USA > New York > Suffolk County > Southampton > The early history of Southampton, L. I., New York, with genealogies, 2nd ed. > Part 6
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HISTORY OF SOUTHAMPTON.
CHAPTER VI.
DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR - OCCUPATION BY THE BRITISH - PERSONAL INCIDENTS - COLONIES - SOLDIERS IN THE SLAVE- HOLDERS REBELLION.
DURING the Revolutionary war the people of Suffolk county were exposed to peculiar hardships. So remote from the field of operations, it was a region strategically not worth defending, but by its wealth of forage and stock well worth the attention of the enemy while in occupation of New York. Until recently it has not been known how extensively the inhabitants participated in the actual struggle in the field, nor has another element in the history of the Island during this period been estimated at its due importance in influencing the condition of the people. This was the oath of allegiance to the British crown exacted by Governor Tryon of the islanders, and will be referred to presently in the course of the narrative. There are four factors in the history of the war in Long Island, or four several points to be treated in writing this history. The first is the preliminary steps showing the spirit with which they entered into the contest. Second, the battle of Long Island overthrowing all the plans of the inhabitants and of the commanding officer for the protection of the Island. Third, the oath of allegiance that sent all that could get away into exile within our lines on the main, chiefly in Connecticut, it being under- stood that a liberal representation were fighting in the field. Fourth, occupation by the British for seven long years while the land was plundered by friend and foe. In the first place the people of English descent on the Island were intensely loyal to freedom and the cause of independence. Taking Southampton and East Hampton as examples of the patriotic feeling generally pervading the east end of the Island, we learn from the records in the office of the Secretary of State of New York * just what was done in those first days that ushered in the war of independence.
* Calendar of historical MSS. relating to the war of the Revolution, published in 1868.
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DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
As early as the summer of 1775, associations were formed through- out the county composed of the male inhabitants capable of bear- ing arms, from 16 to 50 years of age, the members of which pledged themselves to the support of the measures of the provincial con- gress, and the union of the American colonies to resist the oppres- sion of the British government. Every male inhabitant in East Hampton and Southampton signed his name to this instrument of association. In Southampton two or three hesitated at first, but soon joined with their neighbors in this pledge of resistance to the claims of royalty. As the signs of war became more ominous this feeling crystallized in the formation of two regiments, whose serviees were ready at the call of their country. April 5, 1776, the First Regiment of Suffolk county reported thirteen companies, 1030 men, officers and privates, made up from the county west and north of Southampton. February 10, 1776, the Second Regiment reported nine companies, 760 officers and privates, of whom East Hampton furnished two companies, Bridge Hampton two, Sag Harbor and Bridge Hampton jointly two, and Southampton three companies. Bridge Hampton doubtless furnished as many as three companies. In addition to these, Bridge Hampton, East Hampton and Southampton furnished a company of minute men to act as a home guard. The staff officers of the Second Regiment were David Mulford, Colonel ; Jonathan Hedges of Bridge Hamp- ton, Lieut-Colonel and Uriah Rogers and George Herrick of Southampton, Majors; Adjutant, John Gelston ; Quar. Master, Phineas Howell ; Sergt. Major, Lemuel Pierson ; Drum Major, Elias Matthews. This was the first step, the preliminary work to the fast coming contest.
When General Sir William Howe awoke one morning and saw that General Washington had during the night occupied and fortified Dorchester Heights which commanded Boston and its harbor, he saw that for the time being New England was lost. He accordingly sailed away with all his forces to Halifax, pre- liminary to moving on New York. Washington divined his plans, and sent a large body of troops who were posted, some in the city and some, the largest body, on Long Island in the rear of Brook-
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HISTORY OF SOUTHAMPTON.
lyn, guarding the approaches to the city. Four days after the land- ing of the troops of General Howe on Staten Island, his brother, Admiral Richard Howe, arrived with reinforcements, and then the American army of 9,000 troops was confronted with the Brit- ish and Hessians to the number of 30,000. The British, under General Clinton, landed 10,000 troops in the rear of the Americans on Long Island, and marched upon them in three divisions. On the 27th of August, 1776, the opposing forces met and began the famous battle of Long Island, so disastrous to the cause of the patriots, and one that was lost through the neglect to fortify or guard one of the approaches to the American position.
