Book :Z)^' J 4te- ^5^^^-' ^ 1 ^^ jf "Shelf No fe B^ir^^^v.— -'^^^-^^ /- SEP 10 1912 o ^—^ CO ■«-• a. CO 2 o O HENRY DEARBORN'S JOURNALS, 1776-1783. At the meeting of the Massachusetts Historical Society, April 15, 1886, Judge Chamberlain, in describing the Journal of Captain Henry Dearborn in Arnold's Quebec Expeditions in 1775-1776, referred to three other of Dear- born's journals in the Boston. Public Library. The first of these journals, from July 25, 1776, to Dec. 4, 1777, consist- ing of eight folio pages, is attached to the Quebec Journal. The second, from Dec. 5, 1777, to June 16, 1778, is in a quarto volume of one hundred and'foi-ty-four pages, the first five of which are copies of Congressional Resolves relating to the Army, and the last seventy pages are accounts, re- ceipts, and songs. The third portion, from June 20, 1782, to March 1, 1783, is an oblong quarto volume of forty-seven pages, the last twenty-seven being miscellaneous matters. These have now been brought together. They are printed with strict adlierence to the form, spelling, and punctuation of the originals. Their history, so far as is known, is given in a foot-note to the Quebec Journal. Journal of Henry Dearborn, from July 25, 1776, to December 4, 1777. 1776. July 25 I set out for New York where our main army then lay to settle my accounts — I remained at N York until the enimy took possession of Long Island, & our army was about quiting the City, & then returned home : Decem"' 30"^ I set out for Philadelphia to settle some accounts with congress, I was obliged to go to Baltimore in Maryland, Congress hav- ing retreeted from Philadelphia to that place. — I stayd there 10 days &, returnd home. 1 24''* of March I was Exchanged & appointed Maj' to the third N. H. Reg* Commanded by Col° Scammell. fo'" of May I set out for, & the 20'^* ariv'd at Ticonderoga — the first of July Genl Burguoyn came against Ticonderoga with a Learge f]eet & Army, & began to erect batteries against several parts of our works, the 5"* a couucel of war was held in which it was determind to Evacuate the post next morning before day brake, early on tlie morning of the G*** we left the place, the Enimies pursued us by land & water, destroyd all our baggage that was sent to Skeensborough by water. - — a learge body of Light troops pursued by land, & early on the morning of 7"* fell in with our rear guard & after an action of half an hour, in which they met with considerable loss our troops were obliged to retreet — our Loss was about 300 killd & taken — our main body was at two great a distance from the rear guard to go to their relief in season — our main Army now found themselves oblifjed to perform a Circuitus march of about 150 miles thro what is calld the Green Mountains to Saratogia, almost totally destitute of any kind of provisions or any other necessaries of life : — that part of our army that went by water, by the way of Skeensborough with the baggage, after loosing the baggage were pursued by a body of the Enemy to fort Ann where two or three severe scurmishes happnd, in which the Enimy went of second best, in one of these scurmishes the brave Cap' Weare of the third N. H. Reg' received a wound of which he afterwards died. the 12 of July our main body arivd at Hudson river oposite Sara- togea. were there reinforc'd by several Reg*' of Continental troops & a considerable body of Millitia, some part of our army march'd up the river as far as fort Edward, after remaining there several days finding the Enimy were advancing, our whole force was Collected at a place called Moses creek about five miles below fort Edward, where we remaind a number of days & then retreeted to Saratogea, had several scurmishes with the Enimies advanc'd parties, consisting mostly of Indians & their more savage brothers the tories after remaining two days at Saratogea we retrieted to Stillwater where we ariv'd the 3^ of August, August 3'^ 1777 this morning our army ariv'd at Stillwater & incamp'd. 4"" we are Begining to Erect some fortif'ycatiojis to Day. 5* I am on the advanced Piquit to Day. 6*** it is in Genr! Orders for a Company of Light Infantry to be form'd from Each Continental Regiment, Immediately. 7"* ^Nothing New to Day. 8*'' an Indian Scalp was Brought in to Day By a Party of our men which is a Rareety with us — Genr' Arnold march^ this Day with Genr! Larnerds Brigade for fort Stanwix which has Been Beseiged some time By a Party British Troops & their Brothers the Savages under Command of Genr' S' Ledger. 9* Nothing New. lO*** from the appearences of thing we are about to Retreat further Down the River. 11"' D". 12* D°. 13"^ the Array is ordered to march to morrow morning at 4 O Clock, the Tents to Be struck at 2 — thisEvining the Above order was Coun- termanded. 14"* the army is ordered to march to morrow morning at gun fire to- morrow morning. 15* we march.d this morning about 6 miles to a Place Call.d fort Abraham & incamp.d & Drew Tents for the Newhamps' Battallions which are the first we have had since we Left Ty. 16* we Lay still to Day. 17* we are Ortlered to march to morrow morning. 18* the army marchd this morning, — Genrl Poors Brigade march.d up mohawke River about 7 miles & Cross. d it at a Place Call.d Low- dens ferry & incamp.d . the other Part of the army incamp.d at what is Call.d the sprouts, which is the Place where Mohawk River Emties into Hudson River in three Different Branches this Place is about 9 miles from Albany. 19* Genr! Gates takes Command of the Northern army this Day which I think will Put a New face upon our affairs. 20* we have the Glorious News this Day of the signal victory that Genr! Stark has Obtain'd over the Enimy at Benington Where he has kill.d & taken about 1200 men — Beside a Large Quantity of Baggage & 4 Brass field Peices. 21' I went to Albany this Day to take Care of the Effects of the Brave Cap' Weare who Died a few Days since of the wound he Receivd in the action at fort ann the 8'^ of July. 22*^ I returned to Camp from Albany this Day — this after-noon we are Join.d By 2 N. York Regiments. Van Courtlandts & Liuingstanes. 23'' the two Regiments that Joind us yesterday are ordered to march to fort Stanwix to Join Genr! Arnold. 24* Nothing New to Day. 25 this Day we are Informed that the Enimy made an attempt to storm fort Stanwix But were Repuls.d with Considerable Loss in Con- cequence of which they Immediately Raisd the seage. the 26'-^ 27* 28'-^ Nothing New. 29"* the two N. York Regiments above mentioned Returnd this Day & Join.d our Brigade. 30* Col? Morgan from Virginia with 400 Riflemen .Join.d us to day, 31' Genr! Arnold witli Genrl Larnards Brigade Returnd from fort Stanwix & Joind us this Day. . 6 Septem 1' 2<* S'' Nothing New. 4"* a Scout of 40 men under Command of Cap* fry of Col" Scamraels Regi' was surpris'd By a Body of Indians & others Consisting in the whole of about 300 — we Lost out our scout 9 men kild & taken. 5"'' we are makeing all Possible Preparation to meet the Enimy our Brigad is mustered to Day By Col? Varrick. 6"' we are Ordered to hold our selves in Rediness to march at a munites warning to meet the Enimy — we are Joiud By a Conciderable Body of Millitia from Connecticut, Both foot & horse. 7"" we Expect Every hour to have orders for marching — this Evin- ing we Receivd orders to strike our Tents at gun fire to morrow morn- ing & march towards the Enimy. 8"* we Cross.d the River & march. d about 8 miles to Day & In- camp.d. O'*" we raarch.d about 10 miles this morning to Stillwater & Incamp.d on the nights — a flag Came to Genr! Gates to Day from Genr! Bur- guoyn with a Doct' & some Baggage & Nessasaries for their sick & wounded taken at Benington. 10 we are Begining to fortify on the bights. 11"^ the array is as yesterday, I am appointed to the Command of 300 Lit,rht Infantry who are Draughted from the several Regements in the Northern army & to act in Conjunction with Col° Morgan's Corps of Riflemen. 12* I Join.d the Light Infantry this morning which with the Rifle- men are incamp.d about 2 miles advanc.d of the Main army. 13*** this morning the whole army advanc.d about 4 miles to a Place Call.d Beemes.s Hightsa very advantageous Post & incamp.d. 14*'^ L' Col° Butler of the Riflemen & myself with 200 men went out as a scout Near to Saratoga to Indevour to flud out the situation of the Enimy But Being misled By Our guide we made No great Discoveries, & tarried all Night. 