THE LIVES PATRIOTS AND HEROES, DisriNcri9H£D IN Tnn battlei for AMERICAN FREEDOM By JOHN S. JENKINS, ArriioR OF "NKw clerk's assistant," "political history OF NEW VORK," fcC. fcC. AUBURN: riMW.lSHED HY J. C. DKRBY Sc CO. e: .I4fe Enteesc, according to Act of Congress, in the year eighteen hun dred and forty-seven, by JAMES C. DERBY & CO., ia the Cierk'6 Office of the District Ccurt of the United States for the Northern District of New York, H. MONTGOMERY, PKINTER, Adams' Power Press. P RE FACE The Ibllowing pages scarcely require an in- troduction to the American reader. There are a thousand recollections garnered in his heart, which will prove far more eloquent in their commendation, than any language the writer could employ. The biographical sketches here given, are designed to present the most prominent inci- dents in the lives of the distinguished patri- ots, to whose efibrts, in the dark and perilous times of the Revolution, we owe the civil and religious blessings whicli we now enjoy. It is to their patience in adversity, their cou- rage in the midst of danger, and their mode- ration in tlio hour of victory, that we are in- debted for what we are, and what we are destined to become. iV / PREFACE. This debt of gratitude can never be repaid. But the citizens of the Union, and especially the rising generationj may do much to mani- fest their thankfulness, by treasuring in their minds the storied records of 1776. By con- tinuing to cherish the memories of the gallant soldiers who fought so nobly and so well, they may, at least, convince the world, how deep and enduring are the monuments of af- fection, which they have reared in their hearts — how true it is, that while ' The living soon from earth are passed, The dead— —endure forever '' CONTENTS ETHAN ALLEN. His Birth and Parentage. — His Education. — Early De- velopment of his fearless and remarkable Character — Embarks in the Enterprise against Quebec. — Surprises Ticonderoga. — His Account of the Attack. — Takes Croicn Point. — /// advised Attack upon Montreal. — Taken Prisoner and sent to England. — Enfrlish Cm- eltij to American Prisoners — E.cchanged. — Hif^ Return to Vermont, and sudden death. — ///*■ Character. IG DANIEL BOONE. Reflections upon the Indian Character an.'l Barbarity. — Boone's Parentage and Birth. — His Emigration to Ken- tucky. — Captured by the Indians. — Murder of one of his Companions and Return of the others. — Description of the Country. — Visits his Family. — Remnrcs perma- nently to Kentucky, in company with several other Fami- liet. — Attacked by the Indians ami several Killed. — Eji- counters 7iew Dijjicnlties. — Another Fight irith the In- dians. — Captured by them. — Boonshorough taken. — Retreat to Detroit. — Return to Boonshorough and Battle nrith the Indian*. — Their Treachery. — His Family again return to Kentucky. — Bloody Battle loilh the In- dians and Canadians. — Peace tcifh the Savages. — Co- lonel Boone's Death. '^'t fi GORGE CLINTON. His Farf" r i. m eriytrn from Ireland and Settles in Orange County. — His Birth. — His Early and Valuable Services in the French War. — Completes the Study of the Law. — Election to the Colonial Legislature, and to Congress. — A Member of the latter when the Declaration of Inde- pendence was a lopfed, and n Zealous Advocate of the VI CONTENTS. same. — Reason of the non-appearance of his name on that Instrument. — Elected first Governor of New York. — Appointed to an Important Command by Congress. — His Gallant Defence of Forts Montgomery and Clinton. — An account of the Engagement. — Declines the Election of Governor, on account of ill health, after having held the office Eighteen Years. — A Candidate for the office of Vice Presilent. — Agrdn Elected Governor. — Elected Vice President in 1805 and 1309. — His Death and Cha- racter. 63 HORATIO GATES. His Birth and Education. — Enters the Army. — His rapid Promotion. — Offers his Services to theColonies, and, is ap' pointed Adjutani-General. — Withdraws from the North- ern Army. — Disasters of the American Army. — General Gates again ordered to take Command of the Northern Army. — Assumes the Command. — Severe Conflict be- tween the Americans under Colonel Morgan, and the British under Philips and Reidesel. — Critical Situation of Burgoyne. — Battle between Burgoyne and Gates. — Surrender of Burgoyne. — Effect of the Capture of the British Army. — General Gates' and Convjays Intrigues against Washington. — Appointed to the Command of the Southern Army. — Defeated by General Cornioallis. — Superceded by General Greene. — Court Martialed and Acquitted. — HisDeath. — His Character. 73 NATHANIEL GREENE. Birth and Paren'age. — His early love of Learning and capacity for Business. — Elected to the Legislature. — Enters the Army at the head of Rhode Island Provin- cials, and joins Washington- — Renders valuable aid to Washington at the Battle of Trenton ; also in the Bittle of Princeton. — Appointed Commissary General. — Battle of Monmouth. — His Engagement with the Bri- tish at Springfield. — Execution of Anire. — Appoi?iied to Command of So^ithern Army. — Battle of Guilford Court House and Retreat of CornwalHs. — Battle of Camlen. — Unsuccessful Attack upon Fort Ninety-Six. — Battle of Eutaw Springs. — Gratitude of the States to- wards him. — Removes to Georgia. — His Character. 115 CONTENTS Vll NATHAN HALE. His noble, selj sacrificing Devotion to the Conntry. — Crini' innl Neplvct of Alrmori/. — His Mclnncholy Fate. — Vol- unteers to cross over to Lon^ Island to ascertain the numberK, position and movements of the British Army, after the defeat of the Americans in the Battle of Long Is/and. — Detected and Arrested as a Spy. — Avoirs his Attachment to the American Cause, and the Object of his Vi.\it. — Orders for his Earecvtio7i. — Barbarous treat' meut nfth e En srlish befo re h is Death . His noble bearing and /lis clttcrfvl Resignation to his cruel Fate. 173 HENRY KNOX. His Birlh and Education. — Early enters the American Service — Undertakes and accumplishrs a most hazard- ous Enterprise. — Apjiinted to the Comviand of the Ar/illery Corps. — His Gallant Conduct at Trenton, Brandywine, Germanfoun and Monmouth. — His clrsc intimacy u-ith Washinstcn, throughout the War. — VVashiniTfon's icarm attachment to him. — Appointed to the Command of IVest Point. — Employed to Disband the Army. — Appointed Secretary of War. — lietircs to his vast Estate in Maine. — Appointed to the Command of the Amt rican Forces in anticipation of a War irith France. — His Literary Attainments, and noble traits of character. — The opinions entertained of his Military Talents, by eminent Foreign Generals. 179 RICHARD MONTGOMERY. Hi* Birth. — Enters the Army. — Hesigns his Commission in tliC British Army, and emif;i ates to America. — Settles in Xcw Yrrk. — Enters the American Service and ap. pointed n Bri'radier General. — Captures St. .Johns and Montreal. — Marches to attack Quebec. — Summons the Gnrriiion to Surrender . — Storms the City. — His Death vhile leading his Troops to the Attack. — All hopes of Success abandvnid after this Melancholy Benilf.— Pa- rallel betirern the character, cfvduct and destiny of General Montgomery and General Wolfe. — His re- markable Militaiy Talents.— His disinterested Ser- vices in the American Cavae. — His noble trails of Cha- racter. 197 Vlll CONTENTS, ISRAEL PUTNAM. His Birth-place. — His early indications of Energy and Courage. — Remarkable adventure roith a Wolf. — En- ' S'^8^^ ^''^ ^^'^ French War. — His mimei-ous daring £.r- ploits. — Taken Prisoner by the hidians. — Attempt to Roast him alive. — Taken to Montreal and exchanged. — Early resistance of the aggressions o^ England. — At the first breaking out of hostilities, enters the American Army at Cambridge. — His gallant conduct at the battle of Bunker Hill, and his many valuable services in the American cause. — Retires to his farm and spends his days with his Family. — His death. — A71 incident illus- trating his humane character. 219 JOHN STARK. His Birth-j)lace. — Taken Captive and adopted by the In- dians, in his youth. — Commands a. company in the old French and Indian War. — Early espouses the America7i Cause, and appointed Colonel. — Battle of Bunker Hill, and his Brave Conduct; also at Trenton. — Receives the appointment of Brigadier General. — Stays upon the rear and harasses Burgoyne. — Brilliant Victory of Ben- nington. — Receives a vote of thanks from Co7igress. — Burretider of Burgoyne at Saratoga. — Retires from the army at the close of the war, and devotes himself to peaceful pur s7iits. — His death. 26'! JOHN SULLIVAN. Birth-place. — Enters the Continental Army, and assigned to the Command of the Forces sent against Canada. — Appointed Major Cxeneral. — Defeated and taken prison- er at the Battle of Long Island. — Exchanged — His gallant conduct at the Battle of Germnntown. — His operations against the British in Rhode Island. — SuC' cessful Expedilio7i against the Indians in Pennsylvania. — Resigns hin Commission in the Army and resumes the practice of his Profession. — Receives the degree of Doctor of Law. — Elected Governor of New Hamp- shire. — Appointed United States District Judge. — His Death. " 279 ETIIAi\ ALLEN nU Birth and Parentage.-^His Education. —Earl if De- velopment of his fearlfst and remarkable Character.^ His active Agency in the Difficulties betv^een the Green Mountain Boys and New York.- Appointed their Lead, er.— Large Reward offered for his Arrest by the Land- holders.— Embarks in the Enterprise against Quebec- Surprises Ticonderoga.—His Account of the Attack.— Takes Croicn Point.— Ill advised Attack upon Mon- treal.— Taken Prisoner and sent to England.— English C» uelty to American Prisoners.— Exchanged.— His Re- turn to Vermont, and sndden Death.— His Character. Ethan Allkn was bom in tlie town of Sa- hsbury, Connecticut. His parents emigrated to the state of Vermont while he was in his infancy, and he was consequently deprived of the advantages of an early education. He possessed, however, a strong, though uncul- tivated mmd ; he was cool and resolute in danger ; prompt in forming a determination, 18 ETHAN ALLEN. and fearless in its execution. Nurtured amid the wild scenes of his forest home, his spirit became deeply imbued with sentiments pe- culiar to such a condition ; and, while yet a mere youth, he exhibited many striking in- dications of the fearlessness and intrepidity which distinguished his subsequent career. In 1770, a difficulty arose betv/een the Green Mountain Boys, as the first settlers of Vermont were called, and the government of New York, in which Allen bore a prominent part. His instinctive sense of right and love of justice, united to his natural boldness of character, induced him to take a decided stand in opposition to the proceedings of the colony of New York. He was selected by the inhabitants as their leader, and wrote several pamphlets, setting forth the injustice and oppression of which they had been the victims, and encouraging them to resist such treatment for the future. His unsparing de- nunciations alarmed the speculating land- holders, whose rapacity had occasioned the disturbance, to such a degree, that they pro- cured the passage of an act of outlawry against him ; and a reward of five hundred ETHAN ALLEN. 19 guineas was offered for his apprehension. It is not known that any very serious efforts were put forth to secure him, and if the at- tempt had been made, it is aUogether proba- ble that it would have terminated in a com- plete failure. The honest and hardy yeo- manry of the country were, almost to a man, warmly enlisted in his favor; and if the sig- nal of danger had once been given, a thou- sand stout hearts and strong hands would have been prompt to rescue and to defend him. Shortly after the close of these disturban- ces, the smothered indignation of the colo- nists, at the repeated aggressions of the En- glish government, burst out into an open flame. The bloodshed and devastation at Concord and Lexington, aroused the patriot- ism of the country to the highest pitch. Al- len, who then held the rank of colonel in the niihtia, was among the first to feel its influ- ence. The importance of securing the com- munication with Quebec, by way of the Lakes Champlain and George, in case hos- tihties were actually commenced, had long been understood ; and as tlie object could 20 ETHAN ALLEN. only be attained by a prompt and decisive movement, a plan was formed by Colonel Al- len and several gentlemen in the colony of Connecticut, for the capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, by surprise. The command of the expedition was entrusted to him, and, at the head of two hundred and thirty Green Mountain Boys, whom he had hastily col- lected and armed, without waiting for in- structions from any constituted authority, he proceeded to Castleton. At this place he was joined by Colonel Arnold, who had been com- missioned by the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, to raise a body of four hundred men for the purpose of accomplishing the same object. The force under Allen reached the lake opposite Ticonderoga, on the eve- ning of the 9th of May, 1775. With great difficulty, a sufficient number of boats was procured to land eighty-three men near the garrison. A dispute here arose, between the two leaders, as to which should have prece- dence in the command. Both became highly exasperated. Arnold swore that he would lead the men, and enter the fort first ; while Allen swore as pointedly that he should not. ETHAN ALLEN. 21 The altercation was finely settled, by a sort of compromise. It was agreed that both should go ill together ; Allen on the right and Arnold on the left. The commandant of the post did not entertain the least suspicion of danger, and had become quite careless in maintaining the discipline of the garrison. Early on the morning of the 10th of May, he was surprised in bed, by Allen, Arnold, and a few of their followers, who had en- tered the fort, and made themselves masters of it, without losing a single man. The fol- lowing account of this transaction, is given by Alien himself: ''The first systematical and bloody at- tempt at Lexington, to enslave America, tho- roughly electrified my mind, and fully deter- mined me to take a part with my country. And wliile I was wishing for an opportunity to signalize myself in its behalf, directions were privately sent to me from the then co- lony, now state, of Connecticut, to raise the Green Mountain Boys, and, if possible, with them to surprise and take the fortress of Ti- conderoga. This enterprise I cheerfully un- dertook ; and, after first guarding all the so- 22 ETHAN ALLEN. veral passes that leH thither, to cut off all in- telligence between the garrison and the coun- try, made a forced march from Bennington, and arrived at the lake, opposite Ticondero- ga, on the evening of the 9th day of May, with two hmidred and thirty valiant Green Mountain Boys ; and it was with the utmost difficulty that I procured boats to cross the lake. However, I landed eighty-three men near the garrison, and sent the boats back for the rear guard, commanded by Colonel Seth Warner ; but the day began to dawn, and I found myself necessitated to attack the fort before the rear could cross the lake, and, as it was viewed hazardous, I harangued the officers and soldiers in the manner fol- lowing: u ''Priends and Fellow Soldiers: — You have, for a number of years past, been a scourge and a terror to arbitrary powers. Your valor has been famed abroad, and ack- nowledged, as appears by the advice and or- ders to me from the General Assembly of Connecticut, to surprise and take the garri- son before us. I now propose to advance be- fore you, and in person conduct you through ETHAN ALLEN. 23 the wicket gate; for we must this morning either quit our pretensions to valor, or possess ourselves of this fortress in a few minutes ; and inasmuch as it is a desperate attempt, which none but the bravest of men dare un- dertake, I do not urge it on any, contrary to his will. You that will undertake volunta- rily, poise your firelocks.' " The men being at this time drawn up in three ranks, each poised his firelock. I or- dered them to face to the right, and, at the head of the centre file, marched them imme- diately to the wicket gate aforesaid, where I found a sentry posted, who instantly snap- ped his fusee at me. I ran immediately to- wards him, and he retreated through the co- ■ vered way into the parade, within the garri- son, gave a halloo, and ran under a bomb proof My party, who followed me into the fort, I formed on the parade, in such a man- ner as to face the barracks, which faced each other. The garrison being asleep, except the sentries, we gave three huzzas, which greatly surprised them. One of the sentries made a pass at one of my officers, with a charged bayonet, and slightly wounded him. My 24 ETHAN ALLEN. first thought was to kill him with my sword, but in an instant I altered the design and fu- ry of the blow to a slight cut on the side of the head; upon which he dropped his gun and asked quarters, which I readily granted him, and demanded the place where the com- manding officer slept. He showed me a pair of stairs in the front of the garrison, which led up to the second story in said barracks, to which I immediately repaired, and order- ed the commander. Captain Delaplace, to come forth instantly, or I would sacrifice the whole garrison; at which time the cap- tarn came immediately to the door with his breeches in his hand, when I ordered him to dehver to me the fort instantly. He asked me by what authority I demanded it? I an- swered him, ' In the name of the great Jeho- vah, and the Continental Congress.' The authority of Congress being very little known at that time, he began to speak again; but I interrupted him, and with my drawn sword near his head, again demanded an immedi- ate surrender of the garrison, with which he then complied, and ordered his men to be forthwith paraded without arms, as he had ETHAN ALLEN. 25 given up the garrison. In the mean lime, some of my oflicers had given orders, and, in consequence thereof, sundry of the barrack doors were beat down, and about one third of the garrison imprisoned, which consisted of said commander, a Lieutenant FeUham, a conductor of artillery, a gunner, two ser- geants, and forty-four rank and file; about one hundred pieces of cannon, one thirteen inch mortar, and a number of swivels. This surprise was carried into execution in the gray of the morning, of the lOth of May, 1775. The sun seemed to rise that morn- ing with a superior lustre ; and Ticonderoga and its dependencies smiled on its conquerors, who tossed about the flowing bowl, and wished success to Congress, and tlie Liberty and Freedom of America. Happy it was for me, at that time, that the future pages of the book of fate, which afterwards unfold- ed a miserable scene of two years and eight months' imprisonment, were hid from my view." The foregoing version of this affair is some- what higlily colored, but it is, in the main, undoubtedly authentic Colonel Allen did 26 ETHAN ALLEN. not act. however, under instructions from the General Assembly of Connecticut, although several indiAddual members of that body were concerned in the expedition. Neither was his demand of the surrender of the fort, in point of fact, made in pursuance of any au- thority from the Continental Congress. Con- gress knew nothing about the matter, and its first meeting was held some hours after the transaction. They subsequently approved of the enterprise, and earnestly recommended it to the people of New York and Albany, to remove the captured cannon and stores to the south of Lake George, and to preserve them, in order that they might be returned, on the restoration of the former harmony be- tween Great Britain and the colonies. The party under the command of Allen and Arnold, proceeded from Ticonderoga to Crown Point, which was also taken without a struggle. In addition to this, they surpri- sed Skenesborough, and a sloop of war, the only vessel belonging to the British navy on the lakes. The brilliant and successful ter- mination of this expedition, secured to Colo- nel Allen a distinguished reputation for dar- ETHAN ALLEN. 27 ing'aiid intrepidity, and he soon became an ac- tive participator in tlie struggles of his coun- trymen to obtain their independence. In the fall of 1775, an expedition against Canada was fitted out by Congress, and placed under the command of General Schuyler, who sub- se*qucntly returned to Albany on account of his ill health, and was succeeded by General Montgomery. Colonel Allen accompanied this expedition, and on several occasions en- tered into the Canadian territory for the pur- pose of discovering the state of feeling of the inhabitants, and persuading them to make common cause with the revolted colonists. After the capture of Fort Chamblee, and while the army were besieging Fort St. John, Colonel Allen was sent by General Montgo- mery, with a guard of eighty men, on a tour through the villages in the neighborhood. On his return, he was met by a Major Brown, who had been employed on a similar errand. A rash and hasty plan was formed between them, for the capture of Montreal. Allen was to cross the river with his party, and land on the island a little north of the city ; while Brown was to pass over on the south 28 ETHAN ALLEN. side, with a force of near two hundred men. Allen crossed the river in the night, but Brown was compelled to abandon his part of the enterprise and return to camp. Al- though the intelligence of this fact was com- municated to Allen, in time for him to effect his escape, he refused to return, and rashly- concluded to maintain his ground, at all ha- zards. His presence in the vicinity of the city with such an inferior force, was soon made known to General Carleton, the officer in command, who immediately attacked him with a large body of English, Canadians and Indians, amounting, in the whole, to several hundred men. Allen fearlessly kept his po- sition, in spite of such fearful odds ; but the loss of fifteen of his men, who were killed in the action, and the desertion of a still larger number, finally compelled him, though con- trary to his inclinations, to surrender. He and his little party, now reduced to thirty- eight men, were made prisoners. In the earlier stages of the Revolution, the British officers appeared to regard the Ame- ricans, solely as rebels, deserving the seve- rest punishment, and not entitled to that kind ETHAN ALLEN. 29 and gentle treatment usually shown to pri- soners of war, in civilized countries. Hence, the captured Americans were subjected to in- numerable hardships, and made the victims of the most barbarous and unsparing cruelty. Colonel Allen was immediately put in irons, which, he states in his narrative, were un- commonly heavy, and so fastened that he could not lie down otherwise than on his back. A simple chest was his seat by day, and his bed by night. Various threats and menaces were employed to intimidate him, but without effect. Finding these of no avail, the most flattering inducements were held out to him, to join the British service. Among other promises, was that of a high command in the army, and a large tract of the con- quered country. His reply to this insulting proposition was, that he viewed their offer of conquered United States land, to be similar to that which the devil offered to Jesus Christ; to give him all the kingdoms of the world, if he would fall down and worship him, when, at the same time, the poor devil had not one foot of land upon earth. Not long after his capture, Allen was sent 30 ETHAN ALLEN. to England as a traitor, still loaded with irons. He arrived in that country in De- cember, and was lodged for a short time in Pendennis Castle, near Falmouth. On the 8th day of January, 1776, he was put on board a frigate, and again conveyed to Hali- fax, by a circuitous route. Here he remain- ed, closely confined in jail, from June to Oc- tober, when he was removed to New York. While on board the frigate, a design on the part of the prisoners to kill the captain and seize the vessel, was frustrated through the generosity of Allen, who would not suffer a man to be injured who had treated him with kindness. He was kept at New York about a year and a half, sometimes imprisoned, and sometimes on parole. While there, he had an opportunity of observing the unparalleled inhumanity with which the American prison- ers were treated. Many of the men died from cold and hunger. In one of the church- es in which they were crowded. Colonel Al- len saw seven lying dead at one time, and others biting pieces of chips, from hunger. A large number of prisoners were confined in the New York jail, where they were ETHAN ALLEN. 31 Starved to death by the keeper, Captain Cun- ningham, "who was afterwards hung in Eng- land for perjury, and confessed on the gal- lows the death of between two and three thousand, by starvation, that he might sell their rations. This estimate corresponds with that made by Colonel Allen, who gives it as his opinion, that of the prisoners taken on Long Island, and at Fort Washington, near two thousand perished by hunger and cold, or in consequence of diseases occasion- ed by the impurity of their food, and their prisons. On the Gth of January, 1778, Colonel Al- len was exchanged for Colonel Campbell, who, with two hundred and seventy men, had been captured in the Bay of Boston, while sailing for the harbor, ignorant of the evacuation of the town by the British. After repairing to head (piarters, and ollbring his services to General Washington, in the event of the restoration of his health, which had been greatly impaired during his long and tedious confinement. Colonel Allen returned to Vermont. He was received by his friends with tlie most enthusiastic demonstrations of 32 ETHAN ALLEN. their deep interest in his wehare, and their constant and unvarying attachment to his person. His arrival was announced by the discharge of cannon, and there were various other exhibitions of the respect and esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens. He was soon appointed to the command of the state militia, but never again called upon to test that daring courage of which he had given such undeniable proof. An attempt was made by the British to induce him to exert his influence in favor of uniting Ver- mont to Canada, but he spurned, as he had before done, all the tempting allurements of place and power. He died suddenly on his estate, February 13th, 1789, universally re- gretted and deplored. There are many anecdotes related of Colo- nel Allen, illustrative of the manliness, the integrity, and the fearlessness and indepen- dence of mind, which were such prominent features in his character; but they are so marred with the unfortunate peculiarities of his conversation, that it seems unwise to re- peat them here. Reared, as he was, in a wilderness, and entirely uneducated, it was ETHAN ALLEN. 33 wot Strange that he should have adopted some singular notions in rc^^ard to rehgion. Al- though the contrary might very easily he in- ferred iVom his hahits, and his manner of speaking, he was not really a corrupt man at heart. We have almost conclusive evi- dence of this, in the many ennobling traits of his disposition. He was a kind and gene- rous friend, a sincere hater of oppression and wrong, an honest and incorruptible patriot, and a brave and fearless soldier. DANIEL BOONE. Rejlectiont upon the Indian Character and Barbarity.—' Boone's Parentage and Birth. — His Emigratioii to Ken' lucky. — Captured by the Indians. — Murder of one of hit Companions and Return of the others. — Descrip' tion of the Country. — Visits his Family. — Removes per' rnanently to Kentucky, in company with several other Familirg. — Attacked by the Indians and several Killed. — Encounters new Difficulties. — Another Fight icith the Indians. — Captured by them.—Boonsborough taken.— Retreat to Detroit. — Return to Boonsborough and Bat- tle with the Indians. — Their Treachery. — His Family again return to Kentucky. — Bloody Battle with the In- dian* and Canadians. — Peace with the Savages. — Co- Ivncl Boone's Death. Among tho many instruments employed by the English (Government, to force the Ame- rican colonists into submission, none were more liarsli, or merciless, than the savage tribes on the western frontier. Passionate and vindictive in disposition, wily and cun- 36 DANIEL BOONE. ning in entrapping an enemy, untiring and determined in the accomplishment of their designs, cold-blooded and relentless in the execution of the most horrid w^ork of butche- ry, they were but the ready tools of a power which cared not what passion, or vice, or prejudice, was aroused, so that it could be made to minister to its aggrandizement. The tenderness of infancy, and helplessness of age, formed no protection against the hostile incursions of the Indian. The last rays of the setting sun fell, in all their warmth and beauty, on the little hamlet, smiling in con- tentment and peace ; and a hundred hearts were there, filled with gratitude to God, and with affection and love for the absent ones, who had rallied around the standard of their country, to repel the invader. Morning came, and its genial beams were frozen, where they lingered on the broken hearth-stone, or amid the smoking embers which commingled with the ashes of so many helpless victims of ra- pine and oppression. All had perished. The innocence of youth, and the loveliness of wo- manhood, had only served to nerve the hand and steady the aim of the midnight assassin, DANIEL BOONE. 37 who luul hastenod from the; scene of carnage and blood, to recciv^e the gold of tlie Briton, in exchange for the cnrhng tresses of the child, and the long, waving locks of its mo- ther. Horrors like these, were of freqnent occurrence during the war of the Revolution. Indeed, it would seem as if the British au- thorities were fre([uently actuated, in the em- ployment of their Indian allies, by the desire of humbling the husband and father, through his fears for the safety of those who were bound to him by the tenderest of all human ties ; for there is nothing that can strike such terror to the heart of man, as the thought of injury to the fond and trusting wife who clinsjs to hiui through weal and through woe, or to the children wlio have been taught to look up to him for protection and support. The frontiers of Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia, were especially afllictcd by the barbarities of savage warfare. An expedi- tion against tlie Indians, was fitted out in the western settlements of Virginia, in the sum- mer of 177S, which was placed under the command of ('olonel (ieorge Rogers Clarke. At the head of a body of nulitia, he penetra- 38 DANIEL BOONE. ted to the British settlements on the Missis- sippi, and captured the town of Kaskaskias. The governor of the place was taken prison- er, and it appeared from the written instruc- tions which were secured with him, that Co- lonel Hamilton, the governor of Detroit, was exceedingly active in planning and encour- aging the incursions of the Indians into the United States. At Kaskaskias, Colonel Clarke was cut off from all support, in case of any sudden emergency, and was surrounded by some of the most numerous and hostile tribes on the continent. He at once determined on a bold plan of operations, and suddenly at- tacked the Indians in their villages, and com- pletely routed and scattered them. In the winter of 1779, he attacked Colonel Hamilton himself, who was laying at St. Vincent with a small force, for the purpose of directing the movements of his Indian friends, and succeed- ed in capturing him and his whole party. The result of this enterprise disconcerted the whole of Hamilton's plans, and saved the western frontier from the cruelties which had been devised against it. Among the most ef- ficient coadjutors of Clarke, in checking the DANIEL BOONE. 