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195
THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL.
1775.]
their own, the pick and flower of the British army. With comparatively small loss on their part, one-quarter of the enemy had fallen dead or wounded upon the field. Not until their ammunition was exhausted, did they retreat a single step. " Are the Yankees cowards?" shouted the hardy sons of New England, as the British troops staggered and re- treated before their fearful volleys of fire. Men learned that day that valor and strength was the common inheritance of those in whose veins ran English blood.
It is said, that, when Washington heard of the battle, he asked, " Did the militia stand fire?" When told that they reserved their own until the enemy were within eight rods, he quietly said, " The liberties of the country are safe."
1 GOVERNOR FITCH, on account of his Tory sentiments and actions, lost favor in the eyes of the people. He was suc- ceeded, in 1766, by William Pitkin. He held the office for three years, when Jonathan Trumbull was elected (1769).
2 PUTNAM had been appointed briga- dier general in the Connecticut militia. Of the soldiers of the colony, several hundred were under his command at Cambridge, and a part were with Spencer at Roxbury.
3 THOMAS KNOWLTON of Ashford commanded two hundred Connecticut men in this party.
4 AN engraving published in London, three months after the battle, has at the foot these words : " Israel Putnam, Esq., Major General of the Connecticut forces,
and Commander-in-chief at the engage- ment on Buncker's Hill, near Boston, 17 June, 1775. Published as the Act directs by C. Shephard, 9 Sept., 1775. London."
5 THE position held by Knowlton was about two hundred yards in the rear of the breastworks. The posts of the two-rail fence were set in a low stone wall that extended down the hill toward the Mystic. By building a temporary fence in front, and filling the space with new-mown hay, they made a breastwork for a short distance It was here that Putnam met Warren, and of- fered to give the command into his hands, as Warren was a major-general, and he but a brigadier. Warren declined the responsibility.
196
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
[1775.
CHAPTER XXXII.
1775-1776.
WASHINGTON AT CAMBRIDGE.
BEFORE the battle of Bunker Hill, the Continental Con- gress, in session at Philadelphia, had recognized the army at Boston as the national army, and voted to raise ad- ditional troops in all the colonies. On the very day the memorable battle was fought, the Congress, upon the rec- ommendation of the New-England delegates, unanimously chose George Washington commander-in-chief of the Ameri- can forces. At the same time, Artemas Ward and Charles Lee were elected major-generals ; and when news came of the battle of Bunker Hill, Israel Putnam and Philip Schuyler received a like honor.
Washington arrived at Cambridge early in July. His fame as a brave and capable officer had already spread far and wide, and the Continental army gave him a hearty wel- come. His first great task was to bring order and system out of the mixed and tangled condition in which he found affairs. In this work he was at once struck with the effi- ciency of Putnam. "You seem to have the faculty," he remarked to him one day, " of infusing your own industri- ous spirit into all the workinen you employ." When the message from the Continental Congress, giving their reasons for taking up arms, reached Cambridge, Putnam ordered his division to parade on Prospect Hill, and there listen to its reading. As soon as it was ended, all of the troops shouted
197
INVASION OF CANADA.
1775.]
three times the word, " Amen : " at this moment, as a signal- gun was fired, a beautiful flag, that had just come from Con- necticut, was unfurled, and floated in the breeze. On one side, in letters of gold, were the words, "An Appeal to Heaven ; " and on the other, the armorial bearings of the colony, with the shield and its three vines symbolizing knowledge, liberty, and religion. Under the watchful eye and guidance of Washington, the army was soon brought into a condition of order and discipline. The difficulties that he had to face in other directions were very great. The food furnished was poor and scanty, and there was only powder enough to supply a few rounds of ammunition. This lack was the source of grave anxiety to Washington. In the following winter an officer wrote, "The bay is open. Every thing thaws here except old Put. He is still as hard as ever, crying out for ' Powder, powder !' Ye gods, give us powder !" This scarcity was one of the chief reasons why Washington did UNION FLAG. not attempt to take Boston. While he kept the British army of ten thousand men cooped up in the city, an important movement was made on Canada. In this raid, which finally met with repulse before Quebec, Con- necticut soldiers and officers acted a prominent part.1
The troops that first enlisted did not expect to be away from home for any great length of time. They had hoped that the war would be short and decisive in gaining a recog- nition of their rights and liberties. It is not strange that the toil and sufferings of camp-life led them to desire to return as soon as possible to their comfortable homes and pleasant farms. The term of service of the Connecticut troops expired about the first of December, and few of them were inclined to re-enlist. This was a source of deep regret and anxiety to Washington. The desire to return home on
198
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
[1776.
