Military Journal, During the American Rev. War - Part 6



MILITARY JOURNAL - 1780

January 1st, 1780.-A new year commences, but brings no relief to the 
sufferings and privations of our army. Our canvas covering affords but a 
miserable security from storms of rain and snow, and a great scarcity of 
provisions still prevails, and its effects are felt even at head-quarters, 
as appears by the following anecdote: "We have nothing but the rations to 
cook, sir," said Mrs. Thomson, a very worthy Irish woman and house-keeper 
to General Washington." - "Well, Mrs. Thomson, you must then cook the 
rations, for I have not a farthing to give you." - "If you please, sir, 
let one of the gentlemen give me an order for six bushels of salt."- "Six 
bushels of salt! for what?" - "To preserve the fresh beef, sir." One of 
the aids gave the order, and the next day his excellency's table was amply 
provided. Mrs. Thomson was sent for, and told that she had done very wrong 
to expend her own money, for it was not known when she could be repaid. "I 
owe you," said his excellency, "too much already to permit the debt being 
increased, and our situation is not at this moment such as to induce very 
sanguine hope." - "Dear sir," said the good old lady, "it is always 
darkest Just before day-light, and I hope your excellency will forgive me 
for bartering the salt for other necessaries which are now on the table." 
Salt was eight dollars a bushel, and it might always be exchanged with the 
country people for articles of provision.

The weather for several days has been remarkably cold and stormy. On the 
3d instant, we experienced one of the most tremendous snow-storms ever 
remembered; no man could endure its violence many minutes without danger 
of his life. Several marquees were torn asunder and blown down over the 
officers' heads in the night, and some of the soldiers were actually 
covered while in their tents, and buried like sheep under the snow. My 
comrades and myself were roused from sleep by the calls of some officers, 
for assistance; their marquee had blown down, and they were almost 
smothered in the storm, before they could reach our marquee, only a few 
yards, and their blankets and baggage were nearly buried in the snow. We 
are greatly favored in having a supply of straw for bedding; over this we 
spread all our blankets, and With our clothes and large fires at our feet, 
while four or five are crowded together, preserve ourselves from freezing. 
But the sufferings of the poor soldiers can scarcely be described, while 
on duty they are unavoidably exposed to all the inclemency of storms and 
severe cold; at night they now have a bed of straw on the ground, and a 
single blanket to each man; they are badly clad, and some are destitute of 
shoes. We have contrived a kind of stone chimney outside, and an opening 
at one end of our tents gives us the benefit of the fire within. The snow 
is now from four to six feet deep, which so obstructs the roads as to 
prevent our receiving a supply of provisions. For the last ten days we 
have received but two pounds of meat a man, and we are frequently for six 
or eight days entirely destitute of meat, and then as long without bread. 
The consequence is the soldiers are so enfeebled from hunger and cold, as 
to be almost unable to perform their military duty, or labor in 
constructing their huts. It is well known that General Washington 
experiences the greatest solicitude for the sufferings of his army, and is 
sensible that they in general conduct with heroic patience and fortitude. 
His excellency, it is understood, despairing of supplies from the 
commissary-general, has made application to the magistrates, of the state 
of New Jersey for assistance in procuring provisions. This expedient has 
been attended with the happiest success. It is honorable to the 
magistrates and people of Jersey, that they have cheerfully complied with 
the requisition, and furnished for the present an ample supply, and have 
thus probably saved the army from destruction.

As if to make up the full measure of grief and embarrassment to the 
commander-in-chief, repeated complaints have been made to him that some of 
the soldiers are in the practice of pilfering and plundering the 
inhabitants of their poultry, sheep, pigs, and even their cattle, from 
their farms. This marauding practice has often been prohibited in general 
orders, under the severest penalties, and some exemplary punishments have 
been inflicted. General Washington possesses an inflexible firmness of 
purpose, and is determined that discipline and subordination in camp shall 
be rigidly enforced and maintained. The whole army has been sufficiently 
warned, and cautioned against robbing the inhabitants on any pretence 
whatever, and no soldier is subjected to punishment without a fair trial, 
and conviction by a court-martial. Death has been inflicted in a few 
instances of an atrocious nature; but in general, the punishment consists 
in a public whipping, and the number of stripes is proportioned to the 
degree of offence. The law of Moses prescribes forty stripes save one, but 
this number has often been exceeded in our camp. In aggravated cases, and 
with old offenders, the culprit is sentenced to receive one hundred 
lashes, or more. It is always the duty of the drummers and fifers to 
inflict the chastisement, and the drum-major must attend and see that the 
duty is faithfully performed. The culprit being securely tied to a tree, 
or post, receives on his naked back the number of lashes assigned him, by 
a whip formed of several small knotted cords, which sometimes cut through 
the skin at every stroke. However strange it may appear, a soldier will 
often receive the severest stripes without uttering a groan, or once 
shrinking from the lash, even while the blood flows freely from his 
lacerated wounds. This must be ascribed to stubbornness or pride. They 
have, however, adopted a method which they say mitigates the anguish in 
some measure: it is by putting between the teeth a leaden bullet, on which 
they chew while under the lash, till it is made quite flat and jagged. In 
some instances of incorrigible villains, it is adjudged by the court that 
the culprit receive his punishment at several different times, a certain 
number of stripes repeated at intervals of two or three days, in which 
case the wounds are in a state of inflammation, and the skin rendered more 
sensibly tender; and the terror of the punishment is greatly aggravated. 
Another mode of punishment is that of running the gauntlet: this is done 
by a company of soldiers standing in two lines, each one furnished with a 
switch, and the criminal is made to run between them and receive the 
scourge from their hands on his naked back; but the delinquent runs so 
rapidly, and the soldiers are so apt to favor a comrade, that it often 
happens in this way that the punishment is very trivial; but on some 
occasions, a soldier is ordered to hold a bayonet at his breast to impede 
his steps. If a non-commissioned officer is sentenced to corporeal 
punishment, he is always degraded to the soldier's rank. The practice of 
corporeal punishment in an army has become a subject of animadversion, and 
both the policy and propriety of the measure have been called in question. 
It may be observed that the object of punishment is to exhibit examples, 
to deter others from committing crimes; that corporeal punishment may be 
made sufficiently severe as a commutation for the punishment of death in 
ordinary cases; it is more humane, and by saving the life of a soldier, we 
prevent the loss of his services to the public. In justification of the 
practice, it is alleged, also, that in the British army it has long been 
established in their military code, and it is not uncommon to sentence a 
criminal to receive a thousand lashes, and that they aggravate its horrors 
in the most cruel manner, by repeating the stripes from day to day, before 
the wounds are healed; and instances are not wanting of its having been 
attended with fatal consequences. On the other hand, it is objected that 
corporeal punishment is disreputable to an army; it will never reclaim the 
unprincipled villain, and it has a tendency to repress the spirit of 
ambition and enterprise in the young soldier; and the individual thus 
ignominiously treated, can never, in case of promotion for meritorious 
services, be received with complacency as a companion for other officers, 
These objections will apply to most other modes of punishment, and it 
remains to be decided, which is the most eligible for the purpose of 
maintaining that subordination so indispensable in all armies.

Notwithstanding the numerous difficulties and discouragements with which 
our army have been compelled to struggle, we are happy to find that a 
considerable proportion of those soldiers whose terms of enlistment have 
lately expired, have reenlisted during the continuance of the war. It may 
seem extraordinary that those who have experienced such accumulated 
distress and privations, should voluntarily engage again in the same 
service. But amid all the toils and hardships, there are charms in a 
military life: it is here that we witness heroic actions and deeds of 
military glory. The power of habit and the spirit of ambition, pervade the 
soldiers' ranks, and those who have been accustomed to active scenes, and 
formed their social attachments, cannot without reluctance quit the tumult 
and the bustle of a camp, for the calm and quiet of domestic pursuits. 
There is to be found, however, in the bosom of our soldiers the purest 
principles of patriotism: they glory in the noble cause of their country, 
and pride themselves in contributing to its successful termination. It is 
hoped they will not again be subjected to a starving condition.

17th - A detachment, consisting of about two thousand five hundred men, 
under the command of Major-General Lord Stirling, was a few days since 
sent off in about five hundred sleighs on a secret expedition. The sleighs 
were procured, and preparations made, under the pretence of going into the 
country after provisions. It is now ascertained that the object of the 
expedition was to attack the enemy in their works on Staten Island, by 
surprise. Our party passed over on the ice from Elizabethtown in the 
night, but the enemy having received intelligence of their design, retired 
into their strong works for safety, and the object of the enterprise was 
unfortunately defeated; they, however, brought off a quantity of blankets 
and stores. The snow was three or four feet deep, and the weather 
extremely cold, and our troops continued on the island twenty-four hours 
without covering, and about five hundred were slightly frozen, and six 
were killed by a party of horse, who pursued our rear-guard. A number of 
tents, arms, and a quantity of baggage, with several casks of wine and 
spirits, were brought off, with seventeen. prisoners.

27th. - A party of the enemy made an excursion from Staten Island in the 
night, surprised our picket-guard, and succeeded in taking off a major and 
forty men. Our officers were censured for their conduct in not being 
sufficiently alert to guard against a surprise. We are now rejoicing in 
having a plentiful supply of provisions and a favorable prospect of a full 
supply in future. Our log huts are almost completed, and we promise 
ourselves very comfortable quarters for the remainder of the winter.

A detachment of eighty men, levies and volunteers, under command of 
Captains Keeler and Lockwood, marched to Morrissania in the night, and 
made an attack on Colonel Hatfield. The colonel and his men took to the 
chambers, and fired out of the windows and down stairs at those who 
entered the house. Our party found it almost impossible to dislodge them 
till they set fire to the house by putting a straw bed into a closet while 
in blaze, which compelled them to jump out at the chamber-windows to avoid 
the flames. Colonel Hatfield, one captain, one lieutenant, and one quarter-
master, and eleven private soldiers were taken and brought off.

We are just informed that on the first of this month about two hundred 
soldiers of the Massachusetts line, who were stationed at West Point, 
pretending that their term of enlistment had expired, marched off with the 
intention of going home. A party of troops were despatched after them, and 
they were brought back. Several soldiers from other posts followed their 
example. The subject being investigated by the proper officers, it was 
found that many of them had several months to serve: some of these were 
punished, and the remainder returned to their duty. Those whose term had 
actually expired were discharged. During the present month a considerable 
number of deserters, both British and Hessians, have come from the enemy.

February. - Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson had the command of about two 
hundred and fifty men, as an advanced party, on our lines. He was 
instructed to be constantly alert and in motion, that the enemy might not 
be able to take advantage, and form a plan for his destruction. It 
happened, however, that a detachment of British, Hessians, and mounted 
refugees, were discovered advancing towards him, but on account of a very 
deep snow obstructing the road, they marched slowly, and Colonel Thompson 
resolved to defend his ground. The enemy's horse first advanced, and 
commenced skirmishing till their infantry approached, when a sharp 
conflict ensued, which continued about fifteen minutes; some of our troops 
manifested symptoms of cowardice, and gave way. The enemy secured the 
advantage, and rushed on with a general shout, which soon decided the 
contest. The Americans lost thirteen men killed, and Captain Roberts, 
being mortally wounded, soon expired; seventeen others were wounded. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson and six other officers, with with eighty-nine 
rank and file, were made prisoners. Of the enemy, two officers and 
eighteen men were wounded, and five men killed. One of our men, by the 
name of Mayhew, of Massachusetts, was pursued by two of the enemy's horse, 
the snow being almost up to his hips: they gained fast on him; he inquired 
if they would give him quarter; they replied, "Yes, you dog! we will 
quarter you," and this was again repeated. Mayhew, in despair, resolving 
to give them a shot before he submitted to his fate, turned and fired at 
the first horseman, who cried out "The rascal has broken my leg!" when 
both of them wheeled round and rode off, leaving Mayhew to rejoice at his 
fortunate escape.

14th. - Having continued to this late season in our tents, experiencing 
the greatest inconvenience, we have now the satisfaction of taking 
possession of the log huts, just completed by our soldiers, where we shall 
have more comfortable accommodations. Major Trescott, Lieutenant Williams, 
our pay-master, and myself, occupy a hut with one room, furnished with our 
lodging cabins, and crowded with our baggage.

20th. - Two soldiers were brought to the gallows for the crime of robbery. 
One of them was pardoned under the gallows, and the other executed. The 
poor criminal was so dreadfully tortured by the horror of an untimely 
death, that he was scarcely able to sustain himself, and the scene excited 
the compassion of every spectator. It is hoped that this example will make 
such an impression as to deter others from committing similar crimes.