39 inroads of the cruel savage, was Colonel Daniel Boone, whose name figures more con- spicuously than that of any other individual, in the annals of Indian warfare in the Mis- sissippi Valley. Colonel Hoone was of English descent, and was born about the year 1730, near Bridge- north, in Somersetshire. While he was still a mere youth, his parents emigrated to Ame- rica, and settled in North Carolina, where he was bred to the profession of arms, and en- tered into the colonial service at an early age. lie passed through all the inferior gradations, to the post of colonel, in which capacity he subsequently distinguished himself, after his removal to Kentucky, as one of the most ac- tive, zealous, and useful pioneers in the set- tlement of that territory. His campaigns with the Indians during a period of thirteen years, are often referred to in the history of the country. He ha-s given a pithy and gra- phic account of his adventures, which is sub- joined, as it is believed to furnish the most ac- curate information in regard to the subject, which can, at this time, be procured. " It was on the first of May, 1769," says 40 Daniel boone, the narrative of Colonel Boone, "that I re- signed my domestic happiness, and left my family and peaceful habitation on the Yad- kin river, in North Carolina, to wander through the wilderness of America, in quest of the country of Kentucky, in company with John Finley, John Stuart, Joseph Hol- den, James Morey, and William Cool. On the seventh of June, after travelling through a mountainous wilderness, in a western di- rection, we found ourselves on Red river, where John Finley had formerly been tra- ding with the Indians ; and from the top of an eminence, saw with pleasure the beauti- ful level of Kentucky. For some time we had experienced the most uncomfortable wea- ther. We now encamped, made a shelter to defend us from the inclement season, and be- gan to hunt and reconnoitre the country. We found abundance of wild beasts in this vast forest. The buffaloes were more nu- merous than cattle in other settlements, brow- sing upon the leaves of the cane, or cropping the herbage of these extensive plains. We saw hundreds in a drove, and the numbers about the salt springs were amazing. In this DANIEL BOONE. 41 forest, the habitation of beasts of every Ame- rican kind, we hunted with success, until December. •M)n the 2'2d of December, John Stuart and 1 liad a pleasing ramble ; but fortune changed the day at the close of it. We had passed through a great forest, in which stood myriads of trees; some gay Avith blossoms, others rich with fruits. Nature had here a series of wonders, and a fund of delights. Here she displayed her ingenuity and indus- try in a variety of flowers and fruits, beau- tifully colored, elegantly shaped, and charm- ingly flavored: and we were diverted with nuinbcrlcss animals, presenting themselves perpetually to our view. In the decline of the day, near the Kentucky river, as we de- scended the brow of a small hill, a number of Indians rushed out of a thick cane brake, and made us prisoners. They plundered us, and kept us in confinement seven days. Du- ring this time we discovered no uneasiness or desire to escape, which made them less sus- pi( ious; but in the dead of night, as we lay by a large fire in a thick cane brake, when sleep had locked up their senses, my situa- 42 DANIEL BOONE. tion not disposing me to rest, I gently awoke my companion. We seized this favorable op- portunity and departed, directing our course towards our old camp ; but found it plunder- ed, and our companions dispersed or gone home. About this time, my brother, Squire Boone, with another adventurer, who came to explore the country shortly after us, was wandering through the forest^ and acciden- tally found our camp. Notwithstanding our unfortunate circumstances, and our dan- gerous situation, surrounded by hostile sava- ges, our meeting fortunately in the wilder- ness, gave us the most sensible satisfaction. "Soon after this, my companion in cap- tivity, John Stuart, was killed by the sava- ges ; and the man that came with my bro- ther returned home by himself. We were then in a dangerous, helpless situation, ex- posed daily to perils and death, amongst sa- vages and wild beasts, and not a white man in the country but ourselves. Thus, many hundred miles from our families, in the howl- ing wilderness, we did not continue in a state of indolence, but hunted every day, and pre- pared a little cottage to protect us from the DANIEL BOONE. 43 winter storms. We met with no disturbance during tlie winter. On the first of May, 1770, my brother returned home by himself, for a new recruit of horses and ammunition, lea- ving me alone, without bread, salt, or sugar, or even a horse or dog. I passed a few days uncomfortably. The idea of a beloved wife and family, and their anxiety on my ac- count, would have exposed me to melan- choly, if 1 had further indulged the thought. One day I undertook a tour through the coun- try, when the diversity and beauties of nature I met with in this charming season, expelled every gloomy thought. Just at the close of the day, the gentle gales ceased ; a profound calm ensued ; not a breath shook the tremu- lous leaf I had gained the summit of a com- manding ridge, and looking round with as- tonishment and delight, beheld the ample plains and beauteous tracts below. On one hand, the famous Ohio, rolling in silent dig- nity, and marking the western boundary of Kentucky with inconceivable grandeur. At a vast distance, 1 beheld the mountains lift their venerable brows and penetrate the clouds. All things were still. I kindled a fire near a 4-1 DANIEL EOONE. fountain of sweet water, and feasted on the loin of a buck, which a few hours before I had killed. The shades of night soon over- spread the hemisphere, and the earth seemed to gasp after the hovering moisture. My ex- cursion had fatigued ni}^ body, and amused my mind. I laid me down to sleep, and awoke not until the sun had chased away the night. ' ' I continued this tour, and in a few days explored a great part of the country, each day equally pleased as the first ; after which I re- turned to my old camp, which had not been disturbed in my absence. I did not confine my lodging to it, but often reposed in thick cane brakes, to avoid the savages, who, I be- lieved, often visited my camp, but fortunately during my absence. No populous city with all the varieties of commerce and stately structures, could afford so much pleasure to my mind as the beauties of nature I found in this country. Until the 27th of July, I spent the time in an uninterrupted scene of sylvan pleasures, when my brother, to my great fe- licity, met me, according to appointment, at our old camp. Soon after, we left the place, DANIEL BOONE. 45 and proceeded to Cumberland river, recon- noitrcing that part of the country, and giving names to the dilVerent rivers. In March, 1771 , I returned home to my family, being deter- mined to bring them, as soon as possible, at the risk of my life and fortune, to reside in Kentucky, which I esteemed a second para- dise. On my return, I found my family in happy circumstances. I sold my farm at Yadkin, and what goods we could not carry with us ; and on the 2.5th of September, 1773, we bade farewell to our friends, and proceed- ed on our journey to Iventucky, in company with five more families, and forty men, that joined us in Powell's valley, which is one hundred and fifty miles from the now settled parts of Kentucky ; but this promising begin- ning was soon overcast with a cloud of ad- versity. On tiie 10th of October, the rear of our company was attacked by a number of Indians, who killed six, and wounded one man. Of thes(\ my eldest son wns one that tV'll in the action. Thougli we repulsed the enemy, yet this unhappy alfair scattered our cattle, brought us into extreme difficulty^, and so discouraged the wliole company, that wc 46 DANIEL BOONE. retreated forty miles, to Clench river. We had passed over two mountains, Powell's and Walden's, and were approaching Cum- berland mountains, when this adverse fortune overtook us. These mountains are in the wilderness, in passing from the old settle- ments in Virginia to Kentucky, are ranged in a southwest and northeast direction, are of great length and breadth, and not far dis- tant from each other. Over them, nature has formed passes, less difficult than might bs expected from the view of such huge piles. The aspect of these cliffs is so wild and h ir- rid, that it is impossible to behold them with- out terror. Until the 6th of June, 1774, I remained with my family on the Clench, when I and Michael Stoner were solicited by Governor Dunmore, of Virginia, to conduct a number of surveyors to the falls of Ohio. This was a tour of near eight hundred miles, and took us sixty-two days. On my return, Governor Dunmore gave me the command of three garrisons, during the campaign against the Shawanese. In March, 1775, at the solicitation of a number of gentlemen of North Carolina, I attended their treaty at DANIEL BOONE. 47 Wataga, with the Cherokee Indians, to pur- chase the lands on the south side of Ken- tucky river. "After this, I undertook to mark out a road in the best passage from the settlements through the wilderness to Kentucky. Hav- ing collected a number of enterprising men, well armed, I soon began this work. We proceeded until we came within fifteen miles of where Boonsborough now stands, where the Indians attacked us, and killed two, and wounded two more. This was the 20th of March, 1775. Three days after they attack- ed us again ; we had two killed and three wounded. After this, we proceeded on to Kentucky river, without opposition. On the first of April, we began to erect the fort of Boonsborough, at a salt lick, sixty yards from the river, on the south side. On the 4th, they killed one of our men. On the 14th of June, having finished the fort, I returned to my family on the Clench. Soon after, I removed my family to this fort. We arrived safe ; my wife and daughters being the first white wo- men that stood on the banks of the Kentucky river. December 21th, the Indians killed 48 DANIEL BOONE. one man and wounded another, seeming de- termined to persecute us for erecting this fort. July 14th, 1776, two of Colonel Cal way's daughters and one of mine, were taken pri- soners near the fort. I immediately pursued the Indians, t^ith only eighteen men. On the 16th, I overtook them, killed two of them, and recovered the girls. The Indians had divided themselves into several parties, and attacked on the same day, all our settlements and forts, doing a great deal of mischief. The husbandman was shot dead in the field, and most of the cattle were destroyed. They continued their hostilities until the loth of April, 1777, when a party of one hundred of them attacked Boonsborough, and killed one man and wounded four. July 4th, they at- tacked it again with two hundred men, and killed us one, and wounded two. They re- mained forty-eight hours, during which we killed seven of them. All the settlements were attacked at the same time. July 19tli, Colonel Logan's fort was beseiged by two hundred Indians. They did much mischief. There were only fifteen men in the fort ; they killed two, and wounded four of them; In- DANIEL BOONE. 49 dians' loss unknown. July 25 th, twenty- five men came iVoni Carolina. About Au- gust 20th, Colonel Bowman arrived with one hundred men from Virginia. Now we began to strengthen, and had skirmishes with the Indians almost every day. •' The savages now learned the superiority of the long knife^ as they call the Virgini- ans ; being outgeneraled in almost every bat- tle. Our aflau's began to wear a new as- pect ; the enemy did not now venture open war. but practiced secret mischief January 1st. 1778, I went with thirty men to the Blue Licks, on Licking river, to make salt for the dilfercnt garrisons. February 7th, hunting by myself, to procure meat for the company, I met a party of one hundred and two In- dians, and two Frenchmen, marching against Boonsborough. Thoy pursued and took me. The next day I capitulated for my men, knowing they could not escape. They were twenty-seven in number, three having gone home with salt. The Indians, accorduig to the capitulation, used us generously. They carried us to Old Chillicothe, the principal Indian town on the liittle Miami. On the 4 60 DANIEL BOONE. 18th of February, we arrived there, after an imcomfortable journey, in very severe wea- ther. On the 10th of March, I and ten of my men were conducted to Detroit. On the 30th, we arrived there, and were treated by Governor Hamilton, the British commander at that post, with great humanity. The In- dians had such an affection for me, that they refused one hundred pounds sterhng, offered them by the governor, if they would leave me with the others, on purpose that he might send me home on parole. Several English gentlemen there, sensible of my adverse for- tune, and touched with sympathy, generously offered to supply my wants, which I declined with many thanks, adding, that I never ex- pected it would be in my power to recom- pense such unmerited generosity. On the 10th of April, they brought me towards Old Chillicothe, where we arrived on the 25th day of the same month. This was a long and fatigueing march, through an exceedingly fertile country, remarkable for fine springs and streams of water. At Chillicothe I spent my time as comfortably as I could expect; was adopted; according to their custom, into DANIEL BOONE. 61 a family., where I became a son, and had a great share in the affections of my new pa- rents, brothers, sisters and friends. I was exceedingly familiar and friendly with them, always appearing as cheerful and satisfied as possible, and they put great confidence in me. I often went a hunting with them, and fre- quently gained their applause for my activity. At our shooting matches, I was careful not to exceed many of them in shooting ; for no people are more envious than they are there, in this sport. I could observe in their coun- tenances and gestures the greatest express- ions of joy when they exceeded me, and when the reverse happened, of envy. The Shawanese King took great notice of me, and treated me with profound respect and friendship, often entrusting me to hunt at my liberty. 1 frequently returned with the spoils of the woods, and as often presented some of what 1 had taken to him, expressive of my duty to my sovereign. My food and lodging was in common with them ; not so good, in- deed, as I could desire, but necessity made every thing acceptable. I now began to me- ditate an escape, but carefully avoided giving 52 DANIEL BOONE. suspicion. Until the 1st of June, I continued at Old Chillicothej and then was taken to the Salt Springs on the Sciota, and kept there ten days, making salt. During this time I hunted Avith them, and found the land, for a great extent about this river, to exceed the soil of Kentucky, if possible, and remarkably well watered. On my return to Chillicothe, four hundred and fifty of the choicest Indian warriors were ready to march against Boons- borough, painted and armed in a dreadful manner. This alarmed me, and I determined to escape. On the 16th of June, before sun- rise, I went off secretly, and reached Boons- borough on the 20th ; a journey- of one hun- dred and sixty miles, dining which I had only one meal. " I found our fortress in a bad state ; but we immediately repaired our flanks, gates, and posterns, and formed double bastions, which we completed in ten days. One of my fellow prisoners, escaping after me, brought advice, that on account of my flight, the Indians had put off" the expedition for three weeks. About August 1st, I set out Avith nineteen men, to surprise Point Creek DANIEL BOONE. 53 Town, on Sciota. Within four miles we fell in with thirty Indians going against Boons- borough. AVc fought, and the enemy gave way. We suffered no loss. The enemy had one killed and two woimded. We took three horses and all their baggage. The Indians having evacuated their town, and gone al- together against Boonsborough, we returned, passed them on the Gth day. and on the 7th arrived safe at Boonsborough. On the 8th, the Indian army, four hundred and forty-four in number, commanded by Captain Duquesne and eleven other Frenchmen, and their own chiefs, came and surrounded the fort. I requested two days' consideration, which they granted. During this, we brought in, througli the posterns, all the horses and other cattle we could collect. On the 9th, in the evening. I informed their commander, that we were determined to defend the fort while a man was living. They then proposed a treaty, and said, if we sent out nine men to conclude it, they would withdraw. The treaty was held within sixty yards of the fort, as we suspected the savages. The articles were agreed to and signed ; when the Indians 54 DANIEL BOONE. told US it was their custom for two Indians to shake hands with every white man, as an evidence of friendship. We agreed to this also. They immediately grappled us to take us prisoners; but we cleared ourselves of them, though surrounded by hundreds, and gained the fort safe, except one that was wounded by a heavy fire from their army. On this they began to undermine the fort, be- ginning at the water mark of Kentucky river, which is sixty yards from the fort. We dis- covered this by the water being made mud- dy with the clay, and countermined them by cutting a trench across their subterranean passage. The enemy discovering this, by the clay we threw out of the fort, desisted. On the 20th of August, they raised the siege. During this dreadful siege, we had two men killed and four wounded. We lost a num- ber of cattle. We killed thirty-seven of the enemy, and wounded a great number. We picked up one hundred and twenty-five pounds of their bullets, besides what stuck in the logs of the fort. Soon after this, I went into the settlement, and nothing worthy of notice passed for some time. DANFEL BOONE. 55 *• 111 July. 1779, during my absence, Colo- nel Bowman, with one hundred and sixty men, went against the Shawanese of Old Chillicothe. He arrived undiscovered ; a bat- tle ensued, which lasted till ten in the morning, when Colonel Bowman retreated thirty miles. The Indians collected all their strength and pursued him, when another engagement en- sued tor two hours, not to Colonel Bowman's advantage. Colonel Harrod proposed to mount a number of horses, and break the en- emy s line, who at this time fought with re- markable fury. This desperate measure had a happy eflect, and the savages fled on all sides. In these two battles, we had nine men killed and one wounded. The enemy's loss was uncertain, only two scalps being taken. "June 22d, 1780, about six hundred Indians and Canadians under Colonel Bird, attacked Riddle and Martin's stations, and the forts of Licking river, with six pieces of artillery; they took all the inhabitants captive, and killed one man and two women, and loaded the others with the heavy baggage, and such as failed were tomahawked. The hostile disposition of the savages caused General 56 DANIEL BOONE. Clarke, the commandant at the falls of Ohio, to march with his regiment and the armed force of the country, against Peccaway, the principal town of the Shawanese, on a branch of the Great Miami, which he finished with great success, took seventeen scalps, and burned the town to ashes, with the loss of seventeen men. "About this time, I returned to Kentucky with my family; for, during my captivity, my wife, thinking me killed by the Indians, had transported my family and goods, on horses, through the wilderness, amidst many dangers, to her father's house in North Caro- lina. The history of my difficulties in going and returning, is too long to be inserted here. " On the 6th of October, 1780, soon after my settling again at Boonsborough, I went with my brother to the Blue Licks : and, on our return, he was shot by a party of Indians ; they followed me by the scent of a dog, which I shot and escaped. The severity of the win- ter caused great distress in Kentucky, the en- emy during the summer having destroyed most of the corn. The inhabitants lived chiefly on buffalo's flesh. DANIEL BOONE. 57 '' In the spring of 1782, the Indians ha- rassed us. In May. tliey killed one man at Ashton's station, and took a negro. Captain Ashton pursued them with twenty-five men ; and. in an engagement which lasted two hours, he was obliged to retreat, having eight killed and four mortally wounded. Their brave commander fell in the action. August 10th, two boys were carried off from Major Hoy's station. Captain Holder pursued with seventeen men ; they were also defeated and lost four killed, and one wounded. Our af- fairs became more and more alarming. The savages infested the country, killing men at every opportunity. In a field near Lexing- ton, an Indian shot a man. and running to scalp him. was himself shot from the fort, and foil dead upon his enemy. All the In- dian nations were now imited against us. ''August l.jth, five hundred Indians and Canadians came against Briant's station, five miles from Lexington. They assaulted the fort and killed all the cattle round it ; but be- ing repulsed, they retired the third day, ha- ving about thirty killed ; their wounded un- certain. The garrison had four killed and 6o DANIEL BOONE. three wounded. August 18th, Colonel Todd, Colonel Trigg, Major Harland and myself, speedily collected one hundred and seventy- six men, well armed, and pursued the sava- ges. They had marched beyond the Blue Licks, to a remarkable bend of the main fork of the Licking river, about forty-three miles from Lexington, where we overtook them on the 19th. The savages observing us, gave way, and we, ignorant of their numbers, passed the river. When they saw our pro- ceedings, having greatly the advantage in situation, they formed their line of battle from one bend of the Licking to the other, about a mile from the Blue Licks. The battle was ex- ceedingly fierce for about fifteen minutes, when we, being overpowered by numbers, were obliged to retreat, with the loss of sixty- seven men, seven of whom were taken pri- soners. The brave and much lamented Co- lonels Todd and Trigg, Major Harland, and my second son, were among the dead. We were afterwards told, that the Indians, on numbering their dead, finding that they had four more killed than we, four of our people that they had taken were given up to their DANIEL BOONE. 69 young warriors, to be put to death after their barbarous manner. " On our retreat we were met by Cojonel Logan, who was hastening to join us, with a number of well-armed men. This pow- erful assistance we wanted on the day of battle. The enemy said one more fire from us would have made them give way. I can not reflect upon this dreadful scene, but sor- row fills my heart. A zeal for the defence of their country led these heroes to the scene of action, though with a few men, to attack a powerful army of experienced warriors. AVhen we gave way, they pursued us with the utmost eagerness, and in every quarter spread destruction. The river was difhcult to cross, and many were killed in the flight ; some just entering the river, some in the wa- ter, others after crossing, in ascending the cliffs. Some escaped on horseback ; a few on foot : and, being dispersed every where, a few hours brought the melancholy news of tlie unfortunate battle to Lexington. Ma- ny widows were now made. The reader may guess what sorrow filled the hearts of 60 DANIEL BOONE. the inhabitants, exceeding any thing I am able to describe. '' Being reinforced, we returned to bury the dead, and found their bodies strewed ev- ery where, cut and mangled in a dreadful manner. This mournful scene exhibited a horror almost unparalleled ; some torn and eaten by wild beasts ; those in the river eaten by fish ; all in such a putrefied condition that no one could be distinguished from another. "When General Clarke, at the falls of Ohio, heard of our disaster, he ordered an expedi- tion to pursue the savages. We overtook them within two miles of their towns, and we should have obtained a great victory had not some of them met us when about two hundred poles from their camp. The sava- ges fled in the utmost disorder, and evacua- ted all their towns. We burned to ashes Old Chillicothe, Peccaway, New Chillicothe, Willstown and Chillicothe ; entirely destroy- ed their corn and other fruits, and spread de- solation through their country. We took seven prisoners and five scalps, and lost only four men ; two of whom were accidentally killed by ourselves. DANIEL BOONE. 61 " This campaign dampened the enemy, yet tiiey made secret incursipns. In October, a party attacked Crab Orchard; and one of them, being a good way before the others, boldly entered a house, in which were only a woman and her children, and a negro man. The savage used no violence, blit attempted to carry olf the negro, who happily proved too strong for him, and threw him on the ground, and in the struggle the woman cut off his head with an axe, whilst her little daughter shut the door. The savages instantly came up, and applied their tomahawks to the door, when the mother, putting an old rusty gun barrel through a crevice, the savages went olf. •• From thai time until the happy return of peace between the United States and Great Britain, the Indians did us no mischief Soon after the Indians desired a peace. Two dar- ling sons and a brother, I have lost by sa- vage hands, which have also taken forty valuable horses, and an abundance of cattle. .Many dark and sleepless nights have I spent, separated from the cheerful society of men, scorclicd by summer's sun. ;uid pinched by 62 DANIEL BOOxNE. the winter's cold, an instrument ordained to settle the wilderness. But now the scene is changed, and peace crowns the sylvan shade." Colonel Boone lived much respected and beloved, to an advanced age, and died in the midst of a numerous posterity, for whom he had endured so many trials and hardships. His name is still held in grateful remem- brance in the valley of the Mississippi, and his daring exploits form the themes of many a wild legend, and border tale. GEORGE CLINTON Hit Father Emigrates from Ireland and Settlet in Orange County. — His Birth. — His Early and Valuable Services in the French War. — Completes the Study of the Law. — Election to the Colonial Legislature, and to Congress.—' A Member of the latter when the Declaration of Inde- pendence was adopted, and a Zealous Advocate of the tame. — Reason of the non-appearance of his name on that Instrument. — Elected first Governor of New York. — Appointed to an Important Command by Congress. — Hit Gallant Defence of Forts Montgomery and Clinton. — An account of the Engagement. — Declines the Election of Governor, on account of ill health, after having held the ojjice Eighteen Years. — A Candidate for the office of Vice President. — Again Elected Governor. — Elected Vice President in 1805 and 1Q09.— Hit Death and Cha- racter. Few names figure more conspicuously in the history of the state of New York, than that of George Clinton. His father was an emigrant from Ireland, and settled at an 64 GEORGE CLINTON, early period in Little Britain, Orange county. He was much respected for his patriotism and private virtues ; at one time officiated as a county judge, and was a colonel in the British army which invaded Canada during the French war. George was the youngest son, and was born on the 26th of July, 1739. He was bred to the profession of the law, but before the completion of his studies, he joined the expedition under General Amherst, and assisted in the reduction of Montreal. He particularly distinguished himself in this campaign by the capture, with four gun boats, after a severe engagement, of a French brig of eighteen guns. After the termination of the war, he re- sumed his professional studies, and, on their completion, he was appointed clerk of the county of Ulster, by Sir Henry Clinton, the colonial governor of New York, to whom, it is said, he was distantly related. Not- withstanding this connection, he was one of the earliest friends of the American cause. He was repeatedly elected to the colonial legislature, and was generally regarded as the leader of the whig party in that body. GEORGE CLINTON. 65 His talents and patriotism rendered him highly popular, and he was soon known as one of the most active and zealous patriots of the day. In 1775, he was returned as a member of Congress, and was present at the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on the 4th day of July, 1776. It is scarcely necessary to say, that that measure received his unqualified assent. His appointment as brigadier general of the militia of his native state, compelled him to vacate his seat before the Declaration was engrossed for signature, for which reason his name does not appear among the signers. General Clinton busily occupied himself in the discharge of the duties appertaining to his station, and made every exertion in his power to further the glorious cause in which he had always manifested such, a deep interest. A constitution having been adopted for the state of New York, in Apfit; 1777, he was almost unanimously elected the first governor. In the same year he Avas appointed by Congress to the command of the posts in the Highlands. This duty was a most important and arduous one. General 5 66 GEORGE CLINTON. Burgoyne was advancing from the north, at the head of a numerous and well appointed army, with the intention of effecting a junc- tion with General Howe at Albany. The object of these movements was to cut off the New England states from the rest of the confederacy, and open a free communica- tion between Canada and New York. The Americans were determined to prevent the British forces from obtaining the command of the river, and furnishing General Bur- goyne with the supplies which he had in- i formed Sir Henry Clinton it was necessary he should have, in order to save his army from destruction, or, as the only alternative, an unconditional surrender. When the British ascended the river, Clin- ton assailed them from every prominent point. His gallant defence of Fort Mont- gomery with a handful of men, was highly honorable to his intrepidity and skill. We extunct the following description of the attack on Forts Montgomery and Clinton from the American Biographical Dictionary : ''When the British reinforcements, under General Robertson, amounting to nearly two GEORGE CLINTON. thousand men, arrived from Europe, Sir Henry Clinton used the greatest exertion, and availed liimself of every favorable cir- cumstance, to put these troops into imme- diate operation. Many were sent to suitable vessels, and united in the expedition, which consisted of about four thousand men, against the forts in the Highlands. Having made the necessary arrangements, he moved up the North River, and landed on the 4th of October at Tarry town, purposely to impress General Putnam, under whose command a thousand continental troops had been left, with a belief, that his post at Peekskill was the object of attack. At eight o'clock at night, the general comnumicated the intelli- gence to (lovernor Clinton, of the arrival of the British; and at the same time expressed his opinion respecting their destination. The designs of Sir Henry were immediately perceived by the Governor, who prorogued the Assembly on the following day, and arrived that night at Fort ^Montgomery. The British troops, in the meantime, were secretly conveyed across the river, and as- saults on our forts were meditated to bo 68 GEORGE CLINTON. made on the 6th, which were accordingly put in execution, by attacking the American advanced party at Doodletown, about two ' miles and a half from Fort Montgomery. The Americans received the fire of the Bri- tish, and retreated to Fort Clinton. The enemy then advanced to the west side of the mountain, in order to attack our troops in the rear. Governor Clinton immediately ordered out a detachment of one hundred men towards Doodletown, and another of sixty, with a brass field piece, to an eligible spot on another road. They were both soon attacked by the whole force of the enemy, and compelled to fall back. It has been re- marked, that the talents, as well as the temper of a commander, are put to as severe a test in conducting a retreat, as in achiev- ing a victory. The truth of this Governor Clinton experienced, when, with great bra- very and the most perfect order, he retired till he reached the fort. He lost no time in placing his men in the best manner that circumstances would permit. His post, how- ever, as well as Fort Clinton, in a few minutes were invaded on every side. In the GEOUGE CLINTON. 6'.