In this battle were engaged, besides the two Long Island regi- ments before mentioned, two other bodies of troops, as follows :
A regiment of minute men, whose officers were, Col., Josiah Smith, of Moriches ; Lieut .- Col., John Hulbert, of East Hampton; 1st Major, Isaac Reeve, of Southold ; 2d Major, Jonathan Baker, of East Hampton ; Adj., Ephraim Marvin; Qr. Mr., Ebenezer Dayton, of East Hampton.
EAST HAMPTON COMPANY.
Capt., Ezekiel Mulford; 1st Lieut., John Miller ; 2d Lieut., Nathaniel Hand. Commissioned February 23, 1776.
FIRST SOUTHAMPTON COMPANY.
Capt., Zephaniah Rogers; 1st Lieut., Nathaniel Howell, Jr .; 2d Lieut., Matthew Sayre. Commissioned February 23, 1776.
SECOND SOUTHAMPTON COMPANY.
Capt., David Pierson; 1st Lieut., John Foster, Jr .; 2d Lieut., Abraham Rose ; Ensign, Edward Topping. Commissioned February 23, 1776.
FIRST SOUTHOLD COMPANY.
Capt., John Bayley ; 1st Lieut., Joshua Youngs; 2d Lieut., John Tuthill; Ensign, James Reeves. Commissioned May 3, 1776.
SECOND SOUTHOLD COMPANY.
Capt., Paul Reeves; 1st Lieut., John Corwin; 2d Lieut., David Horton; Ensign, Nathaniel Hodson. Commissioned May 3, 1776.
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DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
BROOKHAVEN, SMITHTOWN, MANOR OF ST. GEORGE AND MORICHES COMPANY.
Capt., Selah Strong; 1st Lieut., William Clark: 2d Lieut., Caleb Brewster; Ensign, Nath'l Brewster. Commissioned April 4, 1776.
May 30, 1776, a return of this regiment gives Isaac Overton, 2d Major, vice Baker, and Captain, Nathaniel Platt, vice Selah Strong.
The second military organization was an Artillery Company at- tached to Col. Smith's Minute Regiment, the officers of which were as follows .
Capt., William Rogers, of B. H .; Capt. Lieut., John Franks; 1st Lieut., Jeremiah Rogers; 2d Lieut., Thomas Baker, of E. H .; Lt. Fireworker, John Tuthill.
The rosters of these military bodies have never been published excepting that of Col. Smith in Munsell's History of New York, and it is not known whether they are in existence.
A third regiment of Suffolk county is mentioned and commis- sions were issued to its officers, but no roster has been found.
There is a paper in the archives of the State Library indorsed " Return of the names of the persons for officers of the Second Battalion in Suffolk county, taken according to the directions of the Provincial Congress by the committees of East Hampton and Southampton."
I suppose this to be the list of the commissioned officers of the Second Regiment whose staff officers were before mentioned, but of the regiment as reconstructed after the battle of Long Island. The list is as follows :
FIRST COMPANY.
Capt., David Howell ; 1st Lieut., Jeremiah Post ; 2d Lieut., Paul Jones ; Ensign, Zephaniah Rogers.
SECOND COMPANY.
Capt., John Dayton ; 1st Lieut., Isaac Mulford Huntting ; 2d Lient., John Miller, Jr .; Ensign, William Hedges.
THIRD COMPANY.
Capt., David Pierson; 1st Lieut., Daniel Hedges; 2d Lieut., David Sayre; Ensign, Theophilus Pierson.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHAMPTON.
FOURTH COMPANY.
Capt., David Fithian; 1st Lieut., Samuel Conkling; 2d Lieut., Thomas Baker; Ensign, Daniel Conkling.
FIFTH COMPANY.
Capt., Stephen Howell; 1st Lieut., John White, Jr .; 2d Lieut., Lemuel Wick; Ensign, Isaac Halsey.
SIXTH COMPANY.
Capt., William Rogers; 1st Lieut., Jesse Halsey; 2d Lieut., Henry Halsey; Ensign, Nathaniel Rogers.
SEVENTH COMPANY.
Capt., Josiah Howell; 1st Lieut., Nathaniel Howell; 2d Lieut., Matthew Howell; Ensign, William Stephens.
EIGHTH COMPANY.
Capt., Samuel L'Hommedieu; 1st Lieut., Silas Jessup; 2d Lieut., Edward Conkling; Ensign, Daniel Fordham.
NINTH COMPANY.
Capt., John Sandford; 1st Lieut., Edward Topping; 2d Lieut., Philip Howell: Ensign, John Hildreth.
