USA > New York > Rockland County > History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 13
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" A. HAWKES HAY.
" To the Hon. Major General Heath, Hackensack."
" Colonel Hay to General Heath.
" Haverstraw, December 15th, 1776.
" Dear Sir: Yesterday afternoon I received your or- der to send down to Tappan thirty barrels of flour, and to Paramus eighty barrels of flour and thirty barrels of pork. I have myself, and two hands that I hired, been out all night, and cannot get any teams to convey the flour to Paramus. All the wagons and horses are al- ready in the service with General Lee. We found a few ox teams, but their owner will not let them go, and I have nobody here to take them away by force. I am at a loss what to do. I must beg your advice in this affair. As for pork I have none. If you want beef I can send you down plenty of that article. This day Captain Hyatt sets out to Paramus with a drove of cattle.
" It is out of my department to press teams, but I have hitherto done it, to forward our glorious cause, and have been at vast expense and trouble, without any assurance of ever being repaid my expenses; therefore, must re- quest that you will be so good as to desire the Quarter Master General to appoint one on their side of the river to transact that branch of the business. I would willingly accept of that berth if I was appointed and duly sup- plied with money to pay off the charges, provided I was allowed a reasonable recompense for the great trouble I have had and what I may expect to have.
"I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, " A. HAWKES HAY.
" Maj. Gen. Heath of Tappan.
" P. S .- I have sent thirty barrels of flour to Tappan." " John Coe to New York Committee of Safety.
"Orange County, New Hempstead, Dec. 16, 1776.
" Whereas, the Commissioner appointed for the County of Orange to secure the perishable effects of those that are gone to the enemy have not yet acted by reason of their being so near the enemy, and as it were, within their lines; and, as it now appears not so difficult, as our Dis- trict Committee is about removing the families of those persons that are gone to the enemy, and their moveable effects will then be lost or taken away by such persons as have no right, I have thought it my duty now to act as one of the Commissioners as formerly appointed by the Convention of this State, and the difficulty that now arises is that Thomas Cooper must attend the Council of Safety and the Assembly of this State, so that he cannot act. If you think proper, please to appoint another per- son with me, and we shall endeavor to act agreeable to your direction. As the former resolve you sent me is
" I am yours to serve,
" JOHN COF.
" To the President of the Council of Safety of the State of New York."
" Extract of a Letter from Gen. George Clinton, New York Convention.
"Paramus, 17th December, 1776. * * The reason why I wish to have a regiment at Tappan is, not only to protect our friends there, but if the enemy should advance while we attack them in front, that regiment might fall upon their rear. * * * * *
" I forgot to mention that Colonel Malcom's regiment were dismissed before I could see him. I have shown General Heath your order or request respecting Malcom's and Thompson's regiments, but have not yet received his order respecting the latter. I enclose you a letter from some of the Committee of Orange Town, which I received on my way hither.
" To the Honorable the President of .the Convention of the State of New York."
"General George Clinton to Colonel Allison. " Pyramus, 17th December, 1776.
" Dear Sir: On receipt hereof you are to move with your regiment down to Orange Town, and there continue until further orders. You'll be careful, on your march thither, to keep out proper advanced and flank guards, and when there the necessary guards and scout- ing parties to prevent your being surprised by the enemy.
"You'll give every protection in your power to the friends of the United States in that quarter of the coun- try. At the same time you'll endeavor to discover, ap- prehend, and secure the enemies of the said States who may be found lurking or under arms in that quarter, that they may, if taken alive, be delivered over to the civil authority, to be dealt with according to their crimes. Take special care, however, that your troops do not plun- der the inhabitants nnder any pretense whatever. If the British troops should approach you with superior num- bers, or under such advantages as to render it imprudent to give them battle, in either of these cases retreat in order, so as to regain the passcs in the Highlands near Suydenham's. Col. Hathom's regiment will continue where they now are, and stand ready to sustain you in case of necessity, and to strengthen the pass near Suy- denham's. Col. Hasbrouck's regiment, which must ere this have arrived, must occupy Haverstraw in order to secure the passes in the Highlands near the river, and to reinforce Fort Montgomery in case any attempt should be made against it. You'll therefore deliver the com- manding officers of those regiments copies of this order, that they may govern themselves accordingly. You'll take the proper steps to insure your being furnished with provisions at Orange Town, and your Quartermaster General will draw the necessary ammunition from the Army Quartermaster General, Major Taylor, at Haver-
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HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.
straw, of which you must be very careful, that, if not used, it may be returned.
