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A MOYLAN DRAGOON 
 
Stephen Moylan 
 
 Muster-Master General 
 
 Secretary and Aide-de-Camp to Washington 
 
 Quartermaster-General 
 
 Colonel of Fourth Pennsylvania Light Dragoons and 
 
 Brigadier-General of the War for American Independence 
 
 The First and the Last President of the 
 Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Philadelphia 
 
 By 
 MARTIN I. J. GRIFFIN 
 
 PHILADELPHIA 
 
 1909 
 

 LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
 Two CoDies Received 
 
 MAK 23 1^09 
 
 Copyri«nt Entry 
 
 jCLASS Ow J^Xe, No, 
 
 COPY T. 
 
 COPYRIGHT, JANUARY 16, 1909 
 
 BY 
 
 MARTIN I. J. GRIFFIN 
 
STEPHEN MOYLAN, MUSTER-MASTER GENERAL, SEC- 
 RETARY AND AIDE-DE-CAMP TO WASHINGTON, 
 QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL, COLONEL OF 4TH 
 PENNSYLVANIA LIGHT DRAGOONS AND BRIGA- 
 DIER-GENERAL OF THE WAR FOR. AMERICAN 
 INDEPENDENCE— THE FIRST AND THE LAST 
 PRESIDENT OF THE FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. 
 PATRICK OF PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 " Shall we never leave oft" debating and boldly declare Inde- 
 pendence?" [Moylan to Reed, Jan. 30, 1776.] 
 
 " iVmerica will — it must — be free." [Moylan to Robert Morris 
 after Battle of Princeton.] 
 
 " I entered the service in the first year of the war, with a firm 
 determination of prosecuting it to the end. I made up my mind, 
 and my affairs for that purpose. I have shared its fatigues, its 
 dangers and its pleasures with Your Excellency ever since — a man 
 who has sacrificed everything for the service of his country." 
 [Moylan to Washington, December 15, 1782.] 
 
 THE MOYLAN FAMILY. 
 
 General Stephen Moylan, of the American Revolutionary 
 Army, was born in 1737 at Cork, Ireland. 
 
 According to Campbell's History of the Hibernian Society and 
 the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Stephen Moylan was the son of 
 John Moylan and the Countess of Limerick. 
 
 The Letters of Abbe Edgeworth and Memoir of his Life, by 
 Father England, pastor of Passage near Cork, brother of Bishop 
 England of Charleston, South Carolina, says John Moylan was 
 " extensively engaged in mercantile pursuits." 
 
 He died in 1799, probably in Dublin. An abstract of his will, 
 on record at the Four Courts, Dublin, relates : 
 
 John Moylan, of the city of Cork, merchant, being now on the 
 eve of my departure for England, do make this my last will and 
 testament. 
 
2 The Moylan Family. 
 
 To wife, Mary Moylan, the entire of my property in money^ 
 goods, debts or lands, in confidence that she will dispose of it 
 amongst my children. 
 
 To David Andre, Esq., of London (as a small compensation 
 for the heavy loss he formerly sustained by me and my brother), 
 the sum of i500. 
 
 " I lament that I have it not in my power to leave my children 
 in better circumstances, but my own misfortunes were great and 
 heavy for a number of years, and it was only within these last three 
 years that it pleased God to give me some little success." 
 Sole executrix. Said Wife. 
 
 Dated 28 June, 1797. 
 
 John Moylan. 
 
 Declaration of Stephen Roche, Jun., of North Great George's 
 Street in the city of Dublin, Esq. Sworn 12 Nov., 1799. 
 
 Proved 13 Nov., 1799, by Mary 
 Moylan, widow of testator and 
 sole executrix named in will. 
 
 Campbell states that the children of John Moylan and the 
 Countess were Stephen, Francis and two daughters who became 
 Ursuline Nuns. By his second wife, Mary, he had issue Jasper 
 and John. 
 
 On a recent visit to Cork the compiler discovered the grand- 
 daughter of another son, Richard. There was also a son named 
 James, as General Moylan in writing to General Washington spoke 
 of a James Moylan as " a brother." He was a resident of Phila- 
 delphia in 1 77 1 -2 and during the Revolution was Agent of the 
 United States in France in partnership with Gourlade in furnish- 
 ing supplies to American cruisers. This is sustained by the Letters 
 of Abbe Edgeworth saying that two sons of John Moylan " at an 
 early age emigrated to America and served with success the Ameri- 
 can colonies as general officers in the eventful contest which ter- 
 minated in the freedom of the United States." 
 
 At the time of the birth of Stephen, as well as that of his 
 brothers and sisters, the Catholic religion in Ireland was under 
 penal-law restrictions and penalties. Yet the Moylan family were 
 so strong-hearted in the principles of faith and piety that Francis 
 
The Moylan Family. 3 
 
 became a priest and subsequently Bishop of Cork, and the two 
 daughters became Ursuline Nuns. 
 
 Mary Moylan — Sister Mary Aloysius — was born July 29, 1753, 
 and entered the novitiate of the Ursulines of Cork on December 25, 
 1771 ; was professed April 26, 1774. During her life, a long one, 
 she filled with great credit the principal posts in the Convent and 
 was much loved and respected by the community and pupils. She 
 lived to the advanced age of ninety, dying April 26, 1842. 
 
 Her sister, Miss B. Moylan, joined the Ursulines July 2, 1780; 
 was professed January 13, 1783, and after several years of ill health 
 died in October, 1842. Her name in religion was Sister Mary John 
 Evangelist. [Records of the Convent at Blackrock, Ireland.] 
 
 There was also a daughter Anne, the residuary legatee of her 
 brother the Bishop. This would make eight children of John 
 Moylan. 
 
 "The Moylans were merchants, established in business prob- 
 ably as early as 1720. Dennis Moylan, the uncle of Stephen, who 
 died in 1772, held the government contract for the commissariat 
 of the Isle of Bourbon." [Campbell.] 
 
 His name was probably David. 
 
 Another uncle, Rev. Patrick Doran, a Jesuit, died in Cork in 
 1771-2 and was buried in the family burial lot in Upper Shandon. 
 [Foley's Records, S. J., VII, p. 81.] 
 
 The penal laws against Catholics debarred their education in 
 Ireland : 
 
 " If any Papist shall publicly teach school or instruct youth in 
 learning in any private house, or shall be entertained to instruct 
 youth, as usher or assistant to any Protestant schoolmaster, he shall 
 be esteemed a Popish regular clergyman and prosecuted as such, 
 and shall incur such penalties and forfeitures as any Popish regular 
 convict is liable unto." 
 
 Even the sending of youth abroad to be educated was a penal 
 offense. Yet Stephen and Francis " were smuggled out of the 
 country to France for their education," says Campbell. It is prob- 
 able that, as the Moylan brothers were engaged in commerce at 
 Lisbon, that it was in that city of Portugal they were educated, and 
 that there Stephen entered into business before coming to x\merica. 
 But as Stephen at one time desired to represent the United States 
 in Spain, it is possible, however, that he may have been educated 
 in that countrv. 
 
4 The Moylan Family. 
 
 At Lisbon, Portugal, in 1765 he was associated in business 
 with David Moylan and Edward Forrest. The Registry of Vessels 
 at the Port of Philadelphia for that year records the brigantine 
 " John and David," of one hundred tons, built at Philadelphia, as 
 being owned by John and David Moylan of Cork and Messrs. David 
 and Stephen Moylan and Edward Forrest, British subjects residing 
 at Lisbon. George Gould was Master. 
 
 John, of Cork, was the father of Stephen, of Lisbon. David, 
 of Cork, was the brother of John and uncle of Stephen. David, of 
 Lisbon, was, doubtless, the son of David, of Cork. So that the 
 fathers in Cork were in business with their sons in Lisbon. 
 
 General Moylan's brother Francis, born September 17, 1735, 
 was consecrated Bishop of Kerry in 1774, and died February 
 10, 1815. In 1786 he was translated to Cork to succeed Bishop 
 John Butler who, at the age of seventy years, had apostatized 
 and married, to inherit the estate of the Earl of Dunboyne. 
 On August 22, 1787, in the Protestant Church of Clonmel he 
 " read his recantation of the errors of the Church of Rome." He 
 died May 8, 1800, repentant, bequeathing property to the Catholic 
 College at Maynooth. 
 
 Bishop Moylan was educated at Paris and afterwards at the 
 University of Toulouse, where he studied Theology\ He was 
 buried in a vault in his cathedral. 
 
 References — Short Life of Dr. Moylan in an appendix to 
 Hutch's Life of Nano Nagle, Letters from the Abbe Edgeworth 
 to his Friends with Memoirs of his Life, including some account 
 of Dr. Moylan by the Rev. T. R. England, Fitzpatrick's Irish Wits 
 and Worthies, Fitzpatrick's Secret Service under Pitt, Castlereagh 
 Papers, Sarah Atkinson's Life of Mary Aikenhead, Husenbeth's 
 Life of Dr. Milner, O'Renehan's Collections on Irish Church His- 
 tory, Caulfield's Council Book of the Corporation of the City of 
 Cork, History of Nat. Biog. 
 
 His will sets forth: 
 
 Francis Moylan, Roman Catholic Bishop of Cork. To the 
 Rev. John Murphy, Rev. Jeremiah Collins and Rev. John England 
 of this city, priests, all the government debentures deposited in the 
 hands of Messrs John Roche & Co., Dublin, by Messrs Stephen & 
 James Roche of this city. Bankers, for my account. I also bequeath 
 to them Pierse & Christina's bond of £400 with interest ... in 
 
Stephen Moylan in America. 5 
 
 trust. ... I appoint my sister Anne my residuary legatee. Ex- 
 ecutors, said trustees. 
 
 D. 13 April, 1814. 
 
 F. Moylan. 
 Description of Property. 
 
 To be interred in the vault of this chapel. 
 
 Codicil d. 13 April, 1814. 
 
 2d codicil. . . . 
 
 Will & two codicils proved 12 
 Sept., 181 5, by Rev. John Eng- 
 land, one of the executors. 
 
 Stephen Moylan " received a good education, resided in Eng- 
 land and then came to America, where he traveled extensively and 
 finally settled in Philadelphia," says Appleton's Cyclopcedia of 
 American BiograpJj,y. [IV, 1888.] 
 
 STEPHEN MOYLAN IN AMERICA. 
 
 He came to Philadelphia in 1768. Though then but a young 
 man of about thirty he must have been in possession of means to 
 warrant his being received into the social element of the chief city 
 of the Province and to have had the education and polite accom- 
 plishments justifying his entry and association with the leading 
 men of the city and to have found his Faith no debarment of the 
 recognition due a gentleman. 
 
 He engaged in commerce. On November 11, 1768, the brig- 
 antine " Richard Penn," of 30 tons, built at Philadelphia, James 
 Galoway, Master, was registered as owned by Stephen Moylan of 
 Philadelphia. 
 
 The following April 7, 1769, the brigantine " Minerva," George 
 Barwick, Master, 120 tons, is also registered. Stephen Moylan, 
 owner. 
 
 An advertisement dated March 23. 1769, by William Kelley, 
 offers for sale or " lett," " two thousand acres in Morris County, 
 New Jersey, as healthy a country as any in the world," fifteen miles 
 from Newark, " a sea port town," and twenty-three miles from 
 New York. Among those of whom inquiries might be made was 
 Stephen Moylan. Esq., of Philadelphia. [Pa. Gas., May i8th: 
 Supplement No. 2108.] 
 
6 Moylan's Ships. 
 
 The affix " Esq." had, in those days, more significance than in 
 our times, when indeed it may be said it has none, so commonly 
 is it applied. But in Colonial days it was a title of import, indicating 
 a social condition and position distinguishing the one to whom it 
 was applied as one of character and standing in the community. 
 
 On October 2y, 1769, was registered the snow " Ceres" of 
 100 tons, built at Philadelphia and owned by Edward Forrest, 
 Andrew Morrogh, Patrick James Morrogh, Dennis Conwell, 
 Andrew Morrony, British subjects residing at Lisbon, and Stephen 
 Moylan and Nicholas Bodkin both of Philadelphia. Bodkin was 
 the Master of the vessel. 
 
 On August 27, 1770, the sloop " Santa Maria," built at Kings- 
 ton, Province of Massachusetts Bay, 70. tons, Thomas Bell, Master, 
 is registered as being owned by John Kennedy, a British merchant 
 residing in the Island of Porto Rico and by Messrs. Willing and 
 Morris, Stephen Moylan and William Marshall, all of Philadelphia, 
 
 On October 4, 1770, the ship " Don Carlos," a British-built 
 vessel rebuilt at Cork, of 100 tons, Terrence Connor, Master, is 
 registered as owned by Edward Forrest, a British subject residing 
 at Lisbon, John and David Moylan of Cork and Stephen Moylan of 
 Philadelphia. 
 
 But Captain Terrence Connor must not long have commanded 
 the ship, for the following April (1771) he is registered as owner 
 and Master of the schooner " Don Carlos," of thirty-five tons, built 
 in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. 
 
 In 1770 Mr. Moylan became a member of the Gloucester Fox 
 Hunting Club. This is another indication of his social status among 
 the well-born and well-to-do people of the Province. We find this 
 much more clearly shown by an entry in the diary of John Adams 
 while attending the first Continental Congress when, on September 
 24, 1774, he records having " dined with Richard Penn ; a mag- 
 nificent house and most splendid feast and a very large company; 
 Mr. Dickinson and General Lee were there and Mr. Moylan, be- 
 sides a great number of the Delegates." 
 
 The distinction of " Mr. Moylan" must have been high amid 
 the " very large company" to have warranted such a noting, espe- 
 cially when associated in mind with two such celebrities of that day 
 as John Dickinson, author of " The Farmer's Letters," and General 
 Charles Lee who, next year, was appointed second to Washington 
 in command of the American Army raised to resist Great Britain. 
 
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. 
 
 THE FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. PATRICK. 
 
 On St. Patrick's Day, 1771, was formed the Friendly Sons of 
 St. Patrick. At its organization it had twenty-four regular mem- 
 bers and six honorary members. It was composed mainly of " pros- 
 perous merchants," many of them engaged in the shipping and 
 importing business and dealing in European and East India goods." 
 [Campbell.] 
 
 Stephen Moylan was elected the first President of The Friendly 
 Sons of St. Patrick, though but two of his fellow-members, Thomas 
 FitzSimons and George Meade were Catholics. This shows how 
 free of religious prejudice were the founders of this most patriotic 
 and worthy society. That spirit of liberality and justice ever per- 
 vaded The Sons of St. Patrick during its existence and is per- 
 petuated in its successor, if not heir, the present Friendly Sons 
 of St. Patrick for the Relief of Immigrants from Ireland. 
 
 Stephen Moylan served as President until June 17, 1773, when 
 John M. Nesbitt succeeded, as Mr. Moylan was reported as " beyond 
 sea," as were also Thomas FitzSimons and Ulysses Lynch. 
 
 At the St. Patrick's Day dinner of 1775 FitzSimons was 
 present but Moylan was fined ys 6d for absence. This indicates 
 he was in the city. Moylan appears not to have been present after- 
 wards until the December meeting in 1781, but to have been " at 
 camp" from 1775. He was present on St. Patrick's Day. 1782, but 
 at June, 1782. and March, 1783, was at " camp." At September, 
 1783, he was "beyond sea." but present on St. Patrick's Day, 1784, 
 when also Commodore John Barry, so long absent, also attended. 
 On St. Patrick's Day, 1786, he is recorded present as "General 
 Moylan." Ten years later he was elected President and Thomas 
 FitzSimons Vice-President. No further records have been dis- 
 covered. Associating, as we have seen, with the Delegates to the 
 First Continental Congress and moving in the select social circles 
 of the principal city of the Province, the foremost characters of the 
 day called him "Friend," as did the author of the celebrated 
 "Farmer's Letters," John Dickinson. 
 
 The Second Congress of the Continent met at the State House, 
 Philadelphia, on May 10, 1775. The following month, Delegate 
 •George Washington, of Virginia, was elected Commander-in-Chief 
 • of all the forces besieging the British at Boston. 
 
8 The Revolution. 
 
 THE REVOLUTION. 
 
 The Revolution was on. War existed. The Colonies had not 
 only resisted and fought the armed forces of England but had 
 concentrated their resistance and chosen a Chief to command the 
 disjointed forces which had battled with the British army and 
 were assembled around Boston. Moylan was aroused and would 
 add his endeavors to those battling for Liberty. " He desired to 
 place himself in the line of usefulness for his adopted country." 
 So from his friend John Dickinson he obtained this letter of intro- 
 duction to Washington, then at camp at Cambridge, Massachusetts : 
 
 JOHN DICKINSON INTRODUCES MOYLAN TO WASHINGTON. 
 
 Dear Sir: — Mr. Moylan, a friend of mine, informs me that he 
 intends to enter into the American Army. As he resided some 
 years in this City and was much esteemed here, I sincerely hope he 
 will be so happy as to recommend himself to your favour, which 
 I am convinc'd he will endeavour to deserve. 
 
 I heartily wish you every kind of Happiness and am, Sir. Your 
 Most Obedient Servant, John Dickinson. 
 
 Philadelphia, 
 
 July 25, 1775. 
 General Washington. 
 
 Endorsed by Washington : " From Jno Dickinson, Esq., 25th 
 July, 1775." 
 
 [Potter's Monthly, Vol. VI, p. 14, 1876.] 
 
 To the letter Washington replied : 
 
 Camp at Cambridge, Aug. 30, '75. 
 
 Dear Sir: — Your favour of 25 ult. recommendatory of Mr. 
 Moylan came duly to hand and I have the pleasure to inform you 
 that he is now appointed Commissary-General of Musters — one of 
 the offices which the Congress was pleased to leave at my disposal. 
 I have no doubt, from your account of this Gentleman, of his 
 discharging the duty with honour and fidelity. 
 
 For the occurrences of the Camp, I refer to my publick letters,, 
 address'd to Mr. Hancock, and am, with sincere regard. 
 
 Dr. Sir. Yr. Most Obedt Hble Servt, 
 To John Dickinson, Esq., Go. Washington. 
 
 Philadelphia. 
 
 [Dawson's His. Mag., Aug.. 1859, p. 243.] 
 
Moylan Joins JJ\isliiiigtoii. 
 
 APPOINTED MUSTEK-MASTER. 
 
 On August II, 1775. Washington had issued this order: 
 
 " The Commander-in-Chief has been pleased to appoint Stephen 
 Moylan, Esq., to be Muster-Master General to the Army of the 
 United Colonies. He is in all things touching his duty as Muster- 
 Master General, to be considered and obeyed as such." 
 
 On the 14th Washington appointed Major Thomas Mifflin 
 Quartermaster-General, and ordered : 
 
 " As the troops are all to be mustered as soon as possible, the 
 Muster-Master General, Stephen Moylan, Esq., will deliver the com- 
 manding officer of each regiment thirty blank muster rolls, upon 
 Friday next, and directions for each Captain how he is to fill up 
 the blanks." [Am. Ar., 4th Series, Vol. Ill, p. 250.] 
 
 CONDITIONS OF THE ARMY. 
 
 The condition of the army at the time Moylan was appointed 
 Muster-Master General is set forth by Moylan's associate. Colonel 
 Joseph Reed, in a letter to Elias Boudinot dated " Camp at Cam- 
 bridge. August 13, 1775": 
 
 " We heard, and we find it true, that the Army was a scene of 
 disorder and confusion, that the Officers were not only ignorant and 
 litigious but scandalously disobedient, and in the last action many 
 of them proved such notorious cowards that the very existence of 
 the army, and consequently the salvation of America, depended 
 upon an immediate reform. This could never have been made 
 among themselves. It required all the weight and influence of 
 General Washington, under a Continental commission and assisted 
 by every one around him in whom he could confide, to execute this 
 necessary work. . . . Such a scene opened to the General that I 
 assure you there was reason to fear his supporting himself under 
 it, if those of us who accompanied him had not pledged ourselves 
 to give him every aid in our power. He expressed himself to me 
 in such terms that I thought myself bound by every tie of duty 
 and honour to comply with his request to help him through this 
 sea of difficulties. The men who compose the army are tractable 
 and generally well behaved, but by suffering them to choose their 
 own officers it seems to me they have excluded every gentleman 
 and have picked out such as would give them every indulgence or 
 sought the service for the profit." [M^.] 
 
10 Conditions of the Army. 
 
 Washington, writing, on August 29, 1775, to Richard Henry 
 Lee, said: 
 
 " As we have now nearly completed our lines of defence, we 
 have nothing more in my opinion to fear from the Enemy, pro- 
 viding we can keep our men to their duty and make them watchful 
 and vigilant; but it is among the most difficult tasks I ever under- 
 took in my life to induce the people to believe that there is or can 
 be danger till the Bayonet is pushed at their breasts ; not that it 
 proceeds from any uncommon prowess, but rather from an unac- 
 countable kind of stupidity in the lower class of these people, which 
 believe me prevails but too generally among the officers of the 
 'Massachusetts part of the Army, who are nearly of the same kidney 
 with privates. . . . 
 
 " There is no such thing as getting officers of this stamp to 
 exert themselves in carrying orders into execution — to curry favour 
 with men (by whom they were chosen, and on whose smiles possibly 
 they may think they may again rely) seems to be one of the prin- 
 cipal objects of their attention. . . . 
 
 " On Saturday night last we took possession of a spot within 
 point blank shot of the enemy on Charlestown neck, worked in- 
 <:essantly the whole night with 1,200 men, and threw up an intrench- 
 ment such as to bid defiance to their cannon ; about nine o'clock 
 on Sunday they began a heavy cannonade which continued through 
 the day without any injury to our work, and with the loss of four 
 men only, two of which were killed. The cannonade however we 
 were twice obliged to submit to with impunity not daring to make 
 use of artillery on acct. of the consumption of powder, except with 
 one nine pounder placed on a point, with which we silenced, & 
 indeed sunk, one of their Floating Batteries. 
 
 " This move of ours, was made to prevent the Enemy from 
 gaining this hill and we thought was giving them a fair challenge 
 to dispute it for we had been told by various people who had just 
 left Boston, that they were preparing to come out, but instead of 
 accepting of it we learn that it has thrown them into great con- 
 sternation. Yesterday afternoon they began a Bombardment with- 
 out any effect, as yet." [AfS.] 
 
 MOYLAN FITS OUT ARMED VESSELS. 
 
 In October. 1775. Congress learned that there had sailed from 
 Ensrland, without convov, " two north country built brigs of no 
 
Moylan Fits Out Armed Vessels. ii 
 
 force loaded with arms, powder and other stores for Quebeck 
 which it being of importance to intercept," General Washington, 
 on October 4th, was directed to " apply to the Council of Massa- 
 chusetts Bay for two armed vessels in their service and despatch 
 the same with sufficient number of people, stores. &c., particularly 
 a number of oars, in order, if possible, to intercept the said two 
 brigs and their cargoes, and to secure the same for the use of the 
 Continent ; also any other transports laden with ammunition, cloth- 
 ing or other stores, for the use of the ministerial army or Navy in 
 America, and to secure them in the most convenient places for the 
 purpose above mentioned ; . . . that the General be directed to 
 employ the said vessels and others, if he judge necessary, to effect 
 the purpose and that he be informed that Rhode Island and Con- 
 necticut vessels of force will be sent directly after them, to their 
 assistance." 
 
 Though these were " privateers," as Washington spoke of 
 them, the fitting out of these armed vessels may be said to be the 
 beginning of the Navy of the United Colonies. It was designed 
 not to attack British armed vessels but to intercept unarmed supply 
 vessels without force so as to capture the supplies going to Quebeck 
 to the British forces there, and later those going to Boston where 
 the British were besieged. 
 
 It was with the fitting out of the two and, later, seven armed 
 vessels that the Muster-Master General cooperated with Colonel 
 John Glover of the Marblehead " Marine" Regiment composed 
 principally of seafaring men. 
 
 On October 4. 1775, Washington appointed Colonel John 
 Glover and Muster-Master General Moylan to fit out two " prime 
 sailers, to put them in the best order and lose no time." So Colonel 
 Joseph Reed wrote, by direction of General Washington, to Colonel 
 Glover, at Marblehead on October 4, 1775. adding: 
 
 " Mr. Moylan, the Muster-Master General is associated with 
 you in this business ; and whatever engagements are entered into 
 by you and Mr. Moylan, when you may happen to be together, or 
 by either in case one goes to Newbury, the General will fully ratify 
 and confirm." 
 
 " Instructions" were also sent as to the kind of vessels, their 
 appraisements, armament, etc. 
 
 On the 7th of October Washington wrote Moylan at Salem or 
 Marblehead that if he thought he could, without inconvenience, go 
 
12 Moylan Fits Out Armed Vessels. 
 
 to Portsmouth to conduct matters relative to a supply of flour to do 
 so and settle the matter on the best terms. 
 
 Two days later Moylan and Glover wrote Washington from 
 Salem that owing to difficulty of procuring carpenters it would be 
 Saturday before the first vessel would be ready, and on that day 
 the Captain and Company might be sent. On the following Wed- 
 nesday the other vessel would be ready. 
 
 They related the difficulties which occurred in the hiring of the 
 vessels; that a schooner had been hired from Mr. Stevens of 
 Marblehead noted for her good qualities and would be ready in 
 twelve or fourteen days ; that yesterday two large ships of war 
 were seen coming out of Boston harbor, which it was believed were 
 going to Portsmouth. " Mr. Moylan will set out for that place 
 to-morrow." 
 
 " Your Excellency may ht assured we have used our best in- 
 telligence in transacting this business and will continue to do so in 
 fitting them out, appointing agents and in every command you may 
 please to honour us with." 
 
 On October ii, 1775, Colonel Reed, for Washington, replied 
 that it was " a disappointment that the vessels cannot be got ready 
 sooner," as a " number of transports from England are hourly ex- 
 pected on the coast." So Washington directed : " Not a moment 
 of time be lost in getting them ready and proceed to Newbury and 
 take up a fourth vessel on the same service. Should Mr. Moylan 
 be gone to Portsmouth, Colonel Glover was to forward this letter 
 by express that he may return to Newburyport to take up the fourth 
 vessel and let us know what he will want to equip the vessel for sea." 
 
 The vessels of Captain Nicholas Broughton and Captain John 
 Selman were engaged and fitted out. On October 12th Colonel 
 Reed notified both : " Lose no time. Everything depends upon ex- 
 pedition." 
 
 Broughton was appointed Captain and directed to " proceed on 
 board the schooner ' Hannah' at Beverly" and to " cruise against 
 such vessels as may be found on the high seas in the service of the 
 Ministerial Army and to seize all such vessels laden with soldiers, 
 arms, ammunition or provisions." 
 
 On October 10, 1775, Moylan was at Newbury, Mass., and 
 there appointed Tristam Dalton, Agent, to take care of any prizes 
 that might be sent in by the three armed schooners fitting out to 
 distress the enemv in Boston. 
 
Moylan Fits Out Armed Vessels. 13 
 
 From Newburg Moylan went to Portsmouth where he arrived 
 on nth. He deHvered to the Chairman of the Committee of Safety 
 Colonel Reed's letter, with the result that the Committee agreed to 
 deliver to Moylan 1200 barrels of flour and would let him know 
 what would be done with the rest of the cargo when they heard 
 from General Washington, to whom they had written, "but," re- 
 ported Moylan to Washington, " as a half loaf is better than no 
 bread, I told them I would take immediate charge thereof, and 
 yesterday I engaged two sloops to begin the transportation." 
 
 Concerning the flour he wrote : " I find by having had a few 
 barrels weighed they fall short 3, 4 & 5 pounds of the weight marked 
 on them, and as it will probably become a Continental charge I 
 have thought it best to have them all weighed, that the publick, or 
 the commissary into whose hands they may fall, may not pay for 
 more flour than they really have. As there are people in this town 
 inimical to the Cause, I think it best (in part) to keep it secret 
 where the flour is to be landed. The engagements I have made 
 are that they must proceed to Newburg, Ipswich, Cape Ann, Salem 
 or Marblehead according to the orders I shall give them when going 
 to sea." 
 
 He reported that he had appointed Tristram Dalton Agent for 
 the prizes and also Colonel Joshua Wentworth for the Province, 
 who are " to obey all orders received from Headquarters." 
 
 He requested Washington to send him two hundred and forty 
 dollars to pay freight and other charges. 
 
 To this report came the reply : " The General is pleased with 
 your proceedings." Colonel Reed added: "We are very anxious 
 to hear of the armed vessels being ready for sea. Every day, every 
 hour is precious. It is now fourteen days since they were set on 
 foot. Sure they cannot be much longer in preparing." 
 
 The $240 were sent by messenger. 
 
 Washington, writing to his brother, John Augustine, October 
 13' i775» said: 
 
 " Finding that we were in no danger of a visit from our neigh- 
 bours, I have fitted out and am fitting out several privateers with 
 soldiers who have been bred to the sea ; and I have no doubt of 
 making captures of several of their transports, some of which have 
 already fallen into our hands laden with provisions." [Am. Ar., 4th 
 Series. Vol. III. p. 1055.] 
 
 The armed vessels fitting out were the schooners " Lynch," 
 
14 Operations of the Vessels. 
 
 Captain Nicholas Broughton, and the " Frankhn," Captain John 
 Selman. They were named after two of the Committee of Congress 
 consulting with Washington. Later the " Harrison," after the third 
 member of the Committee, was fitted out as were the " Lee," the 
 "Warren" and the "Washington." About January i, 1776, the 
 " Hancock" was added. Of this fleet Washington had the entire 
 command, Moylan conducting the correspondence after having 
 fitted the vessels out. In January Captain Manly was appointed by 
 Washington commodore of the fleet. 
 
 It is to be remembered these were not Continental vessels but 
 " privateers," as Washington called the vessels which he fitted out 
 to prey upon unarmed supply vessels. Congress was at this time 
 promoting the fitting out of armed vessels under Continental au- 
 thority to attack armed vessels of the British. The first was the 
 " Lexington," to which Captain John Barry was appointed, on 
 December 7, 1775, Captain, and the " Reprisal," of which Captain 
 Wickes was made Commander the same day. 
 
 On October 16, 1775, Washington sent orders to Moylan and 
 Glover, then at Marblehead, that the two vessels must be imme- 
 diately dispatched. At the same time he ordered Captain Broughton 
 to " proceed to intercept two north-country brigantines of no force" 
 bound for Quebec laden with 6,000 stand of arms, powder and 
 other stores. Captain Selman received the same order but to act 
 with Broughton whom he was to consider as Commodore. 
 
 But the vessels were not ready and would not be for two weeks. 
 " If not soon at sea," wrote Colonel Reed, " we shall heartily regret 
 it was ever undertaken." On the 19th he wrote Moylan: "For 
 God's sake hurry ofif the vessels ; transports without convoy arrive 
 every day at Boston." Moylan and Glover that day wrote Reed to 
 inform Washington that the two vessels " will both be ready to sail 
 to-morrow. Mr. Moylan has the pleasure to inform His Excellency 
 that the flour is all arrived." 
 
 MOYLAN AND A FLAG. 
 
 On the 20th Reed wrote to Moylan and Glover that British 
 squadron is bombarding Falmouth and Portsmouth. Our vessels 
 must be careful how they fall in with them. " Please fix upon 
 some particular color for a flag and a signal by which our vessels 
 may know one another. What do you think of a flag with a white 
 ground, a tree in the middle, the motto ' Appeal to Heaven' ? This 
 
Moylan and a Flag. 15 
 
 is the flag of our floating batteries. We are fitting out two vessels 
 at Plymouth and when I hear from you on this subject I will let 
 them know the flag and signal, that we may distinguish our friends 
 from our foes." 
 
 Next day from Beverly Moylan and Glover notified Reed: 
 " The schooners sailed this morning. As they had none but their 
 old colours, we appointed them a signal, that they may know each 
 other by, and be known by their friends — the ensign up to the main 
 topping lift." 
 
 " Mr. Moylan has ordered 300 bbls. of flour that was at Ipswich 
 to this place for the use of the Navy ; it saves some miles of land 
 carriage." Among the articles wanted " immediately" were " two 
 signal flags." 
 
 " THE SPIRIT OF EQUALITY." 
 
 The vessels of Broughton and Selman having been despatched 
 two others were being fitted out. Moylan, on the 24th, wrote Reed : 
 
 " I wish with all my soul that thes*^ two vessels were dispatchd 
 cheifly for the publick service, & also that I may have the pleasure 
 of seeing my friends Mr. Lynch & Col. Harrison, I want much to 
 be introduced to Doctor Franklin for whom I have many years a 
 vast veneration. I think they will be off on Thursday evening, if 
 they are, I will be with you on Friday, 
 
 " Col. Glover shewed me a Letter of yours which has mortified 
 him much, I realy & sincerely believe he has the cause much at 
 heart, & that he has done his best (in the fitting out these four last 
 vessells), for the publick service you cannot conceive the difficulty 
 the troubled & the delay there is in procuring the thousand things 
 necessary for one of these vessells, I dare say one of them might 
 be fitted in Philadelphia or New York in three days, because you 
 would know where to apply for the diflferent articles but here you 
 must search all over Salem, Marblehead, Danvers & Beverly for 
 every little thing that is wanted. I must add to these the jobbing 
 of the carpenters, who are to be sure the idlest scoundrels in nature, 
 if I could have procured others, I should have dismissed the whole 
 gang of them last Friday, & such religious rascalls are they, that 
 we could not prevail on them to work on the Sabbath. I have stuck 
 very close to them since & what by scolding & crying shame for 
 their torylike disposition in retarding the work I think they mend 
 something. 
 
i6 The Spirit of Equality. 
 
 " There is one reason, & I think a substantial one, why a 
 person born in the same town or neighborhood should not be em- 
 ployed on publick affair of this nature in that town or neighborhood, 
 it is that the spirit of equality which reigns thro this country, will 
 make him afraid of exerting that authority necessary for the ex- 
 pediteing his business, he must shake every man by the hand, & 
 desire, beg & pray, do brother, do my friend, do such a thing, 
 whereas a few hearty damns from a person who did not care a 
 damn for them would have a much better effect, this I know by 
 experience, for your future government — indeed I could give other 
 reasons, but I think this sufficient." 
 
 Concerning this spirit of " equality" which pervaded the army 
 General Wilkinson in his Memoirs states : " On entering the camp 
 near Boston. I was struck with the familiarity which prevailed 
 among the soldiers and officers of all ranks ; from the Colonel to 
 the private, I observed but little distinction ; and I could not refrain 
 from remarking that the military discipline of their troops was not 
 so conspicuous as the civil subordination of the country in which 
 I lived." 
 
 Washington, writing to Congress, September 21, 1775, relative 
 to the pay of officers, declared it " is one great source of that 
 familiarity between officers and men which is so incompatible with 
 subordination and discipline." 
 
 On October 25, 1775, Colonel Reed wrote Glover and Moylan 
 at Salem or Marblehead: That intelligence from Boston w^as that 
 " a transport with 1200 bbls. of powder, w'ithout convoy or force, 
 had been missing and expect to fall in our hands." A large 
 schooner carrying ten guns would be fitted out. " I have given 
 them the signals." [Washington Papers, VIII.] 
 
 On 27th Moylan, from Beverly, wrote Reed that young Captain 
 Glover had returned without the 300 swivel shot — the " most 
 material article." He says there were none, but there were plenty 
 of " 4-0Z. bullets which, if he had had one ounce of sense must have 
 known would answer all the purposes." 
 
 " Captain Manly's vessel is all ready. We now only wait the 
 collecting together his hopeful crew to send him off. I have de- 
 clared that if there are even thirty on board to-morrow morning 
 and the wind proves fair that he shall hoist sail. I am much 
 grieved that I had not the pleasure of seeing Mr. Lynch and Col. 
 Harrison. I regard them highly. Dr. Franklin is going and you 
 
Moylan Oitarterinaster-General. ly 
 
 are also on the wing. Every one engaged in this contest must 
 sacrifice their private satisfaction to the public good." [Washing- 
 ton's Papers, Vol. VIII.] 
 
 On October 28th Moylan and Glover wrote Colonel Reed that 
 Captain Glover had brought " all the things we wrote for" except 
 the 300 swivel shot which were not to be had. There was a short- 
 age of ammunition for Captain Adams whose vessel was ready but 
 there was no appearance of him or his men. " Captain Manly is off 
 and only waits a fair wind to proceed to sea." 
 
 Reed replied on the 30th and added, " I am just starting for 
 Philadelphia." 
 
 Washington felt the loss of the services of Reed very much, 
 Edmund Randolph and George Baylor had, on August 15th, been 
 appointed to aid Reed. After Reed's retirement Robert Hanson 
 Harrison, on November 5th, became Secretary. At this time 
 Moylan was at the Camp at Cambridge as Mustermaster-General, 
 but frequently acting as Secretary pro tern for the General. 
 
 On November 20, 1775, Washington wrote Reed: 
 
 MOYLAN " VERY OBLIGING." 
 
 " You can judge that I feel the want of you when I inform 
 you that the peculiar situation of Mr. Randolph's affairs obliged 
 him to leave this place soon after you did ; that Mr. Baylor, con- 
 trary to my expectations, is not in the smallest degree a penman, 
 though spirited and willing; and that Mr. Harrison, though 
 sensible, clear and perfectly confidential, has never yet moved upon 
 so large a scale as to comprehend at one view the diversity of 
 matter which comes before me, so as to afford that ready assistance, 
 wdiich every man in my situation must stand more or less in need 
 of. Mr. Moylan, it is true, is very obliging; he gives me what 
 assistance he can ; but other business must necessarily deprive me 
 of his aid in a very short time." [Amer. Arch., 4th Series, Vol. Ill, 
 p. 1619.] 
 
 To show the assistance of Moylan at this time observe the 
 numerous letters written by him on Washington's affairs which 
 appear in this narration. 
 
 WASHINGTON LAMENTS THE DEARTH OF PUBLIC SPIRIT. 
 
