Military Journal, During the American Rev. War - Part 5



MILITARY JOURNAL - 1779

January 1st, 1779.-Colonel Gibson made an entertainment, and invited all 
the officers of his regiment to dine at his quarters in the country a 
short distance from camp. The table was amply furnished, and the guests 
did not separate till evening, when we were requested to resort to General 
Muhlenburg's quarters. Here we were introduced to a number of ladies 
assembled to unite with the gentlemen in the ball-room; a very elegant 
supper was provided, and not one of the company was permitted to retire 
till three o'clock in the morning. Thus have the gallant Virginians 
commenced the new year.

February.-Having continued to live under cover of canvas-tents most of the 
winter, we have suffered extremely from exposure to cold and storms. Our 
soldiers have been employed six or eight weeks in constructing log huts, 
which at length are completed, and both officers and soldiers are now 
under comfortable covering for the remainder of the winter. Log houses are 
constructed with the trunks of trees cut into various lengths, according 
to the size intended, and are firmly connected by notches cut at their 
extremities in the manner of dovetailing. The vacancies between the logs 
are filled in with plastering consisting of mud and clay. The roof is 
formed of similar pieces of timber, and covered with hewn slabs. The 
chimney, situated at one end of the house, is made of similar but smaller 
timber, and both the inner and the outer side are covered with clay 
plaster, to defend the wood against the fire. The door and windows are 
formed by sawing away a part of the logs of a proper size, and move on 
wooden hinges. In this manner have our soldiers, without nails, and almost 
without tools, except the axe and saw, provided for their officers and for 
themselves comfortable and convenient quarters, with little or no expense 
to the public. The huts are arranged in strait lines, forming a regular, 
uniform, compact village. The officers' huts are situated in front of the 
line, according to their rank, the kitchens in the rear, and the whole is 
similar in form to a tent encampment. The ground for a considerable 
distance in front of the soldiers' line of huts is cleared of wood, stumps 
and rubbish, and is every morning swept clean for the purpose of a parade-
ground and roll-call for the respective regiments. The officers' huts are 
in general divided into two apartments, and are occupied by three or four 
officers, who compose one mess. Those for the soldiers have but one room, 
and contain ten or twelve men, with their cabins placed one above another 
against the walls, and filled with straw, and one blanket for each man. I 
now occupy a hut with our field-officers, Colonel Gibson, Lieutenant-
Colonel Brent, and Major Meriweather.

4th.-A duel has lately been fought between a surgeon and an adjutant in 
General Scott's brigade; the former received a bad wound, and the latter 
escaped with honor. "Who will hesitate," says one, "to exchange a few 
shots with a friend to obtain the appellation of a gentleman of honor? If 
I kill my antagonist I have the satisfaction of settling a point of honor! 
If I receive a ball through my own heart, I die in the glorious cause of 
honor! 'You have offended me in a delicate point,' says an officer to his 
friend, 'and I now demand of you the satisfaction of a gentleman: I have 
settled my affairs, and prepared myself to die, if that shall be my 
fate.' - 'Then,' replied the other, 'we cannot fight on equal terms, for I 
have not had time to do either.'"

The anniversary of our alliance with France was celebrated in proper style 
a few days since near head-quarters, at Pluckemin. A splendid 
entertainment was given by General Knox and the officers of artillery. 
General Washington and his lady, with the principal officers of the army 
and their ladies, and a considerable number of respectable ladies and 
gentlemen of the state of New Jersey, formed the brilliant assembly. About 
four o'clock sixteen cannon were discharged, and the company collected in 
a large public building to partake of an elegant dinner. In the evening a 
very beautiful set of fire-works was exhibited, and the celebration was 
concluded by a splendid ball, opened by his Excellency General Washington, 
having for his partner the lady of General Knox.

26th.-A party of the enemy made an attempt yesterday to surprise our 
troops stationed at Elizabethtown, under the command of General Maxwell, 
but the vigilance of the general prevented their success. They sent a 
party to capture Governor Livingston, of New Jersey, but in this attempt 
they were also frustrated. After burning and plundering a few houses, they 
returned to Staten Island, but were pursued by General Maxwell's brigade, 
which occasioned the loss of a few men on each side.

His excellency the commander-in-chief has long been in the practice of 
inviting a certain number of officers to dine at his table every day. It 
is not to be supposed that his excellency can be made acquainted with 
every officer by name, but the invitations are given through the medium of 
general orders, in which is mentioned the brigade from which the officer 
is expected. Yesterday I accompanied Major Cavil to head-quarters, and had 
the honor of being numbered among the guests at the table of his 
excellency, with his lady, two young ladies from Virginia; the gentlemen 
who compose his family, and several other officers.

It is natural to view with keen attention the countenance of an 
illustrious man, with a secret hope of discovering in his features some 
peculiar traces of excellence, which distinguishes him from and elevates 
him above his fellow mortals. These expectations are realized in a 
peculiar manner in viewing the person of General Washington. His tall and 
noble stature and just proportions - his fine, cheerful, open 
countenance - simple and modest deportment - are all calculated to 
interest every beholder in his favor, and to command veneration and 
respect. He is feared even when silent, and beloved even while we are 
unconscious of the motive. The table was elegantly furnished, and the 
provisions ample, but not abounding in superfluities. The civilities of 
the table were performed by Colonel Hamilton and the other gentlemen of 
the family, the general and lady being seated at the side of the table. In 
conversation, his excellency's expressive countenance is peculiarly 
interesting and pleasing; a placid smile is frequently observed on his 
lips, but a loud laugh, it is said, seldom, if ever, escapes him. He is 
polite and attentive to each individual at table, and retires after the 
compliments of a few glasses. Mrs. Washington combines in an uncommon 
degree great dignity of manner with the most pleasing affability, but 
possesses no striking marks of beauty. I learn from the Virginia officers 
that Mrs. Washington has ever been honored as a lady of distinguished 
goodness, possessing all the virtues which adorn her sex, amiable in her 
temper and deportment, full of benignity, benevolence and charity, seeking 
for objects of affliction and poverty, that she may extend to the 
sufferers the hand of kindness and relief. These surely are the attributes 
which reveal a heart replete with those virtues which are so appropriate 
and estimable in the female character.

April 13th.-We have passed a winter remarkably mild and moderate; since 
the 10th of January, we have scarcely had a fall of snow, or a frost, and 
no severe weather. At the beginning of this month the weather was so mild 
that vegetation began to appear; the fruit-trees were budded on the 1st, 
and in full blossom on the 10th. In Virginia the peach-trees were in 
blossom on the 14th of February, but a small frost since has, it is 
feared, proved fatal to the fruit.

