USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Windsor > The history of ancient Windsor, Connecticut > Part 37
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astonishment and mortification of his numerous friends, when they heard him returned as a deserter, can be better imagined that described, and though his character was afterwards satisfactorily vindicated, yet through the malevo- lence of certain persons, he was, at various times, exposed to much annoyance on this account.
1 The traitor Arnold, then in the British service.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
the city ; that the Commander-in-chief, Sir Harry Clinton, had issued a late order that there should be no more protections given to deserters. After avoiding the press-gang for three days, and being attacked with a violent fever, 1 I caused my name to be enrolled in Arnold's regiment. I was soon after sent to the Hospital at Flushing, in December following removed back to York Island (Harlem Heights), put into a bara, which was their Regimental Hospital, where I remained until May. Here my suffering was truly great ; without fire the greatest part of the time, only wood allowed for the purpose of cooking our pork and peas ; without attendance ; but one additional blanket to two men ; without shifting my clothes for three months ; covered with head and body lice ; unable to walk. In this situation, I was taken out of the Hospital to do Quarter- Master Sergeant's duty, for said Regiment, by Capt. Robert Rowley, who acted also as Quarter-Master to the same ; and through his kind attention to my health, I owe my escape from them. 2
1 Mr. Bissell has been heard to say that he had fully possessed himself of the details of the proposed attack on New London, when he was attacked with illness, and thus prevented from making any use of his knowledge.
2 Although Mr. Bissell, in his affidavit has not mentioned the particulars of his escape, yet they are not without interest. It seems that from early boyhood he had been in the habit of talking in his sleep, and during the temporary de. lirium of his fever in the British hospital, he probably betrayed his secret to his attending physician, who was also warmly attached to him. After his recovery the doctor gave him a quiet hint to that effect. Bissell's mind was immediately made up to leave. Taking into his confidence a comrade who was also desirous of escape, the two obtained permission of the officer of the guard, to leave the lines, in search of a pig which, as they pretended, had strayed away. Accompanied by a boy, whom they took along as a blind, they started forth. Their adventures were numerous and exciting. Coming to a small river, they were obliged to swim across, Bissell supporting his comrade (who was a larger man, but no swimmer) on his shoulders, and the boy swimming by his side. At another and wider river, they were at a loss how to cross, and were deliberating on the subject, when they espied a per- son approaching in a boat from the other side, whom they hailed. He seemed to be much frightened, threw overboard what seemed to be a quarter of beef, and was about paddling off in the opposite direction, when Bissell seized & small stick about the size of a horse-pistol, and threatened to shoot him im- mediately, if he did not come ashore. This he thought best to do, and on reaching the beach, was ordered by Bissell to put their party across the river, and " no questions asked or answered." This the man did, and appeared
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
When I returned from the British Army, to the American Head Quarters, and after being there two days, committing to paper the information which I had obtained, Col. Humphrey informed me that his Excellency said that he could not reward me in the way and manner he intended when I went in; my being detained there so long, also there being so many super- numerary officers, Congress had ordered there be no more com- missions given; and asked me if I wished to be discharged from service. I told the Col. I had been in every campaign of the War (and out of health) that my wish was to continue through. I was then asked to join the Invalid Corps and receive a pension. This I declined on the ground, my Country was poor and it would be of no advantage to me. He said, I might do duty or not as I pleased. I went to my Regiment and did orderly sergeant duty until May following, when I obtained permission from his excellency to go to Susquehannah And on my return to the regiment I found the last division of the army had been furloughed the day before; my clothes which I left in the regi- ment were all stolen. I found there had been a General Order for me to attend at Head Quarters and receive an honorary certificate and a badge of military merit. These were given me by Jonathan Trumbull, then secretary.
In the year 1777 or 78, Congress passed a resolution that any non-commissioned officer or private who should furnish him- self with clothing (regimental) should receive thirty-six dol- lars, seventy-five cents per year. Agreeably to the resolve, I furnished myself with clothing the most part of four years, as it will appear by the Books of the 2nd Connecticut Regiment, now at the seat of Government. Thirteen months I clothed and victualled myself, while in actual dangerous service for my country, and sacrificed a constitution as good perhaps, as any ever entered the American service. In Washington's administration I petitioned Congress for compensation for extra services, and
to feel quite relieved when well rid of his load. He was probably a re- negade farmer who was smuggling in becf to the British army on New York Island.
