USA > New York > New York County > Governor's Island; its military history under three flags, 1637-1913 > Part 4
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A more detailed account of this action is found in a con- temporary note by a Royalist : "In the evening of the 27th of August the army (British) encamped in front of the enemy's works. On the 28th at night they broke ground 600 yards from a redoubt upon their left and on the 29th at night the Rebels evacuated their intrenchments and Red Hook (Brook-
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HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
lyn opposite Governor's Island) with the utmost silence and quitted Governor's Island the following evening, leaving their cannon and a quantity of stores in the works.
At daybreak on the 30th their flight was discovered. The piquets of the line took possession and those most advanced reached the shore opposite New York as their rear guard was going over and fired some shot among them.
Admiral Howe at this time sent up four ships which an- chored about two miles below the Island and kept up a most tremendous fire against the rebel fortifications there."
Cannon balls are frequently dug up on the Island, as in making the foundations for the new Chapel in 1905, in laying the water mains across the parade and in digging trenches for telephone cables. In fact, digging of any considerable amount always discloses old cannon balls which are be- lieved to be, or some of them at least, from this bombardment.
The British forces under General Howe and Admiral Howe seized Governor's Island shortly after this and occupied it until the evacuation of New York in 1783.
The Battle of Long Island occurred on August 27th. Wash- ington called a Council of War on September 12th, which de- cided to evacuate the City. On September 15th the British occupied the City. "Once more," says Jenkins in "The Great- est Street in the World," "the banner of Great Britain flew over the ramparts of the Fort, while the parade was trodden by men in the red coats of the English, the kilts of the Highlanders and the green coats of General Gage's men. **
* They all departed forever on November 25th, 1783, when the American Army of occupation resumed possession of the City and Fort and flung its starry banner to the breeze." Botta, writing of the action of the retreat after the Battle of Long Island, says : "Whoever will attend to all the details of this retreat will easily believe that no military operation was ever conducted with more ability or prudence." He might have added that arms, ammunition and stores were never taken away from their victorious captors by the defeated with more skill and impudence.
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ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD
The American forces at this time were not able to hold New York, as the following letter from the highest authority indi- cates :
8th September, 1776.
That the enemy mean to winter in New York, there can be no doubt; that they can drive us out is equally clear. Nothing seems to remain but to determine the time of their taking possession. G. WASHIINGTON.
Whereupon Congress resolved that the President should inform General Washington it was by no means the sense of Congress in their resolves of the 3rd instant respecting New York that the Army or any part of it should remain in that City a moment longer than he should consider proper.
Governor's Island remained in the possession of the British troops, who fortified it heavily, from 1776 until the restoration of peace in 1783.
The following extracts from "Revolutionary Papers" (New York Historical Society) throw light upon the activities of the British during their occupation of Governor's Island.
In 1779, Gen'1. Patterson, the English Commandant, wrote to the Lord Townshend that "he is repairing the ruined forti- fications and batteries erected by the Rebels on Governor's Island. We secured by public appeal the services of 500 citi- zens, a great many of them merchants and shopkeepers, who with great cheerfulness labored at the fortifications and would accept no pay. Those who required pay received ten shillings and rations per day."
We have little information regarding the period of occupa- tion by the British. The following letters and orders are of interest and value in throwing light upon this era of the Island's history :
To ADMIRAL ARBUTHNOT :
Major General Pattison presents his Compliments to Admiral Arbuthnot and is justly sensible of his kind dis- position to contribute to the Comfort of the Army and the Sick of the Troops will be removed to Governor's Island to-morrow.
New York, Sept. 1, 1779.
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HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
An order of Sept. 29, 1779, directs that by orders of Major General Pattison a "daily allowance of provisions, Rum and Spruce Beer be issued to 300 laborers employed on the King's works on Governor's Island and that tents, blankets, camp kettles, fuel and boats be ready at 6 o'clock in the morning at White Hall."
To MAJOR ANDRÉ NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 1779.
SIR :
I am directed by Major Gen'1. Pattison to acquaint you that * * he has deferred giving orders for removing Lieut. Col. Buskirk's Battalion to Governor's Island till His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief's Pleasure shall be known. * * * As there are 150 of Lowes- berg's Regiment returning from sea, * * the greater part of Buskirk's Battalion might be sent to Governor's Island.
Gen'l. Pattison therefore requests that you will take His Excellency's Commands. I am, etc.
Major André
STEP. P. AYDE, A. D. C.
