Rolls of the Soldiers in the Revolutionary war, 1629 to 1725, Part 27

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

USA > New Hampshire > Rolls of the Soldiers in the Revolutionary war, 1629 to 1725 > Part 27

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).

I shall await your Directions on the matter as it is not for me to act in opposition to the Stipulated prices - Doctor Francis Wain- wright a young Gent who served his apprenticeship with Doctor Cutter of Portsmouth and now doing business in the Public Hospital at Danbury was with me a few days since in order to get some matters of Cloathing for himself - Notwithstanding I am an Embit- ered Enemy against any unnecessary increase of our Publick Debts yet I must confess the argument that Gent used carried a clear and full conviction to me he might with Propriety be serv'd But then as a Complyance on my Part without your knowledge would be deem'd a Breach of Trust in me, I referd him to you & promised to take notice of it in my next - and could wish to have leave to do it -

I suppose Mr Emerson has given you a Memorandum of some articles necessary to Furnish the Stores with - Trim'gs of all kinds and at all times is highly necessary to be in Store, Because there is- a great Consumption and when any Officer is Necessitated to pur- chase otherways it Commonly Costs him more than a Compleat Suit would from me -

Officers Shoes Stockings, Linnen, and something Calculated for Summer Cloathing by no means would be improper as well as some Tea Coffee Spirits &c, as for the Sugar I shall endeavor to make it last out the month of May and as that is a very necessary article it will be proper at that time to have a fresh supply - As for news have nothing Particular to Communicate saving that we are very Peacable in Camp and our men are Enlisting very fast During the

327

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

War - and I hear that is the case throughout the whole Army - In short it appears to me that if the Bulk of the Freemen of this Exten- sive Continent would only Revert back to their original Professions at the Beginning of the War and Persevere therein - The Americans with a Blessing would quickly Convince the whole World, that when Unanimous & Determined and engaged in so good a Cause - They are Unconquerable - We have it Reported in Camp that General Lincoln has gained a Decisive Victory over the Enemy in Georgia - I pray God it may be Confirm'd and it is Fully Believed at this Head quarters - I am with Personal Esteem Sir

your most Obt Hbl Servt

Joseph Leigh N. B. I suppose the acct of Issues you sent up the last fall is to be Considered as to go through my books and that it is not Charged at home to the Continent - and you' please to write me by Post directed to the Care of Capt Bates at Reading Church -

[R. 5-198] [Petition of Sarah Colbath, of Durham.]

State of 1 To the Honble the Council and House of Represen- New Hampr { tatives of said State in General Assembly, convened at Exeter March 22ª 1779 -

The Petition of Sarah Colbath of Durham in the State aforesaid widow - Humbly Shews -

That Downing Colbath a son of your Petitioner who was a Continen- tal Soldier in Capt Bell's Company & Col' Hale's Regiment was taken sick at Albany in the Autumn of 1777 - & after remaining sometime in a Hospital there, obtained a Furlough to come home - He set off very weak & with much difficulty got to Worcester in the State of Massachusetts Bay, when he was unable to proceed farther without assistance - of which, when your Petitioner had information she dis- patched a Man with a Horse to bring him home - the cost of which amounted to twelve pounds & six shillings as may appear by the acc's &c herewith exhibited - & as your Petitioner is in needy circum- stances, having lost her Husband in the service of the United States, & being left with a family of young Children, She requests your Hon- ors to take her case into your wise Consideration, and cause the above sum to be reimbursed to her - & she as in duty bound will ever pray &c-

Sarah X Colbath

her mark

[The committee reported in her favor. - ED.]

328

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

[R. 5-200] [Request from Boothbay for Corn.]

To the Hon' Gentlemen of the General Court sitting in Exeter We the Committee of Boothbay begs that your Honnors would grant Mr Samuel peirs [Peirce] a per mit to bring out sum Corn out of your state to supply the poor of said Boothbay for tha are in a Suffiring Condition for want of bread meny femalys has not had the value of one peck of corn in thire houses for sum months past your Comply- ance with will greatly oblige your petitioners as well as the poor of this town.

Boothbay April 12 1779

Andw McFarland Andrew Reed

David Reed Joseph Reed

Committee

[Permission was granted Mr. Peirce to export thirty bushels of corn and twenty bushels of potatoes. - ED.]

[Colonel Bedel to General Gates. Bedel Papers, p. 102.]

