USA > New York > Schoharie County > History of Schoharie county, and border wars of New York > Part 50
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" Orders to be observed by the artificers and others employed in ob- structing the navigation of Hudson's river, 13th Jan'y, 1777.
" As high wages are given by the public at this season of the year, when the days are short and the weather fickle, in order to have this most necessary work (on which not only the safety of this State, but of the whole continent depends,) completed in due sea- son :- It is therefore expected that those who are employed and re- ceive the public's money, will be faithful in the service and do the most they can. It is the business of the master workmen who have contracted to carry on the work and taken the charge of small parties under them, to see that they are diligently employed and work faithfully. It is for this they are allowed extra wages, and it is expected that in this way they will earn, or in justice they cannot expect to receive it. The monthly pay rolls must be at- tested (if required,) by the master workmen, and an honest man can never return a man for a full day's pay who has not done a full day's work. This would be dishonest and punishable ; but that every possible guard may be set against deception, and that all account for pay of artificers and others may stand fair and un- controvertible, the engineer is to fix upon the hour in the morning at which all hands are to be at work-the hour they are to quit for dinner, the time when they are to return to work after dinner, and break off in the evening ; and to cause the rolls to be called over by such person or persons as he shall appoint at those and such other times as he shall see fit; and mark the defaulters (if any,) that a proper deduction may be made from their wages. It is ex-
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HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY,
pected at present that those employed near the barracks will work at least eight hours every day, and those employed where the tim- ber now lays, or at that distance, at least seven. The time for working each day to be lengthened when the days grow longer. " GEO. CLINTON, B. Gen'l."
Opposite is the facsimile of a letter from Gen. Washington "To Brigadier Gen. Knox, commanding the corps of Artillery." It was written during the visit of Capt. Machin to the Comman- der-in-chief, at his winter quarters :
The following paper, which is without date, was no doubt written about the time Gen. Clinton visited Kingston :
" Sir-I am informed that the Inhabitants of Kingston are de- sirous of making some Works for the Defence of their town. I approve of their intentions, and wish to give them every assistance in my power in the execution of this business; and that the works may be constructed on a Plan most efficient and least expensive, I request you will repair to that place and assist in laying them out, in which Col. Bruyn will advise. It will not be practicable, neither do I conceive it necessary to enclose the town, as the hou- ses are stone, and will form (if the Windows and Doors are properly secured) good Lines of Defence. Small Redoubts or block-houses, therefore, at the different and most commanding quarters of the Town, are all that to me appear necessary ; which ought to be con- structed each for a Piece or two of artillery, so as to clear the lines formed by the houses ; and when it can be, conveniently, these should be so contiguous to each other as to be within the reach of Musquetry, which will be a saving of Ammunition. In construct- ing these works, it is to be observed that Artillery against them is not to be apprehended.
"I am your most obed't serv't. " GEO. CLINTON." " Capt. Machin."
By the next paper we perceive that Capt. Machin was given discretionary power, by Governor Clinton, to act in certain emer- gencies :
" Dear Sir-I received yours of this date. I approve your con- duct in marching your men against those Parricides, and no pains must be spared to apprehend or destroy them. Major Logan, and every other Officer in both Counties, I know, will exert themselves
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HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY,
pected at present that those employed near the barracks will work at least eight hours every day, and those employed where the tim- ber now lays, or at that distance, at least seven. The time for working each day to be lengthened when the days grow longer. " GEO. CLINTON, B. Gen'l."
Opposite is the facsimile of a letter from Gen. Washington " To Brigadier Gen. Knox, commanding the corps of Artillery." It was written during the visit of Capt. Machin to the Comman- der-in-chief, at his winter quarters :
The following paper, which is without date, was no doubt written about the time Gen. Clinton visited Kingston :
" Sir-I am informed that the Inhabitants of Kingston are de- sirous of making some Works for the Defence of their town. I approve of their intentions, and wish to give them every assistance in my power in the execution of this business; and that the works may be constructed on a Plan most efficient and least expensive, I request you will repair to that place and assist in laying them out, in which Col. Bruyn will advise. It will not be practicable, neither do I conceive it necessary to enclose the town, as the hou- ses are stone, and will form (if the Windows and Doors are properly secured) good Lines of Defence. Small Redoubts or block-houses, therefore, at the different and most commanding quarters of the Town, are all that to me appear necessary ; which ought to be con- structed each for a Piece or two of artillery, so as to clear the lines formed by the houses ; and when it can be, conveniently, these should be so contiguous to each other as to be within the reach of Musquetry, which will be a saving of Ammunition. In construct- ing these works, it is to be observed that Artillery against them is not to be apprehended.