 Washington wrote to Reed on 28th November, 1775 : 
 " Such a dearth of public spirit and such want of virtue, such 
 stock jobbing and fertility in all the low arts to obtain advantages, 
 
i8 JVasJiingfou Laments the Dearth of Pitblie Spirit. 
 
 of one kind or another, I never saw before, and pray God I may 
 never be witness to again. . . . Could I have forseen what I have 
 
 HANDWRITING OF MOYLAN 
 
 and am Hke to experience no consideration upon earth should have 
 induced me to accept this command. A Regiment or any sub- 
 ordinate department would have been accompanied with ten times 
 
Moylan's Letters. 19 
 
 the satisfaction— perhaps the honour. ... I find it necessary that 
 the aids to the commander-in-chief should be ready at their pen 
 to give that ready assistance expected of them. What can your 
 brethren of the law mean by saying your perquisites as Secretary 
 must be considerable? I am sure they have not amounted to one 
 farthing." [Life Reed, I, 132; Sparks', III, 178.] 
 
 moylan's letters. 
 
 From Cambridge, November 4, 1775, Moylan wrote the Com- 
 mittee of Safety of Dedham, Mass., that Washington had received 
 a letter from David Parker in which he most pathetically deplores 
 his situation and made " the most solemn assurances of contrition 
 for the part he acted and strong declarations of his regard for the 
 liberties of his Country, he prays that the arrest under which he 
 now is may be removed." 
 
 Washington had " no objection to his enlargement," provided 
 he " can make it clear to the Committee that he is no longer inimical 
 to the Country." Moylan likewise wrote Parker to the same pur- 
 port. He also expressed to Samuel Goodwin, Washington's pleasure 
 at his having supplied General Arnold with the plans of his route 
 to Quebec — that *' if it should be found necessary to lay out the 
 road," Washington " won't be unmindful" of Goodwin's services. 
 
 On November 5, 1775, Moylan wrote Bartlett relative to the 
 capture of a sloop from Boston by Captain Brown. That Wash- 
 ington directed an inventory be made of the goods. That the 
 General would make such satisfaction to the two resolute fellows 
 who first ventured on board as is in such cases proper and cus- 
 tomary. " Providence." concluded Moylan, " has sent us a good 
 supply of wine by a vessel from Philadelphia, being stranded at 
 Eastham with 120 pipes bound to Boston of which 118 are ordered 
 to Cambridge." [Am. Ar., 4th Series, Vol. III. p. 1367.] 
 
 Later he wrote Watson. Agent at Plymouth, that the wine 
 belonged to Thomas Satler of Philadelphia and. was not intended 
 for the enemy. So he was to have it stored and await directions. 
 
 The following day he notified Watson to send the wine to 
 Washington's camp, where it would "be sold for the public use 
 and bring a good price." That the General, on account of the 
 advanced season and the difificulty of procuring cannon, would order 
 out no more armed vessels. The intention in fitting out these vessels 
 
20 Success of the Prk'ateers. 
 
 is not to attack the armed but to take unarmed vessels. He wished 
 Captain Coit success. 
 
 SUCCESS OF THE PRIVATEERS. 
 
 Capain Coit did have a success. That day he, after a cruise of 
 thirty-six hours, brought into Plymouth the schooner " Industry" 
 and the sloop " Polly," both from Nova Scotia bound for Boston 
 with cattle and provisions for the garrison. [Am. Ar., 4, III, 1328.] 
 
 Watson, the Agent at Plymouth, pastured the cattle there and 
 sent the prisoners to Washington at Cambridge. On November 
 loth Moylan notified the General Court of Massachusetts of the 
 capture, sending, by " command of Washington, the papers in the 
 case" and also Jabez Hatch " who appears to be a noted Tory and 
 is owner of one of these vessels," whom Moylan requested the 
 Council to do with as seemed proper. [Ibid.] 
 
 On November 8th Moylan wrote Watson that Washington 
 desired him to " sell the articles found on the two prizes." " We 
 shall soon hear of Captain Manly's being successful and that Cap- 
 tain Coit is again at sea, to pursue his good fortune. The men and 
 ammunition for the ' Washington' will set out to-day. I recom- 
 mend all possible dispatch to Captain Martindale." 
 
 The same day he wrote John Brown at Providence, R. I., that 
 the General had ordered Colonel Gridley to " procure the cannon 
 necessary for the use of the camp." 
 
 Mo}lan also, on the same day, wrote Captain E. Bowen, Jr., 
 " time is very short for expecting more prizes, the season being so 
 far advanced. This is one reason his Excellency's determination 
 not to fit out more cruisers for the present." 
 
 CAPTURES WITHOUT AUTHORITY. 
 
 On November 4, 1775, a sloop, the " North Briton." was cap- 
 tured by " two resolute people in a small boat at one of the islands 
 called Misery." 
 
 On November 8th, off Beverly, a schooner laden with supplies 
 was captured by " fifteen men." 
 
 The Commander refused to show the ship's papers to Bartlett, 
 the Prize Agent, who wrote to Washington for directions, " for if 
 I have no power to make such demand T make myself ridiculous 
 in the eyes of the w-orld." On November nth Movlan wrote that 
 Washinsfton's advice was to " have nothinsr to do with such vessels 
 
Captures Without Authority. 
 
 21 
 
 by any authority under him. Don't trouble yourself or the General 
 with a litigious dispute. In short, get rid of the trouble in the 
 best way you can and let us hear nothing further thereon." 
 
 The captures, it is to be noted, were made by individuals not 
 having authority to make captures. Yet on 15th Moylan wrote 
 Bartlett that as the goods on the schooner must be sold at vendue, 
 he requested that all the claret be purchased for him. " As it is a 
 liquor not much used in this country, it will probably sell cheap. 
 Should you have occasion for part of it yourself, you will, by all 
 means, keep whatever you may want." [^lag- Am. His., Mav, 
 1890.] 
 
 On November 9th Moylan wrote Captain Jonathan Glover at 
 Marblehead that the General directed that the persons belonging 
 to the two schooners sent into Marblehead be discharged, but that 
 bondsmen be had that they will not leave the district nor give in- 
 formation concerning the destination of Captains Broughton and 
 Selman ; they were to be well looked after. The wood on the sloop 
 brought in by Manly was to be sold and the vessel laid up until 
 it was determined whether she was a prize or only a recaptured 
 vessel. 
 
 The next day, loth, Moylan wrote Wentworth, Chairman of 
 the Committee at Newburyport, that the Penobscot Indians needed 
 powder; that "if not supplied by us with some, they will make 
 application to the enemy, who, no doubt, would gladly embrace such 
 an opportunity of making them friends." Washington directed 
 that two barrels be given them out of the stock of the Committee, 
 which " he would replace if it is not done by the legislature." 
 
 On November i6th Moylan wrote Watson at Plymouth that 
 Washington ordered that those captured by Captain Coit be given 
 their bedding and wearing apparel, but he was at a loss to know 
 whether it is customary to return the money found on prisoners ; 
 these people do not merit any indulgence. " His Excellency would 
 rather err on the side of mercy than that of a strict justice. Let 
 me know your opinion in this matter." 
 
 Watson, on November 23d, replied advising that the matter be 
 referred to the Committee of Safety. 
 
 On October 18, 1775, Falmouth was destroyed by the British ; 
 they burned five hundred houses, fourteen vessels, and all without 
 loss to themselves. " A full demonstration that there is not the 
 least remains of virtue, wisdom or humanity in the British Court." 
 
"22, "Popish Bigotry. 
 
 Measures were taken after this devastation to defend the town 
 against further attacks. On November 24th Moylan wrote Samuel 
 Freeman of Falmouth that Washington approved of what had been 
 done in defence of the port, adding : " It is incumbent on the people 
 of the country to exert themselves for their and the publick defence. 
 The Congress are so much of that opinion that they have recom- 
 mended it to each of the Colonies to provide for their particular 
 internal safety." [Am. Ar., 4, III, 1666.] 
 
 POPISH BIGOTRY. 
 
 While Moylan, a Catholic, was so active, Jacob Bayley was 
 writing from Newbury to Colonel Little relative to Canadian affairs, 
 saying: " Our people, doubtless, are amongst them which will wear 
 out their Popish bigotry ; until that is done no great trust to the 
 French." [Ibid, 1664.]' 
 
 Instead of wearing out the " bigotry" of the Canadians, that 
 kind of language, and conduct to accord with it, wore out the 
 friendship and aid of the Canadians. 
 
 General Howe at same time wrote to the Earl of Dartmouth: 
 " This army, though complete in the Spring, must have six or seven 
 thousand recruits and chiefly of the worst kind if chiefly composed 
 of Irish Roman Catholics, certain to desert if put to hard work, 
 and, from their ignorance of arms, not entitled to the smallest 
 confidence as soldiers." [Am. Ar., 4, III, 1673.] 
 
 It was not very long before General Howe himself, when in 
 Philadelphia, undertook to form a regiment of such Irish Roman 
 Catholics as could be recruited or induced to desert from Wash- 
 ington's Army at Valley Forge. He had confidence enough in 
 such as he could get to avail himself of their services. 
 
 Captain Adams had taken a vessel with a cargo of potatoes and 
 turnips, which seems not to have been regarded as a valuable prize, 
 in contrast with one taken by Captain Manly. Moylan, writing 
 from Washington's camp on December i, 1775, to Colonel Joshua 
 Wentworth, at Portsmouth, saying: 
 
 " We are all flushed with the agreeable account of Captain 
 Manly's having taken a prize of the utmost consequence, which 
 made us look over the potatoes and turnips of Captain Adams, but, 
 now being a little cool, I assure you I do not think Adams' hon 
 fortune so despicable. Though of little value to us. it is depriving 
 
Capture of Supplies. 23 
 
 the enemy of what to them would be of consequence. As to the 
 prisoners, I wish you had Icept or discharged them. . . . You will 
 please dispose of the cargo by the " Rainbow" and lay up the 
 schooner until further orders. Though, if a reasonable price can 
 be got for her, you may dispose of her. I hope Adams will soon 
 take such a prize as Manly has. I really believe the cargo could 
 -not cut short of iio.ooo sterling. To us it is invaluable." 
 
 On December ist Moylan wrote Wm. Watson, Plymouth: 
 
 *■ Capt. Coit's Lieutenant has been here and gives an account 
 ■of his schooner being so old and crazy as to be unfit for the service 
 "he is employed in. If there was a possibility of fitting a better 
 vessel out in six or eight days and removing the guns from on 
 l)oard the schooner, His Excellency, would be glad it could be done, 
 as there are store ships and transports expected all this month." 
 
 Relative to Captain Martindale's finding it impossible to get 
 men, Moylan declared " that the deficiency of public spirit in this 
 country is much more than I could possibly have an idea of. 
 Manly's crew will make their fortune by his activity — a quality 
 Martindale is deficient in — get out his brigantine let the expense 
 "be what it will." [Am. Ar., 4, IV, 153.] 
 
 On December 2d Moylan wrote Bartlett and Glover, Agents 
 of the brigantine " Nancy" at Beverly or Gloucester, that as it was 
 " under consideration of Congress, the mode of disposing of such 
 vessels and crews as are taken supplying the enemy it is his Ex- 
 cellency's pleasure that Captain Hunter and his crew return to you, 
 that their private adventure be given them with liberty to dispose 
 thereof as they think proper, that they be treated with all humanity, 
 due to fellow-citizens in distress." 
 
 On December 4th Moylan sent the Massachusetts Council the 
 names of the prisoners taken on the sloop " Polly" and the sloop 
 " Success" and also five sailors of the " Canceaux" man-of-war. 
 One was named Pat Burns. 
 
 On December 4th Moylan, by Washington's " command," noti- 
 fied Bartlett that concerning the capture of the sloop " Concord" 
 from Glasgow with goods for Boston that though the enemy were 
 daily seizing our vessels and that reprisals ought to be made, he did 
 ■not think he had authority to declare lawful captures could be made 
 of vessels transporting goods from English or British owners for 
 their agents here, and had referred the matter to Congress. 
 
24 Capture of Supplies. 
 
 " OLD PUT." 
 
 When Manly's captured stores were taken to Washington's 
 camp at Cambridge the scene is thus described by Moylan in letter 
 of December 5th to Colonel Reed : 
 
 " I would have given a good deal that you was here last Satur- 
 day when the stores arrived at camp. Such universal joy ran 
 through the whole as if each grasped victory in his hand, to crown 
 the glorious scene there intervened one truly ludicrous, which was 
 old Put mounted on a large mortar which was fixed in its bed for 
 the occasion, with a bottle of rum in his hand, standing parson to 
 christen. Avhile godfather Mifflin gave it the name of Congress. 
 The huzzas on the occasion I dare say were heard through all the 
 territories of our most gracious sovereign in this Province. 
 
 " The time of the Connecticut troops' enlistment being expired, 
 the scoundrels are deserting the lines before we are prepared for 
 such a defection." [Reed's Life, I, 134.] 
 
 General Howe, in reporting to the Earl of Dartmouth. De- 
 cember 3d. the capture of the " Nancy," stated she had " 4000 
 stand of arms complete, 100,000 flints, a 13-inch mortar with other 
 stores in proportion. " " The capture" is rather unfortunate to us. 
 " The Rebels" are now furnished with all the requisite for setting 
 the town on fire. 
 
 These supplies were those taken on the " Nancy" captured by 
 Manly. This capture was to Washington " an instance of divine 
 favour — for nothing surely ever came more apropos." Though 
 Manly " unluckily missed the greatest prize in the world — their 
 whole ordnance — the ship containing it being just ahead — but he 
 could not have got both." [Reed's Life, I, 132.I 
 
 The " Nancy" sailed under convoy of the " Phoenix," man-of- 
 war, and on November 27. 1775, General Howe wrote Earl of 
 Dartmouth that she was " the only ordnance store ship missing. 
 . . . The Rebel's cruisers are watchful and have already been too 
 successful, and will probably do much more mischief unless the 
 King's ship can contrive to cut them off." [Am. Ar., 4. HI, 1679.] 
 
 Next day. 5th, he informed the Committee of Safety of Salem 
 that the brig " Kingston Packet" had been taken at Barington, 
 Nova Scotia, on suspicion of being engaged in business contrary 
 to the Association of the United Colonies. Washington directed the 
 Committee to determine the case. 
 
Tzvo Gentlemen from Antigua. 25 
 
 Again, on December 5, 1775. he notified Captain Peleg Wads- 
 worth that Washington desired he would examine the harbour of 
 Cape Cod and see what fortifications may be necessary for its 
 defence and to report thereof. 
 
 On 6th to Salem Committee that Washington would con- 
 tribute to the safety of the town when he can do it, consistent with 
 that attention he must pay to the defence of the whole. 
 
 Same day to Bartlett sending $2000 for military stores. 
 
 On 8th to the Salem Committee delivering up the cargo of a 
 vessel. 
 
 Same day to Glover at Marblehead, that the affair of the 
 " Kingston Packet" be managed " so that Headquarters may hear 
 no more of it." 
 
 December 9th — To Massachusetts Council sending four pilots 
 taken by Captain Coit on board vessels taking supplies to the 
 enemy in Boston. 
 
 TWO GENTLEMEN FROM ANTIGUA. 
 
 On December loth Moylan wrote Bartlett regarding the 
 Captain of a captured vessel, that it was " very unlucky the Cap- 
 tain threw his papers overboard — and if it were true that this was 
 done after he was made a prize of, he deserves to be severely pun- 
 ished and in any other war he would suffer death for such an 
 action, but we must show him and all such who fall into our hands 
 that Americans are humane as well as brave. You will, therefore, 
 treat the prisoners with all possible tenderness." 
 
 There were on board two gentlemen from Antigua — Mr. Burke 
 and Mr. Gregory. Mr. Burke was " strongly recommended to our 
 good friends in Boston, although not friendly to American liberty, 
 he still has a character as a gentleman," and it was Washington's 
 orders that he be treated as such. 
 
 Mr. Gregory was " going to serve on a man-of-war. Both 
 were to be paroled. . . . There are limes, lemons and oranges on 
 board, which being perishable you must sell immediately. The 
 General will want some of each as well as the sweetmeats and 
 pickles, as his lady will be here to-day or to-morrow. You will 
 please pick up such things as you think will be acceptable to her 
 He does not mean to receive anything without payment." 
 
 Washington ordered that prizes be not visited by people from 
 the shore or from the armed schooners, " that embezzlement be 
 particularly guarded against." [Mag. Am. His., 1890, p. 414.] 
 
26 New Army and Nezv Flag. 
 
 The same day he wrote Bartlett by Captain Adams who was 
 anxious to go on a cruise. " give him every assistance in your 
 power — indulge him and let him proceed to sea." 
 
 December 13, 1775, Moylan wrote to Watson at Plymouth: 
 " Captain Manly's good fortune seems to stick to him ; he has 
 taken three more valuable prizes. This shows what advantage these 
 vessels would be, if the commanders were all as attentive to their 
 duty and interest as Manly is. There runs a report that one of 
 our little fleet is taken and carried into Boston. We shall be uneasy 
 till we hear from Martindale, as he is the one suspected." 
 
 December 14th, wrote Colonel Went worth at Portsmouth: 
 " Captain Manly has been very successful, having taken three more 
 prizes. I wish the commanders of the rest of our little fleet were 
 as active ; if they were, we could conquer our enemies without 
 loss of blood." 
 
 THE NEW ARMY AND THE NEW FLAG. 
 
 On January i, 1776. This day the newly recruited army — 
 the really first Continental Army — was paraded by Washington and 
 the new Union flag hoisted on Prospect Hill in compliment to the 
 United Colonies. This Union flag was the thirteen stripes with the 
 crosses of England and Scotland in the canton. 
 
 Though England's cross was displayed, the day really marks 
 the separation of America from England in the mind of Washing- 
 ton, Moylan and many others. On that day the King's speech " full 
 of rancour and resentment and declaring that vigorous measures 
 would hereafter be pursued to crush the foul and unnatural rebel- 
 lion and giving, as Washington declared, " the ultimation of British 
 justice." was by General Gage sent out of Boston so as to be dis- 
 tributed among Washington's men. When the Union flag was dis- 
 played by Washington it was taken by the British " as a token of 
 the deep impression the King's speech had made on us," wrote 
 Washington, " and as a signal of submission." [Am. Ar., 4, 
 
 IV, 570.] 
 
 Instead of submission, " the Speech but strengthened the In- 
 dependency thought which had been growing in many minds. 
 
 FOR INDEPENDENCE. 
 
 Colonel Moylan was eager for Independence six months before 
 it w^as Resolved upon and the Declaration made. Writing to 
 Colonel Reed from Cambridge we may be sure he expressed no 
 
Moylan Eager- for Independence. 27 
 
 opinion on Independence adverse to those held by Washington. He 
 said, January 2, 1776: 
 
 " The Congress is still sitting and I am glad of it. Will they 
 now hesitate? Look at the King's speech. Will they not imme- 
 diately send embassies to some foreign powers? Will they not de- 
 clare what his Most Gracious Majesty insist on they have already 
 done? Will they not strain every nerve to accomplish it? Are 
 there remaining any hopes of a desirable alternative? They are 
 men of sense and will act right. 
 
 " I should like vastly to go with full and ample powers from 
 the United States of America to Spain, if my old friend Wall is 
 still living, and he had influence, I am sure I could do service there. 
 [Reed's Life, p. 139.] 
 
 Who was this " old friend Wall" ? 
 
 " We really are tired of inaction. . . . Why are not vessels 
 sent out this winter from those ports which will continue open by 
 God Almighty's permission? Will not Congress follow the good 
 example of the Almighty and open them all to the world? The 
 King's speech is the key to open all ports. 
 
 " All the vessels are now in port — the officers and men quitted 
 them ! What a pity, as vessels are every day arriving — the chance 
 of taking any is pretty well over, as a man-of-war is stationed so 
 as to command the entrance of Beverly. Salem and Marblehead. 
 We must have ships to cope with them. I shall try and get some 
 of them to sea while the weather continues mild. Five hundred 
 men of the Irish reinforcement arrived within these few days at 
 Boston." 
 
 Again he returned to the subject of Independence when, on 
 January 30, 1776, he wrote Colonel Reed: 
 
 " BOLDLY DECLARE INDEPENDENCE." 
 
 " Shall we never leave off debating and boldly declare Inde- 
 pendence. That and that only will make us act with spirit and 
 vigour. The bulk of the people will not be against it — ^but the 
 few and timid always will, — but what can be expected of a con- 
 trary conduct? Can it be supposed possible that a reconciliation 
 will take place after the loss of blood, cities and treasure already 
 suffered, but the war must come to every man's home before he 
 will think of his neighbour's losses." [Life of Reed, I, 160.] 
 
28 "Boldly Declare Independence." 
 
 Robert Morris, writing from the Falls of Schuylkill, July 20, 
 1776, to Colonel Reed, said : " Remember me to Colonel Moylan." 
 
 We have seen Moylan busy while away from the camp at 
 Cambridge in fitting out vessels, and have noted his industry while 
 at camp in assisting Washington in his correspondence. At times 
 Washington was, as he wrote to his absent Secretary, Reed, January 
 23, 1776, " so much taken up at his desk that I am obliged to neglect 
 many other essential parts of my duty," as " Mr. Moylan's time 
 must now be solely employed in his department of Commissary." 
 He had hinted to Moylan and to Mr. Harrison " that as they really 
 had a great deal of trouble each of them should receive one-third 
 of" Reed's " pay, reserving to yourself the other third, contrary to 
 your desire." 
 
 On that date both Harrison and Moylan were not at camp; 
 the former had written " to ascertain if his return cannot be dis- 
 pensed with," and Moylan was away endeavoring to hasten the 
 sailing of the fleet to attack British unarmed supply vessels. On 
 19th he reported to Washington who received it on 25th, " but his 
 time was so employed in despatching expresses to sundry places" 
 that he could not send reply until the next day, when Harrison 
 wrote Moylan: 
 
 " His Excelency is much pleased that our Fleet is likely to 
 get out again, & wishes your Return as soon as you have dis- 
 patched them. Herewith you will receive the Commission you 
 wrote for ; also a Copy of private Signals used by the King's ships 
 in the American Service, which his Excellency desires you to 
 furnish each of our Captains with & to return the Copy sent, when 
 you come back. 
 
 " As to the Attempts on the Fowey, he thinks, that the situa- 
 tion of our Affairs at present will not justify it. But on your 
 Arrival, will consider more of it, should there be the same Prospect 
 of success that you apprehend there is now. 
 
 " The Report you have had is too true ; but not so bad, we 
 hope, as you have heard. However, it is certain that the great & 
 gallant Montgomery, is no more. He, with his Aide-de-Camp, 
 Captain McPherson and Captain Cheeseman of New York, fell the 
 first fire ;' also Colonel Arnold is wounded in the Leg." 
 
 Moylan returned to camp on January 24, 1776, and " by com- 
 mand from his Excelency" he sent Major Hawley of Berkshire a 
 
Capture of the "Hope.'' 29 
 
 commission " for such person as he may think quaUfied to muster 
 the regiment raising in Hampshire and Berkshire." 
 
 On 26th Moylan wrote the General Court of Massachusetts 
 that Washington desired to know the mode of drawing the money 
 the Province had offered to advance him for the use of the United 
 Colonies. 
 
 CAPTURE OF THE " HOPe" FROM IRELAND. 
 
 In August, 1775, the ship " Hope" from Cork, Ireland, came 
 up the Delaware River, with INIajor Christopher French of the 22d 
 Regiment, British Army ; Ensign John Rotton, 47th Regiment, and 
 Terence McDermott [in Washington's Papers called Cadet William 
 McDermott] and two privates. The " Hope" was seized by one 
 of the Pennsylvania armed boats and the officers and men made 
 prisoners. They had come " hither without any knowledge of 
 hostilities." They were, on August 12th, brought before the Penn- 
 sylvania Committee of Safety and after examination it was found 
 they had come " hither with an intention of joining the Ministerial 
 Army at Boston, under the command of General Gage, who is 
 now acting in a hostile and cruel manner against his Majesty's 
 American subjects." The Committee paroled the officers but held 
 their goods, both subject to Washington's orders. [Am. Ar., 
 4, III, 499.] 
 
 On August 25th Washington directed the prisoners be sent to 
 Hartford, Connecticut. They were so sent. Washington directly, 
 and also through his Secretary, Reed, had much correspondence 
 with Major French concerning his application to be allowed to 
 wear his sword, to be exchanged, or to be permitted to go to Ireland. 
 Details of this can be had in the Connecticut Historical Society's 
 Collections, Vol. I, and in the Washington's Papers in the Library 
 of Congress. Our present concern in the case relates to the con- 
 nection of Stephen Moylan therewith as Secretary to Washington. 
 
 MOYLAN " tutors" MAJOR FRENCH. 
 
 On February 10, 1776, Moylan, by direction of Washington, 
 wrote Major French: 
 
 " Sir : — Your repeated letters to Gen. Gates desiring liberty 
 to go to Ireland on your parole were laid before his Excellency. 
 I have it in command from him to inform you that he does not 
 think himself authorized to grant license to any one to depart this 
 Continent — that power is lodged only in the hands of the Congress, 
 
30 Moylan and Major French. 
 
 I am also commanded to tell you that the General is surprised a 
 gentleman of Major French's good sense and knowledge should 
 make such a request. Let him compare his situation with that of 
 such gentlemen of ours who by the fortune of war have fallen into 
 the hands of their enemy. What has been their treatment ? Thrown 
 into a loathsome prison and afterward sent in irons to England. 
 I repeat — let the Major compare his treatment with theirs and 
 then say whether he has cause to repine at his fate." 
 
 French replied that General Gates had written him that Wash- 
 ington was ever willing to grant indulgences to gentlemen officers, 
 " but at present could not comply." He added : " Mr. Moylan was 
 pleased to tutor me with a parallel upon the different treatment of 
 prisoners which apears to me to have been lugged in (like the 
 tailor in Lethe) by head and shoulders, as it was entirely foreign 
 to the subject, since I did not complain of bad treatment. Why 
 does Mr. Moylan, whom I don't know, write me upon a topic which 
 I writ to General Gates about and why, at least, does he not assign 
 a reason for General Gates not writing or signing the letter." [Con. 
 His. Soc. Col., I, 212.] 
 
 On November 15th Major French escaped, leaving behind him 
 a journal. 
 
 APPOINTED SECRETARY AND AIDE TO WASHINGTON. 
 
 Though Moylan held the rank of Muster-Master he had been 
 ,7 attending to the duties of that position and also frequently acting 
 
 k as Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief, he was not, officially, Sec- 
 
 retary until March 5, 1776, and the next day he was named as an 
 Aide. [Ford's Washington, XIV.] Colonel Knox "being desirous 
 of it," Washington wrote Reed on March 7th. 
 
 An Aide ranked as Lieutenant-Colonel. 
 
 On March 7th Washington wrote Colonel Joseph Reed : " I 
 have appointed Mr. Moylan and Mr. Palfrey my Aides-de-Camp 
 so that I shall, if you come, have a good many writers about me." 
 
 Moylan was Secretary to Washington when, on St. Patrick's 
 Day, 1776, the British evacuated Boston. As Secretary he received 
 the appeal sent out of Boston to Washington on March 8th by four 
 leading citizens, stating: 
 
 " As his Exc'y Gen. Howe is determined to leave the Town . . . 
 a number of the respectable Inhabitants (being very anxious 
 
Appointed Secretary to Washington. 31 
 
 for its preservation & Safety) have applied to Gen. Robertson," 
 who . . . has communicated the same to Gen'l Howe who has 
 assured him, "That he has no intention of destroying the town" 
 " unless the Troops under his Command are molested during" 
 "their Embarkation or at their Departure by the Armed Forces" 
 " Without" 
 
 If such an Opposition should take Place we have the greatest 
 Reason to expect the Town will be exposed to entire Destruc- 
 tion; And ... we beg we may have some Assurances that so 
 dreadful a Calamity may not be brought on, by any Measures 
 Without." 
 
 " This paper," wrote Washington to Reed, " seems so much 
 under covert, unauthenticated and addressed to nobody, that I could 
 take no notice of it; but shall go on with my preparations as in- 
 tended." [Sparks, III, 311.] 
 
 Washington had made it known that he was determined to 
 have possession of the City even if he had to burn it. Hence the 
 alarm among its inhabitants and the consequent more hasty evacua- 
 tion. 
 
 SCARCITY OF POWDER. 
 
 But for the scarcity of powder it is probable that Washington 
 would have long before the evacuation have bombarded the City. 
 On January 2, 1776, Moylan wrote Colonel Reed: "It will be 
 possible to bombard Boston; give us powder and authority, for 
 that you know we want as well as the other. Give us these and 
 Boston can be set in flames." [Reed's Life, I, 137.] 
 
 This scarcity of powder existed all the time Washington was 
 besieging Boston. 
 
 On August 4, 1775, Washington informed Congress he had 
 not " more than nine rounds of powder a man" and that " our 
 situation in the article of powder is much more alarming than I had 
 any idea of." [Am. Ar., 4, III, 28.] 
 
 The same day he wrote Governors Cooke and Trumbull : " Our 
 necessities in the article of powder and lead are great — the caSe calls 
 loudly for the most strenuous exertions of every friend of his 
 country and does not admit of the least delay." He approved of 
 an endeavor to capture powder at Bermuda where there was a 
 considerable magazine. " No quantity however small is beneath 
 our notice." [Ibid, 36-38.] 
 
32 Pozvder! Powder! 
 
 NOT THE LIKE OF IT IN HISTORY. 
 
 On January 4, 1776, he wrote Congress: 
 
 " It is not in the pages of history, perhaps, to furnish a case 
 like ours ; to maintain a post within musket shot of the enemy, for 
 six months together, without powder, and, at the same time, to dis- 
 band one army and recruit another, within that distance of twenty- 
 odd British regiments, is more, probably, than ever was attempted. 
 But, if we succeed as well in the last, as we have, heretofore, in the 
 first, I shall think it the most fortunate event of my whole life." 
 [Am. Ar., 4, IV, 567.] 
 
 The same day he wrote his former Secretary, Joseph Reed, at 
 Philadelphia : 
 
 " Search the volumes of history through, and I very much 
 question whether a case similar to ours is to be found; namely, to 
 maintain a post, against the flower of the British troops, for six 
 months together, without powder, and then to have one army dis- 
 band and another to be raised, within the same distance of a re- 
 inforced enemy. . . . For more than two months I have scarcely 
 emerged from one difficulty, before I have been plunged into 
 another. How it will end, God, in His goodness will direct. I am 
 thankful for his protection to this time." 
 
 POWDER ! POWDER ! 
 
 The Journal of Elias Boudinot relates : 
 
 " When our army lay before Boston in 1775 our powder was 
 so nearly expended that General Washington told me that he had 
 not more than eight rounds a man altho he had then near four- 
 teen miles of line to guard and that he dare not fire an evening 
 or morning gun. In this situation one of the Committee of Safety 
 for Massachusetts, who was privy to the whole secret, deserted and 
 went over to General Gage, and discovered our poverty to him. 
 The fact was so incredible that General Gage treated it as a strata- 
 gem of war and the informant as a spy ; or coming with the express 
 purpose of deceiving him and drawing his army into a snare, by 
 which means we were saved from having our quarters beaten up." 
 
 " If we had powder," wrote Moylan to Reed, on January 30, 
 1776, " I do believe Boston would fall into our hands." 
 
 " OLD put" and POWDER. 
 
 On February i, 1776, he wrote from Roxbury: "The bay is 
 open, everything thaws except old Put. He is still as hard ^s ever, 
 
Putnam and Pozvder. 33 
 
 crying out, ' Powder ! Powder ! Ye gods, give me powder.' " 
 [Potter's Mo., VI.] 
 
 As Putnam was born in 1718 he was nearly seventy years 
 " old," but yet young in enthusiasm and zeal, as his cry for " Pow- 
 der! Powder!" testifies. 
 
 Washington, on 31st March, 1776, wrote his brother, John 
 Augustine: " I have been months together with (what will scarcely 
 be believed) not thirty rounds of musket cartridges to a man; and 
 have been obliged to submit to all the insults of the enemy's cannon 
 for want of powder, keeping what little we had for pistol distance. 
 We have maintained our ground against the enemy, under this want 
 of powder, and w^e have disbanded one army and recruited another 
 within musket shot of two and twenty regiments, the flower of the 
 British army, whilst our force has been but little, if any, superior 
 to theirs ; and, at last, have beaten them into a shameful and pre- 
 cipitate retreat out of a place the strongest by nature on this Con- 
 tinent, and strengthened and fortified at an enormous expense." 
 [Sparks, III, 340.] 
 
 " I believe I may with great truth affirm that no man, perhaps, 
 since the first institution of armies ever commanded one under more 
 difficult circumstances than I have done." [Ibid, 343.] 
 
 Washington, in April, 1776, moved his army from Boston to 
 New York to counteract the movements of the enemy designed to 
 make the Hudson River the campaigning region, so as to cut the 
 Colonies in two, as it were, by separating New England from the 
 other Colonies. 
 
 General Charles Lee, second in command of the American 
 army, then at Williamsburg, Virginia, on May 10, 1776, wrote 
 General Washington, then at New York : " I am well pleased 
 with your officers in general and the men are good — some Irish 
 rascals excepted." He closed by sending " My love to Moylan." 
 [Letters to W., I, 203.] 
 
 APPOINTED QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 
 
 Colonel Moylan was, at this time, Muster-Master General, an 
 Aide to Washington and also his Secretary. On June 5th he was, 
 by Congress, elected Quartermaster-General to succeed Colonel 
 Thomas Mifflin. 
 
 Congress also Resolved, That Stephen Moylan, Esq., have the 
 pay of eighty dollars a month and the rank of Colonel. 
 
34 Moylan Quartcruiastcr-General. 
 
 On June loth Congress received " a letter from Stephen Moy- 
 lan expressing his grateful thanks to Congress for appointing him 
 to the office of Quartermaster-General." 
 
 Moylan was succeeded as Secretary to Washington on May 
 l6th by Robert Hanson Harrison who had been also acting as Sec- 
 retary from November, 1775. 
 
 Of Moylan and Harrison Washington wrote : " Mr. Harrison 
 is the only gentleman of my family that can afford me the least 
 assistance in writing. He and Mr. Moylan have hitherto afforded 
 me their aid and they really had a great deal of trouble." 
 
 But once again Moylan acted as Secretary to Washington when, 
 on June 13, 1777, Washington, at Morristown, New Jersey, wrote 
 General Howe, the British General, commanding at New York, 
 relative to the Exchange of General Charles Lee and the treatment 
 of prisoners. It was sent by Washington to Congress on 14th. 
 [Ford, V, 168.] 
 
 On the return of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, as one of the 
 Commissioners to Canada to secure the aid or neutrality of the 
 Canadians he, at New York, on June 9, 1776, " Waited on General 
 Washington ; saw Generals Gates and Putnam and my old acquaint- 
 ance and friend Mr. Moylan." 
 
 After arrival at Philadelphia to report to Congress he wrote, 
 on June 14th, to General Gates to present his " respectful compli- 
 ments to General Washington and remembrances to General 
 Mifflin and my friend Moylan." [Rowland's Carroll, I, 176.] 
 
 On June 10, 1776, Congress resolved that the Quartermaster- 
 General be directed to procure and forward such tents, clothing 
 and untensils as are wanted for the army in Canada, subject to the 
 directions of the Commander-in-Chief. 
 
 On June 17, 1776, Congress Resolved: That Mr. James Mease 
 be directed to purchase and forward to the Quartermaster-General 
 in New York as much cloth for tents as he can procure. 
 
 On June 24th, information having been given Congress that a 
 quantity of tents which were sent from Philadelphia for the use 
 of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay have been stopped at New 
 York by order of the Quartermaster-General, it was Resolved that 
 the President write to the General on this subject and desire him 
 to order the said tents to be re-delivered and forwarded to the 
 Colony of Massachusetts Bay immediately. 
 
 On June 29th Washington issued Order : " The General ex- 
 
Moylan's Writings. 35 
 
 pects that all soldiers who are entrusted with the defence of army 
 work will behave with great coolness and bravery and will be 
 particularly careful not to throw away their fire." 
 
 Washington expecting a combined attack by General Howe 
 with ten thousand men and Admiral Howe, his brother, with one 
 hundred and fifty vessels, issued an Order stating: 
 
 " The time is now near at hand which must probably determine 
 whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves ; whether they are 
 to have any property they can call their own; whether their homes 
 and farms are to be pillaged and destroyed, and they consigned to 
 a state of wretchedness, from which no human efforts will prob- 
 ably deliver them." etc. 
 
 BRITISH CAPTURE NEW YORK. 
 
 In June, 1776, Washington, to prevent the passage up the 
 Hudson, in addition to guarding the Narrows, directed Colonel 
 James Clinton, commanding Forts Constitution and Montgomery, 
 to protect the fortifications in the Highlands. To Moylan was 
 entrusted the work of sinking obstructions and erecting a chevaux 
 de frise to still further debar the approach of the enemy. Affairs 
 were in a critical position. The Americans were in a weak con- 
 dition for lack of arms, while every man was needed to ward oflf 
 the General and Lord Howe's impending blow — an attack on New 
 York. But it is the movements of Moylan that concern our pur- 
 poses. 
 
 On June 2gth Henry B. Livingston wrote to Colonel James 
 Clinton : 
 
 ''The [British] Fleet is arrived at Sandy Hook about 46-sail, 
 and I go to my station to-morrow morning; it is a very honorary 
 one, and one that I am much pleased with as the Genl has granted 
 me great power. Col'l. Moylan tells me that a Number of stores 
 are ready to be sent to the Forts." 
 
 On July 4, 1776, Dr. James Clitherall of Charleston, S. C, 
 records that on that day he called on General Washington who 
 invited him to dine with him, " but being engaged with Colonel 
 Moylan, Quartermaster-General of the American army, we could 
 not accept of it." He dined with Washington the next day. The 
 Doctor left Philadelphia on July 2d, "the glorious day that threw 
 off the tyranny of George HL" carrying letters of introduction to 
 Washington, IMifflin, Putnam, Moylan. Reed and Dr. Morgan. 
 
36 British Capture Nezv York. 
 
 On July 1 6th Congress Resolved: That the Secret Committee 
 be directed immediately to deliver to Mr. Mease to be sent forward 
 to Colonel Moylan. Quartermaster-General, half a ton of saltpetre. 
 
 Colonel Moylan, at New York, July 28, 1776, wrote to Jeremiah 
 Wadsworth, New Haven, Conn. : " Hoped to have heard the night 
 before of success to the eastward; their folks are idle for want of 
 vessels; asks him to send fifty barrels of pitch and of turpentine, 
 also coal ; the stoppage of the North River deprives them of plank 
 and scantlin; asks him to send what he can pick up of these." 
 
