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 SEYMOUR DURST 
 
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 Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library 
 Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive • 
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REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS 
 
 OF 
 
 SUFFOLK AND KINGS 
 
 COUNTIES; 
 
 WITH AN ACCOUNT OF 
 
 THE BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND, 
 
 THE BRITISH PRISONS AND PRISON SHIPS AT 
 NEW-YORK. 
 
 r BY 
 
 HENRY ONDERDONK, JR. 
 
 NEW-YORK : 
 !,!:.\VITT & COMPANY, 191 BROADWAY 
 1849. 
 
John F. Trow, Priktke, 
 49 Ann-it., H. Y. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The present volume completes a plan the compiler had 
 some years since conceived, of collecting and arranging in 
 chronological order, the scattered and fragmentary notices of 
 the events that occurred on Long Island, during our Revo- 
 lutionary struggle. 
 
 The history of the Island during this soul-stirring period 
 has been hitherto clouded in gross darkness. Indeed the 
 very name scarcely appears on the pages of our History, 
 except to record a disastrous defeat of our arms. 
 
 The contents of these volumes show that Long Island is 
 not barren in Revolutionary Incidents, unique in their cha- 
 racter, and instructive to the student of our country's history. 
 
 The Counties of Suffolk, Queens and Kings, each played 
 a different and yet appropriate part in the great drama of 
 the Revolution. 
 
 At the first outbreak of rebellion in the port of Boston, 
 we find the Puritans of Suffolk assembling in almost every 
 town, and voting resolutions of aid and sympathy for their 
 brethren of the Massachusetts Bay. Nor were these ex- 
 pressions heartless. The people were ready to follow their 
 leaders in rebellion, the militia were organized, and Suffolk 
 armed for the contest. 
 
 Far different was the state of feeling in Queens County. 
 Here the Royal Governors, and other crown officers had oc- 
 casionally resided, and exerted an overshadowing influence. 
 They were often connected with other wealthy and aristo- 
 cratic families in the County, who had also their adherents 
 and dependents. Then, there was the peaceable Quaker, 
 the passive Dutchman ; and the Church-of-England-man, 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 bound to the King by a double tie, as head of Church and 
 State. All these made a dead weight, that the rampant 
 spirit of rebellion could hardly move, until the Congressional 
 army marched into the County, disarmed the Loyalists and 
 carried off their leaders. 
 
 The population of Kings County was mostly Dutch, who 
 made but a tardy and feeble show of resistance to the powers 
 that be ; her Deputies finally absented themselves from the 
 Provincial Congress, and the flagging spirit of revolt quickly 
 subsided at the approach of the British fleet. 
 
 After the American army abandoned the Island to the 
 enemy, there was still a difference in the conduct of the 
 Counties. The prominent Whjgs of Suffolk fled to their 
 brethren on the Main, with what movables they could carry, 
 leaving behind their stock, houses and farms to the enemy. 
 Those who remained, reluctantly took an oath of allegiance, 
 which they never meant to regard, and were ever treacherous 
 subjects of a King they had sworn to obey. 
 
 The great majority of the people of Queens County, took 
 the oath of allegiance in good faith, and observed it. 
 Most of the leading Whigs, trusting to British proclamations, 
 and not knowing where to go, remained at home, and were 
 punished in various ways for their undutiful conduct. 
 Many suffered imprisonment, which to some ended only in 
 death. 
 
 The case of Kings County was somewhat similar to that 
 of Queens. Many of its peace-loving inhabitants had already 
 deserted their homes on the prospect of its becoming the 
 theatre of hostilities. The leading Whigs fled among their 
 Dutch brethren, some to New Jersey, and some up the 
 North River, while a few who remained and trusted to the 
 chances of British clemency, were thrown in the Provost. 
 
 Within two months after the American Army had given 
 up the Island, the principal inhabitants of the three Counties 
 had signed a representation of loyalty to King George the 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 7 
 
 Third ; and in order that their wholesome example of dutiful 
 return to obedience might have its influence on the other 
 rebellious portions of the State, it was published at length in 
 the New- York Mercury, with the names of all the signers in 
 Queens and Kings Counties. 
 
 During the entire period of the revolution, the British 
 held New- York City, apart of Westchester County, and all of 
 Staten and Long Island under military rule. There were 
 no elections — no voting except at annual town meetings — none 
 except town taxes to pay — no judges — no courts of civil ju- 
 dicature, their place being supplied by the arbitrary fiat of a 
 King's justice or some military character. True, a summary 
 Court of Police was after a while established in New- York 
 City ; and at length, in the year 1780, for the greater con- 
 venience of His Majesty's loyal subjects on Long Island, a 
 Court of Police was also opened in Jamaica. The inhabit- 
 ants could not go to or from the city, or bring out goods, 
 without a permit. The price of wood and farmer's produce 
 was regulated by proclamation ; their horses, wagons and 
 persons, could at any time be impressed into the King's ser- 
 vice, at a stipulated price. In the winter season almost every 
 village and hamlet was filled with British soldiers and 
 wagoners, billeted in the people's houses, or cantoned in tem- 
 porary huts. The consequence was, a ready market and 
 high price for such of the farmer's produce as had not been 
 previously pilfered. The farmers flourished on British gold ; 
 but as there were few opportunities for investing it, and no 
 banks of deposit for safe keeping, they were compelled to keep 
 their money by them, and were often robbed. The churches, 
 not of the established faith, were mostly occupied by soldiers, 
 or used as storehouses and prisons ; some were even torn down. 
 
 In Suffolk County, the illicit trade forms a striking fea- 
 ture. This consisted in buying imported goods in New- 
 York City, (with the professed design of retailing them to 
 faithful subjects in the County,) and then carrying them 
 
8 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 down the Island to secret landing-places, whence they were 
 sent across the Sound in whale-boats, under cover of night, 
 and exchanged with the people of Connecticut for provisions, 
 and farmer's produce, of which the British army stood in 
 great need. Though this trade was prohibited by both Ameri- 
 can and British authority, yet the cunning of the smugglers 
 (who often acted as spies) generally eluded the sleepy vigi- 
 lance of government officials. This trade was protected by 
 the sparse population of Suffolk County, the extensive sea- 
 border, the absence of a British armed force, and the prover- 
 bial insincerity of the people in their professed allegiance. 
 
 Owing to this Whiggish feeling of the inhabitants, every 
 invading party of their brethren from the Main — whether to 
 Sag Harbor, St. George's, or Slongo — always found ready 
 and effectual aid in guides, food, or information. Indeed 
 "Washington used to say, that he always had more correct 
 knowledge by spies, of the position and designs of the British 
 army on Long Island, than at any other place. In fine, the 
 British authority in Suffolk County, was little more than an 
 empty shadow. 
 
 Quite different was the state of things in Queens and 
 Kings Counties. Here the great body of the people were at 
 heart loyal, the settled parts were more compact, and rarely 
 free from the presence of armed troops, spreading dissipation 
 and shining gold with open hand. 
 
 Although the people of Long Island had taken an oath of 
 fealty to the British crown in 1776, they were never deemed 
 honaf.de British subjects, and on the return of peace, in 1783, 
 (with the exception of a few who were attainted of treason,) 
 they quietly slipped off their oath with their loyalty, and 
 without the formality of abjuring their allegiance, took their 
 places among the citizens of these free and Independent 
 States. 
 
 Jamaica, L. I., May, 1849. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 SUFFOLK COUNTY. . 
 PART I. 
 
 Sec. Page 
 
 532 — 599. Rise and Progress of the Revolutionary 
 
 Spirit, 13 
 
 PART II. 
 
 600—620. The Submission, 42 
 
 PART III. 
 
 621—769. The Armed Occupation, .... 62 
 
 KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 770—802. Rise and Progress oe the Revolutionary 
 
 Sfirit 113 
 
12 
 
 ft 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PART II. 
 
 Sec. Page 
 
 , 803 — 828. Letters relating to the Battle of Long 
 
 Island, . . . . . . . 132 
 
 PART III. 
 
 829—830. The Submission, 166 
 
 PART IV. 
 
 831—964. The Armed Occupation, . . . .172 
 
 1 
 
 PART V. 
 
 Incidents of the British Prisons and Prison Shits at 
 
 New-York, 207 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Forms of Orders, &c, issued in the Revolution- 
 Additional Notes, &c, . ... . 251 
 
REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS 
 
 OF 
 
 SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 PART L 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 532. At a meeting of the inhabitants of the parish of 
 South Haven, June 13, '74, Wm. Smith, Moderator ; 
 
 1 . It was voted (and agreed), that the Act of Parliament for block- 
 ing up the port of Boston, is unconstitutional, and has a direct ten- 
 dency to enslave the inhabitants of America, and put an end to all 
 property. 
 
 2. (And it is also the opinion of this meeting), that if the Colo- 
 nies all unite and strictly adhere to a non-importation agreement 
 from Great Britain and the West Indies, and have no trade with 
 them, we should have great reason to expect in a short time, a repeal 
 of that oppressive act ; and for that purpose we heartily desire that 
 such an agreement may be entered into. 
 
 3. (And it is further voted and agreed), that Wm. Smith, Esq., 
 Col. Nath'l Woodhull, Col. Wm. Floyd, Mr. Thos. Fanning, Capt. 
 Josiah Smith, Capt. David Mulford, and Capt. Jona. Baker, be a 
 standing committee for this place, to correspond with the Committee 
 of Correspondence in the city of N. Y., and others, and that they 
 immediately communicate the above sentiments to them. 
 
 2 
 
14 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 533. At a meeting of the inhabitants of East Hampton, 
 legally warned by the Trustees, June 17, '74, Eleazar Mil- 
 ler, Esq., Moderator • 
 
 1st. Voted, That we will to the utmost of our abilities assert, 
 and in a lawful manner defend the liberties and immunities of British 
 America ; that we will co-operate with our brethren in this Colony 
 in such measures as shall appear best adapted to save us from the 
 burdens we fear, and in a measure already feel, from the principles 
 adopted by the British Parliament respecting the town of Boston in 
 particular, and the British Colonies in North America in general. 
 
 2d. Voted, That a non-importation agreement through the colo- 
 nies is the most likely means to save us from the present and future 
 troubles. 
 
 3d. Voted, That John Chatfield,*Esq., Col. Abm. Gardiner, Bur- 
 net Miller, Stephen Hedges, Thos. Wickham, Esq., John Gardiner, 
 Esq.. and Capt. David Mulford be a standing committee for keeping 
 up a correspondence with the city of N. Y., and the towns of this 
 colony ; and, if there is occasion, with other colonies ; and that they 
 transmit a copy of these votes to the committee of correspondence 
 for the city of N. Y. 
 
 Voted unanimously, not one dissenting voice. 
 
 BURNET MILLER, Town Clerk. 
 
 534. At a general Town Meeting, June 21, '74, the 
 inhabitants of Huntington came into the following resolu- 
 tions : 
 
 1st. That every freeman's property is absolutely his own, and no 
 man has a right to take it from him without his consent, expressed 
 either by himself or his representative. 
 
 2d. That therefore, all taxes and duties imposed on His Majesty's 
 subjects in the American Colonies by the authority of Parliament, 
 are wholly unconstitutional, and a plain violation of the most essen- 
 tial rights of British subjects. 
 
 3c?. That the Act of Parliament lately passed for shutting up the 
 port of Boston, or any other means or device, under color of law, to 
 compel them, or any other of His Majesty ? s American subjects, to 
 submit to Parliamentary taxations, are subversive of their just and 
 constitutional liberty. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 15 
 
 4/7?. That we are of opinion that our brethren of Boston are now 
 suffering in the common cause of British America. 
 
 5th. That therefore it is the indispensable duty of all the colonies 
 to unite in some effectual measures for the repeal of said Act, and 
 every other Act of Parliament whereby they are taxed for raising 
 a revenue. 
 
 6th. That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the most effectual 
 means for obtaining a speedy repeal of said Acts, will be to break off 
 all commercial intercourse with Great Britain, Ireland, and the En- 
 glish West [ndia colonies. 
 
 1th. And we hereby declare ourselves ready to enter into these 
 or such other measures as shall be agreed upon by a General Con- 
 gress of all the colonies ; and we recommend to the General Con- 
 gress to take such measures as shall be most effectual to prevent 
 such goods as are at present in America, from being raised to an ex- 
 travagant price. 
 
 And, lastly, we appoint Col. Piatt Conklin, John Sloss Hobart, 
 Esq., and Thos. Wicks, a committee for this town, to act in con- 
 junction with the committees of the other towns in the county, as a 
 general committee for the county, to correspond with the committee 
 of N. Y. 
 
 ISRAEL WOOD, President. 
 
 535. The above Resolutions were also adopted at Smithtown ; 
 and Aug. 9, it was voted that " Sol. Smith, Dan'l Smith, and Thos. 
 Tredwell be a committee fully empowered, in conjunction with the 
 committees of the other towns, to choose delegates to represent this 
 county at the General Congress, and to do all that shall be necessary 
 in defence of our just rights and liberties against the unconstitutional 
 attacks of the British Ministry and Parliament. 
 
 DAN'L SMITH, 
 
 N. Y. Circular to the several Counties, Aug. 9, '74. 
 
 536. Gentlemen : The distresses of the poor of the town of 
 Boston, now sinking under the hand of power, call for our tender 
 and compassionate concern. Every motive of policy and humanity 
 should excite us to contribute liberally to their immediate redress. 
 They are our countrymen and brethren, suffering in the common 
 cause of liberty, and their hard condition may one day be our own. 
 We recommend a generous subscription for the support of the indi- 
 
16 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 gent of that oppressed town. In some instances it may be most 
 convenient to contribute in wheat or flour, which will be equally 
 serviceable. The interest of the whole Continent requires that pro- 
 vision should be made for all who become sufferers in our common 
 cause, and the honor and reputation of this Colony must animate us 
 to distinguish ourselves on so benevolent an occasion. 
 
 537. At a meeting of the Committees of Correspondence 
 for the county of Suffolk, at the County Hall, Nov. 15, J 74 : 
 
 1 . Voted, That we recommend it to the several towns in this 
 county to set forward a subscription for the employment and relief 
 of the distressed poor in the town of Boston, to be collected in such 
 manner as the committees in each town shall judge proper ; to be in 
 readiness to be forwarded early next §pring. 
 
 2. Voted, That John Foster have the care of procuring a vessel 
 to call at the several harbors in this county, to receive and carry the 
 above donations to Boston. 
 
 3. Voted, That we fully approve of the proceedings of the late 
 Continental Congress, and recommend it to the committees of the 
 different towns to see that the Association by them entered into on 
 behalf of themselves and their constituents, be strictly observed. 
 
 EZRA L'HOMMEDIEU, Clerk. 
 
 538. At a meeting of the Committees of Observation for the 
 several towns and districts of Huntington, Smithtown, Islip, 
 and South Haven, and some of the principal inhabitants of 
 the town of Brookhaven, held at Smithtown, Feb. 23, '75, 
 Col. Piatt Conklin being Chairman, 
 
 2. Resolved nem. con., That we think ourselves under obligations 
 of gratitude to the worthy gentlemen in particular who represented 
 this County in the late Continental Congress, and to that whole as- 
 sembly in general, for their noble, patriotic and faithful discharge of 
 their important trust. 
 
 3. Resolved nem. con., That a letter be sent to Wm. Nicoll and 
 Nath'l Woodhull, Esqrs., Representatives of this County, informing 
 them that, if a motion should be made in the house for appointing 
 Delegates to represent this Province, at the Continental Congress, 
 to be held at Philadelphia, in May next, it is our opinion and desire, 
 that they should join in their appointment. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 17 
 
 4. Resolved nem. con., That in case the Assembly do not appoint 
 Delegates, the Committee of Correspondence for the city of N. Y.,be 
 desired to call a Provincial Convention for that purpose. 
 
 N. B. — Most of the towns and districts in this County, have at pub- 
 lic town meetings, fully adopted the measures recommended by the 
 Congress, and determined on a strict observation of the Association. 
 
 539. Nathan Fordham, Burnet Miller, and Thos. Youngs, a sub- 
 committee, at Sag Harbor, request of Congress, (Ap. 2d, '75,) 
 ammunition and warlike stores, suitable for an inclosed list of cannon, 
 and that the cannon may be mounted on carriages, as they are much 
 exposed to the ravages of the Ministerial army. 
 
 540. Robt. Hempstead was Chairman of a meeting of the Com- 
 mittees from the different towns in Suffolk, at the County Hall, Ap. 
 6, '75, who appointed Col. Wm. Floyd, Col. Nath'l Woodhull, Col. 
 Phineas Fanning, Thomas Tredwell, and John Sloss Hobart, Esqrs., 
 Deputies to the N.York Provincial Convention for choosing Delegates 
 to the- Continental Congress, to be held at Philadelphia, in May. 
 
 541. To the Provincial Congress, to be held, May 22d, '75, Col. 
 Nath'l Woodhull, John Sloss Hobart, Thomas Tredwell, John 
 Foster, Ezra L'Hommedieu, Thos. Wickham, James Havens, and 
 Selah Strong, were elected Deputies for one year. May 5. 
 
 54*2. At a meeting of freeholders and other inhabitants 
 of Brookhaven, June 8, '75 ; By a large majority were 
 chosen 16 persons, as a Committee of Observation to repre- 
 sent said town and deliberate on other matters relative to our 
 present political welfare. Agreed that the last Tuesday in 
 June, be appointed as the day for the Committee to meet. 
 
 The Committee met at Coram, June 27 ; Present, John Wood- 
 hull, Esq., Thos. Helme, Esq., John Robinson, Thos. Fanning, Lt. 
 Wm. Brewster, Noah Hallock, Jos. Brown, John Woodhull, Jr., 
 Nath'l Roe, Jr., Capt. Jona. Baker, Dan'l Roe, Sam'l Thompson, of 
 Manor St. George ; Wm. Smith, and Jonah Hulse, of Patentship of 
 Moriches ; Capt. Josiah Smith. 
 
 Then proceeded, and chose John Woodhull, Esq., Ch'n, and Sam'l 
 Thompson, Clerk, and entered into the following resolutions : 
 
 1. Resolved nem. con., That we express our loyalty to His Ma- 
 
13 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 jesty, King Geo. III., and acknowledge him as our rightful lord and 
 sovereign. 
 
 3. Resolved unanimously. That it is the opinion of this Commit- 
 tee, that the several Acts passed in the British Parliament, for the 
 purpose of raising a revenue in America ; also the Acts for stopping 
 the Port of Boston ; for altering their charter and government ; for 
 establishing the Roman Catholic religion, and abolishing the equita- 
 ble system of English laws and erecting in their stead French Despo- 
 tic Government in Canada ; as also the Act for restraining the New 
 England fishery ; and further declaring they have power to make 
 laws binding on us in all cases whatsoever, are contrary to the con- 
 stitution and subversive of our legal rights as English freemen and 
 British subjects. I 
 
 4. Resolved nem. con., That we will use our utmost endeavor 
 strictly to adhere to the Resolutions of the Honorable Continental 
 Congress, and to comply with the injunctions of our Provincial Con- 
 vention, which (under God) we hope is the most effectual means 
 to obtain redress of our present grievances, and save us from im- 
 pending ruin. 
 
 5. We do unanimously make this our apology to the respectable 
 public and to our several Congresses, that we have come so late into 
 Congressional measures, and hope a veil may be cast over our past 
 conduct ; for our remissness was not for want of patriotic spirit, but 
 because opposition ran so high in some parts of this town, which 
 arose, we verily believe, from want of better information. 
 
 6. It is unanimously resolved, that we will keep a strict watch 
 that no provisions be transported from the bounds of our constituents, 
 so as to fall into the hands of our enemies. 
 
 7. Ordered, that the proceedings of this meeting be printed by 
 John Holt. 
 
 543. [The General Association (see Queens Co., 25,) was al- 
 most unanimously signed in Suffolk, only 236 recusants. The 
 original lists may be seen in Vol. XXX. of the MS. Papers of the 
 N. Y. Provincial Congress, in the Secretary of State's Office, at Al- 
 bany, and are reprinted in Force's American Archives, III., 608. 
 — Ed.] 
 
 544. May 12, '75. Israel Youngs of Cold Spring brought in his 
 sloop from N. Y. Henry Dawkins an engraver, whom he employed 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 19 
 
 9 weeks in the garret of his house counterfeiting bills of credit 
 Isaac Ketcham went to Philadelphia for the paper used. They were 
 arrested by aid of Thos. Wicks, taken before the Huntington Com- 
 mittee at Nath'l Williams' Tavern, and thence to N. Y. where they 
 were confined till July 18, when Dawkins was sent to Westchester 
 jail ; and Israel and Isaac Youngs to.Litchfield, where they lived at 
 their own expense till Nov. 25, '76, when they went off leaving 
 £68 10 with the jailer. Ketcham was probably discharged Aug. 17. 
 Jour. 445, 718, 577. Cor. 464. (See also 53.) 
 
 June 3, '75. Philip Youngs was taken to N. Y. by Thos. 
 Wicks and Elipb. Brush, charged by Jacob Brush and Sam'l Brown 
 with counterfeiting. The houses of George and Isaac Youngs and 
 John Williams were searched, but nothing found. [Philip was ac- 
 quited, June 17. — Ed. Jour. 471, 714. 
 
 545. Col. Phineas Fanning, David Mulford, Esq., Capt Tim. 
 Earle, were appointed muster masters of the troops to be raised in 
 Suffolk, July 8, '75. 
 
 546. June 29, '75, Suffolk Co. Warrants. 
 
 1. John Hulbert, Capt. ; John Davis, 1st Lt. ; Wm. Havens, 
 2d Lt. 
 
 2. John Grennel, Capt. ; Wm. Philips, 1st Lt. ; Philip Conklin, 
 2dLt 
 
 3. Dan'l Griffen, Capt; Benj. Marvin, 1st Lt. ; Nath'l Norton, 
 2d Lt. 
 
 Capt. John Grenell, of Huntington, July 14, '75. 
 Sam'l Smith, 1st Lt. ; Alex. Ketcham, 2d Lt.; in place of 
 Wm. Philips and Philip Conklin declined. 
 
 547. Whilst the British were at Boston, their vessels occasionally 
 carried off stock from Suffolk Co . 
 
 July 5, '75. The people of E. and S. Hampton pray Congress, that 
 Capt. Hulbert's company, now raising for Schuyler's army, may remain 
 to guard the stock on the common land of Montauk, (2000 cattle and 3 
 or 4000 sheep) from the ravages of the enemy. Jour. 75. 
 
 July 31, '75. Congress allow Griffing and Hulbert's companies to 
 remain to guard stock. Jour. 95. 
 
 Aug. 7, '75. 13 sail of British shipping are seen off Oyster Ponds, 
 looking for stock, as is supposed. Lt. Norton's company have no pow- 
 der. Cor. 69. 
 
 # 
 
20 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 Aug. 7, '75. Congress order Wooster to send from his camp at Har- 
 lem, four companies (to be under command of Col. Phineas Fanning,) 
 to guard stock on the east end of L. I. Congress also vote 200 lbs. 
 powder to the order of Ezra L'Hommedieu and John Foster. 
 
 Jour. 102, 103. 
 
 Aug. 18, '75. Congress recommend the removal of stock from 
 Gardiners and Plum I. Jour. 110. 
 
 Aug. 21, '75. Congress hear that 36 cattle and 1100 sheep are 
 taken from Fishers I., and 40 or 50 cattle and 1800 or 2000 sheep from 
 Gardiner's I., by Col. Abijah Willard. Jour. 112, 119. 
 
 Aug. 22, '75. Col. Gardiner of Plum I., says Col. Willard threatens 
 to come again with force sufficient to take off stock from L. I. 
 
 Cor. 65. 
 
 Sep. 7, '75. Capt. John Huloert marched from Montauk, but his 
 men have borrowed guns. Cor. 80. 
 
 Sep. 14, '75. Ebenezer Piatt received of Congress 100 lbs. of pow- 
 der. v Jour. 146. 
 
 548. Thos\ Helme, Chairman pro tern., writes to Congress, Aug. 
 3, '75, that Parson James Lyon, [put under guard in Wooster's 
 Camp, Aug. 11,] Benj. Floyd, Dr. Gilbert Smith, Joseph Denton, 
 Richard Floyd, and John Baleys, innkeeper, have from the beginning 
 taken every method to seduce the ignorant and counteract the mea- 
 sures recommended for redress of grievances. They d n all 
 
 Congresses and Committees, wishing they were in h — 1. They have 
 declared they will furnish the men-of-war and cutters with provi- 
 sions. 
 
 Aug. 21, '75. List of Field Officers of 2d Bat. 
 
 549. David Mulford, 1st Col. ; Jonas Hedges, 2d Col. ; Uriah 
 Rogers, 1 st Major ; Geo. Herrick, 2d Major ; John Gelston, Adj. ; 
 Phineas Howell, Q. M. 
 
 Company Officers. 
 
 1. Capt. David Howell; 1st Lt. Jer'h Post; 2dLt. Paul Jones ; 
 En. Zeph. Rogers. 
 
 2. Capt. John Dayton, jr. ; 1st Lt. Isaac Mulford Hunting ; 2d Lt. 
 John Miller, jr. ; En. Win. Hedges, jr. 
 
 3. Capt. David Pierson ; 1st Lt. Dan'l Hedges; 2d Lt. David 
 Sayre ; En. Theoph's Pierson. 
 
 4. Capt. David Fithian; 1st Lt. Sam'l Conklin ; 2d Lt. Thos. 
 Baker ; En. Dan'l Conklin. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 21 
 
 5. Capt. St. Howell; 1st Lt. John White, jr.; 2d Lt. Lemuel 
 Wick ; En. Isaac Halsey. 
 
 6. Capt. Wm. Rogers, jr. ; 1st Lt. Jesse Halsey ; 2d Lt. Henry 
 Halsey ; En. Nath'l Rogers. 
 
 7. Capt. Josiah Howell, jr. ; 1st Lt. Nath'l Howell ; 2d Lt. Mat. 
 Howell; En. Wm. Stephens. 
 
 8. Capt. Sam'l L' Hommedieu ; 1st Lt. Silas Jessup; 2dLt. Ed- 
 ward Conklin; En. Dan'l Fordham. 
 
 9. Capt. John Sandford ; 1st Lt. Edward Topping; 2d Lt. Philip 
 Howell ; En. John Hildreth. 
 
 550. At Smithtown, Sept. 4, '75, Philetus Smith was chosen 
 Capt. ; Edmund Smith, jr. 1st Lt. ; Dan'l Tillotson, 2d Lt.; and Richard 
 Smith, En., under the inspection of Dan'l Smith, Jacob Mills and 
 Thos. Tredwell, Committee-men. 
 
 551. Sep. 4, '75. Matthew Rose was chosen Capt. ; Hugh 
 Smith, 1st Lt. ; David Fanning, 2d Lt. ; and John Smith, Ensign, of 
 the 3d Company of 1st Reg. of Suffolk, at Southhold, in presence of 
 Tho's Fanning and Wm. Smith, Committee-men. 
 
 Sep. 6, '75. Sam'l Thompson was chosen Capt., Abm. Wood- 
 hull, 1st. Lt. ; Isaac Davis, 2d Lt. ; and Dan'l Satterly, Ensign, of 1st 
 Company of Brookhaven, in presence of Nath'l Roe, jr., Rich'd 
 Woodhull, and Sam'l Thompson, Committee-men. 
 
 552. At a meeting at Smithtown, Sept. 5, '"75, for nomina- 
 ting Field Officers for the Western Reg. of Suffolk, present, 
 
 From Huntington, John SlossHobart, Esq., Tho's Wickes, Esq., 
 Dr. Gilbert Potter, Capt. Timothy Carll, Henry Scudder, Stephen 
 Ketcham,Tho's Brush jr., John Squier, Eben'r Piatt. From Smithtown, 
 Tho's Tredwell, Esq., Jeffery Smith, Jacob Mills, Jonas Mills, Sam'l 
 Phillips, Philetus Smith, Edmund Smith, Dan'l Smith. From Brook- 
 haven, df-c, Wm. Smith, Tho's Fanning, Noah Hallock, Wm Brews- 
 ter, Jona. Baker, John Woodhull. Jos. Brown, Sam'l Thompson, 
 Dan'l Roe, Nath'l Roe. Wm. Floyd was nominated Col. ; Dr. Gil- 
 bert Potter, Lt. Col. ; Capt. Nathan Woodhull, 1st Major; Edmund 
 Smith, 2d Major ; Philip Roe, Adj. ; John Roe, jr., Q. M. ; Col. Nath'l 
 Woodhull, Brig. Gen. 
 
 553. Sep. 5, '75. Eben'r Miller was chosen Capt. ; Caleb Wood- 
 hull, 1st Lt. ; Jas. Davis, 2d Lt. ; and David Davis, Ensign, of 2d Com- 
 2* 
 
2'Z 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 pany in Brookhaven, in presence of Tho's Helme, John "VVoodhull 
 and Noah Hallock, Committee-men. 
 
 554. Committee Chamber, Huntington, Sept. 11, '75. 
 Officers of the 1st three Militia Companies. 
 
 1'. John Wickes,Capt.; Epenetus Conklin, 1st Lt; Jonah Wood,2d 
 Lt. ; Ebenezer Prime Wood, Ensign. 
 
 2. Jesse Brush,Capt. ; Epenetus Conklin, 1st Lt. ; Philip Conklin, 
 2d Lt. ; Jos. Titus, Ensign. 
 
 3. Timothy Carll, Capt. ; Gilbert Fleet, 1st Lt. ; Joel Scudder, 
 2dLt. ; Nath'l Buffet, jr., Ensign. 
 
 4. The South part not yet elected officers. 
 
 555. At a meeting of the several committees in the 1st 
 Eeg. of Suffolk Co. held at Smithtown, Oct. 24, '75 Wm. 
 Smith was appointed Chairman ; present, 
 
 Jesse Brush, Esq., John Squires,StephenKetcham,Tho's Wickes, 
 Esq., Timothy Ketcham, Henry Scudder, Dr. Gilbert Potter, Tho's 
 Brush, jr., Israel Wood, Stephen Kelsey, Ebenezer Piatt, of Hunting- 
 ton. Dan'l Tillotson, Tho's Tredwell, Esq., Jeffery Smith, Philetus 
 Smith, Dan'l Smith, Capt. Job Smith, Jacob Mills, Edmund Smith, jr, 
 Epenetus Smith, Sam'l Philips, of Smithtown. Wm. Smith, Jonah 
 Hulse, of Manor St. George. Capt. Josiah Smith, of Moriches. 
 Capt. Sam'l Thompson, Wm. Brewster, John Woodhull, Dan'l Roe, 
 Nath'l Roe, Noah Hallock, Capt. Jona. Baker, Richard Woodhull, 
 Esq., of Brookhaven. 
 
 Jeffery Smith was nominated 1st Major in place of Nathan Wood- 
 hull declined ; and Capt. Jesse Brush 2d Major in place of Edmund 
 Smith, jr., declined. 
 
 556. Nov. 7, '75. John Sloss Hobart, Tho's Tredwell, Selah 
 Strong, Nath'l Woodhull, Ezra L'Hommedieu, David Gelston, Tho's 
 Wickham, and Dan'l Brown, Esqrs., were elected Deputies to Pro- 
 vincial Congress. 
 
 557. Nov. 27, '75. Lt. Case took his commission [as Capt.] • 
 Tho's Hempstead, 1st Lt.; Wm. Horton, jr., 2d Lt. ; John Drake, En- 
 sign. 
 
 558. Huntington, Dec. 10, '75. 
 Sir : You will receive this by Major Brush, who is appointed by 
 
 the Committee to lay before the Congress, the state of the town as 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 23 
 
 to their slackness in military preparations, as also that we have great 
 reason to believe all methods are used by our neighbors to make them 
 indifferent in this great contest. We not only beg your advice but 
 assistance, for it is my opinion, if there is not a sufficient number of 
 men immediately sent to effectually subdue Queens Co. and to intimi- 
 date the people among us, a great many from here will soon be in a little 
 better condition than the rebels of Queens Co,, which we have great 
 reason to believe is making interest with our slaves and other ser- 
 vants. I have exerted myself in my station, but if nothing is done 
 by your House, I must be obliged to desist : but as to myself as an 
 individual, I am determined to live and die free. 
 I am sir, your most humble servant, 
 
 GILBERT POTTER. 
 To John S. Hobart Esq. in Pro. Congress. 
 
 559. Commissions issued Dec. 12, '75. 2d Comp. Jona. Ti- 
 tus, Capt. ; Joshua Rogers, 1st Lt. ; Tho's Brush, 2d Lt. 3d Comp, 
 Joel Scudder, Capt. ; Nath'l Buffit, 1st Lt. ; Epenetus Smith, 2d Lt. ; 
 John Hart, Ensign. 
 
 560. Manor St. George, Dec. 15, '75. 
 Gentlemen : There have enlisted as minute men 70 able-bodied 
 
 men, within the bounds of Brook Haven, Smithtown, Manor St. 
 George and the Patentship of Moriches, who have chosen Dan'l 
 Roe, Capt.; Hugh Smith, IstLt.; Caleb Brewster, 2dLt.; Eben'r Phil- 
 ips, Ensign. And as Hugh Smith and David Fanning, 1st and 2d 
 Lts. of the 3d Company in Brookhaven, (whereof Nath'l Roe is 
 Capt.) have enlisted in the minute service, the company have chosen 
 John Smith, 1st Lt. ; Wm. Baker, 2d, Lt. ; Doxey Lane, Ensign. 
 
 The choice of the above was made in presence of us, who are of 
 the committee. The minute men (who are much needed to still in- 
 testine disaffection) want powder, ball, guns, drum, colors &c, which 
 are not to be had here ; and if to be bought, a great part of the com- 
 pany not able to purchase. 
 
 Your humble servants, 
 
 WM. SMITH. 
 JOSIAH SMITH. 
 
 To Pro. Congress. 
 
24 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 561. Jan. 5, '76. Congress send 1000 lbs. powder to Hunting- 
 ton Committee. 
 
 562. Jan. 12, '76. Gilbert Potter certifies that St. Kelsey and 
 Eben'r Piatt, Committee-men, had inspected the election of officers at 
 Cow Harbor, 5th comp. of Huntington, viz. Piatt Veal, Capt. ; 
 Michael Heart, 1st Lt. ; Isaac Dennis, 2d Lt. ; Jacob Conklin, En. 
 
 Thos. Wickes and Jesse Brush certify the election of John 
 Buffet, Capt. ; Isaac Thompson, 1st Lt. ; Zeb. Ketcham, En. of the 
 4th Comp. 
 
 Suffolk Co., Jan. 24, '76. 
 
 563. Gentlemen : — In pursuance to your order, we have ap- 
 pointed the Field-officers for the minute men and artillery company in 
 this county. The militia of this county but little exceeds 2000. 
 The great exposedness of the east end, and the extensiveness of the 
 county, induces us to desire a no. of Continental troops may be sta- 
 tioned here. We make no doubt the Continent proposes to protect 
 this Island, and hope a sufficient force may be stationed here. 
 
 We have a no. of poor men who are good soldiers and friends to 
 the cause, and would be glad to enlist as minute men, but have no 
 guns. We should be glad to know if some could be procured at 
 the public expense. 
 
 The situation of this county makes it difficult to raise and train 
 the minute men. They complain that they are not sufficiently paid, 
 considering the great distance they are obliged to travel ; many, 8, 
 10, and 12 miles, and that on foot, to exercise. The officers also, 
 on the same account, are at considerable expense, besides the ex- 
 pense of raising their companies, and pray they may be considered. 
 
 By order of the Committee, 
 
 WM. SMITH, Chairman. 
 
 564. Officers of Minute Men. 
 
 Feb. 20, '76. 
 
 Josiah Smith, Col. ; John Hulbert, 2d Col. ; Isaac Reeve, 1st 
 Major; Jona. Baker, 2d Major ; Ephraim Marvin, Adj., (in place of 
 Isaac Overton, declined,) Eben. Dayton, Q,. M. 
 
 Officers of the Artillery. 
 Wm. Rogers, Captain ; John Franks, Capt. Lt. ; Jerem'h Rogers, 
 1st Lt. ; Thos. Baker, 2d Lt. ; John Tuthill, Lt. fireworker. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 25 
 
 565. Isaac Thompson, Chairman of the Committee of Islip, 
 writes to Congress, Feb. 9, '76, that there never has been a militia 
 company in that precinct, but that the east part bore arms in the 
 Smithtown company, and the west were under a Huntington Captain, 
 which has caused uneasiness. The people, with the consent of Col. 
 Potter, assembled and chose Benajah Strong, Captain ; Jerem'h Ter- 
 ry, 1st Lt. ; Sam'l Oakley, 2d Lt. ; and Annen Mowbray, En., who 
 signed the association. The company numbers 36 or 37. 
 
 566. Thos. Cooper and S. Halsey, Committee-men, certify the 
 election of Zeph. Rogers, Capt. ; Nath'l Howel, jr., 1st Lt. ; and 
 Mat. Sayer, 2d Lt., of a company of minute men in South Hampton, 
 before Feb. 23, '76. 
 
 Maltby Gelston certifies the election of David Pierson, Capt. ; 
 John Foster, jr., 1st Lt. ; Abm. Rose, 2d Lt. ; and Edward Topping, 
 En., of another company of minute men in South Hampton. 
 
 Ezekiel Mutford, Capt.; John Miller, 1st Lt. ; and Nath'l Hand, 
 2d Lt., of a company of minute men at East Hampton. 
 
 567. Wm. Smith, Chairman, requests of Congress, March 1, '76, 
 the loan of £500, to be lodged with the Treasurer, Col. Josiah 
 Smith, who is to pay out the same. 
 
 568. Mar. 4, '76. John Chatfield of E. Hampton, and Thos. 
 Cooper of S. Hampton, are directed to station persons to keep look- 
 out for the British fleet. 
 
 569. Mar. 27, '76. Nath'l Roe and Sam'l Thompson, certify 
 the election of Selah Strong, Capt. ; Wm. Clark, 1st Lt. ; Caleb 
 Brewster, 2d Lt. ; and Nath'l Brewster, En., of a minute company in 
 Brookhaven. 
 
 570. Ap. 7, 76. Nath'l Piatt, Capt. ; Sam'l Smith, 1st. Lt. ; 
 Henry Skudder, 2d Lt. ; and Henry Blatsley, En. 
 
 571. Account of Capt. Jeremiah Rogers, £22 18 6, for keeping 
 look-out at South Hampton, March '76, when British fleet was ex- 
 pected, certified by Henry Herrick, member of the Committee, was 
 exhibited for payment, Jan. 28, '77. Jour. 791. 
 
 572. Ap. 18, '76. Nath'l Woodhull, Thos. Tredwell, Selah 
 Strong, John Sloss Hobart, Thos. Wickham, David Gelston, Dan'l 
 Brown, and Ezra L'Hommedieu, were elected to represent Suffolk 
 
26 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 Co. in Provincial Congress, as appears by the certificate of Wm, 
 Smith, Chairman, and Ezra L'Hommedieu, Clk. of the Committee. 
 
 573. Capt. John Davis had enlisted 70 men ; and Benj. Marvin, 
 1st Lt. of Capt Griffin's company, 75 men, before Ap. 3, '76. 
 
 574. In consideration of the defenceless state of E. part of Suf- 
 folk Co., the 3 companies raised for continental service, were con- 
 tinued there. Ap. 3, 76. 
 
 575. May 3, '76. Officers of two companies of minute men in 
 Southold, Col. Smith's Reg. 
 
 1. Jona. Bayley, Capt. ; Joshua Youngs, 1st Lt. ; John Tuthill, 
 2d Lt. ; James Reeve, En. 
 
 2. Paul Reeve, Capt. ; John Corwin, 1st Lt. ; David Horton, 2d 
 Lt. ; Nath'l Hudson, En. 
 
 576. May 9, '76. 2d N. Y. Reg. 
 
 1. Dan'l Roe, Capt. ; Jona. Titus, 1st Lt. ; Geo. Smith, 2d Lt. ; 
 Benj. Titus, En. 
 
 2. Daniel GrifFen, Capt. ; Benjamin Marvin, 1st Lt. ; Nath'l Nor- 
 ton, 2d Lt. ; Jacob Conklin, En. 
 
 3. John Davis, Capt.; Wm. Haven, 1st Lt. ; Edward Conklin, 
 2d Lt. ; Silvanus Conklin, En. 
 
 577. Return of Col. Smith's Regiment, May 30, '76. 
 
 Captains. 
 
 n 
 
 | Ensig's. | 
 
 | Serg's. | 
 
 | Corp's. | 
 
 Drum's. 1 
 
 | Fifers. | 
 
 Privates 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 David Pierson, 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 42 
 
 Complete in arms. 
 
 Ezekiel Mulford, 
 
 2 
 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 40 
 
 do. do. 
 
 Zeph. Rogers, 
 
 2 
 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 33 
 
 do. do. 
 
 Paul Reeve, 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 35 
 
 do. except bayonets. 
 
 Jona. Bailey, 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 27 
 
 do. except bayonets. 
 
 Selah Strong, 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 57 
 
 want 15 guns and bayonets. 
 
 Nath'l Piatt, 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 42 
 
 complete. 
 
 Thos. Wicks, 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 31 
 
 complete, except one man. 
 
 Total. 
 
 16 
 
 6 
 
 24 
 
 24 
 
 S 
 
 8 
 
 307 
 
 
 Drums, fifes, colors, all deficient. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 27 
 
 Staff of Minute Regiment. 
 Josiah Smith, Col.; John Hulbert, Lt. Col. ; Isaac Reeve, Maj. ; Isaac 
 Overton, 2d Maj. ; Eph'm Marvin, Adj. ; Eben. Dayton, Q. M. 
 
 578. Wm. Smith writes to Congress from Manor St. George, 
 May 25, '76, that there is a communication from Winthrop's Patent} 
 and the Ships of War at the Hook ; that one Gyer, a skipper, had 
 carried off a no. of disaffected persons, mostly from Conn., who had 
 been skulking in the woods, particularly one Fountain, a gunsmith. 
 It is suspected the British also get water, clams, and oysters. 15 
 minute men have been stationed there since last Monday, but as they 
 are farmers, they cannot leave home without ruining their familes ; 
 the matter is referred to Congress. 
 
 579. Lt. John Holliday sends to Gen. Greene, from Far Rocka- 
 way, May 29, '76,, Nathan and Lazarus Gyer, of Blue Point, and 
 Benj. Scribner, taken in a clam boat near against Silas Carman's 
 Landing, O. Bay. Gyer set 7 men ashore at Fort Neck Point, who 
 were seen by Gilbert Jones, of the O. Bay Committee, with a pros- 
 pect-glass. They were examined, May 26, before Joshua Ketcham 
 and B. Birdsall. 
 
 580. June 8, '76. Jona. Baker and Steph. Fountain, convicted 
 by the joint committees of Brookhaven, Manor St. George, and Pa- 
 tentship of Moriches, of taking up arms and corresponding with the 
 British ships, and promoting discord among the inhabitants and se- 
 ducing many to forsake the cause of their country, were brought to 
 Congress by Lt. Wm. Clarke, and committed to safe custody. 
 
 Jour. 484. 
 
 July 18. Nathan and Lazarus Gyre and Jona. Baker were sent to 
 Litchfield jail. Jour. 530. 
 
 581. Quota of Suffolk, 200; of Queens, 175; of Kings, 58 men, 
 to reinforce the Continental army at N. Y. June 7, '76. 
 
 582. The guard-boats Montgomerie and Schuyler lay at Fire L 
 Inlet, June 19, '76. 
 
 583. June 27, '76. Gen. Nath. Woodhull, Ezra L'Hommedieu, 
 John Sloss Hobart, Burnet Miller, Thos. Dcaring, David Gelston, 
 Wm. Smith, and Thos. Tredwell, Esqs., elected to the 4th Pro. Con- 
 
28 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 gress, with powers to establish a new form of government, as appears 
 by a certificate of the committee, signed by Wm. Smith, Chairman. 
 
 Jour. 515. 
 
 584. June 29, '76. Officers of 2d Comp., 3d Bat., Militia. 
 Edmund Howell, 1st Lt. ; Selah Reeves, 2d Lt. ; Jas 
 Wells, En. 
 
 585. List of Officers of Col. Smith's Reg. 
 
 Col. Josiah Smith ; Lt. Col. John Sands ; Maj. Abm. Remsen ; 
 Chaplain, ; Adj't Thos. Waterman ; Q. Master Increase Carpen- 
 ter ; Sergeant Maj. John Stratton ; Q. Master Serg. Maj. Jas. Hollid ; 
 Surgeon, ; Surgeon's Mate, . 
 
 1st Company. Capt. Zeph'h Rogers ; 1st Lt. Edward Tapping ; 2d 
 Lt. Paul Jones ; Serg'ts Hugh Gelston, Tim. Halsey, David Lupton ; 
 Corp's Jehiel Howell, Elias Pierson, Jona. Cook. 
 
 2d Comp. Capt. Nath'l Piatt ;* 1st Lt. Sam'l Smith ; 2d Lt. Henry 
 Skudder ; Serg'ts John Stratton, John Carll, Jesse Bunce ; Corp's Jas. 
 Hubbs, Jed'h Mills, John Hart. 
 
 3d Comp. Capt. Benj. Coe ; 1st Lt. Robt. Furman ; 2d Lt. ; 
 
 Serg'ts Wra. Penfold, Nathan Furman, Gabriel Leveridge ; Corp's Ga- 
 briel Smith, Thos. Gillinworth, John Furman. (See Q. Co. p. 93.) 
 
 4tk Comp. Capt. Peter Nostrand ; 1st Lt. Thos. Williams, (See Q. 
 Co., p. 85) ; 2d Lt. John Carman ; Serg'ts Benj. Cornell, Martin Ryer- 
 son, Abm. Probasco ; Corp'l Rem. Hardenbergh. 
 
 5th Comp. Capt. Thos. Wicks ; 1st Lt. Brush ; 2d Lt. Whitman ; 
 Serg'ts Ketcham, Vail, Sammis ; Corp's Rusco, Conklin, Kelsey. 
 
 6th Comp. Capt. R. Manee ; 1st Lt. Jotham Townsend ; 2d Lt. 
 Richard Townsend ; Serg'ts Wm. Roe, Sam'l Burr, Hicks ; Corp's 
 Mitchell, Jackson. (See Queens Co., p. 94.) 
 
 7th Comp. Capt. Selah Strong ; 1st Lt." Caleb Brewster ;t 2d Lt. 
 [Nath'l ?] Brewster ; Serg'ts Woodhull, Smith, Woodhull ; Corp's Haw- 
 kins, Marvin, Lyons. 
 
 8th Comp. Capt. Youngs ; 1st Lt. John Robert ; 2d Lt. Isaac Hicks ; 
 Serg'ts Beasley, King, Conn ; Corp's Racket, Lawey [or Lowere], Smith. 
 (See Q. Co., p. 98.) 
 
 9th Comp. Capt. [Paul] Reeve ; 1st Lt. Curen [Corwin ?] ; 2d Lt. 
 Benjamin ; Serg'ts Wheelock Roe, Rich'd Hubbard, Nath'l Conklin ; 
 Corp's Solomon, Havens, Wells. 
 
 10th Comp. Capt. Wm. Ludlam ; 1st Lt. Increase Carpenter; 2d 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 29 
 
 Lt. Ephraim Marston; Serg'ts Thurston, Higbie ; Corp's Oba. Smith, 
 Noah Smith. (See Q. Co., p. 97.) 
 11th Comp. Capt B. Birdsall. 
 
 12th Comp. Capt. Ezekiel Mulford ; 1st Lt. Sayre ; 2d Lt. [Nath'l] 
 Hand ; Serg'ts M. Mulford,'Pierson, Domini ; Corp's Henry Sherrel, 
 Benj. Crook, Ludlam Parsons.t 
 
 * Capt. Nath'l Piatt, of Col. Smith's Reg't of militia drafts raised on 
 L. I., rec'd, March 8, '77, of Congress £8, for the last half bounty paid 
 Nath'l Smith, Matthew Beal, and Thomas Peters, privates. Also £141, 
 17, 6, in full of a Pay and Subsistence Roll of part of his company that 
 joined Col. H. B. Livingston's Reg. Jour. 828. 
 
 t /arc. 16, '77. A Pay Roll for £70, 18, 9, of Caleb Brewster, Lt. 
 and Cor. Clark, Zophar Hawkins, and Jacob Jones, privates in Capt. 
 Selah Strong's Company, in Col. Smith's Reg., who joined Col. Livings- 
 ton's Reg., from July 20 to Dec. 29, was paid by Congress. 
 
 Jour. 774. 
 
 t Capt. Hulbert's account current : 
 
 Dr. Pay Roll, Aug. 31, 1776, £332. 17. 8. 
 
 Amount of billeting, 137. 15. 2\. 
 
 Acc't of supplies, 12. 12. 11. 
 
 £483. 5. 94. 
 
 ($72 for enlisting men, (£28. 16.), 
 officers' wages and billeting ) 
 
 Cr. cash rec'd of Thomas Wickham, Esq., 140. 00. 0. 
 
 Balance due, 343. 5. 9^. 
 
 £482. 5. 94- 
 
 586. Smith Town, Aug. 12, '76. 
 
 Sir : — I here send you inclosed, the Resolution"of the Convention 
 and a Letter from the President ; likewise a Letter from Gen. Greene. 
 I desire that you would with all speed embody all the new raised Levies 
 under our command, at the most convenient place that you think proper 
 in your county, on the way to Gen. Greene's encampment. Sir, the 
 companies in Suffolk County are now on their march, and I expect to 
 meet you at Increase Carpenter's to-morrow, some time in the latter part 
 of the day. 
 
 I am, Sir, your humble sen-ant, 
 
 JOSIAH SMITH, Col. 
 
 To Col. John Sands at Cow Neck. 
 
30 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New- York, 
 at Harlem, Aug. 8, 1776, Resolved, That Col. Josiah Smith immedi- 
 ately march all his new Levies to the western part of Nassau Island, 
 and within 2 miles of Brig. Gen. Greene's encampment ; and that 
 he obey such orders as he may receive from time to time from 
 Gen. Greene. 
 
 Harlem, Aug. 8, '76. 
 Sir : — You will see by the inclosed resolution that you are ordered to 
 march the whole force under your command within 2 miles of the army 
 at the west end of L. I., commanded by Gen. Greene. It is expected 
 by this Convention, that you order Kings and Queens Counties first, as 
 they are near, and Suffolk to follow as soon as possible. These direc- 
 ' tions, with the inclosed, I am directed to send you with dispatch, not 
 doubting you will execute them with the utmost diligence. 
 
 From your friend and very humble servant. 
 
 NATH'L WOODHULL, Pres't. 
 
 Col. Josiah Smith. 
 
 N. B. If this letter finds you in Queens County or Kings, you 
 must dispatch your orders to your officers by express, and Congress will 
 pay the cost. 
 
 [See Greene's Letter, Sec. 93, Queens Co. — Ed. 
 
 587. Huntington, July 23, '76. 
 
 Yesterday the Freedom and Independence of the Thirteen Uni- 
 ted Colonies was, with beat of drum, proclaimed at the several places 
 of parade, by reading the Declaration of the General Congress, to- 
 gether with the Resolutions of our Provincial Convention thereupon ; 
 which were approved and applauded by the animated shouts of the 
 people who were present from all the distant quarters of this district. 
 After which the flag which used to wave on Liberty-pole, having Lib- 
 erty on one side, and George III. on the other, underwent a reform, 
 i. e. the Union was cut off, and the letters George III. were discarded, 
 being publicly ripped off ; and then an effigy of the Personage, repre- 
 sented by those letters, being hastily fabricated out of base materi- 
 als, with its face black like Dunmore's Virginia [negro] regiment, 
 its head adorned with a wooden crown, and its head stuck full of 
 feathers, like Carleton and Johnson's Savages, and its body wrapped 
 in the Union, instead of a blanket or robe of state, and lined with 
 gun-powder, which the original seems to be fond of. The whole, to- 
 gether with the letters above mentioned.was hung on a gallows, ex- 
 ploded and burnt to ashes. In the evening the Committee of this 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 31 
 
 town, with a large number of the principal inhabitants sat around 
 the genial board, and drank 13 patriotic toasts, among which were, 
 The free and independent States of America; The General Con- 
 gress; The Convention of the 13 States; Our principal military- 
 Commanders, and success and enlargement to the American Navy. 
 Nor was the memory of our late brave heroes, who have gloriously 
 lost their lives in the cause of Liberty and their Country forgotten. 
 
 Holt's N. Y. Journal. 
 
 588. The Committee of Southold expended £24. 17. 4. for 
 mounting four cannon Aug. 19, '76, as field-pieces for the protec- 
 tion of the East End of L. I. 
 
 589. Convention send an express on Saturday morning Aug. 24, 
 to Suffolk Co. to Gen. Woodhull, or in his absence to Lt. Col. Pot- 
 ter, to march without delay half the western Reg. of Suffolk Co. 
 Militia, with 5 days' provisions into the Western part of Queens : to 
 order out all the militia of Queens with the horse, to prevent the 
 stock and provisions in Queens from falling into the enemy's hands? 
 either by removing or destroying them. 
 
 Aug. 25. Gen. Woodhull arrived in Jamaica, whence he wrote 
 to the convention for further instructions, but the letter is lost — Ed. 
 
 590. Huntington, Aug. 26, '76. 
 
 I had not arrived at my house from Jamaica half an hour, before 
 I received information by express from Capt. Thompson of Brook- 
 haven, that two ships, one brig and three tenders had landed a num- 
 ber of regular troops between Old Man's and Wading Rivers, who 
 at one o'clock were shooting cattle. Major Smith has ordered the 
 detachment designed for your party to the eastward, and as our men 
 are gone and the wind fresh to the eastward, I well know they can- 
 not lay there. I expect them in our bay before morning, the only 
 harbor in the Sound : I have not ordered any men from here as yet, 
 but am mustering them to make as good opposition as possible. 
 We must have help here ; every thing possible for me shall be done. 
 I think Gen. Washington should be acquainted. Our women are in 
 great tumult. In great haste, Yours, 
 
 GILBERT POTTER. 
 
 To Brig. Gen. Woodhull. 
 
 591. Benj. Havens, Nath'l Williams, Philip Allen, jr., John 
 Hendrickson and Nathaniel Seaman were empowered to purchase all 
 
32 
 
 KEVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 fat cattle and sheep in Queens and Suffolk Co's on account of the 
 Commissary General, and drive them down to Gen. WoodhulPs En- 
 campment. 
 
 592. Westward of Qvesns Co., Aug. 27, '76. 
 Gentlemen: — Inclosed I send you a copy of a letter from Col. Potter, 
 
 who left me yesterday at 11 o'clock, after bringing about 100 men to me 
 at Jamaica. Majos Smith has, I expect, all the rest that was to come 
 from Suffolk Co. There has about 40 of the militia joined me 
 from the Regiments in Queens Co., and about fifty of the troop be- 
 longing to Kings and Queens Cp's, which is near all I expect. I have 
 got all the cattle southward of the Hills in Kings Co. drove to the 
 eastward of the cross road between the two Co's, and have placed guards 
 and sentries from the North road to the South side of the Island, in 
 order to prevent the cattle going back, and to prevent the communica- 
 tions of the Tories with the enemy. I am within about six miles of the 
 enemy's camp. Their light-horse,* has been within two miles of 
 me, and unless I have more men our stay here will answer no purpose. 
 We shall soon want to be supplied with provision, if we tarry here. I 
 am, gentlemen, 
 
 Your most obedient humble servant 
 
 NATH'L WOODHULL. 
 * See Queens Co., Sec. 99, Note.— Ed. 
 
 593. Aug. 26. Convention orders Col. Smith's and Remsen's 
 Reg's to join Gen. Woodhull, and that he then take post on the 
 heights near the west of Queens Co., or in any convenient place, 
 for preventing the depredations and incursions of the Enemy : and 
 that he call out the militia and other inhabitants to protect those re- 
 moving, or to destroy stock and other provisions. He is also to pre- 
 vent intercourse with the enemy and secure suspicious persons and 
 search their houses for papers. 
 
 Smith's and Remsen's Regiments were now shut up in the 
 American Lines, so that no assistance ever reached Woodhull. — Ed. 
 
 594. Jamaica, Aug. 27, '76. 
 
 Gentlemen : — I am now at Jamaica, with less than 100 men ; hav- 
 ing brought all the cattle from the westward, southward of the hills ; and 
 have sent them off with the Troops of Horse, with orders to take all 
 the rest Eastward of this place to the East end of Hempstead Plains, and 
 to put them into the fields and set a guard over them. The enemy, I 
 am informed, are intrenching from the Heights near Howard's, South- 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 33 
 
 ward.* I have now received yours, with several resolutions, which I 
 wish it was in my power to put in execution, but, unless Col's Smith 
 and Remsen, mentioned in yours, join me with their Regiments, or some 
 other assistance immediately, I shall not be able, for the people are all 
 moving East, and I cannot get any assistance from them. I shall con- 
 tinue here as long as I can, in hopes of a reinforcement ; but if none 
 comes soon, I shall retreat and drive the stock before me, into the 
 woods. Col's Smith and Remsen, I think cannot join me. Unless you 
 can send me some other assistance, I fear I shall soon be obliged to quit 
 this place. I hope soon to hear from you. I am, gentlemen, 
 Your most obedient,humble servant, 
 
 NATH'L WOODHULL. 
 
 To the Hon. Convention of the State of N. Y. at Harlem. 
 
 * A mistake of course. This letter appears to have been received 
 and acted upon by the Convention before the preceding one, at least it 
 is so entered in the Journal. — Ed. 
 
 595. The battle of Brooklyn had now been fought (for an account of 
 which, see Kings Co.) and the enemy had so completely surprised 
 the American scouts, on the morning of Aug. 27, that not one prob- 
 ably had escaped to apprize Woodhull of the loss of our outposts, 
 and warn him to flee from impending danger, for we find him the day 
 after the defeat yet at Jamaica, writing a letter to the Convention and 
 waiting for a reply, when it behooved him to withdraw speedily and 
 at once from his perilous proximity. — Ed. 
 
 596. Major Lawrence, who came on a message from Woodhull, 
 informs Convention the morning of Aug. 28, that Dr. Ab'm Riker 
 told him that a number of scattering troops [British] had posted 
 themselves, Aug. 27, on the ridge of hills between Newtown and Ja- 
 maica; that they had been in many of the houses; had taken 
 victuals and drink but had not plundered as he understood. 
 
 Convention, Aug. 28, order Maj. Lawrence to wait on Gen. Wash- 
 ton with a copy of Woodhull's letter, and inform him how Smith 
 and Remsen's Regiments may be sent to Woodhull by way of 
 Flushing. 
 
 Washington declined sending the Regiments as he could not 
 spare them. — Ed. 
 
 Convention also order Mr. Van Wyck to repair immediately to 
 Flushing to gain intelligence of the situation of the enemy and what 
 places are occupied by Woodhull, and that he dispatch a boat with 
 
84 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 all possible expedition with the information, at the same time point- 
 ing out the most suitable place for Woodhull's reinforcement to land. 
 
 Flushing, Aug. 28, '76. 
 Gentlemen : — I am informed by Thos. Thorne, a member of Com- 
 mittee, who just came from Gen. Woodhull, that he was at Jamaica ; 
 and that he [Thorne] just came from White Stone ; that the ships of 
 war lay between Thorn's Point and Great Neck ; that there can be no 
 danger of bringing up our men to this place, if [we] can get them up 
 this evening. I think it will be proper to send this intelligence off a3 
 soon as possible by the same boat, as I cannot get any other. I am 
 just going to Jamaica to the General. 
 
 I am, Gentlemen, your most obt. 
 
 Humble servant, 
 
 COR'S VAN WYCK. 
 
 To the Pro. Congress. 
 
 [Whether Van Wyck ever reached Woodhull or not, it is impos- 
 sible to tell. Perhaps he fell into the hands of the light-horse, who, 
 in companies of 8 or 10, were pillaging at Flushing. — Ed.] 
 
 Jamaica, Aug. 28, '76. 
 597. Gentlemen : — I wrote 2 letters to you yesterday, one by ex- 
 press, and another by Mr. Harper ;* and also sent my Brigade-major to 
 you to let you know my situation, and I expected an answer to some of 
 them last night : but my express informed me he was detained till last 
 night for an answer. I have now rec'd yours of the 26th, which is only 
 a copy of the last, without a single word of answer to my letters, or the 
 message by my brigade-major. I must again let you know my situa- 
 tion. I have about 70 men, and about 20 of the troop, which is all the 
 force I have or can expect, and I am daily growing less in number. The 
 people are so alarmed in Suffolk, that they will not any more of them 
 march : and as to Col's Smith and Remsen's regiments, they cannot join 
 me, for the communication is cut off between us. I have sent about 1100 
 cattle to the great fields on the plains yesterday, about 300 more gone 
 off this morning to the same place ; and I have ordered a guard of an 
 officer and 7 privates. They can get no water in those fields. My men 
 and horses are worn out with fatigue. The cattle are not all gone off 
 toward Hempstead ; I ordered them yesterday, but they were not able 
 to take them along. I brought yesterday about 300 from Newtown. I 
 think the cattle are in as much danger on the north as on the south side, 
 and have ordered the inhabitants to remove them. If you cannot send 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 33 
 
 me an immediate reinforcement, I am afraid I shall have no men with 
 me by to-morrow night ; for they consider themselves in an enemy's 
 country. And if I can have no reinforcement, I beg you will send very 
 particular directions what I shall do with the stock, whether I shall kill 
 them, or leave them, for I shall not be able to get them all together and 
 tend them [even] if the men I have will all stay with me. I beg you 
 would immediately send at least 2 members as a committee that I may 
 have their advice : for unless you do, I must quit, for I hope the Con- 
 vention does not expect me to make brick with[out] straw. 
 
 I am, Gentlemen, 
 Your most ob't, 
 
 NATH'L WOODHULL. 
 [* Robert Harper had just carried £200 to the Committee of Flush- 
 ing, and was on his return to the Convention. — Ed.] 
 
 [The above is the last letter ever written by the General — writ- 
 ten probably only a few hours before his capture ; and it was while 
 waiting for a reply that he was overtaken by the enemy. In com- 
 pliance with his request, the Convention ordered, Aug. 28, that 
 Judge Hobart and Jas. Townsend be a Committee to repair to Gen. 
 Woodhull, to assist him with their advice, and that they impress 
 boats and persons to convey themselves to the General with the ut- 
 most dispatch ; and that they and the General be instructed to cause 
 all such stock and grain in Queens and the western part of Suffolk, 
 as may be in danger of falling into the enemy's hands and cannot be 
 removed, to be destroyed.] Jour. 596. 
 
 [Messrs. Townsend and Hobart, on arriving in Queens Co., 
 heard of Woodhull's capture, w T hen they hastened on to Hunting- 
 ton.— Ed.] 
 
 Aug. 29. Convention yet in ignorance of Woodhull's fate, or- 
 der Sam'l Townsend, a member of their body, to be sent as a mes- 
 senger to him (fearing a letter might fall into the enemies' hands) to 
 give an account of their proceedings upon the subject of his letters, 
 and of Washington's letter declining to send Cols. Smith and Rem- 
 sen. [Townsend probably did not set out. — Ed.] Jour. 599. 
 
 598. [What part, if any, the L. I. regiments bore in the battle of 
 Brooklyn, I am not able to say. They were hemmed in the Lines, 
 and perhaps acted as inner guards. Col. Smith joined in the retreat 
 to New-York, as appears by the following letter. — Ed.] 
 
3G 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 Camp at Brooklyn, Aug. 29, '76. 
 To the President of the Convention. — I just now received orders from 
 the General to march my Reg. over to N. Y., and there to receive or- 
 ders from the Convention of N. Y., which I desire you to send me by 
 the bearer, Col. Phinehas Fanning. 
 
 JOSIAH SMITH, Col. 
 
 [Convention order Col. Smith's Reg. to Hoorn's Hook, but it 
 was soon disbanded, " the Col. giving leave for every man to shift 
 for himself in getting their families and effects off L. I." — Ed.] 
 
 [The death of Gen. Woodhull has not been described in any his- 
 tory of the Revolution, and as the accounts both written and traditional 
 are conflicting, we insert all the notices of his capture and death we 
 have met with, and leave the reader to form his own opinion. — Ed.] 
 
 599. Death of Gen. Woodhull, from Wood's L. L, pages 88,89. 
 Ed. of 1826. 
 
 Before General Woodhull had reached the outposts of the Ame- 
 rican army,* he discovered that the British had possession of the 
 country between him and the left wing of the American army, and 
 that any farther advance would only expose his troops, without ef- 
 fecting any good purpose, and therefore ordered a retreat. The 
 Gen. remained in the rear and retreated slowly with only one or two 
 companions, waiting, as is said, for the return of his Brigade Major 
 [Lawrence]. A severe thunder shower, as is supposed, obliged him 
 to take refuge in a public house about 2 miles east of Jamaica [vil- 
 lage], and before he left the house he was overtaken by a detach- 
 ment of the 17th Reg. of British Dragoons, and 71st Reg. of British 
 Infantryf [Highlanders], who had been dispatched in pursuit of the 
 militia under his command, accompanied by some disaffected inhabi- 
 tants [of Jamaica] as guides. The Gen. stept to the door| in order 
 to give them his sword. The ruffian who first approached him, said 
 to be a Major BairdJ of the 71st, as is reported, ordered him to say 
 " God save the King." The General replied, " God save us all," on 
 which he most cowardly and cruelly assailed the defenceless General 
 with his broadsword, and would have killed him on the spot, if he 
 had not been prevented by the interference of an officer of more 
 honor and humanity, said to be Major Delancy|| of the Dragoons, 
 who arrested his savage violence. The Gen. was badly wounded in 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 37 
 
 the head, and one or both arms was mangled from the shoulder to 
 the wrist. * * * * * 
 
 It is said that one of the battalions employed in this inglorious 
 warfare against an unresisting individual, or some other one, was com- 
 manded by a Major Crewe,1f a distant kinsman of the Gen., and that 
 when he came to be apprized of that fact and of the circumstances 
 of the case, he was so mortified, that he either resigned his commis- 
 sion and quit the service, «r obtained permission to leave the army, 
 and returned to England. 
 
 .[* It is now demonstrated by documents that Gen. W. was not or- 
 dered to join the A. army at all, but to drive off the stock towards the 
 east.] 
 
 [t Could foot soldiers have kept up with dragoons in their hot pur- 
 suit of the General ? Besides, the 71st Reg. was engaged in battle at 
 Gowanus, Aug. 27.] 
 
 [t The accounts vary of the precise manner of the General's capture 
 whether mounting his horse, stepping to the door, taken in the dark in* 
 the barn, or after an ineffectual attempt at concealment, or on the 
 piazza.] 
 
 [§ In '76 there was a Capt. (not Major) Sir Jas. Baird of the 71st 
 Reg.] 
 
 [|| See Queens Co., Sec. 112.] 
 
 [IT Major Crewe (17th Dragoons), if he ever did resign, was very 
 slow about it, for we find his name in the army list in '78.] 
 
 [I have italicised the words implying doubt or uncertainty in the 
 above account. They occur nine times ! In his first edition, 1824, 
 Wood says, " Woodhull was suffered by the officers to be so cut and 
 mangled, that he died of his wounds a few days after his capture." 
 —Ed.} 
 
 A New Haven paper of Sep. 4, says, "Woodhull, late President 
 of the New-York Congress, for refusing to give up his side arms, 
 was wounded on the head with a cutlass and had a bayonet thrust 
 through his arm." 
 
 [The mention of cutlass and bayonet would indicate that both 
 horse and foot were present at Woodhull's capture. — Ed.] 
 
 Col. Livingston says, Southold, Aug. 31, " Woodhull was taken 
 prisoner Wed. last, Aug. 28, and cruelly treated by the horse. Af- 
 ter he was taken he received a wound in his head and much uncivil 
 language, and was finally committed close prisoner to Jamaica jail." 
 3 
 
33 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 [* Does this refer to his being ordered to say " God save the king V* 
 —Ed.} 
 
 Wm. Warne, who left Long Island Sep. 5th, '76, reports at 
 Fishkill, Sep. 7th, that " one of the Light Horsemen told he had 
 taken Gen. Woodhull in the dark in Increase Carpenter's barn ; 
 that before he would answer when he spoke to the General, he had 
 cut him on the head and both arms." Jour. 617, 619. 
 
 " Sundry prisoners taken on L. I. Aug. 27, were, in an inhuman 
 and barbarous manner, murdered after they had surrendered their 
 arms ; particularly a General Woodhull, of the Militia, who was 
 hacked to pieces with cutlasses, when alive, by the light horsemen." 
 — Ethan Allen's Life, written March '79. 
 
 [That the light horse were sent expressly to capture Woodhull's party, 
 and prevent his driving off the live stock, which they so much needed, 
 is highly probable in itself, and is confirmed by all tradition. Wm. 
 Howard, aged 86, says : " On the night before the battle, the light horse 
 (who acted as scouts to the enemy), heard where Woodhull's party lay, 
 and started in quest of him ; but on hearing an exaggerated account of 
 his force, they returned." The day after the battle, they set out again 
 after him, and entered Jamaica village at tea-time, inquiring for Wood- 
 hull. They surrounded the house of Robert Hinchman, a noted Whig, 
 who ran out of the back door, but was stopped by the soldiers who had 
 already surrounded the house, expecting perhaps to find Woodhull there. 
 Hinchman was next seen in front of his house on his knees with hands 
 uplifted and the enemy flourishing their swords over his head. His life 
 was spared, but he was put in jail that night and next day sent west- 
 ward. 
 
 The light horse rode on east till they came to Carpenter's inn, 
 where they saw two horses (as Mrs. Hinchman used to tell the story), 
 and supposed the riders must be near. After searching a while to no 
 purpose, they fired their pistols into the thatched roof of the barn, but 
 as the straw was wet it would not kindle. They then broke open the 
 doors and felt in the hay with their swords till they pricked the heel of 
 Wm. Everett's boot. On his putting forth his head to surrender, he 
 was cut at by a soldier till an officer stopped him. Gen. Woodhull was 
 brought wounded the same evening into the back room of her house 
 and laid on a bed, his arm hacked, as a butcher would a shin of beef. 
 He begged Mrs. H. not to leave him alone, and that her son might 
 sit up with him that night. " Don't be uneasy, General," said the kind 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 39 
 
 hostess, " I don't expect to go to bed to-night." (In Knapp's Life of 
 Woodhull, it is said " he was confined in the stone church, exposed 
 in his blood-stained garments, to the gaze of all.") The next morning 
 the enemy would have made Woodhull walk with other prisoners to the 
 British army, but he was too faint. Whithead Hicks had previously 
 offered his carriage for the use of the wounded General, but the kind 
 offer was rejected, incredible as it may seem, by Sir Wm. Erskine ! At 
 last, as David Lamberson, also a prisoner, was too unwell to walk, they 
 made him take his own chair and Woodhull with him in it. The Gen- 
 eral, with other prisoners, was probably first taken to Howe's head-quar- 
 ters near Brooklyn, to be registered. We know nothing of the place 
 or manner of his confinement till about a fortnight after, when he was 
 brought on board a prison-ship off New Utrecht. 
 
 How different was Woodhull' s treatment from that of Gen. Sullivan 
 and Lord Sterling, taken prisoners the day before, who were kindly en- 
 tertained and soon exchanged. Was it because they were of the Regu- 
 lar or Continental army, while Woodhull, though President of the N. 
 Y. Convention, was but a general of militia ? — Ed.] 
 
 Robert Troup, Esq., a Lieutenant in Col. Lasher's battalion of 
 New-York militia, was made prisoner by a British scouting party, 
 about three o'clock, A. M., Aug. 27, five miles west of Jamaica. 
 After a week's confinement at Flatbush, he with seventy or eighty 
 officers, was put on board a small vessel or transport, lying between 
 Gravesend and the Hook, which had been employed in bringing 
 cattle from England. After Troup's release, he made oath of the 
 treatment he had received : and at the close of it he adds : — 
 
 " That while he was confined on board the said transport, Brigadier 
 General Woodhull was also brought on board, in a shocking mangled 
 condition : that deponent asked the General the particulars of his cap- 
 ture, and was told by the said General that he had been taken by a party 
 of light-horse, under the command of Captain Oliver De Lancey : that 
 he was asked by the said Captain if he would surrender ; that he an- 
 swered in the affirmative, provided, he would treat him like a gentle- 
 man, which Captain De Lancey assured him he would ; whereupon the 
 General delivered his sword, and that immediately after the said Oliver 
 De Lancey, junior, struck him, and others of the said party imitating his 
 example, did cruelly cut and hack him in the manner he then was; 
 that, although he was in such a mangled and horrible situation, he had, 
 nevertheless, been obliged to sleep on the bare floor of the said trans- 
 
40 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 port, if a lieutenant of the man-of-war who guarded the transport had 
 not lent him a mattress : that General Woodhull was afterwards car- 
 ried to the hospital in the church of New Utrecht, where he perished, as 
 deponent was on good authority informed, through want of care, and 
 other necessaries : and further this deponent saith not. 
 
 " Robert Troup. 
 
 " Sworn the 17th of January, 1777, before me, 
 
 " Gouv. MoRRis." 
 What Troup heard of Woodhull's perishing through want of care 
 and other necessaries, is confirmed by the following extract of a let- 
 ter from Dr. Silas Holmes, of Norwich, a prisoner and assistant 
 surgeon in the British Hospital, who himself attended Woodhull. 
 He says : — 
 
 " The wounded prisoners taken at the battle of Brooklyn were put 
 in the churches of Flatbush and New Utrecht, but being neglected and 
 unattended, were wallowing in their own filth, and breathed an in- 
 fected and putrid air. Ten days after the battle, Dr. Richard Bailey 
 was appointed to superintend the sick. He was humane, and dressed 
 the wounded daily, got a sack-bed, sheet and blanket for each prisoner, 
 and distributed the patients into the adjacent barns. When Mrs. 
 Woodhull offered to pay Dr. Bailey for his care and attention to her 
 husband, he replied, he had done no more than his duty, and if there 
 was any thing due, it was to me." 
 
 What a pity Woodhull had not fallen into the hands of this good 
 Samaritan in the earlier stages of his illness ! His wounds, neglected 
 for nine days in the hot months of August and September, had assumed 
 such a malignant form, that not even the medical skill of Dr. Bailey 
 could avail to save his valuable life. 
 
 Proceedings of the N. Y. Convention in behalf of Gen. Woodhull, 
 Sep. 18, '76. 
 
 " Whereas this Convention, after many anxious inquiries, hath at 
 length received certain intelligence that the Hon. Nath'l Woodhull, 
 Brig. Gen. of the militia, and President of the Convention of this State, 
 is at present in the hands of the enemy, and that he was made captive 
 whilst actually employed in executing the Resolutions of this House. 
 And Whereas they are loudly called upon not only by the sacred 
 voice of honor and public duty, but likewise by the sympathizing 
 principles of personal affection and respect, to exert themselves in 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 41 
 
 restoring so valuable a person to that liberty which he has hmiself 
 lost in endeavoring to secure to others that inestimable blessing ; 
 Therefore, Resolved, that a list of the prisoners at the disposal of this 
 State be immediately made out, and transmitted to Gen. Washington, 
 and that John Sloss Hobart, Esq. wait on his Excellency with the 
 earnest request of this Convention, that he will be pleased to give 
 his assistance and advice in negotiating his exchange." 
 Hobart thus writes from Fairfield, Oct. 7, '76 : 
 
 Gentlemen : — I wrote to ^Convention from Camp at Kingsbridge, 
 giving an account of the progress I had made in negotiating the ex- 
 change of Gen. Woodhull, since which I have received the melancholy 
 intelligence of his death. The wound in his arm mortified, and the 
 arm was taken off, but the mortification still continued, and in a few 
 days put an end to that useful life. He was attended in his dying mo- 
 ments by his lady, who was permitted to remove the corpse to his seat, 
 where it was interred about the 23d ult. These particulars I have from 
 Capt. Benajah Strang, of Islip, by whose door the procession passed on 
 its way to St. George's. Cor. 346. 
 
 [The ballad on Woodhull's death (Thompson, n. 423,) was first 
 published in the N. Y. Nat. Advocate, Feb. 28, 1821, and thence 
 copied into the L. I. papers. It was probably written (with poetic 
 license) by some person of leisure, who in his rides from the city 
 called at Carpenter's Inn, and heard the story from the Landlady. 
 A tragedy has also been written on the same subject, by Mr. Lester, 
 1849. The Life of Woodhull may be found in Thompson, and also 
 in Knapp's Biography. See Queens Co., Sec. Ill, 112. — Ed.'] 
 
 [The original Journal of Col. Woodhull, 3d, N. Y. Reg., kept during 
 the expedition of Gen. Amherst, against Montreal, in 1760, is now in 
 possession of his descendants at Mastic. — Ed.] 
 
PART II. 
 
 SUBMISSION OF SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 600. [The consternation of the inhabitants of Suffolk, at 
 hearing the news of the disastrous battle of Brooklyn and the 
 subsequent abandonment of the Island to the enemy, may be 
 better understood from the following documents than any de- 
 scription I can give. — Ed.] 
 
 Hobart and Townsend who had been sent by the Convention 
 to advise with Woodhull, write as follows, from Hunting- 
 ton, Aug. 30 : — 
 
 " To our unspeakable mortification we found, when we arrived in 
 Queens Co., that the militia had dispersed, and Gen. Woodhull had 
 fallen into the hands of the enemy. We then proceeded with all 
 dispatch to this town, as the only place where we could have any 
 prospect of making an effectual stand, as the enemy were in full pos- 
 session of the western parts of Queens Co., as far as Jamaica, and 
 the Disaffected from the east were gone in to them. We have order- 
 ed the militia of Suffolk to rendezvous here, and written to Col. Mul- 
 fordof E. Hampton, to come up and take command, and have borrow- 
 ed £320 from the Treasurer of Q. Co. — Aug. 31. Our express not 
 being able to cross at Sand's Point, has returned. A no. of militia 
 of this town, are now under arms, but they complain their officers 
 have left them. We have exerted ourselves to recover the people 
 from the consternation into which they were thrown by the precipi- 
 tate retreat of WoodhulPs party. A party of Kings Co. horse have 
 crossed the sound from this place, leaving their horses to follow in 
 the next boat. We stopped the horses and sent for the men back 
 [they did not return. — Ed.]. We purpose after the party who were 
 with Gen. Woodhull are rallied, to form the rest into companies. As 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 43 
 
 to field officers we shall be at a loss, as Col. Floyd is at Congress, Lt. 
 Col. Potter is gone off, 1st Major Smith resigned : 2d Major Brush 
 is with us and begins to be in spirits. Cor. 291. 
 
 Narrative of the proceedings of the officers and men of part of 
 1st Reg. of Suffolk Co., Aug. SO, at Brookhaven and 
 Smithtown, by EbenW Dayton, Q. M. 
 
