History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 43

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1317

USA > Connecticut > New London County > History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 43

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

"Under the old organization the militia of New London belonged to the Third Connecticut Regiment, and in 1774 the field-officers of this regiment were Gurdon Saltonstall, of New London, colonel ; Jabez Huntington, of Norwich, lieutenant-colonel; and Samuel H. Parsons, major. Maj. Parsons was of Lyme, but at that time residing in New London in the practice of the law, being king's attorney for New London County. In April, 1775, six new regiments were formed, and the promotions after this period were so rapid that it is difficult to keep pace with the grade of the officers. Every new requisition for vol- unteers was followed by changes among the commis- sioned officers, and generally by an advance in rank.

"In June one of the six newly-raised regiments, under the command of Col. Parsons, was reviewed in New London. This is believed to have been the first regimental training in this State east of Connecticut River. Two companies of this regiment, the fourth and fifth, were raised in New London, and of these William Coit and James Chapman, names which by their townsmen were considered synonymous with patriotism and hardy gallantry, were captains.2

"These two companies marched immediately to Boston, and took part in the battle of Bunker Hill.3

1 " State Records (Hinman), p. 23.

2" Ibid., p. 169.

3 " The following minutes of the day before the battle were copied from the originals preserved in the sergeant's family by the late Thomas

173

NEW LONDON.

Of Capt. Coit's company, Jedediah Hide was first lieutenant ; James Day, second lieutenant ; William Adams, ensign. Of Capt. Chapman's company, the corresponding officers were Christopher Darrow, John Raymond, and George Latimer. Capt. Coit, soon after the battie, entered into the navy, and was ap- pointed by Congress to the command of the schooner ' Harrison,' fitted out in Boston Bay to cruise against the enemy.1

"In July two more regiments were raised in Con- necticut, under Col. Charles Webb and Col. Jedediah Huntington. Of Webb's regiment, Jonathan Latimer, Jr., was major and captain of the third company, having for his first lieutenant Nathan Hale,2 who at the time of receiving his commission sustained the office of preceptor of the Union Grammar-school in New London.

"It has been frequently asserted that when the news of the battle at Lexington arrived in town, Nathan Hale immediately dismissed his scholars, harangued the citizens, and, marching for Boston with the company of Capt. Coit, took part in the battle of Bunker Hill. This statement is not entirely accurate; his proceedings were marked with more calinness and maturity of judgment. He had taken an active part in all the patriotic measures of the inhabitants, but not till he had been tendered a com- mission in the army, which was subsequent to the battle of Bunker Hill, did he decide to relinquish his office of preceptor before the expiration of the time for which he was engaged. His letter to the proprie- tors of the school announcing his purpose was dated Friday, July 17, 1775. In this communication he observes that the year for which he had engaged would expire in a fortnight, but as he had received information that a place was allotted to him in the army, he asked as a favor to be excused immediately. Be- fore the close of July the regiments of Webb and Huntington were ordered to Boston, where they were

Shaw Perkins. They are inserted here as memorials of one of the New London companies that fought at Buuker's Hill :

"'Sergeant Fargo's report to the sergeant major of Capt. Coit's com- pany-4th company, in 6th regiment, under Col. Parsons of the Connec- ticut line.

"' June 16, 1775. Morning Report.

" . Main guard, 18. Barrack Guard, 7. Sick 9. Servants, 4. Present, 68. Total, 306. Signed, Moses Fargo. Orderly Sergeant.

"'General Orders, June 16, 1775.

"' Parole, Lebanon ; countersign, Coventry.

"' Field officer of the day, Col. Nixon.

"' Field officer of the picquet, Major Brooks.

"'Field officer of the min guard, Lient .- Col. Hutchinson.

"' Adjutant to-morrow, Holden.

" Draft Capt. Coif's company-one subaltern, nine privates for the picquet guard ; one sergeant and seven privates for the advance guard to-night. Sergeant Edward Hallam is detailed to this service.'

1 " Frothingham's Siege of Boston, p. 260. Capt. Coit claimed to be ' the first man in the States who turned his ninjesty's bunting upside down.' This was a current belief at the time, and has been preserved by tradition, but its correctness at this distance of time cannot be deter- mined. The 'Harrison' was certainly one of the first vessels commis- sioned by Congress, and may Imve been the first to take a prize.