14th.-I accompanied several gentlemen to the village of Middle-brook, 
where a number of horses were offered for sale; I purchased a handsome 
young bay for six hundred dollars. This shows the depreciated value of the 
paper money, which we receive for pay; the horse could not be valued at 
more than eighty dollars in silver.

16th.-The officers of our regiment provided a genteel entertainment, and 
invited Generals Woodford, Smallwood, and Muhlenburg, with all the 
officers of the Virginia line, as our guests. Our table was furnished with 
an ample variety of dishes, and the choicest liquors that could be 
procured.

20th.-Five soldiers were conducted to the gallows, according to their 
sentence, for the crimes of desertion and robbing the inhabitants. A 
detachment of troops and a concourse of people formed a circle round the 
gallows, and the criminals were brought in a cart, sitting on their 
coffins, and halters about their necks. While in this awful situation, 
trembling on the verge of eternity, three of them received a pardon from 
the commander-in-chief, who is always tenderly disposed to spare the lives 
of his soldiers. They acknowledged the justice of their sentence, and 
expressed the warmest thankfulness and gratitude for their merciful 
pardon. The two others were obliged to submit to their fate; one of them 
was accompanied to the fatal spot by an affectionate and sympathizing 
brother, which rendered the scene uncommonly distressing, and forced tears 
of compassion from the eyes of numerous spectators. They repeatedly 
embraced and kissed each other, with all the fervor of brotherly love, and 
would not be separated till the executioner was obliged to perform his 
duty, when, with a flood of tears, and mournful lamentations, they bade 
each Other an eternal adieu - the criminal, trembling under the horrors of 
an untimely and disgraceful death - and the brother, overwhelmed with 
sorrow arid anguish for one whom he held most dear.

May 1st.-Thirteen cannon have just announced the arrival of M. Gerard, the 
French minister, and a gentleman of distinction from Spain, by the name of 
Don Juan de Mirrilliars; and preparations are making to afford these 
foreign gentlemen an opportunity of reviewing our army.

2d.-The whole of our army in this quarter was paraded in martial array in 
a spacious field, and a stage was erected for the accommodation of the 
ladies and gentlemen spectators. At the signal of thirteen cannon, the 
great and splendid cavalcade approached in martial pomp and style. A very 
beautiful troop of light-horse, commanded by Major Lee, a Virginian, 
marched in front, then followed his excellency the commander-in-chief and 
his aids-de-camp, next the foreign ministers and their retinue, and the 
general officers of our army and their aids, closed the procession. Having 
arrived on the field of parade, the commander-in-chief, with the foreign 
ministers arid general officers, passed in front of the line of the army, 
from right to left, in review, and received the military honors due to 
their rank; after which, the gentlemen dismounted and retired to the 
stage, and took seats with Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Greene, Mrs. Knox, and a 
number of other ladies, who had arrived in their carriages. The army then 
performed the field manoeuvres and evolutions, with firing of cannon and 
musketry. The business of the day was closed by the troops deploying, and 
marching in front of the stage, and paying the marching salute to their 
excellencies. The whole performance was conducted with such marked 
regularity and precision, as to reflect great honor on the character of 
our army, and afford the commander-in-chief and the spectators the highest 
degree of satisfaction. On this occasion we cannot but pride ourselves on 
the conspicuous figure exhibited by our commander-in-chief. While mounted 
on his noble bay charger, his stature appears remarkable; and being a good 
horseman, he displays a lofty carriage, and benign dignity of demeanor, 
and I hope not to incur the charge of undue partiality, when I say, his 
appearance was incomparably more majestic and dignified than either of his 
illustrious visitors.

14th.-Our brigade was paraded for the purpose of being reviewed by General 
Washington and a number of Indian chiefs. His excellency, with his usual 
dignity, followed by his mulatto servant Bill, riding a beautiful gray 
steed, passed in front of the line, and received the salute. He was 
accompanied by a singular group of savages, whose appearance was beyond 
description ludicrous. Their horses were of the meanest kind, some of them 
destitute of saddles, and old lines were used for bridles. Their personal 
decorations were equally farcical, having their faces painted of various 
colors, jewels suspended from their ears and nose, their heads without 
covering, except tufts of hair on the crown, and some of them wore dirty 
blankets over their shoulders waving in the wind. In short, they exhibited 
a novel and truly disgusting spectacle. But his excellency deems it good 
policy to pay some attention to this tribe of the wilderness, and to 
convince them of the strength and discipline of our army, that they may be 
encouraged, if disposed to be friendly, or deterred from aggression, if 
they should become hostile to our country.

28th.-The Baron Steuben reviewed and inspected our brigade. The troops 
were paraded in a single line with shouldered arms, every officer in his 
particular station. The baron first reviewed the line in this position, 
passing in front with a scrutinizing eye; after which, he took into his 
hand the muskets and accoutrements of every soldier, examining them with 
particular accuracy and precision, applauding or condemning, according to 
the condition in which he found them. He required that the musket and 
bayonet should exhibit the brightest polish; not a spot of rust or defect 
in any part could elude his vigilance. He inquired also into the conduct 
of the officers towards their men, censuring every fault and applauding 
every meritorious action. Next he required of me, as surgeon, a list of 
the sick, with a particular statement of their accommodations and mode of 
treatment, and even visited some of the sick in their cabins. The baron 
has sustained the office of aid-de-camp to his Majesty the King of 
Prussia, and is now inspector-general with the rank of major-general in 
our army. He appears to be about fifty years of age, and is venerable and 
dignified in his deportment, rich and elegant in dress, having a splendid 
medal of gold and diamonds, designating the order of fidelity, suspended 
at his breast. He is held in universal respect, and considered as a 
valuable acquisition to our country. He is distinguished for his profound 
knowledge of tactics, his ability to reform and discipline an army - for 
his affectionate attachment to a good and faithful soldier, and his utter 
aversion to every appearance of insubordination and neglect of duty. The 
continental army has improved with great rapidity under his inspection and 
review.

30th.-Dined with Major Storer, at his quarters in the country. Spent a few 
hours at General St. Clair's quarters, with Dr. McKenzie and Major Dunn, 
and called on Colonel Scammel at the adjutant-general's office.

