USA > New York > Rockland County > History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 12
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"Sir: The troops here are so distressed for rum this rainy weather that I must request you'll immediately for- ward ten hogsheads of rum down to Colonel Hay's land- ing in Haverstraw.
" CHARLES LEE, Major General. " To Major Gen. Heath."
"Colonel Malcom to General Scott. "Camp Niack, December 4th, 1776.
" Dear Sir: I had the honor to write you by Dr. Bowen yesterday concerning the bounty for men. I hope ere now he is on his way homeward therewith. The choicest of the men continue with me, are exceedingly hearty, and in high spirits. I could increase their num- bers very speedily if there was occasion, but neither the duty nor time of service would justify my putting either this State or the Continent to that expense.
" When I marched from Haverstraw on Monday, Cap- tain Steward's men refused to follow the regiment. in- sisted their time of enlistment was expiring. I thought it prudent to discover what of them I could find, viz. five out of eight, the whole complement.
"Captain Steward appeared yesterday from Conven- tion, where he had been to settle his accounts, and in his way picked up his men at Haverstraw. Tells me he had instructions to continue with the regiment while in ser- vice, but as it would answer no purpose to keep them here (were they even good ones) and as their behavior has been so indifferent that the soldiers object to stand in the ranks with them, I have. advised Steward to pro- ceed to Fishkills, and take further orders from the Con-
52
GENERAL HISTORY.
vention. With respect to him I have considered him a several members of our County Committee assembled together, who requested of me to send you the enclosed doubt but you will do everything in your power to pro- cure us protection. sober, discreet man, and I believe a brave soldier, and I dare say might have distinguished himself, if his bad letter, which I now do with much pleasure, and I do not state of health had not prevented his attending his duty through the campaign. I have had repeated evidences of his attachment to the freedom and independency of America and honor of her arms.
" As these fellows have chosen the alternative of for- feiting their pay rather than do duty, the residue, after their regiment's debts are paid, shall be at the disposal of the honourable Convention, to reimburse their bounty and lost arms, unless they think proper to take another heat at making thein soldiers.
"I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you before I tained me here, but I am now in a fair way to get rid leave this part of the world, at least of having a few of it. lines from you; being, with much respect, your Honour's most obedient servant,
" W. MALCOM.
" To the Honourable General Scott, Fishkills."
"Colonel Malcom to General Heath.
' Niack, December 7th, 1776.
"Sir: I had the honor to receive your most obliging letter of the 4th instant yesterday, and am exceeding happy that the conduct of the regiment under my com- mand hath merited the approbation which your honour very politely expresses.
" A scouting party, which went down to hover on the verge of the enemy's quarters about English Neighbor- hood, brought in a stout negro fellow, the property of a Tory (one Peck) who is now with the enemy, and the negro has been employed as a spy to bring these ac- counts of our motions. I beg to know how I must dis- pose of him.
" I request your Honour will inform ine if the treasury is moved. I expect my abstracts from Head Quarters to-day, and would be glad to get the cash here.
" I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, " W. MALCOM.
" To Major General Heath at Peeks Kill.
"I have forty men just going out again."
" General Hay to General Heath.
"Haverstraw, December 8th, 1776.
" Dear Sir: Enclosed I send you a letter from Colonel Magaw, which was delivered to me by Mr. Livingston, who came up to the place in a schooner with a flag of truce. I have consented that the schooner might pro- ceed as far as Verplank's Point, and there wait for your answer whether they might proceed any further up the river.
" I beg you will despatch the bearer as soon as possible.
"I am, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant, " A. HAWKES HAY. " To Major General Heath, Peeks Kill.
" N. B. The gentlemen want to go to the Convention of this State."
" I am, sir, your sincere friend and humble servant, " JOHN HARING.
" Brigadier General George Clinton."
"General McDougall to New York Committee of Safety.
" Haverstraw, 9 December, 1776.