 OBSTRUCTING THE HUDSON. 
 
 At this time Colonel Moylan was engaged in sinking a chevaux 
 de Frise opposite West Point on the Hudson to debar the passage 
 of the British up the river; he wrote to Committee of Safety at 
 Philadelphia for one fitted to manage the erection of the work. 
 The Committee replied that there had been " a proper Person spoke 
 to to superintend the Water Chevaux de Frise at New York. It 
 will be known to-day whether he will undertake it, if not. some other 
 person will be immediately sent to you. In the mean Time you 
 may provide the logs and engage the Workmen, as very few, per- 
 haps not more than two or three, can possibly be spared from the 
 Works here. In this Business House Carpenters who m.ay be 
 found among the Troops may be employ'd as well as Ship Car- 
 penters." " Some suitable Person will be sent you to rig the Gallies 
 and sink the Chevaux de Frise." [Penna. Arch., ist Series, 1776.] 
 
 Later the Committee wrote : " The bearer, Mr. Arthur Donald- 
 son, is a person of Good character and has perfect skill & knowledge 
 in constructing those kind of Machines." 
 
 SUPPLIES GATHERED BY MOYLAN. 
 
 In July, 1776, British vessels passed all the American batteries 
 without injury up the Hudson. Washington believed this was in- 
 tended " to cut off all intercourse between New York and Albany 
 and to prevent supplies from coming or going, but he wrote Cong- 
 ress, " that the commissary has told me that he has forwarded sup- 
 plies to Albany sufficient for 10,000 men for four months ; that he 
 has a sufficiency here (New York) for 20,000 men for three months 
 and an abundant quantity secured in different parts of the Jerseys 
 for the Flying Camp, besides about 4,000 barrels of flour in neigh- 
 bouring parts of Connecticut. Upon this head there is but little 
 
Moylan and Supplies. 2i7 
 
 occasion for any apprehensions, at least for a considerable time." 
 [Sparks', III, 476.] 
 
 This shows the efficiency of Colonel Moylan in gathering and 
 transporting supplies, though there came difficulties later. 
 
 On August 12, 1776, Washington sent Congress the " Return" 
 of stores sent by Moylan to General Schuyler at Albany and a week 
 later a report of the supplies sent General Gates. [Am. Ar., Vol. I.] 
 
 On August 22, 1776, Colonel Clement Biddle from Perth Am- 
 boy to Colonel Moylan at New York : " I last evening removed 
 about 60 bbls. corn from the wharf (which has kiyn there from the 
 morning for Mr. Marsh) to the barrack as we bad information of 
 an attack on this place being intended but it proved false. I have 
 several matters on which I must entreat your directions but the 
 time is too full with expectations of great events to take off your 
 attention at present. Last evening the Commissary informed me 
 he had that day issued 5400 rations and 400 R's retained at this 
 port of Perth Amboy but Col. Griffin tells me he cannot by the 
 returns to him conceive there are 4000 men here; they are con- 
 tinually coming in, chiefly militia; the flying camp forms slowly 
 owing to all the militia being ordered out, which ocpasions our 
 having a disorderly tho a fine body of men." 
 
 Lord James Drummond, claiming authority to arrange terms 
 of conciliation, endeavored to gain interviews with Washington who 
 would in no manner recognize him. He was arrested and paroled — 
 went to West Indies and returning sought Lord Howe's permission 
 to land in New York. He, on August 19, 1776, wrote Washington 
 in reply to his of 17th: " I had taken the precaution to prepare a 
 letter to Colonel Moylan on that subject and which I read to Mr. 
 Tilghman on his delivering me that of your Excellency, but which 
 I forbore delivering as not thinking it sufficiently explicit." 
 
 He sent his letter to Moylan and desired an interview to 
 " afford me an opportunity of exculpating myself or place me in 
 the situation to suffer that treatment which follows an infraction 
 of parole." [Wash. MSS., VI, 179.] 
 
 On August 27, 1776. was fought the battle of Long Island so 
 disastrous, especially to the Maryland Line, to Washington's army. 
 This was followed by Harlem Heights. September 16; White 
 Plains, October 28th ; and the capture of Fort Washington by the 
 British on November i6th, all more or less unfavorable to Washing- 
 
38 Lord Driimmond. 
 
 ton and necessitating the memorable and marvelously strategic 
 retreat through New Jersey. 
 
 On September i, 1776, Colonel Richard Carey, Aide to Wash- 
 ington and by his order wrote General Heath notifying him that 
 Washington had directed Colonel Moylan to furnish the horses 
 wanted and that Moylan was to place an assistant Quartermaster 
 at King's Bridge to supply such articles as are necessary. 
 
 On the 3d Colonel Moylan from New York wrote General 
 Heath at King's Bridge that Washington had " ordered the tools 
 and necessaries to some place of security from the enemy and as 
 convenient as the situation will admit of, to Heath's encampment. 
 Major Bacon was sent to consult and take Heath's orders. 
 
 The same day Moylan was notified by Secretary Harrison that 
 the Committee at Albany had sent boards to Peekskill and that 
 Washington desired Moylan to get them down to King's Bridge 
 or some place near it and that he would exert himself to have " a 
 pretty considerable quantity provided as many will in all prob- 
 ability be wanted to shelter the troops that may be stationed there 
 and at the posts about it." 
 
 On the 6th Colonel Moylan wrote John Hancock, President of 
 Congress, concerning a quantity of Russia duck, which was in the 
 hands of " Thomas Greene, Esq., of Providence, which is ordered 
 by the Secret Committee to lay till further orders from them. We 
 are here in great want of tents. If you could procure an order 
 from said committee to have the duck made up into tents and 
 forwarded to me it would be of the greatest service to the army." 
 
 September 9, 1776, Washington's order to Moylan was " that 
 you would without loss of time set about preparing a Sufficient 
 Quantity of Boards, Scantlin and every Material necessary for the 
 Building of Barracks at King's Bridge and the posts thereabouts. 
 The North River, down which most of the Articles must come, is 
 now entirely free from any Obstructions by the Enemy, but how 
 long that may continue is uncertain. The Season advances fast, 
 when it would be impossible for the Troops to lay in Camp, even 
 if they were all supplied with Tents and had a sufficient stock of 
 Blankets and other warm Cloathing ; but you well know that in the 
 Article of Tents, at least one-third part of the Army are unpro- 
 vided, and those that we have are worn and bad; as to bedding 
 and other Cloaths they are in a manner destitute. We have every 
 reason to fear and suppose, that the great naval Force of the 
 
Moylan and Supplies. 39 
 
 Enemy will oblige us to quit this City whenever they please to make 
 an attack upon it. We must then depend upon Barracks for Shelter, 
 and for that reason you and your deputies to exert yourselves, in 
 the most strenuous manner, in collecting such a stock of wood for 
 the Buildings, and Brick or Stone and Lime for the Chimmes and 
 ovens, as will enable you in a short time to provide comfortable 
 coverings for the men, at the different posts." 
 
 CONGRESS INVESTIGATES CONDITION OF ARMY. 
 
 Congress, on September 21. 1776, appointed Roger Sherman, 
 Elbridge Gerry and Francis Lewis a Committee to "inspect the 
 state of the army at New York." They left Philadelphia the same 
 day arrived at Washington's camp on 24th and spent three days 
 in 'the examination. They reported to Congress on October 2d 
 that the number of men in the army was 25,375 of which 16,905 
 were fit for duty, 1543 on command and the residue sick or absent; 
 that the militia on their march to the camp, but not included in the 
 report "would amount to upwards of 11,000 men"; that the army 
 wa^ well supplied with provisions, except vegetables which were 
 not then to be procured ; there was a " want of salt" ; the sick have 
 ■been greatlv neglected and numbers have " dyed for want of neces- 
 saries and 'attendance" ; military stores are wanted; the military 
 chest has been too frequently unsupplied with money, but at present 
 the pavmaster has a sum fully equal to the General's wishes; that 
 cloathing and blankets are greatly wanted and a supply has been 
 neglected as well from the want of a proper officer to superintend 
 the business as from the scarcity of these articles; military disci- 
 pline did not prevail. 
 
 MOYLAN REQUESTED TO RESIGN. 
 
 How and to what extent these delinquencies were chargeable 
 to Colonel Moylan does not specifically appear, but it is evident 
 from a letter of William Ellery, Delegate of Rhode Island, written 
 September 27th to Governor Cooke of that Colony, that Colonel 
 Moylan was held responsible for sufficient to warrant the Committee 
 to ask him to resign. Ellery wrote : 
 
 " The Committee who were appointed to inspect the state of the 
 army at Harlem have returned and represented things in a more 
 favorable light than we had used to view them. Methods are taken 
 that the armv shall be better disciplined and provided in every 
 respect than it hath been. " Although we have some good officers 
 
40 MoyJan Resigns. 
 
 in some of the principal departments, yet in others there is great 
 want of skill and abilities. The Quartermaster-General, ]\Ioylan, 
 was persuaded by the Committee to resign, and Brigadier-General 
 Mifflin was persuaded by the Committee to accept that office, with 
 the rank and pay of Brigadier-General. This appointment will give 
 great satisfaction to the army, for General Mifflin is not only well 
 acquainted with the business of the office, but he hath spirit and 
 activity to execute it in a proper manner." {Journal of Congress, 
 V, p. 844; R. I. in Rev., 89.] 
 
 moylan's explanation. 
 
 Colonel Moylan's letter to Congress gives an explicit relation 
 of the conditions of the army at the time and of the difficulties he 
 encountered. It was addressed to the President of Congress : 
 
 Harlem Heights, 27th Septr 1776. 
 Sir: — 
 
 The Field Deputies from Congress Conferd with me this day 
 on the business of the Quarter Master Generals department, they 
 told me that they found a disatisfaction prevail in the Army, by 
 its not being Supplied Sufficiently with the necessaries in that De- 
 partment, That it was their wish, to reconcile a body of Men So- 
 very necessary for the defence, of the glorious Cause we are all 
 engaged in, and proposed that General Mifflin Should resume that 
 department as it appeared to them an effectual method, of giving 
 Satisfaction to the Army, and bringing the department into more 
 regularity, which I must own, there has of late been great need of. 
 oweing to Causes, which I shall take the Liberty of pointing out to 
 you, and through you Sir to Congress before I close this. 
 
 These Gentlemen urged the necessity of this plan, which they 
 had adopted. So forceably, and at the same time, in So delicate a 
 manner, that I did not hesitate, in telling them, that as a Servant to 
 the publick, I would very willingly resign my office, as it appeared 
 to them, to be for the publick good. I placed my honour in their 
 hands and I shall be very much mistaken in them, if they do not 
 treat it with tenderness. They were pleased to tell me, I might 
 have the Command of a Battallion, which tho I hold to be a most 
 honourable post, for the following reasons I have declined : 
 
 I St As the Quarter Master General is at the head of the Staff, 
 I conceive that he takes rank of all Colonels in the Army, it being 
 
Moylan's Explanation. 4^ 
 
 generally the Custom in most Nations, to give the Rank of Colonel 
 to the assistants QrMrGenl at the end of one or two Campaigns, 
 I therefore think that it would be going back in the army, rather 
 than advancing which is what I can not reconcile to my feelings, 
 especially, as there is a precedent, which differs. 
 
 2dly Tho I have employed my Spare time, in Studying the 
 art of War and for fifteen months past have seen a great deal of its 
 practice, My vieus were turned to the Grand and extended parts 
 thereof more than to the Minutio. I do not therefore think myself 
 Capable of teaching a new Regiment the necessary duties. These 
 Sir are the reasons by which I am actuated. At the Same time I 
 can assure the Congress, that I am very willing to Sacrifice my 
 Life, when Calld upon, in the glorious Cause which from the noblest 
 principle, I have voluntarily engaged in. I shall settle my accts 
 with the Commissioners as Soon as possible, and Serve a Volunteer 
 in this Army, untill Congress is pleasd to point out Som other Line 
 of Duty for me. 
 
 I will now Sir beg Leave to mention the principal Causes 
 which have given rise to the disatisfaction in the Army with my 
 Department. When I had the honour of being appointed to the 
 office, the Navigation of the North and the East Rivers, were ours, 
 every thing wanting was Conveyed to us by these Channels every 
 thing went" on Smooth, easy, Well. The few Waggons, and horses 
 we had, tho allmost wore down in the Service, with a few more 
 added by me, were Sufficient for all the exigencies of the Army, it 
 was a long time after the arrival of the enemy before there was 
 any just Cause for Complaint. A Large part of our Army was 
 detached to Long Island, Waggons, Carts, and Horses were neces- 
 sary to be sent over, many were sent thither. Perhaps there does 
 not occur in History a Sadder retreat, so well Concerted, So well 
 executed, than was made from that Island. But our Waggons, 
 Carts, and Horses, Could not be brought on, the Navigation of 
 both Rivers was stopped. Of course we were deprived of our 
 usual Supply and then Complaints began, we wanted Waggons to 
 do that duty, which boats were accustomed to do. 
 
 I used every endeavour in my power to remedy the evil, it was 
 too Sudden, and not in the power of man to provide time enough 
 for the emergency. 
 
 The Cooking utensils of Many Regiments Left on the Island, 
 the fluctuating State of the Militia Coming in destitute of every 
 
42 Moylan's Explanation. 
 
 necessary, drained our stores, and it must take up time to get fresh 
 supplies. To this I may add, demands upon the Quarter Master 
 General, before unheard of, in any army, which not being Complied 
 with, gave Cause of Complaint. 
 
 The removeing of the Stores from New York very Soon Com- 
 menced, all our own and all the Teams, that Could be pressed or 
 hired, were employed in that important Service, the Commissary 
 Generals, the Director General of the Hospital, the Commissary of 
 Artillery, and what Stores remained in my department, must be 
 sent off and that Suddenly, this Movement naturally alarmed the 
 army in and about the City, they wanted teams to move their bag- 
 gage, &c., and none Could be Spared. This Caused great Clamour 
 and the QrMi" General must be to blame, the Stores of the different 
 departments were Crowded promiscuously on board of every vessel 
 and boat we Could procure, no Store houses to put them in, pro- 
 vided. Of Course Confusion in the extreme, did ensue, I may be 
 asked why Storehouses were not provided, the maneuvre was un- 
 expected no time allowed to build and very few houses or barns in 
 this part of the Island. 
 
 We were just emergeing from this Chaos when the field depu- 
 ties arrived, but the Clamour of the Army had not time to Subside, 
 the Loss of Baggage which were Loaded on Waggons, all falling 
 into the enemys hands, irritated them, and I do suppose the repre- 
 sentations of many, were strong against me, tho themselves were 
 chiefly to blame for Leaving their Baggage in their great hurry. 
 The Deputies from Congress were alarmed at the many Complaints 
 and proposed, the remedy, which I chearfully acquiesd in, as it 
 was their opinion, that it would be for the good of the Service. 
 General Mifflins abilities were tried in this Department, they are 
 great, and I Sincerely hope he will reconcile all matters, the pro- 
 vision I have made will assist him greatly. Timber, plank, boards, 
 nails, brick and Lime are engaged in Sufficient quantitys to build 
 Barracks for the Army, I have contracted for ten thousand Camp- 
 kettles which are daily comeing in. Fifty Waggons with four 
 horses to each, are now purchasing in Pensilvania, there are be- 
 tween this and Norwich Comeing to Camp fourteen thousand Can- 
 teens and a Large quantity of pails, with many other articles which 
 would take up too much of your time to enumerate. I must beg 
 pardon of you Sir and the Congress for taking up so much of it as 
 I have done, but justice to my own Character, will I dare say, with 
 Gentlemen of Your Liberal Minds plaid my excuse. 
 
Moylaii a Volunteer. 43 
 
 I will therefore add no more, than assureing you and them, 
 that I am with the greatest respect 
 
 Sir Your Most Obliged 
 
 and very Humb. Sert. 
 
 Stephen Moylan. 
 [Papers of the Continental Congress, 78, Vol. XV, pp. 101-108.] 
 
 Elbridge Gerry wrote to General Gates on September 27, 1776: 
 " We have obtained Colonel Moylan's resignation and General 
 Mifflin comes again into the office of Quarter Master General." 
 
 Washington's General Orders of September 28th, issued at 
 Harlem Heights, announced: 
 
 " Stephen Moylan, Esq., having resigned his office of Quarter- 
 master General, Brigadier General Mifflin is appointed thereto till 
 the pleasure of Congress is known." 
 
 In " the latter part of September," 1776, James Allen visited 
 the American army at Fort Constitution or Fort Lee, lodged with 
 Washington and " found there Reed, Tilghman, Grayson. Moylan, 
 Cadwallader and others and was very happy with them." [Pa. 
 Mag., 1885, p. 192.] 
 
 Caesar Rodney, writing to Thomas Rodney, Philadelphia, Octo- 
 ber 2, 1776, said: 
 
 "... General Mifflin came to town the day before yesterday 
 He brought letters from General Washington informing Congress 
 that Mr. Moylan, the Quartermaster General, had resigned his com- 
 mission, as unable to conduct the business of so many troops. That 
 in consequence thereof, the General had prevailed on General 
 Mifflin to accept, confident that there was not another man in the 
 army who could carry on the business upon the present large plan." 
 
 John Jay, writing from Fishkill, New York, to Edward Rut- 
 ledge, October nth, said: "Moylan acted wisely and honestly in 
 resigning." 
 
 MOYLAN A VOLUNTEER. 
 
 Moylan " remained constantly with the army as a Volunteer," 
 wrote Washington to Congress, January 22, 1777. 
 
 MIFFLIN SEEKS SUPPLIES. 
 
 General Mifflin, on September 28, 1776, applied to the New 
 York Provincial Congress, through Captain Berry, for supplies of 
 lumber, shingles, wagons, horses and men, it being of the utmost 
 
44 MifHin Nezv Quartermaster-General. 
 
 importance to the preservation of the army and the general cause 
 of America that these should be procured with the utmost ex- 
 pedition. 
 
 THE COMMITTEE ON ARMY. 
 
 Congress, on October ist, reported that three hundred thousand 
 dollars were necessary " to enable the new Quarter Master General 
 to supply the various and necessary supplies." 
 
 That would suggest the main lack- of Moylan — " dollars neces- 
 sary to enable" him " to supply the supplies." 
 
 Washington, forced to abandon the defense of the Hudson and 
 protect New York, retired to New Jersey and there began that 
 wonderful strategic movement which marked him as a man of mili- 
 tary abilities and reserved power for critical occasions. Backward 
 and backward toward the Delaware until, in bleak and chilly Decem- 
 ber, he had been pushed across the river. Suddenly, on that drear 
 and wintry Christmas night, he recrossed the Delaware with his 
 little army and — Trenton was fought and won. 
 
 MOYLAN A VOLUNTEER AIDE. 
 
 As volunteer Aide to Washington, Moylan, from Morristown, 
 on December 15, 1776, wrote to General Heath: "My business was 
 to push Lee's and Gates' armies to join General Washington. What 
 the General gave me in command was to proceed to General Lee 
 and Push him forward. The day I came up with his army was 
 unfortunately the day he was taken prisoner. I was to proceed 
 with him to push Greaton's, Bond's, Porter's, Patterson's, Stark's, 
 Poor's and Reed's. I will follow if I can find out their route." 
 
 Two days later General McDougal reported to Heath : " I found 
 Colonel Moylan here [Morristown] in quest of the troops of Gen- 
 eral Gates in order to quicken their march to join General Wash- 
 ington." 
 
 Pressed by the British, Washington reached the Delaware and 
 crossed to the Pennsylvania shore. All seemed lost. " I am at the 
 end of my tether. In ten days this army will have vanished," he 
 said. " The game is up," he wrote his brother on December i8th, 
 and as late as the 23d repeated the same disheartening cry. 
 
 The British, too. were certain the end had come. " We have 
 the old fox at last." Cornwallis had his baggage aboard ship at 
 New York intending to return to England. 
 
Moylan an Aide to IVashington. 45 
 
 The " Rebellion" had been conquered. The freezing of the 
 Delaware and the expiration of the enlistments of the greater part 
 of Washington's army alone delayed the crushing of the " foul and 
 unnatural" revolt. Washington told Robert Morris : " You might 
 as well attempt to stop the winds from blowing or the sun in its 
 diurnal as to stop the men from going when their time is up"— 
 January ist. 
 
 But Washington awaited not the freezing of the water nor the 
 expiration of term of enlistment. Washington's army had been 
 reduced to about 2400. He sent hastening messages to Philadel- 
 phia to push on the militia. Captain John Barry and Thomas Fitz- 
 Simons, Colonel Moylan's brethren in Faith and his fellow-members 
 of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, organized companies and has- 
 tened to Washington's assistance. 
 
 But Washington, admirable in conception, in times of greatest 
 danger, at this — the crisis — would seem to have had the guidance 
 of that Divine Providence on Whom he constantly relied. He 
 projected a forward movement — an attack upon the whole British 
 line from above Trenton down to opposite Philadelphia. Colonel 
 Joseph Reed was entrusted with operations to cross from Bristol, 
 Pennsylvania. He went to Philadelphia on the evening of Decem- 
 ber 24th — Christmas Eve — to persuade General Putnam, who com- 
 manded at Philadelphia, to send a force across the Delaware to 
 Cooper's Ferry. There he met Colonel Moylan who had been sent 
 by Washington to hurry on supplies. Robert Morris, writing on 
 December 2t,, 1776, to President Hancock of Congress, stated: 
 
 " I received last night a letter from General Washington, per 
 Col. Moylan, requesting me to hurry Mr. Mease, to have soldiers' 
 clothes made up with all possible diligence. He says muskets are 
 not wanted there, but that comfortable clothing is exceedingly 
 wanted. Colonel Moylan advises by all means to send up the stock- 
 ings and great coats, now arrived, which I think I do." [Bull. Pa. 
 His. So., Vol. I, 1845-47, P- 58-] 
 
 " I am informed by Mr. Moylan that Col. Guyon (I think that 
 is the name) was taken prisoner with General Lee." 
 
 The " Andrew Doria," Captain Joseph Robinson, had just 
 arrived from St. Eustatia, capturing a British supply sloop and 
 bringing her to Philadelphia. She had stockings, jackets, coats, 
 blankets, linen, muskets, powder and lead. [Ibid.] 
 
 Six years after this time — in 1782 — Reed, when President of 
 
46 Colonel Joseph Reed. 
 
 Pennsylvania, was charged by Dr. Benjamin Rush and General 
 Cadwalader with, at this critical period in affairs, having con- 
 templated going over to the British and with actually, at Burlington, 
 having taken a protection from Colonel Donop the Hessian. 
 
 In his defense he thus relates his presence in Philadelphia on 
 Christmas Eve: 
 
 " I lay down for a few hours and when morning came a num- 
 ber of gentlemen, among whom I particularly recollect Colonel 
 Moylan, Mr. James Mease and Mr. R. Peters, came and anxiously 
 enquired into our situation and prospects. They can tell whether 
 despondency or animation, hope or apprehension, most prevailed, 
 and whether the language I held was not the very reverse of 
 despair; the former [Moylan] may remember, that when urged to 
 stay and partake of a social entertainment provided for the day, I 
 declared my resolution that no consideration should prevent my 
 return to the army immediately ; and that in a private conversation 
 I pressed him to do the same, lest he should lose a glorious oppor- 
 tunity to serve his country and distinguish himself. I was not at 
 liberty to be perfectly explicit, but the hint was sufficient to a brave 
 officer." [President Reed, by Wm. B. Reed, 2d Ed., 1867, p. 106.] 
 
 This " brave officer" — Moylan — was one of Reed's life-long 
 friends. 
 
 Bancroft's History of the United States in describing the sever- 
 ity of the weather this Christmas Day, states : " Moylan who set 
 off on horseback to overtake Washington and share the honors of 
 the day became persuaded that no attempt could be. made in such a 
 storm and stopped on the road for shelter." [IX, p. 229.] 
 
 Bancroft reiterated the charge against Colonel Joseph Reed 
 whose grandson, William B. Reed, made vigorous defense, as his 
 grandfather had done at the close of the Revolution. Several 
 pamphlets were issued on the subject which excited great interest 
 forty or more years ago. As an illustration that " Truth will pre- 
 vail," it must be noted that it was not until 1876 when General 
 Stryker, of New Jersey, whose Revolutionary historical narrations 
 are of the highest import and value, settled the controversy by 
 presenting evidence that it was Colonel Charles Read of the New 
 Jersey Militia who had the interview with Donop, took " a pro- 
 tection" from him and abandoned the American cause. 
 
 Yet President Reed's enemies in his lifetime and Bancroft in 
 our days recited, reiterated, argued and presented plausible proofs 
 
Battle of Princeton. 47 
 
 of the despondency of Reed and of his intention to accept British 
 allegiance, but that the victory at Trenton had caused him to change 
 his mind. Yet it was all a case of mistaken identity. 
 
 It was just one hundred years after the alleged intended de- 
 sertion that evidence was found vindicating Reed's memory even 
 to the satisfaction of Bancroft, who, when presented with the proof, 
 requested that he be allowed to be the first to make it public. Gen- 
 eral Stryker consented thereto. 
 
 Then came the Battle of Trenton when, in a terrific snowstorm 
 and keen, cutting cold, Washington crossed the Delaware and, 
 attacking by daylight in the morning the Hessians, achieved a vic- 
 tory which gave new hope, new life to the Patriots and changed the 
 whole aspect of affairs, followed as it was by the victory at Prince- 
 ton a week later. 
 
 The day after the Battle at Trenton — December 27th — Colonel 
 Moylan, at Newtown, Pa., wrote Robert Morris, at Philadelphia, 
 sending a Return of the Prisoners taken at Trenton. They were: 
 I Colonel, 2 Lieutenant-Colonels. 3 Majors, 4 captains, 8 Lieu- 
 tenants, 12 Ensigns, 92 Sergeants, 9 drummers, 25 officers' servants, 
 740 rank and file. Total, 918. This said Moylan was " a rough 
 but a just sketch as I can collect. I was unfortunately too late to 
 share in the honours of the day, being catched in the storm and 
 little imagining that any attempt would be made at such an inclement 
 time. Our loss very inconsiderable. Six pieces of artillery, four 
 standards, one thousand stand of arms were taken. If the whole 
 plan could have been put into execution there is little doubt but the 
 whole of the Hessians along the Delaware would have been done for. 
 
 The spirited conduct of the whole who went over did not ex- 
 ceed twenty-two hundred was great. You must remember what a 
 morning yesterday was for men clad as ours are, to march nine 
 miles to attack an enemy provided with every necessary and elated 
 with a succession of advantages over our handful of men whom 
 they were accustomed to see retreating before them. [Am. Ar., 
 Vol. Ill, 1446.] 
 
 THE BATTLE OF PRINCETON. 
 
 But if Moylan " was too late" for Trenton he was on time for 
 Princeton. How he must have conducted himself in that brilliant 
 manoeuvre of Washington's is attested by his letter to Robert 
 Morris. 
 
48 "America must be Free." 
 
 AMERICA MUST BE FREE. 
 
 How jubilant! How our hearts beat joyously as we read: 
 
 Headquarters at Morristown, yih Jan'y, 1777. 
 
 Dear Sir: — I thank you, my good friend, for your favor of 
 the first. What a change in our affairs, since the date of that 
 letter. Are you not all too happy? By Heavens, it was the best 
 piece of generalship I ever heard or read of. An enemy, within 
 musket-shot of us, determined and only waiting for daylight to 
 make a vigorous attack. We stole a march, got to Princeton, 
 defeated, and almost totally ruined three of the best Regiments in 
 the British service ; made all their schemes upon Philadelphia, for 
 this season, abortive ; put them in such a consternation, that if we 
 only had five hundred fresh men, there is very little doubt but we 
 should have destroyed all their stores and baggage, at Brunswick, 
 of course oblige them to leave the Jerseys (this they must do), and 
 probably have retaken poor Naso. What would our worthy Gen- 
 eral have given for 500 of the fellows who were eating beef and 
 pudding at Philadelphia that day? But let us not repine — it \yas 
 glorious. The consequences must be great. America will — ^by 
 God — it must be free, 
 
 I never mentioned my desire to the General of engaging in 
 the Cavalry. Your letter, I believe, gave him the first intimation. 
 I put it into his hands to show your gift of divination. Pray how 
 could you suppose, that our next blow must be at Princeton, but 
 I recollect you did not then know we were attacked at Trenton. 
 How your heart went pitipat, when that news reached you, and 
 what an agreeable feeling you all must have had when you heard 
 of their facing right about. But that feeling is very short of those 
 which we all enjoyed when • pursuing the flying enemy. It is 
 unutterable — inexpressible. I know I never felt so much like one 
 of Homer's Deities before. We trod on air — it was a glorious day. 
 Pray send us back those runaways that left us these some days 
 past. We are really weak — strengthen our hands, and we will not 
 leave an enemy out of gunshot from their ships. I will not tire 
 you farther than telling you what I have often done, that I am 
 sincerely, Sir, Yours. 
 
 To Robert Morris, Esq. Stephen Moylan, 
 
 [Pennsylvania, August 30, 1855; Reed's Pres't Reed, 2d Ed.] 
 
Moylan to Command Dragoons. 49 
 
 '' Naso" meant General Charles Lee. He had been captured 
 by his own connivance it is now suspected, as later actions seem 
 to prove. 
 
 Washington to Congress, 22d January, 1777: 
 
 " Colonel Baylor, Colonel Moylan (who, as a volunteer, has 
 remained constantly with the army since his discontinuance in the 
 Quartermaster's Department) and Colonel Sheldon, command the 
 three new regiments of light dragoons." [Sparks, IV, 293.] 
 
 APPOINTED TO COMMAND CAVALRY REGIMENT. 
 
 As we see by Molan's letter. Washington had, prior to January 
 7, 1777, and probably in December, selected him to organize and 
 command a regiment of cavalry. His commission, however, dated 
 from January 8, 1777. On January 21st. Washington so informed 
 the Congress, and Moylan was commissioned to recruit a Light 
 Horse Regiment. He went to Philadelphia to seek recruits and 
 select officers to do so in Maryland. 
 
 On 2d February, 1777, writing to Washington, then at Morris- 
 town, he said: 
 
 " The 2000 Dollars which I received your warrants for, is 
 dispersed amongst the officers some of whom have got the horses 
 for their Troops, and make further demands upon me ; if you 
 give me an order on the Committee of Congress for what I may 
 have occasion, for the completeing the Regiment, it will save the 
 trouble of warrants, & spare the military chest." 
 
 MONEY TO MOYLAN. 
 
 The Resolves of Congress relative to Moylan's Regiment may 
 be summarized as follows : 
 
 On February 6, 1777, Washington, at Morristown, wrote to 
 the Committee of Congress requesting money for the recruiting 
 of Moylan's Regiment. A copy of this request in the handwriting 
 of John Fitzgerald, Washington's Aide-de-Camp and a fellow- 
 Catholic with Moylan, is among Washington's Papers in the Library 
 of Congress. 
 
 February 26, 1777. Ordered $3000 to be paid " for the ser- 
 vices of recruiting his Regiment." 
 
 On April 8, 1777. Congress ordered two warrants of $12,000 
 each to be issued in favor of Colonel Moylan. On May i6th an 
 order for $10,000 more was ordered, and on May 30th $25,000 
 additional was ordered. He was directed to lay before the Board 
 
/ 
 
 50 Money to Moylan. 
 
 of War an account of the expense of raising and equipping a 
 troop of light horse. 
 
 Colonel Moylan wrote General Washington, at Morristown, 
 from Philadelphia, 14th April, 1777: 
 
 " I had fixt on this day, for my setting out for Maryland, but 
 the hostile appearances in this Bay are such, that I have given up 
 the thought of going there, and have wrote to Major Washington 
 to repair to Baltimore, and take the part of the Regiment raiseing 
 under his command, I have recommended him to push them for- 
 ward as soon as possible, which I dare say he will be as anxious 
 in doing as I shall be. Considering the circumstances of not having 
 a place to train either men or horses, during the bad weather, I 
 have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that the part of the 
 Regiment here are pretty forward in their exercise. I have them 
 out every day, and if the enemy will give us time to have them 
 properly equipt, I flatter myself with the thought, that the Regi- 
 ment will not disgrace our arms. Mr. Mease promised me the 
 Regimentals of one of those that were taken, from the enemy. He 
 now tells me, there have been so many applying that if I have not 
 your sanction, he doubts much whether I shall be able to get it." 
 
 THE RED REGIMENTALS. 
 
 These "Regimentals that were taken from the enemy" caused 
 consternation and alarm when worn by Moylan's troopers. So 
 much so that General Washington was obliged to order the color 
 to be changed, as he set forth very clearly in this letter : 
 
 " Head Quarters, Morris Town, 12 May, 1777. 
 
 " A party of your Regiment arrived here Yesterday with an 
 escort of Money. Their appearance has convinced me fully of the 
 danger which I always apprehended from the similarity of their 
 Uniform to that of the British Horse, and the Officer who com- 
 mands the party, tells me, that the people were exceedingly alarmed 
 upon the Road, and had they been travelling thro a part of the 
 country, where it might have been supposed the enemy's Horse 
 would be foraging or scouting, they would in ail probability have 
 been fired upon. The inconvenience will increase when your Regi- 
 ment joins the Army. Your patroles will be in constant danger 
 from our own scouting Parties and when ever there is occasion to 
 dispatch a party into the country, they will alarm the Inhabitants. 
 
 " I therefore desire that you will immediately fall upon means 
 
The Dragoons. 51 
 
 for having the colour of the Coats changed, which may be done by- 
 dipping into that kind of dye that is most proper to put upon Red. 
 I care not what it is, so that the present colour be changed." 
 
 In the campaign which followed, Moylan's Light Dragoons 
 wore green coats trimmed with red, green cloaks with red capes, 
 red waistcoats, buckskin breeches and leather caps trimmed with 
 bear skin. [Mellick: Story of a Farm, p. 463.] 
 
 " DRAGOONS." 
 
 The title " Dragoons" which, now for the first time, we find 
 applied to Colonel Moylan's Light Horse, and that, too, by General 
 Washington, has been the subject of historical consideration as to 
 its origin. Dr. H. C. Parry, U. S. A., in The United Service for 
 August, 1 88 1, says, in speaking of the troopers in France during 
 the time of Louis XIV. in 1685 : 
 
 " We are justified in believing then the term Dragoon was 
 derived from the cruelty and devastation caused by these troopers 
 being compared to the pernicious qualities the dragon was sup- 
 posed to possess and the evils he inflicted on mankind." 
 
 The Light Horse Regiments at this time were Sheldon's (re- 
 cruited in Connecticut), Baylor's, Moylan's and one in Virginia. 
 All were to join Washington's Army at Morristown for the cam- 
 paign of 1777. 
 
 When the four were joined at Morristown a proposition to 
 commission a General of Horse was considered by Congress. 
 
 On May 24, 1777, Washington wrote Moylan, then in Phila- 
 delphia, that if Congress left the appointment with him he would 
 name [Thomas] Reed, who had lately been named as Brigadier- 
 General by Congress. He requested Moylan to so inform Reed 
 and to assure him of the pleasure he had had in learning of his 
 appointment as Brigadier. [Ford, V, 389.] 
 
 But Reed appears to have been made Paymaster-General. 
 
 COURTS-MARTIAL. 
 
 On May 21, 1777. General Schuyler laid before Congress the 
 proceedings of a Court-Martial, held at Philadelphia on Monday 
 and Tuesday, May 19th and 20th, on the trial of John' Brown, alias 
 John Lee. signed by Stephen Moylan, President, wherein the Court 
 determined : " That the prisoner is guilty of conducting five men 
 to Brunswick; of holding a traitorous correspondence with the 
 enemy, in offering himself as a pilot to General Howe, to conduct 
 
52 President of Courts^Martial. 
 
 the British army from Brunswick to Philadelphia ; and also in 
 promising to discover to the enemy to what place the continental 
 stores, from Philadelphia, were removed ; and the Court found the 
 prisoner guilty of a breach of the nineteenth section and were of 
 the opinion that he should suffer death ; but, that from some cir- 
 cumstances which appeared on his trial, the Court think proper to 
 recommend him to the General as an object of mercy. 
 
 " Ordered, that the said proceedings be referred to the Board 
 of War; and that they enquire into the circumstances that induced 
 the Court to recommend the criminal as an object of mercy and 
 report to Congress." 
 
 In Congress, May 23, 1777, the Board of War brought in a 
 report which read: 
 
 " That the Board have conversed with Colonel Moylan, the 
 President of the Court-Martial held on John Brown, now under 
 sentence of death as a Spy and Traitor and it appears from Colonel 
 Moylan's Report, that previous to the sentence of the Court, after 
 examination of witnesses, two of the members were sent to the 
 criminal to endeavour to find out his accomplices. That he men- 
 tioned several persons in Northampton County, in Pennsylvania, 
 who appeared to be his Relations and connexions and whose names 
 were ordered to be given to General Schuyler : but as to his case 
 no particular circumstances of mitigation appear except such as 
 are founded in the ignorance of the culprit. The reason for a 
 motion in the Court-Martial for a recommendation to mercy was 
 founded only on the criminal's apparent ignorance and illiteracy." 
 
 MOVEMENTS OF THE ARMY. 
 
 At this time, May-June, 1777, Washington was at Middle- 
 brook, New Jersey ; General John Sullivan was at Rocky Hill and 
 Moylan's Dragoons, recruited in Philadelphia and vicinity, covered 
 the region round about Middlebrook, — at Woodbridge and Spank- 
 town, 
 
 In the morning of June 14th the enemy, said to have been 2000, 
 advanced to Van Ests Mill and skirmished with Colonel Daniel 
 Morgan's riflemen on their way towards Princeton, seemingly 
 moving again towards Philadelphia, though this was a feint as the 
 British later sailed southward from New York to the Head of Elk, 
 Maryland, and came northward. 
 
 Washington, on June 13th, sent Charles Thomson, Secretary 
 
A Quaker Physician. 53 
 
 of Congress, the draft of a plan for the establishment of cavalry 
 The next day he sent the Board of War " the establishment and 
 pay of light dragoons." 
 
