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Lynn in the Revolution |
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A Very Special Thanks To The Lynn Public Library
For The Use Of This Important
Resource. |
"The following account is not Written But little grammatical but simple and plain, not gitting much learning in former Days as children do now. H. H."
A NARRATIVE OF HENRY HALLOWELL, OF LYNN, RESPECTING THE REVOLUTION IN 1775, 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, TO JANUARY 17, 1780.
PREVIOUS to going into the Continental Army
I was six months in 1775 under the command of Harris Chadwell, of Breed's End, Lynn, guarding our sea coasts. The British Army being in Boston We kept a watch at the gate leading to Nahant and at the marsh below Shepard street and at Newhall's Landing, so called. On Sundays people carried there guns to meeting and Lodged them in the porch in service.was so active got recommended and was commissioned as
2d. Lieut. and was in the campaign of 1776.
In 1775
Col. Mansfield and Col. Gerish was broach for laying with their regiment at
Cable hill while the people were suffering at Bunker hill the day it was taken,
June 17, 1775. The same summer Capt. Lindsey, of Lynn was broke for misconduct -
him that was called money maker Lindsey - and Daniel Galeucia his Lieut. took
the command as Captain.
About the time of my six
months was out in guarding the seacoast I inlisted for one year and joined Col.
Hutchingson Regt. the first day of January 1776 at Winter Hill, so called, west
of Bunker hill, and in Capt. Ezra Newhall's company and Did Duty in the Ranks
that year. Our Army lay at Winter Hill, plowed hill, Prospect hill, Cable hill,
Cambridge and Roxbury, and soon got to Dochester hills. On the last named hills
we placed hogsheds of stone and other stuff if in case of an attack to let them
Down in order to Brake the British ranks but had no occasion.
Some of our men made a fire in the night on the
side of Dochester hill and while by the fire they threw a ball from Boston and
killed some of the men, the effects I saw next morning.
A party of our men went in the Night to the foot of
Bunker hill and set fire to some houses and Brought off some prisoners, part of
them I saw; among them was a woman and husband.
A
part of our regiment was some time in the colleges at Cambridge. The enemy would
throw shot and shell both day and night. We built a fort at Lechmere point in
the winter of 1775 and very cold winter it was. Old
[ 150 ]
general Putnam commanded the army for Genl.
Washington had not got here, and General Putnam gave out word that when Charles
river was so strong as to bear him and men across he ment to pay the enemy a
visit, which was in Boston. One day when we were fortifying I left the fort and
when I had got to the edge of the river I got in company with two men, tho
strangers. We soon agreed to try the river. The method we took was a rock which
we would throw before us and so would follow it and when we had got near to the
channel to try it, there appeared about fifty British and begun to fire at us
and their balls fell by our heads and legs. The river being ruff I got
twenty-four in all and we got about eighty and carried them on shore and were
all called Brave fellows. And not long after I went home and was reprimanded by
my friends for my conduct but kept eight balls for years.
And as our army had got almost around Boston they
left it in the night of the 17th of March 1776 and not Long after got to New
York and joyned genl. Clinton. But left some ships and small craft in Nantasket
road. Next day the 18th of March our regiment went into Boston and made up of
their barracks stoves and beer they left. One time I made a search in their
cabins to see what I could find and found one silver dollar and two others was
found by my mate. Next day another search was made I found a raiser and one man
found a gun or small arm.
When we lay at Winter
hill there was a house which stood Between Winter hill and Bunker hill; in order
to save the house for our guards our folks almost did cover sd. house with turf
and gravil so that the enemy could
[ 151 ]
not Beat it Down with their Balls. Before the
British left Boston they threw a shot and took an Adjts. head of as I am
informed.
While they lay in Boston a man of theirs
came so near our lines got shot by our folks and Burried in such a manner as to
see his red coat. Another time while in Boston they threw a shell and Broak on
the ground and made a large hole. Before it reached our Works myself alone got
over the Breastwork and went some rods to the hole. Just as I had got there they
threw a cannon ball and just cleared me and went over the Brestwork and took a
man's both legs off as I understood. We often threw our balls into Boston.
Another time I was centinel over our grounded arms. While the party was
fortifying they threw a cannon ball and struck the ground Near me and I got sd.
ball and sold it for a shilling.
Another time they
threw a Shell into one of our forts and ript up the platform where a Cannon
stood. A sentinel was on sd. platform and not killed. While the British was in
Boston they Deprived the inhabitants of all their guns the ruins I saw in the
old State House and likewise took up the pews in one meeting house to train
their horses in.
There ships lay in Nantaskett road
and our general not being satisfied to see them there sent hundreds of us in the
Night in flat bottom boats to Drive them off accordingly we went our oars all
muffeled and landed on Nantasket hill. Previous to this Capt. Manley, or
Mugford, sent in a prize through the gut so called at plesent point with a large
quantity of powder, etc. Sd. ship got aground and for fear of their barges
myself and hundreds saved the ship and cargo and a Very great prize for us.
[ 152 ]
But respecting their ships in Nantasket road, we lay
in readiness untill Day brake and then begun to throw our cannon ball and cut
away their rigin. The ships very quick got under way but set fire to some of
their small craft, but we soon cleared the road. But they sent a Boat after they
got out and Blew up the lighthouse this I saw.