Before they had been long absent, their intent was suspected, and they were pursued by a detachment of the British light-horse. Luckily however, they reached a large swamp, in which they hid themselves for some time, with nothing but their heads out of water, while their pursuers, accompanied by bloodhounds, were riding and beating around in vain search. But the water with which it abounded threw the dogs off their scent, and after two or more hours of the most agonizing suspense, Bissell and his comrades were delighted to hear the bugle sound a recall, and the footsteps of their pursuers gradually receding. They climbed up into the trees, and there cold, wet and hungry, spent a forlorn night. But at length their sufferings had an end.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
for money paid for clothing in the War. Daniel Buck, Esq. member of Congress from the state of Vermont, carried forward my petition, he was to call on the President, show him my certificate and badge of merit. The President did advise Mr. Buck to put in a petition for me. Accordingly he did. Mr. Buck, on his return to Vermont, informed me I was barred by law, this being the year the Limitation Act took place. James Fisk, Esq., member of Congress from Vermont, carried forward my second petition; on his return informed me that the com- mittee on claims, reported in favour of the petitioner; that it went to the second reading, when Mr Talmadge, a member from Connecticut moved to have the petition put over to the next sitting of Congress (and carried). Here the business has rested ever since. Furthermore the deponent saith not.
DANIEL BISSELL.
Personally appeared Daniel Bissell, of Richmond, Ontario County, State of New York, and made solemn oath, that the above, within and foregoing written deposition by him sub- scribed contains the truth, according to the best of his recol- lection and belief. Sworn to, this 7th of January 1818 at Rich- mond before, WM. BAKER, Justice of the Peace.
The Honorary Certificate,1 which accompanied the Badge of merit, above alluded to, was as follows :
1 The establishment of this badge was announced to the army in general orders, dated :
"HEAD QUARTERS, NEWBURGH, Wednesday, Aug. 7th, 1782.
"Honorary Badges of distinction are to be conferred on the veteran non- commissioned officers and soldiers of the army who have served more than three years with bravery, fidelity and good conduct : for this purpose a narrow piece of white cloth of an angular form is to be fixed to the left arm on the uniform coats. Non-commissioned officers and soldiers who have served with equal reputation more than six years are to be distinguished by two pieces of cloth set in parallel to each other in a similar form. Should any who are not entitled to these honors have the insolence to assume the badges of them, they shall be severely punished. On the other hand, it is expected those gallant men who are thus designated will on all occasions be treated with particular confidence and consideration.
" The General ever desirous to cherish a virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permi ted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward. Before this favour can be conferred on any man, the particular fact or facts, on which it is to be grounded must be set forth to the commander-in-chief, accompanied with certificates from the commanding officers of the regiment and brigade to which the can-
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
"I, GEORGE WASHINGTON, Commander-in-Chief of the American Army, &c., &c., &c.
" To all to whom these Presents shall come, sendeth Greeting :
" Whereas, it hath ever been an established maxim in the American Service, that the Road to Glory was open to all, that Honorary Rewards and Distinctions, were the greatest Stimuli to virtuous actions, and whereas Sergeant DANIEL, BISSELL of the Second Connecticut Regiment, has performed some important service, within the immediate knowledge of the Commander-in- Chief, in which his fidelity, perseverance and good sense, were not only conspicuously manifested, but his general line of con- duct throughout a long course of service, having been not only unspotted but highly deserving of commendation.
" Now, therefore, Know Ye, that the aforesaid Sergeant BIS- SELL, hath fully and truly deserved, and hath been properly invested with, the Honorary Badge of Military Merit, and is entitled to pass and repass all Guards and Military Posts, as
didate for reward belonged, or other incontestible proofs, and npon granting it, the name and regiment of the person, with the action so certified, are to be enrolled in the book of merit which will be kept at the orderly office. Men who have merited this last distinction to be suffered to pass all guards and sentinels which officers are permitted to do.
" The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all. This order is also to have retrospect to the earliest stages of the war, and to be considered as a permanent one."
Four days later, another order was issued in explanation of the foregoing, and to prevent any misapplication of the badges.
" HEAD QUARTERS, NEWBURGH, Sunday, August 11, 1782.
" In order to prevent misapplication of the honorary badges of distinction to be conferred on the non-commissioned officers and soldiers in consequence of long and faithful service, through any mistake or misapprehension of the orders of the 7th instant, the General thinks proper to inform the army that they are only attainable by an uninterrupted series of faithful and honorable services. A soldier who has once retired from the field of glory forfeits all pretensions to precedence from former services; and a man who has deservedly met an ignominious punishment or degradation cannot be admitted a candidate for any honorary distinction unless he shall have wiped away the stain his reputation has suffered by some very brilliant achievement, or by serving with reputation after his disgrace the number of years which entitle other men to that indulgence. The badges which non-commissioned officers and soldiers are permitted to wear on the left arm as a mark of long and faithful service, are to be of the same color with the facings of the corps they belong to, and not white in every instance as directed in the orders of the 7th instant."
