USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 21
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
15th was a day of sore battle. "The regulars landed on the Island of York both on the North and East Rivers on Sabbath day morning." and Putnam's division was forced to make a hasty retreat. Many Windham County men were slain, taken prisoners, disabled by wounds, and cut down by indulgence or exposure. Captain Stephen Crosby of Thompson, Conn .. Third battalion, Company 5, " being over hot went into a house and drank cold water. and died immediately. Lient. Buck was either killed or taken. and other Killingly men."* Artillery and military stores were left in the hands of the enemy. Nothing but the extraordinary exertions of Putnam and the beguiling courtesies of a quick-witted patriot lady who detained the pursuit, saved his division from far greater loss, if not annihilation or capture.
Exhausted by their hurried flight. chilled by a severe shower and sudden change of temperature. " their hearts sunk within them by the loss of baggage, artillery and works in which they had been taught to put great confidence." the escaped soldiers " lay upon their arms, covered only by the clouds of an uncomfortable sky." Before day- light Knowlton was ont with his Rangers, endeavoring to ascertain the exact position of the British. This distinguished corps had been formally organized since the retreat from Long Island. and now em- braced volunteer officers and men from several of the New England regiments, ready to engage in scouting or any special service at a moment's warning Captains Nathan Hale. Stephen Brown. Thomas Grosvenor, and many other gallant and faithful men made up this heroic band. On this very night or a few hours previous, Hale had manifested his patriotic devotion by volunteering to go out alone within the enemy's lines to learn something more detinite of their position and movements. Knowlton soon came upon the enemy's pickets about a mile below the American lines, and engaged in a brisk little fight with their advanced guard, " gave them nine rounds and retreated " in good order, though with a loss of ten of his Rangers.
The good conduct of the handful of men engaged in this brief ren- contre. the insolence of their pursuers who now appeared in open sight blowing their bugle-horns as if on a fox chase, and the oppor- tunity of redeeming the disgrace of the previous day, led Washington to attempt to effeet their capture. A detachment of volunteers made a demonstration in the front of the enemy, while Knowlton with his Rangers, and three Virginia companies under Major Andrew Leitch, "stole around to the rear of the enemy." The movement was success- ful. The Americans behaved with great spirit and steadiness. " charg- ing the enemy with great intrepidity, beating them in open fight and
* Letter from Thomas Dike to his parents.
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driving them everywhere before them. and at last making an orderly retreat when a large body of British was put in motion. This unexpected success, which greatly inspirited the troops and restored the confidence of the officers. was purchased by the sacrifice of two most valued leaders-Leitch and Knowlton. Hurrying after the flying enemy in the first eagerness of pursuit. Leitch was severely wounded, and " a bullet pierced Knowlton's body." " My poor Colonel." wrote Captain Brown, "was shot just by my side. The ball entered the small of his back. I took hold of him. asked him if he was badly wounded. He told me he was : but says he. . I do not value my life if we do but get the day." He desired me by all means to keep up this flank. He seemed as unconcerned and calm as though nothing had happened to him." He was carried from the field by Sergeant Nehe- miah Holt, assisted by General Joseph Reed. "Gasping in the agonies of death, all his enquiry was if we had drove the eneiny." and his dying charge to his young son-" You can do me no good : go. fight for your country." His death was a great loss to the army. All felt with Washington, that a gallant and brave officer. " who would have been an honor to any country." had fallen. Gifted with uncommon military genius and many noble and attractive qualities. he had given his whole heart and energies to the patriot cause. " The favorite of superior officers. the idol of his soldiers and fellow-town-men. he fell universally lamented." Washington and Putnam regarded him with peculiar fondness. and even the fastidious and world-experienced Aaron Burr was tenderly drawn to him, and pronounced him one whom it was impossible to promote too rapidly. He was buried on the following day. September 17. near the spot where he fell. on Harlem Heights. with firing of artillery and customary military honor -. his beloved chaplain. Abiel Leonard. officiating in the religions service. A brother colonel present expressed his sympathy in impromptu verse :-
" Here Knowlton lies-the great. the good. the brave : Slain on the field. now triumphs in the grave. Thus falls the valiant in the martial strife- The coward lives, his punishment is life."
