History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches, Part 18

Author: Futhey, John Smith, 1820-1888; Cope, Gilbert, 1840-1928
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts
Number of Pages: 1162

USA > Pennsylvania > Chester County > History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches > Part 18

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

From the want of muster-rolls of this period, we are un- able to give the names of the rank and file of Chester County troops in the Revolution, except in a few instances.

From Captain William McDowell, of Upper Oxford, we have received " The Horse Company's Aects in full, Sept. 8, 1776." "The United States of North America, Dr. to Capt. Jas. McDowell's Company of militia of the 4th Battalion of Chester County, Commanded by Col. Mont- gomery : July 12th, 1776 to Sept. 14 (which will include 6 days for returning home, 125 miles)."

Captain .- Jas. McDowell.

Lieutenant :.- Jas. Turner, David Hayes.

Ensign .- Abraham Smith.

Sergeants .- Charles Ramscy, Jobo Wallace, Ezekiel Hopkins, John Arnell.

Drummer .- Neal Crossin.

Privates.

David Watt.

Natha1 Walker.

Andrew Lowry.

Robt Henderson.

Arthur Andrew.

Robt Auld.

Alexander Walker.

Robt. Hogg. Solomon Coventry.

George Ramsey.

Thomas Mease.

Henry Ewing, senior.

Willm Edmiston.

Henry Hagan.

Robt Smith.

John Walker.

Willm Carlisle.

John Patton.

Willm Wallace.

John Simmerville.

Jas. Andrew.

John MCallister.

Joseph Murdach (July 24th). David Edmiston.

Joseph McCallister.

Jas. Ewing.

Joseph Smith, junior.

John McCalmont.

Isaac MeCollough.

Robt Maxfield.

John Robinson.

Joseph Smith, senior.

William Ewing.

Willm Luckey.

Jas. Wilson.

Robt Buntin.

John Buntin.

Patrick McCollough.

Jus. Freeborn.

John Rodgers.

Jas. Auld.

Jas. Donaughey.

Three battalions, including that of Colonel Atlee, were formed into a regiment, under command of Colonel Sam- uel Miles, and were stationed, in arranging the lines for the battle of Long Island, at Flatbush. In the disastrous en- gagement which ensued on the 27th of Angust, they occu- pied an apple-orchard upon the front, and suffered severely. Several of Anderson's company were killed, one sergeant and nine privates were missing, and he himself only escaped at the last moment through the timely assistance of a friend. David Parry, one of his neighbors and intimate associates, was killed at his side; and it is said that this loss so en- raged him that it was with difficulty he could be withdrawn from the field. Colonels Miles and Atlee were captured,

* Col. Rec., x. 613 ..

John Bealy.

David Jackson.

Henry Ewiog, junior.

William Law.

HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Lieutenant-Colonel Caleb Parry was killed, and the eom- mand of the regiment devolved upon Colonel Dan Broad- head, of the Second Battalion.

Colonel Montgomery's battalion was part of what was known as the " Flying Camp." Colonel Thomas' battal- ion was also among the troops sent to New York, but it is said that he was at home looking up some deserters at the time his command was captured.

The following extracts from a letter dated at Kingsbridge, on the 22d of September, addressed by Captain Patrick Anderson, of Chester County, to Dr. Franklin, sufficiently attests the shattered condition of Colonel Atlee's battalion of musketry after the battle of Long Island :

" Immediately after our defeat on Long Island, the command of the Musquetry Battallion devolved upon me. I found the number of men remaining fit for duty to he about 200, but most of their baggage & some even of their arms and accoutrements Lost, and having no field officers left, applyed to Lt. Col. Broadhead for his advice and assis- tance; soon after he informed me the General ordered him to annex our Battalion to the Rifle Regt. which I at that time complyed with in expectation of further instructions from the Convention or Council of Safety, as Col. Broadhead wrote you concerning it. Want of necessaries sowered the men's minds. Deficiencys in their stipulated rations hath increased it, & neglect of punctual payt. of their pay hath caused their meeting and Desert in great numbers, with arms &c. So that there is now only scarce Eighty three remaining & they still think if they are taken prisoners, they will not be exchanged, while any prisoners from the Continental army is in the enemy's hands."

On the 1st of August there had been three hundred and ninety-seven men in this battalion under pay.

General Washington was obliged to retreat across New Jersey, and was closely followed by the British army. The "Roebuck" was again in the bay. Every effort was now made for the defense of Philadelphia, the situation of which had become imminently perilous. Troops were mustered into service, defenses were erected, munitions of war were pro- vided, and army supplies were collected from every availa- ble quarter. Chester County contributed her full share towards providing for this emergency.

