USA > New York > A history of New York, for schools. Vol. II > Part 17
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18
235
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
a halt at Connecticut farms, and under the orders of the magnanimous general in command, set fire to, and burnt the village. In the course of this mili- tary transaction, a soldier came up to the window of · the clergyman's house, and bravely discharged his musket at the bosom of Mrs. Caldwell, the wife of the reverend gentleman, as she sat in the midst of her children with an infant in her arms. She in- stantly expired. After this exploit, the invaders pro- ceeded to Springfield, but finding there one brigade of regular troops, and some militia, their progress was arrested. General Washington advanced with his army to "the short hills" back of Springfield, and made preparations for an engagement with the German general; but in the night he silently with- drew to the place of his disembarcation, followed by the execrations of a desolated district.
WVm. Such an expedition would not encourage the mutineers.
John. About this time there were important trans- actions in the Carolinas.
Un. For which I refer you to the historians; ex- cept those connected with the biography of General Gates. The affairs of the south demanded a re-en- forcement from the main army, and after much delay, General Washington obtained the consent of con- gress to send on a detachment under the command of the Baron de Kalb. This German gentleman was a true friend to America, and to Washington. He had visited the colonies, and become attached to the people, some time before the war ; and on hear- ing of the commencement of hostilities, left the ser- vice of France, and offered himself to congress. His character and talents gained him an appointment, much to the dissatisfaction of General Gates's friend Conway. The baron was carrying into effect a plan for the subsistence of his army, and the relief of the
236
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
country, when his operations were suspended by the arrival of Major Armstrong, Gates's aid-de-camp, who announced the approach of the general to take command in the south. Congress, misled, as the whole continent had been, by the factitious reputation Gates had acquired at the expense of General Schuy- ler, chose the hero of Saratoga as the opponent of his countryman, Cornwallis. In this appointment the commander-in-chief was not consulted, who, Judge Marshall says, had determined to recommend Greene. On the 25th of July, Gates took the command, and was received by De Kalb with cordiality and res- pect. Immediately on his arrival the English gen- eral ordered the army to prepare for a march, and in an opposite direction to that proposed by De Kalb. They moved on the 27th of July, and suffered ex- tremely for necessary forage and provisions. At Clermont, Gates was joined by General Stevens, with seven hundred Virginia militia.
WVm. Uncle, what had become of Colonel Daniel . Morgan ?
Un. Morgan, after serving at the battle of Mon- mouth, and for some time after, had retired to his plantation in Virginia, which his neighbours called "Saratoga." When (lates was appointed to com- mand the southern armies, he was authorized to call Colonel Morgan into service. Morgan sent in his resignation, July 1Sth; it was known that he requir- ed the rank of brigadier general, which was given him. In his letters to Gates there is no appearance of dissatisfaction with him, and he expresses his plea- sure that he had been appointed to the southern do- partment rather than' Lincoln. Letters of flattery and congratulation were poured in upon the hero of Saratoga, and fresh laurels predicted by his friend Conway, and many of more importance, among others by Doctor Rush.
237
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
John. I know that these predictions were not veri- fied.
1
Un. The particulars of the unfortunate battle of Camden you will find in Marshall, and in Lee's southern campaign. Lord Cornwallis was on his march to attack Gates, and the Americans were on their march to take a stronger position, when the advance parties unexpectedly met. Both armies formed, and battle ensued. The militia could not stand the charge of the British, but fled, and Gen- eral Gates, after making ineffectual attempts to stop them, and believing that the continental troops had likewise dispersed, continued his retreat eighty miles from the field of battle, before halting, and then re- moved one hundred miles further.
WVm. Did the regular troops continue the battle, sir ?
Un. Yes. Deserted by their general, they fought but too long. The brave De Kalb sunk under eleven wounds, and exhausted his last breath in praise of his comrades, and blessings on the country he bled for. Never was victory more complete. Hundreds of the brave were killed, and many taken prisoners, while the cowards were secured by the sacrifice. All the baggage, artillery, and stores, fell into the hands of the enemy.
Wm. Morgan was not with Gates at this time, sir, was he ?
