USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > Revolutionary characters of New Haven : the subject of addresses and papers delivered before the General David Humphreys branch, no. 1, Connecticut society, Sons of the American revolution > Part 7
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At Compo Beach the next day Arnold rallied his men and made a gallant defense. Here twenty-two patriots were killed and Arnold's horse was shot through the neck. At this spot a patriotic memorial is soon to be erected.
APPOINTED MAJOR-GENERAL.
The news of all these exploits by Arnold reached Con- gress quickly, and without delay Arnold was promoted to the rank of Major-General, but the date of his commission
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The Early Career of Benedict Arnold
was left below the five major-generals who had been ap- pointed over him. He was then assigned to the command of the army then on the Delaware above Trenton in the neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Meanwhile Arnold's accounts, in which he claimed to have surrendered his entire fortune, had been referred to a committee who failed to report. His temper and patience exhausted, he tendered his resignation, but in words pro- fessing an ardent love for his country. Just at this crisis, Burgoyne loomed up. Washington needed Arnold above all others, and the same day the letter of resignation was sent to Congress, General Washington recommended that Arnold be immediately sent to the Northern army. "He is active, judicious and brave," said Washington. Flattered by this reference, Arnold suspended his demand for resigna- tion, leaving it with Congress, and volunteered to serve again-an act of magnanimity that invites praise and esteem.
St. Clair, one of the five major-generals promoted over him, was in command, but Arnold waived all considera- tions, and served under him, declaring that he would do his duty in the ranks.
HIS BRAVERY AT SARATOGA.
It is stated by historians that Gates in the battle of Saratoga was absent from the field, and under the influence of intoxicants in his quarters. At a consultation of the officers, it was stated that progress was slow. Arnold ex- claimed, "I will soon put an end to it," and started out at a full gallop. After the battle was over, while Arnold had been on the field, and at the head of every attack, Gates, in a communication to Congress, said nothing about Arnold or his division. High words and harsh language are said to have passed between the two generals. Gates was over- bearing, and Arnold was impetuous, and it resulted in his
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being relieved of his command. At the second battle of Behmis Heights a few weeks later, Arnold had no com- mand, but in a high state of excitement, rode about the field, seeking the hottest parts, and issuing independent com- mands wherever he went. Being the highest officer in rank on the field, his orders were always obeyed, and he set an example to his troops by leading them on. But accounts agree that though rash, he was in the most exposed posi- tions animating his troops and urging them forward; and that the brilliant manœuvers were the inspiration of Arnold. His horse fell dead under him, and his wounded leg was crushed, but the assault was complete, and the day was crowned with victory. It was an anomalous fact that an officer with no command was the leader. The glory Arnold here received added fresh lustre to his military fame, while these new victories resulted in securing our alliance with France.
Enemies ascribed his wild enthusiasm to intoxication, but those who assisted him on the field were satisfied that this was not true. Others said he took opium, but this was unsustained. Gates was not upon the field during either of these battles.
Arnold, disabled by his wound, was removed to Albany, where he was confined to his room throughout the winter. Early in the spring he returned to New Haven borne upon a litter. He was received with many demonstrations of respect. Citizens went out to meet him on the road, and his arrival was announced by a salute of thirteen guns. While enroute he remained over night with Amos Bostwick, great- grandfather of Capt. Bostwick of the First Company Foot Guard.
While here in New Haven he received from Washing- ton a set of epaulets, and a sword knot, with a letter stating they were presented as testimony of sincere regard and ap- probation for his conduct.
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The Early Career of Benedict Arnold
AT VALLEY FORGE.
In May Arnold rejoined the army then at Valley Forge. Washington had determined to appoint him commander at Philadelphia as soon as the British evacuated. But soon after assuming charge in Philadelphia he became involved in difficulties with the local authorities, and was charged that his military command had been oppressive, and un- worthy of his rank and station, and an investigation was ordered and was impending.
BEFRIENDS THE ORPHAN CHILDREN OF GEN. WARREN.
