USA > New York > Kings County > Revolutionary incidents of Suffolk and Kings Counties; with an account of the Battle of Long Island and the British prisons and prison-ships at New York > Part 5
USA > New York > Suffolk County > Revolutionary incidents of Suffolk and Kings Counties; with an account of the Battle of Long Island and the British prisons and prison-ships at New York > Part 5
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Miller and Smith had received commissions under the King of G. Britain, and had been raising men, pressing horses and wagons, together with persons to drive them, to assist Howe in removing his baggage. They had likewise taken fat cattle from the inhabitants, and obliged them to drive them to the Ministerial Army.
Conn. Courant, Sep. 30, '76.
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SUFFOLK COUNTY.
611. This is to certify that Ensign Sam'l Glover is authorized to enlist men to join my company to complete a Bat. in His Majesty's service, for the defence of the liberty of America.
Given under my hand, at Brookhaven, Sep. 22d, 1776.
JACOB SMITH.
612.
N. Y., Sep. 27, '76.
SIR :- You are to desire the Justices of the Peace to summon the farmers of their Districts to attend at some central place, to demand of each, what grain and straw he can spare-as to hay we must have the whole, for which you'll give them proper Certificates to me to pay them by. The whole of the grain and forage of Rebels in arms is to be seized for the King's use. All persons removed off are to be deemed Rebels, and dealt with accordingly.
JOHN MORRISON, Commissary of Forage.
To MR. E. PUNDERSON.
613. Copy of a blank order left with the Inhabitants of Suffolk Co. L. I., Sep. 1776.
You are hereby ordered to preserve for the King's use loads of hay, bushels of wheat, of oats, of rye, of barley, of Indian corn, and all your wheat and rye straw ; and not to dispose of the same, but to my order in writing, as you will answer the con- trary at your peril.
JOHN MORRISON,
Major, and Commissary of Forage.
614. In pursuance of his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief's orders to me, you are hereby directed to take into your custody all the grain, forage, and creatures you can find on L. I., being the property of persons in actual rebellion, or who have deserted their habitations, and put themselves under the protection of the rebels, taking an exact account of what is so seized : and report frequently to John Morrison, respecting grain and forage, and to Jas. Christie, respecting creatures. In execution of this duty you are to employ such persons as you think proper, who will apply to His Majesty's Justices of the Peace to impress boats, wagons, horses, drivers, mills, barns and what other conveniences you may require for the benefit of His Majesty's service : and all officers civil and military, are hereby required to give you their aid. For do- ing all which this shall be a sufficient warrant. Oct. 1, 1776.
DAN'L CHAMIER, Com. Gen.
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SUBMISSION OF
Jamaica, Oct. 2, 1776.
To JOHN HEWLETT, EsQ , L. I.
You are to use your utmost endeavors to bring me cattle and sheep for the army ; when delivered a receipt will be given, to be paid at a certain time and place. If any butcher or others interfere with you un- der pretence of bringing them to me, without a written order from me, seize their cattle, put a fair value on them, and drive them to me, and the owners shall be paid ; also seize all sheep and cattle of rebels who have left their habitations, and employ proper people to assist you. For doing whereof, this shall be your warrant.
JAS. CHRISTIE, Com. for cattle and sheep.
615. Lt. Col. H. B. Livingston sends the N. Y. Convention from Saybrook, Oct. 16, "76, the paroles of Col. Fanning, Major Conklin, and Geo. Howel, of L. I., disaffected to the freedom of this country. Col. F., a man of influence, was apprehended for procuring and driving cattle to Gen. Howe's Army. He has also acted as Col. (by virtue of an old commission from Geo. 3d) in calling the people of Southold together to see whether they would take the oath of allegi- ance. Cor. 349.
Brookhaven, Oct. 18, '76.
616. SIR :- In consequence of instructions I have just received from head-quarters, you are forthwith to impress wagons and horses for his Majesty's service. The number is unlimited; therefore do not stint the cause. If you can't get a sufficient number of wagons, teams will answer-a driver for every team, which you'll send with- out loss of time to White Stone, near Flushing. I beg, Sir, you'll exert yourself on this occasion. Don't omit one moment, as it seems to be critical.
JACOB SMITH, Capt. 1st Comp., 1st Bat., DELANCEY'S Brigade.
