USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > Annals of Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania in the olden time; being a collection of the memoirs, anecdotes, and incidents of the earliest settlements of the inland part of Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 34
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Houses entirely occupied by the soldiery were a good deal in- jured-their conduct, however, was quite as good as could be ex- pected. The officers of middle age were in general polite-the younger ones were more dashing. Some of them had women with them. I recollect Colonel Birch of the horse, and Major Williams of the artillery had. They occupied houses to themselves, and were not quartered on families. All the regiments paraded morning and evening.
After the battle of Germantown, the officers who were made pn soners in that action were confined some days in the long room up-stairs in the State-house, afterwards Peale's Museum.
During the winter, prisoners and deserters were frequently brought in, and carried first to head-quarters. They were easily distin- guished, as the latter always had their arms, and which they were allowed to dispose of; they were almost naked, and generally with- out shoes-an old dirty blanket around them, attached by a leather belt around the waist.
Deserters from head-quarters were led off to the superintendent (Galloway,) and officers of the new corps were generally on the look out to get them to enlist.
The citizens of Philadelphia were once gratified with the full dis- play of General Washington's whole army. It was done on the occasion of raising the spirits of the whigs, and of proportionably dispiriting the measures of the tories. As it was intended for effect, it was, of course, in its best array for our poor means, and had indeed the effect to convince the tories it was far more formidable than they expected! This martial entry passed down the long line of Front street. There, thousands of our citizens beheld numerous poor fel- lows, never to be seen more among the sons of men! They were on their march to meet the enemy, landed at the head of Elk.
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They encountered at Brandywine and at Germantown, and besides losing many lives, retained little of all those implements and equi- pages, which constituted their street-display in our city.
Among the things connected with the British, while they occu pied Philadelphia, may be set down the following incidents :
Town's Evening Post, of 1777, says, " The British entered Phila- delphia under the Earl Cornwallis-marched down Second street, and encamped to the southward of the town." The same paper says, "The fine appearance and strict discipline of the soldiers, and polite- ness of the officers, soon dispelled the fears of the inhabitants- kindled joy in the countenance of the well-affected." The same paper derides the attempt of the Delaware frigate and the row-galleys to annoy the city-calls it also cruel !- She got aground, and had to strike. They also deride the slight defence to resist them at Swedes' ford, where they had cast up redoubts, and allege that the affair of Germantown was ill-managed. The paper gives the copies of two letters found on board the Delaware, purporting to be written by Capt. Alexander, her commander, full of bad spelling ! A quiz or insult ?
The following advertisement, at Philadelphia, may serve to show the state of impudent profligacy of some of the British officials in our country, to wit: " Wanted to hire with two single gentlemen, a young woman, to act in the capacity of housekeeper, and who can occasionally put her hand to any thing. Extravagant wages will be given, and no character required. Any young woman who chooses to offer, may be further informed at the bar of the City tavern."
The Evening Post of June, '78, says, " The British army went off on Thursday morning-having before transported their stores and most of their artillery into New Jersey, where they had thrown up some works, and had some of their regiments encamped." They crossed at Gloucester point, as being so narrow. On Friday, the 19th June, General Arnold took possession of Philadelphia. It must have been foreseen by congress, because it passed a resolve on the 4th June, concerning the city in case of such an event. Yet the mass of the citizens had no such foresight.
While the British were in Philadelphia, the town boys, and boys with the British army, as drummers, &c., with a few tory boys, used to have regular battles. The town boys had their head-quarters and fortifications at the brewhouse of Morris, near the Drawbridge-a drum boy at last got killed, and a stop was put by authority.
General Knyphausen, exalted as he was in rank, used to spread his butter on his bread with his thumb! What a fancy! This was told by one of the family where he quartered. In his deportment he was gentle, and esteemed.
