USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. I > Part 25
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General Washington had divided his army into three separate corps. One stationed at Bris- tol, under Colonel John Cadwalader, including Colonel Hitchcock's brigade of the Continental line, and three battalions of the Philadelphia As- sociators. The second corps had headquarters at Collin's ferry, now Morrisville, and consisted of the Pennsylvania militia of the Flying Camp and the New Jersey militia under General Dickin- son. This force reached from Bond's Ferry, nearly opposite Bordentown, to Yardley's ferry, near Yardleyville, and was under the command of Brigadier General James Ewing. Many men from Allentown and vicinity were in this corps. The third and largest corps extended from
130
HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Yardley's ferry northward seven miles on the Delaware River and the contiguous region, and back some six miles from the river, under Lord Stirling, Mercer, Stephen and DeFermoy.
The British troops in Trenton numbered about 1,400 men under command of the Hessian Colonel Rahl, composed of three regiments of Hessian infantry, a small detachment of artil- lery, fifty Hessian jagers and twenty dragoons of the 16th British regiment. At Bordentown were three battalions of Hessian grenadiers and a British regiment in charge of Colonel Von Donop, and at Princeton was General Leslie with a detachment of British troops.
Washington now prepared for a simultaneous attack upon the commands of Von Donop and Rahl. At a council of war held in the evening of December 24th, it was ordered that Colonel Cadwalader should cross the river from Dunk's ferry to Burlington on Christmas night and at- tack the posts at Mt. Holly, Black Horse, and Bordentown; that General Ewing should cross at Trenton landing and take position south of Assunpink creek, so that Rahl's men could not escape to Von Donop, and that General Wash- ington, the same night, with a detachment ot the main army, 2,400 strong, with eighteen pieces of artillery, should make a direct attack on Trenton. The river was as yet free from ice and the boats had been hidden behind the thick woods on Malta island. By noon of Wed- nesday, the 25th, it was filled with moving cakes of ice, and the current became swift and danger- ous. By three in the afternoon of Christmas all the troops detailed for this service were on the march. Major Wilkinson, who joined the troops on the bank of the river on his return from a mission, tracked the men by their bloody footprints in the snow. Each man had three days cooked rations and forty rounds of am- munition. Durham boats, row galleys, and every kind of craft was used in crossing the Dela- ware. Men were stationed in the bows, with boat-hooks, to keep off the cakes of ice and the snow and hail after eleven o'clock, made the passage of the river at McKonkey's ferry, com- menced about sunset, difficult and dangerous. Washington was. one of the first to cross, and he stood on the bank of the river-one account says seated on a bee-hive-wrapped in his cloak, eagerly watching the crossing. He had expected to have all his force across by twelve, but it was three o'clock in the morning before the guns were all over, and four before the troops took up the line of march. Silence was enjoined upon all by Washington, who said, "I hope you will all fight like men." The password of the day
was "Victory or Death." The column was formed into two divisions, one under Major Gen- eral Sullivan, to go by the river road, and the other under Major General Greene, with whom Washington rode. Greene's column first came within sight of the Hessian picket, who shouted : "Der Feind! Der Feind! Heraus! Heraus!" and giving the Americans a volley, retired. Without going into the details of the battle, a detailed account of which has been published by General Stryker, suffice to say that the Hessians were defeated with the loss of only two Ameri- can officers and two enlisted men wounded. None were killed. The Hessians lost five offi .. cers killed and six wounded; seventeen enlisted men killed and seventy-eight wounded, nine hun- dred and eighteen were made prisoners of war, and six brass three-pounders, forty horses, 1,000 stand of arms and fifteen colors were taken. Colonel Rahl, the Hessian commander, was wounded and died the next day. The evening before Rahl and other officers were at the house of the rich merchant, Abraham Hunt, when a Bucks county tory, who had crossed the river at the risk of his life to warn Rahl of the expected attack, brought a note conveying this intelligence. Rahl, probably annoyed at the interruption of his game of cards and wine drinking, thrust it unopened into his vest pocket, where it was found the next morning after his death.
