QUAKER HILL 
 
 LOCAL III STORY 
 
 SERIES 
 
 XVI. 5^agl)tttgton's 
 fleatjparters 
 at jptetiertcfeBftutgl) 
 
 LEWIS S. PATRICK 
 
 ■■■Ilia 
 
WASHINGTON'S 
 HEAD Q UAR T E R S 
 
 AND THE 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY ARMY 
 
 AT 
 
 FREDERICKSBURGH 
 
 IN THE 
 
 STATE OF NEW YORK 
 September 19th to November 28th, 1778 
 
 LEWIS S. PATRICK 
 
 n 
 MARINETTE. WIS. 
 
 September 8th, 1905 
 
 MEMBER OF 
 
 Illinois Sons of the Revolution 
 
 Wisconsin Sons of the American Revolution 
 American Historical Association 
 
 Stale Historical Society, Wisconsin 
 
 READ AT THE SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING 
 OF THE QUAKER HILL CONFERENCE 
 
 September the eighth 
 Nineteen hundred and five 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE 
 
 QUAKER HILL CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION 
 Quaker HUl. New York. 1907 
 
£1 I3f 
 
 ■ T3t 
 
 Publications 
 
 Of the Quaker Hili, Conference Association 
 
 A Critical Study of the Bible, by the Rev. Newton M. 
 Hall of Springfield, Mass. 
 
 The Relation of the Church at Home to the Church 
 Abroad, by Rev. Geoige William Knox, D.D., of New York. 
 
 A Tenable Theory of Biblical Inspiration, by Prof. 
 Irving Francis Wood, Ph.D., of Northampton, Mass. 
 
 The Book Farmer, by Edward H. Jenkins, Ph.D., of 
 New Haven, Conn. 
 
 IvOCAI. HISTORY SERIES 
 
 David Irish— A Memoir, by his daughter, Mrs. Phoebe 
 T. Wanzer of Quaker Hill, N. Y. 
 
 Quaker Hill in the Eighteenth Century, by Rev. Warren 
 H. Wilson of Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 Quaker Hill in the Nineteenth Century, by Rev. Warren 
 H. Wilson of Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 Hiram B. Jones and His School, by Rev. Edward I/. 
 Chichester of Quaker Hill, N. Y. 
 
 Richard Osborn— A Reminiscence, by Margaret B. Mon- 
 ahan of Quaker Hill, N. Y. 
 
 Albert J. Akin— A Tribute, by Rev. Warren H. Wilson of 
 Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 Ancient Homes and Early Days at Quaker Hill, by 
 
 Amanda Akin Stearns of Quaker Hill, N. Y. 
 
 Thomas Taber and Edward Shove— a Reminiscence, by 
 
 Rev. Benjamin Shove of New York. 
 
 Some Glimpses of the Past, by Alicia Hopkins Taber of 
 Pawling, N. Y. 
 
 The Purchase Meeting, by James Wood of Mt. Kisco, 
 N. Y. 
 
 In Loving Remembrance of Ann Hayes, by Mrs. Warren 
 H. Wilson of Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 Washington's Headquarters at Fredericksburgh, by 
 
 I^ewis S. Patrick of Marinette, Wis. 
 
 Any one of these publications may be had by addressing 
 the Secretary, Rev. Bertram A. Warren, 
 
 Quaker Hill, N.Y. 
 
 Price Ten Cents. Twelve Cents Postpaid. 
 
 Gift 
 Author 
 
 <Porsp< 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Here in this place, in this presence, in my 
 native County and State, it is an honor to 
 be able to present some of the evidence of 
 an old story, a story that never grows old, 
 never loses its fascination, never loses its 
 interest, the Story of the American Revo- 
 lution. The interest and the inspiration 
 in the events of the Revolution and the 
 Army, come from the love of the old, the 
 historical; increased and strengthened by 
 researches made, to collect facts and mat- 
 ters of interest, relating to the military ser- 
 vices of my ancestor. Col. Henry Luding- 
 ton, of the Seventh Dutchess Co. N. Y." 
 State Militia (War of the Revolution). 
 