Another noble son of Connecticut. and Windham County.+ sent out by Knowlton on the night preceding his own decease. met hi- untimely fate a few days later with equal heroism, regretting only that be " had but one life to give for his country." One in service and devotion. death did not long divide them. and they left behind thein names that shall never perish.
* Captain Nathan Hale.
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
These losses and disasters carried mourning and consternation to every household in Windham County. Ashford was stricken to the heart at the loss of its honored Knowlton, even the man called his only enemy weeping over him as for a brother. Many other homes had been bereaved and desolated ; many children left orphans. Most of the slain were men in the prime of life with wives and children depend- ent on them. Colonel Knowlton left eight living children ; Captain Crosby of Thompson, six. Widows lost their only sons; fathers those on whom they had hoped to lean. There was wailing for the dead and intense anxiety for the living. Some were " missing," their fate left to harrowing conjecture; some were prisoners, incarcerated in the sugar-house or prison-ship ; many were sick and wounded, suffering every imaginable discomfort. Disease was raging in the crowded camps and devastating the retreating army. Every post and messenger brought tidings of fresh calamity. Thomas Dike of Thompson, writes to his parents, that his brother Samuel is missing :-
" The last account I had of him he was sick and in the hospital . . . and came that day up to the regiment, but being weak could not travel any farther. and several of the company told me that there were carriages provided to earry the sick that could not travel over to the Jersey side, among which was Sergeant Jesse Larned, who is since dead, Samuel Dike, Amos Green and many others.
Colonel Williams' regiment [Eleventh militia] is ordered off to the Jersey side, and we expect to go from here to-day. It is very sickly among the militia. William Smith and Ebenezer Nichols we left behind. Solomon Smith and John Barret must stop here or return back. The Lord be merciful to us all for we have got where the inhabitants show no pity. I beg your prayers for me that I may be preserved from sin, sickness and sword, and be soon returned to my family and friends. Remember me to Mr. Howard and his wife. Tell them that I have not heard from their brothers. Tell my little children I long to see them, but when I shall I cannot tell. It is all confusion here.
Westchester, September 20, 1776."
Simon Larned writes of the death of his brother Jesse -.
" I saw him at Saturday noon, September 14. and he said he thought he could stand it to be moved, as he did, but being so very weak it must worry him much. He died Sabbath-day night and had his senses perfectly well till he died, and seemed to leave the world very well composed. While he was in York, I never failed of going to see him onee and twice a day, and spared no pains to get him everything in my power to make him comfortable. . . I am something poorly myself but not so but I keep about, and I hope it is nothing more than a bad cold. I saw Killingly company and they seemed to be in good spirits."
Fears for the patriot cause aggravated their personal anxieties. Pressed on every side, there was little hope that the army could main- tain its position. From Oliver Grosvenor, commissary of Colonel Wil- liams' regiment, came vivid pictures of the situation :-
" BERGEN, Monday, 2 P. M., September 23.
This minute the men-of-war landed on Panlus' Hook where I was yesterday at this time, which was immediately after our arrival here, which was within
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ten minutes after I got off my horse. There was an alarm and our com- panies not all got in. Those that had immediately marched down to Paulus' Hook, which is about one mile and a half from our encampments which we made last night about sundown; and now this minute the cannon begin to roar like thunder, and the drums beating to arms, there- upon you'll excuse me from adding more, for how can I write when I expect immediately to be called to action? for fight we must or else retreat six or eight miles up North River, as this is a neck of land something like New York, and we expect they will try to land above ns to cut off our retreat and the Lord only knows how it will fare with us. We have no fort now to retreat to near us. Colonel Durkee's regiment left the fort at Paulny' Hook on the approach of the men-of-war, having brought their cannon and bag- gage. The greatest confusion here. I have not had time to sit down one minute to-day, and much fatigned with yesterday's alarm, riding from this place to Paulus' Hook to and from in the utmost haste to get a little bread and liquor to our people that were called for before they sat down to rest one minute. God's name be praised that I am so well as to contribute my assistance to our friends fatigued in their march and numbers unwell. Our tents are their hospitals on the ground with blankets, not having time last night to get straw for them or ourselves. Payson Grosvenor is very sick, not like to live by what I hear. Young Dr. Lord is quite poorly to-day. My kind regards to all. As to my affair- at home I think nothing of them. I hope, God willing, to return home safe after some time. From your loving, tender husband,
OLIVER GROSVENOR." October 3, 1776.
