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 7
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You will see a more particular account of it in the papers than it is in my power to give you at present. It is thoughit to be the greatest enterprise ever undertaken in America. Our loss is so inconsiderable that I do not mention it .. [ Life and Correspondence of Reed, IL., 125.]
XIII.
W. CROGAN to BERNARD GRATZ.
Camp North of Smiths Clove } August 22. 1779 1
I suppose you have had a variety of accounts of the sacking of Powel's Hook, which was taken by surprise about 3 o'clock the morning of the 19th inst., and instantly evacuated again by us, after doing no greater damage than taking 7 officers and about 160 Rank and File prisoners, and killing about 20 in the Garrison. We have about 7 privates missing. Had not the officer who commanded-Major Lee-been in so great a hurry from the Gar- rison, much more execution might have been done, as they did not take time to carry off all the prisoners, or even to take a Major and party of men who were then in their power. Not the least damage whatever was done to the Garrison. The Magazine was not blown up, the Barricks not sett on fire, the cannon not spiked, no article of Stores, Clothing, &c. &c. of which a great plenty were there, was the least damaged ; in fact, nothing further was done than rushing into the Garrison in confusion and driving out the prisoners, mostly without their clothes. Perhaps there will be an inquiry into the reasons of the confusion and great haste the party made to get out of the fort without destroying so wany valuable stores as were in their possession. Several officers have been much injured in the Virginia line, on account of giving Major Lee the command of 300 of our men to reduce Powel's Hook, and unjust methods taken by him to have the command, by telling one of our Majors, who marched with the 300 men, that his commission was older than it really is-otherwise he would not have had the command over him ... I believe Major Lee will be arrested. I marched with a covering party but did not go near the Garrison. Lord Stirling, who commands here, is very uneasy at our complaints on this affair. Several letters have passed between his lordship and the officers of our line concerning 300 of our men under Major Lee. * [Ilist. Magazine, I., 180.1
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XIV.
GENERAL WASHINGTON to MAJOR LEE.
Head Quarters 23 August 1779
I have received your report of the attack of Paulus Hook, transmitted by Captain Rudulph, which I have forwarded to Congress by Lieutenant McAl- lister. I shall be sorry if this should be contrary to your wish, or Captain Rudulph's expectation, as I have the best opinion of that gentleman's merit. My motives for sending Lieutenant McAllister with the despatches were, that he commanded a forlorn hope, and got possession of the standard. As custom required the sending of this to Congress, I thought the bearer of it ought to be the person, who had the good fortune to gain possession of it, especially as you had forwarded it by him to me ; nor would it have been warranted by precedent to send one with the despatches, and another with the standard. You will find my sense of your conduct, and of that of the officers and men under your command, expressed in the general order of yesterday, and in my letter to Congress. I congratulate you on your success. You will send a small escort of dragoons with Lieutenant McAllister, [Writings of' Washington, VI., 333.]
XV.
On the evening of the 18th inst. Lieut. Col. Buskirk, in consequence of .. intelligence received of the rebels intending to carry off' the forage and grain from the English Neighborhood and Bergen, marched with a part of the 4th Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers, and about 30 of the garrison Battalion from Powles Hook, towards the liberty pole, near which, they lay concealed till after sunrise, when they observed a considerable body of rebels moving towards the New Bridge, which induced them to think their design had been discovered ; they therefore moved into the main road, where they found themselves in the center of a column of 600 rebels, who were returning front Powles Hook ; it being no time to deliberate, they attacked the enemy with such spirit, that notwithstanding their great superiority in numbers, took three prisoners, and threw them into such confusion, as obliged them to throw away coats, knapsacks, hats, &c. and 30 stands of arms, which were mostly destroyed; at which time fresh troops coming to the rebels assist- ance, 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 some 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 bayonets and advance
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briskly, which so disconcerted them, that they immediately wheeled to the right and left, and let the party continue their route to Powles Hook without farther interruption, and without the loss of a single man either of the 4th or garrison battalion. The conduct of the Officers and Privates of both was such, as justly entitled them to applause. . * * As the Printer of Satur- days Paper has not represented Facts relative to the Attack on Powlis Hook, on the 19th Instant it is not amiss that the Printers will have-the Candor to insert the following ;
That nearly about half an Hour after two, the Rebels in three Divisions (exceeding 400 Men) passed the Ditch in Front of the Abbatis, about 20 Yards from the Abbatis, where they were fired upon by a few Centries, but having seized immediately on the Block House Guards, who in place of defending their Post, ran out to see what was the Matter, they proceeded to the Work, which they soon became Masters of, with the Cannon, &c. But they were so confused and alarnied, they neither spiked the Cannon, nor damaged the Bar- racks, or made any other use of their Victory, than carrying off about 100 prisoners, among whom there are ten Hessians (whose Loss is much regretted) and four Officers of Colonel Buskirk's Battalion, and plundering a few women.