15*^ After Reconoyrtering the woods Round Saratoga we Returnd to Camp. 1 6"* from some Intiligence we Receivd Last Night we Expected to have been Attacted this morning. But were Disappointed — Genr! Stark Joind us to Day with his Brigade from Benington. 17"^ the Enimy are advancing towards us. 18* we march.d with 3000 men to attact the Enimy — we fell in with some small Parties & took about 30 Prison". 19"" hereing this morning that the Enimy ware advancing the Rifle & Light Infantry Corps turnd out to meet the Enimy & about 2 miles from our Camp we fell in with their advanced guard & attacted them about 12 O Clock, after fighting about half an hour Being over Powerd with Numbers we were Ohlised to Retire to A lieiut Could Not mitil they got within their out Lines, in this time we were Reinforcd By several Regiments, Immediately after the Enimy got into their out works we attackd & Carried them, found their Tents standing & several Peices of Artillery in their Lines, & several field oflicers & a Number of oflicers & soldiers, the Enimy Retired Down Near the River into their strongest works : — we toock to Day Si"' Frances Clark wounded, Adedecamp to Genr.' Burguoyn. Maj" Aclan of the granedeers, Maj- Williams of the artil- lery. & several Hushen field OtRcers & several other oflicers of Differ- ent Rank. & about 240 Rank & file, their Loss in kill.d was very Conciderable, among which was Genr^ Eraser. Our Loss was very inconsiderable Except that of Genrl Arnold. s Receiveing a wound in his Leg in forceing the Enemies Lines, we Remain. d all Night in their Lines, we toock 8 Peices of Brass Cannon to Day in the whole 2 of which were Double fortify .d 12 Pounds. 8* this morning the Rifle men & Light Infantry & several other Rigements march. d in the Rear of the Enimy Expecting they were Retreeting But found they ware Not. there has Been scurmishing all Day in which GenrI Lincoln got wounded in the Leg. a Large Number of the Enimy Deserted to us to Day. 9 9"' this morning we found the Enimy had Evaquated the whole of their Lines & had Left about 500 sick & wounded on the ground & a Considerable Quantity of Provisions, the Rifle men & Light Infantry ware sent Immediately to take Possession of their works we march.d about one mile above their Lines & a heavy Rain Comeing on we stay.d all Night, the Enimy March.d about 4 miles & Incampd Near Saratoga, where they found Genr! Fellows with a body of Millitia in their front. 10*'' there is some Cannonadeing at Saratoga this morning Between M' Burguoyn & Genr! Fellows, our army march.d this morning for Saratoga where we found the Enimy in great Confusion, they had Left Large Quantity of Baggage scattered along the Rode & 1 Brass 12 Pounder which they Had Buried in the ground — But was found A heavy Cannonadeing was kept up all Day — 1& a scattering fire of musketry. 11*'' this morning at Day Break the Rifle men & Light Infantry, march.d over fish Creek, & fell in with the Enimys guards in a thick fogg, who kill.d 1 L* of ours & 2 men, we then found our selves Close to the Enimy works where their whole Army Lay & we about 400 strong, the Enimy on one side & a River which we had Cross.d on scattering Logs on the other side, we Remain.d in this situation about 2 hours Before we were Reinforc.d, we Ware then Reinforcd with Genr^ Larnards Brigade, the Enimy Began a Brisk Canonade upon us kill.d several men But we held the ground & Began to heave up up some works, we toock a Number of Prisoners to Day — this afternoon Geur'. Poors & Pattersons Brigade Came over fish Creek with some field Peices & Joind us. 12* Matters stand much as they Did yesterday, about 20 Deserters Came in to Day, — the Rifle men & Light Infantry toock Post in the Rear of the Enimy & incamp.d. 13**^ the Light Troops moovd to the main River in the Rear of the Enimy. Left some small Parties to watch the Roads & paths while the Remainder of Light Troops Reconoyrtered the Enimys Camp, we toock 15 Prisoners and went to what is Call.d Jones. s mill, & Eat. Breakfast, & then moovd Down Near Genrl Poors Brigade who Lay on the Enimys Right wing & Partly in their rear & incamp.d. A heavy Cannonade is kept up on Both sides [to] Day & a scattering fire of muskettry. 14"" at 10 Clock to Day a flag Came from Genr! Burguoyn with some Proposels of Caputilation in Consiquence of which a sessation of armes was agree.d on until sun set in which Time several flags Pass.d Between Genr! Gates & Burguoyne. 15"^ in Consiquence of the flags yesterday, a Sessation of Armes is agreed on to Day. 10 16"" there is a Caputilatioii agreed on. 17"" this Day the Great M^ Burguoyn with his whole Army Sur- rendered themselves as Prisoners of war with all their Publick Stores, & after Grounding their armes march.d of for New England, the great- est Conquest Ever known. the following is a True account of Britons Loss in the Northern Department in america this year at huberton, fort Ann Benington, fort Stanwix, Still water & Saratoga &c «&;c &c in kill.d wounded & taken in the whole 10250 men & 47 Peices of Brass Artillery Besides a vast Quantity of Stores .Baggag &c. IS*'' the whole Army are Ordered to march Down the River towards Albany to Day, & haveing Intiligence on the Rode that Genr! Clinton was Indeavouring to git up to Albany & Burn it as he has Assopus & other Places, we were ordered to march to Albany to Night which is 88 miles where we arivd at 10 O Clock At Night but Did Not see M' Clinton. 19"^ we incamp.d on the bights about Albany to Day. 20"* Nothing Extraordinery to Day. 21' 22^ 23!^ there is some Cloathing Drawing for the men. 24"^ Col° Morgan march.d this Day with the Rifle men for the Southwai'd & Genr! Poors Brigade Cross. d the River & march.d Down toward fish kill. 25 «&; 26 I Lay at Albany with the Light Infantry Nothing Extre- ordinery happened Except that of my gitting some Cloaths. 27"" this Day a very heavy Rain Came on which continued until the 29"*. it is said so heavy a Rain was Never known here Before. 30"* this Day I march.d with the Light Infantry Down the River 12 miles to a Place Call.d Quemens & incamp.d. 31* this Day Gen"^^' Glovers, & Genr! Pattersons Brigades march.d Down & incamp.d at Quemens. Novemf 1* I have fine weather, good Quarters & good Liveing which is something New to me. 2^ as yesterday. 3 D". 4 D°. 5 D°. 6 D». 7 I went to albany to Day to see Genr! Gates, the Light In- fantry under my Command are Dismisd this Day & I set sail for fish kill. 8"^ on my way to fish kill. 9th J)0 10*'^ arivd at fish kill & Joind my Regiment. 11*^ we are Prepareing to march for Philadelphia. 11 12 as yesterday. 13 we march.d to Pecks kill. 14 we Crossd kings ferry & incarap'd. 15 march.d to Suffinene 18 miles & incampd. 16* march.d 18 miles & incampd. 17'" marchd to Morristown. 18* march.d 12 miles. 15* march.d 16 miles. 20* Cross.d the River Dilaware. 21 march.d 14 miles. 22 we Joind the main army at white marsh. 23'^ Nothing New. 24 Nothing Extrordinery. 25 D°. 26 D°. 27 D°. 28 D°. 29 D°. 30 D°. Decern' 1 we have very Poor Living. 2*^ Nothing New. 3-^ D'^. 4 D". [Some words and parts of sentences have lines drawn through them, and these have been omitted. 1 Journal of Henry Dearborn^ from December o, 1777, to June 16, 1778. Decem!' 5* 1777 this morning we ware allarm.d at 4 clock by hearing that the Enemy ware advancing, in consequence of which the whole army Turud out, & form.d the Lines of battle, & sent the bag- gage of the army back out of Camp. — at 9 O Clock some scurmishing hapened at Chesnut Hill 3 miles from our front between the Enimy's advauc.d Party & a Party of Millitia in which we Lost Genr! Arving who was taken Prisoner — the Enimy advanc.d no further we Remaind all Day on our Posts, at Evining we shifted our ground a Little & Incamp.d. 6* we Lay all Day Loocking at one or the other. 7* we form.d our Lines at 6 O Clock & at 7 the allarm guns ware fired by finding that the Enimy ware advancing very Rapedly upon our Left wing, but at 8 O Clock several deserters came in who inform.d us that the Enimy were Retreating towards Germantown — this after noon we found that the Retreet which we heard the Enimy ware making this 12 morning was in fact Sliifting their ground from our Right wing to our Left & advanc.d within | of a mile of our front Line in Consequence of which some scurmish hapened, when our Rifle men gave a Party of them a severe Drubing — we hourly Expect a General Ingagement. — Near Night I was ordered out with our Regiment to attact the Enimys Cavelry, but found them so strongly Posted that I Could Not attack them without too great a Resk — the whole army Lay to Night upon their arms. Expecting that they would attact us in the Night with hx.d bayonets. 