Not
long after the ship Capt. Mugford took was fixed under British colors and placed
in sd. Nantasket rd. and a Number of their transports that was coming to Boston
was made prizes to our people a number of British men was taken prisoners. We
staid in Boston and round there and repaired the craft but found the cannon
disarmed 42 pounds and a number of smaller ones their arms off.
In the summer of 1776 our troops left Boston and
round there and set out for New York and went to Norwich then went on by water through
hell's gate and our regiment stayd. in New York one night and went on to fort
Independence and soon got to fort Washington. A battle was fought between fort
Washington and New York and our regt. went to reinforce and just as we got to the
Battle ground it ended. One man by the name of Bowden was killed. A Lynn man as
I was informed - he belonged to another regiment. While we lay there our
folks sent a fire ship towards New York to set fire to their shipping the men on
board to swim on shore
very much surprised But it turned out was
our men in order to Duble the guard the Like I never knew before or since. The
British ships would pass by fort Washington up the North river and although we
sunk vessels and shevorde freses so called could not stop them. Our gallies and
general Washington's barge had to flee from the wharf up before these ships to
prevent Being taken and run the galleys on shore. But one day we saw the barge
coming back supposed her to be a British barge I was ordered with a party to
place ourselves near the shore allloded to stop said barge and just about to
fire Capt. Knox's Artilery threw a shot from the fort and killed several of our
own men them I saw which was a sorrowful sight.
While we lay at Fort Washington the plan of the fort was missing and conveyd to
the enemy as was thought by the waiter a Black man to the Ingenear of the fort.
Sd. black man was put under guard and was sentenced to rec. 10 lashes a Day
untill he owned were it was. He was placed on his belly stretched out to four
stakes his hands and feet on the ground. I have stood by and see the Blood run
on the grass he had not been punished I suppose more than a week before the fort
was taken But he pled not guilty. I never saw more of him. On the eastern part
of sd. fort was a great gully and at the head of sd. gully we had large cannon.
This part of sd fort was called the weakest part and as there troops come up
this Narrow place our men with those heavy cannon cut as I was informed Lains
through their ranks, but it was said the men at the cannon got all killed. The
loss of our men there 2448. But before the fort got taken most of our regiment
got sent over the river to fort Lee
[ 154 ]
and to releave those at fort Washington once a week and when
the week ended myself and others was prepared to go over to releave about
sunset, But was ordered to the tents to be ready at a minutes warning. What
hindered us from going I never knew. Next
morning the fort was taken and some of our Lynn men got taken and carried to
York as prisoners and stayd there about six months and sent home on parole. The
same day the British took the fort they moved up the river to cut general
Washington and his men off. Then we at fort Lee had in great haste to flee and
left cannon, a mortar, some clothes and some money, etc. and there being a small
river northwest of the North River and a bridge over it, before we passed sd.
bridge we made a stand to engage them. Myself with others put on a second shirt,
not knowing but we must throw off our packs in an engagement, but they would not
advance towards us. Then we took up the sd. bridge and went on but our case
looked dismul and then about thirty of us was sent back in order to save some
guards if possible that was left some way off when we left the fort. Accordingly
we went down some miles and then with a boat got a part of sd. guards across sd.
river. I had spoak for a meal of victuls of the Inhabitants, being very much
wore out, But before I got it we was directed by one of our light horse men to
flee or we should be cut off. Accordingly about thirty in all took to a swamp
& could not get through by reason of a
running crick. We found a dead man in sd. swamp and James Ramsdell of Lynn we
lost in the swamp. But he got to camp again finally. We had to finally come out
by the place we went in by - then it was candle light and that pestered us. The
enemy was in a large
[ 155 ]
gully and their lights was
burning. We consulted each other But very still. Some moved to go to them But
others said No, But on the whole we movd. on and soon came to a town where part
of the British was but very luckily we saw a man who was a friend tould what
street to take to clear them & soon got through the town not taken,
and travild on to about midnight and Being much Exuasted myself and one more so
failed we took to a stack of fodder. The others movd. on, But the Main body was
miles ahead and while we lay in sd stack the enemy light horse men as we
concluded passing by and a great fright it was to us for we thought we were
gone. But it turned out we got to the main Body that Day, they being halted.
Washington and we saw a trying scene thus for us all. We soldiers had but little
time to eat or sleep. One time we borrowd a large iron kittle & put in it
about a quarter of beef for our camp, while I stood over it. We were soon
obliged to leave it and it seemed to me as if I for one must starve.
Soon after fifty of us under the command of a captain was
called for by Washington to scuttle all the botes & Vessels in a river near where we
lay. According we took axes and performed sd. duty except one which was sunk.
Notwithstanding they drove us all to the town of
Trenton in great haste and there I got sick with a fever and in a house lay on
the floor were all the company was and after that I got into the garret, where I
lay until two men by order of general Putnam took me down to a sloop that was
taking in sick and put me in the hole which was full, and one Died that lay by
me and was burried.