Beloved Wife .- As I have opportunity by Post Morris this day (tho' but a day or two since I wrote), It gives me some ease tho' I am unwell, taken last evening with the common and almost universal disorder, camp-ail -had a very uncomfortable night, being obliged to be abroad several time in the night, occasioned by the sick of the regiment crowding into my room, not being able to get in anywhere except into the church which has no fire- place, and the soldiers choose rather to be in their tents than to go into it, let the consequences be what it will, and I must either forbid everyone or admit the whole, which consisted last night of more than twenty sick and nurses. Six of them took vomits and continued to vomit all night long without any intermission, it being in the room where I slept. I never saw such a night before and is like to be worse; the sick daily increases in num- bers; some companies not more than two or three in their returns fit for duty ; the rest sick and taking care of the sick. We have carried a number out of the church to Newark also have sent a number up to the skirts of the town two or three miles back; also we have a number now in the church, several of them very dangerous.
I expect to be worse before I am better but am not at all discour- aged, hoping in a few days to inform you of my better state of health through the goodness of God, who wounds and heals again, and demand- the praise due to his name for common mercies, more especially for signal deliverances.
The above wrote in the morning when better able to write than now. I am exercised at present with hard pain in my head as well as elsewhere and feel the symptoms of a fever coming on which I fear more, and renders more difficult and discouraging, as there is no conveniency or care for those sick. The concern for each other here appears far less than what we commonly exercise for the brute beasts at home. It is not in my power to paint to you the doleful scenes I behold every hour; neither did I believe that rational creatures could be divested of that humanity that I find they are subject to in the camps, where sickness and sin so much prevails Alas for our land which now mourns beneath the horrors and distress of the present war. This I write Friday evening. I have been much to day as I was yesterday as to the headache, but otherwise better; so well that I was obliged to make provision for the whole regiment since dark, as the General gave ont orders this afternoon to have each one provided for three days provision immediately and to have it cooked. But where designed or for what purpose is yet a secret. Six of our regiment have died since the day before yesterday, and now there are a number I expect to hear are dead in the morning."
22
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
"FORT CONSTITUTION, October 19.
Through the still preserving and upholling power and goodness of God, I am in that degree of health that renders me in some measure comfortable. I have not eat two pounds of meat this fortnight. I have no relish for it. I get some milk, make some chocolate and coffee, but nothing suits me so well as roasted potatoes and apples. Cheese I want and cheese I can get, but the bread that we have baked here is so high-seasoned with leaven I cannot eat it, I have such an aversion to it. I often think of and long for a crust of brown bread, but not one morsel have I cat since I left West Haven, but thus mneh for my hankerings after those things I have not. It appears quite uncertain whether we shall be dismissed soon ; rather think now that the fate or salvation of our land is near at hand; or, in other words, that there will be a sore battle fought before this comes to hand, and very like to me within 48 hours. You'll hear before I write you of the enemy's landing yesterday at New Rochelle, and of the skirmish that followed. Our people, I think, intend to evaenate the whole island of New York entirely. as they have already carried off the heft of the artillery. Some of our people have been haleing up the cannon and mortars brought over this side this evening.
Brother Ezra is well, tho' those that are their duty is very hard. Every other day, and some days when they go on fatigue in the forenoon, they are taken to go on guard in the afternoon perhaps for two or three days. I wrote Lemnel a letter this week by Corbin, who lives at Albany. He told me Captain Elderkin was sick at his home, but heard nothing of Brother Lemuel. I wrote this in my tent on my knee when others are asleep. Embrace Charle for me. Yours with the tenderest sympathy. OLIVER GROSVENOR."
