USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Norfolk > History of Norfolk, Litchfield County, Connecticut, 1744-1900 > Part 9
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Among the manuscripts left by Dr. Eldridge is the fol- lowing Revolutionary War record of Mr. John Strong, which was furnished Dr. Eldridge by Mr. . James M. Cowles, the year unfortunately not being given. Mr. Strong, after the Revolutionary War, came to Norfolk and lived until
1
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his death, in 1846, at the age of 86, on the farm and in the house now the home of Mrs. Thomas Tibbals, adjoining Dr. Dennis' summer residence on the north. He left his prop- erty to the town of Norfolk, having no children, his wife having died the year previous to his death. The annual interest of this "Strong Fund" is about $130, as the recent town reports show. Mr. Cowles wrote as follows:
"The following is from Mr. Strong, taken down by myself the 5th of March last:
"Mr. John Strong enlisted into the army in March, 1776, being then between 16 and 17 years of age. He was one of 100 men from Torrington and Litchfield, all volunteers; Col. Beebe of Litchfield, then our Captain; Jesse Cook of Torringford, Lieutenant. Went directly to New York and remained there three weeks, and then was stationed in New Jersey after the taking of Fort Washington. Our suffering was intense; many of our number died. From October to the 1st of January we had no shelter to sleep under but the canopy of heaven. About December 20th the snow fell to a great depth, which added much to our suffering. Previous to this fall of snow many a night I have marched in the rain with the water and mud half leg deep. Was one that escaped when Fort Washington was taken by the British, when about 500 of the Americans were captured. Was near when Andre was captured, and many times was placed guard over him; was within ten or twelve feet of him when hung. Have often gone forty-eight hours without food, and then but partially supplied with Indian meal. Snow was so deep it took me seventeen days to get home.
"In August, 1777, I went again to New Jersey; was there eight months. The British were stationed at this time in New York; about the time of the taking of Burgoyne and of the arrival of the French troops with General Lafayette for their commander. In 1778 was ordered to White Plains as minute man, and from there to Bergen Point, within a half mile of the British army. After this was stationed in Peekskill until my time of service expired."
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"The annexed Companies marched from the towns in Connecticut for the relief of Boston in the Lexington Alarm, April, 1775.
"Norfolk, Captain Timothy Gaylord, 24 men.
Simsbury, Captain Amos Wilcox, 25 men.
Hartford, Captain Abraham Sedgwick, 33 men.
New Haven, Captain Hezekiah Dickerman, 9 men."
(Norfolk was certainly well represented.)
"Money paid by Connecticut to the inhabitants of Nor- folk for their services and expenses in the Lexington Alarm in April, 1775, per order of the Assembly, £66 9s. 2d.
(Hinman's Rev. War.)
"On the 16th of September, 1776, Ebenezer Mack and Levi Barnum of Norfolk were confined in one room at Hali- fax among felons, thieves, negroes, etc."
(Hinman's Rev. War.)
One main purpose of this Revolutionary war history is the hope of giving those who may read it now, and those who will come after us, some adequate idea of who and what kind of men and women our ancestors, the early settlers of this town were, by recounting some of their labors, suffer- ings and hardships in settling and establishing these our homes and this our government.
We sometimes speak in praise of our Revolutionary sires, and possibly imagine that we realize what they endured in order that this might be the land of the free, but I believe very few of us have even the slightest conception of the sacrifices made, the sufferings endured, the privations ex- perienced, the pain, the sorrow, the anguish borne by tens of thousands in the army, on the battle field, in the hos- pitals, in the tents of the sick, the wounded, the dying, in those days and nights of agony, lying on the ground, without food, clothing or shelter, longing for home and for the loving ministry of a dear mother's hand to cool the fevered brow and quench the burning thirst. The "Jour- nal" kept by Rev. Ammi R. Robbins of this town, Chap- lain in the army, from March until November, 1776, gives such a vivid picture of all these things, the real life and
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experience of those soldiers as he saw it, endured it, and was himself almost crushed by it during those eight months in the campaign toward Quebec, where he stood with the men, helping them bear their heavy burdens,-preaching the gospel to them, nursing, comforting, praying with them when sick and suffering, pointing them when dying to the only source of light, the Redeemer of men,-for these rea- sons part of this Journal is given here, though much con- densed, believing that it will give all who may ever read it a better, fuller idea of what our fathers suffered and our liberties cost them than we have ever had before.
Extracts from the "Journal of the Rev. Ammi R. Rob- bins, a chaplain in the American Army, in the Northern Campaign of 1776."