^ midst ol' tliis disheartening and appalUng disaster, lie was summoned, when the sun was only an hour high, to surrender in five minutes; but his gallant spirit refused to obey the call. " In a short time after, the British made a general and most desperate attack on both posts, which M-as received by the Americans with undismayed courage and resistance. Ofiicers and men, militia and continentals, all behaved alike brave. An incessant fire was kept up till dark, when our troops were over- powered by numbers, who forced the lines and redoubts at both posts. Many of the Americans fought their way out, others acci- dentally mixed with the enemy, and thus made their escape eflectualiy: for, besides being favored by the night, they knew the various avenues in the mountains. The governor, and his brother. General James Clintoiij who was wounded, were not taken." The whole number of American troops in the two forts at the time of the attack, was not far from six hundred. The force led by Colonel Campbell against Fort Montgomery 70 GEORGE CLINTON. numbered nine hundred. Sir Henry Clin- ton, who commanded at the storming of Fort Chnton, had twelve hundred men with him. General Putnam had no suspicion of the real point of attack, till he heard the firing. He immediately despatched five hundred men to the assistance of the garrisons, but they arrived too late to render any efiectual service, and were obliged to return to camp. The British had about one hundred and fifty men killed and wounded. Colonel Camp- bell, Major Sill, and other officers, were among the slain. The Americans lost three hundred men in killed, wounded, and priso- ners. C4overnor Clinton was continued in the office of chief magistrate of the state of New York, for eighteen years in succession, at which time he declined being a candidate for re-election, alleging, as his reasons for this coarse, that his private affairs, which had been much neglected during his employment in the public service, and the impaired state of his health, rendered it necessary for him to retire from office without delay. In 1797, Governor Clinton was the republican candi- GEORGE CLINTON. I I date for Wqq President, but failed of securing his election. After the declension of Governor Jay in 1800, Governor Clinton was again put in nomination for that office, and was elected by a large majority. In 1805, he was almost unanimously chosen Vice President of the United States, which office he continued to fill, having been re-elected in 1809, until the timo of his death, which took place at Wash- ington, on the 20tli day of April, 1812. For a long scries of years he had been recognized as the leader of the Republican party in New York. Their suffrages and influence, had elevated him to various places of trust and honor, and his death elicited a general and sincere expression of regret. '"While he lived, his virtue, wisdom and valor, were the pride, the ornament, and security of his country, and when he died, he left an illus- trious example of a well sj^ent life, worthy of all imitation.'' HOKATIO GATES His Birth and Education. — Enters the Anny. — His rapid Promotion. — Offers hin Services t» theColonies, and is ap- pointed Adjutani-Gencral. — WithdraKs from the North- ern Army. — Disastets of the American Army. — General Gates again ordered to take Command of the No7-ihern Army. — Assumes the Command. — Severe Conjlict be- tweeu the Americans under Colonel Morgan, and the British under Philips and Reidescl. — Critical Situation of Burgoyne. — Battle between Burgoyne and Gates. — Surrender of Burgoyne. — Effect of the Capture of the British Army. — General Gatrs^ and Conicay's Intrigues against Washington. — Appointed to the Command of the Southern Army. — Defeated by General Corntcallis. — Superceded by General Greene. — Court Martialed and Acquitted. — Returns to his Farm in Virginia. — His Death. — His Character. (JLNKKAi. Gates \va.s horn in England, in I he year 1728. He was educated for the niihtnry profession, and entered the Britisli service, as a heutenant. at an early age. He 74 HORATIO GATES. was esteemed a faithful and competent officer, and soon rose to the rank of major, by re- gular promotion. At the capture of Marti- nique, during the French war, he acted as the aid of General Monckton. He was also one of the officers who accompanied the expedition under Braddock in 1755, against Fort Du Q,uesne, and was shot through the body. After the peace of Aix La Chapelle, he landed at Halifax, with the troops under the command of General Cornwallis. He subsequently retired from the army and purchased an estate in Virginia, where he resided at the breaking out of hostilities in 1775. Having become warmly attached to his adopted country, he felt bound to offer his services in the time of danger. His sympathy with the colonies, and his esta- blished military reputation, united to procure him the office of adjutant general of the American army, which was tendered to him by the Continental Congress, and cordially accepted. In July, 1775, he accompanied the com- mander-in-chief, General Washington, to the American camp at Cambridge, where he was HORATIO GATES. iO assiduously employed in the discharge of his official duties. He was afterwards trans- ferred to the army in Canada, and was associated with General Schuyler in the defence of the northern frontier. A dispute having arisen between these officers, in regard to their respective priority in the command, the matter was represented to Congress, who recommended them to co- operate harmoniously together. General Schuyler was shortly after directed to resume tlie command of the northern department; whereupon General Gates withdrew himself from it. He then repaired to head-quarters, with a portion of the army of Canada, and unit'nl witli the forces under General Wash- ington, in the month of September, 177G. The disastrous termination of the campaign in Canada, and the unfortunate condition of the troops under the command of General Schuyler, excited the most fearful apprehen- sions for the safety of the frontier. The British ministry had resolved to prosecute the war with the utmost vigor, and General Burgoyne, who had served during the pre- ceding campaign under General Carleton, in /b HORATIO GATES. the winter of 1777, was appointed to the command of the army destined for the invasion of New York. That officer had visited England, and concerted his plans with the ministry, who had furnished him with all the men and the materiel necessary for their execution. Besides a large train of artillery and a corps of artillerymen, more than seven thousand veteran troops, finely equipped, and hi a high state of discipline, were placed under his orders. In addition to this force, he had a great n amber of Canadians and savages. He was also as- sisted by several of the most distinguished officers in the service, among whom were Generals Philips, Frazer, Powel, Hamilton, Reidesel, and Specht; and a naval force under Commodore Lutwych, attended the expedition. After detaching Colonel St. Leger, with a body of light troops and Indians, amounting to about eight hundred men, by the way of Lake Ontario and the Mohawk river, to make a diversion in that quarter, and join the grand army on the Hudson, General Burgoyne left St. John's on the 16th of JunCj HORATIO GATES. Jl 1777, with the main body of his force, sailed up Lake Champlain, and arrived at Crown Point much earher in the season than the Americans had anticipated. On the 30th he advanced cautiously on both sides of the channel separating the two lakes; and on the 1st of July his van appeared in sight of Fort Ticonderoga. This important post was commanded by General St. Clair, in the absence of General Schuyler, who had pro- ceeded to Albany for the purpose of expe- diting the supplies and reinforcements which he deemed necessary in order to check the advance of Burgoyne. An ineffectual attempt was made by General St. Clair to maintain his position, but as the enemy had taken possession of Sugar Hill, which commanded the fort, and were already mounting guns on it, a council of war was held, at which it was unani- mously determined to evacuate the post. Accordingly orders were immediately issued, and the American forces left the fort on the night between the 5th and Gth of July. Such was the rapidity of their movements that thev reached Castleton. tliirtv miles 78 HORATIO GATES. from Ticonderoga, on the night succeeding the abandonment of the fort. After a fatigueing march through the woods, General St. Clair joined General Schuyler, at Fort Edward, on the 12th of July. A portion of his troops, forming the rear guard under Colonel Warner, were attacked on the 7thj by General Frazer, and completely routed. The Americans lost in this action three hundred and twenty-four men in killed, wounded, and prisoners ; the loss of the enemy was one hundred and eighty-three killed and wounded. These decisive advan- tages gave General Burgoyne the undisputed command of the whole country in the vi- cinity of the Lakes, and compelled the Ame- ricans to retire behind the Hudson. When the intelligence of these repeated disasters reached Congress, that body di- rected a recall of all the generals of ihe department, and an inquiry into their con- duct. General Gates was again directed to assume the command of the northern army, and arrived at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson, where General Schuyler had established himself, on the 19th of August. HORATIO GATES. 79 General Schuyler had taken every precau- tion, in the meantime, to repair the losses consequent on the evacuation of Ticonde- roga, and to impede the progress of the enemy. The navigation of Wood Creek, above Fort Ann, was obstructed ; bridges were broken down, trees were felled across the roads, and all the horses, cattle, ammu- nition and stores, were brought out of the way of the royal anny. General Burgoyne soon prepared to advance to the Hudson. On proceeding up Wood Creek, he was obliged to remove the impediments and obstructions placed there by the orders of General Schuyler, and to restore the roads and bridges which had been destroyed. Above forty bridges were con- structed and repaired, one of which, entirely of log- work, was over a morass two miles wide. This prodigious labor was performed in a sultiy season of the year, and in a country swarming with insects. The failure of the attempts made by Burgoyne to capture the stores at Benning- ton, which was prevented by the brave Stark and his gallant followers, had, in some 80 HORATIO GATES. degree, restored public confidence; and the intelligence soon after received, of the dis- astrous encounters of St. Leger's division with the militia under General Herkimer, and their rapid retreat from Fort Schuyler to Montreal, produced a most favorable turn in the prospects of the campaign. At this critical period in the condition of the northern army, when every thing was combining to pave the way for the glorious victory which ensued, General Gates arrived in the camp, and assumed the command. General Schuyler keenly felt the injustice which was done him, by allowing another to reap the fruits of his labors, but he con- tinued faithfully to obey the orders of Gen- eral Gates, until the surrender of Burgoyne terminated the contest. On the 30th of August, the British Gen- eral addressed a letter to General Gates, complaining of the harsh treatment expe- rienced by the loyalists who had been made prisoners at Bennington, and hinted at retaliation. The American commander an- swered the letter, and pointed to the atrocities perpetrated by the Indians under Burgoyne HORATIO GATES. 81 and St. Leger, as furnishing a justification for an\^ severity which had been exercised. In reference to one barbarous act, which had roused the indignation of the people on tlic frontier, Gates said : '•That the savages of America should, in their warfare, mangle and scalp the unhappy prisoners who fall into their hands, is neither new nor extraordinary ; but that the famous Lieutenant General Burgoyne, in whom the fine gentleman is united with the soldier and scholar, should hire the savages of America to scalp Europeans, and descendants of Eu- ropeans; nay more, that he should pay a price for each scalp so barbarously taken, is more than will be believed in Europe, until authenticated facts shall, in every gazette, confirm the truth of the horrid tale. '* Miss McCrea, a young lady lovely to the sight, of virtuous character and amiable dis- position, engaged to an ofllcer of your army, was, with other women and children, taken out of a house near Fort Edward, carried in- to the woods, and then scalped and mangled in a most shocking manner. Two parents with their six children, were all treated with 6 82 HORATIO GATES. the same inhumanity, while quietly residing in their once happy and peaceful dwelling. The miserable fate of Miss McCrea was par- ticularly aggravated by her being dressed to meet her promised husband ; but she met her murderer employed by you. Upwards of one hundred men, women and children have perished by the hands of the ruliians, to whom, it is asserted, you have paid the price of blood!" Having by the most tedious and toilsome exertions, procured a supply of provisions for thirty days, and constructed a bridge of boats, General Burgoyne crossed the Hudson river on the 13th and 14th of September, and en- camped on the heights and plains of Sarato- ga, twenty miles below Fort Edward, and thirty-seven above Albany. General Gates, who had been joined by all the continental forces destined for the north- ern department, and received large reinforce- ments of militia, left his position, and pro- ceeded sixteen miles up the river, in the direction of the enemy, and formed a strong camp near Stillwater. On the evening of the 17th, after considerable skirmishing with the HORATIO GATES. 83 ligiit troops of his opponent, General Bur- goyne encamped within four miles of the American army, and spent the next day in repairing the roads and bridges, which was attended with some loss. About noon, on t!ie lllth of September, he put himself at the head of his right wing, and advanced through the woods to attack the Americans on their left, (jieneral Frazer and Colonel Brehman, with the grenadiers and light infantry, co- vered his right flank ; and the Indians, loy- alists and Canadians, proceeded in front; at the same time, the left wing and artillery, commanded by Generals Philips and Reide- sel, pursued their march along the great road near the river. The movements of the enemy were soon made known to (general Gates, and Colonel Morgan was detached, with his riflemen, to observe their motions and impede their pro- gress. This gallant oflicer met the advanced ])arties in front of the British ric:htwing, and drove them back. General Burgoyne order- ed a strong detachment to their support, and after a severe and bloody conflict, Morgan was compelled, in turn, to give way. He 84 HORATIO GATES. was at once reinforced, and the action be- came more general, continuing for three hours almost without intermission. A constant blaze of fire was kept up on both sides, and each party was alternately driven by the other. The British artillery, a portion of which was brought up by General Philips, through the woods, fell into the possession of the Americans at every charge, but so sud- den were the changes in their position, that they could neither turn the pieces upon the enemy, nor bring them off. Notwithstanding the severity of the con- flict, such was the order preserved, and the resolute bravery of the American troops, that the wounded men, after having their wounds dressed, in many instances returned with re- newed courage to their positions in the ranks. Several of the American riflemen placed themselves on high trees, and as often as they could distinguish an officer's uniform, took deliberate aim at his person. The British tried the bayonet repeatedly, but not with their usual success. Between three and four in the afternoon. General Arnold, with nine continental regiments, and Morgan's ri- HORATIO GATES. 85 flrmrn, was closely engaged with the whole right wing of the British army. Both parties fought \\ ith determined courage, and were only separated by the darkness of the night. Tlie Americans withdrew to their camp, and the British troops lay on their arms on the field of battle. In this engagement, the loss of the British was upwards of five hundred, in killed and wounded. The Americans lost three hundred and nineteen, including the killed, wounded and missing. General Arnold and Colonel Morgan distinguished themselves by their gallant bearing on this occasion. They re- peatedly exposed their persons to the hottest tire of the enemy, and were seen in the thick- est of the fight, urging and cheering on their brave followers. Lieutenant Colonel Brooks, with the 8th Massachusetts regiment, re- mained on the field until eleven o'clock, and was the last to retire. .Ahijor Hull conmiand- ed a detachment of three hundred men, who fought with such bravery that more than half of them were killed. The loss of the enemy was in some instances still more se- vere. Thirty-six out of forty-eight artille- 86 HORATIO GATES. rists were either killed or wounded^ and the 62d regiment, which was five hundred strong when it left Canada, was reduced to sixty men, and four or five officers. Each party claimed the victory, and each believed it had vanquished the whole force of the enemy with only a part of their own strength. Although the Americans retired to their camp, in the immediate vicinity, ra- ther as a matter of convenience than of ne- cessity, the substantial advantages of the battle were with them. The number of the combatants were nearly equal, there being about three thousand men actually engaged on each side. The result of the conflict en- couraged the hopes of the timid and waver- ing every where, and additional forces kept pouring in to the camp of General Gates. On the day after the engagement, the news arrived in camp, that a detachment of five hundred men, under Colonel Brown, who had been sent on this service by General Lincoln, at this time engaged in collecting the militia of New England, had taken Su- gar Hill and Mount Hope, an armed sloop, several gun boats, and two hundred boats HORATIO GATES. 87 which had been employed on the lakes ill traiisportin'^ provisions for the British army, and had relieved one hundred Ame- rican prisoners, and captured three hun- dred of the enemy. This threatening move- ment in liis rear, compolled Burgoyne to make a bold and decided pnsli for the termi- nation of the campaign. He immediately took a position almost within canon shot of the American camp, fortified his right, and extended his left along the hills. Informa- tion of his situation was communicated to Generals Howe and Clinton, and prompt as- sistance was requested. These officers, how- ever, entertained no suspicion of danger, and were not able to render any efficient aid. The attack on Forts Clinton and Montgome- ry, although successful, availed him nothing. The two armies lay in front of each other lor several days; each engaged in fortifying its camp. Burgoyne's provisions were daily diminishing, and his Indian allies having become dissatisfied with the unfavorable as- pect of alfairs, abandoned him to his fate. 1 lad he retreated immediately after the battle at Stillwater, his army might have been OO HORATIO GATES. saved ; but he neglected the favorable oppor- tunity, and suffered himself to be enveloped in the toils which General Gates was pre- paring for his capture. Towards the close of September, General Lincoln arrived in the American camp with a reinforcement of near two thousand men. General Gates remained on his old ground, and contented himself with watching the movements of the enemy, and accustoming his troops in their daily skirmishes, to the scenes of the battle field. He was sensible that every moment's delay increased his own strength, and weakened that of the opposing force. Burgoyne's situation became more and more embarrassing. He was so envi- roned by the forces under tlie command of General Gates, that he could procure no fresh supplies; his men were already placed on short allowances ; his horses were perishing for want of forage, and he had received no recent intelligence from Sir Henry Clinton. In this dilemma, he resolved to risk the fortune of another battle, as a victory was the only alternative to a surrender. Ac- cordingly, on the 7th of October, he led out IJORATIO GATES. 89 one thousand live hundred men, well pro- vided with artillery, and accompanied by Generals Phihps, Reidesel and Frazer. His detachment had scarcely formed, within half a mile of the American entrenchments, when it was furiously attacked on the left by the ritle corps under Colonel Morgan, and an ob- stinate and protracted engagement ensued. The particulars of the battle are given by a writer in Thatcher's Military Journal, from the statements of eye witnesses, as follows: '* I am fortunate enough to obtain from our ollicers, a particular account of the glo- rious event of the 7th instant. The advanced parties of the two armies came into contact about three o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, and immediately displayed their hostile atti- tude. The Americans soon approached the royal army, and each party, in defiance, awaited the deadly blow. The gallant Co- lonel Morgan, at the head of his famous rille corps, and Major Dearborn, leading a detach- ment of infantry, commenced the action, and rushed courageously on the British grena- diers, commanded by Major Ackland; and the lurious attack was most firmly resisted. 90 HORATIO GATES. In all parts of the field, the conflict became extremely arduous and obstinate ; an uncon- querable spirit on each side disdaining to yield the palm of victory. Death appeared to have lost his terrors ; breaches in the ranks were no sooner made than supplied by fresh combatants, awaiting a similar fate. ''At length the Americans press forward with renewed strength and ardor, and com- pel the whole British line, commanded by Burgoyne himself, to yield to their deadly fire, and they retreat in disorder. The Ger- man troops remain firmly posted at their lines. These were now boldly assaulted by Brigadier General Learned, and Lieutenant Colonel Brooks, at the head of their respective commands, with such intrepidity, that the works were carried, and their brave com- mander, Lieutenant Colonel Brehman, was slain. The Germans v/ere pursued to their encampment, which, with ail the equipage of the brigade, fell into our hands. Colonel Cilley, of General Poor's brigade, having ac- quitted himself honorably, was seen astride on a brass field piece, exulting in the capture. Major Hull, of the Massachusetts line, was HORATIO GATES. 91 among those wlio so bravely stormed the enemy's entrenchment, and acted a conspi- cuous part. '• (iencralArnold. in consequence of a seri- ous misimderstanding with General Gates, was not vested witli any command, by which he was exceedingly chagrined and irritated. He entered the field, however, and his con- duct was marked with intemperate rashness; flourishing his sword, and animating the troops, he struck an olficer on the head with- (UU cause, and gave liim a considerable wound, lie exposed himself to every dan- ger, and, with a small party of riflemen, rushed into the rear of the enemy, where he received a ball which fractured his leg, and his horse was killed under him. Night-fall l)ut a stop to our brilliant career, though the victory was most decisive; and it is with pride and exultation that we recount tlie tri- umph of American braA^ery. Besides Lieu- tenant Colonel nrcliiiiiiii slain. General Fra- zer, one of the most valuable olhcers in tlic British service, was mortally wounded, and survived but a lev.' hours. I-'razcr was the soul of the British army, and was just chan- 92 HOKATIO GATES. ging the disposition of a part of the troops, to repel a strong impression which the x4mer- icans had made, and were still making, on the British right, when Morgan called to- gether two or three of his best marksmen, and pointing to Frazer, said: 'Do you see that gallant officer? — that is General Frazer; I respect and honor him ; but it is necessary he should die.' This was enough. Frazer immediately received his mortal wound, and was carried off the field. "Sir Francis Clark, aid-de-camp to Gene- ral Burgoyne, was brought into our camp with a mortal wound, and Major Ackland, who commanded the British grenadiers, was wounded through both legs, and is our pri- soner. Several other officers, and about two hundred privates, are prisoners in our hands, with nine pieces of cannon and a considera- ble supply of amiuiition, which was much wanted for our troops. The loss on our side is supposed not to exceed thirty killed, and one hundred wounded, in obtaining this sig- nal victory." Darkness put an end to this bloody en- gagement. The Americans lay all night HORATIO GATES. 93 upon their arms, about half a mile from the lines, with the intention of renewing the at- tack in the morning. About midnight, Ge- neral Lincoln marched with his division to relieve the troops who had been engaged, and occupy the ground they had won. General Burgoyne became alarmed for his safety, and in the course of the night, silently, and with- out interruption from the enemy, moved his camp to the hills, extending his right up the river. This change of front relieved him from all immediate danger. On the 8th he made some ineffectual attempts to provoke General Gates to attack him in his strong position, but the latter prudently declined so unequal a con- test, and employed himself in taking every precaution to prevent the escape of the oppo- sing force. He posted one thousand four hundred men on the heights opposite the ford of Saratoga, and sent detachments to the other fords higher up the river. A brisk caimonading was kept up during the 8th, and considerable skirmishing took place. In the evening, General Burgoyne was in- formed that an American column, probably 94 ' HOEATIO GATES. the detachment sent by General Gates to guard the fords, was advancing with the in- tention of gaining his right tlank, and he at once resolved to retreat to Saratoga, about ten miles up the river. He commenced his march about nine o'clock, leaving behind him several boats loaded with provisions and baggage, his hospital, and about three hun- dred sick and wounded men, towards whom General Gates exhibited his usual humanity. The roads were rendered so bad, by the heavy rain which was falling, that the Bri- tish army did not reach Saratoga until the evening of tlA3 9th of October, and on the morning of the 10th, much fatigued, they passed the fords of Fishkill creek, a little farther north. On reaching the place of his destination, General Burgoyne found a small body of the enemy already in possession of the ground, who retreated as soon as he ap- proached. As soon as the rain had ceased. General Gates set out in pursuit of the enemy, with the main body of the forces under his com- mand, but as the roads were in a most wretched condition, and the British had de- HOHATIO GATES. 95 stroyed the bridges, it Avas some time before he overtook them. Immediately on his ar- rival at the camp above Fishkill creek, Ge- neral Burgoyne had sent forward a company of artificers, escorted by a force of several hundred men, to rcj)air the roads and bridges leading to Fort Edward ; but the sagacity of (jleneral Gates had provided against this con- tingency, and the party was forced to return, without having accomplished any thing. As the roads and bridges could not be repair- ed, it was found impossible to proceed with the baggage and artillery. General Burgoyne then called a council of war, at which the desperate resolution was adopted of aliandoning their baggage, artillery and stores, and with their arms and such ]»rovisions as they could carry on their backs, marching in the night to Fort Edward, and forcing their way to Fort George. But the keen foresight of Gates had closed even this last avenue of escape. The American forces lined the whole eastern bank of the river. General Gates had under his command nine thousand continentals, and four thousand mi- litia, l^arties of them were advanced be- 96 HORATIO GATES. tween the British army and Fort Edward ; and entrenchments, provided with artillery, had been thrown up on the high grounds be- tween Fort Edward and Fort George- The detachments on the eastern bank of the river were especially annoying to General Bur- goyne, who was obliged to land his pro- visions, and carry them to camp, up a steep hill, exposed to their galling fire. In these helpless circumstances, General Burgoyne again called his council together, and by the unanimous advice of its members, he opened a correspondence with General Gates on the 13th of October, which was followed by the surrender of his whole force on the 16th instant. By the terms of the ca- pitulation, it was stipulated that the troops under General Burgoyne should next day march out of their camp, with the honors of war, and the artillery of the entrenchments, and pile their arms at the verge of the river ; that a free passage should be granted them to Great Britain, on condition of not serving in North America during the war, unless ex- changed ; and that they should embark at Boston. On the 17th, the British troops piled HORATIO GATES. 97 their arms according to the capitulation. The prize obtained, consisted of near six thousand prisoners, Ibrty-two pieces of brass ordnance, seven thousand nuiskets, clothing for seven, tliousand men, and a great quantity of tents, and other mihtary stores. General Bnrgoyne was received by his successhil antagonist, with every mark of kindness and respect. General Wilkinson, in his account of the atiair, says: ''General Gates, advised of Burgoyne's approach, met him at the head of his camp ; Burgo)^le in a rich, royal unitbrm, and Gates in a plain blue frock. When they had approached nearly within sword's length, they reined up and halted. I then named the gentlemen; and General Burgoyne, raising his hat most gracefully, said : ' The fortune of war, Gen- eral Gates, has made me your prisoner ;' to which the conqueror, returning a courtly sa- hue, promptly replied, ' I shall always bear testimony that it has not been through any fauh of your excellency.' " The surrender of the army of General Burgoyne, was one of the most important events which transpired during the progress 98 HORATIO GATES. of the war. It taught the British ministry, that they were contending with an enemy whom it was madness to despise, and opened the way for the treaty of aUiance which was afterwards concluded with France. The American people were in an ecstasy of joy. The name of the hero of Saratoga was on every tongue, and coupled with every ex- pression of gratitude and admiration. The thanks of Congress were voted to General Gates and his army ; and a medal of gold, in commemoration of this great event, was ordered to be struck, to be presented to him by the president, in the name of the United States. The adulation paid to General Gates, on account of his brilliant success in command of the northern army, enkindled his ambi- tious aspirations, and so far unbalanced his mind, that he gave countenance to the at- tempt, which was soon after made, to remove General Washington, and substitute himself as commander-in-chief. The principal ac- tors in this scheme were General Conway, a brigadier general in the army, and a few other fiery and restless spirits, who were not HORATIO GATES. 99 satisfied with the slow and cautious move- ments of Washington. General Conway made the vilest insinuations and assertions in the public newspapers, and in private conversation, relative to the incapacity of Washington to conduct the operations of the army. These attacks received countenance from several members of Congress, who were induced to avow their want of confidence in the commander-in-chief; and the matter soon assumed a most threatening aspect. Conway held a correspondence with Ge- neral Gates on tlie subject, and, in one of his letters, made use of this expression : " Hea- ven has been determined to save your coun- try, or a weak general, and bad counsellors would have ruined it." All the circumstan- ces connected with this movement, were speedily communicated to Washington him- self, and were soon alter made public. Ge- neral Gates, on finding that the particulars of the correspondence had been made known, addressed a note to the commander-in-chief, requesting him to disclose the name of his informant. General Washington at once gave the desired information, and mentioned iOO HORATIO GATES. the circumstances under which the affair had been brought to hght. Gates then at- tempted to excuse the matter away, but re- fused to produce the original letters of Con- way. The result of this controversy, while it increased the attachment of the American people for the good and great Washington, excited a deep feeling of regret that Gates should have sullied his fair fame by conduct so palpably unjust and ungenerous; audit is said, that he afterwards expressed his sincere regret at the occurrence. In 1779, General Gates was attached, during most of the campaign, to the army under the immediate command of Wash- ington. After the return of the British troops under General Grey, who had been sent in September, on an expedition against Bed- ford, Fairhaven, and Martha's Vineyard, General Washington broke up his encamp- ment at White Plains, and proceeded north, to Fredericksburg, at the same time detach- ing Generals Gates and McDougall to Dan- bury in Connecticut, to watch the movements of the enemy, and act as circumstances might require. HORATIO GATES. 