USA > New York > Ulster County > The history of Ulster County, New York > Part 17
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* The roster of officers of the regiment in the Sullivan campaign included Lewis Du Bois, Colonel; Henry Du Bois, Adjutant and Captain Lieutenant; Henry Dodge, Captain and Lieu- tenant; Michael Connoly, Pay-master and Second Lieutenant; James Johnston, Quarter-master and Ensign; Samuel Cooke, Surgeon; Ebenezer Hutchins, Surgeon's Mate; Captains-James Rosenkrans, John F. Hamtrack, John Johnston, Philip Du Bois Bevier, James Stewart; Henry W. Vanderburgh, Lieutenant; Daniel Birdsall and James Betts, Second Lieutenants; Bartholf Vanderburgh Francis Hammer, and Henry Vanderburgh, Ensigns. Lieutenant Colonel Bruin. Major Samuel Logan and other officers who were taken prisoners at Fort Montgomery in October, 1777, were still in captivity, and their places on the active roll could not be filled. This condition of affairs led to the resignation of Colonel Du Bois and to the consolidation of the regiment with other regiments of the New York line.
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THE CONTINENTAL LINE.
but into immortal history." Perhaps in the future a son of Ulster will compile the personal record of every man who stood in the ranks in the fray that "won a rescued world." Meanwhile their names on the rolls is their monument.
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THE COUNTY OF ULSTER.
CHAPTER XV. KINGSTON
1652-1777.
By HOWARD HENDRICKS.
T HE ancient history of this old town, covering its first century-and-a- quarter, is so fully treated on the preceding pages by Mr. Rutten- ber, that it seems unnecessary to repeat or elaborate the details in this chapter. The events and doings during that primitive period of the settlement's existence being in fact the history of Ulster County, it was proper to treat the subject at length in the general article referred to.
Geographically the present city is on the west bank of the Hudson River, about midway between the northern and southern limits of Ulster County. The Rondout Creek forms its southern boundary and affords a fine stretch of navigable water-front with ample and advantageous wharfage. The Esopus Creek flows along the northern boundary, making a sweeping curve to the Hudson twelve miles north. On the east is the broad and. majestic Hudson and the new town of Ulster, and on the north and west are the towns of Ulster and the remnant of the original town of Kings- ton, which still retains that name. Between the Rondout and the Esopus. is a comparatively level plain, high, with precipitous banks, rising to bluffs along the river. On the west and north are the low, alluvial lands. of the Esopus valley, which rise gradually to hills and mountains beyond. The river bluffs are often interspersed by pleasant slopes, producing a great variety of scenic effect, much of which is strangely rugged, and all wondrously picturesque.
Among the aboriginal names of places in this section are "Waronaw- anka," at (or on) a cove or bay; "Sepuus," a brook, by corruption, "Esopus," and "Atkarkarton," as generally written, and according to the version of Marius Schoonmaker, the Kingston historian, but lately written, "Atharhacton," by Dr. Corwin and others. The meaning of either of these appellations is uncertain, though claimed to have been
-
Howard Hendricks.
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KINGSTON.
the name of the "Groot Plat" (Great Flat) on the north and west of the town.
The ancient Dutch name "Wildwijk," now "Wiltwyck," is still re- tained in the latter form in some connections, and often locally applied to the central section of the present city, for some occult reason. The old Dutch "Rondhout" is now "Rondout," and the Dutch "Punthockje," the point of a small cone or bay, has given place to "Ponckhockie."
The "Columbus Point" of ancient days is now known as "Kingston Point." The "two little Indian houses" that once stood on its southerly side, have given way to the commerce and traffic of a large section of country and the busy traverse of trolleys and steam cars.
It would indeed be interesting to trace the orthographical metamorpho- sis of these ancient Dutch and Indian names which adorn the old records, if the limits of space allowed.
THE CRADLE OF NEW YORK STATE.
KINGSTON, 1777-1907.
Kingston was the cradle of New York State, and the infant common- wealth began its career amid scenes of turmoil and the smoke of battle. The enemy were encamped on every side, and Governor Clinton scarcely dared to leave his post in the army long enough to assume the affairs of State. But victory was in the air and every man of the patriot band in the field was inspired with new courage. The triumph of liberty was about to dawn.
