USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Windsor > The history of ancient Windsor, Connecticut > Part 36
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The attack of the British on Danbury, April the 26th, spread a general alarm throughout the state, and Windsor sent many volunteers, most of whom, however, arrived too late to partici- pate in the action of the next day. Among those who started in hot haste for the fray, was DANIEL PHELPS, aged eighty-four, who invited DANIEL GILLLET, only a few years younger, to ac- company him. Mounted on horseback, these two youthful vete- rans had proceeded nearly a day's journey toward Danbury, when they were met with the news that the crisis had passed, and volunteers were not needed. Old Mr. Phelps was bitterly disappointed, exclaiming, as he turned his face towards home, " I am so sorry, I wanted just to have a few shots at those red coat British." On arriving at Litchfield that evening, on their homeward route, the old gentleman was so stiff from age and unwonted fatigue, that he was obliged to be helped from his
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saddle. The exertion which he had made undoubtedly hastened his death, which occurred a few days after. Such was the "spirit of "76."
REUBEN KING (Wby), returning home from captivity in New York, died January 1777, aged about 18.
JOHN WILSON (Wby), died at or near New York, aged about 18.
In October of this year, a detachment of Ensign David Bar- ber's company of Windsor, belonging to Lt. Col. Willey's regi- ment of state militia, was ordered to Peekskill. They started on the 6th, and were absent about 38 days. Their names were as follows:
Ens'n DAVID BARBER,
TIMO. COOK,
Sgt. MARTIN PINNEY,
GIDEON CASE,
Sgt. ALEX. GRISWOLD, ABEL GRISWOLD,
Corp. ZEPHANIAH WEBSTER, ELISHA MARSHALL,
Drum. JOSEPH HOLCOMB, BENJ. MOORE.
OLIVER PHELPS,
Col. ROGER ENOS of this town, commanded one of the regi- ments raised in May of this year. He was stationed on the south-western border of the state, near Long Island Sound.
1778
was a gloomy year. Enlistments went on slowly; the previous winter (1777-8) had been disastrous and severe; the small-pox was raging in several parts of the country, and men's hearts " failed them for fear." The states however came together on a common basis of confederation, and with the aid of the French troops, the war was prosecuted with commendable vigor. Some of the Windsor troops were this year in garrison at West Point.
ELIJAH HILL, JUDAH PINNEY and JOSEPH HOLCOMB, belonging to Capt. Barber's company, were among the number.
The terrible massacre at Wyoming, in Pennsylvania - a town settled by and belonging to Connecticut - produced great agita- tion and distress throughout the state. In every county and town there were those who had dear friends and relatives there, and when they heard of the terrible fate which had befallen them, there was deep sorrow and indignation in every heart.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Mrs. AZUBA (Griswold) PERKINS, a daughter of Windsor, barely escaped, with her two children, from the infuriated savages, who had murdered her husband. She afterwards lived and died in Poquonock.
Dr. ELISHA N. SILL, was also a survivor of this massacre.
1779.
The war being principally carried on in the south, the Con- necticut troops were not in very active service. Two alarms for the defence of Horse Neck, in February and May, and the great scarcity of clothing and provisions in the army were the most noticeable events in the northern division.
At a town meeting held in July, it was voted, that Mr. Elisha Strong should be an agent to procure the quota of clothing assigned for the town of Windsor to clothe the Connecticut line in the Continental Army.
Again at a town meeting in same meeting, it was voted,
" That Mr. Elisha Strong, agent for this town for the clothing of the Connecticut line in the Continental army assigned for this town to purchase by Resolve of the General Assembly in May last, be and he is hereby authorized and empowered to borrow on the credit of this town, and give his obligation therefor, a sum not exceeding Three thousand pounds Lawful Money payable in a reasonable time on interest, for the purpose aforesaid, and that he be accountable to this town therefor, and that he use all possible care and prudence that the Loaners be repaid by monies received from this or the United States."
1780
was a peculiarly trying year to the American cause. Destitution famine and want of clothing had assailed and tortured the north- ern army in their winter-quarters. Defeat and toryism were the fearful odds against which the southern army was contending. Added to this, the heavy drain of men and means, for the past four years, had impoverished the country, and the sudden de- preciation of continental currency, with which the soldiers had been paid off, served to increase the general distress and wretchedness. Just at this juncture, also, as if to complete the gloominess of public affairs, the treachery of Arnold came to light, filling every heart with the direst apprehension of
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trouble and disaster. Men's hearts stood still with doubt and fear, and it was with the utmost difficulty that Washington and the leaders of the Revolution succeeded, by the most untiring exertions and the most earnest and impassioned appeals, in reviving the drooping faith and energies of the people.