June 10th.-Smith's Clove is a fine level plain of rich land, situated at 
the foot of the high mountains on the west side of Hudson river. It is 
about fourteen miles in the rear of the garrison at West Point, and 
surrounded on all sides by the highlands. The few families who reside here 
find a profitable employment in cultivating the fertile soil. Our brigade 
marched from quarters at Middle-brook on the 2d instant, and arrived at 
Morristown, where we received orders to leave all our heavy baggage, and 
proceed with all possible expedition, as the enemy was advancing towards 
West Point. Marched rapidly through Troy, Pompton and Ringwood, and on the 
7th instant, encamped in the Clove. By a number of deserters from the 
enemy, information has been received that the greater part of the British 
army is advancing, and is now near King's ferry, only thirteen miles below 
West Point; and that part of their fleet is proceeding up the river: their 
object is supposed to be the garrison at West Point. For the security of 
this very important post, General Washington has arranged his army as 
follows: Three divisions, consisting of the Virginia, Maryland, and 
Pennsylvania troops, commanded by Major-Generals Lord Stirling, Baron de 
Kalb, and Major-General St. Clair, form the right wing, and is commanded 
by General Putnam as the senior major-general, and posted at Smith's 
Clove. All the New England troops, including the militia, compose the left 
wing, and are so distributed at West Point and its vicinity, on the east 
side of the river, as to guard all the passes leading to the garrison. Our 
army thus posted is supposed to be adequate to the defence of the garrison 
against all the force which the enemy can bring in array against it; and 
such is the confidence among our officers, that many of them express a 
strong desire that the royal troops would afford an opportunity to try our 
strength and courage. Should this be the event, the struggle must indeed 
be violent, and the slaughter immense. The British commander, however, not 
deeming it prudent to hazard a battle, after a few days retired to New 
York.

12th.-Two officers of our regiment have just had occasion to adjust an 
affair of honor. Captain E. had given offence to Captain H., and a 
challenge ensued. Captain E. was well apprised that if the ball from the 
pistol of his antagonist should pass through his heart, it would produce 
immediate death: of course it was most prudent to decline the hazardous 
combat. But the consequence is, he subjected himself to a contest of a 
less honorable nature. His antagonist inflicted the chastisement of the 
horse-whip. This he supported with wonderful fortitude and magnanimity; 
apprehending, probably, that powder and ball might prove more disastrous 
than the chastisement which he had received. But his brother-officers 
treated him with contempt, and threatened to hoot him out of camp. There 
is a kind of mechanical courage excited by the necessity of the occasion, 
which may push a coward to venture on an act of heroism. This fact was now 
exemplified; for Captain E., reduced to the alternative of retrieving his 
character in a spirited manner, or of quitting the army in disgrace, came 
to the desperate resolution of deciding his fate by facing his bold 
antagonist in single combat. The usual arrangements being made, my 
services as surgeon were held in requisition. The parties took their stand 
at ten paces, and each discharged his pistol. But behold, A harmless 
explosion! no blood shed, not even a hair of their heads injured. But the 
combatants conducted like gentlemen of honor: of course, harmony and 
mutual friendship were restored. Captain E. has the best cause of triumph, 
for he has rescued his character from the stigma of poltroon, to an 
honorable standing among the gentlemen officers.

14th.-I rode with Major Meriweather to West Point; took our route through 
the woods, over abrupt and rocky mountains, almost impassable for our 
horses. Spent an hour at General Parsons's head-quarters, then crossed the 
North river to Fishkill. The next day we recrossed at Fishkill-landing, 
and rode to New Windsor, thence we visited my friend Colonel Malcolm at 
his seat fourteen miles in the country. This gentleman, having resigned 
his office in the army, is beautifully situated on a farm west of the 
Hudson, retired from the bustle of war, and devoted to domestic affairs 
and rural enjoyments. We spent the night with this agreeable family, and 
Mrs. Malcolm received in the evening the visits of a number of ladies and 
gentlemen. We returned to our camp the next morning, and found the brigade 
under marching orders.

16th.-We marched from Smith's Cove through a thick wilderness, and over 
the prodigious highland mountains. My curiosity was excited by a vast 
number of huge rocks. marked with fissures and cavities, occasioned by 
some stupendous power beyond our comprehension. These, with various 
brooks, winding in every direction, among rude clefts and precipices, 
afford a singular and romantic landscape. Our path was narrow and rugged, 
and probably will not again be traversed but by savages and wild beasts. 
We arrived here in the evening without our baggage, and were obliged to 
seek lodgings among our friends. The next day dined with Dr. I. Thomas, 
and accompanied him to General Patterson's quarters, where we spent the 
evening, and I was introduced to Major Haskill, aid-de-camp to General 
Patterson. He is a native of Rochester, and Dr. Thomas of Plymouth, 
Massachusetts.

20th.-I have lately been favored with a letter from my friend Dr. D. 
Townsend, who is a surgeon in the military hospital at Providence, state 
of Rhode Island. He invites me to accept of the office of surgeon to the 
Massachusetts regiment, commanded by Colonel Henry Jackson, which is now 
stationed at that place. My principal inducement to exchange my present 
station for the proposed new appointment is, that Colonel Jackson and all 
his officers are from my native state, and there is a prospect of 
receiving some compensation in clothing and other articles to which I 
could have no claim while serving in the Virginia line. It is proper, and 
on many accounts convenient, that officers should serve in the line of 
their own state; and though I have enjoyed the most friendly intercourse, 
and numerous kind favors from the Virginians, yet I cannot but prefer the 
manners and habits of the New Englanders.

21st.-The officers of our regiment invited a select number of officers of 
the Pennsylvania line to dine on sturgeon, a large fish which Major 
Meriweather caught in the North river. This fish is a favorite with the 
Dutch, at Albany, and is on that account by some called Albany beef; but 
in my view it is worse than horse beef, and it was merely an auxiliary to 
our table.

24th.-I have just had the satisfaction, with a number of gentlemen, of 
viewing a remarkably large fat ox, which has been presented by some 
gentlemen in Connecticut to his Excellency General Washington. He is six 
feet seven inches high, and weighs on the hoof three thousand five hundred 
pounds, the largest animal I ever beheld.

Having resolved to resign my commission in Colonel Gibson's regiment, I 
shall in a few days commence my journey to Providence, and join the 
regiment commanded by Colonel H. Jackson. Colonel Gibson has favored me 
with a complimentary certificate of my services. It is with sincere regret 
that I bid adieu to those associates, for whom I have a strong attachment.

July 1st.-Engaged to spend this evening with General Patterson and Dr. 
Crowell, and to breakfast with the Rev. Mr. Avery and Mr. Hitchcock, and 
shall immediately set off for Providence, in company with Dr. Skinner.