"I am your most obed't serv't. " GEO. CLINTON." " Capt. Machin."
By the next paper we perceive that Capt. Machin was given discretionary power, by Governor Clinton, to act in certain emer- gencies :
" Dear Sir-I received yours of this date. I approve your con- duct in marching your men against those Parricides, and no pains must be spared to apprehend or destroy them. Major Logan, and every other Officer in both Counties, I know, will exert themselves
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that in the new apparemment of artillery officers, you thought of IN machin in the manner Le deserves- however, as heis where, and has heard no. theng Gremyou on this Subject Jeaner helpreminding you of him, as heappears from observation and information, to be a person of ment .- He has also mentioned something to merespecting his hay, which you ach cause La la esquerdo ento - he has received none texay since the month of magic
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AND BORDER WARS OF NEW YORK.
on this occasion in drawing out the Militia for quelling this dange- ous insurrection ; nor inust any risk be run in taking prisoners.
" I am your most obd't serv't
"March, 10th, 1777. " GEO. CLINTON, B. Gen."
" P.S. A party will march towards the Forest of Dean, to guard the de- files there."
" To Capt. Thomas Machin."
" To Capt. Machin, at Capt. Nicolls'."
" Dear Sir-This will be handed you by Mr. Chambers from Marble Town, who has come down with 6 or 7 carpenters, to be employed in our works ; and in a few days I expect as many more will be here from that quarter as will complete his company to 12. As these are men who were engaged at our request, when the others misbehaved and quit work, they must be employed-in- deed, we can't have too many now. How you will find room for them I can't tell, but you are good at contrivance.
" I am your H. S.
"GEO. CLINTON." " 11th March, 1777."
The following paper, from Gov. Clinton to Capt. Machin, shows the preparation making for the enemy's reception in the Highlands :
" Dear Sir-Let one know immediately whether twelve Pound- ers, having the trunions broke off, can be quicker repaired by stocking them, or fixing new trunions to them. If the former way is the speediest and best, I beg you would come down here imme- diately and bring such Artificers with you as can do them directly. If the latter way is the best, can't you spare Van Houton, your Smith, to work a while at this business at Fort Constitution ? He shall be well used, and Barney will stay with him. On receipt hereof you will send down the two twelve Pounders at New Windsor, with the ammunition and stores belonging to them, to this Port. In their room I have ordered you the Brass 24 Pounder from Fishkill ; it will suit you better, and you are to preserve her at all events ; if she should be lost at your Port you will be in Dis- grace forever. I expect you will have the 24 lbr. to-morrow at your Port. If you come here yourself on an alarm, you will take care to leave behind you some persons who can use the 24 lbr., and who will guard and save her. Gen. Putnam wants to know how you come forward with your Boom, and whether you meet any Obstructions in that Business which you did not forsee.
" I am your most obd't serv't.
"GEO. CLINTON."
" Fort Montgomery, 3d July, 1777."
"P. S. Wont your scow, well manned, bring the guns down quicker and ea- sier ?"
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HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY,
By a memorandum, found among the Machin papers, it appears that the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds was paid in one month for teams "Employed in drawing Timber for the use of the works Obstructing the navigation of Hudson River," under his individual direction. Thirty shillings was the regular price paid per day for a teamster with two yoke of oxen.
In anticipation of an attack from the enemy, under Sir Henry Clinton, the following orders were issued by Gen. James Clinton :
" Head Quarters, Fort Montgomery, July 10th, 1777.
" The Signals to be given on the approach of the Enemy : On the firing of Two Cannon at Peekskill by Gen. Varnam one min- ute from each other ; Two will be fired by Gen. Huntington ; Two by Gen. Parsons ; to be answered by Two at Fort Independence ; Two at Fort Montgomery; Two at Fort Constitution : and the Beacon there to be fired as usual ; to be answered by two from the Brass twenty-four Pounder, near New Windsor : upon this Sig- nal, the Militia on the West side of Hudson's River, in the Coun- ties of Orange and Ulster, as far up as Col. Harbrouk's Regiment, including the same, are to march by detachments, without further notice, as a Reinforcement of this Garrison, and the Militia on the East side of the River, as far up as Poughkeepsie, including Col. Freus' Regiment, to march for the reinforcing the Garrison under Gen. Putnam.