The records of Windsor show that the most extraordinary means were put forth, by the authorities, to secure the necessary number of troops which were required. Large bounties were offered for enlistment, and heavy taxes imposed to meet them. And there is sufficient evidence that the calls, both for enlist- ment and contributions, were responded to with a cheerfulness almost remarkable, when we consider the number of excessive drafts which had been made on the town, and its consequent weakness.
" At a town meeting 10th July, 1780. Voted; that each able bodied effective man that shall enlist muster and be accounted one of the Quota assigned to this town by virtue of an act of the Governor and Council of Safety at a meeting held at Hartford on the 20th day of June 1780 for raising one thousand men in this State to serve in the Continental army till the last day of December next, shall receive in addition to the bounty given by this State the sum of 40 shillings lawful money; and that each person so enlisting that shall lodge with the treasurer of this town the whole or part of said bounty, and his wages now given, he shall receive for the same during the term aforesaid, the interest at 6 per ct within a reasonable time. All of which shall be paid in Wheat at four shillings per bushel, or an equi- valent thereto in Indian corn, Rye, or Beefe as those articles were usually sold in the year 1774, or in money equivalent in a reasonable time, provided that all monies lodged with the Treasurer of this town be lodged within Ten days next after they shall receive the same."
The militia of the town, who should be detached for three months' service, were offered a bounty of twenty shillings, to be paid out of the town treasury, in the same manner and on the same conditions as above stated.
Also, "Voted, that those persons of the troop of horse of the town of Windsor, to the number of five person's that shall be detached to serve in the foot for six months, shall have the same encouragement as to bounty and wages made good to them, including the bounty and wages they shall receive of this State,
51
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
as those of the foot of this town detached for six months by vote of this town." This was accompanied with the same privi. lege of interest, if they shall lodge their money with the town treasurer as above.
Ample provision was made at a subsequent meeting to guard against any inconvenience or loss by the depreciation of the continental currency.
" At a meeting, Nov. 6, 1780, voted, that the Selectmen of this town with the assistance of Capt. Benj. Allyn, Capt. Sam'l Stoughton, Jr., Mr. Seth Dexter, and Mr. Isaac Pinney, Jr., be a committee to class the inhabitants of the town of Windsor into so many equal classes by the list of the poles and rateable estate of the inhabitants of the town of Windsor, and others having estates in this town, given in August 1779, as the town of Windsor is deficient in their quota of men to fill up the Con- tinental Army, and make report to their meeting on Wednesday next."
At their next town meeting, however, the people resolved not to class the town for raising their quota of men; but voted, that Edward Griswold, Jr., Nath'l Griswold, Elisha Strong, Alex'r Allyn, Daniel Talcott, Jonah Gillet, Jr., Josiah Phelps and Henry Allyn be a committee to hire their quota of men to fill up the deficiency in the army." They were "empowered to act their best judgment in procuring said men as to the price given and what pay to make, and if need be to borrow such sum of money as they shall judge it necessary for the purpose of procuring said men, which sums that said committee shall pay out for said purpose shall be repaid to them with lawful interest," &c.
1781,
brought with it new drafts and responsibilities. Gen. Wash- ington having informed the assembly, that there was an impera- tive necessity of raising 1500 "three months' men," and a force equal to one-sixth part of the state's quota in the regular army, to supply deficiencies, they at their May session, took measures to secure a voluntary enlistment of 2100 men by the 1st of July following. All deficiencies existing after that date were to be filled by peremptory detachment. The largest part of
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actual service performed by these new troops was at. Horse- neck.
Six men was the quota assigned to Windsor, who were raised by dividing the town into six classes, each of which hired a man for the service.
At town meeting, March 27, 1781,
" Voted, to apply to His Excellency the Governor, and Council of Safety for a permit to transport one thousand bushels of In- dian corn to Rhode Island, for the sole purpose of enabling this town procuring Hard money to enable this town to comply with the act of the General Assembly relative to procuring the quantity of clothing assigned to this town for the Connecticut line of the Continental army.