the part of some of the men was so great, that they left the lines before their time was out. This action was keenly felt by Governor Trumbull, who expressed his " grief, sur- prise, and indignation." Most of the troops consented to remain until the 10th of January. By this time the General Assembly had met, and taken prompt measures to fill the places of those who had returned. It was voted to raise and equip one-fourth of the militia of the colony, and the estates of persons guilty of aiding or informing the enemy were confiscated.
Towards the close of February the British prepared to evacuate Boston. After they left the city, their ships lay for ten days in Nantasket Roads; and Washington was doubtful as to their destination. For this reason he sent at first only a few regiments to New York. The rest soon fol- lowed, marching to Norwich, where they embarked in sailing- vessels.
The work of completing the fortifications that had been commenced by General Lee, was given to the care of Gen- eral Putnam. Washington set out for New York April 4, meeting Governor Trumbull at Norwich. A large body of Connecticut militia did good service in throwing up intrench- ments on Staten and Long Islands. Their term soon ex- pired ; and they felt, as the spring opened, that it was neces- sary for them to return home and look after their farms. Again Washington wrote to Trumbull, that he should be very anxious unless a picked body of men were organized, and ready to march from Connecticut at a moment's notice. The weary years that followed proved with what alacrity the summons of danger was answered again and again.
The leaders of public opinion in Connecticut were among the first to recognize that the course of events had made it impossible for them to hope longer to retain their allegiance to the British throne.2 On the 14th of June, at a special session of the Assembly, it was unanimously resolved, " that
199
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
1776.]
the delegates of this colony in General Congress be, and they are hereby, instructed to propose to that respectable body, to declare the United American Colonies free and independent states, absolved from all allegiance to the king of Great Britain, and to give the as- sent of this colony to such declara- tions."
On the 4th of July the Congress in session at Philadelphia adopted the Act that was the beginning of the history of a new nation. " We," they said, "the representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, ROGER SHERMAN. solemnly publish and declare that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States." The delegates from Connecticut who signed this immortal paper were Roger Sherman,3 Samuel Huntington, 4 William Williams,5 and Oliver Wolcott.6
The Declaration of Independ- ence was received throughout Connecticut with many mani- festations of public rejoicing. The patriotism of the people found energetic expression in the equipment of the militia, OLIVER WOLCOTT. and preparing powder, car- tridges, and other articles, for their use. An incident of the times illustrates the enthusiasm and spirit with which the women engaged in this work. An equestrian statue of King George III. stood for some years on Bowling Green, in New-York City. It was made of lead, richly gilded to
200
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
[1776.
resemble gold. On the night of July 11, 1776, it was overthrown by a company of the Sons of Liberty. As lead was scarce, the statue was broken in pieces, and transported to Litchfield for safe keeping. General Wol- cott, who had returned home from Philadelphia, built a shed in an apple-orchard near his house, in which his leaden majesty was melted into bullets. This labor was per- formed by some of the most prominent ladies in the vil- lage. A careful account, in the handwriting of Oliver Wolcott, that is still preserved, shows that over forty-two thousand cartridges were made by these loyal women.