101 General Gates was subsequently employed on various duties, generally under the com- mander-in-chief, until the 13th of June, 1780, when he was appointed to the chief command of the army of the south. The unhappy condition of things in the southern states had for a long time attracted the at- tention of Congress. Lord Cornwallis had completely overrun the country, and scat- tered terror and dismay wherever he had moved. The American force in that quarter was small, but early in the spring, Wash- ington had reinforced it with the Maryland and Delaware troops, and a regiment of artil- lery, under the Baron De Kalb, a veteran German officer, who had early entered the American service. The appointment of Gates to the com- mand gave general satisfaction, and the most sanguine expectations of a favorable change in the condition of things were mdulged on all sides, except by the few who envied him the reputation he had acquired on the plains of Saratoga. General Lee, however, it is stated, anticipated a dilTerent result, and re- marked of Gates, that "his northern lau- 102 HORATIO GATES. rels would soon be exchanged for southern willows ;" but this remark, in all probability, originated rather in the bitterness of his dis- position, than in any intuitive knowledge he could have possessed. On receiving notice of his appointment, General Gates proceeded southward without delay, and joined the army under De Kalb, at Buffalo Ford, on Deep river, on the 25th of July. The whole force consisted of about two thousand men, and large reinforcements of militia from North Carolina and Virginia, were daily expected. It had been the inten- tion of De Kalb to deviate from the direct route to Camden, where the British force under Cornwallis was soon after concentra- ted, in order that he might establish maga- zines and hospitals at convenient points, and be more favorably situated for obtaining supplies. But General Gates, on his arrival, determined to follow the straight route to the enemy, notwithstanding it led throvigh a barren and inhospitable country. On the 27th of July, he commenced his march, but soon experienced the privations and difficulties which De Kalb had been HORATIO GATES. 103 anxious to avoid- Meal and corn were so scarce that the men were forced to use unripe corn and peaches instead of bread, and for some time they were forced to subsist chiefly on lean cattle, accidentally found in the woods. This wretched diet, and the intense heat and unhealthy climate, reduced the army to a most wretched condition. Ge- neral Gates was indefatigable in expediting his march. After having effected a junction with General Caswell, at the head of the North Carolina militia, and a small body of troops under Lieutenant Colonel Porterfield, he arrived at Rugely's Milis on the i3th of August. On the next day, he was joined by the militia o{ Virginia, amounting to seven hun- dred men, under General Stevens. An ex- press arrived on the same day from Colonel Sumpter, a partizan officer, who had posted liimself with a considerable body of men, on ed one hundred regular 104 HORATIO GATES. infantry and three hundred North CaroUna militia, to reinforce Sumpter, whom he or- dered to reduce the British fort on the Wa- teree, and intercept the convoy. On the 15th instant he continued his advance in the direction of Camden, with the intention of taking a position about seven miles from that place. On the advance of General Gates into South Carolina, Cornwallis quitted Charles- ton, where he had been previously estab- lished, and repaired to Camden, at which place he arrived on the same day that Gates reached Rugely's Mills. The British com- mander could not assemble more than two thousand men at Camden, and, as the whole country was rising against him, he found it necessary either to retreat, or to strike a decisive blow. He chose the latter alternative, and at ten o'clock at night, on the 15th of August, the very hour General Gates proceeded from Rugely's Mills, about thirteen miles distant, he marched towards the American Camp. General Gates had sent his sick, heavy baggage, and miUtary stores not wanted for HORATIO GATES. 105 immediate use, under a strong guard to Waxhaw's, and advanced with considerable confidence and rapidity. Colonel Armand's legion composed the van ; Porterfield's light infantry, with a company of picked men from Stevens' brigade, marching in Indian files, two hundred yards from the road, co- vered the right flank of the legion ; and Major Armstrong's light infantry, of the North Carolina militia, reinforced in like manner by General Caswell, in the same order, co- vered the left. The Maryland division, fol- lowed by the North Carolina and Virginia militia, with the artillery, composed the main body and rear guard; and the volunteer cavalry were equally distributed on the flanks of the baggage. The American force did not exceed four thousand men; only nine hundred of whom were regular troops, and there were seventy cavalry. About two o'clock on the morning of the 16th of August, the advanced guards of both parties unexpectedly met in the woods. A portion of the American cavalry forming the advanced guard, being wounded by the first fire, fell back in confusion, and broke the 106 HORATIO GATES. Maryland regiment, which formed the head of the column. A scene of confusion en- sued, which went very far, heightened as it was by the darkness of the night, to fill the minds of the raw troops with that terror and gloom from which they do not appear to have recovered. Several skirmishes hap- pened during the night, and a number of prisoners were taken on either side, from whom the respective commanders gained some information in regard to the position of the two armies. General Gates unfortunately found himself situated with morasses on his right and left, so that he could not avail himself of his superior numbers to outflank the enemy ; consequently all the advantages of a larger force were entirely lost. At dawn of day, the two armies were pre- pared for action. Cornwallis formed his men in two divisions ; that on the right was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Web- ster ; that on the left, under Lord Rawdon. In front were four field pieces. The seventy- first regiment, with two cannon, formed the reserve ; and the cavalry, about three hun- dred in number, were stationed in the rear. HORATIO GATES. 107 General Gates placed the second Maryland brigade, under General Cist, on the right of his line : the militia of North Carolina, com- manded by General Caswell, in the centre ; and the Virginia militia, with the light in- fantry and Colonel Armand's corps, on the left. The artillery was placed between the divisions. Baron De Kalb commanded on the right, and the militia generals were with their respective commands. The battle was commenced by the advance of Colonel Web- ster, with the right wing of the British army, to attack the American left. As he advanced, he was assailed by a scattering discharge of musketry from some volunteer militia in advance of their comrades, but his soldiers rushed through the loose fire, and charged the American line with a shout. The militia instantly threw down their arms and lied, many of them without dis- charging their muskets. A great part of the centre division, composed of the North Car- olina militia, imitated the example of their Virginia brethren ; few of cither division fired a shot, and fewer still bore away their arms. General Gates and .some of the militia ge- 108 HORATIO GATES. nerals threw themselves in the way of the fugitives, and earnestly besought them to maintain their ground like men. But all subordination was gone. They had become panic-stricken, and Tarleton rode over them, with his legion, and cut them down, almost without resistance. General Gates, in des- pair, hastened with a few friends to Char- lotte, eighty miles from the field of battle.^ Baron De Kalb manfully defended himself, and his brave Mary landers withstood all the efforts of the enemy, until their whole force was concentrated against them, when they were compelled to give way. The brave Baron fell at the head of his men, pierced with eleven wounds. His death terminated the disasters of the day. General Gates was completely overwhelm- ed by his defeat. His own rashness, want of caution, and neglect in watching the movements of the enemy, undoubtedly led to the unhappy issue of the engagement ; but had he been supported by another De Kalb, or had the Virginia and North Carolina mili- tia remained firm at their posts, the victory would have been secured. He continued to HORATIO GATES. 10^ retreat, with such forces as he could collect, to Salisbury, and thence to Hillsborough, where he succeeded in gathering around him the scattered fragments of liis army. Being afterwards reinforced by several small bodies of regulars and militia, he again advanced towards the south, and established his post at Charlotte. Here he remained in com- mand, until the 3rd day of December, when he was relieved by General Greene, who had been appointed to supersede him. While General Gates was still at Char- lotte, in the midst of his misfortunes, he was called to mourn the death of an only son. The following statement in relation to this afflicting dispensation, is given in Garden's Anecdotes, and affords conclusive proof of his kind heart and generous disposition : " Having occasion to call on General Gates," says the author of the statement, '•relative to the business of the department under my immediate charge, 1 found him traversing the apartment which he occupied, under the influence of high excitement; his agitation was excessive : every feature of his countenance, every gesture, betrayed it. ( )f- 110 HORATIO GATES. ficial despatches informing him that he was superseded, and that the command of the southern army had been transferred to Gene- ral Greene, had just been received and pe- rused by him. His countenance, however, betrayed no expression of irritation or resent- ment; it was sensibihty alone that caused his emotion. An open letter which he held in his hand, was often raised to his lips and kissed with devotion, while the exclamation repeatedly escaped them : ' Great man ! No- ble, generous procedure !' When the tumult of his mind had subsided, and his thoughts found utterance, he, with strong expressions of feeling, exclaimed : ' I have received this day a communication from the commander- in-chief, which has conveyed more consola- tion to my bosom, more ineffable delight to my heart, than I had beUeved it possible for it ever to have felt again. With affectionate tenderness he sympathizes with me in my do- mestic misfortunes, and condoles with me on the loss I have sustained by the recent deafli of an only son ; and then with peculiar deli- cacy, lamenting my misfortune in battle, as- sures me that his confidence in my zeal and HORATIO GATES. Ill capacity is so little impaired, that the com- niand of the right wing of the army will be bestowed on me, so soon as I can make it convenient to join him.' " General Gates resigned the command to his successor, with entire good feeling, and the latter ever continued to defend the mili- tary reputation of his friend. He always as- serted that if there was any mistake in the conduct of Gates, it was in hazarding an action at all, against a force which was su- perior to his own in reliable strength ; and, when informed of his own appointment to supersede him, he declared his unabated con- fidence in the military talents of General Gates, and his willingness to serve under him. The same resolution of Congress which di- rected the commander-in-chief to supersede General Gates, also provided for a court of inquiry on his conduct. The inquiry result- ed in his acquittal : and it was the general opinion that he was not treated by Congress with that delicacy and gratitude which was due to his acknowledged merits as an officer, and his callaiit services in the field. He was 112 HORATIO GATES. not reinstated in his military command, in the main army, until 1782, after the inde- pendence of the country had been finally secured. He took part in the closing scenes of the Revolution, and was most painfully affected at the final separation of Washington from his military family. After the peace, General Gates retired to his farm in Berkeley county, Virginia, where he continued to reside until 1790, when, having emancipated his slaves, and made pecuniary provision for such of them as were unable to provide for themselves, he removed to the city of New York. On his arrival, the freedom of the city was tendered to him ; and, in 1800, he received the nomi- nation of the republican party as one of their candidates for the assembly of the state, and was elected by a large majority. Although firm and decided in his political views, this did not separate him from the many personal friends who entertained different opinions. He possessed a handsome person ; was cour- teous and agreeable in his manners ; amiable and benevolent in his disposition ; of warm social habits, and a kind and sincere friend. HORATIO GATES. 113 A few weeks before his death, he closed a letter to a friend, with the following allusion to his situation : '•I am very weak, and have evident signs of an approaching dissolution. But I have lived long enough, since I have lived to see a a mighty people animated with a spirit to be free, and governed by transcendent abilities and honor."' He died at his residence in the vicinity of New York, on the lUth day of April, 1S06, at the age of 78. 8 NATHA^'IEL GREENE Birth and Parentage. — His early love of Learning and capacity for Business. — Elected to the Legislature. — Enters the Army at the head of Rhode Island Provin- cials, and joins Washington. — Renders valuable aid to Washington at the Battle of Trenton; also in the Battle of Princeton. — Appointed Commissary General. — Battle of Monmouth. — His Engagement irith the Bri- tish at Springfield. — Execution of Andre. — Appointed to Command of Southern Army. — Gen. Greene's .'skill- ful Retreat before Cornwallis. — Battle of Guilford Court House and Retreat of Cornwallis. — Battle of Camden. — Unsuccessful Attack upon Fort Ninety-Six. — Battle of Eufaw Springs. — Cessation of Hostilities and his return to Rhode Island. — Gratitude of the States to- wards him. — Removes to Georgia. — His Sudden Death. — His valuable Military Services. — His Character. — Reflections. This distinguished officer was indebted to none of the adventitious aids of wealth, or family connections, for the high estimation in which he was held by his brother officers. 116 NATHANIEL GREENE. and his countrymen in general, at the close of the revohition. He was, in every sense, " the founder of his own fortune, and the au- thor of his own fame." He was the son of Nathaniel Greene, a very respectable member of the Society of Friends, and was born in the year 1741, at Warwick, Kent County, in the province of Rhode Island. His father was an anchor smith, and the subject of this notice was intended for the same humble, though honorable occupation. He was in- structed at school, in the elements of a com- mon English education, but his appetite for the acquisition of knowledge was not satis- fied by the means thus placed within his reach ; and with such funds as he could procure, he purchased a small library, and spent his evenings, and most of his leisure time, in storing his mind with useful infor- mation. His practical intelligence, his capa- city for business, and his uprightness of character, soon secured him the esteem and good will of his friends and acquaintances. Young Greene was often referred to as a striking example to the other youths of the colony, of what industry and application NATHANIEL GREENE. 117 could accomplish ; and quite early in life he "was elected to a seat in the provincial legis- lature, by a most flattering vote. In the new position to which he had been elevated. Greene displayed the same assiduity and attention to business, and the same de- sire to do good to himself and to others, which had formerly characterized Iiim. His early reading had imbued him with a siti- cere love of liberty. He had learned to hate tyranny and oppression in all their forms. AVhen he entered upon his duties as a legis- lator, the difficulties with the mother country had just commenced. He did not hesitate a single instant as to what course he should adopt. His conscience assured him that the cause of the colonies was just and right, and he openly and boldly avowed the convictions of liis mind on this important question. Modest and unassumiuij in his deportment, he contented himself with an inferior posi- tion, until the time came for throwing olf the yoke, or tamely submitting to the iniquitous demands of the English nnnistry. For this crisis, Greene had already prepared himself, and he then aspired to a more prominent sta- 118 NATHANIEL GREENE. lion, and to become one of the leaders of the enterprise m which his whole heart was enlisted. Casting aside the peaceful habits in which he had been educated, as being wholly unsuited to the perilous times in which he lived, he manfully declared in favor of open resistance to the English govern- ment. His immediate personal friends and relatives earnestly entreated him to refrain from adopting a course so inconsistent with what they alleged to be his duty, as a mem- ber of the Society of Friends. But the love of country was far dearer to him than the ties of kindred ; and he only replied to their entreaties, by assuring them that his deter- mination was fixed and unalterable. His services and his life belonged to his country, and he would peril all in her defence. When his final decision became known, he was disowned by most of his connections, and dismissed from the society to which he be- longed. However much these circumstan- ces may have vexed and grieved him, they did not induce him to swerve from what he believed was right. He commenced his military studies in the NATHANIEL GREENE. 119 capacity of a private soldier, in October, 1774, in a military association, commanded by James M. Varnum, afterwards a brigadier general. In May, 1775, three regiments of militia were raised by the province of Rhode Island, and placed under the command of Greene, who marched them with as much expedition as circumstances would permit, to Cambridge, and joined the main army already congregated there. On the 22d day of June, he Avas appointed by Congress one of the brigadier generals in the colonial service. He remained with Washington during the investment of Boston, and contributed a great deal, by liis practical knowledge and useful- ness, to sustain the commander-in-chief in the embarrassing condition of the army and the government. He continued to pursue his military studies with unabated zeal and ap- plication, and soon became thoroughly versed in the science of war. He was cool and cautious, but full of resources ; he was al- ways ready to avail himself of any advantage, and when the proper time came for action, he was prompt and decisive in his move- ments. With a few other officers, he at one 120 NATHANIEL GREENE. time counselled an assault on the British for- . tifications at Boston. Washington himself concurred in this project, and it would proba- bly have been carried into effect, had not a majority of the council been of a different opinion. Soon after the arrival of Washington at Cambridge, a friendship was formed between Greene and himself, which gradually ripened into the most confidential intimacy, and con- tinued unchanged through life. The evacua- tion of Boston by the British, in March, 1776, rendered the presence of so large a force in that quarter unnecessary, and the American commander removed his head quarters to New York, whither General Greene accom- panied him. On the 2d day of July, General Howe landed on Staten Island with a force of nine thousand men, and his brother, Lord Howe, arrived in a few days, with a reuiforcement from England, twenty thousand strong. Ge- neral Washington was ill prepared to meet so powerful an army. His whole force con- sisted of but about eleven thousand men, two thousand of whom were entirely without NATHANIEL GREENE. 121 arms. lie attempted to obstruct the Fast and North rivers, by sinking vessels in the eliannels, and raised fortilications at New York and on Long Island, for the purpose of preventing the march of tlie British army to Xew York. The American army was posted partly at Xew York and partly on liOng Island. Ge- neral Cirecnc was entrusted with the ccm- mand at the latter })lace, and discharged his duty with fidelity and promptitude. His camp was strongly fortiiied, and was ap- proachable only by three different defiles through a woody ridge in front, which obliquely intersected the island, a few miles from Brooklyn. One of these defiles was at the southern extremity, near the narrows; another about the middle, on the Flatbush road; and a third near the north-east ex- tremity of the hills, on the Bedford road. General G'reene had carefully examined all these routes in person; and as it was evident that the British army must debark on the farther side of the ridge, he resolved to dis- pute the passage of the defiles. At this important moment, he was taken 122 NATHANIEL GREENE. dangerously sick, and compelled to retire from all active duty. The command on the island outside of the lines of fortifications, then devolved on General Sullivan, who was not equally sensible of the importance of protecting the passes. He sent strong detachments to guard that near the Nar- rows, and the Flatbush road ; but to the more distant route, by the Bedford road, he sent only an officer and a small party, with direc- tions to observe it, and give notice if the enemy should appear. The consequences of this neglect were disastrous in the ex-' treme. All the passes to Brooklyn were guarded, but one ; and it was by that the British troops, who decided the fortunes of the battle on Long Island, were enabled, by a forced night march, to turn the American flank. To the absence of Greene, who had studied, and would doubtless have guarded, all the approaches to the camp, may the de- feat of the American forces be mainly attri- buted. It must indeed have been a bitter pang to him, to feel that his presence might have given a check to the operations of the British army, at this critical period of the NATHANIEL GREENE. 123 war. from which it would not easily have recovered. The battle of Long Island oc- curred on the 27th of August, 177(3. Pre- vious to this alTair, viz : on the 26th of August, (Jeneral Greene was promoted to the rank of major general. General Greene accompanied the army under Washington in its dangerous retreat from New York, by the way of Kingsbridge, White Plahis, and North Castle, to New Jer- sey. A council of war was held about this time, to determine whether, in the existing state of things, it was advisable to retain possession of Fort Washington, near Kings- bridge, on the Island of New York, and Fort Lee, which was situated nearly opposite, on the Jersey shore. General liCe was of the opinion that they ought to be abandoned; but General fireene urged the propriety of defending them, in order to obstruct the pro- gress of the enemy, which opinion prevailed. Fort Washington was afterwards taken by (leneral Howe, witli the loss of one thousand men in killed and wounded. General (ireene had been entrusted with the command of the troops near Fort Lee, and early on the morn- 124 NATHANIEL GREENE. ins of the ISth of November, two days after the capture of Port Washington, Lord Cornwalhs passed tin-ongh the communica- Uon between the East and North rivers, by Kmgsbndge, witli a strong detac!n«3nt. .n flat.bott^^ed boats, for the purpose of cut- tig off the retreat of the American forces on the Jersey shore. General Greene, how- ever bemg apprised of this movement, by a rap.d march escaped „dth the main b^dy of he garr,son, but left behind some stragglers and h,s heavy artillery and baggage which fell into the hands of the enemy^ ^ ' After retreating through New Jersey, Ge- neral Washington finally crossed the Deh ware, in December, and toolc ttp a position on the south side of the river. The British troops were scattered through the countrv between the Delaware and Hackensack rivers' About one thousand five hundred Hessians' uader Colonel Rhalle, were stationed ai Irenton, and about two thousand at Borden- town, a few miles below, under Couut Do- nop. General Washington had only about two thousand troops with him, but he held a council of war, at which General Greene NATHANIEL GREENE. 125 was present, who resolved on the enterprise against Trenton, which was made on the 26th of December, 1776. The attacking force was formed into three divisions. The third and main division, which was the only one that crossed the river on the evening of the 2'>th, was commanded by Washington, in person, assisted by Generals Sullivan and Greene, and Colonel Knox, of the artillery. The Hessian force was taken completely by surprise. Their commander was killed early in the engagement, and as they were unable to sustain the galling fire of the American artillery, about one thousand of his men threw down their arms and surrendered themselves prisoners of war. On the evening of the 26th, Washington re-crcss^d the Delaware, carrying his prison- ers along with him, and their arms, colors and artillery. The success of this bold move- ment produced a change in public feeling, and large reinforcements soon came into the camp. Early in January, General Washing- ton foimd himself at the head of five thou- sand men. His head quarters were at this time at Trenton. The British were at once 126 NATHANIEL GREENE. alarmed for the safety of their posts in New Jersey, and Lord CornwalUs was despatched with a strong force against Trenton. On the approach of the enemy, General Washington crossed a rivulet, named the Assumpink, and took post on the high ground with the rivulet in front. On the 2d of Janu- ary, 1777, a smart cannonade ensued, and continued till night ; Lord Cornwallis intend- ing to renew the attack the next morning. A council of war was held by General Wash- ington, of which General Greene was a member, who planned the daring attack on the British garrison at Princeton. Wash- ington silently decamped in the night, lea- ving his fires burning, his sentinels advan- ced, and small parties to guard the fords of the rivulet, and by a circuitous route through Allentown, proceeded toward Prince- ton. The cold was intense, but this only rendered the march less difficult, as the roads were like solid pavement. The battle at Princeton was one of the most memorable during the war, and exceedingly fatal to the American officers. They lost one general, - two colonels, one major and three captains. NATHANIEL GREENE. 127 General Washington was several times ex- posed to imminent danger, and the gallantry, skill, and prudence of General Greene, were conspicuous on this occasion. The enemy- were obliged to retreat, Avith considerable loss, but as the main body under Cornwallis were rapidly hastening up, General Wash- ington immediately proceeded to Morristown, by forced marches, and fixed his head quar- ters at that point. In June, 1777, General Howe crossed over the river from New York, with a large body of men, with the intention of opening the campaign, by compelling Washington to abandon his position, or risk an engagement with a much superior force. After receiving a small reinforcement, the American army changed its position from Morristown to Middlcbrook, on the north side of the Rari- tan. General Howe employed every artifice to draw his opponent from the advantageous ground he occupied, but without success. He then returned to New Brunswick, and committed terrible devastations on his march. On the 22nd of June, he retired to Amboy, closely followed by an American detachment 128 NATHANIEL GREENE. under General Greene, who hung upon his rear, and frequently attacked it. General Howe then crossed with his army to Staten Island, and subsequently sailed for the south- ward. In the month of August he entered the Chesapeake Bay, and landed his forces at the head of the El k river. G eneral Wash- ington hastened to meet the British army, as soon as he was informed of its destination. On the advance of the enemy from Elk river. General Washington retreated across the Brandy wine, a creek which falls into the Delaware at Wilmington. With his main body he took post at Chad' s Ford, where it was expected the British would attempt the passage ; and General Sullivan was ordered, with a detachment, to watch the fords above. On the morning of the 11th of September, the British advanced in two columns ; the right under General Knyphausen, marching to Chad's Ford, and the left under Lord Cornwallis, passing up the river. General Sullivan being unexpectedly attacked by so large a body of the enemy, fell back in dis- order. When General Washington heard the NATHANIEL GREENE. 129 firing ill tli.-it direction, he ordered General Greene with Weedon's brigade, to the sup- port of Sid h van. Greene marched four miles in forty-two minutes, and arrived just in time to cover the retreat. He threw him- self into the rear of his flying countrymen, and, retreating slowly, kept up so destruc- tive a fire on the advancing columns of the British, that their movements were greatly retarded. He at length reached a narrow defile, secured on the right and left by thick woods, halted his forces, sent forward his cannon, that they might be out of reach of danger, if h5 were forced to a hasty retreat, and formed his men, with the determination of disputing the passage with small arms. This he elfccted with entire success, not- withstanding the vast superiority of the force under Cornwallis. He renewed the battle, and kept the enemy at bay, until the dark- ness of the nighi brought the conflict to a close. The gallantry of Greene on this oc- casion not only saved the detachment under General Sullivan, but enabled the whole American army to eflect their retreat to Phil- adclpliia in safety, and from thence to Skip- 130 NATHANIEL GREENE. pach creek, on the north side of the Schuyl- kill. '' On this occasion only,'' says a narrator of the incident, "did the slightest misunder- standing ever occur, between General Greene and the commander-in-chief In his general orders after the battle, the latter neglected to bestow any special applause on Weedon's brigade. Against this, General Greene re- monstrated in person. General Washington replied : ' You, sir, are considered my favo- rite officer. Weedon's brigade, like myself, are Yirginians. Should I applaud them for their achievement under your command, I shall be charged with partiality ; jealousy will be excited, and the service injured.' "'Sir,' exclaimed Greene, with conside- rable emotion, ' I trust your Excellency will do me the justice to belicA^e that I am not sel- fish. In my own behalf I have nothing to ask. Act towards me as you please ; I shall not complain. However richly I prize your Excellency's good opinion and applause, a consciousness that I have endeavored to do my duty, constitutes, at present, my richest reward. But do not, sir, let me entreat NATHANIEL GREENE. 