Un. No ; but many as good as he. I will finish all I ought to say of the southern war, while giv- ing lessons respecting New York, by some further notice of Daniel Morgan. General Gates continued for a time in command of the south after this disas- ter; and Morgan, now a brigadier-general, applied to him, about the 12th of September, for permis- sion, with a detachment, to move into the neighbour- hood of Cornwallis, who had broke up from his
238
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
encampment. Morgan was confident that he could strike a blow at Tarleton, and his friends solicit- ed Gates to permit him to move against the enemy, but Gates took no notice of the applications. When Greene superseded Gates, Morgan again applied for such a command, and received it. The battle of the Cowpens was the result.
Wm. O, Uncle ! tell us of that battle.
Un. I will let Morgan tell it himself. Here is a true copy of an unpublished letter from Daniel to a friend, and I delight to see the very words in which such men tell their own stories. This letter reminds one of Starke's relation of the battle of Bennington. Read it, William.
Wm. " When you left me, you know I was desi- rons to have a stroke at Tarleton ; my wishes are gratified, and I have given him a devil of a whip- ping-a more complete victory never was." He then states the force with which Greene detached him, viz .: three hundred regulars, one hundred mil- itia, and Colonel Washington's cavalry, ninety ; giv- ing him "orders discretionary. With this detach- . ment I marched over the Broad river, and gained the left flank of Cornwallis's army; which you'll think gave him some uncasiness." The day after, hearing of a body of two hundred and fifty tories, he sent Colonel Washington after them, who killed and wounded one hundred and fifty, and brought off forty prisoners, without losing a man. "On this," he says, " Lord Cornwallis detached Tarleton, with ning hundred chosen troops, the flower of his army, with his legion, on the west side of Broad river, to attack me in front, while General Leslie marched upon the east side to cut off my retreat. I saw I was pur- sued by three armies, each vastly superiour to mine. I collected about five hundred militia, (three of which fought, the others ran away;) with this little army I
239
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
moved up Pacolet river, west of Cornwallis. The three armies followed me like bloodhounds; Tarleton was foremost in the chase. On the 17th instant," November, " my spies came in about two hours be- fore day, and told me that the enemy was within five miles of me, marching very rapidly. I did not intend to fight that day ; but intended to cross Paco- let early that morning to a strong piece of ground, and then decide the matter. But as matters were circumstanced, no time was to be lost, and I prepared for battle as soon as the day broke; and had just time to form a disposition when they hove in sight. They formed in one line, raised a prodigious yell, and came running at us as if they intended to eat us np. However, we sustained the charge. The con- flict was severe indeed, for about forty minutes, in which time their over numbers had gained both our flauks. We then had no alternative but to charge them with bayonets, which we did," "and made them give way. At that time Tarleton was cutting the militia on our left, and nearly in our rear." Colonel Washington with his regiment "of ninety men charged the whole of Tarleton's cavalry, and put them to flight, killing a number. In the mean time, we followed up our blows till we took their field-pie- ces, when every man took to his heels for security, helter skelter; we were too swift for them-killed, wounded, and took prisoners one thousand veteran troops; one thousand stand of arms; two field-pie- ces; thirty five wagons; and immense baggage, and entirely broke up Tarleton's legion." Well done, old Daniel Morgan !
John. But two other detachments were in pursuit of him.
Un. Both which he eluded. In the charge of cavalry, it so chanced that Tarleton and two of his officers were close upon Washington, at the moment
1
240
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
alone. 'Tarleton discharged both his pistols, and both took effect on Washington's horse. Two Amer- ican horsemen encountered the officers, and the Eng- glish cavalry flying, Tarleton escaped by the fleet- ness of his horse. This was the crowning exploit of our old friend Daniel Morgan, a man of giant-like bodily strength, and undaunted courage. He in after times stood ready to fight for his country, and served her in other capacities than that of warriour. He died on the 6th of July, 1802.
John. He was a true hero of the revolution.
