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tb-//f^l
NARRATIVE
OF THE
TRANSACTIONS, IMPRISONMENT,
?-.
rj;
l*rl
AND
SUFFERINGS,
O F
JOHN CONNOLLY,
A N
AMERICAN LOYALIST,
AND
Lieutenant-Colonel in his Majesty's Service.
IN WHICH ARE SHEWN,
The unjustifiable Proceedings .f Congress, in his
Treatment and Detention.
h
LONDON:
Printed in tlie Year mdcclxxxiii.
'm
M
} ! 4'
NARRATIVE
OF THE
TRANSACTIONS, IMPRISONMENT.
AND
SUFFERINGS,
O F
JOHN CONNOLLY,
A N
AMERICAN LOYALIST,
AND
Lieutenant-Colonel in his Majesty's Service.
IN WHICH ARK SHFAVN,
9%o
The unjustifiable Proceedings of Congress, in his
Treatment and Detention.
LONDON
Printed in tiie Year mucclxxxui.
REPRINTED FOR
CHARLES L. WOODWARD,
New York, i 889.
A NARRATIVE OF THE TRANSACTIONS, IlirRISONMENT, AND
SUFFERINGS OF JOHN CONNOLLY, AN AMERICAN LOYALIST
ANP LIEUT, COL. IN HIS MAJESTY'S SERVICE.
There cannot, perhaps, be a more severe task imposed
upon a person, who has any pretensions to that sense of
propriety which distinguishes a delicate mind, than to be
obliged to relate a long story, of which he is himself the
subject. It has, however, always been held excusable if the
incidents were extraordinary, and it were necessary to the
future peace and prosperity of the narrator they should be
known, provided the tale were told with modesty and truth.
I hope this gentle indulgence will be kindly extended to
me, and that the unavoidable egotism that must pervade
this narrative, will be benevolently overlooked in mercy to
the misfortunes of one who is at least conscious of having
acted with good intentions, and from principles which he
believed were descriptive of a loyal subject, an honest man,
and a man of honour.
I was born in America of respectable parents, and re-
ceived as perfect an education as that country could afford.
In the early part of life I was bred to physic, the practice
of which it was intended I should pursue ; my natural bent
of mind, however, determined otherwise. It was my am-
bition to be a soldier ; and this passion was so prevalent
that, contrary to the wishes of my friends, I went a volun-
teer, while yet a youth, to Martinico, where I endeavoured
to distinguish myself, as far as inexperience and an unim-
portant station would admit. After the peace of 1762, the
North American Indians entered into a general confederacy
to destroy our frontier settlements and demolish the garri-
sons. The British commander in chief was obliged to send
an army to repel these invaders; in which, once more a
X
.i.ri
^17 4^'
I
s
Narrative of John Connolly, Loijalkt.
volunteer, I served two campaigns, at my own private ex-
pense ; and. as became me, cheerfully and ambitiously en-
countered the dangers and fatigues of war. Here I had an
opportunity of observing the great difierence between the
petite guerre of the Indians, and the military system of the
Europeans, and how essentially necessary it was for a good
soldier in this service to be master of them both. Ani-
mated by a strong desire to make myself worthy to serve
my King and country on future occasions, after peace was
established with the Indians, I explored our newly ac-
quired territory, visited the various tribes of native Ameri-
cans, studied their different manners and customs, under-
took the most toilsome marches with them through the
extensive wilds of Canada, and depended upon the pre-
carious chace for my subsistence for months successively.
A perseverance in these preliminary duties of a good sol-
dier taught me to endure hardships, and gave me agility of
body, and an aptitude to enterprize, very proper to form a
partizan officer.
Delighted vdth the soil and climate, I afterwards fixed
my residence beyond the Apalachian mountains in West
Augusta county, and as numbers were daily emigrating
thither from the middle Colonies, I was active in encour-
aging the new settlers ; these soon acquired property, the
spirit of industry increased, cultivation and improvements
were extended, and establishments, scarcely credible, arose
from the midst of a wilderness, and spread for more than
one hundred miles down the river Ohio. To be at the head
of a new settlement was not the only object I had in view.
During the preceding war, France had sent her soldiers
from Canada, and by seizing this country, and erecting
Fort Du Quesne (now Fort Pitt) had given great disturbance
to Virginia, and the Middle Colonies in general. This new
settlement precluded the possibility of renewing the like
ravages from Louisiana, now the only avenue through
which we were vulnerable, in case of future hostilities with
the House of Bourbon. I had been taught from my earliest
infancy to revere my King and country, and provide against
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
8
their enemies : I had here an opportunity of performing my
duty, and I was happy.
In the infancy of the settlement, the magistrates of Penn-
sylvania usurped a power of jurisdiction that was not only
illegal but extremely prejudicial to the inhabitants; to
preserve which, they proceeded to many very unjustifiable
acts of violence, and went even so far as to threaten an ap-
peal to the sword. I was the person, who having the most
power, had the greatest share in procuring a redress of
these grievances. I was sensible the Charter limits of the
Province of Pennsylvania could not justify the exercise of
jurisdiction beyond the Western bounds of that govern-
ment ; and therefore applied to the Governor and Council
of Virginia, and obtained the necessary authority to pro-
hibit such usurpation, until his Majesty's royal pleasure was
known. These things are mentioned, not to display my
own merits or consequences, but because they are necessary
to the narrative ; for though it was my endeavour, through-
out this transaction, to conduct myself with a dispassionate
and candid regard to justice only, yet, as it was prejudicial
to the pecuniary interests of some individuals in Pennsyl-
vania, they became my enemies, among whom, was a Gen-
tleman since advanced to high military rank in the Ameri-
can service.
In the year 1774, disputes arose between the Indians and
some inconsiderate people, who, it appeared from every cir-
cumstance, had treated the former in a very harsh and im-
proper manner; reciprocal injuries took place, and the in-
dustrious and meritorious husbandman, with his innocent
family, suftered for the injustice committed by his unprinci-
pled countrymen. I was, at that time, invested with the
command of the militia ; it was, therefore, my peculiar duty
to avert,if possible, a war that threatened the destruction of
a flourishing Colony, and every endeavour at pacification
was employed by me, but unhappily without effect. Depre-
dations continued, and the defenceless inhabitants fled from
the vengeance of their enraged enemies. However, in obe-
dience to the orders of his excellency Lord Dunmore, I raised
i
4 Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
a body of men sufficient to cover the frontier, and by a
chain of small forts repelled the violence of their incursions.
Hostilities did not end here; other Indian nations joined the
confederacy, and the war became more important. Two
small armies were marched into the enemies' country, as the
sole means of eflecting a speedy and permanent reconcilia-
tion. Lord Dunmore, in person, commanded, and a battle,
the most important that ever happened on a similar occa-
sion, in North America, was fought, in which the Indians
were totally routed, pursued to their towns, and reduced to
the necetoity of giving hostages for the accomplishment of
a treaty of peace entered into by them, and which was to
hav3 been finally ratified the ensuing Spring at Pittsburgh.
I cannot speak in terms sufficiently expressive of the admi-
ration with which the whole army beheld Lord Dunmore,
during this expedition. His conduct was exemplary to the
officer and the soldier: he chearfully encountered every
hardship, waded through every creek, and marched with
his men upwards of Four hundred miles on foot. He
preserved the dignity, by fulfilling the duties of his
station.
In the course of the contest, the principal warriors and
chiefs were made prisoners, and committed to my charge at
Fort Pitt, where, after the expedition, I had the honour to
command some Colony troops as Major Commandant. I
have before spoken of the efforts I had used to qualify my-
self for the profession of arms ; and I had now the satisfac-
tion to meet every honourable testimony of applause for my
behaviour in the Indian war, both from his excellency Lord
Dunmore and my fellow-subjects.
Although Congress had assembled themselves in Septem-
ber 1774, yet as that was about the time I was going into
the Indian country, my mind was so intent upon the war, I
paid but little regard to political heats which every loyalist
imagined would soon subside ; but on my return, the inti-
mations of my friends, and the proceedings of the disaf-
fected, gave me the first unhappy presages of the ensuing
commotions. These were greatly heightened by the follow-
Narrative of John Qmnolly, Loyalist. 6
ing letter, which I received from General Washington, in
answer to one I had written to him on Indian afiairs.
Mount-Vernon, Feb. 26, 1775.
Dear Sir,
Your servant, on his return from Williamsburg, aflfords
me occasion to answer your polite letter. I confess the state
of affairs is sufficiently alarming ; which our critical situa-
ation, with regard to the Indians does not diminish : but as
you have wrote to Lord Dunmore, relative to the prisoners
under your charge, there can be no doubt of his Lordship's
having now transmitted you the necessary directions on that
subject. I have only to express my most ardent wishes that
every measure, consietent with reason and sound policy, may
be adopted to keep those people, at this time, in good
humour ; for another rupture would not only ruin the ex-
ternal, but internal parts of this government. If the jour-
nal of your proceedings in the Indian war is to be published,
I shall have an opportunity of seeing what I have long
coveted. With us here, things wear a disagreeable aspect ;
and the minds of men are exceedingly disturbed at the
measures of the British government. The King's Speech
and Address of both Houses, prognosticate nothing favour-
able to us ; but by some subsequent proceedings thereto, as
ivell as by private letters from London, there is reason to be-
lieve, the Ministry would willingly change their ground,
from a conviction the forcible measures will be inadequate
to the end designed. A little time must now unfold the
mystery, as matters are drawing to a point.
I am, dear sir,
your friend, and most obedient
humble servant,
G. Washington.
Major Connolly,
Fort Pitt.
This letter spoke in plain terms the spirit of its dictator,
and the intelligence I received from all quarters confirmed
my apprehensions. And here I have the consolation to
* 'ill
6
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
reflect, that ray loyalty to my Prince, and respect for the
established form of government, were too confirmed to
admit of the least doubt which party I should espouse ; I
decided instantly, and resolved to exert every faculty in
defence of the royal cause ; from which resolution not one
idea has ever swerved, although my succeeding misfor-
tunes left me only the inclination, while it deprived me of
the power to execute. At this time, indeed, I had better
prospects ; for notwithstanding that those illegal assemblies,
called county committees, had generally pervaded the thir-
teen Provinces, I had influence enough, not only to prevent
any such a^ Ny in West Augusta county, where I pre-
sided, but ; T to engage a formidable body of friends,
at the risk j and fortune, in support of the constitu-
tional authority.
The battle of Bunker's Hill had now been fought, and
the flames of rebellion began openly to blaze. I had written
to Lord Dunmore for instructions respecting my conduct,
who, I found, would be obliged to quit his government; and
received for answer, that he advised me to disband the
troops, at the time limited by act of assembly, that they
might have no cause of complaint on that head; that I
should convene the Indians to a general treaty, restore the
prisoners, and endeavour to incline them to espouse the
royal cause. This last proved a most hazardous enterprize,
though not therefore relinquished; for the assembly of
Virginia, having resolved the- aselves into an unwarrantable
convention, finding I had invited the contiguous Indian
tribes to a general congress at Fort Pitt, deputed a commit-
tee of their own body to inspect my conduct. These people
were ordered to impress upon the minds of the Indians, the
justice of the hostile proceedings against this country, and
the necessity of arming as a preliminary to the intended
requisition of their auxiliary aid in future. This was the
direct contrary to what it was my duty, if possible, to effect ;
and, narrowly as I was watched, I had the happiness to
succeed in this dangerous and critical undertaking.
This was owing to my superior knowledge of Indian
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyaliet. 7
manners and tempers, and the measures I had previously
taken. I had most assiduously cultivated the friendship,
and insinuated myself into the favour of my prisoners;
had convinced them of the advantages that might accrue to
their nations, by adhering to the British governraent; and
procured their promises to negotiate the business with their
brethren, which they punctually performed. Thus I se-
cretly frustrated the machinations of the Republicans, while
I received their thanks, and procured assurances from the
Indian chiefs to support his Majesty, at all events, as his
Majesty's most faithful friends and auxilliaries ; ae. a proof
of which, I was authorized to transmit a large belt of wam-
pum to Lord Dunmore, from him to be sent to his Majesty,
as a symbol of their inviolable attachment to his royal per-
son. This public transaction employed a fortnight, at the
end of which I dismissed the Indians perfectly satisfied and
informed ; having first added an additional and considerable
present out of my private fortune, to what had been pub-
licly voted for that purpose.
The troops lately under my command were now dis-
banded, the demagogues of faction were active, the spirit
of sedition was every where prevalent, and distrust of each
other pervaded hearts the most loyal. But as nothing
great or good could be effected in times like these with-
out risk, I considered only what plan was best at such
conjuncture; and having determined, resolved to act with
vigor, as a temporizing neutrality was neither consistent
with my principles nor my passions. My design briefly
was, first to engage as many gentlemen of consequence
as possible to join with me in defence of government,
and afterwards to make my way through the country,
visit Lord Dunmore, who was now driven, for personal
safety, on board a ship lying at Norfolk, consult with him,
and take his instructions concerning the most effectual
mode I and my adherents could pursue to serve his Majesty.
I began by inviting such of my friends as I could best de-
pend on to an entertainment, where, as public disturbances
were now the universal topic, little address was necessary
iiL
m
§ Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
to introduce such discourse. Encouraged by an unanimity
of opinion, each man delivered his sentiments freely ; and
as I found them universally enraged against the arbitrary
proceedings of the Republican party, I ventured to predict,
that nothing less than independency, and a total revolution,
were intended by the leaders of faction, whatever might be
their pretentions. My friends were men warmed with a high
veneration for his Majesty, and the constitution ; and as the
conversation operated as I could wish, I found means to
take some of the most confidential aside, and inform them
of my plan, of my resolution to execute it at the hazard of
life and fortune, and of my expectation of their hearty con-
currence and aid. The gentlemen present were most of
them either officers in the militia, or magistrates of the
county, consequently were those whose influence and wealth
could most effectually serve the cause. A solemn compact
was immediately entered into, stating, that if an accommo-
dation did not take place, and I could procure the necessary
authority to raise men, they would, at the risk of life and
property, most willingly engage to restore the constitutional
authority, as far as any co-operative measure from that
county could contribute to so salutary a design, after which
the strictest secrecy was enjoined, and the company separated.
