USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Cambridge > History of Massachusetts from July 1775, when general Washington took command of the American Army at Cambridge, to the year 1789, (inclusive) when federal government was established under the present constitution, Vol 2 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
142
the western part of the state, and over the green mountains in Vermont. In this month (August) a day was observed for fasting and praying, on ac- count of the distresses of the people and the alarming prospects of the country.
The repeated successes of the British in the northern department, under general Bourgoyne, had justly excited great apprehensions, that he would make his way to Albany, unless soon check- ed by a strong reinforcement from the militia of the New England states. Should he succeed in such a plan, he would be joined, it was believed, by the British forces near New York, a part of which was then already endeavouring to ascend the Hudson, for the purpose of a junction with
the troops under Bourgoyne. The southern and northern states thus separated, it would be com- paratively easy to subdue them. No time, there- fore, was to be lost, in preparing to prevent the execution of such a project. It was seen, that all possible effort was demanded to save the country, and to defeat the bold schemes of the enemy. Although there had then been a large portion of the militia of the state, not in service at Providence and on the sea coast, ordered to reinforce the army under general Gates, who had then recently been appointed to the command in that quarter, it was immediately resolved to send on an additional num- ber; and one half the residue in all the western counties, (excepting the south part of Worcester, from which large drafts had then lately been made for Rhode Island,) and in Middlesex and Essex, In the absence of the continental troops from Boston, who had also been ordered to join the army under general Gates, several companies of
143
the militia from Suffolk and Middlesex were called out to protect the capital, and to guard the mili- tary stores in that place, in Cambridge and Wa- tertown.
An expedition was planned in September, by the General Assembly, with the knowledge and at the request of the governors of Rhode Island and Connecticut ; the object of which, though not pub- licly known at the time, (for it was called a secret expedition,) was to make an attack upon the ene- my at Newport, in the hope of forcing them to re- tire from that place. It was ordered that 3000 troops be raised, immediately, from Bristol, Ply- mouth and Barnstable, and the southern parts of Suffolk, Middlesex and Worcester. The state re- giment of artillery, under colonel Crafts, was also to make a part of the detachment. Two briga- diers were to be in the command; and the whole of the Massachusetts militia to be under major general Hancock, who was then absent from Con- gress, and resident in Boston. General Spencer of Connecticut commanded the whole force. After great exertions, the most of the men called for were raised, and marched to Providence and vicini- ty. But the British troops on Rhode Island, at this period, were numerous, and no attack was made upon them. Much blame was attached to the brigadier generals, and to Spencer, the com- mander in chief, and there was probably some foundation for the complaints against them. But the expedition was projected at a time when there were great demands upon the state for troops to reinforce general Gates, and it was impossible, per- haps, to furnish a force sufficient to have justified a descent upon Rhode Island. It was of great
1
144
service to the country, at that critical period, to have prevented the enemy on the Island, from ex- tending their conquest to other places in the vicini- ty. There was a court of inquiry soon after; but both Spencer and Palmer, a brigadier of Massa- chusetts militia, who had been censured, were ac- quitted. There was evidence of some want of promptness on the part of Palmer ; butit was ex- cused, because of the difficulty of collecting the militia at the time appointed.
The affairs in the north, where the attention of the New England states was particularly directed, at this time, were now fast approaching to a crisis. Bourgoyne, who had been driving the American army before him for months, and capturing post after post, had penetrated so far into the country from Canada, that he could not retreat, without subjecting himself to disgrace, and his army to great loss, if not to total defeat. His hazardous situation was seen by the American general, and he meditated the capture of the conquering enemy. The militia were called for, and they marched with great spirit and dispatch. Those from New Hampshire and the grants, (afterwards Vermont,) were early assembled, and first taught the British regular troops, that the hardy yeomanry of the soil could oppose formidable obstacles to their progress. A detachment of the enemy, of about 1000 men, sent by general Bourgoyne to scour the country, to collect provisions, and to prepare for the reception of the whole British army, which, in the moment of success, was supposed could sub- due the country, wherever it might choose to pro- ceed, was attacked near Bennington by a party of the militia, under the brave and intrepid general
145
Stark, and totally defeated. He took 300 pri- soners, and two valuable field pieces, in the first attack. The enemy retreated, and were pursued by the Americans ; and, though reinforced by 1000 fresh troops, Stark, with a small additional num- ber who joined him, again gave them battle, and obliged them to retreat with great slaughter. Se- veral other field pieces fell into the hands of the Americans, and upwards of 300 more of the Bri- tish party were taken; making in the whole 650, besides nearly 300 killed and wounded. The total loss of the enemy was 930. This brilliant affair, while it convinced general Bourgoyne that the country would not be so easily subdued as he had imagined, gave great encouragement and confidence to the American troops.
