Rolls of the Soldiers in the Revolutionary war, 1629 to 1725, Part 20

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[R. 5-148] [Orders to Commissary Leigh.]

State of New Hampshire - In Committee of Safety for said State at Exeter the 2ª of June 1778 -

To Mr Joseph Leigh of Portsmouth in said State -

You are hereby appointed Commissary, to proceed immediately to that post of the Continental Army where the regiments from this state are stationed - to take charge of, & issue such stores as may be sent there from this state - and you are to observe such orders and instructions as you may from time to time receive from the Gen- eral Assembly of this state or in the recess thereof from their Com- mittee of Safety - or at any time from the board of war for this State in regard to any matters or things deliverd to your care & charge - and you are to render a particular account of your Conduct in and about ye premises and make remittances for the stores deliv- ered to your charge as aforesd agreeable to the instructions from time to time sent you as aforesd- and you are to be allowed and paid for your time & expense while in said service, such wages as the issuing Commissarys for the other New England States have & re- ceive for similar services -

By Order of the Committee of Safety

John Dudley - Chair" P. Temp.

[R. 5-149] [Commissary Leigh's Instructions.] -

State of New Board of War, Portsmouth 5th June 1778-

Hampshire

Instructions for Joseph Leigh Esq' Commissary of Issues for the New Hamps : Troops at Head Quarters of the American Army, under the command of Briga Gen1 Poor -

231

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

Sir. The Committee of Safety of this State having directed the Board to instruct you on the business of a Commissary to a supply of Cloathing & Shoes - they have or may send forward to Camp for the use of the Troops rais'd by this State for the Continental Army - We conceive the following Instructions necessary for your Gov- ernment in that Department.

On your arrival at Camp you are to prepare a proper & secure House or Store, for the reception of three Waggon Loads Cloathing & Stores (# Invoice now delivered you) which are gone forward by M' Nicholas Nichols, who has orders to deliver them to Gen1 Poor - unless our order should overtake him previous to his reach'g camp - You are to Issue the articles of every kind agreable to the Charge in the Invoice - Unless a Regulation of a supply for the Troops is affixed in Camp - In which case you are to Conform - It may be necessary to ascertain from the General Officer Commanding the New-Hampshire Troops, or from the Colo of each Regiment from time to time, what articles should be Issued to each Soldier - and the Quantiy for one day or a month - as the Regulation of Camp may be - It is expected that payment is made to you, by each Indi- vidual, for the supply of them - And often it may so happen that they are destitute of Cash for Immediate paymt in which case you are to obtain a Roll from the paymaster of each Regiment to what amount you may supply -and that he become accountable to you for that amount, on the pay days - And to no others would it be prudent or safe to furnish as the Intent of the supply is amply to provide for our Troops in the Field at a reasonable rate. Provided any General Officer- Colo or Commanding Officer Commanding the Troops of this State, should certify the necessity & urgency of a supply from the Store of any articles for a number of men without distinction - whereby the Continental Commissary may become chargeable by you - You are to furnish such articles .- and apply for payment agreable to the mode of Issue already pointed out - but in case the Continental Commissary does not make payment- you will transmit such Certificate to the Board, as you shall receive from the officer so certifying (keeping duplicate) - bearing in mind to Inform the Officers of this State - That those Troops march'd from hence this Spring - were all well Cloath'd Arm'd & Accoutred - A particular acco of which the Board will transmit you by the next Waggoner - Whatever Cloathing & Stores may be sent you, are to be solely appropriated for the Troops of this State, and you may assure them, the Board will study to supply the store with every necessary without loss of time - You are to remit to the Board what- ever proceeds in Cash from the supply we send you, by such oppor- tunities as your prudence may dictate -

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REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

Mr Nichols who has the care of the Waggons gone forward, has directions to load lightly back with Flour & Iron - And should he have occasion for moneys for that purpose, or to defray expenses back, you are to supply him - transmitting duplicate of Rect by his return - On his setting off he was furnished with three hundd pounds - by examining his account you will be able to Judge what may [be] necessary to supply as Expenses, as well to Calculate what may be necessary to purchase Loads back - should either of the articles not be attainable - direct him to load with that which is - As we are not able so fully to Instruct at this Period, as the state of the Camp may require (for want of Information) you are to advise particularly from time to time, of your progress - thereby we shall be enabled to regulate any deficencies of these Instructions -

By order of the Board "

Copy Nº 21. J. P: Presidt -

[Copy. John Stark to Col. Bedel. Bedel Papers, p. 71.]

