USA > New York > Ulster County > The history of Ulster County, New York > Part 15
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Ist Co. Newburgh, North District-Auther Smith, Captain; Isaac Fowler, First Lieut .; John Foster, Second Lieut .; Daniel Clark, Ensign. And the company re- mained so officered in 1779. In 1778 Reuben Tucker, Ensign, vice Daniel Clark, deceased.
2nd Co. Newburgh Southeast District-Samuel Clark, Captain; Benj. Smith, First Lieut .; James Denton, Sen., Second Lieut .; Martin Wygant, Ensign. Benj. Smith was succeeded by James Denton, Sen., as First Lieut .; Martin Wygant, suc- ceeded Denton as Second Lieut .; and Monson Ward succeeded Wygant as Ensign. On the promotion of Captain Clark to Major, James Denton succeeded to the Cap- taincy ; William Palmer became First Lieut .; Isaac Hasbrouck, Junr., Second Lieut., and Ebenezer Gidney, Ensign.
3d Co. Newburgh Western District-Jacob Conkling, Captain; Jacob Lawrence, First Lieut; David Guion, Second Lieut .; Roger Barton, Ensign. The latter went over to the enemy, and was succeeded by John Crowell, Ensign. William Irwin, Junr., succeeded the latter in 1783.
4th Co. Southeast Marlborough-Lewis Du Bois, Captain; Caleb Merritt, First Lieut .; Dr. Abijah Perkins, Second Lieut .; Matthew Wygant, Ensign. Du Bois entered Continental service, and was succeeded as Captain by Caleb Merritt; Abijah Perkins, First Lieut .; Stephen Case, Second Lieut .; Matthew Wygant, Ensign. In 1780 the roll stood: Stephen Case, Captain; Matthew Wygant, First Lieut .; John Banta, Second Lieut .; Nathl. Du Bois, Ensign, vice Alex. Cropsey, displaced.
5th Co. Northeast Marlborough-Jacob Wood, Captain; Juryan Mackey, First Lieut .; Nathaniel Goodspeed, Second Lieut .; John Knowlton, Ensign. Annan Smith, First Lieut., vice Macked, resigned; Nathl. Kilsey, Second Lieut .; Nathl. Harker, Ensign, vice Knowlton, removed.
6th Co. Northwest Marlborough-Bordawine Tearpenning, Captain; William Martin, First Lieut. ; Uriah Drake, Second Lieut .; James Lyons, Ensign. In 1779, David Ostrander, Captain; James Lyons, First Lieut .; Jacob Terwilliger, Second Lieut .; Hugo Sheet, (?) Ensign.
7th Co. Northwest side of Shawangunk River-Thomas Jansen, Jr., Captain ; Matthew Jansen, First Lieut .; Alvin Snider, Second Lieut .; Peter Decker, Ensign. Later-Matthew Jansen, Captain, vice Thomas Jansen, Jr .; Peter Decker, First Lieut .; Nicholas Hardenbergh, Second Lieut., vice Smedes, displaced; Jacob Rose- krans, Ensign.
8th Co. Between Shawangunk and Paltz Rivers-Matthew Rea, Captain; 'siah Robinson, First Lieut .; Petrus Roosa, Second Lieut .; James Hunter, Jr., Ensign. 1778, Oct. 4, 'siah (Isaiah) Robinson, Captain, vice Rea; James Hunter, First Lieut., vice Robinson; James Kain, 2d Lieut .; Eert Hoffman, Ensign. 1783, Dirck Roosa, Jr., Ensign, vice Hoffman, moved out of beat.
9th Co. Southwest side of Paltz River-Jacobus Roosa, Captain; Cornelius Mas- ten, First Lieut .; Wilh's Van Demark, Second Lieut .; Isaac Hardenbergh, Ensign. Later-Cornelius Masten, Captain; vice Roosa (Rose) ; Isaac Hardenberg, Second
181
THE FOURTH OR MIDDLE REGIMENT.
Lieut .; Wilhelmus Ostrander, Ensign. W. Ostrander, Second Lieut. Harden- bergh removed out of beat; Michael Pelleyer, Ensign, vice Ostrander, promoted.