(From an article by Peter Force, Esq., of Washington, in the Historical Magazine, vol. iii. p. 1.) At present only two others are known to have received this badge. See the article above referred to.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
freely and as amply as any Commissioned Officer whatever; and is further Recommended to that Notice which a Brave and Faith- ful Soldier deserves from his Countrymen.
" Given under my hand and seal, in the Highlands of New York, this Ninth day of May, A. D. 1783.
Signed.
Registered. JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Secretary. [L. s.] GEORGE WASHINGTON.
This certificate was highly prized by the recipient and in after life carefully preserved between the leaves of an old Family Bible, which, together with all his earthly goods, was lost by the burning of his house, in Richmond, N. Y. A copy, however, had been made, the authenticity of which was sub- sequently attested by the following affidavits and letters:
To all whom it may concern, by these Presents be it certified and made known: That Daniel Bissell of the town of Windsor, in the State of Connecticut, was a Sergeant in the 2d Regiment of the Troops of the said State, in the service of the U. S., in the year 1781. That the Commander-in Chief, to whom the undersigned were then aids-de-camp, having had occasion to employ an intelligent, faithful and brave man to obtain, by per- sonal inspection, information of the strength and position of the British army in New York, at the time of the junction of the American and French armies, near the White Plains, at the opening of the campaign in the before mentioned year, did through the agency of one of the undersigned, and on the special recommendation of Col. Heman Swift then commanding the Regiment, to which the said Daniel Bissell then belonged, engage the aforesaid Sergeant Bissell, in this perilous and im- portant undertaking, under pretext of being a deserter to the enemy, and in order to render the deception complete, of being returned as such, on the succeeding muster-rolls: That he did so quit the lines of the American Army, about the 14th of August, 1781, and enlist in one of the Provincial Regiments, so called, in the service of the King of Great Britain, and become Quarter Master Sergeant in the same, whereby he had an oppor- tunity of learning the force of the several corps from the num- ber of rations delivered at the Commissary's store. That having been constrained by inevitable causes to remain for nearly thirteen months, he did then return to the American Head Quarters with interesting intelligence. That General Washing- ton, having been well satisfied with his whole conduct, did give him an honorable discharge from the army, lest from any
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
future contingency he might fall into the hands of the British, and be capitally punished for the performance of this patriotic and secret service to his country. And the undersigned do further certify and make known, according to the best of their knowledge and belief, that the before named Sergeant Daniel Bis- sell, did receive a highly creditable certificate, together with what was termed the Badge of Merit; and that they are ignorant of his having ever received any other reward for his meritorious services.
Given under our hands and seals, in Boston, in the State of Massachusetts, this 29th day of May, in the year of our Lord 1817.
[L. s.]
Signed D. HUMPHREYS, DAVID COBB.
Accompanying this was the following letter from Major Humphreys :
BOSTON, May 29, 1817. Sir : I have delayed an answer to your letter of the 4th of April, until I could confer with General Cobb on the subject of it. We hasten to, furnish you with a certificate in conformity to our joint and distinct recollection of facts, in the hope it may prove'of some avail in procuring yon a compensation for the perilous undertaking, in which we believe you engaged from motives of patriotism.
As you mention that you had the misfortune to lose your papers by firc, it is suggested that it is not improbable you may [defaced] that, to which you allude, among the documents of the late Commander-in-Chief, which would doubtless add much support to the strength of your claim, on the generosity and Justice of the Public. With my best wishes for your health and happiness, I remain,
Very respectfully, Your friend & Humble Serv'. D. HUMPHREYS.
Mr. Daniel Bissell,
Richmond, Ontario County, State of New York.
This testimony is further corroborated by two of his fellow sergeants, who were in the same regiment with him, and who were afterwards his neighbors in Richmond county, N. Y.
Sgt. Bissell, afterward served in the campaign against the Indians in 1799, known as the Adams War. He then held the rank of Ist lieutenant in the 16th regiment of U. S. Infantry.
Still later he removed to Vermont, where he married a second
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
wife. In 1810 he removed to Richmond, N. Y., where he died in August, 1824, aged 70 years.