 Aug. 29. Maj. Jeffery Smith sent orders to Adjutant Philip Roe, 
 to order the 4 companies in. Brookhaven to march immediately to 
 Piatt Carlls' in Huntington. He did so, and there appeared a high 
 spirit among the men. By the middle of next day 3 companies 
 arrived to Epenetus Smith's, Smithtown, and the other, Capt. Nich. 
 Roe's, was coming up. It was reported at Smith's that the Major 
 was gone to Huntington to see Messrs. Hobart and Townsend, and 
 desired the companies to wait till his return, which was not till dark. 
 Meanwhile the militia were uneasy and eager to march to Hempstead 
 Plains, to bring off the stock and make a stand in the woods E. of 
 the Plains. At dusk the Major returned and called the officers into 
 a room, and told them he thought " it dangerous to march farther 
 West, as their forces would not be sufficient to oppose the enemy, 
 and he very much gave up the Island ; they must fall in the enemy's 
 hands, it would not be good policy to incense a cruel enemy by being 
 taken in arms ; if they remained quietly at home, they would Hire 
 better, and that he should resign his commission ; Col. Potter was 
 gone off and left him alone, and Maj. Brush had judged it unsafe to 
 proceed against the enemy, unless reinforced. Capt. Thompson said 
 he would give orders, for his company to return home immediately." 
 Major S. said he would give no orders as he designed to decline his 
 commission (but advised them to wait till they could have orders 
 from Hobart and Townsend) ; whereupon the milita repaired to 
 their homes. Cor. 292. 
 
 Sam'l Buell writes from Sag Harbor, Aug. 30, '76, that he has just 
 received direct intelligence from the West end of the Island, that the 
 ministerial army are on this side our army. The enemy have 200 horse 
 whose riders were to dine, Aug. 28, at Hempstead. The Hessians 
 fight terribly. I am with Col. Livingston. Will you throw over a num- 
 ber of Troops ! Trumbull, V. 444. 
 
 H. B. Livingston writes from Sag Harbor, Aug. 30, '76, that he 
 
44 
 
 SUBMISSION OF 
 
 has command of a detachment of 200 troops by order of Washington, 
 to protect inhabitants and stock. This force is insufficient and in 
 danger. "Send over forces in the night, that they may not be seen by 
 the British ships in the Sound." 
 
 Robt. Hempstead, Ch'n of a Committee meeting, at Southhold* 
 Aug. 31, '76, writes that they have received several expresses from the 
 middle of the Island, that the enemy's scouting party of about 300 horse 
 and 400 foot with a no. of tory recruits, are about penetrating into Suf- 
 folk Co., as they have already marched as far as the West part of 
 Hempstead Plains, where they took Gen. Woodhull prisoner. '^Will 
 you aid us with men and ammunition, as our men are chiefly drawn off 
 —not able to raise over 750 men in the whole Co. — If you send men, send 
 provisions also, except fresh." 
 
 Maltby Gelston, Ch'n of the Committee of S. andE. Hampton, met 
 at Bridge Hampton, Aug. 31, '76, w T rites to the same effect. 
 
 Buell writes from Sag Harbor, Aug. 31, that Gen Woodhull is fallen 
 into the hands of the King's troops. Two days ago they drove 1500 
 head of cattle from Hempstead Plains to their army. They are about 
 to enter Suffolk with 300 horse and a company of foot. 3 Companies 
 of SO men each are stationed here with one-third of our militia, who 
 are ordered to march immediately up the Island. They are fortify- 
 ing 15 miles hence, where the Island is but 15 rods wide, where 200 
 men can oppose 2,000. Half our militia is away. 
 
 H. B. Livingston, at Camp, River Head, Sep. 1, '76, writes that 
 Hobart has brought a letter from Huntington. 
 
 H. B. Livingston, Saybrook Harbor, Sep. 4, '76, writes that on Sat. last 
 he marched to River Head, within about 50 miles of the British Light 
 Horse, with his detachment of 200 men, and the Suffolk militia, but 
 when the militia heard the Island was given up, they proposed to sub- 
 mit and fled to their homes. He retreated to Cont., having disarmed 
 70 of the inhabitants and brought off 4 cannon with baggage and some 
 provisions. 
 
 To the Inhabitants of Suffolk County. 
 601. His Excellency Gen. Howe having appointed me Com- 
 manding officer for the eastern part of this Island, I do hereby strictly 
 enjoin and order all persons whatsoever in your County of Suffolk, 
 upon your peril, to use your utmost efforts to preserve the peace of 
 said county ; that all Committee-men and others acting under the 
 authority of the Rebels, immediately do cease and remain at their re- 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 45 
 
 spective homes, that every man in arms lay them down forthwith and 
 surrender themselves on pain of being treated as rebels : and I here- 
 by exhort all persons to be aiding and assisting His Majesty's Forces 
 by furnishing them with whatever lays in their power. In particu- 
 lar that they bring in their cattle (except milch cows and calves) for 
 their supply, and their wagons and horses for transporting their bag- 
 gage, &c, — for all which they shall be fully paid, His Majesty having 
 sent his army, not for the oppression, but for the protection of the 
 inhabitants : But I must also signify that unless they show a dutiful 
 submission in all respects, and an immediate compliance with these 
 orders respecting the cattle and wagons, I shall be under the neces- 
 sity of marching the forces under my command without delay into 
 the county, and lay waste the property of the disobedient, as persons 
 unworthy His Majesty's clemency. 
 
 WILL. ERSKINE, BrigW Gen'L 
 Head-Quarters in Queens County, Aug. 29, 17TG. 
 
 602. Jamaica, Sep. 1, '76. 
 Sir : — I am ordered by His Ex. the Hon. Wm. Howe, Gen'l. and 
 
 commander-in-chief of all his Majesty's forces in N. A., from Nova 
 Scotia to the Floridas, on the application of the County of Suffolk, by 
 Nath'l Woodhull and Sam'l Philips, who have signified to him that the 
 inhabitants of said Co. are desirous to lay down their arms and again 
 become loyal and obedient subjects ; that for the peace and ease and 
 security of the inhabitants, he is willing to accept of their submission 
 and promise them protection, on the King's Colonels, or other inferiors 
 of Militia, respectively, causing the men through the county to lay down 
 their arms, take the oath of allegiance, and sign the said roll of submis- 
 sion; disclaiming and rejecting the orders of Congress and Committees, 
 and totally refusing obedience to them, and to obey the legal authority 
 of Gov't., and in all places of worship in future to pray for the King 
 and royal family, as was used before the present unprovoked rebellion. 
 
 OLIVER DELANCEY, 
 Major Gen'l of the Militia in the Southern 
 District of the Colony of IV. F. 
 
 To Col. Coxklix. 
 
 603. Huntington, Sep. 2, '76. 
 Sir : You are hereby directed to give orders to all the King's 
 
 Capts., or next commanding officers of Militia, in the 3d Bat. of Suf- 
 folk Co., to call their several companies together, at the usual places, 
 3* 
 
46 
 
 SUBMISSION OF 
 
 immediately, and to order those that have taken up arms against the 
 King, to lay them down and take the oath of allegiance to the King, 
 and sign a roll of submission, disclaiming and rejecting the orders 
 of Congress or Committees, and to obey the legal authority of Gov- 
 ernment. This is by order of Gen. Howe. 
 
 O. DELANCEY. 
 
 I have inclosed a true copy of the writing sent me by Gen. 
 Howe. 
 
 To Col. Phineas Fanning. 
 
 Sep. 2, '76. Israel Wood, President of the Trustees of Huntington 
 writes to Col. Livingston to disperse his army or the Regulars will be 
 on him ; the people are in a doleful situation, have received the Procla- 
 mation and sent in their resignations yesterday. Smithtown did the 
 same. 
 
 Col. Abm. Gardiner administered the oath of allegianoe to the peo- 
 ple of East and South Hampton. He surrounded the house of Col. 
 Hedges at Sagg and of Col. Mulford at East Hampton, and forced them 
 to the oath. Southold met by order of Col. Phineas Fanning to take 
 the oath. The cattle on Montauk were driven in to Erskine. Tories 
 were enlisting at Coram, before Sep. 7, '76. 
 
 Harrison says, Sep. 7, '76, the Ministerial Troops have been to O. 
 Bay and Hempstead, the disaffected have joined to assist the enemy, 
 and proceeded as far as Setauket. Howe has set guards to prevent 
 stock or persons going off the Island. Isaac Ketcham has got a com- 
 mission and some recruits. Wm. Smith, of , administers oaths of 
 
 allegiance, and Thos. Smith, of Hog I., receives submissions. Col. 
 Livingston is moving westward ; men were going from Con't to bring 
 off gunpowder and flour which one Ireland had sold to the British ; Col. 
 Jos. Smith was in Con't. Jour. 612. 
 
 Wm. Warne, who left Nassau Island, Sep. 5, says Suffolk Co. had 
 given up, and Gen. Howe sent word if they would testify their loyalty, 
 they must send him 200 wagons, and they sent 300 to remove baggage 
 from N. Utrecht to Hellgate. Jour. 619. 
 
 Before Oct. 7, '76, 200 infantry and 100 cavalry were at Huntington 
 to force the people to join the British Troops. Jour. 671. 
 
 Oba. Jones to Uriah Rogers. 
 Sep. 13, '76. Zeb. Howell, an Express, brings Delancey's Proclama- 
 tion, dated Sep. 11, from Jamaica to South Hampton, and says, " British 
 Head-Quarters are at Jamaica, and 2 men must be sent to Jamaica to 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 47 
 
 Gen. Howe to give a true account of Suffolk Co." — Nathan Woodhull, of 
 Setauket, was appointed for the west part of Suffolk, and E, and S. 
 Hampton will meet, Sep. 14, at Sagg Meeting-House, to appoint 
 another. 
 
 604. Jamaica, Queens Co., Sep. 5, '76. 
 His Ex. the Hon. Wm. Howe, Gen. and commander-in-chief of all 
 
 His Majesty's forces within the Colonies lying on the Atlantic Ocean, 
 from Nova Scotia to West Florida, inclusive, &c, having authorized 
 me to raise a Brigade of Provincials solely for the defence of this Island, 
 to re-establish order and gov't, within the same : to apprehend, or drive 
 all concealed rebels from among His Majesty's well-affected subjects, 
 and other essential purposes ; I do hereby, for the encouragement of en- 
 listing men in the county of Suffolk, give notice, that upon any persons 
 of good recommended characters, raising a company of 70 men, they 
 shall have commissions for one Capt., one Lt., and one Ensign, and 
 shall be paid and subsisted as the officers and soldiers are in the British 
 pay : and it is hoped the inhabitants of the county will cheerfully raise 
 the men wanted for the service, as it will prevent the disagreeable busi- 
 ness of detaching them, which I shall be under the necessity of doing, 
 if the companies cannot be raised without. 
 
 Given under my hand, the date above. 
 OLIVER DELANCEY, Brig. Gen'l. 
 
 605. Jamaica, Sep. 11, '76. 
 
 I am ordered by His Ex. Gen. Howe to write to you, and order all 
 the fat cattle and sheep in Suffolk Co. to be immediately driven down 
 to Jamaica, where proper persons will be appointed to ascertain the 
 weight of them ; give certificates of the value of them, that the owners 
 maybe paid ; keeping a distinct account of those cattle, &c, that be- 
 long to the people who are in actual rebellion, whose cattle must be 
 forced down for the refreshment of the King's Troops. This order 
 must be speedily obeyed, or the county will otherwise feel the resent- 
 ment of the King's Troops. Reserving only as many cattle as is neces- 
 sary for their own subsistence. 
 
 Given under my hand, the above date. 
 
 OLIVER DELANCEY, Brig. Gen. 
 
 606. 64 men, women, and children came to Milford, and nos. 
 are daily coming- off to the Continent. Sep. 4. 
 
 Sam'l Buell, Sep. 7, '76, supports the request of the Trustees of E. 
 Hampton, that Gov. Trumbull would not carry off their stock and ef- 
 
48 
 
 SUBMISSION OF 
 
 fects. " We are subjects of His Majesty, King George ; and if acces- 
 sory, we will be exposed to his displeasure." 
 
 Sep. 15. Wharves at Sag Harbor crowded with emigrants. 
 
 Buell writes from E. Hampton, Sept. 22, '76, that the people are 
 as a torch on fire at both ends, which will be speedily consumed, for the 
 Con't Whigs carry off their stock and produce, and the British punish 
 them for allowing it to go — hopes the Whigs will not oppress the op- 
 pressed, but let the stock alone. 
 
 Dan'l Collins' Bill for going from Sag Harbor to E. Hampton, and 
 taking from Col. Gardiner's house 130 firearms and 3 silver-hilted 
 swords, and from Col. Mulford's, 3 casks powder and 2 boxes lead, 
 and at another time, 3 casks powder from M. Gelston, Esq., of S. 
 Hampton, was £14. 16. 
 
 Dec. 24, '76. Convention paid £44. 5. to John Field and £630. 4. 
 to others, for freight of vessels to Con't. 
 
 Jas. Webb rec'd $3 per day for hire of his sloop, Sep. 6 to 30, in 
 transporting stock and inhabitants from L. I. to Con't. 
 
 Jour. 779. 
 
 Dr. Jona. Havens, Steph. Howell, and others, brought off goods from 
 L. I. 
 
 Convention paid £64. 10. for freight and passage to Con't, of fami- 
 lies and effects of Dan'l Haines, Dan'l Hedges, Mat. Osborn, Jas. Jen- 
 nings, Elisha Mulford, Linus Dibble, Isa. Franks, and Jona. Tuttle. 
 Dec. 31, '76. Jour. 881. 
 
 Before Sep. 27, Capt. Rodgers carried off from Huntington Sam'l 
 Skidmore and Isaac Ketcham, who were both put in Fairfield jail. The 
 former had possessed himself of the farm of Dr. Z. Piatt's brother ; the 
 latter was sent manacled to the N. Y. Convention. Oct. 13. 
 
 Jour. 649, 636. 
 
 Thos. Dering, John Foster, and Thos. Wickham, appointed by 
 N. Y. a Committee to report on the claims for transporting families, 
 stock, and effects from L. I. to Con't. Dec. 31, '76. 
 
 607. [ Capt. Hale, an American spy was detected near Huntington 
 and executed in N. Y., but as the accounts are conflicting, we insert all 
 the original notices of his melancholy fate we have met with, and 
 leave the reader to draw his own inferences. — Ed.] 
 
 Extract of a Letter to the Missouri Republican from Stephen 
 Hempstead, Sen., aged 69, copied into the L. I. Star, of April 2, 1827. 
 
 I was attached to Capt. Hale's Company in Col. Webb's Reg. of Con- 
 tinental Troops, and in his confidence. After the retreat of our army 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 19 
 
 from L. I., he informed me he was sent for to Head Quarters, and was 
 solicited to go over to L. I. to discover the disposition of the Enemy's 
 camp, &c, expecting them to attack N. Y., but that he was too unwell 
 to go, not having recovered from a recent illness ; that upon a second 
 application he had consented to go, and said I must go with him as far 
 as I could with safety and wait for his return. Accordingly we left our 
 camp on Harlem Heights, with the intention of crossing over the first 
 opportunity : but none offered until we arrived at Norwalk, 50 miles 
 from N. Y. In that harbor there was an armed sloop and one or two 
 row galleys : Capt. Hale had a»general order to all armed vessels to take 
 him to any place he should designate. He was set across the Sound in 
 the sloop at Huntington, L. L, by Capt. Pond, who commanded the ves- 
 sel. Capt. Hale had changed his uniform for a plain suit of citizen's 
 brown clothes, with a round broad-brimmed hat ; assuming the character 
 of a Dutch Schoolmaster, leaving all his other clothes, commission, 
 public and private papers with me, and also his silver shoe buckles, say- 
 ing they would not comport with his character of Schoolmaster, and 
 retaining nothing but his college diploma, as an introduction to his as- 
 sumed calling. Thus equipped we parted for the last time in life. He 
 went on his mission and I returned back again to Norwalk, with orders 
 to stop there until he should return, or I hear from him, as he expected 
 to return back again to cross the Sound if he succeeded in his object. 
 The British army had, in the mean time got possession of N. Y.» 
 whither he also passed, and had nearly executed his mission, and was 
 passing the British piquet guard between the Lines of the two armies, 
 within a mile and a half of his own quarters, when he was stopped at a 
 tavern at a place called the " Cedars. " Here there was no suspicion of 
 his character being other than he pretended, until most unfortunately he 
 was met in the crowd by a fellow countryman and an own relation, 
 (but a tory and renegade,) who had received the hospitality of his 
 board and the attention of a brother from Capt. Hale, at his quarters 
 at Winter Hill in Cambridge the winter before. He recognized him 
 and most inhumanly and infamously betrayed him, divulging his true char- 
 acter, situation in the army &c. ; and having him searched, his diploma 
 corroborated his relative's statement, when without any formality of trial 
 or delay, they hung him instantaneously, and sent a flag over to our ar- 
 my, stating that " they had caught such a man within their lines this 
 morning, and hung him as a spy." Thus suddenly and unfeelingly 
 did they rush this young and worthy man into eternity, not allowing 
 him an hour's preparation nor the privilege of writing to his friends, 
 
50 
 
 SUBMISSION OF 
 
 nor even to receive the last consolations of his religion, refusing to let 
 the chaplain pray with him, as was his request. After parting with 
 Capt. Hale, of all these circumstances I was authentically imformed at 
 the time and do most religiously believe them. "He died on the inglo- 
 rious tree." 
 
 [ The above account by Mr. Hempstead is valuable so far as he 
 speaks from his own knowledge ; and yet I cannot help thinking he 
 is in error when he says Hale carried his diploma with him. Do sol- 
 diers carry their diplomas about with them in war ? Besides, it 
 would betray his real name. Why assume to be a Dutch rather 
 than a Yankee schoolmaster ? He could not speak or understand 
 Dutch, and yet was going among the Dutch with a paper in his pock- 
 et showing him to be a Yankee by his very name, Nathan. May 
 not the report of Ins attempting to cross from one camp to the oth- 
 er at " the Cedars, " (if there ever w T as such a place, ) be a mere 
 supposition, and have grown out of the idea that it w T as most natural 
 for Hale to take a short cut, rather than a circuitous one by way of 
 Long Island ? One account makes his betrayer ( if there ever was 
 one ) visit Hale in Coventry ; the other, at Winter Hill. Was it 
 not the plans and sketches rather than the diploma that betrayed 
 Hale 7— Ed.] 
 
 Newburyport, Feb. 13, '77. 
 
 The following is a genuine specimen of Tory benevolence, and may be 
 depended upon as a real matter of fact. 
 Sam'l Hale, late of Portsmouth, N. H., after his elopement thence, 
 visited an uncle in Conn., where he was hospitably entertained ; but 
 as his uncle was a Whig, and had a son, a young gentleman of a libe- 
 ral education, and most amiable disposition, who strongly felt for his 
 bleeding country, and being very active in the military way, was 
 urged and prevailed on to take a commission in the Continental 
 Army; consequently Samuel was obliged to conduct with caution, 
 and counterfeit as well as he could a Whiggish phiz, while he tar- 
 ried, which was but a short time however, before he made his escape 
 to Gen. HoA-e in N. Y. — Some time after this, Capt. Hale, at the re- 
 quest of the General, went into N. Y. in disguise, and having nearly 
 accomplished his designs, whom should he meet but his aforesaid 
 cousin Samuel, whom he attempted to shun, but Sam knew him too 
 well. Capt. Hale soon found he was advertised, and so particularly 
 described, that he could not get through L. I., he therefore attempted 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 51 
 
 to escape by way of Kingsbridge, and so far succeeded as to get to the 
 outer guard, where he was suspected, apprehended, carried back and 
 tried, and yet would have been acquitted, had not his affectionate and 
 grateful cousin Samuel appeared and made qath, that he was a Cap- 
 tain in the Continental Army, and that he was in there as a Spy : 
 in consequence of which he was immediately hung up ; however, 
 at the gallows he made a sensible and spirited speech, among other 
 things, told them they were shedding the blood of the innocent, and 
 that if he had ten thousand Jives, he would lay them all down, if 
 called to do it, in defence of his injured, bleeding country. 
 
 The Printers throughout the Continent are desired to exhibit 
 this tragic scene to the public, that they may see what mercy they 
 are to expect if they fall into the hands of Tories. 
 
 N. H. Gaz,, Feb. 18, '77. 
 
 [I think the above contains some gross misstatements. — Ed.] 
 
 " In Hale's attempt to return he was apprehended, carried be- 
 fore Sir Wm. Howe, and the proof of his object was so clear, that he 
 frankly acknowledged who he was and what were his views: Sir Wm. 
 Howe at once gave an order to the Provost Marshal to execute him the 
 next morning. The order was accordingly executed in the most un- 
 feeling manner, and by as great a savage as ever disgraced humanity. 
 A clergyman, whose attendance he desired, was refused him ; a Bible 
 for a moment's devotion was not procured, though he requested it. Let- 
 ters which, on the morning of his execution, he wrote to his mother and 
 other friends, were destroyed ; and this very extraordinary reason given 
 by the Provost Marshal, * that the rebels should not know that they 
 had a man in their army who could die with so much firmness.' " 
 
 Hannah Adams, as quoted by Dr. Thatcher. 
 
 The following is from the Life of Gen. Wm. Hull. 
 
 Washington spoke to Knowlton, and he to Hale. Hale advised 
 with Hull, who opposed the measure as dangerous and disgraceful. 
 Soon after this, Hale was absent. In a few days a British officer under 
 a flag informed Hamilton that Hale had been executed that morning 
 as a spy. The officer told Hull he was present at the execution and 
 seemed touched at the circumstances. " Hale had passed through the 
 armies on Long and York Islands, made sketches of fortifications and 
 memoranda. When apprehended he was taken before Howe, and the 
 
52 
 
 SUBMISSION OP 
 
 concealed papers found. He at once declared his name, rank and ob- 
 ject. Howe, without the form of a trial, ordered his execution next 
 morning, and put him in custody of the Provost Marshal. Hale asked 
 for a Clergyman. He was refused. He next asked for a Bible. That 
 too was refused. On the morning of the Execution my station was 
 near the fatal spot, and I requested the Provost Marshal to let Hale sit 
 in my marquee while the neccessary preparations were making. Hale en- 
 tered calm and dignified. He asked for pen and ink, and wrote letters 
 to his Mother and a Brother officer, which were subsequently destroyed 
 by Cunningham. Shortly after he was summoned to the gallows ; few 
 were around. His last words were, " I only regret I have but one life 
 to give for my country." 
 
 A British officer thus writes home from Camp on N. Y. Island, 
 Sep. 23, '76, " yesterday we hanged an officer of the Provincials who 
 came as a spy. " Mid. ( London ) Jour. 
 
 Jas. Drewett, on board British frigate Mercury at N. Y. writes, Sep. 
 25, '76, " On the 22d we hung a man who was sent as spy by Gen. Wash- 
 ington. " Mid. ( London ) Jour. 
 
 An American officer thus writes from Camp at Harlem, Sep. 26, '76, 
 " One Hale, in N. Y., on suspicion of being a spy, was taken up and 
 dragged without ceremony to the Execution Post and hung up. " 
 
 [ Hale, 'tis said, had his examination in the Green House ( still stand- 
 ing ) of the Beekman Mansion, Howe's Head Quarters, near Turtle 
 Bay, and three miles from the City Hall. The precise spot of his Exe- 
 cution cannot be pointed out.. — Ed.] 
 
 Local Traditions in Queens County. 
 Sol. Wooden said he remembered the capture of Hale as if it were 
 yesterday. Wooden was a ship builder at Oyster Bay 2 or 3 miles from 
 the scene of Hale's capture; and as he built boats for the British, and 
 was in constant intercourse with them, he heard the story from the 
 very crew that captured Hale. Hale was set over from Conn, to L. I. 
 near Oyster Bay, by an American boat that was to return for him on a 
 set day. He gave out that he was disgusted with the rebel cause, 
 and had deserted, but did not wish to enlist, and would like a school. 
 Hejourneyed on to N. Y. city, where having obtained all possible infor- 
 mation, he returned by L. I., making his way through the woods till he 
 arrived at the shore about Huntington or Oyster Bay. Early in the 
 morning he went out to reconnoitre, when he saw a boat rowing to the 
 shore. He 'did not see the frigate Halifax, Capt. Quarme, to which the 
 boat belonged, and which had come ashore for water. Ferhaps the 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 53 
 
 frigate was hid by the fog or an intervening point of land. Hale mis- 
 taking this for a friendly boat walked deliberately down to the water side. 
 As the boat struck the shore he discovered his mistake and retraced his 
 steps. He was ordered to stop ! On looking over his shoulder he saw 
 the whole crew standing up with their guns levelled at him. Escape 
 was impossible ; he was ordered on board and his papers showed what 
 he was. He was taken to N. Y. in the boat of the Halifax, and execu- 
 ted on an apple tree in Col. Rutgers' orchard. — Thompson. 
 
 [ See also Queens Co., Sec. 368, for an account of his execu- 
 tion. — Ed. ] 
 
 Robert Townsend of Oyster Bay, who died some years ago aged 85, 
 used to say he had heard Capt. Quarme, of a British armed vessel which 
 was lying in the Sound near Huntington at the time of Hale's capture, 
 say that a boat's crew belonging to his vessel being ashore on L. I., a lit- 
 tle east of Huntington Harbor, was mistaken by Hale for people from 
 the other side of the Sound, and thus he committed himself before he 
 was aware of his mistake into the hands of his enemies ; and that 
 when he found what a fine fellow he was, he was sorry he had fallen 
 into his power. 
 
 Win. Ludlam,now living, aged 87, says "he heard that one of Capt. 
 Quarme's boats took a man by the name of Hale somewhere near Hunt- 
 ington Harbor, and then the man was taken to N. Y., and that was all 
 he ever heard of him." 
 
 The death of Hale has been the subject of a Novel, by J. R. 
 Simms. His life may be found in Thompson. 
 
 608. Saybrook, Sep. 12, '76. 
 
 Dear Brother : — I have just time to tell you, I have been ob- 
 liged to retreat from L. I. to this place for several reasons, that I 
 have not now time to mention. I have given Gen. Washington a 
 particular account by the same conveyance this is sent by. I shall 
 to-morrow, at the head of 400 men, set out for Huntington ; if I 
 succeed in the attempt I am going to make, I shall yet save Suffolk 
 Col, though most of the inhabitants have been prevailed upon to take 
 an oath of allegiance to the King of Great Britain, through a persua- 
 sion that the Island was given up as indefensible. Gov. Trumbull 
 has assisted me with 260 men. 
 
 HENRY B. LIVINGSTON. 
 
 Robt. R. LrviNGSTON, Jr. 
 
 609. The towns of South and East Hampton send a letter to 
 Howe (to avoid the imputation of being concerned with the Conn. 
 
54 
 
 SUBMISSION OF 
 
 whale-boats) that some arms taken from the people of East Hamp- 
 ton, by order of Col. Gardiner in the King's name, had been retaken 
 by the subjects of the States. Howel, the bearer, was caught by 
 Col. Livingston. Before Sep. 17, '76. Cor. 401. 
 
 610. Saybrodk, Sep. 24, '76. Last Friday a party from Lt. Col. 
 Livingston's detachment was put under command of Capt. Dan'l 
 Roe, to go from Saybrook to B. Haven, for the purpose of bringing 
 off Roe's family, and a no. of others. On Friday night 12 o'clock, 
 the Capt. left the sloop at Brook H., taking 14 men with him to as- 
 sist in bringing down the family, leaving 14 under Lt. Geo. Smith 
 on board, to guard the vessel. He pressed teams as he went to 
 bring down the goods, not being able to procure them by other 
 means. At 9 A. M.,just as he was ready to return, he was inform- 
 ed by one of the guards that Richard Miller of B. Haven, a young 
 gentleman of family and fortune, but a notorious enemy to his country 
 (who had arms concealed at his house), was passing his house ; upon 
 which R. ordered his men to hail him, and if he refused to stop, to 
 fire on him. He was hailed 3 times, upon which he stopped, and 5 men 
 with their pieces presented told him they would instantly kill him if 
 he attempted to stir. He stood and viewed them half a minute, 
 then discharged a pistol at them, and rode off with the utmost expe- 
 dition, on which he was several times ordered to stop, but he refu- 
 sing, five guns were separately fired at him, from the last of which 
 a ball was shot through his body, upon which he dismounted and 
 was carried into Capt. Roe's house, and left in care of a no. of the 
 inhabitants. Capt. R. being informed that one Jacob Smith, who 
 was in conjunction with Miller, and not far distant when he was taken, 
 had collected a party of several, and were endeavoring to surround and 
 take him, thought it prudent to retreat on board his vessel, where he 
 had but just time to arrive with his wife and family, being obliged to 
 leave all his effects behind. 
 
 Miller and Smith had received commissions under the King of 
 G. Britain, and had been raising men, pressing horses and wagons, 
 together with persons to drive them, to assist Howe in removing his 
 baggage. They had likewise taken fat cattle from the inhabitants, 
 and obliged them to drive them to the Ministerial Army. 
 
 Conn. Courant, Sep. 30, '76. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 55 
 
 611. This is to certify that Ensign Sam'l Glover is authorized to 
 enlist men to join my company to complete a Bat. in His Majesty's 
 service, for the defence of the liberty of America. 
 
 Given under my hand, at Brookhaven, Sep. 22d, 1776. 
 
 JACOB SMITH. 
 
 612. iV. F., Sep. 27, '76. 
 Sir : — You are to desire the Justices of the Peace to summon the 
 
 farmers of their Districts to attend at some central place, to demand of 
 each, what grain and straw he can spare — as to hay we must have the 
 whole, for which you'll give them proper Certificates to me to pay them 
 by. The whole of the grain and forage of Rebels in arms is to be seized 
 for the King's use. All persons removed off are to be deemed Rebels, 
 and dealt with accordingly. 
 
 JOHN MORRISON, 
 
 Commissary of Forage. 
 
 To Mr. E. Punderson. 
 
 613. Copy of a blank order left with the Inhabitants of Suffolk Co. 
 
 L. J., Sep. 1776. 
 You are hereby ordered to preserve for the King's use loads of 
 hay, bushels of wheat, of oats, of rye, of barley, 
 of Indian corn, and all your wheat and rye straw ; and not to dispose 
 of the same, but to my order in writing, as you will answer the con- 
 trary at your peril. 
 
 JOHN MORRISON, 
 Major, and Commissary of Forage. 
 
 614. In pursuance of his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief's 
 orders to me, you are hereby directed to take into your custody all the 
 grain, forage, and creatures you can find on L. I., being the property 
 of persons in actual rebellion, or who have deserted their habitations, 
 and put themselves under the protection of the rebels, taking an exact 
 account of what is so seized : and report frequently to John Morrison, 
 respecting grain and forage, and to Jas. Christie, respecting creatures. 
 In execution of this duty you are to employ such persons as you think 
 proper, who will apply to His Majesty's Justices of the Peace to impress 
 boats, wagons, horses, drivers, mills, barns and what other conveniences 
 you may require for the benefit of His Majesty's service : and all officers 
 civil and military, are hereby required to give you their aid. For do- 
 ing all which this shall be a sufficient warrant. Oct. 1, 1776. 
 
 DAN'L CHAMIER, Com. Gen. 
 
56 
 
 SUBMISSION OF 
 
 Jamaica, Oct. 2, 1776. 
 
 To John Hewlett, Esq , L. I. 
 
 You are to use your utmost endeavors to bring me cattle and sheep 
 for the army ; when delivered a receipt will be given, to be paid at a 
 certain time and place. If any butcher or others interfere with you un- 
 der pretence of bringing them to me, without a written order from me, 
 seize their cattle, put a fair value on them, and drive them to me, and 
 the owners shall be paid ; also seize all sheep and cattle of rebels who 
 have left their habitations, and employ proper people to assist you. For 
 doing whereof, this shall be your warrant. 
 
 JAS. CHRISTIE, Com. for cattle and sheep. 
 
 615. Lt. Col. H. B. Livingston sends the N. Y. Convention from 
 Saybrook, Oct. 16, '76, the paroles of Col. Fanning, Major Conldin, 
 and Geo. Howel, of L. I., disaffected to the freedom of this country. 
 Col. F., a man of influence, was apprehended for procuring and 
 driving cattle to Gen. Howe's Army. He has also acted as Col. (by 
 virtue of an old commission from Geo. 3d) in calling the people of 
 Southold together to see whether they would take the oath of allegi- 
 ance. Cor. 349. 
 
 Brookhaven, Oct. 18, '76. 
 
 616. Sir : — In consequence of instructions I have just received 
 from head-quarters, you are forthwith to impress wagons and horses 
 for his Majesty's service. The number is unlimited ; therefore do 
 not stint the cause. If you can't get a sufficient number of wagons, 
 teams will answer — a driver for every team, which you'll send with- 
 out loss of time to White Stone, near Flushing. I beg, Sir, you'll 
 exert yourself on this occasion. Don't omit one moment, as it seems 
 to be critical. 
 
 JACOB SMITH, Capt. 1st Comp., 1st Bat., 
 Delancey's Brigade. 
 
 To Sam'l Glover. 
 
 617. About Nov. 1, '76, Sam'l Glover, a notorious offender, was 
 taken at Mastic, on whom were found papers 611 and 616. He 
 broke jail at N. London on the night of Feb. 1, '77, and escaped. 
 $8 reward offered. — Con. Gaz., Feb. 14, '77. 
 
 618. Jos. Greene, Major 1st Bat., writes from Hempstead, Oct. 
 22, '76, to Capt. Smith, quartered at Setauket, to collect and drive 
 in all rebel horses in Suffolk Co. Smith's Lieutenant, French, had 
 brought 2 prisoners to Greene. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 57 
 
 To the Right Honorable RICHARD, LORD VIS- 
 COUNT HOWE, of the Kingdom of Ireland, and his 
 Excellency WILLIAM HOWE, Esquire, General 
 of His Majesty' s forces in America, the King's Com- 
 missioners for restoring peace to His Majesty' 's Colo- 
 nies in North America. 
 Your Excellencies, by your Declaration bearing date July 14, 
 1776, were pleased to signifv*that "the King is desirous to deli- 
 ver His American subjects from the calamities of war, and other op- 
 pressions which they now undergo ; and to restore the Colonies to 
 His protection and peace ;" and, by a subsequent Declaration dated 
 Sep. 19, 177G, having also been pleased to express your desire "to 
 confer with His Majesty's well affected subjects upon the means of 
 restoring the public tranquillity, and establishing a permanent union 
 with every Colony as a part of the British Empire ;" we, therefore, 
 whose names are hereunto subscribed, inhabitants of the county of 
 Suffolk, on Nassau Island, in the Province of N. Y., reflecting with 
 the tenderest emotions of gratitude on this instance of His Majesty's 
 paternal goodness, and encouraged by the affectionate manner in 
 which His Majesty's gracious purpose hath been conveyed to us by 
 your Excellencies, who have thereby evinced, that humanity is in- 
 separable from that true magnanimity and those enlarged sentiments 
 which form the most shining characters, beg leave to represent to 
 your Excellencies, 
 
 That we bear true allegiance to our rightful Sovereign Geo. 
 the Third, as well as warm affection to his sacred person, crown and 
 dignity ; That we esteem the constitutional supremacy of Great Bri- 
 tain bver these Colonies and other depending parts of His Majesty's 
 dominions, as essential to the union, security, and welfare of the 
 whole empire ; and sincerely lament the interruption of that harmony 
 which formerly subsisted between the parent state and these her 
 Colonies. 
 
 That many of the loyal inhabitants have been driven away by 
 the calamities of war and the spirit of persecution which lately pre- 
 vailed, or sent prisoners to New England and other distant parts. 
 
 We, therefore, hoping that the sufferings which our fellow- 
 inhabitants undergo for their attachment to the Royal cause, may 
 plead in their behalf, humbly pray, that your Excellencies would be 
 
58 
 
 SUBMISSION OF 
 
 pleased to restore this county to His Majesty's protection and 
 peace. 
 
 Suffolk Co., Oct. — , 1776. 
 Signed by 614 persons. 
 
 To His Excellency Wm. Tryon, Esq., Cajpt. Gen. and 
 Governor-in- Chief in and over the Province of New- 
 York, and the Territories defending thereon in Ame- 
 rica, Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same. 
 May it please your Excellency : We the inhabitants of the coun- 
 ty of Suffolk, beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on your 
 return to the capital of your government, and to assure you, that we 
 feel the sincerest joy on this happy event, which opens a prospect 
 that we shall once more experience the blessings of peace and se- 
 curity under His Majesty's auspicious government and protection — 
 blessings which we formerly enjoyed under your Excellency's mild 
 administration, and which we ardently wish to have renewed : per- 
 severing in our loyalty and unshaken attachment to our gracious 
 Sovereign in this time of distress and trial, and anxious to testify 
 our affection for Him, we have embraced the earliest opportunity to 
 petition the King's Commissioners that they would restore this Coun- 
 ty to His Majesty's peace, although many of the most respectable 
 inhabitants and a much greater number of the inferior classes have 
 been driven off by the calamities of war, or sent prisoners to New 
 England or other distant parts, yet we hope the number still remain- 
 ing, and who have voluntarily subscribed, may be deemed sufficient 
 to entitle this district to His Majesty's grace, whilst the sufferings 
 which our absent fellow-citizens undergo for the royal cause, plead 
 in their behalf with the Commissioners, — from whose well known 
 humanity, benevolence and enlarged sentiments, we have the most 
 flattering expectations. Nov. 28, 1776. 
 
 Signed in behalf of the inhabitants by 
 
 RICHARD FLOYD, 
 THOMAS FANNING, 
 FRED'K HUDSON. 
 New-York, Dec. 2, '76. 
 Gentlemen : — Agreeable to the request in the address delivered 
 to me by you, in behalf of the inhabitants of Suffolk Co., I have pre- 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 59 
 
 sented their very dutiful and loyal petition and representation to His 
 Excellency Gen. HOWE, one of the King's Commissioners for re- 
 storing peace to His Majesty's Colonies, who was pleased to say : 
 " He would take the earliest opportunity of communicating with 
 Lord HOWE on the occasion." Every public testimony of loyalty 
 to our most Gracious Sovereign, and attachment to the British Con- 
 stitution, is at this season particularly commendable, and the inhab- 
 itants of Suffolk Co. may be assured of my good wishes for the 
 completion of their desires, as^ expressed in their petition and repre- 
 sentation, the granting of which is happily committed to the wisdom 
 and discretion of His Majesty's Commissioners. 
 
 I am, with regard, Gentlemen. 
 
 Your most ob't servant, 
 
 WM. TRYON. 
 
 To Major Richard Floyd, 
 Mr. Tho's Fanning, 
 Mr. Frederick Hudson, 
 
 of Suffolk Co. 
 
 A copy of what was sent through Suffolk Co. by order of 
 Gov. Try on. 
 
 620. The Governor of the Province recommends to the inhabi- 
 tants of Suffolk Co., the following measures, as the best means for 
 those who have been active in the rebellion, to preserve their lives 
 and estates, viz. that all offensive arms, indiscriminately, be forth- 
 with collected, in each manor, township and precinct, as soon as 
 possible, to deliver them up at head-quarters, to the Commander-in- 
 chief of the King's troops. 
 
 That those who have been active in the rebellion, if fit to bear 
 arms, forthwith to wait on the Gen'l, and enlist in the regular ser- 
 vice for the term of the present war ; if not fit to bear arms, to send 
 one of their sons to enlist in their stead ; if no sons, then to perform 
 some unasked signal service, that may merit the protection of Gov't. 
 The inhabitants of each town to associate, to prevent any person go- 
 ing to the Main, and secure those coming thence ; and to secure and 
 deliver up all persons known to be active enemies to the rights of 
 the Constitution. 
 
 And the several townships to furnish as many men as possible 
 
60 
 
 SUBMISSION OF 
 
 fit to bear arms, to invite those back who have fled from the county, 
 to enlist in Gen. Delancey's brigade. And lastly, thei nhabitants to 
 send all the wood, forage, and provisions they can spare, to N. Y. 
 market or such place as the Gen'l shall order. 
 
 [Can the above (taken from a New T Haven paper) be genuine ? 
 —Ed.] 
 
 The County Committees and Committees of Townships of Suf- 
 folk Co., meet respectively as soon as possible, by the Governor's 
 permission, for the purpose of revoking all their proceedings under 
 the Congress, and formally to dissolve their unlawful associations : 
 the County having now submitted to the King, his laws and Gov't. 
 
 WM. TRYON. 
 
 Note. — When the above is accomplished, the Gov'r will review 
 the militia. 
 
 N. Y. Gaz., Nov. 11, '76. The following declarations from the 
 Committees of Suffolk and from all the Town Corn's were delivered 
 to His Ex. Gov. Tryon on Thursday last, by Major Richard Floyd 
 and Mr. Tho's Fanning, who were deputed by the inhabitants to pre- 
 sent the same. 
 
 Huntington, Oct. 21/76. 
 
 The Committee of Huntington, being thoroughly convinced of the 
 injurious and inimical tendency of our former meetings and resolutions, 
 and willing to manifest our hearty disapprobation of all such illegal 
 measures, do hereby dissolve this committee, and as far as in us lies, re- 
 voke and disannul all former orders and resolutions of all committees and 
 Congresses whatsoever, as being undutiful to our lawful Sovereign, re- 
 pugnant to the principles of the British Constitution, and ruinous in the 
 extreme, to the happiness and prosperity of this country. 
 
 JBrookhaven, Oct. 24, 1776. 
 
 We the Committee of the County of Suffolk, being assembled by 
 permission of His Ex. the Hon. Wm. Tryon, Esq., Gov. of N. Y., and 
 the Territories depending thereon in America, do hereby dissolve our- 
 selves, and do disclaim and reject the orders of Congress and Corn's ; 
 and totally refusing obedience to them ; revoking all our proceedings 
 under the Congress, and being desirous to obey the legal authority of 
 Gov't, rely upon your Excellency's clemency, hoping that you will pass 
 by our former conduct, and be graciously pleased to protect us, agreea- 
 bly to the laws of the Province. Signed by order of the Committee. 
 
 JOHN BRUSH, Ch'n. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 61 
 
 Declarations of Smiihtown (Oct. 19), of Southold (Oct. 25), of 
 South Hampton and of East Hampton (Oct. 21), were in like words. 
 
 Nov. 28, '76. The Dissolution of the Committee of Suffolk Co, 
 and the Committees of the several townships, with the revocation 
 of all their proceedings and orders under the Congress, was ef- 
 fected by my particular recommendation. 
 
 TRYON. 
 
 4 
 
PART III. 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 621. Oct. 28, '76. Gov. Trumbull directs 6 R. I. whale-boats, 
 with 36 men under Cols. Livingston and Richmond, with Lt. Geo. 
 Smith, Caleb Brewster, and D. Roe (best acquainted with the situa- 
 tion of places), to take three transports and make the best of their 
 way to Southold Bay, to Canoe Place ; thence across into South 
 Bay up as far as Mastic, and bring off the effects of Col. Floyd and 
 others of our friends, and return as soon as possible. 
 
 Instead of this they, captured 2 sloops (Princess Mary and Lily), 
 loading with wood by order of Capt. Smith, for Gen. Howe, and 
 lying at the dock, head of Brookhaven Harbor. They also surprised 
 Capt. Smith and part of his company, but declined marching to 
 Smithtown, to attack the rest of Delancey's Brigade stationed 
 there. 
 
 IV. Haven, Xov. 6, '76. A few nights since, between 300 and 400 
 troops from Rhode Island crossed the Sound and landed near Setauket, 
 where they engaged a party of the troops newly enlisted into Gen. 
 Howe's army, commanded by one Smith ; 5 or 6 of his men were killed 
 in the action, and himself and 23 of his company made prisoners, who 
 were brought off, with 75 excellent muskets. The prisoners are a mot- 
 ley herd, half being negroes and Indians. Of the R. I. troops one was 
 killed and one wounded. 
 
 N. London, Nov. 8, '76. A number of troops from R. I., E. End of 
 L. I. and Con't, embarked at New Haven and landed at Setauket, on 
 L. I., with a view of bringing off some tories, and the effects of a gen- 
 tleman friendly to the American cause ; being interrupted by some tories, 
 who fired upon them, they killed 10, and brought off 23 ; two of the 
 latter, deserters from our army. A sergeant in our party was killed in 
 the contest. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 63 
 
 622. Nod. 9, ? 76. Benj. Birdsall, Thos. Brush, and Carll 
 Kotcham, rec'd from Convention £10. 1. 6. for guarding and con- 
 veying, from Norwich to Fishkiil, 2 prisoners, (brought from L. I.) 
 
 Jour. 708. 
 
 623. JYor. 23, ; 76. Thos. Wicks and Eliph. Brush received of 
 Convention at Fishkiil £4. 16. for conveying counterfeiters to X. 
 Y. in May and June last. [Wicks had removed to Saybrook, before 
 Nov. 15. He also received £4 for riding express to Albany with 
 letters from Head-Quarters. (See 542.) Jour. 714. 
 
 624. Xeic London. Jan. 3, '77. Several transports belonging to 
 the ministerial fleet, are loading with wood at the east end of L. I., 
 under guard of some men-of-war. ; Tis said the inhabitants have 
 suffered much from the soldiers, who rob them of their effects. 
 
 625. There are two companies of Tories stationed at Hunting- 
 ton, but not a man E. of there : also, about 10 or a doz. regular offi- 
 cers, without any men. They are billeted on the inhabitants, all of 
 them without pay, and have plundered, stole, and destroyed to such 
 a decree, that the inhabitants must unavoidably starve in a little time, 
 for want of food. Sundry of the principal men have been beaten in 
 an unheard of manner for not complying with their unrighteous re- 
 quests, particularly good Dr. Piatt and Mr. John Brash. The Meet- 
 ing-House made a storehouse of, no public icorship alloiced of. and 
 the good people assembled 5 miles out of town, at West Hills — they 
 (British) followed them, and broke up their assembling together any 
 more. Gaine. Feb. 17, 77. 
 
 Tn"*77 the British troops at Huntington took possession of the 
 church, tore up the seats and used it as a depot for military stores. The 
 bell was carried on board a British ship, but restored afterwards, so in- 
 jured that it was recast. Prime. 
 
 626. JY. London, March 14, ? 77. Last Sunday the British Fleet 
 took from John Brown, on Fisher's Island, 106 sheep, 8 oxen, 11 
 cows, 22 yearlings, 26 swine, 24 turkies, 48 fowls, 123 bushels corn, 
 100 do. potatoes, 5^ tons pressed hay, and 3 cords wood. Also, a 
 barrel of pork out of the cellar, blankets, sheets, and shot some sheep. 
 Stock chiefly paid for. There are 20 ships at anchor in Gardiner's 
 Bay. 
 
64 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 627. One night, week before last, a party of rebels came over 
 from Con't to the house of Solomon Smith, of Smithtown, and 
 robbed him of all the clothing of his family and some household fur- 
 niture. On their return, the boat overset, and 'tis supposed the whole 
 party perished, as the boat and some dead bodies were found on the 
 shore near Mr. Smith's within a day or two afterwards. Gaine, Ap. 
 7, '77. 
 
 628. E. Dayton, under Capt. John Clark, by order of Putnam, 
 seized (Ap. '77), a wagon and goods on L. I. the property of Oba. 
 Wright, of Saybrook. 
 
 629. Levi Allen (brother of Ethan) posted at Mrs. Hubbard's, 
 in Mattituck, some counterfeit bills (as a warning to the public) ; 
 gave one to Rufus Tuthill, at Oyster Pond, and one to John Brown, 
 on Fisher's Island N. London, May 2, '77. 
 
 630. Wm. Smith, member of the Council of Safety, was ex- 
 cused, May 4, '77, from acting, as he has a family and estate on L. 
 I. in the power of the enemy. Jour. 911. 
 
 Parsons to Tmmhull, N. Haven, May, 25, '77. 
 
 631. I sincerely congratulate your honor on the success of our 
 arms on L. I. Col. Meigs left Sachem's Head on Friday at 1 P. 
 M., with 160 men, and landed within 3 miles of Sag H. at about one 
 the night following ; and having made the proper dispositions for 
 attacking the enemy in 5 different places, proceeded with the greatest 
 order and silence till within 20 rods of the enemy, when they rushed 
 with fixed bayonets upon the different barracks, guards, and quarters 
 of the enemy : whilst Capt. Troop, with a party under his command, 
 at the same time took possession of the wharves and vessels lying 
 there. The alarm soon became general, and an incessant fire of 
 grape and round shot was kept up from an armed schooner of 12 
 guns, which lay within 120 yds. of the wharves, for near an hour; 
 notwithstanding which the party burnt all the vessels at the wharf, 
 killed and captivated all the men belonging to them, destroyed about 
 100 tons of hay, large quantities of grain, 10 hhds. of rum, and 
 other W. India goods, and secured all the soldiers who were there 
 stationed. 90 prisoners, among them Mr. Chew and Mr. Bell — not 
 a man killed or wounded on our side. The officers and men behaved 
 with the greatest order and bravery. N. London, May 30, '77. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 65 
 
 Guilford, May 29, '77. 
 
 Gen. Parsons having received intelligence that the enemy were col- 
 lecting large quantities of forage at Sag Harbor, on L. I.; last Friday, 23d, 
 about 200 of the Continental troops, who had previously rendezvous'd at 
 Sachem's Head, in Guilford, embarked on board a number of whale- 
 boats, commanded by Lt. Col. Meigs, to destroy it. At about 6 o'clock, 
 afternoon, they arrived at the beach (Southold), this side of Plumgut, and 
 transported their boats about 50 rods over the beach, when they again 
 embarked, and landed within 4 miles of Sag Harbor, where, (after leav- 
 ing a suitable guard to protect the boats hid in the woods,) they marched 
 with such secrecy as not to be discovered till within a few rods of the 
 sentry. They soon set about destroying the forage, &c. As the enemy 
 stationed there, were entirely off their guard, our troops met with little 
 opposition. An armed schooner of 12 guns, which lay not far from the 
 shore, kept an incessant fire on them, but happily did no damage. Our 
 people returned the fire with their small arms, but whether with effect is 
 not known ; 5 or six of the enemy on shore were destroyed, and three 
 or 4 made their escape — the others were made prisoners. Our people 
 set fire to the hay (about 100 tons), which was on board transports, and 
 on the wharves, which was entirely destroyed, with 10 transport ves- 
 sels, mostly sloops and schooners, and one armed vessel of 6 or 8 guns, 
 2 or 3 hogsheads of rum, &c. Our troops are all returned, having per- 
 formed their expedition in 24 hours. [The enemy's troops on this part 
 of the Island had marched to New York two days before, but it was 
 reported a party was at Sag Harbor.] Sparks, IV. 441. 
 
 Prisoners Taken. 
 
 One Capt., 2 Commissaries, (one, Jos. Chew, formerly of N. Lon- 
 don), 3 Sergeants, 53 Privates, 10 Masters of transports, 27 Seamen ; 
 total, 90. Our people brought off fifty muskets. [See Prime, 210 ] 
 
 632. [May 28, '77. Col. Smith and Rev. Mr. Hart, were brought to 
 the Provost where Hart fell sick, and lay at death's door. Col. Ethan 
 Allen kneeled down and made so fervent a prayer by his side, and oth- 
 erwise cheered him up, that he recovered and was admitted on parole in 
 New- York City, Oct. 25.— Ed.} 
 
 633. David Hawley, in the Schuyler, took the sloop Peggy, Chas. 
 Thomas, master, and sloop Ann, Ezekiel Bishop, master. Aug. 10, '77. 
 
 634. Aug. 25. '77, "Last Friday, Gen. Parsons landed 500 men 
 from 3 Privateers at Setauket with several pieces of brass cannon, 
 and summoned the small Fort there to surrender. The Commander, 
 Col. Hewlett, desired one hour to consider of the matter, when he 
 
66 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 was allowed only 10 minutes. His answer was, ' he would defend 
 the Fort for his Majesty King George the 3d, as long as he had a 
 man alive;' when a smart fire immediately ensued; but the rebels 
 were soon obliged to embark, several of them being killed and 
 wounded, as much blood was seen in their encampment after they 
 went away. We had 1 killed and 2 or 3 wounded. On this occa- 
 sion the militia of Queens Co. turned out in order to support the 
 Royal cause, but the Rebels went off with such precipitation, that 
 the Militia were ordered to return before they reached Setauket." 
 
 Gaine. 
 
 Letters that passed between the two Commanders on the above occasion. 
 Aug. 22. 
 
 Brig. Gen. Parsons, the Commanding officer of the troops of the 
 United American Army, now investing the enemy's Post at Setauket, 
 to prevent the effusion of human blood, requires the immediate sur- 
 render of the Post ; the officers and soldiers, and those who are under 
 their protection, shall be entitled to their baggage, and treated with that 
 humanity which prisoners are entitled to. Your answer is desired 
 in 10 minutes. I am fully sensible of your condition, and as my 
 whole strength and artillery will soon be here, if your refusal should 
 oblige to the effusion of blood ; you must charge it to your own ob- 
 stinacy. 
 
 Col. Hewlett's compliments to Gen. Parsons, and requests half 
 an hour to consult his officers on the subject of his summons. 
 
 Gen. Parsons' compliments to Col. Hewlett, and grants 10 mi- 
 nutes only for consideration — longer time will not be granted. 
 
 Col. Hewlett presents his compliments to Gen. Parsons, and is 
 determined to defend the Fort while he has a man left. 
 
 Gen. Parsons' compliments to Col. Hewlett, and should have been 
 happy to have done himself the pleasure of paying him a longer 
 visit, but the extreme heat of the weather prevents him. 
 
 [Setauket was one of the British outposts. Col. Hewlett, with Capts. 
 Lister, Hewlett, Allison, and 260 men, was stationed here. As a place 
 of resort in case of attack, he inclosed the Presbyterian Church at the dis- 
 tance of 30 ft. with an earthen mound 6 ft. high and 5 ft. thick laid with 
 fascines so as to be ball-proof. On the top were set pickets 6 ft. high and 
 3 in. apart. Pickets also projected from the outer side over the ditch. 
 Two steps of earth were made inside the wall for the men to rise on and 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 67 
 
 fire their muskets between the pickets. A heavy double gate was on the 
 South side. Four swivels were mounted at the gallery windows. The 
 Americans landed at Mt. Misery from sloops, before daylight.] It is a 
 high hill 3 or 4 miles N. E. from the Fort. Col. Hewlett had set a 
 guard here which gave the alarm and enabled the soldiers, who were 
 billeted on the inhabitants, to escape into^the Fort and send off expresses 
 for help. Col. H. was quartered at Col. Floyd's, and jumped out of his 
 bedroom window with clothes in hand, and by a circuitous route barely 
 reached the fort. The Americans advanced from the East, and at 5 
 A. M., summoned the garrison. Col. H. addressed his men: Soldiers! 
 Shall we surrender 1 No! was the response. Then I'll stick to yov. 
 as long as there's a man left. The Americans' then planted their artil 
 lery on a rock in full view of the church, 300 or 400 yds. distant, and 
 commenced the attack with 3 pieces. They did not bring their grand 
 force into action nor use musketry, but kept up a brisk cannonade. The 
 church was perforated with balls, and one rafter split its whole length, 
 one man [Caleb Brewster ?] was very active in elevating and firing his 
 piece. Chas. Wilson (who was soon after shot through the head) said, 
 I will kill that red-breeched man, and he was a mark for others ; but as 
 the assailants carried off the fallen, it is not known what became of him. 
 The fire from the Fort was through the pickets with small arms, but with 
 no effect, the Americans being too far off. The principal fire was from 
 the swivels, " and we kept them warm," says S. Verity. Chambers 
 Townsend, of Duchess Co., was shot through the body. Three 
 others were killed and 2 or 3 wounded. Thos. Pigeon, Oba. Verity, 
 Wm. Covert, and Tim. Moore, of O. B. were in the action. The at- 
 tack lasted 2 or 3 hours, when the Americans retreated. It was well 
 they did ; had they remained 3 hours longer they would have been cut 
 off by reinforcements approaching from all parts. Capt. Dan'l Youngs, 
 of O. Bay, had reached Smithtown, and the ships of war at Huntington, 
 were under way. Six months after this the garrison left, and the Fort 
 was abandoned. — Ed.] 
 
 The General desires particularly to express his approbation of the 
 spirited behavior and good conduct of Col. Hewlett, and the officers 
 and men under his command, in the defence of the redoubt at Setau- 
 ket upon L. I., in which Col. Hewlett was attacked by a large body of 
 the enemy with cannon, whom he jepelled with disgrace, Aug. 
 24, '77. 
 
 STEPHEN KEMBLE, 
 
 Dep. Adj. Gen. 
 
68 
 
 ARMED 0CCUPAT70N 0? 
 
 635. $5 Reward and charges paid by Thos. Place, of Eastwoods. 
 Stolen or strayed from Widow Burk's plantation at Long Swamps 7 
 Huntington, a bay horse, a feather each side of his neck, &c. 
 
 Sep. 22, '77, Gaine. 
 
 636. Gaine, Dec. 1, '77. Last Sunday week a sloop from Hunt- 
 ington, bound to N. Y. with wood, was taken by 2 whale boats full 
 of rebels, soon after she sailed. Capt. Kendal in a small schooner 
 with 2 swivel guns being in sight, gave chase to the whale boats and 
 plied them so warmly with his little artillery that they relinquished 
 the prize and made for the shore with the greatest expedition. 
 
 637. Dec. 22, '77. In exploring the territories of Zephaniah 
 Piatt, of Smithtown, father to Sam'l Broom's partner, there was found 
 snugly concealed in a barn, 2 whale boats, which were instantly 
 committed to the flames, and Mr. Piatt in propria persona, secured 
 in custody of the captors, who drove off the cattle and live stock 
 from his farm. Gaine. 
 
 Zephaniah Piatt was imprisoned in N. Y., and restored to liberty 
 through the personal application of his daughter Dorothea to Sir Henry 
 Clinton ; but having caught the small-pox while confined, he died, Jan. 
 27, '78. Thompson, 2. 473. 
 
 638. Gen. Parsons and Col. Webb formed a plan of descent on 
 L. I. to destroy timber and boards on the E. end, prepared for bar- 
 racks in N. Y., to destroy the shipping lying there for wood for 
 Newport, to attack a Reg. stationed 8 miles E. of Jamaica, and re- 
 move or destroy whatever public stores could be found. Col. Meigs 
 was to land at Hempstead harbor and attack the Reg. [at Herricks ?} 
 near Jamaica ; Col. Webb to land near Huntington, to sustain 
 Meigs and afford aid to the eastern division under Parsons. Meigs 
 was to cross from Sawpits, but the weather prevented. The other 2 
 divisions sailed from Norwalk, Dec. 9, '77, at night. Col. Webb 
 fell in with the Falcon, grounded and could not land, as the surf ran 
 too high. With Webb, 4 Officers, 20 Continentals and 40 Militia 
 were taken prisoners. Sparks, V. 211. 
 
 N. London, Dec. 19. A plan having been formed to bring off or 
 destroy a magazine of military stores which the enemy had at Setauket, 
 on L. I., and to destroy some shipping loaded with timber at Southold, 
 on Tuesday night of last week, part of 2 Battalions of troops embarked 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 69 
 
 from this State, under convoy of the sloop Schuyler, and Spy and Mifflin, 
 schooners. Unfortunately next morning, just before light, the Falkland, 
 a British Frigate, in her passage from N. Y. to Newport, came across 
 the Schuyler and 2 smaller vessels, when the latter run ashore on the 
 Island, but the former in attempting to get in with the land, run on a 
 spit of sand (called Old Man's) and was taken with about 60 troops on 
 board, among them Cols. Ely, and Sam'l B.^Webb, &c. On Thursday, 
 a party of men under Capt. Hart, marched to Southold and were very 
 near making prisoners of Capt. Ayscbugh and upwards of 20 men be- 
 longing to the ship Swan, who were in a house in Southold, but they 
 getting intelligence of Capt. Hart's approach hasted to their boats. 
 They were closely pursued, and as they were getting on board, were 
 fired upon, when most of them were killed or wounded : 7 marines and 
 seamen were made prisoners. Our troops after tarrying several days on 
 L. L y returned to the Main, without opportunity to effect any thing con- 
 siderable — the shipping having left Southold, and we learn the maga- 
 zine at Setauket has been removed. Dec. 24, '77. Con. Gaz. 
 
 Riv. Dec 13, '77. Last Wed. morning a party of rebels landed at 
 Setauket and proceeded to plunder the well-affected inhabitants, and in 
 the afternoon a reinforcement of troops was sent to Col. Hewlett in Suf- 
 folk Co. Dec. 20, we are informed that the party of 200 rebels 
 which were lately driven ashore in Suffolk Co., had not been able to 
 get away, as, it is said, through the vigilance of the Commanders of 
 His Majesty's Ships, all the boats have been secured, and the invaders 
 betaken themselves to the woods. Major Greene marched on Thursday 
 with a reinforcement of 100 men ; and 200 of the Hempstead militia 
 are likewise gone down to augment the advance body of horse and foot 
 under Col. Hewlett at Huntington. 
 
 Dec. 15, '77, Game. Three rebel sloops (one a Privateer) made 
 their appearance off Setauket last Wed. The Privateer was soon dri- 
 ven ashore and taken by one of His Majesty's Ships at Old Man's ( 7 
 miles east ) and the crew with all the rebels on board made prisoners 
 of war, consisting of 64 privates and some officers, among them Cols. 
 Webb and Ely. The same day the other two Sloops run into Stony 
 Brook (4 miles west of Setauket) and being unacquainted got on a 
 bank. They then landed two hundred men, who immediately marched 
 to Setauket and returned the same evening to get off their sloop, but 
 their utmost efforts were ineffectual. The next day the whole body 
 went down the Island, and about 12 o'clock passed Wading River ( 18 
 miles from where they first landed). 
 
 4 * 
 
?0 ARMED OCCUPATION Of 
 
 Cdl. Hewlett with a party of Gen Delancey's Brigade, Col. Hamil- 
 ton with a troop of horse from Newtown, and Capt. Hewlett with his 
 troop of horse from Hempstead, are gone in pursuit of the rebels, and it is 
 hoped will give a good account of them. 
 
 639. Jan. 4, '77. Ensign Benj. Titus is recommended for a 2d 
 Lieutenancy by Capt'sDan'l Griffin, John Davis, Dan'l Roe, and Lts. 
 Benj Marvin and Siivanus Conklin. All refugees from Suffolk. 
 
 Jan. 10, '"77. Abm. Hand, Jer. Miller and Col Mulford's negro Jack 
 were permitted to return to L. I., also Jos. Osborn and family. Feb. 20, 
 Ezekiel and Dan'l Howell petition to get their effects from L. I. John 
 Mulford Esq., resident in Stoiiington, returned with his wife to his estate 
 on L. I. and took one horse and cow. John Tuthiil was in Conn. Mar. '77. 
 DaVid Pierson Elias Mathews Dan'l Hains 
 
 John Gelston Nathan Fordham Ezekiel Howell 
 
 Maltby Gelston Aaron Isaacs, Jr. Dan'l Howell 
 
 Jos. Tillinghast Abm. Rose Zebedee Osborn 
 
 Sam'l L'Hommeclieu Tim. Mathews Elisha Osborn 
 
 John Miller Dan'l Whelden Silas Norris 
 
 David Sayre Jona. Howell, petition Gov. Tumbull to 
 
 remove flax, wool, stock &c. from L. I. to Conn. Feb. '77. 
 
 Petition of 170 voters, refugees from Suffolk, now in Haddam, E. 
 Haddam, Lyme, Saybrook, Killingworth and Guilford, April, 10, '77, was 
 presented to N. Y. Legislature. They want to be represented in Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Saybrook, June 12/77. Petition of 45 Suffolk Co. refugees for relief 
 and permission to pass over to L. I. for forage for their families and bread- 
 corn growing on their land which otherwise will fall into the enemy's 
 hands. 
 
 Nathan Benjamin ; Zeb. and John Cooper; Jacob, Nath'l, Benj., and 
 David Conklin ; Jesse Dayton ; Dan'l and Ephraim Fordham ; Oba. 
 and Wm. Havens ; Robert Harlow ; Recompense and Elias Howell ; 
 Jos. Halliock ; Oba. Jones; Nath'l, Ephraim, Jeremiah, Joel, Benj. 
 and John King ; Wm. L'Hommedieu ; John Moore ; Oliver North ; John 
 Paine ; Paul Reeve ; John Jr. and Dan'l Rackett ; Lewis Stanborough ; 
 Chris, and Sam'l Tuthiil ; Amon Jr. and Pederick Tabor ; Tho's Ter- 
 ry ; Tho's Vsiil ; Jesse Wood ; Jas. and Craveit Wells ; John, Jos. and 
 Richard Youngs. 
 
 640. July 3, '77. Ob?.. Jones, John Hurlbut ond Tho's Dering 
 gave permits to refugees going to L. I. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 71 
 
 641. Jan. 3, '78. Selah Strong, was incarcerated with others in 
 N. Y., where he was detained some time, and suffered severely for 
 want of provisions, Cunningham not even allowing him to partake 
 of the food sent to him by his wife from his own house. — Thompson, 
 1.419. 
 
 Jan. 3, '78. Eiv. Last Monday, Selah Strong was committed to the 
 care of the Provost, on a charge of treasonable correspondence with the 
 enemy. 
 
 642. New London, Jan. 2, '78. 130 tories from west end of L. I., 
 commanded by Col. Hewlett came down to Southold, Oyster Pond, 
 &c, and robbed the honest inhabitants to a large amount in clothing, 
 money, grain, cattle, &c. From one man they took £120 in cash. 
 
 643. Feb. 16, '78, Gaine. About two o'clock last Thursday 
 morning, a party of 12 rebels seized at Coram, 2 wagons loaded 
 with dry goods, the property of Oba. Wright of South Hampton. 
 These marauders had been several days on the Island, visited most 
 parts of the County and committed many robberies, especially at the 
 house of Col. Floyd, which they robbed of goods and cash, to a con- 
 siderable amount, and took thence some property of Mr. Dunbar, 
 who rides down the Island occasionally and happened to lodge in the 
 house that night. 
 
 644. Riv. Feb. 26, '78. Last Friday evening a small party of re- 
 bels, came from the Main to Mattituck, rapaciously seized and carried 
 into Conn, a quantity of goods, landed from one of the vessels dri- 
 ven ashore in the late storm. Next day a gang of ruffians ( John 
 
 Clive Symes, Peter Griffen, Wilmot Goldsmith, and Tuthill, 
 
 late residents of Southold,) brought wagons from the east end of 
 the Island, stripped the schooner Clio, Capt. Simmons, of her sails, 
 rigging, &c, which they carried off, and have no doubt sent across 
 the Sound. 
 
 645. Fishkill, Mar. 5, '78. On Wed. night a party of 30 volun- 
 teers, from Col. Meigs' Reg., in 4 whaleboats under command of 
 Major Humphrey's, Lts. Lay and Burret, made a descent on L. I., in 
 the neighborhood of Smithtovvn, for the purpose of destroying seve- 
 ral of the enemy's shipping, particularly a large ship of 20 guns, 
 aground near that place. The ship was unfortunately got off the 
 preceding day, but they set fire to and destroyed a brig, of 200 tons 
 burthen, a large schooner and an armed sloop, all employed in the 
 
72 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 enemy's service. They brought off 2 Capt's, and several seamen, 
 together with as many sails, rigging, and furniture, as the boats could 
 contain ; all effected without loss, and the party returned to the 
 Main, next morning. The enterprise was well planned and con- 
 ducted, and such a one as in Gaine and Rivington's papers, would 
 have filled a column with "immenses" and " infinites, " and ex- 
 hausted Johnson's Dictionary, of all those terms which express en- 
 terprise, conduct, and resolution. — Con. Gaz. Mar. 11, '78. 
 
 646. N. London, Mar. 8, '78. Last Sabbath 21 sail of the ene- 
 my's shipping, which have lain for some weeks in Gardiner's Bay, 
 taking in wood, came to sail, and stood eastward. 
 
 647. Gaine, Mar. 9, '78. Moses Sawyer, who formerly lived at 
 jjhelter Island, came over from the Main, a few days since, and rob- 
 bed the farm of Wm. Nicoll, Esq., of said Island, of 110 bushels 
 of wheat, and carried off grain, belonging to Tho's Dering, of Suf- 
 folk Co. 
 
 648. Phineas Fairbank, who had escaped from Worcester Jail, 
 was taken by P. Griffing, on L. I. On him was found a petition to 
 Tryon for the farm, with buildings and utensils thereon, of Grover 
 Glover, now in rebellion, and the Governor's reply : 
 
 To whom it may concern : Permit Phineas Fairbank and Jer. Bow- 
 en, to take possession of the house and premises of Joshua Wells, 
 ( now in rebellion) at Southold, on condition they occupy the same, for 
 their present use and advantage ; provided it does not interfere with, 
 or is not wanted for the King's service. 
 
 Given under my hand and seal at arms, N. Y., March 31, '78. 
 
 WM. TRYON, Gov. 
 
 By his Excellency's command. B. J. JOHNSON, Pro. Sec. 
 
 649. Ap. 11, was taken from Stonybrook Harbor by 2 whale 
 boats, manned with 13 Continental troops, a sloop and schooner, 
 loaded chiefly with wood. The schooner is of 60 tons, and armed 
 with 4 swivels ; the sloop of 40 : both arrived in safe ports with 4 
 prisoners. — N. Haien, Ap. 21, '78. 
 
 650. £40 Currency Reward. Stolen from Mark Langdon, at 
 Widow Blydenburgh's, at the Branch, Sinithtown, Ap. 22, '78, se- 
 veral pieces of Taffetas, Calicoes, 6 pieces of Linen and other valua- 
 ble dry goods, together with j£200 in go T d and silver. Pedlers are 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY'. 
 
 73 
 
 warned to take notice of this advertisement. Other small parties 
 were at Setauket. — Rir., May 13. 
 
 £40 Reward. Taken away by the Rebels from Mark Langdon, 
 on May 12 and 20th, at Smithtown, a large quantity of DRY 
 GOODS and CASH, to the amount of £1000. 
 
 651. Rip., May 16, '78. The rebels have constant information 
 by signals from many disloyal Islanders residing between Hunting- 
 ton and Setauket of every vessel passing up the Sound, as well 
 as of the situation of persons and things in several parts of L. 
 I. ; and they also convey ail the information their emissaries daily 
 procure of the several occurrences in N. Y. City. 
 
 652. Riv., May 20, '78. On the evening of Monday se'nnight 
 a party of rebels landed at a harbor in Huntington, and attacked the 
 house of Shubael Smith, situated near the w.:ter side, and carried off 
 Mr. Stone, a gentleman belonging to Col. Ludlow's Reg't, and se- 
 veral other persons. They afterwards passed the houses of Jos. 
 Lewis and Nath'l Williams, without molesting them, and proceeded 
 to that of Win. Hindford, a refugee, used his house and store in the 
 same manner they had done Mr. Smith's, and then returned to 
 Con't with the prisoners and booty.* 
 
 * Shubael Smith of Huntington, joined the enemy ; his ferry boat at 
 2s T orwalk was seized by the Americans, Jan. 16, '77. Cor. 502. 
 
 653. Riv., May 20, '78. Sunday night, 10th inst, 2 whale boats, 
 7 men in each, came to Blue Point, and took thence 5 boats lying 
 there with oysters, owned by Tho's Myng, Amos Underbill, John 
 Rapalje, Sam'l Toby, and Mr. Cameron. This party was command- 
 ed by one Dayton from Corum, and were all well armed. They 
 brought their boats from the N. side of the Island and sent their prizes 
 to N. London. They put some women and children, and Tho's 
 Myng ashore. 
 
 s The head of the Banditti who captured 5 vessels loaded with lum- 
 ber and produce for the market of N. Y., was Ebenezer Dayton, a 
 noted pedicr, who lately lived at Comm. Next in command was 
 Wm. Clark, formerly a rebel Lt., who had taken the benefit of 
 Howe's Proclamation ; and after taking the oaths to Government, he 
 kept a shop near B. Haven, where, by making private lotteries, fee., 
 he converted his effects into cash, and about 4 or 5 weeks ago eloped 
 
74 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 to Conn. This party (14 in number) are a species of plunderers 
 distinct from the rebel troops. 
 
 654. Eben'r Punderson, a noted Tory, who made his escape 
 some time ago from Groton, Was employed and sent by the commis- 
 sary at N. Y. to exact of the inhabitants at E. End of L. I. all the 
 grain which it was possible for them to spare, and had ordered them 
 by advertisements to meet him at different places in each town and 
 parish, to give an account of what grain they had ; but his con- 
 science so terrified him, and fearing he should be met by people from 
 N. England, he ran off without meeting the inhabitants according to 
 appointment. — N. London, May 22, '78. 
 
 E. Punderson, at Newport, Oct. 14, '78, wants his family to come 
 in the King's lines on L. I., and he was at E. Hampton, Sept. 21, '83. 
 
 655. May 25, '78. 4 more whale-boats have again made their 
 appearance in Blue Pt. Bay, and intend to prevent any boats re- 
 sorting thither ; they lay on the beach and get necessaries from the 
 inhabitants in that neighborhood. — May 25, Gaine. 
 
 656. Gaine, Ju. 15, '78. Friday 5th inst., Eben. Dayton, with 6 
 others, by stratagem, took Mr. MTntire's sloop whilst they lay 
 near Blue Pt., and stripped a sloop of Lindley Murray. Next day 
 another party composed of Rogers, Halsey, Sayer, and White, col- 
 lected at S. Hampton with a no. of others, to prevent provisions be- 
 ing sent to N. Y. ; and that night a party from the Main in a whale- 
 boat seized a sloop at the entrance of Brook Haven harbor, with a 
 quantity of goods from N. Y. for the use of the inhabitants of that 
 neighborhood ; and the same night they plundered the house of 
 Philip Roe, at Drowned Meadows, 3 miles east, of a considerable 
 quantity of goods and cash. 
 
 Last Sat. night a party of 14 armed men landed on I. I , and en- 
 tered the house of W. Nicoll, Esq., Islip, and robbed him of a sum 
 of money, plate, some arms, a quantity of clothing, and other proper- 
 ties to a very considerable amount. They appeared to be very well 
 acquainted in the family, as they knew where to find every thing 
 they wanted. — June 22, Gaine. 
 
 657. New Lon., May 15. Sunday night last, 2 boats under the 
 command of Cap. Dayton and Chester, with 14 men in both, went to 
 L. L, and carrying one of the boats across a narrow part of the island 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 75 
 
 at S. Hampton, they went about 60 miles up the S. side of the island 
 to Fire I. Inlet, and took possession of 5 sail of coasting vessels 
 which lay there, laden with lumber, oysters, household furniture, 
 some dry goods, provisions, &c. The prizes are all safe arrived. 
 More might have been brought off, could they have manned them. 
 Among the prisoners is a British Sergeant. — Gaine, June 1, '78. 
 
 Libels in favor of Dayton and others, were filed before R. Law, 
 Judge of the Maritime Court, N. London county, against the following 
 vessels, taken between high and low water mark, viz. Peggy, Cha's 
 Cameron, Commander ; Polly, Geo. Hallock ; George, Sam'l Tobey ; 
 Dalancey, Tho's Ming ; Jacob, Ja's Smith. 
 
 N. London, May 22, '78. Tuesday night 8 whale-boats arrived 
 here taken by Dayton, S. side of L. I. 
 
 658. N. London, June 12, '78. Capt. E. Dayton, in an armed 
 boat, carried 3 prizes (coasters) into N. Haven, which he took near 
 Fire Island Inlet. 
 
 Last Thursday night a party of rebels assembled at the house of 
 one Weser, 8 miles E. of Huntington, where one Robertson, a pedler, 
 had lodged, whom they robbed of all his goods, and took a sum of 
 money of Mr. Weser. — June 15. '78, Gaine. 
 
 659. June 15, '78. Jona Vail, in the Revenge, took from one 
 Allen, at Soulhold, a horse. Peter Griffing took 6 oxen from Tho's 
 Seaman and Mat. Smith, July 24. 
 
 660. June 27, '78. Tho's Fanning, of South Hampton, brother 
 of Edmund Fanning, was carried off last week by a party of 
 rebels from Conn. 
 
 June 20, '78. J. Youngs, of Stirling, writes to Nath'l Shaw in be- 
 half of Fanning — says he got Youngs out of prison in N. Y. T. F., 
 Lt. and Q. M., was exchanged for Jos. Chew, Esq. 
 
 661. N. Haven, Aug. 5, '78. Last Friday about 1000 new 
 Levies arrived at Huntington, from N. Y., said to be a foraging 
 party. 
 
 N. London, Aug. 14, '78. We hear 1000 troops from N. Y. were 
 at the E. end of L. I. a few days ago, collecting provisions for the British 
 army. 
 
 662. Fairfield, Aug. 7, '78. Gov. Tryon has marched down the 
 Island, and is now at Setauket with 1200 men. He orders the 
 
7fi 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 farmers to thresh out the grain immediate]}'. The stock on L. I., it 
 is expected, will be taken for the Kings's use. 
 
 N. London, Aug. 21, '78. A sergeant and 5 privates, deserters from 
 Tryon's plundering party, arrived here from L. I. They say the troops 
 were to set out on their return, on Tuesday last. 
 
 663. Aug. 29, '78, Rh. On Tuesday se'night, a party of Rebels 
 who had crossed over from Con't. having concealed themselves in a 
 wood below Huntington, fired upon 3 light dragoons, returning from 
 E. end of the Island, and killed one of them on the spot ; the other 
 two, with the horses, got off unhurt. A party was immediately dis- 
 patched from Huntington in quest of these assassins ; but they es- 
 caped over to their brethren, on the other side of the Sound. Two 
 days after this, a Lt. and a few of the hands belonging to the Pri- 
 vateer lately wrecked on E. end of L. I., were apprehended and pro- 
 perly secured. 
 
 664. S$p. 5, '78. I arrived last evening from the East end of 
 L. I., with a detachment of near 1000 Provincials, where I had 
 marched to secure the peaceable behavior of the disaffected inhabit- 
 ants in that quarter, and assist the Commissary in obtaining about 
 1000 fat cattle for the army. Inclosed is the oath I administered to 
 all the inhabitants on the north side of the Island, giving them the 
 alternative, either to take the oath, or remove with their families 
 and furniture to Conn. Not one of the whole chose the latter; 
 even the hottest rebels said my proposal was generous, which 
 convinces me that the acrimony of opposition is much softened by 
 the late concessions of Government. Tryon. 
 
 665. Last Sat. sundry inhabitants of Huntington were brought to 
 our jail for piloting the rebels in their different excursions from Con't 
 on L. I. Gaine, Sep. 14, '78. 
 
 666. Oct 8, '78. I have, in a 2d excursion, brought all the in- 
 habitants on the E. end of L. I., as far as Montauk Point, under an 
 oath of peaceable behavior to his Majesty's Government, and with 
 good humor. Tryon. 
 
 [Majorlsaac Reeve was informed against by Maj. Parker Wickham. 
 When the light horse, led by Tories, first came to his house, he escaped. 
 Soon after he was taken and pinioned at his own house, and carried be- 
 fore Tryon at Mattituck, 2 miles distant, and threatened to be hung on 
 
SUFFOLK COUNT*. 
 
 77 
 
 a big tree there. He refused at first to give up, but at the solicitation of 
 his father James, he took the oath, but spurned the Bible from his lips. 
 Major Reeve was afterwards appointed Commissary, a post that gave 
 him an opportunity of favoring many poor Whigs. 
 
 John Benjamin said to Mr. Reeve, " Are you going to take the 
 oath V* " Yes." '« I wont." " You must." " No, I wont." When 
 Benjamin's turn came, he was asked his occupation. " A Presbyte- 
 rian." "I mean, what is your business?" "A Presbyterian." 
 " What do you bring this fool here for V said Tryon, " Take him 
 away." — Ed.] 
 
 667. N. London, Sep. 18, '78. Major Ebcn'r Gray, with a party 
 of Col. Meigs' Reg., went to Huntington on L. I., and brought off 
 16 prisoners, disaffected, (who had gone over to the enemy from 
 this state) ; 3 others were killed, and 2 made their escape. 
 