" This order is immediately to be published by the Command- ing officer at Fort Constitution, and copies of it transmitted by him to Capt. Lieut. Machin, of the Artillery at New Windsor, that he may cause the same to be published there."
In the month of September Capt. Machin was engaged in the recruiting service, as his correspondence with Col. John Lamb, his commanding officer, doth show.
Early in October, to make a diversion in favor of Gen. Bur- goyne, Sir Henry Clinton ascended the Hudson with his army, and succeeded, with a severe loss, in storming Forts Montgomery and Clinton, on the west bank of the Hudson, six miles below West Point-one on either side of Poplopin's kill. At the time of the attack on the former fort, Capt. Machin managed a heavy gun which did fearful execution in the ranks of the assailants. As the army drew near the fort, late in the afternoon, Machin saw a man step from the ranks of the enemy and poise his musket to fire at him. He had just prepared his ordnance for a discharge,
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AND BORDER WARS OF NEW YORK.
loaded to the muzzle with round, grape and double headed bar shot, the latter projecting from the gun ; as he caught the eye of the soldier who had raised his piece to fire on him. Machin's gun- ner in the act of applying the match, was shot down by his side, and the former snatching the linstock from the hand of the fallen hero applied it to the gun, the contents of which mowed a fearful swath, causing the assailants to fall back. At the instant the match was applied, Machin received a bullet in his body, and re- tired with the wounded. The ball entered his breast and came out under his right shoulder. A man who was aiding the woun- ded captain, near sundown, in his retreat, was shot and fell upon him, and it was with no little difficulty he extricated himself from his dying comrade. It began to grow dark, when Machin asked a retreating soldier if he could not help him. " It is a d-d good fellow who can help himself," was the unfeeling reply, as the man passed on. Capt. Machin was soon after taken into a boat and thus made his escape. On the morning following, Capt. Mil- ligan of Orange county, who had been wounded the preceding evening in one knee, was discovered near the river, by the ene- my, of whom he begged for quarters; instead of granting which, his unfeeling foes bayoneted and threw him down the rocks. While recovering from his wounds Capt. Machin was entertained at the house of Gov. Clinton, from whose family he received the kindest treatment. The Americans, on losing Forts Montgomery and Clinton, abandoned Fort Constitution as untenable, leaving in their retreat considerable booty to the enemy. Gen. Vaughan then ascended the river as far as Kingston, burning it and destroying a large quantity of military stores there collected ; soon after which most of the army returned to New York city ; evacuating the captured forts, but retaining and fortifying Stoney Point, a few miles below Forts Montgomery and Clinton.
Early in December Capt. Machin was so far recovered from his wound as to be engaged in his regular duties, as the following Clinton papers will show.
" Little Britain, 1st Dec'r, 1777.
" Dear Machin-I wrote to Doctor Tappen and Maj. Billings some time ago to endeavor to provide me a house at or near Pough-
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HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY,
keepsie, providing the legislature determined to meet at that place ; since which I have not heard from them. Mrs. Clinton is anxious to get settled again, and as I believe Poughkeepsie would be her choice as well as the place where the legislature will meet, I will be much obliged to you if you will be kind enough to take a ride there, consult with Maj. Billings and Doct. Tappen, and concert with them-endeavor to procure some convenient house for me. It will be no objection should it be a mile or two out of town.
" I offered Capt. Harris the use of my house this winter for his family. He thinks it would be too lonesome for her, [his wife.] But as Mrs. Bedlow is not to move to New Windsor, suppose Capt. Harris was to move into my house and you was to take your lodg- ings with them ; and indeed Capt. Harris will be at home great part if not the whole of the winter. Will you mention this to the captain ?
"I have a cot at my house out of which the militia stole the irons : will you get it repaired for me, as I have no other bed or bedstead.
"I am Dr. Sir, yours sincerely, " GEO. CLINTON."
" P. S. If you go to Poughkeepsie advise me of it by a line. Maj. Taylor will furnish you with a horse for the purpose."
" Poughkeepsie, 13th Dec., 1777.
" Dear Machin-There are some mahogany boards in and about our mill which Mrs. Clinton brought from Capt. Nevin's, which I wish you would measure and secure for me. You forgot to send my razors ; pray let me have them by first good conveyance.
"Yours sincerely,
"GEO. CLINTON."
