USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > History of the county of Hudson, New Jersey : from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 17
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On the 24th of August, 1780, the light camp, under command of La Fayette, marched from the vicinity of Fort Lee down the road toward Bergen. About one o'clock the next morning they arrived near the town, where they halted, and threw out piekets and patrols. Colonel Stuart, with his regiment, took post within musket shot of Paulns Hoeck. In the morning the whole eamp was on the brow of the hill, east of the town, in full view of the
1 Rivington's Gazette, Nov. 25, 178).
184
HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY.
enemy.1 The infantry spent the whole of that day in foraging, as low down as Bergen Point. Here they were fired upon by the enemy on Staten Island. But they unconcernedly loaded their wagons with grain, and drove off the cattle. The people, who were thus deprived of their property, received therefor cer- tificates, which might " procure for them, at some future day, compensation." Besides this, they were reminded that they had " contributed heretofore very little to the support of this war, and that what was taken * ** does not amount to the value of their taxes, * * * which they could have paid in no other manner, owing to their particular situation." But the party did not confine themselves to foraging for the use of the army. They used the occasion to pilfer from the people. For this one of the soldiers was hung. This bold appearance, in sight of the enemy, was considered by the Americans as an offer of battle to the enemy, and they taunted him for not accepting it. "We have done the same thing, precisely, as a man in private life who has been injured, and who twits the fellow by the nose, or shakes a endgel over his shoulders, who abused him. Clinton has behaved like the fellow who quietly submits to the chastisement."?
The following jeu d'esprit, supposed to have been written by Susannah Livingston, daughter of the Governor, shortly after- ward appeared. It refers to this expedition of La Fayette, and is a fair offset to André's " Cow Chase":
" TO THE PRINTER.
" SIR:
" As the inclosed letter, which was intercepted coming from New York, may possibly entertain some of your readers, it is sent to you for publication. The writer will perceive that proper care has been taken to conceal her name. I have only to ask the lady's pardon for the few comments that are added. -August 30, 1780."
1 The exact position was on the hill, immediately over the Jersey City cem- etery, and around the " oude boom," or old tree, which stood between Magnolia avenue and Henry street. This tree was cut down Dec. 20, 1871.
2 N. J. Gazette, Sept. 6, 1780.
-
185
POETICAL ACCOUNT OF THE RAID.
"NEW YORK, August 27, 1780.
" We've almost, sweet sister, been frightened to death, Nor have we, as yet, quite recovered our breath. An Army of rebels came down t'other night, Expecting no doubt that the British would fight. Next morning we saw them parade at the Hook,1 And thought, to be sure, this was too much to brook ; That soon would the river be crowded with boats, With Hessian and English, to ent all their throats : So we dress'd in high taste to see them embark, Not thinking Sir Harry would go in the dark ; To light a retreat, as seen in his letter," He once used the moon-for want of a better ; Much less, having sworn, that the rebels he'd manl, Could it enter our heads,-he'd not go at all. Tho' now I think on't, ere since Greene beat old Knyp,3 Not one of his heroes have opened a lip, Except to abuse them for fighting so well
With Greene at their head-to find quarters in h-11.
-Ah! Tabitha, these men can swear with such grace, One can't be offended, tho' done to one's face. All day I was hurried without knowing why.
Each moment expecting to see them pass by, The officers bowing, the drums in a clatter, Their heads rising up, like ducks out of water. Then glancing on me with a passionate air,
Turn round to their men & most charmingly swear.
But why should they thus our soft bosoms alarm,
Should they do like their masters-where is the harm ?
I Paulus Hoeck.
2 The battle of Monmouth, where Sir Harry Clinton says that he took adcan - tage of the moon. I suppose that is what the lady alludes to. It may be well enough, however, to set her right by saying that he did not begin his retreat till the moon had gone down, which, vulgarly speaking, was really to take ad- vantage of the moon.
3 Knyphausen, commander of the Hessians at the battle of Springfield, near Newark, June 23, 1780.
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HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY.
But this was all vision, Tabitha, to mne, Not an officer came, so much as to tea. The Major himself, who has always some story To lessen the worth of American glory, Or ashamed to be seen, or else of the day, Would not venture to cross me, tho' just in the way ; But stopp'd, like one shot at, then whisked up a lane : I'm sure the poor man felt a great deal of pain. At length came the night, overloaded with fears, And shew'd us on what we had leaned for five years. The men who had wished for occasions for blows, Now suffered themselves to be pulled by the nose. Sir Harry it seems, was more sullen than ever, And André complain'd of much bile on the liver. The Generals all met, as grave as magicians, The magii of law, or the sagest physicians : But all that was done, tho' they sat till near night, Was to keep at their bottle-and not go to fight.