March. - The present winter is the most severe and distressing which we 
have ever experienced. An immense body of snow remains on the ground. Our 
soldiers are in a wretched condition for the want of clothes, blankets and 
shoes; and these calamitous circumstances are accompanied by a want of 
provisions. It has several times happened that the troops were reduced to 
one-half, or to one-quarter allowance, and some days have passed without 
any meat or bread being delivered out. The causes assigned for these 
extraordinary deficiencies, are the very low state of the public finances, 
in consequence of the rapid depreciation of the continental currency, and 
some irregularity in the commissary's department. Our soldiers, in 
general, support their sufferings with commendable firmness, but it is 
feared that their patience will be exhausted, and very serious 
consequences ensue.

April. - A party of our troops being stationed on the line, under the 
command of Major Boyles, of the Pennsylvania line, was unfortunately 
surprised by the enemy in the night. The major defended himself in a house 
till he was mortally wounded, when he and his guard surrendered. The enemy 
set fire to several houses, and carried off about fifty of our men, and 
five or six officers, among whom is Ensign Thacher, of our regiment. The 
militia pursued, and retook a number of horses and a quantity, of valuable 
goods, which they had plundered from the inhabitants.

19th. - The Chevalier de la Luzerne, minister of France, with another 
French gentleman, and Don Juan de Miralles, a gentleman of distinction 
from Spain, arrived at headquarters, from Philadelphia, in company with 
his Excellency General Washington. Major Trescott was ordered out with two 
hundred men, to meet and escort them to head-quarters, where two 
battalions were paraded to receive them with the usual military honors. 
Several of our general officers rode about five miles to meet the 
gentlemen, and their arrival was announced by the discharge of thirteen 
cannon. The foreign gentlemen, and their suites, having left their 
carriages, were mounted on elegant horses, which, with General Washington, 
the general officers of our army, with their aids and servants formed a 
most splendid cavalcade, which attracted the attention of a vast concourse 
of spectators. General Washington accompanied his illustrious visitors to 
take a distant view of the enemy's position and works, on York and Staten 
Island, and of the different posts of our army, while preparations were 
making for a grand field review of our troops.

24th. - A field of parade being prepared under the direction of the Baron 
Steuben, four battalions of our army were presented for review, by the 
French minister, attended by his excellency and our general officers. 
Thirteen cannon, as usual, announced their arrival in the field, and they 
received from the officers and soldiers the military honors due to their 
exalted rank. A large stage was erected in the field, which was crowded by 
officers, ladies, and gentlemen of distinction from the country, among 
whom were Governor Livingston, of New Jersey, and his lady. Our troops 
exhibited a truly military appearance, and performed the manoeuvres and 
evolutions in a manner which afforded much satisfaction to our commander-
in-chief, and they were honored with the approbation of the French 
minister, and by all present. After the gentlemen had received the 
standing salute in review, they dismounted and retired to the stage with 
the ladies, and the troops performed several evolutions, and paid the 
marching salute as they passed the stage. The minister of France was 
highly gratified, and expressed to General Washington his admiration at 
the precision of their movements, and the exactness of their fires, as 
well as the spirit and alacrity that seemed to pervade all ranks of the 
army. In the evening, General Washington and the French minister attended 
a ball, provided by our principal officers, at which were present a 
numerous collection of distinguished ladies and gentlemen of distinguished 
character. Fire-works were also exhibited by members of the artillery. It 
is much regretted that M. de Miralles is confined at head-quarters by 
indisposition. On the 25th, the whole army was paraded under arms, to 
afford M. de la Luzerne another opportunity of reviewing the troops; after 
which, he was escorted part of the way to Philadelphia. The Spanish 
gentleman remained dangerously sick of a pulmonic fever at head-quarters, 
and on the 28th he expired.

29th. - I accompanied Doctor Schuyler to head-quarters, to attend the 
funeral of M. de Miralles. The deceased was a gentleman of high rank in 
Spain, and had been about one year a resident with our Congress, from the 
Spanish court. The corpse was dressed in rich state, and exposed to public 
view, as is customary in Europe. The coffin was most splendid and stately, 
lined throughout with fine cambric, and covered on the outside with rich 
black velvet, and ornamented in a superb manner. The top of the coffin was 
removed, to display the pomp and grandeur with which the body was 
decorated. It was in a splendid full dress consisting of a scarlet suit, 
embroidered with rich gold-Iace, a three-cornered gold-laced hat, and a 
genteel cued wig, white silk stockings, large diamond shoe and knee-
buckles, a profusion of diamond rings decorated the fingers, and from a 
superb gold watch set with diamonds, several rich seals were suspended. 
His Excellency General Washington, with several other general officers and 
members of Congress, attended the funeral solemnities, and walked as chief 
mourners. The other officers of the army, and numerous respectable 
citizens, formed a splendid procession, extending about one mile. The pall-
bearers were six field officers, and the coffin was borne on the shoulders 
of four officers of the artillery in full uniform. Minute-guns were fired 
during the procession, which greatly increased the solemnity of the 
occasion. A Spanish priest performed service at the grave, in the Roman 
Catholic form. The coffin was inclosed in a box of plank, and all the 
profusion of pomp and grandeur were deposited in the silent grave, in the 
common burying-ground, near the church at Morristown. A guard is placed at 
the grave, lest our soldiers should be tempted to dig for hidden treasure. 
It is understood that the corpse is to be removed to Philadelphia. This 
gentleman is said to have been in possession of an immense fortune, and 
has left to his three daughters in Spain one hundred thousand pounds 
sterling each. Here we behold the end of all earthly riches, pomp, and 
dignity. The ashes of Don Miralles mingle with the remains of those who 
are clothed in humble shrouds, and whose career in life was marked with 
sordid poverty and wretchedness.

May. - The officers of our army have long been dissatisfied with their 
situation, conceiving that we are devoting our lives to the public service 
without an adequate remuneration. our sacrifices are incalculably great, 
and far exceed the bounds of duty, which the public can of right claim 
from any one class of men. Our wages are not punctually paid, we are 
frequently five or six months in arrears, and the continental money which 
we receive is depreciated to the lowest ebb. Congress have established a 
scale of depreciation, by which the continental bills are valued at forty 
for one of silver, and at this rate they have resolved that all their 
bills shall be called in and a new emission shall be issued, and received 
at the rate of one for forty of the old emission. But the public 
confidence in paper money is greatly diminished, and it is with extreme 
difficulty that proper supplies can be procured to serve the pressing 
exigencies of our army. I have just seen in the newspaper an advertisement 
offering for an article forty dollars a pound, or three shillings in 
silver. This is the trash which is tendered to requite us for our 
sacrifices, for our sufferings and privations, while in the service of our 
country. It is but a sordid pittance even for our common purposes while in 
camp, but those who have families dependent on them at home, are reduced 
to a deplorable condition. In consequence of this state of things, a 
considerable number of officers have been compelled to resign their 
commissions. His Excellency General Washington, is perplexed with an 
apprehension that he shall lose many of his most experienced and valuable 
officers; and knowing the injustice which they suffer, he has taken a warm 
interest in their cause, and repeatedly represented to Congress the 
absolute necessity of making such provision as will encourage the officers 
to continue in service to the end of the war. This subject he has pressed 
with such earnestness and solicitude, as at length to effect the desired 
purpose. Congress have resolved that all officers of the line of the army 
who shall continue in service till the close of the war, shall be entitled 
to half-pay during life, and the depreciation of their pay shall be made 
good; and also that they shall receive a number of acres of land, in 
proportion to their rank, at the close of the war. This measure meets the 
approbation, and is satisfactory to those who are to be entitled to the 
provision; but it includes the officers of the line of the army only; it 
is not extended to the medical staff, and they consider themselves 
pointedly neglected. Why are the officers of the line allowed this 
exclusive act of justice - a compensation for the depreciation of the 
currency? If it is just for the line, what reasons can be assigned why the 
staff-officers should not be included, when the depreciation is known to 
be common to both? Equal justice should be the motto of every government. 
The officers on the staff have a right to think themselves treated with 
the most flagrant injustice.

A committee have arrived in camp from Congress, for the purpose of 
investigating the circumstances and condition of the army, and of 
redressing our grievances, if in their power. The regimental surgeons and 
mates have convened, and chosen a committee of three, to wait on the 
committee of Congress, and to present for their consideration our 
complaints and grievances, and to inquire whether we are to be included in 
the resolve making provision for regimental officers, and entitled to the 
emoluments granted to the line of the army? The committee replied, that 
they could not give a decisive answer, that the subject of our complaints 
did not come under their cognizance, but that they would make the proper 
representation to Congress.

Our brigade was paraded for inspection and review by Baron Steuben, in the 
presence of his Excellency General Washington. The troops appeared to much 
advantage, and the officers received the thanks of the baron for the 
military and soldierly appearance of the men.

10th. - Dined with Colonel Jackson, who entertained a party of gentlemen. 
Our table was not ornamented with numerous covers, our fare was frugal, 
but decent. Colonel Jackson possesses a liberal and generous spirit, and 
entertains his friends in the kindest manner. We sat at table till 
evening, enjoying the conversation of the learned Doctor Shippin, director-
general of the hospital department, accompanied by Colonel Procter and 
Major Eustis. The Marquis de la Fayette has just arrived at head-quarters, 
lately from France. The safe return of this respectable personage is 
matter of joy and congratulation.

26th. - Eleven soldiers are condemned to suffer death for various crimes, 
three of whom are sentenced to be shot; the whole number were prepared for 
execution this day, but pardons were granted by the commander-in-chief to 
those who were to have been shot, and the seven others, while under the 
gallows. This was a most solemn and affecting scene, capable of torturing 
the feelings even of the most callous breast. The wretched criminals were 
brought in carts to the place of execution. Mr. Rogers, the chaplain, 
attended them to the gallows, addressed them in a very pathetic manner, 
impressing on their minds the heinousness of their crimes, the justice of 
their sentence, and the high importance of a preparation for death. The 
criminals were placed side by side, on the scaffold, with halters round 
their necks, their coffins before their eyes, their graves open to their 
view, and thousands of spectators bemoaning their awful doom. The moment 
approaches when every eye is fixed in expectation of beholding the agonies 
of death - the eyes of the victims are already closed from the light of 
this world. At this awful moment, while their fervent prayers are 
ascending to Heaven, an officer comes forward and reads, a reprieve for 
seven of them, by the commander-in-chief. The trembling criminals are now 
divested of the habiliments of death, and their bleeding hearts leap for 
joy. How exquisitely rapturous must be the transition when snatched from 
the agonizing horrors of a cruel death, and mercifully restored to the 
enjoyment of a life that had been forfeited! No pen can describe the 
emotions which must have agitated their souls. They were scarcely able to 
remove from the scaffold without assistance. The chaplain reminded them of 
the gratitude they owed the commander-in-chief for his clemency towards 
them, and that the only return in their power to make, was a life devoted 
to the faithful discharge of their duty. The criminal who was executed had 
been guilty of forging a number of discharges, by which he and more than a 
hundred soldiers had left the army. He appeared to be penitent, and 
behaved with uncommon fortitude and resolution. He addressed the soldiers, 
desired them to be faithful to their country and obedient to their 
officers, and advised the officers to be punctual in all their engagements 
to the soldiers, and give them no cause to desert. He examined the halter, 
and told the hangman the knot was not made right, and that the rope was 
not strong enough, as he was a heavy man. Having adjusted the knot and 
fixed it round his own neck, he was swung off instantly. The rope broke, 
and he fell to the ground, by which be was very much bruised. He calmly 
reascended the ladder, and said, "I told you the rope was not strong 
enough: do get a stronger one." Another being procured, he was launched 
into eternity.