2 " State Records (Iliuman), p. 186.

placed under the commander-in-chief. Lieut. Hale shortly afterwards received a captain's commission.

" Those who knew Capt. Hale in New London have described him as a man of many agreeable qualities, frank and independent in his bearing, social, ani- mated, ardent, a lover of the society of ladies, and a favorite among them. Many a fair cheek was wet with bitter tears and gentle voices uttered deep exe- crations on his barbarous foes when tidings of his untimely fate were received.

" As a teacher, Capt. Hale is said to have been a firm disciplinarian, but happy in his mode of convey- ing instruction and highly respected by his pupils. The parting scene made a strong impression on their minds. He addressed them in a style almost pa- rental ; gave them earnest counsel, prayed with them, and shaking each by the hand, bade them individu- ally farewell.

"The summer of 1776 was noted for the large number of arrests of persons charged with Toryism. Many of these were brought to New London, and from thence sent into the interior of the State, to keep them from intercourse with the enemy. In August three vessels arrived in one week with persons arrested on Long Island and in New York City. After a short confinement in the jail they were forwarded to Norwich and Windham for safe-keeping. Green's newspaper sometimes announced them as 'gangs of miscreants,' and again as 'gentlemen Tories.' In the interior towns they were allowed to go at large within certain limits, and most of them after a few months were permitted to return to their homes.

"On the 25th of July three British ships-of-war came athwart New London Harbor and anchored. These were the 'Rose,' commanded by Capt. Wallace, the 'Swan,' and the 'Kingfisher.' This was a virtual blockade, and created much alarm. The town had no defense except the spirit of her inhabitants. The sole strength of the fort was its garrison, which con- sisted mostly of captains and mates of vessels that lay unemployed at the wharves. No other commander on this coast acquired a renown so odious as Capt. Wallace. He was the terror of the small ports and small vessels, capturing and plundering without dis- crimination, and threatening various points with attack. On the 30th of August he verified his threats by a cannonade of the thriving village of Stonington, Long Point. On this exposed peninsula, about half a mile in length, formerly a moiety of the Chese- brough farm, a hardy company of mariners and arti- sans had clustered together and acquired a creditable share of the trade of the Sound. The tender of the ' Rose,' whose business it was to destroy everything in the shape of keel or sail that came in its way, pursued one of its victims to the wharf of the village. The citizens eagerly collected for its defense. Capt. Ben- jamin Pendleton and other brave and true men were there, and the tender was soon driven from its prey. But the 'Rose' came up, and without summons or

174

HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

communication of any kind, opened her broadside upon the village. She continued firing at intervals for several hours, until the pursued vessel was cut out and conveyed away. Only round-shot were used, and therefore no houses took fire, though several were much shattered by the balls. One man was wounded but none killed.1

"On the 5th and 6th of August, 1775, a fleet of nine ships and several smaller vessels gathered around New London Harbor, and appeared as if about to enter. Expresses were sent forth to alarm the coun- try, but it was soon ascertained that the object of the fleet was to secure the stock that was owned upon the fertile islands of the Sound. From Fisher's Island alone they took 1100 sheep, beside cattle and other provisions, for which they made a reasonable com- pensation to Mr. Brown, the lessee of the island; but from Gardiner's and Plum Islands they took what they wanted without payment.

" This incident probably operated as a spur upon the higher powers of the colony in regard to a sub- ject much discussed in their councils, viz., the fortifi- cation of New London.

"Among the heads of inquiry2 proposed by His Majesty's Secretary of State to the colony of Connec- ticut in 1773 was this :

"' What forts and places of defense aro there within your government and in what condition ?'

"To which Governor Trumbull replied, October, 1774 :

"' A small battery at New London, consisting of nivo guns, built and supported at the colony's expense.'

" This was then the only fortification in Connecticut when the war commenced; but the defense of the coast was a subject to which the attention of the Legislature was soon called.