 The historians give but the briefest men- 
 tion of Fredericksburgh. There are many 
 things of interest and moment well worth 
 preserving. Imperfect as my work may be, 
 gathering the evidence from citations has 
 required no small amount of labor and ex- 
 pense. With ampler material, with more 
 authoritative presentation, I can but wish 
 the task could have been better performed, 
 and that some abler pen may be inspired to 
 continue the investigation, and earn the 
 recognition due, that here was enacted a 
 part of the great drama which has given 
 us "A government of the people, for the 
 people and by the people." 
 
THE TITLE 
 
 chosen for this day, ''Washington's Head- 
 quarters and the Revolutionary Army at 
 Fredericksburgh, in the state of New York," 
 September 19th to November 28th, 1778, 
 may be at variance with your day, — Quaker 
 hill day. 
 
 In defense I plead, 
 
 "Up and down the village streets 
 Strange are the forms my fancies meets, 
 For the thoug'hts and things of to-day are 
 
 hid, 
 And through the veil of a closed lid 
 The ancient worthies I see again." 
 
 The official orders, the letters, the cor- 
 respondence, designate Fredericksburgh or 
 Camp near, with few exceptions. 
 
 Investigation leads to the conclusion that 
 up and down this valley and along the 
 hillsides thereof, the army was encamped. 
 Patterson, Pawling and Quaker Hill, what- 
 ever distinction and honor there may be, 
 each have an equal share. 
 
WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS. 
 
 One of the local writers has declared 
 the controversy in regard to Washington's 
 Headquarters in Pawling, 1778, has reached 
 the stage where facts are essential. 
 
 It is not the purpose to paint a picture 
 nor destroy, but to build up and establish 
 local events of the Revolution in this vicinity 
 and to make them authoritative and his- 
 torical truths. Some of the facts will be 
 presented. 
 
 Philip Smith, in his excellent and valu- 
 able history of Dutchess County, makes 
 the statement: ''As to the precise location 
 of General Washington's Headquarters in 
 this town (Pawling) there seems to be 
 some question. Some locate it at the 
 Slocum place, and others at the Kirby 
 House, at the foot of Quaker hill. There 
 appears to be good authority for each opin- 
 ion." No authority is presented except 
 local tradition based upon statements made, 
 cherished, treasured and repeated from 
 generation to generation. 
 
 The location of the headquarters as re- 
 lated and transmitted in the tradition of 
 the Ferris family there is great respect. It 
 is worthy of credence. Other incidents of 
 the Revolution in this vicinity are founded 
 upon just such statements in other families 
 whose correctness can hardly be questioned. 
 
 Admitting that the Headquarters were 
 
at the Ferris place, we must depend upon 
 the traditional history of the family and of 
 others, that Washington established and 
 maintained headquarters at Reed Ferris's. 
 
 Mrs. Lossing, in her letter to Mr. Smith, 
 states: ''The sojourn of the Commander- 
 in-chief in the community must have been 
 a matter of moment. Everybody knew it, 
 and the house that gave him shelter was a 
 marked one. It is a question of the force 
 of a document, the testimony of a single 
 individual, subject to the vicissitude of 
 error, prejudice and misconception as 
 against the testimony of many." 
 
 The argument to sustain the contention 
 that the headquarters were at the Ferris 
 house. 
 
 In presenting the facts the matter does 
 not rest upon the force of a single docu- 
 ment nor upon the testimony of a single 
 individual. There is no error nor mis- 
 conception. A most exhaustive search and 
 an extensive correspondence with the de- 
 scendants of the men of the Revolution who 
 were in this vicinity fails to discover a 
 single document or record mentionng or 
 describing the house of Reed Ferris as the 
 headquarters of Washington. The nearest 
 approach to record evidence states: "We 
 left Fredericksburgh and after thirteen 
 miles march, we pitched out tents at Mr. 
 Reed's field in the Oblong." This account 
 was made by one of Washington's Life 
 Guards on the 19th of September. The 
 march for that day probably started near 
 the Westchester County Hne. If we can 
 interpret Mr. Reed to mean Reed Ferris 
 
then the Hfe guard was probably near the 
 person of the Commander-m-chief, and the 
 headquarters. 
 
 The trial of General Schuyler, the im- 
 portant event during the occupation and 
 the stay of the Army in this locality, affords 
 another supposition and possible authority. 
 