29th.-Four battalions of our I troops were paraded for review by the 
committee of Congress, in the presence of General Washington; they were 
duly honored with the military salute. We are again visited with the 
calamity of which we have so often complained, a great scarcity of 
provisions of every kind. Our poor soldiers are reduced to the very verge 
of famine; their patience is exhausted by complicated sufferings, and 
their spirits are almost broken. It is with extreme pain that we perceive 
in the ranks of the soldiers a sensible diminution of that enthusiastic 
patriotism, and that ardent attachment to our cause, by which they were 
formerly distinguished. Much praise is due to the officers of every grade, 
who make all possible exertions to encourage, to satisfy and to soothe the 
desponding spirits of the soldiery. Under the most trying circumstances, 
however, both officers and soldiers retain their full confidence in the 
wisdom and goodness of our illustrious commander-in-chief, whom they 
almost adore, looking up to him as children to an affectionate father, 
participating in the same sufferings. Another source of dissatisfaction is 
the great inequality subsisting among the soldiers respecting their 
pecuniary compensation. Those who enlisted at an early period, for a small 
bounty, now find in the ranks with themselves others who have recently 
enlisted for a bounty of more than ten times the nominal value. This, as 
may be supposed, excites the most poignant chagrin and disgust, and, with 
other causes of discontent, has produced a considerable degree of 
relaxation in discipline, and an unusual number of desertions from our 
ranks. An event still more alarming occurred on the 25th instant. Two 
regiments of the Connecticut line took the liberty to parade without their 
officers, and in the spirit of mutiny, resolved to march into the country 
to relieve themselves from present difficulties, and to furnish themselves 
with provisions at all hazards. Colonel Meigs, in attempting to restore 
order, received a blow from one of the mutineers. A brigade of 
Pennsylvanians was ordered to arrest their progress. The leaders were 
secured, and the two regiments were returned to their duty. Their 
complaints are, that they have too long served the public without any 
present, or prospect of future recompense; that their sufferings are 
insupportable, that their pay is five months in arrear, and that it is of 
no value when received. These circumstances are known to be substantially 
true, and in justice they ought, and undoubtedly will, be admitted in 
extenuation of the crime which they have committed. It is nevertheless 
indispensably important that every symptom of insubordination should be 
crushed as soon as discovered, lest the example become contagious, and 
involve the whole army in ruin.

June. - In consequence of some movements of the enemy, our brigade was 
ordered to Chatham. A party of the enemy, about five thousand strong, came 
out of New York on the 7th instant, to a place called Connecticut Farms, 
where they burned a few houses and plundered the inhabitants; but being 
opposed by General Maxwell's brigade of Jersey troops, and the militia, 
who turned out with spirit, they soon retreated to Elizabethtown Point 
with some loss, and were pursued by our troops. In this little skirmish, 
the British General Stirling received a wound which it is supposed will 
prove mortal. A number of other officers and soldiers, on the side of the 
British, were killed and wounded, and twenty prisoners taken by our 
militia. Our loss does not exceed ten or twelve killed, and twenty or 
thirty wounded.

Among the horrid and barbarous deeds of the enemy, one has Just been 
perpetrated, which will be an everlasting stigma on the British character. 
In the vicinity of the Connecticut Farms, state of New Jersey, resided the 
Rev. James Caldwell, a Presbyterian minister. This gentleman had uniformly 
taken an active part with his parishioners on the side of the Americans, 
in consequence of which he was marked for British vengeance. On the 
approach of the enemy, he retired into the country, leaving his lady with 
the care of the family, supposing that the customary respect for the 
female character would be a pledge for her safety. Mrs. Caldwell, soon 
after the approach of the royal troops to the house, and a young woman 
having Mrs. Caldwell's infant in her arms, seated themselves on the bed, 
when a British soldier came to the house, and putting his gun to the 
window of the room, shot her through the breast, and she instantly 
expired. Soon after, an officer with two Hessian soldiers came and ordered 
a hole to be dug, the body to be thrown in, and the house to be set on 
fire. Thus was murdered an amiable and excellent lady, and the worth 
husband left with nine children, destitute of even a change of clothes, or 
any thing to render them comfortable. The house and every article 
belonging to this respectable family were consumed, together with the 
church and thirteen dwelling houses. The British, during their excursion, 
took the opportunity of distributing a number of hand-bills, containing a 
pompous account of the capture of Charleston, South Carolina, by Sir Henry 
Clinton, with the garrison commanded by Major-General Lincoln. This 
unfortunate event is now confirmed by Generals Arnold and Wayne, who have 
just arrived from Philadelphia. General Lincoln was posted in the town of 
Charleston, with a force consisting of between two and three thousand men, 
including militia and seamen. General Clinton, invested the town with a 
powerful fleet and an army of thirteen thousand strong. He proceeded with 
regular approaches, till he advanced within twenty-five yards of the 
American lines, and repeatedly demanded the surrender of the garrison. 
Through the very judicious management of General Lincoln, the siege was 
protracted from the 13th of April to the 12th of May; and during fifteen 
days of this time his troops were reduced to an allowance of six ounces of 
pork a man, and for the last six days to one and a half-pint of rice and 
three ounces of sugar a day. General Lincoln had to consult the interest 
and opinions of the inhabitants, which greatly increased his 
embarrassments. At length the lines of defence being almost entirely 
demolished, by an incessant bombardment and cannonade, the besieged were 
reduced to the last extremity; and being in hourly expectation of an 
assault, it was agreed between General Lincoln and the principal 
inhabitants that the town and garrison should be surrendered by 
capitulation. General Lincoln, in this most important transaction of his 
Iife, manifested a cool intrepidity, a zealous perseverance, and a 
presence of mind which proclaim him preeminently qualified to encounter 
the extreme difficulties and dangers, in which he was involved; and the 
terms of surrender were as honorable as could have been expected.

15th. - Major Lee, from Virginia, has just arrived in camp, with a 
beautiful corps of light-horse, the men in complete uniform, and the 
horses very elegant and finely disciplined. Major Lee is said to be a man 
of great spirit and enterprise, and much important service is expected 
from him. By a gentleman just from New York, we are informed that General 
Stirling died a few days ago of the wounds which he received in the 
skirmish with our troops on the 7th instant.

16th. - A soldier of the Jersey line was hanged for attempting to desert 
to the enemy. This is one of those hardened villains who were pardoned 
under the gallows about three weeks since.

19th. - Four emissaries from the enemy, were found concealed in a barn, 
belonging to a tory, in the vicinity of our lines; one of them, their 
leader, refused to surrender, and was killed on the spot. The other three 
were tried by court-martial, and being convicted as spies, were sentenced 
to be hanged. These unfortunate young men came to the gallows overwhelmed 
with the horrors of death. Their whole frames were thrown into a tremor, 
and they were tortured at the sight of the gallows and halters. They had 
flattered themselves that mercy would be extended to them, and that they 
would either be pardoned, or their lives be prolonged for a few days; but 
when they found that the executioner was about to perform his office, 
their mournful cries and lamentations were distressing beyond description. 
It has some where been noted, that a girl walked seven miles, in a torrent 
of rain, to see a man hanged, and returned in tears, because the criminal 
was reprieved; on the present occasion, a heart so full of depravity might 
have enjoyed an indulgence even to satiety.

The enemy in New York are reported to be in motion, and we shall probably 
very soon be called to engage in battle. General orders are issued for the 
whole army to be in readiness to march at a moment's warning. At six 
o'clock in the morning of the 23d, the alarm guns were fired, and the 
drums throughout our camp beat to arms, announcing the approach of the 
enemy; the whole army is instantly in motion, the scene to my 
contemplation is awfully sublime, yet animation and composure seem pervade 
every countenance. The present hour is undoubtedly pregnant with death and 
carnage; every arm is nerved for defence, and every heart, it is presumed, 
fortified to abide its destiny. Soon after the alarm, our advanced party, 
consisting of General Maxwell's brigade and a few militia, discovered the 
enemy advancing towards the village of Springfield. A close engagement 
with the enemy's advance immediately ensued; but being pressed by four 
times our number, General Maxwell, after an obstinate resistance, was 
obliged to retreat, till a reinforcement could arrive. Our brigade, 
commanded by General Stark, soon joined Maxwell, on the high ground near 
the village of Springfield. Colonel Angel's regiment, of Rhode Island, 
with several small parties, were posted at a bridge over which the enemy 
were to pass, and their whole force, of five or six thousand men, was 
actually held in check by these brave soldiers for more than forty 
minutes, amidst the severest firing of cannon and musketry. The enemy, 
however, with their superior force, advanced into the village, and 
wantonly set fire to the buildings. We had the mortification of beholding 
the church, and twenty or thirty dwelling-houses and other buildings, in a 
blaze, and they were soon consumed to ashes. Having thus completed their 
great enterprise, and acquired to themselves the honor of burning a 
village, they made a precipitate retreat to Elizabeth Point, and the 
ensuing night crossed over to Staten Island. Our brigade was ordered to 
pursue the retreating enemy, but we could not overtake them; we discovered 
several fresh graves, and found fifteen dead bodies, which they left in 
the field, and which we buried. We were informed by the inhabitants, that 
they carried off eight or ten wagon-loads of dead and wounded. Our militia 
took fifteen prisoners. General Knyphausen was the commander, and his 
force consisted of five or six thousand men; the particular object of the 
expedition is not ascertained.; if it was to force their way to 
Morristown, to destroy our magazines and stores, they were disappointed; 
if to burn the village of Springfield, they are welcome to the honor of 
the exploit. Our troops were commanded by Major-General Greene; not more 
than one thousand were brought into action at any one time; their conduct 
was marked with the commendable coolness and intrepidity of veteran 
troops. Colonel Angel's regiment, in a special manner, acquired immortal 
honor, by its unexamled bravery. In the heat of the action, some soldiers 
brought to me in a blanket Captain-Lieutenant Thompson of the artillery, 
who had received a most formidable wound, a cannon-ball having passed 
through both his thighs near the knee-joint. With painful anxiety, the 
poor man inquired if I would amputate both his thighs. Sparing his 
feelings, I evaded his inquiry, and directed him to be carried to the 
hospital tent in the rear, where he would receive the attention of the 
surgeons. "All that a man hath will he give for his life." He expired in a 
few hours. While advancing against the enemy, my attention was directed to 
a wounded soldier in the field. I dismounted, and left my horse at a rail 
fence. It was not long before a cannon-ball shattered a rail within a few 
feet of my horse, and some soldiers were sent to take charge of the 
wounded man, and to tell me it was time to retire. I now perceived that 
our party had retreated, and our regiment had passed me. I immediately 
mounted, and applied spurs to my horse, that I might gain the front of our 
regiment. Colonel Jackson being in the rear, smiled as I passed him, but 
as my duty did not require my exposure, I felt at liberty to seek a place 
of safety. It may be considered a singular circumstance, that the soldier 
above mentioned was wounded by the wind of a cannon-ball. His arm was 
fractured above the elbow, without the smallest perceptible injury to his 
clothes, or contusion or discoloration of the skin. He made no complaint, 
but I observed he was feeble and a little confused in his mind. He 
received proper attention, but expired the next day. The idea of injury by 
the wind of a ball, I learn, is not new - instances of the kind have, it 
is said, occurred in naval battles, and are almost constantly attended 
with fatal effects.

Our troops in camp are in general healthy, but we are troubled with many 
perplexing instances of indisposition, occasioned by absence from home, 
called by Dr. Cullen nostalgia, or home-sickness. This complaint is 
frequent among the militia and recruits from New England. They become dull 
and melancholy, with loss of appetite, restless nights, and great 
weakness. In some instances they become so hypochondriacal as to be proper 
subjects for the hospital. This disease is in many instances cured by the 
raillery of the old soldiers, but is generaIly suspended by a constant and 
active engagement of the mind, as by the drill exercise, camp discipline, 
and by uncommon anxiety, occasioned by the prospect of a battle.

July.-Our brigade marched from Short hills on the 25th of June, and 
arrived at Prackanes, Jersey, the 1st of July. I rode with Dr. Tenney and 
Captain Hughes about five miles, to take a view of the Passaic falls, 
called by some Totowa falls, which are represented as a great natural 
curiosity. The Passaic river runs over large rocky mountains covered with 
fir-trees. At this place an immense body of rock would totally interrupt 
its passage, had it not been by some stupendous power rent in several 
places from top to bottom, forming huge clefts, some of which are twenty 
or thirty feet wide, others not more than two or three, and from fifty to 
seventy feet deep. The depth of one of them, it is said, has never been 
ascertained. It is here that the whole torrent of the river falls 
perpendicularly, with amazing violence and rapidity, down a rocky 
precipice of seventy feet, with a tremendous roar and foaming. But being 
interrupted in its course, by craggy rocks, it turns abruptly to the 
right, and again to the left, and falling into huge cavities below, the 
whole torrent vanishes from our sight; but stepping to another precipice a 
few yards distant, we behold the same torrent emerging from its 
subterraneous course, and rushing into a large basin, or cavern, formed in 
the rock. This basin contains forty fathoms of water, And is never full, 
but its rocky walls on all sides ascend sixty feet above the surface of 
the water. Such is the astonishing depth of this receptacle, that the 
water neither foams nor forms whirlpools by the rushing current, but is 
calm and undisturbed. From this basin the water rushes through its outlet, 
reassumes the form of a river, and in majestic silence pursues its course 
towards the sea.