To CAPTAIN MERCER, NEW YORK, December 2, 1779.
SIR :-
I am directed by Major Gen'l Pattison to signify to you that it is indispensably necessary that Guard should be on Governor's Island for the protection of the Bastions, etc., the Guns being at present exposed to be spiked every night. He desires that a Guard Room sufficient to contain 20 men may be erected there and that you will inform him when it is ready.
Capt. Mercer Com'dg. Eng'r.
I have, etc. S. P. A. (STEP. P. AYDE)
As a state of alarm among the British is disclosed in the foregoing order of 1779, so the dawn of peace is suggested in the following report from General Heath :
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ENGLISHI COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD
HEADQUARTERS CONTINENTAL VILLAGE, Sept. 23rd, 1781.
To GOVERNOR CLINTON,
SIR :-
I am honoured by yours of the 22d. * * *
An account from Long Island says a 74 gun ship was taken and that three were dismasted. The greatest part of the troops with Governor Clinton are embarked.
All the heavy cannon both of the Grand Battery and of Governor's Island have been taken on board the ships.
W. HEATH, Major General.
There are few records known to exist during the intervening years relative to Governor's Island. The war ceased in 1783 and from the Clinton MSS. the following orders are taken :
Amphion, off New York, 25th November 1783. مـ
GOVERNOR CLINTON. SIR :-
I have given orders that all the Buildings now re- maining upon Governor's Island shall be left untouched, whenever I am able to leave. I am, sir, your most Obed't humble servt. (Admiral) ROB'T. DIGBY
GOVERNOR'S ISLAND, Dec. 3rd. 1783. 7 A. M.
SIR :-
Having received orders from Rear Admiral Digby to withdraw the Guard together with the whole Naval Hos- pital from this Island I acquaint you Excellency that at the hour of eleven A. M. this day the Guard together with the Naval Hospital will be withdrawn from the Island.
I am also desired to inform your Excellency that the only property disposed of belonging to Government on Governor's Island are the hulls of two Brigantines hauled up on each side of the wharf.
I shall do myself the honour to inclose for your Excel-
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HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
lency's better information a list of the different buildings regularly numbered with the keys to the person you shall think it fit to take charge of them from Lieutenant Gra- ham.
I have the honour to be your Excellency's most obed't and most humble serv't
JAMES DUNCAN, Capt. in the Navy etc.
To His Excellency GOVERNOR CLINTON etc. etc. State of New York.
The descriptive list includes among other buildings, etc., a Captain's and Lieutenant's Barracks and Kitchens, a guard house, a convalescent hospital, a barn, a gardener's house, all of which have long since disappeared .*
With the close of the Revolution in 1783 the American com- mand was reestablished on Governor's Island and the British works were occupied. That the young Republic was mindful of its dignity is shown by an order from the President through the Secretary of War dated Nov. 18, 1794, stating that the Secretary of War Knox informs the Officer Commanding upon Governor's Island that the Minister of the French Republic has represented that the French frigate "Semillante" had saluted the flag with fifteen guns and that the fort had not re- plied and that the President of the United States wishes the Commanding Officer immediately to fix a time when he would fire the Federal Salute of Fifteen guns.
On April 19, 1795, Alex. Thompson, Capt. Corps. of Ar- tillerists and Engineers respectfully reports to Governor Clinton that the French man-of-war has left the North River and that at this time the fifteen gun salute was duly delivered from the battery which he commands on the Island.
Another bit of correspondence on the subject of Salutes is interesting to compare with our modern telegraph-telephone- quick-order-fixed-ammunition methods.
* This guard house is probably the one mentioned in Major General Pattison's Orders (p. 50), as that was evidently of hasty construction. The Convalescent Hospital was part of the British Naval Hospital (v. p. 51).
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ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD
GOVERNOR'S ISLAND,
Oct. II, 1794.
To HIS EXCELLENCY.
SIR :
Yesterday morning Admiral Murra sent a Lieutenant to this Island to learn from me as a commanding officer whether it would be proper or whether it had been custom- ary to salute the Flag of the United States at such a dis- tance and what number of guns would be given. In an- swer to his salute, I informed the Lieutenant that the Admiral lay at such a Distance I thought it Improper to Salute, but should it so happen that the Admiral did Come Up within I mile in a S. Direction of this Island accord- ing to Your Excellency's orders, I should Return his Salute. But as to Stipulate for the No. of Guns it was out of my power, But that our Natl. Salute was 13 at present.