The circumspection and art necessary to escape to Lord
Dunmore, occasioned some preparatory delay; and the
tbllomng incident, which will give a lively picture of the
anarchy of the times, made this delay still greater. Two
uights before my intended departure, my servant entered
my room after midnight, to inform me that an express was
just arrived, with dispatches from Lord Dunmore, and de-
sired admittance. I ordered him to be brought in, and im-
mediately a man followed my s ..'vant in a travelling dress,
with a packet in his hand. I drew my curtain, received it,
and was breaking open the seal, when the villain seized me
by the throat, presented a pistol at my breast, told me I was
his prisoner, and, if I offered the least resistance, a dead
man. I had been so long learning to despise danger, and
acquire fortitude, that I was not easily to be intimidated.
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
9
I rightly suspected he had accomplices, so leaping up, I
drove the fellow back, seized him, and while struggling
gave the door a kick, and shut it by the spring-lock. I
called to my servant for my sword or pistols; but to his
stupefaction, it is probable, I owe my present existence ; for
though I should have killed ray antagonist in self-defence, I
should have fallen the immediate martyr of revenge. My
door was quickly burst open by his armed coadjutors, about
twenty in number ; and the contest becoming unequal, I
was compelled to submit myself their prisoner. I was
scarcely allowed tim.e to dress, my servants were secured ; I
was mounted on a horse brought for the purpose, hurried
away, and obliged to ride all night at the risk of my neck,
till about ten o'clock in the morning, when I found myself
at Ligonier, fifty-four miles from Pittsburgh.
I soon learnt I was in the power of my inveterate enemy,
the commander of the militia, and principal man of the
place ; who had taken this opportunity of wreaking his
malice, under pretence of seizing a dangerous person and a
Tory, an appellation lately revived, and given by the repub-
licans to the loyalists ; and which the common people were
taught to hold in such abhorrence, that Tory was, in their
imaginations, synonimous to every thing vile and wicked.
My only hope, and that a very distant one, was, a rescue by
my friends ; and as I was informed, that I was suspected of
an intention to raise a body of men to act against the liber-
ties of America, to answer which accusation I must imme-
diately be sent to Congress, I found I could only escape, by
gaining time, and protracting a journey so destructive to all
my future designs. The agitation of mind unavoidable in
such times, and under such circumstances, with the fatigue
of such a jaunt, had brought on a slight indisposition, which
I purposely magnified, and prevailed on the gentleman in
whose custody I was, to suft'er me to go to bed ; where by
continuing the same pretence, I remained all day, and when
night came was indulged with a farther respite till the next
morning. My wish was, that ray friends, who had the cause
of royalty as well as friendship at heart, would gain the
h\
11
|®r Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
passes of the Lawrel-hill [Laurel-Hilla] or Allegheny
mountains, and there effect my rescue.
In the morning, when we had breakfasted, the guard had
mounted, and I reluctantly on the point of setting out for
Philadelphia, a man on horseback arrived at Ligonier from
the mountains, who had apparently rode very hard. He
was stopped by the Captain of the guard, and I soon per-
ceived, by their whispers and change of countenance, he
brought intelligence they did not like ; and almost at the
same instant, another person was seen coming, with the
greatest expedition, in the contrary direction from Pitts-
burgh, whom I soon knew to be one of my neighbours,
though not perfectly satisfied at that time of his loyalty. To
me these were favourable omens, and my conjectures were
quickly confirmed, by the arrival of the Gentleman who
planned and directed this expedition, and who now saluted
me very civilly, entered into conversation, spoke of the dis-
agreeable prospect of civil war, and the unjustifiable at-
tempts of the British legislature ; which supposition I re-
pelled, as far as the delicacy of my situation would permit-
Happening to pass through the kitchen of the public
house where we were, one of the maids followed me out,
and informed me, that a considerable body of my friends
were waiting at the Lawrel-hill, who had vowed to put
every man to the sword whom they should find guarding
me, and afterwards to burn down the house of the princi-
pal, in reveng ^ for such a lawless outrage. This intelligence
perfectly explained appearances, and gave me boldness, so
that when I re-entered, I presently came to an eclairciseement
with my enemy. I observed to him, that his conduct seemed
to precipitate the horrors of civil dissention, and that his
having recourse to an armed force to remove me out of my
own country, in so hostile and suspicious a manner, could not
fail to awaken the resentment of my friends, who, undoubt-
edly, on such a pressing occasion, would have recourse to
force also, and repel violence by violence: I added, that it was
mutually our duty to suppress, not encourage such proceed-
ings, for they were indubitably big with the most dreadful
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
11
calamities. The conclusion was, I was permitted to return
home, and very gladly took my leave. I had not yet, how-
ever, passed the boundaries of danger.—
I had not proceeded far on my return, before I met one of
my servants with a led horse, and a portmanteau of cloaths
for my use, in case I had been taken to Philadelphia. He
informed me of several persons he had seen assembled at
Hannah's Town, whose political characters were the reverse
of mine, and that he suspected they intended me some in-
jury; and accordingly we presently saw three persons ap-
proach, whom I knew to be Magistrates of Pennsylvania,
and whom I had some time before been under the necessity
of arresting and holding to bail, because they would persist
to execute their magisterial functions beyond the limits of
their own province and county, (as related in the beginning
of this narrative), very much to the prejudice of his Majesty's
subjects in the colony of Virginia. These Gentlemen, who
were accompanied by the Sheriff, after a hasty salute, ar-
rested me on a writ of twenty thousand pounds damages,
for having confined their persons. They proposed returning
to Ligonier with me ; to this I objected, alledging, that the
action was of so strange a nature, I would not give bail, but
insisted on being taken to the county gaol, which was near
my own home and friends.
My partizans having heard of my release at Ligonier,
and not suspecting any farther attempts, were satisfied and
dispersed, and remained quiet two or three days; but when
they heard I was again detained at Hannah's Town, under a
fresh pretext, they were greatly enraged, and were only
prevented from proceeding to extremities, by the prudence
of a few individuals. A letter waa, however, immediately
sent from the senior Magistrate of the county, over which
I had the honor to preside, to the committee of Westmore-
land county, written in a firm but proper tone, demanding
my release. This had instantly the desired effect, and I
was at length allowed to return to Pittsburg, where I was
met by a great number of my adhorerts, armed, and im-
patiently waiting the issue. My gra. ^e and feehngs at
Iti
i
m
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
the firmness of their attachment were powerful, and after
returning them my thanks in the most expressive manner I
could, they again dispersed.
I have not related these incidents, hecause they are not
only descriptive of the factious spirit that prevailed, and
how plausibly private pique could assume the appearance
of public spirit, but tend likewise to show, that formidable
as the republican party was, the loyalists were not less so ;
and that had it not been for the after impediment, of a
long and rigorous imprisonment, I should undoubtedly have
had the power, by collecting, encouraging, and heading
my friends, to have served my king and couniry most essen-
tially.
Once more at liberty, I had now to pursue my plan of
visiting Lord Dunmore; but the distance I had to travel,
and the lawless and suspicious temper of the times, made
this no easy matter. The treaty which I had concluded
with the Indians, gave me ostensible business to the Com-
mittee at Winchester ; and the better to hide my intentions,
I prevailed with three of the Indian Chiefs to accompany
me thither, carrying with me a copy of the treaty, calculated
for the inspection of the President and Convention assem-
bled at Richmond. I travelled about one hundred and
eighty miles from Fort Pitt, till I came to the warm springs
in Frederick county, without any remarkable occurrence.
Here I met a great concourse of Gentlemen from the difler-
ent governments, who delivered sentiments very opposite
to mine ; but though I had the caution not to contradict,
notwithstanding that I heard the grossest falsehoods indus-
triously propagated, yet my silence was construed into dis-
sension, and I was given to understand, I was a suspected
person, and that it had been proposed to form a committee
to enquire into my conduct and intentions. Though his
arbitrary examination was dropped, I learnt, that several
Gentlemen had written to the Committee at Winchester,
describing me as a suspicious and dangerous character. I
determined, however, to proceed; and concluded, that if
I could escape, with plausibility, this one more difficulty,
Narratire of John Connolly, Loyaluit.
la
I might obtain some ccrtiticate of the satisfaction my con-
duct had given this newly erected tribunal, which might
serve as a passport tlirough the remainder of my journey.
The day after I arrived, the expected scrutiny took place,
and I found not only the letters written from the susiiicious
valetudinarians of tlie warm springs, hut one come express
from the clerk of the county where I myself presided, re-
plete with assurances to the committee, of my dangerous
and Tory principles; and expressive of a conviction, that I
intended to join Lord Dunmore, and meditated every op-
position to the laudable purposes then adopted for the sup-
pression of tyranny. To men entlamed with enthusiastic
ideas of infringed rights, this was a charge most criminal :
I endeavoured to avert and soften it, by declaring, first, in
general terms, that though my reverence for the King and
Constitution might, at some moments, possibly have be-
trayed me into expressions reflecting on certain proceedings,
which I could not help dreading, might plunge our unhappy
country into all the horrors of a civil war, yet I had ever
exerted myself to the utmost extent of my abilities for the
public good, in all affairs which I had been deemed worthy
to transact : that I flattered myself, the treaty and proceed-
ings with the Indians, now open for their inspection, would
vouch for my assertions : that with respect to letters and
suspicions, they were no proofs ; and that the letter most
positive in accusation, came from a person not instigated by
a love of justice and his country, but by motives far less
praiseworthy, of which I gave them satisfactory and notori-
ous proofs.
And now an incident happened, that turned the scale en-
tirely in my favour, for just as the Clerk of the Committee
had finished reading the Indian treaty, an express arrived
with dispatches from the President of the Convention, held
at Richmond, containing not only entire approbation of my
conduct, in the beforementioned Indian treaty, of which
the Commissioners, sent to inspect and assist, had given an
account, but likewise a polite and complimentary letter from
the President to me, expressing a desire to see me along
2
'i\
M
Narrative of John Connolh), Loyalist.
P i
I L
with the Indian Chiefs. Thia produced everything I could
wish. The Clerk was ordered to give me a copy of a re-
solve, signifying their entire satisfiu.'tion, at my good and
ahle conduct, and their belief, of my liaving acted hereto-
fore, in a manner conducive to the liberties of America.
It was not my purpose, however, to visit the convention,
but Lord Dunmore : the next day, therefore, I informed the
Indians, I must now part with them, as my business re-
quired I should take a different route; advised them to
meet the Convention at Richmond ; brought to their recol-
lection, the duty I had so often inculcated, and took my
leave ; but not without regret at parting with men, who,
though unpolished and barbarous, had great integrity of
heart, and an inviolable friendship.
So full was the country become of Committees, new
raised militia, petty officers, and other persons officially busv,
in hopes of being distinguished, thfit the utmost circum-
spection was continually necessary. When I came to Fred-
ericksburg, I dined with an old friend, in better days Doc-
tor, afterwards General Mercer, and killed at Prince Town,
in an action with the seventeenth regiment, and because I
was silent, when inflammatory and unconstitutional toasts
and sentiments were drank, the next day, when I ao-ain set
ott' on my journey, I found they had placed a spy upon me,
under the appearance of an accidental traveller on the road
to Richmond.
Him, however, I had the address to shake off. AVhen I
came near Williamsburg, I contrived so as to pass through
the town in the night. I saw several officers and soldiers,
and was hailed by the centinels, but answering, " a friend,"
they supposed me a country Gentleman, and suffered me to
pass. Though the rains had been, and were exceedingly
heavy, attended with violent thunder and lightning, I did
not stop till [ came to York-Town, which was tov^^ards
midnight, and there, thoroughly drenched, and excessively
fatigued, I went to bed. Being near the end of my journey,
on the morning I set forward, through still unremitting rain,
which, though very disagreeable, was a very convenient cir-
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
16
cunistanco, for the militia and inhabitants were obliged to
keep in their houses, and I passed through Hampton safe
and unobserved. I here procured a boat, and by a little
finesse witli the waterman, got on board tlie ship where
Lord Dunmore usually remained. His Lordship was gone
on shore to Gosport, whither I instantly followed, and im-
mediately obtained the ardently wished-for-pleasure of an
interview.
Those only who have seen such times, and been in
similar situations ; who have felt the like passionate desire
to distinguish themselves in the service of their King and
country, and the like apprehensions of being prevented,
those only can conceive the satisfaction I experienced at
this moment. I had been twice a prisoner, twice rescued ;
had passed the Apalacbian Mountains, and come upwards
of four hundred and iifty miles, through a country where
every eye seemed intuitively suspicious ; had formed a
party in favour of the cause I had espoused ; and my heart
swelled with the hopes of doing something eminently con-
spicuous: I had happily joined a Nobleman, whose loyal
sentiments corresponded with my own, and who made it an
invariable rule never to suflbr those who preferred their al-
legiance to the vain applause of a giddy multitude, to pass
undistinguished. Thus far success attended my efforts,
and I was happy : the reverse of the medal must presently
appear.
It was evident, on consulting with Lord Dunmore, and
informing him of the plan I had concerted, and the confed-
eracy I had formed, tbat when his Lordship was reinforced
wnth supplies from Britain, a co-operative body of troops
from Canada, and the western frontiers of Virginia, with
Indian auxiliaries, would be ready to act at the time that
Sir "William Howe would draw their principal attention to
the northward. This would not only be productive of the
restitution of the royal authority of this colony, but have a
general tendency to promote the success of his Majesty's
arms, and the like happy effects universally. His Lordship
therefore dispatcbod me to General Gage at Boston, to lay
*]
r "
11
16
Narraftve of John Connolhj, Loyalist.
before his Excellency the projected 8chenie,an{l to desire his
concurrence and co-operation. But as Lord Dunniore had
promised the Indian Chiefs, when in their country, that he
would certainly meet them in person the ensuing spring, at
Fort Pitt, finally to adjust all difterences; and as the re-
bellion had rendered it impossible to keep his promise, he
was solicitous to transmit an apology to a Chief of the
Delavvares, intimating in some measure the cause of this
disappointment. This speech his Lordship gave to my
charge, and desired me to transmit to a Mr. Gibson, of Pitts-
burgh, that he might interpret it to the Chief, I had reason
to suspect Lord Dujimore reposed too much confidence in
this Gentleman, but as he had lately been with his Lord-
ship on business, and as his Lordship seemed persuaded he
was worthy of being trusted, I gave up suspicions that
afterwards appeared to be but too well founded. Ideas of
former intimacy and juvenile friendship arose in my mind,
for we had been long acquainted, and I felt an anxiety to
preserve him from measures, which I deemed destructive to
both his interest and honour. When therefore I sent him
the speech, I likewise enclosed the following letter :
Portsmouth, Aug. 9, 1775.