General Ewing, with his Pennsylvania militia was unable to cross the river at Trenton landing. It was perhaps, fortunate that he did not, for if he had been seen, the alarm would have been sounded, and the excitement would probably have sobered Rahl, and with his veterans, he would have whipped Ewing and his militia be- fore breakfast and the results might have been different.
The Hessian prisoners were taken to Phila- delphia. Some joined the patriot army; many never took up arms again, and the rest were ex- changed in 1778.
The Americans recrossed the river into Penn- sylvania, but on the 29th again crossed into New Jersey and occupied Trenton. On the last of December the time of enlistment of many of the men had expired, and worn down with fatigue and privations, they longed for the comforts of home. General Washington in a personal ap- peal to the men, said: "If you will consent to stay only one month longer you will render that service to the cause of liberty, and to your coun- try, which you probably never can do under any other circumstances. The present is emphatic- ally the crisis, which is to decide our destiny." Many responded to these patriotic sentiments,
131
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
and participated in the battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777, when General Mercer was killed by a British bayonet.
Cornwallis, with a force of about 5,000 Brit- ish regulars, encamped south of Trenton, on the 2nd. It was evident that a battle must be fought the next day, and the chances were in favor of Cornwallis. Washington lighted num- erous camp fires along the front of his army, and Cornwallis, taking these for evidence that the Americans were encamped for the night, assured Sir Wm. Erskine, that he would "catch the fox in the morning." At one o'clock in the morn- ing, Washington quietly withdrew his army and marched toward Princeton.
In the morning the booming of cannon in that direction told the British that Washington had out-generaled them. Many of the Pennsylvania militia participated in the battle of Princeton, when the American loss was about one hundred. The Americans, who had marched all night be- fore the battle, and had fought for two days, without sleep for thirty-six hours, were com- pletely exhausted. Many laid down and slept on the frozen ground, on the march to Morris- town, where Washington established his winter quarters.
The brilliant victories achieved in so short a space of time raised the spirits of the American colonies, and Washington was by unanimous con- sent declared the savior of his country. Fred- erick the Great of Prussia declared that the achievements of Washington between the 25th of December and the 4th of January, were the most brilliant of any record in the annals of military achievements.
The cannonading at the battle of Princeton was heard at Bethlehem, as is mentioned in the Moravian diary.
The approach of the British army compelled the removal of the General Hospital to a point more in the interior, and General Washington selected Bethlehem, which, from its healthy loca- tion proved to be a wise selection. Accordingly, the following letter was sent to Bethlehem: "To the Committee of the Town of Bethlehem, or others whom it may concern:
"Gentlemen: According to his Excellency Gen- eral Washington's orders, the General Hospital of the Army is removed to Bethlehem, and you will do the greatest act of humanity by im- mediately providing proper buildings for their re- ception, the largest and most capacious will be the most convenient. I doubt not, Gentlemen, but you will act upon this occasion as becomes Men and Christians; Doctor Baldwin, the Gen- tleman who waits upon you with this, is sent
upon the Business of Providing proper Accom- modations for the sick; begging therefore that you will afford him all possible Assistance,
"I am, Gentlemen,
"Your most obedient humble servant, "JOHN WARREN,
"Gen'l Hospital Surgeon and P. T. Director.
"Hanover General Hospital, Dec. 1, 1776."
Another letter was received the same day, in the afternoon of December 3rd.
"Easton, December 3, 1776.
"Gentlemen: You will see by the letter here- with sent, that the General Hospital of the Army is ordered to be at Bethlehem. We there- fore request you that you would be aiding and assisting to Doctor Baldwin who waits upon you with this, and who is come for the purpose of procuring suitable accommodations for the sick, to furnish him with such proper accommodations as Bethlehem can afford.
"By order of the Committee, "ABRAHAM BERLIN, Chairman." "To the Rev. Nath. Seidel, Bethlehem."
