The Memorial History of the City of New York: From Its First Settlement to the Year 1892, Volume II, Part 55

Author: Wilson, James Grant, 1832-1914
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: [New York] New York History Co.
Number of Pages: 705

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"There cannot possibly be any danger to the United States, in suf- fering me to live. . . . I beg leave to suggest, that upon being received into favor, I think it would be in my power to serve the United States in several important respects. I believe many of your officers want politeness. They are like old Cincinnatus, taken from the plough, and therefore must still have a little roughness in their manners and deportment. Now, I myself 9. Buto am the pink of courtesy, a genteel, portly, well looking fellow as you will see in a summer's day. I understand and possess the bienséance, the manner, the grace, so largely insisted on by Lord Chesterfield. . . . I hear with pleasure that your people are pretty good scholars, and have made particularly very happy advances in the art of swearing, so essentially necessary to a gentleman. Yet I dare say they will themselves confess that they are still, in this re- spect, far inferior to the English army. There is, by all account, a of the case should be made to the Continental Congress, . . . he thinks himself happy in having. at last, for his judges gentlemen of eminent mark and distinction in the colonies, from whose en- larged and liberal sentiments he flatters himself that he can receive no other than an equitable sentence unbiased by popular clamor and resent- ment." Sabine's " American Loyalists," 1847.

1 Rivington's petition : "Whereas the subscrib- er, by the freedom of his publications during the present unhappy disputes between Great Britain and her Colonies, has brought upon himself much public displeasure and resentment in consequence of which his life has been endangered, his prop- erty invaded. .. . and, whereas, it has been or- dered by the Committee of Correspondence for the City of New York that a report of the state

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APLAN of NEW YORK ISLAND;with part of LONG ISLAND, STATEN ISLAND GEAST .NEW JERSEY, with a particular Description of the ENGAGEMENT on the Woody Heights of Long Ifland, between FLATBUSH and BROOKLYN, on the 27+ of Auguft 1776. between HIS MAJESTY'S FORCES Commanded by General HOWT. and the . AMERICANS under .Major General PUT.N .M. Shoving also the Landingof the BRITISH ARMY on New-York Hand, and the Taking of the CITY of NEW YORK Et on the is" of September following, with the Subsequent Mijposition of Both the Armies. Engrand & Publitil avevating to . Lot of Parliament Outro" 1776. to WET.den fieber to the love. U.T. Jghys. Cinemapher as the Rung. Charing Ciny 1. ONDON.

Through the courtesy of Professor Henry A. Johnston, one of our contributors, we are enabled to present the above fac-simile of a rare map belong- ing to him, which it is believed has never before been reproduced in this country. The positions of the opposing forces are marked with military accuracy, and the only error that appears on the map is in placing McGowan's Pass to the north of Harlem, instead of to the south. EDITOR.

489

NEW-YORK DURING THE REVOLUTION

coarseness and sameness in their expression; whereas there is va- riety, sprightliness and figure in the oaths of gentlemen well educated. Dean Swift says very justly, 'a footman may swear, but he cannot swear like a lord.' Now we have many lords in the English army, all of whom when here were pleased to honor me with their friendship and intimacy. I have imported many of the most necessary articles for appearance in genteel life. I can give them Lavornitte's soap- balls to wash their brown hands clean, perfumed gloves, paint, powder, and pomatum. . . . Once more, as I have been the ostensible printer of other people's lies in New York, what is to hinder me from keeping incog. and inventing or polishing lies to be issued from the press of another printer in Philadelphia? In one or more or all of these ways I hope to merit your approbation."