In the afternoon we were invited to visit another curiosity in the 
neighborhood. This is a monster in the human form., He is twenty-seven 
years of age; his face, from the upper part of his forehead to the end of 
his chin measures twenty inches, and round the upper part of his head is 
twenty-one inches; his eyes and nose are remarkably large and prominent, 
chin long and pointed. His features are coarse, irregular, and disgusting, 
and his voice is rough and sonorous. His body is only twenty-seven inches 
in length, his limbs, are small and much deformed , and he has the use of 
one hand only. He has never been able to stand or sit up, as he cannot 
support the enormous weight of his head; but lies constantly in a large 
cradle, with his head supported on pillows. He is visited by great numbers 
of people, and is peculiarly fond of the company of clergymen, always 
inquiring for them among his visitors, and taking great pleasure in 
receiving religious instruction. General Washington made him a visit, and 
asked, "whether he was a whig or tory?" He replied, that "he had never 
taken an active part on either side."

5th.-I took an excursion a few miles into the country, to visit the 
surgeons of the flying hospital; took tea at their quarters, with a 
wealthy Dutch family, and was treated with great civility. They live in a 
style superior to the Low Dutch in general; the table was amply furnished 
with cherries, raspberries and other fruits, which abound in this country.

10th.-The officers of our regiment and those of Colonel Webb's united in 
providing an entertainment, and invited a respectable number of gentlemen 
of our brigade to dine; Dr. West and myself were appointed caterers and 
superintendents. We erected a large arbor, with the boughs of trees, under 
which we enjoyed an elegant dinner and spent the afternoon in social glee, 
With some of the wine which was taken from the enemy when they retreated 
from Elizabethtown. Our drums and fifes afforded us a favorite music till 
evening, when we were delighted with the song composed by Mr. Hopkinson, 
called, the "Battle of the Kegs," sung in the best style by a number of 
gentlemen.

14th.-An express has arrived at head-quarters, from Rhode Island, with the 
pleasing information of the arrival there of a French fleet, accompanied 
by an army of six thousand regular French troops, who are to cooperate 
with our army as allies in our cause. They are commanded by Count 
Rochambeau, a distinguished general in the French service.

20th-In general orders, the commander-in-chief congratulates the army on 
the arrival of a large land and naval armament at Rhode Island, sent by 
his Most Christian Majesty, to cooperate with us against the common enemy. 
The lively concern which our allies manifest for our safety and 
independence, has a claim to the affection of every virtuous citizen. The 
general with confidence assures the army, that the officers and men of the 
French forces come to our aid animated with a zeal founded in sentiment 
for us, as well as in duty to their prince, and that they will do every 
thing in their power to promote harmony and cultivate friendship; he is 
equally persuaded, on our part, that we shall vie with them in their good 
disposition, to which we are excited by gratitude as well as by common 
interest; and that the only contention between the two armies will be to 
excel each other in good offices, and in the display of every military 
virtue. This will be a pledge of the most solid advantage to the common 
cause, and a glorious issue to the campaign. The commander-in-chief has 
recommended to the officers of our army to wear cockades of black and 
white, intermixed, as a symbol of friendship for our French allies, who 
wear white cockades.

22d.-The officers of our regiment received an invitation to dine with 
Major-General Lord Stirling. We were introduced to his lordship by Colonel 
Jackson, and were received with great civility and politeness. Colonel 
Biddle and his lady were of the guests. Our entertainment was sumptuous 
and elegant. After the covers were removed, the servants brought in pails 
filled with cherries and strawberries, which were strewed over the long 
table; with these, and excellent wine, accompanied by martial music, we 
regaled ourselves till evening. This gentleman's proper name is William 
Alexander, and he is a native of the state of New York. He visited 
Scotland in pursuit of the title and estate of an earldom, which he 
claimed as the rightful heir of his ancestor, who had this title, and a 
grant of Nova Scotia, anno. 1621. In this pursuit, he expended a large 
proportion of his fortune, but failed in obtaining an acknowledgment of 
his claim by the government; yet, by courtesy, he bears the title of Lord 
Stirling. He is considered as a brave, intelligent and judicious officer. 
In the battle on Long Island in August, 1776, he unfortunately fell into 
the hands of the enemy; but it occasioned no impeachment of his character 
and conduct. He possesses the genuine principles of patriotism, and is 
strongly attached to General Washington. He disclosed to the commander-in-
chief the intrigue of General Conway, when in 1777 he attempted to 
supersede his excellency, saying in his letter, "such wicked duplicity of 
conduct, I shall always think it my duty to detect." In his personal 
appearance, his lordship is venerable and dignified; in his deportment, 
gentlemanly and graceful; in conversation, pleasing and interesting (His 
lordship died at Albany, January 15th, 1783, aged fifty-seven years.) He 
is said to be ambitious of the title of lordship. Being present at the 
execution of a soldier for desertion, the criminal at the gallows 
repeatedly cried out "the Lord have mercy on me!" his lordship with warmth 
exclaimed, "I won't, you rascal, I won't have mercy on you."

23d.-Sunday I attended a sermon preached by Mr. Blair, chaplain of the 
artillery. The troops were paraded in the open field, the sermon was well 
calculated to inculcate religious principles and the moral virtues. His 
Excellency General Washington, Major-Generals Greene and Knox, with number 
of other officers, were present.

August.-Orders are given for the army to be in readiness for a movement.

According to orders, our brigade marched from Prackanes on the 29th of 
July, and encamped at Paramus at night, fifteen miles. The men were 
exceedingly affected with the heat and fatigue. We marched on the 
succeeding day at two o'clock in the morning; at this early hour, the 
drums beat the reveille, which summons us from our hard beds and slumbers, 
in haste we roll up our travelling bed furniture, strike our tents, order 
them thrown into the wagons, mount our horses, and with a slow pace follow 
the march of our soldiers, bending under the weight of the burden on their 
backs. We arrived at the North river and crossed the ferry, August 1st, 
where we found the whole of our main army collecting to a point. All the 
troops from West Point that can be spared, and detachments from different 
stations, have formed a junction in this vicinity. Two brigades have been 
selected from the different regiments in the main army, to form a corps of 
light infantry, to be commanded by the Marquis de la Fayette. They have 
been reviewed by the commander-in-chief and other general officers, on the 
grand parade, and are pronounced to be as excellent a corps as can be 
produced in any army. The marquis is delighted with his command, and is at 
his own expense providing for them some extra equipments. It is understood 
that General Clinton has despatched a part of the British fleet and army 
on an expedition against our allies, the French fleet and army at Rhode 
Island. The whole of our army having crossed to the east side of the 
Hudson, it is conjectured that his excellency contemplates some important 
enterprise against the enemy at New York, or at least to compel General 
Clinton to recall his expedition from Rhode Island, for his own safety. 
Our commander-in-chief has ordered that the army disencumber itself of all 
heavy baggage, which, with the women and children, are to be immediately 
sent to West Point, and that the troops have constantly two days' 
provisions cooked on hand, and hold themselves in readiness to march at a 
moment's warning. Such is our condition for order and regularity, that the 
whole army, which occupies an extent of several miles, can be put in 
motion, and take up a line of march in less than one hour. The horses 
belonging to our baggage wagons and to the artillery are constantly in 
harness, and those belonging to the officers are kept in readiness; every 
man and every horse are taught to know their place and their duty. 
Marching orders, so soon as issued, are communicated to each brigade and 
regiment. The whole line of encampment resounds with martial music; all is 
bustle and activity, but free from confusion. The drums and fifes beating 
a march, the tents are instantly struck and thrown into wagons, the line 
of march commences, every subordinate officer and soldier follows his 
commander, and whether to rush into battle and encounter the dogs of war, 
or only to manoeuvre in the field, it is no man's business to know or, 
inquire. The secret is where it ought to be, in the breast of him who 
directs our destiny, and whom it is out pride to obey. Such is the state 
and condition of a well-regulated and disciplined army, and such only can 
attain to military fame and glory. It is now ascertained, August 4th, that 
the formidable manoeuvre of our army has effected the object intended. The 
enemy's expedition to Rhode Island has returned to New York, in 
consequence probably of the alarm excited for the safety of that city. 
Orders are now received for our army to recross the Hudson to the Jersey 
shore. Our brigade crossed the ferry in the night of the 5th, and encamped 
in a field about five miles from the ferry. The crossing of the whole 
army, occupied three days and nights, during which a vast number of large 
boats and floats were continually in motion. On the 6th, marched to 
Greenbush, and on the 7th and 8th, the whole army arrived and encamped at 
Orangetown. The light infantry, under the Marquis, is constantly advanced 
three miles in front of the army. The fatigue and extreme heat during this 
march, have produced very unfavorable effects on our troops, and they are 
now becoming sickly. Cholera-morbus, dysentery and remittent fevers, are 
the prevailing complaints, which demand all my attention.

9th.-Dined with Baron Steuben, and spent the afternoon with the guests. 
The baron keeps a splendid table, and treats his visitors with polite 
attention. Captain William North, of our regiment, is one of the aids-de-
camp of the baron, and has ingratiated himself so highly in his favor, 
that he treats him with all the affection of a son.

A committee from Congress have again arrived in our camp, with the view of 
investigating the affairs of the army, to attend to complaints, and to 
redress grievances, so far as may be in their power; and they will find 
that their task and duty are not to be envied. The regimental surgeons and 
mates have deputed a committee to present a list of our grievances for 
their honors' consideration. We claim of Congress the same emoluments and 
remuneration which are promised to the officers of the line of the army.

14th.-Visited Dr. Cochran, our surgeon-general, at his quarters in the 
country, and thence proceeding to the light infantry encampment, took tea 
with Major Trescott and Captain Cushing. I accompanied a number of 
officers to Dobbs' ferry, where our troops are engaged in erecting a block-
house and batteries, to defend the passage at the ferry-way. The Hudson at 
this place is about three miles wide, so that no battery can prevent the 
enemy's shipping from passing up the river from New York.

20th.-Sunday, attended a sermon preached by Mr. Enos Hitchcock, chaplain 
of General Patterson's brigade; the troops were assembled in the open 
field. Mr. Hitchcock is respected as a sensible and learned divine, of 
pure morals and correct principles. His patriotic zeal and ardent 
attachment to his country's freedom, induced him to quit his people and 
domestic enjoyments at Beverly, Massachusetts, for the turmoil and fatigue 
of camp. I dined with my friends Dr. Skinner and Major Winslow. We are 
again visited with the alarming apprehension of a famine; no meat has been 
drawn for two days past; no money, no rum, and no contentment among our 
soldiers - great dissatisfaction prevails.

25th.-The whole army in this quarter has decamped, the object and 
destination a secret; the conjectural object is to procure a supply of 
provisions and forage from the inhabitants between the lines, which 
otherwise would go to supply the wants of the enemy. All the sick and 
disabled are left in camp, and I am directed to take charge of those 
belonging to our brigade; but with this charge I am left entirely 
destitute of provisions. Feeling myself authorized to take a small supply 
from the inhabitants for immediate necessity, I required from a Dutchman 
four sheep from his farm; as he was offended and made some opposition, I 
was obliged to force them from him, giving a receipt, that he might 
recover a compensation from the public.

28th-Our army has returned from below, with a large quantity of forage, 
and provisions of various kinds taken from the disaffected inhabitants on 
the lines. This affords us an important relief, when almost in a starving 
condition. A small party of the enemy was discovered near the lines, a 
slight skirmish ensued, and they soon disappeared.

29th.-I accompanied Captain W. to the village of Charlestown, met Major-
General Schuyler and other gentlemen at a tavern, with whom we dined. Here 
I learned that a duel had just been fought between Lieutenant 0. and Mr. 
P., both of Colonel Maryland's regiment of dragoons, and both of whom were 
yesterday on the most intimate terms of friendship. Mr. 0. killed his 
antagonist on the spot, and received a dangerous wound in his thigh. When 
I visited him, his wound had been dressed, and I was astonished at the 
calmness and composure with which he related all the particulars of this 
melancholy and murderous catastrophe, and the agonizing state of mind of 
his late friend in his dying moments. The duel originated in a trivial 
misunderstanding, which excited these close friends to assume the 
character of assassins, and to hazard life for life. Nor did 0. discover 
the least sorrow or remorse of conscience for having sacrificed the life 
of a friend and valuable officer to the mistaken points of honor!

