USA > New York > Rockland County > History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 8
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"Some hints respecting the expediency of establishing publick work, and the measures pursuing by the other Committees, would be very acceptable by this post, and cash, I think, might come safe by the same hand.
"I am, in haste, your friend and very humble servant, " WILLIAM ALLISON.
"To John Haring, Esq."
" In Provincial Congress, New York, June 30, 1776. "Sunday afternoon.
" Whereas, this Congress has been credibly informed that a majority of the men who compose the Company of Militia in Haverstraw Precinct, in Orange County, now, or lately commanded by Captain Avery Blauvelt, are no- toriously disaffected, and have refused to suffer drafts to be made from said Company for reinforcing the Army at New York:
" Resolved, That Colonel A. H. Hay be, and hereby is, empowered, authorized, and directed, immediately to ap- prehend seven of the most refractory men of said Com- pany, and also to seize and take all the arms belonging to the disaffected persons in said Company, and that he, without loss of time, send the seven men and arms, to be taken as aforesaid, under a proper guard, to this City, and cause them to be delivered to Brigadier General Scott.
" And in order that the said Colonel may be enabled with ease to execute the business aforesaid,
" Resolved, That he be at liberty to apply to Captain Johnson and Lieutenant Martin, or either of them, with their recruits to aid and assist him and the Militia under his command in the execution of this order."
"New York Convention.
" At a meeting of a Provincial Congress for the Prov- ince of New York, at the Court House, in the Town of White Plains, in the County of Westchester, on Tuesday, July 9th, 1776. * *
* The Deputies from the County of * Orange produced their Credentials in due form, whereby it appeared that at an election for choosing of Delegates conformable to the Resolutions of the late Provincial Congress, Colonel William Allison, Mr. Little, John Her- ring, David Pye, aud Mr. Outwater were chosen, with full powers to represent said County."
" Haverstraw, July 13th, 1776.
"Sir: The regiment of this County is now, and has been, under cover all night, occasioned by the appear- ance of several ships of war of the Ministerial fleet now lying in Tappan Bay. We have heard that another part of the same fleet attacked the city of New York last evening; but what has been the event, or whether they have been able to pass the forts on the river, we are not able to learn. As we would endeavor to ease the Coun- ty as much as is consistent with the public service, at you for support. As we have considerable extent of
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this busy season of the year, we have despatched the bearer, Mr. Resolvent Van Houten, express to you, and beg you would give him the necessary information rela- tive to the action of yesterday, and you advise on the necessary steps to be taken by us to prevent the enemy from inaking inroads and depredations on the west side of Hudson's River.
"We are, Sir, your humble servants.
"By order of the County Committee for Orange County. "JOHN COE, Dep. Chairman.
" To the Commanding Officers of the Continental Forces at Paulus Hook, or on the west side of Hudson's River."
" Headquarters, New York, July 14th, 1776.
" Letter from. Gen. Washington to the Committee of Orange County, N. Y.
"Gentlemen: Nothing can be more pleasing than on all occasions to see the people ready to fly to the protec- tion of any part of the country where there is danger from the enemy; but at this extremely busy season, I cannot recommend your keeping the regiment imbodied. It would be well to notify them all to be ready, at a mo- ment's warning, to assemble at any place they may be called to. Every precaution ought to be taken to pre- vent the men-of-war from getting any supplies of fresh provisions, or keeping up any intercourse or correspond- ence with the disaffected inhabitants. I shall be much obliged for timely information of every maneuvre of the ships and tenders up the river, and hope that every nec- essary step will be taken to prevent any of our vessels falling into their hands.
"I am, gentlemen, with esteem,
"Your most humble servant,
" GEO. WASHINGTON.
"To the Committee of Orange County, New York." "Col. Hay to Gen. George Clinton.