Pray tell me, what think you of these men in York, Who formerly cross'd like a bit of dry cork, When nothing was near but a regiment or troop, As easily drove as a boy drives a hoop ; But when that the rebels come close to their eyes, Pretend not to see them, tho' thicker than flies ; Let Washington's army do just what they please, While they in their cholic, would seem at their ease. For my part, dear sister, I hate all conceit, You know I love something that's solid to eat.
* Seest thou, my good sister, where you are, these rogues. Who fight us to death, without stockings or brogues, They say a French Marquis commands, my dear girl, Is it not the same, would have cudgeled an Earl ?1
% -X
1 Lord Carlisle.
187
ATTEMPT TO SECURE ARNOLD.
But stop with this clatter, what, what do I say ? Here's news that the rebels have all gone away ; At least they have march'd to a place called Fort Lee, Twelve miles from the Major, and twelve miles from me.1
*
From the time that Major Andre was captured (Sept. 23) un- til he was executed (Oct. 1), Washington was anxious to spare his life. This could not be done, however, without some suita- ble substitute. The people were clamorous; but he thought if he could secure Arnold, and offer him as a sacrifice, the people would be satisfied. He devised a plan to sound the British Gen- eral as to his willingness to exchange Arnold for Andre.
After the conviction of Andre, Washington sent to Sir Henry Clinton a letter, stating the finding of the court, together with a letter from the prisoner. Captain Aaron Ogden,2 a worthy offi- cer of the New Jersey line, was selected to bear these dispatches to the enemy's post at Panlus Hoeck. IIe was requested to call on the Marquis de La Fayette before his departure. The Mar- quis instructed him to sound the commanding officer at that post - (who was -- Ayres) whether Sir Henry Clinton might not be willing to deliver up Arnold in exchange for Andre. Ogden arrived at Paulus Hoeck on the same evening, September 30, and made the suggestion as if accidentally, in the course of conversation with the officer. He was immediately asked if he had any authority from Washington for such an intimation. " I have no such assurance from General Washington," he re- plied, " but I am prepared to say that if such a proposition were made, I believe it would be accepted, and Major André set at liberty." Full of hope, the officer crossed the river during the night and communicated the matter to Clinton ; but the proposi-
1 N. J. Gazette, Sept. 6, 1780.
: Subsequently Governor of New Jersey. He was the father of the late Judge E. B. D. Ogden, who for a number of years presided at the Circuit Court in this county, and the grandfather of Frederick B. Ogden, now of Hoboken.
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IHISTORY OF HUDSON, COUNTY.
tion was instantly rejected as incompatible with honor and mili- tary principle.1
After André's execution Washington matured a plan to seize the person of Arnold and bring him to the Jersey shore. The object was twofold ; first, to bring the traitor to punishment, and second, to clear up suspicions of treachery which rested on one of his generals .?
To get a man to carry out the delicate and dangerous enter- prise, Major Lee suggested the name of John Champe, of Lou- don County, Virginia, a sergeant-major in his command, full of bone and muscle, with a saturnine countenance, grave and thoughtful, full of courage and perseverance. Washington was pleased with the qualifications of the man, and intimated that he should be amply rewarded. The Major pictured to Champe the consequences of success ; that he would be hailed as the avenger of the people, and would bring to light new guilt, or relieve the innocent. Champe's objections being finally overcome by the arguments of Major Lee, he entered into the enterprise, on condi- tion that he should be protected if unfortunate in the attempt.
The first difficulty which lay before him was a successful de- sertion. The patrols in the vicinity were numerous, and occa- sionally extended southward beyond the Liberty Pole. Besides these there were many irregulars, who sometimes scouted after booty as far south as Panlus Hoeck. To make his desertion ap- parently genuine, he could not receive any noticeable assistance. The only thing which Major Lee could promise was, in case his departure should be discovered before morning, to delay pursuit as long as practicable.
