USA > New York > Kings County > Williamsburgh > A history of the city of Brooklyn : including the old town and village of Brooklyn, the town of Bushwick, and the village and city of Williamsburgh > Part 41
USA > New York > Kings County > Bushwick > A history of the city of Brooklyn : including the old town and village of Brooklyn, the town of Bushwick, and the village and city of Williamsburgh > Part 41
USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > A history of the city of Brooklyn : including the old town and village of Brooklyn, the town of Bushwick, and the village and city of Williamsburgh > Part 41
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This appeal was answered as with one heart and one mind. Every one seemed most anxious to offer his services on the inter- esting occasion. Volunteer associations pressed forward, all solicit- ous to be engaged on the earliest day that could be appointed, in the honorable employment of defence. In these overtures, there
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.
seemed to be no distinction of party or situation in life. Citizens of every political party vied with each other only in their efforts to protect the city from invasion by the common enemy, and met on the ground of self-defence, as on a common platform. That the city must be gallantly defended was the universal opinion, and every individual felt it necessary to spare no pains, or no means within his power, to defeat any hostile attempt. The rich and the poor proffered their services and mingled their labors on the same works in the purest spirit of patriotic emulation. Those who, from any cause, were unable to give their personal labor to the common cause, voluntarily and liberally contributed of their means for the employment of substitutes, while many both gave and worked. Even women and schoolboys1 caught the inspiration of the hour, and con-
1 Furman's MS. contains the following reminiscence of " The jaunt of the Students of ' Columbia Academy' in Bergen, New Jersey, to work in the fortifications in the town of Brooklyn, on Long Island."
1814. " During this summer, actuated by the spirit of patriotism and a desire to serve our country at this critical juncture of the war between the United States and Great Britain, several of us students signed a paper tendering our services to the Committee of Defence, in the city of New York, and asked permission to contribute our small assistance to raise the fortifications on the Heights of Brooklyn, in order to repel the enemy, should he attempt to land. We then painted a flag with the following inscrip- tion, 'Volunteers of Columbia Academy.' The next morning we arose, and while the stars were in the sky, took up our line of march for Brooklyn Heights, the Academy bell ringing to a merry tune. In passing through Paulus Hook (Jersey City), we were saluted by the women with 'God bless you, boys !'-the spirit of our Revolutionary sires seems to have pervaded the bosoms of all. We crossed the Paulus Hook ferry free of ferriage ; when we got to the Fulton ferry, we each received a ticket, valued at two cents, from an agent of the Corporation of the City of New York, to recross the ferry with. We reached the Brooklyn shore quite early in the morning, and marched along directly through the town, in company with a large body of brewers from New York, to Fort Greene, where we were detached by the Superintendent, Mr. (Robert) Nicholls, to clear the easterly part of the fort of small round stones, and to carry dirt in small wheelbarrows to raise a step to enable the infantry to fire over the top of the wall. We worked till dinner-time, when we broke off; ate our dinner and commenced work again, and continued until four o'clock in the afternoon, when we stopped and com- menced our return march to Bergen. When we reached Paulus Hook it was almost dusk. In travelling up the road to our place of destination, we met a gentleman in his horse and chair going to Paulus Hook ; his horse appeared frightened at our flag. We offered to lower it ; but he said, 'Never mind, boys ; here (throwing some money to our standard-bearer), treat your company.' When we arrived at Coulters, we laid out our new friend's donation in refreshments-some cakes-and continued on to the Academy. We formed a ring on the square formed by the meeting of the streets at the side of the Academy, gave three cheers for our safe return home, dismissed, got our supper, went to bed, and soon were lulled to sleep without rocking. I feel a pride, which every free
400
HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.