The officers above named of the " battalion " were commissioned September 13, 1775, and were composed of some of those of Colonel Smith's Minute Regiment which was disbanded as a regi- ment after the battle of Long Island, as it is reported. by the orders of Washington, in order that such as was needed to protect their homes should return, and others as preferred could enlist under a new organization.
The third element in the history of this war was the oath of allegiance exacted by Governor Tryon. This included the prom- ise not only to refrain from engaging actively in war, but also from furnishing any supplies to the American army and from harboring or assisting in any way those who were in the field. In short, as Rev. Dr. Buel of East Hampton wrote in bitter irony, they were " subjects of his Majesty, King George." Large numbers were compelled to remain for the support of their families. Many heads of families to avoid taking the oath of allegiance fled to Connecticut, and remained while their farms were tilled by slaves
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DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
under the direction of the women or some neighbor who could not get away. These were frequently men past the age of bear- ing arms but utterly unwilling to take the oath of allegiance. Dr. Buel of East Hampton, in correspondence with Governor Tryon, made vigorous endeavors to mitigate the terms of this oath, but all his efforts seemed to be in vain. So revolting was it to the feelings of the people that tillage was neglected, and only enough land was cultivated to keep the inhabitants from starvation, while the heads of families above fifty years of age to escape insult and imprisonment of person and confiscation of property were com- pulsory exiles in a neighboring colony. Not all fled thither - not all could. Some had wives or sisters or daughters to protect, and some were too poor or too infirm to depart and were com- pelled to remain as "subjects of his Majesty King George." Mere neutrality did not satisfy the royal Governor. Not only the allegiance to the crown, but material aid in carrying on the war was demanded and taken. This brings us to the fourth element in the history, the British occupation from the battle of Long Island to the evacuation of New York city, November 25, 1783. During all this seven years the Island groaned under the oppressive occupation of their soil by the hostile invader. Their circumstances exposed them, however, to sufferings and outrages from both par- ties. Their forced submission to the Royal Army (their misfor- tune, not their fault), caused them to be viewed with suspicion by their brethren upon the continent, and often invited parties of plunder from that quarter. Multitudes fled for shelter and pro- tection to the shores of Connecticut.
" Dr. Buell writes from E. Hampton, Sept'r 22, '76, that the People are as a torch on fire at both ends, which will speedily be consumed, for the Cont. Whiggs carry off their stock and pro- duce, and the British punish them for letting it go, - hopes the Whigs will not oppress the oppressed, but let the stock alone.
" The history of that seven years' suffering will never be told. Philosophy has no adequate remedy for silent, unknown. unpitied suffering. Left to the tender mercies of the foe ; plun- dered by countryman and stranger of their property and ripened harvest ; robbed of the stores which they reaped and garnered ; 10
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HISTORY OF SOUTHAMPTON.
slandered by suspicious brethren; taunted and scoffed at by the mercenary vietors, they never wavered. Their hearts were in their country's cause ; and in the memorable language of their great compatriot, ' sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish,' they were true to their country. Unterrified, unalterable, de- voted Americans." *
Aside from these occasional raids, from friend and foe, the winter of 1778-9 was memorable for the occupation of Sonth- ampton by the British. A squadron of cavalry were quartered there, who, by their disregard to the rights of property and usages of war, contrived to gain the ill-will of all the inhabitants. One old house standing in 1866 still bore marks on the kitchen floor of the axe of the British quartermaster. They constructed two or three small earth-works or forts overlooking the. town, the es- carpments of one of which are still quite sharply defined. +There were two small iron field pieces, carronades, in possession of the town, which the inhabitants, it is said, placed in the belfry of the church as weights to the town clock, to prevent them from falling into the hands of the enemy. It is certain one of them was re- moved thence in 1843, when the spire was demolished, and the other had been used for many years on the anniversaries of our nation's independence.
Onderdonk, in his Revolutionary incidents of Suffolk and Kings counties, cites some of the newspapers of the day, which state that in February, 1779, fourteen companies of light infantry, 700 men, were quartered at Southampton. In March the force was increased to 2,500 men by the coming of General Clinton with a body of troops. In April of the same year 500 foot and 50 horse were in Southold, and 100 men and two field pieces at Sag Harbor. The number of men actually in possession was a vary- ing quantity, as the plans and circumstances chanced to determine.
During the occupation by the British, such frequent calls for forage were made upon the farmers that sufficient food did not remain for their own stoek. A kind Providence, however, pro-
* Hon. Henry P. Hedges' Address at 200th anniversary of East Hampton, L. I., 1869.
t These cannon had been probably in the possession of the town since 1691-1734, when arms were sent from New York to assist the people on the east end in repelling foreign privateers.
