USA > New York > Rockland County > History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 10
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 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102
penditures thereof."
"October 12, 1776.
" Resolved, That the Levies of 100 men, ordered to militia of the four counties adjoining that river that the be raised in the northern part of Orange County, for the defense of the fortifications at Peekskill and in West- chester County, be ordered to march immediately, and put themselves under the command of Col. Hay at Hav- erstraw, on the west side of the Hudson's River, in Or- ange County.
"An answer to the Letter from Col. Hay was read and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit:
"October 12th, 1776.
"Sir : I am directed to inform you that yours of the roth instant came to hand. You will see by the resolve of this House, copy of which you have enclosed, that a reinforcement of 100 men from the north part of Or- ange County are to join you as soon as they can be lev- ied. I am also directed to send you by the bearer, Mr. Van Houten, five hundred dollars for the Commissary to buy provisions for the troops, a sum probably less than you may want, but we hope before you have expended this our Treasury will be replenished, or your troops or- dered to be victualled by the Continental Commissary.
" I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
" COL. HAY." " October 29th, 1776.
"Sir: Three of the enemy's ships-of- war having passed our fortifications near Kings Bridge, and proceeded up " A letter from John Coe, Chairman of the Committee Hudson's River within a few miles of the Highlands, and on the south side of the Mountain in Orange County,
.
43
HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.
enclosing deposition of Peter Smith against John Larie, was read and referred to the Committee of Conspir- I wish I could form a party sufficiently strong to make a acies."
CHAPTER VII.
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY (continued).
"General Greene to General Washington.
" King's Ferry, November 5th, 1776.
" Dear Sir: Col. Harrison wrote me you were in great want of flour. 'Tis attended with very great difficulty to bring it up from Fort Lee by land. Wagons cannot be |yesterday.
got to transport a sufficient supply for your army. At Dobb's Ferry there are eight hundred or nine hundred barrels brought from the other side. I have directed Colonel Tupper to load a number of the pettingers and flat bottom boats and send them up to Peekskill. Our troops are so arranged along shore I am in hopes to keep a passage open for this mode of conveyance. If it can be done it will save an amazing expense.
" I found everything in this place in the utmost confu- sion, the wagons and flour detained for want of boats and assistance to transport them over. I shall get Cap- tain Pond hither, as soon as I get back, to take charge of the public stores here, and to transport the things across. Colonel Tupper is to convey the pettingers by the ships, and, if the barges are manned, the boats are to be run on shore, and Major Clark, who commands a par- ty opposite the ships, is to protect them.
" I shall attempt to transport public stores from Bur- dett's Ferry if the enemy make no new disposition. The utmost care shall be taken that nothing falls into the enemy's hand.
" I am informed by Colonel Harrison that your Excel- lency approves of the plan for forming the magazines. I have directed the Commissaries of the department to lay in the provisions as fast as possible, and the Quarter- master General is exerting himself to lay in provender.
" Many of our people have gone into huts. The tents are sent forward as fast as the people get their huts com- plete.
"Should the ferry be wanted through the winter the landing must be altered. I can, by altering the road, shorten the distance two miles; one by land, the other by water. Where it now is it freezes up very soon; where I propose it it is open all winter.
" I am now in the State of New York, and am in- formed by Colonel Hawkes Hay that the militia which he commands refuses to do duty. They say that General Howe has promised them peace, liberty, and safety; and that is all they want. What is to be done with thein? This spirit and temper should be checked in its infancy. I purpose to send the Colonel about fifty men, and have directed the Colonel to acquaint them if they refuse to do duty agreeable to the orders of the State, that I will send a regiment up here, and march them to Fort Lee to do duty there. I beg your Excellency's further advice.
"I am informed the Virginia regiments are coming on. little diversion in the rear of the enemy, by way of King's Bridge. The Hessians have relaid the bridges, and been across; but yesterday morning, I believe, they all went back again. What does your Excellency think of such a maneuvre? Is it practicable? Has it the ap- pearance of being successful if attempted and well con- ducted? We have a flying report that General Gates has defeated Burgoyne. We also hear that a party of Hessians had deserted over to us. I wish to know the truth of both reports.
" All things were quiet at Fort Lee and York Island
" The people seem to be much alarmed, at Philadel- phia, from the success of the enemy. The country is greatly alarmed at having their grain and hay burnt, yet I believe it will answer a most valuable purpose. I wish it had been earlier agreed upon.