seemed to be no distinction of party or situation in life. Citizens of every political party vied with each other only in their efforts to protect the city from invasion by the common enemy, and met on the ground of self-defence, as on a common platform. That the city must be gallantly defended was the universal opinion, and every individual felt it necessary to spare no pains, or no means within his power, to defeat any hostile attempt. The rich and the poor proffered their services and mingled their labors on the same works in the purest spirit of patriotic emulation. Those who, from any cause, were unable to give their personal labor to the common cause, voluntarily and liberally contributed of their means for the employment of substitutes, while many both gave and worked. Even women and schoolboys1 caught the inspiration of the hour, and con-
1 Furman's MS. contains the following reminiscence of " The jaunt of the Students of ' Columbia Academy' in Bergen, New Jersey, to work in the fortifications in the town of Brooklyn, on Long Island."
1814. " During this summer, actuated by the spirit of patriotism and a desire to serve our country at this critical juncture of the war between the United States and Great Britain, several of us students signed a paper tendering our services to the Committee of Defence, in the city of New York, and asked permission to contribute our small assistance to raise the fortifications on the Heights of Brooklyn, in order to repel the enemy, should he attempt to land. We then painted a flag with the following inscrip- tion, 'Volunteers of Columbia Academy.' The next morning we arose, and while the stars were in the sky, took up our line of march for Brooklyn Heights, the Academy bell ringing to a merry tune. In passing through Paulus Hook (Jersey City), we were saluted by the women with 'God bless you, boys!'-the spirit of our Revolutionary sires seems to have pervaded the bosoms of all. We crossed the Paulus Hook ferry free of ferriage ; when we got to the Fulton ferry, we each received a ticket, valued at two cents, from an agent of the Corporation of the City of New York, to recross the ferry with. We reached the Brooklyn shore quite early in the morning, and marched along directly through the town, in company with a large body of brewers from New York, to Fort Greene, where we were detached by the Superintendent, Mr. (Robert) Nicholls, to clear the easterly part of the fort of small round stones, and to carry dirt in small wheelbarrows to raise a step to enable the infantry to fire over the top of the wall. We worked till dinner-time, when we broke off; ate our dinner and commenced work again, and continued until four o'clock in the afternoon, when we stopped and com- menced our return march to Bergen. When we reached Paulus Hook it was almost dusk. In travelling up the road to our place of destination, we met a gentleman in his horse and chair going to Paulus Hook ; his horse appeared frightened at our flag. We offered to lower it ; but he said, 'Never mind, boys ; here (throwing some money to our standard-bearer), treat your company.' When we arrived at Coulters, we laid out our new friend's donation in refreshments-some cakes-and continued on to the Academy. We formed a ring on the square formed by the meeting of the streets at the side of the Academy, gave three cheers for our safe return home, dismissed, got our supper, went to bed, and soon were lulled to sleep without rocking. I feel a pride, which every free
PLAN OF FORT GREENE and
LINE OF INTRENCHMENTS From the Wallabout to Gowanus Creck, etc., as laid out by Lieut. James Gadsden, of the Engineers, under the orders of General Joseph G. Swift, in 1814.
CUFFIELE
FLATBUSH AVC.
GETON ST
٢- ٢٨
ATLANTIC ST.
FACIFIC ST.
... PEAN ST.
DOLMUS
WYCKOFF S'I.
REFERENCES.
A-Fort Greene (the Fort Putnam of 177G). B-Redoubt Cummings C-Washington Bastion. D-Hloubt Masonic.
E-Fort Fireman (the Fort Greene of 1776). F-Fort Swift (the Cobblehill Fort of 1776). G-Battery (on line of present Degraw street). JI-Okl Church
N. B .- The street lines of the present city have been lail down, npon the original survey, by Mr. SILAS Li D- LAM, City Surveyor.
FULTON AVE.
FORT GREEN PL.
HAMPDEN ST.
VE
NI. TLAND AYE
CUMBERLAND St.
401
HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.
tributed their quota of labor upon the works, and the people of the interior towns in the neighboring States of Connecticut and New Jersey hastened to proffer their assistance in averting what was felt to be a common national danger.