131 you, on account of the jealousy that may arise in little minds, withhold justice from the brave fellows I had the honor to com- mand.' '' Convinced that prudence forbade the special notice requested, the commander-in- chief persisted in his silence. Greene, on cool reflection, appreciated the motives of his General, and lost no time in apologising lor his intemperate manner, if not for his expressions. Delighted with his frankness and magnanimity. Washington replied, with a smile: "An ollicer, tried as you have been, who ens but oiice in two years, deserves to be forgiven." With that, he otlered him his hand, and the matter terminated." After the retreat of Washington, the Bri- tish army advanced to Philadelpliia. As their position was felt to be insecure, so long as the navigation of the river remained ob- structed, General Howe detached a portion of his force, for the purpose of removing the obstructions, and encamped with the main body of his army at Germantown. While in this position, (General Washington deter- mined on attacking the enemy. Accordingly 132 NATHANIEL GREENE. his troops were got under way on the e\^e- nmg of the 3d of October, and marched to Germantown, seventeen miles from Skippach creek. The command of the left wing was given to General Greene. After a smart conflict, the British advanced guard were driven in, but as a portion of the enemy had occupied a large stone house in front of the main column of the Americans, the onward progress of the latter was impeded, and after an obstinate engagement, in which the loss on both sides was very severe, they were compelled to retreat. Under cover of a dense fog they returned to their camp in safety. General Greene exerted himself to the utmost, to retrieve the fortunes of the day, but his efforts were unavailing. The loss of the British in this action was six hun- dred in killed and wounded ; the Americans lost the same number, besides four hundred who were taken prisoners. Without any farther encounter with the British troops, the American army soon retired to their winter quarters at Valley Forge, twenty-six miles from Philadelphia. NATHANIEL GREENE. 133 At tliis time, the quarter-master's depart- ment of the American army, was in a most deplorably ineffective condition. When soli- cited by Congress to name some person, competent to fill the office of quarter-master general, and restore its usefulness, Washing- ton instantly fixed on General Greene. He knew that he was just the man calculated to discharge the duties of the station, with fidelity and despatch ; still, he was also aware that Greene was every inch a soldier, and warmly attached to the duties of the line. Notwithstanding this, he expressed the opinion, that if General Greene could be convinced of liis ability to render his coun- try greater services in the quarter-master's department than in the field, he would not hesitate to accept the appointment. " There is not," said ho. "an officer of the army, nor a man in America, more sincerely at- tached to the interests of his country. Could he best i)romote her interests in the charac- ter of a rorponti, he would exchange, as I firmly believe, without a murmur, the epau- lette for the knot. For, although he is not 134 NATHANIEL GREENE. without ambition, that ambition has not for its object the highest rank, so much as the greatest goodP When the appointment was first tendered to General Greene, he decUned accepting it ; but after a friendly conference with the com- mander-in-chief, he consented to reverse his decision, on condition that he should forfeit none of his rights to command, in time of action. On these terms he received the ap- pointment, on the 22d of March, 1778, and entered on the duties of the office. His ad- ministration of the affairs of the department was a most fortunate one for the army, and a new impetus seemed at once to be given to all its operations. Early in the spring of 1778, the British army, then under the command of Sir Henry Clinton, evacuated Philadelphia, and crossed the Delaware on their route to New York. For several days Washington entertained the idea of attacking the enemy on their re- treat, but the decision of his council was adverse to such a course. He then threw forward strong detachments under Generals Dickinson, Maxwell and Cadwallader, and NATHANIEL GREENE. 135 Colonel Morgan, who were ordered to liar- rass the enemy as nnich as possible. Gene- ral Washington then snmmoned a council of war the second time, when their opinion still being adverse to an attack, he decided to act on his own responsibility. On the 2Sth of June, General Lee, who had advanced under his orders, at the head of five thousand men, attacked the rear of the British army near Freehold Court House, in the county of Monmouth, supposing that he should meet with little or no resistance. But he soon discovered his mistake, when he found that J^'ir Henry Clinton had placed the flower o( his troops in the rear division, under the command of Lord Cornwaliis. He then commenced a rapid retreat, in order to secure a more advantageous position, when he was met by General Washington, who reproved him for his conduct, and ordered General Greene to assume the command of fhe right wing of the army. The latter ren- dered etlicicnt service in this aflair, and was instrumental in retrieving the losses sustained m the early part of the day. The result of the battle was advantageous to the 136 NATHANIEL GREENE. American cause, although Sir Henry Chnton continued his march to Sandy Hook, on his way to New York, without farther moles- tation. After the battle at Monmouth, General Greene was despatched to assist General Sul- livan in his operations against the enemy in Rhode Island. A combined movement, in connection with the French naval force un- der Count D'Estaing, was in contemplation, for the reduction of the British garrison at Newport, amounting to about six thousand men, under the command of General Pi got. At the very moment when the assistance of the fleet was the most needed. Count D'Es- taing, in compliance with the decision of a council of his officers, decided on proceeding immediately to Boston. General Greene, in company with the Marquis De La Fayette, waited on the Count, to remonstrate with him on the subject, and to press his co-ope- ration and assistance for two days only, in which time they hoped to be able to accom- plish every thing that was desired ; but he continued to adhere to his former resolution, and on the 28th of August, General Sullivan NATHANIEL GREENE. 137 was compelled to raise the seige, and retire into the interior of the State. The presence of General Greene in his native state, after so long an absence, was liaili'd with the most lively demonstrations of joy. The inhabitants gathered round him in crowds, and even the sober-minded nieml^ers of the Society of Friends, were heartily rejoiced to take him by the hand. They often visited him at his quarters, and congratulated him on the elevated rank he liad attained in the service of his country. On a certain occasion, one of the members of the Society was enquired of, to know Ikhv he could reconcile his conscience witli the attentions he had paid to General Greene, whose profession was that of war? He |)romptly re})hed : " Friend, it is not a suit of uniform that can either make or spoil a man. True. I do not approve of this many- colored apparel, but whatever may be the form or color of his coat, Nathaniel Greene still retains the .same sound head and virtu- ous heart, tluit gained him the love and es- teem of our Society.'' Durinjr the year 1770. ( General G'reene was 138 NATHANIEL GREENE. wholly engrossed with the duties of the quarter-master's department. His unremit- ting exertions were directed to furnishing the army with the necessary clothing and stores, but, in spite of his efforts, he was so poorly sustained by Congress, that the condition of the army was oftentimes most deplorable. The privations and sufferings of the soldiers were so great in the spring of 178U, that the temper of the men was soared, and it re- quired the utmost exertions of the officers, and of the commander-in-chief, to prevent a total disbandment of his force. On the ISth of June, 1780, Sir Henry Clinton returned from South Carolina, with about four thousand men, and commenced offensive operations in the vicinity of New York. Being apprehensive, that it was the intention of the British commander to sail up the Hudson, and attack the posts in the Highlands, General Washington proceeded from Springfield, where he had been en- camped, toward Pompton, with the main body of his army. General Greene was left at Springfield with seven hundred continen- tals, the Jersey militia, and some cavalry. \ATnA\inL GREENE. 139 Sir Henry Clinton, after having perplexed the Americans by his movements, rapidly advanced with his whole force, on the morn- iiig of the 23d of June, from Elizabethtown to Sprinixfield. General Crcene hastily col- lected his detachment, and apprised Gene- ral Washington of the march of the enemy. lie had scarcely assembled his troops and made the necessary dispositions, when the royal army appeared before the town, and a cannonade innnediately began. In front of the town was a fordable rivulet, with bridg- es, corresponding with the different roads. Greene had stationed parties to guard the bridges, and they obstinately disputed the passage, until they were overpowered, and compelled to retreat. He then fell back, and took post on a range of hills, where he ex- pected to be again attacked, and made pre- parations to give the enemy a warm recep- tion. Instead of pursuing their advantage, the British set fire to the village, and re- treated to Elizabethtown, whither they were pursued with impetuosity, by the militia un- der Greene, who were provoked at the burn- ing of Springfield. Before six o'clock the 140 NATHANIEL GREENE. next morning, the British had evacuated the Jerseys, and destroyed the bridge of boats which communicated with Staten Island. The object of Sir Henry Chnton in this ex- pedition, was the destruction of the Ameri- can magazines in that quarter, but the obsti- nate resistance of General Greene at Spring- field, deterred him from advancing into a country where he could have been so advan- tageously assailed by an inferior force. In the autumn of 1780, Major Andre, who had been sent by Sir Henry Clinton to con- cert measures with General Arnold for be- traying the post at West Point, was seized within the American lines, and tried and executed as a spy. The part General Greene was called upon to perform in this melan- choly aifair, was a most painful one. Ge- neral Washington detailed a court for the trial of Andre, consisting of fourteen general officers, La Fayette and Steuben being two of the number, and General Greene was ap- pointed to preside. The court were unani- mous in the opinion, that he had been taken as a spy, and must suffer death. The sen- tence was ordered to be carried into execu» NAT HA Mi: I. tiHEKNi:. Ml tiou on the day after it was declared. Andre did not complain of the sentence, but he urgently entreated that he might be permit- ted to die a soldier's death. In a letter to General Washington, he made a most pow- erful and pathetic appeal to him, to modify the sentence, so that he should not be com- pelled to die on a gibbet. This letter affect- ed the commander-in-chief to such a degree, that he referred it to his general officers for their opinion. With one exception, they were unanimous in their desire, that Andre should be shot. General Greene alone re- fnsed to yield his judgment to the feelings of sympalliy it was so natural to indulge. •Andre," said he to Washington, "is rither a spy, or an innocent man. If the latter, to execute him, in any way, will be murder; if the former, the mode of his death is prescribed by law, and you liave no right to alt«'r it. Nor is this all. At the present alarming crisis of our aflairs, the pubhc safety calls for a solemn and impressive ex- ample. Nothing can satisfy it, short of the execution of the prisoner, as a common spy; a character of which his own confession has 142 NATHANIEL GREENE. clearly convicted him. Beware how yon siifier your feelings to triumph over your judgment. Indulgence to one may be death to thousands. Besides, if you shoot the pri- soner, instead of hanging him, you will ex- cite suspicion, which you will be unable to allay. Notwithstanding all your efforts to the contrary, you will awaken public com- passion, and the belief will become general, that, in the case of Major Andre, there were exculpating circumstances, entitling him to lenity beyond what he received — perhaps, entitling him to pardon. Hang him, there- fore, or set him free !" It is unnecessary to add, that the commander-in-chief decided to follow the advice of Greene, and Andre was executed as a spy. On the 5th of October, Congress passed a resolution, requiring the commander-in-chief to order a court of inquiry into the conduct of Major General Gates, as commander of the southern army, and to appoint another officer to that command till such inquiry should be made. General Washington in- stantly recommended General Greene, as a person fully qualified to assume the com- NATHAMCL GRECXE. 1 13 mand, and he was soon after appointed. Writing on this snbjcct to Mr. Mathews, a delegate fron\ South Carohna, Washington remarked: "I thinl* I am giving you a ge- neral; but what can a general do without men, without arms, without clothes, without stores, without provisions V' The defeat of General Gates at Camden had been a sad blow to the American arms in that quarter, but General Greene set him- self eagerly at work to remedy tiie evil. On his way to join tlie army, he visited the governors and legislatures of the states through which he passed, and urged them to furnish him with the supplies and rein- forcements which were absolutely necessary, in order to enable him to act with any de- gree of efficiency. On the 2d day of December, 17S0, he ar- rived at Charlotte, the head quarters of Ge- neral Gates, and assumed the command, at. the same time treating his predecessor with the most marked courtesy and kindness. In a few hours al'ter entering on his new duties, General (ircene received the inlbrmation that Colonel Washington, at the head of a small 144 NATHANIEL GREENE, party, had captured Colonel Rugely, a mili- tia officer in the British service, and one hun- dred and twelve men. This circumstance revived the spirits of his little army, which consisted, at this time, of two thousand three hundred and seven men; two thousand and twenty-nine of whom were infantry, and the remainder cavalry, artillery, and continentals on extra service. Of the infantry, only eight hundred and twenty-one were continentals, and the remainder were militia. General Greene soon found that he could not remain long at Charlotte, as the country between that place and Camden, had been so frequently traversed by the contending armies, that it was entirely exhausted of sup- plies. The command of the hght troops had been previously entrusted to General Mor- gan, and General Greene placed him at the head of one of the divisions of his army, 'consisting of nearly four hundred infantry, under Lieutenant Colonel Howard, one hun- dred and seventy Virginia riflemen, under Major Triplett, and eighty light dragoons un- der Lieutenant Colonel Washington. With this small force, Morgan was sent to observe NATHANIEL GREENE. 145 tlic British at Wynnesborough and Camden, witl) instructions to shift for himself, but to risk as Httle as possible. On the 25th of De- cember he took a position near the conlluence of the Pacolet and Broad rivers. With the other division of the army, Ge- neral Greene left Charlotte on tlie 20th, and on the 26th of December arrived at Hicks' corner, on the east side of the Pedee, oppo- site the Cheraw hills, where he remained some time. On the 27th, General Morgan detached Colonel Washington, with his dra- goons and two hundred militia, who the next day marched forty miles, surprised a body 'of loyalists at Ninety-Six, killed and wounded one hundred and fifty, and took forty prison- ers, without sustainingau}' loss. At this time, Moriran was joined by Major McDowell, with two hundred North Carolina, and by Colo- nial Pickens with seventy South Carolina mi- litia. On the 11th of January, 1781, General Ah)rgan was informed that Lieutenant Colo- nel Tarlcton had been detached by Lord Cornwallis, with a force of one thousand and <>no imndred men. to drive him out of the 10 146 NATHANIEL GREENE. province. His position not being a favora- ble one, he therefore began to retreat, and crossed the Pacolet. He then continued his march, until he arrived at a place called the Cow-Pens, about three miles from the line of separation between North and South Caroli- na, where he halted his men, and made pre- parations to receive the enemy. He had just disposed his forces, when the British van ap- peared. Tarleton's success had usually depended on his sudden and impetuous assaults, and he instantly formed his men, and rushed on to the attack. The American volunteers and militia gave way, but the continentals brave- ly maintained their ground, until Tarleton ordered up his reserve. Morgan then retreat- ed to the summit of the eminence on which he was posted. The British fancied the vic- tory won, and pursued in some disorder. On reaching the top of the hill, the continentals, under Colonel Howard, suddenly wheeled, and met the enemy with a deadly fire, which threw them into confusion. Colonel How- ard then charged them with the bayonet, while Colonel Washington attacked the ca- NATHANIEL GREENE. 147 valry. sword in liand. This terminated the engagement, and the whole body of the ene- my's infantry, with the exception of the de- tachment left to guard the baggage, were compelled to lay down their arms. In this battle, the British had ten commissioned offi- cers and upwards of one hundred privates killed. More than five hundred were made prisoners, and two pieces of artillery, two standards, eight hundred muskets, thirty-five baggage wagons, and one hundred horses, fell into tlie hands of the Americans, who lost only twelve men killed, and about sixty v.'ounded. As soon as Cornwall is was advised of Tarlcton's defeat, he determined to advance rapidly on Morgan, re-take his prisoners, and prevent his union with General Greene. Morgan was apprehensive of danger, and he prosecuted his retreat without delay. Cross- ing Broad river, at the upper fords, he has- tened to the Catawba, which he reached on the evening of the 2Sth, and passed in safety, about two hours before the van of the British army hove in sight. On the night of the 2Sth, the river rose so unexpectedly, in con- 148 NATHANIEL GREENE. sequence of the excessive rains, that it was impossible to cross over the next day. This providential interposition saved Morgan's detachment, as Cornwallis had destroyed all his superfluous baggage, and was fast closing up with him, when he reached the Catawba. It was two days before the inundation sub- sided, and in that interval, Morgan sent off his prisoners, under a strong escort, to Char- lottesville, in Virginia. On the 31st of January, General Greene arrived in Morgan's camp and assumed the command. He had heard of the latter' s vic- tory and danger, and, leaving his division under the command of General Huger and Colonel Williams, accompanied by only one aid-de-camp, and two or three mounted mi- litia men, he set out to meet Morgan, who was then one hundred and fifty miles distant. Being informed, while on his route, that Cornwallis was in rapid pursuit of Morgan, he despatched instructions to Huger and Williams, to march as fast as possible, in order to join the other division at Charlotte, or Salisbury. The river having subsided on the 31st, NATHANIEL GREENE. 149 Cornwallis resolved to attempt the passage, although the fords were all guarded. Early on the morning of the 1st of February, he left his ground, and succeeded in crossing the river at a private ford near McCowan's. General Davidson had been sent on the pre- vious evening, with three hundred militia, to guard this ford, with directions to post his men close by the side of the river. He, how- ever, stationed only a small party on the bank, while the rest of his force were en- camped at a distance. He endeavored to ob- viate the consequences of his mistake when it was too late, and lost his life in the vain elfort to prevent the British troops from ef- tecting their passage. His defeat opened the river, and all the American parties retreated. General Greene marched with such rapid- ity that he crossed the Yadkin at the trading lord on the night between the 2d and 3d of February, partly by fording, and partly by means ol' boats and tlats. So closely was he pursued, that the British van was ot\en in sight of the American rear, and a sharp con- llict ensued^between a body of ridcmen and the advanced guard of the enemy, a short 150 NATHANIEL GREENE. distance from the ford. General Greene se- cured all the boats on the south side of the river, and here he was again befriended by the elements. The river suddenly rose, by reason of the heavy rains, and the British were unable to pass. Lord Cornwallis then resolved to march up the south bank of the river about twenty-five miles, and cross at the shallow fords near its source. General Greene continued on his route northward, and on the 7th of February joined the di- vision under Huger and Williams, near Guilford Court House. General Greene's army now consisted of two thousand infantry, and between two hundred and three hundred cavalry. He believed the force under CornwaUis to ex- ceed two thousand five hundred men, and as his men were but poorly equipped, he de- termined to avoid a battle, and continue his march into Virginia. In order to cover his retreat and check the pursuing enemy, he formed a light corps from the flower of his troops, and placed them under the command of Colonel Williams. On the 10th of Febru- ary, General Greene left Guilford Court NATHANIEL GREENE. 151 House on his march toward the Dan, the largest and most southern branch of the Ro- anoke, which separates North Carohna from Virginia. The retreat and pursuit were equally rapid ; but the activity of the Ameri- can light troops compelled the British to march in compact order, and with great cau- tion. On one occasion, Colonel Lee charged the advanced cavalry of the enemy, killed a number, and made some prisoners. General Greene's preparations for crossing the river were successful, and on the 1 4th he passed it, without difficulty. Although his light corps had marched forty miles that day, the last of them had scarcely reached the northern bank, when the advanced guard of the British army appeared on the other side of the river. As the river was deep, and all the boats removed from the southern bank of the stream, by direction of General Greene, Cornwallis was compelled, though much against his will, to give up the pursuit. The retreat of General Greene, and his es- cape into Virginia, without sustaining any serious loss, called forth, on all sides, the strongest expressions of admiration. His re- 152 NATHANIEL GREENE. markable foresight and prudence, in the midst of the most trying difficulties, were never more signally manifested. Lord Cornwallis himself formed a higher and juster estimate of his opponent. "Greene," said he, "is as dangerous as Washington. He is vigilant, enterprising, and full of resources. With but little hope of gaining any advantage over him, I never feel secure when encamped in his neighborhood." "In Virginia," says the American Bio- graphical Dictionary, "General Greene re- ceived som^e reinforcements, and had the promise of more ; on which he returned again into North Carolina, where, on their arrival, he hoped to be able to act on the of- fensive. He encamped in the vicinity of Lord Cornwallis' army. By a variety of the best concerted manoeuvres, he so judiciously supported the arrangement of his troops, by the secrecy and promptitude of his motions, that, during three weeks, while the enemy re- mained near him, he prevented them from taking any advantage of their superiority, and even cut off all opportunity of their re- ceiving succor from the royalists. About the NATHANIEL GREENE. 153 beginning of March, he effected a junction with a continental regiment, and two con- siderable bodies of Virginia and Carolina militia. He then determined on attacking tlic British commander, without loss of time, ' being persuaded,' as he declared in his sub- sequent despatches, ' that if he was success- ful, it would prove ruinous to the enemy; and, if otherwise, that it would be but a par- tial evil to him.' On the 14th, he arrived at Guilford Court House, the British then lying at twelve miles distance. '• His army consisted of about four thou- sand live hundred men, of whom near two- thirds were North Carolina and Virginia militia. The British were about two thou- sand four hundred ; all regular troops, and the greater part inured to toil and service, in their long expedition under Cornwallis, wiio, on the morning of the 15th, being apprised of (>eneral Cireenc's intentions, marched to meet him. The latter disposed his army in tliree hues: the militia of North Carolina were in iVont, the second line was composed of those of Virginia, and the third, which was the llower of the army, was formed of 154 NATHANIEL GREENE. continental troops^ near fifteen hundred in number. They were flanked on both sides by cavalry and riflemen, and were posted on a rising ground, a mile and a half from Guilford Court House. '• The engagement commenced at half an hour after one o'clock, by a brisk cannonade, after which the British advanced in three columns, and attacked the first line, com- posed of North Carolina militia. These, who probably had never been in action be- fore, were panic struck at the approach of the enemy, and many of them ran away without firmg a gun, or being fired upon, and even before the British had come nearer than one hundred and forty yards to them. Part of them, however, fired, but they then fol- lowed the example of their comrades. Their officers made every possible eflbrt to rally them ; but neither the advantages of their position, nor any other consideration, could induce them to maintain their ground. " This shameful conduct had a great effect upon the issue of the battle. The next line, however, behaved much better. They fought with great bravery, and were thrown into NATHANIEL GREENE. 155 disorder, rallied, returned to the charge, and kept up a heavy fire for a long time, but were at lengtli broken, and driven on the third hne, Avhen the engagement became ge- neral, very severe, and very bloody. At length, superiority of discipline carried the day from superiority of numbers. The con- flict endured an hour and a half: and was terminated by General Greene's orderiug a retreat, when he perceived that the enemy were on the point of encircling his troops." General Greene continued his retreat to Reedy Fork, three miles from the field of battle. After waiting some time to collect the stragglers, he retired to Speedwell's Iron Works, on Troublesome creek, ten miles from Guilford Court House, which was the ap- pointed rendezvous in case of a defeat. This was one of the severest engagements in the course of the war. In every battle where Greene commanded, many of the Americans fought obstinately, and, in this action, the Virginia militia displayed more than ordinary bravery ; the brigade under General Stevens did not retreat, until that officer saw that his men were about to be 156 NATHANIEL GREENE. charged with the bayonet, which he knew they could not withstand, both on account of their disciphne, and of their being without that weapon. General Greene lost four of his field pieces, which were the whole of his ar- tillery, and two wagons. About three hun- dred of the continentals, and one hundred of the Virginia militia, were killed, or wound- ed. Upward of eight hundred of the Vir- ginia and North Carolina militia were miss- ing after the engagement, most of whom re- turned home, and never rejoined the army. The British lost several officers, and more than a third of their troops engaged in the battle, fell. According to the official returns, their loss was five hundred and thirty-two, in killed, wounded, and missing. Cornwallis gained no permanent advan- tage from this engagement. His embarrass- ments were increased, instead of being relie- ved ; and so far from being able to follow up his victory, he himself was obliged to fall back. On the third day after the battle, he began to retreat, leaving behind him about seventy wounded men, under the protection of a flag of truce, whom he recommended, in NATHANIKL GREENE. 157 a letter written by himself, to the humanity of the American commander. When General Greene took his position at the iron \V()rks on Troublesome creek, he ex- pected that Cornwallis Avould renew the en- gagement, and he made preparations for an- other conflict. As soon as he received the information of the retreat of his opponent, he commenced the pursuit, and followed him so closely that skirmishes occasionally happen- ed between his advanced i)arlies, and the rear guard of the British army. On the 28th of March, he arrived at Ramsay's Mills, on Deep river, where he was compelled to pause, on account of the condition of liis troops, who had sufl!ered much from heavy rains, deep roads, and scarcity of provisions. Some of them were in rags, and many were bare- looted : the blood flowing from the gashes in their naked feet, marking their line of march. These hardships were endured witliout a nuu'nuir ; but, as the militia had nearly all left him, and his force was reduced to about one thousand and seven hundred men, Gene- ral Greene determined to give up the pur- suit, and proceed to South Carolina. 158 NATHANIEL GREENE. One of his ofRcers, who had distmguished himself in the action at Guilford Court House, not satisfied AVith the plan of operations, in- quired of General Greene, hy way of remon- strance: "What will you do, sir, in case Lord Cornwallis throws himself in your rear, and cuts off your communication with Yir- ginia?" " I will punish his temerity," re- plied the general, " by ordering you to charge him as you did at the battle at Guilford. But never fear, sir ; his lordship has too much good sense, ever again to risk his safe- ty so far from the sea board. He has just escaped ruin, and he knows it ; and I am greatly mistaken in his character as an offi- cer, if he has not the capacity to proiit by ex- perience." On the 5th of April General Greene mo- ved from Ramsay's Mills ; and, on the 20th of the same month, he encamped at Logtown, in sight of the British works at Camden, which were then occupied by Lord Raw- don, with a force of nine hundred men. The American army under Greene was about one thousand and two hundred strong, — detach- ments from the main body having been sent NATHANIEL GREENE. 159 in different directions through the country. After various unimportant movements, he took his position at llobkerk's hill, an emi- nence about a mile north from Camden. Ha- ving recently made several forced marches, with a view of intercepting reinforcements intended for the relief of Camden, he was without his artillery and baggage ; and, while in this condition, Lord Rawdon, who had been informed of the fact by a deserter, resolved to attack him, as the only means of saving his own troops. On the morning of the 25th of April, he marched from Camden, at the head of his whole force, and gained the left flank of the Americans, undiscovered. The alarm was innncdiately given, and as the militia and cannon arrived just at that moment, General Greene soon had his army in order of battle. Nothwithslanding the desperation of the Bri- tish soldiery, the victory would have been easily won, had not a regiment of continen- tals given way at the most critical period of the action. As their officers were unable to rally them, General Greene reluctantly or- dered a retreat. Lieutenant Colonel AVash- 160 NATHANIEL GREENE. ington, who had charged with some cavalry, and gained the British rear, had, atone time, not less than two hundred prisoners ; but, seeing the infantry driven from the field, he paroled some wounded officers, and retired, taking with him about fifty prisoners, among whom were the royal surgeons. The Ameri- can loss in this action, was about two hun- dred, in killed, wounded, and taken prison- ers ; that of the British was two hundred and fifty-eight. This battle, like that at Guilford, dimi- nished Lord Rawdon's strength, while it gave him only a temporary advantage. General Greene retired to Rugely's Mills ; and, from time to time, took such positions as would prevent the garrison at Camden from recei- ving any supplies. While encamped behind Saunders' creek, he was attacked by Lord Rawdon, who had been reinforced by Colo- nel Watson with four hundred men; but, after driving in the outposts, and observing the situation of the enemy, the British com- mander thought best to return to Camden, without renewing the attack; and, on the 10th of May, he evacuated that post, leaving NATHANIEL GREENE. 