USA > Pennsylvania > Delaware County > Upland > The record of the court at Upland, in Pennsylvania, 1676 to 1681, And a military journal, kept by Major E. Denny, 1781 to 1795 > Part 15
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18th .- Several flags pass and repass now even without the drum. Had we not seen the drummer in his red coat when he first mounted, he might have beat away till doomsday. The constant firing was too much for the sound of a single drum; but when the firing ceased, I thought I never heard a drum equal to it-the most de- lightful music to us all.
19th .- Our division man the lines again. All is quiet. Articles of capitulation signed ; detachments of French and Americans take possession of British forts. Major Hamilton commanded a battalion which took possession of a fort immediately opposite our right and on the bank of York river. I carried the standard of our regiment on this occasion. On entering the fort, Baron Steuben, who accompanied us, took the standard from me and planted it himself. The British army parade and march out with their colors furled; drums beat as if they did not care how. Grounded their arms and returned to town. Much confusion and riot among the British through the day ; many of the soldiers were intoxicated; several attempts in course of the night to break open
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stores ; an American sentinel killed by a British soldier with a bayonet ; our patrols kept busy. Glad to be re- lieved from this disagreeable station. Negroes lie about, sick and dying, in every stage of the small pox. Never was in so filthy a place- some handsome houses, but prodigiously shattered. Vast heaps of shot and shells. lying about in every quarter, which came from our works. The shells did not burst, as was expected. Returns of British soldiers, prisoners six thousand, and seamen about one thousand. Lord Cornwallis excused himself from marching out with the troops ; they were conducted by General O'Hara. Our loss said to be about three hundred; that of the enemy said not more than five hundred and fifty. Fine supply of stores and merchan- dise had; articles suitable for clothing were taken for the use of the army. A portion furnished each officer to the amount of sixty dollars.
20th .- Joined by a new raised regiment from Pennsyl- vania. Officers hastened to partake of the siege, but were too late. British troops march into the interior- to Winchester and other places. Visit Gloucester, small village opposite York ; nothing seen there. Some of our officers return to Pennsylvania, others take their place. Visit Williamsburg in company with young gentlemen of the country, on horseback ; spend a few days very agreeably. Militia employed leveling the lines. Our brigade prepare for a long march.
Nov. 1st .- Three regiments of Pennsylvania, a detach- ment of artillery, and Maryland troops, commence their march for South Carolina - General St. Clair, the com-
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manding officer. Easy, regular marching ; roads gene- rally good, through sandy country. Pass through Rich- mond and Guilford, in North Carolina, where General Green and the British had a hard fight; also Camden, where Gates was defeated. Halted at least one day in the week for purpose of washing and refreshing.
Jan. 4th, 1782. - Joined the troops under General Green at Round O, in the State of South Carolina. Moved to Pond-Pond; here we lay some time. Rice farms around this neighborhood - the fields almost all under water; immense quantities of ducks; excel- lent sport at times. Planters return to their homes - live in style. Army change their ground; march to Ashley. Was on picket the night before we reached Ashley; got exceedingly wet-it rained all night. Marched next morning in wet clothes twelve miles, to Ashley, exposed to very hot sun; laid up with fever- carried to hospital; as soon as able, returned to camp. Hospital very disagreeable place - all sick, and some continually dying. Attendance good; surgeons very kind; furnished with some stores, sugar, tea and molas- ses. Continued weak and unfit for duty for some weeks. Ashley a very good position-ground high and dry ; but it is now midsummer and sickly season. Men die very fast; lost several valuable officers. Ashley river low ; full of alligators.
August. - Camp continued on bank of Ashley river, eighteen or twenty miles above Charleston. Enemy confine themselves to city. Their light troops and horse advanced five miles, at place called Quarter House.
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Armies both seem disposed to be quiet; ours in no con- dition for doing much. Some talk of peace, and of the enemy evacuating Charleston. Detailed for command. Joined a captain of the Maryland line ; marched with two sergeants, two corporals, and thirty men, for George- town, about sixty miles distant, coast-wise. Escorted a brigade of wagons loaded with rum for the army. Country appears deserted ; the few people we saw looked bad enough, poor and dejected; they fled from us, and in some instances hid themselves. Farms on this route have been neglected; exposed to the incursions of the British. Negroes and stock either removed or taken. Fell in with an alligator, twelve feet in length, in the middle of the road; supposed that his pond had dried up, and that he was in search of another; soldier shot him.