8"* the Two armies Lay this morning as yesterday this after noon the Enimy began to Retreet we at first supposed they ware only indeav- ouring to Draw us oiF of our ground, but at dark we found they had Retreeted into Philadelphia. — which must Convince the world that M'' How Did not Dare to figlit us unless he Could have the advantage of the ground. 9* we are all Quiet to Day & our Tents are Ordered into Camp. 10* as yesterday. 11* This morning at 4 O Clock the whole army ware Ordered to Strike Tents & Parade Redy to march when Ordered — at 6 O Clock We march. d & at 9 we began to cross the Schuylkill on a Bridg about 14 miles- from Philadelphia, & when Genr! Wain.s Division had Cross.d we found the Enimy had got Possession of the heights Near the bridg & ware so strongly Posted that it was Thought best for Genrl Wain to Retreet back over the bridg. the whole Army form.d in Lines of Battle & Remaind so untill Near Night & then march.d about five miles up the River to a Place Calld Sweeds ford. '& incamp.d. 1 2 this fournoon we built a bridg with waggons across the Schuylkill for the army to Cross on but Near Night finding the Enimy had moov.d from the Ground they had Lately Occupied the whole army march.d Down to the bridg which we began to Cross yesterday & Cross.d over & toock Possession of some Heights & incamp.d- — 11 hessians ware taken to Day. 13* we Laj"^ still to Day — the Enimy have Retreeted into Phila- delphia. 14 this fournoon we are all Quiet — this after Noon a Party of the Enemys Light Horse & some Light Troops Came within 3 or 4 miles of us & Carried off some Liquers froin a Tavern. 15 we have fine weather for the season. 16* the weather is Cold & wet which renders our Living in Tents very uncomfortable — 11 Prisoners ware Brought in to Day. 17* the weather Remains very uncomfortable — our General Officers are Consulting what winter Quarters we are to have which I fear will be very Poor. 13 18"' the weatlier still Remains uucomfortable — this is Thanksgiving Day thro the whole Continent of America — but god knows We have very Little to keep it with this being the third Day we have been with- out tlouer or bread — & are Living on a high uncultivated hill, in huts & tents Laying on the Cold Ground, upon the whole I think all we have to be thankfid for is that we are alive & not in the Grave with many of our friends — we had for thanksgiving breakfast some Ex- ceeding Poor beef which has been boil.d & Now warm.d in an old short handled frying Pan in which we ware Obliged to Eat it haveing No other Platter — I Dined & sup.d at Genrl Sulivans to Day & so Ponded thanksgiving 19 the army marched about 5 mile & incamp.d Near a height where we are to build huts to Live in this winter. 20'*^ we are making Preparation for huting. 21' as yesterday. 22"^ Nothing New. 23^ we have began to build huts. 24 a Party of our Light hors & some Rifle men toock 10 of the Enimies Light hors men & 13 horses to Day. 25'*^ we have Not so mery a Crismus as I have seen — the weather warm & Rayny. 26 the whole army are very busy in building huts. 27 as yesterday. 28"^ snowey Last night &, to Day. 29"* the weather is very Cold & we have not Done building Huts yet. 30"* I think the weather is as Cold here as it is in New England. 31' Nothing Extreordiuery to Day : we are still Living in Tents, Coverd with snow, this year 1777 has not Closed without something very Extreordinery,s Turning up — having Obtaind Leave from Genr' Wash- ington I intend to set out for home Next Sunday. God Grant me a happy sight of my friends. January 1' 1778 this year begins with Pleasent Weather, may it Prove Ominus of a Happy year for America. 2'' the weather Remains Pleasent. our Brigade is Mustered to Day. 3-' I Receivd my Commission this Day as L! Col° to Col° Scammell. 4'*' I set out for home the weather very moderate. 5"* the Traviling is Exceeding bad. gth yth gth gth ti,g weather & Traviling Remains as it was. 10 I am at Danbury — about 6 inches of snow fell to Day. 11"' the Traviling is better, the weather cold. 12'!" I Bought a Slay to- Day & have very good Traviling. 13'" 14"* 15'^ 16'" 17'" have fine slaying.' 18"* at 2 O Clock P. M. I arivd safe home, & found all well. 14 Aprill 22** 1778 set out for Camp & ariv.d there the 12 Day of May at valey Forge. 15* I am P! of a Brigade Coart Marc' for the Tryal of Cap? Clays he was aquited with Honour. 16 I am Field Officer of the Day. 17* I Dined at Genr} Washingtons. 18 Nothing New. 19 a Detatchment of 2000 men march'd out to Day Commanded by Marques Le fiete this day we are assured of Receiving 7 years Half Pay. 20* this morning at 8 o Clock we ware alarmd & the whole army Turnd out — in Consequence of hearing that the Detatchment that marchd yesterday are surrounded by 7000 brittish Troops & no other way for them to Escape but by fording the Schuylkill which was Per- form.d in sight of the Enimy. the army Lay under armes until night When finding that the Enimy after a small scurmish with a Party of our Anydo Indions Retired into Philadelphia it was a very Luckey afair on our side, that we Did not Loose our whole Detatchment, our only Loss was 6 of my frenchmen. 21* Nothing very Extreordinery Except that GenrI Lee & Genrl Arnold have botji arivd in Camp to the Great joy of the army. 22*^ the Marquis with his Detatchm* Returnd to Camp this afternoon. 23'^ Nothing New to Day. 24* we here from Philadelphia to Day that a Frigate arivd there yesterday in 21 Days from Britan which brings News of a battle fought at sea between the French & English in which the English Came of second best in Loosing two 60 gun ships ; — & that the Troops are ordered to hold them selves Redy to Imbark at a munites warning. 25* Nothing New. 26* we Hourly Expect to Hear that the Enimy have Lift Philadel- phia. I have the fever & ague to Day. 27* Nothing New. 28 I am very sick. 29 I take a Puke to Day. 30* I am better. 31* we are yet in suspence Respecting the Enimy. s going from Philadelphia. June 1' more or Less Deserters from the Enimy Every Day. 2*^ Nothing New. 3'i D-' ^ ■ 4 D- 5 I have got the better of the fever & ague. 6 the Enimy have sent of the most of their baggage down the River. 15 7 Lord Cornwallis with the Cormmissioners for makeing Peace between Great Brittan & America have ariv.d in Philadelphia. 8 Nothing New. 9"* the New arangement of the army has ariv.d from Congress. 10* the whole army moov-d out of Huts into tents to Day, about one Mile in front of our old incarapment, for the sake of fresh Air ; 11"^ this Day I sent a Letter Home which is the first I have had an opportunity of sending since I Left Home. 12*'' Nothing Extreordinery to Day. IS*^ D° 14 D" 15 D° 16 D° 17 we hear that the Enimy are Crossing the River over into the Jerseys. 18 this four noon we are Assured that the Enimy have Lift Phila- delphia & our advanced Parties have taken Possession. Genr! Lees Division is ordered to march Immediately for Corells ferry. & at 3 O Clock we march, his Division Consists of three brigades viz : Poors, Huntingtons & Varnoms. 20'*' we Cross. Correll ferry & Proceeded 3 miles & incamp-d. 21' we Lay still, we hear the whole Army are on their way into the Jerseys, we hear the Enimy are on their way to New york, Govener Livingston of Jersey has taken the field with 5000 millitia. 22' our Whole army Incampd about 3 miles from Correels Ferry in Jersey. 23'' the army marclrd to Day towards the Enimy 10 miles, without Baggage, & Licamp'd at Hopewell. 24''' a Detatchment of 1500 Pick'd men was taken to Day from the army to be Commanded by Brigadier Genr! Scot who are to act as Light Infantry Dureing the stay of the Enimy In lersey. — ColP Cilley & I am in one Reg' of the Light Infantry — Genr! Scot march'd to Day towards the Enimy, who are at Allin Town 14 miles from Prince Town. — we march'd thro Prince Town & Proceeded 3 miles towards allin Town & Incamp'd we have no Tents or baggage. 