" Philadelphia, August 27, 1776. THE WOMEN OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNA. Since the departure of the able-bodied men from the forks of Brandywine, in Chester county, on the service of their country, the patriotic young women, to prevent the evil that would follow the neglect of putting in the fall crop in season, have joined the ploughs, and are preparing the fallows for the seed ; and should their fathers, brothers, and lovers he detained ahroad in defense of the liberties of these States, they are determined to put in the crops themselves,-a very laudahle example, and highly worthy of imitation."-New Eng- land Courant, Sept. 5, 1776.

September 28, 1776. Mr. Nesbit was directed to pay Colonel Richard Thomas for repairing arms and nursing sick soldiers.

From a few of the minutes and resolves of the Council of Safety, relating more particularly to Chester County, a good idea may be formed of all the defensive and other measures adopted at this time.

On the 4th of October it was resolved " that Mr. Wil- liam Evans be desired to purchase all the course cloths, blankets, and stockings in Chester County."

October 14, 1776. " A complaint being made by Cap- tain Sharp Delaney, that a certain John Brigs, of Willets- town [Willistown ?], Chester County, had insulted his com- pany of Militia returning to Town from exercise, and he

appearing before the Council, and being charged with mak- ing use of disrespectful words against the Liberties of America, and not denying the same, was committed to the State Prison."

November 14th. "Intelligence was received by express that several hundred transports had sailed from New York, & steered their course to the southward & expected to be intended for this city ; whereupon the Council wrote a cir- eular letter to the commanding officers of the Battalions of Militia, earnestly requesting them to march their respec- tive Battalions to this city immediately."

" Ordered, That the owners of cattle and other stock near the river side make the necesary preparations for removing the same, at least five miles from the river, on the shortest notice, as it is Probable that this board may he under the disagreeable necessity of giving the most preremtory orders for their removal, and to see that the same be punctually and suddenly complied with."

November 23d, " Resolved, That the salt now in the possession of the Council of Safety, be immediately sent to the Committee of the several counties in the following proportions, to wit: .. . " The share of Chester County was eighty hushela. "The Committees are to sell it to the people at the rate of 15s. per bushel, and in no greater quantity than half a bushel to any one family ; they are to make@s equal distribution as they can, according to the necessities of the people, for which purpose they are to require a declaration of what quantity they are possessed of more than their just proportion of this necessary article, at a time of such very great scarcity of it."

December 4th. " An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbit in favour of Dr. Robert Harris, for £58, for making powder for Congress, to be charged to his Acco't."

" Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Dr. Robert Harris one ton of Salt Petre, & Sulphur in proportion, to make into Gun powder."

" Mr. Nesbit to pay Jno. Morton £3 : 6 : 0, for wharf- age of the Floating Battery Arnold, in March last."

" Resolved, That Thomas Marle he employed to fix the Boom to the Piere al Fort Island, and to be stationed there to have the care of it, to receive orders, and to be subject to the commanding officer at that station, and he is to employ a sufficient number of hands, and do this business without any delay."

Dr. Thomas Bond proposed "instituting Hospitals for the sick in Darby, Chester, Marcus Hook, Wilmington & New Castle." " I think," he says, " the water carriage from Trenton to those places would save much carting, and this plan much better than one proposed of sending the sick to East Town [Easton], Bethlehem, Nazareth, Reading, &c."

The successful attack made by General Washington, on the night of the 25th December, on a body of Hessians encamped at Trenton, and the capture of a large number of them, with a great number of guns and military stores, at once turned the tide of events at this period ia favor of the American cause, and relieved our people from any immediate apprehension of the presence of the enemy.

During the year 1776 sixty cannon for the use of the army, of twelve- and eighteen-pound ealibre, were cast at Warwick Furnace.

January 7, 1777. Colonel Francis Johnston, of Ches- ter County, complained to the Council of Safety of being overslaughed, by officers junior to himself being promoted over him.

March 12th. Officers of the Fifth Pennsylvania regi- ment: Colonel, Francis Johnston ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Persifor Frazer; Major, Thomas Robinson.

GENERAL HISTORY.

April 3d. The Board of War made a requisition for wagons upon Colonel Caleb Davis, Chester County ; upon Major Evans, near the Yellow Springs; Colonel William Dewees, at Valley Forge; and Isaac Webb, Milltown (Downingtown).

"FRENCH CREEK, March 10, 1777.