Haverhill 28th March 1779 -

Hond Sir - Capt. Traversie and his Companion Joseph Gill the Chief of the St Francois Indians are at Length returned and herewith wait on you with the Intelligence they have brought -

A week previous to their Return, the son and Brother in Law of the above Indian Chief arrived here from Canada, and am really sorry to say that some people here (whom they will name to you) out of an inconsiderate Zcal or some other cause censured them as Tories and demand them from me in order to their Imprisonment, but as I was assured to the Contrary I refused to deliver them, Complaints of which I understand are gone to you, no doubt with every aggravation that malice can suggest ; for the Elucidation of the whole I refer you to the Bearer. --

The articles you desired me to procure for Capt. Traversie I' should readily have furnished him with but could not get them at least the Major part, some trifles he has had -

There is a certain Number of Indians who has strenuously exerted themselves in Scouting parties & has scarce any Cloathing, it would be really of service to send them Blankets, some other Indians have also been promised Cloathing but it is out of my power to provide them -

I am Hond Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant

Honble Horatio Gates Esqr (Copy) Timº Bedel

329

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

[Colonel Bedel to General Gates. Bedel Papers, p. 103.]

Haverhill 31st March 1779

Sir - You will receive this by Lt Colº Wheelock - I also write in favour of Mr Louis Vincent a Collegian who has been a faithfull Sub- ject to the United States as an Interpreter, he has been among the Micmac Tribes &c, and brought all Intelligence he could obtain, it was not in my Power to reward him according to his desert therefore rec- ommend him to you, as Colo. Wheelock can inform of every Transac- tion -

The Goslins upon their Tour to Boston have represented me as a Tory and Enemy to my Country which Causes disturbances in these parts I am and was always willing to Answer for my Conduct but As- persions of such a nature is always detrimental to a Gentlemans Char- acter. I should be glad they might be removed from Hence, that Peace and Amity might subsist among us (I am Certain they are Influenced by Persons who doubtless would be glad to bear the sway) - By daily News from the Northern parts everything is in our favour Colo. Wheelock will inform of any further particulars relative to the state we are in and that a sufficient Force should be kept upon these Frontiers in Case no Provisions is made in this Quarter (by Information received) the People of Course must be obliged to Evacuate these Parts -

Gen1 Gates -

[Colonel Hazen to Colonel Bedel. Bedel Papers, p. I.]

Springfield 12th April 1779

Dear Sir - I received your letter by R. Peaslec - this will inform you of my Regiment being on their March for Co'os, & that we are thus far on the way - we shall March Tomorrow, & not make any Material Halt untill we reach Nº 4 we have vague report of a Number of Canadians & Indians being at Co'os - I hope it is true - & that they may remain there untill I arrive - which I hope & judge will be in the course of this Month - Compliments to Mrs Bedel - & be- lieve me to be Dear Sir

Colº Bedel

yours very Sincerely Moses Hazen

P. S. Let it be said that I am going to Nº 4 only & there to build a fort

330

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS:

[Colonel Hazen to Colonel Bedel. Bedel Papers, p. 2.]

Camp Haverhill 24th May 1779

Dear Sir - The bearer Moses Duty of Col : Scammells Regiment and James Merril of Col : Cilleys Regt : have out stayed their time on furlough, and want me to lengthen out the Time I have Told them if they will Join your Party and be faithful a spell in the Public works I will Indeavour to secure them from Harm one of them is a Stone Layer and the other an axeman and as such I conceive they. may be useful about your Barn which I Recommend to be 30 by 60. feet - you will never build Cheeper Yours

Col : Bedle

Moses Hazen

[General Bayley to James Ladd. Bedel Papers, p. 104.]

Newby 19th April 1779

Sr - thier is Eleaven Indians Remains here and as you have or- ders to take the care of them I wish you to Continue to see them Sup- plied untill you have orders to the Contrary from some Continental. officer I am yours

To L' James Ladd Jacob Bayley

P. S. Colº Hazen Desires me to Supply them till he comes -

[Draft in Gunthwaite (Lisbon). Bedel `Papers, p. 105.] -

Gunthwaite July 20 : 1779

Sir - In pursuance of your order of the 8 Instant I have Drafted one man to go to the upper Cohos & he is ready to march at your order - I am sir your Humb Servt

To Colo Israel Morey Luther Richardson Capt

N B. his Name is Ebenezer Richardson

[Commissary Lyne's Certificate. Bedel Papers, p. 95.]

