USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Danbury > History of Danbury, Conn., 1684-1896 > Part 10
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We mentioned in a previous paper the death of a young man named Barnum, in the Sugar House prison in New York. His father, Colonel Joseph Barnum, was seriously affected by the deplorable fate of his boy, and became so full of the spirit of vengeance, that on the next day after getting the news he loaded his gun and started out to avenge himself on sympathizers with the British. Seeing a Tory at work in a field the half-crazed father fired at him, wounding him severely. "He had pre- viously been a professedly pious man, but frequently after the
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loss of his son concluded his devotions in his family by invoking a curse upon ' old King George and his hellish crew.' "
Several writers say that Nehemiah Dibble, who occupied the old mansion which entertained General Tryon, and received the dying breath of Wooster, did not escape punishment for his Tory sympathies. They tell that shortly after the retreat of the Brit- ish, a number of young men took hold upon Dibble, and carry- ing him to Still River, near where is now the railroad, immersed him several times in the water, giving him what they called a " thorough ducking."
Samuel Morris was an army teamster. He was employed in drawing the army stores from New Haven to Danbury. His brother, Jacquin, was not equally eminent for patriotism-in fact, Jacquin took advantage of the presence of the British Army to join its ranks. He went away with them, and served through the war. Shortly after that he returned to Danbury on a visit to his mother, who was living in Beaver Brook District. He did not come back with any ostentation, you may be sure.
The first intimation of his presence was given to a little niece, who in crossing the bridge over Still River, near her grand- mother's house (and where is now the grist-mill), was startled by the appearance of a man's head from under the bridge. The man learning who she was told her to call her father. She did so, and then the stranger revealed that he was Jacquin Morris, the deserting Danburian. He was not immediately recognized by the brother, having changed considerably, but on uncovering his head, a bare spot on his scalp, well known to the family, was found, and he was received. He was obliged to keep himself secluded, and during his stay was secreted in the garret of his mother's house. Some years later he made a second visit home, but did not remain long.
As an offset to this loss Danbury gained three citizens, and, so far as we can learn, they were good citizens, in the persons of three deserters from the British Army. One of these was a fifer, whose name was Harry Brocton. The others were privates. Thomas Flynn was the name of one of the latter. His compan- ion's name is not known to us at this writing. Brocton married and lived on Town Hill Avenue. Flynn also married here. He settled on South Street.
The father of the late Aaron B. Hull was seventeen years old
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when the British burned Danbury. He joined in the pursuit of Tryon through Ridgefield, and was in all the fighting. In escap- ing one of the dashes of the enemy, he found himself back of a rock in company with two boys a trifle younger than himself, who were having their first experience in battle. While waiting there, he discovered that a Tory was in a brake near by, watching with ready gun for them to reappear. Putting his hat on the end of his gun he pushed it out beyond the rock. Immediately the Tory fired, the bullet piercing the hat. The next instant he plunged toward the rock, when the three boys fired simultane- ously at him. At the discharge he sprang several feet in the air and came down full length upon his face, but turned in a flash upon his back, and lay there, motionless in death.
After the battle Mr. Hull's father went over the ground to look for the body. He found it where it had fallen, but our pure-minded, gentle-hearted forefathers had stripped it of every stitch of clothing.
During this catastrophe to Danbury there was an army hos- pital in existence here. It was established the month before, and was not touched by the British. The location was on what is now called Park Avenue, at the junction of Pleasant Street.
All that property was then owned by Samuel Wildman, grand- father of the late Samuel C. Wildman, who leased to the govern- ment the land for the use of the hospital. Mr. Wildman lived then in the modernized house on the avenue, which stands on the east corner. There are several pear-trees in this garden which were set out by Samuel Wildman over a hundred years ago, and which now yield abundantly.
The soldiers who died at the hospital were buried in a plot of ground on Pleasant Street, near the corner of Park Avenue. This burial-place was held sacred by Mr. Wildman, who would not have it ploughed. Some years after it was rented, and the tenant, being either ignorant of its former use or extremely prac- tical in his views, turned up with his plough many bones and some relics in metal.
The hospital itself was a one-storied building with a large gar- ret in its steep roof. The first floor was divided into four rooms ; the garret was of one room. The building was torn down many years ago by its owner.