Un. Now let us return to the history of New York. One of the most prominent events in our neighbourhood at this time, was the treason of Ar- nold. With that is included the patriotism of Pauld- ing, Van Wert, and Williams, and the execution of Major John Andre, the British adjutant-general, as a spy. As I have seen Mr. Sparks's Biography of Arnold in your hands, I can give you no further in- formation on the subject. But, as an event in New York history, I must mention the prominent points of the affair. General Arnold, though a brave man, and possessed of talents beyond mediocrity, was self- ish and sordid. He was extravagant in his expen- ditures, and after his marriage felt the pecuniary necessity which every man must feel, who does not limit his expenses to his resources ; and having neither principle nor religion to restrain him, he de- termined upon seizing the first opportunity that of- fered, to become rich by the sacrifice of his country. He had been justly censured for illegal proceedings in Philadelphia, and he flattered himself, and there is reason to believe, that his wife flattered him, by representing his country as ungrateful, unjust, and unworthy of liberty. He entered into correspond- ence with the enemy ; and manœuvred to obtain the command at West Point, for the purpose of betray-
211
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
ing that important post, its stores, and garrison, to the English. Thus prepared, he took advantage of the absence of General Washington, (who had gone to Rhode Island to concert measures with Count Rochambeau for the service,) and having matured his plan of treason in conjunction with Major Andre, the latter came up the river in a ship of war, landed, and was met by Arnold, (without the American posts,) who gave him inventories of the stores, information of the strength and weakness of the forts, settled the mode of delivering up the post, and pointed out the disposition to be made of the garrison, so as to yield them a prey to the enemy ; and perhaps Washing- ton with them.
Wm. Some to be prisoners, and some killed ! Sold for money ! Oh, Uncle -- can men do so ?
Un. Well may you ask, boy. On the 25th of September, 1780, General Washington returned to West Point, and found that Arnold had fled, and Andre had been secured as a spy. Andre, as you have read, was taken in disguise, as he was return- ing to New York, having, by what men call acci- dent, been disappointed in getting aboard the ship that brought him, and contrary to his intention car- ried within our lines. Arnold received notice of his capture in time to save himself; and with the barge belonging to the fort, boarded the English ship. Major Andre was tried, condemned as a spy, and as such executed ; every attention being paid to his unhappy situation that could with propriety be allowed, and much sympathy felt for his sufferings.
John. Sir Henry Clinton tried to save him.
Un. Yes. And Arnold had the insolence to use threats, and attempt to justify his own conduct. But the firmness of Washington was not to be shaken. Hle executed the spy ; and Sir Henry Clinton re- VOL. II .-- 21
1
242
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
warded the traitor, by riches, military rank, and the command of armies.
John. It appears strange, sir, that Sir Henry Clin- ton should entrust a traitor with the lives and liberty of armies as he did.
Un. I will mention a fact relative to that subject, which is yet unknown to the world. A gentleman of the most unblemished character, now far advan- ced in years, assured me, that when Arnold depart- ed from New York in the command of the army with which he committed depredations in the Chesa- peake, "a dormant commission" was given to Col- onels Dundas and Simcoe, jointly, by Sir Henry Clinton, authorizing them, if they suspected Arnold of sinister intent, to supersede him, and put him in arrest. This proves that Clinton did not trust him, and we may reasonably suppose that such a watch was set upon his conduct on other occasions.
John. Is this a fact to be relied upon, sir ?
Un. Most fully. The gentleman who communi- cated it to me, was in his youth a confidential clerk in Sir Henry Clinton's office, and copied and deliv- ered the dormant commission as directed. This ex- plains a passage in Clinton's letter to his govern- ment, in which he says, " this detachment is under the command of General Arnold, with whom I have thought it right to send Colonels Dundas and Sim- coe, as being officers of experience, and much in my confidence." Connected with this expedition to the south, is the romantick adventures of Sergeant- major Champe, which you will find detailed in the memoirs of the American Lee, the same who sur- prised the post of Powles Hook. .
Wm. If it belongs to New York, I hope you will give us at least an abridgement of the story.