Ioth Co. Galatian's-Shawangunk-John Galaspie, Captain; Jason Wilkins, First Lieut .; Robert Hunter, Jr., Second Lieut .; Saml. Galaspie, Ensign. 1780, Saml. Galaspie, Second Lieut., vice Hunter left the regiment; Jason Wilkins, Captain, vice Gillaspie promoted Major; Johannis Robinson, Ensign, vice Saml. Gilaspie pro- moted.
IIth Co. Shawangunk-Wm. Cross, Captain, vice John Graham, displaced; John Graham, First Lieut., vice Barkley, displaced; Robert Thompson, Second Lieut., vice Thompson promoted; Robert Mould, Ensign, vice McCurdy, displaced .*
On the 20th of March, 1776, Colonel Hasbrouck reported that the regi- ment comprised eleven companies and a total of six hundred and eight men, officers included; "likewise four hundred and fifty firelocks, two hundred and ninety-three swords, one hundred and eighty-eight cartridge boxes, thirty-two pounds of powder, one hundred and twenty-eight pounds of lead." The limited supply of arms and powder is noted in all the regiments. Looking back over the field we see many unarmed men, strong only in their belief in the justice of the cause in which they had embarked.
From the disconnected compilation of the regimental returns given in "New York in the Revolution" is taken, without guaranty of complete- ness, the following list of
ENROLLED MEN.
Admins, Samuel
Albertson, Joseph Albertson, William
Albertson, Stephen Aldrich, Gilburth
Alekenbrgh, Peter
Allen, John
Alsdarf, Lawrence
Alsdarf, Philip
Alsdorph, Jacobus
Alsdorph, Johannis
Alsdorph, Philip
Alsdurf, Jacobes
Anderson, William
Anthony, Alard
Anthony, John
Anthony, John jr
Arslen, Daniel.
Bach, Joh's Lenz
Bading Isaac
Baily Thomas
Bain David
Baker Bartholomew
Ball Thomas
Bancker Solomon
Bang Samuel
Bardine William
Banks, Justus Bark, George Barkly, James
Barker Isaac Barman Peter
Barns, Stephen
Barrik George Bartley James
Barthy, James
Barwill, James Bedford, Jones
Bealy John Beleger Frederick
* There were certainly five companies in Shawangunk. See N. Y. Historical MSS. i, 444. Governor Clinton wrote in 1777 that there was a "Park of artillery" there. The original organ- ization of the company has not been found of record.
182
THE COUNTY OF ULSTER.
ENROLLED MEN .- Continued.
Bell Thorne
Bell Thomas
Bell, William Bevier Abraham
Bevier Cornelius
Bevier Daniel
Bevier Jonas
Bevier Nathaniel
Beymer Joh's
Billiger Michael
Binson Peter
Blenstram, Matthew I.
Blensham Matthew J.
Bloomer, William
Bodine Francis
Bodine, Isaac
Bodine John
Bodine, William
Bonker John
Boons, Daniel
Borton Isaac
Borwell, James
Bouen Daniel
Bout, John
Bowings Daniel
Brannen, Addam
Breaden Thomas
Brinck, Sollom
Brink Cornelius
Brink, John
Brink Peter
Brink, John jr
Brink Solomon
Brook Abraham W.
Brown Ebeneezer
Brown Edward
Brown Isaack
Brown Jonathan
Brown Jonathan jr
Brown William
Brush Eliakim
Bruyn Abraham
Bruyn Cornelius
Bruyn Ebenazer
Bruyn Johannis
Bruyn Safryn
Bull Daniel
Burdin Francis
Burdine John
Burhans Samuel
Burns Charles
Cahill Daniel Camble John
Camp Eldard
Carman John
Carny Stephen
Case John
Caviler John
Cerley Israel
Chisem Hendrick
Christice Johan
Claarwater Jeremiah
Clark James
Clarwater Jacob
Cline Jonas
Cole Cornelius
Cole William D.