" I am informed Hugh Gaine, the printer, is gone into New York. I have ordered all the boat's stores from Burdett's Ferry to Hobuck, and from Powley's Hook to Bergen Point, to stop the communication. There is a vile generation here as well as with you. The Committee from Philadelphia, for inquiring into the state of the army, complains that inlisting orders are not given out. Please let me know your reason. I am, with great re- spect, your Excellency's obedient servant,
" N. GREENE. " To His Excellency, General Washington, "Headquarters."
" Extract of a Letter from Gen. Greene to Gen. Wash- ington.
" Fort Lee, November 7th, 1776.
"Dear Sir: By an express from Major Clark, sta- tioned at Dobb's Ferry, I find the enemy are encamped right opposite, to the number of between 3,000 and 5,000, and, the Major adds, from their disposition and search after boats they design to cross the river. The same evening Colonel Tupper attempted passing the ships with the pettingers loaded with flour. The enemy manned several barges, two tenders, and a row galley, and attacked them. Our people run the pettingers ashore, and landed and defended them. The enemy at- tempted to land several times, but were repulsed. The fire lasted about an hour and a half, and the enemy mov- ed off. Colonel Tupper still thinks he can transport the provisions in flat-boats. A second attempt shall be speed- ily made. We lost one man mortally wounded.
"I am, with great respect, your Excellency's obedient servant,
" NATHANIEL. GREENE.
"To his Excellency, General Washington, at White Plains."
" General Washington to General Greene. " White Plains, November 7th, 1776.
" Dear Sir: The enemy, after having encamped in full view of us and reconnoitering our situation tor several days, thought proper, on Tuesday morning, to decamp.
44
GENERAL HISTORY.
They have bent their course to Dobb's Ferry, inclining towards King's Bridge. What their real designs are, we, as yet, are strangers to; but conjecturing that too little is yet done by General Howe to go into winter quarter, we conceive that Fort Washington will be an object for part of his force, whilst New Jersey may claim the at.
* * * * * ** tention of the other party. *
"Extract of a Letter from Gen. McDougall to Col. De |may be had by applying to Mr. R. H. Van Rensselaer, Witt.
" White Plains, November 7th, 1776. The enemy have moved to the north- ward and westward towards Dobb's Ferry, but we have not been able to gather with certainty their design. They have destroyed all furniture before them, and drove off the cattle within their reach."
"November 8th, 1776.
The enemy's left wing is at Dobb's Ferry, their right about three miles nearer New York, entre nous; I think the enemy must try to strike some impor- tant stroke, which will make a noise, before they go into winter quarters. From their lying along the river I sus- pect they intend either to enter New Jersey or make a push up the North River. In either case we are ready for them. * * * "
"Extract of a letter from General Greene to General Washington.
" Fort Lee, November 9th, 1776.
" Dear Sir: Your Excellency's letter of the 8th this moment came to hand. I shall forward the letter to Gen. Stevens by express. The stores at Dobb's Ferry, I had just given orders to the Quartermaster to prepare wagons to remove them. I think the enemy will meet with some difficulty in crossing the river at Dobb's Ferry; however, 'tis not safe to trust too much to the expected difficulties they may meet there."
" Provincial Congress, November 9th, 1776.
"On motion of Mr. Joshua Smith:
" Ordered, That the President write a letter to Thomas Outwater, Esq., a Member for Orange County, request- ing his attendance immediately, or show cause on pain of contempt.
* *
" A letter from Tench Tilghman, Esq., dated yester- day, informing that the enemy are at Dobb's Ferry with a great number of boats, perhaps to go into Jersey, or proceed up the river, was received and read.
"Thereupon a draft of a Letter to General Schuyler was read and approved of, relative to sending down Boats from Albany to transport our Troops across the Hudson River, if necessary, and is in the following, that is to say:
" Fishkill, November 9th, 1776.
"Sir: The Committee of Safety having been informed | hasten on to those places where it is most likely they
that the enemy have brought all their boats to Dobb's Ferry, where the principal part of their Army now are, apprehend that they may possibly intend to transport themselves over to the Jerseys, and march up from thence, in which case a number of boats will be wanted
for our Army. As no time should be lost, we take the liberty of suggesting to you the propriety of ordering such as can be spared from Albany to be sent down to this place. We shall write to General Washington upon the subject, and doubt not he will approve of the measure. If you are at a loss for oars there are a number belong- ing to the Secret Committee of this Convention, which
who will take an account of them.