I left West Point, in company with Dr. Skinner, on the 2d instant, and on 
the 3d arrived at Crompond, where my favorite young horse was seized with 
the horse distemper and I was put to the cruel necessity of disposing of 
him for not one-half his real value. I Pursued our journey through 
Litchfield and Farmington, in Connecticut, and the next day reached 
Hartford, a well-built, handsome town on Connecticut river, and the 
capital of that state.

Having crossed over to East Hartford, we found the whole country in a 
state of alarm in consequence of the enemy's having landed at New Haven, 
and there committing depredations among the inhabitants. A spirit of 
revenge seemed to pervade the whole country, and the militia were marching 
from all quarters to encounter and arrest the progress of the invading 
foe. We passed through Windham, and arrived at this place on the 8th 
instant. Here I had an interview with my old friends Drs. Brown and 
Townsend, surgeons of the hospital. I was by Dr. Townsend introduced to 
Colonel Jackson and his officers, and I commenced my duty by visiting the 
sick soldiers of the regiment. The field-officers of this regiment are 
Colonel Henry Jackson, Lieutenant-Colonel David Cobb, and Major Lemuel 
Trescott. It is now learned that the party of the enemy that landed at New 
Haven was commanded by Governor Tryon, and consisted of three thousand 
men. They met with a powerful resistance from the militia, which 
occasioned skirmishing, and a considerable loss on each side. After 
plundering the inhabitants of Fairfield and Norwalk, they maliciously 
destroyed both these flourishing towns, with their houses of religious 
worship, by a general conflagration.

13th.-Dined with Colonel Jackson, and in the afternoon rode with Major 
Trescott to Pawtuxet, a very pleasant ride of about five miles.

21st.-By express from General Washington to General Gates, we are informed 
of a glorious victory, which a detachment of our army, commanded by the 
intrepid General Wayne, obtained over the enemy at Stony Point, situated 
on the banks of the North river. In consequence of this intelligence, 
thirteen cannon have been fired at the several posts in this department. 
Extract from General Gates' orders:

"PROVIDENCE, July, 21st, 1779.
The general congratulates the army on the glorious success of Brigadier-
General Wayne, and the gallant troops under his command, in taking by 
assault the enemy's fortified post at Stony Point, and, with the point of 
the bayonet alone, forcing the garrison to surrender at discretion, not 
one man escaping. This signal and brilliant victory was gained with the 
loss of but fifteen men killed, and the general and eighty-three wounded, 
while, on the part of the enemy, five hundred soldiers and twenty officers 
were killed, wounded and taken prisoners, with all their cannon, arms, 
military-stores and provisions."

30th.-Dined at head-quarters with a number of gentlemen; was introduced to 
General Gates by Dr. Brown. General Gates is the commander-in-chief in 
this department; his capture of General Burgoyne at Saratoga, in 1777, has 
given him eclat and popularity as a brave and skillful warrior. He 
displays the complaisant manners of a gentleman; in conversation be is 
affable and interesting, but appears better versed in military tactics 
than in subjects appertaining to general science. He adopted the 
profession of arms in his early days, and his prowess and valor, as well 
as his zeal and partiality for our country, are incontestably established.

Congress have recently passed the following resolve in favor of an 
American heroine: "That Margaret Corbin, who was wounded and disabled at 
the attack of Fort Washington, while she heroically filled the post of her 
husband, who was killed by her side, serving a piece of artillery, do 
receive during her natural life, or the continuance of the said 
disability, the one-half of the monthly pay drawn by a soldier in the 
service of these states and that she now receive, out of the public 
stores, one complete suit of clothes, or the value thereof in money."

Mr. T., an ensign in our regiment, has for some time discovered symptoms 
of mental derangement. He is frequently strolling abroad, and amusing 
people with his wit and humor, or arresting attention by his solemn 
appeals to the Deity. Yesterday he intruded himself at General Gates' head-
quarters, and after some amusing conversation, he put himself in the 
attitude of devotion, and prayed that God would pardon General Gates for 
endeavoring to supersede that god-like man Washington. The general 
appeared to be much disturbed, and directed Mr. Pierce, his aid-de-camp, 
to take him away. Whether this address provoked in the general a 
consciousness of the fact is uncertain, but the subject is of such a 
delicate nature that no man in his sober senses would have broached it to 
him.

August.-The British a few weeks since detached a force from Halifax, and 
established a post on Penobscot river, in the Province of Maine. Their 
force is supposed to consist of about one thousand men, under command of 
Brigadier-General Maclean, with several armed vessels, which occupy the 
river. This invasion of our territory has excited the greatest 
indignation, and all classes of people are burning with an ardent desire 
of revenge. The General Court of Massachusetts have planned an expedition, 
for the purpose of driving the invading foe from our shores. Such was 
their zeal and confidence of success, that it is said the General Court 
neither consulted any experienced military character, nor desired the 
assistance of any continental troops on this important enterprise - thus 
taking on themselves the undivided responsibility, and reserving for their 
own heads all the laurels to be derived from the anticipated conquest. 
They drafted one thousand five hundred militia, and appointed General 
Lovell, who acquired some reputation in Rhode Island, under General 
Sullivan, the last year, to command the expedition. They obtained of 
Congress the loan of the United States frigate Warren, of thirty-two guns, 
and with an unprecedented spirit of enterprise and industry, no less than 
nineteen continental, state, and private ships, and more than twenty 
transports, were specially equipped, and prepared to cooperate with the 
land forces destined for this service. With a laudable spirit of 
patriotism, and animated by the flattering prospect of success, thirty 
masters of merchant vessels in Newburyport honorably volunteered their 
services as common seamen. Captain Saltonstall was appointed commodore of 
the fleet, and took his station on board the Warren frigate. This combined 
force sailed about the 20th of July on their destined service, but having 
some reason to apprehend a failure of their enterprise, the General Court 
have applied to General Gates for permission for Colonel Jackson's 
regiment to reinforce General Lovell, to which he has assented, and we are 
accordingly under marching orders.

Colonel Henry Jackson, who commands our regiment, is a native of Boston; 
he is very respectable as a commander, is gentlemanly in his manners, 
strongly attached to military affairs, and takes a peculiar pride in the 
discipline and martial appearance of his regiment. Many of his officers 
are from Boston and its vicinity; they appear in handsome style, and are 
ambitious to display their taste for military life and their zeal to 
contend with the enemies of their country. Colonel Jackson, with his 
regiment, acquired reputation by their gallantry in the battle on Rhode 
Island, under General Sullivan. Our regiment consists of about four 
hundred men, in complete uniform, well disciplined, and not inferior to 
any in the continental army. We commenced a forced march from Providence 
on the 10th, and completed the forty miles in twenty-four hours. A severe 
rain all night did not much impede our march, but the troops were broken 
down with fatigue.