Coleman Joseph
Colwell Jacob
Comfort Benjamin
Comfort Samuel Cool Cornelius Cool William
Coulter John
Cowen Martin
Crage Francis Cranses Henry
Crans Cristuphel
Crans Henry
Crawford David
Crawford Nathan Crawford Samuel
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Comfort John jr Conkling William Cool Maritie Cornes Solomon Coulter John jr Cox William Cramer Wendle
Crank Frederick
Crans Ezekiel Crans Philip Crawford Jonathan
Caldwell James
Carpenter Wright Case Joseph
Clarwater Joseph
Cline Jacob Coldwell John Cole Johannis
Coleman Duncken Colter John
Combs Solomon
Bruyn Zacheriah
Bump Cornelius
Burdin William
Brusie Andries
Beroon Anthony
183
THE FOURTH OR MIDDLE REGIMENT.
ENROLLED MEN .- Continued.
Crawford Robert Credit Benjamin Criswell John Crousk Fradrick Crous Ezekiel Crook Conrad Cropsey Henry
Crosby Thomas
Crover Aron Crover John Cruger Arnest Cunbergh Matthew
Crestise John Crofferd Samuel Cronee Ezekiel
Crooger Barnest Croover John Cropsey Matthew Cross Leonard
Crover George Crowford Nathan
Crumm Jacob
Dacker Elezar
Dalls William Days Handrick
Deane Solomon Decker Abraham jr
Decker Benjamin
Decker Benjamin jr
Decker Benjamin T.
Decker Benjamin J. Decker Elisha Decker Evert
Decker Jurry
Decker John G
Decker Manasse
Decker Peter jr
Decker Uriah
Decker Wilhelmes
Dederick Lucas
Demott James
Derlin David
Devins Jacobus
Dinager George Divins Jacobus Docherty Cornelius Douglass James Dubois Andries Dubois Jonathan Dubois William
Duffield John
Dunlap John
Eaker Steven Edmons Samuel Empson John Ennis James
Farris James Forbes William Forcits William Forsght William Frayer Jeremiah Freer John Frons Philip
Dailey Robert Davis John
Dealls William
Decker Abraham
Decker Ambrick
Decker Elias Decker Elizar
Decker Noah
Decker Peter
Decker William De Lefever Coenrad Denniston John Devenport Robert Dill David
Divenu Jacobus Dobins James Dolson John Drake William Dubois Hezekiah Dubois Nathaniel Duboys Aadris Du Mott Isaac Du Witt Jacob
Eckert Stephanus Empson Benjamin English John Erwen Robert
Ferguson Samuel Forbes William G Forgeson Samuel France Youst Freeman Samuel Frint Jacob
184
THE COUNTY OF ULSTER.
ENROLLED MEN .- Continued.
Galation James Gee Anders Gee John Gillaspy David Gillespy James Gillespy John
Graham James Graham Thomas Grahams James Gray Benj. Green William Gunsalis Samuel Gutches Hendricus
Hadger John Hains Henry Hallett George
Hannah Samuel Harcourt Nathaniel
Harris Alpheus Hathy Fredrick Hauter Isaac
Heady Marcus Hedger Wilhelmus
Heemanse Edward Herr David Hide Henry Hill William Holester Isaac Hollet William Hollister Isaac Holmes Asa
Hoole John Hosbrock Benjamin Hufmen John Hughes William Hull Samuel
Imson Benjamin Irvine William
Jacklin Daniel Jansen Nicholas Johnson Abraham Johnston Ritchard
Kain, James Kanter, Isaac Kunbarrack, Matthew King, Clayman Kirkpatrick, Samuel Kline, Jacob Knifin, John Knox, Thomas Kyrk, William
Garrison Isaac
Gee Jeremiah Gee Nathaniel
Gillespy George Gillespy James jr Goetschus Henrocus
Graham Robert
Graham Wilyham
Gray Andrew
Green John Griffise Barne
Gunsalus Danel
Hadly Fredick Halett Moses Hallett William
Harcourt John Harding James
Harris Jonathan
Hatley Frederick Hawkins James Hedger John Hedgner John
Hendrickson Jacob
Herrinton Moses Hill George
Hofman John Holl John
Hollett Moses Hollister William Homes Reubin Hornbeek Ephriam
Huffman Nicholas
Hughes Evert Hull Nathaniel
Hunter Archebel
Innis James Irwin Robert.