I add also the localities occupied by the army and officers as some- thing unknown to the present generation, to wit :
General Howe lived in the house in High street, near Sixth street
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where was afterwards the residence of President Washington. His brother, Lord Howe, resided in Chestnut street, in the house now the Farmers and Mechanics' Bank. General Knyphausen lived in the house now General Cadwallader's, in south Second street, oppo- site to Little Dock street. Lord Cornwallis dwelt in the house since of David Lewis, in Second above Spruce street. Colonel Aber- crombie -- afterwards the General, who was killed in Egypt-dwelt in the house of Whitehead, in Vine street, second door west of Cable lane. Major Andre dwelt in Dr. Franklin's mansion in a court back from High street.
Several of the British troops used to exercise in the large vacant lot appurtenant to Bingham's mansion.
The British who were wounded at the battle of Brandywine were put in Cuthbert and Hood's stores and houses in Penn street. The Americans were put into the lobbies of the State-house. The British wounded at Germantown were put into the Scotch Presby- terian church in Spruce street.
While the British remained, they held frequent plays at the old theatre, the performances by their officers. The scenes were painted by Major Andre and Captain Delancy ; they had also stated balls.
They had under their control two tory presses-one the "True Royal Gazette," by James Humphreys, and the other the "Royal Pennsylvania Gazette," by James Robertson.
Sir William Howe was a fine figure, full six feet high, and well proportioned-in appearance not unlike his antagonist, General Washington. His manners were graceful and dignified, and he was much beloved by his officers, for his generosity and affa- bility.
Sir Henry Clinton, his successor in command, was in a good degree a different man-he was short and fat, with a full face and prominent nose, in his intercourse was reserved, and not so popular as Howe.
Lord Cornwallis was short and thick-set, his hair somewhat gray, his face well formed and agreeable, his manners remarkably easy and affable-much beloved by his men.
General Knyphausen was much of the German in his appearacce, always very polite in bowing to respectable citizens in the streets, not tall, but slender and straight. His features sharp and martial, very honourable in his dealings.
Colonel Tarleton was rather below the middle size, stout, strong, heavily made, large muscular legs, and an uncommonly active person; his complexion dark, and his eye small, black and piercing.
Among their greatest feats while at Philadelphia, was that of the celebrated " Meschianza," so called The description of which more at length is given in my MS. Annals in the Philadelphia Library, pages 300 to 305, from which I extract the present short notice, to wit :
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Occurrences of the War of Independence. The Meschianza at Philadelphia.
This is the appellation of the most splendid pageant ever exhibited in our country, if we except the great "Federal Procession" of all trades and professions, through the streets of Philadelphia in 1788. The Meschianza was chiefly a tilt and tournament with other enter- tainments, as the term implies, and was given on Monday the 18th of May, 1778, at Wharton's country-seat in Southwark, by the officers of General Sir William Howe's army, to that officer, on his quitting the command to return to England. A considerable num- ber of our city belles were present; which gave considerable offence afterwards to the whigs; and did not fail to mark the fair as the "tory ladies." The ill-nature and the reproach have long since been forgotten.
The company began to assemble at three to four o'clock, at Knight's wharf,* at the water edge of Green street in the Northern Liberties, and by half past four o'clock in the afternoon the whole were embarked, in the pleasant month of May, in a " grand regatta" of three divisions. In the front of the whole were three flat boats, with a band of music in each of them, " rowed regular to harmony." As this assemblage of vessels progressed, barges rowed on the flanks, "light skimming, stretch'd their oary wings," to keep off the multi- tude of boats that crowded from the city as beholders; and the houses, balconies and wharves were filled with spectators all along the river side.
When arrived at the fort below the Swedes' church they formed a line through an avenue of grenadiers, and light-horse in the rear. The company were thus conducted to a square lawn of one hundred and fifty yards on each side, and which was also lined with troops. This area formed the ground for a tilt or tournament. On the front seat of each pavilion were placed seven of the principal young ladies of the country, dressed in Turkish habits, and wearing in their turbans the articles which they intended to bestow on their several gallant knights. Soon the trumpets at a distance announced the approach of the seven white knights, habited in white and red silk, and mounted on gray chargers, richly caparisoned in similar colours. These were followed by their several esquires on foot ; besides these there was a herald in his robe. These all made the circuit of the square, saluting the ladies as they passed,t and then they ranged in line with their ladies ; then their herald, Mr. Beau- mont, after a flourish of trumpets, proclaimed their challenge, in the name of " the knights of the blended rose," declaring that the ladies of their order excel in wit, beauty and accomplishments, those of the
* This wharf at that time was the only wharf above Vine street, which ran out to a good depth of water. The tickets of admission (one of which I have) were elegant and curious. It had a view of the sea, military trophies, the general's crest, Vive Vale.
t I have in my MS. Annals an original drawing, by Major Andre, showing the style of this dress.