Dear Sir.
I am safely arrived here, and am happy, to the greatest
degree, in having so fortunately escaped the narrow inspec-
tion of my enemies, the enemies to their country, to good
order, and to government. I should esteem myself defec-
tive in point of friendship towards you, should I neglect to
caution you to avoid an over zealous exertion of what is
now ridiculously called patriotic spirit : but, on the contrary,
to deport yourself with that moderation for which you have
always been remarkable, and which must, in this instance,
tend to your honour and advantage.
You may be assured from me. Sir, that nothing but the
greatest unanimity now prevails at home ; that the inno-
vating spirit amongst us here is looked upon as ungener-
ous and undutiful ; that the utmost exertions of the powers
:l
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
17
of government, if necessiiry, will bo used to convince the
infiituuted people of their folly. I could, I iiHsure you, Sir,
give you such convincing proofs of what I ussert, and from
which every reasojuible person may conclude the eftects,
that nothing hut inudiiess could operate upon a man so far
as to overlook his duty to the present constitution, and to
form unwarrantable associations with enthusiasts, whose ill-
timed folly must draw upon them inevitable destruction.
His Lordship desires you to present his hand to Capt.
"White-Eyes, and to assure him that he is very sorry he had
not the pleasure of seeing him at the treaty, or that the sit-
uation of affairs prevented hiui from coming down. Believe
me, dear Sir, that I have no motive in writing my sentiments
thus to you, farther than to endeavour to steer you clear of
the misfortunes which I am confident must involve, but
unhappily, too many.
I have sent you an address from the People of Great-
Britain to the People of America; and I desire you to con-
sider it attentively, which will, I flatter myself, convince you
of the idleness of many declamations, and of the absurdity
of an intended slavery. Give my love to George, and tell
him he shall hear from me, and I hope to his advantage.
Interpret the inclosed speech to Capt. White-Eyes from his
Lordship; be prevailed upon to shun the popular error, and
judge for yourself; act as a good subject, and expect the
rewards due to your services.
I am, dear Sir,
Your sincere friend and servant,
JJOHN COKNOLLY.
To John Gibson, Esquire,
near Fort Dunmorc.
To a mind impressed with the slightest sense of rectitude,
and that has ever once conceived the meaning of the word
honour, it seems impossible that any man can be base enough
to betray a private confidential correspondence, more espe-
cially where the intention was indisputably benevolent and
friendly. This dishonourable act, however, was Mr. Gib-
18
Nfuratlir <>/ John Connofli/, LoifdUtit.
son's : ho laid my U'ttor l.ut'oro tlie county committee, to
wliifh I am to iittributi- my Hiu'cecding misfortunes, and a
five years' captivity. Miiny other letters of mine were Hcnt,
at tlie same time, ami by the same conveyance, to persons
who afterwards accepted offices of high trust under the Re-
publican government; yet none, either then or since, ever
divulged my o[)inions. This gentleman, for his treacherous
display of patriotism, was honou cd with a consequential mili-
tary command; and I have frecpiently had the mortification
to see him enjoy the warm sun-shine of freedom and favour,
from the window of an iidiospitable prison. But to return.
It was agreed that T should go to Boston, for which voyage
a small schooner was provided and manned from the Otter
Sloop, and I set out for head ([uarters, charged with Lurd
Dunmore's dispatches to the commander in chief, where I
arrived after a voyage of ten days.
Secret and expeditious as I had hitherto been, my arrival
at Boston was soon known to General Washington. The
inhabitants, by permission, were daily going in and out of
town ; and some of them had so far corrupted my servant,
as to obtain from him such intelligence as he could give.
He was an Englishman, had lived with Lord Dunmore, and
had acquaintance in General Washington's family, to whom,
some short time ofter, he eloped, where he reported a strange
mixture of truth and falsehood, relative to my past proceed-
ings and future intentions.
When my propositions were laid before General Gage,
[as] he was well acquainted with American affairs, and saw
the advantages that were likely to result from their being
put in execution : they met, therefore, with his entire ap-
probation. But as General Arnold (then in the American
service) had already began an expedition against Canada by
the Kennebec River, and other obstacles intervened, I could
not immediatel}' proceed to Quebec, as was at first intended,
80 it was thought most expedient I should return to Vir-
ginia, taking with me Ills Excellency's instructions to the
officers commanding at Illinois and Detroit, as well as to
the deputy superintendeir; ox Indian athiirs.
Xarmlivi' of John Cimnofh/, Loii<iliM.
1»
After oxpei'iencini? sevenil of thoso tedious dcUiyH iilway^i
iiiscpiirablo from sea voyages, imtl callitigon boanl the Asia,
lying at New York, agreeuhle to the directions of Lord Dun-
niore, to I'minire for dispatches from England, I arrived once
more at PortHnioutli, and rejoined his Lordship on the 12t]i
of October. A short tit of sickness, occasioned by excessive
fatigue and anxiety, for I had travelled tliis year upwards
of four tbousan<l miles, and always upon affairs that lay
heavy on the n.md. held me in a suspense that, while it
lasted, niude illnesc doubly irksome. As soon, however, as
I was able, I consulted with his Lordship upon my plan and
future proceedings ; and on the 5th of November, 1775, a
commission of Lieutenant-Colonel (Jomniandant under his
Lordship's sign manual, as his Majesty's representative, was
given me, with full power and authority to raise a battalion
of men, and as many independent companies as I could.
The deputy superintendent of Indian affairs was directed to
make such expences in that department, as I might judge
requisite for his Majesty's service; and the officer com-
manding a detachment of the eighteenth regiment at the
Illinois, was ordered to join mo at Detroit, by the Onabache
communication. The commanding otHcer at Detroit, like-
wise, was desired to give every encouragement to the Cana-
dians of his district, to embody themselves for the expedi-
tion under my orders; and every other matter was so
arranged, as to give the fairest prospect of success. These
dispositions were made conformable to appearances and
probabilities. Early the next spring, we had the strongest
reason to hope, that a formidable body of British troops
would take the tield ; that the combined force of the enemy
must be drawn to the northward, and that I should have an
opportunity of marching from Pittsburgh, with the detach-
ment of the eighteenth regiment, the new-raised corps, the
Indian auxiliaries, so as to form u junction with Lord Dun-
more at Alexandria. By this means the communication
between the southern and northern governments would
have been interrupted, and a favourable turn indisputably
given to his Majesty's affairs in the southern Provinces.
1 '
I
M
W Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
To put tlicso dcsiijiis into action, tlio service required I
should first go to Detroit, to gnin ^vlli(•ll tliere were several
routes. But as this garrison lay at least seven hundred
miles distant in the straightest possible direction, and as the
circuitous roads were not only very tedious, but liable to
other objections, I detei'mined to go the shortest way
through Maryland. In this my knowledge of the country
and the peoide, made me so far justifiable, that I should
undoubtedly liave succeeded, and passed safe, had it not
been for an accident (before alluded to) of which I could
Jiot then possibly have any foresight. My instructions and
commission were concealed in tbe sticks of my servants
mail pillioji, artfully contrived for that ])urpo8e, and in the
night of the IStli of November, 1775, I took my leave of
Lord Dunmore, and set oft" in company with Lieutenant
Allen Cameron, and Dr. John Smyth. These Gentlemen
were both staunch loyalists, men of abilities, and very
agreeable to me. Mr. Cameron was from Scotland, and
well acquainted with the Indians and Indian aftiurs, having
acted as agent under the honourable John Stuart, superin-
tendent general of the department. He had suft'ered nmch
abuse for his unshaken loyalty, previous to bis coming into
Virginia, and liad refused the republican ofters of military
rank in South Carolina with disdain. He had come with
dispatches from Governor Lord AVilliam Campbell, of South
Carolina, Tonyn of East Florida, and the honourable John
Stuart, and intended to serve in a corps of Highland emi-
grants, then raising at Boston, and since the eighty-fourth
regiment. His loyalty, courage and good conduct, were so
well established, that Lord Dunmore thought him a proper
person to accompany me, and gave him a lieutenant's com-
mission, leaving it with me to advance him to a company,
if I thought good, on raising the corps, which from the
expci-ience I afterwards had of his worth and estimable quali-
ties, I should certaiidy have done. Dr. Smytli was a Gen-
tleman, who had resided in .^^aryland, but his nonconformity
to the temper of the times, had made him obnoxious to the
republican [)arty. Incapable of temporizing he was on his
Narrative of John Comwllij, Loyalid. 21
way to "West Florida, to escape the turbulence of faction, and
act agreeably to his principles. Observing him to be a man
of quick penetration, firm loyalty, and ready to serve his
Majesty at all hazards, intimately acquainted too with the
lower parts of Maryland, through which I intended to pass,
I solicited hini to accompany nie likewise, designing to make
him surgeon to the regiment.
We began our unfortunate journey by the way of the
Potomac River, intending to land on the Maryland side near
Port Tobacco, and by a feint, leave the Pittsburgh road, and
proceed by a jirivate route to a place called the Standing
Stone, which was beyond the intluence of county committees,
and from whence to Detroit is not above seven days jour-
ney. This, however, was prevented by a furious north-west
wind, that drove us up the river St. Mary's, where we landed
and took the road like ordinary travellers. AVe proceeded
on, unmolested, till the evening of the liHh, when we were
on the very border of the frontier, and almost out of danger.
We stopped for the night at a public house about five miles
beyond llager's Town, the landlord of which knew me.
From hitn we learnt, that although it was known T had been
on board with Lonl Dunmore, yet it was supposed I should
return quietly to Pittsburgh, as soon as I had settled my own
personal concerns ; neither Vv^as it known that I had been to
Boston. The misfortune that hung over my head was the
eifect, not of temerity, but unsuspected private treachery,
and the manner in which tiiis happened was as tbllows :
Some short time before we came to our inn in the even-
ing, a young man met us, that had formerly been a private
under my command at Pittsburgh, and saluted me as he
passed, by the title of major. This gave some uneasiness
to the gentlemen with me, who wished to have him secured ;
but asl could not pass through the country without the
probability of being known by many, and as any violence,
or even art, used with the man, were likely rather to pro-
duce than avoid the effects they feared ; beside, that there
was not really any probable danger, I thought it by far more
prudent to siiffer him to pass unnoticed. About ten o'clock
]|
22
A^drvatlvc of John Connolly, Loyalist.
the same night, tliis man went to a heer-house in Huger's
Town, and niixetl with some officers of the Minute-men (a
species of the Vohmteer Militia) where hearing some per-
son in coini)any enrpiire who those gentlemen were that
passed through the town in the evening, lie replied, that one
of them was Major ('oniiolly. Unfortunately for me a copy
of my letter to Mr. Gihsou,with Lord Dunmore's speech to
the Delaware Chief, had l)een sent, only two days hefore, to
the Colonel of the Minute-Men, who had sp )ken of it as a
demonstration of my Tory principles to the officers then
present; they, therefore, immediately informed their Colonel
of my having passed through the town, and he, with as much
expedition, sent a hody of his men after us, to ohlige us to
return, that we might be examined before the committee.
About two o'clock in the morning they suddenly broke into
the room where we lay, and made us [trisoners. We were
conducted to Ilager's Town, kept in separate houses during
the next day and night, and suffered that kind of disturbance
and abuse which might be expjcted from undisciplined sol-
diers, and a clamorous rabble, at such a crisis. The day
following, the committee being assembled, my letter was
produced, as a testimony of my political principles being
repugnant to their own ; and the speech of Lord Dunmore
commented upon, as designed to influence the Indians to
act against them, in case of hostilities with Great Britain.
To which I answered, the sentiments contained in my letter
were the result of friendship for a person, with whom I had
had a long and early acquaintance. They were not calcu-
lated to publicly prejudice their measures; and the person
advised was entirely at liberty to pursue his own inclinations.
It extended no iarther than the giving a private opinion;
and the only person culpable was he wiio could so unwar-
rantably betray a confidential letter. With respect to the
speech, I observed, it was merely an apology from Lord
Dunmore to the Indians; he not being able to meet them in
council at Pittsburgh, agreeable to his promise the preceding
year. The heat of party resentment seemed considerably
abated when they had heard me; but it was nevertheless
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalhit.
23
resolved, I hIiouUI not proceed home {where they supposed
me going) till the sense of the whole committee, assembled
at Frederick Town, could be taken. This fatal resolution,
carried only by a small majority, was, I foresaw, destruction
to my hopcG, as the news of my havitig been at Boston must
soon get abroad.
And now, instead of proceeding in the service to which
my heart was devoted, the next day we were escorted back
to Frederick Town, about thirty-five miles, in a retrograde
direction, from where we were taken. Here, the first house
I entered, I saw a Colonel well known to me, who had just
returned from before Boston, and who proceeded, without
hesitation, to inform me, that General Washington knew
the time of my coming to, and the very day of my leaving
Boston; and that it was generally supposed I intended
getting into the western part of the Quebec government
by the Mississippi. All attempts at denial were now
idle.
The committee were anxious to seize my papers ; but, as
I found their search inefiectual, I told them they had been
sent to Quebec; and, after .-epeated examination, my port-
manteau was returned to my servant, without discovery.
