USA > Pennsylvania > The Pennsylvania-German in the Revolutionary War, 1775-1783 > Part 28
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In 1760, Frederick Wise, a German, built a small grist mill at the base of the Mine Hill, in Paradise township. He lived there fifty years and amassed a fortune.
Rohrer's mill, in the southwestern part of Paradise township, occupies one of the oldest mill sites in the county. Its early history is unknown, beyond the fact that a small mill was built there at an early period.
The returns from Providence township, of 1777, show the following :
George Hess, 2 mills.
Washington's Storehouse and Supply Depot. 483
Jacob Hoover, hemp mill.
Henry Kendrick, 1 mill.
The mill of B. D. Moyer, in Strasburg township, was erected between 1759 and 1769. On April 6, 1769, John Herr conveyed the mill and saw mill to his son Abraham. He held it until his death in 1800.
B. B. Herr's mill, in the same township, is another old mill, erected about 1750, but no data are in existence re- garding it.
The Lititz saw and grist mill was erected, in 1756, by the Moravian Brethren, and started November 1I. It was burned down in 1775, but immediately rebuilt. Its profits, in 1777, were $2,500.
In 1765 a fulling mill was built at Lititz. The first mill, in the township, was erected, between 1733 and 1760, by George Eby, at the junction of Hammer and Cocalico creeks.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
The distinction of producing what was probably the first wrought-iron cannon made in this country belongs to a Pennsylvania-German of this county.
At the beginning of the War for Independence a West- phalian journeyman blacksmith, named Wilhelm Doning, was employed in the iron-works at Middlesex, Cumber- land Co., Pa. He proposed to his employer to make wrought-iron guns for the army, and actually finished two fine field-guns, one of which fell into the hands of the English at the battle of Brandywine. It is still pre- served in the Tower of London as a great curiosity.
In the Mount Holly iron-works Doning began to make a third gun of heavier caliber, which, however, remained unfinished because he was unable to find an assistant who could endare the heat, which, it is said, was so great as
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to melt the leaden buttons on his clothes. This unfinished cannon remained for a time in Holly Forge and was afterwards conveyed to the barracks in Carlisle. It is not known what finally became of it
The English offered a large reward to Doning if he would instruct them in the art of manufacturing these superior guns, but the German blacksmith could not be induced to become disloyal to his adopted country. He, and his fellow-journeyman, Michael Engle, joined the "Artificers' troops " of Captain Nicholas and served to the end of the war. Doning was pensioned under the law of 1818 and died at Mifflin, Pa., December 19, 1830, aged ninety-four years.
PLAN Of Fort Mercer, at Red Bank, N. J."
1
NEEXRENCES. End of the fort at which the Hessians entered.
Butall ditch, eross embankment and lo- cation of the masked battery.
C Remains of the hickory-tree used during the battle as a flag-staff.
D Ruins of a brick wall in the middle of the artificial bank .- Gatoway. :
Ceont Donop's grave. i
F Louis Whitall's house.
Monument, erected in 1829:
Pleasure house.
Marks of the trenches in which the slam were deposited.
K Road the Hessians marched to the at. tack .- Reeve's old road.
L Tenant houso.
M Road to Woodbury.
N Direction of Fort Mittin.
0 Farm road.
NOTE-The works represented extend about 350 yards in a right line.
DELA WARY
G
Works
I
Main Fort
RIVER
O
F
2.
CHAPTER XVIII.
A PLACE OF SAFE KEEPING AND A REFUGE.
ITHOUT even consider- ing the many records which have already been laid be- fore the reader, the true patriotism of the Pennsylvania-Germans, and the depth of their loyalty to the cause of independence, would be sufficiently shown by the fact that, at the most trying period of a most trying conflict, when others were plotting, some even turning traitors, and many openly disloyal, so much so that the brave and true men, who held firmly to the cause, were almost driven to despair, it was to the Pennsylvania-Germans they turned their eyes, without a question as to their unswerving faithfulness, and it was to their safe-keeping they committed their own bodies, with the archives and property of the government. Not only were the Pennsylvania-German counties a place of refuge for the members of the Continental Congress, and other officials, when forced to flee from Philadelphia,
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but they were a veritable place of safe-keeping for the enemies of the country who had been made prisoners of war. There were no tories among the Pennsylvania- Germans, and the authorities knew it.