About two hundred and fifty sick and wounded soldiers were brought in wagons to Bethlehem in the next few days and as many more men were taken to Easton and Allentown.
The last inmates were removed on March 27; 1777, at which time the number of deaths amounted to IIO, who were all buried on the hill across the Monocacy, in what is now West Bethlehem, in Lehigh county.
In February, 1777, a battalion of militia, num- bering 600 men, assembled at Allentown, where they remained two weeks, and marched off Feb- ruary 15th.
The continental troops at this time were greatly in need of blankets and the Pennsylvania War Office issued a circular* directing that 4,000 blankets be collected in the state and paid for at the full value, according to an appraise- ment. Northampton county was directed to fur- nish 167 blankets, and John Wetzel, Jacob Shoe- maker, David Deshler, Arthur Lattimore, John Chambers, Colonel Labar, Abraham Berlin, Si- mon Dreisbach, Peter Rhoads, Robert Lettis Hooper and Jacob Stroud were appointed Com- missioners to collect them.
The Assembly had on March 12, 1777, ap pointed John Wetzel, Esq., Lieutenant, and Jacob Shoemaker, David Deshler, Arthur Latti- more, and John Chambers, Sub-Lieutenants of the county, who had supervision over the militia of the county, and they were empowered to fur-
*One of the original circulars is in the possession of the writer.
132
HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
nish the commissioners with a sufficient force to carry into execution the order, if necessary.
General Howe, commander of the British forces at New York, on June 14, 1777, advanced by two columns through New Jersey, intending to draw Washington from his strong position and threatening Philadelphia by a land attack. Congress then directed the second class of militia to march and the third class to be held in readi- ness to march. The militia was divided into eight classes. When a class was called out, many belonging to it, could not or would not go. The deficiency was made up by the employment of substitutes, either taken from the other classes, of from those not subject by law to the perform- ance of military duty. These substitutes were procured by means of a bounty, which was paid by the State, to be remunerated by the fines im- posed on delinquents, and varied from £15 to £50 for two months service. In some regiments the number of substitutes nearly equaled the number of those regularly drafted.
The following muster roll of the First Bat- talion of Northampton county inilitia appears in the Pennsylvania Archives, certified to by the Lieutenant of the County, John Wetzel.
A GENERAL MUSTER ROLL OF THE FIRST BATTALION OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY MILITIA. JUNE 18, 1777.
CLASS 2ND.
Philip Cuhnsman. Israel Cooper.
Abraham Transue, Jur. Melchoir Bander. George Engel.
Henry Pearshing.
CLASS 3RD. Edward; Rank.
William Cooper. George Lawbagh.
Peter Lerch. Conrad Eighly. Transue.
CLASS 4TH. Jacob Juncker. Peter Unangst. (Name Missing).
Michael Reighard. George Einer.
Elias Frareuse.
CLASS 6TH.
George Reighard.
John Nicum.
Frederick Largh. Walter Fields.
Conrad Vogleman.
Christopher Elias.
CLASS 7TH.
Abraham Bassinger. Jacob Transue.
Bernhard Sickman. Simon Howk. Isaac Snyder.
Christian Reigh.
CLASS 8TH. Jacob Drinkler.
Anthony Ficht. William Baker. John Shrantz.
Geo. Henry Unangst. Conrad Roesley.
No. 2. CAPTAIN.
Christopher Johnson.
LIEUTENANTS.
Ist, Peter Wearst. 2nd, George Adam Weis- ler. ENSIGN. Jacob Heyle.
CLASS IST.
Henry Guysinger.
Michael Weaver.
Henry Weaver. (Name mutilated).
CLASS 2ND.
Augustus Sheats.
Christian Young.
Valentine Yeager. David Heistand. Abraham Yeotter.
Ist, Henry Bachman.
ENSIGN.
Jacob Bittenbender. SERGEANTS.
Francis Hartman. Adam Romich.
John Haldiman. Jacob Bachman.
Christian Weickel. Adam Kurtz.
Jacob Mayer, Junr.