 The order for the General Court-martial 
 to meet was issued September 23rd, and 
 reads : "The General Court-martial, where- 
 of Maj. Gen'l Lincoln is President, will 
 meet next Monday at Gen'l Lincoln's quar- 
 ters, near Quaker Hill, where headquarters 
 are at present." On the 30th this order was 
 repeated and enlarged and reads: "The 
 General Court-martial, whereof Maj. Gen'l 
 Lincoln is President, will assemble to-mor- 
 row morning at 9 o'clock at the President's 
 quarters and sit at such place as he shall 
 appoint for the trial of Maj. Gen'l Schuyler. 
 Col. Johnson is appointed member of the 
 Court, vice Col. Wyllis, who is sick. 
 All evidences and persons concerned will 
 attend." 
 
 Lossing, in his life of General Schuyler, 
 p. 314, states: "Months passed away be- 
 fore the Court-martial assembled. It was 
 finally convened on the ist day of October, 
 1778, at the house of Reed Ferris, yet 
 standing in the town of Pawling, Dutchess 
 Co., N. Y., near Quaker Hill, where Wash- 
 ington had his headquarters, and which he 
 had just evacuated. There General Schuy- 
 ler was put on trial." I am unable to de- 
 termine the authority of Mr. Lossing. 
 Every repository that might have the orig- 
 inal papers has been consulted. No evidence 
 
has been found of them. If General Lin- 
 coln designated any place, no record exists 
 where. His authority appears to have no 
 documentary evidence. 
 
 The question arises, if Washington did 
 occupy the house of Reed Ferris, how long 
 was he there? The order for the army to 
 march was issued at White Plains, Sep- 
 tember 15th. It put the army in motion 
 on the morning of the i6th towards Fred- 
 ericksburg, at which place it probably ar- 
 rived during the 19th. Washington pro- 
 ceeded by the river route, visited the forts 
 and passed through Fishkill on the 20th 
 for Fredericksburg, at which place he may 
 have arrived the same day. Whether at 
 this particular time or not, a tradition ex- 
 ists, that he once slept in the house on the 
 farm, known since as the Benjamin place, 
 the place where I was born. It may be 
 possible that he did not arrive until the 
 2ist or 22d. His first letter is dated the 
 22d and his first order the 23d, indicating 
 he did not arrive much earlier than the 22d. 
 
 The Life Guards arrived the 19th at 
 Mr. Reed's field, remained six days, and 
 then moved to the headquarters afterwards 
 maintained. Lossing says, "zuhere he had 
 his headquarters, and zvhich he had just 
 evacuated." Schuyler's trial began on Oc- 
 tober 1st. On the ist day of October, the 
 headquarters were not at the place of the 
 trial, they were at some other place. If 
 Washington came on the 20th, he left 
 Fredericksburg, went to Fishkill on the 
 30th. We have then ten days he was at 
 the Ferris house. The movement of the 
 
Life Guards took place on the 25th and 
 with them the headquarters, leaving in the 
 meantime but six days intervening, cover- 
 ing all the time that Washington may have 
 occupied the Ferris house. At the best, 
 Washington's stay at the house of Reed 
 Ferris was of but short duration, and what- 
 ever honor and distinction there may be 
 must be confined to such time. 
 
 AT JOHN KANE'S. 
 
 That no better remembrance remains of 
 the Headquarters at John Kane's is neither 
 surprising nor strange. It must be remem- 
 bered he was a large land holder and the 
 possessor of other property to a large 
 amount. With him, like many others simi- 
 larly situated, property possession was 
 greater than patriotic purpose. It is more 
 than probable he had no faith in the success 
 of the patriot's cause. It was neither pru- 
 dent, safe or politic to espouse it. Remain- 
 ing loyal to the British Crown, the circum- 
 stances of war brought severe penalty, the 
 loss of property, dispossession, forfeiture 
 and removal. 
 
 Should he have or hold but the bitterest 
 recollection of the occupancy of his prem- 
 ises as the headquarters of the American 
 General? It is an accepted truth, the loss 
 of property makes the strongest, surest and 
 the most lasting of enemies. 
 
 Neither he nor his descendants would 
 have the slightest interest or pride to main- 
 tain or perpetuate an event which had 
 brought them dire disaster, except that of 
 
hatred. No wonder, then, that so Httle has 
 been retained. Whatever remains comes 
 from others and not from him. 
 