To SAM'L GLOVER.
617. About Nov. 1, '76, Sam'l Glover, a notorious offender, was taken at Mastic, on whom were found papers 611 and 616. He broke jail at N. London on the night of Feb. 1, "77, and escaped. $8 reward offered .-- Con. Gaz., Feb. 14, "77.
618. Jos. Greene, Major 1st Bat., writes from Hempstead, Oct. 22, "76, to Capt. Smith, quartered at Setauket, to collect and drive in all rebel horses in Suffolk Co. Smith's Lieutenant, French, had brought 2 prisoners to Greene.
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SUFFOLK COUNTY.
To the RIGHT HONORABLE RICHARD, LORD VIS. COUNT HOWE, of the Kingdom of Ireland, and his EXCELLENCY WILLIAM HOWE, ESQUIRE, General of His Majesty's forces in America, the King's Com- missioners for restoring peace to His Majesty's Colo- nies in North America.
Your Excellencies, by your Declaration bearing date July 14, 1776, were pleased to signify that " the King is desirous to deli- ver His American subjects from the calamities of war, and other op- pressions which they now undergo; and to restore the Colonies to His protection and peace;" and, by a subsequent Declaration dated Sep. 19, 1776, having also been pleased to express your desire "to confer with His Majesty's well affected subjects upon the means of restoring the public tranquillity, and establishing a permanent union with every Colony as a part of the British Empire ;" we, therefore, whose names are hereunto subscribed, inhabitants of the county of Suffolk, on Nassau Island, in the Province of N. Y., reflecting with the tenderest emotions of gratitude on this instance of His Majesty's paternal goodness, and encouraged by the affectionate manner in which His Majesty's gracious purpose hath been conveyed to us by your Excellencies, who have thereby evinced, that humanity is in- separable from that true magnanimity and those enlarged sentiments which form the most shining characters, beg leave to represent to your Excellencies,
That we bear true allegiance to our rightful Sovereign Geo. the Third, as well as warm affection to his sacred person, crown and dignity ; That we esteem the constitutional supremacy of Great Bri- tain over these Colonies and other depending parts of His Majesty's dominions, as essential to the union, security, and welfare of the whole empire ; and sincerely lament the interruption of that harmony which formerly subsisted between the parent state and these her Colonies.
That many of the loyal inhabitants have been driven away by the calamities of war and the spirit of persecution which lately pre- vailed, or sent prisoners to New England and other distant parts.
We, therefore, hoping that the sufferings which our fellow- inhabitants undergo for their attachment to the Royal cause, may plead in their behalf, humbly pray, that your Excellencies would be
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SUBMISSION OF
pleased to restore this county to His Majesty's protection and peace.
SUFFOLK Co., Oct. - , 1776. Signed by 614 persons.
To His Excellency Wm. Tryon, Esq., Capt. Gen. and Governor-in-Chief in and over the Province of New- York, and the Territories depending thereon in Ame- · rica, Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same.
May it please your Excellency : We the inhabitants of the coun- ty of Suffolk, beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on your return to the capital of your government, and to assure you, that we feel the sincerest joy on this happy event, which opens a prospect that we shall once more experience the blessings of peace and se- curity under His Majesty's auspicious government and protection- blessings which we formerly enjoyed under your Excellency's mild administration, and which we ardently wish to have renewed: per- severing in our loyalty and unshaken attachment to our gracious Sovereign in this time of distress and trial, and anxious to testify our affection for Him, we have embraced the earliest opportunity to petition the King's Commissioners that they would restore this Coun- ty to His Majesty's peace, although many of the most respectable inhabitants and a much greater number of the inferior classes have been driven off by the calamities of war, or sent prisoners to New England or other distant parts, yet we hope the number still remain- ing, and who have voluntarily subscribed, may be deemed sufficient to entitle this district to His Majesty's grace, whilst the sufferings which our absent fellow-citizens undergo for the royal cause, plead in their behalf with the Commissioners,-from whose well known humanity, benevolence and enlarged sentiments, we have the most flattering expectations. Nov. 28, 1776.
Signed in behalf of the inhabitants by
RICHARD FLOYD, THOMAS FANNING, FRED'K HUDSON.
New-York, Dec. 2, "76.