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THE MESCHIANZA AT PHILADELPHIA .- Page 290.
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whole world, and they are ready to enter the lists against any knights who will deny the same, according to the laws of ancient chivalry ; at the third repetition of the challenge, a sound of trum- pets announced the entrance of another herald, with four trumpeters dressed in black and orange. The two heralds held a parley, when the black herald proceeded to proclaim his defiance in the name of " the knights of the burning mountain." Then retiring, there soon after entered "the black knights," with their esquires, preceded by their herald, on whose tunic was represented a mountain sending forth flames, and the motto, " I burn for ever."
These seven knights, like the former ones, rode round the lists, and made their obeisance to the ladies, and then drew up fronting the white knights, and the chief of these having thrown down his gauntlet, the chief of the black knights directed his esquire to take it up. Then the knights received their lances from their esquires, fixed their shields on their left arms, and making a general salute to each other by a movement of their lances, turned round to take their career, and encountering in full gallop, shivered their spears! In the second and third encounter they discharged their pistols. In the fourth they fought with their swords.
From the garden they ascended a flight of steps, covered with car- pets, which led into a spacious hall, the panels of which were painted in imitation of Sienna marble, enclosing festoons of white marble. In this hall and the adjoining apartments, were prepared tea, lemon- ade, &c., to which the company seated themselves. At this time the knights came in, and on their knee received their favours from their respective ladies. From these apartments they went up to a ball-room, decorated in a light, elegant style of painting, and show- ing many festoons of flowers. The brilliancy of the whole was heightened by eighty-five mirrors, decked with ribands and flowers, and in the intermediate spaces were thirty-four branches. On the same floor were four drawing rooms, with sideboards of refreshments, decorated and lighted in the style of the ball-room. The ball was opened by the knights and their ladies; and the dances continued till ten o'clock, when the windows were thrown open, and a magni- cent bouquet of rockets began the fire-works. These were planned by Captain Montresor, the chief engineer, and consisted of twenty
different displays in great variety and beauty, and changing General Howe's arch into a variety of shapes and devices. At 12 o'clock, (midnight,) supper was announced, and large folding doors, before concealed, sprung open, and discovered a magnificent saloon of two hundred and ten feet by forty feet, and twenty-two feet in height, with three alcoves on each side, which served for sideboards. The sides were painted with vine leaves and festoon flowers, and fifty-six arge pier-glasses, ornamented with green silk artificial flowers and ribands. There were also one hundred branches trimmed,* and
* All the mirrors and lustres, &c., were borrowed from the citizens, and were all sent home with all their ornaments attached to them as a compliment for their use.
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eighteen lustres of twenty-four lights hung from the ceiling. There were three hundred wax tapers on the supper tables, four hundred and thirty covers, and twelve hundred dishes. There were twenty- four black slaves in oriental dresses, with silver collars and bracelets.
Towards the close of the banquet, the herald with his trumpeters entered and announced the king and royal family's health, with other toasts. Each toast was followed by a flourish of music. After the supper, the company returned to the ball-room, and continued to dance until four o'clock in the morning.
I omit to describe the two arches, but they were greatly embel- lished. They had two fronts, in the Tuscan order. The pediment of one was adorned with naval trophies, and the other with military ones.
Major Andre, who wrote a description of it, (although his name is concealed,) calls it " the most splendid entertainment ever given by an army to its general." The whole expense was borne by twenty- two field officers. The managers were Sir John Wrotlesby, Colonel O'Hara, Majors Gardiner and Montresor. This splendid pageant blazed out in one short night! Next day the enchantment was dis- solved ; and in exactly one month, all these knights and the whole army chose to make their march from the city of Philadelphia !