25''' this morning we march. d within 5 miles of the Enimy — & Halted & Drew Provision, sent a small Party of Horse to Reconoightir the Enimy. at 12 O Clock we ware Inform.d that the Enimy ware on their way to Monmouth Coart House. Which is Towards Sandy Hoock Our main army is Near Prince Town, we are now Prepared to Harress the Enimy. Genr' Scot 1500 men Genr! Maxwell 1000 Col." Morgan 500 — Genr! Dickerson 1000 — Millitia ; & 200 Horse, the above De- tatchm'^ are on the Flanks & Rear of the Enimy. Genr! Washington is in our Rear with 12000 men to support us — at 4 Clock P. M 16 we march'' to Allin Town & Tucamp.d — the Enimys Rear is 5 miles from us. 26"* we march'd Early this Morning after the Enimy. the weather is P^xtreemly Hot, we are Obliged to march very Modirate. the Enimy Desert very fast, we are loin.d to Day by the Marquis De lefiette with a Detatchment of 1000 men. — we advanced within three miles of the Enimy, & lucamp'd. the Enimy are about Monmouth Court House, on good Ground. 27"' we march.d Early this morning within one mile of the Enimy. & ware ordered by an Express from Genr! Washington to Counter March to where we Incamp-d Last night, & from thence to file off to English Town (which Lay 7 miles on Our Left as we followed the Enimy) & their Join Genr' Lee Who was there with 2000 men. the weather Remains very Exceeding Hot. & water is scarce we ariv*^ at English Town about the middle of the Day & Incamp'd. the Enimy Remain at Monmouth. Genr! Washington with the Grand army Lays about 5 mile in our Rear. Deserters Come in in Large numbers. 28"* haveiug Intiligence this morning before sun Rise, that the Enimy ware mooving, we ware Ordered, together with the Troops Commanded by the Marquis & Genrl Lee (in the whole About 5000) to march to- wards the Enimy & as we thought to Attact them. — at Eleven o Clock A. M. after marching about 6 or 7 miles we ariv'd on the Plains Near monmouth Court House, Where a Collumn of the Enimy appeard in sight, a brisk Cannonade Commens'd on both sides, the Collumn which was advancing towards us Halted & soon Retired, but from some moovements of theirs we ware Convinced they Intended to fight us, shifted our ground, form-d on very good Ground & waited to see if they Intended to Come on, we soon Discov^ered a Large Collumn Turn- ing our Right & an other Comeing up in our Front With Cavelry in front of both Collumns Genr' Lee was on the Right of our Line who Left the ground & made Tracks Quick Step towards English Town. GenrI Scots Detatchment Reraaitid on the ground we form.d on until we found we war very near surrounded — & ware Obliged to Retire which we Did in good order altho we war& hard Prest on our Left fiank. — the Enimy haveing got a mile in Rear of us before we began to Retire & ware bearing Down on our Left as we went off & we Con- fin'd by a Morass on our Right, after Retireing about 2 miles we met his Excelency Genr! Washington who after seeing what Disorder Gen"'' Lee.s Troops ware in appeer'd to be at a Loss whether we should be able to make a stand or not. however he order-d us to form on a Heighth, & Indevour to Check the Enimy. we form.d & about 12 Peices of Artillery being brought on to the hill with us : the Enimy at the same time advancing very Rap{)edly finding we had form'd, they 17 form'd in our front on a Ridge & brought up their Artillery within about 60 Rods of our front. Wken the brisket Cannonade Commenced on both sides that I Ever heard. — Both Armies ware dn Clear Ground. & if any thing Can be Call'd Musical where their is so much Danger, I think that was the finest musick, I Ever heard. — however the agreeableness of the rausick was very often Lessen'd by the balls Coming too near — Our men being very much beat out with Fateague & heat which was very Intence, we order-d them to sit Down & Rest them selves, — from the time we first met the Enimy until we had form'd as above mentioned several sevear scurmishes hapened at Different Places & Times, — Soon after the Cannonade became serious a Large Collum of the Enimy began to Turn our Left — Some Part of our Artillery Play'd upon them very Briskly & they finding their main Body ware not advancing, halted — the Cannonade Continued about 2| Hours & then the Enimy began to Retire from their Right. Genrl Washington being in front of our Reg' when the Enimy began to Retire on their Right he ordered Col? Cilley & me with ab* 300 men to go & attact the Enimies Right wing, which then was Passing thro an orchard, but when they found we ware about to attact them they form'd & stood Redy to Receive us, when we ariv'd within 200 yards of them we form-d Batallion & advanc'd but having two Rail fences to take Down as we advanced, (the Last of which was within 60 yards of the Enimy) we Could advance but slowly, the Enimy when we ware takeing Down the Last fence, give us a very heavy fire which we Did not Return, after takeing Down the Last fence we march'd on with armes shoulderd Excep' 20 men who we sent on their Right to scurmish with them while we Pass.d the fences, the Enimy finding we ware Determined to Come to Close quai'ter, fil'd off from the Left & Run off upon our Right into a swamp & formd in the Edge of it, we Wheel'd to the Right & advanc'd towards them, they be- gan a heavy fire upon us we ware Desending toward them in Open field, with shoulder'd armes until we had got within 4 Rods of them when- our men Dress'd very Coolly & we then gave them a very heavy fire from the whole Batallion. they had two Peices of artillery across a small Run which Play'd with grape very briskly upon us but when they found we ware Determin'd to Push upon them they Retreeted to their main body which was giving way & ware Persued by some Parties from our Line. we Persued until we got Possession of the field of Battle, where we found 300 Dead & a Conciderable number of wound, — among the Dead was Col'* Mungton & a number of other officers, the Enimy Retired — across a Morass & formed. Our men being beat out with heat & fateague it was thought not Prudent to Persue them. Great numbers of the Enemy Died with heat & some of ours — we Remain'd on the field of Battle & ware to attact the Enimy Early Next morning but they Prevented us by a Precipitate Retreet in the middle of the night, they 18 Left 5 Officers wouaded at Monmouth Court House the Enimies Whole Loss in the Battle of Monmouth was 327 kill'd 500 wounded 95 Prisoner Our Loss — 63 kill'd 210 wounded Here Ends the famous Battle of Monmouth. 29*'' we Lay still to Recrute our men there being no Probilility of Coming up with the Enimy before they take Possession of the Heights Near Sandy Hoock where their shipping Lays it being but about 12 miles from Monmouth. 30* we Lay still to Day. July 1* our whole Army March'd this morning (Excep' the Jersey Troops.) to Spots wood 10 miles towards Brunswick, the weather Re- mains Extreemly Hot, vast numbers of our men fell Down with the Heat to Day & some Died. 2'^ we March'd this Morning at 2 O Clock in the morning. Proceeded to Brunswick 10 mile & iucamp'd. — Genr^ Lee is Arested to Day by Geur! Washington for Disobedience of orders in not attacting the Enimy & for making an unnessesary & shameful Retreet &c A General Court Marcial is ordered to set to Day for his tryal — I Obtaind Leave to go to Morristovvn to Day to see after my Baggage which Came from New hampshire together with some slate stone & 3'* I am at Morris Town this Day. 4* was Celibrated as-being the Anniversary of the Declaration of the amarican Indipendince By the whole army being turnd out under armes. & the Artillery bing Interspers'd thro the whole army Excipt thirteen Peices which ware Placed on the Right of the army, the Celebration began with a Discharge of the 13 Cannon on the Right of the army seconded by a Running fire first thro the front Line of Cannon & mus- ketry & then the second Line sucseeded by three Cheers from the whole army after Proclaiming Perpetual & undisturb,d Independence to the united States of America. 5* the Left wing of our army marches to Day towards kings ferry — I go to to New Ark to Day. 6* the Right wing March'd to Day. 7"" the Rear Line March'd to Day I loined the Reg' at Springfield 6 mils from Elizebeth Town to Day. 8* we march'd 10 miles to Day to Crab Orchard 5 miles from New Ark & Incamp'd. 9'** we Lay still to Day. 19 lO*** we march'd 10 miles to Slawterdam. 11**^ March'^ 10 mils to Paraumus & Incamped. 12"" we Lay still to Day. we hear that a french fleet is on our Coast. 13"^ we Lay still. 14* we March'*^ to kakaate — we have the Ceartenty of the french fleets being at Sandy Hoock. IS**^ we March'd to kings ferry. 16* we Cross'd kings ferry. 17* we March'd to Peeks kill. 18* we March'd 12 mils to Croten bridge. 19* we Lay still. 20* we March'd 12 miles within 4 mils of White Plains & In- camp'd. 21' we Lay still. 22*^ as yesterday. 