MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM HEATH descended from an ancient family in Roxbury, near Boston, in Massachu­setts, and is of the fifth generation of the family who have inherited the same real estate, (taken up in a state of na­ture) not large, but fertile, and pleastantly situated. He was born March 2d, (old stile) 1737, was brought up a farmer, of which profession he is yet passionately fond. He is of middling stature, light complexion, very corpulent, and bald-headed, which led the French officers who served in America, very fre­quently to compare him to the Marquis of Granby. ^* From his childhood he was remarkably fond of military exercises, which passion grew up with him, and as he arrived at years of maturity, led him to procure, and attentively to study, every military treatise in the English language, which was obtain­able. This, with a strong memory, rendered him fully acquainted with the theory of war in all its branches and duties, from the private soldier, to the Commander in Chief.

Through the inactive state of the militia company to which he belonged, in the spring of the year [Page 8]1765, he went over to Boston, and entered a mem­ber of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Com­pany. This immediately recommended him to the notice of the Colonel of the first regiment of mili­tia in the county of Suffolk, who sent for him, and importuned him to take the command of his own company; to which Mr. Heath was reluctant; ap­prehensive that his youth, and stepping over those who had a better claim, by former office in the com­pany, to the command of it, might produce an un­easiness. He was, however, commissioned by Gov. Barnard; and his apprehensions of uneasiness proved to be groundless.

In the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, he was chosen, and served, first as Lieutenant, and afterwards as Captain.

In the first regiment of the militia of Suffolk, he became the military favourite of Gov. Barnard, who publickly declared, that he would not only make him Colonel of the regiment, but, if it were in his power, a General Officer also.

As the dispute between Great-Britain and her American Colonies put on a more serious aspect, our Captain did not hesitate, for a moment, to de­clare his sentiments in favour of the rights and liber­ties of his fellow-countrymen. This alarmed Gov. Barnard's apprehensions, but did not alter his open conduct to wards our Captain; though he pri­vately intimated, that if he should promote him, he might injure the cause of his royal master. It was afterwards intimated to our Captain, that if he was not advanced to the command of the regiment, he might rest assured, that his feelings would never (during Gov. Barnard's administration) be hurt by any other officer being promoted over him; which was verified; Gov. Barnard leaving the province with this regiment unorganized.

[Page 9] Capt. Heath, convinced that the cloud was rapidly gathering, and would assuredly burst over America, in the beginning of the year 1770, com­menced his addresses to the public, under the signa­ture of A Military Countryman, and which were oc­casionally continued until hostilities commenced. In them he urged the importance of military discipline, and skill in the use of arms, as the only means, un­der Heaven, that could save the country from fall­ing a prey to any daring invader.

Gov. Hutchinson succeeded Gov. Barnard. He organized the first regiment in Suffolk; and, as might be expected, our Captain had a respite from command.

When it was recommended to the people of Mas­sachusetts, to choose officers themselves to command them, our Captain was unanimously chosen to take the command of the first company in the town of Roxbury, (his old and favourite company;) and on the meeting of the Captains and subalterns of the first regiment of militia in Suffolk, he was chosen Colonel.

The people of Massachusetts, having determined to support their rights and liberties at every hazard, (finding that such was the sense of the people of their sister Colonies) after the disiolution of their General Court, elected a Provincial Congress. This Congress appointed a Committee of Safety (of whom our Colonel was one,) vested with executive pow­ers; and another committee, called the Committee of Supplies. The latter were to purchase military stores, provisions, &c. and deposit them in such pla­ces as the former should direct. Both committees entered on the duties of their respective functions. The Provincial Congress voted a sum of money for the purpose of procuring military stores and provis­ions; and a quantity of both were collected, and stored in the town of Concord.

[Page 10] The militia, and the corps of minute-men, as they were called, (the latter composed of the young and active) were furnished with officers of their own choosing. The greatest attention was exhibited by [...]he officers, which was as cheerfully seconded by the citizen soldiers, to acquire a knowledge of mil­itary duty.

In the month of February, 1775, the Provincial Congress passed the following resolutions:

Gen. Prebble declined the service.

In the month of March following, the Provincial Congress appointed a committee to make a minute inquiry into the state of the operations of the British army. On the 20th of the same month, the com­mittee reported, that the British army then consisted of about 2850 men, distributed as follows: On Boston common, about 1700; on Fort-Hill, 400; on Boston neck, 340; in barracks at the Castle, 330; quartered in King-street, 80;—that they were erecting works on Boston neck, on both sides of the way, well constructed and well executed; the works were in forwardness, and then mounted with ten brass and two iron cannon; that the old fortification, at the entrance of the town, was repaired, and render­ed much stronger by the addition of timber and earth to the parapet; that ten pieces of iron cannon were mounted on the old platforms; that a block­house, brought from Governor's Island, was erecting on the south side of the neck, between the old forti­fication and the new works advanced on the neck.

On the 18th of April, our General had been sitting with the Committee of Safety, at Menotomy in Cam­bridge; and on his return home, soon after he left the committee, and about sun-setting, he met eight or nine British officers on horseback, with their swords and pistols, riding up the road towards Lex­ington. The time of day, and distance from Boston, excited suspicion of some design. They indeed were out reconnoitring, and getting intelligence, but were not molested.

[Page 12] On the 19th, at day-break, our General was awoke, called from his bed, and informed that a de­tachment of the British army were out; that they had crossed from Boston to Phipps's farm, in boats, and had gone towards Concord, as was supposed, with intent to destroy the public stores. They probably had notice that the committees had met the preceding day at Wetherby's tavern, at Me­notomy; for, when they came opposite to the house, they halted. Several of the gentlemen slept there during the night. Among them were Col. Orne, Col. Lee, and Mr. Gerry. One of them awoke, and informed the others that a body of the British were before the house. They immediately made their escape, without time to dress themselves, at the back door, receiving some injury from obstacles in the way, in their undressed state. They made their way into the fields. The country was immediately alarmed, and the minute-men and militia turned out with great spirit. Near Lexington meeting-house the British found the militia of that town drawn up by the road. Towards these they advanced, ordered them to disperse, huzzaed, and fired upon them; when several were killed and wounded, and the rest dispersed. This was the first shedding of blood in the American war.

This company continuing to stand so near to the road, after they had certain notice of the advancing of the British in force, was but a too much braving of danger, f [...]r they, were sure to meet with insult, or injury, which they could not repel. Bravery, when called to action. should always take the strong ground on the bas [...] of reason.

The British proceeded on to Concord, where they destroyed a part of the stores, while others were sav­ed by the vigilance, activity, or policy, of the inhab­itants. In the latter, a Capt. Wheeler practised with [Page 13]such address, as to save a considerable quantity of flour, although exposed to the critical examination of a British officer.

The British had sent a party to the North Bridge, while they were destroying the stores in the town. A body of militia, who had retreated beyond the bridge, and collected in this quarter, now marched up resolutely to the bridge. The British officer, finding their firmness, ordered his men to fire, which they did, and two men of the militia were killed. The fire was briskly returned; some were killed and wounded of the enemy, and an officer taken pris­oner. The British party retreated with precipita­tion to their main body, and the whole soon com­menced their retreat towards Boston; the militia galling them on all sides. This detatchment, under the command of Col. Smith, must have been worn down, and the whole of them killed, or taken pris­oners, had it not been for the reinforcement sent out to them, under the command of Lord Percy, with two field-pieces, who joined them in the lower part of the town of Lexington.

Our General, in the morning, proceeded to the Committee of Safety. From the committee, he took a cross road to Watertown, the British being in pos­session of the Lexington road. At Watertown, find­ing some militia who had not marched, but applied for orders, he sent them down to Cambridge, with directions to take up the planks, barricade the south end of the bridge, and there to take post; that, in case the British should, on their return, take that road to Boston, their retreat might be impeded. He then pushed to join the militia, taking a cross road towards Lexington, in which he was joined by Dr. Joseph Warren, (afterwards a Major-General) who kept with him.

[Page 14] Our General joined the militia just after Lord Percy had joined the British; and having assisted in forming a regiment, which had been broken by the shot from the British field-pieces, (for the discharge of these, together with the flames and smoke of several buildings, to which the British, nearly at the same time, had set fire, opened a new and more terrific scene;) and the British having again taken up their retreat, were closely pursued. On descending from the high grounds in Menoto­my, on to the plain, the fire was brisk. At this in­stant, a musket-ball came so near to the head of Dr. Warren, as to strike the pin out of the hair of his earlock. Soon after, the right flank of the British was exposed to the fire of a body of militia, which had come from Roxbury, Brooklyn, Dorchester, &c. For a few minutes the fire was brisk on both sides; and the British had here recourse to their field-pieces again; but they were now more familiar than be­fore. Here the militia were so close on the rear of the British, that Dr. Downer, an active and enter­prising man, came to single combat with a British soldier, whom he killed with his bayonet.

Not far from this place, several of the militia (among whom was Isaac Gardner, Esq of Brooklyn, a valuable citizen) imprudently posted themselves behind some dry casks, at Watson's Corner, and near to the road, unsuspicious of the enemy's flank­guard, which came behind them, and killed every one of them dead on the spot.

The militia continued to hang on the rear of the British, until they reached Bunker's Hill in Charles­town; and it had become so dusk, as to render the flashes of the muskets very visible. At this instant, an officer on horseback came up from the Medford road, and inquired the circumstances of the enemy; adding, that about 700 men were close behind, on [Page 15]their way from Salem to join the militia. Had these arrived a few minutes sooner, the left flank of the British must have been greatly exposed, and suffered considerably; perhaps their retreat would have been cut off. As soon as the British gained Bunker's Hill, they immediately formed in a line opposite to the neck; when our General judged it expedient to order the militia, who were now at the common, to halt, and give over the pursuit, as any further attempt up­on the enemy, in that position, would have been futile.

Our General immediately assembled the officers around him, at the foot of Prospect Hill, and ordered a guard to be formed, and posted near that place, centinels to be planted down to the neck, and pa­troles to be vigilant in moving during the night; and an immediate report to him, in case the enemy made any movements. The militia were then ordered to march to the town of Cambridge; where, after forming and sending off another guard to the points below the town, the whole were ordered to lie on their arms.

About midnight, there was an alarm that the en­emy were coming up the river. It proved to be only an armed schooner, probably sent to make discovery. She got a-ground, and continued so untin the next tide; and if there had been a single field-piece with the militia, she might have been taken. The marsh was too deep to approach sufficiently near to do any execution with small-arms; and the first day's hostilities of the ever memorable American war, was, on their part, without a single piece of cannon in the field! Gen. WHITCOMB was in this day's battle.

On the morning of the 20th, our General ordered Capt. John Battle, of Dedham with his company of militia, to pass over the ground which had been the scene of action the preceding day, and to bury such of the slain as he should find unburied. The grounds [Page 16]around Cambridge were immediately reconnoitred, and alarm-posts assigned to the several corps; and in case the British should come out in superior force, and drive the militia from the town, they were or­dered to rally and form on the high grounds to­wards Watertown.

How to feed the assembled and assembling militia, was now the great object. All the eatables in the town of Cambridge, which could be spared, were collected for breakfast, and the college kitchen and utensils procured for cooking. Some carcasses of beef and pork, prepared for the Boston market on the 18th, at Little Cambridge, were sent for, and obtained; and a large quantity of ship-bread at Rox­bury, said to belong to the British navy, was taken for the militia. These were the first provisions which were obtained.

At 11 o'clock, A. M. our General appointed Mr. Joseph Ward, a gentleman of abilities, his Aid-de­camp and Secretary, (afterwards Muster-Master-Gen­eral of the army) who entered on the duties of his new office—This was the first appointment of the kind in the American army. Before noon, a letter was re­ceived from the Committee of Supplies at Concord, ex­pressing their joy at the event of the preceding day, with assurances that every exertion in their power should be put in exercise, to forward supplies to the militia in arms. In the afternoon, Gen. WARD ar­rived at Cambridge, who, being senior in the order of appointment, took the command accordingly.

In the battle on the 10th, the British were said to have 65 killed, 180 wounded and 28 made prison­ers; in all, 273. Of the militia, 50 were killed, and 34 wounded; in all, 84. It might have been expected, that in a retreat of so many miles, the British loss would have been greater; but it is to be remembered, that as they kept the road, the fences [Page 17](a large proportion of which are stone walls) covered their flanks almost to the height of their should [...]s. It will also be observed, that the wounded of the militia did not bear the common proportion with the killed, and is an evidence that the British did not choose to encumber themselves with prisoners, either wounded or not, as the marks left at Watson's Cor­ner, and on the height above Menotomy meeting-house, evinced: Nor was the dashing in of many windows, the firing of musket-balls into the houses, in some of which there were only women and chil­dren, or the soldiers leaving their ranks, and going into the houses to plunder, (in consequence of which a number lost their lives) marks of humanity or dis­elpline. ^* Their whole force on this enterprise, in­cluding the reinforcement, was from 1500 to 2000 of their best troops.

Gen. WARD was now the Commander in Chief of [...]he assembled army, and exercised the immediate command on the Cambridge side; while Gen. Thomas had the immediate command on the Rox­bury side. A few days after this, the Cambridge camp being very numerous, and the Roxbury camp judged to be too weak, the British having gone over from Charlestown to Boston, Gen. Ward ordered our General, with three or four regiments, to march from Cambridge, and reinforce Gen. Thomas; and he continued in the Roxbury camp until after the arri­val of Gen. WASHINGTON, in the month of July.

In the month of May, the Provincial Congress passed resolutions for raising twenty-four regiments, to serve during the remainder of the year. The [Page 18]General Officers were each to have a regiment. As the new regiments began to recruit, the militia went home, and the camps became very weak; that at Roxbury did not exceed 1000 men. Had the Brit­ish sallied at that time, there would have been but few to oppose them on that side. However, the ar­my soon became strong, it being reinforced by the arrival of Gen. Putnam from Connecticut, Gen. Sullivan from New-Hampshire, and Gen. Greene from Rhode-Island; each with a respectable body of troops; and, in the month of June, it was deter­mined to take possession of the heights of Charles­town. Preparations were made for the purpose; and on the 16th, at night, a strong detachment from the American army marched on, and broke ground on Breed's Hill, in front of Bunker's Hill. The latter ought to have been taken possession of at the same time, but it was some how omitted.

By the morning of the 17th, the troops had a redoubt and line on its left flank in good forwardness, when they were discovered by the British. The Lively man-of-war first began to cannonade the Americans; she was soon seconded by other ships, floating batteries, and some heavy cannon on Cop's Hill, on the Bos­ton side, which the Americans bore with a good de­gree of firmness, and continued at their work. The British army in Boston were greatly alarmed at this near approach, and immediately resolved on an at­tack, before the works could be completed. A detachment was formed for the purpose, consisting of ten companies of Grenadiers, ten of Light Infan­try, and the 5th, 38th, 43d, and 52d regiments, and a corps of Artillery under the command of Maj. Gen. Howe, and Brig. Gen. Pigot. In the afternoon they landed on Charlestown Point without opposi­tion, where they were afterwards reinforced by the 47th regiment, and first L [...]ttalion of marines. The [Page 19]regiments in Cambridge camp were ordered down to support the detachment at Charlestown, and to occupy other posts thought to be essential, and con­tiguous thereto. The British began their attack with a severe fire of artillery, and advanced in a slow and regular pace. The Americans who had march­ed on to the aid of the detachment, consisting of the New-Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut troops, hastily formed a line of defence, composed of rails and other materials found nearest at hand. This line extended down towards the low ground on the left, and was nobly defended. The Americans reserved their fire until the British came very near, when they gave it to great effect; it staggered, and even broke them, but they rallied, and returning to the charge again and again, drove the Americans from the lines on the left of the redoubt, and had nearly surrounded it, when the Americans rushed out of the redoubt, their ammunition being ex­pended, and made their retreat, even through a part of the British forces. About this time Maj. Gen. Warren, who had been but a few days before com­missioned, and was then on the hill as a specta­tor only, was killed. A number of the Americans were killed in retreating from Breed's Hill, to Bun­ker Hill, and some in passing off over the neck. Perhaps there never was a better fought battle than this, all things considered; and too much praise can never be bestowed on the conduct of Col. Wil­liam Prescott, who, notwithstanding any thing that may have been said, was the proper commanding of­ficer, at the redoubt, and nobly acted his part as such, during the whole action.

Just before the action began, Gen. Putnam came to the redoubt, and told Col. Prescott that the en­trenching tools must be sent off, or they would be lost; the Colonel replied, that if he sent any of the [Page 20]men away with the tools, not one of them would return; to this the General answered, they shall every man return. A large party was then sent off with the tools, and not one of them returned; in this instance the Colonel was the best judge of hu­man nature.

In the time of action, Col. Prescott observing that the brave Gen. Warren was near the works, he im­mediately stepped up to him, and asked him if he had any orders to give him. The General replied that he had none, that he exercised no command there— "The command," said the General, "is yours."

While many officers and soldiers gallantly distin­guished themselves in this action, others were blamed, and some were brought to trial by court-martial. This was a sore battle to the British, who did not forget it, during several campaigns, nor until a tide of successes in their fayour had removed it from their minds. Their whole force on this day, which was in action, was supposed to be about 2,000, and their whole loss, in killed and wounded, was said to be upwards of 1,000, of whom 226 were killed, and of these, 19 were commissioned officers, including one Lieutenant-Colonel, two Majors, and seven Cap­tains. Another account stated their killed and wounded to be 753 privates, 202 serjeants and cor­porals, and 92 commissioned officers; in the whole, 1047. The loss of the Americans, in killed, wound­ed, and prisoners, about 450.

At the time the British made their attack, the houses in Charlestown were set on fire, and burnt most furiously, which increased the horrors of the scene. At the same time a furious cannonade and throwing of shells took place at the lines on Boston neck, against Roxbury, with intent to burn that town; but although several shells fell among the houses, and some carcasses near them, and balls went [Page 21]through some; no other damage was sustained than the loss of one man killed by a shot driving a stone from a wall against him.

On the 15th, Congress appointed GEORGE WASH­INGTON Commander in Chief; and on the 17th Artemas Ward, first Major-General—Charles Lee, second Major-General—Horatio Gates, Adjutant-General, with the rank of Brigadier-General; and on the 19th, Philip Schuyler, third Major-General, and Israel Putnam, fourth Major-General; and on the 22d, Seth Pomeroy, first Brigadier-General— Richard Montgomery, second do. David Wooster, third do. William Heath, fourth do. Joseph Spen­cer, fifth do John Thomas sixth do. John Sullivan, seventh do. Nathaniel Green, eighth do. and made provision for raising an army for the defence of the United Colonies. Before these appointments were made known at camp [...] on the 21st of June, our General received from the Provincial Congress, a commission of Major-General. Generals Ward, Thomas, and Warren, had before received their commissions, the latter just before he was slain, Gen. Pomeroy declining an acceptance of the com­mission from Congress, that Honorable Body, on the 19th of July, resolved that Gen. Thomas be ap­pointed first Brigadier-General in the army of the United Colonies, in the room of Gen. Pomeroy, who never acted under the commission sent to him, and that Gen. Thomas's commission bear the same date that Gen. Pomeroy's did; indeed this was the rank to which Gen. Thomas was entitled by former stand­ing. Congress now also appointed Joseph Trumbull to be Commissary-General of stores and provisions, for the army, but left the appointment of a Quarter-Master-General, and some other officers, to Gen. Washington, who appointed the able and very ac­tive Col. Thomas Mifflin, Quarter-Master-General, [Page 22]who did himself much honour, and his country ser­vice, in this important department.

Immediately after the battle of Bunker Hill, the Americans began to erect works on Prospect Hill, a very commanding height above Charlestown com­mon, and at several other places. Several works were also constructed at Roxbury, and the British confined to Boston and Charlestown, within the neck.

The works now going on, both on the Cambridge and Roxbury side, were considerable, and there was a great want of engineers. Col. Gridley was chief Engineer, and was aided by his son. But the strength of body, activity and genius of the Americans ca­pable of constructing with surprising dispatch any works in which they were guided, called for many instructors in this department. Lieut. Col. Rufus Putnam, of Col. David Brewer's regiment, was very serviceable in this line, on the Roxbury side; as was also Capt. Josiah Waters of Boston, and Capt. Bald-win of Brookfield, (afterwards Colonel of Artificers) and others on the Cambridge side, and Capt. Henry Knox, who had been an officer in the Boston Gren­adier Company, (and who was afterwards at the head of the American artillery, to the close of the war) occasionally lent his aid. His military genius and acquaintance with our General, led him to be importunate with Capt. Knox to join the army; nor did he need persuasion to join in the cause of his country. His removal out of Boston, and the then state of his domestic concerns, required some previous arrangement; as soon as this was effected, he joined the army.

24th.—About noon, a heavy cannonade and throwing of shells from the lines on Boston neck into Roxbury—but no damage done. Two Amer­ican soldiers attempting to set fire to Brown's barn, [Page 23]on Boston neck, were killed by the British. The same evening two heavy cannon were brought to the work on the hill above Roxbury work-house.

25th.—At night, an attempt was made to burn the buildings on Boston neck; a firing took place between the parties, but the object was not effected.

26th.—A party of British, about day-break, ad­vanced and fired on the American centinels near the George tavern. The picket turned out—the British retreated.

July 1st.—A platform in the work above Rox­bury work-house being laid, a 24, pounder was mounted and discharged twice at the British lines; the fecond shot grazed the parapet and struck on the parade, and occasioned some confusion: There was more or less firing of cannon on both sides, daily: All the works were pushed with the utmost dili­gence.

2d.—About two o'clock, P. M. Gen. WASHING­TON, attended by several officers, arrived at the camp in Cambridge.

On the morning of this day, the British cannon­aded briskly from their lines on Boston neck against Roxbury, and threw some shells; a carcass set fire to the house of Mr. Williams, the tinman, which was burnt down; by the activity of the troops, the flames were prevented from spreading further, al­though they had to work in the face of a constant and heavy fire from the enemy.

5th.—Gen. Washington, accompanied by Major-Gen. Lee, visited the Roxbury camp, works, &c.

8th.—A little after two o'clock in the morning, a number of volunteers, under the command of Majors Tupper and Crane, attacked the British ad­vance guard at Brown's house, on Boston neck, and routed them, took a halbert, a musket, and two bayonets, and burnt the two houses; the store and [Page 24]barn escaped the flames; a scattering fire at the out­post continued for some time; a floating battery was brought up into the bay, and moored so as to cover the right flank of the British works on the neck.

11th.—In the morning, a party of Americans drove back the British advance guard, and burns Brown's store. The same night a detachment went on to Long-Island, and brought off the stock, &c. The next day in the forenoon, Col. Greaton with 136 men, went on to Long-Island, and burnt the barns; the flames communicated to the house, and all were consumed. An armed schooner, and sev­eral barges put off after the Americans, and some of the ships of war near the island, cannonaded them. The detachment made their way for the shore, and narrowly escaped being taken. One man on the shore who came to the assistance of the detachment, was killed: It was supposed that several of the Brit­ish were killed and wounded. The same day six transports, appearing to be full of men, arrived in Boston harbour.

13th.—A heavy cannonade from the British, at the American workmen—but no damage done. Gen. Washington visited the camp. The men were employed on the works going on upon the strong rocky hill, (Col. Williams's) to the south-west of those above Roxbury work-house. This was one of the strongest works which were erected.

14th.—The British fired several cannon, and a Connecticut soldier was killed in the street, near the George tavern. The shot entered his body, drove it some distance, and lodged in him, in a remarkable manner.

18th.—Five transport ships arrived in Boston harbour. Fresh provisions were very scarce and dear, in Boston—mutton and veal, 2s. per pound; fresh beef and pork a pistareen, salt pork sixpence.

[Page 25] 20th.—A day of public fasting—no fatigue—all still and quiet.

21st.—Major Vose returned from Nantasket. The detachment under his command, brought off 1,000 bushels of barley, all the hay, &c.—went to Light-House Island; took away the lamps, oil, some gun­powder, the boats, &c. and burnt the wooden parts of the light-house. An armed schooner and several boats, with men, engaged the detachment; of the Americans, two were wounded.

22d.—A general order came out for forming the army into divisions and brigades.

25th.—Maj. Gen. Ward removed from Cam­bridge, and took the immediate command of the troops at Roxbury.

29th.—The British formed a bomb battery, at Bunker's-Hill, and advanced their advance guard.

30th.—In the morning, there was a skirmish at Charlestown neck, between the riflemen and some British troops. Two of the latter were taken prison­ers, and several were killed. Of the riflemen, one was killed. The same day, the British advanced over the neck, and threw up a slight work to cover their guard.

31st.—A little before one o'clock, A. M. a Brit­ish floating-battery came up the river, within 300 yards of Sewall's Point, and fired a number of shot at the American works, on both sides of the river. At the same time, the British, on Boston neck, salli­ed towards Roxbury; drove in the American centi­nels, set fire to the George tavern, and returned to their works. The same morning, Major Tupper, with 300 Americans, went to Light [...]ouse Island, attacked a British guard of 33 marines, kilied a sub­altern officer and several soldiers, took 23 prisoners, several refugees, and burnt all the buildings on the island, with the loss of one American soldier. There [Page 26]was a firing, during the day, from the British, at Charlestown, at intervals. Two Americans were killed; an officer, and several British soldiers, were supposed to have been killed. The Americans took several muskets.

August 2d.—There was a considerable firing be­tween the advanced parties, and the Americans burnt a barn, near Charlestown neck, in which the British had some hay. A British officer was wounded, and carried within their lines.

4th.—A ship of war came up above the ferry, at Charlestown, and there took a station.

6th.—In the afternoon, a party of the British, in two barges, covered by a floating battery, burnt the house on the other side of Penny Ferry.

11th.—One of the ships which had been stationed above the ferry, went down.

15th.—There was a smart cannonade on the Rox­bury side. There was more or less firing every day; but little damage done.

17th.—A shot, from the British lines on Boston neck, struck among the main guard, at Roxbury, and damaged two muskets in a very remarkable manner; but did no other harm. The same day six or seven tons of powder arrived from the south­ward.

18th.—Several shells were thrown into Roxbury; but did no damage.

26th. The Americans broke ground on Plowed Hill, in front of Bunker's Hill, without molestation.

27th.—There was a brisk cannonade from the Brit­ish on Bunker's Hill, the ship, and floating batte­ries, at the Americans on Plowed Hill. Adjutant Mumford, of Col. Varnum's Rhode-Island regi­ment, and a soldier, belonging to Col. Hitcheock's regiment, were killed, and a rifleman lost a leg.

27th.—There was a brisk cannonade from the Brit­ish on Bunker's Hill, the ship, and floating batte­ries, at the Americans on Plowed Hill. Adjutant Mumford, of Col. Varnum's Rhode-Island regi­ment, and a soldier, belonging to Col. Hitcheock's regiment, were killed, and a rifleman lost a leg.

[Page 27] 28th.—In the night the camp was alarmed, and some of the troops turned out, but nothing ensued. The fire continued against Plowed Hill; one Amer­ican was killed and several wounded.

29th, 30th, and 31st.—The British continued their cannonade and bombardment of Plowed Hill. One shell fell within the works; but no damage was done.

September 1st.—The preceding night there was an excessive hot cannonade and bombardment from the British works, on Boston neck, against the works at Roxbury. Two Americans were killed, and several wounded.

2d.—The British threw up a slight work on Boston neck, advanced of their lines, to cover their guard. Cannonading and throwing of shells, on this day, both against Roxbury and Plowed Hill. Two shells fell into the works on the latter, but did no harm.

5th.—A serjeant, belonging to the. 64th British regiment, and a seaman, were taken prisoners at Noddle's Island. The heavy rains, about this time, did some damage to the American works. Prepara­tions were made for sending a detachment to Canada.

6th.—The Americans advanced some works to­wards Boston neck, without molestation.

9th.—Two riflemen deserted to the British. A number of British soldiers, at different times, had come over to the Americans.

10th.—A strong work, at Lamb's Dam, in Rox­bury, was completed, and mounted with four 18 pounders. The same day, a shot from the British destroyed three muskets at Roxbury.

11th.—A boat, with six or seven British soldiers, was driven on shore at Dorchester. They were taken prisoners and sent in.

13th.—A detachment, under the command of Col. Arnold, marched for Canada. They were to [Page 28]take a north-eastern rout, up Kennebeck River, and down the river Chaudiere.

Generals Schuyler and Montgomery were mak­ing their way into Canada, with a considerable force, by way of the lakes. They had advanced as far as Fort St. John's; but, finding that this fort would make considerable resistance, they fell back. Schuyler returned to Albany, to hold a treaty with the Indians; and Montgomery waited for the arri­val of his artillery, that he might reduce the forts.

Some time before this, Col. Ethan Allen, of the New-Hampshire Grants, (since Vermont) with a number of volunteers, took possession of Ticondero­ga. The artillery, secured by Allen, were an ac­quisition to the Americans; and Col. Knox went up the next winter, and selected and brought forward a number of pieces to the camp, before Boston. The garrison of this place, which was commanded by a Captain, apprehending no danger, were negli­gent, and remiss in duty. Allen was acquaint­ed at the place; and now, as is said, requested a part of the garrison to aid him, in transporting some goods. Nearly half of the garrison were granted him. These were plentifully served with liquor; and, in the night, Allen entered the fort, and de­manded a delivery of it. The commandant asking by what authority he required him to surrender, Al­len replied—"I demand it in the name of the great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." He also took possession of Crown-Point; and, before Mont­gomery was ready to proceed against the Forts Chambly and St. John's, Allen determined to sur­prise Montreal. For this purpose, he marched across, with a body of militia; but he was met, be­fore he got to the town, by what force the British could collect there, who attacked and defeated Allen, taking him, and a number of his party, prisoners. [Page 29]He was put in irons, and sent in a man-of-war to Eng­land. His narrative was long since published.

18th.—Several seamen deserted from the British —they brought off three boats. The same day, a cannon shot, from the lines on Boston neck, went through the guard-house at Roxbury. A splinter wounded the Captain of the guard.

21st.—The cannonade, which continued more or less every day, was more brisk at some workmen, between Plowed Hill and Prospect Hill. Two Amer­icans were wounded.

23d.—A brisk cannonade and bombardment on the works at Roxbury—108 cannon and mortars were discharged, but no damage done.

29th.—500,000 dollars, in Continental bills, were brought to Head. Quarters, from Philadelphia. Sev­eral deserters from the British, about this time.

October 3d and 4th.—General Officers in coun­cil, on the supposed treachery of Dr. Church, who was taken into close custody, and afterward kept in confinement.

6th.—A brisk cannonade at Roxbury. An Amer­ican lost an arm. An 18 pound shot went through the gate-way, at the British lines, as their guard was marching out.

8th.—The British did some mischief at Bristol, in Rhode-Island. The report of the cannon were heard at camp.

17th.—Two American floating-batteries were rowed down the river; several shot were discharged towards the British. A 9 pounder burst, and 5 or 6 men were wounded; one of which died soon after.

22d.—Intelligence was received, that some British ships had entered the harbour of Casco Bay, and burnt a part of the town of Falmouth.

[Page 30] November 4th.—Intelligence was received, that the British fort at Chambly, on the lake, had surren­dered to the Americans. The artillery and military stores in this fort were truly an acquisition. The privateers fitted out by the Americans, about: this time, began to send in a few prizes.

9th.—At the top of high water, the tide being very full, some British light-infantry, in boats, came over from Boston, and landed on Leechmore's Point. The centinels on the point came off; the alarm was given; and several hundred Americans forded over the causeway, in the face of the British, the water at least two feet deep. The British, seeing the spirit of the Americans, although they were very advanta­geously posted, made a precipitate retreat to their boats. Three or four Americans were wounded, one mortally. The British ship and floating-batte­ries kept up a brisk fire; but to little purpose.

11th.—The King of England's Proclamation for suppressing rebellion (as he called it) made its ap­pearance. It was taken on board a vessel from Ire­land, which was captured by an American cruiser, It was reported that the British had received a rein­forcement.

14th.—Intelligence was received of the capitulation of the British garrison of Fort St. John's on the lake. Montgomery was now proceeding rapidly into Cana­da. His troops took possession of Montreal on the 13th.

16th.—Several deserters came in, and two soldiers were taken prisoners.

22d.—A strong detachment from the army, under the command of Maj. Gen. Putnam, broke ground on Cobble Hill, without annoyance. The fatigue­men worked until near break of day, when the whole came off.

23d.—At night, our General, with a detachment of similar strength to that of the preceding night, [Page 31]were ordered to Cobble Hill, to complete the works. A sally from the British was expected, and Col. Bridge with his regiment was ordered to the foot of the hill, and to patrole towards the bay and neck, constantly, during the night. The picket at Pros­pect Hill was also ordered to be in readiness to suc­cour the troops at the works, if they were attacked, and Col. Bond's regiment also lay on their arms; but the British did not move. Two of the British centinels came off in the night to the detachment; the whole came off at day-break; and other troops were ordered on the works, in the day time, now in good forwardness, and defensible.

25th.—An additional ship came up and took sta­tion at the ferry. Upon a few shot being fired, by the American advance centinels, the British drums on Bunker's Hill beat to arms, which were followed by the Americans. At this time the British were crecting several bomb-batteries at Bo [...]ton to annoy the Americans. Col. Enos, who was of Col. Arnold's detachment, from the army destined to cross the woods by a north-eastern route into Canada, having proceed­ed a very considerable distance, Arnold's sick return­ing back, and his own men growing sickly, returned with his part of the detachment. This lessened the ex­pectation of success to the American army in Canada.

30th.—Intelligence was received from Cape-Ann, that a vessel from England, laden with warlike stores, had been taken and brought into that place. There was on board one 13 inch brass mortar, 2,000 stand of arms, 100,000 flints, 32 tons of leaden ball, &c. &c. A fortunate capture for the Americans!

December 2d.—The brass 13 inch mortar, and sundry military stores, taken in the ordnance prize, were brought to camp.

5th.—Intelligence was received, that Col. Arnold had made his way safely into Canada.

[Page 32] 12th.—A causeway was begun over the marsh, to Leechmore's Point. Two 18 pounders were brought from Roxbury, and mounted at Cobble Hill.

13th.—An express arrived from Marblehead, with advice that three British men-of-war were standing for that harbour. Col. Glover's regiment, with Capt. Forster's company of artillery, and a company of riflemen, were ordered to march to Marblehead with all expedition.

14th, 15th, and 16th.—Approaches were carried briskly on to Leechmore's Point, and nearly to the top of the hill.

17th.—The morning was foggy. A detachment of 300 men, under the direction of Gen. Putnam, broke ground on the top of the hill, on Leechmore's Point, at a distance of not more than half a mile from the ship. Between twelve and one o'clock, the fog cleared away, and the ship began to cannonade the Americans, with round and grape shot, and some shells were thrown from West-Boston. One soldier was wounded, and the party driven from the works. Several cannon were fired from Cobble Hill, at the ship; one shot was supposed to have struck her.

18th.—Our General was ordered, with 300 men, to prosecute the work begun on Leechmore's Point. It was expected that this would have been a bloody day, and Dr. Downer, one of the surgeons, was ordered down with the detachment, with his instru­ments, &c. to assist the wounded. Fortunately for the detachment, Capt. Smith of the artillery, had, in the morning, discharged an 18 pounder from Cobble Hill at the ship, which induced her to weigh anchor, and run below the ferry-way.

When our General arrived nearly at the summit of the hill, he halted the detachment, and went for­ward himself, and took a view of the state of the works, which in some places were but just begun, [Page 33]in others were carried half way up. He then order­ed the front company to move up the hill, ground their arms, and move into a part of the works assign­ed to them—and so on through the whole, to prevent confusion in entering the works, and thereby in­creasing an object to the British gunners. As soon as the men were placed in the works, two centinels were posted to watch the British batteries, with or­ders, on discovering the discharge of cannon, to call out, a shot! The men in the works were ordered to be steady; on the signal of a shot, to settle down and remain so, until the shot had struck; or if a shell, until it had burst; then to rise and prosecute the work—no man to step out of his place. In a very short time, a shot was cried by the centinels. It prov­ed to be a shell, which fell and burst within a few feet of a part of the workmen, throwing the dirt among them, and a piece of the shell hitting a sol­dier's hat. On the second discharge, the men fell as before; when, on rising, two or three heavy can­non-shot struck in the face of the work; the British having discharged the cannon in such time after the mortar, as that the shot might take effect just as the men arose after the bursting of the shell: but in this they did not succeed; the men being ordered to keep down until both had struck. Finding this de­ception to fail, a shell was broke in the air, directly over the party, at 60 or 70 feet high. This also had as little effect upon the Americans. The fire continued until the afternoon, when it ceased: and it was afterwards learnt, that the commanding-officer of the British artillery, who stood and observed the effect of their fire upon the Americans, went to their General, and informed him, that from his own ob­servation, their fire had no other effect than to inure the Americans to danger, and advised its discontinu­ance. In the afternoon, Gen. Washington and sev­eral [Page 34]other General Officers came on to the Point. Towards night, the detachment were ordered to move out of the works by companies, as they went in; take up their arms, move under the hill, and form the detachment; from whence it was marched to Cambridge, attended by their surgeon, who had been in waiting all the day, but had no occasion to draw his instruments from their case, or a bandage or dressing from his box.

19th.—The prosecution of the works on Leech­more's Point was continued. The British cannon­aded and bombarded the new detachment; but to no effect. The same took place on the 20th. On this day, a 13 inch shell was thrown almost up to No. 2. It was probably thrown, either at the works before mentioned, or at the colleges. It did not burst. Nearly five pounds of powder was taken out of the shell.

22d.—The British threw one shell, and fired two shot, from Bunker's Hill in Charlestown, at the works on Leechmore's Point. The cannonade, &c. continued, on the 23d and 24th; but to no effect.

28th.—A strong detachment from Winter Hill marched, in the night, to surprise the British out­posts in Charlestown. They passed on the south side of Cobble Hill, and were to cross the cove on the ice. When they came to the channel, it was found to be open. A soldier slipping down on the ice, his piece accidentally went off, which caused an alarm, and the detachment returned.

31st.—Intelligence was received, that there had been an action at Norfolk in Virginia, between Dunmore's army and the Virginians, to the advan­tage of the latter. Fifty of the regular toops were said to have been killed and wounded; among the former was Capt. Fordyce, of the 14th British regi­ment, an active and good officer. The Virginians had [Page 35]not a man killed. Dunmore's force was supposed to be about 500.

January 1st, 1776, presented a great change in the American army. The officers and men of the new regiments were joining their respective corps; those of the old regiments were going home by hun­dreds and by thousands. The best arms, such as were fit for service, were detained from the soldiers who were going home; they were to be paid for; but it created much uneasiness. Such a change, in the very teeth of an enemy, is a most delicate ma­noeuvre; but the British did not attempt to take any advantage of it.

8th.—It having been thought expedient to de­prive the British of the houses in Charlestown, below Bunker's Hill, a detachment was ordered for the purpose. One hundred men from the First Brigade, and a like number from Frye's Brigade, with Cap­tains Williams, Gould and Wyman; Lieutenants Foster, Shaw, Patterson and Trafton, and Ensign Cheney; the whole under the command of Major Knoulton, aided by Brigade-Majors Henly and Ca­rey. The detachment marched between 8 and 9 o'clock in the evening, and the object was effected without the loss of a man. Several British soldiers were taken prisoners. The garrison of Bunker Hill works commenced a brisk fire down the hill, towards the houses; but no damage was sustained. There had been a number of deserters from the British, since those heretofore mentioned.

17th.—Intelligence was received, that on the 31st of December, at three o'clock, A. M. Gen. Mont­gomery made an attempt to carry Quebec by assault. Col. Arnold had entered the lower city, and Gen. Montgomery was ascending the barriers at the other end, when he was killed by a musket-ball, as was his Aid-de-camp. A number of those who had [Page 36]entered the lower city, were killed or taken prison­ers, and the enterprise defeated. No account of the American loss was at this time reported.

Great address and gallantry were exhibited on this expedition. The Americans ascending Kennebeck river, crossing the height of land, and descending into Canada, was an arduous undertaking. Mont­gomery was fired with a noble ardor. He had been successful hitherto, and the reduction of the city of Quebec would have been the finishing stroke. With this he hoped to close the year. To reduce the city by siege, would require a long time, (if not relieved) nor had he a train of artillery for the purpose. With this day would expire the time of service of many of his troops. He therefore resolved to attempt to carry the place by assault. Two real attacks were to be made on the lower city, at the opposite ends; one guided by himself, the other by Arnold; and there were to be two false attacks made on the up­per city, to divide and distract the enemy. Every thing was well arranged. Arnold forced his way in, was wounded, and carried away—his party fighting on. Montgomery passed along a very narrow desile, next to the bank, to a barrier obstinately desended; and here he fell—here was an end to his attack. The other party fought on; but these being now the only enemy to oppose, the British turned their whole force to that quarter. They could not well retreat: the whole were killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. There was here barely a prospect of suc­cess, unless fortune should prove more favourable to merit than she is wont to do. Nothing more could be done on the score of gallantry. How far the attempt was a prudent one, is another question. It is a mil­itary maxim, that "fortune may fail us, but a pru­dent conduct never will." At the same time, some of the most brilliant victories have been obtained by a daring stroke.

[Page 37] 18th.—Col. Knox, of the artillery, came to camp. He brought from Ticonderoga a fine train of artil­lery, which had been taken from the British, both cannon and mortars, and which were ordered to be stopped at Framingham.

22d.—Several Indians came to camp from the westward. Intelligence was received from Canada, that the blockade of Quebec was continued, not­withstanding the rebuff on the morning of the 31st of December.

February 1st.—A number of British soldiers from Bunker's Hill, went to pulling down the tide-mill at Charlestown. A cannon was discharged at them from Cobble Hill, which dispersed them for a short time, but they returned again.

5th.—Three cows were feeding near the British out-post at Charlestown neck. A party of the British came out, got above them, drove them to the neck, and killed them. This brought on a brisk firing at the out-posts, and some cannon were discharged from Bunker's Hill. It was supposed that the British had one man killed, and one wounded.

8th.—At night, a party of Americans, from Win­ter Hill, went down and burnt the old tide-mill in Charlestown.

14th.—In the morning, a party of British troops from the Castle, and another from Boston, crossed over to Dorchester neck, with intent to surprise the American guard, which they came well nigh effect­ing; the guard but just escaping them. There was but one musket fired, on the side of the Americans. An old inhabitant and his son were taken prisoners. The British burnt the houses on the point, and then returned.

15th.—Intelligence was received from Canada, that some of the British garrison of Quebec, having made a sally, in order to get suel, they were driven [Page 38]back, with the loss of twelve killed, and fifteen wounded.

The heights round Boston, except those at Dorches­ter, having been taken possession of, it was now de­termined that these also should be occupied; and great previous preparation was made for the purpose. It was imagined that so near an approach to the British, would induce them to make a sally, to dis­lodge the Americans. It was therefore deliberated in Council, that, in case the British should come forth, a strong detachment of Americans, from the Cambridge camp, in boats, should proceed down the river, and land at the bottom of the common, in Boston. To this our General made a most pointed opposition; alleging, that it would most assuredly produce only defeat and disgrace to the American army; that the British General must be supposed to be a master of his profession; that as such, he would first provide for the defence of the town, in every part, which was the great deposit of all his stores; that when this was done, if his troops would afford a redundancy, sufficient for a sally, he might attempt it; but it was to be remembered that, at any rate, the town would be defended; that it was impossible for troops, armed and disciplined as the Americans then were, to be pushed down in boats, at least one mile and a half, open to the fire of all the British batteries on the west side of the town, and to their whole park of artillery, which might be drawn to the bottom of the common long before the Ameri­cans could reach it, and be flanked also by the works on the neck; that under such a tremendous fire, the troops could not effect a landing; and that he would never give his vote for it. It was however carried, that the attempt should be made.

18th.—It being Lord's day, after public service, a proclamation from the General Assembly of Massa­chusetts, [Page 39]for the reformation of manners, was read to the first division by the Rev. Mr. Leonard.

21st.—A picket of 60 men was ordered to Leech­more's Point; and Col. Sargent's regiment at In­man's farm was ordered to be in readiness to sup­port them, in case they should be attacked by the British; as some grounds for suspecting it had been discovered.

23d.—Ensign Lyman, of Huntington's regiment, with a small party, took a Corporal and two men, who were centinels at Brown's chimneys, on Boston neck, without firing a gun. These prisoners report­ed, that the heavy cannon were removed from Bunk­er's Hill, and put on board ship.

25th.—Some heavy cannon were mounted on the works at Leechmore's Point. The same day the British were busily employed in erecting a work, a little to the north of the powder magazine in Boston.

29th.—The British threw some shells to Leech­more's Point.

March 1st.—Several mortars were sent over to Roxbury, and great preparations made to annoy the enemy. Bundles of screwed hay were brought from Chelsea, to be used in the works.

2d.—At night, a cannonade and bombardment began at the American works, on Cobble Hill and Leechmore's Point on the Cambridge side, and at Lamb's Dam on the Roxbury side, against the Brit­ish works; and a number of shells were thrown into Boston. The British returned the fire, and threw out a number of shells; one of which, of 13 inches, reached Prospect Hill. One of the American mor­tars of 13 inches, and two of 10 inches, were burst. They were not properly bedded, as the ground was hard frozen.

4th.—There was an almost incessant roar of can­non and mortars during the night, on both sides.

[Page 40] The Americans took possession of Dorchester heights, and nearly completed their works on both the [...]ls by morning. Perhaps there never was so much work done in so short a space of time. The [...]djoining orchards were cut down to make the ab­battis; and a very curious and novel mode of de­fence was added to these works. The hills on which they were erected were steep, and clear of trees and bushes. Rows of barrels, filled with earth, were placed round the works. They presented only the appear­ance of strengthening the works; but the real design was, in case the enemy made an attack, to have rolled them down the hill. They would have descended with such increasing velocity, as must have thrown the assailants into the utmost confusion, and have killed and wounded great numbers. This project was suggested by Mr. William Davis, merchant, of Boston, to our General, who immediately communi­cated it to the Commander in Chief, who highly approved of it, as did all the other officers: But the credit of it is justly due to Mr. Davis, and to him the writer gives it. As the regiments at Roxbury were parading in the afternoon of this day, to march to Dorchester, a shot, from the British lines on Bos­ton neck, carried away a thigh of Lieut. John Mayo, of Learned's regiment: he soon after died. One man was killed by a shell at Leechmore's Point, in the night.

5th.—The British, it was expected, would attempt to dislodge the Americans from Dorchester heights. Signals had been prepared at Roxbury meeting-house to mark the moment. The detachment at Cam­bridge (designed to push into Boston in the boats) was paraded, not far from No. 2, where it remained a good part of the day. But kind Heaven, which more than once saved the Americans when they would have destroyed themselves, did not allow the [Page 41]signals to be made. About 3500 of the British troops, it was said, had been sent down to the Castle, with the intent to have made an attack on the Ameri­cans; but, about midnight, the wind blew almost a hurricane from the south; many windows were forced in, sheds and fences blown down, and some vessels drove on shore; and no attempt was made on the works. Some were ready to blame our General, for the sentiments which he expressed against the go­ing into Boston, as was proposed, in the boats, and attributed it to the want of firmness: But the opin­ion of every military man, since that time, whether American, French, or British, who have taken a view of the land and water which was to have been the scene of action, with the concomitant circumstances, (as far as we have heard) hath been coincident; and those who may in future review them, will for them­selves determine, whether the independence of spirit and sentiments of our General, expressed on the oc­casion, merited applause or censure: For himself, he has been frequently heard to say that he gloried in them.

On the night of the 7th, Capt. Erving made his escape out of Boston. He reported, that the British were preparing to leave the town; that they were putting their cannon, mortars, shot, shells, &c. on board the store-ships; that some of the shot and shells, sent into the town by the Americans, had been well directed.

9th.—The Americans at Dorchester neck opened a battery to the north-east of Bird's Hill, near the water, with the intent to annoy the British shipping. This night a strong detachment went down to open a work on Nook Hill in Dorchester, still nearer to Boston. Some of the men imprudently kindled a fire behind the hill, previous to the hour for break­ing of ground. The enemy discovered the light [Page 42]of the fire; and there was, during the evening and night, a continual roar of cannon and mortars, from the Castle and lines on Boston neck, south end of that town; as well as from the Americans at Roxbury, Cobble Hill, and Leechmore's Point, at Cambridge. The second shot from the British at the old fortification, south end of the town of Bos­ton, killed 4 Americans, who were standing around the fire before mentioned, at Nook Hill; one of whom was Dr. Dow, of Connecticut. Another man was killed at the point next to the Castle. This suspended the work for the night, during which more than 800 shot were fired.

10th.—The cannonade continued. The British were putting their cannon, military stores, and bag­gage, on board the store-ships and transports. This evening two pieces of cannon, and two small mor­tars, were carried on to Noddle's Island, to disturb the British shipping; but the enemy being quiet at their different works, they were not molested from that quarter.

11th.—In the evening there was a brisk cannon­ade from the British, at the south end of Boston, and the lines on the neck.

12th.—A Mr. Woodward came out of Boston. He reported that the British were making the great­est preparations to leave the town; that a num­ber of gun-carriages, ammunition-waggons, &c. had been broken to pieces, and thrown off the wharves; that some furniture had been destroyed, and that many dry goods had been seized, &c.

13th.—Six regiments of the American army, viz. Greaton's, Stark's, Patterson's, Bond's, Webb's, and the rifle regiment, were put under orders to march for New-York; of these our General was to take the command. A detachment of artillery was also ordered to march with this brigade.

[Page 43] On the evening of the 15th, a fire broke out in Patterson's barracks at Cambridge, which consumed six rooms, destroyed some musket-cartridges, &c. This day the rifle regiment commenced their march for New-York.

17th.—In the morning the British evacuated Bos­ton; their rear guard, with some marks of precipi­tation. A number of cannon were left spiked, and two large marine mortars, which they in vain at­tempted to burst. The garrison at Bunker's Hill practised some deception to cover their retreat. They fixed some images, representing men, in the places of their centinels, with muskets placed on their shoul­ders, &c. Their immoveable position led to the dis­covery of the deception, and a detachment of the Americans marched in and took possession. The troops on the Roxbury side, moved over the neck and took possession of Boston; as did others from Cambridge, in boats. On the Americans entering the town, the inhabitants discovered joy inexpressible. The town had been much injured in its buildings, and some individuals had been plundered. Some British stores were left. The British army went on board their transports below the Castle. A number of American adherents to them, and the British cause, went away with the army.

18th.—The brigade destined for New-York, marched from the vincinity of Boston.

19th.—The British blew up Castle William, and burnt some of the barracks.

20th.—The British cannonaded, from the Castle, the Americans on Dorchester neck. The same morning our General left Roxbury for New-York. He reached Mendon, from whence, on the same evening, he observed the light in the air of the fin­ishing stroke of burning the barracks, &c. at the Castle. The British destroyed the gun-carriages, [Page 44]and knocked the trunnions off the cannon, and left them spiked. The cannon were afterwards drilled free, and mounted on a new construction, in stocks, placed on carriages, and were thereby rendered serviceable.

22d.—Our General reached Norwich in Connect­icut. The troops marched with great expedition; but by the badness of the roads, the frost then com­ing out of the ground, the baggage-waggons moved heavily. The transports, destined for the troops, were fitting for sea.

26th.—They fell down to New-London.

27th.—The troops were marched to that place, where they embarked, and came to sail about noon.

30th.—They arrived at Twetle Bay, disembarked, and marched into the city at noon. The trans­ports fell down to the city wharves, and landed the baggage, &c. Gen. Thompson and Lord Sterling, with some New-York and New-Jersey troops, were in the city; and works were con­structing, in and around the city, on Long-Island, and at Horn's Hook; the command of the whole devolved on our General. The Asia, British man­of-war, then lay off in the harbour, with the Lady Gage, of 20 guns; but, on the arrival of the brig­ade, the Asia moved further down, just out of shot. Our General put a stop to the intercourse between the inhabitants and the ships, which had, until then, been kept up.

April 2d.—Major D'Hart, of the Jersey troops, with 200 men, about midnight, made a descent on a small island in the harbour, which the British had begun to fortify; burnt a building or two, took two muskets, some entrenching tools, and came off. The Asia fired several cannon, but did no harm.

On the evening of the 3d, Maj. Gen. Putnam arriv­ed at New-York, to whom the command fell. About [Page 45]this time, a vessel arrived from France, with a large quantity of gun-powder.

7th.—A barge from one of the ships going near Staten-Island, was fired upon by the Americans: two men were killed, the barge and 8 men taken. The British cannonaded the shore for some time, and one American was wounded.

9th.—Intelligence was received, that Commodore Hopkins had fallen in with the British frigate Glasgow, a bomb brig, and two tenders, and after a smart engagement, took the brig and two tenders. The Glasgow made off.

10th.—Gen. Sullivan's brigade arrived from the eastward.

12th.—There were 18 pieces of brass cannon in the American park, at New-York, which were view­ed with no small degree of pride and wonder.

13th.—In the forenoon, Gen. Washington arriv­ed in the city, attended by Gen. Gates and several other officers.

14th.—The British men-of-war were all out of the bay. The Asia fell below the Narrows; the Phe­nix and others went out to sea.

15th.—Four American regiments, viz. Poor's, Patterson's, Greaton's, and Bond's, were ordered for Canada; Gen. Thompson was to command them. Gen. Thomas had been, some time before, sent from Boston to command in Canada.

17th.—Gen. Greene's brigade arrived at New-York, as did a part of Spencer's. Mrs. Washington arrived the same day in the city.

21st.—The regiments destined for Canada, sailed for Albany.

26th.—Six more regiments were ordered for Canada, viz. two from the Pennsylvania line, two from the New-Jersey, and two from the New-Hamp­shire.

[Page 46] 27th.—Our General, having been inoculated with the small-pox, went to Montresos Island, where he went through the operation of that distemper.

May 8th.—An express arrived from Boston, with an account, that a number of British transports had arrived in Nantasket Road, with troops on board. All the American regiments at New-York were or­dered to hold themselves in readiness, to march at a moment's notice. Several soldiers were taken down with the small-pox, and some of them died.

28th.—Our General having recovered from the small-pox, which had been pretty severe, returned, to the city, and took the command of his brigade; and was the next day General of the day.

31st.—A large ship and two tenders arrived at the Narrows. A great number of works were now con­structing, and in good forwardness. A strong work was raised at Paulus Hook, on the Jersey side of the Hudson.

June 4th.—A French vessel, with West-India goods, arrived in the harbour.

7th.—Intelligence was received, that two Philadel­phia privateers had taken two rich Jamaicamen, la­den with sugars, &c. and some plate on board.

9th.—Unfavourable news was received from Can­ada. The small-pox, which was raging in the Amer­ican army, in that quarter, had carried off Gen. Thomas; and that Col. Beadle and Major Sher­burne, with the detachments under their command, were taken prisoners, at or near a place called The Cedars. The army in New-York was now growing sickly; and there was not a sufficiency of hospital room, or of medicines.

14th.—Congress gave intimations, that General Howe, with the British army under his command, might be soon expected at New-York. Some per­sons, suspected of treacherous designs, were seized and consined.

[Page 47] 15th.—Some intelligence, more favourable than the former, was received from Canada. The Ca­nadians were friendly. Gen. Sullivan, who was now in that quarter, having gone from New-York, with the reinforcement heretofore mentioned, was fortifying; the enemy were advancing; but Gen. Thompson was sent out to oppose them. This, however, proved ineffectual; Thompson was defeat­ed and taken prisoner. A number of Scotch troops, with Col. Campbell, had been made prisoners, near Boston harbour.

18th.—The Pennsylvania regiments, commanded by Colonels Shee and Magaw, were arriving in the city; they had the appearance of fine troops. The day before, Gen. Wooster arrived from Canada.

20th.—Gen. Gates, who was made a Major-Gen­eral, was to proceed immediately to Canada, where he was to take the command.

22d.—A plot was discovered in the city; it was to have burst on the Commander in Chief, and oth­ers. The Mayor of the city was taken into custody, as was a gun-smith; and some of the General's own guard, who were foreigners, were said to be in the plot. The same day, more particulars were received from Boston; that the troops at Boston had driv­en the King's ships from the Lower Harbour, and taken several transports, with Scotch soldiers on board.

25th.—Two deserters came in, from the Liverpool man-of-war. They reported, that the sleet from Halifax, with Gen. Howe's army, were hourly ex­pected to arrive at New-York. Every exertion was now in exercise, to complete the works, and to ob­struct the river. The latter was near Fort Wash­ington, and prosecuted by sinking a number of large hulks, and frames called chevaux-de-frise composed of large and long timbers framed together, with [Page 48]points elevated, to pierce and stop the way of vessels meeting of them. These were boxed at the bottom, to contain a vast weight of stones, which were put into them, and with which they sunk. A line of these, and hulks, was formed across the river; some of them sunk very well; others, rather irregular; and some of the hulks, which were strapped together with large timbers, separated in going down. A pas­sage was left open for vessels to pass through; and the British, as it was proved afterwards, found the means of knowing where it was, and of passing throught it.