" Sir: The rainy weather in our march from White Plains brought on a fit of the rheumatism which has de-
" The State consists of but fourteen Counties. The enemy have five Counties and part of two others. If they get possession of these, they will get a representa- tion of the majority of the State and make a surrender of our rights. It is therefore of the utmost importance that they should be prevented of that advantage, which they will not fail to avail themselves of if some exertion is not made by you. The Southernmost part of the County is ravaged by the enemy, plundering the friends of the country of their property, and disarming them, at Orange Town. Some of them are flying to the country; others flying for that protection to the enemy which we do not afford them. If some speedy relief is not afforded them, I fear they will all, or the greatest part of them, submit to the enemy; and if this event takes place, they will greatly aid the enemy in crossing the mountains, to show the sin - cerity of their submission. The securing these passes will be greatly assisted by advanced posts, and whatever corps are there can easily retire to the last stand. For these reasons, as well as for the honor of the State, it is absolutely necessary that three or four hundred men should be posted at Orange Town. General Lee cannot at present give any protection to that part of the coun- try, because he is ordered to advance as far as Morris- town, if not to join General Washington. It was with great reluctance he quitted West Chester, as he saw the lower part of the County would be exposed to the en- emy, from which they can derive their great support. I write this in haste, and must refer you for particulars to the bearer.
"I have the honor to be your very humble servant,
"ALEX. MCDOUGALL .. . " To the Honourable President of the Convention, or the Chairman of the Committee of Safety of the State of New York, at Fish Kill."
" John Coe and others to General George Clinton. " December 9th, 1776.
" Dear Sir: We are somewhat doubtful whether you have received any true state of the condition we are in,- and how distressed many of our neighbors are; therefore we beg leave to inform you that the King's troops, our cruel and merciless enemies, have last Saturday been in Orange Town, have taken some prisoners, and robbed
" John Haring to General George Clinton, " Clarkstown, December ye 9th, 1776. "Sir: I just now came to this place, where I found others. The English troops and the Tories make great
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HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY,
havoc; the latter insult and abuse the Whigs in a man- ner not to be borne with. Part of the Militia of Bergen County are now taking up arms against us, and unless we soon get assistance, the Southern part of Orange County will be laid waste. We beg you would consider how hard it is for the men to be taken away, their effects de- stroyed, and the women and children suffering. This is now the case, and will continue unless we have assist- ance, or unless the men will agree to take up arms against their country.
" Pray lay our case before the General who commands where you are, and endeavor to get relief for us under the present situation. If a body of men should be sent, we hope nothing shall be wanting on our part to drive the enemy out of our neighborhood.
" We are, sir, your most obedient servants,
"JOHN COE, JOHN SMITH, JOHN COLEMAN, DERCK VANDERBILT, JOHANNES VANDERBILT, THEODORE POLHEMUS.
" Brigadier General Clinton."
"Extract of a letter from Wm. Duer to Major Gen- eral Gates.
"Dalston's Tavern, December 9th, 1776, ten o'clock at night. * *
* In compliance, therefore, with * * his (General Washington's) orders, General Clinton will be under the necessity of confining himself to the objects specified in the resolution marked No. 7, unless he should learn from either General Lee or yourself that your intentions are to form another army on the rear of the enemy. For this purpose he desires me to inform you that he will immediately order his troops to rendez- vous at the place called N. City, near Kakeat, in Orange County, at the parting of the road which leads to Tappan and Paramus, where he will be ready to obey your orders, so far as they are consistent with the object of the en- closed resolutions. The force he will have with him con- sists of about fifteen hundred men."
" Colonel Malcom to General Heath. " Niack, December 9th, 1776.
"Sir: I had the honor to write you a few lines on Saturday. A few hours thereafter I was alarmed by re- peated expresses, with accounts that a large body of the off my detachment. I formed, and took post in the gorge of the mountains; the field pieces in the road, and the wings of my little party extended to the heights on each side. Under this disposition I ventured out three small scouts to give me timely notice of their approach; however, they returned after the notable exploit of cut- ting down a liberty pole at Tappan, making prisoner the father of one of my Lieutenants, and stealing a horse and two oxen. Yesterday I marched a party within three miles of the new bridge at Hackensack and raised a ter- rible uproar among the Tories, as well as in the enemy's « little camp. They abandoned their houses and guard houses as the party advanced; however, one was not so light-footed as his companions, and got taken. His name is Pierson, an arch Tory, and was with the party who
came up on Saturday. I have sent him and the negro to Colonel Hay's to await your orders. My men seein to expect something to fall to them out of the value of the Ethiopean. If they should be destined for Fishkill , Colonel Hay can send them over very speedily.