About this time Arnold was taking a great interest in the orphan children of General Warren, who fell at Bunker Hill, and urged Congress, without success, for the $7,000 pay and pension due them. In a letter to Mr. Hancock of Massachusetts he writes, "I enclose $500 at once," and he directed that Richard be clothed and sent to the best schools in Boston. He writes, "I will provide for them in a suitable manner to their birth, and the grateful sentiments I shall ever feel to the memory of my friend."
Becoming apparently weary of military life, he formed a project for obtaining a grant of land in New York state and establishing a settlement. The New York delegation in Congress wrote a joint letter on the subject to Governor George Clinton as follows: "To you, Sir, and to our state, General Arnold can require no recommendations. A series of distinguished services entitle him to respect and favor."
Upon the charges made against him by the council at Philadelphia, he received a mild reprimand from Congress, based, however, only on a technical violation of rules. His petition to Congress for a settlement of his accounts was not recognized. Matters were in a state of perplexity, with every prospect of an unsatisfactory termination.
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The Early Career of Benedict Arnold
MARRIES MISS SHIPPEN.
When Philadelphia was evacuated, many families re- mained, who kept up close relations with the British of- ficers. Among them was the family of Mr. Edwin Shippen, afterwards Chief Justice of the state of Pennsylvania. The youngest daughter, a beautiful girl of eighteen, gay, attrac- tive and ambitious, was flattered and admired by the British officers. Arnold was not long in Philadelphia before he was smitten by this charming lady, and sought and won her hand. He was a man of fine, commanding presence and was living in splendor with military display. At their marriage, Arnold (although still suffering from the wounds received at Quebec and Saratoga), in his brilliant uniform, leaning upon the shoulder of an aide-de-camp during the ceremony, gave brilliancy and halo to the occasion. This alliance brought him in social contact with the element which had no sympathy with the cause of liberty. He asked Congress, without success, for four months' pay out of four years now due him, that he might purchase horses and equipment, and take the field.
HIS LAST COMMAND.
The British being established in New York, it was .the plan of Washington and Lafayette to proceed to the attack against Sir Henry Clinton and his forces. On August 3rd, 1780, Arnold was assigned to the command at West Point and its dependencies, from Fishkill to King's Ferry.
Here let the curtain fall and the drama close without the stage setting or the players in the last act. Since the days of Judas Iscariot, in the history of our race Nemesis has provided every great nation and occasion with a strong man who proved weak. It is perhaps necessary in the develop- ment of a great nation that such characters should exist to teach others the right. If God, in his wise Providence, had seen fit to have called Arnold off the stage at the height of his glory won in the conflicts at Ticonderoga, Crown Point,
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The Early Career of Benedict Arnold
Quebec, Saratoga or Compo Beach, history would have given him a place second to that of Washington, for no general of the Revolution had been engaged in more con- flicts on land and sea, or battled more intensely for the cause of liberty than did Benedict Arnold, and during the first five years of the Revolutionary struggles he was considered a most ardent patriot, a daring, ambitious and competent soldier. There was no danger he would not face, no project he would not undertake. Hopeful of success, he usually acquired it. In what often seemed a forlorn hope, by his persistency, dash, energy and recklessness, success was se- cured. The combination of circumstances in his career was peculiar. It always seemed to happen that some one else was in command in his important engagements. His enemies and rivals prevented Congress from giving him the recognition he earned, or reimbursing him for his patriotic expenditures. His social relations, by his second marriage, brought him in contact with the Tories, and the British, unable to capture him on the field of battle, accomplished it otherwise.
In 1804 Morgan and his associate editors, Samuel Hart and Jonathan Trumbull, in "The History of Connecticut as a Colony and as a State," say of Arnold that "He was proud, passionate, uncontrolled, and rather of a self-seeking nature, quickly responding to affection or resentment, gen- erous to the weak, but not conciliatory to companions, facts which brought on the final tragedy. Arnold was a good man to have for a master, and a magnificently useful one to have for a subordinate; but he was not a comfortable yokemate, and it is hard to believe that the train of hates and resentments which followed him were wholly without his fault. Yet again and again he acted with exemplary patience and the utmost magnanimity."