Un. You will all read Lee's Memoirs of the war in the southern department ; but as this story of Ser-
-
243
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
geant Champe belongs particularly to New York,
I must tell it. While the fate of Andre was still in suspense, General Washington determined, if it was possible to get possession of Arnold, he would make him the victim, and use his influence to spare the life of the young officer who had unintentionally placed himself in the situation of a spy. He sent for, and consulted Major Lee. The plan propos- ed was for a trusty and intelligent man to present himself as a deserter to the enemy, and enlist in the corps that was then forming under Arnold's particular patronage; and then by the aid of cer- tain persons in New York with whom Washington corresponded, to seize the traitor, and bring him off to a party on the west side of the Hudson, who should be ready to receive him. Lee mentioned the ser- geant.major of his legion as being a man fit for the enterprise, but feared that his sense of honour, and the expectations he had of receiving a commis- sion, would prevent his consenting even to appear in the character of a deserter. The general commis-
sioned Lee to give assurances that he would stand between the sergeant and disgrace, and advanced every argument that could be suggested to engage him in the enterprise. Lee departed, furnished with full instructions, and lettersto the agents in New York who were to join in the attempt. After a long con-
ference with Champe, the major prevailed upon the sergeant to undertake the execution of the scheme; and as no time was to be lost, he immediately pre- pared himselt and his horse for the perilous expedi- , tion. Champe entered into the plan, as it proved, with all his soul. That very night, having made himself master of Washington's instructions, (one of which was in no case to take the life of Arnold, as that would be interpreted assassination, whereas a solemn sacrifice of the criminal was the object to
244
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
be attained,) he a little before midnight withdrew his horse from the picket, and with his cloak, sword, valise, and orderly book, mounted to pursue his way to Powles Hook, by such routes as his . experience suggested to be best for avoiding patrols or scouting parties. Scarcely half an hour had elapsed when Lee's lieutenant brought him inform- ation that a patrol had fallen in with a dragoon, who on being challenged had clapped spurs to his horse and escaped. The subaltern was all impa- tience for orders to send off men in pursuit, and the major tried by every device to delay such an un- welcome procedure. He feigned the dulness of a man awakened from sound sleep, although his anxi- ety had prevented any approach to that state; he affected to believe that it could not be a dragoon ; or if one, that his intention was not desertion. The lieutenant pressed the matter-paraded the troop, and showed that one was missing, and that one Ser- geant-major Champe. " I have ordered a party for pursuit," added the zealous officer, "and they only await your orders." Lee delayed as long as possi- ble; but orders must be given, and the dragoons were spurred on to overtake the supposed deserter by every motive which the honour of the corps could suggest. The leader of the pursuers was nominated by Lee; he was sent for and received his orders. This was a young cornet. Off the party dashed, leaving the major in a state of extreme anxi- ety. About three o'clock in the afternoon Lee was called from his tent by the shouts of his soldiers, and he saw the cornet approaching with his party, one of the dragoons leading the sergeant-major's well-known horse, with his cloak, sword-scabbard, and other accoutrements. That Champe was dead, and that he had occasioned his death, was the heart- rending thought this appearance suggested to Lee.
245
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
The cornet reported that they had traced the deserter during the night by the marks of his horse's shoes, left on the road owing to a recent shower of rain. (The shoes of the dragoon horses were unlike others. ) That at daybreak he continued with more speed in the chase, and as he approached Bergen gained sight of Champe, who likewise saw his pursuers. At the village of Bergen, the sergeant-major, after riding through several devious streets, took the road to the right, determining to make for some British galleys that he knew were stationed near the shore, and not approach Powles Hook, as was first intend- ed. This change of course baffled the cornet for a time; but gaining information from a countryman who had seen a dragoon spurring out of the village, the party again pushed forward upon the track of the fugitive. When in sight of the galleys, Champe made a halt, tied his valise (which contained the orderly book, his clothes, money, &c.) to his shoul- ders, drew his sword, and again spurred for the shore. This momentary halt brought his pursuers within a few hundred yards of him. When near the marshy edge of the water, the sergeant dismount- ed, rushed through the sedge, threw himself into the water, and called on the galleys for help. A boat was launched to receive the deserter, (as no one could doubt him to be,) and some guns were fired to keep off his pursuers. The report of the party who had returned with the sergeant-major's horse, cloak, sealbard, and accontrements, eased Major Lee of his apprehensions for the safety of Champe.
John. Nothing could have happened better, for giving credit to the story Champe would tell the eneiny.
