USA > New York > New York City > History of the New Netherlands, province of New York, and state of New York : to the adoption of the federal Constitution. Vol. II > Part 18
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"' We suppose you cannot answer us upon this subject, as the matter was agreed upon below. But perhaps you may know some- thing of this matter.
"' When we heard of this account, we sent back word to our friends remaining among them, telling them not to be pale hearted, because some were destroyed, but to keep up with their former engagements.
"' We sent off some of our people to Canasaraga, to invite them to our village, but they returned an answer that they had sent some VOL. II. 21
162
STONY POINT.
of their runners to Onondaga, to learn the particulars, and they waited for their return.
. """Our people brought for answer, that they were much obliged to their children, the Oneidas, for attending to them in their dis- tresses, and they would be glad if they would speak smoothly to their brethren, the Americans, to know whether all this was done by design or mistake.
"' If a mistake, say they, we hope to see our brethren the prison- ers-if by design we still will keep our engagements with you and not join the king's party. But if our brethren, the Americans, mean to destroy us also, we will not fly-we will wait here and re- ceive our death.
"' Brother, this was the answer of the Onondagas. As for us, the Oneidas and Tuscaroras, you know our sentiments. We have supposed we knew yours.
"'The commissioners promised us that when they found anv thing wrong, they would tell us and make it right.
"' Brother-If we have done any thing wrong, we shall now be glad if you will now tell us so.' "
" The grunt of the sachems echoed back their approbation of the speaker, as he gracefully threw his mantle over his arm and sat down.
" Colonel Van Schaick then rose, and stepping forward, replied as follows :
"' I am glad to see my friends the Oneidas and Tuscaroras. I perfectly remember the engagements of the Five Nations entered into four years ago, and that they promised to preserve a strict and honourable neutrality during the present war, which was all we asked then to do for us.
"' But I likewise know that all of them, except our brethren the Oneidas and Tuscaroras, broke their engagements and flung away the chain of friendship. But the Onondagas have been great murderers, we have found the scalps of our brethren at their castle.
"' They were cut off, not by mistake, but by design-I was or. dered to do it-and it is done.
" ' As for the other matters of which you speak, I recommend a deputation to the commissioners at Albany. I am not appointed to treat with you on those subjects.
"' I am a warriour-My duty is to obey the orders which they send me.'"
Stony Point had fallen into the hands of the British, and by them was strongly fortified. It was garrisoned by the seven- teenth regiment, a company of grenadiers of the seventy-first, a corps of refugees or Tories, with adequate artillerists ; the whole commanded by Colonel Johnson. The plan of this enterprize was
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EXPLOIT OF MAJOR LEE.
formed by the commander-in-chief, and he chose Wayne to exc- cute it, who accomplished the object with his wonted skill and intrepidity, and with comparatively a trifling loss. But such was the weakness of the American army, that a sufficient force could not be spared to garrison the post, and it was soon found necessary to abandon it. It was re-occupied by the enemy .*
A very short time after this, Major Lee performed a brilliant exploit, still nearer to the city of New York. The British had a garrison at Paulus Hook, now Jersey City, but then only known as the ferry and first stage between New York and Philadelphia. Paulus Hook is, by nature, almost an island, and the British had made it quite so, by cutting a deep ditch through the marsh, into which the tide flowed, and rendered it impassable except at low water. They had a draw bridge over this ditch, which, of course, was only let down for their own use ; and a strong gate appeared to secure this pass. The post was well fortified and garrisoned, but being far removed from the nearest American station, was con- sidered out of danger. Lee had observed, or gained intelligence of the negligence of the garrison, and formed the design to sur- prise them. Lord Stirling, to aid the enterprize, ordered a detach- ment down towards the Hackinsack river to forage, which caused no alarm, and followed himself with five hundred men, three hun- dred of whom were to accompany Lee over the river, and to the attack of the point. He reached the creek between two and three in the morning, crossed the ditch undiscovered, and entered the main work with the loss of two killed and three wounded. A few of the British were killed at the first charge, and one hundred and fifty., including three officers, made prisoners. They were borne off' with the standard : and the victors arrived at Hackinsack river, where boats were to have been in waiting. These had been with- drawn by mistake, and the men, fatigued with a march of many miles, were obliged to push rapidly up the river fourteen miles before they gained the bridge, crossed, and were met by their friends. This exploit was performed within sight of the army at New York, and of their ships of war in the harbour.