Scores of us were sent to Philadelphia & six
men of Lynn was put into a house that a tory had left and three
[ 156 ]
of sd. men died in that city, Ralph Lindsey, David
Newman and Ephraim Twist. But myself, Stephen Coats and Chas. Florence was
raised up again, although myself was so low the Doctor gave me a dose to kill or
help me in two hours I was informed after I got to walk the room. I heard an
officer say that twenty-five from the general ospittle was burried in a Day.
While I was in Phila. Washington took near a thousand of germans holding Christmas eve at Trenton. But
respecting my sickness twas in November and December and my Lodging a hard floor
and long nights & no Nurse at first and nothing more than the continental
allowance for We went so sudden to that city small preparation was made for
sick. But providential two women called at the door and found us in poor
condition that they went home and sent us sugar & tea and a long narrer bed to rest our heads and shoulders
on. My being sick a long time and no clothes to shift for we found our Clothes
that year ourselves I got very lowsy and flesh much gone. But soon after my time
was out which ended Decr. 31,1776, myself, Charles Florence and Stephen Coats
left me, so all was parted. But in a short time I moved on as strength was given
me and passing a house a woman spoke to me to help Layout a soldier that had
died there. But I passed along not being acquainted with such things,
& Begd on my way home people generaly was very kind But some
was afraid of me. The people was willing to let me lay by the fire or on wheat
straw; on my way I would have gone into a house but they refused my going in But
brought me to the Barn some broth thicknd with cabbage. One day I got lost in
the jerseys the road being poor and wandering about
[ 157 ]
I at last came to a house and opened the door
without knocking and there Lay a woman sick with the small pox. They earnestly
requested me to go on and soon found the road the red flag flying. My not having
that disorder I was careful what I
eat for 14 days, But altho many died on their way
home I by the providence of god was
preserved and when I got so near home as
Chelsea there came a rain from south east and as I had no hat but an old military cap the rain run down my
body and I was very sore by reason of Lice.
I stopd at Decon Sargent's Barn and formed
me a collar of dry seaweed & put it
round my neck to keep me more comfortable. Altho I frightened horses that I met that evening after twenty-seven days got home and my friends
put my old clothes in a swamp at Wood end & I got through
many trying scenes that year 1776.
Notwithstanding
my sufferings was so great and at times at home very hardI by my captain and others was
persuaded to inlist again Which I did on the
lOth of March, 1777, which was for three years and soon went to Sewell's point
not far from Boston. I had small pox by
inoculation & paid the cost rather than
to go to camp and have it there free from Expence. Soon after I got well set off as a waiter to Major Newhall who had
been my captain in 1776. When I got to
Worcester the Lieut. Col was arrested for making paper money as I was informed and Major Newhall took his place
& Capt. Allen was appointed major. By
accident Major Allen got killed at Northampton While at home on furlough as
I was informed by hunting, with his
neighbors. I left Worcester and went to the Northward and there found
the regt having the small pox by inoculation and
[ 158 ]
one John Hunt a Lynn man died by
it although sd Hunt had been a nurse before. Soon after that the regt went
on to Albany - half moon so called - and to Stillwater and fort
Edward & fort Milton so called and there we found some men who had
fled from Ticontiroga. They brought word that the British Army was coming and it
soon prov true and they soon appeared and soon genl. Gates and all of us had to
flee and the Inhabitants also. Thr British had with them many wild savige Indins
who killed a Number of our men they keep in there front and Did us great damage.
While we lay near West Point general Wain took
Stoney point in the Night on surprise and found some of the American deserters
and without Judge or Jury hung them up on trees as we were informed. A small
part of our regt was there. A man of ours was walking with an Ax on his shoulder
and fell and cut a cord in his Neck& Bled to Death. I was with him one night.
While at the Northward in 1777 Near fort Edward my
colonels horse was put out between our lines and there lines and I was ordered
to git him to camp and on my way to the field he had got out, had I gone to the
fieldI m ight have lost
my life for their Indins killed a Number on guard near sd field.
Soon after that our army had to retreat for that
Army Drove not only us But the Inhabitants who left horses cows hogs Paltry& c. and our
officers gave us liberty to take what we could keep. The Colonels mess had a
good cow for some days and then Indans came on us and killed some men of ours
and had to retreat again. While we had the Cow we made her fast at night to the
tail of our Waggon she fell on the Way and got spoilt
[ 159 ]
& lost sd cow. Some one killed a hog which I see and sd hog I
judged would have weighed 300 But lay spoiling I also saw 13 quarters of beef
spoilt By the heat and carelessness.
While in the
service I waited on Col Newhall rising two year then did duty as privet as
corporl& Orderly
Sargent and last of Duty as steward of a Company. The colonl offered me warrant
as sargent if I would reinlist during the war But refusd.