On the 5th of August Governor Trumbull wrote a letter to Washington, at New York, in which he said, " Knowing our cause righteous, I do not greatly dread what our numer- ous enemies can do against us." Washington in his answer informed the governor fully of the weakness of his army, and said, "To trust in the justice of our cause without our own utmost exertion would be tempting Providence." Trumbull at once called together his Council of Safety. Five regiments had already gone forward from the counties near New York. Nine regiments more were ordered to march ; and to those not enrolled in any train-band, the governor said, " Join yourselves to one of the companies now ordered to New York, or form yourselves into distinct companies, and choose captains forthwith. March on : this shall be your warrant ; may the God of the armies of Israel be your leader ! " Leaving the grain half gathered in the fields, the farmers of Connecticut departed from their homes, and hastened to the scene of action.7
1 CANADA was invaded in the sum- mer of 1775 by troops led by Schuyler and Montgomery. Wooster joined Mont- gomery, and took part in the capture of the fort in Chambly where 168 prisoners were sent to Connecticut. On Nov. 12 Montreal was taken. Here they were joined by troops in command of Bene-
dict Arnold. They united in an attack upon Quebec, but were repulsed, and Montgomery was killed. The chief com- mand now fell upon Wooster, under the most disheartening conditions. His re- lations with Schuyler were unhappy, and led to accusations against his patriotism that were investigated by Congress, and
201
SIGNERS OF DECLARATION.
declared groundless and unjust. In the spring of 1776 the Americans were driven out of Canada, and it remained a British province.
In the autumn of 1775 (Sept. 30) a British man-of-war gave chase to a small American vessel, and probably would have taken her if she had not taken refuge in Stonington Harbor. The en- raged English captain opened fire on the town, and wounded one citizen. Many houses were damaged, and he seized two small sloops and a schooner loaded with molasses.
2 In May, 1776, formal action was taken, by which the people were released from their allegiance to the crown. At the October session of the Assembly it was enacted, " That the ancient form of civil government, contained in the char. ter from Charles the Second, King of England, and adopted by the people of this State, shall be and remain the civil Constitution of this State, under the sole authority of the people thereof, in- dependent of any King or Prince what- ever. And that this Republic is, and shall forever be and remain, a free, sov. ereign, and independent State, by the name of the State of Connecticut."
3 ROGER SHERMAN was one of the most remarkable men of his times. IIe was but nineteen years of age when the death of his father brought upon him the entire care and support of a large family. Having removed to New Mil- ford from Stonington, in 1744, he worked at his trade as a shoemaker until he en- gaged in mercantile pursuits with a brother. Gifted with a naturally strong and active mind, he made the best use of limited advantages. Pursuing the study of law in his leisure moments, he became so proficient, that he was ad- mitted to the bar in 1754. The following year he was sent to the Legislature, and not long after appointed judge of the county court of Litchfield County. Re- . moving to New Haven, in 1761, he con- tinued in this office, and was elected treasurer of Yale College, from which
institution he received the degree of A.M. He was a member of the State Senate at the time the Stamp Act was passed, and took a position of fearless courage in opposition to this and other measures of oppression on the part of the mother country. From this time on, he was a recognized leader. He was one of the most influential members of the First Continental Congress, and was appointed one of the committee that draughted the Declaration of Independ- ence. His services were invaluable dur- ing the war ; and after its close, he was a prominent delegate in the Convention of 1787, that framed the present Constitution of the United States. After the organiza- tion of the government, he was elected a member of the House of Representa- tives, from which he was soon promoted to the Senate, in which office he was continued during the remainder of his life. When New Haven became a city, he was elected mayor, and held the posi- tion until his death, July 23, 1793, in the seventy-third year of his age.
4 SAMUEL HUNTINGTON was born at Windham, July 2, 1732. He was a studious lad, and, while working on his father's farm, commenced the study of law. He had gained a good practice in his native town before he removed to Norwich, at the age of twenty-eight. In 1774 he was appointed an associate judge of the Superior Court, and the following year was sent to the Conti- nental Congress. His reputation was such that in 1779 he was appointed to succeed John Jay as president of the Congress, then the highest office in the nation. Impaired health compelled him to resign this position, but he again took a seat in the Congress of 1783. The next year he was appointed chief jus- tice of the Superior Court; and in 1786 he was elected governor of the State, in which office he continued until his death, Jan. 5, 1796. Governor Iluntington was a devoted and sincere Christian, beloved and esteemed by all who knew hin. Thoughtful and wise in judgment, he
202
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
possessed a will that was strong and vigorous in carrying out the purposes he formed. Few men have served their day and generation with more consistent faithfulness.
