USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 22
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Monday last twenty-seven British prisoners, chiefly grenadiers, who were taken by surprize Saturday last near Monmouth Courthouse, were brought to this town.1 The same day thirty-six more arrived at Princeton, part of those taken in the late engagement, and many more are on their way.
By the best accounts we have received, upwards of 500 of the British army, chiefly Hessians, have deserted and returned to Philadelphia since the enemy left that city ; and a considerable number have come in to other places.
We hear that several British transports have been lately taken on their passage from Philadelphia to New-York, one of which had five refugee families, with their furni- ture, &c. on board.
1 Trenton.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
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Extract of a letter from Elizabeth-Town, dated June 15, 1778.
"The following is an extract from Jemmy Rivington's royal, loyal, lying Gazette, of the 13th inst."
"Last Wednesday morning at two o'clock, three boats, "carrying about 150 rebels, attempting to land on Staten- "Island between the Blazing-star and Burnt-island, and "to surprize a post of the Royal Provincials, were dis- "covered, fired upon, and beat off. The troops on the "island immediately got under arms, which effectually "defeated their purpose."
"The truth is, that at the above-mentioned time three boats, carrying about 50 brave volunteers, did actually land on a point of meadow near two miles northeastward of the Burnt-island, and consequently three or four miles from the place he says, from whence they marched up undiscovered to the Bridge Creek, (near half a mile) when they were challenged by a centinel on the other side of the creek; finding that they were discovered, and that nothing was to be done by surprize, they answered by a well-directed fire on the guard-house, which threw the poor Royal Provincials into such a panic, that without return- ing a shot, they determined to save themselves by flight; on finding which, and apprehending a general alarm on the island, our little party retired to their boats very slow and in good order, and reimbarked; by which time some of the heroic Royal Provincials, finding our fire to cease, and probably concluding there could not then be much danger, ventured back to their old post and began a very warm fire at a phantom. It is presumed they had not vet recovered from their panic when the above narra- tive was sent to the King's Printer, which sufficiently accounts for their egregious errors."
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On Monday the 22d of June the General Assembly of this State adjourned, to meet the second Wednesday in September next at Princeton.
The near approach of the enemy prevented the publication of this paper last week.
ALL officers and men belonging to the Pennsylvania State Navy Fleet, are hereby ordered to repair to their respective vessels immediately.
JOHN HAZLEWOOD, C. P. F.
Trenton, June 30th, 1778.
CAME to the plantation of William Baird, near Grigg's- Town, the 6th day of June, a brown HORSE, about thirteen hands and an half high, judged to be seventeen years old, his hind left foot somewhat white, branded C A on his left thigh, trots altogether. The owner is desired to come and prove property, pay charges and take him away.
Now in the care of the subscriber, a stray HORSE, of a red roan colour, six or seven years old, fourteen hands high, trots and paces. Whoever owns the said horse, is desired to apply immediately, pay the cost, and take him away.
Essex county, Turkey, Borough of ISAAC CRANE. Elizabeth, New-Jersey, June 11, 1778.
STRAYED Or STOLEN from the subscriber, on Friday the 22d. inst. a sorrel HORSE, has a bald face, a small wen on his left flank, about fourteen hands high, trots and paces, about nine or ten years old. Whoever shall secure said horse, so that the owner may get him again, shall receive TEN DOLLARS reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by me
CARY DUNN, Silver-smith. Morristown, June 2d, 1778.
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To all whom it may concern.
New-Jersey, ss. NOTICE is hereby given, that a Court of Admiralty will be held at the house of Gilbert Barton, in Allentown, on Tuesday, the 14th day of July next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to try the truth of the facts alledged in the bills of John Brooks, (who as well, &c.) against the sloop or vessel called the Palm, the brigantine or vessel called the Speedwell, and the sloop or vessel called the Jenny .- Of Timothy Shaler, (who as well, &c.) against the sloop or vessel called the Speedwell. -Of John Potts, (who as well, &c.) against the schooner lately taken by the armed boat called the Dove, near Philadelphia,-with their respective tackle, apparel, furniture and cargoes: To the end and intent that the owner or owners of the said vessels respectively, or any person or persons concerned therein, may appear and shew cause, if any they have, why the said vessels and their respective cargoes should not be condemnned according to the prayer of the said bills.