We reached Boston-neck at sun-rising, and near the entrance of the neck is 
a tavern having for its sign a representation of a globe, with a man in 
the act of struggling to get through it; his head and shoulders were out, 
his arms extended, and the rest of his body inclosed in the globe. On a 
label from his mouth was written, "Oh how shall I get through this 
world?", This was read by the soldiers, and one of them exclaimed, "List, 
d--n you, list, and you will soon get through this world! Our regiment 
will all be through it in an hour or two, if we don't halt by the way."

We are treated by the gentlemen of this town with great attention and 
respect. They have generously presented to Colonel Jackson and the 
officers of his regiment a hogshead of Jamaica spirits and a cask of wine. 
For the soldiers they have collected a liberal sum of money, which is 
distributed among them. A public dinner is to be provided at the Bunch of 
Grapes tavern for the officers, before our departure. The transports are 
in preparation to receive our troops on board.

On the 14th, our regiment marched through the town to the Long wharf, and 
embarked on board the transports, receiving as we passed through King-
street the cheers of the inhabitants. After the regiment had embarked, the 
officers, according to previous arrangement, returned to the Bunch of 
Grapes tavern, where a liberal and elegant entertainment had been 
provided, and where we were politely received by a number of respectable 
gentlemen of the town. Having dined and enjoyed a number of songs over the 
cheering glass, wishing success to the Penobscot expedition, we repaired 
on board our respective transports, awaiting a fair wind for our voyage. 
Our transports are the Rising Empire, a brig carrying eight guns, two 
sloops, and one schooner. Our convoy is the ship Renown, of fourteen guns, 
and a brig of sixteen guns. About four o'clock on the 15th instant, the 
Renown, our convoy, fired her signal-guns for sailing, on which our little 
fleet weighed anchor, and after giving three cheers, which were returned 
by a concourse of people on the wharves, and by a French ship in the 
baror, we sailed after our convoy, but dropped anchor near Castle William, 
by reason of contrary winds.

17th.-In the evening we obeyed the signal-guns, and were beating against 
contrary wind off Cape Anne till the 19th, when we fell in with a small 
boat off the Isle of Shoals, which had been despatched with the unwelcome 
intelligence that our fleet at Penobscot had been attacked by the British, 
and was totally defeated and destroyed, and that our land forces, under 
General Lovell, were also entirely defeated and dispersed. Orders were 
received for our fleet to put into Portsmouth harbor for safety, as 
several British ships were supposed to be in pursuit of us.

21st.-Our regiment disembarked and encamped at Kittery; being Sunday, I 
accompanied several of our officers to the Reverend Mr. Hemmenway's 
church; he is a sensible and animating preacher, displaying considerable 
eloquence and much orthodoxy. In his fervent prayers, he was not forgetful 
of the calamities of war, and the righteous cause in which we are engaged. 
Here we have a confirmation of the unfortunate failure of the Penobscot 
expedition, which is a source not only of universal regret, but of 
infinite chagrin and mortification among all who bad been concerned in the 
plan.

August.-Having received orders to march to Falmouth, (now Portland,) left 
Kittery on the 23d instant, and on the 27th entered this town in martial 
order, and were received with marks of the greatest joy and satisfaction, 
as the inhabitants were under serious apprehensions of a visit from the 
British. We behold here only the relics of a town, which a few years since 
was very respectable and flourishing. It was the capital of the province 
of Maine, and enjoyed the happy prospect of becoming one of the most 
important seaports in New England. But in October, 1775, the inhabitants 
opposed the landing of a British vessel with ship timber, which so enraged 
Admiral Graves, that he sent Captain Mowat with several ships of war, 
demanding of the inhabitants to deliver up all their artillery and small 
arms. On refusal to comply with this demand, the enemy opened a severe 
cannonade, which soon set fire to the town, and no less than four hundred 
and eight houses, stores and other buildings, were consumed to ashes. A 
large number of seamen and mariners were landed, but the people having 
collected in considerable force, compelled the enemy to retreat to their 
boats, with the loss of several men.

By several gentlemen just returned from Penobscot, I have obtained the 
following particulars respecting the failure of the expedition. On the 
arrival of General Lovell, instead of one thousand five hundred militia, 
nine hundred only could be collected; it was resolved, however, in a 
council of war, to make an attempt to achieve the object of the 
expedition; accordingly, on the 28th of July, the militia, with about 
three hundred marines, were disembarked, and soon effected a landing under 
a height which rose almost perpendicularly from the banks of the river, on 
the summit of which the enemy's advanced guard was posted under cover of a 
wood. Our militia were opposed by about an equal number of the enemy, whom 
they bravely encountered and drove within their works; but we suffered a 
loss of several officers of merit, and about one hundred of the militia 
and marines were killed and wounded. It now became a subject of 
consideration whether it was expedient to storm the enemy's principal 
works, but in a council it was decided that our force was inadequate to 
the object. It was at this juncture supposed that by a vigorous 
cooperation of our navy, a complete victory might have been obtained, and 
the most urgent and pressing entreaties were made to Commodore Saltonstall 
for the purpose, but he declined, and continued in a state of 
pusillanimous inactivity, thereby proclaiming himself totally incompetent 
to the important trust with which, most unfortunately, he had been 
invested.

On the 14th instant, Sir George Collier, wiith a sixty-four-gun ship and 
five frigates, arrived from New York. General Lovell, on receiving this 
intelligence, ordered all his troops, with the artillery and baggage, to 
be embarked on board the transports, which, with our whole fleet, moved up 
the Penobscot river, pursued by the British. On the near approach of the 
enemy, our vessels were abandoned; two of them fell into the hands of the 
enemy, the remainder were burned and blown up. General Lovell and General 
Peleg Wadsworth, the second in command, both of whom have the reputation 
of brave men, now dispensed with all command of the troops, as did 
Saltonstall of the seamen. The soldiers separated from their officers, and 
every individual was seeking his own safety, wandering in the wilderness, 
suffering fatigue, hunger, and vexation, till after much difficulty they 
reached the settlements on the Kennebec; a few of their number indeed 
actually perished in the wilderness. Thus disgracefully has ended the 
famous Penobscot expedition, which, had a competent force been provided, 
might have terminated to the glory of Massachusetts. Those concerned in 
the plan or its execution, a few individuals excepted, were publicly 
execrated. The expense attending the expedition is immense. The fleet was 
invaluable, and its loss is altogether irreparable. It was extremely 
fortunate for our regiment that we were detained two or three days on our 
passage by contrary winds; had there been no impediment to our voyage, we 
must inevitably have fallen into the hands of the enemy.