Jansen Jacobus Johnsen Richard Johnston Arthur Jonson John
Kane Cornelius Keyser Ephraim Kimbary Mathew King Nicholas Kitchen Richard
Kline Jonas Knolton Daniel Kraus Henry
Grove Webster.
..
185
THE FOURTH OR MIDDLE REGIMENT.
ENROLLED MEN .- Continued.
Lair Adam Lane William Laughlin James Lawrence William Lenderman Cornelius
Lewis Cornelius Lewis Ritchard Lilley John
Lister Allon Lits Evart Loomis Timothy Lovell Alexander Low Jacob Lutts John
McBorney William McCleen John McClughan Robert McCullom William McColough John McCoughan Robert McCreery Robert McCurdy John McDowal Daniel
MacDugal Duncan McIlvean David Mckay John Mackey Alexander McLackler John McMullen John Malford David Marshall Jeremiah Masten Abraham Masten Ezekiel Masten Matthew
Maston John Mentz John Milbourn Andrew Miller Hans Miller James Miller John jr Mills David Milspaugh Fredrick Milspaugh Mathias Milspough Mattichia Mirrit Thomas Moor Jacob Morse Benjamin Moule Philip Mullen Michal Murdogh Lackey
Nainy Samuel Nox Thomas.
Lane George Lattimore Roger Lawrence John
Laybolt Jacob Lester Allen
Lewis John Lewis Samuel
Linn George
Litch Rulif Lits Rulif
Lotts Conrad
Lovell Jost Minard
Luts Henry Luwes Corneles
McCay Alexander jr
McClouchan Robert
McColhem Robert
McColm Robert
McCord John
McCreery John
McCue James
McDermont Lawrence
McDowell Jonathan
McElvin David
McIlwain David
McKenny Matthew
Mackey Alexander jr
Mclaughlin John Macord John
Mance John
Marten John
Masten Art
Masten Jonathan
Masters Daniel
Matterstock Joh's Merritt George
Miller Abraham
Miller Jacobus
Miller John Millin Alexander
Millspaugh Abraham
Milspaugh Isaac
Milspaugh Matthew
Minthorn John
Mole Philip
Moor Martin
Moss Benjamin
Mullen Michel
Mumford James
Nicols William
186
THE COUNTY OF ULSTER.
ENROLLED MEN .- Continued.
O'Bradly Dainel Odle Jonathan Oproght George Osterhoudt Henry Ostrander Christophel Ostrander William Owns Benjamin
Palmer William
Parsel Jeremiah Penny James Penny Stephen
Perveer James Pifer Hendrick
Pixley William Plumsted Joseph
Potman John
Purdy William Putnam John.
Radicker Henry
Rainey David Raljay Denye Rank Cornelius Rea Matthew jr Read Stephen Reany David Rekman Harmanes
Relyea Dene T. Richard Nathaniel Ricknen Harmanus Ronk John Roos Avart Roos Peter A
Roosa Aldert Roose Evert
Rose Evert jr Kosekrans Hendrick
Rosekrans John Rosekrans William
Ross Finley Rossell Ludwigh Rump Henry
Sageman Jacob St John Adam St John Samuel Sammons Jacob Sammons Matthew jr Scarscadden Robert Schoonmaker Isaac Schoonmaker Wilhelmus Schutt Abraham Scott James Sears Lawrence
O'Cain Edward Opright Malaicah Osborn Daniel Osterhoudt Peter Ostrander Jacob Owen John
Palmiteer William Pembrook William
Penny John
Pensil Peter
Phelps Shadrick
Pixley Jona
Place William
Post Abram, jr
Potter Edward
Putnam Henry
Rain James jr Rainey Samuel Raljay Simon
Rank Philip
Rea Stephen
Realya Simon
Reighter John
Relyea Dene
Relyea John Richman Harramanis
Roe John Roof John
Roos Evert jr
Roos John
Roosa Derrick
Rose John Rosekrans Hendrick W.