" April, 1775, a committee was appointed to ex- amine the points of defense, and report on the best means of securing the country from invasion. Of this committee, Messrs. G. Saltonstall, D. Deshon, and T. Mumford reported in regard to New London that the battery was in a ruinous condition, and that the only effective cannon in the place consisted of six new pieces (four eighteens and two twelves). They proposed that three positions-Mamacock, Winthrop's Neck, and Groton Heights-should be fortified, and that fourteen new cannon (twenty-fours) should be procured.3 This judicious advice was not adopted, probably on account of a void in the treasury. All that was obtained at this time was an order to repair

and complete the old fort. This was done during the summer, under the direction of Col. Saltonstall, who in effect rebuilt the works and mounted upon them all the cannon in the town. It will be recollected that this fortification stood near the water's edge, where is now the ferry wharf. Here was the battle- ment, the platform, the cannon, and the flag-staff; the magazine stood a little to the west. The garrison, from twelve to twenty men, had their meals at Pot- ter's, near Bradley Street. Nathaniel Saltonstall, captain ; Stephen Hemstead, lieutenant.

"On the Groton side of the river, with a spirit of enthusiasm that did not wait for' legislative aid, the inhabitants voluntarily threw up intrenchments, ex- cavated ditches, and erected breastworks at sundry exposed places, which, though they had no ordnance except a few pieces at the principal battery ou the heights, obtained from the supply brought in by Com- modore Hopkins, they resolved to defend to the last extremity.

" On the river below Norwich (at Waterman's Point) a battery was erected under the superintend- ence of Benjamin Huntington and Ephraim Bill, and furnished with four six-pounders. Such were the preparations made to receive the enemy in 1775.4

" Two enlisted companies were stationed at New London during the summer under Maj. Latimer and Capt. Edward Shipman, of Saybrook.5 These were ordered to Boston the last of September, on the requi- sition of Gen. Washington. Their place was supplied by a new enlistment of seventy men, of whom Col. Saltonstall took the command.6

"The Governor and Council of Safety, acceding to the oft-repeated request of the inhabitants that some- thing further might be done for them in the way of forti- fication, sent Col. Jedediah L. Durkin to New London in November, to view the premises and report what fortification was necessary. After a general survey and consultation with the principal men on both sides of the river, he confirmed the judgment heretofore given by the committee, and recommended the imme- diate fortification of the three points designated by them.

" The neck of land bounding New London Harbor on the south, now called Fort Neck, but then gener- ally known by its Indian name of Mamakuk (or Mamacock), presented near the point a broad, irreg- ular platform of rocks, rising twenty feet above the water, and connected with the mainland on the east by meadows and marshes. This rocky point seems to have been projected into its position purposely to protect the harbor. A more advantageous site for a fortification is scarcely to be desired. Could we allow

1 " At the October session of the Legislature, 1775, the sum of £12 48. 4d was allowed to Jonathan Weaver, Jr., a music-man in the company of Capt. Oliver Smith, who was dangerously wounded at Stonington, Long Point .- Hinman, p. 192.

" It Is singular that when Stonington was again cannonaded by the British, Aug 9, 1814, the result should have been so nearly the same,- bolldings damaged, one man severely wounded, no one killed.

2 " Heads of Inquiry, printed by order of the Governor and Company. T. Green, 1775.

3 " Connell Records (IIInman, App.), p. 545.

4 "Council Records in Hinman, pp. 328, 331. 6 " Ibid., p. 328.

6 " At the same time thirty were ordered for New Haven, forty for Stonington, and fifteen for Lyme. The pay was the same as to Conti- mental soldiers, which in 1775 was £2 per month for a private, and £6 for n captain; five shillings and threepence per week for billeting. Ibid., p. 191.

175

NEW LONDON.

that the benevolence of nature would concur in any of the plans of war, we might suppose that this use of it had entered into her design ; for it is not only well adapted to this end, but seems nearly useless for any other purpose. On this point Col. Elderkin pro- posed the erection of a rampart fronting east eighty feet; south, eighty feet; north, eighty feet; but not at right angles ; with five embrasures in each bank, to be defended by five cannon, eighteen or twenty- four-pounders.

"The point selected on the Groton side was nearly opposite the centre of the harbor. The ascent, within fifty rods of the water's edge, was one hundred and twenty feet. The summit was tolerably level. Here it was supposed that a breastwork of turf and gravel, with some ten pieces of cannon, would be all that was necessary.

" Winthrop's Neck lies northeast of the town, and projects more than half-way across the harbor; the southern extremity, facing the mouth of the river, pre- sents a level, bold bluff twenty feet above the water. Here also it was recommended that a breastwork should be raised and planted with ten cannon. These various positions would expose an invading fleet to be raked at so many angles that it was thought the inhabitants might thus be rendered secure from all annoyance by sea.