"SIR :- I am Sorry to inform you of the unhappy Explotion of Blowing np the Continel Powder Mill this Morning About 10 A o'clock. Which Wee are very Supspities has hin Don hy Mr. Peck or his Men, as they have yoused Several odd Expressions, and thay had Gon Sum Distants from it at the Time it Hapned and Runn to the next neighber's house & Did not Come back till Wee Sent out A Gard for them. Mr. Peck Seem to Say at first, that all his Men where killed ; Secondly, he Said that he had Seen the Men Going to the Graining house ; that & Sam other Resons Give me Som Reson to think have Sum knowledg of it. The first Day of this iostant, Col. Peter Grub Was at the Powder Mill, Somewhat in Drink ; he Damned the Powder Mill, and told Col. Dewese, Let us Blov it to hell, Which I thought Was a very odd Exprestion when Col. Dewesse told Me : & Several others heard him use that Exprestion; he and Mr. Peck Seemed verry Great, & he Lodged With Mr. Peck that koight. Wee have Got the Men & Mr. Peck under Gard, till firther orders from the Counsyl. So I remain,

"Your Friend & Hamble Servant,

" PETER DE HAVEN.

" To Col. John Bull, or The Honble Council of Safety, Philadelphia. " + favour Capt Bodly."

" PHILA., Feby. 18, 1777.

"Wanted immediately a number of hands who understand any of the branches of the gunsmith's business. Stockers in particular will meet with good encouragement hy applying to Peter De Haven, at the public manufactory, at French Creek, or James Carter, in Third Street, near Arch Street."*

Though relieved from the apprehension of an immediate attack on Philadelphia, the Council of Safety did not slacken their efforts in providing for the defense of that city. Early in January an order was issued to county committees of the nine counties nearest the city to furnish thirty-eight thou- sand bushels of horse-feed for the army. The apportion- ment of Chester County was four thousand bushels.

The suspicion that Gen. Howe intended to attack Phil- adelphia by water was confirmed by the arrest of one James Molesworth, who had been sent on from New York to se- cure pilots to conduct the British fleet up the Delaware. Subsequent movements of Howe rendered it difficult to de- cide whether he would carry out this intention, and made it necessary to embrace a wider scope in providing for the de- fense of the city.

On the 25th of April, at the request of Congress, a call was made for three thousand militia, one-half of whom were to be encamped at or near Chester. Each soldier was to be provided with a blanket; but, if blankets cannot be pur- chased, "they must be impressed." . At this time the num- ber of men returned in Chester County capable of bearing arms was five thousand.

It was required of the committees of the counties of Philadelphia, Chester, and Bucks " to take an inventory of all the flour, wheat, Rye & Indian Corn, Oats, Beef, Pork, Horses, Neat Cattle, Sheep, Hogs, &c., also wagons, carts, &c., in said Counties." The ostensible objeet of this in- ventory was to have the articles removed in case of any sudden alarm, but it is probable that a desire to know what amount of provisions and means of transportation could be

made available for our army was at the bottom of this enumeration.

Upon the application of General Schuyler, of the Conti- nental army, an order was issued by the Board of War for the collection of four thousand blankets in Pennsylvania for the use of the Continental troops. These blankets were to be collected from the inhabitants " in such quantities as is pro- portionate to the number they have in the family, and the stock of blankets they may be possessed of; for which blankets they shall be paid the full value, according to an appraisement to be made of them." The proportion to be furnished by Chester County was five hundred.

Early in June General Howe, commander of the British forces at New York, showed a disposition to advance by land across New Jersey, and to take possession of Philadel- phia. On the 14th of that month he actually made an advance by two columns, which led General Washington to believe that this was his real intention. This information being communicated to Congress the same day, that body

" Ordered, That the 2nd Class of the Militia of the County of Phil- adelphia, Chester, Backs, Lancaster, York, Cumberland, Berks, & Northampton be ordered to march to the places to which the first class of the said counties respectively are ordered, and that the third class be got in readiness to march, and also that the Ist and second classes of the City Militia, he ordered to march to Bristol, & the 3rd Class hold themselves in readiness to march at the shortest notice."

This order was promptly responded to by the Supreme Executive Council of the State, who issued a circular letter to the lieutenants of the counties named " to forward the first Class of Militia immediately, and to hold the second class in readiness to march at the shortest notice." Forty wagons were also ordered to be sent from Chester County, thirty from Philadelphia, and thirty from Berks.

But it so turned out that the marching of Howe was in- tended to draw General Washington from the strong posi- tion he then occupied, and in that event to give him battle, which he declined to do as our troops were then posted. Washington wisely refused to risk his army in an open field- fight, and Howe would not venture to cross the Delaware, leaving so large a force as that commanded by Washington in his rear, so that Philadelphia was again relieved from being attacked by the way of New Jersey.