Agreeable to your Excellency's Orders sometime ago, I shall attend to Returning the Salute should the Admiral Come Up. Your Excellence will please to understand that Admiral Murra lays at the watering place so called here Staten Island.
I am Yours Excellency's Most Obt. and Humble servt. CORNS. R. SEDAM,* Captain Ist Sub Legion.
On February 28, 1794, the Committee of the House of Con- gress directed to report on such Harbour forts as required to be put in a proper state of defence made a report in relation to Governor's Island stating that the expense of constructing batteries, embrasures and platforms for 24 pieces was $1727.52;
* Spelled also "Suydam" (Heitman). The Legion of the United States was organized March 5, 1792, and comprised Infantry, Dragoons and Artillery. It consisted of four Sub Legions, each commanded by a Lt. Colonel. The Ist Infantry (1784) formed part of the First Sub Legion. Nov. 1, 1796, the Legion was disbanded, the Infantry of the 1st, 2d, 3rd and 4th Sub Legions becoming respectively the 1st, 2d, 3rd and 4th Regiments of Infantry. Two companies of Light Dragoons were also formed from The Legion. The uniform of the Ist Sub Legion was white binding upon their caps, with white plumes and black hair.
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HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
a redoubt for embrasures, $810; a magazine, $200; a block house or barracks, $500.
On March 26, 1794, Congress appropriated for fortifications on Governor's Island $150,000.
This expenditure was under the direction of George Clinton, Mathew Clarkson, James Watson, Rich'd Varick, Nicholas Fish, Ebenezer Stevens and A. Hammond.
A further sum of $100,000 was appropriated on April 6, 1795, to complete the works on Governor's and Ellis' Islands.
In 1797 $30,117 were appropriated for the Fort now known as Fort Jay. Such was the fear of French invasion that the Professors and Students of Columbia College came to the Island and worked with shovels and barrows to complete the work. The Garrison at this time consisted of one Major, one Captain, one Surgeon, two Ist Lieutenants, one cadet, three Sergeants, one corporal, four musicians, five artificers and 34 privates.
It was not alone at this period that Columbia College showed its practical patriotism. Again, in the war of 1812, the students assembled on Sept. 8, 1814, and worked at the fort in Harlem, going to that then distant part of the City by steamboat.
In 1799 $30,116 were appropriated for the work; in 1800 $20,124; in 1801 $10,338.
The Secretary of War had reported to Congress in 1794 that one bastion commanding two low batteries had been under- taken but that the works, being only sodded, would not last long. Later, in 1796, January 18, he reported that Gover- nor's Island had been fortified with an earthen fort of two bastions partly lined with brick masonry, two air furnaces, a large powder magazine and barracks.
From 1794-1797 Quarantine was located here.
The building of Castle Williams, and especially of Fort Jay, which was forty years in construction (1794-1833) and had many periods, is difficult to describe smoothly in connection with other events and the reader's indulgence is asked for such lack of sequence or repetition as he may observe.
In 1801 Fort Jay had a "handsome gateway with a corps de
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GOVERNOR
JSLAND
THE JAY PLAN OF FORTIFICATIONS. ORIGINAL IN POSSESSION M. S. INSTITUTION. 1795-1801.
ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD
garde drawbridge." In connection with this gateway there is a pretty legend which, though persistent, cannot be verified as to time or person. The story is that a prisoner who was a stone- cutter by trade was detailed to make the fine carving which adorns the gateway. During the progress of the work one day the commanding officer's little daughter stood under the gateway with the stonecutter who was inspecting his work from below. Just then a heavy block of stone or a stone cannon ball fell and would have killed the child, but the prisoner, too late to pull her aside, interposed his own body and saved her life with serious injury to himself. His re- ward for the gallant act was pardon. If the story cannot be proved, neither can it be disproved, and it has been told long enough to entitle it to a respectful hearing and a willing accept- ance.
In the centre of the Fort Jay of 1801 was a square block- house of timber two stories high, but probably not cannon- proof, with a well under it. This is probably the block house for which Congress appropriated $500 in 1794. As for the well, as late as 1905 the remains of the superstructure of the pump remained in situ, requiring everyone who crossed the quadrangle to make a détour. It has lately been removed, but its situation in the crosswalks is plainly indicated. No further improvements were made till 1806, when Fort Jay was de- molished, except the walled counterscarp, the gate, sally port, magazine and two barracks. All the rest of the works was removed to allow of more durable material to be used in con- struction.