The lines of defence on Long Island, as planned by General Swift, commenced at Mount Alto on the Hudson ; thence, by McGowan's Pass, a line of redoubts and block-houses ran along the Heights of Harlem to, and across Hell Gate, including a block-house on Mill Rock, and a castle on the high ground of Long Island. On Long Island, the defences began at the Wallabout, covered by Fort Greene, and extended across to Bergen's Heights,1 to Fort Lawrence, includ- ing several redoubts, which were overlooked by Forts Greene and Lawrence.2
These lines were commenced upon, at 8 A. M. of Tuesday, the 9th of August, 1814, by Captain Andrew Bremner's Artillery company, the officers of the Third Brigade of Infantry, under command of General Mapes, and a body of volunteers from the Seventh Ward of New York, who broke ground for the intrenchments on Fort Greene, under a salute from six-pounders. By the aid of the papers of that day, we are able to trace the progress of the works to their completion.
On Wednesday, August 10th, the labor of the day at Fort Greene was performed by the Tanners and Curriers, the Veteran Corps of Artillery, a Society of Plumbers, a large force of Exempts from the Second Ward of New York, Major Dunscombe's battalion of Gov- ernor's Guards, and Captain Swaime's company of Artillery.
Friday, August 12. The labor was continued by the officers of the Tenth Brigade of Infantry, the officers, non-commissioned offi- cers, and matrosses of the Thirteenth Regiment of Artillery, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel M. Boerum, a military association of young men, the Hamilton Society, Students of Medicine, sixty
born American ought to feel, in saying, this is the second day I have worked to raise fortifications, during this contest, to protect my country from an invading foe."
Furman mentions, also, that between Nassau street and Fort Greene, all was open fields, covered with buildings, erected for the use of the quartermasters and sutlers.
1 So called from its owner, Jacob Bergen. Smith street now runs through it.
9 There, was, also an earthwork bastion on Red Hook.
402
HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.
hands from the Wire Factory at Greenwich, and forty hands from the Eagle Foundry.
Saturday, August 13th. The intrenchments were manned by a party of citizens raised by Mr. A. Stagg, a number of volunteers from Division street and vicinity, and the journeymen Cabinet-Ma- kers of New York.
The appearance of these latter gave rise to the following im- promptu lines :
" Their hearts with the love of their country inlaid, They fling by the chisel to handle the spade ; Leave mahogany shavings the rough earth to shave, And prepare for invaders a coffin and grave."
Monday, August 15th. The infantry companies, under command of Captains Skillman, Schenck, and Dean, together with the artillery company of Captain Brouwer,' broke ground on the old Revolu- tionary works at Cobble-Hill, on. which occasion a salute was fired, and the fort named "Fort Swift,"? in honor of Brigadier General Joseph G. Swift.
Tuesday, August 16th. The workmen this day were military companies, under command of Captains Stryker, Cowenhoven, and Herbert, the Exempts of Bedford and the Wallabout, and the Fire Company No. 2, of Brooklyn.
Wednesday, August 17th. The people of the Town of Bushwick, under the lead of their pastor, Rev. Mr. Bassett, repaired to Fort Swift, to labor on that fortification. "Their operations were com- menced by a prayer from that venerable patriot, and an exhortation to zeal and unanimity in their country's cause, in defence of which, they were then to be employed on the works, which he had in per- son, nearly forty years ago, assisted in erecting. He continued en- couraging them, and distributing refreshments through the day ; and at evening, returned home with his flock, satisfied with hav- ing set an example, impressive, admirable, and commanding the
1 The Artillery corps, under Captain Laurence Brouwer, belonged to Brooklyn, but did duty in New York, at Castle Garden, where they were attached to the Thirteenth Regiment of Artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel Boerum.