 General Reed wrote Washington from Philadelphia, i8 June, 
 
 1777, saying: 
 
 " Colonel Moylan writes that he thinks my knowledge of the 
 country and of the people would be of use in the quarter where he 
 is. and presses me to come up, which I shall do immediately." 
 [Cor. Rev., I. 389.]' 
 
 Washington remained at Middlebrook until July 12th, when he 
 established his headquarters at Pompton Plains, New Jersey, where 
 Colonel Moylan wrote him as follows: 
 
 MOYLAN SEEKS PROTECTION FOR A QUAKER PHYSICIAN. 
 
 " Blands, I2th July, 1777. 
 " I lodge in the house of a man who I verily believe has as 
 good a heart as any man can have. I have had many opportunitys 
 of enquireing into his character. He lays out at least one hundred 
 pounds sterling p. annum amongst the poor of his neighborhood; 
 he is a Phisyscian who receives no fees, he is the friend of the 
 distress'd— this gentleman is by profifession a Quaker of course a 
 peaceable man, he has relieved many of our Soldiers in their need, 
 he has entertained our officers who all have a good opinion of 
 him, it is true he has entertained General Howe & his officers, and 
 I believe from the same principle, he has suffered by both armys. 
 but not by the gentlemen of either army, he knows how far your 
 name will influence even the common soldier engaged in our cause, 
 and wishes for a protection under your hand. I have promised him 
 that I would apply for it. and did not doubt that if your Excy. saw 
 no impropriety in it. you would give my friend Ellas Bland a pro- 
 tection for himself, familly & effects as far as you with consistency 
 could do it." 
 
 RATIONS FOR MOYLAn's MEN. 
 
 The annexed requisitions for rations .show the strength of the 
 companies commanded by Captains Dorsey. Hopkins and Plunket 
 of Movlan's Regiment. 
 
 Woodbridge [N. J.]. i6th July, 1777. Capt. Thos. Dorsey's 
 troop of Col. St. Aloylan's Reg't drew 52 Rations for i Capt.. i 
 Lieut.. I Cornet, i Quartermaster. 2 Sergeants, i Farrier, 2 
 
54 Moylan's Movements. 
 
 Waggoners and 6 women, 30 Rank & file. Total 53 [Less] Re- 
 tain 10 equals 43. Signed John Craig, L. [Light] Dragoons. 
 
 July 16, 1777. Capt. David Hopkins, troop drew 55 rations. 
 
 Capt. David Plunkett's Troop at Spanktown, July 16, 1777, 
 drew 54 rations. 
 
 [Original of above requisitions were in lot 931 of "Letters 
 and Documents relating to Colonial and Revolutionary times." 
 Sold at Davis & Harvey's, April 3, 1906.] 
 
 MOYLAN REPORTS TO WASHINGTON. 
 
 Colonel Moylan reported to Washington, who was " near 
 / Smith's Cove, New York," from Elisthtown, 21st July, 1777, that 
 
 he had received orders to march to New Windsor, taking my route 
 by Clone, which I understand is near ten miles round, however I 
 will obey it except I meet contrary orders, I should have been 
 further on the march had not an unlucky thought taken hold, last 
 night, of nineteen of Craig's Troop, who set off from hence towards 
 Philadelphia at twelve o'clock. Colonel White and the Major 
 with two troops brought them back, after a very severe chase of 
 upwards of forty miles. I believe they have not been well used in 
 regard to pay, which they give as the reason of their proceeding 
 towards Philadelphia in order to get a settlement. I shall not 
 however trust them on horseback again, and when an opportunity 
 of a Court-Martial offers, they shall be brought to trial. .The 
 horses they rode, and the horses rode by their pursuers are so stiff 
 that I cannot pretend to move them this day. I hope it will not be 
 attended with any ill consequence as I am informed the enemy's 
 fleet are falling down to the Hook. 
 
 These deserters were tried, found guilty, sentenced to death 
 but pardoned. 
 
 He sent these reports to the General the next day from South 
 Amboy, 23d July, 1777: 
 
 I came over this morning early, to this place to observe the 
 motions of the fleet. They set sail about five o'clock in the morn- 
 ing and stood out to sea with the wind at N. N. West; they made 
 so many tacks backwards & forwards that until noon I could not 
 determine whether they realy meant to go out of the Hook or not ; 
 they hauled their wind, after they got out as if going to the 
 Northwd. but that may be to weather the Cape. Eleven sail of 
 ships came thro the narrow and went to sea with the fleet. As 
 
March to Philadelphia. 55 
 
 soon as I get to my Qrs. shall send this to Col. Dayton to forward 
 to your Excellency, I have been delayed upwards of two hours for 
 a boat, which is at the other side. 
 
 The following day this report was sent from Amboy, 24 July: 
 
 The Letter from General Forman & the other from my corre- 
 spondent are just come to hand, I send them to your Excellency, 
 who can form a juster opinion of their contents than I can pretend 
 to do, the Letter for General Forman was immediately forwarded 
 to him. 
 
 At this time Moylan and Bland's commands were near Bound 
 Brook. New Jersey. On July 25, 1777, Moylan wrote Bland: 
 
 " The inclosed letter came just now to hand. I suppose its 
 contents are orders to march for Philadelphia. My route will be 
 through Princeton, crossing the Delaware at Trenton; yours will, 
 I suppose, be to Corryell's Ferry, which will be the shortest, if you 
 move by Trenton. Let me know, and if I reach before you, the 
 "boats shall be in readiness to convey you across ; if you get before 
 me you will please do the same for me." [Bland Papers, I, 61.] 
 
 These reports, with others conformatory. led Washington to 
 hasten forward to the southward all his forces. To Colonel Moylan 
 -was sent these orders : 
 
 ON TO PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 Camp at Ramapough, July 25, 1777. 
 
 The Enemy's fleet having left the Hook 
 
 and gone to Sea, I am to request that you will immediately repair 
 with your Regiment to the City of Philadelphia and put yourself 
 •under the direction of the commanding officer there. You will not 
 lose a moments time, and will order your baggage to follow under 
 a proper Guard. 
 
 In July, 1777, Washington, at Morristown. New Jersey, drafted 
 a detailed route to be followed by the several divisions of the Con- 
 tinental Army on the march southward from Morristown to protect 
 Philadelphia from attack of Howe. The copy in handwriting of 
 Moylan is preserved in the Washington Papers in Library of 
 Congress : 
 
 At this time Lieutenant-Colonel John Fitzgerald, a Catholic of 
 Alexandria, Virginia, an Aide-de-Camp to Washington, sent by 
 "Washington's order, directions to Major-General John Sullivan 
 .(whose parents were Catholics and yet he declared the Catholic " a 
 
56 Orders to Moylan. 
 
 cursed Religion") that the army would retrace its march to the 
 Reading Road beyond the Trappe, a village twenty-five miles from 
 Philadelphia and ordered him to move on a line between it and the 
 Schuylkill where Generals Maxwell and Potter would join him 
 and that he " notify Colonel Moylan to move in concert." 
 
 ORDERS TO MOYLAN, 
 
 On July 26th Washington was at Mr. Lott's at Ramapaugh, 
 N. J., and in the handwriting of John Fitzgerald, sent Colonel 
 Moylan this order: 
 
 Shou'd this Letter come to hand before you pass Trenton, it 
 is His Excellency's Orders that you halt there, either until you 
 receive further Instructions from him, or till you have authentic 
 advice that the Enemy have come into the Delaware Bay, in which 
 case vou will govern yourself as before directed. If you have 
 passed Trenton, your best mode will be to proceed to Bristol and 
 there act as ordered at Trenton. 
 
 Washington's movements. 
 
 Washington kept on southward with his army. On July 31st 
 he was at Coryell's Ferry, near Trenton. On August ist at Chester, 
 Pa., where he received the news of the movement of the British 
 fleet. He was in Philadelphia the next day where he remained 
 directing affairs and consulting with Congress until the 5th. The 
 next day he was at the Falls of Schuylkill where he remained until 
 the loth, moving to Neshaminy, Bucks County, where the army 
 encamped until the 23d at [now] Hartville. When receiving in- 
 formation that the British fleet had arrived in the Chesapeake the 
 army was started on the march southward to meet the enemy. 
 
 While at the Neshaminy camp Courts-Martial, held on August 
 7, 12, 16. of which Colonel Sheldon was President, tried ]\Ioylan's 
 men and sent their verdict to Washington. 
 
 Washington on August 19, 1777, approved of the sentences in 
 the case of Edward Wilcox, Q. M. to Capt. Dorsey's Troop charged 
 with taking a horse belonging to Colonel Moylan's Regiment, and 
 a trooper with his accoutrements, found guilty and sentenced to 
 be led around the Regiment he belongs to on horseback with his 
 face towards the tail and his coat turned wrongside outwards and 
 that he be then discharged from the army, 
 
 Washington approved the sentence and ordered it to be put 
 into execution immediately. [Safifel's Records, 331,] 
 
Trial of Deserters. 57 
 
 TRIAL OF DESERTERS, 
 
 On the case of the deserters Washington in General Orders 
 announced : 
 
 George Kilpatrick and Charles Martin, Sergeants; Lawrence 
 Burne and Enoch Wells, Corporals; Daniel McCarty, Patrick 
 Leland. Philip Franklin, Jacob Baker, Thomas Orles. Adam Rex, 
 Frederick Gaines, Daniel Kainking, Christian Longspit, Henry 
 Winer and Nicholas Walner, privates in Colonel Moylan's Regi- 
 ment of Light Dragoons, charged with mutiny and desertion, and 
 adjudged worthy of death— the Court esteeming the prisoners, 
 except Sergeant Kilpatrick. objects of compassion, and as such, 
 recommended them to the Commander-in-Chief, the General is 
 pleased to grant them his pardon ; and the like reasons which led 
 the court to recommend to mercy, joined with others, induces the 
 General to grant this pardon to Sergeant Kilpatrick also. At the 
 same time the prisoners are to consider their crimes are of a very 
 atrocious nature, and have by the Articles of War subjected them- 
 selves to the penalty of death. The remission of their punishment 
 is a signal act of mercy in the Commander-in-Chief, and demands 
 a very great and full return of fidelity, submission and obedience 
 in any future military service which he shall assign them. The 
 prisoners are to quit the Horse and enter into the foot-service, in 
 the corps to which they shall be assigned. 
 
 Thomas Farshiers and George House, of Colonel Moylan's 
 Regiment, tried by the same Court, being charged with mutiny and 
 des'ertion,' are found guilty, but some favourable circumstances 
 appearing in their behalf, were sentenced to receive twenty-five 
 lashes on their bare backs, and be dismissed from the horse-service ; 
 the Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, but for reasons 
 above referred to. and with the like expectations of amendment, 
 remits the penalty of whipping. They will be disposed of in the 
 foot-service. 
 
 Thomas Runnals. of Colonel Moylan's Regiment, tried by the 
 same Court, being charged, is found guilty and sentenced to death ; 
 the Commander-in-Chief approves of the sentence but the execution 
 of the prisoner is respited till further orders. [Ibid, 332.] 
 Washington's order to moylan. 
 On August 7. 1777, Washington, at Roxboro. now part of 
 Philadelphia'' City, by Colonel Timothy Pickering, sent this order 
 to Colonel Alovlan: 
 
58 Army in Philadelphia. 
 
 " To-morrow morning you would post careful officers with 
 proper commands of men, on all the roads leading from any part 
 of the camp to Philadelphia in such manner as to intercept every 
 soldier who shall attempt to straggle from the camp towards Phila- 
 delphia and all such stragglers are to be taken up, secured and 
 brought on after the army. The whole army is to parade to- 
 morrow morning at 5 o'clock and march as soon after as possible 
 to a new encampment — about 9 miles back; but of this movement 
 you will make no mention but to the officers whom you shall detach 
 for the purpose aforesaid ; not to them till you deliver their orders 
 when you send them off. The whole body of horse is to bring up 
 the rear of the army for the business of picking up all stragglers." 
 [AiiL His. Rec, II. p. 133.] 
 
 Samuel Williamson, Chaplain of Moylan's Dragoons, in 
 August, 1777, intending to go to Europe " to prosecute his studies," 
 the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania on the 23d passed 
 a recommendation of him " to the kindness and notice of all Civil 
 and Military officers of States at peace with the country to which 
 he may go." [Col. Rec, XII.] 
 
 THE ARMY IN THILADELPHIA. 
 
 On Sunday, August 24, 1777. Washington's army started at 
 four o'clock in the morning from near Germantown and marched 
 through Philadelphia, " going in and marching down Front Street 
 to Chestnut and up Chestnut to the Common," now the site of the 
 City Hall. It was on its way southward to meet Howe's forces 
 coming northward from the eastern shore of Maryland. Wash- 
 ington's design in marching through Philadelphia was " to have 
 some influence on the minds of the disaffected and those who are 
 dupes to their artifices and opinions." 
 
 The cavalry (called the Horse) moved in two wings. Bland's 
 and Baylor's Regiments on the right and Sheldon's and Moylan's 
 on the left, 150 yards in the rear of General Maxwell's Brigade. 
 Washington ordered " Not a woman belonging to the army is to 
 "be seen with the troops on their march through the City." [Saffel's 
 Records, 336.] 
 
 Now-a-days it seems somewhat singular to note the many 
 women attached to the British and American armies during the 
 "Revolution — many wives accompanying their soldier-husbands. 
 The well-known instance of Moll Pitcher illustrates the frequency 
 
Marching Southzcard. 59 
 
 with which women " belonged to the army," as Washington 
 stated it. 
 
 The next day — 25th — the arniy of ten thousand crossed the 
 Schuylkill River at the Market Street Ferry and that evening en- 
 camped at Darby. The next day, Wilmington, Delaware, was 
 reached. Here Washington, taking Moylan, Bland and Baylor's 
 cavalry, reconnoitered the country and learned that the British had 
 landed at Head of Elk River, Maryland, the day before. The first 
 encounter between the opposing armies was on September 3d, 
 when the British advanced against the American Light Horse 
 Cavalry of Moylan and Sheldon but were obliged to retire. 
 
 Washington, on September 6, 1777, in a General Order, stated: 
 
 " From every information respecting the enemy's designs, and 
 from their movements, it is manifest their aim is, if possible, to 
 possess themselves of Philadelphia. This is their capital object. 
 It is that they last year strove to effect, but were happily disap- 
 pointed. They made a second attempt at the opening of this cam- 
 paign, but after vast preparations and expense for the purpose, they 
 abandoned their design and totally evacuated the Jerseys. They 
 are now making their last effort. To come up the Delaware, it 
 seems, was their first intention ; but from the measures taken to 
 annoy them in the river, they judged the enterprise that way too 
 hazardous. At length they landed on the eastern shore of Mary- 
 land, some little way in the country, but the General thinks they 
 will again be disappointed in their views. Should they push their 
 designs on Philadelphia by this route, their all is at stake. They 
 will put the contest on the event of a single battle. If they are 
 overthrown they are utterly undone — the war is at an end. 
 
 " Now is the time for our most strenuous exertions. One bold 
 strike will free the land from rapine, devastations and burnings; 
 and female innocence from brutal lust and violence." [Saifel, 336.] 
 
 BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE. 
 
 On September 11. 1777, the Battle of Brandywine was fought 
 and, by the Americans, lost. They were unable to make that " one 
 bold strike" which Washington believed would have prevented the 
 capture of Philadelphia and have freed " the land from rapine, 
 devastations and burnings." 
 
 " The events of the day," declared Washington in a General 
 Order issued at Germantown, on the 13th. " from some unfortunate 
 
6o Moylan Removes Stores. 
 
 circumstances, were not so favorable as could be wished." Yet he 
 had " full confidence that in another appeal to Heaven, with the 
 blessing of Providence, which it becomes every officer and soldier 
 to supplicate, we shall prove successful." So he ordered " thirty 
 hogsheads of rum to be distributed"- among the soldiers for their 
 " gallant behaviour and bravery" — " one gill a day while it lasts." 
 
 " Though we gave the enemy the ground, the purchase has 
 been at much blood — this being by far the greatest loss they ever 
 met with since the commencement of the war," declared Washing- 
 ton to his soldiers in praising their " firmness and alacrity upon 
 every occasion in the course of the battle." [Ibid, 341.] 
 
 The British at Brandywine were attacked by " the Light 
 Troops" of General Maxwell's Division "who, after- a severe con- 
 flict, retired." 
 
 The principal disaster of the day happened where General 
 Sullivan commanded. Congress recalled him to answer a Court of 
 Inquiry relative to his action at Staten Island. Washington pro- 
 tested against his recall at the juncture of afifairs. 
 
 MOYLAN TO REMOVE MILITARY STORES. 
 
 The duty assigned Moylan's Dragoons after Brandywine are 
 indicated by the orders of Washington issued the same day — Sep- 
 tember 13th — from Headquarters at the Falls of Schuylkill: 
 
 " The removal of our Military Stores from French Creek is 
 an object of great importance. For the purpose, a number of 
 Waggons must be collected as soon as possible ; I therefore desire, 
 that you will immediately detach Twenty Light Dragoons under an 
 active Officer without a moments loss of time to assist Mr. Ritten- 
 house at French Creek, in procuring such a quantity as he may 
 judge necessary, and to render such other services as he (the 
 Officer) may think material. You will instruct the Officer to pro- 
 cure the Waggons in the least exceptionable manner. But they 
 must be had without one instants delay. The Stores must be 
 removed immediately or they may be destroyed." 
 
 French Creek is in Chester County. The stream rises in Union 
 Township, Berks County, and enters the Schuylkill River at 
 Phoenixville. The Board of War, from March 25 to April 16, 
 1777, sent military stores there, a report of which was sent Wash- 
 ington on April 29th. After the Battle of Brandywine and the 
 
Philadelphia Taken. 6i- 
 
 subsequent movements of both armies prior to the battle of Ger- 
 mantown these stores were in danger from the British. 
 
 From Germantown, 13th September, 1777, Moylan was ordered 
 by Washington to " keep the main Body of the Horse at the 
 Barracks upon Schuylkill; you will keep parties advanced towards 
 the Enemy; move especially upon those Roads leading from 
 Brandywine to the Sweed's Ford and the other Fords upon Schuyl- 
 kill. Considering the distance that we now are from the Enemy, 
 the security of the Army depends upon the Vigilance of your 
 patrols. The reconnoitering Officers often take up a report of the 
 situation of the Enemy from others and not from their own observa- 
 tions. Impress the Gentlemen before they go out, with the im- 
 portance of the Business upon which they are sent, and let them 
 know that if any accident should happen to the Army from false 
 intelligence they will be answerable. Your own Judgment will 
 point out any other directions necessary to be given upon the 
 occasion." 
 
 PHILADELPHIA TAKEN. 
 
 The defeat at Brandywine made the entry to " the Rebel 
 Capital" possible whenever General Howe chose to do so. He 
 took possession on September 26, 1777, being received with great 
 joy by the Tories who remained in the City after the Patriots, not 
 in the army, had hastily removed from the City to the country north- 
 ward and westward. 
 
 Though repulsed, Washington and his men were determined 
 to continue active and unembarrassed. So to " share part in every 
 hardship to which his army is exposed" he and his aides " divested 
 themselves of all baggage save blankets." 
 
 On September 14th a movement on Swedes' Ford was ordered, 
 in which Moylan's Light Dragoons took part. 
 
 At this time Washington's army was in a deplorable condition 
 for want of shoes, stockings and other necessaries. He wrote 
 Congress on September 23d urging prompt relief and saying, " at 
 least one thousand men are barefooted" and had been marching 
 over the hard roads in that condition. 
 
 Moylan's daughter, Mrs. Lansdale, of Baltimore, related that 
 after the Battle of Brandywine Colonel Moylan wrote to Robert 
 Morris urging shoes and blankets for his men. This letter, how- 
 ever, is not among Morris's Papers in the Library of Congress. 
 
62 Battle of Germantown. 
 
 THE BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN. 
 
 Though arranging to give battle, Washington, on October 3d, 
 sent, under flag of truce, to General Howe his dog which had 
 wandered into Washington's camp. It wore a collar with Howe's 
 name on. The next morning, October 4, 1777, Washington made 
 an attack upon the British at Germantown. Though his men 
 showed " spirit and bravery in driving the enemy from field to 
 field, an unfortunate fog, joined with the smoke prevented the 
 diflferent brigades from seeing and supporting one another . . . 
 and some other causes which as yet." Washington in General Order 
 to his Army said, "cannot be accounted for, they finally retreated ; 
 they nevertheless see that the enemy is not proof against a vigorous 
 attack and may be put to flight when boldly pushed. This they 
 will remember and assure themselves that on the next occasion a 
 proper exertion of the powers God has given them, and inspired 
 by the cause of freedom in which they are engaged, they will be 
 victorious." 
 
 They really had the British whipped but did not know it. Then 
 two days later, Washington ordered : " Buckshot shall be put into 
 all cartridges that shall be made hereafter." 
 
 The following day he announced that " the troops fled from 
 victory," but " nevertheless he has the satisfaction that the enemy 
 suffered very severely." 
 
 But the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga on the 7th com- 
 pensated for the non-success at Germantown. 
 
 COURTS-MARTIAL. 
 
 On October 16, 1777, a Court-Martial of Horse Officers of 
 which Colonel Moylan was President was held at his quarters for 
 the trial of all prisoners of the Horse. 
 
 A week later — on October 24th — Colonel Moylan was himself 
 on trial before a Court-Martial held at Upper Dublin, of which 
 Colonel Bland was President. Moylan was charged with dis- 
 obedience of orders of General Pulaski ; with " a cowardly and 
 ungentleman like action" in striking Mr. Fulinskl, a gentleman and 
 an officer in the Polish service, when disarmed and putting him 
 under guard and giving irritating language to General Pulaski. 
 
 The Court " were of the opinion that Colonel Moylan was not 
 guilty and therefore acquit of the charge against him." Washington 
 approved on the verdict on the 31st. [Weedon's Orderly Book.] 
 
Clothing for Moylan's Men. 63 
 
 The controversy, however, did not end with Colonel Moylan's 
 acquittal. In December Lieutenant Fulinski [Zelinski] " unhorsed" 
 Colonel Moylan. General Pulaski, on the 4th, reported the assault 
 to Washington and sent the letter by the dragoon who had wit- 
 nessed the affair. [Ms. Sabin, 2:22:98; D. & H.] 
 
 Captain Craig of Moylan's Regiment with his party of horse 
 took several British Dragoons and several soldiers with their horses, 
 arms and accoutrements. Washington, on November 9, 1777, 
 issued order desiring " Captain Craig, Captain Lee and the other 
 officers who have distinguished themselves to accept his cordial 
 thanks for the enterprise, spirit and bravery they have exhibited in 
 harrassing and making captives of the enemy." [Weedon, p. 123.] 
 
 The orders and reports given show, to some extent, the opera- 
 tions of Colonel Moylan's Continental Dragoons. 
 
 CLOTHING FOR MOYLAn's MEN. 
 
 The value of Moylan's cavalry in this campaign is best proven 
 by Washington's declaration to General Heath, made while at 
 Valley Forge, that there had been " so many advantages from 
 cavalry in the course of this campaign that I am determined to 
 augment them as much as possible and against the next." 
 
 Desiring that Moylan's men might " take the field in a respect- 
 able manner," he sent " Captain Hopkins of Moylan's Light 
 Dragoons to Boston to procure clothing and accoutrements for the 
 Regiment against the ensuing campaign," and informed General 
 Heath that " the Captain will send the articles he may get either 
 made up or not as he finds most advantageous to the Regiment." 
 [Mass. His. Soc. Col, 5th Series, IV, p. 81.] 
 
 General Heath, at Boston, on April 7, 1778, issued Pay War- 
 rant " for accoutrements for Colonel Moylan's Regiment of Light 
 Dragoons, which General Heath, by the desire of General Wash- 
 ington, is to furnish." [M5.] 
 
 We cannot follow the movements of Washington's Army and 
 the consequent manoeuvres of Moylan's Dragoons, until they settled 
 in camp at Valley Forge, where they suffered the distress that has 
 become known to all. 
 
 DOES NOT AGREE WITH WASHINGTON. 
 
 While there proposals for " procuring horses and saddles" were 
 referred to Colonel Moylan by Washington, to whom this reply 
 was sent: 
 
64 Moylan does not Agree zvith Washington. 
 
 Camp, 24th February, 1778. 
 
 Agreeable to your commands, I have with attention perused 
 the proposals for procuring Horses and Sadies for the Cavalry — 
 as you was pleased to desire that I would give you my sentiments 
 thereon, I must beg leave to tell you that I totally disaprove of the 
 measure. It is arbitrary and cannot be attended with the success 
 expected from it. The mode proposed for putting it in execution 
 must counteract its intentions — for however facile it may appear in 
 theory, for an officer to go into a district to find out the disaffected 
 who have got horses, I believe when it is put in practice, it will be 
 found impossible to keep his business a secret. His attempting to 
 purchase their best horses and saddles at a reasonable price will 
 give the alarm, every man will put his horse out of the way or 
 perhaps move him off to the enemy so that when the time appointed 
 for seizing them comes, few or none will be found, the ill conse- 
 quences of a very arbitrary act will remain and no good effects 
 accrue from it. 
 
 If notwithstanding you should think proper to put the plan in 
 execution, I will order the officers of my Regiment upon that duty, 
 tho I am very certain that they would much rather be ordered to 
 charge a superior number of the enemy than go upon this disagree- 
 able service. Indeed it is that sort of duty that in my opinion the 
 Cavalry should be exempt from. They should conciliate the minds 
 of the inhabitants, not exasperate them, as that corps is more imme^ 
 diately in their power than any other ; they must be out in small 
 parties, and depend upon them in a great measure for their security. 
 It may be said that those persons from whom horses are intended 
 to be taken are such, from whom no friendship may be expected, 
 but I apprehend that there is a great difference between those 
 Tories made so through fear, and those who are actuated by resent- 
 ment, the former will not act against us, the latter will. 
 
 Why not, Sir, call upon each State for a quota of horses, as 
 well as of men, and an officer or any other person appointed who is 
 a proper judge, to receive the horses. A plan of Rendezvous should 
 be appointed to which the Recruits of Men and Horses should 
 repair with the riding masters of each Regiment, under the care of 
 experienced officers, in order to exercise and form them for the 
 field. When perfect, to be sent to their respective Regiments. This 
 I think, Sir, would be the most effective and most eligible method 
 of mounting the Cavalry. 
 
Moylan Commands all Cavalry. 65 
 
 V MOYLAN COMMANDS ALL THE CAVALRY. 
 
 Up to this time there had been five regular cavalry commands 
 —Baylor's, Bland's, Sheldon's, Pulaski's and Moylan's. 
 
 March 20, 1778, Washington, on the resignation of Count 
 Pulaski, placed all the cavalry under command of Moylan, as 
 appears by the following order : 
 
 As Count Pulaski has left the command of the Horse, never, 
 I believe, to return to any general command in it again, I have to 
 desire that you will repair to Trenton and take upon yourself the 
 command of that Corps, till Congress shall determine further on 
 this head. 
 
 You will use your utmost endeavours to have the Cavalry 
 belonging to the four Regiments (now in New Jersey) put in the 
 best order possible, that they may take the field with some degree 
 of eclat. Not a moment's time shoald be lost in repairing the 
 Saddles and the other accoutrements; and getting the Troopers' 
 Arms completed and repaired. In a word, the Season calls for the 
 utmost vigilance and without descending to the minutia, I shall in 
 general require that you will use your utmost skill and industry 
 to equip in the most economical manner your own Regiment, and 
 cause the others to do the likes. 
 
 Inclosed are orders to the commanding Officers of these Regi- 
 ments to obey you. You must immediately send a relief for the 
 party near the Enemy's lines in Philadelphia County. It is to 
 consist of IMen of approved attachment commanded by active, 
 vigilant Officers. 
 
 GENERAL PULASKL 
 
 Pulaski "left the command of the Horse" to organize an 
 independent corps, "The Pulaski Legion," in command of which 
 he did good service until his death at the siege of Savannah where, 
 on October 9. 1779, he received a wound from which he died two 
 days later. On Januar>^ 8, 1855, a monument was dedicated in 
 that city to his memory. History relates that Pulaski was " a 
 devout Roman Catholic," wrote William P. Bowen, Sr., in the 
 Savannah Morning News on January 9, 1855. 
 
 Count Casimir Pulaski had been appointed Brigadier-General, 
 September 5, 1777. 
 
 To Colonels Bland and Baylor the same day the General sent 
 
 the order: 
 
66 General Pulaski. 
 
 "Valley Forge, 20th March, 1778: As Count Pulaski will I 
 believe quit the command of the cavalry and is now absent from 
 that corps and at York, you are to receive your orders from Col. 
 Moylan. I expect the officers of your Regiment will remain con- 
 stantly with the men and use every possible means to train and 
 discipline them." 
 
 On March 25, 1778, from Valley Forge, directing that the 
 cavalry be quartered at Iveham [Evesham] and Springfield back 
 of Mount Holly as " very commodious places," so as to get the 
 horses in good condition for the opening of the campaign. 
 
 Moylan, it is probable, pastured the horses as Washington 
 advised and thus could operate in that section of New Jersey as 
 opportunity offered and occasion required. 
 
 Washington, April 3d, ordered Moylan to send a Corporal and 
 six dragoons to escort our Commissioners to arrange an exchange 
 of prisoners. They must be picked men and horses so as to make 
 the best possible appearance and be very trusty and very intelligent 
 — put the cavalry on the best footing you can. 
 
 He advised Moylan of a " certain Mr. Bankson, late 'of the 
 Continental Marines," whom he suspected as a spy of the British, 
 " though he offered himself as one to us"—" find out his true his- 
 tory" — any thing " that may throw light upon his designs." Man- 
 age the business with caution and address. 
 
 The Commissioners for the exchange of prisoners met at Ger- 
 mantown the next day — April 4th. The British Commissioners 
 were Colonels Charles O'Hara, Humphrey Stephens and Captain 
 Richard Fitzpatrick. The American Commissioners were Colonel 
 Wm. Grayson, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert H. Harrison, Alexander 
 Hamilton and Commissary Elias Boudinot. The Commissioners 
 met at Newtown, Pa., on April loth and nth for conference. 
 
 Washington's orders. 
 Washington's orders to Moylan were as follows: 
 On April 9th. Brigadier-General Count Pulaski is hereby au- 
 thorized to draught from each Regiment of Horse, two privates of 
 his own choice, with their horses, arms and accoutrements, and one 
 sergeant belonging to Sheldon's Regiment. 
 
 VEXATION OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 On the 14th Washington wrote the " Commanding Officer" of 
 Sheldon's Regiment expressing his " astonishment and vexation at 
 
Washington's Orders to Moylan. 67 
 
 the low condition of your Horse, which had been permitted to 
 retire to the best quarters offered for the purpose of recruiting 
 them— yet the officers by galloping about the country and by neglect 
 of the horses had reduced them to a worse condition than those 
 which had been kept on duty the whole winter. How you can 
 reconcile this conduct to your feelings as an officer and answer 
 it to your country I know not." [Ford, V, 315.] 
 
 NEGLIGENT OFFICERS. 
 
 On April 11, 1778, from Valley Forge, Washington wrote to 
 Moylan : 
 
 Your return of the Cavalry is realy vexatious, but what can be 
 expected when the Officers prefer their own ease and emolument 
 to the good of their Country or to the care and attention which 
 they are in duty bound to pay to the particular Corps they com- 
 mand. In every Service but ours, the Winter is spent in endeavour- 
 ing to make preparations for the ensuing Campaign. 
 
 I desire you will make strict inquiry into the conduct of every 
 Officer present and find out whether those absent have gone upon 
 furlough regularly obtained. And if it appears that they have been 
 negligent in point of duty or are absent without leave, arrest and 
 have them brought to trial ; for I am determined to make examples 
 of those to whom this shameful neglect of the Cavalry has been 
 owing. If there has been any deficiency on the part of the Com- 
 missary of Forage, let the commanding Officer of Sheldon's make 
 it appear in his own justification. 
 
 ARMS AND HORSES. 
 
 On April 29th, Washington to Moylan: 
 
 I am as much at a loss as you can possibly be how to procure 
 Arms for the Cavalry, there are 107 Carbines in Camp but no 
 Swords or Pistols of any consequence. General Knox informs me 
 that the iioo Carbines which came into the Eastward and were 
 said to be fit for Horsemen were only a lighter kind of musket. 
 I believe Colonels Baylor and Bland have procured Swords from 
 Hunter's Manufactor}^ in Virginia, but I do not think it will be 
 possible to get a sufficient number of Pistols, except they are im- 
 ported on purpose. I long ago urged to Congress the necessity of 
 importing a large quantity of Horse Accoutrements from France, 
 but whether the order was ever given or whether they have mis- 
 carried in the passage, I do not know. 
 
68 Moylan's Movements. 
 
 To this Moylan replied : 
 
 moylan's move on bordentown. 
 
 Trenton, 5th Ma)-, 1778. 
 
 I am exceedingly sorry to find there is so bad a prospect of 
 arming the Cavalry, if the 107 carbines which are in Camp were 
 ordered to this post they would be of some service. I have wrote 
 some time past, to Major Washington, requesting him to procure 
 swords from Hunter's Manufactory, which I hope he will be able 
 to effect. 
 
 I have seen but five horses of those purchased by this State. 
 They were sent to Major Clough who rejected them as unfit for the 
 service, I am told there are some tolerable good ones, delivered to 
 the Regiments at Chatham, Brunswick, and Pennington ; I propose 
 visiting them this week, and expect from the late accounts I have 
 from each, to make a more favorable report of them than my last, 
 to your Excellency. 
 
 Major Clough went yesterday, by my order, with a party of 
 Horse to Bordentown in consequence of the inclosed Letter which 
 I since find was dictated more by the fears of the writers than any 
 real cause for being alarmed. It is true that five or six hundred 
 of the enemy are on this side near Cooper's Ferry covering some 
 woodcutters and hunting for Forage. 
 
 I expect the Major back to-morrow and propose ordering that 
 Regiment to Princeton, as Forage is there collecting, and becoming 
 exceeding scarce in this Quarter. Any Commands your Excellency 
 may have for me after this week, you will please to have directed 
 to that place. 
 
 MOYLAN reports CAPTURES AND DISASTER. 
 
 Moylan to Washington from Trenton, 7th May, 1778: 
 Major Clough reported that the 63d & 55th Regiments 
 [British] are stationed as guards to a fatigue party of 200 men 
 who are employed cutting wood. The fatigue is daily relieved. 
 Their lines are covered by three small redoubts without cannon. 
 He reconnoitr'd their picket which was strongly posted, sent two 
 of the Militia horse in sight of their lines, which as he expected 
 brought out twelve of the enemies Light Horse, on whom he 
 charged — two of them were wounded, and dismounted, and two 
 others made prisoners not far from their picket, the four prisoners 
 and three horses with their accoutrements are now here and the 
 
Moylan Reports Coptitrcs. 69 
 
 Major wishes that the men (who behav'd with the greatest resoki- 
 tion) could soon receive the value of their priezs, as an encourage- 
 ment to them at the opening of the campaign. The horses are fit 
 for the Regt. and he thinks $100 each will be a moderate price for 
 them. Col. Shreve is at Fostertown in the neighborhood of the 
 enemy, but not strong enough to disturb them, General Dickinson 
 tells me he can draw out four or five thousand men to cooperate 
 in any plan which your Excellency may form. If we could make 
 good a post at Billingsport, it would alarm the enemy exceedingly. 
 
 8th May, 1778. 
 It is nine at night, and am just returned. Sir, from Borden- 
 town, which the enemy left about two hours ago. As near as I 
 could judge there were about 1000 landed there, having previously 
 burnt the Frigates and several ships which were up a creek near 
 that town. I have since seen them rowing up the Pensilvania shore 
 inside of Rules Island. There are three Gallies and thirty-six boats 
 full of British Light Infantry. Mr. Borden's house and two small 
 ones in the town were laid in ashes. It is probable they will 
 come up here this night. General Dickinson has collected about 
 200 Militia and is in expectation of a larger number coming in 
 to-morrow, he has all the assistance our horse can give him. If 
 they land at this place I will order Bland's Regt. to join us in the 
 morning, at which time I will send this to your Excellency, with 
 any occurrencies that may happen this night. 
 
 The 9th. The enemy lay last night on the Pensilvania side 
 about four miles from the Ferry, I am of opinion that they mean 
 to collect the stock & Grain at that side, and not come any farther 
 up the river. 
 
 This destructive force of the British was sent from Philadel- 
 phia under command of Major Maitland. Twenty or more armed 
 vessels were burned, including Captain John Barry's frigate " The 
 Effingham." Barry at the time was operating in the lower Dela- 
 ware. He destroyed the forage from Mantua Creek to Port Penn 
 and captured several supply vessels, for which he received the 
 thanks of Washington to whom he forwarded supplies at Valley 
 Forge. It was in retaliation for these acts of Barry that Maitland 
 was sent to destroy the vessels of the Americans, which had been 
 sent up the Delaware to White Hill near to Bordentown for 
 security. 
 
"JO British Destroy SJiippiiig. 
 
 Washington replied on May 13th to Moylan's of the 5th: 
 
 If the Commissioners of the Navy could have been prevailed 
 upon by me to have scutled and sunk the Frigates last fall, the 
 Enemy would have had little inducement to have visited Borden- 
 town. It would have taken so much labour and time to have raised 
 them that a force might haye been sent to interrupt them. Upon 
 the first intimation of the design I detached General Maxwell with 
 a strong party, but the mischief was done and the Enemy gone by 
 the time he reached the Cross Roads. Present my thanks to Major 
 Clough and his small party for their bravery. The price formerly 
 paid the Captors of a Light Horse with his accoutrements was 100 
 Dollars ; but as money has depreciated, the Rule has been in some 
 instances deviated from. Colo. Morgan's Riflemen some time ago 
 took two teams of very capital Horses going into Philadelphia, 
 they were paid 170 Dollars pr. Horse and at that rate, I have 
 estimated those taken by Major Clough. Inclosed you have a 
 warrant for 510 Dollars payable to the Major which he will please 
 to distribute to the party according to their rank. 
 
 I do not know whether the Carbines that are here are in proper 
 order. I will have the matter inquired into, and if they are, inform 
 you, that you may send over a Waggon and a small escort for them. 
 