This Panic (amongst them) was occasioned by an incessant Fire kept on them from a small Redoubt into which Maj. Sutherland threw himself with a Capt., Subaltern, and 25 gallant Hessians, on the first Alarm. The Rebels repeatedly challenged the Redoubt 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 Dundass 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 companies, in order to succour Colonel Buskirk, and after going about 15 Miles, he found that Colonel Buskirk had a smart Engagement with the Rebels some Time before and had returned. There were a few Prisoners made, amongst whom is a Captain Meale, who was found asleep from the great Fatigue he under- went ; and surely unless he had been a Livingston, Laurens, 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. Gordon gal lantly charged two Rebels who fired at him, and took one of them.
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Major Sutherland finding one Object of his March answered, by Colonel Buskirk's being safe, and 100 Men not sufficient to answer his other Inten- tions, 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. [New York Gazette, August 23, 1779.]
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XVI.
Sundry late military occurrences, which you cannot be unacquainted with, gave the alarm to the enterprising genius of Major Lee, who being ordered into this country, took into contemplation an attempt on Powles-Hook, a place naturally difficult of access, and highly improved by art .. He busily employed himself in gaining a knowledge of the place, its situation, strength &c. This done, he communicated the matter to his Excellency, who, sur -. prised at the many obstacles, declined his assent to an affair so replete with danger. But on a fuller representation from the Major, whose endeavours were unremitted until the necessary intelligence was collected-having devised the mode of attack, the method of retreat, and the number of troops adequate, transmitted them accurately to the General, who was pleased to approve of the disposition, and ordered everything requisite for a matter of so much difficulty.
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 wide gut intersects the tongue of land, and leaves the place of fortification an entire island; the gut in depth is so considerably increased, as to render it impas- sable at a little more than half flood, interior to this runs a line of abbattis of great strength, which extends to the extreme verges of the island ; still within these is a fort (except the gateway) impregnable, assisted by a chain of redoubts situate on its left, of superior strength ; the whole surrounded by a marsh two miles in breadth, rendered almost impervious, by reason of a number of guts, which irregularly intersect it at various points.
Three hundred Virginians, under the command of Major Clark, two companies of Maryland, and M'Lane's dismounted dragoons, composed the assailants. The whole, directed by Major Lee, took their route from the New Bridge on Hackensack, attended by a number of Wagons to convey the opinion of a foraging party. The timid apprehensions of a principal guide, on our nearer approach to the enemy, proved the source of numberless mis- takes, which retarded the execution of the design three hours, and occasioned an alteration in the primary disposition, instead of attacking in three different places as at first intended .- The body was formed into two columns, and after forcing the abbattis, a separation took place by Major Clark's inclining to the right, the other column to the left ; the forlorn preceded at some distance, instantly seized the grand fort, and reechoed the Watchword; in less than ten minutes a complete possession of the works was effected, with little or no loss.
The necessity of a retreat every moment became evident ; day light approached apace, and obliged us to retire precipitately, tho' without confu- sion. Relying on the boats which were to transport us over the Hackinsack, 3 miles distant from the scene of action, and which constituted our safety-we moved on with the prisoners-but our arrival soon convinced us of a disap-
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pointment. 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 device and stratagem to obviate their intercept- ing a retreat of eighteen miles, which was judiciously effected, not withstanding all their efforts to the contrary. [ Pennsylvania Packet, August 28, 1779.]