During the summer of 1779, Sir Henry Clinton received a re- inforcement from England, and made preparations for detaching troops from New York, by fortifying the approaches on the land · side, and on Long Island. The inhabitants were enrolled as mi- litia, and many formed volunteer companies, and were drilled and uniformed. These were principally English and Scotch merchants, and refugees from Boston and elsewhere. I have seen these vo- lunteer companies acting as press-gangs for the fleet, and arresting
. Marshall's Washington, Vol. IV. chap. u.
164
SECOND GREAT FIRE IN NEW YORK.
sailors, and sometimes others, at the point of the. bayonet. It ap- pears by published letters that Sir Henry Clinton was discontented with the service, and very much with the conduct of the refugees, who were formed into a " board of loyalists" under Governour Franklin, formerly of New Jersey, and who generally interfered with the plans of the general, by representations to the ministry.
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In the month of September, the British forces had returned from depredating to the castward, and two large columns moved from the city of New York up the Hudson, one on each side. Cornwallis commanded on the west side of the river, with his left on the Hackinsack. Knyphansen led the column on the cast of the Hudson. Colonel Baylor crossed the Hackinsack, on the 27th of September, with his cavalry, and took post at a place called Herringtown, where a party of militia was quartered. Cornwallis saw that this post was within his reach, and ordered two detachments, under General Gray and Colonel Campbell, to ad- vance on Baylor's cavalry. Guided by some mercenary wretches, inhabitants of the neighbourhood, the British eluded the patrols of Baylor, and cut off his advance guard without alarming the main body of the regiment, who were asleep in a barn. The orders of General Gray were to charge upon his enemy, thus taken by sur- prize, and give no quarter. The inhuman order was obeyed almost to the letter. Of one hundred and four privates, sixty-seven were bayoneted, while demanding quarter. Baylor was wounded with a bayonet, but recovered ; his major died of his wounds. One of Gray's captains disobeyed the order of his commander, and made prisoners of about forty, choosing rather to give quarters to brave men than to stab them defenceless and unresisting. Three days after this, the gallant Major Lee, with his cavalry, and Colonel Richard Butler, with some infantry, fell in with a party of German yagers, of whom they killed ten, and carried off eighteen, with the commanding officer, as prisoners.
I have alluded to the sufferings from heat at the battle of Monmouth, on the 2Sth of June, 1778; and on the night of the 7th of August, I remember that I lay panting for air on the floor near a window, har- ing left my bed, when I was roused from imperfect sleep by the cry of fire, and the ringing of alarm bells. In those days such alarms were rarely known, and it was probably the first time I had ever heard the terrifick stroke. I started up, and saw every thing around illu- minated -by the blaze. Three hundred houses were rapidly con- sumed ; all Dock street and Little Dock street, with many build- ings adjacent. This was called the second great fire. In the morning I visited the ruins, and assisted a schoolmate to rescue and guard some remaining furniture belonging to his widowed mo- ther. Well I remember looking at the sun through the smoke. with wonder at his fiery face disfigured by the curling masses of
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SEVERE WINTER.
black and red smoke, as they mounted from the half burnt build- ings. There were no fire companies organized, as had previously been ; the citizens were accustomed to form ranks from a pump or reservoir, and each to bring the buckets of his house in case of fire ; but on this occasion the military interfered, and, perhaps intending well, aided the work of destruction. . The heat of the Sth of August, 1778, was intolerable, and the spirits of the people of New York depressed by the recent conflagration. About one o'clock, masses of black clouds overshadowed us from the west, and a thunder- storm commenced with violence ; but the flashes of lightning, or thie deafening peals of thunder did not prevent my father's family from setting down to dinner, for it was while thus engaged that a crash startled every one from his seat ; the house appeared to shake ; papers which had been left near an open chamber window came flutter- ing down in fantastick gyrations-" the house is struck !" was the cry, which seemed to be confirmed, as the tiled roof on the front rattled to the pavement, and torrents of rain poured in without impediment.