September .- Our camp very thin ; not more than three relieves of officers and men for the ordinary duties. Hospitals crowded, and great many sick in camp ; deaths so frequent, the funeral ceremony dispensed with. Pro- visions scarce and very indifferent; the beef brought from the back counties of North Carolina, by the time they reach the camp, poor indeed, and must be unwhole- some. Commissary's yard and slaughter place common- ly short distance from camp. Soldier going there in morning about killing time, met his comrade returning in ; asked how was the beef this morning ? other replied, that it took two men to hold up the creature until the butcher knocked it down. Says the other, And why
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didn't he knock it down as it lay ? Flour a rare article. Troops have lived chiefly upon rice, now and then a small allowance of Indian meal served out -rice very good for the sick, but rather washy for duty men. Gov- ernor Hamilton, of this State, himself and family, quarter at a pleasant seat, two miles in rear of camp - General Green not quite so far; each has a subaltern's guard. Very fond of getting one or other of these guards better fare than we have in camp. Officer con- sidered and treated as one of the family.
October .- Camp at Ashley Hill. Ranks thinned very much; deaths not so frequent. Our situation as to ground, a handsome one, and, as far as I can judge, eli- gible, but assuredly the climate is severe upon northern constitutions. Gentlemen who can afford it, reside dur- ing summer in the city and spend the winter in the country. An unpleasant week's command. At a bridge over Ashley, six or seven miles from camp, where the great road from Charleston to the upper country crosses, a subaltern and thirty men have been stationed. It be- came my turn. Orders were to suffer no people to pass or repass without proper permit. It was now pretty well known that the enemy would soon evacuate the city. Many poor devils had taken protection and followed the British in; provisions scarce in town, and those people sick of their situation-they were anxious to get back to their old places of abode in the country. Some very miserable objects came out-whole families, battered and starving. Was sure, upon my representation, leave
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would be given to let them pass. Stated the business in writing, and dispatched a sergeant. No-ordered not to let them pass; thought this an unnecessary cruelty.
Dec. 13th. - Had been expecting, every day for a month past, to hear of the intended evacuation of Charleston. The Governor's guard was an object at this. time, as the officer commanding would, of course, accom- pany or escort him into the city. I was so fortunate as to have the guard this day, when advice was received that the British would embark next morning. A few hours for the Governor to get ready, we set out in the evening with one tumbrel, containing books, papers, &c., and reached the city early next day. Saw the last of the enemy embark in their boats and put off to the shipping. An immense fleet lay in sight all day ; found the city very quiet-houses all shut up. A detachment from the army had marched the day before to take possession as soon as the English would be off. Guards stationed at proper places, and small parties, conducted by an officer, patrolled the streets. Charleston a handsome town, sit- uate on neck of land between the confluence of Ashley and Cooper rivers ; Cooper river, however, appears to be the only harbor. Town here fronts the east ; business all done on this side. Second and third day people be- gan to open their houses and show themselves, and some shops opened. Stayed a week, and returned to our old encampment.
30th. - Broke up our camp. Pennsylvanians have been reduced, by deaths, desertions, &c., and were now incorporated into one regiment of six hundred men.
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Supernumerary officers went home to their own State. Lieut .- Col. Commt. Josiah Harmar, who had acted as Adjutant-general since our junction with General Green, took command of this regiment.
Jan. 1st, 1783. - Arrived on James Island, and en- camped contiguous to a very beautiful forest of pine. Had with us one complete regiment of the Maryland line, a battalion belonging to South Carolina, (which was all the troops that State had), and six companies of ar- tillery, two of whom were from Pennsylvania, the rest from Virginia. Colonel Hamilton commandant of artil- lery. The woodland an elegant situation for hunting. Each company had its ground marked out, when the whole went to work, and in course of a week were com- pletely housed. Some of the companies had more timber upon the ground they occupied than was necessary for their huts. The infantry were in a line ; artillery in rear of right wing formed a park. The order and formation such as our encampment.