September 3d.-Two armed vessels, accompanied by two others, being 
perceived approaching this harbor, excited a great degree of consternation 
among the inhabitants, but it was soon ascertained to be our two 
continental frigates, the Boston and the Dean, returning from a cruise 
with two prizes of very considerable value, and having on board two 
hundred soldiers for the British army, and stores and goods to a large 
amount.

The inhabitants of this town have shown us numerous marks of respect and 
generous hospitality. A respectable committee of the town have invited our 
officers to a tavern to partake of a treat of punch and wine, in company 
with a number of respectable inhabitants, and we experience many other 
polite civilities, indicating a disposition to contribute to the comfort 
and happiness of those who are serving the great cause of our common 
country. Orders are now received from General Gates for our regiment to 
return immediately to Boston.

Commenced our march from Falmouth on the 7th instant; passed through 
Scarborough, Kennebunk and York, to Portsmouth, in New Hampshire. At York, 
all the officers of our regiment were politely invited to an elegant 
breakfast, with the genteel and hospitable family of Mr. Sewall, Having 
crossed the ferry at Portsmouth on the 10th, we encamped on the common. A 
number of gentlemen of this town treated us with buckets of punch at the 
ferry-way, and as we passed through the streets. This attention was 
extremely grateful during the heat and fatigue of the day. We had the 
satisfaction of visiting the seventy-four-gun ship on the stocks near this 
town; she will be ready for sea in June next. This is the first seventy-
four ever built in America. On the 12th, crossed the ferry at Newbury, and 
marched to Ipswich Hamlet, passing through Salem; we reached Cambridge on 
the 14th, and encamped on the common. Accompanied a number of ladies and 
gentlemen to view the colleges, and were admitted to the library-room and 
museum. From Cambridge we marched to Dorchester Point, where we embarked 
in boats, crossed over to the castle, and encamped. On the 18th, went with 
Colonel Jackson to Boston to attend the funeral of a Mr. Deshon, a brother-
mason. A procession of one hundred and twenty of the brethren preceded the 
corpse, and added greatly to the solemnity of the occasion.

Walking in the street, I met with James Otis, Esq. He has for some time 
labored under an unhappy mental derangement. I had no expectation that I 
should be recognized by him, but he accosted me in a very familiar manner 
by my Christian name, and inquired about my connexions. He was inquisitive 
respecting the affairs of the army, and wished to be informed whether I 
had on any occasion been exposed to personal danger, and whether my 
courage had failed me. A friend related to me the following anecdote, 
which he received from O. W. Esq., who was present on the occasion: Mr. 
Otis invited several respectable gentlemen to dinner; in carving at table, 
he observed a fish not sufficiently boiled, which drew from him some 
expressions of disapprobation. His lady retorted with an air of ill-humor. 
Mr. Otis, wishing to avoid altercation, waived his rebuke till dinner was 
finished, when he rendered thanks to God that, among other favors, the 
guests had escaped the danger of having their noses snapped off at table.

A particular account of the briIliant achievement in the capture of the 
fortress at Stony Point, by General Wayne, has been obtained. Stony Point 
is a strongly-fortified post on the west bank of the Hudson, near King's 
ferry. The possession of this post is of vast importance to either army, 
as it completely commands the great road, and the ferry way which affords 
communication between the middle and eastern states. This fortress has 
lately been visited by Sir Henry Clinton in person, and by his orders 
strengthened, and rendered, as supposed, entirely defensible. General 
Washington was extremely desirous to dislodge the enemy from this 
position, and to Brigadier-General Wayne he intrusted the hazardous 
enterprise. At the head of his detachment of light-infantry, consisting of 
one thousand two hundred, he marched about fourteen miles, reached the 
vicinity of the fort at eleven o'clock in the evening of July the 16th, 
and, instantly prepared for the assault. He peremptorily ordered that 
every man should advance in silence with unloaded muskets and fixed 
bayonets. A soldier disobeyed his order, and began to load his piece; the 
order was repeated, and he persisted in the resolution to load, on which 
an officer instantly run him through the body with his sword. On no 
occasion is a strict obedience to orders more indispensable than at this 
critical moment; had a single gun been fired, the victory might have been 
lost, or the slaughter been immense. The plan being adjusted, one hundred 
and fifty volunteers under Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury, a French gentleman, 
formed the van of the right column, and one hundred volunteers, under 
Major Stuart, composed the van of the left column, each of which was 
preceded by a forlorn hope of twenty picked men, commanded by Lieutenants 
Gibbon and Knox, for the express purpose of removing the abatis and other 
obstructions. At about twenty minutes after twelve, the columns advanced 
to the assault, and such was the impetuosity of the troops, that in the 
face of a most tremendous and incessant fire of musketry and cannon loaded 
with grape-shot, they forced their way at the point of the bayonet, 
surmounted every obstacle, and both columns met in the centre of the 
enemy's works nearly at the same instant. Colonel Fleury first entered the 
fort, and struck their standard with his own hand. Major Posey was the 
first to give the watch-word, "The fort's our own." General Wayne, in his 
letter to the commander-in-chief, extols highly the brave conduct of his 
officers and men, and particularizes Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury, Major 
Stuart, Colonels Butler, Hull, Meigs and Febiger, for their exemplary 
valor and intrepidity. Lieutenant-Colonel Hay was wounded in the thigh, 
while fighting with firmness in the heat of the action. General Wayne 
himself received a slight wound in his head, but, supported by his aids, 
he entered the fort with the troops. The truly brave are ever ambitious of 
distinguishing themselves by a nice observance of the laws of humanity and 
generosity towards the conquered foe. It is highly creditable to our 
troops, that they conducted towards the prisoners with a humane 
forbearance, which is directly the reverse of the conduct of the British 
on too many similar occasions; they disdained to take the lives of those 
who were in their power, and calling for mercy; not an individual suffered 
after their surrender, and this will account for the few of the enemy 
killed on this occasion; being about one hundred killed and wounded. The 
continentals had fifteen killed and eighty-three wounded. The number of 
prisoners was five hundred and forty-three. Colonel Johnson, commander of 
the fort, and several other officers, were among the number. It is 
remarkable that out of the twenty men who formed the forlorn hope, under 
Lieutenant Gibbon, seventeen were killed or wounded.