27th.—Intelligence was received, that Gen. Bur­goyne had arrived in Canada, with a strong rein­forcement. The militia were called in, to reinforce the army at New-York.

28th.—One Thomas Hickey, a private soldier in the General's guard, was executed. He was found guilty of mutiny, sedition, and the worst of practices, as it was expressed. The same day, the British fleet arrived at Sandy Hook.

29th.—The transports were coming in, during the whole day. At evening, nearly 100 sail had arrived. Col. Durkee's regiment was ordered over to Paulus Hook. The General Officers were in council.

30th.—Mrs. Washington left the city.

July 2d.—Between 10 and 11 o'clock, A. M. four British men-of-war, and several tenders, came through the Narrows, and anchored near the watering-place on Staten-Island. In the afternoon, they cannonaded towards the island. A little before sun-setting, about 40 sail of transports came up to the ships of war. The Americans lay on their arms, during the night.

3d.—The British troops landed on Staten-Island. A part of the stock had been taken off. The inhab­itants, who were about 350 men, were supposed to be generally opposed to the revolution.

[Page 49] 9th.—At evening roll-call, the declaration of the Congress, declaring the United Colonies FRET, SOVE­REIGN, AND INDEPENDENT STATES, was published at the head of the respective brigades, in camp, and received with loud huzzas.

12th.—Two British ships of war, the Phenix and Rose, and three tenders, at about 4 o'clock, P. M. taking the advantage of the tide and a fresh breeze, came up from the fleet, and passed the city up the Hudson. A brisk cannonade took place from Red Hook, Governor's Island, Paulus Hook, and all the batteries on the North River side. The ships were several times struck by the shot, but received no ma­terial damage. The ships returned the fire, as they passed the batteries; and the encampment of our General's brigade, (the right flank of which being Col. Shepard's regiment) was on the bank of the river. The tents were struck, and dropped on the ground, before the ships came a-breast of them. Several shot fell on the encampment, and one en­tered the embrasure of a small redoubt, on the flank of the encampment, and struck in the banquette on the opposite side of the redoubt, between the legs of two soldiers, but did no damage. Several American artillerists were killed and wounded, by the bursting of some of our own cannon. The ships ran nearly up to Tappan Bay, and came to anchor.

14th.—A British officer came up with a flag, with a letter to Gen. Washington; but the letter not be­ing properly addressed, it was not received. The same day, a flag was sent by Lord Howe to Amboy, with sundry letters, directed to the chief magistrates of several of the Colonies, and a declaration, offer­ing the King's pardon to such Colonies, towns, or boroughs, as should submit to his Ma [...]sty's laws, &c. Lord and Gen Howe were Commissioners ap­pointed to receive submissions.

[Page 50] 16th.—Another flag came up from Lord Howe, with a letter directed to George Washington, Esq &c. &c. &c. which was likewise rejected, for the want of a proper direction.

17 [...] [...] the morning, one or two of the British ships [...] through the Narrows; and it was conjectured that a number sailed out during the night. The British ships which had sailed up the Hudson, had moved higher up. The Connecticut light-horse, which had come out to reinforce the ar­my, were returning home.

20th.—A flag from Gen. Howe, with Adj. Gen. Patterson, came up with a message to Gen. Washing­ton, respecting the recent capitulation in Canada, and insinuating that Gen. Howe was desirous, if pos­sible, to bring about an accommodation. The same day, news was received from South-Carolina, that the British, in attempting Sullivan's Island, with their ships and a large body of troops, said to be from 1300 to 2000, were defeated by the Americans; one frigate burnt and blown up, several others dam­aged, and 172 men killed and wounded. On the side of the Americans, 10 were said to be killed, and 22 wounded.

21st.—A man, dressed in women's clothes, was taken up, in attempting to get to the British fleet: he was committed to prison. The same day, Gen. Sulli­van arrived from Canada. About noon, a number of cannon and small-arms were heard towards Eliz­abeth-Town.

25th.—A row-galley or two, arrived from Con­necticut; and fire-ships, rafts, &c. were preparing with great expedition.

26th.—The British ships up the river fell some distance lower down.

27th.—A regiment of militia, under the command of Col. Holman, arrived from Massachusetts.

[Page 51] 28th.—Two row-gallies moved up the Hudson.

29th.—Col. Sargent's regiment of Continental troops arrived at Horn's Hook, from Bosto [...], and Col. Hutchinson's from the same place. Several British ships arrived and joined the fleet.

31st.—Intelligence was received, that Dunmore, with his sleet, had got nearly 200 miles up Potowmack River in Virginia; that he had burnt one house, and was within about 30 miles of Gen. Washington's seat.

August 1st.—About 30 sail of British ships arriv­ed at the Hook. Three or four more row-gallies went up the Hudson. In bringing the hulks, chev­aux-de-frise, &c. round from the East River, to the Hudson, a sloop sunk, not far from the Grand Battery.

2d.—Glover's regiment arrived from the eastward.

3d.—About noon there was a brisk cannonade up the Hudson, between the American row-gallies and the British ships: the former had two men killed; two mortally, and 12 slightly wounded. The Brit­ish loss was not known.

7th.—There were some movements among the British fleet: the men-of-war appeared to be formed in line. Two deserters came in, who reported that an attack on the Americans was intended soon.

8th.—A row-galley and two fire-sloops went up the river. It was intended to attempt burning the British ships in Tappan Bay. The American army was now very sickly; four soldiers were buried on this day, from our General's brigade only. About, and a little after this time, the army was more sick­ly than at any other period. The newspapers at Philadelphia and Boston, rated the army at 70,000 strong, and in high spirits, and that they would soon clear the enemy from America. This was not a little mortifying to Gen. Washington, who had the evidence, that the army did not exceed 40,000, of­ficers [Page 52]included; and a large portion of these were levics and militia, called out for short periods, and unacquainted with a camp life. Hence the number of sick amounted to near 10,000; nor was it possible to find proper hospitals or proper necessaries for them. In almost every barn, stable, shed, and even under the fences and bushes, were the sick to be seen, whose countenances were but an index of the dejec­tion of spirit, and the distress they endured.

9th.—It was learnt that the British were prepar­ing for an attack, and were putting their heavy artil­lery, &c. on board ship.

In reconnoitring the position of New-York, long before this time, all were agreed, that the upper end of the island, and above Kingsbridge, must be se­cured, or there could be no security to an army on the island; but there was some difference in opinion as to the place. A commanding height, near Morris's house, some distance below the bridge, within the island, was thought by some, among whom was Gen. Putnam, a position which, if properly fortified, would be almost impregnable. While others, among whom was our General, and his brother Gen. Greene, who were generally in sentiment, insisted that there could be no security on the island, although the post before mentioned was made as strong as Gibralter, if the heights above the bridge were left unfortified, as the enemy might at any time, in an hour or two, possess themselves of those heights above the bridge, and completely entrap the army; and each declared pos­itively, that he would not rest easy or satisfied, until those grounds were taken possession of. Fort Wash­ington was begun on the hill first mentioned, and the works were pushed as fast as possible; and it was determined to erect another fort above the bridge, which was also begun, and called Independence. Every exertion was now in exercise to complete the [Page 53]works in and about the city, some of which were strong. Indeed, immense labour had been bestow­ed on the works at the city, on Long-Island, at Horn's Hook, near Hell Gate, and at Paulus Hook, on the Jersey side, opposite the city, on Governor's Island, &c.

11th.—Our General received a commission from Congress, dated the 9th, appointing him a Major-General in the army of the United States of Ameri­ca. Generals Spencer, Sullivan and Green, receiv­ed, at the same time, commissions of the same tenor.

12th.—In the afternoon, 30 or 40 British vessels came through the Narrows, and joined the fleet.

13th.—A number more of ships, some of them very large, came in and joined the fleet: the ships up the river fell a little lower down.

14th.—Our General rode to Horn's Hook and Kingsbridge. The person who had the direction of the fire-vessels, requested him to be a spectator on the bank of the river, of an attempt, intended to be made on that night, to burn the ships. Attended by Gen. Clinton, and several other officers, they waited on the bank until about midnight; but no attempt on the ships was made, and they returned disappointed.

16th.—Our General was again requested to be a spectator on the bank of the river, the approaching night, with the most positive assurances that he should not be again disappointed: he accordingly went, at­tended as on the preceding time, and took a proper position on the bank. The night was pretty dark; they soon found that the gallies and fire-vessels were silently moving up, with the tide. After some time, and almost immediately after the centinels, on board the British ships, had passed the word, "all is well," two of the fire-vessels flashed into a blaze; the one, close on the side of the Phenix, the other grappling [Page 54]one of the tenders. To appearance, the slames were against the side of the Phenix; and there was much confusion on board. A number of cannon were dis­charged into the fire-vessel, in order to sink her. A number of seamen ascended, and got out on the yard-arm, supposed to clear away some grapplings. The fire-vessel was along side, as was judged, near ten minutes, when the Phenix either cut, or slipt her ca­ble, let fall her fore-topsail, wore round, and stood up the river, being immediately veiled from the spec­tators, by the darkness of the night. The tender burnt down to the water's edge, and was towed to the shore by the Americans; out of which was tak­en, one iron six-pounder, two three-pounders, one two-pounder, ten swivels, a caboose, some gun-bar­rels, cutlasses, grapplings, chains, &c. The Rose, and the other two tenders, remained at their moorings; but it was said that one of the tenders was deserted by her crew, for a [...]ne. Several of our gallies were said to have been inactive; otherwise, a very consid­erable advantage would have been reaped. The Americans sustained no loss or injury, saving one man, who, in communicating fire to one of the vessels, got considerably burnt in the face, hands, &c.

17th.—The Commander in Chief, having ordered our General to take the command of the troops and posts, at the north end of the island, and above Kingsbridge, within which command fell the Forts Washington and Independence, and a number of other works, he took the command accordingly.

18th.—Very early in the morning, the wind be­ing pretty fresh, and it being very rainy, the ships and tenders which were up the river, got under sail, and ran down, keeping as close under the east bank as they could, in passing our works. They were, however, briskly cannonaded at Fort Washington; and the works below were several times struck, but [Page 55]received no material damage. They joined their fleet near Staten-Island.

19th.—It was made pretty certain, that the Brit­ish were upon the point of making an attack some­where. By an express, which our General received from Gen. Washington, at half past 2 o'clock, A. M. of the 22d, he was pleased to communicate, that, by intelligence which he had received, the enemy had intentions of making attacks on Long-Island, up the North River, upon Bergen Point, Elizabeth-Town Point, Amboy, &c. Perhaps so many places were mentioned, in order to divide the force of, and dis­tract the Americans. On this morning, however, they landed, near Gravesend Bay, on Long Island, about 8,000 men; Col. Hand, with his rifle corps, retreating moderately before them, and destroying some wheat which would fall into their hands. The British advanced as far as Flatbush, where they halt­ed. Six American regiments were sent over, as a reinforcement. Gen. Sullivan had the command on the island.

24th.—There were some skirmishes on Long-Isl­and; but nothing very material.

25th.—A number of the enemy's ships fell down towards the Narrows; it was supposed, with intent to land more troops on Long-Island.

26th.—In the morning, a brisk cannonade on Long-Island, for some time. The British had thrown up some works, at Flatbush, from which they fired at the Americans.

27th.—Early in the morning, two ships and a brig came to anchor a little above Frog Point. Our General immediately detached Col. Graham with his regiment, to prevent their landing to plunder or burn. Before he arrived, several barges full of men landed on New City Island, and killed a num­ber of cattle. Two companies of the regiment, im­mediately [Page 56]on their arrival, ferried over to the island. The enemy carried off one man and 14 cattle—the remainder of the cattle were secured.

On the same day, there was a most bloody battle on Long-Island, between the Americans and the British. The British, by a long circuitous march in the night of the 26th, with a part of their army, found the left of the Americans not so well secured as it ought to have been; and they had an oppor­tunity to reach ground, which gave them great ad­vantage, while it equally exposed the Americans in the strong grounds towards Flatbush. There was here also another circumstance of ground, which now proved very disadvantageous to the Americans. There was a considerable marsh, into which a creek ran, and on which there was a mill, known by the name of M'Gowen's. At the mill there was a pass­way over; but unluckily, when some of the Ameri­cans had retreated by this mill, (for they were soon routed by the British, who formed an attack almost in a semi-circle) it was set on fire. This would have been a politic step, had all the Americans on the other side, in that quarter, previously passed; but those still beyond the creek were now driven to al­most desperate circumstances: they could not pass at the head of the creek; for the British column, which made the circuitous movement, were in pos­session of the ground on the left; consequently, many were here killed or taken prisoners, and num­bers perished in attempting to get over the creek, some of them sticking in the mud. Those who es­caped retreated to the American works. The Brit­ish sustained a considerable loss in killed and wound­ed, and a subaltern and 23 men were taken prison­ers; but the American loss was far greater, in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Among the latter were Gen. Sullivan and Lord Sterling. Several field­pieces [Page 57]were also lost. At evening, the British army encamped in front of the Americans.

On the morning of the 28th, there was a skirmish between the Americans and British, which terminat­ed rather in favour of the former. The same night, the British began to open works, at the distance of about 600 yards from the American works on the left. Gen. Washington wrote to our General, to send down to the city all the boats that could be spared, from Kingsbridge and Fort Washington; in­timating, that he might possibly find it necessary, at night, to throw over more troops to Long-Island. This order was immediately complied with, and the boats sent down; while the real intention of their use was fully understood.

29th.—The ships in the East River fell down to Hunt's Point. On the same night, the Americans evacuated Long-Island, bringing off their military stores, provisions, &c. Some heavy cannon were left. In this retreat from the island, and which was well conducted, an instance of discipline and of true fortitude was exhibited by the American guards and pickets. In order that the British should not get knowledge of the withdraw of the Americans, until their main body had embarked in the boats and pushed off from the shore, (which was a matter of the highest importance to their safety) the guards were ordered to continue at their respective posts, with centinels alert, as if nothing extraordinary was taking place, until the troops had embarked: they were then to come off, march briskly to the ferry, and embark themselves. But, somehow or other, the guards came off, and had got well toward the landing-place, when they were ordered to face about, march back, and re-occupy their former posts; which they instantly obeyed, and continued at them, until called off to cross the ferry. Whoever has [Page 58]seen troops in a similar situation, or duly contem­plates the human heart in such trials, well know how to appreciate the conduct of these brave men, on this occasion.

31st.—In the forenoon, the British appeared at Newton, where they pitched a number of tents. Governor's Island was evacuated the preceding night by the Americans. It was now evident, that the next object of the enemy would be to get the city; and it was equally so, that they would land some­where on the island without it. This night, several of the regiments of Gen. Misslin's brigade, of our General's division, lay on the hills towards New-York; and Gen. Clinton's brigade on their arms. The same evening, Hand's, Shee's, Magaw's, Broad­head's, and Miles's battalions, joined our General's division. Some of these corps had suffered greatly, in the action on Long-Island.

September 1st.—The British appeared to be en­camped in several places on Long-Island. They had run a ship in between Nutten Island and Red Hook.

2d.—They ran a ship past the city up the East River: she was several times struck by the shot of a 12 pounder, which was drawn to the river's bank. Major Crane, of the artillery, was wounded in the foot, by a cannon shot from this ship. It was now a question, whether to defend the city, or evacuate it, and occupy the strong grounds above. Every exer­tion had been made, to render the works both nu­merous and strong; and immense labour and expense had been bestowed on them; and it was now deter­mined that the city should be obstinately defended.

4th.—Gen. Washington came up, and dined at our General's quarters. The same day, a detach­ment of the artillery, with one 24 pounder, three 12 pounders, three 3 pounders, and a howitzer, [Page 59]joined the division. The enemy were plundering cattle on Long-Island, now fully in their possession.

5th.—Our General ordered a chain of videtts and centinels to be formed at Morrissania, Hunt's and Frog's Point, &c. The British were pressing a great number of teams on Long-Island—their Head-Quar­ters were at Bedford.

7th.—The militia on Long-Island were ordered to muster, to raise recruits for the King. The Gen­eral Officers of the American army were in coun­cil, at Head-Quarters in New-York. The British were now erecting a work, nearly opposite to our's at Horn's Hook, and the distance not great.

8th.—The British opened their battery against Horn's Hook Fort. The fire was briskly returned. The Americans had one man killed, and two wounded.

9th.—In the morning there was a brisk cannonade on both sides. At Horn's Hook, the American ar­tillery was so well plied, that the British ceased firing. The British were said to be encamped in three divisions; one at Newton, which was Head-Quarters, one at Flushing, and one at Jamaica.

10th.—The British landed a number of troops on Montresors Island.

11th.—The British continued to cannonade and bombard our fort at Horn's Hook, and to land more troops on Montresors Island.

12th.—The cannonade continued against our fort at Horn's Hook, and the British were moving their troops towards the East River. This day, Col. Ward's regiment of Connecticut troops removed from Burditt's Ferry, and joined our General's di­vision. The General Officers were in council. A former resolution to defend the city was rescinded, with three dissentients.

13th.—Four British ships, one of which was a two-decker, ran by the city up the East River. The [Page 60]cannonade and bombardment at Horn's Hook con­tinued. This evening, Col. Chester, with five regi­ments, joined our General's division.

14th.—The British sent three or four ships up the North River, as far as Greenwich. The cannon and stores were removing from New-York, during the night.

15th.—About noon, the British landed at Kepps's Bay. They met with but small resistance, and push­ed towards the city, of which they took possession in the afternoon. They availed themselves of some cannon and stores; but their booty was not very great. Here the Americans, we are sorry to say, did not behave well; and here it was, as fame hath said, that Gen. Washington threw his hat on the ground, and exclaimed, "Are these the men with which I am to defend America?" But several things may have weight here;—the wounds received on Long-Island were yet bleeding; and the officers, if not the men, knew that the city was not to be de­fended. Maj. Chapman was killed, and Brig. Maj. Wyllis was taken prisoner. A few others were kill­ed, wounded, and taken prisoners. The Americans retreated up the island; and some few, who could not get out of the city that way, escaped in boats over to Paulus Hook, across the river. The house, in the fort at Horn's Hook, was set on fire by a shell, and burnt down. The fort was afterwards abandoned.

16th.—A little before noon, a smart skirmish hap­pened on the heights west of Haarlem Plain, and south of Morris's house, between a party of Hessian Yagers, British Light-Infantry and Highlanders, and the American riflemen and some other troops, which ended in favour of the latter. The troops fought well, on both sides, and gave great proof of their marksmanship. The Americans had several of­ficers killed and wounded; among the former, Lieut. [Page 61]Col. Knoulton, of the Connecticut line, and Capt. Gleason, of Nixon's Massachuset [...]s regiment, two ex­cellent officers; and Maj. Beech, of one of the south­ern regiments, a brave officer, was among the latter. This skirmish might have brought on a general ac­tion; for both armies were then within supporting distance of the troops which were engaged.

It now became an object of high importance, to calculate, if possible, where the British would make their next attempt; and here the General Officers were divided in opinion. A part of them imagined, that the British would first endeavour to make them­selves masters of the whole of New-York Island, and that, therefore, the reduction of Fort Washington, and its dependencies, would be their object. Others supposed, that they would make a landing either at Morrissania, Hunt's or Frog's Point, which eventu­ally would produce as certain a reduction of the works on the island, with very little lofs to the Brit­ish. It was therefore determined in council, to guard against both; and for this purpose, 10,000 men were to be retained on the island, at and near Fort Washington. Our General's division was to be aug­mented to 10,000 men, and a floating bridge was to be thrown across Haarlem Creek, that these two bod­ies might communicate with and support each other, as circumstances might require; and Major-Gen. Greene was to command the flying camp on the Jer­sey side of the Hudson, which was to consist of 5,000. The different arrangements took place accordingly.

17th.—The remains of Lieut. Col. Knoulton were interred with military honours. The same day, a troop of militia light-horse arrived from Connecti­cut; others, and many of the militia were on their­way to join the army.

18th.—Gen. Parsons's and Scott's brigades, and the brigade commanded by Col. Dudley Sargent, [Page 62]joined our General's division; and Shee's, Magaw's, Haslett's, Atlee's, and Broadhead's battalions were ordered away. The British army encamped between the American army and the city.

A picket from our General's division, of 450 men, constantly mounted, by relief, at Morrissania; from which a chain of centinels, within half gun­shot of each other, were planted, from the one side of the shore to the other, and near the water passage, between Morrissania and Montresors Island, which in some places is very narrow. The centinels on the American side were ordered not to presume to fire at those of the British, unless the latter began; but the British were so fond of beginning, that there was frequently a firing between them. This having been the case one day, and a British officer walking along the bank, on the Montresors side, an American centinel, who had been exchanging some shots with a British centinel, seeing the officer, and concluding him to be better game, gave him a shot, and wounded him. He was carried up to the house on the island. An officer, with a flag, soon came down to the creek, and called for the American officer of the picket, and informed him, that if the American centinels fired any more the commanding-officer on the island would cannonade Col. Morris's house, in which the officers of the picket quartered. The American officer immediately sent up to our General, to know what answer should be returned. He was directed to inform the British officer, that the American centi­nels had always been instructed not to fire on centi­nels, unless they were first [...]red upon, and then to return the fire; that such would be their conduct: as to the cannonading of Col. Morris's house, they might act their pleasure. The firing ceased for some time; but a raw Scotch centinel, having been planted, one day, he very soon after discharged his piece at an [Page 63]American centinel, nearest to him, which was im­mediately returned; upon which a British officer came down, and called to the American officers, ob­serving that he thought there was to be no firing be­tween the centinels. He was answered, that their own began; upon which he replied, "He shall then pay for it." The centinel was directly after relieved, and there was no firing between the centinels, at that place, any more; and they were so civil to each oth­er, on their posts, that one day, at a part of the creek where it was practicable, the British centinel asked the American, who was nearly opposite to him, if he could give him a chew of tobacco: the latter, having in his pocket a piece of a thick twisted roll, sent it across the creek, to the British centinel, who, after taking off his bite, sent the remainder back again.

20th—The Commander in Chief, Maj. Gen. Put­nam, and some other officers, came up to our Gen­eral's division, and rode round the camp, which, by the return. given in on the next day, consisted of 8,771; but of these there was 1,294 sick present, and 1,108 sick absent.

On the morning of the 21st, between one and two o'clock, the light of a great fire was discovered to the southward, which proved to be at New-York; when a considerable part of the city was consumed.

22d.—Two seamen, belonging to the La Brune, a British ship of war, which lay near Montresors Island, deserted, and came to our General's quarters; and informed him, upon examination, that the Brit­ish had then but a few men on the island, stating the number; that the piece of cannon, which had been put on the island, was taken back again, on board the La Brune; that there were a number of officers at the house, in which there was a considerable quantity of baggage deposited, &c. Our General supposed that these troops might be easily taken; [Page 64]and, having called the General Officers of his divis­ion together, took their opinion, who all coincided with him in sentiment. He then communicated his intention to the Commander in Chief, who gave it his approbation. Two hundred and forty men were destined for this enterprise: the command was giv­en to Lieut. Col. Michael Jackson, of the Massachu­setts line, with Majors Logan and—, whose name cannot be recollected, of the New-York troops, They were to embark on board three flat-boats, cov­ered by a fourth with a detachment of artillery, with a light three-pounder, in case it should be found nec­essary in retreating from the island. The mode of at­tack was settled, and every circumstance secured, to promise success. They were to fall down Haarlem Creek with the ebb. The time was so calculated, that the young flood was to be so much made, at the break of day, as to cover the flats at the island, suf­ficiently for the boats to float. Matters being thus settled, our General ordered the two sailors to be brought in: he then told them, that in consequence of their information, an enterprise against the Brit­ish troops on Montresors Island, was to take place that night; that he had ordered them to be kept in safe custody until the next morning, when, if their declarations respecting the state of the British on the island, proved to be true, he would give them a pass­port to the back country, whither they wished to go: but, in case their information was false, he would or­der them hanged immediately, as spies; that he gave them the opportunity, if they had made a wrong statement to him, then to correct it. They both an­swered, with perfect composure, that they would cheerfully submit to the condition. Major Thomas Henly was now one of our General's Aids-de-camp. He importuned that he might go with the detach­ment. He was refused, and told that he had no busi­ness [Page 65]there; that he could exercise no command. He grew quite impatient, returned again to the Gen­eral's room, and addressed him: "Pray, Sir, consent to my going with the party—let me have the pleas­ure of introducing the prisoners to you to-morrow." All his friends present advised him not to go. The General finally consented. The troops, at the hour assigned, embarked. Our General informed them, that he, with others, would be spectators of the scene, from a certain point near Haarlem Creek. Notice had been given to the guards and pickets on the York Island side, not to hail the party as they went down. Unfortunately, the lower centinel had not been so instructed. He was nearly opposite to the point where our General was to be; and just at the instant when he arrived, had challenged the boats, and ordered them to come to the shore. From the boats they answered, "Lo! we are friends." The challenge was repeated. The answer was, "We tell you we are friends—hold your tongue." A bounce into the water was heard; and instantly Maj. Henly came wading to the shore, stepped up to our General, catched him by the hand, and said, "Sir, will it do?" Our General, holding him by the hand, replied, "I see nothing to the contrary;" to which Henly concluded by saying, "Then it shall do." He waded back to his boat, and got in. The centinel called again: "If you don't come to the shore, I tell you I'll fire." A voice from some one in the boats, was, "Pull away!" The boats went on, and the centinel fired his piece. The boats reached the island almost at the moment intended, just as the glimmer of the dawn was discoverable. The three field-officers were in the first boats. Their intention, on the moment of landing, was, for the two seconds in command to spring, the one to the right, and the other to the left, and lead on the troops from the other [Page 66]two boats, which were to land on each side of the first boat. The field officers landed, and the men from their boat. The enemy's guard charged them, but were instantly driven back. The men in the other two boats, instead of landing, lay upon their oars. The British, seeing this, returned warmly to the charge. The Americans, finding themselves thus deserted, returned to their boat; but not until Lieut. Col. Jackson received a musket-ball in his leg, and Maj. Henly, as he was getting into the boat, one through his heart, which put an instant end to his life. The boat joined the others, and they all re­turned, having, in the whole, about 14 killed, wounded, and misling; Maj. Henly deeply regretted. Had only one of the other boats landed her men, the success would have been very probable; but the two would have insured an execution of the whole plan, in the opinion of all concerned. The delin­quents in the other boats were arrested, and tried by court-martial, and one of the Captains cashiered.

On the night of the 23d, the British got possession of the works at Paulus Hook. The americans had previously taken off all the cannon and stores. On the afternoon of the 24th, the remains of Maj. Hen­ly were interred by the side of Lieut. Col. Knoulton, on New York Island, with military honours.

25th.—The militia, which had come out from the western parts of the State of Connecticut, were dis­charged.

26th.—The [...]e [...]eral Officers were in council with a committee of Congress, sent to make inquiry into the condition of the army, and agree upon the nec­essary augmentation.

27th.—The Council set again. The sam [...] day, Maj. Gen. Sullivan, who had for some time [...] prisoner with the British, came to [...]-Quarte [...] The American prisoners, which we [...]en in Can­ada, [Page 67]were sent round by water, and landed at Bergen Point, New-Jersey, where they were set at liberty. Gen. Thompson was among them.

28th.—Seven recruits for Maj. Rogers's corps, raising for British service, were taken, going to Long­Island, and sent in.

29th.—There was an unusual movement of boats from Long-Island to Montresors Island, and an at­tack was soon expected.

30th.—The moving over of boats to Montresors Island continued. The same day, a frigate went through Hell Gate, and came to anchor about 10 o'clock, A.M. near the La Brune. At 12 o'clock, she came to sail, and stood to the eastward. Just at even­ing another ship came up; and the next morning,

October I st, was at anchor in the channel, between Haarlem and Baman's or Eldridge's Island.

3d.—The Brigadier-Generals of our General's division were in council, and several new works were laid out; among others, a redoubt on the hill above Williams's Bridge. Our General, in recon­noitring his position, accompanied by Col. Hand, below the camp of the rifle corps, being apprehen­sive that the British might land on Frog's Neck, took a view of the causeway between West-Chester and the point. Upon the neck, which runs between these two, is a tide-mill; and a plank bridge at the mill, at the west end of the causeway, (the side of the American army) was at this time a range of cord-wood, as advantageously situated to cover a par­ty to defend the pass, as if constructed for the very purpose. After taking a full view, our General di­rected Col. Hand, immediately upon his return to his camp, to fix upon one of the best subaltern officers, and 25 picked men of his corps, and assign them to this pass, as their alarm-post at all times; and, in case the enemy made a landing on Frog's Neck, to direct [Page 68]this offcer immediately to take up the planks of the bridge; to have every thing in readiness to set the mill on fire; but not to do it, unless the fire of the riflemen should appear insufficient to check the ad­vance of the enemy on to the causeway; to aslign another party to the head of the creek; to reinforce both, in case the enemy landed; and that he should be supported. Col. Hand made his arrangements accordingly.

4th.—The brig and tenders in the East River came down, and cast anchor near the La Brune frigate; and the Roebuck and Phenix sailed up the North River, and joined the other ships which lay at anchor there.

5th.—There were some movements among the British; and a party appeared to be very busy at work, a little below Haarlem. The same night, the Ameri­cans left the heights of Bergen. They were upwards of 2,000 strong. They retreated as far back as Bur­ditt's Ferry.

6th.—Orders were given for throwing up a new work on Haarlem Creek, below the wood at Mor­rissania.

7th.—Gen. Lincoln came to camp. He had come from Massachusetts with a body of militia. This was the first of his joining the main army. The same day, the British were putting over horses from Horn's Hook to Long-Island, and fixing their pontoons.

9th.—Early in the morning, three ships, two of 40 guns, and one frigate, with two or three tenders, stood up the North River. They were briskly can­nonaded from Fort Washington and Fort Constitu­tion. They however passed our works and the chevaux-de-frise; the American galleys, small crast, and two large ships standing on before them. The two ships were ran on shore near Phillips's mills, [Page 69]and two of the galleys near Dobb's Ferry. The enemy took possession of the two galleys, and got them off. A boat landed a number of men, who plundered a store, stove the casks, and then set the store on fire, and left it. The Americans soon extin­guished the fire.

Our General ordered Col. Sargent, with 500 in­fantry, 40 light-horse, Capt. Horton of the artillery, with two 12 pounders, and Capt. Crafts with a how­itzer, to march immediately, with all possible expe­dition, to Dobb's Ferry. The enemy took a schooner loaded with rum, sugar, wine, &c. and sunk a sloop, which had on board the machine, invented by, and under the direction of, a Mr. Bushnell, intended to blow up the British ships. This machine was worked under water. It conveyed a magazine of powder, which was to be fixed under the keel of a ship, then freed from the machine, and left with clock-work going, which was to produce fire when the machine had got out of the way. Mr. Bushnell had great confidence of its success, and had made several ex­periments which seemed to give him countenance; but its fate was truly a contrast to its design.

Our Gencral's division was formed in line, with its advance, reserve flank-guards, and artillery, all in order of battle, when they were moved down over the different grounds, which it was supposed might be the scene of action. Some of this ground was very broken, and there were many fences. These afforded frequent opportunities for the troops to break off and form; for the pioneers to open ave­nues, &c. and for the whole to become acquainted with every part of the ground, and the best choice of it, if suddenly called to action.

10th.—One of the ships which was ran a-ground, was got off by the Americans. Col. Sargent re­turned, having [...]ft 180 men to watch the [...]tions of the British up the river.

[Page 70] 11th.—There was a considerable movement among the British boats below. This afternoon, Gen. Washington's pleasure-boat, coming down the river with a fresh breeze, and a topsail hoisted, was sup­posed, by the artillerists at Mount Washington, to be one of the British tenders running down. A 12 pounder was discharged at her, which was so exactly pointed, as unfortunately to kill three Americans, who were much lamented. The same day, several of Gen. Lincoln's regiments arrived, two of which were posted on the North River.

12th.—Early in the morning, 80 or 90 British boats, full of men, stood up the sound, from Montre­sors Island, Long-Island, &c. The troops landed at Frog's Neck, and their advance pushed towards the causeway and bridge, at West Chester mill. Col. Hand's riflemen took up the planks of the bridge, as had been directed, and commenced a fir­ing with their rifles. The British moved towards the head of the creek, but found here also the Amer­icans in possession of the pass. Our General imme­diately (as he had assured Col. Hand he would do) ordered Col. Preicott, the hero of Bunker Hill, with his regiment, and Capt. Lieut. Bryant of the artil. lery, with a 3 pounder, to reinforce the riflement at West-Chester causeway; and Col. Graham of the New-York line, with his regiment, and Lieut. Jack­son of the artillery, with a 6 pounder, to reinforce at the head of the creek; all of which was promptly done, to the check and disappointment of the en­emy. The British encamped on the neck. The riflemen and Yagers kept up a scattering popping at each other across the marsh; and the Americans on their side, and the British on the other, threw up a work at the end of the causeway. Capt. Bryant, now and then, when there was an object, saluted the British with a field-piece.

[Page 71] In the afternoon, 40 or 50 sail of vessels passed up, and came to anchor off Frog's Point. The same evening, Gen. M'Dougal's brigade joined our Gen­eral's division.

13th.—The brigade, formerly under the command of our General, when he was Brigadier, joined his di­vision. The division now became very strong. The General Officers of the army were this day in coun­cil, at our General's Quarters.

14th.—Our General, with the Generals under his command, reconnoitred the enemy at Frog's Neck; afterwards, the General Officers of the army recon­noitred the various grounds. The same day, Maj. Gen. Lee was ordered to the command of the troops above Kingsbridge, now become the largest part of the American army. But Gen. Washington had de­sired him not to exercise the command for a day or two, until he could make himself acquainted with the post, its circumstances, and arrangements of duty. A great number of sloops, boats, &c. were passing the sound eastward, just at dusk—probably convey­ing ammunition, provisions, &c. to the troops at Frog's Point.

15th.—Five sailors came off from the La Brune. They informed, that there was a large body of the British on Frog's Point, and that an attack might be soon expected. The scattering fire across the marsh continued, and now and then a man was killed.

16th.—Two works were discovered on Frog's Neck, nearly finished. The General Officers of the army rode to reconnoitre the ground at Pell's Neck, &c. and it was determined that the position of the Amer­ican army should be immediately changed; the left flank to be extended more northerly, to prevent its being turned by the British.

17th.—Wadsworth's and Fellows's brigades, came to Kingsbridge. The British shipping, &c. contin­ued moving eastward.

[Page 72] 18th.—The regiment at West-Chester causeway had been relieved by another. The officer on com­mand there, this morning, sent up an express to our General, informing him that the British were open­ing an embrasure in their work at the end of the causeway, and that he apprehended they intended, under a cannonade from this, to attempt to pass. Our General ordered one of his Aids to gallop his horse to the officer commanding the brigade, near Volentine's, the nearest to West-Chester, and order him to form his brigade instantly. Arriving, himself, by the time the brigade was formed, he ordered the officer to march, with the utmost expedition, to the head of the causeway, to reinforce the troops there; himself moving on with them. When the troops had advanced to about half the way between the head of the creek, and the post at the head of the causeway, another express met him, informing him that the whole British army were in motion, and seemed to be moving towards the pass at the head of the creek. Upon this, the brigade was or­dered to halt, the whole to prime and load, and the rear regiment to file off by the left, and march brisk­ly to reinforce the Americans at the pass, at the head of the creek. At this instant, Gen. Washington came up, and having inquired of our General, the state of things, ordered him to return immediately, and have his division formed ready for action, and to take such a position as might appear best calcu­lated to oppose the enemy, should they attempt to land another body of troops [...] Morrisla [...]ia, which he thought not improbable. Our General immedi­ately obeyed the order

The wind was now fresh at south-west. The Brit­ish crossed to the other side of Frog's Neck, embark­ed on board their boats, crossed over the cove, land­ed on Pell's Neck, and moved briskly upward. [Page 73]Three or four of the American regiments advanced towards them, and took a good position behind a stone fence. When the British had advanced suffi­ciently near, they gave them a pretty close fire, which checked them, and even obliged them to fall back; but being immediately supported, they return­ed vigorously to the charge. The action was sharp, for a short time; but the Americans were soon obliged to give way to superior force. Shepard's, Read's, Baldwin's, and Glover's regiments, had the principal share in this action. The Americans had between 30 and 40 men killed and wounded; among the latter, Col. Shepard, in the throat, not mortally, although the ball came well nigh effecting instant death. The loss of the British was not known, but must have been considerable. They advanced al­most to New Rochelle, and halted. The American army extended its left.

A number of boats went down towards New-York. It now became necessary, immediately to quit the position in the neighbourhood of Kingsbridge, the British being in the rear of the left of our army; and it is not a little unaccountable, that they did not attempt to stretch themselves across to the Hudson, which might have been done with great case. They only moved higher up, on the other side of the little rivulet Brunx, which was generally fordable. The White Plains were fixed upon for the next position of the American army. A strong garrison was to be left at Fort Washington, and our General was to leave one of his reg [...]nts, to garrison Fort Inde­pendence.

21st.—At about 4 o'clock, P. M. our General's division moved from above Kingsbridge, having, be­sides their light field-pieces, two heavy iron twelve­pounders. About 8 o'clock in the evening, they pa [...] Gen. Lincoln's quarters, on Volentine's Hill, [Page 74]where the Commander in Chief was to spend the night. Our General waited upon him, to know if he had any particular commands for him. The Com­mander in Chief only advised to send forward one of his regiments, to occupy the road coming from Ward's Bridge, nearly to whose farm the British had now advanced; lest, apprised of his moving, they should annoy his right flank, which, if it had been day-light, would have been open to their view: But before the column reached this cross road, it was learnt, that Col. Jonathan Brewer's regiment of ar­tificers, who were pretty strong, and well armed, were to pass the night at the entrance of the road, leading to the bridge before mentioned. The divis­ion reached Chaderton's Hill, to the south of White Plains, at 4 o'clock in the morning of the 22d, hav­ing marched all night. The instant our General as­cended the hill, he noticed, to appearance, many flashes, resembling the flash of the pan of a musket, on the other side of the lot; on which he immediately ordered a Captain, with a party, to discover what it was; who returned, that he could not make discov­ery of any thing. These were indeed the slashes of discharged muskets at some distance; the height of ground having decoyed the appearance of the dis­tance. Lord Sterling, who was before in this vicin­ity with his brigade, had formed an enterprise against Maj. Rogers's corps. The old Indian hunter in the last French war, who had now engaged in the Brit­ish service, with his corps, now lay on the out-post of the British army, near Marroneck. The enter­prise was conducted with good address; and if the Americans had known exactly how Rogers's corps lay, they would probably have killed or taken the whole. As it was, 36 prisoners, 60 muskets, and some other articles, were taken. The Major, con­formably to his former general conduct, escaped [Page 75]with the rest of his corps. This was a pretty affair; and if the writer could recollect the name of the commanding-officer, with pride and pleasure he would insert it. He belonged to one of the southern lines of the army; and the whole of the party were south­ern troops.

The same day, our General moved his division, and took post on the high strong ground, to the north of the court-house. Gen. Sullivan's divis­ion reached the Plains in the course of the succeed­ing night. In the position of White Plains, our Gen­eral's division was on the left of the line. On his left was a deep hollow, through which ran a small brook, which came from a mill-pond, a little above. On the east side of this hollow was a very commanding ground, which would ensilade the division. The top of this high ground was covered with wood. To this hill he ordered Col. Malcolm, with his regiment of New-York troops, and Lieut. Fenno of the artillery, with a field-piece, directing them to take post in the skirt of the wood, at the south brow of the hill. The ground, from our General's left to the right, descended gradually a very considerable distance, and then gradually ascended up to the plain, and still on to the right, to more commanding ground. On this was the American army formed, the line running nearly from north-east to south-west. There were some strong works thrown up on the plain, across the road, and still to the right of it. Chaderton's Hill was a little advanced of the line, and separated from it by the little rivulet Brunx. A body of the Americans were posted on this hill. Head-Quarters were on the plain, near the cross roads. Our General's division had only slight works for musketry.

23d.—A cannonade was heard towards the Hud­son. The same evening, Col. Tyler's, Hunting­ton's [Page 76]and Throop's regiments, of General Parsons's brigade, and of our General's division, moved, and took post at the head of King-street, near Rye Pond. Gen. Lee's division had not yet got up to the army.

24th.—At 5 o'clock, A. M. a firing of small-arms was heard to the southward. It was a skirmish between 200 men of Gen. Lee's division, and 250 Hessians—10 of the latter were killed, and two taken prisoners. The British continued moving up, but with great caution, their rear scarcely advancing, when they came to encamp again, much further than where the advance had moved from—they ad­vanced in two columns.

25th.—Eight American regiments were ordered to be ready to march in the approaching night. Gen. Putnam was to command them; and they were intended to make an attack on the enemy's advance, if it should appear to be practicable. The same morning, one 12 pounder at Dobb's Ferry drove the British man-of-war off that place from her station.

26th.—Gen. Lee's division joined the army. In ascending some of the hills on the road, this division, encumbered with many waggons, was obliged to halt, and double the teams, in open view of the British, and at no considerable distance, who did not attempt to disturb them; which, had they done, the loss of the cannon, wa [...]gons, &c. could not have been avoided. The troops would have bent their march unencumbered towards the Hudson; but the waggons, &c. must have been left. Two or three British soldiers and a Hessian were taken pris­oners, and sent in.

27th.—In the forenoon, a heavy cannonade was heard towards Fort Washington. Thirteen Hessians and two or three British soldiers were sent in on this day. From the American camp to the west-south­west, [Page 77]there appeared to be a very commanding height, worthy of artention. The Commander in Chief or­dered the General Officers who were off duty, to at­tend him to reconnoitre this ground, on this morn­ing. When arrived at the ground, although very commanding, it did not appear so much so, as other grounds to the north, and almost parallel with the left of the army, as it was then formed. "Yonder," says Major-Gen. Lee, pointing to the grounds just mentioned, "is the ground we ought to occupy." "Let us then go and view it," replied the Com­mander in Chief. When on the way, a light-horseman came up in full gallop, his horse almost out of breath, and addressed Gen. Washington—"The British are on the camp, Sir." The General observed—"Gen­tlemen, we have now other business than reconnoi­tring," putting his horse in full gallop for the camp, and followdd by the other officers. When arrived at Head-Quarters, the Adjutant-General [Read,] who had remained at camp, informed the Commander in Chief, that the guards had been all beat in, and the whole American army were now at their respective posts, in order of battle. The Com­mander in Chief turned round to the officers, and only said, "Gentlemen, you will repair to your re­spective posts, and do the best you can." Our Gen­eral, on arriving at his own division, found them all in the lines; and, from the height of his post, found that the first attack was directed against the Ameri­cans on Chaderton's Hill. The little river Brunx, which ran between the American right and this hill, after running round its north side, turned and ran down on the east and fouth-east. The British ad­vanced in two columns. At this instant, the can­nonade was brisk on both sides; directed by the British across the hollow and Brunx, against the Americans on the hill, and by them returned. Al­most [Page 78]at the same instant, the right column, composed of British troops, preceded by about 20 light-horse in full gallop, and brandishing their swords, appeared on the road leading to the court-house, and now di­rectly in the front of our General's division. The light-horse leaped the fence of a wheat-field, at the foot of the hill, on which Col. Malcolm's regiment was posted; of which the light-horse were not aware, until a shot from Lieut. Fenno's field-piece gave them notice, by striking in the midst of them, and a horse­man pitching from his horse. They then wheeled short about, galloped out of the field as fast as they came in, rode behind a little hill in the road, and faced about; the tops of their caps only being visi­ble to our General, where he stood. The column came no further up the road, but wheeled to the left by platoons, as they came up; and, passing through a bar, or gateway, directed their head towards the troops on Chaderton's Hill, now engaged. When the head of the column had got nearly across the lot, their front got out of sight; nor could the extent of their rear be now discovered. The sun shone bright, their arms glittered, and perhaps troops never were shewn to more advantage, than these now appeared. The whole now halted; and for a few minutes, the men all sat down in the same order in which they stood, no one appearing to move out of his place. The cannonade continued brisk across the Brunx. A part of the left column, composed of British and Hessians, forded the river, and marched along under the cover of the hill, until they had gained sufficient ground to the left of the Americans; when, by fa­cing to the left, their column became a line, parallel with the Americans. When they briskly ascended the hill, the first column resumed a quick march. As the troops, which were advancing to the attack, ascended the hill, the cannonade on the side of the [Page 79]British ceased; as their own men became exposed to their fire, if continued. The sire of sinall-arms was now very heavy, and without any distinction of sounds. This led some American officers, who were looking on, to observe that the British were worsted, as their cannon had ceased firing; but a few minutes evinced that the Americans were giving way. They moved off the hill in a great body, neither running, nor observing the best order. The British ascended the hill very slowly; and when arrived at its sum­mit, formed and dressed their line, without the least attempt to pursue the Americans. The loss on the side of the Americans was inconsiderable; that of the British was not then known. The British hav­ing got possession of this hill, it gave them a vast ad­vantage of the American lines, almost down to the centre.

29th.—The British began to throw up some small works on the hill, of which they had got possession. The Americans were drawing back; and a position was to be taken on the high strong grounds, before in the rear of a part of the army. The left of our General's division was not to move; but the re­mainder of his division, and all the other divisions of the army, were to fall back and form, nearly east and west. About this time, Col. Lasher, who be­longed to our General's division, (and who had been left with his regiment to garrison Fort Independence, near Kingsbridge) sent an express, who passed the enemy in the night, to know what he should do, the regiment growing weak and sickly. Our General applied to the Commander in Chief, to know his pleasure, who directed, that the Colonel should give notice to Col. Magaw, who commanded at Fort Washington, that he might take away the cannon, stores, &c. and that Col. Lasher, after destroying the barracks, huts, &c. should join the army, which he [Page 80]soon effected. This day, 3 prisoners were sent in; and the Americans were now throwing up some strong works on the high grounds.

30th.—The British remained upon the ground they had taken.

31st.—The British continued as before, throwing up a work, &c. At night, the Americans evacuated their works on the plain, near late Head-Quarters, setting fire to several barns, and one house, which contained forage, and some stores that could not be removed.

November 1st.—In the morning, the British ad­vanced with a number of field-pieces, to the north of the road, near late Head-Quarters, (a heavy col­umn appearing behind on the hill, ready to move forward) and commenced a furious cannonade on our General's division, which was nobly returned by Capt. Lieut. Bryant and Lieut. Jackson, of the artil­lery. Our General's first anxiety, was for Col. Malcolm's regiment on the hill, to the east of the hollow on the left, lest the enemy should push a col­umn into the hollow, and cut the regiment off from the division. He therefore ordered Maj. Keith, one of his Aids, to gallop over, and order Col. Malcolm to come off immediately, with Lieut. Fenno's artil­lery: But, upon a more critical view of the ground in the hollow, (at the head of which there was a heavy stone wall, well situated to cover a body of troops to throw a heavy fire directly down it, while an oblique fire could be thrown in on both sides) he ordered Maj. Pollard, his other aid, to gallop after Keith, and countermand the first order, and direct the Colonel to remain at his post, and he should be supported. A strong regiment was ordered to the head of the hollow, to occupy the wall. The can­nonade was brisk on both sides, through which the two Aids-de-camp passed. in going and returning. [Page 81]At this instant, Gen. Washington rode up to the hill. His first question to our General, was, "How is your division?" He was answered, "They are all in order." "Have you," said the Commander in Chief, "any troops on the hill over the hollow?" He was answered, "Malcolm's regiment is there." "If you do not call them off immediately," says the General, "you may lose them, if the enemy push a column up the hollow." He was answered, that even in that case, their retreat should be made safe; that a strong regiment was posted at the head of the hol­low, behind the wall; that this regiment, with the oblique fire of the division, would so check the ene­my, as to allow Malcolm to make a safe retreat. The Commander in Chief concluded by saying. "Take care that you do not lose them." The artil­lery of the division was so well directed, as to throw the British artillery-men several times into confusion; and finding that they could not here make any im­pression, drew back their pieces, the column not ad­vancing. The British artillery now made a circuitous movement, and came down toward the American right. Here, unknown to them, were some 12 pound­ers; upon the discharge of which, they made off with their field-pieces as fast as their horses could draw them. A shot from the American cannon, at this place, took off the head of a Hessian artillery-man. They also left one of the artillery horses dead on the field. What other loss they sustained was not known. Of our General's division, one man only, belonging to Col. Paulding's regiment of New-York troops, was killed. The British made no other attempt on the Americans, while they remained at White Plains. The two armies lay looking at each other, and with­in long cannon-shot. In the night time, the British lighted up a vast number of fires, the weather grow­ing pretty cold. These fires, some on the level [Page 82]ground, some at the foot of the hills, and at all dis­tances to their brows, some of which were lofty, seemed to the eye to mix with the stars, and to be of different magnitudes. The American side, doubt­less, exhibited to them a similar appearance. On this day, our General ordered three redoubts, with a line in front, to be thrown up on the summit of his post, so constructed, that the whole of them could make a defence, and support each other at the same time, if attacked. These, to the enemy, in whose view they fully were, must have appeared very for­midable, although they were designed principally for defence against sinall-arms; and perhaps works were never raised quicker. There were the stalks of a large corn-field at the spot: the pulling these up in hills, took up a large lump of earth with each. The roots of the stalks and earth on them, placed in the face of the works, answered the purpose of sods, or facines. The tops being placed inwards, as the loose earth was thrown upon them, became as so many ties to the work, which was carried up with a dis­patch scarcely conceivable.

The British, as they say, had meditated an attack on the Americans, which was only prevented by the wetness of the night. Be this as it may, our Gene­ral had ordered his division, at evening roll-call, to be at their alarm-posts, (which they every morning man­ned, whilst at this place) half an hour sooner than usual. He had then no other reason for doing this, than the near position of the enemy, and the proba­bility that they would soon make an attack: But the Commander in Chief must have made some other dis­covery; for, after our General was in bed, Col. Carey, who was one of the Aids-de-camp of Gen. Washington, came to the door of his marque, and calling to him, informed him that the whole ar­my were to be at their alarm-posts, the next morn­ing, [Page 83]half an hour sooner than usual, and that he was to govern himself accordingly. Our General repli­ed, that he had fortunately given such orders to his division, at evening roll-call. He therefore neither got up himself, nor disturbed any other of his division. ^*

3d.—The centinels reported, that, during the pre­ceding night, they heard the rumbling of carriages to the south-eastward; and it was apprehended that the British were changing their position.

5th.—The British centinels were withdrawn from their advanced posts. It was apprehended that they meant a movement. The American army was im­mediately ordered under arms. At 2 o'clock, P. M. the enemy appeared, formed on Chaderton's Hill, and on several hills to the westward of it. Several reconnoitring parties, who were sent out, reported that the enemy were withdrawing. About 12 o'clock, this night, a party of the Americans wan­tonly set fire to the court-house, Dr. Graham's house, and several other private houses, which stood between the two armies. This gave great disgust to the whole American army, and drew from the Commander in Chief the following paragraph, in his orders of the 6th: "It is with the utmost astonishment and abhor­rence, the General is informed, that some base and cowardly wretches have, last night, set fire to the court-house, and other buildings which the enemy left. The army may rely upon it, that they shall be brought to justice, and meet with the punishment they deserve."

[Page 84] The British were moving down towards Dobb's Ferry. A detachment from the American army was sent out in the morning to harass their rear, but could not come up with them.

7th.—Several deserters came in from the enemy they reported that they were removing towards New York. The reconnoitring parties discovered them encamped near Dobb's Ferry. They were foraging grain and hay, and driving in the cattle. Two store-ships had run up past Fort Washington.

8th.—The enemy continued encamped at and be­low Dobb's Ferry. A new disposition of the Amer­ican army was now to take place. The southern troops were to cross over into the Jersies. Gen. Lee, with his own, Spencer's, and Sullivan's divis­ions, were to remain, to secure and bring off the stores; and were then to follow into the Jersies. Our General was ordered to march with his division to Peek's Kill.

9th.—The division moved from near White Plains, and the same night halted at North-Castle.

10th.—In the afternoon, the division reached Peek's Kill. Gen. Washington arrived at the same place about sunset. It was this day learnt, that Gen. Carleton's army in Canada, after pushing the Amer­icans, in that quarter, from post to post, until they arrived at Ticonderoga, just made their appearance before that place, and then retired towards Quebec

11th.—The Commander in Chief directed our General to attend him in taking a view of Fort Montgomery, and the other works up the river Lord Sterling, Generals James and George Clinton, Gen. Misslin and others were of the company. They went as far up the river as Constitution Island, which is opposite to West-Point, the latter of which was not then taken possession of; but the glance of the eye at it, without going on shore, evinced that this [Page 85]was not to be neglected. There was a small work and a block-house on Constitution-Island. Fort Montgomery was in considerable forwardness.

12th.—The Commander in Chief directed our General to ride early in the morning with him, to reconnoitre the grounds at the Gorge of the High­lands; and, no his return, gave him the command of the troops and posts in the Highlands, on both sides of the river, with written instructions to secure and fortify them with all possible expedition, making a distribution of his troops to the different posts; and, at about 10 o'clock, A. M. Gen. Washington crossed over the river into the Jersies.

13th.—Our General made a disposition of the troops under his command, to their several destina­tion. Col. Huntington's and Tyler's regiments, to the west side of the Hudson, to Sidnum's Bridge on Ramapaugh River, to cover the passes into the High­lands, on that side: Prescott's, Ward's and Wyllis's regiments, of Parsons's brigade, (as were the other two regiments) to the south entrance of the High­lands, beyond Robinson's Bridge: Gen. George Clinton's brigade, to the heights above Peek's Kill Landing: Gen. Scott's brigade, with the three regi­ments of Gen. Parsons's brigade: Gen. James Clin­ton, with the troops under his command, were at the forts up the river. The British moved down, near to Kingsbridge.

On the 16th, the British made their attack on Fort Washington. Gen. Knyphausen, with a heavy column of Hessians, advanced by Kingsbridge. They were discovered by the Americans, from the high grounds north of Fort Washington, as the day broke; and cannonaded from the field-pieces, placed at this advanced post. The Hessian column divided into two; the right ascending the strong broke ground towards Spitten-Devil Creek; the left nearer [Page 86]to the road, towards the Gorge. The first obtained the ground without much difficulty; but the Ameri­cans made a most noble opposition against the latter and, for a considerable time, kept them from ascend­ing the hill, making a terrible slaughter among them; but the great superiority of the assailants, with an unabating firmness, finally prevailed: their loss wa [...] greater here than at any other place. Mean while, the British crossed Haarlem Creek, in two different places, charged, and finally routed the Americans on that side, and possessed themselves of the strong post of Laurel Hill, on the other side of the road from Fort Washington, and not very distant from it; Lord Percy at the same time advancing, with the troops under his command on the island, to wards the fort on that side. The Americans, now g [...] ­erally driven from their out-works, retired to the fo [...] which was crowded full. A single shell, now dropping among them, must have made dreadful havock.

Gen. Washington was now a spectator of this dis­tressing scene, from the high bank at Fort Lee, on the opposite side of the Hudson; and having a with to communicate something to Col. Magaw, the com­manding officer at Fort Washington, Capt. Gooch of Boston, a brave and daring man, offered to be the bearer of it. He ran down to the river, jumped in­to a small boat, pushed over the river, landed under the bank, ran up to the fort, and delivered the mes­sage—came out, ran and jumped over the broken ground, dodging the Hessians, some of whom struck at him with their pieces, and others attempted [...]o thrust him with their bayonets—escaping through them, he got to his boat, and returned to Fort Lee. The British had summoned Col. Magaw to surrender, and were preparing their batteries to play on the for, when Col. Magaw thought it best to surrender the post, which he did accordingly, between two and [Page 87]three thousand men becoming prisoners. The loss in killed and wounded, on the American side was inconsiderable; but the loss in prisoners was a seri­ous blow indeed. The prisoners were marched to New-York; where, being crowded in prisons and sugar-houses, (many of them being militia from the Jersey flying-camp, who had been sent over to rein­force the garrison, and were unused to a soldier's life, much less to the poisonous stagnant air of a crowd­ed prison,) they fell sick, and daily died, in a most shocking manner. It was common, on a morning, for the car-men to come and take away the bodies for burial, by loads!—O ye officers of the provost! to whatever nation or people you belong, when the unfortunate of your fellow-men are thus committed to your charge, clothe yourselves with humanity, and soothe distress as far as in your power; for by this, you will secure a better reward than your pres­ent wages. And you who have the honour to com­mand armies, when your victories have filled provosts and prisons, think it not beneath you to visit the prisons, that with your own eyes you may see the state of your prisoners: for such visits, the great CAPTAIN OF YOUR SALVATION hath said, shall be considered as made to Himself; while it also gives you a name among men closely allied to that of the conqueror. The truly brave are always humane.

Elated with the easy reduction of Fort Washing­ton, the British determined to cross into the Jersies, and attack Gen. Washington on that side.

On the 18th, Lord Cornwallis, with a strong body of the British forces, landed at Closter Landing, on the Jersey side, above Fort Lee, the garrison of which were obliged to leave that post; and some cannon, stores and provisions, which could not be removed, fell into the hands of the enemy.