Haverhill 20th April 1779

This is to Certify that on my arrival here on the 25th day of Novem- ber last and at the Time of my Receiving the Stores from Jonathan

331

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

Child A. C. of Purchases (on the Ist of December last) at the lower store in this place I found every thing in the best order, the Beef weil laid up and preserved, and on Compleating the Repacking said Beef (amount in quantity to 113619 pounds weight) I find it to Tally exactly with my Receipt given, excepting a loss of 440 pounds wholly sustained in Cutting, Weighing, Packing, Reweighing & Repacking.

I also found the Number of Hides of the Cattle killed here and Receipted by me, and the feet receipted by the Commissary of Hides to agree exactly with the account delivered by said Jonathan Child - I do also Certify that Colo : Timº Bedel at my request furnished me with proper Guards to said Store out of his Regt 'till such time Colo : Hazens Regt arrived here -

Matthew Lyne A. C. of Issues.

Sir - The foregoing are copies of Letters and orders relative to my Regt raised in 1778 for the Defence of the Frontiers, a much larger quantity I have by me much to the same Substance but thought it needless to send the whole, by which you will see by what means I drew provisions for my Men - They have not received any Pay or Cloathing for their Service, except one hundred Men who went to Albany received Three Months pay but no Cloathing - Upwards of Fifty Indians were supported out of the Provisions, which the Court of Enquiry was upon at Nº 4 -

Timº Bedel 1

[The following statement is on the back of the sheets containing the foregoing, in the handwriting of John Bedel. - ED. ]

These copies found in hands of Nath1 White of Concord N. H. Ap. 29, 1870. The copies originally contained 20 pages but it appears that one sheet embracing pages 14, 15, 16, & 17 is mislaid or lost since Nath1 Rix copied from them Mar. 9, 1838 J. B.

[Colonel Hazen to the Town Officials. Chase Papers, p. 171.]

Charlestown April 22ª 1779

Gentlemen - My Regiment will march from this place tomorrow morning for coos for the protection of this fronteer Country and as

332

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

we have a Large Quantity of Baggage which moves on with us it will be necessary for you to repair immediately the roads and bridges from town to town as well as to be in readiness to forward on the Baggage from place to place otherwise we shall be delayed on the march to the grate prejudice of the public service & in particular to the good people on this road

I am Gentlemen

your most Obedient Humble Servant

Moses Hazen Colo

To the Gentlemen majestrates select men or surveyors of the roads & all other Inhabitants Living on the road from this place to coos

[R. 6-1] [Petition of James and Mary Fleming.]

To the Honble Committee of Safety for the State of New Hamp- shire Convened at Exeter for the public Business of said State -

The Petition of James Flemming & Mary his Wife unto your Honours Humbly Shews. -

That your Petitioners about Twelve Months past, came into America from Derry in the Kingdom of Ireland, with an Intention to settle themselves, and arrived in New York, where they have remained untill of late labouring under many heavy difficulties, & in- conveniences, & wishing they could get an opportunity to get to some Part of the American States, but finding it impracticable they took passage from New York in the Schooner Chance bound for Georgia, but on their passage thither they were taken by the Continental Frigates, & to their great Satisfaction brought into this State where they have met with a number of their kind Countrymen, with whom they wou'd wish to tarry if this Honble Committee wou'd indulge them with their Consent thereto and they hereby pledge their Faith, and are ready to take the oaths of allegiance to this State, that they will remain peaceable & quiet subjects therein & follow their respec- tive Trades, for which Indulgence they earnestly beg your Honors to grant as they have never taken any part in the present Dispute between the united States of America, & Great Brittain, & your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray.

Portsmouth April 22ª 1779-

James Fleming Mary Fleming

[April 23, 1779, the Committee of Safety took the petition up and the matter was "ordered to lay for further Consider"." - ED.]

333

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

[Colonel Hazen to Major Childs. Chase Papers, p. 171.]

Charlestown 25th April, 1779 -

S' as my Regiment is ordered to coos for the protection of that Country and as the public Stores in this Quarter as I am told is des- titute of flower and as the transportation of that artical from Albany to this place at this season of the year is attended with great Diffi- culty, I must beg you will exert your utmost abilitys in collecting by purchasing or borrowing such quantities of flower for the support of the troops under my command as may be adequate to our present necessity as in case of your failure in this important business I shall be under the Disagreeable necessity of Quartering my Troops on the inhabitants for their daly subsistence - you may assure the good people & those that are willing to Lend there flower on this occation that the Comy Gen1 has taken such measures as will not only furnish the Troops with ample supply but in a short time inable us to repay such Quantity as you may borrow on this occasion.