" I am, sir, yours &c.
" By order Major General SCHUYLER, Albany. "
" Extract of a Letter from General Mifflin to the Presi- dent of Congress.
" Peekskill, November 10th, 1776.
" P. S. General Lord Sterling passed King's Ferry yesterday afternoon to New Jersey with twelve hundred men. Colonel Hand is now embarking for Jersey with one thousand. General Bell with seventeen hundred is here and preparing to embark; the whole under the command of General Putnam. General Washington is expected here this morning. The enemy's main body was encamped yesterday between Dobb's Ferry and Colonel Phillip's Mills. If they attempt anything in New Jersey we shall be able to face them."
"Lord Sterling to General Washington.
" Haverstraw, November 10th, 1776.
" My Dear General: I got to the landing place yester- day afternoon, with Haslet's, Miles', and part of Wee- don's, with artillery; the remainder arrived in the night and are now landing. The landing place is very incon- venient, as at half-tide the vessels are obliged to lay at the distance of five or six hundred yards from the shore, which makes tedious work with the few boats that are here; besides, it is open to any insult the enemy is pleased to cominit. About half a mile further north and on the north side of Stony Point, is a good landing place in deep water, and easily secured by placing two pieces of can- non on the end of the point. It will require about half a mile of new road, and a short causeway and a small bridge.
" I hope to be able to march this morning. I have or- dered a scouting party to advance ahead, and a hundred men to possess a gap in the mountain above Keese's Landing, which it commands. Through this gap the road passes. The next landing is at a place called Naiak, below the mountains of Verdritaga Hook, but they will not, I think, risk a landing there, as the road is com- manded by a long chain of mountains. The great pass through the Highland lies fourteen miles back from the river and will best be supported with troops from Tap- pan, and on consulting General Greene, a proper body of troops will be sent there; but at present the first ob- ject is to prevent their landing; and therefore I shall will attempt it.
" I find General Greene has posted five hundred men with four pieces of cannon and one howitzer at Dobb's Ferry, and that I believe will be sufficient to defeat any designs they may have there.
·
£
45
HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.
" I am your Excellency's most obedient, humble ser- vant,
" STERLING.
" His Excellency General Washington."
" Extract of a letter from Gen. Greene to the President of Congress.
"Fort Lee, November 12th, 1776.
* The enemy at Dobb's Ferry, where they have lain for several days past, decamped this morning at 9 o'clock, and took road toward King's Bridge. They made an appearance at the Ferry as if they intended to cross the river. I believe they are dis- appointed in their expectations, and at a loss what measures to pursue. * * * * * *
"General Lee to General Washington.
" Camp at Phillipsburg, November ye 12th, 9 P. M.
" Dear General : This instant came express from Col-
onel Tupper (stationed opposite Dobb's ferry), one David Keech. The substance of his intelligence is as follows: That the enemy began their march at 9 this morning down the river, with their baggage, artillery, &c .; that the man-of-war and two ships has just set sail, and were making down. I mean those which came up last. The three ships still lie off Tarrytown and Sing Sing, two at the former and one at the latter. Keech says the whole army have quitted Dobb's Ferry, and imagines the rear
have by this time reached King's Bridge.
*
*
* "
" Extract of a letter from Gen. Washington to Gen. Heath.
" Headquarters at Peekskill, November 12th, '76. *
* If, contrary to the generally received opinion, General Howe's remove to Dobb's Ferry was only intended as a feint to draw off part of our force from the place which we last occupied, and should an attempt be made upon General Lee, you are to give him all the aid you can, taking care at the same time to keep guards in the posts and passes you occupy."
i" Orange County, November 12th, 1776.
" The Supervisors of the County of Orange, at their meeting, do find it necessary that something should be done in order to have the contingent charges of said County settled; and as some difficulties might arise from the former mode, have concluded to submit it to the opinion of the honourable Convention of the State of New York, for numbers of poor people depend on it for the support of their families. The Supervisors beg the opinion on the same from the honourable House, for which they shall be forever in duty bound.
" THOMAS OUTWATER, Clerk.
"Tappan.
"To the Honourable the Convention of the State of New York at the Fishkills."
" Ebenezer Hazard to John Mckesson.
" North Castle, November 15th, 1776.