Head Quarters 23d May 1778 -

Sir - I received your Packett by Capt Young together with the Return Plan of the Fort &c. all which I have Transmitted to Major Gen1 Gates who no doubt will grant your Request in full -

You will continue to keep constant Scouting Parties as far down as Saint John's, and on the other hand as far as Onion River with orders to watch the Motions and Discover the movements of the Enemy, you will send such parties as you shall judge most proper for the good of the service -

I am Sir your Affectionate Humble Servant

Colo : Bedel John Stark

[Orders from Gen. Gates to Bedel. Bedel Papers, p. 71.]

Head Quarters in the Highlands June 6th 1778

Sir - As your Regiment is pretty respectable, you will send a Detachment, of one third of it to Albany, and instruct the officer Commanding it, to apply to General Stark and Comply with his orders in every Respect - The remainder of it will take Post on the

233

. REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

Frontiers where they will be best able to Cover .the Country and watch the Motions of the Enemy- The General Places the utmost Confidence in your Diligence and Activity and desires you will constantly correspond with him, and Gen1 Starks, on all matters as may contribute to the good of the service -

I am Sir your humble servant

Col. Bedel Rob Troup A. D. C. to Major Gen1 Gates

[Commissary Winship to Col. Bedel. Bedel Papers, p. 72.]

Albany 9th June 1778

Sir - In Consequence of orders recd from Gen1 Stark to appoint an Ass. Com'y of Issues at that place in order to supply the Troops with provision I desire you would appoint Davenport Phelps (who you have recommended to me as a person of undoubted fidelity) to act in that Capacity, or some other suitable person who will Issue provisions to the troops at that place taking proper vouchers for the same and Strictly Comply with the Directions I send inclosd and whatever orders he may receive from me from Time to Time -

I am with Respect Sir Your most obdt hb1 Servt Eben Winship D. C. G.

[Stark to Bedel. Bedel Papers, p. 71.]

Albany 9th June 1778 -

Sir - This Morning came to Hand a letter from Gen' Gates to you which I forward by Colo : Wheelock, he likewise informed me that he had ordered 100 Men properly officered to this Place from your Regiment would be glad you would send them as soon as pos- sible, for the particulars enquire of Colo : Wheelock.

I am Sir your Humble Servt John Stark

N. B. Shall expect you will keep the Scouts as usual - Colo : Bedel J. S.

234

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

[Cornelius Cuyler to Col. Bedel. Bedel Papers, p. 73.]

Bennington June 10th 1778 -

Sir- I am directed by Jacob Cuyler Esq' D. C. G. P. [Deputy Commissary General of Purchases] (who has it command from Honble Gen1 Starks) to endeavour in the best manner possible to pro- vide provisions for your Party which consisted of about Two hundred- Men ; I am in Consequence of such orders to me to request you will if any ways possible have the Provisions such as Flour and Meat Pur- chased as near to you as may be, giving yours, or the Commissary's Certificates for the Quantities furnished, which you will assure the Venders thereof shall be paid by M' Cuyler at his office in Albany on their producing such Certificates at the Market Price given for such articles, the great distance of Land Transportation occasions me to desire you to try to procure Flour near you which if that cannot be done, you will be so good and draw on the Commissary at this Store who must Endeavour to see the same sent on. - please let me hear from you on the subject and direct to me at Albany to which place I return to-morrow -

I am Sir your most obedient humble Servant

Col : Bedel or officer Commands at Co'os -

Cornels Cuyler A. C. Purchs (Copy)

[ Thomas Chittenden to Col. Bedel. Bedel Papers, p. 71.]

In Council Bennington 12th June 1778 -

Dear Sir - I have received Intelligence that General Gates has ordered all the Continental Troops from Albany to repair to his Camp, agreeable to which they have already marched, by which means this extensive Frontier is left but very thinly guarded : (Colo : Warners Regiment being the only Continental Troops left in this Department) and as there is great danger that while the grand Move- ments are making to the Southward, the Enemy will endeavour to distress the Frontiers by Scouting Parties, thereby to divert our Attention, and as covering the Grants on this side is a Grand security to those on the other side the Green Mountains, and as the Connection between this State and a number of Towns on the East Side of Connecticut River is compleated, should think it would be for the General good that a part of your Regiment be sent to Rut- land to join those raised here for the present to be under my Direc-

235

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

tion in Council, and accordingly should take it as a favour that after you have sent an hundred Men to Albany agreeable to the request of the General, you will send over such a part of the Remains of your Regiment as you can spare - I have Consulted the Council and General Assembly and it is their opinion you may spare an hundred Men - Your compliance with the above will be well accepted by Dr Sir Your humble Servant

Col. Bedel - Thomas Chittenden

P. S. It is advised that if you can send any Assistance to us con- sistent with your orders from General Gates that you send them by way of Onion River and so on to Rutland, which will serve as a Scout and Guards not only to this but your Frontier and that you Re- lieve. them the same Rout as often as you think Expedient - (Copy)

[R. 5-147] [Captain Wedgwood's Order.]