Voted, that Capt. Josiah Phelps, Eliakim Marshall and Henry Allyn, be agents in behalf of this town to apply for said per- mit."
At town meeting, held April 3, 1781,
" Voted, That Nath'l Griswold and Silvanus Griswold shall take all benefit that may be had by a permit granted by His Excellency the Governor, and Council of Safety, granting to the town of Windsor liberty to transport one thousand bushels of Indian corn, or Rye flour equivalent thereto, to Rhode Island for the purpose of procuring Linen Cloth for frocks, shirts and over-alls for this town's quota of clothing for the army, agreea- ble to the acts of the General Assembly, upon these conditions, that they lay out Sixty pounds Hard money in Linen cloth, proper, good and suitable for frocks, shirts and overhalls, pro- vided they procure the same by the 10th day May next-and deliver the same to Mr. Elijah Hubbard for and on account of the town of Windsor, and to have no other pay for the same than what said Hubbard shall apprize the same at, and be allowed by Pay-table for the same.
Voted, That Nath'l Griswold have Twelve pounds State mno- ney paid to him out of the treasury of this town upon his pro- curing One Hundred and eight [pairs] good, large well made men's shoes, and one hundred and eight pairs of good, well made men's stockings, and deliver the same to Mr. Elijah Hub- bard, Subclothier at Middletown, by the 10th day of May next, for and on account of the quota of shoes and stockings ordered by the General Assembly to be provided by the town of Windsor for each non-commissioned officer and soldier required for this town's quota of the Conn. Line of the Continental Army, to serve for three years or during the war. He having no other demand for the same than said twelve pounds State money, and also that what shall be allowed by Pay-table for the same."
Voted, To raise a rate or tax of four pence one farthing on the pound on the list of polls and rateable estate of the Inhabit-
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
ants of the town of Windsor made and computed for August 20th, 1780, to be paid in Silver or Gold for the purpose of pur- chasing the Beef ordered by the General Assembly to be raised in this town in the months of July, August, September and October, 1781, as by said act may appear, &c.
Voted, That James Roberts be Receiver of all such Beef- cattle as shall be brought in to him by any person or persons as shall choose to pay their four-pence halfpenny tax above.
Voted, To raise the Beef assigned to this town, for this month and the three following months, said beef called to be appraized as in said act mentioned and the person or persons procuring the same to have the advantage of the same according to ap- prizement and price stated, only allowing one half of one per cent for trouble to said Roberts, and said Roberts to have full power to purchase the whole of the beef ordered by the General Assembly to be raised in the month of July, August, September and October by this town, except the beef that shall be deliv- ered to said Roberts by the inhabitants of this town, &c. * * The town to have liberty to bring in their cattle by the 5th day of each of said months respectively.
The records of the town during the year
1782,
present nothing of very special interest.1 The requisitions made upon the different towns of the state, were very heavy, and it is doubtful if they could have much longer sustained the con- tinued drain to which they had, for so many years, been sub- jected. The town of Windsor, in common with others, began to evince a flagging, not in her patriotism or cheerfulness, but in her ability. Yet every nerve was strained to its utmost. At this juncture, the God of America's battles interposed his strong arm to save her. The surrender of Cornwallis on the 19th of October, virtually ended the long eight years' struggle for in- dependence. The whole country was filled with joy and thanks giving. Preliminary articles were signed at Paris, in Novem
1 " At a town meeting held July 15, 1782, voted, That Gen. Roger New- berry and Mr. Oliver Ellsworth be a committee to attend the proposed Con- vention to be held at Hartford on the 16th day of July next, agreeable to the proposal made by the town of Farmington, there to represent this town to consult and advise what is proper and necessary to be done to carry into execution the Laws of the State for preventing illicit trade and commerce with the enemy, and to counsel and determine upon other matters and things for the public good, proper for such a convention."
سلطه وح وائط
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ber following, and on the 19th of April, 1783, a formal proclamation of peace was published to the world.
At the close of the Revolution, the officers of the American army felt a natural desire in some way to perpetuate the long- cherished friendship and social intercourse which had bound them together during the many trying scenes of the contest which had ended. Agreeably, therefore, to the suggestion of Gen. Knox, and with the acquiescence of their beloved com- mander Washington, they formed themselves, in May 1783, into a society which they called, in honor of the Roman hero Cincin- natus, the
Society of the Cincinnati.