GENTLEMEN :- Agreeable to the request in the address delivered to me by you, in behalf of the inhabitants of Suffolk Co., I have pre-
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SUFFOLK COUNTY.
sented their very dutiful and loyal petition and representation to His Excellency Gen. HOWE, one of the King's Commissioners for re- storing peace to His Majesty's Colonies, who was pleased to say : " He would take the earliest opportunity of communicating with Lord HOWE on the occasion." Every public testimony of loyalty to our most Gracious Sovereign, and attachment to the British Con- stitution, is at this season particularly commendable, and the inhab- itants of Suffolk Co. may be assured of my good wishes for the completion of their desires, as expressed in their petition and repre- sentation, the granting of which is happily committed to the wisdom and discretion of His Majesty's Commissioners.
I am, with regard, Gentlemen,
Your most ob't servant, WM. TRYON.
To MAJOR RICHARD FLOYD, MR. THO'S FANNING, MR. FREDERICK HUDSON,
of Suffolk Co.
A copy of what was sent through Suffolk Co. by order of Gov. Tryon.
620. The Governor of the Province recommends to the inhabi- tants of Suffolk Co., the following measures, as the best means for those who have been active in the rebellion, to preserve their lives and estates, viz. that all offensive arms, indiscriminately, be forth- with collected, in each manor, township and precinct, as soon as possible, to deliver them up at head-quarters, to the Commander-in- chief of the King's troops.
That those who have been active in the rebellion, if fit to bear arms, forthwith to wait on the Gen'l, and enlist in the regular ser- vice for the term of the present war ; if not fit to bear arms, to send one of their sons to enlist in their stead ; if no sons, then to perform some unasked signal service, that may merit the protection of Gov't. The inhabitants of each town to associate, to prevent any person go- ing to the Main, and secure those coming thence ; and to secure and deliver up all persons known to be active enemies to the rights of the Constitution.
And the several townships to furnish as many men as possible
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SUBMISSION OF
fit to bear arms, to invite those back who have fled from the county, to enlist in Gen. Delancey's brigade. And lastly, thei nhabitants to send all the wood, forage, and provisions they can spare, to N. Y. market or such place as the Gen'l shall order.
[Can the above (taken from a New Haven paper) be genuine ? -Ed.]
The County Committees and Committees of Townships of Suf- folk Co., meet respectively as soon as possible, by the Governor's permission, for the purpose of revoking all their proceedings under the Congress, and formally to dissolve their unlawful associations : the County having now submitted to the King, his laws and Gov't.
WM. TRYON.
Note .- When the above is accomplished, the Gov'r will review the militia.
N. Y. Gaz., Nov. 11, '76. The following declarations from the Committees of Suffolk and from all the Town Com's were delivered to His Ex. Gov. Tryon on Thursday last, by Major Richard Floyd and Mr. Tho's Fanning, who were deputed by the inhabitants to pre- sent the same.
Huntington, Oct. 21, '76.
The Committee of Huntington, being thoroughly convinced of the injurious and inimical tendency of our former meetings and resolutions, and willing to manifest our hearty disapprobation of all such illegal measures, do hereby dissolve this committee, and as far as in us lies, re- voke and disannul all former orders and resolutions of all committees and Congresses whatsoever, as being undutiful to our lawful Sovereign, re- pugnant to the principles of the British Constitution, and ruinous in the extreme, to the happiness and prosperity of this country.
Brookhaven, Oct. 24, 1776.
We the Committee of the County of Suffolk, being assembled by permission of His Ex. the Hon. Wm. Tryon, Esq., Gov. of N. Y., and the Territories depending thereon in America, do hereby dissolve our- selves, and do disclaim and reject the orders of Congress and Com's ; and totally refusing obedience to them; revoking all our proceedings under the Congress, and being desirous to obey the legal authority of Gov't, rely upon your Excellency's clemency, hoping that you will pass by our former conduct, and be graciously pleased to protect us, agreea- bly to the laws of the Province. Signed by order of the Committee.
JOHN BRUSH, Ch'n.
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SUFFOLK COUNTY.
' Declarations of Smithtown (Oct. 19), of Southold (Oct. 25), of South Hampton and of East Hampton (Oct. 21), were in like words.
. Nov. 28, '76. The Dissolution of the Committee of Suffolk Co, and the Committees of the several townships, with the revocation of all their proceedings and orders under the Congress, was ef- fected by my particular recommendation.