24* we March'd to White Plains & Incamp'd. 25 Nothing new. 26 the york Regiments are taken from Genr' Poors Brigade & Col? Hasons is Put in their stod. 27* Nothing new. 28* Deserters Come in Conciderable numbers. 29 we hear an Expedition against is form'd by GenrI Sulivan & Count De Stange against Rode Island two Brigades have march'd from here for that Place. 30* nothing new, 31* we hear the french fleet have taken a Large number of Prises & sent in to Different Ports. August 1' Nothing new. 1^ we hear the Enimy are block'd up in Newport & that they had been Oblig'd to burn several frigates «fe other vessels. 3* Nothing Extreordinary. 4* as yesterday. 5* D? 6* D» 7* D° ' 8* D? 9* I got a fine dinner of Quohogs & Oisters to Day. 10* we are Dayly Expecting to hear that Newport has fall" into our hands with the Garrison. 1 1* Nothing New. 12* as yesterday. 13* D» 14* d" 20 15* we hear Lord How lias gone from N york to Pay Count De Astange a visit. 16* we hear that when Lord How Made liis appearence off Rhode Island, the Count Waid aucher & stood after him. Lord How Put to see & the Count followed him & how they will make it nobody knows but Ministers, they have had very high Winds since they Put to sea for several Days. 17* at 9 O Clock this Morning 11 men war to be Executed in Camp for Different Crimes. One of them was shot & the others Repreivd until fryday. 18* we have had a Long spell of fowl weather & high winds. 19* we hear a british frigate & Roegalley has got on shore in Jersey. 20* Nothing Extreordinery — I am Officer of the Day. 21' we hear there has been a battle at Sea between the French & British fleets, & the British fleet is worsted & Return'd to N. York. 22'! Nothing New. 23'' I have a fine Dinner of Quohogs &c &c &c &c &c &c »&;c &c, to Day. 24* we hear to Day from Rhode island that Count De Asstange has Returud there, with a bum Cetch & several other Prises, — & that Genr! Sulivan has taken several Redouts from the Enimy. 25* Nothing new. 26 D" 27* we hear Count Destange has gone to boston. 28* we hear Lord How has gone out to sea. 29* a Conciderable fleet is in the sound supposed to bound to Rhode island. 30* I am summoned as an Evidence upon a Genr' Court Marcial for the Tryal of Maj' Genr' S' Clear. 31* nothing new. Septem"' 1' a skurmish hapened to Day near kings bridge between a Party of our Indiens & a Party of the Enimys foot & Horse where Nine Indiens ware surrounded & killd. — a Party of Light Troops of ours Came to support the Indiens & Drove the Enimy within their Lines after killing a number & taking several Prisoners. ■ 2*^ we hear Genr' Sulivan has had a battle on Rhode island he was attact as he was Indevouring to Retreet off of the Island, a Conciderable heavy Battle Insued. Sulivan Recovered the field & forc'd the Enimy within their strong Holds with Cornsiderable Loss on both sides — the Next Day Genr! Sulivan made a safe Retreet from the Island & brought his Baggage & Every other matter of with him. 3*^ we hear an Inglish Fleet has Lately ariv'd at New york — & that Count Destange is in Boston harbour. & that Genr! Sulivan has made a safe Retreet from Rhode island. 21 4"" the Committee of Congress are now in Camp for the Purpose of New arraingeing the army nearly upon the brittish Plan. 5'^ we hear Admirell Byren has arived with a Learge Fleet & has Block'd up Count DeAstange in Boston harbour. G"' Nothing New. 7* we hear that an English fleet is Laying off New London. 8* the P^nimy March'd a Large body fi'om New york into the Coun- try about six miles & toock 5 of our Light Horse & 20 waggon Horses which ware feeding in a Meddow. 9*^^ a small Party of our men in boats went across the sound Last night & burnt 3 vessels toock 10 men & killd 11 & toock a Large Quan- tity of Baggage. — Genr! Poors, Pattersons & Learnards Brigades are Ordered to be Redy to March to Morrow morning at Nine o Clock. 10* we are Redy to march but Due not. 11"^ we march this morning at sun Rise towards Danbury 8 mils & in cam p. 12* we March 8 miles & incamp. 13* we Lay still to Day. 14* Our main army marchd to Day from white Plams towards fish kill. 15* Nothing New. 16* we march'd to Ridg field 7 miles & Incamp'd. 17* we Lay still by Reason of a sevear storm. 18* we March'd to Danbury 10 miles & Incamp'' our main army is incamped at & Near fredricksburge between this & fishkill. 19* Nothing Extreordinery to Day. 20* GenrI M'^Doogels Division arivd to Day & Incamp'd at Danbury, his Division Consisted of Nixons & the N Carolina Brigades. 21* We are ordered to hold our selves in Rediness to march at the shortest Notice. 22*^ Nothing new. 23'^ a heavy storm to Day. 24* From all accounts, it appears, that the Enimy are about Leaving New York. Some Conjecture they are going to Boston, Others that they are going to Canada, Hallifax & the West Indies. 25* Nothing new. 27 we have a Report that there has been an Ingagement between A French Fleet of 31 sail & a British fleet of 33 sail, the Latter Com- manded by Admiral Keppel, wlio it is said was killed in the action — & his fleet beat & Oblige'd to Return into Port. 28"' I Dined with Genr! Gates to Day. who shew me a Letter he had Receivd from the Adjatant Genr! of the french Troops at Boston giving an account of the above mentioned Action. 29* Nothing Extreordinery. 22 30*'' as yesterday we have very fine weather. Octob! 1* Nothing Extreordinery to Day. 2'^ as yesterday. 3'* D° 4"^ weather very fine for the season. 5* we are in a state of suspence Respecting the Enimys Leaving N. York. 6* this Day two men belonging to N. Hampshire (one by the Name of Blare, belonging to Holderness, the other Farnsworth of Hollis,) — ware taken up within the Lines of our Army, with a Learge sum of Counterfit Money, which they brought from N. York, we hear that the french have take Domoneak & have sail'd for lamaka. 7* A Special Coart Marcial was ordered to sit to Day for the Tryal of the two men above mentioned, of which I was a member, they ware tryed for being spys & haveiug a Learge sum of Counterfit money with them Which they brough from N. York, they Confess'd they ware Guilty of bringing the Counterfit money & that they ware to send word to the Enimy = viz : Col^s Holland & Stark, & Esq' Cummins & others what situation our army & Country is in, as Near as tha Could ; they ware both Condemn'd to suffer Death as Spys — our men had a Gill of Rum Extr" to Day on account of its being the anniverciry of the Glorious victory Obtaind over the british army, at bemus s Heights. — & the Officers in General had a Meeting at Evining had a social Drink & gave several toasts sutible for the Occasion. — & our men had a Grand sham fight. 8*^ Nothing Extreordinery to Day. 9* as yesterday. 10*'' we have a heavy & Cold storm to Day. ll"* "We are ordered to be in the greatest Possible Rediness for marching, it is said the Enimy are imbarcking as fast as Possible. God grant it may be True. 12"' Nothing New. 13* as yesterday. 14*" D° 15th DO 16* we are Prepareing for keeping up to Morrow. 17 this being the first Anniversary of the Glorious 17"^ of Octob'' 1777. the field Officers of this Division Make an Entertainment for all the Officers of the Division, & Gentlemen of the Town. — we Eat Dinner on a small hill between two of the brigades, • — after the officers of the three Brigades had assembled, on the hill by marching in Divisions 13 in Each, thirteen Cannon ware Discharg*^ from Each Brigade at which time Gen"^! Gates arivd with a number of other Genr' Officers, there was then three Cheers from the whole Division, at Dinner we had about 350 23 Officers & other gentlemen, after Dinner there was 13 toasts Drank — & a Cannon Discharged for Each. — at Evining we Retire'd to the Towb, & spent the Evining very agreably. 18*'' we are geting sober. — & Genr! Poors Brigad is ordered to march to Morrow. 19"" we march at 10 Clock towards Hartford. I Receiv'd News this Day by Express that my wife Lay Dangerously sick with a Ner- veous Fever. In Consequence of which I got Leave of absince & set out for home this Evining. 24"^ I ariv'd at my House at 7 O Clock in the Evining. found my wife Senceless & almost Motionless, which was a very shocking sight to behold, at half after Eleven she Expired, much Lamented not only by her Relations but by all her Neighbours. — this was a very Trying scene to me. I seem'd to be Quite alone in the world. Except my two Little Daughters who are two small to feel their Loss, or offer me any Comfort. 25* the most Melloucolly Sunday I Ever Experinced. 