Rosekrans Wilhelmes
Rosman Hendrick Ross William
Rump Christian
Russell William
Sager Malachy St John Noah Sammons Cornelius
Sammons Matthew Sammons Tunis
Schoonmaker Abraham
Schoonmaker Jacob Schriver Martin Schutt H Scott William Segor Malacchia
187
THE FOURTH OR MIDDLE REGIMENT.
ENROLLED MEN .- Continued.
Seneebanch Henery Seoos John Shammons Jacob Shaw Thomas Shoecraft Jacob Sidman Jacob Silkworth William Simmons Sylvanus Sincebaugh Henry Sinkler John Skit Hugh
Sension Adam
Shafer George Shaver Daniel
Shear Salvinus Shorter John
Sifertis Manasa
Simmons Jacob
Simmons Tunis
Sinclair John
Sinsepough Henry
Slaughter Isaac
Slauter John
Sloot William
Slot William
Smedes Benjamin
Smedes Benjamin B.
Smith Francis
Smith George Smith Ladlaw
Smith Leege
Smith Ludlow
Smith William
Snider Daniel jr
Snyder Daniel
Snyder Henry
Snyder Jacob
Snyder John
Sommons Matthew
Sparks Abraham
Sparks Jacob,
Sparks Robert
Sprage Amasa
Stalker Seth
Starks Robert
Steenbargh John
Stevenson Hugh
Stitt James
Storm Jacob
Strickland Abraham
Striker Abraham
Swart Abraham
Swart Benjamin
Swart Daniel
Swart John
Swingle Cronimus
Taerpanning, Lavi Tarepening, Richard
Tarepining Samuel
Tarepenning, Lawrence
Tarpening Derrick
Tarpenney, Elias Taylsor, John Teero Lowrence
Tarpenny Abraham Teerpenning Teunis Terbos Henry Terpening John
Terpening Abraham
Terwelgen, Petrus Vas
Terwilagar Philip
Terwiliger John
Terwilleger Arie V.
Terwilleger Isaac jr
Terwilleger, James F. jr Terwilleger, Matthew Terwilleger, Wilhelmus
Terwilleger Jonathan Terwilleger Simon H. Terwilleg Zacharias Terwilligar Josiah
Terwilligar, Jacobus Terwilligar, Peter N. Terwilliger Abraham jr Terwilliger, Arra
Terwilliger Abraham Terwilliger Aroon Terwilliger Benjamin
Terwilliger Evert
Terwilliger, Cornelius jr Terwilliger, Hendrick
Terwilliger, Isaac Terwilliger, James
Terwilleger Isaac
Terwilliger Jacob Terwilliger James F.
Stitt John Stowell John Strickland Jacob Summons Tunis
Swart Isaac Swingel Harromus
Tampson Archibald
Terwiliger, Hezekiah Terwillager, Joseph Terwilleger, Daniel
Springsteel Joseph
Smith John Meribray
188
THE COUNTY OF ULSTER.
ENROLLED MEN .- Continued.
Terwilliger, Jonas
Terwilliger Peter P.
Terwilliger, Petrus
Terwilliger Petrus Vas.
Terwilliger, Simon
Terwilliger Solomon
Terwilliger Tunis
Terwilliger Tunis C.
'Terwilliger William
Thompson Alexander
Thompson Andrew
Thompson Archabald
Thompson Richard
Tice Henry
Tirwillegar Henry
Tooker Keuben
Traith John
Trape James
Trapp James
Trumpurt Jacob
Tucker Ruben
Tuttle Israel.
Upright George Upright Nathan
Upright Malichia
Vanamburgh Hanry
Vanamburgh Jeremiah
Vancuran Benjamin
Vancuren Levi
Van Delyne Peter
Vandemark Ezekial
Vandemarken Ezekiel
Vandemarken Jacob
Vandenmark Jacob
Vandenmerk Jacob
Vandermerke Wilhelmis
Vangarden Jacobus
Vangorden James
Vangorden James
VanKeuren
VanKeuren Benjamin
VanKeuren Charick
VanKeuren Cornelius
VanKeuren Hazael
VanKeuren Jacobus
VanKeuren Jacobus jr
VanKeuren Levi
Van Keuren Ruben
Vankuren Benjamin
Van Steenbergh John
Van Steenburgh Abraham
Van Wegan Henry
Viburgs Peter
Wackman Henry
Wackman Marcus
Waderwan William.