January. - Cantonment on James Island. Weather moderate. Troops employed finishing huts and opening the streets ; not a stump left. Top of timber and brush carried to certain distance, and built up in a circular line round the cantonment. This brush barrier, or fence, could not be passed without much trouble ; it served in- stead of sentinels round the camp. Openings left at particular places, where the guards or sentinels were sta- tioned. Still kept a front and rear camp guard, but the usual number lessened.
February .- Very pleasant weather for working parties;
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some appearance of spring. Officers and men all in comfortable quarters. Provisions good ; very little occa- sion for fire through the winter.
March and April. - Delightful season. James Island a little paradise-the country flat, but sandy and dry. Troops healthy. Our regiment receive new .clothing ;. officers also are furnished in Charleston with a small supply. Make a very fine appearance. Exercised often; perform the parade duties in absence of the adjutant- very fond of this. Officers go frequently to the city - police boat for that purpose; row there in half an hour. A short walk from the huts, and we have a view of Charleston, of Hadrel's Point, which is the main land east, and of Sullivan's Island, east across the channel from James Island. Visit Fort Sullivan, celebrated for the defense made against Sir Peter Parker. Curtains and embrasures faced with the cabbage tree - soft spongy wood, admirably calculated for this use. Saw where a great many shot from the British ships had en- tered the logs, but no damage done; holes almost closed up. From Sullivan's Island to Hadrel's Point was for- merly a bridge-it was burnt by the British. Fort Sul- livan still in very good condition ; but Fort Johnson, upon James Island, immediately opposite (across the channel), nearly demolished. Plenty of fish and oysters all round us, and what the folks here call stone crabs, very fine; they are like the common crab, but much larger, and soft shells. Officers in rotation dine with General Green, at his house in the city. Colonel Stew- art, of the Maryland regiment, on an excursion in the
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country, was cast from his horse into the ditch and broke his neck. Officers of the army (those on duty excepted) attended his funeral in Charleston. Preliminaries of a peace arrive. Great rejoicing-grand review-dinner -fire works, and dance at the cantonment. Ladies and gentlemen come over on this occasion from Charleston.
June 1st .- Preparations making to send home, by sea, the Maryland and Pennsylvania troops; transports want- ing. A New England brig arrives, and contracts to carry two companies. Bond's and Irwin's companies or- dered to embark. I had belonged to the latter since the action of Jamestown, when Captain Montgomery, who was wounded, returned to Pennsylvania. Had a very pleasant passage of seven days to Philadelphia, where we landed on the 15th. Mrs. Green, wife of the General, came passenger with us. Quartered in the Philadelphia barracks, along with about one hundred and fifty new raised men. Our companies of the southward appear to great advantage. The near approach of the disband- ment of the army, and a tardiness in Congress to make provision for a settlement, produced dissatisfaction among the officers in Pennsylvania, as well as among those at head-quarters. To us who were strangers in our own State, this business was unknown. About eighty men from the recruiting rendezvous at Lancaster, turned out and marched to Philadelphia without an officer ; were joined by the recruits in the barracks; marched to the State House where Congress were, frightened that body, and broke up their sitting. This proceeding took place about noon, when the officers belonging to the two com-
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panies from Charleston were at Governor Dickinson's on an invitation to dinner. The alarm reached us-hasten- ed to the barracks- long roll beat; our two companies fell in to a man; marched to the Governor's house in Market street ; several troops of militia horse paraded ; great uproar in the city. Although the insurgents had . posted sentinels round the State House, the members of Congress made out to escape, after passing a resolution to assemble at Trenton. The officers who were concerned in this business, and who had privately directed the movements, now thought of themselves; they fled and escaped in a light boat down the river ; men soon dis- persed. A few days brought General Howe from head- quarters with a brigade of light troops, for purpose of suppressing the insurrection. Most of the officers who were here previous to our arrival were arrested, and a few taken in close custody. General court martial ordered for their trial. Government were desirous of getting rid of the army in as quiet a manner as possible ; at this par- ticular period it was thought best not to be too rigid. Howe had his cue; officers released. Captain Alexander Parker (my uncle), on furlough from Lancaster, was re- turning home ; obtained leave of absence, and accom- panied him to Carlisle. Our regiment from southward not yet arrived.