By order of the Judge, BOWES REED, Pro. Reg. June 17, 1778. -New-Jersey Gazette, Vol. 1, No. 30, June 24, 1778.
We are informed by several persons who were present at the late action in New-Jersey, that the loss of the enemy in killed is about five hundred, and that near the same number were taken prisoners and deserted during the bat- tle. The loss on the side of the American army is less than one hundred killed .- The . Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 4, 1778.
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Englishtown, July 1, 1778.
Sir,
I embrace this first moment of (etc. etc.)
The hon. Henry Laurens, esq, president of congress.
Return of the killed, wounded and missing of the Ameri- can army, in the battle of Monmouth, on the twenty- eighth day of June, 1778.
Killed. One lieut. col. one major, three captains, two lieuts, one serjeant, fifty-two rank and file.
Wounded. Two colonels, eight captains, four first lieuts. two second lieutenants, one ensign, one adjutant, eight serjeants, one drum, one hundred and twenty rank and file.
Missing. Five serjeants, one hundred and twenty-six rank and file. Many of the missing dropped through fatigue, and have since come in.
Artillery. Killed. One first lieut. seven matrosses, one bombardier.
Wounded. One capt. one serjeant, one corporal, one gunner, ten matrosses.
Missing. One matross.
Six horses killed and two wounded .- The Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 6. 1778.
New-York, July 6. On Sunday Morning the 28th In- stant, the Rear of the Royal Army under the Command of General Sir HENRY CLINTON, was attacked by the Rebel Army commanded by Generals Washington, Lee, Gates, Wayne and Fayette, about one Mile and a half West of Freehold Court House, in Monmouth County, New-Jersey; when the Grenadiers, Light Infantry, and Queen's Rangers, distinguished themselves in a particular Manner, having opposed the whole of Washington's Army, and pursued them several Miles; their Loss we know not, but 'tis said to be great.
18
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The following officers are amongst the killed, in the Royal Army.
Lieut. Col. Moncton, Capt. John Gove, of the 5th.
The wounded are, Lieut. Col. Trelawney, of the Guards, Lieut. Col. Abercrombie, 37th; Major William Gardiner, 10th; Capt. Andrew Cathcart, 15th; Capt. William Brereton, 17th; Capt. Harry Ditmass, 15th; Capt. Bald- win Leighton, 46th; Lieut. Mungo Paumier, do. Lieut. Desborough, of the Marines; Capt. John Powell, 52d. Capt. Thomas Wills, 23d. Lieut. Patrick Belley, Guards; Capt. Stephenson, Queen's Rangers (before the action) Lieut. Col. Simcoe, Queen's Rangers; Capt. Lloyd, 46th ; Lieut. Kennedy, 44th.
We are informed that the following, is an exact return of the loss of the Royal Army.
Killed
110
Wounded
172
Missing
56
Total
338
It is certain the rebels have not suffered so heavy a loss as on this occasion, in any engagement since their defeat on Long Island.
About 70 Prisoners was brought up to Town last Friday, that were taken in the above Engagement.
We hear General Washington with the greatest Part of his Army are gone towards New-Brunswick .- New-York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, July 6, 1778.
From the PENNSYLVANIA PACKET.
Mr. DUNLAP,
Be pleased to print the following Letters from his Ex- cellency General Washington, together with the return of
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killed, wounded, &c. for the information of the good people of these United States. I am, Sir,
Your most humble servant, Philadelphia, HENRY LAURENS,1 President of Congress.
July 4, 1778.
Englishtown, six miles from Monmouth, June 28, 1778, half after 11 A. M.
SIR
I was duly honoured with your favour of the 20th instant, with the report to which it referred, and trust my situation will apologize for my not answering it before.