CLASS 4TH.
Garret Seisloff. Caspar Yeotter.
Melchoir Edinger.
DRUM AND FIFE.
John Eoesley. George Shlibley.
Christian Shum. Jacob Zeiner. Paul Broad.
CLASS IST. (Missing) Andrew Fisher. Daniel Zeimer.
Michael Flexer. Jacob Dearsame. George Swanger. George Franck.
CLASS 5TH. Jacob Lantz. Frederick Koucpenhafer. Peter Knepley. George Shoall.
No. I. Field Officers.
COLONEL. George Hubner.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL. Peter Saylor. MAJOR.
Philip Mixell. ADJUTANT.
John Ludwick. CAPTAIN. Joseph Fry.
LIEUTENANTS. 2nd, George Kunsman.
Philip Tutterer. George Bowman.
CLASS 3RD.
Anthony Lerch. Frederick Frutshe.
George Frible. John Kessler.
Michael Lightcap.
CORPORALS. Peter Grub. Henry Miller.
Adam Keipper. (Names mutilated). Balser Buchecker.
Philip Snakmyster. Michael Knepley.
John Apple. Martin Apple. Nicholas Kurtz.
Adam Hartman. Benedict Lutz. (Missing) Kahly.
CLASS 5TH. Abraham Howk. John Unangst. Valentine Miller.
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THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
CLASS 6TH.
Leonard Reynhart. Divis Kouch. Jacob Yeotter.
George Ruff.
John Miller.
Philip Retter.
Simon Jacob Deall.
Jacob Copies. Peter Mayer.
Jacob Backman. Henry Gross.
CLASS 7TH.
John Seisloff. John Kouch.
Matthias Gangwer. Michael Shelley.
Nicholas Fox.
Philip Guysinger.
John Easselman.
John Mohr.
Philip Buchecker.
Peter Fox.
George Shriver.
CLASS 8TH.
William Boyl. Jacob Dearshame, Jur. Peter Bush. Frederick Huff. Daniel Johnson.
Philip Ball.
No. 3 .* CAPTAIN.
George Graff. LIEUTENANTS.
Ist, John Overlee. 2nd, George Stuber.
ENSIGN. Frederick Laubach.
SERGEANTS.
George Edleman.
Michael Stuber.
Henry Krotzer.
Dieter Heller.
CORPORALS.
Anthony Krotzer. Peter Knight.
Rudolph Overling. Jacob Larch.
DRUM AND FIFE.
Martin Froelich.
CORPORALS. Philip Klotz. Thomas Ward.
John Santee. George Gross.
CLASS IST.
John Beil.
John Boyer.
Ulrick Brinker. George Miller.
Samuel Caeffman. John Stout.
CLASS 2ND.
Richard Lee. Conrad Loudenberger.
Conrad Omensitter. Matthias Getter.
Valintine Furer. Matthias Gurt.
James Gruickshank.
Michael Jacoby.
Peter Miller.
Peter Lynn. Philip Deily.
CLASS 3RD.
Conrad Crumbach.
Joseph Derr.
Abraham Derr. Henry Kooken.
Andrew Ehrhard. George Resner. Peter Gerress. Frederick Geibbel.
CLASS 4TH.
Peter Birkey.
Abraham Rinker.
Philip Koogler.
Jacob Gansser. Jacob Morrine.
John Keiper. Bartholomew Hoover. George Strouss.
CLASS 5TH.
Henry Hagebuch.
Jacob Newhart.
Michael Shroeter. Henry Hoover.
George Blanck. Thomas Mowhorter. Peter Nagle. Felix Griesmer.
CLASS 6TH.
Francis Cooper. Michael Kuntz. Jacob Weiss. Godleb Amon. Lawrence Hauck.
*This company was from Allentown and Salisbury township.
John Bush. John Ashbach.
Jacob Kram.
Conrad Ernest. Isaac Freeman. Peter Geiss.
William Freeman. Daniel Deal. John Currie. Jacob Slauch."
