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 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56
By the exertions and influence of Schuyler, (although necessa- rily absent from the lake) and the indefatigable activity of Arnold, this extraordinary man, before the middle of August, saw himself a second time commander of a flotilla, upon the inland sea, which for so many years was the high road for hostile armaments to and from Canada. He now had absolute control over three armed schooners carrying 2S guns, a sloop mounting 12, and five gondo- las with three guns each.
Gates had ordered the commodore general to take his station at the Isle aux tetes. The order stated, " that as the present opera- tions were designed to be wholly on the defensive, the business of the fleet was to prevent or repel a hostile incursion ; but not to run any wanton risks, or seek an encounter within the enemy's terri- tory." Arnold was prohibited, in positive terms, not to advance beyond the station above named-where there was a narrow pass in the lake supposed to be defensible. But Carleton not only cre- ated a stronger naval force than that of Arnold, but had anticipated him, by seizing this pass, and occupying the island and both shores of the lake with his land forces.
This disposition of the enemy was seen, on the arrival of the American fleet at Windmill Point ; and there Arnold took his sta- tion, mooring his vessels in a line across the lake.i Thus finding that he was exposed to annoyance from the main land-his adver-
. In a letter from John Adams to Gates, from Congress, dated June the 18th, he miss. " We have made you Dictator in Canada, for six months, or, at least, to the first of October."
1 I find a manuscript letter from Arnold to Gates, dated Windmill Point, Sep- ember 17th, in which he says, that his fleet has six days provisions, and that he
1
53
ENGAGEMENT ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN.
sary having the command of the shores, with a superiour force-he retired up the lake eight miles, choosing a post at Isle-la-Motte, more favourable for opposition to his adversary's fleet, and out of reach from the land forces. 'The men of whom he had the com- mand, were not such as he could confide in. He wrote to Gates, September 21st, a letter, which I find in the Gates' papers, saying, " the drafts from the regiments at Ticonderoga are a miserable set. Indeed, the men on board the fleet are not equal to half their num- ber of good men." His force had been increased since leaving Crown Point, and before the action of the 11th of October, con- sisted of three schooners, two sloops, three galleys, and eight gon- dolas. On the morning of that day, his guard boats gave notice that the enemy's fleet was in sight, off Cumberland head, moving up the lake. A ship of three masts, two schooners, a radeau, one gondola, twenty gun-boats, four long boats, and forty-four boats with troops and provisions, soon made their appearance in formi- dable array. The armed vessels were manned by chosen seamen from the English fleet, which had arrived in the St. Lawrence with powerful reinforcements. To this overwhelming force, Arnold had to oppose men who were inspired with conrage rather derived from their opinion of him, than their own strength.
Before the action became general, the Americans lost one of their schooners, which grounded, and was destroyed by her crew, who saved themselves. The largest English vessels were prevent- ed from coming into the fight at first ; but one schooner and all their gun-boats kept up a cannonade with grape and round shot, within musket fire of the American line, from half past twelve to five o'clock, when they were forced to retire. During this en- gagement, Arnold, in the Congress galley, was exposed to the se- verest fire of the enemy. Deficient in gunners, he pointed the guns of his vessel himself, and by his example encouraged his men to persist to the last, although his galley was cut to pieces by the shot of the enemy, and many of his men killed and wounded. The Washington galley was likewise disabled ; one of the gondo- las had her lieutenant killed-her captain and master wounded ; another lost all her officers .* During the fight, the English had
expects the enemy. To strengthen his vessels, which were too low to repel board- ers, he landed men to cut fascines; but they were attacked and beaten off' the shore with loss.
* I derive from General Morgan Lewis the name of Abraham Nimham, of Stockbridge, who, as a gallant -ailor and soldier was distinguished on this occa- sion. This man, and an Indian of' ile Montauk tribe, joined Arnold in his peril- ous Canada expedition. Nimham was a sub-officer at the time of this naval fight, and was on board the boat. all of whose officers were killed. He took the com- mand, managed her with skill, and fought her manfully. At the time of abandon- ing the boats, he was the last to run aground; but laid his boat so as to protect
54
ENGAGEMENT ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN.