30th.-Another dreadful appeal has this day been made to the deadly combat 
on a point of honor. The parties were Lieutenant S. and Mr. L. a volunteer 
in the army; the latter gentleman fell, and instantly expired; his 
murderer escaped uninjured. Thus have two valuable lives been sacrificed 
within two days, to what is termed principles of honor, or rather to the 
vindictive spirit of malice and revenge. Is there no remedy for this 
fashionable folly, this awful blindness and perversion of mind, this 
barbarous and infernal practice, this foul stain on the history of man! 
The following anecdote is in point: The practice of duelling had become 
alarming in the Prussian army, and the great Frederic was desirous of 
checking its progress. Two officers of high rank had engaged to meet in 
personal combat. The king commanded that they should fight in his 
presence, and at a time and place which he appointed. When the parties 
appeared, they were astonished to find the whole army paraded to witness 
the combat, a gallows erected, and a halter and coffins prepared. The king 
now commanded that they should decide their fate in his presence, and that 
the survivor should be instantly hung on the gallows. The two champions 
were appalled, and glad to implore his majesty's forgiveness; and this 
example proved an effectual remedy against duelling in the Prussian army.

September.-Intelligence of an unpleasant and distressing nature, has just 
reached us from South Carolina. Our southern army, under the command of 
Major-General Gates, has been totally defeated, in a general action with 
Lord Cornwallis, on the 19th of August. General Gates, as is reported, 
retreated with precipitation to the distance of eighty miles, to escape 
the pursuit of the enemy. This mortifying disaster gives a severe shock to 
our army, as it must be productive of the most important and serious 
consequences, as it respects the welfare of the Southern states.

In his letter to the President of Congress, General Gates says: "In the 
deepest distress and anxiety of mind, I am obliged to. acquaint your 
excellency with the defeat of the troops under my command." The letter 
states that the continental troops displayed their usual courage and
bravery, but at the first onset of the enemy, the whole body of militia 
became panic-struck, were completely routed, and ran like a torrent, 
bearing all before them, and leaving the continentals to oppose the whole 
force of the enemy. This victory was not obtained without loss on the part 
of the foe, they having upwards of five hundred men, with officers in 
proportion, killed and wounded. The whole number of continental officers 
killed, wounded and missing, is forty-eight. Among the killed, is Baron de 
Kalb, a major-general; while leading on the Maryland and Delaware troops, 
he was pierced with eleven wounds, and soon after expired. He was a German 
by birth, a brave and meritorious officer, a knight of the order of 
military merit, and a brigadier-general in the armies of France. He had 
served three years, with high reputation, in the American army. General 
Gates' command in this army is said to consist of three thousand, of which 
number were only nine hundred continental regulars. The royalists, under 
Lord Cornwallis, were upwards of three thousand two hundred, and a great 
part of them regular troops. This very unfortunate event has given an 
impression universally unfavorable to the character and conduct of General 
Gates, as he has disappointed the high expectations of the public. He is 
indeed a painful example of the vicissitudes of the fortune of war; but it 
ought not to be expected that an officer should be held accountable for 
the strokes of fortune; nor for the effects of superior force or address 
in the enemy. Considering the former high character and meritorious 
services of the general, we cannot justly suspect him to be chargeable 
with any deficiency in point of integrity or conduct, and time and 
investigation must decide how far he has been guilty of any culpable error.

5th.-Our army marched from Orangetown, and encamped at Steenrapie, 
yesterday. It is mortifying that our stock of provisions is again 
exhausted; the soldiers have for several days drawn nothing but one pound 
of flour a man.

8th.-I had again the honor of dining at the table of Baron Steuben, in 
company with a number of officers. Notwithstanding the scarcity of 
provisions in camp, the baron's table continues to be well supplied; his 
generosity is unbounded.

10th.-We are now lamenting the loss of Brigadier-General Poor, who died 
last night of putrid fever. His funeral solemnities have been attended 
this afternoon. The corpse was brought this morning from Paramus, and left 
at a house about a mile from the burying-yard at Hackensack, whence it was 
attended to the place of interment by the following procession: a regiment 
of light infantry, in uniform, with arms reversed; four field-pieces; 
Major Lee's regiment of light-horse; General Hand and his brigade; the 
major on horseback; two chaplains; the horse of the deceased, with his 
boots and spurs suspended from the saddle, led by a servant; the corpse 
borne by four serjeants, and the pall supported by six general officers. 
The coffin was of mahogany, and a pair of pistols and two swords, crossing 
each other and tied with black crape, were placed on the top. The corpse 
was followed by the officers of the New Hampshire brigade; the officers of 
the brigade of light-infantry, which the deceased had lately commanded. 
Other officers fell in promiscuously, and were followed by his Excellency 
General Washington, and other general officers. Having arrived at the 
burying-yard, the troops opened to the right and left, resting on their 
arms reversed, and the procession passed to the grave, where a short 
eulogy was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Evans. A band of music, with a number 
of drums and fifes, played a funeral dirge, the drums were muffled with 
black crape, and the officers in the procession wore crape round the left 
arm. The regiment of light-infantry were in handsome uniform, and wore in 
their caps long feathers of black and red. The elegant regiment of horse, 
commanded by Major Lee, being in complete uniform and well disciplined, 
exhibited a martial and noble appearance. No scene can exceed in grandeur 
and solemnity a military funeral. The weapons of war reversed, and 
embellished with the badges of mourning, the slow and regular step of the 
procession, the mournful sound of the unbraced drum and deep-toned 
instruments, playing the melancholy dirge, the majestic mien and solemn 
march of the war-horse, all conspire to impress the mind with emotions 
which no language can describe, and which nothing but the reality can 
paint to the liveliest imagination. General Poor was from the state of New 
Hampshire. He was a true patriot, who took an early part in the cause of 
his country, and during his military career was respected for his talents 
and his bravery, and beloved for the amiable qualities of his heart. But 
it is a sufficient eulogy to say, that he enjoyed the confidence and 
esteem of Washington.

11th.-We had a most violent shower of rain, accompanied with tremendous 
peals of thunder and lightning; we were obliged to quit our beds in the 
night, but no part of our marquee could shield us from the drenching 
rains - not a blanket about us remained dry.

12th.-A soldier was executed for robbery; he was one of five who broke 
into a house with their arms, and robbed the inhabitants of a sum of money 
and many valuable articles. He conducted with fortitude at the gallows.

13th.-The army was paraded to be reviewed by General Washington, 
accompanied by a number of Indian chiefs. his excellency, mounted on his 
noble bay charger, rode in front of the line of the army, and received the 
usual salute. Six Indian chiefs followed in his train, appearing as the 
most disgusting and contemptible of the human race; their faces painted of 
various colors, their hair twisted into bunches on the top of their heads, 
and dressed in a miserable Indian habit, some with a dirty blanket over 
the shoulders, and others almost naked. They were mounted on horses of the 
poorest kind, with undressed sheep skins, instead of saddles, and old 
ropes for bridles, These bipeds could not refrain from the indulgence of 
their appetites for rum on this occasion, and some of them fell from their 
horses on their return to head-quarters. This tribe of Indians is friendly 
to America, and it is good policy to show them some attention, and give 
them an idea of the strength of our army.

20th.-The army decamped from Steenrapie this morning, and encamped at 
Orangetown, or Tappan. His Excellency General Washington, with the Marquis 
de la Fayette and General Knox, with a splendid retinue, left the camp on 
the 17th instant, bound to Hartford in Connecticut, to have an interview 
with the commanding officers of the French fleet and army, which have 
lately arrived at Rhode Island.

I have just been introduced to three young clergymen, from Connecticut, 
Mr. Lockwood, Mr. Ely, and Mr. Joel Barlow; the latter is a chaplain in 
the Connecticut line, and is said to possess a poetical genius. Being 
present when he made a prayer in public, it was remarked that his 
performance was very ordinary, and it was replied that the gentleman had 
not been much accustomed to public performances, and that he was more 
calculated to attain to eminence in the art of poetry than in the clerical 
profession.

21st.- Major-General Greene succeeds to the command of our army, in the 
absence of his Excellency General Washington. This gentleman is a native 
of the state of Rhode Island. His father was an anchor-smith, and his 
business in that line was very extensive. He was a member of the Society 
of Friends, and when about to engage in a military station, they 
remonstrated with him, as war was a violation of the established 
principles of their sect. But his patriotism and ardent zeal for the cause 
of liberty were irresistible, and he was, at the age of thirty, appointed 
a brigadier-general by his government in the year 1775. After the battle 
of Lexington, actuated by a native martial ardor, he repaired to 
Cambridge, and, with the troops under his command, joined the continental 
army under General Washington. General Greene has conducted in a manner to 
meet the expectations and full approbation of the public, and has been 
promoted to the rank of major-general. By his military talents, skill and 
judgment, he has acquired a character of the highest order, and is held in 
respect and estimation throughout the army, as second only to the 
commander-in-chief. It is the prevailing sentiment, that if in any event 
of Providence we should be deprived of our chief commander, General Greene 
is of all others the most suitable character to be his successor and in 
this sentiment there is the greatest reason to believe that the 
illustrious Washington himself would readily coincide.

26th.-At three o'clock this morning an alarm was spread throughout our 
camp. Two regiments from the Pennsylvania line were ordered to march 
immediately to West Point, and the whole army to be held in readiness to 
march at a moment's warning. It was soon ascertained that this sudden 
movement was in consequence of the discovery of one of the most 
extraordinary events in modern history, and in which the interposition of 
Divine Providence is remarkably conspicuous. It is the treacherous 
conspiracy of Major-General Arnold, and the capture of Major John Andre, 
adjutant-general to the British army. The army being paraded this morning, 
the following communication in the orders of General Greene was read by 
the adjutants to their respective regiments:

"Treason, of the blackest dye, was yesterday discovered. General Arnold, 
who commanded at West Point, lost to every sentiment of honor, of private 
and public obligation, was about to deliver up that important post into 
the hands of the enemy. Such an event must have given the American cause a 
dangerous, if not a fatal wound; happily the treason has been timely 
discovered, to prevent the fatal misfortune. The providential train of 
circumstances which led to it, affords the most convincing proofs that the 
liberties of America are the object of Divine protection. At the same time 
that the treason is to be regretted, the general cannot help 
congratulating the army on the happy discovery. Our enemies, despairing of 
carrying their point by force, are practising every base art to effect by 
bribery and corruption what they cannot accomplish in a manly way. Great 
honor is due to the American army, that this is the first instance of 
treason of the kind, where many were to be expected from the nature of our 
dispute; the brightest ornament in the character of the American soldiers 
is, their having been proof against all the arts and seductions of an 
insidious enemy. Arnold has made his escape to the enemy, but Major Andre, 
the adjutant-general in the British army, who came out as a spy to 
negotiate the business, is our prisoner."

West Point is situated in the midst of the highlands, on the west side of 
the Hudson, sixty miles above New York, and seven below Fishkill. It is a 
strongly-fortified castle, which, with its dependencies, is considered by 
General Washington as the key which locks the communication between the 
Eastern and Southern states; and of all the posts in the United States, 
this is the most important.

The position is remarkably well calculated by nature for a defensive post, 
being on a bend of the river, with rocky ridges rising one above another, 
and the lofty summit is covered with a range of redoubts and batteries, 
planned by the most skillful engineers. The most elevated and formidable 
fortress is erected on a natural platform of rocks, very steep, and almost 
inaccessible on every side; this is called "Fort Putnam," from the general 
who had the principal share in its plan and construction. It overlooks the 
whole plain below, and commands a landscape-view thirty miles in extent, 
the Hudson having the appearance of a vast canal, cut through huge 
mountains. As additional security, an iron chain of immense strength is 
thrown across at the short bend of the river, and fixed to huge blocks on 
each shore, and under the fire of batteries on both sides the river. The 
links of this chain are about twelve inches wide, and eighteen long, the 
bars about two inches square. It is buoyed up by very large logs, of about 
sixteen feet long, pointed at the ends to lessen, their opposition to the 
force of the current at flood and ebb tide. The logs are placed at short 
distances from each other, the chain carried over them and made fast to 
each by staples. There are also a number of anchors dropped at proper 
distances, with cables made fast to the chain to give it a greater 
stability. Such is the formidable state and strength of this post, that it 
has received the appellation of the American Gibraltar, and when properly 
guarded, may bid defiance to an army of twenty thousand men. General 
Arnold was well apprised of the great importance of this fortress; no 
position in America could afford the British greater advantages. It 
commands the whole extent of country on the Hudson, from New York to 
Canada, and secures a communication between the Eastern and Southern 
states.