Lieutenant Corey of our Brigade while on his way as
a Deserter to the Enemy got stopt by our men and Brought Back and put under
guard but what became of him I dont remember, and a brother of his an Ensign, a
free Mason, he conducted so bad that he was disowned by the Lodge as we were
informd. After fort Stanox was taken by the Americans three hundred of Indins
that had been fighting against us come and joyned our general Gates. Myself
alone Being out of camp in the Country came across them. I had my fears of being
killed or taken not knowing anything of it, But when I spoke to them in there
language I soon found them friendly. My fears then left me and after they got to
our camp there was great sculping on the side of the British and ours. I was at
the house where Jenny McCrea Livd and Saw at home an old Lady. Twas near fort
Edward were our army lay But she and the old Lady past through our lines to go
to the British and on there way Burgoynes Indins killd her and not hurt the old
lady as we were informed and sculpt Jenny and killed one of our Lieuts and some
soldiers. The soldiers were burried in the woods and our folks got her body and
the Officer and brought into camp and both Burried accord-
[ 160 ]
ing to the honors of war. Myself and many hundred
attended the funeral and a solemn time it was.
There Indins killd some of our solders When on Sentry and killd some of our
bakers while making bread. They fired into camp and we had to retreat again and
Retreated to Saratoga and after more force came in we made a Stand, But the
Indins on both sides Dayly was sculping. I saw many sculps they brought in on
our side for the Indins would call at Col Morgans for rum and I by the Cols
orders would deal it out to them for their Bounty was Rum.
Burgoynes Indins killed a woman and five children
But there father got out of his Window and made his escape lie died since as I
read in the Newspapers rising a hundred and the case of his family was mentioned
in the newspaper.
We had in a house up chamber a
Small guard. An Indin of the res got within gunshot and fird into the Window it
being open and killed one of the guard But before he got far the guard fired and
killd him. His body was given to our Indins and they took of his sculp and Drest
it with the hair still on and hung it up on a pole in general Larneds Brigade,
on a pole about 20 feet for a flag But would strike the flag at Night this they
Did for days.
An Indin of Ours Drew provision with
us in the Morning But was so unfaithful was caught Before night in firing
against us on the British side. There Indins killd Col Alden of our Brigade at
Cherry Valley so called and a number of his guard that was with him and carred
of his major as we were informed. The Indins killd Col Nixons horse When on sd
horse sd Nixon was also of our Brigade.
[ 161 ]
Our Indins took a man alive
and While passing me they were Stabing the poor man in the face Which caused me
to feel for him But had to say Nothing, But I see the blood running But what
became of him I cannot tell. Our Indians brought in two men at another time and
gave out Word that they would Burn them to Death. I got up in the Night with
others to see the sight. We placed ourselves so as the Indins could not see us
But saw a great fire and the prisoners But the general caused them to be taken
from them altho they suffered much. Those Indins killed an officer while at a
spring and Shot a solder through his neck, him I see but I think he dyed Aaron
Nurse of Lynnfield was one of the three, sd Aaron made his escape by giting into
a large hollow Log the sd Indins went over the Log as I hear him say.
Another time the Indans killd a number of men one
morning so that We had to flee. While at the North a man had by the Indans a
Ball lodgd in his pack but hurt not the man. Another time the Indans shot a
solders great toe off Which caused him to make a great Adeu But the solders
black garded him for such a trifle. The Indins proved the worst of men.
One time
while our Army was on the move myself with about six others were passing a
house. The man stood on the step of his door who Spoke to us saying the men
Ahead had carried off all his pigs. On that we told him we saw the sow and
part of pigs go behind his house, on that he left the door and very soon we
heard guns & some of the
men went to see What happnd & soon found the man shot through and
Being on the Bank of a small River We took the man and family down stream But he
Dyed next morning. He said torys shot him, he was an inhabitant.
[ 162 ]
But after great Destruction by the
Indans the British general and genl Gates agreed to put a stop to all sculping
for great havock was made on both sides that both armys grew more less. Another
time our folks thought fit to give the Enemy a few shot and myself was looking
on. They returned the fire and took one of our mens head off and then both stopt
firing, the mans brains I saw. While there four of us were ordered to go Back
towards there lines to get grass for our horses with knives, ill a place that
was Dangerous & While there a part of us placd ourselves on stumps of trees
while the others werec uting, But succeeded to get Back
safe.
Respecting being lowsey Colo. Newhall
observed one time it was Difficult for him to keep clear of them for they
likt clean clothes. Six of our regt lived together called the Lowsey Mess. One
day there tent took fire and it was Judgd the aforesaid lost there Lives at that
time. I heard of an officer dining with genl Washington. While siting at the
generals table a Lous appeared on one of sd officers ruffels, on that the
officer put it back in his bosom with orders not to leave head quarters again.
One Night in winter time lodging was so poor that in the morning was all snow by
reason of a Driving snow storm.
A singular case
took place by a man by the name of Barker. He was a tory and left his family
with his neighhors and went to New York. Not long after the Enemy Drove us from
a town calld Coldbrook and Barker came home and was Determined to have
revenge on one of his Neighbors. This Neighbor got some notice of it and he and
his wife fled about half a mile to a poor place by reason of Poverty. He and his
wife while lay-
[ 163 ]
ing by the fire Barker with a
gang surrounded sd house and swore he would have the husbands heart blood, on
that the man took to the Chamber for fear But Barker followed him and killed him
dead, and after the Enemy & Barker returned to York. I thought I would go and see where
he was killed and got from the man of the house the Information what distress
they saw. Respecting soldiers too generally they Would for choice reather go to
Battle than to here preaching, and but few religious men in camp. Some would
lye, some would steal, git drunk, break open around, steal money from a man's
desk and fether bed. And as to women would live with a man as Long as Both could
agree and then would soon find another mate.
