USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Manchester > History of Manchester, formerly Derryfield, in New-Hampshire : including that of ancient Amoskeag, or the middle Merrimack Valley, together with the address, poem, and other proceedings of the centennial celebration of the incorporation of Derryfield at Manchester, October 22, 1851 > Part 49
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442
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
shall refuse to sign the same, to the General assembly, or Com- mittee of Safety of this Colony.
M. WEARE. Chairman."
"In Congress March, 14th, 1776.
"Resolved, That it be recommended to the several Assem- blies, Conventions and Councils, or Committees of Safety, of the United States, immediately to cause all persons to be dis- armed, within their respective Colonies, who are notoriously disaffected to the cause of America, or who have not associated and refuse to associate to defend by Arms, the United Colonies against the hostile attempts of the British Fleets and Armies.
Extract from the minutes, CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary."
"In consequence of the above Resolution of the Continen- tal Congress, and to show our determination in joining our American brethren, in defending the lives, liberties, and prop- erties of the inhabitants of the United Colonies, We, the Sub- scribers, do hereby solemnly engage and promise, that we will, to the utmost of our power, at the risk of our lives and for- tunes, with arms, oppose the hostile proceedings of the British Fleets and Armies against the United American Colonies."
This was signed by the following persons, and duly returned by the Selectmen.
John Hall,
William Perham,
Thomas Newman,
Ebenezer Stevens,
David Merrill,
Daniel Hall,
William McClintock,
John Dickev,
John Goffe,
John Rand,
Robert Cunningham,
Alexr McMurphy,
Samuel Boyd,
Charles Emerson,
Michael McClintock,
Benjamin Crombie,
David Starret,
Ezekiel Stevens,
John Perham,
William Nutt,
Benja. Baker,
John Harvey,
William Perham.
George Greaham,
Simon Lull,
William Gambell,
James Peirse,
Abraham Merrill, Jonathan Merrill,
Abraham Merrill,
John Ray,
Moses Merrill,
Nathaniel Boyd, John Russ,
Robert Clark,
Samuel Stark,
443
RETURN FROM DERRYFIELD.
Joseph George, Jesse Baker,
James Gorman,
James McNight,
John Grifen,
Theofflas Grifin,
Moses Crombey,
Joseph Grifin,
Joseph Farmer,
Hugh Thompson,
John Moor,
Colony of New Hampshire, June 1st, Day, 1776. To the Hon. Mr. Weare Chearman, this is to certify that we the sub- scribers has Presented the Within Declaration to the Inhabi- tants of said Town and they Have alle Signed Said Declara- tion, which we in our Judgement thought had a right to Sign the Same.
Certified by us
David Starret Ezekiel Stevens Selectmen."
John Perham
So it seems there was not a man in Derryfield "disaffected to the cause of America." A like paper was circulated in Bed- ford and every man in town signed it with one exception, Rev. Mr. Houston, before named. And Goffstown was free of to- ries, so that Amoskeag had little trouble from those "worst of enemies." At this time, June, 1. 1776, the following persons were in the army from Derryfield ;
Col. John Stark, Capt. John Moor, Cpat. James McCalley, Capc. Alexander McMurphy, Capt. Nathaniel Martin, Benjamin Baker, Nathaniel Baker, Ebenezer Costor, Timothy Dow, Sam- uel Harvey ; more than one fourth of the inhabitants of the town "fit to Bare arms."
After the evacuation of Boston, Col. Stark was ordered to New York, where he remained till 1776, when he reluctantly joined with his regiment, the expedition into Canada. He went no farther, however, than the mouth of the Sorelle.
After the retreat of this unfortunate army under the able conduct of Gen. Sullivan, who happily succeeded to the com mand, upon the descease of Gen. Thomas, Col. Stark was placed at the head of a Brigade, by Gen. Gates, who had taken com- mand of the army of the North. Soon after, Col. Stark's regi- ment was ordered to join Gen. Washington in Philadelphia.
The affairs of the Americans were in a desperate condition. Washinton's army poorly paid, and as poorly clad,-had been forced to a precipitate retreat through New Jersey, be- fore the powerful forces of Cornwallis and Howe. New Jersey had in a great measure submitted to the enemy. An insurrec-
444
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
tion in favor of the royal cause was feared in Philadelphia. And to add too Washington's perplexlites under these difficulties, the time of enlistment of the New England troops, the only troops on which he relied, expired with December. These cir- cumstances were well known to the enemy, and Washington feared they would take advantage of them, cross the Deleware, and seize upon Philadelphia. In this posture of affairs, Wash- ington determined upon offensive operations,-to strike a blow, that while it should surprise and intimidate the enemy, should at the same time inspire the American people with confidence in their army and in their cause.