It was now nearly eleven o'clock in the evening of October 20, 1780. His course would be devious, in order to avoid the pa- trols, and, comparing his watch with Major Lee's, he begged him to delay pursuit, which he was convinced would take place. The Sergeant returned to camp from his interview with Major Lee, took his cloak, valise and orderly book, drew his horse from the picket, and mounting him, pushed out into the darkness, trusting
'Irving's Washington, ir., 148.
2 St. Clair.
189
JOIIN CHAMPE'S DESERTION.
to fortune. Within half an hour Captain Carnes informed Major Lee that one of his patrol had fallen in with a dragoon, who, being challenged, put spurs to his horse and escaped. Lee pretended not to understand what had been said, and the cap- tain was obliged to repeat it. " Who can the fellow be ?" said the Major ; " a countryman probably." " No," replied the cap- tain, " a dragoon sure ; probably one from the army, if not one of our own." Lee ridiculed the idea as quite impossible; for during the whole war but one dragoon had deserted from the legion. The captain withdrew and assembled his squadron. He soon returned. The scoundrel was known, and he was none other than the sergeant-major, who had left with his horse, bag- gage, arms and orderly book. The captain ordered a party to prepare for pursuit, and then requested the Major's written orders. Lee made numerous inquiries and suggestions during the captain's remarks. Presently the pursuing party was ready. Major Lee directed a change in the commanding officer. He would have particular business for the lieutenant in the inorn- ing. Cornet Middleton must command the party. This caused further delay. When the cornet appeared the Major gave him instructions : "Pursue so far as you can with safety Sergeant Champe, who is suspected of deserting to the enemy, and has taken the road leading to Paulus Hoeck. Bring him alive, that he may suffer in the presence of the army ; but kill him if he re- sists, or escapes after being taken." Detaining the cornet yet a few minutes, advising him what course to pursue, enjoining him to look for the enemy, he dismissed him and wished him success.
It was now a few minutes after twelve o'clock, and Champe was over an hour in advance. The pursuing party was occasion- ally delayed by examining the roads to find the tracks of Champe's horse. This was rendered the more easy, as a shower had fallen soon after Champe's departure. When the day broke Middleton pressed on rapidly. Reaching the summit of the hill north of the "Three Pigeons," he saw the fugitive not more than half a mile in front. At the same time Champe saw his pursuers. This gave new wings to his flight, and a race ensued, like the ride of Tam o' Shanter. From where Union Hill now is there was a
190
HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY.
short route through the woods to the bridge over Mill Creek. Here Middleton divided his force, some taking the near cut, while the others followed the track of Champe. The fugitive was not forgetful of the short eut, but avoided it, fearing he might meet scouts returning from their nightly expeditions near the enemy. Satisfied that Middleton would attempt to intercept his flight to Paulus Hoeck, he resolved to flee to the British galleys lying in Newark bay, near Brown's ferry. These were there as pa- trol boats to protect Bergen Neck. Entering the village of Bergen, Champe followed the beaten streets, and took the road leading to Brown's ferry. Here Middleton lost track of him, but has- tened on to the bridge over Mill Creek at Prior's mill. Reaching the bridge, he found that the fugitive had slipped through his fingers. Without delay he returned to Bergen, and inquired of the villagers if they had seen a dragoon that morning. They had seen him, but could not tell with certainty whither he went. Middleton then spread his party through the village to find the tracks of Champe's horse. They soon found it, and with renewed vigor started in pursuit. They deseried Champe in the distance, and he, with a Parthian look, beheld his pursuers. As he dashed on he prepared himself for the final act. He lashed his valise to his shoulders and threw away unnecessary impedimenta. His pursuers were gaining upon him, and by the time he got abreast of the galleys were within two or three hundred yards of him. Then quickly dismounting, he ran across the meadow, plunged into the bay and swam for the boats, calling for help. This was readily given. The British fired upon Middleton, and sent a boat to meet Champe. Thus he was safely within the enemy's lines, and they were fully satisfied of the genuineness of his de- sertion.