XVII.
New York August 24th 1779
Sir: I am directed by Major Gen'l Pattison to signify to you his Approba- tion of your Conduct with respect to the Flag, which came to Paulis Hook this day, and to desire that no .Flags, who may come in future from the Enemy, be permitted to come within your most advanced Picquets, but wait there and deliver any Letters &c they may bring to such Officer as you shall send out to receive them.
I am Sir &c.
S. P. A.
P. S The Flag now at Paulis Hook, is to be immediately sent back. Col. Buskirk.
XVIII. -
MAJOR LEE to PRESIDENT REED.
August 27, 1779
I never conceived myself so important in the army as I find I am. Cap- tains and subalterns used to seek mne ; Generals and Colonels are now barking at me with open mouth. Colonel Gist of Virginia; an Indian hunter, has formed a cabal. I mean to make the matter very serious, because a full explanation will recoil on my foes, and give new light to the enterprize.
In my report to General Washington * * * I passed the usual general compliments on the troops under my command. I did not tell the world that near one half of my countrymen left me- that it was reported to me by Major Clarke as I was entering the marsh-that notwithstanding this and every other dumb sigu, I pushed on to the attack.
Had I been unsuccessful, I was determined to leave my corpse within the. enemy's lines. The brave Marylanders, stood by me faithfully. Major Clarke, with the Virginians exerted himself. Their efforts to second his endeavors were not the most vigorous. What I now write I write in confidence. You will probably see the whole matter in print. I am determined to push Colonel
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Gist and party. The brave and generous throughout the whole army support me warmly. I do not know that any general officers are my foes. I have received the thanks of General Washington in the most flattering terms, and the congratulations of General Greene, Wayne and the officers of the Light Infantry. Do not let any whispers affect you, my dear sir. Be assured that the more full the scrutiny, the more honour your friend will receive, and the more ignominy will be the fate of my foes. [ Life & Correspondence of Reed, II., 126.]
XIX
Head Quarters, New York 30th August 1779
Major William Sutherland commanding the Garrison Battalion, tried by . the General Court Martial of which Lt. Col. Bruce is President, accused of misconduct as commandant of Paulus Hook, on the Night between the 18th and 19th of this Month ; (August) is found not Guilty of the Charge alledged against him, and is therefore Honorably Acquitted.
The Commander in Chief approves the Sentence and Orders Major Wn. Sutherland to be released from his arrest. [From Original in Collection of New York Historical Society.]
XX.
GENERAL WASHINGTON to MAJOR LEE.
Head Quarters 1 September 1779.
I received your letter of this date, " requesting me to give you in writing the instructions, which you verbally received from me on the subject of Paulus Hook, when you were last at head-quarters, and particularly concerning the immediate evacuation of the post after the reduction, and concerning the retreat."
When you were last at head-quarters, the enterprise against Paulus Hook was in contemplation, but not finally determined, as there were some points of information still to be more fully obtained. I gave you then in general, my ideas of the manner in which it should be conducted, whenever attempted, and desired you to use your best endeavours to procure information in such matters, as appeared not to, be sufficiently well understood, and mentioned the precautions that should be taken to cover the design, and secure the party, which might be employed in the enterprise, in its approach .. But with respect to the point to which your request more particularly extends, to wit, " the evacuation of the post, and concerning the retreat-" my principal fear,
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from the moment I conceived a design against the post, was on account of the. retreat, founded on the relative situation of the post to that of the enemy on York Island. This circumstance induced me to add, that, in case the enter- prise should be found eligible on farther inquiries, and determined on, no time should be lost, in case it succeeded, in attempting to bring off cannon, stores, or any other articles, as a few minutes' delay might expose the party at least to imminent risk. I further recollect, that I likewise said, that no time should be spent, in such case, in collecting stragglers of the garrison, who might skulk and hide themselves, lest it should prove fatal ; also that, if the post could not be carried in an instant by surprise, the attempt must be relinquished. My objects were to surprise it, to bring off' the garrison imme- diately, and to effect a secure retreat. [ Writings of Washington, VI., 336.]