Early in January, 1776, Washington learned of the proposed de- parture from Boston of Sir Henry Clinton with an expedition whose object, he surmised, was the occupation of New-York. For political as well as military reasons he determined to forestall the enemy. General Charles Lee, then on detached service in Connecticut, was ordered to proceed "with such volunteers as he could quickly assem- ble on his march and put the city of New York in the best posture of defense which the season and circumstances would admit of." Lee obeyed these instructions so literally that he incurred some unfavor- able criticism from members both of the continental and provincial legislatures. These objections to the military occupation of the city, even for its defense, were conveyed to General Lee on the eve of his departure, and caused a delay in his march to New-York. The committee did not yet despair of bringing about a compromise with the British government, and feared to precipitate a collision; in the mean while every day of peace was, in their opinion, favorable to the completion of preparations for war. Lee entered with about fifteen hundred Connecticut troops on the same day (February 4) that General Clinton arrived off Sandy Hook with the British contin- gent. A citizen, writing to a friend of the coincident excitement, says : "Although it was Sabbath it threw the whole city in such a convulsion as it never knew before. All that day and all night were their carts going, and boats loading, and women and children crying, and distressed voices heard in the roads in the dead of night. Clin- ton came here to pay a short visit to Governor Tryon, and to see how matters stood here: but to his great surprise, found that he could not put his foot on shore. He expressed much concern at seeing so much distress on his account : he declared his juvenile love for this place brought him here, and was pleased to send for the Mayor to desire he would acquaint the people he only came on a visit." 1

1 "Constitutional Gazette," New-York.

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HISTORY OF NEW-YORK

Nevertheless, the defensive preparations were pressed with vigor. Nothing more difficult could be imagined than the task assigned to General Lee. An island whose surface was comparatively flat, and accessible on all sides to vessels of deep draft; with but little mili- tary material, and not a single war- vessel at his disposal; with a small and hastily levied force at his back, and in hourly expectation of a hos- tile army and navy in his front, it is not astonishing that Lee's temper was often ruffled and his speech un- duly tinctured with "the bluntness of the soldier." Nevertheless, his men accomplished wonders ; the city proper was honeycombed with bar- ricades and the island girdled with a chain of earthworks1 mounting more than one hundred guns, and producing, at least, a moral effect of great value. The arrival of General Norsk. Lee also put an end to the hybrid government of mutual toleration be- tween crown and citizens; thence- forth, for eight long years, New-York was to be ruled by tap of drum. Congress, also, in the same month, discussed the practicability of obstructing the channel, reducing the depth of water at the Narrows, or "otherwise to prevent an enemy's ships from approaching the city," and sent a committee to confer with the military commander." But little came of the effort beyond the occupation by continental troops of Governor's Island and Red Hook, and, eventually, the su- persedure of Lee by General Putnam, who, lacking his predecessor's

1 " They have been employed in erecting fortifi- cations in every part of the town. It would make you sorry to see the place so changed ; the old fort walls are demolished in part, though that is an advantage to the Broadway, as it opens the view there greatly : there is a battery carried across the street, erected partly at Lord Abingdon's ex- pense, for the fascines were cut out of the wood that belonged to the Warren estate; it was a beautiful wood that Oliver de Lancey had been nursing these forty years; it looks in piteous shape now. Mr. de Lancey hoped to have it somewhat spared, by telling the New England troops, who were cutting it, that a third part be- longed to one of the protesting lords. One of them answered, 'Well, an' if he be such a great liberty boy, and so great a friend to our own country, he will be quite happy that his wood was so handy for our use.' You remember Bayard's

Mount, covered with cedars; it commanded a prospect exceedingly extensive, the top of it so cut away that there is room enough for a house and garden; there is a very good and a very ad- vantageously situated fortification there erected. You may recollect a sweet situation at Horn's Hook that Jacob Walton purchased, built an ele- gant house, and greatly and beautifully improved the place; he was obliged to quit the place ; the troops took the place and fortified there. When Mrs. Walton received the order to go out of ber house she burst into tears, for she was fixed to her heart's desire." New-York Letter, April 12, 1775.

2 Congress authorized the construction " of as many fire-rafts, row-gallies, and floating batteries as necessary for the defence of the port and Hud- son river."

