of this year, Governor Boone of New Jersey wrote to him. An extract from his letter shows something of the feelings among the rulers of the time, which can only appear in these confidential comnmnications. Read it. John. "October 13th, 1760. Poor Delancey ! have I written to you since his death ? General Monckton is talked of for the government, (of New York,) and desired. Pownal is expected and dreaded. General Gage is said likewise to have applied. Speaking of the colonists, he says, their 58 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. politicks are confounded, and their society is worse, by the loss of the best companion in it. Oliver is in the council, and Jemmy Delancey, no longer a soldier, is a candidate for the city." He says, al- though he has been governor a good while, he had not yet met his assembly." Un. The troops destined to attack Martinique were encamped on Staten Island, under Monckton's com- mand ; and General Amherst came on from the north to succeed Monckton as commander-in-chief. •Strange as it may appear, on Staten Island, Amherst was invested with the insignia and title of a knight of the Bath, by Monckton ; due authority having been received from Lord Chatham. Monckton and Gates departed for the West Indies, and Sir Jef- fery remained commander of the troops in the prov- ince. Monckton took Martinique, and despatched Gates with the triumphant news to London, which of course gained him promotion ; and on the 26th April, 1762, Mr. Townsend informs him that he is appointed to be major to the forty-fifth regiment of foot. It was on this occasion that Horace Walpole, by way of badinage, claimed credit for the capture of Martinique, as his godson and namesake brought the news. The connexion of Gates with Lord Or- ford appears mysterious. Major Gates remained sev- eral months in London, much dissatisfied with the promotion he had attained, and assiduously endeav- ouring, by petition and the influence of friends among the nobility, to obtain something more lucra- tive ; but his success was not equal to the efforts made, and he returned to America as major of the forty-fifth. He had been successful in disposing of his company of independents ; for in August, 1763, these companies had been disbanded, and Gates is congratulated as being " out of the scrape." HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 69 John. Why, sir, all that these officers seem to think of is making- money. Un. Certainly the major does not appear inatten- tive to what is vulgarly called the main-chance. He made frequent applications to the war office, and in August, 1763, gained Amherst's very reluctant leave of absence to go to London. He does not appear to have been a favourite with Sir Jeffery, who fairly tells him that his desire to leave his station appears to be only "dictated by his own interest." His hopes were with Monckton, and he was assured by one of his correspondents that the general had under- taken " his affair." The leave of absence was com- municated in these ungracious words: " If you are determined to go, you have his leave to settle accord- ingly." And, accordingly, the major was in Eng- land before November 22d, 1763, for that is the date of a letter from William Smith, afterward king's chief-justice in Canada, the first historian of New York, directed to Gates, in London, from which you may read this abstract, and my memorandum. John. " Smith wishes Gates such a retreat as that in which, he says, ' with the aid of Bacchus, and in the pride of philosophy, we laughed at the anxie- ties of the great.' He says, we in America want aid, ' not to maintain the dependency of the colonies, for you know, saucy as we are, there is nothing to fear on that account.'' ' Sir William Johnson is continually terrifying us with the defection of the Six Nations ;' ' but, thank heaven, those barbarians love themselves too well to throw off the mask of friendship. Amherst has left New York.' He praises Boone, and reprobates ' the cowardly expedi- ent' of the English ministry in removing governors because the people dislike them. He says, Colden, for want of purse, and more for want of spirit to imitate Monckton, has retired to Flushing. ' The 60^ HISTORY OF NEW YORK. little star does not yet appear, the twilight of his f)redecessov is still too strong to permit such a twink- ing luminary to glitter.' In another letter to the same, he continues in the like strain. Mentioning Morris's death, on the 27th January, 1764, he says, ' Gay in the morning — dead in the evening. He came out to a rural dance,' ' he took out the parson's wife, danced down six couple, and fell dead on the floor, without a word, a groan, or a sigh.' He then goes on to mention the prominent men of the time in New Jersey, where this happened. ' Franklin has put Charles Reade in his (Morris's) place on the bench, and filled up Reade's with John Berrian, a babbling country surveyor. Franklin after Boone — after Morris, Reade !' He afterward says, ' The first errour is on your side of the water,' (England.) That is, as he says, in recalling Boone because of his contest with ' a proud, licentious assembly.' ' We are a great garden — constant cultivation will keep down the weeds ; remember they were planted by liberty and religion near a hundred years ago; there are strong roots that will soon despise the gardener's utmost strength. When Great Britain loses the power to regulate these dependencies, I think 'tis clear she will have no other left.' He concludes by calling for governors and judges of spirit and abilities." This is a very remarkable let- ter, sir. Does he call for force to keep down the growth of liberty and religion, or of the power of the people ? Un. It is a very remarkable letter from such a man to such a man. This is faithfully taken from the original ; and I put it in your hands to show- how these men talked and wrote to each other at that time. John. But, sir, Major Gates is not accountable for what his correspondents write. ( HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Ol TJn. Certainly not. But when a man's corres- pondents write year after year, or in general, in a certain style, I must presume that they know the sentiments of him they address. No one will write to 7J0U repeatedly, and in a friendly, familiar manner, calling me fool, knave, or villain, unless the writer knows the lano-uage accords with your sentiments. Wm. Did Major Gates remain in England, sir? TJn. In November, 1764, he was appointed to a majority in the Royal Americans, as a special mark of his majesty's favour, as is announced to him from the war ofhce ; and in December he received per- mission to remain four months in England. Soon after, through his agent, he received proposals from a captain of dragoons, offering 3000/. for his major- ity ; and not long after, in a letter written by a rel- ative, it is mentioned that he had sold out on half- pay. He still remained in England, evidently ex- pecting promotion through the interest of General Monckton, and his brother, Lord Galloway, and, probably, by the influence of his godfather. His friends in New York point out offices for him to apply for, particularly that of paymaster-general, as, says one, " Abraham Mortier goes to England next spring, with his fat lady ; my friend, could you not contrive to get his place — he has made a fortune." John. Who was this Mortier, sir ? Un. All I know of him is, that he caused that house to be built which once w^as the head-quarters of Washington, called Richmond Hill, at that time surrounded by a park, and situated on an eminence, now the corner of Varick and Charlton streets, on a level with its neighbours, surrounded by houses, and called Richmond Hill theatre. This place was then, and until a few years, far out of the city. John. Major Gates remained a long time at home, sir. VOL. II. — 6 62 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Un. In 1766, the major's father died; and by the letters of General Monckton, it appears, that the hopes of the general are deferred, and of course those of Gates ; who now looked for an appointment under his friend, and resided with his family in re- tirement. Win. It appears, sir, that both Gates and Lee were in Europe when Schuyler and Washington were serving their country at home. Un. In 1768, Major Gates was in London, and waiting the result of Monckton's expectations ; and Gates about this time sold his half-pay and commis- sion to Monckton's younger brother; and was in expectation of accompanying the general to the East Indies ; but delays occurred, and the years 1769 and '70, find the major still living in retirement, and expectations of a post under Monckton, in the East Indies. Wm. So ! If he had obtained an appointment, we should have had no General Gates. Un. Monckton, disappointed in his East India schemes, receives the office of a reviewing-general, and endeavours, in the latter part of 1770, to obtain the post of town-major for Gates, and this failing, Monckton (having his hopes revived as to the East) renewed his promises to his expectant protegee ; as late as July, 1771, he writes thus, inanswer to Gates: " You know it has not been in the least in my pow- er to serve myself, and therefore could not do what I wished by you." "What you have heard about the East Indies is partly true ; but whether or not I shall succeed is very uncertain. I can only assure you, that should it succeed, you are the only one I have as yet thought of" And in December, " I am sorry to inform you that East India matters do not go on so well as I could wish." " You need not hurry yourself to come up till you hear from me HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 63 again." In 1772, Major Gates having given up all hopes of a place under the king's government, and his former commissions having been sold, resolved to emigrate to Virginia ; where, in Berkeley county, he purchased and resided in 1773; and until, as we have seen, he and his friend Charles Lee, likewise a purchaser in the same county, visited General Washington at Mount Vernon. John. If Major Gates had been appointed a town- major in England, or to an office in the East Indies, we should probably never have heard of him as an American officer. Un. Or, if he had succeeded Abraham Mortier as paymaster-general of his majesty's forces in Amer- ica, he might, perhaps, have been surrendered to Philip Schuyler, on the field of Saratoga. I have, for your information, sought and found the above manuscript testimony respecting Horatio Gates's life and pursuits up to 1775. We will now pursue our story, and we shall again meet him. As soon as Washington had procured the appointment of adju- tant-general for Major Gates, he writes to him giv- ing him the information ; and the major replied in a very characteristick letter, the conclusion of which is in these words : " I will not intrude more upon your time, only to assure you, that I shall not lose a moment in paying you my personal attendance, with the greatest respect for your character, and the sincerest attachment to your person." CHAPTER VI. Tin. We have seen that General Lee was sent on to prepare New York for defence, and while he was thus employed, the commander-in-chief thought of 64 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. him as a fit person to supply the loss of the brave and generous Montgomery, in Canada. About this time General Gates wrote to Lee from Cambridge. Some extracts from the letter will be of service to us. It is dated from Head- Quarters, February 26, 1776. Speaking of Fort George, at New York, he says, " I like your intention of making the fort an open redoubt; I think some heavy guns upon the south and west sides, with good sod merlons, will make the men-of-war keep aloof. It is a pretty high situ- ation, and battering it at a distance, over the lower batteries, would have but little effect." " Clinton, I am satisfied, went to see how affairs were circum- stanced at New York, to consult with Tryon, and to prepare the way for Howe's reception." " We shall march with the utmost expedition to support you." " Little Eustace is well, but nothing is done for him as yet. You know the more than Scotch partiality of these folks. I have had much to do to support the lad you put into Colonel Whitcomb's regiment. They have no complaint in nature against him, but that he is too good an officer." You see by this what Gates's feelings were toward the New England men, yet he had the art to conciliate their favour and use it to supplant others. Shortly after this, General Lee was ordered to Charleston, South Carolina, to oppose Clinton ; so that he being em- ployed in the south, and Schuyler at the north, Put- nam, as the only remaining major-general, had com- mand in the city of New York. He made his head- quarters in a house left vacant by the owner. Cap- tain Kennedy, of the British navy, being the first house in Broadway, since enlarged, and known as No. 1. But General Washington soon arrived, and fixed his he-ad-quarters in the house built by Mortier, the English paymaster-general, who, as we have seen, had made his fortune and gone to Eng- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. G5 land. This house, was then standing oa an emi- nence looking over the North river, and surrounded by a park and garden ; it is now reduced to the level of its thousand neighbouring buildings, and degra- ded to the condition of a tap-room, to what is called the Richmond Hill theatre, at the corner of Varick and Charlton streets, with five streets between it and the river. John. You remember this house, perhaps, far out of town. Un. Yes. So it remained until many years after the revolution. On the 17th of June, 1776, General Gates having been appointed a major-general, con- gress directed the commander-in-chief to send him on to Canada. By the instructions to Gates from congress, dated the 24th, he is appointed commander of the troops in Canada, with power to appoint a deputy adjutant-general, &c. At this time a plot was discovered in New York, planned by Governor Tryon, and forwarded by David Matthews, whom he had appointed mayor. Matthews and several citi- zens were implicated, and put in confinement. Some of the continental soldiers had been bribed to enlist for the king's service ; one of these was tried as a traitor and mutineer, condemned and shot. His name was Thomas Hickey. Matthews and the other citizens were, after a short confinement, sent on to Litchfield in Connecticut, and such indulgence as might be consistent with safe-keeping was recom- mended. And now the great fleet and army of Bri- tain arrived at Sandy Hook ; and the Americans had a proof that their batteries could not prevent the English ships from passing the city. The Phoenix frigate, and another ship of war, sailed without injury up the North river, (notwithstanding a cannonade from all the guns that could be brought to bear upon them,) and anchored in Tapan bay. 6* 66 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Wm. Where did the English army land, sir? Un. On Staten Island ; and there General Howe for a time fixed his head-quarters. He had been joined by Governor Tryon, and many gentlemen from New York and New Jersey, who encouraged him with the hope that great numbers would gather inarms round his standard. He appointed Mr. De- lancey of New York, and Mr. Cortland Skinner of Perth Amboy, generals of brigade; and expected from their influence a great accession of tories to his English army. In the mean time, General Washington made every disposition in his power with his motley, undisciplined, and refractory troops, to meet this great and well-appointed army. Gen- eral Mercer, with what was called the flying camp, was stationed at Perth Amboy, divided by a narrow channel from the enemy, whose sentinels were full in view. Wm. Uncle, you promised to give us some ac- count of the brigadier-generals appointed by con- gress, as well as of the major-generals, and you have mentioned two already as commanding bodies of troops, and have not told us any thing of their previous history. Un. What two do you allude to ? Wm. General Wooster who marched to New York with the Connecticut forces ; and now, Gen- eral Mercer. Un. Of these two gentlemen, as they have ap- proached New York, I must give you some account. And first. General David Wooster was born in Con- necticut, in 1710, and consequently was, at the time he encamped at Haerlem, in 1775, sixty-five years of age. He received a liberal education, and early in life entered into the service of the colony in a military capacity. He commanded a company at the taking of Louisburg, by the provincials, in 1745, HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 67 and was afterward complimented with a captafn's commission in the regular service, under Sir Wil- liam Pepperel. On the approach of war he resign- ed his half-pay as a British officer, and engaged ac- tively in forwarding the expedition against Crown Point and Ticonderoga. When congress appointed brigadier-generals, the 22d June, 1775, he was the third on the list. He was ordered from the neigh- bourhood of New York to join General Schuyler, and embarked for Albany, on the 28th of Septem- ber. General Wooster, owing to the misfortunes attending our arms in Canada, at one time command- ed the retreating troops, and after that expedition, retired to private life ; but his native state appointed him their first major-general of militia, in which capacity he lost his life at the age of sixty-seven, in bravely attempting to repulse the British in their at- tack upon Danbury. He was one of those true pa- triots who preferred the service of his country to rank or etiquette. General Mercer was a native of Scotland, settled in Viginia, and abandoned the pro- fession of a physician for the dangers of war in the cause of his adopted country. He fell gloriously at Princeton, in January, 1777, in an action which will hereafter arrest your attention. But another briga- dier-general had fallen, even before the period at which we have arrived, and was the second nomi- nated by congress — Richard Montgomery. Al- though he fought and bled far from New York, he was the leader of the New York forces, and was adopted as one of her most estimable children. You have seen how he lamented the absence of his com- manding officer, General Schuyler, and although it would be irrelevant to enter into a detail of the war in Canada, I will read to you some extracts, communi- cated in marmscript, to me, from his letters to that great man, whom he always addressed, as "My Dear 68 HISTORV OF NEW YORK. General," in a most respectful and affectionate style. From his camp, near St. Johns, he writes, " I have great dependance on your presence to ad- minister to our many Avants." "Should Arnold come in my neighbourhood, has he orders to put himself under my command? You know his am- bition, and I need not point out the bad consequences of a separate command." " Colonel Allen passed the St. Lawrence, below St. Johns, with twenty of ours, and fifty Canadians: he was attacked, taken pris- oner, and two or three of his men killed. I lament that his imprudence and ambition urged him to this affair single-handed." You may observe the deli- cacy with which he speaks of this rash attempt of Allen to surprise Montreal, when he ought to have consulted and acted under the orders of his superi- our officer. Wm. Poor Ethan Allen paid dearly for his for- wardness this time. Un. Yes. He was sent to England in irons. The next year he was put on board a frigate and carried to Halifax. There he remained in jail du- ring the summer, and was then removed to New York, where he was in confinement near a year and a half. We shall meet him again when we speak of the provost-jail, and Cunningham, the provost-mar- shal. To return to Brigadier-general Montgomery. He, in his letters to Schuyler, complains of his troops. In one instance, he says, " 1 have sent back ten boats with the naked and lazy." In another letter, dated South side St. Johns, October 6th, he says, *• Your diligence and foresight have saved us from the difficulties that threatened us, and we are no longer afraid of slavery." " Our army shows great want of military spirit. Our sensible officers swal- low every old woman's story that is dropped in their mouths." " There has been shocking embezzle- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 69 ment of the publick stores and moneys." " Pray send me Yorkers, they don't melt away half so fast as their eastern neighbours." John. What does that mean, sir ? • Z7w. I presume that the Eastern militia had just at that time taken the liberty to go home. He says, "We want iron, steel, ammunition, a ten-inch mor- tar." " Your residence at Ticonderoga, has 'proba- bly enabled us to keep our ground. How much do the publick owe you for your attention and activi- ty !" On the 1 3th of October, he describes his troops as on the brink of mutiny, owing " to insubordina- tion and want of discipline;" but the surrender of Chamblee changed the face of affairs, and on the 20th, he says, the troops are in high spirits, " the of- ficers of the seventh regiment taken at Chamblee are genteel men. I have had great pleasure in show- ing them all the attention in my power." He says, he has not in his '* camp above seven hundred and fifty men." About the last of October, C4eneral Wooster arrived with the Connecticut men. On the 3 1st of October, Montgomery writes to his friend Schuyler, " I must earnestly request to be suffered to retire, should matters stand on such a footing this winter as to permit me to go off with honour. I have not talents nor temper for such a command. I am under the disagreeable necessity of acting eter- nally out of character — to wheedle, flatter, and lie. I stand in a constrained attitude. I will bear with it for a short time, but I cannot bear it long." " Mr. Wooster has behaved hitherto much to my satisfaction." Wm. What does he mean, sir, by being under the necessity of acting out of character ? Un. He has already said that his troops were in- subordinate and mutinous ; that his " sensible officers swallow every old woman's story;" that there is 70 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. "shocking embezzlement of stores and moneys." In short, my children, there is no greater delusion existing than the vulgar opinion, that every revolu- tionary officer or soldier was a patriot or a hero. Justice can never be done to Washington, and his friends, adherents, and supporters, until it is fully understood with what jarrmg, selfish, and corrupt materials, they had to work out the salvation of their country. You will read, and I hope every Amer- ican will read, the description General Washington gives of the troops assembled at Cambridge and Roxbury. Wm. Yes, sir, but there were the brave Colonels Prescott and Starke. Un. True, boy; and Whitecombe, and many others. But selfishness, thirst of lucre, jealousy, and insubordination pervaded the mass. By slow degrees, and with seeming reluctance, congress was made sensible, through the remonstrances of Wash- ington, of the remedies necessary to their salvation. In addition to these difficulties, which that great man had to contend with, were the machinations of those who could bully and bluster, or " wheedle, flatter, and lie," without departing from character. When we return to New York island I shall have again to mention the character of the troops at the com- mencement of the war ; and as we proceed, to dwell on the systematick endeavours of intriguers to vili- fy and overthrow Washington. At present let us fin- ish what we have to say of the heroick Montgomery. Johii. Who was Colonel Whitcombe, sir ? Un. He commanded a regiment before Boston, and it being necessary to remodel the army, it fell to his lot to lose his regiment. Instead of murmuring, he encouraged those who were his late private sol- gton,) General Gates arrived in camp, and superseded him. General Schuyler felt acutely the discredit of being recalled in the most critical peri- od of the campaign, and after the labour and activity of making preparations to repair the disasters of it, had been expended by him, and when he was in vigorous preparation to win, and almost in the act to place the laurels of victory on his brow. ' I am sensible,' said this great and injured man, in his let- ter to congress, ' of the indignity of being ordered from the command of an army, at a time when an engagement must soon take place;' and when, we may add, he had already commenced offensive ope- rations, and laid the foundation of future and glori- ous triumphs." John. It appears then that the affairs on the Mo- hawk, and at Bennington, took place while Schuy- ler commanded: the spirits of the people were re- animated, and the yeomanry of the country collect- ing with a force and spirit