The British army continued, indeed, to advance still further into the country, in the direction of Albany, in pursuance, probably, of an understand- ing with general Clinton, who was in the neigh- bourhood of New York, that he would pass up the Hudson and join Bourgoyne in that quarter. But the progress was slow, and every day's march manifested to the wary chief, the necessity of caution and circumspection. When he had ad- vanced some distance south of lake Champlain, the Americans, under general Lincoln of Massa- chusetts, who had then lately joined the northern army,* made a diversion in his rear, and cut off all communication between the British camp and the fortresses which they had left. It remained now, that the British general must "press forward, op-
* Lincoln was first selected by general Washington for this department, when Schuyler had the command there ; " be- cause of his great decision and energy of character."
VOL. II.
19
146
posed as he was by a very powerful force under general Gates, or attempt to return to his forts on the lake, which would be almost equally hazardous. Leaving a number of men at fort Independence, on the southern border of the lake, Lincoln joined the main army under Gates, to act in concert against the enemy. On the 19th of September, a severe and almost general action took place be- tween the two armies, near Saratoga. The ad- vanced guards of the Americans were attacked by three regiments of the British, about a mile in front of their main body, when, after an obstinate resistance, the latter were obliged to retire with considerable loss. But they were soon reinforced, and resumed the attack. The advanced party of the continental troops received support from Ar- nold's division ; and thus united, they were able to check the enemy, the greater part of whose whole force was soon brought into action, for the safety of the party first engaged. The Americans main- tained their position, although not more than half the troops under general Gates was on the field. The loss of the British was reported to be about 1000, in killed, wounded and taken; and the Ame- ricans did not exceed 320.
Another attack took place on the 7th of Octo- ber, by the right wing of the British attempting to take post on the right of the Americans. The scouts of the latter were driven in, and the former advanced rapidly. Three regiments of the Ame- ricans were ordered to receive them, who met them when they had approached within a mile of their lines. Each party pushed for an eminence, which was situated between them; and the Ame- ricans had the good fortune to gain it. The en-
-
147
gagement continued through the afternoon without intermission. The enemy soon fell back, and were closely pursued a distance of nearly two miles. The continental troops entered one of the British entrenchments sword in hand. The evening being very dark, they could not with prudence attack any other posts. They halted for the night within half a mile of the main body of the enemy. Bour- goyne moved off silently during the night to a dis- tant position, which was more strongly fortified. On the following day, there were frequent skir- mishes, between the advanced parties of the two hostile armies; many were wounded on both sides, and some of the British were made prisoners. In reconnoitering the enemy's movements, general Lincoln was wounded in the leg; which obliged him to retire from the public service for several months. It was supposed he must have submitted to the amputation of his limb; but he recovered without so great a loss ; and soon after joined the continental army in the southern department.