[Page 88] 20th.—Just at evening, an express, which our General had sent down to Gen. Washington before he had any knowledge of what had happened, re­turned with a most alarming account of what he had seen with his own eyes, viz. that the Americans were rapidly retreating, and the British as rapidly pursuing. The Adjutant-General [Read] wished to write to Gen. Lee; but he had neither pen, ink, or paper with him. The light-horseman had a rough piece of wrapping-paper in his pocket, and the Adjutant-General had an old pencil. Bringing these two to­gether, he wrote to Gen. Lee—"Dear General, we are flying before the British. I pray"—and the pencil broke. He then told the light-horseman to carry the paper to Gen. Lee, and tell him that he was verbally ordered to add, after I pray, "you to push and join us." The light-horseman, when he a [...] ­rived at our General's, was both fatigued and wet. He requested that one of his brother horsemen might proceed to Gen. Lee; but he was told that no other could discharge the duty enjoined on him by the Adjutant-General, and that Gen. Lee might wish to make many inquiries of him. He was therefore re­freshed and pushed on. Gen. Lee, instead of moving his division, or any part of it, wrote our General, by the returning express, the following letter.

Upon receiving this letter from Gen. Lee, (for our General did not receive the least hint from Gen. Washington, to move any part of the troops under his command, by the express who brought the order to Lee) he took up his instructions from Gen. Wash­ington, to see if he might dare to make any detach­ment; upon which he wrote Gen. Lee the following answer to his letter.

This did not seem to satisfy Gen. Lee, who wrote our General the following:

To which our General returned the following answer:

After the foregoing was sent off, our General re­flected for a moment, that as circumstances alter cases, Gen. Washington being now pressed, and the army with him but feeble, he might possibly wish for some aid from his division. He therefore sat down and wrote him a short letter, stating in what manner he had disposed of the troops under his command, and wishing to know his pleasure whether any part of them should join him; enclosing copies of the letters he had received from Gen. Lee, and of his answers. The express was directed to make the ut­most dispatch out and returning, which he effected on the 26th, (several days before Gen. Lee got up to Peek's Kill) bringing with him the following let­ter from Secretary Harrison.

21st.—A heavy cannonade was heard towards Amboy.

22d.—Col. Tupper, who was down near Tappan, got up to King's Ferry. He brought off the two 12 pounders which were at Dobb's Ferry, and a quan­tity of provisions. The same evening, our General ordered the Washington Galley to take station at King's Ferry.

24th.—Our General gave orders for Clinton's and Scott's brigades to hold themselves in readiness to march to the Jersey side.

25th.—Scott's brigade was ordered over to Haver­straw, and Col. Tyler's regiment, then at Ramapaugh River, to march down to Tappan, to secure and bring off the provisions which were at that place.

27th.—Capt Treadwell, of the artillery, with a three-pounder, was ordered to move over the river, and join Gen. Scott's brigade. It was learnt that many of the inhabitants of New-Jersey, especially in the neighbourhood of Hackensack, were swearing allegiance to King George, taking letters of protec­tion, &c.

28th.—Mr. Livingston came from Congress, to advise with our General on measures to obstruct the river. The same day, Capt. Harrod brought off from Tappan, a considerable quantity of pearl-ash, bees-wax, oil, &c.

29th.—Two of the regiments of Gen. Clinton's brigade were ordered to move to Fort Constitution, [Page 94]in order to attempt the forming of obstructions in the river near Polipins Island.

30th.—Just before dinner, Gen. Sullivan arrived at our General's quarters; and in the afternoon Gen. Lee arrived. He called at the door; when our General waiting upon him, requested him to alight, he asked if he could have a cup of tea, and was an­swered that he should have a good one. Upon com­ing into the house, before he sat down, he wished to speak in private, which being instantly granted, he told our General that, in a military view, or, to use his own words exactly, "In point of law, you are right; but in point of policy, I think you are wrong. I am going into the Jersies for the salvation of America; I wish to take with me a larger force than I now have, and request you to order 2,000 of your men to march with me." Our General answered, that he could not spare that number. He was then asked to order 1,000; to which he replied, that the business might be as well brought to a point at once— that not a single man should march from the post by bis order. Gen. Lee replied, that he would then or­der them himself. He was answered, that there was a wide difference between the two; that Gen. Lee was acknowledged by our General to be his senior; but, as he had received positive written instructions from him who was superior to both, he would not himself break those orders: If Gen. Lee was disposed to counteract them, its being done by him could not be imputed to any other person; and that he knew the Commander in Chief did not intend any of the troops should be removed from that post—having expressed it not only in his instructions, but also in a letter just received from him. On the letter being shewn to Gen. Lee, he observed, "The Commander in Chief is now at a distance, and does not know what is necessary here so well as I do"—asked if he might [Page 95]be favoured with the return-book of the division. Major Huntington, the Deputy Adjutant-General, was directed to hand it. Gen. Lee ran his eye over it, and said, "I will take Prescott's and Wyllis's regiments"—and turning to Major Huntington, said, "You will order those two regiments to march early to-morrow morning to join me." Our General, turn­ing to the Major, said, "Issue such orders at your peril!" and then turning to Gen. Lee, addressed him: "Sir, if you come to this post, and mean to issue or­ders here, which will break those positive ones which I have received, I pray you to do it completely your­self, and through your own Deputy Adjutant-General, who is present, and not draw me, or any of my fam­ily, in as partners in the guilt." Gen. Lee replied, "It is right. Col. Scammel, do you issue the order;" which he did, and Huntington communicated it to the regiments, who were now posted at the Gorge of the mountains, near Robinson's Bridge, after­wards called the Continental Village. Matters car­ried thus far, our General turned to Gen. Lee again: "Sir; I have one more request to make, and that is, that you will be pleased to give me a certificate, that you exercise command at this post, and do order from it Prescott's and Wyllis's regiments." Lee replied, "I do not know that I will comply with your re­quest." Gen. Clinton, who was present, observed, "Gen. Lee, you cannot refuse a request so reasona­ble." Upon which Gen. Lee wrote as follows:

[Page 96] Gen. Lee, stepping out on the plazza, observed to an officer, "Gen. Heath is right." Early the next morning, the regiments moved from their cantonment towards Peek's Kill; but before they had reached it, Gen. Lee, now ready to pass into the Jersies, rode up to our General's door, and calling him, observed, "Upon further consideration, I have concluded not to take the two regiments with me— you may order them to return to their former post." This conduct of Gen. Lee's appeared not a little extraordinary, and one is almost at a loss to ac­count for it. He had been a soldier from his youth, had a perfect knowledge of service in all its branch­es, but was rather obstinate in his temper, and could scarcely brook being crossed in any thing in the line of his profession. Gen. Lee took with him in­to the Jersies some as good troops as any in the service; but many of them were so destitute of shoes, that the blood left on the rugged frozen ground, in many places, marked the route they had taken; and a considerable number, unable to march, were left at Peek's Kill. The time of service for which Gen. Scott's brigade was engaged to serve, expired, when the whole, except about 50, went home, not­withstanding the generous encouragement offered them by their State, (New-York) if they would con­tinue one month longer.

2d and 3d.—Gen. Lee's troops were passing the ferry. Gen. Carleton having returned into Canada, a number of Gen. Gates's regiments were now mov­ing to reinforce Gen. Washington—their van as far as Morristown—the enemy as far as Brunswick.

6th.—Intelligence was received, that on the 4th, about sunset, 70 sail of ships of war and transports, passed in the sound towards New-England. Our General immediately sent off expresses to Gen. Wash­ington, Gov. Trumbull, Mr. Bowdoin, at Boston, the Convention of New-York, &c.

[Page 97] 7th.—Three regiments, viz. Greaton's, Bond's, and Porter's, arrived off the landing from Albany, on their way to Gen. Washington. Matters now looked serious in Jersey. The British were extending themselves in all directions, and the inhabitants obliged to become passive, if not worse. Gen. Gates had ordered the troops, moving from the northward, to rendezvous at Goshen.

8th.—Our General wrote Gen. Lee, that the troops were moving on from the northward, and as Gen. Gates had not yet overtaken them, some of the commanding-officers appeared to wish for orders how to proceed. Gen. Washington, it was said, was as far as Trenton—Lee, the preceding night, as far as Pompton. A flag schooner came up from New-York, to obtain leave for some families to go in. A Parson Inglish was on board. Orders were given to treat the flag with politeness, and at the [...]ame time with proper precaution; and the business was laid before the Convention of the State.

The same day, Gen. Clinton, with two British and two Hessian brigades, with a squadron of ships under the command of Sir Peter Parker, took pos­session of Rhode-Island, without the loss of a man; the Americans quitting the island without making any opposition. Rhode-Island was a great acquisi­tion to the British, for quarters, forage, and a safe harbour; but lessened their ability for other more important operations in the field.

On the evening of the 9th, our General received orders from the Commander in Chief, to move over the Hudson, with Parsons's brigade, and to move on so as to give protection to the country, and vigour to the cause in Jersey.

10th.—A little afternoon, Parsons's brigade march­ed down to King's Ferry; the greatest alertness hav­ing [Page 98]been discovered by both officers and men on the occasion.

11th.—About eleven o'clock, A. M. our General left Peek's Kill, and proceeded for the Jersies; on crossing King's Ferry, gave orders for the flag to be detained from returning until further orders. The troops crossed the ferry, and marched as far as Cell Hays' at Haverstraw. Huntington's and Tyler's regiments were ordered to advance from Ramapaugh Bridge to Paramus. Our General received a letter from Gen. Lee, in answer to the one he wrote on the 8th from Peek's Kill, as follows:

The foregoing letter appears very different from the former ones.

12th.—Early in the morning, the troops took up their line of march from Haverstraw, and before sun-set reached Tappan.

[Page 99] 13th.—Sent out a reconnoitring party towards Hackensack, to get intelligence, &c. This day, Gen. Lee was taken prisoner, near Chatham, by a party of light-horse, commanded by Col. Harcourt. Lee took quarters at a small distance from his troops: an in­habitant gave notice of it to Col. Harcourt, who was out reconnoitring near that neighbourhood, and who had the address to take and carry him off.

14th.—Our General held up every appearance of moving to Paramus, and sent off his baggage un­der escort to that place; and between 11 and 12 o'clock, marched briskly for Hackensack, having sent orders for Huntington's and Tyler's regiments to move from Paramus at the same time. Buskirk's regiment was at Hackensack Bridge the preceding day, where they did duty, and it was expected they were still at the same place. To surprise and take them was the object; but it was found that Buskirk's men had moved the preceding day to bergen, in or­der to draw new arms. The town was completely surprised, not having an idea that any but British troops were near them. One British soldier and 20 [...] 30 of their adherents, were taken, a number of [...]ms, &c. and at the wharf, several vessels loaded with hay, &c. on the point of sailing for New-York. [...] brig had come to sail in the morning, and run some distance down the river, and came to anchor. An officer with a party was sent down to take her, and bring her up; but the wind was so strong a-head that it could not be effected. The officer was then directed to destroy the vessel, as she had a large quantity of forage on board, destined for New-York; but it was said, there were some valuable articles on board, which might be taken out and brought up in the boa [...]s. The orders were varied accordingly, with directions, that in case the enemy advanced be­fore the business was completed, to set the brig on [Page 100]five. The [...] but on re­turning to the brig, [...] of the c [...]emy advancing, when the brig was [...]b [...]ndoned without being set on fire. The enemy immediately took possession of her. Among the articles taken out, was a large chest of plate. This was conveyed to Pe [...]k's Kill, and delivered to the Deputy Quarter­Master-General; and when the British afterwards destroyed the public stores at that place, the chest of [...] plate was removed by the Quarter-Master into Co [...] ­necticut; where afterwards Gen. Parsons, in behalf of the officers and soldiers of the division, filed a libel in the Maritime Court, and the officer who boarded the vessel, filed one in his own behalf. On trial, the Court adjudged the plate to the latter, although he boarded the vessel in obedience to express order [...] About 100 barrels of flour, which had been aban [...] doned by the Americans, when they retreated befores Lord Cornwallis, were recovered and sent off; and about 100 arms were also secured, with a quanti [...]y of rum, gin, &c. In the evening, as two or thre [...] American officers were walking along the street, a [...] gentleman, who was an inhabitant, came up to them, and expressed his joy on the arrival of the troops, (supposing they were British.) The officers imme­d [...]ately conducted him to our General, and on en­t [...]ring the room informed him, that they came [...] introduce a friend who had joined them in the street, and who was able to give some important informa­tion. Our General expressed a high satisfaction, and wished to know what information he could give. He replied, that he heard there was a large body of rebels collecting up above them. He was asked if, in case these rebels should advance, any assistance could be afforded by the people of the town, and whether they could be depended on? He answered, there were a considerable number, and that they [Page 101]might be depended on. He was asked, whether there was not a number in the town who were in favours of the rebels [...]. He answered, that there was; but that they had soined and sent off the principal ones among them, and that now the others dared not [...]ew themselves. The joke was thus going on, when Col. Prescott, who stood near him, holding his has in his hand, in which there was a [...]ed cockade; (at that time a mark of the distinction of rank) the gentle. [...] fixed his eye upon it, and his countena [...]ce im­ [...]diately fell. He was then told, that those whom [...]termed rebels were now in possession of the place, and had now received his information. He was or [...] d [...]red into custody.

15th.—All the waggons in the vicinity were col­l [...]cted, and the flour and other stores moved off to [...]ramus. Reconnoitring parties were sent out to distance, to observe the motions of the enemy.

16th.—The effects were generally removed, and about noon the reconnoitring parties reported, that [...] enemy were advancing on both sides of the [...]ce. They were soon after discovered by the g [...]rd at Acquackanuck Bridge. A little before [...]set, the troops left the town. A strong rear-guard [...] ordered to remain on the high ground back of [...] town, until after dark, to light up a number of [...], and then to move on after the troops. Just be­fore the division left the town, Gen. George Clin­ton, attended by some light-horse, joined the di­vision.

17th.—Reconnoitring parties were sent out on all the roads.

18th.—Intelligence was received, that some of the Jersey militia had had a skirmish with a body of British troops under Gen. Leslie, near Springfield. Both p [...]tie [...] retired. Of the militia, several were killed and wounded.

[Page 102] The Convention of New-York, greatly alarmed at the removal of our General with the continental troops, from the important passes of the High­lands, sent a request to Gen. Washington, desiring that they might be ordered back again. To insure dispatch, they offered the express extra pay. The Commander in Chief was pleased to grant their re­quest, and ordered our General to return to Peek's Kill, and re-occupy his former positions.

Our General, having received certain information that Buskirk's regiment was at or near Bergen Woods, it was determined to strike them. For this purpose, on the evening of the 19th, about 8 o'clock, Gen. Parsons, with 250 continental troops, and Gen. Clinton, with a like number of the militia [...] of New-York, marched from Paramus church, and a covering party of 300 men was ordered to Tappa [...].

About 1 o'clock, the next morning, the detach­ment reached Bergen, and compl [...]tely surprised the enemy's guard, making 22 men prisoners. The regiment was alarmed, and a pretty brisk skirmis [...] ensued. The enemy were collecting, and it was judged best for the detachment to come off, having been so far victorious.

20th.—About 1 o'clock, P. M. the detachment returned to Paramus, having, in the short interval of time, marched (out and returning) upwards of 40 miles. They brought back with them, besides their prisoners, 16 new fire-locks, 6 horses, and one waggon; having sustained the loss of one man. The enemy were supposed to have had several killed.

21st.—Orders were given for the troops to be ready to march early the next morning. The gentleman who was taken into custody at Hacken­sack, chagrined almost to death, had been spending his time, like April, in weeping and lowering; and much intercession having been made for his release, [Page 103]our General told him, that in case he would faith­fully perform a piece of secret fervice allotted to him, he should be released. This he performed with punctuality, and consequently was set at liberty.

22d.—The troops marched from Paramus round by the side of Kakaat, to Clark's-Town, which they reached about sun-set.

23d.—The troops took up their line of march, coossed the Hudson, and arrived at Peek's Kill.

24th.—Gave permission forthe flag to return to New-York, having on board the families of Mr. English, Moore, &c.

25th.—It was learnt that a body of Hessian troops had not long before moved to the upper end of York Island. The militia of the State of New-York were this day beginning to come in.

26th.—A severe snow-storm. Some of the militia from Massachusetts had reached Danbury.

29th.—Intelligence was received from Providence, that a most valuable prize, taken by the ship Alfred, [...]ad arrived safe at Bedford, in Massachusetts.

30th.—Col. Chester, of Connecticut, arrived at Peek's Kill, from Gen. Washington's camp, with the agreenble news, that on the preceding Thursday morning, being the 26th, Gen. Washington, at the head of about 3,000 men, crossed the Delawere, and attacked the enemy at Trenton, being about 1,600 Hessians; and in about 35 minutes entirely defeated them. One colonel, 2 Lieutenant-Colonels, 3 Ma­jors, 4 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 12 Ensigns, I Judge Advocate, 2 Surgeon's Mates, 92 Serjeants, 20 Drummers, 9 Musicians, 25 Officers' servants, and 740 rank and file were taken prisoners, besides the [...]illed and wounded. Six pieces of brass cannon, 12 drums, 4 standards, 1200 small-arms, 6 waggons, a number of swords, caps, &c. were the trophies of [Page 104]victory. The same day, Colonel Sparhawk's regi­ment of militia arrived from Massachusetts.

31st.—Information was given, that a company of 60 disaffected inhabitants were on their way to join the enemy. Parties were sent out to intercept them.

1777. January 1st.—By a letter from General Washington, it appeared that the enemy were re­treating towards Amboy. Generals Misstin and Er­ving, and Col. Cadwallader had crossed the Dela­ware, and Gen. Washington was about to follow them, and pursue the enemy.

2d.—Several infamous disaffected persone were taken and sent in. The same day, Gen. Washing­ton being at Trenton, Gen. Howe advanced to at­tack him; a cannonade ensued: Gen. Washington retired to the other side of the Mill Creek; and, as soon as it was dark, ordering a great number of fires to be lighted up, to deceive the enemy, stole a march, and at 9 o'clock next morning attacked three regi­ments of the enemy, who were posted at Princetown, routed them, driving them from two small redoubt. The enemy lost, in killed, wounded and taken pris­oners about 500. The American loss was in [...]onsid­erable, except in the brave Gen. Mercer, of Vir­ginia, who fell in this action, greatly regretted. In this manoeuvre and action Gen. Washington exhib­ited the most consummate generalship, and the Brit­ish were struck with consternation. Ambuscade, sur­prise and stratagem are said to constitute the sublime part of the art of war, and that he who possess [...] the greatest resource in these, will eventually pluck the laurel from the brow of his opponent. The strata­gems of war are almost infinite, but all have the same object, namely, to deceive—to hold up an appear­ance of smething which is not intended, while un­der this mask some important object is secured; and be a General never so brave, if he be un [...] in [Page 105]the arts and stratagems of war, he is really to be pitied; for his bravery will but serve to lead him in­to those wily snares which are laid for him.

3d.—Thirty-seven recruits going to Rogers, taken the preceding night, were brought in; and our Gen­eral ordered out Capt. Graham at 12 o'clock at night, to intercept another gang.

4th.—Gen. Lincoln arrived from Massachusetts; he had come on with a body of militia.

5th.—It was learnt that on the ist inst. Gen. Put­nam took a large quantity of baggage, provisions, &c. at Bordentown; and on the 3d, Gen. Washing­ton's army came up with the rear of the enemy, at or near Rocky Hill, when a brisk action ensued, and the enemy were defeated, with the loss of between 50 and 60 killed, and upwards of 100 taken prison­ers, together with 6 pieces of cannon, and all their baggage: the Americans had 6 men killed. The same day, Col. Sparhawk's regiment of militia, from Massachusetts, with two field-pieces, marched for King's Ferry, on their way to the Jersies.

7th.—Our General received the following letter from Gen. Washington:

Preparations for the before mentioned movement were immediately put in train. The militia and volunteers were coming in.

8th.—Gen. Parsons went down to King-street.

9th.—The remainder of Col. Sparhawk's and Col. Whitney's regiment passed over the river, to join Gen. Washington.

10th.—Col. Frost's regiment marched to North­Castle, and Gen. Scott's militia to White Plains.

[Page 107] 11th.—A number of British officers, taken at Princeton, passed Peek's Kill, on their way to Con­necticut. The same day it was learnt, that on the 8th, Gen. Maxwell, with the Jersey militia, and some continental troops, routed the enemy at Eliz­abeth-Town, where he took 50 Highlanders, a schooner loaded with baggage, and fell in with a party of 30 Waldeckers, whom he also took pris­oners.

12th.—Gen. Moulton from Massachusetts, and Col. Gilman from New-Hampshire, came to camp. A number of British prisoners, taken in the Jersies, passed Peek's Kill, on their way to Connecticut.

13th.—Our General moved to the southward, and reached North-Castle just before sun-set, where he found part of four regiments had arrived, and Gen, Scott's militia of New-York had moved down to Wright's Mills.

14th.—Our General moved to King-street to Mr. Clap's—about 3,000 militia had arrived, and Gen. Lincoln's division marched to Tarrytown on this day. The Commander in Chief in another letter had intimated that Gen. Lincoln, instead of moving on to join him, should stay on the east side of the Hudson, and join in the expedition.

15th.—The Connecticut volunteers marched from King-street to New Rochelle, and Gen. Scott's brigade to Stephen Ward's. Plenty of provisions were arriving. A deserter came in from the enemy, and gave an account of their situation and numbers.

17th.—At night the three divisions began to move towards Kingsbridge; Gen Lincoln's, from Tarry­town, on the Albany road; Generals Wooster and Parsons's, from New Rochelle and East-Chester, and Gen. Scott's in the centre from below White Plains. [Page 108]The several distances and rate of mar [...]ing were so we calculated, that, on the 18th, just before sun­rise, the three divisions, although so far apart, ar­rived at the out-posts of the enemy almost at the same instant. Gen. Lincoln's on the heights above Col. Van Cortland's; Wooster's at Williams's; and Scott's on the back of Volentine's. Our General, who moved with the centre division, knew that Vol­entine's house was the quarters of one of the guards; he did not know but it might be defended: as he approached it, he ordered Capt. Lieut. Bryant to ad­vance a field-piece to the advance-guard, and if there was any opposition from the house, to cannonade it immediately. He then ordered 250 men from the head of the column (as it was moving on) to incline to the right, and by a double step to push into the hollow, between the house and the fort, to cut off the guard who were at the house, in case they should run towards the latter. At this instant, two light­horsemen who had been sent out by the enemy as the day broke to reconnoitre the vicinity, came unexpectedly at the descent of a hill, plump upon the head of Wooster's column. They attempted to turn about, but before it could be fully effected, a field-piece was discharged at them; one of them was pitched from his horse and taken prisoner, the other galloped back to the fort, holloing as he passed, "The rebels! The rebels!" This set all the out­guards and pickets running to the fort, leaving in some places their arms, blankets, tools, provisions, &c. behind them. Those who fled from Volentine's, and the Negro Fort, were fired at as they ran, but none were killed: one, who could not run so fast as the rest, was taken prisoner. Ten musquets were taken at Volentine's house. The guard above Van Cortland's was as completely surprised as the others, [Page 109]where Gen. Lincoln took about 40 arms, some blan­kets, &c. &c. The left and centre divisions moved into the hollow, between Volentine's house and the fort, from whence our General immediately sent a summons to the commanding-officer of the fort to surrender. The Commandant of the fort, and a con­siderable part of the garrison, being Hessians, the summons held out to these generous terms. The answer, which was verbal, was a refusal to surrender. A detachment with two field-pieces was ordered to move to the south of the sort, to a hill above Haar­lem Creek, not far from the New Bridge. When the detachment arrived at this place, a battalion of Hessians appeared drawn up on the side of the hill just within Kingsbridge, and back of Hyatt's tavern. Our General ordered the artillery to cannonade them immediately. The first shot just cleared the right of the battalion, nearly a platoon settling down as the shot passed them, which entered the bank close be­hind them. The second shot passed about the centre of the battalion, when to the amount of a grand di­vision settled down, which was an evidence that they would not stand much longer. One of the pieces was ordered to be drawn lower down the hill; on which the battalion quitted their ground, and marched off as fast as they could without run­ning, to get behind the redoubt and hill at the bridge, receiving one shot more as they were turn­ing round the point. It was not suspected that the enemy had any cannon in the redoubt within the bridge, but they now began to cannonade the artil­lery-men who had descended the hill, who had to draw up their picce as fast as possible, which they ef­fected without any loss, but received three or four shot quite among them, before they could reach the top of the hill.

[Page 110] This [...]ess at the out-posts flew through the country, and was soon magnified to a reduction of the fort, and capture of the garrison. It reached Gen. Washington long before the official account, and he had communicated the report to Congress; hence a double disappointment, when the true state of fact [...] as received.

19th.—The enemy cannonaded from the fort, and killed one [...]merican, as the guards were relieving at the Negro [...]ort. It was determined to make an at­tempt to [...] off the battalion within Kingsbridge, early the [...] morning, by passing a strong detach­ment over Spitten-Devil Creek on the ice, which, however, was not now very strong, but the weather was cold. One thousand were detached for the pur­pose; but the weather having grown warm in the night, the ice was judged, by the unanimous opinion of all the General Officers on the ground, to be too hazardous on the morning of the 20th to venture the attempt. On this day there was a cannonade on both sides, and the enemy on the island side were thrown into much confusion. Our General observ­ing that when the enemy within the island were can­nonaded across Haarlem Creek, they sheltered them­selves behind the little hill near the bridge, next to Spitten-Devil Creek, on this afternoon he rode round on to Tippit's Hill, which was in its rear, and found that a field-piece drawn up on that side would leave the enemy no hiding place.

21st.—A cannonade on both sides. In the after­noon a field-piece was hauled up to Tippit's Hill, and the enemy were cannonaded both in front and reats they were thrown into the utmost confusion: some secured themselves in their redoubt, others un­der the banks: some lay flat on the ground, and some betook themselves to the cellars; so that in a [Page 111]short time there was no object for the gunners. The weather had now grown very moderate.

22d.—There was a pretty smart skirmish with the enemy near the fort. This day our General ordered a number of chandeliers, fascines, &c. to be made; and having nothing but light field-pieces with him, in order to keep up an appearance of a serious design on the fort, he sent to North-Castle, where was a field brass 24-pounder and some howitzers, to bring forward the former and one of the latter.

23d.—A smart skirmish took place just before dusk, in the broken ground near the south side of the fort; an Ensign and one man belonging to the New-York militia were killed, and five wounded; the loss of the enemy unknown, as it was close under the fort.

24th.—Excessive stormy. Gen. Lincoln's division, who were in huts in the woods, back of Col. Van Cortland's, were obliged to quit their ground, and move back into houses where they could find them; some of them as far as Dobb's Ferry; with the loss of a great many cartridges, from the badness of the boxes. The fall of rain was so great as to cause a great fresh in the Brunx, the water running over the bridge by Williams's.

25th.—Early in the morning, the enemy made a sally towards Delaney's Mills, where they surprised and routed the guard, wounding several, but not killing or taking any of them; and a regiment near that place quitted their quarters. Emboldened by this success, about 10 o'clock, A. M. they made a powerful sally towards Volentine's, instantly driving the guards and pickets from the Negro Fort and Volentine's house; pushing on with great impetuosity, keeping up a brisk fire, the balls passing at Williams's house sufficiently strong to do execution. The retreating [Page 112]guards threw themselves into the old redoubt on the north fide of the road, to the west of the bridge; on which, the enemy immediately lined a strong stone wall, a few rods distant to the southwest. Two regiments of the militia being at this instant formed in the road near Williams's, and the horses in the limbers of the field-pieces, our General ordered Capt. Bryant to ford over the bridge with his piece, and the militia to follow and cover the artillery. When Capt. Bryant had ascended almost to the top of the hill, to prevent his horses being shot, he un­limbered, and the men took the drag-ropes; but the ascent of the hill was such, that they were obliged to drag the piece almost within pistol-shot, before the ground would admit the piece to be so depressed as to bear on the enemy. The moment this was effect­ed, a round shot opened a breach in the wall, four or five feet wide; a second shot in less than a minute opened another, when the enemy fled back to the fort with the greatest precipitation. Of the Ameri­cans, two were killed and a number wounded.

27th.—The brass 24-pounder and howitzer were brought up, and ordered to open upon the fort; on the third discharge of the former, she sprang her car­riage; nor were there any live shells for the howit­zer, there being none at North-Castle; nor was a regular cannonade or bombardment of the fort ever contemplated. Every attempt was now made, by feint and otherwise, to draw the enemy out of the fort. A detachment was sent down to Morrisania, to light up a great number of fires in the night, to induce the enemy to suppose that a body of Ameri­cans were collecting at that place, with a design to cross on to New-York Island, at or [...]ear Haarlem; and to heighten this, several large boats were sent for, and brought forward on carriages. The British [Page 113]guard on Montresor's Island were so much alarmed at this, as to set the buildings on fire, and flee to New-York. A brigade of the British were said to have moved towards Fort Washington; and orders had been sent to Rhode-Island, for a detachment to be sent from thence.

29th.—There was the appearance of a severe snow-storm coming on, when all the General Officers on the ground, viz. besides our General, Lincoln, Wooster, Scott and Ten Broeck, were unanimously of opinion that the troops ought to move back before the storm came on, to places where they could be covered from the inclemency of the weather, as there was [...] artillery to batter the fort, and from first to last they were unanimously opposed to any idea of an assault or storm of the fort with the mi­litia, and the principal object being now to secure and bring off or destroy the forage, which could be as well done where the troops could have covering, as to ha­rass them in the open fields by multiplying guards, or their being constantly exposed in the scattered houses to be surprised and cut off. For these several rea­sons, the troops were ordered as soon as it grew dark to move back, Gen. Lincoln's division to Dobb's Ferry and Tarry-Town, Gen. Wooster's to New Rochelle, and Gen. Scott's to White Plains; the guards to remain at their posts and alert, until the troops were all moved off, and then to form rear guards on the several roads, following the troops to whom they respectively belonged; all of which was performed in good order, in a very heavy fall of snow.

30th.—The storm cleared up, when 15 ships, 1 brig, 2 schooners, and 2 sloops came too, between Heart and City Istands; they were from the east­ward, and were supposed to have troops on board. [Page 114]The troops on this expedition, as it was called, were in a very hazardous situation, and had continued in it from the morning of the 18th to the evening of the 29th; they were entirely a body of militia, ex­cept a few artillery-men. So apprehensive of this being a critical situation was the Commander in Chief, in the year 1780, when Gen. Sir Henry Clinton menaced the French army at Rhode-Island, and had embarked his troops on board transports for the purpose of proceeding to that place, and Gen. Washington had determined to move down towards Kingsbridge, to induce Sir Henry to give up his design by menacing New-York, our General being then at Rhode-Island with the French army, Gen. Washington wrote him on the 31st of July from Robinson's House in the Highlands—among other things, "You know the critical situation in which this army will be in a position below." This was undoubtedly a very just observation; but if the Commander in Chief, with the whole American army in 1780, well armed and highly disciplined, should so justly judge at the distance of 30 miles from the spot, what shall we say of those brave mi­litia men, who continued in the position itself, for more than ten days in the midst of winter.

Whenever an enterprise is to be attempted in the teeth of an enemy, it should be a dash and away.

31st.—A cordon of troops was ordered to be form­ed, to extend from Dobb's Ferry to Maroneck.

February 1st.—Foraging being now the object, a large number of teams were sent out towards Maroneck, and upwards of 80 loads of forage were brought off. Twelve more ships, 4 of which were of 40 guns, came down the Sound the preceding day.

2d.—Col. Humphries, of New-York, arrived with a regiment of militia from Albany county, to con­tinue in service six weeks.

[Page 115] 3d.—There was another grand forage.

6th.—A strong detachment under the command of Col. Enos was sent toward Fort Independence, to attempt to surprise some of the enemy's out-posts, but nothing could be effected. The small-pox was now making its appearance in the neighbourhood.

8th.—There was a grand forage to the lower parts of West-Chester county. A row-galley and a sloop were coming up the North River. The covering party to the foragers on this day was nearly 1,000 strong, and large quantities of forage were brought off.

10th.—Our General rode to Peek's Kill, where he arrived a little aster dark. Gen. Lincoln's troops were on their march to join Gen. Washington. Our General had obtained leave of the Commander in Chief, to make a short visit to New-England, un­der an injunction to return very early.

12th.—About 10 o'clock, he left Peek's Kill, and arrived at his house in Roxbury on the 19th, about sun-set.

March 14th.—Our General set out from Roxbu­ry, on his way back to the army; but before he had got to Watertown, an express overtook him, with orders from Gen. Washington, for him to take the command of the Eastern Department; Gen. Ward having applied for leave to resign the com­mand, meaning to retire from the service: he there­fore turned back, and rode into Boston.

This year, 1777, formed an important era in the annals of America. Congress had determined to make great exertions to drive the British troops from America; for this purpose, they had ordered 88 battalions to be raised in the United States, 15 of which fell to the share of Massachusetts. Besides the foregoing 88 battalions, they also ordered the [Page 116]raising of 16 others, called the additional battalions; and of these, three were raising in Massachusetts, vi [...]. Jackson's, Lee's and Henley's; besides Ar­mand's Legion, Artisicers, &c. The arming, equip­ping and sending on the recruits—furnishing the Re­cruiting Officers with bounty monies—and the for­warding on immense quantities of all kinds of mili­tary stores, (for Massachusetts might now be called the great magazine of military stores of the Union, partly on account of her own resources, managed by the indefatigable industry of her Board of War)— and the arrivals of public stores here and at Ports­mouth, called for the utmost diligence and exertion of the commanding General. The Commander in Chief had given directions for the troops to be for­warded on, with all possible dispatch, to Ticonderoga.

20th.—Maj. Gen. Ward resigned the command of the Eastern Department to our General, who took the command accordingly.

23d.—A detachment of British troops, consisting as was said of about 500 men, destroyed the Ameri­can stores at Peek's Kill; they met with but very little opposition: here our General lost a part of his baggage, which was left when he came away for Boston, in February. Monsieur De Bore, a French General, came to Boston: he had been engaged by our Ministers in France, to enter the American ser­vice, &c.

27th.—Our General [...]eived orders from the Commander in Chief, to make an alteration in the destination of the Massachusetts regiments, sending eight of the regiments to Peek's Kill, and seven to Ticonderoga.

31st.—Our General took a view of the state of the works at Dorchester, &c.

April 3d.—Capt. Sumner, of Greaton's regim [...] marched a detachment of the regiment for Peek's K [...].

[Page 117] 4th.—A part of Col. Shepard's regiment marched for Peek's Kill.

7th.—Our General took a view of the barracks at Prospect Hill, preparatory to the putting of the recruits under inoculation with the small-pox.

9th.—About 120 men of Patterson's regiment marched for Peek's Kill.

11th.—A part of Nixon's regiment marched for Peek's Kill; on the 12th, 160 men of Bayley's for Ticonderoga; and on the 13th, 200 of Wesson's for the latter place. The same day, began to inoculate the recruits at Prospect Hill.

15th.—Colonel Jackson's Independent Company marched to do duty at Providence; and a company of Col. Crane's artillery for the main army.

16th.—Two hundred men of Col. Wigglesworth's regiment marched for Peek's Kill. The same even­ing, our General received orders from Gen. Wash­ington to send the troops to Peek's Kill, by the route of Kenderhook. The same day, 10 tons of powder arrived at Boston, from Portsmouth, (N. H.)

A second division of recruits for Bayley's regi­ment marched for Ticonderoga, as did a division from Col. Bradford's for the same place.

20th.—A large letter-of-marque ship arrived at Boston from Nantz in France, with a valuable cargo on private account.

23d.—An express from Portsmouth brought an account of the arrival at that place of the French ship Amphitrite, having on board 52 brass field­pieces, Completely mounted, with apparatus; 6,132 musquets; 120 barrels of powder, and many other art [...]les.

2 [...]th.—A second division of Col. Crane's artillery marched for the army.

28th.—A division for Wesson's regiment march­ed for Ticonderoga.

[Page 118] 29th.—An expr [...] arrived from Gov. Trumbull, giving an account tha [...] the enemy had landed a body of men near Fairfield, and that a number of ships were standing up Hudson's River. This body of the enemy consisted of about 2,000; they landed on the 25th at Fairfield, and pushed for Danbury, where the Americans had magazines of stores, which the British burnt and destroyed. Generals Wooster and Arnold were in that part of Connecticut; they as­sembled the militia of the vicinity, and attacked the British on their return; and there were several very sharp skirmishes, at and near Ridgfield, in one of which the brave Gen. Wooster fell; and Gen. Ar­nold having his horse shot down under him, by a soldier who was very near him, and who was fol­lowing up his shot with his bayonet charged, Arnold catched one of his pistols from the holsters on the slain horse, and instantly shot the soldier dead on the spot. The loss was considerable on both sides, in killed and wounded: the British say theirs did not exceed 172, killed, wounded and missing. The loss to the Americans, in stores, &c. was considerable, and could but illy be spared at that time.

May 5th.—Col. Jackson's Independent Company returned from doing duty at Providence.

14th.—Gen. Du Condray, an experienced French artillery officer, engaged by our Commissioners in France, to act at the head of the American artillery, arrived at Boston: on viewing, from Beacon Hill, the situation of Boston, and the American works around the town, he made a laugh at the British leaving the town when under no greater danger; adding, that the force which they had, might have defended the place against an army of 50,000 men. A valuable prize, loaded with dry goods, was sent into Newbury-Port.

[Page 119] 21st.—The continental frigates, and a fleet of pri­vate ships of war, sailed on a cruize, with a fair wind.

28th.—Intelligence was received, that a detach­ment of Americans, under the command of Colonel Meigs, of Connecticut, had passed the Sound on the 23d to Long-Island, and crossed to Sagg Harbour, where they destroyed and burnt a number of vessels at the wharf, and every thing on shore, and brought off 80 or 90 prisoners. This enterprise was con­ducted with much address and great expedition.

29th.—A prize brig was sent in, laden with salt, cordage, &c. She was from Topsham in England. No reinforcement for the army in America had sail­ed the last of March.

June 8th.—Two prizes were sent in; one laden with coals, the other with dry goods.

9th.—A 50 gun ship of the enemy, and two frig­ates were cruizing in our bay.

14th.—A prize taken by Commodore Manly, la­den with duck, cordage, &c. and two brigs from Bil­boa, arrived safe.

July 1st.—Intelligence was received, that General Howe evacuated Brunswick on the 18th of the pre­ceding month; he had before advanced as far as Somerset court-house, and had thrown up a number of works, which he abandoned: the American light troops harassed his rear. This day, four of the ene­my's cruizers came so near in, as to be discovered from Nantasket.

4th.—The anniversary of the Independence of the United States was celebrated with proper demon­strations of joy.

6th.—An express arrived from Peek's Kill, with intelligence from Gen. Washington, intimating that on the morning of the 1st inst the enemy's fleet which lay at Amboy sailed down round that town; [Page 120]and that the troops who lay encamped opposite to the town, struck their tents and marched off. The enemy were also advancing on the Lake with their fleet towards Ticonderoga. A detachment of sol­diers for Col. M. Jackson's regiment marched for the northern army.

7th.—Capt. Cluston arrived from France, with powder, arms, &c. for the State; he had also made a successful cruize.

11th.—Intelligence was received, that the Amer­icans evacuated Ticonderoga on the 6th, at night; a great many stores, &c. were lost. The British no sooner arrived before Ticonderoga, than they were discovered on Mount Hope: this steep and rugged hill was thought to be inaccessible by the Americans, at least with artillery; and therefore, notwithstand­ing its nearness to the works, and overlooking of them in part, it was not taken possession of; but they should have recollected what had been said by the late King of Prussia, as to such positions—that "where a goat can go, a man may go; and where a man can go, artillery may be drawn up." The Brit­ish were no sooner seen on this hill, where the wily Phillips of the artillery is said to have ascended, than they saw an additional reason for quitting the post. This was a sore and heavy loss to the Americans; but in the issue proved a more certain and earlier overthrow of all Burgoyne's army: yet so exaspe­rated were the people at that time, that had the commanding General, St. Clair, been immediately brought to trial, he would have stood but a poor chance: he was afterwards tried and acquitted with honour. The British took possession of the works, and pushed on rapidly after the Americans, taking and destroying every thing that fell in their way. Brig. Gen. Frazer, with the light troops, pursued [Page 121]with great ardour, and on the 7th came up with a body of the Americans, commanded by the brave Col. Francis, of Massachusetts. A warm action en­sued; the Americans were worsted; the Colonel was slain, and many other officers and soldiers kill­ed, wounded and taken prisoners. This slew through the country like a shock of electricity, and roused the people to noble exertions. Gen. St. Clair join­ed Gen. Schuyler, at Fort Edward, after a fatiguing retreat. On the 10th, a most conspicuous piece of gallantry was exhibited at Rhode-Island. Maj. Gen. Prescott having the command of the British troops at that place, Col. Barton of Providence formed a resolution to surprise and take him: he accordingly proceeded to the island with a party of chosen men in two boats with muffled oars, taking with him a negro man whose hard head was nearly as efficacious as a beetle, to burst a door; and on this night with great address evading the British water-guards, pass­ed down the west side of the island, and landed near a hollow ground, and instantly pushed for the house of a Mr. Overing, where the General quarter­ed. The centinel at the door was seized, the house entered, and demand made whether the General was there; and finding that he was, and the apartinent, the door was burst open, and the General and his Aid-de-camp seized, and told that they must go off instantly. The General asked if he might put on his clothes? The Colonel answered, "very few, and very quick, Sir." The Colonel returned to his boats, and repassed the water-guards, which the General had much considence would have released him; for on passing the last, he observed to the Colonel, "Sir, I did not think it possible you could escape the vigi­lance of the water-guards." This was a brilliant affair; and Congress duly rewarded Col. Barton for his distinguished address and gallantry.

[Page 122] 13th.—An express arrived from Gen. Washing­ton, with information that the British were preparing their transports for the embarkation of their troop [...] from Staten-Island, were fixing births for the light horse, &c. but their destination could not be devel­oped. They had pushed into the Jersies, as if de­signing to march to Philadelphia, and then turned back, as has been mentioned, from Amboy, and now were preparing to embark; and we shall anon see more of their manoeuvres and deceptions.

16th.—A number of Americans, who had left the northern army when it retreated, as is generally the case on similar occasions, came to Boston; they were immediately taken up and consined, to be sent back again: the best method in like cases.

19th.—At evening an express passed through Bos­ton, on his way to Philadelphia, with dispatches which had been brought to Portsmouth, (N. H.) by a vessel in 42 days passage from France. It was said that there was great probability of an immediate war between France and England.

21st.—By intelligence from Peek's Kill it was learnt, that on the preceding Wednesday 10 piec [...] of cannon were shipped for Albany; that a division of the American army was opposite to Fishkill; and that General Washington was moving towards King's Ferry with the main army, said to be 20,000 strong, with near 800 waggons, and having a num­ber of flat-bottomed boats on carriages, &c.

26th.—Count Polaski, a Polish nobleman, c [...] to Boston, and dined at head-quarters.

August 1st.—Information was sent from Cape A [...], that a fleet of vessels, said to be near 100, had been seen from the high lands, standing to the northwar [...]. This caused some alarm: the guards at the mag [...] ­zines, &c. were doubled.

[Page 123] 4th.—Intelligence was received that Gen. Wash­ington was moving with the main army towards Philadelphia, and had detached Gen. Glover with his brigade to join the northern army. An account was received that there had been a skirmish on Wood Creek, between a party of the Americans and the enemy, to the advantage of the former.

6th.—Intelligence was received that the American northern army had fallen back to Saratoga. About this time, a party of the enemy landed on Boston Neck (so called) in Rhode-Island: they were driven off without doing much damage. The same day in­telligence was received, that on the 23d of the pre­ceding month the British fleet failed from Sandy Hook, and had arrived off the Capes of Delaware.

8th.—Intelligence was received, that the British fleet sailed out of the Capes of Delaware on the 31st ult. standing to the eastward. This induced Gen. Washington to retrograde the main American army towards the North River.

11th.—There was a report that the northern ar­my had fallen back to Stillwater. One sixth part of the militia in a number of the counties of Massachu­setts were ordered to be detached and marched im­mediately to reinforce the northern army.

14th.—Intelligence was received, that the British fleet had returned again to the Capes of Dela­ware. Col. Johnson and St. Leger were advancing with a body of the enemy towards Fort Schuyler, on the Mohawk River.

About this time, a Miss M'Crea, said to be a beau­tiful young lady, and in all the innocence of youth, her father warmly engaged on the side of the Brit­ish, and she on the very point of marriage with a British officer, on some dispute between two Indians, as to which of them she of right belonged as a cap­tive, [Page 124]she was most inhumanly massacred! The act was probably as abhorrent to the British as to the Americans; but they ought not to have engaged the favages in their cause, as they might well have known their [...]ngovernable temper, and disposition for blood; for this was not the only instance. A British officer sending his waiter to a spring for some cool water, in a few minutes an Indian came in, with the scalp of the waiter smoaking in his hand.

St. Leger having gone up the Mohawk to reduce Fort Schuyler, Gen. Burgoyne determined to send out another strong detachment on his left, towards Bennington. The command of this detachment was given to Lieut. Col. Baum, a Hessian; and Col. Breyman, with another detachment, was ordered to cover and support Baum. These were met by the brave Gen. Stark, who gave them a complete lover throw. On the morning of the 16th, 32 officers and near 700 men were taken prisoners, with 4 light field-pieces, nearly 1,000 arms, a quantity of ba [...] gage, &c. The Americans were said to have had about 25 men killed: the loss of the enemy in killed was judged to be nearly 200. Fort Schuyler was closely besieged by St. Leger; and the brave Col. Harkimer, with the Tryon county militia, was march­ing to its relief, St. Leger learning his advance, drew off a large part of his besieging troops, to m [...] and give him battle, before he got near the fort the battle was obstinate, and the militia behaved with great bravery, but were at length defeated; their brave Colonel and many of the militia were flain: it was said that the action lasted 5 or 6 hours. Matters now appearing more serious in this quarte [...]. Gen. Arnold marched with a sufficient detachment to raise the siege. As soon as St. Leger learnt his approach, he sent off some Indians, as if friends, to [Page 125]meet Arnold, and inform him that St. Leger had received a strong reinforcement, and advised Arnold to halt and wait for a reinforcement himself—then abandoned the siege with precipitation, leaving his tents standing, his baggage, artillery, &c. behind him. Thus were both Burgoyne's wings effectually clipped.

September 1st.—Intelligence was received, that af­ter much manoeuvring, Howe's fleet came to anchor in Chesapeak Bay, on the 21st ult. consisting of near 200 sail, and it was expected he would soon land his troops. The 24th, Gen. Washington's army was on full march to meet Howe, and then within 5 miles of Philadelphia. A valuable cargo arrived safe from Spain; among other articles, a large number of shoes, hose, blankets, shirts, cordage, duck, &c.

2d.—Intelligence was received, that Gen. Howe's army had landed at the Head of Elk. A detach­ment from Gen. Sullivan's division a little before this time made an excursion on to Staten-Island, and brought off several hundred prisoners, and a large quantity of baggage. The American loss was said to be about 60, including officers.

5th.—Four hundred and one prisoners, taken near Bennington by Gen. Stark, were escorted to Bos­ton; they consisted of British, Brunswick and Cana­dian troops.

9th.—Capt. Harden arrived at Boston in a Con­necticut State ship of 20 guns: he brought in with him a Jamaica packet, which he took during his cruize. It was said the packet had a large sum in specie on board; and a Mr. Shirley and family, on their passage to England. The last accounts stated both Gen. Washington's and the northern army to be near the enemy; and important news might be momently expected.

[Page 126] 19th.—Col. Lee's regiment moved into Boston.

20th.—The disagreeable news was received, that on the 11th inst. a severe action took place between Gen. Washington's and Howe's armies, near the Brandywine, which ended rather in favour of the latter, who remained masters of the field. The Brit­ish here, as in several other instances, had recourse to stratagem: they held out the appearance of an intention of forcing their way at Chad's Ford, which Gen. Kniphausen menaced with a heavy column of Hessians; while the British column, by a long cir­cuitous march, reached the forks of the river, and there secured a safe passage. Gen. Washington was pretty early apprized of this movement, and imme­diately took measures for strengthening his right, by ordering some troops from his left. After the ac­tion had become pretty warm on the right, and the British had got the advantage, Kniphausen passed Chad's Ford; and although the troops who were still on the left behaved well, they were by no m [...] sufficient to resist the heavy column of Hessians. It is said, that after the Hessian Grenadiers had crossed the Ford, they halted at the foot of the hill, below the Americans, under a warm fire, and with great deliberation changed their hats for their heavy bra [...]s caps, which were carried by a loop on a button at the hip, and then ascended the hill, from which the Americans were obliged to retire. Here the brave Capt. Bryant, of the artillery, who had before seve­ral times distinguished himself under the eye of our General, received a musquet-ball in the bottom of his belly; a brother officer carried him off the field, but he died of the wound. Gen. Washington, sec­onded by his officers, did every thing in their power to check the British; and a part of the American army took a position which probably saved the army [Page 127]from a total defeat. Perhaps the American army were, more or less, more generally engaged in this action, than in any other during the war. The A­merican loss was considerable in killed and wounded, and a number of pieces of brass field artillery were lost. The British also suffered pretty severely in killed and wounded.

The next night, Gen. Gray made, with much se­crecy, an attack on a body of Americans, under the command of Gen. Wayne: the bayonet was chiefly made use of, and it proved but too efficacious against the Americans, who suffered considerable loss, in killed and wounded. Gen. Washington retreated first to Philadelphia, and then left the city. The British army a few days afterwards advanced to Ger­mantown, and on the 27th a detachment of their army took possession of Philadelphia.

23d.—Gen. Washington's orders for sending for­ward Colonels Lee's, Henley's and Jackson's regi­ments, were received by our General.

24th.—Several prizes were sent in by a privateer brig belonging to Col. Sears.

25th.—Intelligence was received, that on Friday, the 19th instant, there was a warm and bloody action between Gen. Gates's and Burgoyne's advanced troops, which lasted until dark. The troops behaved with the greatest bravery on both sides. Col. Mor­gan's light corps, and eleven other American regi­ments were more or less engaged. Of the Ameri­cans, 2 Lieutenant-Colonels, Coburn and Adams, 3 Captains, 3 Subalterns, and 56 non-commissioned officers and privates were killed, and 248 wounded. The loss of the enemy was very considerable, and much greater than that of the Americans. On the 18th, the day preceding the foregoing battle, Col. Brown made an excursion in the enemy's rear to Lake [Page 128]George; made 293 of the enemy prisoner; [...]rot [...]o [...] 100 Americans: he also took [...]ar 100 batteaux; sev eral large gun-boats, an armed sloop, &c.—took pos­session of the French Lines (so called) at Ticonde, roga, and summoned Fort Independence to surrender.

27th.—Col. Crast's regiment of State artillery marched out of Boston, with 4 light field-pieces-and an eight-inch howitzer, towards Providence, on a secret expedition, as it was called.

29th.—Intelligence was received, that several val­uable prizes had been sent into Dartmouth.

October 2d.—Intelligence was received, that on the 16th, Gen. Du Condray was drowned in the Schuylkill; he rode into the ferry-boat at one end, but was not able to command his horse, who went out at the other end of the boat, plunging into the river. This officer, as before mentioned, was en­gaged to come to America, to take the command of the artille [...]y; but whatever may have been his tal­ents, the artillery was so well commanded, that the placing a foreign officer over them, in such a man­ner, and whose rank would also have soared above many other officers in the line, would most certain­ly have produced a convulsion in the army, had it been persisted in. This circumstance prevented the danger. The same day, Col. Lee's regiment marc [...] ­ed for the main army.

6th.—Col. H. Jackson's regiment encamped on Boston common, and the next day, about noon, marched out of town for the army; the regiment, although small, made a good appearance. About the same time that the regiment marched out of town, upwards of 100 British and Canadian prison­ers, taken near Lake George, by Col. Brown, maroh­ed in.

8th.—It was learnt that a body of the enomy, said to be about 3,000, were moving from New-York [Page 129]towards Peek's Kill. Gen. Washington, after he left Philadelphia, encamped near a place called Skippack Creek, about 16 miles from German­town.

13th.—At 3 o'clock, A. M. an express arrived from Gen. Gates's army, with an account that on Tuesday, the 7th inst. a smart action took place be­tween the right of Gen. Burgoyne's army, and the American left, when the enemy were repulsed, drove back to their works, and then forced from them. Three Field-Officers, 6 Captains, 10 Subalterns, 1 Quarter-Master-General, and 190 privates were taken prisoners, besides 300 taken in the hospital—8 pieces of brass cannon, 2 twelve and 6 six pounders, 3 am­munition-waggons, 300 tents, 200 barrels of flour, and a large quantity of baggage were trophies of victory. One hundred of the enemy lay dead on the ground. The American loss, although not ex­actly known, was said not to be more than 30 killed and 100 wounded; among the latter, Generals Ar­nold and Lincoln, both in the leg, the former but slightly; it was problematical whether the latter was wounded by a British or American soldier. Gen. Frazer, an enterprising officer of the British, was mortally wounded, and died of his wounds.

15th.—Intelligence was received, that a body of the British from New-York, in about 30 transports, had proceeded up the Hudson; they had made sev­eral landings below and at Peek's Kill: on Monday the 6th inst. they crossed over, and landed on the west side of the river, and marched along the hills towards Fort Montgomery and its dependencies: this fort was tolerably situated on the bank of the Hudson, to annoy shipping going up the river; and the works were pretty good on that side, but were not so, nor fully completed on the back side; and the right flank was commanded by higher ground [Page 130]on the south, and near the fort, on the other side of Pooplop's Creek, the mouth of which was near to the south side of the fort; on this higher ground, and near to the small deep pond, a strong redoubt, called Clinton, was erected; it was equally essential that this redoubt should be taken, as a reduction of the fort: the British therefore moved against this redoubt, while another column, by a more circuit­ous movement, fell in the rear of Fort Montgom­ery; they were met in the defiles, where the skir­mishes were sharp; but they continued to advance to the redoubt, which was nobly defended, and be­fore which they sustained very considerable loss, (a number of their slain were afterwards drawn out of the pond, where they had been thrown for conceal­ment) but soon carried it, and afterwards Fort Mont­gomery. The garrison principally made their escape in the dusk of the evening; among them were Gov. Clinton, and his brother, who was a Brigadier-Gen­eral also: they made their escape in a very hazard­ous manner, and the latter was wounded. After the reduction of Fort Montgomery, the Americans evacuated Fort Constitution, and the block-house on Constitution Island, opposite to West Point (the lat­ter was not yet fortified;) and the two new frigates, Congress and Montgomery, which lay in the river, were set on fire by the Americans and burnt. The enemy afterwards proceeded up the river, and burnt Esopus; their object was if possible to form a junc­tion with Burgoyne, or open a water communication to Albany; and spies passed between them.

16th.—Two or three of the enemy's cruizers ap­peared in the bay, but a few leagues from the Light. While the British army lay encamped at German­town, Gen. Washington resolved to attack them. This was a brave design; and the success of the first onset, at about 3 o'clock, A. M. of the 4th inst. af­ter [Page 131]the Americans had marched all the night, was equal to the design; for the British, where the at­tack was sirst made, were almost instantly pushed from their ground, and were falling back panic struck on their other troops. When Lieut. Col. Musgrove had the presence of mind to throw several companies into a strong stone house. Houses at all times, and especially those of stone and brick, under a judicious conduct, admit of a good defence; and at this time probably proved the means of the Americans' losing an advantage, which no one can tell how far it might have been pushed. When an enemy is routed, and panic struck are flying before the assailants, the best, if not the only way, is to follow them, if the ground will admit of it, close at their heels, taking care not to fall into ambuscades. Thus the panic of fear continues to multiply; but if the pursuers stop, and especially if those who were flying hear a firing behind them, but not upon them, they conclude that their own troops in turn have gotten an advantage, or at least are holding their pursuers at bay. This immediately recovers them from their panic; they will next return to the charge, and will be more likely to make an obstinate resistance than before they were at first routed; while their return to the charge will greatly damp those who before considered themselves almost in the grasp of victory. Hence what took place at Germantown was no wonder. The fogginess of the morning was unfortunate for the Americans; but the British taking possession of the stone house, and defending it, was the most unfortunate circum­stance. The loss on both sides was considerable; on the side of the Americans, Brig. Gen. Nash, and on the side of the British, Brig. Gen. Agnew, were among the slain: but although this attempt [Page 132]was not crowned with victory, it caused the British to have a more reverential opinion of Gen. Wash­ington, whom they now found dare to attack their whole army, even in a chosen position of their own. Perhaps it was best that the action closed as it did; had the Americans made their way far into the long street of that town, probably many other houses would have been occupied in the same way. The burying-yard, with a strong wall, was lined with troops by the enemy; and the position in which their army lay, was calculated for their wings closing in to much advantage; at any rate, the battle must have been very bloody, and situation and circum­stances were in favour of the British. After the British were in possession of Philadelphia, they had much to do in order to get possession of the Dela­ware, and remove the obstructions which had been formed in it. There were also several works to be reduced; among others, a fort on Mud-Island, and a pretty strong work at Red Bank.