TRYON.
4
PART III.
ARMED OCCUPATION OF SUFFOLK COUNTY.
621. Oct. 28, '76. Gov. Trumbull directs 6 R. I. whale-boats, with 36 men under Cols. Livingston and Richmond, with Lt. Geo. Smith, Caleb Brewster, and D. Roe (best acquainted with the situa- tion of places), to take three transports and make the best of their way to Southold Bay, to Canoe Place; thence across into South Bay up as far as Mastic, and bring off the effects of Col. Floyd and others of our friends, and return as soon as possible.
Instead of this they, captured 2 sloops (Princess Mary and Lily), loading with wood by order of Capt. Smith, for Gen. Howe, and lying at the dock, head of Brookhaven Harbor. They also surprised Capt. Smith and part of his company, but declined marching to Smithtown, to attack the rest of Delancey's Brigade stationed there.
N. Haven, Nov. 6, '76. A few nights since, between 300 and 400 troops from Rhode Island crossed the Sound and landed near Setauket, where they engaged a party of the troops newly enlisted into Gen. Howe's army, commanded by one Smith ; 5 or 6 of his men were killed in the action, and himself and 23 of his company made prisoners, who were brought off, with 75 excellent muskets. The prisoners are a mot- ley herd, half being negroes and Indians. Of the R. I. troops one was killed and one wounded.
N. London, Nov. 8, '76. A number of troops from R. I., E. End of L. I. and Con't, embarked at New Haven and landed at Setauket, on L. I., with a view of bringing off some tories, and the effects of a gen- tleman friendly to the American cause ; being interrupted by some tories, who fired upon them, they killed 10, and brought off 23; two of the latter, deserters from our army. A sergeant in our party was killed in the contest.
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SUFFOLK COUNTY.
622. Nov. 9, '76. Benj. Birdsall, Thos. Brush, and Carll Ketcham, rec'd from Convention £10. 1. 6. for guarding and con- veying, from Norwich to Fishkill, 2 prisoners, (brought from L. I.) Jour. 708.
623. Nov. 23, '76. Thos. Wicks and Eliph. Brush received of Convention at Fishkill £4. 16. for conveying counterfeiters to N. Y. in May and June last. [Wicks had removed to Saybrook, before Nov. 15. He also received £4 for riding express to Albany with letters from Head-Quarters. (See 542.) Jour. 714.
624. New London, Jan. 3, '77. Several transports belonging to the ministerial fleet, are loading with wood at the east end of L. I., under guard of some men-of-war. "Tis said the inhabitants have suffered much from the soldiers, who rob them of their effects.
625. There are two companies of Tories stationed at Hunting- ton, but not a man E. of there ; also, about 10 or a doz. regular offi- cers, without any men. They are billeted on the inhabitants, all of them without pay, and have plundered, stole, and destroyed to such a degree, that the inhabitants must unavoidably starve in a little time, for want of food. Sundry of the principal men have been beaten in an unheard of manner for not complying with their unrighteous re- quests, particularly good Dr. Platt and Mr. John Brush. The Meet- ing-House made a storehouse of, no public worship allowed of, and the good people assembled 5 miles out of town, at West Hills-they (British) followed them, and broke up their assembling together any more. Gaine, Feb. 17, "77.
In '77 the British troops at Huntington took possession of the church, tore up the seats and used it as a depot for military stores. The bell was carried on board a British ship, but restored afterwards, so in- jured that it was recast. Prime.
626. N. London, March 14, "77. Last Sunday the British Fleet took from John Brown, on Fisher's Island, 106 sheep, 8 oxen, 11 cows, 22 yearlings, 26 swine, 24 turkies, 48 fowls, 123 bushels corn, 100 do. potatoes, 5} tons pressed hay, and 3 cords wood. Also, a barrel of pork out of the cellar, blankets, sheets, and shot some sheep. Stock chiefly paid for. There are 20 ships at anchor in Gardiner's Bay.
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ARMED OCCUPATION OF
627. One night, week before last, a party of rebels came over from Con't to the house of Solomon Smith, of Smithtown, and robbed him of all the clothing of his family and some household fur- niture. On their return, the boat overset, and 'tis supposed the whole party perished, as the boat and some dead bodies were found on the shore near Mr. Smith's within a day or two afterwards. Gaine, Ap. 7, '77.
