USA > New York > A history of the state of New York, from the first discovery of the country to the present time: with a geographical account of the country, and a view of its original inhabitants > Part 15
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 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
"To avoid the government of New York, a plan was con trived, about this time, by some of the inhabitants and Philip
----
191
· FROM 1760 TO 1775.
Skeen, to have the New Hampshire Grants formed into a royal government, as a new province. Skeen was a colonel in one of the king's regiments, and had large possessions on lake Champlain. To effect his designs, he went to the court of Great Britain, and seems to have met with some success. On March 16th, 1775, he wrote to one of the agents, that he was appointed to the government of Crown Point and Ticondero- ga; and should soon call upon all the Hampshire inhabitants for an address, to show their loyalty to the king; and he had no doubt but they would show themselves to be as loyal sub- jects as he had represented them."*
SEC. XII. 1775. The coercive measures of the British government were not relinquished. Early in the present year, bills were passed for restraining the trade of New England, and of the middle and southern colonies, with the ex- ception of New York, Delaware and North Carolina.
The manifest object of the ministry, in mak- ing this discrimination, was to promote disunion among the colonies. The plan, however, proved unsuccessful. The exempted colonies spurned the proffered favor, and submitted to the re- straints imposed on their neighbors.
At the time the restraining acts were framing, the assembly of New York were preparing a petition for a redress of grier- ances. On the receipt of this petition, the British parliament were not a little disappointed to find the very "loyal assembly of New York" stating, " that an exemption from internal tax- ation, and the exclusive right of providing for their own civil government, and the administration of justice in the colony, were estecmed, by them, as their undoubted and unalienable rights."
SEC. XIII. The controversy relative to the
· Williams.
192
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
New Hampshire Grants continued to rage with unabated violence. In the spring of the present year, an event took place, which served still fur- ther to exasperate both parties.
In consequence of the differences existing with the British government, the courts of justice held under the royal author- ity, in the adjacent provinces, were either shut up, or adjourned without transacting any business. At the time appointed for the session of the court at Westminster, in the New Hamp- shire Grants, some of the inhabitants of this and the adjacent towns took possession of the court-house at an early hour, to prevent the officers of the court from entering.
The judges, on being refused admittance at the customary hour of opening the court, retired to their quarters. About 11 o'clock at night, the sheriff and other officers, attended by an armed force, repaired to the court-house; when, being again refused admittance, some of the party fired into the house, killed one man, and wounded several.
The people were highly inflamed by this rash proceeding, and, on the following day, assembled in large numbers. A coroner attended, and a jury of inquest brought in a verdict, that the man was murdered by the court party. Some of the officers were seized, and carried to the jail at Northampton, in Massachusetts, but were released from confinement on ap- plication to the chief justice of New York.
Committees of a large body of the people soon after met at Westminster, and, amongst other measures, passed the fol- lowing resolve :- " That it is the duty of the inhabitants wholly to renounce and resist the administration of the gov- ernment of New York, until such time as their lives and property can be secured by it ; or until they can have oppor- tunity to lay their grievances before the king, with a petition · to be annexed to some other government, or erected into a new one, as may appear best for the inhabitants."
SEC. XIV. Matters now appeared about to form a most sanguinary crisis. Both parties were in the highest state of resentment and ex-
193
- FROM 1760 TO 1775.
asperation, when an event, the most tremendous in, its consequences, arrested the attention of all, and gave a new channel to the torrent of popu- lar fury.
The breaking out of the American war at Lexington, by presenting new scenes and great- er objects, seems to have prevented either party from proceeding to open hostilities, and turned their attention from their particular contest to the general cause of America. Local and pro- vincial contests were at once swallowed up by the novelty, the grandeur and the importance of the contest, which then opened between Britain and America.
" War, which the people of the colonies supposed would have ceased, and never had any further origin or progress among them, had broke out in a new form, and with a most awful appearance. In their former calamities, war had al- ways borne the appearance of a contest between the crowns of England and France, and was consistent with the ac- knowledged duties of allegiance, civil and moral law. Now it was clothed in all the political horrors that could be put upon slaughter and destruction. On the part of Great Britain, the Americans said it was a long-concerted plan of systematic oppression and tyranny, in a British king and parliament. On the part of the Americans, the British minister and king declar- ed it was a most insolent scheme of unprovoked treason and rebellion, which must be crushed and punished.