. landed a body of their Indians, who kept up a fire of musketry , upon the American vessels. Sixty men were killed or wounded ; but the enemy had been repulsed.
It was evident, however, that the fleet could not withstand the force Carleton could bring against it ; and in a consultation of offi- cers, it was determined to retire to Crown Point, and, if possible. not risk a second encounter. The British commander, knowing his advantage, brought up his larger vessels, before night, within a few hundred yards of the Americans, stretching his line in such a direction as he thought would prevent his enemy from retiring up the lake and avoiding his attack the next day. But the night proved uncommonly dark ; and Arnold, by a skilful movement, avoided . the danger, and before light, had removed his little fleet at least ten miles from the enemy, bringing up the rear himself, in his crippled galley. At Schuyler's Island, the fleet was anchored to repair sails and stop leaks. Two gondolas were abandoned and sunk. In the afternoon they hoisted sail, the enemy pursuing ; but both fleets were nearly becalmed. Next day, Arnold found that Carleton was coming up with his gallies and four of his gondolas, all too much injured to sail freely, while the largest vessels of the enemy were uninjured, and carried a press of sail. The Washing- ton galley was overhauled, and after a few broadsides, struck her flag. A ship of 14 guns, and a schooner of 14, bore up and poured their fire upon the Congress ; but Arnold, for four hours, maintained the unequal contest, until surrounded by seven of the enemy's vessels, he, as a last resource, ran his galley and four gon- dolas into a small creek on the east side of the lake, ten miles from Crown Point, and, as soon as they were aground, ordered his ma- riners to wade to the shore with their muskets, and keep off the enemy's small boats. He, ever the last man in a retreat, remained in his galley until the flames had made such progress that they could not be extinguished ; then, on the shore he maintained his attitude of defence until his vessels were consumed with their flags flying. This accomplished, he led his little band through the woods to Crown Point.
With defeat, the reputation of Arnold was increased ; every de- fect of his character was lost sight of, owing to the brilliancy which was shed around him by his daring and his military conduct. Men estimate that courage which protects them from harm, (even though it should proceed from insensibility to danger) at a higher value
others and annoy the enemy. When necessary, he swam ashore, and joined in every peril and every exertion. This galant man was subsequently killed near White Plains. He had with a party been sent to hover near the British lines, when they were set upon by a large party of Buskirk's and Delancey's men, and cut to pieces.
ʻ
55
SCHUYLER'S EXERTIONS.
than honesty, scrupulous attention to truth, deference to the rights of others, or any of the virtues on which the happiness of society depends. The moral courage of the wise and good never dazzles -it is appreciated by the few, and is unnoticed by the mass of mankind.
Arnold had lost the naval protection of the lake-he had sacri- ficed near a hundred Americans, who were either killed or wound- ed. The enemy owned a loss of about half the number. The gain was altogether with Carleton, who now commanded this high road into the heart of the country. But Arnold gained rather than lost reputation, by the event ; and, as a military leader, he deserved the admiration his actions produced, while he appeared to exert his powers for the defence of his country from motives that were worthy of all praise.
This destruction of the naval armament of Lake Champlain, and the threatened attack upon 'Ticonderoga, again called forth all the energies of Schuyler, who forwarded reinforcements, and endea- voured to guard the country by its militia ; but this last species of force was such to him as the commander-in-chief had found it, " a broken reed," refractory, insubordinate in all things ; they would neither march nor work, when ordered. But a sufficient show of opposition was made, to induce the British general to defer his at- tack on Ticonderoga ; and, as the winter was approaching, (to avoid being frozen in the lake, where he would be certain of de- struction from surrounding enemies,) he prudently returned to Canada, and relieved the good people of New York from their fears for the present. But the exertions of Schuyler and Arnold pre- vented the co-operation of Carleton with Howe.
-
56
GERMAN AUXILIARIES.
CHAPTER V.
England buys foreign troops to help to subdue America-Hcr army . repairs from Boston to Halifax-After being re-enforced, the army lands on Staten Island-The troops of Washington-Bat- tle of Brooklyn, und retreat from Long Island.
1776 WHILE Schuyler and Arnold were contending with the powers of Great Britain in the north and west, Washington was engaged at New York with that mighty nation, and her pur- chased foreign hordes, from Germany.