Yet, although Dr. Smyth and myself had several times,
before we left Norfolk, severely scrutinized and destroyed
every paper that might affect us, there was a manuscript
that had been wrapt round a stick of black ball by my ser-
vant, so soiled and besmeared, as to have escaped the search
both of ourselves there, and the committee here, who were
as industrious as they were suspicious. This paper, which
contained a rough draft of propositions, supposed to have
been laid before General Gage by me, but which really was
not the case, was discovered in consequence of a fresh ex-
amination demanded by a Member of Congress, who arrived
at the committee some days after we had been taken to
Frederick Town, and was published as my confession,
though I repeatedly, and with truth, denied the justice of
the supposition.
We were now decidedly prisoners, and it became one of
■ t-
»l
Narraiive of John Connolly, Loyalist.
y
^ ,1
my chief concerns lest my friends of West Augusta County
might sufter from my misfortune. I, therefore, obtained an
interview with the Member of Congress, and endeavoured
to eradicate every suspicion from his mind, by introducing
such conversation as I judged most conducive to this pur-
pose. Among otlier matters, this gentleman informed me,
that Congress seeing the consequences of civil war inevita-
ble, had come to a determination that officers taken by
them should be admitted to their parole, and treated with
every lenity consistent with the public interest, as they ex-
pected a similar indulgence would be extended to the unfor-
tunate on their side, who should become prisoners. How
far this resolution was adhered to, the subsequent part of
this narrative will testify. The idea was, indeed, to me very
renovating ; it gave me to hope, that although a prisoner
now, and my etlorts for the present impeded, I should soon
regain my liberty, and have still the power to prove myself
an active supporter of the constitutional government.
We were now removed to the house of the Colonel of the
Minute-men, and confined in a room where we had no reason
to complain of lodging, or diet; but the clamorous gabbling
of this raw militia was eternal and noisy beyond conception.
They were ignorant, and stupidly turbulent; and their
guard, which was relieved every four-and-twenty hours,
gave a night of entertainment to themselves and visitors, and
of tantalizing perturbation to me, whose heart was inces-
santly panting after other scenes, and different companions.
My servant, who was a man of great fidelity and adroit-
ness, was not confined ; and as he had gathered some slight
intimation that matters of consequence were in the pillion
sticks, and observing the saddle and its appendages sus-
pended in an adjoining shed, after having undergone a
severe but fruitless scrutiny by the committee, he seized
a favourable moment in the dead of night, opened the
sticks, examined their contents by the light of a tire, and
finding of what importance they were, destroyed them all,
except my commission. This he sealed up, and conveyed
to rae, with a note informing mc of what he had done, by
k'i
Nan'cdive of John Connolly, Loyalist.
25
i
means of a negro girl, that had before been proved to bo
faithful.
Among other conjectures, on the probable operations of
Congress, I began to reflect, that they would certainly send
a body of men down the Ohio, to capture the small garrison
at Kuskuskis, as they were in great want of stores and
ordnance. I therefore wished very much to inform Captain
Lord, who commanded at the Illinois, of his imminent dan-
ger, and advise him to quit his post, and gain Detroit, by
the Onabache communication, without delay. We had ob-
served, that towards day-light, our guard frequently ex-
hausted by their own noise and folly, were inclined to a
momentary quiet, and as no centry were regularly relieved,
but all were on duty at the same time, we concluded there
was a possibility for one of my companions to effect an
escape. But as verbal intelligence might not find immedi-
ate credit, it was necessary I should write, and in this our
good negro again assisted us: she procured paper, and an
ink-horn, which she contrived to leave between the bed and
sacking-bottom, unnoticed by the guard. Thus furnished,
I wrote the necessary letters, and Dr. Smyth willingly offer-
ing his services for this laborious undertaking, we contrived
to unscrew the lock from the door, and towards morning,
just as the guard were nodding in their chairs, he slipt down
stairs unobserved. We had scarce time to screw the lock on
again, and lie down, before the guard entered our room,
but seeing some of us in bed, they concluded we were all
there, so cried all safe, and retired. This business was very
critically effected, for the next day we were to be removed
towards Philadelphia, pursuant to an order of Congress.
In the morning, when it was found that Dr. Smyth had
made his escape, we felt such consequences as might natu-
rally be expected from vulgar and exasperated men, and
were plentifully loaded with opprobrious epithets.
It was on the 29*'' of December, 1775, in a severely cold
season of the year, that we set out for Philadelphia, a jour-
ney of one hundred and sixty miles. We were escorted by
a party of militia dragoons ; our spurs were taken off, our
?:
26
NarvaUve of John Connolly, Loynlist.
\]
horses placed parallel like coach horses, with tlieir heads
tied together in a very confined manner, and a horseman,
with a long rope attached to the intermediate cord, rode
before, rudolv conducting us in whatever direction he
thought i)roper. My servant was allowed to follow with
my portnnuiteau, but not having taken off his spurs, the
populace ran violently up to him, and cut through his boot
and stocking to tear them away. We were obliged to per-
form a considerable journey that day, in a manner painful
to remember; the road was rough, the snow on the ground,
the rivulets numerous and frozen, and a track for the horses
obliged to be broken through them. These were only made
wide enough for a single horse, and notwithstanding our
entreaties to the contrary, we were obliged to enter all these
narrow passes, with our horses abreast, the consequence of
which was, a continual contest between the poor animals, to
preserve the open communication, alternately forcing each
other to jump upon the firm ice, or break a larger extent in
the struggle. Our knees were repeatedly bruised, and our
limbs in imminent danger of being broken, by the inces-
sant falls and warfare of the horses. Sorry am I to say,
it rather aftbrded cause of merriment to our conductors,
than any scope for the exercise of benevolence. For the
honour of humanity, liowever, it should be observed, that
our guard consisted of the lowest and most irrational of the
inhabitants, in and near the town of Frederick, and their
captain a common surgeon-barber.
On the second day we reached York Town, where a com-
mittee assembled to determine how they were to lodge us.
Their deliberations were not of long continuance ; we were
committed to a room in the county gaol, in which was a
dirty straw bed, little covering; and, notwithstanding the
inclemency of the season, no fire ; add to which, their new
made soldiers were so fond of fife and drum, that they en-
tertained us all night with this music. The next morning
was the first of January, 177(3, and we were conducted from
gaol to the tavern, where our horses were, by an officer's
guard, and a drum beating the rogue's march. Here we
Narrative of John Connolhj, Loyalist.
27
were coriHijfiiccl once more to our polite friends of Frederick
Town, who, to the no small entortuinnient of the populace,
ironically and vociferously complimented us with many
wishes of a happy new year.
Led in tliis insulting manner, hy a formidable guard, and
exhibited in terrorcm. to all loyalists, I now too plainly saw
the probability of my falling a political sacrifice, and that
this parade of indignity was but the commencement of my
sutt'erings. I was the first person of influence, who had
attempted to support the Royal cause, by raising troops in
America. That they meant to intimidate every Gentleman
from future efforts of that ruiture, not only by exposing me
as an object of contempt to one party, and of dread to the
other, but of unrelenting persecution likewise, will I think
be evident from the facts contained in this narrative. Let
it, however, be always understood, both here, and in all
other places, where I mention the rigours I sustained, that
I do not mean to accuse any man, or set of men, any farther
than a fair statement of my own case requires; nor have I
any view, but to shew that my sufferings were the effects of
my unshaken loyalty, that I was, while free, an active main-
tainer, and when imprisoned, an inflexible adherent to the
cause I espoused ; that they were convinced of this, and
that this was the source of the unabating severity with
which 1 was treated. By the received modes of modern war,
their conduct was certainly unjustifiable; how far their pe-
culiar situation may extenuate this charge, is not for me to
determine. My purpose is only faithfully to relate what the
interest of myself and family demands should be related.
When we again set forward, great numbers of the inhabi-
tants of York-Town rode with us to Wright's-Ferr}', as
well for the novelty of the sight, as to be present at an in-
terview that was expected to take place between me and an
uterine brother of mine, who had long been the representa-
tive of the county in the general assembly of the Province,
and who was of a very different political complexion. I
know not how this meeting afl'ected the multitude, but to
me it conjured up a train of melancholy ideas; my own ex-
m
11
28
Nan-atlve of John Connolly, Loyalist.
^ fit
!/'
ii
i(
ample giive me a strong picture of the horrors of civil dis-
cord, tliat was too disniiil to boliold without a shudder. My
stay was short; at ray brother's re((ue8t, I was suffered to
walk upon the ice, across the Susquohanuii, in his company,
with the guard following in the rear. The painful remem-
brance of the blessings of peace, and of the ravages of that
dissention that could make the brother war against the
brother, and the son against the father, gave sensations,
better to be imagined than expressed. When we reached
the opposite shore, therefore, we soon took our leave.
This night we were lodged in the gaol at Lancaster, and
two days more brought us to Philadelphia, where we were
committed to the charge of the associated city militia dressed
in uniform. About six in the evening, by an order from the
Council of Safety, we were marched to where they sat, and
from thence to prison, where, by the nature of the commit-
ment, we were debarred the use of pen, ink, and paper.
My servant too was now involved in the severity practised
upon me, and we were all three shut up in a dirty room, in
which we could obtain nothing but an old pair of blankets,
and that only in consideration of a considerable premium to
the gaoler. In this state we cotitinued in the depth of
winter for ten days, without a change of linen, before we
could get our cloaths out of the hands of the Council of
Safety; at length they were restored, and by virtue of
pecuniary influence, we obtained something that the keeper
called a bed. Here we remained till the latter end of Jan-
uary, when we were removed to a new and elegant prison,
then lately erected, whither we were escorted with great
formality, and again honoured with a rogue's march. Was
this necessity, or was it illiberal faction ? if the latter, success
will not surely wipe off the aspersion incurred by the author
of this ungenerous treatment ; if the former, benevolence
must lament for those who were the unfortunate victims.
Thus Congress were determined, not only to hold me up
as a public example of political vengeance to the loyalists,
but to take every means possible to degrade and render me
contemptible.
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalid.
29
f'
Though I had progressively acquired rank in the pro-
vincial service, of which they could not be ignorant, few
men having been more generally or more respectably ac-
quainted in the middle and southern colonies, though I
had obtained a lieutenant-coloners commission under his
Majesty, yet whenever they had occasion to mention me in
their resolves and public proceedings, they wrote plain John
Connolly, without the least mark of distinction, or aft'ected
to call me Doctor, thereby bringing to the remembrance of
those who knew me, that it was once intended 1 should
pursue the practice of physic, if that were any disgrace,
and insiimating to the world at large, that a Doctor would
not have been in such a situation, had he not been a busy,
factious person. The English history is replete with in-
stances of a similar nature. The tyranny and insolence of
republican faction, arraigned even the sovereign of these
realms, by the name of Charles Stuart. Self-defence obliges
me to make the foregoing remarks, it would else become
matter of wonder, when the papers of Congress necessarily
cited hereafter come to be read. Why, if I were what I say,
I was not so distinguished.
Amidst the hardships and chagrines I daily suffered, I
had still the consolation to reflect, I had done every thing
possible in the discharge of my duty, and anxiously hoped
Mr. Smyth had been fortunate enough to escape to the
Illinois, but in this I was disappointed. This Gentleman,
after having encountered a variety of difficulties, and suf-
fered abuses for having undertaken this enterprise, scan-
dalous to the perpetrators, disagreeable to remember, and
unnecessary to relate, was brought once more a prisoner to
Philadelphia. I was still resolved, if possible, to apprize
Captain Lord of his danger, which I ctlectcd by the follow-
ing means.
The Council of Safety had made a resolution to discharge
all British prisoners, privates, who would take an oath not
to engage in hostilities against the United Colonies. Among
their captives, was a recruit of the Ilighhuul emigrants, that
was allowed to come of a morning to make my fire, whom
»■
m
30
Narrative of John ConnoUy, LoyaUM,
t
^
iii
%
i!
I
I found to be acute, and willing to do me any aervice.
This man I prov.iilod on to take the oath, and procure his
release, and then ref<()lved to send him to Pittsburgh, with
letters to a friend of mine, who might dispatch an Indian
down the Ohio to Captain Lord. The recruit found oppor-
tunity to bring me some writing paper and sul ammoniac,
and the Ixisiness was happily effected. By this means I
endeavoured to preserve his Majesty's garrison, stores, and
ordnance ; but as the transaction became ultimately known
to Congress, it did not tend to lessen their severities.
When Mr. Cameron and myself were conveyed to the
new Prison, we were both <;onrtncd in one room ; the walls
were thick, and not thoroughly dry, so that we contracted
inveterate colds. Our rootn door was constantly kept shut,
and our windows towards the street nailed down, by which
all free cix'culation of air was prevented, neither was any
person suffered to speak to me, without an order under the
sio-nature of the Secretary of Congress. Under these cir-
cumstance:;, I began first to experience a very disagreeable
and a very serious alteration in my health, when by a resolve
of Congress, I was allowed more open air, and a separate
room; but this indulgence was of short duration, and I was
again locked up night and day.
In the montla of December, 1770, an attempt was made
by Mr. Cameron, Mr. Smyth, and another gentleman (Mr.
Maclean, since captain in the Eighty-fourth), of so indus-
trious and hazardous a nature as to deserve a particular
relation, the horrors of their imprisonment alone can
account for the temerity of the enterprize. These gentle-
men, with wonderful exertions and address, and with no
other tool but a knife, opened a hole through the arched
roof, and got unobserved upon the top of the prison. With
the unsound ptullasses on which they lay, and their old
blankets torn up, they made a rope, and perilous as the
attempt too visibly was, resolved to endeavour this way to
descend. Mr. Cameron, than whom no man is more
daringly intrepid, made the first and the only essay; for
scarce had he suspended himself beneath the roof, before the
Nai'rative of John Connolli/, Loi/<ilMt.
31
faithless cord broko, uiul he tell iieur tifty foot upon n hard
frozen ground. It seoins miraoulout^, that inunediato death
was not the consequence. Ho was taken up lifeless, his
ancle bones were broken, and hirt whole frame shattered.