On running into the street it was seen that all the houses with tiled roofs were in the same situation. Consternation was gene- ral, and the cause unknown of so violent and extensive a concus- sion. But soon was seen a black column of smoke rising in the east far over the houses, and while gazing at this new phenomenon, one arrived from the east river side of the town, and explained the' awful appearances. 'A powder vessel, lying off in the stream, had been struck by the lightning, and exploding, produced the startling effects we had witnessed. Every house facing the river was un- covered, in front, exposed to pelting rain, and every face that was seen looked horrour struck.
A brig had been left in charge of a boy, who was the only per- son that suffered death. Such is my recollection of the night and day of the second great fire. I remember that day as one of gloom and darkness.
The winter of 1779-SO, is still known as the hardest winter. In New York great efforts were made to increase the depreciation of continental money, by manufacturing counterfeit bills, and during this winter the American army, quartered in their own country, were in a state of extreme suffering, being in want of clothing and food. The general, describes his army as " men half-starved, im- perfectly clothed, riotous, and robbing the country people of their subsistance, from sheer necessity." The soldiers were reduced to half allowance of rations, and the general to the necessity of making requisitions upon each county of New Jersey for a stated quantity of meat and flour, to be delivered within six days ; giving notice of the necessity which would oblige him to resort to coer- cion. "To the honour of the magistrates, and people of New
166
UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT ON STATEN ISLAND.
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Jersey," Ch. J. Marshall says, " although their country was much exhausted, the supplies required were instantly furnished, and a temporary relief obtained." Amidst these distresses, a blow was aimed at the enemy on Staten Island. A bridge of ice gave oppor- tunity for any force to pass from the main land, and it was sup- posed that the state of the harbour of New York would prevent re- inforcements being sent from thence. General Washington or- dered a detachment of two thousand meu, under Lord Stirling, to attempt a surprise of the troops on the island, principally consisting of Skinner's new corps, computed at twelve hundred men. The expedition was a failure. The enemy were found entrenched and prepared. The tories of the neighbourhood would not allow their friends to be surprised. It was likewise found that a passage re- mained open for boats from New York to Staten Island, and that troops could be thrown across the bay. Stirling, under these circumstances, retreated with some loss, and many of his followers frostbitten. His army had been followed by the most licentious of the New Jersey borderers for the purpose of plunder, and the of- ficers had, after their return, the task of rescuing part of the spoil, and returning it to the owners. This transaction took place in January. Afterward, the long continuance of severe cold closed the bay of New York, with solid ice; so that I remember to have seen a troop of horse and artillery crossing to Staten Island on this immense bridge, which connected all our islands, one with the other, and with the main land.
This occasioned much suffering to the army, more to inhabitants. Wood was cut on the three islands by the military, and few trees escaped the axe that winter. But fuel and provisions were scarce- ly to be purchased by the citizens, even those who had means of paying exorbitant prices. In many instances household furniture was broken up to supply the fire necessary to support life. From Cortlandt street to Paulus Hook, I well remember the beaten track for sleighs and waggons, winding occasionally around, and between the hills of ice ; and a similar road in use to Hoboken, from whence some wood was procured, by parties of soldiers sent over for the · purpose. On the 17th of March, I saw horsemen crossing the bay on the ice, but it was then considered dangerous to make their road over the deeper part, or channel.
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167
ARNOLD COMMANDS AT PHILADELPHIA.
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CHAPTER XIII.
Arnold commands at Philadelphia-His misconduct and trial- Commands at West Point-Intrigues with the enemy and treason -Capture and execution of Andre-Escape of Arnold.
1780 THE treason of General Arnold is an eveut of such mag- nitude that it appears necessary to recur to his previous histo- ry, from the memorable battles of Behmus's Heights, in which he played so conspicuous a part, to the moment of the capture of Ma- jor John Andre, and the discovery of the infernal plot in which both participated .*
General Arnold appears to have passed the early part of the Spring of 1778 in his native state of Connecticut ; and in May, he joined the main army, at Valley Forge, in Pennsylvania. Not being yet sufficiently recovered from his wound to take part in the active operations of the campaign, General Washington gave him the command of the city of Philadelphia, upon the retreat of the enemy. It was here the weak points of this unamiable man's cha- racter became again conspicuous ; and here he was prepared for the vile and odious transaction which has handed down his name with infamy to posterity.