In 1801 he died in England, grieving at the conscious- ness of his great wrong doing. His last words were pathetic: "Bring me the epaulets and sword knots Wash-
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ington gave me, and let me lie in my old American uniform. God forgive me for ever putting on any other."
In the Trophy Room at West Point, arranged at in- tervals on the walls, are tablets in bronze, placed in memory of the distinguished officers of the American Revolution, recording their name, age, rank, and deeds. As we approach one we read these words, "To the memory of Major-General ." A slash across the tablet tells the rest. What American who reads it cannot recall, with re- gret, the name and record that might have adorned that tablet, but for the frailties of human nature.
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THE DEATH OF GENERAL WARREN AT THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. Painted by Col. John Trumbull. From the original painting in the Trumbull Gallery, Yale School of Fine Arts.
BUNKER HILL DAY
BY WILLIAM S. WELLS.
A portion of an address at the grave of General Humphreys, on June 17, 1906, which was the initiative to the compilation of the list of names, so far as could be ascertained, of men from New Haven who served in the War of the Revolution, included in this volume.
Assemblages of people such as this are prompted by a common interest; from a sentiment; or to discharge a duty. They make the motive of their meeting visibly manifest by ceremony, or by language expressive of the thoughts uppermost in their minds. The ceremony we are performing to-day is not new to us, for we meet again from a natural affinity, from the prompting of patriotism and pride in being the descendants of those who fought to establish our Government. The world would be poor indeed without its graves and memories of its hal- lowed dead. The final resting place of anyone who has done a noble deed is a living influence upon the world. The sepulchers of the dead speak to the living, and this day especially do the graves of those receive reverent attention who fought in the War for Independence, either in the field, on the sea, or in the halls of legislation. We stand now, my friends, in the presence of a power that is strongly felt; the power and influence of the resting places of patriots. This is an hour for the expression of the sentiments that have brought us here, and when we assemble to do honor to all, we usually select one who was particularly conspicuous, and a representative of all in their motive of service, such as the patriot about whose sepulcher we are now gathered .*
* Then followed a brief review of the life and services of General David Humphreys, more fully given by Rev. Alonzo N. Lewis in this volume and by Right Rev. E. S. Lines, D.D., in a former volume published by this Branch.
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One hundred and thirty-one years ago to-day was the 17th of June, 1775. What a notable anniversary for us to observe, and those to follow; the anniversary of the day on which occurred the battle of Bunker Hill. What astounding developments for this country and the world have grown out of the great event of that day. The magic words, Bunker Hill, are fixed in our earliest recol- lections, and have inspired the youth and manhood of America to the highest sentiments of patriotism and to valiant deeds. Two months before this battle occurred the unexpected collision at Lexington. But when the sun had set on the night of June 17th, 1775, the day of possible reconciliation with Great Britain had passed; the die had been cast for weal or for woe to this country, and largely for the future welfare of mankind. The issue was whether we should continue to be subservient to the inconsiderate and oppressive crown of England or the alternative to strike to become a free people. Our forefathers stood on the threshold of an uncertain but mighty future. Bunker Hill decided the course to be taken, and the battles on land and sea that followed were fought to a glorious conclusion. Through the ages Bunker Hill will be repeated in our schools, and in our homes, and by poets and orators as in the past one hun- dred and thirty years, and will continue to be a most forceful influence to arouse the pride of our people to a jealous guardianship of that which has been bequeathed unto them. Bunker Hill is a synonym for patriotism, and for that vital spark which kept alive the spirit of our forefathers for eight long years that tried men's souls and is still burning in the hearts of all who have consideration for the stability of our Republic.