26* the Remains of My Deceas'd wife was this Day Interrd, on which Occation there was a very Great Number of People assembled from several Neighbouring Towns who universally seemd Heartily to Mourn my Loss. 27* Novem^ 12* 1778 I set out from home to loin the army. — went by Boston stayd 4 Days with Genrl Gates & went to Rhode Island tary'd 3 days witli Genr' Sulivan & the 26* ariv'd at Hartford, found Col° Reid & several of our Officers who set out with me the 28* for Dan- bury where Genrl Poors Brigade is Desten'd. after marching to Hart- ford & back to Danbury where I ariv'd the 30* in a heavy storm of Rain Hail & Snow & to my Great mortifycation found we ware order'd to Hut once more. I find that the 2 men who ware try'd as spyes the 7* of octobr at Danbury, ware hang'd at Hartford Novem^ 4* Decem'' 1' we are Loocking out ground to Hut on. Genrl Burguoyns army from Cambridg have Cross'd the North River on their way to Virginia, where they are to be station'd. 2'^ we March'd 6 miles towards the Sound & Inramped Near where we are to build our Huts. 3*^ we are Laying out our Ground to Hut on. 4* we began this Day to build Huts, we hear that Genrl Green & Col? Beedle ware taken a few Days since by a Party of Tories in Jersey where they ware Loocking out for Quarters for his Excellency — we Likewise hear that Col° Alden was not Long since kill'd & Inhumanely butcher'd by the Savages & Tories at Cherry valley, & his L? Col" & Maj"^ made Prisoners. 5* at twelve at Night we ware alarm'd by hearing that the Enimy are at Terry Town (below Peeks kill) in force, in Consequence of 24 which a Detatchment of 1500 men from the three Brigades under Genrl Putmans Command ware ordered to march, we marched two Hours before Day for bedford which is 20 miles from our Camp. Where we ariv'd the afternoon of the same Day. Where we had a Maggazeine of Provision Collecting, when the Euimy found we ware Like to meet tliem they Immediately Retired on board their ships «fe Return'd to york. we Remained at bedford to night, we hear to Day that the Report of Genr! Green's being Taken is not True but Col? Ward Commissiary Genr! of Musters was taken at the Place where we heai'd Genr! Green was taken. 7*^ we Remain'd at bedford. S*** we marched to Ridgfield on our way to Camp. 9'^^ we Return'd to Camp — I understand Genr! Washiugton with the Grand army are Huting in Jersey at a Place Call'd JNIidle Brook between Morristowu & Brunswick. — Genr! Putmans- Command is Poors, Par- sons-s & Huntingtons Brigades, stationed about Danbury. 10**^ we have a very sevear storm of snow & Rain to Day & we living in Tents. ll*"^ the weather very Cold, the snow about 6 inches Deep. 12**" we are very busy at work upon our Huts, amongst the snow. 13 a very heavy storm of Rain, — & no bread for two Days. 14*^ good weather. 15"* we are Covering our Huts. IG**" we begin to git into our Huts. 17"" a heavy Rain. 18* fine weather. 19* we are in our Huts. 20 Eight of our men- appeard to be Poisoned by Eating Chees. I have sent for the People who sold the Chees. 21' the Brigade is Mustered to Day. 22 a sevear snow Storm. 23'^ Genr' ]*oor Col° Cilley & a number of other officers set out for home to Day. the weather is very Cold, the New Arraingement of the army toock Place in our Hampshire Troops yesterday. — we have Try,d the People who sold the Cheese to our soldiprs which I suspected was Poisond but they ware thought to be Innosent. 24"* we had a snow Last night & very sevear Cold to Day. — our men are well Cloath'd &; well Hutted. Christmas Day. the weather is so very Cold we take but very little notice of the Day. 26* we have a very sevear snow storm. 27* the weather seems more like Canada, then Connecticut. — the Honb! Sylas Dean has made a voyolent attact upon the Lees — (viz : Richard H. Lee in Congress, Arthur Lee agent at the Court of Madrid. 25 & William Lee our agent at the Courts of viane & Barlain) — in the Fish Kill Paper, taxing them with unfaithfulness to the states. 28* there is a general uneaseyness among the soldiers of Genr' Put- mans Division — on account of the Depresiation of our Currency the Consequences of which 1 fear will Prove unhappy. 29"^ we have nothing new to Day. 30"^ this is Thanksgiving Day throughout the Continent. — our men have Half a Pint of Rum Each to keep it with. 31* we hear the Enimy have releas-d all the Prisoners they had at Rhod Island by reason of their being scant of Provisions. January 1' 1779. Old time keeps on her Coars, we find another year has Commens.d. thro the Coarse of which it is highly Probable from the Present situation of affairs in the Different Quarters of the world Many Important Events will turn up. 2^^ Nothing new to Day. 3*^ we have fine weather. 4"' we have a Detatchment of 200 men sent off to to Day who are to be Concidered as an advanced Post to this Division, they are stationed Near the sound. 5"' the face of the Earth is again Cover'd with snow. — we have re- ceived a supply of Cloathing for the Hampshire officers from the board of war for that state. 6* nothing Extraordinery to Day. 7* I am Pr.s.d* of a Brigade Coart Marcial, which sets for the Tryal of Several Theives to Day. S'^ on Coart Martial. 9* Nothing new. 10* we hear to Day that there has been a Duel fought between Genr' Lee & Col? Lawrence one of GenrI Woshingtons Aide de campes in which Genr! Lee received a wound in the belley by a Pistol shot. 11* Nothing new — but flanking &c. 12* as yesterday. 13* we have a fine Snow to night. 14 nothing Extreordinery. 15 we hear a Duel has been fought between between Genr! Arnold & a Cetisan of Phyladelphia, the latter, Receivd a wound. 16 Nothing but flanking. 17* as yesterday. 18 Nothing new. 19* flanking. 20* very Cold. 21* the old story. 22*^ I went to the sound for Oysters. 23"^ Returnd from Norwalk. 26 24"^ Nothing new. 25"^ flanking. 26 we hear the Enimy are coming to Pay us a visit. — fl. 27 we are making some Preparations to meet the Enimy. 28* Nothing new. — f. 1. - 29"^ as yesterday f. 1. 30"- fl. 31' Nothing new. Febuary 1' we have very fine weather. 2*^ Nothing N. — fl. 3 D° 4* I am ordered to take Command of 400 men who are Detach-d from Gen""! Putnams Division, & March to New London — to garrison that Town — f. 5"^ I March-d for New London as far as fairfield. 6* March-d to Milford. T*** March-d to New Haven. 8* March-i to Gilford. 9*^ March-d to Killingsworth. 10*'' March-d to Lime. 11*'' March-d to New London. 12*'' I am Reconoyrting the fortify cations in & about Town, & Pro- cureing proper Quarters for the Troops. IS"" we live very happy here. 14 Nothing new. 15 as yesterday. 16*'' a fine Dance. IT"" Nothing new. 18"' a fine Dance & f! 19"" Nothing important. 20*'' I saw the British Tyrants speech made at the Opening of his Parliament — which appears more like a Dying spee[ch] then otherwise. 21' nothing new. 22*^ we had an EUigant Ball, at which was a Learge number of very fine Ladies — & fl. 23'' I Dined with Genr! Parsons at Esqf Mumfords at Groton. where I spent one of the most agreable after noons with ******* I have had for some months. 24"" nothing new. 25"' as yesterday. 26*'' we have remarkable warm weather. 27"' we hear a Spanish Imbassador has ariv-d at congress with a learge sum of hard money. 27 28*** Sunday I go to meeting. March 1' 1779. I was at a Dance on board the Confediracy frigate. — «& f ! a Prize brigantine with salt was sent in here to Day — we are informd that a body of the Eniiny from york made an attempt last week to Distroy Elisabath Town in the Jerseys but ware very Roughly handled by a body our troops happend to meet them & Obliged to make tracks back Quick step but not without a conciderable loss. — the same day a body of the Enimy march from Kings bridg to Hors neck where we had a guard of 100 men, the Enimy after Plundering the Inhabitants of their Houshold furniture & abuseing the women in a very shameful manner ware Oblig'd to make a Precepitate retreat finding they ware like to be cut of by Genrl Putnams Division — our troops killd a number of them & made 52 Prisoners. 2*^ nothing new. 3^^ fine weather & f ' 4* we had an Elligent Dinner two miles from Town at M! Rogers,8 — to Day. 5* nothing new. 6 D" 7th J)o gth Do 9* f ! had an Eligent ball. 10 the ship Defence of 18 guns ran on shor near the mouth of this harbour & is Lost. Crew & Stores saved we are asured that Spain & the two Cissalees have acceeded to the Independency of america, & Rushia has refused Assisting Great briton with men or stores. ll**^ f! 12'*^ I receive orders to march what troops are here (belonging to Genrl Poors Brigade) back to Reading, toot sweet [tout de suite]. on some important matters. 