Respecting battles at the North the first was fought on the 19th of Sept. 1777
and a bloody time it was and our regt broke their ranks and went to Plundering
the Dead, and after it was over our head Colnl Rufus Putnam who was of
Brookfield gave strict orders that in case of another battle he would take the
life of anyone of his regt if he found them to do the like again. A great number
of our wounded lay by fires on the cold ground all night. Reuben Dunnell, a Lynn
man, I saw the next morning wounded with a Large Number but never saw him
afterwards. I saw a young man who was shot through both nose and eyes, he was
then alive. The enemy took a captain of ours who was mortaly wounded and put him
in a barn between the Lines. We could hear him cry bitterly but what became of
him I never knew. Twas thought the enemy ment to take our men, Whoever came to
take the Captain away.
The 2d battle was on tbe
7th. Oct. same year and
[ 164 ]
Many lost their Lives there and I
heard an officer say his Company left 17 men in one of these Battles. Our folks
took some heavy cannon from them and the Enemy retook them again and our men
took them Back and I found in the mouth of one of them Live powder about one
pound and took it to my Quarters - it seems the Last Cartridge got broke. But
after the Battle We put there Army to flight and entering there works there
stood a german on his post as a sentnal. Our Adgt called on one of his men to
shute him down. Accordingly the poor man lost his life and the officers
reprimanded him for such conduct. But sd Adgt made light of it. Then We as a
flying camp pressed them and they being in great haste Left behind there sick in
there hospitals to Our mercy and some of them I saw and we followed hard after
them and took a Capt. and fifty men, a baggage guard and in that plunder we took
Burgoynes Marquee and I with the officers Livd in it for some time. I got for
myself a great coat Which did me much good of the plunder. The road being poor
their horses failed and Died on the road and they left on sd road a Waggon of
small arm cartridges and Wheels of a cannon, the cannon was found afterwards as
I understand and when they had got to a Village they set it on fire and we found
it burning.
And they got across Scylers Mills creek
and got on a hill which proved their last stand, and while they lay on sd hill
our general reinforced from many quarters and almost surrounded them, and there
being high mountains round them We threw our shot into there camp, so that there
general requested a cessation of arms for three days and it was granted. We sent
in three flags
[ 165 ]
of truce so called, But yet they
would not give up, the mean while we heard that Genl Clinton at New York
Dispached a Large Body of men that was coming up the North river to place us
between two fires. On that our general got determined to put them all to the
sword. On one morning our army was ordered to go on and our Brigade marched to
the fore mentioned creek. Before we entered the water my conl Dismounted his
horse and ordered me on the bank to take care of his horse untill further
orders. Then our folks entered the water and while crossing sd creek the enemy
on their hill kept firing and they only wounded two of our folks for they
overshot our people and the Balls flew by me in such a manner While I stood on
the bank every minute expected to be killd. While standing there an officer
ordered me with the horse from that spot, But before I left a Doctor of theres,
a deserter calld on me to know where headquarters of ours were. I soon on that
showed him and he left me. But the orders of taking them was countermanded and
the Brigade crossed back. Both my colonels observed that one Ball likt to struck
his leg in the water.
By some means we lost Sargent
Colson by Being taken that time But got him back after they Surrendered. To say
something of there giving up, Burgoyne agreed to lay down his arms in good order
but provd otherwise. But when they came out it was to us a splendid sight. First
Burgoyne and his generals, Next graneders, Light Infintry, Artilery, common
battelons and last of all the germans and a glad day for them for they was
pleased But the British seemed quite cross. But Birgoyne and his generals Dind
together with genl gates on a small
[ 166 ]
hill, there being awning taken from vessels placed some l ike a marquee.
In the afternoon
same day our army marched with them sd afternoon and all that night down towards
Albany. Then by lot general Glover of Marblehead with his Brigade guarded that
army Down to Cambridge and soon our regt went to Albany for winter quarters and
in that city was three hundred prisoners of war taken before there army gave up.
In the city great Mischief was done. One circumstance was one Capt. Twogood
commanded the Main guard and it being a Very Cold Day he found one solder to have his Mittens
on. On that he ordered them off of one Thomas Taylor and he not willing to obey
sd captain began to ratin him. On that sd Taylor clubbed his peace and sunk the
stock in the captains head and he fell. Sd. Capt. was carried out of the city I
think he died, and the solder was confined and by the Court Marshell sentcd to
receive five hundred Lashes one hundred a morning till it was through. I saw
Tailor after that and he appeared on the Decline But finaly got better and run
away and left them. Another solder of our regt Shot a Black woman in such a
manner that her life was in Despair But think she lived. A Black girl stole her
Masters Briches for one of those three hundred prisoners above mentioned, a
white man, and her Master causd her to be whipt at the Public whiping Post and I
see the stripes Laid on .