" The fleet is gone down last night, so that I shall be of little use here, I have some thoughts of moving up to Clarkstown to-day. If your honour should think fit to reinforce me, I could move downward; but dare not to make a road) with my present force. I have harassed them so much that I have some doubts whether they will not endeavor to meet me, which they have threatened several days past. The country in general appears to be against us, either through fear or inclination, and I can get no intelligence upon which I can depend, I shall fol- low your Honour's orders; and am, with due respect, sir, your most obedient servant.
"W. MALCOM." "General McDougall to General Heath.
.
" Haverstraw, 9th December, 1776.
" Dear General: The rheumatism has detained me here, but I am now in a fair way to get rid of it. I have taken the liberty to direct a letter to your care for my son-in-law, Jno. Lawrence, which I beg you to take care of till he calls for it. Small parties of the enemy, with some Tories, have lately made excursions into Orange Town, and plundered the friends of the country and dis- armed them. This practice will in all probability con - tinue, to the great distress of the County, if some means of relief is not afforded them. But the mischief will not end here; for the inhabitants, finding themselves stripped of their property, without any prospect of protection, wili become discouraged, and yield themselves up to our com - mon enemy for that protection which we don't afford them, and its to be feared the southernmost part of this County will be reduced to take the same disagreeable re- lief. It is therefore of the utmost importance that a Field Officer command should take post down there, to cover the country until the Congress of this State can devise some means to relieve them; and there is none that can give the necessary succor but you.
I have taken the liberty to mention the state of this part of the County to you from a regard to the service; it. I hope you will excuse this liberty, and believe me to be, with great respect, your very humble servant,
" ALEXANDER MCDOUGALL.
" P. S. For particulars I refer you to the bearer."
" Tuesday morning, December roth, 1776.
" A letter from General McDougall, dated Haverstraw. on the 9th December instant, assigning reasons for send- ing three or four hundred men to protect Orange Town, was read.
" A draft of a letter to Gen. McDougall was read and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit: "Fishkill, 10 December, 1776.
" Sir: We received your favor of yesterday, and in an- swer thereto have only to inform you that previous to the receipt thereof we ordered a large body of the troops
enemy were advancing within about three miles, to cut and doubt not you will do everything in your power for
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GENERAL HISTORY.
from the Counties of Orange and Ulster, under the com- mand of Brigadier General George Clinton, to march immediately through the Counties of Orange and Bergen in order to protect the well affected in that part of the country, and to cooperate with General Lee, as far as shall lie in his power in distressing the cnemy, raising and collecting the well affected, and harassing and over- awing the disaffected subjects of the State of New Jersey. We submit to your prudence how far, and to what per- sons, this should be divulged before the arrival of Gener- al Clinton's corps.
" I am, &c., " General McDougall."
" Wednesday morning, December 11th, 1776.
" Mr. Wisner informed the House that two of the Mem- bers of Orange County, to wit: Doctor Outwater and Colonel Sherwood (as has been reported), have signified their intention of not attending the business of this House any longer as members of said County.
" Ordered. That a letter be written to the Chairman of the County of Orange, directing him to request the at- tendance of the Southern members of that County, or assign reasons for non attendance."
"General Heath to General Washington at Trenton. " Haverstraw, December 11th, 1776.
" Dear General: I received your orders, night before last, for the march of General Parson's brigade, and yes- terday noon the three regiments at Peekskill began their march, making about five hundred men, which are now here. I have ordered Huntington's and Tyler's to join me. They may make about three hundred men, after leaving a captain and fifty men as a guard at the pass in the mountains. Colonel Vose, with Greaton's, Bond's, and Porter's, is now seven miles advanced. I have sent him to halt until I came up, unless he should have re- ceived orders for his conduct, either from your Excel- lency, General Lee, or Gates. He has about five hun- dred men, which will make in the whole about thirteen hundred men.
