USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Fairfield > The history of Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut, from the settlement of the town in 1639 to 1818, Vol. II > Part 36
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The delegates of the Continental Congress were instructed by both houses of the Assembly, June 15th, to move said Congress to declare the United Colonies Independent States, and to prepare Articles of Con- federation and Union, and to give the assent of this colony to such declarations.#
It now became necessary to adopt a National Standard; and for this purpose Benjamin Franklin and Messrs. Harrison and Lynch were chosen by the Colonial Congress as a committee to create a National Flag. Not yet having attained to the freedom of States, they held that they were still under the sovereignty of England. They, therefore, thought it expedient for a time to adopt the King's colors as a union, which consisted of a union of the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew on a blue field, extending from which were thirteen alternate stripes of red and white, representing the thirteen united colonies. This flag was first raised January 2, 1776, by General Washington at his headquarters at Cambridge, Mass., and received a salute of thirteen guns and thirteen
* Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 408. + Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 415.
# Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 416.
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cheers. It was called The Flag of the Union or The Cambridge Flag. In New England the Pine Tree was usually shown in the inner square of the British Union, quartered by a red cross on a blue or white field. The first flag of the floating batteries was a white field with a pine tree in the centre. The first vessel over which the Union flag floated was the frigate " Alfred," whose gallant commander was the famous Paul Jones. He also used the yellow flag of the south, displaying the coiled rattle- snake, with the motto, " Don't tread on me." His unparalleled exploits and success under this flag won for it the distinction of the " Paul Jones' Flag."*
In the latter part of the winter of 1775 an attack had been made upon Norfolk, Virginia, by Lord Dunmore, but he was defeated by the pro- vincials. Soon after, having been reinforced by the arrival of a British vessel, he laid that town in ashes. This so exasperated the Virginians that they resolved to free themselves from the British yoke. On the 7th of June Richard Henry Lee of Virginia was the first to recommend Con- gress to move: " That these United Colonies are, & of right ought to be free and independent states," and to sever their allegiance to the crown. From other quarters like requests were made; in fact, the spirit of liberty generally prevailed throughout the country. Some opposed this step. The members of Congress from New York and Pennsylvania had been instructed not to favor the separation. John Adams and Roger Sherman, with the other members from New England, however, gave it their hearty support, but while New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and South Caro- lina hesitated, they were carried along with the overwhelming tide of the spirit of independence. The opposing colonies withdrew their oppo- sition, and after a few amendments were made, at two o'clock on the 4th of July, 1776, the Declaration of Independence, drawn up by Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, and submitted to John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Roger Sherman of Connecticut and Robert R. Livingston of New York, was adopted, and signed by the other members of the thirteen States, by which glorious act the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA became one of the independent nations of the world.
This Declaration of Independence was a dignified rehearsal of the oppression of the American colonists by the King of Great Britain, who they declared " no longer worthy to be king of a free people." It sets forth the rights of a free people and ended with the solemn assertion:
* Our Flag, by A. N. Whitmarsh, M. A.
1
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" We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in general congress assembled, appeal to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name & by the authorities of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish & declare, that these United Colonies are & of a right ought to be, FREE & INDE- PENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, & that all political connection between them & the State of Great Britain is, & ought to be totally dissolved; and that as FREE & INDE- PENDENT STATES, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, con- tract alliances, establish commerce, & do all other acts & things which INDEPENDENT STATES may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of DIVINE PROVI- DENCE, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
Those who signed this Declaration of Independence from Connecti- cut were Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington and Oliver Wolcott.
Great was the rejoicing of the Sons and Daughters of Liberty when the news of this event was circulated throughout the country. But they had yet to carry out these declarations and to conquer a tenacious foe.