Among the many American officers who were distinguished in these several engagements, were colonel Brooks of Massachusetts and major Dear- born of New Hampshire. On the 19th of Sep- tember and the 7th of October, they conducted with great spirit and bravery : and Brooks was the last who left the ground on the evening of the 19th after the enemy retired. Colonel Col- burn of the Massachusetts line, who was killed in the battle of that day, was much lamented. Colonel Francis, a highly meritorious officer of the Massachusetts line, was killed at an earlier period of this campaign. He had command of the rear of the American troops on the retreat from Ty-
148
conderago in August, when St. Clair was general in chief in that quarter. He was overpowered by a superior force of the pursuing enemies ; and received a mortal wound, while bravely attempt- ing to protect his men from their avenging arm. The British lost many officers of high rank and great merit. General Frazer, who was killed on the occasion, was considered one of the first mili- tary characters in their army. And he was also beloved for his accomplishments and virtues as a man.
General Bourgoyne, receiving no reinforcements, and surrounded by a numerous army, found him- self obliged on the 19th of October to surrender his troops as prisoners of war to the Americans. They were marched to the vicinity of Boston ; and barracks were provided for their reception, on Prospect and Winter Hills. The greater part of the continental army, after the capture of Bour- goyne, was ordered from Saratoga to join general Washington near Philadelphia; and soon after went into winter quarters at Valley Forge.
General Stark of New Hampshire, who com- manded the militia in the brilliant affair of Ben- nington, presented to the legislature of Massachu- setts several military articles taken from the Bri- tish on that occasion. A letter of thanks was written to general Stark by order of the assem- bly ; and it was voted " that the trophies should be preserved in the archives of the state." They have a conspicuous place in the spacious room occupied by the Senate .*
* A present was ordered by the legislature to general Stark, of a suit of clothes and a piece of linen. At the pre- sent time, it may appear an insignificant gift; but it should
-
149
The greatest portion of the British troops in America were, during this year, in the vicinity of New York, in New Jersey and on the Delaware near Philadelphia, under general Howe, the com- mander in chief of all the English forces on the continent .* To watch his motions, and to protect that part of the country from depredations, was the arduous and responsible duty of general Washington. He had not a sufficient force, at any time, to justify him in seeking a general en- gagement with the British; and one unfortunate battle, on his part, would have put the country in imminent danger of an entire and speedy conquest, by the enemy. In his situation, it was the dictate of patriotism as well as of prudence, to act chiefly on the defensive. Yet there were occasions, when Washington thought it necessary, as in the affairs of Trenton and Princeton the preceding year, to engage in more decisive operations. Towards the close of August, lord Howe landed a large force from New York, near the mouth of Elk river, of about 25,000. General Washington marched from the vicinity of Philadelphia where he then was, to Wilmington, a few miles from the position which the enemy occupied. Congress called upon the militia of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, who collected under generals Cadwallader and Dickin- son ; and general Sullivan with his division was
rather be considered as proof of their poverty, than as want of gratitude or of a just appreciation of his great merits.
* The whole number of British troops in America, before the capture of Bourgoyne, was estimated at 50,000. From the beginning of 1775 to October 1777, inclusive, their loss was said to be as follows, 9,000 killed 11,000 wounded, 10,000, prisoners ; making about 30,000 in the whole.
150
directed to join the main army under Washington. The British approached the Americans within two miles ; but soon filed off, with a view to pos- sess themselves of a fort on the heights of Brandy- wine. Washington, aware of their intention, de- tached general lord Sterling with a division to anticipate them. The following morning, Sep- tember 11th, a general action commenced, which continued, with different degrees of intenseness through the day. The British were greatly supe- rior to the Americans in number. But through the skill and activity of general Washington, and the gallantry of the officers and men under his command, the Americans maintained their position during the whole day ; and in the night, retired in good order, without being pursued by the ene-
my. General Washington had almost 1000 men killed and wounded; and the loss of the British was reported to be double that number. The marquis de Lafayette, a French nobleman of great merit, who had a short time before joined the American army, and was acting as a volunteer, received a severe wound in this action. Captain Bryant, a brave officer in the Massachusetts line, from Boston, was slain in this battle : and in No- vember, a captain Treat of Boston was killed in the attack upon Fort Mifflin on Mud Island, who was highly esteemed for his intrepidity and cour- age. On the fourth of October another action took place between the continental troops and general Howe, at Germantown, within eight miles of Philadelphia.