June 5, 1777. "Deserted from my company stationed at French Creek powder mills the 10 of April last a certain William Evans alias Thomas Davis, a Welshman about forty years of age near five feet six inches high thick and well made. He had a light coloured long skirtled coat, striped trousers and old shoes. Whoever takes up said deserter shall have Ten dollars reward and reasonable charges.

"James Pugh, Capt.

"N. B. John Flemming who enlisted with George Blewer, 2 Lieat., surrenders himself according to proclamation of Gen. Washington (June 24th)."+

"June 25th. The Council taking into consideration the intelligence received by Congress from Gem. WASHINGTON, respecting the move- ments of the enemy, and the extreme inconveniency arising from the march of the Militia in the time of harvest .- Agreed, That the Lieu- tenant of the county of Chester (with others) be informed that it is unnecessary to march the second class of that county ; hnt that the first class be marched, and the second class he held in perfeot readi- ness to march at the shortest notice."

It having become apparent that General Howe had defi- nitely changed his plan for gaining possession of Philadel-

* Evening Post.

t Ibid.

HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

phia, the marching orders for all the militia, except those of Philadelphia and Chester County, were countermanded. News of the embarkation of a large British force at New York very reasonably suggested the idea that the attack on the capital of Pennsylvania would be by way of the river Delaware; aud doubtless that was the plan of Gen. Howe when he sailed. Every effort was accordingly made for the defense of the river.

On the 27th of July certain information was received by the Council of the approach of the British fleet towards the Delaware Bay. This news produced the highest degree of excitement among the people, and induced the authori- ties of the State to redouble their exertions to ward off the threatened blow.

A draft of the militia of Philadelphia County had marched before harvest into New Jersey ; one from Bucks had guarded the fords of the Delaware for two months ; a second class from Bucks, two from the city, and one from Chester, had occupied for some time, and assisted in finish- ing, the defenses of the Delaware between the city and Chester. July 28th Congress made a requisition on the Executive Council of Pennsylvania for four thousand mili- tia, in addition to those already in service; in response to which the Council, on the same day, ordered one class to be immediately called into service from the city, and one elass from each of the counties of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Lancaster, York, Cumberland, Berks, and Northampton ; also a detachment of artillery from the city of Philadel- phia, cqual to three-eighths of the whole. Most of these troops were directed " to march immediately for Chester."

The persons appointed to drive off the cattle from the borders of the Delaware on the approach of the enemy were reminded of the importance of their trust, and of the necessity of holding themselves in readiness for the per- formance of it when the expected emergency should happen. Caleb Davis, who had been recently appointed prothono- tary, etc., for Chester County, was directed to remove the county records from the town of Chester to a place of greater security. On the 31st of July certain information was received of the fleet approaching and entering the Dela- ware Bay to the number of two hundred and twenty-eight vessels of war and transports. Arms were wanted for the militia that had been called out, and, as an expedient for supplying them, those persons who had refused to take the oath of allegiance were directed to be disarmed, " and their arms made use of by those who are willing, at the risk of their lives, to defend their liberty and property."

" August 1, 1777. We the subscribers, Justices of the Peace for the county of Chester, have this day met, in erder to nominate proper persons to take an account of all the Wheat, Flour, Grain and other Stores in the county of Chester, within 20 miles distance westward of the river Delaware; and have, after duc consideration, returned the following gentlemen : viz, Jobn Wilson, Isaac Taylor (Pennsbury), George Currey, Charles Dilworth, Thomas M'Call, Joshua Evans, James Ewing, and James Lindsey : and for the purpose of billeting, and providing for the Poor that may be remeved out of the city of Philadelphia, the following geotlemen : viz, Benjamin Bartholomew (East Whitelsnd), David John (Charlestowo), David Thoicas (Vin- cent), Michael Hallman (Pikeland), Peter Crumhacker (Coventry), William James (East Nantmcal), John Brown (West Nantmcal), Thomas Evans ( Uwchlan), George Thomas (West Whitelend), James Thompson (East Caln), John Fleming (West Caln), Joseph Parker [or Purke ?] (Sadsbury), Thomas Heslip and Samuel Futhey (East

and West Fallowfield), William Wilson (Oxford), William Poke (West Nottingham), and David Wherry (East Nottinghom),-whom we esteem to he men of fidelity ond worthy of the trust to be reposed in them,-(Signed)

" PHILIP SCOTT, ISAAC DAVIS, JAMES MOORE,

" ROBERT SMITH,

" DAN GRIFFITH."