When I think of the few survivors of that gay scene who now exist, (of some whose sprightliness and beauty are gone !) I cannot but feel a gloom succeed the recital of the fete. I think, for instance, of one who was then " the queen of the Meschianza," since Mrs. L., now blind, and fast waning from the " things that be." To her I am indebted for many facts of illustration. She tells me that the unfortunate Major Andre was the charm of the company. Lieut. Andre, his esquire, was his brother, a youth of about nineteen, pos- sessing the promise of an accomplished gentleman. Major Andre and Captain Oliver Delancey painted, themselves, the chief of the decorations. The Sienna marble, for instance, on the apparent side walls, was on canvas, in the style of stage scene painting. Andre also painted the scenes used at the theatre, at which the British offi- cers performed. The proceeds were given to the widows and or- phans of their soldiers. The waterfall scene, drawn by him, was still in the building when it lately burnt. She assures me that, of all that was borrowed for the entertainment, nothing was injured or lost. They desired to pay double if accidents occurred. The gene- ral deportment of the officers was very praiseworthy therein. There were no ladies of British officers, save Miss Auchmuty, the new bride of Captain Montresor. The American young ladies present were not numerous-not exceeding fifty. The others were married ladies. Most of our ladies had gone from the city, and what re- mained were of course in great demand. The American gentlemen present were aged non-combatants. Our young men were whigs generally, and were absent.
No offence was offered to the ladies afterwards, for their accept-
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ance of this instance of an enemy's hospitality. When the Ameri- cans returned, they got up a great ball, to be given to the officers of the French army, and the American officers of Washington's com- mand. When the managers came to invite their guests, it was made a question whether the "Meschianza ladies" should be in- vited. It was found they could not make up their company without them ; they were therefore included. When they came, they looked differently habited from those who had gone to the country, " they having assumed the high head-dress, &c." of the British fashion (vide a specimen, p. 218, of my MS. Annals, in the City Library,) and so the characters, unintentionally, were immediately perceived at a glance through the hall .- [It was in the Masonic hall in Lodge alley.] But lots being cast for partners, they were soon fully inter- mixed, and conversation ensued as if nothing of jealousy had ever existed, and all umbrage was forgotten.
The same lady was also at a splendid supper and dance given by Captain Hammond, on board the Roebuck. The ship was fully illuminated, and one hundred and seventy-two persons sat down to supper.
Miss J. C-g, who was also a knight's lady, has kindly given me her original invitation from Sir Henry Calder, (an officer of high rank,) and also an original drawing by Major Andre, (see p. 242 of my MS. Annals in the City Library,) of the dress for that fete. He sketched it to give the ladies an idea of the garb they should assume. In reality it was this :- for the Blended Rose a white silk, called a Polonaise, forming a flowing robe, and open in front on the waist- the pink sash six inches wide, and filled with spangles-the shoes and stockings also spangled-the head-dress more towering than the drawing, and filled with a profusion of pearls and jewels. The veil was spangled and edged with silver lace. She says the whole scene was like enchantment to her young mind.
The ladies of the black knights wore white sashes edged with black, and black trimmings to white silk Polonaise gowns. "The ticket" (p. 242 of my MS. Annals, in the City Library,) is sur- mounted with Sir William Howe's crest, and the shield represents the sea, which Sir William is about to cross-hence " Vive Vale." The setting glory of the sun, and the Latin scroll, seem to indicate that although their luminary is thus receding from them, it shall rise again (resurgum) in another hemisphere.
Since our former publication on these subjects, we have gathered and here set down sundry other facts and incidents connected with that momentous and stirring period.
" Perseverance in struggle, and self-denial in success, should be the motto for the banners of a people that would win and wear their liberty !" Let Americans think of this !
The Declaration of Independence was read in the State-house yard, from a small observatory there, by Captain John Hopkins, then
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commander of an armed brig, a part of his father's (Ezekiel Hopkin's) squadron of three vessels. It was formally read on the 8th July, at noon, " in the presence of many thousand spectators," as Town's Gazette said.