The British forces were dispersed through the important towns of New Jersey, 4000 men being posted on the Deleware, at Trenton, and in its neighborhood. Col. Ralle a Hessian offi- cer of distinction occupied Trenton with his Brigade of Infant- ry, and a detachment of English Dragoons, in all some 1400 or 1500 men. Count Donop, another Hessian officer of merit, was posted at Bordentown, some few miles down the river, with another Brigade of Hessians. And still farther down, at Burlington, within twenty miles of Philidelphia, was another detachment. Deeming the affiars of the Americans in a state et desperation, the British commanders became unwary and lax in dicipline.
This was the favorable opportunity for Washington. He determined to cross the Deleware, and attack the British in their secuity. For this purpose his forces were divided into three divisions. Gen. Irwine, with the Pensylvania flying camp and Jersey militia, was to cross the Deleware at Trenton Ferry, and secure the Bridge below the town, and thus cut off the retseat of the enemy in that direction ; Gen. Cadwalader with the Pensylvania militia was to cross at Bristol and carry the post at Burlington ; while the third division under Wash- ington himself consisting mainly of the troops from New Eng- land, was to cross at McKonkey's Ferry, nine miles above Trenton, and attack Ralle's force in possession of Trenton. The attack was planned for the night of Chistmas, the 25th of December, 1776, when it was supposed the British troops would be celebrating that festival.
The divisions under Irwine and Cadwalader failed in their objects. It was so cold and there was so much ice in the river, that with the utmost exertions of the officers, the troops could not cross the river. Gen. Cadwalader succeeded in getting a part of his Infantry across, but the artillery could not succeed in the at- tempt, and his infantry returned to the right bank of the river.
445
BATTLE OF TRENTON.
Thus, this part of the plan was a complete failure; but Gen- eral Washington's division was composed of different men. Neither rain or snow could stop the New England troops,-it delayed them some hours, so that the crossing that was to have been completed at 12 o'clock at night, was not effected till 3 o'clock in the morning of the 26th. And then the troops did not take up their line of march till an hour later. Gen. Sulli- van led his Brigade down the river road, while Washington led the other troops down the Pennington road. It was sup- posed that they would arrive about the same time, and the first division that should arrive was to commence the attack, with- out waiting for the other. The N. H. Regiment under Col. Stark, was in Sullivan's Brigade. Col. Stark led the right wing composed of light troops and, as says Gen. Wilkinson, "dealt death wherever he found resistance, and broke down all opposi- tion before him." The Company from this neighborhood was under the command of Captain. Eben. Frye of Pem- broke, and was attached to his regiment. Washington's divis- sion came into Trenton about 8 o'clock, giving the first alarm to the astonished Hessians, by driving in their outposts. With- in three minutes the guns of Sullivan's division were heard on the other side of the town. Some of the Hessians took refuge in a house upon the river road, and commenced firing, but Col. Stark ordered Capt. Frye to dislodge them. Frye detached Sergeant Ephraim Stevens of Derryfield to execute the order, and he with a squad of men marched up to the house, gave their fire, seized a stick of hewn timber, stove in the door, and using the bayonet freely, silenced the enemy in the house. Col. Ralle attempted to form his astonished troops ; but he was mortally wounded in the commencement of the action, and his troops attempted to retreat towards Princeton. Washington discovered their object, and by a cross route cut off their re- treat. Capt. Frye's company was the foremost in this detach- ment. So eager were the soldiers in pursuit of the retreating Hessians, that they rushed forward without order. Capt. Frye attempted to keep his ranks unbroken, but without avail. Some of them in their over anxiety got far ahead of the rest. Capt. Frye being very corpulent, soon tired out, and he told those anxious to hasten forward, that if they would follow the lead of Sergeant Stevens, they might advance as fast as they pleas- ed. They agreed to this and Stevens led them into a piece of woods on the Princeton road, and lay in wait for the retreating Hessians. Meantime Stevens directed his men not to fire a
33
446
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
gun, but when the Hessians came up, to rush upon them, each one holloaing at the top of his voice, and as fast as he could, "H-11, H-11, Fire, Fire." Soon, a company of Hessians came in sight upon the run, and as they came opposite, Stev- ens and his party rushed out upon them, yelling their strange and terrific war-cry. The astonished Hessians threw down their arms, and surrendered. Stevens and his party secured their arms, and then ordered them to "right about." When the Hessians discovered that they had surrendered to a party of sixteen men, all told, and some of them in tatters, and bare foot, they attempted to regain their arms ; but other Ameri- cans coming up, they desisted, and Stevens and his squad march- ed their sixty prisoners into Trenton, in triumph.