"Dear Sir : The enemy have got below Dobb's Ferry. It is said that ten thousand have embarked at New York, and it is supposed they are bound to West Indies. *
*
* * *
"Orders to Lieutenant Colonel de Rousse."
" November 17th, 1776.
"Sir : You will repair with your detachment and boats to King's Ferry, where you will remain until fur- ther orders. You will order your boatman to ferry over the Hudson river all such officers and soldiers belonging to the army of the United States of America, as may from time to time have orders or permission to pass the river, and also all horses, wagons, and baggage belonging to the Army. You are not to permit any soldier belong- ing to the Army to pass, unless he can produce a pass, signed by a proper officer. You will also observe such directions as have been given in charge to the officer whom you relieve.
" Given under my hand, at Peekskill, this 17th day of November, '76.
"W. HEATH, M. G."
" Extract from a letter from General Washington.
*
*
" Hackensack, November 19th, 1776. * *
" 21st .- The unhappy affair of the 16th has been suc- ceeded by further misfortunes. Yesterday morning a large body of the enemy landed between Dobb's Ferry and Fort Lee. Their object was evidently to enclose the whole of our troops and stores that lay between the North and the Hackensack rivers, which form a very narrow neck of land. For this purpose they formed and marched, as soon as they had ascended the high ground, towards the fort. Upon the first information of their having landed, and of their movements, our men were ordered to meet them, but finding their numbers greatly * * * superior, and that they were extending themselves, to seize on the passes of the river, which was effected and their retreat securcd. * *
" William Grayson to General Lee. "Hackensack, November 20th, 1776.
"Sir: His Excellency has desired me to write to you and acquaint you with the late movements of the enemy. They landed this morning between Dobb's Ferry and Fort Lee, as it is imagined, at a place called Closter Dock, nearly opposite Phillip's house, and (as the General has been informed) in great numbers, and an advanced party of them has proceeded as far as a hill, two miles above the liberty pole, about a mile and a half above Gencral Green's quarters, where I left his Excellency. The road leading from thence to the road above Hack- ensack, as well as the bridge, is open for our troops to retreat; and from present appearances it is expected they may be got off without the loss of many of them. What their object is cannot at present be clearly ascertained, but it is imagined the getting possession of Fort Lee is one part of their design; however, it is possible. and per- haps probable, they may have other and more capital views. His Excellency thinks it would be advisable in you to remove the troops under your command on this side of the North River and there wait for further orders.
" I am, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
" W. GRAYSON.
" To Major General Lee."
46
GENERAL HISTORY.
" Extract from a letter from Robert Harrison to Gen. [ the means of crossing at or near Dobb's Ferry, or that Schuyler:
" Ten o'clock. This minute an express from Orange Town advises that some of the enemy have landed below Dobb's Ferry. A smart firing is also heard below Fort Lee, towards Bergen. It is probable the immediate ob- ject they have in view is to shut in such of our troops and stores as lay between Hackensack and Hudson's river. I trust they will be disappointed. They seem determined to push matters, and the weather is most fa- vorable for them.
"R. H. HARRISON."
" General Washington to General Lee.
" Hackensack, November 21st, 1776.
" Dear General: It must be painful to you, as well as to us, to have no news to send but of a melancholy na- to his son.
ture. Yesterday morning the enemy landed a large body of troops below Dobb's Ferry, and advanced very rapidly to the fort called by your name. I immediately went over, and as the fort was not tenable on this side, and we were in a narrow neck of land, the passes out of which the enemy were attempting to seize, directed the troops, consisting of Beall's, Heard's, the remainder of Ewing's brigades, and some other parts of broken regi- ments, to move over the west side of Hackensack River. A considerable quantity of stores and some artillery have fallen into their hands. We have no account of their movements this morning, but as the country is almost a dead flat, we have not an intrenching tool, and not above three thousand men, and they much broken up and dis- pirited, not only with our ill success, but the loss of their tents and baggage. I am resolved to avoid any attack, though by so doing I must leave a very fine country open to their ravages, or a plentiful store house from which they will draw voluntary supplies. * **
" Extract from a letter of General Washington to Gover- nor Livingston.
" Aquackanonck Bridge, 21st November, 1776.
"* * * * After the unfortunate loss of Fort some go home now; for they will as soon as the term expires.