Among the first to congratulate Governor Clinton was Dominie Doll, pastor of the old Dutch church in Kingston, which had borne so conspicu- ous a part in the long struggle against oppression. In this he wrote, "All have pledged their lives and fortunes to support and defend you in this exalted station, and the Consistory of Kingston cheerfully unite in the implicit stipulation, and promise you their prayers."
The Legislature of the new State had been called to meet at Kingston, August Ist. But the condition of the country was such it was considered unsafe to convene that body until the twentieth, when it was again pro- rogued until September I, for the same reason. The assembly finally met and organized on that day, but the Senate was not in session until nine days later, for lack of a quorum. Thus, on the tenth of September, 1777.
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THE COUNTY OF ULSTER.
the Legislature of the new State became fully organized and the wheels of government were started. The three departments, the legislative, the executive, and the judicial, were thus launched together in Kingston. Being unable to occupy the Court House, because of the session of the Supreme Court, the Assembly organized at the hotel of Evert Bogardus, corner of Maiden Lane and Fair streets.
This was the first Court under the first Constitution of the new State, and it was opened by Chief Justice Jay on the ninth of September, 1777. The Grand Jury was composed of 22 of the best men in the county. On that day Chief Justice Jay delivered the first charge to a Grand Jury of which there is any record. It was a memorable judicial address of great importance, and will stand as a model for all time. A single sentence only is quoted here. "The Americans are the first people whom Heaven has favored with an opportunity of deliberating upon and choosing the forms of government under which they should live; all other constitutions have derived their existence from violence or accidental circumstances."
OLD SENATE HOUSE.
The Senate organized at the house of Abraham Van Gaasbeek, corner of Clinton Avenue (then East Front Street) and North Front Street. This ancient stone structure, now known as the "Old Senate House," was built in 1676 by Col. Wessel Ten Broeck. It was owned by Van Gaasbeek during the Revolution, and afterward passed successively to Sarah, wife of Peter Van Gaasbeek, F. E. Westbrook, and Mrs. Marius Schoonmaker, who sold it to the State in 1887. It was then thoroughly repaired, pre- serving the ancient features as far as possible, and has since been kept as a sacred relic and memento of the historic past, where the antiquarian and curious may find a large collection of articles pertaining to bygone years. It is visited by thousands from every land, and the number in. creases every year. It is built of native limestone except the rear wall. which is of large brick imported from Holland. The mortar used in these massive walls over 200 years ago, is to-day solid as adamant.
The regular sessions of the Legislature were held in this house until the meetings were broken up by the near approach of the British forces after the capture of Fort Montgomery in the Highlands of the Hudson, Oct. 4, 1777. On receipt of this news in Kingston, Oct. 7, the Legislature dispersed, the members rushing to join the patriot army, and in defense of
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KINGSTON.
their families. Governor Clinton, who had been inaugurated in Kingston three months before, having remained in command at the Fort, was there overwhelmed by the enemy, he himself having slid down a precipice toward the river and escaped in a boat. With the destruction of these forts there was nothing to hinder the advance of the British up the river under Sir Henry Clinton, and the defenseless homes of Kingston were thus endangered.
Governor Clinton wrote the Council of Safety, in session here, that he was trying to rally his scattered forces, persuade the Militia to join him and make a forced march to the defense of Kingston. But he found the soldiers too solicitous about the safety of their families to remain on duty. Meanwhile the Legislature at Kingston, realizing the importance of imme- diate action, formed a "joint Convention for the State to provide for the Public Safety." Pierre Van Cortlandt, president of the Senate, was chosen president of this Convention. A new Council of Safety was ap- pointed, with William Floyd as president. This Council met Oct. 8 and ordered all persons then in jail here, transferred to Hartford, Conn., in the expectation of the enemy's attack. Two days later all male inhabitants of the district capable of service were ordered to secure arms and ammuni- tion, and hold themselves in readiness to meet the foe. All money in the State treasury at Kingston, public records, and other State property, were packed in boxes and removed to Rochester, by Gerard Bancker, the vice State treasurer; £1,000 were, however, kept for immediate use, subject to the order of the Council.