General Washington's letter to Congress applauds the conduct of all the 
officers and men; but he names particular officers, whose situation placed 
them foremost in danger, which rendered their conduct more conspicuous. 
Lieutenants Gibbon and Knox, he observes, who commanded the advanced 
parties, or forlorn hope, acquitted themselves as well as it was possible. 
With respect to General Wayne, he observes, "that his conduct throughout 
the whole of this arduous enterprise, merits the warmest approbation of 
Congress; he improved on the plan recommended by me, and executed it in a 
manner that does signal honor to his judgment and to his bravery. In a 
critical moment of the assault, he received a flesh-wound in the head, 
with a musket-ball, but continued leading on his men with unshaken 
firmness." His excellency informed Congress that two flags and two 
standards were taken, the former belonging to the garrison, the latter to 
the 17th regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel Hull, at the head of four hundred 
light-infantry, displayed a noble gallantry, for which he received the 
thanks of General Wayne and of Washington.

As distinguishing marks of approbation, Congress directed that a gold 
medal, emblematical of the action, be presented to Brigadier-General 
Wayne, and a silver one to Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury and Major Stuart, and 
brevets of captain given to Lieutenants Gibbon and Knox, and that the 
value of the military stores taken, should be divided among the gallant 
troops who reduced Stony Point, in such a manner as the commander-in-chief 
should prescribe.

The fortifications at Paulus Hook, on the west side of North river, 
opposite New York city, was taken by Major Lee of the horse. The garrison 
made a faint resistance and surrendered. Major Southerland and about 
fifteen of his men escaped to a small block-house. The approach of day, 
and the vicinity of the main body of the enemy, made it impossible to 
bring off any stores. The continentals had possession of all the artillery 
and magazine; the prisoners were one hundred and thirty-four, rank and 
file, and seven officers; about forty were killed. Major Lee's loss is 
said to be very few in killed and wounded; four only is the number 
mentioned.

According to orders from General Gates, our regiment left Castle William 
on the 26th, and arrived at Providence on the 28th instant, and encamped 
at Fox's Point. Sunday I rode with several officers to Pawtuxet, to attend 
the religious services of the celebrated Mr. Murray, whose professed 
doctrine is the universal salvation of mankind. Mr. Murray is not admitted 
into the pulpits of the orthodox clergy; his peculiar sentiments are 
revolting to the consciences, and repugnant to the belief of a large 
proportion of the people of New England. In this village the people are 
destitute of an ordained minister. The audience was numerous, and the 
preacher peculiarly eloquent; freely and solemnly declaring the sentiments 
which he has adopted, and quoting various portions of Scripture to enforce 
a belief in the opinion which his own conscience and judgment approve.

General Prescott, who was taken at Rhode Island by Colonel Barton, on his 
route through Connecticut, called at a tavern to dine; the landlady 
brought on the table a dish of succotash (boiled corn and beans). The 
general , unaccustomed to such kind of food, with much warmth exclaimed 
"What? do you treat us with the food of hogs?" and taking the dish from 
the table, emptied the contents over the floor. The landlord, being 
informed of this, soon entered with his horsewhip, and gave the general a 
severe chastisement. After the general was exchanged, and he resumed his 
command on the island, the inhabitants of Nantucket deputed Dr. Gilston to 
negotiate some concerns with General Prescott, in behalf of the town. 
Prescott treated the doctor very cavalierly, and gave as the cause, that 
the doctor looked so like that d----d landlord who horsewhipped him in 
Connecticut, that he could not treat him with civility.

When the Count D'Estaing's fleet appeared near the British batteries, in 
the harbor of Rhode Island, a severe cannonade was commenced, and several 
shot passed through the houses in town, and occasioned great consternation 
among the inhabitants. A shot passed through the door of Mrs. Mason's 
house, just above the floor. The family were alarmed, not knowing where to 
flee for safety. A negro man ran and sat himself down very composedly, 
with his back against the shot-hole in the door, and being asked by young 
Mr. Mason why he chose that situation, he replied, "Massa, you never know 
two bullet go in one place."

October.-Information is received that the enemy are preparing to evacuate 
the town of Newport. They have burned the light-house, blown up some of 
their works, and embarked their heavy baggage.

16th.-It is ascertained that the British have abandoned the town of 
Newport, and that some of our troops have taken possession of the town. It 
is but justice to remark that the enemy left the town in good condition, 
and that they treated the inhabitants with civility. They left a large 
quantity of hay, wood, and military stores. Our regiment is under marching 
orders.

November.-In obedience to orders, we marched from Providence on the 8th 
instant, passing through the towns of Coventry, Windham, Bolton, Hartford, 
Woodbury, and Newtown, and arrived at Danbury, (Conn.,) on the 23d. Our 
regiment is united with General Stark's brigade, the whole of which is now 
billeted in private houses. Danbury was formerly a flourishing town, but 
the principal part of it has been destroyed by the enemy. A soldier having 
anointed himself for the itch, with mercurial ointment, last night, was 
found dead this morning; and another suffered the same fate, in 
consequence of drinking six gills of rum. Our troops have suffered greatly 
by snow and rain, and excessively bad travelling, since we left Providence.

December.-Our brigade left Danbury on the 5th instant. It snowed all the 
afternoon, and we took shelter in the woods at Cortland's manor. Having no 
other shelter than bushes thrown together, we passed a very cold, 
uncomfortable night. Marched the next day through a deep snow, and took 
lodgings at night in private houses at Crompond; marched again early, 
crossed the Hudson at King's ferry, and proceeded twenty miles, it being 
late at night before our men could all find accommodations in the 
scattering houses and barns on the road. I visited my friend Doctor S. 
Findley, of General Glover's brigade, and being invited to breakfast, the 
only food be could furnish was coffee, without milk or sugar, and meagre 
beef-steaks, without bread or even salt. Such has been for some time the 
unaccountable scarcity of provisions in the main army. We marched to 
Pompton on the 9th, and on the 14th reached this wilderness, about three 
miles from Morristown, where we are to build log-huts for winter-quarters. 
Our baggage is left in the rear, for want of wagons to transport it. The 
snow on the ground is about two feet deep, and the weather extremely cold; 
the soldiers are destitute of both tents and blankets, and some of them 
are actually barefooted and almost naked. Our only defence against the 
inclemency of the weather, consists of brush-wood thrown together. Our 
lodging the last night was on the frozen ground. Those officers who have 
the privilege of a horse, can always have a blanket at hand. Having 
removed the snow, we wrapped ourselves in great-coats, spread our blankets 
on the ground, and lay down by the side of each other five or six 
together, with large fires at our feet, leaving orders with the waiters to 
keep it well supplied with fuel during the night. We could procure neither 
shelter nor forage for our horses, and the poor animals were tied to 
trees, in the woods for twenty-four hours without food, except the bark 
which they peeled from the trees. Lieutenant W. and myself rode to 
Morristown where we dined, and fed our starving horses at a tavern. 
General Washington has taken his head-quarters at Morristown, and the 
whole army in this department are to be employed in building log huts for 
winter-quarters. The ground is marked out, and the soldiers have commenced 
cutting down the timber of oak and walnut, of which we have a great 
abundance. Our baggage has at length arrived, the men find it very 
difficult to pitch their tents on the frozen ground, and notwithstanding 
large fires, we can scarcely keep from freezing. In addition to other 
sufferings, the whole army has been for seven or eight days entirely 
destitute of the staff of life; our only food is miserable fresh beef, 
without bread, salt, or vegetables.