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DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
vided for their wants. The frost came out of the ground early in February, and continuous warm weather brought out the grass abundantly, and their cattle were saved from starvation.
However, the rigors of a military occupation were somewhat softened in Southampton by the presence of the commander-in- chief, Lord Erskine. He had his headquarters while remaining here in the house late the residence of William S. Pelletreau. He was a man of integrity and even-handed justice and restrained to some degree the soldiers quartered in Southampton from com- mitting the depredations so common in the neighboring parish of Bridge Hampton. It is said that his coming here prevented the use of the church for stabling purposes, which was the design of the officer in command before Lord Erskine's arrival. At length, having become convinced of the injustice of the cause of Eng- land in her quarrel with the Colonies, he resigned his commission and returned to Europe.
A Mr. Benjamin Foster, who resided in a locality known by the name of Littleworth, had one or more petty officers quartered in his house. He was a very devout man and not ashamed to own his Lord. One of these British officers one day asked him in derision to pray with him. Mr. Foster replied that he had regu- lar hours for prayer, and if he would come in the morning when the family were assembled for prayers he should be welcome. This the officer did, bringing with him a comarade to enjoy the proceeding. But his comrade soon divined the motive which led his brother in arms to such an unusual scene, and having at least a respect for religion and his worthy host, immediately after prayer took up a hymn book near him and read aloud :
" If some proper hour appear, I'll not be overawed ; But let the scoffing sinner hear, That I can speak for God."
Major Cochrane was the commanding officer at Bridge Hampton while the Island was occupied by the British. He is still remem- bered as a merciless tyrant. He once caused a peaceable and inoffensive man, William Russell by name, to be tied up and whipped till the blood ran down to his feet, and this with no ade- quate provocation. As before remarked, the people of this parish
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HISTORY OF SOUTHAMPTON.
suffered much from the lawless soldiery - not only from noc- turnal maranders, but from vandalism perpetrated in open day- light. Cattle were wantonly carried off, forage seized without payment, loose property appropriated and even furniture in their dwellings demolished. They came to the house of Mr. Lemuel Pierson and turned him out. Against their orders he was deter- mined to carry off some of his furniture, and although they stood over him with drawn sword, he persisted and gained his point. At another time they came to his house to secure any plunder that might offer itself. Mrs. Pierson was alone in the house with young children, but nothing daunted met them at the door with a kettle of hot water and threatened to seald the first man who attempted to enter her doors; and the British, thinking discre- tion the better part of valor, quietly retreated.
At another time a number of British soldiers, with blackened faees and coats turned inside out, came at night to the house of Mr. Edward Topping. Mr. Topping was awakened by their noise, and, seizing his gun, ran to defend his castle from the intruders. A window was raised from the outside and a man appeared about to make an entrance. Mr. Topping commanded him to retire and threatened to shoot if he persisted. No atten- tion was paid to his warning, however, and, as the man was climb- ing in, he shot, and the soldier fell baek dead. He was carried off by his comrades, and the next morning word was sent to Gen. Erskine at Sonthampton. He came over to Bridge Hampton, in- vestigated the affair, and having learned the facts, said to the British soldiers around him: "Is that one of your best men ? Dom him, (kicking the body,) take him down to the ocean and bury him below high water mark." And so ended the affair, which under Major Cochrane might have had for Mr. Topping a more tragieal termination.
David Hand of this Township, residing in Sag Harbor, was a sailor both in privateers and vessels of the navy during the Revo- Intion. He experienced with many others, the horrors of the Jersey prison ship. On one occasion a small frigate of the navy was captured after a short action by a British vessel of superior armament, off the harbor of Charleston. Being a carpenter he
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DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
was detailed to make repairs on the prize with promise of pay by the English commander. After the repairs were completed, he was taken in a boat to the British frigate. When about half way between the two vessels, at a signal from the coxswain, the oars were hove up, and after a fruitless struggle on his part, his clothes were taken by the sailors and divided among them. On their arrival at the British vessel, he marched up to the commander and demanded restitution of his elothing, but gained no further sat- isfaction than a surly, " Go and find them - I have got nothing to do about that." He then asked for his promised pay for repairs of the American frigate, and he was equally unsuccessful. Com- pletely disgusted with the " perfidious Albion," he said to the captain : "All I ask now is, to begin at your taffrail rail, and fight the whole ship's crew forward, and die like a man." The captain, of course, paid no attention to this, and he was ordered forward among the other prisoners. Having survived all the dangers of the war, he lived long, a man of note and respectability, honored by his fellow citizens for his bravery and manly virtues.