His character was that of an upright, fearless, public spirited citizen. His naturally fine constitution never recovered from the privations and sufferings to which he was exposed during his service as a spy within the British lines at New York ; and the maladies to which his after life was subject, undoubtedly tended much to cripple his energies, and to thwart the success which those energies would otherwise have accomplished. Yet he brought up a large family of children, all of whom have taken responsible and useful positions in life. And to his latest hour, the remembrance of his patriotic service, was a source of honorable pride, which fully compensated him for all the suffer- ings which it had entailed upon him.
An Incident.
At an early period in the Revolutionary struggle, and before the war had as yet fairly commenced, some of the tories (of whom there were a few in Windsor) happened one day to come across ELINU DRAKE, then a young lad about eight years old, and partly in earnest and partly in a joke, endeavored to compel him to say " God save the King." Failing of success, they tried to intimidate him, by threatening him with a ducking in the Little River. But the boy still stoutly refused. Becoming somewhat enraged at the young rebel, they carried their threat into execution, and thrust him under water ; but as they pulled him out spluttering and choking, the only exclamation which he uttered was a fervent "God d-n the King." Again and again was the little martyr thrust under, but each time the same " God d-n the King," was all which they could extort from him, and they were obliged to release him, with many hearty curses for his stubbornness.
This little hero was the son of Adjt. Augustine Drake, of Windsor, and afterwards, at the age of twelve, accompanied his father into the war, in the capacity of waiter.
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LIST OF REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
A List of Soldiers in the American Revolutionary Army,
Who were natives of, or enlisted from, the town of Windsor, Ct .; collected from the certificates of enlistment in the town clerk's office; from documents in the state archives ; official returns, private letters, etc. 1
ALLYN, ELISHA, enlisted March, 1778, to January, 1779.
MOSES, served six months in 1780.
GEORGE, served at Horseneck, Ct., from March, 1782, to April 1, 1783. SOLOMON, JR., served at Horseneck, Ct., from May, 1781, to March, 1782.
JOHN, in Lexington Alarm party, April, 1775. JOHN, JR. ditto.
JOSEPH.
ALFORD, JOSEPH, served at New York, Peekskill, Fishkill and New Haven.
ANDRUS, SAMUEL, died near New York, 1776.
BARBER, DAVID.
DAVID, JR., enlisted May, 1777, in Col. Durkee's reg't, Capt. John Harmon's company, for 3 years. REUBEN, served six months in 1780.
SHUBAEL, enlisted May, 1777, in Col. Durkee's regiment, Capt. John Harmon's company; also bought and sent a negro into the army; probably served through the war. JERIJAH, was at New York in the fall of 1776.
BARKER, ETHAN.
BARNARD, JOSEPH, enlisted for the war; was at White Plains, N. Y. JOSEPH, JR., served in Col. Durkee's regiment, Capt. John Harmon's company, 1777.
SAMUEL, served at New York, Boston and New Haven. BARNES, STEPHEN, served six months in 1780. ABEL.
1 Although almost every family had "an ancestor in the Revolution," we have rigidly excluded traditionary, and relied exclusively on original docu- mentary evidence, in the compilation of this list.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
BARZILLA, HENRY (colored), enlisted in Col. Durkee's regiment, Capt. John Harmon's company, May, 1777, for the war.
BECKETT, EZRA.
BECKWITH, EZRA (late of Simsbury), enlisted in Col. Wyllys's reg't, Capt. Allen's company, for three years.
BENTON, ELIHU, served six months in 1780.
BIDWELL, JONATHAN (Wby), served in New York, 1776.
BISSELL, CORNELIUS (Ens.).
DAVID, JR. (Lieut.)
ELIAS (Corp'l), served in summer of 1780. EBEN'R FITCH (Capt.), see pages 384, 385, 394. DANIEL.
BLANCHARD, JEDEDIAH.
BOGUE, DANIEL.
BRISTER, JOHN (colored), enlisted May, 1777, in the 4th Conn. regiment, Capt. Abner Prior's company, for three years.
BROWN, ELIAS (Fifer), ditto.
EZRA, served at Horseneck, Conn., from March, 1782, to April 1, 1783.
JUDE C.
SAMUEL, JR.
Jusrus, served in Rhode Island and New York.
MICHAEL, served at Old Milford and New York. DANIEL, in camp at Roxbury, 1775.
BROWNSON, SAMUEL.
BURR, THOMAS.
BURN (?) THOMAS.
CAHALE, CORNELIUS.
CAMMARUM, DANIEL, aged 20, enlisted August, 1777, in Col. Wyllys's reg't, Capt. Eells's company, at Peekskill.
