USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Norfolk > History of Norfolk, Litchfield County, Connecticut, 1744-1900 > Part 10
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as the ships can by no means move on and the army may. We took a dish of tea at sunrise and proceeded up towards the great lake, called St. Peter's lake. Heard of the army being attacked by land, but nothing remarkable. The peo- ple here more insolent, but we have no fears from them as yet. Wind ahead; obliged to put into the river east side of St. Anthony's Bay. Capt. Goforth came up on express to New York. Feel poorly and much worn; distressed for the army. Surely our cause is good and we shall prosper.
Saturday, 11. Before sunrise entered St. Peter's lake; perfect calm; rowed within five miles of west end, when a hard gale came ahead and we were in a terrible situation, but through mercy near night got through into a narrow river which leads to Sorrel. Came up with my boy and chest, which arrived safe before me. Numbers arriving, many with smallpox; anxious about my boy, who has un- doubtedly taken it in the boat.
Lord's Day, 12. Rowed up to Sorrel; landed at 9 o'clock. Found two Boston regiments arrived, also sundry others. Found Mr. Barnum, Mr. Breck, Mr. McCawlay, Mr. Spring and Mr. Evans (Chaplains), but no public exercise today, as troops are in such confusion. Our days are days of darkness. No news from Gen. Thomas. Feel very gloomy today on every account; low in spirits by reason of my dis- order which has brought me down, which, with the fatigues and fearful forebodings, has been almost too much. Still I believe our cause is just and we shall prosper. Attended prayers with Mr. Barnum in Col. Gratton's regiment. Had conversations in the evening with the chaplains about the accomplishment of the promises; differ a little about the millennium.
Monday, 13. Our regiments almost all back. Gen. Ar- nold is come from Montreal. They are erecting the old bat- tery to command the river. A strange discouragement seems to prevail in the army among the officers. There is jealousy and want of confidence; we are in a most critical situation. The smallpox strikes terror into our troops.
Wednesday, 15. Rose early, breakfasted and set off; high
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wind ahead; proceeded to St. Dennis; came to St. Charles. Arrived at Chamblee near night, all in confusion. Know not who are friends or who are enemies; our army in a most sad state; no provisions nor supplies; only men nor half enough of them. Gen. Wooster is determined to go to Mon- treal before leaving the country.
Friday, 17. Advised with Gen. Wooster, who gave me a permit, to go to New England when I please. Talked with the Doctor about it; am at a loss; may I be directed to what is best. On the whole conclude 'tis really my duty to go. Found Mr. Eli Pettibone, who is in Col. Warner's regi- ment. Concluded to go with him, as it is next to impossi- ble to get an opportunity this month. Talked freely with Stephen (my boy), who is willing to return and join the regiment. Col. Warner consents that I go with his people, though very much crowded.
Saturday, 18. Was called on in the morning to go soon; set off for St. Johns. Got soldier to carry my pack; walked, but very feeble. Stephen came with me two or three miles; left him somewhat cheerful. He desired me to give his duty to his parents and tell them he has no desire to return. I walked on moderately to St. Johns, a great part of the way alone. Stephen brought me a small bit of bread, which at 3 o'clock I ate, being very faint. If ever I received a meal with a grateful heart it was that. Arrived at St. Johns at sunset. All out of provisions here and at Chamblee and elsewhere. While struck with terror and apprehension, five boats appeared in sight with a great number of barrels of pork. In the mount God appears.
Lord's Day, 19. News from the Cedars that there is an attack: four hundred regulars, about two hundred Indians and Canadians. Col. Beadle, Patterson, etc., opposed them; know not the event. My diarrhoea returned with great vio- lence. Assembled on the beach, sung and prayed, and weak as I was gave a word of exhortation, and the people seemed solemn. An express arrived from Montreal to take back three of our boats with provisions. Capt. Mayhew showed me much kindness. Begged a mouthful of fresh meat
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which was cooked, and it seemed to strengthen me. A de- tachment of Gen. Sullivan's came in with six boats and 100 barrels of pork. At 4 o'clock we set off. Came with Capt. Pearson of Stockbridge, Rev. Mr. Ripley and Rev. Mr. Dean as far as Isle Aux-Noix at dark. Very weak; took some brandy toddy with a bit of sea bread and lay down by the side of a barn and slept three hours.