"I am your humble servant,
" GEORGE CLINTON. " To Colonel William Allison."
"Extract of a letter from General Heath to General Mc- Dougall.
" Pyramus, 18th December, 1776.
* * I cannot at present move further westward without risking a quantity of valuable stores, which I took at Hackensack, and are now here, and leaving this part of the country entirely exposed to the ravages of the enemy; and if I may credit accounts received this day, which come very straight, I may soon expect a visit from the enemy, with much superior numbers from two quar- ters, to wit: by Tappan and Second river; and this even- ing I am informed, and have no reason to doubt, that considerable party of them have crossed the ferry, about three miles below Hackensack town. I am but about six hundred strong of my own division. General George Clinton, who has marched the whole of the Ulster and Orange Counties Militia to Haverstraw, and has joined me this day with six hundred of them. This he has done contrary to a most express and positive order of the Con- vention of your State, making a justification of his con- duct in this instance entirely upon the propriety and ne- cessity of reinforcing me in this quarter, and covering the stores we have removed from Hackensack. But the mo- ment I move westward of this, unless he is well assured the enemy mean not to move up the Hudson's river, he will retire to the passes in the Highlands agreeable to his orders; indeed, were he not to do so, he would be censur- able, in my own opinion."
" Extract of a letter from General George Clinton to the New York Convention.
" Pyramus, 21st December, 1776. *
* The Militia of the Counties of Ulster and Orange think it exceeding hard at this time to be called out while those of other Counties, equally interested in guarding the passes of the Highlands, are exempted from any part of the duty. They think one-half of them, to wit: about one thousand, would be fully competent for this purpose; and considering the business they were first intended for is now in a great measure accomplished, I am of their opinion. That number, I believe, would con- tinue with cheerfulness. If the whole is kept out, though I know they will-they must-submit to it if desired, it will be with a degree of reluctance. I wish, therefore, I might have the liberty to dismiss one-half of them. I am sure it will be best. * * * "
"Colonel Allison to Captain Johnson.
directed to take charge of conveying them to the com- manding officer of your regiment.
"Given under my hand, Tappan,
" December 21st, 1776, " WM. ALLISON, Colonel.
"To Captain Matthew Johnson."
" General George Clinton to New York Committee. " Ramapaugh, December 23d, 1776.
" Sir: In my last I mentioned the difficulty the Militia under my command in this quarter labored under for want of a Commissary to supply them with provisions. Whole regiments have been days without any, except such scanty supplies as they have been able to purchase from the inhabitants. Most of the regiments are out this day; was in hopes that they might be furnished at the post near Sydman's bridge. Gen. Hcath, from the stores he told me were there, induced me to believe so, but, to my great disappointment, I am now informed by the Commissary at that place, says he has not more meal in store or purchased than will be sufficient for the two regiments of Tyler and Huntington, who are to leave there in a day or two. He says he can't issue any, as his appointment is confined to Parson's brigade. I have wrote twice to Colonel Hays on this subject, representing the difficulties we labored under, and acquainting him that the Convention expected he would, as a Commissary of their appointment, supply us. I sent the last letter by express to him yesterday, but he has never favored me with an answer. The Militia think they are "ill used," and I am sorry to say that, in my opinion, they have great reason to complain. They declare they will go home and leave me. Many have already gone, nor can I expect but that the rest will be as good as their word. Indeed, they must desert or starve; and however well disposed, they will not submit to the latter. The consequences may be fatal to the country. I am not to blame. I have done everything in my power. I have no further influence over them; nor can I, after not being able to perform my promise with them, in the letter by which I called them out, and which contained no more than was fully warranted by the resolve of the Convention, ever think of commanding them. It would be cruel as well as unjust to force them back to starve, nor shall I have strength enough to do it. "* * * *
* I am, with due respect, your most obedient and humble servant,
" GEORGE CLINTON.
"To the Honourable Abraham Ten Broeck, Esq., Pres- ident of the Convention of the State of New York, Fish- kill."
" Major Johnson to General Clinton.
" (Tappan?) December 23d, 1776.