A little book published by Ithiel Town, Esq., of New Haven, written by an English naval captain, who made one in the fleet which brought General De Heister and his army of Germans to this coun- try, gives the only account of the fleets. The fleet and army of England awaited at Halifax a reinforcement ; while Sir H. Clin- ton finding New York too strong, and Lee already there, sailed to Charleston, South Carolina, where he again found Lee ; and after being beaten off by Moultrie, was in time to join Sir William Howe and his army at Staten Island. 'There he refreshed his troops and made preparation for attacking New York, awaiting the fleet of Lord Howe .*
* On the 14th of April. General Washington had arrived at New York, from Boston, after driving the British from that town. The army were on their march for New York. General Washington left that place by order of Congress to con- sult them in Philadelphia; and Putnam. as being the oldest major-general, was, during his absence. left in command. Before going. he required the committee of safety to prohibit all persons from communicating with the king's ships in the har- hour, as being injurious to the American interest, and as the city was placed in a state of defence, not required by any prudential considerations. The committee accordingly issued their decree of prohibition. under penalty of being considered and treated as enemies to the country. Among the troops at this time in New York, was Captain Alexander Hamilton's company of artillery. The whole army at New York, in April, was but 10,235 men.
In June, some of the continental soldiers, by their riotons behaviour, drew forth & reprimand from the general. The king's ships were removed from the harbour to Sandy Hook, abont the last of April. The 17th of May was observed, by order of Congress. as a day of fasting. humiliation, and prayer. On the 16th of May, Gates was promoted to be a major-general ; and on the 19th, by direction of Wash- ington, went on to Congress, with high recommendations from him to their " notice and favours." But Congress, wishing the presence of the commander-in-chief. he left New York on the 21st, under the counand of Putnam, with directions for him to consult Gen. Greene-showing that Washington duly appreciated both men.
57
STATE OF AMERICAN ARMY.
Gen. Howe had been joined by Governour Tryon, and many gentlemen from New York and New Jersey, who encouraged him with the hope that great numbers would gather in arms round his standard. He appointed Mr. Delancey, of New York, and Mr. Cortland Skinner, of Perth Amboy, generals of brigade ; and ex- pected from their influence a great accession of tories to his Eng- lish army. In the mean time, Gen. Washington made every dis- position in his power with his motley, undisciplined, and refractory troops, to meet this great and well appointed army. Gen. Mercer, with what was called the flying camp, was stationed at Perth Am- boy, divided by a narrow channel from the enemy, whose sentinels were full in view.
'The first troops that came to defend New York, were eas- tern-of whom Graydon* gives this description :
" The materials of which the eastern battalions were com- posed, were apparently the same as those of which I had seen so unpromising a specimen at Lake George.t I speak particularly of the officers, who were in no single respect distinguishable from their men, other than in the coloured cockades, which, for this very purpose, had been prescribed in general orders-a different colour being assigned to the officers of each grade. So far from aiming at a deportment which might raise them above their privates, and thence prompt them to due respect and obedience to their com- mands, the object was, by humility, to preserve the existing bless- ing of equality-an illustrious instance of which was given by Co- lonel Putnam, the chief-engineer of the army, and no less a per- sonage than the nephew of the major-general of that name .- ' What,' says a person meeting him one day with a piece of ineat in his hand, 'carrying home your rations yourself, colonel !' ' Yes,' says he, 'and I do it to set the officers a good example.' Bat if any aristocratick tendencies had been really discovered by the colonel among his countrymen, requiring this wholesome ex- ample, they must have been of recent origin, and the effect of southern contamination, since I have been credibly informed, that it was no unusual thing in the army before Boston, for a colonel to make drummers and fifers of his sons-thereby, not only being en-
Putnam had directions in case of the appearance of the enemy to forward express- es with all speed to Philadelphia. On the 3d of June, he directed Putnam to in- quire for carpenters and miterials for gondolas ant tire ra is for the defence of New York. Or the 7th of Jany, the con narler iu-chief was again in New York. Gen. Schuyler was directed to engage 2,000 Indians for the service. but found his utinost enleavo irs necessary to prevent them from joining the English. He contrived to get thein to a council, to inget him at German Fiats, and make treaty with him. All the measures of Schuyler were counteracted by Sir John Johnson. ' " Memoirs of a Life, chicly passed in Pennsylvania." -- p. 130.
t Vol. I p. 430. Graydon, p. 127.