" The report of Col. Elderkin was made to the Gov- ernor and Council November 15th,2 and on the 22d orders were issued for the works to be commenced, under the direction of a committee of six persons,- Col. Saltonstall, Ebenezer Ledyard, John Deshon, Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., Peter Avery, and Josiah Watrous (or Waters).2 Yet notwithstanding this early and earnest action of the government, more than a year elapsed before either of the posts could take rank as a fortification and merit a name. Even in December, 1776, when the two principal works were honored with the names of the Governor and Deputy Governor, Trumbull and Griswold, they were imperfect and un- finished.

" Nor is this a matter of surprise when it is consid- ered that the labor was performed by relays of fresh recruits, changed every few weeks, who wrought under the direction of the civil authority and field- officers. These enlistments consisted in part of mere boys, with the spirit, indeed, but not the experience of men, and in part of aged persons, who had perhaps the judgment, but not the physical energy of maturity.

" It is interesting to note the difficulties which in those Revolutionary times stood in the way of public works. In the case of these small fortifications the . Legislature must first discuss the matter and pass the resolves, the Governor and Council of Safety must take

it up, Col. Saltonstall must be consulted, Mr. Shaw must be summoned to Hartford to give advice, Col. Mott must be sent to New London to survey, Col. Dyer and Mr. Wales must examine and report. The works begin, stop, go on. The Governor and Council are at the trouble of directing just the number of sledges, hammers, shovels, spades, crow-bars, pickaxes, chains, etc., that are to be provided for the work. Timber, teams, tools, and other necessary materials are to be procured by Col. Saltonstall for Winthrop's Neck; by Ebenezer Ledyard for Groton; and Na- thaniel Shaw for Mamacock. The timber was in the forests, and must be selected growing.

"The Assembly must now apply to Congress for cannon to furnish their works, asking for some of the brass pieces taken at St. John's. Again they apply to Admiral Hopkins for some of the New Providence ordnance.3 They cannot obtain the necessary com- plement, and it is decided that the heavy cannon must be cast in Smith's furnace at Salisbury. In order to accomplish this the furnace must be enlarged, new workmen obtained, higher wages given, wood- land must be bought to obtain fuel for the furnace, and all these details must be performed by the execu- tive officers of the State,-Col. Elderkin and others must make journeys to and forth from Salisbury to Hartford to manage the business.

"In the summer of 1777 the works were regarded as finished, though probably then very far from what military men at the present day would call complete.

"The engineer of Fort Trumbull was Col. Josiah Waters; of Fort Griswold, Col. Samuel Mott.4 The first commanders of these forts were appointed in February, 1776, and were captains of companies sta- tioned at each place,-John Ely, of Lyme, at Ma- macock, and Edward Mott at Groton,5-but in July, before the forts were half completed, they were both promoted to the rank of major. Their successors were Martin Kirtland, of Saybrook, for Mamacock, and Oliver Coit for Groton. Two artillery compa- nies, one for cach fortress, were afterwards raised, and of these Nathaniel Saltonstall and William Ledyard were the first captains. These must be regarded as the first actual commanders of Forts Trumbull and Griswold. They were appointed July 3, 1776.6 At the same date Adam Shapley was ordered to take command of the old fort at New London, in the place of Dudley Saltonstall, resigned.

" Aug. 2, 1777, orders were issued by the Governor and Council to remove the platform from the old fort to Fort Trumbull. The barrack also was soon trans- ferred to the lower part of the town, and being subse- quently used for a brewery, gave the name of Brew-

1 " Elderkin's report in llinman's App., p. 551. The land at Mamacock was purchased of Nathaniel Shaw; an acre and a quarter for the works al Groton of Jonathan Chester and Elisha Prior. Groton fort was com- menced Dec. 5, 1775.

2 " Hlinman, p. 337.

3 " Council Records, p. 355, Hinman, where will be found authority for most of the particulars in this sketch.

4 " Their appointment as engineers was in February, 1777, but Col. Waters had been previously on duty. His services commenced Nov. 23, 1775, and he was still at his post in April, 1777, as was also his assistant Josiah Waters, Jr .- Hinman, p. 430. 5 " Hinman, pp. 346, 364. 6 " Ibid., pp. 365, 366.

176

HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

ery (now Brewer) to the street in which it was placed. The old battery was left to decay, and its site after- wards appropriated to the market and the ferry wharf.