Early in the war, because of the character of their citizens, the advantage of the interior of Pennsylvania- German counties, as an excellent locality for the safe keeping of prisoners of war, was recognized. The places especially selected were Reading, Lebanon and Lancaster.
In addition to these places Bethlehem was also used for a short time. On September 2, 1777, a messenger from the Board of War appeared before the dismayed Breth- ren, and announced that 260 British prisoners were to be kept there under a strong guard. As a place of con- finement for them the officials seized upon the "Family House," occupied by married people, and standing on what is now the Main Street, north of the " Brethren's House." The water-works became barracks for the guard. This obliged three families to vacate their apart- ments on the premises. viz .: the Administrator, de Schweinitz, who moved into the old " Community House " with the other clergy; Capt. Webb, often styled, "The Father of Methodism in America," a loyalist soldier- preacher, who was sent to Bethlehem from Philadel- phia as a prisoner of war on parole, with his family of seven persons, who was placed in William Boehler's house; and old Thomas Bartow, who, like many others, had come to Bethlehem for rest, some time before, took the room over the store lately vacated by Col. Isaac Reed, of Vir- ginia, who had arrived with the hospital caravan in the previous December, and, on June 22, 1777, was trans- ferred to Philadelphia, where he died on August 21, greatly mourned.
A Place of Safe Keeping and a Refuge. 48 7
On Sunday, September 7, at noon, 218 of these prison- ers arrived, accompanied by a guard of one hundred Con- tinentals. Of these prisoners some one hundred were the partisan Highlanders of Donald MacDonald, from the Cross Creek settlement, near Fayetteville, North Carolina.
A few days later occurred the disaster at Brandywine, then the flight of many government officials to Bethlehein, followed by the wagon-loads of wretched sufferers sent to the hospital again established, until the long suffering and overburdened patient citizens of the little town were at their wit's end. At the height of their misery and perplexity the members of Congress, who, fortunately, chanced to be with them, came to their relief, and, on September 25, 1777, the prisoners took their departure for Reading and Lancaster.
A most interesting connection with this subject is that which refers to Major Andre. He was first taken prisoner November 3, 1775, at St. John's, at the head of Lake Champlain, by Gen. Richard Montgomery, while on his way to Quebec. At first he was taken to Lancaster, where he became. an inmate of the home of Caleb Cope, a Quaker. John Cope, the son, then but a boy, showed such marked talent in drawing that the Major volunteered to become his instructor, and thus the two soon became firm friends.
Interesting accounts exist of Andre's life at Lancaster, where he was speedily well known, because of his coniely countenance, his refined and polished manner-all the marks of the educated gentleman. He was an admirer of the muses, a lover of art, an artist of no mean ability, and an accomplished player on the flute.
In the spring of 1776, with other British officers he was removed to York, where he was shown proper hospi-
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tality by the Rev. Dr. Andrews, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church from 1765 until 1772.
About the close of November, 1776, he was on his way from Carlisle to Philadelphia for cxchange. On this journey he stopped, in December, at the Crooked Hill Tavern, now the Sanatoga Inn, kept by Henry Dering. The niece of the landlord, Anna Maria Krause, was then visiting his daughter, Kitty, and has left with us an ac- count of this brief stay of an unfortunate man. She dc- scribes him as rather under the average stature, of a light, agile frame, active in his movements, and of sprightly conversation. She tells of his singing and performance on the flute, and adds that much of his time was taken up in writing his journal, examining and drawing maps and charts of the country. Among others, he was ac- companied by Colonel North, and a young nobleman, a mere stripling.
To Reading were assigned a number of the Hessian prisoners captured at Trenton in 1776, together with many British, and the principal Scotch Loyalists who were subdued and captured in North Carolina.
These were stationed in a grove on the bank of the Schuylkill river, in the southern part of the borough. In the fall of 1776 they were removed to the hill, east of the town, now known as Mt. Penn, and the spot they occu- pied is called the "Hessian Camp" to this day. Not long since traces were still to be seen of the lines of their huts.