VOL. II. 8
F
58
NEW ENGLAND TROOPS.
abled to form a very snug, economical mess, but to aid also con- siderably the revenue of the family chest. In short, it appeared that the sordid spirit of gain, was the vital principle of the greater part of the army. The only exception I recollect to have seen, to these miserably constituted bands from New England, was the re- giment of Glover, from Marblehead. There was an appearance of discipline in this corps ; the officers seemed to have mixed with the world, and to understand what belonged to their stations. Though deficient, perhaps, in polish, it possessed an apparent ap- titude for the purpose of its institution, and gave a confidence that myriads of its meek and lowly brethren were unable to inspire. But even in this regiment there were a number of negroes, which, to persons unaccustomed to such associations, had a disagreeable, degrading effect . . . . Taking the army in the aggregate, with its equipments along with it, he must have been a novice or a sanguine calculator, who could suppose it capable of sustaining the lofty tone and verbal energy of congress. In point of numbers merely, it was deficient ; though a fact then little known or suspected. Newspapers and common report, indeed, made it immensely nu- merous ; and it was represented that General Washington had so many men, that he wanted no more, and had actually sent many home, as superfluous. It is true, there were men enough coming and going ; yet his letters of that day, demonstrate how truly weak he was, in steady, permanent soldiers."
General Washington, in a letter of 10th July, 1776, to the pre- sident of congress, says, that the battalions of the Connecticut mili- tia will be very incomplete, and that that government had ordered three regiments of their lighthorse to his assistance ; but not having the means to support cavalry, he informed the gentlemen that he could not consent to keep their horses, but wished " themselves" to remain. It appears that while the generality of the troops were employed with the spade and pickaxe, and the fine regiments from Pennsylvania were daily at work fortifying the banks of Haerlem and Hudson rivers, these highminded "Connecticut lighthorse," as the commander-in-chief says, " notwithstanding their promise" to continue for the defence of New York, were discharged, " having peremptorily refused all kind of fatigue duty, or even to mount guard, claiming an exemption as troopers." Of these cavaliers, Graydon says *- "Among the military phenomena of this campaign, the Connecticut lighthorse ought not to be forgotten. These con- sisted of a considerable number of old-fashioned men, probably farmers and heads of families, as they were generally middle-aged, and many of them apparently beyond the meridian of life. They
· Page 136.
59
.
GENERAL MIFFLIN.
were truly irregulars ; and whether their clothing, their equipments, or caparisons were regarded, it would have been difficult to have discovered any circuinstance of uniformity ; though in the features derived from ' local habitation,' they were one and the same. In- steidl of carbines and sabres, they generally carried fowling-pieces -- some of them very long, and such as in Pennsylvania are used for shooting ducks. Here and there, one appeared in a dingy regimental of scarlet, with a triangular, tarnished, laced hat. In short, so little were they like modern soldiers, in air or costume, that, dropping the necessary number of years, they might have been supposed the identical men who had in part composed Pepperil's army, at the taking of Louisbourg. Their order of march corresponded with their other irregularities. It 'spindle into longitude immense,' presenting so extended and ill-compacted a flank, as though they had disdained the adventi- tious prowess derived from concentration. These singular dra- goons were volunteers, who came to make a tender of their services to the commander-in-chief. But they staid not long at New York. As such a body of cavalry had not been counted upon, there was in all probability a want of forage for their judes, which, in the spirit of ancient knighthood, they absolutely refused to descend from ; and as the general had no use for cavaliers in his insular operations, they were forthwith dismissed with suitable acknowledgments for their truly chivalrous ardour. These gallant troopers performed one exploit in the city. They paraded at the corner of Wall and Queen streets, where Rivington's printing-office and dwelling-house stood, and entering the house, demolished the presses, and threw the type out of the windows, to be distributed by the mob who gathered in the streets."