It is a circumstance greatly to be deprecated, that the army, who are 
devoting their lives and every thing dear to the defence of our country's 
freedom, should be subjected to such unparalleled privations, while in the 
midst of a country abounding in every kind of provisions. The time has 
before occurred when the army was on the point of dissolution for the want 
of provisions, and it is to be ascribed to their patriotism, and to a 
sense of honor and duty, that they have not long since abandoned the cause 
of their country. The heroic fortitude with which our officers and 
soldiers support their distresses, proclaims their fidelity and intrinsic 
merit. Besides the evils above mentioned, we experience another in the 
rapid depreciation of the continental money, which we receive for our pay; 
it is now estimated at about thirty for one. It is from this cause, 
according to report, that our commissary-general is unable to furnish the 
army with a proper supply of provisions. The people in the country are 
unwilling to sell the produce of their farms for this depreciated 
currency, and both the resources and the credit of our Congress appear to 
be almost exhausted. The year is now closed, and with it expires the term 
of enlistment of a considerable number of our soldiers; new conditions are 
offered them to encourage their reenlistment during the war; but such are 
the numerous evils which they have hitherto experienced, that it is feared 
but a small proportion of them will reenlist. Should these apprehensions 
be realized, the fate of our country, and the destiny of its present 
rulers and friends, will soon be decided.

It has hitherto been our grievous misfortune, that the several states have 
attempted to supply their quota of the army by short enlistments. No fact 
is more susceptible of demonstration, than that enlisting or draughting 
men for nine months or one year never fails of being attended with 
disappointment and a train of pernicious consequences. General Washington 
has, from the beginning of the contest, most pointedly protested against 
it, and labored with unwearied assiduity to induce the states to adopt a 
more just and permanent system. By the present mode, the strength of the 
army is continually precarious and fluctuating; the recruits have scarcely 
time to learn the discipline and police of a camp, before they are at 
liberty to return to their farms, and their places are supplied by others 
who require the same course of instruction. The consequence is, that but a 
small proportion of our troops are inured to actual service, they are 
continually liable to camp diseases, and are undeserving of confidence in 
the most critical moments of the campaign. Another discouraging 
circumstance attending this mode of recruiting the army is, the great 
inequality of the bounties given to the soldiers at different times, and 
the disparity in the provision made by the several states, which occasions 
murmurs and discontent among their respective troops. It is consistency 
and stability that give character and efficiency to an army, and this has 
ever been the great desideratum in the view of our commander-in-chief. The 
state of Massachusetts, in order to fill up their regiments, have offered 
a bounty of three hundred dollars, in addition to the continental bounty 
of two hundred dollars, to induce men to enlist for three years, or during 
the war.

Intelligence has been received from Savannah, Georgia, which city has for 
some time been in the possession of the enemy, under command of General 
Prevost. Major-General Lincoln is commander-in-chiet of our army in that 
department. The Count D'Estaing had arrived there with a French fleet and 
a body of troops. With these forces, combined with the Americans, the two 
commanders, after having besieged the city for some time, resolved on the 
aImost desperate resolution of possessing it by assault. The allied force 
consisted of between four and five thousand men. General Lincoln and Count 
D'Estaing led their respective troops to the lines of the enemy, with the 
most signal firmness and intrepidity, and faced their fire for about fifty-
five minutes, when they were repulsed with considerable loss. Count 
D'Estaing received two slight wounds; more than six hundred of his brave 
troops, and about one hundred and seventy continentals were killed or 
wounded. Count Pulaski, a brigadier-general in our service, at the head of 
two hundred horsemen, was in full gallop, with the intention of charging 
the enemy in the rear, when he received a mortal wound. This gentleman was 
a Polander, of distinguished rank and character; having viewed the 
American cause in a favorable light, he offered his services to our 
Congress, who appointed him to the rank of brigadier-general. He has by 
his active and enterprising spirit rendered essential service to our army, 
and his death is universally lamented.

During the siege of Savannah, an event occured, singularly honorable to an 
enterprising individual, which should never be forgotten. A captain of 
Colonel Delany's battalion of refugee troops, with about one hundred 
American royal regulars, was posted near a river twenty-five miles from 
Savannah, where were four armed British vessels, manned with about forty 
sailors. Colonel John White, of the Georgia line, was desirous of the 
honor of capturing this party; his whole force, however, consisted of no 
more than six volunteers, including his own servant; it was only by a well-
concerted stratagem, therefore, that he could hope for success. In the 
night, he kindled a number of fires, in different places, and exhibited 
the appearance of a large encampment, and having arranged his plan, he 
summoned the captain to surrender, threatening his entire destruction, by 
a superior force, in case of a refusal. Intimidated, and deceived by 
appearances, the captain immediately signified his readiness to comply 
with the demand, and made no further defence. The American captain, White, 
bad now the satisfaction, by his peculiar address, to see the whole of the 
prisoners, amounting to one hundred and forty, divest themselves of their 
arms, and submit to himself and his six volunteers. The prisoners were 
afterwards safely conducted by three of the captors for twenty-five miles 
through the country, to an American post. During the present month, one 
Hessian lieutenant and seven Hessian soldiers, and four British, deserted 
from the enemy at New York. The lieutenant pretended to desire to enter 
our service as a volunteer, but deserters are generally suspicious or 
worthless characters, undeserving of attention. One of the British 
deserters pretended to be a prophet, but probably a disguised spy.