I am now here with the main body of the army, and pressing hard to come up with the enemy. They encamped yesterday at Monmouth Court-house, having almost the whole of their front, particularly their left wing, secured by a marsh and thick wood, and their rear by a very difficult defile, from whence they moved very early this morning. Our advance, from the rainy weather, and the intense heat when it was fair, (tho' these may have been equally disadvantageous to them) has been greatly de- layed. Several of our men have fallen sick from these causes, and a few unfortunately have fainted and died in a little time after. We have a select and strong detach- ment more forward under the general command of Major- General Lee, with orders to attack their rear if possible. Whether the detachment will be able to come up with it is a matter of question, especially before they get into strong grounds. Besides this, Morgan with his corps and some bodies of militia are on their flanks. I cannot determine yet at what place they intend to embark; some think they will push for Sandy Hook, whilst others think they mean
1 Henry Laurens was a very distinguished statesman from South Carolina. In 1778 and 1779 he was the President of the Continental Congress, and in the latter year was appointed minister to Holland. On his way to that country he was captured and was imprisoned in the Tower of London for fifteen months. On his release he was made, by Congress, one of the commissioners to negotiate peace .- Manuscript of the late William S. Stryker.
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to go to Shoal Harbour. The latter opinion seems to be founded in the greater probability, as, from intelligence, several vessels and craft are lying off that place. We have made a few prisoners and they have lost a good many men by desertion, I cannot ascertain their numbers as they came into our advanced parties and pushed immediately into the country; I think five or six hundred is the least number that have come in in the whole; they are chiefly foreigners.
I have the honour to be, with great respect,
Sir, your most obedient servant, G. WASHINGTON.
The Honourable HENRY LAURENS, Esquire, President of Congress.
Fields near Monmouth Court-house, 29th June 1778.
SIR
I HAVE the honour to inform you that about seven o'clock yesterday morning both armies advanced on each other. About twelve they met on the grounds near Monmouth Court-house, when an action commenced. We forced the enemy from the field and encamped on the ground. They took a strong post in out front, secured on both flanks by morasses and thick woods, where they remained till about twelve at night and then retreated. I cannot at this time go into a detail of matters; when opportunity will permit I shall take the liberty of transmitting Congress a more particular account of the proceedings of the day.
I have the honour to be, with great respect,
Sir, your most obedient servant, G. WASHINGTON.
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The Honourable HENRY LAURENS, Esquire, President of Congress.
[For his Excellency's third letter, with a return of the killed and wounded, &c. see the supplement. ]1
Brunswick, July 3d, 1778.
SIR
NOT satisfied with robbing me and the brave men under my command of the credit due to us with respect to the affair of the 28th, such an atrocious attack has been made on my conduct, and so gross are the injuries I have re- ceived, that I have demanded a court-martial; which is to be held to-morrow. The reason that I address this note to you, is, that a most incidious, dishonest, and false relation has appeared in your paper of July 1st-I must therefore entreat, as you are an honest man, that you will desire your readers to consider the aforesaid relation as a- fiction. Before long they shall have a minute, just, and faithful account-In the mean time I beg you will print this note-and am, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
CHARLES LEE. 2
Mr. ISAAC COLLINS
July 3d, 1778.
SIR,
I Desire you will consider this as a postscript to the note I have already addressed to you, and that you will request whatever printer is your correspondent at Philadelphia, to insert the note and postscript in his paper .- To call the affair a complete victory would be a dishonourable gasconade-It was indeed a very handsome check, which did the Americans honour. No affair can be more convinc- ing of what they are equal to; in a retrograde manœuvre
1 See page 285, post.
2 This note to the editor of the Gazette is probably the first public
announcement made by Lee after his fiasco upon the field of Monmouth.
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of near four miles, no confusion was observable but what arose, and ever will arise from a monstrous abuse, which, if tolerated, will be one day fatal-I mean the liberty which individuals, without authority, take to direct and give their opinions. The behaviour of the whole, both men and officers, was so equally good that it would be unjust to make distinctions ; tho' I confess it is difficult to restrain from paying compliments to the artillery, from General Knox1 and Colonel Oswald down to the very driver. It is difficult to say which was the decisive point-it was a battle in pieces, and by dint of fighting in a variety of places-in the plain and in the woods-by advancing and retreating, the enemy were at last fairly worn down.
I am, Sir, yours,
CHARLES LEE.
TRENTON, July 8.
Extract from GENERAL ORDERS.
"Head-Quarters, Freehold, June 29, 1778.
"THE Commander in Chief congratulates the army on the victory obtained over the arms of his Britannic Majesty yesterday, and thanks most sincerely the gallant officers and men who distinguished themselves upon the occasion, and such others as, by their good order and coolness, gave the happiest presage of what might have been expected had they come to action.