" A redoubt on Winthrop's Neck was erected by Col. Saltonstall. The importance of the site was overrated, and in the course of a year or two the post was abandoned.

" For the garrisoning of the various posts at New London and Groton a regiment of foot was employed during a part of the year 1776, of which Col. Erastus Wolcott had the command. He was the superior military commander of the district, which included Stonington for that year. Dr. John Ely, of Lyme, performed a tour of duty here as captain and major, and also as physician and surgeon. In July he was sent to visit the Northern Army and employ his skill in arresting the smallpox, which was then raging in the camp with great virulence.

" In the various battalions raised for Continental service, New London was expected to furnish her full quota, though, as we look back upon her exposed situation, we might deem that the services of her sons were of pressing necessity at home. Mr. Shaw, in writing to Governor Trumbull, Aug. 7, 1776, when new enlistments were demanded, observes,-

"' This town has been drained of men already, so that there is scarcely a sufficiency of hands left to get in the harvest.'

" In addition to the regular militia then in service, in June a large volunteer company was recruited in the town, under Capt. Richard Deshon, and another in November, under Capt. Jonathan Caulkins. Gro- ton was in a similar condition : nearly all its able- bodied men were in the army. In October, 1775, she had memorialized the Assembly, praying that her sol- diers might be allowed to return and defend their own homes, for the British fleet was hovering near them, and the coast had been stripped of its men to recruit the army and navy. This was the sad truth, which might have been repeated every year of the war.

" How shall we describe the shifting scenes of plun- der, stratagem, and atrocity exhibited on the bosom of Long Island Sound during the years 1776 and 1777? What fury possessed the minds of men that the inhabitants of the two shores, old neighbors and friendly associates, should thus become assassins and wolves, prowling for each other's destruction !

"Long Island having passed in a great measure into the occupation of the British, those inhabitants who had embraced the cause of liberty were obliged to seek safety by flight. The troops stationed at New London, with all the armament that the Governor could command, were ordered to cross the Sound and assist in removing them and their effects to the Con- necticut coast. Many of these unfortunate patriots left all behind them, and, homeless and destitute, were thrown upon the mercy of the charitable. Long

Island was abandoned by the Genius of Liberty, and the British rule was spread over it far and wide. From that moment the two coasts were hostile, and an inveterate system of smuggling, marauding, plun- dering, and kidnapping took place on both sides, in comparison with which a common state of honorable warfare might be taken for peace and good neighbor- hood. Sheep, cattle, effects, and people were seized and carried off by either party. On the Connecticut side this was done under the covert of secrecy. Goods stolen from the island were carefully secreted, and if discovered by honest persons were advertised, and the owners desired to come and take possession. This condition of affairs was fraught with mischief, mis- rule, and villany. There was no end to the strays and the thieves. Akin to this marauding system was the contraband trade, an illicit dealing with the en- emy, and furnishing them with supplies for the sake of their gold and their goods. This was not often carried on by the Tories, the professed friends of the British, for they were too narrowly watched to allow of the risk, but by men who were patriots, in preten- sion, but yet lovers of money rather than lovers of their country. This trade was entered into by many people who were otherwise considered fair and honor- able in all their dealings, but if discovered by their countrymen they were marked for opprobrium and insult. A more odious occupation could not be men- tioned, nor could anything be said of a man better calculated to hold him up to public indignation thau to call him a Long Island trader. The republican au- thorities were rigorous in their watch upon this trade.1 Many houses were searched and men impris- oned, yet the contraband trade flourished. Goods that were bought for country produce might be sold cheap, and the temptation to buy was great. Fine Holland shirts, ready made, could be procured for half a Spanish dollar. Sloops and boats laden with provisions for the New York market were occasion- ally intercepted by the State cruisers, and the sad history of the day was often enlivened by ludicrous anecdotes that would gain currency respecting these night-traders. Thus a story was told of two men from the Great Neck shore of New London who put off one night in a whale-boat with a large fat ox on board. The animal got loose from its fastenings and became so unmanageable that the men, in danger of sinking, were glad to make towards a country sloop near by and meekly surrender their ox to confisca- tion and themselves to imprisonment.

" On the Long Island side the harbors were infested with bands of the lowest and vilest refugees, from whence many a plundering descent was made on the Connectient coast and robbery and extortion of every kind committed. The small sloops and boats in which

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 43

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1317

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1317