"I find the inhabitants to be in the utmost distress; people are now almost unfit for duty on account of their the Tories are joining the enemy and insulting and dis- I clothes, and so much marching as we have had this way arming the Whigs, stripping them of their cattle, effects, &c. Complaints, petitions, &c., are continually present- ing for relief; and the greatest complaints are from Or- ange Town, Clarks Town, and the neighborhood of Hackensack. I think, therefore, to move by the way of Orange Town and Paramus to curb the disaffected; and if, by any means, it should appear that the enemy have not a body of troops at Fort Lee, or the English Neigh- borhood, and but a small detachment at Hackensack, to endeavor to dislodge them if it should be possible. I should be glad to know your Excellency's further pleas- ure.
" On Saturday last a schooner with a flag came up the river, with Rev. Charles Inglis and one Mr. Moore on board, to solicit of the Convention their families, which are now at Fish Kills, or in that vicinity. I gave orders for the flag to be treated with the utmost politeness and respect, and at the same time, with as great precaution, I
have forbid their going up cither by land or by water, and have stopped the vessel below the ferry. I sent the letters to the Convention, after examination, and have wrote to them that I shall not consent to either of the persons going to Fishkill, or to their families being per- mitted to be sent to the city, as it appears to me that the cause may receive injury thereby. Distrust is the mother of security.
" The flag waits ar answer from the Convention; but my consent shall not be given unless directed by your Excellency.
" I have ordered the galley to lie ncar the schooner, and to keep her boats rowing around her all night.
" The men-of war have sailed down the river. I have the honour to be, with great respect, your Excellency's most humble servant, "W. HEATH."
"Colonel Malcom to General Heath.
"Clerk Town, December 11th, 1776.
" Sir: I had the honor to receive your letter of the 9th upon my way to this place, which, very fortunately, was answered by mine of the same date which I sent under cover to Colonel Hay, and I hope was duly for- warded. Your Honour very justly observes that I am 'almost in an enemy's country.' I cannot get intelligence beyond the circle of my quarters but what is brought by my scouts. I sent off at three o'clock this morning fifty men and three officers, with design to surprise a Tory guard-house. I hope they'll succeed, and I move down- ward in about an hour, with the residue of the party. I beg your Honour will send over, as soon as possible, at least two hundred or two hundred and fifty men. The country from Tappan is all in arms. On Sunday they were called together, and had King's arms and ammunition delivered out among them. Whether there is any of the enemy's regular troops below, about Fort Lee and En- glish Neighborhood, I cannot find out, and I really think my party insufficient to take part at Tappan; but our friends are so distressed thereabouts that I think it an indispensable duty to attempt supporting them. My hath rendered them bare-footed; so that I really do not think they can stay after the middle of the month. If the reinforcement appears to day I hope before Monday to run over the Tory ground and scatter their gangs. They are recruiting from Hackensack, round by Pyramis, to Tappan, and were up towards Ringwood. The owner (one Peck) of the negro follow I sent up is one of their Captains, and Parcells, the Tory prisoner which accompa- nied the negro was one of their guides and a spy. I have thought it my duty to remind your Honour of the near approach of my people's being disbanded, that we may be able to cffect something before, and that a party may be here to supply our duty, which be assured, sir, is very necessary, at least for the present.
"I have the honour to be, with due respect, your Honor's much obliged and most obedient servant,
"W. MALCOM.
" The Honourable General Heath."
55
HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.
" Friday morning, December 13th, 1776.
" Mr. Duer, one of the Committee appointed on the - instant, to go to New Windsor, and concert measures with Gen. George Clinton relative to calling out the Mi- litia of Orange and Ulster Counties to join General Gates or General Lee, reported a letter which he had wrote to General Gates. The said letter is dated at Dolson's .
Tavern, December 9th, and is as follows, viz:
* *
" For this purpose he desires me to inform you that he will immediately order his troops to rendezvous at the place called the City, near - -, in Orange County, at the parting of the roads which lead to Tappan and Py- ramus, where he will be ready to obey your orders as far as they are consistent with the object of the enclosed res- olutions. The force he will have with him will consist of about fifteen hundred men.
"WM. DUER."
" Warrant to take Wm. Murray and Cornelius Thorp for Altering Continental Currency.
"Orange County.
" You are hereby authorized to take the bodies of Wil- liam Murray and Cornelius Thorp, so called, and bring them forthwith to the house of Mr. John Brewster, to an- swer before the Precinct Committee of a charge against them for altering the Continental Currency. And if aid or assistance be needful, you are likewise authorized hereby to call in for that purpose such part of the Mili- tia as may be necessary.