"* * *
*
* .Sunday evening, July 14th, 1776. " Dear Sir:
"On Friday afternoon three ships of war and four cutters of the Ministerial fleet passed the city of New York; one forty and one twenty-one gun ship, with the 4 cutters, anchored in the bay opposite Nyack. On Friday night I called out my regiment in order to pre- vent the enemy from landing and committing depreda- tions on the west shore, which we have hitherto done. At twelve o'clock yesterday a barge and cutter attempted to land, the latter grounded at some distance from the shore; and the barge, being fired on by our guard, re- turned to the ships. In the night another barge came so near the shore that she was spoken to by the guard, and we are hourly in expectation of another attempt. My regiment, which consists of but 400 men, has now been upon duty, night and day, since Friday evening, and we are greatly fatigued with the service. The men express great uneasiness under apprehension that they shall lose their harvest, as the grain is now fit to gather, and no persons to take it in, if they are obliged to guard the shore. In this situation I thought it my duty to apply to
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HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.
shore to guard, it is necessary to employ the whole regi- ment on constant duty, which, if continued, will be ruin- ous to the country, unless supported by a detachment of one hundred and fifty or two hundred men from your brigade. For this purpose I have despatched the bearer express. Your known attachment to the cause, and the zeal your people have shown, leave us every reason to hope for an immediate support. The militia of Bergen are drawn off toward Staten Island; and the city of New
York is in hourly expectation of being attacked, so that yours directed to the County Commitee of this County. we can expect no assistance from that quarter. If two or three armed boats could be sent down with the de- tachment, it would be most convenient for the transpor- tation of the men and their provision, and will be an es- sential service in keeping off the barges, and following them from place to place. Despatch the bearer as soon as possible. As I have been up two days and nights, and am much fatigued, I hope you will excuse the inac- curacy of the scrawl.
"I am, dear Sir, yours, in haste,
" A. HAWKES HAY.
" P. S. Should be happy to have your advice and assistance in this matter."
" John Coe to Gen. Washington. " Haverstraw, July 16th, 1776.
"Sir: In consequence of your Excellency's desire to receive timely information of every maneuvre which the "I am, with esteem, your most obedient servant, enemy on Hudson's River may make to distress the in- 1954197 " A. HAWKES HAY. habitants at this extremely busy season, we can inform "To His Excellency, General Washington, New York." "Extract from a letter of Gen. Geo. Clinton to Gen. Washington. your Excellency that this morning, between the hours of ten and eleven, the whole fleet, consisting of two men-of- war and three tenders, made sail from Nyack, and about "Fort Montgomery, July 23d, 1776. * * * 12 came into Haverstraw Bay, forty miles up the river from New York, when, after the shipping came to anchor, the "Nothing of any great importance has happened since my last. On the 16th inst. the enemy's shippping came under way, and proceeded up the river opposite the stores at Haverstraw, about 8 miles above where they first lay, opposite Tarrytown. They discharged a few tenders continued parading the bay half an hour. They all came to anchor opposite the house of Captain Thiers, when four barges, fully manned, attempted to land, with a view, as we conjecture, to take off some sheep and cat- tle, which we had previously driven off. Notwithstand- shot at the houses on the west shore, without doing any ing, they brought their tenders so nigh the shore as to cover the landing of the men in the barges, yet (having but a few men) we savored a firm countenance to them, and with a few shot, being well leveled, they thought pro- per to retreat, without doing any damage with their can- non.
"Extract from a Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress.
" New York, July 17th, 1776.
"By a letter from the Committee of Orange County, received this morning, the men-of-war and tenders were yesterday at Haverstraw Bay, about 40 miles above this. A number of men, in 4 barges, from the tenders, attempt- ed to land, with a view, they suppose, of taking some sheep and cattle that had been previously removed. A small number of militia who were collected obliged them to retreat without their doing any damage to their can- non. They were sounding the water up towards the Highlands, by which it is probable they will attempt to pass with part of their fleet if possible.
"Yesterday evening a flag came fromn General Howe with a letter addressed to George Washington, Esq., &c., &c., &c., It was not received, on the same principle that the one from Lord Howe was refused.
"I have the honor to be, with great esteem, sir, your most obedient servant,
"GEO. WASHINGTON."
" Haverstraw, July 19th, 1776.
"Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
The enemy now lie in Haverstraw Bay, and are using every effort to land and destroy the property of the in- habitants. The great extent of shore I have to guard obliges me to keep the greatest part of my regiment on duty, in order to prevent their depredations. I have re- ceived a reinforcement from Gen. Clinton, at Fort Mont- gomery, of about So men, and hope, when he receives your Excellency's letter, he will send me further relief, as the enemy seem to direct their operations against the west shore. We are in want of powder and ball. A supply will be absolutely necessary. If I had 2 or 3 small cannon, I should have been able to have destroyed one of the cutters that grounded near Stony Point, and lay there six hours. The enclosed* examination of a deserter from Captain Wallace will give your Excellency all the information I am able to communicate at present.
damage. I went down there next day, caused the goods to be removed out of the stores, and the cattle, sheep, &c., contiguous to the shore, to places of safety, and 180 Militia, under a prudent officer, to protect that neighbor- hood and prevent the enemy getting any supplies. In the afternoon. a tender sloop made sail, and ran up within full view and long shot of our battery, sounding the river carefully as she beat up. We gave her a thirty- two pounder, which hit her. She put ahout and fell down to the shipping, plundering a small house on her return, near the shore, before our people could possi- bly get there.
"GEORGE CLINTON."
" New York, Wednesday, July 24th, 1776.
" The men of war that lately went up the North River lie in Haverstraw Bay. Their tenders cruise about, and last Sunday one of them went near the Fort, upon which
* "The examination refers to information given by one Richard Turpin, of Boston, who was captured from the schooner Hannah by the ship Rose, Capt. Wallace, and subsequently deserted."
36
GENERAL HISTORY.
our people fired a thirty-two pounder at her, which went through her quarter, when she tacked about and stood down the river. Some time after, they landed a party of their men at Peekskill, set fire to a wheatfield, and burnt the house of Mr. John Lilly. A number of Militia were soon collected, who attacked and killed some of them without any loss on our side."
" Haverstraw, July 25th, 1776.
"Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's letter of the 20th inst., with 20 pounds of powder. The approbation you are pleased to express of my conduct, and the regiment under my command, while it affords the most sensible satisfaction, cannot fail to produce a continuance of my exertions, until it is in your Excellency's power to relieve the inhabitants.
"My regiment consists of but 400 men, one-fourth of whom, with 80 men sent me by Gen. Clinton, I find nec- essary to keep on constant duty. This Precinct has already raised two companies for the Continental service. In the vicinity of the mountains, being poor, is thinly in- habited by people of small estates. This, together with the great extent of shore we have to guard, is extremely burdensome to the people, and, I suppose, is the true reason that has induced Captain Parker to fix his station in Haverstraw Bay.
"Since the destruction of Halstead's house, and the robbing the poor man of his hogs by Captain Wallace, nothing of a hostile nature has been attempted. The enemy have collected their force nearly opposite my house, and employ their time in sounding the river. Their having taken down the sand bags from the sides of their ships, spread awnings in all their vessels, and neglecting to embrace the many fair winds and tides that have offered, induce me to think that Captain Parker has resolved to confine his operations to the south side of the Highlands, and to make no further progress up the river till the arrival of a reinforcement. As yet they have had no supplies from this shore, nor any addition to their strength, except two poor wretches of infamous character. Nor have I any reason to think that many have resorted to them from the eastern shore, although a bullock was brought from thence, and hoisted, with great shoutings, from a barge into the Rose, at the dawn of day on Monday last. My guards have since seen cabbages delivered from a canoe. If there has been any other communication between the enemy and the county of Westchester it must have been in the night, for I have observed no increase of the number of boats about the ships or tenders in the day time.
formation of every material event in this quarter; and am, sir, your most obedient servant,
" A. HAWKES HAY.
" To His Excellency, Gen'l Washington, Headquarters. " P. S. 1/2 after 10 o'clock A. M. This moment the ships and tenders came under sail, fair wind and tide, and they are proceeding down the river."
CHAPTER VI.
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY (continued.)
"Orange County (N. Y.), Committee. "Clark's Town, July 29th, 1776.
"In County Committee on the South side of the Mountains, in the County of Orange.
" Whereas, Dennis Snyden, James Snyden, William Snyden, and Samuel Snyden, all living at or near a place commonly called Snyden's or Dobb's Ferry, on the West side of Hudson's River, in the County of Orange, and State of New York, have refused to sign any or either of the Associations that have been put forth or recommend- ed by our honorable convention; and as the above said persons are greatly suspected of carrying on a treason- able correspondence with our natural enemies, or ships- of-war belonging to the King of Great Britain, lying in the aforesaid river, by the great opportunity afforded them in the priviledge they have by keeping ferry; know- ing the aforesaid persons to be inveterate enemies to the common States of America,
"Therefore Resolved, That the above Dennis Snyden, Jesse Snyden, William Snyden, and Samuel Snyden are hereby forewarned not to keep ferry, or employ any other person to ferry in their room, or employ a craft on the aforesaid river, upon any pretense whatsoever, and all other persons are hereby forewarned against having any correspondence with the above said Snydens, or any other person or persons whatsoever that are in any de- gree enemies to the liberties of America.