"In this state of irritation and mutual accusation, the sword was drawn, and, from all maxims and measures of mon- archy, the Americans knew it was necessary for them to throw away the scabbard. Their business now was not to contend about boundaries, titles, grants, or the decisions of the British courts or parliaments, but to prepare for a contest, the event of which would determine not barely an abstract question about sovereignty, but every thing that concerned their rights,
17
194
HISTORY OF NEW YORK ..
properties and lives; and this contest, new and unexpected, of a duration and issue totally unknown and incalculable, was to be carried on by a people divided into several provinces, disunited in their interests, manners, forms of religion and government, without a ship, without a magazine, and without a regiment, against one of the most wealthy, powerful and warlike nations of Europe-a nation whom the Americans loved and revered, with whom they had been connected by the ties of blood, religion, affection, language, commerce, interest, and all the considerations which ever can bind one nation to another. Every other object seemed to disappear, and the new and fearful scene of war with Britain became the object , of universal attention and exertion. Cool calculations on the most probable issue and effect would have carried the feelings of death into the hearts and proceedings of the Americans ; but necessity and the genius of liberty urged and drove them on."*
* Williams.
195
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
CHAP. XI.
COMMENCEMENT OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
Origin of the Controversy with Great Britain re- capitulated. State of Affairs in the Colony. Convention appoint Delegates to the Provincial Congress. War breaks out at Lexington. 'Dis- turbances in New York. Capture of Ticonde- roga and Crown Point. Governor Tryon ar- rives. Expedition against Canada. Surrender of Chambly, St. John's and Montreal. Mont- gomery appears before Quebec. His Death, Inhabitants of Tryon County disarmed. Pro- vincial Troops enter New York. Americans evacuate Canada. Declaration of Independence.
SEC. I. The dissensions between the colomes and their mother country commenced soon after the peace of 1763, and originated in the right claimed by the king and parliament to tax the colonies, and to make laws binding them in all cases. The colonies contended that taxation and representation were inseparable; and that, as they had no representation in the British par- liament, such right could not exist.
Previous to the peace of 1763, the colonies had been per- mitted to tax themselves without the interference of parliament. The first act, for the avowed purpose of raising a revenue from the colonies, was passed by the British parliament in. 1764, laying a duty on sundry articles of American consumption.
196
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
Of this act the colonies highly disapproved, because it recog- nised a right to tax them without their consent. In pursuance of the same policy, the celebrated stamp'act was passed the following year, and excited general indignation throughout the colonies.
SEC. II. The controversy, thus introduced, had been continued for 10 years, increasing in animosity, and had gathered strength and ma- turity from various circumstances of aggression and violence. The state of affairs during this period presents a series of coercive and oppres- sive measures on the one hand, and of uniform and unshaken resistance on the other.
The Americans had no desire for a separation from Eng- land, and neither party appears to have anticipated a civil war. Both parties were resolutely determined not to abandon the ground they had assumed, and were indulging the hope, that they should ultimately find means to bring their opponents to submission. Matters were, however, obviously tending towards that point, at which all hope of reconciliation must be banish- ed for ever.
SEC. III. 1775. The second continental congress was to be assembled, the present year, at Philadelphia, in May. The subject of sending delegates to this congress was much agitated in the colony of New York, and a large number of the citizens were in favor of the measure. On the refusal of the constitutional assembly to ap- point them, a provincial convention was called by the people for this purpose. The convention assembled at the city of New York on the 22d of April, and procceded to make the appointments.