 The documentary proof is ample and suf- 
 ficient to estabhsh the headquarters at John 
 Kane's. 
 
 First : Letter of Gov. CHnton to Robert 
 R. Livingston, dated at Poughkeepsie, 23d 
 Sept., 1778. CHnton Papers, Vol. 4, p. yj. 
 *'The army has left the Plains and are now 
 posted along the mountains from Danbury 
 to West Point. Headquarters at John 
 Kane's at Fredericksburg, for which place 
 General Washington, after having the forts, 
 passed through Fishkill on Sunday last" 
 (20th Sept., 1778). 
 
 Second: Elijah Fisher's Journal, 1775- 
 1784, p. 10, 25th Sept. : "Headquarters and 
 likewise the guard left Oblong and come to 
 Mr. Cains in Fredrexburg four miles and 
 pitched tents." 30th: "His Excellency, 
 with his addecamps went to the Fishkills." 
 8th Oct. : "His Exelency and addecamp re- 
 turned from Fishkills to Mr. Cains." 
 
 Third: Washington's Order Book, Oct. 
 22nd: Nixons, Huntingtons and Parsons 
 Brigade are to march to-morrow morning 
 from the left under command of Maj. Gen'l 
 McDougall. The Quartermaster General 
 will give the route. Order repeated in the 
 Division orders, Gen'l McDougall's order 
 book. 
 
 Orders of March, Oct. 22nd: 
 
 "The Rout will be by Headquarters to 
 Col. Morehouses, then to Deacon Gaylords, 
 from thence to Shawan River through New 
 
 10 
 
Milford, then to Southington Meeting 
 house and last to Farmington." 
 
 Division orders, McDougall's order book, 
 Oct. 22nd. Order of march : 
 
 "Gen'l Nixon's Brigade leads. Hunting- 
 ton's follows and Parson's brings up the 
 rear. Nixon will throw out a vanguard. 
 Parson and Huntington will furnish a rear 
 guard. 
 
 "As there is no forage between this and 
 Deacon Gaylord's, the General desires the 
 troops will be in motion as early as possible. 
 
 "The two Connecticut Brigades will halt 
 at the Cross Road near headquarters to let 
 Gen'l Nixon's Brigade pass by them. The 
 Route will be by Headquarters to Col. 
 Morehouses then to Deacon Gaylord, re- 
 peating the continuance of the Route al- 
 ready given." 
 
 Fourth : Gen'l Rufus Putnam in a letter 
 to Washington, Oct. 15th, reporting the 
 most feasible and convenient halting places 
 on the route to Boston, furnishes this de- 
 scription: "From the Park by Headquar- 
 ters to Deacon Gailers, 13 miles. On this 
 route the road is very good. 20 miles to 
 New Milford. The hills very few and easy 
 of ascent." 
 
 Fifth: The maps, whose ' accuracy and 
 authenticity is supported by the prevailing 
 system of roads. 
 
 Sixth: The letter (Boardman letter) 
 read before the Quaker Hill conference, 
 1901. ^ 
 
 Seventh: The Sarah Morris' letter re- 
 cently quoted and printed. 
 
Eighth : The payment of cash to John 
 Keene for the use of his house, etc. 
 
 CHnton, in giving the location of the 
 troops, is in accordance with the facts. The 
 system of correspondence in vogue, the 
 means of conveying information rapidly for 
 the time, it is improbable that Gov. Clinton 
 could have been mistaken. 
 
 The Fisher Journal quoted as authority 
 by others, kept by one who belonged to 
 Washington's Life Guard, it is not hardly 
 possible that he could have been mistaken 
 in his knowledge of the movements of his 
 General, or where the Headquarters were. 
 
 The order directing the march of Gen- 
 eral McDougall towards Boston leaves no 
 doubt of the direction taken and traveled. 
 
 The letter of Gen'l Rufus Putnam, de- 
 scribing the route, and in that letter informa- 
 ing Washington that if he had received his 
 letter sooner, he would have been more 
 particular, but the report then made he 
 considered sufficiently accurate and would 
 prove no material detriment to the service. 
 
 The maps hardly admit of a question 
 that the maker of them had definite and 
 personal knowledge of their courses and 
 direction, the locations, prominent features 
 and habitations then existing. 
 
 The letters of Boardman and Morris of 
 such date, no deposition can be maintained 
 against their truthfulness. 
 