This association was founded on the following " immutable " principles :
" An incessant attention to preserve inviolate those exalted rights and liberties of human nature for which they have fought and bled, and without which the high rank of a national being is a curse instead of a blessing.
" An unalterable determination to promote and cherish be- tween the respective states, that unison and national honor so essentially necessary to their happiness and the future dignity of the American empire.
"To render permanent the cordial affection subsisting among the officers, this spirit will dictate brotherly kindness in all things, and particularly extend to the most substantial acts of benificence, according to the ability of the society, towards those officers and their families who unfortunately may be under the necessity of receiving it."
On this basis, then, these officers solemnly associated them- selves into "one society of friends, to endure as long as they shall endure, or any of their eldest male posterity, and in fail- ure thercof, the collateral branches, who may be judged worthy of becoming its supporters and members."
This society was divided into state societies. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and South Carolina, were thus represented. Gen. Washington was its first President-General, from 1783 till his death in 1799. He was succeeded in 1800 by Gen. Alexander Hamilton until his death in 1804. His successor was Gen. Charles C. Pinckney of South Carolina, who died in 1825. Since then the office
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
has been filled by Major Gen. Thomas Pinckney, Col. Aaron Ogden of New Jersey, Gen. Morgan Lewis of New York, Maj. Popham of the same state, and lastly Gen. Dearborn.
The following commissioned officers of the Continental Army, belonging to Windsor, were members of the Connecticut So- ciety of the Cincinnati: 1
Major ABNER PRIOR.
Lieut. MARTIN DENSLOW.
Sgt. TIMOTHY MATHER.
Lieut. CORNELIUS RUSSELL.
Lieut. SAMUEL GIBBS.
The Treasurer's report for the year
1775, exhibits a balance in favor of the town, of - £276:12:2 1776, " 322:17:1
1777,
586:17:6
And money raised to hire soldiers in addition, 859:17:1
1778. Balance on hand,
562:09:4
J
1780. Now in the hands of the Treasurer (Phinehas Wilson), and collectors, £5151:9:10 Cont'l money, old currency. Also, - 440:18:04 State money.
1781. The Treasurer has on hand as follows:
£1202:12:02 Continental. 2109:04:11 State money. 439:17:11 Lawful money to pur. beef. 142:02:01 Bounty money.
1782. On hand as follows:
£590:09:06 Continental. 539:07:00 State. 642:04:09 Silver.
1783. On hand:
£533:16:03 Continental money. 476:12:00 State money. '356:02:00 Silver.
1784. On hand:
£228:12:10 Continental. 71:11:01 State. 356:07:04 Legal.
1 From MSS., &c., relating to the Conn. Cincinnati, in possession of the Conn. Hist. Soc.
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The History of Daniel Bissell, the Spy.
Among the names of the Windsor soldiers in the revolution, occurs that of DANIEL BISSELL, accompanied on the official return by the ominous suffix, " deserter." The record was as undoubt- edly authentic, as it was unpalateable; but a few enquiries among the old people, suggested a probability that there were some extenuating circumstances, or possibly a satisfactory ex- planation. Investigations were at once instituted, and finally we had the extreme pleasure of vindicating the deserter's char- acter; and of bringing to light the record of a life of devotion to his country's interests, and of suffering in her service, such as has been seldom paralleled, even in the roll of brave deeds which ennobles the page of American history.
For, if honor and gratitude are due to him who boldly main- tains a just cause by force of arms and personal bravery, how much more is it due to him, who renouncing glory's brightest dream, takes upon himself the unenviable character and office of a spy, in his country's service ? Such a one, not only subjects himself to the ignominy of a felon's death, if detected, but ex- patriates himself from all human sympathy. He knows - and it is the most terrible thought that a noble heart can feel - that not only his comrades are covering his name with execration, but that those who are nearest and dearest to him, are either unconscious of his real character, or if conscious, are dragged down and suffering from the contempt which he has brought upon them. For him, all hope of return is past, and the future has but one bright hope to illumine his pathway, the hope that his country will profit by the sacrifice which she demands of him. Such was Hale, whose martyr memory is precious to every patriot heart - such too, though more fortu- nate, was DANIEL BISSELL, of Windsor.
