Rolls of the Soldiers in the Revolutionary war, 1629 to 1725, Part 17

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As to the first of these, it was so far from being true, that I was never sent to the Lower Ford 'till the Evening before the action, this was called Brenton's Ford. I was ordered to take Post there with my Main Body, to send a Guard to the next Ford, about a mile & half above me, another to Jones's Ford, one & half miles still higher up, and another to Buffenton's Ford, a mile above that, immediately upon my arrival, I detached the Delaware Regiment to the first Ford, one Battalion of Hazens to Jones, & another to Buffenton's. - When I received those orders, as I ever had been of opinion that the Enemy would endeavour to turn our Right, I enquired of His Excellency whether there were no Fords still higher up, to which the person who was then giving him information of the Country, replied there is none within twelve miles, the Roads leading to & from which are almost inaccessible - His Excellency also observed, that all the Light Horse of the Army were ordered on the right Wing to give Information, and of course I had no orders, or even hints to look at any other places, but those before mentioned, nor had I Light troops, or Light Horsemen furnished for the purpose, nor will any Person attempt to say it who knows the Facts. I had but four Light Horse-

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men, two of which I kept at the upper Fords to bring me Intelli- gence. The others I kept to send Intelligence to Head Quarters. - But to this charge, as also to the second & third, which the Gentle- men has been pleased to Exhibit against me, I offer in opposition His Excellency's Declaration, copy of which is enclosed, and Con- gress must soon see how void of foundation they are. -

The fourth article of Charge I have fully answered in my State of the affair at Brandywine. As to the fifth & sixth articles of charge I can only say, that I think the Gentleman much mistaken, as all the officers present in my division have signed the Contrary, except part of the officers in Hazen's Regiment, the reason of which may easily be con- ceived. I take the opportunity of Inclosing a Copy of one from the third Maryland Regiment, but have not time to copy the others, to forward them by this opportunity - I think the Gentlemen had better taken more pains to inform himself before he made the repre- sentation, as I am confident he cannot find three in my Division that would wish to be from under my Command, not even the writer of the Letter against me who is every day expressing his sorrow for being the author of it.

As to the seventh article I can only observe that the Gentlemans Judgment is so far superior to all the Generals, & other Officers with whom I have served, and his opportunities of forming an opinion respecting my abilities so much greater, that I dare not attempt to contradict him, but leave him to enjoy what opinion of me he thinks proper- in addition to the Evidence already sent to Congress, I beg leave to enclose another from one of Lord Sterling's Aid de Camps, just now come to hand - I shall conclude with some few Remarks respecting my being repeatedly unfortunate - I am but too well con- vinced that our Army have been unfortunate, and as I am always in Action with them, am compell'd to take my share of the misfortunes. Those who avoid being in actions, perhaps are less unfortunate than myself. There has been but two Actions in which the Main Army have been compleatly Victorious, and I think in those I had a prin- cipal hand. I have never yet engaged separate from the Army, except on Staten Island, and I can by no means persuade myself that this was anything less than an advantageous Victory, though not so compleat as I would wish, and even if it was not, the fault was not mine. - I know it has been generally reported that I Commanded on Long Island, when the Action happened there, this is by no means true; General Putnam had taken the Command from me four days before the action. Lord Sterling Commanded the Main Body with- out the lines. I was to have Commanded under General Putnam within the Lines: I was uneasy about a Road through which I had

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often foretold the Enemy would come, but could not persuade others to be of my opinion. I went to the Hill near Flat Bush to reccon- itre the Enemy, & with a Piquett of Four Hundred Men was sur- rounded by the Enemy, who had advanced by the very Road I had foretold, and which I had paid Horsemen fifty Dollars for Patrolling by night, while I had the Command, as I had not foot for the pur- pose, for which I was never reimbursed, as it was supposed necessary. - What Resistance I made with these 400 Men against the British Army, I leave to the Officers who were with me to declare. Let it suffice for me to say the opposition of the small Party lasted from half past nine to twelve O'Clock - I challenge any Person to mention a single Instance of my being unfortunate except in common with the Army, without them I have done nothing, except on Staten Island - I hope Congress will not deem my Scourging the Enemy & keeping them within their Lines during the Course of last winter with my Division alone unfortunate, or my bringing safely the Wretched Army out of Canada, which are the only separate Commands, I have- ever had, where any thing important was to be done. - Then [Thus ?] sir have I endeavoured to refute all that this Gentleman has asserted concerning me, whether I have, or have not done, Congress will judge if I have removed every prejudice from their minds, which those groundless assertions have occasioned I shall be happy - If not I must content myself with having endeavoured to do it by the most open, fair and impartial state of facts that I am capable of, & by giving every Evidence in support of them, that I could conceive was necessary -

Dear Sir with much respect I am Your most Obedient Servant Jnº Sullivan

His Excellency John Hancock Esq.