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NEW-YORK DURING THE REVOLUTION

professional attainments, possessed more tact and common sense. The civil authorities of the city and province busied themselves in promoting the manufacture of war material, particularly of cannon, small arms, saltpetre, and salt.' On March 14 Congress voted eight thousand men for the defense of the city, and the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut were requested to hold their militia ready for the same purpose, "to be paid when on duty as Continental troops"; while on Tuesday night (April 2) a number of our troops set fire to the buildings on Bedlow's Island (which was being prepared as a temporary asylum for the Tory refugees), and burned or brought off intrenching tools, a large quantity of clothing, and an abundance of poultry.

General Putnam assumed com- mand on April 4, and in one of his earliest general orders admonished the inhabitants to remain indoors between the hours of tattoo and reveille, and reminded them that all communications with the "min- isterial fleets" must cease. The mere work of organization and dis- cipline was colossal; the intense individuality of the patriots who formed the bulwark of our liberties was an obstacle to the rapid de- velopment of that cohesion which distinguishes an army from a mob. Grad Putnam They came to fight, not to pace up and down a cow-path with no enemy in sight; not to parade for roll-call two or three times a day ; not to dig ditches and build embankments for reasons unknown to them; not to pass a Tory house without levying tribute. To such an extent did this feeling go that five hundred "Connecticut Light Horse,"2 recently arrived (described as "a considerable number of old-fashioned men, instead of carbines carrying fowling-pieces, some of them very long, such as in Pennsylvania are used for ducks"), refused to perform fatigue- or guard-duty, claiming exemption as a

1 The soldier's ration was as follows: "1 1b. beef, or ? lb. pork, or 1 lb. salt fish per day ; 1 1b. bread or flour per day ; 3 pints peas or beans per week ; 1 pt. milk per man per day ; 1 qt. spruce beer or cyder per man per day, or 9 gallons of mo- lasses per 100 men per week ; } pt. rice or 1 pt. Indian meal per man per week : 3 lbs. candles to 100 men per week for guards ; 24 lbs. soft or 8 lbs. hard soap for 100 men per week ; likewise fuel and straw." "New-York Packet, " February 22, 1776.

2 An unlucky trooper of this school had by some means or other found his way to Long Island, and was taken by the enemy in the battle of Au- gust 27. The British officers made themselves very merry at his expense, and obliged him to amble about for their entertainment. On being asked what had been his duty in the rebel army, he answered that it was "to flank a little and carry tidings." Graydon's "Memoirs."

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HISTORY OF NEW-YORK

privilege due to their arm of service. Washington promptly returned the fastidious cavaliers to the bosoms of their families. In the mean- while the commanding heights of Long Island opposite the city, ex- tending from Wallabout Bay on the north to Gowanus on the south, were protected by a chain of redoubts, and Red Hook and Governor's Island were also fortified and manned with a suitable force. Three companies of the rifle battalion occupied Staten Island as a corps of observation, lying in wait for unwary boats' crews from the men-of- war ashore for water; and, early in April, they had a sharp skirmish in which two or three British seamen were killed and a dozen cap- tured. When the Asia dropped down the bay, below the Narrows, in readiness to welcome her sister ships, it is related that, coming abreast of Staten Island, she was hailed by an American rifleman, who, with characteristic impudence, desired the ship to "heave to." Some one from the Asia's deck asked, "For what?" "'Cause," replied the sol- dier, "our orders is to suffer no boats to pass 'thout a permit from Gin'l Putnam." As the Asia calmly proceeded on her course, the troops fired several volleys at her, which were returned by two shots from the frigate's upper tier of guns.1

On the 14th of the month, Washington arrived from Cambridge, having inspected, en route, the brigades of Greene and Spencer, de- tained by bad roads on their march to New-York. The general-in- chief made himself at once thoroughly familiar with the local situation ; personally visited the entire system of defenses, and seconded his lieutenants, Greene and Putnam, in many matters of military detail .? He framed certain practical instructions for the new and untried levies. They were enjoined "not to throw away fire; fire first with ball and shot"; " that the brigadiers should order a cir- cle to be marked around the several redoubts by which their offi- cers are to be directed in giving orders for the first discharge "; "small brush to be set up to mark the line more distinctly, and make it 1 " Constitutional Gazette."