Champe enlisted in Arnold's American Legion. He soon dis- covered that the suspicions of other officers being connected with Arnold's treason were groundless. After much delay and prep- aration he sent word to Major Lee to meet him with a party of dragoons at Hoboken on a certain night, when he would deliver up Arnold. The day named arrived. Lee, with three dragoons and three led horses, was at the place appointed. The long,
191
EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS.
anxious hours after midnight came and went, but brought no Champe, no Arnold. The plans had miscarried. On the pre- ceding day Arnold had moved his headquarters to another part of the city. Poor Champe endured many hardships before he could return to his old comrades. He finally escaped while serving under Lord Cornwallis at Petersburg, Virginia.1
In connection with Arnold, it is said that one day Mrs. Tuers, of Bergen, while attending market in New York, went into " Black Sam's " hotel. Sam, under pledges of secrecy as to the source of her information, told her that a conspiracy existed some- where in the American camp, for he had overheard the British officers talking about it. She told her brother, Cornelius Van Ripen (grandfather of the present Cornelius C.) He went to Hackensack and told General Wayne, who sent the information to Washington. The General offered to reward Van Ripen, but he said, " No, I do not serve my country for money ; but I would like, if I am captured, that General Washington would protect me." But a few days afterward the treason of Arnold was dis- covered.
" On Saturday morning last the Refugee Post at Bergen Point, under command of Captain Thomas Ward, was attacked by a party of rebel infantry and horse, consisting of about 200 men. After receiving a smart fire from the artillery and musketry of the Refugees, assisted by a cannonade from the gallies, they were forced to retreat.
"On the preceding night, as Captain Frederick Hauser, in the Refugee gun-boat, was rowing guard, he met, near Brown's ferry. with a detachment of the rebels in five boats, which it seems were intended for the purpose of making good a retreat for the above mentioned party, in case they should happen to be prevented from retreating by the way of Bergen. Upon being hailed and refusing to give an account of themselves, Captain Hanser im- mediately fired upon them, when two of the boats struck, in which were made prisoners four of the Continental light infantry ; the others on board had jumped ashore and made their escape.
1 Lee's Memoirs, ii., 159.
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HISTORY OF IIUDSON COUNTY.
One other boat was sunk, having, it is said, one killed and two wounded left on board by the crew who deserted it.
"Mr. Charles Homfray, with two others and a boy belonging to the Refugee party, who had landed some time before the rebels were discovered, were taken by some rebel horse ; they were im- mediately pinioned, and otherwise cruelly treated, according to the usual custom of the rebels, when American Loyalists are so unfortunate as to fall in their hands, in which cruelties they are likely to persevere until a full and spirited retaliation shall take place.
" An inhabitant of Bergen, named Van Waggener, was taken by the Refugees on his return from the rebels. He had gone, after reconnoitering the Refugee Post, to give intelligence of the situation. It is also said that the rebels have carried cff Mr. John Phillips, a quiet inhabitant, on a suspicion of his having been friendly to our people."- N. Y. Gazette and Weekly Messenger, Oct. 16, 1780.
" The rebels on Saturday burnt Colonel William Bayard's New House and Barn at Castile, on the North end of Hoebuck, and destroyed all the forage and timber to be found there to a very large amount."-N. Y. Mercury, Aug. 28, 1780.
" Generals Washington, La Fayette, Greene and Wayne, with many other officers and large bodies of Rebels, have been in the vicinity of Bergen for some days past. They have taken all the forage from the Inhabitants of that place. Their officers were down to Prior's Mill last Friday, but did not seem inclined to make any attack."-Same Paper.1
1 In one of these visits to Bergen, Washington and La Fayette dined under an apple tree in the orchard back of Hartman Van Wagenen's house, close by the Bergen Square. This was blown down by the great gale of Sept. 3, 1821. A pleasing reference was made to this incident when the Marquis visited this country in 1824. On Thursday, the 23d of September in that year, he landed in Jersey City. At Lyon's Hotel he was introduced to Governor Williamson and others. Accompanied by a large retinue, he moved on toward Newark. At the Five Corners the Bergen people had gathered in large numbers to do him honor. He was presented with a superb cane, made of the apple tree nnder which he and his chief had dined, elegantly mounted with gold, with this in- scription : " Shaded the hero and his friend Washington in 1779 ; presented
193
CAPTURE AND EXECUTION OF STEPHEN BALL.
" Four Refugees that went over to Seeaeus last Saturday took three Rebel officers, and brought them to town yesterday morn- ing."-N. Y. Mercury, Sept. 18, 1780.
"ALL " LOYAL REFUGEES
THAT are in want of employment, and can bring proper certifi- cates of their loyalty, and are willing to enter themselves under Captain Thomas Ward, now commanding the important post at Bergen Point, will meet with the greatest encouragement, by applying to Captain HOMFRAY at the sign of the Ship, corner of Fair Street, Broadway."-Rivington's Gazette, Dec. 23, 1780.