The Church of England in the Virginia Convention adopted a reso- lution to change the prayers of the Prayer Book, to omit all prayers for the King and royal family. The King's arms were burned; offensive parties burned in effigy and every effort made by the people to prove the independence of the country. In Connecticut, those loyal to the De- claration of Independence refused to read the prayers for the King and royal family .*
Meanwhile the Assembly of Connecticut had received orders for two battalions to join the Continental army in the northern department. Every able-bodied volunteer who could clothe and supply himself with arms, etc., was offered a bounty of seven pounds two shillings. +
Seven battalions, inclusive of those raised in May, by requisition of the Continental Congress, were also ordered by the Assembly to be raised and equipped to join the army in New York, to be held in service until the last of December. A bounty of four pounds two shillings was
* It has been said that the Rev. Mr. Beach of Reading, Conn., refused to comply with this demand, in consequence of which a continental officer stood at the church door with gun aimed at the S. P. G. missionary, threatening to fire at him if he read the prayer for the king. Mr. Beach prayed for the king and royal family. The officer was so overawed with the courage of the man that he speedily departed. t Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 416.
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offered to each volunteer who should clothe and equip himself with fire- arms, etc. Minute-men who had enlisted, or others who should enlist and hold themselves in readiness for any emergency, were offered a bounty of forty-two shillings. A further premium of forty shillings was granted to each man who should enlist in the continental regiment, voted to be raised in the last session of the Assembly, and destined for Boston. Every article for the comfort and sustenance of the troops was ordered for their long marches .*
David Waterbury, Jr., of Stamford was appointed brigadier-general, for the battalion to reinforce the army in Canada. James Wadsworth, Jr., of Durham, was appointed brigadier-general of the battalion to be sent to reinforce the army in New York.+
Gold Sellick Silliman of Fairfield was commissioned colonel of the first battalion to be sent to the relief of New York. +
George Benjamin captain, Wakeman Burr first lieutenant, Josiah Lacy second lieutenant, and Daniel Duncan ensign of the first company in said battalion. Zalmon Reid captain, Ezekiel Sanford first lieutenant, Ebenezer Banks, Jr., second lieutenant, and Joshua Adams ensign of the second company ; and William Gaylord Hubbell, captain, Peter Penfield first lieutenant, and Benjamin Hecox ensign of the third company.§
Mr. Thaddeus Burr was appointed one of a committee to procure firearms and gun-locks manufactured in the colony for the army, and Samuel Squire military stores. The selectmen of every town were or- dered to purchase lead weights and other implements of lead, bars and old lead and shot. If any person refused to give up these articles the civil authorities were ordered to impress them for the use of the army. Committees were appointed to seek out and purchase sulphur ore and lead mines in the colony. !!
Fifty thousand more bills of credit were ordered to be printed, with- out interest, dated June 19, 1776, made payable January, 1782, to re- deem which a tax of seven pence on the pound was levied on all polls and taxable estates in the colony of the 1779 list, to be paid into the treasury December, 1781. T
Gold Sellick Silliman was appointed colonel of the regiment of horse called out in May.
* Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 417-421. # Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 425.
I Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 437, 438.
+ Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 422. § Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 425. T Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 440.
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This Assembly was the last held under the name of the Colony of Connecticut .*
On the 18th of June a mnost earnest and eloquent proclamation was issued by Governor Trumbull, calling upon the " Virtue & public spirit of the good people of Connecticut to rise to superior exertions on this great occasion, to show themselves ready to battle in behalf of their in- jured & oppressed country; & come forth to the help of the Lord against the Mighty, & convince the Tyrants of Britain that they are resolved to be Free." He exhorted " all to step forth to defend their religion & their God, their homes, their wives, their children & their liberties, to promote a design on which the salvation of America depends: to fear- lessly put their trust in God to humble their proud Oppressors. 'Our Fathers trusted in him & were delivered ': & while our armies are abroad jeopardizing their lives in the high Places of the Field, let all who re- main at Home cry mightily to God for the protection of his providence, to shield & defend their lives from Death, & to crown them with Victory & Success; to assemble frequently for social prayer to Almighty God, that he would awaken them to true repentance for sin, bless our cause- disappoint the cruel Devices of the Enemy-& preserve our precious Rights & Liberties, strengthen our tranquility, & make us a people of his Praise, & the blessed of the Lord, so long as the sun & moon shall endure."t
All the ministers in the colony were directed to read this proclama- tion in their several churches, " & to enforce its exhortations by their own pious example & public instructions."