The officers, on parole, were, of course, allowed many liberties, and moved frecly around the town. Alexander Graydon, who had been taken prisoner at New York, but, while on parole, visited his mother, who had removed her
3
A Place of Safe Keeping and a Refuge. 489
residence to Reading, gives some interesting reminiscences of his stay here in 1777.
He speaks of a couple subaltern officers, who were lacking in the instincts and behavior of gentlemen, but, otherwise, he says, " all the prisoners in Reading behaved with much decency." He has words of praise for the German officers, whom he calls "downright men," and gives the names of Major Stine, Captain Sobbe and Cap- tain Wetherholt. He refers, especially, to one of the latter, named Graff, a Brunswick officer, who, under the patronage of Dr. Potts, had been introduced to the danc- ing parties, and was a general favorite, being "a young man of mild and pleasing manners, with urbanity enough to witness the little triumphs of party, without being in- cited to ill humor by them. Overhearing a dance called for, one evening, which we named 'Burgoyne's Surrender,' he observed to his partner that it was a very pretty dance, notwithstanding the name; and that General Burgoyne himself would be happy to dance it in such good company."
The following record of prisoners at Reading, October 1I, 1776, was given to the Council of Safety of Pennsyl- vania by the local committee :
TAKEN AT ST. JOHN'S, NOVEMBER 3, 1775. Of the 26th Regiment.
Major Charles Preston.
TAKEN ON THE RIVER ST. LAWRENCE, NOVEMBER 18.
Capt. Win. Anstruther. Capt. Rowland Swan.
Capt. John Crawford. Doctor H. Beaumont.
I Corporal, I Drummer and 8 Privates.
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TAKEN ON THE RIVER ST. LAWRENCE, NOVEMBER 19. Of the 47th Regiment.
Capt. Thomas Gamble, Asst. Q'r M'r Gen'l, and one private.
TAKEN AT CHAMBLY, OCTOBER 19, 1775. Of the Royal Fuzileers.
Lieut, Harner.
TAKEN ON THE RIVER ST. LAWRENCE, NOVEMBER 18. Lieut. Cleveland, and 3 privates.
TAKEN AT ST. JOHN'S, NOVEMBER 3, 1775. Of the Royal Artillery.
Lient. Schalck.
Dr. James Gill. Capt. John Marr, Engineer.
TAKEN AT NEW YORK. Of the 59th Regimeul.
Ensign Wm. M'Leod.
TAKEN ON THE RIVER ST. LAWRENCE, NOVEMBER 19.
Of the Navy.
Mr. Ryal, master of ye Gaspee.
TAKEN AT POINT LEVY, NOVEMBER 4.
Mr. M'Kenzie, Midshipman of the Hunter.
TAKEN ON THE RIVER ST. LAWRENCE, NOVEMBER 19. Joseph Whitefield, cook of the Gaspee. James Carr, Foremastman.
A Place of Safe Keeping and a Refuge. 491
TAKEN AT JOHNSTOWN, JANUARY 18, 1776. From Tryon County, New York.
Allen M'Donell. Archibald M'Donell.
Allen M'Donell, Jr.
Ronald M'Donell.
Alexander M'Donell. WVm. Falconer, taken Jan. 21.
From North Carolina.
Lieut. Col. Allen M'Donell, and his son Alexander M'Donell, taken March 5, 1776.
From Canada.
Mr. De lo Corne St. Luc, taken November 22, 1775. Major Campbell, November 20, 1775.
Captain Fraser, November 25.
Mr. Hertel de Bourville, y'e father, January 16, 1776
Hertel de Bourville, y'e son, November 3, 1775.
Hertel de Braubassin, March 14, 1776.
Nich's Bazin, November 22, 1775.
Joseph Dejarlias, January 6, 1776.
Joseph Hetier, March. I.
Gabriel Hetier. John Smith, November 20, 1775.
Duncan Cameron.
Sutherland, October. Thomas Donoghue, October 17.