Washington it was determined to evacuate Fort Lee, in a great measure, as it was in a manner useless in obstruct- ing the passage of the North River without the assistance of Fort Washington. * * * *
" Finding we were in the same danger of being put be- tween Hackensack and Passaic Rivers that we had been between the North and Hackensack, and also finding the country, from its levelness and openness, unfit for making a stand, it was determined to draw the whole of our force| over this side of the river, where we can watch the opera- tions of the enemy without danger of their surrounding us or making a lodgment in our rear."
" Extract from a Letter from General Lee to Colonel Reed.
" Camp Phillipsburg, November 21st, 1776. *
* I have just received your letter, dated Hackensack, by Cornelius Cooper. His Excellency recommends me to move with the troops under my com- mand to the other side of the river. I apprehend that this advice is founded on the presumption that we have
my corps is moved up the country near to King's Ferry. There are no means of passing Dobb's Ferry, and, as we remain where you left us, the round by King's Ferry would be so great that we could not be there in time to answer any purpose. I have therefore ordered General Heath, who is close to the only ferry which can be passed, to detach two thousand men, to apprise his Excellency, and await his further orders, a mode which I flatter my- self will answer better what I conceive to be the spirit of the orders than should I move the corps from hence, would be attended with some very serious consequences which at present would be tedious to enumerate. As to myself, I hope to set out to-morrow."
"Extract of a Letter from Col. Jedadiah Huntington
" Ramapo Camp, 21st November, 1776.
* I am now at Sedman's bridge, on Rama- * paugh river, in the precinct of Haverstraw, Orange County New York, twenty miles in a southwesterly direction from Peekskill, on Hudson's river, twenty miles from Hacken -. sack town, which lies on the river of that name that emp- ties itself into Newark Bay, about ten miles below Hack- ensack town. We hear to-day that the enemy are at Hackensack new bridge two miles below the town, and that our army have taken up the bridge to prevent their passing. I expect to be stationed in this place all winter. Have orders to build barracks for my men, which I am doing with logs. They make homely but very warm habitations. Your Uncle David was glad to sleep in them in his journey to Susquehanna. I am in good health."
" Colonel Huntington to General Heatlı.
" Camp Ramapaugh, 23d November, 1776.
" Honored Sir: I expect to be here the ist of January without any men, unless something more is done to en- courage the new enlistment. Some would engage now, if they could have furloughs. Will it not be best to let
." I shall not be able to do more than complete a mus- ketry line this season; the barracks will take up the rest of the time. Three or four pieces of small artillery may, by and by, be advantageously planted at this pass.
" A considerable number of troops, sick and well, are come up this way from our army below, and are gone to Fishkilis. They have no passes. I should think of stop- ping them if I had covering or provisions for them.
" I beg leave to repeat my wishes that some officers and men may go home on furlough immediately.
" JED. HUNTINGTON.
"Maj. Gen. Heath."
"Colonel Huntington to General Heath.
"Camp Ramapaugh, November 24th, 1776.
"Honored Sir: I am credibly informed that a great number of the inhabitants between this and Hackensack have been to the enemy and obtained letters of protec- tion, particularly one Christian Andrew Zabriskie, who says that an express from General Lee to General Wash-
.
47
HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.
ington has been lately intercepted by the enemy, who had information of it from the Tories. By the best in- " Peekskill, November 25th, 1776. formation the greatest part of the people between this "At a Council of War held at General Heath's quar- and the enemy's camp are friendly to them, and will do ters this day report. Major General Heath, Brigadier- General George Clinton, Brigadier General Scott.
them all the service in their power.
" If I had men to spare I should send a strong party to inspect their conduct. I just now hear that General Lee is making that way, which I hope is true.
" I am your most obedient and humble servant,
" JED. HUNTINGTON.
" P. S. Have just had six men taken up for endeavor- ing to inveigh a soldier by giving him money."
" Colonel Huntington to General Heath.
" Camp Ramapaugh, November 25th, 1776.
" Honored Sir: Every man, and I was going to say every woman, within a large circle of this place who stand for Whigs, and, for aught I know, are really such, are constantly distressing me with their fears and appre- hensions [from the enemy and tories. They are con- fident the latter have so much knowledge of the country as to guide a body of troops anywhere among the moun- tains. Their anxiety has gone far towards intimidating some of my own troops. A considerable part of the in- habitants between this and the enemy have been con- versant with the enemy since they came to Hackensack, and have had meetings among themselves. I communi- cate what intelligence I get for your information, and not because it appears at all important to your Honor's most obedient and humble servant.
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.