" P. S. We are all well.
" Mrs. Clinton's compliments to you."
" Poughkeepsie, 19th Dec'r, 1777.
" Dear Sir-I am much obliged to you for the wood, &c., you have sent me by Serg't Halsted. The sloop carries but six and a half cords of wood : I have therefore got but that quantity. The Sheep the sergeant tells me he put up in my stable and gave them in charge of some militia that were threshing: in the mor- ning they were gone, so that I have not got them. I suppose, or at least it is likely, they stole them. I wish you would try to find them again, and when you come to see us throw them in the bot- tom of your slay [sleigh] and you shall eat part of them. Sam gave your saddle-bags to Col. Dubois' Bob, who promised to take care of them for you. Col. Taylor promised to send Mrs. Clinton two pots, which he has forgot; perhaps you may have an opportu- nity to send or bring them. As to my house and farm, I leave it entirely at your discretion and disposal. I wish to oblige Capt. Harris, but if he declines you can let it to who [whom] you please. I wish to have the timber saved as much as possible.
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AND BORDER WARS OF NEW YORK.
" I had letters from Head Quarters dated the 3d and 10th in- stant. No News there. Gen. Washington is anxious about se- curing the river. Putnam is ordered to turn his whole attention to that business, and will be up with his troops in a few days. Colonels Webb and Ely were taken in a sloop with about thirty men, crossing to Long Island, by an armed brig. Gen. Parsons has had a brush with the Hessians, beat them and took one field piece, it is said, but wants confirmation. Ensign Adamson about a week ago broke his parole and went off, but was fortunately taken with six other rascals, in Mile-Square-two of them negroes he had se- duced off. Mrs. Clinton joins in best respects to you and love to Caty. I wish to see you soon.
"Yours sincerely, " GEO. CLINTON,"
The following is the copy of a letter from Capt. Machin to the New York Council of Safety, preserved among his papers :
" To the Honorable Committee of New Windsor :
" GENTLEMEN-It will be needless for me to point out to you the necessity of some speedy obstructions being made in Hudson's river, against gun-boats, galleys and small crafts that will pro- bably come up at the first opening of the spring, and prevent our making such necessary works as may preserve the good people on the banks of the river, from the revenge of a merciless enemy (remember Kingston), towards effecting which, much time has al- ready elapsed and but little done, which drives me to the necessi- ty of applying to the Honorable Committee on this occasion.
" We shall want a large quantity of timber for the Chain, which cannot be got up the river on account of the frost; and when the frost breaks up it will be too late for our business. I shall not think it consistent with my duty to distress any indivi- dual by cutting all the timber off one man's land, and thereby render a good farm of little value; and I cannot always be with men in the woods: useless destruction may be made by them un- less over seen by somebody to prevent it. For this purpose I should be glad if the Honorable Committee will appoint a Wood Ranger to oversee the business, that the Master Carpenters may apply to him for such timber as they shall receive orders to get. It ought to be a person in disinterested circumstances, a man of honor, resolution and stability. A compliance with this will much forward the present business and oblige-gentlemen,
" You humble servant, THOS. MACHIN.
New Windsor, 22d Feb., 177S.
The following letter from Gen. James Clinton to Capt. Ma- chin, is of a private rather than public character ; and shows that
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HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY,
some men even at that early day, were rather above their busi- ness : or had conceived that sickly modern notion of its being dishonorable or disgraceful to labor. If it be honorable to dis- obey the commands of God, then indeed is it dishonorable to work-but if not-not.
" Little Britain, March, 4th, 1778.
"Dear Sir-I received your favor by Lieut. Strachan with a few lines from Col. Taylor inclosed, concerning a complaint that Capt. Young has made against Capt. Mills, (both of the Artificers,) but as Col. Taylor does dot set forth what injury Capt. Mills has done Capt. Young, I can't give you any advice about the matter.
" I think your letter seems to confirm the charge against both of them ; for what can stain an officer's character more than not do- ing his duty ? A captain of a company of artificiers, if he does his duty, will have harder work than any of the privates, and I think you are answerable for their conduct, as you have the charge of the work; and if they dont do their duty you must arrest them, if nothing else will do.
" If they be gentlemen of such high spirits as to think it a scan- dal for them to work because they bear the title of captain, I think they might decide such disputes between themselves without troub- ling any officer with it. Inclosed you have Col. Taylor's report, and if I must give my opinion of the matter, let me know what stories Capt. Mills has propagated against Capt. Young.