The enemy were then station- ed in that city, of which they took possession a few days after the affair at Brandywine. The British general, having detached a part of his
r
1
:
1
151
troops, with a view to reduce some posts on the Delaware possessed by the Americans, general Washington, with advice of his officers concluded to make an attack upon the British force station- ed at Germantown. In the first attack, the Ame- ricans were successful; but the morning was very foggy, and the plans of Washington were interrupt- ed; so that the result was not such as was promised by the good fortune of the morning. Two sepa- rate divisions of the continental troops mistook each other for the enemy, which was the occasion of much embarrassment and misfortune. The Bri- tish gained nothing in this affair; and the Ameri- cans lost neither reputation nor stores. Their loss of men was not great, though several brave officers fell in the battle; among whom was brigadier general Nash of Carolina. Sullivan and Greene distinguished themselves on this occasion; and were particularly applauded by the commander in chief, who was in the field through the whole en- gagement.
In the summer of 1777, captain Manly in the Hancock, a public ship of thirty two guns, was taken by a British forty gun ship, commanded by sir George Collier. A few days before this un- fortunate affair, Manly captured a sloop of war of twenty eight guns. He was exchanged the next year, and appointed to the command of a larger frigate.
152
CHAPTER VII.
Taxes ... Men raised for defence of the state, and for the continental army ... Addresses to the people ... Confederation ... Judges ... General Court sit in Roxbury ... Constitution disapproved in 1778 ... British at Newport ... French Fleet ... Americans retreat ... Lafayette ... Fort Alden taken ... British commissioners offer terms of peace ... Gene- ral Gates commands in Boston ... Opinion of British statesmen.
AFTER a short recess the first of November, (1777) the General Court met in the latter part of that month and found several important sub- jects demanded attention. Congress had then re- cently recommended to the states to raise by tax, five millions of dollars ; and the amount required of Massachusetts was 820,000, a quarter more than any other state. The legislature, soon after, resolved to raise 75,000l. immediately by loans, and laid a tax also of 240,000l. Massachusetts was, at this time, much in advance to the United States, and appointed agents to request an adjust- ment of its claims. The period, for which the militia at Rhode Island and the companies on the sea coast had engaged was about to expire ; and it became necessary to provide for the enlistment of others to supply their places. It was accord- ingly ordered, that two regiments be raised for a year, to serve in Rhode Island or in any of the New England states. Some of the militia were also called out for the defence of the sea coast, at
--
153
the same places as had been guarded the year past; but in some towns, a less number was pro- vided. Detachments were ordered, likewise, on the request of general Heath, still commanding on the Boston station, from the militia nearest to the metropolis, amounting to about a regiment in the whole, to serve as guards for the public stores, and for the defence of that place and harbour. The court loaned general Heath, at this time, $30,000, for the continental service : and to do this, they were obliged to borrow it of individuals.
In February 1778, a committee was sent by the legislature of Massachusetts to confer with general Washington upon the expediency of rais- ing more men than the quota before required, and to consult him as to the time, for which it would be necessary to engage them. This committee were particularly instructed " to assure him that this state, in testimony of their peculiar affection and respect for him, which he had so highly merited by his incessant and unwearied exertions in behalf of the country, as well as from what they owe to the common cause, will cheerfully co- operate with him, as far their ability will admit, in endeavours to expel the enemy, and to free Ame- rica from thraldom and slavery." Soon after, the assembly voted to furnish, gratis, a full suit of clothes to every soldier from Massachusetts in the continental army. The field and other officers who had been some time in the service, and engaged still to continue, had an additional sum granted them ; the former 150 dollars, and the lat- ter 120. Many of the officers had then recently resigned their commissions and returned to their families; which were in such destitute circumstan- VOL. II. 20
154
ces, as to induce even those who were truly pat- riotic to return home.