13"^ Genr.' Parsons Receivd orders to March the whole Detachment back to Camp. 14 we have a severe Snow Storm to Day. 15 we are prepareing to march. — f '. 1 6 Cap' Lloyds Company from Col? Hazens Reg' March-d to Day for camp we had a fine Dance this Evining. 17 Nothing new. 18 f! 19 the troops from Genr! Poors Brigade are ordered to march to morrow morning for Camp, a snow storm to Day. 20* the Hampshire troops march'd to day for Camp. 21' Sunday went to meeting & f J. receivd orders from Genr'. Put- nam to loin the Reg' 22 nothing but — f. 1. 4 28 23 I am to set out for Camp — to Day — 14 of the Enimys trans- ports ware stranded ou gardners Island last night & one taken by one our Privateers. 26* I arivd at Camp, found our Brigade under marching orders. 27 Col? Hazens Reg' has march-d for Spriugtield — & one Hundrd of the New Plampshire troops have march'd for Peeks kill. 28"^ Nothing new f! 29* we hear the Eniray are Preparing to attact New London. 30* I take Command of the brigade. 31* fine weather. Aprill 1' I take Quarters at Col° Reads where Col° Hazen has Quarterd a very agreabl family. 2*^ weather Remarkable fine for the Season, fl. 3*^ all the Otficers of the Brigade turnd out & Playd a game at ball the first we have had this yeare. 4 the brigade marclrd to Reding meeting Hous to attend Publick worship. 5* nothing new to Day. 6* the brigade is marching by Divisions, viz 100 men in a day for Peekskill. 7* a Conciderable number of Masons had a feast to Day at Reading where a fine Collection of ladies attended — 333. 8* the weather is very fine for the Season it is said by the old men so forwar'd a Spring has not been known. 9* we had a very Desent Dance at my Quarters which we concider as the last we shall have this yeai*. 10* the Peech trees are beging to blow. 1 1 the peech trees are in full blow — the last of our Brigade march'd to Day. 12* nothing new to Day. 13* I Rais'd a Seeige this morning of 2 months & march for Peeks kill, we had a very heavy thunder Storm last night. 14* arivd at Peeks kill found our brigade Quartered in Huts in the Highlands where we have no neighbors but Owls, Hedghogs, & Rattle- snakes & them in plenty. 15* a Small guard of ours was Surprised this week in Gersey by a party of Tories from N. York & every man put to the bayonet on the Spot under the cover of a dark night. 16* I have been recornoyrtering the mountain to day. & have moovd into a Hut my Self. 17* we ware oblige'd to walk 4 miles to day to find a place leavel enough to play ball. I'S we had a very severe frost Last night I fear it will prove flital to the fruit : 29 19'^ nothing new. 20th j)o 2V d? 22 d° 23*^ we certain Intiligence today of the capture of 8 of the Enimies vessels bound from N. york to Georgey, viz. one 20 gun ship one 16 gun Ship & 6 transports Containing 800 men 5000 Barrells of provisions 40000 Guineas — furniture for 2 Reg' of Hors, a very learg Quantity of English good & 24 British Officers — the above prises ware taken by the warren Frigate of 32 guns, the Ranger of 20 guns & the Queen of France of 20 guns. 24"^ nothing new. 25 we hear a body of the Enimy are Imbarking at york for the southward Maj' Norris & several of our oificers arivd in camp to day from N. H. 26* nothing new. 27th J)0 28"^ D° SO"' a Severe Snow Storm to day. V May — very pleasent. 2^ we hear Col° Vanskoyk has destroyd the On Ondogo tribe & Town of Indians we hear a body of the Enimy are in the Jerseys. 3*^ we Expect to march from this the 8**^ or 9'*^ Ins' 4 nothing new. 5'^ D° <"" we are ordered to be hold our selves in redyness to march at the shortest notice. 7"' Col? Cilleys Reg' is orderd to be redy to march to morrow. 8 Col? Cilleys Reg' is order-d to march to morrow morning. 9"* Col° Cilley Reg' march-d to day & crossd the North River to New Windsor opposite Fishkill & orderd to march to East Town in Penselvania. 10 I am order'd to prepare to march. 11 we are Drawing Cam Equippage to day for the 2'' & 3"^ Batt'°'. 1 2"^ we are prepareing to march. 13"^ as yesterday. 14"^ Do 15 d° 16"^ I am order-d to march to Morrow with the 2'' & 3*^ N. H. Bat- talions to Easton in Penselvania. 17'^ we march to Fish kill. 18"" Cross the North River & march -d 9 miles. — Genr' Poor & Col? Cilley arive-d to day from N. Hampshire. 30 IQ*** we March 14 miles to day. 20* we mai'di'd 12 miles & ware Stop'd by a Storm. 21' Stormy to day, we lay still — sold both my Horses to day for 1800 dollers. 22'^ Stormy to Day. 23 March-d to Sussex Court House. 24*** March.d to Mount Hoidb, or Moravian village. 25''' March'd within 4 miles of Easton. 26"" Cross'd the Deliware to Easton & incamp-d in Tents — found Genrl Sulivan & Genr! Maxwells Brigade. 27'^ Col" Cilleys Reg' is ordered to march to wiomen — where we all Expect to go soon. 28 Col? Cilleys Reg' March-d for wyomen to day. 29'^ I went to Bethleham. 30"" Sunday I went to german Church — their manner of worship appears very Sollom. 31 Nothing Extreordinery. lune 1! I toock a touer round the country about 8 or ten mils from Camp to see what kind of inhabitents there was, & — f ! 2<^ f! 3"^ I am on a genrl Court Martial for the tryal of some Tories who have been detected in Inticeing our soldiers to desert to the Enimy. 4"" as yesterday. gth j)o — ^g hear that Genr! Lincoln has gain-d a very Conciderable victory over the Enimy near Charles Town in South Carolina, it is said he kill.d & toock 1400 of the Enemy — we are likewise assured that Col? Clark of Virginia with a body of troops has taken a small fortress near Detroit. Garrison-d'by L' Govener Ham & 101 men, & the nex day after takeing the fort, 20 Indian warrier returning from a scout came up to the fort now knowing it had been taken : the virgenians fire'd upon them & kill'd 18 out of the 20 the other two made their escape. 6"' nothing new. 7'" D° 8'" d!* 9 two men, Inhabitents a sentenced to suffer Death by a Court Mar- tial for Inticeing soldiers to desert to the Enimy & affording them their assistence to git to the Enimy. 10"" Nothing new. IV^ D° 12"" 3 penselvania Soldiers ware hanged to day for murder. 13"* nothing new. 14'^ we have the news from the southward confirmed, as follows viz. the Enimy made an attact upon the City of Charles Town in South Carolina & ware repuls'd, they made a second attact with fix'd Bayonets, 31 Genr! Lincoln who was in the Rear of the Enimy came up & fell on the Enimy with great Sperit, put them to flight leaving 1483 dead & wounded, & 3000 of the tories laid down their arms — in Consequence of the above news, we fired a fude Joy [feu de joie] — Lady Washington came to town to day, on her way from Head Quarters to Virginia. 15* Genr! Sulivan, the other Genr^ & field officers waited on Misses "Washington this morning to Bethleham 12 miles. 16'" All the Troops are order'd to march to Morrow morning for wyomen. Journal of Henry Dearborn from June 20, 1782, to March 1, 1783. June 20* 1782 After complecting the Public business I was ordered to perform by the Commander in Chief, &c. — I set out for Camp. 29* I arriv'd at Head Quarters at Newburgh on the Hudson River. July 9* I [s]et out from Newburgh to Join my Reg' at Saratogea. 17* I loind my Reg' — in the month of April last Sir Henry Clin- ton Commander in Chief at New York, was recall'd and Sir Guy Carle- ton arriv'd to take command of the British Army in America, — who brought over some pretended terms for a peace or truce, which ware with propriety totally rejected by Congress. — A total change in the British Ministry having taken place has flattered us to believe that we shall soon have a peace, but 1 fear it will only serve to enable Briton to act with more vigor against us. — a very severe and bloody navel engagement hapened on the 12'!" of April in the West Lidias between Admiral Rodney & Cound De Grass, in which the french ware unfor- tunate, not being able to bi-ing but part of their fleet to action, after a very obstinate ingagement the Action terminated in favor of the Eng- lish, the French having lost 6 ships of the line one of which was the Ville De Payris in which was Count De grass. July 19'!^ we hear that a conciderable body of the Enemy have ap- pered on the Mohawk River, have kill'd some men, taken some, & drove off a learge number of cattle. July 27"^ I began to erect some fortifications at this Garrison for its better security. 