USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > Jersey City > Memorial of the centennial celebration of the battle of Paulus Hook, August 19th, 1879 : with a history of the early settlement and present condition of Jersey City, N.J. > Part 6
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August 21, 1779
Sir. Lord Stirling was pleased to communicate to your Excellency my verbal report to his Lordship of the 19th instant. I now do myself the honor to present a particular relation of the enterprize which your Excellency was pleased to commit to my direction.
I took command of the troops employed on this occasion, on the 18th : They amounted to four hundred infantry, composed of detachments of the Virginia and Maryland divisions, and one troop of dismounted dragoons.
The troops moved from the vicinity of the New Bridge about four o'clock P. M. Patrols of horse being detached to watch the communication with the North River, and parties of infantry stationed at the different avenues leading to Powle's Hook : My anxiety to render the march as easy as possible, induced me to pursue the Bergen road lower than I intended. After filing into the mountains, the timidity or treachery of the principal guide prolonged a short march into a march of three hours; by this means the troops were
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exceedingly harassed, and, being obliged to pass through deep, mountainous woods to regain our route, some parties of the rear were unfortunately sepa -. rated. This affected me most sensibly, as it not only diminished the number of the men destined for the assault, but deprived me of the aid of several officers of distinguished merit.
On reaching the point of separation, I found my first disposition imprac- ticable, both from the near approach of day, and the rising of the tide. Not a moment being to spare, I paid no attention to the punctilios of honor or rank, but ordered the troops to advance in their then disposition. Lieutenant Rudolph, whom I had previously detached to reconnoitre the passages of the canal, returned to me at this point of time, and reported that all was silence within the works; that he had fathomed the canal, and found the passage on the centre route still admissible. This intervening intelligence was imme- diately communicated from front to rear, and the troops pushed on with that resolution, order, and coolness, which insures success.
The forlorn hopes, led by Lieutenant M'Allister of the Maryland, and Lieutenant Rudolph of the dragoons, marched on with trailed arms in the most profound silence. Such was the singular address of these two gentle- men, that the first notice to the garrison was the forlorns plunging into the canal. A firing immediately commenced from the block-houses, and along the line of abattis, but did not in the least check the advance of the troops. The forlorn supported by Major Clarke at the head of the right column, broke through all opposition, and found an entrance into the main work. So rapid was the movement of the troops, that we gained the fort before the discharge of a single piece of artillery. . The centre column conducted by Captain Forsyth, on passing the abattis, took a direction to their left. Lieu- tenant Armstrong led on the advance of this column. They soon possessed themselves of the officers and troops posted at the house No. 6, and fully completed the object of their destination. The rear column under Captain Handy, moved forward in support of the whole. Thus were we completely victorious in the space of a few moments.
The appearance of daylight, my apprehension lest some accident might have befallen the boats, the numerous difficulties of the retreat, the harassed state of the troops, and the destruction of all our ammunition by passing the canal, conspired in influencing me to retire at the moment of victory. Major Clarke, with the right column, was immediately put in motion with the greater part of the prisoners. Captain Handy followed with the remainder. Lientenants Armstrong and Reed formed the rear guard.
Immediately on the commencement of the retreat, I sent forward Captain Forsyth to Prior's - Mill to collect such men from the different columns as were most fit for action, and to take post on the heights of Bergen to cover the retreat.
On my reaching this place, I was informed by Cornet Neill (who had been posted there during the night for the purpose of laying the bridge, and communicating with the boats) that my messenger directed to him previous to the attack, had not arrived, nor had he heard from Captain Peyton, who had charge of the boats.
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Struck with apprehension that I should be disappointed in the route of retreat, I rode forward to the front under Major Clarke, whom I found very near the point of embarkation, and no boats to receive them. In this critical situation, I lost no time in my decision, but ordered the troops to regain the Bergen road, and move on to the New Bridge. At the same time, I commu- nicated my disappointment to Lord Stirling by express, then returned to Prior's Bridge to the rear guard.