North Hampton June 5th 1778 Mr Juet Commasary for the Stat of Newhampsh

Sur Be Plesd to diliver to John Murray Provision till he Marches and in so doing you wold oblege you humble Servent James Wedgwood Capt

Recd Provision to Ist July 1778 25 days in Pork - Cash for Bread 10/5 Joseph Green 6 days in Pork - Cash for Bd 2/6 Benja Phillips 6 do do do 2/6

John Murray

[R. 5-147] [Colonel Bellows's Receipt.]

State of New Hampshire - June 8th 1778 Recd of Nath1 Peabody by the hand of Joseph Rouncival One Hundred and Forty Pounds two Shillings for the Purpose of paying Bounties, Travel money, & advance Wages, to the men ordered to be raised in the regiment under my Command to serve in the regiment Commanded by L' Colo Stephen Peabody in Major General Sullivan's Division now at Provi- dence in the State of Rhode island for which sum I will be account- able to the State of New Hampshire for -

140. 2

Benja Bellows Colo

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REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

[R. 5-147] [Committee of Safety. Order.]

State of New Hampshire - In Committee of Safety June 24th 1778.

To M' Elipht Giddinge Muster Master. You are hereby desired to Muster Joseph Green in lieu of Thurston and strike out said Thurstens name from your Roll, provided you esteem said Green to be as likely a soldier as the other - M. Weare Prest

A Return of the whole Quota of Continental men Belonging To Hanover in Colo Jonth Chases Ridgement. [Chase Papers, p. 42.]

NAMES

Ages

Stature

Places of Abode

Time Mustered

Ridgement Ingaged in

Robert Mason

5-10

Hanover

Apl. 1778

Col. Silly do

Nathan Davis

5- 6

Hanover

John Pendall

5- 2

Hanover

Col. Hale

Medad Taylor

5- 4

Hanover

Col. Silly

David Wright

5-7

Hanover

John Hutchinson

5-10

Norwich

March 1777

David Fuller

5- 6

Hanover

Experience Trescott

5- 4

Hanover

Feb'y 1777

Col. Warner Train

Luther Linkham

5- 8

Hanover

Jan'y 1777

Time engaged for - 3 years Hanover June 18th 1778-

Thos Durkee Lieut.

Sir - persuant to your Direction the one half of our Company are Drafted to take the field on the shortest Notice - Our number of Effective Men 42 - ye whole Company about one half of which well accoutred, the Remainder Destitute Excepting a number of old Arms of no Dependance -

Our Town stock consists of about 60 1bs of American Manufactured powder, and 80 wt of Lead

Hanover June 18th 1778 - Thos Durkee Lt

To Maj' Francis Smith att Plainfield

237

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

[Stark to Bedel. Bedel Papers, p. 71.]

Head Quarters Albany 23ª June 1778 -

Sir - I must desire you will Collect your Regiment together and hold yourselves in readiness to march to Fort Edward as I expect orders hourly from General Gates for that purpose, the Hundred Men I sent for by L' Colo : Wheelock I hope will be on their March to this . place if they should not don't fail to send them Immediately as they are much wanted here - I am Sir your humble Servant

Colº Bedel (Copy) John Stark

[General Gates to Colonel Bedel. Bedel Papers, p. 71.]

Peeks Kill 26th June 1778 -

Sir - By this date I hope the One Hundred Men ordered from your Regiment are Arrived at Albany, and that you are yourself pre- pared to March with all the rest, the moment you receive General Starks Orders for that purpose; a Deputy Commissary of Musters, has received my orders to repair to Co'os to Muster your Regiment, and proper Cloathing shall as soon as possible be sent to Albany for the whole; where I would have you march at any Rate to Receive them ; therefore think it perfectly right, that you should assemble your Regiment at Albany by the first day of August at farthest - I wish constantly to know all the Intelligence you can procure from Canada -

Traversie has my Directions to acquaint you with a message I have sent by him ; you will send me a full Answer in writing by the first safe hand that leaves Co'os -

I am Sir your humble Servant Horatio Gates

Colo. Bedel (Copy)

[R. 5-148]

[Letter from Commissary Leigh.]