Their retreat thus cut off, the main body of the Hessians surrendered, but about 600 escaped over the bridge towards Bordentown, which Gen. Cadwallader had failed to occupy. The number of the Hessians that submitted was 23 officers and 886 men. Between 30 and 40 of them were killed and wounded. Of the Americans only two were killed, but five or six wounded, and two frozen to death.
Washington recrossed the Delaware the same night with his prisoners, not choosing to risk advantages gained in the face of an enemy of superior force.
The effect of this battle was electric ; it infused life and en- ergy into the patriots and their cause. The term of service of the N. H. troops expired with December ; Col. Stark and other officers went among their troops, and they re-enlisted to a mau for the term of six weeks. This turn in affairs placed Wash- ington in a position again to act upon the offensive. Accord- ingly, on the 28th of December, having secured his prisoners, he again crossed the Delaware and took possession of Trenton. The British had concentrated their forces at Princeton, and on the 2d day of January, 1777, they advanced a force towards Trenton determined in a decisive battle to wipe out the disgrace of their late deteat. Washington was now in a most perilous position. To remain was his ruin, to retreat was to leave Philadelphia an easy prey to the enemy. On their advance, the British attack- ed a small party of Americans, posted with four field pieces a little to the north of Trenton, and compelled them to retreat. The British however were checked by our artillery, at the bridge over the Sanpink, a rivulet passing through Trenton, and fell back and kindled their fires. A brisk cannonade followed on both sides. The British confidednt of success, soon ceased
/
447
BATTLE OF PRINCETON.
firing, reckoning upon an easy and decisive victory in the morn- ing.
Soon after dark, Washington lighting his camp fires, and leaving guards to carry out the deception, silently moved his baggage across the Sanpink, and followed with his entire force, taking a circuitous route to Princeton. Three regiments of British soldiers had been left at Princeton, and to attack these was the object of Washington's march. He was near surpri- sing them completely, but a regiment of the British soldiers on their way to Trenton, met the advancing columns of the Americans, when within about two miles of the town, and im- mediately gave them battle. Gen. Mercer led the advance of the American army consisting of the Pennsylvania militia, which soon gave way under the fire of the regular troops. In at- tempting to rally his broken lines, Mercer fell mortally wound- ed. The troops continued to retreat in the utmost disorder. At this moment Gen. Washington came up with the New Eng- land troops. who fought with such spirit, that the British in turn gave way and retreated. They were followed into the town, when a body of them taking post in the College, a sharp encounter followed ; but in a little while, Washington ordering his cannon to play upon the building, the British were feign to come out and lay down their arms. In the course of the en- gagement about 100 of the British were killed, and over 300 were taken prisoners ; the rest escaped, either pushing on to Trenton, or retreating to Brunswick.
The morning of the battle, the British at Trenton were as- tonished to find an empty camp on the other side of the San- pink, where they thought to have found an army almost ready for surrender. They could not comprehend the movement, and when the first sounds of the booming artillery were heard in the direction of Princeton, they thought it the sound of thunder! But soon the truth broke upon them, and with such force and astonishment, that they soon abandoned Trenton, and did not consider themselves safe till they had retreated to Brunswick. In this encounter, as at Trenton, the New England troops fought the battle .* Of these, and foremost in the fight,
*Gen. Sullivan under date of Chatham, Feb. 13, 1777, wrote Hon. Me- shech Weare, Chairman of the Committee of Safety a letter, from which I make the following extract.
"Indeed, I always had an aversion to fighting upon paper, for I have never yet found a man well versed in that kind of fighting that would practice any other. Perhaps you may want to know, how your men, (the Yankees,) fight. I tell you exceeding well, when they have proper officers. I have been much pleased to see a day approaching to try the difference between Yankee cowar-
448
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
was Stark, with his N. H. Regiment, and of it, as usual were the brave men of Derryfield.