On the 25th of January, 1781, six or seven tories, under com- mand of Cornelius Hatfield, and known as Hatfield's party, perpetrated a great outrage in the execution of Stephen Ball, of Rahway. The unfortunate man had been deluded by a declara- tion of Sir Henry Clinton, then on Staten Island, that all per- sons who would bring provisions to the Island should have liberty to sell the same and return unmolested. Ball carried over several quarters of beef, expecting to return undiscovered by his neighbors. Soon after landing on the Island, he was captured by Hatfield, plundered of his beef, and taken before General Patterson. This officer refused to call a court-martial
by the Corporation of Bergen in 1824." It was accompanied by the following address from Dominie Cornelison :
"GENERAL : In behalf of my fellow citizens, I bid yon a hearty and cordial welcome to the town of Bergen, a place through which you traveled during our revolutionary struggles for liberty and independence. Associated with our illustrious Washington, your example inspired courage and patriotism in the heart of every true American.
"You, sir, left your abode of ease, affluence and happiness, to endure the hardships and privations of the camp. To enumerate your martial deeds is at this time unnecessary ; yet they awaken and call forth our warmest gratitude. As a tribute of esteem and veneration, permit me, sir, to ask the favor of your acceptance of this small token of respect, taken from an apple tree under which you once dined, and which once afforded you a shelter from the piercing rays of noonday ; and, although it possesses no healing virtue, may it still be a support. And may you, sir, after ending a life of usefulness and piety, be ad- mitted into the regions of everlasting joy and felicity."-Sentinel of Freedom, Sept. 28, 1824.
13
194
HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY.
to try him, on the ground that he had not committed offence. He was then taken before General Skinner, who also refused to try a man who had brought them relief. Then Hatfield held a mock trial over him, under the pretence that he had injured one of his party. The accounts of his treatment previous to execu- tion greatly differ. The following account of the whole affair is supposed to have been written by the Rev. James Caldwell, " the rousing gospel preacher" :
"Then Hetfield and his party robbed Ball of what prop- erty he had with him, took him to Bergen Point, and without the form even of a trial, immediately told him he had but ten minutes to live. Ball urged that he only went over with pro- visions under the declaration ; and when he found they were determined to take his life, he begged for a few minutes longer. but his request was refused ; but if he had a desire that any person should pray with him, one of their party should officiate. When he was near expiring, James Hetfield, one of the banditti, put a knife in his hand, and swore that he should not go into the other world unarmed. His executioners were, Cornelius Hetfield, John Smith Hetfield, Job Hetfield, James Hetfield, sen., James Hetfield, jr., Elias Mann and Samuel Mann, all of Elizabethtown, and Job Smith of Secaucus.
" Ball's father obtained a flag to get the corpse of his son, but was not suffered to land."1
The refugees claimed the following to be a true statement of the'ease, and which, without doubt, should be taken cum grano salis :
" He was taken to Bird's Point, and indulged with a fair hearing and regular trial before a court-martial, consisting of Eleven members appointed for the purpose. Without hesitation he confessed himself to be a spy, and that he came out of the rebel lines under Col. Dayton's pass. It also appeared that Ball had acted a principal part in the late tragedy of Thomas Long's sufferings and death, and that he stripped Long of his boots and
N. Y. Packet, March 1, 1781.
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EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS.
stockings, when he was wounded. Ball took paper steeped in spirits, and dressed the wounds and then set the paper on fire. Long was then driven a long distance (his toes having been crushed with the butt end of a musket), put into a hog pen and fed on corn. Ile was then put to death by Ball and others, as a spy. Upon this state of facts he was condemned and executed as a spy."1
He is said to have been hung on a small persimmon tree near the tide mill on Constapel's Hoeck. After his death the rope was ent and he fell into his grave. Ilis remains were afterward removed to Newark.
At the close of the war, Cornelius Hatfield fled to Nova Scotia. In 1807, he returned, and was arrested for the erime. He was brought before Judge Pennington on Habeas Corpus, and discharged on the 13th of October, 1807, on the ground that, by virtue of the sixth article of the treaty of 1783, he was not answerable .?
" A party of rebels came to, and plundered Bergen last Friday."-N. Y. Mercury, April 2, 1781.
" Last Friday night a party went from Newark and captured two sloops lying near the Refugee Post on Bergen shore, out of which they took S prisoners, who were sent to Morristown."- N. Y. Packet, Aug. 30, 1781.
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