And whereas John Snyder is advertized in the public Gazette as pilot of the ships-of-war on the abovesaid river, greatly to the damage of the said John Snyder: It is hereby requested that the said Printer will insert Ro- bert Snyden, instead of John Snyder, who has always ap- peared to be a warm friend to the comnion cause of America.
" Per order of the Committee,
" JOHN COE, Deputy Chairman, " JOHN COLEMAN, Secretary.
" Permit me, sir, to suggest that it would tend greatly to obstruct the designs of the enemy if the shore above " Attested: and below were furnished with light whaleboats to pur- "Col. Hay to Gen. Washington. " Haverstraw, Aug. 2d, 1776. sue their barges. This would enable us not only to dis- miss part of the guards now employed, but also cut off "Sir: I find my own apprehensions, that the Banks of the Hudson's River would become the chief theater of the war, confirmed by the opinion of Congress, and I feel therefore, vast satisfaction in the provision they are mak- ing for a proper defense on this great line of communi- any supplies, follow them wherever they may attempt to land, and prevent the disaffected from joining them, give greater safety and relief to the peasants, and, upon the whole, be a saving to the public. I shall, in compliance with your Excellence's request, give you the earliest in- I cation, as well as in the report that your Excellency is,
£
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HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.
at the same time, concerting measures totally to obstruct the navigation below the capital.
The vessels under one Captain Parker's command, on their departure from our Bay, brought to in an hour after my last letter was despatched, between Tiller's Point and the Wardlindge Hook, where they still continue, and have since they changed their ground, received some supplies from the West Chester shore. On this side our watch is so strictly kept up that they have had nothing from us since the day on which they destroyed Halsted's house.
By the late act of our Congress for establishing river guards, I observe that the appointment of the Deputy Commissaries is left to your Excellency, and, if the bur- den of the service will not fall too heavily upon the under- taker, I stand ready to perform it on this side of the river; and being conveniently situated, and having an extensive acquaintance in the surrounding country for the facili- tating the necessary supplies, I now offer myself for that trust, with hopes of your favor and approbation. The bearer will wait for your Excellency's answer; for I pro- pose, upon his return, and your acceptance of my services, instantly to wait upon you for further commands. The obstruction of all intercourse by water between the High- land forts and Headquarters render it so difficult to give and procure intelligence which may be of the utmost moment to the inhabitants on the borders of the river that I beg leave, in compliance with their wishes, to en- treat your Excellency's attention to the proposal of set- ting up a post, to ride once or twice a week, between these stages. I think I could procure a rider at thirty or forty shillings a trip, and that the letters and carriage of small articles wanted, from the capital all along the road, and now not to be obtained by water, would pay, if not over- balance, the expense.
"I have the honor to be your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant.
" A. HAWKES HAY." " Isaac Nicoll to New York Convention. · "Haverstraw, Aug. 2d, 1776.
"Sir: I am appointed by General Clinton to take com mand at this place. We have now three companies, and expect a daily reinforcement of one or two more com- panies. We are without a Commissary to provide for the troops, and have no store of provisions, powder, and ball. I must therefore request that the Congress will give orders that we may be speedily supplied. It will also be very agreeable to the regiment I have the honor to command if a Surgeon was also appointed.
"I am, sir, with great respect, your most obedient and armed; that he expects his brigade will consist of abont humble servant,
"ISAAC NICOLL.
"To Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President of the Convention of the State of New York."
" Dobb's Ferry, Aug. 3, 1776, five afternoon.