I am Sr your very Humble Servt -

Majr Childs

Moses Hazen Colo

[R. 6-2] [Mrs. Pepperell's Petition.]

To the Honorable the Committee of Safety for the State of New Hampshire convened at Exeter the 4th of May 1779.

Mary Ann Pepperell of Portsmouth in said State humbly shews - That she has lately received a Letter from her Husband Andrew Pepperell Esq from New York, directing your Petitioner to meet him at the Lines at Kings Bridge, in order to embark with him for En- gland Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays your Honors, to grant her leave to comply with her Husbands orders : and John Sparhawk of Portsmouth aforesaid a Relative of her Husbands, having been so kind as to offer to accompany her, she further prays that He may have leave to go with her as far as the Lines aforesaid, & thence to return home. And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c. -

Mary Ann Pepperell

[Mrs. Pepperell's request was granted May 13, 1779. - ED.]

{

€

334

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

[Order for Clothing.] [R. 6-2]

Exeter May 13, 1779.

" Gent - Joseph Tole & Samuel Marstin both of the late Capt Weares Compy 3ª N Hampshire Batt" apply for cloathing please to supply them, they to account therefor

To the Board of War

Caleb Robinson Capt

for New Hampshire

Received each of us Two pr Shoes & Two pair Stockings

Samuel Marstin Joseph Tole

[R, 6-3] [Statement of Naval Officer Russell, 1779.]

Sir - Whatever orders I have received from the Honorable com- mittee of safety, since my appointment to the Naval office have been faithfully executed to the extent of my power - as far I believe as is in the power of any person in times so peculiarly depraved - when evasion Juggle & deceit reign almost triumphant, yet I have reason to fear the public orders are often counteracted in a way that I cant detect nor procure any evidence to prosecute, except a constant guard was in the harbor, below the forts during the night season. Corn, masts & spars, I suspect are carried from this river to the Mas- sachusetts bay, in a way of smugling - The masters of the vessels come to clear with all the appearance of innocence ; Pass the highest encomiums upon law, order, & government, pass the Forts Lawfully, & lay sometime in the harbor till their purposes are accomplished.

My living on the banks of the river, gives me a general view of what passes on it ; and tis certain all the above articles are carried & towed down by boats - generally through crooked Lane, which is wholly within the Jurisdiction of the Massachusetts bay and I dont sce how this evil can be prevented, but by repairing the old Fortifica- tion on the point at New Castle and keeping an honest guard of ob- servation there. Indeed tis my opinion that the Jurisdiction of the harbor may soon be disputed, If that Fort is not properly occupied - I think some movements that way are discernable.

I have frequently examined outward bound vessels my-self ; But as I am rather rigidly bound to office hours by law, am obliged to em- ploy some trusty person & give them the whole fees of the vessel for their service - after all, the matter is, as above described, which it appears my duty to communicate.

335

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

My last order from the Honorable committee created a very great puzzle ; it respected the goods bot at vendue about the 20th of last month, at that time the Town swarmed with strangers they purchased at private sale everything they cou'd lay their hands on, and blended both sorts together in a way that no person living cou'd discriminate. However the matter was cleared up, by Capt Partridge's coming with a large manifest to clear his Schooner for Boston, declaring at the same time that the articles were those purchased at sd vendue, & tell- ing me some gentlemen were determined to protest if I refused to clear him.

I have punctually obeyed the order of the Committee, and it has produced the threatened protest. The clamor has been great upon the occasion, which I have stood with settled fortitude.

Inclosed is a copy of the protest, which Partridge left with me, & which is now forwarded for the inspection of the committee. I beg sir, to be instructed by the Honorable board, how to proceed, as from the appearance of some people, I expect more actions than one brot against me, and a whole years profit of the office wou'd not carry the actions thro the courts. I have the honor to be with the greatest es- teem your most obed' Servt

Portsmouth 5th June 1779 E Russell To the Honorable the chairman of the Honorable committee of safety for the State of New hampshire.

[May 24, 1779, the Committee of Safety had "ordered the Naval officer not to permit any of the articles purchased at a vendue held at Portsmouth last week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, to be Cleared out in any vessel whatsoever till further orders." On June 7 said committee passed an order allowing said goods to be "exported from this State." - ED.]

[General Folsom to Colonel Morey. Hibbard Collection, N. H. Historical Society, Vol. II. p. 94.]

State of New Hampshire

Exeter 26th June 1779.