On the site of old Fort Jay was erected a new Fort with the name changed to Fort Columbus, which name was retained until 1904 when by orders of the War Department it was re-named Fort Jay. The new fortification consisted of an en- closed pentagonal work with four bastions of masonry to hold 100 guns. On three of its sides it was built the same as Fort Jay the elder with the addition of 14 feet on each side ; and on the north wall of a ravelin with two retired casemated flanks. Guns to command the (dry) moat were located here. Their
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IIISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
casemates are now bricked up. The minutes of the Military and Philosophical Society of West Point (1808) state that two detached batteries were built about this period, one mounting four 18 pdrs. and one 8 in. French mortar, with platforms for four others; and the other, ten pieces, 18 and 24 pdrs. The parapet had 52 embrasures and it would take 1,000 men to man the parapet. This work was completed in 1809.
Castle Williams was begun in 1807 and completed in 181I, as the crumbling dates in the stone over the gateway set forth. It was designed and built by Lieut .- Colonel Jonathan Williams, Engineer Corps. The material of the castle is Newark red sandstone. It rests on a bed of rock at the extreme north- westernly point of the Island. In form it is 3/5 of a circle, 200 feet in diameter. The walls are 40 feet in height, case- mated with bomb-proof arches for 2 tiers of guns. Guns were also mounted upon the top, to which access was had by two in- terior stone turret staircases. The walls are 8 feet thick on the lower tier and seven feet on the upper tier. It had on each side of the gate on the inside a stone building. One of these was used for a powder magazine and one for solitary con- finement at some period. There is a walk for sentry duty in the thickness of the wall over the main gate and a picturesque stone sentry box at the angle.
The stone buildings referred to here have been taken down (1912-13) and the material is being used for the building of a two-story structure on the same site. The lower story contains a guard house and the upper story rooms for court martial and other purposes. It is an admirable re-arrangement, giv- ing at once much needed facilities for garrison administration and increasing the military appearance of the interior court of the Castle.
For many years Castle Williams has been used as a military prison. During the Civil War it is said 1500 prisoners were confined in the Castle at one time. All the tiers were used for the prisoners and a large cooking house was erected in the middle of the court. A stockade was built in front of the gate and strongly guarded. The reveillé gun and saluting battery
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ENGLISH COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD
are mounted on the top of the castle and a fog bell and siren are a part of its equipment.
A passageway connected the Castle with the main fort in the middle of the Island. Its remains are clearly visible to-day. What is left of the way extends from the Fort to the Post Hospital. The rest of it was destroyed evidently to make way for modern constructions on the northern edge of the Island. A large tree has grown up in this passage.
The question as to the name of the Castle frequently arising, it may be of interest to quote the order on the subject:
IST INDORSEMENT. IIII709
WAR DEPARTMENT,
THE MILITARY SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, March 20, 1906.
In a letter dated New York, November 27, 1810, adx dressed to the Secretary of War, Colonel Jonathan Wil- liams of the Corps of Engineers says: "I take the earliest opportunity of expressing my gratitude for the high honour conferred upon me by adding my name to the Castle I erected on the west point of Governor's Island in this harbor."
Accompanying the letter referred to above is a copy of an order dated Fort Columbus, 24 November, 1810, issued by Colonel Henry Burbeck, commanding Harbor New York, which directs that "In future the stone tower on this Island (by the approbation of the Secretary of War) will bear the name of Castle Williams, in honor of the commandant of the United States Corps of Engineers who designed and erected it."
E. F. LADD, Military Secretary.
The earliest designation of the Castle seems to have been "The Tower," as in the order above quoted and also in the following, issued a year later :
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HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
Orders:
FORT COLUMBUS 7th Decr, 1811.
* *
*
* * *
The practice of landing and leaving boats at the Tower is improper. In addition to violation of orders, it gives a facility to desertion : boats therefore of any description are prohibited landing at or near Castle Williams.
*
By order of COL. BURBECK. C. VAN DEVENTER, Lieut. and Acting Adjutant.
The S. W. Battery, built at the lower end of Manhattan by Colonel Jonathan Williams, was called Castle Clinton after May, 1812, and in 1823 its name was changed to Castle Garden. The North Battery was thrown up at the foot of Hubert Street, and Fort Gansevort at the foot of Gansevort Street, while on the Staten Island shore were Forts Rich- mond, Tompkins and Hudson. Opposite was Fort Diamond (now Fort Lafayette). These four forts mounted about 500 guns.