The last Revolutionary soldier in Danbury was Captain
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Nathaniel Gregory, who died April 12th, 1851, at the age of ninety years. He was the grandfather of our fellow-citizen, Colonel Samuel Gregory. He served in the army under Colonel Shelton and Major Tallmadge, and was engaged at various places, being present at Fairfield, Norwalk, and Horse Neck, and was one of the number composing the life guard of General Putnam on that day which terminated the life of Sir Nathan Palmer at Peekskill. He served his country with zeal and fidelity in the struggle for American independence, the benefits of which are ours.
In the Danbury Times of May 4th, 1854, was printed the fol- lowing :
" Revolutionary Soldiers .- There were 232,791 soldiers engaged in the Revolutionary War. Of this number there are now less than 1400 living, whose ages must average nearly ninety years. Seventy-three have died during the past year. A few years more and those venerable octogenarians will only be known in the pages of history."
In its issue of August 25th, 1859, the Times prints this item :
" The following is a list of Revolutionary soldiers supposed to be living, and pensioners on the roll of the State of Connecticut, with their ages in 1859 :
" David Bostwick, Litchfield County, 98 years ; John Brooks, Fairfield County, 96 years ; Benjamin Cobb, Middlesex County, 98 years ; Jacob Hurd, Middlesex County, 97 years ; Nehemiah W. Lyon, Fairfield County, 100 years ; William Williams, Litch- field County, 97 years."
Despite the ill-luck of the invasion and burning, Danbury con- tinued to be used as a depot for army stores, especially for the provisioning of the army operating along the Hudson River.
At one time several brigades of American troops were en- camped here, southeast of the village, on the ridge known as Shelter Rock.
When the war ended and the French Army was on its return from the North to the South, it passed through Danbury, which was then on the line of a great thoroughfare. It was guided through this section by David Pearce and his two sons, Aaron and Joshua.
When the British came to Danbury a little red house stood on the corner of West Street and Deer Hill Avenue, where is now
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the residence of Mrs. Charles Hull. Ebenezer Benedict lived there then. Several of the British officers made the house their headquarters, and Mrs. Benedict cooked for them. The build- ing subsequently changed hands several times and was as many times rebuilt. There is some of its timber in the present struc- ture. Mrs. Benedict became distinguished in after years by marrying Andrew Beers, who made almanacs for the public and love to the charming widow at the same time.
CHAPTER XX.
A DANBURY SPY .*
ENOCH CROSBY, who is generally believed to have been the original of " Harvey Birch," the hero of Cooper's famous novel, "The Spy," was born in Harwich, Mass., on January 4th, 1750. He was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Crosby, who moved to Putnam County, N. Y., when Enoch was three years old. About 1766 the family by misfortune were reduced from comfort to poverty, and Enoch left home to depend upon his own exer- tions for support, with a scanty outfit of clothes, a few shillings in money, and a small Bible. He became apprentice to a shoe- maker in Kent, and faithfully fulfilled his term of service, which ended January 4th, 1771, his twenty-first birthday.
He was living in Danbury when the Revolutionary War began, enlisted as one of the first soldiers under Captain Benedict, and went with his company to take part in the expedition against Canada, under Generals Schuyler and Montgomery. He re- mained until the army were in possession of Montreal, when, his term of enlistment having expired, he returned to Danbury and betook himself again to shoemaking.
Crosby was well contented for a time to pursue his occupation. He had seen hard service in the northern campaign and needed rest. During the following summer, however, his patriotic feel- ings began again to stir within him. The war was going on with redoubled fury. The British had in several instances gained the advantage.
* Most of this chapter is taken from a little volume published over fifty years ago, entitled " Whig Against Tory ; or, The Military Adventures of a Shoemaker." A tale of the Revolution, it is given in the form of a relation by General P- to his children. In 1855 another edition was brought out by Silas Andrews & Son. We are also indebted to " The Spy Unmasked ; or, Memoirs of Enoch Crosby, alias Harvey Birch, the Hero of 'The Spy,' by James F. Cooper," by H. L. Barnum. Also to the " History of Putnam County, New York," by William S. Pelletreau, A.M.