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Even a prudent man might have found himself in a difficult situ- ation as commandant of a city which had been eight months occu- pied by the enemy, replenished with British merchandize of doubtful ownership, and still occupied by many adherents to the cause of royalty, either known or suspected. It was likewise very difficult to find the line to which his military power was to extend, without interfering with the civil authority and laws of the state.
By a resolve of congress, the removal or sale of all goods in Philadelphia was to be prevented until it was ascertained whether any of the property in them belonged to the king of Great Britain,
" My principal authority is the very interesting biography of Arnold by Mr. Sparks-not omitting to consult the Gates' Papers. in manuscript-the Journals of Congress-the American Register-Marshall's History-Joshua H. Smith-and other sources of information. Marshall says, he received from Lafayette the infor- Mation that Arnold, while in command at West Point, endeavoured to procure from General Washington the names of his secret emissaries in New York. He pressed Lafayette on the same subject.
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168
TRIED BY A COURT MARTIAL.
or to any of his subjects. On Arnold's entering the city, he issued a proclamation in conformity with this resolve. This prohibition appeared arbitrary, and its immediate source was rendered unpopu- lar. Shortly after, Arnold either had, or pretended, a wish to serve in the navy rather than the army, and wrote to General Washi- ington on the subject. His wounds, he said, prevented active ser- · vice on shore, but would not impede usefulness at sea. He, per- haps, expected the sole command on that element, and bis habitual extravagance rendered the prospect of riches, from captures at sea, desirable. General Washington gave no opinion on the subject, and the scheme dropped. In the mean time Arnold involved him- self in difficulties with the president and council of Pennsylvania ; which at length drew from that body a resolve that the course of his military command in Philadelphia had been " oppressive, un- worthy of his rank and station, highly discouraging to those who had manifested an attachment to the liberties and interests of Ame- rica, and disrespectful to the supreme executive authority of the state." Her attorney-general was authorized to prosecute him for such "illegal and oppressive acts as were cognizable in the courts of law."
Charges were issued against him-some implying criminality, , and all, wilful abuse of power. An appeal was made to congress, and these charges, with divers papers, laid before that assembly. Many difficulties arising in the course of investigation, it was agreed to refer the affair to a inilitary tribunal. Four charges were pro- nounced cognizable by a court martial, and these were transmitted to the commander-in-chief, who ordered a court to be convened, appointed the time of trial, and gave notice to the parties concerned.
Highly displeased with this course, Arnold was not sparing of complaints and accusations of injustice ; but desired a speedy trial, declaring " his conviction that justice would be rendered to him by a conrt martial."
It ought to be remarked, that during this controversy, Riving- ton's paper (which was under the control of Sir Henry Clinton, the ex-governour William Franklin, and other leaders of the English party,) contained a succession of paragraphs advocating the cause of Arnold, and charging the rebels with ingratitude to their best military commander .*
Difficulties and delays occurred in respect to the form of trial. Arnold resigned his command of Philadelphia, in March, 1779. In April, he was married ; and the trial was appointed for the Ist of June : but the indications of active measures taking by the ene- my, called for the services of the officers selected for the court,
· See Papers.
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AND REPRIMANDED BY WASHINGTON. 169
and a further delay, much to the displeasure of Arnold, was the consequence.
He continued to reside in Philadelphia, and held his commis- sion, although without command. But his character and manners were so unpopular that he was on one occasion insulted by the populace, and he applied to congress for a guard, but they referred him to the government of Pennsylvania, his known and avowed enemies. Again he applied to congress, and reminded them, as usual, of his services, patriotism, etc. etc., but again they declined. In this disagreeable situation his affairs remained until the cam- paign being ended, his trial commenced at Morristown, in Decem- ber, and was concluded on the 26th of January, 1750.