" Sir : I am directed by General Clinton to deliver all "Sir: By order of Col. Ellison I received two prisoners yesterday, as you will see by the enclosed, and as you are commander of that quarter, I think it proper to send thein to you, with a guard, under the command of Capt. Drake, and as I think them notoriously disaffected, by examination, I should be of opinion to have them well persons taken up by us, lurking about or in arms, over to| the civil authorities; and as the two fellows now under guard are inhabitants of Ulster County, I have thought it advisable to deliver them into the custody of Major Johnson, who, if he is in opinion with me, will send them to the Committee of your County. You are therefore secured and kept in close confinement until sent to Com-
58
GENERAL HISTORY.
mittee, as in the enclosed directed. But if you should |top of the High Tower. By a preconcerted understand- agree with my opinion, they should immediately be sent ing these fires conveyed intelligence to a distance of to the Provincial Congress of this State. Sir, I remain your humble servant, many miles around. When the scattered patriots saw these lighted beacons they understood that danger threat- " JOHANNES JOHNSON, First Major. "To Brigadier General Clinton." ened, and they were careful to heed the warning. Im- portant intelligence connected with the army was tele- graphed from point to point with mnuch facility by these fiery signals, when no other means of communication was available.
CHAPTER IX.
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY (continued).
THE SHORE GUARD.
Soon after the commencement of hostilities in the Revolution, the inhabitants of what is now Rockland county were made to realize the horrors of war. Those residing along the shore of the Hudson were frequently startled by the thunder of cannon, as British vessels pass- ing up or down the river fired at dwellings. Cannon balls have, even in quite recent times, been turned up by ploughmen in fields along the shore. Marauding parties landed from these vessels, and, guided by. tories, de- stroyed property, plundered and burned houses, and often murdered the inmates. This led to the organiza- tion of what was known as the Shore Guard, which was kept up along the river during the continuance of the war. Though composed of men not actually in the ser- vice, it was an active and efficient organization. Treach- erous and stealthy tories sometimes contrived to become members of it, and they were, of course, the greatest ob- stacles to its efficiency. It was difficult for an enemy to land without being discovered by some of the guard, and parties attempting to do so were often driven back to their vessels.
In the summer of 1777, three or four British war ves- sels were at one time lying opposite Piermont, and from one of these a party of men in two boats attempted to effect a landing. They were discovered by the Shore Guard, a force of men was quickly collected, a sharp conflict took place, and the enemy were driven back with three killed. Several of the Shore Guard were wounded, but none were killed. Later a party of British landed on a point near Nyack, but they were driven back to their boats. Similar occurrences took place at Rockland Lake and Haverstraw. The latter place suffered greatly at times. Parties landed from vessels, carried away cattle and provisions, and often left behind dead bodies and smoking ruins.
The dwellings along the shore were only saved from utter annihilation by the vigilance of the Shore Guard. They often detected the first approach of the enemy and prevented many a surprise. At the first signal of danger they would emerge from their hiding places and place themselves between their neighbors and the threatened 1 destruction.
One efficient means of communicating with the friends of liberty in the neighboring districts, and with those on the opposite shore, was the lighting of signal fires ou the
THE MASSACRE AT HERRINGTOWN OR OLD TAPPAN .*
On the night of the 27th of September, 1778, about three miles southwest of the village of Tappan, occurred one of the most bloody massacres of the Revolution, which, but for the humanity of a British captain, who disobeyed the orders of his superior officers, would have equaled in its atrocity the Groton massacre.
Sir Henry Clinton, desiring to secure a fresh supply of forage and provisions for his troops, sent Lord Corn- wallis with a detachment of five thousand men to New Jersey, and General Knyphausen, with a detachment of three thousand men to Dobbs Ferry on the east side of the Hudson, to hold himself in readiness to reinforce Cornwallis if circumstances should render it necessary.
General Washington, on discovering the movements of the enemy, sent General Wayne with a detachment of troops to Tappan to aid the militia of New Jersey in checking the enemy. Colonel Baylor, with the Third Regiment Virginia Light Dragoons, who was stationed at Paramus, New Jersey, was ordered to move northward to a point on the Hackensack River near the present Riverdale. Wayne was probably encamped near the. junction of the Dobbs Ferry and Clarkstown road, about half a mile northeast of the present railroad station at Orangeburg.