So confidently was the enemy expected to approach Philadelphia by the Delaware that the different detachments of the regular army under Washington were ordered to march to the vicinity of the city, and requisitions had been made on several counties for wagons to be used in the trans- portation of army stores. After entering the bay Gen. Howe found the navigation for such an immense naval armament more difficult than he had expected, and retraeed his steps to the ocean, having determined to make his approach by the way of the Chesapeake. This movement was not at first understood by our people, for no tidings were received from the fleet until the 8th of August, when it was seen some leagues south of Delaware Bay, but soon again dis- appeared, having been prevented from entering the Chesa- peake by contrary winds until the 16th of that month. It was not, however, until the 22d that the Council was advised of the presence of the enemy in the Chesapeake.

In this period of unecertainty Washington abated not the least in providing for the defense of the city. On the 15th of August we find him giving directions for the improve- ment of the defenses of the Delaware. More chevaux de- frize were to be sunk, or "the left bank of Fort Island forti- fication supported by a good battery capable of resisting the cannon of the ship." The effect of the disappearance of the enemy upon the Executive Council was different. They dreaded expense, and especially unnecessary expense. An order that had been issued for wagons was countermanded on the 8th of August, and less diligence appears to have been used in forwarding the militia. Up to the 16th of August, agreeably to the report of Col. John Evans, only about one thousand militia had arrived at Chester, and there was no shelter for more, " all the empty houses being occu- pied." These troops were from the counties of Berks, Cumberland, Lancaster, and Chester. The following letter from the Council to some of the Pennsylvania delegation in Congress still further exhibits the great anxiety of that body to avoid expense, and may serve to explain the policy that lessened the efficiency of the militia when called into actual service :

" PHILADELPHIA, 20th Augt. 1777.

"Gent :

" Council desire, that you will represent te Congress that the Militia last called out in . this State, have heen rendezvousing at Chester, ond are still arriving there. As this is the season for sowing winter corn, on which this county greatly depends, & labourers are become very scarce, they are sensible that great distress must ensue upon continuing these people embodied. In this circumstunce, it will afford very sensible satisfaction to the Council, as well as relief to the industrious Inhabitants, if public affairs may admit of the dismissing of part of the Militia, especially as they are very deficient in Arms & blankets, & totally unprovided with tents."

Two days later, when news of the approach of the enemy by way of the Chesapeake was received, a very sudden change took place in the measures adopted by the Council. The threatened danger was at hand. Economy yielded to necessity, and the Council at once. resumed the work of

GENERAL HISTORY.

preparation with vigor, which had been unwisely slackened during the short period that the enenry remained invisible. Additional troops were ordered to Chester, and an equal number to Downingtown; the militia from Northampton, that had been ordered to proceed northward, were now directed to proceed to Lancaster " with all possible expedi- tion," and, in pursuance of a recommendation of Congress, all disaffected persons were ordered to be arrested and sent into the interior.

The fleet passed up the Elk River as far as the ships could be navigated with safety, and on the 25th of August landed about eighteen thousand men " in good health and spirits, admirably supplied with all the implements of war, and led by an experienced general of unquestionable military talents." On the day before Howe landed the American army passed through Philadelphia and marched towards the Brandywine. Being deficient in the means of trausportation for army baggage, a pressing request was made upon the Council to supply the deficiency. This request was promptly responded to by an order upon the justices of the counties of Phila- delphia and Chester, each county being required to furnish twenty-five wagons with four horses each.

Gen. John Armstrong was placed in command of the militia at Chester. In a letter to the president of the Council, dated at that place on the 29th of August, we are informed that out of the " chaos" in which Gen. Armstrong had found things at that place he had then forwarded eighteen hundred men ; that, in concert with Gen. Potter, he had formed a rifle regiment (battalion), and placed at the head of it Col. Dunlap, "a prudent man, and not uoac- quainted with the business of a partisan." This rifle bat- talion, consisting of three hundred privates, which was to march from Marcus Hook the next day, and one hundred and fifty sent from Billingsport the same day, were exclu- sive of the number above mentioned. The headquarters of Gen. Washington were now at Wilmington, where these troops united with the regular army. On the 1st of Sep- tember the militia that had been called out in Lancaster County were also ordered by Gen. Washington to join his army at Wilmington.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches, Part 18

Author: Futhey, John Smith, 1820-1888; Cope, Gilbert, 1840-1928 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts Number of Pages: 1162

Author: Futhey, John Smith, 1820-1888; Cope, Gilbert, 1840-1928
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts
Number of Pages: 1162