"A brief Journal of some of the more remarkable events in my tour to Canada."
"Monday, March 18, 1776. Took an affectionate leave of home; came to Canaan; met the Colonel and proceeded with a considerable retinue to Sheffield. Rev. Mr. Farrand (of Canaan) accompanied us. He and I dined at brother Keep's (Rev. John Keep of Sheffield). Had a most agree- able interview; prayed together and parted, in the most tender and friendly manner. Very bad riding, but pro- ceeded to Coles' in Nobletown. Lodged comfortably.
Tuesday, 19. Rose early, and in company rode five miles to breakfast, cheerful and comfortable. Proceeded to Kin- derhook, thence to Greenbush, put out our horses, crossed the river at dark and came into Albany.
Wednesday, 20. Found Colonel Buel and Major Sedg- wick; agreed to put up with them. Drew our provisions and lodged on the floor on my mattress. May I be thankful for such comfortable entertainment. Went twice this day to visit and pray with a poor soldier of the Pennsylvania Regiment, under sentence of death. He appeared much affected, but dreadfully ignorant.
Thursday, 2. All the troops drawn up on the parade and the prisoner brought out blindfolded to his execution, when the General (Schuyler) stepped forth and in a moving and striking speech pardoned the criminal.
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Friday, 22. We attend prayer with the regiment morn- ing and evening. Rode five miles to see a sick soldier. I have much respect shown me by all the officers.
Saturday, 23. Cannon arrived from New York to go for- ward. Walked and visited the sick. A trustee of the Pres- byterian Church waited on me with a request to preach to- morrow. Consented if soldiers admitted.
Lord's Day, 24. Prayed in the family, then on parade with the regiment. At 10g went to church. Used great plainness; a large assembly and very attentive.
Monday, 25. After prayers visited four sick soldiers. We drink no spirits at all, and I think it best unless I have more fatigue.
Tuesday, 26. Went up to Stillwater. Saw our people at Stillwater, who seemed exceedingly rejoiced at my com- ing. Returned with Dr. Swift to Albany.
Thursday, 28. After prayers attended the execution of a sentence of court martial upon three poor Pennsylvania soldiers, who received thirty-nine lashes each. The whole army drawn up; the army marched round the city; a formi- dable appearance.
Friday, 29. Viewed the movements of the Jersey and Pennsylvania troops in a large field; visited sick soldiers.
Lord's Day, 31. Attended again in the Presbyterian Church. A. M., preached on Christian Armor; P. M., "If Thy presence go not up with me, carry me not up hence." Great assembly; sundry Jersey and Penn. officers and others; Gen. Schuyler's family and aid-de-camp all day. Was enabled to speak with great freedom, blessed be God. Visited the sick at the barracks; was amazingly shocked to see the wickedness of the people of the city and the land on the Sabbath. Returned to my quarters excessively weary and spent. Col. B. is a kind father, brother and dear companion to me.
Monday, April 1. Slept well and feel greatly strength- ened. Attended a funeral of one of Capt. Troop's company; the third that has died in the regiment.
Wednesday, 3. We received orders to proceed. I came
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in a bateau to Half-Moon, in company with Col. Buel. Marched on foot with the Colonel and under officers to Stillwater, 12 miles; not greatly fatigued.
Friday, 5. Proceeded in a bateau up the river from Still- water; arrived at night at Saratoga.
Saturday, 6. All our people at and near the landing. Col. Buel and I set out and came to Fort Edward.
Lord's Day, 7. Rose early, walked four miles to break- fast. We walked moderately, soldiers scattering along; no other refreshment for eleven miles than brook water. When within four miles of Lake George stopped to view the place of the fight in the year 1755, and the manner of Col. Whi- ting's retreat. Saw where Col. Williams was killed, old Hendrick, etc. At 4 P. M. arrived at Lake George. At eve sundry officers and soldiers came up; gave a word of exhor- tation, sung and prayed near the water; the poor carpenters very attentive and solemn. Fort William Henry is so gone that scarcely any traces are left. Fort George is a small stone fort, with a convenient brick barrack in the midst, containing six rooms for soldiers. The lake is much less than I expected, environed with high, craggy mountains; a convenient wharf at the end and a large number of fine bateaux about it; barracks built for the accommodations of several regiments of soldiers. The ice is very rotten and we hope will be gone in eight or ten days. Col. Buel has the command here till we proceed down the lake to Ticon- deroga.