On Oct. II, Governor Clinton was advised by the Council that the local Militia had been ordered to rendezvous at Kingston and Shawangunk. On the same day the British commander, Clinton, sent a reconnoitering expedition toward Poughkeepsie. Finding the way comparatively clear, the marauding expedition of Gen. Vaughan was easily organized. This consisted of 7 naval vessels and some 20 galleys and flatboats, with 1,600 men. The start was made from Peekskill Oct. 14, and the fleet anchored off Esopus Island next day. They were discovered by Governor Clinton's men early in the morning, and he at once expressed a letter to the Council of Safety at Kingston, warning of the enemy's approach. His reinforce- ments had not arrived, but he sent all his available troops on to Kingston in great haste, feeling sure the new State capital, and at that time the capital of the nation, would be the object of attack.
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THE COUNTY OF ULSTER.
Meanwhile the Council of Safety was in session in Kingston at the tavern of Conrad Elmendorf, on the southeast corner of Maiden Lane and Fair streets, which is still standing. The last session of this famous Coun- cil was indeed a memorable meeting.
BURGOYNE'S SURRENDER.
It was on the afternoon of Oct. 15, 1777, and the members present were Pierre Van Cortlandt, president, Messrs. Yates, Dunscomb, Floyd, Van Zandt, Parks, Scott, Webster, Rowan, Harper, Pawling and Morris. It was at this meeting the news of Burgoyne's surrender was received. One Bernardus Hallenbeek was the bearer of the letter, and he was promptly voted a reward of £50.
For this news the people of Kingston had waited long. The final over- throw of foreign oppression and misrule was now assured, and the banner of Liberty was in the sky. But there was little time for rejoicing. The redcoats were rapidly approaching from the south, and the town was practically defenseless. The patriot forces under Governor Clinton could not reach Kingston in time to repel the invaders. Even at that moment, the alarm guns were booming, and the enemy was about to land at King- ston Point, at the mouth of Rondout Creek, then known as "Columbus Point." About five o'clock that afternoon, the Council sent word to Gov- ernor Clinton, who was then on his way to Kingston, of the enemy's approach, also the Burgoyne dispatch. But the messenger proved dilatory and stopped for the night at a wayside farmhouse.
Having pushed on ahead of the army, Clinton arrived with his staff about 9 o'clock that night. He found great commotion, and the most intense excitement prevailed. The defenseless people were packing their goods and valuables and fleeing out of reach of the vandal hordes as fast as possible. They went to Hurley, Marbletown, Rochester and Wawar- sing. Finding it impossible for his troops to reach Kingston in time, he sent word that they should proceed no further and repaired to Marble- town himself on the morning of Oct. 16.
Meanwhile Vaughan's forces had already anchored at the mouth of the creek and opened a heavy fire upon the galley Lady Washington which lay in the stream, and upon the batteries and earthworks, which had been hastily thrown up on the Ponckhockie heights, where five light cannon were in position. This fire was returned for some time, but there was
Old Senate House-1777.
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KINGSTON.
little damage on either side. Soon after noon Vaughan's soldiers began to land in two divisions, one at the Old Cantine dock on the creek, and the other in the cove north of the Point. The breastworks were stormed and carried at the point of the bayonet, there being only 150 men under Cols. Pawling and Snyder, who had already spiked the guns. The only three houses on the creek were burned, and a negro was seized and compelled to guide the invaders to Kingston.
The news of Burgoyne's capture was conveyed to Vaughan by Jacobus Lefferts, a New York city Tory who was then living in Kingston with his family. But Vaughan knew there was ample time to carry out his despic- able purpose here and that he would meet with little or no resistance.
The veracious and careful historian, Marius Schoonmaker, says that old residents of Kingston who were in the Militia on that memorable occa- sion told him, there was an armed body of patriots, 100 strong, concealed in the woods near where the City Hall now stands, and that some of these men begged permission to fire and pick off some of the officers of this invading force as they passed on their way to Kingston, but the com- mander forbade it. The fact seems to be, nearly everybody had fled from their homes and the enemy met no resistance on reaching the village, in spite of the apologetic language of Gen. Vaughan in his official report, in which he sought to show that the people fired upon his troops from their houses and for that reason he was "induced to reduce the place to ashes, which I accordingly did, not leaving a house."
BURNING OF KINGSTON.
