History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 75

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 830

USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 75
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 75

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withstanding their great superiority in numbers, took three prisoners. and threw them into auch confusion, as obliged them to throw away coats, knajmarks, hats, &c., and 30 stands of arms, which were mostly destroyed ; at which time fresh troops coming to the rebels desustance. they began to form, and endeavour, by moving on the right and left of the Colonel's party, to surround it, which pointed out the necessity of pushing for the height, to gain which was a matter of contest for sione time, at about 60 yards distance, when perceiving the rebels (from the advantage of ground) were likely to succeed, the men were ordered to fix lyonets and advance briskly, which & diconcerted them that they in- mediately wheeled to the right and left, and let the party continue their route to Powles Hook without further interruption, and without the lord of a single man either of the 4th or garrison battalion. The conduct of the Officer and Privates of both was such as justly entitled them to ap- plans ... . As the Printer of Saturdays Paper has not represental Farts relative to the Attack on Punlis Hook, on the 19th Instant it is not amin that the Printers will have the C'andor to insert the following :

" That nearly about half an Hour after two, the Rebels in three Divi- xious (exceeding for Memy passed the Ditch in Front of the Abbatin, about 20 Yards from the Abbatis, where they were fired upon by a few C'entries, but having seized immediately on the Block House Guarda, who in place of Defending their l'ost, ran ont to wro what was the Matter, they proceeded to the Work, which they soon became Masters of, with the l'annon &e. But they were so confused and alarmed, they neither spiked the Caution, nor damaged the Barracks, or miade any other use of their Victory, than carrying off abont lon prisoners, among whom there are ten Hessinns |whuge Los is manch regretted) and four Officers of l'olonel Buskirk's Battalion, and plundering a few women.

"This Panic (amongst them) was occasioned by an incessant Fire kent on thein from a small Redoubt into which Maj. Sutherland threw hin- self with a Capt, Subaltern, and 25 gallant Hessians, on tho Brat Aların. The Rebels repeatedly challenged the Redonbt to surrender, or they would bayonet them, to which they received a Fire and No. for Answer. About half after 8 o'clock Major Sutherland was joined by one Light Infantry Company of the Guards, under the Command of Captain Dan- lass with which he immediately marched, and Captain Maynard was shortly after ordered to follow Major Sutherland by Colonel Gordon, on which Major Sutherland marched both rumpanies, in order to secuur Colonel Buskirk, and after going about 15 Miles, be found that Colonel Buskirk hud a smart Engagement with the Rebels soulr Time before and had returned. There were a few Prisoners innde, amongst whom is a Captain Mesle, who was found asleep from the great Fatigue he under- went ; and surely unless he had been a Livingston, Lanrens, or Adams, he could not in that Situation, forfeit his Claim to British Valour and Humanity. The Light Infantry rested here for an Hour, during which Dr. Gorton gallantly charged tw > Rebels who fireil at him, and took ona of them.

" Major Sutherland finding one Object of his March answered, by Colonel Buskirk's being safe, and 100 Men not sufficient to answer his other Intentions, returned, this charming Body of Men, having made a March of about 30 Miles in less than 10 Hours.

" Ensign Barrete who was a Volunteer) reported to Major Sutherland, that he destroyed a Gunsmith's Tools &c. to the Amount of $100." - Nac York Gazette, Ang. 23, 1779.

XVI.

" Sundry late military occurrences, which you cannot be nasc- quainted with, gave the alarm to the enterprising genius of Major Lee, w hu being url, red into this country, look into contemplation an attempt on Powles-Hook, a phor naturally ditheult of access, and highly In- proved by art. He Isily employed himself in gaining 8 knowledge of the place, its situation, strength, dr. This done, he communicated the matter to his Excellency, who, surprimul at the many obstacles, declined hisuwent to an affair su replete with danger. But on a fuller represen- tation from the Major, whom endeavours were narrmitted until the noe- essary intelligence was collected-having devised the nudle of attack, the method of retreat, and the number of troops adequate, transmitted them accurately to the General, who was pdeneed to approve of the dis- position, and ordered everything requielte for a matter of ao much diffi- culty.