This convention was composed of deputies from New York, Albany, Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, West-Chester, King's and
1
197
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
Suffolk counties. They appointed Philip Livingston, George Clinton, James Duane, John Alsop, Simon Boerum, William Floyd, John Jay, Henry Wisner, Philip Schuyler, Lewis Morris, Francis Lewis and Robert R. Livingston, jr. delegates to the continental congress, who, or any five of them, were intrusted with full power to concert with the delegates from the other colonies, and determine upon such measures as should be judged most effectual for the preservation and re- establishment of American rights and privileges, and for the restoration of harmony between Great Britain and the colonies.
An event, which occurred on the 5th of March, will convey a tolerable idea of the state of feeling at that time in the city of New York. "The whigs, whose hearts were set upon having delegates for the new continental congress, upon the assembly's declining to appoint them, contrived to collect their fellow citizens together in order to obtain their opinion.
" When assembled in a body, there was a confused cry of 'Congress or no congress ?' After much altercation, the tories had recourse to compulsive reasoning, and began to deal about their blows. The whigs were in the worst situa- tion, not being provided with similar arguments, till two of their number repaired to an adjacent cooper's yard, from whence they drew forth to their friends a number of hoop- sticks, which they reduced to a proper length, and forwarded to the combatants. The whigs soon carried the day, by club- law, and beat their opponents off the ground."*
SEC. IV. The massacre of the provincial militia by the British troops, at Lexington, in Massachusetts, on the 19th of April, opened the scene, and introduced the war of the revolution. The intelligence of this event excited a general burst of indignation throughout the continent.
A large quantity of military stores had been deposited by the provincials at Concord. General Gage, the king's govern-
. Gordon .- The terms whig and tory were applied to those in favor of and opposed to the continental congress, and were afterwards used as synonymous with republican and royalist.
17 *
1
198
. HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
or of Massachusetts, sent a detachment from Boston, consist- ing of 800 men, under lieutenant-colonel Smith and major Pitcairn, to destroy them. On their arrival at Lexington, 70 of the militia had assembled, and were under arms on parade. These were, without provocation, fired upon by the British, and eight were killed, and several wounded. The detach- ment then advanced to Concord, and destroyed the stores. " After killing several of the militia, who came out to oppose them, they retreated to Lexington. During the retreat, they were inuch harassed by the provincials, who fired upon them from behind walls, hedges and buildings. At Lexington, they were reinforced, by lord Percy, with 900 men, some marines, and two field-pieces. Still annoyed by the provincials, they continued their retreat to Bunker's hill, in Charlestown, and, on the following day, passed over to Boston. The loss of the British, in this enterprise, was 273 ; that of the Americans amounted to 88 killed, wounded and missing.
The people of New York were, at this crisis, much divided in their opinions with regard to the measures to be pursucd. Many were still disposed to continue the exertions for effecting a reconciliation of the controversy with Great Britain. To most it was, however, obvious, that the period of reconciliation was now past, and that the only safety for the colonies was to be found in vigorous and effectual defence against the arms and attacks of their mother country.
SEC. V. The disturbances in the city of New York, May the 5th, assumed so menacing an aspect, as to require extraordinary means for securing the public tranquillity. A committee of 100 of the citizens was appointed for this pur- posc. This body presented a spirited address to the authorities of the city of London, stating
199
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
1
their determination never to submit to the op- pressive measures of the British government.
In this address, they declared that " The disposal of their own property with perfect spontaneity, and in a manner whol- ly divested of every appearance of constraint, is their indis- pensable birthright; this exalted blessing they are resolutely determined to defend with their blood, and to transfer, uncon- taminated, to their posterity." They professed their readiness to submit cheerfully to a regulation of commerce, by the legislature of the parent country, excluding in its nature every idca of taxation.
They gave assurance, " that America was grown so irritable by oppression, that the least shock in any part was, by the most powerful and sympathetic affection, instantaneously felt through the whole continent; that while the whole continent were ardently wishing for peace on such terms as could be acceded to by Englishmen, they were indefatigable in pre- paring for the last appeal." Near the close they observe- " We speak the real sentiments of the confederated colonies on the continent, from Nova Scotia to Georgia, when we de- clare, that all the horrors of a civil war will never compel America to submit to taxation by authority of parliament."