161 behind him thirty of his sick and wounded, and as many Americans, whom he had taken at Hobkerk's hill. After the evacuation of Campden, several forts garrisoned by the British fell into the hands of the Americans, together with a large quantity of military stores and artillery, and a number of prison- ers. On the 22d of May General Greene com- menced the siege of Fort Xinety-Six, with the main body of his little army, consisting of one thousand men. In a short time the works were so far reduced, that a surrender nuist soon have been made, when a rein- forcement of three regiments arrived at Charleston, and Lord Rawdon instantly has- tened with a force of two thousand men, to the relief of the post. The American gene- ral determined on making an assault before the arrival of Lord Rawdon, and on the ISth of June he commenced a furious attack on the place ; but, after obtaining a partial suc- cess, he found it necessary to call off his men, and the next day commenced his retreat. During the siege he lost one hundred and 11 162 NATHANIEL GREENE. fifty-five men, and the garrison had eighty- five killed or wounded. Lord Rawdon arrived at Ninety-Six on the 21st of June, and in the evening set out in pursuit of Greene ; but, as he found it im- possible to overtake the American army, he returned to Ninety-Six, evacuated the place, and contracted his posts. General Greene immediately returned to- ward the Congaree, and his light troops were constantly hovering around the British troops, in their retreat to Orangeburgh. He soon af- ter retired to the high hills of Santee, as the intense heat of the summer rendered it ne- cessary to refresh his men, and remained there until the 22d of August. He still continued to adhere to his noble declaration: " I will recover the country or die in the attempt !" and on leaving the hills of Santee, he again advanced toward the Congaree. The British army, consisting of about tAvo thousand five hundred men, was now under command of Colonel Stuart, who retired, on the approach of Greene, about forty miles, to the Eutaw Springs, where he NATHANIEL GREENE. 1G3 was reinforced by a considerable detach- ment. Having been joined by Marion and Samp- ter, and a brigade of continental troops from North Carolina, General Greene resolved on attacking the British army. At four in the morning of the IStli of September, he ad- vanced toward their encampment, in the fol- lowing order : The Sonth and North Caro- lina militia, commanded by Generals Pick- ens and Marion, formed the first line; the second was composed of continental troops ; the North Carolina brigade, under General Sumner was on the right : that of Virginia, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, was in the centre : and that of Maryland, under Colonel Williams, was on the left. Lee's legion covered the right flank, and the state troops of South Carolina, under Colonel Henderson, covered the left ; Washington's cavalry and Kirkwood's infantry formed the reserve. As the Americans advanced to the attack, they fell in with the advanced parties of the enemy, and drove them back, when the ac- tion soon became general. The militia dis- 164 NATHANIEL GREENE. played an unusual degree of firmness, but were obliged slowly to give way. The north Carolina troops then advanced with intrepid- ity. Colonels Williams and Campbell char- ged at once with the bayonet, and for a time the conflicting ranks were intermingled, and the officers fought hand to hand. At this time, Lee had turned the left flank of the British, and charged them in the rear. They were then taken and driven off" the field, with the loss of their artillery. '' Nothing," says Dr. Ramsay, ''could surpass the intre- pidity of both officers and men on this occa- sion. They rushed on in good order, through a heavy cannonade, and a shower of musket- ry, with such unshaken resolution, that they bore down all before them." The British were closely pursued, but a detachment gain- ed possession of a large three story brick house in the rear, and another occupied a palisaded garden, and some close shrubbery, ground, from which they poured forth a close and destructive fire. The Americans made the most desperate efforts to dislodge them ; but every attack was unsuccessful. Four pieces of artillery were brought to bear NATHANIEL GREENE. 165 on the house, but made no impression. Al- most all the artillery men were killed or wounded, and the cannon had been pushed so near the house that they could not be brought oir. Colonel Washington made an attempt to turn the right flank of the enemy, but was wounded and taken prisoner. Ge- neral Greene then drew off* his men, and af- ter leaving a strong picquet on the field of battle, retired with his prisoners to the ground he had left in the morning, in order to ob- tain water for his fainting troops. This action was severely felt on both sides. The Americans lost five hundred and fifty- live in killed, wounded, and missing ; sixty commissioned officers were among the suf- ferers, of whom seventeen were killed on the spot, and four mortally wounded. Lieute- nant Colonel Campbell was among the slain. 'J'hr British lost six hundred and ninety-three men in killed, wounded, and taken prisoners. Sonir idea of the bravery of the American troops on this occasion, may be gathered from the following description of their condition, given in Judge Johnson's life of General Greene : 166 NATHANIEL GREENE. "At the battle of the Eutaw Sprmgs, Greene says, 'that hundreds of men, were naked as they were born.' Posterity will scarcely believe the bare loins of many brave men who carried death into the enemy's ranks at the Eutaw, were galled by their cartouch boxes, while a folded rag, or a tuff of moss, protected the shoulders from sus- taining the same injury from the musket. Men of other times will inquire, by what ma- gic was the army kept together ? By what supernatural power was it made to fight ?" In his letters to the secretary of war. Ge- neral Greene said: "We have three hun- dred men without arms, and more than one thousand so naked that they can be put on duty, only in cases of desperate nature." * -^ ^ * * " Our difficulties are so numerous, and our wants so pressing, that I have not a moment's relief from the most painful anx- ieties. I have more embarrassments than it is proper to disclose to the world. Let it suffice to say, that this part of the United States has had a narrow escape. I have been seven months in the field, without ta- king off my clothes." NATHANIEL GREENE. 167 The British remaiiiod on the field, on the night after the battle at bjiitaw ; but, as the lii^ht troops under (General Marion and Colo- nel Lee had been detached to gain a position in their rear, they destroyed part of their stores on the next day, and began to retreat towards Monk's Corner, leaving about seven- ty of their wounded men, to the protection of the Americans. Colonel Stuart was con- siderably galled by Marion and Lee in his retreat ; part of his rear guard was cut off; several of his men were killed, and a num- ber made prisoners. The condition of Gene- ral Greene's army again compelled him to re- turn to his former encampment on the high hills of Santee. The battle of Eutaw Springs effectually put an end to the war in the southern states. Ge- neral Greene was honored by Congress with a British standard, and a gold medal, em- blematical of the engagement, '' for his wise, decisive, and magnanimous conduct, in the action at FiUtaw Springs, in which, with a force inferior in number to that of the ene- my, he obtained a most signal victory." While Genera] Cireene was encamped on 168 NATHANIEL GREENE. the hills of Santee, he received the intelli- gence of the execution of Colonel Haynes, at Charleston, in obedience to the directions of Lord Cornwallis. He was exceedingly indignant on the occasion, inasmuch as a considerable part of the province of South Carolina was wrested from the British ; and shortly afterward issued a proclamation, threatening " to make British officers the ob- jects of retaliatory vengeance." Toward the close of November, he suddenly appear- ed before the British post at Dorchester ; and after some skirmishing, the garrison retired to Charleston. He then posted his troops on both sides of the river Ashley ; completely covered the country from the Cooper to the Edisto; and confined the British to Charles- ton necky and the neighboring islands. The British force in Georgia was at the same time concentrated at Savannah. After the capture of Yorktown, General Greene was reinforced by a body of troops under General St. Clair. On his arrival, General Wayne was detached across the San- tee, to protect the State of Georgia. Several sharp skirmishes took place with the British NATHANIEL GREENE. 169 outposts at Savannah, but the garrison eva- cuated the post on the 11th of July, 1782, and retired from the province. General Greene remained with his troops, in the vicinity of Charleston, until its eva- cuation by the British, on the 1 hh of De- cember. 17S2. After the cessation of hostili- ties, he witlidrew from the south, and return- ed to his native state, where he was received in a manner highly honorable to himself, and to the citizens, who exhibited their attach- ment and regard, by every demonstration of welcome and joy. On the close of the war, the three southern states which had been es- ]>ecially benefitted by his exertions, manifest- ed their gratitude to him by lilx^ral dona- tian.s. South Carolina prosoufcd him with an estate valued at ten thousand pounds ster- ling; Georgia, with an estate a few miles from Savaimah, worth five thousand pounds ; and North Carolina, with twenty-five thousand acres of land in Tennessee. In October, 1785, General Greene removed with his family to Georgia, and settled on his estate, near Savannah. While walking 170 NATHANIEL GREENE. over his grounds, on the 15th of June, 1786, he was suddenly attacked with a stroke of the sun, which occasioned his death on the 19th of the month. As soon as the intelh- gence reached Savannah, all business was suspended ; the dwelling houses, stores, and shops were closed ; and the flags of the ship- ping in the harbor were displayed at half mast. On the following day, the body was conveyed to the town, and, at the request of the inhabitants, interred in a private ceme- tery, with military honors ; the magistrates of the place, and other public oflicers, the society of the Cincinnati, and the citizens generally, joining in the procession, to pay the last tribute of respect to the gallant hero of the south, whose career of honor and of usefulness had thus suddenly been brought to a close. The fact that the army were accustomed to regard General Greene as the favorite officer of the commander-in-chief, is, of itself, a high tribute to his military acquirements. At his first appearance in the army at Cam- bridge, he Wcis pronounced by Colonel Pick- NATHANIEL GREENE. 171 eriiii^ and others, to be ''a man of real mi- litary genius." General Knox remarked of Greene, to a distinguished citizen of South Carolina : '• His knowledge is intuitive. He came to us the rawest, and most untutored being I ever met with; but in less than twelve months, he was equal in military knowledge, to any general officer in the army, and very superior to most of them." Colo- nel Tarleton often said, that " General Greene was the most able and accomplished com- mander that America had produced," and Luzerne, the accomplished minister of France, himself a knight of Malta, and a competent judge of military merit, pronounced the fol- lowing encomium on his character as a soldier : '* Other generals subdue their enemies by the means with which their country, or their sovereign furnished them, but Greene ap- pears to subdue his enemy, by his own means. He commenced his campaign with- out either an army, provisions, or military stores. He has asked for nothing since ; and yet, scarcely a post arrives from the south, 172 NATHANIEL GREENE. that does not bring intelligence of some new advantage gained over his foe. He conquers by magic. History furnishes no parallel to this." NATHAN HALE. His noble, self -sac Hficing Devotion to the Country. — Crim- inal Neglect of Memory. — His Melancholy Fate. — Vol- unteers to cross over to Long Island to ascertain the numbers, position and movements of the British Army, after the defeat of the Americans in the Battle of Long Island. — Detected and Arrested as a Spy. — Avows his Attachment to the American Cause, arid the Object of his Visit. — Orders for his Execution. — Barbarous treat' vient of the English before his Death. His noble bearing and hi* cheerful Resignation to his cruel Fate. 'VwE firmness, intrepidity, and self-sacri- iicing devotion of Nathan Hale, to the wel- fare of his country, led to one of the most interesting, though painful incidents, that transpired during the revohitionary war. The circumstances under which he came to his melancholy end, are such as reflect the highest honor on his patriotism, and demand from his countrymen, for the protection of 174 NATHAN HALE. whose liberties he freely offered up his life, that grateful remembrance which such deeds ought ever to inspire. The memory of An- dre is, at this day, fondly and faithfully cherished by the true-hearted Englishman. Honors and rewards liberally bestowed on his family, and magnificent monuments reared to commemorate his services and name, have evinced to the world that the soldier, who assumes the character of a spy, in the service of his country, is untainted with reproach or dishonor. The fate of Hale was like his, dark and unfortunate. But the fame of the one has been rescued from oblivion, while that of the other is left to straggle, unaided, against the advancing current of time. Such things should not be. America is rich in proud memories, and hal- lowed associations ; but her gratitude should be equal to them all — not one of her ''jewels" should be left unprized, or unhonored. On the night of the 29th of August, 1776, the American troops under Washington, in consequence of their severe defeat in the battle on Long Island, left their encampment at Brooklyn, and crossed the East river, un- NATHAN HALE. 175 rceived by the enemy. The advanced ♦'^itinel of the British army was surprised, on the morning of the 30th, by the unusual stillness of the American lines. Calling two or three comrades, they proceeded to recon- noitre. On creeping near the embankment, and cautiously peeping into the camp, they perceived not a vestige of the army to whose challenges they had listened the night before. The alarm was given, and the party who rushed in to take possession of the works, saw, in the middle of the river, and beyond the reach of their fire, the last of the barges wliich had been employed to transport the American troops ; and, beyond it, Washing- ton himself was seated in a small boat, calm- ly surveying the scene. The whole army, consisting of nine thousand men, with all their artillery, stores, and ammunition, were thus transported to New York, without sus- taining any loss or injury. The retreat of Washington left the British in complete possession of Long Island ; and it became of the highest importance to the American commander-in-chief, to obtain im- mediate and accurate information in regard 176 NATHAN HALE. to the numbers of the enemy, their situati'- :, and their future movements. For this piis pose he applied to Lieutenant Colonel Knowl- ton, who commanded a regiment of light infantry, which formed the rear of the Ame- rican army, on its retreat to Harlem, to pro- vide him with some suitable person to cross the river in disguise, and obtain the necessary information. Colonel KnowUon at once sug- gested the matter to Nathan Hale, who was a native of Connecticut, and at that time a captain in his regiment. Hale instantly volunteered to undertake the enterprise himself, and after receiving his instructions, set out for the British camp. He passed over to Long Island, examined the British army, and obtained all the informa- tion possible respecting their disposition, and their future operations. In attempting to return to New York, his disguise was penetrated. He was immediately apprehend- ed and taken before Sir William Howe. The proof of his intentions was so clear and con- vincing, that he did not hesitate to avow his name and rank, and the purposes for which he visited the island. With undaunted cour- NATHAN HALE. 177 age lie boldly declared his attachment to the American cause, and refused to compromise his integrity, by listening to the tempting of- fers which were held out to him to betray his country. The usages of war required the death of Hale, and Sir William Howe issued an order to have him executed the next morning. This order was carried into effect in the most barbarous and inhuman manner. With unllinching resolution and fortitude, Hale proceeded to the place appointed. He had voluntarily assumed the character of a spy, and he was prepared to abide the conse- quences of detection. He requested the presence of a clergyman tor a few moments previous to his death, but this was refused. He then asked for a Bible, and this request was also denied. He had written several letters on the morning of his death, to his mother, his betrothed wife, and his other frieuds, which lie desired should be forward- ed to them. The.se iimocent messages of filial alfcction and 4ove, were wantonly de- stroyed by the provost marshal, who declared, '• Ihif the rchch should nol /c/ioir I hey had a 178 NATHAN HALE. man in their army icho could die with so much firmness /" Without making any further efforts to move his heartless persecutors, who were unwilhng to accord to him the last offices of kindness and sympatJiy, Hale submitted quietly to his fate, declaring with his dynig breath, that "he only lamented, tliat lie had hut one life to lose for his country /" Thus perished this noble martyr to the cause of American Independence. In the flower of youth, unfriended and alone, denied even one last word of remembrance to the mother who bore him, he offered up his life as a sacrifice for his country. Yet, to the last, he display- ed a Roman firmness, worthy of all com- mendation. Though in the midst of tribula- tion, he was sustained by the proud, true soul within him, and by his reliance upon that Providence who watched over and pro- tected his countrymen through the long night of the revolution. EiNRY KNOX. Ifti Btrik and lldncatton. — Karly enters the Amciicati Service. — Undertakes and accumplishes a most hazard- ous Enterprise. — Appointed la the Corninand of the Artillery Corp*. — His Gallant Conduct at Trenton, Brandyirinc, Gcrmanluicn and Monviouth. — llis close tntimacy with Washington, throughout the IVar. — Washington's warm attachment to him. — Appointed to the Command of West Point. — Employed to Disband the Army. — Appointed Secretary of War. — Retires to his vast Estate in Maine. — Appointed to the Command of the American Forces in anticipation of a War icifh France. — His Literary Attainments, and noble traits of character. — 7'Ac opinions entertained of his Military Talents, by eminent Foreign Generals. The following memoir of this gallant and accomplisliod olliccr, is mainly extracted from Dr. Thatcher's "Military Journal, during the American Revolutionary War." Ahhough ahounding in strong expressions of admira- tion, it does no more than justice to the faith- 180 HENRY KNOX. fill soldier, who stood by the side of Wash- ington in many a well-fought field, and was honored with his warmest esteem and con- fidence. General Knox was born in Boston, in the month of July, 1750. His childhood and youth were employed in obtaining the best education that the justly celebrated schools of his native town could afford. In very early life he opened a bookstore, for the en- largement of which he soon formed an ex- tensive correspondence in Europe. But a short time elapsed before he was induced, at the call of his country, to relinquish his lu- crative and rapidly increasing business. Indebted to no adventitious aid, his cha- racter was formed by himself; the native and vigorous principles of his own mind, de- veloped and strengthened by education and his early association with men, made him what he was. Distinguished among his as- sociates, from the first dawn of manhood, for a decided predilection for martial exercises, at the age of eighteen, he was selected by the young men of Boston as one of the officers of a company of grenadiers — a company so dis- hkm:y KNOX. 181 tingiiishcd for ils martial a])pcarancc, and tlu^ precision of its evolutions, that it received tlic nu)st flattering t'uconiiinns from a British (diicer of high distinction. Tliis early scene of liis military labors, served but as a school for the development of that distinguished talent which after- wards shone with lustre, in the most brilliant campaigns of an eight years' war, through the whole of which General Knox com- manded the artillery, and directed its opera- tions with consummate skill and bravery. (ieneral Knox was early enlisted in the defence of the oppressed colonists ; his lieart was deeply interested in the cause of free- dom ; he felt it to be a righteous cause, and to its accomplishment cheerfully yielded every other consideration. When hostilities were declared by Great Britain, he hesitated not an instant in determining what course he shcnild adopt. Xo sordid calculation of in- terest retarded his decision. The (piiet of domestic life, the fair prospect of increasing wealth, and even the endearing claims of fa- mily and friends, though urged with the most 182 HENRY KNOX. persuasive eloquence, had no power to divert the determined purpose of his mind. In the early stages of British hostihty, though not in commission, he was not an in- active spectator. At the battle of Bunker Hill, he was present as a volunteer, and con- stantly exposed himself to danger, in recon- noitering the movements of the enemy. Subsequently, his active mind was engaged with others in preparing those measures that were ultimately to dislodge the British troops from their boasted possession of the capital of New England. Immediately after the arrival of Washington at Boston, and the commencement of prepara- tions for the siege of Boston, it was perceived that without artillery, of which the army were then destitute, the most important ob- jects of the war could not be accomplished. No resource presented itself, but the despe- rate expedient of procuring it from the Ca- nadian frontier. Upwards of one hundred pieces of cannon had been captured at Ti- conderoga and Crown Point; and, in the month of November, Fort St. John was ta- HENRY KNOX. 183 kon by iho northern army, nnder General Alontgomcry. In the last mentioned fort, the Americans Tonnd a considerable number of brass and iron cannon, howitzers and mortars. To attempt bringing a portion of the captured artillery from the frontier, in the then agita- ted stale of the country, through a wide ex- tll provided, and strongly gar- risoned. "The supply of amnnuiition with which General Montgomery was provided, was much too small to render an immediate siege of St. John's prudent ; and he would have been compelled to remain inactive, until too 202 RICHARD MONTGOMERY. late ill the season to effect his object, but for the information of some Canadians, that the httle fortress of Chamblee, which was bnt feebly garrisoned, contained a good store of that article. He accordingly made himself master of that place, and to his great satis- faction, found one hundred and twenty bar- rels of powder, besides a large quantity of other military stores and provisions. The expedition against this fortress was conduct- ed by Majors Brown and Livingston. They found here the standard of the seventh regi- ment, which was immediately sent to the Congress. " General Montgomery, being thus enabled to carry on the siege of St. John's, proceeded to erect his works, and to prepare for a gene- ral assault. General Carleton, in the mean time, hearing of the situation of St. John's, prepared to raise a force for its relief He had posted Colonel McLean, with a regiment of Scotch emigrants, at the mouth of the Sorei ; and having raised about a thousand men at Montreal, he attempted to cross at Longueil, for the purpose of forming a junc- tion, and marching to the relief of St, John's. RICHARD MONTGOMKRY. 203 I^ut Colonel AVard, who was stationed at Longueil, with three hundred Green Moun- tain Hoys, and a small piece of artillery, kept up so warm a lire upon their boats, that the general was glad to return to Montreal. AN hen the news of this repulse reached Mont- gomery, he sent a flag to Major Preston, who commanded the besieged fortress, summon- ing him to surrender, as all hope of relief was cut olf by Carleton's repulse, and a fur- ther resistance could only lead to an useless waste of lives. Major Preston solicited a few days to consider the proposal, being still impressed with the hope that G'eneral Carle- ton might be able to come to his assistance ; but, upon his request being refused, he ac- c»"pted the honorable terms of capitulation which General Montgomery oilered to him, and surrendered his garrison prisoners of war. The British ollicers spoke highly of the polite regard and attention shown to them by ^lontgomery, who jH*rmitted them to wear their swords, and to take off all their baggage and ctfecls. The tort surrendered on the 3d of November." On the fall of Fort St. John, General Mont- 204 RICHARD MONTGOMERY. gomery advanced to Montreal, which was in no condition to oppose him. General Carle- ton, sensible of his inability to defend it, abandoned the town to its fate, and embark- ed his men in several vessels, with the in- tention of escaping down the river to Q,aebec. General Montgomery entered Montreal on the 12th of November, and a body of provin- cials, under Colonel Eaton, took post at the mouth of the Sorel, and by means of an arm- ed vessel and floating batteries, commanded the navigation of the St. Lawrence. The British force which had retreated, consisting of about one hundred and twenty soldiers, with several officers, under General Prescott, and accompanied by General Carleton, find- ing it impracticable to force a passage, sur- rendered by capitulation. The vessels con- tained a seasonable supply of provisions, arms, and ammunition, of which the Ameri- can forces stood greatly in need. About mid- night of the day before the capitulation, Ge- neral Carleton made his escape to Quebec, in a small canoe with muffled oars. " Many circumstances," continues Allen's account of the campaign, " combined to ren- RICHARD MONTGOMERY. 205 der the situation of General Montgomery, though a conqueror, extremely unpleasant. The season was far advanced, and the se- verities of the climate induced many of his men to desert ; the time for which many oth- ers were enhsted was about to expire ; and few were willing to encounter the hardships of a long march through the deep snows of December. Nothing but personal attach- ment to the noble character of their comman- der could have kept a single regiment to- gether. ''After new clothing all his men at Montreal, and rendering them in other respects as com- fortable as the magazines there would admit of, and having taken the necessary mea- sures to ensure a supply of provisions on the march, the general pushed on through every difficulty, and joined Colonel Arnold, who had marched through tlie wilderness and ar- rived before Quebec a short time previous, on the ist of December. His appearance was a source of great joy to the colonel's troops, as he had not forgotten to bring with him a store of such supplies as he knew them to want. 206 RICHARD MONTGOMERY. '' Montgomery lost no time after his arri- val, in preparing for an immediate attack. The whole of his force did not amount to more than the troops of the garrison : but he attempted, by assuming an appearance of greater strength, to weaken the confidence of the latter, and thereby accomplish his ob- ject without bloodshed. For this purpose, on the 5th of December, he addressed a letter to the governor, in which he urged him, by every argument calculated to produce an ef- fect upon his humanity or his fears, to spare his garrison the dreadful consequences of a storm, by an immediate surrender. General Carleton, however, was too old a soldier to be deceived by appearances ; he knew the difficulties under which Montgomery labored, and was convinced that if his garrison could hold out for a few days, the climate would compel the provincials to abandon the siege. Montgomery's messenger was fired at, and all communication forbidden. "In this situation, General Montgomery commenced a bombardment from five small mortars, which he kept up for several days, with the hope of throwing the garrison into RICHARD MONTGOMERY. 207 confusion. But it seemed to produce no ef- fect ; and a battery of six guns was next opened upon them, at the distance of scA^en hundred yards, Avith no better effect. The f^'arrison remained insensible to any impress- ions of alarm. '' General Montgomery now found himself under circumstances much more delicate and embarrassing than those which had, sixteen years before, environed the hero, Wolfe, at the same spot. Several feet of snow covered the ground: his troops had undergone every hardship that it was possible to suffer, and it seemed now almost impossible for human nature to endure more. He had arrived be- fore Quebec a conqueror; his fame had reached his countrymen, and his commander at Tambridge, and they would expect a con- tinuance of success." * * * * "While these feelings and recollections were alter- nately elevating and depressing his noble spirit, he made a desperate resolution to at- tempt the enemy's works by escalade. And such was the skill with which his plan had been formed, that no doubt can remain, that he would ultimately have succeeded, had 208 RICHARD MONTGOMERY. not his whole scheme been communicated to the garrison by some scoundrel who deserted him at this critical moment. "Montgomery soon perceived that the garrison were prepared ; and it became ne- cessary to change his whole plan of opera- tions. Having disposed his army into four divisions, two of which he intended should make feigned attacks, while Arnold and himself should be engaged in real attacks upon the opposite sides, before daylight on the 31st of December, in a thick fall of snow, Montgomery advanced at the head of the New Yorkers. Here again his fate resem- bled Wolfe's, for before he could reach the place from whence he intended to commence the attack, the signal had been given through mistake, and the whole garrison were alarm- ed. It was too late now, to make another change in the plan of attack, and Montgo- mery pushed on. He was compelled to ad- vance through a narrow path, between a precipice and overhanging rocks ; he had seized, and passed the first barrier, and was boldly advancing to the second, with a few of his bravest companions, when a discharge IllLHAIll) M0NTG03IEKV. 2U1) of grape shot Irom llic cannon that were placed there, stopped tlie progress of this brave and exccHent ollicer, and destroyed the hopes of the enterprise. Upon the fall of tlie general, the officer upon whom the connnand of his party devolved, retired with- out making any attempt to pursue the advan- tages already gained. Some of his bravest officers had shared the glorious destiny of Montgomery, or Quebec must have fallen, before the united efforts of this party, and that under Arnold." The following description of the advance of the division under Arnold, is given in Marshall's Life of Washington: ''Arnold advanced with the utmost intrepidity, against the battery in the other quarters of the city. The alarm was immediately given, and the fire on his flank commenced, which, how- ever, did not prove very destructive. As he approached the barrier, he received a musket hall in the leir. whic'h shattered the bone, and was carried oiX the field to the hospital. M^^l,^an rushed forward to the battery, at the h»\ul of his companv. and received from one of the pieces, almost at its mouth, a discharge 11 210 RICHARD MONTGOMERY, of grape shot, which killed only one man. A few rifles were immediately fired into the embrasures, by which a British soldier was wounded in the head, and the barricade being instantly mounted, with the aid of lad- ders, brought by his men on their shoulders, the battery was deserted, without discharging the other gun. The captain of the guard; with the greater number of his men, fell into the hands of the Americans, and the others made their escape. Morgan formed the troops, consisting of his own company, and a few bold individuals who had pressed for- ward from other parts of the division, in the streets within the barrier, and took into cus- tody several English and Canadian burgh- ers ; but his situation soon became extremely critical. He was not followed by the main body of the division; he had no guide, and was, himself, totally ignorant of the situation of the town. It was yet dark, and he had not the slightest knowledge of the course to be pursued, or of the defences to be encoun- tered. Thus circumstanced, it was thought unadvisable to advance furtiier. " As the glow, produced by immense exer- KICHARD MONTGOMERY. 