The following account of his military services and adventures is gleaned from a package of documents, now sacredly pre- served, in the keeping of liis son, Dr. D. BISSELL, resident physician at the Quarantine on Staten Island, N. Y. They are copies from the original documents in the department of war, at Washington, and their authenticity is fully attested by the
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
seal of the department and the signature of the secretary, Jolin C. Calhoun, under date of December 5th, 1820.
DANIEL BISSELL, the eldest son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Loomis) Bissell, of Windsor, was born in 1754, and arrived at the years of early manhood with a character marked by a great degree of personal courage, self-reliance, prudence and strict integrity. Upon the breaking out of the Revolution, he enlisted in the continental line, where his sterling qualities of head and heart, speedily gained the esteem of his comrades, and the confidence of his officers.
He served through the war with credit - was present at the battle of White Plains, also at Trenton and Monmouth; at the latter place he was slightly wounded in the cheek. In the summer of 1781, he was selected by Gen. Washington to obtain information of the enemy's force and plans in the city of New York, and on Long Island. We will let our hero tell liis own story, in his own way, in the following affidavit:
State of New York, Ontario County, ss: I, DANIEL BISSELL, of Richmond, of more than sixty years of age, do testify and say, that on the thirteenth day of August, 1781, Colonel Heman Swift, of the 2d Connecticut Regiment, called on me early in the morning, and stated to me that he dined at Head Quarters the day before, and His Excellency found it necessary to send within the British lines, to ascertain their position and force, some person, and that I was determined on for the undertaking; and further stated that His Excellency conceived that the great danger was in passing the several examinations. After some further conversation on the subject passed between us, I agreed to accept the perilous tour. Col. Swift then directed me to go to a certain place near Head Quarters, where Col. David Hum- phrey would meet me. Soon after I arrived at the place ap- pointed, the Colonel came and put into my hand a paper, re- questing me to go to some bye-place and read it over, through the course of the day, then destroy it, go to my Regiment, get some refreshment, put on and carry with me two suits of clothes, wear in my watch, silver buckles, &c., which I wore in the American army, so as it should have the appearance of desert- ing;1 and at the time the army was on the parade for evening roll-call, quit the Regiment, go to a bridge between the army
1 Still further to avoid suspicion and secure the accomplishment of the design in hand, Bissell was entered and published in the official returns, as a deserter from the American army. His real character and design was thus known only to Washington and a few of his principal officers. The
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and Col. Schammel's Light Infantry, where I should meet Col. Swift, who would give me further instructions. Col. Swift directed me to call on Col. Schammel at his marquee at nine o'clock in the evening ; and Col. Schammel went with, and conducted me by his Camp guards and sentinals, and informed me that he had ordered off all guards and patrols from the North River road (until after midnight) down as far as Croton Bridge, that being the extent of our lines. I was then to answer (if hailed) 'friend to Britain.' The paper Col. Humphrey gave me was as follows, to the best of my recollection :
As Gen. Arnold1 is now in Virginia, with all the new raised corps, there will be no recruiting parties in New York ; and as the fleet is now at the Hook, consequently there will be no press [gang] in the city; and with the money you carry in, you can get a protection from the Mayor or Police of the city, to go to Lloyd's Neck, thirty miles on Long Island, to cut wood for the Crown. After this, you will return to King's Bridge or Laurel Hill, and view the works there, obtain the number of each regi- ment, the number of men each contains, by whom commanded, their several alarm posts, the number of cannon mounted in each work. You will view all the works on York Island in the same manner; get the whole number of regular forces, distinguish- ing the British from foreigners; the number of the new raised corps, and also the number of militia enrolled for the defence of the city. Get what information you can of their works and force at Powler's Hook, also that of Staten Island. Obtain the number of Shipping in the Harbour, and that at the Hook; and when you have completed your business here, you will pass over to Brooklyn, view the works there, ascertain their force on Long Island. When you have got the business completed, the seventh or ninth night, be at a place called Whitestone, not far from Lloyd's Neck, where a boat will attend to fetch you off. In case you can not attend on one of those nights, you will then make your escape off at the east end of Long Island. Then followed all the probable questions that would be asked me, in the several examinations, together with their answers. But when I arrived in New York, to my great disappointment, I found that Gen. Arnold had returned and had established his recruiting parties in every place where deserters could come in; that the British fleet had got into New York and shut out the French fleet ; and that the press-gangs were in every part of
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