P. S. The reason of few Troops being on Long Island, was be- cause it was generally supposed that the Enemys landing there was only a feint to draw our Troops there that they might the more easily possess themselves of New York. I have often urged both by word & writing, that as the Enemy had doubtless both those objects in view, they would first try for Long Island, which Commanded the other, & then New York, (which was compleatly commanded by it) would fall of course. But in this I was unhappy enough to differ from almost every officer in the Army, 'till the event prov'd my Con- jectures were just. J. S.

1 .

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[Ibid. p. 159.]

Colo Pinkneys Testimony No. 22.

Camp near Putsgrove Sept' 24: 1777.

In compliance with the request of General Sullivan, that I would mention what I saw of his behaviour at the action of Brandywine on the IIth of this month, I declare when I saw him in the Engagement (which was in the Evening, about the time that General Weedon's Brigade, was brought up to the Right) He appeared to me to behave with the greatest Calmness, and Bravery ; And at that time I had oc- casion to observe his Behaviour, as I was then with General Washing- ton, and heard General Sullivan tell him that all the superior Officers of his Division had behaved exceedingly well, and after some other conversation with the General, General Sullivan turning to me, re- quested I would ride up to General Weedon, and desire him to halt Col- onel Spottswoods & Colº Stephens's Regiments in the Plough'd Field, on our right, & form them there ; which I did, & on my return I was informed that General Sullivan, while I was delivering his orders, had his Horse shot under him.

Charles Cotesworth Pinkney, Colo of the Ist Contin1 Regimt of Sº Carolina.

[Ibid. p. 160.] Copy of Major Willcocks Letter, Nº 23.

Camp New Hanover Sept' 25, 1777.

Sir. Your letter of 24th Instant has deprived me of the pleasure of doing an unsolicited favour, for antecedent to the reception of it I had determined so far as my influence and knowledge of facts enabled me to rescue your Reputation, from the undeserved calumny thrown upon you by the Captious, and ungenerous multitude. And to convince you that my declarations are entirely uninfluenced by anything which has passed between us since the day of action, I have the further satisfaction to assure you that in retireing from the Field I more than once expressed the highest sense of your Personal Bravery, and great activity in rallying the Troops.

With respect to the arrangement of the Army, you must be sen- sible it was out of my province to know by whom it was determined, and of course on whose shoulders the censure, if any was incurred, ought to fall. But this circumstance may undoubtedly be ascer- tained from Lord Sterling, and the other General officers in the field, as your Division took its place in the Line after you had seen

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them. I always supposed it to have been the result of Council. - The Enemy by good luck, or perhaps Policy, made their attack before the intended disposition of your Division, which in my opinion was remarkably advantageous, could be carried into Execution. It was therefore rather to be considered as unfortunate, as ill judged, and not to be laid at the door of any particular officer. - But Sir, whatever turns the Scale of Victory (by the by, let me digress to observe, that the Victory was ours, & the Ground was the Enemy's) - whether accident, or Design - like the ancient usage of the Jews some sacri- fice must be made to the People, and it is not less frequent than to be lamented, that in the Military Department, The man who may have embarked everything in the common bottom, and bravely, but without success, defended in Person his Country's Cause, is more liable to become the Victim, than the fortunate Coward, or the clamerous pretender. -

The place which I have the Honour to hold in the army, naturally gave me the best opportunity of observing the Behaviour of every General Officer, in the Centre of the Line, and to my great concern, I saw you & Lord Sterling, with General Conway from the com- mencement of the action, until you were deserted almost by every man -ride from right to left encouraging, & driving the soldiers to their Duty, 'till the Enemy were pouring a severe fire on both flanks, and pressing on with charged Bayonets in front. Sometime before this, I thought you had exceeded the Bounds, both of Prudence and Courage. - Be assured Sir, That I claim little merit in the above narration for I defy any man, who was a Witness of your Conduct, to gainsay it. Whatever others may say, must be the effect of Caprice, or ungenerous prepossessions. -

I have the Honour to be with Respect and Esteem

Your Humble Servant Wm Willcocks, Aid de Camp

Major General Sullivan

[Ibid. p. 161.] Copy of Col º Hazens Letter, Nº 24.