 You mentioned in a letter of the 23d April that you understood 
 some members of Congress were dissatisfied with the determination 
 of Rank between Cols. Bland, Baylor, Sheldon and Yourself; if 
 it is so, I have never heard any thing of it from any person but 
 yourself. 
 
 Moylan was the Commander of the four Regiments of Horse. 
 Ten days later he notified Washington that if called into action he 
 would not serve as commander of a Regiment but rather as a 
 Volunteer. 
 
 MOYLAN SENDS A SPY INTO PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 Moylan reported to Washington from Trenton, 13th May: 
 The late excursion of the enemy prevented my leaving this 
 place, to visit the different Regiments, which I shall put in execu- 
 tion the latter end of this week. 
 
 I sent a woman into Philadelphia last Sunday who came out 
 this day, she says that war was certainly declared against France, 
 that General Clinton had taken the command on Monday, General 
 Howe preparing to go home, but is to give a Grand Fete Champetre 
 
Moylan " Sends a Spy." yi 
 
 'before his departure, that there was great talk of the Troops em- 
 barking, the Transports were taking in wood and water, indeed 
 their burning the shipping looks like a move, for if they could hold 
 their present post the ships would consequently fall into their 
 hands. She heard nothing of the Hessians having laid down their 
 arms, which was strongly reported here. 
 
 I would not trouble your Excellency with a complaint against 
 the commissary, if I knew who was at the head of that Department, 
 to whom I might address myself, but the great neglect of providing 
 .anything (flour excepted) for Bland's and Baylor's Regiments call 
 aloud for redress. They have lived upon salt fish and salt herrings 
 these five weeks past, which is now expended, and nothing have 
 they now but flour to live upon. The issuing commissary says it is 
 the purchaser's fault, but who or where the purchaser is I cannot 
 find out. Mr. Paxton says if he had money he could purchase 
 sufficient. Between them the men are suffering. They have had no 
 pay since October, which with the want of provisions has produced 
 much discontent amongst them. How it is with the other two 
 Regiments I cannot say, but hope they are better off as to pro- 
 visions. Respecting pay I believe they are in the same situation, 
 which I hope will not continue long, if it does I may dread the 
 consequence, I beg. Sir, that the carbines and what other arms are 
 at Camp for the Cavalry may be sent forward, they are exceedingly 
 wanted. 
 
 I have seen General Dickinson who has had some conversa- 
 tion with Mr. Yard, who left Philadelphia yesterday. He confirms 
 what I had from my informant except that there was no positive 
 account of war having been declared but was to have been two 
 .days after the last packet left England. 
 
 A FORWARD MOVEMENT. 
 
 John Laurens. Aide to Washington, on May 17, 1778, wrote 
 'Moylan : 
 
 His Excellency desires that a select party of fifty dragoons, 
 men that may be depended on, with able Horses, well accoutred 
 and conducted by active partisan Officers, may be ordered to march 
 forthwith to our old camp at Whitemarsh, where they will meet 
 and join a detachment of Infantry, from the Commanding Officer 
 • of which thev will receive their Orders. 
 
^2 A Forzcard Movement. 
 
 Moylan to Washington: 
 
 Trenton, 23d May, 1778. 
 
 I delivered to Major Clough the Warrant for 510 Dollars with 
 your Excellency's thanks to him and his party for their bravery, 
 agreeable to your orders and complied with the orders contained 
 in Col. Lauren's Letter of the 17th as soon as it was possible after 
 the receipt. It reached me at Brunswick the 19th in the afternoon, 
 and as the first and third Regts. were most contiguous to the Dela- 
 ware, I ordered the detachment from them. I mean to relieve them 
 to-morrow by sending an equal number of the second and fourth,. 
 I must continue Major Clough there for some time longer not 
 only because I have an high opinion of his conduct but also that 
 he can be better spared than either of the other two field officers 
 that are with the Brigade. I did expect we should have had more 
 of them, join'd to their Regts. before this time. I have the pleasure 
 to tell you. Sir. that the horses in general are in good order. There 
 are some in each Regiment that never will be, and I am certain 
 it would be saving a good deal of publick money to have them 
 disposed of. The sooner it is done the better. 
 
 I have ordered the whole of the horses brought up by ]Mr. 
 Grey to be delivered over to the third Regiment as they have many 
 men dismounted, there are spare horses sufficient in the 4th to 
 mount the men he brought with him. 
 
 My information respecting the Rank of the officers in the 
 Cavalry was hinted to me by General Reed, and the reason for 
 mentioning it was, that should an alteration be made therein to my 
 prejudice, at a time when we may be call'd forth to action, tho I 
 certainly should act as a volunteer, I would not as commanding 
 officer of a Regiment. 
 
 Washington to Moylan, Valley Forge. 24th May, 1778: 
 The Commissar}' General of Forage has informed me that he 
 can now accommodate the Cavalry in the Neighborhood of the 
 Camp. I therefore desire that you will immediately come over with 
 all the Horse of your own, Bland's and Baylor's Regiments that 
 are in good order ; Sheldon's is to remain at Chatham. Good' 
 Officers are to be left with the Horses out of condition, who ought 
 rather to attend to getting them in order, than to training them. 
 The weather is growing warm, and it is hardly possible to do both- 
 at a time. The three Regiments had better come on in three- 
 
Washington and Moylan. 73 
 
 divisions, at the interval of a day or two, they may then be can- 
 toned with ease, and not be distressed for Forage by coming in 
 in a crowd. 
 
 On 28th Washington to Moylan: 
 
 As every appearance now indicates a move of the Enemy 
 thro Jersey, I would wish you to continue there until their inten- 
 tions are more clearly and fully known. If you can subsist the 
 men and Horses at and near Trenton, they will be more con- 
 veniently situated there than at any other place, to be ready to- 
 observe the Route of the Enemy, and therefore I would have you 
 collect all that are fit for Service as near that place as possible. 
 
 General Greene informs me that he apprehends a number of 
 Horses purchased by the agents in this State are unfit for the 
 Dragoon Service, and he would therefore wish to have two or 
 three Officers who are good judges of Horses go round and ex- 
 amine them, that those fit may be sent to the Regiment and the 
 others put to the Draught. Be pleased therefore to send over such 
 Officers and General Greene will direct them where to proceed. 
 I would have you by all means sell those Horses that will never be 
 fit for service again. 
 
 Washington's order to " sell all the horses unfit for service" 
 was carried out by Moylan, who by Brigade order dated June ist, 
 advertised in the Nezv Jersey Gazette of the 3d : " That the cast 
 horses belonging to the first, third and fourth Regiments of Light 
 Dragoons be collected at Trenton and sold by publick sale on Mon- 
 day the 8th inst. at the Market Place." 
 
 Moylan to Washington from Trenton, 30th May, 1778: 
 I had just got as far as White Marsh in compliance with your 
 Excellency's order of the 24th when I received your Letter of the 
 28th countermanding that order. I have in consequence halted the 
 3d & 4th Regiments, who were on their march to Camp. The 
 first had proceeded so far, that I thought it best to know your 
 further pleasure before I would give them the order to return. 
 I must beg leave to mention that the arms of these three Regi- 
 ments are at present in the hands of the detachment with Major 
 Clough, so that it is of little consequence where they are stationed. 
 I will however draw them to this quarter, and depend^ upon those 
 arms being sent forward which Major Jameson assures me are 
 finished in Virginia & Maryland. 
 
 The party under the command of Major Clough consists of 
 
74 Moylan and Washington. 
 
 I20 horse, if your Excellency thinks proper to keep so large a 
 body upon that duty, I think it will be better to order what remains 
 here fit for duty of the first & third Regts. to join it, and let what 
 are with the Major of the 2d & 4th join their respective Regiments. 
 It will be attended with salutary consequences to have the duty 
 performed Regimentally, both the officers and the men will be 
 better pleased. The former in commanding his own men, the latter 
 in being commanded by their own officers. The Horses by being 
 under the eye of their own officers will be better taken care of. 
 If you approve of it, I will give the orders for putting it into 
 execution. 
 
 To which Washington replied June ist: 
 
 I am not a little surprised that the arms of Three Regiments 
 should be reduced to 120. I would wish to have this matter in- 
 quired into, and that the Officers of the different Corps send in a 
 return, accounting for so considerable a defection. 
 
 As it is probable the Enemy will penetrate the Jerseys I think 
 you had better continue where you are, putting your Cavalry in the 
 best condition for acting which your circumstances will admit of. 
 
 Moylan to Washington, Trenton, 2d June, 1778: 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel White informed me that there was a large 
 quantity of flour in a store at Brunswick designed for the prison- 
 ers, which lays exposed to the mercy of the enemy. The shalop 
 which was employed to carry it to New York is also full, having 
 been sent back with her cargo. The commanding officer declaring 
 that no intercourse whatsoever will be admitted, until General 
 Winds delivers up a deserter from one of the Jersey Battalions, who 
 came out under the sanction of a flag. 
 
 On June loth Washington ordered Moylan: 
 
 " You will immediately assemble all the Cavalry not on duty 
 at some place the most convenient to Camp, where forage is to be 
 had, there to hold themselves in readiness to move on the shortest 
 notice." 
 
 On June i8th the British evacuated Philadelphia. Washing- 
 ton moved from Valley Forge to intercept them, which he did ten 
 ■days later at Monmouth, New Jersey. Captain Heard, of Moylan's 
 Regiment, stationed at Germantown, on June 18th captured a num- 
 ber of the enemy and reported to General Washington : 
 
 The in [closed] is a return of prisoner [s] taken by Capt. Heard 
 [ ] as delivered them to the care of Lt. Dover belonging 
 
Moylan and Washington. 75 
 
 Capt. McCanes detachment. I have not been able to collect any 
 Matheriall intellegence from them. {Washington MSS., Vol VI.] 
 
 Among the captured was " George Sprangle a noted Spie." 
 This was George Spangler. He was executed on August 14th on 
 the Commons, now the site of the City Hall, for " acting as spy 
 and guide to the British army." 
 
 Moylan's reports to Washington, Trenton, 23d June, 1778: 
 
 General Reed was down with me in view of the enemy. He 
 can therefore inform you of every thing material, I have ordered 
 Colonel White with a Squadron of Horse into the rear of the 
 enemy, whose van I believe to be at this time in Allentown. He 
 will keep me constantly advised of what passes in the rear, and the 
 remainder of the Horse will be engaged on their front & left flank. 
 You may depend on having the earliest inteligence of their motions, 
 that I can from my own observations & of the officers under me 
 collect. 
 
 To General Lee, Moylan reported from on the Middletown 
 road five miles from the courthouse: 
 
 The enemy turned off at Carnans fields to the Shrewsburg 
 road. There is a place called the falls about 6 miles from Carnans, 
 where there is another road to Middletown. Should they choose 
 to go that route I believe they will halt at the falls, as it is advan- 
 tageous ground. If they do you will hear soon from me. 
 
 To " Baron Steuben or any General officer in the American 
 Service," Moylan reported from Toponamos Church, 27th June, 
 1778: 
 
 A rascal who was trumpet Major to the first Regimt. deserted 
 to the enemy last evening which obliged me to move off my party 
 from Longstreets on the hill from whence the Baron wrote yester- 
 day. I left an officer and four of the best mounted, who were 
 obligd to retire from a large party of the enemies light horse at 
 day break this morng. I met them here, and they are of opinion 
 that the enemy were then in motion, I have sent a party to the same 
 place, and another to the Shrewsburg and Middletown roads from 
 whom I expect to hear in an hour. I am just going upon the same 
 rout, with horses almost wore down. I wish some of White's 
 party were sent to me otherwise I shall not be able to do anything 
 satisfactory. When I can be certain of this rout I will dispatch a 
 horseman with the inteligence. 
 
76 Moylan and Washington. 
 
 To Washington he reported from Longstreets, 27th June, 
 1778 [11 A.M.] : 
 
 Every thing looks in the same situation as yesterday ; at Free- 
 hold, we took three prisoners whom I send to your Excellency, they 
 say it is the opinion which prevails in their Camp, that they will 
 march to-morrow morning for So. Amboy, I saw a man yesterday 
 from Middletown point, who says there were no vessels of any 
 consequence in the Bay, that there was no collection of boats at 
 Princes Bay. I expect an officer in soon from the Shrewsburg 
 road, allso the great Midleton, there is one road to the later place 
 which passes near to the post I now write from. . 
 
 To Washington from Scotch Meetinghouse, 27th June, 1778: 
 
 I am just come from Longstreet's hill. I sent an officer since 
 sunset close in to the lines and from his report, with my own 
 observation there was no appearance of a movement, I sent an 
 officer on the Middleton & Shrewsburg roads, who makes the same 
 report. I will be out before the sun, & if anything new you will 
 hear from me. 
 
 At " ^ past two, Sunday," Moylan reported : 
 
 At twelve o'clock the enemy were halted at Polhemos hill 
 which is on what is calld the fifteen hundred acres. They are now 
 again in motion & seem to bend their course towards Middletown, 
 thoro bye woods which were not suspected to be passable, but 
 there are so many intersections in the roads that it is impossible to 
 judge whether they will go to Middletown or go on to the falls, I 
 have them full in view, and must move as a party is endeavoring 
 to surround me. 
 
 Within an hour the Battle of Monmouth was being fought and 
 a victory won by Washington. The treachery of General Charles 
 Lee came near making the day one of disaster for the Americans. 
 He was Court-Martialed and suspended. It is now believed he was 
 a traitor for having arranged the plan for the capture of Philadel- 
 phia while a prisoner in New York. 
 
 James McHenry, Secretary to Washington, wrote to his friend, 
 George Lux of Baltimore, that after the Battle of Monmouth, 
 " Colonel Moylan's dragoons are still hanging on the enemy and 
 waiting to see them safelv a-ship board." [Mag. Am. History, 
 
 in, 357-] 
 
 Moylan to Washington, 29th June, 1778: 
 
 Within three miles of Middletown we attacked a party of the 
 
Moylan and Washington. yj 
 
 enemy this morning and took one Captain, one Lieut, and one 
 Ensign with two privates, prisoners, & killed a few more. The 
 British Army is expected at that place this day or to-morrow ; 
 quarters are taken for Gen. Clinton at Midletown, and for Lord 
 Cornwallis at the place where we made the attack, which I suppose 
 will be the rear of their army. The baggage is still where it last 
 night halted, badly guarded. I wish there was infantry in this 
 Quarter, a great stroke might still be made upon it. 
 
 An hour later he again reported : 
 
 Captain Plunket will deliver to your Excellency the prisoners 
 mentioned in the note I sent you about one hour ago, I since find 
 that General Clinton's Qrs. are taken at the place where the prison- 
 ers were taken. I am informed that there were fifty horses taken in 
 the engagement yesterday, I wish it may be true, as I could imme- 
 diately bring as many men into the field with good fresh horses 
 provided I can [get] the arms and accoutrements. 
 
 He reported on 2d July, 1778: 
 
 I have sent orders to the different parties that are now out to 
 come in this evening ; they ought to have at least a fortnight's rest 
 before they begin to march and if your Excellency would approve 
 of it I would recommend Shrewsburg and its environs for that 
 purpose. It is inhabited by the disaffected who as I am informd 
 have large quantities of grain and the pasture there is exceeding 
 fine. The enemy are now four miles from Midletown, I expect 
 they will be embarked to-morrow or next day; Morgan's & Gist's 
 men with the parties of Horse, have saved a fine country from 
 being pilaged. 
 
 Colonel Daniel Morgan writing to Washington, 2d July, 1778, 
 from Middletown, N. J., said : 
 
 " I am and have been ever since I came out, at a great loss for 
 light horse, having none with me. Gen. Scott sent me a Sergeant 
 and six whose horses were tired and rather an incumbrance as they 
 could scarcely raise a gallop. Major Jameson was here yesterday. 
 I applied to him for a few; he sent Captain Harrison who staid 
 with me about 2 hours, when Colonel Moylan sent for him and his 
 party. Colonel Moylan certainly has reasons for so doing, but. 
 Sir. you know the cavalry are the eyes of the infantry, and with- 
 out any, my situation must not be very pleasing, being in full view 
 of the enemy's whole army." [Corres. Rev., 11, p. 153.] 
 
 On July 5, 1778, Washington's order by Colonel Clement 
 
78 Moylan and Washington. 
 
 Biddle from Camp at New Brunswick to Moylan at Bound Brook 
 was : " If the cavalry should halt to refresh themselves I am of 
 opinion they can be best furnished with hay and pasture on the 
 plain below the Mountain from Middlebrook to the Scotch Plains 
 and I now write to Mr. Furman to use his utmost endeavors to 
 procure grain suitable for them. Some corn is already ordered 
 from Trenton which Mr. Furnan shall detain for you. You will 
 please to inform him the route you will take when you march or 
 rather before that he may lodge the necessary forage at proper 
 places." 
 
 On the 7th Washington ordered: 
 
 '' That you collect the whole of the cavalry without delay, as 
 well the unarmed as the armed, and after a little refreshment, and 
 getting the horses shod, &c., proceed moderately towards the North 
 River to join the Army. 
 
 Major John Jameson writing Colonel Bland from Bound 
 Brook, New Jersey, July 9, 1778, after the Battle of Monmouth, 
 said : " Our men are so naked that it is a shame to bring them into 
 the field; pray send some officer with clothes for the poor fellows. 
 . . . Colonel Moylan has appointed a Brigade Major as com- 
 mandant of the cavalry." [Bland Papers, I, 97.] 
 
 Washington, replying to a later letter of Bland's, said : 
 
 " The officers who had the care of procuring necessaries for 
 Moylan and Sheldon's Regiments have long since completed the 
 business and the men are well equipped." [Ihid, 98.] 
 
 On the i6th July Washington's order from Haverstraw was: 
 
 " That you proceed immediately with the horse under your 
 command to Orange Town where you will find Capt. Hopkins who 
 has instructions for the Cavalry." 
 
 MOYLAN AND MISS VAN HORN. 
 
 To this Moylan replied: 
 
 Tapan, 23d July, 1778, 
 
 Your orders of the i6th reached me the 19th instant, and 
 agreeable thereto I have marchd the three Regiments of horse to 
 this place. 
 
 I have seen your Excellency's instructions to Captain Hopkins 
 to which I will pay due attention. The English neighborhood, 
 would be a good place for the Cavalry. If they are to stay any 
 
Miss Van Home. 79 
 
 time on this side the river, I shall expect further orders from your 
 Excellency by the bearer. 
 
 PS. — Am engag'd to Miss Vanhorn. 
 
 Moylan's postscript shows that, amidst war's alarms and deso- 
 lation. Cupid's arrows struck two hearts with but a single thought. 
 " Miss Vanhorn" was one of the five daughters of Philip Van 
 Home, a Colonial Colonel of New Jersey Militia. 
 
 Moylan, " the fascination of whose merry nature and fine 
 appearance, the latter enhanced by his red waist coat, buckskin 
 breeches, bright green coat and bear skin hat, were too great for 
 the Middlebrook beauty to withstand." [Mellick's Story of Old 
 Farm, p. 480.] 
 
 In consequence of the army wintering at Middlebrook the five 
 daughters of the Colonel of the Colonial Militia found husbands. 
 [Mag. Am. His., 1890. 153.] 
 
 But Colonel Moylan had other engagements than that with 
 Miss Van Home of which he had informed General Washington 
 who in his reply tendered no " congratulations." He was occu- 
 pied with more important matters than those of his ofBcers' matri- 
 monial engagements. 
 
 He wrote Moylan from White Plains, 25th July. 1778: 
 
 I think the best position for the Cavalry to answer the pur- 
 pose of foraging and covering the country will be about Hacken- 
 sack New Bridge. You then have an opportunity of drawing sup- 
 plies from the Country between the North River and Hackensack, 
 and Hackensack and Pasaic as your station will be central. You 
 will therefore be ready to move at a moment's warning. 
 
 To which Moylan made reply: 
 
 Orange Town, 26th July, 1778. 
 
 I propose to move what horse are fit for duty to the New 
 bridge to-morrow agreeable to your orders and shall endeavor to 
 fulfill the duty recommended therein. 
 
 Whenever your Excellency will order us over you will find the 
 Cavalry ready to obey your commands. 
 
 On the 29th Moylan, from " Hackensac." wrote Washington 
 that he had " come with the Cavalry to this neighborhood. On my 
 arrival I reconoitred the country and found a great majority dis- 
 affected and taking every opportunity of supplying the enemy. 
 
8o A Raid on Bergen Farms. 
 
 Yesterday I sent a party of 80 horse to Bergen with orders to drive 
 up what cattle they could collect from that town, to the point, which 
 they have effected by bringing with them near 300 head of horned 
 cattle, 60 sheep, some horses, mares & colts. Many of the first are 
 milch cows, and tho its certain that the milch & butter is for the 
 chief part sent to New York from that Quarter, there appears a 
 great degree of cruelty in taking from a number of famillys, per- 
 haps their only support. I am teased by the women, and with 
 difficulty can prevail on my feelings, to suspend my giving to them 
 their cows, until! I have your Excellency's opinion and orders on 
 the subject — this manavre has alarmd the City, Powles Hook & 
 the encampment on Staten Island. The Fort was manned. So 
 was the Redout at Powleshook, and the army at Staten Island 
 turned out, to the amount, as near as could be judged by Major 
 Clough (who commanded the party) of 3000, tho their encamp- 
 ment would promise 5000. 
 
 " I have just come in from Fort Lee. The heights from 
 Harlem up to Kingsbridge are interspersd with Tents, the chief 
 encampment on York Island seems to me to be at Fort Washington, 
 Those immediately about the Fort are Hessians. There is a pretty 
 large encampment on your side of Spiten Devil Creek — and a 
 redout with a magazine in its center — one ship pretty near on a 
 line with Col. Morris' horse, another with three small craft near 
 the entrance of the above mentioned creek, are all the vessels in 
 the North River that I could discover at 12 o'clock this day. A 
 report prevails of a French & Spanish fleet being at the Hook. It 
 is believed at Bergen, which your Excellency knows is but four 
 miles from New York." 
 
 To which Washington replied from White Plains, 30th July: 
 
 I approve of the step you took to drive off the Stock from 
 Bergen, but if it appears to you that the families will be distressed 
 by keeping their milch cattle, you have liberty to restore them to 
 such persons and in such numbers as you think proper. 
 
 I desire you will come over with all the Cavalry except about 
 twenty-four, who are to act in concert with the detachment of foot. 
 If that number appears too few, you may increase it to any as far 
 as fifty. Colo. Simcoe told Capt. Sargent (who went down with 
 a flag yesterday) that Admiral Byron was Arrived. Be pleased to 
 endeavour to find out the truth of this. 
 
Moylan's Rank. 8i 
 
 MOYLAN THE RANKING COLONEL. 
 
 The annexed document shows that Colonel Moylan was the 
 ranking officer of the Dragoons: 
 
 Thus the dispute as to relative rank was settled by the Field 
 Officers as Washington suggested to Moylan, April ii, 1778. 
 
 An Extract from General Orders of August 7. 1778: 
 
 The Rank of the Field Officers of the four Regiments of light 
 Dragoons having been settled by a Board of Genl. Officers at White 
 March on the 24th of November last. The Officers are to Rank 
 in the following Manner agreeable to the Report of the Board: 
 Cols. Lieut.-Cols. Majors 
 
 1. Moylan White Washington 
 
 2. Baylor Byrd Jameson 
 
 3. Bland Temple Clough 
 
 4. Sheldon Blackden Talmage 
 
 The above is a true Copy of the genl. Orders of August 7, 1778. 
 
 S. Moylan, Col. C. L. D. 
 [Letters of Washington, 152, Vol. VI. p. 379.] 
 
 MARRIAGE OF MOYLAN. 
 
 The Pennsyh'ania Post of October 7, 1778, announced in letter 
 from " Trenton, September 30th" : 
 
 " On Saturday, the twelfth inst., was married at Phill's Hill 
 by the Rev. Mr. Beach, Stephen Moylan, Esq., Col. Commandant' 
 of the American Light Dragoons, to Miss Mary Ricketts Van 
 Home, eldest daughter of Col. Van Home; a lady possessed of 
 every accomplishment to render the married state happy," 
 
 Colonel Van Home lived at Phil's Hill on Middlebrook stream 
 a mile west of Bound Brook. He had been Colonel of a New 
 Jersey Militia Regiment under the English government. Wash- 
 ington regarded him as a suspicious character. On January i, 
 1777. Washington wrote to Colonel Reed: "I wish you had 
 brought Van Home ofT with you, for from his noted character 
 there is no dependence to be placed on his parole." 
 
 On January 19th he wrote: "Wouldn't it be best to order 
 P. Van Home to Brunswick? These people, in my opinion, can 
 do less injury there than anywhere else." 
 
 Or was this another Van Home? 
 
82 Descendants of Moylan. 
 
 Captain Graydon in his Memoirs relates that on his release 
 from captivity in New York he stopped at Van Home's who, not- 
 withstanding Washington's desire to have him at Brunswick, " kept 
 his post at Bound Brook where he alternately entertained the 
 officers of both armies being visited by one and sometimes the 
 other. His hospitality ought certainly to have been recompensed 
 by an unlimited credit on the public stores. His house, used as a 
 hotel, seemed constantly full. Notwithstanding the number of 
 guests that were provided for, there appeared no deficiency in 
 accommodation and we supped and lodged well." 
 
 Simcoe's Queen's Rangers in October, 1778, went to Bound 
 Brook intending to capture Moylan at Van Home's but he was 
 not there. [Journal, p. 114.] 
 
 The children of Colonel Stephen Moylan were a still-born 
 child, March, 1780, at Middletown, Connecticut; two daughters, 
 Maria and Elizabeth Catharine and an infant interred in St. Mary's 
 graveyard, Philadelphia, February 24, 1795. 
 
 Maria was baptized at St. Mary's, Philadelphia, March 5, 1786. 
 Thomas FitzSimons and wife and John and Jasper Moylan and 
 Isabella Masse [or Wasse] were sponsors. She married Samuel 
 Fox. They had children, viz: Elizabeth Moylan Fox, b. 1806, died 
 unmarried. Mary Moylan Fox. b. 1808 ; m., 1832. Henry D. Bird, 
 of Virginia. Stephen Moylan Fox, b. 1810; m., 1838, Louisa Lin- 
 ton. Margaret Fox, b. 1812; m., 1839, Dr. Tarleton B. Amberson. 
 Anna Fox, b. 1815, d. 1816. Philip Lansdale Fox, b. 1817; m., 
 1845, Elizabeth DePui. Violetta Lansdale Fox, b. 1819; m., 1842, 
 David M. Courtney. Edward Fox, b. 1821, d. 1862; m., about 
 1844, Sophia (?). 
 
 Moylan's daughter Elizabeth Catharine was married on March 
 ID, 1807, by Rt. Rev. William White, Episcopal Bishop of Penn- 
 sylvania, to William Moylan Lansdale, her first cousin. His father, 
 Major Thomas L. Lansdale, had married Cornelia Van Home. 
 
 They had four children: Philip, Medical Director U. S. N. 
 Maria married John W. Hornor ; Cornelia, married Maskell Ewing, 
 of Havre de Grace, Maryland. She died in Philadelphia January 
 31st, 1906, aged 86 years, leaving surviving her two sons and two 
 daughters : J. Hunter Ewing, of the banking house of Townsend, 
 Whelan & Co. ; Maskell Ewing of the firm of Ewing & Longacre ; 
 Mrs. Louisa B. Gallatin of New York and Miss Cornelia L. Ewing 
 of Philadelphia. Caroline married Edmund B. DuVal. All of these 
 
The Marriage of Moylan. 83 
 
 left descendants, but none of General Moylan's children or later 
 descendants professed his Faith. His daughter Elizabeth Cath- 
 arine's four children had seventeen children. 
 
 On September 12, 1778, the marriage day of Colonel Moylan, 
 General Washington was at White Plains, New York, where he 
 had been encamped from July 24th. 
 
 Nothing appears on records at hand to show the newly mar- 
 ried Colonel's military operations until Colonel Richard H, Meade, 
 one of Washington's Aides, writing from Fredericksburg, N. J., 
 on November 2, 1778, to Moylan, said: 
 
 The bearer, Mr. Simeon Newel, is the Gentleman who con- 
 tracted with Capt. Hopkins to supply many different Articles for 
 the use of your Regiment. He has found some difficulty in the 
 settlement of his accounts, to remedy which he has laid the matter 
 before His Excellency, by whom I am directed to request that you 
 will take the necessary steps in order that the matter may be accom- 
 plished according to right. Mr. Newel seems to have taken every 
 precaution, and to have complied with Capt. Hopkins's directions. 
 It will be proper to call on the Capt. when it is hoped the matter 
 will be settled without much difficulty. 
 
 " THE HAPPY EVENT." 
 
 General Stirling, October 8, 1778, from New Brunswick, to 
 Colonel Moylan at Phill's Hill : 
 
 " I have just seen Col. Van Horn's letter of yesterday to 
 General Maxwell enquiring the situation of the enemy in this 
 State. They are at present stretched from the New Bridge above 
 Hackensack across towards Fort Lee with two redoubts on the 
 heights on this side the bridge ; their strength is about 7000 of 
 their best British troops ; on the 5th they advanced to within about 
 three miles of this place but in the evening retired to their present 
 situation. I believe they have nearly completed their forage and 
 will soon quit this State. 
 
 " I most sincerely congratulate you on the late happy event of 
 your new connection with the most amiable of Ladies. I beg to 
 present my sincere respects and best wishes for your mutual happi- 
 ness and my best compliments to all the family." 
 
 Moylan's command was quartered at Lancaster, Pa., when 
 Washington sent this order : 
 
84 Ordered to Connecticut. 
 
 ORDERS TO MARCH TO CONNECTICUT. 
 
 You will forthwith proceed to Durham, between New Haven 
 and Hartford in the State of Connecticut, with your Regiment of 
 Cavalry, where you are to fix your quarters for the Winter. 
 
 In quartering the Regiment at Durham you will preserve as 
 much compactness as the nature of the place will admit, that by 
 having them all under your own Eye, you may be able to keep up 
 good discipline, and prevent dissipation and irregularity. 
 
 It is not designed that the Regiment should do ordinary duty, 
 or be called out upon every common occasion. But in case if in- 
 vasion, or the advance of the Enemy, you are to obey the orders 
 of General Putnam, and assist in giving them every opposition. 
 
 BRITISH ARMY REPORTS MADE KNOWN TO WASHINGTON, 
 
 It was, probably, while at Durham that the " circumstance" 
 herewith related took place: 
 
 Jones' History of Neiv York during the Revolution, Vol. II, 
 p. 210, relates "a circumstance told me by a gentleman who was 
 a prisoner in Connecticut during the winter of 1779. Stephen 
 Moylan Esq., who commanded a Regiment of norse in the rebel 
 service and was quartered in the same town, in an evening's con- 
 versation told the gentleman that not a return of the number and 
 state of the British army at New York had been made to General 
 Clinton for the last two years, but that General Washington received 
 a copy of it in twenty-four, or at most, in forty-eight hours after 
 its delivery to the Commander-in-Chief." 
 
 At Durham Moylan's Dragoons were quartered all winter and 
 the spring of 1779. General Washington, on June 28th, sent from 
 New Windsor these instructions : 
 
 moylan's COMMAND INCREASED. 
 
 When you have crossed the North River with your Regiment 
 you will proceed to the neighborhood of Bedford [N. Y.], where 
 Col. Sheldon's Horse and a few light infantry are stationed, these 
 you will take under your command. The purpose of this command 
 are to protect the country and inhabitants, give confidence to the 
 militia, and as far as it lies in your power, gain intelligence of the 
 Enemy's force, movements and designs of which you will give me 
 the most punctual information. 
 
 I leave it to your own Judgment, from an examination of the 
 
Destruction of Norzvalk. ■ 85 
 
 country, and according to the circumstances, to take a position 
 that will best answer these purposes, consistent with the security 
 and accommodation of your Troops. 
 
 Col. Armand's Corps I propose ordering down, who will also 
 be under your command. 
 
 The uniform worn in this campaign is described : Short green 
 jackets, red waistcoats ["the green above the red"], buckskin 
 breeches and leather caps trimmed with bear skin. [Am. His. Reg., 
 
 IV, 502.] 
 
 Washington, from New Windsor, New York, on July 10, 
 1779, notified General Heath, "the enemy in considerable force 
 was moving by land towards Horse Neck, with artillery and 
 wagons, and a detachment sent out from New Haven gone to Fair- 
 field, burnt the town, reimbarked and were ofif Norwalk where tis 
 imagined they will land and destroy that place and the two bodies 
 join to ravage and distress the country. You will march to-morrow 
 morning as early as possible. You will direct Colonel Moylan with 
 the Cavalry and infantry under his command to join you at such 
 place as vou mav think proper." [Mass. His. Soc. Col., 5 S., 
 
 IV, 109.]' 
 
 Washington wrote Moylan from New Wmdsor, July 10. 1779: 
 The Person you mention is employed by me. I place a good 
 deal of confidence in him. though he is obliged in order to answer 
 our purposes, to appear friendly to the enemy. I thank you for 
 the intelligence you communicate. The ravages of the enemy par- 
 ticularly at this Season, are distressing; but our situation makes 
 it impossible to prevent them. Armand's Corps has been directed 
 to join you. 
 
 DESTRUCTION OF NORWALK. 
 
 Colonel Moylan to Washington from Wilton. 12th July, 1779: 
 The day on which I last addressed myself to your Excellency 
 General Parsons ordered the Infantry which were under my com- 
 mand at Bedford, to march to Norwalk; finding my small party 
 of Horse would be of little consequence in that quarter I march'd 
 •them also to Norwalk where I arrived yesterday morning just at 
 the time the enemy had made their landing good— an engagement 
 very soon commenced, and a vast deal of ammunition wasted, to 
 very little purpose, as in general our militia kept at awfull distance. 
 The few men, 150 in number, of the Infantry behaved exceeding 
 
86 Destruction of Norwalk. 
 
 well, maintaind their post with the greatest bravery. They were 
 deserted by the militia and order'd to withdraw, which they did 
 without the least appearance of confusion. The town was shortly 
 in ashes and now remains a monument of British barbarity — they 
 reimbarked under cover of the smoke, which was right in our faces 
 and I suppose Stamford will next feel the cruel effects of their rage. 
 It was a ■ fortunate circumstance for me that I kept my Qrs. on 
 Saturday evening, for four hundred of the enemies horse came up 
 to Bedford the next morning and as I am informd burnt it. They 
 did not proceed further as they probably were informd of my 
 departure. 
 
 I order'd Colonel White who commanded the Horse which 
 were watching the army near Rye to join me at this place which 
 he effected last evening. Mr. Gill a Lt. in my Regiment took four 
 of the enemy prisoners, one is so badly wounded that I believe he 
 cannot recover. He had some conversation with Sir Harry Clinton 
 without knowing who he was, until told by the prisoners one of 
 whom I should inform your Excelency is of that Corps who receive 
 no pay, but are supported by plundering the inhabitants. I wish 
 he had been cut down, but I believe he will meet with his deserts, 
 as I intend to send him to Governor Clinton to whom I find he is 
 well known. Both Regiments are now very much fatigued. I 
 will keep as many with me as are best able to bear the hardships 
 of this rough country and send the remainder to some place where 
 they can rest in some kind of security, which I assure you Sir is 
 difficult in any place near Bedford without a body of Infantry to 
 support them. The enemy being so vastly superior to us in Cavalry. 
 My reason for staying here is to give countenance to the militia, 
 who seem to place some confidence in me by doing my duty yester- 
 day. I am very confident that General Clinton's movement to Rye 
 and that Quarter was intended to draw your army or part thereof 
 away from the Fort which I have little doubt is the main object 
 with him of this Campaign. A Letter from General Heath men- 
 tioning his advance towards Bedford with a Division of the Army. 
 He orders me to move forward with the Cavalry and Infantry 
 under my Command to join him at Hoits. I am sorry to quit this 
 neighborhood where I know I should be of some service in keeping 
 the militia together, but his orders shall be obeyed. 
 
 Colonel Moylan sent this report to Washington from Ridge 
 Field. July 21. 1779: 
 
Joins General Glover. 87 
 
 I am again detached from the left wing of the army, having 
 left 40 horses at Peekskill and its neighborhood under the command 
 of Capt. Hopkins in order to watch the enemies motions, and pro- 
 cure inteligence from that Quarter. As I am without Infantry I 
 cannot venture lower down, with the horse. Indeed the marching 
 and countermarching we have had since I left Norwalk has left 
 but few fit for duty. After they have a little rest I propose sending 
 out small parties to gain inteligence, which is all that can be ex- 
 pected from our numbers compared with the enemies Cavalry. I 
 sent a flag in last Saturday by an inteligent officer, who I had not 
 seen until this morning. He assures me that the main body of the 
 enemies Infantry had not marched on Sunday as he could plainly 
 discover that they lay at the west side of the bridge leading in to 
 East Chester, about fifteen hundred with five hundred horse were 
 marchd to Newbridge over Groton. These Troops came to raise 
 the siege of Verplank's point and considering the besiegers situation 
 it was forunate they did not push their march. There is no acct. 
 from Armand's Corps, General Heath promised to send me 150 
 Infantry. If it could be made up 200, it would be little enough 
 for the Duty they will have to go thoro'. If your Excellency thinks 
 it proper to order them on I shall be enabled to move on to Bedford 
 as soon as they may arrive. 
 
 At this time the enemy were " advancing into Connecticut. 
 No troops but the militia there to oppose them," wrote General 
 Parsons to General Glover, loth July, 1779. Grover moved his 
 forces and arrived at Ridgefield on 22d where on 23d he received 
 orders from Washington to *' halt until further orders." Moylan 
 was ordered to join him. Washington was then at West Point, 
 New York. On the same day (24th) he ordered General Heath, 
 at Mandeville, " to order Colonel Moylan to collect his horse and 
 join General Glover under whose command he will be for the 
 present." [Mass., 5, IV, 114.] 
 