 Sep. 19, '78, Riv. Last Tues. se'nnight, a number of armed rebels in 
 20 whale-boats came over from Norwalk and landed at Oak Neck in 
 Huntington, and attacked the house of the Widow Chichester, in which 
 25 refugees were quartered, who made some resistance, but were soon 
 
 overpowered. 2 of them, Capt. Coffin and Lyon, were killed, one 
 
 badly wounded, 16 made prisoners ; the rest made their escape. 
 
 668. Oct. 10, '78. Buel writes to Gov. Trumbull that Tryon 
 wants to exchange rum, sugar, molasses, tea, and whatever may 
 please the ladies, for beef. 
 
 669. N. London, Oct. 16, '78. 30 Sail of woodmen arrived at 
 Newport from L. L 
 
 670. Last Tuesday afternoon 3 men in a small schooner, with 4 
 swivels and a cohorn, was attacked by 2 whale-boats with about 10 
 men in each at Fire Place. The boats went up with full resolution 
 to board the schooner, and when within about 20 yards, they received 
 such a dose from the cohorn, as obliged them to sheer off, when most 
 of their oars were seen to drop by the people on shore who were spec- 
 tators of the action, which was well fought on both sides ; but the 
 boats, after having 9 of their men killed and several wounded, were 
 obliged to return to the shore. Gains, Nov. 2, '78. 
 
 671. David Landon took dry goods on L. E, near yor.thold,Nov. 
 6, '78, in possession of David Howell, now of Killingworth. 
 
78 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 From a Privateer off Smithtoicn, Nov. 28, '78. 
 
 672. " We have cleared the Bay of the piratical crew that in- 
 fested it, and look upon the greater part of the inhabitants to be dis- 
 affected to Gov't, and believe they give every intelligence, as well as 
 subsistence to the rebel party." Riv. Dec. 2. 
 
 673. 14 days since a prize Brig came ashore opposite St. George's 
 Manor, loaded with tobacco. Friday following a privateer sloop and 
 4 whale-boats from N. London appeared in the Bay, and were seen 
 to ply between the prize and privateer, and 'tis supposed, carried off 
 part of the cargo. Next day the boats made an attack on a schooner 
 and a sloop that had arrived from N. York, but were repulsed by 
 both ; when Mr. Dayton, who, 'tis said, commanded the boats, car- 
 ried his wounded men ashore to the house of Capt. Josiah Smith, of 
 Moriches, and the privateer sloop driving ashore, was taken by the 
 people belonging to the 2 small vessels from N. Y. Gaine, Nov. 
 30, '78. 
 
 674. Dec. 2, '78. Riv. Last Friday night, a few minutes after 
 Col. Benj. Floyd, of Setauket, had gone to bed, George, son of Job 
 Smith, of Smithtown, and Isaac, son of Epenetus Smith, with 12 
 others beset the house, and George obliged a domestic to show him 
 where the Col. slept, whom he surprised and led to the thieves 
 waiting at the door. They then triumphantly hurried him over to 
 Norwalk. 
 
 675. Capt. Eben. Dayton, in the sloop Ranger of 45 men, 6 car- 
 riage guns, and 12 swivels, blunderbusses, muskets, hand grenadoes 
 (to throw on the deck of the vessel attacked as they run her aboard 
 witli whale-boats), was taken in South Bay, [Nov. 20, '18] by Capt. 
 Stout of a N. Y. Privateer, and brought to N. Y. Wed. lasN Riv. 
 Dec. 5, '78. 
 
 676. The Betsey, Capt. Win. Seaman, was taken near Oyster 
 Bay, Dec. 5, '78, with cargo of wood, plank, flour, &c. 
 
 677. Petitions of Suffolk Co. Refugees, in Conn. 
 
 '78. Jona. Havens, Dan'l and Nathan Fordham, Benj. Conklin, 
 Paul and Step. Howell, Francis Furnier and Son, and Thos. Currier — 
 refugees from L. I , brought over their effects, [to Lyme ?] 
 
 Oct. '78. David Parsons, in service of U. S., 1776, transported 
 
SUFFOLK COU.NTY. 
 
 79 
 
 his family from S. Hampton to E. Haddam, — has wheat he cannot ge« 
 off, but can exchange for salt or steel — has liberty to go. 
 
 Capt. Jer. Rogers, of L. I., is now (May 6, '78,) at Killingworth, in 
 whale-boat business. 
 
 Jas. Sayre, of L. L, now at Saybrook, wants to engage in the illicit 
 trade. Oct. 12, '78. 
 
 Capt. David Howell, of S. Hampton, Silvanus Howell, and Jos. 
 Youngs, who fled from L. I. to Killingworth, in the fall of '76, want to go 
 over to L. I. They were plundered of produce on L. I. by Capt. Grif- 
 fing, and pray Gov. Trumbull for relief. Nov. 11, '78. 
 
 Orange Webb, late of L. I., at N. London ; John Miller, at E. Had- 
 dam ; John Hudson, of Sag Harbor, at Stonington ; Thos. Dering, of 
 Shelter I. ; and Rich. Howell, of S. Hampton are on the Main ; Oba. 
 Guildersleeve, of Sag Harbor ; Benj. Paine, of Southold ; B. Y. 
 Prime, at N. Haven ; Oba. Haven, of Shelter I. at Saybrook ; Ezekiel 
 Sandford, at E. Haddam ; Thos. Lester, killed by a wad at N. London ; 
 Mary King, at Middletown ; Mr. Burnet Miller, at Stonington ; Josiah 
 Smith, at N. London. Nov. 1, '76, to Oct. 1, '78. 
 
 Ap. 22, '79. Thos. Dering, Middletown, wants to go to L. I. for 
 effects. 
 
 Aug. 24, '79. Rev. Henry Van Dyck, at Norwalk, wants to go to 
 L. I. with his family. [H. V. D., taken prisoner by Capt. Fitch, before 
 Oct. '82.] 
 
 Sep. '79. Gaius Gardiner and Henry Booth, of L. I., at Norwich. 
 
 Nov. '79. Hugh and Wm.Gelston, petition to winter their horses on L.I. 
 
 Nov. 2, '79..Jona. Osborn, of Southold, seized and brought over by 
 Peter Griffin, June 14, as a person unfriendly to U. S., wishes his ap- 
 parel and liberty — negatived. 
 
 ISlay 24, '79. Jas. Curren, of Southold, to Guilford, asks relief from 
 taxation. 
 
 John Hubbard, from Southold, makes a deposition respecting Dan'l 
 Dibble, a refugee. No date. 
 
 Gershom Culver and Thos. Tapping, have permits, Nov, 16, '79, to 
 bring off from L. I. some flour and grain, the produce of their land. 
 
 Dec. 3, '79. Hugh Gelston allowed to go to L. I. for 300 bushels of salt, 
 without carrying goods, produce or money. 
 
 Hartford, June 10, '79. Jesse Wood petitions to go to S. Hampton 
 for proceeds of his house and lot ; Aaron Isaacs to E. Hampton, for horse 
 and flax ; Hannah White for clothing ; Wm. Philips for his own, and Col. 
 Wm. Floyd's and Ezra L'Hommedieu's effects ; John Pelletreau for 
 the effects of his father. 
 
80 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 678. Riv. Jan. 20, '79. Last Sat. se'nnight, 3 whale-boats with 
 detachments from Meigs and Willis's Continental Reg., under com- 
 mand of a Capt. and Lt, came from Greenwich, Cont., with intention 
 to secrete themselves in Huntington Bay, until an opportunity offered 
 to interrupt vessels on their passage to this city ; but a violent gale 
 arising, obliged them to make for the nearest part of L. I., in attain- 
 ing which one of their number containing 7 privates and a Capt. was 
 lost, and the crew perished. The other 2 as soon as they struck the 
 ground, hauled up their boats and covered them with branches. After 
 lying 26 hours concealed, they were discovered by a soldier of Gen . 
 Delancey's Regt, who immediately got assistance and secured them at 
 the very instant they were ready to push off. They were brought 
 to town on Thursday last. 
 
 679. Feb. 1, '79. Capt. Elderkin took the sloop Mary Ann, 28 
 tons, navigated by Stent Raymond, in Huntington Harbor, below 
 high- water rcn-.rk. 
 
 680. N. London, Feb. 5, '79. Last Sat., the Ranger, a British 
 Privateer Brig of 12 guns that had been cruising in the Sound, was 
 taken from a wharf at Sag Harbor, after a short resistance, by the 
 Brig Middieton, Capt. Sage, sloop Beaver, Capt. Havens, sloop 
 Eagle, Capt. Conklin. 
 
 On Sunday these 3 again sailed for Sag Harbor, where they 
 discovered 7 British vessels just arrived — one a brig of 8 or 10 guns, 
 when a fair prospect appeared of making capture of the whole ; but 
 wind ahead, the Middieton struck on the Middle Ground, in beating 
 up the harbor, i of a mile from the shore, where she was bravely de- 
 fended for 4 or 5 hours by her crew against an incessant fire from 
 the brig and several field-pieces on shore : after being hulled by 30 
 shots, several under water, and the vessel careening by the tide's fall- 
 ing, the guns conld not be worked, all except 4 left the ship and were 
 taken on board the other 2 vessels. 
 
 These on their return, took 2 brigs from Cork, via. N. Y. with 
 rum, wine, and 12,000 bushels of oats for the troops on the East end 
 of Long Island. 
 
 Hog Neck, 11 o'clock at night, Feb. 1, '79. 
 Sir : — At daybreak the Brig Middieton and 2 Sloops of 14 and 10 
 guns each, were seen standing in for Sag Harbor. Betwixt 8 and 9 
 thpy came within cannon shot of the King's armed vessel, which fired 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 81 
 
 3 shots ahead of them, neither of which being answered, the Neptune 
 fired at them, which was returned on their side, hoisting rebel colors, 
 and still standing on until they came within reach of the guns on shore, 
 which having thrown a few 12 pound shot at them, they stood out from 
 the Harbor, towards the end of Hog Neck : long shot was then ex- 
 changed for some time, till the rebel Brig having the appearance of 
 being aground, or having met with some accident, a 12 pounder was 
 moved down to the end of Long Wharf, which being nearly on a level 
 with the water, had the effect of deterring the sloops from giving her 
 much assistance : while I crossed over to Hog Neck with the infantry 
 of the British Legion, and the 3 pounder attached to it, from whence we 
 bore with such advantage on her, that she struck to us, but unfortunate- 
 ly having 5 whale boats on board, all the crew got off except 3, and the 
 sloops immediately left the Bay. We met with but one accident, a 
 corporal being wounded. 
 
 CHAS. COCHRAN, 
 Maj. B. Legion, Commanding Troops at S. H. 
 
 To Sir W. Erskine. 
 
 [Maj. Cochran was killed at Yorktown. — Ed. 
 
 681. Caution to Travellers on L. I. 
 
 A party of Rebels have a place of resort at Bread and Cheese 
 Hollow, on a bye road that leads from the houses of 2 men now in re- 
 bellion, viz. : Nath'l Piatt and Thos. Treadwell, to that of the noted 
 Sam'l Philips, near the Branch. They extend along the road from 
 said Philips' to the well-known Piatt CarlPs, and have stopped several 
 persons on horseback and in wagons, and robbed a. number of houses 
 in Smtthtown, and Islip, within the last 10 days. They are said to be 
 commanded by a rebel Maj. Brush, formerly of Huntington. Two of 
 these thieves are known to be Nich. Tillotson and Steph. Woodhull, 
 (the former) son of Dan'l Tillotson of the Branch, owner of the barn 
 formerly mentioned in this paper, which the Rebels make use of as a 
 look-out to waylay passengers. The unfortunate Loyalists in this 
 part of the country are greatly exposed to the savage cruelty of these 
 assassins. They are few in number, and unable to defend them- 
 selves from the frequent incursions of the parties who land from 
 Cont., and who are harbored and supplied with provisions and 
 intelligence by their confederates above mentioned. 
 
 Riv, Mar. 10, '79. 
 
82 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 682. Feb. 16, '79. 14 companies light infantry (700) at South- 
 ampton. 
 
 Gen. Clinton at Southampton with about 2500 troops ; 25 sails in 
 and near Sag Harbor ; 12 or 14 driven on Gardener's I. by a gale. 
 
 J\ r . London, Mar. 25, '79. 
 N. London, Mar. 5, '79. The enemy at E. end of L. I. are building 
 flat boats for the invasion of this State. A reinforcement of 1500 lately 
 arrived there from N. Y. Ap. 1. — 31 sail came down Sound from N. Y. 
 and Vent, it is said, into Sag Harbor. 
 
 Mar. 31, '79. We hear Gen. Clinton, with 3 or 400 troops, lately 
 marched from N. Y. to the E. end of L. I., and joined those who had 
 been there several weeks, said to amount in the whole to 3 or 4000. 
 
 Ap. 7, '79. 10 days since, Gen. Clinton in haste returned to N. Y. 
 accompanied by a small guard, for fear the French would attack New 
 York. British troops on L. I., 'tis said, are commanded by General 
 Vaughan. — New Haven paper. 
 
 [A soldier, by permission, was carrying a white bag of peaches from 
 the orchard of Mrs. Hunting, at E. Hampton, when Nath'l D., suppos- 
 ing he had a goose under his arm, fired and killed him. Domini at first 
 determined to stand a trial, (conscious of his innocence,) but by advice 
 of his friends, fled. — Ed.] 
 
 N. London, Ap. 15, '79. 5 French prisoners escaped here from L. 
 I., who say there are only 500 foot and 50 horse at Southold, and 100 
 men at Sag Harbor with*2 field-pieces, which force is kept there to faci- 
 litate the taking off wood and hay from Sag Harbor. A fleet of 1 6 sail of 
 wood vessels, and a 12 gun brig lie there, and a ship with provisions lately 
 from N. Port. Before her arrival provisions were so scarce, that the in- 
 habitants were obliged to kill poor milch cows for food, and the troops 
 sickly. Gen. Clinton was returning to N. Y., after throwing up some 
 breastworks, &c, in consequence of a report that Gen. Parsons was 
 preparing for an attack on Sag Harbor with 4000 troops. 
 
 Mr. Buel was on friendly and intimate terms with Gov. Tryon ; 
 and from his lively disposition, ready wit, and fondness for the chase, 
 was a favorite with Sir Wm. Erskine, and often had it in his power to 
 soften the severity of war. Sir William, one Saturday, said to Mr. 
 Buel, " I have ordered the people of your parish to appear with their 
 teams at Southampton to-morrow." Mr. B. replied, " I know it, but 
 as I am commander-in-chief on the Sabbath, I have annulled the or- 
 der." Sir William did not insist. 
 
 Mr. Buel frequently joined the parties of the British officers, which 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 88 
 
 he enlivened by humorous anecdotes and agreeable conversation. Once 
 when he was behind the appointed hour for a deer-hunt, Sir Wm. had 
 detained the party. Tired of waiting, they had now mounted, when 
 seeing his friend Buel approaching, Sir Wm. ordered his men to dis- 
 mount to receive him. Lord Percy, an aid, while impatiently pacing 
 the floor, was introduced to Mr. Buel, who thereupon asked him what 
 portion of His Majesty's forces he had the honor to command ? " A 
 legion of devils just from hell." " Then," said Mr. Buel with a low 
 bow, " I suppose I have the honor of addressing Beelzebub, the prince 
 of devils !" His lordship put his hand on his sword. This was rebuked 
 by Sir Wm., and the laugh turned on Percy, who, after a while, was 
 restored to good humor by the marked attention of the parson. — Prime, 
 179. 
 
 N. London, Hay 11, '79. 16 sail came out of Gardiner's Bay and 
 stood for N. Y. — supposed to be woodmen for N. York. 
 
 683. May 11, '79. David Gardiner of Southold, was robbed of 
 £40 cash, and Widow Case and her son of goods and clothes. Pe- 
 ter Griffing recovered and restored them. 
 
 684. Gaine, Maij 31, '79. The house of Wm. Nicoll, Esq., of 
 Islip. was robbed of sundry sorts of goods to the amount of many- 
 hundreds, by a party from Conn, a fortnight ago, May 18, under 
 Eben'r Drake and Capt. Peter Foster. 
 
 685. Riv. Ju. 9, '79. Suffolk Co., May 31.— ' : Since the de- 
 parture of Sir W. Erskine and the troops under his command from 
 this place, we have been continually plundered both by land and wa- 
 ter, by a set of (worse than savage) rebels. They are become so bold 
 as to attack us at noonday as well as at midnight. The great quantity 
 of goods carried from N. Y. to this county, I think, is the cause of 
 inviting the rebels over. There is a set (of what we call traders) in 
 your town (X. Y.), who are concerned with a number of disaffected 
 persons in carting goods to the different parts of this county." — A 
 Loyal Subject. 
 
 686. Gaine, Ju. 14, '79. On Sunday evening, June 6, a party 
 of rebels and plunderers entered the house of W. Nicholl, jr., Islip, 
 and stripped it of all the furniture and clothing that were valuable ; 
 after which they proceeded to the house of Ob. and John Greene, 
 and robbed them of about .£140 value. These villains are commis- 
 
84 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 sioned by Gov. Trumbull to take every thing below highwater mark. 
 There being no vessels at present in South Bay for them to take, 
 rather than return without booty, they have robbed old Mr. Nicholl's 
 family several times to a considerable amount. 
 
 687. June 16, '79. Every 6th man drafted on L. I. from 16 to 
 60, in consequence of our fleet [French] off Sandy Hook. 
 
 688. Riv. July 3, '79. " Suffolk Co., Ju. 21. The most notori- 
 ous Rebels boast they can have goods from N. Y. as usual. Several of 
 our inhabitants entertain and join with the plundering parties. Last 
 week a party of Rebels had a feast at the house of Benj. Havens at 
 Moriches, (a most pernicious caitiff,) and several of the inhabitants 
 attended at this frolic. Wm. Philips, Benajah Strong, (who was 
 privy to the murder of Maurice Seaman, at Islip,) and Caleb Brews- 
 ter, gave this entertainment. 
 
 689. Huntington. The friends of Government here have been 
 greatly distressed ever since the King's troops left the E. end of L. 
 I. ; the rebellious part of the inhabitants in this town, who were kept 
 in awe while the troops were stationed E. of us, are now become 
 more insolent than ever, and publicly threaten to have all the loyal- 
 ists carried off to Con't. The principal of these miscreants are 
 Nath'l Williams, Stephen Kelsey, Eliphalet Chichester, John Brush, 
 Jonas Rogers, Marlboro Burtis, and Israel Wood ; several of whom 
 smuggled goods out of N. Y. to this place for the sole purpose of 
 supplying the rebels in Con't. 
 
 These scoundrels live in perfect safety, when scarcely a night 
 passes but some of their loyal neighbors are plundered by the sons 
 and other relations of those rebels who fled to Con't when the King's 
 troops landed on the Island. I hope you will keep a good look-out for 
 these traitors, if they should have the assurance to return again to 
 your city to buy goods ; and if w r e should be so happy as to have 
 any troops quartered in this part of the county again, I hope in God 
 these perjured villains will be made to rue the day they entered into 
 rebellion against the best of kings. — Gaine, Ju. 28, 1779. 
 
 690. July 21, '79. The British put powder in the cellar and 
 blew up the house lately improved by John Brown, on Fisher's I., 
 fired the out-houses, hay, &c. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 S5 
 
 691. Spies on L. I. June 27, '79. Washington sends to Col. Tall- 
 madge 10 guineas for Culper, Jr., whose accounts are clear, intelligent, 
 and satisfactory. — Sparks, vi. 278. 
 
 July 5, '79. Washington is sorry that Tallmadge lost his letter, but 
 will replace the guineas. T. must notify H. in the Bowery, of the loss. 
 — Sparks, vi. 285. 
 
 Sep. 24, '79. Washington wishes spies to write their information 
 on margin of almanacs, reviews, pamphlets, &c, or on blank leaves at 
 the end ; or write a familiar letter in tory style, and interline with a 
 stain their private intelligence. 
 
 Feb. 5, '80. W. sends 20 guineas and 2 vials of stain and counter- 
 part of stain, for Culper, Jr. — Sparks, vi. 460. 
 
 Col. T. opened a secret correspondence (for Washington) with some 
 persons in N. Y. and Abraham Woodhull of Setauket, which lasted 
 through the war. He kept, one or more boats constantly employed in 
 cruising the Sound on this business. — Thomspon, ii. 483. 
 
 In summer of '83, Major T. went to N. Y. under sanction of a flag, 
 to grant protection to those who had transmitted intelligence of the 
 enemy's doings from time to time during the war. Thus these spies 
 and private emissaries were saved from the insults of their countrymen, 
 who, on entering the city, might have treated them with indignity in- 
 stead of merited respect. — Simms, 547. 
 
 Isaac Whippo, Geo. Smith, Siivanus Dickerson, refugee Whigs from 
 L. I. The last two obtained pensions for secret service as spies. They 
 had free access to the city of N. Y., — bought goods. Stratford, notori- 
 ous for illicit trade, exported to L. I. small articles — hams, eggs, butter, 
 cheese, and small stock of all kinds. Some boats were captured aud 
 condemned ; men set at liberty. Owners sold all kinds of goods. 
 
 692. Was murdered at Islip, June 18, Morris Simmons, a refu- 
 gee from Duchess Co., who occupied the farm of one Strong, a 
 rebel, supposed by 3 villains, who first wounded him with a pistol in 
 the knee, stabbed him in several places, and then beat his brains out 
 with an axe. As he lived alone, he was not found till next day. — 
 Gaine, July 5, '79. 
 
 [He had notice to quit. — Ed.] 
 
 Suffolk Co., Aug. 4, '79. 
 
 693. By a late proclamation, all persons going to and from N. 
 Y. must have a pass ; I find several persons have surreptitiously ob- 
 
 5 
 
86 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 tained them ; the loyalists of this county not daring to oppose, as 
 their lives and property lie entirely at the mercy of the Con't rebels. 
 Several persons from Queens, (notoriously disaffected,) have lately 
 moved into this county for the purpose of trading with their rebel 
 connections in the Con't towns. — Riv., Aug. 24, '79. 
 
 694. Riv., Aug. 14, '79. A party of rebels, with their faces 
 blacked, entered the house of Fred. Hudson, Esq., of Suffolk 
 Co., on Friday night, 6th inst., and robbed hint '"of provisions, clothing 
 and bedding to the amount of £200 and upwards, scarcely leaving 
 the family their wearing apparel. This is the fourth time Mr. H. 
 has been plundered since his captivity. 
 
 695. £5 Reward. — Taken out of the lots of Dan'l Blatsy, one 
 mile from Piatt Carll's, Huntington, a horse and mare, &c. — Aug. 16, 
 '79. Gaine. 
 
 696. To be sold at Auction, \\h or T ^th part of the Privateer 
 Sir A. Hammond, sailed from Huntington, 14th inst., on a cruise, 
 14 six-pounders, completely victualled and manned, and fitted with 
 close quarters. — Aug. 23, '79. Gaine. 
 
 697. 40 privateers at Huntington, owned by Tory refugees, com- 
 manded by one Hatch, of Mass. — N. London, Aug. 25, '79. 
 
 698. Riv., Oct. 2, '79.— N. Lond., Sep. 22. A requisition hav- 
 ing been made to Gen. Delancey, of L. I. Militia, to furnish 500 
 men, to parade with their blankets on Aug. 23, to march for Brook- 
 lyn, to be employed in repairing and constructing new works there ; 
 210 of which were to be from Suffolk County, who were also to 
 furnish and send to the magazine at Brooklyn, 5,000 fascines, 9 ft. 
 long, and stripped of leaves ; 25,000 pickets, from 3 to 4 ft. long ; 
 5,000 fraisings or stockades, from 9 to 10 ft. long, and 6 to 8 in. 
 thick ; 5,000 railing of 6 or 7 ft. 
 
 The inhabitants having refused to comply, the following letter 
 was sent to Gen. Delancey : 
 
 JY. Y. Aug. 26, '79. 
 Sir : — You will signify to the people of Suffolk Co. that if the requi- 
 sition is not immediately complied with a detachment of troops will be 
 sent into that district, and every person who shall refuse shall be turned 
 out of L. I., and their farms will be all for the support of those who 
 have suffered from real attachment to Government. 
 
 RAWDON, Ad. Gen. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 87 
 
 Sep. 22, '79. N. London Gaz. Last Friday 35 young men came 
 from L. I. to Saybrook, who left their homes on account of being or- 
 dered to work on the fortifications on the west end of L. I., apprehend- 
 ing they should be ordered thence to the West Indies. 
 
 699. Aug. 28, '79. Riv. Aug. 14, a party of about 20 rebals 
 made their appearance at Corum, and took 2 of Isaac [or Isaiah] 
 Smith's sons. Thence they proceeded 6 miles westward to the 
 house of Isaac Smith, and also made him and 3 more of his sons 
 prisoners. Mr. S. threw one of the rebels over the stoop and made 
 his escape. Thence they proceeded to B. Haven Town and stopped 
 at John Baley's, where they remained some time. Thence they 
 went to Crane Neck, 3 miles west of B. Haven, where their boats 
 lay. Between this place and Crane Neck one of Mr. Smith's sons 
 made his escape. Next morning their boats were seen near Crane 
 Neck. The same day a party of militia were in motion, and their 
 orders were to march to Drowned Meadow, 3 miles east of B. 
 Haven. — The well known Eben. Dayton was at the head of this 
 party, 2 of the sons of Israel Conklin, of Huntington South, Stephen 
 Woodhull, of B. Haven, the noted Isaac Smith, of Corum, ( com- 
 monly called Petticoat Isaac, ) and one of his sons : the two latter 
 joined the rebels about 3 months ago. Mr. Petticoat Isaac has been 
 remarkably industrious in harboring and supplying the Rebels with 
 provisions and intelligence. 
 
 The above party made their appearance at Corum., at noon-day, 
 and ordered Isaac Smith's family to depart from that place, by Tues- 
 day following, otherwise their house should be destroyed by fire. 
 I. S. is the only Loyalist in the whole district of Corum. 
 
 700. Capt. Elias Glover left Conn, after the passage of Treason 
 Act, Sep. 10, '79, and was captured by Major Talmadge, at Lloyd's 
 Neck— Sep. '79, 
 
 701. Chatham, Sep. 28 ; '79. General Clinton has demanded a 
 number of men from every county, to fortify the Island. He fears a 
 visit from the French, our illustrious ally. 
 
 702. Gaine, Oct. 11, '79. Stolen, Sep. 15, from Jos. Ketcham's, 
 at Nesiscop, 40 miles east of N. Y., by 7 or 8 armed men dressed in 
 blue, a gun, silver mounted and gold touch-hole ; a suit of green 
 clothes, gilt oval buttons ; a suit, light-colored silk jean, solid silver 
 
S3 
 
 AR3IED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 buttons ; a suit nankeen. The above made a short fit for shooting. 
 Also, 4 ruffled shirts, 4 cravats, 4 handkerchiefs, fowling bag, &c, 
 10 gallons shrub, 18 Madeira wine, also a gun of Major [John] 
 AntilPs, [of Skinners Brigade]. £ 10 reward for one, and £5 for 
 every other of the robbers. 
 
 N. B. — Any of the gang who will inform, may depend on every 
 means being used to obtain his pardon, by Richard Deane, distiller, 
 N. Y. 
 
 703. On the night of Oct. 2, a party of men attempted to break into 
 the house of Widow Piatt, Huntington, where Jas. Houston and 
 John Stewart kept store, but was prevented by Mr. Stewart, who 
 threatened to fire on them. The night following they returned with 
 a greater force and attacked the house in like manner, when they 
 were again prevented. On 5th returned a third time, at 12 at night, 
 broke up a window with a sledge, and fired several shot into the 
 house, when a hot engagement commenced. 
 
 Mr. John Stewart, Mr. Piatt, and a negro, prevented their getting 
 into the house for some time, but one of the villains got into the 
 kitchen, where John Stewart killed him. The firing alarmed the in- 
 habitants, who immediately took to their arms, and drove the robbers 
 into the woods. The negro received a wound in the head, the only 
 damage done. — Oct. 18, '79. Gaine. 
 
 (100 guineas reward.) A most daring robbery was committed 
 at the house of Jesse Conklin, Bushy Plains, by persons unknown, 
 on the night of Oct. the 6th. 100 guineas reward, and a (free) 
 pardon from the Commander in Chief, ( is offered ) to any accomplice 
 who shall prove evidence against the rest. — Oct. 18, '79. Gaine. 
 
 704. Nov. 3, '79, Riv. We hear from B. Haven, that last Mon- 
 day evening, a party of 20 rebels, in 3 whale-boats, arrived near the 
 house of Col. Benj. Floyd. They attacked the house, and robbed 
 him of £600, and the most valuable part of his household goods. 2 of 
 the party had their faces blacked ; and the same night the house of 
 Andrew Seton was robbed ( by the same party ) of the most valuable 
 effects : and on the preceding evening the house of Capt. Solomon 
 Davis (see 767) at Old Man's was attacked. They fired several 
 shot through the house, but Capt. Davis stood ready to receive the 
 first who should dare enter, either at the doors or windows. He 
 told them he was accustomed to having balls fly around him, and 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 89 
 
 some of the inhabitants being alarmed, the rebels went off without 
 doing any more damage in that quarter. Several other robberies 
 have been committed on the south side. 
 
 705. Nov. 6. '79, Riv. 2 guineas reward. A nut brown horse run 
 away, Nov. 3, in disembarking at Brooklyn ferry, belonging to the 
 Major of the Hess. Reg. of Ditfourth, marching to Huntington. — 
 Not easy caught. 
 
 706. N. London, Dec. 4, '79. 5 green coats arrived here, from 
 L. I., last Monday night. 
 
 Petilions of Suffolk Co. Refugees in Conn. 
 
 707. Ap. 24, '80. Gilbert Fanning, jr., a nephew of Lt. Palmer, at 
 Stonington, wants to return to L. I. to settle about land in Stonington, 
 which his grandfather F. left to his father (at his death in June last), 
 also to get power of attorney from Phineas and Jas. F., at Southold, 
 to dispose of estate of Richard F., who died 8 years ago in North 
 Carolina, and left 2 children who died lately. 
 
 May, '80. David Palmer wants permit to get produce of Col. Gardi- 
 ner, his father-in-law, off Plumb I. 
 
 Ap. 11, '80. Thos., Amaziah, and Selah Corwin, Peter Halliock, 
 Israel Youngs, David Vail, Daniel Tuthill, at Lyme, are permitted to 
 go to L. I. for grain, wool, flax, and 1£ bushels salt each for their families. 
 They are to carry over no provisions nor bring off any British goods. 
 
 Capt. John Conklin, refugee, has a pass to cross Sound in illicit 
 trade. June 13, '80. 
 
 June 30, '80. Wm. Lawrence, late of S. Hampton, now of Saybrook, 
 wishes a pass for his wife and Elizabeth Simmons to go and stay on L. 
 I. He to return after settling up his mother's estate. 
 
 July 12, '80. Andrew Ward wants permit for Rev. Mr. Rose to 
 visit L. I. and procure proof that certain captured goods, worth £600, 
 were bought and not captured on L. I. 
 
 Aug. 10, '80. Doctor Howell and Mr. Leavenworth in the illicit 
 trade seized, but showed a permit from President of Congress. 
 
 Capt. Zach. Rogers, Jacob Titus and Thos. Conklin, of L. L, were 
 taken in a wood-boat on the Sound before Aug* 26, '80. 
 
 Before Sep. 14, '80. Capt. Lockwood took from L. L Cable and Lud- 
 lam. 
 
 John Storrs, Hartford, Oct. 25, '80, wants to go and preach on L. 
 I. and bring back presents. Capt. Gamaliel Baley to command the boat. 
 
90 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 Oct. 31, '80. Wm. Lawrence, at Saybrook, wishes to bring his 
 family ofi*L. I. He left 12 months ago. 
 
 Jacob Titus, Thos. Conklin, Zach. Rogers, late of Huntington, 
 taken 10 weeks ago in a wood-boat and now prisoners of war at Hart- 
 ford, will aid the American cause, if liberated. Oct. '80. 
 
 Geo. Smith, at Hartford, wishes to go to Smithtown now and then 
 to see to his estate. His father lately died. Has large family to sup- 
 port. 
 
 Geo. Howell wishes to bring over from L. I. his secreted effects. 
 
 No date. 
 
 Mar. 13, '80. Oba. Johnes, Nath'l King and Daniel Tuthill, pray to 
 go to L. I. at all times for provisions for their families. 
 
 Mar. 10, '80. Eben'r Reeve and Nath'l, his nephew, at school at 
 Chelsea, were refugees from L. I. 
 
 Mar. 20, '80. Dr. Henry White, at Stonington, wishes to return to 
 L. I. 
 
 Mar. 21, '80. Nath'l Overton, at Groton, wants to return to 
 Southold. 
 
 John Franks, Elias Howell, Dan'l Fordham, Henry Hopping, Silas 
 Jessup, David Woodruff, Geo. Fordham, Dan'l Rackett and Capt. Paul 
 Reeve, want permits to cross to L. I. Nov., '80 ? 
 
 Joshua Smith and Capt. D. Roe, of B. Haven, at Middletown; Capt. 
 D. Roe at Woodbury, '80 ; Lt. Caleb Brewster of Continental Army, 
 Seth and Ephraim Marvin, of B. Haven, at Norwalk, '80 ; Cornelius 
 and Eben'r Conklin, Alex, and Carll Ketchum, W. Sammis, Jas. 
 Hubbs, Benj. Blachly, Pearson Brush, Epenetus Smith, Jos. Titus, Tim. 
 Williams, at Norwalk ; Isaac Smith at N. Haven. Ap. 27, '80. 
 
 Jan. 24, '80. John Hulbert, David Sayre, Theoph's Halsey, Maltby 
 Gelston, David Pierson, Zeb. Osborn, Uriah Rogers and Stephen How- 
 ell, all of E. Haddam, and Gamaliel Bayley, of Hartford, have permits 
 to go to L. I. for flax. 
 
 May, '80. Benj. Nathan, from Southold — wife became discontent- 
 ed — returned in a year with the children and back one year since, 
 tisks to take over 2 or 3 cows — allowed to take one. 
 
 Hannah Cupper and P. Tillenness, widows, fled with their husbands 
 from Southold to Haddam — unable to support their families — desire to 
 return — granted. 
 
 Eben. Edwards, Southampton to Farmington — indigent — wants to 
 go over and bring back avails of his farm. 
 
 Wm. Floyd from L. I. to Middletovvn — Gen. Tryon allowed two tories 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 91 
 
 to take his estate, and his steward fled to Conn. — asks to send over for 
 his effects — granted. Ap. '80. !j 
 
 Zeb. Hallock, Southold to Guilford — has a family in want, who 
 wish his return — granted. 
 
 Dr. Silas Halsey, Southampton to Killingworth — property gone — out 
 of business — asks to return as the east end of the Island is quiet — 
 granted. Ap. '80. 
 
 Jona. Havens, from L. I. to East Haddam, 1776 — sold his grain and 
 cattle for continental money, which is spent — in need and wants to re- 
 turn — allowed, with his family, negro boy, family stores, furniture, &c. 
 
 Ap. '80. 
 
 Wm. Havens, from L. I. — can't support his family at Saybrook — 
 asks to return — negatived. June, '80. 
 
 David and Silvanus Hoel, and Jer. Rogers, Southampton to Kill- 
 ingworth, 1776 — ask to go over to rent their farms and bring back 
 the avails — negatived. Ap., '80. 
 
 Sam'l Landon and Barnabas Horton — Southampton to Guilford — 
 ask to return — granted. May, '80. 
 
 Wm. Lawrence, Southampton — fled to Saybrook leaving his family 
 when enemy possessed E. end of Island — wife sick — asks to return — 
 negatived. May, '80. 
 
 Seth Overton asks to bring over from Southold to Chatham his aged 
 parents who are insulted by the British — negatived. Oct. '80. 
 
 Elias Pelletreau, goldsmith, and his two sons, John and Elias, 
 Southampton to Simsbury — enemy made a store of his house and ruin- 
 ed him, 1776 — asks for his two sons to return with goldsmith's tools — 
 negatived. Ap. '80. 
 
 Paul Reeve, L. I. to Saybrook — was Captain in the army and dis- 
 charged — can't support his family and asks to return — negatived. 
 
 Major King, Oyster Pond to Saybrook, with his aged parents — 
 wants to bring over avails of his farm — allowed under inspection. 
 
 Date lost. 
 
 Abigail and Bethiah Terry, Southold to Durham, 1776 — single and 
 in decline of life — can't obtain support — want to return — granted. 
 
 Sep. '80. 
 
 Jos. Topping, L. I. to Middletown — in need — a large family — has a 
 farm — an aged father on the Island — allowed to return. May, '80. 
 
 Rufus and Christ'r Tuthill, widow Dolly Baley and John King — 
 Southold to N. London — ask to take over a cow each — granted. 
 
 May, '80. 
 
92 
 
 ARMfcD OCCUPATION OF 
 
 Benj. Vail, Jona. Conklin, Jona. and Joshua Horton, and Joshua 
 Reeve— Southold to Guilford — cannot support their families — ask to 
 return and take over cattle — granted. Ap. '80. 
 
 David Welden, L. I. to E. Haddam, Sep., 1776 — in want — has an 
 aged mother — if allowed to return will take no part against U. S. — 
 granted. Ap. '80. 
 
 John Preston, and Tim. Welles, Sr. and Jr., at Stonington — left 
 large estates at Southold — money gone — in want — ask to return — 
 allowed. Ap. '80. 
 
 Dr. Henry White wishes to return to his father, Rev. Mr. White, at 
 Southampton — negatived. Feb. '81. 
 
 Thos. Topping, tanner and shoemaker, South Hampton to Weth- 
 ersfield — spent the effects he brought over — allowed to return. 
 
 Ap. '80. 
 
 Jan. '80. John, Cornelius, and Selah Conklin, Sam'l Vail, Rob't 
 Brush, Conklin Shaden, Ezekiel Wickes, Carll and Alex. Ketcham, 
 John Carll, Henry Scudder, Joshua and Jarvis Rogers, Jesse Arthur, 
 Josiah Buffet, Seth Marvin, — L. I. to Conn. — forsook their homes, 
 which had been taken by the British — ask relief of Poll Tax. 
 
 Feb. '80. Eph. and Benj. Marvin, Zebulon Williams, Wm. Salmon, 
 Gabriel Smith, Benj. and Gabriel North, L. I. to Norwalk — spent all 
 they brought over — ask relief from Tax. 
 
 Oct. '80. Geo. Smith, Smithtown to Stratford — asks to return to 
 bring off the avails of the sale of his estate in merchandise. 
 
 Wm. Philips wants permit to go to L. I. and bring off effects of 
 Col. Floyd and his own, (and get £600 then due Col. F. from Dan'l 
 Downs.) Philips was Floyd's overseer and had resided 2 years at 
 Milford. 
 
 708. New Haven, Feb. 2, '80. Last week, as 3 Hessian soldiers 
 were attempting to cross the Sound from Lloyd's Neck, 2 were 
 drowned ; the 3d got safe ashore on the Main. 
 
 709. $20 Reward and Charges. Stolen out of the barn of Zo- 
 phar Rogers, Huntington, Feb. 19, '80, 2 horses, &c. 
 
 710. Public thanks are hereby rendered to His Ex. Brig. Gen. 
 LELAND, for his amiable command during his stay at Huntington : 
 by a vote (nem. con.) of the inhabitants, at a town meeting, held 
 March 9, '80. Sol Ketcham, Town Clerk. 
 
 711. July 19, '80. Symcoe crossed the Sound at Flushing, and 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 03 
 
 marched to Huntington, where 100 of the militia cavalry of the 
 Island joined him. This corps was destined to secure the commu- 
 nication overland, between the Fleet which lay off the East end of the 
 Island and N. Y. The Queen's Rangers remained about the Points, 
 on the E. end of the Island till Aug. 9, when they fell back to 
 Corum, whence they returned Eastward, Aug. 15, being joined by 
 the King's Amer. Reg., which Symcoe was ordered to detach to 
 Riverhead, and he himself met the Commander-in-Chief (Clinton), 
 who was now on his journey by the Admiral's invitation, to hold a 
 conference with him. Clinton sent Symcoe to Adm'l Arbuthnot, 
 whose fleet was anchored in Gardiner's Bay, but sailed before Clin- 
 ton could arrive. The Queen's Rangers returned to Oyster Bay, 
 Aug. 23. This march of near 300 miles had been made very 
 fatiguing by the uncommonly hot weather, which rendered the Pine 
 barren, through which the roads principally lay, as close and sultry in 
 the night as in the daytime. The troops had been obliged to subsist 
 on the country. A militia dragoon who was sent express to the 
 Adj. Gen. [Andre ?] to inform him what difficulty there was in pro- 
 curing provisions for the troops, and the hardships which con- 
 sequently fell upon the inhabitants, was waylaid, taken and robbed 
 at Smithtown, by a party from the Rebel shore. As this had been 
 formerly the case, and it was obvious no party could remain se- 
 creted unknown to the inhabitants, Lt. Col. Symcoe obtained leave 
 of Clinton, to raise a contribution from the inhabitants of £80 cur- 
 rency, one-half to reimburse the militia man for what was taken 
 from him, and the other to recompense him for the chagrin he must 
 have been under in not being able to execute his orders. 
 
 Jour. 149, 150. 
 
 712. Last Friday night a party of Rebels surrounded the house of 
 Dr. Punderson of Setauket. took him prisoner and carried him to 
 Con't : in that night the same party took Wm. Jayne, jr. The 
 rebels told Mrs. P. they had taken the Dr. to exchange for John 
 Smith and Mr. Jayne for Wm. Philips, who were seized at Smith- 
 town, at Widow Blyenbury's, on a trading expedition. 
 
 Gaine, July 17, '80. 
 
 713. Sep. 1, '80, N.L. Two deserters from the Queen's Rangers 
 came here last Sunday from L. I., who say Gen. Clinton was at E. 
 
 5* 
 
94 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 Hampton, Wed. before, and that day set out with his attendants 
 for N. Y., and that the rest of the Troops set out on Thursday. 
 
 714. Riv. Sep. 16, '80. Taken up by John Hill, Inspector, Brook- 
 lyn Ferry, a dark bay horse and 2 mares, in the possession of John 
 Brown of Huntington, who is now in custody on suspicion of their 
 being stolen. 
 
 715. Ship Watt, struck on \ moon shoal, Montauk Pt., sunk in 
 2 hours, Capt. Coulthart and 20 of the crew drowned. 
 
 Gaine, Sep. 20, '80. 
 
 716. Sep. 26, '80. Col. Ludlow writes to Gen. Silliman, that 
 " plundering inhabitants and taking off innocent farmers, is a mode 
 of warfare I detest. Outrages are committed by mercenary men 
 among us. Any of our people plundering on the Main, if detected 
 by me, will be returned to you and restoration made." 
 
 717. Those Refugees desirous of locations in Suffolk Co. will 
 leave their petition with P. J. Livingston, Hellgate. Oct. 5, '80. 
 
 718. Capt. Elisha Elderkin in the True Blue, took the Betsey, 
 Dan'l Pardue, master, in South Bay. Oct. 8, '80. 
 
 719. Oft. 9, '80. Michael Veal, Joshua Rogers, Cor. Conklin, 
 John Conklin, and Jesse Brush, in a whale-boat, were forced by 
 stress of weather on L. I. shore, and are now prisoners in N. Y. 
 
 "Oct. 11. Monday last, were brought to Town by Capt. Luke, 
 (see 722) of the Royal Refugees, and safely lodged in Provost, the fol- 
 lowing rebel gentry, viz. : — Maj. Brush, Capt. Cornelius Conklin, 
 Capt. J. Conklin, Capt. Rogers, and Lt. Farley, all notorious offenders, 
 long practised in coming from the N. England shore to murder and 
 plunder the King's loyal subjects, on L. I. They were taken last Sat. 
 by Lt. Pendergrass and a party of Col. Cuyler's Refugees, at Smith- 
 town, with their whale-boat, and considerable booty. A certain 
 Capt. Ketcham was killed in attempting to escape." 
 
 Oct. 10, '80, Rob. Roy. Amer. Gaz. 
 
 Jesse Brush had sent the following warning "to John Ketcham and 
 his associates." 
 
 Head Quarters, Aug. 25, '80. 
 I have repeatedly ordered you, especially Ap. 15, to leave my farm. 
 This is the last invitation If you do not, your next landfall will be in 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 95 
 
 a warmer climate than any you ever lived in yet. 20 days you have to 
 make your escape. Riv., Oct. 21, '80. 
 
 " It was a dark, moonless midnight in Sep. '80, that Maj. Brush, a 
 small, well-built man, with red hair, sandy complexion, and a bright 
 eye, strong as Hercules, and bold as a Lion, 2 brothers Conklins, from 
 Virginia, Capt. Rogers, a hardy old fellow, whose farm had been ravaged 
 by Cornwallis's army, Lt. Ketcham, a polished gentleman and brave 
 officer, Tim. Williams,* a noble, generous fellow, full of vivacity and 
 humor, and Abm. Leggetj landed from a whale-boat on a Beach near 
 Smithtown. The boat was hauled up in a cove, and carefully covered 
 with branches of trees, seaweed, &c, so as to prevent its being noticed. 
 Then they proceeded to a house, the owner of which was a True Blue, 
 who had been apprized that Maj. Brush was about to be dispatched on 
 a secret mission by Gov. Clinton to raise a loan of specie on L.' I. 
 For 3 weeks they passed to and fro in various disguises, generally 
 choosing the night for their peregrinations, sometimes venturing out by 
 broad daylight, with assumed names, and some pretended business 
 which they would puisue with a great deal of seeming earnestness. After 
 they left L. L stress of weather forced them back to North Swamp, 
 when they hauled up their boat, capsized it, and crawled under for shel- 
 ter. In the afternoon it cleared up, they came out, when they were 
 surprised by a shout from a neighboring height " There they are ! The 
 
 d d Rebels !" and a volley of musketry followed, which laid 2 dead 
 
 on the sand. Legget and Williams escaped in a swamp, and recrossed 
 in the night to Conn, in a large whale-boat which Gen. Washington kept 
 cruising in the Sound, and commanded by Capt. Brewster." 
 
 N. York, Dec. 1845. 
 
 * At the close of the war, a merchant at Huntington, where he died, 
 1811\ 
 
 t Late of N. Y. City, and father of Wm. L , Editor of Evening 
 Post. 
 
 Gen. Parsons wants H. Scudder to go to L. I. to negotiate the ex- 
 change of Maj. Brush, Capt. Joshua Rogers and other refugees from 
 L. I. now prisoners. Oct. 19, '80. 
 
 720. Ft. St. George was built at a point projecting into South 
 Bay, on Smith's Manor, being the enemy's easternmost defence. It 
 was a triangular inclosure of several acres of ground, at two angles 
 of which was a strongly barricaded house, and at the third, a fort, 
 with a deep ditch and wall, encircled by an abattis of sharpened 
 pickets, projecting at an angle of 45 degrees. The fort and hou- 
 
96 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 I I I I I 
 
 jijiU 
 
 A 
 
 3 i 
 
 I 5 
 
 Or 
 
 t£1 
 
 A Plan of Ft. St. George, taken by Col. Tallmadge, Nov. 22, '80. 
 
 ses were entirely connected with a strong stockade, 12 feet high, 
 every piece sharpened, and fastened to each other by a transverse 
 rail, strongly bolted to each. The work was nearly finished, and 
 had embrazures for 6 guns, and but 2 mounted. The Fort was 96 
 ft. square, and had one gate and sally port, leading into the grand 
 parade. The Fort and other works had been completed only a few 
 days, and had 50 men. The above information, and a draft, was 
 obtained from Wm. Boothe, who lived near the Fort, and actually 
 guided Tallmadge to it. The Fort was the depository of stores, 
 dry goods, groceries, and arms, whence Suffolk Co. could be sup- 
 plied. 
 
 Nov. 21, '80. At 4 P. M., with 8 boats and a fair wind, I em- 
 barked my detachment, consisting of 2 companies of dismounted 
 dragoons, (80 men in all,) at Fairfield, and the same evening at 8 
 o'clock, lauded at Old Man's. I was obliged to go so far east to 
 avoid a large body of the enemy which laid at Huntington and vi- 
 cinity, partly in our direct route from Stamford. Soon after we 
 landed, say 10 o'clock, I put the troops in motion to cross L. I. We 
 had not gone far, say 4 or 5 miles, before the wind began to blow 
 from S. E. and rain soon followed. I faced the troops about, re- 
 turned to our boats, which were drawn up and concealed in the 
 bushes, under guard of 20 men ; as attention must be paid as well 
 to a favorable time for re-crossing the Sound (20 miles wide) as 
 to attacking the Fort. There we remained through the night and 
 next day, and at evening the rain abated, and I again ordered the 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 07 
 
 troops to march (7 o'clock) for our destined place S. side of L. I. 
 At 3 next morning I found we were within 2 miles of Ft. St. George, 
 when we halted a short time to take refreshment. Having made 
 my arrangements for 3 different attacks at the same time, I placed 2 
 small detachments under command of officers of high spirit, at dif- 
 ferent positions from the Fort, with orders to keep concealed until 
 the enemy should fire on my column. Just as day began to dawn, 
 (4 o'clock,) T put my detachment in motion. The pioneers, under 
 Lt. Brewster, who preceded my column had reached within 20 yds. 
 of the stockade before they were discovered. At this moment the 
 sentinel in advance of the stockade halted his march, looked atten- 
 tively at our column, demanded " Who comes there ?" and fired. 
 Before the smoke from his gun had cleared his vision, my sergeant, 
 who marched by my side, reached him with his bayonet and pros- 
 trated him. This was the signal for the other troops to move forward, 
 when all seemed to vie with each other in entering the Fort. So 
 resolute were the men that a breach was soon made in the stockade, 
 where the rear platoon under Mr. Simmons halted to prevent the 
 prisoners from escaping. [There was a detachment around each 
 house also.] I led the column directly through the grand parade 
 against the main fort, which we carried with the bayonet in less than 
 10 minutes, not a musket being loaded. At the same instant that I 
 entered one side of the fort, the officers commanding the smaller de- 
 tachments mounted the ramparts on the other sides, and the watch- 
 word, " Washington and Glory !" was repeated from 3 sides of the 
 Fort at the same time. While we were standing, elated with vic- 
 tory, in the centre of the Fort, a volley of musketry was discharged 
 from the windows of one of the large houses containing the main 
 body of the enemy, which induced me to order my whole detach- 
 ment to load and return the fire. I soon found it necessary to lead 
 the column directly to the house, which being strongly barricaded, 
 required the aid of the pioneers with their axes. As soon as the 
 troops could enter, the confusion and conflict was great. A consid- 
 erable portion of those who had fired after the Fort was taken, and 
 the colors had been struck, was thrown headlong from the 2d story 
 to the ground. Having forfeited their lives by the usages of war, 
 all would have been killed, had I not ordered the slaughter to cease. 
 In less than 10 minutes the garrison were prisoners. The prisoners 
 
98 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 being secured, it was soon discovered that a vessel which laid near 
 the Fort, loaded with stores, wine, rum, sugar, glass, &c, was getting 
 under weigh. The guns of the Fort were brought to bear on her 
 and she was soon secured. (I detached a party who boarded and 
 took her.) All things were now safe and quiet, and I had never 
 seen the sun rise more pleasantly. It became necessary to demolish 
 the enemy's works ; and an immense quantity of various goods, 
 English, &c, was destroyed. The shipping and their stores were 
 also burnt up. Some valuable articles of dry goods were made up 
 in bundles, placed on the prisoners' shoulders, who were pinioned, 2 
 and 2, and thus carried across the Island to our boats. 
 
 Having given the command of the detachment to Capt. Edgar, 
 with orders to halt at a given point near the middle of the Island, I 
 selected 10 or 12 men with Lt. Brewster, and mounted them on 
 horses taken at the Fort, with which I intended to destroy the King's 
 magazines of forage at Comm. This place was nearly half way to 
 the place where a large body of British troops were encamped, E. 
 cf Huntington. I reached it in about an hour and a half, made a 
 vigorous charge upon the guard placed to protect it, set it on fire, 
 (say 300 tons of hay) and in about an hour and a half more reached 
 the place where I had ordered the troops to halt, having rode 15 or 
 16 miles. As I arrived I was glad to see the head of the detach- 
 ment under Capt. Edgar advancing with the prisoners. As none of 
 us had halted since we parted, we sat down for nearly an hour and 
 refreshed. After this we took up our line of march. By this time 
 the militia began to muster, but prudently avoided coming near us. 
 Some guns were fired, but no damage received. By 4 o'clock we 
 reached our boats, and before sunset were all afloat on the Sound. 
 By midnight every boat arrived at Fairfield Beach, although we had 
 entirely lost sight of each other in the darkness of the night. This 
 service was executed entirely without the loss of one man, and only 
 one was badly wounded and him we brought off. Thus in 21 hours 
 we marched near 40 miles, took the Fort, burnt the magazines, &c. 
 The enemy's loss was 7 killed and wounded, most of the latter mor- 
 tally. We took one Lt. Col. Commandant, one Capt., one Lt., one 
 Surgeon, and 50 rank and file, with a host of others in the garrison 
 whom we left behind ; also one garrison standard. 
 
 Mr. Muirson was a volunteer, and deserves commendation. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 99 
 
 He advanced with Lt. Jackson over the abattis and wall into the 
 Fort. Thompson, ii. 484. Syms, p. 542. 
 
 Riv., Dec. 2, '80. 80 Rebels headed by Maj. Talmadge, assisted by 
 Heathcot Muirson, Benajah Strong, Thos. Jackson, Caleb Brewster, 
 officers belonging to the same party, formerly all of L. I., came across 
 in 8 whale-boats and landed between Wading R. and Old Man's, (sup- 
 posed to have been concealed 2 or three days by their old friends on the 
 Island). On Thursday morning, 23d Nov., about 50 marched across 
 the Island (the remainder being left to guard the boats) just after daylight, 
 arrived at Smith's Point, St. George's Manor, where they surprised a re- 
 spectable body of loyal refugees from R. I. and the vicinity, who were 
 establishing a post to get a present subsistence for themselves and their 
 families. The sentry on observing them, fired, which they returned, and 
 mortally wounded him, and rushed into a house. Mr. Isaac Hart, of 
 N. Port, was inhumanly fired on, wounded and bayoneted in 15 differ- 
 ent parts of his body, and beat with their muskets in a shocking manner 
 in the very act of imploring quarter, and died of his wounds a few 
 hours after. Four more refugees were wounded also, but are in fair 
 way of recovery. A poor woman was also fired on at another house 
 and barbarously wounded through both breasts, of which wound she 
 now lingers. 
 
 The Rebels carried off about 40 prisoners ; on their return at Corum, 
 they burnt a magazine of hay, about 100 tons, and same day embarked 
 for the Con't shore. 
 
 721. The Culloden, in pursuit of French ships from R. I., in a 
 dreadful storm on Monday night, Jan. 22, '81, was driven on L. I., 
 [at Culloden Point.] Her men, guns, and masts, will be saved. 
 We have the inhuman consolation to hope the French have fared 
 worse. — Gen. Robertson. 
 
 722. Gaine, Jan. 21, '81. Address by the officers of the Loyal 
 Refugee Volunteers established under his auspices at Smithtown, to 
 Col. Abm. Cuyler, previous to his departure for England. They 
 approve his conduct, thank him for his kind endeavors to alleviate 
 their disagreeable situation, and beg him to assure His Majesty of 
 their loyal attachment. Signed by P. V. Alstyn, Maj. Com't; P. 
 Luke, J. V. D. Poel, B. Dyer, Capt's; M. Pendergrass, P. Hoff, 
 Wm. Castilles, John Huyck, Lts ; P. Durland, Q. M. 
 
 723. Gaine, Mar. 12, '81. A party of rebels from Con't in 
 
100 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 8 whale-boats and an armed schooner, to the amount, as is supposed, 
 of 150 men, arrived at S. Hampton, last Monday, plundered the in- 
 habitants of several thousand pounds worth of goods, and carried 
 several of them away prisoners. 
 
 724. Mar. 16, '81. The British fleet, that had lain some time at 
 Gardiner's Bay, set sail southward. — N. London. 
 
 725. N. London, Ap. 20, '81. Capt. Pierpont, in an armed 
 whale-boat from N. Haven, was taken by surprise at Canoe Place, 
 by a party of refugees who lay in ambush for him. 
 
 726. Capt. Fitch visited Corum, May 2, '81, and found a few 
 goods ; most were secreted. He took Glover, Ap. 27, '81, on Conn, 
 shore. 
 
 727. Valentine Rider, with three boats duly commissioned, land- 
 ed at Mt. Misery, went into the country and robbed David Munro 
 and Widow Taylor of furniture, &c, equal to £600. Before leav- 
 ing the coast, 17 of them landed a second time, and shot at a son of 
 Philip Roe, beat and robbed him and his brother Nath'l of furniture, 
 clothing, cash, &c. ; broke looking-glass and windows. — May, '81. 
 
 728. May 23, '81. Five whale-boats, containing about 50 men, 
 made their appearance in the South Bay, where they attacked and 
 took a sloop loaded with lumber belonging to Messrs. Keteltas & 
 Nicoll, of N. Y., which they dispatched with one of their boats for 
 N. Haven. 
 
 A few evenings after, the remaining crews, 38 in no., landed at 
 Blue Pt., and plundered several of the inhabitants of provisions, 
 clothing, and money, to a considerable amount ; and carried off 
 another small vessel of K. & N. 
 
 Early next morning, by the exertions of two or three principal 
 sufferers, the militia were assembled under command of Capt's Rose 
 and Baker, and marched 10 or 12 miles with cheerfulness, but find- 
 ing no prospect of overtaking the plunderers without proceeding 30 
 miles farther, to a place they knew the rebels must of necessity 
 cross, the Capt's declined going. 22 men, however, on promise of 
 having their expenses defrayed, and a little persuasion, consented to 
 continue their march, and after suffering every inconvenience from 
 a heavy road, and want of sustenance, had the good fortune to over- 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 101 
 
 take them, taking their rest at the Canoe Place, about 2 in the 
 morning. Knowing themselves still undiscovered, they immedi- 
 ately attacked them at 15 yards distance, and so completely sur- 
 prised them, as to kill one, mortally wound another, make 20 prison- 
 ers, and secured their boats and plunder, with 38 stand of arms, with- 
 out the smallest opposition. The prisoners, under guard, were 
 ordered in their boats, and arrived in N. Y. on Saturday evening, 
 and are safely lodged in the Sugar House. — Riv. Ju. 6, '81. 
 
 At auction, near the ferry stairs, 4 prize whale-boats, taken a few 
 days since on S. side of L. I., in good repair, and well found in oars, 
 &c. 
 
 729. May 31, '81, N. London. Some days ago Major Ayres 
 made an excursion from Saybrook to L. I., and took 2 vessels near 
 Wading River. After taking some goods out of the vessels they went 
 ashore ; and as they were cooking provisions under a bank, they 
 were suddenly fired on, when Major A. and one or two of the party 
 were killed. 
 
 730. June 11, '81. Goods and furniture, equal to £31. 19. 8, 
 were taken from John Bayley of Brookhaven, by Ezekiel Wicks, 
 Jacob Conklin, Benj. Nicoll and others; from Dan'l Downs, equal to 
 £4. 2 ; from Capt. Wm. Brewster, equal to £68. 12. 6. 
 
 731. Before June 12, '81. St. Martin took goods from L. I. ; 
 Geo. Smith, of Hartford, took corduroys, calicoes, &c, at Cor urn ; 
 Eben'r Ayres, of Stamford, took goods at Cow Harbor ; E. Jones, of 
 Stamford, took law books. 
 
 732. Gaine, July 2, '81. On Wednesday night last, a party of 
 rebels from New England, with 5 whale-boats and about 50 men, 
 landed at Crane Neck, Setauket, and early next morning went to 
 the house of Capt. Nathan Woodhull, which, after they had plun- 
 dered, with three others adjoining, of considerable value, carried 
 Capt. W. and his son along with them ; fortunately, the boats were 
 discovered by two brigs and a sloop lying in the Sound, w T ho imme- 
 diately gave them chase, which obliged the rebels to run their boats 
 ashore and make their escape to the woods, leaving their boats and 
 plunder behind. The goods were returned to their owners, and 
 Capt. W. and son prevented from being carried off. One Dan'l 
 Jackson, of Newark, was commander of the party. 
 
102 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 On Wednesday morning, June 20, the Associators (in the brig 
 Sir H. Clinton, sloop Association and brig Keppel) returning from an 
 expedition to Conn., discovered seven rebel boats off Setauket; but the 
 rebels being too near the shore to be cut off, landed, hauled their 
 boats into the woods, and then ran off. Capt. Hubbel landed with 
 all his force, and in two hours brought off a very fine 12 oared barge 
 or gunboat, called Gen. Wooster, with two swivels and a blunder- 
 buss, and six very good whale-boats, most of which are entirely new. 
 Every method was taken to discover the rebels on shore, but with- 
 out success. In the boats was found a quantity of plunder worth 
 £100. 
 
 733. June 22, '81. Caleb Brewster and John Grennel, swear to 
 abuses committed on L. I. by whale-boats. 
 
 List of Persons Robbed. 
 Selah Strong, Ruth Blydenburgh, David Longbottom, 
 
 Tyler, Sam'l Hare, Tho's Hicks, 
 
 Wm. Brewster, Cha's Dallas, Jona. Tucker, 
 
 John Bailey, Ja's Smith, Selah Havens, 
 
 David Munroe, Tim. Smith, Nath'l Fanning, 
 
 Mary Taylor, Edward Tappan, David Gardiner, 
 
 Ja's Gardiner, Langdon, Ja's M'Cleure ; 
 
 Nath'l and Philip Roe, were twice plundered and once whipped. 
 X100 was paid to ransom a house from being burnt. — Trumbull, xv. 27. 
 
 734. Aug. 3. A body of armed men with fixed bayonets, came 
 to the house of Gilbert and Simon Fleet, near Huntington, and robbed 
 the 2 families of all the money and plate they could find (in their 
 possession), and had nigh strangled one of them by hanging him up 
 to a beam in his kitchen. — Aug. 15, '81. Gaine. 
 
 735. Wm. Fowler and John Strong in the armed boat Wm. the 
 Conqueror, took a small skiff in Accabonic Bay, Aug. 23, '81, with 
 300 lbs. coffee, and 120 lbs. tea. 
 
 736. Sep. 14, '81. Two whale-boats with 40 armed men from 
 Conn., landed on South Hampton, and killed and dressed 4 sheep of 
 Jos. Havens. On the evening of 15th they ransacked the house of 
 Nicoll Havens, Esq., on Shelter I., took 2 fowling-pieces, a silver- 
 hilted sword, silver-mounted hanger, some tea. &c. ; thence to Capt. 
 Ja's Havens', took a watch-coat, fowling-piece, &c. ; thence to Wi- 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 103 
 
 dow Payne's, insulted and threatened to burn the house, made them 
 produce silver tankard, linen, watch-coat, fowling-piece, &c. 16th 
 they landed at E. end of Southold, disarmed the people on their way 
 up to the settlement, and fired at some unarmed people, entered the 
 house of David Gardiner (who was about removing to Conn.) with 
 fixed bayonets, took goods and family articles ; knocked down Jos. 
 Peck. On their way down to the shore, they beat with a gun-breech 
 Mr. and Mrs. Lommedieu, an aged couple, threatened to burn Wi- 
 dow Moore's house, because armed men had assembled there to re- 
 sist them, flashed a gun at John Vail, aged 60 ; said they had some 
 of Delancey's cowboys with them, would burn the whole town if op- 
 position were made, and put men, women and children to death. 
 
 737. A representation of the inhabitants of Shelter I., and South- 
 old to Gov. Trumbull, Sept. 21, '81, complaining of whale-boats, signed 
 
 Sam'l Landon, David Conklin, Jared Langdon, 
 
 Oba. Vail, Jos. Peck, Benj. Prince, 
 
 Jos. Prince, Benj. Vail, John Hubbard. 
 
 738. N. London, Sep. 21, '81. 400 of Arnold's men landed at 
 Southold, and plundered and carried off to the value of £3000. 
 
 739. Before Sep. 26, '81. Ebn'r Conklin, of Norwalk, took at 
 Huntington sundry pieces of calico, lace, cambric, &c. 
 
 740. Petition of Suffolk Co. Refugees in Conn. 
 
 Feb. 5, '81. Capt. John Grennel, who left L. I. in '76 with his fa- 
 mily, and is now reduced, wishes to return to recover some debts. 
 
 Mar. 8, '81. Lodowick HackstafF, Jos. Hibbard, Tim. Rand, were 
 taken by Americans at Greenwich. 
 
 Mar. 20, '81. Mrs. Shelton and Mr. Strong, living at Stratford, 
 wish to visit aged parents at Brookbaven. Elias Howell, at Saybrook, 
 May 22, '81, wishes to return with family and family stores, to his aged 
 father on L. I. 
 
 Richard Seamans, a refugee, largely engaged in illicit trade ; also 
 Win. Hart and Kelsey. — No date. 
 
 Dr. Wm. Lawrence, L. 1. to Saybrook, employed to obtain intelli- 
 gence from the enemy, and had permit from Gov. Tryon to bring off his 
 family, furniture, medicines, &c. — Nov. '81 1 
 
 Feb. '81. Jona. Corwin — Southold to Norwich, Sep. '76 — served 
 two campaigns — discharged for infirmity, wishes to return with family to 
 
104 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 his father's estate. Selah Dickerson, Dan'l Booth, Joshua Horton, Wm. 
 Welles — Southold to Guilford — not able to procure subsistence — ask 
 liberty to return — negatived. 
 
 John Goldsmith fled from Southold to Guilford — asks liberty to re- 
 turn — n e ga tived . 
 
 Theoph's Halsey, S. Hampton to E. Haddam, Sep. '76, leaving a 
 farm, stock, &c, to which he wishes to return, as he has spent all he 
 brought with him. — May, '81. 
 
 John Lloyd, jr., at Hartford, fled from L. L, 1776 — polls and stock 
 exempted from taxation. 
 
 Isaac Overton — Southold to Norwich, Sep. 1776 — infirm — allowed 
 to return. 
 
 Benj. Sears, Zebedee Osborn, Theoph's Halsey, Dan'l, Ezekiel, Steph. 
 and Ed. Howell, Ezekiel Stanford — S. Hampton to E. Haddam, Sep. 
 '76 — spent their property and desire to return. 
 
 Eben'r Wade — Southold to Guilford — asks liberty to go over for 
 money for property sold, and to carry splints, and remain 3 weeks to 
 bottom chairs. 
 
 Ezekiel Wicks, a commissioned cruiser, wants his family removed 
 from L. I. to Conn — Sep. 4, '81. 
 
 Jesse Wicks, on L. I., has aided Whigs, and being detected by Bri- 
 tish, wants to remove to Conn. 
 
 741. Last Sunday night a party of rebels commanded by Sam'l 
 Heacock, made an attempt to plunder the house of Moses Jarvis, 
 merch't of Huntington, and after beating down the doors, one of the 
 party fired into the chamber window where Mr. J. and his wife were 
 standing, but fortunately they fell back at the flash, but not soon 
 enough to prevent Mrs. J. from being wounded in the breast by a 
 buckshot. Mr. J. being exasperated at such inhuman conduct, imme- 
 diately returned the fire, which killed Wm. Lownsbury, when the 
 whole party fled with the utmost precipitation, leaving the dead man 
 and his arms on the spot. — Gaine, Oct. 1, '81. 
 
 742. N. H., Oct. 11, '81. Tuesday afternoon, last week, 150 
 Continental troops, under Major Talmadge, crossed the Sound in 
 boats, and landed in the evening near a small fort on L. L, 15 miles E. 
 of Lloyd's Neck, which they approached with so much secrecy that 
 they were not discovered till challenged by the sentinel, who fired on 
 them and ran into the fort, but was followed so close that he had not 
 time to shut the gate. Some opposition was made as our people 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 105 
 
 entered the fort, and 4 of the enemy were killed and 2 wounded, but 
 they soon surrendered. The fort, barracks and magazines, were 
 destroyed. Major T. returned to Fairfield next morning with 20 
 prisoners, and brought off 70 muskets and a brass 3 pounder. We 
 had one man slightly wounded. 
 
 743. There was a garrison of 140 men, chiefly woodcutters, 
 well armed at Fort Slongo, TreadwelPs Neck, 8 miles E. of Lloyd's 
 Neck. Col. Tallmadge says in his Journal: 
 
 " On evening of Oct. 2, '81, 9 o'clock, I embarked from Sauga- 
 tuck River part of my detachment, and placed Major Trescott at the 
 head of it, with orders to assail the Fort on a particular point. The 
 troops landed on L. I. by 4 o'clock, and at dawn of day the attack 
 was made and the fortress subdued. The Block-house and other 
 combustible materials were burnt, and the troops and prisoners re- 
 turned in safety, bringing off one piece of handsome brass field 
 artillery. 
 
 Gen. Washington congratulates the army on the success of the 
 American arms in the reduction of Fort Slongo on the morning of 
 Oct. 3, without the loss of a man, and only one wounded. Of the 
 enemy, 2 Capts., 1 Lt., and 18 privates prisoners, besides several 
 killed and wounded and 2 iron double-fortified 4 pounders destroyed. 
 The colors of the Fort, a brass 3 pounder, a number of small arms, 
 ammunition, "&c, are the trophies of the victory. 
 
 [Henry Skudder was furnished by a neighbor with a draft and 
 description of Ft. Slongo, on the high land near Smithtown River. 
 With this in his pocket, in making his way to his boat (hid in a swamp) 
 his course lay through a forest, in the middle of which was a clear 
 field by which ran the road from Smithtown to Fresh Pond. Just before 
 sunset he heard the tramp of horses ; he hid behind a large fallen tree, 
 under which he could see 50 or 60 light horse passing within 10 rods 
 of him. He was not noticed and escaped to his boat. — Ed.] 
 
 744. N. London, Oct. 16, '81. Capt. Thos. Parks, in a small 
 privateer, and Capt. Wattles of the Comet, with 50 volunteers, pro- 
 ceeded to Oyster Pond, where they discovered 2 galleys near Shelter 
 I. endeavoring to get out of the bay, but being closely pursued, both 
 galleys ran ashore at Southold, and the people (60 or 70) made their 
 escape. One mounted 3, the other, 2 cannon; 16 muskets and a 
 variety of articles were found aboard. They had been cruising in 
 the Vineyard Sound. 
 
106 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 745. Before Oct. 17, '81. Nathan Peet Jackson, of Fairfield, 
 took cambrick, gauze, &c.,at South Hampton, June 18; also sugar, 
 muskets, &c, at Sag Harbor, July 2 ; also 44 yds. check, a cable, 
 &c, at Brook Haven, Aug. 4 and 5. 
 
 746. N. London, Nov. 1, '81. Last Monday night 3 deserters 
 from the British Regt. stationed at Huntington came to town. 
 
 747. N. London, Nov. 30, '81. Last week Major Davis and 
 Capt. Grinnel, being ashore at Sag Harbor with several men, were 
 betrayed and taken prisoners by a Hessian Major and 20 light horse. 
 They had 2 armed boats with them, which the enemy were about 
 setting on fire, but Capt. Wickham in an 8 gun sloop from Stoning- 
 ton, about the same time coming to near the boats, brought them orF. 
 
 Capt. John Grinnel was taken at S. Hampton, where he was buying 
 goods for N. Y. State, Nov. 3, '81, and was kept in Provost till March 
 26, '82. The Legislature in '84 allowed him 106 guineas which he had 
 spent while in captivity. 
 
 748. Ap. 11, '82. Two deserters (natives) came to N. Haven 
 from Lloyd's Neck. 
 
 749. Rob. Roy. Amer. Gaz., May 23, '82. The inhabitants in 
 Suffolk Co. give their thanks to Mr. Walter Humphreys, Dep. Com- 
 missary of forage, serving under Dan'l Wier, Esq., Com. Gen., &c, 
 &c, &c, for his just and upright conduct in receiving and weighing 
 the hay and straw delivered on Lloyd's Neck, for the use of His 
 Majesty's troops, and for his ready compliance in giving proper 
 receipts, whereby they have, or may by immediate application, re- 
 ceive their payment. Dated Huntington, March 27, 1782. 
 
 Jacob Brush, Tim. Carll, Capt. ; Eliph't Chichester, Hubbard Conklin, 
 Philip Conklin, Capt. Lt. ; Gilbert Fleet, Lt. ; Jona. Jarvis, John and 
 Ste. Ketcham, Jos. Lewis, President ; Jona. Mills, Jesse Oakes, Nath'l 
 Oakley, Sam'l Philips, Zophar Piatt, Justice ; Jonas Rogers, Collector 
 of Forage ; John Rogers, David Rusco, jr. ; John Squier, Selah Strong, 
 Esq. ; Silas Sammis, Jas. Sandford, M. D. ; Epenetus, Caleb, Aaron, 
 Nath'l, Philetus, and Jonas Smith ; Henry Titus, John Wickes, Capt. 
 Militia ; Dan'l Wiggins, M. D. ; Nath'l Williams, jr. ; Nath'l Wil- 
 liams, Jonas Williams, Israel Youngs, Collector of Hay. 
 
 750. Riv., May 29, '82. On 15th, Capt. Marks of the Delancey 
 whale-boat proceeded up the Sound to the neighborhood of Mattituck 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 107 
 
 on L. I., where he discovered a whale-boat commanded by Maj. Ayres 
 of Stamford, and manned with 8 men, whom he attacked, killed Ayres, 
 wounded one, took his boat, oars, muskets, and quantity of goods 
 filched from the honest inhabitants, who feel great joy at the example 
 made of this merciless plunderer. 
 
 751. Sep. 4, '82, Riv. Some whale-boats put ashore S. side of L. 
 I., near B. Haven, and robbed the house of Deacon Hedges of sundry 
 sorts of wearing apparel and household goods, &c, &c. 
 
 752. N. London, Sep. 6, '82. Last Friday 6 deserters from the 
 enemy came here from Oyster Bay. 
 
 753. Sep. 8, '82. Capts. Peter Vail and John Wilkinson, from 
 East Haddam in 2 whale-boats, robbed Henry Conklin at Southold, 
 of dry goods, and returned to Long Branch. They first went to 
 South Bay, landed at Canoe Place, and robbed a wagon of tea and 
 powder. 
 
 754. N. London, Sep. 20, '82. Last week, two armed boats from 
 Con't River, crossed the Sound and landed at Canoe Place : the peo- 
 ple going a mile or two on the Island, met a man with a box of tea, 
 and took it from him. They afterwards plundered sundry of the in- 
 habitants of cash and clothing. The next morning a no. of people 
 belonging to the Island assembled, and finding the boats' crews on a 
 beach, dividing their goods, they fired on them, killed one on the spot, 
 mortally- wounded another, who died soon after, and badly wounded 
 2 others. They have detained 5 of the boats' crews. 
 
 755. Fishkill, Dec. 5, '82. The enemy are fortifying Huntington. 
 They have pitched on a burying yard, and have dug up graves and 
 gravestones, to the great grief of the people there, who, when they 
 remonstrated against the proceeding, received nothing but abuse. 
 
 [See Prime, 251.] 
 The inhabitants were made to assist in pulling the Church down by 
 Col. Thompson, against their solemn remonstrances, and its materials 
 used for the Fort, &c. 
 
 Petitions of Suffolk Co. Refvgee.s, Conn. 
 
 756. Jan. '82. Abijah Corey — Southold to Branford — old, poor, 
 asks to bring over avails of his property — allowed under inspection. 
 
 Jos. Moore — S. Hampton to Canterbury — granted exemption from 
 Poll tax. Oct. '82. 
 
108 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 Wm. Welles, Southold to Guilford — asks to return — negatived. 
 
 Jan. '83. 
 
 Oct. 25, '82. Nath'l Gardiner wants to return to E. Hampton — 
 has served in army till July last, — his father, Col. Abm. G. died Sept. last. 
 
 Nov. '82. Ichabod Cole, refugee from L. I. at Lyme, wants to sell 
 his farm of 20 acres, on L. I. — Nathan Fordham, of E. Haddam, wants 
 to go to L. I. with his family. Rev. John Storrs (at Mansfield) wants 
 to return to L. I. 
 
 July 16, '83. Benj. King, of Lyme, wants to return to Southold. 
 [Jeremiah King also at Lyme.] 
 
 Feb. 27, '83. Eben'r Piatt — at Hartford — wants to go to L.I. to get 
 cash. 
 
 Mar. 4, '83. Maltby Gelston, at E. Haddam, wants to carry boards 
 to S. Hampton to build a barn, his house also is decayed. John Gelston 
 wants to go to L. I. Jas. Fanning a Whig (who has been in N. Caroli- 
 na) wants to go to L. I. David Howell, late of S. Hampton, wants to 
 go to L. I. to bring off flax, and wool on sheep-skins. [Elias Parshall 
 is at New Windsor.] 
 
 757. Mr. Isaac Smith, of Brook Haven, in the Virginia priva- 
 teer, was killed in boarding the ship Rennet. He was an officer of 
 Marines, a very brave man, and is much regretted. 
 
 Rob. Gaz. Dec. 26, '82. 
 
 758. Thos. Wickham, Esq., commander of an armed sloop, took 
 a boat laden with provisions, bound and proceeding on a voyage 
 to L. I. Jan. 30, '83. 
 
 759. March 27, '83. Most of the barracks at Huntington are 
 burnt, reported to be fired by the soldiers, who are dissatisfied with 
 the service. Whig Paper. 
 
 760. By permission of Gov. Robertson, a lottery for the benefit 
 of Caroline Church will be drawn at Brook Haven under direction of 
 the Wardens and vestry of the Church. Selah Strong, Esq., John 
 Moore, Esq., Joseph Brewster and Henry Nicoll, Managers. 
 
 Riv. Ap. 9, '83. 
 
 761. Henry Hawley, of Stratford, Con 't, put in Provost, May 
 5, '83, for carrying a sergeant and 5 Yagers from Huntington (who 
 had deserted) to the N. England shore. 
 
 762. Four deserters from the enemy came to N. London, via. 
 L. I. May 23, '83. 
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 109 
 
 763. Riv. June 4, '83. Stolen out of a stable at Huntington, 
 night of May 28, 2 chestnut Horses, belonging to Q. M. Gen. De- 
 part., marked on off thighs J. C. 2 guineas reward will be paid by- 
 Col. Dewormb at McGowan's Pass. 
 
 [TT Any officer commanding on L. I. is requested to forward them. 
 
 764. $10 Reward. Ran away, a negro man, Retus, speaks 
 English well and plays on the fiddle, took with him a pair of brown 
 velvet breeches, fiddle, &c. 
 
 WM. CLARKE. 
 
 Brook Haven, July 8, '83. 
 
 765. Isaac Alger and Nath'l Parker put in Provost, July 18, '83, 
 for robbing Piatt Carll, — and violently beating him and family, were 
 tried by Court Martial, and ordered to be executed Sept. 10. 
 
 766. July 29, '83. An affray happened between Elisha Brown 
 of N. Hampton, and one Norton, late of L. I. (of the class of people 
 called Cowboys), in which B. was killed. Norton escaped. 
 
 767. On Thursday last, as Solomon Davis (formerly a commander 
 of a vessel in the London trade) was returning in his wagon, from 
 N. Y. to his residence at Setauket, he was intercepted by 2 men, 
 who firing their pistols or fusils, shot him dead on the spot. He was 
 not robbed, as we are informed that his watch with 8 guineas were 
 found in his pockets. Gaine, Aug. 4, '83. 
 