Other early military defences near Governor's Island were Half Moon batteries at Coenties Slip and at the water gate of Wall Street, now occupied by the Q. M. Dept. pier.
There were also defences in those days along Wall Street and a curtain at the land gate, where Trinity Church was built in 1697. These fortifications were mounted with the miniature guns of the period, known as demi-culverins, sakers and minions.
NEW YORK IN 1816 FROM N. W. BASTION, FORT JAY.
CHAPTER III.
PERIOD OF THE WAR OF 1812.
The "Second War of American Independence" found us with an army of 10,000 men, maximum limit, composed of 46 regiments of infantry, 4 rifle regiments, an artillery corps, a regiment of light artillery and of dragoons and an engineer department. It is interesting to notice that the Infantry regi- ments were to be recruited each from the State or district assigned. The districts were numbered, however, not named. The farthest west were the "territories of Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Missouri." The district in which Governor's Island was situated was designated as "New York from the sea to the Highlands of New Jersey except that part of the state which furnishes the Ist division of Militia."
From an old Garrison Order book of 1810-II are taken the few extracts following, some of which may be considered ap- propriate to a chapter on the War of 1812 as disclosing pre- parations for the War. Others are interesting as reminding us of the fact that human nature and Garrison conditions pre- sent the same difficulties in one century as in another. Colonel Burbeck, who assumed command of all the troops in New York Harbour in 1810, shows an earnest desire in his orders to preserve order and to promote discipline in every way.
This book of orders is almost pathetic in its simplicity. It consists of a number of sheets of paper, yellow-brown with age, tied together with red tape of the pattern used today, though faded to a lighter shade. The penmanship is uniformly excellent and abounds in the graceful flourishes characteristic of the period.
They are all signed Justus, Post Adjt, except one signed by Lt Van De Venter, Actg Adjt and one of 1812 by Amos Stod- dard, Majr Comdg. .
Colonel Burbeck had served in General Knox's Regiment, Continental Artillery and other Regiments from 1775 to 1789,
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IIISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
and in the Artillery and Engineers to 1798. Lieut. Chris- topher Van De Venter entered the U. S. Military Academy from New York in 1808, and Major Stoddard, Major Ist Ar- tillery March, 1812, died in 1813 of wounds received at the siege of Fort Meigs, Ohio.
We learn from the pages of this book that Colonel Burbeck assumed command of all the troops in the Harbour of New York on the 17th August, 1810, and issued, among other orders from Fort Columbus, several showing the activity of fortification construction work. In the first Garrison order issued, 26th August, 1910, occurs the following : *
"All's Well" will be called out every quarter of an hour from Tattoo till day light, beginning at No. I at guard house. All the other sentinels will observe to answer the call in rota- tion, * * * in doing which they will observe to turn their faces towards the guard house that they may be the more distinctly heard by the Sergt. or Corporal of the guard who will pay particular attention that it be repeated all round."
This order, dated Fort Columbus, is signed "Justus Post Adjt."
Another order of the same month forbids all officers, non- commissioned officers, soldiers, citizens and all other persons of every description from getting upon the parapet, and also directs the Adjutant to sign the returns for the extra Liquor served the fatigue men employed upon the public works. On Sept. 3d it was ordered that only those prisoners confined in the guard house who had been sentenced to hard labour would be indulged in the privilege of their ration of liquor, but that rations retained would be left in store and the amount thereof appropriated to furnish articles of nourishment for the sick of the Garrison. An order of 1811 forbids the landing of rum, brandy, gin, spirits, cordial or ardent spirits of any kind except for the use of the officers of the Garrison and the ration liquor furnished by the Contractor. Another states that "as the smoaking of pipes or segars in the open air is both danger- ous and indecorous," it is strictly forbidden (except in quar- ters) at any post in the Harbour.
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PERIOD OF THE WAR OF 1812
Still another one, regretting that "some of the soldiers of this Garrison had so far abandoned the strict principles of honour as to bear the stigma of a black eye or a bruised face," states that those thus disqualified will not be permitted to ap- pear on parade or to mount their guard, but will be obliged to make up all omitted tours of guard upon the cessation of such disqualification. The commanding officers of Garrisons and Companies are ordered (August 5, 1811) never to suffer more than two men to be absent in one day on pass or furlough.
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