2 See page 252, note. We learn from the next paper, that this was originally called Fort Pitt.
403
HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.
plaudits of an approving conscience and a grateful country."-N. Y. Columbian."1
Among the many interesting incidents of the day, the following is related by the New York Gazette : " An aged and respectable stran- ger and his four sons passed over the Brooklyn Ferry on Wednes- day morning, and walked to Fort Greene, where about two hundred of our citizens were at work. After they had taken a view of the Heights and the adjacent country, the old gentleman observed that he never passed through the city of New York, without coming over to visit the ground. 'Nearly forty years ago,' added he, 'these hands assisted to erect a fort on this spot, and, as old as they are now grown, they shall again contribute their mite to the same im- portant object.' He then threw off his coat, seized a shovel, and
1 During the day, they held a meeting in Fort Swift, the proceedings of which are thus detailed in the Star :
" At a meeting of a number of the inhabitants of Bushwick, exempt from military duty, held at Fort Swift, on Wednesday, August 17th, 1814, the Reverend Dr. Basset, Chairman ; Tunis Wortman, Secretary ; the following preamble and resolutions were read and adopted :
"Next to the duties which we owe to Heaven, those which belong to our Country demand our chief attention. As a people, we are pre-eminently blessed. Divine Provi- dence ha's favored us with a free and excellent constitution, and commands us to pre- serve it. In defence of our liberties, property, and lives, for the protection of our native land, or the land of our choice, we this day solemnly step forward-we take up arms for general preservation, and will not lay them down while danger exists. In a crisis like the present, no good and faithful citizen should consider himself exempt. The spirit of party should be lost in the generous ardor of universal patriotism. All who feel that they possess a country to defend and love, should step forward with a degree of zeal and alacrity, which shall teach the enemy, and convince the world that America is a virtuous, great, and united nation.
" Resolved, That the citizens and inhabitants of the Town of Bushwick, exempt from ordinary military duties, embody themselves into a volunteer company for the protec- tion and defence of Nassau and Manhattan Islands, under such officers as they shall select.
" Resolved, That a committee of eleven citizens be appointed to request the assistance and co-operation of our fellow-citizens of Long Island, to prepare and publish a suitable address for that purpose.
" Resolved, That such committee be authorized and instructed to enter into such arrangements, and to form such correspondence as may be necessary and proper to carry the objects of this meeting into effect ; and that the committee consist of Major Francis Titus, Dr. Cornelius Lowe, John Skillman, senior ; Alexander Whaley, senior ; Peter Wyckoff, William Conselyea, senior ; Peter Meserole, Gysbert Bogert, Abraham Meserole, John Van Alst, and Tunis Wortman.
" Resolved, That our thanks be tendered to the Corporation of New York, and to citi- zens of Patterson, New Jersey, for their aid and labor in the works," etc., etc.
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.
calling on his sons to follow his example, descended into the ditch, where he continued to labor with great zeal during the day. Two of his sons continued at labor until night,-the other two, having thoroughly fatigued themselves, gave up their labor at an earlier hour. The old gentleman dryly observed that the latter, for their want of courage, should be court-martialled, while the former, who had bravely persevered to the end, should be promoted."
Thursday, August 18th. The people of Flatbush were employed on the works.
Friday, August 19th. The people of Flatlands took their turn upon the fortifications. Also about five hundred carpenters from New York repaired to Fort Greene, with their tools, and there laid seven gun-platforms, "in different angles of that extensive work, on one of which a salute was fired in the afternoon, it being only the tenth working day since the repair of the fort was commenced."
Saturday, August 20th. The people of Gravesend contributed their quota of labor. A party of about seventy volunteers from Paterson, New Jersey, commanded by Colonel Abraham Godwin (a Revolu- tionary officer, who had been on the same grounds in 1776), arrived at the Brooklyn Ferry, about six or seven o'clock A. M. en route for Fort Greene.