Israel Morey Esq. Colo of a Regime of Militia, Pursuant to a Vote of the Council & Assembly, I am directed to order you to make Re- turn to me (as soon as may be) of the Number of Men in the Train Band and the Number of Men in the Alarm List in your Regiment - and you are to see that they are properly Equip'd and ready to march at a moments warning -

Nath1 Folsom Majr Gen1

336

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

[R. 6-6] . [Order to Equip the Ship Hampden.]

State of New Hampr

In Committee of Safety Exeter July 3ª 1779.

To the Board of War at Portsmouth.

Gentlemen You are hereby directed Immediately to take and equip the Ship Hampden (belonging to Messrs Langdon and others) for the Expedition carrying on by our Sister State against Penobscot if it should appear to you that it can possibly be done and the Ship well manned and ready to sail in Eight days from this Date then you will suffer no delay but if it should appear to you that that is not like to be accomplished in that time you will be carefull not to proceed on said Business

By order of the Committee [Signature missing.] -

[It appears that on the 8th of July the Committee of Safety ap- pointed Titus Salter, captain, and Daniel Lang and Joshua Stackpole, lieutenants, of the ship Hampden on said expedition. - ED.]

[R. 6-7] [ William Denning to Nathaniel Peabody.]

New Windsor 6 July 1779 -.

D' S' When I exchanged promises with you at New Haven to take the earliest opportunity of beginning an Epistolary correspondence with you, I do assure you with confidence it was my real design the dis- tance however between us with the uncertainty of Conveyance discour- aged me, those difficulties being now removed, with great pleasure I take up my pen -and when sufficient matter is not furnished by, news and politicks, Friendship and sentiment shall be substituted - Gen1 Washingtons Head Quarters now at New Windsor from whence he has an easy and safe rout by water to Westpoint, the fortifications on our river - I am happy to acquaint you that the Gen1 is indefatigable in putting those works in a proper state of defence, his opinion is, that the Enemy still intends an attack on the fort, if they put their inten- tions into Execution I believe it will prove fatal to them. It is reported that a reinforcement is arrived at New York, that many of their Troops have gone down the river and that a strong Garrison is left at Kings ferry, but that as soon as all their reinforcements arrive an attack on the fort will be made - this is mostly deserters news, you

337

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

know what confidence therefore it deserves - I am sorry to see by the papers such very great altercations in Congress, the publishing their debates on the business of the Fisheries will certainly be inju- rious to our common cause - can it be doubtful my friend whether the fisheries are, or are not, the natural and political right of this Country, surely no, but have we not in this debate clearly told great Britain that we were in doubt about it, will she then Guarantee the Fisheries on our own Coast if we think we have no right to them - I wish to see the minutes of Congress publish'd for the information of the people at large except such as in wise policy ought to be kept secret, and I am sure this subject ought to be so - has any answer ever been given to the Court of France on the requisition to know on what Terms America would Treat with Britain, does not the neg- ative imply a neglect. The French Court my good Friend are very Tenacious of the Honour of the nation and anything that has the appearance of Contempt or neglect might prove fatal to America - I am far from wishing to see America servily Attentive to France - no, a manly and uniform firmness will be our best rule of Conduct with this power, but by all means to pay them the Attention due to their services for us - There is too much wisdom in America to per- mit her to consider France as disinterested, we all know how much she is interested in the success of our opposition to Britain and while it is her interest it will be her policy to assist us but no longer - we ought therefore carefully to avoid raising her suspicions - direct for me at Bethlehem near New Windsor, and while Head Quarters is in that Neighborhood you may direct to the care of Colo Hamilton of the Generals family, A. D. C. to his Excellency - and your Letters would find a safe conveyance to come by the persons who brings the Generals Dispatches, also direct to me to the care of Samuel Loudon Esq Fishkill post but in this case you will frank them, my Friend M' Fell will acquaint you how he directs to me and his Letters comes safe. I remain with great Esteem S' your most Hble Servt Wm Denning 1

[Addressed] Honble Nathaniel Peabody Esqr Philadelphia [Endorsed] Letter from Wm Denning Esq. Recd July 17th

338

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROLLS AND DOCUMENTS.

[R. 6-8]

[Certificate concerning John Merritt.]

Exeter July 10, 1779

This may Certify that I have received John Merrett as a Conti- nental Soldier during the present War, as a Recruit for the 8th Comp'y of the Ist Militia Regt of this State -

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.

Rolls of the Soldiers in the Revolutionary war, 1629 to 1725, Part 27

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

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