" NATHANIEL SATTERLY.
"ARCH'LD LITTLE.
"To Joshua Miller, to execute this order."
"Extract of a Letter from Joseph Trumbull, Commissary General, to the President of Congress.
" Morristown, 13 December, '76. 3 I left General Heath, with about two thou- sand, at Haverstraw, going down to Hackensack. I have wrote to and empowered Mr. Carpenter Wharton as my Deputy with the Army. Hope it will be agreeable, and that he will have such direction and support from Con- gress, from time to time, as may be necessary.
"To Hon. John -, President of Congress." " Commissary Hughes to General Heath.
" Dear General: Colonel Nicoll communicated what of yours related to our department, and I immediately fur- nished the teams, &c., yesterday morning, and went to General Spencer. When I returned last evening, I learned that they were at King's Ferry, and that the Commissary had not directed them where to proceed; on which I went down and sent them over, with forty-eight barrels of flour, and two hogsheads of rum, and sent a note to Colonel Hays to forward them on, &c. Paulding is out of the way, and those here seem at a loss what quantity to send, unless it is mentioned. If any more is wanted, as I expect there will, please to particularize. Can't the provisions be got to your post, sir, by land? If it is sent by water to the slote at Tappan, I should be glad to be informed, as it is very easy to convey it there, no enemy being in the way.
" There is a report here which I cannot credit, and that
is, that General Lee is taken. If so, I shall be sorry, and sympathize with him most unfeignedly.
" I am, dear General, with great regard and respect, your most obedient and very humble servant, " HUGH HUGHES.
" To Honourable Major Gen. Heath."
"General Heath to General Gates.
" Tapan, December 14th, 1776.
" Dear General: I did not receive your favor of the 9th instant. Colonel Vose, with the three regiments I before mentioned, arrived at Paramus yesterday morn- ing. I have sent your letter, directed to the command- ing officer of the troops from Ticonderoga, to him this morning. But that detachment is so short of provision that they cannot move until a supply comes forward, which will not reach them before to-morrow. In conse- quence of your request by Colonel Scammel, I have wrote back to Mr. Pawling to send on rum, flour, &c. I am purposing in an hour or two to sweep Hackensack.
"I am, dear General, your humble servant, "W. HEATH.
" P. S. It is said a reinforcement is sent for to Hack- ensack, and that wagons are gone to Hohuck for their baggage."
"General Heath to General Washington.
" Hackensack, December 15th, 1776.
"Dear General: On the 12th instant I reached Tapan, and yesterday made a forced march to this place with so much secrecy and despatch that the inhabitants had no knowledge of my coming. * * *
"Col. Hay to the Commanding officer at Paramus.
"Sir: Agreeable to orders from the Honorable Major General Heath I have sent to Paramus a drove of cattle for the use of the Continental Army by Captain Hyatt. I request that the cattle may be killed as soon and as fast as possible, and that Captain Hyatt may not be detained, and if he can dispose of the hides and tallow, please order a wagon to bring them back, for if they are lost it will be a loss to the Continent.
" I am, sir, with esteem, your most obedient servant, "A. HAWKES HAY." "Colonel Hay to General Heath.
"Haverstraw, December 15th, 1776.
"Dear Sir: Just at this moment I received your order to send you down fifty barrels of flour, thirty of pork, and four bushels of salt. I am sorry to acquaint you that it is not in my power to comply with the order, as I have neither pork nor salt; and cannot get any wagons, as all the wagons belonging to this neighborhood are already in the service with General Lee.
"If I had the above mentioned articles, I should not know where to send them. In Major Huntington's letter he desires me to forward them to Paramus; and in a note that is inclosed in the letter writes thus: 'The General does not think it safe that any more articles should be sent through Paramus, but prefers it being sent through Kakiate.'
" The gentlemen on board the flag of truce are very
8
56
GENERAL, HISTORY.
anxious to know if they are to be favored with their wives | lost in removing my papers, please to send the resolve and children. how we are to act.
" I congratulate you on your late success, and may God crown all your endeavors with success.
" The militia are not all yet collected. General Clin- ton came down this day, and I suppose will soon join you. My regiment is not ordered out.
" I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
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