22d.—Highly important and most interesting in­telligence was received, that on the 17th inst. Gen. Burgoyne and his whole army surrendered, under Convention. They were to be marched to then eigh­bourhood of Boston, and from thence sent to En­gland. Upon the receipt of this news, the cannon on Fort Hill were discharged, and joy was seated on every brow.

23d.—At 1 o'clock, P. M. the cannon on Fort Hill, and on the heights of Dorchester were dis­charged, and also on board the ships in the harbour. In the evening, our General's quarters (the house of the late Hon. Mr. Russel) was beautifully illumi­nated. The following is the number of troops which surrendered to Maj. Gen. Gates, and the state of Gen. Burgoyne's army after he left Canada: [Page 133](Under the Convention.)

• British, — 2,442
• Foreign, — 2,198
• Canadians, &c. sent back to Canada, — 1,100
• Staff, — 12
• 5,752
• Prisoners taken at different times, — 400
• Sick and wounded, — 528
• Deserters, — 300
• Lost at Bennington, — 1,220
• Killed since the 17th of September, — 600
• Killed and taken at Ticonderoga, — 413
• Total, 9,213

The brass ordnance taken were as follows; 2 24-pounders; 4 12-pounders; 18 6-pounders; 4 3-pounders; 2 8-inch mortars; 5 howitzers; total, 35, exclusive of those taken at Bennington.

Thus were the British totally disappointed in this quarter. The troops intended to form a junction on the Hudson were as high up as Poughkeepsie; and Gen. Burgoyne informed our General after he arrived at Boston, that on the evening after he had proposed to Gen. Gates to surrender, in case he could obtain honourable terms, which were to be settled the next day, a spy came in to him from the troops down the river, stating how far they had got up, and what steps were next to be taken; on which he (Gen. Burgoyne) assembled his officers more gen­erally than usual in councils, and stated to them the circumstances and situation of both armies, and whether, consistently with fair principles of honour, they could break off the negociation for an honour­able Convention, or not; when it was the unanimous opinion of every officer present that they could not. [Page 134]But in a situation like his, at that moment, danger at hand is more powerful on the mind, than the hope of relief at a distance. The troops who were up the river returned down.

The capture of Gen. Burgoyne and his whole ar­my, who were now on their way to Boston, opened a new, important, and delicate field for our General. This army, in which there were many officers of military erudition, and some of resined and courtly manners, who had a high opinion of national hon­our and prowess, and who, in consequence of the Convention which they had formed, had their spirits by no means depressed, as those who are compelled to surrender at discretion, —were sure to lay a heavy task on his shoulders. As soon as he was notified that these troops were coming under his direction, he set himself in earnest to prepare for their recep­tion. The barracks at Prospect and Winter Hills were directed to be put instantly in order. The Council was applied to, to aid in the procurement of quarters from the citizens for the officers; nor was this an easy task. The families of the citizens generally wanting the room in their respective houses, rendered it difficult to obtain so many quar­ters as were necessary for so great a number, and extended the limits of the parole very considerably. The Council were disposed to do every thing in their power, and gave orders accordingly whenever they were necessary. A heavy duty was also falling on the Quarter-Master's department, as it respected quarters, and also fuel, the latter of which, had been rendered scarce in the vicinity, by the American ar­my having been here in 1775; and the enemy's cruizers prevented its being brought from the eastern country. But the exertions of Col. Chase, who was Deputy-Quarter-Master-General, and the assistants [Page 135]and conductors in his department, and of Col. Davis, who was Deputy-Barrack-Master, and who, in the procurement of fuel, was indefatigable, a comsorta­ble supply was obtained. Before the arrival of the troops at Cambridge, our General had digested and drafted a parole, and several articles for the govern­ment of the troops in quarters; these he had drawn in as an article in the par [...]e; and the honour of the officers in this way, was p [...]edged for their observance of the articles, which rendered the government of them much easier; being thus bound to govern themselves with propriety, or infringe their paroles; knowing that many things in minutiae, would be to settle, which would be tedious in an epistolary way. As scon as General Burgoyne had arrived at Cam­bridge, our General sent over one of his Aid-de-camps to invite Gen. Burgoyne to dine with him the next day, bringing with him his two Major-Generals, Phillips and Reidesel. An elegant dinner was pre­pared, and many other gentlemen invited, among whom were Generals Glover of Massachusetts, and Whipple of New-Hampshire, who were at the cap­ture, and had commanded the escort, &c. from Sar­atoga to Cambridge.

November 8th.—Our General sent one of his Aids to accompany Gen. Burgoyne and the other officers into Boston, by the way of Roxbury; they arrived some time before dinner, as was intended, that busi­ness might be considered. The parole was shewn to them, and the articles for their government in quar­ters, with which they were well pleased. But here a discovery was first made of something which they wished to retain, while in our country, and which our General would never for a moment allow. Gen. Phillips turning to our General, observed, "Sir, you well know the disposition of soldiers, and that they [Page 136]will more or less in all armies commit some disor­ders; suppose you should delegate to Gen. Burgoyne the power of seeing your orders executed." Our General replied, that he knew the disposition of soldiers, and also the necessity of order and disci­pline; that he was not only willing, but expected that Gen. Burgoyne, and every other officer, would exert themselves to keep order; that for this purpose among themselves, and for internal order and obe­dience, he might command and punish as might ap­pear to be necessary; but in no case to attempt cap­ital punishment. But as to the exercise of his own command, and enforcement of his own orders when necessary, was a jurisdiction which Gen. Burgoyne must not expect to exercise while here. Gen. Bur­goyne smiled, and Gen. Phillips turned it off by say­ing, "I only meant it for your easement, Sir."

Before dinner was done, so great was the curiofity of the citizens of both sexes, and of all ages and de­scriptions, to get a peep at Gen. Burgoyne, that the streets were filled, the doors, windows, the tops of the houses and fences crowded. Gen. Burgoyne had asked our General if he would indulge him to go out of town by the way of Charlestown, which was instantly granted. When he was ready to de­part, our General told him that he should accompa­ny him to the ferry; and a procession was formed, the American gentlemen mixing with the British, The streets were so crowded, that it was difficult getting along; but not a word or a gesture that was disrespectful. When arrived opposite to the Prov­ince-House, Gen. Burgoyne turned round to the other Generals, and observed, "There is the former residence of the Governor;" when some person on the side of the street, and in a tone fully to be heard, added, "and on the other side is the riding-school;" [Page 137]alluding to the Old South Meeting-House, having been put to that use in 1775: but the General, who must have heard it, made no reply, but soon after observed, "Sir, I am astonished at the civility of your people; for were you walking the streets of London in my situation, you would not escape in­sult." When arrived at the ferry-ways, the crowd were down to the water's edge; but when the boat put off, there was not the least indecency, or wry countenance discovered.—O my dear country­men! how did this your dignified conduct at that moment charm my very soul! Such conduct flows from a greatness of mind, that goes to conquer a world.

Col. Keith was appointed Deputy-Adjutant-Gen­eral, and Maj. Swasey Town-Major.

14th.—The Council were still deliberating on the subject of quarters, and determined to do every thing in their power; but some individuals were refractory.

19th.—Gen. Hancock arrived in town, and was saluted by the discharge of the cannon of the Fort, Park, &c.

22d.—Intelligence was received of the repulse of the enemy, before the redoubt at Red Bank, on the 22d ult. This redoubt or fort had a garrison by no means sufficient properly to man the whole work. The commanding officer had therefore wisely lessen­ed it, by running a parapet with a ditch across the area of the fort, but had left the work entire in its largest extent. A body of chosen troops were sent to reduce this work, under the command of the Hessian Col. Donop, a brave and good officer. In order if possible to get some idea of the work, he sent his summons for the fort to surrender by a very ca­pable Adjutant; but the Commandant of the fort took care to have him stopped without the work, and [Page 138]where he had no opportunity to see more than the ditch and parapet on that side. The commanding officer refusing to surrender, an assault was made; the assailants at the head of the column bringing in their hands a sufficient number of short fascines to fill the ditch where they meant to pass, which was well done, and the parapet was mounted; but to their disappointment and surprise, they now found there was another ditch and parapet to pass, and in the face of a dreadful fire too, which made great slaughter; a number of them, however, advanced into the second ditch, and began to remove the frizes on the berme; but these were generally killed in the ditch, and such as were not killed or wound­ed obliged to quit the outer work. Their loss in killed and wounded was great; among the latter, Col. Donop mortally; he was taken after the action n [...]ar the fort, and brought in. An Ensign had made his way over the second ditch, had got on to the frizes, and lay close against the base of the para­pet until the action was over, and then got up and surrendered, observing that he thought his position the only safe one; for had he attempted to put his head above the parapet, he knew his brains would have been instantly blown out; or if he had attempted to re-cross the ditch, he should have been shot in the back. Besides this severe check, the British met with considerable opposition and loss at other places, before they got full and peaceable possession of the river; particularly at Mud Island. They lost the Au­gusta man-of-war, and suffered other naval damage.

Gen. Washington being now considerably rein­forced with a part of the northern conquering army, advanced to White Marsh, about 14 miles from Phil­adelphia, where he encamped, in a strong and well chosen position. Gen. Howe, apprehensive that this [Page 139]movement indicated a design upon Philadelphia, de­termined to move out, and either invite Gen. Wash­ington to a general action, or, if he found him vulner­able, to attack him in his own position. Accordingly, on the evening of the 4th of December, he marched with the British army, and on the next morning took post on Chesnut Hill, in front of the American right. Gen. Washington, knowing the goodness of his position, wisely continued in it; nor dare Gen. Howe attack him. The latter then changed his ground to a new position, opposite to the American left and centre; but neither dare he attack either of these. Several skirmishes took place, as is usual in such cases; in one of which Brig. Gen. Irwin on the American side was wounded. After several days spent in this way, Howe was obliged to return, with­out effecting any thing, to the no small injury of his army, who had suffered much from the inclemency of the season. Indeed nothing is more destructive to an army than winter campaigns. After this, Gen. Washington moved the American army to Valley Forge, on the Schuylkill, about 16 miles from Phil­adelphia, where he took a position as wisely chosen as the other, and where the army erected huts for the winter.

We now return to take up our chain of events.

23d.—A French ship, with dry goods from France, by the way of St. Peters, arrived at Boston.

Gen. Burgoyne had not yet signed the parole; he pretended to delay until their quarters were fully furnished, although he had every assurance that it should be done as fast as circumstances would pos­sibly admit. On this day, therefore, our Gen. wrote him the following letter.

25th.—Gen. Burgoyne and the other officers of the Convention signed their parole.

Congress before this, viz. on the 8th instant, pass­ed the following resolve:

Upon the foregoing being communicated to Gen. Burgoyne, and he called upon to have the said de­scriptive lists made out accordingly, he wrote our General the following letter:

To the foregoing, our General wrote an answer as follows:

23d.—Gen. Burgoyne wrote an answer to the foregoing. But he now acknowledged a further ex­tent of the supreme power, than in his former letter; but still at least obliquely denied the right of their interference with the Convention troops, who were under express stipulations until they quitted the country, and that no new conditions could be im­posed upon them; and asserting that no such requi­sitions were laid upon the American prisoners in Canada; and concluding, that if it could be found that such had been required by the British in any case, he would submit to it. About this time, an officer, who had been a prisoner in Canada, return­ed to Boston on parcle, and gave information that he and others had complied with similar injunctions [Page 144]before they came away; upon this being communi­cated to Gen. Burgoyne, he found that he had got to the end of his tether of evasion; he did not at­tempt to dispute more, but observed, that he sup­posed if it was done any time before the troops de­parted, it would answer the purpose. Our General found that nothing could be done by force, for were he to attempt of himself to have the lists taken, ev­ery thing might be evaded except the size and com­plexion. He therefore laid the matter before Con­gress, with the copies of what had passed. Congress took the matter into consideration, and President I aurens wrote our General an approbation of his conduct, and not to push the matter, as Congress wou [...]d take a more extensive view of the business; con [...]uding his letter, ‘I have in conclusion to as­sure you, Sir, that Congress repose the utmost confidence in your address and abilities for con­ducting with propriety this important business, in which, on one side, the faith and honour of these infant States are to be preserved, and on the other, the magnanimity and resolution of Congress to be exemplified.’

December.—Congress had received some intima­tions, that an application would be made to them for leave for the troops of the Convention to em­bark at some other place than Boston; they there­fore on the 1st of December passed a resolution, that no other place than that stipulated in the Con­vention, viz. Boston should be admitted. A few days after, Gen. Burgoyne applied, as was suspected, but to no purpose.

Congress also passed resolutions that all the as­sistance of provisions and other necessaries furnished to the troops of the Convention should be paid for in specie, or replaced in quantity and quality.

[Page 145] 1778. January.—Gen. Burgoyne had now got himself into a very serious entanglement; he had not only refused, and then delayed to give descrip­tive lists of the troops of the Convention, but some time before, viz. in the month of November, had written a letter to Gen. Gates, complaining that the troops had not been furnished with quarters as they had a right to expect, and among other things a paragraph as follows: "While I state to you, Sir, this very unexpected treatment, I entirely acquit Maj. Gen. Heath and every gentleman of the military department of any inattention to the public saith engaged in the Con­vention. They do what they can; but while the Supreme Powers of the State are unable or unwil­ling to enforce their authority, and the inhabitants want the hospitality, or indeed the common civiliza­tion to assist us without it, the public faith is broke, and we are the immediate sufferers."

This was unreasonable, as it respected both the civil power, and the people; for the former did every thing in their power, unless they had turned the citizens out of their houses to have let the Con­vention officers in, which was not to be expected: nor could it be supposed that the ci [...]izens would turn their families themselves into the streets. But Congress considered the conduct of Gen. Burgoyne, and these and other of his expressions on the occa­sion, as calling for serious consideration. They therefore investigated the whole in all its latitudes; and the President of Congress wrote our General that as it was a matter of high importance, and required deep deliberation, it would probably occu­py some days; before the resolutions would be com­pleted. But that, in case the sleet arrived before the papers were sent to him, to forbid the embarka­tion.

[Page 146] Gen. Burgoyne had received intimations that a fleet of transports were about to come round for the troops, and that the Juno frigate was to wear a flag for his particular accommodation. This he men­tioned to our General, and wished to know if the frigate might come up into the harbour. Our General had no apprehensions of any danger from a frigate entering the harbour, but apprehended that some people might think that he was not suffi­ciently vigilant, in case he allowed it. He therefore told Gen. Burgoyne that the frigate could not come up into the harbour, and hinted to him the taking one of the most convenient transports in the fleet for the purpose; and he might do as he pleased when he got off. This touched Gen. Burgoyne exceedingly, who wrote a letter to our General, in which was the following paragraph.

To which our General wrote the following an­swer:

Gen. Burgoyne some how communicated to Vis­count Howe the subject of the frigate, who wrote Gen. Burgoyne the following letter some time after, but before the transports came round.

Thus did the Admiral's opinion perfectly coincide with that of our General's.

But Congress had passed a resolution, on the 8th day of January, upon principles clearly expressed in a report of a committee, upon which the resolution was founded.

"That the embarkation of Lieut. [...]n. Burgoyne, and the troops under his command, be suspended, till a distinct and explicit ratification of the Conven­tion of Saratoga shall be properly notified by the Court of Great-Britain, to Congress."

Our General's correspondence with Gen. Bur­goyne, respecting the frigate, &c. was transmitted to Congress, and the President soon after wrote him—

"The House appeared to be pleased with your "conduct in every respect relative to that oflicer."

Gen. Burgoyne applied to Congress for leave to go to Europe himself; but Congress did not then [Page 149]think proper to grant his request. Although this denial must have been very painful to the General, he did not express himself, or write any thing in the least improper. He observed to our General, that he was sorry; for that not only his health urged his departure, but that every day he was detained here, gave his enemies at home an opportunity for pierc­ing the wound of his reputation the deeper.

But Col. Kingston was not so prudent as the General: a packet of letters which Gen. Burgoyne wished to send to Gen. Howe, was sent to our Gen­eral for inspection; among these was one from Col. Kingston to Lord Harcourt, in which, after observ­ing that fortune had not shewn them the smooth side of her face, yet they thought their misfortunes honourable, proceeded, that he, (Gen. Burgoyne) was not well, but you know his sirmness. But I think, "the insincerity of France, bigotry of Spain, or the vindictive Portuguese, situated as he is, would not have sought for means unnecessarily to detain him." This insult to the authority of the country induced our General to detain this letter, and he notified Gen. Burgoyne of it, adding, that while it was his wish to gratify the officers as much as possible in writing to their friends, he expected they would be cautious and prudent in their manner of expres­sion. When the American Deputy-Adjutant-Gen­eral gave the letter from our General to Gen. Bur­goyne, and he had read it, he observed, "I told Col. Kingston that Gen. Heath would not let that letter pass;" he should have done more—forbid his mak­ing the attempt.

Another serious matter took place about this time: Col. Henley, who had the immediate com­mand at Cambridge, a brave and good officer, but warm and quick in his natural temper, having or­dered [Page 150]some prisoners who were under guard turned out, that he might examine them, one of them tr [...]ted him, as he judged, with much insolence; upon which he pricked him with a sword, or bayo­net. Gen. Burgoyne immediately presented a com­plaint against Col. Henley, charging him with bar­barous and wanton conduct, and intentional murder, as appears in the following letter.

To which our General returned the following answer:

Col Henley was ordered under arrest, and Col. Lee to take the command at Cambridge; and the general order of the 10th of January announced—

Gen. Burgoyne found fault, that a Court of In­quiry only was appointed, and not a Court-Martial. He was answered, that this was frequently the case; that it did not preclude the latter; and where an officer of rank, and in particular one who had the immediate command was the object, this previous step was both justifiable and proper. The Court of Inquiry met, and gave in their opinion; and in the general orders of January 18th, the following was announced:—

"The Court, whereof Brig. Gen. Glover was President, appointed by the orders of the 10th inst, to inquire into the grounds of a complaint exhibited by Lieut. Gen. Burgoyne against Col. Henley, late commanding officer of the American troops at Cam­bridge— after mature consideration, are of opinion, that from the evidence offered on the side of Gen Burgoyne against Col. Henley, it will be most for the honour of Col. Henley, as well as for the sat, faction of all concerned, that the judgment, of a Court-Martial should be taken on his conduct, during his command at Cambridge."

"The General, approving the opinion of the Court, orders that a special general Court-Martial on Tuesday next, at 10 o'clock A. M. at the court [Page 155]house in Cambridge, for the trial of Col. David Henley, late commanding officer at that post, ac­cused by Lieut. Gen Eurgoyne, of a general tenor of language and conduct, heinoufly criminal as an officer, and unbecoming a man; of the most inde­cent, violent, vindictive severity against unarmed men, and of intentional murder.

• Brigadier-General GLOVER, President.
• Col. Wesson, Member
• Col. M. Jackson, Member
• Col. Lee, Member
• Col. H. Jackson, Member
• Lieut. Col. Colman, Member
• Lieut. Col. Badlam, Member
• Lieut. Col. Popkin, Member
• Maj. Curtis, Member
• Capt. Randall, Member
• Capt. Langdon, Member
• Capt. Sewall, Member
• Capt. Hastings, Member

"Lieut. Col. Tudor is desired to act as Judge­Advocate. All evidences and persons concerned, to attend the Court,"

The Court met, and adjourned several times, through a long, particular, and tedious trial. Gen. Burgoyne attended, and in a very engaged and el­ [...]quent manner said every thing which he judged proper; which, although novel in Courts-Martial, was yet permitted.

The general orders of the 27th of February an­nounced as follows: "Col. David Henley, late commanding officer of the post at Cambridge, tried at the special general Court-Martial, whereof Brig. Gen. Glover was President, accused by Lieut. Gen. Burgoyne, of a general tenor of language and conduct, heinously criminal as an officer, and unbecoming a man; of the most indecent, violent, vindictive severity against marmed men, and of intentional murder.

"The Court, after mature consideration, are of opinion, that th [...] charge against Col. Henley is not supported, and [...]at he be discharged from his arrest.

[Page 156] "The General approves the opinion of the Court thanks them for their unwearied endeavours to in­vestigate the truth; and orders Col. Henley to no, assume his command at Cambridge immediately.

"The General thinks it to be his duty on this o [...] ­casion to observe, that although the conduct of Lieut. Gen. Burgoyne, (as profecutor against Col. Henley) in the course of the foregoing trial, in his several speeches and pleas, may be warranted by some like precedents in British Courts-Martial, yes as it is altogether novel in the proceedings of any general Court-Martial in the army of the United States of America, whose rules and articles of war direct, that the Judge-Advocate-General shall prosiecute in the name of the United States; and as a different practice tends to render Courts-Martial both tedious and expensive—he does protest against this instance being drawn into precedent in future."

7th.—A British soldier at Cambridge stabbed one of the American guard.

18th.—Intelligence was received from Gov. Cool, that three frigates and twenty-three sail of transpo [...] sailed from Newport, on Sunday the 15th insten, standing to the north-east. Our General received a letter from the President of Congress, in which he observed, "I had the honour of receiving, by Ma, Closki, the 5th instant, your favour of the 10th ul [...] including a late correspondence with Lieut. Ge [...] Burgoyne; these were immediately reported to G [...] gress, and transmitted to the Board of War, fr [...] whence a report has not yet ascended; therefo [...] I have no particular commands relative to your f [...] dispatch. I may, however, with propriety and ple [...] ure intimate, that your conduct towards the Br [...] General and his dependents, receives the continued approbation of Congress, if I may be permitted [...] make this conclusion from the general sentimen [...] Members."

[Page 157] "23d.—Just before noon, Gen. Lincoln arrived in Boston from Albany; his leg was recovering fast, but he was still very lame, and was conveyed from place to place on a moveable b [...], with handles, which was fixed on the runners of his sleigh, with a canopy and curtains, and was convenient also to re­move into the house, &c. In this was blended in­genuity and convenience.

28th.—Intelligence was rece [...] that the British transports, destined to take away the troops of the Convention, had arrived at Holmes's Hole; and the next day, March 1st, that they had arrived at Cape Harbour, Province-Town, Cape Cod. But Gen. Burgoyne was not now to depart.

March 8th.—A cartel arrived from Cape Cod, with the following letter to Gen. Burgoyne:

Gen. Burgoyne having written an answer to Capt. Dalrymple, and submitted it for inspection, request­ed our General to send it down by the cartel; which he did under the following cover:

Many people having grown jealous that the troops of the Convention had collected and secreted arms in the barracks, they could not be quieted until the matter was ascertained; and on the 18th, our Gen­eral ordered a strict search to be made, when noth­ing was found but the officer's fuzees, to which by the Convention they had a right. A wag, coming from the barracks, was asked if any thing was found; he answered, "Yes—in one of the rooms a large brass mortar." This spread, and was alarming to be sure. The fact was, that in one of the rooms there was a large bell-metal pestle and mortar, for family use. Jealousy, like the other passions, although a virtue in itself, may exceed its bounds; and when it does, "trifles, light as air, to jealous minds are strong as proofs of holy writ."

Capt. Dalrymple wrote to Gen. Burgoyne again, an the 15th, and proposed to put the spare provi­sions on board one of the flags, and send them up to Boston harbour.

But on the 23d, Capt. Brathwait of the Centurion, wrote the General that he had arrived at Cape Cod, with orders from Viscount Howe for the men-of-war and transports with the provisions on board them to return to Rhode-Island, which they did accordingly.

7th.—General Lincoln left Boston for Hing­ham; our General accompanied him as far as Milton.

12th.—Intelligence was received that a 40 gun ship had arrived at New London, laden with cloathing for the United States.

[Page 160] 18th.—A detachment of Col. Henley's regiment marched out of Boston for the army.

19th.—General Burgoyne having again applied to Congress for leave to go to England himself, they now gave him liberty. This was joyous to the General, and he wrote our General that he had assured himself that there would be nothing thrown in the way on his part, and wished for his passport [...]: The President of Congress, in his letter to our Gen­eral, by the same express, informed him that it was late in the evening when the resolve, granting Gen. Bur [...]oyne leave to depart, passed, and nothing was said respecting the settlement of the accounts befort his [...]rture; but that it was fully his opinion that the for [...]n [...]r resolve should be strictly observed; for Congress had before resolved, that neither he nor the troops of the Convention should depart, befort the accounts were settled and paid. Our General therefore, told General Burgoyne, that this must fi [...] be done, and that then he should meet with no del [...] on this he hesitated, and then asked how the accounts were to be settled? He was answered—Stri [...] conformable to the resolves of Congress. He [...] liked if Congress could be serious in their resolution, requiring in specie the same sum which they had expended in paper money? Our General replied that he supposed that honourable body were serious in all their resolutions. He then replied that this was unjust for the odds was double; and appealed to our General to say whether he thought it just himself? Our General answered, that as an executive officer, it was not for him to judge of determine whether the orders of his superiors were just or not. General Burgoyne replied, that was true. He was then told, that if he did not choost to pay for the supplies, the act allowed him as replace them, in quality and quantity; and this [Page 161]seemed to remove his objections. After further discussion the two Generals pledged their saith and sacred honour to each other, in which they both had the fullest confidence, that General burgoyne should proceed to Rhode-Island, accompanied by such offi­cers as our General might think proper to send, to whom General Burgoyne should pay in specie the amount of the supplies furnished in the Quarter-Master's department; and that he should forward in vessels bearing flags, provisions of the different spe­cies they had received, within a certain number of days stipulated; that no advantage should be taken by delay occasioned by stress of weather; that a box of gold, as a pledge for any deficiencies in the provisions, should be deposited with our General, the balance of which, after the full settlement of the accounts, to be paid to the senior officer of the troops of the Convention.

April 2d.—General Burgoyne came into Boston, and dined at head-quarters; and before he took leave of our General, observed, "I know your situation, Sir, and the difficulty of obtaining many foreign necessaries, you may want or wish. If you will give me a memorandum, on my arrival in England, I will with great pleasure forward them to you." Our General thanked him for his politeness, but was careful not to mention any, choosing rather to suffer with his fellow-countrymen the necessities of the times, than to avail himself of so exclusive a favour.

5th.—Between 11 and 12 o'clock General Bur­goyne left Cambridge for Rhode-Island, accompanied by Colonel Pollard and Samuel Barrett, Esq

8th.—The Raleigh frigate, it was lea [...]t, had arrived at Portsmouth, (N. H.)

A part of the Convention troops were ordered to be removed to Rutland, in the county of Worcoster, and temporary barracks were erected for the purpose.

[Page 162] 15th.—A division of the Convention troops maroh­ed for Rutland under escort of a detachment of militia, commanded by Major Read. Our General received a letter from the President of Congress, dated the 4th instant, in which he observed, "Yes­terday I had the honour of presenting to Congress your favours of the 2Ist and 24th of March; and, although I have received no particular com­mands relative to their several contents, I am war­ranted by the general voice of Members to inti­mate, that you have received the applause of the House, for your determination respecting the adjust­ment of accounts with General Burgoyne."

18th.—Mr. Barrett returned from Rhode-Island, accompanied by a British Commis7s;ary, Major Mor­rison, who was sent on by Gen. Pigot, to negociate a plan for the future supply of the troops of the Convention.

19th.—About 2 o'clock, P. M. a waggon arrived from Rhode-Island with a large sum of money, re­ceived in discharge of the accounts, and for the troops of the Convention.

The same day, Mr. Dean arrived from France, with the highly important intelligence, that the Court of France had acknowledged the independency of the United States of America, and a treaty of alliance was concluded.

22d.—Five sail of victuallers arrived in the lower harbour from Rhode-Island, with provisions, for a replace of those supplied the troops of the Conven­tion.

28th.—The British hand-bill for quieting America, as it was called, was received at Boston. It was forwarded from Connecticut, where it had been sent by Governor Tryon.—Governor Trumbull had made a most ma [...]n [...]imous reply.

[Page 163] 30th.—A valuable prize was sent into Boston, [...]den with dry goods, teas, flour, &c.

May 4th.—Several French ships had arrived with goods and stores from France for the United States.

5th.—The French frigate Nymphe, Capt. Senne. ville, arrived in Boston harbour, and sailed out again on the 16th.

23d.—Certain intelligence was received, that the French Ambassador l [...]ft England about the 20th of the preceding March, and that the English Ambassa­dor had returned to England.

30th.—The British made an excursion to Tiver­ton and Little-Compton, and did some damage.

Our General concluded with Gen, Pigot a system for the future supply of the troops of the Convention, by sending provisions from Rhode-Island. This mode tended to the increase of provisions in the States, and to the easier supply of our own troops. The plan was submitted to Congress, who were pleased to honour it with their approbation, which they ex­pressed in the following resolution.

The Convention troops complained exccedingly of this discrimination in payment, because it was [Page 164]notorious that there was a confiderable difference between paper money and specie; indeed, at first view, it seems scarcely reconcileable on the princi­ples of justice and equity; but when the grounds on which the resolve of the 19th of Dec. 1777 is pred­icated, are considered, it seems to place the matter in a different light.—It is expressed as follows:—

[Page 165] By the foregoing it appears, that the British were allowed to replace any and all the supplies which were furnished to them, and in that way might make all the savings in their power; and certainly they ought to be checked, if they attempted to destroy that currency on which the States had solely to rely for the prosecution of the war, which had been forced upon them by this same power.

June 17th.—A British officer was shot by an American centinel on Prospect-Hill, the officer at­tempting to pass, contrary to the standing orders. The centinel was immediately relieved and put un­der guard, and as soon as the official account of the event was received by our General, he wrote the following letter to Gen. Phillips:

A few minutes after our General had sent his let­ter, he received the following from Gen. Phillips:

The next morning our General wrote the follow­ing to Gen. Phillips:

The same day Gen. Phillips wrote our General as follows:

To this letter the following was returned:

19th.—Gen. Phillips wrote another letter, as fol­lows:

To which the following answer was returned the next day:

The whole of the foregoing correspondence was published by order of Congress; and our General was informed that it was left for him to conduct to­wards the British General, as to the continuance of his arrest, as he might judge the honour of the United States required. Gen. Phillips continuing to exhibit the same temper, or it rather growing upon him, he was continued in his arrest, until the troops of the Convention were ordered to be remov­ed to Charlotteville in Virginia. It has before been observed, that the officers had certain articles pre­scribed to them, for their government in quarters, and that these were drawn into the parole, and sub­scribed by them. If any abuses took place, a Court of Inquiry was directed to investigate the complaints, and report to our General; thus giving the accused officers an opportunity to exculpate their conduct, if it was in their power; and no officer could wish more than our General to treat them with generosity and indulgence, as far as was compatible with good order and discipline. But notwithstanding the fair­ness of this mode of procedure, Gen. Phillips forbid the officers appearing before any Court so appointed; and on the 18th ul [...]. Mr. Bibby, the Deputy-Adju­tant-General to the troops of the Convention, came into a Court of Inquiry, and declared the following, which, in order to have the whole together, we now retrospect.

The same day, Gen. Phillips sent a letter to our General, expressive of the same sentiments; to which the following answer was sent to him.

Gen. Phillips finding that he could not get any thing by assault, he next tried his [...]k [...]ll in attemp [...]in [...], to sap, with the policy of friendship; he there [...] re­wrote [Page 180]another letter of the same date, under the name of

To which the following answer was returned:

The same feelings which had great weight in the beginning of the war, continued for some time, namely, that Great-Britain was one of the greatest and most powerful nations in the world, in arts, and in arms; while the Americans were yet their Col­onies, young, weak, and but barely civilized, igno­rant of the world, and especially so of arts and of arms. Hence we see it so frequently breaking out, (until experience had taught them a different opin­ion.) There was frequently, as in the atmosphere, placid intervals; but whenever any cross wind hap­pened to blow, (and there is no season or circum­stances without them) then instantly appeared those ideas of self-superiority, and contempt for the Amer­icans, which was the true cause of many uncom­fortable hours. Mankind have the same passions; the difference lies, in some riding with a double curb, while others give the reins.

This Convention business was a heavy task for our General, and the whole subject would form an enter­taining [Page 184]volume of itself: we are now circumscribed by our limits, and have only given a small specimen for mankind to form an opinion for themselves. In all the letters or conversation which was had on the occa­sion, we find scarcely a reflection cast by our General [...] the British nation, the cause in which they were engaged, or against any who were fortunate, or un­fortunate; but a uniform desire to make those placed under his orders as comfortable as circumstances would admit; at the same time, an unshaken deter­mination, a perseverant watchfulness, with decent language, to defend the cause and honour of his own country, by arguments supported by the customs and maxims of the civilized world. The hundreds of letters on file, are all proofs of this; and in many instances it was politely acknowledged.

The two following letters, of different dates, are some of the specimens.—Major Harnage had his lady with him.

29th.—A Spanish xebeck and a French cutter arrived at Boston, with dispatches from their respec­tive Courts, which were forwarded to Congress.

30th.—Certain intelligence was received, that the British had left Philadelphia.

July 9th.—Intelligence was received, that a warm action happened on the 28th ult. between Gen. Washington's and Gen. Clinton's armies, near Mon­mouth court-house, in the Jerfies. Gen. Clinton, having taken the refolution to move from Philadel­phia to New-York, through the Jerfies, commenced his movements accordingly, encumbered with an im­mense train of stores and baggage, which occupied some miles in length; and these are the greatest in­cumbrance to a General, on a march of danger from [Page 186]an attack of his opponent, to which he can be ex­posed.

Gen. Washington was no sooner apprised of this intention and movement of the British General, than he made his arrangements accordingly, crossed the Delaware, and pushed detached corps forward to obstruct the advance, gall the stanks, and fall on the rear of the enemy, while he moved on with the body of his army. By the 27th, Gen. Clinton had got on as far as Monmouth, and Gen. Washington's detached troops were on his stanks, and close on his rear. Here the British General took a wise resolu­tion, to make at stand with a part of his best troops, while he pushed on his baggage through the dissicult defiles, under the careful and experienced hand of Gen, Kniphausen.

Gen. Washington, acting with equal skill, and equal bravery, made every arrangement which the moment called for. On the morning of the 28th, he ordered Maj. Gen. Lee to attack the enemy's rear, himself moving on briskly to support him; but to his surprise, as he advanced on, he met Lee's troops retreating and the enemy impetuously purs [...] ­ing. Here was Gen. Washington seen in all his splendor; for this critical situation is the orb in which he shines the brightest. He rallied the re­treating troops: he inspired them by precept and by example; and the misfortune of the morning was considerably retrieved.

The Americans fought bravely, and so did the British. After hard fighting, in a most intense hot day, when scores died of the heat, and drinking too freely of cold water when they could find it, both a [...] ­mies remained on the ground. The Americans de­termined to re-commence the action early on the next morning; but Gen. Clinton, finding that his baggage had struggled pretty well through the de­files, [Page 187]and had got tolerably well advanced, took the advantage of the cool of the night to slip off, unper­ceived by the Americans, and got to ground where be was safe. Some sharp words took place between Gen. Washington and Maj. Gen. Lee, as the one advanced and the other retreated, which issued in the arrest, trial and suspension of the latter. Gen. Washington reported to Congress, that the Amer­icans buried of the British 4 officers and 245 pri­vates; among the former, the Hon. Col. Monckton, (who was a brave and experienced officer) and that there were a few prisoners. The American loss; killed, I Lieutenant-Colonel, 1 Major, 3 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, 1 Setjeant, 52 rank and file—wound­ed, 2 Colonels, 8 Captains, 4 First-Lieutenants, 2 Second-Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, 1 Adjutant, 8 Ser­jeants, 1 Drummer, 120 rank and file—missing, 5 Serjeants, 126 rank and file; of the artillery, one First-Lieutenant, 7 Matrosses, and 1 Bombadier were killed—one Captain, 1 Serjeant, 1 Corporal, 1 Gun­ner, and to Matrosses wounded—one Matross mis­sing —fix horses killed, and two wounded. Both Generals undoubtedly have much credit for their conduct in this action. Gen. Clinton's object being to reach New-York with his baggage, &c. obtained this victory, with the loss which he sustained. Gen. Washington's conduct was well calculated for vic­tory on his side; and how far he would have suc­ceeded, had it not been for the misfortune of the morning, none can tell. This misfortune began by exposing the American advanced troops, in line, on the side of the field where they were cannonaded by the British, who at the same time wisely exposed on­ly their artillery to that of the Americans. It is to be remembered, that men may be led on to action in the face of a cannonade, before which they will not stand; the point of decision is in the mind; [Page 188]while advancing, although galled by the fire of their opponents, the dead and wounded are left be­hind them as they fall, and the troops feel an ardour for arriving in a few minutes at a point, where they can use their own arms, to retaliate for the injury they sustain. But when men are placed open to the fire of the artillery of their enemy, at such a dis­tance as to preyent the use of their own arms in their defence, the dead and wounded fall and lie among them, or are drawn away, and every groan they make is heard. The troops soon conceive that they are placed as marks to be shot at; while the greater policy of the enemy keeps their column or line out of the rake of their cannon; the mind gives way, and retreat will be inevitable. This was experienc­ed in this instance, and the fairest hopes of a noble onset in a few minutes blasted; and these were some of the best troops in the army too. It was here that the firm Col. Wesson had his back peeled of its muscles, almost from shoulder to shoulder, by a can­non-ball. The confidence of the troops could not be fully recovered, until they saw the presence of their beloved General.

18th.—Intelligence was received, that the Count D'Eslating had arrived, with the fleet under his com­mand, off the Capes of Delaware. The fleet con­sisted of 12 sail of the line, and 4 frigates. Off the coast of Virginia, they took a privateer, fitted out of New-York, of 26 guns—a ship, bound from New-Providence to London—re-captured a French snow, laden with dry goods, and drove a British ship of war 0 on shore.

19th.—Intelligence was received, that about 2,000 men, said to be invalids, had arrived at Rhode-Island from New-York.

21st.—Intelligence was received, that a body of resugees and Indians had destroyed the town of Wy­oming, [Page 189]on the Susquehannah, and butchered many of the inhabitants. The same day, it was learnt, that Gen. Washington had crossed Hudson's River with the main army, except Gen. Wayne's brigade— that Count D'Estaing had appeared off Sandy Hook— that the inhabitants of New-York were in great con­sternation, and that the Marquis de la Fayette, with Glover's and Varnum's brigades, were on their march for Providence.

The British were very busy in fortifying Rhode­Island.

25th and 26th.—Sent for Providence 43,000 flints, five tons hard bread, a quantity of dry fish, &c. 0 and sent a large number of the large flat-bottomed boats to Weymouth; they were to be conveyed, taking the advantage of the river, to the vicinity of Rhode-Island. Half of Col. Craft's regiment of State artillery were ordered to Tiverton; the other half of the regiment of artillery, and a draft from the militia, to the number of 3000 men, including 1000 before ordered, were to march and reinforce Maj. Gen. Sullivan in the State of Rhode-Island. On the 29th, at noon, the Count D'Estaing's squadron came to anchor off Point Judith, and at evening stretched a line from that Point to Secunnet.

31st.—The regiment of State artillery, with 6 brass 4-pounders, and 2 brass howitzers, marched for liverton; and the next day the marine mortar was sent on, slung under two pair of stout cart-wheels. The British sloop of war, Kingfisher, a row-galley and a sloop, stationed near Secunnet, upon the ap­proach of a French frigate, were run on shore by their own crews, set on sire, and left to burn and blow up. Maj. Bumstead's company of Boston ar­tillery, with two brass field-pieces, and Lieut. Dunnel, with a detachment of the Continental ar­tillery, with two field-pieces, marched for Rhode-Island, [Page 190]and the militia and volunteers were on their march that way; and large quantities of military stores and provisions were going from hence.

August 10th.—Major-General Hancock, with his fuit, went for Rhode-Island, to take the command of the militia. The same morning, Gen. Sullivan made a landing on the island, without opposition. About the same time, the Count D'Estaing, with his squadron, passed the British batteries at Newport, when there was a brisk cannonade on both sides. Many of the [...]ot struck in the town, and the inhab­itants were in much consternation, not knowing in what place they were safe. A shot entered the door of the house of Mrs. Mason, a widow lady, a little above the floor: as the family were passing from room to room, not knowing where the next shot might strike, young Mr. Mason, passing through the entry, found the black man of the family sitting with his back against the shot-hole in the door; on being asked why he sat there, he answered, "Master, you never know two shot to go in the same place." Under this idea he was tranquil. Lord Howe's fleet appeared in the Offing, consisting of 8 sail of the line, and 12 frigates.

11th.—The Count came to sail, and stood out, and the British fleet stood off—the wind very fresh.

13th.—A most severe storm of wind and rain, which stripped many trees of their fruit, and tore others up by the roots, &c.

The troops on Rhode-Island, under the command of Gen. Sullivan, were on the 11th, 10, 122, includ­ing officers, exclusive of some volunteers from New-Hampshire, and other corps, arranged as follows:

These were encamped at and near Quaker-Hill. The storm destroyed a great number of cartridges, owing to the badness of the boxes. A fresh supply was sent on from Boston.

15th.—The army advanced, and in the afternoon arrived within two miles of the enemy, without the least opposition. Gen. Washington with the main army, was at the White Plains, in the State of New-York, said to be about 20,000 strong. Seventeen transports with troops from Gen. Howe's army at New-York, sailed for Rhode-Island; but finding the French squadron in the way, could not come to the place.

On the evening of the 16th, Gen. Sullivan took possession of some high grounds which commanded the enemy's works on their right, and was not dis­covered until morning, when they began to cannon­ade the Americans, but did them no damage, which was continued the next day without injury.

On the night of the 17th, the covered way was nearly completed, and also two batteries of cannon. The enemy fired 300 or 400 shot, but did no other damage than slightly wounding two men.

19th.—The American works were advanced near­er to the enemy, and on the 20th, they had one man killed and two wounded by the enemy's cannon. In the afternoon the Count D'Estaing returned to New­port— his own ship, the Languedoc, was totally dis­masted in the storm, and lost her rudder. In this [...] [Page 194]the night, and the next morning the fleet was out of sight. The militia which were coming in were coun­termanded. Admiral Byron's squadron arrived a few days before, at Sandy Hook. The enemy made a descent on New-Bedford, and did considerable damage: they also made a demand on the inhabit­ants of Martha's Vineyard, for a large number of cattle, sheep, &c.

9th.—An affray happened in Boston between some American and French sailors; two French officers in attempting to part them, were much wounded—one of them, a Major of the fleet, died of the wounds on the 15th.

Brigadier-General Speckt, the eldest Brigadier of the Hessian troops under the Convention, wrote a letter to our General, in which he informed him, that, being advanced in age, he had but little taste for those pleasures and amusements which please the young and gay: but he had not lost his taste for sporting with his gun, and requested that he might do it within the limits of his parole. Nothing could be more pleasing to our General, than to gratify this brave veteran soldier; he therefore wrote him the following answer.

17th.—The General Assembly ordered 1,200 men to be detached from the militia, and marched to Boston immediately; and on the 19th, ordered one-third part of their train-band to be immediately detached for the purpose of completing the works in and about the town of Boston—garrisoning the works, &c. Our General went on board the Count's ship, and with him to view the works on George's Island.

22d.—The Count D'Estaing, with the officers of his squadron, made a public appearance in town—were received by a Committee of both Houses of the General Assembly, at their landing—breakfasted at Gen. Hancock's—took pu [...]ch and wine at Head­Quarters, at twelve o'clock; and then returned to the fleet, under a [...]alute on leaving the town, and on passing the Castle.

The grand army under Gen. Washington took a new position; one division under the immediate command of Gen. Putnam, at Fishkill; one under Gen. de Calf, at Fredericksburg; and one under Gen. Gates, at Danbury.

24th.—The General Assembly countermanded their orders for calling out one third part of their train-band, and ordered that they be held in readi­nefs to march on the shortest notice, wherever occa­sion shall require.

25th.—The General Assembly made a public dinner for the Count D'Estaing, &c. &c. The next day, the Count D'Estaing, Marquis de la Fayette, and a number of other officers and gentlemen, dined with our General.

October 5th.—The British destroyed the salt-work [...] and several stores, and did other damage, at Egg. Harbour; they also surprised a part of Polaski's le­gion in that neighbourhood, whom they handled very severely. The British pretended that they had heard that Polaski had instructed his men not to give them quarter; they therefore anticipated retaliation. About the same time, Baylor's dragoons were sur­prised at Tappan, and treated much in the same man­ner. Nocturnal enterprises, in which the bayonet is principally made use of, are generally uncommon­ly bloody.

The Languedoc, the Count's ship, having been completely repaired, fell down to Nantasket Road, and joined the squadron.

6th.—Gen. du Portail, the Chief Engineer of the American army, came to Boston to survey the sev­eral works, in order to their being repaired or aug­mented, as might appear necessary; and fatigue par­ties were employed on the different works, and eve­ry thing put in the best posture of defence.

20th.—Our General, in company with the Count D'Estaing and others, went to Nantasket, to take a view of the works there, and to review a battalion of marines, who manoeuvred well, and in every partic­ular were well disciplined, owing to the unwearied attention of their Major, M'Donald, a Scotchman, whose father was in the rebellion in England, and with this son fled to France for safety. Gen. Bou­ganville had the command at Nantasket he was al­so commander of one of the first ships in the fleet under the Count D'Estaing. The enemy left the Jersies, and prepared to embark a large body of troops. About 100 sail of shipping, including men-of-war, fell down to the Hook on the 17th of Octo­ber. On the 19th and 20th, the fleet sailed from Sandy Hook; the first division consisted of upwards [Page 197]of [...]o sail, of which 15 were of the line; and to or 12 srigates. This sleet went to the West-Indies, with about 4,000 troops. The second division, about 30 sail, of which a were of 50 guns, and 2 frigates. They stood to the eastward; there was but few troops on board the latter. Six brigades of the Continental army were on their march for Hartford, in Connecticut, to be ready to move this way, should the enemy appear in this quarter; and Maj. Gen. Gates was ordered to take the command in the East­ern Department.

November 4th.—In the morning the Count D'Es­taing's squadron sailed from Nantasket Road.

6th.—Maj. Gen. Gates, with his lady, suite, &c. arrived at Boston. The Somerset, British man-of-war, of 64 guns, run a-shore on Cape Cod, and was taken possession of by the militia, who sent the crew prisoners to Boston.

7th.—Maj. Gen. Gates took the command at Bos­ton. In the next Continental Journal, printed by John Gill, the following made its appearance:

10th and 11th.—The Convention troops marched for Virginia. They were marched to Connecticut, and delivered to the orders of Gov. Trumbull; and were in like manner to be conveyed from State to State, each furnishing an escort, waggons, &c. un­til they reached Virginia. Gen. Sir Henry Clinton, having refused to give passports to American vessels to bring to Boston provisions for the use of the Convention troops, or otherwise supplying of them, Congress on the 15th of October, passed a resolve that the troops of the Convention should be removed to Charlotteville in Virginia, and they were now moving accordingly.

[Page 199] 24th.—It was learnt, that the brigad [...] which marched from the American grand army to Hart­ford, marched back to Danbury. In this month, Colonel Alden of one of the Massach [...]setts regiments, with his clerk, were surprised and killed by the tories and Indians, at Cherry Valley, in the State of New­York. The regiment defended the place, and re [...]ul­sed the enemy. The American army went into winter quarters in the Jersies, at Danbury, Peek's Kill, &c. Capt. Hallet, on the 23d, on George's Bank, latitude 41 40 north, in 18 fathoms water, discovered a mast 10 or 12 feet above water; upon a close examina­tion, supposed it to be the top-mast of a 74 gun ship of Admiral Byron's squadron, which foundered in the storm, when the Somerset ran on shore.

December 19th.—It was learnt that the small armed vessels of the enemy did considerable damage to the inhabitants along the eastern coast of Massachusetts, by plundering, taking their coasting vessels, &c. A little before this time, Colonel Joseph Ward, Muster-Master-General, and Lieut. Col. Pradford, were taken by a gang of refugees, in the Jersies, and car­ried to New-York.

27th.—Our General received letters from Admi­ral Gambice, respecting the prisoners taken from the Somerset man-of-war, and proposing an immediate exchange; the letters couched in very polite terms.

28th.—A waggoner, his horse and four oxen were found frozen to death near the [...]ke, on Boston neck; they perished in the severe cold storm on the preced­ing Saturday evening.

A more particular account from Cherry Valley stated, that there were 32 persons killed, beside Col. Alden, and 10 rank and file belonging to the Con­tinental army, and about 30 other persons taken prisoners; 32 houses, 31 barns, one grist-mill, full­ing mill, and blacksmith's shop, burnt. The enemy [Page 200]consisted of 200 refugees, and 443 Indians, com­manded by Joseph Brandt, Walter Butler, and the Seneca Chief.

In the late storm, [...]he General Arno [...]d privateer drove on shore near [...], and [...]; 80 of the crew peri [...], [...] frost bitten.

1779. January 6th.—The Marquis de la Fay [...]tte, and Captain Raimondis, of the Cesar, French man of war, who was wounded and left at Boston, sailed for France in the Alliance frigate.

8th.—Capt. Mowatt, with his fleet of picaroons, were still infesting the eastern harbours; they had already captured about 60 sail of vessels, inward and outward bound, and burnt several houses, &c.

Congress had passed a resolution for calling in the whole emission of Continental bills of May 20th, 1777, and April 11th, 1778, for which the possessors were to receive loan certificates, or new emission bills.

21st.—It was learnt, that the enemy had made an irruption into the State of Georgia, and were in pos­session of Sunbury. Their force, at first about 500, was faid to have increased to upwards of 1000.

The British ship which foundered on George's Bank, and whose masts were discovered by Capt. Hallett, was supposed to be the Cornwall, of 74 guns. It is said her whole crew were lost.

February 3d.—It was learnt, that the Count D'Es­taing, on his arrival in the West-Indies, made an [...] attack on the British in the island of St. Luc [...]a, but was defeated with considerable loss, after which he returned to Martinico.

9th.—It was learnt, that a number of Americans, consined in Gosport prison, in England, among whom was Doctor Downer of Roxbury, made their escape in the preceding Sept. by sapping with great address [Page 201]from the prison under the yard and fence, to the distance of 20 feet, daily concealing the earth which they dug, in the chimney of the prison. This Doctor Downer is the person mentioned to have killed [...] British soldier in single combat, on the 19th of April, in the battle of Lexington.

11th.—Intelligence was received, that the British troops had made themselves masters of Savannah in Georgia. Their light-infantry having stole a march upon the Americans, by a pass through a swamp, which was supposed impassable, and thereby defeated our army, under the command of General Robert Howe [...]. The American loss was said to be about 30 officers, and near 400 men, killed, wounded anu taken prisoners. This event threw the whole State of Georgia into the hands of the British. The American General was accused of misconduct, and a long time after brought to trial, and honourably acquitted. The british here practised art, and force was obliged to yield to it. Their light-infantry find­ing their way through the path in the swamp, bring­ing of them on the flank and in the rear of the Americans, where they were not expected, or not guarded against, proved their overthrow. A few shots on the flank or rear of an enemy, serves to disconcert them more than a heavy fire in the front. The point of decision here lies not in the force, but in the mind. A company of 50 men cannot sire more shots in the same given time on the flank, or in the rear, than they could in the front; but these few shots will have more effect on the minds of the enemy, than the fire of a whole regiment in their front. The Americans were vastly inferior in num­bers to the British, and must at any rate have been forced from the ground; but the British light-infantry passing through the swamp, was the first misfor­tune.

[Page 202] The Continental currency was now greatly depre­ciated. Provisions very scarce and dear, flour espe­cially so, and many families in Boston almost destitute of this necessary article.

26th.—The following resolution of Congress was published in the Boston newspapers:

27th.—It was learnt, that the Supreme Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania had exhibited a number of charges against Maj. Gen. Arnold, while in command at Philadelphia.

March 7th.—Intelligence was received that Gen. Tryon had lately made an excursion to Horseneck, in Connecticut, where he burnt three small vessels, destroyed all the sait-works, and one store; plun­der [...]d the inhabitants of their cloathing, &c. and carried off about 200 cattle and horses, and some small stock. The party consi [...]ted of about 600 light­horse, light-infantry, rang [...]rs, &c. The enemy got off with the loss of 2 men killed and 20 made pris­oners; giving out that their party was the advance of a body of 3 or 4000, they deceived the militia, and so escaped a severe drubbing.

11th.—It was learnt, that on the 25th ult. the Brit­ish made an excursion from Staten Island, with intent to surprise General Maxwell, who was stationed with his brigade at Elizabeth-Town, in the Jersies. They landed at the point a little before day-break, and in such superior force as obliged the General to aban­don the town, which he effected without loss. The enemy burnt the General's quarters, the barms, and a store or two, and then returned.

29th.—Intelligence was received, that General Washington had issued a proclamation, offering a [Page 203]pardon to all deserters from the army of the United Stares, who should return to their duty by the first day of May following; and also called upon all ab­sent officers to join their respective corps by that time.

Maj. Gen. Sullivan was ordered from Providence to the main army, and Maj. Gen. Gates to the com­mand at Providence.

Capt. Mowatt again made his appearance on the eastern coast; he had landed some men, and burnt Mr. Shaw's house.

Intelligence was received, that the British had gained an advantage on the borders of Georgia, near Briar Creek. Col. Elbert, with a number of oth­ers, were taken prisoners. Matters did not wear a favourable aspect in that quarter; but it was hoped that Gen. Lincoln, who had now got the command, would give a new complexion to things at the south­ward.

April 2d.—Maj. Gen. Gates left Boston for Prov­idence; in consequence of which, the command again devolved on our General.

11th.—It was learnt, that a fleet of refugee crui­zers made an attempt to land a number of men near Falmouth, (Cape-Cod) but were repulsed by the militia. They next proceeded to Nantucket, where they plundered the inhabitants of goods and effects. Edward Winslow, formerly of Marshfield, was said to be commander, with George Leonard, and others.

16th.—The Continental frigates, Warren, Ranger, and Queen of France, had been very successful in a cruize, having taken seven or eight prizes going from New-York to Georgia: they were now com­ing in; among them the Jason, of 20 guns and 150 men; and Maria, of 16 guns—four field and abour twenty commissioned officers, were on board. A large number of accoutrements for dragoons, dry [Page 204]goods to the amount of £100,000, and it was said a sum in specie—a large quantity of flour, &c.

A great uneasiness prevailed in the army at Prov­idence, on account of the scarcity of flour. Relief was sent on.

May 3d.—Capt. Farnald, of New-Hampshire, was unfortunately shot in the breast, as he was standing on Hancock's wharf, by a musket-ball discharged from the Warren frigate.

7th.—Intelligence was received that Col. Van­scaak, of the New-York line, with about 500 men, had lately made an excursion to Onondago, surpri­fed the castle, killed 12 Indians, and took 34 prison­ers; destroyed their castle, cattle, provisions, &c. without the loss of a man.

11th.—Several vessels laden with rice, on account of the United States, arrived at Boston, from the scuthward, which was a great relief to the troops.

An embarkation of troops had sailed from New-York, under the command of Gen. Matthews, con­voyed by the ships under the command of Sir George Collier. They entered the Capes of Virginia, on the 8th. The 9th or 10th they took possession of a sort at the entrance of Elizabeth River, on the west side. They destroyed a number of vessels, stores, provisions, &c. and returned.

30th.—Sir Henry Clinton moved up the Hudson, with a large body of troops, covered by sir George Collier's naval force, which had just returned from Virginia. The intention of Sir Henry Clinton was to seize the posts at King's Ferry.

31st.—Gen. Vaughan, with the tro [...]ps under his command, landed on the east side of the [...] a few miles below Verplanks; and Gen. Sir [...]nry Clin­ton on the west side, a little below Stoney-Point. They soon got possession of both the points, and im­mediately rendered them more defensible.

[Page 205] June 4th.—Our General received orders from Gen. Washington to join the main army. He had before ordered all the heavy cannon at Boston and Providence, belonging to the United States, to be sent on to Hudson's River; they were sent on, slung under two pair of stout cart-wheels each, and were a ponderous load.

Our General received polite and affectionate ad­dresses, on his leaving the department, from the officers of the line—staff department—the officers of the Boston regiment of militia, &c.

On the 11th, he left Boston, accompanied by a large and respectable number of officers and citi­zens, in carriages and on horse-back, as far as Water­town, where the gentlemen had ordered an elegant dinner to be provided. After having dined, he took his leave, amidst a shout of hearty wishes for his health and prosperity.

14th.—He reached Springfield—was met some [...]istance out of town, by Col. Armand's dragoons, and the officer [...] of the Springfield department; and, on entering the town, was received by the infantry of the legion, and a salute of cannon from the park. Here he quitted the extent of his late eastern com­mand. He was escorted out of town by the officers of the several military departments, and Armand's dragoons.

21st.—He arrived at New-Windsor; and on the 22d, attended Ge [...]. Washington to West-Point.