CLASS 7TH. Joseph Sweitz. John Jennings. Michael Streiby.
CLASS 8TH.
Henry Nunemaker. Andrew Rueb. William Tills. Solomon Jennings.
No. 4. CAPTAIN. Edward Sheimer. LIEUTENANTS.
2nd, Andrew Gongware. Ist, John Horn.
ENSIGN. Matthias Ringel. CLERK. Peter Rhoads. SERGEANTS. Jacob Houck. Henry Keiper.
James Preston. Michael Hertz.
Michael Kelkner.
DRUM AND FIFE.
Leonard Nagle. Peter Houck.
CLASS IST.
Conrad Hertzel. Nicholas Jacobey.
Peter Keipper. Caspar Weaver. Peter Horsebash. Frederick Dull.
Casper Smith. Godleb Bolteus.
CI,ASS 2ND.
Nicholas Morritz. Peter Hertz. Theobald Young.
Abraham Rothrock. Moses Baldwin.
Jacob Gross.
Joseph Heller. Philip Larch.
Philip Gross.
CLASS 4TH.
Matthias Garret. Augustus H. Frank.
George Dorry. Jesse Jones. David Ashenbach.
Nicholas Ueberoth.
CLASS 5TH.
Robert Hooper, Esq. Jacob Freeman. Christopher Heller. Henry Rentzheimer.
Robert Newton.
CLASS 6TH.
Jacob Christman. Edward Freeman. Abraham Mosely. CLASS 7TH. Isaac Rothrock. Benjamin Reagel. John Reagel.
CLASS 8TH. Henry Miller. John Teller. Reinhard Laubach.
Jacob Gongwear. James Allen. Peter Young.
CLASS 3RD.
Balzer Reich.
William Robert.
John Mull.
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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA,
No. 5. CAPTAIN. John Roberts. LIEUTENANTS. Ist, George Bachman. 2nd, John Stall. ENSIGN. Jacob Rumfelt. SERGEANTS. Elias Weaver. William Murry.
Peter Gooman. Casper Rumfelt.
George Stodler.
CORPORAL,S. Michael Ott. Philip Eckle.
Michael Zaub.
Martin Lahr.
Yost Walp.
DRUM AND FIFE.
Conrad Miller.
Philip Wind.
Conrad Miller. Jolin Hess.
Melchoir Hay.
CLASS 3RD
John Voight.
Nicholas Koch.
Abraham Bidleman. Wandle Teller. Michael Cress. John Dyer.
Michael Huddle.
Jacob Mullick.
Conrad Deedle.
George Helpey.
Henry Rinehart.
Conrad Rinehart.
CLASS 3RD. John Beneset. George Segefoose. Nathan Dolby. Yost Eartman.
Daniel Sailor.
Peter Nungesser.
Henry Hess.
CLASS 6TH.
John Emerhart.
Abel Dolby.
George Kinehart. John Gisinger.
CLASS 5TH.
Nicholas Hooker.
Simon Water.
Henry Bitts. Samuel Lester. George Kern. James Smith.
CLASS 6TH.
Jacob Murry, Esq.
Peter Murry.
Elijah Lester. Frederick Seegley.
George Plank. John Packman. David Taylor. Andrew Rinehart.
CLASS 7TH.
John Nucomer.
George Bringerd.
John Kooken. Andrew Pruner. Felix Lynn.
CLASS 8TH.
Michael Hillegas. Philip Cherry.
William Strowbe.
Abraham Syder. George Packman.
George Eartman. Jaseph Packman. John Pruner. Matthias Egner.
No. 6.
CAPTAIN. Frederick Kleinhantz. LIEUTENANTS. William Keller. George Kleinhantz.
John Eckert. Jacob Wallheim.
William Mannim. Bernard Unangst.
ENSIGN. John Eigle. SERGEANTS.
Conrad Huth. Christian Best. CORPORALS. Adam Many. John Miller.
DRUM AND FIFE.
Jacob Miller. Peter Hay.
CLASS IST.