Morris Town July 2ª 1778 -

Sir - I wrote the Honourable Board from this place the 27th ultº by a private hand having no reason to doubt but it will come safe to hand beg leave to refer you for its contents -

1 I am now to inform you a Few hours after I had sent my Letter I came across of Mr Nichols with the waggons - I thought it advisable

238

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

to repair Immediately to Camp in order to consult with General Poor what was best to be done - for as our Army was Following the Enemy I was at a loss what course was best to take - I got into Camp the day after the Battle of Freehold and General Poor advised the waggons to move slowly towards the North River - it appearing to him the enemy would soon be ordered that way - In consequence of which they will set of on the morrow - and as I mean to keep with [them] as soon as there is a possibility of obtaining any certen accts where the N. Hampshire Regiments will be stationed so that business can be done with them - shall then Immediately discharge M' Nichols from any Further attendance with ye goods - agreable to the orders of the Honble Board I will not only Furnish Mr Nichols with money but will assist him all that lays in my Power in the pur- chas'g of Iron & Flower to carry home with him - I find the Regi- mental Paymasters have publick Moneys in their hands - have made mention of it to General Poor there will be no difficulty in my obtain- ing orders to receive it on acct of the State - youl find Inclosed a Return of the wants of the N. H. Regiments for the Summer Cam- pain - this Calculation does not include the articles Brot by Mr Nichols and I Flatter myself the Hon1 Board will be able to procure & Forward them to Camp with all speed - together with a supply of Rum Sugar Tea &c &c which appears to me to be necessary as Both officers & men Require nothing Farther than to Fare as well as the Massachusetts troops for in their store there is no want of any of these articles - In a postscript of mine of the 27th ultº I gave the Hon1 Board a particular acct of the different Detachments made from the Continental army since they crossed the Delaware into this State - Of the movement of the main body towards the Enemy on the evening of the 25th - and of there being a probability of a General action soon taking place - and as something of that nature actually did on the 28th perhaps the Particulars (as far as they have come to my knowledge) may be Required at my hand - therefore as it ap- pears to me so I convey it to the Honourable Board - On the night of the 27th the Enemys head quarters was at Freehold or Rather Monmouth court house - while that of General Washington was three miles from English town, Distant from each other about 7 miles - As the Militia & the Detachments from the Continental army were Posted nigh the Enemy, there could not be any consider- able movement on their part but what must soon be known - Early in the morning of the 28th the Front of the Enemy began to march towards the place of Embarkation, about 6 one mile & half from Monmouth Court house the attack first Began by a body of Militia of this State under the Command of General Dickinson, nearly about 8

239

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

General Lee with about 2000 Continental troops began to Skirmish with the Enemy and for sometime drove them - however so it is he retreated to a plain open Field Between Monmouth Court house and English town where they Began to make a stand. In this Critical moment his Excellency General Washington came up with a body of Fresh troops and Immediately took Posession of an advantageous piece of ground which Effectually secured our army from being Flank't, that Consequently there Remained nothing for the Enemy to do but to Run or Fight; they chose the latter for a season and there Immediately Commenced the most Tremendous fire from the artillery on both sides ever known in America : of Musquetry : and pushing of Bayonetts.

In fine notwithstanding the Enemy had the Flower of their army in action a Superiour number of Troops Engaged and doubtless the most vigorous Exertions on their part to break the ranks of our army It is with Peculiar pleasure I have to inform the Honourable Board that Finally the British troops gave way and left the Americans Master of the Field of Battle and a Compleat victory - The Inclosed Return of the loss on both sides I fancy youl find true haveing this moment been favoured with it by a Gent of the army of undoubted veracity - The Colls Cilley & Dearborn had the Command of a De- tachment of Infantry on our Left : their Impetuosity the Enemy could not withstand and first gave way to this Detachment - in short his Excellency the General gave them as the toast of the Day and I thought I would not omit this Circumstance however trivial it may appear in the Eyes of some -

I sincerely Congratulate the Honourable Board & my Country on this Interest'g Event and am with Sentiments of Esteem

Sir Your Most Obedt Hbl Servt Joseph Leigh

[The "New York Gazette," July 6, 1778, gives the British loss at the battle of Monmouth as follows : killed, 110; wounded, 172 ; mis- sing, 56; total, 338. - ED.]