23d.—Our General took the command of the troops on the east side of the Hudson, having in front all the out-posts towards New-York, on that fide of the river. The British were now in posses­sion of both the points at King's Ferry; and a num­ber of transports had lain in the river for some time. The advanced posts of the Americans at this time, on this side, did not extend lower than Peek's Kill; [Page 206]and a picket mounted every night at the south foot of Sugar-Loaf Hill.

On the morning of the 24th, about 200 of the enemy's light-horse came up as far as Crom-Pond— surprised two militia pickets—killed and took pris­oners about 30 men. About 130 light-infantry of the enemy, at the same time, came out from Ver­plank's Point, made an excursion round, and then returned.

On the morning of the 25th, the enemy's light­horse, and about 1000 infantry, were at Pine's Bridge. Our General ordered 200 light-infantry, under the command of Lieut. Col. Grosvenor, to march to Robinson's stores, near Marpoach-Pond, to cover that quarter.

27th.—A deserter came in from Verplank's Point, who reported that the British army, except five or six regiments, were to leave the Points, and were then embarking. Soon after, upwards of 30 sail of transports were seen, standing down the river. The British had a sloop at anchor off Peek's Kill landing, and a ship off the Dunderberg. Lest the enemy meant a deception, the Americans were ordered to lie on their arms, and a regiment extra was ordered to advance on the heights.

28th.—Three deserters, one a Hessian musician with his horn, came in from the enemy; they con­firmed the testimony of the former deserter, that the body of the British army had left the Points.

29th.—Moylan's horse crossed the river, to rein­force the left; they were to be followed by Armand's legion. At evening a deserter came in from the en­emy. A detachment from the British at Rhode-Isl­and arrived at New-York.

Congress, by ballot, chose our General a Commis­sioner of the Board of War; which was communi­cated [Page 207]to him by a letter from his Excellency the President, which he received on the 30th, as follows:

Although this appointment was, in its nature, ve­ry honourable, with a salary proportionate, (4,000 dollars per annum) and our General was informed that he would also retain his rank in the army, he absolutely declined an acceptance of it; expressing, in a letter to his Excellency the President, the high sense he entertained of the honour done him by the appointment; yet, that he chose rather to partici­pate in the more active operations of the field.

July 1st.—Gen. Huntington's brigade moved down, and took post at the gorge of the mountains, near the Continental Village. A deserter came in from the enemy.

2d.—Col. Rusus Putnam reconnoitred the ene­my's positions at Verplank's and Stoney Points. At evening a deserter came in from the enemy.

[Page 208] About 360 of the enemy's light-horse, and light­infantry, came out from Mile-Square, and attacked Col. Sheldon's light-horse, who were possed at Poundridge, about 90 in number. The superior force of the enemy obliged our horse, at first, to re­treat; [...], being reinforced by the militia, they, in turn, pursued the enemy. Our loss was one Corpo­ral, one Trumpeter, and eight privates, wounded: three Serjeants, one Corporal, and four privates mis­sing; and 12 horses missing. The standard of the regiment being left in the house when the dragoons suddenly turned out, was lost. Of the enemy, one was killed, four taken prisoners, four horses taken, and one horse killed. The enemy set fire to and burnt the meeting-house and Maj. Lockwood's house; they also burnt Mr. Hay's house, at Bedford.

The 5th was an excessive hot day, with a thunder shower; the lightning struck in the encampment of Col. Putnam's regiment, on Constitution Island, by which one man was killed; several received much hurt, and a large number were stunned.

The enemy entered the Sound—landed, and took possession of New-Haven—plundered and insulted the inhabitants, and left the place.

7th.—The enemy landed at Fairsield, and burst many houses, &c.

10th.—About 6 o'clock, P. M. our General re­ceived orders from Gen. Washington, to march, with the two Connecticut brigades, by the way of Crom Pond, towards Bedford. The next morning, although rainy, the first brigade marched to the Village.

12th.—The storm ceasing, the tents (although as wet as water could make them) were struck, and the troops took up their line of march, reaching Amiwalk about sun-setting. A report having been spread in the sore part of the day, that the enemy [Page 209]were at or near Pine's Bridge, our General ordered the baggage-waggons, under proper escort, to file off to the left, and pursue a road running parallel with the one on which the column was moving, thereby keeping the column between the enemy and the waggons. Both arrived on the ground of encamp­ment within a few minutes of each other. The troops lay on their arms, without pitching their tents. The enemy continued their depredations at the Sound, and burnt some houses at Norwalk.

13th.—At 5 o'clock, A. M. the troops took up their line of march, and reached Ridgefield, where they halted for the night. The next morning, our General sent off all the tents and other baggage to Danbury, and took up his line of march towards Stamford. When he ascended the high grounds in sight of the Sound, the enemy's f [...]eet was observed under sail, standing off and on between Sta [...]nford and Long-Island. About 12 o'clock, two deserters from Gen. Clinton's army came to our troops; they had left the British army two or three hours before, at which time the enemy were on the point of mak­ing a movement; the corps of guides and pioneers being then assembled at Gen. Clinton's quarters. This called for the exercise of discretion. The troops on board the transports, with Gen. Tryon, if the whole should land, were far inferior to the force with our General; but the main British army, with General Clinton, was by far superior to his. If the whole of the Americans had marched down to Stanford, Clinton, by five or six hours forced marching, might have crossed his rear, and have cut him off from a communication with the Highlands; he therefore resolved to march forward to the Cross Roads, one of which went directly to the British ar­my, another to Stamford, and in his rear to the Highlands. Here he took a position in order of [Page 210]battle, and detached Col. Starr's and Meigs's regi­ments, with one field-piece, to Stamford, whose ap­proach: [...]wards the town, in open view, would pre­vent Tr [...]n from landing; or, in case he did with superior [...]ce, the detachment might be surrounded. In this situation the troops remained until dusk, and then took a more advantageous position for the night, the whole lying on their arms, in order of battle. Early on the morning of the 15th, our General re­ceived information that the shipping had gone down toward. New-York; he therefore moved and took a strong position, between Ridgefield and Bedford, sending [...] patroles of horse and foot, on all the roads. This movement towards the Sound, quieted the mind, of the people, and saved Stamford and other to [...] from destruction.

While the attention of both the grand armies, and of the adjacent country, was turned towards the Sound, the Great WASHINGTON ordered General Wayne to strike at Stoney Point, with the light-in­fantry, which lay not far distant from that post. This was done with great promptitude, the works being carried by assault, and the whole garrison made prisoners of war, with all the artillery, ammuni­tion, stores, &c. This was a most brilliant affair.

In advancing to the assault, the front of the Amer­ican column led, with unloaded arms, relying solely on the use of the bayonet. As they approached the works, a soldier insisted on loading his piece—all was now a profound silence—the officer, command­ing the platoon, ordered him to keep on; the soldier observed that he did not understand attacking with his piece unloaded; he was ordered not to stop, at his peril; he still persisted, and the officer instantly dispatched him. A circumstance like this, shocks the feelings; but it must be considered how fatal the consequence would have been, if one single gun [Page 211]had been fired; scores would have lost their lives, and most probably defeat have been consequent; and therefore this was the lesser evil.

On the morning of the 16th, signal guns were heard in the Sound, towards New-York, at intervals, from two o'clock until day-light. Gen. Clinton's army moved to Mile-Square.

Stoney Point having been taken, with so much eclat to the American arms, Gen. Washington de­termined an attempt on Verplank's Point, on the east side of the Hudson and opposite to Stoney Point: [...] this purpose Maj. Gen. Howe, with two brigades and some 12-pounders on travelling carriages, was ordered to proceed by the way of Peek's Kill, throw a bridge over the creek, move on to the point, and open batteries against the enemy's works, while a cannonade and bombardment was kept up across the river from Stoney Point.

17th.—At about 10 o'clock, A. M. our General, while out reconnoitring, received, by an express from Gen. Washington, orders to move as expedi­tiously as possible to Peek's Kill, where he would find Gen. Howe with two brigades. Our General was to take the command of the whole, and carry into effect the orders which had been given to Gen. Howe. Our General returned immediately to the troops, and at 12 o'clock began his march towards Peek's Kill—marched until dusk 15 miles, when the troops halted and laid down to rest on the side of the road; the dragoons not unsaddling their hors­es. At 3 o'clock the next morning, the troops re­sumed their march, and in the afternoon our Gen­eral received information from Gen. Howe, by ex­press, that Gen. Clinton was on full march with his whole army towards Verplank's Point: an answer was returned, at what point the troops then were, and that they were marching as salt as the men could [Page 212]endure, and would continue so until they reached him. When the troops had advanced a little to the westward of Drake's farm, Col. Moylan came vip from Gen. Howe, with information that a part of Clinton's army were then above the New Bridge on Croten river, pushing for the point; and that he was retreating from the point as fast as possible. On this, our General ordered Gen. Huntington, with his brigade and two field-pieces, to push forward as fast as the troops could march and keep in breath, and take a position on the high ground, to the south of Peek's Kill, which commands the road to the point, and also that to the New Bridge, on Croten river; and ordered a regiment to file off to the right, and secure the pass over the hills between Drake's and Peek's Kill, and also ordered the flank-guard on the left to be reinforced, and to send out small flank­guards still further from its flank. The troops mov­ing on with the utmost expedition to the ground which Gen. Huntington had been ordered forward to secure. Every moment that passed, was expect­ed to announce the commencement of an action be­tween the advanced or flanking parties of the two armies, but it did not take place. At this moment, Gen. Washington, having learnt how matters stood, and that possibly Gen. Clinton might attempt to push into the Highlands, sent an express to our Gen­eral, to move into the Highlands immediately, which was done just after dark, the troops passing the night on Fald Hill Is was generally the opin­ion, that if our General had not been at hand to ad­vance in the manner he did, that Gen. Clinton, by a forced march of his light troops, backed by his ar­my, would have got in the rear of Gen. Howe, be­fore he could have possibly gained the road at Peek's Kill, and between his army and a sally from the garrison of Verplank's Point inevitably cut off the [Page 213]whole. Our troops at Stoney Point cannonaded and bombarded the enemy's works at Verplank [...] during the whole day, and until near midnight. The post was then evacuated, and the Washington galley was blown up.

19th.—The troops moved from Bald Hill, Par­sons's brigade to Robinson's, Huntington's and Pat­terson's to Nelson's, Nixon's to the gorge of the mountains.

On the morning of the 20th, the British army moved from their encampment, near the New Bridge, to Dobb's Ferry. The shipping in Tappan Bay came to fail, and stood down the river. By a new dispo­sition of the American army, on this day, our Gen­eral was to command the left wing; it then consist­ed of two regiments of horse, and two divisions of infantry.

22d.—Two deserters came in from Verplank's Point; they reported that the garrison consisted of about 1000 men. This day about 40 sail of trans­ports sailed up the Sound. The British army en­camped near Dobb's Ferry, their advanced picket at Jonathan Odle's, three miles balow Tarrytown; from this encampment the enemy moved to Mile-Square, Volentine's Hill, &c. A deserter from Ver­plank's Point reported that the British had again taken possession of Stoney Point, and were repairing the works, their force on both sides of the river being about 1500; and that they had got up the guns of our galley, which had been blown up.

25th.—The British having sent Col. M'Lean, in the month of the preceding June, with six or seven hundred men, to establish a post at the mouth of Penobscot river, the Legislature of Massachusetts determined to dislodge them, and made arrange­ments for the purpose. The armament, with the [Page 214]troops, made their appearance on this day before the posts; the issue is detailed in a subsequent page.

26th.—Four deserters came in from the enemy; they reported that Stoney Point was repairing with great expedition, and that Lord Cornwallis arrived at New-York on the 24th.

28th.—Four deserters came in from the enemy. Capt. Hopkins, of the dragoons, took the Captain of the Bellona transport, a Serjeant and Corporal of the 64th British regiment, and two seamen, who had ventured too far on the shore near Sing-Sing.

29th.—Two deserters came in from the enemy.

30th.—Three deserters came in from Verplank's Point. This morning, Capt. Hopkins, of Moylan's light dragoons, fell in with a party of the enemy, under Col. Emmerick, near Young's tavern, and charged them vigorously; but the Colonel being supported by the Hessian Yaugers, Capt. Hopkins was obliged to retreat: he brought off with him three prisoners and four horses, and killed six of the enemy on the spot, and wounded a number. Sev­eral prisoners which he had taken, were retaken by the enemy. Capt. Hopkins had one dragoon and two horses wounded. The British army were under marching orders for several days.

31st.—Three deserters came in from the enemy. A body of the enemy landed in the Jersies.

August 1st.—Capt. Hopkins gave notice that the British army had moved below Kingsbridge. Three deserters came in from the enemy.

2d.—Six deserters came in from the enemy. The British army encamped on York Island: Em­merick's and Bearmore's corps above Kingsbridge. The American army remained at their respective posts in the Highlands.

5th.—About 100 horse, of Shelden's, Moylands, and of the militia, and about 40 infantry of Glover's [Page 215]brigade, passed by Delaney's mills to the neighbour­hood of Morrisania, where they took 12 or 14 pris­oners, some stock, &c. The enemy collected—a skirmish ensued, in which the enemy had a number of men killed and wounded; our loss, two killed, and two wounded. The British army, below the 7 mile stone on York Island, were alarmed by a re­port, that a French fleet were on the coast. Three deserters from Verplank's Point; they reported, that the garrison, except 400 men, were to remove to New-York.

9th.—Four deserters from the point.

10th.—Two deserters from the enemy. There were some desertions from our army to the enemy.

14th.—Four prisoners, taken the 12th, near Sing-Sing, were sent up, and two deserters from the Brit­ish 33d regiment came in.

17th.—Three deserters from the enemy.

18th.—Seven deserters came in; the enemy were very strongly fortifying Laurel-Hill, on New-York Island, nearly opposite to Fort Washington.

19th.—23 waggon loads of forage were brought off from the vicinity of Peek's Kill, covered by 250 men, under the command of Lt. Col. Putnam. The galley and one of the enemy's gun-boats fired a number of cannon-shot at the party, but did them no harm. The night before, Maj. Lee, with about too men, surprised and took the garrison at Paulus Hook.

20th.—Two deserters came in from the enemy.

21st.—Two deserters came in. At night, the en­emy's guard-boats came as far up the river as An­tony's Nose, and fired several shot at the camp of our light-infantry.

23d.—Three deserters came in from the enemy. The enemy burnt two houses, belonging to the Lents, near Verplank's Point. Accounts were received, [Page 216]that Gen. Sullivan had advanced into the Indian country, and taken two of their principal villages.

2 [...]th.—Admiral Arbuthnot arrived at New-York, with about 200 sail of transports: between 2 and 3,000 troops arrived in the fleets, and a large sum of money was brought for the army. The continental frigates were very successful at sea, and sent into Boston several rich sugar ships.

30th.—Three deserters came in from Verplank's Point; and a prisoner belonging to the 33d regiments, taken by one of our patrolling parties, was sent up. About 15 sail of square-rigged vessels, lay at anchor near King's Ferry. 1231 recruits, of the 2,000, ordered by Massachusetts, to serve 9 months, had already joined the army.

September 4th.—Three deserters from the enemy.

5th.—Two deserters came in. Preparations were malting in New-York, for an embarkation of troops. The British army sickly, especially the newly arriv­ed reinforcement.

6th.—The enemy made an excursion from King's bridge, towards Horseneck; on their return, they carried off some cattle, sheep, poultry, &c. Ac­counts were received, that General Sullivan had ob­tained further advantages in thee Indian country.

9th.—Two deserters came in from the enemy. Putrid fever and scurvy [...]aged at New-York, among the British troops. The American army remained in their former position: the Virginia line, near Ramapaugh, on the right; the light-infantry, near Fort Montgomery; the Maryland line, on the left of the light-infantry; Pennsylvania line, and two brigades of Massachusetts, at West-Point; North-Carolina brigade, at Constitution Island; the Con­necticut line, on the east side of the Hudson, between Nelson's and Robinson's; Nixon's brigade, at the gorge of the mountains, above the Continental Vir­lage; [Page 217]Glover's brigade, Moylan's, Sheldon's, and Armand's horse, at Lower Salem. On the west side of the Hudson, besides Fort Clinton, at West-Point, and Fort Putnam, on the height back of it, there were seven or eight redoubts, built and building. On the east side of the river, the north and middle redoubts, and a redoubt at the gorge of the moun­tains. Great expectations of the arrival of a French fleet on the American coast.

13th.—Four deserters came in from the enemy.

14th.—Just after revelle, our General received orders to put Nixon's brigade under marching or­ders, which was done immediately. Gen. Howe was ordered to move with Glover's to Pine's Bridge, Croten River, and Nixon's to join him.

15th.—A deserter came in from Verplank's Point. The day before, a party of the enemy's horse came out from Kingsbridge, with intent to surprise Lieut. Col. White; but, by the desertion of one of the par­ty, they were disappointed. The Count de la Lu­zerne, the new French Minister, arrived, and dined at Gen. Washington's.

16th.—Nixon's brigade marched to form a junc­tion with Glover's, and a picket of 150 men mount­ed at the Village. Four deserters came in from the enemy. The Count Luzerne was highly pleased with the treatment he received in passing through the New-England States. The 17th, he left head-quarters, on his way to Philadelphia.

18th.—Gen. Howe was ordered to march back to Lower Salem, with Glover's and Nixon's brigades.

19th.—Two deserters came in from the enemy. Some appearances indicated an evacuation of Ver­plank's Point.

[...]2d.—A [...]eserter came in from Kingsbridge. [...] [...]ration for the embarkation of a large body of [...] continued at New-York.

[Page 218] 29th.—Two deserters from the enemy, and one the day before.

30th.—The engineers, covered by a detachment of 300 men, reconnoitred the enemy's works at Ver­plank's; the enemy appeared to be much alarmed, and sired a number of cannon and small-arms at our party, and a reinforcement came over from Soney Point. At evening another deserter came in.

October 1st.—The American light-infantry moved down near to Kakeat, and the North-Carolina brig­ade from Constitution Island to New-Windsor. One deserter from the enemy.

2d.—Two deserters came in from the enemy. Certain intelligence was received, that the Count D'Estaing had arrived at Georgia. The enemy, at Verplank's Point, opened a number of pits, about five feet deep, and four feet over, with a sharp stake in the middle, around the outside of the abbatis. By the last accounts from Gen. Sullivan, he was at Tioga, on his return this way; he had destroyed a great number of Indian towns, and immense quan­tities of corn and other produce, and cut down many fruit-trees. It is a great pity the latter were not spared; they would have been very pleasing to the American settlers, who will one day, not far distant, fill that fertile country.

A number of armed vessels, from the Connecti­cut ports on the Sound, cut and brought off a num­ber of the enemy's vessels from Huntington harbour, Long-Island, and the Halifax brig was taken by an armed galley.

4th.—Five deserters came in from the enemy. Gen. Howe was ordered to take post again at Pine's Bridge.

5th.—The Sieur Gerard, the late French Minis­ter, came to camp, and dined at head-quartent Two days before, Lieut. Gill, of the dragoons, pa­trolling [Page 219]in East-Chester, found a superior force in his rear, and no alternative but to surrender or cut his way through them; he chose the latter, and forced his way, when he found a body of infantry still behind the horse; these he also charged, and on his passing them, his horse was wounded and threw him, when he fell into the enemy's hands. Two of the Lieutenant's party, which consisted of 24, were killed, and one taken prisoner; the rest escaped safe to their regiments.

Congress about this time appointed the Hon. John Adams, a Plenipotentiary, extra, to repair to France, to negociate for a peace with Great-Britain, when an opportunity occurred. The British fortified Gov­ernor's Island, in the harbour of New-York, and appeared under great apprehensions of a visit from the French fleet under the Count D'Estaing. The troops and shipping at Rhode-Island were ordered to New-York.

7th.—One deserter from Verplank's Point. There was a cannonade between our infantry at Grassy Point and one of the enemy's guard-ships, when the latter was driven from her moorings.

8th.—The light-infantry of Glover's brigade crossed the Hudson to join Gen. wayne. The British had a number of ships ready to sink in the channel, in case a French fleet arrived, and attempt­ed to enter the harbour of New-York. The mer­chants in the city packing up their goods.

9th.—A fleet of transports passed the Sound to­wards Rhode-Island.

The General Officers of the American army re­solved to address Congress, respecting themselves and the army.

11th.—There was a cannonade in the river be­tween the American and British gun-boats; but no damage was done.

[Page 220] Sir Joseph Yorke, the British Minister at the Hague, addressed their High Mightinesses on the 22d of the preceding, July, in such language as evinced the feelings of the British nation. One de­serter from Verplank's Point.

12th.—Gen. Sir Henry Clinton and Col. Robin­son came up to Verplank's Point, in the ship Fanny, and returned the next day; after which, the works men at the points ceased working. The troops of the enemy sickly at the points.

13th.—Two deserters came in.

14th.—Two prisoners of war were sent up, and four deserters came in. The British transports were collected near Turtle Bay, and their ships of war near the Narrows.

15th.—Seven deserters came in from Verplank's Point; they reported that the enemy were putting their baggage, sick, the women, &c. on board the transports.

16th.—14 prisoners, seamen, taken by Capt. Hal­let's company of New-York militia, two days before, on the North River, near Teller's Point, were sent up, and one deserter came in. Just before sun-set, a galley and several of the enemy's gun-boats came up the river as high as Fort Montgomery, and fired a number of shot at some of our boats, and at the troops on the west side of the river; the American discharged some muskets from the banks at the boats, and the latter returned down the river.

17th.—One deserter came in from the enemy.

19th.—One deserter from Verplank's Point.

21st.—Three deserters came in from Verplank's, and reported, that the enemy were on the point of evacuating their works. The officer commanding the advance picket, soon after sent information that the works appeared to be on fire, and the shipping standing down the river. Maj. Waldbridge, who [Page 221]commanded the advanced picket, immediately sent adetachment to take possession of the works. Sev­eral loaded shells left by the enemy, in places where the fire would come at them, burst, but did no harm. The enemy left one horse, a few old intrenching tools, and some other trifles at the point. The transports came to anchor off the mouth of Croten River; and information was received that the Brit­ish grenadiers were on board transports, in the river near Fort Washington, and the 7th and 33d regiments in readiness to embark at a moment's no­tice. Our General, lest there might be an attempt made on Gen. Howe's division, ordered a detach­ment of 500 men, and half the Village picket, under the command of Col. Bradley, to march, and take post, during the night, towards the New Bridge, on Croten River, to cover the right flank of Howe's division.

22d.—About noon, the enemy's transports came to fail with the ebb, and beat down against the wind, and were soon out of sight.

24th.—Col. Bradley's detachment returned to camp. The Colonel reported that the observed large quantities of forage and fruit, in the fields between Verplank's Point and Croten River. To secure the forage, and cover the communication by King's Ferry, Gen. Washington ordered our General to move down and encamp at Peek's Kill.

27th.—The Connecticut line moved down and encamped on the high ground to the southward of Peek's Kill, and Maj. Gen. Howe's division was or­dered up to form a junction. The day before, the enemy landed a body of troops, said to be some thou­sands strong, at Amboy, and advanced towards Brunswick. The light-infantry, and the Virginia line, were ordered to move down that way.

[Page 222] A man, who said he was a Lieutenant in the Brit­ish service, and who produced a commission, came out, pretending that he had been ill-treated, &c.

The State of Massachusetts appeared to be deter­mined to fill up their regiments, and offered 300 dol­lars bounty to those who would enlist, in addition to the Continental bounty, which was 200 dollars making the whole bounty 500 dollars. This morn­ing about 70 sail of vessels, many of them large ships, passed down the Sound, having the garrison of Rhode-Island on board.

When the enemy landed yesterday at South-Am­boy, 96 horse about the same time landed at Perth-Amboy, and proceeded rapidly to Middlebrook— burnt Rariton meeting-house, Somerset court-house, and six boats, and returned through Spots-wood to South-Amboy. This party, on its retreat, was met by 13 of the militia, who fired upon them, killed one man and four horses, and took the com­manding officer, Lieut. Simcoe, and one trooper, prisoners. By the capture of Simcoe, the inhabit­ants were freed of a very enterprising and trouble­some officer. The destruction of the boats was the object of this enterprise.

29th.—Gen. Howe's division formed a junction with the Connecticut line, and encamped with them. Strong fatigue parties were daily employed on the works evacuated by the enemy at Verplank's and Stoney Points. Gen. Lincoln and the Count D'Es­taing, by the last accounts from Georgia, had form­ed a junction, and were determines to attack the enemy.

31st.—Maj. Bunschoten arrived at camp, with [...]d detachment of Lieut. Col. Paulding's New-York levies; they were ordered to garrison Stoney Point.

November 1st.—Maj. Armstrong, Aid-de-camp to Maj. Gen. Gates, called at camp, on his way to [Page 223]Congress, with official dispatches of the evacuation of Rhode-Island, which took place on the night of the 26th ult. The British left large quantities of forage, fuel, &c. Brigadier-General Stark had gone on to Rhode-Island. A Hessian Lieutenant belong­ing to the Landgrave regiment, came out from the neighbourhood of Fort Washington; he pretended a desire to enter the American service as a volunteer. A prisoner of war was also sent up from the ad­vanced guard.

2d.—Intelligence was received, that a body of In­dians were advancing towards Fort Schuyler.

7th.—Two German Yaugers, with their rifles, came to our camp. At night, Col. Armand pro­ceeded with his corps from near Tarrytown to the vicinity of Morrisania, to the house of Alderman Leggit, where he surprised and took Maj. Bearmore and five others prisoners. The secrecy, precaution, gallantry and discipline exhibited by the Colonel and his corps on this occasion did them much hon­our. In the capture of Maj. Bearmore, the inhab­itants of the adjacent country were relieved from the frequent excursions of a troublesome officer. The British augmented their troops on Staten-Island.

11th.—Two deserters came in from Col. Wurmb's Yaugers.

13th.—Five prisoners taken by Lieut. Oakley, near Morrisania, were sent to camp. The enemy had a redoubt, called No. 8, on the east fide of Haarlem Creck, nearly opposite to the fort on Lau­tel Hill, and under the fire of its cannon, for the se­curity of their advanced troops on the Morrisania fide.

16th.—Intelligence was received, that on the 23d of September, Gen. Lincoln and the Count D'Estaing broke ground before the enemy's works, at Savannah in Georgia; and on the 5th of October, [Page 224]batteries of 33 cannon and nine mortars, were open­ed and continued firing with intervals, until the 6th without the wished for effect.

9th.—In the morning an assault was made, which proved unsuccessful—the Americans were repulsed and obliged to retreat; of the Americans, 170 were killed and wounded; among the former, Count PO­LASKI, a remarkably brave and enterprising officer of Polish descent. The Count D'Eftaing was wound­ed in the arm and leg. It was said, that of the French troops, 330 were killed and wounded. Gen. Lin­coln retreated to Charleston. It being rendered certain that the Count D'Estaing would not come to the northward, the American main army was dis­tributed to winter-quaters.—Moylan's, Sheldon's, Baylor's, and Bedkins's dragoons to Connecticut-Poor's brigade to Danbury—The Massachusetts line to West-Point, and the posts in the Highlands—The Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, New-York, and Connecticut lines, Hand's and Stark's mix­ed corps, back of the Scotch Plains, New-Jersey— Lee's corps, and a detachment of infantry, towards Monmouth—Marechausee, with the main army.

19th.—Four prisoners were sent up.

23d.—Maj. Gen. Gates and his family came to camp from Rhode-Island.

25th.—The troops were moving to their different places of cantonment; many of the soldiers, (as fine men as ever stood in shoes) were marched barefooted over the hard frozen ground, and with an astonish­ing patience. Remember these things, ye Ameri­cans, in future times!

28th.—The Commander in Chief gave our Gen­eral the command of all the posts and troops on Hudson's River, which Gen. Washington very fre­quently called the key that locked the communica­tion between the eastern and southern States; and [Page 225]of all the posts in the United States, was the most important. This was the second time that our Gen­eral was designated to command them.

29th.—Three deserters came in from the galley in the river.

30th.—Early in the morning, Gen. Washington crossed the Hudson at King's-Ferry, into the Jersies. Maj. Gen. Gates was to proceed to Virginia—a ser­jeant, corporal, and three privates, were carried off by one Joseph M'Keels a sly, artful fellow, in the service of the enemy, and who conducted many re­cruits from the country to them.

December 2d.—Col. Armand, with some of his corps, went down to Morrissania, and took a Capt. Cruzer, of Bearmore's corps, and two men, prisoners. At this time the troops were greatly distressed for bread, and the horses for forage; the former occa­sioned by the want of water at the mills. All the horses, except such as were absolutely necessary for incumbent duties, were ordered out into the coun­try. A man, who pretended to be a prophet, came out from the enemy—he more probably was a spy.

16th.—Col. Paulding's corps was ordered from Stoney Point to Poughkeepsie, a grent desertion hav­ing taken place in the corps. The Virginia line had marched to the southward—the enemy at New-York, preparing for the embarkation of a large body of troops, said to be upwards of 10,000, under the im­mediate command of Gen. Sir Henry Clinton.

29th.—Three Hessian deserters came into our army; they reported that Gen. Matthews had the command of all the posts and troops on the north and of York Island, above the bridge, &c. The long talked of embarkation of troops at New-York, sailed on the 26th. The fleet was said to consist of near 200 sail. The enemy boasted that it was con­voyed by nearly 20 ships of war; however, it was [Page 226]well known that they had very few ships of the line, and that they were under great apprehensions of falling in with a superior French force. They went to the southward.

30th.—Lieut. Col. Newhall, with 250 men prop­erly offloered, marched to do duty on the lines.

31st.—There was a great body of snow on the ground.

1780. January 1st.—Early in the morning about 100 soldiers belonging to the Massachusetts regi­ments, who had enlisled, at different periods subse­quent to January, 1777, for three years, pretending that their time of service now expited, (although many of them had months to serve, before their three years service was completed) marched off with intent to go home: they were pursued and brought back: some of them were punished; the greater part of them pardoned. Some others, at other posts, conducted in the same manner, and were treated as the first mentioned. Those whose time of service was expired, were all discharged with honour.

3d.—The snow had got to be about four feet deep on a level, and the troops were driven to great dif­ficulties in keeping open the communications to the posts—obtaining provisions, fuel, forage, &c and so intense and steady was the weather, that so more than twenty days there could not be discovered the least sign of the remission of the snow in any places the most open to the influences of the sun. The Hudson soon becoming passable on the ice, the troops were comfortably supplied with provisions; but m [...] ­ny were in extreme want of cloathing.

8th.—The light-infantry belonging to the regi­ments in the Highlands, were joining their respective corps; the corps of light-infantry being separated for the winter.

9th.—About dusk, the north redoubt was discov­ered [Page 227]to be on fire at the southwest corner, under the rampart, which was of timber the fire was out of reach, and threatened the destruction of the whole redoubt. A detachment from West-Point was order­ed over to the assistance of the garrison of the re­doubt; but so strongly dovetailed and strapped were the timbers of the rampart, that the fire for a time seemed to baffle every exertion to extinguish it. The ammunition, and about 100 barrels of salted pro­visions in the magazine, were seasonably removed by the garrison; but the fire was not extinguished until about four o'clock on the morning of the 10th. All the officers and men distinguished themselves on this occasion; but the conduct of Col. Lyman, Col. Sprout, and Capt. Drew, were conspicuous indeed, as was that of a Serjeant of the garrison of the re­doubt, who, when all were on the point of quitting the redoubt, lest the magazine should take fire and blow up, instantly rushed into the magazine, and did not quit it until he had thrown out every cask of powder, and box of ammunition deposited in it. If his name could be recollected, it should be inserted.

12th.—Artisicers and fatigue-men were ordered to repair the redoubt. The weather continued in­tensely cold. A man belonging to the garrison of West-Point was frozen to death on his return from New-Windsor to the point; and many soldiers were frost-bitten. Maj. Gen. Putnam, who had gone home on furlough about this time, received a para­lytic stroke at Hartford in Connecticut, as he was on his return to the army.

17th.—The Hudson was so frozen, that travellers safely crossed the river on the ice at King's-Ferry. A Hessian deserter came in. Two days before, viz. on the 15th, Maj. Gen. Lord Sterling made a descent on Staten Island, with a detachment, consisting of about 2,500 infantry, and some artillery; a number [Page 228]of tents, arms, and some baggage, belonging to Col. Buskirk's regiment, was taken and brought off, with some liquors, &c. Some of the American soldiers deserted to the enemy, and 17 were taken prisoners.

19th.—Two deserters came in from the enemy, and reported the strength of the British at Fort Washington. The people crossed from New-York to Long-Island on the ice. About this time, a de­tachment from Col. Mead's regiment of levies at Horseneck, and a number of volunteers from Green­wich, the former under the command of Captain Keeler, the latter under the command of Captain Lockwood, the whole about 80, marched to Morris­sania; and about one o'clock in the morning, made an attack on Col. Hatfield. They first attacked the picket, killed 3, and drove the rest into the Colonel's quarters. The Colonel and his men took to the chambers, and fired out at the windows, and down stairs at those who had entered the house; it appear­ing difficult, if possible, to dislodge them, the house was instantly set on fire, by putting a straw bed into a closet, which compelled the enemy to jump out at the chamber windows, to avoid the flames. Colonel Hatfield, one Captain, one Lieutenant, one Quarter, Master, and 11 privates, were taken prisoners and brought off. This was a pretty affair, but was a little tarnished on the return by some of the militia, who were satigued, loitering on the road where they supposed there was no danger; but a party of house p [...]rsuing, overtook, killed and captured several of them.

26th.—Between 11 and 12 o'clock at night, a fire broke out in the Quarter-Master's barrack at West-Point, which threatened the most serious and extensive damage. It had got to considerable height before it was discovered; the barrack was confed quently consumed to ashes, notwithstanding every [Page 229]extertion of the garrison, which was numerous. Brig. Gen. Patterson, who commanded the garrison, not only distinguished himself, but also exposed his person to the flames to save another building, which was fortunately effected. The loss by the fire was considerable, both to the public and to individuals. The eight before, viz. the 25th, a detachment of the enemy, said to consist of 500 men, made an ex­cursion from Staten Island, over the ice, to Eliza­beth-Town, in the Jersies, and completely surprised the picket posted there, consisting of a Major and 100 men, properly officered; it was said that not a gun was fired, nor a man hurt. The enemy sur­rounded the houses, and took the troops asleep.— He who suffers himself to be surprised, through the want of proper precaution, his character (says a great military writer) is irretrievable.

February 1st.—At two o'clock in the morning, the north redoubt was discovered to be on fire again in the top of the bomb-proof, between the sally-port and the door. Every exertion was made by the garri­son of the redoubt, and detachments sent to their did, to put out the fire, but it was so much out of reach, and spread among the joints of the large timbers, that it was not extinguished until about two o'clock on the morning of the 3d. The redoubt received considerable damage, and would have been totally destroyed, had it not been for the unwearied exertions of the troops, day and night, during the whole of the time; and much credit was due to Lieut. Col. Vose, and the other officers who com­manded. By a more accurate account of the loss at the Quarter-Master's barrack at West-Point, it appear­ed than 6 marques, 26 horseman's tents, 80 common tents, 900 knapsacks, 250 narrow axes, and a num­ber of other articles were burnt and destroyed.

On the morning of the 3d, about 9 o'clock, the [Page 230]enemy made an attack on Lieut. Col. Thomson who commanded the troops on the lines; the Colo­nel's force consisted of 250 men, in five companies, properly officered; they were instructed to move between Croten River and the White Plains, Hud­son's River and Bedford; never to remain long at any one place, that the enemy might not be able to learn their manner of doing duty, or form a plan for striking them in any particular situation. The Col­onel had for some days taken post himself at Young's, not far from the White Plains. Capt. Watson, with his company, was with the Lieut. Colonel; Capt. Rob­erts and Capt. Stoddard, with their companies, were on the right; Capt. Lieut. Farley and Capt. Cooper on the left. The force of the enemy consisted of the four flank companies of the first and second British regiments of guards—detachments from two Hessian battalions—some mounted yaugers, and mounted res­ugees. The whole under the command of Col. Norton, of the guards. The roads were so filled with snow, that the enemy advanced but slowly, and were oblig­ed to leave their field-pieces behind on the road. They were discovered at a distance by Mr. Campbell, one of our guides, who, from the goodness of his horse, reconnoitred them pretty near. He gave the Lieutenant-Colonel notice of their advancing, and that their force was considerable, and advised him to take a stronger position a little in his rear. But the Lieutenant-Colonel was very confident that the enemy were only a body of horse, and that he could easily disperse them, and would not quit his ground. The enemy first attacked a small advance-guard, consisting of a Serjeant and 8 men, who behaved well, and meant to reach the main body in season; but were prevented by the horse, and all taken pris­oners. The enemy's horse soon appeared in sight of the Americans, and discharged their risles at long [Page 231]for, and waited the coming up of the infantry; when a warm action commenced; the enemy seat­tered, taking the advantage of the ground and trees in the orchard, and closing up on all sides. The 3 companies of the detachment, which had joined 0 fought well. After about 15 minutes' sharp conslicts, our troops broke; some took into the house, and others made off; the enemy's horse ruslring on at the same instant, and the whole shouting. At this time, the two flank companies came up, but finding how matters stood, judged it best to retreat, Capt. Stodder's company giving a fire or two at long shot, Capt. Cooper's, from their distance, not firing at all. some who were engaged effected their escape, others were overtaken by the horse. The enemy collected what prisoners they could, set Mr. Young's house and buildings on fire, and returned. Of the Amer­icans, 13 were killed dead on the spot, and Capt. Roberts, who was mortally wounded, lived but a few minutes. Seventeen others were wounded, sev­eral of whom died. Lieut. Col. Thomson of Mar'­shall's Capt. Watson of Greaton's, Capt. Lieut. Far­ley of Wesson's, Lieut. Burley of Tupper's, Lieut. Maynard of Greaton's, Ensign Fowler of Nixon's, [...]sign Bradley of Bigelow's, with 89 others, were taken prisoners. The enemy left 3 men dead on the field, and a Captain of grenadiers was wounded in the hip, and a Lieutenant of infantry in the thigh. The British, in their account of the action, acknowl­eged that they had 5 men killed, and 18 wounded. Dieut. Col. Badlam, with the relief for the lines, was at the time of the action far advanced on his march, but not within reach of those engaged.

One Mayhew, a pedler, well known in Massachu­setts, was of this detachment; he made off up the road, but finding the horse rushing on, he struck off into the snow, almost up to his hips. Two of the [Page 232]enemy's horse turned into his track after him; and, gaining fast upon him, he asked them if they would give him quarter; they replied, "Yes, you dog, we will quarter you." This was twice repeated; when Mayhew, finding them inflexible, determined to give them one shot before he was quartered; and, turning round, discharged his piece at the first horse­man, who cried out, "The rascal has broke my leg;" when both of them turned their horses round and went off, leaving Mayhew at liberty to tread back his path to the road, and come off.

7th.—A body of the enemy's horse, said to be about 300, and the 7th British regiment, came over from Long-Island to West-Chester on the ice. The troops in New-York, about this time, drew four days' provisions, which they were directed to keep cooked, and the troops to be in readiness to move on the shortest notice, with arms and blankets only A number of sleighs were collected, and some heavy cannon were drawn out; whether an attempt on Morristown or the Highlands was the object, was not known. Several deserters came in from the enemy, and in this month there were some desertions from the American southern regiments to the en­emy. The enemy also made an excursion in the Jersies, as far as Elizabeth-Town, and carried off a great quantity of plunder.

19th.—Some small parties of the enemy were on towards the White Plains.

Our General having obtained leave, from the Commander in Chief, to make a visit to his friends in New-England, commenced his journey eastward, on the 21st of February, and reached his house in Roxbury on the 29th. It appeared that the winter had been as severe, and the snow as deep, in the New-England States, as in the Highlands of New York.

[Page 233] March 8th.—Our General addressed the Hon. Council of Massachusetts, on the importance of the then moment for recruiting their battalions.

By the master of a flag from Bermuda, informa­tion was received, that the fleet, in passing from New-York to the southward, the preceding Decem­ber, suffered considerably; and that an ordnance ship was lost.

9th.—A privateer ship, of 18 guns, prize to the Tartar privateer, was sent into Boston.

13th.—The Committee of the General Court of Maffachusetts were issuing notes for the deprecia­tion of the pay of the troops of their line: these were sold at a very great discount.

20th.—A rich Jamaica ship, prize to the conti­nental frigate Dean, arrived safe in Boston harbour. The same day, there was a report that Sir Henry Clinton had arrived at South-Carolina, with the British troops, which sailed from New-York in De­cember.

The Legistature of Massachusetts passed a resolu­tion, granting a premium of £30 per man for each recruit that should be enlisted and pass muster for their line.

27th.—A Marblehead privateer, the Aurora, sent in a prize ship, with 1600 barrels of flour— 1400 do. of beef and pork; and dry goods to the amount of £700 sterling.

April 1st.—News was received of a most obsti­nate engagement in Europe, between the French frigate, Sueveillant, Capt. Conedic, of 36 guns, and the British frigate, Quebec, Capt. Farmer, of the same force. The French frigate had 32 men killed, and 92 wounded. The Quebec blew up, and her whole crew, 300, except 40, were lost, either in ac­tion or in the explosion. This engagement did honour to the bravery of both nations.

[Page 234] The depreciation of the continental money rap­idly increased; many people withheld their mer­chandize and produce from sale, and the times were truly embarrassing. An embarkation of some thou­sands of Hessian troops took place at New-York for Carolina. In the course of this month, the Mary­land line of the army, and three companies of artille­ry, marched to the southward.

26th.—News was received that the British had got their shipping over the bar, at Charleston; that the continental frigates, in the harbour, were hauled up, and their guns taken out and mounted on batteries: the garrison of Charleston numerous.

27th.—The privateers Franklin and Jack sent in­to Salem a large letter-of-marque ship, having on board 1,000 barrels of pork and beef, 750 barrels of flour, 800 firkins of butter, and dry goods to the amount of £15,000; she was from London, bound to New-York.

During this month, the enemy made two excur­sions to Paramus, where they killed and took a num­ber of Americans; Maj. Byles, of the Pennsylvania line, was mortally wounded, and died the next day. The enemy burnt Mr. G. Hoper's houses and mills; the militia turned out spiritedly, repulsed and pursued the enemy. By accounts from Europe, the American cause was viewed in a very favourable light, by the Courts in that part of the world.

28th.—The French frigate Hermeone, Capt. La­touch, arrived at Boston; in whom came the Mar­quis de la Fayette, and suite, from France. The in­habitants of Boston exhibited the greatest demonstra­tions of joy, on the occasion. The next morning the Marquis, Capt. Latouch, and other officers, made a visit to our General: the Marquis, the day before, on his landing at Hancock's Wharf, was received by a number of Continental officers, and escorted to his [Page 235]lodgings; after which, he paid his respects to the Honorable Legislature, who were then in session; in the evening there were rejoicings.

May 2d.—The Marquis de la Fayette set out from Boston, for the army.

During the session of the Legislature of Massachu­setts, they received an order from Congress, in favour of the State, for 2,000,000 dollars, to reimburse the State in part of the expense of the Penobscot expe­dition, which had greatly involved the State. The enemy having taken post at Penobscot, the Legisla­ture of Massachusetts, without applying to Congress, determined to dislodge them; and, for this purpose, ordered a body of militia to be detached, under the command of Brig. Gen. Lovell; and, in addition to their own State vessels, procured a number of pri­vateers, belonging to individuals. The expedition was attempted; the shipping arrived safe in Penob­scot Bay; the troops, or a part of them, were de­barked to attack the enemy, but they did not succeed in their attempt. The armed vessels, instead of cruizing off the harbour, where they could have had sea room, remained in the bay. The enemy sent a naval force to the relief of the post, which arrived, and found the American shipping in the river, who immediately ran up as far as they could, where the whole were destroyed, and the militia and seamen left to find their way home through the woods. This was an unfortunate affair to Massachusetts, whose privateers, before, were numerous, able and active, and greatly annoyed the enemy; and, had it not been for this blow, would have been of great public benefit, by depriving the enemy of many of their provision vessels, and of increasing provisions in our own country. Congress, at first, seemed to de­cline bearing the expense, as they had never been [Page 236]consulted respecting the expedition; but they finally consented to a reimbursement.

Congress ordered, that 800 men, in the pay of the United States, should cover and protect the Eastern Country the ensuing summer.

12th.—The gentlemen of Boston gave a ball to the French and American officers.

14th.—The Hermeone frigate, Capt. Latouch, failed from Boston harbour, on a cruize.

A number of very valuable prizes, taken by the American cruizers, were sent into different ports.

The 19th exhibited a most extraordinary phenom­enon. The wind, in the morning, was southerly, a moderate breeze; the sun shone a little after it was up, but was soon clouded: there was some thunder and moderate showers. A little after 10 o'clock, the clouds exhibited a yellowish cast, and every object seemed to present a brassy hue; it soon, after began to grow dark, which gradually increased; between eleven and twelve, it became necessary to light can­dles, to do household business. The darkness in­creased until near one o'clock, P. M. the inhabitants dining by candle-light. About one, the darkness be­gan to decrease, and went off gradually, as it came on; between three and four, P. M. the usual light was restored. The evening, although the moon was at the full, was remarkably dark, and there was a sprinkling of rain—the people were in great con­sternation. This phenomenon, in the opinion of our General, although he has no pretensions to astronomy, was produced by opposite winds forcing to­gether a vast body of smoak and vapours, (the air had been smoaky for some days before) which, from the light state of the atmosphere, as they accumulat­ed, ascended, forming, from top to bottom, such a body, as to cause the darkness; and yet, so open were the particles, as to admit the sun's rays so far, [Page 237]as to cause the brassy appearance: had the atmos­phere been heavy, the vapours would probably have condensed, and rain, in torrents, would have ensued. Some observations made by our General, some years since the foregoing, on the darkness in Canada, and which, on the afternoon of the preceding day, he no­ticed at Roxbury, and remarked thereon, afford strong collateral evidence that the foregoing opinion was not wholly unfounded.

As the learned and curious wish to ascertain, as far as poslible, the true cause of the phenomenon, we throw in those rough materials, which our observa­tion, at the time, collected, that they may be shaped by those of greater skill, for the information and sat­isfaction of an enlightened public. Those. called the dark days, in Canada, were the 9th, 15th and 16th of October, 1785; but the greatest degree of dark­ness was on Sunday, the 16th, when the darkness was so great as to render the use of candles necessary in the churches and families: it is said to have been as dark as a dark night.

On the 9th, at Roxbury, in Massachusetts, the wind was at south-cast, and then at south-west; the day fair, cool and pleasant.

The 15th, the prevailing wind was easterly; the day was cloudy and foggy; about 2 o'clock, P. M. it was uncommonly dark, and there was an opposite wind from the south-west. There were several hard claps of thunder at a distance, and a few drops of rain. Towards evening, the sun was visible, but ap­peared very red, and the clouds exhibited a brassy complexion, so similar to the dark day in May, 1780, as to be noticed and compared; in the evening the wind was southerly.

The 16th, which was the dark day in Canada, the wind, there at opposite points, N. E. and S. W. was at Roxbury S. W. The day was fair, warm and [Page 238]pleasant; from which it seems to be obvious, that the body of smoak and vapour, with which the at­mosphere was fraught on the 15th, which pervaded a region which comprchended Canada and a part of New-England at least, was, by the strength of the south-west wind in the night, forced north ward, and being still opposed by the north-east wind, pressing on the other side, produced the accumulation of smoak and vapour which occasioned the darkness; and if the north-east wind had prevailed against the south-west, the darkness would probably have been in New-England.

21st.—Capt. Latouch returned from his cruize; he ran into Penobscot Bay, and cast anchor, firing several signal guns. Two British sloops of war, which were at anchor, upon the approach of the Hermeone, came to sail, and ran up the river. Capt. Latouch lay at anchor until he took a plan of the enemy's post. Our General intended to have com­menced his journey for the army on Monday, the 29th of May; but on the afternoon of the preced­ing day, he received a letter from Gen. Washington, dated the 15th, in which his Excellency observed, "I have the pleasure to inform you, in strict confi­dence, that we have authentic advices of his most Christian Majesty's determination to send a respect­able armament of sea and land forces to operate on the continent, and that the period is not remote when we may expect their arrival." The Com­mander in Chief added, that the seizing of Halifax was an object with the French; and our General was instructed to obtain, as soon as possible, the ex­act state of the British in that quarter, as to their works, garrisons and troops; all of which was shortly after ascertained.

29th.—The Hermeone fell down, in order to proceed on a cruize to the southward. The troops [Page 239]at West-Point at this time were very short of pro­visions, and without rum.

Congress and the Commander in Chief called up­on the several States to complete their battalions of the army with all possible dispatch. The enemy at New-York were under great apprehensions of a visit from the French, and were said to have prepared a number of hulks of different sizes to sink in the channel.

June 6th.—News was received, that a French fleet had been seen at sea, in latitude 33, standing E.N.F.

About this time, Capt. Latouch sent into Dart­mouth a prize brig, having 1700 firkins of butter, 150 boxes of candles, and 150 boxes of soap on board. The Legislature of Massachusetts ordered a draft to be made from the militia, to complete their Continental battalions. The drafts were to rendez­vous at Springfield.

9th.—Our General received the following letter from the Commander in Chief.

About this time, an engagement happened between the Hermeone and a British man-of-war, which last­ed near two glasses; it was a drawn battle. Capt. Latouch, and one of his Lieutenants, were wounded; and it was said 13 men were killed and 39 wounded. Several of the wounded died soon after; among them, an officer.

15th.—At 11 o'clock, A. M. our General set out from his house, in Roxbury, for Providence, where he arrived the next day, at 2 o'clock, P. M. was met at Patucket Bridge by Deputy-Governor Bowen, and a number of other gentlemen, who attended him into town.

On Friday, the 2d of June, the Continental frig­ate, the Trumbull, James Nicholson commander, had an engagement with a British frigate of 35 guns, which lasted five hours. The Trumbull had all her masts wounded, 8 men killed, and 31 wounded. The British frigate was supposed to have suffered much.

In this month, a body of the enemy, under the command of Gen. Knyphausen, landed in the Jer­sies, and moved towards Springfield. Some skir­mishing ensued; Col. Angel's regiment suffered con­siderably. [Page 241]A number of men were killed on both sides. It was now fully confirmed that the enemy's shipping passed Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island, in South-Carolina, on the 9th of April, with a fresh breeze, by which means they received but little dam­age: they came to anchor between Fort Johnson and Charleston, and just out of reach of the latter. Gen. Sir Henry Clinton had now advanced his ap­proaches so far, as to be erecting his batteries. The garrison made a good defence, but, on the 12th of May, were obliged to surrender. Of the Ameri­cans, 1 Coloned, 1 Aid-de-camp, 6 Captains, 3 Lieu­tenants, 10 Serjeants, and 68 rank and sile, were kill­ed; 1 Major, 2 Captains, 5 Lieutenants, 18 Ser­jeants, and 114 rank and file were wounded. Maj. Gen. Lincoln, with Brigadiers Moultrie, M'Intosh, Woodford, Scott, Duportail and Hogan, with 9 Col­onels, 14 Lieut. Colonels, 15 Majors, 84 Captains and Capt. Lieutenants, 84 Lieutenants, 32 Second Lieuten­ants and Ensigns, 209 non-commissioned officers, 140 drums and fifes, and 1977 rank and file, including sick and wounded, of the Continental troops, mak­ing in the whole, 2564, were taken prisoners. Be­sides the foregoing, it was said that there were about 500 naval officers and seamen, 250 Charleston mili­tia, and 500 country militia, also taken—the ene­my pretended many more. About 20 American soldiers deserted to the enemy, during the siege. Besides the artillery and stores which fell into the hands of the enemy, (the former being 220 pieces, from 3 to 26 pounders) the Continental frigates, Providence, Boston, Ranger, and Queen of France, with 4 State gallies, and one French ship of war, were lost. It was supposed that about 500 Ameri­can men, women and children, were killed, during [Page 242]the siege. The enemy's loss, in killed and wound­ed, was considerable. The enemy broke ground be­fore the town on the first of April, at the distance of 800 yards from the American works. Before the surrender of the place, it was contemplated in Coun­cil of War, to embark the garrison, except about one regiment, on board the shipping, in the night, and run up the river, and land them; thereby to save the army, leaving those in the town to make the best terms they could. This opinion for some time pre­vailed, but it was afterwards given up.

7th.—The British fleet left Charleston, said to consist of 2 ships of the line, 2 fifties, 2 forty-gun­ships, 6 or 7 frigates, and between 80 and 90 trans­ports; near 2,000 negroes were put on board the fleet. Lord Cornwallis, with about 2,000 men, marched from Charleston towards North-Carolina. A few days after the surrender of Charleston to the British troops, the grand arsenal, wherein was de­posited all the arms, &c. taken from the Americans, took fire and blew up, by which it was said a num­ber of men were killed and wounded. The loss of Charleston roused the country, and seemed to give a check to that spirit of avarice and speculation which had but too much prevailed in all places, and a de­termination, by every exertion, to drive the enemy from the country, appeared to be catching from breast to breast.

At Rhode-Island, every preparation was making for the reception of the French fleet and army. The handsome college at Providence was given up for a hospital. The American privateers had been very successful, and many valuable prizes were sent in.

24th.—Monsieur Corney, a French Commissary, arrived at Providence. About this time, it was sus­pected that the enemy at New-York had some in [Page 243]tentions of an attempt on our posts in the Highlands; and some of their shipping were up the Hudson.

On the morning of the 30th, Capt. Latouch, in the Hermeone, sailed from Newport harbour. The same day, the British frigate, the Flora, which was sunk in Newport harbour nearly two years before, was weighed; she had a quantity of provisions on board.

July 1st.—News was received that the enemy were again in motion in the Jersies.

2d.—News was received of the sailing of the French fleet, which left France the 2d of May. It was said in France, that if the fleet fell to the north­ward, it would visit Halifax; if to the southward, it would proceed to Rhode-Island.

A great uneasiness, at this time, prevailed in Ire­land.

4th.—The anniversary of American Independence was celebrated at Providence, by a discharge of 13 cannon from the park. Governor Greene, Mon­sieur de Corney, and a number of other gentlemen, dined with our General.

By the last accounts, the main army was at Rama­paugh, in the Jersies. In the skirmish, which hap­pened some time before, near Springfield, the Americans had about 40 killed and wounded.

11th.—At one o'clock, A. M. our General re­ceived advice, by express, that the fleet of our illus­trious ally was seen off Newport, the evening before. Before sun-rise an express was sent forward to Gen. Washington with the agreeable tidings, and our Gen­eral immediately prepared to proceed to Newport, but the day being calm, the packet did not reach the town until 12 o'clock at night. General Rocham­beau had gone on shore in the evening. Early the next morning our General went on shore, and waited on the Count; from which moment the warmest [Page 244]friendship commenced between our General, the Count, and all the French officers. After breakfast, our General went on board the Duke de Burgoyne man-of-war, to pay his respects to the Chevalier de Ternay, who commanded the squadron, where the same friendship was commenced. The fleet consisted of seven sail of the line, viz. the Duke de Burgoyne, of 80 guns; la Neptune, la Conquerant of 74; la Jazen, la Seville, la Ardent, and la Provence of 64; and the Fautasque of 64, armed enflute with 40 guns as a hospital ship; two frigates, and two bombs, with a number of transports, having on board about 5,000 troops, besides the marines, the soldiers, and sailors, something sickly. The joy in the town of Newport was great. At 11 o'clock, A. M. the Admiral salu­ted the town with 13 cannon, which was returned by the discharge of the same number. In the eve­ning the town was beautifully illuminated, and fire­works exhibited, to the great pleasure and satisfac­tion of our allies. The fleet, on its passage to Amer­ica, fell in with five British ships of the line, who, after firing a few broad-sides, bore away.

12th.—Our General dined with the Count de Rochambeau.

13th.—The Chevalier de Ternay, and the princi­pal officers of the squadron, came on shore.

14th.—Count de Rochambeau, and the General Officers of the French army, dined with our Gen­eral.

15th.—A number of the Field-Officers of the French regiments, dined with our General in the most happy fraternity.

18th.—Four sail of ships of war, two of them supposed to be of 40 or 50 guns, appeared in the offing; they were supposed to be British. The same day, the Chevalier de Ternay, and the princi­pal officers of the fleet, dined with our General. [Page 245]In the afternoon the remains of the officer, who was some time before wounded on board the Hermeone, and died of those wounds, was interred with military honours.

The missing transport of the fleet, with troops on board, arrived safe in Boston harbour, and the troops marched to Rhode-Island.

19th.—Our General dined with the Count.

20th.—The frigates of the squadron came to sail in the morning; but the wind being a-head, they were obliged to come to anchor. Intelligence was received that Admiral Greaves, with five or six sail of the line, arrived at Sandy-Hook on the 13th.

On the 21st, in the afternoon, 15 or 16 sail of British ships of war appeared in the offing; more than one half of them were supposed to be ships of the line. At sun-set, they appeared to be coming too under Block-Island. The frigates, which attempted to get out in the morning, returned at evening.