Monday, 20. Was called at 3 o'clock, and at 4 we set off. My disorder continued; very weak; committed myself to God. We rowed on to Point-au-Fere. Got a breakfast of tea with a little milk, which seemed to revive me, but after- wards was exercised with great pain. Proceeded, wind ahead; lodged under some bushes; poor accommodations, but such as soldiers often have. Very windy and rained some, but I slept on the ground.
Tuesday, 21. At the dawn of day we all rallied, prepared to set out before sunrise. Called at Cumberland Head; lake very rough; we went at a prodigious rate; run forty miles in six hours. Put up at Gilliland's Creek; most kindly re- ceived and entertained by that hospitable man. He came from New York; has 1,450 acres of land and owns Cumber- land Head. We had some excellent spruce beer, which greatly revived me. My disorder seemed to abate. Supped agreeably on tea and fish; lay in a good bed; slept well.
Wednesday, 22. Rose early; took a dish of tea and came off at seven. Esq. Gilliland accompanied us to the boat with all the marks of kindness possible. Wind ahead; we rowed under the west shore; the stupid soldiers grumbled much about proceeding, though the Capt., Mr. Ripley, Mr. Dean and I readily took our turns at rowing. I feel weak and find that a little labor seems to outdo me; but blessed be God, have better health than some days past. At Grant's, 24 miles from Crown Point. Supped on some milk; sung and prayed, and went to rest.
Thursday, 23. Went on board at sunrise; met a large number of boats; Gen. Silliman's brigade. Put off to Crown Point, where we arrived at noon. Came to Ticonderoga at 6 o'clock. The instant we landed Capt. Bronson and Capt.
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Hopkins were setting off for Skenesborough; gave me an invitation to embark with them. Came ten miles up South Bay and encamped. Lay down, the heavens our shelter, and slept.
Friday, 24. At 3 o'clock set off; very chilly and cold. Bay is hemmed in with mountains and rocks. At noon we arrived at Skenesborough. Got a soldier to carry my pack; walked a mile; was all in a tremor. Was not sensible of my weakness. Think I know in some degree now what hardship is. Tarried all night. Oh, the distracted state of this poor, unhappy country! It is a comfort that the Lord reigns.
Saturday, 25. Rose at daylight; took a dish of tea and set out. Gay horse worried me; terrible road, hideous country. Rode 15 miles to Pollet. Dined at one Allen's, who moved from Woodbury. Found his wife to be Sarah Parmelee,-a real Christian. She really revived my heart by pious conversation. Came to Rupert, to Capt. Smith's, who lives cleverly; was most kindly received.
Lord's Day, 26. People gathered; many came six or seven miles. Dare not preach, so feeble and weak. Great desire among the people to hear the Gospel. P. M., preached in the barn to a great number of people, who were very at- tentive. My strength was spent before I finished my ser- mon.
Monday, 27. Am so thin that people who have seen me before scarce know me. Went on to Bennington. Urged that I preach a lecture there, but dare not engage.
Tuesday, 28. Came to Dorset, then to Manchester and to Sunderland; came to Arlington, then to Shaftbury and proceeded to Bennington. Lodged at Mr. Dewey's. He is truly a charming man.
Wednesday, 29. Rode with Mr. Dewey. Rode to Mr. Mills'. He concluded to let me have a horse to Lanesbor- ough and a little boy to bring it back. News of the secret confederacy of tories and the discovery of their plot. Peo- ple this way are much in fear on account of internal ene- mies. What will become of this unhappy country Con- soling thought; the Lord, He is our King.