211 lion, gave way to the cold, which was so intense that they were covered with icicles, and as the ardor, excited by action, subsided, when they were no longer engaged, even tills daring party became less animated. While waiting in total ignorance of the fate of the residue of the division, the dark- ness of the night, the fury of the storm, the scattering fire still kept up by the enemy, principally in their rear, the paucity of their numbers, and the uncertainty concerning their fnture operations, visibly affected them. It was, after some deliberation, determined to maintain their ground, while Morgan should return to the barrier they had passed, for the purpose of bringing up the troops who were supposed to be still on the other side of it. They were soon joined by Lieutenant Colonel (jlreene, and Majors Bigelow and Meiggs, with several fragments of compa- nies, so as to constitute, altogether, about two hundred men. *' As the light of day began to appear, this small but gallant party was again formed, with Morgan's company in front; and with one voice, they loudly called on him to lead 212 - RICHARD MONTGOMERY. them against the second barrier, which was now known to be less than forty paces from them, though concealed by an angle of the street, from their immediate view. Seizing the few ladders brought with them, they again rushed on to the charge, and on turn- ing the angle, were hailed by Captain Ander- son, who was just issuing with a body of troops, through the gate of the barricade, for the purpose of attacking the Americans, whom he had expected to find dispersed, and probably plundering the town. "Morgan, who was in the front, answered his challenge by a ball through his head, and, as he fell, he was drawn within the bar- ricade, and the gate closed upon the assail- ants, who received, at the same instant, a tremenduous fire from the windows over- looking the barrier, and from the port holes through it. Ladders were immedi- ately placed against the barricade, and for some time a fierce contest was maintained, which, on the part of the assailants, was also a bloody one. A few of the bolder, among the front files, ascended the ladders under this deadly fire, and saw, on the other side HICHARD MONTGOMERY. 213 of the barricade, double ranks of soldiers, ^vlio, with their muskets planted on the ground, presented hedges of bayonets to re- ceive them, if they should attempt to leap to tlic eartli. i:xposed thus, in a narrow street to a most galling fu-e, many of the assailants threw themselves into the store-houses on each side, which afforded them a shelter ^>oth tVom the storm and from the enemy' and through the windows of which they ivf'pt up an irregular, and not very effective lir(\ ''One circumstance, which greatly con- tfibuted to the irresolution now displaying Itself, was, that scarcely more than one ui ten of their firearms could be used. Notwith- standing tlie precaution of tyin? handker- chiefs aroun.I the locks, the viofence of the storm had tntally uii/itted them for service. Morgan soon lound himself at the barrier, with only a few otlicers and a small number ot soldiers. Vet he could not prevail on him- sell to reliiKiuish the enterprise. With a voice louder than the tempest, he called on those who were sheltered in the houses, to 214 RICHARD MONTGOMERY. come forth and scale the barrier; but he called in vain. Neither exhortations nor re- proaches could draw them in sufficient num- bers to the point of attack. " Being at length compelled to relinquish all hope of success, he ordered the few brave men who still adhered to him, to save them- selves in the houses, while he, accompa,nied by only Lieutenant Heth, returned towards the first barrier, in order to concert with the field officers some plan for drawing off the troops. He soon met Majors Bigelow and Meiggs, to whom he proposed an immediate retreat, by the same route along which they had marched to the attack. This proposi- tion was assented to, and Lieutenant Heth was despatched to draw the troops from their present situation." "In Montgomery, the Americans lost one of the bravest and most accomplished gene- rals that ever led an army to the field. But he was not more illustrious for his skill and courage as an officer, than he was estimable for his private virtues. He possessed a mind adorned with every accomplishment, and a RICHARD MONTGOMERY. 215 porson in which every manly grace slione with conspicuous histre. His was ' A combination, and a form indeed, Where every god did seem to set hi3 seal. To give llio world nasurance of a mnn.^ " General Montgomery had borne the coTn- mission of a colonel in the war of 1759, and was figliting by the side of Wolfe, when that Spartan hero fell. His bravery and his worth were then acknowledged by the British army, and they were proud to regard hiiu as a friend and brother; but, notwith- standing the many professions of attachment and esteem for his character, his body would liave been thrown with the heap of slain, un- roflined and unmarked, into the same indis- criminate pit, but tor the lieutenant governor, wlio, urged by the solicitations of the lady whom he afterwards married, reluctantly procured a coffin of the roughest sort, and thus, apart iVom the rest, buried liis former friend and conii»anion in arms. From this spot, after moulclcriug in the grave for more than Inrty-lwo years, the bones of tliis gallant soldier were removed by his fellow citizens otW(!W Vork, and (loi»f)sited in a tomb more worthy of him. 216 RICHARD MONTGOMERY. ''The resemblance in the character, con- duct and destiny of Wolfe and Montgomery, is too striking to be passed over without a remark. Montgomery had been in some measure the pupil of Wolfe. In his career of glory, he saw an example worthy of imita- tion. We have seen the difficulties under which Wolfe had to struggle, and we have seen the noble daring which led him, perhaps against the suggestions of prudence, to at- tempt to surmount them. He lived, as he expressed himself, but to hght Montcalm on equal ground. This accomplished, he had consummated the only object of his existence, and died ' content.' Wolfe was fighting for his king, under the orders of his ministry, and here lies the striking difference in the lives and fortunes of these heroes. "Montgomery entered on the expedition with the name of a rebel. He ventured his fame, his character, his life, in the service of revolted colonies, but it was to secure to these colonies the enjoyment of liberty, under the rights of the constitution. For this he sacri- ficed the tender endearments of conjugal fe- licity; and, at the head of an undisciplined KI( HARD MONTGOMERY. 217 body of men, placed himself in opposition to a veteran general. The skill which he dis- played, was equal to the fortitude which such an enterprise demanded. He had not only to contend against a formidable enemy, but against the severities of a climate to which none of his men were accustomed. His ha- ving, in one night, constructed a battery of ire, will at once sliow his military skill and industry, and the intense coldness of the cli- mate. With a discontented, starving and mutinous army, he pushed boldly forward ill search of that victory which had cheered the last hours of Wolfe." ISRAEL PUTNAM. His Birth-place. — His earhj indications of Energy and Courage. — Remarkable adventure u-ith a Wolf. — En- gages in the French War. — His numerous daring E.C' flnita. — Taken Prisoner by the Indians. — Attempt to Roast him alive. — Taken to Montreal and exchanged, — Early resistance of the aggressions o^ England. — At the first breaking out of hostilities, enters the America?! Army at Cambridge. — His gallant conduct at the battle of Bunker Hill, and his many valuable services in the American cauKAK1. riTNAM. 241 porlunity to escape. After finishing their evening meal, he took the moccasins from Putnam's feet and tied them to his wrists. Then directing his prisoner to he down on liis back, upon the ground, lie stretched his arms to their full length and bound them fast to separate trees. His feet were fastened to two saplings in a similar manner. This done, a quantity of tall, slender poles were cut down, which, with some long bushes, were laid across his body from head to foot, and a number of Indians lay on each side of him, m order to prevent the possibility of his escape. Ill this ludicrous, though painful position, l*utiiam was compelled to pass the night. The next day he was allowed a blanket and moccasins, and permitted to march without carrying a pack, or receiving any insult. At night they arrived at Ticonderoga, where he was placed in charge of a French guard. The enraged savages manifested their disap- p«jiiitment, by their angry looks and gestures; but tiu'y were not sulfered to ofler farther violence or iiidiguiiy to him. VlUT liaviiig bron {'Xinninc.i by liie Mar- 242 ISRAEL PUTNAM. quis De Montcalm, Major Putnam was con- ducted to Montreal by a French officer, who treated him with kindness and humanity. At this place, he was visited by Colonel Pe- ter Schuyler, who, like himself, was detained as a prisoner. He had no sooner heard of the sufferings Putnam had undergone, than he made them the subject of indignant complaint to the proper authorities, and the major was afterwards treated according to his rank. The capture of Frontenac by General Brad= street, was followed by an exchange of pri- soners. Colonel Schuyler was included in the cartel, and by practicing a little innocent deception upon the French governor, he ob- tained the release of Putnam, who was soon after promoted to the rank of lieutenant co- lonel, and took an active part, under Gene- ral Amherst, in the capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point. In 1760 General Amherst planned an ex- pedition against Canada, which terminated in the complete subjugation of the province. Lieutenant Colonel Putnam accompanied the division under tlie command of Amherst him- self, which, after passing up the Mohawk ISRAEL PUTNAM. . 243 river, and taking its course by Lake Ontario, formed a conjunction with the other divi- sions, by falHng down the St. Lawrence. While on the route, two armed vessels ob- structed the passage and prevented an attack on the fort at Oswegatchie. Colonel Putnam, with one thousand men, in fifty bat teaux, un- dertook to board them. Providing himself with a beetle and wedges, he placed himself in the van, with a chosen crew, determined to approach tho vessels, and wedge their rud- ders, so that they should not be able to turn their broadsides on his boats. Tiie men in his little fleet were ordered to strip to their waistcoats, and, in this condi- tion, they advanced at the same time. The persons on board the vessels became alarmed and ran them ashore, without striking a blow in their defence. The tort itself was now the object of at- tack. It seemed to have been rendered in- accessible by a high abattis of black ash, but Putnam proposed a plan lor its capture, and otfcred his services to carry it into effect. The execution of the undertaking was en- trusted to him, and he immediately prepared 244 • iSKAEi, PUTNAM. a number of boats, and surrounded them with fascines, which afforded a complete covering to his men. Each boat was then provided with a plank, prepared in such a manner that it could be used as a bridge in passing over the abattis. Thus equipped, the boats advanced in admirable order. The garrison, however, did not choose to await the assault, but capitulated. Colonel Putnam was highly complimented by General Amherst for his services on this occasion. He continued with the army un- til the close of the war ; and, after the rup- ture between Great Britain and Spain, in 1762, accompanied the expedition under Lord Albemarle, against Havana. Putnam com- manded a regiment of troops from Connecti- cut, and arrived safely on the coast of Cuba. There he was unfortunately wrecked, in a storm, on a rift of craggy rocks. He at once caused a number of rafts to be constructed, and landed his men in safety, thus saving a great number of lives by his unequalled de- termination, and presence of mind. After landing his men, Putnam fortified his camp, and remained in that position, ISKAKI. Pl'TNAM. )ily until till' Storm abated. Aviicn he joined the troops before Havana. The unhealthy cH- niate made sad inroads in the ranks of his regiment, and he soon returned to his native land. The hostilities committed by the savages on the western frontier, in 17G4, were so aggravated, that an army under General Hradstreet, was sent against them. Putnam, who had been promoted to the rank of Colo- nel, accompanied liim with his regiment. Previous to their arrival at Detroit, which the Indians had invested, Captain D'Ell, the faitiilul friend and fellow soldier of Colonel Putnam, was killed in a desperate sally. The presence of General Hradstreet, with a large force, ovx-rawed the savage tribes, and they afterwards concluded a treaty, which terminated the war in America. Colonel Putnam returned home, and, having laid aside his uniform, again applied himself to tli«' cultivation of his tarm. He had been al- most r(inst.'nitly engaeed in military opera- tions tor the last ten years, had endured as many hardships, encountered as many dan- ger^ and acquired as many laurels, as any 246 ISRAEL PUTNAM. Other officer of his rank ; and he was anx- ious to enjoy the quiet and repose of domes- tic Hfe. After his return home, he was re- peatedly chosen to fill different offices by his fellow townsmen, and often represented them in the general assembly. In 1765, while he was a member of that body, the odious stamp act was passed, and received the royal as- sent. Colonel Putnam was soon after depu- ted, with two other gentlemen, to wait on Mr. Fitch, the governor of Connecticut, in relation to the stamped paper which was shortly expected to arrive. After some con- versation, the governor asked, " What shall I do, if the stamped paper should be sent to me by the king's authority?'' Putnam re- plied — " Lock it up until we visit you again." ''And what will you do then?" inquired His Excellency. " We shall expect you," said the resolute Putnam, "to give us the key of the room in which it is deposited ; and if you think fit, in order to screen your- self from blame, you may forewarn us, up- on our peril, not to enter the room." " And what will you do afterwards?" -'Send it safely back again." "But if I should refuse ISRAEL PUTNAM. 247 admission," suggested the Governor. " In such a case." says Putnam, '•' your house will be levelled with the dust in five min- utes." This conversation was noised abroad, and the stamped paper was never sent from Xew-York to Connecticut. While the storm was gathering, which plunged the country into the war of the Re- volution, Putnam was among the first to welcome its fury. Not one of the bold spi- rits who resisted the tyrannical usurpations of the English ministry, was more fearless than himself In the midst of the discontent, he frequently visited Boston, and conversed up- on the grievances of the colonies, with Gene- ral Gage, Lord Percy, Colonel Small, and otlierofiicers, whom he had previously known. On one occasion, being asked by them, " what part he would take, in case the dis- pute should proceed to hostilities 7" He promptly answered — '' with my country, and happen what may, I am prepared to abide the consequences." When he was referred to tho skill iind discipline of the British fleets and armies, the effects of which he had of- ten witnessed, he rejoined, that in case of a 248 ISRAEL PUTNAM. contest, "justice would be on our side, and the event with Providence ; but that he had calculated, if it required six years for the combined forces of England and her colonies to conquer such a feeble country as Canada, it would, at least, take a very long time for England alone to overcome her widely ex- tended colonies, which were so much stron- ger than Canada." At another time, the question was put to him, '' whether he did not seriously believe that a well appointed British army of five thousand veterans, could march through the whole continent of Ameri- ca?" He replied, with much spirit: "No doubt, if they behaved civilly, and paid well for every thing they wanted; but," he ad- ded, after a moment's pause, " if they should attempt it in a hostile manner, though the American men were out of the question, the women, with their ladles and broomsticks, would knock them all on the head before they had got half way through !" The news of the battle of Lexington reach- ed Putnam while at work on his farm. He instantly unyoked his team, left his plough in the middle of the field, and, without wait- ISUAI.l. riTNAlM. 249 mi( to clianec his clothes, set out lor the scene of war. Arrived there, he found that the Kritisli had retreated to Boston, which was already invested by the militia, and he then returned to Connecticut, levied a regi- ment under the authority of the legislature, and n)arrhed them to Cambridge. He was now promoted to the rank of major general by his colony, and on the 2'^d day of June, 1775, received the same appointment from the Continental Congress. About this time a proposition was made to Putnam, from the British commander-in-chief, to relinquish his commission in the provincial service, on con- ditii^n tliat he should be appointed a major general in the l^nglish army, and receive a large pecuniary compensation for his loyalty. He indignantly spurned the offer, and re- iloubled his efforts in behalf of his injured conntrymen. At tlir battle of Bunker-hill, which occur- red on tlie 17th of June, 1775, General Put- nam rendered ellicient service. On the eve- iiiuii of the 16th, he proceeded with a de- tachment of one thousand men to Breed's Hill, where a breastwork and redo\d)t were 250 ISRAEL PUTNAM. formed under his immediate superintendence, assisted by Colonel Prescott, and Captain Knowlton. About four in the morning, the works were observed by the captain of a British sloop of war, lying in the river Charles, who instantly began a heavy fire upon them, and was soon joined by the other ships in the harbor, and by the battery on Copp's Hill, in Boston. The Americans fearlessly continued their labors, amidst an incessant shower of balls and bombs. As this post overlooked Boston, it was necessary for the safety of the British force that the Americans should be dislodged. Soon after mid-day a detachment under the command of Generals Howe and Pigot, crossed the river in boats, and landed near the point of the peninsula on which Breed's Hill is situated. Obser- ving the strong position of the Americans, Ge- neral Howe waited for a reinforcement, which soon arrived. In the meantime, the Americans received an accession of strength under Generals Warren and Pomeroy, who crossed Charlestown neck, under a brisk can- nonade from the shipping in the rivers. By this arrival, the provincial force was increa- ISRAEL PUTNAM. 251 sed to about one thousand and five hundred. The British deta(^hmcnt, consisting of up- ward of two thousand men, advanced with considerable confidence to the attack. At the same time, Charlestown, a thriving place, containing about three hundred wooden hou- ses, besides other buildings, was set on fire by the left wing of the British force, under General Pigot. and entirely consumed. The rising flames contributed a great deal to heighten the grandeur and solemnity of the scene. Secure behind their entrenchments, the Americans reserved their fire, in obedience to the commands of Putnam, and waited the approach of the British, till they could see the whites of their eyes : when they poured upon them an uninterrupted and well directed fire of musketry. Twice the enemy were repulsed and driven to their boats, when Sir Henry Clinton opportunely arrived, and led them back to a third and more successful attack, in which thoy entered the American lines, with fixed bayonets. The colonists had now nearly. exhausted their powder, and 252 ISRAEL PUTNAM. their fire slackened. Being ill provided with bayonets, they were unprepared for a close encounter, but they met the British with clubbed muskets, and manfully stood their ground, until their lines were enfiladed by artillery, and the redoubt half filled with British regulars, when they were compelled to retreat, leaving the brave General Warren dead on the field. The enemy pursued the provincials to Winter's Hill. Here Putnam made a stand, and drove them back under cover of their ships. This was a severe battle, and extremely destructive to the Bri- tish. Nearly one half of their detachment fell. At one time General Howe was left standing alone, every officer and soldier near him having been killed or wounded. Ac- cording to the return made by General Gage, the British lost one thousand and fifty-four men in killed and wounded. The American loss in killed, wounded and missing, was four hundred and fifty-three. After this engagement, the British en- trenched themselves on Bunker's Hill ; and the Americans on Prospect Hill, a short dis- ISKAKI. I'lTNAM. 253 tance in (rout of them. On the 2d of July, ^ieneral Washington arrived at Cambridge, and the army was soon after divided into three «rrand divisions, Cieneral Pntnam was appoijjted to connnand tiie reserve. In March, 1770, he was ordered to the city of New York, wliere he was constantly engaged 111 strengthening the works in the vicinity, until the arrival of the commander-in-chief, in April. During the summer, the troops on Long Island, were commanded by General Greene, who was taken sick two days before the battle of Flalbush. General Putnam then assumed tht^ conuuaiid. but remained within the lines, while the nKn'enients to prevent the advance of the British were principaUy made under the direction of Ge- neral Sullivan. After the retreat from the island, General Putnam remained in New York until the evacuation of that city. While the army were retiring up the North river, his activity and perseverance went very tar to ensure the sal'ety of the division under his conmiand. In October he was sent to the western side of the river, to provide 254 ISRAEL PUTNAM. against an irruption into the Jerseys, and soon after proceeded to Piiiladelphia, to put that city in a state of defence. In January, 1777, General Putnam was directed to take post at Princeton, where he continued until the spring. While here, his force was so much reduced, on one occasion, that he had fewer men for duty than he had miles of territory to guard. At this very time, a sick prisoner, who was a captain in the British army, requested permission to send to New Brunswick, where the enemy then lay, for a friend, also an officer, to assist in preparing his will. Putnam was much perplexed. He had but fift}^ men imder his command; and, while he did not wish to have his weakness known, he was anxious to comply with the request of his prisoner. He sent a flag of truce, however, and di- rected the otficer to be brought in the night. In the evening lights were placed in all the college windows, and in every apartment of the vacant houses throughout the town. The British officer, on his return, reported that the force under General Putnam, could ISRAEL PUTNAM. 255 not consist of less than four or five thousand men. The prisoner himself, was very grate- ful to the general, for his kindness. One day, in the course of a familiar conversation, the captain, who was a Scotchman by birth, said to General Putnam, '' Pray, sir, what countryman are you?" "An American," answered Putnam. -'Not a Yankee?" ex- claimed the other. ''A full blooded one," was the reply. '* I am sorry for it," returned the captain ; •• 1 did not think there could be so much goodness and generosity in an American, or. indeed, in any body but a Scotchman." In the spring of 1777, (ieneral Putnam was assigned to the command of a separate army in the highlands of New York. Shortly after his arrival, one Palmer, a lieutenant in the new tory levies, was detected in his can J p. (lovemor Tryon reclaimed him as a British oflicer, and threatened to retaliate, if he was not restored. General Putnam re- turned the tbllowing pithy and laconic reply to the menacing message : •' Sir : — Xathan Palmer, a lieutenant in your king's service, was taken in my camp 256 ISRAEL rUTiNAM. as a spy ; he was tried as a spy^ he was con- demned as a spy^ and you may rest assured, sir, he shall be hanged as a spy. I have the honor to be, <^c., ISRAEL PUTNAM. His Excellency, Governor Tryon. P. S. Afternoon. He is hanged.'' After the loss of forts Clinton and Mont- gomery, which was entirely owing to the want of men, as decided by a court of in- quiry, and not to any negligence of General Putnam, it was determined to erect another fortress on the Hudson. The selection of a site was committed to Putnam, who fixed upon West Point. The wisdom of his choice was confirmed by the British commanders themselves, who regarded the fort as the American Gibralter, and never attempted its capture, except through treachery. In the fall of 1778, General Putnam was stationed for the winter at Reading, Con- necticut, in order to protect the country ad- joining the sound, and support the garrison at West Point, in case of an attack. About the middle of the winter, while on a visit to his out-post at Horseneck, lie found the offi- ISRAEL PUTNAM. 257 cer in command exceedingly careless in the discharge of his duty, and on the point of be- ing surprised by Governor Tryon, who was advancing on the town with a force of fifteen hundred men. To oppose them, Putnam had only a picquet of one hundred and fifty men, and two iron field pieces, without horses or drag ropes. He planted his cannon on the high ground, and retarded the approach of the enemy by firing several times, when, perceiving that they were about to charge, he ordered the picquet to provide for their safety by retiring to a swamp, inaccessible to horse, and secured his own by plunging down a precipice, at full trot. "The precipice is so steep, where he de- scended, as to have artificial stairs, composed of nearly one hundred stone steps, for the ac- commodation of foot passengers. There the dragoons, who were but a sword's length from him, stopped short, for the declivity was so abrupt that they dared not follow; and, before they could gain the valley by going round the brow of the hill, in the ordinary road, he was far enough beyond their reach. He continued his route unmolested, to Stam- 17 258 ISRAEL PUTNAM. ford ; from whence, having strengthened his picquet by a junction with some miUtia, he came back again, and, in turn, pursued Go- vernor Tryon in his retreat. As he rode down the precipice, one ball of the many fired at him, went through his beaver, but Governor Tryon, by way of compensation for spoiling his clothes, sent him, soon after- wards, a complete suit as a present." In the campaign of 1779, which closed General Putnam's military career, he com- manded the Maryland line, posted at the Buttermilk falls, about two miles below West Point. His time was principally spent in completing and strengthening the fortifica- tions. When the army retired to Morristown for the purpose of going into winter quarters, he went to Connecticut to spend a few weeks with his family. On his return, in Decem- ber, while on the road between Pomfret and Hartford, he was attacked with a paralytic stroke, which deprived him of the use of his limbs, and compelled him to retire from the army. " The remainder of the life of General Putnam, was passed in quiet retirement, with ISRAFL PUTNAM. 259 his family. He experienced few interrup- tions ill Ins bodily health, except the paraly- tic debility with Avhich he was afflicted; re- tained the full possession of his mental fa- culties : and enjoyed the society of his friends, until the 17th of May, 1790, when he was violently attacked with an inflammatory dis- ease. Satisfied, from the first, that it would prove mortal, he was calm and resigned, and welcomed the approach of death with joy, as a messenger sent to call him from a life of toil to everlasting rest. On the 19th of May, 1790, he ended a life which had been spent in cultivating and defending the soil of his birth, in the seventy-third year of his age.'' Though inured to scenes of cruelty and bloodshed, General Putnam was kind and ten- der in his disposition. Faithful to his coun- try, always reliable, tried and true, he closed his long and eventful career, l\ill of years, and full of honor. JOHN STARK His Birth-place — Taken Cnptive and adopted by the In- dinns, in his youth. — Commands a company in the old French and Indian War. — Early espouses the Amenr.an Cause, and appointed Colonel. — Battle of Bunker Hill, and his Brave Conduct ; also at Trenton. — Receives the appointment of Brigadier General. — Stays npon the rear an I harasses Burgoyne. — Brilliant Victory of Ben- ning'on. — Receives a vote of thanks from Congress. — Surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga. — Retires from the army at the close of the tear, and devotes himself to peaceful pursuits. — His death. Genrral Stark was born at Londonderry, in Now Hampshire, on the ITth day of Au- gust, 17'2S. He resided in a district of coun- try exposed to the incursions of the savages, and he was early accustomed to the scenes of war. While yet a child, he was taken pri- soner by the Indians, adopted by them, and remained some years in captivity. Plain, 262 JOHN STARK . honest, and upright, in his Ufe and character, he was highly respected and esteemed by his friends and acquaintances. Though defi- cient in education, and*in the refinements of pohshed society, he possessed a warm, true heart, united to a natural readiness of mind and apprehension, which went far to com- pensate for the lacic of other qualities, and se- cured him a very respectable standing in the estimation of the community to which he belonged. During the French and Indian war, in 1755, Stark commanded a company of ran- gers in the provincial service, and was often complimented for the zeal and efficiency he displayed in that capacity. At the com- mencement of the difficulties with Great Britain, he took a firm and decided stand with the colonies. Accustomed from his in- fancy to indulge the free and generous im- pulses which were so natural to his condition in life, he could not brook the idea of being taxed against his will, merely to gratify the wishes of a distant king and his ministers. He was busily at work in his saw mill when the report of the struggle at Lexington reach- JOHN STARK. 