The tu'o unliurt gentlemen were thrown into the dungeon,
where they remained until removed, with the other prisoners,
to Baltimore, on the advance of the royal army to Trent
Town, when Mr. Cameron, in a dying condition, was taken
to the sick quarters in the city. Mr. Smyth was more for-
tunate in a third attempt, escaping from Baltimore to New
York, where Sir William IIowc gave him a company in
the Queen's Rangers.
Mr. Cameron did not obtain his release till the winter of
1778, when, from a series of extreme hardships and abuses,
his health was so much impaired, and he only enabled to
walk on crutches, that he was incapable of service. This
he accounted his greatest misfortune ; he therefore came to
England, bearing with him the most unequivocal and mel-
ancholy testimonials of his loyalty. Here he recovered in
so astonishing a manner, that scarcely any visible marks of
lameness remain. I am sorry to add, he has not been pro-
vided for in that mode in which he is again become capable
of acting, with honour to himself, and advantage to society.
When Congress first tied from Philadelphia to Baltimore,
they left only a small committee of their body to act in
concert with the Council of Safety. I had now been im-
mured within the iidiospitable walls of a gaol for upwards of
a year, deprived of all exercise, cut otf from all social inter-
course, and my mind preyed upon by eternal chagrine, by
reiterated reflections on what I hoped to have performed,
and what, were I free, I might still perform : no wonder
that my state of health became truly deplorable. I had con-
tracted a complication of disorders; my legs were swollen,
and I was emaciated to a surprising degree. Solitude itself
was become more solitary, for the very [)rison was deserted,
and I only remained. At this crisis, two members of the
Council of Safety came to inform me, I must prepare to
move to the southward ; to which I replied, that my health
la ii
32
Nnrrntive of John Cnnnolhj, Loyalist.
ilil
! '
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)'■
was BO fur inipnirod, of wliicli they seeing ine, would not
avoid being convinced, T was no longer able to encounter
the diflicultics to which I siiw others exposed, and that if
they meant to continue my existence, they must suffer me
to procure a carriiii';o, and go on my parole. To this they
assented, moved, as I imagined, by the spectacle they
beheld ; and I was in hourly expectation of a partial relief,
which, however, I di<l not obtain, till my brother, now
become a General in the service of Congress, came to com-
mand at rhihuK'lphia. Through his interest, and becom-
ing- responsible tor my appearance when demanded, I was
enlarged upon my parole, and sent to his house in the
country, where T was allowed five miles distance to ride for
the recovery of my health. This was fourteen months after
my first becoming a prisoner at Hager's town.
I remaini'd here between five and six weeks, and was then
remanded back to prison, where I continued about six
weeks longer, with the liberty, however, of walking in the
gaol yard during the day. My health had been too radically
impaired to be so suddeidy re-established, which being rep-
resented to Congress, I was again admitted to live at my
brother's on my ])arole, though not till he had entered into a
high pecuniary ol)ligation with the Council of Safety for my
appearance.
I now began to hope, that austerity and persecution were
past, and that henceforth I should be allowed something
like those liberties which ofKcers, under such circumstances,
usually enjoy, till my exchange could be effected. I was
miserably deceived. I continued, in this comparatively
happy situation from the 11th of April, 1777, till the 14th
of October following, when Congress, once more obliged to
fly from riiiUulelpbia at the approach of Sir Williain Howe,
retired to York Town, in the vicinity of my brother's house.
The night of the 14th I was again apprehended, by an order
from the board of war : my papers, with every scrap of
manuscript they could collect,, seized, and myself hurried
away to York-Town prison, close locked up, and every for-
mer severity renewed. I was conscious of having done
Nnrralivf. nf John Crmnolly, Tjoyaltid.
88
nothing to merit this treatment, and imagined, that as it
might How from muw malicioua misrepresontation of my
having given sceret intelligence to the British army, I should
ho enlarged as soon as my innoeence appeared. But my
predi(;tion was drawn from reHectiona on justice, candour,
and humanity, and I was a false prophet. My papers were
returned, and I was taught to hope for my former indul-
gence ; hut days and months elapsed, and I was still a
prisoner. The convention of Saratoga put so many per-
sons of consequence into the possession of Congress, that
the prospect of either humane usage, or exchange, was very
faint.
Inconsequence of a recommendation from Congress, laws
were passed in some Provinces, that whoever among the
Loyalists should return, within a time specified, and hecome
subject to the Republic, should have their estates restored.
Wlien this act took place in Virginia, I was earnestly so-
licited to renounce my allegiance, and again enjoy my lands
and liberty. But harrassed as I had been, and unhappy
as I was, without one earthly comfort, and scarce a future
ray of hope, this proposition was peremptorily rejected :
at the risk of a lingering death, I preferred my honour
and my loyalty to every inferior consideration. I was de-
barred the rights, but could not forget the duties of a good
subject.
York-Town gaol, where I was now confined, was so
crowded with British prisoners, it being the stage for such
as were marching southward, exclusive of those that were
resident, that at length a contagious fever appeared. About
this time Congress appointed a day of thanksgiving to be
observed throughout the United States, and their proclama-
tion was replete with professions of piety, benevolence, and
charity towards their enemies. This I thought a proper
time, by a firm atid candid representation of facts, to draw
their attention towards the miserable condition of the
prison, and, in concurrence with the opinion of some
officers who signed the paper, I wrote and sent them the
following remonstrance :
!
1*'
y
34
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
\ ■ '
* ;*
n
!
1 if
14 J
if
I!'
To THE Hon. Henry Laurens, Esq. :
May it please your Honour, We the subscribing persons,
prisoners of war, having underwent a series of calamitous
confinement equal to the utmost rigour (which has given
cause to loud com}»Uiint) had the pleasing prospect of seeing
a period to such atflictions by an exchange of otticcrs, or by
that humane interposition, which, in such cases, marks the
character of a civilized and Christian people; but uidiap-
pily find ourselves disappointed. We beg leave to remind
your Honour, of the nmltitude of prisoners taken by his
Majesty's forces, who have been restored to their friends,
and their distress alleviated by a dismission from captivity.
Whilst we have beheld a succession of sucli events extend-
ing to almost all ranks of American prisoners, we are sorry
to say, that our miseries have been aggravated by a most
criminal imprisonment, in a loathsome, crowded jail in-
fected with a contagious fever, and polluted with noisome
smells through every part. Could any motives, founded
upon reasons even of a political nature, be urged in justifi-
cation of the treatment we experience, it would ap[)ear to
us less objectionable; but when we are satisfied that difi'er-
ent gentlemen, in every respect in similar circumstances
with ourselves, who were born and educated in this country,
have been admitted to generous favours, sent into the British
lines, either on parole, or exchanged, and, in every other
respect, treate<l only as unfortunate, we find ourselves utterly
at a loss to account for the peculiarity of our persecution.
In your address to the inhabitants of the United States, it is
therein publicly declared, that you have studiously endeav-
oured to alleviate the captivity of your enemies. Wc most
heartily wish we could subscribe to this assertion; but how
is it possible, when sixteen months imprisonment, of the
most distressing nature, is the shortest time of which any
of us complain? SuV)ject to all the indignities, and low in-
sults, of an illiberal gaoler and turnkey, and placed upon
the same footing with horse-thieves, deserters, negroes, and
the lowest and most despicable of the human race ? To
cultivate the assistance of Heaven by acts which Heaven
I
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist. $$
opposes, is a recommendation trnly laudable. But whether
the complaints which we thus exhibit, can be agreeable to
the benignity of the Divine Ruler of Heaven, we submit to
the dispassionate determination of your Honour. We beg
leave, finally, to observe, that as this gaol is a stage for all
prisoners moving to the westward, that such as are sick,
lame, or otiierwise disabled, are left behind, and as the
yard, and every part of it, is truly odious, from the disa-
greeable smell, and unfit to maintain life, we intreat your
Honour to lay this our Remonstrance before Congress,
earnestly soliciting them to admit us to our paroles in any
part of the country, or in some other manner to extend
their humanity towards us, which, from our sufierings and
your declarations, we have the greatest reasons to expect.
We are, Sir,
Your most obedient.
Humble servants,
John Connolly,
Richard W" Stockton,
Charles Harrison,
AsHER Dunham,
Robert Morris,
Francis Frager.
York-Town Gaol, May 17, 1778,
iS I
This Address was productive of the following Resolve of
Congress, and Report from the Board of War :
In Congress, May 23d, 1778.
Whereas it appears probable that attempts are making to
misrepresent the conduct of these United States towards the
prisoners in their possession, in some degree, to wipe ofi' or
counterbalance the just reproach that has fallen upon our
enemies for their barbarity. *
Jiesolral, Tliat the letter from John Connolly and others,
dated York-Town gaol, May the 17th, 1778, together with
the report of the Board of War upon it, be published.
At a Board of War, 22d of May, 1778. The Board,
36
Narrative of John ConnoUy, Loyalist.
- I
*;»
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\ J
t.
h
r.:
11
:l;
having taken into consideration the letter from Doctor John
Connolly, and the other prisoners of war, most of whom
have been lately removed from Carlisle gaol, into the prison
of the County of York, beg leave to rej)ort to Congress :
That, forbearing to remark upon the indecency of the
terms in which the said letter is conceived, and which is
calculated for other purposes than merely to relate their
pretended grievances, the board will lay before Congress the
facts which they have collected from Major Wilson, com-
manding at Carlisle, during the residence of Major Stock-
ton, and other ofHcers of his party in the gaol of that place.
. . . From Mr. Thomas Peters, Deputy Commissary of
prisoners, who had the charge during the winter, of the
prisoners at Carlisle and York, from Doctor Henry, em-
ployed to attend the British prisoners, when sick . . . and
from Colonel Pickering, one of the board, who visited
the gaol of this place. From the concurrent testimony
of all which gentlemen, the account given by the prisoners,
in the said letter, appears to be founded in misrepresenta-
tion.
Major Wilson, who was fn^qucntly called in by the officers
themselves to examine their situatiun at Carlisle, agrees with
the Commissary of prisoners.
That as often as eitlier of these gentlemen visited the
gaol at Carlisle, the officers, being six in imml)er, had the
privilege of the whole gaol, except such part as the gaoler
occupied, and one room entirely to themselves; and,
although the criminals were under the same roof, yet they
were so far from being crowded, that there were not in the
said gaol more than six or seven prisoners at a time (and
the most of these Tories) on an average, during the con-
finement of the officers at tluit place. That the gaol was as
clean as such phuics can be kept ; and if it had not been so,
the fault would have lain with the officers, who were in-
dulged with two servants to attend them for the purposes
of cleansing their apartment, and waiting on their persons.
These (jfficers too, were conlined by order of the Cotnmis-
sary General of prisoners, as a retaliation for those of our
li."
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist
m
array suiFering every degree of insult and cruelty, which
British haughtiness and inhumanity could inflict, in the
provost and dungeons of New York and Philadelphia.
This being the reason of their confinement, and the fore-
going the situation of it, the board conceive their imprison-
ment was of the mildest nature, when compared with the
riffours of that of our own officers. . . . But the gaol at
Carlisle not being secure, the Deputy Commissary of
prisoners, removed them to the prison of this place, wherein
was confined Doctor John Connolly, for the same causes
which induced and continue their present imprisonment;
and for other reasons of policy and prudence, Doctor Con-
nolly having also sundry times behaved amiss while on
parole.
In the gaol at York, these prisoners (seven only in num-
ber) have two airy rooms ; the one fifteen by twenty feet,
and the other something less, besides the privilege of the
whole gaol yard, which is sixty yards long, and eighteen
wide . . . frequently swept, and kept as clean as possible,
and by no means polluted with filth, &c., there being a
privy at the extreme end of the yard. These gentlemen
too, have three servants to attend them . . . their com-
plaints, then, of being confined in a loathsome, crowded
prison, infected with a contagious fever, and polluted with
noisome smells through every part, are not warranted by
facts. The gaol is made a place of temporary confinement
for passing prisoners, but is never crowded, and there are
now only nine privates therein, and three of them are the
officers' servants, although it is capable of holding, conven-
iently, one hundred and sixty prisoners. There was, some
time ago, an apprehension, in a part of the gaol, distant
from the officers' apartments, that a contagious fever liad
broke out among the soldiers : but the diseased were im-
mediately removed to hospitals, and a surgeon and nurses
provided for them, and every assistance ottered them the
nature of our attUirs would admit. The gaol is now jlean
and healthy, save that there are five soldiers who have
fevers, from want of exercise and other causes common to
4
.*
i
i
38
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyaliat.
'f
i !
m
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places of confinement ; but tlie disorders are not contagious
or dangerous.
Mr. (■onnolly, althoiigli indulged with every thing a
prisoner could reasonably wish, has repeatedly represented
his own, and the situation of the gaol, in similar terms with
the letter now under consideration; and the former, and
this board, have often had consefjuent examinations, in all
of which, they found the complaints groundless. . . . Once,
particularly, when Mr. Connolly represented himself at the
point of death from the severity of his confinement, the
board directed Doctor Shippen to visit him, who reported
that his situation was directly opposite to his representation ;
his indisposition slight, and merely of an hypochondriac
nature; the board have been so particular for several
reasons, one whereof is, to supercede the necessity of future
enquiries ; and are ii}>on the whole of opinion, that these
gentlemen should be more strictly confined, as from the
indulgence now given them, there is a probability of some
of them, at least, making their escape.
By order of the Board,
Richard Peter.