An association was the next day signed by above 1000 of the principal inhabitants of the city and country. They, in the most solemn manner, declared, that they associated to endeavor carrying into execution whatever measures might be recommended by the continental congress, or be resolved upon by their own provincial convention, for the purpose of preserving their constitution, and opposing the execution of the oppressive acts of the British parliament, until a reconcil- iation between Great Britain and America, on constitutional principles, could be obtained; and they would in all things follow the advice of their general committee, respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of individuals and private property .*
Sr.c. VI. It was deemed of importance, for putting the country in a posture of defence, to
* Gordon.
200
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
secure the fortresses at Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Colonel Ethan Allen, with a party of "Green Mountain Boys,"" on the morning of the 10th of May, took possession of Ticonderoga by surprise. On the same day, Crown Point was surrendered to another party under colonel Warner. A third party surprised Skeensborough, (at present Whitehall,) and secured that impor- tant harbor. The capture of an armed sloop at St. John's, soon after, gave to the Americans the entire command of lake Champlain.
When Allen arrived at Ticonderoga, he demanded the sur- render of the fort. "By what authority do you require it ?" said De la Place, the commander. " I demand it," said Allen, " in the name of the great Jehovah, and the continental con gress !" 'The fort was in no situation for defence, and was immediately surrendered. By these enterprises, above 200 pieces of cannon, and large quantities of ammunition and military stores, fell into the hands of the Americans.
The capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point was soon followed by the battle of Bunker's hill, which was fought, June 17th, on a high eminence in Charlestown, within cannon- shot of Boston. On the evening previous to the engagement, a detachment of 1000 Americans had been ordered to make an intrenchment on Bunker's hill; but, by a mistake, they proceeded to Breed's hill, a short distance from the former, and, during the night, threw up a redoubt eight rods square, and four feet high. On the discovery of this redoubt, in the morning, by the British, they commenced a heavy cannonade upon it, from their ships and floating-batteries, and from a fortification on Copp's hill, in Boston. This was continued till noon without effect, when a detachment of 3000 men, under major-general Howe and brigadier-general Pigot, crossed Charles river with an intention to dislodge the Americans. The British were suffered to approach within twelve rods of
* Troops from the New Hampshire Grants, so called
201
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
the redoubt, when the Americans opened their fire. The con- test was obstinately maintained, until, unfortunately for the Americans, their ammunition failed, and, on the third charge of the British, they were compelled to retire. The number of British engaged in this action was about 3000, and their killed and wounded 1054. The whole number of Americans engaged was 1500, and their killed, wounded and missing, 453. The loss of major-general Warren, who fell just as the retreat commenced, was severely felt. The town of Charles- town, containing about 600 buildings, was wantonly burned by order of general Gage, the British commander.
SEC. - VII. Governor Tryon, who had been some time absent on a visit to Europe, arrived at New York on the 24th of June. He was much esteemed by a large portion of the citizens, and received a complimentary address from the city authorities. His exertions to promote the royal cause soon rendered him extremely unpop- ular. In October, he became alarmed for his personal safety, and retired on board the Halifax packet.
. The few troops that were stationed at New York had been withdrawn some time previous to the arrival of governor Tryon. On the same day on which the address was presented to him, all the king's stores, of various kinds, at Turtle bay, were seized by the provincials, and re- moved.
The city of New York was thrown into great consternation by an event which occurred on the 22d of August. The convention having resolved on the removal of the cannon from the battery, the business was intrusted to captain Sears. Captain Vandeput, of the Asia man-of-war, then lying in the harbor, was privately apprized of the design, and prepared to oppose its execution. Learning when it was to be attempted,
.