This list was largely augmented by the coming of the Hessians captured at Trenton, and still further increased upon the surrender of Burgoyne. In July, 1780, the prisoners at Reading numbered one hundred. On June 16, 1781, ten hundred and fifty prisoners, all German
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save sixty-three British, arrived in Reading under guard of York County Militia. By the following week the whole number was increased to near eleven hundred. They were encamped on the east bank of the Schuylkill. It is not known whether they were sent to the "Hessian Camp" on the hill.
During the winter of 1776-1777 there was much sick- ness among the prisoners, many of whom died and were buried in the " Potter's Field," on the west side of North Sixth Street, south of Walnut. The deaths were so nu- merous, at times, that it became necessary to bury two, and even three, in one grave.
Not only were the Hessian prisoners sent to the several Pennsylvania-German counties because these were places of safe keeping, but because the people spoke their lan- guage, and it was wisely considered that intercourse be- tween the two parties would aid greatly in changing the wrong opinions which each had of the other. To such an extent did this indeed occur that the Pennsylvania- German farmers and people were largely instrumental in bringing about various desertions on the part of the Hes- sian soldiers, and, of those taken prisoners, it is a fact that not a few chose to remain in Pennsylvania rather than return to their own country, at the close of the war.
On July 8, 1776, the Executive Council passed a reso- lution authorizing the employment of Hessian prisoners of war, at Lancaster and Reading, in the furnaces of Chester, Lancaster and Berks counties, which were en- gaged in casting cannon or shot for the government. Many availed themselves of this privilege, as did also the millers and farmers, during the continuance of the labor scarcity caused by enlistments in the army.
After the victories at Trenton and Princeton, with the
A Place of Safe Keeping and a Refuge. 493
surrender of Burgoyne, other prisoners, mostly Hessian, were taken to Lebanon. At first these were confined in the old Moravian Hebron Church, but recently torn down, standing between Lebanon and Avon. As their number increased, temporary barracks were erected adjoining the building, inclosed with a stockade and vigilantly guarded by the battalions of Col. Greenawalt and Col. Klotz, by turns. Later, this charge fell to Col. Hazen, command- ing "The Congress Regiment."
While, for a period of ten months, in 1777-1778, the prisoners were quartered in the church at Hebron, its lower story was occupied by the pastor, Rev. C. F. Bader, and his family, who was, naturally, thrown much into contact with the Hessians, as many quaint entries in his church diary testify. One anecdote, translated by Bishop de Schweinitz, is here given :
"Today a rifleman from Anspach, and a corporal, visited Brother Bader. They related to him that Howe had written a letter to Washington containing merely the seventh chapter of the prophet Ezekiel, and that Wash- ington had replied by copying, and sending to Howe, the fourth chapter of the book of Baruch."
Any one taking the trouble to read these two chapters will see the great tact displayed in selecting this Biblical reply to a Biblical despatch.
The daughter of Rev. Bader was one of the so-called "Moravian Nuns" of Bethlehem, who assisted in em- broidering the banner of Count Pulaski.
Brother Bader's lot was not a happy one during this time. In addition to the annoyance caused by the pres- ence of prisoners overhead, occupying his church, and interfering with the worship of his congregation, there was a constant intrusion upon his private life. At one
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time, on April 29, 1778, Major Watkins came to the building, with five men and a wagon-load of powder, broke open his door by force and placed the powder in his room. The next day he again came and advised the clergyman to leave the house, as he intended filling it with powder. As there was no other place for him to go his situation was certainly none too enviable.
Immediately after the battle of Trenton lists of the prisoners taken to Lancaster were made out by the Hes- sian officers, extracts from which are given herewith :
DETACHMENTS OF ARTILLERY CAPTURED DECEMBER 26, 1776
Commissioned Officers Others. Total.
Of the Regiment of Losberg.
18
Of the Regiment of Knyphausen.
18 19
Of the Regiment of Rall 3 3
LIST OF PRISONERS DECEMBER 27, 1776.