Dec. 3d .- By proclamation of Congress, the American army was disbanded; a few men, under the command of a captain at Fort Pitt, excepted. A resolution soon followed for raising a regiment for the purpose of garri- soning the western posts-this regiment to consist of ten 17
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companies, portioned as follows : Pennsylvania-4 com- panies and Lieut .- Col. Commt. Jersey-1 company. New York-3 companies and a Major. Connecticut-2 companies and a Major.
1784 .- The States made the appointments in the first instance, which were confirmed by Congress. The offi- cers were all from those who had been in service. Colo- nel Harmar was in France; had been sent with the ratification of the treaty. The command of the new regiment was reserved for him, and indeed the Pennsyl- vania appointments not made until his return. Governor Mifflin at this time was President of Congress, and very popular in Pennsylvania, and Harmar's great friend ; but the Colonel's character as a military man stood high ; the regiment he brought from the southward eclipsed every thing. I was nominated by Harmar one of his en- signs ; the appointment reached me at Carlisle. As soon as they had a knowledge of my acceptance, recruiting instructions were sent me. Marched about a dozen men down to Philadelphia ; joined the camp on west side of Schuylkill. The four companies nearly full. Some time spent in equipping and exercising the recruits.
September. - Marched through Lancaster by Carlisle, &c., to Pittsburgh. Waited for the arrival of commis- sioners appointed to hold a treaty with the Indians. Treaty expected to be holden at Cuyahoga. Commis- sioners late getting out, season advanced, plan changed, and Indians invited to attend at Fort M'Intosh, about thirty miles below Fort Pitt, on bank of Ohio; to which place we repaired, and found exceeding good quarters.
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January, 1785 .- About four hundred of the Senecas, Delawares and Wyandots come in. After considerable difficulty, a treaty is agreed to, but with much reluctance on the part of the savages. Amongst the Indians are a number of women and children. The whole a very motley crew-an ugly set of devils all-very few hand- some men or women. Colonel Harmar did not join us until we reached Fort Pitt, at which place I was appoint- ed to do the duty of adjutant; this had always been favorite duty of mine.
FORT M'INTOSH, 1785 .- Winter passed away-no or- ders for marching; did expect, as soon as the season would permit, to march for Detroit. April and May de- lightful season-frequent excursions into the country - fishing and hunting. Officers visit Fort Pitt, where we left a lieutenant and thirty men. Fort Pitt and Fort M'Intosh both handsome places. Fort Pitt erected by the British long before the late war- an elegant work, regular pentagon ; vast labor and money expended here. Ditch and parapet with pickets and fencing, and every thing in the most complete order. Very considerable quantity of military stores at this place. Indians come in to trade, will get drunk - a white man killed by a drunken Indian at Pittsburgh-people rise and attempt to put the Indian to death. Express sent to Colonel Harmar at M'Intosh. I was ordered to Pitt with certain instructions to Lieutenant Ashton, who commanded there. The Indian guarded to county jail. Pittsburgh in West- moreland county. Hannahstown, about thirty miles east, the seat of justice. Cornplanter, chief of the Senecas,
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arrived at Pitt. He had signed the treaty of M'Intosh; was dissatisfied - his people reflected on him; came to revoke. Colonel Harmar was informed of this, and in- vited up to Pitt-I accompanied him. Meeting appoint- ed in the King's Orchard. Speeches on both sides taken down. Cornplanter dismissed with assurances, &c., but no revoking.
Summer nearly gone. Men have been enlisted but for one year ; orders to re-enlist for three. Of the four companies, we re-engaged seventy effective men - rest all discharged. Officers went on the recruiting service. Anxious to know how I was to be disposed of. Proper complement of officers kept for the new company. Did count upon returning over the mountains, but would have preferred remaining at Pittsburgh. Dislike the recruiting service. The new company ordered to pre- pare to embark for the Great Miami, where another treaty is intended to be held. Generals Butler and Par- sons, two of the commissioners, arrive. The party all ready to descend the river, when the Colonel instructed me to prepare and accompany them ; this to me was very unexpected. The company has its complement of offi- cers ; I was extra. Must move.