" A description of the place will not be improper, as it will serve to give you an idea of the many obstructions to be met with. The Hook is formed by a winding curve of North River, directly opposite New York ; a while gut intersects the tongue of land, and leaves the place of fortifi- cation an entiro laland ; tho gut in depth is so considerably increased, as to render it impassable at a little more than half food, interior to thia runs a lino of abbatti of grent strength, which extends to the extreme

973

SURPRISE AND CAPTURE OF PAULU'S HOECK

vorges of the island, still within these is a fort i soupe the gateway) i come of mine te lurt as commandant of Paulus Book on the Night las Impregnable, andsted by a chain of red white situato on its left, of super- tween the INth and lịch of this Month. Au net Is found not disilty of the Charge alleged against him and In there fore I mirat & A quittent Flor strength ; the whole surrounded by a march to males in breadth, rendered almost impervious, by remon of a number of gute, which is- regularly Informer of it at various forlate

" Three hundred Virginians, under the command I Major clark, two companies of Maryland, and M'Landa dismounted drag one, comme the saillants. The whole, directed by Major Low, took their route from the New Bridge on Il wkonsek, uttered by a number of Ws ons t. convoy the opinion of a foraging party The tionid apprehon Ions ut a principal guide, on our nearer approach to the enemy, proved the wire of numberles mistakes, which retarded the execution of the design three hours, and occasioned an alteration In the primary disposition, in. stead of attacking In three diferent places an at first intended The Ianly was formed into two columns and alter forcing the ahtuttis, a eperation took place by Major Clark's inelining to the right, the other column to the left ; the forlorn preceded at some distance, instantis sized the grand fort, and re-echoed the Watchword ; In less than ton minutes a complete possession of the works was effected, with little or no

" The necessity of a retreat avery moment became evident ; duy light approached agace, and obliged us to retire precipitatoly, the' without confusion. Relying on the beats which were to transport us over the Harkinssek, 3 miles distant from the scene of action, and which consti- tuteil our safety-we moved un with the primmers-but our arrival suon convinced us of a disappointment. The dangers of the situation were manifest ; the North River on the right was in many places not more than two miles distant from the party with the major part of the British army strewed along the opposite shore, obliged the exertion of every de- vice and stratagem to obviate their intercepting a retreat of eighteon miles, which was judiciously effected, not withstanding all their efforts to the contrary "-Pennsylvania Packet, Aug. 28, 1779

XVIL.

" New York August 24th 1779

"Sir : I am directed by Major Gen'l Pattison to signify to you his Ap- probation of your Conduct. with respect to the Flag, which came to Paulis Hook this day, and to demire that no Flags, who may come in fu- ture from the Enemy, bo permitted to come within your most advanced Pirqueta, but wait there and deliver any Letters &e they may bring to mich Officer as you shall send it to receive them.

"I am Sir &c.

"S. P. A

"[' S. The Flag now at Paulis Hook, is to bo immediately sent back. " l'ol. Buskırk."

XVIII -MAJ. LEE TO PRESIDENT REED, "August 27, 1779

" I never conrelved myself so important in the army as ! And I am. Captains and aubelterus used to seek me ; Generale and Colonels are now barking at me with open mouth. tolonel Gist of Virginia, an Indian hunter, has formed a cabal. I mean to make the matter very serious, brenuse a full explanation will recoil on my fora, and give new light to the enterprise.

"In my report to General Washington ... I passed the usual general compliments on the troops under my commaml. I did not tell the world that near one half of my countrymen left me-that it was re- ported to me by Major Clarke as I was entering the marsh-that nut- withstanding this and every other dumb sign, 1 pushed on to the attack.