From the commencement of the American war, General Arnold has been viewed 
in the light of a brave and heroic officer, having exhibited abundant 
proof of his military ardor and invincible temper. He has fought in 
various battles, with an intrepid gallantry which cannot be exceeded, and 
it is from his bravery in the field, more than any intrinsic merit, that 
his character and fame have been established. His meritorious services 
have been amply rewarded by his promotion to the rank of major-general, 
but his name will now be transmitted to posterity with the marks of 
infamy, and the pages of our history tarnished by the record of crimes of 
the most atrocious character by a native of our land. After the evacuation 
of Philadelphia by the British, Arnold was appointed to the command in 
that city, and such was his conduct, as respects both his official station 
and individual concerns, that his former standing and important services 
could no longer shield him from public odium and the just censure of the 
government. Being afterward, by his own solicitation, intrusted with the 
command of the post at West Point, he engaged in a secret correspondence 
with Sir Henry Clinton, and actually agreed to put him in possession of 
this very important garrison. The British general, ever ready to avail 
himself of treachery to accomplish an object which he could not achieve by 
the strength of his arms, selected Major John Andre, his adjutant-general 
and aid-de-camp, to have a personal interview with the traitor, to mature 
the plan, and make arrangements for the surrender of the post. A British, 
sloop-of-war, called the Vulture, came up the North river, and anchored 
near King's ferry, about twelve miles below West Point. On board of this 
vessel were a Colonel Robinson, and Major Andre, under the assumed name of 
John Anderson. A communication was now maintained between Arnold and the 
persons on board the Vulture, without exciting the least suspicion of 
treasonable designs. But a personal interview was found necessary, and the 
place chosen for this purpose was the beach near the house of Joshua 
Smith, Esquire, who has long been suspected of a predilection for the 
British interest. In the night of the 21st instant, Smith, by the desire 
of Arnold, went with a boat, rowed, by some men employed on his farm, and 
brought Major Andre, alias John Anderson, on shore, where he was received 
by Arnold, and conducted to the house of Smith, within our lines. Andre 
remained concealed at Smith's house till the following night, when he 
became extremely anxious to return on board the Vulture; but the boatmen, 
whom Arnold and Smith had seduced to bring him on shore the preceding 
night, could not be prevailed on to reconduct him on board, as the Vulture 
had been driven from her station by a cannon on shore. Finding it 
impossible to procure a boat and men for the purpose, it was resolved that 
Andre should return to New York by land, to which he reluctantly 
submitted, as the only alternative, to escape the danger into which he had 
been betrayed. For this hazardous attempt Arnold and Smith furnished him 
with a horse, and with clothes, in exchange for his military uniform; and 
Arnold gave him a passport under the fictitious name of John Anderson, as 
being on public business. Thus prepared, and accompanied by Smith part of 
the way, he proceeded on his journey. The passport served his purpose till 
he got beyond all our out-posts and guards without suspicion. They lodged 
together at Crompond that night, and Smith having given him directions 
about the road, left him the next morning, within about thirty miles of 
New York. Having arrived at Tarrytown, however, near the lines of the 
royal army, Andre was arrested by one of three men, who were patrolling 
between the out-posts of the two armies. He held his horse, by the bridle, 
till his two companions came from their concealment to his assistance. 
This was the moment which was to decide the fate of the adjutant-general 
of the royal army. Alarmed and disconcerted, instead of producing his 
passport, he asked where they belonged? They replied, "To below," alluding 
to New York. "And so do I," said. Andre; "I am a British officer, on 
urgent business, and must not be detained." He was soon, however, 
undeceived, and confounded on being obliged to yield himself a prisoner, 
and finding his passport, though having the authority of Arnold's 
signature, availed him nothing. His captors, suspecting that they had 
taken a valuable prize, resolved to hold him in durance, and realize his 
worth. The unfortunate prisoner now produced his gold watch, and said, 
"This will convince you that I am a gentleman. and if you will suffer me 
to pass, I will send to New York, and give you any amount you shall name, 
in cash, or in dry goods;" (English goods were, at that time, more 
valuable than gold or silver. It has in general been understood, that 
Andre offered his captors his horse, his purse, and a valuable watch, but 
Dr. Eustis assures me that the above are the facts, as stated to him by 
Isaac Van Vert, who first stopped Andre.) and, pointing to an adjacent 
wood, "you may keep me in that wood till it shall be delivered to you." 
All his offers, however, were rejected with disdain, and they declared 
that ten thousand guineas, or any other sum, would be no temptation. It is 
to their virtue, no less glorious to America than Arnold's apostacy is 
disgraceful, that his detestable crimes are discovered. Their names are 
John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Vert.

Congress resolved "That they have a high sense of the virtuous and 
patriotic conduct of John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Vert, In 
testimony whereof, ordered, that each of them receive annually, two 
hundred dollars in specie, or an equivalent in the current money of these 
states, and that the Board of War be directed to procure each of them a 
silver medal, on one side of which shall be a shield with this 
inscription, Fidelity, and on the other, the following motto, Vincit amor 
Patriae, and forward them the commander-in-chief, who is requested to 
present the same with a copy of this resolution, and the thanks of 
Congress for their fidelity and the eminent service they have rendered 
their country."

Taking their prisoner into the bushes, to undergo a search and 
examination, they found, concealed in his boots, the important papers, 
containing exact returns of the state of the forces, ordnance and defences 
at West Point and its dependencies, with critical remarks on the works, 
with a return of the number of troops at West Point, and their 
distribution; copies of confidential letters from General Washington, &c., 
&c., all in the hand-writing of General Arnold. Besides which, it is 
ascertained that the traitor carried with him to the interview a general 
plan of West Point and its vicinity, and all the works, and also 
particular plans of each work on a large scale, elegantly drawn by the 
engineer at that post. But these were not given up to Major Andre; it is 
supposed they were to be delivered at a future time. The captors now very 
properly delivered their prisoner, with the papers found on him, into the 
hands of Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson, the commanding officer on our lines. 
Andre, with the view, no doubt, of giving Arnold an opportunity to escape, 
had the address to induce Colonel Jameson to inform the traitor, by 
letter, that John Anderson was taken on his way to New York. It is 
probable that Colonel Jameson had not examined the papers in his 
possession, or it may well be supposed that, having such ample evidence 
before him, he would have hesitated before complying with this request; 
but, unsuspicious of treachery, and under the embarrassment of the moment, 
as though his mind was bewildered, or devoid of reason, he immediately 
despatched an express to Arnold, at Robinson's house, with the 
intelligence.

After sufficient time had elapsed for Arnold to receive the information 
and make his escape, Major Andre declared himself to Colonel Jameson to be 
the adjutant-general of the British army. Sensible of the finesse which 
had been practised on him, Colonel Jameson now despatched an express to 
meet General Washington, on his return from Hartford to Arnold's quarters, 
with an account of the capture of Major Andre, and the papers which were 
found on him, and this was accompanied by a letter from the prisoner, 
disclosing to his excellency his real character and condition, and 
relating the manner of his capture, &c. It unfortunately happened that the 
express took a different road, and missed of meeting the commander-in-
chief, and Arnold first received the information about ten o'clock on the 
morning of the 15th instant. At this moment Major Shaw and Dr. McHenry, 
two of his excellency's aids, had arrived, and were at breakfast at 
Arnold's table. His confusion was visible, but no one could devise the 
cause. Struck with the pressing danger of his situation, expecting General 
Washington would soon arrive, the guilty traitor called for a "horse, any 
one, even if a wagon horse" - bid a hasty adieu to his wife, and enjoined 
a positive order on the messenger not to inform that he was the bearer of 
a letter from Colonel Jameson, and having repaired to his barge, he 
ordered the coxswain with eight oarsmen to proceed down the river, and he 
was soon on board the Vulture,which Andre had left two nights before, a nd 
which immediately sailed with her prize for New York. General Washington 
arrived about twelve o'clock, and was informed that Arnold had absented 
himself, saying he was going to West Point, and should soon return. His 
excellency passed over the river to view the works there; but, not finding 
Arnold at his post, he returned, in the hope of meeting him at his 
quarters. But here he was again disappointed, for no person could account 
for his absence. Mrs. Arnold was now in her chamber, in great agitation 
and distress, deprived of her reason, and Dr. Eustis in attendance. At a 
lucid interval she inquired of the doctor if General Washington was in the 
house, desiring to see him. Believing that she intended to say something 
which would explain the secret of Arnold's unaccountable absence, be 
hastened below, and conducted the general to her chamber, who remained no 
longer than to hear her deny that he was General Washington, and to 
witness the return of her distraction. His excellency sat down to dine, 
but soon rose from table with apparent agitation, called out Colonel Lamb, 
the commander of artillery at West Point, and expressed to him his 
suspicion that Arnold had deserted to the enemy. In less than two hours it 
was ascertained that the conjecture was too well founded, for the 
despatches arrived from Colonel Jameson, with an account of the capture of 
Major Andre, accompanied by his own letter of confession. Major Andre was 
conducted to West Point, and thence to headquarters at Tappan; and a 
board, consisting of fourteen general officers, is constituted and 
directed to sit on the 29th instant, for his trial. It was to be expected 
that Sir Henry Clinton would make every possible overture and exertion, 
with the hope of rescuing his friend, and the adjutant-general of his 
army, from an ignominious death. Accordingly he addressed General 
Washington, claimed the release of Major Andre, alleging that he ought not 
to be considered in the character of a spy, as he had a passport from, and 
was transacting business under the sanction of General Arnold; but 
arguments so obviously absurd and futile could have no influence, and the 
prisoner was ordered before the military tribunal for trial, and the 
following are the particulars of their proceedings.

Major Andre, adjutant-general to the British army, was brought before the 
board, and the following letter from General Washington to the board, 
dated "Head-Quarters, Tappan, September 29th, 1780," was laid before them 
and read:

"GENTLEMEN: Major Andre, adjutant-general to the British army, will be 
brought before you, for your examination. He came within our lines in the 
night, on an interview with Major-General Arnold, and in an assumed 
character; and was taken within our lines, in a disguised habit, with a 
pass under a feigned name, and with the inclosed papers concealed on him. 
After a careful examination, you will be pleased as speedily as possible 
to report a precise state of his case, together with your opinion of the 
light in which he ought to be considered, and the punishment that ought to 
be inflicted. The judge-advocate will attend to assist in the examination, 
who has sundry other papers relative to this matter, which he will lay 
before the board.

"I have the honor to be, gentlemen, 
your most obedient and humble servant,
"G. WASHINGTON.

"To the Board of General Officers, convened at Tappan."

The names of the officers composing the board were read to Major Andre, 
with the following letter of his to General Washington-namely:

"SALEM, 24th September, 1780.

SIR: What I have as yet said, concerning myself, was in the justifiable 
attempt to be extricated; I am too little accustomed to duplicity to have 
succeeded.

"I beg your excellency will be persuaded, that no alteration in the temper 
of my mind, or apprehension for my safety, induces me to take the step of 
addressing you, but that it is to secure myself from an imputation of 
having assumed a mean character for treacherous purposes or self-
interest - a conduct incompatible with the principles that actuated me, as 
well as with my condition in life.

"It is to vindicate my fame, that I speak, and not to solicit security.

"The person in your possession is Major John Andre, adjutant-general to 
the British army.

"The influence of one commander in the army of his adversary is an 
advantage taken in war. I agreed to meet, on ground not within the posts 
of either army, a person who was to give me intelligence; I came up in the 
Vulture man-of-war, for this effect, and was fetched by a boat from the 
shore to the beach: being there, I was told that the approach of day would 
prevent my return, and that I must be concealed till the next night. I was 
in my regimentals, and had fairly risked my person.

"Against my stipulation, my intention, and without my knowledge 
beforehand, I was conducted within one of your posts. Your excellency may 
conceive my sensation on this occasion, and will imagine how much more I 
must have been affected by a refusal to reconduct me back the next night, 
as I had been brought. Thus become a prisoner, I had to concert my escape. 
I quitted my uniform, and was passed another way in the night, without the 
American posts to neutral ground, and informed I was beyond all armed 
parties, and left to press for New York. I was taken at Tarrytown by some 
volunteers.