628. E. Dayton, under Capt. John Clark, by order of Putnam, seized (Ap. '77), a wagon and goods on L. I. the property of Oba. Wright, of Saybrook.
629. Levi Allen (brother of Ethan) posted at Mrs. Hubbard's, in Mattituck, some counterfeit bills (as a warning to the public) ; gave one to Rufus Tuthill, at Oyster Pond, and one to John Brown, on Fisher's Island. N. London, May 2, '77.
630. Wm. Smith, member of the Council of Safety, was ex- cused, May 4, '77, from acting, as he has a family and estate on L. I. in the power of the enemy. Jour. 911.
Parsons to Trumbull, N. Haven, May, 25, '77.
631. I sincerely congratulate your honor on the success of our arms on L. I. Col. Meigs left Sachem's Head on Friday at 1 P. M., with 160 men, and landed within 3 miles of Sag H. at about one the night following ; and having made the proper dispositions for attacking the enemy in 5 different places, proceeded with the greatest order and silence till within 20 rods of the enemy, when they rushed with fixed bayonets upon the different barracks, guards, and quarters of the enemy : whilst Capt. Troop, with a party under his command, at the same time took possession of the wharves and vessels lying there. The alarm soon became general, and an incessant fire of grape and round shot was kept up from an armed schooner of 12 guns, which lay within 120 yds. of the wharves, for near an hour ; notwithstanding which the party burnt all the vessels at the wharf, killed and captivated all the men belonging to them, destroyed about 100 tons of hay, large quantities of grain, 10 hhds. of rum, and other W. India goods, and secured all the soldiers who were there stationed. 90 prisoners, among them Mr. Chew and Mr. Bell-not a man killed or wounded on our side. The officers and men behaved with the greatest order and bravery. N. London, May 30, '77.
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SUFFOLK COUNTY.
Guilford, May 29, '77.
Gen. Parsons having received intelligence that the enemy were col- lecting large quantities of forage at Sag Harbor, on L. I .; last Friday, 23d, 'about 200 of the Continental troops, who had previously rendezvous'd at Sachem's Head, in Guilford, embarked on board a number of whale- boats, commanded by Lt. Col. Meigs, to destroy it. At about 6 o'clock, afternoon, they arrived at the beach (Southold), this side of Plumgut, and transported their boats about 50 rods over the beach, when they again embarked, and landed within 4 miles of Sag Harbor, where, (after leav- ing a suitable guard to protect the boats hid in the woods,) they marched with such secrecy as not to be discovered till within a few rods of the sentry. They soon set about destroying the forage, &c. As the enemy stationed there, were entirely off their guard, our troops met with little opposition. An armed schooner of 12 guns, which lay not far from the shore, kept an incessant fire on them, but happily did no damage. Our people returned the fire with their small arms, but whether with effect is not known ; 5 or six of the enemy on shore were destroyed, and three or 4 made their escape-the others were made prisoners. Our people set fire to the hay (about 100 tons), which was on board transports, and on the wharves, which was entirely destroyed, with 10 transport ves- sels, mostly sloops and schooners, and one armed vessel of 6 or 8 guns, 2 or 3 hogsheads of rum, &c. Our troops are all returned, having per- formed their expedition in 24 hours. [The enemy's troops on this part of the Island had marched to New York two days before, but it was reported a party was at Sag Harbor.] Sparks, IV. 441.
Prisoners Taken.
One Capt., 2 Commissaries, (one, Jos. Chew, formerly of N. Lon- don), 3 Sergeants, 53 Privates, 10 Masters of transports, 27 Seamen ; total, 90. Our people brought off fifty muskets. [See Prime, 210.]
632. [May 28, '77. Col. Smith and Rev. Mr. Hart, were brought to the Provost where Hart fell sick, and lay at death's door. Col. Ethan Allen kneeled down and made so fervent a prayer by his side, and oth- erwise cheered him up, that he recovered and was admitted on parole in New-York City, Oct. 25 .- Ed.]
633. David Hawley, in the Schuyler, took the sloop Peggy, Chas. Thomas, master, and sloop Ann, Ezekiel Bishop, master. Aug. 10, "77.