Apprehending that the British fleet might be cruizing off, with a view to intercept the second division of the French fleet, which was expected soon to arrive, our General sent off expresses to head­quarters, Boston and Hartford, advising of the Brit­ish fleet being off Newport—that dispatch-boats might be sent out to apprize the French, and point them to another port. Several works and batteries, next to the harbour, were mantled with cannon.

22d.—The British fleet were cruizing off all the day, and rather nearer than they were the preceding day. Eighteen or nineteen sail were counted, eight or nine of which appeared to be of the line. The French squadron kept their former station, in the harbour, and in the most perfect readiness for ac­tion. The army was in the same preparedness, and batteries so constructed as to afford a heavy cros [...] ­fire with the shipping, in the entrance of the har­bour [Page 246]All vessels and boats were forbid passing out of the harbour in the night.

23d.—The British were cruizing off—early in the morning one of their frigates was near in. Col. Greene's regiment of continental troops took post at Butt's Hill, Bristol, and Howland's Ferries. Fif­ty French soldiers, from the army, were sent on board each of the ships of the line. By accounts from West-Point, it appeared that many recruits had joined, and were joining, the American army.

24th.—The British fleet continued off Newport. In the afternoon, 12 sail were at anchor to the cast of Block-Island, and 4 frigates cruizing between that Island and Point Judith. In the evening, the Mar­quis de la Fayette came to town, from head-quar­ters.

25th.—Intelligence was received, that Sir Henry Clinton intended an attempt upon the French army, with 10,000 men; upon which 1500 of the militia of Rhode-Island, and Brigadier Godfrey's brigade of militia, of the county of Bristol, in Massachusetts, were called in to Tiverton; and the three months' men, who were destined to the main army, such of them as belonged to the counties of Suffolk, Essex, Plymouth, Worcester, Barnstable and Bristol, were ordered to march to Rhode-Island.

26th.—A confirmation of the intention of Sir Henry Clinton, against Newport, was received from the neighbourhood of New-York. In consequence of which, the whole militia of the State of Rhode-Island was called in. Col. Tyler's, Col. Perry's, and Maj. Bullard's militia regiments, in addition to Brig­adier Godfrey's, from Massachusetts. Signals were fixed as far as Watch-Hill, and every thing put in train for the giving instant notice, both by day and night, in case the enemy should approach towards the place.

[Page 247] 27th.—The wind being fresh at south-west, and the air hazy, the privateer ship Washington, Capt. Munroe, ran by the British fleet, and passed up the harbour. The stock on Conanicut-Island was or­dered to be taken off. Howland's Ferry was to be well secured on both sides.

30th.—Intelligence was received, that the enemy's shipping, which were in the Sound, and supposed to have taken in troops at Whitestone, had come to sail, and stood to the westward; on which, the mi­litia who were coming in, except the three months' men, were permitted to return home. The militia had discovered great zeal and alertness on the occa­sion. About noon, the British ships that had been at anchor off Block-Island, came to sail and stood out to sea.

The same day a brig, with dispatches from France, passed up the harbour; she ran on one of the wrecks, and sunk immediately.

31st.—Our General received letters from Gen. Washington, Gen. Howe, Gen. Parsons, and Gov. Trumbull, intimating that the enemy intended an attack on Newport; that about 150 sail of vessels were in the Sound; that about 8000 troops were to be employed on the expedition; and that Gen. Sir Henry Clinton was to command in person; that 26 heavy cannon, some mortars, &c. were put on board. In consequence of this intelligence, the mi­litia were again called in The next day (August 1st) our General received the following letter from Gen. Washington.

The militia came in with great spirit; they were formed into brigades, and every disposition made for instant and vigorous defence, at every point where it was supposed an attempt might be made. [Page 249]The batteries were strengthened, a very strong one erected on Rose-Island, and redoubts on Coaster's-Island: the strong works on Butt's-Hill pushed: avenues across the fields, by the shortest routes, were opened, from the encampment of the French army, to those points where their instant presence was judg­ed necessary; and such marks sixed; at small distan­ces from each other, as to prevent any mistake in the route, either by day or night; indeed, no one precaution was omitted, or probable advantage of ground or situation neglected. Had Sir Henry made the attempt which he menaced, he would un­doubtedly have met a warm reception; but for some reason or other he gave up his design, and the mili­tia were again sent home. Perhaps on no occasion did the militia discover more ardour, in pressing to the field, or more regularity when there, than at that time, which was every where testified by the inhabitants.

Our General had expressed a wish to the Com­mander in Chief, to join the main army, that he might enjoy that command, to which he was at that time entitled, viz. the right wing; to which Gen. Washington, in a letter dated August 3d, replied: "As to your coming on to the army immediately, I shall leave it entirely to yourself to act in the affair as you please. Your command is, and will always be ready for you; however, if you find your pres­ence where you are necessary, and that it will con­tribute to the accommodation of our allies, and to the cultivation of harmony, (matters about which I am very anxious) it may possibly be more eligible for you to remain longer, as we shall not probably have any instant active operations. But, as I have already said, do in the matter as you like, and as circumstances may decide."

[Page 250] And in a subsequent letter some days after, he ob­served: "As to your wishes to join the army, as I ob­served before, your aid may be very material to the Count; and as we have no prospect of immediate ac­tive operations, I would rather wish you to remain with him longer. I thought it essential in the first in­stance that there should be an officer of rank sent to him, [...] [...]iety of reason [...] concurred to induce me to believe [...] the important objects I had in view, as well at least as any I could choose. I have not been disappointed in the least in my expecta­tion, and the Count himself judges your continuing very essential, and expressed himself in the following man­ner upon the subject several days ago. "I shall keep with me, if you think proper, Gen. Heath, whose ardour, spirit, and activity, are absolutely necessary to me." For these several considerations, I wish you to reconcile yourself to remaining with him a while, which will be the more easy, when you consider that you will be fully advertised whenever we are in a situation to attempt any thing offensive on a great scale, and will have your command."

The British ship of war, the Galetea, appeared off Dartmouth. The British fleet went to Gardner's Bay, excepting the frigates, which cruized off. The troops continued fortifying the island.

15th.—The British fleet sailed from Gardner's Bay to the eastward. About this time, Maj. Gen. Greene resigned the Quarter-Master Generalship, and Col. Pickering was appointed to that office.

19th.—In the afternoon, the British again appeared off the harbour of Newport. A few days before, the Continental frigate Alliance arrived at Boston, in five weeks and four days from France, and brought news that there had been a great mob in England, headed by Lord George Gordon, and that the pris­ons, &c. had been pulled down.

[Page 251] 23d.—The privateer ship Washington, [...]. Tal­bot of 20 guns, came down the river, salute! the Commodore, and came to anchor.

24th.—The French army, joined by the Ameri­cans, fired salutes on account of its being St. Louis' day. The fleet fired on the next day.

The enemy were preparing for an embarkation of troops at New-York; their destination unknown.

The evening of the 20th, three or four of the enemy's cruizers were off the harbour.

26th.—The British fleet, to the number of more than 20 sail, were in the Vineyard Sound.

29th.—A number of Indians from the northwest­ern tribes came to Newport to pay their respects to the General of the army of their father the King of France. They had a hearty welcome, a treat, and presents, and were much pleased. They were also invited by our General to a sumptuous treat. After dinner, they performed their war dance before the officers of the armies, to the great satisfaction of those of the French, who had not seen the like before. The next day, the French troops were under arms, manoeuvred, and fired, in presence of the Indians, who were much pleased.

31st.—Information was received that Admiral Arbuthnot was near the Vineyard with nine saild of the line, eight other ships of war of different force, and two tenders; that he had made a demand of 11,000 lb. of beef and mutton, to be delivered every other day, at five pence per [...]lb. The inhabitants remonstrating against furnishing so large a quantity, the Admiral assured them that in case they volunta­rily delivered as much as their ability would allow, he would dispense with what might be wanting.

The enemy continued their preparations for some grand enterprise, which could not be developed.

[Page 252] September 10th.—The British fleet were returned again to Gardner's Bay, and their old station be­tween Long-Island and Block Island.

11th.—Intelligence was received that on the 16th ult. Major-General Gates was totally defeated by the British, at or near Camden, in South-Caroli­na. The Maryland line suffered greatly, and Maj. Gen. Baron de Calb was wounded, of which wounds he died.

14th.—Intelligence was received, that Brig. Gen. Poor, of New-Hampshire, died at camp on the 8th, of a putrid, fever; and that Brig. Gen. Nixon had resigned his commission. Gen. Sir Henry Clinton was holding a body of troops, said to be about 6,000, in readiness to embark at New-York, said to be des­tined to the southward. The 17th, in the morning, the Continental regiment, commanded by Colonel Greene, crossed over from the island to Greenwich, from whence they were to march to the main army.

21st.—Intelligence was received that Admiral Rodney arrived at Sandy Hook on the 13th, with ten sail of the line, and two frigates—that on the 15th, Commodore Drake, with four sail of the line, was detached from the Hook to join Admiral Ar­buthnot near Gardner's Istand, and that these four ships joined on the [...]8th. This junction was intended to intercept 12 sail of French men-of-war, which were expected to be coming from the West-Indies to Rhode-Island—that the 76th and 80th British regiments, one Hessian regiment, the Queen's Ran­gers, Fanning's corps, a part of the horse, and all the British grenadiers and light-infantry, were or­dered to embark immediately at New-York—it was conjectured for Virginia. The disposition of the British troops at that time was said to be as follows: the 22d, 76th British, 3 Hessian regiments, Robin­son's corps, and some artillery in the city—Highland [Page 253]emigrants, at Brooklyn—a few invalids at Newton— one regiment of Hessians at Jamaica—the 37th, 38th and 43d British, one Hessian regiment, one yauger, one grenadier, and one light-infantry from Jamaica to Flushing—about three regiments at Whitestone— Queen's Rangers, Oyster Bay—Fanning's regiment, the 3d regiment of Delaney's, and the Jersey volun­teers, Lloyd's Neck—Col. Abercrombie, with about 600 infantry, at Huntington—the 17th dragoons at Smithtown—about 1500 men from Haarlem to Kingsbridge. At this time, the Count de Rocham­beau and Admiral de Ternay had an interview with Gen. Washington, at Hartford.

22d.—Col. Greene's regiment was ordered to re­turn from Greenwich to the island. The French army continued very busy in fortifying Rhode-Island: some of their works were exceedingly strong, and mounted with heavy metal.

24th.—In the evening, Gen. Rochambeau and the Admiral returned to Rhode-Island.

30th.—A French frigate arrived at Newport from the West-Indies, but brought no news of consequence. The Count de Guichen, instead of coming this way with the fleet from the West-Indies, was going or gone for Europe.

While General Washington was in interview with General Rochambeau at Hartford, Maj. Gen. Ar­nold, who had the immediate command of West-Point, was playing a most traiterous game with the British, for the delivery of that important post into their hands—which was communicated to our Gen­eral by the Commander in Chief, in the following letter.

Gen. Arnold's panic was so great, when he found that the plot was discovered, that he called out for a horse, any horse that first came to hand, if it were a waggon-horse; upon the horse's being brought, the General mounted, and, instead of passing to the landing by the usual path, he rode down a steep bank, where it seemed impossible for a horse with a rider to get down, without being unhorsed.

When Arnold had passed Verplank's Point, and had got under the guns of the Vulture, he told Cor­poral Larvey, who was Cockswain of the barge, that he was going on board the ship, and that he should not return; that if he (Larvey) would stay with him, he should have a commission in the British ser­vice. To this, Larvey, who was a smart fellow, re­plied, that he would be d—d if he fought on both sides; the General replied, that he would send him on shore. Arnold then told the barge crew, that if any or all of them would stay with him, they should be treated well; but if they declined staying, they should be sent on shore. One or two staid, the rest, with the Cockswain, were sent on shore in the ship's boat; the barge was kept. Larvey, for his fidelity, was made a Serjeant. He thought he had merited more; that he ought to have had as much as Arnold promised him. He continued un­easy, until at his repeated request he was allowed to leave the army.

Maj. Andre, on his return towards New-York, fell in with three young men below the lines, John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Vert; they [Page 256]did not at first know that Andre was a British officer, and he was at a loss whether they were British, ref­ugees, or staunch Americans. There was conse­quently a little finesse exhibited on both sides; but at length it was fully discovered who Andre was. He then attempted to bribe the young men, by of­fering them a large sum of money; but their fidel­ity was too great to be purchased. They brought him up, and delivered him to the Americans, where he was tried, sentenced, and hanged as a spy. The British General on the river endeavoured to save his life, first by threats, and then by persuasions; but all was in vain. Maj. Andre's behaviour, until the time of his execution, was becoming an officer and a gentleman; and such, in his last moments, as drew tears from many eyes. But it must be remem­bered, that he who consents to become a spy, when he sets out, has by allusion a halter put round his neck, and that by the usage of armies, if he be tak­en, the other end of the halter is speedily made fa [...] to a gallows.

Congress, pleased with the conduct of John Paul­ding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Vert, passed a resolution, on the 4th of October, directing that 200 dollars, in specie, should be annually paid to them, during life; and that a silver medal, descrip­tive of their fidelity, with the thanks of Congress, should be presented to each of them.

The situation of the British army, and other cir­cumstances, at the moment Andre was detected, were such as render it highly probable, that if he had not been taken, the most serious consequences to the American cause would very soon have taken place.

October 1st.—The next day after our General received the letter from Gen. Washington, he took a most affectionate leave of the French officers, and [Page 257]left Newport, to prepare to go on to the army. His waggon-horses were out in the country at a distance; these were to be brought in, shod, &c. and other preparations to be made, which prevented his leaving Providence until the afternoon of the 9th, when he was attended out of town by a number of officers and other gentlemen. Before he left Providence, he bid Count Rochambeau another farewel, by let­ter, to which an answer was forwarded on after him, as follows:

16th.—Our General reached West-Point, where he met the following letter from Gen. Washington.

Our General had scarcely entered on the com­mand, before he received intelligence that the ene­my were making an incursion upon the northern frontier of New-York; upon which he immediately, without consulting the Commander in Chief, order­ed Col. Gansevoort's regiment to their relief, and communicated what he had done to head-quarters; to which he received the following answer:

This was followed by another, dated the 18th, in which the Commander in Chief observed, "I am glad to find, by your letter of the 17th, that you were arrived at West-Point, and had taken the com­mand of that important post." This was occasioned by our General's having been on the east side of the river a day or two, until the quarters on the point were quitted by Maj. Gen. Greene, who was order­ed to the southward.

On the 17th, intelligence was received, that the enemy had advanced to Fort George and Fort Ann, both of which had fallen into their hands; that af­ter destroying the works, and burning about thirty houses, and as many barns, they had gone back; but it was apprehended that they would advance again.

19th.—Maj. Gen. Greene left West-Point. The same day intelligence was received, that on the 16th the long talked of embarkation of troops sailed from New-York, supposed to be destined to the south­ward. The American troops at this time drove up the fat cattle which were near the lines, in conse­quence of a warrant from Gov. Clinton.

21st.—Intelligence was received, that the enemy were meditating an excursion as far up as Crom­pond and its vicinity, to sweep off all the cattle. Our General immediately ordered Col. Hazen, with a detachment of 500 men, to move to Pine's Bridge, and Lieut. Col. Jameson, with the 2d light dragoons, to move from Bedford towards Col. Hazen. The [Page 260]detachment arrived at Pine's Bridge about 10 o'clock the same evening, and Col. Jameson with the dra­goons at about 2 o'clock the next morning. The evening of the 23d, Col. Hazen returned with the detachment; the enemy did not come out.

About this time, the enemy received a small rein­forcement at New-York, from England, said to be 1,500 or 2,000. Two or three very valuable prizes, laden with [...]um, sugar, &c. were sent into Philadel­phia, and news was received that upwards of 50 sail of British East and West Indiamen, outward bound, were taken by the combined fleets of France and Spain, near Cape Finister.

24th.—Intelligence was received, that the enemy had [...] [...]aste a great part of the fertile country above Sa [...]a [...]oga, and to the westward of Schenectady. The same [...]ight, 20 prisoners made their escape from the prov [...] [...] Fish-Kill, by digging upwards of 20 feet under ground; parties were sent out after them in different directions, and some of them were re­taken.

26th.—News was received, that the militia, under Gen. Van Rensselaer, obtained a considerable ad­vantage over the enemy at the northward, on the 19th instant, at the Fox Mills. The action lasted for some hours; the enemy left their baggage, pris­oners, &c. Col. Brown was killed in skirmishing with the enemy on the morning of the same day.

28th.—Official intelligence was received of a sig­nal advantage gained by the Americans in North-Carolina over a corps of fourteen hundred men, Brit­ish troops, and new levies, commanded by Col. Fer­guson. The militia of the neighbouring country under Colonels Williams and Shelby, and others having assembled to the number of 3,000, detached 1,600 men on horseback, to fall in with Ferguson's party on its march to Charlotte—they came up with [Page 261]them at a p [...]ace called King's Mountain, advantage­ously posted, and gave them a total defeat, in which Col. Ferguson, with 150 of his men were killed, 800 made prisoners, and 1,500 stands of arms taken, with but inconsiderable loss, except, and greatly to be regretted, the brave Col. Williams, who was sup­posed to be mortally wounded. A second account stated the enemy's whole loss in killed, wounded and prisoners, at 1,105; and that of the Americans in killed and wounded, 64.

29th.—Brig. Gen. James Clinton was ordered to Albany, to take the command in that quarter.

30th.—Capt. Johnson, with a detachment consisting of 100 men, marched to do duty on the lines for the protection of the inhabitants against the enemy, and the cow-boys, (so called) a set of plundering thieves.

31st.—A ridiculous proclamation of the traitor Arnold, made its appearance; he styled himself a Brigadier-General, and invited the officers and sol­diers of the American army to join him, promising ample encouragement, &c. but it had no effect.

November 1st.—A severe storm of snow and rain. The brave soldiers who were but illy clad, and desti­tute of blankets, were in a shivering condition.

The devastation committed by the enemy at the northward, was found to be very great; at least 200 dwellings and 150,000 bushels of wheat, with a pro­portion of other grain and forage, were supposed to have been destroyed; had not the pursuit after the enemy been very rapid, the devastations would have been much greater.

The American army were at this time experi­encing a great want of slour, which they bore with their usual patience.

[...]4th.—Intelligence was received, that Maj. Carle­ton, after being reinforced with 500 men, was re­turning towards Skeensborough; it was supposed [Page 262]that his force had increased to about 1,600, and fur­ther depredations on the frontiers were expected. The militia of the upper counties were again ordered out by Gov. Clinton.

The same day, the new arrangement of the army was published. The encouragement to both officers and soldiers was generous.

5th.—The troops were again without bread. In­telligence was received that the enemy had landed a body of troops at Portsmouth, in Virginia, and that another embarkation was talked of at New-York.

6th.—News was received from Boston, that his Excellency John Hancock had been chosen Govern­or of the State of Massachusetts—the first Governor under the new constitution. The same day, intel­ligence was received from the northward, that the enemy had crossed Lake George the Thursday before, and advanced to Fort Edward, the small garrison of which abandoned the fort on the approach of the enemy, whose numbers were said to be about 800. The militia were out, and the 1st and 5th New-York regiments were ordered to embark and sail for Al­bany immediately. They sailed early on the morn­ing of the 9th. On the same day, intelligence was received, that the enemy had lately made an excur­sion to the upper parts of Connecticut river, and de­stroyed a number of houses at Royalton. The mi­litia turned out with spirit, repulsed and pursued them; the enemy made off with precipitation, leav­ing their plunder, &c. behind them. Upwards of 2,000 militia were assembled in that quarter.

The 2d regiment of dragoons moved from Bed­ford to North-Castle.

The enemy published several letters in the New-York papers, which were taken from the Fish-Kill post-rider not long before at Stratford; in particu­lar, [Page 263]one from the general officers belonging to the New-England States to their several Legislatures.

A partial but not general exchange of prisoners took place about this time. Maj. Gen. Lincoln was exchanged for Maj. Gen. Phillips; General Thompson, and a number of American officers, who had long been prisoners, were also exchanged.

14th.—The great chain, which was laid across the Hudson at West-Point, was taken up for the winter; it was done under the direction of Colonel Govion, Capt. Buchanan, and Capt. Nevers, with a strong detachment of the garrison, and with skill and dexterity. This chain was as long as the width of the river between West-Point and Constitution Island, where it was fixed to great blocks on each side, and under the fire of batteries on both sides of the river. The links of this chain were probably 12 inches wide, and 18 inches long; the iron about [...] inches square. This heavy chain was buoyed up by very large logs of perhaps 16 or more feet long, a little pointed at the ends, to lessen their opposition to the force of the water on flood and ebb. The logs were placed at short distances from each other, the chain carried over them, and made fast to each by staples, to prevent their shifting; and there were a number of anchors dropped at distances, with ca­bles made fast to the chain, to give it a greater stability. The short bend of the river at this place was much in favour of the chain's proving effectual; for a vessel, coming up the river with the fairest wind and strongest way, must lose them on chang­ing her course to turn the point; and before she could get under any considerable way again, even if the wind was fair, she would be on the chain, and at the same time under a heavy shower of shot and shells.

[Page 264] 15th.—The 1st and 5th New-York regiments returned from Albany, the enemy having returned to Canada; except about 400 men, chiefly British, who were encamped about 10 miles below Crown-Point. Provisions were extremely scarce at Albany.

The night of the 16th, a number of the boats were stove by the violence of the wind and storm.

On the morning of the 18th, five large flat-bot­tomed boats, under the charge of a Subaltern and 25 picked watermen, were sent down the river to the slote above Dobb's-Ferry, where they were to be placed on carriages, and transported to a certain place, for an enterprise which was meditating against the enemy.

19th.—Five companies, of 50 men each, marched from West-Point, for the purpose of impressing teams in the upper part of Westchester, and lower parts of Dutchess Counties, preparatory to the grand forage.

The same day, the invalids of the Massachusetts and Connecticut lines, and a detachment of able bodied men, the whole about 1000, arrived at West-Point, from the main army.

20th.—Three light field-pieces, with four ammu­nition tumbrels, with ammunition for the artillery, and musquet-cartridges; and also a quantity of hard bread, rum, &c. was sent down to Peek's-Kill, for the use of the grand foragers.

21st.—The troops destined for the grand forage paraded between Nelson's Point and the church. Just before they marched, Chevalier Chastellux, Major General in the French army, at Newport, and some other French officers, arrived; the detachment de­filed before them, and proceeded for the lines. The French officers were much pleased with the appear­ance of the troops.

Gen. Chastellux then accompanied our General over to the Point, and on landing was saluted by the [Page 265]discharge of 13 cannon; after dinner, he took a view of Forts Clinton, Putnam, Willis, &c. At eve­ning Count Noailles, Count Damas, and Maj. Du­plissis, arrived at the Point. The next morning, a­bout 9 o'clock, Gen. Chastellux, and the other French officers, amidst a severe cold storm of rain, embarked on board the barge, and went down the river, to King's Ferry, on their way to head-quar­ters; on leaving West-Point, they were again salut­ed by 13 cannon.

The evening of the 22d, Brig. Gen. Starks arri­ved at Wright's Mills, and the waggons were col­lected at North-Castle. This grand forage was to mask an enterprize, which was to have been at­tempted by Gen. Washington, from the main army; although the foraging was in itself an important object. The enterprize, for some reasons, was not at­tempted, but the grand forage was very successful. Some of the light troops went as low down as East-Chester; and on the 27th, Gen. Starks returned with a large quantity of corn, some hay, cattle, &c.

The next day, the main army separated to move into winter-quarters, and the light-infantry corps was broken up for the winter, and the men ordered to join their respective regiments. The corps of light-infanty was perhaps as fine a body of men as was ever formed. Major-General the Marquis de la Fayette had, with infinite pains and great expense, endeavoured to render them respectable in their ap­pearance as well as discipline, in which he was no­bly seconded by the officers: it was a pity that the operations of the campaign did not afford an oppor­tunity for the Marquis to signalize himself with this corps.

30th.—The New-Jersey brigade left West-Point, proceeding down on the west side of the Hudson, on their way to Pompton, where they took winter-quar­ters. [Page 266]In the afternoon, the four Massachusetts brig­ades arrived at West-Point, and the two Connecti­cut brigades on the east side of the river, where the whole took winter-quarters.

A few days before, viz. on the 23d, Maj. Talmadge, with a detachment from the 2d regiment of dragoons, conducted with great address an enterprize against the enemy's Fort, St. George, on Long-Island. Fort St. George was stockaded, and encompassed a large spot of ground, a square redoubt, with a ditch and abbatis. The enterprize succeeded completely. One half-pay Lieutenant-Colonel, 1 half-pay Captain, 1 Subaltern, and 50 rank and file, were made prisoners. The fort was destroyed and burnt. Two armed ves­sels burnt, and a large magazine of hay, said to be about 300 tons, was destroyed.

December 1st.—One of the largest scows at King's Ferry, in crossing, with several baggage waggons on board, sunk.

The same day, our General began to discharge the six-months men, beginning with those who were the worst cloathed and unfit for duty.

4th.—The three New-York regiments sailed for Albany, where they were to take winter-quarters.

5th.—Marquis la Val, Count de Custin, and Col. Fleury, of the French army at Newport, arrived at West-Point, on a visit.

6th.—At evening his Excellency Gen. Washington, arrived at New-Windsor, where he took winter-quarters. The same evening, accounts were receiv­ed that there had been a terrible hurricane in the West-Indies.

On the evening of the 9th, Gen., Varnum and Col. Pickering, arrived at West-Point, at this time the troops were without bread, and very uneasy. The next day, 300 barrels of flour arrived. A little before noon, Gen. Washington visited West-Point.

[Page 267] 12th.—Intelligence was received from New-York, that another embarkation was to take place, and that Gen. Phillips and Gen. Arnold were to command. Major Talmadge received the thanks of Congress for his good conduct in taking Fort St. George.

17th.—An express from Major Maxwell on the lines, brought up intelligence that the enemy at Mor­rissania, under Col. Delancy, were preparing for an enterprize. The Major was cautioned to be on his guard.

18th.—News was received that Monsieur de Sar­tine, the primate of France, had been removed—Mr. D'Castries appointed.

19th.—News was received that the Hon. Henry Laurens, who was sent on a mission to Holland, had been taken by the British, carried into England, and closely confined. The British government talked of sending to America a large reinforcement for the next campaign.

20th.—Further intelligence having been received that Col. Delancy intended to visit our troops on the lines, in order to give him a proper reception, 150 men were ordered from the New-Hampshire line, to march to Crom-Pond.

21st.—Intelligence was received that on the pre­ceding Friday, the transports which had taken the troops on board at New-York, fell down to the watering place. They were to be convoyed by one 50 gun ship and two frigates.

On the night of the 9th, Major Hugerford, of Delancy's corps, surprised and took prisoners Lieut. Col. Wells, of a Connecticut State regiment, who was stationed near Horseneck, with one Captain, two Lieutenants, two Ensigns, and upwards of twenty privates.

23d—Intelligence was received that Monsieur, the Chevalier de Ternay, Admiral of the French squad­rons at Newport, had died there.

[Page 268] The troops on the lines were reinforced with 50 men, and Lieut. Col. Hull was appointed to the com­mand on the lines.

27th.—The Free and Accepted Masons of Wash­ington Lodge celebrated the feast of St. John, at Starkean Hall, on West-Point.

30th.—Gen. Washington visited the Point, and with a number of other officers, dined with our General.

On the 25th inst. Major Humphries, Aid-de-camp to the Commander in Chief, went towards New-York on an enterprize; he was attended by Capt. Welles, of the Connecticut line, Lieut. Hart, Ensign M'cCal­pin, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. M'cGuyer, and twenty-four non-commissioned officers and privates, in one barge and two whale-boats. The wind was very fresh at north-west in the night, and the boats were forced past the city, and one of them almost down to Sandy-Hook—one of the boats put in at Staten Island: at length the three went round to Brunswick, from whence the Major and all the others, returned to the army on the 1st of January.

31st.—On the evening of the 29th, a party of the enemy from Delancy's corps, consisting of about 100 infantry and 50 horse, came up to North-Castle, where, after a short halt, they proceeded towards Bedford New Purchase. Capt. Pritchard, who was posted at Bedford with a company of continental troops, and some militia, immediately advanced to­wards them, attacked their van, who retreated, as did their main body. Capt. Pritchard pursued them as far as Young's. It was said that one of the en­emy was killed and several wounded, who were car­ried off in a waggon. Four oxen and between 30 and 40 sheep were retaken—eight or ten head of cattle were driven off: the Captain sustained no in­jury.

[Page 269] This day the enemy were out again: Col. Hull immediately marched down with his whole force to meet them; by his vigilance they were prevented from doing any mischief, and on his advance, retired towards the saw-pits.

1781. January 1st.—The Pennsylvania line mu­tinied almost to a man, seized the artillery, broke op­en the magazines of ammunition and provisions, took out what they judged necessary, and took up their line of march. The officers exerted themselves, both by threats and persuasion, to reduce them to order; but all was in vain. They were told that the enemy might take the advantage of their conduct, and come out—they answered, that if the enemy came out, they would immediately put themselves under the com­mand of their officers, and fight them; but that in any other case they would not be commanded. They took Gen. Wayne's horses out of his stable, and put them to draw the field-pieces. At night they en­camped, posting out pickets, guards, and planting centinels in a very regular manner. An alarm was given to the country by firing the beacons, &c. and the militia were assembling. The reasons given for the revolt, were the intolerable sufferings of the ar­my— the want of pay, of which 11 months was due— the want of cloathing, many of the troops being almost naked—the want of provisions, and that ma­ny of them were held beyond the term of their en­listment. They directed their march towards Phi­ladelphia, determined to demand redress of their grievances of Congress.

7th.—Maj. Gen. Knox was sent off by the Com­mander in Chief to the eastern States, to represent the alarming situation and sufferings of the army.

8th.—Major Throop, with 100 men, was sent towards Pompton, in the Jersies, to cover the pub­lic [Page 270]stores, at Ringwood. In the afternoon, 169 bar­rels of flour arrived at the Point.

11th.—His Excellency the Commander in Chief came down to West-Point, when a Council of War was held at our General's quarters, in which all the General Officers on the ground, and all the Colonels and commanding officers of regiments sat, to consid­er what measures were necessary to be adopted, with respect to the Pennsylvania line. After the Council, by order of the Commander in Chief, our General issued orders for the forming of five battalions, by detachment from the several lines, to be held in the most perfect readiness to march on the shortest no­tice, with four days provisions cooked. The muti­neers remained on the heights of Princetown, and two emissaries were sent out to them from the ene­my, with offers, in writing, promising to redress their grievances, by discharging them from their enlist­ments, paying all their arrearages of pay and depre­ciation, and exempting them from serving in the Brit­ish army, if they should choose it. The mutineers no­bly disdained these offers, and gave up the emissa­ries and their papers: they were tried, and hanged as spies; the one was an inhabitant of New-Jersey, the other was a British Serjeant. Gen. Sir Henry Clinton and Gen. Knyphausen were said to have been on Staten Island. The State appointed a Com­mittee to inquire into the grounds of the complaints of the mutineers, and to redress such as appeared to have foundation: this brought the business to a close. A number of the soldiers were discharged, the rest returned to their duty.

Accounts were received from the southward, that the American army in that quarter were in a most miserable condition, on account of cloathing and provisions, and that their sufferings were greater than those experienced by the main army. These suffer­ings [Page 271]of the army were rendered the keener, by the return of the officers and soldiers from furlough, who had been in the great sea-port towns, where ev­ery necessary and luxury of life were enjoyed, in the greatest abundance, many tables groaning under the pressure of the dainties with which they were cover­ed. Their liquors were not only the best, but also of great variety. Such reports to men, standing cen­tinel, as it were, in the jaws of death, ill clad, cold and hungry, with nothing but water oftentimes to drink, were trials almost too great for human nature to bear. The old Continental currency was fixed at 75 for one, at Philadelphia.

13th.—The Marquis de la Fayette and Count Deuxponts visited West-Point.

17th.—Intelligence was received, that the troops which some time before sailed from New-York, were in the Chesapeak, under the command of Gen. Ar­nold, and supposed to be on a plundering expedition.

The enemy at New-York removed the greater part of their shipping from the East River round in­to the North River.

18th.—Two hundred men, properly officered, marched down to the lines, under pretence of being a relief; 100 men of Hazen's regiment moved from Fishkill, to the village, and a detachment of artille­ty from West-Point. These were intended for an enterprize against the enemy.

19th.—150 men from the Connecticut line, and 200 from the New-Hampshire line, were to move towards the lines; these, with those who marched from Hazen's the day before, were to form a cover­ing party to the detachment under Lieut. Col. Hull, who was to make an attempt on Delancy's corps.

21st.—A letter was received from Major Throop, at Ringwood, stating, that the evening before, the Jersey line, at Pompton, had revolted, and it was sup­posed Jersey line, at Pompton, had revolted, and it was sup­posed [Page 272]would be joined by the other part of the line, who were at Chatham. Their intentions had not been developed.

22d.—His Excellency Gen. Washington, the Marquis de la Fayette, and a number of French gentlemen, visited the Point. The same day, 500 rank and file, properly officered from the Massachu­setts, Connecticut, and New-Hampshire lines, were detached, and ordered to march the next day, un­der the command of Maj. Gen. Howe, to establish order and discipline in the Jersies.

23d.—The detachment marched from West-Point for the Jersies. The battalion from thence was commanded by Col. Sprout. The troops on the east side of the river were to cross, and join those from the Point, at King's-Ferry: the detachment marched in high spirits.

24th.—In the morning, about sun-rise, a noise was heard in the air, resembling the firing of platoon, and there were various conjectures respecting it. Intelligence was received, that Gen. Arnold had gone up James River, in Virginia, and had taken possession of Williamsburg, and was moving towards Richmond; that he met with but little opposition, and would probably plunder large quantities of to­bacco and other articles.

28th.—The detachment, under the command of Lieut. Col. Hull, returned from the enterprize against the enemy at Morrissania. The address and gallant­ry of the officers, the bravery and patience of the troops, exhibited on the occasion, did them much honour. Besides a number of the enemy who were killed, upwards of fifty were made prisoners; the Pontoon Bridge was cut away, the huts and forage were burnt, and a large number of cattle driven up. Of the detachment, one Ensign, one drummer, and ten rank and file, were killed; one Captain, one [Page 273]Serjeant, and eleven rank and file wounded; six rank and file were missing

31st.—Maj. Gen. Howe returned with the de­tachment from the Jersies; order was established among the troops in that quarter: two of the ring leaders in the revolt were executed. It was learnt, that considerable damage was done to the enemy's shipping, at New-York, by the high gusts of wind, on the night of the 23d. It was also said, that a Brit­ish 74 gun ship was dismasted, off New-London; another struck a reef, and a third went out to sea with one of her masts lost.

February 12th.—The Duke de Lauzen, Count Pherson and Col. Sheldon, of the French army, vis­ited West-Point.

13th.—Intelligence was received, that on the 17th ultimo, an action happened near Pedee, in Carolina, between a body of the enemy, under Lieut. Col. Tarleton, and a body of about 800 Americans, under the command of Gen. Morgan: the enemy were to­tally routed, and pursued upwards of 20 miles. Of the enemy, 10 officers and 100 rank and file were killed, and 200 wounded; 29 officers and 500 rank and file were taken prisoners, with two field-pieces, 2 standards, 800 muskets, 35 waggons, 70 negroes, 100 dragoon-horses, one travelling-forge, and all their music. The loss of the Americans was not more than 12 killed, and 60 wounded.

14th.—Gen. Warner and Col. Ashley, of Massa­chusetts, arrived at West-Point, to distribute to the soldiers of the Massachusetts line, engaged to serve during the war, 24 dollars, in specie, each, as a gen­erous gratuity from the State. The most sensible soldiers did not applaud this measure, as it did not assure to them the full payment of the wages due to them, while this boon increased the burden of debt on the State.

[Page 274] 16th.—Count de St. Maim, of the French army, visited West-Point. The same day, orders were issu­ed for augmenting the light companies of all the regiments at West-Point, and its dependencies, to 50 rank and file, each: they were to rendezvous, the 18th or 19th, at Peek's Kill.

17th.—The light companies were formed into battalions, in the following order: the eight eldest companies of the Massachusetts line to form a bat­talion, under the command of Col. Vose and Maj. Galvan; the two youngest companies of that line, and those of Connecticut and Rhode Island, to form a battalion, under the command of Col. Gamat and Maj. Throop; those of the New-Hampshire line, and Col. Hazen's regiment, and such others as might be joined to them, to form a battalion. This appoint­ment of officers, was declared to be intended not to affect the general plan of arranging the light-infan­try for the campaign. The preceding morning, the enemy made an excursion from Morrissania, towards Bedford', took Lieuts. Carpenter, Wright and Pea­cock, and five other inhabitants, prisoners; burnt five houses, plundered and stript several other inhab­itants, and returned. They were pursued by Capt. Pritchard, but could not be overtaken.

18th.—The light companies were inspected. It appeared that Admiral Arbuthnot's squadron were so much damaged, in the storm, on the 23d ult. as to be rendered inferior to the French, in these seas.

20th.—A detachment of artillery was ordered from the park, to join the light-infantry; the whole were to be commanded by the Marquis de la Fayette, and were to march to the southward. The same day, six of our guides, on a reconnoitring party, towards King's Bridge, fell in with a reconnoitring party of Delancy's corps: the guides attacked them, and took five prisoners, all of whom were wounded.

[Page 275] 24th.—The detachment doing duty on the lines, was reduced to 50 rank and file, properly officered. Capt. Paul Jones, who arrived in the Ariel, at Phil­adelphia on the 17th, in eight weeks from L'Orient, brought a large quantity of powder.

28th.—Intelligence was received, that a consider­able embarkation of troops was taking place at New-York— the inhabitants and army in some conster­nation. It was said that a fleet of French merchant­men had arrived in the Chesapeak; but from ap­pearances, there were good grounds to suspect that there was something more than merchant ships.

March 1st.—News was received, that a part of the French squadron, at Newport, had sailed as far as the Chesapeak, where they took the Romulus, of 50 guns, and nine privateers and transports; four of the latter they destroyed, not having spare men to navigate them; but the remainder, with the Romulus, had safely arrived at Rhode-Island.

On the morning of the 2d of March, Gen. Wash­ington set out from New-Windsor, for Rhode-Isl­and. By the last accounts from the southward, Lord Cornwallis was advancing rapidly, and Gen. Greene retreating moderately. His Lordship had destroyed his waggons, and disengaged himself of incumbrance as much as possible.

3d.—A Capt. Simmons, of Delancy's corps, was sent up to West-Point; he asserted to be disaffected to the enemy on some pretences, and that he had re­signed his commission, and deserted from them: he was sent to the Governor of the State.

5th.—Three prisoners were sent up; they were taken by a party of our guides, within a small dis­tance of the enemy's post, No. 8, near Morrissania.

6th and 7th.—Col. Vanscaak's regiment of the New-York line arrived at West-Point, from Alba­ny. The troops were at this time well supplied with [Page 276]provisions, but almost totally destitute of forage, and subjected to great fatigue in obtaining fuel, which part of the troops were obliged to bring on their backs, nearly a mile.

9th.—Intelligence was received, that the last em­barkation of British troops sailed from New-York the preceding Wednesday, said to be six regiments, making about 3,000 men in the whole. The south­ern militia had been successful against the Cherokee Indians, and destroyed a number of their towns. The last advices from the southward stated, that Lord Cornwallis had continued to push rapidly af­ter Gen. Greene, who had crossed Dan River, and his Lordship had come up to it, and then began to retreat; on which Gen. Greene re-crossed the Dan, in order to pursue him, and that the militia were collecting. Gen. Arnold kept close at Portsmouth; Gen. Mecklenburgh was near him, with a superior force, and the Marquis de la Fayette was as far as Elk on the 3d, with the light-infantry.

11th.—A detachment of recruits from Massachu­setts arrived. The same day, Capt. Pray was order­ed to take command of the Block House, at Dobb's Ferry, the water-guards, &c.

On the first of this month, the Confederation and perpetual Union of the Thirteen American States, from New-Hampshire to Georgia, inclusive, was sign­ed and ratified by all the Delegates in Congress.

On the evening of the 12th, intelligence was re­ceived from Capt. Pray, that at about two o'clock in the morning, he was alarmed by the firing of guns, blowing of horns, &c.—that the enemy were out on both sides of the river. In consequence of this, an express was sent off to Maj. Maxwell, to be on his guard; and a detachment of 150 men was ordered to be in readiness to march early the next morning, if [...] should be necessary to cover him.

[Page 277] 13th.—The intelligence of the enemy being out on both sides of the river, was confirmed; as to the west side of the river, the enemy came out from Pau­lus-Hook about 200 strong, with two field-pieces, and had advanced within about three miles of the Block-House, at Dobb's Ferry. About noon, a de­tachment of 150 men, under the command of Maj. Graham, with one field-piece, embarked on board a sloop, and with the gun-boat, having one six and one three pounder, and and a flat boat, fell down the river to King's Ferry, where they were ordered to debark, and make a movement to Tappan, for the relief of the Block-House. The garrisons of the re­doubts, on the east side, were doubled.

14th.—About noon, Maj. Graham returned; he had, with the detachment, embarked the preceding day, proceeded to King's Ferry, disembarked, march­ed to Haverstraw, where he met the militia return­ing; when he returned to the Ferry, re-embarked, and arrived at West-Point about noon; having ex­hibited a spirit and expedition that did the detach­ment much honour.

The enemy were completely defeated in their de­sign, by the militia, who early turned out, attacked, repulsed, and pursued them, until they retook all their plunder, except two horses, and justly merit­ed high commendation. The militia had one man wounded; the enemy were supposed to have had several killed and wounded. The same day, Brig. Gen. Hand was announced, in general orders, Ad­jutant-General of the army; in the room of Col. Scammel, who had discharged the duty of that of­fice for some time, to great acceptation. Col. Scammel joined his regiment.

15th.—Intelligence was received that the enemy's fleet, which sailed from New-York the preceding week, returned on Sunday, having found that the [Page 278]French fleet were on the coast; their return occa­sioned some consternation at New-York. The same day, news reached the army, that Brig. Gen. Peleg Wadsworth, who commanded some militia levies in the eastern parts of Massachusetts, had been sur­prised and taken prisoner in the night, by two Brit­ish officers and some refugees, at a place called Cambden.

16th.—It was learnt that the French fleet, with troops, sailed from Rhode-Island on the 8th; and it was said that Admiral Arbuthnot, with the British fleet, came out of Gardner's Bay on the 10th. The small-pox at this time made its appearance in the vicinity of the army, and several soldiers were taken down with that distemper. The enemy who were out a day or two before, on the east side of the Hud­son, did no mischief. About this time, a discovery was made, that a number of persons at Stratford, Norwalk, &c. had been secretly associating, to sub­mit to the enemy, if a favourable opportunity pre­sented; and to supply them with provisions, furnish intelligence, &c.

19th.—Letters from Gen. Greene, of the 28th ult. at Highrockford, on Haw River, advised that Lord Cornwallis had retreated from Hillsborough, and that Gen. Pickens and Col. Lee had fallen in with Col. Hamilton's corps, (rising of 200) and had killed and taken almost every individual of them; and that several other skirmishes had happened, but nothing decisive. Lord Cornwallis had erected the Royal standard at Hillsborough, and issued a vain proclamation, as usual.

By accounts from New-York, it appeared that the British had declared war against the Dutch, and had taken possession of St. Eustatia.

20th.—In the afternoon, Gen. Washington arrived at head-quarters, at New-Windsor, from the east­ward.

[Page 279] 21st.—Five prisoners of war were sent to West-Point, they were taken by some of the light parties below the lines; a sixth who was taken was so bad­ly wounded, as to be left behind for the present.

22d.—Several resolutions of the State of Massa­chusetts, in favour of the line of the army, and for the discharge of governmental securities, were re­ceived at West-Point.

23d.—Intelligence was received, that the British fleet, which sailed from New-York some time before, and had been chased back by the French fleet, sail­ed again on the preceding Wednesday, for the south­ward. It was said that Sir Henry Clinton was on board, and that Gen. Knyphausen was to command in his absence—that the enemy were collecting a number of flat boats in Spitten-Devil Creek, near Kingsbridge, and that 24 were then collected—that Arnold's corps was under orders to be in readiness to man the boats. Two spies were sent out of New-York, the same day that the fleet sailed; they were to pass, by different routes, through the country to Canada.

24th.—A number of prisoners of war, who had been collected at West-Point, were sent off, under a guard of 60 men, commanded by Capt. Pope, to Lancaster, in Pennsylvania.

28th.—The New-Hampshire brigade were ordered to do duty on the lines; and the Rhode-Island regi­ment to return to their quarters near Robinson's Mills.

29th.—News was received from Philadelphia, that the French and English fleets had had an engage­ment off the Capes of Virginia, but that the issure was not known. The same day, intelligence was re­ceived from New-York, that one of Admiral Ar­buthnot's ships had returned to New-York, on Mon­day, and reported that there had been an engage­ment [Page 280]between the two fleets, and that it was a drawn battle.

31st.—A New-York paper of the 28th was receiv­ed, in which it was said that an engagement between the two fleets took place on the 16th, off the Capes of Virginia, in which several ships on both sides re­ceived considerable damage; and that the British had 1 Lieutenant, 2 midshipmen, and 40 seamen killed, and 80 wounded. The French account was not greatly different from that of the British, but did not mention the number of killed or wounded.

A number of American soldiers who had not had the small-pox, were collected and inoculated.

April 3d.—Intelligence was received, that a battle had been fought between Gen. Greene's army and that of Lord Cornwallis. The action was bloody; and although his Lordship may be said to have gain­ed the victory, as Gen. Greene retreated a mile from the field of battle, yet it was a dear bought victory. Gen. Greene having lost his horses, 4 pieces of can­non fell into the hands of the enemy. Some of the British corps, and in particular the guards, suffered much. This day, Capt. Pray, of the water-guards, was reinforced with a whale-boat, a Subaltern, and 14 men.

4th.—Gen. Washington visited the Point. In the afternoon, 2 prisoners of war were sent up—they were of a party who had crossed Croten River, and taken 16 head of cattle and 4 horses. On their re­turn, near Dobb's Ferry, they were overtaken by a party of the militia—the cattle, &c. retaken, and two of the party made prisoners. About this time, the southern mail was carried off, between head-quar­ters and the Jersies. The mail contained some let­ters of importance. The troops which had sailed from New-York, arrived safe in the Chesapeak.

[Page 281] 7th.—Private intelligence was received, that four parties were to be sent out—one to take Gen. Wash­ington, another the Governor of New-Jersey, a third the Governor of New-York, the object of the fourth not known. The same day, the gun-boat was order­ed to take a station opposite Fort Montgomery; ad­ditional guards to be mounted in the night time, and patroles to pass frequently.

8th.—The enemy's flat boats, which had been col­lected near Kingsbridge, were removed down into the East River.

9th.—Intelligence was received from the com­manding officer on the lines, that the enemy were out towards White Plains, said to be about 90 horse and 50 foot.

10th.—The great chain was hauled from off the beach near the red house at West-Point, and towed down to the blocks, in order to its being laid across the river—about 280 men were ordered on this duty.

11th.—The chain was properly fixed with great dexterity, and fortunately without any accident.

12th.—Our General visited the patients who were under inoculation with the small-pox, when 500 were turned out and drawn up, all of whom were then under the operation, and in a fine way. The same day, intelligence was received that the enemy were preparing for another embarkation at New-York, supposed for the southward.

14th.—A groom, belonging to Col. Gunning of the 82d British regiment, came up; he deserted from his master with a very good saddle-horse, which he sold for 100 dollars in specie. Intelligence was re­ceived that the enemy had brought a large number of waggons across the Sound from Long-Island, for the purpose of making a grand forage; the covering [Page 282]party to consist of three or four hundred men, of different corps.

22d.—Two hundred and forty thousand dollars in new emission bills were brought to West-Point, from Boston, for the troops of the Massachusetts line.

24th.—Monsieur Beville, Quarter-Master of the French army at Newport, arrived at head-quarters, New-Windsor; he came on to view the roads, and determine on the best route, should the French ar­my move that way, and to fix on proper places for magazines, &c.

26th.—Gen. Washington visited West-Point, with Monsieur Beville, &c. The next day, the latter set out on his return to Rhode-Island, taking the lower road through Connecticut. Many of the soldiers, who had gone through the small-pox, joined their regi­ments the next day: of 500 who had been inoculat­ed, four only had then died. At this time, provis­ions were growing very scarce at West-Point, and the prospects daily growing more alarming. The magazines in Forts Clinton, Putnam, and some other of the most important works, had reserves of the best provisions, which were not to be touched; that, in case the enemy, by any sudden movement, should invest them, and cut off the communication with the country, the garrisons might be enabled to hold out, until other troops, or the militia of the country, could march to the relief of the besieged; but unfortu­nately, the scarcity of provisions had become so great, that even these reserves were broken in upon, and some of them nearly exhausted; when, after some other representations, our General addressed the fol­lowing letter to Gen. Washington.

To which the Commander in Chief wrote the following answer:

On the next day, our General received the follow­ing letter of instructions, from the Commander in Chief, viz.

During the month of April, a large number of re­cruits from the eastern States, to fill up their re­spective battalions, arrived at West-Point.

9th.—The Commander in Chief visited West-Point.

11th.—In the morning, our General left West-Point, and proceeced up the river to New-Windsor, where he received from the Commander in Chief the dispatches addressed to the several Executives of the New-England States; and in the afternoon crossed the Hudson, on his journey eastward. On his reaching Fishkill, he found that Governor Clin­ton, of New-York, was making every exertion in his power for the relief of the army—that he had issued impress warrants, to take [...]our and other pro­visions where they could be found, &c.

14th.—He arrived at Hartford, where he found the Legislature in session. The dispatches to Gov­ernor Trumbull were immediately presented to him, with an earnest request for speedy relief. This venerable patriot gave assurance of his immediate attention and exertions, and accordingly laid the dispatches from Gen. Washington before the Legis­lature, who also discovered the same noble patriotism. They inquired into the state of their treasury, and finding it was destitute of money, except a sum ap­propriated to another purpose, they ordered this money to be taken, and directed Col. Champion, one of their number, (a gentleman remarkable for his knowledge in the state of provisions in all the towns, skill in purchasing, and expedition in for [Page 288]warding) immediately to purchase and forward on to the army 160 head of beef cattle, and 1,000 bar­rels of salted provisions from their stores; and resolv­ed to make every other exertion in their power, to comply with the requisitions of the Commander in Chief, as they respected both fresh and salted provi­sions, by appointing a Committee for a general arrangement of supplies.

16th.—Our General left Hartford, and on the 18th reached Greenwich, in the State of Rhode-Island, where he waited upon Gov. Greene, and presented the dispatches from Gen. Washington. The Legislature of the State were not then in session; but Gov. Greene made the most satisfactory assur­ances, that the State of Rhode-Island would adopt every measure recommended by the Commander in Chief. Our General left Greenwich the same day, and arrived at his house in Roxbury on the evening of the 19th, and the next day waited upon Gor. Hancock at Boston, and presented the dispatches with which he was charged. The new Legislature of Massachusetts were to convene on the last Wednesday day of the month. Gov. Hancock gave the fullest assurances, that in the interim the Executive would do every thing in its power for the immediate relief of the army, by directing the several contractors of provisions in the State to forward all in their power with the utmost expedition.

21st.—Intelligence was received at Boston, that the State ship-of-war, the Protector, of 28 guns, com­manded by Capt. Williams, had been taken and car­ried into New-York.

The next day, intelligence was received, that on the 13th, Col. Greene, of the Rhode-Island regiment, who was doing duty on the lines of the American army, was surprised by a body of the enemy's horse, supposed to be about 150 dragoons, and that the [Page 289]Colonel, Maj. Flagg, two Subalterns, and 27 men were killed, and several wounded. Col. Greene was a brave and intrepid officer, and his loss was much regretted. The Colonel had taken post above and near to Croten River, at a place where the river was fordable, to prevent the enemy passing up by this ford to ravage the country. He had practised the greatest vigilance in guarding this for in the night time, taking off the guards after sun-rise, ap­prehending that the enemy would never presume to cross the river in the day time; but the enemy, hav­ing learnt his mode of doing duty, on the morning of the 13th effected his overthrow, by crossing the ford soon after the guards had come off, and sur­rounding their quarters before they had an idea of any enemy being near them. In this situation, the utmost exertion could not then avail them.

23d.—Our General left Roxbury on his way to New-Hampshire, arrived at Exeter on the evening of the 24th, and delivered to the Honorable Mr. [...]are the dispatches addressed to him. The Le­gislature of New-Hampshire was not then in session. The next day, he had an interview with the Hon­orable President and the Council of Safety, when such representations, (in addition to the requisitions of the Commander in Chief) were made to them, as the exigencies of the case required; and the fullest assurances were received, that every aid in the power of the State should be afforded.

26th.—Our General left Exeter on his return, and on the 27th arrived at his house in Roxbury. On the 29th, he again waited on Gov. Hancock, and requested that the requisitions of the Commander in Chief of the army might be predominant in all the public objects.

The 30th was the General Election day in Massa­chusetts; and it appeared that his Excellency John [Page 290]Hancock was re-elected Governor, who, as soon as the two Houses were organized, laid the requisitions of Gen. Washington before them.

June 2d.—Our General was heard before a Com­mittee of both Houses on the subject of his mission. The zeal and patriotism of the several Executives and Legislatures of the New-England States, to relieve and amply supply the army with provisions, were so conspicuous on this occasion, that it is not possible to say which, or whether any one of them exceeded the other; each was for making every exertion in its power; and, to ensure success to their resolutions, they all fell in with the recommendation of the Commander in Chief, and appointed Committees to meet in Convention, to digest and systemize the bu­siness. The Committees met accordingly at Prov­idence, in Rhode Island, and were so fortunate in their arrangements, that the most ample supplies of meat were afterwards furnished for the main army, and a surplus of 100 head of beef cattle weekly sent on after Gen. Washington towards Virginia, until he ordered a discontinuance of that supply, as will ap­pear in the sequel. While the New-England States were thus intent in supplying meat for the army, the State of New-York was equally assiduous in furnish­ing flour and forage.

4th.—Intelligence was received by a vessel from the West-Indies, that the Count de Grasse, with a French fleet of upwards of 20 sail of the line, had arrived in that quarter. The same day, there was a confirmation of this news, and that the fleet, with troops on board, was seen coming this way.

The same day, intelligence was received, that there had been an action at the southward, between Gen. Greene and the British army in that quarter. Gen. Greene, having reconnoitred Cambden, did not think it expedient to storm the enemy's works, but [Page 291]retired a little back, with a view to draw the enemy out; in this he succeeded, and an action commenc­ed. The Maryland troops being attacked under some disadvantage, an attempt was made to change their position; this was unfortunately taken by Gen. Greene's army for a retreat, and the whole army retreated accordingly. Gen. Greene had. 17 men killed; his retreat was about 2 or 3 miles, and the troops were in high spirits. It is always a dan­gerous manoeuvre to change a position in the face of an enemy; but necessity sometimes requires it.

Gen. Phillips, of the British army, had died in Virginia, of a fever.

6th.—The Continental frigate, Alliance, arrived in Boston harbour from France. The Alliance had taken 6 prizes; 2 West-Indiamen, 2 sloops of war, and 2 privateers. In the engagement with the sloops of war, both of which engaged the Alliance in a calm, Capt. Barry was wounded in the shoulder by a grape-shot; the Captain of Marines, and 8 or 9 men killed, and about 20 wounded.

9th.—Orders came on from Gen. Washington, to forward with all possible dispatch all the cannon, mortars, powder, shot, shells, and other military stores belonging to the United States, which were then in Massachusetts and Rhode-Island, and also re­questing the loan of some heavy artillery, powder, &c. of the State. The most spirited measures were taken for completing the Continental battalions, and raising a body of militia to be in readiness to march when called for.

The General Assembly of Massachusetts, in their session at this time, passed resolutions for settling with the troops of their line to the last of the year 1780, making good the depreciation of their pay, &c.

21st.—Intelligence was received, that the British had formed a junction of their principal force at [Page 292]the southward in Virginia, by which means Gen. Greene would deprive them of all their posts in South-Carolina; that on the 10th of May, Lord Rawdon was compelled to evacuate Cambden with precipitation, leaving behind him 3 of his officers and 58 privates, who had been dangerously wound­ed, and were unable to be removed. He burnt part of the town, and some of his baggage. On the 11th of the same month, the strong post of Orangeburgh surrendered to Gen. Sumpter; a Colonel, several officers, and upwards of 80 men were made pris­oners. On the 12th, the garrison of Fort Mott, consisting of 7 officers, 12 non-commissioned officers, and 165 privates, surrendered by capitulation to Gen. Marrion. On the 15th, Font Granby capitu­lated to Lieut. Col. Lee; 1 Lieut. Colonel, 2 Ma­jors, 6 Captains, 6 Lieutenants, 3 Ensigns, 1 Sur­geon, 2 Serjeant-Majors, 17 Serjeants, 9 Corporals, and 305 privates surrendered; large quantities of provisions, and some military stores were taken at some of the posts. At the same time, the posts of Augusta and Ninety-Six were invested by Gen. Pickens, and Gen. Greene on the 16th had deter­mined to march the army to expedite their reduction.