Jones Ford Septr. 11th 1777.

Sir. - I received your Letter of last Evening by the bearer of this ; The officer and Party which I detached to reconitre the Enemy's Camp, returned last Evening at II O'Clock, and brought in with him Seventeen Head of Cattle, and twenty eight sheep taken from the Enemy about one mile from Welch's Tavern and six miles from this

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Place, the Cattle were taken by Captains Patterson's & Chambers of the 12th P. R. and delivered up to Ensign Fellows of my Regiment, who was at that time with his Party in sight, tho not so near as to assist. nothing more new, all is quiet in this Quarter, shall wait your orders with respect to the Cattle, and shall detain a Milch Cow, for a few days if you have no objection, as there is 10 of them amongst the 17 abovementioned. -

I am Sir Your very Hble Servt

To The Hon'ble John Sullivan Esq.

Moses Hazen

[Ibid. p. 162.] - Gen1 Conways Certificate, Nº 25. -

I do hereby certify, that on the 11th Sept' Major Gen' Sullivan shewed all the Bravery, and Coolness, that can be expected from a Man of Honour, during the Action, and all the possible activity after the rout to rally the Troops. Gen1 Sullivan having come up with his Division, when the Enemy was within half a mile of our front, the short time left to his troops in order to form was hardly sufficient for well disciplined troops, and well exercised, and by no means sufficient for the troops of this Army, who appear to me to manœuvre upon false Principles, and where I cannot discover as yet, the least notion of displaying Columns, and forming briskly upon all Emergencies.

The Division of the Right had full time to form, the ground upon which said Division was to draw up, was exceedingly favourable, and if part of the Division was not formed compleatly before the Engage- ment, The fault cannot be imputed to Gen1 Sullivan, who altho : he had a right to take the right of the Line, took the Left, in order to save time, a proof that the Division of the Right had full time to form. That Lord Sterling's Division, which was the next to it, was com- pletely formed when the Enemy appeared : This is my sincere opin- ion, the true cause of the loss of the Battle must be known to all those who are acquainted with what passed that day, and two days before the action.

· Given under my hand at Flacland [?] Camp the Twenty day of September 1777.

Thos Conway, Brig' Gen1 To Major Gen1 Sullivan. -

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[Ibid. p. 163.]

The Marquis La Fayette's Certificate Nº 26.

Dear Sir - I would have been glad you had let me know the form of the certificate you are wanting ; such a want seems to me so ex- traordinary after having seen you in the field, that I did not know how to express my being so sensible of your bravery as by telling you what every soldier who was with us that day must be acquainted with - I did not answer directly to your request, because I was en- gaged in business with Gen1 Washington - I will always do myself the greatest pleasure to pay a due justice to your merit, and desire your being no less convinced of my affection. -

I am Yours The Marquis La Fayette

Camp near White Marsh Ist Nov' [1777.]

Tho' very far from thinking that Major Gen1 Sullivan cou'd ever want such a certificate, however it is with the greatest pleasure, that according to his own desire, I repeat here how sensible I have been of his bravery at the affair of Brandywine the 11th September - I can assure him that such courage as he show'd that day will always deserve the praises of every one -

The Marquis La Fayette

Major Gen' in the Army of the United States of America.

[Ibid. p. 164.]

Certificate from Gen1 Washington's Aid de Camps Nº 28

Head Quarters Septr. 21, 1777

Dear Sir- We have just received your favor of yesterday, desiring from us a Testimony of your Conduct, so far as it fell under our observation, the day of the Battle on the Brandywine.

As we had not the pleasure of seeing you in the fore part of that action, when the Line at large was Engaged, we are unable from our own knowledge, to say anything of your Conduct at that time ; - But we can cheerfully testify in justice to your reputation, that when we had an opportunity of seeing you, it was in circumstances which did you Honour. - This was from the time you rode up and joined

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Gen1 Weedon's Brigade 'till your Horse was wounded. - You were employed in animating and encouraging the Men to their duty, both by your Words and example; and in every Respect behaved with becoming bravery, and activity. -

We have the Honour to be Sir Your most Obedt Servts A. Hamilton, John Laurens Aid de Camps to his Exc'y General Washington Major Gen1 Sullivan

[Ibid. p. 165.] Major Fleurey's Certificate, Nº 29.