 John Benson, a mulatto, who shot Capt. Sol. Davis, near Jamaica, 
 was hung at N. Y. for burglary, Friday before Sep 26, '85. — Loudon. 
 
 768. Annanias Piatt, John Smith, David Ralph, Nath. Skudder, 
 of Huntington, were put in Provost, Sep. 2, '83, accused of robbery 
 on L. I., and sentenced to pay a fine of £100 sterling, each, in 15 
 days ; or should his Majesty's troops leave before that time, and the 
 fine not paid, they are to receive 1000 lashes on the back, with the 
 cat-o'nine-tails. — Cornelius Carll, Esa Whitman, Silas Sammis, and 
 Jacob Lawrence were put in Provost, but acquitted. 
 
 Riv. Nov. '83. 
 
 769. What money may have been loaned to the State by the 
 Whigs of Suffolk, cannot be known till Gov. Clinton's papers are 
 made accessible. (See Queens Co., 316.) 
 
 In '81, Capt. Nath'l Norton was secretly commissioned by Gov. 
 Clinton, to obtain loans of money from wealthy Whig inhabitants of 
 6 
 
110 ARMED OCCUPATION OF SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 L. I. for the use of Gov't, and to conceal the object, he was appoint- 
 ed to the command of the " Suffolk," which cruised between Sands 
 Point and N. Haven. He obtained large sums on the faith of Govern- 
 ment. Thompson, II. 496. 
 
 There are many traditions of the war to which we can barely 
 allude without vouching for their truth : such as that a Maj. Davis, 
 of E. Hampton, became a prisoner in the latter part of the war, and 
 died in N. Y. by poison administered in his chocolate ; and that Maj. 
 Strong was murdered by the British, and that Wm. Tallmadge 
 was taken at the battle of Brooklyn, and literally starved to death in 
 prison, and that Ezra Weeks waylaid and shot a British officer. 
 
 The accounts of the people of Huntington, for property taken by 
 the British, supported by receipts of British officers, or other 
 evidence, amounted to £7249. 9. 6 : and was supposed not to con- 
 tain one-fourth of what was taken. They were sent to N. Y. to be 
 laid before the Commissioners, -but were not attended to. 
 
 Wood's L. I. p. 90. 
 
 May 6, '84. The Legislature imposed a tax of £37,000 on L. I. 
 (making £10,000 for Suffolk, £13,000 for Kings, and £14,000 for 
 Queens,) as a compensation to the other parts of the State for not 
 having been in a condition to support the war from '76 to '83, called 
 the " back tax." Wood's L. I. p. '81. 
 
 We have no account of the celebration of peace in Suffolk Co. 
 except the following : 
 
 At. return of peace Col. Tallmadge visited his native place, 
 where the patriotic citizens got up a festival, roasted an ox whole, 
 and made the Major master of ceremonies. Simms, 549. 
 
 The influences of war are always demoralizing, but it was es- 
 pecially disastrous to Suffolk. Many Whigs had abandoned their 
 farms and stock — fled to the Main, where they became involved in 
 debt, and at the peace returned poor. They found their farms out 
 of order, buildings dilapidated, fences gone, stock carried off, wood- 
 land cut off, churches deserted or torn down. No doubt the Whigs 
 sued for trespass some Loyalists who remained behind, but we have 
 no accounts of the trials. 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS 
 
 OF 
 
 KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 770. Flatbush, Ap. 15, '75. At a meeting of the Com- 
 mittee chosen by the several towns of Kings County, at the 
 County Hall : present from Flatbush, David Clarkson, Ad- 
 rian Voorhies, Jacobus Vandeventer, John Vanderbelt ; from 
 Bushwick, Theodorus Polhemus, John Titus, Jost Duryea, 
 Abm. Van Ranst, Abm. Lequere ; from Brooklyn, Simon 
 Boerum, Henry Williams, Jeremiah Remsen, John Suydam, 
 Johannes Bergen, Jacob Sharpe, Rem Cowenhoven ; from 
 N. Utreicht, Petrus Van Pelt, Denice Denice, Adrian Hege- 
 man ; from Gravesend, Richard Stillwell, Isaac Denice ; 
 Simon Boerum, Esq., was chosen Chairman, when it was 
 resolved unanimously, that Simon Boerum, Richard Stillwell, 
 Theodorus Polhemus, Denice Denice and Jeremiah Vander- 
 bilt, or a major part of them, be appointed Deputies to the 
 Convention, for choosing Delegates to the Continental Con- 
 gress, to be held at Philadelphia, in May. 
 
 Justice Cowenhoven appeared and said, that Flatlands 
 
114 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 would not put a negative on the proceedings, but chose to 
 remain neutral. 
 
 ABM. VAN RANST, Clerk. 
 
 111. At a general Town Meeting, regularly warned, at 
 Brooklyn, May 20, '75, the Magistrates and Freeholders met, 
 and voted Jer. Remsen, Esq., into the chair, and Leffert 
 Lefferts, Esq., Clerk. 
 
 Taking into our serious consideration the expediency and 
 propriety of concurring with the freeholders and freemen of 
 the City and County of N. Y., and the other Colonies, Town- 
 ships and Precincts, within this Province, for holding a Pro- 
 vincial Congress to advise, consult, watch over and defend, 
 at this very alarming crisis, all our civil and religious rights, 
 liberties and privileges, according to their collective pru- 
 dence. 
 
 After duly considering the unjust plunder and inhuman 
 carnage committed on the property and persons of our 
 brethren in the Massachusetts, who, with the other N. Eng- 
 land Colonies, are now deemed by the Mother Country to 
 be in a state of actual rebellion, by which declaration Eng- 
 land hath put it beyond her own power to treat with New 
 England, or to propose or receive any terms of reconciliation, 
 until those Colonies shall submit as a conquered country. 
 The first effort to effect which was by military and naval 
 force, the next attempt is, to bring a famine among them, 
 by depriving them of both their natural and acquired right of 
 fishing. Further contemplating the very unhappy situation 
 to which the powers at home, by oppressive measures, have 
 driven all the other Protestant Provinces, we have all evils 
 in their power to fear, as they have already declared all the 
 Provinces aiders and abettors of rebellion : Therefore, 
 
 1st. Resolved, That Henry Williams and Jer. Remsen, 
 Esqrs., be now elected Deputies for this Township, to meet 
 May 22, with other Deputies in Provincial Convention, in 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 115 
 
 N. Y., and there to consider, determine and do, all pruden- 
 tial and necessary business. 
 
 2d. Resolved, That we, confiding in the wisdom and 
 equity of said Convention, do agree to observe all warrantable 
 acts, associations and orders, as said Congress shall direct. 
 Signed by order of the Town Meeting, 
 
 LEFFERT LEFFERTS, Clerk. 
 
 772. At a meeting of the several Deputies of the different Town- 
 ships in Kings Co., (at Flatbush, May 22, '75,) for the purpose of 
 electing Delegates to represent said County in Provincial Congress, 
 now held in the City of N. Y. ; agreeable to said meeting, they here- 
 by appoint Richard Stillwell, Theodorus Polhemus, John LefFerts, 
 Nich. Cowenhoven, Johannes E. Lott, John Vanderbilt, Henry 
 Williams, and Jer. Remsen, Esqrs., or any three of them, Delegates 
 to represent and fully to act in behalf of the before-mentioned County. 
 
 ABM. E. LOTT, Sec. 
 
 773. At a meeting of the company of light horse for Brooklyn, Sep. 
 15, '75, at Adolph Waldron's, Innholder,at Brooklyn Ferry, present 
 
 Wm. Boerum, Rem A. Remsen, Adolph Waldron, 
 
 Isaac J. Sebring, David Titus, Geo. Powers, 
 
 Sam'l Etherington, Jos. Smith, Wm. & Thos. Everitt, 
 
 Jacob Sebring, jr., Jacob Kemper, John Hicks, 
 
 John Reade, John Guest, Wm. Chardavoyne, 
 
 Rob. Galbraithe, Nich. Van Dam, Thos. Hazard. 
 
 Adolph Waldron was chosen Chairman, and Isaac J. Sebring, 
 Clerk. They then elected Adolph Waldron, Capt. ; Wm. Boerum, 
 1st Lt. (in the place of Rem. A. Remsen declined) ; Thos. Everitt, 
 2d Lt. ; Jacob Sebring, jr., Cornet, and Isaac Sebring, Q. M. 
 
 774. In consequence of the ill-success of the British arms at Bos- 
 ton, the Ministry resolved to remove the seat of war to New- York, 
 with the design of cutting off all intercourse between the Southern 
 and New England States. 
 
 Gen. Lee with 1700 men reached N.Y. Feb. 3, '76, for the purpose 
 of disarming the Loyalists and constructing fortifications in and about 
 N. Y. He barricaded all the streets leading into Broadway, erected 
 a battery on an eminence in the rear of Trinity Church, at Hellgate , 
 
116 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 the Highlands, Kingsbridge, Paulus Hook, Red Hook, and on the 
 N. W. side of Governor's Island. 
 
 Feb. 18, he posted 400 of the Penn. troops from Wallabout to 
 Gowanus. Those who could not procure lodgment were billeted on 
 the inhabitants of Brooklyn. 
 
 775. Feb. 28. The people of Brooklyn wish to know if they 
 shall be paid for billeting soldiers. Congress allowed them 7s. per 
 week for a room for officers, and Is. 4 d. for privates. 
 
 776. New-York, Feb. 23, 1776. 
 Gen. Lee is taking every necessary step to fortify and defend 
 
 the city. The men of war are gone out of our harbor ; the Phenix 
 is at the Hook ; the Asia lies near Bedlow's Island. To see the 
 vast number of houses shut up, one would think the city almost 
 evacuated. Women and children are scarce to be seen in the streets. 
 Troops are daily coming in : they break open and quarter themselves 
 in any houses they find shut up. Mr. Jacob Walton was ordered to 
 give up his house, which is now occupied with soldiers. 
 
 FRED'K RHINELANDER. 
 
 777. March 6, '76. Congress recommended to the Committee 
 of Kings Co., to furnish Col. Ward brush for fascines, wood for 
 pickets, and other timber to complete the works on L. I. Col. W. 
 had 519 men. Jour. 341. 
 
 778. Col. Ward was ordered (March 8) to detach 2 parties of 
 20 men each, with 3 days' provisions, in order to stop the communi- 
 cation of the people with the Phenix. He was to hide his guard in 
 bushes near the shore, and just about daylight to send a man along 
 shore below the Narrows to cut a hole in the bottom of the boats, or 
 take away the oars and sails. He was also to seize the pilots — es- 
 pecially one Frank Jones, who decoyed vessels to the Phenix. 
 
 779. March 6. Lord Stirling succeeded Gen. Lee, and con- 
 tinued in command till Washington's arrival in April. 
 
 March 13, '76. Extract from Regulations for defence 
 of N. Y., agreed to between Stirling and Provincial Con- 
 gress, when the English were expected from Boston. 
 
 X. All whites and negroes shall do fatigue duty. 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 117 
 
 C. The inhabitants of Kings Co. shall give assistance to Col. 
 Ward, by turning out for service at least one half their male popu- 
 lation (negroes included) every day at the fortifications, with spades, 
 hoes, and pickaxes — to begin Friday next. 
 
 7. A guard of six of the Kings Co. troop to be posted on some 
 heights near the west end of Nassau Island, to reconnoitre the en- 
 trance of the enemy into Sandy Hook, or their appearance on the 
 coast, and give immediate information to the commanding officer. — 
 See Queens Co., 42. 
 
 Capt. Waldron's light horse kept a look-out on the southern coast 
 of Kings Co. till Ap. 10, when Col. Hand's regiment of riflemen was 
 stationed at N. Utrecht. 
 
 [Waldron lived at Preakness, N. J., during the war. — Ed.] 
 
 780. Ap. 15, '76. Monday night 1000 Continental troops took 
 possession of Governor's Island and began to fortify it, and a regi- 
 ment went over to Red Hook and fortified it likewise. — Gaine. 
 
 June 11, '76. I am now stationed at Red Hook, about 4 miles from 
 N. Y. It is on an island situated so as to command the entrance of the 
 harbor entirely, where we have a fort with four 18 pounders, to fire en 
 barbette, that is, over the top of the works, which is vastly better than 
 firing through embrasures, as we can now bring all our guns to bear on 
 the same object at once. The fort is named Defiance, and thought to 
 be one of the most important posts we have. 
 
 There are two families here, — Mr. Van Dyke and his son, good 
 stanch Whigs, and very clever folks. I rode out with the young man 
 to Flushing, 16 miles off, where, and in most of the country towns about, 
 the forces from the city have taken shelter. Scarce a house we rode 
 by, but Mr. Van Dyke would say, " there lives a rascally Tory." — Shaw. 
 
 When the Rose and Phenix ran by our batteries, July 12, they did 
 not compliment Red Hook so much as to return her fire, being, as Shaw 
 says, two miles distant. — Ed. 
 
 781. Explanation of the American Lines of Defence at New-York. 
 
 See DIap. 
 
 a. M'Dougal's Battery, on a hill west of, and very near, Trinity 
 Church. 
 
 b. Fort George, now the Battery. North of it was the " Broadway 
 Barrier," near the Bowling Green, or King's Statue. It had 2 guns. 
 
 c. Battery at the ship yards. 
 
 6* 
 
118 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 d. Crown Point Battery, now Corlaer's Hook. 
 
 e. Main, or Battery Channei, where I think chevaux de frise were 
 sunk. 
 
 /. Governor's Island. 
 
 g. Fort at Red Hook, on Long Island. It had 5 guns. 
 
 h. Fort Stirling, between Hicks and Clinton streets, and east of 
 Pierrepont — open in the rear ; on land of Jacob Hicks. It had 7 guns. 
 
 i. Fort Putnam, on a hill then covered with heavy wood, (Conover's 
 Boschje,) which was partly cut down. It had 5 guns. 
 
 j. Fort Greene — the southeast front of the Lines on land of Johan- 
 nis Debevoice and Rutger Vanbrunt. It had 5 guns. 
 
 k. A conical hill, very steep, called Ponkiesbergh, Cobble Hill, or 
 Corkscrew Fort. It had 3 guns. " The trenches went round and 
 round, and it had a platform on top for cannon." So says and old 
 soldier. 
 
 Z. Redoubt at the Mill, (was it Fort Box ?) on Nicholas Boerum's 
 hill. It commanded the Mill (4), and had one gun. 
 
 Batteries in and near yew-York, March 24, '76. — Force, V. 480. 
 
 Grenadier's, or Circular Battery, 5 guns, near the air-furnace on the 
 bank of the North River. 
 
 Jersey's Battery, 5 guns, a little to the northward of the first. 
 
 M'Dougall's Battery, 4 guns, to the west of Trinity Church, and 
 very near it. 
 
 Broadway Barrier, 2 guns, very near the Bowling Green, or King's 
 Statue. 
 
 Coentie's Battery, 5 guns, on Ten Eyck's wharf. 
 
 Stirling's Battery, 8 guns, on L. I., and nearly opposite the Fly 
 Market. In the rear of this there is to be a citadel, which will take up 
 about 5 acres, called The Congress. 
 
 Waterbury's Battery, 7 guns, at the ship yards. 
 
 Badlam's Battery, 8 guns, on Rutger's first hill, just above the last 
 mentioned. 
 
 Thompson's Battery, 9 guns, at Hoorne's Hook. 
 
 Independent Battery, L2 guns, on Bayard's Mount. 
 
 Besides the above, there is a breast- work, or barrier, at Peck's, Beek- 
 man's, Burling's, and Fly Slips ; also at the Coffee House, Old Slip, 
 Coentie's Market and the Exchange, and one midway of Broad-st. of 
 this construction ; and the same are made in several streets 
 
 leading from the North River to Broadway. Also a line of circumvalla- 
 tion from river to river. 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 119 
 
 Names of Batteries, May 22, '76, at New-York City. 
 
 Grand Battery, south part of town, thirteen 32 pounders, one 24, 
 three 18's, two 12's, one brass mortar, 3 iron mortars prepared. 
 
 Fort George, immediately above it, two 12 pounders, four 32's. 
 
 White Hall Battery, left of Grand Battery, two 32 pounders. 
 
 Oyster Battery, behind Washington's head-quarters, two 32 pound- 
 ers, three 12's. 
 
 Grenadier's, or Circular Battery, near Brewhouse on N. River, three 
 12 pounders, 2 mortars prepared. 
 
 Jersey Battery, left of Grenadier, two 12 pounders, three 32's. 
 
 Bayard's Hill redoubt, 9 eight pounders, four 3's, six royal and co- 
 horn mortars. 
 
 Spencer's Redoubt, on a hill where Gen. Spencer is encamped, two 
 12 pounders, four field-pieces proposed. 
 
 Waterbury's Battery, is a fascine Battery on a wharf below Spen- 
 cer's redoubt, two 12 pounders. 
 
 Badlam's Redoubt, is on a hill directly above it, near Jew's burying 
 ground. 
 
 On Long Island. 
 
 At the redoubts are no artillery men, two 12 pounders, two 9's, four 
 3's of brass. 
 
 Fort Stirling, Lt. Randall and 12 men, four 32 pounders, two 18's. 
 Red Hook, Capt. Foster, one 3 pounder, four 18's. 
 Governor's Island, Capt. Craft, four 18 pounders, four 32's. 
 
 Faulus Hook, Capt. Dana proposed, two 12 pounders, three 32's, 
 two 3's. 
 
 The Park, as a reserve, Capt. Drury, to be run where the enemy 
 makes the greatest attack, twelve 6 pounders, eight 3's, one 24, three 
 3's, nine 12's. 
 
 782. Officers chosen by the different Companies in Kings Co., 
 who have signed the Declaration and taken their Com- 
 missions. — March, '76. 
 
 LIGHT HOESE. 
 
 Brooklyn.— Adolph Waldron, Capt. ; Wm. Boerum, 1st Lt. ; Thos. 
 Everitt, 2d Lt. ; Jacob Sebring, Ensign ; Isaac Sebring, Q. Master. 
 
 Kings Co. — Lamb't Suydam, Capt. ; Dan'l Rapelye, 1st Lt. ; Jacob 
 Bloom, 2d Lt. ; Peter Vandevoort, Ensign ; Peter WykofT, Q. Master. 
 
120 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 MILITIA. 
 
 Flatlands. — Jeremiah Vanderbilt, Capt. ; Albert Stoohoff, 1st Lt. ; 
 Thos. Elsworth, 2d Lt. ; Peter Vanderbilt, Ensign. 
 
 Gravesend. — Rem Williamson, Capt. ; Samuel Hubbard, 1st Lt. ; 
 Garret Williamson, 2d Lt. ; John Lane, Ensign. 
 
 Half of Brooklyn. — Barent Johnson, Capt. ; Barent LefTerts, 1st Lt. ; 
 Jost Debevoice, 2d Lt. ; Martin Schenck, Ensign. 
 
 Flatbu^h. — Cornelius Vandeveer, Capt. ; Peter LefTerts, 1st Lt. ; 
 John Vanduyn, 2d Lt. ; John Benham, Ensign. 
 
 Half of Brooklyn. — Fer'd Suydam, Capt. ; Simon Bergen, 1st Lt. ; 
 Wm. Brower, 2d Lt. ; Jacob Stellenwert, Ensign. 
 
 Bushwyck. — John Titus, Capt. ; Abm. Van Ranst, 1st Lt. ; Peter 
 Colyer, 2d Lt. ; John Skillman, Ensign. 
 
 N. Utrecht. — Adrian Van Brunt, Capt. ; Adrian Hegeman, 1st Lt. ; 
 Harmanus Barkulo, 2d Lt. ; Wm. Barre, Ensign. 
 
 783. March 11, '76. Kings Co. Committee appointed : 
 Rutgert Van Brunt, Col. ; Nich. Cowenhoven, Lt. Col. ; Johan- 
 nes Titus, 1st Major; John Vanderbilt, 2d Major ; Geo. Carpenter, 
 Adj.; Nich. Cowenhoven, Q. M. of their Regiment of militia. 
 
 Jour. 351. 
 
 784. Feb. 18, '76. Congress requests the attendance of the 
 absent members from Kings Co. Accordingly Messrs. Cowenhoven, 
 Vanderbilt, Vanbrunt and Lefferts, take their seats. 
 
 [Their previous attendance had been quite irregular. — Ed.] 
 
 Ap. 16, '76. John Lefferts, Nich. Cowenhoven, Jeremiah Remsen, 
 Theodorus Polhemus, Leffert Lefferts, Rutgert Vanbrunt, Jeremiah 
 Vanderbilt and John Vanderbilt, were chosen to make a representation 
 out of their body for the Provincial Congress, and that any four, three, 
 two, or one, may be a quorum, as appears by the certificate of John 
 Lefferts, Chairman, and Abm. Van Ranst, Clerk of the Committee of 
 Kings Co. 
 
 785. June 21, '76. Convention recommend that all boats in 
 the bay S. and S. W. of Kings Co., be drawn up, and the oars and 
 sails secured, so as to prevent the communication of the disaffected 
 with the enemy. 
 
 June 21. Col. G. Brewerton, at Flatlands, was summoned be- 
 fore Congress. Mayor Matthews was seized at Flatbush. His 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 house surrounded one o'clock at night, and a vain search made for 
 his papers. He was sent to Conn, where he broke jail and escaped. 
 
 786. Col. Van Brunt delivered to Congress the quota of Kings 
 Co., to reinforce the Continental Army at N. Y., viz. : 58 men and 
 Jacques Rapalje, Capt., and Geo. Carpenter, 2d Lt. — June 27, '76. 
 
 787. On Thursday, the Asia being in rear of the British fleet 
 in the Narrows, was fired on by a small battery on L. I., when she 
 returned the compliment with forty 24 pounders. One of which 
 lodged in the wall of Mr. Bennet's house, and 3 shot had near done 
 damage to Mr. Denyse's house, one missed his kitchen, a 2d struck 
 his barn, and a 3d destroyed the garden fence opposite the front door 
 of the mansion house. July 8, '76. 
 
 788. Gen. Howe to Lord Geo. Germaine. 
 
 Stalen Island, July 7, 8, '76. 
 The Halifax fleet arrived June 29, at Sandy Hook, where I arrived 
 four days sooner. I met with Gov. Tryon on board ship at the Hook, and 
 many gentlemen, fast friends to Government, attending him, from whom I 
 have had the fullest information of the state of the Rebels, who are numer- 
 ous and very advantageously posted, with strong intrenchments,both upon 
 L. I. and at N. Y., with more than 100 pieces of cannon for the defence of 
 the town towards the sea, and to obstruct the passage of the fleet up the 
 North river, besides a considerable field train of artillery. We passed 
 the Narrows with three ships of war, and the 1st division of transports ; 
 landed the Grenadiers and Light Infantry, as the ships came up, on this 
 Island, to the great joy of a most loyal people, long suffering on that ac- 
 count under the oppression of the Rebels stationed among them, who 
 precipitately fled on the approach of the shipping. The remainder of 
 the troops landed next day and night, and are now distributed in canton- 
 ments, where they have the best refreshments. I propose waiting here 
 for the English fleet, or for the arrival of Lt. Gov. Clinton, in readiness 
 to proceed, unless by some unexpected change of circumstances it should 
 in the mean time be found expedient to act with the present force. 
 
 To the. Hon. Provincial Congress, July 26. 
 
 789. Whereas Col. Rutgert Van Brunt has demanded every 
 fourth man of our companies, — we, Jeremiah Vanderbilt, Cornelius 
 Vandeveer, Barent Johnson, Lambert Suydam, Rem Williamson, 
 and John Titus, Captains of Kings Co. militia, pray Congress to 
 indulge us with ft men under our command to execute said Re- 
 
122 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 solves of July 20, relating to Kings Co. stock, without being paid, 
 provided it be in Kings Co., and we promise to be ready when called 
 on, to drive stock into the interior, guard the coast and protect the 
 inhabitants. 
 
 [July 30. Congress refused the above request. — Ed.] 
 
 790. Aug. 10. The Convention having heard that Kings Co. 
 had determined not to oppose the enemy, ordered a Committee to re- 
 pair to said County, and if the report should be true, to disarm and 
 secure the disaffected inhabitants ; remove or destroy the stock of 
 grain, and if necessary, lay the whole county waste, and for the execu- 
 tion of these purposes, to apply to Gen. Greene for such assistance as 
 they may want. Jour. 568. 
 
 791. Col. Conover, Aug. 14, '76, requests Commissions for 
 Thos. Lane, Capt. ; Nich. Vanbrunt, 1st Lt. ; Mich'l Van Cleef, 2d 
 Lt. ; to command the drafts. Also for Harmanus Casper, Lt., to 
 command 20 men, not militia, but to be under Capt. Lane. 
 
 792. Kings Co. not having elected any deputies since May last, 
 Mr. Polhemus (Aug. 14) appeared in Convention, and said the 
 County Committee had met, and directed him to attend as a member, 
 until another election is had — ordered that Mr. Polhemus take his 
 seat and represent said County, except in matters which related to 
 the formation of Government. Journal, 572. 
 
 793. The Convention vote the election of Kings Co. Aug. 19, 
 defective, as the Deputies are not authorized to frame a new form of 
 government. — New election ordered, Aug. 24, but never held. 
 
 794. Kings Co. Troop of Horse. 
 Lambert Suydam, Capt. *Dan'l Rapalje, 1st Lt. 
 
 * Jacob Bloom, 2d Lt. Peter Wykoff, Q. M. 
 
 *Peter Vandevoort, Ensign. Hend'k Suydam, Cl'k. 
 
 *Hend'k Johnson, Serg't. Hend'k Suydam, jr., Serg't. 
 
 John Nostrand, do. *John Blaw, Trumpeter. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 *Reynier Suydam, Jacob Suydam, Isaac Boerum, 
 
 *John Variderveer, Isaac Snedeker, John Ryerson, 
 
 Rutgert Vanbrunt, Chas. Debevois, Benj. Seaman, 
 
 Roelof Terhune, Andrew Casper, ^os. Betts, 
 
 Martin Kershaw, Peter Miller, Hend'k Wykoff. 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 123 
 
 Brooklyn Troop of Horse. 
 
 *Wm. Boerum, 1st Lt. 
 *Jacob Sebring, Ensign. 
 
 Thos Everitt, 2d Lt. 
 *Isaac Sebring, Q. M. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 * Joseph Sebring, 
 *Wm. Elsworth, 
 *Wm. Boerum, 
 Wm. Everitt, 
 Robert Galbraith, 
 
 *John Hicks, *George Powel, 
 
 *Jerem'h Brower, * James Casper. 
 *Adolphus Brower, Joseph Smith, 
 
 Abm. Rapalje, Stephen Schenck, 
 
 Sam'l Etherington, Nicholas Vandam. 
 
 [The above Troops were first in service under Gen. Greene, who 
 bid them seize for Commissary Brown the fat stock of the disaffected ; 
 next they drove off stock under Gen. Woodhull; after the defeat at 
 Brooklyn, as they were proceeding east to join Col. Livingston, they 
 were ordered off the Island by Col. Potter, and accordingly, those to 
 whose name a star is prefixed, crossed the Sound at Huntington to Nor- 
 walk, leaving their horses behind, which were lost to them. The men 
 were in Duchess Co., Oct. 4, '76, in destitute circumstances, and re- 
 ceived their pay from the Convention. — MS. Jour., XVII, 529, and 
 XXXII, 46, 62. 
 
 P. Vandevoort, jr., left father, mother, wife, and two children at 
 Bedford, and had not yet seen them, Feb. 14, '82, when he was at Fish- 
 kill. — Ed.] 
 
 795. Washington came to N. York before April 13, and ap- 
 pointed 'Greene to superintend the fortifications on L. I. This gen- 
 eral had made himself acquainted with every pass and defile leading 
 to the city, but unfortunately, a few days before the battle, from over 
 exertion, he was brought down with bilious fever. Sullivan took 
 his place till Aug. 23, when Putnam took command within the 
 Lines. Stirling and Sullivan appear to have acted under him. 
 
 These were distributed on Governor's, York, and Long Island, 
 Paulus Hook, and Hurlgate. 
 
 Aug. 3. Beturn of American Army at N. Y. 
 Present fit for duty, 10,514 
 Present sick, 3,039 
 Absent sick, 629 
 Absent on command, 2,946 
 Absent on furlough, 97 
 
 Total. 
 
 17,225 
 
124 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 A Whig paper thus sums up the British army : 
 
 8,000 men who sailed with Howe from Halifax, 
 2,350 Scotch Troops, 
 
 2,500 defeated Troops of Cornwallis and Clinton, from Sullivan's 
 Island, 
 
 9,000 Hessians and English guards, 
 150 Dunmore's Negroes, Tories, &c. 
 
 22,000 
 
 5,000 3d division of Hessians expected. 
 
 April 28, '76. The Regiments of Cols. Hand, Learned, Reed, 
 Nixon, Stark, Prescott, Varnum, Parsons, Hitchcock, Little, Reed, 
 Huntington, Webb, Arnold, Ward, Wyllys, Bailey, Wayne, Wind, 
 McDougall, Ritzema, Dayton, Irvine, and Baldwin, were at N. Y. con- 
 sisting of 10,325 men. Force V, 1151, 1198. 
 
 In July, Col. Furman's N. J. Levies, Col. Van Cortland's, Col. 
 Bradley's, and Col. Carey's Regiments were stationed at N. Y. 
 
 Hinman says 14 Regiments of Conn. Militia, (9 or 10,000) under 
 Gen. Wolcot, were ordered to N. Y. But Washington says only 9 Regi- 
 ments (3,150) arrived before Aug. 16 ; and 3 Regiments (1,120) Aug. 
 19 ; in all, 4,170 men. If two more Regiments should be added, the 
 number of militia would hardly equal half of that stated by Hinman. 
 
 Aug. 26. Washington writes, " There are here 9 militia regiments 
 from Conn, of 350 men each." 
 
 After the battle of Aug. 27, the militia disbanded and went home. 
 The regular troops were in one division of two brigades under Maj. 
 Gen. Spencer and Brig. Gens. Wadsworth and Parsons. 
 
 Hinman, p. 59. 
 
 July 17. Washington writes, " The Conn, light horse are now dis- 
 charged, though their assistance is much needed, having peremptorily 
 refused all kind of fatigue duty, or even to mount guard, claiming an 
 exemption as troopers." 
 
 [It is a popular story on L. I., that Washington or Putnam had their 
 quarters at the Cortelyou House. In fact they were neither ever outside 
 the Lines at Brooklyn. Washington's quarters were in N. Y. He 
 went over to Brooklyn after the Battle had begun, Aug. 27. — Ed.] 
 
 796. Howe determined to carry the. works on L. I., when 
 the city itself would fall an easy prey into his hands. Aug. 22, 
 15,000 men were landed at Bath under cover of armed vessels 
 warped in Gravesend Bay. The rifle regiment under Col. Hand 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 125 
 
 made no opposition, but withdrew to the Lines, setting fire to the 
 stacks of hay and grain. 
 
 Howe established his quarters at N. Utrecht. Cornwallis was 
 ordered to Flatbush, where he had some skirmishing with the Ameri- 
 can outposts. 
 
 " On Friday, 23d, a party of British took possession of Flatbush, 
 which brought on a hot fire from our troops who are advantageously 
 posted in woods and on every eminence. An advanced party are en- 
 camped a little to the N. W. of Flatbush Church, and have a battery 
 somewhat west of Jer'h Vanderbilt's, whence they fire briskly on our 
 people, who often approach and discharge rifles within 200 yds. of their 
 works. One of our gunners threw a shell into Mr. Axtell's house where 
 a number of officers were at dinner, but we have not heard what damage 
 it did." 
 
 Aug. 23. This afternoon the enemy formed and attempted to pass 
 the wood by Bedford, [Flatbush ?] and a smart fire between them and the 
 riflemen ensued. A number of musquetry came up to the assistance of 
 the riflemen, whose fire with that of the field pieces caused a retreat of 
 the enemy. Our men followed to the house of Judge Lefferts, (where a 
 number of them had taken lodgings), drove them out, and burned the 
 house and contiguous buildings. We have driven them half a mile 
 from their former station. Sullivan. 
 
 Aug. 24. Washington disapproves of a scattering, unmeaning, and 
 wasteful- fire from our people at the enemy. 
 
 Washington's Instructions to Putnam, Aug. 25. 
 
 The wood next Red Hook should be well attended to. Put some 
 of the most disorderly riflemen into it. The militia are the most 
 indifferent troops and will do for the interior works, whilst your best 
 men should, at all hazards, prevent the enemy's passing the wood and 
 approaching the works. The woods should be secured by abatis ; 
 traps and ambuscades should be laid for their parties sent after cattle. 
 
 Aug. 26. Considerable reinforcements are sent over to L. I. 
 There was a little skirmishing and irregular firing between the British 
 and American advanced guards, in which Col. Martin of the New Jer- 
 sey Levies received a wound in his breast, and a private had his leg 
 broke by a cannon ball, and another received a musket ball in his groin. 
 [Hermanus Rutgers was struck in the breast by a 6 lb. shot at the Flat- 
 bush Pass and fell forward dead. Many curious particulars may be found 
 in Strong's Flatbush.— Ed.} 
 
126 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 797. 
 
 A Proclamation. 
 
 By his Excellency, the Hon. WM. HOWE, General and Com- 
 mander-in-Chief of all His Majesty's forces within the Colonies 
 lying on the Atlantic Ocean, frem Nova Scotia to West Florida, 
 inclusive, <SfC, <fyc., <Src. 
 Whereas, it is represented that many of the loyal inhabitants of 
 this Island have been compelled by the leaders in rebellion, to take 
 up arms against His Majesty's Government, Notice is hereby given 
 to all persons so forced into rebellion, that on delivering themselves 
 up at said quarters of the Army, they will be received as faithful 
 subjects, have permits peaceably to return to their respective dwel- 
 lings, and meet with full protection for their persons and property. 
 All those who choose to take up arms for the restoration of order 
 and good government within this Island, shall be disposed of in the 
 best manner, and have every encouragement that can be expected. 
 Given under my hand at Head Quarters on Long Island, Aug. 
 
 By his Excellency's command. ROB'T MAKENSIE, Sec. 
 798. Examination of Col. Covenhoven, at Harlem, Aug. 28, 
 suspected of giving intelligence to the enemy, and arrested by order 
 
 " Left L. I. Sunday morning, Aug. 25 — came last from Wiihelmus 
 Stoothoof's Island. The day the enemy landed, as he was returning 
 from the lines, he was taken by them, and treated roughly, took his 
 sword and cockade and carried him to Head-quarters, was politely re- 
 ceived by Gen. Howe, who asked him if he would stay at home, and 
 send his produce, which he 'promised to do. They sent for him a 2d 
 time same day, ordered him to get fowls, &c. Under pretence of which, 
 he went off, got a horse and went to Gen. Washington and asked him 
 what part he should take, who directed him to go back and collect in- 
 formation, which he did, and sent it to Washington, and got back with- 
 out being missed. They never questioned him further. He afterwards 
 met some Hessians, who took him to get cows, and agreed among them- 
 selves, in Hessian language, to put him to death, after he had shown 
 them the cows, as they were forbid to kill cattle. He showed them a 
 cow and left them. Most of the stock had been driven off before. He 
 then went to Flatlands, where he saw many Regulars and Gov. Tryon. 
 Gens. Howe, Clinton and Pigot, were on the Island, and were joined by 
 
 23, 1776. 
 
 WM. HOWE. 
 
 of the Convention. 
 
 Jour. 598. 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 127 
 
 a few people from the Island. Left L. I. on Sunday to come to Con- 
 gress, and was arrested when he got to McGo wen's at Harlem. 
 
 [Parson Schoonmaker requested two Stillwells to leave Harlem and 
 not act as witnesses, for which act of kindness the Colonel gave the 
 Parson eight guineas. — Ed.] 
 
 799. Sam'l Hubbard, of Gravesend, was examined by Congress. 
 He left home for Bedford, Aug. 22, and could not return because the 
 British had landed. He removed Lt. Vanderbilt's wife and Ryerson's 
 wife and daughter to Mr. Benson's. John Sickles says Parson 
 Schoonmaker said Mr. Hubbard was a hearty friend to the American 
 cause. 
 
 800. Mr. Abm. Van Ranst of Bushwick arrived Aug. 27, at Har- 
 lem in a boat with his family, and says he understood that last night 
 1.500 men surrounded the house of Mr. Simon Duryea, a mile south 
 of his house, and took away his arms, horses and wagon ; that 2 
 companies of militia in the neighborhood of Bedford were disarmed 
 and perhaps taken prisoners." Journal, 594. 
 
 801. Explanation of the operations of the two Armies, Aug. 22-29. 
 See Map. 
 
 m. Denyse's large stone house, now Fort Hamilton, (where 'tis said 
 were a cannon and body of men posted,) abreast of which lay the Rain- 
 bow, so as to enfilade the road from N. Y. 
 
 n. N. Utrecht beach, where the British landed, Aug. 22 and 24, on 
 the farms of Isaac Cortelyou and Adrian Van Brunt, which lay W. of 
 the Bath House, i.e. between the Cortelyou road and the Bath road, 
 anciently called De Bruyn road. 
 
 o. Schoomaker's Bridge, (still extant,) a very narrow passage where 
 the army under Clinton might easily have been stopped. 
 
 p. A passage over the hill by which J. Howard led the British army 
 or a detachment of it, about 2 o'clock A. M., Aug. 27. 
 
 q. The Jamaica Pass. The road in 1776 went around a large hill. 
 
 r. The Hunder-fly Road. 
 
 s. Baker's Tavern. 
 
 t. Bennett's Cove, where 'tis said, 3,000 British landed on the morn- 
 ing of Aug. 27. 
 
 u . Martense's Lane, by which Stirling says the forces came, who 
 were opposed to him. 
 
 u. Red Lion Tavern, as is supposed, mentioned by Stirling. 
 to. Stirling's force [on Wykoff's Hill ?] morning of Aug. 27. 
 
128 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 x. Grant's force, morning of Aug. 27. 
 
 y. The scene of Stirling's last encounter with the enemy, while his 
 main body escaped over the Creek and Mill-dam. 
 
 N. B. The precise spots w, x, y, cannot now perhaps be identified. 
 The hills remain, but all else is changed. 
 
 z. Cortelyou House, built of brick and stone, 1699, by N. Vechte,and 
 still standing. Probably the scene of some fighting. One writer says 
 " Cornwallis was posted in a house above where the crossing was to be 
 made and another says " the British had several field-pieces stationed 
 by a brick house, and were pouring cannister and grape on the Ameri- 
 cans crossing the creek." 
 
 1. British redoubt thrown up on the night of Aug. 28, on high land 
 of George Debevoise. 
 
 2. Buttermilk Channel. 
 
 3. Stone (Dutch) church in the road, where 'tis said, Washington 
 held his military council. It was the alarm post on the night of the 
 retreat. 
 
 4. Brower's Mill. The side toward the Fort (I) was ripped off so 
 as to expose it to the fire of the Fort, in case the enemy should occupy 
 it. In the confusion of the retreat, 'tis said, Col. Ward set fire to this 
 mill before the retreating Americans got over. Hence they were 
 drowned in the mill-pond. There was then no road over the dam, only 
 a foot path. The mill is still standing, the pond mostly filled up. 
 
 5. Flatbush Pass. A large old oak was felled as an abatis across 
 the road, to cover the small redoubt of 3 six pounders. 
 
 6. 
 
 Americans retreating across the mouth of the creek. 
 
 
 7. 
 
 A party of Americans who covered the retreat of 
 
 those who 
 
 swam 
 
 over the creek. 
 
 
 8. 
 
 Port or Mill Road, by which De Heister may have 
 
 descended. 
 
 9. 
 
 Brooklyn Ferry. 
 
 
 10. 
 
 Wallebocht. 
 
 
 11. 
 
 East River. 
 
 
 12. 
 
 Paulus Hook. 
 
 
 13. 
 
 North River. 
 
 
 14. 
 
 Gowanus Bay. 
 
 
 15. 
 
 Yellow Hook. 
 
 
 16. 
 
 The Narrows. 
 
 
 17. 
 
 Road to the Narrows. 
 
 
 18. 
 
 Road to New Lots. 
 
 
 19. 
 
 Howard's Halfway House. 
 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 120 
 
 N. B. The dotted lines indicate the supposed routes of the three 
 divisions of the British army on the morning of Aug. 27. 
 
 802. Aug. 26. Gen. De Heister landed with the Hessians and 
 proceeded to Flatbush, when Cornwallis moved off to Flatlands. 
 Learning from the disaffected inhabitants that the Jamaica pass was 
 unoccupied, Howe arranged his plan of attack. 
 
 1. Gen. Grant was to advance by the shore road [or Martense's 
 lane,] towards Brooklyn, and make a feint in that direction. The 
 ships were to bombard the Fort at Red Hook. 
 
 2. De Heister was to take up the attention of the Americans at 
 Flatbush pass, till he should hear the British fire in their rear, when 
 he was to push on in earnest. 
 
 3. The main body of the army was to draw off under cover of 
 night towards Flatlands, and take a circuitous route through New 
 Lots, and so surprise the Jamaica pass, and get in the rear of the 
 American forces. 
 
 Accordingly at 9 A. M., Aug. 26 (some respectable farmers act- 
 ing as guides), the van of the army under Clinton, the main body 
 under Percy, and the reserve under Cornwallis, moved off by the 
 road leading to Flatlands Neck, and came out at Schoonmaker's 
 Bridge. There (E. of D. Rapalje's) they left the road, threw open 
 the fence and crossed the fields towards Howard's, where they ar- 
 rived 2 hours before day. 
 
 The American patroles were all seized and no alarm given. The 
 Jamaica pass was secured. At daylight, the whole British army 
 had passed through the woods and then halted to take refreshments. 
 
 While they are breakfasting, let us visit Grant near the shore. 
 As he was advancing, his advance guard, about midnight, fell in with 
 the American outposts, who were driven back on the main body 
 under Stirling, who was now posted on a side hill [Wykoff's?] 
 that commanded the road, where an indecisive cannonade was kept 
 up for several hours. 
 
 Let us now go to the Flatbush pass. According to the precon- 
 certed plan, De Heister commenced a moderate cannonade on the 
 American redoubt at daybreak. 
 
 Meantime, the main body having now finished their morning re- 
 past, hastened on to Bedford, intercepting on the way small parties 
 of Americans who were retreating from the woody heights on dis- 
 
130 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. 
 
 covering the enemy in their rear. The moment De Heister heard 
 the firing, he ordered Col. Donop to storm the redoubt, and fol- 
 lowed on himself. 
 
 The Americans now essayed to retreat towards Brooklyn, but 
 were forced back by Clinton, upon the Hessian bayonets, and in this 
 way they were driven to and fro, till a few boldly cut their way 
 through the enemy and escaped within the lines. 
 
 It was now 9 A. M., when Cornwallis fired 2 signal guns for 
 Grant, and pushed on to cut off Stirling's rear. Stirling, seeing the 
 day was lost, ordered the main body of his division to make their 
 way into the lines as best they could across the meadows and creek 
 at Gowanus, while he with a forlorn hope kept Cornwallis in check, 
 till overpowering numbers in front and rear forced him to surrender. 
 
 It is supposed about 5,000 Americans were engaged in differ- 
 ent parts of the battle-field, and twice that number of British, but it 
 is all conjecture. 
 
 Hardly had the discomfited Americans escaped within the lines, 
 when the King's forces pushed in hot pursuit nearly up to the 
 trenches, regardless of shot from cannon and musketry. Howe, 
 however, did not care to risk an assault. On the evening of the next 
 day, the British had a redoubt thrown up E. of Fort Putnam, and 
 were preparing to cannonade the American works. 
 
 The Americans were ordered not to quit the lines, but now 
 and then a lawless rifleman would spring over the works and pick 
 off a British scout. A constant skirmishing was kept up. 
 
 But the rain was so excessive — a fine penetrating drizzle — and 
 no tents, the lines so extensive, and the men so few, that the troops 
 were quite exhausted and dispirited. Aug. 29, a council of war was 
 held, and it was decided to retreat. As it was all-important to keep 
 this secret from the British, Washington gave out that he was going 
 to attack the enemy in the rear, and wanted a great number of boats 
 to transport a detachment up th? East River and land on L. I., at 
 Hellgate. Accordingly in the evening there was marching and 
 counter-marching, 2 Reg's would march down to the Ferry and 
 one up, 2 down and one up, till but one Reg. was left to embark. 
 
 The retreat was to commence with the militia at 8 o'clock, but the 
 wind was N. E., and with difficulty a few passed over. A. 11, the 
 wind chopped round S. W., and then the boats crossed rapidly. 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 131 
 
 This was the critical moment for the British fleet (which had been 
 kept down the Narrows 3 days by adverse wind) to sail up, fire on 
 and sink the American boats, but their drowsy sentinels did not ob- 
 serve the change. A fog also hung over the Brooklyn shore till a late 
 hour next morning, and thus the entire American army of 9,000 
 men, with their prisoners, most of the wounded, baggage and mili- 
 tary stores were saved. 
 
 Meanwhile the British reconnoitering parties drew nearer and 
 nearer. As they were not annoyed by any firing, and stillness 
 reigned along the lines, they suspected all was not right. By and 
 by one more daring than the rest cautiously crept into the works, 
 and seeing a perfect solitude, gave the alarm. The King's forces 
 rushed in and hastened to the Ferry, regardless of the fire from the 
 American battery at the ship yards, and the vessels in the stream. 
 But they were too late ! They fired indeed on a few straggling 
 boats, and 'tis said, compelled one to return. 
 
 Intense must have been the anxiety of Washington. He says, 
 he had no sleep, and indeed was scarce out of his saddle for two 
 entire days. 
 
 It is said, that Mrs. John Rapelye, who lived at the Ferry, sus- 
 pected what was going on, and sent her slave to inform the British 
 general of the preparations for a retreat, by the American army. The 
 negro was apprehended by a Hessian guard, and not being able to make 
 himself understood, was detained under guard till morning, when he 
 was escorted to Head Quarters, and delivered his message just in time 
 to be too late. 
 
PART II. 
 
 LETTERS RELATING- TO THE BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Lord Howe's Letter describing the Landing. 
 803. "Gen. Howe giving me notice of his intention to make a 
 descent in Gravesend Bay, on L. I., on the morning of the 22d, the 
 necessary disposition was made, and 75 flat-boats, with 11 batteaux 
 and 2 galleys, built for the occasion, were prepared for that service. 
 The command of the whole remained with Com. Hotham. The 
 Capts. Parker, Wallace, and Dickson, in the Phenix, Rose, and 
 Greyhound, with the Thunder and Carcass bombs, under the direc- 
 tion of Col. James, were appointed to cover the landing. The flat 
 boats, galleys, and 3 batteaux, manned from the ships of war, were 
 formed into divisions commanded respectively by the Capts. Vande- 
 put, Mason, Curtis, Caldwell, Phipps, Caulfield, Uppleby, and Dun- 
 can, and Lt. Reeve of the Eagle. The rest of the batteaux, making 
 a 10th division, manned from the transports, were under the conduct 
 of Lt. Bristow, an assistant agent. Early in the morning of the 22d, 
 the covering ships took their station in Gravesend Bay. The light 
 infantry, with the reserve to be first landed, forming a corps together 
 of 4000 men, entered the boats at Staten Island the same time. The 
 transports in which the several brigades composing the 2d debarka- 
 tion (about 5000 men) had been before embarked, were moved down 
 and suitably arranged without the covering ships by 8 o'clock. The 
 first debarkation not meeting with any opposition, the second suc- 
 ceeded immediately after ; and the other transports, carrying the 
 rest of the troops, following the former in proper succession. The 
 whole force then destined for this service, consisting of about 1 5,000 
 men, was landed before noon. On the 25th an additional corps 
 of Hessian troops under Gen. Heister, with their field artillery and 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 133 
 
 baggage, were conveyed to Gravesend Bay. Being informed next 
 day by Gen. Howe of his intentions to advance with the army that 
 night to the enemy's lines, and of his wishes that some diversion 
 might be attempted by the ships on this side, I gave directions to Sir 
 Peter Parker for proceeding higher up in the channel toward the 
 town of New-York next morning, with the Asia, Renown, Preston, 
 (Com. Hotham embarked in the Phenix, having been left to carry 
 on the service in Gravesend Bay,) Roebuck, and Repulse, and to 
 keep those ships in readiness for being employed as occasion might 
 require ; but the wind veering to the northward soon after the break 
 of day, the ships could not be moved up to the distance proposed : 
 therefore when the troops under Gen. Grant, forming the left col- 
 umn of the army, were seen to be engaged with the enemy in the 
 morning, the Roebuck, Capt. Hammond, leading the detached squad- 
 ron, was the only ship that could fetch high enough to the northward 
 to exchange a few random shot with the battery on Red Hook ; and 
 the ebb making strongly down the river soon after, I ordered the 
 signal to be shown for the squadron to anchor." 
 
 "The Admiral directed Sir Geo. Collier to place the Rainbow at 
 dawn of day in the Narrows abreast of a large stone building called 
 Denyse's, [now Ft. Hamilton,] where he understood the rebels had can- 
 non and a strong post, in which situation she would also be able to en- 
 filade the road leading from N. Y., and prevent reinforcements being 
 sent to the rebel outposts as well as to their troops who were stationed 
 to oppose the landing." Journal of a British Officer. 
 
 Joseph Reed to Mrs. Reed. 
 804. Head Quarters. Aug. 24. Our troops have been skirmish- 
 ing with the enemy on L. I. with various fortune, but we have ge- 
 nerally driven them back ; several were killed on both sides. Most 
 of the Penn. troops are ordered over. The officers and men behave 
 exceedingly well, and the whole army is in better spirits than I have 
 known it at any time. The gallantry of the southern men has in- 
 spired all others, so that there will be an emulation who shall be- 
 have best. There is a wood between our works and the enemy's 
 camp, of which each party is endeavoring to possess themselves. 
 As yet we have kept it, and hope we shall, as it is very important. 
 The enemy's ships are moving so much downwards, that we begin to 
 think their grand attack will be on Long Island. Indeed, the city 
 7 
 
134 
 
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 is now so strong, that in the present temper of our men, the enemy- 
 would lose half their army in attempting to take it. While I am 
 writing there is a heavy firing and clouds of smoke rising from that 
 wood. Gen. Putnam was made happy by obtaining leave to go 
 over. The old man was quite miserable at being kept here. 
 
 805. British Official Account of the Battle. 
 
 Camp at Newtown, L. I., Sept. 3, 1776. 
 
 My Lord : — On the 22d of last month, in the morning, the Brit- 
 ish, with Col. Donop's corps of chasseurs and Hessian grenadiers, 
 disembarked near Utrecht, on L. L, without opposition, the whole 
 being landed, with 40 pieces of cannon, in two hours and a half, 
 under the direction of Com. Hotham ; Lieut. Gen. Clinton command- 
 ing the first division of the troops. The enemy had only small par- 
 ties on the coast, who upon the approach of the boats, retired to the 
 woody heights, commanding a principal pass on the road from Flat- 
 bush to their works at Brooklyn. Lord Cornwallis was immediately 
 detached to Flatbush with the reserve, two battalions of light in- 
 fantry, and Col. Donop's corps, with six field-pieces, having orders 
 not to risk an attack upon the pass, if he should find it occupied ; 
 which proving to be the case, his lordship took post in the village, 
 and the army extended from the ferry at the Narrows, through 
 Utrecht and Gravesend,to the village of Flatland. On the 25th, Lt. 
 Gen. De Heister, with two brigades of Hessians from Staten Island, 
 joined the army, leaving one brigade of his troops, a detachment of 
 the 14th regiment from Virginia, some convalescents and recruits, 
 under the command of Lieut. Col. Dalrymple, for the security of 
 that island. On the 26th, Lt. Gen. De Heister took post at Flat- 
 bush ; and in the evening Lord Cornwallis with the British drew off 
 to Flatland. About 9 o'clock the same night the van of the army, 
 commanded by Lt. Gen. Clinton, (consisting of the light dragoons 
 and brigade of light infantry, the reserve under the command of Lord 
 Cornwallis, excepting the 42d regiment, which was posted to the left 
 of the Hessians, the first brigade, and the 71st regiment,) with 14 
 field-pieces, began to move from Flatland across the country through 
 the New Lots, to seize a pass in the heights extending from east to 
 west along the middle of the island, and about three miles from Bed- 
 ford on the road to Jamaica, in order to turn the enemy's left, posted 
 at Flatbush. Aug. 27th. Gen. Clinton being arrived within half a 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 135 
 
 mile of the pass about two hours before daybreak, halted and settled 
 his disposition for the attack. One of his patrols, falling in with a 
 patrol of the enemy's officers, took them ; and the general, learning 
 from their information that the rebels had not fortified the pass, de- 
 tached a battalion of light infantry to secure it, and advancing with 
 his corps upon the first appearance of day, possessed himself of the 
 heights, with such a disposition as must have secured success, had 
 he found the enemy in force to oppose him. The main body of the 
 army, consisting of the guards, 2d, 3d, and 5th brigades, with 10 field- 
 pieces, led by Lord Percy, marched soon after Gen. Clinton, and 
 halted an hour before day in his rear. This column (the country 
 not admitting of two columns of march) was followed by the 49th 
 regiment, with four medium 12 pounders ; and the baggage closed 
 the rear, with separate guard. As soon as these corps had passed 
 the heights, they halted for the soldiers to take a little refreshment, 
 after which the march was continued ; and about half an hour past 
 8 o'clock, having got to Bedford, in the rear of the enemy's left, the 
 attack was commenced by the light infantry and light dragoons upon 
 large bodies of the rebels, having cannon, who were quitting the 
 woody heights before mentioned to return to their lines upon discov- 
 ering the march of the army, instead of which they were drove back, 
 and the army still moving on to gain the enemy's rear, the grena- 
 diers and 33d regiment, being in front of the column, soon approached 
 within musket shot of the enemy's lines at Brooklyn, from whence 
 these battalions, without regarding the fire of cannon and small-arms 
 upon them, pursued numbers of the rebels that were retiring from 
 the heights, so close to their principal redoubt, and with such eager- 
 ness to attack it by storm, that it required repeated orders to prevail 
 upon them to desist from the attempt : had they been permitted to go 
 on, it is my opinion they would have carried the redoubt ; but as it 
 was apparent that the lines must have been ours at a very cheap rate 
 by regular approaches, I would not risk the loss that might have been 
 sustained in the assault, and ordered them back to a hollow way in 
 the front of the works, out of the reach of musketry. Lt. Gen. 
 De Heister began soon after daybreak to cannonade the enemy in the 
 front, and upon the approach of our right, ordered Col. Donop's corps 
 to advance to the attack of the hill, following himself at the kead of 
 the brigades. The light infantry about that time, having been rein- 
 
136 
 
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 forced by the light company, the grenadier company, and two other 
 companies of the guards, who joined them with the greatest activity 
 and spirit, had taken three pieces of cannon, and were warmly en- 
 gaged with very superior numbers in the woods, when, on the Hes- 
 sians advancing, the enemy gave way, and was entirely routed in 
 that quarter. On the left, Maj. Gen. Grant, having the 4th and 6th 
 brigades, the 42d regiment, and two companies of New-York Provin- 
 cials, raised by Gov. Tryon in the spring, advanced along the coast 
 with 10 pieces of cannon, to divert the enemy's attention from their 
 left. About midnight he fell in with their advanced parties, and at 
 daybreak with a large corps having cannon, and advantageously 
 posted, with whom there was skirmishing and a cannonade for some 
 hours, until, by the firing at Brooklyn, the rebels suspecting their 
 retreat would be cut off, made a movement to the right in order to 
 secure it across a swamp and creek that covered the right of their 
 works ; but being met in their way by a part of the 2d grenadiers, 
 who were soon after supported by the 71st regiment, and Gen. 
 Grant's left coming up, they suffered considerably : numbers of them, 
 however, did get into the morass, where many were suffocated or 
 drowned. The force of the enemy detached from the lines where 
 Gen. Putnam commanded was not less, from the best accounts I 
 have had, than 14,000 men, who were under the orders of Maj. Gen. 
 Sullivan, Brig. Gens. Lord Stirling and Woodhull. Their loss is 
 computed to be about 3,300 killed, wounded, prisoners, and drowned, 
 with five field-pieces and one howitzer taken. A return of the 
 prisoners is inclosed. On the part of the King's troops, 5 officers 
 and 56 non-commissioned officers, and rank and file killed; 12 offi- 
 cers, and 245 non-commissioned officers and rank and file wounded : 
 one officer and 20 grenadiers of the marines taken, by mistaking the 
 enemy for the Hessians. The Hessians had two privates killed, 
 three officers and 23 rank and file wounded. The wounds arc in 
 general very slight. Lt. Col. Monckton is shot through the body, 
 but there are the greatest hopes of his recovery. The behavior of 
 both officers and soldiers, British and Hessians, was highly to their 
 honor. More determined courage and steadiness in troops have never 
 been experienced, or a greater ardor to distinguish themselves, as all 
 those who had an opportunity have amply evinced by their actions. 
 In the evening of the 27th, the army encamped in front of the ene- 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 137 
 
 my's works. On the 28th, at night, broke ground 600 yards distant 
 from a redoubt on their left ; and on the 29th, at night, the rebels 
 evacuated their intrenchments and Red Hook with the utmost silence, 
 and quitted Governor's Island the following evening, leaving their 
 cannon and a quantity of stores in all their works. At daybreak on 
 the 30th their flight was discovered, the pickets of the line took 
 possession, and those most advanced reached the shore opposite to 
 New- York as their rear guard was going over, and fired some shot 
 among them. The enemy is still in possession of the town and 
 island of New-York, in force, and making demonstration of opposing 
 us in their works on both sides of Kingsbridge. The inhabitants of 
 this island, many of whom had been forced into rebellion, have all 
 submitted, and are ready to take the oath of allegiance. This dis- 
 patch will be delivered to your lordship by Major Cuyler, my first 
 aid-de-camp, who I trust will be able to give your lordship such fur- 
 ther information as may be required. 
 
 I have the honor to be, &c, 
 
 WILL. HOWE. 
 
 To Lord Geo. Germaine. 
 
 P. S. I have omitted to take notice, in its proper place, of a 
 movement made by the King's ships towards the town, on the 27th 
 at daybreak, with a view of drawing off the attention of the enemy 
 from our real design, which, I believe, effectually answered the intended 
 purpose. 
 
 About Aug. 22, we embarked in boats for L. L, and landed without 
 opposition in Gravesend Bay, marched 6 miles inland and halted till 
 26th, a large body of the Americans near us keeping up a firing from 
 behind walls and trees. About 4 p. M., Aug. 26, struck tents and lay on 
 our arms during the night about 3 miles from Bedford ; and though it 
 was summer, it was the coldest night I have experienced up to Nov. 
 25. At daybreak, Aug. 27, the light infantry attacked and forced sev- 
 eral small posts which the Americans had on the road leading to their 
 lines at Bedford. This appeared to be the first notice they had of our 
 being near them. About 9 we fired two signal guns to a part of the 
 army under Gen. Grant, who was to make a feint in the front of the 
 Americans, while we got round to their rear, and immediately marched 
 briskly up to them, when, almost without firing a shot, they abandoned 
 their post and retreated to their lines under cover of their guns. Our 
 men were most eager to attack them in their lines, but were ordered to 
 
138 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 retreat out of reach of their guns, and lay from about 4 pm. till very 
 near dark at the entrance of a small wood exposed to the fire of their 
 riflemen. During the whole evening they hit but one man, though their 
 balls continually whistled over our heads and lodged in the trees above 
 us. Their loss is acknowledged by them to have been 2600 ; ours 300 
 killed and wounded. Lord Harris. 
 
 From an Officer in Gen. Frazei J s Bat., list Eegt. 
 
 " The Hessians and our brave Highlanders gave no quarters ; and it 
 was a fine sight to see with what alacrity they dispatched the rebels 
 with their bayonets, after we had surrounded them so they could not re- 
 sist. We took care to tell the Hessians that the rebels had resolved 
 to give no quarter — to them in particular, — which made them fight des- 
 perately, and put to death all that came into their hands." 
 
 From a British Officer of rank. 
 
 " The Americans fought bravely, and (to do them justice) could not 
 be broken till they were greatly outnumbered and taken in flank, front, 
 and rear. We were greatly shocked at the massacre made by the Hes- 
 sians and Highlanders after victory was decided." 
 
 Lord Percy writes from camp at Newtown, Sep. 4, " It was the 
 General's orders that the troops should receive the rebels' first fire, and 
 then rush on them, before they had recovered their arms, with our bay- 
 onets, which threw them into the utmost confusion." 
 
 "General Robertson says: " The battalion of grenadiers led by 
 Col. Stuart, and 33d reg., ran across a field beyond the Flatbush road to- 
 wards the principal redoubt. Gen. Vaughan asked if he should attack the 
 lines, (which were semicircular and the parapets lined with spears and 
 lances,) but he was ordered back." The London Chronicle says : " Col . 
 Monckton and Gen. Vaughan led the grenadiers and light infantry. 
 They saw the advantage, and told Howe the rebels were shut up be- 
 tween the British and the sea. Vaughan stormed with rage at being 
 stopped, and sent word to Howe that he could force the lines with incon- 
 siderable loss." The American cannon were not well pointed ; a great 
 number of shot came over the British, but some were killed and some 
 wounded by small arms from the lines. [One of the L. I. militia says 
 he heard the bullets whistle over his head as he stood in the ditch. 
 Putnam rode along the lines and ordered them not to fire till they could 
 see the whites of the enemies' eyes. A British officer was brought 
 wounded into Boerum's bolt-house, which was used as a hospital, where 
 were several rows of beds occupied by the wounded. 
 
 Wm. Howard, aged 87, says the British army was guided by N. W 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 139 
 
 along a narrow road across Schoonmaker's bridge, (where a small force 
 might easily have brought the whole British army to a stand ) Thence 
 they turned ofFeast of Dan'l Rapalje's and crossed the fields to the south 
 of Howard's half-way house, where they halted in front of his house. 
 About 2 o'clock in the morning, after the market wagons had passed, 
 Howe, [1] with a citizen's hat on and a camblet cloak over his uniform 
 dress, entered Wm. Howard's tavern, attended by Clinton and two aids, 
 and asked for something to drink, conversed with him, and asked if he 
 had joined the association ? Howard said he had. " That's all very 
 well. Stick to your integrity. But now you are my prisoner, and must 
 lead me across these hills out of the way of the enemy, the nearest way to 
 Gowanus." Howard accordingly conducted the army by a passage way 
 between his house and horse shed over the hills and woods east of his 
 house, till they came to the cleared land north of the woods. The horses 
 drew the artillery up the hill in a slanting direction, and halted on the 
 brow to breathe a little. The army then proceeded west and came out 
 at Baker's tavern by the Gowanus road. The British took Adj. Jeromus 
 Hoogland [Lt. Troup] and Lt. Dunscomb, American patroles, at the 
 big white oak (since struck by lightning) in the middle of the road by 
 the mile post, a little east of Howard's. Isaac Boerum, a trooper, of 
 New Lots, was also taken in Bushwick, and died of small-pox in prison. 
 — Ed.] 
 
 806. R. H. Harrison to the President of Congress. 
 
 New-York, 8 o'clock P. M., Avg. 27, 1776. 
 Sir — I have this minute returned from our lines on Long Island, 
 where I left his Excellency, the General. From him, I have it in 
 command to inform Congress, that yesterday he went there, and con- 
 tinued till evening, when, from the enemy having landed a consid- 
 erable part of their forces, and from many of their movements, there 
 was reason to apprehend they would in a little time make a general 
 attack. As they would have a wood to pass through before they 
 could approach the lines, it was thought expedient to place a number 
 of men on the roads leading from where they were stationed, in order 
 to harass and annoy them in their march. This being done, early 
 this morning a smart engagement ensued between the enemy and 
 our detachments — which being unequal to the force they had to con- 
 tend with, have sustained considerable loss. At least, many of our 
 men are missing. Among those that have not returned, are Gen. 
 Sullivan and Lord Stirling. The enemy's loss is not known cer- 
 tainly ; but we are told by such of our troops as were in the engage- 
 
140 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 ment, and have come in, that they had many killed [and wounded. 
 Our party brought off a lieutenant, sergeant and corporal, with 20 
 privates, prisoners. While these detachments were engaged, a 
 column of the enemy descended from the woods, and marched toward 
 the centre of our lines, with a design to make an impression, but 
 were repulsed. This evening they appeared very numerous about 
 the skirts of the woods where they have pitched several tents ; and 
 his Excellency inclines to think they mean to attack and force us 
 from our lines by way of regular approaches, rather than in any 
 ether manner. To-day five ships of the line came up toward the 
 town, where they seemed desirous of getting, as they tacked a long 
 time against an unfavorable wind ; and on my return this evening, I 
 found a deserter from the 23d Regt., who informed me that they de- 
 sign, as soon as the wind will permit them, to come up to give us a 
 severe cannonading, and silence our batteries if possible. I have the 
 honor to be, in great haste, sir, your most obedient. 
 
 Sparks, IV. 513. 
 807. Gen. Sullivan to the President of Congress. 
 
 Whitemarsh, Oct. 25, 1777. 
 I know it has been generally reported that I commanded on Long 
 Island when the action happened there. This is by no means true. 
 Gen. Putnam had taken the command from me four days before the 
 action. Lord Stirling commanded the main body without the lines. 
 I was to have commanded under Gen. Putnam within the lines. I 
 was uneasy about a road through which I had often foretold that the 
 enemy would come, but could not persuade others to be of my opin- 
 ion. I went to the hill near Flatbush to reconnoitre, and with a 
 picket of 400 men was surrounded by the enemy, who had advanced 
 by the very road I had foretold, and which I paid horsemen $50 for 
 patrolling by night while I had the command, as I had no foot for the 
 purpose. What resistance I made with these four hundred men 
 against the British army, I leave to the officers who were with me 
 to declare. Let it suffice for me to say, that the opposition of this 
 small party lasted from half past 9 to 1 2 o'clock . The reason of 
 so few troops being on Long Island was because it was generally 
 supposed that the enemy's landing there was a feint to draw our 
 troops thither, that they might the more easily possess themselves 
 of New-York. I often urged, both by word and writing, that, as 
 the enemy had doubtless both these objects in view, they would 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 141 
 
 first try for Long Island, which commanded the other; and then 
 New-York, which was completely commanded by it, would fall of 
 course. But in this I was unhappy enough to differ from almost every 
 officer in the army, till the event proved my conjectures were just. 
 
 808. Lord Stirling to Gen. Washington. 
 
 Eagle, Aug. 29, 1776. 
 
 My dear General : I have now an opportunity of informing 
 you of what has happened to me since I last had the pleasure of 
 seeing you. About 3 o'clock in the morning of the 27th, I was 
 called up, and informed by Gen. Putnam that the enemy were ad- 
 vancing by the road from Flatbush to the Red Lion, and ordered me 
 to inarch with the two regiments nearest at hand to meet them ; 
 these happened to be Haslet's and Smalhvood's, with which I accord- 
 ingly marched, and was on the road to the Narrows just as the day- 
 light began to appear. We proceeded to within about half a mile 
 of the Red Lion, and there met Col. Atlee, with his regiment, who 
 informed me the enemy were in sight ; indeed, I then saw their front 
 between us and the Red Lion. I desired Col. Atlee to place his 
 regiment on the left of the road, and to wait their coming up, while 
 I went to form the two regiments I had brought with me along a 
 ridge from the road up to a piece of wood on the top of the hill ; 
 this was done instantly on very advantageous ground. Our oppo- 
 nents advanced, and were fired upon in the road by Atlee's regi- 
 ment, who after two or three rounds, retreated to the wood on my 
 left, and there formed. By this time Kichline's riflemen arrived ; 
 part of them I placed along a hedge under the front of the hill, 
 and the rest in the front of the wood. The troops opposed to me 
 were two brigades, of four regiments each, under the command of 
 Gen. Grant, who advanced their light troops to within one hundred 
 and fifty yards of our right front, and took possession of an orchard 
 there, and some hedges which extended towards our left ; this 
 brought on an exchange of fire between those troops and our rifle- 
 men, which continued for about two hours, and then ceased, by those 
 light troops retiring to their main body. In the meantime Capt. 
 Carpenter brought up two field-pieces, which were placed on the 
 side of the hill so as to command the road and the only approach 
 for some hundred yards. On the part of Gen. Grant there were two 
 field-pieces ; one howitzer advanced to within 300 yards of the front 
 7* 
 
142 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 of our right, and a like detachment of artillery to the front of our 
 left, on a rising ground, at about 600 yards distance. One of their 
 brigades formed in two lines opposite to our right, and the others 
 extended in one line to the top of the hills in front of our left ; in 
 this position we stood cannonading each other till near 1 1 o'clock, 
 when I found that Gen. Howe, with the main body of the army, was 
 between me and our lines, and saw that the only chance of escaping 
 being all made prisoners, was to pass the creek near the Yellow 
 Mills ; and in order to render this the more practicable, I found it 
 absolutely necessary to attack a body of troops commanded by Lord 
 Cornwallis. posted at the house near the Upper Mills ; this I instant- 
 ly did, with about half of Small wood's regiment, first ordering all 
 the other troops to make the best of their way through the creek. 
 We continued the attack a considerable time, the men having been 
 rallied and the attack renewed five or six several times, and were on 
 the point of driving Lord Cornwallis from his station, but large suc- 
 cors arriving rendered it impossible to do more than provide for safe- 
 ty. I endeavored to get in between that house and Fort Box ; but 
 on attempting it, I found a considerable body of troops in my front, 
 and several in pursuit of me on the right and left, and a constant 
 firing on me. I immediately turned the point of a hill, which cov- 
 ered me from their fire, and was soon out of reach of my pursuers. 
 I soon found it would be in vain to attempt to make my escape, and 
 therefore went to surrender myself to Gen. De Heister, commander- 
 in-chief of the Hessians. 
 
 Grant had said that with 5000 men he could march from one end of 
 the continent to the other. Stirling after forming his troops said, " Grant 
 may have his 5,000 men with him, we are not so many, but I think we 
 are enough to prevent his advancing further than that mill-pond." 
 Stirling, at the head of 400 Maryland troops, attacked a corps under 
 Cornwallis, stationed in a house at some short distance above the place 
 at which he proposed to cross Gowanus Creek. — Dner's Life of Stirling, 
 p. 163. 
 
 [Was this the old Cortelyou brick house ? — Ed.] 
 
 809. Col. Halset to Thos. Bodney. 
 
 Camp at Mt. Washington, 4th Oct., 1776. 
 On Sunday 25th of Aug. last, my regiment was ordered to L. I., in 
 Lord Stirling's Brigade, composed mostly of the southern troops, by 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 143 
 
 whom we were much caressed, and highly complimented on our ap- 
 pearance and dexterity in the military exercise and manoeuvres. On 
 Tuesday 27th, his brigade, consisting of 5 regiments, and a few of Sulli- 
 van's, not exceeding 5,000 men, were ordered to advance beyond the 
 lines and repulse the enemy. To oppose this small band were 17,000 
 regulars, much better furnished with field-pieces and every other mili- 
 tary appointment than we. Several of the regiments were broken and 
 dispersed soon after the first onset. The Delawares and Marylanders 
 stood firm to the last ; and, after a variety of skirmishing, the Dela- 
 wares drew up on the side of a hill, and stood upwards of four hours 
 with a firm, determined countenance, in close array, their colors flying, 
 the enemy's artillery playing on them all the while, not daring to ad- 
 vance and attack them, though six times their number and nearly sur- 
 rounding them. Nor did they think of quitting their station, till an ex- 
 press order from the general commanded their retreat through a marsh 
 and over a creek, the only opening left, which they effected in good 
 order, with the loss of one man drowned in passing. The Delawares 
 alone had the honor of bringing off 23 prisoners. I must also do Col. 
 Smallwood's battalion the justice to say, that the spirited attack made 
 by them on the enemy at the time the Delawares and themselves were 
 retreating, greatly facilitated the escape of both. 27 of the Delawares 
 next morning were missing. In that number were Lieuts. Stewart and 
 Harney, the latter a prisoner, and the other not yet heard of. Major 
 McDonough was wounded in the knee : a ball passed through the sleeve 
 of his coat without wounding the arm or his body. Lt. Anderson had 
 a ball lodged in his throat, Lt. Corn a ball still in his back: they are 
 recovered. The standard was torn with grape-shot in Ensign Stephen's 
 hand. In the retreat from L. I., which was conducted with great pru- 
 dence, Cols. Shee, Smallwood, Hand, and some others I do not recol- 
 lect, were called into council, and requested to take the defence of the 
 lines upon us, while the main body of the army crossed the East River 
 to N. York, which was accepted ; and last of all crossed ourselves, 
 thank God, in safety. 
 
 810. From an American Officer, dated Aug. 23, 1776. 
 
 Yesterday's occurrence, no doubt, will be described to you various 
 ways : I embrace this leisure moment, to give as satisfactory an ac- 
 count as I am able. A large body of the enemy, that landed some time 
 since on L. I., at the end of a beautiful plain, had extended their troops 
 about six miles from the place of their first landing. There were, at 
 this time, 11 regiments of our troops posted in different parts of the 
 
144 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 woods, between our lines and the enemy, through which they must pass, 
 if they attempted any thing against us. Early in the morning, our 
 scouting parties discovered a large body of the enemy, both horse and 
 foot, advancing on the Jamaica road towards us : I was dispatched to 
 Gen. Putnam, to inform him of it. On my way back, I discovered, as 
 I thought, our battalion on a hill coming in, dressed in hunting shirts, 
 and was going to join them, but was stopped by a number of our 
 soldiers, who told me they were the enemy in our dress, — on this I pre- 
 vailed on a sergeant and two men to halt, and fire on them, which pro- 
 duced a shower of bullets, and we were obliged to retire. In the mean 
 time the enemy, with a large body, penetrated through the woods on 
 our right and centre or front ; and about nine o'clock, landed another 
 body on our right, [at Bennet's Cove 1] the whole stretching across the 
 field and woods, between our works and our troops, and sending out 
 parties, accompanied with light horse, which harassed or surrounded 
 *and surprised our new troops, who, however, sold their lives dear. Our 
 orces then made towards our lines, but the enemy had taken possession 
 of the ground before them by stolen marches. Our men broke through 
 parties after parties, but still found the enemy's thousands before them. 
 Cols. Smallwood's, Atlee's, and Haslet's battalions, with Gen. Stirling 
 at their head, had collected on an eminence and made a good stand ; 
 but the enemy fired a field-piece on them, and being greatly superior in 
 number, obliged them to retreat into a marsh ; finding it out of their 
 power to withstand about six thousand men, they waded through mud 
 and water to a mill opposite them ; their retreat was covered by the 
 second battalion, which had reached our lines. Col. Lutz's and the N. 
 England regiments after this made some resistance in the woods, but 
 were obliged by superior numbers to retire. Cols. Miles's and Brod- 
 head's battalions, finding themselves surrounded, determined to fight 
 and run : they did so, and broke through English and Hessians, dis- 
 persed the horse, and at last came in with considerable loss. Col. 
 Parry was, early in the day, shot through the head, encouraging his 
 men. Eighty of our battalion came in this morning, having forced 
 their way through the enemy's rear, and come round by the way of 
 Hellgate : we expect more, who are missing, will come in the same 
 way. 
 
 811. Extract from Col. Smallwood's Letter, Oct. 12, '76. 
 The enemy from the 21st to the 27th of Aug , were landing their 
 troops on the lower part of L. I., where they pitched a large encamp- 
 ment, and ours and their advanced parties were daily skirmishing 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 145 
 
 at long shot, in which neither party suffered much. On the 26th, the 
 Delaware and Maryland troops, which composed part of Lord Stirling's 
 brigade, were ordered over. Col. Haslet and myself were detained on the 
 trial of Lt. Col. Tedwitz. After our dismission, it was too late to get over, 
 but pushing over early next morning we found our regiments engaged ; 
 Lord Stirling having marched them off before day to take possession of 
 the woods and difficult passes between our lines and the enemies' en- 
 campment. But the enemy, overnight, had stole a march on our gen- 
 erals, having got through those passes, met and surrounded our troops 
 on the plain grounds within two miles of our lines. Lord Stirling drew 
 up his brigade on an advantageous rising ground, where he was attacked 
 by two brigades in front, headed by the Gens Cornwallis [Cornwallis 
 was in his rear. — Ed ] and Grant, and in his rear the main body stood 
 ready drawn up to support their own parties, and intercept the retreat of 
 ours : this excellent disposition, and their superior numbers, ought to have 
 taught our generals there was no time to be lost in securing their retreat, 
 which might at first have been effected, had the troops formed into a 
 heavy column and pushed their retreat ; but the longer this was delayed 
 it became the more dangerous, as they were then landing more troops in 
 front from the ships. [Bennet's Cove?] Our brigade kept their ground 
 for several hours, and in general behaved well, having received some 
 heavy fires from the artillery and musketry of the enemy, whom they 
 repulsed several times ; but their attacks were neither so vigorous or 
 lasting as was expected, owing, as it was imagined, to their being cer- 
 tain of making the whole brigade prisoners of war, for by this time they 
 had so secured the passes on the road to our lines, (seeing our parties 
 were not supported from thence, which indeed our numbers would not 
 admit of,) that there was no possibility of retreating that way. Between 
 the place of action and our lines there lay a large marsh and deep 
 creek, not above 80 yds. across at the mouth, (the place of action upon 
 a direct line did not much exceed a mile from a part of our lines,) 
 towards the head of which creek there was a mill and bridge, across 
 which a certain Col. Ward, from New England, who is charged with 
 having acted a bashful part that day, passed over with his regiment and 
 then burnt them down, though under cover of our cannon, which would 
 have checked the enemy's pursuit at any time, otherwise this bridge 
 might have afforded a secure retreat. There then remained no other 
 prospect but to surrender, or attempt to retreat over this marsh and creek 
 at the mouth, where no person had ever been known to cross. In the 
 interim I applied to Gen. Washington for some regiments to march out 
 
146 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 to support and cover their retreat, which he urged would be attended 
 with too great risk to the party and the lines. He immediately after- 
 wards sent for and ordered me to march down a New England regiment, 
 and Capt. Thomas's company, which had just come over from N. York, 
 to the mouth of the creek opposite where the brigade was drawn up, 
 and ordered two field-pieces down to support and cover their retreat, 
 should they make a push that way. Soon after our march, they 
 began to retreat, and for a short time the fire was very heavy on both 
 sides, till our troops came to the marsh, where they were obliged to 
 break their order, and escape as quick as they could to the edge of the 
 creek, under a brisk fire, notwithstanding which they brought off 28 
 prisoners. The enemy taking advantage of a commanding ground, 
 kept up a continual fire from four field-pieces, which were well served 
 and directed, and a heavy column advancing on the marsh must have 
 cut our people off, their guns being wet and muddy, not one of them 
 could have fired, but having drawn up the musketry and disposed of 
 some riflemen conveniently, with orders to fire on them when they came 
 within shot. However, the latter began their fire too soon, being at 200 
 yds. distance, which notwithstanding had the desired effect, for the ene- 
 my immediately retreated to the fast land, where they continued parad- 
 ing within 600 yds. till our troops were brought over. Most of those 
 who swam over, and others who attempted to cross before the covering 
 party got down, lost their arms and accoutrements in the mud and creek, 
 and some fellows their lives, particularly two of the Maryland, two of 
 the Delaware, and one of Astley's Pennsylvania regiments, and two 
 Hessian prisoners were drowned. Thomas's men contributed much in 
 bringing over this party. I have inclosed a list of the killed and missing, 
 amounting to 256, officers included. It has been said the enemy during 
 the action also attacked our lines, but this was a mistake. Not know- 
 ing the ground, one of their columns advanced within long shot, without 
 knowing they were so near, and upon our artillery and part of the mus- 
 ketry's firing on them, they immediately fled. The 28th, during a very 
 hard rain, there was an alarm that the enemy had advanced to attack 
 our lines, which alarmed the troops much, but was without foundation. 
 The 29th, it was found by a general council of war, that our fortifica- 
 tions were not tenable, and it was therefore judged expedient that the 
 army should retreat from the Island that night. To effect which, not- 
 withstanding the Maryland troops had but one day's respite, and many 
 other troops had been many days clear of any detail duty, they were 
 ordered on the advanced post at Fort Putnam within 250 yds. of the 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 147 
 
 enemy's approaches, and joined with two Pennsylvania regiments on 
 the left, were to remain and cover the retreat of the army, which was 
 happily completed under cover of a thick fog and a southwest wind, 
 both which favored our retreat, otherwise the fear, disorder, and confu- 
 sion of some of the eastern troops must have retarded and discovered 
 our retreat, and subjected numbers to be cut off. 
 [See also Col. Graydon's Memoirs. — Ed.] 
 