Thomas Owen. Jacob Peetle. Peter Sell. George Seavids.
CLASS 2ND. Abraham Peckman. John Rumfelt. William Grotenhouse. John Helpey.
Andrew Eaub. Christian Hertzel.
Robert Townsend.
CLASS 5TH. John Zellner. George Knecht. Adam Maney.
John Lookinbock. Michael Sigler.
CLASS 4TH.
Daniel Hurlocker. Michael Rudolph. Peter Sheaffer.
John Hay.
Jeremiah Hess.
Matthias Pfeiffer.
Anthony Hucky. Simon Essig. Isaac Reimer.
CLASS 7TH.
Jacob Arndt.
Peter Lattig.
Peter Shaell.
Peter Lance.
John Best.
Isaac Shoemaker.
CLASS 8TH.
Adam Shaerer. Christopher Raub. Jacob Lantzinger.
Michael Lance.
Michael Brugh. Philip Koch.
No. 7. CAPTAIN. Francis Rhoads. LIEUTENANTS. 2nd, John Gerhart.
Ist, Felix Good.
ENSIGN.
Jacob Spinner. CLASS IST. Valentine Kaupp.
John Weatter. Daniel Neargank. George Kack. Martin Reatter.
Adam Blaunk.
Jacob Deiller. Henry Heimbauch. John Keack. Michael Kline.
George Leiberts. - Frederick Heartsell. CLASS 2ND. Lawrence Kline. William Neartz. Christopher Ashbauch. Stephen Duell.
Elias Haerter. Abraham Shoemaker.
CLASS IST. Jacob Lantis. Abraham Gisinger. Henry Allise. Peter Lowenstone.
Peter Zaub. John Heartzel. Philip Wuthering. Jacob Depery.
CLASS 2ND. Henry Cress.
CLASS 4TH. William Yates.
Joseph Richard. Conrad Shoemaker.
Aquillah Toole. David Owen.
George Rumfelt. Jacob Philip. Godhart Murry. Andrew Eartman.
135
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
CLASS 3RD.
George Ott. Godleb Bower.
William Lyon. Frederick Kobble.
Martin Shaffer.
Peter Seinn.
Christian Backman. Jacob Koch. Abraham Backman.
George Shaffer. Michael Heller.
CLASS 4TH.
CLASS 5TH.
Nicholas Wagner.
Christopher Heller.
Christian Gross. Jacob Weil.
John Gernert. Andrew Heller.
CLASS 6TH.
Michael Getter. George Ruff.
Peter Weber. John Koach.
Michael Heller, Ju'r. Conrad Hause.
John Furman.
CLASS 7TH.
Casper Houser. John Deitter Qowff.
George Ludwick. Peter Harris.
Ludwick Christian. Jacob Hunsperger.
CLASS 8TH.
Christopher Rouch. Peter Gouff.
George Gernet.
- Henry Kappes.
Andrew Rickert.
George Teamer.
Colonel Henry Geiger, in command of the Second Battalion, in January, 1777, had elever companies ready to march to camp. The name: of the captains, with the number of men, was as follows :
Township. Total number of officer: and men. Captains.
Upper Saucon, John Roberts, 39
Whitehall,
Peter Burkhalter, 81
Whitehall,
Michael Schneider, . 61
Macungie, Peter Trexler, 76
Weisenberg, John Siegfried, 51
Lynn, Matthias Brobst, 44
Salisbury, Frantz Roth, 45
Heidelberg, Conrad Roeder, 66
Lowhill, Michael Deibert, 47
Penn,
Peter Reek, 33
Upper Milford, William Shaffer, 73
ENSIGN. John Wagoner.
John Haas. Martin Apple.
SERGEANTS. Michael Heller. Adam Ebert.
Peter Leid.
CORPORALS. Adam Bitz. Simon Heller.
Adam Stephen.
DRUM AND FIFE.
William Reifshnider. Christian Sterner.
CLASS IST.
John Hansman. Jacob Roth. David Heller.