 The entry in the expense book correctly 
 given, admits of no question as to use. 
 
 These authorities are sufficient, ample and 
 conclusive to prove and set at rest, the loca- 
 tion of the Headquarters of Washington at 
 
 12 
 
Fredericksburg from Sept. 25th to Nov. 
 28th, 1 778, at John Kane's and at no other 
 place. 
 
 COMMAND OF THE ARMY. 
 
 Orders were issued Sept. 7th, ''For the 
 present and until circumstances will admit 
 of a more perfect arrangement, the Army 
 is to be divided and commanded as follows : 
 
 Woodford's, Muhlenberg's and Scott's 
 Brigades by Maj. Gen'l Putnam. 
 
 Poor's late Learned's and Patterson's by 
 Maj. Gen'l Gates. 
 
 Parson's and Huntington's by Maj. Gen'l 
 Lincoln. 
 
 Smallwood's and 2nd Maryland bv Maj. 
 Gen'l DeKalb. 
 
 Nixon's and the North Carolina Brigade 
 by Maj. Gen'l McDougall. The strength of 
 the Army shown by the returns of the 
 Grand Army, under command of General 
 Washington, dated at Fredericksburg, Nov. 
 1st, 1778, and Nov. 15th, 1778, show the 
 total of officers and men fit for duty on 
 these dates to have been 13,461 and 13,366 
 respectively. 
 
 MOVEMENTS OF THE ARMY. 
 
 When the American Army went into win- 
 ter quarters at Valley Forge, the cause of 
 American Independence was at a low ebb. 
 Naked, barefooted, pinched with hunger, it 
 wanted everything- to make it an ideal army 
 except indomitable courage and inflexible 
 purpose. These it had. 
 
 The poverty and distress of the memor- 
 able winter was not so much due to the 
 
 13 
 
poverty of the Country as to the inefficiency 
 of the Commissary and Quartermaster de- 
 partments, and to the inattention and inter- 
 ference of Congress. Yet with all of its 
 privations, when the news of the French 
 Alliance was heralded, it was a day of 
 jubilee, as if for some victory, although the 
 pomp and circumstance of war was want- 
 ing. A Council of War was called May 8th 
 to determine future operations, whether it 
 was expedient to take the field or act on 
 the defensive. Taking into consideration the 
 strength of the enemy and the available 
 force of the American Army, the Council 
 decided not to engage in any offensive oper- 
 ations. Not long to wait, however, before 
 events changed the aspect of affairs. The 
 British evacuating Philadelphia, Washing- 
 ton, on learning the facts, put his Army 
 in motion, came up with the British and 
 fought the Battle of Monmouth the 28th 
 of June, rested his Army and on the 2nd 
 of July, began his march northward and 
 arrived in the vicinity of White Plains on 
 the 24th of July, to remain until the march 
 to Fredericksburg began the morning of 
 the 1 6th of September. 
 
 First mention of troops at Fredericks- 
 burg is found in the Brigade Orders for 
 Gen'l Parson's brigade, dated at camp: 
 
 Fredericksburg, July 22nd, 1777. The 
 officers were instructed to take particular 
 care that no injury was done under the pre- 
 tense of their being enemies to the cause, 
 that there be no complaint on the march or 
 in camp, of fences being destroyed or dam- 
 age done. The detail for the day were or- 
 
 14 
 
dered "To parade to-morrow at one o'clock 
 at ye Church with three days' provisions,'* 
 
 The orders of the 23rd detailed the duties 
 of the day, provided for a guard from each 
 regiment, to prevent the horses and oxen 
 from being stolen or breaking into enclos- 
 ures, and doing unnecessary damage, "the 
 unavoidable destruction of an army in its 
 progress is but too great without the addi- 
 tional evil of criminal negligence for wanton 
 depredations." 
 
 Putnam's general orders. 
 
 Parson's brigade was ordered to return 
 to its old camping ground near Peekskill, 
 this position on the loth of July was on the 
 left, between headquarters and Col. Drakes, 
 probably remaining in Fredericksburg only 
 a few days, as the Brigades on the 27th 
 of July were ordered "to be thoroughly 
 equipped and to hold themselves in readi- 
 ness to march at the shortest notice." 
 