5 WILLIAM WILLIAMS. The grand- father and father of Mr. Williams were both clergymen, and the latter was for more than half a century pastor of thic Congregational church and parish of Leb. anon. Ilis distinguished son was born in this town, April 18, 1731. Having gradu- ated with honor from Harvard College, he commenced the study of theology with his father. The French war called for volunteers; and he entered the ranks under his relative, Colonel Ephraim Wil- liams, who was killed near Lake George. Upon his return home he entered upon mercantile pursuits in his native town. IIc held the position of town clerk for nearly fifty years, and was chosen as a representative in the General Assembly for the long period of forty-five years. As a delegate to the Congress at Phila. delphia, he earnestly advocated the Dec- laration of Independence; and during the war, his time and fortune were em- ployed to further the cause of colonial freedom. After a long and useful life he died, Aug. 2, 1811.
& OLIVER WOLCOTT was born in Windsor, Nov. 26, 1726. He graduated at Yale College in 1747, and the same year received a captain's commission, and with his company marched to the northern frontier. During the time he was connected with the army, he rose step by step until he became a major- general. On his return home, after studying medicine for a time with his uncle, Dr. Alexander Wolcott, he was ap- pointed sheriff of the recently organized county of Litchfield. In 1775 Wolcott
was elected as one of the delegates from Connecticut to Congress, and was in earnest sympathy with his colleagues in the signing of the Declaration. Upon his return home he was appointed a member of the Council of Safety by Governor Trumbull, and was put in com- mand of the detachment of Connecticut militia that marched to the defence of New York. After the battle of Long Island he again resumed his seat in Con- gress. In 1776 he aided in sending a large body of recruits to General Put- nam, then on the Hudson River, and took command himself of a force that joined General Gates at Saratoga. He was with the army at the time of the cap- ture of Burgoyne and his troops. In the summer of 1779 he was in command of a division of militia, and acted promptly in defending the State at the time of the British invasion under Try- on. General Wolcott was elected lieu- tenant-governor of Connecticut in 1786, and was re-elected every year until 1796, when he was chosen governor. He con tinued in this office until the time of his death, Dec. 1, 1797.
7 THE General Assembly at the De. cember session (1776) formed the militia of the State into six brigades. David Wooster and Jabez Huntington were appointed major-generals; and Eliphalet Dyer, Gurdon Saltonstall, Oliver Wol- cott, Erastns Wolcott, James Wads- worth, and Gold S. Silliman, brigadier- generals. The following persons had previously been appointed colonels : Charles Webb, Philip B. Bradley, Jede- diah Huntington, Fisher Gay, Comfort Sage, John Douglas, Samuel Selden, William Douglas, John Chester. Dur- ing this year Connecticut sustained no less than five drafts.
203
WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.
1776.]
CHAPTER XXXIII.
1776-1777.
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND.
0 N the 24th of August, Israel Putnam, second in rank to Washington, took command of the forces on Long Island.1 The British army of twenty thousand men, under General Howe, was supported by more than four hundred ships and transports. The Americans did not number over eight thou- sand. Early on the morning of the 27th, the British began their movement towards the American lines from three dif- ferent directions. The battle proved a series of skirmishes at several points, in which the Continental troops were far outnumbered. They fought bravely, but were compelled to retreat. Washington, as soon as he saw that the enemy did not purpose to attack New York, repaired to Long Island ; but the day was already lost. The Connecticut militia did nobly, but it was impossible for the Americans to stand against the overwhelming numbers of the British. Putnam has been accused, both of rashness and incapacity in this battle. He may not have shown any special strategic ability, but under the circumstances it is difficult to see how he can be blamed for the disasters of the day.
On the night of the following day, the army, under the directions of Washington, crossed the East River to the New- York side. "Considering the difficulties," wrote General Greene, " the retreat from Long Island was the best effected retreat I ever read or heard of."
204
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
[1776.