Philip Brand, Henrich Grebenteich, George Schade, Henrich Corel, Johan Boc, George Fleck, Martin Lu- dolphi, Conrad Mestmacher, Kaspar Klenekerfus, Henric Eberdinck, Henric Berles, Friderick Becher, Henric Wag- ner, Carl Hartman, Wilhelm Harkenberg, Carl Falckman, Henric Keerl (chirurgeon, i. e., surgeon), Carl Beckmejer (chirurgeon), Christian Mejier, Henric Woodman, Nic- laus Henckel, Dieterich Thoma, Wilhelm Kock, Henric Hartwic, Gerhardt Hansfing, Johannes Roes, Anton Mocman, Jacob Fric, Johannes Ruhl, Wilhelm Rupe, Henric Rupe, Andreas Becher, Andreas Schoenewald, Rebecca Alilhausen (woman), Shemes Malacde (Dori) , Thomas Rerisohert (negro), Johannes Geisler, Andreas Ariacke, Frederic Liebe, Martin Wetloser (corporal),
A Place of Safe Keeping and a Refuge. 495
Jacob Rohling, Henric Luders, William Brandson, Johan- nes Vestweber, Friderick Berker, Catharina Wetlosern, Elizabethi Sepwebein, William Saefer (negro), Johann Staude, Striftoph Hering, Frideric Rusmuller, Henrich Herbold, Conrad Schenck, Peter Mull, Cetlin Nellmejerin, Wilhelmina Clausin-total 56.
PRISONERS FROM REGIMENT OF LOSBERG.
Commissioned Officers. Others. Total.
First Company
I
56
57
Lieut. Col. Scheffer
47
48
Captain von Altenbockum
I
36
37
Major von Harnstein.
3
45
48
Vacant, Colonel
3
54
57
Middle and under staff.
7
Names of Officers.
Lieut. Col. F. Scheffer. Lieut. Moller.
Major von Harnstein.
Ensign von Hohe.
Captain Steding.
Graebe.
Lieut. Keller.
von Zengen.
- Piel.
66 Hendorff.
Killed in Trenton, December 26, 1776. Capt. Rice. Lieut. Kimm.
von Benning.
Wounded and Remained at Trenton.
Capt. von Altenbockum.
Lieut. Zoll. Lieut. Schwabe.
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PRISONERS FROM REGIMENT OF KNYPHAUSEN.
Commissioned Officers. Others. Total.
First Company
53
54
Col. von Borck.
54
55
Lieut. Col. von Minigerode
2
69
71
Major von Dechow.
52
52
Captain von Beisenrodt ..
2
60
62
Middle and under staff.
3
Names of Oficers.
Capt. von Biesenrodt.
Lieut. von Ferry.
von Loewenstein.
Ensign Fuhner.
Lieut. Wiederhold.
von Drach.
Sobbe.
Wounded in Newtown.
Major von Dechow, re- Col. Imberger. mained at Trenton.
Lieut. Col. Krapp.
First Company, Bast, Jun'r. Major Sohn.
Col. Kneise. Capt. von Beisen, Jung.
Corell.
PRISONERS FROM GRENADIER REGIMENT OF RALL.
Commissioned Otheers. Others. Total.
First Company
U. 56
59
Lieut. Col. Kohler
56
56
Lieut. Col. Brethauer
51 5I
Major Mateus
62 62
Captain Bocking
2
67
69
Middle and under staff. 5
Names of Officers.
Lieut. Col. Brethauer. Lieut. Kinen.
Major Mateus.
Ensign Fleck.
Capt. Brubach.
61 Kleinschmit.
Lieut. Salzmann.
Schroder.
3
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Killed-Col. Rall, December 26, at Trenton.
Wounded-Lieut. Sternickel, December 26, at Trenton. Missing-Ensign Kinen.
TRADESMEN AMONG HESSIAN PRISONERS AT LANCASTER,
JANUARY 10, 1777.
Smiths 16
Stocking weavers 7
Carpenters 15
Musicians 2
Distiller
I
Combmaker I
Bakers 6
Windowmakers 2
Weavers, linen and woolen
82
Nailsmiths 2
Wagonmakers
I5
Weavers of worsted shalloons,
etc.