"Thus, as I have had the honor to relate, was I betrayed into the vile 
condition of an enemy in disguise within your posts.

"Having avowed myself a British officer, I have nothing to reveal but what 
relates to myself, which is true, on the honor of an officer and a 
gentleman.

"The request I have to make your excellency, and I am conscious I address 
myself well, is that in any rigor which policy may dictate, a decency of 
conduct towards me may evince that, though unfortunate, I am branded with 
nothing dishonorable, as no motive could be mine but the service of my 
king, and as I was involuntarily an impostor.

"Another request is, that I may be permitted to write an open letter to 
Sir Henry Clinton, and another to a friend for clothes and linen.

"I take the liberty to mention the condition of some gentlemen at 
Charleston, who, being either on parole or under protection, were engaged 
in a conspiracy against us. Though their situation is not similar they are 
objects who may be set in exchange for me, or are persons whom the 
treatment I receive might affect.

"It is no less, sir, in a confidence in the generosity of your mind, than 
on account of' your superior station, that I have chosen to importune you 
with this letter. I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir your 
excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

"JOHN ANDRE, Adjutant-General.

"His Excellency General Washington, &c., &c., &c.,

And on being asked whether he confessed or denied the matters contained in 
this letter, he acknowledged the letter, and in addition stated, that he 
came on shore from the Vulture sloop-of-war , in the night of the 21st of 
September, instant, somewhere under the Haverstraw mountain. That the boat 
he came on shore in, carried no flag, and that he had on a surtout-coat 
over his regimentals, and that he wore his surtout-coat when he was taken. 
That he met General Arnold on the shore, and had an interview with him 
there. He also said, that when he left the Vulture sloop-of-war, it was 
understood he was to return that night; but it was then doubted, and if he 
could not return, he was promised to be concealed on shore in a place of 
safety till the next night, When he was to return in the same manner he 
came on shore; and when the next day came, he was solicitous to get back, 
and made inquiries in the course of the day how he should return; he was 
informed he could not return that way, and he must take the route he did 
afterwards. He also said, that the first notice he had of his being within 
any of our posts, was his being challenged by the sentry, which was the 
first night he was on shore. He also said, that in the evening of the 22d 
of September, instant, he passed King's ferry, between our posts of Stony 
and Verplank's Points, in the dress he is at present in, and which he said 
was not his regimentals, and which dress he procured after be landed from 
the Vulture, and when he was within our post, and that he was proceeding 
to New York, but was arrested at Tarrytown, as he has mentioned in his 
letter, on Saturday, the 23d of September, instant, about nine o'clock in 
the morning.

The board having interrogated Major Andre, about his conception of his 
coming on shore under the sanction of a flag, he said, that it was 
impossible for him to suppose he came on shore under that sanction, and 
added, that if he came on shore under that sanction, he certainly might 
have returned under it.

Major Andre having acknowledged the preceding facts, and being asked 
whether he had any thing to say respecting them, answered, he left them to 
operate with the board.

The examination of Major Andre being concluded, be was remanded into 
custody.

"The board having considered the letter from his Excellency General 
Washington, respecting Major Andre, adjutant-general to the British army, 
the confession of Major Andre, and the papers produced to them, report to 
his excellency the commander-in-chief the following facts, which appear to 
them relative to Major Andre. First, that be came on shore from the 
Vulture sloop-of-war, in the night of the 21st of September, instant, on 
an interview with General Arnold, in a private and secret manner. 
Secondly, that he changed his dress within our lines, and under a feigned 
name, and disguised habit, passed our works at Stony and Verplank's 
Points, in the evening of the 22d of September, instant, and was taken the 
morning of the 23d of September, at Tarrytown, in a disguised habit, being 
then on his way to New York; and when taken he had in his possession 
several papers which contained intelligence for the enemy. The board 
having maturely considered these facts, do also report to his Excellency 
General Washington, that Major Andre, adjutant-general to the British 
army, ought to be considered as a spy from the enemy, and that agreeably 
to the law and usage of nations it is their opinion he ought to suffer 
death.

[SIGNED]

"NATHANIEL GREENE, Major-General and President.
STIRLING,
ST. CLAIR,
LA FAYETTE,
R. HOWE,
STEUBEN,
SAMUEL H. PARSONS, Brigadier- General.
JAMES CLINTON,
HENRY KNOX,
JOHN GLOVER,
JOHN PATTERSON,
EDWARD HAND,
JOHN HUNTINGTON,
JOHN STARK,
JOHN LAWRENCE, Judge Advocate General."

"HEADQUARTERS, September 30th, 1780.

"The commander-in-chief approves of the opinion of the Board of General 
officers, respecting Major Andre, and orders that the execution of Major 
Andre take place to-morrow, at five o'clock P. M."

During the trial of this unfortunate officer, he conducted with unexampled 
magnanimity and dignity of character. He very freely and candidly 
confessed all the circumstances relative to himself, and carefully avoided 
every expression that might have a tendency to implicate any other person. 
So firm and dignified was he in his manners, and so honorable in all his 
proceedings on this most trying occasion, that he excited universal 
interest in his favor. He requested only to die the death of a soldier, 
and not on a gibbet. The following is a copy of a very pathetic letter 
from Major Andre to General Washington, dated

"TAPPAN, October 1st, 1780.
"SIR: Buoyed above the terrors of death by the consciousness of a life 
devoted to honorable pursuits, and stained with no action that can give me 
remorse, I trust that the request I make to your excellency at this 
serious period, and which is to soften my last moments, will not be 
rejected. Sympathy towards a soldier will surely induce your excellency 
and a military tribunal to adapt the mode of my death to the feelings of a 
man of honor. Let me hope, Sir, if aught in my character impresses you 
with esteem towards me - if aught in my misfortunes marks me as the victim 
of policy, and not of resentment - I shall experience the operation of 
these feelings in your breast by being informed that I am not to die on a 
gibbet.

"I have the honor to be your excellency's 
most obedient and most humble servant, 
"JOHN ANDRE,
"Adjutant-General to the British army."

This moving letter, as may be supposed, affected the mind of General 
Washington with the tenderest sympathy, and it is reported that he 
submitted it to a council of general officers, who decided that as Major 
Andre was condemned as a spy, the circumstances of the case would not 
admit of the request being granted, and his excellency, from a desire to 
spare the feelings of the unfortunate man, declined making a reply to the 
letter.

October 1st.-l went this afternoon to witness the execution of Major 
Andre: a large concourse of people had assembled, the gallows was erected, 
and the grave and coffin prepared to receive the remains of this 
celebrated but unfortunate officer; but a flag of truce arrived with a 
communication from Sir Henry Clinton, making another and further proposals 
for the release of Major Andre, in consequence of which the execution is 
postponed till tomorrow, at twelve o'clock.

The flag which came out this morning brought General Robertson, Andrew 
Eliot and William Smith, Esquires, for the purpose of pleading for the 
release of Major Andre, the royal army being in the greatest affliction on 
the occasion. The two latter gentlemen, not being military officers, were 
not permitted to land, but General Greene was appointed by his excellency 
to meet General Robertson at Dobbs' ferry, and to receive his 
communications. He had nothing material to urge, but that Andre had come 
on shore under the sanction of a flag, and therefore could not be 
considered as a spy. But this is not true; he came on shore in the night, 
and had no flag, on business totally incompatible with the nature of a 
flag. Besides, Andre himself, candidly confessed on his trial that he did 
not consider himself under the sanction of a flag. General Robertson, 
having failed in his point, requested that the opinion of disinterested 
persons might be taken, and proposed Generals Knyphausen and Rochambeau as 
proper persons. After this he had recourse to threats of retaliation on 
some people in New York and Charleston, but he was told that such 
conversation could neither be heard nor understood. He next urged the 
release of Andre on motives of humanity, saying, he wished an intercourse 
of such civilities as might lessen the horrors of war, and cited instances 
of General Clinton's merciful disposition; adding that Andre possessed a 
great share of that gentleman's affection and esteem, and that he would be 
infinitely obliged if he was spared. He offered that, if his earnest 
wishes were complied with, to engage that any prisoner in their 
possession, whom General Washington might name, should immediately be set 
at liberty. But it must be viewed as the height of absurdity that General 
Robertson should, on this occasion, suffer himself to be the bearer of a 
letter which the vile traitor had the consummate effrontery to write to 
General Washington. This insolent letter is filled with threats of 
retaliation, and the accountability of his excellency for the torrents of 
blood that might be spilled if he should order the execution of Major 
Andre. lt should seem impossible that General Robertson could suppose that 
such insolence would receive any other treatment than utter contempt.

October 2d.-Major Andre is no more among the living. I have just witnessed 
his exit. It was a tragical scene of the deepest interest. During his 
confinement and trial, he exhibited those proud and elevated sensibilities 
which designate greatness and dignity of mind. Not a murmur or a sigh ever 
escaped him, and the civilities and attentions bestowed on him were 
politely acknowledged. Having left a mother and two sisters in England, he 
was heard to mention them in terms of the tenderest affection, and in his 
letter to Sir Henry Clinton, he recommended them to his particular 
attention.

The principal guard officer, who was constantly in the room with the 
prisoner, relates that when the hour of his execution was announced to him 
in the morning; he received it without emotion, and while all present were 
affected with silent gloom, he retained a firm countenance, with calmness 
and composure of mind. Observing his servant enter the room in tears, he 
exclaimed, "Leave me till you can show yourself more manly!" His breakfast 
being sent to him from the table of General Washington, which had been 
done every day of his confinement, he partook of it as usual, and having 
shaved and dressed himself, he placed his hat on the table, and cheerfully 
said to the guard officers, "I am ready at any moment, gentlemen, to wait 
on you," The fatal hour having arrived, a large detachment of troops was 
paraded, and an immense concourse of people assembled; almost all our 
general and field officers, excepting his excellency and his staff, were 
present on horseback; melancholy and gloom pervaded all ranks, and the 
scene was affectingly awful. I was so near during the solemn march to the 
fatal spot, as to observe every movement, and participate in every emotion 
which the melancholy scene was calculated to produce. Major Andre walked 
from the stone house, in which he had been confined, between two of our 
subaltern officers, arm in arm; the eyes of the immense multitude were 
fixed on him, who, rising superior to the fears of death, appeared as if 
conscious of the dignified deportment which be displayed. He betrayed no 
want of fortitude, but retained a complacent smile on his countenance, and 
politely bowed to several gentlemen whom he knew, which was respectfully 
returned. It was his earnest desire to be shot, as being the mode of death 
most conformable to the feelings of a military man, and he had indulged 
the hope that his request would be granted. At the moment, therefore, when 
suddenly he came in view of the gallows, be involuntarily started 
backward, and made a pause. "Why this emotion, sir?" said an officer by 
his side. Instantly recovering his composure, he said, "I am reconciled to 
my death, but I detest the mode." While waiting and standing near the 
gallows, I observed some degree of trepidation; placing his foot on a 
stone, and rolling it over and choking in his throat, as if attempting to 
swallow. So soon, however, as he perceived that things were in readiness, 
he stepped quickly into the wagon, and at this moment he appeared to 
shrink, but instantly elevating his head with firmness, he said, "It will 
be but a momentary pang," and taking from his pocket two white 
handkerchiefs, the provost-marshal, with one, loosely pinioned his arms, 
and with the other, the victim, after taking off his hat and stock, 
bandaged his own eyes with perfect firmness, which melted the hearts and 
moistened the cheeks, not only of his servant, but of the throng of 
spectators. The rope being appended to the gallows, he slipped the noose 
over his head and adjusted it to his neck, without the assistance of the 
awkward executioner. Colonel Scammel now informed him that he had an 
opportunity to speak, if he desired it; he raised the handkerchief from 
his eyes, and said, "I pray you to bear me witness that I meet my fate 
like a brave man." The wagon being now removed from under him, he was 
suspended, and instantly expired; it proved indeed "but a momentary pang." 
He was dressed in his royal regimentals and boots, and his remains, in the 
same dress, were placed in an ordinary coffin, and interred at the foot of 
the gallows; and the spot was consecrated by the tears of thousands.

In the autumn of 1821, the remains of Major Andre were disinterred, and 
transported to England.