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Thursday, 30. Hired a boy, who went on foot, but kept pace with me. Came to Williamstown, then to Lanesbor- ough at night; cordially received by my dear friend and classmate, Mr. Collins.
Saturday, June 1. Heard a rumor of Col. Beadle having had a battle, with the loss of a hundred men and driving the enemy. Fear I have broken my constitution in the cam- paign. Concluded to attempt to deliver a discourse tomor- row.
Lord's Day, 2. P. M., preached with considerable free- dom. Excessively tired.
Monday, 3. Set off with Mr. Collins for Rev. Mr. Mun- son's, Lenox; then to Rev. Mr. West's, Stockbridge.
Tuesday, 4. Rode in company with Mr. West and Col- lins to Mr. Farrand's. Attended the Association.
Wednesday, 5. Rode home, and found my dear family well, after having experienced and seen the most abundant displays of Divine goodness and mercy. O, for true grati- tude!"
Mr. Robbins remained at home and recovered his health sufficiently so that he felt able to go again and join his regi- ment, in whose welfare his interest and concern never abated. On Tuesday, July 2, having been at home four weeks he, "Took leave again of dear friends at home to join the regiment; came to Sheffield, Mr. Camp with me; Wednes., set off for Albany; came to Miller's, 12 miles short. Thurs., came into Albany. Friday, left Albany and proceeded to Stillwater. Saturday, proceeded to Sara- toga, then to Fort Edward. Lord's Day, 7. Arrived safe at Lake George at ten o'clock; found Col. Buell glad to see me; visited the smallpox hospital; prayed; dreadful suffer- ing. At five o'clock Mr. Camp set off for home. At six o'clock preached; attentive assembly. Monday, rose at 4 o'clock to cross the lake with the express. Stopped at the narrows; proceeded to Sabath-day point; arrived at sunset.
Tuesday, 9. Walked over to Ticonderoga; went on board with Col. Warner, and with a fine gale run down to the Point in 3 hours. Found our regiment, who were exceed-
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ingly rejoiced to see me,-all, officers and soldiers. The camp in a most sickly state; ten or twelve in some instances have been buried in one day, but at present the sickness abates through mercy. At evening met; had a most solemn and affectionate season of prayer and exhortation. Slept in Capt. Watson's marque.
Wednesday, 10. Attended prayers and sung; saw all our people; many poorly, besides the great numbers gone to Lake George. The camp is in a most pitiful situation; a great many sick. Went with Mr. Avery to the hospitals, and never was such a picture of wretchedness; men not alive and men breathing their last. Slept on the ground.
Thursday, 11. Rainy all day. Visited a number of offi- cers. All look down and gloomy. We want good general- ship.
Friday, 12. Stephen taken unwell. Attend prayers night and morning, and generally sing. Visited the sick in Col. Reed's regiment near us, also the worst cases reported in the smallpox room.
Saturday, 13. Visited the hospitals and other sick. Slept in the tent on ground very well.
Lord's Day, 14. Many sick with camp-distemper. Preached in the Fort. Two chaplains present and numbers from other regiments. Second sermon at 4 o'clock; vast concourse of people. The General and great numbers of the principal officers attended. Preached from Isaiah 6- 7th and 8th verses. Spoke with freedom; drank tea with the General afterward; complimented by -, but may I be more concerned to please God and less to please men. News from New York very good.
Tuesday, 16. At ten embarked for Ticonderoga; head wind; arrived at sunset. Lodged in the fort.
Wednesday, 17. Troubled with constant pains in my stomach. By advice conclude to go to Lake George to visit the sick and the rest of our regiment, which is nearly one- half. Went with Lieut. Doty to the landing. Lodged on some boards on the wharf. Thursday, 18, rained all day. Friday, 19, waited all day for boats.
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Saturday, 20. At nine o'clock set out for Lake George; rowed to Sabbath-day point; then with a fair wind came at a great rate up to Lake George by six o'clock. Saw Mr. Curtiss, and never a man so altered. I wish he may get home; fear he will not get well, if he does not. The Lord directs. Visited one hospital and prayed with the regi- ment at sunset. Capt. Holt in a sad low state.