Un. The account given by the commander of the galleys of what he had witnessed, would be an ample credential for the sergeant. He was examined by
21*
246
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
Sir Henry Clinton, received with favour, found an opportunity to communicate with the agents of Wash- ington residing in New York; and to further the plan, culistel in Arnold's legion.
John. Hlad Washington many friends in the city who gave him intelligence?
U'n. Several. And they were in some instances unknown to each other. One of those to whom Champo was introduced, prepared every thing for seiting and carrying off the traitor ; Champe com- municated his progress to Lee, who by the general's orders prepared to receive Arnold. In the mean tane, Andre was condemned and executed. There- fore the only end in view by the capture of Arnold was his punishment. Champe gave notice to Ma- jor lực, that being appointed one of the recruiting Sergeants for Arnold's legion, he had every neces- sary opportunity for the execution of the plan. Ad- joining to the garden of the house in which Arnold resided was an alley, and by removing some of the palings, and replacing them in apparent security, the conspirators were to enter, guided by Champe, seize their intended victim when he returned, as was his invariable custom, at midnight, from his visits of business or pleasure, and retired to the gar- den. They were to gag him, carry him off through the alley, and to a boat prepared and lying at a wharf of the north river. "If questioned, they were to represent him as a drunken soldier whom they Were conveying to the guard house. Washington ordered fre to be ready on the opposite shore to re- ceive Amold, and prevent any personal injury to him. The major repaired at night -to the appointed place, with a party of dragoons. Hour after hour passed ; but no boat approached. The day broke, and with the led horses prepared for Champe and his prisoner, Lee returned to camp. In a few days
247
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
he was informed by the agent in New York, that on the day previous to the appointed night, Arnold had removed his quarters to be near the place of em- barcation for the expedition to the Chesapeake; and that the legion, to which Champe was attached, had been shipped among the first of the troops for fear of the men deserting. Thus the sergeant-major was entrapped, and instead of crossing the Hudson with his general as a prisoner, was carried off to Virginia, and employed in warfare against his countrymen. From this unwelcome service he found means to free himself, and when Lee's legion was acting against Cornwallis in the south, the sergeant-major most unexpectedly joined his old comrades, and the mys- tery of his flight, with the whole story, being soon known, he was received by the corps with applausc and welcome.
Wm. Tell us, sir; what became of this daring man ?
Un. He was forwarded by General Greene to the commander-in-chief, who rewarded him; and as his remaining in service might subject him to death if taken prisoner, he was honourably discharged. He settled as a planter in his native state, but late in life removed to Kentucky, and there died.
John. I should. like very much, sir, to know the house in which Arnold resided, and the alley by which Champe meant to convey him to the gallows.
Un. I have had the same curiosity, but have not been able to gratify it. The gentleman who gave me the information respecting the "dormant com- mission" given to Dundas and Simcoe, could not sat- isfy me on this point. He thought that Arnold had not a house appropriated to him at this time, but quartered with some other officers. My conjecture would fix the spot for his dwelling-place either in Hanover square, with the paling fence opening on
248
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
Sloat alley; or in Smith street, with the fence on Jews alley. Mr. John Fleming Watson, who has published a very interesting book on the old times of New York, says, " Mr. Robert Lenox thought he (Arnold) lived with Admiral Digby." This agrees with my supposition, that the house from which Champe plotted to remove him, was in Han- over square with the fence on Sloat alley. If so, it was the great Beekman house, and the usual resi- dence of the admirals; there, the present king of England resided when on shore, as a midshipman. But Mr. Watson could obtain no definite information on the subject, and now both the houses I have men- tioned are swept from the face of the city, and the carth, by the great fire of December, 1835.
CHAPTER XXII.
John. From this time forward the principal events of the war occurred in the south. sir ?
Un. General Washington had determined to take command there; and in conjunction with the French troops under Rochambeau, the plan of ope- rations against Lord Cornwallis was carried into execution. But Arnold, who was again in New ' York, was despatched by Sir Henry against New London, early in September, as if to call the atten- tion of the American general to that quarter. New London is on the borders of Long Island sound, and on the west side of the mouth of the river Thames ; on the same side was a fort called after the governor, Trumbull, and on the opposite side another fort, called Griswold, was commanded by Colonel Led- yard, an inhabitant of New London. Arnold land-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.