3
Coopers
4
Weavers of flowered linens 2
Shoemakers 38
Tailors 49
Thatcher
I
Butchers
9
Knifemaker
I
Joiners IO
Huntsman
I
Tilemaker
I
Breeches maker
Pipemakers
2
Dyers 2
Riflemaker I
Silversmith
I
Stone cutter
I
Lime burners
2
315
Millers
6
PRISONERS AT LANCASTER, OF THE HESSIANS.
Artillery, 39 men; of the Regiment of Losberg, 234 men; of the Regiment of Knyphausen, 291 men; of the Ralischer Grenadiers, 266 men.
Total, 830 men and a few women and children, per Serjeant's returns.
The first prisoners arrived at Lancaster in the latter part of October, 1775, some being taken from vessels driven ashore on the New Jersey coast, and some captured
32
Gardener I
Tanners
2
Barber I
Slater
Masons 12
Horseshoer I
Bookbinders 2
Plasterers 7
Locksmiths 4
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in November, 1775, at St. Johns, Canada, by Gen. Mont- gomery, while on his way to Quebec. The first of these latter arrived on December 9, 1775, and numbered 8 offi- cers and 242 privates of the Seventh Royal Fusiliers, who were accompanied by 30 women and 30 children. About the same time, or soon after, came a party of prisoners, officers and soldiers of the Twenty-sixth British Regiment.
The officers were, in the beginning, lodged in one of the public houses, and the privates placed in the Lancaster barracks, which was, subsequently, inclosed by a strong stockade. Among the officers was Major André, of whom we have already spoken.
The number of prisoners at Lancaster was largely augmented by the arrival of the Hessians in January, 1777. It is stated that, during this year, as many as two thousand were held there at one time.
In July, 1777, when the British fleet was expected to attack Philadelphia, it was reported that the prisoners had threatened the destruction of Lancaster, so it was thought best, when their number was still further increased by the surrender of Burgoyne, on October 16, 1777, to forward quite a proportion of them to York, although very many were still left behind.
The Saratoga prisoners at Lancaster remained until December, 1778, when they were sent south. On March 3, 1781, Congress directed that the Convention prisoners should be removed back, from Virginia and Maryland, to Pennsylvania, the British to York Town and the Hes- sians to Lancaster, or such other place as the Council of Pennsylvania might direct. The prisoners held at Lan- caster, at this time, were about eight hundred. They were principally Hessians, of the class termed "unconditional prisoners."
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A daring plan was laid, by the British prisoners in the barracks for a general uprising on May 17, 1781, which fortunately was discovered and the plot spoiled.
At the beginning of the summer of that year the people of the borough were greatly alarmed by the appearance and rapid spread of a malignant fever among the prison- ers, and this alarm was increased by the arrival of a body of "Convention prisoners" from the south, but, happily, the disease does not seem to have resulted as fatally as was anticipated.
In October, 178 1, some of the " Convention prisoners " were removed to Easton and Philadelphia. For a year longer the prisoners remained at Lancaster, without the occurrence of any matters of moment. At last the British disappeared, as did also most of the Hessians, but many of these latter never returned to Europe or the British army, but settled in Lancaster or adjoining counties, where their descendants are still found.
To guard this number of prisoners, and to defeat their various attempts at escape, was no light matter. It was just as irksome a duty at Reading and Lebanon, but, as the numbers involved were greater at Lancaster, we will merely record the services of this character which were there performed, to give the reader some idea of what the Pennsylvania-Germans were called upon to do in this direction, a duty never pleasant and always without glory or reward.
In the beginning regular details of guards were ap- pointed, from the militia, to serve on specific days. The first posting of guards seems to have taken place on Oc- tober 25, 1775, and was as follows: Officer of the day, Capt. Paul Zantzinger; sergeant of the guard, Arnold Bombarger; corporal of the guard, Andrew Cunningham ;
:
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drummer, Keisey; fifer, - Brooks; number of privates, sixteen. The detail averaged from twelve guards to about nineteen, up to March 6, 1776.
From December 30, 1775, to March, 1776, we have given the names of each officer of the day, and sergeant of the guard, which list is believed to be of sufficient in- terest to reproduce :
1775. Officers of the day. Sergeants. John Messencope.
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