634. Aug. 25, "77, "Last Friday, Gen. Parsons landed 500 men from 3 Privateers at Setauket with several pieces of brass cannon, and summoned the small Fort there to surrender. The Commander, Col. Hewlett, desired one hour to consider of the matter, when he
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was allowed only 10 minutes. His answer was, ' he would defend the Fort for his Majesty King George the 3d, as long as he had a man alive ;' when a smart fire immediately ensued ; but the rebels were soon obliged to embark, several of them being killed and wounded, as much blood was seen in their encampment after they went away. We had 1 killed and 2 or 3 wounded. On this occa- sion the militia of Queens Co. turned out in order to support the Royal cause, but the Rebels, went off with such precipitation, that the Militia were ordered to return before they reached Setauket." Gaine.
Letters that passed between the two Commanders on the above occasion. Aug. 22.
Brig. Gen. Parsons, the Commanding officer of the troops of the United American Army, now investing the enemy's Post at Setauket, to prevent the effusion of human blood, requires the immediate sur- render of the Post ; the officers and soldiers, and those who are under their protection, shall be entitled to their baggage, and treated with that humanity which prisoners are entitled to. Your answer is desired in 10 minutes. I am fully sensible of your condition, and as my whole strength and artillery will soon be here, if your refusal should oblige to the effusion of blood ; you must charge it to your own ob- stinacy.
Col. Hewlett's compliments to Gen. Parsons, and requests half an hour to consult his officers on the subject of his summons.
Gen. Parsons' compliments to Col. Hewlett, and grants 10 mi- nutes only for consideration-longer time will not be granted.
Col. Hewlett presents his compliments to Gen. Parsons, and is determined to defend the Fort while he has a man left.
Gen. Parsons' compliments to Col. Hewlett, and should have been happy to have done himself the pleasure of paying him a longer visit, but the extreme heat of the weather prevents him.
[Setauket was one of the British outposts. Col. Hewlett, with Capts. Lister, Hewlett, Allison, and 260 men, was stationed here. As a place of resort in case of attack, he inclosed the Presbyterian Church at the dis- tance of 30 ft. with an earthen mound 6 ft. high and 5 ft. thick laid with fascines so as to be ball-proof. On the top were set pickets 6 ft. high and 3 in. apart. Pickets also projected from the outer side over the ditch. Two steps of earth were made inside the wall for the men to rise on and
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SUFFOLK COUNTY.
fire their muskets between the pickets. A heavy double gate was on the South side. Four swivels were mounted at the gallery windows. The Americans landed at Mt. Misery from sloops, before daylight. It is a high hill 3 or 4 miles N. E. from the Fort. Col. Hewlett had set a guard here which gave the alarm and enabled the soldiers, who were billeted on the inhabitants, to escape into the Fort and send off expresses for help. Col. H. was quartered at Col. Floyd's, and jumped out of his bedroom window with clothes in hand, and by a circuitous route barely reached the fort. The Americans advanced from the East, and at 5 A. M., summoned the garrison. Col. H. addressed his men : Soldiers ! Shall we surrender? No ! was the response. Then I'll stick to you. as long as there's a man left. The Americans' then planted their artil lery on a rock in full view of the church, 300 or 400 yds. distant, and commenced the attack with 3 pieces. They did not bring their grand force into action nor use musketry, but kept up a brisk cannonade. The church was perforated with balls, and one rafter split its whole length. one man [Caleb Brewster ?] was very active in elevating and firing his piece. Chas. Wilson (who was soon after shot through the head) said, I will kill that red-breeched man, and he was a mark for others ; but as the assailants carried off the fallen, it is not known what became of him. The fire from the Fort was through the pickets with small arms, but with no effect, the Americans being too far off. The principal fire was from the swivels, " and we kept them warm," says S. Verity. Chambers Townsend, of Duchess Co., was shot through the body. Three others were killed and 2 or 3 wounded. Thos. Pigeon, Oba. Verity, Wm. Covert, and Tim. Moore, of O. B. were in the action. The at- tack lasted 2 or 3 hours, when the Americans retreated. It was well they did ; had they remained 3 hours longer they would have been cut off by reinforcements approaching from all parts. Capt. Dan'l Youngs, of O. Bay, had reached Smithtown, and the ships of war at Huntington, were under way. Six months after this the garrison left, and the Fort was abandoned .- Ed.]
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