2 In illustration we subjoin the following extract from Washington's Orderly Book :

"The brigadier Generals are desired to make their respective Brigades perfectly acquainted with the alarm posts which have been reported to the Commander-in-chief: But in case of an alarm the respective regiments are to draw up opposite to their encampments, or quarters, until they re- ceive orders to repair to the alarm posts above referred to. The following signals are to give the alarm, to all the troops (as well regulars as Militia) and the Inhabitants of the City: In the daytime two Cannon to be fired from the Rampart at Fort George, and a Flag hoisted from the Top of General Washington's Headquarters: In the night-time two Cannon fired as above from Fort George, and two lighted lantherns hoisted from the top of Headquarters aforesaid." Orderly Book, May 19, 1776.

Washington's Expenditures. (Mem.) 1776.

£. & d. April 25. To the expenses of myself and party reconnoitering the sev- eral landing places &c., on Staten Island .. 16 10 0

May 11. To expenses of _ tour on and reconnoitering Long Island. . . 26 8 6

June 26. To expenses reconnoitering the channel and landings on both sides the North River as high as Tarrytown to fix the defences thereof. 10 18 0 To a reconnoitre of the East River and along the Sound as far as Mamaroneck .. . . 16 9 4

July To my own and party's ex- penses, laying out Fort Lee, on the Jersey side of the North River. 8 15 0

493

NEW-YORK DURING THE REVOLUTION

more familiar to the men, who are by no means to be ordered to fire before the enemy arrive at the circle."

In spite of the cynicism with which our Revolutionary worthies are apt to be discussed in these irreverent days, the student of his- tory is impelled to pause in ad- miring contemplation of the man whom Providence had raised up as the leader of a chosen people in its struggle for independence. At no other time, perhaps, was Washington more severely tried than dur- ing the occupation of New-York in the spring and summer of 1776. The difficulties to be surmounted were of a twofold character -civil and military. With the perfectly appointed forces of a powerful nation confronting his horde of "un- trained husbandmen" armed with fowling-pieces or scythe- blades and clothed principally in "the armor of righteousness"; hampered by the presence of thousands of "loyal " or "neutral " civilians; embarrassed by the re- luctance of the local committee of safety to turn over the city to military protection 1 and the indifference of the provincial legislature to matters outside of their geographical borders; liable at any mo- ment to have his military plans thwarted by the well-meant measures of a congress of lawyers in session one hundred miles away, Wash- ington nevertheless maintained the serene demeanor, dignified def- erence, or judicious firmness required by circumstances. Doubtless, before meeting the enemy in the flesh, he fought many battles in the spirit with his sorely tried self.

1 " There is nothing that could add more to my happiness than to go hand in hand with the civil authority of this, or any other government to which it may be my lot to be ordered : and if in the prosecution of such measures as shall ap- pear to me to have a manifest tendency to pro- mote the interest of the great American cause, I shall encounter the local convenience of individ- uals or even of a whole Colony, I beg it may be believed that I shall do it with reluctance and pain; but, in the present important contest the least of two evils must be preferred. . . . In the weak and defenceless state in which this city was some time ago, political prudence might justify

the correspondence that subsisted between the country and the enemy's ships of war ; but as the largest part of the Continental troops is here, as strong works are erected and erecting for the de- fence of the city and harbor, these motives no longer exist, but are absorbed in others of a more important nature. . . . In effecting the salutary purposes above mentioned I could wish for the concurrence of your honorable body. It certainly adds great weight to the measures adopted, when the civil authority cooperates with the military to carry them into execution." Washington to Committee of Safety.