Lord's Day, 21. Rose early and visited the west hospi- tal so far as I could stand it, but not the rest until night. Never was such a portrait of human misery as in these hos- pitals. Prayed several times. Preached over the other side, A. M., on 'Be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer.' At 4 o'clock preached this side to a great many people. At evening preached again. Visited the hospitals, prayed with the sick; got greatly fatigued.
Monday, 22. Applied myself to my duties; indeed it is too much, but I am carried along. Visited the long hospital this side. P. M., Mr. Spring came and helped me visit the others at night. Called on Col. Reed (who is made Briga. dier), and on his request agreed to serve his regiment with ours as chaplain.
Tuesday, 23. Sent for early to visit Capt. Mann's son; he is near his end. Afterwards advised with the surgeon and agrees to take a vomit directly; tartar emetic; and never was poor mortal more terribly handled, yet not quite come to spasms. Evidently it was very necessary; officers very kind to me. News of French fleet of fifty sail on the coast in consequence of Mr. Dean pledging the public faith of the Continent that Independence be declared.
Wednesday, 24. Sent for early to visit Col. Reed; fear he wont live. Prayed four times this morning with the sick. Deaths have been about five a day for some days past. A great mortality, but not so frequent as has been. Visited Col. Reed again at evening and prayed with him. At nine o'clock at night sent for with Mr. Spring to visit the Prussian General, De Woloke, who was pronounced by the chief doctor to be a dying man. A very singular trial I had. He most earnestly desired that I administer the
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sacrament to him; that he had made his peace with God and nothing remained but to do his last command. I felt that he was deluded. Endeavored to show him that God did not require it; that if he truly believed on the Lord Jesus Christ he would be accepted. He was so weak he could not converse much. I prayed with him and Mr. Spring said the Lord's prayer at his desire, and we left him. Lieut. Riley grows worse.
Thursday, 25. I want a constitution of brass to tarry here and do duty as seems necessary. Very hot, faint weather. Visited Col. Reed, then some of the other sick, but utterly unable to go through the hospital. Conversed with Dr. Potts, who informed me I must instantly take ipecac. The bile was collecting so fast it would throw me into the inflammatory camp disorder. I took a solution of manna, cream of tartar, Senna and anise seed. Had a sick day.
Saturday, 27. Concluded by advice of Dr. Lynn, Col. Buel and Mr. Spring to try to get down a little way into the country. Went in a wagon with Dr. Beebe and Dr. Waterman. Arrived at Fort Edward toward night.
Lord's Day, 28. Sick and had high fever. Was brought in a wagon to Saratoga to Mr. Petit's.
Monday, 29. Was brought in a carriage to Stillwater, where Dr. Merwin attended me, who says my disorder is of the dissolvent, putrid kind. He talked encouragingly, but says no prospect of my being able to return to the camp and to my duties under three or four weeks; and as I could ride a little, recommended me to try to get home. I am peculiarly unfitted to do the duties of a chaplain on account of my bilious constitution. I envy brother Avery his health. He will go through the hospital when pesti- ferous as disease and death can make it with a face as smooth as a baby's and afterward an appetite as healthy as a woodchopper. I cannot; after inhaling such diseased breath am sick and faint. Besides, their sorrows take hold of me. I would not shrink from the work. Our war is a righteous war. Our men are called to defend the country.
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Whole congregations turn out, and the ministers of the gospel should go and encourage them when doing duty; attend and pray for and with them when sick, and bury them when they die. I hope to return to my work."
Mr. Robbins continued his journey homeward.
"Wednesday, 31. Rode in a chair to Albany; then to Greenbush. Friday, reached Sheffield. Saturday, August 3 .- Home, and have I trust a grateful sense of the Divine goodness."