Soon after the battle of Princeton, Col. Stark came home to recruit another regiment for the service. This was difficult to accomplish, but he did what no other officer could have done at that time, he accomplished his object. But he was not to lead the troops who had flocked to his standard with such enthusi- asm. At the very time he was engaged in securing a regiment for the service of his country, the subject of promotions had been before Congress, and Col. Poor had been appointed a Brig- adier from the New Hampshire line. Col. Stark took the ground that he had been superseded. He had been commissioned a Colonel, the 26th of April, 1775, by Massachusetts, while Poor had been commissioned by New Hampshire, the 23d of May, the same year. This would have given Stark the seniority, had they been in the same line; but Congress acted upon the principle of seniority in the N. H. line in appointing a Briga- dier from New Hampshire, and this gave the appointment to Poor. Bnt Stark and his friends took the ground that New Hampshire, on the 20th of May, 1775, voted, "to adopt those soldiers already enlisted" plainly intending the troops in the field near Boston, under Stark and Reed, and that they adopted them as organized and officered. In this view of the case Stark and Reed, had been superseded, as they had been com- missioned and at the head of their regiments near a month be- fore the Brigade in New Hampshire was organized. But Con-
dice and Southern valor. The day has, or rather the days have arrived, and all the General officers allowed and do allow, that the Yankee cowardice as- sumes the shape of true valor on the field, and the Southern valor appears to be a composition of boasting and conceit. Gen. Washington made no scruple to say publicly, that the remains of the Eastern Regiments were the strength of the army, though their numbers were but comparatively small. He calls them in front when the enemy are there ; he sends them to the rear when the ene- my threaten that way. All the General officers allow them to be the best of troops. The Southern officers and soldiers allow it in the time of danger, but not at all other times. Believe me Sir, the Yankees took Trenton before the other troops knew anything of the matter, more than that there was an en- gagement ; and what will still surprise you more, the line that attacked the town, consisted but of eight hundred Yankees, and there was 1600 Hessians to oppose them. At Princeton, when the 17th Regiment had thrown 3500 Southern Militia into the utmost confusion, a Regiment of Yankees restored the day, (This General Mifflin confessed to me, though the Philidelphia papers tell a different story.) . It seems to have been quite forgot, that while the 17th was engaging those troops, that 600 Yankees had the town to take against the 40th and 55th Regts. which they did without loss, owing to the manner of at- tack ; but enough of this, I don't wish to reflect, but beg leave to assure you that Newspapers, and even letters don't always speak the truth. You may venture to assure your friends that no men fight better, or write worse, than the Yankees, of which this letter. will be good evidence."
449
COL. STARK'S RESIGNATION.
gress did not stop to look at such distinctions. And it is prob- able moreover, that the influence of Folsom and others of Stark's personal enemies, made when the subject was agitated in 1775, would have overruled any such distinctions, had they been broached in Congress.
As soon as Col. Stark heard of this, he repaired to Exeter, and in spite of the remonstrance of his friends, resigned hls comms- sion. His resignation was as follows :
To the Hohbl the council and House of Representatives for the State of New Hampshire, in General Court assembled.
Ever since hostilities commenced, I have as in me lay, en- deavored to prevent my country from being ravaged and ensla- ved by our cruel and unnatural enemy ; have undergone the hardships and fatigues of two campaigns with cheerfullness and alacrity ; ever enjoying the pleasing satisfaction, that I was doing my God and my country the greatest service my abilities would admit of ; and it was with the utmost gratitude that I accepted the important command, to which this State appointed me. I should have served with the greatest pleasure, more es- pecially at this important crisis when our country calls for the utmost exertions of every American ; but am extremely griev- ed that I am bound in honor to leave the service, Congress having thought fit to promote junior officers over my head ; so that least I should show myself unworthy the honor conferred on me, and a want of spirit which ought to glow in the breast of every officer appointed by this Honorable House, in not sui- tably resenting an indignity, I must (though grieved to leave the service of my country ) beg leave to resign my commission, hoping that you will make a choice of some gentleman, who may honor the cause and his country, to succeed
Your most obedient And obliged humble serv't JOHN STARK.
The Council and House, upon his resignation on the 21st day of March, 1777. passed a vote of thanks in this compli- mentarv language ;
"Voted, that the thanks of both Houses in Convention, be given to Col. Stark for his good services in the present war, and that from his early and steadfast attachments to the cause of his country, they make not the least doubt that his fu- ture conduct in what ever state of life Providence may place him, will manifest the same noble disposition of mind."