It was not until the Star Spangled Banner was raised to the breezes that liberty was unfettered, and a ray of light flashed over the earth to cheer the oppressed and downtrodden of the nations of the world. But in the formation of this Union of States compromises were
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forced to be made that did not leave our flag as fully the emblem of freedom as it should have been. The enforced compromise with slavery and state rights to satisfy discordant sectional elements to effect a consoli- dation of the Colonies into states, brought its result as foreseen at the time by some, and it came in the great War of the Rebellion of 1861-1865. But the spirit of the men of Lexington, Bunker Hill, Valley Forge and Yorktown, and those who fought on the sea, was still alive through the intervening years to 1861, when under the leadership of the immortal Lincoln, a terrible sacri- fice was forced upon us and the flag washed of the stains that had been left upon it. This contest enabled our country to be reunited on a firmer basis, and on which it would, no doubt, originally have been founded, could those who formed the colonies into states have had a vision of the future. We washed out the stains in the Civil War-but at a terrible cost-and now our flag has grown so conspicuous in influence, power and dominion that to-day the sun never sets upon it. It is respected, honored and feared wherever it floats as representing the greatest nation of the world, which was primarily estab- lished by the men from whom we came, and whose mem- ory we honor, and to whom we pay tribute to-day.
We cannot too highly extol the services of our great General Washington and his faithful officers and soldiers for their trying campaigns in the Revolutionary War, but on such occasions as this, and others in reference to the patriots of the War of Independence, the value of the services of the gallant seamen of those days is not often brought into conspicuous review. When the War of the Revolution broke out the Colonies had no supplies or the means of procuring them, and the revolt would have been a lamentable failure at the outset ex- cept for the work of the cruisers and privateers. Gen- eral Washington early foresaw this, and depended largely for success upon captured supplies and the interception
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and capture of reinforcements for the British Army and well did these able and fearless seamen do their duty.
Recently we brought the body of that great com- mander, Paul Jones, in solemn reverence to our shores, resurrected from obscurity in the forgotten cemetery in Paris. We gave it a most honored sepulcher, and at whose mausoleum the nation bowed its head in gratitude and admiration of his great services to our land. His name is associated with the most ardent patriotism, audacity and courage, and his resting place will be for- ever a shrine of devotion for all Americans. We cannot overestimate the value of the brave seamen of those days, and their reward has often been unwisely or thought- lessly withheld. We should also bear in mind that the first bloodshed in the War of Independence was on the water in the harbor of Providence on June 17th, 1772, one hundred and thirty-four years ago to-day, four years before the Battle of Bunker Hill, in the destruction of the British man-of-war "Gaspe," and mortally wound- ing her captain. It is a remarkable coincidence that this date is not only the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, but also the anniversary of the first stroke towards the establishment of this great republic of the United States of America.
Certainly the names of Paul Jones, Nicholas Biddle, John Barry, James Nicholson and others who braved the dangers of the sea and fought so heroically without a line of retreat except to find watery graves, are equal in laudation to those whose services we cannot too highly extol in the weary marches by day and by night, who suffered untold trials and privations in the army under command of our sainted Washington.
What an admirable work the people of New Haven did when they reared yonder monument in East Rock Park, erected to the memory of those whose lives were sacrificed to establish our nation and those who fought in the war of 1861-1865 to make it more secure. On the
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monument on bronze tablets is the roll of honor con- taining names of five hundred and twenty-six men from New Haven who lost their lives in the War of the Rebel- lion, and a space is provided for the names of those who lost their lives in the War of the Revolution, that of 1812 and the Mexican War. Are not we, the Sons of the American Revolution, a little remiss in our obli- gations; should not the names of those from New Haven who fought and died at Bunker Hill, at Valley Forge, in the defense of New Haven and in many other battles, all of which led to final victory at Yorktown, also be recorded in the vacant panel assigned for them on this monument? Should not the names of those who carried the flag so triumphantly over the seas, that was first raised by Paul Jones to the mast of the "Ranger" in 1777, and who found watery graves, also be placed on this shaft beside those who fought and died under Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, Foote and Farragut? Have we not, my compatriots, left some duty undone: for the names of those who died to form the Government are surely inseparably linked with those who lost their lives to preserve it and add to its greatness.