that made the fate of the invader inevitable. Tin. Just so. In fact, Burgoyne was already "Burgoyned," before Gates superseded Schuyler. Wm. Will you not tell us something of those bat- ties in our native state, sir? Un. When we meet again. We have had enough of evil passions, jealousies, intrigues, and bloodshed for the present. I am afraid the history of man for a long time to come will be little else than a record of follies and crimes. VOL. II. — 15 170 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. John. Will it ever be otherwise, sir ? Un. We are promised a reign of a different na- ture ; it will assuredly arrive at the appointed time. CHAPTER XVI. Un. In our last walk we passed the old German Lutheran church, in the swamp, at the corner of Frankfort street, and you asked me some questions respecting it which I was not then prepared to an- swer. Here is a picture of it. From a memoir in the New York Mirror, communicated by the Rev. Dr. F. W. Geissenhaimer, we learn that this vener- able edifice was erected by the German Lutheran congregation in the years 1766-7. Six years be- fore, it is recorded that a iew houses had begun to be built on " that part of the highroad to Boston which HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 171 leads towards ' Fresh Water,' extending from Broad- way to the place where the negroes were burnt, in 1741, and to which the gallows has lately been re- moved ;" this road then began to be regulated as a street. The swamp, near this church, was literal- ly what its name denotes. The Baptist church in Gold street, was erected six years before the Ger- man Lutheran church. During the war, this last- mentioned church was spared in compliment to the Hessians, whose regimental chaplains officiated as pastors. The Hessian officers were interred in this cemetery, and several have since been disinterred in full military costume, with their side-arms, cocked hats, and boots. John. Was this customary, sir 1 Un. It so appears. Wm. You promised us an account of the battles on the Mohawk and at Bennington. Un. You delight too much in battles ; but you are, unfortunately, not singular : and the general reading of the world seems calculated to encourage the propensity to strife. But I will perform my promise. General Burgoyne first threw out from the main body of his army a detachment under Col- onel St. Leger, to his right, to attack Fort Stanwix, and afterward another, on his left, into Vermont. The first was composed of Germans, Canadians, English, and Indians, about eighteen hundred, who were thought sufficient to take the fort and then fall down upon the Mohawk settlements towards Alba- ny. General Herkimer marched with a body of militia to support Fort Stanwix, and had arrived with- in five or six miles of that post when he learned that Sir John Johnson, with his savages, had been sent by St. Leger to intercept his force, not consisting of more than eight hundred undisciplined men. The strife .that ensued is called the battle of Oriskany, and the 172 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. field is pointed out between Utica and Rome. At the first fire of the enemy, many of the militia were killed, and some fled ; but Herkimer and a brave band sustained the fight, even hand to hand; and the Indians, being- worsted, are said to have conceived that the British had betrayed them, and in their rage killed their friends, making the confusion of a con- test carried on Avith knives, muskets, bayonets, and tomahawks, in close fight, or from behind logs and trees, more awful. Sir John and his party retreat- ed, and carried off' the slain, and several prisoners. Herkimer expired on the field, which was strewed with one hundred and sixty Americans killed, and a greater number wounded. The deposition of a very respectable gentleman who was in this fight, is so interesting that I must give it to you in an abstract from Campbell's Annals of Tryon county. Read it, William. Wm. " Moses Younglove states, on oath, that to- wards the last of the battle of Oriskany he surren- dered to an Indian, who delivered him to a sergeant of Sir John Johnson's regiment, when several tories came up, and one prepared to tomahawk him, but others prevented. The tories stript him of watch, buckles, and finally almost all his clothes. He saw around him on every side prisoners murdered and stript. When brought before Butler he abused him, and said if the Indians did not kill him he should be hanged as a rebel. That the Indians were in- stigated by the tories to murder the prisoners, and did it by direction of Johnson's officers, even after they were put under the provost's guard." And Fort Stanwix, sir? Un. The fort was bravely defended, although the garrison was weak. Scarce had St. Leger sent off the Indians and tories to meet Herkimer, when Col- onel Marinus Willet of our city — HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 173 Wm. I remember him, sir ; he was one of the Sons of Liberty. Un. Even so. He made a sortie, and falling upon the enemy's camp, drove them off, and carried back a quantity of arms and stores. The English rallied, and attempted to prevent his return to the fort, but he charged them and carried off his booty in triumph. John. Did he command the fort, sir? U71. No. Colonel Gansevoort, an equally de- serving officer, was the commander ; and he finding that the enemy increased around him by bringing on more savages, was anxious to call upon the coun- try below for relief Colonel Willet and Lieutenant Stockwell undertook the hazardous enterprise of passing through the surrounding host of savages and other rangers, now made watchful by the pre- vious attacks; and these gallant gentlemen, both skilled in Indian warfare, crept on their hands and knees through the enemy's camp, eluding even the keen senses of the savage warriours, and arrived safe at the head-quarters of General Schuyler. Wm. He would send them relief! Un. He immediately despatched Arnold with a body of men, but the fort was relieved before that general reached it. The Reverend Doctor Dwight, in his Travels, tells the story thus. Read the ex- tract I have made for you. Wm. "As Arnold was advancing up the Mo- hawk, a fellow who was a tory, and accused of be- ing a spy, was brought into his camp. After exam- ining the circumstances, Arnold wisely determined to avail himself of this man's services. He propos- ed to him a scheme for alarming the enemy, par- ticularly the savages, by announcing to them, that a formidable army was in full march to destroy them; and assured him of his life, and estate, if he 15* 174 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. would enter heartily into the interests of his coun- try, and faithfully execute a mission of this nature. The spy, who was shrewd, resolute, versed in the language and manners of the Indians, acquainted with some of their chiefs, and therefore perfectly qualified for this business, readily engaged in the enterprise. " Colonel St. Leger had pushed the siege with considerable activity; and advanced his works with- in one hundred and fifty yards of the fort. Upon the spy's arrival, he told a lamentable story of his being taken by Arnold, his escape from hanging, and the danger which he had encountered in his flight; and declared at the same time that a formi- dable arm^r of Americans was marching with full speed to attack the British. The Americans, he observed, had no hostility towards the Indians, and wished not to injure them ; but added, that, if the Indians continued with the British, they must un- questionabl}^ take their share of whatever calamities might befall their allies. " The Indians being thus thoroughly alarmed, a friendly chief, who was in the secret, arrived, as if by mere accident ; and in the mysterious manner of that people began to insinuate to his countrymen, that a bird had brought him intelligence, of great moment. This hint set their curiosity afloat; and excited a series of anxious inquiries. To these he replied in hints, and suggestions, concerning war- riours in great numbers, marching with the utmost rapidity, and already far advanced. The Indians, already disgusted with the service, which they found a mere contrast to the promises of the British com- manders, and their own expectations, and sore with the loss which they had sustained in the baUle with General Herkimer, were now so completely alarm- ed, that they determined upon an immediate retreat. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 175 " St. Leger, who had unwisely boasted, at first, of his own strength, and his future exploits against the Americans, and spoken contemptuously of their weakness and cowardice ; who had predicted in magnificent terms the certainty of their flight; and the ease, and safety, with which the Indians would reach Albany ; had disgusted these people thorough- ly by failing altogether of the fulfilment of his promises. In vain, therefore, did he exert all his address, when he saw them preparing to quit the ground, to dissuade them from their purpose. He exhorted, argued, and promised, in vain. They re- proached him with having violated all his former promises ; and pronounced him undeserving of any further confidence. He attempted to get them drunk ; but they refused to drink. When he found all his efforts fruitless, and saw that they were determined to go, he urged them to move in the rear of his ar- my ; but they charged him with a design to sacri- fice them for his own safety. In a mixture of rage and despair, he broke up his encampment with such haste, that he left his tents, cannon, and stores, to the besieged." Wm. This was great ! U7L Thus was Burgoyne's right arm withered; and the left, which he had stretched as far as Ben- nington, was arrested by our old friend, Starke, of Bunker hill memory, who had been roused by the calls of General Schuyler. Joh7i. I believe the detachment sent by Burgoyne into Vermont was composed of Hessians. Un. Principally; and under the command of a Hessian oflicer. Colonel Baum. The intention of Burgoyne was to seize the stores accumulated at Bennington, and prevent re-enforcements arriving to Schuyler; and with a corps of tories and Indians united to the expedition, Baum was instructed to 176 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. scour the country, get horses for Reidesel's dra- goons, lay the towns under contribution, and above all, to bring off all the horses, at least thirteen hun- dred, which were directed " to be tied in strings of ten each," in order that one man might lead ten horses. So secure did Burgoyne feel that his suc- cesses and proclamation had overawed the country. Read that letter of Starke's, which I copied from his own handwriting. I think it the most perfect ac- "ount of Bennington battle, and the best comment on Burgoyne's instructions to Colonel Baum. W?n. "On the 13th instant, 1 was informed that there was a party of Indians at Cambridge on their march to this place, (Bennington.) I sent Lieuten- ant-colonel Greg of my brigade to stop them, with two hundred men. In the night I was informed, by express, that there was a large body of the enemy on their march in the rear of the Indians. I rallied all my brigade, and what militia was at this place, in order to stop their proceedings. I likewise sent to Manchester to Colonel Warner's regiment, that was stationed there : likewise sent expresses for ths militia to come in with all speed to our assistance, which was punctually obeyed. I then marched in company with Colonels Warner, Williams, Her- rick, and Brush, with all the men that were present. About five miles from this place I met Colonel Greg en his retreat, and the enemy in close pursuit after him. I drew up my little army in order of battle; l?ut when the enemy hove in sight they halted on a very advantageous hill or piece of ground. I sent out small parties in their front to skirmish with them, which scheme had a good effect ; they killed and wounded thirty of them without any loss on our side. But the ground that I was upon did not suit for a general action. I marched back about one mile, and encamped ; called a council, and it wai HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 177 agreed we should send two detachments in their rear, while the others attacked them in front ; but the 1 5th rained all day; therefore had to lay by, could do nothing but skirmish with them. On the 16th, in the morning, was joined by Colonel Si- mons, with some militia from Berkshire county. I pursued my plan, and detached Colonel Nichols with two hundred men to attack in the rear. I also sent Colonel Herrick, with three hundred men, in the rear of their right, both to join, and when joined to attack their rear. I likewise sent the Colonels Hub- bard and Stickney with two hundred men in their right, and sent one hundred men in their front to draw away their attention that way ; and about three o'clock we got all ready for the attack. Colonel Nichols began the same, which was followed by all the rest of those that were detached. The remainder of my little army I pushed up in the front, and in a few minutes the action became general. It lasted two hours, the hottest I ever saw in my life — it repre- sented one continued clap of thunder ; however, the enemy was obliged to give way, and leave their field-pieces and all their baggage behind them. They were all environed within two breastworks with their artillery." John. And from these works, and from their can- non, did these rustick soldiers, with musketry alone, drive veteran and disciplined troops? Un. From what follows, it appears that after this two hours fighting, the ranks of General Starke were somewhat out of order. Read on. Wm. '• I then gave orders to rally again, to se- cure the victory : but in a few moments was inform- ed there was a large re-enforcement on their march, within two miles of us." Un. Meaning a re-enforcement to the enemy. Wm. "Luckily for us, that moment Colonel 178 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Warner's regiment came up fresh, who marched on and began the attack anew. I pushed forward as many of the men as I could to their assistance. The battle continued obstinate on both sides till sunset; the enemy was obliged to retreat; we pursued them till dark: but had daylight lasted one hour longer, we should have taken the whole body of them. We recovered four pieces of brass cannon, some hundred stands of arms, and brass barrelled drums, several Hessian swords, about seven hundred prisoners, two hundred and seven dead on the spot; the number of woiinded is yet unknown. That part of the enemy thai made their escape, marched all night. We re- turned to our camp." John. Well tired, poor fellows, with a hard day's work in August. Un. He then praises his companions, who " fought through fire and smoke ; mounted two breastworks that were well fortified and supplied with cannon ;" praises Colonel Warner particularly, and concludes with a statement of his loss — forty wounded, and thirty killed. This victory raised the spirits of the whole country, and, with the failure of St. Leger, crippled and arrested Burgoyne. One of the Eng- lish ministry said, that he did not despair of the ex- pedition until he heard of the battle of Bennington. John. Both these successes were under the aus- pices and during the command of General Schuyler. Un. But Gates arrived on the 19th, in time to re- ceive Starke's report of the battle, and the congrat- ulations of all his partisans: nay, the country gener- all}'', attributed every success to him ; and all the previous retrograde movements were ascribed to want of skill or courage in the man who, by his foresight, exertion, perseverance, and firmness, had already stopped the progress of the enemy, and pre- pared the victory for his rival. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 179 Wm. Now, Uncle, you must give us the last bat- tle — that of Saratoga. Un. There were several actions: but I must in- troduce you to a hero you have not yet heard of — Daniel Morgan of New Jersey. Wm. All the New Jersey folks belong to us. U71. How so ? Wm. Because Neuw Nederlandts by right extend- ed from Connecticut river to the Delaware. Un. So then we are all New Yorkers, whether born in Vermont or New Jersey, New York or Western Connecticut; but we will give up that claim and assert a better. We are all countrymen; because native citizens of the free and independent United States of America — one great federal republick. But we now must speak of a time when there was less union, and that little threatened by a powerful enemy. Daniel Morgan was born in New Jersey, in the year 1736. He was a man of gigantick proportions, and athletick beyond most men. Of humble parentage, he had little school education, and early in life went to Virginia to "seek his fortune." He was at Mo- nongahela with Braddock, Washington, and Gates, but probably unknown to either. In the humble station of a wagoner attendant upon the army, young Morgan was, on a charge of contumacy to a British officer, tied up, and tortured, mind and body, by five hundred lashes on the naked back. The youth borf! this disgraceful infliction in a manner that marked an intellect as powerful as his body was strong. He knew it was unjust, and, in a few days, the officer acknowledged that he had wronged the young pro- vincial, and made an apology. Morgan might for- give, but such humiliating treatment could not be forgotten; and when in after life he led his riflemen into action, he might perhaps remember the red-coat- ed officer that ordered, and the red-coated drummer 180 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. that inflicted, five hundred gashes on his quivering- flesh. He afterward served under Colonei George Washington in the war on the Virginia frontier, and experienced the horrours of Indian warfare in the provincial service. » Before the commencement of the dispute with Engiand, Morgan became a man of property, and owned a plantation in Frederick coun- ty. Immediately on the news of hostilities he was appointed a captain, and his character for courage and unrivalled prowess gained him a full complement of choice spirits. This company was the nucleus of the celebrated corps that carried confidence to friends, and terrour to the enemy, throughout the revolu- tionary u'ar. He was with Arnold in the unparal- leled march through the wilderness to Quebec — led the van in the assault on that fortress — he was a vic- tor, and in the town, when the death of Montgomery consigned him and his companions to captivity. Af- ter being exchanged, he was appointed a colonel, and his rifle corps was the efficient right-hand of the American army. Although the commander-in-chief could ill spare such an officer, and a regiment dreaded by the foe, he, in August, 1777, sent Morgan and his riflemen to the support of Gates and the northern army. It is matter of general history, that in every battle that preceded the surrender of the English ar- my, Morgan and his corps were conspicuous, and the enemy acknowledged that their defeat was in a great measure owing to the deadly rifles and their undaunted leader. Wi.'i. But, Uncle, do tell us more particulars of the battle of Saratoga, because you know it belongs to New York history. U71. So it does, boy. General Gates had super- seded Schuyler, by a majority in congress who con- sulted the jealousies of New England rather than the dictates of wisdom or justice; a majority, under HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 181 the influence of those who shortly after endeavoured to place this incompetent foreign officer in the com- mand filled by Washington. Soon after this, a young lady of the name of McCrea, was murdered by two of the Indians attached to Burgoyne's army. John. Was it not wrong, sir, in the English, to employ Indians? IJyi. Not more in them, than in the French, and in our own people ; except, that, in my opinion, the warfare of Britain against America was wrong, and in self-defence America might have been justified in employing savages against the invaders of her rights and her property. The most atrocious acts committed by the savages were under the direction of Sir John Johnson and Colonel St. Leger — these individuals must bear the reproach. John. Who was Miss McCrea, sir ? Un. It appears that she was the daughter of a clergyman, deceased ; and had been engaged to a young man in the neighbourhood of Fort Edward, who had joined the English in their attack upon his country, and received a subaltern's commission. Advancing at this time with the enemy, he had notifi- ed his intended bride that he would send a party to bring her off', (the house at which she resided be- ing within the American posts.) Accordingly she was prepared, and the party sent for this purpose being Indians, attacked the American picket by sur- prise, killed the officer. Lieutenant Van Vechten, and several others, and while they were in the in- toxication of blood and savage triumph, scalping the dead and wounded, the young lady and a female friend joined them. Two chiefs carried her off^ as directed by her intended husband ; but each coveting the promised reward, they quarrelled, and in the struggle for the possession of the prize, as one drew her (now, affrighted, kneeling and imploring) to him^ VOL. II. — 16 182 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. the other seized her by her long dishevelled hair and buried his tomahawk in her brain. Her scalp was borne off to meet her bridegroom. As this is an interesting subject, and one of the examples of the horrours of war, and especially war in which sav- ages are left to follow the dictates of uncontrolled passion, I have procured a picture of the event to impress it on your minds, and could wish that it might disgust you, and make you abhor all scenes of strife, battle, bloodshed, and murder. For it is not alone the Indian that commits these atrocious acts : the European soldier — the civilized man, the man calling himself Christian — sacks cities, burns villa- ges, murders females and aged men ; and it is call- ed glorious war ! and the actors are denominated heroes. John. It is an impressive picture, sir. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 183 Un. Well designed by Mr. Brown, and engraved by Mr. Hooper. John. Did General Gates notice this transaction ? U71. Gates wrote an insolent letter to the English commander, misstating the fact, and accusing that officer (whom he sneeringly calls "the famous Lieu- tenant-general Burgoyne, in whom the fine gentle- man is united with the soldier and the scholar") with hiring "the savages of America to scalp Europe- ans and their descendants;" and says, the bride, dress- ed to receive her promised husband, " met her mur- derer, employed by you." To this the answer of Burgoyne was, though indignant, that of a gentle- man and a scholar. But I must go to the battle, I suppose. Wm. O yes, sir ! Un. We have seen that St. Leger and his savages had been discomfited, and that the Hessians had been beaten and routed by the veteran Starke, under the auspices of Schuyler. We have seen him di- vested of command when his army was increasing, his enemy's diminishing, and the American force taking ground to face, with every prospect of suc- cess, their hitherto triumphant adversary. Morgan with his riflemen, Arnold with the force which had been detached up the Mohawk, all the continental troops destined for the northern department, and large bodies of militia, joined the army now under Gates. Burgoyne seems to have been reduced to the neces- sity of deciding the contest by a general engagement, and on the 13th and 14th of September, he crossed the Hudson, and encamped at Saratoga. On the morning of the 19th, the English advanced in full force towards the American left. Morgan was de- spatched to meet them, and drove in their pickets, but was by the main body forced, in his turn, to re- tire. Two regiments advanced to his support; and 184 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. the Americans forming in a wood, again and again repulsed the advancing enemy, and in turn, when pushing forward, were obliged to retreat. In this .conflict, which lasted all day, three thousand of our troops encountered the whole right wing of the British army, commanded by Burgoyne in person. The most distinguished officer of the Americans engaged that day was Daniel Morgan. The Brit- ish claimed the victory, and lay that night on their arms near the field of battle. The Americans, who had been engaged, retired at night to their camp, convinced that they could cope with their enemies on eqaal terms, if not beat them. The loss on each side was probably much the same. Wm. But we beat them, sir; for they were ad- vancing, and Colonel Morgan stopped them. U/i. The advantage, I believe, was with us. Cer- tainly this rencounter inspirited the army, and brought in militia from all quarters. General Lin- coln, who joined Starke after the battle of Benning- ton, fell into the rear of Burgoyne, and pushed three detachments against the posts Burgoyne had left be- hind, most of which fell, and added to the prospect of complete success; although Ticonderoga and Mount Independence repulsed their assailants. W}}i. But there was another battle, sir. U/i. All in good time. General Burgoyne took a position almost within cannon shot of our camp; fortified his right wing, and rested with his left upon the Hudson. Thus the two armies remained until the 7th of October: Burgoyne in the hope of aid from below, where he knew by advice from Clinton that he was advancing : and Gates receiving addi- tional troops every day ; but he had by some slights disgusted Arnold, who wrote to him on the 1st of October, saying, that notwithstanding his conviction that the treatment he had received proceeded from HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 185 •' a spirit of jealousy," he should sacrifice his feel- ings and continue his exertions; and notwithstanding- he had not been consulted, he shall do his duty by informing him that "the army are clamorous for action, and that the militia threaten to go home." After the indecisive action of the 19th of September, Gates sent one of his aids. Major Troup, to congress, with an account of what is called " the repulse" of the enemy. John. General Gates had several aids-de-camp, I presume, sir. Un. He had, and displayed judgment in select- ing them. Wilkinson was at this time his adjutant- general, and efficient aid ; although a vain man, he was a brave and very active officer. From congress the general received complimentary resolves, and? from one of the members, James Lovell, a letter con- taining expressions which show the progress of the cabal against the commander-in-chief. He says, if Gates would allow Burgoyne leisure, he might write a farce " at the expense of congress at least, if riot of congress and General Washington." He intimates that people say Howe would not have advanced seventy miles from his ships if Gates had been in his neighbourhood; and concludes with this curious paragraph — " By the winter, the middle army will be divided into Greenites and Mifflinites, if things do not take a great turn from their present situation." John. What is meant, sir ? Un. Mifflin was inimical to Washington: Greene was the commander's friend. During this pause in the action of the opposing armies at the north, the British had pushed up the North river, and not- withstanding a most gallant defence of Fort Mont- gomery, made by a very inadequate force, under the two brothers, George and James Clinton, the place was taken. The English General Clinton sent de- 16* 186 HISTORY OF NEW YORK, spatches by a spy to Burgoyne, with the intelligence of this success, and a letter enclosed in a silver bul- let, saying, ''Nous y void, (behold us here,) and no- thing between us but Gates." The spy Vv^as appre- hended, and swallowed the bullet to prevent detec- tion, but the poor wretch was obliged to disgorge it by a dose of tartar emetick ; Burgoyne did not re- ceive the intelligence, and the spy suffered on the gallows. Phil. Do you believe the story of the bullet, sir ? Uii. Yes. Governor Clinton, who commanded at the post, told me the circumstance, and showed me the hollow ball. Wm. But the great battle, sir ? Un. Not hearing from Sir Henry, and his pro- visions almost expended, the British general was re- duced to the necessity of trying to beat his adversary without aid. He advanced with his right wing up- on the American camp, and displayed some rangers and Indians in their rear, who had been guided by secret paths for the purpose of exciting alarm in that quarter. Gates intended to await the enemy in his lines, which would have given Burgoyne the advantage he anticipated ; but Arnold, without or- ders, advanced and made an attack upon their left vvnng in front, while Morgan made a circuit, unper- ceived, and seized a very advantageous woody height on their right. Arnold's charge was made in front and on the British left, while Morgan's riflemen poured in a deadly fire on the right wing in front, and on the flank. While thus pressed, Burgoyne perceived that a division of the Americans was mov- ing to intercept the retreat of his right wing to his camp, and ordered General Frazer to cover that wing and secure their retrograde movement. Fra- zer was opposed by the riflemen of the indefatigable Morgan, and was mortally wounded. With great HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 187 difficulty, and with the loss of his field-pieces and ar- tillerists, Burgoyne regained his camp, the lines of which were assaulted in their whole extent. Arnold entered with a few men, and was only stopped in his career by the loss of his horse and by the wounds he had received. Another portion of Arnold's di« vision turned the right of the British encampment, and carried by storm the works occupied by the German corps de reserve, killing their commander, and keeping possession. Darkness put an end to the scene of strife and blood. The Americans had obtained a decisive victory, taken several cannon, made upwards of two hundred prisoners, many of them officers of distinction, and killed a great num- ber of the invaders. In the night Burgoyne drew ofT his army, and placed them in a stronger posi- tion on the heights, nearer to the source of the river; thus avoiding an engagement with an enemy who possessed part of his works, and lay ready to renew the attack in the morning. Wm. Well, we have beat them at last ! But Mor- gan and Arnold seem to be the fighting men. Un. All were now animated by success. Next day. General Gates threw large detachments higher up the river to oppose the retreat of the enemy; but did not venture to attack him in his new position. Burgoyne, however, was obliged to abandon the strong post he had chosen. On the night of the 10th of October, he retreated to Saratoga with the loss of his hospital, and part of his baggage and provision. He gained a position on the bank of the Hudson, but found his antagonists already on the opposite side prepared to dispute his passage. The British army was now surrounded by a constantly increasing, and already numerically superiour force, flushed with victory, and anticipating complete con- quest. All these advantages were nearly lost. On 188 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. the morning- of the 1 1th, Gates informed his general officers of his having received certain intelligence that the main body of the British army had been marched off for Fort Edward ; and that only the rear guard was now in the camp, who were to follow, leaving the heavy baggage behind. In consequence, orders were issued to attack the camp forthwith ; and the officers repaired to their posts accordingly. The oldest brigade crossed the Saratoga creek, and a sec- ond brigade was following, when, by the accidental encounter of an English deserter, General Glover learned that the whole army were in the encamp- ment, and he found that the American troops were marching directly upon Burgoyne's park of artille- ry, masked by a line of brushwood. The advancing troops were halted ; Gates countermanded his orders, and the brave men so nearly sacrificed, retreated; but not without loss from the fire opened upon them by the enemy's batteries. It was on this occasion that the British burnt Schuyler's house, mills, and other buildings, as they sheltered the Americans from the artillery. Burgoyne's situation was now nearly desperate. His Indians and Canadians had deserted him. He had no hopes of aid from Sir Henry Clinton. His gallant army was reduced from nearly eight thousand, to three thousand five hundred fighting men. He was surrounded by enemies in- creasing daily, and already four times his number. Of provisions he had not more than enough for three days. Thus circumstanced, he resolved to abandon every thing but the arms of his companions, and such food as they could carry on their backs, and to force a march up the river by night, cross, and push for Fort George. But even this was found impracticable. Every avenue of escape was guarded. He was obliged to open a treaty with HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 189 Gates, which terminated in surrender, by a conven- tion. John. And would not this have happened, sir, if Schuyler had remained in the command? Un. I sincerely believe that as much would have been gained, or more. Schuyler would have had the same Morgan and Arnold to assist him. The militia were already encouraged by the success of Starke, Willet, and Gansevoort : and the jealousy of the New England men would not have prevented them from defending their firesides, or sharing in the triumphs, a prospect of which was fully open to them before Philip Schuyler was superseded by a man immeasurably his inferiour. But a British army surrendered to Horatio Gates, and the whole continent rang with shouts and songs of praise to the conqueror of Burgoyne. Schuyler was forgotten, or vilified: and in comparison with the triumphant Eng- lishman, Washington was considered unworthy of confidence. Such was popular delusion, heighten- ed by the artful and selfish. John. Were the terms of convention honourable to the vanquished? Un. They were. The British were allowed to march out of their encampment with the honours of war, and lay down their arms; having agreed not to serve against the United States until exchanged. In the mean while, they were to be permitted to em- bark for England. Burgoyne received intelligence of the success of Sir Henry Clinton at forts Mont- gomery and Clinton, after he had surrendered. Sir Henry soon learned the fate of Burgoyne; and hav- ing destroyed several continental ships and galleys, and burnt some defenceless villages and stores, he returned to New York; where, I think, it is time for Bs to follow. 190 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Wm. Where was General Schuyler, sir, when Burgoyne surrendered? Un. Although he had no command, he had nev- er ceased his services, and was with the American army. Read that extract from the Parliamentary Register. Let General Burgoyne tell where Schuy- ler was. Wm. " I positively assert that there was no fire by order or countenance of myself or any other officer, except at Saratoga. That district is the property of General Schuyler. There were large barracks built by him: they took fire by accident, when filled with my sick and wounded soldiers. General Schuyler had likewise a very good dwelling-house, exceeding large storehouses, great saw-mills, and other out- buildings, to the value, perhaps, of ten thousand pounds. A few days before the negotiation with General Gates, the enemy were approaching to pass a small river preparatory to a general action, and were covered from the fire of my artillery by those buildings. I gave the order to set them on fire : that whole property I have described was consumed. One of the first persons I saw after the convention was signed, was General Schuyler. I expressed my regret at the event which had happened, and the reasons which had occasioned it. He desired me to think no more of it ; said that the occasion justified it, according to the rules and principles of war, and he should have done the same. He did more — he sent an aid-de-camp to conduct me to Al- bany, in order, as he expressed, to procure me bet- ter quarters than a stranger might be able to find. This gentleman conducted me to a very elegant house, and, to my great surprise, introduced me to Mrs. Schuyler and her family; and in this general's house I remained during my whole stay at Albany, with a table of more than twenty covers for me and HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 191 mv friends, and every other demonstration of hospi- talily" John. This was noble, sir ! Was it not ? Uii. It was returning good for evil. Now hear what the Baroness de Reidesel says of her recep- tion at the American encampment. Read these ex- tracts from her letters and memoirs. Wm. " When I drew near the tent, a good-look- ing man adv'anced towards me, and helped the child- ren from the calash, and kissed and caressed them ; he then offered me his arm, and tears trembled in his eyes. ' You tremble,' said he ; ' do not be alarmed, I pray you.' 'Sir,' cried I, 'a countenance so ex- pressive of benevolence, and the kindness which you have evinced towards my children, are sufficient to dispel all apprehension.' He then ushered me into the tent of General Gates. The gentleman who had received me with so much kindness, came and said to me, ' You may find it embarrassing to be the only lady in such a large company of gentlemen ; will you come with your children to my tent, and par- take of a frugal dinner offered with the best will?' ' By the kindness you show to me,' returned I, 'you induce me to believe that you have a wife and child- dren.' He informed me that he was General Schuy- ler. Never did a dinner give me so much pleasure as this." John. As polite as he was benevolent ! Un. The truly benevolent are always polite : gen- uine politeness is from the heart. It neither whee- dles nor flatters. The unfortunate are the first to receive its attentions. This lady and her children were invited to the house of the superseded general. She says, "the reception which we met with from General Schuyler, his wife, and daughters, was not like the reception of enemies, but of the most inti- mate friends ; they behaved in the same manner to- 192 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. wards General Bnrgoyne, though he had ordered their splendid establishment to be burnt. But all their actions proved that at the sight of the misfor- tunes of others, they quickly forgot their own." Why, boys! what are you crying for? Wm. I can't help it, sir. John. And this is the man accused of stopping letters and commissions; and of being willing that Montgomery should be " knocked on the head," provided the money chest remained in his possession ! Un. Wipe your eyes, and we will go out for fresh air and exercise. Wm. But, Uncle, where were Arnold and Morgan? Un. Arnold was at this time disabled by the wound received when he carried the works of Burgoyne; Morgan was justly displeased that he was not men- tioned in the despatches which Gates sent to congress. John. Perhaps he commended him to the com- mander-in-chief Un. To him he did not send any advices of his success ; but was carrying on a correspondence with his Irish friend Conway, in which Washington was treated with contempt. This slight put upon Washington was premeditated, as is proved by a let- ter from Wilkinson to Gates, of November 4th, say- ing that he is often asked the cause of this omission. It is farther related, respecting Morgan, that when the conqueror entertained the British officers who were prisoners, and invited his own to meet them, Morgan was omitted; but accidentally coming into the general's quarters on business, when he depart- ed, his name was mentioned, and all the Britons eagerly rose and followed to see the man to whom they attributed, in a great measure, their defeat. John. From such conduct towards the command- er-in-chief and others, I should suppose General Gates was intoxicated by his success. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 103 Un. The flatteries that poured in upon him were such as his mind could not bear. His cabal openly- declared that he alone was fit for the supreme com- mand. As a step towards it, on the 27th of Novem- ber, he was appointed president of the board of war, and his friend Mifflin was one of his council. The board appointed Conway inspector-general, with the rank of major-general, and powers, "in effect," says Marshall, "paramount to those of the commander- in-chief" A majority of congress, confirmed this appointment, although this man had been recently detected in an infamous correspondence with Gates, and was denounced by Washington as a " dangerous incendiary." Happily. General Greene and a num- ber of field officers would not submit to the indig- nity of seeing this upstart foreign officer placed in such an office in defiance of the coi^imander-in-chief They remonstrated; Conway was obliged to retire; and the cabal was defeated in this part of their in- trigue. Of General Gates as president of the board of war, I will only observe, that none of his plans were successful, nor any of his measures efficacious. CHAPTER XVI. Un. As we returned from our walk yesterday and passed the Record Office, I promised you some ac- count of that building when it was the jail and " pro- vost," and a few words respecting our unfortunate prisoners. The early part of the contest made the balance of captives so much against us, that, added to difficulties respecting exchanges, our unfortu- nate countrymen were left in crowds to sufTer by- close confinement, disease, and hard treatment, in a manner unexamoled in modern warfare. Ethan VOL. II. — 17 194 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Allen was long treated as a traitor, and Charles Lee as a deserter, until the firmness of Washington, and the successes at Trenton and Princeton, convinced the English that such treatment would not be suf- fered to pass without retaliation. Lee was finally- exchanged for General Prescot, (borne off from his quarters by a coup ,de main;) and by slow degrees the English were obliged to treat Americans as men having the rights of a civilized nation. Here I present you with a picture of the jail, which was built in the fields during the years 1757-8. This is the place in which Captain McDougall was con- fined by the general assembly for what they called a libel, and here he was visited by the patriotick gen- tlemen and ladies of the time, daily, for months. And here, when called the provost or "provo," hundreds of American gentlemen suflTered under the tyranny of the noted Cunningham, who had the office of provost-marshal to the British army given him, as a HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 105 reward for his services when a leader of the tory bul- lies and others who assailed the popular meetings in the neighbourhood of the liberty pole; which stood to the west of this building-, until cut down by the English as their first triumph on entering- the town in the summer of 1776. As Cunningham had been forced to kneel at its foot, he probably wielded the axe among the foremost in its demolition. John. This does not look like the beautiful build- ing now occupying- the spot. Un. Yet it is the same. The walls of the Record Office are the same, neither added to, nor diminish- ed. But by the magick of the architect it is trans- formed from an ugly cage-like nuisance, to a Grecian temple on the model of the Parthenon. It is not only the most perfect building our city contains, in its appearance, but the most perfect in realitj^ — for it is in all ^arts fire-proof, as all our buildings should be, if men consulted either their safety or their in- terest. W'fn. Were all the American prisoners kept here ? Un. O no ! Unhappily they were too numerous to be incarcerated in many such jails. The prison- ers taken on Long Island and at Fort Washington, were at first shut up in the College, and in the "new, or middle Dutch church, in Nassau and Cedar streets." An old gentleman now living, (1837,) who was one of Captain Vandyke's grena- diers, and made prisoner on the 27th of August, says he saw the " great fire" from the College win- dows. Another gentleman, Mr. John Pintard, who is still with us, and who as a young man was an as- sistant to his uncle, Mr. Lewis Pintard, appointed by congress to supply necessary clothing for the American prisoners during a part of the war, gives us some particulars which are very valuable, as he was in New York, and had an opportunity for ac- 196 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. quiring knowledge respecting his suffering country- men. He tells us, in a published document, that in the church above-mentioned, "the sick, the wound- ed, and well, were all indiscriminately huddled to-* gether by hundreds and thousands, large numbers of whom died by disease; and many undoubtedly poisoned by inhuman surgeons for the sake of their watches or silver buckles." John. Could this be, sir? Un. If, instead of "surgeons," the writer had said •'assistants" or " attendants," it would probably be more correct. However, his testimony must be re- ceived, and we must remember that he speaks of the time immediately following the battle of Brooklyn, the recent occupancy of the city by the victors, the conflagration of a great portion of it, and the cap- ture of the brave men at Fort Washington; all tending to create disorder in every department of the then conquering army. The writer proceeds to mention circumstances witnessed and remember- ed by myself He says, " This church (the middle Dutch) was afterward converted into a riding school for training dragoons. The extensive sugar- house in Liberty street, and the north Dutch church, were also used as prisons. The new Quaker meet- ing-house, formerly in Pearl street, was appropri- ated as a hospital. The seamen were confined on board the prison-ships, where they suffered every hardship to compel them to enter into the British service, and were consigned to disease and death by hundreds. Many officers were parol led on Long Island, at Flatbush, New Utrecht, and Graveserid." Here follows a description of the interiour of the " provost," that is, the building whose picture we have before us, which nonebut an eye-witness could have given. Read it, William. Wm. " The provost was destined for the more HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 197 notorious rebels, civil, naval, and military. An admission into this modern bastile was enough to appal the stoutest heart. On the right hand of the main door was Captain Cunningham's quarters, op- posite to which was the guard-room. Within the first barricade was Sergeant Keefe's apartment. At the entrance-door two sentinels were always posted by day and night ; two more at the first and second barricades, which were grated, barred, and chained ; also at the rear-door, and on the platform at the grated door at the foot of the second flight of steps, leading to the rooms and cells in the second and third stories. When a prisoner, escorted by sol- diers, was led into the hall, the whole guard was paraded, and he was delivered over, with all formal- ity, to Captain Cunningham or his deputy, and questioned as to his name, rank, size, age, &c., all of which were entered in a record book. What with the bristling of arms, unbolting of bars and locks, clanking of enormous iron chains, and a vestibule as dark as Erebus, the unfortunate captive might well shrink under this infernal sight and pa- rade of tyrannical power, as he crossed the threshold of that door which possibly closed on him for life. But it is not our wish to revive the horrours attend- ant on our revolutionary war; grateful to Divine Providence for its propitious issue, we would only remark to the existing and rising generation, that the independence of the United States, and the civil and religious privileges they now enjoy, were achieved and purchased by the blood and sufferings of their patriotick forefathers. May they guard and transmit the boon to their latest posterity. "The northeast chamber, turning to the left, on the second floor, was appropriated to officers, and characters of superiour rank and distinction, and was called Congress-hall. So closely were they 198 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. packed, that when they lay down at night to rest, when their bones ached on the hard oak planks, and they wished to turn, it was altogether by word of command, ''right — Ze/i(," being so wedged and compact as to form almost a solid mass of human bodies. In the daytime the packs and blankets of the prisoners were suspended around the walls, every precaution being used to keep the rooms ven- tilated, and the walls and floors clean, to prevent jail fever; and, as the provost was generally crowded with American prisoners, or British culprits of every description, it is really wonderful that infection never broke out within its walls. " In this gloomy terrifick abode were incarcerated at different periods many American officers and citizens of distinction, awaiting with sickening hope and tantalizing expectation the protracted period of their exchange and liberation. Could these dumb walls speak, what scenes of anguish, what tales of agonizing wo, might they disclose! " Among other characters, there were, at the same time, the famous Colonel Ethan Allen, and Judge Fell, of Bergen county. New Jersey. When Cap- tain Cunningham