USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 102
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Many of the people engaged in privateering in some degree, incited thereto both by their patriotism and the hope of better providing for their families. Among the masters of privateers residing in the Chatham portion of the society were: Capts. Joseph, Benjamin, and Jacob Hurd, brothers; Joshua Griffith, Seth Doane, and Abner Stocking. Their vessels hailed from New York.
Capts. Joseph and Benjamin Hurd, with their brother, Deacon Jesse, were captured, and all confined in New York at the same time. Their other brother, Capt. Jacob Hurd, was also captured and confined, but at another time.
Capt. Stephen Griffith, a son of Capt. Joshua, was cap- tured and confined in the Jersey prison ship, where he enjoyed some favor. His servant, by the name of Rich, while engaged in cooking for him, carefully extinguished the unconsumed fuel to use again, and was reproved for saving it by a petty officer on board. Rich replied with spirit claiming a right to do as he pleased with what he had gathered on the dock, and added, "I will attend to my business if you will to yours!" In the altercation, the officer struck Rich with his rapier, and in turn the latter emptied a dish of hot food into the bosom of the officer, burning him severely, and from the effects of which he died 12 days later. Rich was promptly placed under arrest, but on investigation the homicide was justified by the commanding officer. Capts. J. Griffith, Doane, and Stocking were leaders in the Point Judith engagement.
In the general alarm felt throughout New England over the news of the approach of Burgoyne's army from Canada to unite with Clinton's forces in New York- Colonel Sage, of Middletown, raised a body of troops, or militia, to march to West Point; among whom was a com- pany from Middle Haddam Society, under the command of Captain David Smith, of Chestnut Hill, in Chatham. He was a fiery, impetuous man, who cared little for red tape, a man of great force of character, and proud of his talent as swordsman. As they approached their desti-
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nation, hungry and fatigued after their long march, they encamped without rations. Captain Smith called on the commanding officer to learn the reason why they were not supplied, and was informed that the supply train had not arrived, and it was uncertain when it would. Smith replied with much asperity, and said to Sage: " I can pick a pin from your coat collar;" accused him of incompetency, and added: " My men came to fight, not to starre ! If the supplies are not here to-morrow morn- ing I shall then march my men back to their homes." The morning came, but not the supplies, and true to his word, Smith marched his men home. His spirit is well illustrated by the following incident of another soldier:
Samuel Pierson, a Revolutionary soldier, born in Wallingford, August 2d 1759, father of the late Ephraim Pierson, of Haddam, and Mrs. Susan House, of Had- dam Neck, now living at the age of 84-was, at the break- ing out of the war, an impressed seaman on board of a British man-of war, from which he escaped and joined the American army. During the latter service, while marching barefoot over the frozen ground, with his head inclined forward, the better to pick his way, he was re- proved by an officer behind him, for not marching in an erect, soldier-like manner, and who at the same time struck him with his sword. Pierson suddenly brought his musket back with such force, that the butt, striking the officer in the breast, knocked him down. He then wheeled and was about to pin him to the ground with his bayonet, and was only prevented by the efforts of his fellow soldiers.
He was arrested, tried by court martial, and sentenced to be shot. General Washington, hearing of the affair, had the prisoner brought before him, and on learning the particulars, asked him if he did not know it was death for a private to strike an officer. Pierson replied. with spirit: "I know it is death for an officer to strike me!" Washington immediately ordered his release, and a pair of shoes from his chest to be given him, and told him never to be without shoes again. He then reproved his officers, and charged them to be more careful and con- siderate for their men, adding, that such a soldier was too valuable to lose, and if he had a body of men like him he could pierce the enemy's center at any time. Pierson at length fell into the enemy's hands, and as he was being marched away, unarmed, in charge of two of his captors, he managed under some pretext, to take off his shoes, and on approaching water he threw them away saying, "Catch me, if you can!" rushed for the water. swam away and escaped.
Aside from the regular sea voyages of the privateers, there were suddenly planned and executed, sortie-like adventures along the coast; prominent among which were several to Long Island for the capture of goods stored by the enemy, or persons high in rank for ex- change; and, also, in watching the approach of the ene- my's ships into the Sound, by the eastern route, with the intention of capturing such as they could. Among the latter was the affair off Point Judith, in the State of Rhode Island, and near the Connecticut line, not hereto-
fore in print, and in which many of the men of Middle Haddam Society were engiged. They organized into six boat crews, consisting of from eight to cen men each. The boats were of the whale boit pattern, the stern con- structed like the bow. A swivel was mounted in the bow of each and the crews were properly officered.