"I am now to inform your Excellency that my flag being hoisted on board of the Washington, I came up with the ships, and attacked them at a quarter past one this afternoon. The Phenix fired the first gun, which was returned by the Lady Washington, whose shot went
through the Phenix. Upon my orders the Lady Wash- ington put about to form a line. The tide was such that the Washington and Spitfire were exposed to the broad- sides of the ships for half an hour without suffering much damage. We engaged them an hour and a half, and then we thought to retreat to Dobb's Ferry, about 4 miles below the ships. The damages we sustained are as follows, viz: Washington, 4 slightly wounded, sail and rigging much damaged, thirteen shots in her hull. Lady Washiington cracked her thirty-two pound- er; no other damage. Spitfire, one killed, two badly wounded, hull and rigging much damaged. Shark, nine killed or wounded, rigging much damaged, two men wounded, one of them mortally. It is thought of, but not yet determined, whether we shall retreat. to Spiten Devil or not. We wish to give them another drubbing. We saw many splinters drifting down.
vant,
"I am your Excellency's most obedient humble ser- BENJ. TUPPER, " Lieutenant Col and Commander.
" To His Excellency General Washington."
" Tarrytown, Sunday morning, August 4th, 1776.
" The American galleys Lady Washington and Spitfire attacked the Phenix, 44 guns, Capt. Parker, and the Ross, Capt. Wallace, two notorious pirates belonging to Great Britain.
" The engagement lasted 2 hours, and did great dam - age to the British.
"The galleys were Lady Washington, Whiting, Spit- fire, and Crown."
"New York Convention, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 1776.
" A letter from Col. Blauvelt of the South side of the Mountains in Orange County, mentioning the exposed situation of that part of the County and requesting aid, was received and read.
" Thereupon Gen. George Clinton informed the Con- vention, in substance, that there are at King's Bridge, and from thence to Croton River, fourteen companies, consisting of about 700 men, officers included, besides some of the Westchester Militia; that he has been in- formed and believes, that the men-of-war are scarce of water, having no more than a supply for ten days, that it is therefore necessary to keep a vigilant and numerous guard, so as to prevent their obtaining a supply of fresh water; that he had left about 300 men, besides a few of the new Continental troops, raised in this State, on and along the shores near Tappan, 300 to guard the Eastern Shore, and near 200 at Peekskill, but the last mostly un-
1700 men; that he finds he can expect but few men from Westchester County; that he has ordered in the troops of Horse from Kingston and Blooming-Grove, and directed Col. Cooper to order one of those Troops to Kings Bridge as soon as they arrive at Tappan. General Clin- ton also requested to be informed how his Brigade will be supplied with ammunition, tents, and provisions. General Clinton was then inforined of the resolution of the Convention of the 10th inst., appointing Commissa- ries, &c., and ammunition shall be sent to him.
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GENERAL, HISTORY.
" Ordered, That Mr. Outwater inform Colonel Blau- velt of the measures taken by General Clinton for the security of Orange County."
" Letter from Col. Blauvelt.
"Orangetown, August 13th, 1776.
"Sir: Some days since I received a copy of the reso- lutions of your House for drawing out a fourth part of the Militia of the Counties of Westchester, Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange for the defense of this country. Whereupon, I immediately gave orders to the Captains of the Battalion to call their companies together, and en- deavor to get their proportion, which was immediately complied with; and though the officers have made re- peated trials, they have not been able to furnish their quota. The men, it seems, would not be unwilling to enlist, if they knew that they would have to guard thei: Bridge, with all expedition, to cover the troops."
own shore until an attack should be made somewhere else in this State, and then to march to the assistance of the place attacked. It may not be amiss to inform you that I have but about 100 privates left in my Battalion, and am obliged to guard the shore for about 7 miles to prevent those from on board the British ships-of-war from landing in this place, which duty keeps about the one half of my Battalion in constant motion. Indeed, they have no time to take the necessary care of their farms. One of the Companies that was raised in the northern part of this County, has been a day or two among us, but it is now ordered to Kings Bridge. Should we be obliged to raise our quota, and have them taken away, we shall not only find it difficult to get grain in the ground, but shall also be too weak to prevent the enemy from landing. This much I have thought it my duty to say, that the honorable Convention might know the situation, and if it is fully considered, I think no one will be surprised to find one man backward in enlisting, as no one who has the feelings of a man would choose to leave his parents, his wife, and his children exposed to the fury of a cruel enemy; but if, after all that has been said, the Convention should be of opinion that I must raise or draw out of the quarter part of my Battalion, I shall readily obey orders, let the consequences be what they will. Only beg that I may be informed how to pro- ceed, where volunteers do not offer, for I am at a loss what construction to put upon some paragraphs in the resolution.
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