Oppressed by every possible misfortune, at the head of troops worn down by a rapid march of thirty miles, through mountains, swamps, and deep morasses, without the least refreshment during the whole march, ammunition destroyed, encumbered with prisoners, and a retreat of fourteen miles to make good, on a route admissible of interception at several points by a march of two, three, or four miles, one body moving in our rear, and another (from the intelligence I had received from the captured officers) in all probability well advanced on our right, a retreat naturally impossible to our left, under all these distressing circumstances, my sole dependence was in the persevering gallantry of the officers, and obstinate courage of the troops. In this I was fully satisfied by the shouts of the soldiery, who gave every proof of unimpaired vigor at the moment the enemy's approach was announced.
Having reached the point of interception opposite Weehock, Captain HIandy was directed to move with his division on the Mountain road, in order to facili- tate the retreat. . Captain Catlett of the 2d Virginia regiment, fortunately joined me at this moment at the head of fifty men with good ammunition. 1 immediately halted this officer, and having detached two parties, the one on the Bergen road in the rear of Major Clarke, the other on the banks of the North River, I moved with the party under the command of the captain on the centre' route. . By these precautions a sudden approach of the enemy was fully prevented. I am very much indebted to this officer and the gentlemen under him, for their alacrity and vigilance on this occasion.
On the rear's approach to the Fort Lee road, we met a detachment under the command of Colonel Ball, which Lord Stirling had pushed forward, on the first notice of our situation, to support the retreat. The colonel moved on and occupied a position which effectually covered us.
Some little time after this, a body of the enemy (alluded to in the intelli- gence I mentioned to have received from the officers while in the fort) made their appearance, issuing out of the woods on our right, and moving through. the fields directly to the road. They immediately commenced a fire upon our rear. Lieutenant Reed was ordered to face them, while Lieutenant Rudolphi threw himself with a party into a stone house which commanded the road. These two officers were directed mutually to support each other, and give time for the troops to pass the English Neighborhood Creek, at the Liberty Pole. On the enemy's observing this disposition, they immediately retired by the same route they had approached, and gained the woods. The participation with which they retired, preventing the possibility of Colonel Ball's falling in with them, saved the whole.
PRIOR'S MILL, NEAR POINT OF ROCKS.
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. The body which moved in our rear, having excessively fatigued them- selves by the rapidity of their march, thought prudent to halt before they came in contact with us.
Thus, Sir, was every attempt to cut off our rear completely baffled. The troops arrived safely at the New Bridge with all the prisoners, about one o'clock P. M. on the nineteenth. I should commit the highest injustice, was I not to assure your Excellency that my endeavors were fully seconded by · every officer in his station; nor can any discrimination justly be made, but . what arose from opportunity. The troops vied with each other in patience under their many sufferings, and conducted themselves in every vicissitude of fortune with a resolution which reflects the highest honor on them.
During the whole action, not a single musket was fired on our side,-the bayonet was our solo dependence.
Having gained the fort, such was the order of the troops, and attention of the officers, that the soldiers were prevented from plundering, altho' in the midst of every sort.
American humanity has been again signally manifested. Self preserva- tion strongly dictated, on the retreat, the putting the prisoners to death, and British cruelty fully justified it; notwithstanding which, not a man was wantonly hurt,
During the progress of-the troops in the works, from the different reports of my officers I conclude not more than fifty of the enemy were killed, and a few wounded, Among the killed is one officer, supposed (from his descrip- tion) to be a captain in Colonel Buskirk's regiment. Our loss on this occasion is very trifling. I have not yet had a report from the detachment of Virgini- ans; but, as I conclude their loss to be proportionate to the loss of the other troops, I can venture to pronounce that the loss of the whole in killed, wounded, and missing, will not exceed twenty. As soon as the report comes to hand, I will transmit to head-quarters an accurate return. I herewith inclose a return of the prisoners taken from the enemy.
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At every point of the enterprise I stood highly indebted to Major Clarke for his zeal, activity, and example. Captains Handy and Forsyth have claim to my particular thanks for the support I experienced from them on every occasion. The Captains Reed, M'Clane, Smith, Crump, and Wilmot, behaved with the greatest zeal and intrepidity. I must acknowledge myself very much indebted to Major Burnet and Captain Peyton, of the dragoons, for their counsel and indefatigability in the previous preparations for the attack. The prema- ture withdrawal of the boats was owing to the non-arrival of my despatches ; and though a most mortifying circumstance, can be called nothing more than unfortunate. Lieutenant Vandeville, who was to have commanded one of the forlorns, but was thrown out by the alteration of the disposition of the battle, conducted himself perfectly soldier-like. The whole of the officers behaved with the greatest propriety ; and, as I said before, no discrimination can justly be made, but what arose from opportunity.