Among the several boat commanders, were: Capt. Samuel Brooks, of Haddam Neck; Capts. Joshua Grif. fith, Seth Doane, and Abner Stocking, of the Chatham part of the society; and Capt. Sage, of Middletown. Ar- riving at Point Judith they hauled up their boats in a sheltered bay near by, where they encamped. A constant watch was kept from an eminence for the approach of the enemy's ships. One morning soon after their arrival, the camp was excited over the news of a strange sail seen in the offing, whose appearance was soon generally dis- cussed.
The rigging, some said, was like a man-of-war, others that her hull was like a merchantman. The conclusion being in favor of the latter, and to risk an attack, they were soon ready. As the ship drew near the boats put out from around the Point, advanced in succession to the rear, and fired their swivels in rapid rotation into the stern of the supposed merchantman, and retired to load and again take their turns in the attack. When the last had fired the ship wore around, raised a tarpauling cov- ering from her sides, and greatly to their surprise dis- closed a man-of-war with tivo rows of port-holes from which issued a broadside, harmless in effect, as the sea was high and they were so near the balls passed over their heads.
The attacking boats hastily withdrew, passed around the Point into the bay and out of range with such speed that the boat commanded by Captain Brooks on striking the shore ended over and permanently lamed Elijah Abell, one of its crew, and brother of Abel Abell, who built Abell's mill in Chatham. The other boats, coming in on top of a wave, were landed high on the shore. Unsatisfied, they mounted two of the swivels on the rocks and replied with vigor to the continued broadsides of the enemy. An artillery company happening in the neighborhood and, hearing the melee, hastened down and took a part in the engagement until the ship proceeded on her way. Although no prize was taken, no lives were lost. A prisoner on board of the ship at the time told them, after his release, that a ball from one of the boats passed through a closet in the captain's cabin and broke every dish there, and another ball struck the mizzen mast and passed half through it; that the captain was highly enraged, and said: " It was the most audacious proceed- ing he ever heard of, and if he could catch those fellows he would hang every one of them from his yardarm."
Capt. David Brooks, a native of Higganum, and some of the time a resident of the Neck, where he married, was commander of the sloop-of-war, Samson, of which Shubael Brainerd was first lieutenant, and Samuel B. P. Arnold was master gunner. Of the crew, Jonathan Brainerd jr., Elihu Cook, James and Nathaniel Stocking (supposed brothers-in-law of Capt. Brooks), it is believed
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belonged to the Neck; and Timothy Clark, Elijah Green, and William Aikens, to Chatham. Timothy Clark had some position on board. The Samson, built in Hig- ganum, with a sharp bow for fast sailing, and carrying six or eight guns of from nine to twelve pounders, took several prizes and gained quite a reputation among friends and foes as a strong fighter. Among the differ- ent engagements of the Samson with the enemy was her battle by night with the Swallow, a British sloop-of-war of 20 guns, in the Sound and near New York. As the two vessels approached each other, the Samson was hailed for her name. The reply was, " The Hornet !" The home, where he finally died of his wounds.
latte:, a noted privateer from Philadelphia, had taken many prizes and was a terror to the enemy, who feared to contend with her unless with superior force. The engagement began and continued with great severity until the guns of each became unserviceable, and both vessels were leaking badly and in such a dangerous con- dition as to necessitate a mutual withdrawal for repairs. The Swallow retired into Cow Bay where she repaired. Spies informed the Samson when her late antagonist was ready to sail, and she was off her port ready to meet her. In despair, the Swallow was scuttled and sunk by her escaping crew. One of the officers of the Swallow remarked that he had rather contend with two Hornets than with one Samson.
How many prisoners there were, from other ships and places, who had like experience and fate, is unknown. It was said that Cunningham, the steward of the prison ship, boasted that he had destroyed more rebels than the king's arms. Dr. Field, in his Brainerd Genealogy. page 106, mentions the suspicion of the administering of poison in liquor to the officers and crew of the Samson. This, written so much nearer the time, may appear more authentic than the above version given from tradition. The fact of the poisoning is of more importance than the method.