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It was not in such a man as Enoch Crosby to seek ease or shun danger in the hour of his country's trial. He saw others making sacrifices-women as well as men, youth as well as age-and he scorned to have it said that he could not make sacrifices as well as others. His musket was therefore taken down, and fitting on his knapsack, he took up his march toward the headquarters of the American Army on the Hudson. At this time (September, 1776) the headquarters of the British Army were in the city of New York. The American Army lay up the Hudson, fifty or sixty miles, either at or near West Point.
Between the two armies, therefore, was the county of West- chester, the centre of which, being occupied by neither, was called the " neutral ground." But in reality it was far from being a neutral spot, because it was here that a great number of Tories resided, the worst enemies which the Americans had to contend with. Many of this description of persons lived on the " neutral ground," and, what was worse, they often pretended to be Whigs, and passed for such, but in secret did all in their power to injure their country.
Crosby had reached a part of this ground on his way to the American camp. It was just at evening that he fell in with a stranger, who appeared to be passing in the same direction with himself.
"Good evening," said the stranger. "Which way are you travelling-below ?"
Crosby replied that he was too much fatigued to go much farther that evening, either above or below ; but he believed he should join himself to a bed could he find one.
"Well," said the stranger, "listen to me. It will soon be dark ; go with me. I live but a short distance from this. You shall be welcome.''
Crosby thanked him and said he would gladly accept his kind invitation.
" Allow me to ask," said the soldier, " your advice as to the part which a true friend of his country should take in these times. "
" Do I understand you ?" inquired the stranger, his keen eye settling on the steady countenance of Crosby -" do you wish to know which party a real patriot should join ?"
"I do," said Crosby.
EZRA P. BENEDICT.
ENOCH CROSBY, A REVOLUTIONARY SPY. ,++1 66 TT .
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" Well, you look like one to be trusted."
" I hope I am honest," replied Crosby.
" Why," observed the stranger, " one mustn't say much about one's self in these days ; but-but some of my neighbors would advise you to join the lower party."
" Why so ?"' asked Crosby.
" Why, friend, they read that we must submit to the pow- ers that be ; and, besides, they think King George is a good friend to America, notwithstanding all that is said against him."
" Could you introduce me to some of your neighbors of this way of thinking ?'' asked Crosby.
" With all my heart," replied the stranger. "I understand they are about forming a company to go below, and I presume they would be glad to have you join them."
" I do not doubt it," observed Crosby.
" Well, friend," said the stranger, " say nothing. Rest your- self to-night, and in the morning I will put you in the way to join our-the company."
By this time they had reached the stranger's dwelling. It was a farm-house, situated a short distance from the main road -retired, but quite neat and comfortable in its appearance. Here the soldier was made welcome by the host and his family. After a refreshing supper Crosby excused himself, was soon asleep, and " slept well."
The next morning Crosby reminded his host of the promise to introduce him to the Tories, and the farmer took him about among the neighbors, presenting him as one who felt favorably disposed to joining the king's forces. The Tories talked freely to him of their plans, one of which was the organization of a company. The company was to hold a meeting in a few nights for drill, and Crosby was urged to join them. He promised he would think on the matter, but gave them to understand that he would first go to New York, and might join the army there ; but if possible he would meet with the company on the night selected for the drill.
In leaving his host, Crosby started on the road to New York, as a blind, but at a safe distance he struck off toward the river. He had heard of a Mr. Young, living at a distance, and farther down, although more toward the river, who was a strong Whig,
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and he made for his place, to concert measures for the capture of the Tory company.
It was late in the evening when Crosby reached Young's house, but he found that party up. Crosby convinced him that he was a "good rebel," and then told him what he had learned of the Tory company. The Committee of Safety for the country had headquarters at White Plains. One of the number was John Jay, afterward Minister to England. It was Young's suggestion that the two proceed at once to White Plains with information, and they did so, reaching Mr. Jay's house at two o'clock in the morning. The committee acted promptly upon the information, and plans were soon laid to capture the Tory company on the night Crosby had learned they were to meet for drill. He volun- teered to lead the force to the place. The night arrived, the plan was put in operation, and resulted in a complete success. It was a dark night, and Crosby kept himself in the background, so it is doubtful if any of the prisoners knew their betrayer, although the farmer, who was among the number, had his sus- picions.