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494

HISTORY OF NEW-YORK

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495

NEW-YORK DURING THE REVOLUTION

On April 28 the troops concentrated in the city and immediate vicinity numbered 10,235 officers and men, of whom 8301 were re- ported present for duty. It is impossible to fix the available force at this time, as large detachments were being made for Canada, and recruits were coming in daily from Connecticut and New Jersey. It having been learned that Great Britain had arranged for an auxil-

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GENERAL MONTGOMERY TO COLONEL CLINTON.

iary force of German troops, late in the month of May, Washing- ton wrote to Schuyler : "We expect a very bloody summer at New- York and Canada, as it is there, I presume, that the great efforts of the enemy will be aimed, and I am sorry to say that we are not either in men or arms prepared for it."1 On June 3 Congress resolved to reinforce New-York with 13,800 militia from Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland; a part of the force recently voted for Canadian opera- tions having been taken from the first-named province.

The feverish feeling in the city continued to manifest itself in oc- casional assaults upon those known to be unfavorable to the patriot cause,2 for which there was some excuse; for while the king's men outside the city were openly making hostile preparations, some of his

1 " Return of the serviceable arms and accoutre- ments in the Continental Army in and near New York, June 24, 1776: Firelocks, 6921 : Bayonets, 5142 ; Iron Ramrods, 4986; Cartridge Boxes, 5127; Shot Bags, 5075; Pouches, 1559; Shoulder Belts, 4095; Waist Belts, 2530; Slings, 2554."

2 "13th June. Here in town . .. on Monday night some men called Tories were carried and hauled about through the streets, with candles, forced to

be held by them, or pushed in their faces, and their heads burned; but on Wednesday in the open day, the scene was by far worse; several and among them gentlemen, were carried on rails; some stripped naked and dreadfully abused. Some of the generals, and especially Putnam and their forces, had enough to do to quell the riot and make the mob disperse." Pastor Schaukirk's Diary.

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HISTORY OF NEW-YORK

loyal subjects within the gates were plotting to deal the "rebellion" a severe blow. By the use of gold it was proposed to accomplish that which might otherwise be impracticable. But, as often happens, a trifle upset the scheme. It is said the first disclosure came from a tramp imprisoned for some minor offense. At any rate, on June 21 a number of arrests were made, including David Matthews, appointed mayor during the British occupation, a gunsmith, and a number of other citizens, besides Private Thomas Hickey, a member of Wash- ington's body-guard. They were charged with engaging in a conspir- acy to capture or assassinate the principal American generals in the vicinity, blow up the magazines, and spike the guns. After a care- ful investigation, which developed certain suspicious transactions in small arms and ammunition between Governor Tryon, Matthews, and others, but one conviction was secured-that of Hickey. He was found guilty "of mutiny and sedition, and of holding treacherous correspondence with the enemies of his country," and was sentenced to be hanged. He was accordingly executed (June 28), in the presence of the troops and a large concourse of citizens.

On June 29, 1776, the first sail of the enemy's fleet hove in sight off Sandy Hook. By July 2 a forest of masts had grown up in the lower and upper bays. Stately ships of the line, fierce frigates, and saucy tenders, guarding ponderous transports, rode at their anchors. More than one hundred and thirty vessels, manned by the famous "hearts of oak" upon which a proud kingdom depended in troublous times, made up such a fleet as those waters had never known before. General Howe arrived (July 1) in the Greyhound, and was visited on board by Governor Tryon, who furnished an account of the prepara- tions made by Washington to defend New-York.' Immediately there- after the British troops landed and made their encampments on Staten Island, from which the detachment of American riflemen had previously been withdrawn.

On July 9 the Declaration of Independence was published to the troops in the city "on their several parades," in accordance with a general order which concluded with these words: "The General hopes this important event will serve as a fresh incentive to every officer and soldier to act with fidelity and courage, as knowing that now the peace and safety of his country depends (under God) solely on the success of our arms, and that he is now in the service of a

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The Memorial History of the City of New York: From Its First Settlement to the Year 1892, Volume II, Part 55

Author: Wilson, James Grant, 1832-1914 Publication date: 1892 Publisher: [New York] New York History Co. Number of Pages: 705

Author: Wilson, James Grant, 1832-1914
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: [New York] New York History Co.
Number of Pages: 705