entertained the young British officers, accustomed to command the provost guard, by dint of curtailing the prisoners' rations, exchang- ing good for bad provisions, and other embezzle- ments practised on John Bull, the captain, his depu- ty, and indeed the commissaries generally, were enabled to fare sumptuously. In the drunken orgies that usually terminated his dinners, the captain would order the rebel prisoners to turn out and pa- rade, for the amusement of his guests ; pointing them out, ' this is the damned rebel, Colonel Ethaft Allen — that a rebel judge, an Englishman,' &c. &c." John. During the period in which you have been HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 199 kind enough to speak of the transactions of the north, what was doing- this way ? Un. I must limit myself to events in our state, or those immediately adjoining, and refer you to Mar- shall's history, to Washington's letters, and other works, for the movements more to the south. • Great was the necessity in which the commander-in-chief stood for re-enforcements, and urgent his call for the troops which the convention of Saratoga left available. But Gates seemed disposed to withhold them as much as possible. Intoxicated by the applauses of Congress and the country, he felt that the supreme command of the armies of the Continent was with- in his grasp. You will read in the life of Alexan- der Hamilton, written by his son, of the difficulties that officer met with in bringing on the troops, (no longer wanted at the north,) to the aid of the com- mander-in-chief Morgan, the gallant Morgan, was soon with his favourite general : but the other regi- ments seemed kept back for sinister ends. Wni. Morgan was Washington's friend ! Un. It is said that the slight he received from Gates was in consequence of a declaration made in his blunt way, that no other man but Washington could save the country, nor would he serve if that great man was displaced. John. The plan of the campaign of 1777 by the English was a great one, I think, sir. Un. It was. While Howe with the main army proceeded to Philadelphia by the Chesapeake, and occupied General Washington, Burgoyne was to push for Albany, and Clinton to ascend the Hudson and meet him. Now let us attend again to our own city and the transactions in our neighbourhood; leaving the persecuted commander-in-chief to place his army in such winter quarters as they could form 200 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. for themselves by building huts in the woods at Valley Forge on the Schuylkill. Wm. What do you mean by the commander-in- chief being persecuted? U71. The hints and insinuations ot Lee, the ca- lumnies o[ Gates, and his adherents, had produced a party in Congress that amounted to a majority. The Irish officer who had been in the French ser- vice, Conway, soon became one of the Gates' faction, and violently opposed to Washington and his friends, particularly to the Baron de Kalb and the Marquis de Lafayette. This Conway became disagreeable to Washington, first by presumption, and then in con- sequence of a disclosure made of a paragraph in a let- ter from him to Gates, in which he says, " Heaven has been determined to save your country, or a iveak general and bad covMsellors would have ruined it^ John. This is like Charles Lee's letter the day he was taken prisoner. Vn. It shows the vanity and self-conceit of these British officers, and their blind admiration of Gates. The expressions of Conway were repeated to Wash- ington, and (as Mifflin informed Gates by letter) were enclosed by the general to Conway without remarks, who, says Mifflin, supported the opinion he had given, " the sentiment was not apologized for." Gates, on receiving this information from Mifflin, wrote to Conway, entreating to know which of the letters was copied off, and to Mifflin, expressing his uneasiness and anxiety to discover the villain who had " played him this treacherous trick." He like- wise immediately wrote a letter to General Wash- ington, conjuring him to assist, as he says, in " trac- ing out the author of the infidelity which put extracts from General Conway's letters to me into your hands." He says, the letters have been "steal- ingly copied." This, instead of being sent direct HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 201 to the general, was enclosed to congress. Upon hearing of this discovery, Lafayette wrote to Wash- ington, informing him of Conway's endeavours by flattery to gain his confidence, and to make a breach between him and the general, so as to in- duce Lafiyette to leave the country. Joh'ri. Why, sir, this man must have been very bad. Un. There are documents extant in which, at this very time, he expresses his enmity to Lafayette. But you can only form a just estimate of this attempt upon General Washington by reading all the letters published by Mr. Sparks. I will only say further, that as Gates had enclosed his letter to the comman- der-in-chief in one to congress, he sent his answer in the same manner. Washington tells Gates that he had viewed Conway as a stranger to him, and had no thought that they were correspondents, " much less did I suspect that I was the subject of your confidential letters." He says, that on receiving his extract, he considered it as a friendly warning /rom Gates to forearm him " agamst a secret enemy, or in other words, a dangerous incendiary ; in which character, sooner or later, this country will know General Conway: but in this, as in other matters of late, I have found myself mistaken." Gates then endeavoured to persuade the general that the extract was a forgery. The answer of Washington exposed the falsehood of the assertion, and showed thecontradiction in which this weak man's own state- ments had involved him. Gates replied by a mean apology on the i9th of February, 1778, filled with such falsehoods as these : "As to the gentleman," Conway, " I have no personal connexion with him. nor had I any correspondence previous to his writing the letter which has given offence. I solemnly de- clare I am of no faction." He disavows any intention 202 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. of giving offence to his "Excellency," and con- cludes humbly "with great respect." I make use of the word falsehood, because in the papers left by Gates, and now in a public library, are the proofs that these assertions are void of truth. John. How was this apology answered? Un. Very coldly, thus: "Your repeatedly and solemnly disclaiming any offensive views, in those matters which have been the subject of our past cor- respondence, makes me willing to close with the desire you express, of burying them hereafter in silence, and, as far as future events will permit, ob- livion. I am, sir, your most obedient servant." Wm. This was cutting, sir. Un. In the meantime General Washington re- ceived information, from various quarters, of the efforts made to overthrow him, and a most positive indication of their success, by the appointment of this Conway, notwithstanding the known opinions of Washington and Lafayette, to the office of in- spector-general and the rank of major-general, to the excessive disgust of the American brigadiers. The whole of this infamous proceeding on the part of the faction in congress, of Gates, Conway, and others, can only be appreciated by reading all the documents published, and some yet unpublished, and in the library of the Historical Society. John. This is a mortifying picture, uncle. Un. It is. Let us turn from it with pity for the frailty of our fellow-creatures; and walk out of town among scenes of unsophisticated nature. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 203 CHAPTER XVII. Joh7i. You have given some account of the suf- ferings of our military men when prisoners here in New York, but how was it with the naval captives? Un. Even worse. I well remember, though I was but a boy at the time, the comments made upon the treatment of the prisoners confined in the old Jersey prison ship, a hulk anchored in the Walla- bout, and in the hospital hulks near her. The prin- cipal commissary of prisoners was a man of the name of Loring, a refugee or loyalist from Boston, whose wife lived in open concubinage with Sir William Howe, and the infamous husband was paid by a lucrative post, of which it was said that he made the most. The commissary for the naval prisoners was a Scotchman named David Sprout, a fellow whose face put his scarlet coat out of counte- nance. He had two assistants, one Scotch, and the other a refugee from New Jersey. The general char- acter of the first was harshness, of the second, kind- ness. Here is an extract from a publication made by an aged clergj^man, the Rev. Thomas Andros, who when a youth shipped himself as a privateersman from New London. He was taken, and confined in this sepulchre, where the living, the dying, and the dead, formed one mass, of which the latter descrip- tion was the most enviable. I am far from charg- ing upon the deputy commissaries the misery which my countrymen suffered in the prison ships : but I must think that there was culpable neglect or de- signed cruelty on the part of the commander-in- chief of the British army, or a criminal thirst for riches on the part of Sprout. Read what Mr. An- dros says. John. '• We were captured on the 27th August 204 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. by the Solebay frigate, and safely stowed away in the old Jersey prison ship, at New York. " This was an old sixty-four gim ship, which through age had become unfit for further actual ser- vice. She was stripped of every spar and all her rigging. After a battle Avith the French fleet, her lion figure-head was taken away to repair an- other ship; no appearance of ornament was left, and nothing remained but an old, unsightly, rotten hulk. Her dark and filthy external appearance perfectly corresponded with the death and despair that reigned within, and nothing could be more for- eign from truth than to paint her with colour?: liv- ing, or any circumstance or appendage to pleas*? the eye. She was moored about three quarters of a mile to the eastward of Brooklyn ferry, near a tide- mill, on the Long Island shore. The nearesf dis- tance to land was about twenty rods. And doubtless no other ship in the British navy ever proved the means of the destruction of so many human beings. It is computed that not less than eleven thousand American seamen perished in her. But after it was known that it was next to certain death to ^'on- fine a prisoner here, the inhumanity and wicked- ness of doing it was about the same as if h*^ had been taken into the city and deliberately sh^' t on some publick square. But as if mercy ha^ fled from the earth, here we were doomed to dwel) 4nd never while I was on board did any How? d or angel of pity appear to inquire into, or aU viate our woes. Once or twice, by the order of a tran- ger on the quarter deck, a bag of apples were Hurl- ed promiscuously into the midst of hundre(f"» of prisoners crowded together as thick as they could stand, and life and limbs were endangered by the scramble. This, instead of compassion, was a cruel HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 205 sport. When I saw it about to commence I fled to the most distant part of the ship. " On the commencement of the first evening, we were driven down to darkness between decks, secur- ed by iron gratings, and an armed soldiery. And now a scene of horrour, which baffles all descrip- tion, presented itself On every side wretched, des- ponding shapes of men, could be seen. Around the well-room an armed guard were forcing up the prisoners to the winches, to clear the ship of water, and prevent her sinking, and little else could be heard but a roar of mutual execrations, reproaches, and insults. During this operation there was a small dim light admitted below, but it served to make darkness more visible, and horrour more ter- rifick. In my reflections I said, this must be a complete image and anticipation of hell." "When I first became an inmate of this abode of suffering, despair, and death, there were about four hundred prisoners on board, but in a short time they amounted to twelve hundred. And in propor- tion to our numbers, the mortality increased. "All the most deadly diseases were pressed into the service of. the king of terrours, but his prime- ministers were dysentery, smallpox, and yellow fever. There were two hospital ships near to the old Jersey, but these were soon so crowded with the sick, that they could receive no more. The conse- quence was, that the diseased and the healthy were mingled together in the main ship. In a short time we had two hundred or more sick and dying, lodged in the fore part of the lower gun deck, where all the prisoners were confined at night. Utter de- rangement was a common symptom of yellow fever, and to increase the horrour of the darkness that shrouded us, (for we were allowed no light be- twixt decks,) the voice of warning would be heard, VOL. II. — 18 206 HISTOKY OF NEW YORK. ' Take heed to yourselves ; there is a mad man stalking through the ship with a knife in his hand/ I sometimes found the man a corpse in the morning by whose side I laid myself down at night. At another time he would become deranged, and attempt in darkness to rise and stumble over the bodies that every where covered the deck. In this case I. had to hold him in his place by main strength. In spite of my efforts he would sometimes rise, and then I had to close in with him, trip up his heels, and lay him again upon the deck. While so many were sick with raging fever, there was a loud cry for water, but none could be had except on the upper deck, and but one allowed to ascend at a time. The suffering then from the rage of thirst during the night was very great. Nor was it at all times safe to attempt to go up. Provoked by the continual cry for leave to ascend, when there was already one on deck, the sentry would push them back with his bay- onet. By one of these thrusts, which was more spiteful and violent than common, I had a narrow escape of my life. In the morning the hatchways were thrown open, and we were allowed to ascend, all at once, and remain on the upper deck during the day. But the first object that met our view in the morning was a most appalling spectacle. A boat loaded with dead bodies, conveying them to th© Long Island shore, where they were very slightly covered with sand. I sometimes used to stand to count the number of times the shovel was filled with sand to cover a dead body. And certain I am that a few high tides or torrents of rain must have disinterred them. And had they not been removed, I should suppose the shore, even now, would be cov- ered with huge piles of the bones of American sea- men. There were, probably, four hundred on board HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 207 who had never had the small-pox, — some, perhaps, might have been saved by inoculation. " But humanity was wanting to try even this ex- periment. — Let our disease be what it would, we were abandoned to our fate. Now and then an American physician was brought in as a captive, but if he could obtain his parole he left the ship, nor could we much blame him for this; for his own death wa« next to certain, and his success in saving others by medicine in our situation was small. I remember only two American physicians who tarried on board a few days. No English physician, or any one from the city, ever, to my knowledge, came near us. There were thirteen of the crew to which I belonged, but in a short time all but three or four were dead. The most healthy and vigorous were first seized with the fe- ver, and died in a few hours. For them there seem- ed to be no mercy. My constitution was less mus- cular and plethoric, and I escaped the fever longer than any of the thirteen except one, and the first onset was less violent. "There is one palliating circumstance as to the inhumanity of the British which ought to be men- tioned. The prisoners were furnished with buckets and brushes to cleanse the ship, and with vinegar to sprinkle her inside. But their indolence and despair were such that they would not use them, or but rarely. And, indeed, at this time, the encour- agement to do it was small. For the whole ship, from her keel to the tafTerel, was equally infected, and contained pestilence sufficient to desolate a world ; disease and death were wrought into her very timbers. At the time I left, it is to be presum- ed, a more filthy, contagious, and deadly abode for human beings, never existed among a christianized people. It fell but little short of the black hole at 208 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Calcutta. Death was more lingering, but almost equally certain. " If there was any principle among the prison- ers that could not be shaken, it was the love of their country. I knew no one to be seduced into the British service. They attempted to force one of our prize brig's crew into the navy, but he cho.se rather to die than perform any duty, and he was again restored to the prison-ship." Un. In addition to the testimony of Mr. Andros, I have that of an aged gentleman stili residing with us, v/ho confirms the statement made in the book. He says, he was an officer on board the United States frigate Confederacy, and was captured by two Eng- glish frigates. Being at the time of capture sick, he was put on board one of the hulks in the Walla- bout that served as a hospital ship for convales- cents, but was as soon as somewhat restored trans- ferred to the " Old Jersey," to make room for others more helpless. Here he experienced all the suffer- ings, and witnessed the horrours, described by An- dros, for five months. The confinement in so crowd- ed a place, the pestilential air, the putrid and da- maged food given to the prisoners, (procured by the commissaries for little or nothing, and charged to the English government at the prices of the best provisions,) soon produced a fever, under which this young man suffered without medicine or attendance, until nature, too strong for even such enemies, re- stored him to a species of health, again to be pros- trated by the same causes. He says, he never saw given to the prisoners one ounce of wholesome food. The loathsome beef they prepared by pressing, and then threw it, with damaged bread, into the kettle, skimming off the previous tenants of this poisonous food as they rose to the top of the vessel. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 209 John. And for the sake of money, did men so tor- ture and poison their fellow-men ? Un. Even so, my son. And these commissaries became rich, and revelled in luxuries, hearing the groans of their victims daily, and seeing the bodies of those who were relieved from torture by death, carried by boat loads to be halfburied in the sands of the Wallabout. The testimony proving these atrocities cannot be doubted. Yet, in answer to the remonstrances of General Washington, Admiral Ar- buthnot denied the charge altogether. John. What became of this young American ? Un. To save his life, he accepted the offer of the purser to become his deputy, and was then removed from the darkness, filth, stench, and horrible sounds, which assailed him in the dungeons of this floating hell. In the office of deputy-purser he fared well, and recovered health. He witnessed a mode of cheating practised by the clerks and underlings, less criminal than that of the commissaries of pris- oners. Such of the captives as had money were liberated by bargain with these officials, and return- ed on the report as dead; and the deaths were so many, that this passed without inquiry. Wm. How did the prisoners preserve their money when taken ? Un. By providently, when at liberty, sewing gold in pieces of canvass, and fastening them under their trowsers, to serve in time of adversity. John. How could these subaltern officers or clerks liberate the prisoners, sir ? Un. A boat would be brought to the ship at night, and by a system of collusion, the person who had bought his liberty would be removed on some spe- cious pretence. Faith was kept with them to en- courage others in the same process. Wm. Uncle, I am almost sick of war. 18* 210 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Vn. I hope all mankind will be sick of it, boy. John. The sufferings of the prisoners on shore were not so great, I hope. TJn. Let me finish all I have to say on this sub- ject, and we will turn to one of a different charac- ter. When a boy I went to school in Little Queen street, now Cedar street, and my seat at the desk, in an upper room of a large storehouse kind of build- ing, placed me in full view of the Sugar-house, cor- ner of Crown, now Liberty street, and Nassau street. You have noticed the tall pile of building with lit- tle port-hole windows tier above tier. In that place crowds of American prisoners were incarcerated, pined, sickened, and died. During the suffocating heat of summer, Avhen my school room windows were all open, and I could not catch a cooling breeze, I saw opposite to me every narrow aperture of those stone walls filled with human heads, face above face, seeking a portion of the external air. What must have been the atmosphere within? Andres's de- scription of the prison ship tells us. Child as I was, this spectacle sunk deep in my heart. I can see the picture now. HISTORY or NEW YOUK. 211 •'•"ta CHAPTER XVIII. Un. In our last walk through Broadway, I prom- ised you some account of the old Trinity church, which was burnt in the great fire of 1776. I here present you with a picture of the ruins as they stood until after the revolution. This edifice, frequently called in the old records of our city, "the English church," was built, says Smith, the historian, " in 1696, and afterward enlarged in 1737. It stands," says he, writing in 1757, "very pleasantly upon the banks of Hudson's river." The present Trinity church occupies the same ground. Phil. I am sure, Uncle, it is not near the river, John. There is Lumber street, Greenwich, Wash- ington, and West streets, between its cemetery and the river. Un. Yet the scite of the present church was, in ^12 HISTORY OF NEW YORK, 1757, on the banks of the river. Smith continues, " and has a large cemetery on each side, enclosed in the front, by a painted paled fence. Before it a long walk is railed off, from the Broadway, the pleasant- €st street of any in the whole town." This walk, during the occupancy of the city by the English as enemies, was called "the Mall," and every morning there paraded the troops destined as guards for the different posts of the garrison; the "main guard" being the City hall in Wall street. In the evening, during summer, "the Mall" was the fashionable walk for ladies and gentlemen, while in the church- yard a band of military musick turned the thoughts of the promenaders far from the dead within the palings, or the ruins which stood as a monument of the horrours of war. Read what the historian gives as the dimensions of Trinity church, in 1757. John. "One hundred and forty-eight feet long, in- cluding the tower and chancel, and seventy-two feet in breadth. The steeple is one hundred and sev- enty-five feet in height." " The church is within ornamented beyond any place of the kind amongst us. The head of the chancel is adorned with an altar-piece, and opposite to it, at the other end of the building, is the organ. The tops of the pillars which support the galleries are decked with the gilt busts of angels winged. From the ceiling are sus- pended two glass branches, and on the walls hang the arms of some of its principal benefactors. The alleys are paved with flat stones." Un. Such was Trinity church when I saw it in 1775; at that time its pictures and winged angels made an impression on my mind never to be effaced. In 1777, I saw it as in the little picture I give you. I will now proceed with the political events of that period, and one of great consequence was organizing the government of the state of New York. A con- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 213 vention for this purpose was called in April, 1777, amidst the tumults of war; and on the 8th of May, an ordinance was passed at Kingston, by which fif- teen native citizens of the state, (among whom were John Morin Scott, Robert R. Livingston, Gov- erneur Morris, John Jay, John Sloss Hobart, and other patriots,) or a majority of them, were consti- tuted a council of safety, and invested with all the powers necessary for the preservation of the state, until a meeting of the legislature; provided, that the executive powers of the state shall be vested in the governor as soon as he shall be chosen and admit- ted into office, and taken the oaths of allegiance and of office. Wm. And Governor George Clinton was chosen. But who did he swear allegiance to, Uncle? Un. To