Timothy Clark, who had some position on the Samson, was severely wounded in an engagement, and taken to the hospital at New London, for treatment, just before the attack on that place by the British. His father (Jon- athan) on learning of his condition, hastened with Capt. Samuel Brooks, down the river in a whale boat to bring him home. Arriving at New London, Col. Ledyard, the commander of Fort Griswold, urged them to remain and assist in the defense of the fort, as he had not men enough-to which they consented, as soon as they had
taken their wounded charge to a place of safety. They placed him on a litter, carried him to their boat, and rowed up the river several miles and left him with a Mr. Avery, where they armed and returned.
As they neared the fort, they climbed a tree to learn the condition there, and saw the British flag waving over it; there they remained until they saw the enemy leaving the fort for their shipping. They then hastened onward and assisted in caring for the wounded, and burying the dead of the inhumanly massacred garrison. They then returned to their wounded charge and conveyed him
The privateer Harlequin, commanded by Capt. Sam- uel Brooks, of the Neck, and built later than the Samson, won also a high reputation and several prizes. Master Gunner Samuel B. P. Arnold, served successively on board of both vessels. While in this service he was se- verely wounded by copper shot fired by the enemy. On one occasion, when pursued by a ship of superior force, which carried more canvas than the Harlequin, the pros- pect of her capture was evidently only a question of time, unless stratagem prevented. Night was fast ap- proaching, as the distance between pursuer and pursued constantly lessened. In the meantime Captain Brooks had ordered an empty cask from the hold, which was then sawed in two, and a whip rigged across the bilge, The Samson, after important service in many an action with the enemy's ships, was captured in the English Channel, and her officers and crew confined in the Jersey supporting a mast in the center, all to the perplexity of the wondering crew. When it became sufficiently dark, a light was fastened to the mast of the tub, and it was prison ship, where Captain Brooks, Lieutenant Brainerd, lowered into the sea and cast adrift. Every light on the William Aikens, Jonathan Brainerd jr., Elihu Cook, Eli- Harlequin was suddenly extinguished as she tacked on a new course. Not long after they heard with satisfaction the guns of the enemy firing at the decoy tub. jah Green, James and Nathaniel Stocking (and how many more of the crew is unknown) all died in June 1782, as appears by the Middle Haddam church records, under well grounded suspicion of having been poisoned; all partaking of food which the master-gunner refused on account of the flavoring he disliked, and in consequence he alone survived.
This incident, often related with great gusto by the master gunner, has since been used by the story writer in tales of sea prowess. It is related of Captain Brooks that while in a certain port with the Harlequin, another American vessel arrived and reported having seen two British vessels headed apparently for another port. Upon being asked why he did not attack them, the Captain re- plied: "That he was glad to escape, for either of them were larger and carried more guns than he did." Captain Brooks sailed immediately for that port, and found the two vessels there, anchored side by side, a little distance apart, either of whom carried more guns than the Har- lequin. With an audacity worthy of the celebrated Paul Jones, he ran his vessel between them, and opened a rapid fire on each. They, fearful of injuring each other, replied with little effect, and he soon captured both.
As officers for drafting entered the old first meeting house on Hog Hill, one Sabbath, Jonathan Brainerd sen., of the Neck, to avoid the draft, leaped from a second story window of the church to the ground, and striking on his feet, ran and escaped.
He took the death of his eldest son, Jonathan jr., who died in the prison ship, so sorely to heart, that he had a younger son, Jeremiah, an eccentric youth, recorded on the records of Haddam as a fool, to prevent his being drafted. He, smarting under the indignity, took his father
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down, as soon as he was able, and gave him a severe pounding. Jonathan Brainerd sen. was born December 16th 1737, and married, first, Elizabeth Stocking, May Ist 1760. She died June 5th 1782, and he married, sec- ond, Hope Strong, of Middle Haddam, November 24th 1782. She was killed from being thrown from a fright- ened horse, and he married, third, Jerusha (Clark) Field- ing, a daughter of Benajah Clark, and widow of Timothy Fielding, and died in 1825 or 1826, aged 88.