202
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
he ordered a boat to watch the motion of the people assembled for that purpose about midnight. The sailors in the boat giving the signal of what was going forward, with a flash of powder, the persons on shore mistook it for an attempt to fire a musket at them, and immediately aimed a volley of shot at the boat, 'by which one man was killed. Captain Vandeput then commenced firing from the Asia with grape-shot, by which several persons were wounded. He soon ceased for a considerable time, supposing that the people had desisted from their purpose ; while they were only changing their mode of operation. Captain Sears provided a deceiving party, intended to draw the Asia's fire from the line of the working party. Ile sent the former behind a breastwork, by which they were Secured on dodging down upon observing the flash of the Asia's guns. When all was in readiness, they huzzaed, and sung out their notes, as though tugging in unison, and fired from the walls; while the working party silently got off 21 eighteen pounders, with carriages. On hearing the noise, and seeing the flash of the musketry, the captain ordered the Asia to fire a whole broadside toward that part of the fort where the deceiving party had secured themselves, without, however, effecting much damage. On the following day, a removal of men, women, children and goods commenced; but matters were soon after so adjusted as to quiet the apprehensions of the citizens.
SEC. VIII. A regular system of military opposition having been resolved upon by the continental congress, George Washington, of Vir- ginia, was appointed commander-in-chief of the American army. Amongst other appointments, Philip Schuyler, of New York, was appointed major-general, and Richard Montgomery brig- adier-general.
While Washington was engaged in organizing the main body of the army in Massachusetts, an important expedition was planned against Can-
203
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
ada, the command of which was assigned to generals Schuyler and Montgomery.
For this expedition, it was proposed to raise 2000 men, two regiments of which were to be raised in New York, and the remainder from the New England colonies. An armament was fitted out at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and, on September the 4th, Montgomery, with the forces that had ar- rived, moved down the lake. He was joined by Schuyler at Isle la Motte, when they both moved on to Isle aux Noix, and took measures to prevent the British vessels entering the lake.
On the 6th of September, the American army, consisting of about 1000 men, advanced towards St. John's; but, finding the fort completely fortified and garrisoned, they resolved to return to Isle aux Noix, and await the arrival of artillery and reinforcements. General Schuyler returned to Albany, to conclude a treaty with the Indians.
SEC. IX. The reinforcements having arrived, Montgomery proceeded to St. John's, on the 17th of September, and began the siege. The fort at Chambly, situated farther down the river So- relle, was soon after invested by majors Brown and Livingston, assisted by the Canadians who had joined the American forces, and compelled to surrender. Having obtained from this capture a large supply of military stores, the siege of St. John's was pressed with great vigor. After an obstinate resistance, this fortress, with about 700 prisoners of war, was surrendered to Mont- gomery, on the 3d of November.
Montreal was, soon after, surrendered without opposition. From this place, Montgomery rap- idly advanced towards Quebec.
During the siege of St. John's, general Carlton, with a force of 800 men, chiefly from Montreal, made an effort to relieve
-
204
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
the place. While they were attempting to cross the St. Law- rence, colonel Warner, who, with a body of 300 men, was watching their movements, commenced a most spirited attack, and compelled them to retire in confusion. Upon the fall of St. John's, Carlton retired to Quebec.
In the mean time, a body of troops from Massachusetts, under the command of colonel Arnold, had been detached by general Washington to cooperate against Quebec. Arnold, with 700 men, arrived at point Levi, November 9th, and, on the 19th, encamped at point au Trembles, to await the arrival of Montgomery.
SEC. X. Montgomery, with the New York troops, effected a junction with Arnold on the Ist of December, and, on the 5th, with their united forces, appeared before Quebec. On the 31st, the Americans made an attempt to carry the city by storm. They were, however, repuls- cd, with the loss of Montgomery, their brave commander, and near half their troops. After this repulse, Arnold, with the remains of the ar- my, retired about three miles from Quebec, where he encamped for the winter.
" Montgomery, having determined to attempt the assault, convoked a council of war, and acquainted them with his project. Without denying that it was of difficult execution, he maintained that it was possible, and that valor and prudence would triumph over all obstacles. All were in favor of his proposition. A few companies of Arnold, dissatisfied with their commander, alone testified their repugnance. But cap- tain Morgan, a man of real merit, addressed them a persuasive discourse, and their opposition ceased. The general had al- ready arranged in his mind the plan of attack, and thought of all the means proper to carry it into execution. He intended it should take place, at the same time, against the upper and lower town. But, understanding a deserter had given notice of it to the governor, he resolved to divide his army into four
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.