CANNY, PATRICK, served at Horseneck from March, 1782, to April 1, 1783.
CASE, BENJAMIN, JR.
GIDEON, was at New York and Fishkill.
BENONI, was at New York, New London and Old Milford. FREDERICK (Wby), died in camp at New York, 1776.
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LIST OF REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
CASE, OLIVER (Wby), died near camp at New York, 1776. CHANDLER, ISAAC, enlisted 1777, in Col. Wyllys's reg't, Capt. Thos. Abbey's company, at Enfield. LEVI, enlisted May, 1777, in 4th Conn. reg't, Capt. Abner Prior's company, for the war. CHAPMAN, FREDERICK, served six months in 1780, under Colonel Wyllys.
CHARTER, LEVI.
CLARK, EZEKIEL, served in the Continental army, was at New York and Peekskill.
EZEKIEL, JR., enlisted May, 1777, in Col. Durkee's reg't, Capt. John Harmon's company, for three years. BENJAMIN, enlisted May, 1777, in 4th Conn. reg't, Capt. Abner Prior's company.
GEORGE, ditto. SOLOMON.
DANIEL, served six months in 1780, was at Horseneck from March, 1782, to April 1, 1783.
ELIAS, served six months in 1780.
DAVID.
MOSES, was at Boston and New Haven.
COLTON, LOUIS (Wby).
COLVIN, DAVID.
COLT, JABEZ, served three months in 1780.
COOK, SHUBAEL.
RICHARD. ÅBNER.
WILLIAM, served in Continental army for three years.
ABEL, served in Col. Durkee's reg't, Capt. John Harmon's company, June, 1777.
ELI, detached August, 1778, for one month, on tour of duty in Rhode Island.
TIMOTHY, was at Fishkill and in New Jersey.
JOEL, served six months in 1780.
WILLIAM, JR., enlisted May, 1777, in Col. Durkee's reg't, Capt. John Harmon's company, for 3 years.
COY, SAMUEL.
CROW, ELIAS, enlisted for the war, returned as a deserter.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR
COON, TIMOTHY, enlisted 1777, in 4th Conn. reg't, Capt. Abner Prior's company.
CUFF, SAMSON (colored), served three months in 1780.
DANIELS, DAVID, enlisted 1777, in 4th Conn. reg't, Capt. Abner Prior's company.
DAVIES, BURDON.
WILLIAM, in Lexington Alarm party, 1775, was at Sara- toga, N. Y., and Old Milford, Ct.
DAY, ISAAC (Corp'l). JOHN, Was at New Haven.
DENSLOW, JOEL, enlisted May, 1777, in 4th Conn. regiment, Capt. Abner Prior's company, for three years.
MARTIN, (Capt.) ditto; was also in Lexington Alarm party in 1775; at Roxbury Camp, 1775; half-pay Lieut.
ELIHU, died in camp, at New York, 1776. ELIJAH.
SAMUEL, JR., served six months in 1780.
REUBEN, was in Lexington Alarm party, April, 1775; afterwards belonged to the Light Horse in Col. Hart's regiment, at Mamaroneck Camp, N. Y., 1777; was at Horseneck, 1781. DE WOLF, ELIAS, was at Fishkill and White Plains, N. Y.
DICKENS, LUKE.
DRAKE, LORY, served six months in 1780.
ABIEL, was in 17th Conn. reg't, Capt. Hubbard's company, April, 1776.
AUGUSTINE, (Adjutant in the regular line) died at home during the war.
EBENEZER.
DONALDS, DAVID.
DUSET, PHILEMON.
JOHN.
EDWARD (negro, belonging to Rev. D. S. Rowland), enlisted May, 1777, in 4th Conn. regiment, Capt. Abner Prior's company, for the war.
EGGLESTON, JOSEPH, aged 17, enlisted 1775, in Col. Wyllys's regi- ment, Capt. E. Eells's company, for the war.
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LIST OF REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
EGGLESTON, NATHANIEL.
ISAAC.
TIMOTHY, enlisted April, 1776, in 17th regiment, Capt. Hubbard's company; returned as a deserter. JAMES, served three months in 1780.
DAVID.
JONATHAN (Wby).
SAMUEL, served in the Light Horse, during the war. THOMAS, was in the battle of Long Island. His grand- son (Elijah, of Hartford), has often heard him tell his recollections of this battle. Mr. E. was one of those who were detailed to manage the boats and barges which con- veyed the retreating American army across the East River, and worked hard all night.
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