Thomas and Abraham, sons of Ethan Halsey, also served in the war of the Revolution.
It has been impossible up to this date to ascertain the number of men of the east end, who served in the Revolutionary war, but the number was considerable. Captain Henry Halsey, of Southampton, informed the writer that his grandfather, Jesse Halsey, and another man, on hearing the news of the battle of Lexington, and the movement of the British forces on Boston, at onee started for the scene of action. Leaving their horses at Sag Harbor, they crossed over to New London in a small vessel, and from there marehed to Boston where they arrived just at the close of the battle of Bunker Hill. They then joined the Continental army, and Halsey, at least, served through the war, part of the time as captain. He was present, standing near General Lee at the battle of Monmouth, when Washington rode up in terrible indignation, and, rising in his stirrups, thundered out: "In the name of God, Lee, what do you mean ?" The old revolutionary hero often spoke of it, and was certain of the language used by General Washington. Two other townsmen were in this battle,
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HISTORY OF SOUTHAMPTON.
and did service during the war - John and Elias Pelletreau, the sons of Captain Elias Pelletreau. This town also furnished four surgeons for the war of the Revolution, Henry White, Shadrack Hildreth, William Burnett, and Silas Halsey.
Among the celebrities of these times was a negro slave by the name of Pompey, owned by the Mackie family. He was born in the colonies, was shrewd, a man of good sense, of much force of character, always ready for a joke and very apt to perpetrate one at the expense of another. Many characteristic stories of his do- ings are handed down, of which we give a few.
Some dragoons were quartered on his master in 1778. Consid- ering himself insulted on one occasion, and doubtless with good reason by some of them, he mixed pounded glass with the feed of some of their horses, so that quite suddenly a number were found dead in their stalls. Pomp, who was cross-examined, ex- pressed profound ignorance of the misfortune and thus the matter ended.
On another occasion he had a difficulty with a soldier who in- terfered with his barnyard arrangements. The dragoon drew his sword, but Pomp charged and routed him from the field with his pitchfork.
One saying of his has become proverbial in this region. Mr. Mackie had a horse which being wholly in charge of Pomp, was pampered with good care and light work. One day the horse drawing a load refused duty, and suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. This was too much to be borne ; accordingly Pomp provided himself with a stout cudgel, marched up to the horse, and, shaking the stick in his face, said, " Well, old horse, if you won't bear prosperity, you'll have to try advarsity," and thereat he gave him a severe drubbing-and it is said, " Advarsity made the mare go." On another occasion he was at work for some one in the neighborhood and was invited by his employer to ask a blessing at the dinner table. Pomp observed a skunk served up to his great disgust. He complied with the request however, in part, asking the Lord to bless the bread, but to curse the skunk.
This little town, besides sending out pioneers singly all over the United States, has even sent off its colonies at various times
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in its history. The first of these was a few years after the settle- ment, when the Rev. Abraham Pierson was directed by the Asso- ciation in Connecticut to remove to Branford of that State. Quite a number accompanied him, and some even when after- ward he again removed to New Jersey where with others he founded the town of Elizabeth.
The next colony was one that founded and settled the sister town of East Hampton in 1649. That this is true, however con- trary to the common impression, is evident by comparing the list of the settlers of East Hampton as given in Hedges' address with personal and genealogical notices throughout this volume. Of the names there given the following were known to have been previously residents of Southampton : Jolin Hand, Thomas Tal- mage, Daniel Howe, Thomas Thomson, John Stratton, Robert Bond, Robert Rose, Joshua Barnes, John Mulford, William Hedges, Ralph Dayton, Thomas Chatfield, William Simonds Fulke Davis, Nathaniel Bishop, William Barnes, Jeremiah Veale, John Miller (?) Richard Shaw and Jeremiah Meacham. Besides these only nine heads of families are found in the list of the East Hampton colonists. These may have come from the two colonies of New Haven and Connecticut as Governors Eaton and Hopkins united in purchasing the land of this town from the Indians.
Considerable numbers also removed from time to time to New Jersey, during the first hundred years dating from the settlement. The Southampton family names are found scattered all over the State. Quite a strong colony went out to Blooming Grove, Orange county, N. Y., about 1760.
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