After about two weeks at home, Mr. Robbins felt suffi- ciently improved in health to return to his arduous duties as chaplain in the army, and we will follow him briefly:
"Monday, August 19. Took leave of friends at home to join the regiment. Came in company with Capt. Watson, both of us feeble soldiers.
Tuesday, 20. Came to Kinderhook. Ensign Cowles passed us on another road. We heard of the death of Mr. Curtiss. 21st. Met Major Curtiss, who is very ill. Ar- rived in Albany. 22nd. Proceeded to Saratoga. 23rd. Came on to Fort Edward. Called at Selah's, where was poor Heman Watson, in a distressed condition. Hardly think he will be able to get any farther. Left Capt. Wat- son. Rode with Doctor Potts to Lake George. He told me it was at the risk of my life to go into the hospitals, but if the physician goes why not a minister of the great physi- cian? Mr. Avery is sick.
Saturday, 24. Went to look for my horse, but he was taken without leave.
Lord's Day, 25. Tried to get a boat to pass the lake. Read, sang and prayed with the York forces.
Monday, 26. Very stormy. Visited a poor dying man in the bake house. Wednesday, 28. Visited and prayed with Gen. Reed. He is very low.
Thursday, 29. Made preparations to go to Ticonderoga. Am obliged to go in a heavily loaded boat. Set off at four o'clock; rowed hard ten miles; put in at Darkwest. The savages are prowling about there. Capt. Wright pitched his tent in a thick wood on very wet ground. Very un-
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comfortable in the tents, for it rained a great part of the night. Kindled a fire and sat by it. This is soldier-like; the romance is something, but a poor balance for the fa- tigue and self-denial; but I do not mind it, if I can keep sound in body and clear in voice.
Friday, 30. Off early; was in hopes to reach Ticon- deroga, but fell short seven miles. Some lodged on land, some in the boat.
Saturday, 31. Walked to Ticonderoga; moved over to our brigade at Mount Independence. Found our poor regi- ment like the rest of the brigade, in a down, sickly state. Was cordially received. Visited B. Seward; prayed with him; fear he will die.
Lord's Day, September 1. Visited the sick round about in tents. Preached to the brigade; a serious and attentive audience.
Monday, 2. Visited the rounds; would try to impart consolation and hope, but am often tried; can only direct them to the Redeemer of men. They generally listen to prayer. Went over to Ticonderoga; viewed the encamp- ments of the Pennsylvanians. Politely received by Col. De Haas. Returned at night.
Tuesday, 3. Walked through the whole encampment. The woods swarm with men. Lieut. Converse and Mr. Beach taken sick. There is not one field officer in our bri- gade, except Major Sedgwick, who is not sick. News of the death of Mr. Barnum of Pittsfield.
Wednesday, 4. Cols. Porter and Gratton quite low. At night prayed and sang with the brigade. This exercise is often held on the parade ground, when the music march up and the drummers lay their drums in a very neat style in two rows, one above the other.
Thursday, 5. This day I am thirty-six years old. Thus kindly preserved, but alas, how useless!
Friday, 6. Enjoy through great mercy good health in the midst of sickness and death all around me. Col. Swift's regiment came up. Saw Lieut. Watson. News of a terri- ble fight of our fleet down the lake.
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Saturday, 7. General orders this morning for every offi- cer and soldier throughout the army that is well to turn out on fatigue and prepare for the enemy.
Lord's Day, 8. Our regiment in a most miserable con- dition. I could wish they were all dismissed. Visited this day tent by tent, and could not pass one single tent among the soldiers wherein there were not one or more sick. At night attended the funeral of B. Seward. There is some- thing more than ordinarily solemn and touching in our funerals, especially an officer's; swords and arms inverted; others with their arms folded across their breast, stepping slowly to the beat of muffled drum. I endeavor to say something that will lead to meditation, but only a word.
Monday, 9. Spent considerable part of the day with Col. Burrall, who is really very ill. Visited and prayed with the sick in their tents.