Soon after the return of the committee from their visit to general Washington, the legislature of Massachusetts issued fresh orders to those towns which were still delinquent in raising their re- spective quotas of men for the three years' service, and subjected such as did not immediately comply, to a heavy fine; and the attorney-general was directed to prosecute them. As it was difficult to prevail on men to engage for so long a period, it was resolved by the General Court, a few weeks after, to raise 2000 men for eight or nine months, to fill up their sixteen regiments in the continental esta- blishment. For this purpose, a particular number was required of each town in the state; and com- mittees were also appointed in every county to hasten the enlistment, and to send on the men to the army under general Washington. All those towns which should have their respective numbers raised by the first of May, were promised a bounty. The board of war in Massachusetts was also re- quired to furnish arms, and such other accoutre- ments as should be necessary for their equipment. The same week that this order issued, the Assem- bly resolved to raise 1500; 1300 of which were to be stationed on the northern frontier, for eight months, and 200 for the defence of Rhode Island. These men were called out by particular and urgent request of Congress. The force of the enemy was still great at that place ; and it was thought necessary to keep a number of troops in that quarter, to prevent their predatory incursions into the surrounding country.
To animate the people to patriotic exertions at
155
this critical period, when the country was as much exposed as in any former season, and when extra- ordinary efforts were necessary to justify any hope of success, addresses were prepared and published by Congress, and by the legislatures of several of the States, as well as by many individuals, who were deeply impressed with the danger which impend- ed. Language such as this was used :- " Act like yourselves. Arouse at the call of Washington and of your country, and you will soon be crowned with glory, independence, and peace. Present ease and interest we must part with for a time; and let us rejoice at the sacrifice."-" What words can paint the solid joys, the delightful recollec- tions, which will fill the patriotic mind hereafter. He who wishes for permanent happiness, let him now put forth all his strength for the immediate salvation of his country, and he shall reap immor- tal pleasure and renown. It is good for us to anticipate the joy that will fill our minds, when we shall receive the reward of our labours; when we shall see our country flourish in peace ; when grateful millions shall hail us the protectors of our country, and an approving conscience shall light up eternal sunshine in our souls."-" Considering the noble ardour which has been heretofore mani- fested in the common cause, we feel confident that the virtuous yeomanry will take particular pleasure in complying with the call of Washington and of Congress. It is hoped that the ensuing campaign will make the enemy repent their execrable pur- pose of enslaving a free people. For the sake of liberty, let not our expectations be disappointed for want of men and means, which we are still able to furnish. We are convinced you will exert
156
yourselves. Your country calls : and to the call of your country you were never deaf."
The authority of Congress had hitherto been only advisory, though the legislatures of the seve- ral States had such confidence in the wisdom and patriotism of that respectable body, as almost invariably to comply with its requisitions. The importance of a general and consistent course of policy for the whole country was, indeed, very evident to every intelligent citizen; and the advice of Congress was accordingly received with a regard, little less than could be given to the most perfect authority. This was particularly the case for the two first years of the revolutionary war. But difficulties arose in this unsettled state of the pow- ers of Congress ; and the country suffered from its want of authority to enforce obedience to orders calculated for the common welfare. In Decem- ber, 1777, a plan was proposed by that body, " of confederation and perpetual union between the thirteen United States," embracing a number of articles, defining the power to be exercised in future by the delegates from the several States, in Congress assembled. These articles were sub- mitted to the legislatures of the respective States in the Union. Boston, and some other towns in Massachusetts, expressed an opinion in favour of the adoption of this plan of confederation. The General Assembly, at a session in the following year, declared its approbation of the articles sub- mitted by Congress, and authorized their delegates to ratify them on the part of the State. Mary- land did not consent to the plan till 1781.
In February, 1778, the Hon. John Adams was appointed by Congress an envoy to the court of
157
Versailles; and soon after embarked at Boston in a continental frigate, which was prepared to con- vey him to France. Mr. Adams remained some- time at Paris, and afterwards resided in Holland, as minister to the United Provinces. He was an able negociator, and rendered essential services to his country while in Europe. The delegates to Congress from Massachusetts for this year, were Samuel Adams, Elbridge Gerry, Francis Dana,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.