After this success the Committee of Safety suggested to Crosby that he adopt the role of spy, instead of going into the army. The country was full of Tories operating secretly against the Americans, and it was desirable to get the fullest information of their movements. It was an extremely dangerous service, but Crosby was full of patriotic valor, and he did not hesitate to accept the proposition of the committee, merely stipulating that if he fell full justice should be done his memory. This they gladly promised.
The greatest secrecy was necessary, and he was instructed not to reveal his principles to either party. If captured by the Americans as belonging to the British, the committee would help him to escape, but if there was no possible way to let them know, then he could use a paper they gave him, but it must not be used only in an extremity.
In a few days he started out, using a kit of shoemaker's tools as an excuse for travelling. At night he knocked at a house, and was admitted by a woman whose husband had not returned from work. He solicited work, and she promised to hire him to make a pair of shoes. On his arrival he said to her :
" Madam, have you heard the news ?"
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" What news ?"
" Why, that Washington is on the retreat, and that the British Army is pursuing him, and likely to overtake him."
" Ah, that's good news !"' exclaimed the old lady. "You may stay here to-night. Sally ! Sally ! here, get this man some supper. He brings good news. I hope the rebels, every one, will be shot ! Sally, make up the best bed ! Here's a chair ; sit down, sir, and make yourself at home."
Crosby accordingly took a seat. Supper was soon ready, and he ate heartily. When he had done he drew his chair to the fire, about which time the man of the house came in. He was told the good news by his wife, and Crosby was made welcome.
The farmer asked Crosby if he did not want to join a company of Tories to fight for King George, then being formed in the neighborhood. Crosby said he would like to see them first. The next morning he was presented to the captain, who showed him the rendezvous of the company, which was ingeniously con- cealed in a tremendous haystack in the captain's yard. The captain invited Crosby to stay with him all night, and join the company the next night at its meeting. Crosby accepted the invitation. In the night he slipped out of the house and made his way to White Plains, where he saw Mr. Jay and acquainted him with what he had found out. A plan was immediately laid to capture the company, and Crosby returned to the captain's house, reaching it and his bed before daylight, and without dis- turbing the family.
The next night the company assembled at the captain's house, sixty-nine strong, and Crosby was presented to them. Shortly after, while he was being urged to join them, a troop of Ameri- cans descended upon the place and captured every one of the party, Crosby included. The prisoners were tied together in couples and marched to White Plains. There they were exam- ined singly by the Committee of Safety, and then marched to Fishkill for confinement. The committee praised Crosby for his action, but they could not discharge him, as that would excite suspicion against him in the country. He was sent with the others to Fishkill, but with the assurance that his escape would be provided.
On the following morning the whole party were early on their way up the river. On reaching Fort Montgomery, near Peek-
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skill, a short halt was made, and here Crosby met with one of the most trying incidents of his life.
On entering the fort, whom should he see before him but his former schoolmaster, a worthy man who had often been at his father's while teaching the village school in Southeast. And well did that schoolmaster know the attachment of old Mr. Crosby to American liberty, yet here was his son among a set of Tories, and a prisoner.
The schoolmaster started back with a kind of horror, and even Crosby was for a moment nearly overcome.
"Is this possible !" exclaimed the schoolmaster. "Do my eyes deceive me ? Enoch Crosby, why do I see you thus ?"
Crosby advanced, and taking his old friend by the hand, re- plied, " You see me just as I am, among Tories, and a prisoner ; but I have no explanation to offer."
"No explanations !" uttered the other. "Are you then, indeed, an enemy to your country ? Oh, your poor old father, Enoch ! It will bring down his gray hairs with sorrow to the grave when he hears of this."
For a moment Crobsy felt a faintness come over him. His father ! He loved him, revered him, but he could not explain ; it would not do. He, therefore, only replied that God was his judge, and the time might come when things would appear other- wise than they did.
The party at length reached Fishkill, and were conducted to the old Dutch church, where they were confined and strictly watched.