These letters were most welcome even though telling of sickness and disaster. Communication with the absent had become very diffi- cult and infrequent. The pleasant intercourse of the year before, the running baek and forth from camp, had all gone by. Now anxious friends must depend upon tardy "posts" and chance messengers. The distant post-office at New London, was practically of no account. A daily mail and hourly telegram were beyond their ntmost conception. Postmen Morris and Craft rode to and fro between Woodstock and headquarters as fast as the rough ways and weather would permit, and passing travelers brought news, not always the most reliable. The situa- tion was indeed most critical and alarming. Should the army be defeated in the general action that seemed inevitable, the whole country was in peril. The victorious British could sweep through Connecticut as well as through New York and the Jerseys. New London and Rhode Island were already threatened by naval forces. And in this time of peril and extremity Windham was left almost without protection. Every able-bodied man between sixteen and sixty had gone with the militia, and only aged men, invalids, and here and there a needful official, were left with the women and children. What marvel that every item of news should be seized and hurried all over the county, and the most exaggerated and distorted rumors obtained credence. New London and Providence were burned, or "Connectient was taken," or armies were marching directly to Windham County. Anxious eyes turned many times by night and day to the various high places where bonfires were built up to be lighted at the first alarm of
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approaching peril. A kettle of burning tar on the cross-ties of the liberty pole at Killingly Hill served as a danger signal for the sur- rounding country. The south neighborhood of Thompson suffered a very serious panic during these anxious days. A saucy Dudley boy was knocked down by a suspected Tory. At about the same time a "courier with special dispatches from Boston galloped through the towns, too much in haste to pause to answer curious questions. Re- port of these incidents magnified by excited imaginations flew all over the country, "Four men shot down dead in Dudley street," was a popular version. The fearful inhabitants of this remote neighborhood, waiting in suspense to hear from absent friends and the expected engagement, were horrified by the tidings that their own homes were in danger, that the Tories of Dudley and Oxford and the remnant of the old Indian Paygan tribelet had risen to prepare the way for the expected British army, and that " Malbone's niggers" were coming on to meet them, burning and slaughtering every- thing before them. "The Tor-ies are coming! The Tor-ies are coming !" was the cry, sent to every house. What was to be done ? How could they meet this onset ? British and even Hessians might give quarter but only downright butchery could be ex- pected from heathen negroes and savage Indians. Not a man left at home but decrepit grandfathers and paralytics, no arms, no ammu nition. Flight seemed the only resource, and a dismal, miry swamp was selected as the place of refuge. A boy was sent to rally all the neighbors. He ran to Larned's store, then a well-known business centre. Lieut. Larned had gone to the front with his regiment, leav- ing business and family in charge of his wife. She was not one to run from the face of danger. A rousing fire was blazing in the huge kitchen fire-place, filled with kettles of water and every iron implement that could be mustered, with which she intended to make a stand against the invaders. "Old Granny Leavens "-the aged widow of the first William Larned of Thompson-was equally resolute. She had survived several Indian wars and two husbands, and now sinking back into her chimney corner exclaimed with Calvinistic resignation- " If I am to be killed by the Tor-ies to-night, why then I shall be, so I'll e'en stay with Becky." Their heroic example had no effeet upon their weaker sisters, already in full flight. " Tell Becky " they retorted, " that hot irons will never do for the British." They hurried off to the swamp, a most forlorn and panie-stricken company. Poor old lame " Uncle Asa," suffering from a disease incident upon excessive flip-drinking, was greatly exercised. "Thither," he pleaded, as he hobbled along ; "Thither, I've forgot my plathter." "Hurry up. Asa, you'll never dress your knees again in this world," replied the
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comforting sister. The swamp when reached was so "damp, moist and unpleasant," that all could join with Aunt Nabby in her heart-felt ejeenlation, "I'd give a wedge of goold as big as my foot for one good dram." The unfortunate old people too feeble for flight were in a still more pitiable condition. One bed-ridden old woman who had not stood on her feet for years, and was forgotten in the flurry and left at home alone, managed to crawl out of bed and stow herself away into a cupboard, and a disabled old captain trembling with palsy barricaded the door and valiantly held it with a pitch-fork.