 812. N. York, Sep. 1/76. Last Monday we went over to L. I., and 
 about midnight were alarmed by some of our scouting parties, who advis- 
 ed us that the enemy were coming up the Island with several field-pieces. 
 Upon which near 3,000 men were ordered out, chiefly of Marylanders 
 and Pennsylvanians, to attack them on their march. About sunrise we 
 came up with a large body of them. The Delaware and Maryland bat- 
 talion made one part. Col. Atlee, with his battalion, a little before us, 
 had taken post in an orchard, and behind a barn ; and on the approach 
 of the enemy, he gave them a very severe fire for a considerable time, 
 till they were near surrounding him, when he retreated to the woods. 
 The enemy then advanced to us, when Lord Stirling, who commanded, 
 immediately drew up in a line, and offered them battle in the true Eng- 
 lish taste. The British then advanced within about 300 yards of us, 
 and began a very heavy fire from their cannon and mortars : for both 
 the balls and shells flew very fast, now and then taking off a head. 
 Our men stood it amazingly well, not even one showed a disposition to 
 shrink. Our orders were not to fire till the enemy came within 50 yards 
 of us ; but when they perceived we stood their fire so coolly and resolute- 
 ly, they declined coming any nearer, though treble our number. In this 
 situation we stood from sunrise till 12 o'clock, the enemy firing on us 
 the chief part of the time, when the main body of British, by a route we 
 never dreamed of, had surrounded us, and driven within the lines, or 
 scattered in the woods, all our men except the Delaware and Maryland 
 battalions, who were standing at bay with double their number. Thus 
 situated, we were ordered to attempt a retreat by fighting our way 
 through the enemy, who had posted themselves and nearly filled every 
 road and field between us and our lines. We had not retreated a quar- 
 ter of a mile, before we were fired on by an advanced party of the 
 enemy, and those in the rear playing their artillery on us. Our men 
 fought with more than Roman valor. We forced the advanced party 
 which first attacked us to give way, through which opening we got a 
 passage down to the side of a marsh, seldom before waded over, which 
 we passed, and then swam a narrow river, all the while exposed to the 
 
143 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 enemy's fire. Capts. Ramsay's and Scott's companies were in front 
 and sustained the first fire of the enemy, when hardly a man fell. 
 The whole of the right wing of our battalion thinking it impossible to 
 march through the marsh, attempted to force their way through the 
 woods, where they, almost to a man, were killed or taken. 
 
 The Maryland battalion has lost 259 men, amongst whom are 12 
 officers : Capts. Veasy and Bowey ; Lts. Butler, Sterrit, Dent, Coursey, 
 Muse, Prawl ; Ensigns Corts, Fernandes. Who killed and who pri- 
 soners is yet uncertain. Cols. Atlee, Miles and Piper, are also taken. 
 1,000 men missing in all. We took a few prisoners. Many officers 
 lost their swords and guns. Most of our Generals on a high hill in the 
 lines, viewed us with glasses, as we were retreating, and saw the enemy 
 we had to pass through, though we could not. Many thought we 
 would surrender in a body without firing. When we began the attack, 
 [to cut through 1] Gen. Washington wrung his hands, and cried out, 
 "Good God! what brave fellows I must this day lose!" Major Guest 
 commanded the Maryland battalion, (the Col. and Lt. Col. being 
 both at York,) Capts. Adams and Lucas were sick. The Major, Capt. 
 Ramsay, and Lt. Plunket were foremost and within 100 yards of the 
 enemy's muzzles, when they were fired on by the enemy, who were 
 chiefly under cover of an orchard, save a few that showed themselves 
 and pretended to give up ; clubbing their firelocks till we came within 
 40 yards, when they immediately presented, and blazed in our 
 faces ; they entirely overshot us, and killed some men away behind in 
 the rear. I had the satisfaction of dropping one the first fire. I was 
 so near I could not miss. I discharged my rifle 7 times that day. 
 
 813. From an Officer in Col. Atlee's Battalion, dated Aug. 27. 
 
 Yesterday, about 120 of our men went as a guard to a place on L. 
 I. called Red Lion; about 11 at night the sentries descried 2 men 
 coming up a water-melon patch, upon which our men fired on them. 
 The enemy then retreated, and about 1 o'clock advanced with 200 or 300 
 men, and endeavored to surround our guard, but they being watchful, 
 gave them 2 or 3 fires, and retreated to alarm the remainder of the bat., 
 except one Lt. and about 15 men who have not been heard of as yet. 
 About 4 o'clock this morning, the alarm was given by beating to arms, 
 when the remainder of our battalion, accompanied by the Delaware and 
 Maryland battalions, went to the place our men retreated from. About 
 a quarter of a mile this side, we saw the enemy, when we got into the 
 woods (our battalion being the advance guard) amidst the incessant 
 fire of their field-pieces, loaded with grape shot, which continued till 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 149 
 
 10 o'clock. The Marylanders on the left, and we on the right, kept up 
 a constant fire amid all their cannon, and saw several of them fall ; but 
 they being too many, we retreated a little, and then made a stand. 
 Our Lt. Col. Parry was shot through the head, and I retreated with 
 him to secure his effects, since which, I hear the enemy are within 60 
 yards of our lines. 
 
 814. An officer of distinction in the battle, having seen high 
 encomiums on Col. Miles, writes the following, as a corrective, dated, 
 N. Y., Sep. 10, '7G: 
 
 " The enemy were some days encamped at Flatbush, about 3£ miles 
 South and East of our lines. Within half a mile of the enemy is a 
 ridge of hills covered with wood, running from the Narrows about 
 North-east toward Jamaica, about 6 miles. Through this woods are 
 three passes, which we kept strongly guarded, 800 men at each, to pre- 
 vent the enemy penetrating the woods. The night before Aug. 27, on 
 the west road were posted Col. Hand's regiment, a detachment from 
 Penn. and N. Y., next East were posted Col. Johnson, of Jersey, and 
 Lt. Col. Henshaw, of Mass. ; next East were posted Col. Wyllys and 
 Lt. Col. Wills, of Conn. ; East of all these Col. Miles of Penn. was 
 posted toward Jamaica, to watch the motion of the enemy, and give in- 
 telligence. Col. Miles's guard on the East of the woods, by some fata- 
 lity, what I don't know, suffered the enemy to march their main body 
 to the East of the woods, and advance near two miles in rear of our 
 guards in the woods without discovery. Con. Gaz. No. 673. 
 
 815. Extract of a Letter from an American Officer. 
 "Yesterday morning, or some time in the night before, the British 
 
 landed a large body on a neck of land, on this side the mountains, and 
 on a place where our guards were stationed. [Was this Rennet's Cove 1] 
 This soon brought on a warm engagement, which lasted from 2 or 3 
 o'clock in the morning, to 1 or 2 in the afternoon. The British en- 
 deavored to force our lines. Our batteries mowed them down like 
 grass." 
 
 816. Samuel Mills, of Jamaica, L. I., enlisted in May, 1776, in Capt. 
 Jacob Wright's company of 6 mo. volunteers; his 1st lieut. was North, 
 from Newtown; one Wilson of Jamaica was orderly sergeant. Cap. 
 Wright's co. was principally from Jamaica ; another company of volun- 
 teers from Kings county, under Capt. Van Nuys, united with Cap. 
 Wright's co. to fill up Col. Lasher's 1st New-York regiment — Gen. 
 Scott's brigade. On the day of the battle of L. I. Mills was one of the 
 inside guard and stationed in Cobble Hill fort, was not in the battle ; 
 
150 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 his station was in the fort for that day. There were 120 grenadiers in 
 Col. Lasher's regiment. When it was known that the Americans were 
 retreating, the grenadiers were stationed at regular distances inside the 
 American lines, each one having 6 hand-grenades beside their other 
 arms. In the afternoon and evening, previous to crossing over to N. 
 Y., the soldiers were continually marching and countermarching ; one 
 regiment would march up and two down, one up and two down, so that 
 the troops were kept in ignorance of what the final move would be, but 
 generally supposed that an attack of the British would take place the 
 next day. The boats were constantly going and coming to and from 
 N. Y. during the final retreat, and when Mills' co. landed in N. Y., it 
 was 3 o'clock a. m. 
 
 From Mrs. Catharine R. Williams' Life of Stephen Olney of 
 Rhode Island. 
 
 817. " Soon after the evacuation of Boston, Olney's regiment, under 
 Lt. Col. Ezekiel Cornell of Scituate, was ordered to N. Y. They arrived 
 after a tedious overland march, and were posted on Brooklyn Heights, 
 and employed in throwing up fortifications. Olney, with his regiment, 
 was ordered on picket guard, and lay the night preceding the battle on 
 their arms in a wood within one mile of the enemy. The ground be- 
 ing covered with wood, we were not exactly apprized of our situation. 
 At daylight hearing a firing in front and rear, we perceived we were 
 surrounded, but saw no enemy as yet. Lt. Col. Cornell ordered Capt. 
 Tew's platoon, to which I belonged, to move in front to protect our sen- 
 tries, and he marched our regiment toward our forts, where the firing 
 continued. When they came in sight of the enemy, they run their way 
 through and gained the camp. Many who hid in the woods came i:i 
 the camp after night. But to return to Capt. Tew. He marched a lit- 
 tle distance in front, but as the firing continued in our rear, he detached 
 me with 20 men in front to protect the sentries, and he marched after 
 and shared the fate of his reg. — the fate of those who fell on the sword 
 of the enemy. I marched forward and found the enemy firing their 
 field-pieces and some small arms into the woods, where our sentries 
 were placed, but the balls seemed to make most havoc in the tops of the 
 trees. I placed my men behind trees, and they kept up a deliberate 
 fire. In half an hour the firing in the rear ceased, and I discovered a 
 party of the enemy coming to us in that direction. I formed my men 
 and marched off in very quick time towards our home, believing the 
 enemy were between us and the forts. In about a mile we came out of 
 the woods into a field beside the road which led by a school-house, by 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 151 
 
 which we must pass to get over the mill dam to our fort. On getting 
 over the fence I saw the enemy into the road, as near the school-house 
 as we were, drawn up in line viewing our works. The enemy saw us 
 and ran ahead and fired ; nevertheless I got nearly all my men past the 
 school-house. After we passed them 100 yards, they huddled together 
 on the road. I ordered my men to face about, give them one well di- 
 rected fire, which I saw from the staggering had taken good effect. Af- 
 ter we got in our fort there came on a dreadful heavy storm with thun- 
 der and lightning, and the rain fell m such torrents that the water was 
 soon ankle-deep in the fort. With all these inconveniences, and an 
 enemy just without musket-shot, our men could not be kept awake. 
 They would sit down and fall asleep, though Lt. Col. Cornell threatened 
 to make daylight shine through them. All that seemed to prevent the 
 enemy taking our main fort was a scarecrow row of palisades from the 
 fort to low water in the cove, which Major Box had set up that morn- 
 ing. On our retreat to N. Y., we had to take our baggage, camp-equi- 
 page, &c, on our shoulders to the boats, and tedious was the operation 
 through mud and mire." Page 170-5. 
 
 [The above account, as well as many of the others, is quite con- 
 fused, owing to Olney's ignorance of the localities. Perhaps the ori- 
 ginal letters would clear up some obscure passages. — Ed.] 
 
 Major PophanCs account of the part he took in the Battle of L. I. 
 818. On or about Aug 21, '76, I arrived in N. Y. a 2d Lt. in Col. 
 Haslet's regiment ; a few days after I was ordered with the Delaware 
 regiment to cross over to L. I., on Saturday, I believe. On Sunday I 
 saw the Maryland regiment reviewed by Col. Smallwood in front of the 
 Corkscrew fort. Next day, or next but one, I marched toward the 
 ground occupied by our army, in the summit of the high ground in front 
 of Gowanus, near the edge of the river, where the enemy were landing 
 from their ships, [Bennet's Cove,] one or two lying near the shore to 
 cover the landing. Many shots were exchanged between us and the 
 enemy. About 12 o'clock Gen. Stirling came to the east brow of the 
 hill and ordered the Delaware regiment up. Here we received the first 
 order to load with ball, and take care that our men (who were awkward 
 Irishmen and others) put in the powder first. We then marched up 
 and joined the army which was drawn up in line, my regiment and my 
 company on the left. The whole bay was covered with the enemy's 
 shipping. The firing continued all the time of the enemy's landing, and 
 we lost several men. About this time the enemy began to send detach 
 
152 
 
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 ments as scouts on our left, when Capt. Wragg and 18 men, supposing 
 us to be Hessians by the similarity of our dress, approached too near 
 before he discovered his mistake, when my company attacked and took 
 them prisoners. I was immediately ordered with a guard to convey 
 them across the creek in our rear to our lines. On descending the high 
 ground we reached a salt meadow, over which we passed, though not 
 miry, yet very unfavorable to silk stockings and my over-clothes. When 
 we had reached about half way to the creek, the enemy brought a 
 couple of pieces to bear upon us, which, when Wragg saw, he halted, 
 in the hope of a rescue ; but on my ordering him to march forward in- 
 stantly, or I should fire on him, he moved on. When we got to the 
 creek, the bank of which was exceedingly muddy, we waded up to our 
 waists. I got in after my people and prisoners, and an old canoe that 
 had been split and incapable of floating except by the buoyancy of the 
 wood, served to help those who wanted help to cross a deep hole in the 
 creek, by pushing it across from the bank which it had reached. I had 
 advanced so far into the mud, and was so fatigued with anxiety and 
 exercise, that I sat down on the mud with the water up to my breast, 
 Wragg's fusee, cartouch-box, and bayonet on my shoulder ; in which 
 situation I sat till my charge were all safely landed on the rear. 
 
 Wm. Pnpham, <zt. 92. 
 
 819. Extract of a Letter from a British Officer on L. I, Sep. 4, '76, 
 to his friend in Aberdeen. 
 
 The 2d battalion of grenadiers, which was sent from our right to 
 support Gen. Grant, unfortunately mistook a rebel regiment (blue faced 
 with red) for the Hessians, and received several fires from them without 
 returning it ; and Lt. Wragg of the marines, and 20 men, being sent 
 out to speak to them, were made prisoners. At length the mistake be- 
 ing discovered, they were soon beat and dispersed, but we lost several 
 officers and men, and some of the rebels got off. 
 
 820. Narration of the Battle fought on Long Island. 
 
 Aug. 27, '76. James S. Martin, a native of Conn., published in 
 1830, a sketch of his life, under the title of " The Adventures of a 
 Revolutionary Soldier." 
 
 " In the latter part of the month of August, I was ordered upon a 
 fatigue party ; we had scarcely reached the grand parade, when I saw 
 our sergeant major directing his course up Broadway, towards us, in 
 rather an unusual step for him ; he soon arrived, and informed us and 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 153 
 
 then the commanding officer of the party, that he had orders to take 
 off' all belonging to our regiment and march us to our quarters, as the 
 regiment was ordered to Long Island, the British having landed in 
 force there. Although this was not unexpected to me, yet it gave me 
 rather a disagreeable feeling, as I was pretty well assured I should have 
 to snuff a little gunpowder. However, I kept my cogitations to my- 
 self, went to my quarters, packed up my clothes, and got myself in 
 readiness for the expedition as soon as possible. I then went to the 
 top of the house, where I had a full view of that part of the Island ; I 
 distinctly saw the smoke of the field-artillery, but the distance and the 
 unfavorableness of the wind prevented my hearing their report, at least 
 but faintly. The horrors of battle then presented themselves to my 
 mind in all their hideousness ; I must come to it now, thought I — well, 
 I will endeavor to do my duty as well as I am able, and leave the 
 event with Providence. We were soon ordered to our regimental pa- 
 rade, from which, as soon as the regiment was formed, we were marched 
 off for the ferry. At the lower end of the street were placed several 
 casks of sea bread, made, I believe, of canel and pease-meal, nearly 
 hard enough for musket flints ; the casks were unheaded,and each man 
 was allowed to take as many as he could, as he marched by. As my 
 good luck would have it, there was a momentary halt made ; I im- 
 proved the opportunity thus offered me, as every good soldier should 
 upon all important occasions, to get as many of the biscuit as I possibly 
 could ; no one said any thing to me, and I filled my bosom, and took 
 as many as I could hold in my hand, a dozen or more in all, and when 
 we arrived at the ferry-stairs I stowed them away in my knapsack. 
 We quickly embarked on board the boats ; as each boat started, three 
 cheers were given by those on board, which was returned by the nu- 
 merous spectators who thronged the wharves ; they all wished us good 
 luck, apparently ; although it was with most of them, perhaps, nothing 
 more than ceremony. We soon landed at Brooklyn, upon the Island, 
 marched up the ascent from the ferry to the plain. We now began to 
 meet the wounded men, another sight I was unacquainted with, some 
 with broken arms, some with broken legs, and some with broken heads. 
 The sight of these a little daunted me, and made me think of home, but 
 the sight and thought vanished together. We marched a short distance, 
 when we halted to refresh ourselves. Whether we had any other vic- 
 tuals beside the hard bread I do not remember, but I remember my 
 gnawing at them ; they were hard enough to break the teeth of a rat. 
 One of the soldiers complaining of thirst to his officer ; look at that 
 
154 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 man, said he, pointing to me, he is not thirsty, I will warrant it. I felt 
 a little elevated to be styled a man. While resting here, which was 
 not more than twenty minutes or half an hour, the Americans and 
 British were warmly engaged within sight of us. What were the feel- 
 ings of most or all the young soldiers at this time, I know not, but I 
 know what were mine ; — but let mine or theirs be what they might, I 
 saw a lieutenant who appeared to have feelings not very enviable ; 
 whether he was actuated by fear or the canteen, t cannot determine 
 now ; I thought it fear at the time ; for he ran round among the men 
 of his company, snivelling and blubbering, praying each one if he had 
 aught against him, or if he had injured any one that they would forgive 
 him, declaring at the same time that he, from his heart, forgave them if 
 they had offended him, and I gave him full credit for his assertion ; for 
 had he been at the gallows with a halter about his neck, he could not 
 have shown more fear or penitence. A fine soldier you are, I thought, 
 a fine officer, an exemplary man for young soldiers. The officers of the 
 new levies wore cockades of different colors to distinguish them from 
 the standing forces, as they were called ; the field officers wore red, 
 the captains white, and the subaltern officers green. While we were 
 resting here our Lieutenant-Colonel and Major, (our Colonel not being 
 with us,) took their cockades from their hats ; being asked the reason, 
 the Lieutenant-Colonel replied, that he was willing to risk his life in 
 the cause of his country, but was unwilling to stand a mark for the 
 enemy to fire at. He was a fine officer and a brave soldier. We were 
 soon called upon to fall in and proceed. We had not gone far, about 
 half a mile, when 1 heard one in the rear ask another where his musket 
 was ; I looked round and saw one of the soldiers stemming off without 
 his gun, having left it where we last halted ; he was inspecting his side 
 as if undetermined whether he had left it or not, he then fell out of the 
 ranks to go in search of it : one of the company who had brought it on 
 (wishing to see how far he would go before he missed it) gave it to him. 
 We overtook a small party of artillery here, dragging a heavy twelve 
 pounder upon a field carriage, sinking half way into sandy soil. — They 
 plead hard for some one to assist them to get on their piece ; our offi- 
 cers paid no attention to their entreaties, but pressed forward towards 
 a creek, where a large party of Americans and British were engaged. 
 By the time we arrived, the enemy had driven our men into the creek, 
 or rather mill pond, (the tide being up,) where such as could swim got 
 across ; those that could not swim, and could not procure any thing to 
 buoy them up, sunk. The British having several field-pieces stationed 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 155 
 
 by a brick house, were pouring ihe cannister and grape upon the Amer- 
 icans like a shower of hail ; they would doubtless have done them 
 much more damage than they did, but for the twelve pounder men- 
 tioned above ; the men having gotten it within sufficient distance to 
 reach them, and opening a fire upon them, soon obliged them to shift 
 their quarters. There was in this action a regiment of Maryland 
 troops (volunteers), all young men. When they came out of the wa- 
 ter and mud to us, looking like water rats, it was truly a pitiful sight. 
 Many of them were killed in the pond, and more were drowned. 
 Some of us went into the water after the fall of the tide, and took out 
 a number of the corpses and a great many arms that were sunk in the 
 pond and creek. Our regiment lay on the ground we then occupied 
 the following night. The next day in the afternoon, we had a consid- 
 erable tight scratch with about an equal number of the British, which 
 began rather unexpectedly, and a little whimsically. A few of our 
 regiment went over the creek, upon business that usually employed us, 
 that is, in search of something to eat. There was a field of Indian 
 corn at a short distance from the creek, with several cocks of hay 
 about half way from the creek to the cornfield ; the men purposed to 
 get some of the corn, or any thing else that was eatable. When they 
 got up with the haycocks, they were fired upon by about an equal 
 number of the British, from the cornfield ; our people took to the hay, 
 and the others to the fence, where they exchanged a number of shots 
 at each other, neither side inclining to give back. A number, say forty 
 or fifty more of our men, went over and drove the British from the 
 fence ; they were by this time reinforced in their turn, and drove us 
 back. The two parties kept thus alternately reinforcing, until we had 
 the most of our regiment in action. After the officers came to com- 
 mand, the English were soon routed from the place, but we dar« not 
 follow them for fear of falling into some snare, as the whole British 
 army was in the vicinity of us ; I do not recollect that we had any one 
 killed outright, but we had several severely wounded, and some I be- 
 lieve mortally. Our regiment was alone, no other troops being near 
 where we were lying ; we were upon a rising ground, covered with a 
 young growth of trees ; we felled a fence of trees around us to prevent 
 the approach of the enemies' horse. We lay there a day longer : in the 
 latter part of the afternoon there fell a very heavy shower, which wet us 
 all to the skin, and much damaged our ammunition ; — about sunset, 
 when the shower had passed over, we were ordered to parade and dis- 
 charge our pieces. We attempted to fire by platoons for improvement, 
 
156 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 but we made blundering work of it ; it was more like a running fire, 
 than firing by divisions : however, we got our muskets as empty as our 
 stomachs, and with half the trouble, nor was it half the trouble to have 
 reloaded them, for we had wherewithal to do that, but not so with our 
 stomachs. 
 
 " Just at dusk, I, with one or two others of our company, went off to 
 a barn, about half a mile distant, with intent to get some straw to lodge 
 upon, the ground and leaves being drenched with water, and we as wet 
 as they ; it was quite dark in the barn, and while I was fumbling about 
 the floor, some one called to me from the top of the mow, inquiring 
 where I was from ; I told him. He asked me if we had not had an 
 engagement there, (having heard us discharge our guns ; ) I told him 
 we had, and a severe one too ; he asked if many were killed ; I told 
 him that I saw none killed, nor any very badly wounded. I then 
 heard several others, as it appeared, speaking on the mow. Poor fel- 
 lows, they had better have been at their posts, than skulking in a barn 
 on account of a little wet, for I have not the least doubt but that the 
 British had possession of their mortal parts before the noon of next day. 
 I could not find any straw, but found some wheat in the sheaf, standing 
 by the side of the floor; I took a sheaf or two and returned as fast as [ 
 could to the regiment. When I arrived the men were all paraded to 
 march off the ground ; I left my wheat, seized my musket, and fell into 
 the ranks. We were strictly enjoined not to speak, or even cough, 
 while on the march. All orders were given from officer to officer, and 
 communicated to the men in whispers. What such secrecy could mean 
 we could not divine. We marched off in the same way we had come 
 on the Island, forming various conjectures among ourselves as to our 
 destination. Some were of opinion that we were to endeavor to get on 
 the flank or in the rear of the enemy. Others, that we were going up 
 the East River, to attack them in that quarter ; but none, it seems, knew 
 the right of the matter. We marched on, however, until we arrived at 
 the ferry, where we immediately embarked on board the batteaux, and 
 were conveyed safely to New-York, where we were landed about three 
 o'clock in the morning, nothing against our inclinations." 
 
 821. Aug. 23. Before day the enemy began to land a body of troop3 
 at Utrecht. The morning was foggy. They were discovered to be still 
 landing after sunrise. By about 2 o'clock they reached Flatbush, where 
 they were met by a body of our people, who skirmished with them to 
 advantage. After that we kept a picket guard of 1500 between Flat- 
 bush and Brooklyn in the woods and on eminences, who were continually 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 157 
 
 skirmishing with the enemy. From the south part of the Bay below 
 Bushwick m a line drawn from (?) straight on a little to the left of (j) 
 down to the creek running up to and by Brooklyn, were our lines and 
 forts, by which we had inclosed a tract of land to the westward, next 
 to N. Y. Our lines fronted east. On the left, near the lowest part of 
 the above described bay, was Fort Putnam ; near the middle, Fort 
 Greene ; and towards the creek, Fort Box : the whole were composed 
 of forts, redoubts, breastworks, &c. On Monday night about 5,000 of 
 the enemy, with 50 or 60 light horse, filed off to the right up to Bush- 
 wick, crossing the flat lands, and making a circuit to avoid oar advanced 
 posts, with a design of falling upon our left. We had made the roads 
 leading to our lines from the different adjacent towns quite inconvenient 
 or unsafe. A heavy detachment marched on Tuesday morning before 
 day from the Narrows to attack our advanced guards in that quarter, 
 and on coming up with, began to engage them. On that, Lord Stirling 
 went off with about 1200 to support them. Ere he arrived, the enemy 
 landed a body of 3,000 in the small bay just below the mouth of the 
 creek, which obliged him to form his men in two lines meeting in an 
 obtuse angle, one stretching up to the creek between the regulars and 
 Brooklyn, the other leading away from that, where it formed the angle 
 towards Flatbush, and was joined by a number of the picket guard. 
 Lord Stirling began to engage the enemy a little after sunrise. About 
 two hours after that, between 9 and 10, the 5,000 that had marched all 
 night and taken a circuit to Bushwick, fell upon the rear of our north 
 road picket guard under Gen. Parsons, which occasioned another body 
 of our men under Gen. Sullivan to advance that way with a view of 
 supporting them. A great part of the north road picket guard fought 
 their way down to the creek. The Hessians marched over Flatbush 
 Plains, and formed a middle line in such a direction as to prevent Gen. 
 Sullivan's getting into our lines in the usual way ; and his men were 
 therefore obliged to cross the creek at the upper part, next to a miil-dam. 
 Lord Stirling's men, after having fought a long while, forded the mouth 
 of the creek next to the bay. When the 5,000 had got down to the 
 right of our lines, next to the creek, they made an attack, but were re- 
 pulsed. The lines between Box Fort and the creek were not completed 
 the day before. There was an opening adjoining the creek, which it 
 was thought the enemy was acquainted with ; for when they came to 
 it and found the entrance closed with a breastwork and other defences, 
 they appeared confounded. However, they made the attack with one 
 party, and then with another, supposed with a view chiefly of carrying 
 
 8 
 
158 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 off the dead and wounded under cover of the fire. Our people found 
 afterwards about 100 packs. My informer rode down to the troops in 
 this part of the line with a message from an officer more to the left, who 
 saw the movement of the enemy, intimating his apprehension that they 
 would be attacked, and they were in immediate readiness. The enemy 
 proposing to cut off and make prisoners as many of our men as possi- 
 ble, pressed hard upon them. We had great numbers in a salt-marsh 
 near the creek, who were fired upon without having more than one 
 killed. The enemy's fire did but little execution, the balls flying gen- 
 erally over the heads of our people. Several of our men having no 
 chance of escaping otherwise, betook themselves to the woods and after- 
 wards came in. When the engagement began our lines were thinly 
 manned, but 4 regiments being called in and others brought over from 
 N. Y., there was a sufficient number before an attack could be made. 
 Our artillerymen behaved heroically. On Wednesday, in a heavy 
 shower of rain, the enemy attacked our lines between Forts Greene and 
 Putnam. Our men were directed (and readily complied) to lie upon 
 the ground, with their bodies over their firelocks, so that the enemy got 
 repulsed. We went over with boats about 7 o'clock. The brigades 
 were ordered to be in readiness with bag and baggage to march, but 
 knew not where or for what ; the 2d did not know where the 1st had 
 gone ; nor the 3d, the 2d. The last marched off at the firing of the 
 3 o'clock gun on Friday morning. The night was remarkably still, 
 the water smooth as glass, so that all our boats went over safe, though 
 many were but about 3 inches out of water. At sunrise a great fog 
 came up. We left half a dozen large guns. 3 or 4 men were missing, 
 who came off in a batteau. On Friday or Saturday the British vessels 
 came up to the desired place. My informant was on horseback in the 
 lines, and had a spy-glass, and saw most of the proceedings Gen. Par- 
 sons was surrounded in a swamp and narrowly escaped. Grant said he 
 was slain by our Gen. Parsons. — Independent (Boston) Chronicle, Sep. 
 19, '76. 
 
 New-York, Sep. 5, 1776. A list of the American officers prison- 
 ers with the enemy, who sent by flag for their baggage and cash. Their 
 friends were desired to send next door to Gen. Putnam's their trunks, 
 &c, properly directed, and leave their cash at the General's, that they 
 might be sent by the first flag. 
 
 O* The names included in brackets are inserted by the editor. 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 159 
 
 1st Pennsylvania Battalion. 
 Cols. Miles, Piper ; Capts. Brown, Peebles, Crawl ; Lts. Scott, 
 Gray, Spear, Drasbach, Mcpherson, Lee, Brodhead, Davis, Wert, Top- 
 ham ; Drs. John and Jos. Davies. Col. Lutz, Mr. David Duncan, Mr. 
 Young, Major Bird, Capt. Heiden. [2d Lts. Jacquet and Carna- 
 han, missing. 2d Lts. Sloan and Brownlee. Chas Taylor, 3d Lt., 
 killed.] 
 
 Col. Kichline's Regiment. 
 Capt. Graff; Lts. Lewis, Middah, Shoemaker. 
 
 Col. Lasher's N. Y. Battalion. 
 Adj. Hoogland ; Lts. Troup and Dunscomb ; Mr. Van Wagenen and 
 Gilliland, volunteers. [Maj. Abeel, killed ] 
 
 Col. Smallwood's Battalion. 
 Capt. Dan'l Bowie, wounded ; Lts. Wm. Steret, Wm. Ridgely, 
 Hatch Dent, Walter Muse, Sam'l Wright, Jos. Butler, wounded ; Ed- 
 ward Praul, Edward De Courcey ; Ensigns Jas. Fernandes, William 
 Courts. 
 
 Col. Huntington's Regiment. 
 Lt. Makepeace, Capt. Brewster ; Ensigns Lyman, Chapman, Hin- 
 man, Bradford ; Lt. Orcutt, Ensign Higgins, Capt. Bissel ; Lts. Gillet 
 and Gay ; Adj. Hopkins, Dr. Holmes, Col. Clark. [Missing, 6 Capts, 
 6 Lts., 21 sergeants, 2 drummers, 126 rank and file.] 
 
 Col. Atlee's Regiment. 
 
 Col. Atlee ; Capts. Howell, Nice, Herbert, Murray ; Lts. Houston, 
 Finney, Henderson ; Dr. Young, volunteer. 
 
 John Toms, of Col. Johnson's Reg., Mr. Callender, Cadet of artille- 
 ry. Mr. Kearnes, Del. Bat.— Maj. Wells, of Col. Willys' Reg. En- 
 sign Davies. Capt. Hurst. 
 
 [Lt. Col. Parry, killed. Lt. Moore, killed. Ensign App, missing. 
 Killed and missing, 13 sergeants and 235 privates.] 
 
 American account of Prisoners in the 3 Pennsylvania Battalions. 
 1st Battalion. 
 
 Col. Sam'l Miles, Lt. Col. Jas Piper, Capt. Richard Brown; 1st 
 Lts. Wm. Grey, John Spear, John Davis, Geo. Wert ; 2d Lts. Jos. 
 Friesback, Wm. Mcpherson, Luke Brodhead ; Drs. John and Jos. Da- 
 vis. [2d Lt. Jos. Jaquet, missing. Missing of Farmer's, Brown's, 
 Long's, Allbright's, Shade's, Weitzell's, 9 sergeants, 4 drummers, 107 
 privates.] 
 
160 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 2tZ Bat. of Rifle Regiment. 
 Capt. Wm. Peebles; 1st Lts. Mat. Scott, Dan'l Topham ; 2d Lt. 
 David Sloan ; 3d Lt- Jos. Brownlee. [2d Lt. Jas Carnagan, missing. 
 3d Lt. Chas Taylor, killed. Missing of Murray's, Peeble's, Marshall's, 
 Erwin's, Grubb's, Christ's, 6 sergeants, 1 drummer, 40 privates.] 
 
 Bat. of Musketry. 
 Col. Sam'l J Atlee, [Lt. Col. Caleb Parry, killed ;] Capts. Francis 
 Murray, Thos. Herbert, John Nice, Jos. Howell ; Lt. Walter Finney ; 
 Ensigns Wm. Henderson, Alex. Huston, Septimus Davis, Michael 
 App, missing. Lt. Jos. Moore, killed. Missing of Anderson's, Mur- 
 ray's, Herbert's, DehofF's, Nice's, Howell's, McClelland, late Lloyd's, 1 
 sergeant, 1 drummer, 75 privates. 
 
 Howe's return of jnisoners taken Aug. 27. 
 
 3 Generals.— 3 Cols; Penn. Rifle Reg. 1, Penn. Musketeers 1, N. 
 J. Militia 1.— 4 Lt Cols; Penn. Rifle Reg. 1, Penn. Militia 2, 17th 
 Cont. Reg. 1.— 3 Majors; Penn. Militia 1, 17th Cont. Militia 1, 22d 
 do. 1. — 18 Capts; Penn. Rifle Reg. 2, Penn. Musketeers 4, Penn. Mili- 
 tia 5, 17th Cont. Reg. 4, Train of artillery 1, Maryland Provincials 2. — 
 43 Lts; Penn. Rifle Reg. 11, Penn. Musketeers 1, Penn. Militia 6, 
 17th Cont. Reg. 6, Del. Bat. 2, 1st Bat. N. Y. Cont. 5, 11th Bat. Cont. 
 1, N. J. Militia 1, 1st Bat. Maryland Independents 2, L. I. Militia 2, 
 Train of artillery 1, Maryland Provincials 5. — 11 Ensigns ; Penn Mus- 
 keteers 4, 17th Cont. Reg. 5, Maryland Provincials 2. — Staff; Adjutant 
 1, Surgeons 3, Volunteers 2, Privates 1006.— Total 1097. 
 
 N. B. 9 officers and 58 privates of the above wounded. 
 
 822. Mifflin and Grayson rode to the outposts on the west ex- 
 tremity of the lines, near Red Hook, where there was a small bat- 
 tery which had suffered severely from the cannonade of the Roebuck, 
 Aug. 27. While there the fog, which lay heavily over this part of the 
 harbor, was lifted by a shift of wind, and the British fleet, lying at its 
 anchorage off Staten I., and within the Narrows, could be plainly seen. 
 Boats were passing to and from the Admiral's ship. They returned to 
 Washington and urged the withdrawal of the army. Capt Montresor, 
 with a small party, first crossed the crest of our works and found the 
 camp deserted. The advanced parties arrived at the ferry, just as the 
 last boat-load of Americans had passed out of musket range. 
 
 Reed, I. 229. 
 
 823. On the night of the 28th, the British threw up a redoubt on the 
 heights east of Ft. Putnam, from which they opened a fire on the fort ; and 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 161 
 
 on the 29th they made a show of attacking the lines. A strong column 
 menaced this on land of Geo. Powers. The Americans were here pre- 
 pared to receive them, and orders were issued to reserve their fire till 
 they could see the white of their eyes. A few British officers reconnoi- 
 tered the American lines, when one coming too near, was shot by Wm. 
 Van Cott of Bush wick, who then put up his gun, and said he had done his 
 part. Col. Philip Johnson of Sidney, N. J., fell in the battle of the 27th. 
 He was of Sullivan's division, who says of him, " No officer could be 
 braver in this action." Gen. Johnson. 
 
 824. N. Y., Aug. 29. Wednesday afternoon a great hail and rain 
 storm came on, attended with thunder and lightning ; at which time 
 the ministerial army attacked our lines on L. I., at three different places, 
 with their utmost force ; but the intrepidity of the soldiers of the United 
 States repulsed them ; so that they were obliged immediately to retreat 
 precipitately. The men-of-war at the same time made an attempt to 
 come up to the city, as they did also the day before, but the wind at 
 both times entirely obstructed them. N. E. Chronicle. 
 
 The Retreat of the American Army. 
 
 825. PROCEEDINGS OF A COUNCIL OF GENERAL OFFICERS. 
 
 At a Council of War held on Long Island, August 29th, 1776 — 
 Present, His Excellency Gen. Washington, Maj. Gens. Putnam, 
 
 Spencer ; Brig. Gens. Mifflin, McDougal, Parsons, Scott, Wadsworth, 
 
 Fellows. 
 
 It was submitted to the consideration of the Council, whether, under 
 all circumstances, it would not be eligible to leave Long Island, and its 
 dependencies, and to remove to New- York. Unanimously agreed in 
 the affirmative, for the following reasons : 
 
 1st. Because our advanced party had met with a defeat, and the 
 wood was lost, where we expected to make a principal stand. 
 
 2d. The great loss sustained in the death or captivity of several valu- 
 able officers, and their battalions, or a large portion of them, had occa- 
 sioned great confusion and discouragement among the troops. 
 
 3d. The heavy rain which fell two days and nights without inter- 
 mission, had injured the arms, and spoiled a great part of the ammuni- 
 tion ; and the soldiery, being without cover, and obliged to lay in the 
 lines, were worn out, and it was to be feared would not be retained in 
 them by any order. 
 
 4th. From the time the enemy moved from Flatbush, several large 
 ships had endeavored to get up, as supposed into the East River, to cut 
 
162 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 off our communications, (by which the whole army would have been 
 destroyed,) but, the wind being N.E., could not effect it. 
 
 5th. Upon consulting with persons of knowledge of the harbor, they 
 were of opinion that small ships might come between Long Island 
 and Governor's Island, where there are no obstructions, and which 
 would cut off the communication effectually ; and who were also of 
 opinion the hulks sunk between Governor's Island and the city of New- 
 York were no sufficient security for obstructing that passage. 
 
 6th. Though our lines were fortified by some strong redoubts, yet a 
 great part of them were weak, being abattied with brush, and affording 
 no strong cover, — so that there was reason to apprehend they might be 
 forced, which would put our troops in confusion, and, having no retreat, 
 they must have been cut to pieces or made prisoners. 
 
 7th. The divided state of the troops, renders our defence very pre- 
 carious, and the duty of defending long and extensive lines in so many 
 different places, without proper conveniences and cover, so very fatigu- 
 ing, that the troops had become dispirited by their incessant duty and 
 watching. 
 
 8th. Because the enemy had sent several ships of war into the 
 Sound, to a place called Flushing Bay ; and, from the information re- 
 ceived that a part of their troops was moving across Long Island that 
 way, there was reason to apprehend they meant to pass over land, and 
 form an encampment above Kingsbridge, in order to cut off and prevent 
 all communication between our army and the country beyond them, or 
 to get in our rear. 
 
 826. " By ten o'clock the troops began to retire from the lines, so 
 that no chasm was made ; but as one regiment left their station or 
 guard, the remaining troops moved to the right and left, and filled up the 
 vacancies, while Washington took his station at the ferry and super- 
 intended the embarkation. As the dawn approached, those of us who 
 remained in the trenches became very anxious for our safety, at which 
 time there were several regiments still on duty, and a dense fog began 
 to rise, and seemed to settle over both encampments ; so dense was the 
 atmosphere, that a man could not be discerned six yards off. When 
 the sun rose we had orders to leave the lines, but before we reached 
 the ferry the regiment was ordered back again. Col. Chester faced 
 about and returned to the lines, where the regiment tarried till the sun 
 had risen, but the fog remained as dense as ever. Finally a second or- 
 der came, and we joyfully bid those trenches a long adieu. When we 
 reached Brooklyn ferry the boats had not yet returned from their last 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 163 
 
 trip, but they soon appeared. I think I saw Gen. Washington on the 
 ferry stairs when I stepped into one of the last boats. I left my horse 
 at the ferry, tied to a post. The troops having all safely reached N. 
 Y., and the fog continuing thick as ever, I got leave to return with a 
 crew of volunteers for my favorite horse. I had got off with him some 
 distance into the river before the enemy appeared in Brooklyn. As 
 soon as they reached the ferry we were saluted merrily from their mus- 
 ketry, and finally by their field-pieces. When the enemy had taken 
 possession of the heights opposite the city of N. Y., they commenced 
 firing from the artillery, and the fleet pretty soon were in motion to 
 take possession of those waters." 
 
 Col. Tallmadge, as quoted by Sitnms. 
 The guns of Fort Stirling were unspiked and turned on the boats of 
 the retreating Americans. Three persons who left the Island last in a 
 batteau, fell into the enemy's hands. N. E. Chronicle. 
 
 CoL Hand's Account of the Betreat. 
 827. In the evening of the 23th of August, 1776, with several other 
 commanding officers of corps, I received orders to attend Major Gen. 
 Mifflin : when assembled, Gen. Mifflin informed us that in conse- 
 quence of the determination of a board of General officers, the evacua- 
 tion of Long Island, where we then were, was to be attempted that 
 night ; that the Commander-in-chief had honored him with the com- 
 mand of the covering party, and that our corps were to be employed in 
 that service ; he then assigned us our several stations which we were 
 to occupy as soon as it was dark, and pointed out Brooklyn Church as 
 an alarm post, to which the whole were to repair and unitedly op- 
 pose the enemy in case they discovered our movements and made an 
 attack in consequence. My regiment was posted in a redoubt on the 
 left, and in the lines on the right of the great road below Brooklyn 
 Church ; Capt. Henry Miller commanded in the redoubt. Part of a re- 
 giment of the flying camp of the State of New- York, were in the begin- 
 ning of the night posted near me ; they showed so much uneasiness at 
 their station, that I petitioned General Mifflin to suffer them to march 
 off, lest they might communicate the panic with which they were seized 
 to my people ; the General granted my request, and they marched off 
 accordingly. After that nothing remarkable happened at my post till 
 about two o'clock in the morning, when Alexander Scammell, since Ad- 
 jutant General, who that day acted as A. D. C. to the Commander-in- 
 chief, came from the left inquiring for Gen'l Mifflin, who happened to 
 be with me at the time. Scammell told him that the boats were wait- 
 
164 
 
 LETTERS RELATING TO THE 
 
 ing, and the Commander-in-chief anxious for the arrival of the troops 
 at the ferry. Gen'l Mifflin said he thought he must be mistaken, that 
 he did not imagine the General could mean the troops he immediately 
 commanded. Scammell replied he was not mistaken ; adding that he 
 came from the extreme left, and had ordered all the troops he had met 
 to march ; that in consequence they were then in motion, and that he 
 would go on to give the same orders. Gen. Mifflin then ordered me 
 to call in my advanced pickets and sentinels, to collect and form my re- 
 giment, and to march as soon as possible, and quitted me. Having 
 marched into the great road leading to the church, I fell in with the 
 troops returning from the left of the lines ; having arrived at the church 
 I halted to take up my camp equipage which, in the course of the night, 
 I had carried there by a small party. Gen'l Mifflin came up at the in- 
 stant and asked the reason of the halt? I told him, and he seemed 
 very much displeased, and exclaimed : " Damn your pots and kettles, I 
 wish the devil had them : march on !" I obeyed, but had not gone far 
 before I perceived the front had halted, and hastening to inquire the 
 cause, I met the Commander-in-chief, who perceived me, and said, is not 
 that Col. Hand ? I answered in the affirmative. His Excellency said 
 lie was surprised at me in particular ; that he did not expect I would have 
 abandoned my post. I answered that I had not abandoned it — that I 
 had marched by order of my immediate commanding officer ; he said it 
 was impossible. I told him I hoped if I could satisfy him I had the or- 
 ders of Gen'l Mifflin, he would not think me particularly to blame ; he 
 said he undoubtedly would not. Gen'l Mifflin then coming up, and 
 asking what the matter was, his Excellency said, "Good God ! Gen'l 
 Mifflin, I am afraid you have ruined us by so unseasonably withdraw- 
 ing the troops from the lines." Gen'l Mifflin replied with some warmth, 
 " I did it by your order." His Excellency declared it could not be ; 
 Gen'l Mifflin swore by God, ** I did," and asked " did Scammell act as 
 an A. D. C. for the day, or did he not ?" his Excellency acknowledged 
 he did. "Then," said Mifflin, "I had orders through him." The 
 Gen'l replied it was a dreadful mistake, and informed him that matters 
 were in much confusion at the ferry, and unless we could resume out- 
 posts before the enemy discovered we had left them, in all probability 
 the most disagreeable consequences would follow. We immediately 
 returned, and had the good fortune to recover our former stations and 
 keep them for some hours longer, without the enemy perceiving what 
 was going forward. 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 165 
 
 828. British Account of the Lines and Retreat. 
 
 The lines could not be taken by assault ; but by approaches. We 
 had no fascines to fill ditches, no axes to cut abatis, and no scaling 
 ladders to assault so respectable a work. The lines were a mile and a 
 half in extent, including angles, cannon-proof, with a chain of five re- 
 doubts, or rather fortresses with ditches, as had the lines that formed 
 the intervals ; the whole surmounted with a most formidable abatis, 
 finished in every part. A corporal and six men had a difficulty in get- 
 ting through the abatis. They were reconnoitering before daybreak, and 
 at 4 o'clock discovered the lines were evacuated. The pickets marched 
 25 minutes after. General Robertson heard of the retreat at 7 o'clock, 
 and his brigade was ordered to march at 8, but while marching to the 
 ferry he was ordered toward Hellgate to meet Lee, reported to be land- 
 ing there with an army. We were on the rear of the enemy ; some 
 were killed or taken prisoners in Brooklyn. We saw three or four boats 
 afloat — some boats not off. The debris of their rear guard embarked 
 about 8 or 9 o'clock. The Americans fired grape from their 32 pound- 
 ers in the city and at the ship yards, 850 yards off. Their retreat was 
 secured by forts on Brooklyn heights and floating batteries in the river. 
 No boat could be stationed so as to see the passing at Brooklyn ferry 
 without exposure to the American batteries. 
 
 Parliamentary Register, Vol. 13. 
 
 8* 
 
PART III. 
 
 SUBMISSION OF KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 829. Thus the people of Kings County, after a few had 
 been persuaded or forced into rebellion, were abandoned by 
 their countrymen to all its penalties. Accordingly they lost 
 no time in seeking to make their peace with the King's Com- 
 missioners. 
 
 To the RIGHT HONORABLE RICHARD, LORD 
 VISCOUNT HOWE, of the Kingdom of Ireland, and 
 his EXCELLENCY WM. HOWE, Esquire, General 
 of His Majesty's forces in America, the King's Commis- 
 sioners for restoring peace to His Majesty's Colonies in 
 North America. 
 
 Your Excellencies by your Declaration bearing date 
 July 14, '76, were pleased to signify that " the King is de- 
 sirous to deliver his American subjects from the calamities 
 of war, and other oppressions which they now undergo ; 
 and to restore the Colonies to his protection and peace j" 
 and, by a subsequent Declaration, dated Sep. 19, '76, having 
 also been pleased to express your desire " to confer with His 
 Majesty's well-affected subjects, upon the means of restoring 
 the public tranquillity, and establishing a permanent union 
 with every colony as part of the British Empire ;" we there- 
 fore, whose names are hereunto subscribed, freeholders and 
 inhabitants of Kings County, in the Province of New- York, 
 reflecting with the tenderest emotions of gratitude on this in- 
 
SUBMISSION OF KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 167 
 
 ?5tance of His Majesty's paternal goodness, and encouraged 
 by the affectionate manner in which His Majesty's gracious 
 purpose hath been conveyed to us by your Excellencies, who 
 have thereby evinced, that humanity is inseparable from that 
 true magnanimity and those enlarged sentiments which form 
 the most shining characters, beg leave to represent to your 
 Excellencies, 
 
 That we bear true allegiance to our rightful sovereign, 
 Geo. the Third, as well as warm affection to his sacred per- 
 son, crown, and dignity ; to testify which, we, and each of 
 us, have voluntarily taken an oath [in the church at Flat- 
 bush] before Wm. Axtell, Esq., one of His Majesty's 
 Council for this Province, in the following words, viz : 
 
 I do sincerely promise and swear, that I will be faithful 
 and bear true allegiance to His Majesty, King Geo. the 
 Third, and that I will defend his crown and dignity, against 
 all persons whatsoever. So help me God. 
 
 That we esteem the constitutional supremacy of Great 
 Britain over these Colonies and other depending parts of His 
 Majesty's dominions, as essential to the union, security, and 
 welfare of the whole empire ; and sincerely lament the in- 
 terruption of that harmony which formerly subsisted between 
 the parent State and these her Colonies. We, therefore, 
 humbly pray that your Excellencies would be pleased 
 to restore this County to His Majesty's protection and 
 
 peace. 
 Nov.. 
 
 1776. 
 
 Rem Adriance, 
 Rob't Aitkins, 2, 
 Petrus Amberman, 
 Harman Ando 1 
 John Antonides, 
 Peter Antonides, 
 Vincentius Antonides, 
 Wm. Axtell, 
 Lodowick Bamper, n.y. 
 
 Evert Banker, jr. 
 Wm. Bar re, 
 Chas. Barre, 
 John Beenem, 
 Jas. Bennet, 
 Peter Bennet, 
 John Bennet, 
 Jan Bennett, 
 Ab'm Bennet 
 
 2. 
 
 Cor's Bennet, 
 Wm. Bennet, 2, 
 Jere'h Bennett, 
 Wineant Bennet, 
 Jacob Bennet, 
 Lucas Benberg, 
 Moses Beedle, 
 Ded'rick Bergen, 
 Simon Bergen, 2, 
 
168 
 
 SUBMISSION OF KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 Teunis Bergen, 
 Johannes Bergen, 
 Michael Bergen, 
 Thos. Betts, 2, 
 Cor's Bise, 
 John Blake, 
 Nich's Blom, 
 Gerret Boerum, 
 Ferdinand Berou? 
 Jacob Boerum, 
 Johannes Boerum, 
 John Boerum, 
 Ab'm Bogart, 2, 
 Cor's Bogert, 
 Gisbert Bogert, 
 John Boyce, 
 Dan'lJBoyel, 
 Jaques Borkeloo, 
 Jan Booryes, 
 Martin Brevoort, 
 Harmanus Burkuloo, 
 Cor's Buys, 
 Dan'l Buys, 
 John Buys, 
 Thos. Colange, 
 George Carpenter, 
 Martinets Carshow, 
 Jacob Cushow, 
 Wm. Chardavoyne, 
 John M'Cienachan, 
 Joseph Compton, 
 Andries Conselye, 
 John Conselje, 
 Gabriel Cook, 2, 
 Jacobus Cornell, 
 Peter Cornell, 2, 
 Wm. Cornell, 
 Isaac Cornell, 
 John Cornell, 
 Whit'd Cornell, 
 
 Peter Cortelyou, 
 Jaques Cortelyou, 
 John Covert, 3, 
 Rich'd Covert, 
 Jeremiah Covert, 
 Jacob Cosyn, 
 Cor's Cozine, 
 John Cowwenhoven, 
 John R. Cowenhoven, 
 Jas. Cowenhoven, 
 Nich. Covenhoven, 
 Rem Couwenhoven, 
 John Crawley, 
 Casper Crisper, 
 Harmon Crispeer, 
 Andrew Crispeer, 
 Johannes Debevoise, 
 John Debevoise, 
 Chas. Debevoise, 2, 
 Jacobus Debevoice, 
 Sam'l Debevoise, 
 Geo. Debevois, 
 Joost Debevoise, 
 Ab'm Deforest, 
 Johannes Degraf, 
 John Demott, 
 Is. Denyse, 
 Denyse Denyse, 
 Rutgers Denyse, 
 Fred'k Depeyster, 
 John Devoe,2, 
 John Ditmars, 
 Johannes Ditmars, 3, 
 John J. Ditmars, 
 Gab'l Duryee, 2, 
 Ab'm Duryee, 2, 
 Charles Duryee, 
 Johannes Duryea, 
 Jacob Duryea, 
 Simon Duryee, 
 
 Charles T. Duryee, 
 Cor's Duryee, 
 Peter Duryee, 2, 
 Christian Duryee, 
 Isaac Eldert, 
 Johannes Eldert, 
 Thos. Elsworth, 
 John Emens, 
 Jacobus Emens, 2, 
 Ab'm Emans, 2, 
 Thos. Everit, 
 John Foorhest, 
 Colen Folkertson, 
 Wm. Furman, 
 Robert Galbreath, 
 John Gavel, 
 Samuel Garrison, 
 Sam'l Gerresen, 
 Jacobus Golden, 
 Geo. Gosling, 
 John Hallet, 
 Rob't Hargrave, n. y. 
 John Harris, 
 Fred'k Hatfield, 
 Adrian Hegeman, 2, 
 John Hegeman, 2, 
 Peter Hegeman, 2, 
 Jacobus Hegeman, 
 Jas. Hegeman, 
 Evert Hegeman, 
 Petrus Hegeman, 
 Jos. Hegeman, 
 Ab'm Hegeman, 
 Rem Hegeman, 
 Dennis Hegeman, 
 Stephen Herriman, 
 Israel Horsefield, 
 Thos. Horsefield, 
 C. Wm. Howard, 
 Jos. Howard, 
 
SUBMISSION OF KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 169 
 
 Jacob Hicks, 
 Sam'l Hubbard, 
 Barnardus Hubbard, 
 Elias Hubbard, 2, 
 Jas. Hubbard, 
 John Hulst, 
 William Johnson, 
 John Johnson, 
 Hend'k Johnson, 
 Coert Johnson, 
 Fornant Johnson, 
 Barent Johnson, 3, 
 Dan'l Jones, 
 Jacob Kershow, 
 Tunis Kershow, 
 Wm. Kowenhoven, 
 Peter Kowwenhoven, 
 Gerret Kowenhoven, 
 Court Lake, 
 Derick Lake, 
 Dan'l Lake, 
 Leffert LefTerts, 2, 
 Hend'k LefTerts, 
 Jacob LefTerts, 
 Barent LefTerts, 
 Nich's LefTerts, 
 Jan Lequier, 
 Ab'm Luquer, 
 John Lewis, 
 RoelofTLott, 
 Engelbert Lott, 2, 
 Johannes Lott, 2, 
 Petrus Lott, 
 Dennis H. Lott, 
 Johannes E. Lott, 
 John Lott, 
 Hend'k Lott, 
 Christopher Lott, 
 Simon Lott, 
 Jeromus Lott, 
 
 Jurrien Lott, 
 Maurice Lott, 2, 
 John McClenachan, 
 Gerret Martense, 2, 
 Adrian Martense, 
 Jores Martense, 2, 
 Leffert Martense, 
 Isaac Martense, 
 Leonard May, 
 Jacob Meserole, 
 John Milber, 
 Garret Middagh, 
 John Middagh, 
 David Molenaor, 
 Geo. Moore, 
 Ab'm MurfT, 
 John Murphe, 
 Petrus Muerenbeldt, 
 John My ford, 
 Philip Nagel, 
 Peter Neefus, 
 Petrus Neefus, 
 John Nostrand, 
 Garret Noorstrandt, 
 John Oake, 
 Hend'k Oake, 
 Thos. Pearsall, 
 Wm. Plowman, 
 Theod's Poihemus, 2, 
 Ab'm Poihemus, 
 John Poihemus, 
 Jotham Post, 
 Thos. Powels, 
 Peter Praa Provoost, 
 John Rapalje,jr. 
 Dan'l Rapalje, 
 Geo. Rapalje, 
 Tennis Rapalje, 
 Folkert Rapalje, 
 Jores Rapalje, 
 
 Johannes Remsen, 
 John A. Remsen, 
 Ab'm Remsen, 
 Wm. Remsen, 
 Geo. Remsen, 
 Derick Remsen, 2, 
 Aris Remsen, 
 Jacob Remsen, 2, 
 Jeromus Remsen, 
 Rem A. Remsen, 
 Joris Remsen, 2, 
 Rem Remsen, 
 Marten Reyers, 
 Jos. Reyers, 
 Edw'd Reynolds, 
 John Casp. Rubel, v.d.m. 
 Barnardus Ryder, 
 Lawrence Ryder, 
 Sam'l Ryder, 
 Stephen Ryder, 
 Wilhelmus Ryder, 
 Jacob Ryerson, 
 John Ryerson, 2, 
 Hend'k Schenck, 
 Stephen Schenck, 
 Nich's Schenck, 
 Martin Schenck, 2, 
 Stephen Schenck, 
 John Schenck, 2, 
 Jan Schenck, 
 Caleb Scofield, 
 Benj. Seaman, 
 Chas. Semper, 
 Isaac Selover, 
 Jacob Sickels, 
 Hend'k Sickels, , 
 Dan'l Simonsen, 
 Fred'k Simonson, 
 Evert Shareman, 
 John Skillman, 
 
170 
 
 SUBMISSION OF KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 Thos. Skillman, 
 John Smith, 
 Lewis Sness, 
 Isaac Snedeker, 2, 
 Ab'm Snedeker, 
 Johannes Snedeker, 
 Jacob Snedeker, 
 David Sprong, 2, 
 Stephen Sprong, 
 Gabriel Sprong, 
 Wm. Sprong, 
 Volkert Sprong, jr. 
 Jacob Stellenwerf, 
 John Stewart, 
 Nich's Stillwell, jr. 2, 
 Thos. Stillwell, 2, 
 Joost Stilwell, 
 Rutgert Stillwell, 
 Rich. Stillwell, 2, 
 Christ'r Stillwell, 
 Peter Stoothoff, 
 Garret Stoothoff, 
 Johannes Stoothoff, 
 Wilhelmus Stoothoff, 3 
 Albert Stoothoff, 
 And. Stockholm, 
 Garret Stryker, 2, 
 Sam'l Strycker, 
 John Stryker, 
 Michael Stryker, 
 Cornelius Strycker, 
 Jacobus Suydam, 
 Hend'k Suydam, 4, 
 John Suydam, 3, 
 Lambert Suydam, 
 Vernandt Suydam, 
 Hend'k H. Suydam, 
 Andrew Suydam, 
 Evert Suydam, 
 Tuni« Suydam, 
 
 Fernandus Suydam, 
 Jacob Suydam, 
 Sam'l Sullen, 
 Albert Terhune, 
 Roeloff Terhune, 
 Chas. Titus, 
 David Titus, 
 Frans Titus, 
 Tetus Titus, 
 Teunis Tiebout, 
 Henry Van Beuren, 
 Isaac Van Brunt, 
 Albert Van Brunt, 
 Adrian Van Brunt, 
 Wm. Van Brunt, 
 Rutgert Van Brunt, 4, 
 Cor's Van Brunt, 
 Cort Van Brunt, 
 Jan Van Duyn, 
 Cor's Van Duyn, 3, 
 Jan Van Dyne, 
 John Vandyck, 
 Wm. VanDyck, 2, 
 , Hend'k Van Cleef, 
 John Van Cleef, 2, 
 David Van Cott, 2, 
 Aert Van Pelt, 
 Wynant Van Pelt, 
 Johannes Van Pelt, 
 Peter Van Pelt, 2, 
 Rem Van Pelt, 2, 
 Jacob Van Nuys, 
 Wilhelmus Van Nuys, 
 Joost Van Nuys, 
 Ulpianus Van Sinderen 
 U. Van Sinderen, v.d.m. 
 Cor's Van Sice, 
 Garret Van Sise, 
 Chas. Van Sice, 
 John Van Siclen, 
 
 Vernant Van Sickel, 
 Fernandes Van Siclen, 
 Johannes Van Sicklen, 
 Jeremias Vanderbilt, 
 John Vanderbilt, 2, 
 Rem Vanderbilt, 
 Peter Vanderbilt, 2, 
 Wm. Vandervoort, 
 Paul Vandervoort, 
 Jan Vandervoort, 
 John Vandervoort, 
 Michael Vandervoort, 2, 
 Lamb't Vandervoort, 
 John Vanderveer, 2, 
 Hend'k Vanderveer, 
 Cor's Vanderveer, jr. 
 Jacobus Vanderveer, 
 Gerret Vandine, 
 Mat. Vandyke, 
 Isaac Vangelder, 
 Jacobus Vandeventer, 
 Burger Vandewater, 
 Peter Vandewater, 
 Bernardus Vandewater, 
 John Van Varck, 
 Cor's Van Zinze, 
 Niclase Vegte, 
 Jos. Vonck, 
 Adrian Voorhees, 
 Ab'm Voorhees, 
 Lawrence Voorhees, 
 Peter Voorhees, 
 Stephen Voorhees, 
 Robert Voorhees, 
 John Voorhees, 
 Aert Voorhees, 
 Thos. Whitlock, 
 Jos. White, 2, 
 Garret Williamson, 
 Nich's Williamson, 
 
SUBMISSION OF KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 171 
 
 Wm, Williamson, 
 Jeremiah Williamson, 
 John Williamson, 
 Peter Williamson, 
 David Wortman, 
 
 Barent WyckofF, 
 Nich's WyckofF, 
 Peter WyckofF, 2, 
 Hend'k WykofF, 2, 
 Johannes WyckofF, 
 
 Cor's WykofF, 
 Joost WykofF, 
 Gerret WyckofF, 
 John Youngs, 
 Sam'l Zeller. 
 
 To His Excellency Wm. Tryon, Esq., Gov. <%c. 
 
 830. We, the members of the Provincial Congress, the County 
 Committee and the Committees of the difFerent townships elected 
 for and by the inhabitants of Kings Co., feel the highest satisfaction 
 in having it in our power to dissolve ourselves without danger of the 
 County being desolated, as it was by repeated threats, some short 
 time ago. We do hereby accordingly dissolve ourselves, rejecting 
 and disclaiming all power of Congress and Committees, totally re- 
 fusing obedience thereto, and revoking all proceedings under them 
 whatsoever, as being repugnant to the laws and constitution of the 
 British Empire, and undutiful to our sovereign, and ruinous to the 
 welfare and prosperity of this County. We beg leave to assure 
 your Excellency we shall be exceeding happy in obeying the legal 
 authority of government, whenever your Excellency shall be pleased 
 to call us forth, being from long experience well assured of your 
 Excellency's mild and upright administration. 
 
 Signed, 3d and 4th Dec, 1776. 
 
 Philip Nagel, 
 Wm. Johnson, 
 Evert Suydam, 
 Rich'd Stillwell, 
 Johannes E. Lott, 
 Rem Cowvenhoven, 
 Nich's Cowvenhoven, 
 Joost Duryea, 
 Jerem'h Vanderbilt, 
 Stephen Voorhees, 
 Adrian Voorhies, 
 Petrus Van Pelt, 
 LefFert LefFerts, 
 * Nich's Grudendyck, 
 
 John Suydam, 
 Wilh's StoothofF, 
 Casper Crisper, 
 Isaac Cortelyou, 
 Petrus Lott, 
 Denyse Denyse, 
 Engelbert Lott, 
 J. Hubbard, 
 Garret WykofF, 
 Rich'd Stillwell, jr. 
 Rutgert Vanbrunt, 
 Adrian Hegeman, 
 *Ab'm Van Ranst, 
 
 Ab'm Laquere, 
 Derick Remsen, 
 Ab'm Voorhies, 
 Jsaac Denyce, 
 Johannes Bergen, 
 John Vanderbelt, 
 Theodo's Polhemus, 
 Wm. Vanbrunt, 
 Jacobus Vandeventer, 
 John Titus, 
 Cor's WykofF, 
 Johannes Debevoice, 
 *Wilhelmus Van Nuys, 
 *Jeremias Remsen, 
 
 *Albert Vanbrunt, 
 [Those to whose names a star is prefixed were either sick, or out of 
 the County.] 
 
PART IV. 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 831. His Majesty has observed with great satisfaction the effu- 
 sions of loyalty and affection which break forth in the addresses of 
 his faithful subjects upon their deliverance from the tyranny and op- 
 pression of the rebel Committees : and the proof given by the inhabi- 
 tants of Kings Co. of their zeal for the success of His Majesty's 
 measures, by so generously contributing toward the expense of rais- 
 ing Col. Fanning's battalion, cannot fail of recommending them to 
 His Majesty's favor. Lord Geo. Germaine. 
 
 832. Jan. 27, '77, Gaine. The corps of militia in Kings Co., 
 from motives of loyalty to their sovereign, and zeal to the consti- 
 tution, have voluntarily deposited in the hands of the Hon. Wm. 
 Axtell, £310. 8. as an addition to the noble provision made to the 
 battalion now raising under the command of Col. Fanning, to be ap- 
 pointed according to the direction of His Excellency Gov. Tryon. 
 
 Gen. Edmond Fanning died in London, 1818, at an advanced age. 
 The world contained no better man in all the relations of life, as friend, 
 landlord and master. He lost a large property by raising a regiment 
 in the Revolution. He was appointed Lt. Gov. of Nova Scotia, next 
 he was Gov. of Prince Edward's Island 19 years. He resigned from 
 ill health, and to attend to his private affairs, to the grief of all. He left a 
 widow and 3 accomplished daughters. Gent. Mag. 
 
 833. The wounded prisoners taken, Aug. 27, were put in the 
 churches of Flatbush andN. Utrecht, but being neglected and unat- 
 tended, were wallowing in their own filth, and breathed an infected 
 air. Ten days after, Dr. Richard Bailey, from the hospital on Staten 
 Island, was appointed to superintend the sick, aided by Dr. Silas 
 
ARMED OCCUPATION OF KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 173 
 
 Holmes, of Norwich, Conn., a prisoner, Holmes represents Bailey 
 as humane, and dressing the wounded daily. He got a sack-bed, 
 sheet and blanket for each prisoner, distributed the patients into the' 
 adjacent barns, without consent of the owners, and allowed them to 
 go to the neighboring houses to buy milk. One tried to escape^ 
 when Campbell, Capt. of the guard, opposed their going, but gave 
 way to the Doctor's request. When the wounded were-sent to N. Y., 
 Dr. B. accompanied them. N. Y. Indep. Gaz., Dec. 20, '83. 
 
 834. [In Jan. '77, the American prisoners in N. Y. were paroled 
 and billeted on the inhabitants of Kings Co. Congress agreeing to 
 pay $2 per week for their board. Col. Graydon thus describes his 
 sojourn there. — Ed.] 
 
 Flatbush was the place assigned for the officers of our regiment, 
 Col. Shoe's and Col. Magaw's. Here also were stationed Cols. 
 Miles, Atlee, Rawlins, and Maj. Williams. The indulgence of ar- 
 ranging ourselves agreeably to our respective circles of acquaintance 
 was granted us by Mr. Loring. Lt. Forrest and myself were billeted 
 on Mr. Jacob Suydam, whose house was pretty large, consisting of 
 buildings which appeared to have been erected at different times. The 
 front and better part was occupied by Mr. Theophylact Bache and 
 family, from N. Y. Though we were in general civilly enough 
 received, it cannot be supposed we were very welcome to our Low 
 Dutch hosts, whose habits were extremely parsimonious, and whose 
 winter provision was barely sufficient for themselves. Had they 
 been sure of receiving the $2 per week, it might have reconciled 
 them, Congress or ourselves being looked on as paymasters. They 
 were, however, a people who seemed thoroughly disposed to submit 
 to any power that might be imposed on them : and whatever 
 might have been their propensities at an earlier stage of the contest, 
 they were now the dutiful and loyal subjects of His Majesty King 
 George III. Their houses and beds we found clean ; but their living 
 extremely poor. A sorry wash made up of a sprinkling of bohea, 
 and the darkest sugar on the verge of fluidity, with half-baked 
 bread (fuel being among the scarcest articles at Flatbush) and a 
 little stale butter, constituted our breakfast. At our first coming, a 
 small piece of pickled beef was occasionally boiled for dinner, but 
 to the beef which was soon consumed, there succeeded clippers or 
 clams ; and our unvaried supper was supon or mush, sometimes with 
 
174 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 skimmed milk, but more generally with buttermilk, blended with 
 molasses, which was kept for weeks in a churn, as swill is saved for 
 hogs. I found it, however, after a little use, very eatable ; and sup- 
 per soon became my best meal. The table company consisted of the 
 master of the house, Mr. Jacob Suydam, an old bachelor; a young 
 man, a shoemaker, of the name of Rem Hegeman, married to Jacob's 
 niece, who with a mewling infant in her arms, never failed to ap- 
 pear. A black boy too, was generally in the room ; not as a waiter, 
 but a sort of enfant de maison, who walked about or took post in the 
 chimney corner with his hat on, and occasionally joined in the con- 
 versation. Rem Hegeman, and Yordchy his wife, gave themselves 
 no airs ; nor was harmony with uncle Jacob ever interrupted ; but 
 once, when soured a little, he made a show of knocking down Mr. 
 Forrest, with a pair of yarn stockings he had just drawn from his 
 legs, as he sat in the chimney corner one evening preparing for bed ; 
 but moments of peevishness were allowable to our host, for we had 
 been consuming his provisions, while he had never seen a penny of 
 our money. The religion of the Dutch, like their other habits, was 
 unostentatious and plain ; and a simple, silent grace before meat 
 prevailed at the table of Jacob Suydam. When we were all seated, 
 he suddenly clapped his hands together, threw his head on one side, 
 closed his eyes, and remained mute and motionless for about a mi- 
 nute. His niece and nephew followed his example, but with such 
 an eager solicitude that the copied attitude should be prompt and 
 simultaneous, as to give an air of absurdity to what might otherwise 
 have been very decent. Although little of the vernacula'r accent 
 remained on the tongues of these people, they had some peculiarities 
 in their phraseology. Instead of asking you to sit down to table, 
 they invited you to sit by. 
 
 The morning after our arrival at Flatbush, we encountered Mr. 
 Bache in the piazza, which extended the whole length of the build- 
 ing on the South side. His being an Englishman, and a determined 
 loyalist, did not prevent him from accosting us very civilly. He 
 knew that opposition to the mother country was not confined to a 
 low and desperate faction, as it was the fashion among loyalists to 
 represent us. His brother was a Whig, and had married Dr. Frank- 
 lin's daughter. In addition to frequent invitations to tea, and to par- 
 take of his Maderia, " to help us along a little," as he expressed it, 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 175 
 
 in allusion to the meagre fare of Jacob's table, I was indebted to him 
 for the offer of his purse, though he did not know me. I declined 
 it, as I had no need of it. I availed myself of his services in exe- 
 cuting small commissions for me when he went to N. Y., which 
 was almost daily. 
 
 There were several New-Yorkers with their families residing in 
 Flatbush. Of these Col. Axtell was apparently the first in wealth and 
 importance. He was neatly seated at a country house, at the en- 
 trance of the village [since Dr. Robinson's] and I had once the honor 
 of supping with him, together with 8 or 10 of my fellow-prisoners. 
 In this family was a Mr. Frederick Depeyster, a young man. better 
 known by the fondling appellation of " Feady," and two young ladies, 
 all relations of Col. Axtell. One of these, a Miss Shipton, had so 
 much toleration for our cause, as to marry a Col. Giles, of our army. 
 Next in consequence to Col. Axtell, might be placed Mayor Matthews, 
 of N. Y., who divided his time between the village and city, in each 
 of which he had a house. There were also here Miles Sherbrook, 
 and Mr. Jauncey. Major Moncrieffe, of the British army, a relation 
 of Mr. Bache, also spent much time here, where he had a daughter, 
 [the beautiful Mrs. Coglan.] 
 
 "835. The principal person in a Low Dutch village appears to be 
 the Domine or minister ; and Flatbush, at this time, revered her do- 
 mine, Rubel, a rotund, jolly-looking man, a follower of Luther, and 
 a Tory, on whom were billeted Cols. Atlee and Miles. At Flatlands, 
 there was also a domine, Van Zinder, a disciple of Calvin, and a 
 Whig. He was in person and principle a perfect contrast to Mr. 
 Rubel, being a lean and shrivelled little man, with a triangular sharp- 
 pointed hat, and silver locks which " streamed like a meteor flowing 
 to the troubled air," as he whisked along with great velocity in his 
 chaise through Flatbush. He was distinguished by a species of 
 pulpit eloquence, which might be truly said to " bring matters home 
 to men's business and bosoms." Mr. Bache assured me that in once 
 descanting on the wily arts of the devil, he likened him to my land- 
 lord, sneaking and skulking about to get a shot at a flock of snipes, 
 in shooting of which, it seems, Jacob was eminently skilful. 
 
 [Van Sinderin and Rubel were both ministers of the Reformed Dutch 
 Church. An account of them may be found in Strong's Flatbush. The 
 
176 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 following inscriptions are taken from their tomb-stones, which I have 
 translated from Dutch into English. 
 
 Hier leyt Jiet Liechaem van den TVel-Eerwaerde Heer Ulpianus 
 Van Sinderen in zyn leeven Predicant in Kings County, Ovcrleeden 
 den 23 July, 1796, oudt Zynde 88 Jaeren^ 7 Maanden en 12 daegen. 
 
 Here lies the body of the very worthy Mr. Ulpianus Van Sinderen, 
 in his lifetime preacher in Kings County, died July 23, 1796, aged 88 
 years, 7 months and 12 days. 
 
 Tot gedachtenis van Jok's Casp's Rubel V. D. M. — Geboren den 6de 
 March, O. S., 1719.— Overle den den 19de Maii 1797. 
 
 To the memory of John Caspar Rubel, minister of God's Word, 
 born March 6th, 1719, O. S., died May, 19th, 1797.— Erf.] 
 
 Some fellows, one morning, on the road to N. Y. market with 
 fish, w^ere stopped by Capt. Lenox, Lt. Wright, of Maryland, and 
 Lt. Stewart, of Delaware, who wished to buy some : but were told 
 by the fishmongers, that they would not sell to rebels. This pro- 
 duced reproachful language on both sides, when the officers laying 
 hold of the fish, began to bandy them about the jaws of the raga- 
 muffins w 7 ho had insulted them. A complaint w T as immediately 
 lodged with Ge^. Robertson : the accused were escorted by a guard 
 to N. Y., and on the statement of the fishmongers, being found in 
 aggression were required to make acknowledgments ; which refusing 
 to do, they were forthwith consigned to the custody of the Provost 
 Marshal. With him they remained 2 or 3 weeks, but at length 
 were released without the apology. Cunningham had used them 
 well, partly owing, perhaps, to Gen. Robertson's instructions, and 
 partly to Mr. Lenox's being well supplied with money. 
 
 There were five of the Misses Van Homes (avowed Whigs, 
 notwitstanding their civility to British officers), all handsome and 
 well bred, who with their mother, a widow lady, had removed from 
 New Jersey to Flatbush. Mr. Clarkson, a connection of theirs, at 
 whose house they staid in Brunswick, had a house also at Flatbush. 
 Being a Whig, he had left it on the approach of the enemy, and it 
 had been a good deal injured by the Germans. He was now per- 
 mitted to return to it ; and Mrs. Van Home and her daughters came 
 along with him. Perhaps the w T ay to his return was smoothed by the 
 ladies' influence with the British officers. Miss Susan Van Home 
 used to walk the streets of Flatbush with a British Baronet, Sir 
 John Wrottesley, whose demeanor was gentlemanly and worthy of 
 his rank. 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 177 
 
 Col. Magaw,* to beguile the tedious hours of captivity had 
 taken to him a wife (Martha, daughter of Col. R. Van Brunt) as 
 had one or two others. There was a fatiguing sameness in our oc- 
 cupations, for which we had no cure. During a residence of 5 
 months on L. I., I was but once beyond our limits — and that was to 
 dine at Jamaica. [See Queen's Co. p. 155], At length my mother 
 came from Penn. and boldly waited on Sir Wm. Howe. On request- 
 ing to speak with him she was shown into a parlor, where taking a 
 seat, she was meditating upon the manner of addressing him, when 
 Sir William entered the room. Rising she said, " Sir Wm. Howe, 
 I presume !" He answered by a bow. She then begged permission 
 for her son to go home on parole. " And then to take up arms 
 against us again, I suppose," said Sir William. " By no means, sir, 
 I solicit his release on parole ; that will restrain him till exchanged, 
 and if I have any influence over him, he shall never take up arms 
 again." The General seemed to hesitate, but gave no answer. On 
 the renewal of her suit, he appeared by his manner (for he was spar- 
 ing of words) to assent. She asked, " Have I your excellency's 
 permission for my son to go home ? Bowing, he answered, " Yes." 
 " May Col. Miles and Maj. West," added she, " be permitted to go 
 also?" " Now madam," observed the General, " you are making two 
 requests instead of one." The boon was, however, extended to 
 Miles and West, who left Flatbush, July, '77, escorted to the end of 
 the village by their less lucky fellow prisoners. The boarding had 
 first to be paid, however, and old Jacob's heart was gladdened by 
 the sight of a sum of money he had despaired of. The prisoners re- 
 paired to the office of Mr. Loring, and signed a parole, and then em- 
 barked in a sloop for Elizabethtown Point. — Graydon's Memoirs. 
 
 * Col. Robt. Magaw, an eminent Attorney, died at Carlisle, Penn., 
 1795. 
 
 836. Stephen Rapalje is taken at New Rochelle with a large 
 quantity of cash, locked in saddle-bags, brought from L. I., and pa- 
 roled. Jan. 23, '77. Jour. 784. 
 
 .837. Rem Cowenhoven offers $15 reward for Jaff, a runaway 
 negro a pretty forward chap, had on a claret-colored coat and breeches, 
 scarlet jacket, supposed to be at Brunswick or Amboy. 
 
 Gaine, Feb. 10, '77. 
 
178 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 838. Gaine, March 3, '77. A few days ago, S. Bergen was 
 accidentally shot in the leg by a musket he was buying of a sailor, 
 and died from loss of blood. 
 
 839. May 17, '77. 200 wagons have lately been sent from 
 L. I. to the enemy's head-quarters at Brunswick, to assist in remov- 
 ing their baggage thence. 
 
 840. Col. Ethan Allen, at N. Lots, has recovered his health, but 
 will need money. July 27, '77. 
 
 [Allen was billeted at Daniel Rapalje's. On hearing the news of the 
 battle of Bennington, he mounted on the roof of Howard's Inn, and 
 gave three cheers, which so exasperated the British officers present, that 
 he was thrown in the Provost. See his Life. — Ed.] 
 