" Had I been unseresful, I was determined to leave my corpee within the enemy's lines. The brave Marylanders stand by me faithfully. Major M'larke, with the Virginians exerted himself. Their efforts to second his endeavors were not the most vigorons. What I now write I write in confidenre. You will probably arr the whole mutter in print. 1 um de- termined to push Colonel Gist and party. The brave and generous throughout the whole ormy support mo warmly I do not know that any general officers are my foes. I have received the thanks of General Washington in the most flattering terme, and the congratulations of General Groene, Wayne and the officers of the Light Infantry. Do not Int nny whispers affect you, my dear sir. Be assured that the more full tho scrutiny, the more honour your friend will receive, nud the more ig. notulny will be the fate of my fire. . " -- Lie and Correspondenca of Reed, H. 126.

XIX

" Head Quarters, New York 30th August 1779

" Major Willlum Sutherland commanding the Garrison Battalion, tried by the General Court Martial of which Lt. Col. Bruco is l'resident, ar-

" The Commander in Chief appr we the senteurs and Order Major Hm. sutherland t to release ) com bis arrest . l'on pregled . .. lection . J New York Histoto al & ity.

OXYGEN WASHINGTON TO MAI LOK.

I received you letter of this date, 'requesting ne to give you in writing the instructions, which you verbally te ayu from me on the mul et of Paulus look, when you were last at first quarter, and par- tentarly concerning the in mediate criruate n ottime pont after the re- duction, and concerning the retrest '

" When you were let at hioles tore, the cat speise og ist Paulus link was in contemplation, but not theally determined, as there were wim . polite of Informat n stilt the in ne fully olituned I gave y u then in general, my ileas ft in manner in whom it should becon lu ted, whenever att af ted, and degred vou to ner your best endeavour to procure information in with mutt rs, as appeared not to be with lonely well understood, and mentione I the precauts is that should be taken to cover the sign, and our. the party, which might be employed in the enterprise, in it approach But with respect to the put to which yer request more gartenlern of min, to wel, 'the evernation of the post, win concerinng fc retreat -. my princynt fear, from the mn ne t I conceived n sin against the post was on se mint of the retreat, founded on th relativo Anali na of the post to that of the enemy in York Istaml. This ir umstance induced me to add, that, in care the en- torpra should be found eligion farther inquiries, and determined on, un time should be lost, in case it sure feed, in attempting to bring of canton, at yes, or any other articles, as a few minutes' delay might expose the party at least to immoment risk I further rre d} t, that I likewie said, that no time should be spent, in such case, in colle ting stranglers of the garrison, who might skalk and hide the melvin, fest it should prove fatal ; als that, if the post could not be carried in an tu stant by surprise, the attempt must be relinquished My objects were to surprise it, to bring off the garrison immediately, mul to effect a My're retreat " - Writings of Washington, vi 336.

" Head Quarters, New York 6th september, 1779.

" Serg't John Taswell, of the 4th Battalion New Jersey VJunte .ry tried by the fieneral Court Martial of which It. fol. Leland, Foot Guards in President, for quitting his Post, at the Left Hand Block House at Paulus Hook in a shameful and scandalous manner on the Night between the Irth and 19th of August, is found Guilty of the t'rinte alleged against him, in Breach of the 13th Article of the 14th Section of the Articles of War, and, Is therefore Sentenced to suffer Death by being Hanged by the Neck until he is Dead.

" The L'ommander in Chief approves the Sentence.

" Hradquarters, New York 7th Sept. 177.

"Sorg't John Taswell of the 4th Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers, under Sentence of Death, is to be executed in Thursday next, the 9th Inst., between the Hours of Nine and Twelve, within the Carriend of Paulus Ilook."-From Original ta Collection of Sese Fork Historical Nacisty

" After Ord m 9th September, 1773. " In t'onaideration of the former Good Character of sorg'th. hn Tuwell, (who was to have been executed this day, nud at the Recommendation ed the President and Member of the Court Martial, Hin Feilency, the Commander in chief is plowerd to grant him Free Pardon, an forders him to be Discharged from his Majesties service. F om origin ! in Collection of None York Hunters Il sinkt

VEIIT - MAJ LEY T . PRESIDENT HEED.