Thus died, in the bloom of life, the accomplished Major Andre, the pride 
of the royal army, and the valued friend of Sir Henry Clinton. He was 
about twenty-nine years of age, in his person well proportioned, tall, 
genteel and graceful. His mien respectable and dignified. His countenance 
mild, expressive and prepossessing, indicative of an intelligent and 
amiable mind. His talents are said to have been of a superior cast, and, 
being cultivated in early life, be had made very considerable proficiency 
in literary attainments. Colonel Hamilton, aid-de-camp to General 
Washington, having had an interview with him, entertains an exalted 
opinion of his character. In the line of his profession, Major Andre, was 
considered as a skilful, brave and enterprising officer, and he is 
reported to have been benevolent and humane to our people who have been 
prisoners in New York. Military glory was the mainspring of his actions, 
and the sole object of his pursuits, and he was advancing rapidly in the 
gratification of his ambitious views, till by a misguided zeal he became a 
devoted victim. He enjoyed the confidence and friendship of Sir Henry 
Clinton, being consulted in his councils and admitted to the secrets of 
his cabinet. The heart of sensibility mourns when a life of so much worth 
is sacrificed on a gibbet. General Washington was called to discharge a 
duty from which his soul revolted; and it is asserted that his hand could 
scarcely command his pen; when signing the warrant for the execution of 
Major Andre. But however abhorrent in the view of humanity, the laws and 
usages of war must be obeyed, and in all armies it is decreed that the 
gallows shall be the fate of spies from the enemy. It was universally 
desired that Major, Andre should experience every possible favor and 
indulgence, consistent with his peculiar circumstances, but it was well 
considered that, should he be indulged in his request to be shot, it would 
imply that his case admitted of extenuation, and it might be doubted 
whether in justice he ought to be convicted as a spy. The British general 
himself has not hesitated to execute several persons of the same 
description sent from our army into New York.

It is with the highest degree of satisfaction, that I am enabled to copy 
the following interesting narrative, vouched by Major-General Hull, of 
Newton, from Hannah Adams' History of New England. Let the reader draw the 
striking contrast between the conduct of the royalists and the Americans, 
on an occasion where the duties of humanity and benevolence, were equally 
and imperiously demanded.

"The retreat of General Washington left the British in complete possession 
of Long Island. What would be their future operations, remained uncertain. 
To obtain information of their situation, their strength and future 
movements, was of high importance. For this purpose, General Washington 
applied to Colonel Knowlton, who commanded a regiment of light infantry, 
which formed the van of the American army, and desired him to adopt some 
mode of gaining the necessary information. Colonel Knowlton communicated 
this request to Captain Hale, of Connecticut, who was then a captain in 
his regiment. This young officer, animated by a sense of duty, and 
considering that an opportunity presented itself by which he might be 
useful to his country, at once offered himself a volunteer for this 
hazardous service. He passed in disguise to Long Island, examined every 
part of the British army, and obtained the best possible information 
respecting their situation and future operations.

"In his attempt to return, he was apprehended, carried before Sir William 
Howe, and the proof of his object was so clear, that he frankly 
acknowledged who he was, and what were his views.

"Sir William Howe at once gave an order to the provost-marshal to execute 
him the next morning.

"The order was accordingly executed in a most unfeeling 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. Letters 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.'

"Unknown to all around him, without a single friend to offer him the least 
consolation, thus fell as amiable and as worthy a young man as America 
could boast, with this as his dying observation, 'that he only lamented he 
had but one life to lose for his country.' How superior to the dying words 
of Andre! Though the manner of his execution will ever be abhorred by 
every friend to humanity and religion, yet there cannot be a question but 
that the sentence was conformable to the rules of war, and the practice of 
nations in similar cases.

"It is, however, a justice due to the character of Captain Hale, to 
observe, that his motives for engaging in this service were entirely 
different from those which generally influence others in similar 
circumstances. Neither expectation of promotion nor pecuniary reward 
induced him to this attempt. A sense of duty, a hope that he might in this 
way be useful to his country, and an opinion which he had adopted, that 
every kind of service necessary to the public good became honorable by 
being necessary, were the great motives which induced him to engage in an 
enterprise by which his connexions lost a most amiable friend and his 
country one of its most promising supporters.'

"The fate of this unfortunate young man excites the most interesting 
reflections. To see such a character, in the flower of youth, cheerfully 
treading in the most hazardous paths, influenced by the purest intentions, 
and only emulous to do good to his country, without the imputation of a 
crime, fall a victim to policy, must have been wounding to the feelings 
even of his enemies.

"Should a comparison be drawn between Major Andre and Captain Hale, 
injustice would be done to the latter, should he not be placed on an equal 
ground with the former. Whilst almost every historian of the American 
Revolution has celebrated the virtues and lamented the fate of Andre, Hale 
has remained unnoticed, and it is scarcely known that such a character 
ever existed.

"To the memory of Andre, his country has erected the most magnificent 
monuments, and bestowed on his family the highest honors and most liberal 
rewards. To the memory of Hale not a stone has been erected, nor an 
inscription to preserve his ashes from insult."

Could Arnold have been suspended on the gibbet erected for Andre, not a 
tear or a sigh would have been produced, but exultation and joy would have 
been visible on every countenance. But General Clinton suffers the vile 
and infamous traitor to elude the hand of justice, and even bestows on him 
a reward for his crime. It may perhaps be suggested, that in this last act 
of his life Major Andre derogated from his character and station. That the 
laurels to adorn the brow of a soldier, can only be acquired in the field 
of battle, and not by encouraging acts of treason, by bribery and 
corruption. Surprise and strategem, it is well known, constitute a 
valuable part of the art of war, by which many important objects are 
effected, and by some it is said that when acts of treason are practised, 
the infamy devolves on the head of the traitors alone. In the present 
instance, it is supposed that Arnold made the first overture. It is well 
understood that Sir Henry Clinton enjoined it on Andre to transact the 
business on board the Vulture, and it was his own determination not to 
land on our shore; but such was the management of Arnold and his 
confederate, Smith, that he was actually compelled, contrary to his own 
judgment and intention, to come within our lines, and this circumstance 
alone placed him in the character of a common spy. The commander-in-chief 
was generously disposed to compassionate his unhappy condition, and to 
soothe and mitigate his sorrow, and every officer in the army was actuated 
by feelings of sympathy and tenderness towards him. The base and 
perfidious Arnold is held in the utmost abhorrence and detestation 
throughout our army, and his person, with the garrison at West Point into 
the bargain, would have been a dear purchase to Sir Henry for the life of 
his valuable friend and adjutant-general.

West Point is now become a very celebrated and memorable spot, by the 
attempt of the royal general to obtain possession of it through the 
defection and treachery of one of our officers, and the defeat of the 
conspiracy. Arnold was well apprised of its importance, and it was 
obviously his design to strike a fatal blow to the cause of his native 
country, and it was his intention that it should cost the British nothing 
more than the price of his own villany and treason. He had actually 
removed a New York regiment from the point to the plain on the east side 
of the river, and sent off a number of soldiers from the garrison to cut 
wood at a distance, and disposed and arranged the remaining troops in such 
manner that little or no opposition could have been made, and an 
'immediate surrender would have been inevitable, or our troops must have 
fallen a sacrifice. Deplorable indeed would have been the event, the loss 
of this highly important garrison with some of our best officers and men, 
the immense quantity of ordnance and military stores, together with the 
prodigious panic and gloom which at this critical period must have 
pervaded the whole people, could scarcely have failed of being productive 
of consequences overwhelming the physical powers and energies of our 
country. But we are saved by a miracle, and we are confounded in awful 
astonishment. In a private letter, General Washington thus expresses 
himself respecting this transaction:

"In no instance since the commencement of the war has the interposition of 
Providence appeared more remarkably conspicuous than in the rescue of the 
post and garrison at West Point. How far Arnold meant to involve me in the 
catastrophe of this place, does not appear by any indubitable evidence, 
and I am rather inclined to think he did not wish to hazard the more 
important object, by attempting to combine two events, the lesser of which 
might have marred the greater. A combination of extraordinary 
circumstances, and unaccountable deprivation of presence of mind in a man 
of the first abilities, and the virtue of three militia-men, threw the 
adjutant-general of the British forces, with full proof of Arnold's 
intention, into our hands, and but for the egregious folly or the 
bewildered conception of Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson, who seemed lost in 
astonishment, and not to have known what he was doing, I should 
undoubtedly have gotten Arnold. Andre has met his fate, and with that 
fortitude which was to be expected from an accomplished man and a gallant 
officer; but I mistake if Arnold is suffering at this time the torments of 
a mental hell. He wants feeling. From some traits of his character which 
have lately come to my knowledge, he seems to have been so hacknied in 
crime, so lost to all sense of honor and shame, that while his faculties 
still enable him to continue his sordid pursuits, there will be no time 
for remorse." 

For the sake of human nature, it were to be wished that a veil could be 
for ever thrown over so vile an example of depravity and wickedness. 
Traitor! you never can know the precious enjoyment of a quiet conscience! 
While you sleep, your heart must be awake, and the voice of Andre must 
thrill through your very soul. Though you may console yourself that you 
have escaped the gallows, a consciousness of your crimes and the infamy 
and contempt which will for ever await you, must incessantly harrow and 
torment your spirit, rendering you of all villains the most wretched and 
miserable. The only atonement in your power to alleviate your poignant 
mental misery, is a humble and hearty confession, and to implore in 
sincerity the forgiveness of Heaven !

Our brigade and three others decamped from Orangetown on the 7th instant. 
Our tents and baggage were sent up the Hudson in boats and we took our 
route through the highlands. The road was almost impassable through a 
thick wood and over high mountains, constantly intersected by prodigious 
rocks, running brooks and deep vallies. We arrived at West Point on the 
evening of the 8th, distance thirty-two miles; the troops much fatigued, 
and our tents not arrived, took our sleep for the night on the ground in 
the woods and on the 9th, encamped on the plain, near the banks of the 
river. General Greene is now the commander of this garrison, and good 
order takes place of the confusion occasioned by Arnold's elopement.

Joshua Smith, Esquire, the confederate of Arnold, has been tried by a 
court-martial of which Colonel Henry Jackson was president; the evidence 
against him and his own confession go to prove that he went on board the 
Vulture, in the night, and brought on shore a gentleman who was called 
John Anderson, to have an interview with General Arnold; that he secreted 
him in his house, furnished him with a horse and change of clothes, and 
that he accompanied him through our out-posts, and directed him into the 
proper road to New York. All this, he pleads in his defence, was by the 
express desire of General Arnold, who assured him that his object was to 
obtain some important intelligence from New York, which would be highly 
advantageous to the public interest. He considered himself, therefore, in 
the character of a confidential agent in the employment of Arnold, without 
suspicion of treasonable conduct in this officer. This pretence is 
plausible, and it is his good fortune that no positive evidence could be 
produced to countervail his assertions. Though his actions appear 
criminal, yet it is possible his motives and views may have been laudable. 
The want of positive evidence, therefore, of his criminality, prevented 
his conviction; but so strong was the circumstantial proof of his guilt, 
that it was deemed proper that he should be kept in confinement. Being 
seized with indisposition, from apprehension and anxiety of mind, I was 
requested to visit him in his prison. I found him very conversable, and he 
immediately entertained me with a relation of the particular circumstances 
of his case, which agreed substantially with the above statement. He 
promised to show me his written defence, produced at his trial, but no 
future opportunity occurred. He pretended that it was unjust and cruel 
that he should be deprived of his liberty, when no evidence of guilt could 
be produced against him. He was soon removed to some prison in the 
country; after which, his lady arrived, expecting to find him here. I 
received a polite billet, requesting I would wait on her at the house of 
my friend Major Bowman, where I was introduced to her and to Mrs. B. and 
her daughter, with whom I took tea and spent the evening. Mrs. Smith was 
grievously disappointed that her husband was removed; she was very 
solicitous to be informed of the particular circumstances which attended 
him in his illness, and whether he was dejected in spirits, and politely 
thanked me for my attention to him. She appears to be an accomplished and 
interesting woman, but is in much distress for the fate of her husband. 
She could not conceal her natural partiality and bias in his favor, and 
would willingly have left the impression which Arnold wished to make, when 
in his letter to General Washington' he says of his wife, "she is as good 
and as innocent as an angel, and is incapable of doing wrong."

Smith was for several months in confinement; but either from a want of 
vigilance in his keeper, or the indifference of the proper authority, he 
was at length allowed to escape to New York.

15th.-I have just returned from Orangetown, in company with Captain Hunt, 
of our regiment, where I was called to visit his brother, who was left 
sick when we marched from that place. We dined with Doctor