 General Glover had left Providence on July 7th to join Wash- 
 ington. On i6th Washington ordered Heath, at Canaan, to 
 " March to-morrow morning towards Peekskill," where he would 
 find General Howe with a couple of brigades — " the command of the 
 whole will devolve on you. Send to hasten on Glover's brigade to 
 join you at the same place." Heath was to follow Howe's instruc- 
 tions which were to open a battery on the enemy at Verplank's 
 Point — which were to be one of the four brigades should be sta- 
 
88 Secret Service Money. 
 
 tioned in the gorge of the mountains and the other three proceed- 
 to the highlands opposite West Point. On July 19th Heath was 
 ordered to direct Glover to halt with his brigade at Ridgefield until 
 he is further instructed. 
 
 On July 30th Heath reported to Washington an action of Cap- 
 tain Hopkins of Moylan's Cavalry which caused Washington, the 
 same day, to write Heath: " Capt. Hopkins' conduct really de- 
 serves applause and shows spirit of interprise that does Him honor." 
 
 On August I, 1779, Washington, then at West Point, New 
 York, wrote Moylan: 
 
 General Howe has gone to Ridgefield, to take the command of 
 Glover's Brigade, and all the Troops in that Quarter, and will make 
 such dispositions of them as may appear best. I am sorry it is not 
 in my power to send you any hard money. I have but little and it is 
 more particularly intended for Persons within the enemy's lines. 
 If you will make out a return of your dismounted Men. and the 
 necessary Arms and accoutrements, I will send for them. I will 
 direct them to be supplied. 
 
 On the 6th he wrote he had received Moylan's of the 3d " and 
 am persuaded you had made a good disposition of the Troops under' 
 your command. I believe there has been no embarkation of the 
 Enemy, except for the Marines, on board the Ships said to be gone 
 in pursuit of our armed Vessels, on the expedition to Penobscot." 
 
 Mrs. Moylan was ill at her father's at Bound Brook, New 
 Jersey. Moylan applied to Washington for furlough and received 
 this reply: 
 
 SECRET SERVICE MONEY. 
 
 Mrs. Moylan's illness will readily obtain my consent to your 
 being absent from the army a fortnight provided a movement of 
 the enemy should not require your presence sooner. General Howe 
 should be made acquainted with your absence. The Sum you 
 speak of, as having expended for secret Service, surprises me ex- 
 ceedingly, because I do not call to mind ever having empowered 
 you to lay out Money for such purposes nor do I recollect ever to 
 have received any intelligence, of an extraordinary nature, differing" 
 in any respect from that which every Officer at an advanced Post, 
 or removed from the main army, regularly obtained (by his own 
 observation and industry, or from the Inhabitants), transmitted to- 
 Head Ouarters, and because the Sum exceeds the aggregate of the 
 
Moylan's Reply. 89 
 
 charges of all the other Officers of the line, for Services of this 
 kind, although some of them have been appointed for, and have 
 attended particularly to this business. Under these circumstances 
 and as a public Officer, my duty obliges me to call for such an 
 account, as will justify my conduct, in ordering payment. 
 
 moylan's word his voucher. 
 
 To this Moylan replied: 
 
 Greenwich, 13th August, 1779. 
 
 Accept my most grateful thanks for your kind permission to 
 pay a visit to Mrs. Moylan. I will, you may be assured Sir not 
 lose time from my duty, which I assure you no officer in the army 
 is fonder of doing than I am. As to the expence of Intelligence I 
 give you my word and my honor I have been rather under, than 
 over, in what I mentioned to your Excellency in my last. This, or 
 rather Poudridge post, has been the most expensive as I promised 
 a man who had been four times within Kingsbridge to make his 
 Dollars Silver, and he says and I believe the last bills I gave him, 
 which were two, one of 65 & one of 45 Dollars, he got but at the 
 rate of 12 for one — as General Howe is at present in this place and 
 will take every opportunity of gaining intelligence, I have not 
 occasion to interfere in that department. At the same time I must 
 remark to your Excellency that I had positively your orders, when 
 I [was] with you at Middlebrook, to lay out money to gain intelli- 
 gence, and when I had the honor to receive your commands of 
 taking the command of the cavalry in the Jersey in 1778 I asked 
 you whether I should try to gain inteligence. Your answer was 
 " yes by all means," which made me fix my Qrs. at Trenton. In- 
 deed the expence for information at that post was very trifleing, 
 but if your Excellency will reccollect what I sent you from Amboy 
 and in that neighborhood, you will see that it must have come from 
 persons I employed within the City. I mean persons I sent in — to 
 New York — the countermarch of the army from the Clove in that 
 year I realy thought was occasiond by the information I had given 
 to your Excellency. 
 
 If my word is not a sufficient voucher to the public. I assure 
 your Excellency I will not nor cannot give any other, and if I even 
 do get what I laid out I do not think, from the depreciation of the 
 money that I shall be paid half what in justice I am entitled to. 
 The freedom with which I write to your Excellency I dare say 
 
go Re-enlisting. 
 
 from my knowledge of you, you will pardon, for you may be 
 assured it does not arise from presumption. I know your heart, it 
 is a great, a good one, and amongst your admirers there is no one 
 who can subscribe himself with more propriety, your assured friend 
 and affectionate Humble Sert. than 
 
 Stephen Moylan. 
 
 General Arthur St. Clair, writing to President Reed of Penn- 
 sylvania from West Point, August 24, 1779, said: 
 
 In Conversation with Col. Moylan yesterday, his Regiment 
 came upon the Cappet. A Resolve of Congress seems to have had 
 in view that the Regiments of Horse that have been raised in par- 
 ticular States should be considered as part of their Quota in the 
 Continental Army. He would be very happy to find himself in that 
 situation ; and tho' the officers have not all been taken from Penn- 
 sylvania, the Men were, I believe, all raised there. I will be obliged 
 to you if you will please to communicate your Sentiments on that 
 head. 
 
 RE-ENLISTED MEN TO BE NATIVES. 
 
 Washington to Moylan from West Point, 24th September, 
 1779: 
 
 The return of Clothing necessary for your regiment, should 
 be made, by you, without delay, to the Board of War, who will 
 give you information where, to whom you are to apply. 
 
 If any of your present men, whose time of service will shortly 
 expire, will re-inlist for the war, they will be entitled to a bounty 
 of 200 dollars and ten dollars to the Officer re-inlisting them. If 
 you find any in the above predicament, willing to re-inlist, you 
 can send over for a sum of money for that purpose. Colonel 
 Sheldon had liberty to endeavour to inlist as many new recruits, 
 as would compleat his regiment to the establishment, provided they 
 could be obtained upon the terms of serving with the regiment, as 
 dismounted Dragoons, until there should be a necessity or con- 
 veniency of mounting them. This to be clearly expressed in the 
 inlistment, that the men may have no pretext for complaint on 
 being made to serve on foot. They were also to be inlisted for the 
 War, and no temporary engagements entered into, on any account 
 whatever. The bounty to new recruits to be 200 dollars and 20 
 dollars to the recruiting Officer. These men must be natives, of 
 good character, and every way suitable for dragoons. If you are 
 
Instructions from West Point. 91 
 
 of opinion that you can obtain men upon the foregoing terms, you 
 may draw money and try the experiment. 
 
 On September 30, 1779, John Pierce, Deputy Paymaster- 
 General, " paid Patrick Bennett for recruiting the 4th Regiment of 
 Light Dragoons to be accounted for by Colonel Moylan, $5,000." 
 Washington the next day wrote Moylan from West Point: 
 
 " I have given Mr. Bennet a Warrant for 5000 dollars for 
 recruiting, which sum he will deliver to you. The state of the 
 military chest will not allow of a larger sum at this time, but you 
 may have more when this is expended." 
 
 Moylan to Washington from North Castle, November 5, 1779: 
 
 I have received Coats and Waistcoats for the 4th Regiment, 
 and am just now informed by Captain Hunter of Bedford that he 
 has as many pairs of Leather breeches of the best quality as will 
 cloath the Regiment which he will part with, if your Excelly. will 
 be pleased to give me an order. I will purchass them from him 
 on the best terms I can — if I have your approbation for procureing 
 the breeches and an order for shirts, stockings & boots — the men 
 will be enabled to keep the field and I am convinced, will do as 
 much duty if not more, than any equal number of men in the 
 service. 
 
 On November 20, 1779, Washington wrote Governor Trum- 
 bull of Connecticut that he would " station New Hampshire troops 
 at Danbury and Moylan and Sheldon's Regiments to east of that." 
 [Mass. His. Soc. Col, X, 148.] 
 
 Washington to Moylan from West Point, 27th November, 
 1779: "You will find in the inclosed instructions the place for the 
 cantonment of the Cavalry and the limitations for furloughing both 
 Officers and Men." 
 
 The Instructions read: 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 As soon as the division under the command of Major-General 
 Howe moves to its ground for Winter Quarters, you will proceed 
 with your own and Sheldon's Regiment of Dragoons, to such pkce 
 or places as the Quarter Master General may have assigned you 
 for Winter Quarters. This may be in Wallingford, Durham or 
 Hadham, as conveniences and Forage may best suit, or in case of 
 necessity you may remove the whole or part to Colchester. In the 
 cantonment of the regiment, you will preserve as much compact- 
 
92 Washington to Moylan. 
 
 ness as the nature of the place will admit, that by having them all 
 under your own eye, you may be able to keep up good discipline, 
 and prevent dissipation and irregularity. 
 
 It is not designed that the regiment should do ordinary duty, 
 or be called out upon every common occasion. But in case of 
 invasion, or the advances of the enemy you are to obey the Orders 
 of General Poor, or other your superior officer commanding at this 
 post and assist in giving them every opposition. 
 
 Washington moved into winter quarters at Morristown, New 
 Jersey, where Moylan, on December 15th and i6th, wrote him 
 relative to quartering the cavalry. Mr. Hubbard declaring the 
 location unsuitable, and Moylan that it would well provide for the 
 wants. However, on December 20th, Washington informed 
 Moylan : 
 
 On a representation of Mr. Hubbard, that the difficulty of 
 obtaining forage and other supplies for the two regiments of Dra- 
 goons at Middletown and Weathersfield, would be very difficult 
 and productive of an enormous expense, I am to desire you will 
 remove them to Colchester, where a Magazine of Forage is laid in, 
 and a sufficient quantity of Stable room can be provided, 
 
 Washington, replying to Moylan's of 15th and i6th from 
 Morristown on Christmas Day, 1779, said: 
 
 I am extremely sorry that the question of quartering the 
 cavalry stands upon so very disagreeable a footing between Mr. 
 Hubbard and yourself. But there are reasons which will not 
 suffer me to retract the order contained in mine of the 20th. 
 Though I doubt not the cavalry may be well provided and accom- 
 modated at the places you wish, yet I prefer Colchester, because 
 large Magazines are already formed there and other preparations 
 made. I am told too, all your Wood, where you now are, must 
 be brought several miles at an enormous expense; at any rate 
 fresh purchases of forage must be made, which in the present ex- 
 hausted state of the treasury is scarcely practicable ; or if prac- 
 ticable, unadvisable. You will therefore remove to Colchester, 
 
 I wish to receive from you, by the earliest opportunity, a 
 Return of the Officers and Men in your Regiment who belong to 
 the State of Virginia. You will mention the names and rank of 
 the first, the number of the latter will do, in which you will note 
 how many of them engaged for the War and to what other periods 
 the rest stand engaged. 
 
Moylan's Loyalty. 93 
 
 " NOT MY BUSINESS TO DISPUTE." 
 
 To which Moylan replied from Middletown, 4th January, 1780: 
 
 I have ordered Sheldon's Regiment on from Weathersfield to 
 Colchester. The 4th is at Walingsford where they will remain a 
 few days in order to give Mr. Hubbard time to make some prepara- 
 tion for their reception which you will see by the inclosed report is 
 necessary — the representation made to you. Sir, were not founded 
 on facts, but it is not my business to dispute, but to obey your 
 orders which I shall put in execution as soon as possible — you will 
 receive by this conveyance returns of the two Regiments for last 
 month, and you may be assured of my transmitting them monthly 
 agreeable to your orders. You have also a return of the officers 
 and men belonging to the 4th Regiment who are from the State of 
 Virginia. The weather here is very severe, and many, indeed the 
 Majority of the Dragoons, have neither boots or shoes. I have 
 spoke to Capt. Starr of this place who promises me to supply them 
 with shoes. As it is a case of necessity I hope neither he or I can 
 receive censure. 
 
 Moylan's " business" was " not to dispute" but it turned out 
 by later events that he was justified in not approving of the selec- 
 tion of Colchester. The Governor and Assembly of Connecticut 
 were likewise opposed to the cantonment of the troops there. Mr. 
 Hubbard also confessed the selection unadvisable. 
 
 Washington wrote Moylan from Morristown, 5th January 
 1780: 
 
 The Board of War are anxious to compleat an arrangement 
 of the four Regiments of Cavalry and have wrote to me on that 
 account. You will therefore be pleased to forward that of your 
 Hegiment as speedily as possible. 
 
 To this Moylan replied: 
 
 moylan's " A SOUTHERN REGIMENT." 
 
 Middletown, 17th January, 1780. 
 The exceeding heavy snows had stoppd up the roads in such 
 a manner as rendered it absolutely impossible for the 2d Regt. to 
 move on to Colchester or the 4th to leave Walingford, until the 
 14th inst. when they got as far as Durham, I expect them in from 
 thence at this place to-morrow, where they shall remain no longer 
 than untill a road can be found passable to Colchester, as the 
 weather is cleared up, I hope they will be able to march in a day 
 
94 A Southern Regiment. 
 
 or two. The river will now bear, and I am informed there is a 
 road by marching i6 miles on it that will probably be beat suffi- 
 cient. I have sent down to have it examind, and hope for a favor- 
 able report. The Inhabitants of the town of Durham, instigated 
 by Mr. Wadsworth formerly a Bridgr. Genl. would, scarcely let the 
 Regiment halt at that place, tho in their direct rout to Colchester, 
 for no other reason that I know of, but that they are a Southern 
 Regiment, which I am sorry to say, is not a reccommendation in 
 this State. I find this Gentn., if I may call him one, has represented 
 me in an unfavorable light to the Governor, from whom I have 
 this day received a most insulting Letter. As I know it was wrote 
 in prejudice I will not give such an answer, as it deserves. I have 
 one pleasure which is that no Regiment could be more orderly than 
 the 4th since they have come into this State, and I have no doubt 
 but they will continue so. 
 
 A further report was made by Moylan from Middletown, 22d 
 January, 1780: 
 
 There is at last a path made from East Haddam to Colchester, 
 by which rout I shall march off the Regiment this day. We have 
 an exceeding cold day, and the Regiment so very badly off for 
 undercloaths that they are much to be pitied. If the Quarters are 
 so bad as represented to me, it will be much to be lamented that 
 the whole has been ordered thither — Major Tallmadge informs me 
 that a part of the 2d will march this by way of Bolton — and the 
 remainder the 24th — the dismounted of that Regiment are to remain 
 at Weathersfield, as it will be impossible to quarter them at Col- 
 chester. This is done at the request of Mr. Hubbard, who acknowl- 
 edges that the men cannot be quartered any where convenient to 
 the stables. 
 
 Captain Pike & Captain Craig are going to recruit for the 
 Regiment, if your Excellency will be pleasd to order them some 
 money for that purpose they will account for the same. 
 
 Washington to Moylan, 14th January, 1780: 
 
 His Excellency Governor Trumbull has written to me lately 
 and informed me that the executive of the State of Connecticut are 
 determined to take the most vigorous measures for stopping the 
 intercourse between the inhabitants of that State and the Enemy 
 in New York, and upon Long Island, and has requested me to 
 direct the assistance of the Cavalry should they be found necessary 
 for the more effectual execution of the Law. I have in answer 
 
Moylan from Colchester. 95 
 
 represented to the Governor that the Horse, after a hard Campaign, 
 require as much repose as possible in their Winter Quarters, and 
 have therefore desired him to call for them only in case of emer- 
 gency. I hope you will not often have occasion to detach the Horse 
 upon business of this kind, but I am to desire you to comply with 
 the requisitions when made. Should they be too frequent we must 
 take an opportunity of remonstrating against the practice. 
 
 To which Moylan replied: 
 
 Colchester, ist February, 1780. 
 
 I acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's Letter of the 
 14th Ulto. by which I am ordered to comply with the requisitions 
 of Governor Trumbull for the assistance of Cavalry. Should they 
 be found necessary to enforce the execution of the Laws to prevent 
 the trade carried on from this State with the enemy, which shall 
 be obeyed. 
 
 I am informd that the authority of this town have memorialisd 
 the executive power of the State setting forth the impossibility of 
 their being capable of Quartering the two Regiments in this place 
 during the winter. Indeed they have good reason for it as it will 
 be a difBcult matter to find Qrs. even for one, to have them in 
 such a manner as the men can be convenient to attend their horses. 
 The 4th Regiment are at present from absolute necessity dispersed 
 full five miles — and by the inclosed from Major Tallmadge your 
 Excellency will see how the 2d are situated. Had the plan for 
 quartering the two Regiments, which was first formd, taken place 
 they could both have been well accomodated, and I will dare to 
 say at less expence to the publick than they will be at present. I 
 am sorry to find that there is little probability of our having grain 
 to recruit our horses with after a hard duty the last Campaign. 
 One quart p. day is what the Qr. Master tells me can be allowed 
 I mention this that your Excellency may not expect to see the 
 Horse in order for doing duty at the opening of the Campaign. 
 You may be assured. Sir, that nothing on my part shall be wanting 
 to bring them in the best condition which the circumstances will 
 
 allow of. 
 
 Washington at Morristown to Moylan at Colchester, 3d Feb- 
 ruary, 1780: 
 
 Since I wrote to you to remove all the Cavalry to Colchester, 
 I have seen a second representation from Mr. Hubbard to the 
 Quarter Master General, in which he seems to confess that they 
 
96 Moylan frovi Colchester. 
 
 cannot be accommodated with conveniency at Colchester, and 
 wishes Sheldon's Regiment to be left at Weathersfield. I shall 
 therefore leave the Cantonment of the Horse to your Discretion, 
 and have only to recommend to you to keep them as compact as 
 the State of the Forage and Quarters will admit. I should be 
 sorry that there should be any misunderstanding between Governor 
 Trumbull and you, and I think you acted with great prudence in 
 not answering a warm letter from him in the same stile, as you 
 had reason to think he had been unwarrantably prejudiced. You 
 will, upon the whole, find many advantages by cultivating a good 
 understanding with the Civil Authority. 
 
 Captains Pike and Craig called upon me for money for the 
 recruiting service, ... I think you had best turn your attention 
 to reinlisting your old men, and to picking up new Recruits in the 
 Country near the Quarters of your Regiment. This may be done 
 without incurring any extra expense. 
 
 John Pierce, Deputy Paymaster-General [appointed June, 
 1779], writing from Morristown, February 8, 1780, to Thomas 
 Reed at New Windsor, sent him " an account of advances against 
 Colonel Moylan's Regiment which remain unsettled." Mr. Hen- 
 derson, Paymaster of the Regiment, disputed the justice of the 
 stoppage, as he had mislaid his pay-rolls or left them in Philadel- 
 phia. [Saifel, 481.] 
 
 Moylan to Governor Trumbull: 
 
 Major Worthington handed me a Resolve of the General 
 Assembly of this State relative to the two Regiments of Light 
 Dragoons under my command, with your Excellency's order for 
 the removal of the 2d Regiment from Colchester to the severall 
 towns mentiond in the resolve for their Cantonment. I now send 
 the necessary orders to the officers commanding that Regt. that 
 the same may be put in execution as soon as possible. 
 
 I am very sorry Sir, that your orders are to have the Regi- 
 ment so very much dispersed. It will put it out of the power of 
 the officers to pay that attention which is so essentialy necessary 
 for keeping up a proper discipline and will render it impossible 
 for me to fulfil the instructions which I have received from His 
 Excellency the Commander in Chief — from them Sir I take the 
 Liberty to give you the following extracts : " In the Cantonment 
 of the Regiments you will preserve as much compactness as the 
 nature of the place will admit, that by having them all under your 
 
Connecticut Orders. 97 
 
 own eye, you may be able to keep up good discipline, and prevent 
 dissipation & irregularity. 
 
 " You will direct the utmost attention to the Horse, that they 
 may come into the field in the best possible condition for service." 
 
 I must plead your Excellency's orders for my not being able 
 to comply with these instructions — had the Regiment been stationed 
 at any one place I would endeavour to fulfill them. 
 
 P.S. — The dismounted men of the 2d Regt. are now quartered 
 in Weathersfield. I will be obliged to your Excellency to let me 
 know by the earliest opportunity, whether it is your intention that 
 they should move with the Regiment. 
 
 RESOLVE OF CONNECTICUT. 
 
 By the Governor & Commander in chief to Stephen Moylan, 
 Esqr., Colonel Comt. of the two Regts. of American Light Dra- 
 goons now in this State. 
 
 Enclosed is a Resolve of the General Assembly of this State 
 relative to said two Regiments. Pleas to give the necessary orders 
 for the removal of the 2d Regiment call'd Sheldon's, from Col- 
 chester to the several towns mentiond in the Resolve, to be can- 
 ton 'd in the proportions and manner therein mentiond. 
 
 Given under my hand in the Council Chamber at Hartford, 
 5th Feby, 1780. 
 
 JoNTH. Trumbull. 
 
 Whereas two Regiments of American Light Dragoons are 
 now in this State, in order to be quartered. Wherefore that the 
 same may be distributed in the several towns with the least dis- 
 advantage to the Inhabitants, &c. Resolved by this Assembly that 
 the fourth Regiment shall remain at Colchester, where it is now — 
 and the other or 2d Regt. called Sheldon's shall be cantond in the 
 several towns of Farmington, Symsbury, Windsor, Suffield, East 
 Windsor & Enfield, in equal proportions as near as may be, and 
 to be distributed and placed in such parts of said several towns as 
 the Civil Authority & Select Men of such towns shall order & 
 direct. 
 
 Moylan reported to Washington: 
 
 Colchester, 8 February, 1780. 
 
 Inclosed is copy of an act of the Legislature of this State, the 
 Governor's order to me thereon, and my answer thereto, which it 
 is my duty to lay before your Excellency. 
 
98 Connecticut Orders. 
 
 Your Letter to me of the 14th Ulto. mentions that I am to 
 comply with the requisitions of the Governor, for the Cavalry, 
 when demanded, which made me not hesitate in obeying his order. 
 Had I not this sanction Sir, was I at liberty to object to the 
 removal of the 2d Regiment? I beg your Excellency's opinion on 
 this point, for my future government. 
 
 To which Washington replied: 
 
 MoRRiSTOWN, i6th February, 1780. 
 With regards to the Act of Assembly of the State of Connecti- 
 cut, it appears to me founded on a principle which, if extended or 
 carried into a precedent, would be productive of consequences most 
 injurious to the Service. In the present instance, however, there 
 seemed a necessity for complying with it, for the greater ease of 
 the Inhabitants and to prevent the cantonments falling too heavy 
 on any particular place. It is always my wish to accomodate, 
 where no great injuries can result to the service. And I would 
 hope, that notwithstanding the sparse situation into which the 
 cavalry are thrown, the attention of the Officers will provide against 
 the inconveniences apprehended. 
 
 REGIMENTAL RETURN WANTED. 
 
 On February 15, 1780, Washington to Moylan requesting an 
 exact Return of the number of Non-Commissioned Officers and 
 Privates of your Regiment, designating in a particular manner, 
 how many of them are inlisted for the War, and the different terms 
 of service of the residue, digested in Monthly Columns. You can- 
 not be too expeditious in forwarding me this Return. 
 
 At this time there were 130 Pennsylvanians in Moylan's 
 " Regiment." 
 
 On 2ist Washington directed: 
 
 " Should any of the Men belong to the State of Connecticut, 
 you will be pleased to transmit a Return of them immediately to 
 Governor Trumbull. You will notwithstanding this, include them 
 in the Regimental Return which you make to me." 
 
 By a return dated Wethersfield. February 22, 1780, made by 
 Major Benjamin Tailmadge of 2d Light Dragoons it appears that 
 in six companies there were but i trumpeter, i farrier and 5 
 privates of " Mounted effective dragoons." The reasons given 
 were " Horses much reduced, almost total want of accoutrements, 
 boots and other clothing." Colonel Moylan reported, " Fourth 
 
Dragoons for Greenzvich. 99 
 
 Regiment returned non-effective for want of breeches, boots, shirts 
 and stockings." 
 
 Yet duty had to be performed though the men were not in 
 proper condition. Governor Trumbull from Hartford, on Feb- 
 ruary 19, 1780, sent this order: 
 
 AN ORDER FROM GOVERNOR TRUMBULL TO MOYLAN. 
 
 At the request of the General Assembly of this State, I have 
 to desire you to order an officer and eighteen mounted Dragoons 
 from the Regiments under your command to march immediately 
 to Greenwich on the Western Coast of this State, for the purpose 
 of protecting the Inhabitants of the adjacent country, and prevent- 
 ing the practice of carrying embargoed provisions to the enemy at 
 New York. 
 
 I would wish Lt. Rogers of Sheldon's Regiment to be em- 
 ployed on this service, as being perfectly well acquainted with that 
 part of the country, and. as a Native, particularly interested to be 
 active and vigilant. 
 
 Colonel Moylan replied on 21st, saying: 
 
 " As you think Natives more particularly interested to be 
 active and vigilant, I have ordered the party from the 2d Regi- 
 ment." 
 
 But three days later he had to report to the Governor that " it 
 was not in his power to furnish the party you made requisition of," 
 as the Adjutant of the Regiment reported " the whole being non- 
 effective." He was " in expectation of some clothing for the 4th 
 Regiment; if it should come timely I can easily equip the number 
 wanting." He advised that " the Assembly ought to appoint some 
 certain plan from which provisions can be drawn for the men and 
 forage for the horses upon this duty." 
 
 The same day (24th) Moylan reported to Washington: 
 
 That he had received the requisition of the Governor for the 
 eighteen men, to go on the Lines, which I orderd from the 2d 
 Regiment, not doubting but it could be furnished from thence, but 
 such is the state of the two Regiments in respect to cloathing that 
 the party could not be furnished. 
 
 Colonel Moylan was then at Colchester. Connecticut. 
 
 To Washington he reported from Middletown, 29th February, 
 1780: 
 
 You will see by my Letters, that the Civil powers have taken 
 
lOO Regiments in Straits. 
 
 upon themselves, the cantonment of the 2d Regiment, the 4th are 
 at Colchester, and if we are supplyed with Forao-e I hope to shew 
 them to advantage, at the opening of the Campaign. I have tryed 
 every method to prevail with the men whose time is near expiring, 
 to reinlist but the desire of seeing home is at present their ruling 
 passion, if I could have granted them that liberty before they 
 march'd so far, it would, I am convinced, have had very good 
 effects but your Excellency's instructions positively forbad it. 
 
 ILL CONDITION OF REGIMENTS. 
 
 Washington to Moylan from Morristown, 8th March, 1780: 
 
 I am exceedingly concerned to see. by the letters which have 
 passed between Governor Trumbull and you, and by the Returns, 
 the ill condition of the 26. and 4th Regiments of Cavalry in respect 
 to Clothing, Arms and accoutrements. I understood that applica- 
 tion has been made for the former directly to the Board of War, 
 and I was in hopes that it had been provided. I shall be glad to 
 know what prospect your Regiment has of being supplied and 
 have wrote to Major Tallmadge on the same subject respecting 
 Sheldon's. 
 
 A Court Martial is to be held on the 15th April next at Spring- 
 field, for the trial of Mr. Tychnor. Deputy Commissary of pur- 
 chases at Co'os, on sundry charges brought against him by Colonel 
 Hazen. Six Captains and Subs, are to be furnished from the two 
 Regiments of Cavalry : You will therefore be pleased to order that 
 number upon that duty, and direct them to be punctual in their 
 attendance at the time. 
 
 Doctor Shippen has summoned you as witness upon his trial 
 which is to be held at this place upon the 14th Instant. After 
 leaving proper directions with the next Officer in command you 
 will repair hither. 
 
 TRIAL OF DR. SHIPPEN. 
 
 Dr. Shippen was the Director-General of the Military Hos- 
 pitals. He was charged with selling hospital stores for his own use. 
 
 Washington's order did not reach Moylan until March 27th 
 at Middletown, where he had gone on account of the accouchment 
 of Mrs. Moylan, who gave birth to a still-born infant. 
 
 Before receiving Washington's order to " repair" to Morris- 
 town, Colonel Moylan had sent this declaration: 
 
 I do declare upon my sacred honour that in the year 1777 I 
 
To Go South. loi 
 
 went in company with, and by the desire of, Doctor Shippen, the 
 Director-General of the hospitals, to a store, where I tasted five or 
 six pipes of wine ; that I recommended them for liis own use, as 
 I thought them cheap and good. Given under my hand, this sixth 
 day of March, in Colchester, 1780. 
 
 Stephen Moylan. 
 
 The trial adjourned for " a few weeks," wrote Washington to 
 Moylan on April 5th, adding, " It is lucky you did not set out" in 
 obedience to his order of March 8th. 
 
 When finally tried. Dr. Shippen was acquitted. 
 
 " PREPARING FOR THE SOUTH." 
 
 On March 8, 1780. Washington at Morristown, New Jersey, 
 urged the Board of War at Philadelphia to hasten the accoutre- 
 ments and clothing for the dragoons. The Board replied on March 
 17th — St. Patrick's Day — that supplies for the cavalry had been 
 ordered sent the camp. Again on March 25th Washington called 
 for saddles for the dragoons " now preparing for an immediate 
 departure for the South." 
 
 On the 27th he wrote Colonel Mo3dan that the Board of War 
 had given directions to provide " uniform clothing for your Regi- 
 ment" and would " procure caps, leather breeches and boots for 
 the cavalry," and " make provision of swords, pistols and car- 
 touch boxes." Washington had ordered " saddlery." He added : 
 
 " Here I must take occasion to enforce a matter which the 
 Board of War have recommended, and which is. to draw no more 
 than the Articles which are indispensably necessary and no more of 
 such Articles than are really deficient. The scantiness of our 
 Stores of every kind and the necessity of retrenching public ex- 
 penses, by all possible means, makes me hope you will pay the 
 strictest attention to this request." 
 
 MOYLAN 'S DEAD CHILD. 
 
 Moylan to Washington from Middletown, 28th March, 1780: 
 As your Excellency's Letter of the 8th instant did not reach 
 my hands until yesterday, it rendered my appearance at the trial 
 of Doctor Shippen on the 14th impossible. I will obey your order 
 by sending the six officers to Springfield from the Cavalry to sit 
 on the trial of Mr. Tychner. The only prospect I have of getting 
 cloathing for the 4th Regiment is the promise of the Clothier 
 
I02 Penitsylz'aiiia Dragoons. 
 
 General. I have sent Captain Pike near two months past on that 
 business but have not since heard from him, as to the accoutre- 
 ments I followed the instructions of your Excellency in applying to 
 the D. Q. M. Genl. I know that without these necessary articles 
 as well as some new arms, these two Regiments cannot take the 
 field. 
 
 Mrs. Moylan has had the misfortune to be delivered of a dead 
 child which has kept me in this town of late more than I otherwise 
 should be as her situation requires my every attention, I hope it 
 will sufficiently excuse my absence from Colchester. I hear from 
 thence every day — the horses are in very good order. 
 
 Should Mrs. Moylan's health & circumstances require it, I 
 will be much obliged by your Excellency's giving me a liberty to 
 accompany her into the Jerseys in April or May. If I should find 
 it detrimental to the service, I shall not make use of it. 
 
 On April i, 1780, Moylan at Middletown sent Washington the 
 " returns for the 2d and 4th Regiments" for March. 
 
 On April 5th Washington notified Moylan that Dr. Shippen's 
 trial had been postponed. He would get notice of the next meeting 
 of the Court, " which I imagine will suit that of your attendance 
 upon Mrs. Moylan to Jersey." He sent his own and Mrs. Wash- 
 ington's compliments to Mrs. Moylan " and condolence in your 
 late misfortune." 
 
 In a Postscript he added: 
 
 PS. — The Court Martial is adjourned to the 15th May. You 
 will therefore come down about that time, if no material duty in 
 the line of your command should prevent you. 
 
 Pennsylvania's dragoons. 
 
 To President Reed of Pennsylvania Colonel Moylan reported 
 from Colchester, April 14th: 
 
 The Resolve of Congress passed the 15th March, 1779, respect- 
 ing the Corps of Light Dragoons, has but very lately come to my 
 knowledge, probably owing to the duty of that part of the Army 
 Which I have the honour to command, being generally employed 
 on the enemies Lines ; and of course we are not regularly supplied 
 with the General Orders. 
 
 Mr. John Sullivan, mentioned in this Return as belonging to 
 the State, has not been long enough in America to have gained a 
 Settlement in any part of the United States, but as I made him the 
 
Moylan's Men in Xccd. 103 
 
 offer of a Lieutenancy in the Regiment during his Sojourn in 
 Philadelphia, I have Sett him down as appertaining to Pennsyl- 
 vania, which is agreeable to the Resolve of Congress before men- 
 tioned. He is a young gentleman of some fortune, and one that 
 I have every reason to think, will do honor to himself, and to the 
 State of which he is to be a member. 
 
 I have great satisfaction in assuring the Legislature of Penn- 
 sylvania that no men in the army have done their duty with more 
 alacrity than those in the 4th Regiment of Light Dragoons, who 
 belong to that State, have done. 
 
 By the " Return" it was shown that 1 1 were engaged for the 
 War, 5 until April, i until July and i to September. Total 18. of 
 whom " only eleven are to be credited as part of the State's quota." 
 
 DEPLORABLE CONDITION OF MOYLAN's MEN. 
 
 The deplorable condition of the Dragoons is thus stated to 
 General Washington: 
 
 Colchester, 14th April, 1780. 
 
 On the first inst. I requested liberty to convey Mrs. Moylan 
 to her friends in Jersey in this or the next month. She is recover- 
 ing fast from her late indisposition and if I have your permission, I 
 should be glad to set out early in May that I may have sufficient 
 time to return before the Regiment can take the field. I propose 
 taking the tour of the 2d Regiment next week, the 4th are recruit- 
 ing fast. As to the horses, the men much to be pitied for want of 
 bread, shirts, hoots & stockings and by much more, for want of 
 Breeches, I was informd that it would be deranging the system 
 established for cloathing the Army, to get an order on Boston for 
 the necessary clothing wanting for the 4th Regiment. Colonel 
 Sheldon was not told so, & has got his Regiment comfortable, I 
 am glad he has, but it makes the poor fellows of the 4th feel, for 
 the neglect shewn them, especially as they think, they have at least 
 as much title to attention as any Regiment of horse in the service. 
 There are a few recruits picked up and they tell me 750 dollars is 
 given as a bounty, by Major Lee & others recruiting westward of 
 us, I wish to know from your Excellency whether I am entitled to 
 give that bounty, as I have promisd the utmost given by any officer 
 recruiting for the cavalry. It sickens me to see the 4th Regiment 
 mouldering away. Every day now, carries off some whose times 
 are up, and I have no inducements to offer for encourageing their 
 
I04 Moyla)is Men in Xccd. 
 
 reinlisting. Badly paid with money that will not purchase an egg" 
 in this place ; no bread to eat, and seeing themselves and those 
 whom they leave behind almost naked, these are not inducements 
 for continueing in the service. 
 
 How the officers manage, is to me inconceivable. I do declare 
 that if I had not drawn upon France for loo guineas, which by 
 great economy carries me through, I should not be able to get the 
 necessaries of Life. When things are at the worst, they will mend, 
 is the proverb, I hope it will prove true in the present instance. 
 A report prevails that your Excellency is to move Head Qrs. to the 
 Southward. My ambition is to serve where your Excellency imme- 
 diately commands the army. If it should be true I hope you will 
 not leave me behind you. 
 
 This distressful condition of the army owing to the lack of 
 supplies, even " the necessaries of life," was still further made 
 deplorable by reason of the severity of the weather. Washington 
 writing to Lafayette — then in France — on March i8, 1780, from 
 Morristown, stated: 
 
 " The oldest people now living in this Country do not remem- 
 ber so hard a winter as the one we are now emerging from," on 
 account of the " extreme cold and deep snows." \Sparks, \T, 487.] 
 
 On April i8th Washington wrote Moylan: 
 
 " There is a quantity of Arms and Accoutrements proper for 
 Cavalry at Springfield. I have directed the Commissary of Mili- 
 tary Stores at that place to deliver to you and to Colonel Sheldon 
 for the use of your Regiments, such of the Articles as you may 
 want." 
 
 He had written General Schuyler, 22d March, " Our aflfairs 
 seem to be verging fast to a stagnation in every branch, even pro- 
 visions." 
 
 Moylan to Washington from Hartford, 24th April, 1780: 
 
 I came to this place in order to apply to the General Assembly 
 for to advance a sum of money to purchass Forage for the Light 
 Dragoons as what has been collected at Colchester will be consumed 
 in this week, and the inhabitants there, also those in the different 
 towns where the 2d Regiment are placed, absolutely refuse to 
 furnish any upon the credit of the United States, I have expecta- 
 tion that money will be lodged in the hands of the Depy. Or. ■Mr. 
 General for this purpose. 
 
 I could wish that Lt. Col. Temple was to join the Regiment 
 
Moylan's Men in Need. 105 
 
 before my departure for Morristown in order to attend Doctor 
 Shippen's trial, which I find is adjourned to the 15th May, at 
 which time I hope personally to pay my respects to your Excellency. 
 
 I will leave this place to-morrow in order to visit the different 
 Troops of the 2d Regiment and will report the state of that and of 
 the 4th Regt. to your Excellency when I have the honour to see you. 
 
 Mrs. Moylan hopes soon to thank you & Mrs. Washington in 
 person for your kind concern on her late misfortune. We propose 
 setting out the 5th of next month at which time I will be the bearer 
 of the Returns for the month of April. 
 
 On April 28, 1780, the Supreme Executive Council of Penn- 
 sylvania received from Colonel Moylan under date of Colchester, 
 April 14th, a " Return of Officers and Privates of the 4th Regiment 
 of Light Dragoons belonging to the State of Pennsylvania," by 
 which it appears that Moylan was, on June 5, 1776, Colonel by 
 brevet and on 8th June, 1777, in the cavalry from Pennsvlvania. 
 [Col Rec, XII, 332.] 
 
 JUNE 1780. 
 