". Headquan 'er 4 pt mber 4th, 1"79.

" Believe ne, wir, the congratulations of my friends are more pleasing to Conpros have in I vet published and report I presume they have grand reasons for it. If they have not, they trest me byuriously MI) trial goes on apare, the evidence of the prosecution throws additional lustro un every part of my conduct. I expect concessions w It be offered this day from the chief of the conspiracy : their own Interest, not 'andour, will induce the offer , if made, perhaps I may Is good-Datured on tua entantois i'ity already has got the letter of reniment. I mean to havo my trial printed, for the entisfaction of mmno gentlemion of the Vir.

074

HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

I . w my thi of battle and disposition on the march , I wish !i to be puf ished with my report, as it will serve to elucidate the enterprises, -Life and (' experience of Reed, ii., 127.

XXIV.

During the whole wir ofily six gold me lils were ordered by Congress,

"I Grn Washington, March 25, 1"76 ; siege of Breton.

*2 Gen. Gates, November 1. 1777 . Surrender of Burgoyne

"J Gen. Wayne, July 26, 1779 ; Stony Point.

.4. Mayor Leo, September 21, 1779. Paulus Hverk

"4. Ge Morgan, March 9, 1781 : Cowpens.

-T. Gen. Grerhe, 0 tober 2), 17-1 : Eutaw Springs.

" This indicates how Congress regarded " the little stroke at Paulus Hneck

" On one side of the medal that was struck is a hust of love with the worls ' He one Lee Legionis Eqit. Prafeet . Comitin Americana.' The American Congress to Henry Lee, Colonel of Cavalry ' On the reverse is th mscription. . Non dustantib. Fluminibus Vallis Astutia & Ver- tute Bellica Parva Manu Hostes Vient Victory. Armis Humanitate Devin- xit In Mem Pugn, Ad. Paulus Hook Die XIX Ang. 1779.' . Notwith- rtan ling rivers and intrenchments, he with a small band conquered the fue hy warlike skill and prowess, and firmly bound byy his humanity those who had been conquered by his artus. In memory of the contlict at Paulus Hock, Nineteenth of Aug., 1779.')

. On the 24th of September Congress passed the following resolutions respecting the affair .

' ' Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to his Excellency. w.neral Washington, for ordering with so much wisdom the late attale k on the enemy's fort and works at Powles Houk.

. . Besolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to Major General Lord stirling for the judicious measures taken by him to byward the ei terprize and to seeure the retreat of the party.

*** Realecd, That the thanks of Congress be given to Major Lee for the re markable prudence, address and bravery displayed by him on the ocen- sion, and that they approve the humanity shown in circumstances prompting to severity is honorable to the army of the United States and correspondent to the noble principles en which they were assumed

"Beaule it. That Congress entertain a high sense of the discipline, fortitude and spirit manifested by the officers and aldien under the command of Miyor Lee m the march, action and retreat and while with mina ular satisfaction they acknowledge the most of these gallant men, they feel an additional pleasure by considering them as part of an army in which very many brave officers and soldiers have proved ly their cheerful performance of every duty under every difficulty that they andently wish to give a truly glorious example they now receive.

". Rendred, That Congress justly esteem the military caution so happily ombined with daring activity by Lientonante Met'nllister and Rudolph in leading on the forlorn hope.

" . Resolve 4, That a medal of gold emblematical of this affair he struck under the direction of the Board of Treasury and presented to Major Low.

. Resolved, That the brevet and the pay and subsistence of Captain be given in låentenant Met'allister and to Lieutenant Rudolph respectively " Resolved, That the sum of fifteen thousand dollars be put into the mids of Mayor Lee, to be by him distributed among the non-commis- minded officers and soldiers of the detachment he commanded at the attack und surprise of Pow tra-Hook in such manner as the commander in chief phall direct. - Journal of Congress (1779) r , 364-370.