263 cd Iiim. All work was ended in an nistant. Fired with a just and manly indignation, he immediately seized his musket, and with a band ot' similar spirits who hastily gathered .'iround him. he departed for Cambridge. On the morning after his arrival, he re- ceived a ooloners commission, and, such was his popularity, and the enthusiasm of the people, that in less than two hours he en- listed a force of eight hundred men. He was present at the memorable battle of Bunker Hill, on the 17th of June, 1775, and, with tlie brave and hardy backwoodsmen, who ft>Ilowed him from New Hampshire, aided in ponrmg upon the enemy that deadly fire wiiicli etfccted so much destruction in their ranks. The same siiint which annnated Stark was shared by the citizens of his native state. The call of Congress was responded to with alacrity, and hundreds of the resolute and courageous young men of the province join- ed tlie American army. Such was the zeal and i)romptitude displayed in that section of the confederacy, that (jJeneral Burgoyne af- terwards remarked in one of his letters, "that 264 JOHN STARK. the Hampshire Grants, almost imknown in the last war, now abound in the most active and most rebellions race on the continent, and hung like a gathering storm upon my left." Colonel Stark rendered good service in rally- ing the energies of his fellow citizens, who seconded his efforts with all the means at their command. In 1776, Colonel Stark accompanied the army under General Washington on its rapid retreat through New Jersey. He was also engaged in the enterprise against Trenton, and displayed unequalled gallantry and da- ring on that occasion. General Wilkinson, in his account of the engagement, pays Stark the following compliment : '' I must not with- hold due praise from the dauntless Stark, who dealt death wherever he found resis- tance, and broke down all opposition before him." Not long after this affair, he becam.e dissatisfied, in consequence of some of the proceedings of Congress, which he thought were unjust so far as they affected himself^ and quitted the continental service. From Belknap's History of New Hampshire, and Williams' History of Vermont, we ga- JOHN STARK. 265 thcr the following incidents in his subsequent career : '' When he was urged by the govern- ment of New TIampsliirc, to rake the command of their militia, he refused, unless he should be left at liberty to serve or not, under a con- tinental officer, as he should judge proper. It was not a time for debate, and it was known that the militia would follow wherever Stark would lead. The assembly therefore in- vested him with a separate command, and gave him orders ' to repair to Charlestown, on Connecticut river; tliere to consult with a committee of the New Hampshire Grants, respecting his future operations, and the sup- ply of his men with provisions; to take the command of the militia, and march into the Grants; to act in conjunction with the troops of that new state, or any other of the states, or of the United States, or separately, as it should appear expedient to him, for the pro- tection of the people, and tJie annoyance of the enemy.' '• Agreeably to his orders. Stark proceeded in a few days to Charlestown : his men very readily lollowed ; and as fast as they arrived, he sent them forward to join the troops of 266 JOHN bTARK. Vermont, under Colonel Warner, who had taken his situation at Manchester. At that place he joined Warner with about eight hundred men from New Hampshire, and found another body of men from Vermont, who put themselves under his command, when he found himself at the head of four- teen hundred men. Most of them had been in the two former campaigns, were well offi- cered, and in every respect a body of very good troops. General Schuyler repeatedly urged Stark to join the troops under his com- mand, but he declined complying. He was led to this conduct, not only by the reasons which have been mentioned, but by a differ- ence of opinion as to the best method of opposing Burgoyne. Schuyler wished to collect all the American troops in the front, to prevent Burgoyne from marching on to Albany. Stark was of opinion that the surest way to check Burgoyne, was to liave a body of men on his rear, ready to fall upon him in that quarter, whenever a favorable opportunity should present. The New Eng- land militia had not formed a high opinion of Schuyler, as a general ; and Stark meant JOHN ISTAKK'. 1^67 to keep himself in a situation in which he might embrace any favorable opportunity lor action, either in conjunction with him, or otherwise ; and with that view intended to hang on the rear of the British troops, and embrace the first opportunity which should present, to make an attack upon that quar- ter. But Stark assured Schuyler, that he would join in any measures necessary to promote the public good, but wished to avoid any thing that was not consistent with his own honor : and, if it was thought necessary, ho would march to his camp. He wrote particularly, that he would lay aside all pri- vate resentment, when it appeared in oppo- sition to the public good. But, in the midst of these protestations, he was watching for an opportunity to discover his courage and patriotism, by frilling upon some part of Bm*- goyne's army. '* While the American army was thus as- suming a more respectable appearance, Ge- neral Burgoyne was making very slow ad- vances towards Albany. From the twenty- eighth of July to the fifteenth of August, the British army was continually employed in 268 JOHN STARK. bringing forward batteaiix, provisions and ammunition, from Fort George to the first navigable part of the Hudson River, a dis- tance of not more than eighteen miles. The labor was excessive ; the Europeans were but little acquainted with the methods of performing it to advantage, and the effect was in no degree equivalent to the expense of labor and time. With all the efforts that Burgoyne could make, encumbered with his artillery and baggage, his labors were inade- quate to the purpose of supplying the army with provisions for its daily consumption, and the establishment of the necessary maga- zines. And after his utmost exertions for fifteen days, there were not above four days' provisions in the store, nor above ten bat- teaux in the Hudson. "In such circumstances, the British Gene- ral found that it would be impossible to pro- cure sufficient supplies of provisions, by the way of Fort George, and determined to re- plenish his own magazines^ at the expense of those of the Americans. Having received information that a large quantity of stores were laid up at Bennington, and guarded JOHN STARK. 269 only by the militia, he formed the design of surprising that place ; and was made to be- lieve that as soon as a detachment of the royal army should appear in that quarter, it would receive effectual assistance from a large body of loyalists, who only waited for the appearance of a support, and would, in that event, come forward and aid the royal cause. Full of these expectations, he de- tached Colonel Baume, a German officer, with a select body of troops, to surprise the place. His force consisted of five hundred regular troops, some Canadians, and more than one hundred Indians, with two light pieces of artillery. To facilitate their opera- tions, and to be ready to take advantage of the success of the detachment, the royal ar- my moved along the east bank of the Hud- son river, and encamped nearly opposite to Saratoga : having at the same time thrown a bridge of rafts over the river, by which the army passed to that place. With a view to support Baume, if it should be found neces- sary. Lieutenant Colonel Rrchmnn's corps, consisting of the Brunswick grenadiers, light 270 JOHN STARK. infantry, and chapeurs, was posted at Batten- kill. " General Stark having received informa- tion that a party of Indians were at Cam- bridge, sent Lieutenant Colonel Gregg, on the 13th of August, with a party of two hun- dred men, to stop their progress. Towards night, he was informed by express that a large body of regulars was in the rear of the Indians, and advancing in the direction of Bennington. On receiving this intelligence, Stark drew together his brigade, and the militia that were at hand, and sent to Man- chester to Colonel Warner, to bring on his regiment ; he sent expresses at the same time to the neighboring militia, to join him with the utmost speed. On the morning of the 14th, he marched with his troops ; and at the distance of seven miles, he met Gregg on the retreat, and the enemy within a mile of him. Stark drew up his troops in order of battle ; but the enemy coming in sight, halt- ed upon a very advantageous piece of ground. Baume perceived that the Americans were too strong to be attacked with the present JOHN STARK. 271 i'orce, and sent an express to Burgoync with an account of his situation, and to have Biehnmn niarcli nnmediately to support him. In the meantime, small parties of the Ameri- cans kept up a skirmisli with the enemy, killed and wounded thirty of them, with two ol their Indian Chiefs, and without any loss to themselves. ^' The ground the Americans had taken was unfavoral)le for a general action, and Stark retreated about a mile, and encamped. A council of war was held, and it was agreed to send two detachments upon the enemy's rear, while the rest of the troops should make an attack upon their front. Tlie next day the weather was rainy, and, though it pre- vented a general action, there were frequent skirmishings, in small })arties, which proved lavorable and encouraging to the Americans. On the inth day>f August, in the morning, Stark was joined by Colonel Symonds, and a body of militia from Berkshire, and pro- ceeded to attack the enemy, agreeably to the plan which had been concerted. Colonel Baume, in the meantime, had entrenched, on ail advantageous piecp of ground near St. 272 JOHN STARKc Koick's mills, on a branch of the Hoosick river ; and rendered his post as strong as his circumstances and situation would admit. Colonel Nichols v/as detached with two hun- dred men to the rear of his left ; and Colonel Herrick, with three hundred men, to the rear of his right ; both were to join, and then make the attack. Colonels Hubbard and Stickney, with two hundred more, were or- dered on the right; and one hundred men were advanced towards the front, to draw the attention of the enemy that way. '^ About three o'clock in the afternoon, the troops had taken their situation, and were ready to commence the action. While Nich- ols and Herrick were bringing their troops together, the Indians were alarmed at the prospect, and pushed off between the corps ; but they received a fire as they were pas- sing, by which three of them were killed, and two wounded. Nichols began the at- tack, and was followed by all the other di- visions ; those in front immediately advan- ced, and in a few minutes the action became general. It lasted about two hours, and was like one continued peal of thunder. Baume JOHN STARK. 273 made a brave defence ; and the German dra- goons, after they had expended their ammu- nition, led by their colonel, charged with their swords, but they were soon overpow- ered. Their works were carried on all sides ; their two pieces of cannon were taken; Co- lonel Baume himself was mortally wounded, and taken prisoner; and all his men, except a few who had escaped into the woods, were either killed or taken prisoners. Having completed the business, by taking the whole party, the militia began to disperse, and look out for plunder. But in a few minutes Stark received information that a large reinforce- ment of British troops, under Colonel Breh- man, were on their march, and within two miles of him. Fortunately, at that moment, Colonel Warner came up with his regiment from Manchester. This brave and expe- rienced officer commanded a regiment of continental troops, which had been raised in Vermont. Mortified that he had not been in the former engagomeut. ho instantly led on his men agamst Brehman, and began the second engagement. Stark collected the mi- litia as soon as possible, and pushed on to 18 274 JOHN STARK. his assistance. The action became general, and the battle continued obstinate on both sidesj till sunset, when the Germans were forced to give way, and were pursued till dark. They left their two field pieces be- hind, and a considerable number were made prisoners. They retreated in the best man- ner they could, improving the advantages of the evening and night, to which alone their escape was ascribed." In these two actions, the Americans took four brass field pieces, about one thousand muskets, which was a most seasonable sup- ply to the militia, nine hundred swords, and four baggage wagons. Exclusive of Cana- dians and Indians, the British loss was up- wards of seven hundred, in killed, wounded, and taken prisoners. The Americans lost one hundred, in killed and wounded. "Stark was not a little pleased to have so fair an opportunity to vindicate his own conduct. He had now shown that no neg- lect from Congress had made him disaffected to the American cause, and that he had ren- dered a much more important service, than he could have done by joining Schuyler, and i JOHN STARK. 275 remaining inactive in his camp. Congress embraced the opportunity to assign to him his rank, and though he had not given to them any account of his victory, or wrote to them at all upon the subject, on the fourth day of October, they resolved, ' that the thanks of Congress be presented to General Stark, of the New Hampshire mihtia, and the officers and troops under his command, for their brave and successful attack upon, and signal victory over, the enemy, in their lines at Bennington : and that Brigadier Stark he appointed a brigadier general in the army of the I'nited States.' And never were tlianks more deserved, or more wisely given to a military officer.'' In his account of the battle of Benning- ton, given to the authorities of New-Hamp- shire, Stark wrote as follows : '' It lasted two hours — the holiest I ercr saic in my life. It represented one coniimied clap of thunder ; however, tlie enemy were obliged to give way, and leave their lield-picces, and all their baggage behind them. They were all environed within two breast works, with artillery ; but our martial courage proved 276 JOHN STARK. too Strong for them. I then gave orders lo \ rally again, in order to secure the victory ; i but in a few minutes was informed that there I was a large reinforcement on their march, ' within two miles. Colonel Warner's regi- ■ ment luckily coming up at the moment, re- | newed the attack, with fresh vigor. I push- ! ed forward as many of the men as I could : to their assistance ; the battle continued ob- i stinate on both sides until after sunset ; the ; enemy was obliged to retreat. We pursued \ them till dark, and had day lasted an hour \ longer, should have taken the whole body of i them." I '•' On what small events, does the popular ; humor and military success depend 1 The ; capture of one thousand Germans by General ■ Washington at Trenton, had served to wake i up, and save the whole continent. The ex- | ploit of Stark at Bennington, operated with ] the same kind of influence, and produced a | similar effect. This victory was the first \ event that had proved encouraging to the Americans in the northern department, since the time of the death of General Montgo- mery. Misfortune had succeeded misfortune, JOHN STARK. 277 and det'eat liad followed defeat, from' that period till now. The present instance was the first, in which victory had quitted the royal standard, or seemed even to be waver- ing. She was now found with the American arms, and the effect seemed, in fact, to be greater than the cause. It raised the spirit of the country to an uncommon degree of animation ; and by showing the militia what they could perform, rendered them willing and desirous to turn out, and try what for- tunes would await their exertions. It had a still greater effect on the royal army. The British Generals were surprised to hear that an enemy, whom they had contemplated with no other feelings than those of contempt, should all at once wake up and discover so much of the spirit of heroism. '•To advance upon the mouth of cannon ; to attack fortified lines; to carry strong en- trenchments, were exploits which they sup- jiosed hoion^od exclusively to the armies of kings. To sec a body of American militia, i!l-dressed. but little disciplined, without can- non, armed only with farmers' guns, with- out bayonets, and who had been accustomed 278 JOHN STARK. to fly at their approach, boldly force their entrenchments, capture their cannon, kill and make prisoners a large body of the regular army, was a matter of indignation, astonish- ment and surprise." After the battle at Bennington, General Stark volunteered his services to General Gates, at Saratoga, and assisted at the ca- pitulation of Burgoyne. He subsequently contributed in different situations and capa- cities, to further the great work of redeem- ing the colonies from the iron sway of Great Britain. At the close of the war, he con- fined himself entirely to the peaceful pursuits which had previously occupied his attention. For the last several years of his life, he en- joyed a pecuniary bounty from the govern- ment, which could not have been more justly merited. He was honored and respectedby all who knew him, and lived a long and useful life. He died on the 8th day of May, 1822, at the advanced' age of ninety-three years. join' SULLIVAN. Bli th-plcce. — Enters the Continental Army, and assigned to the Command of the Forces sent against Canada. — Appointed Major General. — Defeated and taken priso- ner at the Battle of Long Island. — Exchanged. — Hit gallant conduct at the Battle of Germantoiin. — Hit operations against the British in Rhode Island. — Suc- cessful Expedition against the Indians in Pennsylvania. — Resigns his Commission in the Army and rcsvmes the practice of his Profession. — Receives the degree of Doctor of Laics. — Elected Governor of New Hamp- shire. — Appointed United States District Judge. — Hit Dca'h. Genkral Sullivan was a native of New Hampshire, and a lawyer by profession. Previous to tlio revolution, he had attained a very respectable degree of eminence at the bar, and vv-as a member of the first Congress,, in 1771. At the connncncement of hostili- ties, he signified his preference for a military, 280 JOHN SULLlVAiY. over a civil life, and, on the 22d of Joiie, 1775, was appointed a brigadier general in the army of the United States. He imme- diately joined the continental forces at Cam- bridge, and was assigned to the command of a detachment on Winter's Hill. In the spring of 1776, General Sullivan was ordered to Canada. The command of the northern army was given to Major Gene- ral Thomas, who arrived in the camp near Quebec on the 1st of May. He found the troops in such a wretched condition, that he determined to retreat toward Montreal. The army accordingly proceeded to Sorel and encamped there. About this time, it re- ceived several reinforcements, but General Thomas was taken sick with the prevailing disorder, the small pox, and died in a few days. By his death. General Sullivan suc- ceeded to the command. Without accom- plishing any military enterprise of moment, the American forces were compelled to re- tire, in consequence of the advance of the British army, which was vastly superior in numbers, and in condition. On the 15th of June, General Arnold quit- JUHN Sl'I.LIVAN. 281 ted ^Montreal, with the men under his com- mand, and after a union with SuUivan, con- ducted the army to Crown Point. Too much praise cannot be awarded to General Sulh- van, for his unwearied exertions, and judi- cious management, in saving his httle band, and the pubhc property, from complete ruin. On his retiring from tlie command, tlie ficW officers addressed him in the following terms: • It is to you, sir, the public are indebted for the preservation of their property in Canada. It is to you we owe our safety thus far. Your humanity will call forth the silent tear, and the grateful ejaculation of the sick. Vour universal impartiality will force the applause of the wearied soldier.'' In August, 177r>. (iencral Sullivan was promoted to the rank of Major General, and was attached to the army on Long Island. After the unfortunate illness of General (ireene, he succeeded to the command of the troops outside of the fortifications. Having but a short time previous arrived in camp, and being almost entirely unacquainted with the situation of the country, he was unable to complete the arrangements contemplated 2S2 JOHN SULLIVAN. by General Greene. On the landing of the British, he sent strong detachments to guard the passes near the Narrows, and on the Flatbush road: but the more distant pass, by the Bedford road, was merely guarded by an officer, with a small party, who dis- charged his duty in the most careless man- ner, and failed to give seasonable notice of the advance of the enemy. General Sullivan himself proceeded with a strong detachment, on the direct road from Flatbush to Brook- lyn, and occupied the breastworks thrown up by General Greene, for the defence of this important pass. Shortly after daylight, on the 27th of August, the Hessians at Flatbush opened a moderate cannonade upon him. At half past eight, Count Donop was de- tached to attack the hill, by General De Heister, who soon followed with the centre of the army. The Americans calmly awaited the advance of the enemy, with their muskets levelled, fancying themselves in perfect secu- rity. Just as the attack was about to com- mence, a report of artillery was heard in their rear. The fearful truth at once flashed upon their minds, that the enemy had turned JOHN SULLIVAN. 283 their left flank, and placed them between two fires. Generals Clinton and Percy, with a large force, had proceeded by the Bedford road, and gained a position in their rear. In vain Sullivan exerted himself to rally his men for a desperate struggle They instantly fell back, and attempted to cleave their way through the enemy, and regain their camp. For three hours, the conflict was continued by Sullivan, and his brave men, who fought like tigers, when they found there was no other chance for escape. Many forced their way through the lines ; some escaped into the woods ; and numbers were slain. On the side of the enemy the slaughter was immense. The Americans, who re- mained in the entrenchment, kept up an in- cessant fire on their opponents, until it was found that all further resistance was in vain. At eleven o'clock. General Sullivan surren- dered himscll'. and his men, as prisoners of war. After the battle on Tions? Island, General Sullivan was sent by Lord Howe, with a mes- sage to Congress, expressing a wish to hold a conference with some of the members. A 284 JOHN SULLIVAN. committee was appointed to meet his lord- ship, who informed him that Congress had no authority to treat for the colonies, except as independent states. As Lord Howe had no instructions on this point, the conference was soon brought to a close. On the 4th of September, General Sullivan was exchanged for General Prescott, and assumed the com- mand of General Lee's division of the main army under General Washington, which he conducted in safety across the Delaware. He accompanied the commander-in-chief, in his attack on the Hessians at Trenton, and acquitted himself with high honor on that memorable day. He was also in Connecti- cut, at the time of General Try on' s invasion in April, and materially assisted Generals Wooster and Arnold inharrassing the enemy on their retreat. In August, 1777, General Sullivan, without the authority of Congress, or of the commander-in-chief, planned and executed an expedition against the enemy on Staten Island. The enterprise was suc- cessful only in part, and Sullivan's conduct was afterwards made the subject of review before a court of inquiry, which completely JOHN SULLIVAN. 285 ejionerated him from all injurious imputa- tions. At the battle ol' the Brandywine, General Sullivan commanded the detachment sent to guard the fords above the forks. He occu- pied the heights above Birmingham church, his left extending to the creek, his artillery judiciously placed, and his right flank co- vered by woods. He was attacked by Lord Cornwallis, about four o'clock in the after- noon, and his men maintained their position for some time, with commendable bravery and mtrepidity ; but they were at length obliged to give way before superior numbers, and the timely arrival of General Greene with a re- inforcement, prevented a complete rout. In the alfair at Germantown, Sullivan com- manded the right division, and was constant- ly engaged, in the thickest of the fight, in urging his troops on to the attack. Two of his aids were killed near him, and his own gallantry was so conspicuous, that General Washington, in his oflicial report, said : " In justice to the right wing of the army, whose conduct I had an opportunity of observing, as they acted immediately under my eye, I 286 JOHN SULLIVAN. have the greatest pleasure to inform you, that hoth the officers and men behaved with a degree of gallantry which did them the highest honor." In August, 1778, General Sullivan assumed the command of the forces intended for the reduction of Rhode Island. Preparations had been in progress for several months, and, on his arrival, he made use of every means in his power to forward them. General Pi- got, the commander of the British forces at Newport, in order to impede his operations, ordered two different incursions into Provi- dence Plantation, in which a quantity of mili- tary and naval stores, some galleys and arm- ed sloops, and upward of one hundred boats, prepared for the expedition, were destroyed. These losses so far delayed matters, that when Count D'Estaing arrived with the French fleet to co-operate with him, General Sullivan was not ready for the attack. The French admiral stationed some ships of war in the Seakonet and Narraganset entrances to the harbor of Newport, and closed the main channel by anchoring with his fleet at its mouth. In this position he remained mi- JOHN SULLIVAN. 287 til the Stii of August, wlicn the Americans were ready to commence offensive operations. He immediately sailed towards the harbor, and, after receiving and returning the lire of several batteries as he passed, he anchored between Newport and Conannicut. On the morning of the 9th, Lord Howe appeared off Point Judith with the whole English squad- ron, and Count D'Estaing soon after stood out to sea, with the intention of coming to an engagement. A violent storm arose which dispersed the fleets, and compelled the French vessels to return to Newport. In the meantime, the British general, on ilnding himself seriously threatened, concen- trated his force, amounting to about six thousand men, in the vicinity of Newport, where he occupied an entrenched camp. General Sullivan transported his troops, which numbered nearly ten thousand, chiefly mili- tia, from the continent to the northeast end of the island, and, having taken possession of a fortified post which the British had abandoned, marched toward Newport to be- siege the hostile camp at that place. On the 12th of August, before he had begun the 288 JOHN SULLIVAN. siege, his army was overtaken by the same furious storm of wind and rain which the French and Enghsh fleets had encountered. It blew down the tents, rendered the fire-arms unfit for immediate use, and seriously dama- ged the ammunition. The soldiers, being without shelter, suffered severely, and some of them perished in the storm, which lasted three days. After it had ceased, the army advanced toward the British lines, and be- gan the siege. At this juncture, Count D'Es- taing returned with his squadron, but, to the surprise of General Sullivan, he intimated his intention to repair immediately to Boston. General Greene and the Marquis De Lafay- ette waited on him, and remonstrated against his departure, but without effect. They then urged him to remain for two days only, which he also refused. Having been abandoned by the French fleet, the American troops were sadly dis- heartened; and their numbers began to be rapidly thinned by desertion. The situation of General Sullivan was very precarious, as, without the assistance of a fleet, he could not prevent the landing of the reinforcements JOHN SULLIVAN. 289 which were daily expected from New- York. On the 26th of August, therefore, he conclu- ded to abandon the siege ; and after success- fully resisting an attack of the enemy, he sub- sequently withdrew to the continent with his whole force, together with his artillery, bag- gage, stores and boats. His escape was a timely one : for Sir Henry Clinton arrived on the day after he left the island with four thousand men, who had been detained four days in the sound by contrary winds. Ge- neral Sullivan was so much incensed at the failure of the expedition, that he used some pretty severe expressions, in a general or- der, which gave offence to D'Estaing. The French were highly exasperated, and it re- quired all the address of Washington to pre- vent an open alienation from their new allies. The horrid butcheries committed by the tories and Indians, under Butler, Brandt, and Nellis, in the valley of Wyoming, during the summer of 1778, determined the commander- in-chief to employ a large detachment of the army for their chastisement and subjugation. Vt'torthe battle of Monmouth, the fourth nsvlvania regiment, with some of Mor- 19 290 JOHN SULLIVAN. gan's riftemen, commanded by Colonel Wil- liam Butler, proceeded to the Indian towns of Unadilla and Anaquaquaj near the sour- ces of the Susquehannah, and destroyed them, together with a large quantity of corn laid up for winter use. This was a difficult and fatiguing march, but the savages were driven to a greater distance from the fron- tier. In November, however, their atrocities were renewed, by an attack upon the settle- ment at Cherry valley, in which thirty-two of the inhabitants, chiefly women and chil- dren, were murdered and scalped. In the spring of 1779 a strong body of troops were sent against the Indians. The largest division of the army employed on that service assembled at Wyoming. An- other division, which had wintered on the Mohawk, marched under the orders of Ge- neral James Clinton, and joined the main body at Tioga point, the confluence of the two great sources of the Susquehannah. On the 26th of August, the united force, amounting to nearly five thousand men, un- der the command of General Sullivan, pro- ceeded up the west branch of the river, JOHN SULLIVAN. 291 which led directly into the Indian country. The Indians had become fully acquainted with the preparations for this expedition, and, notwithstanding the formidable array, determined to try the fortune of a battle with Sullivan. They were about one thou- sand strong, commanded by the two But- lers. Guy Johnson, McDonald, and Brandt. Having chosen a position above Chemung, and a mile in tVont of Newton, they fortified their camp, and prepared to meet the Amer- ican army. There Sullivan attacked them ; and, alKr a short, but spirited resistance, they tied with precipitation. The Ameri- cans lost thirty men, in killed and wounded; the Indians left only eleven dead bodies on the field ; but they were so much discouraged by their defeat, that they abandoned their towns to the victor. At the head of lake Co- nesus they again rallied, and attacked the advance guard of the army, but they were soon obliged to continue their tlight into the interior. The orders of General SuUivan were, to destroy their villages and crops, so as to render the country luiinhabitable for 292 JOHN SULLIVAN. the present; accordingly, ''eighteen villa- ges, a number of detached buildings, one hundred and sixty thousand bushels of corn, and those fruits and vegetables which con- duce to the comfort and subsistence of man, were utterly destroyed. Five weeks were unremittingly employed in this work of de- vastation." On his return from this expedition, Gene- ral Sullivan received the approbation of Con- gress, and at the close of the campaign, re- signed his commission, in consequence of impaired health. He soon after resumed the practice of his profession, and became distinguished as a lawyer and politician. His taste for general literature was also cul- tivated with considerable success. He re- ceived from Harvard University the degree of Master of Arts, and from Dartmouth col- lege, that of Doctor of Laws. He was a member of the convention which formed the constitution of New Hampshire ; was chosen to the first council ; and afterwards elected chief magistrate of the state, which office he held for three years. In 1789, he was JOHN SULLIVAN. 293 appointed Judge of tlie United States District Court for the district of New Hampshire, and continued in that office until the time of his death, which occurred in 1795. r~5 P 8^1 Q Deacidified using the Bookkeep Neutralrzing Agent: Magnesium Treatment Date: PRESERVATION TECHNOL 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 (412)779-2111