One other family remained tranquilly at home through all the panic. Good Deacon Gay had gone with four of his sons to the army. Farm and family were in the charge of the fifth son, a lad of seventeen. He was a stout young fellow and could handle a musket deftly, but his trust was not in carnal weapons. Hot irons and cold swamps he thought " but vain things for safety." Young Joseph went calmly on with his harvesting through the day, "did the nightly chores," and then gathering the family around him in the great kitchen for their usual evening worship, read comforting words in the old Bible brought from Dedham, and " led in prayer." Thus stayed and strength- ened they passed the night in peace. Nothing was heard of Malbone, or other marauders. The morning sun dispelled all phantoms of terror. The wearied fugitives stole back from the swamp to enconn- ter volleys and shafts of ridicule. Their fright and flight and ridicu- lons sayings were told all over the town and even carried to camp, giving the men a hearty laugh amid all their sorrowful surroundings and forebodings.
Even the darkest day has gleams of light. Windham Green had her fun even in this gloomy autumn. In her eagerness to answer every requisition of Government she left her prison doors too slightly guarded. Four British seamen captured the June preceding in H. M. S. Bom- brig, effected their escape. There was an alarm, a rush, search and pursuit, but all in vain. The prisoners had gone beyond recovery, but left behind them a unique and lasting memorial-the image of their favorite Divinity, Bacchus, the God of mirth, wine and good cheer, carved with their jack-knives from a block of pine during the idle hours of their captivity. That their choice of a subject was suggested by what they saw going on around them, as well as by their own pecu- liar regard and devotion, is very probable. "Excessive drinking," denounced ten years before, was none the less common after the break- ing out of war. " Military treats," even then too much the fashion, had become more and more in vogue. Those hard-headed old fighters were also hard drinkers, and we may be sure that every company that marched out from Windham Green had its parting drams as well as
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prayers. Prisoners were allowed the liberty of the yard and certain public resorts, and no taverns were more popular than those kept by Mistress Warner and the Widow Carey. This good widow must have looked upon the English sailors with especial favor and sympathy, for to her was bequeathed the work of art which had occupied their leisure. The comical Bacchus, with his dimpled cheeks and luscious fruits, bestriding a wine cask, was straightway hoisted above the tavern for a sign and figure-head, to the intense admiration and delight of all beholders. Returning soldiers bailed his jolly figure with cheers and shouts of laughter, and were only too ready to offer up libations at his shrine, and the tavern of the sympathetic widow received a far greater share of public patronage.
This escapade excited much comment and led Windham citizens to consider " their situation with regard to a sheriff." Colonel Fitch had still been allowed to retain this office in the hope that he might ex- perience a change of sentiment, but the remonstrance of friends, the forbearance of opponents, and the promise of high position in the patriot army, had failed to overcome his scruples. Even now his fellow-townsmen were loth to proceed against him, but citizens of other towns unbiased by personal affection took the matter in hand, and represented to the General Assembly that this office of High Sheriff was "in their opinion very badly supplied (by reasons we apprehend well-known to your Honors), and hoped that the place might be filled with a man whose principles are agreeable to the public, and at no time suspected by the candid ; would recommend Captain Jabez Huntington, who had long served with good acceptance. Ex- perience, ability and good conduct speak in his favor, as well as the remotest consideration of his being the son of an excellent sheriff of this county, whose service was eminently acceptable. A grateful remembrance of the deceased prompt our regard to the only surviving son, as well as the good of the County, and the public in general." This suggestion was quickly carried out, and the sheriffship transferred from the faint-hearted loyalist to one whose heart and energies were devoted to the popular cause, and who could thus administer this important office with far more zeal and efficiency. Nathaniel Hebard of Windham now served as jailor, guarding and providing the numer- ous prisoners with great care and watchfulness.
The general engagement so justly dreaded by the patriots was evaded by the wise policy of Washington, and the Windham County militia were allowed to return to their homes, but were soon called to further action. A great fleet of men-of-war and transports was hover- ing about the Sound, and after greatly alarming New London, pushed on to Narraganset Bay, and threatened Newport and Providence. The
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