 841. £3 reward. Taken by force from Isaac Selover, Flat- 
 lands, a negro woman, Bet. Gaine, Sep. 22, '77. 
 
 842. Died at New Lots, Oct. 23, Elbert Hegeman, Esq., in the 
 91st year of his age. Few men ever possessed a more humane and 
 compassionate heart. He was no less remarkable for his piety than 
 his benevolence, and exhibited to us a remarkable instance of his at- 
 tention to the divine laws of his Creator, having read the Bible 
 through no less than 365 times. His remains were interred at New 
 Lots on Sunday. Gaine, Nov. 8, '77, 
 
 843. " On Sunday morning, April 5, 1778, to the great satisfac- 
 tion of the inhabitants, the Church at Brooklyn was opened, and 
 divine service, according to the ritual of the Church of England, 
 performed by the Rev. Mr. Jas. Sayre, who preached an excellent 
 sermon and baptized a child, which was the first infant admitted to 
 that sacrament within said church, where there will be prayers and 
 a sermon next Sunday and on Good Friday, also on the three Sun- 
 days following ; every fourth Sunday afterwards the church will be 
 occupied by the Dutch congregation." 
 
 844. N. J. Gaz., June 17, '78. Wm. Marrener, a volunteer, 
 with 1 1 men, and Lt. John Schenck, of our militia, went last Sat. 
 evening from Middletown Point, and returned by 6 next morning, 
 (having travelled by land and water above 50 miles) with Major 
 Moncrieffe, T. Bache, with 4 slaves, and brought them to Princeton, 
 to be delivered to the Governor. The worshipful Mayor and Tor- 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 179 
 
 mentor General Matthews, who has inflicted on our prisoners un- 
 heard of cruelties, and was the principal object of the expedition, 
 was unfortunately in the city. 
 
 845. " I chose," says Marrener, to Gen. Johnson, " a fine after- 
 noon about midsummer, and prepared to visit New Utrecht about 1 
 in the evening. This season was chosen, because there was then 
 no fishing on "the beach at night. I arrived at the beach near the 
 house of my old landlord, Mr. Vanpelt, unmolested. 24 of us land- 
 ed, and two were left with the boat to keep her from the beach. 
 We marched up the road, and I stopped at the house of Mr. Vanpelt, 
 and rapped at his bedroom window, and told him I was there, was 
 well, and intended to pay Col. Axtell a visit that night. With his 
 good wishes I started along the road to Flatbush. We arrived at 
 the church unobserved, and divided into 4 parties, determined to 
 take Col. Axtell, Mayor Matthews, and Messrs. Sherbrook and Bache. 
 Each party was provided with a heavy post for breaking in the doors. 
 It was agreed, that when the party detached for Col. Axtell struck 
 his door, each party should do the same at the other houses. 
 This was done to admiration, and every door yielded at the first 
 stroke. Col. Axtell and Matthews were in N. Y., but Sherbrook 
 and Bache were taken. Sherbrook had often insulted me, and I 
 took his lodgings for my share of the capture. He resided at 
 Geo. Martense's, and one stroke at the door alarmed him, and he 
 fled to the garret. I entered his room, found his bed warm, and 
 ordered aunt Jannetie to get a candle. We ran to the garret, and 
 found our prize shivering behind the large Dutch chimney, with his 
 breeches in hand. We took him to the church, our place of ren- 
 dezvous, where he put on his clothes, and when our men mustered, 
 we marched uninterruptedly along the road to our boat, where we 
 arrived about break of day, and returned in safety to N. Brunswick. 
 Domine Rubell rang the bell before we were half a mil? from the 
 church. Dr. Von Samper, who lived at Mr. Martense's, sung out, 
 1 Goedt luck ! Goedt luck ! not me, not me.' " 
 
 L. L Star, June, 1827. 
 
 Marrener, a shoemaker, of N. Y., in revenge for some ill-treat- 
 ment from Matthews (he had been confined and cruelly used by him) 
 crossed from the Jersey shore to Flatbush, with 20 militiamen in 
 two flat-bottom boats. At his landing he left his boats under guard 
 
ISO 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 of 5 men, while he visited the interior ; but these 5 hearing a 
 firing, which was kept up on Marrener by the Fiatbush guards 
 while he was taking his prisoners, concluded he was defeated and 
 taken, so without ceremony, they took one of the boats and made 
 their escape. The other boat as Marrener reached the shore, was 
 just going adrift. The party was much crowded in her, but it was 
 fortunately very calm, otherwise the boat could not have weathered 
 it. Marreners party staid near two hours at Fiatbush, for they were 
 there some time before the alarm was taken, and there was after- 
 wards time to dispatch an express to Brooklyn, and the reinforce- 
 ment which came, was pretty close on them, as it could be seen on 
 shore, when the party had left about 15 minutes. M. had wished 
 to liberate Capt. John Flahaven, of N. J. , billeted on Jacob Suydam, 
 but as he had changed his quarters, Lt. Forrest was carried off in 
 his stead. Mr. Bache was overwhelmed with his disaster, on ac- 
 count of the consternation in which his wife and daughter had been 
 thrown by the attack on his house, and his being forcibly borne away 
 in the dead of night. He interceded with Lt. Forrest to use his good 
 offices with Gov. Livingston. Major Moncrieffe, like an old soldier, 
 submitted with more equal mind, reminding Bache. however, that he 
 had often told him they were not safe at Fiatbush. Matthews was 
 on the top of the house at the time of the search. The men were 
 taken from the landing to Princeton in wagons, Bache and Mon- 
 crieffe were shortly sent home as prisoners on parole. A general 
 exchange soon after took place. Graydon. 
 
 Eiv. June 17, '78. Last Saturday night about 11 o'clock, a small 
 party of Rebels from Jersey, landed at N. Utrecht, and proceeded im- 
 mediately to Fiatbush, where several gentlemen of N. Y. have country 
 houses. They were joined and led on by a rebel officer named Forrest, 
 on parole there, (who deserted with them,) and assisted by many of the 
 rebel officers then on parole and residing at Fiatbush, (who, it appears, 
 had intelligence of their coming.) They divided themselves into 3 parties 
 and surrounded the houses of Major MoncriefFe, David Matthews, Esq., 
 Mayor of X. Y. city, and Theophylact Bache. They found easy access 
 to the houses of the Major and Mr. Bache, and surprised them both be- 
 fore they had the least suspicion of danger. They were civil to the 
 Major, but at Mr. Bache's behaved in their usual savage style, giving 
 Mrs. B. several blows on her entreating them not to use her husband ill, 
 wounding one of the female servants with their bayonets, plundered the 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 181 
 
 house of what plate they could find, and dragged away Mr. Bache with- 
 out giving him time to put on his clothes. They were not so success- 
 ful at the Mayor's, who seemed to have been their principal object. 
 He had taken care that his doors and windows should be well secured 
 and never opened at night on any pretence, until it was well known 
 within, who were without. The first tap at the door (which was in a 
 seeming friendly manner) alarmed the Mayor, who took such a post, 
 that though they should force in below, it would require a considerable 
 time to reach him. Pie at the same time ordered one of his blacks to 
 an upper window to alarm the inhabitants. The loud cry of murder 
 was the first intelligence the Rebels had of their being suspected, upon 
 which they began a most furious attack on the door with the butts of 
 their muskets, and threatened destruction to the whole family unless they 
 were let in. One or two of their muskets being broke and no impres- 
 sion made on the door, and the alarm being still kept up by the servant, 
 they attacked the windows which afforded room for entrance, when the 
 cry of the servant awakened a negro of Chief Justice Horsemanden, who 
 ran out and fired a musket, which so terrified these shabby cordwainers, 
 that they fled with the greatest precipitation, carrying off the Mayor and 
 Mr. Bache. Messrs. Miles Sherbrooke and Aug. Van Cortlandt were 
 also to have been taken off, had they not been alarmed by the Ethiopi- 
 an's fire. Immediately on the intelligence being received at Brooklyn, 
 where Col. Cockburn commanded, Capt. Drew with a detachment from 
 the 35th Regiment, marched to Flatbush, but the wonted speed of the 
 Rebels saved them to fight another day. 
 
 846. It was deemed impossible for Marrener to march to Flat- 
 bush unobserved by the people. Therefore those who knew or had 
 seen the party, were guilty of treason, for net giving the alarm. 
 Col. Van Brunt, his brother Adrian, Rem Van Pelt and his brother 
 Aert, all of N. Utrecht, were taken up on suspicion and confined 
 separately in the Provost. Col. Van Brunt, when arrested, had the 
 precaution to provide himself with a purse of gold, and inquired of 
 the sergeant of the Provost if he could furnish him good provisions 
 for breakfast, dinner, and supper. The sergeant said yes, but Cun- 
 ningham must not know it. He received a guinea, and sent the 
 fare by his wife. The Col. gave her also a guinea to provide food 
 for his fellow prisoners and inquire how they fared. The woman 
 returned and said they were fearful and sad. The Col. begged of 
 the sergeant, an opportunity of seeing his neighbors privately. They 
 
 9 
 
182 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 were brought in about midnight, and agreed to deny all knowledge 
 of the affair. At last they were examined separately, and as they all 
 agreed in their story, and nothing appeared against them, were dis- 
 charged. The purse of gold held out, the sergeant was liberally 
 rewarded for his kindness, and his wife received an additional guinea 
 for her importunities with her husband in favor of the prisoners. 
 
 L. I. Star, June 27, 1827. 
 Letter from L. I., dated June 17. Riv., June 20, '78. 
 " Yesterday, three of Capt. Kinlock's troop, with a guide, set out 
 from the Ferry, about 11 o'clock, and going round the county, to prevent 
 an alarm, arrived at old Van Pelt's, when without seeming to have any 
 thing to do there, one of the light horse stopped and asked for a drink 
 of water, and desired Van Pelt to walk out with him as his prisoner. 
 The party then proceeded without suspicion to young Van Pelt's, and 
 took him to his father's, and having allowed them to do what was re- 
 quisite, went to J. Covenhoven's, Lieut, of militia. (The officer to pre- 
 vent suspicion ordered his party a contrary road, and went to the house 
 and made the Lieut, prisoner). Had he known the party was coming, 
 he would have retired to his nest in the woods, as he has often done 
 before, when suspicious that his presence might be needed in N. Y. 
 The officer then gave his men a little refreshment, and having comforted 
 the different families as well as he could, came with them to N. Y., 
 when the 3 were ordered to the Provost, and on the road to it, he de- 
 sired them to have whatever they wanted, and stopped with them while 
 they refreshed themselves." 
 
 847. Wanted immediately 50 horses, 15 hands high, fit for the 
 dragoon service, by Jacob WykofT, Ass. Com. of Horse, Brooklyn 
 Ferry. Ri v ., June 18, '78. 
 
 848. Riv. July 8, '78. Peter Witherspoon notifies the public 
 that he intends to teaeh a small number of Greek and Latin scholars, 
 not exceeding 6 or 8, at Bushwick. Education and board on rea- 
 sonable terms. Due attention paid to education and morals. 
 
 849. £4 above the usual bounty, a new suit of clothes, and 
 every other necessary to complete the gentleman soldier, given to all 
 willing to serve His Majesty (during the present wanton and unnat- 
 ural rebellion) in the Roman Catholic volunteers, Major John Lynch, 
 encamped at Yellow Hook. Present pay and good quarters. One 
 guinea to bringers. God save the King ! Gaine., July 13, '78. 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 183 
 
 850. $6 Reward. Stolen from Lt. Cuppaidge, 26th Reg., at the 
 camp, Flatlands, by a person clothed in artillery uniform, a horse with 
 hogged mane, &c. Riv., July 18, '78. 
 
 851. Riv., July 30, '78. $5 Reward. Ran away from Jacobus 
 Cornell, New Lots, a negro man Hector, who speaks English and 
 Dutch. 
 
 Capt Stevens, of the Penn. Loyalists at Yellow Hook, offers 2 
 guineas reward for a mare strayed from pasture. 
 
 Riv., Aug. 8, '78. 
 
 852. Capt. Douglass offers a reward for a dark bay gelding, 
 branded S, on each shoulder, which strayed from the encampment of 
 1st bat. light infantry, between Bedford and Bushwick. 
 
 Riv., Aug. 15, '78. 
 
 Jacob Mowat offers 3 guineas reward for a silver watch stolen 
 from the encampment of 44th Reg., at Bedford. 
 
 Riv., Aug. 19, '78. 
 
 853. Riv., Aug. 22, '78. A. J3ainbridge, at Flatbush, surgeon 
 of New Jersey volunteers, offers 2 guineas reward for a runaway 
 mulatto negro boy, Priam, hair light colored and of the woolly kind. 
 
 854. 2 Guineas Reward. Stolen or strayed from Bedford camp, 
 Aug. 15, a mare, D. 37th, marked on her buttock. 
 
 Riv., Sep. 23, '78. 
 
 855. Capt. Benson, at the Ferry, offers 2 guineas reward for a 
 bay colt, lost from the camp near Brooklyn. Gaine, Oct. 5, '78. 
 
 856. 20 Guineas Reward. Stolen out of an officer's tent, 46th 
 Reg., in camp, near Bedford, a large portmanteau, containing clothes, 
 maps, sketches, paints, mathematical instruments, spy-glass, compass, 
 &c. Riv., Oct. 7, '78. 
 
 857. Half Guinea Reward. Lost from the encampment of 37th 
 Reg., at Bedford, 5 weeks ago, a little bitch, Lt. Teasdale Cockell t 
 engraved on her collar. It is supposed the departure of the Regi- 
 ment for the New Englaud expedition was the cause of her not 
 being delivered up, since which time they have never been at the old 
 encampment. She was seen in possession of a soldier of Col. Mor- 
 ris's corps. R^., Oct. 7, '78. 
 
184 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 858. Col. Axtell offers a reward of £10 for the discovery of the 
 person that took down on Wednesday evening last, from the church 
 door, at Flatbush, (fixed there by his direction, for the inspection of 
 the public,) the Manifesto and Proclamation, issued by their 
 Excellencies His Majesty's Commissioners. Riv., Oct. 10, '78. 
 
 Wm. Axtell died in England, 1795, aged 75, respected for his hos- 
 pitality and good humor. He was born in Jamaica, W. I., but resided 
 many years in N. Y., where he married, and was a member of 
 the King's council long before the war. Having been appointed Col. 
 of the Provincial forces by Howe, at the close of the war he was put 
 on half pay, and received considerable sums from Parliament as a 
 loyalist. He was descended from Dan'l Axtell, a Col. in Cromwell's 
 army, who was beheaded at the restoration, when his family removed 
 to Jamaica. Gent. Mag. 
 
 859. Lt. Digby, 37th regiment, offers 2 guineas reward for a 
 brown mare, stolen Aug. 25, '78, from Bedford heights. Gaine. 
 
 860. 5 Guineas Reward. Lost 16th Oct., '78, coming from Pau- 
 lus Hook to Brooklyn Ferry, a Portmanteau Trunk, marked Lt. 
 Stewart, 42d regiment, now in camp near Bedford. 
 
 861. Sergeant Jennings, camp of 37th, at Bedford, offers a 
 guinea reward for a stray chestnut mare. Riv., Oct. 21, '78. 
 
 862. Lt. Col. Turnbull of N. Y. volunteers, at Brooklyn Ferry, 
 offers 2 guineas reward for a stray horse. Gaine, Oct. 26, '78. 
 
 863. £5 Reward. Ran away to city of N.Y. from Widow Hende- 
 rickie Lott, Flatlands, a black negro man, &c, took 3 coats, 8 shirts, 
 4 trowsers, 2 pair breeches, stockings, &c, wears in his shoes 
 a large pair of square silver buckles. Riv., Nov. 4, '78. 
 
 864. Strayed from Bedford Camp, a brown horse, bob tail, hog 
 mane, squirrel head, (late the property of Capt. Galbreath, of De- 
 lancey's brigade). A Guinea reward, if left with Mr. Titus, Brook- 
 lyn Ferry. Riv., Nov. 4, '78. 
 
 865. One Guinea Reward. Lost between Brooklyn Ferry and 
 N. Utrecht, a silver mounted double-barrelled Pistol, belonging to 
 an officer of 16th light dragoons, at N. Utrecht. 
 
 Riv., Nsv. 14, '78. 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 185 
 
 866. Two\Guineas Reward. Stolen or strayed, a fortnight ago, 
 from the encampment of 17th light infantry, near Bedford, a bay 
 mare, &c. Riv., Nov. 4, '78. 
 
 867. Trenton, Nov. 1 1 , '78. The 3d inst. Marrener, with 7 men of 
 Lord Stirling's division, landed at N. Utrecht and brought off Simon 
 and Jacques Cortelyou, two famous tories in the enemies' lines, and 
 specie and other property, to the amount of $5000. The prisoners 
 are on parole at Brunswick, and are to be exchanged for two citizens 
 of Jersey, in captivity with the enemy. 
 
 Capt. Marrener took Simon Cortelyou, of N. Utrecht, to N. Bruns 
 wick, as a return for his uncivil conduct to the American prisoners. 
 He took his silver tankard and several other articles. Gen. Johnson. 
 
 On Tuesday night, Nov. 3d, between 11 and 12, Simon and Jaques 
 Cortelyou were carried off by a party of rebels, from the Narrows. 
 The house of the former was robbed of cash to the amount of £200, be- 
 sides a large quantity of linen, blankets, &c. The marauders behaved 
 with their usual insolence and inhumanity, and frequently threatened 
 the terrified children of the family, then in bed, with immediate death. 
 
 Gaine, Nov. 8, '78. 
 
 [Marrener was a shoemaker by trade, but kept tavern in N. Y. 
 and at Harlem. He died, 1814, aged 85, by falling out of his wagon. 
 --Ed.] 
 
 868. Martin Schenck, Wallebocht, advertises for a schoolmaster 
 to teach reading, writing and arithmetic, to about 18 scholars. 
 
 Gaine, Dec. 7, '78. 
 
 869. Mr. Van Buren and some other rebel officers, who have 
 been on their parole at Flatbush, for several months past, effected 
 their escape last week. Gaine, June 14, '79. 
 
 870. $8 Reward. Stolen or strayed, on Sunday night, Aug. 1, 
 '79, out of the pasture of Garret Stryker, at Flatbush, a black geld- 
 ing, property of Capt. Chapman, King's American regiment. 
 
 Riv., Aug. 7, '79. 
 
 871. Rev. Mr. Foley has opened an academy at Aram, in Bush- 
 wick, for the reception of young gentlemen, to be instructed in 
 Greek, Latin, and the English tongue, grammatically. Would be will- 
 in g to accommodate a few young gentlemen with board. For terms 
 apply to the printer. Gaine, Aug. 30, '79. 
 
186 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 872. $5 Reward and Charges. Lost or strayed from Lawrence 
 Van Buskirk, at Gowanus, the night of 18th inst., a sorrel mare, pro- 
 
 873. A cricket match for 50 guineas, between Brooklyn and 
 Greenwich clubs, to be played this day at Loosley and Elms, 10 
 
 874. Riv., Oct. 2, '79. The Rev. Jas. Sayre. lived in the large 
 white house of Isaac Cortelyou, on the bay side of N. Utrecht, 
 which was burned, Nov. 15. Mr. S. published a translation from 
 German, " God's thoughts of peace in war." At the peace he went 
 to Nova Scotia. He died at Fairfield, 1798, aged 53. His brother 
 John died in N. Brunswick. (See 842.) 
 
 875. One Guinea Reward. Stolen or strayed from Gowanus, a 
 strawberry colored horse, marked L. I., property of the battalion of 
 light infantry, near Bedford. Riv., Oct. 9, '79. 
 
 876. $50 Reward offered by Gov. Tryon. George and Peter 
 Duryea, with their wives, Sarah and Catherine, being one family, 
 made oath before Richard Alsop, Esq., of Newtown, that at 9 in the 
 evening of Oct. 15, 4 or 5 men disguised, meanly habited, with faces 
 blackened, armed with a gun, bayonet fixed, a pistol, a number of 
 clubs and a cutlass, forced in their house at Bushwick, west side of 
 the creek, (some of the party being at the same time posted outside 
 at the doors and windows.) and assaulted them. George received 4 
 dangerous blows on his head, which settled him on the floor. Not 
 quite deprived of reason, he crawled under a bed, and laid still to 
 avoid being murdered. Peter received 6 wounds about his head 
 and one on his arm, but at length escaped and alarmed his neighbors. 
 Meantime the villains broke open 2 desks, and a cupboard, and took 
 £220 in good cash, (all gold and silver) a pair of silver knee-buckles, 
 marked P. D., silver spoons, I. D., and a silver bowl. Previous to the 
 robbery, Catherine was seized by the throat, thrown on the floor and 
 almost choked to death. Riv., Oct. 23, '79. 
 
 877. $20. Reward. Stolen or strayed from the farm of John 
 Hulst, at Gowanus, 4 miles from the Ferry, 10 fat cattle. 
 
 Riv., Nov. 20, '79. 
 
 878. Riv., Dec. 29, '79. Woodcutters will meet with the best en 
 couragement by applying to Galbreath & Atkins, Smiths, Brooklyn 
 
 perty of Capt. Bessonet. 
 
 Rh., Sep. 25, '79. 
 
 A. M. 
 
 Gaine, Sep. 27, '79. 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 187 
 
 Ferry, Mr. Polhemus, New Lotts, Mr. Betts, Innkeeper, Jamaica, 
 Mr. Van Water, Innkeeper, New Utrecht, at which places persons 
 will attend to show them the wood to be cut, which is within a short 
 distance of Brooklyn Ferry, on the Narrows. Accommodations and 
 other necessaries provided contiguous to the place of cutting. 
 
 879. A large square fort is built on Brooklyn heights ; the season 
 is late ; not a blade of grass. The people within the lines begin to 
 repair and rebuild houses, and manure and inclose fields. — Gov. 
 Robertson. May 18, '80. 
 
 880. Riv., June 14, '80. Citizens of Brooklyn thank the 76th 
 regiment, commanded by the Earl of Caithness, and afterwards by 
 Capt Bruce, for their constant good order and decorum, during 
 their residence in Brooklyn. 
 
 881. Gaine, July 2, '80. Pro bono publico. Thursday next, 
 bull-baiting at Brooklyn Ferry. The bull is remarkably strong and 
 active, the best dogs in the country expected, and they that afford 
 the best diversion will be rewarded with silver collars. 
 
 882. Gaine, July 17, '80. Address to Gov. Robertson on his 
 accession, in behalf and at the request of the inhabitants of Kings 
 county, signed by Wm. Axtell, Rutgert Van Brunt, Richard Still- 
 well, Jeromus Lott, Ab. Liquere, M. Cowenhoven, Rem Cowenho- 
 ven, Maj. Jeromus V. D. Belt, Adrian Vanbrunt, Leffert Lefferts, 
 Johannes Bergen. 
 
 They concur with His Excellency in ascribing to the ambitious 
 and self-interested views of a few who conceal from the multitude 
 the offers of Great Britain, that our countrymen, once so happy, are 
 brought to feel the miseries held up to their fears to seduce them 
 from the felicity they once enjoyed, subjected as they now are to a 
 usurpation that has annihilated their commerce, shed their blood and 
 wasted their property, and is now dragging the laborious husbandman 
 from the plough to the field of battle to support their unauthorized 
 combinations with designing popish and arbitrary powers. " We 
 cannot sufficiently applaud your Excellency for affording them the 
 means of extricating themselves, and assure you of our loyal endea- 
 vors for His Majesty's service." Riv., July 12. 
 
 883. 3 Guineas Reward. Stolen or strayed from the encamp- 
 ment of the 43d regiment near Brooklyn, a bay horse, &c. 
 
 Riv., July 19, '80. 
 
188 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 884. PRO BONO PUBLICO. 
 
 Saturday next being the birth-day of His Royal Highness the 
 Prince of Wales, Loosely, agreeably to an honest old custom, wishes 
 to see his royal and constitutional friends — dinner at 3. The even- 
 ing to conclude with fireworks and illuminations. A good band of 
 music. 
 
 IT REBELS, approach no nearer than the heights of Brooklyn. 
 
 Riv., Aug. 9, '80. 
 
 885. $8 and no questions. Stolen or strayed from Cornelius 
 Duryea, Brooklyn, a chestnut brown gelding, branded N. on near 
 thigh. Aug. 16, '80. 
 
 886. Gaine, Aug. 28, '80. $8 Reward and charges. Stolen or 
 strayed out of the pasture of Adrian Hegeman, Flatbush, Aug 22, a 
 black mare, branded O. on her buttock. 
 
 887. Gaine, Aug. 28, '80. 40 Shillings Reward. Ran away 
 from Dennis Dennis, at the Narrows, a negro boy, Lawrence j has 
 been on board the Grand Duke. 
 
 888. 2 Guineas Reward by John Cornell, Brooklyn Ferry. Ran 
 away, a negro, Jack, branded on back part of the ear, arm, and but- 
 tock. Gaine, Sep. 18, '80. 
 
 889. Stolen or strayed, Friday night, from the pasture of Thos. 
 Horsefield, at Brooklyn Ferry, two horses. Riv., Oct. 18, '80. 
 
 890. Riv., Sep. 20, '80. Anniversary of the Coronation of our 
 ever good and gracious King, will be celebrated at Loosely's, 22d 
 inst. It is expected that no rebel will approach nearer than Flat- 
 bush wood. 
 
 891. By permission — 3 days 1 sport on Ascot Heath, formerly 
 
 Flatlands Plain. 
 
 Monday. I. The Noblemen's and Gentlemen's purse of £60, 
 free for any horse except Mr. Wortman's, and Mr. Allen's Dulci- 
 more, who won the plate at Beaver Pond last season. 2. A saddle, 
 bridle, and whip, worth £15, by ponies not exceeding I3| hands. 
 
 Tuesday. 1 . Ladies' subscription purse of j£50. 2. To be run 
 for by women, a Holland smock and chintz gown, full trimmed — to 
 run the best 2 in 3, quarter-mile heats ; the first to have the smock 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 189 
 
 and gown, of 4 guineas value ; the second a guinea, the third a half 
 guinea. 
 
 Wednesday. County subscription purse £50. No person will 
 erect a booth or sell liquor without first subscribing 2 guineas to- 
 ward the expense of the race. Gentlemen fond of fox hunting will 
 meet at Loosely's King's Head tavern at daybreak, during the races. 
 
 God Save the King played every hour. Riv., Nov. 4, '80. 
 
 892. Gaine, Jan. 20, '81. Wednesday last four armed men 
 found concealed in a barn at Bushwick. were brought to N. Y. un- 
 der a strong guard of militia. 
 
 893. Pro bono publico. By permission, 4 days' sport on Easter 
 Monday, on Ascot Heath. Purses of £50, £50, £100, £100. 
 
 Gaine, Feb. 12, '81. 
 
 894. Riv., Ap. 14, '81. Last Sunday evening a sloop from N. 
 Y. was captured off Coney Island by two rebel whale-boats from 
 Brunswick, commanded by Dickie and Marrener. After plundering 
 the vessel of goods to a considerable value, she was ransomed for 
 500 hard dollars. 
 
 Brunswick, Ap. 24, '81. 
 
 To Mr. Loring. — Sir : In a New-York paper it is said I was con- 
 cerned in taking a sloop, such a report is without foundation. I am on 
 parole, which I shall give the strictest attention to. She was taken by 
 Hyler and Dickie. Yours, &c, 
 
 WM. MARRENER. 
 
 Marrener was obnoxious to the N. Y. magistrates. He would not 
 have been exchanged but for Simcoe's explaining to Clinton how Mar- 
 rener had saved his life, when a boy was about to bayonet him as he 
 lay senseless on the ground. Simcoe, p. 288, 264. 
 
 895. Chatham, May 2, '81. On Sunday night, Ap. 15, Capt. 
 Hyler, of Brunswick, went over to L. I., [Michael Bergen's, Gow- 
 anus,] and brought off a Hessian major and ensign with their wait- 
 ers, who are now here on parole. They were in the centre of two 
 picket guards, yet the address of Hyler was such, that the guards 
 were not alarmed till he was out of their power. 
 
 896. Ran away from the regiment of Brunswick dragoons at 
 Flatlands, a black drummer named Prince Dermen, light blue clothes. 
 Proper reward. Rio., May 5, '81. 
 
 9* 
 
190 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 897. Gaine, May 21, '81. Saturday night last a pilot boat of 
 Capt. David Morris and two other boats, were taken between Robin's 
 Reef and Yellow Hook, by a whale-boat from Brunswick. Mr. 
 Morris's boat was plundered of several articles, and afterwards ran- 
 somed for $400. 
 
 898. Grand Races at Ascot Heath postponed till June 6, on ac- 
 count of the King's birth day ; on which occasion it is expected 
 every true subject will so strain his nerves in rejoicing as to prevent 
 this amusement being agreeable before that time. A hurling match 
 on the ground, June 5, when those who have a curiosity to play (or 
 see) that ancient diversion, will get hurls and bats at the Irish Flag. 
 
 Gaine, May 30, '81. 
 
 899. Riv., June 6, '81. $4 Reward. Stolen out of the house 
 of Mr. Chatham, near Bedford, a silver watch. The soldiers of the 
 corps of guides and pioneers, quartered near, are suspected. 
 
 900. Gaine, June 18, '81. About 10, last Thursday night, 
 the house of Nicholas Schenck, near 3 miles South of Flatbush, was 
 surprised by the crews of 2 rebel whale-boats from Brunswick. 
 The family were at supper when the rebels entered the house, and 
 of course not prepared to make any resistance. They therefore 
 took away every thing they could carry, wounded Peter Bogart, 
 of N. Y., a lodger in the house, in the side with a bayonet, took 
 away his money and plate, and the plate of the family, to a con- 
 siderable amount. 
 
 Hyler took a sergeant's guard at Canausie from the house of their 
 Capt., Schenck. The guards were at supper, and their muskets 
 standing in the hall, when he entered. He seized the arms, and 
 after jesting with the guard, borrowed the silver spoons, took all 
 their muskets and a few other articles, and made one prisoner. He 
 then sent the guards to report themselves to Col. Axtell, and re- 
 turned to N. Jersey. Johnson. 
 
 901. 
 
 To all who know not, be it understood 
 Pro bono publico, means mankind's good. 
 This day will be exhibited at Brooklyn ferry a bull-baiting after 
 the true English manner. Taurus will be brought to the ring at half 
 past 3. Some good dogs are already provided, but every assistance 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 191 
 
 of that sort will be esteemed a favor. A dinner exactly British will 
 be upon Loosely's table at two o'clock, after which there is no doubt 
 the song of " oh, the roast beef of old England" will be sung with 
 harmony and glee. 
 
 This, notice gives to ail who covet 
 
 Baiting the bull, and dearly love it ; 
 
 To-morrow's very afternoon, 
 
 At three — or rather not so soon, 
 
 A bull of magnitude and spirit 
 
 Will dare the dogs' presuming merit, 
 
 Taurus is steel to the back bone, 
 
 And canine cunning does disown, 
 
 True British blood runs through his veins, 
 
 And barking numbers he disdains. 
 
 Sooner than knavish dogs shall rule, 
 
 He'll prove himself a true John Bull. 
 
 Eiv., June 20, '81. 
 
 902. Situation of British forces in Kings Co. obtained from spies 
 
 and deserters. 
 
 Mar., '77. Sir Jas. Grant, and about a dozen ragged troops, at 
 N. Utrecht. Feb. 16, '79. 33d Reg. light infantry, (300) and 2d 
 Bat. Highlanders (750) at Bedford, 3d Prince Hereditary 350, and 
 4th Charles (300) at Brooklyn. July 7, '81. 54th, encamped on 
 Ferry Hill, two miles from Brooklyn, two companies at Cobble Hill, 
 which Fort they are repairing. The new Fort at Brooklyn is yet 
 imperfect — only 18 cannon mounted. July 8, '81, In Brooklyn Fort 
 are 200 Brunswickers, 2 bomb-proof magazines in the Fort, 200 
 Grenadiers at Bedford, Cobble Hill commanded Brooklyn Fort, but 
 made lower, for fear it might fall into the hands of the Continentals. 
 Jan. 8, '82. At Flatbush are 38th Reg. (300) and 54th (400). 
 Feb. 6, '82. At Brooklyn is the Anhault Zerbet Reg., at the Nar- 
 rows, the Brunswick Reg., at Flatbush, Delancey's 3d Bat. and 
 King's American dragoons. June 3, '82. The lines drawn between 
 Brooklyn Church and Ferry by Clinton, are not likely to be com- 
 pleted by Carlton. They are carting fascines now. On L. I. are 
 about 3.500 men. July 5, '82. At Flatbush is CoL Ludlow's Reg. 
 
 903. Rro*, Sep. 1, '81. About 2 o'clock Wednesday morning, 
 a man named Brown was taken up by a picket of the militia, at 
 Flatlands, on whom was found a quantity of jewelry, &c. 
 
192 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 904. $10 Reward. Stolen from the Mills of J. Rapalje, Jr., 
 Sunday night a Moses built boat. Riv., Sep. 1, '81. 
 
 905. $16 Reward. Absconded from their owners, from the 
 house of Mr. Rubel, at Flatbush, 2 negro slaves, Betsey, marked 
 T. A. on right shoulder, and Polly, without any mark, both speak 
 bad English. Riv., Sep. 1, '81. 
 
 906. Strayed or stolen from the pasture in the rear of Lt. Col. 
 Lowenstein's Bat. of Hessian Grenadiers, at Yellow Hook, a sorrel 
 horse, &c. Also two King's wagon horses, marked G. R. 
 
 Riv., Sep. 5, '81. 
 
 907. Sunday night, a rebel galley and whale-boat, came to Yel- 
 low Hook to plunder, but a party of Hessian Troops stationed there 
 secured them and their boats. Riv., Sep. 12, '81. 
 
 908. Riv., June 30, '81. Jas. Rankin, Ch'n of the Board of Re- 
 fugees, requests the Loyal Refugees of Kings Co., to appear at the 
 house of Dr. Van Buren, Flatbush, on Wednesday next at noon, to 
 consult on matters of importance. 
 
 909. £8 Reward. Stolen from the Stakesby Navy victualler, 
 by 2 sailors of the ship at the King's Brewery, L. I., a clinker built 
 skiff. Riv., Sep. 5, '81. 
 
 910. Dr. Allemand offers a handsome reward for a mouse-col- 
 ored horse, marked C. D. B., on his left buttock, which was stolen 
 or strayed out of the pasture of John Debevoice, near Brooklyn 
 Church. Riv., July 21, '81. 
 
 911. Brooklyn Hunt. The hounds will throw off at Denyse's 
 Ferry, at 9, Thursday morning. A guinea or more will be given for 
 a good strong bag fox by Chas. Loosely. Riv., Nov. 14, '81. 
 
 912. Riv., Dec. 19, '81. " The Loyalists in the village of Flat- 
 bush are pleased in expectation that a certain long, tall, spindle- 
 shanked miscreant, who resides here, will be brought to condign 
 punishment for holding private correspondence with the rebels. 
 Though he took the oath of allegiance when the royal army found 
 him in Jersey, his heart is as black as his skin, and his skin as blue 
 as when he assisted Isaac Sears and others in stealing the King's 
 cannon from the Battery in New-York. If he escapes the cord he so 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 193 
 
 justly merits may he be banished these Lines ; for loyalists can't be 
 safe where such a traitor resides." 
 
 913. $6 Reward. Strayed or stolen from the lands of John 
 Ryerson at the Wallebocht, a bay horse, tail nickt, &c. 
 
 Riv., July 21, '81. 
 
 914. Chatham, Aug. 15, '81. A few days since, Capt. Hyler, 
 with his wonted spirit of enterprise, went over to L. I., marched 
 3£ miles into the country, and brought off to N. Brunswick, Col. 
 Jeromus Lott, a person notorious for his cruelty to our prisoners, 
 and John Hankins, Capt. of a vessel. 
 
 On the night of Aug. 4th, the crew of a rebel whale-boat from N. 
 Jersey, landed at Flatlands, and robbed the house of Col. Lott of about 
 £600 in cash, and carried him off with two of his slaves. They also 
 robbed the house of Capt. Lott in the same neighborhood, of a consid- 
 erable sum in specie. Gaine, Aug. 13, '81. 
 
 The Col. was known to be rich. His person and money were the 
 objects desired. His cupboard was searched for money, and some silver 
 found ; on further search, two bags, supposed to contain guineas, were 
 discovered. In the morning, on their passage up the Raritan, the Capt. 
 and crew agreed to count and divide the guineas. The bags were 
 opened, when to the mortification of the crew, they were found to con- 
 tain only half-pennies belonging to the church at Flatlands ; and the 
 Col. discovered that his guineas were safe at home. They compelled 
 the Col. to ransom his negroes at N. Brunswick, when he returned home 
 on parole. Johnson. 
 
 916. Gaine, Dec. 24, '81. Nov. 1, some evil-minded person 
 took from Barren I., Gravescnd township, a brown Colt, &c, of Rut- 
 gert Van Brunt, Esq., Sheriff, burnt with letter Q, on near thigh, 
 supposed carried up the Island and sold. 3 guineas reward is offered 
 by Hend'k Johnson. 
 
 917. Riv., Jan. 12, '82. Last Wednesday evening, a party of 
 infantry, under Capt. Beck with, embarked in 6 boats, and at 5 next 
 morning, arrived off Brunswick, where they landed and brought off 
 all Capt. Hyler's boats. This Hyler is a deserter from the royal 
 service, and has ever since his defection, been too successful an 
 enterpriser. Gaine, Feb. 28, '82. " We hear Capt. Hyler launched 
 a new boat, at Brunswick, that rows 30 oars." 
 
194 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 918. Riv., Mar. 16, '82. We hear the inhabitants of Kings Co . 
 complain bitterly, against the rebel chiefs, on the score of a heavy 
 debt contracted by their prisoners, from May, '79, to Feb., '81, for 
 board and washing, which at $2 per week, has accumulated to near 
 £20,000. Their Commissary had given notes of hand— [$30,000 
 was voted by Congress, to pay this debt. — Ed.] 
 
 919. Riv., Ap. 27, '82. A sweepstakes of 300 guineas, was won 
 by Jacob Jackson's mare, Slow and Easy, over Mercury and Gold- 
 finder, on Ascot Heath. The two beaten horses are to run for 100 
 guineas a side, on Wednesday next, on the same ground. 
 
 920. Conn. Courant, May 7, '82. May 3, on Monday se'nnight, 
 the enemy began to break ground to cut a canal on L. I., to run from 
 the Wallebocht to the Pond, taking in Cobble Hill Fort. The length 
 of the trench is 2$ miles. The militia are called out in rotation one 
 day in a week, none above 15 being excused from labor. [A strong 
 line of intrencbment was made from the hill of Rem A. Remsen 
 along the highland of John Rapalje, crossing Sand St. near Jay St., 
 and thence over the highest land at Washington St. across the Jamaica 
 road, to the large fort on the Heights. — Johnson.] 
 
 921. Ascot Heath Races. — Monday next a match for 60 guineas 
 between Mr. Van Mater's Juniper and Mr. Ryerson's Calf Skin. 
 To run the best of 3 two-mile heats. Riv., May 25, '82. 
 
 922. One Guina Reward. — Stolen or strayed from Capt. Fra- 
 zer's Quarters of the Pioneers, at Bushwick, on the night of the 
 28th May, '82. a small chestnut-colored horse, &c. 
 
 923. Last Tuesday night a whale-boat attempted to land at the 
 Narrows, near the house of Denise Denise, Esq., but were so warmly 
 received by 4 of the Queen's Rangers, sentries, that they were soon 
 obliged to take to their oars. Some of the sentries were wounded 
 in several places. Gaine, July 1, '82. 
 
 924. Last Tuesday night Mr. Hyler took 2 fishing-boats near 
 the Narrows, and ransomed them for $100 each. One of them has 
 been twice captured. Gaine, July 15, '82. 
 
 925. July 24, '82. A little before sunset, Tuesday last, Mr. 
 Hyler, with 3 large 24 oared boats, made an attack on the galley sta- 
 tioned at Prince's Bay, south side of Staten I. There being little or 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 195 
 
 no wind, he came up with a good deal of resolution, but Capt. Cash- 
 man gave him an 18 pounder, which went through the stern of one 
 of the boats, and obliged Hyler to put ashore on the island, where 
 after a smart combat he was obliged to leave one of his boats, and 
 make the best of his way home with the other two. 
 
 John Althouse, with 12 men, was on board a guard-boat at anchor 
 in Prince's Bay, when two whale-boats were descried under South 
 Amboy shore. It was a calm. The cable was sprung and a 24 pounder 
 brought to bear, which sent a shot through Hyler's boat. His crew 
 were taken in the other boat, (Dickey's) and all made off for N. Bruns- 
 wick with Gen. Jacob S. Jackson, whom they had captured in South 
 Bay, and kept prisoner till he was ransomed. 
 
 Died, Sep. 6, '82, after a tedious and painful illness, which he bore 
 with a great deal of fortitude, the brave Capt. Adam Hyler, of New 
 Brunswick. His many enterprising acts in annoying and distressing 
 the enemy, endeared him to the patriotic part of his acquaintance. He 
 has left a wife and two small children to bewail his death. His remains 
 were decently interred with a display of the honors of war in the Dutch 
 burial-ground, attended by a very numerous concourse of his acquaint- 
 ances. N. J. Gaz., Sep. 25, '82. 
 
 " Hyler died of a wound in the knee, accidentally given by himself 
 some time ago." Riv., Sep. 11, '82. 
 
 926. To Baron de Walzogen, Capt. Commandant of the combined 
 detachment of Brunswick and Hessian Hanau troops, now at 
 Brooklyn camp. 
 
 The inhabitants of New Utrecht, sensible of the vigilant care, 
 good order, and discipline prevailing among the officers and soldiers 
 during your command at the Narrows, beg your acceptance of their 
 warmest thanks for your attention to the security of our persons and 
 property, from Oct. 7, '81, to July 30, '82. 
 
 Adrian Van Brunt, John Counhoven, Hermanns, Barkelow, De- 
 nys Denys, Nich. Counhoven. Aug. 6, '82. Gaine. 
 
 927. The crops of corn and wheat are very indifferent in many 
 parts of the country. Indeed L. I. has experienced the effects of a 
 very dry summer. Aug. 26, '82. Gaine. 
 
 928. Stolen, Thursday night, from John Drawyer, Brooklyn 
 ferry, a trunk containing 2 fowling-pieces, some battle powder, 4 
 
196 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 agate flints, one like yellow marble, 2 old bird-nets, and a 3 gallon keg 
 of remarkably good Antigua spirits. 2 guineas reward, by John Hill, 
 Inspector. Gaine, Sep. 11, '82. 
 
 929. To be sold, Sep. 2, '82, near the wagon-yard at Brooklyn, 
 large and small wagons, carts, harness, &c. Gaine. 
 
 930. Capt. Peter Nephew of the Gen. Greene whale-boat, from 
 New Brunswick, was taken, Sep. 8, '82, and kept in Provost till 
 March, '83. 
 
 931. Riv., Jan. 8, '83. Carlton appoints Mr. Ernest de Die- 
 mar, Major of the Fort of Brooklyn. [The old Fort was near the 
 junction of Henry and Pierrepont Sts. — Ed.] 
 
 932. Riv., Nov. 2, 82. Wed. last, as Sam'l Brower was agoing 
 to kill wild fowl, he laid his gun in the canoe, which was aground, 
 and setting his shoulders to it, endeavored to work off the stern, 
 when the gun discharged by the rocking of the canoe. The load 
 entered Mr. B.'s breast and killed him instantly. He has left a 
 young family. 
 
 933. N. J. Gaz.,Nov. 13, '82. The brave Capt. Storer, com- 
 missioned as a private boat-of-war, under the States, and who pro- 
 mises fair to be the genuine successor of the late valiant Capt. 
 Hyler, has given a recent instance of his valor and conduct in cap- 
 turing one of the enemy's vessels, and in cutting out a vessel lying 
 under the flag-staff and within half pistol shot of the battery of 14 
 guns at the watering place, Staten Island. 
 
 934. Address of the principal inhabitants of Kings and Queens 
 Cos. to David Scott, Esq., Capt. and commissary of artillery horse, 
 Dec, 1782. They lament his departure for England, admire his 
 civil and military conduct, his zeal and attention in His Majesty's 
 service ; his behavior as a civilian, has been distinguished with justice 
 and agreeable manners, so necessary to promote His Majesty's 
 interest in this country, and they hope his endeavors will be re- 
 warded. 
 
 Arch'd Hamilton, Col. Com. Q. Co. Nich's Schenck, Capt. K. Co. Mil. 
 
 Mil. John Rapalje, late Col. K. Co. 
 
 Jerem. V. D. Belt, Major K. Co. Mil. 
 
 Mil. Dowe Ditmars, En. Q. Co. Mil. 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 197 
 
 Dan'l Rapalje, Lt. Q. Co. Mil. 
 
 Maurice Lott, late Sheriff, K. Co. 
 
 Johannes Remsen, Lt. K. Co. Mil. Cor's Wykoff, Jus. Quorum, K. 
 
 Jos. French, Jus. Quorum, Q. Co. 
 Dan'l Lent, Cornet, Q. Co. Horse, 
 Christ. Benson, Capt. N. Y. Ran- 
 gers. 
 
 Jeromus Lott, Lt. Col. 
 Richard Betts,Capt. 
 
 Co. 
 
 Sam'l Hallet, Capt. Delancey's 
 
 Brigade. 
 Peter Lott, Capt. 
 John Polhemus, Lt. 
 
 Isaac Cortelyou, 
 Hendrick Eldert, 
 Denyse Denyse, 
 Dan'l Luyster, 
 Garret Luyster, 
 Nath'l Moore, 3d. 
 Nath'l Moore, 2d. 
 David Moore, 
 Nich's Wykoff, 
 Jacob Snedeker, 
 Nich's Williamson, 
 John Williamson, 
 Gozen Ryers, 
 Henry Van Buren, 
 
 John Wetherhead, 
 Isaac Eldert, 
 Isaac Rapalje, 
 Jacob Rapalje, 
 Abraham Lent, 
 John Moore, 
 Jos. Moore, 
 Thos. Harriot, 
 Hend'k Wykoff, 
 John Benham, 
 Wm. Van Nuise, 
 Albert Terhune, 
 Theophylact Bache, 
 John Johnston, 
 
 Whitehead Cornell, 
 Jaques Cortelyou, 
 Simon Cortelyou, 
 Jos. Hallet, 
 Wm. Hallet, 
 Sam'l Doughty, 
 Cha's Doughty, 
 Wm. Doughty, 
 Johannes Lott, 
 Jurrian Lott, 
 Joost Wykoff, 
 Wm. C owe nh oven, 
 Aug. Van Cortland, 
 John Waters, 
 
 935. Gaine, Jan. 27, '83. Leffert Leffcrts, offers 2 guineas re- 
 ward for 2 colts, (branded L. L. on near side), stolen or strayed off 
 the common about Bedford, last summer. 
 
 936. Gaine, Jan. 27, '83. On Tuesday, 21st, was drawn up at 
 Flatbush, on the green in front of Col. Axtell's house, the regiment 
 of Waldeck, to consecrate the colors : present Gen. Campbell com- 
 manding on the Island, and Maj. Gen. Hackenbergh commanding 
 the Hessians on the Island, with their suites. The regiment was 
 formed in a circle, wherein the Audileur took the solemn vow of 
 the officers and men to support the new colors their Prince had sent 
 them. They then returned to the ground, wheeled by subdivisions, 
 marched and passed the General, the officers saluting. A most 
 splendid dinner was given by Col. De Hoorn, to the Generals, 
 officers, and the principal ladies and gentlemen of the village. The 
 evening concluded with a splendid ball, and elegant supper. Each 
 of the ladies presented the officer who escorted the colors, with a 
 knot of blue and yellow ribbons. 
 
198 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 937. May 30, '83. Albert Conrad de Hoorn, Lt. Col. Com't of 
 the Prince of Waldeck's 3d regiment, at Flatbush, in the service of 
 the King of Great Britain, offers pardon to all Hessian deserters. 
 
 938. Gaine, Feb. 24, '83. Subscription assembly at Loosely's, 
 Brooklyn Hall, every other Thursday during the season, for the 
 gentlemen of the army and navy, public departments and citizens. 
 Half a guinea each night to provide music, tea, coffee, chocolate, 
 negus, sangaree, lemonade, &c. 
 
 939. Riv., Feb. 26, '83. A whale-boat was taken up by the 
 guides and pioneers quartered near Bushwick church. 
 
 940. 50 Guineas Reward. On the night of March 4, '83, be- 
 tween 7 and 10 o'clock, a number of villains entered the house of 
 Maurice Lott, violently assaulted and robbed him of between 4 and 
 500 guineas, chiefly in gold, a silver watch, 6 silver teaspoons, tea- 
 tongs, a pair of round gold buttons marked I. R. 
 
 Riv., March 12. 
 
 [Richard Thompson and Isaac Bunting, inhabitants of L. I., were 
 put in Provost, on charge of this robbery. Riv., Ap. 2, '83. 
 
 941. Riv., April 5, '83. Race at Ascot Heath. A purse of 100 
 guineas, on April 9, between Calfskin and Fearnought, the best of 
 3 one mile heats. 
 
 942. April 26, '83. Gaine. Last Thursday, Catharine, daughter 
 of Leffert LefFerts, Esq., in Bedford, a very amiable and accomplished 
 young lady, having observed to her mother that a loaded pistol left 
 by a drover, who had been watching his cattle with it the preceding 
 night, upon a chest of drawers, was rather dangerously placed, and 
 that some of the children might get hurt by it, proceeded to remove 
 and put it in a holster that hung close by ; but in the operation the 
 pistol discharged, the shot went through her body, and she expired 
 immediately. 
 
 ELEGY. 
 
 What doleful tidings in my ear they ring, 
 
 The maid I love, is she for ever gone ? 
 Alas, 'tis true ! her funeral dirge they sing : 
 
 In rueful notes, her hapless end bemoan. 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 199 
 
 No consolation can this world now yield, 
 
 No pleasing prospect can my cares beguile ; 
 The bloom of flowers, nor verdure of the fields, 
 
 Her presence only, could make all things smile. 
 Accursed pistol, by some demon primed, 
 
 Malignant to the gem the world contained, 
 Wast thou by dire explosion thus ill-timed, 
 
 To rob the world of excellence, ordained ! 
 No more shall Cath'rine rise upon my sight, 
 
 Like eastern Sol, in her own beauty's light ; 
 No more the rose of Sharon shall adorn 
 
 Her lovely visage in the welcome morn ; 
 
 Jill this is lost, her cheeks, alas ! are pale, 
 The Rose is now the Lily of the vale ! 
 Covered with earth, into the silent grave, 
 
 She lies entombed, deaf to every cry ; 
 ******* 
 
 Then pray descend, fair Catharina's shade, 
 
 Into my dreams and visions of the night ; 
 Put rapturous illusions in my head, 
 
 That sad realities may have respite. 
 Too much an angel for a world of woe ; 
 
 Eternal wisdom hath conceived it best, 
 On her a crown of glory to bestow, 
 
 Among the saints in her Redeemer's rest 
 
 • 943. April 30, '83. Riv. $8 Reward. — Ran away from Rem 
 H. Remsen, Wallebocht, Sam, a mulatto negro man. He speaks 
 English and Low Dutch. 
 
 944. July 30, '83. Riv. 5 Guineas Reward. — Ran away from 
 Jeromus Lott, a negro boy, Jack. 
 
 945. At Flatbush, in honor of the King's birthday, the ladies and 
 gentlemen were most elegantly entertained at a truly splendid ball 
 and supper, by the officers of the Waldeck regiment. — April 28, '83. 
 
 946. At auction at the King's naval Brewery, L. I., 60 or 70 tons 
 of iron-hoops, and 70,000 dry and provision casks, staves, and head- 
 ing, in lots of 10,000. Riv., May 26, '83. 
 
 947. July 2, '83. Riv. Auction at Flatbush.— The WALDECK 
 STORES, viz ; soldiers' shirts ; blue, white, and yellow cloth ; 
 thread stockings, shoe-soles, heel-taps, &c, &c. 
 
 948. Riv., July 26, '83. A negro boy came to me on Rockaway 
 Beach. Apply to Jas. Foreman, Ensign, Royal Garrison Bat., at 
 Quarters, New Lots. 
 
200 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION OF 
 
 949. Riv., Aug. 1 , '83. Tunis Bennet of Brooklyn is in Provost 
 for carrying deserters from the Hessian Reg. du corps, to the Jer- 
 sey Shore. 
 
 950. Aug. 4, '83. Gaine. Stolen out of the pasture of Johan- 
 nes E. Lott, Flatbush, night of Aug. 27, a bay mare, branded L L. 
 on near thigh. 
 
 951. Johannes Snedeker offers $10 reward for a fishing-boat 
 with " 1776 " on her stern, taken from Remsen's Landing, south 
 side of L. I. Gaine, Aug. 4, '83. 
 
 952. About 75 persons, mostly farmers of Kings Co., were in- 
 dicted in Duchess and Albany Cos., for adhering to the British, but 
 the prosecution was abandoned. Their names may be found in 
 Gaine, Dec. 20, '79 ; and in Riv., Aug. 9 and 13, '83. 
 
 953. Died at Brooklyn, Wednesday last, Pelham Winslow, Esq., 
 son of late Gen. W. of Marshfield. He commanded the Mass. 
 troops in several expeditions in the French war. 
 
 Riv., Aug. 16, '83. 
 
 954. Sep. 8, '83. Gaine. Saddle horses, wagons, carts, har- 
 ness, &c, at auction every Wednesday, at the wagon-yard, Brook- 
 lyn. 
 
 955. Q. M. Uloth offers $2 reward for a bay mare of 60th Reg., 
 strayed from Bedford camp. 
 
 956. John Harrison, Brooklyn Ferry, offers one guinea reward 
 for a brown horse stolen from him. 
 
 957. Riv., Aug. 27, '83. King's draft and saddle horses, wag- 
 ons, carts, and harness for sale at the wagon-yard, Brooklyn. [The 
 entrance to the army yard, where forage, blacksmith's shop, &c, 
 were kept, was near the junction of Main and Fulton Sts. — Ed.~\ 
 
 958. £100 Reward.— The house of Michael B. Grant, near 
 Brooklyn Church, was on Friday evening, 24th, between 8 and 9, 
 beset by a gang of thieves, 5 of whom armed with pistols and cut- 
 lasses, robbed it of £90 cash in gold and silver, plate in great quan- 
 tity, clothing, &c. Riv., Oct. 25, '83. 
 
 959. £20 Reward. — Last night, Nov. 5, about 8 o'clock, 4 men 
 with weapons forced into the house of Johannes Ditmars, Flatlands , 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 201 
 
 and beat him and his mother in a cruel manner. Through his re- 
 sentment, three of them went off ; the fourth was put in Flatbush 
 jail, but escaped the same night wounded in the head, and said his 
 name was Jos. Mosier. Gaine, Nov. 8, '83. 
 
 960. $o Reward. — Ran away from Henry Stanton, Nov. 8, '83, 
 Jesse, a negro boy — has a great turn at whistling. Gaine. 
 
 961. Doubtless there are many incidents of the revolution that 
 are forgotten. The following among others have been recorded by 
 Gen. Johnson : " A Mrs. Lott, of Flatlands, was wantonly shot by a 
 soldier while sitting in her window ; three men of the 33d Reg., 
 (under Col. Webster, quartered at Lambert Suydam's,) had killed 
 one of his cattle, and were skinning it, when he shot the three with 
 one discharge of buckshot ; two were killed in Bushwick ; three in 
 Newtown ; one killed at a shanty, by a man named Cypher, near the 
 Half-way house. 
 
 Lt. Sam'l Dodge, Capts. Gilleland and Mott, (taken at Ft. Mont- 
 gomery,) were stationed at B. Johnson's. Dodge was exchanged in 
 a month, and reported the practicability of borrowing specie from 
 Whigs in Kings Co.. for the use of the State, and mentioned B. J. 
 •who would hazard all in the undertaking. It was agreed that confi- 
 dential officers should be exchanged, who were to act as agents in 
 the transactions. Col. Wm. Ellison was fixed upon to receive the 
 loan. He was exchanged in Nov. '77, and carried $2,000 in gold to 
 Gov. Clinton ; a simple receipt was given. Before '82, large sums 
 had been loaned. Major H. Wyckoff was hid two days, in 1780, 
 at Rem A. Remsen's, Wallebocht, in the upper room, while the 
 Lieut, of the guard of the Jersey was quartered in the house. Rem- 
 sen loaned him as much as he could carry, and conveyed him in a 
 sleigh at night to Cow Neck. Thence he crossed to Poughkeepsie. 
 (See Queens Co., 316.) 
 
 962. May 20, '84. Ran away from Jeromus Lott, Flatlands, a 
 negro boy Jack, 16 years old ; had on an iron collar marked J. L. 
 
 963. £20 Reward. — Seven men surrounded the house of Peter 
 Neefus and Joseph Vonck, of Flatbush, Saturday night, Nov. 20, 
 '84, made them prisoners, carried off £120 cash, 5 large silver 
 spoons, 4 silver salts, a silver punch-strainer, 9 teaspoons, a silver 
 watch, 2 gold rings, a silver-mounted sword, and pocket-pistol. A 
 free pardon to the informers. 
 
202 
 
 CELEBRATION OF PEACE. 
 
 Bushwick, Kings Co., Nov. 25, '83. 
 964. This day their Excellencies Gov. Clinton and Gen. Wash- 
 ington, with part of the American army, took possession of the city 
 of N. Y. : on the occasion, a number of gentlemen of this township 
 met and appointed Dec. 2d as the day, and the banks of the East 
 River, in full view of the city, as a place of rejoicing, and sent an 
 address and invitation to Washington. 
 
 To His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., 
 General and Commander-in-chief of the armies of the 
 United States of America. 
 
 The ADDRESS of the Freeholders and Inhabitants 
 of Kings Co., on Nassau Island, in the State of N. 
 Y., who are attached to the freedom and independ- 
 ence of America. 
 
 With hearts full of duty and acknowledgment to the Su- 
 preme Director of all human events, and with the most pro- 
 found respect for your Excellency, we beg leave to present 
 you our sincere congratulations, on this glorious and ever 
 memorable era, of the sovereignty and independence of the 
 United States of America, sanctioned by the Definitive 
 Treaty, and the evacuation of the city of N. Y. ; your Ex- 
 cellency's entry into which, with his Excellency Gov. Clin- 
 ton, was with such dignity, order, and regulation, as will re- 
 dound to the lasting honor of your Excellency, be revered by 
 foreign powers, and certainly obtain the affection of many 
 whose sentiments are averse to that liberty which with the 
 divine assistance your Excellency has so happily acquired 
 for us. Our unfeigned prayers will ever be for your health 
 and happiness, whether you retire to the private paths of 
 peace, or hereafter may be called to move in the busy scenes 
 of war, in the defence of your country. With sincere af- 
 fection, equal duty and respect, we humbly beg leave to 
 
KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 203 
 
 subscribe ourselves, in behalf of the freeholders and inhabit- 
 ants aforesaid. Your Excellency's very obedient, 
 
 and very humble servants, 
 
 Philip Nagel, Jeremias Vanderbelt, Cornelius Wykoff, 
 
 Johannes Bergen, Barent LefTerts, Abraham Luquer, 
 
 John Titus, Abraham Voorhies, Elias Hubbard, 
 
 R. Van Brunt, Stephen Van Voorhies, Adrian Van Brunt, 
 Johannes Covenhoven. 
 
 To which His Excellency was pleased to return the following 
 answer : 
 
 To the FREEHOLDERS AND INHABITANTS of King-, 
 Co., on Nassau Island, in the State of New- York, who are 
 attached to the freedom and independence of America. 
 
 Gentlemen : — 
 
 While you speak the language of my heart, in acknowledging 
 the magnitude of our obligations to the Supreme Director of all hu- 
 man events, suffer me to join you in the celebration of the present 
 glorious and ever memorable era, and to return my best thanks for 
 your kind expressions in my favor. I cannot but rejoice sincerely, 
 that the national dignity and glory will be greatly increased, in conse- 
 quence of the good order and regularity which has prevailed univer- 
 sally, since the city of N. Y. has been repossessed by us. This con- 
 duct exhibits to the world a noble instance of magnanimity, and will 
 doubtless convince any who, from ignorance or prejudice, may have 
 been of a different sentiment, that the laws do govern, and that the 
 civil magistrates are worthy of the highest respect and confidence. 
 For my own part, Gentlemen, in whatever situation of life I shall be 
 hereafter, my supplications will ever ascend to heaven for the pros- 
 perity of my country in general, and for the individual happiness of 
 those who are attached to the freedom and independence of America. 
 
 GEO. WASHINGTON. 
 
 N. Y., Dec. 1, '83. 
 
 Celebration of the Peace at Bushwick, Dec. 2, 1783. 
 
 The day was ushered in by hoisting the American flag, and fir- 
 ing a salute : an ox was roasted, and an entertainment provided to 
 welcome their brethren, who have suffered seven years' exile, and 
 
204 
 
 CELEBRATION OF PEACE. 
 
 who have sacrificed their all at the shrine of liberty. After they had 
 all partook of the feast, the following toasts were drank, attended by 
 a salute, huzzaing, and music. 
 
 1. The United States of America. 
 
 2. His most Christian Majesty. 
 
 3. The States of Holland. 
 
 4. May the State of N. Y. be entirely abandoned by her enemies. 
 
 5. His Excellency Gov. Clinton. 
 
 6. His Excellency Gen'l Washington. 
 
 7. The Hon. the Council. 
 
 8. The Hon. the House of Assembly. 
 
 9. Prosperity and honor to the sons of Liberty. 
 
 10. May the memory of those who have fallen in the cause of 
 America, be ever precious to her sons. 
 
 11. A free and extensive trade. 
 
 12. Success to agriculture. 
 
 13. As the roaring of a lion is to animals, so may the frowns of 
 America be to princes. 
 
 The day was spent in the greatest good humor, decency, and de- 
 corum. Every countenance displayed in the most lively manner, the 
 joy and gratitude of their hearts upon this most happy and important 
 event ; and what added to the cheerfulness of the day, was the once 
 more beholding the metropolis of this State, emerging from that 
 scene of ruin and distress, which it has severely experienced, during 
 the late contest, from a cruel, unrelenting, and insulting foe. 
 
INCIDENTS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BRITISH PRISONS AND PRISON-SHIPS AT 
 NEW-YORK. 
 
 10 
 
V Let the dark Scorpion's hulk narrate 
 The dismal tale of English hate ; 
 Her horrid scenes let Jersey tell, 
 And mock the shades where demons dwell : 
 There shrieks of pain, and dying groan, 
 Unheeded fell on ears of stone." 
 
 J. M. Scott. 
 
BRITISH PRISONS AND PRISON-SHIPS. 
 
 British Prisons in New-York, during the Revolutionary War. 
 
 [The British took possession of New-York, Sept. 15, 1776; and 
 the capture of Fort Washington, Nov. 16, threw nearly 2700 pris- 
 oners in their power. To these must be added over 1000 taken at 
 the battle of Brooklyn, and such private citizens as were arrested for 
 their political principles in the vicinity of New- York city and on 
 Long Island : and we may safely conclude that Sir William Howe 
 had at least 5000 prisoners to provide for. The slidden influx of so 
 many prisoners, the recent capture of the city, and the unlooked for 
 conflagration of a fourth part of it, threw his affairs into such con- 
 fusion, that, from those circumstances alone, the prisoners must have 
 suffered much, from want of food and other bodily comforts ; but 
 there was superadded the studied cruelty of Capt. Cunningham, the 
 Provost Marshal, and his deputies, and the criminal negligence of Sir 
 Wm. Howe. To contain such a vast number of prisoners, the or- 
 dinary places of confinement were insufficient. Accordingly the 
 Brick Church, the Middle Dutch and the North Dutch Churches 
 were appropriated to their use. Besides these, Columbia College, 
 the Sugar House, the New Jail, the new Bridewell, and the Old 
 City Hall, were rilled to their utmost capacity. 
 
 Till within a few years, the Sugar House stood in Liberty-street, 
 south of the Middle Dutch Church, a dark stone building, with small 
 deep, port-hole looking windows, rising tier above tier, exhibiting a 
 dungeon-like aspect. It was five stories high ; and each story was 
 divided into two dreary apartments. On the stones and bricks in the 
 wall were to be seen initials and dates, as if done with a prisoner's 
 penknife or nail. There was a strong, jail-like door opening on 
 
208 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 Liberty-street, and another on the southeast, descending into a dis- 
 mal cellar, also used as a prison. There was a walk nearly broad 
 enough for a cart to travel around it, where, night aad day, two 
 British or Hessian guards walked their weary rounds. The yard 
 was surrounded by a close board fence, nine feet high. " In the suffo- 
 cating heat of summer," says Wm. Dunlap, " I saw every narrow 
 aperture of those stone walls filled with human heads, face above face, 
 seeking a portion of the external air." While the jail-fever was 
 raging, in the summer of 1777, the prisoners were let out, in com- 
 panies of 20, for half an hour at a time, to breathe fresh air ; and in- 
 side they were so crowded, that they divided their numbers into squads 
 of 6 each. No. 1 stood ten minutes as close to the window as they 
 could crowd, and then No. 2 took their places ; and so on. Seats there 
 were none ; and their beds were but straw, intermixed with vermin. 
 For many weeks the dead-cart visited the prison every morning, 
 into which eight to twelve corpses were flung and piled up, like sticks 
 of wood, and dumped into ditches in the outskirts of the city. 
 
 The North Dutch Church, corner of William and Fulton-streets, 
 was made to hold 800 prisoners ; its pews were ripped out, and used 
 for fuel probably ; its mahogany pulpit was sent to London, and put 
 in a chapel there, and a floor laid across from one gallery to the 
 other. Bayonet marks are yet discernible on the pillars ; and those 
 walls, that had reverberated with the praises of the Most High, now 
 resounded with curses and blasphemy. 
 
 The Middle Dutch Church (now the Post Office) was at first 
 used as a prison. Mr. John Pintard (an assistant to his uncle Lewis 
 Pintard, who was appointed by Congress to look after the prisoners) 
 says, " In the Middle Dutch Church the prisoners taken on Long 
 Island and at Fort Washington, sick, wounded and well, were all 
 indiscriminately huddled togother, by hundreds and thousands ; large 
 numbers of whom died by disease — and many undoubtedly poisoned 
 by inhuman attendants, for the sake of their watches or silver buckles." 
 Soon afterwards it was turned into a riding-school, to train dragoon 
 horses. The floor was taken up, and the ground covered with tan 
 bark. A pole ran across the middle, for the horses to leap over. 
 The glass was taken from the windows, and the shutters unhung. 
 The church was left in this ruinous condition till 1790, when we read 
 in Greenleaf 's Paper of July 6th, that " On Sunday last, the new 
 Dutch Church was re-dedicated to the King of kings. The Rev. 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NETV-YOKK. 
 
 209 
 
 Dr. Livingston preached from Ex. xx. 24. It had been prostituted to 
 horse-schooling while the British had possession of the city, thus 
 turning the House of God into a den of thieves." 
 
 The Brick Church (Dr. Spring's] was at first a prison, but soon 
 it, and the Presbyterian Church in Wall-street, the Scotch Church 
 [Dr. Mason's], in Cedar-street, and the Friends' Meeting House, 
 were converted into hospitals. At the Peace, in 1783, there was no 
 Presbyterian church fit to preach in, so that Dr. Rogers delivered his 
 famous Thanksgiving Sermon in St. Paul's Chapel. The French 
 Church, in Pine-street, was a storehouse for ordnance stores. 
 
 Columbia College was used as a prison only a short time, proba- 
 bly. One of Capt. Vandyke's grenadiers saw the great fire, Sept. 
 21, 1776, from its windows. 
 
 The Xew Bridewell, between the present City Hall and Broad- 
 way, was for a time used as a prison for American soldiers. Oliver 
 Woodruff, who recently died at the age of 90, was taken prisoner at 
 Fort Washington, and has left the following record of his confine- 
 ment here : — " We were marched to New- York, and went into differ- 
 ent prisons — 816 went into the New Bridewell, I among the rest ; 
 some into the Sugar House ; others into the Dutch Church. On 
 Thursday morning they brought us a little provision, which was the 
 first morsel we got to eat or drink after eating our breakfast on Sat- 
 urday morning. We never drew as much provision for three days' 
 allowance as a man would eat at a common meal. I was there three 
 months during that inclement season, and never saw any fire, except 
 what was in the lamps of the city. There was not a pane of glass 
 in the windows, and nothing to keep out the cold except the iron 
 grates." 
 
 The old City Hall stood on the site of the present Custom House, 
 and was converted into a guard-house for the main guard of the city. 
 It had dungeons and prisons below ; and a court-room on the second 
 floor, where the refugee clergy preached during the latter part of the 
 war. At first, civil offenders were confined here ; but subsequently 
 whaleboatmen and robbers. 
 
 The New Jail, or " the Provost [now the Hall of Records] was 
 destined," says Pintard, " for the more 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 
 Capt. Cunningham's quarters ; opposite to which was the guard-room 
 
210 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 Within the first barricade was Sergeant O'Keefe's apartment. At 
 the entrance door two sentinels were always posted, by day and night. 
 Two more at the 1st and 2d 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 soldiers, was led into the hall, the whole guard was paraded, and 
 he was delivered over with all formality to Capt. 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 dark as Erebus, the unfortunate captive might well 
 shrink under this infernal sight and parade of tyrannical power, as he 
 crossed the threshold of that door which possibly closed on him for 
 life. The northeast chamber, turning to the left, on the second 
 floor, was appropriated to officers, and characters of superior rank, 
 and was called Congress Hall. So closely were they 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/V' being so wedged as to form almost a solid 
 mass of human bodies. In the day-time the packs and blankets of 
 the prisoners were suspended around the walls, every precaution be- 
 ing used to keep the rooms ventilated, 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 abode were incarcerated at different periods, many American 
 officers and citizens of distinction, awaiting with sickening hope, the 
 protracted period of their liberation. Could these dumb walls speak, 
 what scenes of angush might they not disclose ! The Captain and 
 his Deputy were enabled to fare sumptuously, by dint of curtailing 
 the prisoners' rations, exchanging good for bad provisions, and other 
 embezzlements. In the drunken orgies that usually terminated his 
 dinners, Cunningham would order the rebel prisoners to turn out and 
 parade for the amusement of his guests, pointing them out : " this is 
 
 the d d rebel, Col. Ethan Allen," " that is a rebel judge," &c. 
 
 The other prisons were cleared at or before the close of hostili- 
 ties, but the Provost and Old City Hall were continued as prisons 
 till Evacuation Day. " I was in New-York, Nov. 26th," says Gen. 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 211 
 
 Johnson, " and at the Provost, about ten o'clock, A. M., — a few British 
 criminals were yet in custody, and O'Keefe threw his ponderous 
 bunch of keys on the floor and retired, — when an American guard 
 relieved the British guard, which joined a detachment of British troops, 
 then on parade in Broadway, and marched down to the Battery, 
 where they embarked for England."] — Ed. 
 
 Robt. Troup, late Lt. in Col. Lasher's battalion, says he, Lt. Ed. 
 Dunscomb, Adj. Hoogland, and two volunteers were made prisoners 
 by a detachment of British troops, 3 o'clock A. M., Aug. 27, '76. 
 They were carried before the Generals, interrogated and threatened 
 to be hung. Thence they were led to a house near Flatbush. At 
 9 A. M., they were led in rear of the army to Bedford. 18 officers 
 taken that morning were confined in a small soldiers' tent for two 
 nights and near three days — it raining most of the time ; 60 privates 
 also had but one tent, while at Bedford the Provost Marshall, Cun- 
 ningham, brought with him a negro with a halter, telling them the 
 negro had already hung several, and he imagined he would hang 
 some more. The negro & C, also insulted the prisoners, showing 
 them the halter, and with the officers and soldiers calling them rebels, 
 scoundrels, robbers, murderers, &c. From Bedford they were led 
 to Flatbush, and confined a week in Mr. Leffert's house, on short 
 allowance of biscuit and salt pork. Several Hessian soldiers took 
 pity on them, and gave them apples, and once fresh beef. From 
 Flatbush. after a week, he with 70 or 80 officers, was put on board 
 a snow lying between Gravesend and the Hook, without bedding or 
 blankets, afflicted with lice and other vermin, soap and fresh water 
 for washing, being refused them. They drank and cooked with 
 filthy water brought from England. The Captain charged a very 
 large commission for purchasing necessaries for them with the money 
 they procured from their friends. From the snow, after 6 weeks, 
 (Oct. 17,) they were carried to N. Y., and confined in a house near 
 Bridewell. At first, they were not allowed any fuel, and afterwards, 
 only a little coal for 3 days in the week. Provisions dealt out very 
 negligently, scanty and of bad quality; and from the bad health of 
 the prisoners, most would have died had they, not been supported by 
 poor people and common prostitutes, who took pity on them. Shortly 
 ..fter the capture of Fort Washington, the above prisoners were al- 
 lowed to walk about the city. — Nearly one half of the prisoner* 
 taken on L. I., have died. The privates being treated with great 
 
212 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 inhumanity, without fuel or the common necessaries of life, and were 
 obliged to obey the calls of nature in their places of confinement. 
 
 Cor. 411, 
 
 The British hung no one of the prisoners of Aug. 27, but played 
 the fool by making them ride with a rope around their necks, seated 
 on coffins, to the gallows. Otho H. Williams, was treated so. 
 
 Thatcher, p. 77. 
 
 Adolph Myer, late of Col. Lasher's bat., says he was taken by 
 the British, at Montresor's Island. — They threatened twice to hang 
 him, and had a rope fixed to a tree. He was led to Gen. Howe's 
 quarters, (Jas. Beekman's) near Turtle Bay, who ordered him pin- 
 ioned. He was confined 4 days on bread and water, in the condemned 
 hole of the New Jail, without bedding or straw. He was next put 
 in the College, and then in the New Dutch Church, whence he es- 
 caped, Jan. 24, '77. He was treated with great inhumanity, and 
 would have died, had he not been supported by his friends. The 
 allowance was one loaf for 6 days, of the bread left on the evacua- 
 tion of N. Y., (and which had been made for an allowance of 3 days), 
 one quart of pease, half a pint of rice, and one and a half pounds of 
 pork, for 6 days. Many prisoners died from want, and others were 
 reduced to such wretchedness as to attract the compassion of com- 
 mon prostitutes, from whom they received considerable assistance. 
 No care was taken of the sick, and if any died, they were thrown at 
 the door of the prison, and lay there till next day, when they were 
 put on a cart and drawn out to the intrenchments, beyond the Jews' 
 burial ground, when they were interred by their fellow-prisoners, 
 conducted thither for that purpose. The dead were thrown into a 
 hole promiscuously, without the usual rites of sepulture. Myer was 
 frequently enticed to enlist. Cor. 412. 
 
 Gaine, Nov. 25, '76. There are now 5,000 prisoners in town, 
 many of them half naked. Congress desert the poor wretches — 
 have sent them neither provisions nor clothing, nor paid attention to 
 their distress, or that of their families. Their situation must have 
 been doubly deplorable, but for the humanity of the King's officers. 
 Every possible attention has been given, considering their great 
 numbers and necessary confinement, to alleviate their distress arising 
 from guilt, sickness and poverty. 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 213 
 
 Sergeant Hubert offers a reward for three prisoners who broke 
 from New Jail. 
 
 N. London, Nov, 8, '76. Yesterday arrived E. Thomas, captured 
 Sep. 1, carried to N. *Y., and put on board the Chatham. He es- 
 caped Wednesday se'nnight. 
 
 Nov. 20, '76. American officers (prisoners on parole) were 
 walking about the streets, but soldiers were closely confined and had 
 but half allowance, sickly and died fast. 
 
 N. London, Nov. 29, '76. A cartel arrived here for exchange of 
 seamen only. Prisoners had miserable confinement in store-ships 
 and transports, suffering for want of the common necessaries of life. 
 
 Whitby Prison ship, N. Y., Dec. 9, '76. Our present situation 
 is most wretched ; more than 250 prisoners, some sick, and without 
 the least assistance from physician, drug or medicine, and fed on two- 
 thirds allowance of salt provisions, and crowded promiscuously with- 
 out regard to color, person or office, in the small room of a ship be- 
 tween decks, allowed to walk the main deck only from sunrise to 
 sunset. Only 2 at a time allowed to come on deck to do what na- 
 ture requires, and sometimes denied even that, and use tubs and 
 buckets between decks, to the great offence of every delicate cleanly 
 person, and prejudice of all our healths. Lord Howe has liberated 
 all in the merchant service, but refuses to exchange those taken in 
 arms but for like prisoners. Trumbull Papers, p. 76. 
 
 Lt. Catlin, taken Sep. 15, '76, confined with no sustenance, for 
 48 hours ; for 1 1 days, had only 2 days' allowance, pork offensive to 
 the smell, bread hard, mouldy and wormy, made of canail and dregs 
 of flax seed; water brackish, I have seen $1,50 given for a com- 
 mon pail full ; 3 or 4 lbs. of poor Irish pork were given to 3 men for 
 3 days. In one church were 850 prisoners, for near 3 months. 
 About Dec. 25, he with 225 men put on board the Glasgow, at N. 
 Y., to be carried to Con't, for exchange. They were aboard 11 
 days, and kept on coarse broken bread and less pork than before, and 
 had no fire for sick or well, crowded between decks, and 28 died 
 through ill usage and cold. Hist. Litchfield, p. 39. 
 
 N. Y., Dec. 26, '76. " The distress of the prisoners cannot be 
 communicated by words, 20 or 30 die every day, they lie in heaps 
 unburied ; what numbers of my countrymen have died by cold and 
 10* 
 
214 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 hunger, perished for want of the common necessaries of life ! I 
 have seen it. This, sir, is the boasted British clemency ! I myself 
 had well nigh perished under it. The New England people can 
 have no idea of such barbarous policy, nothing can stop such treat- 
 ment but retaliation. I ever despised private revenge, but that of the 
 public must be in this case both just and necessary ; it is due to the 
 manes of our murdered countrymen, and that alone can protect the 
 survivors in the like situation. Rather than experience again their 
 barbarity and insults, may I fall by the sword of the Hessians." 
 
 S. Young says, Dec. 15, '76, he was taken at Fort Washington, 
 and with 500 was kept in a stable, and had no provisions till Monday 
 night, when the enemy threw in the stable, in a confused manner, 
 as if to so many hogs, a quantity of biscuit in crumbs, mostly 
 mouldy, and some crawling with maggots, which the prisoners were 
 obliged to scramble for without any division. Next day they had a 
 little pork, which they were obliged to eat raw. Afterwards they 
 got sometimes a bit of pork, at other times biscuit, peas and rice. 
 They were confined two weeks in a church, where they suffered 
 greatly with cold, not being allowed fire. Insulted by soldiers, 
 women, and even negroes. Great numbers died, three, four or more 
 sometimes a day. Afterwards they were carried on board a ship, 
 where 500 were confined below deck. Hinman, p. 134. 
 
 W. D. says the prisoners were roughly used at Harlem, on their 
 way from Ft. Washington to N. York, where 800 were stowed in 
 the New Bridewell, which was a cold open house, the windows not 
 glazed. They had not one mouthful from early Saturday morning, 
 till Monday, rations for three days were a half pound of biscuit, half 
 pound pork, half pint peas, half gill rice, half ounce of butter, — the 
 whole enough for one good meal — and defrauded in this petty al- 
 lowance ; — no straw or hay to lie on — no fuel but one cartload per 
 week for the 800 men. At 9 o'clock in the evening the Hessian guards 
 w r ould come in and put out the fire, and lay on the poor prisoners 
 with heavy clubs, for sitting round the fire ; water very bad as well 
 as bread except once, good biscuit, and once good baker's bread. 
 Prisoners died like rotten sheep, with cold, hunger and dirt, andthose 
 who had good apparel, such as buckskin breeches, or good coats, were 
 necessitated to sell them to purchase bread to keep themselves alive. 
 