Pul)lished by order of Congress,
Chakles Thompson, Secrdari/.
l!^otbing can have a greater appearance of dispassionate
candour, if we except the expression Tories, than this re-
port; yet nothing was ever more abundant in chicane and
deceit. On the 17th of May, the date of our letter, the gaol
was exactly, literally, in the state we represented it to be :
on the 23d of the same month it was what their report af-
firms. But, in the interim, so industrious were they to give
their proceedings every appearance of truth, as well as of
humanity, one hundred and fifty privates had been sent
away, some of the sick removed, the gaol-yard thoroughly
cleaned, and our rooms whitewashed. They then, with an
ostentatious formality, examined the prison, and made their
rei)ort. But was it probalde, was it possible, that men could
have the temerity, knowing themselves in the power of an
Narrative of Jolin Connolly, Loyalid. 00>
unforgivinc^ onerny, or the audacity, making pretension to
the cliaracter of gentlemen, to atHrin such direct falsehoods
as their report made our letter to contain ? Or if one were
so spleen-ridden, as to magnify his miseries so excessively,
Avould five other gentlemen have written their names, and
disgraced themselves in attestation of his visions? No:
Rouzed by a retrospection of things that could not he justi-
fied, and irritated that men should dare to speak the plain
truth, they remove, in some measure, the cause of the com-
plaint, and then afiirm it never existed : they are afraid the
tale should be told to their confusion, therefore resolve to
tell it first themselves. No other excuse can be adduced to
plead for the duplicity of their conduct, but the often reiter-
ated one of political necessity. This, perhaps, may justify
them to themselves, and to the world, as politicians, but
will not invalidate my claim to distinction from the nation
in whose cause I suffered. It will, likewise, if admitted,
be a melancholy proof, that politics and justice are things,
in their own nature, very distinct and heterogeneous.
There are other things in this report which I would wish
should be particularly noticed. Retaliation, and other
reasons of polici/ and prudence, are there assigned as the
causes of my continued imprisonment. I hope this will be
remembered, because very different motives are given here-
after. It is likewise there asserted, I had sundry times
behaved amiss while on parole : this, upon the Avord and
honour of a gentleman, I totally deny. I must, likewise,
remark, that their other reasons of policy and prudence
were evidently the conviction they had of my determination
to leave nothing unessayed to serve his Majesty. They
knew me to be an enterprizing, and, as may ho adduced
from the former part of this narrative, a dangerous enemy;
and, therefore, would not suffer me to escape. These wei-e
reasons of policy and prudence.
Another effort is made to impugn my veracity, by saying,
that Dr. Shijipen, when he visited me, found my situation
directly o[)[)osite to my reiu'csentation : that my indisposi-
tion was slight, and merely of a hypochondriac nature. To
J
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40
Narrative of John Connolli/f LoyaVid.
hi
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I'
this I answer, tliat when this visitation was made, I liail lo.st
my appetite : liad an incessant watchfulness ; was reduced
to a skeleton ; had hlisters upon my neck ; was incapable of
walking across the room ; and, for the two preceding nights,
my brother officers had very humanely sat up with me.
That melancholy and hypochondria should be generated in
such a situation is not to be wondered at ; but surely these
were indications of something more than a slight indis-
position.
Here, that is, in York-Town gaol, I remained till the
evacuation of Philadelphia by the British army; when,
just before the return of Congress to that city, I was in-
formed, officially, that a general exchange had taken place,
and that I, amongst others, was exchanged : but before the
final departure of Congress, this information, though from
the Board of War, was contradicted. Towards the latter
end of July, a still stronger assurance of approaching liberty
arrived. A letter from the American Commissary General
of Prisoners came to York-Town, wherein it was required
that I, with my brother officers, should be inmiediately for-
warded to Elizabeth Town, to be exchanged. I was now
admitted to my parole (be pleased to observe) as a prisoner
of icar, and obtained a passport for myself and servant to
Philadelphia, when I waited on the Deputy Commissary of
Prisoners, and shewed him my passport. He informed me,
I should jiroceed in a day or two, took my address, and
recommentled me to keep within my lodgings. 1 was
punctual in waiting upon him at the time mentioned, when
to my utter surprize and chagrine, he told me, I was by
order of Congress, to be again confined, for a few days, in
the new gaol, until that Ijody had more properly considered
of the admission of my exchange, whither he had an officer
in waiting to convey me. To have gained my parole, to be
thus far advanced on my way, and afterwards, without the
least cause, to be so cruelly and vexatiously again imprisoned,
disturbed me so much, that I wrote to the President of Con-
gress, complaining bitterly of the length of my confine-
ment, and evidently studied cruelty of my treatment, to
Nairative of John Connolly, Loyalht.
41
which I received no answer. I then addressed myself to
General Washington, and stated the peculiarity of my case,
who wrote me a short reply to this purport; '* That he had
transmitted my letter to the President of Congress, but
could extend no relief to me, as I was the immediate prisoner
of that body."
It was on the 5th of August, 1778, that I, for the third
time, became an inhabitant of this prison, at which time I
became acquainted with Captain Hawker, a Gentleman of
great philanthropy and liberality of sentiment, and to
whom I owe every acknowledgment, for his polite atten-
tions and civilities while he remained.
My irritation of mind was now so great, that a dismal
train of nervous disorders, established in my habit by former
sufferings, were revived with such force, that sleep and
appetite again forsook me, and I fell into the last stage of
despondency. I wrote, however, on the 12th of October,
to Congress, informed them of my ungenerous usage, and
claimed the treatment of a prisoner of war. I ultimately
demanded a personal audience of a Committee of Congress,
in order to know wherefore I was refused to be exchanged,
or on what pretence I had been subjected to such unpax'-
allelcd injustice and indignities. The olficers who signed
the before recited remonstrance, were Provincial, not British
otficers, born and bred in America ; and they, as well as
many more in the same predicament, had been exchanged,
therefore my country could be no impediment. Mr,
Cameron, who had been taken with me at Hagar's Town,
had been so also of course. I was upon that ground equally
eligible. I therefore declared I was utterly incapable of
accounting, by any mode of reasoning, for my peculiar
detention, and required to receive personal and authentic
information.
For once I was gratified, and brought before a committee,
where having l)rictly recapitulated my causes of complaint,
the chairman replied to the following purport :
That it had been for some time past his opinion, which
he had not scrupled to communicate to Congress, that I
i
42
Xairative of John ConnoUij, LoyuUd.
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I
should be kept in close custody, until Sir John Johnson
was delivered up to them, who, he asserted, had broken his
sacred parole given to General Scuyler, and joined the
enemy; since which time he had been committing ravages
upon the northern frontiers, with a body of light troops and
Indians, as he supposed I intended to do.
To this I answered, that a })arole or honorary obligation,
I presumed, was of modern date, calculated to alleviate the
horrors of war ; that no Gentleman could be answerable
for any but himself; that I had been admitted to my parole
above a year ago, Avhen my conduct Avas irreproachable, and
that I was again, without the least cause on my part, thrown
into prison, and there continued for another year; that
much had been said about the infraction of my parole,
which I utterly denied to have been the case.
To this they replied, I certaiidy had not adhered to the
spirit of it, for that I had spoken against their proceed-
ings, and had frequently attempted to turn them into ridi-
cule.
I answered, the spirit of my parole was so indefinite a
phrase, that it carried no accusation ; that it was impossible
to produce an instance, and that nothing of this nature could
be affirmed, except in vague and general terms.
The final objection they made to my exchange, turned
upon the impropriety of my being considered as a prisoner
of war. They said, T had not lieen taken at the head of
any armed troops, but privately making my way through
the country ; and one of them asserted, I might be con-
sidered as amenable to law martial, as a spy; but at the
same time he observed, there was no intention of treating
me as such.
This was an accusation of so strange and novel a nature,
that it (ixcited both my surprise and indignation ; and I
answered it, recapitulating, that I had been now almost
three years a prisoner, in which space I had been three
times admitted to my parole on their own authority; that
I had repeatedly complained to them of the harshness of
my treatment, and the length of my imprisonment, but
Narrative of Julia Connol/i/, Loyalist.
43
that thoy never betbie had allcdged thi'i crime against me
in their justification ; nor was it, I said, possible, witii even
a shadow of truth. I was the King's commissioned officer,
taken in the execution of my duty, to a sovereign, at that
time, acknowledged by themselves. America was not a
separate state ; no independency was declared ; no penal
laws promulgated. Neither was there anything to 8})y. I
was perfectly acquainted with the country, and there were
no armed troops, fortifications, or intrenchments, to be
inspected ; nay, more, themselves knew my business was
not to give intelligence, but to act, which had been publicly
declared in their proceedings concerning me, in which I had
been acknowledged a prisoner of war.
The committee at length promised to consider and report
my case to Congress, and as my health was so exceedingly
and visibly impaired, gave me an intimation, that if I were
not exchanged, I should be enlarged on parole, I was then
re-conducted to prison.
As the sole end and purport of this narrative is to show,
that I was, from the commencement to the last moment,
firm and active in my loyalty ; that had I been at liberty, I
had the power as well as the will to serve my sovereign and my
country ; that Congress were conscious of this, and there-
fore resolved to detain me, which they did in an extraordi-
nary manner, and quite distinct from any other Loyalist,
during the whole contest ; I therefore hope my prolixities
will be forgiven, and my endeavours to exhibit myself and
Hutterings such as they really were, considered not as the
etiusions of vanity, but a strict and literal representation of
facts, in order to obtain justice : that I shall be indulged
with a patient hearing, while I contrast the assertions, and
shew the incongruities of the opposite party ; and that,
while I " extenuate nought, nor aught set down in malice,"
I shall not be thought guilty of magnifying my own mis-
fortunes, or the political injuries of my enemies.
Permit me then to remark, that in the report of the 23d
of May, retaliation for the sufferings of American prisoners,
and other reasons of policy and prudence, were assigned
if
rii
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t
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44
NdiTdtive of John Chnnolli/, Lnyolid.
for the causes of my imprisonment; but since that, having
been more closely pressed for my release, and having no
good reason to alledgo why I should not be exchanged as
well as others, they answered, for the first time, that I ml<iht
be considered as amenable to law martial as a Spy, but gra-
ciously gave me to understand, they would not toialbi pro-
ceed to such extremities. They had still a farther subterfuge.
The following note was sent me a few days after the above
hearing from the committee :
The committee appointed to take into consideration the
application of Lieutenant Colonel Connolly, request that
gentleman will inform them of his reasons for not producing
and pleading his commission, at the time he was first taken,
and for a considerable time afterwards.
Thursday 12 o'clock.
It appears really astonishing, to think that a body of men
could suffer such a note to escape them, when my papers
had several times, and my commission among the rest, been
examined ; but the fact was, they wanted to publish some-
thing to the world, that should, in my case, have at least
the semblance and plausibility of justice. However, I made
them so cautious an answer, that they were obliged to drop
this plea, and once again take refuge under the Spy. Ac-
cordingly, in about two months after this committee first
gave me a hearing, and pretended to examine into the true
state of the business, the following report and resolve of
Congress were published :
Congress, Nov. 12, 1778.
The committee, to whom was referred a letter from John
Beatty, Commissary of Prisoners, dated September 15th,
1778, together with two letters from Joshua Loring, Esq. ;
of the 1st of September and 28th of October, and sundry
letters from John Connolly, report the following state of
facts :
That Doctor John Connolly (now stiliiig himself Lieu-
Narrative of John Connolly, Loijalid.
45
tenant-Colonel in the BritiBli service) was, in the latter end
of November, 1775, apprehended in Frederick county, in
Maryland, in company with a certain Allen Cameron, and
John Smyth, by the Committee of Inspection of that county.
That at the time he was taken, he was not in arms, or at
the head of any i)arfy of men in arms, but was clandestinely
making his way to Detroit, in order to join, give intelligence
to, and otherwise aid the garrison at that place, as apj)ear8
by his own interce}tted letters of the 16th of Decendjer, 1775.
That a number of otHcers in the British service, who
were made ]>ris()iu,'rs, long after the said John Connolly
was apprehended, have been exchanged in course; and no
denuvnd has been made (till within these few months past)
by any British General, for the release or exchange of the
ollic'or last-mentioned.
With respect to the treatment of the said Lieutenant-
Colonel Connolly, the Committee report :
That at the time when he was first apprehended, he was
contined under guard, by the Committee of Inspection in
the town of Frederick, in an apartment separate from his
associates, ^vithout any circumstance to aggravate his cap-
tivity, except the being debarred the use of pen, ink, and
paper: That, notwithstanding this restraint, he contrived
to write several letters of intelligence to the British officers
commanding at the posts of Detroit and Kuskuskis, which
letters were found on the person of Dr. Smyth, one of his
associates, who, having escaped from the town of Frederick,
was again apprehended :
That by the resolution of Congress, of the 8th of De-
cendjcr, 1775, he was ordered to be contined in prison at
Philadelphia; that being brought to that city, he was con-
fined in the new gaol, wherein he continued till about the
month of ISTovendjer, 1776, when he was permitted, on
account of a declining state of health, to reside on his
parole, at the house of his brother-in-law, on the river
Susquehannah, where he continued for about two months ;
when, on information being given to the Council of Safety,
of the State of Pennsylvania, of certain suspicious circum-
m
XuiTdlln of John ( 'nnnollij, Loi/a/lKf.
ifi
Btaiicos relative to him, lie was reniaiKled to his former place
of continciiitiit, in Aviiidi lio continued till about tlio Hpriug,
1777, when ho was ai;aiii permitted oti his parole, and the
security of liis brother-in-law, to return to his former place
of residence on the river Sus(|neliannah :
That during these jteriods of his confinement in the new
gaol, he had, for the greatest part of the time, a separate
apartment to himself, the privilege of walking in the yard,
a person allowed to attend him in Ids apartment, and his
own servant iicrmitted to fetch him such necessaries as he
chose to order.
That during the short period, wlii-n he had not a separate
apartment, tliere were never more than two pt'rsons in the
same room, seldom more than one, and those, some of his
associates, or in cons('({ucnce of his particular request:
That during these [leriods of time, he nuide two attempts
to escape, in which he was detected :
That on authentic information beinij <;iven to Conerress,
at York-Town, that the said Lieut. Col. John Connolly,
was acting in a numner not consistent with the sjtirit of his
parole, and the frontiers being threatened with a barbarous
war, in which there was reason to apprehend he was designed
as an instrument, he was ordered into confinement in the
gaol at York-Town on the 13th of October :
That on the 17th of May, the said J. Connolly, with
several others confined in said gaol, made a representation
to Congress, setting forth in the strongest colouring, the
liardships and cruelties which they declared they were then
suffering :
That on the result of a strict enquiry, and after the gaol
had been visited by Colonel I'ickcring, one of tlie members
to the Board of War, it ai)peared, that the suggestions
contained in tin; said rejiresentation, were scandalous and
groundless ; and the report of the Board of War, was, on
the 23d day of May, ordered to be published :
That since the evacuation of Phila(lel[)liia, the said J,
Connolly was remanded to the new gaol in that city, wliere
(excepting the space of about fourteen days, when two
Nairath'e of John Connolli/^ Loifolist.