Adjutant General Stryker of New Jersey, in a paper read before the New Jersey Historical Society some years ago, states that " Lord Cornwallis at this time had his division posted on the Hackensack River at Liberty Pole and New Bridge, about three miles from Hacken- sack and nine miles from Colonel Baylor's outguards. He was accompanied by the notorious Major General Sir Charles Grey, commonly called "No-Flint Grey " from his habit of ordering his troops to take the flints from their guns so as to make them depend solely on the use of the bayonet. His cruel disposition and stealing pro- pensities were qualifications that were duly appreciated by his commander, Sir Henry Clinton.
Full particulars of Baylor's movements were communi- cated to Cornwallis by the Bergen county tories, and the British commander formed a plan to surprise and cap- ture the regiment by marching across to Orangeburg; while Knyphausen following the road from Dobbs Ferry, both would be able to meet near the junction of the Clarkstown and Dobbs Ferry roads, and prevent the escape of Wayne.
Word was sent to Knyphausen, who immediately em-
*In New Jersey, on the border of Rockland county.
59
HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.
barked with his men, and landed at Dobbs Ferry on the west bank of the Hudson. The cries for mercy of the defenseless soldiers were an- swered only by acts of savage cruelty. Thomas Talley Just before midnight twelve companies, under the command of " No-Flint Grey," marched along the road on the west bank of the Hackensack River, and halted within half a mile of the patrol on that road. received six wounds in his breast and was stripped of his clothing. Private Benson had twelve bayonet wounds inflicted, under the distinct orders given by the British officer to "stab all and take no prisoners." Private Colonel Baylor had made ample provision to guard against a surprise. He posted a guard of a sergeant and twelve men at the bridge over the Hackensack about half a mile south of Cornelius Haring's house, with strict orders to keep a patrol of two men on each road to watch them a mile below, and to be relieved every hour. He, with his regimental staff officers, was kindly Southworth, although he himself escaped, saw five of his company bayonetted to death after they had surrendered. Private Callency received twelve wounds, and saw wounded men knocked in the head with guns. The dra- goons, surprised, incapable of successful defense, with no prospect of inflicting injury on their foe, could only sue for pity, but thrust after thrust was given whenever any entertained at the house of Mr. Haring, while several of sign of life appeared. In another barn where sixteen the officers and men found comfortable quarters in the neighboring farm houses and barns. Although Colonel Baylor had been informed of the close proximity of the British troops, he retired to rest in fancied security.
A party of picked men from the troops of " No-Flint- Grey," guided by tories who were familiar with the ground, made a detour to the left, through the fields, and then passed to the rear of the sergeant's guard at the bridge and the patrol on the river road, and, with the exception of one who escaped, made them all prisoners. The force under Gen. Grey then pushed on to Old Tap- pan without causing any alarm, and surrounded the house and barn of Cornelius A. Haring. It was now two o'clock on the morning of September 28th. The senti- nel, who had escaped from the sergeant's guard at the bridge, awoke Ralph, the son of Cornelius Haring, who aroused his father. Mr. Haring, half dressed, and with a candle, came to the front door just as it was burst in, and under the orders of General Grey to "show no quarter to the rebels," the brutal and profane soldiery rushed in to bayonet the inmates. Colonel Baylor was aroused by the noise and by the inquiries made for him, and he and Major Alexander Clough tried to conceal themselves up the large Dutch chimney in the house. Both, however, were soon discovered and brought down severely wounded, their blood running over the floor. Colonel Baylor received three severe stabs. Major Clough soon after died from the terrible bayonet thrusts. Cornet Robert Morrow, adjutant of the troop, also re- ceived severe wounds, and, after having surrendered, begged for his life, but quarter was refused; he was stabbed again and stripped of his clothing. Dr. Thomas Evans, the Surgeon's mate, was also wounded, but carried off a prisoner. Leaving the house they burst open the door of the barn and freely used the bayonet there. Lieutenant John Smith had his company in the barn, and finding they were surrounded, he called out that they surrendered, but he was then inhumanly struck on the head with a sword, which knocked him to the floor. Re- covering himself he made a desperate effort, and with some of his men escaped from the barn, jumped the fence, and plunged into a dense thicket near by.
dragoons were sleeping nine were bayonetted and seven taken prisoners. The Fourth troop of Baylor's Regi- ment, although taken prisoners, were the only ones un- injured, because of the humane disobedience of orders by a British captain. Out of the one hundred and six- teen men of the regiment, eleven were bayonetted to death, seventeen left to die of their wounds, and thirty- nine taken prisoners, eight of whom were severely wounded. The rest of the troopers escaped in the dark- ness. All the arms and seventy horses were part of the booty captured.