The troops scattered into small parties and fired all the buildings on every street as rapidly as possible, gathering what plunder they could, and returning to their ships in three hours. They knew Clinton's army was on the way, and they fled to the Point in great confusion, expecting any mo- ment to meet the advance of the patriots. The Governor's order to halt, if ever received at all, must have been countermanded, because the ad- vance division of Clinton's forces arrived an the Kuykuyt Hill, now called Golden Hill, or Keykout, in time to see the whole village in flames and the red-coated vandals fleeing to their ships.
The New York Gazette, a Royalist paper, of November 3, 1777, in its account of this expedition, says, that 326 houses, with a barn to almost every one of them, filled with flour, grain, crops of all kinds, furniture and
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THE COUNTY OF ULSTER.
effects, were destroyed. 12,000 barrels of flour, 14 cannon, and 1,150 stands of arms were burned or blown up.
Immediately after this overpowering calamity Governor Clinton con- centrated his forces at Hurley, having sent the sad news to Gen. Gates at Albany. Thereupon Gates, on October 19, sent the following stinging letter to Gen. Vaughan who led this marauding gang.
"With unexampled cruelty, you have reduced the fine village of Kings- ton to ashes, and most of the wretched inhabitants to ruin. I am also in- formed, you continue to ravage and burn all before you on both sides of the river. Is it thus your King's generals think to make converts to the Royal cause? It is no less surprising than true, that the measures they adopt to serve their master, must have quite the contrary effect. Their cruelty establishes the glorious act of Independence, upon the broad basis of the general resentment of the People.
"Other Generals, and much older officers than you can pretend to be, are now by the fortune of war in my hands; their fortune may one day be yours, when, sir, it may not be in the power of anything human to save you from the just vengeance of an injured People.
HORATIO GATES."
The full force of this staggering blow to Kingston and its people can- not be described. All they had in the world was destroyed. Even their winter stores were gone. They had neither shelter nor food. But the fire of patriotism had been kindled anew in every bosom, and it burned brighter than ever. The women who had been driven from their homes were inspired with righteous vengeance, and the gratifying news of British defeat, over which they had not even been permitted to rejoice, now gave them new courage.
The only building that escaped this fire was the Van Steenburgh House, which is still standing on the westerly side of Wall St., foot of Franklin St. A suitable tablet was placed in the wall a few years since by the Wiltwyck Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. The house of the Tory, Lefferts, which stood on the present site of John Forsythe's residence, back from Albany Ave., was also saved, but this was outside of the stockade.
An old document giving a list of sufferers from this fire, contains 113 names, and states that there were 115 dwellings, 103 barns, 146 barracks,
2II
KINGSTON.
17 storehouses, including a market and a brewhouse, a church, an Aca- demy, 2 Schoolhouses and a Court House destroyed.
This wanton act aroused a thrill of sympathy which quickly spread over the land, and there was a cry of indignation and shame on all sides. Though the people were impoverished by war and oppression, donations and offers of assistance were received from various parts of the country. From the sister State of South Carolina, came a check from Abraham Livingston in behalf of her citizens, for £3711.10. Robert R. Livingston gave 5000 acres of land, which was subsequently divided into fifty-acre lots arranged into ten classes of ten lots each, and then allotted to the Kingston sufferers. As the winter was approaching, they did what they could to provide shelter. Most of the houses being of stone, many of the walls were still standing. Roofs were put on and lean-tos added. But their barns and crops were gone and some sort of shelter was needed for the stock. It was indeed a crucial period for these sturdy patriots. But they had been reared in the bitter school of adversity and they were undaunted now. They resolved to surmount every obstacle. Materials and labor were high, and building was only possible with a few men of means. Governor Clinton was appealed to for assistance and reminded of the faithful loyalty and persevering assistance of the Kingston people. He gave prompt response and did what he could for their relief.
Christopher Tappen was then the Deputy County Clerk and clerk of the corporation of Kingston. It is said his family devoted their entire ener- gies toward the preservation of the public records at the expense of losing all his chattels and private papers in the fire.
There are many incidents connected with this burning of Kingston which have been related with considerable detail by veracious writers. Some of these would be of interest to the general reader even now. But unless presented with some detail much of the interest would be lost; and there is so much of the actual historic record pertaining to this important town, the writer feels scarcely justified in using the space with such minor incidents. The following Dutch doggerel, characteristic of the flight to Hurley, having now become a local classic, will, however, be quoted. "Loop, jongens, loop, de Rooje Komme. Span de wagon Voor de paerde, en vy na Hurley toe." The English version would be "Run, boys, run, the red-coats are coming. Harness the horses before the wagon, and to Hurley ride."