It appears that on the morning of the roth of August 1779, an aged father appeared before the council and re- lated his simple story. He stated that he had given five sons to the service of his country; that three of them had fallen in battle; that two were still in the army, and he came now before the council to ask that his sixth, and only remaining son-" the Benjamin of his old age "- who had recently been drafted, might be permitted to re- main at home with him. The following is a copy of the record:
"TUESDAY, August 10th 1779.
"On representation of Cornelius Rich, of Chatham that he has had five sons in the Continental Army; three of which are dead; killed in the service; one lately at Norwalk; that he has two more in ye army; one son only remaining with him, whom is lately detached in the Mili- tia service for one month, or five weeks, on ye sea coast; that his circumstances are such that he cannot part with, and has been detained till this time, praying this board that he may be excused from said service. This Board, in consideration of the particular, and almost singular circumstances of Mr. Rich's case, release his son from this detachment, and will direct his case be favorably considered for the future."
The son mentioned as being killed at Norwalk, was the Nathaniel Rich mentioned in the church record as being killed in the action at that place, July 11th 1779. He was wounded in the knee, and his comrades endeav- cred to carry him from the field during the retreat. As the British soldiers were near, and crowding our men fast, he begged of them to leave hint and save them- selves, as they could not take him without the greatest hazard. In the course of two hours the enemy retreated, and our men, returning, found Rich dead, with the top of his skull torn off, supposed to be blown off by a mus- ket used to dispatch him. He was, in fact, brutally mur- dered. The names of the other two sons that were killed in the service have not been recovered, but it is thought that the name of one was John. Mr. Rich is remembered to have had sons by the name of Nathaniel, John, Samuel, and Cornelius jr.
The following story was current for many years after the war: It was said that Gen. Henry Champion sta- tioned a guard at some distance from Fort Stanwix (now Rome, N. Y.), probably during the advance of Burgoyne's army, with Lieut. John Harris Strong, of Middle Had- dam, son of Josiah, as commander. They were to be re- lieved in 24 hours. That time had long passed and they in their hunger felt obliged to detail several of their number to seek supplies. While these were away relief
came; the absentees were reported and ordered by Cham- pion to be whipped. The commanding general on hear- ing of the affair sent a reprieve in order to learn the par- ticulars more fully. This was said to have been in the pocket of Champion while the punishment was inflicted. Henry Goslee, one of the victims, on learning the facts, swore vengeance, and declared he would kill Champion on opportunity. After the war was over they met in one of the stores in Colchester. They instantly recognized each other, but Champion was shy of the wronged nian, and quickly withdrew. Goslee followed him into the yard and struck him a violent blow across the abdomen with a sharpened end of a hoop-pole-a stick about two feet long-cutting a long gash from which his bowels pro- truded. Champion, clasping his hands around himself. mounted his horse, rode to his home in Westchester, had the wound sewed up and finally recovered. Goslee in the meantime escaped and was not arrested.
WAR OF 1812.
Among the soldiers from the Neck engaged in the war of 1812-14 were: Captain Roswell Brainerd, Ansel Brainerd, Lester Brainerd, Porter Smith, David Young, Elijah Young. It was during the war of 1812-14, that several young men and boys, among whom was Oliver B. Arnold, of the Neck, went early one Sunday morning to the river to bathe, near a fish place, at Middle Haddam Landing. They saw in the distance a fleet of small fishing vessels coming up the river. It was at a time when a rumor was current that spies occasionally passed up the river in vessels, the better to avoid observation, in their endeavor to gain information. Perhaps influenced by this consideration in some degree, but more by a desire for fun, they quickly mounted on the capstan of the fish place several eel pots lying around, which from their size and shape resembled cannon. A dense fog coming on helped the illusion. A fire was kindled, and a long handled torch prepared and lighted. As the vessels came near, Neil Goff, the captain of the party, waved his wooden sword over his head, and hailed them without effect.
He then, in a loud voice, ordered, " Prepare to fire !" The blazing torch was waved, and at his second hail the vessels came to and answered every question promptly, gave their number, freight, port, and destination. One of the questions was: " If they had seen any suspicious vessels ?" Captain Goff, apparently satisfied, told them they might proceed. One of them, as if in apology, re- marked: " We didn't know that you fortified up here."