I do hereby declare to have seen Major Gen1 Sullivan, in the Battle between Brandywine, & Birmingham Meeting House, the IIth Sep- tember 1777 -

Ist Rallying his men with great Ardour.

2ndly His Endeavours being unsuccessfull, I saw him at Ld Sterlings Division, which was fighting upon the Hill.

3rdly This Division Retreating, he try'd to rally same, and put them behind the fences. -

4thly This position not being attacked, he forms again, the Troops near the Road, behind a House, to the left of General Green's' Division, where he fought till night, and where his Horse got wounded. -

I declare upon my Honour that he appeared to behave like a brave, & cool man.

At Camp near Schuylkill 23 feb'ry 1777. [1778.]

Fleury Brigde Major To Major Gen1 Sullivan. -

[Ibid. p. 166.]

Copy of General Washingtons Letter to General Sullivan Nº 30.

Head Quarters Octr. 24, 1777 -

Dear Sir - It ever has been, & I hope ever will be, a ruling Prin- ciple with me to endeavour to do impartial justice to every officer over whom I have the Honour to preside.

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I shall therefore, in answer to the Queries contained in your Letter of this date, readily declare. - That although I ascribed the misfor- tune which happened to us on the IIth of September, principally to the Information of Major Spears, transmitted to me by you: yet I never blamed you for conveying that Intelligence. On the contrary, considering from whom, and in what manner it came to you, I should have thought you Culpable in concealing it. The Majors Rank, Reputation, & knowledge of the Country gave him a full claim to Credit & Attention. -

His Intelligence was no doubt a most unfortunate Circumstance ; as it served to derange the disposition that had been determined on, in consequence of prior information of the Enemy's attempt to turn & attack our Righ Flank, which ultimately proving true, too little time was left us after discovering its certainty to form a new Plan, and make adequate arrangements, to prevent its success. Hence arose that hurry, and consequently confusion, which afterwards ensued ; But it was not your fault that the Intelligence was effectually found to be erroneous. -

With respect to your other queries, whether your being Posted on the right was to guard that Flank, and if you had neglected it, I can only observe that the obvious, if not declared purpose of your being there, implied every necessary precaution for the security of that flank : But it is at the same time to be remarked that all the Fords, above Chad's, which we were taught to apprehend danger from, were Guarded by Detachments from your Division, and that we were led to believe by those whom we had reason to think well ac- quainted with the Country, that no Ford above our Piquets could be passed without making a very circuitous march. - Upon the whole then no part of your Conduct preceding the action, was in my judge- ment reprehensible. What happened on your march to the Field of Battle, your Disposition there, and behaviour during the action, I can say nothing about, no part 'till the retreat commenced having come under my immediate observation.

I can only add therefore, that the whole Tenour of your Conduct, so far as I have had opportunities of judging, has been spirited and active.

I am Dear Sir

Your most Obedient Servant

To Major Gen1 Sullivan

Go Washington

[Extract from General Washington's letter to Congress dated " Camp near Pennibacker's Mill Oct. 5, 1777." . . . . " In justice to General Sullivan and the whole right wing of the army, whose con-

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duct I had an opportunity of observing, as they acted immediately under my eye. - I have the pleasure to inform you that both officers and men behaved with a degree of gallantry that did them the high- est honor." The above refers to the battle at Germantown, where General Sullivan's division led the attack. - ED.]

[Ibid. p. 167.] Copy of Colo Richardson's Letter, Nº 31.

Camp 13th October 1777

Sir. - It gives me concern that any Gentleman should assert that the officer's in your Division are universally dissatisfied under your Command, and I expect that upon Enquiry the assertion will prove groundless ; but be that as it may, I think my duty to observe, that with respect to myself & the officers of my Regiment (except those of the two companies which have been with you this whole Campaign, & who I daresay will give their Candid Testimony upon this occasion) it cannot effect us, as we have been with you but a few days - Not long enough to form any Judgement of your good or bad Conduct, or to be pleased or displeased with you as a Commander. Suffice it to say, that so far as we have experienced, we rest very happy in our situation, and wish not for a removal. -

As to myself candor obliges me to confess, that when I first joined the Army, my wishes led me to be under General Green, they took rise from a personal acquaintence with the General, & the high opinion I had conceived of his Military abilities - Not from any dis- respect, or dislike to any other General Officer, most of whom, your- self in particular were strangers to me. -

I have the Honour to be very respectfully Sir Your most Obedt Servt W. Richardson [5th Maryland Reg.]