 Lt. Col. Selah Hart, presented to the Assembly of Connecticut 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 215 
 
 the petition of 38 Continental officers, prisoners on parole on L. I., 
 for hard money. They had been there from Sep., '76, to May, '77. 
 
 Hinman, p. 277. 
 
 This may inform those who have friends in N. Y., prisoners of 
 war, that Maj. Wells, a prisoner, has come thence to Conn, on parole, to 
 collect hard money for the much distressed and suffering officers and 
 soldiers there, and desires the money may be left at landlord Bett's, 
 Norwalk ; Capt. Benjamin's, Stratford ; landlord Beer's, N. Haven ; 
 Hezekiah Wylly's, Hartford ; and at said Wells's, Colchester, with 
 proper accounts from whom received, and to whom to be delivered. 
 
 N. B. — The letters must not be sealed, nor contain any thing of 
 a political nature. Conn. Paper, Dec. 6, '76. 
 
 John Rapalje and Miles Sherbrook, prisoners in Conn., (who had 
 been sent there by Washington, Aug. '76, as disaffected persons) 
 drew a letter of credit for £500, in favor of Maj. Levi Wells, for 
 the use of the Continental troops, then in captivity in N. Y., Dec. 
 13, '76. [They owed this money probably for board. John Ra- 
 palje, with Jas. Coggswell, had been seized while on his way with 
 sheep for Howe's army.] 
 
 Correspondence of Washington and Howe, on the cruel treatment 
 of American prisoners, taken from Sparks's Washington. 
 Dec. 20, '76. Washington says a Commissary of prisoners should be 
 appointed ; for prisoners from all quarters are pushed in our camp without 
 notice. They are also travelling all over the country with certificates of 
 Committees, without control, and some have even gone in the enemy's 
 camp. 
 
 Washington writes to Howe, Jan. 13, '77, on the cruel treatment 
 of prisoners in the Ships at N.Y. " I hope the miseries of cold, disease, 
 and famine, may not be added to their other misfortunes. You may call 
 us rebels, and say we deserve no better treatment, but remember we have 
 feelings keen and sensible, as loyalists, and will retaliate on the unjust 
 invaders of our rights, liberties, and properties. My injured countrymen 
 have long called on me to obtain redress of their grievances. I am 
 sorry I am again under the necessity of remonstrating to you on the 
 treatment, which our prisoners continue to receive in N. Y. Those who 
 have lately been sent out, giving the most shocking accounts of 
 their barbarous usage, which their miserable emaciated countenances 
 confirm. If a real scarcity of provisions and fuel, at this inclement 
 
216 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 season, is the cause that our prisoners are debarred from them, common 
 humanity points out a mode, which is, to suffer them to go home under 
 parole, not to serve during the war, or until an equal number are re- 
 leased by us. Most of the prisoners who have returned home, have in- 
 formed me they were offered better treatment, provided they would en- 
 list in your service. 
 
 [Wm. Gamble deposes, (Conn. Gaz., Feb. 8, '77,) that prisoners 
 were huddled together with negroes ; had weak grog ; no swab to clean 
 the ship ; bad oil ; raw pork ; seamen refused them water ; called them 
 
 d d rebels ; dead not buried, &c. Lt. Wm. Sterret, taken Aug. 27, 
 
 his clothing stolen ; abused by soldiers ; stinted in food ; slight wounds 
 became mortal by neglect ; recruiting officers seduced prisoners, &c. 
 — Ed.] 
 
 Howe replies to Washington, Jan. 17/77. That Capt. Gamble's re- 
 port is exaggerated. The prisoners were confined with the more general 
 liberty of the prison ship, till a successful attempt was made to escape. 
 The rest were then restrained within such narrow limits as left the 
 more commanding parts of the ship in possession of the guard. Provi- 
 sions were the same as given to British sailors ; the want of cleanliness is 
 owing to the prisoners, who have had constant attendance of a surgeon 
 and medicines from the King's store. The fleet physician has also attend- 
 ed and prescribed, 7 have died of 500 sufferers. The prisoners petitioned 
 for enlargement, but did not complain of ill treatment. The prisoners 
 from different Provinces, were set free in separate corps, in compassion 
 to their unnvoidable sufferings, and the confined situation of the fleet 
 and army. 104 not taken in arms, were landed in Conn, last month, 
 38 landed in Penn., 30 set free here. 
 
 Jan. 20, '77. Washington proposes Lewis Pintard, a merchant of N. 
 Y., to reside there as an agent for prisoners. 
 
 Ap. 21, 77. Howe (in reply to Washington of 9th inst.) says all pri- 
 soners are confined in the most airy buildings, and largest transports, 
 being the healthiest places. Near half the prisoners were received in 
 British hospitals, and their own surgeons without restriction supplied 
 with medicines, till they disposed of large quantities at private sale. 
 Clothing and money are all the prisoners want. 
 
 May 17, '77. Washington disapproves of Gen. Parson's proposition 
 of a descent on Flatbush, to release American officers, prisoners there 
 on parole. [The British in apprehension of a rescue, had removed the 
 American officers to close prison in N. Y. — Ed.] 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 217 
 
 May 28, '77. Washington says a great proportion of prisoners sent 
 out by British are not fit subjects of exchange, and being made so by the 
 severity of their treatment and confinement, a deduction should be made. 
 
 June 10, '77. Washington says (in a long reply to Howe,) he gave 
 clothing to British prisoners ; did not hear of the sufferings of Ame- 
 rican prisoners till too late ; he was refused a procuring agent at N. Y. 
 to purchase what was necessary to supply the prisoners' wants. 
 
 Nov. 14, '77. Washington complains to Howe of cruelties exercised 
 on American prisoners, without Howe's knowledge or approbation, 
 proceeding from the inhumanity of Mr. Cunningham, Provost Marshal. 
 
 Nov. 23, '77. Washington threatens retaliation, if Howe does not 
 accede to his letter of Nov. 14, '77, and was about giving orders to 
 Boudinot, when he received Howe's letter of Nov. 27. 
 
 Mrs. White left N. Y., Jan. 20, '77, says Bridewell, College, 
 New Jail, Baptist Meeting, and the tavern lately occupied by Mr. 
 De la Montaigne, and several other houses, are filled with sick and 
 wounded of the enemy. Gen. Lee was under guard, in a small 
 mean-looking house, at the bottom of Kings street. Jour. 789. 
 
 Wm. Slade says 800 prisoners taken at Ft. Washington and 
 Lee, were put in the North hurch. Dec^lst, 300 were taken from 
 the church to the prison ship. Dec. 2d, he with others was march- 
 ed to the Grosvenor transport in the N. River ; 500 were crowded 
 on board ; he had to lay down before sunset to secure a place. 
 
 Trumbull Papers, VII. 135. 
 
 Henry Franklin affirms, Jan. 16, '77, that about tw 7 o days after 
 the taking of Fort Washington, he was in N. Y., and went to the 
 North Church, in which were about 800 prisoners taken in said Fort. 
 He inquired into their treatment, and they told him they fared hard 
 on account both of provisions and lodging, for they were not allowed 
 any bedding or blankets, and the provision not been regularly dealt 
 out, the modest and backward could get little or none, nor had they 
 been allowed any fuel to dress their victuals. The prisoners in 
 N. Y. were very sickly, and died in considerable numbers. 
 
 Cor. 411. 
 
 Joshua Loring, Commissary of prisoners, says, but little pro- 
 visions had been sent in by the rebels for their prisoners. 
 
 Feb. 11, '77. 
 
218 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 Forty-six prisoners from the Glasgow, transport ship, were land- 
 ed at N. Haven, where Capt. Craige died, and was buried. Their 
 names are published in Con't Courant. March 7, '77. 
 
 Ap. 30, '77. Con't Assembly sent to N. Y. a sufficient quantity of 
 tow shirts and trowsers for her prisoners, also £35 to Col. Ethan 
 Allen, by his brother Levi. . 
 
 Lt. Thos. Fanning, now on parole from L. I. at Norwich, a pri- 
 soner to Gen. Howe, will be at Hartford on his return to N. Y., 
 about Sep. 8, '77, whence he proposes to keep the public road to 
 Kings bridge. Letters and money left at the most noted public 
 houses, in the different towns, will be conveyed safe to the prisoners. 
 Extraordinaries excepted. Conn. Gaz.,Aug. 15, '77. 
 
 Jan. 4, '77. Prisoners went into the Sugar House. N. Murray 
 says 800 men were in Bridewell. The doctor gave poison powders to 
 prisoners, who soondied. Some were sent to Honduras to cut log- 
 wood ;— women came to the prison gate to sell gingerbread. 
 
 Trumbull Papers, IX. 203. 
 
 A flag of truce vessel arrived at Milford, after a tedious passage of 
 11 days, from N. Y., having above 200 prisoners* whose rueful 
 countenances too well discovered the ill treatment they received 
 while in N. Y. 20 died on the passage and 20 since they landed, 
 (names of sick follow.) N. Haven, Jan. 8, '77. 
 
 Dec. 1, '77. The American prisoners on L. I. were on account 
 of a suspected descent on that place, put on board a prison ship and 
 detained there two weeks. A boat one evening happened to be 
 fastened to the vessel's side. The chance of escaping in her was 
 immediately suggested by Lts. Forrest and Woodside, but previously 
 they stepped between decks, for some papers or clothing in their 
 trunks. Meantime Major Jack Stewart, and one or two others 
 [with Lt. Col. Livingston taken at Ft. Montgomery,] quietly let 
 themselves down into the boat, cast her off, and let her drift astern 
 of the ship. They were lucky enough to get clear of her unper- 
 ceived, and at length to reach the Jersey shore in safety, notwith- 
 standing their elopement was soon discovered. It being dark, pur- 
 suit and random shot were unavailing. The disappointment of For- 
 rest and Woodside was extreme. Graydon. 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 219 
 
 Memorandum in the Provost Jail, N. Y.,from Ap. 23, 1777, to 
 Jan. 7, 1778, by John Fell, one of the Council for N. Jersey. 
 
 Ap. 23. Last night I was taken prisoner from my house by 25 
 armed men, who brought me down to Col. Buskirk's, Bergen Pt., and 
 from him sent to Gen. Pigot, at N. Y., who sent me with Capt. Van 
 Allen to the Provost jail. 
 
 24. Received from Mrs. Curson, by the hands of Mr. Amiel, $16, 
 2 shirts, 2 stocks, some tea, sugar, pepper, towels, tobacco, pipes, paper, 
 and a bed and bedding. 
 
 May 1. Dr. Lewis Antle and Capt. Thos. Colden (his son-in-law?) 
 at the door — refused admittance. 
 
 2. 6, 10 m. p. m. , died John Thomas, Esq., of small-pox, aged 70 ; 
 inoculated. 
 
 5. Capt. Colden has brought from Mr. Curson, $16. 
 11. Dr. Antle came to visit me ; Nero (his slave?) at the door. 
 13. Cold weather. 
 
 20. Lewis Pintard came per order of Elias Boudinot to offer me 
 money ; refused admittance. Capt. Colden came to visit me. 
 
 21. Capt. and Mrs. Corne came to visit me, and I was called down 
 stairs to see them. 
 
 23. Lewis Pintard came as Commissary to take account of officers 
 in order to assist them with money. 
 
 24. Every person refused admittance to the Provost. 
 
 25. All prisoners paraded in the hall, supposed to look for deserters. 
 27. Rev. Mr. Hart and Col. Smith brought to Provost from L. I. 
 
 29. Stormy in Provost. 
 
 30. Not allowed to fetch good water. 
 
 31. Bad water ; proposed buying tea water, but refused. This night 
 10 prisoners from opposite room ordered into ours ; in all 20. 
 
 June 1. Continued same to-day. 
 
 2. The people ordered back to their own room. 
 
 3. Capt. Van Zandt sent to dungeon for resenting Capt. Cunning- 
 ham's abusing and insulting me. 
 
 4. Capt. Adams brought in our room ; at 9 p. m. candles ordered 
 out. 
 
 7. Capt. Van Zandt returned from dungeon. 
 
 8. All prisoners paraded and called over, and delivered to care of 
 Sergeant Keath, (O'Keefe ?) and told we were all alike. No distinction 
 to be made. 
 
 10. Prisoners very sickly. 
 
INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 11. Mr. Richards from Conn, exchanged. 
 
 12. Exceeding strict and severe — " out lights." 
 
 13. Melancholy scene, women refused speaking to their sick hus- 
 bands, and treated cruelly by sentries. 
 
 14. Mr. Jas. Ferris released on parole ; people in jail very sickly, 
 and not allowed a doctor. 
 
 17. Capt. Corne came to speak to me — not allowed. 
 
 18. Letter from prisoners to Sergeant Keath, requesting more privi- 
 leges. 
 
 19. Received 6 bottles claret and sundry small articles, but the note 
 not allowed to come up. 
 
 20. Memorandum sent by prisoners to General Pigot with list of 
 grievances. 
 
 21. Ans. Grant no requests made by prisoners. 
 
 22. Mrs. Banta refused speaking to her son. 
 
 23. Mr. Haight died. 
 
 24. 19 prisoners from Brunswick ; 18 sent to Sugar House. 
 
 25. Dr. Bard came to visit Justice Moore, but his wife was refused 
 though her husband was dying. 
 
 26. Justice Moore died and was carried out. 
 
 27. Several sick people removed below. 
 30. Provost very sickly, and several die. 
 
 July 3. Received from Mrs. Curson per Mrs. Marrener, 2 half Joes. 
 
 6. Received of Elias Boudinot per Pintard, 10 half Joes. 
 
 7. Capt. Thos. Colden came to the grates to see me. 
 
 9. 2 men carried out to be hung for desertion, reprieved. 
 11. Mr. Langdon brought into our room. 
 
 13. The Sergeant removed a number of prisoners from below. 
 
 14. Messrs. Demarests exchanged. Dr. Romaine ordered to visit sick. 
 
 15. A declaration of more privileges, and prisoners allowed to speak 
 at the windows. 
 
 17. Peter Zabriskie had an order to speak with me and let me know 
 that all was well at home. 
 
 19. Sergeant from Sugar House came to take account of affairs in 
 Provost. Capt. Cunningham in town. 
 
 21. Sergeant took another account of officers. Capt. Jas. Lowry 
 died. 
 
 22. Mr. Miller died. Capt. Lowry buried. 
 Aug. 1. Very sick — weather very hot. 
 
 5. Barry sent to dungeon for bringing rum for Mr. Philips without 
 leave of Sergeant. Every thing looks stormy. 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 221 
 
 6. Warm weather — growing better. Mr. Pintard came to supply 
 prisoners of war with clothes. 
 
 10. 2 prisoners from L. I., and 4 Lawrences from near Tappan. 
 
 11. John Coven Cromwell from White Plains. Freeland from Pol- 
 ly ? Fly whipped about salt. 
 
 12. Sergeant Keath took all pens and ink out of each room, and for- 
 bid the use of any on pain of dungeon. 
 
 13. Abm. Miller discharged. 
 
 14. Jacobus Blauvelt died in morning — buried at noon. 
 
 16. Capt. Ed. Travis brought in our room from dungeon, where he 
 has long been confined and cruelly treated. 
 
 17. Mr. Keath refused me liberty to send a card to Mr. Amiel for 
 pound of tobacco. 
 
 21. Capt. Hyer discharged from Provost. 
 
 25. Berry brought up from dungeon, and Capt. Travis sent down 
 again without any provocation. 
 
 26. Badcock sent to dungeon for cutting wood in evening. Locks 
 put on all the doors and threatened to be locked up. Col. Ethan Allen 
 brought to Provost from L. I., and confined below. 
 
 27. Badcock discharged from below. 
 
 30. 5 p. m., all rooms locked up close. 
 
 31. a. m., Col. Allen brought in our room. 
 Sep. 1. Pleasant weather — bad water. 
 
 4. Horrid scenes of whipping. 
 
 6. Lewis Pintard brought some money for officers, p. m., Major 
 Otho H. Williams brought from L. I., and confined in our room, Major 
 Wells, from same place, confined below, a. m., Wm. Lawrence of 
 Tappan died. 
 
 8. Campbell, Taylor, John Cromwell, and Buchanan from Phila- 
 delphia, discharged. 
 
 10. Provisions exceeding ordinary — pork very rusty, biscuit bad. 
 
 12. Capt. Travis, Capt. Chatham, and others, brought out of dun- 
 geon. 
 
 14. 2 prisoners from Jersey, viz. : Thos. Canfield of Newark, and 
 Jeralemon. 
 
 16. Troops returned from Jersey. Several prisoners brought to Pro- 
 vost, viz. : Capt. Varick, Wm. Prevost, Brower, &c. 
 
 1 7. Prisoners from L. I. 
 
 22. Nothing material. Major Wells brought from below up stairs. 
 24. Received from Mr. Curson per Mr. Amiel, 4 guineas, 6 bottles 
 
 wine, and 1 lb. tobacco. 
 
222 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 26. Mr. Pintard carried list of prisoners and account of grievances 
 to the general. Capt. Chatham and others carried to dungeon. 
 
 28. Yesterday number of soldiers sent below, and several prisoners 
 brought out of dungeon. State of grievances presented to Gen. Jones, 
 which much displeased Sergeant, who threatened to lock up rooms. 
 
 29. Last night Sergeant locked up all the rooms. Rev. Mr. James 
 Sears admitted up stairs. 
 
 30. Sent Mr. Pintard list of clothing wanted per continental and 
 state prisoners in Provost. Sergeant locks up all the rooms. 
 
 Oct. 2. Candles ordered out at 8 — not locked up. 
 
 4. Locked up. Great number of ships went up N. River. Received 
 sundries from Grove Bend — 3 pair ribbed hose, 3 towels. 
 
 5. Garret Miller of Smith's Clove signed his will in prison, in pre- 
 sence of Benj. Goldsmith, Abr. Skinner, and myself. 
 
 6. G. Miller died of small-pox — p. m. buried. 
 
 7. Wm. Prevost discharged from Provost. 
 
 8. Capt. Chatham and Lewis Thitcher brought out of dungeon. 
 
 10. Mr. Pintard sent up blankets, shoes, and stockings for pri- 
 soners. 
 
 11. Several prisoners from N. River. 
 
 12. Lt. Col. Livingston and upwards of 20 officers from Ft. Mont- 
 gomery and Clinton, all below. 
 
 13. Received from Mr. Pintard a letter by flag from Peter R. Fell. 
 a. m. Mr. Noble came to the grates to speak to me. 
 
 14. Sergeant Keath sent Lt. Mercer and Mr. Nalhl. Fitzrandolph 
 to the dungeon for complaining their room had not water sufficient. 
 
 15. Mr. Pintard brought sundry articles for prisoners. 
 
 17. Mr. Antonio and other prisoners brought here from up N. River. 
 19. Ben. Goldsmith ill of small-pox, made his will and gave it to 
 me. Died 2 a. m., Oct. 20. 
 
 21. Glorious news from Northward. 
 
 22. Confirmation strong as Holy Writ. Beef, loaf-bread and butter, 
 drawn to-day. 
 
 23. Weather continues very cold ; ice in the tub in hall. Number 
 of vessels came down North River. Mr. Wm. Bayard at the door to 
 take out old Mr. Morris. 
 
 24. Prisoners from Sugar House sent on board ships. 
 
 25. Rev. Mr. Hart admitted on parole in the city. Serg. Woolley 
 from Sugar House came to take names of officers, and says an exchange 
 is expected. 
 
 28. Last night and to-day storm continues very severe. Provost 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 223 
 
 in a terrible condition. Lt. Col. Livingston admitted up stairs a few 
 minutes. 
 
 Nov. 1. — Lt. Callender of the train ordered back on L. I. ; also 
 several officers taken at Ft. Montgomery sent on parole to L I. 
 
 3. In evening my daughter Eliz. Colden came to see me, accompa- 
 nied by Mayor Matthews. 
 
 5. E. Colden came to let me know she was going out of town. 
 Yesterday Sergeant refused her liberty of speaking to me. Gen. Ro- 
 bertson's Aid-de-camp came to inquire into grievances of prisoners. 
 
 16. Jail exceeding disagreeable — many miserable and shocking ob- 
 jects nearly starved with cold and hunger — miserable prospect before us. 
 
 18. Town Major and Town Adjutant came with a pretence of view- 
 ing jail. 
 
 19. Peter and Cor. Van Tassel, two prisoners from Tarrytown in 
 our room. 
 
 20. Mr. Pintard sent three barrels of flour to be distributed among 
 prisoners. 
 
 21. Mr. Pintard came for account of what clothing prisoners wanted. 
 
 24. Six tailors brought here from prison ship to work in making 
 clothes for prisoners. They say people on board very sickly ; 300 sent 
 on board reduced to 100. 
 
 25. Mr. Dean and others brought to jail from the town. 
 
 26. Dean locked up by himself, and Mr. Forman brought up stairs 
 attended by Rev. Mr. Inglis, and afterwards ordered down stairs. New 
 order — one of prisoners ordered to go to commissary's and see provi- 
 sions dealt out for prisoners. Vast number of people assembled at Pro- 
 vost in expectation of seeing an execution. 
 
 27. John, the milkman, locked up stairs with sentry at his door. 
 A report by Mr. Webb that a prisoner, Herring, was come down to be 
 exchanged for Mr. Van Zandt or me. 
 
 30. Capt. Cunningham came to Provost. 
 Dec. 1. Capt. Money came down with Mr. Webb to be exchanged 
 for Major Wells. 
 
 2. Col. Butler visited Provost, and promised a doctor should at- 
 tend. Received from Mr. Bend cloth for a great coat, &c. Mr. Pin- 
 tard took list of clothing wanting for prisoners. 
 
 3. Several prisoners of war sent from here on board prison ship, 
 and some of sick sent to hospital. Dr. Romaine being ordered by Sir H. 
 Clinton to examine the sick. Prisoners sickly ; cause, cold. Prisoners 
 scanty clothing in upper rooms, and only two bushels coal for a room 
 of 20 men, a week. 
 
224 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 5. Mr. Blanch ordered out ; said to be to go to Morris Town to 
 get prisoners exchanged. Cold. 
 
 7. Mr. Webb came to acquaint Major Wells his exchange was 
 agreed to with Capt. Money. 
 
 8. Maj. Gen. Robertson with Mayor, came to Provost to examine 
 prison. I was called and examined, and requested my parole. Gen. 
 said I had made bad use of indulgence granted me, in letting my daugh- 
 ter come to see me ; by ordering Mr. Parker and Mr. Ruderford con- 
 fined. 
 
 9. Major Wells exchanged. 
 
 10. Mr. Pintard sent 100 loaves for prisoners, a. m., Walter 
 Thurston died. Prisoners" very sick, and die very fast from hospitals 
 and prison ships. 
 
 11. Some flags from N. River. 
 
 13. Abel Wells died — a tailor from prison ship. 
 
 12. Mr. Pintard brought letters for sundry people. 
 
 14. Sunday — guards more severe than ever, notwithstanding Gen. 
 Robertson's promise of more indulgence. Capt. Van Zandt brought 
 from L. I. 
 
 16. Sent message to Mr. Pintard for wood. Cold, and entirely out 
 of wood. 
 
 17. Commissary Winslow came and released Major Williams on his 
 parole on L. I. 
 
 18. Mr. Pintard sent four cords wood for prisoners. 
 
 19. Capt. John Paul Schoot released on parole. Mr. Pintard with 
 clothing for the people. 
 
 21. A paper found at door of Provost, intimating that three prison- 
 ers had a rope concealed in a bag in one of the rooms, in order to make 
 their escape. The Sergeant examined all the rooms, and at night we 
 were all locked up. 
 
 22. Received from Mr. Pintard 100 loaves bread and quarter beef. 
 24. Distributed clothing, &c, to prisoners. 
 
 28. Gen. Robertson sent a doctor to examine me in consequence of 
 the petition sent by Col. Allen for my releasement. The Dr. reported 
 to Dr. Mallet. 
 
 29. Gen. Robertson sent me word I should be liberated in town, pro- 
 vided I procured a gentleman in town to be responsible for my appear- 
 ance. In consequence I wrote to Hon. H. Wh te, Esq. 
 
 30. Dr. Romaine, with whom I sent the letter, said Mr. White had 
 a number of objections, but the Dr. hoped to succeed in the afternoon. 
 Mr. Winslow came and told me the same story I heard the day before. 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 225 
 
 31. Sergeant Keath brought a message from the General to the 
 same purpose as yesterday. 
 
 N. B. I lost the memorandum from this date to the time of my be- 
 ing liberated from Provost, on Jan. 7, 1778. 
 
 N. Y., Feb. 11, 1778. Received a letter from Jos. Loring, Esq., 
 Com. of Prisoners, with leave from Gen. Robertson, for my having the 
 bounds of the city allowed me. 
 
 Mar. 23. Wrote to Maj. Gen. Robertson, and told him this was 
 the eleventh month of my imprisonment. 
 
 My Note to General Robertson — (See Journal Dec. 28.) 
 I received your Excellency's message this morning per Sergeant 
 Keath, respecting the condition of my being liberated on account of my 
 ill state of health. If your Excellency will be so obliging as to let me 
 out, I make not the least doubt of giving you all the satisfaction you 
 can desire ; but to write to a gentleman whom I have not seen for up- 
 wards of two years, I am afraid will answer no end. Therefore, I do 
 most earnestly entreat your Excellency to grant this my humble request, 
 and give orders to the Sergeant to liberate me to the house of Mri. 
 Marrener, from whence I can have an opportunity to send to such gen- 
 tlemen as I think will satisfy your Excellency. I am, Sec. 
 
 Card from Gen. Robertson. — (See Journal Dec. 29.) 
 Gen. Robertson has received Mr. Fell's note ; finds it impossible to 
 comply with his request till Mr. Fell's friends give him sufficient secu- 
 rity that he will not attempt to escape. A Mr. Langdon having broken 
 his faith in like circumstances, has given rise to a rule, which it is out 
 of Gen. Robertson's power to dispense with. 
 
 My Letter to Hon. Henry White, Esq. — (See Journal Dec. 30.) 
 
 Sir : — Being in a very ill state of health, Gen. Robertson, on ex- 
 amination, has consented that I be liberated to a house in town on se- 
 curity ; for which purpose I have taken the liberty to request that you 
 will be so obliging as to be responsible for me. I conceive it a happi- 
 ness to be released on such terms, and shall esteem your friendship as a 
 singular favor. On your appearing at the General's, I may be permitted 
 to a house in town. I am, &c. 
 
 Feb. 4, 1778. I delivered Lewis Pintard the wills of Garret Miller 
 and Benj. Goldsmith, to be forwarded to their respective families. Pre- 
 sent, E. Boudinot. 
 
226 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 May 20, '78. I had my parole extended by order of Gen. Daniel 
 Jones, to my own house in Bergen county, for 30 days. June 20. I 
 left home and arrived at Paulus Hook, Col. Turnbull not being at home ; 
 I was detained till night, and then sent with an officer to N. Y. to Maj. 
 Gen. Val. Jones, who ordered me to wait on Commissary Winslow next 
 morning, who waited on Gen. Dan'l Jones, and by his order I was de- 
 tained in town till July 1st, when the Commissary was ordered to make 
 out my parole, not to return till sent for. July 2d I left town, and next 
 day arrived safe home. 
 
 Nov. 15. I received from Abm. Skinner, Dep. Com. of Prisons, a 
 certificate of my being exchanged for Gov. Skene. Signed by Joshua 
 Loring, Com. Gen. of Prisons, dated N. Y., Oct. 26, 1778. 
 
 The following persons were my security for jCIOO each, being de- 
 manded by Gen. Robertson on my release from Provost to lodgings in 
 N. Y., on my parole. Jan. 7, 1778. 
 
 Lawrence Kortright, Henry Haydock, 
 
 Richard Yates, Jas. Jauncey, 
 
 St. Skinner, Henry White, 
 
 Dr. McAdam, John Amiel, 
 
 Wm. Seton, Grove Bend. 
 
 Grievances that the Prisoners are under, sent to Gen. Jones per 
 
 Mr. Pintard.—(See Journal, Sep. 26 and 28.) 
 " Close confined in jail without distinction of rank or character, 
 amongst felons, (a number of whom are under sentence of death,) with- 
 out their friends being suffered to speak to them, even through the 
 grates. On the scanty allowance of 2 lbs. hard biscuit and 2 lbs. raw 
 pork per man per week, without fuel to dress it. Frequently supplied 
 with water from a pump where all kinds of filth is thrown that can ren- 
 der it obnoxious and unwholesome, (the effects of which are too often 
 felt,) when good water is as easily obtained. Denied the benefit of 
 a hospital, not allowed to send for medicine, nor even a doctor permit- 
 ted to visit them when in the greatest distress ; married men and others 
 who lay at the point of death, refused to have their wives or relations 
 admitted to see them, and for attempting it often beat from the prison. 
 Commissioned officers and other persons of character, without a cause, 
 thrown into a loathsome dungeon, insulted in a gross manner, and 
 vilely abused by a Provost Marshal, who is allowed to be one of the basest 
 characters in the British army, and whose power is so unlimited, that 
 he has caned an officer on a trivial occasion, and frequently beats the 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 227 
 
 sick privates when unable to stand, many of whom are daily obliged to 
 enlist in the New Corps to prevent perishing for want of the necessaries 
 of life. Neither pen, ink, or paper allowed, (to prevent their treatment 
 being made public,) the consequence of which, indeed, the prisoners 
 themselves dread, knowing the malignant disposition of their keeper. 
 
 Gaine, Jan. 5, '78. Nurses wanted immediately to attend the 
 prison hospitals in this city. Good recommendations required, signed 
 by two respectable inhabitants. 
 
 LEWIS PINTARD. 
 The Board of War report, Jan. 21, '78, that there are 900 pri- 
 vates and 300 officers in N. Y., and that the privates have been 
 crowded all summer in sugar-houses and the officers boarded onL.L, 
 except about 30, who have been confined in the provost-guard, and 
 in most loathsome jails, and that since Oct. 1, all those prisoners, 
 both officers and privates, have been confined in prison, prison-ships, 
 or the Provost. 
 
 Lists of prisoners in Provost, Nov. 5, '77 : those taken by the 
 Falcon, Dec. '77 (see 638), and those belonging to Conn., Jan. '78, 
 in the Quaker and Brick Meeting Hospitals, may be found in the 
 Trumbull Papers, VII, 170, 228, 258; VIII, 62. 
 
 " Gen. Lee, on receiving $500, which he drew in the New-York 
 Lottery, immediately distributed it among the American prisoners. 
 It is said that the American prisoners, since we have had a Commis- 
 sary in New-York, are well served with good provisions, which are 
 furnished at the expense of the States, and are in general very 
 healthy.— -N. London, Feb. 20, '78. 
 
 May 6, '78. N. J. Gaz. Col. Miles, Irvin, and 50 more prisoners 
 exchanged. Report says, of 3000 prisoners taken at Ft. Washington, 
 only 800 are now living. 
 
 Conn. Gaz., July 10, '78. About three weeks ago, Rob't Shef- 
 field, of Stonington, made his escape from N. Y., after confinement 
 on board a prison-ship. After he was taken, he with his crew (10) 
 were thrust into the forepeak and put in irons. On their arrival at 
 N. Y., they were carried on board a prison-ship and to the hatchways, 
 on opening which, tell not of Pandora's Box, for that must be an 
 alabaster-box, in comparison to the opening of these hatches. True 
 there were gratings but they kept their boats upon them. The steam 
 
228 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 of the hold was enough to scald the skin and take away the hreath — 
 the stench enough to poison the air all around. On his descending 
 these dreary mansions of woe, and beholding the numerous spectacles 
 of wretchedness and despair, his soul fainted within him. A little 
 epitome of hell — about 350 men confined between decks, half French- 
 men. He was informed there were three more of these vehicles of 
 contagion, which contained a like number of miserable Frenchmen 
 also, who are treated worse (if possible) than Americans ; the heat 
 so intense (the hot sun shining all day on deck) that they were all 
 naked, which also served the well to get rid of vermin, but the sick 
 were eaten up alive. Their sickly countenances and ghastly looks 
 were truly horrible ; some swearing and blaspheming ; some crying, 
 praying, and wringing their hands, and stalking about like ghosts ; 
 others delirious, raving, and storming ; some groaning and dying — 
 all panting for breath ; some dead and corrupting — air so foul at 
 times that a lamp could not be kept burning, by reason of which the 
 boys were not missed till they had been dead ten days. One person 
 only admitted on deck at a time after sunset, which occasions much 
 filth to run into the hold and mingle with bilge-water, which was not 
 pumped out while he was aboard, notwithstanding the decks were 
 leaky, and the prisoners begged permission to let in fresh water and 
 pump it out again. While Mr. S. was on board (6 days) 5 or 6 died 
 daily and 3 of his people. He was sent for on shore as evidence in 
 a court of admiralty for condemning his own vessel and happily es- 
 caped. He was informed in N. Y. that the fresh meat sent in to our 
 prisoners by our Commissary, was taken by the men of war for their 
 own use. This he can say : he did not see any aboard the ship he 
 was in, but they were well supplied with soft bread from our Com- 
 missary on shore. But the provision (be it what it will) is not the 
 complaint. Fresh air and fresh water, God's free gift, is all their 
 cry. 
 
 July 31, '78. N. London. Last week 500 or 600 American pris- 
 oners were released from confinement at N. Y., and sent out chiefly 
 by way of N. Jersey, being exchanged. 
 
 N. London, Sep. 26, '78. All American prisoners are nearly 
 sent out of N. Y., but there are 615 French prisoners still there. 
 
 Oct. 18, '78. Ship Good Hope lies in the North River.] 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 229 
 
 Dec. 14, '78. Gaine. The Jersey hospital-ship lies at Franklin, 
 near Tolmie's Wharf, E. River. 
 
 N. London, Dec. 18, '78. A Flag with 70 men from the hor- 
 rible prison-ships, N. Y., arrived ; 30 very sickly, two died since they 
 arrived. 
 
 N. London, Dec. 25, '78. A cartel arrived here from N. Y. with 
 172 American prisoners. They were landed here and in Groton — 
 greater part sickly and in most deplorable condition, owing- chiefly 
 to the ill-usage in the prison-ships, where numbers had their feet 
 and legs froze. 
 
 Col. Magaw, Lt. Col. Kichline, Nich's Lutz, Maj. Aquilla Giles, 
 and Lt. Sam'l Dodge, who went home on parole, are ordered back 
 to N. Y. by Loring, Oct 31, '78. Gaine, Jan. 18, '79. 
 
 Jan. 15, '79. Riv. Privateers arriving in N. Y. Harbor are to 
 put their prisoners on board the Good Hope or Prince of Wales 
 prison-ships. J AS. DICK. 
 
 Boston, Feb. 4, '79. A cartel lately brought 136 prisoners from 
 prison-ships in N. Y. to N. London. Such was the condition in 
 which these poor creatures were put aboard the cartel, that in this 
 short run, 16 died on board ; and 60, when they landed, were scarcely 
 able to move, and the remainder greatly emaciated. The greatest 
 inhumanity was experienced in a ship, of which one Nelson, a 
 Scotchman, had the superintendence. Upwards of 300 were con- 
 fined at a time on board. There was but one small fireplace to cook 
 the food of such a number. The allowance was moreover frequently 
 delayed. In the short days of November and December, it was not 
 begun to be delivered out till 11 A. M., so that the whole could not be 
 served till 3. At sunset the fire was ordered to be quenched, so that 
 some had not their food dressed at all ; many were obliged to eat it 
 half raw. No flour, oatmeal, and things of like nature, suited to the 
 condition of infirm people, were allowed to the many sick — nothing 
 but ship-bread, beef, and pork. 
 
 N. London, June 16, '79. Our prisoners on board the prison-ships 
 suffer beyond description, being turned down in great numbers 
 below decks, where they are compelled to languish in stench and 
 dirt. 
 
 11 
 
230 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 N. Haven, June 23, '79. 200 prisoners were landed in N. Jersey 
 from the prison-ships. 
 
 Sir Geo. Collier forbids privateers landing prisoners on L. L, to 
 the damage and annoyance of His Majesty's faithful subjects. Ju. 
 29, '79. 
 
 Aug. 23, '79. To be sold, the sails and rigging of the ship 
 Good Hope. Masts, spars, and yards, good as new. 
 
 Aug. 18, '79. Last week, 5 or 600 American prisoners ex- 
 changed. 
 
 A flag returned here with 47 American prisoners, and though 
 taken out of the Good Hope prison-ship, it must (for once) be ac- 
 knowledged, all are very well and healthy : only 150 left. Aug. 25, 
 '79. N. London. 
 
 N. London, Sep. 1, '79. D. Stanton was taken, June 5, and 
 put in the Jersey prison-ship. An allowance from Congress was 
 sent aboard. About 3 or 4 weeks past, we were removed on board 
 the Good Hope, where we found many sick. There is now a hos- 
 pital-ship provided, to which they are removed, and good attention 
 paid. 
 
 Returned to this port, Alex. Dickey, Commissary of Prisoners, 
 from N. Y., with a cartel, having on board 180 American prisoners. 
 Their countenances indicate they have undergone every conceivable 
 inhumanity. Boston, Sep. 2, '79. 
 
 New London, Sep. 29, '79. A Flag arrived here from N. Y., 
 with 117 prisoners, chiefly from N. England. 
 
 N. J. Gaz., Oct. 12, '79. Last Wednesday morning, one o'clock, 
 9 Capts., among them Thos. Dring and Jas. Munroe, and 2 privates 
 made their escape from the Good Hope, prison-ship, in the N. River. 
 They confined the Mate, disarmed the sentinels, and hoisted out the 
 boat which was on deck. They brought off 9 stand of arms and 
 ammunition. They had scarce got clear before the alarm was given, 
 when they were fired on by 3 ships, but none were hurt, Capt. 
 Prince speaks in the highest terms of the commander of the prison- 
 ship, Capt. Nelson, who used the prisoners with a great deal of hu- 
 manity. 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 231 
 
 N. London, Feb. 16, '80. 15 prisoners arrived here, who three 
 weeks ago escaped from the prison-ship in the E. River. A num- 
 ber of others escaped about the same time from the same ship, some 
 of whom being frost bitten and unable to endure the cold, were tak- 
 en up and carried back, one frozen to death ' before he reached the 
 shore. 
 
 Riv., Mar. 8, '80. Last Sunday afternoon, the Good Hope, 
 prison-ship, lying in the Wallebocht Bay, was entirely consumed, 
 after having been wilfully set on fire by a Con't man, named Wood- 
 bury, who confessed the fact. He with others of the incendiaries 
 are removed to the Provost. The prisoners let each other down 
 from the port-holes and decks into the water. 
 
 Col. John Ely and Capt. EcL Bulkley, in behalf of officers pris- 
 oners at Flatbush, petition Gov. Trumbull for hard cash. They are 
 in debt for clothing and sickness in the fall. Their board has been 
 paid to May last. Ap. 24, '80. 
 
 I am now a prisoner on board the ship Falmouth, in N. Y., a 
 place the most dreadful ; we are confined so that we have not room 
 even to lie down all at once to sleep. It is the most horrible cursed 
 hole that can be thought of. I was sick, and longed for some small 
 beer while I lay unpitied at death's door, with a putrid fever, and 
 though I had money, I was not permitted to send for it. I offered 
 repeatedly a hard dollar for a pint. The wretch who went forward 
 and backward would not oblige me. I am just able to creep about. 
 Four prisoners have escaped from this ship. One having, as by ac- 
 cident, thrown his hat overboard, begged leave to go after it in a 
 small boat, which lay alongside. A sentinel with only his side-arms 
 on, got into the boat. Having reached the hat, they secured the 
 sentinel and made for the Jersey shore, though several armed boats 
 pursued, and shot was fired from the shipping. 
 
 Con. Gaz., May, 25, '80. 
 
 Two young men, brothers, belonging to a rifle corps, were made 
 prisoners, and sent on board the Jersey. Trie elder took the fever, 
 and in a few days became delirious. One night (his end was fast 
 approaching) he became calm and sensible, and lamenting his hard 
 fate, and the absence of his mother, begged for a little water. His 
 brother, with tears entreated the guard to give him some, but in 
 
232 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 vain. The sick youth was soon in his last struggles, when his bro- 
 ther offered the guard a guinea, for an inch of candle, only that he 
 might see him die. Even this was refused. " Now," said he, dry- 
 ing up his tears, " if it please God that I ever regain my liberty, I'll 
 be a most bitter enemy !" He regained his liberty, rejoined the 
 army, and when the war ended, he had 8 large, and 127 small 
 notches on his rifle stock ! — Capt. Talbot was removed to the 
 Provost or Jail, where he was locked up in a small room with 30 
 prisoners. The dog in office, Cunningham, when Capt. T. and his 
 fellow prisoners entered the prison, and gave in their names, abused 
 and insulted them with the most indecent language. " Yes, I knew 
 
 your family well ; your mother or sister has been my w e many 
 
 a good time." To another, " Was not your brother in the rebel 
 
 army ? Aye, I thought as much. The d d Yankee was hung 
 
 as a spy a few days since." The prisoners on board the Strombolo, 
 in the N. River, having been irritated by ill treatment to rise one 
 night on their guard, several in attempting to escape, were either 
 killed or wounded. A poor fellow lying on deck almost exhausted 
 by a mortal wound, begged of the Captain " for God's sake a little 
 water, for he was dying." The Capt. applied a light to his face, 
 
 and exclaimed, " What ! is it you, d n you ! take that, you d d 
 
 rebel rascal !" and dashed his foot in the face of the dying man. 
 
 Life of Silas Talbot, 127. 
 N. J. Gaz., June 4, '80. 35 Americans, including five officers, 
 made their escape from the prison-ship at N. Y., and got safely off. 
 
 Gaine, July 1, '80. For sale, the remains of the Hospital prison- 
 ship, Kitty, as they now lie at the Wallebocht, with launch, anchors 
 and cables. 
 
 N. Haven, July 20, '80. Only three marine prisoners, 'tis said, 
 in N. Y. 
 
 N. J. Gaz., Aug. 23, '80. Capt. Grinnel, who made his escape 
 from the Scorpion prison-ship, at N. Y., on the evening of the 15th, 
 says : More lenity is shown the prisoners. There are 200 in the 
 Strombolo, and 120 in the Scorpion. 
 
 Freneau, sailor and poet, was confined in the Scorpion in the 
 N. River, 1780, with 300 prisoners, and has given a poetical account 
 of his treatment. 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW- YORK. 
 
 233 
 
 Chatham, N. J., Nov. 8, '80. Forty of our officers, and 150 
 privates (prisoners with the enemy) were exchanged at Elizabeth- 
 Town. 
 
 Riv., Dec. 6, '80. For sale, the hulls of his Majesty's sloops 
 Scorpion and Hunter ; and of the Strombolo fire-ship, now lying in 
 N. River, by order of the Naval Storekeeper. [Not sold]. 
 
 Washington's Letters on Treatment of Prisoners. — Sparks. 
 
 Nov. 23, '79. W. says the treatment of prisoners is more within 
 the line of humanity under Clinton. 
 
 Ap. 14, '79. Commissioners for the exchange of prisoners, met at 
 Amboy, but disagreed. They then tried a partial cartel for American 
 officers, prisoners on L. I. 
 
 Jan. 4, '80. Cols. Magaw, Ely, Matthews and Ramsay, (yet pris- 
 oners at N. Y.) came out on parole with new propositions of exchange. 
 
 July 10, '80. W. says, exchanges of prisoners, though urged by hu- 
 manity, is not politic. It would give force to the British, and add but 
 little to our own. Few of the American prisoners belong to the army, 
 and the enlistment of those who do, is nearly expired. 
 
 Before Nov. 7, '80, 140 officers and all American prisoners, in N. Y. 
 (476) are exchanged. 
 
 Jan. 25, '81. W. writes to Arbuthnot, that the American naval 
 prisoners in N. Y., suffer all extremities of distress, from too crowded, 
 disagreeable and unwholesome situation in prison-ships, and want of 
 food and other necessaries. He wants a permit for an American officer 
 to visit them. 
 
 Ap. 21, '81. Arbuthnot replies, he has ordered a scrutiny into the 
 conduct of all concerned in victualling and treatment of prisoners, and 
 assures Washington their testimony is true. 
 
 Aug. 21. '81. W. complains to the British Commanding officer, at 
 N. Y., of the inadequacy of room in prison-ships, there is room on 
 shore, wishes an agent may be allowed to visit prison-ships, and report. 
 
 Aug. 30, '81. Capt. Affleck replies that he feels for the distress of 
 prisoners, and has endeavored to regulate the Hospital and prison-ships. 
 Tables of Diet are affixed ; officers visit weekly, redress and report 
 grievances ; their numbers are thinned, when shipping can be provided, 
 an American officer may witness the treatment of prisoners, but they 
 can't be confined on shore. 
 
 Dec. 27, '81, and Mar. '82. W. says, for above two years past no 
 complaints have been made of treatment of land prisoners in N. Y. 
 
234 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 The suffering of seamen for some time past arises mostly from the want 
 of a general regulation, that no American privateers should set their 
 prisoners free ; whereas now the British prisoners enter the American 
 service, or are allowed to escape, so that the balance of prisoners is 
 against the Americans. 
 
 Feb. 18, '82. W. declines Sproat's proposition to exchange British 
 soldiers for American seamen, as it will give the British considerable 
 reinforcement, and be a constant draft hereafter on prisoners of war in 
 our hands. Few or none of the naval prisoners in N. Y. belong to the 
 Continental service. Captains of all vessels, public and private, should 
 throw their prisoners into common stock under the direction of a Com- 
 missary General of prisoners ; as it is now, the greater part is dispersed, 
 and there are few to exchange for British prisoners. 
 
 Geo. Batterman, who had been prisoner on board the prison-ship at 
 N. Y., deposes that he had 8 oz. of condemned bread per day, and 8 oz. of 
 meat. He was afterwards put on board the Jersey, where were (as was 
 supposed) 1,100 prisoners ; recruiting officers came on board, and find- 
 ing American officers persuaded the men not to enlist, removed them 
 (as he was told) to the Provost. The prisoners were tempted to enlist 
 to free themselves from confinement, hopeless of exchange. Dec, 5, 
 prisoners had a pint of water for the day, and sick not sent to the 
 hospital ship, till they were so weak and ill, that they often expired be- 
 fore they got out of the Jersey. The commanding officer said his or- 
 ders were, if the ship took fire we should be all turned below and perish 
 in the flames. By accident the ship took fire in the steward's room, 
 when the Hessian guards were ordered to drive the prisoners below, and 
 fire among them if they resisted or got in the water. 
 
 Riv., Dec. 19, '80. 
 
 Riv., Feb. 7, '81. Sproat writes to Skinner, that very many prisoners 
 on board the Jersey are sick and dying, but their disorders proceed only 
 from dirt, nastiness, and want of clothing. On the first complaint made 
 about provisions, I went on board the prison-ship, wrote down in large - 
 hand on a folio sheet, the quantity of each kind of provisions allowed to 
 prisoners, and caused it to be posted up in the most public place in the ves- 
 sel, that each prisoner might get his full quantity: and I ordered when a 
 cask of provisions was damaged, it should be headed up and not served 
 out. When I was appointed Commissary, Oct. 13, '79, I examined 
 into the state of the prisoners and prison-ships and reported to Ad. Arbuth- 
 not, who ordered me to make every necessary regulation for the accom- 
 modation of the prisoners. Accordingly carpenters ran a bulkhead 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 235 
 
 across the prison-ship Good Hope ; the officers berthed abaft and the men 
 before this partition. Two excellent large stoves were erected, one for 
 the officers, another for the men. The hospital ship was equipped in 
 the same manner, and every sick or wounded person had a cradle, bed- 
 ding, surgeons. In this comfortable situation did the prisoners remain till 
 March 5, '80, when they wilfully burnt the best prison-ship in the world. 
 The perpetrators were not hanged, but ordered to the Provost, (see p. 231). 
 The ship lay in the Wallebocht, near a number of transports, whose 
 people were so alert in snatching the prisoners from the flames, that but 
 two out of some hundreds were missing. They were put in the nearest 
 ship the Woodlands, where they remained a short time till the ships Strom- 
 bolo and Scorpion were got ready. The officers were always admitted 
 to parole in that pleasant village, Jamaica, till July 10, '80, when many 
 of them had broke their paroles and otherwise behaved so ill, that it was 
 refused them. This alteration had not taken place above two months when 
 the prisoners were ail moved to the ship Jersey, where there is a variety 
 of apartments for officers, and plenty of room between decks for men. I 
 have offered to exchange prisoners man for man, but if Congress retaliate, 
 it will only hurry on the miseries of the American prisoners faster than 
 Congress are aware of, and in a short time put the honor of every man 
 to the test who is out on parole. Eiv., Jan. 29, '81. 
 
 Peter Robinson, acting purser of His Majesty's prison-ship, the 
 Jersey, maketh oath, that he has acted as purser, during the time she 
 has been employed as a prison-ship, and that the allowance to each pris- 
 oner for one week is 66 oz. of bread, 43 oz. of beef, 92 oz. pork, 1 % pint 
 of peas, 2 pints of oatmeal, and 8 oz. butter, which quantity of provi- 
 sions hath been and still is served out to each prisoner (by daily allow- 
 ances; every week, without any deduction, for eighths or otherwise, and 
 that such provisions have always been the same in goodness and quality, 
 as were supplied to the crews of His Majesty's said hospital ship, and 
 the other King's ships on the American station. Gaine, Feb. 12, '81. 
 
 Jeremiah Downer maketh oath, that he commanded His Maje«:y's 
 prison-ship the Strombolo, in the harbor of N. Y., from Aug. 21, to Dec. 
 10, 1780, (provisions as above,) and that the number of prisoners con- 
 fined on board, was never less than 150 at one time, and frequently 
 above 200: and only one died in that time. Gaine, Feb. 12, '81. 
 
 The Jersey was a large and roomy vessel, once had carried 64 
 guns, but now was stripped and reduced to a naked hulk. All her 
 ports were close shut, which prevented any current of air between 
 
236 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 decks, where the prisoners were all shut down from sunset to sunrise, 
 and during these melancholy hours all intercource with the upper 
 deck was prohibited. The guards were forbid on pain of severe pun- 
 ishment, to relieve the wants of any distressed prisoner. She was 
 anchored in a solitary nook, called the Wallebocht, where at low 
 water her rotten remains are still to be seen, 1803. At the time 1 
 was on board, there were about 1,100 prisoners, no berths to lie in, or 
 benches to sit on ; many almost without clothes. Dysentery, fever, 
 pleurisy, and despair prevailed. The scantiness and bad quality of 
 provisions, the brutality of the guards, and the sick pining for com- 
 forts they could not obtain, altogether furnished the greatest scene 
 of human distress ever beheld. The weather was cool and dry, the 
 nights frosty, so that the number of deaths were reduced to an 
 average of 10 per day, which was small compared with the mortality 
 for three months before. The human bones and skulls yet bleach- 
 ing on the shore of L. L, and daily exposed by the falling down of 
 the high bank, on which the prisoners were buried, is a shock- 
 ing sight. Talbot, p. 106. 
 
 I was one of the 850 souls confined in the Jersey, in the summer 
 of '81, and witnessed several daring attempts to escape. They 
 generally ended tragically. They were always undertaken in the 
 night, after wrenching or filing the bars of the port-holes. Having 
 been on board several weeks, and goaded to death in various ways, 
 four of us concluded to run the hazard. We set to work and got 
 the bars off, and waited impatiently for a dark night ; we lay in front 
 of Mr. Remsen's door, inside of the pier- head, and not more than 
 twenty yards distant. There were two guard sloops, one on our 
 bow and the other off our quarter, a short distance from us. " The 
 dark night" came — the first two were lowered quietly into the water 
 — the third made some rumbling. I was the fourth that descended, 
 but had not struck off from the vessel before the guards were 
 alarmed, and fired upon us. The alarm became general, and I was 
 immediately hauled on board. They manned their boats, and with 
 their lights and implements of death, were quick in pursuit of the un- 
 fortunates, cursing and swearing, and bellowing and firing. It was 
 awful to witness this scene of blood. It lasted about one hour — all 
 on board trembling for our shipmates. These desperadoes returned 
 
 to their different vessels rejoicing that they killed three d d 
 
 rebels. 
 
AND PRISONS-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 237 
 
 About three years after this, I saw a gentleman in John street, 
 near Nassau, who accosted me thus : — " Manley, how do you do ?" 
 I could not recollect him. <: Is it possible you do not know me ? re- 
 collect the old Jersey," and he opened his vest and bared his breast. 
 I immediately said to him, " You are James McClean." " I am," 
 he replied. We both stepped into Marrener's public house, at the 
 corner, and he related his marvellous escape to me. 
 
 " They pursued me — I frequently dived to evade them, and when 
 I came up, they fired on me. I caught my breath, and immediately 
 dove again, and held my breath, till I crawled along on the mud. 
 They no doubt thought they had killed me. I, however, with much 
 exertion, though weak and wounded, made out to reach the shore, 
 and got into a barn, not far from the ship, a little north from Mr. 
 Remsen's house. The farmer, the next morning, came into his 
 barn — saw me lying on the floor, and ran out in a fright. I begged 
 him to come to me, and he did. I gave an account of myself — where 
 I was from — how I was pursued, with several others. He saw my 
 wounds ; took pity on me ; sent for his wife, and bound up my 
 wounds, and kept me in the barn till nightfall — took me into his 
 house — nursed me secretly, and then furnished me with clothing, 
 &c. ; and when I was restored, he took me with him, into his market 
 boat, to this city, and went with me to the west part of the city — 
 procured me a passage over to Bergen, and I landed somewhere in 
 Communipaw. Some friends helped me across Newark Bay, and 
 then I worked my way, until I reached Baltimore, to the great joy 
 of all my friends." 
 
 JNO. MANLEY. 
 
 New- York, September 1st, 1845. 
 
 Wm. Burke says (N. Y., May, 1808) that he was a prisoner in 
 the Jersey 14 months ; has known many American prisoners put to 
 death by the bayonet. It was the custom for but one prisoner at a 
 time to go on deck. One night while many prisoners were assem- 
 bled at the grate at the hatchway to obtain fresh air, and waiting 
 their turn to go on deck, a sentinel thrust his bayonet down among 
 them, and 25 next morning were found to be dead. This was the 
 case several mornings, when sometimes 5, sometimes 6, and some- 
 times 8 or 10, were found dead by wounds thus received. 
 
 Hist, of the Martyrs, p. 89. 
 
 11* 
 
238 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 N. London, Jan. 30, '81. Thirty American prisoners came in 
 a flag from N. Y. They left 170 in the prison-ship sick, and 200 in 
 another ship ; 7 or 8 died every 24 hours. 
 
 The Scorpion, Hunter, Strombolo, and Jersey, were all prison- 
 ships at the same time within 7 months. Feb. 4, '81. An old 64 
 gun ship is used for the reception of prisoners ; 2 or 3 of each rank 
 allowed to go ashore to buy provisions. The Strombolo, from Ang. 
 21 to Dec. 10, '82, had never less than 150 prisoners on board ; oft- 
 ener over 200. Gaine, Feb. 12, '81. 
 
 Capt. Cahoon, with 4 others, escaped from the prison-ship to L. 
 1. in a boat, March 8, notwithstanding they were fired on from the 
 prison and hospital ships, and pursued by guard-boats from three in 
 the afternoon till seven in the evening. He left 200 prisoners in 
 N. Y. Conn. Jour., Mar. 22, '81. 
 
 Chatham, May 9, '81. Our prisoners are allowed only 6 oz. 
 flour and same quantity of pork (often very bad) per day. They took 
 250 prisoners out of prison-ship and put them on board a man-of- 
 war. 
 
 1100 French and American prisoners died last winter. 
 
 Conn, paper, May, '81. 
 
 Extract of a letter dated on board the Jersey (vulgarly called 
 HELL) PRISON SHIP, New-York, Aug. 10, 1781. 
 
 " There is nothing but death or entering into the British service 
 before me. Our ship's company is reduced to the small number (by 
 death and entering into the British service) of 19. There is a par- 
 tial cartel arrived and brought 11 prisoners, and the names of so 
 many [American prisoners to be exchanged] as makes up that num- 
 ber, sent from Boston by somebody ; and d — n the villain that trades 
 that way, though there is many such in Boston, that are making 
 widows and fatherless children ; a curse on them all. The Commis- 
 sary told us one and all, to th? number of 400 men, that the whole 
 fault lays on Boston, and we might all be exchanged, but they never 
 cared about us. I am not able to give you even the outlines of my 
 exile ; but. thus much I will inform you, that we bury 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 
 and 1 1 men every day : we have 200 more sick and falling sick 
 every day ; the sickness is the yellow fever, small-pox, and in short 
 every thing else that can be mentioned. I had almost forgotten to tell 
 you that our morning's salutation is, 'Rebels! turn out your dead!' " 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW- YORK. 
 
 239 
 
 Chatham, N. J., Sep. 5, '81. There has been an entire exchange 
 of all our prisoners. They received 1 lb. flesh, 2 lbs. bread, (often 
 very bad,) and a pint of rice per man, for 3 days. The prison- 
 ers taken at Ft. Griswold were confined in the Sugar House. See 
 Barber's Conn., p. 287, 309. — Sep. 11, '81. All our prisoners here 
 left the Sugar House. Couranl. 
 
 Fishkill, Nov. 1, '81. A number of officers returned on Mon- 
 day from a tedious captivity on L. I., by way of N. Jersey. 
 
 N. London, Nov. 17, '81. A flag of truce returned here from 
 N. Y. with 132 prisoners, with the rest of those carried ofTby Ar- 
 nold. They are chiefly from the prison ships, and some from the 
 Sugar House, and are mostly sick. (Names of sick and dead fol- 
 low.) 
 
 Dec. 14, '81. A Flag from White Stone, waited 10 days, and re- 
 turned without answer or prisoners. Conn, paper. 
 
 i Alex. Coffin, jr., was put in the Jersey in '82, where he found 
 1100 prisoners in a most deplorable situation. Every spark of hu- 
 manity had fled the breast of British officers. " You d — d rebellious 
 Yankee rascals," was common language. In winter many prison- 
 ers had scarcely clothes to cover their nakedness. To keep warm 
 they stayed below, lay in their hammocks and kept in constant mo- 
 tion — fed with putrid beef and pork and w r orm-eaten bread ; the scent 
 of the water would have discomposed the olfactory nerves of a Hotten- 
 tot. Hogs were fed on deck, and the prisoners would scoop bran from 
 the troughs with their tin pots. A second time he went in the Jersey, 
 Feb. and March, '83, and though absent but a few months, he found 
 more prisoners than he had left — but four of his former fellow-pri- 
 soners ; some had got away, but most had died. There were so 
 many prisoners in the Jersey, that 2 or 300 were sent aboard the 
 John, Transport, converted into a prison-ship. Treatment here 
 much worse ; for a month no fire to cook food ; thinks prisoners were 
 poisoned. One Gavot of R. I. died, (as was supposed,) and being 
 sewed up in his hammock, was carried on deck — the hammock 
 moved. A seaman said that man is not dead, the officer replied, " in 
 with him ; if he is not dead, he soon will be." The hammock was, 
 however, ripped open, and the man alive! revived perhaps by a dash 
 of rain during the night. Hist, of Martyrs, p. 28, 37. 
 
240 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 N. London, Jan. 4, '82. 130 prisoners landed here from N. Y., 
 Dec. 3d, in most deplorable condition ; great part since dead, and" the 
 survivors so debilitated, that they will drag out a miserable exist- 
 ence. It is enough to melt the most obdurate heart to see these 
 miserable objects landed at our wharves, sick and dying, and the few 
 rags they have on, covered with vermin and their own excrements. 
 
 Philadelphia, Feb. 20, '82. Many of our unfortunate prisoners 
 on board the prison-ships in the East River, have perished during 
 the late extreme weather, for want of fuel and other necessaries. 
 
 N. London, May 3, '82. 1000 of our countrymen remain in 
 prison-ships at N. Y., a great part in close confinement for 6 months 
 past, and in a most deplorable condition. 500 have died during the 
 past five or six months, 300 sick ; many seeing no prospect of re- 
 lease, are entering the British service to elude the contagion with 
 which the prison-ships are fraught. 
 
 The sloop Chance was taken to N. Y., May 15, '82. Of 57 
 men, 17 died in 7 weeks ; 8 in the hospital ; 25 arrived sick at Pro- 
 vidence — only 3 or 4 could walk. Fishkill, Nov. 2, '80. 
 
 New- York, June 1, '82. 
 
 To Abm. Skinner : — 
 
 Sir — His Excellency Rear Admiral Digby, has ordered me to in- 
 form you that the very great increase of prisoners, and heat of the wea- 
 ther, now baffles all our care and attention to keep them healthy. Five 
 ships have been taken up for their reception, to prevent their being 
 crowded, and a great number permitted to go on parole. In winter and 
 during cold weather, they lived comfortably, being fully supplied with 
 warm clothing, blankets, &c, purchased with the money I collected 
 from the charitable of the city ; but now the weather requires a fresh 
 supply, something light and suitable for the season, for which you will 
 be pleased to make the necessary provision, as it is impossible for them 
 to be healthy in the rags they now wear, without a single shift of cloth- 
 ing to keep them clean. DAVID SPROAT. 
 
 To David Sproat. 
 
 NeicYorlc, June 9, 1782. 
 Sir : — From the present situation of the American naval prison- 
 ers on board your prison-ships, I am induced to propose to you the 
 exchange of as many of them as I can give you British naval prisoners 
 f or, leaving the balance already due you to be paid when in our 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 241 
 
 power. (Upwards of 1300 naval prisoners have been sent more 
 than we have received.) We are unable, at present, to give you 
 seamen for seamen, and thereby relieve the prison-ships of their 
 dreadful burden ; but it ought to be remembered, that there is a large 
 balance [Sproat says only 245. — Ed.] of British soldiers due the 
 U. S. since February last, and we may be disposed to place the 
 British soldiers in our possession, in as disagreeable a situation as 
 these men are. on board the prison-ships. 
 
 ABM. SKINNER. 
 [Sproat replies, June 9, and refuses a partial exchange. — Ed.] 
 
 Skinner to Sproat, respecting published Letters. 
 
 Camp Highlands, Ju. 24, '82. 
 Sir : * * The design of the British is, by misrepresenting 
 the state of facts with regard to exchanges, to excite jealousy in the 
 minds of our unfortunate seamen, that they are neglected by their 
 countrymen, that all the miseries they are now suffering, arise from 
 want of inclination in Gen. W. to exchange them when he has the 
 power ; in hopes by this insinuation and by the severity you make 
 «use of in confining them in the contaminated holds of prison- 
 ships, to compel them (to avoid the dreadful alternative of almost 
 inevitable death) to enter into the service of the King of Great 
 Britain. I was present when Capt. Aborn and Dr. Bowen waited 
 on Gen. Washington. He told them that exchanging seamen for 
 soldiers, was contrary to the original agreement, which specified 
 that officers should be exchanged for officers, soldiers for sol- 
 diers, citizens for citizens, and seamen for seamen ; as it was con- 
 trary to the practice of other nations, and would be contrary to the 
 soundest policy, by giving the enemy a great and permanent strength, 
 for which we could receive no compensation, or at best, but a partial 
 and temporary one, he did not think it would be admissible ; but as 
 the misery and mortality which prevailed among the naval prisoners 
 was produced almost entirely by the mode of confinement, being 
 closely crowded in infectious ships, (which had not been cleaned for 
 many years,) he would write to Ad. Digby, in whose power it was 
 to remedy the evil, by confining them on shore, or having a sufficient 
 number of ships provided ; for it was as preposterously cruel, he said, 
 to confine 800 men in one ship, at this sultry season, as it would be 
 to shut up the whole army of Lord Cornwallis to perish in the new 
 
242 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 jail of Philadelphia ; we had the means of retaliation in our hands, 
 which he should not hesitate to use, by confining the land prisoners 
 with as much severity as our seamen were held. His Ex. (W.) 
 suffered me to go to N. Y., (see my letter, June 9th,) to examine 
 into the ground of the suffering of the prisoners and devise some way 
 for their liberation or relief. A balance of 495 land prisoners has 
 been due us since Feb. '82, besides which, I believe 400 had been 
 sent in, (not 250, as you falsely state in a note to my letter.) Not- 
 withstanding this balance, I was then about sending in your lines, a 
 number of land prisoners, as an equivalent for ours confined in the 
 Sugar-house, without which I could not make interest to have them 
 liberated. I was refused permission to visit the prison-ships, for 
 which I can conceive no other reason than your being ashamed to 
 have these graves of our seamen seen by one who dared to repre- 
 sent the horrors of them to his countrymen. 
 
 Gaine, July 8, '82. 
 
 Sprout to Skinner, N. Y., June 30, '82. 
 When the Commissioners met at Elizabethtown, April 1st, Admiral 
 Digby offered to exchange American seumen for British soldiers, man 
 for man, because you had not a sufficient number of British seamen to 
 give in exchange for your own, and because he foresaw the impossibility 
 of keeping them healthy when the hot season came on ; but this gener- 
 ous proposul was rejected by Washington's Commissioners. Call to 
 mind the British sailors and soldiers cooped up in the jail at Philadel- 
 phia, as much crowded as the prison-ships are, fed on a scanty allow- 
 ance of dry, stinking clams, and bread and water only, to compel them 
 to enter on board your privateers. 
 
 Six masters of vessels, captured by British cruisers, were paroled, 
 and requested to visit the prison-ships in company with Sproat and the 
 Surgeon, who report : That they found the prisoners as comfortable as is 
 possible for them to be on board of ships, this season of the year, (June 
 22, '82), and much more so than they had any idea of ; and found all 
 the provisions good : which survey being made before the prisoners, 
 they acknowledged the same, and declared they had no complaint to 
 make, but the want of clothes and a speedy exchange : We therefore, 
 from this Report, and from what we have all seen and know, do declare 
 that great commendation is due His Ex. Rear Ad. Digby for his humane 
 disposition and indulgence to the prisoners ; and to the officers and Capt. 
 of His Majesty's prison-ship Jersey, for their attention in preserving 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 243 
 
 good order, having the ship kept clean and awnings spread over the whole 
 of her, fore and aft ; to Dr. Rutherford and his mates, for their constant 
 care and attendance on the sick, whom we found in wholesome clean 
 ships, also covered with awnings fore and aft, every man furnished with 
 a cradle, bed, and sheets, to lay in ; the best of fresh provisions, vegeta- 
 bles, wine rice, barley, &c, served out to them ; and we further declare, 
 that Mr. Sproat and the gentlemen acting under him, conscientiously 
 do their duty with great humanity and indulgence : which testimony 
 we freely give without constraint. Gaine,July 1,'82. 
 
 [This Report, doubtless drawn up by Sproat, was signed merely to 
 gratify the British authorities and with a view of obtaining liberty, for 
 when once out of the reach of the enemy, the captains told a different 
 story. — Ed.] 
 
 Washington to Ad. Digby. 
 
 Head-Quarters, Ju. 5, '82. 
 
 Sir : — By a parole granted to two gentlemen, Messrs. Aborn 
 and Bowen, I perceive your excellency has granted them permission 
 to come to me with a representation of the sufferings of the naval 
 prisoners at N. Y. As I have no agency on naval matters, this ap- 
 plication is made to me on mistaken grounds. But curiosity leading 
 me to inquire into the nature and cause of their sufferings, I am in- 
 formed that the principal complaint is, that of their being crowded, 
 especially at this season, in great numbers, on board of foul and in- 
 fectious prison-ships, where disease and death are almost inevitable. 
 This circumstance, I am persuaded needs only to be mentioned to 
 your excellency, to obtain that redress which is in your power only 
 to afford, and which humanity so strongly prompts. If the fortune 
 of war, sir, has thrown a number of these miserable people into 
 your hands, I am certain your excellency's feelings for your fellow 
 men, must induce you to proportion the ships (if they must be con- 
 fined on board ships) to their accommodation and comfort, and not 
 by crowding them together in a few ships, bring on disorders which 
 consign them by half-dozens in a day to the grave. The soldiers of 
 his Britannic Majesty, prisoners with us, were they to be equally 
 crowded together in close and confined prisons, at this season, would 
 be exposed to equal loss and misery. 
 
 Digby replies, (IV. Y., Ju. 8,) that if Washington's feelings are like 
 his, he will not hesitate one moment relieving both the British and 
 Americans suffering under confinement. Gaine, July 8, '82. 
 
244 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 A T . London, June 21, '82. Sir Guy Carlton has visited all the 
 prison-ships at N. Y., minutely examined into the situation of the 
 prisoners, and expressed his intention of having them better provided 
 for. They were to be landed on BlackwelPs Island in the daytime, 
 during the hot season. 
 
 A Cartel returned to Stonington with 40 naval prisoners from N. 
 Y. Many are sick with the prison fever and small-pox. 
 
 N. London, July 26, '82. 
 
 Aug. 15, '82. We are now prisoners with the British, some in 
 the New Jail or Provost, some in the Jersey ship, some in the Fal- 
 mouth, others in the brig Lord Dunluce, and others on BlackwelPs 
 Island. Though Mr. Sproat furnishes us with the King's allow- 
 ance of choice beef, pork and bread, yet we suffer for many things 
 [not in the province of the Commissary] such as money and clothing, 
 but most of all, our dear liberty. Let us urge our friends to think 
 seriously of our situation and get us exchanged. We are well 
 supplied with medicines and good doctors, yet so many of us are to- 
 gether this season, we are sickly, and many die. We must first look 
 to our parents, and connections, then to our employers, Captains and 
 friends, urging their doing every thing to get our releasement — do 
 not mind the expense. — (100 signers.) Conn. Gat. 
 
 Letter from a Privateer Officer on board the Jersey. 
 
 Nov. 9, '82. The deplorable condition I am in, cannot be ex- 
 pressed. The Capts., Lts. and sailing-masters are gone to the Pro- 
 vost, but they have only got out of the frying pan into the fire. I 
 am left here with about 700 miserable objects, eaten up with lice, 
 and daily taking fevers which carry them off fast. 
 
 Jan. 29, '83. Carlton, in his great clemency, has paroled near 
 100 marine prisoners, 60 of whom came to Elizabethtown. 
 
 Boston, March, 17, '83. By cartel from N. Y. we learn the ene- 
 my have burnt their prison-ship and set the prisoners on shore. 
 
 Soldiers' cribs, boards, &c, for sale at the Brick Meeting, and 
 Friend's Meeting, Q,ueen-St. Gaine, Nov. 12, '83. 
 
 Riv., Aug. 16, '83. For sale, the Hulls of the "Perseverance 
 and Bristol Packet," Prison Hospital Ships, as they now lie at the 
 Wallebocht. 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 245 
 
 Fishkill, May 8, '83- To all Printers of public Newspapers. 
 
 Tell it to the world, and let it be published in every Newspaper 
 throughout America, Europe, Asia and Africa, to the everlasting dis- 
 grace and infamy of the British King's commanders at New-York : 
 That during the late war, it is said, 11.644 American prisoners have 
 suffered death by their inhuman, cruel, savage and barbarous usage 
 on board the filthy and malignant British prison-ship, called the Jer- 
 sey, lying at N. Y. Britons tremble, lest the vengeance of Heaven 
 fall on your isle, for the blood of these unfortunate victims ! 
 
 AN AMERICAN. 
 
 [The above paragraph is the original source of all the reports of 
 the vast numbers who perished in the prison ships. What number 
 died, cannot be even guessed at ; all is rumor and conjecture, wheth- 
 er it was 11,500, or half that number. — Ed.] 
 
 David Sproat, Esq., formerly merchant at Philadelphia, and ap- 
 pointed Oct. '79, Commissary of naval prisoners, died Oct. 1, 1799, 
 at his house in Kirkcudbright, Scotland, aged 64. 
 
 Joshua Loring, formerly Com. Gen. of prisoners in North Amer- 
 ica, died at Englefield, 1789, aged 45. 
 
 The Life, Confession, and last dying Words of Capt. Cunningham, 
 formerly British Provost-Marshal in the City of New-York, icho 
 was executed in London, the \0th August, 1791. 
 I, William Cunningham, was born in Dublin Barracks, in the 
 year 1738. My father was Trumpeter in the Blue Dragoons; and 
 at the age of eight years I was placed with an officer as his servant, 
 in which station I continued until I was sixteen, and being a great 
 proficient in horsemanship, was taken as an assistant to the riding 
 master of the troop, and in 1761, was made sergeant of dragoons ; 
 but the peace* coming the year following, I was disbanded. Being 
 bred to no profession, I took up with a woman who kept a gin shop, 
 in a blind alley, near the Cole Quay, but the house being searched 
 for stolen goods, and my doxy taken to Newgate, I thought it pru- 
 dent to decamp ; accordingly I set off for the North, and arrived at 
 Drogheda, where, in a few months after, I married the daughter of 
 an exciseman, by whom I had three sons. About the year 1772, we 
 removed to Newry, where I commenced the profession of scaw- 
 
246 
 
 INCICENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 banker, which is that of enticing mechanics and country people to 
 ship themselves for America, on promise of great advantage, and then 
 artfully getting an indenture upon them, in consequence of which on 
 their arrival in America, they were sold, or obliged to serve a term 
 of years for their passage. I embarked at Newry, in the ship Need- 
 ham, for New-York, and arrived at that port the 4th day of August, 
 1774,f with some indented servants I had kidnapped in Ireland; but 
 they were liberated in New-York, on account of the bad usage they 
 had received from me during the passage. In that city I used the 
 profession of breaking horses and teaching ladies and gentlemen to 
 ride ; but, rendering myself obnoxious^ to the citizens in their infant 
 struggle for freedom, I was obliged to fly on board the Asia man-of- 
 war, and from thence to Boston, where my own opposition to the 
 measures pursued by the Americans in support of their rights, was 
 the first thing that recommended me to the notice of Gen. Gage ; 
 and when the war commenced, I was appointed Provost-Marshal § to 
 the Royal army, which placed me in a situation to wreak my ven- 
 geance on the Americans. J shudder to think of the murders I have 
 been accessory to, both with and without orders from Government, es- 
 pecially while in New- York, during which time there were more than 
 2000 prisoners starved in the different churches, by stopping their ra- 
 tions, which I sold. \\ There were also 215 American prisoners and 
 obnoxious persons executed, out of all which number there icere only 
 about one dozen public executions, which chiefly consisted of British 
 and Hessian deserters. The mode for private executions was thus 
 conducted : a guard ivas dispatched from the Provost, about half past 
 twelve at night, to the Barrack street, and the neighborhood of the upper 
 barracks, to order the people to shut their window shutters, and put out 
 their lights, forbidding them at the same time to presume to look out of 
 their ivindows and doors on pain of death,^ after which the unfortu- 
 nate prisoners were conducted, gagged, just behind the upper barracks, 
 and hung without ceremony, and there buried by the black pioneer of 
 the Provost. At the end of the war, I returned to England with the 
 army, and settled in Wales, as being a cheaper place of living than 
 in any of the populous cities ; but being at length persuaded to go to 
 London, I entered so warmly into the dissipations of that capital, that I 
 soon found my circumstances much embarrassed, to relieve which I 
 mortgaged my half pay to an army agent ; but that being soon ex- 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 247 
 
 pended, I forged a draft for £300 sterling, on the Board of Ordnance, 
 but being detected in presenting it for acceptance, I was apprehended, 
 tried and "convicted, and for that offence am here to suffer an igno- 
 minious death. I beg the prayers of all good Christians, and also 
 pardon and forgiveness of God for the many horrid murders I have 
 been accessory to. 
 
 Wm. Cunningham. 
 
 [* The war against Spain began 1762, and ended the same or next 
 year. 
 
 t Iiiv., Aug. 4, '74. Yesterday arrived the Needham, Capt. Chee- 
 vers, with 300 passengers, from Newry. The times of servants of both 
 sexes to be disposed of [to pay for their passage.] 
 
 t Riv., March 9, '75. Cunningham and John Hill went among the 
 *' Liberty boys," who seized and dragged him to the Liberty-pole, and 
 would have forced him to go down on his knees and d — n his popish 
 King George, had he not been rescued by the police. He had ample 
 opportunity of avenging this affront after he was appointed Provost 
 Marshal. 
 
 § Wm. Jones was Gage's Provost Marshal- till 1775, when his name 
 no longer appears. 
 
 || Common fame charges Cunningham with selling, and even poison- 
 ing prisoners' food, exchanging good for bad provisions, and drawing 
 their rations after death, or as they worded it : " He fed the dead and 
 starved the living." It was not till the spring of 1783, that a monthly 
 list of prisoners was printed in Rivington's Gazette. 
 
 IT In Watson's Annals of New- York, it is stated that Cunningham 
 hung five or six of a night, and that the women of the neighborhood, 
 pained by the prisoners' cries for mercy, petitioned Howe to have this 
 practice discontinued. 
 
 All the dates, historical and local allusions, in this confession, as far 
 as I know, are correct ; which would almost incline any one to put faith 
 in the startling disclosures it makes of the secret murdering of American 
 prisoners. The question of its genuineness can be put at rest only by 
 referring to the London newspapers or the records of Newgate. It was 
 printed in a Philadelphia paper towards the close of 1791, (about the 
 time it would probably reach there from England,) and is spoken of as 
 just received from London, and " is authentic." Thence it was- copied 
 into the Boston papers, but does not appear to have attracted much at- 
 tention. — Ed.] 
 
248 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS 
 
 Ritter, a Quaker preacher, says Cunningham, when visiting the 
 prisons, carried his large key, and knocked any one on the head he 
 was offended with. Ritter was often beat and bruised severely with 
 the butt-end of his whip. Cunningham acted with peculiar bursts of 
 passion when he had heard bad news. 
 
 There appears to have been no systematic plan of the citizens of 
 N. Y\, for relieving the prisoners. We have scattering notices of a 
 few charitable individuals, such as the following : Mrs. Deborah 
 Franklin was banished from N. Y., Nov. 21, '80, by the British com- 
 mandant, for her unbounded liberality to American prisoners ; Mrs. 
 Ann Mott was associated with Mrs. Todd and Mrs. Whilten in re- 
 lieving the suffering of American prisoners in N. Y., during the revo- 
 lution ; John Fillis died at Halifax, 1792, aged 68. He was kind to 
 American prisoners in N. Y. ; Jacob Watson, Penelope Hull, &c, 
 are also mentioned. 
 
 The burials from the prison-ships, were thus conducted : A 
 small hole was dug at the foot of the hill, the bodies cast in, and 
 covered by shovelling sand down the hill upon them. Many were 
 buried in a ravine of the hill ; some on the farm. The whole shore 
 from Rennie's Point to Mr. Remsen's dooryard was a place of graves, 
 as was the slope of the hill near the house, (dug down by Mr. Jack- 
 son, when he got the bones for the procession) and the shore from 
 Mr. R.'s barn along the Mill-pond, to Rapalje's farm, and the sandy 
 island between the flood-gates and the mill-dam, while a few were 
 buried on the east shore of the Wallebocht. More than half the 
 dead buried outside the Mill-pond (see map) were washed out by 
 the waves at high tide, during N. E. winds. Their bones lay ex- 
 posed along the beach (drying and bleaching in the sun, and whiten- 
 ing the shore) till reached by the violence of a succeeding storm, 
 when as the agitated waters receded, the bones were washed with 
 them into the deep. The prisoners in the Jersey had obtained a 
 crowbar which was kept concealed in the berth of some trusty officer, 
 and used to break off port-gratings in stormy nights. A number 
 who were good swimmers thus escaped. Cap. Doughty, had charge 
 of this bar while a prisoner, and escaped by this means. 
 