 On June 7, 1780, Washington established his headquarters at 
 Springfield, N. J. On the 26th, when at Morristown, he sent orders 
 to General Glover under whose command Moylan's Regiment had 
 been placed (while he was at the home of his wife) to move on 
 to Springfield for the purpose of receiving and forwarding the 
 draft. 
 
 On June 10, 1780, Washington at Springfield, New Jersey, 
 directed General Robert Howe, who though of the same name a.s 
 the British brothers Howe, was a Patriot, to " consider West Point 
 as the capital object of your attention," as there " is a suspicion of 
 something being intended against that post." Clinton's Brigade 
 " may shortly reinforce you. The enemy have a good many cavalry 
 and we have none here. You will despatch immediately Moylan's 
 regiment to join us." [Sparks', VII, 75.] 
 
 Washington was moving the army Southward. 
 
 Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan or Officer command- 
 ing 4th L. D., Springfield, June 20. 1780: 
 
 Should the whole of your Regiment have left King's Ferry, 
 you will be pleased to order back a Commissioned Officer and six 
 Men, with directions to the Officer to remain on this side, and 
 dispatch a Dragoon every morning with a written report of any 
 
io6 Bull's Ferry. 
 
 appearances upon the Water. Should any Vessels heave in sight, 
 he will endeavour to ascertain their number and size, he will come 
 on himself with the last man. 
 
 If the whole Regiment should not have come on, you may 
 send these orders to the Officer in the rear. 
 
 By Colonel James McHenry, Washington's orders on July 
 5, 1780, to Moylan were: 
 
 His Excellency requests that you will without delay take Post 
 with your Regiment in a situation near the rear of the Army calcu- 
 lated to afford you a sufficiency of Forage. From hence you will 
 detach a commissioned Officer with fifteen Men, which you will be 
 pleased to relieve as often as you may judge proper, and direct them 
 to patrol the Country from the little Falls as far as Acquackenunch 
 Bridge to Hackensack. It is the General's particular recommen- 
 dation, that the patrol frequently change ground nor remain long 
 in a place, never two nights at a time. Major Lee is directed to 
 patrol on your left. 
 
 Moylan made reply the same day to which came this answer: 
 
 I communicated your answer to His Excellency. He thinks 
 the little Falls too near the Enemy and leaves it to you to take a 
 position within the fork of the River, or on this side, or on the 
 left of the Army as you may find most convenient to the objects 
 which he communicated. You will be pleased to advise the Gen- 
 eral as soon as you have determined on a position. 
 
 bull's ferry. 
 
 On July 20. 1780, Washington ordered General Anthony 
 Wayne to " proceed with the first and second Pennsylvania Brig- 
 ades and Colonel Moylan's regiment of dragoons upon the execu- 
 tion of the business planned." 
 
 This was an attack on the block house at Bull's Ferry near 
 Fort Lee on the west bank of the Hudson River. 
 
 On July 22. 1780, General Wayne from Totowa reported to 
 General Washington that " the first and second Pennsylvania brig- 
 ades, with four pieces of artillery belonging to Col. Proctor's regi- 
 ment and Colonel Moylan's dragoons, took up their line of march 
 on the 20th at three o'clock p.m. and arrived a little in the rear of 
 New Bridge at nine in the evening. We moved again at one in the 
 morning in order to occupy the ground in the vicinity of Fort 
 Lee and the landing opposite King's Bridge by the dawn of day 
 
Bull's Ferry. 107 
 
 we advanced with . . . Colonel Moylan's horse on the common 
 road. Colonel Moylan with the horse, and a detachment of in- 
 fantry, remained at the fork of the road leading to Paulus Hook 
 and Bergen, to receive the enemy. , . . Colonel Moylan's horse 
 drove the cattle from Bergen up towards the Liberty Pole whilst 
 detachment of infantry destroyed the sloops and the woodboats at 
 the landing." 
 
 Washington reported to President Huntingdon of Congress 
 on July 26, 1780: 
 
 Having received information that there were considerable 
 number of cattle and horses in Bergen Neck, within reach of the 
 enemy and having reason to suspect that they meant shortly to 
 draw all supplies of that kind within their lines, I detached Briga- 
 dier-General Wayne on the 20th with the first and second Penn- 
 sylvania brigades with four pieces of artillery attached to them, 
 and Col. Moylan's Regiment of dragoons to bring them off. I 
 had it also in contemplation to attempt, at the same time, the de- 
 struction of a Block house erected at Bull's Ferry, which served 
 the purpose of covering the enemy's wood choppers and giving 
 security to a body of Refugees, by whom it was garrisoned, and 
 who committed depredations upon the well-affected inhabitants for 
 many miles round. 
 
 General Wayne having disposed of his troops so as to guard 
 the different landing places on the Bergen shore and having sent 
 down the Cavalry to execute the business of driving off the stock. 
 
 While Wayne was attacking the block house, " the dragoons 
 in the meantiVne drove off the stock which were found in the Neck, 
 the sloops and wood boats in the dock near the block house, were 
 burnt and the few people on board them made prisoners." Wayne 
 lost 15 killed, 49 wounded. [Pa. Packet, Aug. i, 1780.] 
 
 Washington to Moylan, Bergen County, 28th July, 1780: 
 
 There is a necessity for moving the Army from this Ground 
 to-morrow morning, and as we have not a sufficiency of waggons 
 for the purpose, you will be pleased to divide the whole of your 
 Horse in small parties and send them five or six miles each way to 
 make an impress. Sixty Waggons at least will be w^anted, which 
 are to be sent, as they are collected, to the Grand Parade. They 
 must if possible be there some time in the night, as the Troops are 
 to march at three in the Morning. The people may be informed 
 that they will be discharged in three Days and perhaps sooner. 
 
io8 TJie Traitor Arnold. 
 
 Our move is of the utmost importance and you will for that reason 
 direct the parties to be active in the execution of their business. 
 The people should bring Forage with their waggons if possible. 
 
 A DISAGREEABLE CRISIS. 
 
 On 30th July, 1780, Washington informed Congress " Of the 
 most disagreeable crisis to which our affairs are brought in the 
 Quartermaster General's department, unless measures are taken 
 immediately to induce General Greene and other principal officers 
 of that department to continue their services, there must of neces- 
 sity be a total stagnation of military business. We must not only 
 cease from the preparations for the campaign, but in all probability 
 shall be obliged to disperse, if not disband, the army for want of 
 subsistence." [Sparks', VII, 126.] 
 
 THE TRAITOR ARNOLD. 
 
 On September 27, 1780. his brother, then in Philadelphia, 
 wrote in Spanish to Stephen on business matters but saying, " Yes- 
 terday we learned the sorrowful news that Arnold had been de- 
 clared a traitor and is now in New York." Stephen replied, in 
 French, concerning the business and saying that he had been ill by 
 fever and was yet in such a condition that he could scarcely 
 write. [M.S'.] 
 
 Colonel Moylan to President Reed from Camp, October i : 
 
 Major Andre is to be executed this evening at 5 o'clock. 
 What a pity it is not Arnold that is to suffer in his room. His 
 conduct through the examination has been open, candid, manly, 
 and has gained him the esteem of every one. He has been led into 
 the scrape against his judgment, and fortunately for America, by 
 the bad conduct of Arnold in sending him back, was catched. 
 [Reed's Life of Reed, II, 276.] 
 
 *' The man was noble but his last attempt wiped it out and his 
 name remains to ensuing ages abhorred." 
 
 On November 17, 1780, Washington sent Moylan instructions: 
 
 You will immediately send off all your infirm and reduced 
 Horses to Lancaster in Pennsylvania, at or near which place your 
 Regiment will be cantoned for the Winter. 
 
 You will give the Officer who goes with the party directions 
 to deliver to the Deputy Quarter Master General in Lancaster 
 County all the Horses that you are of opinion will not be fit for 
 
Washingtoii to Moylan. 109 
 
 Dragoon service another Campaign; the remainder you will have 
 recruited and put in good Order in the course of the Winter. 
 
 You will particularly attend to that part of your former In- 
 structions, pointing out the number of Horses to be kept by each 
 Officer according to his Rank, and see that the number is not on 
 any account exceeded. You will have all the Old Accoutrements 
 repaired, as soon as the Men are fixed in Quarters. 
 
 As I presume that the State of Pennsylvania is to compleat 
 your Regiment to the establishment of the 3d and 21st October 
 (which you have seen published in the General Orders of the ist 
 Instant) I would recommend it to you to wait upon the President 
 yourself, or direct an Officer to do it. with an exact state of the 
 Regiment as to Men and Horses, and inform him of the deficiencies 
 in both. You will particularly explain to him, that the times of a 
 great part of your Men expire in the course of the Winter, lest, in 
 making provision for filHng up the Corps, he may count upon them. 
 
 I do not know the mode that will be fallen upon to procure 
 the Men and Horses: You will therefore govern yourself by the 
 directions which may be given to you by the Executive Authority, 
 in consequence of the measures which may be adopted. Neither 
 do I know whether the State or Continent are to provide your 
 Accoutrements. You will make yourself acquainted with that cir- 
 cumstance, and apply in season to one or the other of those neces- 
 sary for a full Corps, as it is to be presumed that the State will 
 fully comply with the requisition of Congress. 
 
 I shall direct the Officer, with the part of the Regiment which 
 remains here, to repair to Lancaster as soon as the Army quits the 
 Field. 
 
 Colonel Timothy Pickering, 0. M. G., to President Reed, 1780: 
 
 Col. Moylan's regiment of light dragoons being under march- 
 ing orders for Winter Quarters, and the upper part of Lancaster 
 county being judged the most eligible for the purpose, I have 
 written to Col. Philip Marsteller, Assistant Quarter Master for 
 that county, to use his endeavours to procure both forage and 
 quarters for them. 
 
 Col. Moylan has at present about a hundred and seventy 
 dragoon horses. Many of these are quite unfit for service, and 
 will be turned over to the quarter masters for waggon and riding 
 horses when recruited. Should his regiment be completed he will 
 want a great number of horses to mount his recruits — probably 
 
no Washington to Moylan. 
 
 two hundred. These I have not the smallest prospect of being able 
 to purchase. And as the regiment is assigned to the State of Penn- 
 sylvania as a part of its quota, I am naturally led to your Excellency 
 as its patron. 
 
 Washington had matured an attack on the British in New 
 York at this time. His orders to Colonel Moylan on November 
 21, 1780, were: 
 
 At nine O'clock in the Morning of Friday 24th you will parade 
 with your Regiment at Totawa Bridge, furnished with two days 
 provisions, and you will detach parties towards the New Bridge, 
 and thence upwards to the Bridge near Demarest's and down- 
 wards, as far as you think necessary to answer the purpose to 
 secure all the crossing places on the Hackensack, and prevent any 
 person going with intelligence to the Enemy. You will select a 
 sufficient party of the trustiest of your Men to patrol from the 
 Marquis's Old Quarters below the Liberty Pole towards Bergen 
 Town, Bull's ierry, Wehawk, Hobuck &c. A Vidette to be con- 
 stantly at Bull's ferry and make reports every two hours. 
 
 Much depends on the punctual execution of these Orders for 
 which I have intire reliance on your judgment and knowledge of 
 the Country. I confide the rest to your discretion. 
 
 PS. — Van Heer's Corps will join you and take your Orders. 
 
 The project, however, failed. Washington wrote that, "cir- 
 cumstances rendered the prosecution of the design inexpedient." 
 [Ford, IX, 38.] 
 
 CHASTELLUX AND MOYLAN. 
 
 At this time the Marquis de Chastellux visited Washington's 
 Camp at Morristown. From his Travels, Vol. I, pp. 141 -173 this 
 extract relating to Colonel Moylan is taken : 
 
 The reader will perceive that it is difficult for me to quit Gen- 
 eral Washington: let us take our resolution briskly then, and 
 suppose ourselves on the Road. Behold me travelling with Colonel 
 Moylan, whom his Excellency had given me, in spight of myself, 
 as a companion, and whom I should have been glad to have seen 
 at a distance, for one cannot be too much at one's ease in travelling. 
 In such situations, however, we must do the best we can. I began 
 to question him, he to answer me, and the conversation gradually 
 becoming more interesting, I found I had to do with a very gallant 
 and intelligent man, who had lived long in Europe, and who has 
 
Chastellux and Moylan. iii 
 
 travelled through the greatest part of America. I found him per- 
 fectly polite; for his politeness was not troublesome, and I soon 
 conceived a great friendship for him. Mr. Moylan is an Irish 
 Catholic; one of his brothers is Catholic Bishop of Cork,* he has 
 four others, two of whom are merchants, one at Cadiz, the other 
 at L'Orient; the third is in Ireland with his family; and the 
 fourth is intended for the priesthood. As for himself, he came to 
 settle in America some years ago, where he was at first engaged 
 in commerce; he then served in the Army as Aid de Camp to the 
 General, and has merited the command of the light cavalry. During 
 the war he married the daughter of a rich merchant in the Jerseys, 
 who lived formerly at New York, and who now resides on an 
 estate at a little distance from the road we were to pass the next 
 day. He proposed to me to go and sleep there, or at least to take 
 dinner; I begged to be excused, from the fear of being obliged 
 to pay compliments, of straightening others, or of being myself 
 straightened; he did not insist, so that I pursued my journey, 
 sometimes through fine woods, at others through well cultivated 
 lands, and villages inhabited by Dutch families. 
 
 Chastellux and Moylan remained at Morristown over night, 
 " where the goodness of General Washington and the precautions 
 of Colonel Moylan had procured entertainment at the inn of Mr. 
 Arnold." 
 
 The next morning they left Morristown. 
 
 Some miles from thence, we met a man on horseback, who 
 came to meet Colonel Moylan with a letter from his wife. After 
 reading it, he said to me, with a truly European politeness, that we 
 must always obey the women; that his wife would accept of no 
 excuse, and expected me to dinner; but he assured me that he 
 would take me by a road which should not be a mile out of my 
 way, whilst my people pursued their journey, and went to wait 
 for me at Somerset Court-house. I was now too well acquainted 
 with my Colonel, and too much pleased with him, to refuse this 
 invitation; I followed him, therefore, and after crossing a wood, 
 found myself on a height, the position of which struck me at first 
 sight. I remarked to Colonel Moylan, that I was much mistaken 
 if this ground was not well calculated for an advantageous camp; 
 he replied, that it was precisely that of Middlebrook, where General 
 
 * He did not become Bishop of Cork until 1787. He was Bishop of Kilkenny 
 in 1780. 
 
112 Chastellux and Moylan. 
 
 Washington had stopped the British in June, 1777, when Sir 
 WilHam Howe was endeavouring to traverse the Jersey to pass- 
 the Delaware, and take Philadelphia. 
 
 It is here that Colonel Moylan's father-in-law has fitted up a 
 little rural asylum, where his family go to avoid the heats of sum- 
 mer, and where they pass whole nights in listening to the song of 
 the mocking bird for the nightingale does not sing in America. 
 
 We soon arrived at Colonel Moylan's, or rather at Colonel 
 Vanhorn's his father-in-law. This manor is in a beautiful situa- 
 tion; it is surrounded by some trees, the approach is decorated 
 with a grass plot, and if it was better taken care of, one would 
 think ones-self in the neighborhood of London, rather than in 
 that of New York. Mr. Vanhorn came to meet me; he is a tall, 
 lusty man, near sixty years of age, but vigorous, hearty, and good 
 humoured ; he is called Colonel from the station he held in the 
 Militia, under the English Government, He resigned some time 
 before the war: he was then a merchant and cultivator, passing 
 the winter at New York, and the summer in the country ; but since 
 the war he has quitted that town, and retired to his manor, always 
 faithful to his country, without rendering himself odious to the 
 English, with whom he has left two of his sons in the Jamaica 
 trade, but who, if the war continues, are to sell their property and 
 come and live with their father. Nothing can prove more strongly 
 the integrity of his conduct, than the esteem in which he is held 
 by both parties. Situated at ten miles from Staten Island, near 
 to Rariton, Amboy, and Brunswick, he has frequently found him- 
 self in the midst of the theatre of war ; so that he has sometimes 
 had the Americans with him, sometimes the English. It even 
 happened to him once in the same day, to give a breakfast to Lord 
 Cornwallis and a dinner to General Lincoln. Lord Cornwallis. in- 
 formed that the latter had slept at Mr. Vanhorn's, came to take 
 him by surprise; but Lincoln, getting intelligence of his design, 
 retired into the woods. Lord Cornwallis, astonished not to find 
 him, asked if the American General was not concealed in his 
 house: " No," replied Mr. Vanhorn, bluntly. " On your honour?" 
 says Cornwallis. " On my honour, and if you doubt it, here are 
 the keys, you may search everywhere." " I shall take your word 
 for it," said Lord Cornwallis, and asked for some breakfast; an 
 hour afterwards he returned to the army. Lincoln, who was con- 
 cealed at no great distance, immediately returned, and dined quietly 
 with his host. 
 
ChastcUnx and Moylan. 113 
 
 The acquaintance I made with Mr. Vanhorn being very prompt 
 and Cordial, he conducted me to the parlour, where I found his 
 wife, his three daughters, a young lady of the neighborhood, and 
 two young officers. Mrs. Vanhorn is an old lady, who, from her 
 countenance, her dress, and her deportment, perfectly resembled a 
 picture of Vandyke. She does the honours of the table with exact- 
 ness, helps every body without saying a w^ord, and the rest of the 
 time is like a family portrait. Her three daughters are not amiss : 
 Mrs. Moylan, the eldest, is six months advanced in her pregnancy; 
 the youngest only twelve years old, but the second is marriageable. 
 She appeared to be on terms of great familiarity with one of the 
 young officers, who was in a very elegant undress, forming a good 
 representation of an agreeable country squire ; at table he picked 
 her nuts for her, and often took her hands. I imagined that he was 
 an intended husband; but the other officer, with whom I had the 
 opportunity of conversing as he accompanied us in the evening, 
 told me that he did not believe there was any idea of marriage 
 between them. I mention these trifles only to show the extreme 
 liberty that prevails between the two sexes, as long as they are 
 unmarried. It is no crime for a girl to embrace a young man; it 
 would be a very heinous one for a married woman even to show 
 a desire of pleasing. Mrs. Carter, a handsome young woman, 
 whose husband is concerned in furnishing our army with provisions, 
 and lives at present at Newport, told me, that going down one 
 morning into her husband's office, not much decked out, but in a 
 rather elegant French undress, a farmer of the Massachusetts' 
 State who was there on business, seemed surprised at seeing her. 
 and asked who that young lady was. On being told " Mrs. Carter." 
 " Aye !" said he, loud enough for her to hear him, " A wife and a 
 mother, truly, has no business to be so well dressed." 
 
 At three o'clock I got on horseback with Colonel Moylan and 
 Captain Heme, one of the young officers I had dined with. He is 
 in the light cavalry and consequently in Colonel Moylan's regiment. 
 
 At four o'clock I set out, after separating, but not without 
 regret, from the good Colonel Moylan. 
 
 Colonel Moylan made this report to General Washington then 
 at New Windsor, New York: 
 
 Philadelphia, December 7, 1780. 
 
 Colo. Temple had waited on the Board of War & the President 
 of this State; shewd them the instructions I received from your 
 
114 Moylan to Washington. 
 
 Excellency respecting the 4th Regiment of Light Dragoons. The 
 former could do nothing, the latter has laid the matter before the 
 Assembly, individuals of which inform me they are disposed to 
 do everything in their power for recruiting men and purchassing 
 horses for the Regiment but the finances of the State are in so 
 deplorable a condition that they do not know when they will have 
 the ability to put their will in execution. It is reccomended that 
 I should remain in this place until some plan can be form'd for 
 this purpose. 
 
 Washington sent this order to Moylan from New Windsor, 
 8th December, 1780: 
 
 You will be pleased to make to the Board of War as soon as 
 possible, an accurate Return of the Men and Horses in your Regi- 
 ment, the quantity of Cloathing, and number of Arms, Accoutre- 
 ments and Furniture of every kind fit for service, and what will 
 be the deficiency, estimating the strength of your Corps at the 
 New Establishment. You will also make a Return of the Articles 
 of Clothing and Accoutrements drawn by the Regiment since the 
 1st September, 1779. The foregoing are called for by the Board 
 of War, for their government, as they are directed by Congress 
 to make provision for the Cavalry. 
 
 HIS BROTHER IN SPAIN. 
 
 John Jay, Minister to Spain, writing to Robert Morris from 
 Madrid, December 18, 1780, said: 
 
 " When you see Colonel Moylan tell him that his brother is 
 here and very well. We see each other often. He formerly lived 
 at Cadiz — ^but as Government ordered all the Irish to remove from 
 the seaports, he was obliged with many others to quit it. It is said 
 that their too great attachment to Britain occasioned this Ordi- 
 nance." [N. Y. His. Soc. Coll., 1878, p. 454] 
 
 On New Year's night, 1781, "a most general and unhappy 
 mutiny took place in the Pennsylvania Line," as General Wayne 
 reported the next day from Mount Kemble to Washington, that 
 one-half of the men had taken part. The men angered by long 
 delayed payment and their demand to be discharged as their time 
 of enlistment had passed. " Their general cry is to be discharged 
 and that they will again enlist and fight for America, a few 
 excepted," 
 
Moylan to Reed. 115 
 
 On January 4th Colonel Moylan was at Princeton from where 
 he wrote President Reed at Philadelphia: 
 
 " I joined General Wayne this day in order to give any assist- 
 ance that may be in my power. As the enemy will in all probability 
 come out, if the Line will act as they say they will, I shall then be 
 of some service. Should your Excellency think it would be my 
 duty to join my regiment or stay to see the end of this affair pray 
 let me know by bearer. I think my presence at Lancaster may well 
 be dispensed with, I hope you will think so." [MSS., Pa. His. Soc] 
 
 As the mutinous soldiers were Pennsylvanians, President Reed 
 went to the scene of action. He wrote to the Committee of Con- 
 gress on January 9, 1781 : " I had the pleasure of meeting General 
 Wayne and Colonels Butler, Stewart and Moylan who have been 
 permitted to come out freely to me. They make such a report of 
 the good temper of the men and their anxiety to see us that I have 
 concluded to go among them. These are the only officers they 
 allow to have communication with them or pass their posts." 
 
 The revolt was satisfactorily settled after two British Spies 
 sent to seduce the men to British allegiance had been hung by the 
 revolting soldiers. [Penna. Arch., 2d Series, Vol. XL] 
 
 On January 26, 1781, Colonel Moylan made this report of the 
 officers of the Dragoons who belonged to Pennsylvania: 
 
 " Return of the officers of the 4th Regt. Light Dragoons be- 
 longing to the State of Pennsylvania: Col. Stephen Moylan, Capt. 
 John Craig, Lt. John Sullivan, Thos. M. McCalla, Surgeon; 
 William Thompson, Riding Master." 
 
 The next day a certificate was issued from the War Office to 
 the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania that they were 
 Officers of the Pennsylvania Line. 
 
 Preparations were being hastened to carry on the campaign 
 of 1781 in the South where the British forces were being sent, 
 causing trouble and making desolation reign. 
 
 Washington, at New Windsor, New York, on February 26th, 
 wrote General St. Clair: 
 
 *' Congress have determined that the Pennsylvania Line, except 
 Moylan's dragoons and the troops upon command to the westward, 
 shall compose part of the Southern army and have directed me to 
 order it to join the army in Virginia by detachments as they may 
 be in readiness to march. It was essential that one of the Brigfadiers 
 
ii6 Moylan and Washington. 
 
 should proceed with the first detachment. Upon Gen. Wayne 
 devolves the duty." [St. Clair Papers, I, 541.] 
 
 The Board of War, on March 13, 1781, wrote President Reed 
 of Pennsylvania: 
 
 A very considerable Time ago we ordered the Dragoons of 
 Col. Moylan's Regiment to take the Guard at Lancaster of the 
 Magazine & publick stores, & are at a Loss to know why our 
 Orders were not complied with. The Store & Ammunition are by 
 no Means so considerable as the Inhabitants represent but some 
 Attention should be paid to them, & we thought we had provided 
 for their Security by ordering the Guard before mentioned. We 
 shall call upon the Commanding Officer to know the Reasons of 
 his Failure to put our Directions into Execution. 
 
 Colonel Moylan, from Lancaster, 22d March, 1781, reported 
 to Washington: 
 
 We get some men, but no prospects of horses or accoutrements 
 yet in view. Congress have resolved that they shall be got, and there 
 it rests. I will return to Philadelphia to-morrow, and if my public 
 duty will not prevent it, propose bringing Mrs. Moylan from Jersey 
 to this place, where I shall be happy in receiveing your Excellency's 
 commands. 
 
 My brother James has sent you a case of Claret which I de- 
 liverd to the D. Q. M. G. to be forwarded — he prays your Excel- 
 lency would pardon the Liberty, and accept of it, as a small mark 
 of the veneration he has for your exalted character. These Sir 
 are his words, which I know to be correspondant to his sentiments. 
 
 To which General Washington made reply from New Windsor, 
 4th April, 1781 : 
 
 I have written both to the Congress and to the Board of War, 
 and used every Argument to induce a speedy completion of the 
 Regiments of Cavalry. They will be more than ever useful, now 
 the active scene is, in a measure, transferred to the Southward. 
 
 You will be good enough, the first opportunity you have of 
 writing your brother in France, to thank him for his present of 
 Claret. It has not yet come to hand. 
 
 General St. Clair to President Reed, April 3, 1781 : 
 
 " I have received information of great uneasiness prevailing 
 among the soldiery, occasioned by the detention of their bounties 
 and the non-payment of the gratuity to the re-enlisted soldiers — 
 unless thev are soon made easv on those heads, it is likelv to end 
 
Rcphting Moylan's Regiment. 117 
 
 in general desertion. I must mention also the case of Col. Moylan's 
 regiment. The General expected to march with the detachments; 
 they have not more than fifty horses fit for service, and are in want 
 of every kind of equipment." [6"/. Clair Papers, I, 544.] 
 
 On April 6th General St. Clair, to Washington from Philadel- 
 phia, wrote: 
 
 " That three battalions of 960 men were ready to march in a 
 week to Yorktown. Col. Moylan's Regiment is in such a situation 
 that it must be a considerable time before they can possibly move, 
 having but eighty men and fifty horses fit for service, in want of 
 every equipment and no money in any of the departments to pro- 
 cure them." [Ibid. I, 546.] 
 
 Washington to Congress on April 8, 1781 : 
 " I wish the march of the Pennsylvania troops could be facili- 
 tated and that Moylan's cavalry could be recruited, equipped and 
 marched without delay; for every judicious ofiicer I have con- 
 versed with from the southward, and all the representations I 
 received thence, confirm me in the opinion, that great advantages 
 are to be derived from a superior cavalry." [Sparks', VIII, 2.] 
 
 Washington, from New Windsor, N. Y., i8th April, 1781, 
 wrote to General Greene: 
 
 " I have again urged Congress to recruit, equip and forward 
 Moylan's Dragoons to you with despatch." [Ford's: Writings, 
 IX, 221.] 
 
 On Mav 16, 1781. General Wayne, at Lancaster, wrote Presi- 
 dent Reed of Pennsylvania relative to the necessaries wanted by 
 Colonel Moylan, especially cattle, to serve the detachment until it 
 arrived in Virginia. 
 
 The same day he wrote the State's Agent, Henry, at Lancaster, 
 for the necessaries actually wanted for fitting out sixty horse of 
 Colonel Moylan's regiment whose services to the southward are 
 of the utmost importance. I wish to have the cavalry in readiness 
 to take up their line of march in two weeks. 
 
 Henry replied that it would give him great pleasure if it were 
 in his power to fit out the sixty Light Dragoons, but he had ad- 
 vanced a large sum of money of Pennsylvania to the United States 
 and did not know when it would be repaid. He had some leather 
 belonging to the United States which would furnish leathery 
 accoutrement for the sixty dragoons if the President of the Council 
 
ii8 A "Run-ill" with the Guard. 
 
 would order the leather to be made up, which could be done in two 
 or three weeks — the United States to pay for the workmanship. 
 
 On May 19th the Board of War asked President Reed to give 
 the order to provide the accoutrements to Moylan's Horse. All 
 money advanced out of the State treasury be charged to the United 
 States. [Pa. Ar., I, 9, 139.] 
 
 That day an " unhappy affair" occurred at the Lancaster Camp 
 which was reported by Colonel Adam Hubley to President Reed, 
 May 21, 1781 : 
 
 Necessity as well as duty obliges me to give Council a short 
 narrative of an unhappy affair which happened on the 19th instant 
 between the Guards and Col. Moylan's Dragoons. It appears one 
 of the Dragoons for some offence which he had committed was 
 put into the Gaol-house. A rescue by the Dragoons was agreed on. 
 They accordingly assembled armed with Pistols and swords march'd 
 to the Barracks and one more daring than the [others] stept up to 
 the sentinel who previously desired him not to advance or he would 
 put him to death. This however had no effect, he (the Dragoon) 
 first cocking & presenting his loaded Pistol attempted to sieze the 
 sentinel's arms who instantly fired & killed him. The deceas'd's 
 Pistol in his falling went off also & wounded one of the militia men 
 in the thigh. 
 
 May 22d, General Weedon to Colonel Grayson : " We shall 
 shortly send sixty of Moylan's horse; also 300 new recruits from 
 Maryland and Delaware." [Papers Md. Line, 146.] 
 
 LAFAYETTE. 
 
 The Marquis de Lafayette in reporting to Washington from 
 Richmond, Va., 24th May, 1781, relating the situation of affairs 
 in that quarter said: "Cavalry is very necessary to us. I wish 
 Lauzun's legion could come. I am sure he will like to serve with 
 me; and as General Greene gave me command of the troops in 
 this State, Lauzun might remain with me in Virginia; if not, 
 Sheldon's dragoons might be sent. As to Moylan. I do not believe 
 he will be ready before a long time." [Sparks' Corr. Rev., Ill, 
 p. 322.] 
 
 The " utmost importance" of even a portion of Moylan's com- 
 mand to reinforce Lafayette in Virginia is made manifest by Gen- 
 eral Weedon to Moylan from Hunter's Heights, June 8. 1781 : 
 
Resolutions of Congress. 119 
 
 I am just from the Marquis' [Lafayette] camp who labors 
 under every disadvantage for want of horse. He is informed 60 
 of your regiment is ordered to the Southward and requested me 
 to drop ^ou a line, with his compliments, well knowing that a 
 knowledge of his situation would be a sufficient inducement to 
 hurry you on. 
 
 Indeed he is to be pitied. The enemy have near 400 cavalry; 
 he has only 40 that can be called established dragoons ; this superi- 
 ority of horse gives the enemy a decided advantage and subjects 
 his parties to every evil. In short, if he is not speedily reinforced, 
 they must overrun our country. 
 
 Understanding you are in Philadelphia, I refer you to my 
 friend Grayson for news. [Papers Md. Line, p. 150.] 
 
 CONGRESS RESOLVES. 
 
 The United States in Congress Assembled, June 12, 1781, 
 
 Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the State of 
 Pennsylvania to raise, accoutre and equip Moylan's legionary corps 
 to its full complement the men to be raised for three years unless 
 sooner discharged. 
 
 That it also be earnestly recommended to the said State imme- 
 diately to raise and equip three troops of Militia Cavalry properly 
 officered ; 
 
 That the said cavalry be marched by detachments as they are 
 compleated to the southern Army and the militia Cavalry dis- 
 charged in proportion to the numbers enlisted into Moylan's regi- 
 ment and joining the said army properly armed and accoutred. 
 
 Colonel Moylan was at this time at West Point, New York, 
 gathering his men for the southward march. On June i8th he 
 reported to General Washington then at Springfield, New Jersey: 
 
 Captain Craig is come with 38 horses and only waits for cloath- 
 ing of which the men are very destitute, to proceed to Head Qrs. 
 I expect the cloths down from Newboro this evening. 
 
 The remainder of the Regiment are coming on and hope they 
 will be at King's ferry or its vicinity the day after to-morrow ; if 
 the enemy do not prevent us I will move on with them with all 
 possible dispatch. Should we be interupted in this quarter, I will 
 march them over by way of Fishkil. 
 
 Washington writing from New Windsor, 27th June, 1781, to 
 Major Tallmadge of the 2d Regiment of Dragoons : 
 
I20 Going South. 
 
 " Colonel Moylan's Regiment is on its way to join you, which 
 will render the duty easier and your troops there more respectable." 
 [Sparks' W., VI, p. 278.] 
 
 A roster of the Field and Staff Officers of Moylan's Regiment, 
 July 3, 1781, may be read in Pennsylvania Archives, 5th Series, Vol. 
 Ill, pp. 835-51, and of Non-Commissioned Officers, 1781-1783. 
 
 To Dr. James McHenry, Aide-de-Camp and Secretary to 
 Washington, Colonel Moylan wrote on 5th July, 1780: 
 
 " It is his Excellency's desire that I should post my Regiment 
 near the rear of the army at a place calculated to afford a suffi- 
 ciency of Forage. I have been from the right to the left of the 
 army, in its front and in its rear, and can assure you, that except 
 I was to crowd in upon the ground occupied by Major Lee's Corps, 
 or get upon Pumpton plains I do not know a place where a Regt. 
 of horse could subsist themselves in the Rear or Right. The 4th is- 
 at present at the little Falls and shall be glad to know whether I 
 shall move them to, for I assure you I know not, except I get upon 
 the road leading to Morristown. There's good ground about two 
 miles to the Left of Head Quarters." 
 
 MOYLAN GOING TO THE SOUTHWARD. 
 
 Colonel Stephen Moylan to President Reed. Lancaster. lotb 
 July, 1781 : 
 
 The Detachment from the 4th Regt. which will leave this to- 
 morrow takes off all the Subaltern officers except two. Recruits 
 are daily coming in, and in a short time, as the Last act for recruit- 
 ing the Line comes to operate, many more may be expected ; it 
 will therefore be absolutely necessary that more Subalterns should 
 be appointed to that Regiment. 
 
 President Reed replied to the request for the appointment of 
 the Lieutenants, saying: 
 
 Upon looking over the Arrangement printed last Winter we 
 find the number of officers amount to 15, By the Accounts we have 
 of the strength of the Regimt. it is stated to us at 80; We would 
 therefore wish you to consider whether it will not be most con- 
 ducive to the public Good to defer the appointment of new officers 
 till the Regiment is- farther compleated. 
 
 MOYLAN " TAKES A POST IN FRONT." 
 
 The army moved Southward and by the close of the month 
 were in Virginia. 
 
Yorktozvn. 121 
 
 Colonel James McHenry, Aide-de-Camp to LaFayette and 
 afterwards Secretary of War in the administrations of Washington 
 and Adams, relates under date of July 30, 1781, that " General 
 Wayne and General Morgan are at Good's bridge on the South 
 side of the James River. Col. Moylan and one regiment of light 
 infantry will cross to-day to take a post in front, the militia and 
 the remainder of the infantry on this side." [Life, p. 39.] 
 
 On October i, 1781, Moylan's Dragoons were at Williams- 
 burg, Virginia. 
 
 YORKTOWN. 
 
 From "Camp before York, 8th Octr.. 1781." Washington 
 issued this order to Moylan : 
 
 There being an absolute necessity for reinforcing General 
 Greene with Cavalry as expeditiously as possible, you will imme- 
 diately collect all the Men and Horses of the 4th Regiment and 
 report to me the Articles of Clothing of which you stand in need 
 that I may endeavour to furnish you out of a few things (though 
 not of the proper kind for Dragoons) which are coming from the 
 Head of Elk. 
 
 In the Order of Battle of Yorktown the first or Right Division 
 was : ( I ) Pennsylvania Volunteers Battalion of Riflemen under 
 Major William Parr; (2) Fourth Regiment Continental Light 
 Dragoons, Colonel Stephen Moylan. [Mag. Am. His., Oct., 1881.] 
 
 So it will be seen Moylan's command had a very honorable, 
 though dangerous position. T.ord Cornwallis, besieged at York- 
 town, surrendered on October 19th. The captive army moved with 
 grace and precision. Universal silence was observed amidst the 
 vast concourse, and the utmost decency prevailed : exhibiting in 
 demeanor an awful sense of the vicissitudes of human fortune, 
 mingled with commiseration for the unhappy. [Lee's Memoirs, 
 512.] 
 
 moylan's dragoons. 
 
 (Supposed to be sung in honor of Moylan's Dragoons, after the sur- 
 render of Cornwallis, at Yorktown, in 1781.) 
 
 By Thomas D'Arcy M"Gee. 
 
 Furl up the banner of the brave, 
 
 And bear it gently home, 
 Through stormy scenes no more to wave, 
 
 For now the calm has come. 
 
122 Moylan's Men in Song. 
 
 Through showering grape and drifting death 
 
 It floated ever true ; 
 And by the signs upon our path, 
 
 Men knew what troop went through. 
 
 Our flag first flew o'er Boston free, 
 
 When Graves's fleet groped out: 
 On Stony Point, reconquered, we 
 
 Unfurled it with a shout; 
 At Trenton, Monmouth, Germantown, 
 
 Our sabres were not slack; 
 Like lightning, next, to Charleston 
 
 We scourged the British back. 
 
 And here at Yorktown now they yield. 
 
 And our career is o'er. 
 No more thou'lt flutter o'er the field. 
 
 Flag of the brave ! — no more. 
 The Redcoats yield them to " the Line" ; 
 
 Both sides have changed their tunes. 
 To peace the Congress doth incline ; 
 
 And so do we Dragoons. 
 
 Furl up the banner of the brave. 
 
 And bear it gently home ; 
 No more o'er Moylan's march to wave. 
 
 Lodge it in Moylan's home. 
 There Butler, Hand and Wayne, perchance. 
 
 May tell of battles brave, 
 And the old flag on its splintered lance 
 
 Above their heads shall wave. 
 
 Hurrah, then, for the Schuylkill side — 
 
 Its pleasant, woody dells ! 
 Old Ulster well may warm with pride 
 
 When each his story tells. 
 Comrades, farewell ! May Heaven bestow 
 
 On you its richest boons ! 
 So let us drink before we go. 
 
 To Moylan's brave Dragoons I 
 
 Poets are not historians. What " flag" Moylan's Dragoons 
 had is unknown. Strange as it may now seem the Stars and Stripes 
 was not usually borne by the Army. The only Stars and Stripes 
 carried by a Revolutionary Regiment now preserved is that of the 
 Third Maryland Regiment now at the Capitol at Annapolis, 
 
 The poet speaks of '' Old Ulster" as if " Butler, Hand and 
 Wavne" and also Movlan were born in that Province of Ireland. 
 