The Lieutenants M'Callister, Armstrong, Reed, and Rudolph, distin- guished themselves remarkably. Too much praise cannot be given to those
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gentlemen for their prowess and example. Captain Bradford, of the train, who volunteered it with me for the purpose of taking direction of the artil- lery, deserves my warmest thanks for his zeal and activity. I am personally indebted to Captain Rudolph, and Dr. Irvine of the dragoons, who attended me during the expedition, for their many services.
I beg leave to present your Excellency with the flag of the fort by the hands of Mr. M'Callister, the gentleman into whose possession it fell. It is needless for me to explain my reasons for the instantaneous evacuation of the fort. Your Excellency's knowledge of the post, will suggest fully the pro- priety of it. The event confirms it.
Among the many unfortunate 'circumstances which crossed our wishes, none was more so than the accidental absence of Colonel Buskirk, and the greatest part of his regiment. They had set out on an expedition up the North River the very night of the attack. A company of vigilant Hessians. had taken their place in the fort, which rendered the secrecy of approach more precarious, and, at the same time, diminished the object of the enter- prise by a reduction of the number of the garrison. Major Sutherland fortunately saved himself by a soldier's counterfeiting his person. This imposition was not discovered until too late.
I intended to have burnt the barracks; but on finding a number of sick soldiers and women with young children in them, humanity forbade the execution of my intention. The key of the magazine could not be found, nor could it be broken open in the little time we had to spare, many attempts having been made to that purpose by the Lieutenants M'Callister and Reed. It was completely impracticable to bring off any pieces of artillery. I con- sulted Captain Bradford on the point, who confirms me in my opinion. The circumstance of spiking them being trivial ; it was omitted altogether.
After most of the troops had retired from the works, and were passed and passing the canal, a fire of musketry commenced from a few stragglers, who had collected in an old work on the right of the main fort. Their fire being ineffectual, and the object trifling; I determined not to break in upon the order of retreat, but continue passing the defile in front. I cannot con- clude this relation without expressing my warmest thanks to Lord Stirling for the full patronage I received from him in every stage of the enterprise. I must also return my thanks to the cavalry for their vigilant execution of the duties assigned them.
Captain Rudulph waits on your Excellency with these despatches. I beg leave to refer to this officer for any further explanation that may be required. Paramus, August 20, 1779.
[Pennsylvania Packet, September 2, 1779.]
MAJOR LEE to JOHN JAY.
West Point, Head Quarters Sept 1-1779
Sir. On perusing my report to the Commander in Chief, I find that Capt. Dudley's name is omitted. It arises from the hurry with which my account
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to the General was copied. Be pleased to include his name among the Cap- tains Reed, M'Lane' &c. before the report goes to the press, also. Captain Brackenridge's.
I am sorry to give this trouble, but as I am conscious that the omission is injurions, must beg a compliance with my request. [ Pennsylvania Packet September 14, 1779.]
IX.
GENERAL WASHINGTON to LORD STIRLING.
West Point 21 August 1779
My Lord :
I have been duly favored with your letter of the 19th, written. at nine. ., o'clock in the morning, and that of the same date, of one o'clock in the after- noon, containing the agreeable information of Major Lee's having succeeded against Paulus Hook. I join my congratulations with your Lordship's on this occasion, and thank you for the effectual assistance afforded to Major Lee in completing the enterprise. The increase of confidence, which the army will derive from this affair and that of Stony Point, I flatter myself, though great, will be among the least of the advantages resulting from these events.
As the enemy must feel themselves disgraced by these losses, they may endeavor to lessen it by a retaliation in kind. It is natural to expect their attempts on such parts of the army as lie most exposed. This sentiment, I make no doubt, has occurred to your Lordship, and will of course proportion your vigilance to the nature of your situation, and to the danger which may be apprehended. Your Lordship will be pleased to give my thanks to the officers and troops concerned in the capture of the garrison at Panlus Hook, for their good conduct and gallant behavior on the occasion. The commissary of prisoners is directed to attend, and receive the British prisoners. [ Writings of Washington, VI., 326.]
X.