Towards spring of 1778 we
left Albany and Went more toward New York on the North River. One time myself
and five others with a Corpral had the care of a blacksmiths traviling forge on
wheels, taken from the British at Saratoga and we could get no provisions for
Near a
[ 167 ]
week, the mean time I was almost starvd tho I got a meal out of
a barrel of hogs swill of one of the inhabitants. At length sd corporal got a
Due Bill and sould it for money unbenown to us and got a furlough home to old
Derry and never saw him afterwards.
One of our men
was killd by Lightning and about twenty wounded Near West point. After that we
moved more towards New York to a town calld Cold brook. While there some British
light horse came to us, the men I saw & also the horses. But soon the enemy
drove us from there and killd Barretts cows and Distroyed his fether beds Where
we had lived as I was informed.
One morning our
folks took an old man prisoner who was once a Lord in England and gave him some
breakfast. One of there Barges in the Night Near a town called Sing Sing was
Landing were we had a guard unbenown to them, the guard took part of them that
had landed but the Barge got away, part of them I saw. On one of our movements
Mrs. Brunson who had a husband and children in camp with us Was on a march there
came a heavy rain and this family got into a Very leaky Barn and in the Night
was taken ill and sent for our Doctor. According he went and in the Barn another
child was Born. But what was singular she sent to the Colnl for a glass of Rum
for a Morning Dram Which I deliverd. The Doctor observd she had suffered much.
One time I was at a house and saw a man with an uncommon Beard. In asking why he
wore so long a Beard his answer was Because the solders had stole his rasor and
seemed much put out. A man of ours for breaking the Marshall law had to ride a
sharp rail and two men carrying him one at each end of sd rail and two men
[ 168 ]
carrying him one at each side of sd
rail and many other ways Disobedient men was punishd. The poor fellow rode very
uneasy. A waiter one time that livd in the tent with me Went out into the Bushes
and found a dead British solder and took off his red coat and Brought it to Camp
and Wore sd coat when in camp. A man of ours while going to cut timber having on
his sholder an ax fell and cut the cord of his Neck. I myself with others set with him in the Night But the poor man
Bled to Death. In our company was four Negros Namd Jeptha Ward, Job Upton,
Duglass Middleton and Pomp Simmons and part of them calld on me after there time
was out they had been good solders.
The Adjutant of
our Regt. one time on our march jumpt over into a mans garden to steal fruits
& c. the men followed him like Sheap, the Colonel found it out and put sd
officer under an Arrest and not Blamd the men that followed him. One time the sd
Adjutant was floging a solder in such a manner my fears was he would kill the
man, on that I Begd heartily for him and by that means the officer forbair
floging him. My living in the same mess with the officer think it had some good
effect. To accommodate us they would have one man to Preach in English they
themselves was Duch tho not constant and when a note was to be read the Decon
with a small pole with a spear on one end would hand it up to the minister. And
when a collection was made would reach a file with a silk small bag on one end
from Seat to seat and at a Funeral would ring a bell. A curious house I saw
there with winding stairs which a man might safely go up But very great
Difficulty could get Down. These I tryd.
[ 169 ]
In the city a german officer was
Burried and at the grave the minister while performing the service had in his
hand a very little spade and while praying or reading he kept the gravel going
slowly on the coffin, the like I never saw before. While in Albany the major
tould the colonel he ment to kill a deer altho the colonel doubted it. One
morning about Sunrise the major called to me to go to the door and Bring in from
the horse one. Though I doubted it I went and found one and we had Venison.
While in that city two Indian chiefs Lodgd where we livd over Night Bound to
headquarters, they appeared very friendly. While in that city I made some shoes
with two British prisoners, they thretened to fight me again after they got
exchangd but observed to them I hoped war would soon end. I saw in Albany a
black man and woman fighting, the man with an ax the woman with a broom and we
had some trouble to part them &
also saw two women fighting and they fit like hearty fellows.
One time in returning from the country I fell in
with five young women Bound to camp. She that led of was riding a horse as men
ride But still kept her sitting& 4 following after, but soon left them and saw part of them
next day in our Brigade.
The Enemy one time sent a
Sloop up the North River a flag and we put on Board three men to see that good
order was there. They waid ancor and carried the men to York and our general
demanded them again.
Jacob Davis, who once lived in
Lynn, lost his life while standing by the Armours vice. In the vice was a gun
the armour was filling and being loded She took fire and shot him through the
body. I was with him all
[ 170 ]
night before he died, he stated he had been
shot through before at Bunker Hill in 1775. Ebenezer Williams that once lived at
Woodend with Joshua Collins was under the sentence of death for Deserting and
Never saw them since. One time while in the country I put up at a house over
Night and the man of the house was sick, about mid Night I was calld on to go in
a heavy snow storm for a mid wife for his wife, according I went about half a
mile & got the Womanhelp, they thankd me and gave me lodging supper and
breakfast and then was informed that a child was born.
By general Washington's order I was with a party of
200 men in Building a Bridge. The head officers was Colol Carlton and Colol
Newhall of Lynn and some of the party was whipt for stealing and after that the
party was ordered to fire there volleys of powder on the 17th of Oct. 1778, it
being the Day of the month the Northern army gave up, and while Adjnt Tucker of
Gloucester was giving the word to fire one of the fellows twas thought that had
been whipt tho not known, fird a ball and insted of killing Tucker the Dog was
killed that stood by him. It was judgd he ment Tucker for sd Tucker was the man
to see the stripes laid on.