47
persons were necessarily obliged to sleep in the same room)
he has had n aepurate and commodious apartment of his
own choice, the privilege of his own servant to attend him
constantly, and to bring him whatever he may recjuire, and
the unrestrained use of a spacious yard to take the air in,
during the day:
That in his letter of the 12th of October, 1778, the said
J. Connolly declared, " That the common rights of humanity
are denied to him," and paints his situation in such terms,
as would tend to induce a belief, that the most wanton
cruelties and restraints are imposed upon him:
That in consequence of a request of J. Connolly, to be
heard in person by Committee of Congress, this Committee
have complied with this request, when he declared, in pres-
ence of your Conmiittee, " that, excepting the restraint of
his person, under the limits above-mentioned, which, how-
ever indulgent they might a}»pear, he conceived unfavourable
to his state of health, he experienced every other relief which
could be extended to a person in confinement :"
That Joshua Loring, Esq ; British Commissary of pris-
oners, in his letter to Mr. Beatty of the first of September,
1778, threatens to retaliate on an American prisoner at war,
of equal rank with Lieutenant Colonel Connolly, for the
sufterings which, it is pretended that oflficer endures."
Whereupon, Resolved, That Lieutenant Colonel John Con-
nolly, cannot of right, claim to be considered and treated
as a prisoner of war; but that he was, at the time he was
apprehended, and still is, amoKtble to the law martial, as a spy
and anissary from the British army : . . . that the repeated
representations made by Lieut. Col. John Connolly, of the
grievances he undergoes, are not founded on fiicts : . . .
That General Washington be directed to transmit the fore-
going resolutions and state of tacts, to the Commander in
Chief of his Britanic Majesty's forces in New- York; and
to inform the said officer, that if, under the pretext of
retaliating for the pretended sufl:erings of a person, who,
by the law of nations, has no right to be considered as a
prisoner of war, any American ofliecr, entitled to be con-
1
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Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
(i
sidered and treated as a prisoner of war, shall undergo any
extraordinary restraints or sufferings, Congress are deter-
mined to retaliate on the person of an officer of the first
rank in their possession, for every species of hardship or
restraint on such account inflictod.
Extract from the minutes,
Charles Thompson, Secretary.
Though the inconsistencies of this paper are, I hope,
evident from the facts before related, yet as they may not
strike a mind less interested with the same force, I beg to
be indulged while I point out a few of them.
They make it one of my crimes, that although I was de-
barred the use of pen, ink, and paper, I, notwithstanding,
contrived to write several letters of intelligence to British
officers. This is ridiculous; for, certainly, if I had the
means, it was as much my duty to aid my Sovereign when
in prison, as when at liberty, I not having given, by parole,
any promise to the contrary.
Another of my sins is, that I made two attempts to
escape !
Sometimes they call me Doctor, sometimes Lieutenant-
Colonel, and sometimes John Connolly; but when they
speak ot the lex talionis, they threaten to retaliate on the
person of an officer of the first rank in their possession.
Another part of their report is contrary to truth : after
the evacuation of Philadelphia, they say I was raaanded back
to tho new gaol in that city. The tact is as before related ;
I was going from York-Town to Elizabeth-Town, on my
parole, to be exchanged, and was stopped at Philadelphia ;
but it did not suit their purpose to state it in this light.
They say no demand has been made, till within these few
months past, by any British General for my release, or ex-
change. This is an equivocation which must be explained
in justice to Sir William Howe. I had come down to Phil-
adelphia, in consequence of a general exchange of prisoners ;
which, previous thereto, could never be settled, owing to
the impediments inseparable from a state of wariare in a
i >
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
49
rebellion. It could not, therefore, militate against that com-
mander, as inattentive to the cond'tion of a loyal American.
I must likewise acknowledge, wJth the warmest gratitude,
the zeal with which Sir Henry Clinton insisted upon my
release, although this equitable and generous interference
had nearly effected my destruction ; for finding themselves,
when they made the above resolve, in possession of General
Phillips, and othar ofiicers of rank, the Congress was de-
termined to keep me ; and the threat of retaliation, however
disguised, was palpably levelled at the last-mentioned Gen-
eral, and was, in f ,ct, a plain declaration to Sir Henry Clin-
ton, that I should not then be exchanged.
I owe, indeed, every obligation to Sir Henry's attention ;
for when the report, which the emissaries of Congress had
propagated that I was not commissioned, reached the British
lines ; to obviate immediately that pretence, and all undue
advantages that might be taken, had my commission been
lost by any accident, or out of my power to produce, he
instantly caused the following certificate to be transmitted
to Philadelphia :
Inspector General's Office, New York,
November 27, 1778.
This is to certify, that John Connolly, Esq ; was appointed
Lieutenant-Colonel \n his Majesty's service, by his Excellency
Lord Dunmore; and said Lieutenant-Colonel Connolly is
now confined in prison by the enemy, in Philadelphia ; and
I further certify, that I have received Lieutenant-Colonel
Connolly's full subsistence, up to the 25th December, 1778,
by order of his Excellency Sir Henry Clinton, Commander
in Chief of his Majesty's forces in ISTorth America.
H. Rook,
D. I. G. P. forces.
(Copy from the original.)
I shall forbear to reason upon, or take any further notice
of that part of their report, where they endeavour to shew
I had not endured any peculiar hardships in my imprison-
ment, or of their treating me as a spy in their resolve, having
IS ku
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50
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalid.
before spoken to those points, but shall proceed with my
narrative.
Some time after this, Doctor Berkenhout arrived at Phila-
delphia from New York, and was imprisoned on some sus-
picions, by which accident I became acquainted with that
Gentleman, and much conversation passed between us con-
cerning the most probable means of my obtaining my liberty.
Shortly after he was delivered from his confinement, an
order of Congress, under the signature of their Secretary,
came to the keeper to lock me up in ray room (I having
then the privilege of walking in the gaol yard), place a cen-
tinel at my door, and allow no person whatever to converse
with me. The complexion of the times, the formality of
the order, coming immediately too from Congress, and the
strictness with which it was enforced, gave me reason to
believe that the last tragic act was now to take place, and
that I should be released from my sufferings by execution ;
and in such a state were both my mind and body, that this
imagination gave far more pleasure than pain. I remained
in this suspense for six weeks, when my door was again
thrown open, and I was allowed to walk in the yard.
It afterwards appeared, that Mr. Silas Doane, in his de-
fence of his public transactions while Ambassador to the
Court of France, had affirmed, he had discovered, by means
of his emissaries at New York, that Dr. Berkenhout had
made a proposition to the British General, to suspend all
exchange of American officers till I was admitted to be ex-
changed, and that I was then to be sent to the northward,
to carry on a predatory war, whence he asserted, he had
saved the inhabitants of the United States from the horrors
of Indian hostilities. This, absurd as it was, and calculated
on private views only, was the cause of my above close
confinement.
Soon afterwards I was suddenly attacked by a cholera
morbus, and continued in so languishing a state, that in the
beginning of April, 1779, a certificate of my infirmities was
signed by two of the mbst eminent physicians in Philadel-
phia, and sent by them to Congress, wherein they declared.
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
51
that unless I was allowed the open air, I must fall a victim
to imprisonment, on which I was allowed to ride four hours
a day, within the limits of about two miles, but on my
parole, obliged to return every niglft to confinement. It
was intimated likewise, I should soon be sent to Reading
and exchanged ; but even the indulgence of riding in the
open air, was presently prohibited, and I again shut up in
prison.
Thus I continued till the 17th of November, at which
time, in consequence of the return of General Sullivan,
from his expedition against Colonel Butler and the Indian
auxiliaries, in which lie was supposed to have greatly in-
timidated those people; and as it was evident, that my
health was in a manner irreparably impaired, and the future
of the war more favourable to Congress, they came to the
following resolve :
In Congress.
Read a report from the Board of War.
Whereupon resolved.
That the Commissary-General of prisoners be authorized
to exchange Lieutenant-Colonel John Connolly, for any
Lieutenant-Colonel in the service of the United States, now
a prisoner with the enemy.
By order of Congress,
Signed
Charles Thompson, Secretary.
I was quickly after sent to German Town on parole, and
on the 4th of July, 1780, allowed to go to New-York on
the following conditions :
Philadelphia.
His Excellency General Washington having granted me
permission to repair to the City of New- York on parole,
for the purpose of negociating my exchange for that of
Lieutenant-Colonel Ramsay, I do promise, on my word of
;|"
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52
Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
honour and faith as a e^entlenian, that I will jiass from here
on the direct road to the aaid City of New-York, by the
way of Elizabeth Town, and that I will return to captivity
at the expiration of one month from tins day, unless within
that time the above-mentioned exchange is effected.
I do, in like manner, pledge my word and sacred honour,
that I will not, directly nor indirectly, say or do any thing
injurious to the United States of America, or the armies
thereof; but that I will in all things conduct myself as a
prisoner of war ought and should do, under the indulgence
granted me.
It is worthy of reniark, that, in the resolve. Congress
authorized me to be exchanged for any Lieutenant-Colonel
in the service of the United States ; but in the strange parole,
which they obliged me to give, they insist upon a particular
person, a favourite Colonel. However, that all necessity of
my return to Philadelphia might be totally superseded, the
Commander in Chief allowed Colonel Ramsay to set oft' on
his parole immediately, and the final adjustment of the
matter was dcfierred till the 25th of October, 1780, at which
time, after sufiering what I have related, in an imprisonment
of almost five years, I congratulated myself on a restoration
to liberty.
I was no sooner free, than I was highly solicitous to be
employed in the mode most likely to render service. I had
observed that Lord Cornwallis, now advancing from the
southward, was often retarded by the temporary junction
of the Militia with the Congressional troops. I knew the
country, the capacity and genius of these men, and the
necessity of obliging them to attend to desultory operations
in their rear, to facilitate his Lordship's gallant endeavours.
I, therefore, submitted a plan to the consideration of Sir
Henry Clinton, wherein I proposed attacking some out-posts
on the frontiers of the Middle Colonies, to possess myself
of Pittsburgh, fortify the passes of the Allegehcney Moun-
tains, and with Provincial troops, and Lulian auxiliaries,
act as emergencies might require. His Excellency was
Narrative of John OonnoUy, Loyalist.
53
pleased to approve of tliis measure ; but as the season was
too far advanced to arrive in proper time on the proposed
field of action, by the circuitous route of the river St. Law-
rence and the lakes, it was laid aside.
In the month of April, 1781, I found myself very ill ;
but as his Excellency intimated early in June a wish that
I should join the army under Lord Cornwallis, though I
knew the danger of the hot climates to my constitution at
that time, I did not suffer myself to hesitate a moment, but
obeyed. I had hope, too, of here effecting another purpose ;
about which I was extremely anxious, I was without a
regiment, and was endeavouring to raise one at JSTew-York;
but as the recruiting tiiere went on very slowly, I flattered
myself I might be enabled to coinpleat my corps to the
southward; and before my departure, his Excellency was
pleased to confirm my rank as Lieutenant Colonel in the
Provincial line.
Having joined Lord Cornwallis, and following him to
York-Town, an enemy's fleet being daily expected on the
coast, his Lordship appointed me to the command of the
Virginia and jSTorth Carolina Loyalists, with a detachment
of the York Volunteers. I was directed to move down to
Back River, to protect the inhabitants of the Peninsula,
lying between the Chesapeak-Bay and James River, who
were exposed to the ravages of armed boats from the east-
ern shore of Virginia. I had not marched above five miles
on this expedition, before I was obliged to halt, being in-
formed the French fleet had arrived, and that two seventy-
four gun ships were actually at the entrance of York-River.
I was, therefore, ordered to return to the vicinity of York-
Town.
The men had underwent excessive fatigue in pn inclement
climate; had been obliged to drink noxioi .rater; the
horses in the legionary camp were lying dead in numbers ;
the negroes that followed the army could hardly be buried
fast enough ; and the putrescent eftluvia, that consequently
followed, nuule the air too unwhok'sonioforthosniall remains
of vigour in my constitution to resist its eflects. Lyin
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Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
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the field brought on a dysentery ; I was obliged to go into
sick quarters; and the disorder turned to a debilitating diar-
rhcea, that reduced nie to almost the last extremity. Re-
maining in the town Avas certain death ; and the oidy remedy
was a change of air. I had been invited by some loyal
gentlemen to their houses, and as the inhabitants of the
Peninsula had either been admitted to parole, or had taken
the oath of allegiance, there seemed little danger in accept-
ing the invitation ; yet, as it was possible, though, as I sup-
posed, very improbable, I might again fall into the hands of
the enemy, desperate as my state of health then certainly
was, I would not venture into the country till I had first
informed Lord Cornwallis of my wishes, and obtained leave ;
which his Lordship, as humane as he is brave, instantly
granted by the following note :
! k'
Sir,
Head-Quarters, 21st Sept. 1781.
I am directed by Lord Cornwallis to inform you, that he
most readily consents to your going to the country, or taking
any other step that you think will contribute to the estab-
lishment of your health ; his Lordship wishes you a speedy
and perfect recovery ; and I am with great regard,
Sir,
your most obedient
most humble Servant,
A. Ross, Aid du Camp.
Lt. Col. Connolly.
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Licapable of riding on horseback, I set out in a small
sulkey, attended by two servants ; and on the road, met the
gentleman to whose house I was going, who informed me
there was no danger; and perceiving me to be very weak
and exhausted, went with me to a contiguous gentleman's
house, and introduced me to the family, advising me to
repose till the sun declined, by which time he would return
from York-Town, whither he was going, and a(!company
me home. My friend not returning so soon as I exi)ccted, I
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Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalid.