" I am, Sir, Yours, " JAMES CLINTON, B. G."
The following papers will show the spring of 1778, like that of the preceding year, to have been a very busy one in the High- lands of the Hudson :
" Sir :- As Col. Laradiere has left us, I wish you, if you can be absent from New Windsor for a day to come to this port to-morrow or the day after, to advise about the proper method of fortifying this place.
" From, Sir, your humble servant, " SAM'L H. PARSONS.
" West Point, 11th March, 1778."
" Monday afternoon, March 11th, 1778.
"My Dear Captain :- You will receive by the bearer some paper and all the white rope of the size mentioned we have. I have sent off Charley this minute to forward the cordage from Danbury, as well as from Fairfield, but cant say what size there is at the latter [place], as it is sent by Mr. Shaw, of New London, at the request of Gen. Putnam, who never told me the sizes he ordered. I be- lieve there are no more cables to be expected of Mr. Ives till he
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AND BORDER WARS OF NEW YORK.
gets more hemp-at least, I understood him so. In my letter to Gen. Putnam, I informed him, while he was in Connecticut, that all sizes would be wanted, and advised that the whole cargo should be bought.
"He referred the matter to Governor Trumbull, (and I imagine) the Governor to Mr. Shaw, who may, possibly, serve himself first. However, as I said before, Charles is gone to learn the true state of what is on the road, and forward it along. When he returns, which will be in two or three days, I expect, you shall hear further. I will wait on the general, and let you know his orders concerning the hands. Inclosed you have the general's order for the men re- quired.
" I am, Dear Captain, " Yours in truth, " J. HUGHES.
"P. S. You have also an order on Sheaf at Wappinger's creek."
" Little Britain, March 20th, 177S.
" Dear Sir :- I expected to have been to see you before now, but the riding was so bad I deferred it a little while, as I want to go to the West Point. I send my boy for the papers if they are come.
" I suppose you begin to ketch [catch] some fish this fine weath- er ; if so, I would be glad you would send a few up here-and you will oblige, Yours,
" JAMES CLINTON."
The following paper, which is without date or signature, is in the hand writing of Gov. Clinton, and was filed by Capt. Machin as received from him March 20th, 1778 :
" Mr. Machin will write to Samuel Bronson, at Goshen, to know if he has any knowledge of a lead mine in the mountains, about nine miles off the river, of which he once spoke to Thos. Smith, Esq.
"Mr. Machin will also go to Wawarsink and see the mine there now working by one McDonald, and what prospect there is of work- ing it to purpose. It is said there is a lead mine near Mamecot- tang [Mamakating, as now written], and one on this side the Shaw- angunk mountains, of which make inquiry-of the latter from Col. Palmer, the former from everybody. Mr. Wisner has the samples of them ; get those from him -- in those of Wasink in Dutch- ess and- [Several words at the close of this paper are rendered unintelligible.]
" Sir-if 'tis possible to spare any timber from the creek, I beg you to order it rafted immediately for this place, where we are in the greatest need of it ; it ought not to be delayed a moment, our information being of a nature which requires immediate at- tention to compleating the batteries. [Probably in the vicinity of West Point.]
" 3d April, 1778.
Your obedient serv't,
SAML. H. PARSONS."
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HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY,
The following is the copy of a letter from Capt. Machin to Gen. McDougal, which shows when the chain, which was stretch- ed across the Hudson at West Point, was completed.
" Honored Sir-Lieut. Woodward who I told you was at Sterling iron works inspecting the chain, is now returned, and informs me that seventeen hundred feet of the Great Chain, which is more than equal to the breadth of the river at the place last fixed upon, is now ready for use. The capson [capstan] and docks are set up at the lower place ; the mud blocks are launched and only wait for good weather to carry them down : four cannon, twelve and nine pounders are at the beach, also waiting for weather to go down: four more will be ready by Saturday ; and if no unforseen accident should appear, I shall be able to send down four cannon next week. If the weather should be favorable, I am in hopes we shall be able to take the chain down all fixed in about 6 days. Lieut. Woodward was ordered by Gen. Parsons to assist me at those works, and as he is a gentleman well skilled in mechanical powers, and a person of steady application, it will put me much out of the way to have him removed at this time. Should therefore be glad if you will continue him in the work, as somebody must be in his place, and to take an entire stranger at this time will be onerous and dangerous.
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