On the 2d of July the Governor, etc., ordered five hundred pounds of gunpowder for the use of the town of Fairfield, and delivered to Cap- tain Eliphalet Thorp.#
A pressing letter, dated June 28th, was received at this time from General Washington, informing Governor Trumbull he had received intelligence " that a fleet of 130 sail left Halifax the 9th bound for New York; that General Howe was already arrived at the Hook; & pressed in the most earnest manner, that not one moment may be lost in sending forward the militia of this colony, etc." President Hancock had also written to the same effect, "in strong & pressing terms."s
Although the several battalions ordered by the last Assembly for the
* Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 443.
# Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 460.
+ Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 450. § Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 460.
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relief of New York were not all fully equipped and prepared to march, the Governor and Council decided, "that in this critical situation no effort could be too great, & nothing should be unattempted which might tend to strengthen & serve a cause on which all America depends." It was resolved to send the three regiments of light-horse lately established on the west side of the Connecticut River, to immediately set forward to the relief of the army in New York, and that £1,000 be advanced to assist them in their march.
Lieutenant-colonel Thomas Seymour, chief officer of this regiment of light-horse, in the absence of Colonel Silliman, was directed to transmit necessary orders to the majors of the said regiments and their other proper officers, to hasten the preparations to march, and to lead them for the service in which they were sent.
Letters of marque were prepared July 3d and sent to Captain Eli- phalet Thorp of Fairfield, part owner of the privateer "Broome."*
On application of Lieutenant John Mills, commander of the party stationed at " Black Rock Fort at Fairfield," the sum of "£200 was granted for billeting, premium on guns, blankets, etc., & first month's pay & wages for his said party."+
Intelligence of the Declaration of Independence reached Governor Trumbull, etc., through Colonel Joseph Trumbull and William Williams July IIth, the latter having been appointed to fill the place of Colonel Oliver Wolcott in the Continental Congress vacated by illness. It was decided to act upon and publish the Articles of Independence at the next session of the General Assembly.#
Captain Harding having sailed with the brig " Defence " as ordered, set out without further orders to capture some of the enemy's ships, reported off the Massachusetts coast. On the 19th of June he reported by letter to Governor Trumbull that he had sailed on the previous Sunday from Plymouth, and soon after heard a considerable firing to the north- ward. In the evening he fell in with four armed schooners, near the entrance of Boston harbor, from which he learned that they had been engaged with a ship and brig, and had been obliged to retire. Upon this information he had sailed for Nantasket Road, where he found the British ship and brig at anchor. In his own words he related: " that he immediately fell in between the two, & came to anchor at II o'clock at
* Col. Rec. Conn .. XV, 462. + Col. Rec. Conn., Vol. XV, 462.
# Col. Rec. Conn., Vol. XV, 475, 476.
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night. I hailed the ship, which answered, from Great Britain. I ordered her to strike her colours to America. They answered by asking !l'hat brig is that? I tokl them the ' Defence.' I then hailed him again, & told him I did not want to kill his men, but would have the ship at all events; & again ordered him to strike; upon which the major (since dead) said, yes, I'll strike, & fired a broad-side upon me, which I imme- diately returned, when an engagement began, which lasted three glasses, when the ship & brig both struck. In this engagement, I had nine men wounded, but none killed. The enemy had 18 killed & a number wounded. My officers & men behaved with great bravery, none could have outdone them. We took out of the above vessel 200 prisoners, among whom is Col. Campbell of General Frazier's regiment of High- landers. The major (Menzies) was killed in the engagement. Yesterday a ship was seen in the Bay, which came towards the entrance of Boston harbour, upon which I came to sail with four schooners in company; we came off with them, & took them without an engagement : there were on board, 112 Highlanders. . . As there are a num- ber more of the same fleet expected every day, & the General has urged me to stay, I will tarry a few days, & proceed for New London. My brig is much damaged in her sails & rigging." Captain Harding's of- fence for sailing without orders was excused and justified ; the " De- fence " ordered to be repaired and " cruise the Sound for the best interest of the Colony."