23d.—Intelligence was received, that some time before, the barracks in Fort Schuyler had taken fire, and were burnt down; and that afterwards the fort was dismantled and evacuated. The same day it was reported, that the Spaniards had taken Pensa­cola from the British. The marine mortars, and a number of heavy iron cannon, 18 and 24 pounders, were removing from Boston to the North River, New-York. The British forces in Virginia, after their junction, were said to be about 6,000. The invalids, who had been doing duty in Boston, receiv­ed orders to march to West Point, where the whole [Page 293]corps was to be collected, and compose a part of the garrison of that post.

28th.—His Excellency the Commander in Chief was pleased to communicate to our General, that in the arrangement of the main army, the command of the right wing had been assigned to him.

29th.—A vessel arrived at Boston from Cadiz, with a quantity of cloathing for the United States. This vessel brought an account, that the British had again succoured the garrison of Gibraltar, but that the Spaniards Continued the siege.

30th.—His most Christian Majesty's frigate, the Servilante, arrived in Boston harbour from the West­Indies; on her passage had a warm engagement with a British ship-of-war, when some damage was sustain­ed on both sides. This frigate brought news, that the French had taken the island of Tobago, and had blocked up Admiral Rodney's fleet at Barbadoes.

July 4th was celebrated at Boston, being the Anniversary of the Declaration of American Inde­pendence.

6th.—Information was received, that Gen. Wash­ington had ordered the American troops from their several cantonments, and that the whole had assem­bled, and were encamped near Peek's Kill.

Some of the enemy's cruizers from Penobscot were cruizing in the Bay, where they took several vessels; one within a league of the light-house.

11th.—Intelligence was received, that there had been a skirmish between the Americans and British, between White Plains and King's Bridge, but no particulars were received.

12th.—Our General set out from his house in Roxbury for the army.

19th.—The enemy's shipping, which were up the North River, ran down; there was a brisk cannon­ade at Dobb's Ferry.

[Page 294] 21st.—The American field artillery, which had for some days been on board vessels in the North River, proceeded downwards to the nearest landing to the army.

When the enemy's shipping passed Dobb's Ferry, on the 19th, a box of powder on board the Savage ship-of-war took fire, supposed by the bursting of a howitzer shell, on which a number of the crew, ap­prehending that the ship would blow up, jumped overboard into the river. An American, who was a prisoner on board, jumped overboard at the same time, and swam on shore, relating what had happen­ed; he also reported, that the Savage was several times hulled by our shot, and must have suffered considerable loss. The late skirmish near King's Bridge was occasioned by the American army's moving down, in order to give the French ossicers a view of the British out-posts near the bridge. A nu [...]nber of Americans were killed and wounded by lone shot from the yaugers of the enemy, who kept up a popping fire whenever they could reach our troops.

27th.—Our General arrived at the army, which was encamped at Phillipsburgh, in two lines; the park of artillery in the centre of the second line. Accounts had been received from the southward, that the enemy had no footing in Georgia, except Savannah, nor in South-Carolina, except Charleston. The position which the American army now occupied was between the lines the preceding campaings; consequently the roads and commons, as well as the fields and pastures, were covered with grass; while the many deserted houses and ruined fences depicted the horrid devastations of war. The French army, under Gen. Rochambeau, was encamped at a small distance, on the left of the Americans, in one sino.

29th.—A forage was made towards Phillips's, [Page 295]conducted by Col. Scammel. It was said that some of the British troops had returned from the south­ward to New-York; and that those in Virginia were collected at Portsmouth.

August.—On the night of the 3d, about 11 o'clock, the British and American guard-boats met in the river, near Dobb's Ferry, when a considerable firing ensued; we had one man badly wounded, who died soon after. The damage sustained by the enemy was not known.

6th.—The Commander in Chief, attended by a number of the General Officers, reconnoitred towards King's Bridge, covered by strong detachments of cavalry and infantry. Three ships and a galley lay in the river between Fort Washington and Spitten-Devil Creek. The enemy did not make any move­ments. The morning of the 7th, about 2 o'clock, the army was awakened by the firing of cannon at Dobb's Ferry; it appeared that 2 of the enemy's gun-boats had come up as high as the ferry, proba­bly to endeavour to seize some vessels or boats; on finding that they were discovered, they fired four cannon, but to no effect. Four cannon were dis­charged at the boats from the battery, on which they went down the river. Two days before, Delancy's corps ventured as far above King's Bridge, as Phillips's.

News was received, that the great French Finan­cier, Nechar, had resigned, and that Monsieur Fleury had been appointed in his room.

Capt. Saltonstall, formerly of the frigate Warren, who was dismissed the service on account of his con­duct in the Penobscot expedition, about this time be­haved most gallantly in a privateer, on a cruize against the enemy.

The American army at this time continued in the same position at Phillipsburgh. The Connecti­cut [Page 296]and Rhode-Island lines, and 6 regiments of the Massachusetts line, composed the front line; the New-Hampshire line, four regiments of Massachu­setts, Crane's and Lamb's regiments of artillery, with the sappers and miners, the second line; the right wing commanded by Maj. Gen. Heath, the left wing by Maj. Gen. Lord Sterling; the advance of the American army on a height a little advanced of Dobb's Ferry, under the command of Col. Scam­mel, and Sheldon's dragoons near Dobb's Ferry. The French army in one line on the left of the Americans, with their legion under the Duke de Lauzun, at White Plains. Gen. Waterbury, with the militia under his command, towards New. Rochelle. The camps at this time swarmed with slies, which were very troublesome.

11th.—Robert Morris, Esq the American Finan­cier, and Richard Peters, Esq one of the Members of the Board of War, visited the army. The same day, the advance of the army took a position a little more to the northward, and the dragoons were add­ed to Col. Scammel's command. A fleet arrived as New-York from England; they brought over be­tween 2 and 3,000 Hessian recruits.

14th.—Col. Hazen's and Col. Vanscaak's reg­iments joined the army. A French frigate arrived about this time at Rhode-Island, supposed to have brought news of the approach of the Count de Grasse. A few nights before, Gen. Schuyler came very near being taken and carried off from his house in Albany.

In the general orders of the 15th, the army was directed to hold itself in the most perfect readiness to march on the shortest notice.

16th.—It was whispered, that the Count de Grasse, with 28 fail of the line, besides frigates, with a num­ber of land forces on board, might soon be expected [Page 297]on our coast, and these, with the squadron under the command of the Chevalier de Barras, would make a sleet of 36 sail of the line, a force probably superior to any the British could assemble in these seas.

Under prospects so flattering, the Commander in Chief determined to strike the enemy a capital blow in some quarter. To strike at their very root in New-York, was a most desirable object; but the situation of New-York with Long-Island, and Staten­Island, and the adjacent country, was such, as would require a very large army to effect a complete inves­titure, and give a proper security against the sallies of the enemy, which, from situation, might be easily and frequently made—that such an army must be composed, in a very considerable degree, of militia, to whom the continuing long in camp had often been found difagreeable; and the French were not without apprehensions that if their fleet entered the harbour of New-York, and became warmly engaged with the British ships and batteries, in the course of those manoeuvres which it might be necessary to make, some of their heavy ships, through the want of a competent knowledge of all parts of the bay, might get aground, or be damaged; while all these incon­veniences would be avoided, in case Lord Cornwallis, with the British army in Virginia, were made the ob­ject, and his capture would be almost certain, while the American main army might be left in sufficient strength, to act on the defensive against-Sir Henry Clinton, and effectually cover the important posts in the Highlands of New-York.

17th.—General Washington was pleased to com­municate to our General, (in confidence) his inten­tions, at the same time intimating to him, that he should give him the command of the main army during his absence. The whole of the French army, with the two regiments of New-Jersey, first regiment [Page 298]of New-York, Col. Hazen's regiment, Col. Olney's regiment of Rhode-Island, Col. Lamb's regiment of artillery, and the light troops under the command of Col. Scammel, were detached for the expedition against Lord Cornwallis, and the army under his command, at York-Town, in Virginia.

18th.—Some of the corps began to move towards the ferries. The next day, the Commander in Chief was pleased to honour our General with the follow­ing.

19th.—About noon, his Excellency Gen. Wash­ington left the army, setting his face towards his na­tive State, in full confidence, to use his own words, "with a common blessing," of capturing Lord Corn­wallis and his army; while our General was left to watch Sir Henry Clinton, and guard against those attempts which it was probable he would make to succour Cornwallis, direct, or by making such other movements as might tend to induce Gen. Washing­ton to give up his object, or to avail himself of some important posts in his absence. Sir Henry Clinton was consequently on the rack, to devise something [Page 302]which should effect this purpose; a stroke at the posts in the Highlands, Connecticut, New-Jersey, Al­bany and Philadelphia, was contemplated. Against all this had our General to guard.—Let impartiality judge, and candour decide on his conduct.

On the morning of the same day, the French ar­my marched from their encampment towards King's Ferry, where they were to cross the river. The American park of artillery, Col. Olney's regiment, and the New-York regiment, decamped and moved the same way.

20th.—A little after noon, our General ordered off the baggage to the strong grounds near Young's, which at about 6 o'clock was followed by the army, marching by the left in one column, which took a strong position during the night. The pickets af­ter dusk were drawn back a li [...]le to the northward of the former encampmen [...]. The advanced parties under Maj. Scott were orde [...]ed to join their respec­tive regiments, and Sheldon's horse to patrole in the front.

21st.—Col. Putnam, with 320 infantry, Col. Sheldon's horse, and two companies of the New-York levies, were ordered to form an advance for the army, and remain at or near their present ground. About 12 o'clock at noon, the army took up its line of march, and halted at night on the lower parts of North-Castle. Two regiments had been detached on the march to Sing-Sing church, to cover a quan­tity of baggage belonging to the French army, assist in removing it, &c. and a detachment was sent to the New Bridge, to secure a quantity of flour lodged near that place.

22d.—The army marched from North-Castle, and encamped at Crom-Pond; all the French stores at Tarrytown and Sing-Sing had been secured.

[Page 303] 23d.—The army marched from Crom-Pond, and took a strong position at Peek's Kill; the first line encamping before the village, and the second behind it. After the troops were encamped, 80 waggons were sent off to assist in forwarding the stores of the army with Gen. Washington. Intelligence was re­ceived that a frigate and store-ship had arrived at Boston, from France, with military stores, &c. for the United States.

24th.—The French troops had not all passed the Ferry—150 Americans were sent to aid them, and at evening 150 more. Intelligence was received that a large French sleet had been seen standing for the continent.

26th.—The whole of the French army had crossed the river. Gen. Washington was as far as Rama­paugh in the forenoon. Six deserters came in from the enemy, and three prisoners of war belonging to Delancy's corps, were sent up; they had taken and were driving off about 30 sheep, which were re­covered.

27th.—Dispatches were sent off to Gov. Trum­bull at Hartford, and Gov. Hancock at Boston. A heavy cannonade was heard towards New-York, from early in the morning till two in the afternoon, supposed to be off at sea.

30th.—At evening a detachment consisting of 250 men, marched to wards the New Bridge, where wag­gons were collecting for a grand forage, which was to be covered by this detachment and the troops on the lines—the whole under the command of Col. Greaton. By the last accounts, Gen. Washington was as far as Chatham, in the Jersies.

31st.—Colonel Laurens passed the army, on his way from Boston to Philadelphia: he had brought from France a large sum in specie, for the United States. Col. Laurens reported the friendly disposi­tion [Page 304]of the European powers towards the United States, that Great-Britain continued to stand with­out a fingle ally, nor could she obtain one in the war in which she was engaged.

September 1st.—The foragers returned with 42 loads of hay. A Hessian rifleman came in with his rifle.

The same day, letters were received from Gen. Washington, dated at Trenton, the 29th ult. men­tioning that a British fleet of 15 sail of the line had arrived at Sandy-Hook from the West-Indies. The same evening, about 40 Indians, from the Oneida and other neighbouring tribes, came to the army, on their way after Generals Washington and Ro­chambeau.

2d.—Intelligence was received from New-York, that a fleet, under the command of Admiral Sir Sam­uel Hood, had arrived at Sandy-Hook from the West-Indies, consisting of 14 sail of the line, three 44 gun ships, one of 28, a sloop and fire-ship. The ships of the line were, Barfleur, of 90 guns, Prin­cessa, Invincible, Alcide, Alfred, Aj [...]x, Resolution, Centaur, Intrepid, Terrible, Montague, Shrewsbury, Belliqueax, and—, 74 guns each. It was said that the 1st battalion of Royal, 13th and 69th Brit­ish regiments came in the fleet.

3d.—Intelligence was received, that Gen. Wash­ington was at Philadelphia the preceding Friday, and that his army was to march from Trenton, as yes­terday.

4th.—Intelligence was received from New-York, that the British fleet had sailed to counteract the French. The day before, the southern post-rider, with the mail, was stopped near Pompton in the Jersies, and the mail carried off; the horse was left in the road. The same day, a fle [...] of 26 sail, some [Page 305]of which were large, passed Stamford to the east­ward.

6th.—Intelligence was received from New-York, that an embargo was laid on the shipping there, and that 6 British transports had been taken by the French. The enemy's shipping in the North River above Fort Washington, had all gone down.

7th.—Intelligence was received from New-York, that the Count de Grasse had arrived in the Ches­apeak on the 31st ultimo; that a 64 gun ship and a frigate had entered York River; that Lord Corn­wallis was preparing for a vigorous defence; and that 6 sail of victuallers had been taken by Admiral Barras. A heavy cannonade was heard the day be­fore, towards the Hook. The same day, there was much passing between the city and Fort Washington, which occasioned a great rising of dust, visible at a great distance; and there was a rumbling of car­riages in the night. Mr. Rivington, in his paper, observed the present to be the most interesting and critical era of the war. The same evening, a de­tachment marched from our army for a grand forage.

8th.—Two companies of Col. Weissenfel's reg­iment were ordered to Albany, to cover that city against the designs of the enemy. The same even­ing, our General received a letter from Gen. Wash­ington, dated at the Head of Elk the preceding day, in which he observes, "I have it now in my power to congratulate you on the arrival of Count de Grafse, with 28 ships of the line and some frigates, in the Chesapeak, with a body of land forces on board, which he debarked immediately on his arrival. On his passage, he took Lord Rawdon, who was bound from Charleston to England. This arrival, with Col. Laurens, from France, must fill the United States with the most happy prospects and expecta­tions." [Page 306]—"I am thus far on my way to Vir­ginia, with the troops under my command; we are now embarking the heavy baggage, stores, and some of the troops."—"I must beg of you not to forget sending the quantity of beef I requested, as I must at present altogether depend on that supply."

The same day, intelligence was received, that the enemy's fleet, which sailed up the Sound on the 4th, had made a descent on New-London. At evening, Maj. Talmadge, with 20 cavalry and 200 infantry, was ordered to move immediately towards the Sound. The preceding day, about 30 sail of the enemy's vessels passed the Sound towards New-York.

On the morning of the 9th the foragers returned, with 28 loads of hay.

10th.—Intelligence was received from Governor Trumbull, that the enemy had made a descent on New-London, on the evening of the 6th, with about 2,000 infantry and 300 light-horse. Their fleet con­sisted of about 40 sail of ships-of-war and transports, they plundered the inhabitants of property to a large amount, and burnt a great part of the town. The militia behaved very gallantly, and a number of very valuable citizens were killed; among others, Gol. Ledyard, Captains Saltonstall and Richards. The enemy, in three assaults on the fort on Groton side of the river, were repulsed, but on the fourth attempt carried it. The militia collecting in greater num­bers, with some pieces of artillery, the enemy retreated on board their shipping. Part of the American ship­ping in the harbour were scuttled, and some were run up the river. In Governor Trumbull's letter, the enemy were charged with behaving in a wanton and barbarous manner; and that of between 70 and 80 men who were killed, 3 only were killed before the enemy entered the Fort, and the garrison had submitted; that on Col. Ledyard's delivering his [Page 307]sword reversed, to the commanding officer, who en­tered the fort, the officer immediately plunged it in the Colonel's body, on which several soldiers bayon­eted him. It is also asserted, that upon the foregoing taking place, and American officer, who stood near to Col. Ledyard, instantly stabbed the British officer who stabbed the Colonel; on which, the British in­discriminately bayoneted a great number of Ameri­cans.

This expedition was commanded by Arnold. The British loss was very considerable in killed and wound­ed; among the former was Major Montgomery. Ar­nold himself continued on the New-London side, and while his troops were plundering and burning, was said to have been at a house where he was treated very politely; that while he was sitting with the gentleman regaling himself, the latter observed, that he hoped his house and property would be safe; he was answered, that while he (Arnold) was there, it would not be touched; but the house, except the room in which they were, was soon plundered, and found to be on fire. During the plunder of the town, the British (as is always the case in a plunder) were in great confusion, setting their arms against trees and fences, while they were collecting and car­rying off their plunder; in this situation they might have been easily defeated; nor would it have been the first time that an army in possession of victory, lost it in this way; hence by the articles of war, "If any officer or soldier shall leave his post or colours, to go in search of plunder, he is liable to suffer death for the offence."

It is not meant to exculpate or to aggravate the con­duct of the enemy on this occasion—but two things are to be remembered; first, that in almost all cases the slaughter does but begin when the vanquished give way; and it has been said, that if this was fully [Page 308]considered, troops would never turn their backs, if it were possible to face their enemy: Secondly, in all at­tacks by assault, the assailants, between the feelings of danger on the one hand, and resolution to over­come it on the other, have their minds worked up almost to a point of fury and madness, which those who are assailed, from a confidence in their works, do not feel; and that consequently when a place is carried, and the assailed submit, the assailants cannot instantaneously curb their fury to reason, and in this interval, many are slain in a way which a cool by­stander would call wanton and barbarous, and even the perpetrators themselves, when their rage subsided, would condemn; but while the human passions re­main as they now are, there is scarcely a remedy.

11th.—Amold's fleet was still in the Sound, and further depredations were expected; they were this morning at Killingsworth, and about noon 50 sail of vessels came to anchor between Norwalk and Stam­ford. Major Talmadge, who was returning, upon supposition that the enemy had returned to New-York, was ordered back immediately. Maj. Knapp was detached with 100 men to reinforce Col. Put­nam on the lines; and Brig. Gen. Huntington, with the first Connecticut brigade, and a detachment of artillery was ordered to march towards the Sound. The same day, the army moved from its encampment at Peek's-Kill, and took a very strong position on Bald Hill, where it encamped in one line, the second line forming in the centre of the first, and the 8th Massachusetts regiment was ordered to march from the army, and reinforce the garrison of West-Point.

13th.—Intelligence was received, that on the ene­my's anchoring off Stamford, Maj. Talmadge advan­ced towards the [...]own; Gen. Huntington had ad­vanced as far as Bedford; and that the preceding morning the enemy's fleet came to sail, and stood [Page 309]principally to the wesward; some of the fleet, at the same time, standing over to Huntington Bay, Long-Issand, Maj. Talmadge was to remain at or near Ca­naan, for the protection of the inhabitants; Gen. Huntington to return to the army.

The Hessian recruits, which had a little before ar­rived at New-York, were very sickly, and many died. The fleet which had arrived at New-York were in bad condition. The Prudente and Robuste, lay at the ship-yard; the Roebuck had been sent to Halifax to repair, and had not returned. Mr. Rivington, in his paper, talked of another fleet coming out, un­der Admiral Digby.

15th.—The enemy had still a number of troops on board their transports in the harbour. The same day, intelligence was received from Canada, that the enemy were preparing a number of canoes and small batteaux at St. John's, baking hard bread at Mon­treal, and forwarding it to St. John's, &c. The Cork fleet had arrived at Quebec. The same day, about 40 sail of the enemy's vessels passed in the Sound to the eastward.

17th.—Intelligence was received, that a brigade of troops had lately come to St. John's, from whence an incursion on our northern frontier might be ex­pected; on which the whole of Wiessenfel's regiment was ordered for Albany immediately; notice was also given to the eastern Governors, and the Briga­diers commanding the militia in the countics of Hampshire and Berkshire, in Massachustetts, request­ed to lend their aid, if it should be found necessary.

18th.—A deserter came, in from New-York; he reported, that when he left the city, about 20 sail of vessels were falling down to the Hook, said to have troops on board.

19th.—The 2d and 5th Massachusetts regiments were ordered to go into garrison at West-Point, and [Page 310]the 7th regiment to join the army; it had before been in garrison. The same day, intelligence was received from New-York, that there had been a na­val engagement off the Chesapeak, between 19 sail of British men-of-war, and 24 French ships of the line: the story was so badly told in New-York, that there was good grounds to conclude that the British had received a severe drubbing. On the 17th, when [...]acket arrived at New-York, 3,000 people were [...] to be waiting on the wharves to learn the news, [...] not a word transpired; nor did the countenance of the officer who landed, appear to beam with the [...]lles of fortune. The enemy had taken a number of heavy cannon from the grand battery, which were put on board ship. The troops still remained on board the transports, and had fallen down to the Hook. A mortal sickness prevailed in Delancy's corps, at Morrissania which was much reduced in its numbers.

22d.—Intelligence was received, that the British fleet had been pretty severely handled by the French, and some of the ships were considerably damaged: that the inhabitants were in great consternation in New-York; many were packing up their goods: that Arnold's loss at New London, in both killed and wounded, was very considerable: that the 38th, 47th and 50th regiments were on that expedition, and then considered as unfit for duty. Gen. Sir Henry Clinton was said to be embarked with the troops, report said from 7 to 8 thousand; among them the British and Hessian grenadiers, light-infan­try, 42d regiment, &c.

24th.—A grand forage was made below the lines. The British fleet returned to the Hook on the 20th. The Prudente of 64 guns, had gone down in a mis­erable condition to join the fleet; and the Robuste of 74 guns, had hauled down nearly opposite to the [Page 311]city. The heavy cannon had been taken from Fort Washington, as well as the grand battery.

25th.—Forty-six loads of forage were brought off from below the lines. Mr. Rivington published an­other account of the naval engagement between the fleets on the 15th; he acknowledged that several ships were much damaged, and that two which had come from the West-Indies leaky, were more so af­ter the engagement: that in particular, the Terrible was so much damaged, as occasioned the taking out her guns, &c. and setting her on fire; after which the fleet returned to the Hook, finding it impracticable to succour Lord Cornwallis. It was said that the troops which had embarked, (about 6,000) had de­barked on Staten Island. Other accounts stated their number not more than 4,000—they were impressing and collecting waggons.

27th.—Three deserters came in from Col. Wurmb's corps, with their arms, &c.

28th.—Apprehending that the enemy might have intentions of crossing over from Staten Island to the Jersies, a detachment of 300 infantry, with light ar­tillery, under the command of Col. Swift, were or­dered to cross the ferry the next morning, and move as far as Ramapaugh, to be at hand to aid the militia, in case the enemy should land in the Jersies.

29th.—Intelligence was received from the north­ward, that a small party had been sent from St. John's to Saratoga, to take a prisoner or two, for the purpose of obtaining information; but that five of the party, with the instructions of the British commandant at St. John's, were taken and brought in by Captain Dunham.

30th.—Intelligence was received that Admiral Digby arrived at New-York the 25th inst. with three sail of the line, and one frigate. Prince William Henry, the King of England's third son, came in [Page 312]this fleet. It was said in New-York, that Lord Corn­wallis's force in Virginia consisted of 5,000 regular troops, and 3,000 levies; but that behind him was a numerous continental army—before him a powerful French fleet. The troops on Staten Island were at this time suspected to be planning some secret ex­pedition; and Congress, from some intelligence which they had received, were not without appre­hensions that Philadelphia might be their object. The militia of Pennsylvania were held in readiness for instant service; and our General was notified to hold the army in readiness to move, if necessary. The enemy were carefully watched. Sir Henry Clinton was endeavouring to devise some means whereby he might relieve Lord Cornwallis; but nothing would have diverted Gen. Washington from capturing him. The New-York papers were fill­ed with addresses and adulations to their young Prince; but these could not retard the advances of a WASHINGTON, or desend Cornwallis. The fleet of Count de Grasse made several captures.

October 2d.—A detachment marched for a grand forage.

3d.— At 3 o'clock, A. M. Major Trefcott, with a 022 detachment of 100 men from Maj. Talmadge's com­mand, crossed the Sound to Long-Island, and com­pletely surprised the en [...]y's Fort Slonge, making 2 C [...]tains, I Lieu [...]-nant, and 18 rank and file, prif­oners; of the enemy, 2 were killed, and 2 wounded; of the Americans, none were killed, and but one wounded. Two double fortified 4 pounders, found in the for, were damaged. One brass three-pound­er, with a number of small-arns, ammunition, cloath­ing, British goods, &c. were brought off. This enter­prize was conducted with address and gallantry.

4th.—The foragers returned, with upwards of 40 loads of hay.

[Page 313] 5th.—A detachment of dragoons were sent to­wards Bos [...]on, and 100 picked infantry under Maj. Morrel were to march towards Springfield, to escort a large sum of money (brought by Col. Laurens) to Philadelphia.

6th.—The enemy were again embarking their troops from Staten Island; they embarked on board the men-of-war. Considering their case as desperate, they were determined to make one desperate attempt. Ten or twelve fire-ships were prepared to sail with the fleets; they were filled with proper materials for the purpose, and, to prevent suspicion, they were n [...] painted, had guns, and the appearance of some o [...] the handsomest ships in the fleet.

8th.—A derachment was sent on a grand forage. The same day, intelligence was received, that a party of refugees and Indians, from Niagara, had burnt a number of houses and barns at Warworsing; they were pursued by Col. Paulding, but could not be come up with. Sir Henry Clinton, in his orders of the 3d, directed 3,000 regular troops to embark on board the men-of-war as marines; in was supposed that every thing would be ready by the 14th. Se­cret intelligence had been received from Albany, that the enemy had intentions on that city; that they would advance by disserent routes, and on their near approach, would be joined by some disaffected people in the country, and the destruction of the city be ef­fected. Brig. Gen. Stark had been in commond for some time at the northward.

10th.—Our General ordered the 2d New-Hamp­shire regiment, and a detachment of artillery, to the northward. Gen. Stark had executed a Mr. Love­less, sent in by Capt. Dunham, as a spy.

13th.—Intelligence was received, that the enemy had advanced to this side of Lake George.

[Page 314] 14th.—The 1st New-Hampshire and 10th Massa­chusetts regiments, with a detachment of artillery, were ordered to Albany, were matters wore a more serious aspect.

15th.—Intelligence was received, that on the 28th ult. Gen. Washington took a position in the neigh­bourhood of York—the enemy gave him no annoy­ance: on his advancing, a body of horse paraded before the enemy's works; but retired upon the dis­charge of a few shot at them.

The 29th was spent in taking another position as near the enemy's advanced works, as could be done without placing the encampment in the range of their shot. Some skirmishing happened between our rifle­men and the yaugers, in which the former had the advantage. At night, the enemy abandoned all their out-posts, (some of which were very advantageous) and retired to the town; the Americans occupied the same ground, and made lodgements at a short distance from the enemy's lines. The heavy artil­lery was to be brought up as soon as possible, and the siege pushed with vigour.

30th.—Col. Scammell, who was officer of the day, was wounded and taken prisoner by a party of the enemy's horse, as he was reconnoitring one of the works which had just before been evacuated.

Our General had ordered Maj. Gen. Lord Sterling to proceed to Albany, and take the command of the troops in that quarter; he set out for the northward about noon on the 16th. The same day, Col. Tup­per, with the 1st New-Hampshire and 10th Massa­chusetts regiments, and a detachment of artillery, embarked at Fishkill Landing, and arrived at Albany in 18 hours afterwards. The same day, it was learnt that the enemy's fleet at New-York, was 24 or 25 sail of the line; and that 5 or 6,000 of the best troops at New-York had embarked, and were on the [Page 315]point of sailing to attempt to relieve Earl Cornwallis; it was also said that Cornwallis was short of bread, and that his meat provisions would not last him more than the month out at farthest—he had received fresh provisions but once after he was blockaded.

On the morning of the 17th, a horse-guard be­longing to Gen. Howe's division, consisting of a ser­jeant, 9 privates, and 8 waggoners, with 30 horses, were taken by Delancy's hoise a little below Croten River, where the horses had been put to pasture con­trary to orders. A Court of Inquiry was ordered to investigate the matter.

18th.—It was learnt, that on the preceding Satur­day, a British 74 gun ship was struck by the light­ning at New-York, and sustained considerable dam­age.

22d.—Gen. Greene's official letter to Congress, announced that his battle on the 8th, near Eutaw Springs, was well fought; that on the field he ob­tained the victory, drove and pursued the enemy for several miles; when the enemy, throwing themselves into a three-story brick house, a stockaded garden, and thick brush, renewed the action, when, after some efforts to dislodge them, Gen. Greene thought it ad­viseable to call off his troops, which was done, and the wounded brought off, except such as were under the fire of the house. Four brass six-pounders hav­ing had their horses killed, were also lest near the house, in possession of the enemy. This was some­what similar to what took place at Germantown battle, and now very probably saved the British, from a total defeat. The close of this action barred its being called a complete victory, although its effects proved it such. General Greene, of Continental State troops and militia, had one Licutenant Colo­nel, 1 Major, 6 Captains, 8 Subalterns, 8 Serjeante, and 114 rank and sile killed—5 Lieutenant Colonels, [Page 316]13 Captains, 25 Subalterns, 32 Serjeants, and 300 rank and file wounded—1 Serjeant, and 40 rank and file misting—1 Brigadier-General of militia wound­ed. Of the enemy, 500 prisoners, including the wounded, which the enemy left behind them, were taken; and it was supposed that the killed and other wounded of the enemy, must be nearly 600 more. Perhaps troops never fought better than the Ameri­cans did in this battle; and of the British, General Greene observed, "the enemy fought with equal spirit, and worthy of a better cause."

By a letter from Gen. Washington, of the 6th, it appeared that the operations against Earl Cornwallis had then gone on but slowly, but that the trenches were to be opened that night. The same letter ob­served, that some misunderstanding, which had sub­sisted in Vermont, was settled; and that Gen. Enos, and the troops under his command, were to be sub­ject to the orders of our General.

The army in the Highlands were at this time short of flour, occasioned by the dry season, and con­sequent want of water for the mills.

[...]1th.—A letter was received from Gen. Wash­ington dated at York, in Virginia, the 12th, by which it appeared that the trenches were opened on the night of the 6th, without being discovered by the enemy until day- [...]ight. The aoproaches were carried on with [...] 600 yards of the enemy's works, without any loss—the 7th and 8th were employed in erecting batteries—on the 9th, two batteries, one on the right, and the other on the left, were opened. The next morning, four other bat [...]eries being com­pleted, the whole opened a heavy fire of cannon am­mortars, which soon become so warm [...] drive the enemy from their guns, and their sire [...] most to­tally silenced—very little return was [...] after wards. The Charron, of 44 guns, with one trans­port [Page 317]took fire from our shot or shells, the evening of the 10th, and were both consumed. The 11th, an­other ship was destroyed in the same manner. The same night, the second parallel was advanced within less than 400 yards of the enemy's lines. This ap­proach was also effected without annoyance; and on the 12th, the fatigue men were securely covered, while they were completing the works. The same evening there was a flying report, and which seemed to gain credit, that Earl Cornwallis, and his army, surrendered on the 17th; and that Count de Grasse had gone out to meet Admiral Digby.

25th.—Intelligence was received of the advance of the enemy at the northward.

26th.—Col. Francis, with the specie from Boston, passed the river; the money was escorted by 40 horse of Sheldon's regiment, and 150 infantry; and Lieut. Col. Mellen, was ordered with a detachment of infantry, to move on the lower road as far as Morristown, keeping between the escort and the enemy.

28th.—In the afternoon, a letter from Gen. Wash­ington to our General, announced the pleasing and highly important news of the complete capture of Earl Cornwallis, and his whole army, on the 19th. Our General had assured the army, that the moment he received the certain intelligence of the capture of Cornwallis, it should be announced to them by the discharge of 13 cannon, near his quarters; these were now the heralds to the army, and were instant­ly answered by a like number of field-pieces in eve­ry brigade on the ground.

On the 15th, two of the enemy's redoubts were stormed, one by the Americans, and the other by the French troops, and soon carried, with but little loss. [...] possession of these redoubts, gave the allied [...] a great measure the command or the [Page 318]other works of the enemy; who, on the 17th, beat a parley, and on the 19th surrendered: 3,500 regu­lar troops laid down their arms; 2,000 more were sick and wounded, in the hospitals. These were exclusive of sailors, negroes, &c. Earl Cornwal­lis was to go to England on parole, and remain a prisoner until exchanged. The officers and men were to be exchanged as far as the garrison of Charleston would extend; the remainder were to continue prisoners of war; the British were to retain their private baggage. It was said that more than 100 vessels were taken from the enemy. A detail of the prisoners taken, was stated as follows: one Lieut. General, one Brig. General, 2 Colonels, 14 Lieut. Colonels, 16 Majors, 97 Captains, 180 Lieu­tenants, 55 Ensigns, 4 Chaplains, 6 Adjutants, 18 Quarter-Masters, 18 Surgeons, 25 Mates, 385 Ser­jeants, 197 Drummers and Trumpeters, 6,039 rank and file, 189 in the Commissary's department—sailors in the pay of the King, 840—killed during the siege, 309—deserters, 44-75 brass cannon, 169 iron do. 5,743 muskets with bayonets, 915 muskets without bayonets, and 1,136 damaged muskets were among the trophies of victory. Thus was the principal force of the enemy crushed in the south. At the northward, the enemy were advancing, both by the way of the Lakes and by the Mohawk River. Col. Willet, with his regiment of New-York levies, and some militia of New-York, and from the western parts of Massachu­setts, were advancing to meet Maj. Ross, who, with from 500 to 700 men, principally British troops, was making his way towards Albany, through the settle­ments on the Mohawk.

29th.—Intelligence was received that an action took place the preceding Thursday, near Johnstown, between the troops under the command of Col. Willet and Maj. Ross.

[Page 319] Col. Willet having advanced until he had arrived near Maj. Ross, detached Maj. Rowley of Massachu­setts, with a body of militia, by a circuitous move­ment, to get in the rear of the enemy, with orders, that as soon as he heard the siring in the front, to fall on them. Maj. Rowley performed his manoeu­vre accordingly; and as soon as Col. Willet judged that the Major had gained the rear of the enemy, he made a vigorous charge on their front, when they immediately gave way, and to all appearance the Colonel was nearly in the grasp of victory, when, all at once, without any visible occasion the levies came to a stand, and then immediately began to fall back, the enemy facing about and charging vigorously; the Colonel's brass field-piece and ammunition tum­brel fell into the hands of the enemy, and a rout seemed to be taking place, when Maj. Rowley, not knowing what had taken place in the front, com­menced a brisk attack on the enemy's rear; this in­stantly threw them into confusion; the levies rallied in the front, and fought with redoubled bravery; the field-piece and tumbrel were retaken, and the ene­my put to a most complete rout, and pursued until the levies, militia, and some Oncida Indians who were with Col. Willet, were worn down with fatigue. It was not possible to ascertain the number of the enemy's slain; for, to use the words of the re­porting officer, "Unless the swamps and rivers, in which they fell, were to report the killed, it was im­possible to make a return of them." Major Butler, so frequently a troublesome partizan officer on the frontiers, was killed by the Indians, as he was passing a river. Fifty-two pri [...]ners were taken and brought in; and Major Ross went off in a direction into the woods, where he and his troops must have suffered extremely for provisions, &c.—Of the levies and mi­litia with Col. Willet, I Lieutenant and 12 rank [Page 320]and file were killed; 1 Captain, 2 Lieutenants, and 20 rank and file were wounded; 1 Captain, 1 Lieu­tenant, and 3 privates, missing. Thus were the de­signs of the enemy also frustrated in the north.

The Corporation of the city of Albany were so much impressed with the seasonable and effectual ex­ertions, made by our General, to save their city from destruction, that they sent him the following very polite address.

31st.—The army in the Highlands, celebrated the glorious victory obtained over Lord Cornwallis. The whole army was under arms in one line; the [Page 321]artillery interspersed with the brigades to which it was attached: at 12 o'clock, the army was reviewed by the General; at one, a grand feu-de-joy was fir­ed; after which, all the officers dined together, at a table spread in the field, and formed a great square, where great festivity and social mirth prevailed. The soldiery had an extra boon on the occasion; and, to crown the whole, in the midst of the joy around the table, an officer approached our General, and informed him, that, at the request of the pris­oners in the provost, (who were pretty numerous) he was desired to [...]esent that their hearts ex­panded with joy on account of the glorious victory obtained by their illustrious Commander in Chief— that they lamented they could not express it with their comrades in arms; but that they did it heartily in their confinement, and solicited the General's goodness in an order for something to cheer their spirits. This was instantly done, with an additional order to the officer of the provost guard, to set every prisoner in consinement at liberty. The promulga­tion of this order drew a shout of approbation from the whole body of the officers at the table; and probably had a better effect on the discipline of the army, than a continuation of consinement, and ex­emplary punishment of the culprits, could have pro­duced. The general order of the day directed, that, "As soon as the feu-de-joy is over, the arms, am­munition, &c. are immediately to be put in perfect order for instant action. All guards, pickets, and centinels to be vigilant and alert on their posts;" which, notwithstanding the joy of the day, was strictly observed.

On this occasion there were rejoicings in all parts of the United States: one instance seems to be worthy of notice; the company collected had deter­mined to burn Gen. Arnold in effigy, for his treach­ery [Page 322]at West-Point; just as they were going to com­mit the effigy to the slames, one of the company ob­served, that one of Arnold's legs was wounded when he was fighting bravely for America, that this leg ought not to be burnt, but amputated; in which the whole company agreed; and this leg was taken off, and safely laid by.

November 3d.—At night, the escort with the south­ern mail, who had put up at Col. Cooper's, in Clark's Town, were attacked by a gang of villains, who fir­ed into the house, and killed the Serjeant dead on the spot, and wounded Capt. Champion, of Connecticut, who had put up at the same house, in the shoulder: the Corporal of the escort behaved well, threw the mail behind a bed, and defended the house—the assailants made off.

The same day, the foragers returned from below the lines, with a large quantity of forage, and two prisoners, taken near Col. Phillips's.

5th.—A Hessian yauger came in, with his horse and equipments complete.

7th.—Two deserters came in from New-York; they left the city the evening before—they were very intelligent; by them it was learnt that the British fleet returned to Sandy Hook, the preceding Satur­day was a week—that no action happened while they were at sea—that the troops were disembarked from the men-of-war, but re [...]ained on board the trans­ports—that Gen. Sir Henry Clinton landed on Long-Island, and came across to the city.

8th.—Intelligence was received from the north­ward, that the enemy did not establish a post at Ti­conderoga, but were returning towards Canada; and the militia which had been called out, were dismissed. The British at New-York, at this time, wished to strike some of the posts in the Highlands, [Page 323]but did not attempt any of them. The army was short of flour, but amply supplied with meat.

About this time, our General received a letter from Gen. Washington, dated at York, (Virginia) October 27th, 1781; in which, among other things, the Commander in Chief observes: "There will be no occasion for forwarding on any more beef cattle, from the northward, for this army. Should there be a greater quantity of cattle sent from the New-England States, than the daily consumption of your army shall require, I would wish the surplus might be salted (if practicable) at some convenient place on the North River; otherwise, it will be necessary for you to give orders to the Agents and Commissaries, to pre­vent their sending more cattle than you shall have occasion for." This was the good fruit of the sys­tematic arrangement.

12th.—Gen. Glover, with his own brigade, march­ed for the lines, in order to cover a grand forage.

13th.—Lieut. Deforester, of the Connecticut line, with 25 continental soldiers, and Capt. Lockwood, with 15 volunteers, including Lieutenants Hull and Mead, of the Connecticut State troops, took an arm­ed sloop of 10 carriage-guns, with 25 soldiers on board. Lieut. Deforester, and those with him, be­haved with great address and gallantry.

16th.—Brig. Gen. Glover returned from the grand forage; during the forage, one of the enemy was killed, and two taken prisoners; a quantity of co [...]n, hay, &c. and about 40 swine, were brought off.

17th.—The 3d Massachusetts brigade moved to their ground of cantonment, south of the north re­doubt, where they built their huts.

19th.—Admiral Digby remained at New-York, with seven sail of the line, five of 74, and two of 64 guns, two fifties, two frigates, one 20 g [...]n ship, and two sloops of war; the remai [...]der of the British fl [...]et, [Page 324]under the command of Admiral Greaves, sailed from Sandy Hook the preceding Monday, for the West, Indies; a great number of shipping, perhaps 300 sail, were lying in New-York harbour; the enemy and inhabitants appeared much dejected.

20th.—Col. Tupper, with the 10th Massachusetts regiment, a detachment of artillery, &c. arrived at West-Point, from Albany.

23d.—The Connecticut line marched to their can tonment, back of Constitution Island, and the corps of artillery to West-Point. The same day, Maj. Gen. Lord Sterling returned to the army, from Albany.

24th.—Our General removed his quarters from the Continental Village to Robinson's Farm, for win­ter-quarters. The army in want of flour and forage.

28th.—The Ist Massachusetts brigade moved to their cantonment, back of West-Point.

December 2d.—The militia which had been called out for 3 months, were returning home. They had served with much reputation, and done good service for their country.

4th.—Capt. Sacket, of the New-York levies, near Harrison's Purchase, below the lines, having gone a small distance from his detachment, on the morning of the 2d, was taken prisoner by a party of the ene­my. The enemy afterwards attacked Lieut. Mosher, to whom the command of the detachment fell; Licut. Mosher and the detachment behaved with great bravery, repulsed the enemy, killed one of them and two horses, and wounded eight of the enemy; among them a Capt. Kipp, said mortally; Colonel Holmes and Capt. Kipp had their horses killed un­der them. The levies had not a man killed or wounded.

The army were now busily employed in building their huts, which they prosecuted with great expe­dition, [Page 325]and soon rendered them comfortable as to shelter; but many of the troops were in a most nak­ed and distressed condition as to clothing; but re­lief was daily arriving from the eastward.

8th.—The officers and soldiers, who had been in Virginia, were now returning to the army. Some of the soldiers brought the small-pox with them.

12th.—The river was frozen down to Fishkill Landing.

The 13th was a general Thanksgiving Day; a large company of the officers of the army dined with our General.

24th.—The Clothier-General was issuing the new clothing to the regimental Pay-Masters—a most ne­cessary piece of business. Congress about this time, by resolutions which they passed, called upon the Legislatures of the respective States, to complete their quotas of the army by the first of March ensuing, Congress being determined to push the late successes, until the enemy were driven from America. The preceding day, viz. the 23d, Capt. Williams, of the New-York levies, (stationed on the lines) with 25 volunteer horse, made an excursion to Morrissania, where they took and brought off prisoners, one Cap­tain, one Lieutenant, and seven privates, of Delan­cy's corps, without the loss of a man. Capt. Wil­liams conducted this enterprize with addicts and gallantry. Capt. Pritchard moved down with a de­tachment of continental troops, to cover the horse, if necessary; but the enemy did not come out.

26th.—Five deserters came in from Arnold's corps, with their horses, &c. complete: they were a patrole to a foraging party, near Col. Phillips's. An embarkation of troops was taking place at New-York, for Charleston and Savannah; Gen. Leslie having written, that without a reinsorcement he could not maintain his posts.

[Page 326] 27th.—Free Masons celebrated the feast of St. John, &c.

31st.—The river was a little freed of the ice.— Thus closed the year 1781, a year which will be mem­orable in the annals of the United States of America, for the capture of Earl Cornwallis and his army— for several well-fought battles in the south by Gen. Greene and the British, in that quarter—for the Count de Grasse's having visited our coast with the most formidable fleet ever before in these seas—and for general successes on the American arms, under the smiles of Divine Providence, in every quarter. May the new year be rendered more auspicious in the completion of the American warfare, and in the establishment of the United States in the full ac­knowledgment of independence, peace and hap­piness.

1782. January 1st.—A new mode of supplying the army by contract commenced, under the con­duct of Comfort Sands and Co. contractors.

7th.—Nine soldiers had then died of the small­pox: it was spreading, and it was determined to inoculate such as had not h [...]d the distemper; which took place in the Connecticut line on the 11th.

11th.—Capt. Hunnewell, of New-York, with a number of volunteer horse, covered by Maj. Tres­cott, with a detachment of continental troops, made an excursion to Morrissania, took and brought off prisoners Capt. Totten, and three privates of Delan­cy's corps; it was the intent to have captured the Colonel, but he was absent from his quarters. A party of the enemy's horse collected and pursued Capt. Hunnewell, but they were checked by Major Trescott, and no injury was sustained.

14th.—It was learnt, that on the 4th, a fleet of 25 sail of victuallers arrived at New-York from Cork, [Page 327]under convoy of the Quebec frigate; ten sail more were left at Charleston, where the whole touched.

16th.—The river was hard frozen again, and was passable on the ice, from West-Point to Constitution Island. The same day, a serjeant and four dragoons came in from Arnold's corps, with six horses and sur­niture complete. The sixth dragoon would not come off, on which the others took from him his horse, cloak, sword, &c. They deserted from a for­aging party, and reported that a great part of the corps would desert, when opportunity offered.

17th.—Three dragoons came in from Arnold's corps, with their horses, &c. complete; and one prisoner taken by our guides, near Morrissania, was sent up.

18th.—Lieut. Hiwill, crossing the river on the ice, fell through, but fortunately got out again.

19th.—It was communicated, that about the month of the preceding October, one—was offered two thousand guineas to take Gen. Wash­ington, and five hundred to take and bring in Gov. Read.

20th.—News was received, that the Marquis de Boullie, Governor of Martinico, had recaptured the Island of St. Eustatia, where he made prisoners of 670 men. The Count De Grasse, with 31 sail of the line, had arrived at Martinico before the 6th of De­cember. The British fleet from New-York had ar­rived at Barbadoes.

24th.—Some uneasiness having taken place on account of the issues of provisions under the contract, the officers commanding brigades were ordered, on the part of the army, to endeavour an adjustment with the contractors, who went for the purpose.

28th.—A man and his horse fell through the ice, near West-Point; several soldiers lent their assist­ance, but in vain—both were drowned.

[Page 328] 31st.—The whole of the troops who had not be­fore had the small-pox, were then under the opera­tion of inoculation—their number near 2,000; sev­eral had died, but in general it was very favourable.

February 8th.—News was received, that the Duke de Lanzun, who carried to France the news of the capture of Earl Cornwallis, arrived in France in 23 days after he left the Chesapeak; that there were great rejoicings in France on the occasion, and also for the birth of a Dauphin.

10th.—The river had been passable on the ice for several days, at King's Ferry. On the preceding Thursday, about 50 of Delancy's horse came out within four miles of Shapequa, where they halted. On the 8th, they moved towards North-Castle, but turned off by Wright's Mills; from thence to King­street, and towards Horseneck; they fell in with a small guard of Gen. Waterbury's—killed one, and made four prisoners; they also took two or three inhabitants, plundered two houses, and returned. About this time, a detachment from the Jersey line made an attempt on the refugee post at Bergen, but were repulsed.

17th.—The King of England's sp [...]ech to his Par­liament came to hand: this speech was more mod­erate than any before had been, and an inclination to pacification was discernable.

20th.—Two deserters came in from Arnold's corps, and also two Hessians; ten had come in, du­ring the course of two or three days.

21st.—The enemy were out towards Bedford. About this time, nine or ten thousand stand of arms, and a large quantity of powder, brought from France by Col. Laurens, were brought from Boston to Fishkill.

23d.—A detachment, consisting of 150 men, prop­erly officered, under the command of Maj. Max­well, [Page 329]marched for Stamford, to cover that part of the country.

27th.—Col. Sumner arrived from Massachusetts; ne brought on about 2,000 suits of clothes for the ar­my. The day before, a Mr. Dyckman, one of our guides on the lines, with 13 volunteer horsemen, made an excursion to Morrissania, took five prison­ers of Delancy's corps, and five horses; on their return, they were pursued by a party of the enemy's horse, who coming rather too near, the brave vol­unteers faced about, charged vigorously, took one man prisoner with his horse, and put the rest to flight. The enemy again appeared in some force at a distance, but dared not to renew the attack. A­bout this time, a fleet of transports sailed from New-York to the southward; it was conjectured to bring away troops.

March 3d.—The river was so freed of ice, that the General's barge crossed to West-Point. Two prisoners of war taken from Delancy's corps, were sent up. Accounts from Massachusetts announced an uneasiness among the people respecting the bur­den of taxes; and that there had been Conventions in the counties of Hampshire and Berkshire.

4th.—Capt. Hunnewell, with a body of volun­teer horse, backed by the infantry under the com­mand of Maj. Woodbridge, made an excursion to Morrissania. The horse proceeded down between the British fort No. 8, and the cantonment of De­lancy's corps, and having turned the cantonments between day-break and sun-rise, they entered pell­mell. The enemy were completely surprised, and fled in every directions; some were cut down on the spot, others so badly wounded as not to be able to be removed. Some of the enemy availed them­selves of positions where the horse could not assail them, from whence they began to sire on the horse; [Page 330]this occasioned the firing of the alarm guns at No. 8. The horse having nearly accomplished their design, moved off, taking the East-Chester road, on which Maj. Woodbridge had posted the insantry in am­buscade. Capt. Hunnewell had brought off one Subaltern and 20 men prisoners, and 20 horses. The enemy in the vicinity collected a number of horse, backed by light-infantry, and pursued Capt. Hun­newell until he came to Maj. Woodbridge. The enemy were drawn into the ambuscade, who made one or two discharges on them, on which they broke and retired, but soon returned to the charge; skir mishing ensued, and continued to a considerable dis­tance. Of the Americans, two privates were kill­ed —Mr. Dyckman, one of the guides, a brave and active man, mortally wounded, and three privates flightly wounded.

The enemy at New-York were now contemplat­ing means for their own defence, against the next campaign; and it was determined to open a canal and strong lines from the Hudson to the East River, at some distance from the city. The canal was to be deep and wide; 2,000 men were employed on the works on one day, 300 of whom were inhabit­an [...]s. The same number were to be furnished daily. These preparations were a defensive shield for the time of approaching negociation; for from the de­bates and speeches in the British Parliament, the olive-branch was evidently putting forth its buds.

10th.—Two soldiers, belonging to the 6th Massa­chusetts regiment, having some words respecting their mess, one of them struck the other with his fist a blow on the head, and killed him dead on the spot. About the same time, an inhabitant, appre­hending that some soldiers were about to rob his hen-roost, discharged a musket out of a window, by which a soldier was killed.

[Page 331] 13th.—Maj. Gen. Lincoln, Secretary at War, ar­rived at the army, on his way to Philadelphia.

At this time it was learnt, that on the 13th of the preceding December there were strong debates in the British House of Commons, respecting the car­rying on the war in America. When Sir James Lowther made a motion, that the mode which had been pursued was ineffectual, many Members spoke for and against the motion; when it was put, there was against the motion, 220; for it, 179; major­ity, 41.

14th.—Lieut. Harris, with six men belonging to Capt. Vermille's company of militia, having obtain­ed intelligence of a party of Delancy's corps being at a house near Mile-Square, had the address to sur­prise the whole party, consisting of 12, killed one and made four prisoners.

21st.—A duel was fought at West-Point, between Capt.—and Lieut.—, when the former was killed and the latter wounded: they fought with pistols, at about ten feet distance. The Lieutenant absconded.

25th.—News was received, that the Islands of St. Christopher's and Nevis surrendered to the arms of his most Christian Majesty, on the 12th of the pre­ceding February. The terms granted by the French commandants were truly noble, and reflect the high­est honour on them.

26th.—About this time, putrid fevers were preva­lent among the American troops, and in some instan­ces proved mortal. About this time, an embarkation of about 800 troops took place at New-York; their destination not publickly known.

28th.—The whole army were ordered to be in readiness for instant action, or to march to such place or places, as might stand in need of aid. An additional company was ordered to the lines, and [Page 332]another to Smith's Clove, for the safety of the Com­mander in Chief, who was on his way from Philadel­phia to Newburgh, and was to pass the Clove, on the succeeding Saturday or Sunday. News was receiv­ed, that the citizens of London and Westminster had petitioned the King, in the strongest terms, to relinquish the American war.

29th.—Five deserters came in from Arnold's corps, with their arms, &c. complete. The enemy were busily employed on their canal and lines: a number of heavy cannon had been put on board ship, at New-York. About this time, the British cruisers were but too successful against the Americans, at sea. A ship of 18 guns, had, for some time, taken a sta­tion off Spitten-Devil Creek.

31st.—His Excellency Gen. Washington arrived at Newburgh; he had been absent from the main army since the 19th of the preceding August, hav­ing spent the winter at Philadelphia, after the capture of Earl Cornwallis.

April 2d.—Our General went up to Newburgh, to pay his respects to the Commander in Chief, where he dined, and returned at evening: Gen. Washing­ton established his quarters at Newburgh. On the night of the 1st, a party of Capt. Pray's men, from the water-guard, being on shore, on the east side of the Hudson, fell in with a party of our own militia, who, in the dark, attacked each other; four of the latter were wounded, and eleven (being the whole of the party) were taken prisoners, before the mistake was discovered. An express, on his way from St. John's to New-York, with several letters, one in characters, had been taken.

4th.—The following [ extract] was published in the general orders.

6th.—The Commander in Chief visited West-Point, and reviewed the sirst Massachusetts brigade. On his arrival at the Point, he was saluted by the discharge of 13 cannon.

8th.—Four deserters came in, three from the 42d British regiment, and a seaman from the ship Venger; this ship, stationed in the North River, mounted 24 guns, and had two gun-boats with her. The enemy continued at work on their canal and lines, which they were making very strong. An incredible num­ber of fascines had been made, during the winter, on Long-Island and Staten-Island, strongly bound with eight bands; these were placed in the face of the work, with five pickets in each fascine.

9th.—The Commander in Chief reviewed the 3d Massachusetts brigade and 10th regiment, and dined with our General. The same day, two deserters came in from the ship in the river. The same night, an armed brig, and three boats, full of men, came up the Hudson, and came to anchor a little above the place where our guard-boats rendczvous, at Nyack; they were early discovered, and the alarm given. The soldiers landed at Haverstraw, about one o'clock on the morning of the 10th, and took 3 or 4 militia­men. It was supposed that their design was to have taken our whale-boats: they were resugees and sail­ors. Not knowing but this might have been a feint, [Page 334]to an attack on the lines, 200 men were detached for their support, if neceffary. The enemy returned down the river, in the afternoon, having, in addi­tion to the militia, above mentioned, taken two of Capt. Pray's men, who were out, burning coal, and two others who were over at Tarrytown, fishing, and destroyed some seines. It was learnt, from the north­ward, that the enemy were repairing and building boats at St. John's, and bringing up provisions to that place; this rendered it probable, that the ene­my would be troublesome in that quarter, the ensu­ing campaign. Several parties of Indians had been skulking about, on the Mohawk River, had killed a soldier and a lad, and had taken a soldier prisoner, and burnt a building.

14th.—Three deserters came in from Robinson's corps; they made their escape from Long-Island, by crossing the Sound in a canoe. They reported, that the enemy were under great apprehensions of an at­tack, and were making every preparation for defence; that 62,000 fascines had been made on Long-Island, during the winter and spring. A fleet of transports had arrived at New-York, from Charleston. Lines were traced out on Long-Island, from the great fort to the marsh, near M'Gowen's mill-dam.

18th.—It was learnt, that the enemy had laid an embargo on the shipping at New-York. News was received, that Holland had formed an alliance with France, and that a Spanish fleet had arrived in the West-Indies.