On the 19th Instant, The Garrison of Paulus Hook being reinforced, Lieutenant Colonel Buskirk was detached with part of the Troops to cut off some small parties who interrupted the supplies of Provision, a considerable body of the Rebels availed themselves of that opportunity to attempt the Post. At three in the Morning they advanced to the Gate of the Works, and being mistaken by a negligent Guard for Lieut. Colonel Buskirk's Corps returning entered without opposition. I fear they found the Garrison so
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scandalously absorbed in confidence of their Security, that they made them- selves Masters of a Block house and Two Redoubts with scarcely any diffi- culty. The Alarm being now spread, Major Sutherland the Commandant threw himself with Forty Hessians into a Redoubt, by an incessant fire from which he forced the Enemy to quit the Post without either damaging any of the Cannon, or setting fire to the Barracks. In short their retreat was as disgraceful as their attempt was well conducted. They carried off with them near Forty Invalids prisoners : A Detachment being sent over from New York, Major Sutherland pursued the Enemy and coming up with their. rear made a Captain and some Privates prisoners. Lieut. Colonel Buskirk on his return had a small Skirmish with the Rebels & took four prisoners with- out any loss on his part. I cannot as yet decide upon this affair. I have ordered Major Sutherland to be tried on a charge of general misconduct as Com- mandant.
XI.
GENERAL PATTISON to LORD TOWNSHEND.
New York August 22, 1779
** , Thursday last, when a most Extraordinary Attempt was made to take by Assault the Post at Paulis Hook, that has been occupied by the King's Troops ever since they took Possession of New York. It is on the Jersey Shore opposite to this Town and considered an Appendage to it. I am sorry to say the Enterprise, bold as it was, succeeded but too well, and little to the Honor of the Defendants. That your Lordship may judge of the Strength of this Post, from its Natural Situation, and from the Works raised for its Pro- tection, I send the enclosed Plan, which will show how far it ought to have been out of the Reach of Insult .*.
*- The following letter of Lord Salisbury to W. J. Hoppin, Esq., Secretary of Legation, who at my request made an effort to secure a copy of the " Plan," will show that it cannot be found :
" FOREIGN OFFICE, " October 15, 1879.
"Sık : With reference to your letter of the 15th September last, requesting that a tracing or copy might be made of the plan of the works on Powles Hook (Jersey City), which accompanied the account by General Pattison, the British Commander at New York, of its capture by Major Lee in 1779, I have now the honor to inform you that your request was duly forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, who re- ferred it to the Record Department, in whose custody the papers of that perlod exist, and who have replied that a careful search has been made for the plan, but without success.
" A letter, however, from Sir Henry Clinton, then commanding the British forces at New York, has been found, which appears to relate to the circumstances of the 19 August, 1779, to which you allude, and Ihave much pleasure in forwarding to you a copy of it. The Keeper of the Records, however, states that it contains the only infor- ination that can be discovered on the subject.
" I have the honor to be, &c.,
" SALISBURY."
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The Troops allotted to garrison it, were the 4th Battalion of Skinner's Provincial Brigade, under the Command of Colonel Buskirk, and a part of the Invalid Battalion. Major Sutherland of the Invalid Battalion was the Com- mandant. On the preceding Day it was determined that Colonel Buskirk shou'd march out a Detach'nt that Evening with a Design of surprising a party of 100 Rebels near English Neighbourhood. As the Garrison would thereby be much weakened, The Major applied to me for a Reinforcement for that Night of a Capt'n & 40 Men, which I complied with and sent them from the Hessian Reg't of Knyphausen. At half past 3 o'Clock the next Morning Ad- vice was brought to me, that Firing of Masquetry being heard at Panlis Hook, it was probably attacked, but having soon after the Command was given to me of this Garrison, established with Major Sutherland the Signal he was to make in Case he should be attacked in such Force as to require Succour from hence, namely to fire two Pieces of Cannon & to hang out three Lights,t and being informed that no Cannon had been heard or Lights seen, I concluded that Buskirk was on his Return and that some Small Party had been harassing his Rear, the Firing at that Time having nearly ceas'd, however I immediately sent over to know what was the real state of the Post. Upon the Return of the Messenger I was filled with Astonishment at receiving a Letter from Major Sutherland, saying that the Enemy having got thro' the Abbatis had taken the right hand and center Block-Houses & the Principal Fort, but that the Round Redoubt in which was hinself with a Captain & 25 Hessians had been defended, that the left Block-House was likewise safe and that the Enemy had retreated carrying off with them the Guards of the two Block- Houses which (tho' almost impregnable except by Cannon) were shamefully . abandoned, the Detachment of Artillery from the Fort, and such Officers and Soldiers as were in the Barricks. He further added that he was under great Apprehensions of Colonel Buskirk's Corps being ent off. 1 thereupon without loss of Time sent over the Flank Companies of the Guards with 100 Men from the Brigade and nearly the same Number of Hessians with a party of Artillery under the Command of the Field Officer of the Day, Lieut. Colonel Gordon. The Light Infantry were pushed forward about ten Miles beyond Bergen, and Colonel Buskirk, after the Coup manque, made his Retreat good to Panlis Hook, before it was dark, without any Loss, bringing four Prisoners & the . Guards likewise took a Captain & Six Prisoners on their March. What was nearly as Extraordinary as the Enterprize itself & the Success of it, is that the Enemy, tho' in full Possession of the Fort, did not Spike a Gun, destroy the Ammunition or do the least Injury to any of the Buildings.