The famous Newgate prison at Simsbury was fast being filled with Tory prisoners, and as it became necessary to give it a stronger guard, the overseer was ordered " to place a guard of two faithful men nightly, & more if necessary, to watch the prison & all avenues leading to it, to prevent the escape of prisoners or access to them by unknown or suis- picious persons."
Samuel Squire of Fairfield with four other commissaries were by the Governor and Council appointed a committee, July 17th, to purchase all suitable tow-cloth and other cloths for tents to be obtained in their several counties; " & cause the same to be made up into proper tents for the use of the troops of this colony in the most expeditious man- ner they can, & report to his Honor of what they shall respectively do in the premises."+
* Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 479, 488.
+ Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 483.
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CHAPTER XIV
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It was also voted " that a quantity of home-made cloth or other, if that can't be ob- tained, as far as may be of a brown or cloth colour, sufficient for three thousand coats, & the same number of waist-coats; & as many blankets as can be obtained in the Colony; three thousand felt hats, cloth of check'd flannel, or some linen if that can't be obtained, sufficient for six thousand shirts, & also six thousand pair of shoes, to be collected as soon as may be, & deposited in proper stores in the several counties. And the above named committee were appointed to procure the same. The proportion of this order to be supplied by Fairfield County was '300 coats & waistcoats, 300 felt hats, 600 shirts, & 1,000 shoes.'"* The northern army at Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga being in great need of clothing, it was decided to send a supply without further orders.
A stringent law was passed for the arrest of spies, whether they ap- pear as gentlemen, expresses, travelers or common beggars, unless by a certificate from Congress, Committee of Safety or some legal, public or military officer; otherwise they were to be arrested, taken and tried before the civil authorities of the town in which they were seized. It was also ordered " that suitable watches be kept in all the larger towns by night, to arrest such suspicious persons & prevent them from prac- ticing mischief against this or the rest of the United American Colonies."+
The colony having purchased a sloop at New London on August 2d, Captain Harding was ordered, with his officers, sailors and marines, to fit it up as an armed brigantine with the greatest dispatch, " & to make use of the masts, sails, rigging, guns & other implements & furniture of the brigantine 'Defence.' " +
August 9th, Lieutenant Mills was granted pay for two months' bil- leting for the forces in service at Fairfield. The selectmen of Fairfield were given liberty to purchase, at the expense of the town, two of the colony cannon from the furnace at Salisbury for the use of the fort at Fairfield, viz., one twelve-pounder and one eighteen-pounder or two twelve-pounders, and one ton of shot suitable for the cannon. §
The Fourth Regiment, with thirteen other regiments of militia, were ordered immediately to march to New York, and there place themselves under the command of General Washington. Il
On August 10th Captain Samuel Squire was ordered to supply the
* Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 483. + Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 486, 487.
# Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 495. § Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 496.
Į Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 498.
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brig "Defence " with provisions, and also to furnish a supply for the colony.
Captain Harding of the " Defence " was given orders to cruise against the enemy of the United States of America, as soon as fitted to sail, for about the space of eight weeks. " to secure prizes & bring them into some port of the United States & there secure & condemn them.' **
Oliver Wolcott was commissioned, August 12th, Brigadier-General of the militia of the State of Connecticut, and to march with his forces to join General Washington in New York.
Lieutenant David Hawley, of ship " Oliver Cromwell," was appointed captain August 16th, and " given £180 to raise a crew of seamen for the naval service of the United States of America on the lakes to the north- ward."t
" A large Bermudian built sloop " having been purchased, was placed under the command of Captain Walker of New Providence and fitted for naval duty. It was called the new " Defence " and Captain Harding's brig the old " Defence."
Meanwhile General Howe had made an attack on Charleston, South Carolina, but the forts there having been strongly fortified, he was driven off by heavy cannonading. He set sail for New York and landed his troops on Long Island, where he had many Tory sympathizers. On the 8th of July he was reinforced by a body of 9.000 Hessians, who were landed on Staten Island. A few days after his brother, Admiral Howe. arrived with reinforcements, which, with General Clinton's detachment and other arrivals, swelled the British ranks to about 24,000.