Wagenor Johannis
Wakman Henry
Waller John
Walles William jr.
Wallis Hugh
Wallis William
War 1 David
Ward Richard
Ward William
Warkman Henry
Warrey John
Washburn John
Wath Nicholas
Watts Nicholas
Weed Samuell
Welsh Ephriam
Weller Frederick
Weller John
Westbrook Abraham
Whany John
Wharing James
Whorrey John Wigens Michal
Wiggan Michael
Wiggons Annon
Williams Adam
Williams John
Williams Richard
Williams William
Wilsey William
Winfield Elias Wintfield Peter
Winfield Peter
Wood Abraham
Wood Job
Wood Stephen
Woodward Daniel
Wygant Martin
Yorks Aron Young Johan Christ.
Wintworth John
Wood Timaty
Workman Henry
Young Christian i
Van Wagenen Benjamin I. Vawn Richard
Wigant John
189
SERVICES OF THE MILITIA.
CHAPTER XIII.
SERVICES OF THE MILITIA.
N the preceding compilation from official records has been given = the territorial locations of the militia regiments of the Revolution, the town or precinct locations of the several companies, the Field Staff and Line officers, and the names of the enrolled men, a compilation which has never been printed in any publication, local or state. Com- paring the names of the rank and file with the names by towns of the signers of the "Articles of Association" will show in most cases, the residences of the militiamen, aid materially in identifying them, and take the history of the events in which they were actors into the very neighborhoods where they resided, and where for many years later their long muskets and powder horns hung on hooks over their mantel pieces.
It is proper to remark in passing, that the militia were not "enlisted men," as classed in "New York in the Revolution," but the body of male residents constituted by nature and by law as competent and available for military service, enrolled in distinct districts under regularly ap- pointed officers, liable to be called into service at any time to suppress insurrections and repel invasions and at all times liable to draft to re- enforce regularly constituted armies and for special duty. It is in the field of detachments and levies for special service in special organizations, and in enlistments in the regular or continental army of the Revolution that the militia of Ulster will be most frequently met in these notes.
There was another class of the militia, as there is now, called "ex- empts," that is men who were exempt from field service by reason of age or infirmities, previous service, professional occupation, etc., but who, nevertheless, during the Revolution, were regularly enrolled, made liable to service, in emergencies, and subject to a special tax for the pur- chase of arms and to supply men in the active force. It is to be regretted that in the returns which have been preserved the exempts are only limitedly represented. To the honors of service in the Revolution they are as fully entitled as were the men who were on the active roll. Returns
190
THE COUNTY OF ULSTER.
of men enrolled as Exempts in three companies in Colonel Hasbrouck's Regiment are available. In "Archives of the Revolution" may be found lists of officers of companies of exempts in New Windsor, Kingston, Marbletown, Marlborough, Rochester, Wallkill, Hanover and Sha- wangunk. It is presumed that the law was complied with in all the com- pany districts. The companies were continued during the war.
The changing by the British Ministry of the seat of war from Boston to New York in 1776, the constitution of the Hudson as the strategic centre, the sending of Burgoyne and a strong army of Quebec in 1777 to cut his way through to the Hudson and hold possession in conjunction with the British forces in New York City and by separating the eastern colonies from the western and southern make the suppression of the re- bellion less difficult, and the securing through the Johnsons of an alliance with four of the six nations of Indians under Brant, gave to the counties of Ulster and Orange two especially exposed frontiers, the southern and the western, and contingent exposures on the north. In no part of the nation was so heavy a burden placed on the militia as on Ulster, especially in the early years of the war. So it comes that we read of detachments of the Ulster militia under General Morin Scott, in the battle of Long Island in August, 1776; of detachments of Ulster militia under General George Clinton at Harlem in the lower Westchester in the same year; detachments sent out to guard the passes in the Highlands; detachments on guard on the northern and western frontiers, and detachments to aid Generals Schulyer and Gates in resisting the advance of Burgoyne. In addition to those fields of service the Provincial Convention, early in 1776, resolved to establish forts in the Highlands and obstruct the navi- gation of the river by a chain, chevaux-de-frise, fire rafts and a navy.