Up to this time Colonel Baylor had proved himself a gallant officer, but for his careless and unsoldierly con- duct in leaving his flanks unprotected, and throwing out a weak guard, he deserved the severest censure.
The troops of Knyphausen were delayed in crossing the river, and when they arrived at Tappan, Wayne had escaped, having learned of their approach from a de- serter.
Congress ordered an investigation of this brutal affair, but nothing ever came of it. "No-flint- Grey," however, was soon after raised to the peerage by the British Gov - ernment as a reward for his military services. He was the father of Earl Grey, the famous Whig minister, who was as firm an advocate for liberty as his father had been a rigid executioner of tyranny.
The prisoners were brought to Tappan and confined in the Old Dutch church.
CHAPTER X.
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY (continued).
CAPTURE OF STONY POINT.
Rockland County was crossed and recrossed by por- tions of the American army many times during the Revolution, and was, at different times and in different parts of it, the headquarters of many American generals. Washington was at Ramapo during a few days in July, 1777, but no active operations then took place in the county or in the river along its eastern border.
Other houses and barns in the neighborhood, owned by the Blauvelts, the Demarests, Holdrums, Harings, and Early in October, 1777, the British commander, Sir Bogarts were visited, and scenes of like character enacted. | Henry Clinton, who had received from Europe a rein-
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GENERAL, HISTORY.
forcement of 2,000 men, put in execution his cherished under the command respectively of Colonels Butler, project of an expedition up the North River, with the Meigs, Putnam, and Febriger. On assuming command view, probably, of creating a diversion in favor of Gen- of these four battalions General Wayne was instructed by General Washington that he was to oppose any move- ment of the enemy against the torts in possession of the Americans, and for this purpose to acquaint himself thoroughly with the topography of the region, and to take advantage of any "favorable opportunity for striking an advantageous stroke." Accompanying these instructions was the following letter: eral Burgoyne, who was then confronted by General Gates. After some maneuvering to deceive General Put- nam, in which he was not successful, he attacked and captured Forts Montgomery and Clinton, some distance above Stony Point, destroyed some public and private property, and removed the obstruction that had been placed in the river, thus opening a passage to Albany. He did not, however, ascend the river to cooperate with "To Brigad'r. Gen'l Wayne. Burgoyne, nor did he succeed in creating a diversion in favor of that General. It does not appear that in this expedition Rockland county was the theater of active sider as private & confidential. The importance of the operations.
In 1778, on the return of the army across New Jersey, Washington had his headquarters at Ramapo again for a time.
In 1779 another expedition was planned by Sir Henry Clinton against the American posts on the Hudson. Both parties had regarded the command of this river as very important. And when active operations by Sir Henry ceased, General Washington availed himself of the opportunity to construct several works, among which were those at Stony Point, and at Verplank's, on the op- posite side of the river. These posts were occupied by small garrisons, chiefly of artificers and laborers. On the 30th of May, an army, commanded by General Vaughn, embarked under the convoy of Sir George Collier, and on the 31st a part of the force, under the commanding offi- cer, disembarked on the east side of the river, and the re- mainder, under General Pattison, landed on the west side within three miles of Stony Point. The garrison at this place withdrew on the approach of the enemy, and after making a show of resistance by drawing up on the hills above, retired without giving battle. The enemy took possession, and on the first of June, opened fire with ar- tillery, on a small work called Fort LaFayette, directly opposite, while the balance of the force under General Vaughn invested it on the land side, compelling it to sur- render. Stony Point was then placed in the strongest possible state of defense, completely blockading the river, and cutting off intercourse between the people of New Jersey and those east of the Hudson, except by cir- cuitous and hazardous routes. General Washington was led by these moveinents of the enemy to suspect the de- sign of attacking the important post of West Point; and for the protection of this fortress, he stationed his troops on the high grounds above Verplank's and Stony Point. Here was planned the enterprise for the recapture of the latter post, which the enemy had garrisoned by a regi- ment of infantry, the grenadiers of another regiment, a company of tories, and a company of artillery; all under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Johnson.
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