This day, also, some 1,200 patriotic Irishmen volunteered their labors on Fort Greene, and were " distinguished by uncommon and well-directed industry."" On the evening of the same day, several uniformed companies of militia from the interior of the State, arrived at Brooklyn to go into camp. As they landed, they met and were enthusiastically received by the Irishmen, who had returned from their day's labor, and, with banners, flags, and two bands of music, were awaiting the arrival of the ferry boat, in a line which extended from the wharf to the end of Ferry street. "On coming ashore, the patriotic cavalcade opened their lines, faced them inwards, and saluted the troops with flourishes of their music and colors, and a continued roar of applause from two thousand cheering voices, till
1 The peculiar nature of their labor appears from the following advertisement in the papers of the day : "THE PATRIOTIC SONS OF ERIN are requested by the Committee of Defence, to lend their assistance, particularly in SODDING ; and the Ward Commanders are desired to make known this invitation as far as the time will permit. By order," etc
405
HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.
they had passed, with their baggage, between the ranks, through the whole length of the jolly-hearted procession."
Monday, August 22d. The people of New Utrecht, and one thou- sand citizens of color from the city of New York, worked on the fortifications.
Tuesday, August 23d. Labor was performed by the Mechanics' Society of Kings County, the Military Exempts, and Fire Companies Nos. 1 and 2 of Brooklyn.
The unbounded popular enthusiasm of the times found expression in the following song, which was sung, played, and whistled every- where on the streets and in the trenches.1 It was the production of Samuel Woodworth, well known as the author of " The Old Oaken Bucket ;" and was entitled-
THE PATRIOTIC DIGGERS.
JOHNNY BULL beware, Keep at proper distance, Else we'll make you stare At our firm resistance ; Let alone the lads Who are freedom tasting,
Grandeur leaves her towers, Poverty her hovel,
Here to join their powers With the hoe and shovel.
Recollect our dads
Here the merchant toils With the patriot sawyer, There the laborer smiles,
Gave you once a basting. Pickaxe, shovel, spade, Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Near him sweats the lawyer. Pickaxe, shovel, spade, Crowbar, hoe, and barrow
Better not invade, Yankees have the marrow.
Better not invade, Yankees have the marrow.
To protect our rights 'Gainst your flints and triggers, See on Brooklyn Heights Our patriotic diggers ; Men of every age, Color, rank, profession,
Here the mason builds Freedom's shrine of glory, While the painter gilds The immortal story. Blacksmiths catch the flame, Grocers feel the spirit,
Ardently engage Labor in succession. Pickaxe, shovel, spade, Crowbar, hoe, and barrow, Better not invade, Yankees have the marrow.
Printers share the fame, And record their merit. Pickaxe, shovel, spade, Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade, Yankees have the marrow
1 [Copy of Advertisement in Long Island Star.] BROOKLYN HEIGHTS .- Just pub- lished, price six cents, and for sale at this office, a Song called the PATRIOTIC DIGGERS. Tune, "Great way off at Sea, or Rob and Joan." Copyright secured. Brooklyn, August 23, 1814.
406
HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.
Scholars leave their schools With their patriot teachers ;
Farmers seize their tools, Headed by their preachers.
How they break the soil ! Brewers, butchers, bakers,
Here the doctors toil, There the undertakers. Pickaxe, shovel, spade, Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade, Yankees have the marrow.
Plumbers, founders, dyers, Tinmen, turners, shavers, Sweepers, clerks, and criers, Jewellers, engravers, Clothiers, drapers, players, Cartmen, hatters, tailors,
Guagers, sealers, weighers, Carpenters, and sailors. Pickaxe, shovel, spade, Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade, Yankees have the marrow.
Bright Apollo's sons Leave their pipe and tabor, 'Mid the roar of guns Join the martial labor ; Round the embattled plain In sweet concord rally,
And in freedom's strain Sing the foe's finale ! Pickaxe, shovel, spade, Crowbar, hoe, and barrow, Better not invade, Yankees have the marrow.