19th.—The General Officers, and officers com­manding brigades and regiments, met at our Gener­al's quarters, in consequence of orders from the Commander in Chief, to give an opinion what meas­ures ought to be adopted, in consequence of the hor­rid and brutal murder of a Capt. Huddy, who had commanded a block-house at Tom's River, in the Jer­sies, [Page 335]and had been taken prisoner by the enemy, and carried to New-York, where he was closely confined, under guard, and in the sugar-house, and on board a vessel, in irons, and then carried over to Bergen, in the Jersies, and hanged by the refugees, a Capt. Lip­pincot directing the execution. This was done, un­der the pretence that Capt. Huddy had been con­cerned in the death of one Philip White, although White was killed by the guard, from whom he en­deavoured to make his escape, and Capt. Huddy was at the same time a prisoner with the enemy. Hud­dy was left hanging on a tree, with the following la­bel fastened on his breast: "Up goes Huddy for Philip White." This wanton and cruel act, so exaspe­rated the inhabitants of New-Jersey, that they drew up a petition, signed by a vast number of respecta­ble citizens, claiming of Gen. Washington, as the Military Guardian of their country, the obtainment of justice for this horrid act, or retaliation in case jus­tice was refused. Indeed, painful as the idea of re­taliation must be to the feelings of humanity, it seemed now to be the only preventative of more hor­rid murders. Gen. Washington, with his wonted prudence and talent for investigation, free of all bias, ordered the officers to assemble as before mentioned, and directed our General to state to them the occa­sion of their being convened, and then the following questions: "Shall there be retaliation for the murder of Capt. Huddy? On whom shall it be inflicted? And how shall the victim be designated?" The offi­cers assembled were forbidden to converse on the questions submitted to them, each one was to write his own opinion, seal it up, and address it to the Commander in Chief. By this mode of procedure, all the influence which some officers might have on others was prevented, and the spontaneous feelings of every individual officer collected. Col. Hum­phries [Page 336]and Col. Trumbull, of the General's family, attended the Council, and every direction of the Commander in Chief was most strictly observed. It was found that the officers were unanimous in their opinion, that retaliation ought to take place; that it should be inflicted on an officer of equal rank, viz. a Captain; not under convention or capitula­tion, but one who had surrendered at discretion; and that in designating such an one, it should be done by lot. The Commander in Chief was pleased to approve of the opinion of the officers, and wrote to the British commander, demanding justice for the wanton murder of Capt. Huddy; informing the British General at the same time, that if justice was not obtained, retaliation would most assuredly take place. At the same time, arrangements were put in train for retaliation; the names of several British officers, of equal rank and circumstances, were thrown together, and a fair and impartial lot was drawn, when young Capt. Asgill was taken; he was of a noble family, his father was dead, and on him were the fond hopes of his mother, Lady A [...]gill, placed. Indeed a more affecting scene than this can scarcely open; an innocent young man, doomed to suffer for the wanton offence of another, which deed no doubt his soul despised; and the tender breast of a mother rent in twain on the fate of her darling son. Nor were the feelings of the Great WASHINGTON unmoved on this occasion; they were too manifest not to be observed, and could on­ly be curbed by the invariable resolution, in every exigence, to exhibit the administrator of justice. It was months before this tragic business closed; and that the reader may have the whole narrative to­gether, it will be carried forward to such periods as will render a return back to the proper chain of events necessary.

[Page 337] Gen. Sir Guy Carleton, who had come into the command in chief at New-York, wrote to Gen. Washington, assuring him of the fullest satisfac­tion.

Sir Guy ordered a Court-Martial for the trial of Capt. Lippencot, who was charged with the murder of Capt. Huddy. The Court-Martial had set, and given in their proceedings to Gen. Carleton, who wrote a letter to Gen. Washington, requesting a passport for Chief Justice Smith, to repair to the head-quarters of the American army, in order to lay before the Commander in Chief the proceedings of the Court-Martial, with other documents, which he (Sir Guy) had no doubt would give full satisfac­tion.

Upon Gen. Washington's receiving the letter from Sir Guy Carleton, he informed our General that he should not consent to, or give a passport to Mr. Chief Justice Smith, to come up with the pro­ceedings of the Court-Martial on Lippencot; but that he would send him (Gen. Heath) down to Col. Phillips's, near King's Bridge, to meet such officer of equal rank, as Sir Guy Carleton might think proper to send out to meet him, with the proceedings of the Court-Martial, & and on the 30th of July the Commander in Chief wrote to our General as follows:

The following instructions accompanied the fore-going commission:

In the afternoon of the same day, our General received the following letter from the Commander in Chief:

[Page 342] Not long after, the proceedings of the Court-Martial on Capt. Lippencot, for the murder of Capt. Huddy were sent out; Lippencot was acquitted by the Court, and it appeared that the British Com­manders in Chief, both Sir Henry Clinton, and Sir Guy Carleton, disapproved the act. It seemed that a kind of Board of Directors who had a subordinate direction of the refugee operations, were some how concerned in this business, and that argument and some artifice were necessary to smooth it over. How­ever, Gen. Washington, painful as his task was, was not to be diverted from justice or retaliation; but execution was suspended. Lady Asgill, learning the unhappy situation of her darling son, with much policy, and equal success, applied to the Count de Vergennes, then Prime Minister of France, who spread the matter before the King and Queen: indeed it was a subject that needed no extra colouring to fix it on the mind of humanity. The King and Queen listened to the request; and Congress was addressed in a representation, that the French, as well as Amer­ican arms, were victorious at York; and that the former seemed to have some share in the prisoners; and hinted that it would be pleasing to the French Court, if young Asgill was pardoned—which Con­gress complied with: and although reparation for the wanton murder of Capt. Huddy was not fully obtained, yet it is highly probable, that the firm and determined conduct of Gen. Washington, on the oc­casion, put a sinal stop to any further repetition of the kind.

Sir Guy Carleton was probably the greatest Ceneral which the British had in America, during the war; and it was fortunate for the Americans, that he was so long kept within the limits of Canada. In him were combined many of those great qualisications which form the General.

[Page 343] When Sir Guy visited the American prisoners in confinement in Canada, he addressed them with all the tenderness of a father; he observed to the young prisoners, that he did not blame them, it was the fault of the designing men of their country, that had led them into difficulty; that he would not hold them in confinement, but would send them home to their fathers and friends. See here the soothing art, that could not fail to cool the ardour of the young warrior in the cause of his country.

To G [...]n. Waterbury of Connecticut, when he shew him his commission, Sir Guy observed—"Your com­mission is from the proper authority of your Colony; (Connecticut had not changed her form of govern­ment) you are no rebel, Sir; you shall go home to your family."

Soon after Sir Guy Carleton came into the com­mand at New-York, a Connecticut soldier, who had been a prisoner, came out to our army, and request­ed a pass to go home, informing that he had given a parole to Sir Guy, not to serve again, during the war; but he was ordered to join his regiment, which disappointed the soldier exceedingly. Gen. Wash­ington ordered the Commissary of Prisoners to credit the British for one man exchanged; and informed Sir Guy that this practice would not be allowed. Ma­ny soldiers were at that time very uneasy in the Amer­ican army—had a conduct of this sort been allowed, many soldiers on the out-posts and otherwise, might have gone to the enemy, have pretended they were taken, and have come out under parole, and have gone home, to the unspeakable injury of the army but it was nipped in the bud—only one other hav­ing come out in the same way, before it was put a stop to.

We now return to take up the chain of events from which we digressed.

[Page 344] The 20th of April, two prisoners of war, taken near Kingstreet, were sent up by Major Oliver.

21st.—A Serjeant-Major deserted and came out; he reported that an enterprize was contemplating at New-York, and a number of large boats were col­lecting at Turtle Bay.

24th.—Two deserters came in from the Adamant man-of-war, of 50 guns, which lay in the East River, against New-York. Admiral Digby's slag was then hoisted on board the Centurion. The seamen on board the ships very sickly.

The latter end of April, the Duke of Cumberland packet, Capt. Dashwood, arrived at New-York, in six weeks from England, with the March mail: by which it was learnt, that the debates in the British Parliament on the American war, grew more and more interesting; that a motion had been made by Gen. Conway, for bringing in a bill, empowering the King to make peace with America.

The beginning of May, the British cruizers were very successful against the Americans; eleven sail of vessels from Philadelphia were taken, and carried into New-York, with near 9,000 barrels of flour.

May 4th.—This evening exhibited the most ex­traordinary aurora borealis ever before seen by those who observed it.

5th.—It was learnt, that the merchants of Edin­burg, at a meeting on the 7th of the preceding January, declared and published their sentiments and wishes for a peace with America, and a renewal of friendship. It was also further learnt, that it was the prevailing sense of the British House of Commons, as a first step to an accommodation with America, to change the mode of carrying on the war, and to act only on the defentive, on the Continent; and that the person who should advise to offensive opera­tions against the Americans, should be considered as [Page 345]an enemy to the King and nation. At the same time, France and Holland appeared to be making great preparations for a vigorous campaign.

6th.—Symptoms of a dangerous mutiny were dis­covered in the Connecticut line; it had been con­ducted with so much address, as to have been nearly matured before it was divulged. Under the pressure of real or supposed grievances, the soldiers of the whole line had determined, at revelle the next morn­ing, to have marched from their cantonment with arms, &c. complete, for Fishkill, were they were to take a number of field-pieces, and such ammunition and provisions as might be necessary, and then pro­ceed to Hartford, and there demand of their new General Assembly that justice which they supposed was their due. Just as the officers were going to bed, a faithful soldier, who was waiter to an officer, came into his room, and told the officer that he could not go to rest until he divulged to him an event which would assuredly take place the next morning, at break of day; and that every thing was then in readiness for it—and laid open the whole secret. The matter was immediately communicated to the prin­cipal officers of the line, and several soldiers were seized and confined, and one suffered. The whole design was frustrated. Mutiny is a most horrid of­fence in an army, which, without strict order and discipline, is but a rope of sand. On the other hand, human nature can bear but to a certain degree, and no further; hence any trial of human nature, be­yond such a degree, is impolitic, and unjustifiable. Of this line, it may with strict justice be said, that their whole conduct through the war was highly meritoricus.

7th.—A stop was put to the inoculation with the small-pox.

[Page 346] 8th.—A prifoner was sent up, and a deserter came in.

9th.—News was received, that there had been a total change of the British Ministry, and that Fort St. Philip, and the whole island of Minorca, surren­dered to the Spaniards, on the 6th of the preceding February, by capitulation.

15th.—Eleven trusty Serjeants were sent to Massa­chusetts, to march on the recruits to the army from that State.

17th.—Two deserters came in, who reported that a packet had arrived at New-York, from England.

24th.—Near 100 old and decrepid soldiers were collected from the different regiments, and many of them discharged. About this time, a packet arrived at Boston, in 25 days passage from France; the let­ters were immediately forwarded to Congress.

26th.—The 1st Massachusetts brigade was ordered to move out of its cantonment, and encamp near the German Huts.

The United States of Holland acknowledged the independence of the United States of America, the 28th of the preceding March.

There was a great talk of peace in New-York.

In the American army great preparations had for some time been making to celebrate the birth of the Dauphin of France. At least 1,000 men a day were employed, under the direction of the engineers and other artists, in constructing a most superb arbor, decorated with every emblem and device, descriptive of the occasion, and the alliance between France and America, which ingenuity could invent; and perhaps for any thing of the kind, constructed in the field, was never surpassed.

31st.—The birth of the Dauphin of France was celebrated by the American army. An elegant din­ner was provided, by order of the Commander in [Page 347]Chief; of which the officers of the army, and a great number of ladies and gentlemen, invited from the adjacent country, partook. Thirteen toasts were drank, announced by the discharge of cannon. At evening there was a grand feu-de-joy, opened by the discharge of 13 cannon, three times repeated. The feu-de-joy, being fired in the dusk, had a pleasing appearance to the eye, as well as the ear; and was so ordered for that purpose. The army was not formed in line, but each brigade was drawn up in front of its own cantonment, or camp, on both sides of the river; and thus were in a circle of sev­eral miles circumference, in the centre of which, the Commander in Chief, and the spectators were plac­ed. After the feu-de-joy, there was an exhibition of fire-works, &c.

June 2d.—Information was received, that the isl­and of New-Providence, and its dependencies, were taken by the Spaniards, on the 11th of the preced­ing May. The garrison, which consisted of about 200 men, were sent to Europe. The new frigate South-Carolina, built in Europe, artived about this time in the Delaware; she was an exceeding fine ship, mounting 28 42-pounders on one deck, and 12 12-pounders on her quarter and fore-castle. She was commanded by Commodore Gillon.

There had been a bloody engagement in the West-Indies, the 12th of the preceding April, between the Count De Grasse and Admiral Rodney; but all the accounts had been very vague. The British [...] published their account, and that they took from the French, the Ville de Paris, of 110 guns, and 1300 men; Le Glorien [...], Le Cesar, and Le Hector, of 74 guns each; and Le Ardent, of 64 guns, and sunk one ship of the line. They acknowledged to have had 236 men killed, and 779 wounded; among whom were several officers. They also boasted of [Page 348]having obtained a very signal advantage in the Eu­ropean seas, over Admiral Kempelfelt.

5th.—It was reported, that a French fleet had been seen on the American coast. A fleet about this time sailed from New-York, eastward, through the Sound, conjectured to be destined to Penobscot. The brigades of the American army daily manoeu­vred, and fired to great acceptation.

14th.—The British had been removing a number of heavy cannon and ordnance stores from their works at the north end of New-York island, and placing light pieces in the room of them. A num­ber of deserters daily came in.

24th.—The Commander in Chief sent the fol­lowing letter to our General:

26th.—It was learnt from Canada, that several armed vessels and a number of batteaux, had come up Lake Champlain; there were probably about 300 men. A much larger force, (report said 3,000) was gone or going towards Lake Ontario, to estab­lish a post at Oswego.

27th.—Another ship came up the North River, and took a station near Spitten-Devil Creek.

[Page 349] July 2d.—The Commander in Chief returned from Albany.

4th.—The army fired a grand feu-de-joy, it being the anniversary of the Declaration of American In­dependence.

11th.—At evening, the Commander in Chief wrote our General the following letter:

13th.—Two prisoners of war were sent up, and three German deserters came in, and the next day a light dragoon, with his horse, &c. complete. A­bout this time, the southern mail was taken, between Philadelphia and Morristown.

18th.—It was learnt, that on the 21st of the pre­ceding May, Gen. Wayne obtained a considerable advantage over the enemy, with very little loss on his side, near Ogechee, in Georgia: the enemy re­tired into Savannah. About this time, a Corporal and 8 men deserted from our block-house, at Dobb's Ferry.

21st.—Three deserters came in. About this time, a fleet of about 40 sail arrived at Sandy Hook, un­der convoy of two frigates; they were supposed to be from Ireland.

22d.—Three deserters came in from the British [Page 350]grenadiers; two others deserted at the same time, but had not got in. The same day, four deserters came in from the Hussar frigate, and the next day three soldiers. At this time the cow thieves and refugees were lurking in the Highlands, and detach­ments were sent out to patrol them.

26th.—Information was received, that a party of the enemy, to the number of 4 or 500, had appear­ed on the Mohawk River, advancing towards Fort Herkemer. They killed a continental soldier.

27th.—Gen. Washington returned to Newburgh from Philadelphia.

August 2d.—The British May and June packets had arrived at New-York. Admiral Barrington had taken a French man-of-war, of 74 guns, and several transports, destined for the East-Indies. The next day it was learnt, that a French fleet, consisting of 12 or 13 sail of the line, and 3 frigates, had ar­rived in the Chesapeak.

On the 29th ult. a bloody engagement took place off the Chesapeak, between the French frigate Am­azon, of 36 guns, and the British frigate Margaretta, which terminated in favour of the latter.

6th.—Information was received, that the British had evacuated Savannah in Georgia.

8th.—Four deserters came in from the enemy.

10th.—The prospect of an approaching peace brightened; Gen. Sir Guy Carleton and Admiral Digby informed Gen. Washington, that Mr. Gren­ville had gone over to France on the negociation for peace, and that the independence of America was to be acknowledged previous to, or as an opening of the negociation. The refugees at New-York were greatly alarmed at the prospect of peace. Sir Guy Carleton had notified the inhabitants to meet him; and, in Rivington's paper of the 7th, there appeared a proclamation, advising the refugees to continue [Page 351]their loyalty, and make themselves easy, until the event of the negociation was known.

12th.—A large stone magazine, capable of con­taining 1,000 barrels of gun-powder, was begun to be erected on Constitution Island; it was built upon the principles of Monsieur Vauban, and under the direction of Maj. Villefranche.

15th.—It was learnt, that the French fleet, which had been at the Chesapeak, had arrived at Boston. The British troops evacuated Savannah the 11th of July, leaving the town and works uninjured. Pre­vious to the evacuation, the refugees sent out to Gen. Wayne, to know if they might depend on pro­tection in their persons and property; they were an­swered in the affirmative, until they were delivered over to the civil authority, who, they were inform­ed, must decide on their case. When the British left the town, near 200 of the inhabitants immedi­ately entered the American service in the Georgia battalion.

19th.—Three prisoners of war were sent up; they were taken near East-Chester. Several deserters came in about the same time.

22d.—The light-infantry of the American army moved down, and encamped near Peek's Kill.

24th.—Maj. Gen. Knox was in the general or­ders appointed to the command of West-Point. The artillery, sappers and miners, 10th Massachusetts regiment, and the corps of invalids, for the garrison.

From the 25th to the 27th, inclusive, 7 deserters came in; they reported that the sick of the British army were ordered to be sent on board the hospital ships, and not to the hospitals on shore. The heavy baggage was also ordered to be put on board the shipping; the officers to retain on shore no more than what was of absolute necessity.

29th.—An order of encampment and battle for [Page 352]the American army was published. The army was to encamp in one line, with a reserve; the New-Jersey and New-York troops were to form a division under the command of Maj. Gen. St. Clair; the Connecticut troops, a division under Maj. Gen. M'Dougal; these two divisions to form the right wing, to be commanded by Maj. Gen. Gates: the New-Hampshire brigade and first brigade of Massa­chusetts, to form a division under the command of Maj. Gen. Lord Sterling; the 2d and 3d Massachu­setts brigades, a division under the command of Maj. Gen. Howe; these two divisions, forming the left wing, under the command of Maj. Gen. Heath. The 2d Connecticut and 3d Massachusetts brigades to form the reserve; and when the ground would admit, form at 200 paces in the rear of the army. Maj. Gen. Lord Sterling was ordered to Albany to take the command of that part of his division which was then in that quarter.

31st.—As many of the army as could be carried in the boats, embarked at their respective brigade landings; and the whole of the boats being formed in order, fell down the river to Verplank's Point, where the troops disembarked and encamped. They made a most beautiful appearance, when in the boats and in motion. The remainder of the army march­ed down by land.

September 1st.—Information was received, that the British were on the eve of evacuating Charleston, South-Carolina. The season was remarkably dry, both to the eastward and southward; it was with difficulty that the army could obtain a supply of wa­ter. About this time, an embarkation of Hessian troops took place at New-York.

7th.—There was a grand review and manoeuvre of the army, which gave great satisfaction. The Ju­ly packet arrived at New-York about this time; it [Page 353]appeared that the Marquis of Rockingham had died, that Mr. Fox and Lord Cavendish had resigned their places, and that Lord Shelburne was appointed one of the Secretaries of State.

14th.—The American army was under arms to receive Gen. Count de Rochambeau; after his re­ception, the army defiled before him, and returned to their respective encampments. The French ar­my was now arriving from the southward; they en­camped to the South of Peek's Kill as they arrived.

16th.—The enemy made a grand forage near Volentine's Hill; Sir Guy Carleton was out in per­son, as was the young Prince. The covering party, it was said, consisted of 5 or 6,000 men; a number deserted. The American army at this time was in great want of forage, occasioned by the dry season. 18th.—The last of the French army arrived.

20th.—Gen. Washington reviewed the French army; the troops made a fine appearance. A French frigate had been run on shore in the Dela­ware, and taken by the enemy.

21st.—The American army manoeuvred before the Commander in Chief, Gen. Rochambeau, and many other officers. The troops made a handsome appearance, and manoeuvred well.

22d.—It was learnt, that the ships-of-war and transports, at New-York, were watering and prepar­ing for sea, and a number of regiments were under orders for embarkation. A little before this time, Congress had authorized and empowered Gen. Washington to adjust and finally settle the accounts subsisting between the United States and the British government, respecting the support of the prisoners of war on both sides; and to provide, by a general cartel, for their greater comfort and exchange, un­der the great seal ratifying what he, the Com­mander in Chief of their army, should agree to. [Page 354]Gen. Washington transferred this power to Major-Generals Heath and Knox, whom he appointed Commissioners for the purpose, and instructed them not to proceed to business, unless the British Com­missioners were found to be equally empowered to bring the business to a final issue.

The time and place of meeting were agreed to by the two Commanders in Chief, and was to be on the 25th of September, at Tappan.

24th.—The American Commissioners sent down two of their Aids-de-Camp, to take up the necessary quarters, and make other preparations; and a com­pany of light-infantry was ordered to Tappan, to fur­nish guard and centinels.

25th.—The American Commissioners embarked on board their barges, at King's Ferry, and fell down the river to Tappan Landing, where they ar­rived about 2 o'clock, P.M. In less than half an hour, the British Commissioners, in two vessels, wear­ing flags, came up the river, and cast anchor off the Landing. The American Commissioners waited at the shore, and sent off their barges to aid, in bring­ing the British Commissioners on shore, the river be­ing at that time very rough: on their reaching the shore, it was found that Lieut. Gen. Campbell and the Hon. Mr. Elliot, who had been Lieut. Governor of New-York, were the Commissioners on the part of the British. The whole dined together, an ele­gant dinner having been ordered by the American Commissioners, and politeness and great sociability took place; and a mutual arrangment for the dally support of the table, was agreed on, as it was ex­pected that the business would not be completed in less than three or four weeks, if the whole object was adjusted.

26th.—The Commissioners interchanged copies of their respective powers; these were to be consider­ed [Page 355]until the next day, when answers were to be giv­en in writing, whether the powers were satisfactory on both sides. On examining the powers, given to the [...]ritish Commissioners, it appeared that their do­ings would not be conclusive, until confirmed, and were very short of those held by the American Com­missioners, whose agreement and signature were to be final.

27th.—The American Commissioners stated to the British Commissioners, that the powers with which they were vested were inadequate to effect the expectations of the government of the United States, and that therefore the negociation must be broken off. Of the great difference of the powers, the British Commissioners were fully convinced. The American Commissioners thought it to be their duty, when they gave their note of objections to the British delegated powers, to hand with it a very pointed protest, in behalf of the United States, against that conduct, on the part of the British, which had so long delayed the settlement of the accounts for the support of the prisoners of war, which were in the power of the United States. The Commissaries of Prisoners, on both sides, were present, to present and support their respective accounts; and a settlement would not only have been just, but also very interest­ing to the United States.

28th.—About 12 o'clock, at noon, the Commis­sioners parted with the same politeness and good-hu­mour with which they met, and which had invaria­bly continued during the time they were together. Our General sent orders to the commanding officer at Dobb's Ferry, to permit the British flags to pass down the river; and the American Commissioners returned to camp. The day before, (the 27th) Gen. Washington, covered by the dragoons and light-in­fantry, reconnoitred the grounds on the east side of [Page 356]the river, below the White-Plains; and the 29th, about noon, returned to camp.

October 3d.—It was learnt, that the enemy had evacuated Lloyd's Neck, and destroyed their works at that place: their works at Bergen Point, in the Jersies, had been destroyed before that time.

5th.—Maj. Gen. Gates arrived at camp. At this time, the horses of the army were suffering for want of forage.

6th.—Intelligence was received from the south­ward, that on the 27th of August, Col. Laurens was killed, in a skirmish with the enemy: the loss of this brave young officer was much regretted. The enemy, previous to their leaving Charleston, desired to purchase some provisions; and Gen. Leslie had intimated to Gen. Greene, that if this could not be permitted, he must take the provisions by force. The former being denied, the latter was attempted, and Col. Laurens fell; 24 or 25 others were killed, wounded, or taken prisoners, and one howitzer fell into the hands of the enemy.

7th.—Intelligence was received, that Maj. Gen. Lee had died, a little before, at Philadelphia; he had just before sold his estate, in Virginia, for £6,100 sterling.

8th.—The weather beginning to grow, cold and blowing, all the bowers (which were numerous and very salutary, during the hot season) were ordered to be pulled down and removed, to prevent accidents by fire, and to admit the benefit of the sun.

12th.—Intelligence was received from Europe, by the arrival of a vessel in 34 days from Amsterdam, that the negociation for peace was going on, and that additional Ministers and Envoys had gone to ab­tend; that the combined fleets were all in port; that the siege of Gibraltar was continued; and that there had been an obstinate engagement in the East­Indies, [Page 357]between the French and English fleets, in which both fleets had suffered much, but no ships were taken by either side. The insurrection in South-America had been quelled.

15th.—A new contract, for supplying the army with provisions, under messrs. Wadsworth and Car­ter, took place.

16th.—A grand manoeuvre was performed by eight picked battalions, preparatory to a grand re­view, which was to be the next day.

On the 19th (several preceding days having been stormy) the grand manoeuvre was performed, by the eight picked battalions. The evolutions and firings were performed with regularity and exactness, much to the credit of the troops, and general satisfaction of the numerous spectators of the American and French armies.

20th.—The Secretary at War arrived at camp. The enemy were demolishing their works at No. 8, Morrissania. Intelligence was received, that the be­siegers of Gibraltar had made a nearer approach to the place, and were playing upon it with 200 pieces of artillery.

22d.—The first division of the French army mov­ed eastward; they were to halt at Hartfor [...], in Con­necticut, where the whole were to rendezvous. The American army was put under orders, to be ready to move on the shortest notice. The August pack­et, from England, arrived at New-York the day be­fore.

24th.—The whole American army manoeuvred before the Hon. the Secretary at War. The Com­mander in Chief, in the orders of the day, expressed his own, as well as the Secretary at War's fullest approbation.

26th.—At revelle, the left wing of the American army, under the command of our General, struck [Page 358]their tents, and marched from the encampment, as far as the wood, near the north redoubt, in the Highlands, where they remained during the night; the day and night were rainy, and the troops had no covering but the heavens.

27th.—The troops crossed the Hudson in boats to West-Point, the whole having crossed by half past 12 o'clock. In the afternoon, the troops took up their line of march, and ascended Butter-Hill, a te­dious march, and halted and passed the night on the northern descent of the hill, in the open field.

28th.—At 7 o'clock, A. M. the troops resumed their march from Butter-Hill, and reached the ground on which they were to build their huts, in New-Windsor, at about half past 10 o'clock, A. M. Upon this ground, and its vicinity, the army passed the ensuing winter. The cantonment, for its nature and kind, was regular and beautiful. Upon an em­inence, the troops erected a building, handsomely finished, with a spacious hall, sufficient to contain a brigade of troops on Lord's days, for public worship, with an orchestra at one end; the vault of the hall was arched; at each end of the hall were two rooms, conveniently situated for the issuing of the general orders, for the sitting of Boards of Officers, Courts Martial, &c. and an office and store for the Quarter-Master and Commissary's departments. On the top was a cupola and flag-staff, on which a flag was hoisted occasionally, for signals, &c. In this can­tonment the army spent the winter very comfortably, and it proved to be their last winter-quarters.

30th.—It was learnt, that on the 26th or 27th, fourteen British men-of-war, of the line, one 44 gun ship, seven frigates, three large transports, and, ten or twelve brigs and schooners, sailed from New-York, it was conjectured for the West-Indies. They were observed to sail nearer under Long-Island than [Page 359]usual, and came too, near the place where Gen. Howe landed in the year 1776, where it was con­jectured troops now embarked.

On the 7th of the preceding August, Congress passed resolutions, directing the Secretary at War, on or before the 1st day of January following, to cause the non-commissioned officers and privates, belonging to the lines of the several States, to be arranged in such manner as to form complete regiments, agreea­ble to the acts of Congress of the 3d and 21st of Oc­tober, 1780, of regiments of not less than 500 rank and file, the junior regiments to be drasted to sill the senior regiments. The regiments so formed, to be completely officered; the officers to agree and de­termine who should stay in service; or if this could not be effected by aggreement, the juniors who were supernumerary of each grade were to retire, retain­ing their rank, and be entitled to the emoluments to which the officers were entitled, who retired un­der the resolutions of the 3d and 21st of October, 1780. In consequence of these resolutions, the Commander in Chief, on this day, (30th of Oct.) ordered the regiments of the Massachusetts line to be reduced to 8 regiments, of 500 rank and sile each; or as near as could be to that number; and the Connecticut line to 3 regiments of similar strength, with 3 Field Officers, 9 Captains, 19 Subalterns, 1 Surgeon, and 1 Mate each; and the regiments were formed accordingly.

November 1st.—It was learnt from Europe, that the Royal George, a first-rate English man-of-war, of 110 guns, had been overset near Spithead, by a sudden flaw of wind, as she lay heeled to repair a leak on the other side; that she sunk in about 8 minutes, having on board 12 or 1300 souls, about 900 of whom perished.

[Page 360] 5th.—Our General left the army, and commenc­ed his journey to the eastward, and arrived at his house in Roxbury on the 11th.

12th.—There was a transit of Mercury over the north-west limb of the sun's disk. The preceding week, one of the French men-of-war, in Portsmouth harbour, (N. H.) was struck by lightning, and her foremast damaged. The French army were now on their march towards Boston.

The Anerica, a fine new 74 gun ship, the first of her rate built in the United States, and which had not long before been presented by Congress to his most Christian Majesty, was launched at Portsmouth on Tuesday the 5th instant.

18th.—The field artillery of the French army reached Boston. The same day it was reported, that the British troops had left Charleston, South-Carolina.

21st.—The French discharged their artillery horses, to the number of several hundreds.

27th.—Intelligence was received from Spain, that the British had relieved Gibraltar, and taken a Span­ish 70 gun ship; several of their gun-boats were also destroyed. Had Spain long before this given over the siege of Gibraltar, and employed her naval and land forces against the British in some quarter more vulnerable, solid advantages might have accrued, much money and many lives have been saved.

28th.—General Thanksgiving throughout the United States. The French fleet, under the com­mand of the Marquis de Vaudreuil, was at this time in Nantasket Road, except a few ships which were at Portsmouth, New-Hampshire.

December 2d.—Maj. Gen. Baron Vioninel, com­mander of the French army, (Count de Rochambeau not coming this way) arrived at Boston from Prov­idence. The troops were coming forward in divi­sions, [Page 361]at one day's march distance from each other. The first division arrived at Boston on the 5th, in the morning.

6th.—In the morning, a ship lying in Boston harbour, laden with masts, destined to the West-Indies, by some accident took fire, and burnt down to the water's edge; the loss was very considerable. Advice was received from Europe, that the Com­missioners, for se [...]tling peace, were sitting at Paris; that matters were in forwardness; several articles had been agreed to, &c. A reinforcement of French ships and troops had arrived in the West-Indies from France. This day the last division of the French troops reached Boston. These troops embarked on board the men-of-war, were much crowded, and in danger of growing sickly, if continued long on board. About this time, the American officers had been very uneasy respecting their great arrears of pay, &,; and soon after addressed Congress on the subject, and appointed a Committee from the army to present their petition and support it.

11th.—The town of Boston presented an address to the French General and officers.

22d.—The French sleet had all fallen down below the Castle, and were in readiness to proceed to sea. The markets were at this time extremely high; flour at 8 and some at 9 dollars per hundred; butter was sold at 2 s. 4 d. per pound, &c.

24th.—His most Christian Majesty's fleet, under the command of the Marquis de Vaudreuil, came to sail in King and Nantasket Roads, and went out to sea, having the army under the command of Gen. Viomined on board. The fleet was first to stand to the northward, until it was joined by the ships from Portsmouth; they were then to tack and stand to the fouthward, and take with them the Fantasque, [Page 362]armed [...]n-flute from Rhode-Island, and proceed to the West-Indies.

25th.—It was learnt, that near 3,000 refugee in­habita [...]s had gone from Charleston, South-Carolina, [...]o Jamaica, and about the same number to Augus­ [...]e. The e [...]rb [...]tant p [...]ces of provisions fell imme­ [...]tely after the s [...]ling of the French fleet.

26th.—Authentic accounts were received from Europe, that Monsieur de la Perreuse, in the ship Sceptre, with two trigates, had returned to France, from a successfui enterprize against the British set­tlements in Hudson's Bay, having entirely destroy­ed the estab [...]ments and property of the English on that coast, estimating the damage at ten millions of livres.

31st.—Intelligence was received, that the British homeward-bound West-India fleet, on their way to England, met a violent storm, in which two 74 gun ships, the Ramillies and the Centaur, were said to have foundered; and that a number of the mer­chantmen had been taken by French and Ameri­can cruizers, and carried into France—that four pri­zes had been taken by the American frigate Alli­ance, Capt. Barry, having 1,200 hhds. of sugar, and 400 hhds. of rum on board.

1783. January 1st.—Intelligence was received, that a terrible fire happened in the city of Constan­tinople, in the month of the preceding August, in which a large part of the city was consumed, and about 5,000 lives lost. The fire was supposed to have been kindled by the malefactors, in six differ­ent places.

4th.—Intelligence was received, that Great-Brit­ain had acknowledged the Independence of the Uni­ted States, collectively and severally; and that a commission bad been sent to Mr. Oswald, one of [Page 363]the British Commissioners at Paris, to treat with the American Commissioners accordingly.

Some further accounts of the terrible sire in Con­stantinople, stated that near 200,000 inhabitants were burnt out of their habitations—that the fire continued to burn sixty-two hours, and at some times with a front a mile in width.

8th.—Intelligence was received, that the Charles­ton man-of-war, belonging to the State of South-Carolina, a remarkable fine ship, commanded by Commodore Gillon, was taken by the British, and carried into New-York.

In this month, the inhabitants of Massachusetts, in their several religious societies, made voluntary contributions to the inhabitants of the town of Charlestown, to enable them to rebuild a meeting-house, in the room of that which was destroyed by fire, by the British troops, during the battle of Bun­ker's Hill, on the 17th of June, 1775.

24th.—News was received, that Maj. Gen. Lord Sterling had lately died at Albany; he was a brave officer in the American army.

25th.—Intelligence was received, that the British troops left Charleston, in South-Carolina, the 14th of the preceding December, and the Bar the 17th; and that Gen. Greene had taken possession of the city. It had been previously agreed, that the Amer­icans would not molest the British in quitting the place; and on their part, they were not to injure the city.

28th.—It was learnt, that Gen. Clarke had been very successful against the Shawanese Indians, and had destroyed a number of their towns. From Eu­rope it was learnt, that although there was the great­est prospect of peace, yet all the powers at war were straining every nerve to be prepared for the opening of the next campaign. The damage sustained by [Page 364]the British homeward bound West-India fleet, was greater than at first supposed; among the disabled ships was the Ville de Paris, of 110 guns, and sev­eral others.

29th.—A prize ship, taken by Capt. Manly, arriv­ed in Boston harbour, having about 1,800 barrels of provisions on board.

February 5th.—News was received, that the Brit­ish had reinforced the garrison at Penobscot—that the whole garrison consisted of nearly 900 men—that a further reinforcement was expected—and that the British were endeavouring to extend their influence in that quarter.

6th.—Intelligence was received, that a number of loyalists had gone from New-York to Nova-Scotia; that Gov. Franklin, in England, had written to his friends in New-York, that peace would certainly take place. About this time, the articles of a treaty of amity and commerce, between the United States of America and Holland, was published by Congress. In the month of the preceding December, Congress passed a spirited resolution, respecting the conduct of the government of Vermont; and about this time, the Council of Vermont presented to Congress a re­monstrance against the resolution, as interfering with their internal police.

About this time, Gen. Washington and Gen. Sir Guy Carleton had an interview on the lines of the two armies.

20th.—Intelligence was received, that Don Sola­no, with ten sail of Spanish men-of-war, had arrived at the Havannah, and that the Count D'Estaing had arrived, with a French fleet, at Martinico; that an attack on the island of Jamaica was soon expected to take place; in consequence of which, seven British regiments were to go from New-York to the West-Indies. The refugees at New-York were selling off [Page 365]their effects at auction, and preparing for a sudden removal to Nova-Scotia.

21st.—The British King's speech, to his Parlia­ment, appeared in a hand-bill. The speech breath­ed reconciliation throughout. The King informed his Parliament, that he had gone the utmost lengths the power granted to him would allow; and that he hoped soon to lay before them the articles of peace, which were in great forwardness, and such as he ap­prehended they would approve. That he hoped the two countries would still be in friendship, —that re­ligion, language, interest, &c. urged this, —that he devoutly prayed Great-Britain might not experience any of those calamities, which might be feared from such a dismemberment of the Empire; and then extends some compassionate expressions to America. Alas, O King! it might have been happy for both countries, if a due consideration had been early ex­ercised; then might much blood and much treasure have been saved. Let it be a warning to other na­tions, to be wise and just! Nature will have her own way, and do her own work in her own time. Amer­ica of course would be independent and sove­reign; but a mistaken policy in Great-Britain, hurried on an event to her own loss, long before nature had ripened it for her own consummation. The public expectation now was high, and the pe­riod when peace should be announced supposed to be even at the door, and divers premature accounts were at different times circulated.

25th.—It was learnt, that Lieut. Col. Barber, of the New-Jersey line, had a little before been killed, together with his horse, near the army, by the un­expected fall of a tree, which a soldier was cutting. By this event a brave officer and valuable citizen was lost, who had frequently distinguished himself in action; his fall, therefore, in this manner, and [Page 366]at the very grasp of the harvest of his toils, were re [...]ered the more affecting.

27th.—Intelligence was received from Virginia, that the House of Delegates of that State had rec­ommended to their constituents, not to choose in­to places of power and trust, men who had not been attached to the [...] of liberty, and only such as had given early and decided proof of their friend­ship.

28th.—It was found, that the British cruizers, from New-York, had lately taken a number of A­merican vessels, among them several from Bostom Virginia.

March 3d.—Accounts were rece [...] from Eu­rope, that in an assault made by the S [...] troop [...] on the garrison of Gibraltar, in the m [...] of Sep­tember, the besieged, with their cannot loaded with grape-shot, made great havock amon [...] the as­sailants, but that this did not chec [...] their a [...] but that upon a near approach to the wa [...], to [...] were stopped, and thrown into great confusion by [...]everal engines, throwing scalding water upon them. Some were scalded almost to death, and others had their eyes put out—a new mode of defence, but a pow­erful one.

6th.—Intelligence was received, that not long be­fore, the French frigate Sibill had been taken by some of the British cruizers, and carried into New-York.

20th.—It was learnt from Philadelphia, that the Washington packet, Capt. Barney, had arrived at that place from L'Orient in France, which place she left the 17th of January. The public dispatches brought by this vessel, although they did not announce a peace to be concluded, yet informed that the nego­ciations were going on; every thing was settled be­tween America and Great-Britain, and matters look­ed [Page 367]favourable towards France; but difficulties were subsisting between Great-Britain, Spain and Holland. Several of the out-lines of the articles of the treaty, between Great-Britain and the United States of America, were published, and in general were thought to be favourable to the latter. The same packet brought dispatches for Gen. Sir Guy Carleton and Admiral Digby, which were forwarded to New-York.

22d.—It was learnt, that a great uneasiness had discovered itself in the American army, on account of the great arrears of pay which was due, and some doubting apprehensions as to the real intention of the public to fulfil their promises to the army, and in p [...]r [...]l [...] that of half pay. An anonymous notifi­ca [...]o [...], and two addresses to the officers, made their appearance about ten days before, couched in very firm and decided language; these produced an ad­dress from the Commander in Chief, a meeting of the officers, a representation to Congress, and their resolutions respecting the army at that time.

The evening of the 28th, a letter was received from Philadelphia, purporting that a vessel had ar­rived there from Europe, with the intelligence, that the preliminary articles of peace were signed on the 20th of the preceding January. Hostilities were to cease in Europe the 20th of February, and in Amer­ica on the 20th of this month. The public dis­patches had not now arrived, but were momently expected.

April 2d.—It was learnt, that a very valuable prize was carried into Salem.

7th.—Our General sat out from his house in Rox-bury, and arrived at the head-quarters of the Amer­ican army at Newburgh, on Hudson's River, on the 14th, in the forenoon.

[Page 368] On the 16th, in the general orders of the day, our General was directed to take the immediate command of the army, during the absence of Maj. Gen. Gates. Congress had published their procla­mation suspending hostilities.

18th.—The Commander in Chief addressed the army on the happy cessation of hostilities as follows: "The Commander in Chief orders the cessation of hostilities between the United States of America and the King of Great-Britain, to be publickly pro­claimed to-morrow at 12 o'clock, at the New Build­ing; and that the Proclamation which will be com­municated herewith, be read to-morrow evening, at the head of every regiment and corps of the army; after which, the chaplains, with the several brigades, will render thanks to Almighty God for all his mer­cies, particularly for his over-ruling the wrath of man to his own glory, and causing the rage of war to cease amongst the nations. "Although the Proclamation before alluded to, extends only to the prohibition of hostilities, and not to the annunciation of a general peace, yet it must afford the most rational and sincere satisfaction to every benevolent mind, as it puts a period to a long and doubtful contest—stops the effusion of human blood—opens the prospect to a more splendid scene—and, like another morning-star, promises the approach of a brighter day than hath hitherto illu­minated this western hemisphere! On such a happy day—a day which is the harbinger of peace—a day which completes the eighth year of the war, it would be ingratitude not to rejoice: it would be insensi­bility not to participate in the general felicity. "The Commander in Chief, far from endeavour­ing to stifle the feelings of joy in his own bosom, offers his most cordial congratulations on the occa­sion, to all the officers of every denomination—to all [Page 369]the troops of the United States in general, and in particular to those gallant and persevering men who had resolved to defend the rights of their invaded country so long as the war should continue; for these are the men who ought to be considered as the pride and boast of the American army, and who, crowned with well-earned laurels, may soon with­draw from the field of glory to the more tranquil walks of civil life. "While the General recollects the almost infinite variety of scenes through which we have passed with a mixture of pleasure, astonishment and gratitude— while he contemplates the prospects before us with rapture,—he cannot help wishing that all the brave men, of whatever condition they may be, who have shared in the toils and dangers of effecting this glo­rious revolution, of rescuing millions from the hand of oppression, and of laying the foundation of a great empire, might be impressed with a proper idea of the dignified part they have been called to act (un­der the smiles of Providence) on the stage of human affairs; for happy, thrice happy, shall they be pro­nounced hereafter, who have contributed any thing, who have performed the meanest office in erecting this stupendous fabric of Freedom and Empire, on the broad basis of independency; who have assisted in protecting the rights of human nature, and estab­lishing an asylum for the poor and oppressed of all nations and religions. "The glorious task for which we first flew to arms, being thus accomplished—the liberties of our coun­try being fully acknowledged and firmly secured, by the smiles of Heaven on the purity of our cause, and the honest exertions of a feeble people, determined to be free, against a powerful nation disposed to oppress them; and the character of those who have persevered through every extremity of hardship, suf­fering, [Page 370]and danger, being immortalized by the illus­trious appellation of the Patriot Army,—nothing now remains but for the actors of this mighty scene to preserve a perfect, unvarying consistency of char­acter through the very last act; to close the drama with applause; and to retire from the military theatre with the same approbation of angels and men, which have crowned all their former virtuous actions. "For this purpose, no disorder or licentiousness must be tolerated; every considerate and well-dispos­ed soldier must remember it will be absolutely neces­sary to wait with patience, until peace shall be de­clared, or Congress shall be enabled to take proper measures for the security of the public stores, &c. As soon as these arrangements shall be made, the General is confident there will be no delay in dis­charging, with every mark of distinction and honour, all the men enlisted for the war, who will then have faithfully performed their engagements with the pub­lic. The General has already interested himself in their behalf; and he thinks he reed not repeat the assurances of his disposition to be useful to them on the present, and every other proper occasion. In the mean time, he is determined that no military neglects or excesses shall go unpunished, while he re­tains the command of the army. "The Adjutant-General will have such working parties detailed to assist in making the preparation for a general rejoicing, as the Chief Engineer, with the army, shall call for; and the Quarter-Master-General will also furnish such materials as he may want. The Quarter-Master-General will, without delay, procure such a number of discharges to be printed as will be sufficient for all the men enlisted for the war; he will please to apply to head-quar­ters for the form. [Page 371]"An extra ration of liquor to be issued to every man to-morrow, to drink perpetual peace, inde­pendence, and happiness to the United States of America."

In the afternoon of the 18th, aschooner,— Cot­tle, master, from Nantucket, with fissh, oil, rum, &c. came up the Hudson, to Newburgh. This was the first American vessel which had come up the river, since the British took possession of New-York, in the year 1776.

19th.—At noon, the Proclamation of the Congress, for a cessation of hostilities, was published at the door of the New Building, followed by three huzzas; after which, a prayer was made by the Rev. Mr. Ganno, and an anthem ( Independence, from Billings) was performed by vocal and instrumental music. The same day, Gen. Washington went for Ringwood, to meet the Secretary at War, on some business of importance.

20th.—At evening, the Commander in Chief re­turned to head-quarters.

21st.—Permission was given for such persons as might choose it, to go to New-York, with provisions, &c. A vessel was loading with flour, to go down the river; and one laden with rum, porter, cheese, beef, &c. &c. came up from New-York. Thus, as we have seen how the rage of war came on, we now see how by degrees that rage subsided, until the olive sprang up and progressed to full bloom.

24th.—It was learnt from Europe, that on the 5th of February, preceding the Bedford, Capt. Morris, made entry at the custom-house in London, being the first vessel that had arrived in the river, belong­ing to the United States.

26th.—It was learnt that the resugees were em­barking, in order to leave New-York; and many transports were sailing down to the watering-place. [Page 372]About this time, Congress recommended an impost duty to the several States.

27th.—Intelligence was received, that the Indians had recently committed some outrages on the west­ern frontier; had killed and scalped 17 persons near Wheeling Creek.

May 1st.—Congress had expressed their opinion in a resolution which was this day published, that the term for which the men engaged for the war, are to serve, does not expire until the definitive treaty is received; and that then, those engaged for the war, and who so continue, shall have their arms and accoutrements, as a present, for their long and faith­ful services.

2d.—The next morning, the Commander in Chief was to go down the river, to Dobb's Ferry, to meet Gen. Sir Guy Carleton. Four companies of light­infantry marched this morning for that place, to do the duty of guards. Sir Guy was to come up the river in a frigate.

3d.—In the forenoon, the Commander in Chief, and Gov. Clinton, with their suites, &c. went down the river.

7th.—It was learnt that several vessels had arriv­ed at Boston, from Europe, Halifax, &c. with mer­chandize; in consequence of which, the price of goods had much fallen, and the inhabitants of the eastern States were sitting out a great number of fish­ing vessels.

8th.—It was said that 11,644 American prisoners had died, during the war, in the prisons, and on board the prison-ships, at New-York: a surprising number, and evidences that if their treatment was not severe, they were too much crowded, or not properly attended to, in other respects. Those who have seen, know, and others can easily con­ceive, that where men are closely consined in great [Page 373]numbers, in prison-ships, or in goals, that without frequent airing and cleansing, the air in such places becomes putrid and poisonous, and produces almost certain death. How much care then ought to be exercised by every humane commander, in the ap­pointment of provost officers, to be assured that those whom they appoint are not only firm and res­olute, (necessary qualifications in such officers) but that they also are considerate and humane; and that such commanders themselves take care to know, and if necessary, correct any abuses which may exist. Such conduct towards the confined and distressed, would add a laurel to the hero's brow, equal to the triumphs of victory, and more lasting: for if the merciful man be merciful even to his beast, how much more ought a great and brave man to feel for the unfortunate of his own species!

9th.—At evening, the Commander in Chief re­turned to head-quarters, having had an interview with Gen. Sir Guy Carleton.

15th.—The Commander in Chief went for Pough­keepsie. A letter from Gen. Sir Guy Carleton, to Gov. Clinton, had rendered an interview between the Governor and the Commander in Chief ne­cessary.

16th.—At evening, the Commander in Chief re­turned to head-quarters.

28th.—The army about this time were badly sup­plied with provisions, and much uneasiness was dis­covered, both by the officers and soldiers.

31st.—It was learnt that Congress had passed a resolution, to furlough the men engaged for the war. This mode appeared to be marked with policy in several respects.

June 2d.—The general orders of the day an­nounced, that the men engaged for the war, should be immediately furloughed, with a proportion of the [Page 374]officers. They were to be lischarged as soon as the desinitive treaty arrived; they were to be marched home in divisions. Those men that remained en­gaged for other periods, were to be formed into complete corps. The officers to agree who should stay, and in cases where they could not agree, se­niority was to decide.

3d.—The Maryland battalion was put under or­ders to march to the southward,

5th.—The Maryland battalion marched from the cantonment. The same day, the general officers, and officers commanding regiments and corps, in the canto [...]ment on Hudson's River, having, by their com­mittee for that purpose appointed, prepared an ad­dress to the Commander in Chief—it was according­ly presented, in the words following:—

[Page 377] To the foregoing address, Gen. Washington was pleased to return the following answer, viz.

The two preceding papers were enclosed in the following letter from the Commander in Chief to his Excellency the President of Congress.

A little before this time, the officers of the army beginning to realize that the dissolution of the ar [...]y was drawing nigh, and wishing to perpetu­ate that friendship which numerous hardships, suf­ferings, and common dangers had inspired in their breasts, —resolved to form themselves into a Society, [Page 381]by the name of the Cincinnati. Several meetings were had for the purpose, and an Institution was di­gested and completed; and although our General presided at one of the meetings, and cheerfully, at the request of his brother officers, transmitted copies of the Institution, covered by a letter, to the officer commanding the southern army, and to the senior officers of the respective State lines, from Pennsyl­vania to Georgia—yet he had serious objections to the Institution, as it stood, and refused for some time to sign it. He wished, as much as any one in the ar­my, to perpetuate the happy friendship cemented in the breasts of the officers by an eight years common danger and sufferings; but he thought this would be best done, by simply forming a Society, to meet an­nually in their respective States, for the purpose of a social hour, and to brighten the chain of friend­ship, with a fund for the relief of the unfortunate of their brethren; but he was opposed to any idea of any thing that had any resemblance of an order, or any insignia or badge of distinction, asserting that it would only serve to mark them in an unfavourable light with their fellow-citizens: but the prevailing opinion of the officers was otherwise. Our General was finally induced to sign the Institution, from the following consideration—(but not until all the offi­cers were appointed, and he nearly ready to leave the army) conversing with an officer of rank, who was of the same opinion with him, they parted in the resolution not to sign the Institution; but the next morning, the officer called upon him, and ob­served, that one consideration, not before mentioned, had occurred to him, viz. that it might happen in the days of their posterity, in case they did not sign, that the descendant of one who was a member might hap­pen to fall in company with the descendant of one who was not; that the latter, on observing the badge, [Page 382]might inquire what it was, and what its intention? upon its being answered, that it was the insignia of a Society, of which his ancestor, who served in the American army, during the revolution, was a mem­ber—the other might reply, my ancestor too serv­ed during that war, but I never heard any thing of such a badge in our family; to which it might probably be answered, it is likely your ancestor was guilty of some misconduct, which deprived him of it. Upon this, our General broke out—"I see it, I see it, and spurn the idea;" which led him to sign the general Institution: and he subscribed to the State fund, 166 dollars, being one month's pay, as was stipulated in the Institution. He however never met with the Society, although no one has cherished a warmer affection for every member of the army. After the revolution in France, finding that the in­signias of distinctions were doing away, it led him anew to review the distinction which the badge of the Society to which he belonged, if not in fact, yet in appearance seemed to exhibit, and brought to mind all his former objections, which induced him to write to the Secretary-General to erase his name from the Institution; but that his subscription to the fund should remain, so long as it was applied to the purpose for which it was given—the relief of the un­fortunate.

6th.—In the forenoon, the Jersey line marched from the cantonment to their own State, where they were to be disbanded. The same day, the first New-York regiment made a present of their stand­ards and band to Governor Clinton; they were escorted to Poughkeepsie by the light-infantry com­pany of the regiment.

8th.—The men for the war, belonging to the Maryland, New-Jersey, New-York, and New-Hamp­shire lines, having marched from the cantonment, a [Page 383]division of the Massachusetts men marched on this day.

9th.—A division of the Suffolk and Worcester furloughed men, marched for their own State, and so on, a division each day, until the whole had marched.

10th.—Our General was General of the Day. In the after orders of the Commander in Chief on this day, it was expressed—"The strength of the army in this cantonment being considerably diminished by the number of men lately furloughed, the order of the 16th of April, directing a General, Field-Offi­cers, and Quarter-Master to be of the day, and also a regiment to parade every day for duty, is dispensed with. For the present, there will be one Field-Offi­cer, and an Adjutant of the day; and the guards only will form on the grand parade at 9 o'clock in the morning." It is here a little remarkable, that our General, by whose orders and under whose di­rection the first guard in the American war mounted at the foot of Prospect Hill, on the evening of the 19th of April, 1775, after the battle of that day, should happen, in the course of service, to be the last General of the day in the American main army, on the 10th of June, 1783, to inspect, turn off, and visit the guards. At the first period, the roads were full of militia, pressing towards Boston, to commence and prosecute a dubious war; they were now filled with veteran soldiers, covered with laurels, returning from the field to their peaceful abodes.

11th.—About 2 o'clock, P. M. the wind freshen­ed from the west; there were several thunder-show­ers, with large hail-stones, some of which were sup­posed to be two inches long. The lightning struck the flag-staff of the New Building, entered the house, and ran down the south side of it, doing some dam­age, and stunning several soldiers near the door. In [Page 384]the general orders of this day, it was announced, that the levees were to be discontinued.

13th.—The men who had enlisted for 3 years, and for shorter periods not expired, were formed, those belonging to Massachusetts into 4 regiments, and were to be commanded by Colonels Michael Jackson, Henry Jackson, and Joseph Vose, and Lieut. Col. Commandant Sprout. On the morning of the 16th, these regiments incorporated, and were form­ed into two brigades, the one commanded by Brig-Gen. Patterson, the other by Brig. Gen. Greaton.

19th.—A number of officers of the army, viz-several general officers, and officers commanding regiments and corps, met at the New Building, and elected his Excelleney Gen. Washington, President General; Gen. M'Dougal, Treasurer; and Gen-Knox, Secretary, pro tempore, to the Society of the Cincinnati.

20th.—The Massachusetts State Society of the Cincinnati met, and made choice of Maj. Gen. Lin­coln for their President; Maj. Gen. Knox, Vice-Pres­ident; Col. John Brooks, Secretary; Col. Henry Jack­son, Treasurer; and Capt. Heywood, Assistant-Treas­urer. The same day, the troops at the cantonment were put under orders, to be ready to march for West-Point on the succeeding Monday.

22d.—Our General issued his last order, which finished as follows: "The long wished for period having arrived, when the din of war ceases, the olive­branch of peace is displayed, the tolls and fatigues of the field are drawing to a close, a part of the army have already mingled with their fellow-citizens, and others will probably ere long join them—Maj. Gen. Heath being about to leave the army, and this being the last opportunity which will remain in his power, to express that affection for his brother officers and soldiers, which more than eight years service has es­tablished [Page 385]in his breast, he cannot depart without leaving his best wishes for the health, prosperity and happiness of those, whose lot it is a little longer to continue in the field—invoke every blessing on them, and bid them an affectionate farewel."

23d.—The Massachusetts regiments marched to West-Point.

The morning of the 24th, our General was to commence his journey homeward; but the Com­mander in Chief wished him not to proceed until the afternoon. On his arrival at head-quarters, Col-Humphries, one of the Aids-de-Camp of the Com­mander in Chief, gave him a sealed letter, observing to him to read it at his leisure. On opening it, in General Washington's own hand-writing it was as follows:

In the afternoon, the general officers were in Council at head-quarters, in consequence of an ex­press from Philadelphia. Four or five hundred men of the Pennsylvania line, of those who had been fur­loughed on or about the 20th, grew very mutinous, refused to obey orders, entered the city of Philadel­phia, seized some public stores, surrounded the place where Congress and the Supreme Court of the State were sitting, and made several demands, and occa­sioned some consternation, which caused a represent­ation to the Commander in Chief. The continent­al regiments were to be put under marching orders immediately. It was judged inexpedient to call out the militia.

At about 5 o'clock, P. M. our General took his leave of his beloved General, and commeneed his journey for Massachusetts, and arrived at his house in Roxbury on the first day of July, at 2 o'clock, P. M. where he gave evidence that an eight years military life had not divested him of the feelings or man­ners of a citizen.

October 30th.—It was learnt, that the desinitive treaty of peace was signed the 3d of the preceding September; and that dispatches were sent oft to the different Courts in Europe, to America, the East and West Indies, &c. with an account of this happy event.

Congress, by a proclamation which bore date the 18th of this month, discharged from further service [Page 387]such soldiers as were engaged for the war, and offi­cers who were absent by derangement and furlough. The discharges to take place the 3d of November, ensuing.

November 2d.—Gen. Washington issued his last and farewel orders to the federal armies, taking an affectionate leave of them, and giving them his best advice.

4th.—Gen. Washington, by proclamation, in com­pliance with a resolve of Congress of the 29th of the preceding October, discharged all the troops in the service of the United States, that were then in Penn­sylvania, or to the southward thereof, except the garrison of Fort Pitt.

The British troops having left New-York, on the 25th of November, at one o'clock, P. M. a detach­ment of the American army took possession of the city; after which, his Excellency General Wash­ington, and Governor Clinton, made their public entry, properly escorted, &c. The Governor gave a public dinner at Frances' tavern.

December 2d.—There was a grand exhibition of fire-works in celebration of the peace, at the bowl­ing-green, in Broadway. The magnificent fire­works far exceeded any before exhibited in the United States.

On the 4th, at noon, a great number of American officers of distinction met at Frances' tavern, to take their leave of their great Commander, Gen. Wash­ington, who, on silling a glass of wine, addressed his brave compatriots as follows:— "With an heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you—I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy, as your former ones have been glorious and honourable."

[Page 388] The dissolution of the American army (excepting a small detachment of artillery and of infantry) took place a few days after; and General WASHINGTON, ere long, retired to his seat at Mount Vernon, cov­ered with every laurel with which his own victorious conduct, and a grateful country, could adorn him; and with the applause of an admiring world.