Monday, 8. Breakfast with Col. Buel and two gentle- men of Montreal, one of whom is just arrived from Eng- land. There are about a hundred new and large bateaux and many more in building. Walked over to see the ruins of Fort William Henry, the French lines, etc. Prayed and sung at night in the large new barrack; great numbers attended. This day two companies of Pennsylvania troops came in and sundry of ours. Numbers are left sick on the road; two or three here are very sick. How easy 'tis for God to bless or blast our designs.
Wednesday, 10. The ice on the lake wastes fast. Visited
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Captain Watson's company, who live in tents by the east mountain. Our troops come in thick.
(Capt. Watson was a Norfolk man, and quite a number of Norfolk men were in his company. It is much to be regretted that 'rolls incomplete' is true of Capt. Watson's company, as also of this, Colonel Burrall's Regiment, in this campaign.)
Thursday, 11. It rained hard all night; high winds this morning; the lake opens fast. News today of the taking of a large prize by the American fleet which was going to the southward; six hundred barrels of powder and two hun- dred cannon. News of Gen. Spencer with five regiments coming after us-rejoicing-at night Gen. Schuyler arrived.
Lord's Day, 14. Preached A. M. from Isa. 27-45; P. M., Malachi 3-2. Gen. Thomas and most all the officers of the army present,-very attentive. This day Lieut. Gaylord died, ten miles from here on his way home; the fourth in our regiment. May the living lay it to heart.
Monday, 15. General court-martial. Capt. Watson to be tried, accused of disorder by Esq. Smith of Fort Edward. Is acquitted with honor. Gen. Schuyler gave me the offer to go in what boat I pleased to Canada. Col. Burrall and Dr. Sutton arrived. General orders today that our regi- ment be ready to march in the front.
Friday, 19. We had orders to march; arose very early; at ten o'clock embarked in the rear of our regiment; came to twelve mile island, and then with amazing fatigue, almost discouraged, we broke through the ice by inches. The weather cold and inclement, but towards night got through the ice to the narrows, and with a fine gale came to Sabbath-day point at dark, where we encamped, twenty- four miles from Fort George. I lodged in a tent on the ground, but had a bed. Feared it would be attended with bad consequences, as the ground was so wet and cold, but rested comfortably.
Saturday, 20. Rose early; we breakfasted, met at the water, sung and prayed, then set off for the landing at the mouth of Lake George. Landed at 11 o'clock P. M .; the
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army was in motion unloading and lading the carriages for Ticonderoga, which is three miles off. I walked with the Major over to Ty .; found a room; we moved in, supped and slept well. Here are great and surprising works of the French still to be seen. A most advantageous point of land on which the Fort stands, which seems to be the center to command South Bay, Lake Champlain and Lake George. A few New York forces stationed here, but oh, 'tis impossible to describe the profaneness and wickedness of some of these men. It would be a dreadful hell to live with such creatures forever.
Lord's Day, 21. It don't feel like Sabbath day, but I can't forget it; none seem to know or think anything about it. 'Tis terrible to be sick in the army; such miserable accommodations. It is enough to kill a man's spirit when first taken to go into the hospital. I moved to have a lecture at least today, but 'tis discouraging,-no time or leisure for anything. Walked to a house where I found a woman reading to her husband. It did me good to see anybody serious and remembering in any degree the Sab- bath. Talked and prayed with them; returned towards night; viewed the place of Abercrombie's defeat in 1758. Saw many holes where the dead were flung in, and num- bers of human bones,-thigh, arms, etc.,-above ground. Oh, the horrors of war. I never so much longed for the day to approach when men shall learn war no more, and the lion and lamb lie down together.
Monday, 22. Spent some time in conversation with Col. Shreve, a very valuable man. He with the other officers talked together, and he begged me not to engage with another regiment, but since I was like to have the care of two, to supply them. Col. Buel received orders to com- mand at St. John's, and is appointed Aid to the General .. Rose early, visited the hospitals, prayed with the sick. At- tended the funeral of one of Capt. Swift's men; his com- pany present; gave a serious exhortation at the grave and prayed.
Wednesday, 24. General orders today for all to embark tomorrow morning.
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Thursday, 25. Rose very early, all in the utmost hurry, preparing to embark. Hoisted sail at ten o'clock for St. Johns; arrived at Crown Point at three o'clock; walked round and viewed the fort, barracks, etc .; amazing works. Came to Basin Harbor, spread our tents; lodged very com- fortably.