While in camp my Pocket
Book was stole and papers and my hard money about $1.50 which I set much by and
never got it again, it seamd the soldiers thought But little of a Future state
altho much exposd.
While in camp I was directed to
go to East point before general Washington and git of him an order to Draw some
money at the office there, accordingly I went and got the order and money. An
other time and others was ordered to go and take a stack of wheat from an
inhabi-
[171]
tant for our horses. The man was
angry and threatened to have us before a justice observing his family was in
want of it, altho it hurt my feelings We had to take it.
One time my self and hundreds left
our tents as a flying camp before the Northern army Was taken and had to lay
five Nights successively on the ground in the month of October. But had a large
tree standing over our heads. We have had several times to march all Night.
Another time the Enemy threw a Cannon Ball and took a mans head off; the Body
our folks took away But the brains was left on the spot, myself and two others
took into our hands sd Brains to have that sayd. Another time I saw a man hung
for a crime in the fore part of the Day and he hung untill Near Sun set in order
twas said to strike a Dread to Bad men. Another time I went to see a Number of
poor men in prison and some confind to the flore condmd to Die, they appeard as
sollem as the grave. I think they was reading the Bible & other good books, it was to me a
sollem sean.
While I have Been Traviling
I have left Blood on the snow by reason of poor Shoes and stockings.
I saw twenty four germans and one British officer
all Dead laying in a spot that our folks took off the Battle ground at Saratoga.
The wounded we took of theres was sent by our general out to the Country and a
British Doctor was permitted to pass through our Camp to those wounded men, him
I saw on a horse Blind folded a man leading the horse.
Another time the Enemy from their Vessels Landed
near Things ferry on the jersey side Where hundreds of us lay. We all formed a
line for a Battle But standing there for them to advance some time there Came a
Very
[ 172 ]
heavy showr of Rain and put it Back. The Damage they Did was
Burning some Building and carried off a quantity of Shad and took to there
vessels.
Colonel Newhall of Lynn and a Colol from
Salem by order of general Washington with two hundred of us Built a Bridge
across a river in Connecticut. The Salem Colol Lost his fether bed by the
British at the Northward and in order to spite them asI heard him
say he Never would sleep again in a fether bed while in the Army But Slept in a
Bunk and Colol Newhall slept in a Live fether Bed in the same room that I
often made, he was a singular man. While we lay in
Albany I have seen some of the British White men Who was taken
prisoners before there Army gave up Bound out of the city in a Double Slay load
with all Black girls as a party of pleasure. One time at the Northward our men
took a Bear from the Enemy altho the Bear was not willing to
yield.
Another timeI saw a young
man hung where hundreds had to be present and among the rest a Brother of his
had to be their Which to me Seemed hard and al tho Wicked as the men Were
I found a great many was effected.
Another circumstance was two of the Serjents of our Regt was caught in Dressing
a calf that they stole from an inhabitant, they Both were confind under guard
and tryd by a court Marshall and sentencd and each of them recd. fifty stripes
and placd in the ranks to remain soldiers.
I have seen pretty young men Whipt
a Number of times for Breaking the Marshall law they being ignorant of its
strickness and being out for a Short time in Camp and Set on by the old
Continentals. Two men stole a sheep, before they got her skin off they had to
carry sd
[
173 ]
Sheep through the camp made fast to
a long pole, the Drums Beating the rogues March and scores of men looking on.
A soldier of our Regt By the
name of Joplin met in the Street in Albany two British Sargents and the sd
joplin being a nasty small hump Back fellow, these British Sargents look very
Neat and Clean & to take him off Calld on joplin to know how many regulars
he had killd, his answer to them was many Better looking fellows than they, on
that they left him, he was counted a good soldier. A man Who had Just shavd an
officer went on guard and soon was killd by Indins. In traviling I went to a
house with soar feet and Stopt a Day or two and made the woman of the house a
pair of shoes & made welcome. A man at West point got Bit by a rattlesnake
Which put him in great Distress But cannot tell whether he livd. Respecting
Religion It was at a Very low Ebb in our Land and also in camp much Lower. In
the years service a religious man offerd to pray Dayly in our company and
accordingly Did for a short time But was put by officers and soldiers not
willing to Attend. But in the three years service one Mr Smith acted a chaplain
for our Brigade and a good Preacher. One sermon was from St. Luke, 3 chap 14
verse, that soldiers do violence to no man Nor accuse any falsely But be Content
with there Wages, altho he held to the idea of Wages being made Better many was
angry at what he said on that point. I took with me a Bible in the three years
service But by some means it got over board in the North river altho it was in
the colonels Chest and this gave joy to some soldiers But I got it again.