A British magazine, of 1786, says, that there was then a transfer made at the Bank of England of £471,000 to Mr. Van Otten on account of the Landgrave of Hesse, for so much due for Hessian soldiers vost in the American war, at £30 a head-thus making the total number lost to be 15,700 men ! This was "making merchan- dise of the souls and bodies of men" with a witness.
We here add sundry extracts made from Town's Evening Post of 1777, &c., published in Philadelphia, which we give in consecutive dates, and which go to show the general notices of the times, and particularly the enterprises and active state of the privateers and ves- sels of war, to wit:
A writer who has just seen " the thousand captives of Hess," de- scribes them as of sickly, sallow hue, with legible marks of abject slavery upon their wan countenances. Another writer says, they were distinguished for their plundering habits; that at Bordentown they were very oppressive and destructive.
The American prisoners under Lord and General Howe, and their officers, receive much severity. Captains, lieutenants, and other officers of private ships of war, masters, supercargoes, &c., with In- dians, mulatto and negro slaves, all huddled together between decks. Their provisions are all salt, and stinted.
General Hugh Mercer, killed at Princeton, was brought to Phila- delphia, and was buried with military honours, on the south side of Christ church yard ; and Captain William Shippen, killed also at Princeton, was buried at St. Peter's.
Captain Nicholas Biddle, of the Randolph frigate, advertises, Janu- ary 21, at Philadelphia, for "Seven deserters from on board the Randolph, lying at Fort Island." At the same time his former vessel, the brig Andrew Doria, must have been at Philadelphia, as her petty officers, seamen and landsmen, are called to their duty on board, in ten days.
The town of Providence has fitted out fifteen privateers since the war, which has brought into that port above seventy sail. The con- tinental fleet under Commodore Hopkins is now there. His own ship is the Warren, of thirty-six guns.
Philadelphia, March 29th. " The Randolph frigate, Captain Biddle, having sprung a mast, is put into a 'safe port.'" [This is believed to mean Charleston ;] and she had been struck with light- ning. [As we have been informed.]
Boston, April 10th. The Cabot privateer was lately driven ashore at Geboge by the Milford frigate, and got off by her.
A letter from Freehold, June 24th, says, "I laid a bait last Satur day to break up the plundering Colonel George Taylor ; it so far succeeded that I was within an ace of taking the whole; we too!
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two men ; whilst the rest were swimming towards a boat, that was coming off, we fired upon them, and killed one and wounded another.
The 4th July, being the first anniversary, was celebrated at Phi- ladelphia with great display and joy. About noon all the armed ships and galleys were drawn up before the city, with their gay streamers flying. At one o'clock, all the yards being manned, they severally fired thirteen guns. An elegant dinner was given to the congress, the civil and military officers, &c. The Hessian band played some fine music, and at each toast there was a discharge of artillery. Towards evening several troops of horse, a corps of artil- lery, and a brigade of North Carolina forces, were drawn up in Second street, and reviewed by congress and the general officers. At night there was ringing of bells, and a grand exhibition of fire- works on the commons, and an illumination of the houses. The face of joy and gladness was universal.
At the watering place, at Staten island, there are about three hun dred sail of transports !
The corps of invalids, under Colonel Nicola, is by resolve of con gress, of 16th July, to be formed at Philadelphia.
The capture of Major General Prescott and his aid, in July, is an- nounced to congress, by General Washington, as a fortunate event, of the particulars of which he gives in a letter from Major General Spencer, saying, " I have to congratulate your excellency and con- gress on the late success of Lieut. Col. Barton, who, with the num- ber of forty, including Captains Adams and Phillips, and a number of brave officers, last night went on Rhode Island, and brought off General Prescott and his aid, Major Barrington." Another account calls him " Major Adams of the train."
Charleston, South Carolina, June. The Marquis de La Fayette, a great officer ; the Baron de Kalb, major general, and several other French officers of distinction, are arrived here in a vessel belonging to the marquis, on a visit to our continent, and with an intention of entering into the American service.
For a considerable time there had been no court proceedings- every thing like regular law was suspended, until a constitution, &c., could be regularly adopted ; in the mean time the chief authority seemed to vest in the executive council, and in the committee of safety.
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