XXI.
:
Head Quarters, New York 6th September 1779.
Serg't John Taswell, of the 4th Battalion New Jersey Volunteers tried by the General Court Martial of which Lt. Col. Leland, Foot Guards is 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 18th and 19th of August, is found Guilty of the Crime 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 untill he is Dead,
The Commander in Chief approves the Sentence.
Head Quarters, New York 7th Sept. 1779.
Serg't John Taswell of the 4th Batt'n, New Jersey Volunteers, under Sentence of Death, is to be executed on Thursday next, the 9th Inst., between the Hours of Nine and Twelve, within the Garrison of Paulus Hook. [ Frrom Original in Collection of New York Historical Society.]
XXII.
After Orders 9th September 1779.
In Consideration of the former Good Character of Serg't John Taswell, (who was to have been executed this day,) and at the Recommendation of the President and Members of the Court Martial, His Excellency, the Commander in Chief is pleased to grant him Free Pardon, and orders him to be Discharged from his Majesties Service. [ From Original in Collection of New York His- torical Society.]
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XXIII.
MAJOR LEE to PRESIDENT REED.
Head Quarters Sept 9 1779.
Believe me, sir, the congratulations of my friends are more pleasing to me, (although a young soldier,) than any applause from the public. Congress have not yet published any report. I presume they have good reasons for it. If they have not, they treat me injuriously. My trial goes on apace; the evidence of the prosecution throws additional lustre on every part of my con- duct. I expect concessions will be offered this day from the chief of the conspiracy : their own interest, not candour, will induce the offer; if made, perhaps I may be good-natured on the occasion. Pity already has got the better of resentment. I mean to have my trial printed, for the satisfaction of some gentlemen of the Virginia line. I enclose my order of battle and dispo- sition on the march ; I wish it to be published with my report, as it will serve to elucidate the enterprises. [Life & Correspondence of Reed, IT., 127.]
XXIV.
During the whole war only six gold medals were ordered by Congress, as follows :
1. Gen. Washiington, March 25, 1776; Seige of Boston.
2. Gen. Gates, November 4, 1777 ; Surrender of Burgoyne.
3. Gen. Wayne, July 26, 1779 ; Stony Point.
4, Major Lee, September 24, 1779 ; Paulus Hoeck.
5. Gen. Morgan, March 9, 1781 ; Cowpens.
6. Gen. Greene, October 29, 1781 ; Eutaw Springs.
This indicates how Congress regarded " the little stroke at Paulus Hoeck ":
EGIONIS
E
DIENIH
PREFECTO
NON OBSTANTIB
FLUMINIBUS VALLIS ASTUTIA & VIRTUTE BELLICA
PARVAMANU HOSTES VICIT VISTOSR.
ARMIS HUMANITATE DEVINXIT. W MEM PUGN. ADPAY HOOK DIE. XIX AUG. 1779 9
COMITIA AMERICANA
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On one side of the medal that was struck is a bust of Lee with the words Henrico Lee Legionis Equit. Prafecto. Comitia Americana. " The Ameri- can Congress to Henry Lee, Colonel of Cavalry.". On the reverse is the. inscription, " Non Obstantib. Fluminibus Vallis Astutia & Vertute Bellica Parva Manu Hostes Vicit Victosq. Armis Humanitate Devinxit. In Mem. Pugn. Ad. Paulus Hook Die XIX Aug 1779. "Notwithstanding rivers and intrenchments, he with a small band conquered the foe by warlike skill and prowess, and firmly bound by his humanity those who had been conquered by his arms. In memory of the conflict at Paulus Hook, Nineteenth of Aug., 1779."
On the 24th of September Congress passed the following resolutions re- specting the affair :
" Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to his Excellency, Gene- ral Washington, for ordering with so much wisdom the late attack on the enemy's fort and works at Powles Hook.
" Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to Major General Lord Stirling for the judicious measures taken by him to forward the enterprize and to secure the retreat of the party.
" Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to Major Lee for the remarkable prudence, address and bravery displayed by him on the occasion, and that they approve the humanity shown in circumstances prompting to severity as honorable to the army of the United States and correspondent to the noble principles on which they were assumed.
" Resolved, That Congress entertain a high sense of the discipline, forti- tnde and spirit manifested by the officers and soldiers under the command of Major Lee in the march action and retreat and while with singular satisfaction they acknowledge the merit 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 by their cheerful performance of every duty under every difficulty that they ardently wish to give a truly glorious example they now receive.
" Resolved, That Congress justly esteem the military caution so happily combined with daring. activity by Lieutenants McCallister and Rudolph in leading on the forlorn hope.
" Resolved, That a medal of gold emblematical of this affair be struck under the direction of the Board of Treasury and presented to Major Lee.
" Resolved, That the brevet and the pay and subsistence of Captain be given to Lieutenant MeCallister and to Lieutenant Rudolph respectively.
" Resolecd, That the sum of fifteen thousand dollars be put into the hands of Major Lee, to be by him distributed among the non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the detachment he commanded at the attack and surprize of Powles- Hook in such manner as the commander in chief shall direct."* [Jour- nals of Congress, (1779) V., 368-370.]
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GENERAL WASHINGTON to MAJOR LEE.
* I have given a Warrant to Captain Rudolph for the sum granted by Congress to the non-commissioned officers and privates concerned in the attack of Paulus Hook. You will be pleased to distribute this money in proportion of the non-commissioned officers and privates, which was the manner observed in the case of Stony Point. [Writings of Washington, VI., 376.]
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XXV.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head Quarters, Moors House, Sept'r 11th 1779.
At a Gen'l Court Martial of the Line the 2nd Instant, whereof Colonel Marshall is President, Major Henry Lee of the Light Dragoons was tried upon the following Charges :
1st. For withholding a Letter sent by him from Lord Stirling to Colonel Gist (of the 16th Virginia Regiment) on the Morning of the 18th August ; by that means keeping him ignorant of a matter which required his immediate Information.
2ndly. After having obtained three Hundred men from Colonel Gist's Detachment with which Major Clark was ordered, to inform him that his Commission was dated in 1777, thereby assuming the Command. of him when in fact it was dated in 1778, and of a Junior Date to Major Clarke's, which he could not be ignorant of.
3rdly. For conducting the Detachment under his (Major Lee's) Command on the March to Powles Hook with so much Disorder and Confusion as to cause almost the whole of the 1st Batt'n under his immediate Coin- 1. mand to be lost,
4thly. For ordering Capt. Smith of Colonel Gist's Regt. who was leading . one of the Divisions under the Command of Capt. Forsythe of his own Corps of Horse who was a Junior Officer.
5thly. For giving the Command of the Forlorn Hope to Lieut. McAulister for some Time past annexed to his Corps, when the rest of the sub- alterns solicited that it should be balloted for.
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Uthly. 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 sollicited by many of the officers, and not only leaving that undone, but suffering the Stores, Block-Houses and Works to remain entire when they might so easily have been destroyed.
7thly. For bringing off the Party in such a confused irregular and unmili- tary Manner that they might have fallen an easy Prey to a very .1 inconsiderable Number of the Enemy, had they attempted to have intercepted them.
8thly and Lastly. For behaving in a manner unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman.
The Court having considered the 1st Charge are of opinion it is unsup- ported by Evidence, and is groundless, and do Acquit him with llonor.
The Court having considered the 2d Charge are of Opinion that Major Lee did thro' inattention give Major Clark a wrong date of his Commission, but by no means intended to impose on Major Clark by assuming the Command of him, having express Orders from his Excellency. the Commander in Chief for that special Command, do Acquit him with Honor,
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The Court having considered the 3d Charge are of Opinion that there were some disorders in the Line of March to Powles-Hook & that the greater Part of the first Batt'n was separated from the Column in the Darkness of the Night and marching thro' the Woods. They are further of Opinion that the disorders & separation did not proceed from any neglect, or want of Attention in Major Lee, and do Acquit him with Honor.
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