55
set forward without him, but had not proceeded far before
three men, with fixed bayonets, rushed out of u thicket and
made me and one of my servants prisoners.
They drove my carriage into a forest of pines, and detained
me till night for fear of a rescue, and then, by secret roads,
conducted me to a place called New-Port-News, where I first
learnt that General "Washington was arrived at Williams-
burgh, before whom, they insisted I must be taken, having
no respect for my illness, nor any conception of admitting
a prisoner, in such a predicament, to his parole. It perhaps,
was happy for me, that they did not ; for the air, or exercise,
or both, had such an etiect upon me, that when I was put
to bed, I slept upwards of three hours; a refreshment to
which I had been long a stranger. In fact, I have reason
to believe, that though the misfortune of captivity seemed
to haunt me, yet, in this instance it saved my life.
From hence I was embarqued in a whale boat, and put on
board a French ship Armee en Flute, when I had the good
fortune to meet with Admiral Barras, with the Artillery
officers of the French army, who treated me with all the
tenderness and humanity, which the feelings and politeness
of gentlemen could dictate. The next day I was sent on
shore to General Lincoln, wdio behaved to me with every
respect, sent one of his Aids to accompany me, and very
obligingly furnished me with his own horse, as he was
remarkably gentle and safe and no carriage to be had, to
carry me to General Washington.
I was now to see a man with whom I had formerly been
upon a footing of intimacy, I may say of friendship. Poli-
tics might induce us to meet like enemies in the field, but
should not have made us personally so. I had small time
for refiection ; we met him on horseback coming to view
the camp. I can only say the friendly sentiments he once
publicly professed for me, no longer existed. He ordered
me to be conducted to the Marcjuis de la Fayette's quarters.
From the Marquis I received every civility and attention ;
and on account of my health, was entertained by him for
three days, when being solicitous to avoid giving trouble, I
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NniraHvc nf John Connnlhf, LoynUxt.
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was sent on parolo by General Wasliinirton's orders, about
sixty miles back into the country. Here I remained till I
heard of the catastroi>he at York-Town, and that the British
otKcers were generally allowed to e^o into New-York. I
thereupon wrote to the American Commissary General for
passports, but could obtain no satisfactory answer. I applied
to General Washinijton, and was equally disappointed.
Being left alone, as it were, in an enemy's country, and
no authority capable of granting my request remaining,
except the Govenor's of Virginia, to him I had recourse.
From this gentleman, I obtaitied permission to go to Phila-
delphia, on receiving a written assurance from me, of sub-
mitting myself there to those who had the supreme direction
of prisoners. I did not reach this city till the 12th of
December, when I applied to the Secretary of War, for
leave to proceed to ISTew-York, but soon found I had un-
expected ditiiculties to encounter. I was detained at a
public house above a fortnight, and then committed to prison
by the following warrant, under the Seal of the Common
Wealth, issued by the Executive Council, and signed by the
I'resident, a copy of which I demanded from the gaoler.
You are hereby authorized and directed to receive into
your custody, a certain John Connolly, an officer in the
British service, charged with having broke his parole, given
in the State of Virginia, and him safely keep until he be
delivered in due course of law.
Given under my hand and seal, in the Council Chamber,
this twenty eighth of December, Anno Domini, 1782.
W. MooiiE, Presklent.
To the keeper of the gaol of the city
and county of Philadelphia.
The above is a true copy of the original remaining in my
hand.
John Reynolds, Gaoler.
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Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
67
The pretence of a breach of parole was preposterous, and
to be delivered from confinement for such an offence, by
due course of law, was more so. I wrote to General "Wash-
ington on the occasion, but soon discovered he did not
intend I should have left Virginia, and appeared determined,
at first, that I should return. To this I could not volun-
tarily accede, and I remained in prison till the 1st of March;
when, by the interposition of friends, I was at length per-
mitted to go to New- York, provided I went from thence to
Europe, where (at New-York) I arrived on the 11th of the
same month.
I must here take notice, that the raising of my intended
regiment became no longer practicable, as the officers whom
I had warranted for that service, with the recruits raised in
Virginia, had shared a common fate with the army at York-
Town ; and those that remained at New- York, as soon as
the war became merely defensive, were drafted into another
corps.
When the fleet sailed, Sir Guy Carleton gave me permis-
sion to come to England, for the recovery of my health,
where I yet continue to receive my subsistence, as Lieu-
tenant-Colonel in the Provincial service, as will appear by
the annexed letter from the Secretary of State to his Ex-
cellency Sir Guy Carleton.
Whitehall, Feb. 24, 1783.
Sir,
Having laid before the king a letter from Lieutenant-Col-
onel Delancey, Adjutant-General of the forces under your
command, to Lieutenant-Colonel Coimolly, acquainting him
that some difficulties have arisen with regard to the pro-
priety of issuing his pay in North-America, on account of
his absence upon leave. I am, in obedience to his Majesty's
commands, to acquaint you, that he is pleased to approve of
your causing the pay due to Lieutenant Connolly to be
It '
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Nan'aiivc of John Connolly, Loyalist.
issued to him, and of its being continued, from time to
time, during his absence on leave.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
J. TOWNSHEND.
(Signed)
Sir Guy Carleton, K. B.
It is a duty incumbent on me to shew, that the truth of
the foregoing narrative need not rest solely on my asser-
tions, the following papers are authentic testimoniala of its
veracity :
' I hereby certify, that Major John Connolly was appointed
by me to the command of the militia of West Augusta
County, in his Majesty's colony of Virginia; and that he
exerted himself as a faithful officer, in the discharge of that
duty, until the commencement of the rebellion, when the
good of the King's service, and my own personal security,
obliging me to withdraw from the seat of government, I
authorized Major Connolly to adjust all differences with the
adjacent Indian tribes, and to incline them towards his
Majesty's interest. This service appeard to me to have been
well performed, from the belts and speeches transmitted by
their Chiefs through him to me, notwithstanding that Com-
missioners from the Assembly (at that time resolved into an
illegal convention), attended the treaty at Pittsburgh, in
order to influence them to assist in their meditated opposi-
tion, to the constitutional authority of this kingdom.
Upon the performance of this service, in conformity to
my direction, the troops under the command of Major Con-
nolly at Fort Pitt, were discharged agreeable to the pro-
vision made by the Act of Assembly ; and he repaired to
me, through much difficulty, with a zeal and alacrity that
bespoke the firmest loyalty. I immediately dispatched
Major Connolly to Boston, informing General Gage of the
situation of the colony at that period; and as Major Con-
nolly had a formidable interest in the frontiers, I proposed
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Narrative of John Connolly, Loyalist.
59
liis nuHiiit^ u body of men for his Majesty's service there,
and in the contiguous parts of Quebec government, and to
eonmiand an expedition, so as to co-operate with me, for the
reduction of the King's enemies, for whicli purpose lie was
invested with a commission of Lieutenant-Colonel Com-
mandant, bearing date the 5th of November, 1775, with full
powers to act as emergencies might require. In the exe-
cution of this duty, Lieutenant-Colonel Connolly was un-
fortunately made a prisoner, and contiimed as such, under
the inniiediate direction of Congress, near five years, sutier-
ing a constant state of confinement. I further certify, that
Lieutenant-Colonel Connolly, from his loyalty and attach-
ment to government, forfeited a very considerable sum of
money due to him from the Assembly of Virginia, for his
public services as an officer; and that his estate was also
confiscated ; four thousand acres of his landed property
having been patented by me, whilst I had the honour to
preside as his Majesty's representative in Virginia.'
Given under my hand the 25th day of October, 1782.
(Signed) Dunmore.
' I certify, that Lieutenant-Colonel Connolly, came from
his Excellency the Earl of Dunmore to Boston, in the year
1775, and laid before me certain propositions for the sup-
pression of his Majesty's enemies in the colony of Virginia;
to promote which, I gave orders to a detachment of the
King's troops, then in the Illinois, to receive the directions
of Lord Dunmore ; and I further certify, that in the execu-
tion of this duty, it was reported to me, that Lieutenant-
Colonel Connolly was made a prisoner by the enemy, and
that from every appearuJice, he manifested the greatest
loyalty and attachment to the constitutional authority of
government.'
Given under my hand, this 30th day of October, 1782.
(Signed) Thomas C Age.
What I have said in this recapitulation will meet, I hope,
on every hand, with a candid construction. It is a cutting
reflection to find, on looking it through, that it is a tale of
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Ndirath-e of Jnhn (hnnolfi/, Loyttliai.
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KickiioaB and miafortunert, instead of a history of fjloriouB
actions and essontijil services ; l)ut the assiffned causen are
surely a sutHoient upoloiry. The eonteniplative and humane
must commiserate the infirmities of nature, whilst the mag-
nanimous and enti-rprizin^LC must dread similur impediments
in the pursuit of gh)ry. In my own vindication I have l)een
ohlifred to speak of persons and things as they were, hut I
hope this lias hecn done without exaggeration or malignity.
I wisli not to revive animosities liacl I tlie power, nor to
complaiji of men who, whatever were their motives then
for intlicting severities upon me in particular, are never
likely to have the same cause, or the same opportunity,
Tliey, doubtless, thought themselves acting virtuously, and
would iilead the love of their country, in extenuation of
errors ; I must do the same, with this addition, my virtues,
in their eyes, became my crimes; let not my misfortunes,
in the eye of government, become my tauits. I shall con-
elude, with a few reflections on the nature of the Provincial
service, before and during the Civil Wars, and of what I
deem my consequent and reasonable claims on this country.
Before the dismemberment of the British empire, the
provincial otHcer in Korth America knew, with precision,
ui>on what footing he took the field, to co-oi)erate with
British troops, to prevent incursion, or effect conquest. Ilia
rank was determined by the King, and wherever ho acted
in conjunction with his fellow-subjects of this country, either
within his own province, or in another colony, every difiiculty
was obviated, lie was considered as the junior officer : this
was evidently an equitable and a sufficiently honourable
mark of Royal favour. The loyalty that induced him to
espouse the quarrels of Britain in America, promoted, like-
wise, the security of his own property, and restored the
blessings of peace and atHuenee to himself, his friends, and
countrymen. Few reflected that it was as British colonists
they were involved in the wars of Britain, or that a separate
system of government could witlihold them from seconding
the interest of the parent state. As Englishmen they felt,
and as Englishmen they were ready to act : but as the entire
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Narrative of John Connolly, Loyaluit.
61
professional soldier, select from the body of his fellow-Hub-
jectfl, was but of a temporary nature, and the return of peace
replace<l him in his former happy station, it would have been
unjust to have expected the permanent rank and emolunienta
of him, who devoted himself wholly to the possession of the
sword. It is the imnmnities of a member of this empire,
founded upon the broad basis of equity and justice, that
must give efficacy to reasonable pretensions.
In former wars, when American subjects acted in con-
formity to the orders of their sovereign, and were commis-
sioned by the royal representative to military command, the
pecuniary advantages annexed to the respective stations in
which they appeared, arose from the acts of general as-
sembly of the governments wherein they resided ; and this
provision more ample, or circumscribed, depended upon tlie
temper or generosity of the difterent legislatures. The late
unfortunate dispute, wherein not only the prerogative of
the King, but the supremacy of the Parliament of his
Kingdom, was the litigated cause between Britain and her
colonies, and in the maintenance of which, the American
loyalist who attempted to support this system as constitu-
tional, took an active part, changed totally the nature of his
political connexions. Cut off from his former dependance
l)y the issue of the war, excluded from the privileges of the
community to which he belonged, and deprived of his prop-
erty as a mark of its displeasure and disapprobation of his
conduct, to whom can he apply for retribution, but to that
power which has been the source of his misfortunes ? Or
liow can he be more honourably or equitably treated in the
society to which he is now attached, than by a provision in
that line by which he became a sufferer. Congress have
asserted, that we were destined by Britain to be hewers of
wood, and drawers of water. The time is now arrived,
when ample opportunity is allowed to contradict this un-
generous aspersion, and full scope given to the exercise of
that generosity of disposition and liberality of sentiment,
for which I hope this nation will forever appear as the
tuirest candidate. The peculiarity of my case is without
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Narrative of John ComioUy, Loyalist.
parallel, and my pretensions, if as successful as just can
afford no precedent. The troops to be raised under my
orders, both from Canada and Virt?inia, must illustrate the
conditions upon which I entered the service, and plairdy
shew that my intended operations were not merely Colonial,
as an inhabitant of Virginia, but that from the St Lawrence
to the Mississippi, I was equally ready to obey the royal
niandate. Commissioned as Lieutenant-Colonel, uncondi-
tionally by the King's representative, at the commencement
of the rebellion, and taken in the execution of my duty as
a faithful servant of the Crown, held in captivity five years
by the enemy, to prevent the efforts of my capacity, to dis-
regard my claim, as the consequence of such misfortunes,
my suft'erings, my zeal, and loyalty, must then operate as
my greatest faults ; and what I ever flattered myself, must
argue in my favour, would unexpectly complete the measure
of my disappointment from captivity.
Upon my relcasement, as the war Avas changed from an
offensive to defensive one, in the Northern Colonies, and
the prospect of raising a corps in circumscribed limits
where I had no particular interest, but faint and unprom-
ising, the Conmiander in Chief, sensible of the hardness of
my case, was pleased to confirm my rank in the provincial
line. And I must beg leave to offer my being fully sub-
sisted as Lieut. Col. and which I yet continue to receive, as
a corroborating proof of my merits, and the propriety of
my present requisition.
Li fact, feeling as I do, the cause of exultation the dis-
appointment would afford my political enemies, and the
oblique implied reflection upon my character, from a treat-
ment less distinguishing than my loyal countrymen of the
same rank, I must beg leave to insinuate, that I can receive
no adequate reconipcnce through any other channel. A
compensation for my loss of estate is, in that case, all I
require; and I shall endeavour to support this unmerited
adversity, with that conscious dignity of mind, which I
hope will never forsake me, and iiui manner the least excep-
*>'"^'''''*'- John Connolly.
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