The Strength of the Garrison at the time it was Assaulted, was about 200, and by the Returns I have received there were Killed 4 Serj'ts, 2 Corp'ls & 3
"S. P. A. to MAJOR SUTHERLAND.
" New York, July 25, 1779
" Sir : L am directed by Major Gen'l Pattison to signify to you his approbation of the signals you propose to be made from Paulis Hook, in case of an alarm, and to de- sire that they may be adopted accordingly." N. Y. Hist. Soc. Coll., 1875, p. 230.
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Privates, Wounded 2 Serj'ts & taken or missing 4 Subalterns, 7 Serj'ts, 5 Corp'ls & 97 Privates. Lieut. Cockburne who was the Artillery Officer on Duty there, says that a Soldier came to the Hut where he slept within 30 Yards of the Fort, to give him the Alarm, that he instantly flew towards the Fort, but found the Enemy Masters of it, whereupon he ran to the Block-House, and thereby sav'd himself from being taken Prisoner.
The Commander in Chief was pleased to order a Board of two Brig'r Gen'ls and three Field Officers to assemble the Day following to enquire into the Cause of the Affront suffered at Paulis Hook on the Morning of the 19th and to report to him thereupon, & yesterday having received the Opinion of the Board, He gave Orders for putting Major Sutherland in Arrest, and for him to prepare to take his Tryal before a Court Martial, upon a Charge of General Misconduct as Commandant at Paulis Hook, on the Morning of the 19th Instant *
* [New York Historical Society's Collections, 1875, 99.]
XII.
CAPTAIN LEVIN HANDY to GEORGE HANDY.
Paramus 22 July 1779
Before this reaches you, I doubt not but you have heard of our success at Powles Hook, where the enemy had a very strong fort, within one and.a quarter miles from New York. We started from this place on Wednesday last [at] half after ten o'clock, taking our route by a place called the New Bridge on Hackensac River, where my two companies were joined by three hundred Virginians and a company of Dismounted Dragoons commanded by Capt McLane, We took up our Line of March about 5 o'clock in the evening from the Bridge, the nearest route with safety, to Powles, distant then about twenty miles, with my detachment in front, the whole under command of the gallant Major Lee. The works were to be carried by storm-the whole to advance in three solid columns, one of which I had the honour to com- mand. The attack was to commence at half after twelve o'clock, but having been greatly embarrassed on our march, and having a number of difficulties to surmount, did not arrive at the point of attack till after four o'clock in the morning, when, after a small fire from them, we gained their works, and put about fifty of them to the bayonet, took one hundred and fifty seven prison- ers, exclusive of seven commanding officers ; this was completed in less than thirty minutes, and a retreat ordered, as we had every reason to suppose, unless timely, it would be cut off. Our situation was so difficult that we could not bring off any stores, We had a morass to pass of upwards two miles, the greatest part of which we were obliged to pass by files, and several canals to ford up to our breast in water. We advanced with bayonets, pans open, cocks fallen, to prevent any fire from our side ; and believe me, when I assure, we did not fire a musket.
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