"General Dickinson, and the Militia of this State, are also thanked for their nobleness in opposing the enemy in their march from Philadelphia, and for the aid which they have given in harrassing and impeding their motions, so as to allow the continental troops to come up with them.
1 General Henry Knox was a bookseller in Boston before the war. but entered the service at the beginning of the struggle. He became the Chief of Artillery to the Continental army. He was ever the trusted friend of Washington and performed efficient work during the Revolution. In 1785 he was made Secretary of War .- Manuscript of the late William S. Stryker.
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"It is with peculiar pleasure the Commander in Chief, in addition to the above, can inform General Knox, and the officers of artillery, that the enemy have done them the justice to acknowledge that no artillery could be better served than ours."
Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Camp, dated English-Town, June 29th, 1778.
"I have for two weeks past been with the militia of this State, under the command of Major-General Dickinson. It truly affords me the most heartfelt pleasure to see in what numbers and how suddenly my brave countrymen poured in from every quarter, to the defence of our glorious cause .- During the whole time they underwent the greatest fatigues, severe and long marches, without a murmur .- In every skirmish they behaved with the greatest spirit, and appearing always confident of the courage and pru- dence of their General, they obeyed his orders of every kind with the utmost chearfulness and alacrity. At the drawbridge near Bordentown, when General Dickinson with great propriety had ordered some lines to be thrown, up they appeared anxiously to desire the arrival of the enemy. The continental troops and great part of the militia had however been withdrawn, except those of Colonels Phillips 1 and Shreve, who were previously de- tached to guard a ford one mile further up the creek, and only the three regiments of Colonels Frelinghuysen,2 Van Dike3 and Webster4 remained, when a party of the enemy
1 Joseph Phillips, Major Hunt's Battalion, Heard's Brigade, June 14th, 1776; Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel Johnson's Battalion, ditto, August 1st, 1776 ; Colonel, ditto, September 20th, 1776; First Major, First Regiment, Hunterdon ; Colonel, ditto, March 15th, 1777.
2 Frederick Frelinghuysen, First Major, Colonel Stewart's Battalion Minute Men, February 15th, 1776 ; subsequently Colonel, First Battalion. Somerset, February 28th, 1777. Resigned to accept appointment as dele- gate to Congress.
3 Hendrick Van Dike, Colonel, Second Battalion, Somerset, September 9th, 1777 ; Colonel, regiment State Troops, October 9th, 1779.
4 John Webster, Lieutenant-Colonel, First Regiment, Middlesex, March 31st, 1778; Colonel, ditto, April 18th, 1778.
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appeared, and with great zeal began to repair the bridge, which had been cut down-Upon the very news of their approach, the troops rushed down with the greatest im- petuosity, and a small party from one of the regiments which happened to be considerably advanced, caused them to retire, after having killed four and wounded several others. In the morning the lines were again manned, but the enemy thought proper to change their rout. This con- duct of the militia saved, in my opinion, Trenton and the country adjacent from rapine and desolation. In short, their conduct during the whole time, gave me the most pleasing ideas of the strong love of liberty which is natural to the human soul. Surely whilst the farmers of the country are induced by the mere fondness for freedom to leave all their domestic concerns at this season of the year, and undergo the hardships of a soldier's life; to suffer the several fatigues and with pleasure face every danger-I say, whilst this continues to be the spirit of Americans-Americans must and will be free."
Extract of a letter from a Gentleman at Camp, dated July 4, 1778.
"The Anniversary of INDEPENDENCE has occasioned another grand day, far surpassing the feu de joye at the old camp, which I formerly described to you. The orders were not issued till evening yesterday, and then not so full as to raise great expectations. I have already de- scribed to you the situation of my quarters which com- mands a view of the bridge and the opposite shore, so that I could see every man as he passed to the ground. The front line of the army extended from the redoubt on the height a little above Brunswick1 upwards of two miles up the river on the west side; the second line at some dis-
1 From the vicinity of College avenue and within sight of the new Pennsylvania railroad bridge over the Raritan.
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tance in the rear, not quite so extensive-The park was placed on the right of the front line at the redoubt, and upwards of thirty pieces of cannon interspersed at proper distances through the lines. After his Excellency with his suite had rid round the lines and returned to his quarters, on a signal given from thence 13 pieces of cannon were fired at the park, which were followed by a running fire of musketry and artillery, beginning on the right of the front, throughout the whole of both lines-After this three huzzas to the perpetual and undisturbed Indepen- dence of the United states of America. The same round was performed a second and third time, and exceedingly well executed every time. My situation being high and at a convenient distance in front, afforded me a complete view of the whole, and presented by far the grandest sight I ever beheld. The running fire of musketry is grand of itself, but the cannon throwing out their columns of smoke, and adding their sounds at proper distances, made it magnificent beyond description.