Better not invade ; Recollect the spirit
Which our dads displayed, And their sons inherit ;
If you still advance, Friendly caution slighting,
You may get, by chance, A bellyful of fighting. Pickaxe, shovel, spade, Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade, Yankees have the marrow.
Wednesday, August 24th. The free people of color of Kings County, labored faithfully in the common work of defence. The Committee of Defence for the Town of Brooklyn, publish a card acknowledging the patriotic services of the inhabitants of Kings County, and stating that "the promptitude with which those ser- vices had been rendered, emboldened them to ask of their fellow- citizens a second tour of duty," which they had ascertained was neces- sary on Fort Swift. This request was accompanied by a programme of the corporations, bodies, and associations assigned to each day, etc., as follows :
Thursday, August 25th. The military companies commanded by Captains Skillman, Dean, Schenck, and Brouwer.
Friday, August 26th. The military companies of Captains Stry- ker, Cowenhoven, and Herbert; Fire Company No. 3, of Brooklyn, and the Exempts of Bedford and the Wallabout.
Saturday, August 27th. The people of Bushwick.
Monday, August 29th. The people of Flatbush. This day was also signalized by the arrival at Fort Greene of the finely equipped
407
HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.
and elegantly uniformed Albany Riflemen, Trojan Greens, and Mont- gomery Rangers.
Tuesday, August 30th. The people of Flatlands and Gravesend united in laboring on the works.
The papers state that "the labor on the forts is continued with unremitting assiduity. The new fort on the right of the line of de- fence is called Fort Lawrence. This evening a large party were at work by moonlight !" A card from the General Committee of De- fence, signed by Nicholas Fish, Chairman, states that contributions, especially vegetables, will be received by Major Ingraham, Brigade Quartermaster at Brooklyn,-requests further labor on the works both at Harlem and Brooklyn, and acknowledges the receipt of one hundred and twenty loads of fascines (averaging twenty-five bundles to a load) from the town of Jamaica, brought to Fort Greene by citizens of that place, headed by the Rev. Mr. Schoonmaker. Mr. Egenbrodt, the Principal of the Academy at Jamaica, with his pupils, aided in cutting these fascines.
Wednesday, August 31st. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, to the number of seven hundred and fifty, headed by its Grand Master, De Witt Clinton, repaired to the Heights, where they broke ground in a field south of Flatbush Road, and constructed a fort, called " Fort Masonic." The parole of the day was, "The Grand Master expects every Mason to do his duty."
Fort Greene was enlivened by the presence of a company of ladies, who came over from New York and formed in procession at the Fer- ry, whence they proceeded, with music-their numbers increasing, as they went, to between two and three hundred-to Fort Greene, where they performed a few hours' labor. The Tammany and Colum- bian Orders, to the number of 1,150, also turned out for duty.
Thursday, September 1st. The Mechanics Society of Kings County, Fire Companies Nos 1 and 2, the residue of Brooklyn Ex- empts, and Fortitude Lodge of Masons, with other members of the Fraternity, performed this day's labor.
Saturday, September 3d. The Columbian of this date, says, "Near- ly eight hundred (probably increased since much beyond the num- ber) citizens of Newark, transported in a line of wagons nearly cov- ering the causeway on the road, reached Paulus Hook [Jersey City]
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.
Ferry, crossed the North River, and passed through this city to Brooklyn Ferry, before one o'clock this morning. They had several bands of wind and military music, with flags, and a label on each hat, 'Don't give up the soil,' and proceeded to work on the fortifi- cations at Brooklyn with an alacrity truly admirable and commend- able. Such an instance of patriotic enthusiasm in the inhabitants of a neighboring State, from a distance of seven miles, cannot be too highly appreciated or recorded in terms too honorable to the zeal and disinterestedness of our fellow-citizens of New Jersey. Newark will forever live in the grateful remembrance of the people of New York."
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