Colonel Carn mentioned before Was a very profain
[174 ]
Laim old man Near 60 years. His feet that he first had
he stated he turned into the continentle store and made a Bad Bargain by giting
them. He had them and was determined not to change them more, But make them
last.I livd in a house with him, he had one
Nathaniel Needham his waiter, But a near sighted man, faithful tho slow. The old
man often calld on me to Wait on him. One time he ordered me to git his horse
and go and git a quantity of Eggs into the country and reather than to fail to
go to heavens gates and tell st Peter it was his orders that he send him some.
I set off and caIld at many houses and got
some and returned and brought home to the old man, it was Late in the Season But
I returned that Day.
While at the Northward among many that was there We
saw a soldier who twas thought to be a Woman by the Speach and looks ButI
never knew what the soldier was. One time I
called at a house to git supper, the family had
hastipuden we call it. But in some places I have been they calls it mush, others supon. I
was asked which I choose sweet milk or sower. I answered sweet and among the family one woman for choice
chose hogs fat this I saw and she ate it with a relish.
Another timeI saw in
a house a child in the cradle it eyes filld with snuff in great Distress.
While in the army I have been a number of times out into the country for officers
Who furnish me with a horse for cartin things and had an opportunity to see the
Ways and manners of the people.
One time it
happened our officers Was gone, some on
Duty and some on furlow. An inspection of the
company and regt was to be made and I was Directed to
[ 175 ]
make out the rool. Accordingly I
stated that such of the o:fficers as Were absent, where they was and as to the
men on guard, Some on furlows, some sick & c. and made out our number and
placd myself on the right of the company and handed to the inspector sd return
an it readly past tho I was only a soldier, But acted as orderly
sergent.
I have lain all Night in the Low Bushes and
made a Booth of them over my head by Drawing them together to keep off the
Dampness of the Night, where many rattle Snakes livd and not got bit.
A head Colol and his Lieut. Colol was Confederate
in sending home to there familys a Continental Waggin load of provisions in the
time of great want in camp and other places. They Both got Arrested and the head
Colol being an Arch fellow got clear, the other broke and sent home. Not long
after the Lt. Colol came to camp and those both got into a dispute and the Colol
had him that was sent home put under guard which was thought was much Mortifying
to him that was Broke. One of our Captains a Drinking man, at a grog shop
wounded a soldier in Such a manner with his cut lash, was Broke and sent home to
Salem, Massachusetts.
One time a Soldier made fast to the
tail of a Waggon he being Detirmined not to go to camp But the poor fellow had
to follow on. One time a soldier went to sleep in his Blanket and a ratle snake
took a place with him & the Soldier killd sd snake before they awoke the man.
Another soldier got asleep below high water mark
and while there the Tide came and awoke him. That was in Trenton. One time while
sailing up the North river
[ 176 ]
we Lost a soldier over Board in the
Night, no Doubt drowned.
The
time general Sullivan went back to the Indian settlements with a large Body of
men they Destroyed all & drove them back
Except an aged Indian, with him they left beef and flower to live on thinking he
Could Do no hurt as they Brought Word.
One time in
traviling in the Country I put up at Night not knowing that they were Torys and
in the morning offerd them my paper Money, But reather than take itI was made Welcome for they then
observed that they had nothing to do with such as that. Another time a Soldier
caught a Live snake and put it in anothers Bosom, the Snake run round his Back
in such a manner that it put the soldier almost Distracted. Capt Shays who rose
against our state government Belong to our Regt and a good officer counted.
On the first Day of January 1780 in the morning
about Day, being entering on the last year with the three year men they agreed
to turn out to fire three volleys on the occasion and for that conduct my Colol
had some of them Whipt by tying them up to Trees, altho many in the same Brigade
did the like, But there officers being more human took no Notice of it and the
fears in our Regt was that there would be a meeting But it past off. I have been
ordered to load my peace Scores of times for guarding and for Battle but Never
fired on the enemy whieh seems remarkable. My gun I allowed 13 dollars for out
of my Bounty was witheld by the officers and nothing allowed me for it when
discharged.
Previous to the British Army being
taken they come with such power and we had to retreat. The inhabi-
[ 177
]
tants was put in great Distress
& fled before us leaving there all Except a few things behind. We had
liberty to take Horses, cows hogs sheap and all sorts of poltry &c. and
anything out of there houses that we could keep. One man left behind a Hogshed
of Mollasses and the men took all that into camp kittles & other things,
myself got out of a house some shoemaker tools. I lost my Dayley Jornal on the
retreat & Never got it. This was at the
Northward.
I saw a Large number of Torys that was
taken at Bennington Battle under the care of a Large guatd. While standing by
them, when halted, a Woman stood by and Chargd one of them saying he was the
scoundrel that killd her husband But had no answer from him, she appeard Very
Angreay.
In 1777 our Regt. quartered in Albany that
winter.
In 1778 the Regt. Lay in tents
all winter at a Place calld Soldiers fortune, Named by my Colol who saw a
hard Winter there. In 1779 Lay at the same place in huts of our own Building so
open that snow has covered me on a stormy night, But after all my suffering on the
17th of Jany 1780 got a Discharge by changing places with a man who was to serve up to
the 10th of March following by the Colol consent. Thus ended the three last
years service and got away from the war Which provd a sore calamity. Many other
strange things I Could mention But finily forbeir.
[ 178 ]
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