Friday, 26. Rose at daybreak and with the Jersey regi- ment proceeded; with a fair gale came to Split Rock; passed, with a fine wind, to the Four Brothers; wind right ahead and boisterous sea; arrived at four o'clock at Cum- berland Head, 55 miles from Crown Point. The lake very wide. Looks like Long Island Sound, with islands in it.
Saturday, 27. Slept well in tent last night; drank tea and at five o'clock pushed off. This is a most level, beauti- ful country; no mountains; excellent land. Passed along the Grand Island, 30 miles in length. At noon arrived at Point-au-Fere, the white house; landed half an hour, catched a morsel and put off. A fine gale brought us into the Narrow Lake, where 'tis not half a mile wide. Came past Isle Aux-Noix, where were to be seen ruins of the old French fortifications, which mounted a great number of cannon. Wind rose from the south, by means of which we went with great rapidity. The lake is now a narrow, straight river. Arrived at St. Johns at 6 P. M. Thus have we come the length of Champlain, 135 miles, in three days. St. Johns has a garrison of 100 men, under Capt. Walker. Supped and lodged well in our markee. The lake here be- comes a river with a swift current down to Chamblee; the country round very level and good, but the inhabitants in general but a little above a state of heathenism. Montreal lies 25 miles to the west. Capt. Stevens is gone to join Col. Beadle at the Cedars, 40 miles west of Montreal, and Col. Buel, with three companies, is to be here and at Cham- blee; the rest to proceed, so that we are like to be very much broken and scattered, and the prospects at Quebec look very dark. Oh, that I may be enabled to trust in God and not be afraid; tho' the earth be removed and nations die, Jehovah lives and reigns, and blessed be my Rock.
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Lord's Day, 28. Walked out for retirement; had pleasing views of the glorious day of universal peace and spread of the gospel through this vast extended country, which has been for ages the dwelling of Satan and reign of Anti- christ. At ten o'clock we went with our pilot down the rapids, and 'tis truly astonishing that a bateau can live in such places. Arrived safe at Chamblee at one o'clock; found Capt. Benedict, who received me with great kind- ness. He has been under an arrest by Col. Hazen from the 11th inst. I hope to know the issue of his trial; live with him in a convenient room. This evening Col. Burrall ar- rived. At sunset, by request, went and gave a word of exhortation and prayed with the Jersey regiment on the parade. Officers and soldiers very solemn. Many boats arrived today.
Monday, 29. Jersey regiment set off for Quebec. Cham- blee is a beautiful small town, situated round a large bay. We are detained for the cannon to be brought from St. Thrace. The gundalow has come down the rapids with five large ones; the rest come by land. Second battalion of Pennsylvanians arrived, to go on tomorrow. Terrible storm of wind and rain. The bateaux were much exposed and the powder, but the men exerted themselves to their utmost and it was secured. Towards morning snowed; weather very cold.
Wednesday, May 1. Remarkably cold for this season of the year. Col. Buel gone to Gen. Arnold at Montreal. Un- happy disputes between him and Col. Hazen. The cannon all come. The commissioners are at Montreal, who lay plans of operations. Things look dark; we seem in an enemy's country, and if defeated at Quebec we are sur- rounded with foes on every side. It is a great consolation that the Lord Jehovah reigns and orders all the events of war and will take care of his own cause.
Thursday, 2. Weather more pleasant. Col, Hazen dis- agrees with Col. Burrall; warm dispute. He orders Col. Burrall to embark directly and leave the powder and can- non till further orders. He refuses; sends off an express to
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Arnold at Montreal. Lieut. Col. Allen embarked this morn- ing with six companies of his battalion. Col. Buel arrived from Montreal, and at eve Gen. Arnold, who orders the gundalow to be mounted with cannon, etc. The train, Capt. Bigelow, arrived this evening; received a letter from home by J. Lawrence.
Friday, 3. Rose early. Col. Buel received positive in- structions from Gen. Arnold, with warm words and threats, to proceed. He obeyed, but despatched an express to Gen. Schuyler. All embarked at 12 o'clock and with a fine gale. Had the most pleasant sail I ever was in, without the least need of rowing. Came in Capt. Watson's boat with the Major. We passed St. George's, 20 miles from Chamblee, at 2} o'clock, so that we ran at a great rate. The country is the most pleasant I ever saw; small houses but close to the river each side; perfectly level from the banks, which are about six and eight feet from the water. 'Tis grievous and affecting to see the superstition. Five miles from St. Georges we passed St. Dennis, where is a church and nun- nery. Saw the nuns at the door as we passed. Smart wind; we go at the rate of six or seven miles an hour. Stopped at Col. Duggan's, who is engaged in the service; gone to Montreal. His wife can't speak a word of English, but very friendly and polite; a little son interprets.