Washington was very anxious to gain information regard- ing the numbers and position of the British forces. Colonel Knowlton was requested to find some one who would accept this service. In answer to his appeal, Captain Nathan Hale of South Coventry was the only officer who offered to under- take the hazardous enterprise. Having received his instruc- tions from Washington, in a private interview, he made his way across the Sound to Huntington Bay, and within a few days secured the desired information. After visiting the British camps on both sides of the river, he made his way back to Huntington, where he was expecting to meet the party who were to take him across to the Connecticut shore. Seeing a boat approaching that he supposed was coming for him, he walked down to the water's edge to wait for it. It was too late for him to turn and escape when he found that it was in charge of British marines. He was taken on board the guard- ship that was near at hand, and conveyed to New York.
When brought before General Howe, Captain Hale frankly confessed that he was an American officer and a spy. He did not expect mercy, and with calm, fearless spirit, awaited the verdict. The decision soon came that con- demned him to be hung at daybreak of the following morn- ing. These brief hours, it would seem, might have been given to him for preparation for death, and the sending of his last messages of affection to those he loved. But this was not permitted. During the night he was treated with barbarous cruelty. His request for the use of a Bible to read was dis- regarded with sneers, and the letters he wrote to his mother and other friends were torn in pieces before his eyes. His heroic spirit did not for a moment fail him. Calm and dig- nified in bearing, he ascended the scaffold, and with unfalter- ing voice said, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Thus died Nathan Hale. History has no story of faithfulness unto death more sublime in its heroism than this.
205
NATHAN HALE.
1776.]
Attractive in person, and winning in his manners, Captain Hale was beloved by a large circle of devoted friends, who mourned his untimely end. Nor were his graces of mind less than those of his person. Yale College had crowned him with academic honors, and his teachers prophesied for him a career of eminent success and usefulness. At the breaking out of the war, he was principal of the Union Grammar School in New London. Feeling that it was his duty to enlist in the service of his country, he asked to be
BIRTHPLACE OF NATHAN HALE.
released from his engagement, and his request was granted. The parting from his pupils was full of tender interest, as with words of earnest counsel he offered a prayer, and, taking each one by the hand, bade them an affectionate farewell.
From the position of lieutenant he was soon promoted to be captain. He had seen but little active service when he re- sponded to the call from which others shrank because of its dangers. Death came to him in its most terrible and cruel form ; but, conscious of the rectitude of his action, he met his fate without fear. His name deserves the monumental tribute soon to be erected by the citizens of his native State.2
206
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
[1776.
After anxious consultation with Congress, Washington decided that it was best to retire from New York, and in- trench his forces upon the heights north and east of the city. General Howe, suspecting this movement, sent troops up the river to intercept him. They landed at Kip's Bay, about three miles north of the city ; and the truth of history must admit that the Connecticut troops, with others stationed there, proved shamefully recreant to their duty. At the sight of the moving columns of well-drilled British soldiers, they were seized with panic, and fled, while Washington vainly sought to rally them. Meanwhile the troops in the city were march- ing out under the direction of Putnam. Had the British officers at once followed up their advantage at Kip's Bay, it would have been difficult for them to make their escape.
On the following morning, Sept. 16, Colonel Knowlton, with a party of volunteer rangers, most of whom were from Connecticut, advanced through the woods to reconnoitre the enemy's line. He was soon discovered by the British general, who sent a force to meet him. A discharge of musketry gave warning of a sharp skirmish. Washing- ton at once sent re-enforcements to the relief of Colonel Knowlton, who advanced, and made an attack upon the ex- posed flank of the enemy's line. The fighting was at close range ; and in the thick of the conflict, pierced by several bullets, Knowlton, at the head of his men, fell mortally wounded. Inspired with the determination to avenge the death of their beloved leader, they fought with desperate courage until the enemy were driven back. The loss of their brave and able commander was deeply deplored. General Washington, in his orders the day after he fell, spoke of him as " the gallant and brave Colonel Knowlton, who would have been an honor to any country."
On the 12th of October an advance was made by General Howe for the purpose of cutting off Washington's retreat. In this he was disappointed ; and the American forces fell
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