Tuesday, 10. Capt. Burrall has come; concludes to take the old Col. home if he can. We all advise it, as his life is in danger here. The groans of the distressed in the camp are really affecting. Capt. Troop very poorly; so is Capt. Austin; only Capt. Watson left. Not fifty men really fit for duty. The Major is disheartened in trying to turn out men according to the requisition made.
Wednesday, 11. The Major and I escorted the Colonel down to the water side. He is truly weak and it is doubt- ful whether he gets home.
Friday, 13. My heart is grieved as I visit the poor sol- diers. Such distress and miserable accommodations. One very sick youth from Mass. asked me to save him if pos- sible. Says, 'I cannot die; do pray for me. Will you not send for my mother? If she were here to nurse me I could get well. She was opposed to my enlisting; I am now very sorry; do let her know I am sorry.'
Saturday, 14. After all our attempts to get the sick away, yet could not obtain consent. Several in our regi- ment must die, I think. In Bond's regiment, by returns today, 197 sick, besides those absent, and 40 only that are well. Went with the Doctor from tent to tent through
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the whole regiment; examined all, and the Major and Doc- tor certified that sixteen of the worst cases could be moved to Fort George, and Captain Austin obtained of the Gen- eral, permission.
Lord's Day, 15. At one o'clock our poor sick went off; 16 of them for Fort George. I fear sundry of them will never reach home. Went with Mr. Breck to visit Rev. Mr. Emerson, who is very low.
Wednesday, 18. Saw four deserters of Col. Porter's regi- ment flogged. Heard that Col. Burrall was not likely to get home. It appears that Col. Gratton must die. Visited Col. Maxwell, a man of handsome manners, as are most of the officers.
Friday, 20. Greater number at prayers than ever, and a very perceptible gain in health.
Saturday, 21. General orders appear today for tomor- row, that all labor, etc., shall cease. Divine service to be attended at eleven o'clock in every brigade. I am sorry the appointment is on the Sabbath, but it is a southern custom.
Lord's Day, 22. Attended divine service on the parade ground; a convenient place built up for me; the whole bri- gade under arms attended, and great numbers of other officers and spectators. I preached from Daniel 5-23, with great freedom and plainness. A very attentive audience. The officers and soldiers observed the Sabbath in such a manner that it seemed more like a Sabbath day than any I have seen in the army.
Tuesday, 24. Am threatened with the camp distemper, which is a dreadful disease here. Mr. Hitchcock invites me to preach on the other side on the Sabbath to Gen. , Briket's brigade. News not so good from New York as heard: the city evacuated.
Lord's Day, 29. Was roused last night by a violent shower. The roof leaked, and it poured in upon our bed. Some company at home very disagreeable for the Sabbath. No exercises nor evening prayers.
Monday, 30. Visited the sick. Prayed at night with
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the brigade. Sometimes Tibbals, who strikes the drum ad- mirably, gives it a touch at the right time when we are singing. It is beautiful harmony. A soft fife is also an addition.
Tuesday, October 1. Thus one month rolls on after an- other. It was expected the enemy would most certainly come by this time, and now they are looked for in one fortnight more, after which there will be no probability of their coming.
Wednesday, 2. Have something of the camp distemper, but not the distressing pains many have. Kept my bed. Spikenard, I believe, is of special service in this disorder.
Lord's Day, 6. Feel much better today. Mr. Breck preached A. M. Mr. Tennent P. M. I concluded with prayer.
Wednesday, 9. A number of sick soldiers went over the lake. Samuel Mills very poorly.
Lord's Day, 13. Agreed to preach, tho' feeble. Attended at eleven o'clock, but the attention of the people taken up by a smart cannonading from the fleets which began in the morning. At noon express arrived with accounts of the battle on Friday down the Lake. All the camp alarmed. Towards night the whole army drawn up to the lines to take the alarm posts. Five vessels that were left of the fleet came in in a shattered condition. The rest are destroyed. This evening Col. Buel came.
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