29th .- I agreed with Mr. Duncan, about the wintering of my mare; he promising to keep her safe in his meadow, while the grass continued, and charge noth- ing-but the remainder of the winter she should be well fed and kept on good hay, for thirty shillings per month. Having arranged affairs as well as the shortness of my time would afford, I set off for M'Intosh, in company
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with Mr. O'Hara, but did not arrive until the next morn- ing; the water being exceedingly low, and Mr. O'Hara so unfortunate as to run aground in the night. At ten o'clock set out on horseback for Fort Pitt to make some arrangements ; stayed one day. Found the party had sailed. A corporal and six men with small boat left for me. After receiving from the Colonel particular orders relative to myself, I embarked again with Mr. O'Hara. and in a few hours, with brisk rowing, overtook the com- missioners, who had halted at Little Beaver creek, where Captain Hutchens and several surveyors were encamped. Here we stayed some minutes. About ten o'clock at night we got to where the troops were encamped, near the mouth of Yellow Creek, 30th September, 1785. A very pretty looking company, commanded by Captain Doughty, of New York, arrived at M'Intosh the same day the other left.
Oct. 3d. - Reached Wheeling. Joined by several of the contractor's boats loaded with provisions. Our fleet now consists of twelve small keels and batteaux, besides two large flats called Kentucky boats. The flats carry cattle, horses, &c .; the others, the troops and goods for the Indians. Ohio river remarkably low - two pilots employed to keep ahead and point out the channel ; not- withstanding, some of the boats frequently ground.
8th. - Encamped opposite mouth of Little Kanahwa. My uncle, Captain Parker, owns the ground above Kanahwa; crossed over in light boat ; his improvements made just before the war scarcely visible ; place grown up; pretty tract of land. Settlement and pre-emption
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entitle him to fourteen hundred acres. Will be valuable property not long hence.
11th .- Passage very tedious ; water low and frequent interruptions ; made not more than ten and fifteen miles a day. Fine opportunity of hunting and fishing along the shore. Game plenty, particularly turkeys. Some elegant bottoms on both sides of the river ; but generally opposite the most prominent parts of the bottoms, the hill makes in and forms what is called narrows. Colonel Monroe, a member of Congress from Virginia, on a visit to Kentucky, took passage with the commissioners. Obliged to meet Congress early in October, and anxious to get on; a light boat got ready ; a sergeant, myself, a corporal and six privates, embark with the Colonel - leave the fleet, and after rowing about fifteen miles ar- rive at Great Kanahwa.
12th .- Spent this morning with Colonel Lewis, who is proprietor of the place. Several families reside with him on the point-it is a very pretty situation. Set out about eleven o'clock; kept half our crew at the oars all night.
13th .- In the evening passed the Three Islands; nar- row channel here; Indian crossing place. Frequent at- tacks on boats at this place; saw nothing; arrived safe at Limestone, late.
14th. - Colonel Monroe having procured horses to carry him to Lexington, left me at ten o'clock. Nothing remarkable here; place only settled this spring; indif- ferent kind of folks. This is said to be the best and nearest landing place to Lexington - if so, it will in a short time become of some importance.
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18th .- Fleet arrive-make a short halt and pass on. I follow in my light boat; encamp early in the evening; men cook provisions for next day.
22d .- Arrive at the Great Miami. Best ground for our station about a mile above the mouth, where the boats were brought and every thing unloaded. All hands set to work chopping, clearing, &c., and preparing timber for block-houses and pickets ; and on the 8th instant had ourselves inclosed. Hoisted the United States flag, and christened the place Fort Finney, in compliment to Cap- tain Finney, the commanding officer. Our work is a square stockade fort ; substantial block-houses, two stories, twenty-four by eighteen feet in each angle ; cur- tains one hundred feet of stout pickets, four feet in the ground, and nine feet above; situate one hundred and fifty yards from the river, on a rising second bank. A building, eighteen by twenty feet, within the east and west curtains, for the accommodation and reception of contractors' stores and Indian goods ; and one small, but strong building, centre of north curtain, for magazine. A council house, twenty by sixty, detached, but within gun shot. Commissioners and their followers pitch their tents within the fort, and erect wooden chimneys. Sea- son very favorable, but growing cool. Men employed finishing the block-houses, and clearing off the timber and brush to some distance outside.
Nov. 13th .- Corporal Thompson arrived with his boat, in company with General Parsons, one of the commis- sioners.
24th .- Messengers who set out from Pittsburgh to the
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