Major General Sullivan -

[Ibid. p. 168.]

Copy address of The officers of Colo Richardsons Regt who joined the army previous to Engagement with the Enemy - Nº 32 -

Camp 14th October 1777

We the subscribers (Officers belonging to the 5th Maryland Regi- ment) do hereby Certify, that we have been in Major General Sulli-

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van's Division ever since he came down from the Peekskill, during which time we Considered ourselves very happy under his Command. Nor do we recollect ever to have dropped a disrespectfull Sentiment of him, or to have had the least Cause to Censure his Conduct upon any Occasion whatever.

Jesse Cosden Capt Perry Benson Lieut Hervey Truelock Ens™

Major General Sullivan.

[A certificate from Major Edwards, Aid to Major-General Lord Sterling, is printed in Vol. VIII. p. 743. -- ED.]

[Ibid. p. 169.] Certificate of Lieut. Erskine, Nº 33.

Sir. - I have just now been informed by Major Taylor, that you have been told by some Persons, that all the Officers of this Regi- ment are very uneasy at being under your Command, that you were desirous to know their minds on the subject - I have only to observe for my own part that if I could reconcile myself as well to the Conduct of the Officers with whom I am more immediately concerned (I mean the Field Officers of Colo Hazens Regimt) I could live in the Army as happy as I could wish -

I am Sir Your most Obedient & very Humb Servt

Major Gen1 Sullivan --

John Erskine -

[Ibid. p. 170.] Address from Officers in Colo Hasens Regt Nº 34.

Sir. - We the subscribers, from a real sense of our duty to our Country, and in compliance with your orders of the 13th Instant Oct" with sincere Hearts, & without the least Reservation, declare, while we have had the Honour to be in your Division, have had no Reason to dislike your Conduct in Commanding the Division, nor did we either ever in word or deed, express the least dislike to your Con- duct, but that we may still have the Honor, as well as the satisfaction to be Commanded by one, who from the beginning of this unnatural

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contest, has so nobly distinguished himself in the Cause of his Country, is the earnest Prayer of

Hond Sir Your Honours most devoted & very Humble Servants Lyman Hitchcock Brigde Major of the 2nd Maryld : Brigade Willm Manson Lieutenant Palmer Cady Ensign

To Major General John Sullivan

[Ibid. p. 171.] Address of Colº Fords Regim' Nº 35. -

Camp Octr 14th 1777.

Sir. It is with real Regret, we find ourselves constrained to refute a Charge that has been falsely & malicious propagated, that the officers in your Division were dissatisfied with you as their Com- mander. Our Duty to ourselves, & justice to you, induce us to de- clare, that we have not the least desire to be removed from our present Commander, and if we were left to Chuse for ourselves, we are happy in saying we have our Choice, we can only lament that the Clamour of a few Individuals should be ushered into the World, as the Eccho of the whole of your Division. We wish you to continue with us while the unhappy times require it, and shall ever be happy in merit- ing the attention you have shown us on every occasion, and have the Honour of being Sir with the greatest Regard

Your most Obt Humble Servts

Benjamin Ford Lt Colº

Oner Hammond Ens

Robt Harris Capt George Ireland Lt

Alexander Trueman Capt Charles Beaver Ensign

John Ghiselin Capt

John Geoghegan Ensign

Benj Scott Lieut

Richd Donovan Adjut.

Mich1 Dougherty Lieut

James Somerville Lieut.

Geo: Jacobs Lieut. John J. Jacobs Lieut

Edward Floyd Wailes Ensn

The above are all the officers at present in Camp. The Sentiments of those absent I know to be similar to ours. -

To Major General Sullivan

B. Ford

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[Ibid. p. 172.]

Address from the officers of the Delaware Regiment, Nº 36.

Sir. - Agreeable to your request in the order of this day, inform- ing the officers of your Division, That you were inform'd in the hear- ing of His Excellency, that the officers were universally dissatisfied with your Command, and had no confidence in you, as an officer. - We the subscribers officers in the Delaware Regiment, in Justice to you and ourselves, do declare, That we repose the highest Confi- dence in you as an officer, and are entirely satisfied with your Com- mand, and do not wish you to be succeeded by any other.

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Rolls of the Soldiers in the Revolutionary war, 1629 to 1725, Part 17

Author: None Publication date: Publisher: Number of Pages: 860

Author: None
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 860