[Letter from John Wheelock to Colonel Bedel. Hibbard Collection, N. H. Historical Society, Vol. III. p. 99.]

Albany IIth July 1778

Sir. Everything was happy on our march, and for a Day after our arrival, excepting some few individuals appeared to be a little uneasey

(

240

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

- but the spark that before appeared, on a sudden diffused through the whole detachment - The men were united - affirm they were fraudulently delt by - Expected to be absent but a few weeks, but were now to be detained as unlimited Continental Soldiers - that they were promised four Pounds per month ; yet are to receive but forty shillings - that they had not received Cloathing which General Gates sent for three weeks ago for the whole Regiment ; and which General Stark has for some time, & is now continually expecting ; & why it don't arrive, we cannot say -

I made an impartial report to the Gen'l of the above matters, who treated them with all softness: but their minds were so inspired with apprehension, that they could not be pacified - At length a considerable party determined to quit the place; upon which the General ordered Colonel Stacey's Regiment to be paraded & secure the obstinate : after which event the men appeared more moderate as the Gen : told them he wou'd see justice done them. - They were willing to be mustered agreeable to their Inlistment : but the muster- master refused to muster them, unless as Soldiers to serve as all other Continental Troops, through the United States - Finally the Gen1 consented, and the men were cheerfully willing to serve here during the term proposed, when they came away, without being mus- tered.

I know of no misstep, that the officers in this Detachment have taken in the whole affair and were the same event again to take place, I know of no material alteration, that we should make in our proceeding - We think it of the utmost importance, that you should be here before the first of August ; as you are the Commander of the Regiment ; and something might be determined upon, that could prevent the unhappy consequences, that might otherwise ensue - Capt Nelson waits on you with this letter, who proposes immediately to return - He can inform you of perticulars which I have communi- cated in the Gross - The Officers concur in what I have wrote. -

I have the happiness to subscribe myself, Sir,

your sincere & most obedt humb : Servt

Colo : Timothy Bedel Esq John Wheelock

[General Jacob Bayley to General Gates. Hibbard Coll., N. H. Historical Society, Vol. IV. p. 87.]

Newbury. 13th July 1778

S' - Colº Hazen arrived here last evening, and has Communicated to me that his business is respecting a land road into Canada to-

241

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

gether with what Provisions may be had here - it is my opinion by the many observations I have made of the Country between this and Canada, that it is very Practicable I have once by Majr James Wil- kinson surveyed a road from this to St Johns which marked and good at 95 miles - the same is made about 30 miles the remainder well marked We have also surveyed to the South end of Memproma- gog which we find good from thence to Mosco [Missisquoi ?] it has the appearance of a good Country for a Road as to the distance I refer you to the Plan Colº Hazen has, which I can assure is true as far as Canada line and St Johns, the water carriage on this River is good from Herford to 20 miles above iso [?] except five or six short Rapids or falls - where their are good cart roads - I have not the least doubt but six eight or ten thousand bushels of wheat may be purchased in this quarter, and beef in plenty. as to forrage If wanted I will supply from my farm 100 Tun of Hay &c -

Should an Expedition into Canada be undertaken (if wanted) I will assist, and with Colo Bedel think we can rais 1500 men for that servise and I should think myself Happy to serve another successfull Campaign with your Hon' which I doubt not but one into Canada would be. - J. Bayley

[Colonel Bedel to General Gates. From Original Retained Copy in Bedel Papers, p. 74.]

Haverhill July 15th 1778.

Sir - Yesterday morning I was favoured with an Express from Col : Hazen then at this place, which found me at Hagan River about 8 miles from here where I went a few Days past to meet Osgood a spy which I had some time last winter sent into Canada for intelli- gence as also to meet some families of indians from St Francois. Osgood the spy was Discovered and made a Prisoner at St Francois, carried to Montreal goal where he remained fourteen Days, then at the request of Col: Peters was liberated and suffered to live in his Kitchen, about the latter end of February or first of March, a Torry Express arrived at Montreal, with accounts of a winter Expedition being intended by Congress to be carried into Canada Whereupon he was again taken up and thrown into close Jail. That immediately the Jails ware crowded with the leading People amongst the inhabi- tance. That several of the Churches was taken for that purpose, in the Citys of Montreal Quebec, and the Country, that those Pris- oners rejoiced in their confinement, they Dayly received refresh-

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Rolls of the Soldiers in the Revolutionary war, 1629 to 1725, Part 20

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

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