Within a few days the Committee of Safety arrived in the village to examine the prisoners more closely. Crosby, in his turn, was summoned to appear. But in respect to him the com- mittee only consulted how he might escape. There were diffi- culties in every plan they could think of. There was danger, great danger, yet they could not appear to favor him, and their advice to him was to run the hazard of an attempt by night in the best way he could contrive ; and should he be so fortunate as to escape, he might find a safe retreat with a Mr. - , who lived at some distance.
A few nights later Crosby made the attempt. He passed out of a window and to the ground by the trunk of a tree, without the guard noticing him. From the tree he made his way among
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the tomb-stones, and thence took a dash for liberty. This move aroused the sentinels, who fired after him, but the darkness sheltered him. In a few hours he came to Mr. - 's house, where he was hospitably received.
Mr. - , to whose house Crosby fled on the night of his escape, had instructions for him from the Committee of Safety. These were that he should proceed that very night across the river, and plan for the capture of a company of Tories that were reported to be forming in that neighborhood. Before daylight he had been put across the river, and by breakfast-time had reached the scene of operations. He stopped at a farm-house, and engaged himself to work for the farmer for two or three days. He very soon gave the farmer to believe that he was of Tory sympathy, and the confession struck a responsive feeling in the breast of the farmer, who proved to be a rank Tory. He suggested that his new help be enrolled in a company forming in the neighborhood, and the new help was nothing loth. Crosby soon ascertained that the rendezvous of the company was in a cavern on a mountain, and got the promise of the farmer to take him there and introduce him to the captain, who made his abode in the cavern while the company was being raised. Agreeable to this the farmer piloted Crosby to the place in the evening, and left him all night with the captain. Crosby learned from the officer that the company was to leave the following Wednes- day, and was to stay Tuesday night in the barn of a farmer near by. Crosby promised to be present, and the officer dismissed him, putting his name on his roll. This was Saturday morning.
Crosby concluded to stay until the appointed time of march- ing, but he must get word to the Committee of Safety imme- diately.
At some distance from Farmer B-'s Crosby had ascertained there lived an honest old Whig, whom he determined to employ to carry a letter to Mr. Jay, then at Fishkill. Accordingly, having prepared a letter, he hastened on the setting in of even- ing to fulfil his purpose. In this he succeeded to his wishes, and before the usual hour of rest had returned without exciting the suspicion of any one. The important Tuesday evening at length arrived, and brought together at the appointed place the captain and about thirty Tories. Crosby was early on the spot, and before eleven he was the only individual of the whole class
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who was not quietly asleep. At length some one without was heard by him to cough. This being the signal agreed upon, Crosby coughed in return, and the next minute the barn was filled with a body of Captain Townsend's celebrated rangers.
"Surrender !" exclaimed Townsend, in a tone which brought every Tory upon his feet. "Surrender, or by the life of Wash- ington you'll not see daylight again."
It was in vain to resist, and the English officer delivered up his sword.
" Call your muster roll," ordered Captain Townsend.
The Englishman did as directed, and at length came to the name of Enoch Crosby. No one answered. Crosby had con- cealed himself with the hope of escaping, but finding this impos- sible he presented himself before Captain Townsend and Colonel Duer, one of the Committee of Safety, who was present.
" Ah ! is it you, Crosby ?" asked Townsend. " You had light heels at Fishkill, but my word for it, you will find them heavy enough after this."
" Who is he ?"' inquired Colonel Duer, as if he knew him not, though he knew him well, yet not daring to recognize him.
" Who is he !" exclaimed Townsend. "Enoch Crosby, sir ; like an eel, slipping out of one's fingers as water runs down hill, but he'll not find it so easy a matter to escape again."
The party were soon on their way to Fishkill, where they arrived in the course of an hour or two, and lodged their pris- oners in the old Dutch church. Crosby was not thus fortunate. Townsend's quarters were at some distance, and to these Crosby was quite civilly invited to go, as the captain declared that he wished to have him under his own eye. On his arrival Crosby was placed in a room by himself, heavily ironed, and a trusty guard detached to see that he came to " no harm," as the cap- tain said. During the expedition, which had occupied some twelve or fourteen hours, the company had fasted. Supper was therefore prepared with some haste after the return of the officer, who on sitting down fairly gorged himself with food and wine. About midnight Crosby was unexpectedly awakened by a gentle shake. On opening his eyes, whom should he see before him but a female who assisted in doing the work of the family.
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