Saturday, 4. At sunrise embarked. We passed the mouth of the Sorrell, where is another beautiful town; then entered the Grand Lake. Side wind; very rough. I never had so clear an idea of the hazards and fatigues of sailors and soldiers as this day. The sea made me very sick; vomited till I could vomit no more. Sundry sick on board; with great difficulty put away to the leeward into the Bay of St. Anthony. Came to the Senior De Jacy, who enter- tained us exceeding kindly. Supped on tea; refreshed, hav- ing eaten nothing for twenty-four hours. By leave of the man of the house I gave a word of exhortation; we sung and prayed.
Lord's Day, 5. As cold last night as it is with us in New England in March. At nine o'clock wind died away; set
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out; met with four boats who lay in the drowned land all night. Capt. Parmelee lost his masts. This part of the river is called Wide Lake. You can't see across. We passed the mouth of the Great Lake, which is five miles wide, where a river comes in from the east. Landed on the south shore and waited for other boats to come up. Some passed the night in the boats in the drowned land, with great fatigue, but no lives lost. Discoursed to the people in our boat on the millennium. Took refreshment and sailed down to Trois Rivieres, where all put in the barracks. 'Tis a beautiful town, about as large as Plymouth; situated on the river. Some troops stationed here. Discouraging news from Que- bec about small-pox. Our soldiers come back in great numbers on our near approach to headquarters.
Monday, 6. Rose early and embarked, wind ahead. Rowed heavily under the banks of the north shore. The river in general about four miles wide. Met three or four vessels; no news. The north shore is good land, cultivated and inhabited all along, but the opposite looks like a deso- late wilderness. Vast cakes and bodies of ice. Very cold; equal to winter this morning; at noon very calm; passed troops every five or six miles, but the river very wide. Ex- ercised with sickness; vomiting severely, very weak. At sunset arrived at Dechambalt, where our orders were to stop. Found an intrenchment begun. Went to bed in the parsonage house.
Tuesday, 7. We were alarmed at 2 o'clock this morning by two expresses from Quebec, giving account of the arrival of the fleet, fifteen sail, who yesterday came along by Que- bec. Our poor, feeble, sickly army is obliged to retreat with great precipitancy. Great numbers sick with the small-pox we had to leave, and some others. The ships pursuing up the river, firing at our army on the land and in the bateaux. This is the most terrible day I ever saw. God of armies, help us. Three ships came near by us, firing as they came, and our boats and people in a scattered con- dition coming up. Distress and anxiety in every counte- nance. The small-pox thick among us from the poor fugi-
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tives that come up. We are in hourly expectation of the ships attacking us,-our boats, provisions, etc. The whole conspired to give an idea of distress. At 11 o'clock Gen. Thomas came up and immediately a council of war was called, Gen. Wooster present and a great number of gentle- men. The result is to retreat with the whole army back to the river Sorrel (130 miles), as in case of a defeat here 'twould be absolutely fatal. Saw Rev. Mr. Evans, Mr. Spring, etc., brother chaplains, worn out with fatigue. Many officers lost all, to the clothes on their backs. Gen. Wooster goes by water with the boats. Gen. Thomas brings up the rear by land. All the men except enough for rowing and the invalids go by land. I am very much weak- ened with the disorder that has attended me these four days past. Am obliged to go by water. Gen. Wooster is as kind to me as a father. We set sail at sunset, the other boats to follow; came several leagues; ran on the reefs twice, but through mercy no damage. Wind high and current strong, but with great difficulty put into the east shore. Went up the high banks to a house at 2 o'clock and slept two hours. The boatmen sing a very pretty air to "Row the boat, row," which ran in my head when half asleep, nor could I put it entirely out of mind amid all our gloom and terror, with the water up to my knees as I lay in the boat. My difficulty was, one passage I could not get.
Wednesday, 8. Wind ahead, but a mercy to the army, as the ships can't proceed. We rowed against wind and strong current about ten miles and put up in a convenient house at 2 o'clock; dined and tried to rest. Wind so strong concluded to tarry the night; slept, but often waked by the sentinels.
Thursday, 9. Rose early, breakfasted and set off at seven o'clock. Calm, but sailing slow against the current; sev- eral boats in sight and men on shore. Came to Trois Rivi- eres at dark in a very thick fog. Supped and lodged; i. e., one nap of three hours. Great are the fatigues of our march.
Friday, 10. Very calm weather, and 'tis a great mercy,
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