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THE COUNTY OF ULSTER.
The stores and effects so hastily removed to Hurley were carefully guarded by the Militia. On Oct. 21, Governor Clinton wrote Gen. Gates, fully explaining the situation, and giving the reason for his inability to prevent the attack upon Kingston. He showed how Gen. Putnam had sent him less than 400 troops, when he asked for 3000, how other rein- forcements had been refused him, and how, if the enemy landed in force, he must either retreat and leave the entire section to be ravaged and de- stroyed, or sacrifice his few men and the valuable artillery, for lack of troops. He said: "Kingston hath been destroyed merely because I have been so deceived in my expectations of assistance, that it was impossible to take measures for its security."
If Vaughan had intended to proceed to Albany, the plan was abandoned after Burgoyne's surrender. He rejoined the British forces in the High- lands Oct. 24. The Council of Safety reconvened in Marbletown and recommended a distribution of the distressed persons and families of Kingston, with their cattle, through the counties of Ulster, Dutchess, Orange and Westchester, where they might be furnished with shelter and subsistence at a moderate price. The Council continued there for a time, and afterward met at Hurley until Dec. 17, when it adjourned to Poughkeepsie and continued there until Jan. 7, 1778.
Governor Clinton was again appealed to for relief on Feb. 9, by a Kingston committee, which reminded him of the enemy's bitter resent- ment, which had been incurred by the conspicuous service and loyalty of the people, and which had led to the destruction of all their property. This brought such relief as lay in his power. The Court House was ordered rebuilt at public expense; those engaged in rebuilding the town were exempted from military duty, and other measures were adopted. In this way some of the houses were partially restored.
The first election for trustees and other corporation officers after the fire, was held the first Tuesday in March, 1778, at the Van Steenburgh House on Wall St. The British forces under Sir Henry Clinton, had then returned to New York, but their Indian allies and the Tory blood- hounds were still menacing the people of this section. The cruelty of the Tories far exceeded that of the red-coats. In some cases they covered themselves with war-paint in imitation of the savage warriors and seemed destitute of every vestige of humanity, being inspired with hatred of their country and their liberty loving countrymen. A single instance, showing
The Du Flon House.
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KINGSTON.
the difference between the Tory and the Indian nature, will illustrate this fact. Entering a house where a child was sweetly sleeping in its cradle, the Indian withheld his tomahawk because of the infant's smile. But the Tory stepped quickly forward and cleaved the skull of the inno- cent babe with a single blow, rebuking the savage for his tenderness. Some of these Tories served as spies for the Indians, and no man was safe in the border settlement, who openly avowed the cause of liberty. Savage raids by Indian bands, with Tory allies for purposes of robbery, and to procure scalps for redemption by the British, were frequent.
After the fire these Kingston patriots took their full share of the trials and suffering incident to the conflict. They were in constant dread of the bloody attacks of the Tories and Indians, who were instigated by British emissaries still infesting the region.
The town was fortified with timber stockades, and guards were kept at various points of approach. Although the hostile armies were now in other parts of the country, Kingston, throughout the whole period, and until the last shot was fired, furnished its full quota of men and materials for the support and defense of the country. No section endured more hardships or rendered more patriotic and effective service to the cause of Independence, than this colonial town.
The recognition of Independence by France in Feb., 1778, and her alliance with the cause, dispelled every doubt as to the ultimate success of the war, and the contest was soon ended.
WASHINGTON VISITS KINGSTON.
Kingston was honored by a visit from Gen. Washington in November, 1782. On his arrival in the town with his staff, he was met by the trus- tees and a large body of citizens. Henry J. Sleght, president of the Board, made the address of welcome to which Washington responded in these words: "Your polite and friendly reception of me proves your sincerity. While I view with indignation the marks of a wanton and cruel enemy, I perceive with the highest satisfaction, that the heavy calamity which befell this flourishing settlement, seems but to have added to the patriotic spirit of its inhabitants ; and that a new town is fast rising out of the ashes of the old. That you and your worthy constituents may long enjoy that freedom for which you have so nobly contended, is the
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