Mifflin, who had passed on with Washington to Cambridge, as his aid, was now a brigadier, and commanded the Philadelphia re- giments who threw up the works at fort Washington. Governour Lewis,* who was with Gates, as one of his staff, was sent by him to the south, an I told to go to Mifflin and see him at his house, in Reading ; but at all events to see him. He found him on horse- back, directing the labourers ; and the young man, having told his story, was desired to say to Gates, " neither Plutus, Rhodoman-
* Verbal communication from Governonr Lewis to the writer To avoid mis. apprehension on the part of the reader, it may be proper to note, that when Go- vernonr or General Lewis is referred to, the venerable Morgan.Lewis is intended, who was an officer during the revolution-subsequently Judge-then Chief Jus- tice of the Supreme Court of New York-then Governour of the State, (chosen in a hard contested election, bit by a great majority, in opposition to Aaron Burr, in 1304) and finally a Major General in the army of the United States, during the last war.
60
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
thus, nor Minos, shall be more exactly obeyed, than I shall obey his directions."
" Will not your excellency write a line ?"
" No. Write down my words yourself, and deliver them ex- actly."
" I did so," says Governour Lewis, " without understanding them, until Mifflin was Quarter-master General ; and I dined at Reading, where he staid, under plea of sickness, entertaining the general offi- cers in a style which I never saw equalled ; and then saw the road to Washington's camp (where the troops were literally starving,) strewed with broken wagons, provision, and clothing."
When Congress promulgated the Declaration of Independence, it was of course read to the soldiers. The declaration was unex- pected, and not so universally received with applause as is now con- ceived. Dickenson, the chairman of the committee, and supposed author of the Articles of Confederation, and known author of the famous Farmer's Letters, refused to sign the declaration of the 4th of July. Although wise and good men thought it necessary, many who had been officers and active committee-men, from that moment became tories or neutral.
The writer saw Heathcote Johnson, the grandson of that Caleb Heathcote, before mentioned, receive the command of the New Jersey company, first organized at Perth Amboy, and since has seen the draft made by him for immediate service. Yet this gen- tleman took office under the British government, in London.
Graydon, in his " Memoir of a Life,"* says :- " The Decla- ration of Independence, whose date will never be forgotten so long as liberty remains the fashion, and demagogues continue to thrive upon it, was, with the utmost speed, transmitted to the armies; and when received, read to the respective regiments. If it was not embraced with all the enthusiasm that has been as- cribed to the event, it was at least hailed with acclamations, as no doubt any other act of congress, not flagrantly improper, would at that time have been. The propriety of the measure had been little canvassed among us ; and perhaps it wasto our honour, considered merely as soldiers, that we were so little of politicians. A predi- lection for republicanism, it is true, had not reached the army, at least the Pennsylvania line ; but as an attempt to negociate in our unorganized situation, would probably have divided and ruined us, the step was considered wise, although a passage of the Rubicon, and calculated to close the door to accommodation. Being looked upon as unavoidable, if resistance was to be persisted in, it was ap- proved ; and produced no resignations among the officers that I
* Page 140.
1
G1
PROCEEDINGS ON LONG ISLAND.
am aware of, except that of Lieutenant-colonel William Allen, who was with his regiment in Canada. He called at our camp on his way to Philadelphia, where he appeared somewhat surprised and mortified, that his example had no followers."
Congress had determined to save New York city. The council of general officers resolved that New York should be defended. On the 22d of August, the British army landed at Gravesend .* Brooklyn was then a village, leading to the ferry between Long Island and New York. The American lines and encampment, which guarded this avenue to the city, extended from Gowanus Creek to the Wallabout, from water to water, or the high grounds commanding each.
The hills were at that time wooded, and extended from near Yellow Hook to the back of Jamaica. These were guarded, and especially the roads, which led to the encampment. The whole was entrusted to General Greene, who had formed the defences. At that time he was ill, and confined to his bed by a violent fever. General Washington, who expected a simultaneous attack on Brooklyn and the city, sent Putnam, his only resource, to com- mand on Long Island ; who, as Sullivan says, superseded him four days before the battle-be having previously the command at the hills, and never himself came beyond the encampment to see the ground.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.