0
450
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
Col. Stark was present at the time of the passage of this vote and the president of the Convention arose and presented to him the thanks of both Houses in an appropriate address. The scene was imposing and must have been highly gratifying to the gallant Colonel.
But Stark's merit as a soldier, was to triumph over all oppo- sition. In fact, this very affair of his so-thought injury, and his consequent resignation, was probably the most fortunate thing for him, and the country, that could have happened. It gave him time, and opportunity to be at the very spot where his executive ability as an officer, was most needed, and where had he not been, no human knowledge can measure the conse- quent evils to our country, and to mankind.
Col. Stark upon his resignation, retired to his farm at Derry- field.
But although retired from the army, Col. Stark did not cease his efforts in the patriot cause. He took an active part in all the measures for the support of the patriot cause in the town and county, counselling, spending his time, and liberally ad- vancing his money. His military skill however, was not to be lost to the country.
The advance of Burgoyne from the north with a strong and well appointed army, overcoming every obstacle in his way, spread dismay among the patriots of the country, while the spirits of the tories were raised to the highest pitch of gladness. When the news of the invader's success reached New Hamp- shire, the Legislature hastily assembled to consided the state of affairs, and to act upon a call upon New Hampshire for recruits and supplies.
All was dejection. There was no money in the Treasury, and the enemy upon our immediate frontier ; the emergency de- manded immediate action. In this state of affairs, John Lang- don, the Speaker of the House, nobly came to the rescue. He rose in his place, and made a tender of his ready money, his mer- chandise and his plate ! The tender was accepted and the money raised. Stark was offered the command ; accepted upon condition that he should have a separate command, and be ac- countable to no power but that of the State of New Hampshire, and at the same time was commissioned as a Brigadier General. Stark appointed his rendezvous at Number Four, (now Charles- town,) made an appeal to the frontiersmen to rally in defence of their firesides, repaired to Derryfield to arrange his domestic
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G
C
HESSIAN
HILL
Breastworks
Breastworks
Clearing
Indians
A.
B
t,
ta
AAAA I
E
E
Walloomsac R.
S
...
TO
A Reiftisel's Dismounted Dragas
B British Rangers
C Tory Tolunteers
'
D German Grenadiers
E Chasseurs
F Houses Posts of Canadians
G Bodies of Americans
H Indians
I Starks Head Quarters
J Plare af action with Col Breyman
a a Cannon
Route of Cols Hubbard und Stickney
Route of Col. Herrick
G
Scale of 800 Paces to the Inch
PLAN OF THE BATTLE OF BENNINGTON (Taken from 'Burgoyne's Defense')
Cal. Stickney's A
Col Hubbard V
Tory
Tories
Road to Bennington
Col. Nichols
Route
Battle
Ground
Col. Herrick's Attack
G
G
of Col. Breyman in the
Col Nichols Attack
Scattering Trees
Highlands
HOOSAC RIVEL
F
Attack
451
BATTLE OF BENNINGTON.
affairs, and hastened to the frontier. The yeomanry answered his appeal to their patriotism, and flocked to his standard in force. Being invited by the "Green Mountain Boys," to lead them against the enemy, he forthwith sent 400 or 500 men to Manchester, a town twenty two miles north-east of Bennington, and soon followed with the remainder of his force, leaving in charge to the officers at the rendezvous, to send on volunteers as fast as they should arrive.
He soon determined upon Bennington as a more advanta- geous post from which to employ his force against any party de- tached by Burgoyne, and proceeded to that place on the 8th of August with his disposable force.
On the 13th of August, a woman was sent express from Cam- bridge, a town 14 miles north-west of Bennington, with the in- telligence that 200 Indians came into the town that morning, and soon a like express came with the still more startling intel- ligence that 1500 Hessians and Tories arrived soon after the Indian force : They came under the command of Col Baum- a Hessian officer. Gen. Stark supposing their object to be a quan- tity of flour, stored at some mills near Cambridge, detached Col. Gregg with a party to secure the flour, and followed on the 14th with the remainder of his force. He soon met Gregg's party in full retreat before a force of Germans, which halted in com- ing in sight of Stark's main body, and commenced entrenching upon rising ground.
The 15th of August, it rained in torrents-and the enemy continued their position-and although superior in number to the Americans by one half, sent express to Burgoyne for a reinforcement.
The morning of the 16th ushered in a bright and glorious day, the patriots eager for action, and Stark determined upon attacking the enemy in their intrenchments.
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