The court dismissed some of the charges against him, and only found that in two instances of minor importance his conduct had been imprudent and improper. The sentence was, that on these charges he should be reprimanded by the commander-in-chief. This duty was performed by that great man with his characteristick delicacy, and in a manner the most soothing. "I reprimand you," he said " that in proportion as you had rendered yourself forinida- ble to our enemies, you should have shown moderation towards our citizens. Exhibit again those splendid qualities which have placed you in the rank of our most distinguished generals. As far as it shall be in my power, I will myself furnish you with opportu- nities for regaining the esteem which you have formerly enjoyed."
But before these words fell powerless on his ear, Arnold had decided on the step which was to free him from the difficulties into which his profusion and ostentation had involved him, and at the same time consign his name to lasting infamy. He had already sold himself, and the lives and fortunes of his countrymen, as far as he could betray them, to the arrogant and merciless enemy who looked for that conquest from treachery, which he could not achieve by arms.
He asked permission to return to Philadelphia to arrange his private affairs. In that city he had lived in a manner to which his funds were utterly inadequate, One of the first houses, furnished in the most expensive style, corresponded with his appearance in publick, riding in a coach drawn by four horses splendidly capari- soned, and attended by numerous menials suitable to such arrogant pretensions. His marriage with a fine lady who had been the belle of the British beaux, while the place was an English garrison, and the entertainments given to correspond with his other ambitious display, all increased the debts he necessarily contracted. To sup- port in part this splendour, he entered into partnerships with indi- viduals who speculated in goods purchased clandestinely upon the enemy's lines, and with others in privateering adventures against VOL. II. 22
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170
ARNOLD'S INTRIGUES.
those with whom he was already in negociation for the betraying of his country.
Among his various attempts to supply that extravagance which he had not the courage or magnanimity to abandon, he persisted in his exorbitant claims upon congress for balances pretended to be due for advances made by him in the course of service. Disgust- ing friends and enemies by his pretensions and effrontery, he failed 'in this resource, and before finally concluding his bargain of blood with Sir Henry Clinton, through the knight's agent, Andre, Arnold offered himself to the French ambassador, M. de Luzerne, request- ing a loan, which was understood to be a bribe, by which the Ame- rican general was to become the creature of France. This was declined, and now the only calculation was to inflict as much injury on his country as possible by way of enhancing the price he was to receive from the enemy.
With this view, he asked and obtained the command of West Point, the great pass of the Highlands-the possession of which would divide the Eastern states from their sisters, open the commu- nication to the interiour of New York, and perhaps Canada, besides inflicting a wound on the army of the United States, both in respect to the brave men to be sacrificed, and the warlike material that would be lost to the country.
Arnold's wife, a lady who had probably been captivated with that splendour which was one cause of his baseness, had been the hero- ine of the Mischiansa, a mock tournament, in theatrical style, got up by the British officers in compliment to Sir William Howe on occasion of his departure. André was of course conspicuous in this mimick display of chivalry ; and his intimacy with Miss Ship- pen was continued after the gallant Major had been driven with his brethren back to New York.
Hle corresponded with the lady by letters, and through this chan- nel Arnold's necessities, which laid him open to the final shafts of corruption were undesignedly communicated to Sir Henry Clinton, and the bargain of treason and murder consummated. There can be no doubt but that Arnold's connection with this woman and her friends, all attached to Great Britain and enemies of his country, added the last and deepest shade to his already stained and dis- coloured character.
Arnold now represented to General Washiington that his wounds were in such state as to allow his active exertion for his country, though not on horseback. He represented to General Schuyler, who duly appreciated his military talents, that he might be of ser- vice as commandant on the Hudson. Schuyler made the intended communication to General Washington, without its appearing to come immediately from Arnold, who likewise engaged Robert R. Livingston to suggest the appointment of commandant of West
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171
COMMANDS AT WEST POINT.
Point to the commander-in-chief, without the traitor appearing anxious for it. He likewise visited camp, and expressed his wish to be in service, still hinting that his wounds prevented active com- mand, but avoided mentioning the object of his wishes. He passed on to Connecticut, and in returning again, saw General Washing- ton ; still nothing was decided. He then visited West Point, and. minutely observed the works-still avoiding any expression of his desire for a command at that post.
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