the people, boy. The people, for whose benefit all legitimate government is instituted. This convention chose the following officers: Robert R. Livingston, chancellor; John Jay, chief-justice; Rob- ert Yates, and John Sloss Hobart, judges; and Eg- bert Benson, attorney-general. These gentlemen were to hold their offices, if approved by the council of appointment, at their first session ; and, if so ap- proved, during good behaviour. John. The king's governor, Tryon, dissolved the legislature of New York, in 1775. When did the governor elected to serve the people meet the peo- ple's representatives ? Un. The legislature met at Kingston, on the 1st of September, 1777, but did not form a quorum un- til the 10th; when Governor Clinton, in his speech, applauded the garrison of Fort Schuyler, spoke of the brave General Herkimer, and praised the mili- tia of Tryon county. He mentioned in terms of ex- ultation the complete victory near Bennington, gain- ed by the militia of New Hampshire, Massachu- 214 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. setts and the northeastern counties of New York. At this time the legislature sent delegates to the con- tinental congress. John. Who were they, sir ? Un. Philip Livingston, James Duane, Francis Lewis, William Duer, and Governeur Morris. The assembly was interrupted in its work of peace by the attack upon the Highhxnds, and was dissolved Octo- ber 7th; but on the 5th of January, 1778, they met again, at Poughkeepsie. On the 18th of June, 1778, the British army, under the conduct of Sir Henry Clinton, (Howe having been recalled, and abdicated the Command,) left Philadelphia, and bent their way, through New Jersey, towards the seacoast. Wash- ington moved in pursuit. Lee having been ex- changed for General Prescott, the commander-in- chief had the misfortune of being nominally served -by his oldest major-general, who was fully convin- ced that his judgment, knowledge, and skill, were superiour to those of his commander. On the 24th of June, a council of war was held at Hopewell, in which Lee strenuously opposed bringing the enemy to a general action ; and his rank, added to his reputation, influenced the decision of the younger officers. The council decided against it. It was determined that a large detachment should be push- ed forward to attack the rear of the retiring army, and this detachment fell to the command of Lee, as the senior officer, although he opposed the measure. Lafayette offifred, if Lee was disinclined to this ser- vice, to take the command; and Lee consented, say- ing, he disapproved of the plans of the general, was sure they would fail, and was glad not to be respon- sible. Unfortunately, he changed his mind, and wrote a letter to the commander-in-chief, requiring to lead this important detachment. Lafayette would not consent after what had passed, but finally agreed to HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 215 resign the command to Lee, provided the enemy were not brought to action that day ; the day pass- ed — the action took place the next day; Lee re- treated contrary to Washington's orders, who meet- ing him retiring before the enemy, reprimanded him publickly. The general pushed forward to meet f»he advancing army, drove them from the field of battle with the loss of upwards of two hun- dred and fifty privates and officers, killed, and a great number borne off wounded during the night, which they took advantage of to move silentl}^ away towards their ships. Washington was well supported by Morgan, Dickenson, Lafayette, Wayne, Greene, Stirling, and most of his officers, and his loss was seven officers, and fifty-two privates, killed ; one hundred and thirty -seven officers and privates wound- ed. The day was one of the hottest ever known in America, and many brave men are said to have died untouched by any foe but heat and fatigue. The British escaped to their ships, and the Ameri- cans bent their course towards the Hudson. John. What became of Lee, sir 1 Un. He was put under arrest ; tried for disobe- dience of orders in not attacking the enemy, for making an unnecessary, disorderly, and shameful retreat, and for disrespect to the commander-in-chief, in two letters addressed to him. On the 12th of August, the court martial found him guilty of nil the charges, and sentenced him to be suspended from command for twelve months. Congress approved the sentence, and Lee was deprived of the power of future mischief, except by writing, and complaining, I will now relate an occurrence belonging to the history of our city, which came under my own ob- servation. It is recorded that the winter of 1 779-80, was one of the most severe ever known here, and I remember the preceding summer as one of the hot- 216 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. test I ever experienced. I have mentioned the suf- ferings from heat at the battle of Monmouth, on the 28th of June ; and on the night of the 7th of August, I remember well that I lay panting for air on the floor near a window, having left my bed, when I was roused from imperfect sleep by the cry of fire, and the ringing of alarm bells. In those days such alarms were rarely known, and it w^as probably the first time I had ever heard the terrifick sound. I started up, and saw every thing around illuminated by the blaze. Three hundred houses were rapidly consumed ; all Dock street and Little Dock street, with many buildings adjacent. This was called the second great fire. In the morning I visited the ruins, and assisted a schoolmate to rescue and guard some remaining furniture belonging to his wndowed mo- ther. Well I rem.ember looking at the sun through the smoke, with wonder at his fiery face disfigured by the curling masses of black and red smoke, as they mounted from the half burnt buildings. There were no fire companies organized, as had previously been ; the citizens were accustomed to form ranks from a pump or reservoir, and each to bring the buckets of his house in case of fire : but on this occa- sion the military interfered, and, perhaps intending well, aided the work of destruction. The heat of the 8th of August, 1778, was intolerable, and the spirits of the people of New York depressed by the recent conflagration. About two o'clock, masses of black clouds overshadowed us from the west, and a thun- der-storm commenced with violence ; but the flashes of lightning, or the deafening peals of thunder, did not prevent my father's family from sitting down to dinner, for it was while thus engaged that a crash startled every one from his seat, the house appeared to shake, papers that had been left near an open chamber window came fluttering down in fantastick HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 217 gyrations — "the house is struck!" was the cry, which seemed to be confirmed, as the tiled roof on the front rattled to the pavement, and torrents of rain poured in without impediment. John. Struck by the lightning, sir? Un. On running into the street it was seen that all the houses with tiled roofs were in the same situation. Consternation was general, and the cause unknown of so violent and extensive a concussion. But soon was seen a black column of smoke rising in the east far over the houses, and while gazing at this new phenomenon, one arrived from the east river side of the town, and explained the awful ap- pearances. A powder vessel, lying off in the stream, had been struck by the lightning, and exploded, pro- ducing the startling effects we had witnessed. Ev- ery house facing the river was uncovered, in front, to the pelting rain, and every face that was seen look- ed horrour struck. John. And those in the powder-ship, sir? Un. It was a sloop, not a ship, and had been left in charge of a boy, who was the only person that suffered death. Such is my recollection of the night and day of the second great fire. I remember that day as one of gloom and darkness. John. How was our legislature occupied, sir? Un. The house met and proceeded to business on the 15th of January, 1778, as though they had not been disturbed by a foreign enemy in the pre- ceding year. After resolving on measures of de- fence, the differences with their neighbours occupi- ed them. They asserted that the state ought to exert its undoubted supremacy over persons and property in the northeastern part thereof They made overtures of accommodation respecting cer- tain titles to land, provided the persons, before the 1st of May, 1778, renounced allegiance "to the pre- VOL. II. — 19 218 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. tended state of Vermont." They said, New York will take necessary measures to compel all persons refusing obedience to the government of the state, "to yield it." And the governor was requested to issue his proclamation accordingly. On the 22d of June, Governor Clinton, by message, told the as- sembly that he had issued his proclamation pursu- ant to their resolve; and that he had pressed for an express and unequivocal declaration of the sense of congress on the subject. He said that the result of the application to congress ought to be patiently ex- pected, before any coercive steps be taken to reduce the delinquents, who aim at independency under the title of the state of Vermont, to a sense of duty But the assembly resolved, at every hazard, to main- tain the jurisdiction of the state throughout the whole of its territory." John. And yet, sir, the little state of Vermont has done very well. Un. I believe they are satisfied with managing their own affairs without our advice or assistance. John. Who represented New York in congress at this time ? Un. James Duane, Governeur Morris, Philip Schuyler, William Floyd, and Francis Lewis. Wm. I am glad General Schuyler is one. I am sure he would do nothing against Washington. Un. I believe all the New York delegation were " good men and true." Now for our walk. CHAPTER XIX. Un. I will mention some of the military move- rn^ts and actions, for and against our cause, that HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 219 happened within the limits I have assigned to my historical instruction. One of the most heart-rend- ing, took place at Cherry Valley, in November, 1778: this place was then a frontier settlement, and Colonel Alden had recently been stationed there, with a regiment from Massachusetts. A noted par- tizan, of the name of Walter Butler, who delighted in Indian warfare, and was more a savage than the savages he led, (a mass of tories, and of Indians, under Brandt, such as had been, at various periods, directed by the English leaders against the settle- ments west of Albany.) This man, knowing the country better than Alden, took him by surprise, notwithstanding he had had warning, and massa- cred, not only him and many of his men, but the inhabitants of every age and description. Men, women, and children, were butchered in cold blood. You will read this transaction, and much else, well told, in Mr, Campbell's Annals of Tryon county. This murderous affair, and a similar massacre at Wyoming, led to the determination of sending a force to lay waste the Indian settlements. Gen- eral Sullivan accepted the command, refused by Gates, and marching through part of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, arrived at the desolated Wyo- ming, on the 17th of June, 1779. Here, every thing being prepared, on the last of July the army pushed forward upon the Indian settlements, the stores and artillery passing up the Susquehanna in one hun- dred and fifty boats. Having destroyed an Indian town, and built a fort, Sullivan awaited the junction of another portion of his army, which approached (under General James Clinton) by the way of the Mohawk. The brave Colonel Van Schaick, and other New York officers, carried the scourge of retribution upon the Onondagas, burning their vil- Jao-e, and laying waste their corn-fields, after a skir- 220 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. mish, in which the savages lost a number of their warriours. A road was opened to the Otsego lake, with immense labour, and boats carried thither for the troops to embark, that they might form a junc- tion with Sullivan. This accomplished, they pursu- ed the work of destruction, but not without opposi- tion. On the 29th of August, Butler and Brandt, with their whole force of tories and Indians, gave battle, but soon fled with loss, and made no other regular attempt at resistance. The country of all the hostile tribes was laid waste ; none were spared but the Oneidas, who had preserved at least the ap- pearance of friendship towards the Americans. John. I suppose, sir, this produced quiet on the frontiers of New York ? Un. For a time. We will now look nearer home, where some brilliant military successes gave eclat to our arms. General Anthony Wayne had distin- guished himself on many occasions in the course of the war, but his fame as a gallant officer was estab- lished upon a daring achievement of the 15th July, in the year of which we have been speaking. Wm. Will you please, sir, to tell us something of General Wayne. Un. He was a bold, prompt, enterprising officer, and his character gained him the cognomen of "Mad Anthony." John. As Buonaparte was called the " little cor- poral," by his soldiers. Wm. Had General Washington any such nick- name, sir % Un. No. There are characters that soar above the mass of mankind too far to admit of such fami- liar appellations. Washington was one. We can only call him by his name ; or add, " the father of his country;" not so "Mad Anthony." While the army were in their winter-huts at Valley Forge, HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 221 Wayne was detached into New Jersey, to destroy such forage as was likely to fall into the hands of the English, and bring in supplies for his country- men. This he performed in defiance of a superiour force of the enemy, and by his successful efforts in collecting cattle he gained from Major Andre, of the British army, the appellation of the " warrio-drover," in a song, which I remember as being popular, at the time, in New York, and sung, in derision, to the tune of "Yankee Doodle." Phil: Do you remember it. Uncle? U7L The last verse has been noted as prophetick of Andre's fate : he fell into Wayne's hands, and was hanged as the associate of Arnold. But Wayne was not one of the court that condemned the young adjutant-general to the death of a spy. The action that gave celebrity to the name of Wayne is of a date anteriour to the treason of Arnold. It was the taking by a successful assault the fortress at Stony Point, which the " warrio-drover" gallantly car- ried, without firing a gun, at the head of four hun- dred brave Americans, with fixed bayonets, while the poet basked in the smiles of New York tory belles, or painted scenes for the Theatre Royal in John street. Stony Point had fallen into the hands of the British, and by them was very strongly for- tified. It was garrisoned by the brave seventeenth regiment, a company of grenadiers of the seventy- first, a corps of refugees or tories, with adequate ar- tillerists; the whole commanded by Colonel John- son. The plan of this enterprise was formed by the commander-in-chief, and he chose Wayne for the execution. At eight o'clock of the evening of the 15th of July, 1779, Wayne and his little army ar- rived, undiscovered, within a mile and a half of the point, having marched fourteen miles since noon. Here he rested his men, and reconnoitred the enemy's 19* 222 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. works. Formed in two columns, at midnight, the Americans proceeded to the attack, their advance with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets. They had to pass through a morass, exposed to the ene- my's fire, who, aware of their approach, poured forth incessant discharges of musketry and cannon. The two attacking columns moved on by different paths, and surmounting every obstacle, met in the centre of the enemy's works. Wayne was struck by a musket ball on the head, but supported by his aids, persisted in entering the works with his brave com- panions. Two flags, two standards, fifteen pieces of artillery, a great quantity of military stores, and five hundred and forty-three prisoners were the fruits of this brilliant victory. Lieutenant-colonel Fleury, who led one of the columns, struck the ene- my's standard with his own hand. The other col- umn was led by Major Stewart. Colonels Meigs, Butler, and Febeger, were participators in this en- terprise, and Lieutenant-colonel Hay was wounded, fighting at the head of his battalion. The enemy lost in killed sixty-three, and the Americans had fif- teen killed, and eighty-three wounded. Medals were given by congress to Wayne, Fleury, and Stewart; honours were bestowed on the officers, and pecuniary rewards on the soldiers. But Wash- ington, whose head-quarters were at this time at West Point, deemed the post untenable, and destroy- ed the works. Although " Mad Anthony" had been knocked on the head in this affair, he found himself enabled to write a note to the commander-in-chief, two hours after midnight, saying, " Dear General — The fort and garrison, with Colonel Johnson, are ours. Our officers and men have behaved like men who are determined to be free. Yours, most sin- cerely, Anthony Wayne." Wm. Well done, mad Anthony ! HISTORY OF NEW YORK, 223 Un. A very short time after this, Major Lee per- formed a brilliant exploit, still nearer to our city. The British had a garrison at Povvles Hook, now Jersey City, but then only known as the ferry and first stage between New York and Philadelphia. Powles Hook is, by nature, almost an island, and the British had made it quite so by cutting a deep ditch through the marsh, into which the tide flowed, and rendered it impassable except at low water. They had a draw- bridge over this ditch, which, of course, was only let dov/n for their own use ; and a strong gate appeared to secure this pass. The post was well fortified and garrisoned, but being far removed from the nearest American station, was considered out of danger. Lee had observed, or gained intelligence of, the negligence of the garrison, and formed the design to surprise them. Lord Stirling, to aid the enter- prise, ordered a detachment down towards the Hack- insac river to forage, which caused no alarm, and follovvred himself with five hundred men, three hundred of whom were to accompany Lee over the river, and to the attack of the point. He reached the creek between two and three in the morning, crossed the ditch undiscovered, and entered the main work with the loss of two killed and three wounded. A few of the British were killed at the first charge, and one hundred and fifty, including three officers, made prisoners. They were borne off* with the standard: and the victors arrived at Hackinsac river, where boats were to have been in waiting. These had been withdrawn by mistake, and the men, fatigued with a march of many miles, were obliged to push rapidly up the river fourteen miles before they gained the bridge, crossed, and v/ere met by their friends. This exploit was performed within sight of the army at New York, and of their ships of war in the harbour. Henry Lee afterward com- 224 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. manded a corps called the legion, who did memora- ble service under General Greene, but out of our precinct. We shall, however, have to mention this gallant officer again, in the course of our New- York history. John. What were the military movements of the enemy during the time of which you have spoken, sir? Un. They were of little credit to them, or bene- fit to their cause. The British generals, Tryon and Garth, landed near New Haven in July, entered the town, and burnt some publick stores ; but not without resistance and loss. The militia met them bravely, but were overpowered, and had a number of worthy citizens killed, wounded, and carried off prisoners. The British acknowledged a loss in killed, wounded, and missing, of seventy-six. Try- on, with his army, were employed in burning, at Norwalk, Fairfield, Greenwich, and New Haven, churches, dwelling-houses, court-houses, and schools, with other buildings, to the great loss and distress of the country, and certainly without benefit to Great Britain. Of the destruction you may judge, when that at Norwalk amounted to one hundred and thirty dwelling-houses, eighty-seven barns, thir- ty-nine stores and shops, four mills, and two places of worship. Such were the exploits of Major Gen- eral Tryon, former governor of New York, and his conduct, (Lord George Germain wrote to Sir Henry Clinton,) met his majesty's approbation. John. Was there any thing particular doing in this city during the summer of 1779? Un. Sir Henry Clinton received a re-enforcement from England, and made preparations for detaching troops from New York, by fortifying the approach- es on the land side, and on Long Island. The in- habitants were enrolled as militia, and many formed HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 225 volunteer companies, and were drilled and uniform- ed. These were principally English and Scotch merchants, and refugees from Boston and elsewhere. I have seen these volunteer companies acting as press-gangs for the fleet, and arresting sailors, and sometimes others, at the point of the bayonet. It appears by published letters that Sir Henry Clinton was discontented with the service, and very much with the conduct of the refugees, who were formed into a "board of loyalists" under Governor Frank- lin, formerly of New Jersey, and who generally in- terfered with the plans of the general, by represen- tations to the ministry, dictated by their selfishness and passions, and by assuming powers of which I shall hereafter speak. At present let us seek amuse- ment, after this lesson in local history, by a walk to Kipp's bay. CHAPTER XX. Vn. In the month of September, 1779, the Brit- ish forces had returned from depredating to the east- ward, and two large columns moved from our city up the Hudson, one on each side. Cornwallis com- manded on the west side of the river, with his left on the Hackinsac. Knyphausen led the column on the east of the Hudson. Colonel Baylor crossed the Hackinsac, on the 27th of September, with his cavalry, and took post at a place called Herringtown, where a party of militia were quartered. Corn- wallis saw that this post was within his reach, and ordered two detachments, under General Gray and Colonel Campbell, to advance on Baylor's cavalry. Guided by some mercenary wretches, inhabitants of 226 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. the neighbourhood, the British eluded the patrols of Baylor, and cut off his advance guard without alarming the main body of the regiment, who were asleep in a barn. The orders of General Gray were to charge upon his enemy, thus taken by surprise, and give no quarter. The inhuman order was obey- ed almost to the letter. Of one hundred and four privates, sixty-seven were bayoneted, while demand- ing quarter. Baylor was wounded with a bayonet, but recovered ; his major died of his wounds. One of Gray's captains disobeyed the order of his com- mander, and made prisoners of about forty, choosing rather to give quarter lo brave men than to stab them defenceless and unresisting. Three days after this, the gallant Major Lee, with his cavalry, and Col- onel Richard Butler, with some infantry, fell in with a party of German yagers, of whom they killed ten, and carried off eighteen, with the commanding officer, as prisoners. Wm. What is meant by yager, sir ? Un. The word literally signifies huntsman, but is appropriated by the Germans to their light cavalry. John. Did the British proceed to the Highlands, sir? Un. No. They completed their foraging, which seems to have been one object of the movement, and then returned to New York ; another object was to call the attention of our folks from their attempt upon the stores at Egg Harbour. Wm. I hope, sir, you have no more defeats of " our folks" to tell of Un. You must hear of many disasters, boy : for what is war but a series of disasters ? Count Pulas- ki, a gallant foreign officer m our service, had rais- ed a legionary corps, officered by foreigners, and had been ordered to march from Trenton towards Egg Harbour. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 227 W?)i. What is meant by legionary corps, sir ? JJn. A corps composed of cavalry and infantry. The British, who had with a detachment destroyed our stores at Little Egg Harbour, gained intelligence of Pulaski's movement, surprised his corps, put his infantry to the bayonet, and gained a decided advan- tage over his cavalry. Wm. Had we no successes at this time, sir ? Un. Let us look to the frontiers of our own state, Wm. There I suppose the tomahawk and the scalping knife were at work. Un. At midsummer, in 1780, Brandt, the Indian chief, before mentioned, with a body of tories and In- dians, laid waste the district of Canajoharie, at a time when the militia were on service at Fort Schuyler. Sir John Johnson wreaked his vengeance on Schoha- rie, which he burnt, and with his savages, on the 18th of October, laid Caughnawaga in ruins, sweeping* with the besom of destruction the valley of the Scho- harie creek. Johnson passed up the north side of the Mohawk, burning all in his course. General Van Renselaer, who commanded in this district, or- dered out Colonel Brown with his militia, but they were not in sufficient force to withstand the enemy, and the colonel, and thirty of his men, fell in the at- tempt. Johnson took post near the Mohawk castle, or village, and fortified the spot, by a breastwork thrown across a neck of land, in part surrounded by the Mohawk river. Here he placed his regiment of regulars and tories. His Indians occupied an elevated wood in his neighbourhood. General Van Renselaer attacked the Indians, drove them from their cover, and they fled towards the Susquehanna. Johnson's troops resisted until night, and under its cover they escaped from the intended attack of the next day. John. This warfare on the borders, carried on by 228 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Indians, was more dreadful than even the horrours of battle. Un. Tenfold more: for women and children were butchered by these barbarians, and indiscriminate devastation spread over the most beautiful valley in the world. Johnson, and his tories, Indians, Cana- dians, and Englishmen, in October, 1780, left the vale of the Schoharie creek, strewed with the wrecks of a happy population, notwithstanding the brave resistance of the inhabitants, who in many encoun- ters with these savages displayed a courage worthy of the cause they fought in — the cause of humanity. Early in 1781, while yet the country was covered with snow, the enemy succeeded in capturing seve- ral of the garrison of Fort Schuyler, and Major Nicholas Fish, one of our very worthy citizens, but lately deceased, by great efforts succeeded in reliev- ing the garrison. In July, Colonel Marinus Wil- let commanded at this fort. A party of three hun- dred Indians and tories, led by one John Doxtader, were scouring the Mohawk valley, and had even burned a village within a short distance of Schenec- tady, when Willet, ever prompt and active, having, by his scouts, learned their number and situation, marched with one hundred and six men during a dark night to the vicinity of the enemy's camp, which was in a thick swamp near Cherry Valley. Major McKean joined Willet with thirty men ; and they came in sight of the swamp about daybreak. Col- onel Willet drew up his party in two parallel lines, and ordered them to conceal themselves behind trees. Major McKean occupied the right, and Willet, with one hundred men, the left of the line. Two men were sent to pass over an open piece of ground as a decoy, with orders to run, when discovered by the enemy, in between the two lines. The plan suc- ceeded. The Indians raised their war cry and pur- HISTORY OF NEW YORK, 241 ing that important post, its stores, and garrison, to the English. Thus prepared, he took advantage of the absence of General Washington, (who had gone to Rhode Island to concert measures with Count Rochambeau for the service,) and having matured his plan of treason in conjunction with Major Andre, the latter came up the river in a ship of war, landed, and was met by Arnold, (without the American posts,) who gave him inventories of the stores, information of the strength and weakness of the forts, settled the mode of delivering up the post, and pointed out the disposition to be made of the garrison, so as to yield them a prey to the enemy ; and perhaps Washing- ton with them. Wm. Some to be prisoners, and some killed! Sold for money ! Oh, Uncle — can men do so ? U71. Well may you ask, boy. On the 25th of September, 1780, General Washington returned to West Point, and found that Arnold had fled, and Andre had been secured as a spy. Andre, as j^ou have read, was taken in disguise, as he was return- ing to New York, having, by what men call acci- dent, been disappointed in getting aboard the ship that brought him, and contrary to his intention car- ried within our lines. Arnold received notice of his capture in time to save himself; and with the barge belonging to the fort, boarded the English ship. Major Andre was tried, condemned as a spy, and as such executed ; every attention being paid to his unhappy situation that could v/ith propriety be allowed, and much sympathy felt for his sufferings. John. Sir Henry Clinton tried to save him. Un. Yes. And Arnold had the insolence to use threats, and attempt to justify his own conduct. But the firmness of Washington w^as not to be shaken. He executed the spy ; and Sir Henry Clintoji re- VOL. II. 21 242 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. warded the traitor, by riches, military rank, and the command of armies. John. It appears strange, sir, that Sir Henry Clin- ton should entrust a traitor with the lives and liberty of armies as he did. 1171. I will mention a fact relative to that subject, which is yet unknown to the world. A gentleman ef the most unblemished character, now far advan- ced in years, assured me, that when Arnold depart- ed from New York in the command of the army with which he committed depredations in the Chesa- peake, " a dormant commission" was given to Col- onels Dundas and Simcoe, jointly, by Sir Henry Clinton, authorizing them, if they suspected Arnold of sinister intent, to supersede him, and put him in arrest. This proves that Clinton did not trust him, and we may reasonably suppose that such a watch was set upon his conduct on other occasions. John. Is this a fact to be relied upon, sir? Un. Most fully. The gentleman who communi- cated it to me, was in his youth a confidential clerk in Sir Henry Clinton's office, and copied and deliv- ered the dormant commission as directed. This ex- plains a passage in Clinton's letter to his govern- ment, in which he says, " this detachment is under the command of General Arnold, with whom I have thought it right to send Colonels Dundas and Sim- coe, as being officers of experience, and much in my confidence." Connected with this expedition to the south, is the romantick adventures of Sergeant- major Champe, which you will find detailed in the memoirs of the American Lee, the same who sur- prised the post of Powles Hook. Wm. If it belongs to New York, I hope you will give us at least an abridgement of the story. Un. You will allread Lee's Memoirs of the war in the southern department ; but as this story of Ser- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 243 geant Champe belongs particularly to New York, I must tell it. While the fate of Andre was still in suspense, General Washington determined, if ii was possible to get possession of Arnold, he would make- Aim the victim, and use his influence to spare the life of the young officer who had unintentionally placed himself in the situation of a spy. He sent for, and consulted Major Lee. The plan propos- ed was for a trusty and intelligent man to present himself as a deserter to the enemy, and enlist in the corps that was then forming under Arnold's particular patronage ; and then by the aid of cer- tain persons in New York with whom Washington corresponded, to seize the traitor, and bring him off to a party on the west side of the Hudson, who should be ready to receive him. Lee mentioned the ser- geant-major of his legion as being a man fit for the enterprise, but feared that his sense of honour, and the expectations he had of receiving a commis- sion, would prevent his consenting even to appear in the character of a deserter. The general commis- sioned Lee to give assurances that he would stand between the sergeant and disgrace, and advanced every argument that could be suggested to engage him in the enterprise. Lee departed, furnished with full instructions, and letters to the agents in New York \vho were to join in the attempt. After a long con- ference with Champe, the major prevailed upon the sergeant to undertake the execution of the scheme; and as no time was to be lost, he immediately pre- pared himself and his horse for the perilous expedi- tion. Champe entered into the plan, as it proved, with all his soul. That very night, having made himself master of Washington's instructions, (one of which was in no case to take the life of Arnold, as that would be interpreted assassination, whereas a solemn sacrifice of the criminal was the object to 244 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. be attained,) he a little before midnight withdrew his horse from the picket, and with his cloak, sword, valise, and orderly book, mounted to pursue his way to Powles Hook, by such routes as his experience suggested to be best for avoiding patrols or scouting parties. Scarcely half an hour had elapsed when Lee's lieutenant brought him inform- ation that a patrol had fallen in with a dragoon, who on being challenged had clapped spurs to his horse and escaped. The subaltern was all impa- tience for orders to send off men in pursuit, and the major tried by every device to delay such an un- welcome procedure. He feigned the dulness of a man awakened from sound sleep, although his anxi- ety had prevented any approach to that state ; he affected to believe that it could not be a dragoon ; or if one, that his intention was not desertion. The lieutenant pressed the matter — paraded the troop, and showed that one was missing, and that one Ser- geant-major Champe. " I have ordered a party for pursuit," added the zealous officer, "and they only await your orders." Lee delayed as long as possi- ble; but orders must be given, and the dragoons were spurred on to overtake the supposed deserter by every motive which the honour of the corps could suggest. The leader of the pursuers was nominated by Lee ; he was sent for and received his orders. This was a young cornet. Off the party dashed, leaving the major in a state of extreme anxi- ety. About three o'clock in the afternoon Lee was called from his tent by the shouts of his soldiers, and he saw the cornet approaching with his party, one of the dragoons leading the sergeant-major's well-known horse, with his cloak, sword-scabbard, and other accoutrements. That Champe was dead, and that he had occasioned his death, was the heart- rendingf thought this appearance suggested to Lee. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 245 The cornet reported that they had traced the deserter during the night by the marks of his horse's shoes, left on the road owing to a recent shower of rain. (The shoes of the dragoon horses were unlike others.) That at daybreak he continued with more speed in the chase, and as he approached Bergen gained sight of Champe, who likewise saw his pursuers. At the village of Bergen, the sergeant-major, after riding through several devious streets, took the road to the right, determining to make for some British galleys that he knew were stationed near the shore, and not approach Powles Hook, as was first intend- ed. This change of course baffled the cornet for a time ; but gaining information from a countryman who had seen a dragoon spurring out of the village, the party again pushed forward upon the track of the fugitive. When in sight of the galleys, Champe made a halt, tied his valise (which contained the orderly book, his clothes, money, &c.) to his shoul- ders, drew his sword, and again spurred for the shore. This momentary halt brought his pursuers within a few hundred yards of him. When near the marshy edge of the water, the sergeant dismount- ed, rushed through the sedge, threw himself into the water, and called on the galleys for help. A boat was launched to receive the deserter, (as no one could doubt him to be,) and some guns were fired to keep off his pursuers. The report of the party who had returned with the sergeant-major's horse, cloak, scabbard, and accoutrements, eased Major Lee of his apprehensions for the safety of Champe. John. Nothing could have happened better, for giving credit to the story Champe would tell the enemy. Un. The account given by the commander of the galleys of what he had witnessed, would be an ample credential for the sergeant. He was examined by 21* 246 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Sir Henry Clinton, received with favour, found an opportunity to communicate with the agents of Wash- ington residing in New York ; and to further the plan, enlisted in Arnold's legion. John. Had Washington many friends in the city who gave him intelligence'? Un. Several. And they were in some instances unknown to each other. One of those to whom Champe was introduced, prepared every thing for seizing and carrying off the traitor ; Champe com- municated his progress to Lee, who by the general's orders prepared to receive Arnold. In the mean time, Andre was condemned and executed. There- fore the only end in view by the capture of Arnold was his punishment. Champe gave notice to Ma- jor Lee, that being appointed one of the recruiting sergeants for Arnold's legion, he had every neces- sary opportunity for the execution of the plan. Ad- joining to the garden of the house in which Arnold resided was an alley, and by removing some of the palings, and replacing them in apparent security, the conspirators were to enter, guided by Champe, seize their intended victim when he returned, as was his invariable custom, at midnight, from his visits of business or pleasure, and retired to the gar- den. They were to gag him, carry him off through the alley, and to a boat prepared and lying at a wharf of the north river. If questioned, they were to represent him as a drunken soldier whom they were conveying to the guard house. Washington ordered Lee to be ready on the opposite shore to re- ceive Arnold, and prevent any personal injury to him. The major repaired at night to the appointed place, with a party of dragoons. Hour after hour passed ; but no boat approached. The day broke, and with the led horses prepared for Champe and his prisoner, Lee returned to camp. In a few days HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 247 he was informed by the agent in New York, that on the day previous to the appointed night, Arnold had removed his quarters to be near the place of em- barcation for the expedition to the Chesapeake; and that the legion, to which Champe was attached, had been shipped among the first of the troops for fear of the men deserting. Thus the sergeant-major was entrapped, and instead of crossing the Hudson with his general as a prisoner, was carried off to Virginia, and employed in warfare against his countrymen. From this unwelcome service he found means to free himself, and when Lee's legion v/as acting against Cornwallis in the south, the sergeant-major most unexpectedly joined his old comrades, and the mys- tery of his flight, with the whole story, being soon known, he was received by the corps with applause and welcome. Wm. Tell us, sir; what became of this daring man "? Un. He was forwarded by General Greene to the commander-in-chief, who rewarded him ; and as his remaining in service might subject him to death if taken prisoner, he was honourably discharged. He settled as a planter in his native state, but late in life removed to Kentucky, and there died. John. I should like very much, sir, to know the house in w^hich Arnold resided, and the alley by which Champe meant to convey him to the gallows. Un. I have had the same curiosity, but have not been able to gratify it. The gentleman who gave me the information respecting the " dormant com- mission" given to Dundas and Simcoe, could not sat- isfy me on this point. He thought that Arnold had not a house appropriated to him at this time, but quartered with some other officers. My conjecture would fix the spot for his dwelling-place either in Hanover square, with the paling fence opening on 248 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Sloat alley ; or in Smith street, with the fence on Jews alley. Mr. John Fleming Watson, who has published a very interesting book on the old times of New York, says, " Mr. Robert Lenox thought he (Arnold) lived with Admiral Digby." This agrees with my supposition, that the house from which Champe plotted to remove him, was in Han- over square with the fence on Sloat alley. If so, it was the great Beekman house, and the usual resi- dence of the admirals ; there, the present king of England resided when on shore, as a midshipman. But Mr. Watson could obtain no definite information on the subject, and now both the houses I have men- tioned are swept from the face of the city, and the iCarth, by the great fire of December, 1835. CHAPTER XXn. John. From this time forward the principal events of the war occurred in the south, sir? TJn. General Washington had determined to take command there; and in conjunction with the French troops under Rochambeau, the plan of ope- rations against Lord Cornwallis was carried into execution. But Arnold, who was again in New York, was despatched by Sir Henry against New London, early in September, as if to call the atten- tion of the American general to that quarter. New London is on the borders of Long Island sound, and on the west side of the mouth of the river Thames; on the same side was a fort called after the governor, Trumbull, and on the opposite side another fort, called Griswold, was commanded by Colonel Led- yard, an inhabitant of New London. Arnold land- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 249 ed, and marched against Fort Trumbull, which was abandoned on his approach. He had ordered Col- onel Eyre to land on the east side of the river and attack Fort Griswold. Colonel Ledyard refused to surrender, and the British stormed the fort, and en- tered the embrasures with fixed bayonets. The Americans ceased resistance, and Ledyard delivered his sword to the commanding officer. Governor Trumbull, in his letter to General Washington, says, " the sword presented by Colonel Ledyard was im- mediately plunged into his bosom, and the carnage was kept up until the greater part of the garrison was killed or wounded." John. Was this the act of Colonel Eyre ? Un. No. He fell in the assault, as did second in command, with two hundred of the assailants. Arnold, himself a New London man, burnt the town, and all that was combustible in it, and returned to New York covered with military glory. This ex- pedition did not arrest the great plan of Washington upon the south, which, by the capture of Cornwallis and his army at Yorktown, in fact terminated the war. Wm. Did General Gates join the army again, sir ? Tin. O, yes ; and I have to show you that in his last transactions with Washington he was unchanged. Wm. But there were more battles, sir, more fight- ing? Un. None that produced any effect except to in- crease individual misery; and in our neighbourhood no military movements, unless we dignify by that name the predatory war carried on by tories and ref- ugees. One of these transactions, in its consequences, agitated the country very strongly, and even caused a sensation beyond sea. This I must relate to you. In the year 1782, there occurred an atrocious mur- der, sanctioned by the authority of William Frank- 250 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. lin, who had been, as I have told you, the king's governor of New Jersey. I will tell you the story of Captain Huddy. I have before remarked to you the great advantages the province of Connecticut possessed in having a governor of her own choice, and other officers, instead of being, like New York and New Jersey, ruled over by men appointed by England. The evils Connecticut experienced du- ring the war were from open hostility and invasion ; her -towns were burnt in common with those of the other states, and her brave sons fell in battle as else- where ; but they were united. Their governor and magistrates directed their actions as they had done before the contest commenced ; while the magis- trates placed over New Jersey and New York by England, raised the torch of discord among the in- habitants of those states, and witb the cry of " loy- alty" and " government" in their mouths, encour- aged all those atrocities which make the sanguinary struggles of " civil war," so peculiarly disgusting. •Tryon of New York, and Franklin of New Jersey, byencouragingEngland with false representations, to commence and continue the war, stirring up the tories, and arming neighbour against neighbour, were the causes of scenes at which humanity revolts. Be- sides the corps raised by Delancy and Skinner, there were bands called "Associated Loyalists," who were under the direction of a "Board," of which Wil- liam Franklin was the president. These banded tories were even more lawless and ferocious in their predatory warfare than the " New Corps," and were held in greater detestation by their former neigh- bours. They had fled from their homes, seduced by the king's troops, and found themselves deprived of property, disappointed in their hopes, considered as traitors by their early associates, and as inferiours by their English friends. They had received and HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 251 inflicted personal injuries ; and the bitterness of war fare was increased by every selfish and malignant passion. John. This was a terrible state, sir. Did it exist more in New Jersey than elsewhere? Un. I believe to a greater degree in that part ad- jacent to Sandy Hook, than elsewhere, except in the Carolinas. If I were to mention the murder of Col- onel Hayne, or other southern events, I must go into some account of the transactions ; which, as I confine myself to the neighbourhood of New York, I cannot do, and must refer you for information to more am- ple historians. The British had control of the sea and rivers. The agents of the avowed tories were spread among the inhabitants of New Jersey. The predatory parties came freely from New York and penetrated the country. They were instigated by disappointment to vengeance against the rebels. On the other hand, an independent government having been established, with magistrates elected by the peo- ple, when the secret agents of the enemy were dis- covered residing among them, and acting as spies, or guides, or emissaries for recruiting, they were justly apprehended, and if convicted, suffered death. Such, on the other hand, were considered as meri- torious loyalists by the board of refugees in New York ; and Franklin declared that it was " only the loyal who were treated as rebels and traitors." I will briefly tell the story of Captain Huddy, as elu- cidating this state of things. Wm. Was Huddy an inhabitant of that part of New Jersey ? Tin. Yes ; and early in the war took up arms for his country. In the course of the contest he had as- sisted in apprehending traitors who resided among the people, and acted as emissaries of the enemy; and he avowed that in one instance he had assisted^ 252 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. at the execution of a man legally condemned for treason. In the spring of 1782, Captain Huddy was stationed for the defence of a place called Tom's river, and had command of a few men, and an unfin- ished rude blockhouse. He was attacked by a very superiour party of the refugees, or loyalists, sent from New York to destroy this post, which was in the way of their plundering expeditions. Huddy and his small garrison defended themselves bravely, but in vain ; they were overpowered, part killed, and the remainder, with the captain, taken to New York. This was in the month of April. After one night's confinement in the " main guard," (that is the dun- geon or prison of the City hall in Wall street,) the prisoners were crowded into the " Sugar house." But it appears that in this place they were not so com- pletely under the control of Franklin, and the "Board of Associated Loyalists," and were therefore remov- ed to the " Provost." John. The old jail. JJn. Here they were under our old acquaintance, Captain William Cunningham, the Irish bully at the liberty pole fights, and now the British provost- marshal. John. Captain Huddy was a regular prisoner of war it appears, sir? 1171. Certainly ; and had been hitherto treated as such. But during his confinement a party of ref- ugees had been made prisoners, and one of them (Philip White) attempting to escape from the horse- men who guarded them, was killed. This was rep- resented in New York by the enemy as an intended and barbarous murder, and seems to have given rise to the determination of Governor Franklin, and his associates. A captain of refugees, named Lippincot, was found ready to execute the designs of the Board HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 229 sued the fugitives, but as they approached the am- bush they were received by a deadly fire from right and left. They retreated, and betook themselves to trees for shelter ; but Willet now ordered a charge with the bayonet, and, waving his hat with a hurrah, led on his men, driving the savage foe through the encampment, which, with all their recently accumu- lated plunder, fell into the hands of the victors. The enemy was pursued toward the Susquehanna. Wm. Colonel Marinus Willet, I remember, was^ one of the New York Liberty boys, with Sears, McDougall, and Lamb. Uii. He was, boy; and lived here many years after the country was blessed with self-government, owing to the exertions of such true patriots as him- self He was for a time mayor of our city ; and when in advanced life he could be induced to speak of Indian warfare, the old man would say, " there is nothing like encouraging your men with a hurrah: I was always good at a hurrah;" and he was a soldier that not only cheered his men but led them. About a month after this, a party of British, Indians, and tories, penetrated from Canada, and encamped in the neighbourhood of Johnson-hal], the house built by Sir William, and of wh^ch I have shown you the picture. It was about a mile from the village of Johnstown, to the north. Colonel Willet marched from his garrison with three hundred men, on the 22d of August, determined to attack the invaders, al- though they amounted to at least six hundred, under the command of Major Ross, and the savage, Wal- ter Butler. Ross advanced from his encampment with all his force, and met Willet with only two hundred men, he having detached Colonel Harper to make a circuit through the woods, and fall on the enemy's rear. At the first fire from this superiour ^orce, Willet's men gave way, and fled to the halJ, VOL. II. — 20 230 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. where he endeavoured to rally them, but in vain. They retreated to the village, and here our brave colonel was joined by a body of two hundred militia. In the mean time, Harper had gained the rear of the enemy, and commenced an attack. Willet now advanced, and routed the barbarians, who were pur- sued through the wilderness for miles. The mur- derer of Cherry Valley, Walter Butler, was killed by an Oneida Indian during the pursuit. A party of this tribe (which had been uniformly on the American part) had joined in pursuing the routed enemy, and Butler, on horseback, reached the West Canada creek, and swam his horse over. One of the Oneidas was on the bank opposite to Butler, when he turned and defied his pursuers. The Indian dis- charged his rifle, and the murderer fell. " Throw- ing down his rifle and blanket," says Mr. Camp- bell, " the Indian plunged into the creek and swam across;" "he raised his tomahawk, and with a yell, sprang, like a tiger, upon his fallen foe ; Butler sup- plicated for mercy;" the Oneida with uplifted weapon shouted in broken English, " Sherry Valley, Sher- ry Valley!" and then buried his tomahawk in the brain of his victim. " The place," Mr. Campbell, says, " is called Butler's ford to this day." John. One cannot but rejoice in the death of such a man, when the massacre of Cherry Valley is re- membered. Wm. Had Col. Willet any more battles, Uncle? Till. No. The defeat of Ross and Butler was his last fight; although in the winter of 1781-2, he sought danger by a hazardous expedition with a part of his garrison, passing up the Mohawk on the ice, and with snow shoes through the wilderness to Fort Oswego. But on arriving, he learned that the preliminaries of peace had been signed, and aban- doned the enterprise. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 231 W7n. When did Colonel Willet die? Un. August 22d, 18-30, on the anniversary of his victory over Ross and Butler. You will all read Mr. Campbell's Annals of Tryon county, and feel, as I do, much indebted to him for the information lie has collected and communicated. CHAPTER XXI. U71. I here present you with a picture of the old Dutch church, in Albany, as it stood in the middle of the street, even as late as 1806, when I first saw that city. The picture is copied from Mr. John Fleming Watson's very pleasant publication on the old times of New York, and is engraved by Mr. White. 232 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. John. It was at Albany, I remember, that one of the original patroons settled upon a great territory. XJn. And his descendants still enjoy it. To the north of the town commenced the property of the *' patroon," the title by which General Stephen Van Renselaer is still known in this district, and which he has endeared to the people by his virtues. John. You have not told us much of Albany, sir? TJn. I have spoken to you of places and transac- tions to the north and west of that city. Happily for her she was never the scene of those conflicts which make up the great bulk of history. Threatened from the south and the north, the east and ^the west, her avowed enemies never reached her but as captives. At the time Burgoyne was the guest of Schuyler, Albany was, compared to its present state, a village; indeed. New York city was little more. Albany has long been a place of great importance as the seat of the legislature, and residence of the govern- ors of the state. But at the time of which I treat, it was illustrious by the morals and manners of its inhabitants, more than by the splendour of its edi- fices. The Schuylers, Van Renselaers, and other descendants of the Dutch settlers of New Amster- dam, have, by their virtues, thrown a lustre around the city of Albany, brighter than any that can be derived from successful commerce, with all its at- tendant luxuries. John. The winter of 1779-80, I have read of as the hard winter. Un. It was. In New York great efTorts were made to increase the depreciation of continental mo- ney, by manufacturing counterfeit bills, and during this winter the American army, quartered in their own country, were in a state of extreme suffering, being in want of clothing and food. The general describes his army as "men half-starved, imperfectly HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 233 clothed, riotous, and robbing the country people of their subsistence, from sheer necessity." The soldiers were reduced to half allowance of rations, and the general to the necessity of making requisi- tions upon each county of New Jersey for a stated quantity of meat and flour, to be delivered within six days; giving notice of the necessity which would oblige him to resort to coercion. " To the honour of the magistrates, and people of New Jer- sey," Judge Marshall says, "although their country was much exhausted, the supplies required Avere in- stantly furnished, and a temporary relief obtained." Amidst these distresses, a blow was aimed at the en- emy on Staten Island. A bridge of ice gave oppor- tunity for any force to pass from the main land, and it was supposed that the state of the harbour of New York would prevent re-enforcements being sent from thence. General Washington ordered a detachment of two thousand men, under Lord Stirling, to attempt a surprise of the troops on the island, principally consisting of Skinner's new corps, computed at twelve hundred men. The expedition was a failure. The enemy were found entrenched and prepared. The tories of the neighbourhood would not allow their friends to be surprised. It was likewise found that a passage remained open for boats from New York to Staten Island, and that troops could be thrown across the bay. His lordship, under these circum- stances, retreated with some loss, and many of his followers frostbitten. His army had been followed by the most licentious of the New Jersey borderers for the purpose of plunder, and the officers had, after their return, the task of rescuing part of the spoil, and returning it to the owners. This transaction took place in January. Afterward, the long contin- uance of severe cold closed the bay of New York, with solid ice, so that I remember to have seen a 20* 234 HISTORY OF NEAV YORK. troop of horse and artillery crossing to Staten Island on this immense bridge, which connected all our islands, one with the other, and Avith the main land. John. Did this occasion distress in the garriaon, sir? Till. To the officers and soldiers some ; to the in- habitants very great suffering. Wood was cut on the three islands by the military, and few trees es- caped the axe that winter. But fuel and provisions were scarcely to be purchased by the citizens, even those who had the means of paying exorbitant pri- ces. In many instances household furniture was broken up to supply the fire necessary to support life. From Cortlandt street to Powles Hook, I well remember the beaten track for sleighs and w^agons, winding occasionally around, and between, the hills of ice ; and a similar road was in use to Hoboken, from whence some wood was procured, by parties of soldiers sent over for the purpose. On the 17th of March, St. Patrick's daj'-, I saw horsemen cross- ing the bay on the ice, but it was then considered dangerous; for it was open through the deeper part, or channel. The year 1780 produced a multitude of important events : I must refer you to general history for the successes of Sir Henry Clinton in the south. He returned to New York early in June, leaving Lord Corn wallis to command. In our neigh- bourhood, the sufferings of the continental army, and the depreciation of the paper money, which was of little worth when received as their pay, and which pay w^as always in arrears, caused discontent and mutiny. To take advantage of it, five thou- sand British and German troops crossed from Staten Island to Elizabethtown-point, under General Knyp- hausen. They landed in the night of the 6th of June, and immediately marched by Connecticut farms towards Springfield. The militia turned out and harassed the march of the invaders, Avho made HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 235 a halt at Connecticut farms, and under the orders of the magnanimous general in command, set fire to, and burnt the village. In the course of this mili- tary transaction, a soldier came up to the window of the clergyman's house, and bravely discharged his musket at the bosom of Mrs. Caldwell, the wife of the reverend gentleman, as she sat in the midst of her children with an infant in her arms. She in- stantly expired. After this exploit, the invaders pro- ceeded to Springfield, but finding there one brigade of regular troops, and some militia, their progress was arrested. General Washington advanced with his army to "the short hills" back of Springfield, and made preparations for an engagement with the German general ; but in the night he silently with- drew to the place of his disembarcation, followed by the execrations of a desolated district. Will. Such an expedition would not encourage the mutineers. John. About this time there were important trans- actions in the Carolinas. Un. For which I refer you to the historians; ex- cept those connected with the biography of General Gates. The affairs of the south demanded a re-en- forcement from the main army, and after much delay. General Washington obtained the consent of con- gress to send on a detachment under the command of the Baron de Kalb. This German gentleman was a true friend to America, and to Washington. He had visited the colonies, and become attached to the people, some time before the war ; and on hear- ing of the commencement of hostilities, left the ser- vice of France, and offered himself to congress. His character and talents gained him an appointment, much to the dissatisfaction of General Gates's friend Conway. The baron was carrying into effect a plan for the subsistence of his army, and the relief of the 236 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. country, when his operations were suspended by the arrival of Major Armstrong, Gates's aid-de-camp, who announced the approach of the general to take command in the south. Congress, misled, as the whole continent had been, by the factitious reputation Gates had acquired at the expense of General Schuy- ler, chose the hero of Saratoga as the opponent of his countryman, Cornwallis. In this appointment the commander-in-chief was not consulted, who. Judge Marshall says, had determined to recommend Greene. On the 25th of July, Gates took the command, and was received by De Kalb with cordiality and res- pect. Immediately on his arrival the English gen- eral ordered the army to prepare for a march, and in an opposite direction to that proposed by De Kalb. They moved on the 27th of July, and suffered ex- tremely for necessary forage and provisions. At Clermont, Gates was joined by General Stevens, with seven hundred Virginia militia. Wm. Uncle, what had become of Colonel Daniel Morgan ? Un. Morgan, after serving at the battle of Mon- mouth, and for some time after, had retired to his plantation in Virginia, which his neighbours called "Saratoga." When Gates was appointed to com- mand the southern armies, he was authorized to call Colonel Morgan into service. Morgan sent in his resignation, July 18th; it was known that he requir- ed the rank of brigadier-general, which was given him. In his letters to Gates there is no appearance of dissatisfaction with him, and he expresses his plea- sure that he had been appointed to the southern de- partment rather than Lincoln. Letters of flattery and congratulation were poured in upon the hero of Saratoga, and fresh laurels predicted by his friend Conway, and many of more importance, among others by Doctor Rush. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 237 Joh7i. I know that these predictions were not veri- fied. Un. The particulars of the unfortunate battle of Camden you will find in Marshall, and in Lee's southern campaign. Lord Cornwallis was on his march to attack Gates, and the Americans were on their march to take a stronger position, when the advance parties unexpectedly met. Both armies formed, and battle ensued. The militia could not stand the charge of the British, but fled, and Gen- eral Gates, after making ineffectual attempts to stop them, and believing that the cnntinental troops had likeioise dispersed, continued his retreat eighty miles from the field of battle, before halting, and then re- moved one hundred miles further. Wm. Did the regular troops continue the battle, sir? Un. Yes. Deserted by their general, they fought but too long. The brave De Kalb sunk under eleven wounds, and exhausted his last breath in praise of his comrades, and blessings on the country he bled for. Never was victory more complete. Hundreds of the brave were killed, and many taken prisoners, while the cowards were secured by the sacrifice. All the baggage, artillery, and stores, fell into the hands of the enemy. W?n. Morgan was not Vv'ith Gates at this time, sir, was he ? Un. No ; but many as good as he. I will finish all I ought to say of the southern war, while giv- ing lessons respecting New York, by some further notice of Daniel Morgan. General Gates continued for a time in command of the south after this disas- ter ; and Morgan, now a brigadier-general, applied to him, about the 12th of September, for permis- sion, with a detachment, to move into the neighbour- hood of Cornwallis, who had broke ud from his 238 HISTORY OF NEW YOROC. encampment. Morgan was confident that he could strike a blow at Tarleton, and his friends solicit- ed Gates to permit him to move against the enemy, but Gates took no notice of the applications. When Greene superseded Gates, Morgan again applied for such a command, and received it. The battle of the Cowpens was the result. W?n. O, Uncle ! tell us of that battle. Un. I will let Morgan tell it himself Here is a true copy of an unpublished letter from Daniel to a friend, and I delight to see the very words in which such men tell their own stories. This letter reminds one of Starke's relation of the battle of Bennington. Read it, William. Wm. " When you left me, you know I was desi- rous to have a stroke at Tarleton ; my wishes are gratified, and I have given him a devil of a whip- ping — a more complete victory never was." He then states the force with which Greene detached him, viz.: three hundred regulars, one hundred mil- itia, and Colonel Washington's cavalry, ninety; giv- ing him "orders discretionary. With this detach- ment I marched over the Broad river, and gained the left flank of Cornwallis's army ; which you'll think gave him some uneasiness." The day after, hearing of a body of two hundred and fifty tories, he sent Colonel Washington after them, who killed and wounded one hundred and fifty, and brought off forty prisoners, without losing a man. " On this," he says, " Lord Corn wa His detached Tarleton, with nine hundred chosen troops, the flower of his army, with his legion, on the west side of Broad river, to attack me in front, while General Leslie marched upon the east side to cut off my retreat. I saw I was pur- sued by three armies, each vastly superiour to mine. I collected about five hundred militia, (three of which fought, the others ran away;) with this little army I HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 239 moved up Pacolet river, west of Cornwallis. The three armies followed me like bloodhounds ; Tarleton was foremost in the chase. On the 17th instant," November, " my spies came in about two hours be- fore day, and told me that the enemy was within five miles of me, marching very rapidly. I did not intend to fight that day ; but intended to cross Paco- let early that morning to a strong piece of ground, and then decide the matter. But as matters were circumstanced, no time was to be lost, and I prepared for battle as soon as the day broke; and had just time to form a disposition when they hove in sight. They formed in one line, raised a prodigious yell, and came running at us as if they intended to eat us up. However, we sustained the charge. The con- flict was severe indeed, for about forty minutes, in which time their over numbers had gained both our flanks. We then had no alternative but to charge them with bayonets, which we did," "and made them give way. At that time Tarleton was cutting the militia on our left, and nearly in our rear." Colonel Washington with his regiment "of ninety men charged the whole of Tarleton's cavalry, and put them to flight, killing a number. In the mean time, we followed up our blows till we took their field-pie- ces, when every man took to his heels for security, helter skelter ; we were too swift for them — killed, wounded, and took prisoners one thousand veteran troops; one thousand stand of arms; two field-pie- ces ; thirty-five wagons ; and immense baggage, and entirely broke up Tarleton's legion." Well done, old Daniel Morgan ! John. But two other detachments were in pursuit of him. Un. Both which he eluded. In the charge of cavalry, it so chanced that Tarleton and two of his oflicers were close upon Washington, at the moment 240 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. alone. Tarleton discharged both his pistols, and both took effect on Washington's horse. Two Amer- ican horsemen encountered the officers, and the Eng- glish cavalry flying, Tarleton escaped by the fleet- ness of his horse. This was the crowning exploit of our old friend Daniel Morgan, a man of giant-like bodily strength, and undaunted courage. He in after times stood ready to fight for his country, and served her in other capacities than that of warriour. He died on the 6th of July, 1802. John. He was a true hero of the revolution. Un. Now let us return to the history of New York. One of the most prominent events in our neighbourhood at this time, was the treason of Ar- nold. With that is included the patriotism of Pauld- ing, Van Wert, and Williams, and the execution of Major John Andre, the British adjutant-general, as a spy. As 1 have seen Mr. Sparks's Biography of Arnold in your hands, I can give you no further in- formation on the subject. But, as an event in New York history, I must mention the prominent points of the affair. General Arnold, though a brave man, and possessed of talents beyond mediocrity, was self- ish and sordid. He was extravagant in his expen- ditures, and after his marriage felt the pecuniary- necessity which every man must feel, who does not limit his expenses to his resources ; and having neither principle nor religion to restrain him, he de- termined upon seizing the first opportunity that of- fered, to become rich by the sacrifice of his country. He had been justly censured for illegal proceedings in Philadelphia, and he flattered himself, and there is reason to believe, that his wife flattered him, by- representing his country as ungrateful, unjust, and unworthy of liberty. He entered into correspond- ence with the enemy ; and manoeuvred to obtain the command at West Point, for the purpose of betray- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 253 of Loyalists, even without a written order from Franklin ; it appearing that prisoners had been be- fore given up by Captain Cunningham to the ex- governor's agents, on an order from the secretary of the board, with very little ceremony, and no reluc- tance. John. This looks strange and black. Un. I could not have believed it, but that it ap- pears fully proved on the trial of Lippincot, which is before the publick. While Huddy rested as con- tent as his fellow prisoners, in the provost, he was demanded by Lippincot, delivered up with two others by Cunningham, put on board a vessel, irons screwed to his hands and feet, and on asking the reason of this treatment, he was told that they were taking him down to the Hook to be hanged. He was received on board a British armed vessel, until Lippincot had made his arrangements. A British commander in: his majesty's navy furnished the rope. This prisoner of war was taken on shore, a gallows was prepared, under which he was placed on a barrel, and a ne- gro performed the part of executioner, under direc- tion of Lippincot. The barrel was knocked away, and the body of Huddy, who died, as they said, " like a lion," left for the contemplation of his neigh- bours, with a paper afHxed to it, which had been prepared before Lippincot received his orders from the board of associated loyalists. Wm. What was on this paper, sir? Un. " Up goes Huddy for Philip White." This atrocious murder caused a demand from General Washington that the perpetrator should be given up; and a notification that if this justice should be re- fused, a prisoner of equal rank with Huddy must be sacrificed, to prevent a recurrence of such dis- graceful acts. In consequence of this demand, Lip- pincot was confined under the care of his friend^ VOL. II.