Oliver Brooks Arnold, one of the party, born Novem- ber 25th 1797, a grandson of Captain Samuel Brooks, of privateer fame, and now residing on the Neck, and in his 87th year, contributed this and several incidents of the Revolutionary war included in the sketch of Haddam Neck, and the ecclesiastical society of Middle Haddam.
WAR OF THE REBELLION.
Among those from Haddam Neck who served in the Union army during the great Rebellion were: Sergeant
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Luther N. Arnold, David Andrews, Evelyn M. Andrews, - Attwell, Morris B. Brainerd, George W. Brainerd. John L. Brainerd, Smith B. Gillette, Phineas L. Hyde, Sergeant Newton Morgan, Ellsworth Russell, Stephen M. Russell, Henry M. Selden, Henry M. Smith.
Of these, Sergeant Morgan died at home from wounds received at Port Hudson. Evelyn M. Andrews and Sergeant J. H. Selden were wounded, on account of which they are pensioners, the latter losing an eye.
Phineas L. Hyde and Henry M. Selden are pension- ers for injuries received in the service.
LITERARY CIRCLE.
The young people of Middle Haddam and Haddam Neck organized a society for mutual improvement, October Ist 1861, called the "Literary Circle." This was popular and successful and accomplished much good. It continued nearly eight years.
Its meetings were held semi-monthly, and varied with music and literary exercises. A manuscript paper, com - posed of original articles by the members, was read by an editor at each meeting.
VENTURE SMITH.
A remarkable negro formerly lived here, named Ven- ture Smith. Several editions of his autobiography-a pamphlet of 24 pages-have been published, from which it appears he was born at Dukandara, in Guinea, about 1729, and was a son of Saungm Furro, king of the tribe of Dukandara, and named by him Broteer.
The king was six feet and six or seven inches in height, two feet across the shoulders, and well proportioned. He was a man of remarkable strength and resolution, affable, kind, and gentle, ruling with equity and modera- tion. He descended from a large, tall, and strong race, exceeding the average of men.
When Broteer, or Venture, as he was afterward called, was in his seventh year, the territory of his father was invaded by a warlike tribe from a distance of upward of 140 miles, and beyond an intervening desert. The enemy were supplied with musical instruments, guns, and other arms of modern use, and instigated, supplied, and equip- ped by some white nation to subdue the adjacent coun- tries (probably in the interest- of slavery). Their army consisted of about 6,000 men, whose leader was called Baukurre. The old king, unable to resist the invaders, retreated, and was captured and tortured to death.
They immediately marched towards the sea with their captives, among whom was the subject of this sketch, who was made waiter to the leader, and had to carry his gun.
On the march he had to carry on his head a large flat stone, used for grinding corn, which `weighed about 25 pounds, besides carrying victuals and cooking utensils.
After a series of adventures in capturing other tribes on their way, as described in the biography, they in turn were overcome and captured by a tribe on the sea coast, who appropriated all the accumulated booty to their own use, and retained the captives for market as slaves.
Young Broteer, with other prisoners, was taken to a ship, then in port from Rhode Island, commanded by Capt. Collingwood, whose mate was Thomas Mumford, and he was sold to Robertson Mumford, the steward, for four gallons of rum and a piece of calico, and called Ven- ture, on account of the transaction being a private ven- ture on the part of the steward.
The number of slaves purchased for the cargo was 260. Venture was taken to Fisher's Island, where he remained about 14 years, subjected to many trials and oppressions, where he married a fellow slave. He had in the mean - time developed into a tall, broad shouldered man of gi- gantic strength. His height, without shoes, was six feet one and one-half inches, and his breadth was such that tradition says his custom was to turn sidewise in pass- ing through an ordinary door. He was soon after sold to Thomas Stanton, of Stonington Point, who sent him two miles after a barrel of molasses, and ordered him to bring it home on his shoulders. He managed to carry it the entire distance.
To test his strength he took upon his knees a tierce of salt containing seven bushels, and carried it two or three rods, in the presence of several witnesses. He was next sold to Hempstead Miner, of Stonington, who soon after sold him to Col. Oliver Smith, who, more generous than the former owners, gave Venture the opportunity of gain- ing his freedom by working for others and paying him for the privilege. Here, out of respect to this master, he added Smith to his name.
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