"The enemy are said to be gone from Middletown a few miles, and it is imagined they will all be out of the state by to-morrow .- At half past three to-morrow morn- in the left wing of our army begins its march for King's ferry, 70 miles from hence, the other two grand divisions will follow the 6th and 7th, leaving Maxwell's brigade and Col. Morgan's corps (about 2000 or 2500 men) to cover New-Jersey.
"The Court-Martial for the trial of General Lee did not get to business till this morning: As many witnesses will be examined, and the whole taken down in writing, it will probably last some time, during which they are to continue at Brunswick."
Last Saturday being the Anniversary of the Declara- tion of our Independence, was commemorated at Prince- ton with the greatest demonstrations of joy for our happy deliverance from tyranny and arbitrary power, and the
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glorious prospect of transmitting freedom and happiness to our latest posterity. At six o'clock in the afternoon (a signal gun having been previously fired to collect the in- habitants) the solemnity commenced by the discharge of thirteen rounds of cannon, being some of the brass field- pieces taken from General Burgoyne, one of the three conquerors of America. The discharge of the cannon was succeeded by three huzzas from a large concourse of people, all exulting in the opportunity of expressing their gratula- tions in being delivered from the yoke of a merciless tyrant and his execrable minions. After this his Excellency the Governor, with such of the Members of the Legislative Council and General Assembly as were in town, with the Officers of the Army and Militia, and the Gentlemen of the place, repaired to the Governor's quarters, where they passed the remainder of the day with great festivity and decorum, and drank the following toasts :
1. The Honourable the Congress.
2. The Free and Independent States of America.
3. His Excellency General Washington.
4. The American Army and Navy.
5. May our Independence endure while the sun shall shine or the rivers flow.
6. His Most Christian Majesty, our illustrious ally,1 and the magnanimous protector of the rights of mankind.
7. May the Confederated States of America be ever sup- ported by the same public virtue and patriotism by which they were established.
S. Our Ambassador at the Court of Versailles.2
9. The State of New-Jersey.
10. Our brave and patriotic Militia.
11. All our officers and Privates engaged in the battle near Monmouth Court-house, in which we obtained a com- plete victory over the choicest and most veteran of the enemy's troops.
1 The King of France.
2 Benjamin Franklin.
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12. The memory of all the heroes who have fallen in defence of American liberty during the war.
13. May our example excite the oppressed in every part of the world to resist the outrages of tyranny; and may they be equally successful in asserting the natural and unalienable rights of mankind.
In the evening the inhabitants testified their joy by a general illumination of the village.
It is reported that the enemy have all embarked on board their transports, and sailed from Sandy Hook for the Eastward.
At the Court of Oyer and. Terminer lately holden in the county of Monmouth, the Grand Jury found a bill of indictment against Cyrenus Van Mater, for giving infor- mation to the enemy, and therefore being the cause of their taking the Hon. Richard Stockton, Esq. and John Covenhoven, Esq. in the month of December, 1776. . Van Mater put himself upon his trial, and the Jury found him guilty ; the Court thereupon sentenced him to pay a fine of 3001. and to suffer six months imprisonment. We hear that the enemy, in their late passage through that county, released Van Mater; who having piloted them through his neighbourhood, went off with them to New- York, leaving a large real and personal estate behind him, which we presume will be forfeited for his crimes.
On Saturday last a demirep of the city of Philadelphia was exposed to publick ridicule, preternaturally deformed, by an extravagant Head Dress, in humble imitation of some of our disaffected ladies, who it seems adopted this offspring of the abandoned daughters of Britain during their residence in that city; and still preserve it, as a proof of their attachment to the virtuous cause in which they are engaged. Are they not proper objects of ridicule and aversion, who can meanly imitate the Manners and Dress of women prostitute in the service of men whose swords are still stained with the blood of their friends and relations ?- O tempora, O mores!
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