John Narrengong.
John Getter. John Apple.
CLASS 2ND.
Henry Shaffer. Christopher Kunekle. John Rothlock. Adam Kortz.
George Bachman. John Cooper.
Ludwick Ord. Frederick Smith. John Backman.
Michael Bower. Henry Tiyber.
Henry Kneause.
Jacob Smith. Abraham Seachler.
Michael Gagenwere. David Heister.
George Straupp. Jacob Knouss.
Michael Young. Mathias Prickkey.
CLASS 5TH.
William Lower. George Cresst.
Frederick Keack. Abraham Kinasse.
Jacob Feint. Frederick Stuber.
Christian Gearasse, Sen'r. Jacob Guysinger. CLASS 6TH.
Christian Young.
Martin Leibert.
Frederick Weauch.
Frederick Kurtz.
CLASS 7TH.
Henry Richard.
Christian Hartman.
George Headdle.
Peter Sink. Porttle Hiddle.
John Hartman.
CLASS 8TH.
Henry Nonemacher.
Peter Owell.
Henry Mortz. Andrew Keck.
Daniel Taillee.
John Keabble.
John Reatter.
Michael Everhart.
John Leiddech.
John Everhart.
Henry Kuhn.
No. 8.
CAPTAIN. Jacob Waggoner.
LIEUTENANTS.
Ist, Daniel Bideman. 2nd, John Haas.
The following letter was received by Colonel Geiger from the Council of Safety. Although a man over sixty years of age and a veteran of the French and Indian War, this letter shows that he was one of the most active of the field officers of the county.
"In the Council of Safety, Philadelphia, Jan. 31, 1777.
"Sir: The Council have received your Letter, and now would in answer thereto inform you, that it will be necessary for you to proceed im- mediately to Head Quarters at Morristown in the Jersey with your men. Gen'l. Washington will provide you with Arms and Accoutrements and Kettles, as his Excellency has retained those of the men whose time is expired and gone home.
"Inclosed we send to your care a letter to the General informing him of your wants. As to the men who refuse to go after being draughted, we leave to your direction, either to confine them
CLASS 3RD. Philip Bergstresser. Michael Flixer. Henry Sholl.
CLASS 4TH.
Martin Keaffer.
Andrew Gearring. John Kincause.
Conrad Buck. John Coons.
Robert Murry. George Zealler.
136
HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
in Gaol or march them Prisoners to Camp. Salt we will try and secure for your men who march ; it is a very scarce article, but so large and brave a Battalion as yours ought to be provided. Your care and activity in getting your Battalion to- gether ready for marching demands the Councils' warmest thanks to you and your Officers. No doubt you will make all possible dispatch to reach the Camp, where such brave men as yours are much wanted.
"I am, Sir, your very Humble Serv't, "TIMOTHY MATLACK, Sec'y.
"N. B .- You must appoint a Quartermaster and Commissary to furnish your Battalion until they get to Camp.
"To Colonel Henry Geiger, "Northampton county."
General Howe having changed his plans from an attack on Philadelphia by land to one by way of the Delaware river, the militia were ordered to march to Chester. The British fleet left New York, and by the end of July reached Delaware Bay. Finding some difficulty in navigating his fleet he returned to sea and sailed up the Chesa- peake. On August 25th, 18,000 men under the British flag disembarked near the head of the river Elk.
The American army marched through Phila- delphia and encamped near Wilmington, Del .. On the moth of September the British were a few miles west of Kennett Square, and the Ameri- cans only seven miles away, with the Brandywine river between them. The next day, September 1Ith, occurred the battle of Brandywine, in which the Americans lost about 300 killed, 600 wounded, and nearly 400 taken prisoners. The British loss was reported to have been a total of 600, but one authority gives 1,876 as the total killed and wounded of the British, as found in the orderly book of an officer killed at German- town. The battle was looked upon as a defeat, but Washington said of his army that they were "in good spirits and nowise disheartened by the recent affair, which it seemed to consider as a check rather than a defeat."
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