The works were constructed mainly by the militia of Ulster, Orange and Duchess, and by the same bodies in varying detachments they were mainly garrisoned. The entire militia contiguous to the forts were required to hasten to them on signal given by flags and the discharge of cannon by day, and by beacon fires on the hills at night; no matter what the exposure the militia must go.
The first of the special organizations of the militia were those known as Minute Men, whe were required to meet and drill and hold them- selves in constant readiness for the field. They came in under the militia law of 1775, which provided that after the regular companies had been
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WT Bathen NY
ALBERT. K . SMILEY.
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191
SERVICES OF THE MILITIA.
organized, "every fourth man of each company" should "be selected" for that particular service who, when in service, should be subject to the orders of officers of the continental army. The plan, while reading very well on paper, did not prove satisfactory in operation, and it was abol- ished in June, 1776. Meanwhile its provisions had been generally com- plied with. A regiment of Minute Men was organized in Southern Ulster; Thomas Palmer, Colonel; Thomas Jansen, Jr., Lieut. Colonel ; Arthur Parks, Ist Major; Saml. Logan, 2d Major; Severyn Bruyn, Adjutant; Isaac Belknap, Qr. Master. In northern Ulster was also formed a regiment of which Charles De Witt was Colonel; Andries De Witt, Lieut. Colonel; Christopher Tappen, Ist Major; Corn's E. Wyn- koop, 2d Major; Oake Suydam, Adjutant; Corn's Elmendorf, Qr. Master. The officers of the companies in the regiments are of limited record, but there are no lists of men aside from those enrolled in the- regular companies. Except that Colonel Palmer's Regiment was on duty in the Highlands in the winter of 1775, and in McClaughrey's Second Ulster, there is no record of field service, although there was service obviously.
Kindred special organizations came in under a law of the Provincial Convention, July 22, 1776, authorizing the formation of companies of Rangers "for the protection of the inhabitants of the northern and west- ern frontier of the province." These companies were to hold themselves in constant readiness for service, with a view especially to prevent the incursions and depredations of Indians and Tories, the latter a despicable element in the contest, of less honor than their Indian alliants. Making their abode in the mountains on the north and west where they were in touch with their dusky allies, they became spies, informers and pilots and shared in the spoils of bandit warfare. Their forays upon the scattered dwellings on the frontiers were frequent. Some of the members of the bands were caught and hung, and more of them richly deserved the same fate. The Rangers were to be confined to the territory of the county in which the companies were recruited, unless by the unanimous consent of the committees of Safety and Observation of adjoining counties, o .: unless otherwise directed by the Provincial Convention by its Committee of Safety. Three companies were raised in Ulster commanded respect- ively by Captains Isaac Belknap of New Windsor, Jacob R. De Witt of Paenpacht, and Elias Hasbrouck. The latter two were in service on the
192
THE COUNTY OF ULSTER.
frontiers, but Belknap was directed to report with his command to the Provincial Convention, which had then retreated from White Plains, Westchester County, to Fishkill Village above the Highlands. As Bel- knap's was the only company that was under the orders of the Conven- tion, and was actually at Fishkill, Belknap was obviously the Capt. Town- send of Cooper's story "The Spy." The names of the officers and privates of the company have been preserved; in other companies we have the names of officers only.
The entire militia force of the county could not have numbered over two thousand men. The largest number from any one regiment on duty at any time was 500 men from Colonel Hasbrouck's Fourth, July, 1777, and 460 in October at the burning of Esopus. It seems to have been the strongest of the four regiments. Governor Clinton had no little con- fidence in it, and particularly in that portion of it known as the "Shaw- angunk Militia." As a rule circumstances would not admit of the calling out of any full company from its "beat"; some portion must necessarily remain at home. Portions of regiments were in almost constant motion, some going out and others returning. The only illustrative report of their movements is of record from Colonel Hasbrouck's regiment for six- teen months :
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