Books and history are not read by all, but this mon- ument is a visible language standing majestically in its purity of white on the highest summit surrounding New Haven, on which all can read of the bravery and patri- otism of those whose names it bears, or to whose honor it was erected. It is a silent sentinel; a witness of the past. It is also by its commanding position and dignity of appearance a teacher and guardian of American patri- otism for the future. Behold it, in its crowning position, kissing the first beams of day above the fields, hills and meadows, busy factories, institutions of learning, and our harbor dotted with vessels in commerce or of pleas- ure, and looking out over happy homes and far over the surrounding country blessed with peace and prosperity. It is a thank-offering of gratitude and tells the traveler
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far out to sea the story of the sacrifice for the establish- ment of our Government, and the mistakes in the begin- ning washed away by the blood of her faithful sons. *
Our duty on this occasion so far as we can do it has been fulfilled. We always feel better when a duty is dis- charged, and as we go hence for another year, may we carry into our daily lives those sentiments for each other and reverence for our ancestors as we have done for years past. May the blessings vouchsafed to us as a nation by the patriotism, bravery and sacrifices of our forefathers continue to live for a better influence, not only in our own lives, but that we may also in some measure be able to impart to others the same devotional, lofty and patriotic sentiments which have brought us together this day.
LIST OF MEN
From the territory embraced in the Town of New Haven, Connecticut, who are known to have Served in the Continental Army and Militia and Connecticut State and Continental Vessels and Privateers, and those who Rendered other Patriotic Service during the War of the Revo- lution 1775-1783, together with a Record of known Casualties
COMPILED BY WILLIAM S. WELLS, (late) 2nd Asst. Engineer, U. S. Navy.
If any errors or omissions in the lists are discovered by anyone, a report to that effect together with the source of information will be welcomed by the officers of this Branch, S. A. R.
At the Annual Meeting of General David Humphreys Branch No. I, Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, held at New Haven, Conn., on the evening of May 2nd, 1907, the following motion was passed unanimously :
Voted :- That the President appoint a committee to take into con- sideration the suggestion of Compatriot Wm. S. Wells in reference to placing the names, as near as they can be ascertained, of the soldiers and sailors from New Haven upon the panel which is provided for this purpose on East Rock Monument of those who lost their lives in the War of the Revolution.
The president appointed the following committee : Wm. S. Wells, Gen. E. S. Greeley and Everett E. Lord. In pur- suance of the above resolution, and in the progress of the work the committee concluded to include all the names as nearly as they could be ascertained from reliable data of
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List of Men
those who served in the War of the Revolution as soldiers and those who served on cruisers and privateers, and those who rendered patriotic service during the war, together with a list of casualties. At the period of the Revolu- tionary War, North Haven, East Haven, West Haven, Orange, Hamden, Mt. Carmel, Woodbridge, Bethany and Westville were included in the district embraced in the juris- diction of New Haven. The records of the men who served in the Revolutionary War are fragmentary, and from lack of such condensed records, some men from the district em- braced in New Haven are possibly not included in the list which follows. From lack of records this is probable of those who served on ships-of-war, cruisers and privateers. It was also found that the same names were frequently repeated in different organizations from re-enlistments, and to avoid repetition the following compilation gives the highest recorded rank attained by officers; and those whose names only are given were presumably in the ranks or ren- dered special patriotic service.
Authorities consulted for the names given were:
Connecticut Men in the War of the Revolution; Connecticut His- torical Society, Vols. VIII and XII; Records of Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution; Historical Collections of John W. Barbour; Town Committees of Safety, etc., published in Atwater's History of New Haven; Various Town Histories, and other sources; Compatriot George H. Ford and Mr. Sheldon B. Thorpe of North Haven rendered valuable assistance.
The number of names of soldiers, sailors and patriots given is 998, of which 41 served in the Navy, and on Cruis- ers and Privateers, and names of the latter are in a separate list.
The number of casualties ascertained (killed, died of wounds or disease, and missing) is 61 ; wounded 23; pris- oners 21.
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List of Men?
A- Ebenezer
Akin, James-Sergeant
Alcock (Ancock),David-Sergeant Allen, Isaac
Allen, John
Allen, Jonathan
Allen, Phineas
Alley, William
Allin, Ebenezer
Alling, Abraham
Alling, Amos
Alling, Caleb-Corporal
Alling, Charles-Clerk
Alling, Edward Beardsley
Alling, Enos Alling, John
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