Orders to Join Greene. 123 
 
 Butler was born in Dublin ; Hand in King's County ; Wayne in 
 Chester County, Pennsylvania, and Moylan in Cork. Old " Ire- 
 land" might the better be used than " Ulster." 
 
 On October 26th Washington issued this order to Colonel 
 Moylan : 
 
 MOYLAN ORDERED TO JOIN GREENE. 
 
 Out of the captured Horses and Accoutrements, and such 
 others as belong to the public, and are to be obtained, you are to 
 equip the first, third and fourth Regiments of Cavalry and Colonel 
 Armand's Corps, and prepare the whole, with as much expedition 
 as possible, for a march to reinforce the Army under the command 
 of Major-General Greene. 
 
 On October 31st Moylan was ordered by Washington: 
 
 JOINS ST. CLAIR. 
 
 In addition to my Orders of the 26th, I have to desire that 
 you will prepare as large a Body of Horse as you possibly can, 
 and join (at such time and place as Major Genl. St. Clair shall 
 appoint) the detachment which he is marching to the Southward. 
 In this I do not mean to include Colonel Armand's Partisan Corps, 
 as it will have a particular place of rendezvous assigned it. But 
 the Infantry of the first, third and fourth Regiments are to be 
 comprehended. 
 
 Such Officers belonging to these Regiments respectively, as 
 you shall conceive necessary, may be left to take charge of and 
 forward on the residue of the Corps, the Invalids, Sick and neces- 
 saries appertaining to each. A good and active Officer of Rank 
 should have the general direction of the whole to prevent con- 
 fusion, delay, and that misapplication of time and means, which, 
 unhappily, are but too often met with in our Service. 
 
 Though in command of three " Regiments" of Cavalry and of 
 the infantry attached to each, the report of Colonel Moylan shows 
 the skeleton condition of the bodies designated " Regiments" which 
 Moylan was to command in the army of General Greene. He 
 reported to Washington from the Camp, November i, 1781 : 
 
 MOYLAn's " REGIMENT." 
 
 It is my duty to lay before your Excellency the situation of 
 my Regiment. It consists of three field officers, six Captains and 
 five Lieutenants. They have 94 men to command. 
 
124 Only p4 Left. 
 
 One field officer, one Capt. & two Lieutenants with 40 men are 
 gone to Carolina, the remainder are taking care of some of those 
 captured horses which will not be fit for service these four months — 
 if ever. Pensilvania, to which the Regt. belongs have hitherto 
 done nothing for it. A Letter from your Excellency to the execu- 
 tive power of that State on this subject must be of great service, 
 and if I was permitted to be the bearer of it, I think the Regt. may 
 yet be on a respectable footing. I have many reasons for request- 
 ing this favor, the principal one is, that my health at this time is 
 very bad indeed. A flushed face gives me the appearance of health, 
 whilst an inward fever and an obstinate Dissentry is preying on 
 my vitals. Added to these a total loss of appetite; such is my 
 condition with respect to health. Perhaps the northern climate may 
 restore it. Should that be the case you may be assur'd Sir, I shall 
 loose no time in joining the Southern Army. 
 
 Col. Armand has got all the horses but 45. Col. White & Col. 
 Baylor divide the arms & accoutrements, according to the strength 
 of their Regiments. I have sufficient for my men, at Lancaster, 
 which can be got to the detachment long before the horses can be 
 fit to march. I have not yet got the returns; when I do the Qr. 
 Mr. Genl. shall be furnished with them. Pistols & bridles are very 
 defficient, however I think 200 horse can march with General 
 St. Clair. 
 
 To which Washington replied the same day: 
 
 Your letter expressing your desire to return to Philadelphia 
 with a view of engaging the Executive of Pennsylvania to exert 
 themselves in favour of this part of their Quota. 
 
 I cannot conceal from you. Sir, that it is with pain I see my 
 Instructions answered by applications of this kind. The Journey 
 to Philadelphia I am so well persuaded will be fruitless as to the 
 principal object that the trouble and expense of it ought to be 
 avoided. The additional motive of ill health, if your indisposition 
 is of a nature so serious as to incapacitate you for service, is one 
 of those necessities that must be conclusive. 
 
 The following day Washington's Secretary wrote Colonel 
 Moylan : 
 
 moylan's ill health. 
 
 " In consideration of your Health, he consents to your going 
 to Philadelphia, where you are to use your endeavours for placing 
 
Moylan III. 12s 
 
 your Regiment in the best state for Service. If any recommenda- 
 tion from him will be of service, he is willing to second your appli- 
 cation, although he has but little hope of success from that Quarter. 
 
 " Before your departure the General wishes you to see every 
 arrangement made that is necessary for the Cavalry moving on to 
 the Southward as expeditiously as possible." 
 
 To which Moylan answered: 
 
 Camp, November 3, 1781. 
 
 Please to make my acknowledgement to his Excellency, for 
 his kind consideration of the state of my health and let him know 
 that I do not mean to leave this State, until I find every thing en 
 train which can contribute to the forwarding as many horse as 
 possible with General St. Clair. I shall go this day to Williams- 
 burg on my way to Petersburg (the latter place is the rendezvous 
 for the Cavalry). I wish the General would give a Letter to the 
 Executive of Pennsylvania respecting the 4th Regt. L. D., it may 
 be of great service, and can have no ill consequences, I will call at 
 Head Qrs. before I set off, and be glad to take it along with me. 
 
 WASHINGTON AND THE FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. PATRICK. 
 
 Colonel Moylan came to Philadelphia. He was present at the 
 December meeting of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick when " His 
 Excellency General Washington was unanimously Adopted a mem- 
 ber of this Society," records the Minutes. It was ordered that the 
 Medal of the Society be presented to Washington and that he " and 
 his Suit be invited to an Entertainment to be prepared & given him 
 at the City Tavern on Tuesday, the first of January," to which were 
 invited " the President of the State & of Congress, the Minister of 
 France, Mr. Marbois, Mr. Otto, the Chief Justice, the Speaker of 
 the House of Assembly, Mr. Francisco Rendon, Mr. Holker, Count 
 de la Touche Sz: Count Dillon with all the General Officers that may 
 be in the City." 
 
 So on New Year's Day, 1782, the extra meeting was held. 
 The Generals present were Washington, Lincoln, Steuben, Howe, 
 IMoultine, Knox, Hand, Mcintosh. There were twenty-one guests 
 and thirty-five members present, but Colonel Moylan was not in 
 attendance. He was at the St. Patrick's Day dinner, however. 
 
 Where now is the medal of The Friendly Sons which was 
 presented Washington? 
 
 When General St. Clair arrived at Washington's camp, Gen- 
 
126 Moylan Leaves His Dragoons. 
 
 eral Wayne was ordered, on January 4, 1782, to Georgia, having 
 under him Lieutenant-Colonel White, who had lately joined the 
 army with one hundred Light Horse, the remains of Moylan's 
 regiment of dragoons. Wayne proceeded without delay and in a 
 few days crossed the Savannah River at the Two Sisters Ferry. 
 The immediate object of this motion into Georgia was to protect 
 the country from the incursions of the British at Savannah and to 
 establish the authority of the United States. [Lee's Memoirs, 
 
 p. 539-] 
 
 But with the further movements of this army and its remnant 
 
 of Moylan's Dragoons we are not concerned, as Moylan was not in 
 
 command of the men who had so long followed him. 
 
 On June 13, 1782, General Gist was appointed by General 
 Greene commander of all the Light Troops. The cavalry of Lee's 
 Legion, " the Third Regiment" and Moylan's Fourth Regiment 
 being placed in command of Colonel Baylor. [Ibid, 552.] 
 
 In October, 1780, Captain B. Edgar Joel made charge against 
 Major-General Robert Howe, who had been engaged in the 
 defense of Georgia against the British, that he had sacrificed 
 Savannah, December 29, 1778. On October i8th the Board of 
 War referred the charges to General Washington, then at Passaic 
 Falls, New Jersey. The operations of the army debarred trial until 
 a Court-Martial, over which Baron Steuben presided, was held at 
 Philadelphia on December 6, 1781. Colonel Moylan was a mem- 
 ber of the Court. He served until January 3, 1782, 
 
 General Howe was " acquitted with the highest honor." 
 
 There were two Howes in the British service in America — 
 Sir William Howe and Viscount Richard Howe. 
 
 After the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, military opera- 
 tions practically ceased on both sides. The projected campaign in 
 the South did not take place, so Colonel Moylan was not called 
 into service. He remained at Philadelphia. The annexed docu- 
 ment attests his presence there while Washington was at Newburg, 
 New York, pending the consideration of Articles of Peace. Sec- 
 retary Tilghman was the writer on 20th September, 1782 : 
 
 Sergeant Morris of your Regiment has applied to His Excel- 
 lency for a discharge upon procuring another Man in his Room. 
 This is a practice that His Excellency would not wish to tolerate, 
 but as Morris seemed much discontented, and is of ability to do 
 mischief in the Corps, by stirring them up, by a frequent recapitu- 
 
Moylan's Resentment. 127 
 
 lation of their grievances, he thinks it best to get rid of him upon 
 the terms he offers. You will therefore give Orders to the Com- 
 manding Officer at the place of rendezvous to discharge him upon 
 procuring an able bodied and otherwise good Man in his stead. 
 
 Though the army was inactive awaiting the terms of peace, 
 consolidation arrangements were being perfected so as to make the 
 force more concentrated for service, if needed. 
 
 Colonel Moylan's concern at the possibility of having his com- 
 mand taken from him by the measures projected is shown in his 
 letter to Washington: 
 
 MOYLAN " A MAN WHO HAS SACRIFICED EVERYTHING FOR THE SER- 
 VICES OF HIS COUNTRY." 
 
 Philadelphia, December 15, 1782. 
 
 The Minister of War informing me he intended paying a visit 
 to your Excellency on the subject of the new arrangement, I take 
 the liberty of communicating what past between us, respecting the 
 4th Regiment of Light Dragoons. 
 
 By the returns it appears, that Regt. is reduced to two Troops, 
 one mounted, the other not. These are to be commanded by one 
 Field Officer two Captains & the proper number of Subalterns. 
 General Lincoln says that he supposes a Major will be appointed 
 to this command, in which case, after eight years service I shall be 
 laid aside. This command tho inadequate to my rank would be 
 more agreeable — for when the Army is in the field, that objection 
 would be removed, and being the oldest in the Line of Cavalry I 
 am thought to believe, that the senior in each Line have it in their 
 option, to continue in service or not, as they choose. 
 
 In this Line there is not a Field Officer (myself excepted) that 
 belongs to the State of Pensilvania, tho I dare say, they will be 
 perfectly satisfied with what your Excellency may determine on; 
 it is very natural to suppose that they would prefer an officer of 
 their State, to that of another to command their own Troops. 
 
 I have made application to the Executive power of this State, 
 who promised me all their influence towards completing the 4th 
 Regt. 
 
 I mentioned this circumstance to the Minister of War; he 
 told me Congress did not wish to increase the Cavalry — which has 
 put a stop to any farther proceedings of mine in that business. 
 
128 Washington to Moylan. 
 
 When I entered the service — which was early in the first year 
 of the war — I did it with a firm determination of prosecuting it to 
 the end. I had made up my mind, and my affairs for that purpose. 
 I have shared its fatigues, its dangers and its pleasures, with your 
 Excellency ever since — should I be now left out, I shall be very 
 much disapointed and very much distressed. General Lincoln in- 
 forms me, it will depend upon you to officer the Corps. I am sure 
 you will do it, in the manner which will appear to your Excellency 
 most consistant with rectitude. From the polite and friendly atten- 
 tion I have allways experienced from you — I have expectations, 
 that you will retain in the Army a man who has sacrificed every- 
 thing for the service of his Country. 
 
 Should there be anything inconsistant with the new plan of 
 arrangement by my remaining in the Line I now serve in, it may 
 be in your Excellency's power to find other employment for me, 
 if such should offer near your own person, it would be very pleasing 
 to me. 
 
 To this Washington made reply on December 25, 1782: 
 
 Washington's Christmas message to moylan. 
 
 I have been favoured with the receipt of your Letter of the 
 15th Instant, concerning the reduction of your Regiment, and have 
 conversed with the Secretary at War on the subject. That Gentle- 
 man (on whose determination will depend the particular modes to 
 be adopted in the reformation of the Lines not serving immediately 
 under my Orders) has gone to the Eastward, without deciding any 
 thing positively as to the reduction of the Cavalry. However, it 
 appears to me, to be his prevailing opinion that as your Legion 
 could not remain entire, but must be reduced to the broken part 
 of a Corps, it would be best to annex the company of Infantry as a 
 Flank Company to one of the three Regiments of Penns3dvania 
 Line, still allowing the Officers and Men the pay and Emoluments 
 they formerly enjoyed. Should this be the case, or at any rate, 
 I imagine the remainder of the Legion will soon be too small a 
 command for even a single Field Officer of any grade. 
 
 But as nothing can be ultimately determined upon before the 
 return of General Lincoln, and as some event may happen or in- 
 telligence arrive in the mean time, which will lead to an alteration 
 in the Plan of arrangement, I thought it expedient to take the first 
 opportunity to advise you of these particulars and to assure you 
 
"Laid Aside." 129 
 
 (whatever the circumstances of the pubUc or the service may 
 eventually require) of my unalterable Esteem and Regard. 
 General St. Clair to President Dickinson of Pennsylvania : 
 
 Philadelphia, February 10. 1783. 
 
 I enclose an arrangement of the fourth Regiment of light 
 Dragoons and Colonel Moylan's Return. The Return did not come 
 to my Hands untill this Day, for want of which, and some Knowl- 
 edge of the Intentions of Major Fauntleroy the arrangement has 
 been delayed, it must however be supposed to have taken place 
 upon the first of January, and I have dated it accordingly — that 
 Corps will consist of two Troops one mounted and one dismounted. 
 
 General St. Clair continued that Major Fauntleroy if "in 
 service on the first of January, is of course continued in the com- 
 mand of the two troops," but as he had been long absent and " it is 
 even doubtful whether he has not resigned, and had been guilty of 
 neglect if not contempt in having on a former occasion gone away 
 contrary to orders," General St. Clair concluded the office should 
 be considered vacant. 
 
 So " after eight years service" General Moylan was " laid 
 aside." 
 
 MUTINY. 
 
 On April 19, 1783, Washington issued an order declaring " a 
 cessation of hostilities" and advising " the Patriot Army to retire 
 from the military theatre with the same approbation of angels and 
 men which has crowned all their former virtuous actions." The 
 army was disbanded eight years to a day after the Revolution had 
 begun. But the army had not been paid. Some parts not for years. 
 Washington's suggestion that those enlisted for the war should be 
 allowed to retain their arms and accoutrements was sanctioned by 
 Congress. In May it allowed him to grant furloughs or discharges 
 while awaiting settlement of accounts and securing of funds. 
 Within two months most of the soldiers had gone home and without 
 being paid. A body of Pennsylvanians, enlisted as late as Novem- 
 ber, 1782, and stationed at Lancaster and Philadelphia, mutinied 
 and marched to the State House in Philadelphia where Congress 
 was in session demanding that justice be done them within " twenty 
 minutes," threatening to " let in these injured soldiers upon you." 
 They seized the magazine. The mutiny continued a week. An 
 account of it may be read in Scharf & Westcott's History of Phila- 
 
130 Mutiny. 
 
 delphia, Vol. I ; Hatch's Administration of the Revolutionary Army, 
 Chap. IX, and other publications. 
 
 Congress removed to Princeton on account of this mutiny. 
 
 moylan's mutineers. 
 
 Our concern is with Moylan's Dragoons who were concerned 
 in this revolt. We have seen how Colonel Moylan procured a 
 Lieutenancy for John Sullivan, newly arrived, and had him credited 
 to Pennsylvania's quota. He was one of the Committee of the 
 Mutineers threatening Congress. A rumor that Washington, with 
 a body of three-year men, retained until the British would evacuate 
 New York, and the New Jersey Militia, were coming to the pro- 
 tection of Congress caused the mutineers to submit. Their com- 
 mitteemen made flight. Sullivan and a fellow-member. Captain 
 Henry Carberry of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment reached 
 Chester and from there wrote the third : " Consult your own safety ; 
 we cannot get to you." They embarked for England. [Hatch: 
 A dm. Rev. Army, 186.] 
 
 Sullivan's defense. 
 
 On June 26, 1783, Sullivan, from Chester, wrote Colonel 
 Moylan : 
 
 '' Do not blame me. The success of every enterprise generally 
 demonstrates it right or wrong. Had not the soldiers betrayed us, 
 we should have carried our point or perrished in the attempt." 
 
 On June 30th he wrote from " The Cape" : 
 
 " If a consciousness of Rectitude can be a consolation to men 
 in Adversity, be assured our Spirits are far superior to our circum- 
 stances and I am Confident that none but persons accustomed to 
 judge of things by the event will reprobate our conduct. The little 
 prospect of succeeding in such an attempt and the difficulties we 
 had to encounter were so great, that [not] to have been confident 
 of success would have proved us to be as destitute of prescience as 
 of common sense. But a series of injuries and the incessant in- 
 dignities we experienced were our sole inducements for prosecuting 
 the plan at all risks. I am not ignorant of the sentiments of the 
 men in power in respect to the army and the ideas they entertain of 
 the passiveness of the officers. Those circumstances determined 
 us to convince them we had a just and right sense of our wrongs 
 
 and were not callous to ill treatment. It little what appear- 
 
 ences may assume to veil Injustice but its a duty encumbent 
 
Sullivan's Defense. 131 
 
 on honest men, by investigating the principles of policy not to 
 
 submit to the imposition. Actuated by the present motives of 
 patriotism and disinterestedness. I abandoned my dearest conces- 
 sions (?) at a tender age to fight under American colours at a 
 critical period and when affairs were equally balanced. For my 
 conduct in the army either as a Soldier or a gentleman, I appeal 
 to the officers in general and you in particular to decide on. I 
 flatter myself you will not suppose that my attachment for this 
 Country is diminished in the most trivial degree. I ever had an 
 innate affection for America and were she on the verge of ruin, 
 I would come and perish with her. Let what bad men there are at 
 the helm of Government observe from this instance how dangerous 
 it is to drive men of honor to desperation. The person concerned 
 wnth me is Capt. Carberry. This Young Gentleman served with 
 eclat in the Army, bled and spent a pretty fortune in the service 
 of his country. I have requested Capt. Than [ ?] to be punctual in 
 paying what triffling debts I owe and have requested your Brother 
 John to draw on my father if necessary. 
 
 " We are wafted along by a gentle and generous gale and 
 possess the most perfect tranquility of mind conscious of no un- 
 worthy actions, all we regret is failing in a noble attempt. 
 " ' And more true joy Marcellus exiled feels, 
 Than Caesar with a Senate at his heels.' 
 
 " Adieu, my dear Colonel, be convinced I have just sense and 
 want words to express my gratitude for the peculiar mark of favor 
 and affection you have confered on me." 
 
 These letters of Lieutenant Sullivan are " copies from memory" 
 among the Papers of Ben Franklin, in the American Philosophical 
 Society. Philadelphia. 
 
 How did they get there? Why? 
 
 Though Sullivan and Carberry had escaped, the other officers 
 concerned were Court-martialed but acquitted. Several of the 
 soldiers were convicted and sentenced to death but when ready for 
 execution were reprieved. 
 
 BRIGADIER-GENERAL. 
 
 On November 3, 1783. Congress Resolved that Colonel Stephen 
 Moylan be promoted to the rank of Brigadier by brevet. 
 
 The Roster of " Moylan's Dragoons" at this time may be read 
 in Pennsylvania in the Revolution, Vol. II, p. 140. 
 
- ~/4;VS!/i-/ 
 
 ^ iPVSi^'' 
 
 feci 
 
 Of an J..(sjr of 
 
 
 
 iif iff -rank /} '' x r'^^^'^.'v <^^-c-t^ ^ -,-,,*.•.- y^ c ,4- . ^'r-?-.-^ <l>-^~ /~^- 
 
 pH». * -.f/ "■' "'"^^^^t*?. ?'?'-^#M9^- 
 
 
 ;'^^-''?-"' 
 
 GENERAL MOYLAN'S COMMISSION 
 
Visits Washi)igton. 133 
 
 VISITS GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
 
 In the Washington Manuscripts in the Library of Congress is 
 a letter from General Moylan. dated Alexandria, May 16, 1785, 
 saying : 
 
 " On looking over the money you favored me with, I found a 
 quarter of a dollar over, which Col. FitzGerald will be kind enough 
 to return to you. 
 
 " Permit me to return you my sincere thanks for the polite 
 attentions which Mrs. Moylan and myself received from you & your 
 good Lady during our agreeable sojourn at Mount Vernon. You 
 may be assured it will be long remembered with pleasure." 
 
 In 1792 General Moylan was a resident of Goshen Township, 
 Chester County, Pa., on a farm near West Chester. 
 
 On April 7, 1792, he was appointed Register and Recorder of , 
 Chester County to succeed Persifer Frazier. deceased. He held 
 these offices until December 13, 1793, when he was succeeded by 
 Colonel John Hannum. 
 
 On March 20, 1793, Colonel Hannum gave ground upon which 
 St. Agnes's Church, West Chester, is built. General Moylan of ) 
 Goshen Township was one of the Trustees of the church. 
 
 MAJOR-GENERAL OF MILITIA. 
 
 In May. 1793, Governor Mifflin of Pennsylvania appointed 
 General Moylan " Major-General of the Division composed of 
 Chester and Delaware Counties." He accepted it at West Chester, 
 May 25th, " with more pleasure as it is a further mark of your 
 friendly attention to me," he wrote the Governor. 
 
 OFFERED THE MARSHALSHIP. 
 
 Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State under President Wash- 
 ingfton, sent the following communication to General Moylan: 
 
 Philadelphia, September 13, 1793. 
 Sir:^ 
 
 The President, on his departure, left in my hands a commission 
 for a Marshal of this district with a blank for the name to be in- 
 serted. It was his wish that your's should be inserted if you should 
 think the office would suit you. I must ask the favor of you to say 
 whether you would accept of the commission, and to do it in a 
 letter to Mr. Benjamin Bankson at my office, as I set out for Vir- 
 
134 Offered a Marsliahliip. 
 
 ginia within two or three days. Should you dechne it I must still 
 ask you to notify it to him, that he may proceed to follow the in- 
 structions given him in that case. The office will be vacant on the 
 20th inst. by the resignation of Col. Biddle, and I can with truth 
 express the satisfaction it would give me personally to have it 
 filled again by a person to whose merits I am less a stranger than 
 to his person. I am with great respect, Sir 
 
 Your most obedt. servt., 
 
 Th. Jefferson-. 
 Genl. Moylan. 
 
 [Jefferson Papers, Series i, Vol. 5, p. 378.] 
 
 Mr. Bankson, on September 24th, wrote Moylan: 
 
 Not hearing from you am fearful lest the letter may have mis- 
 carried. I have therefore judged it expedient to forward this by an 
 Express, as it is of importance that your acceptance or non-accept- 
 ance should be known as soon as possible. Please advise me of this 
 by the return of the Express. [Ibid, 388.] 
 
 [Jefferson Papers. Series i. Vol. V, p. 388.] 
 
 General Moylan must have declined but no " letter of declina- 
 tion" is to be found in the Department of State. David Lenox was 
 later offered the position. [Ibid, 389.] 
 
 On December 3d President Washington appointed General 
 Moylan Commissioner of Loans. 
 
 HIS COMMISSION. 
 
 This is a copy of the Commission of General Moylan : 
 
 Treasury DEPART^[ENT, 
 
 December 9, 1793. 
 Sir: — 
 
 The President of the United States having been pleased to 
 appoint you to the office of Commissioner of Loans in the State of 
 Pennsylvania, you will herewith receive your Commission. I 
 request that you will as speedily as possible enter upon the execution 
 of the office. 
 
 I am. Sir, with esteem, Your obedient Servant, 
 
 A. Hamilton. 
 
The Last President of the Friendly Sous. 135 
 
 THE LAST PRESIDENT OF THE FRIENDLY SONS. 
 
 On St. Patrick's Day, 1796, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick 
 of Philadelphia met at the house of Samuel Richardet. Twenty 
 -members were present. " General Stephen Moylan was unani- 
 mously elected President and Thomas FitzSimons, Esq.. was elected 
 Vice-President," is the record and the last known Minute of the 
 Society. But that the Friendly Sons continued to exist is proven 
 by the will of Michael Morgan O'Brien, made September 2. 1803, 
 wherein he bequeathed to his nephew, James Roland, residing on 
 the Island of Dominica in the West Indies a " gold medal which was 
 -struck for the members of a Society known by the name of the 
 Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and of which Society General IMoylan 
 is President for the present year." 
 
 When the Society became extinct is not known. Its heir and 
 successor by merging and possession of the original records of the 
 Society is "The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for the Relief of 
 Emigrants from Ireland." It was organized in 1793 under the title 
 of The Hibernian Society for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland, 
 but a few years ago altered its title to the present. It preserves the 
 "best traditions of the old Society and amply fulfills the mission of 
 its own foundation, the relief of needy emigrants from Ireland. 
 While its quarterly meetings maintain that spirit of fellowship the 
 foundation of the organization of 1771 whereby those of Irish birth 
 or descent, irrespective of political or religious beliefs unite in good 
 will and with brotherly regard for each other, welded into " one 
 harmonious whole," to uphold the honor of the Race and to per- 
 petuate the memory of all of the old land who have been helpful 
 in the material or social building of our State and Nation. May it 
 ■ continue so to do. 
 
 MOYLAN's RESIDENCE AND OFFICE. 
 
 In 1796 General IMoylan moved to Northeast Corner of Fourth 
 •and Walnut. It had been occupied by Mrs. Payne, with whom 
 James Madison, while a Representative in Congress from Virginia, 
 had lodged. He married Dolly, the daughter of his landlady and 
 so seems to have become manager of the property. It was by him 
 leased to General Moylan who, as tenant, made repairs, deducting 
 ■expense from rental, to which Mr. Madison objected. 
 
 On May 9. 1796 General ]\Ioylan wrote Mr. Madison that " the 
 
HOME AND OFFICE OF GENERAL MOYLAN, 1796-1810 
 
Death of Moylaii. I37 
 
 room now occupied as an office has undergone no alteration" and 
 if " applied to any other purpose it would need repairs." 
 
 HORACE BINNEY. 
 
 In a deposition made in i860, Horace Binney, the distinguished 
 Philadelphia lawyer, declared: 
 
 " In the spring of the year 1806 I began to occupy a house on 
 the south side of Walnut St., the first door east of Fourth St. At 
 that time Colonel Stephen Moylan lived nearly opposite to my resi- 
 dence at the North East corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets. He 
 was then Commissioner of Loans of the United States and kept 
 his office in the same house and was frequently called General 
 Moylan. I knew him pretty well." 
 
 DEATH OF GENERAL MOYLAN. 
 
 On April 13, 181 1. General Moylan died. He was buried the 
 next day. The American Daily Advertiser of Tuesday, April 16, 
 181 1, had this obituary: 
 
 " Died on Saturday morning last, in the 74th year of his age, 
 after a lingering illness. General Stephen Moylan of this City, Com- 
 missioner of Loans for the City of Philadelphia. He served with 
 distinction in the American army during the whole of the Revolu- 
 tionary War, and few of his illustrious associates enjoyed a larger 
 share of the favor and friendship of the Commander-in-Chief, than 
 which a more decisive proof could not be adduced of the elevation 
 of his character and the merit of his services. General Moylan 
 displayed, uniformly, in his domestic and social relations those 
 virtues of the heart which shed most lustre and happiness over 
 private life. The singular tenderness of his nature, the active 
 benevolence of his feelings, the candour and uprightness and gen- 
 erosity of his disposition, the mildness and urbanity of his manners, 
 attached to him by the strongest ties of affection and respect not 
 only the members of his own family, but all those who formed the 
 numerous circle of his friends. His remains were on Sunday in- 
 terred in the burial ground of the Catholic Church of St. Mary's, 
 and attended by his brethren of the Cincinnati and the body of his 
 private relatives and particular acquaintances." 
 
 General Moylan's death has heretofore been stated as of 
 April nth, and such is the record at the Treasury Department at 
 Washington. But by the Advertiser's obituary it will be seen that 
 " Saturday last" was April 13th. 
 
138 Death of Moylan. 
 
 He made no will. His estate, valued at $800, was administered 
 to by his half-brother, Jasper IMoylan [Adm. Book K, p. 424] to 
 whom letters of Administration were given May nth, Jared Inger- 
 soil and John Hallowell, Counsellors-at-Law, being the sureties. 
 
 Though General Moylan was buried in St. Mary's graveyard, 
 the location of his grave is not known even to his descendants. 
 The compiler in 1876 gave special attention to the quest but with- 
 out satisfactory results. The General's daughter was then alive 
 and a resident of Baltimore. On interview with her by Mr. Patrick 
 Moylan a resident of that city, but not a relation, Mrs. Lansdale 
 stated that a head and footstone had been erected at the General's 
 grave but the stones had been removed when a general order for 
 the removal of all stones had been given. There is an error about 
 the removal of all stones, as many stones yet standing show. 
 Whether so marked or not the grave is not now known. 
 
 Until 1810 General Moylan lived at Northeast Corner of 
 Fourth and Walnut. In that year he moved to No. 230 [now 618] 
 Spruce Street where he died, April 13, 181 1. 
 
 The Public Ledger of Philadelphia, August 16, 1908, gave an 
 illustration of the house, saying: "The dwelling having been mod- 
 ernized looks very little like the house in which the soldier died. 
 The principal difference is to be found in the entrance. Originally 
 there was what was regarded as an ornate doorway of wood. The 
 eaves and cornice bore traces of the colonial adaptation of the Greek 
 ornamentation." The house was newly built and General Moylan, 
 most probably, was its first occupant. The Ledger continues: 
 
 " The war history of General Moylan was not so dramatic or 
 spectacular as that of some of the more popular heroes, but he was 
 regarded as one of the officers upon whom reliance could be put, 
 both as a man and as a soldier." 
 
 A writer in Dawson's Historical Magasiuc, July, 1861, said: 
 " General Moylan was emphatically a gentleman of the old school ; 
 he was remarkable for his hospitality. Having two daughters, one 
 of whom was very fascinating, his house attracted many young 
 persons." 
 
 There is no known portrait of General IMoylan. Family tradi- 
 tion is that one was in the Peale IMuseum when destroyed by fire. 
 
 Previous to i860 a claim for money due General Moylan by 
 the Government was presented in several Sessions of Congress. 
 
Death of Moylan. 139 
 
 A Bill to reimburse his heirs passed one House more than once but 
 never both. Finally the effort was abandoned. 
 
 John Pope Hodnett in speech before Senate Committee on 
 Labor and Education, May 1886, said: 
 
 " There goes Moylan on his prancing steed, 
 Always ready whenever the need; 
 With his prancing chargers and his green plume, 
 Driving the enemy to eternal doom." 
 
 Poets are not Historians. Moylan did not wear " a green 
 plume." 
 
 Moylan, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is named in honor of 
 the General. 
 
 Such is a compact and yet very complete recital of the career 
 of General Stephen Moylan, Washington's friend and compatriot 
 who sacrificed all for his country. To those of his race and 
 Faith the record herewith presented, mainly from official sources, 
 is commended as an inspirative source for presenting him in spirit- 
 arousing sentiments to American citizens, little aware of the extent 
 and import of the services of this Irish and Catholic native of 
 Cork in old and famed Ireland, which has given to our Country 
 so many of its illustrious men. 
 
 That but his name is known to his own is a discredit which 
 it is hoped this account of his career will remove. His services 
 were most helpful in winning the Liberty and Independence of our 
 Country. 
 
 The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Philadelphia might well 
 erect a memorial of so illustrious an American as the first and last 
 President of the original Society. 
 
 It is an obligation of paramount importance that acknowledg- 
 ment be recorded of the aid given to the compiler by Mr. Charles 
 H. Walsh of Washington, D. C, a great-grandson of Jasper Moylan. 
 The copies of great bulk of the documents used in this work which 
 are now in the Library of Congress were given us by Mr. Walsh. 
 
 To General Moylan's great-grandson. J. Moylan Lansdale, 
 Esq., of Philadelphia, our appreciation of his help is also freely 
 acknowledged. 
 
140 James Moylan. 
 
 THE MOYLANS IN THE REVOLUTION. 
 
 In addition to General Stephen Moylan his brothers James 
 and John and his half-brother Jasper are worthy of recognition as 
 Irish Catholics who did efficient service during the American Revo- 
 lution. 
 
 JAMES MOYLAN COMMERCIAL AGENT AT l'oRIENT, 
 
 James was a resident of Philadelphia as early as 1771. On 
 June 17th of that year he was present at the quarterly dinner of 
 The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick as a " Visitor" and at that meet- 
 ing was elected a member. This indicates his recent arrival in 
 the City. 
 
 On St. Patrick's Day, 1775, he is recorded as " Beyond Sea." 
 He had gone to France. Here he became helpful to the American 
 cause and when Franklin, Deane and Lee were there as Commis- 
 sioners of the United States, Lee " thought him a capable and 
 deserving man" to act as Commercial Agent at L'Orient. 
 
 Moylan formed a partnership with Gourlade a French mer- 
 chant. This firm acted as Prize Agents for American vessels and 
 also fitted out the " Ranger" under John Paul Jones, and the 
 " Alliance" under Captains Pierre Landais and John Barry as well 
 as other American cruisers and supply vessels. 
 
 He it was who obtained the French vessel the " Duras" for 
 John Paul Jones after the " Ranger" had been taken from his 
 command. The " Duras" had made three voyages to India, " there- 
 fore," wrote Moylan to Jones, November 10, 1778, " I cannot 
 recommend her to you for a lasting ship," but it was the only 
 vessel then obtainable. So Jones replied, " She must be ours/' 
 She was fitted out at the expense of the King of France, her name 
 changed to the " Bonne Homme Richard" in compliment to Ben- 
 jamin Franklin. In her Jones commanding an expedition of four 
 French vessels and the " Alliance," an American commanded by 
 the Frenchman Landais had his famous battle with the " Serapis" 
 which he captured and to which he transferred the crew of the 
 " Bonne Homme Richard" which soon sank. 
 
 On March 22, 1781, General Moylan wrote Washington from 
 Lancaster, Pa. : " My brother James has sent you a case of claret. 
 He prays your Excellency would pardon the liberty and accept it 
 as a small mark of the veneration he had for vour exalted character. 
 
John Moylaii, Clothier-General. 141 
 
 These are his own words which I know correspond to his senti- 
 ments." The American translator of the Travels of the Marquis 
 Chastelhix says James Moylan " was singularly useful in the year 
 '^777^ by managing- a treaty between the American Commissioners 
 and the Farmers General of France, for an annual supply of tobacco 
 from America, which he concluded, during Lord Stormont's resi- 
 dence at the Court of France, and many months previous to the 
 open rupture with that Court. I speak of this with personal knowl- 
 edge of the fact, nor was it so secret as to have escaped the English 
 Ambassador, or the vigilant Mr. Forth. There could not be a 
 more direct attack on England and English claims, than this trans- 
 action, which must have had the sanction of the French govern- 
 ment, yet England was lulled to sleep by her Ministers, or rather 
 was so infatuated as to shut her ears against the most interesting 
 truths. I could say much more on this subject, but why enter into 
 discussions which have long ceased to be either seasonable or 
 useful? England was, literally, in the case of the Quos Deus vult 
 perdere." 
 
 The compiler hopes in the near future to present a detailed 
 account of the career of this Revolutionary worthy whose services, 
 though in France, were as efficacious in supporting the American 
 cause as those of his military brother, Stephen, on the battlefields 
 of America. 
 
 JOHN MOYLAN, CLOTHIER-GENERAL OF WASHINGTON'S ARMY. 
 
 John had been a merchant at Cadiz before coming to America. 
 On March 22, 1781, he was appointed Clothier-General to the Army 
 then at Morristown, New Jersey. 
 
 It was a most important charge for at that time the financial 
 condition of the United States was in a most deplorable state and 
 the money valueless, so much that even yet it is a byword : " Not 
 worth a continental." 
 
 Yet the Clothier-General had to financier and to procure sup- 
 plies. An extended account of his services it is intended to present. 
 His letter to General Washington on his election to the Presidency 
 may be now fitly presented : 
 
 Philadelphia, 19th June, 1789. 
 Sir: — I can no longer resist the Impulse of my feeling in thus 
 congratulating you & America on the proof they have lately given 
 
142 Ensign Jasper Moylan. 
 
 of their gratitude & discernment by appointing you once more to 
 preside over their Interests, & in thus testifying at the same time my 
 regret at having been prevented by absence in joining with my 
 fellow citizens in the general Demonstrations of Joy manifested on 
 the occasion as you & Mrs. Washington passed thro this city. May 
 America long enjoy the advantages which her choice seems so 
 happily to presage ! May you, Sir, live to witness & enjoy the 
 blessings expected from an Administration begun under such favor- 
 able auspices. May you long live as happy as you are beloved is 
 my sincere & fervent prayer! I dare hope. Sir, that you will 
 excuse on the motive which induced it the freedom of this address, 
 which has at present no other view than that of paying a small 
 portion of the Debt of Gratitude, Respect & Attachment I owe you, 
 sentiment with which I shall be over proud to acknowledge myself. 
 
 Yr. Excellency's Very Obedient & most Humble Servant, 
 
 John Moylan. 
 His Excellency, 
 
 The President of the United States. 
 
 ENSIGN JASPER MOYLAN. 
 
 Jasper Moylan, half-brother of Stephen and James aiM John, 
 was an Ensign in Philadelphia Associators of Pennsylvania Militia. 
 He arrived from Spain in 1781 and on October i, 1781, took the 
 Oath of Allegiance to Pennsylvania and is recorded as " late from 
 the Kingdom of Spain; student at law." 
 
 He was a member of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and a 
 resident of Philadelphia for many years. An extended memoir may 
 later be presented. 
 
MAR- 23 190S 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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