XXV .- GENERAL ORDERS. " Head Quarters, Moors House, Sept'r 11th 1779.

' At a Gen'] Court Martial of the Line the 2mil Instant, whereof ('\ 1. | Marshall in Presplent, Major Henry Lee of the Light Dragoons was người the following Charges .

" Ist For with lding a letter sent by him from Lord Stirling to toloacl frist of the 16th Virgin Regimenti on the Morning of the 1sth August , by that means keeping him ignorant ofa matter which required btw immediate Information.

4.PN WISHINGT A TO MAJ. I.A.E.

" I have given a Warrant to Captain Rudolph for the sun granted by Congress to the non- mmissioned offf ers and privates concerned in the attack odd Paulus Howok. You will be pleased to distribute this money in proportion of the non- munisloned offferre and privates, which was the manner ulmerved in the case of Stony Point.' W' itings of Washington, 11. 376

".2ndly After having obtained three Hundred men from Colonel Girst & Detachment with which Major Clark was ordered, to inform him that his Comunision was dated in 1777, thereby wenming the Command of him when in fact it was dated in 1778, and of a Junior Date to Mapr Clarke's, which he could not be ignorant of.

''3rdlly. For conducting the Drtar hmwent under his (Major Lee's) Command on the March to Powles Hook with so much Disorder and l'on- fusion as to cause almost the whole of the 1st Batt'n under his immediate Command to be lost.

"" Athly For ordering fapt. Sinth of Colonel Grist's Roft, who was leibling one of the Divisions under the Command of Capt. Forsy the of his own Corps of Ilorse who was a Junior Officer.

" .. Stlily For giving the Command of the Forlorn lupe to Lieut. Mr.Aulister for some Time past annexed to his f'orps, when the rest of tho subalterns solicited that it should be balloted for.

" "6thly. For ordering a Retreat from the Fort before a Party of the Enemy in a Redoubt had been made Prisoners, which might easily have been effected, and was solicited by many of the officers, and not only leaving that undine, but suffering the Stores, Block- Houses and Worka to remain entire when they might an easily have been destroyed.

""Tthly. For bringing off the Party in such a confused irregular and unmilitary Manner that they might have fallen an easy Prey to a very inconsiderable Number of the Enemy, Indl they attempted to have inter- cepted them.

"'Nthly and Lastly. For behaving in a manner unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman.'

" The Court having considered the Ist t'harge are of opinion it is unsup- ported by Evidence, and is groundless, and do Arquit him with Honor.

"The Court having considered the 20 Charge are of Opinion that Major Lee dil thro' inattention give Mayor ('Inrk a wrong date of his ( oninis- sion, but by no means intended to impose in Major flark by assuming the Command of him, having express Orders from his Excellency the Commander in Chief for that special ('ommand, do Acynit him with Honor.

"The Court having considered the 3d Charge are of Opinion that there were some disorders in the Line of March to Powier-llonk & that the greater Purt of the first Batt'n was separated from the Column in the Darkness of the Night and marching thro' the Woods. They are for- ther of Opinion that the disorders & separation did not proceed from any unglert, or want of Attention in Major Lee, and do lequit him with

"The Court having considered the 4th Charge, Are of Opinion that Major Lee ordered tapt'n forsythe to take the Command of the Column which had been before commanded by Capt'n Smith which Under was in consequence of Captain Forsythe's bring well Acquainted with the Sit- uation of the Enemy, That it was impossible for Major Ler to know the dates of the Officers Commissions And do Acquit him with Honor.