30'^ altho we keep constant scouting parties at a conciderable dis- tence, on different parts of the Lakes George and Champlain, no parties of the Enemy have yet been discover'd. — more plentiful harvests ware never known in this country than there is at present. August 2'^ we receiv'd accounts of the States of Hollands having declared the thirteen united States of America independent, it is re- ported that a new set of Commissioners have arrived at New York from Briton with new and fresh pardons for us Rebels; — we hear that the 32 French Array is on their march from Virginia to the Northward, it is hoped that the Campaign will not terminate in the manner we fear'd it would not long sinc^. 8''' we are iuform'd that a French Fleet has arriv'd in the Chesapeek Bay consisting of 13 sail of line of Battle Ships, — and likewise that the States of Holland have acknowledged the independency of these States, through the authority of their High Mightinsses, and have ut- terly refused to make a separate peace with Briton. — All these things are for us. — a small scout of mine toock a new wliale hoat in Lake George belonging to the Enemy, which had been secreted by a small party that had come over the lake for the purpose of plundering the in- habiteuts and carrying some poor defenceless man to Canada. . 20*1' we are inform'd that the French Fleet that arriv'd in the Ches- epeek Bay a few week agoe has arriv'd in Boston Harbour. — a general Peace is much talk'd of. 22'f went to Stillwater to an ordination in the woods, &c., &. Septf 1' we are informed from authority that the Enemy have left Savannah in Georgey. Sept' 2 we hear that our main Army have taken the field. 15 the French Army have arriv'd from the Southward & incamp'd near our main army. 20 Peace & the enemies Leaving New York is all the talk. 25 we are informd from prety good authority that an action has hap- pened in the East Indies between the French & British fleets in which the French ware victorious, the British Admiral by the name of Hughes, with several other ships fell into the hands of the French. 28'^ the Enemy in all parts of this Continent appear to have no in- tentions of prosicuting the' war any further, no fighting has happened for a long time, an other revolution has taken place in the British Ministry, on account of the death of the Marquess of Rockingham, first Lord of the Treasury, to which vacancy Lord Shelborn was appointed by y'' King which occasiond the resignation of Charles Fox & some others, it is feard that this revolution in the British Ministry will have a tendency to prolong the war, as those Ministers that ware for Peace are no longer in office. — we have had various accounts of a Treaty for Peace, said to be on foot between Briton, France, Spain, Holland & America, and that a congress of Agents from the different Powers has been seting at Paris several months, from which we expect much, a speedy & honorable Peace is the general cry of America, & I believe great B}-iton is far from being avei'ce to Peace. Octob'' 5*^ having heard much said of several springs of an uncom- mon kind that are situate about twelve miles west from the Garrison, I was induced to pay them a visit this day in company with several other Gentlemen. I was much disappointed in finding the quality or taste of 33 the water as well as the very extreordinery situation of it infinitely more curious then I expected, the water is clear the taste is hard to describe ; to me it appeered at first tasting to partake much of alkoline qualities — but on drink freely it appeerd to be between good porter & cyder in taste and was not ungreatful to my taste, many are excessive fond of it, a frequent use of those waters have (as common report sais,) proov'd a cure for many different disorders, such as the ruraitism, gout falling sickness, Ague & fever, many cutanious disorders, scorbutic and vene- real complaints, and for all kind of external ulcers, indeed those waters have pi'oovd so effectual in curing many old & stubborn complaints of various kinds, that people from many parts of the country flock to the springs for almost all kind of disorders, there is three or four of the sjDrings within a space of eighty rods, one of them is quite a cui'iosity, the water is contain'd in a stone that has without doubt been formd from the water itself, of a conick figure resembling a sugar Loaf in shape, it is about eighteen feet in circumference at the ground, about five feet in highth, and about two feet over at the top, at which place it has a cavaty in the senter about ten inches over, which remains nearly of the same bigness to the bottom of the stone, which cavaty contains the water, which boils not much unlike a pot over the fire constantly, & at the full of the noon boils over the top, but at other times the surface of the water is from six to twelve inches below the top of the cavaty. — it appeers very evident from many circumstances that this stone has been formd by the over flowing of the water as those waters petrefy, wherever they run, and forms large bodies of soft stone around it courses. — one other of those springs is contained in a large body of stone of the above discription, not less then forty feet in circumference but not more then 4 feet above the surface of the ground the water is contain'd in a cavaty of about three feet one way & six the other, & so deep that the bottom has not been found by any that I have heard of. from this there is a conciderable discharge constantly, another of those Springs is larger & calculated for bathing. — there is such a constant fermentation in the water of those springs that it cannot be confind in any close vessel, & if it is but a few hours in an open one it looses all its medicinal quallities, & becomes quite insipid : — OctobT 17'^ This being the Anniversary of the Capture of Gen! Bor- guoyn & his Army, we had an entertainment, at which was all the Offi- cers of the Garrison, & some other Gentlemen, we spent the day & Evening in festivity & mirth, the soldiers had a gill of spirits over their allowence served out to them, to enable them to keip the day with the spirit, as well as with the understanding, a small scout from this Garrison toock up one Fifield from New Hampshire, in the State of Vermont, with Inlisting orders from the Enemy in Canada, he is sent to Albany in Irons for tryal. 34 24'^ we are informed that our main Army is about going into winter Quarters, at and about West Point, & that the French Troops are going to winter Quarters in the State of Connecticut ; — Octob^ 25'!' we ware honoured by a visit of Count Viominel a Maj' Gen! in Count Roshambeaus Army, after reconnoitering the different works that ware occupied by Gen' Burgoyns Army & ours, spent the Afternoon in shooting small game in the woods. Nov^ 3'^ 1782 we hear from Head Quarters that a general Peace is very nearly agreed on by the several contending Powers : — by a Flag of mine that has returned from Canada, I am inform'd that the whole of our Prisoners in that Quarter are sent to New York, to be exchanged except about 300 women & children which are sent over the .Lake to this place on their way to their respective homes, on parole. Nov! 6"^ I receiv'd orders to march to Join the Main Army, the 7'^ I march'd the same day I was relieved by the Rhode Island Reg* — the g'l" imbarcked the Reg' at Albany & on the 12*!' arriv'd at Newburgh & Join'd the Main Army about 3 or four miles back of Newburgh & New Windsor where they ware huting for winter, — the 2** New Hamp- shire Reg' march'd from the Mohawk River & Joind the Main Army likewise. NovT li')* we began to build huts 20'!" we hear that Gibralter has surrenderd to the Spaniards, & that a very large French & Spanish Armiment is proceeding against Jamaica. 25* we are informed that a large imbarcation is taking place at New York, supposed for the West Indies, it is said that Sir Guy Carleton is to command it. Decem' 13*!" 1782 I set'out for home, on furlow and the 20*^ arrived, & found all well. March 1* 1783 by a reformation in the new Hamp^ line in which the two Reg*s ware reduced to one Reg' & one Battalion. I being the Junior Col? was deranged ; & thus ends my millitery life, after almost eight years service I loined the Army 1' of June, & received my dis- charge the lO'!' of June 1783 so that my services exceeded 8 years by about 1 month. / SEP 3 1912 m,^ ,»?.!"' °^CONGR^ °0" 800 589 'ft::^':rA. C' '"v^\ \ r;- ^>. -r...v\ m*.s'