 Gen. Johnson. 
 
 The long detention of prisoners on board the prison-ships must 
 in part at least be attributed to the Americans themselves. Our 
 
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK. 
 
 249 
 
 privateers captured many British seamen, and should have retained 
 them to exchange for our countrymen in captivity, but when willing 
 to enlist, as was generally the case, they were received on board our 
 ships : and even those brought in port were suffered to go at large, 
 on account of the expense of maintaining them till they could be ex- 
 changed. 
 
 British account of the mortality of Prisoners. 
 P. Dobbyn, master of a transport, thus writes from N. York, 
 Jan. 15, '77 ; We had 4 or 500 prisoners on board our ships, but 
 they had such bad distempers, that each ship buried 10 or 12 a day. 
 Another writer (Jan. 14, '77,) says, the Churches are full of Ame- 
 rican prisoners, who died so fast, that 25 or 30 are buried at a time, 
 in N. Y. city. Howe gave all who could walk their liberty, after 
 taking their oath, not to take up arms against His Majesty. 
 
 Mid. (London) Journal. 
 
 The prisoners taken in the hot month of August, 1776, had on 
 only the lightest summer clothing, and this was all they had to keep 
 off the chill of a December night ! The dysentery had also prevailed 
 among them, to which now was added the small-pox and other pri- 
 son diseases. 
 
 One Schureman and Lawrence taken at N. Brunswick, once 
 broke out of the Sugar House. They were fed by Philip Kissick, 
 and bribing the keeper for the privilege of the yard, they gave the 
 guard liquor drugged with laudanum. They dug through a wall 
 and escaped — found a fishing-boat in the upper part of the city, 
 paddled over the river, and went to Morristown. 
 
 Eager 's Hist, of Orange Co., p. 155. 
 
 Jos. Hedden, of Newark, an ardent Whig, had eluded the vigil- 
 ance of the refugees for some time, but being afflicted with the gout 
 he returned to his family. He was taken from his bed in the month 
 of January, 1730, and on one of the coldest nights ever known, was 
 forced to walk 10 miles without shoes or stockings (his feet wrapped 
 in flannel on account of his disorder) over the snow and ice, with- 
 out any garment except a bed blanket on his shoulders, to the Sugar 
 House, in N. Y., where he remained till the lamp of life was ex- 
 tinguished. He was not allowed to accept of another blanket of- 
 fered him at the Ferry. 
 
250 
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS. 
 
 For a further account of the discipline, daily routine of prison 
 life, curious adventures, escapes, anecdotes, &c, the reader is re- 
 ferred to Recollections of the Jersey Prison Ship, by Capi. Thos. 
 Bring, Providence, R. L, 1829. — The Old Jersey Captive, by 
 Thos. Andros, Boston, 1833. — Life of Ebenezer Fox, of Roxbury, 
 Boston, 1838. — Narrative of Col. Ethan Allen's Captivity, Burling- 
 ton, Vt., 1846. — The Interment of the remains of 11,500 American 
 prisoners at the Wallebocht, New-York, 1808; and Freneau's Poem 
 on the Prison Ship. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 Forms of orders, cf-c, issued in the Revolution. 
 
 Jamaica, 29, Aug., 1776. 
 Permit Isaac Bennet to pass and repass without molestation. 
 
 WILL. ERSKINE, Brig. Gen. 
 
 Pursuant to His Excellency Sir Wm. Howe's Proclamation of the 
 17th July, 1777 ; Permission is hereby given to Aaron Van Nostrand, 
 to carry to Jamaica across the Ferry one bush. salt. He having com- 
 plied with the directions contained in the above-mentioned Procla- 
 mation. 
 
 New-York, Superintendent's Office, Sep. 29th, 1777. 
 
 JOHN NUGENT, Dep. Superintend. 
 
 To the Officers attending. 
 
 Office of Police, Jamaica, Ap. 18, 1781. 
 The highways in Kings and Queens Cos. requiring immediate re- 
 pairs, the several overseers are directed to set about this work necessary 
 without delay, and by laying fascines and covering them with earth, to 
 render the sloughs passable the ensuing season. 
 
 JAS. CREIGHTON, Clerk. 
 
 Office of Police, \§th Aug., 1781. 
 Aaron Van Nostrandt is directed forthwith to warn the inhabitants 
 of Jamaica, in the district that usually work on the highway leading to 
 Flushing, and set them to work on said highway, and put it into good 
 order. Those who refuse to work after being properly warned, and not 
 making a sufficient excuse, he is to fine 8s. for each day's neglect, 
 agreeably to the former order of this office. 
 
 DAVID COLDEN, Ass. Sup't. 
 
252 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Office of Police, Jamaica, Oct. 16, 1782. 
 Aaron Van Nostrandt, Marshal of this office, is appointed inspector 
 of the weight and quality of bread in this town, with directions to 
 visit the several bake-houses once a week, for the purpose of examining 
 the bread. 
 
 GEO. D. LUDLOW, Sup't. 
 
 South Hempstead, Queens Co. These are to certify that in the year 
 1776, before the troops landed on L. I., a certain Col. Benj. Birdsall 
 
 and Col. Cornell came to Jos. Pettet's, and took away one pair of 
 
 oxen and a five year old steer. 
 
 SAM'L PETTET, Executor. 
 
 Hempstead, Nov. 26, 1776. To Mr. Ashley; Sir: — Please to pay 
 the bearer, Mr. Sam'l Pettet, the money due for my wagon and horses 
 for 38 days in His Majesty's service, and his receipt shall be your dis- 
 charge in full from your humble servant. 
 
 CHRISTIAN SNEDECOR. 
 
 Hempstead, Nov. 20, 1776. Sir: — Be pleased to pay the bearer, 
 Sam'l Pettet, the money due for my wagon and horses for 43 days in 
 His Majesty's service, and his receipt shall be your discharge in full 
 from your friend. 
 
 FLOWER HULST. 
 
 Hempstead, Jan. 4, 1777. Permit the bearer hereof, Mr. Sam'l Pet- 
 tet, jr., to pass without hindrance to N. Y. Island, and from thence to 
 N. Jersey, or until he find his wagon and horses, now in His Majesty's 
 service — said Samuel has always acted as a friend to government. 
 
 S. CLOWES, a Justice of the Peace of Queens Co. 
 
 Feb. 2, 1780. It is Col. Hamilton's positive orders, that I send 
 Benj. Rainer and his son Ezekiel, before him, to answer to the com- 
 plaint laid against them. I do hereby command Sergeant Elijah Spragg 
 to take both of them, and go to Col. Hamilton's with them, and to press 
 their sled and horses to carry himself and them, and desire Col. Hamil- 
 ton to let the Sergeant know who shall pay him for his trouble. 
 By order of the Colonel. 
 
 BENJ. HEWLETT, Capt. Q. Co. Militia. 
 
 To Mr. Sam'l Pettet : It is Col. Hamilton's orders, that the inhabi- 
 tants fetch the provisions for the Segoond []] officers. Several persons 
 are appointed to go. It fell to your brother Michael's turn to go to- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 253 
 
 morrow morning, but as he is unwell, you must take his turn of duty 
 and he shall take yours. You must go to the widow Mott's to take the 
 things to bring it in, and there will be some person to go with you. 
 Saturday morning, April 6, you must go. 
 
 BEN J. HEWLETT, Capl. 
 
 June 8, 1782. Permit the bearer hereof, Silas Pettet, of Hempstead, 
 to pass to N. Y. and return, by order of 
 
 BENJ. HEWLETT, Capt. Q. Co. Militia. 
 
 Extracts from a MS. book of Peter Onderdonk, of Cow Neck, Queens 
 County. 
 
 Sep. 14, '76. My wagon and horses entered the King's service. 
 
 Nov. 21. My son Andrew returned sick from the camp — left my 
 wagon and horses. 
 
 Oct. 26. Jona. Dix pressed a mare from me to go in His Majesty's 
 service. 
 
 April 12, '79. Be it remembered that, April 12, '79, were billeted 
 upon me, 18 Frenchmen, (Canadians ?) in order to cut all the wood be- 
 longing to Wm. Cornell and Richard Sands. 
 
 When Tyranny holds up its head, 
 Then glorious liberty is fled. 
 May 14. The above Frenchmen went away, but returned again 
 in parties for a week afterwards, and then quit, not cutting Richaid 
 Sands's woods. 
 
 Dec. 23, '79. Jos. Thome's order to bring the Hessian guard wood, 
 l^th of a cord, 2 sled-loads. 
 
 July 30, '80. Was cut and carted by order of Robt. Sutton, 12 loads 
 of wood, out of my woods, without asking me liberty. 
 
 Sep. 24, '81. Hope Mills, Dr. to two loads of hay and one pair 
 wagon-sides. [Impressed? — Ed] 
 
 Nov. 13, '82. Capt. Westerhagen came here with his company to 
 quarters, (a German hireling,) and with violence drove my sick daughter 
 Elizabeth and Jannetie Rapalje out of their sick beds. Ingratitude ! 
 He quit his quarters here Jan. 7, '83 — a German hireling ! 
 
 Jan. 17, '83. Ensign Wagner came here to quarter with his guard ; 
 left, Feb. 28— a hireling ! 
 
 Edward Thome, Dr. (on account of the damage sustained by his 
 neglect of furnishing the troops with wood, quartered at Wm. 
 Dodge's) to cutting 40 walnut saplings and upwards of 100 chestnut 
 rails, £20. 
 
 2 
 
254 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 The above damage I received from the troops of Capt. De Wes- 
 terhagen and Ensign Wagner, done in 11 weeks; some of the wood 
 was carried to Wm. Salts's by his soldiers. This is besides the wood 
 burnt at my house by Capt. Westerhagen, 80 loads, value, £60. 
 
 Note to Sec. 218. 
 May 18, '77. Representatives in Convention from Kings Co. were 
 Henry Williams and Wm. Boerum r from Suffolk, Burnet Miller, 
 David Gelston, Ezra L'Hommedieu, Thos. Tredwell and Thos. Wicks. 
 
 Note to Sec. C89. 
 Nath/l Williams, of Huntington, swore July 4, '79, that he had 
 been twice robbed by the rebels of £450 money, and £10 in goods ; 
 and had had no correspondence with his son and two daughters, who 
 live with the rebels. Jonas Rogers (also accused of smuggling goods 
 to Conn't) swore he had no intercourse with his son, who is said to 
 have come plundering on L. I. Gaine, July 12. 
 
 Rev. Abm. Keteltas — Note to Sec. 3. 
 At the outbreak of the revolution, Mr. K. was a leading Whig at 
 Jamaica. In Gaine's paper of Feb. 13, 1775, he is charged with 
 threatening to shoulder his musket before he would pay the tax on tea. 
 In the next paper appears an able vindication of his conduct. Pie was 
 chosen deputy to the Provincial Congress, and at the abandonment of 
 the Island, he fled to the Main, leaving three houses in N. Y. city, and 
 a large farm with slaves, cattle, and a furnished house on it. He had 
 100 acres of woodland cut off. His house was occupied by Gen. Skin- 
 ner and other Tories, and much injured. He lived at Norwalk, Dan- 
 bury, and other parts of New England, and at the peace returned home 
 much reduced. See Trumbull papers, vol. 18, 117. — Of his sermons 
 the following have been printed. The Religious Soldier, preached at 
 Elizabethtown, to the regular officers and soldiers going to the Cana- 
 dian war, March 8, 1759. A Charity Sermon preached in the French 
 Protestant Church, N. Y., (of which he was pastor), Dec. 27, 1773 ; 
 Sermon at an evening Lecture, at Newburyport, Oct. 5, 1777, and a 
 Sermon on Extortion, preached at Newburyport, Feb. 15, 1778. 
 
 Note to Sec. 721. 
 July, 1815. 12 tons of pig iron and a long 321b. cannon were taken 
 up by a diving machine in Fortpond Bay, being the wreck of the Cul- 
 loden. L. I. Star, July 26. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 255 
 
 Note to Sec. 707. 
 John, son ofWra. Smith, of St. George's Manor, and Wm. Philips, 
 late overseer of Wm Floyd, left L. I. with much money for Con't. 
 
 Gaine, March 30, '78. 
 
 Note to Sec. 119. 
 No sooner had Jost Monfort fled than Capt. Sneden and N. C. came 
 to his residence, and were taking an inventory of stock, grain, &c, 
 with a view to its confiscation, when his father told them the property 
 was not Jest's but his. Thereupon they went off. Jost had three sons, 
 Peter, Abraham, and George, in the army at Brooklyn. They had just 
 returned home, when some British light horse rode up to the house by 
 night. They escaped by a back door. The light horse, however, by 
 mistake seized their brother Jacobus, who had not been in arms, and 
 to prevent his escaping, the drunken guard made him sit up undressed 
 all night by the fireside. He pointed a pistol at his mother, threatened 
 to rip open 'the feather beds because she could not tell where her sons 
 had fled, made her draw cider, &c. ; and to terrify her still more, he 
 presented his sword to Jacobus, and then drawing forth his pistol, in- 
 sisted on a mock fight. After he had thus trifled the night away, early 
 next morning he went off with his prisoner to the Hollow before Squire 
 Van Wyck, where to his mortification he found he had caught the 
 wrong person. At another time some soldiers piloted by Tories came 
 to his house, and wantonly fired into the turkey-roost, took four loads 
 of corn from his crib, jumped into the hog-pen, run their swords into 
 two of the hogs, threw them into a wagon and carried them off to 
 Jamaica. They also drove off two fat cattle. While the Tories were 
 thus annoying him, Monfort used to tell them, he hoped to see the day 
 when he should have satisfaction. " Ah," said Squire Van Wyck, 
 " you may live in hope, but you'll die in despair." 
 
 Raising the Hulk of the Hussar — Note to Sec. 146. 
 In July, 1S21, Mr. Palmer on board a U. S. gun-boat, had got up 
 the rudder of the Hussar with his diving bell. In Dec. 1819, Sam'l 
 Davis had raised 40 feet of the stern, when the vessel broke, and the 
 fore part settled down on the rocks. Some cannon and shot were 
 brought up with the stern, but no specie, of which she was said to have 
 nearly $100,000 on board. In Oct., 1825, Major Bayard was em- 
 ployed as engineer, who placed several chains under her bottom, and 
 by the aid of screws, hoped to raise her to the surface, but failed. 
 
256 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Note to Sec. 336. 
 Heniy Allen, of Great Neck, was robbed by some persons who 
 first called up David Allen and made him cross the creek with them, 
 and knock in a seeming friendly way at his door. On hearing the 
 sound of David's voice, the door was at once opened and the robbers 
 entered. 
 
 Note to Sec. 412. 
 As the Rev. John Bowden rode up to a house in Smithtown, he 
 was captured by a concealed party of whale-boatmen. Why, gentle- 
 men, said he, what shall I do 1 I am too feeble to go with you, it will 
 kill me ! Then you can sign a parole, and we will exchange you for 
 the Rev. Mr. Mather, said they. That I will readily do, rejoined 
 the Parson. 
 
 Note to Sec. 368. 
 Tunis Bogart and Dan'l Luyster, were returning from a funeral, 
 Sep. 2, 1776, when they were arrested by the Halls, of Lloyd's Neck, 
 (who had also a prisoner from the Main shore) and carried to Herricks. 
 It was late and the guard would not disturb the officers. So they were 
 all put in a room in charge of the Halls, who were now drunk. The 
 man from the Main slipped off while the Halls were asleep. In the 
 morning, Bogart and Luyster were examined and set at liberty, but 
 they had not yet reached home before they were impressed with their 
 wagons to cart cannon and shot from New Utrecht to Hell Gate. B. 
 had a load in his wagon for some weeks, and finally crossed over at 
 Hell Gate and left his load in the upper part of the city. There he saw 
 the execution of Hale. Becoming sick, he left his wagon in care of a 
 hired driver and returned home. His brother George was sent to take 
 charge of the wagon, but as he was passing through Jamaica, he was 
 betrayed by one Remsen, his fellow-traveller, and was forced to enlist 
 in Capt. Dunbar's company, to escape imprisonment. When his father 
 heard of his being in duress, he went to Jamaica, and procured his re- 
 lease and sent him on to N. Y. He was present as a wagoner, at the 
 capture of Ft. Washington, and afterwards crossed with the army into 
 Jersey ; where Dan'l Luyster died of small-pox. 
 
 Note to Sec. 769. 
 One Green, it is said, shot a whale-boatman at the head of Pat- 
 chogue swamp, who had come over from the Main after the peace, and 
 collected some ransom money from persons he had liberated during the 
 war. Nothing was ever done with him. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 257 
 
 Note to Sec. 65. 
 
 At 11 this evening, 250 men under Majors and Livingston 
 
 marched to rout a number of Tories in the swamps of L. I., and to 
 pick up such men as are inimical to the liberty of America. 
 
 Webb, June 23. 
 
 Note to Sec. 109. 
 
 Eagle and Penfold, Committee-men, report to Gen. Heath, at Kings- 
 bridge, Aug. 29, that the light horse in companies of 8 or 10, are pil- 
 laging at Flushing. Major Bowne was seen bound in their hands. 
 
 " Their scouting parties consist of about 300 horse, and 400 foot, 
 with Tory recruits." Livingston, Southold, Aug. 31. 
 
 Sexton's Bill— note to Sec. 259. 
 
 Jamaica, Oct. 24, 1780. 
 
 Gen. Delancey, 
 
 To Grace Church, Dr. 
 
 To digging a grave for Maj. Waller, - - - £0 10 
 
 " Funeral Bell, 5 
 
 " Use of Church Pall, 4 
 
 " Inviting, and attending funeral, - - - - 16 
 
 £1 15 
 
 Sexton's bill — note to Sec. 245. 
 
 Jamaica, Sep. 12, 1779. 
 
 Mrs. Brewerton, 
 
 To Grace Church, Dr. 
 
 To Inviting, and attending Col. Brewerton, - - - £0 16 
 
 « Funeral Bell, 5 
 
 " Digging grave and burying corpse, - - - - 1 12 
 " Cleaning the Church, 12 
 
 £3 5 
 
 Note to Sec. 292. 
 Dover, June 23, '77. F. B., said she did not remove on account of 
 expense, being discouraged by P. Corney. She signed the paper with- 
 out reading it. She suffered much by the British. Her house was 
 plundered of many valuables. They left her with many curses and 
 threats about her rebel husband. She lost 2 pair fat oxen, 6 head fat 
 cows, 30 store cattle, 2 pair work oxen, 2 ox carts, 2 horses, a good 
 new wagon, 90 sheep, poultry, &c, &c , &c. 
 
 XXXVIII. 147. M$. Jour. 
 
258 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Note to Sec. 555. 
 
 Field and Staff Officers, 1st Keg. of Suffolk Co. 
 Wm. Floyd, Col. ; Gilbert Potter, Lt. Col. ; JefTery Smith, and 
 Jesse Brush, Majors; Philip Roe, Adj. ; John Roe, Q. M. 
 
 Capt's. Names. 
 
 to 
 a 
 
 a 
 O 
 
 to 
 
 Ensigns. 
 
 Serg. 
 
 Corp. 
 
 Clerk. 
 
 Drum. 
 
 Fife. 
 
 Privates 
 
 Total. 
 
 Sam'l Johnson, 
 Eben Miller, 
 Nathan Rose, 
 Wm. Brewster, 
 Philetus Smith, 
 Joshua Rogers, 
 Epenetus Conklin, 
 Joel Skudder, 
 John Buffet, 
 Piatt Vail, 
 Gilbert Carll, 
 Benajah Strong, 
 Dan'l Roe's ) 
 Minute Comp. \ 
 
 j 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 2 
 
 2 
 2 
 2 
 2 
 2 
 2 
 2 
 2 
 2 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 102 
 56 
 98 
 67 
 67 
 
 101 
 85 
 51 
 38 
 44 
 41 
 23 
 
 61 
 
 117 
 71 
 113 
 
 82 
 82 
 114 
 99 
 65 
 52 
 59 
 56 
 38 
 
 76 
 
 
 13 
 
 26 
 
 13 
 
 52 
 
 52 
 
 13 
 
 13 
 
 13 
 
 834'l024 
 1 
 
 Hempstead Petitioners against driving off Stock — Note to Sec. 79. 
 Silvanus Beadle, David Batty ; Jas , Jos., John and Oliver Birdsall ; 
 Jas. Burch, Carman Burtis, Smith Brush, Silas Carman, Jos. Carpenter, 
 David Casseboom, Wm. and Johannes Covert ; Benj. Cromwell, Thos. 
 Dean, St. Denton, Israel Eldert, John Ellsworth, Lawrence Fish, Luke 
 Fleet, Zophar Hawkins, Hend'k Hendrickson ; Sam'l, Jacob, Richard 
 and Oba. Jackson ; Gilbert, Wm. and John Jones; Tise Lane, John 
 Lewis, Garret Monfort, Dan'l Nostrant, Israel Oakley, V. H. Peters, 
 Jas. Pine, Thos. Place, Sol. Poole, Henry Pageot, [?] Jas. Ryder ; 
 Benj., John, John W., Oba., Jacob, Sam'l, Sol., Williams and Zeb. Sea- 
 man ; Embree Shadbolt, John Simonson, Nathan Skidmore ; Gershom 
 and Richard Smith ; Christoffel Stimeston, Jacob and Richard Totten, 
 Benj. and Thos. Tredwell ; Jas., Cor. and Gabriel Van Cott ; Garret 
 Van Nostrand, Henry Walters, Benj , Wm. and Jacob Wanser; John 
 and Zeb. Williams ; Geo. and Anthony Wright. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 259 
 
 Skinner's Brigade — Note to Sec. 483. 
 1778. 
 
 Lt. Cols. — Elisha Skinner, John Morris, Abm. Van Buskiuk, Jos. 
 Barton, Isaac Allen. 
 
 Majors — Thos. Lawrence, John Antill, John Coldcn, John Drum- 
 mond, Philip Van Cortland, Dan'l Isaac Brown, Robert Tympany, 
 Thos. Millege, John Barns, Richard Stockton. 
 
 1780. 
 
 1st Bat. 2d Bat. 2d Bat. 
 
 Col. Cortland Skinner, 
 
 Lt. Col. St. Delancey, Isaac Allen, Abm. Van Buskirk, 
 
 Maj. Thos. Millege, Robt. Drummond, Ph. Van Cortland. 
 
 Fight in Hempstead Swamp — Note to Sec. 65. 
 N. Y. June 24, '76. A party of our men went to L. L last Saturday 
 (June 20,) to take up some Tories. They returned yesterday (Sunday) 
 with one Downing, charged with being in the hellish plot [to rise when 
 the British landed, seize the passes to N. Y., kill Washington, blow up 
 the magazines, &c.]. They took 6 prisoners and put them in Jamaica 
 Jail. The Tories made some resistance, and fired on our men in the 
 woods ; our people returned the fire, and wounded one man mortally ; 
 they then called for quarters. [One of Washington's guards, Thos. 
 Hickey, was hung last Friday, June 28, being one of the plotters, in 
 presence of 20,000 spectators. See Sparks, III. 44,1.— Ed.] 
 
 Ludlow to Silliman — Note to Sec. 365. 
 
 A plundering party under Fred'k Denison, came from Greenwich to 
 Hempstead Harbor, Saturday night, Sep. 30, '80, and plundered Chas. 
 Doughty, a Quaker shopkeeper, at Foster's Meadow, of goods, money 
 and apparel, equal to £1500. Oba. Valentine was one of them and a 
 guide. They returned with their plunder to Daniel Lyons, at Coscob. 
 The boat belonged to Skudder Valentine. 
 
 Silliman replies, Oct. 12, that he will search for the offenders, and 
 send for Doughty to testify. 
 
 Exchange of Judge Jones — Note to Sec. 402. 
 Gen. Silliman says, u I left N. Y. Wednesday last, to be exchanged 
 for Judge Jones. Thursday, 3. P. M., met Jones in the Sound near 
 Hart I. I put back and came under the stern of the guard ship, Grand 
 Duke, Capt. Holman, which lay between City and Hart I. Having ex- 
 
260 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 changed vessels, the favoring wind and tide, which carried Jones to 
 N. Y. that evening, prevented my reaching home till next day even- 
 ing. 
 
 Capt. George Lyman, who had some lime previously robbed Col. 
 Floyd, and had command of 3 whale-boats, lost his liberty in carrying 
 off Judge Jones, and was put in the Sugar House. 
 
 Note to Sec. 162. 
 Alex. Grant, who was afterwards killed at Ft. Montgomery, took 
 possession of B. Coe's farm, in '77. His family kept it till the peace. 
 To repay him for the waste and injury the State indemnified him from 
 Grant's estate in N. Y., and allowed him to file a declaration against 
 Grant's heirs, as G. had a large estate in N. Y. Passed, Ap. 23, '85. 
 
 Fort on Lloyd's Neck—Note to Sec. 410. 
 The Fort on Lloyd's Neck is an irregular square, has a fosse 4 ft. 
 deep and wide, nearly surrounding it ; frized on every part, upright 
 pickets 8 ft. high and 4 in. diameter, (mostly of round staddlewood) are 
 placed in the centre of the ditch and another row of pickets without the 
 ditch. and an abattis without the whole. A wagon passage opens into 
 ihe Fort, and is not obstructed by a gate. Near the centre of the Fort 
 is a blockhouse of 4 in. plank without loopholes. On the walls of the 
 Fort are mounted 4 loffg 12 pounders and two 3 pounders, and in the 
 Fort a brass 41b. field-piece. By day 2 men are in the Fort, by night 
 8: the rest in barracks and encamped from 100 to 300 yds. from the 
 Fort. A picket is kept at a high bluff near the entrance of Huntington 
 Harbor. Two miles west is a sandy beach and no guard there. 
 
 Trumbull, XV. 325. 
 
 Troops in Queens Co. — Eeport of Spies. 
 Aug. 7, '77. British have 300 men at Huntington ; at Setauket 
 250. They have made store-houses of the meeting-houses, and erected 
 Forts around them. Feb. 9, '78. One regiment at Brooklyn, one 
 (Scotch) at Flushing ; one regiment Greencoats, at Herricks ; one at 
 Jamaica. Feb. 16, '79. 17th Dragoons (300) and Lord Cathcart's Legion 
 (50) on L. I. ; 14 companies Grenadiers (700) at Jamaica ; 1st batta- 
 lion Hessian Chasseurs (350) at Flushing; Ludlow's battalion (150) 
 at Lloyd's Neck ; Simcoe's Rangers (250) on L.I. July 7, 'bl. Jagers 
 removed from N. side of Hemp. Plains to Kingsbridge. Lloyd's Neck 
 evacuated by Col. Hewlett and his party, who now lie encamped just 
 out of the town spot of Jamaica, a little to the East. The Loyal 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 261 
 
 Refugees, now commanded by Hubbel, amount to 200 or 300 men. 
 The 17th horse removed from Hemp, to Success, for convenience of 
 pasture. June, '81. Major Fitch says, regular troops on L. I. lay as 
 far east as Jamaica, where are 300 ; 17th dragoons (300) in the vici- 
 nity of Flushing ; 150 Associated Loyalists at Lloyd's Neck, who draw 
 270 rations, one for man, half for woman, quarter for child. No date. 
 At Jamaica is Ludlow's regiment, 350 men ; at Flushing Fly, Arnold's 
 corps, 200 ; at Fresh Meadows, 17th dragoons; between Jamaica and 
 Bedford are Murray's corps, 150 ; at Brooklyn, Grenadiers of 47th re- 
 giment, and some German recruits. None of the above can help 
 Slongum or Lloyds Neck. Slongum mounts 2 six pounders, and is of 
 little strength. 
 
 Feb. 6, '82. At Jamaica 2 battalions Grenadiers, 800 men ; at 
 Flushing, 38th and 54th regiments; at Hempstead, 17th dragoons; at 
 Herricks, Hessian Jagers ; at Hallet's Cove, Royal Forresters ; at New- 
 town, Garrison of Pensacola. July 5, '82. Lloyd's Neck, supposed to 
 be weak, commanded by Maj. Hubbel — 200 men without discipline 
 and off their guard — subsist by trading to Con't, daily diminishing. 
 Their protection by water is a brig, sloop, and galley. At Success 
 Church, one or 2 miles from Herricks, is Col. Murray's horse and 2 regi- 
 ments of Jagers and Anspach, in all 1,000 men ; 300 of which said to 
 be horse, and all commanded by Col. Wormb. May 23, '82. The 
 wagons and horses of the Refugee Post, at Lloyd's Neck, were sold 
 yesterday at Vendue. Dec. 18, '82. Fitch says, Thompson's corps, 
 the remains of the Queen's Rangers, and Tarlton's Legion (5 or 600) 
 are at Huntington, to protect the trade with the Main. At Norwich the 
 remains of the Anspach regiment, 150 men ; the Hessian and Anspach 
 Jagers lay at Wheatly, Jericho, Westbury, Herricks, Northside, Cow 
 and Great Neck, (in all 930,) under Wormb and Preuschenck ; at Hemp- 
 stead are 4 companies of 17th dragoons ; at Jamaica, are Pinon's and 
 Kniphausen's regiment ; at Flushing, Delancey's 3d battalion. 
 
 Troops on Long Island — Report of Spies. Dec, 1782. 
 Information by O.S. 6j T. L., Inhabitants of Kings County, at Brooklyn 
 and the Ferry. 
 
 Hackenbergh's regiment of Hessians, in the large Fort back of the 
 Ferry, and in the redoubts — number uncertain ; at Bedford, the Gar- 
 rison Battalion of invalids, about 100 total, half officers ; quartered in the 
 inhabitants' houses ; at New Utrecht and Gravesend, Col. Purbeck's 
 regiment of Hessians, about 350 total, in the inhabitants' houses ; at 
 
262 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 the Narrows, Yellow Hook and Denyse's, are Col. Chambers' Maryland, 
 and Col. Allen's Pennsylvania, Loyalists, 170 total, half officers; at 
 Bushwick, 2 companies pioneers, 60 total, chiefly blacks, in the inhabi- 
 tants' houses. The above troops have been a considerable time in the 
 abovesaid places, and are supposed to be stationary for the winter sea- 
 son ; at Flushing, Ludlow's regiment, about 380 total ; head of the Fly, 
 remains of Col. Fanning's and Col Robinson's regiments, number un- 
 known ; at Jamaica, remains of 2 Hessian regiments, about 250 total ; 
 at Hempstead, 4 companies of the 17th Light Dragoons. These have 
 been some time in the above places, chiefly in the inhabitants' houses, 
 cannot tell whether stationary or not ; at Huntington, Col. Thompson's 
 corps, the remains of the Queen's Rangers and Legion, number unknown, 
 supposed to be stationary ; at Cow Neck, and from Herricks to Nor- 
 wich in Queens Co., is Col. Wormb's regiment, about 800 foot and 100 
 cavalry, quartered in the inhabitants' houses, have been there four 
 weeks ; supposed to be stationary for the winter season. 
 
 Information by P. T., an inhabitant of Queens Co. 
 At Hempstead, 4 companies of the 17th Light Dragoons, exactly 
 100 total, commanded by a Capt., the horses very poor and unfit for 
 service ; this corps consists of 6 companies, 2 of which are on York 
 Island ; Col. Wormb's regiment, about 900 total, 160 of them mounted ; 
 they begin at Jericho and Norwich, and extend 12 miles westward, as 
 far as Herricks, and the head of the Necks. They are chiefly in the 
 inhabitants' houses, and have been there about 4 weeks ; supposed to 
 be stationary. The chief picket guard is at Hempstead Harbor. Ma- 
 gazines of forage to be fixed at Herricks, Jericho, Norwich, Westbury, 
 and Hempstead Harbor ; no forage on hand at present only for present 
 use ; at Huntington, Col. Thompson's regiment, the remains of the 
 Queen's Rangers, and the Legion, being 580 effectives. This was 
 taken from the Quarter Master's return made out to draw clothing ; 
 supposed to be stationary. 
 
 Information by T. S., an inhabitant of Cow Neck. 
 At Cow Neck, are the Hesse Hanau troops which arrived about 18 
 months since, being the last Dutch troops which arrived, being 470 in 
 number, commissioned officers excepted, 70 of said number sick and 
 unfit for duty. This return was taken from the Quarter Master's book. 
 They lay as low as Doctor Brooks's, where a guard is kept, about a £ 
 mile from the water-side, quartered in the inhabitants' houses, com- 
 manded by Lt. Col. Yannakie, under command of Col. Wormb ; have 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 263 
 
 been there near 4 weeks, and supposed to be stationary for the winter 
 season. A very strong picket kept at Hempstead Harbor of Col. 
 Wormb's Yagers. 
 
 Information by J. T., an inhabitant of Queens County. 
 The troops at Cow Neck, Herricks, Westbury, Wheatly, Northside, 
 Jericho, and Norwich, commanded by Col. Wormb, do not exceed 1000 
 total ; quartered in the inhabitants' houses, and expect them to be sta- 
 tionary for the winter season. An Officer and a Quarter Master have 
 been and marked the houses in Wolver Hollow, and Cedar Swamp, 
 for quarters for the troops, which are arrived from Charleston ; could 
 not learn the number, expect they will be stationary. The Hessian 
 officers on parole at Matinecock and Lattingtown, say they expect to be 
 removed to Jerusalem, in order to make room for the troops arrived from 
 Charleston. 
 
 Information by T. B., a Refugee from Queens County, residing in Stam- 
 ford : went over and got the following account: 
 
 At Huntington, Thompson's corps, and the remainder of the 
 Queen's Rangers and Legion, 500 total ; at Norwich, the remains of the 
 Anspach, 130 total ; at Jericho, Wheatly, Westbury, Northside and Nor- 
 wich, 300 Anspach, and 500 Hessian Yagers ; Col. Wormb's quar- 
 ters are at Westbury, at Wm. Titus's ; Col. Prussian's quarters at 
 Wheatly ; at Hempstead, 4 companies 17th Light Dragoons; at Jamaica, 
 the remains of Cols. Penosand Knyphausen's regiments, numbers un- 
 known ; at Flushing, 3d battalion of Delancey's corps, number* unknown. 
 
 N. B. — From Norwich a southerly course, 3 miles to Jericho, then 
 west 3 miles to Westbury, same course 3 miles to Northside, then 
 northwesterly 3 or 4 miles to Herricks, also from Westbury to Wheatly 
 is 3 miles. Herricks is about 2 miles from Judge Ludlow's, and 1 mile 
 from the edge of the Plains. 
 
 Information by D. 31., an inhabitant of Stamford. 
 On the 1st Dec, he was at Huntington passing for an inhabitant, 
 and passed within 4 rods of the front of the Fort which faces the north. 
 It is about 5 rods in front with a gate in the middle, it extends a con- 
 siderable distance north and south : the works were altogether of earth, 
 aiiout six foot high, no pickets or any other obstruction to the works, 
 except a sort of ditch, which was very inconsiderable, some brushlike 
 small trees fixed on the top of the works, in a perpendicular form ; he 
 was told it encompassed near 2 acres of ground. It is built on a rising 
 
264 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 ground, and takes in the burying-ground : the Meeting-house they have 
 pulled down. The troops consist of Thompson's regiment, the remains 
 of the Queen's Rangers and the Legion, being 550 effective; they are 
 quartered as compact as possible in the inhabitants' houses and barns, 
 and some hutted along the sides of the Fort, which makes one side of 
 the hut. The inhabitants of Huntington do suffer exceedingly from the 
 treatment they receive from the troops, who say the inhabitants of that 
 County are all Rebels, and therefore they care not how they suffer. 
 Dec. 8th, 1782. 
 
 When Washington was President, he made an excursion on L. I., 
 passing up the south side as far as Patchogue ; thence crossing over to 
 Smithtown, he returned through Oyster Bay, Hempstead Harbor and 
 Flushing. He was attended by his suite of officers, and rode in a coach 
 drawn by four grays, with outriders. The old people tell many pleas- 
 ant anecdotes of him. He dined at Z. Ketcham's, Huntington South, 
 and begged the landlord to take no trouble about the fare, and on leav- 
 ing gave a half Joe and a kiss to his daughter. As the people collected 
 around the Inn and were desirous to have a sight of him, he good na- 
 turedly took two or three turns on the stoop with his hat off, and then 
 went in. Jonah Willets, an eccentric Quaker, was ploughing with seve- 
 ral teams of oxen, and when Washington stopped to look at him, one of 
 the officers told Jonah that was General Washington. " George Wash- 
 ington, eh," says Jonah, "who hoy, gee up," and on he went. At 
 Patchogue, he called at a little shop (there being no hotel) for oysters 
 and bread and butter. At Capt. Daniel Youngs', at the cove, Oyster 
 Bay, where he took tea, he called for a bowl of milk, and begged them 
 to take no trouble. As he passed some people " working on the road," 
 according to custom, they levied a contribution on him, which he cheer- 
 fully paid. He breakfasted at Hendrick Onderdonk's, Hempstead 
 Harbor, and visited his paper mill, being the oldest in the State. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Atlee, Col., 808, 812. 
 Allen, Ethan, 632, 840. 
 Althouse, John, 925. 
 Antill, John, 702. 
 Axtell, Wm., 796. 
 Ayres, Major, 729, 750. 
 Bache The., 834, 845. 
 Baird, Sir Jas., 599. 
 Bailey, Dr. R., 599. 
 Baker, Jona., 580. 
 Baley, John, 699. 
 Bainbridge, A., 853. 
 Beekman, Jas , 607. 
 
 Bell, , 631. 
 
 Benjamin, John, 666. 
 Benson, Capt., 855. 
 Bennet, Tunis, 949. 
 Bergen, Michael, 895. 
 Bergen, S , 833. 
 Bishop, Ezeklel, 633. 
 Blatsly, Dan'l, 695. 
 
 Blydenburgh, , 650, 712. 
 
 Boerum, Isaac, 805. 
 
 Bogart, Peter, 900. 
 
 Booihe, Wm., 720. 
 
 Bowen, Jer., 648. 
 
 Box, Major, 817. 
 
 Brewerton, Col. G., 245, 785. 
 
 Brown, John, 626, 690. 
 
 Brewster, Caleb, 585, 621, 720. 
 
 Brower. Sam'l, 932. 
 
 Brush, Eliph., 623. 
 
 Brush, Jesse, 719. 
 
 Brush, John, 620, 625. 
 
 Brush, Thos , 622. 
 
 Buell, Sam'l, 600. 
 
 Burret, Lt., 645. 
 Cameron, Chas., 653. 
 Carll, Piatt, 681, 765. 
 Case, Widow, 683. 
 Chamier, Dan'l, 614. 
 
 Chester, , 657. 
 
 Chichester, Widow, 667. 
 Chew, Jos., 631, 660. 
 Chrystie, James, 614. 
 Clark, John, 628. 
 Clark, Wm., 580, 653, 764. 
 
 Clarkson, ,835. 
 
 Cochran, Chas., 680. 
 
 Coffin, , 667. 
 
 Collins, Dan'l, 606. 
 Conklin, Eben., 739. 
 Conklin, Henry, 753. 
 Conklin, Jesse, 703. 
 Conklin, Piatt, 538. 
 Cornell, Jacobus, 851. 
 Cornell, John, 888. 
 Cornell, Lt. Col. Ezekiel, 817. 
 Cortelyou, S. & J., 867. 
 Covenhoven, Rem, 837. 
 Crewe, Richard, 599. 
 Cunningham, Wm., 607. 
 Cuyler, Ab'm, 722. 
 Dayton, Eben., 600, 675. 
 Davis, Major, 747, 769. 
 Davis, Solomon, 704, 767. 
 Deane, Richard, 702. 
 Debevoice, John, 910. 
 Delancey.O.,599,602. 
 Denyse, Denyse, 787, 803, 887. 
 Depeyster, Fred., 834. 
 Dering, Thos., 640, 647. 
 
266 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Dickie, , 894. 
 
 Ditmars, John, 959. 
 Domini, Nath'l, 662. 
 Drake, Eben., 684. 
 Drawyer, John, 928. 
 
 Dunbar, , 643. 
 
 Duryea Cor., 885. 
 
 Dunscomb, , 805. 
 
 Duryea, Geo & Peter, 876. 
 Elderkin, Capt., 679, 718. 
 Ely, Col., 638. 
 Erskine, Sir Wm., 601, 682. 
 Fairbank, Phineas, 648. 
 Fanning, Col , 832. 
 Fanning, Gilbert, 707. 
 Fanning, Thos., 619, 660. 
 Field, John, 606. 
 Fitch, Capt., 726. 
 Flahaven, John, 845. 
 Fleet, Gilbert & Simon, 734. 
 Floyd, Benj., 674, 704. 
 Floyd, Rich., 619. 
 Floyd, Wm., 62], 707. 
 Foley, Rev., 871. 
 Foster, John, 537. 
 Foster Peter, 684. 
 Fountain, Steph., 580. 
 French, Lt., 618. 
 Gardiner, Ab'm, 603. 
 Gardiner, David, 6S3, 736. 
 Galbreath, Capt., 864. 
 Glover, Elias, 700. 
 Glover, Grover, 648. 
 Glover, Sam'l, 617. 
 Goldsmith, Wilmot, 644. 
 Gray, Eben., 667. 
 Greene, Jos., 618,638. 
 Greene, Oba. & John, 686. 
 Griffen, P., 644, 648, 659. 
 Grenell, John, 545, 740, 747. 
 Gyer, N. & L., 580. 
 Hale, Capt. N., 607, 
 Hallock, George, 657. 
 Hand, Col., 796, 814, 827. 
 Hart, Capt., 638. 
 Hart, Isaac, 720. 
 Hart, Rev. Joshua, 632. 
 Harper, Robt., 597. 
 
 Harrison, , 603. 
 
 Harrison, John, 956. 
 Haslet, Col., 809. 
 
 Havens, Benj., 688. 
 
 Havens, Jos., 736. 
 
 Havens, Nicoll, 736. 
 
 Hawley, David, 633. 
 
 Hawley, Henry, 761. 
 
 Heacock, Sam'l, 741. 
 
 Hedges, Deacon, 751. 
 
 Hegeman, Adrian, 886. 
 
 Hegeman, Elbert, 842. 
 
 Hegeman, Rem, 834. 
 
 Hewlett, John, 614. 
 
 Helme, Thos., 548. 
 
 Hempstead, Robt., 540, 600. 
 
 Hempstead, Steph., 607. 
 
 Hewlett, Rich., Col., 634, 638, 642. 
 
 Hicks, Whithead, 599. 
 
 Hill, John, 714, 928. 
 
 Hinchman, Robert, 599. 
 
 Hindford, Wm., 652. 
 
 Hobart, J. S., 597. 
 
 Holliday, John, 579. 
 
 Holmes, Dr. Silas, 599, 833. 
 
 L'Homrnedieu, Ez.,537. 
 
 Houston, Jas., 7U3. 
 
 Howard, Wm , 599, 805. 
 
 Howell, David, 671. 
 
 Hoogland, Jeromus, 805. 
 
 Hubbard, Sam'l, 799. 
 
 Hudson, Fred k, 619. 
 
 Hulbert, John, 546, 585, 640. 
 
 Hulst, John, 877. 
 
 Humphreys, Major, 645. 
 
 Humphreys, Walter, 749. 
 
 Huntington, Col., 821. 
 
 Hylei, Adam, 895, 900, 925. 
 
 Jarvis, Moses, 741. 
 
 Jackson, N. P., 745. 
 
 Jackson, Thos., 720. 
 
 Jayne, Wm., 712. 
 
 Johnson, Barent, 961. 
 
 Johnson, B. J., 648. 
 
 Johnson, Col Philip, 814, 823. 
 
 Johnson, Hend'k, 916. 
 
 Jones, Gilbert, 579. 
 
 Jones, Oba , 603, 640. 
 
 Kelsey, Steph., 562, 689. 
 
 Kendal, Capt., 636. 
 
 Kemble, Steph., 634. 
 
 Ketcham, Carll, 622. 
 
 Ketcham, Isaac, 544, 603, 606. 
 
 Ketcham, Jos , 702. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 267 
 
 Kiehline, Col., 821. 
 Landon, David, 671. 
 Langdon, Mark, 650. 
 Lamberson, D., 599. 
 Lasher, Col., 821. 
 Lawrence, Major, 596. 
 Lawrence, Win., 740. 
 Lay, Lt., 645. 
 Lefferts, Leffert, 771, 942. 
 Lee, Gen., 774 
 Legget, Ab'm, 719. 
 Lewis, Jos., 652. 
 Livingston, H. B., 600, 603. 
 Lott, Ab'm E., 772. 
 Lott, Joh. E , 950. 
 Lott, Jeromus, 914, 962. 
 Lott, Maurice, 940. 
 Loosely & Elms, 884, 938. 
 Lownsburv, Wm., 741. 
 Ludlam, Wm., 607. 
 Luquer, Ab'm 882, 964. 
 Lynch, Maj. John, 849. 
 Lyon, Rev. Jas., 548. 
 
 Lyon, , 667. 
 
 Mclntire, , 656. 
 
 Magaw, Col., 835. 
 Marks, Capt , 750. 
 Martense,Geo., 845. 
 Martin, Col., 796. 
 Martin, Jas. S., 820. 
 Marrener, Wm.,844, 846, 894. 
 Matthews, Mayor, 785. 
 Meigs, Col , 631, 638. 
 Mifflin, Gen., 827. 
 Miles, Col., 814, 835. 
 Miller, Burnet, 533. 
 Miller, Henry, 827. 
 Miller, Richard, 610. 
 Ming.'Thos., 653. 
 MoncriefTe, Major, 845. 
 Morris, Capt. David, 897. 
 Morris, Gov., 599. 
 Morrison, John, 612, 613. 
 Mowat, Jacob, 852. 
 Muirson, Heathcot, 720. 
 Munro, David, 727. 
 Murray, Lindley, 656. 
 Neefus, Peter, 963. 
 Nicoll, Wm , 647, 656, 684. 
 Norton, Nath'l, 766, 769. 
 Olney, Stephen, 817. 
 
 Popham, Major, 818. 
 Parks, Thos., 744. 
 Parsons, Gen., 631, 634, 638. 
 Peck, Jos., 736. 
 Pierrepont, Capt., 725. 
 I Philips, Wm., 707, 712. 
 Philips, Sam'l, 681. 
 Piatt, Dr. Z„ 606, 625, 637. 
 Piatt, Nath'l, 585, 681. 
 Place, Thos., 635. 
 Polhemus, Th , 792. 
 
 Pond, Capt., 607. 
 
 Potter, Gilbert, 558, 590. 
 ! Punderson,E., 612, 654, 712. 
 
 Rankin, Jas , 908. 
 
 Rapalje,D , 840. 
 
 Rapalje, John, 653, 802. 
 I Rapalje, Stephen, 836. 
 
 Raymond, Stent. 679. 
 i Reeve, Isaac, 577,666. 
 \ Remsen, Jer., 771. 
 ' Reed, Jos., 804. 
 
 Remsen, Rem H , 943,961. 
 
 Rhinelander, Fred , 776. 
 
 Richmond, Col., 621. 
 
 Rider, Valentine, 727. 
 
 Riker, Ab'm, 596. 
 
 Robertson, , 658. 
 
 Rodgers, Capt., 606. 
 
 Roe,~Dan'l, 610, 621. 
 
 Roe, Philip, 656, 733. 
 j Rogers, Zophar, 709. 
 I Rubell, J. C, 835,845. 
 
 Rutgers, Harmanus, 796. 
 
 Ryerson, John, 913. 
 
 Sawyer, Moses, 647. 
 
 Sayre, Rev. Jas., 843, 874. 
 
 Scribner, Benj , 579. 
 
 Scott, David, 934. 
 
 Schenck, Lt. John, 844. 
 
 Schenck, Martin, 868. 
 
 Schenck, Nicholas, 900. 
 , Seaman, Maurice, 688, 692. 
 
 Seaman, Wm., 676. 
 
 Seton, Andrew, 704. 
 
 Shaw, Lemuel, 780. 
 
 Shaw, Nath'l, 660. 
 
 Sherbrook, ?>liles, 845. 
 
 Simmons, Capt., 644. 
 
 Simms,J. R. 607. 
 
 Simms, John C, 644. 
 
268 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Simcoe, Lt. Col., 711. 
 Skidmore, Sam'l, 374 606. 
 Skudder, Henry, 743. 
 Smallwood, Col., 811. 
 Smith, Dan'l, 535. 
 Smith, Geo., 610, 674. 
 Smith, Jeffrey, 555, 590, 600. 
 Smith, Isaac, 674, 699, 757. 
 Smith, Josiah, 586,598, 632. 
 Smith, Jacob, 610, 616, 621. 
 Smith, Jas., 657. 
 Smith, Shubael,652. 
 Smi.h, Sol., 627. 
 Smith, Win, 532, 555, 563. 
 Stanton, Henry, 960. 
 Stevens, Capt., 851. 
 Stewart, John, 703. 
 Stirling, Lord, 779, 808. 
 
 Stone, , 652. 
 
 Striker, Garret, 870. 
 Strong, Benajah, 600, 688, 720. 
 Strong, Selah, 541, 641, 760. 
 Storer, Capt., 933. 
 Sullivan, Gen., 796, 807. 
 Suydam, Jacob, 834. 
 Suydam, Lamb't, 961. 
 Tallmadge, Benj., 720, 743. 
 Thomas Chas , 633. 
 Thompson, Isaac, 565. 
 Thorne, Thos , 596. 
 Tilloison, Nicholas, 681. 
 Titus, Benj , 639. 
 Toby, Sam'l 653. 
 Townsend, James, 597. 
 Townsend, Robert, 607. 
 Treadwell, Thos.. 541, 681. 
 Trescott, Major, 743. 
 Troop, Capt., 631. 
 Troup, Robert, 599. 
 Tryon, Win., 620, 664. 
 Tuthill, Rufus, 629. 
 Turnbull, Lt. Col , 862. 
 Underhill, Amos, 653. 
 
 • Vail, John, 736. 
 j Vail, Jona., 659. 
 
 Vail, Peter, 753. 
 
 Van Alstvne, P., 722. 
 
 Van Brunt, R., 783; 846,916. 
 
 Van Buskirk, Lawrence, 872. 
 
 Van Buren, , 869, 908. 
 
 Van Cortland, Aug., 845. 
 
 Van Cott, Wm, 823. 
 j Vanderbilt, Jer., 796. 
 
 Vanderpool, J. 722. 
 I Vandevoort, P., 794. 
 i Van Dyke, , 780. 
 
 Van Dyck, Rev. H , 677. 
 j Van Pelt, Rem, 846. 
 
 Van Ranst, Ab'm, 770, 800. 
 
 Van Sinderin, U.. 835. 
 
 Van Wyck, Cor., 596. 
 
 Vonck, Joseph, 963. 
 I Waldron, Adolph, 773, 779. 
 | Wattles, Capt., 744. 
 : Ward, Col., 777, 801, 811. 
 I Warne, Wm., 599, 603. 
 
 Webb, Col S. B., 638. 
 
 Webb, James, 606. 
 
 Weser, , 658. 
 
 Wiekham, Thomas, 758. 
 
 Wicks, Thomas, 544, 623. 
 
 Wilkinson, John, 753. 
 
 Williams, Nath'l, 544, 652, 689. 
 
 Winslow, Pelham, 953. 
 
 VVitherspoon, Peter, 848. 
 
 Wood, Israel, 534, 603, 689. 
 
 Wooden, Sol., 607. 
 
 Woodhull, Nathan, 732. 
 
 Woodhull, Nath'l, 590, 599. 
 
 Woodhull, Stephen, 681. 
 
 Wright, Oba., 628, 643. 
 
 Wykoff, Jacob, 847. 
 
 Youngs, Dan'l, 634. 
 
 Youngs, J., 660. 
 
 Youngs, Israel, 544. 
 
DOCUMEiNTS AND LETTERS 
 
 INTENDED TO ILLUSTRATE 
 
 THE 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS 
 
 OF 
 
 QUEENS COUNTY; 
 
 WITH 
 
 CONNECTING NARRATIVES, EXPLANATORY 
 NOTES, AND ADDITIONS. 
 
 BY 
 
 HENRY ONDERDONK, Jr. 
 
 "Posterity delights in details." — J. Q. Adams. 
 
 NEW-YORK : 
 LEAVITT, TROW AND COMPANY, 
 194 BROADWAY. 
 
 1846. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The present work is not a history, but rather a con- 
 tribution towards a history, of Queens County during 
 the Revolution. The materials are derived from the fol- 
 lowing sources : 
 
 I. The printed Journals of the Continental and New- 
 York Provincial Congresses ; and the MS. Journal, Let- 
 ters and Papers of the N. Y. Provincial Congress. 
 
 II. The military papers of Col. John Sands and 
 Major Richard Thome, kindly loaned me by T. W. 
 Smith and J. W. Thome, respectively. 
 
 III. Force's American Archives, Almon's Remem- 
 brancer and Parliamentary Register, Gentleman's Mag- 
 azine, and the Brodhead Documents. 
 
 IV. Rivington's Gazette, Gaine's Mercury, Holt's 
 Journal, Loudon's Packet, Hartford Courant, New Haven 
 Journal, New London Gazette, New Jersey Gazette, 
 Kollock's New-York Gazetteer. 
 
 V. Sparks's Writings of Washington, Graydon's Me- 
 moirs, Hinman's Connecticut, Simcoe's Journal, Gaine's 
 Almanac and Register, Thompson's Long Island, 
 
PREFACE. 3 
 
 Strong's Flatbush, Dunlap's Works, Haliburton's Nova 
 Scotia. 
 
 VI. Conversations with aged people of Queens 
 County. 
 
 Many thanks are due to G. C. SchaefTer, of Columbia 
 College Library ; to Geo. H. Moore, of the Historical 
 Rooms, New- York : toS. F. Haven, of Antiquarian Hall, 
 Worcester ; to E. C. Herrick, of Yale College Library ; 
 and to Messrs. Robbins, Brinley and Parsons, of the 
 Connecticut Historical Society, for their courtesy in lay- 
 ing open the treasures of their respective libraries ; and 
 also to Gen. Johnson, B. F. Thompson, the Historian of 
 Long Island, the Rev. John Goldsmith, Rev. J. B. Felt, 
 Dr. E. Seely, and H. Floyd Jones, for sundry communi- 
 cations. 
 
 As this work is necessarily imperfect, the author 
 would feel under obligations to any one who will take 
 the trouble to send him any corrections, or point out 
 other sources of information. 
 
 Jamaica, L. L, May 1, 1S46. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 star is prefixed to papers never before published. | 
 
 PART 1. 
 
 rise and f rogress of the revolutionary spirit. 
 
 Sec. 
 
 1 Resolutions at Oyster Bay, on the passage of the Stamp Act, 
 
 2. Meeting at Jamaica and election of a Committee. 
 
 3. Address of Jamaica Committee to Delegates in Congress. 
 
 4. Protest of Jamaica Loyalists against Committees. 
 
 5. Committee of seventeen chosen at Newtown. 
 
 6. Resolutions passed by the Committee at Newtown. 
 
 7. Protest of Newtown Loyalists. 
 
 8. Meeting at Oyster Bay. 
 
 9. Committee chosen at Flushing. 
 
 10. Poetry picked up in Queens County. 
 
 11. A Provincial Convention to be held. 
 
 12. Vote of Jamaica. 
 
 13. Vote of Newtown. 
 
 14. Hempstead Resolutions. 
 
 15. Vote of Flushing. 
 
 16. *Vote of Oysier Bay. 
 
 17. Certificate of Minority at Oyster Bay. 
 
 18. Queens County has no vote in Convention. 
 
 19. A Provincial Congress to be held. 
 
 20. Lieutenant Governor Colden addressed at Jamaica. 
 
 21. *Protest of Oyster Bay Justices. 
 
 22. Election of Deputies in Queens County. 
 
 23. Congress opened with daily prayers. 
 
 24. List of Committee Men in Queens County. 
 
 25. *Form of Association. 
 
 26. Congress consider the state of Queens County. 
 
 27. Congress order Members from Queens to fake their seats. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Sec. 
 
 28. Congress appoint a day of fasting and prayer. 
 
 29. 1 cwt. of gunpowder voted Joseph Robinson. 
 
 30. *A. Lawrence and G. Beihune examined. 
 
 31. Arms impressed from Non-Associators. 
 
 32. *List of Jamaica Minute Men. 
 
 33. Cow and Great Neck separate from Hempstead. 
 
 34. Vote of Queens County for Deputies. 
 
 35. The Asia supplies arms, &c, to the disaffected. 
 
 36. Resolutions of Congress against Queens County. 
 
 37. Continental Congress order delinquents to be disarmed. 
 
 38. Col. Heard's Expedition into Queens County. 
 
 39. 'Evidence against one of the disaffected. 
 
 40. Congress order Queens County to be regimented. 
 
 41. Expedition of Ward and Seers in Queens County. 
 
 42. Guard stationed at Rockaway. 
 
 43. Disaffected not to move into Cow and Great Neck. 
 
 44. A delinquent at Cow Neck advertised. 
 
 45. Arms of Non-Associators to be given to recruits. 
 
 46. Association of forty Jamaica Militia Men. 
 
 47. British pilot boat taken at Rockaway. 
 
 48. Petition of twelve disarmed Jamaica Militia Men. 
 
 49. Election of Deputies in Queens County. 
 
 50. Jamaica Committee revived. 
 
 51. Disobedience in Capt. Sands's Company. 
 
 52. *List of the Militia of Cow and Great Neck. 
 
 53. Currency counterfeited at Cold Spring. 
 
 54. *List of Militia Companies in Queens. 
 
 55. Congress order able-bodied citizens to return to New-York. 
 
 56. Disaffected not to move into or pass through Jamaica. 
 
 57. Jamaica Committee send a delinquent to New-York. 
 
 58. Congress vote gunpowder to Jamaica Militia. 
 
 59. Newtown boys raise the King's standard. 
 
 60. *Proceedings against the disaffected of Queens. 
 
 61. Congress vote £100 and 1 cwt. powder to Queens County. 
 
 62. *Gen. Scott orders Queens County drafts to New-York. 
 
 63. "Defaulting Militia hunted in the swamps. 
 
 64. 'Information respecting certain persons at Jamaica. 
 
 65. *Swamp fight in Hempstead. 
 
 66. *Queens County Committee apply for 500 troops. 
 
 67. * Warrant to search for arms at Hempstead. 
 
6 CONTENTS. 
 
 Sec. 
 
 68. Washington sends a party after the disaffected. 
 
 69. *List of prisoners 6ent from Hempstead. 
 
 70. Election of Deputies in Queens County. 
 
 71. Election of Militia Officers at Cow Neck. 
 
 72. Election of a Militia Officer at Jamaica. 
 
 73. *Stock to be removed from South Side of Queens County. 
 
 74. *A11 secreted persons to be apprehended. 
 
 75. Congress approve the Declaration of Independence. 
 
 76. *Boats hauled up at Hog Island. 
 
 77. Congress vote 10,000 cartridges and 1,000 flints to Queens County. 
 
 78. Congress vote $10 bounty to recruits. 
 
 79. *Report on the state of Stock in Queens County. 
 
 80. *Militia drafted to drive off the Stock. 
 
 81. List of Officers of drafted troops. 
 
 82. *Gen. Woodhull's Letters to Queens County Militia. 
 
 83. *List of Recruits in Queens County. 
 
 84. *Congress grant money to Queens County. 
 
 85. Officers of Jamaica Minute Company. 
 
 86. Howe's Declaration posted in Queens County. 
 
 87. *Col. Birdsall ordered to Rockaway. 
 
 88. * Defaulters hide in Massapequa Swamp. 
 
 89. *Lieut. J. Townsend stationed at Matinecock. 
 
 90. *Sergeant Manee stationed at Sands's Point. 
 
 91. *Sergeant Hicks stationed at Hewlett's Point. 
 
 92. *Wairant to take security for removal of Stock. 
 
 93. *Gen. Greene orders the new Levies to his Camp. 
 
 94. Half the militia of Queens ordered to Brooklyn. 
 
 95. Congress vote .£200 to Flushing for support of fugitives from N.Y. 
 
 96. *Lis tof Capt. Nostrand's men stationed at Rockaway. 
 
 97. Capt. Suydam seizes a boat at Rockaway. 
 
 98. *List of Officers of Col. Smith's Regiment. 
 
 99. Congress order Gen. Woodhull to drive off Stock. 
 
 100. Woodhull writes to Congress for assistance. 
 
 101. The enemy's ships off Great Neck. 
 
 102. Queens County Militia recross to Long Island. 
 
 103. *Pay Rolls of Queens County Militia. 
 
 104. British Army march to Newtown. 
 
 105. British erect a Fort at Hell-Gate. 
 
 106. British embark at Newtown Creek and land at Kip's Bay. 
 
 107. British Officers quartered at Newtown. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 T 
 
 PART II. 
 
 seizure of whigs. 
 
 Sec. 
 
 108. British Light-Horse enter Newtown. 
 
 109. do. do. Flushing. 
 
 110. The Highlanders at Flushing. 
 
 111. The Light-Horse seize Woodhull at Jamaica. 
 
 112. WoodhulFs dying declaration. 
 
 113. Elias Bayles, of Jamaica, carried off. 
 
 114. Other Whigs of Jamaica seized. 
 
 115. Light-Horse enter North Hempstead. 
 
 116. do. visit Col. Sands's house. 
 
 117. do. carry off Adrian Onderdonk. 
 
 118. do. do. Major Thorne. 
 
 119. Oyster Bay Committee break up. 
 
 120. Kings County Light-Horse cross the Sound. 
 
 121. Ministerial Troops at Oyster Bay. 
 
 122. George Townsend and John Kirk carried off. 
 
 PART III. 
 
 PETITION AND REPRESENTATION OF QUEENS COUNT T. 
 
 123. List of 1293 Petitioners. 
 
 124. Gov. Tryon reviews the Militia of Queens County. 
 PART IV. 
 
 ARMED OCCUPATION. 
 
 Incidents at Newtown. 
 Incidents at Flushing. 
 Incidents at Jamaica. 
 Incidents at North Hempstead, 
 Incidents at Hempstead. 
 Incidents at Oyster Bay. 
 
 British Proclamations relating to Queens County. 
 List of Troops that lay in Queens County. 
 
 PART V. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 520 — 521. Evacuation of Queens County. 
 522 — 525. Emigration to Nova Scotia. 
 526. Celebration of the Peace. 
 527 — 530. Suits against Loyalists. 
 531. Tax laid on Queens County. 
 
 125—167. 
 168—211. 
 212—283 
 289—337. 
 338—367. 
 368-^30. 
 431_480. 
 481—519. 
 
INDEX OF NAMES. 
 
 A. 
 
 AlbertBon, Derrick, robbed, 336. 
 Alexander, Joseph, hung, 337. 
 Allen, Henry, 33, 101. 
 Altrecht, Capt. Barent, 353, note. 
 Arnberman, Derick, murdered, 255. 
 Areeon, Benj., robbed, 2U5. 
 
 B. 
 
 Baylis, Capt. Ephraim, 48, 58. 
 Baylis, Elias, 56, 57, 113. 
 Baxter, Israel, 330. 
 Bennet, Jacob, robbed, 157. 
 Birdsall, B., 42, 66, 81, 83, 87, 88, 
 
 218, 292. 
 Birch, Col., 117, 118, 505. 
 Blackwell, Samuel, 6, 13, 108. 
 Bloodgood, Widow, 109. 
 Bloomer, Rev. Joshua, 213, 240. 
 Bogart, Isaac, 1 19. 
 Bogart Tunis, 334, 368, note. 
 Bowden, Rev. Mr., 2 13, 225, 260. 
 Bowne, Willet, robbed, 204. 
 Brewerton, Col. George, 245, 485. 
 Brooks, Dr. David, 320, 397. 
 Brown, Col. Monfort,383,483,492. 
 Brush, Major, 316, note, 395. 
 Burling, James, 109, 520. 
 Burns, Michael, 117. 
 Burnet, Rev. M., 212. 
 Burtia, John, attacked, 323. 
 Burr, James, shot, 323. 
 Butler, John, robbed, 411. 
 
 C. 
 
 Carlton, Si: Guy, 461, note, 520. 
 
 Carpenter, Jacob, robbed, 386. 
 Clowes, Samuel, 468. 
 Cock, Capt. Abm.. taken, 391. 
 Cock, Wm„ robbed, 386. 
 Cock, Clark, robbed, 394. 
 Cock, Samuel, robbed, 404. 
 Coe, Capt. Benjamin, 102,103,526. 
 Coe, Jona., 108. 
 Colden, David, 123, 191, 460. 
 Colden, Lt. Gov., 2, note; address- 
 ed, 20. 
 
 Coles, Nathaniel, horse stolen, 415. 
 
 Coles, Albert, carried off, 397. 
 
 Coles, Lieut. Robert, 54, 63. 
 
 Cornwell, Cor., robbed, 336. 
 
 Comwell, Wm, 33, 90, 330. 
 
 Cornwell, John, 33, 90. 
 
 Cornwell, Aspinwall, 33,305. 
 
 Comwell, Hewlett, 330. 
 
 Cornwell, Richard, widow of, rob- 
 bed, 336. 
 
 Corsa,Coi. Isaac, 190. 
 
 Covert, Tunis, 255. 
 
 Craft, Wright, 336. 
 
 Creed, Wm , 113, 282. 
 
 Creed, Benjamin, 261. 
 
 Cruger, John Harris, 484. 
 
 Cumberson, Thomas, shoots a sol- 
 dier, 166. 
 
 Cunningham, W , 117, 200, note, 
 368, note. 
 
 Cutting, Rev. Leonard, 338. 
 
 D. 
 
 Delancey, Gen. Oliver, 214, 368, 
 
 4b2, 483. 
 Delancey, Maj. Oliver, 112, 505. 
 Dibble, Fyler, 378. 
 Dickie, Capt., 350, 353, 357. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 9 
 
 Ditmars, Dowe, 108, 272. 
 Ditmars,Abm , 72, 114. 
 Dodge, Peter, 115. 
 Dodge, Thomas, 33, 296. 
 Doughty, Samuel, 267, note; rob 
 
 bed, 365. 
 Downing, Silas, robbed, 427. 
 Doxey, Isaiah, 96, note, 213. 
 Duryee, Daniel, 11 3. 
 
 E. 
 
 Edsall, Philip, 218. 
 Emerick, Lieut. Col., 375. 
 Envidito, John, taken, 419. 
 Erskine, Sir William, 117, 390. 
 Everitt, Benjamin, robbed, 281. 
 
 F. 
 
 Fanning, Col. Edmund, 491. 
 Farley, Capt. James, robbed, 41 1 . 
 Farmer, John, 71, note. 
 Field, Hezekiah, 108. 
 Fleet, Arnold, carried off, 398. 
 Foster, Sol., shoots a soldier, 367. 
 Franklin, Hon. Wm, 407, 410. 
 French, Capt. Joseph, 26. 
 Friend, Charles, 53. 
 Froeligh, Rev. Sol., 213, note. 
 Furman, William, 113, 165. 
 
 G. 
 
 Glean, William, 205. 
 Greene, Gen. Nath'l, letter from, 93. 
 Griswold, Joseph, 299. 
 Guthrie, William, hung, 337. 
 
 H. 
 
 naire, jona., snoots a soldier, 424. 
 Haines, Alexander, 314. 
 Hale, Capt. N., 368, note. 
 Haltet, Joseph, robbed, 132. 
 Hamilton, Col. Archibald, 60, 182, 
 
 193, note, 195,446. 
 Hawimon, Jupiter, 410, note. 
 
 Hart, Rev. Joshua, 221. 
 
 Haviland, David, sheep stolen, 211. 
 
 Heard, Col., 38. 
 
 Hedger, James, shot, 200. 
 I Hegeman, Andrew, 368, note. 
 
 Hegeman, Judge Elbert, 117. 
 
 Hegeman, Elbort, 334. 
 
 Hegeman, Joost, 425. 
 
 Hewlett, Capt. Benj., 347, 253. 
 
 Hewlett, Richard, robbed, 336. 
 
 Hewlett, Lieut. Col. Richard, 31, 
 35, 190, 342, 423,486. 
 
 Hewlett, James, robbed, 322. 
 
 Hewlett, Joseph, 91. 
 
 Hewlett, Capt. St., 347, 363. 
 
 Herrold, Samuel, robbed, 301. 
 
 Hicks, Capt. Charles, 347, 353,359. 
 , Hicks, Tho's, 22, 26 ; robbed, 197. 
 
 Hicks, Serg't William, 91. 
 
 Higbie, Stephen, 193, note. 
 
 Hinchman, Robert, 114, 529. 
 
 Holroyd, John, 300, robbed, 310. 
 i Horton, Rev. Simon, 108. 
 j Howard, William, 99. 
 |Hyler, Capt., 361, 362. 
 
 I. 
 
 Inglis, Rev. C, 56, note. 
 Ireland, John, carried off, 376. 
 
 J. 
 
 Jackson, John, robbed, 350. 
 Jackson, Parmenas, murdered, 354. 
 i Janecke, Lieut. Col., 500. 
 Jay, James, 316, note. 
 Jay, John, draws up a report on 
 
 Queens County, 37. 
 Jervis, David, shoots Capt. Martin 
 
 and Jim Brown, 323. 
 Jones, Capt. David, 350, note, 360. 
 Jones, Hallet, 365. 
 Jones, Hon. Thomas, 402, 468. 
 
 K. 
 
 Keteltas, Rev Abm., 2, 75, 111, 
 251,375. 
 
10 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Kirby, Benjamin, 397. 
 
 Kirk, John, 122, 424. 
 
 Kissam, Benjamin, report on stock 
 
 of Queens County, 79. 
 Kissam, Daniel, Esq., 22. 
 Kissam, Daniel Whitehead, 41. 
 
 L. 
 
 Lamberson, David, 114. 
 Latham, Dr. Samuel, 118. 
 Laton, Capt. David, 54, 63, 83. 
 Lawrence, Jacobus, innkeeper, 338. 
 Lawrence, Jona., 22, 77, 102, 108. 
 Lawrence, D , 218. 
 Lawrence, William, 104, 107. 
 Lawrence, Richard, 108. 
 Lee, Gen. Charles, letter from, 41. 
 Livingston, John, Jr., 57, 64, 263. 
 Livingston, Philip J., 463,466. 
 Lloyd, Henry, James, Joseph, and 
 
 John, 410. 
 Lobden, Stephen, shot, 423. 
 Ludlam, Nicholas, 265, 231. 
 Ludlam, William, robbed, 282, 410, 
 
 430. 
 
 Ludlow, Hon. George Duncan, 305. 
 
 311,460. 
 Ludlow, Col. Gabriel G., 305, 486. 
 Luyster, John, 530. 
 
 M. 
 
 Manee, Richard, 83, 90, 116. 
 
 Martin, Dr. St., 60, 64. 
 
 Martin, Capt. Stephen, shot, 323. 
 
 Marrener, Capt. Wm , taken, 353. 
 
 Mather, Rev. M , carried off, 412. 
 
 McEvers, James, 64, 114. 
 
 Meserole, John, 157. 
 
 Mills, Samuel, robbed, 281. 
 
 Mills, Hope, 51, 224. 
 
 Mitchell, Benjamin, murdered, 327. 
 
 Mitchell, Lieut. Tho's, 33, 51, 63. 
 
 Mitchell, Uriah, sheriff, 337. 
 
 Monfort, Jacobus, 424, note. 
 
 Monfort, Joost, 119. 
 
 Moore, Robert, 111. 
 
 Moore, Lambert, 117. 
 
 Moore ,Tho's Lambert, teacher, 1 42. 1 
 
 Morrell, John, 330. 
 
 Mott, Adam, robbed, 336,337. 
 
 Mott, William, robbed, 336. 
 
 Mott, John, 359. 
 
 Mudge, Michael, robbed, 332. 
 
 Muirson, Heathcoat, shot, 410. 
 
 N. 
 
 Nostrand, Capt. Peter, 96. 
 Nostrand, Capt. Daniel, 63. 
 
 O. 
 
 Ogden, Dr. I., 111,256. 
 Onderdonk, Adrian, letter from, 71, 
 117. 
 
 Onderdonk, Peter, 316. 
 Onderdonk, Hendrick, 115, note; 
 
 robbed, 315. 
 Onderdonk, Andrew, 94, note, 102. 
 Onderdonk, Andrew H., 115, not€. 
 
 P. 
 
 Parsons, Gen., 374, 388, 390. 
 Pearsall, Thomas, carried off, 314 ; 
 
 robbed, 336. 
 Pearsall, Israel, robbed, 333. 
 Pearsall, Uriah, 353, note. 
 Peters, Hewlett, 14. 
 Pettet, Benjamin, 65. 
 Pine, James, 353, note. 
 Polhemus, Jacob, 106. 
 Polhemus, Capt. John, 235,288. 
 Pool, James, robbed, 336. 
 Putnam, Gen. Israel, 103 ; letter 
 
 of, 388. 
 
 R. 
 
 Ramage, James, 337. 
 
 Rapalje, John, prisoner, 402, note. 
 
 Rapalje, Daniel, Esq., 26. 
 
 Rapalje, Cor., shoots a soldier, 167. 
 
 Rawdon, Lord, 249, 488. 
 
 Ray nor, Joseph, 350 
 
 Remsen,Maj.Abm., 59,81,83, 108. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 11 
 
 Remscn, Col. Jeromus, 34 ; letter 
 from, 73; 94, 101, 102,108. 
 
 Remsen, Jeremiah, shoots three sol- 
 diers, 167. 
 
 Rennie, Samuel, 107. 
 
 Rider, Step., wounds Geo. Smith, 65. 
 
 Riker, Dr., 100. 
 
 Robertson, Gov., 104, 119, 461. 
 Robinson, Col. Beverly, 493. 
 Robinson, Col. Jos., 18, 29, 66, 111. 
 Rodman, John, 15, 192. 
 Rubell, Rev. Johannes Casparus, 
 
 213, note. 
 Rushmore. Isaac, robbed, 387, 427. 
 Ryerson, Cor's, innkeeper, 205. 
 
 S. 
 
 Sands, Benjamin, 116, 117. 
 Sands, Col. John, 51, 71, 81, 116, 
 
 316,520. 
 Sands, Simon, 90. 
 Schoonmaker, Rev. Martinus, 213. 
 Scott, Gen. John Morin, letters 
 
 from, 62. 
 Schenck, Martin, 33 ; robbed, 331. 
 Seaman, Zeb., 17, 292. 
 Seaman, Braddock, wounded, 350. 
 Seaman, Capt. Samuel, 360, 365. 
 Seabury, Rev. Samuel, 491. 
 Seabury, Dr., 65, 354. 
 Searing, Dr., 65, 354. 
 Searing, John, robbed, 336. 
 Seers, Isaac, letter from, 41. 
 Selleck, Capt. Abm., taken, 373. 
 Sheddan, Capt., boat taken, 414. 
 Simcoe, Lieut. Col., 390, 399, 405, 
 
 487. 
 
 Silliman, Gen., 390, 402. 
 Skidmore,.Iohn, robbed, 365. 
 Skidmore, Samuel, robbed, 374. 
 Skidmore, Maj. John J., 32, 85, 1 14. 
 Skinner, Gen. Cortland, 483. 
 Skudder, Wm. S., taken, 374,388. 
 Smith, George, wounded, 65. 
 Smith, Joseph, 65. 
 Smith, Othniel, constable, 1. 
 Smith, Col. Josiah, 81, 102, note. 
 Smith, John, 114. 
 Smith, Timothy, 293, a. 
 Smith, Tredwell, robbed, 336. 
 
 Smith, Thomas, Esq., 374, 430. 
 SnifTen, Peter, robbed, 329. 
 Spooner, Gaphineah, 267. 
 Springsteen, Caspar, 138. 
 Sutton, Wm., carried off, 304,398. 
 Suydam, Hendrick, 36, note. 
 Suydam, Lambert, letter Irom, 97. 
 
 T. 
 
 Talman, John, 15,326. 
 Talman, widow, robbed, 200. 
 Tarlton, Lieut. Col., 490. 
 Thompson, Lieut. Col., 494. 
 Thorne, John, 91, 316. 
 Thorne, Major Richard, 22, 91, 94, 
 
 118, 309,316,526. 
 Thorne, Tho's, 109; robbed, 337. 
 Thorne, Capt. Stephen, 25, 117; 
 
 robued, 303,330. 
 Thorne, Robert, innkeeper, 330. 
 Thorne, Ca pt. Joseph, takes a whale 
 
 boat, 330. 
 Thurman, John, robbed, 194. 
 Thurston, John, 72, 1 14. 
 Tom, Capt. Nath'l, 22, 109. 
 Toogood, Lieut. Wm., 76. 
 Townsend, James, 70, 100. 
 Townsend, George, 84, 122. 
 Townsend, Jotham, 89. 
 Townsend, Samuel, 8, 16, 22, 70, 
 
 101, 122. 
 Townsend, Rich'd, robbed, 321, 336. 
 Townsend, William, 34. 
 Townsend, Miss Sarah, valentine 
 
 to, 390. 
 
 I Townsend, John, 122, 398, 484. 
 I Townsend, Prior, 526. 
 j Tredwell, Dr. B., wife of, robbed, 
 ! 310. 
 
 ! Troup, Lieut. Robert, 112. 
 ! Tryon, Gov. Wm., 117, note, 123, 
 124. 
 
 Turnbull, Lieut. Col., 489. 
 
 U. 
 
 Underhill, George, robbed, 404. 
 Underhill, Daniel, robbed, 404. 
 Underhill, Amos, 426. 
 
12 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Upham, Lieut. Col., 408, 410. 
 
 Valentine, Ob., 310, 329. 
 Valentine, Capt. Philip, 63,80. 
 Vanderbelt, John, 109, 183. 
 Van Wyck, Capt. Tho's, thanked. 
 
 354, note. 
 Van Wyck, Cornelius, 49, 70, 101 
 
 109. 
 
 Van Wyck, Stephen, 15, 34, 
 
 W. 
 
 Wallace, Alexander, 64, 222. 
 Walton, Abm., carried off, 397. 
 Warne, William, 104, note, 111. 
 Weekes, John, 386, 404, 422. 
 Whitehead, Benjamin, 2, note, 64. 
 257. 
 
 Willeta, Thomas, sheriff, 86. 
 Willis, John, robbed, 430. 
 Williams, John, letter from, 49. 
 
 : Williams, Major William, disarms 
 
 Loyalists, 31. 
 Williams, Lieut. Thomas, 83, 96. 
 Williams,Jate Seaman, Zeb.,1 7,292. 
 Williamson, John, robbed, 282. 
 Wilson, Andrew, teacher, 216. 
 ! Wood, Elijah, 352. 
 Wood, Selah, robbed, 430. 
 Wooden, Solomon, 423. 
 Woodhull, Gen., letters from, 33, 
 40, 82, 99, 100, 111, 112,190. 
 , Woodward, Thomas, shoots a sol- 
 dier, 164* 
 Woolley, Capt. John, 309. 
 ■ Wright, Nicholas, 430. 
 W r right, John, 426. 
 I Wright, Capt. Jacob, 32, 103. 
 | Wurmb,Col.,499. 
 I WyckofT, Major Hend'k, carries 
 money to Clinton, 316. 
 
 Y. 
 
 I Youngs, Capt. Israel, 410, 421 , 395. 
 ! Youngs, Jonas, 398.