"The Court having considered the 5th Charge Are of Opinion that Major Lee gave the l'ommand ot the Forlorn Hope to Lient. Me Anlister which was occasioned by his being under the Necessary of altering his Mode of Attack in consequence of a seperation of the Troops and do ac- gnit him with loner

" The Court having considered the 6th Charge are of Opinion, That Major Lee in evacuating the Fort immediately after it was taken, actul in perfect conformity to the Orders of his Excellency the Commander in Chief. The time the Assault was made and the apprehensions of bring intercepted in his Retreat fully Justifies his Conduct, and the Court do Acquit him with Honor.

" The Court having considered the 7th Charge are of Opinion that per- fort Military Order was preserved in the Retreat of the Troops in the Rear where Miyor Ler commanded in Person, That the Enemy male an Attempt to intercept his Retreat, which he subverted by his Activity utl Judgement, and do Acquit him with Honor.

" The Court having considered the 8th & last 'burg are of Opinion that Major Ler's Conduct was uniform and Regular, supporting bis Mil- itary Character with Magnanimity and Judgement und that he by no Means Arted derogatory to the Gentleman and the Soldier which t'har- notera he fills with Honor to his Country and the Army

" The Commander in Chief confirms the Dynnon of the l'ours.

"Major lee is Released from his Arrest." -Ms orderly book in posses. aion of the New York Hutorical Society.

"The order appointing the court which tried Major Lee was duted August 29th, 1779. It was constituted as follow 4 .

"I'olonel Mar-hall, President

"A bient-Colonel, or Major next for this duty and two l'aptains from the Maryland and Couner tient Lines, the Garrison and Nixon's Brigade, and a Lt. Col. or Major and one Captain from the Penn'n Line to attend . as Members. "

975

SURPRISE AND CAPTURE OF PAULUS HOECK

XXVI. MAJ. L.DE TO MAJ CLARK

"Be pleased to transmit de pr har ra return of the non-commis- eloued frers and & ldier wh, joined uw under your cominuutal the J-th if August.

" I have to extend the money presented to I digress to the assailants of Powlis flask, eni cannot proceed to the distribution of st till is your return

Wet'r 19th 79 Monnauth "

Without date

La ste ant Rudolph waits on you with the return of the l' wles H k . silente from toin quarter. He good enough to adjust the money matters with ham, ne t'aptain Handy is down, and wishes Er tike up with him the prota due his det a bient-Budulph brings up at. It., De of the w market has had him In pow wow.

MAJ 1.9.3. 14 MAJ. CLARA.

De completing I need to the money any longer. I have "U ate. I must In you will y can pay This. Dasin, a soldier In the Int Virg'a Bogt a mare which VI . Les, will procent

" Drape of the liaconman Hatorical Society

AKTIE -W.LN MORGAN MA CLARK

4. 11th th triệuT 1779.

sure you till lately and within the few days, I did not know you were In the SeaMe ; hut since { Inve found it out ! eudes vored to make it As public as possible, as it was alwais my with, that Every Man's Ma ite should be made publick.

MAJ. L.K.E. TO MAJ. I'LANA

. Major tr Ings that Major Clark will be pleased to acquaint him with the love of his trongas in the late action, and the manpm and the regi- monte, Lt. Vandeville, Capt. I rump, & whether fapt Red was but semlor oficer next to Funzelf, -if he was not, who was ?

"Major Ia hogy that Major Clark would put off the sale of the Ne- Krops till the Sid, when the horses might los would at the same time.

"A place ought to la appointed, & hair Suppe Soffan & tavern- previous notice to be given.

The8. 11. 1779 "

"Reply to abuse, without date

Major ('lark has not yet lwen furnished with list- from the Hex'ts of the No. of nien lost in the lots attack on Powley 11 k. The Memunger my. he is in a hurry, or the Major would send to much Rep'to as his But given him an oce't it Vandeville, i am told, in in the First Bieg't. Chape Crump in the First State, fapt. Read was the oldest Captain, and matched in front of the minand

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 75

Author: Shaw, William H Publication date: 1884 Publisher: [United States :] Number of Pages: 830

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 830