The American army, with all the energy Connecticut had put forth, and with the united forces of the other colonies sent to the relief of New York, did not amount to more than half the British army. General Howe having thrown up fortifications on the west end of Long Island, opposite New York, upon the arrival of reinforcements resolved to at- tack the Continental army. On August 22d General Clinton crossed from Staten Island with 10,000 men and forty cannon.
General Putnam had been sent to join the army of Generals Sullivan and Sterling, stationed in and around Brooklyn. A battle was fought on the morning of the 27th without advantage to either side: but al- though the American army bravely met their assailants, they were not prepared as yet to cope with the well-disciplined troops of the enemy.
* Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 499. t Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 503.
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The British advanced upon them from an unguarded road in the rear, and Lord Cornwallis, coming up from the south end of Brooklyn, totally defeated them, taking 1,100 prisoners. The prisoners were sent to the loathsome prison-ships to die of disease, hunger and want.
The American prisoners were stripped almost naked of their cloth- ing; robbed of their baggage, money and shoe-buckles, and those who had fine clothes were stripped, and told, " such clothes were too good for rebels." The prison-ships lacked water, food and comforts of every kind. Many hundreds of Americans died in this way. The British loss during this battle was estimated to be 367 in killed and wounded, while the American loss was 1,650, besides those taken prisoners.
On the second night after this battle the American forces were se- cretly withdrawn to New York. After leaving a garrison in the city, Washington sent the main body of his forces to Harlem Heights. The garrison found it impossible to hold their position, while the militia at Harlem "becoming discouraged, deserted by companies." The con- tinentals or regulars caught the infection, making a retreat an absolute necessity.
With all these discouragements Washington retained an undaunted spirit, and resolved to avoid a further encounter until his army should be in a better disciplined condition, " to weary out the enemy by frequent marches, & not meet them except in skirmishes."
Upon learning of these disasters, by request of Washington, on the 3Ist of August, Governor Trumbull and his Council of War and Safety resolved to send a body of men "to be thrown across the Sound to harass the enemy in the rear & upon their flanks." Eight regiments were ordered to march to New London, and there to hold themselves in readiness to embark for Long Island, and to march to the assistance of the American army. The regiment stationed at New London and Groton was also ordered to join them if necessary, and protect the inhabitants of Long Island and their stock from the enemy. Captain Harding was ordered to use the " Defence " as a guard vessel at the harbor of New London .*
Upon learning of the distressed condition of the inhabitants of Long Island and their desire to leave for a safer place, the Governor ordered " a sufficient force to be put on board the transports to assist & guard them in their design."+
* Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 511, 513.
+ Col. Rec. Conn., XV, 514.
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The 19th of September was ordered to be set apart as a public day of fasting and prayer throughout the State .*
The Fourth and Second Regiments of Horse, with nine foot regi- ments of militia, were ordered to march and rendezvous at Westchester. Captain Samuel Squire of Fairfield with Jonathan Fitch of New Haven were instructed to make all necessary provisions for the march. At the same time orders were given for the maintenance of the northern army. +
On the 18th of September orders were sent to the several towns in Connecticut, in which the distressed people of Long Island had sought refuge, that they should provide such things as were found necessary for their maintenance until the sitting of the General Assembly in October.
Hospitals were ordered to be erected in the State for the sick on furlough or discharged. The selectmen of Fairfield and all other towns from New Haven to Greenwich were instructed to provide hospitals ; and to place in them suitable persons to care for the sick and wounded belonging to the State "on the road home," and to furnish them with such assistance, provisions and refreshment as were deemed necessary. +
The sad fate of Captain Nathaniel Hale, who had been sent into the enemy's camp by General Washington to gain necessary information si their movements, and who was arrested by a Tory relative and hanged as a spy, sent a thrill of horror and gloom throughout the country, and added to the discouraging condition of affairs.
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