— 22 254 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. Cunningham, tried for the murder, and acquitted. It appears that he was considered to be authorized by the orders of Franklin, and the board of loyalists. John. This must have caused violent irritation at the time, sir ? Un. The neighbours of Huddy were, as you sup- pose, violently agitated. A bold party, headed by Captain Hyler of Brunswick, determined to seize Lippincot, even in the heart of the garrison of New York. They ascertained the place of his residence, which was in Broad street, and disguised as Eng- lish men-of-war's-men, they embarked near the Hook, landed boldly in New York, and proceeded to the house of their intended victim ; but they were dis- appointed. The refugee captain was absent, gam- bling at a cock-pit. The party, of course, could not attack him there, nor remain long in their perilous situation ; but returned safe and undiscovered. John. What was done further, sir ? TJn. The demand of General Washington not be- ing complied with, all the captains of the British army who were prisoners of war were brought to- gether, and required to draw lots to determine which of them should die. The lot fell on a youth of nine- teen, a favourite among them all, and every eye, British or American, was filled with tears, as the young victim recognized his doom. His name was Asgil. You will see in Judge Marshall's history that great intercession was made to save this young man; and as, happily, the termination of the war was known to be near, he was spared. John. If Lippincot was not a murderer, because he acted under the orders of Governor Franklin, who was the murderer? TJn. There is a mysterious atrocity brought to light by the trial of Lippincot, which, if it had not been published by the honourable men who com- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 255 posed the court, all English officers, or Americans in the service of England, I could not have believed. It appears that William Franklin, as chief, or pre- sident of the board of associated loyalists, had author- ity from some quarter (or he knew that he would be upheld by some supreme power in so doing) to take from the provost-marshal any prisoner he chose, and commit him to men who weie ready to obey the ex-governor of New Jersey, in any act of murder. The testimony of Cunningham, and others, received and believed by the court, proves this. And although there is no proof adduced on this trial (and probably it would be avoided) that others were murdered as Huddy had been, but with less publicity, it is diffi- cult not to infer that such had been the case. That Franklin and the board of refugees had this power, is proved ; that it was exercised on Huddy is unde- niable ; and that neither Franklin, nor any other of his confederates, were called to account for it, is on record. CHAPTER XXni. Un. Notwithstanding the strenuous exertions of Lord Chatham for the subjugation of the United States, the English parliament resolved, "that the house would consider as enemies to his majesty, and the country, all those who should advise or attempt the further prosecution of offensive war on the con- tinent of North America." Instructions were sent to Sir Guy Carleton, (who had now taken up his quarters in Kennedy's house. No. 1, Broadway, as the successor of Sir Henry Clinton,) to use his en- 256 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. deavours for carrying into effect the wishes of Great Britain for an accommodation with America, John. Who negotiated the peace, sir ? Un. The commissioners on our part were John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens ; on the part of England, Messrs. Fitzher- bert and Oswald. On the 30th of November, 1782, provisional articles w^ere agreed upon, which were to be inserted in a treaty of peace, by which the in- dependence of the United States was acknowledged in the most ample manner. But now came a severe trial for the man who had passed through so many trials for the good of his country. The army of the United States was to be dissolved, and the arrears due it was not forthcoming. For the honour of his country, as well as its peace, General Washington was desirous that his companions in arms should submit to the necessity imposed by unavoidable cir- cumstances, accept of the promises made by the yet unsettled government, and retire to their employ- ments with untarnished laurels. But here, as through- out his life, he met the malign influence of those who had endeavoured to thwart the efforts of a good prov- idence and its agents, in every stage of the contest for self government. Without further comment, I will state some facts, and give you some extracts from letters to read. John. I should have expected that the troubles of Washington were over. Un. The good man, as well as the good princi- ple, must struggle against evil to the last. In De- cember, 1782, many of the officers being appre- hensive that they should be disbanded before their accounts were liquidated, drew up a memorial, and deputed General McDougall, Colonel Ogden, and Colonel Brooks, to wait upon congress with it. Xhis produced favourable resolutions. Subsequent- HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 257 ly a report was circulated, by an incendiary, that congress did not mean to comply with the resolves they had published in favour of the army. This brought out an address to that body, signed by many officers, in which they ask for money, for settlement of accounts, and security for what is due. They say that their condition is wretched, and call on congress to show the world that the independence of America is not to be based on the ruin of any par- ticular class of citizens. This address produced re- solves that the superintendant of finance make such payment as circumstances will permit, and that the several states be called upon to make immediate set- tlements with their respective divisions of the army; that the army, as well as other creditors, have a right to security for what shall be found due, and that con- gress will make every exertion to obtain funds from the respective states. John. I understand that the power of congress was very limited. Un. They could do very little more than recom- mend to the states, who, now that immediate pressure from without was about to be withdrawn, might be expected to fall off from that union which danger produced. The negotiations continued some time, and General McDougall remained at Philadelphia. Colonel Ogden appears to have been there part of the time, as we shall see by Major Armstrong's let- ters to General Gates. John. Major Armstrong was Gates's aid-de-camp, I remember. Tin. While this perturbed state was kept up in the army, and increased as the day of separation was supposed to approach, an anonymous letter was cir- culated among the officers, most artfully calculated to exasperate passion, and produce the most fatal con- sequences. 22* 258 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. John. Can you give us the substance of the letter, sir? TJn. Justice can only be done to the talents of the author by reading the whole, which is preserved in the general history of the time; but I have made an abstract, which you may now read. John. '"March 10, 1783.' The author assumes the character of a veteran who had suffered with those he addresses. He tells them that to be tame in their pre- sent situation would be more than weakness, and, must ruin them forever. He bids them 'suspect the man who would advise to more moderation, and longer forbearance.' He then describes the high state in which the country has been placed by their services. And says, ' does this country reward you with tears of gratitude and smiles of admiration, or does she trample on your rights, disdain your cries, and insult your distresses V He advises them to carry their appeal from the justice, to the fears of the govern- ment. ' Assume a bolder tone,' say, ' that the slightest indignity from congress now must operate like the grave, and part you from them forever.' That if peace takes place, ' nothing shall separate' you 'from your arms but death : if war continues, that you will re- tire to some unsettled country, with Washington at your head, and mock at the distresses of government.' The insidious expression of ' courting the auspices, and inviting the direction of their illustrious leader,' was calculated to make the army believe that Wash- ington would join them in rebellion against his country, and was certainly a bold artifice, coming, as it did, from one in constant correspondence with General Gates, and attached to him both by incli- nation and office. It was likewise an expression which called for decided action from the command- er-in-chief" You speak here as if the author of the anoEvmous letters was known, sir. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 259 Un. It was long suspected to be Major Armstrong, and late in life acknowledged by him. He attempt- ed to justify himself, by saying that they were writ- ten " at the solicitation of his friends, as the chosen organ, to express the sentiments of the officers of the army, and were only an honest and manly, though, perhaps, indiscreet endeavour, to support publick credit, and do justice to a long-suffering, patient, arid gallant soldiery." However willing I should be to attribute this " indiscreet endeavour" to pure mo- tives, yet, when the gentleman goes so far as to assert that "the slander propagated and believed for half a century, that two distinguished officers of the revolu- tion had conspired to put down the commander-in- chief, is an impudent and vile falsehood from begin- ning to end," I am obliged, with the evidence of this conspiracy before me, to hesitate, before I exonerate the writer of the letter in question from blame. The commander-in-chief noticed the anonymous address in orders, with pointed disapprobation, and request- ed that the general and field officers, with a proper representation from the staff of the army, would as- semble on the 15th instant, to hear the report of the committee deputed by the army to congress. This request was seized upon, and represented in a second paper as giving sanction to the proceedings of the officers, and they were called upon to act with energy. On the 1 5th of March, the command- er-in-chief addressed the convention of officers, (Gen- eral Gates being the chairman,) in the language of truth, feeling, and affection. He overthrew all the artifices of the anonymous writer and his friends, one of the principal of whom sat in the chair. Wash- ington noticed the advice to mark for suspicion the man who should recommend moderation. He feel- ingly spoke of his own constant attention, from the commencement of the war, to the wants and suffor- 260 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. ings of the army, and then pointed out the dreadful consequences of following the advice of the anony- mous writer, either to draw their swords against their country, or to retire, if war continues, from the defence of all they hold dear. He calls to mind the scenes in which they have acted together, and pledges himself to the utmost exertion for obtaining justice to his fellows in arms. He requests them to rely on the promise of congress. He said, " I conjure you, in the name of our common country, as you value your own sacred honour, as you respect the rights of humanity," "to express your utmost hor- rour and detestation of the man who wishes, under any specious pretences, to overturn the liberties of your country ; and who wickedly attempts to open the floodgates of civil discord, and deluge our rising empire in blood." John. And General Gates had to sit and hear this. Un. Yes ; after having been sheltered from an in- quiry into his conduct, and restored to his command, he sat and heard this — nay, he had to hear more. The convention resolved, unanimously, among other things, that "the army have unshaken confidence in congress, and view with abhorrence, and reject with disdain, the infamous propositions contained in a late anonymous address to the officers of the army." John. But if this was unanimous. General Gates joined in it. JJn. With how much sincerity, let these extracts from Major Armstrong's letters to him testify. Wil- liam, read them. Wm. " Extracts from letters in the Historical Li- brary, written by John Armstrong at Philadelphia, to General Gates, in April, 1783. After acknowl- edgment of letters, he mentions a plan agitated, to grant land in Muskingum to the army, and form a new state. This, he says, is intended ' to amuse and HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 261 divert the army from the consideration of more im- portant concerns.' In another letter he thanks Gates for cautioning him not to leave his papers exposed to curious and inquisitorial eyes. The general re- membered the letter of Conway to himself He says, ' Ogden is now here,' at Philadelphia, from the army, ' and, as he conceals nothing, he tells us a great deal. Among other things, it is said, that the army look back with horrour and regret upon the mistaken step they have taken,' (previous to Wash- ington's address to them,) 'and like contemptible pen- itents who have sinned beyond the prospect of salva- tion, wish to have to do it over again. It is now, however, too late — the soldiers are anxious to dis- perse ; no ties, no promises, will hold them longer, and with them will every loitering hope of eurs break also.' He prophesies civil war, and exclaims, •Can it be otherwise? Will the whigs who have lent their money — and will the men who have lent their time and blood to America, sit down quietly under their wants and their wretchedness? A dis- solution of all debts, of all credits, of every princi- ple of union and society, must and will follow. And suffer me to ask, where will it stop ? God in his an- ger gave them a king ; and we want a scourge.' ' One secret, however, Ogden tells me which shall be no longer so. Mr. Brooks was sent from hence with orders to break sentiments like those contained in the anonymous address to the officers, and to pre- pare their minds for some manly vigorous associa- tion with the piiblick creditors; but the timid wretch discovered it to the only man, from whom he was to have kept it, and concealed it from those to whom he had engaged to make it known. To be more expli- cit, he betrayed it to the commander-in-chief, who, agreeably to the original plan, was not to have been consulted till some later period. Such a villain ! — 262 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 1 would have written again had I not seen the im- potency of the army, and the assurance of congress. They see our weakness, and laugh at our resent- ments.' " Uri. You need read no more. I have now come to the conclusion of the war, and the establishment of independence. I will cease my lessons, and point out to you the books you must study for the more full understanding of our history. Wvi. One more lesson. Uncle. You know in New York the first president was inaugurated; and you have not told us of the entry of Washington, on the 25th of November, and, a great deal more. Un. Well, let us take our walk, and to-morrow I must conclude my lessons on the history of New- York. CHAPTER XXIV. John. It would be curious, sir, to see the names of the friends of Washington arranged in one col- umn, and the adherents of Gates in another. Un. It would. You might then see the names of Greene and Lafayette opposite to Mifflin and Con- way ; those of the two brave Germans, De Kalb and Steuben, opposed to Clajon and La Radiere ; Henry Lee opposite to Charles Lee ; Alexander Hamilton opposite to Aaron Burr ; and Philip Schuyler oppo- site to John Lovell ; — in short, you would see a list of opposites, such as no historian has yet presented. John. You, sir, saw the triumph of Washington? Un. As I remember seeing, when a child, nine years of age, the British fleet proudly entering the harbour of Sandy Hook, so do I remember, as a HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 263 youth of seventeen, the forces of Britain, and her splendid navy, covering the bay of New York on their departure, never again to enter as enemies be- tween the islands that guard our harbour. The same day I saw Washington enter the city, from which he had been driven by an overwhelming force in 1776, accompanied, in 1783, by applauding friends, and two regiments of as well appointed and discip- lined troops as any in the world. In 1789, I saw him (divested of the garb of war) place his hand on the Bible, and swear to support that constitution un- der which I have since lived happily half a century. Between the pillars of the old City Hall, in Wall street, as altered for the reception of the federal congress, in view of thousands who filled the Broad street, as far as the eye could extend its view, and every avenue within sight of the building, the man of the people's choice was announced to them as the first president of the United States of America. This day the seal was set to our constitution, and from that day we date the prosperity of our country. But I have gone beyond my bounds — I intended to finish my history of New York, for you, at the triumphant entry of her citizens after seven years exile ; and the departure of hostile foreigners from our shores. Wm. But, Uncle, I have heard that this return of our citizens took place in the autumn of 1783. You will tell us of that ? John. But before that, I wished to ask you, how the American troops and the exiled inhabitants of New York behaved to the inhabitants who remain- ed in the town during the long occupancy by the British? Un. I will answer your question first, and then speak of Washington's interview with his officers, at the time of taking leave. There had been a long interval between the cessation of hostilities and the 264 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. departure of the British troops, and during that, many of the refugees who were obnoxious to par- ticular resentment, removed to England or Nova Scotia. There was constant intercourse between the city and every part of the country. Old inti- macies were renewed. The asperities of times past were softened down. The one party were good-hu- moured, because successful, and the other accommo- dating, because power had departed from them, and their safety depended upon their reconciliation to those crowned with success. So that by the time the English fleet and army departed, there was little to fear on the one part, and a general disposition on the other to forget and forgive. Some that remained may be supposed to have doubts and fears respecting men they had injured or abused; Rivington had been so bold in his misrepresentations of the rebels, and had been occasionally so personal, that although he had assurances from Governor Clinton of safety to his person and property, yet there were some few of the expected visiters that he did not wish to see ; and foremost of these was Ethan Allen. It was well understood by the friends of the king's printer, that no name could so shake him as that of the con- queror of Ticonderoga. However, for a long time, no Ethan Allen appeared, and Mr. Rivington was quietly and prosperously carrying on his business as a bookseller, at the corner of Pearl and Wall streets, aided by a countryman of his own, who looked up to him as one of the first of men, and al- ways reverently called him "Master." The master and man were contrasts. The first, was a man of florid complexion, large proportions, and genteel ap- pearance; always well-dressed, and powdered. His clerk was a shrivelled, dwarfish figure, remarkably neat in person, and precise in manner. He knew his master's dread of Allen, and sympathized with HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 2G^ him. I received from a friend Rivington's own ac- count of the dreaded meeting ; which he told with much humour. "I was sitting-," he said, "after a good dinner, alone, with my bottle of Madeira before me, when I heard an unusual noise in the street, imd a huzza from the boys. I was in the second sto- ry, and on stepping to the window saw a tall figure in tarnished regimentals, with large cocked hat, and enormously long sword, followed by a crowd of boys, who occasionally cheered him with huzzas, of which he seemed insensible. He came up to my door and stopped ; I could see no more — my heart told me it was Ethan Allen. I shut down the window, and retired behind my table and bottle. I was certain that the hour of reckoning was come. There was no retreat. Mr. Staples came in, paler than ever, and clasping his hands, said, ' Master! he has come!' ' I know it.' * He entered the store, sir, and asked if James Rivington lived here ? I answered, yes, sir. Is he at home ? I will go and see, sir, I said ; and now. Master, what is to be done? there he is, sir, in the store ; and the boys peeping at him from the street.' I had made up my mind — I looked at the Madeira; possibly I took a glass — 'Show him up,' I said. And I thought if such Madeira cannot mollify him he must be harder than adamant. There was a fearful moment of suspense. I listened ; — I heard him on the stairs, and heard his long sword clanking on every step. In he stalked. • Is your name James Rivington?' 'It is, sir; and no man could be more happy to see General Ethan Allen. Take a chair, sir, by the table ; and after a glass of this Madeira — ' He sat down and began, ' Sir, I come — ' ' Not a word. General, till you take a glass,' and I filled ' Ten years old of my own keeping — another glass, sir ; and then we will talk of old af- fairs.' Sir, we finished two bottles, and parted as VOL. II. — 23 266 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. good friends as if nothing had ever happened to make us otherwise." Such was the meeting between two of the most irreconcilable whigs and tories; with others there was less apprehension, and no mediator needed. Respecting the farewell parting of Wash- ington, and his officers, at New York, I will tell you all I know. At noon, on the 4th of December, the officers met at Francis's tavern, corner of Q,ueen street and Broad street ; a house known since for many years as a French boarding-bouse, the name of Queen street being changed to Pearl. John. Was this a noted tavern, sir? Un. It was, in those days ; and its keeper, Samuel Francis, a man of dark complexion, was familiarly known as " Black Sam." This house was the quar- ters of the general, and when the officers had assem- bled, their beloved leader entered the room, and, af- ter addressing them in a few words, he concluded, by saying, •• I cannot come to each of you to take leave, but shall be obliged to you if you will come and take me by the hand." Knox, who had served with him from the commencement of hostilities, was the first to experience the parting grasp of the hero's hand; and, in turn, all present, in silence, pressed that hand which had guided a nation through the storms of war, and was destined to rule its destinies during an unknown futurity. Leaving the room, he passed through a line of his brave soldiers to Whitehall, where he entered the barge waiting for him. He turned to the assembled multitude, waved his hat, and thus bid them a silent adieu, as they then thought forever. John. And when he returned to New York, he came as president of the United States, under our constitution, and passed through the happy country in one continued triumphal procession, formed by those whose happiness he had secured. HISTORY OF NEW YORK. 267 Un. This great event (of which we have spoken when we mentioned the first inauguration of a pre- sident of the United States, in the balcony of the Federal Hall, in Wall street) did not occur until 1789; and between 1783 and that year many im- portant events took place; none, however, so mo- nientous, as the calling a convention to rectify the defects of that powerless government, which, under the first confederacy, was held together by external pressure, and that ceasing with the war, symptoms of dissolution appeared. The convention produced, by compromise, a constitution based on those prin- ciples recommended by Washington. An indissol- uble union, under one federal head ; a sacred re- gard to publick justice; the adoption of a proper peace establishment; and the prevalence of a dispo- sition among the people, inducing them to forget local prejudices, and to sacrifice individual advanta- ges to the interest of the community. This has partly been done. Our country has prospered for half a century; and if she takes the advice of Wash- ington to guard against foreign influence, she may flourish, a monument of the blessings resulting from self-government, for ages to come. Wm. But what was done in this city, sir? Un. When the constitution was adopted, we marched in a grand federal procession, to describe which would take days. Every profession and every trade joined, most of them carrying banners, and making a joyous show. Oxen were ronsted, and we feasted in bowers erected on the meadows, where now Broome and the adjacent streets rest on the ashes of our fires, and the scattered remains of our rural feast. John. But, Uncle, what became of General Schuy- ler? Un. After being superseded by Gates, he demand- 268 HISTORY OF NEW YORK, ed and obtained a court martial. Acquitted with honour, his friend Washington solicited him again to take command ; but self-respect forbade. To the end of his life he continued the servant of his coun- try in civil departments. Under the old confedera- cy he was a member of congress. He aided to pro- cure the adoption of the federal constitution, and un- der it served in the senate as a representative of New York. In 1797, he took leave of publick life; and died the 18th of November, 1804, aged seventy-one. Let America be grateful ; and his native state re- member him as among her first and best. Wm. And what became of General Gates, sir? Un. Soon after his defeat at Camden, he lost his only son, a fine young man, and his wife quickly fol- lowed. You have been told that he retu-rned to the army, and assisted (as the French say) at the con- vention of officers who condemned the anonymous address. After the war, he married again, and pur- chased a life estate for himself and wife in the house and grounds, then Mr. Cruger's, near Bellevue, now a publick house, and called Rose-hill. He lived there to good old age, esteemed in private life, polite, agreeable, and hospitable. John. And what became of Benedict Arnold, sir ? Un. He lived despised, and died unlamented; leaving a stigma on the name. Here let us close our lessons for the present. Read diligently the his- tory of your country; and read, seeking truth. At some future period, I may present to you a more am- ple history of the City of New York, and its environs. END OF VOLUME SECOND. H 99 7B .i ^ f,^ ';^ o^ ^ ^ • ° 'A , •^i-o-^ v^ ■:%^ >