 No other movement of the troops oc- 
 curred except that of the militia, until the 
 arrival of the Continental Troops, which 
 probably occurred on the 19th of Septem- 
 ber. While the orders for the day of Nov. 
 25th concludes with, "The Army marching 
 by Brigades into winter quarters," it was 
 not until the 30th of November that Gen'l 
 Parson left Fredericksburgh for winter 
 quarters at Redding. After this no con- 
 siderable body of troops remained at Fred- 
 ericksburgh. 
 
THE ORDER OF MARCH. 
 
 The order of march to Fredericksburgh 
 was issued at White Plains, Sept. 15, 1778, 
 and designated after orders. 
 
 1st: The whole army will march to-mor- 
 row morning at seven o'clock. The General 
 will beat at five, the troop at six and the 
 march at seven precisely. 
 
 2nd: The baggage will precede the 
 troops the first day. Provisions and forage 
 wagons going in the front. 
 
 3rd: The Park of Artillery will march 
 with the second line between Parson's and 
 Clinton's Brigades. 
 
 4th : The Commander-in-chief's bag- 
 gage, with the baggage of all the General 
 Staff and Flying Hospital are also to march 
 with the second line in the order, which 
 will be particularly pointed out by the Quar- 
 termaster General. 
 
 5th: The Quartermaster General and 
 Commissary General will divide the stores 
 in their respective departments to the sev- 
 eral columns which will lead the columns 
 of baggage. 
 
 6th : Col. Sheldon, with all the cavalry 
 on the ea§t side of the North River will 
 join Gen'l Scott. 
 
 7th: The Quartermaster General will 
 give the particular order of march to be 
 observed by each division. 
 
 8th : The troops are to be furnished with 
 three days bread." 
 
 The Order of the Day concluding with 
 ''The Army marching by Divisions to Fred- 
 ericksburg, &c." 
 
 Diligent search and correspondence fails 
 
 16 
 
to discover the particular Order of March. 
 Only by inference, the route is located, from 
 Col. Chambers orderly book, and reference 
 in the Fisher Journal. On the i6th at 
 Wright's Mills, the i8th at Bedford and at 
 the Reynold's house, the 19th Hayet's in 
 Cortland Manor, the 20th Fowler's house. 
 Orders of Lord Sterling, these places, prob- 
 ably his headquarters during the march. 
 The Life Guards marched from White 
 Plains to Mr. Raymond's in Bedford, 16 
 miles, the i6th. Fifteen miles the i8th and 
 reached Fredericksburgh, this probably was 
 the precinct of, and on the 19th, thirteen 
 miles to ''Reed's field in the Oblong." 
 
 THE REASON WHY. 
 
 While Washington entertained the view 
 that the enemy had two capital objects in 
 contemplation, and the possible results, his 
 letter to the President of Congress, dated 
 at White Plains, Sept. 13th, 1778, affords 
 the best possible motive, placing the Army 
 at Fredericksburgh. 
 
 "In consequence of this (British devasta- 
 tion in the vicinity of Bedford) and from an 
 apprehension that General Clinton might 
 possibly mean to operate to the eastward, 
 and from some project in concert with Lord 
 Howe against Count d' Estaing's Squadron, 
 I determined to move the troops from this 
 ground to a rear position, better calculated 
 to afford support to the works on the North 
 River in case of an attempt should be made 
 against them, and at the same time more 
 convenient for forwarding detachments 
 
 17 
 
eastward, if the enemy point their opera- 
 tions that way. 
 
 "I was the more induced to come to this 
 determination as most of the accounts from 
 New York seem to lead to a beHef, as they 
 still do, that a considerable movement was 
 and is in contemplation, if not an entire 
 evacuation of the cit}^ and this by water. 
 
 "Besides these reasons the principal ob- 
 jects for taking post here do not now ex- 
 ist. One was to create every possible jeal- 
 ousy in favor of the expedition against 
 Rhode Island, another the consuming of the 
 forage within its vicinity and towards 
 King's bridge. The former is now over, 
 and the latter is in a great degree accom- 
 plished." 
 
 THE ARMY WHERE ENCAMPED. 
 
 In a general way, the location is largely 
 traditional. 
 
 The marching orders to Nixon, Hunting- 
 ton and Parsons, they were south of the 
 headquarters, the artillery on the farm, now 
 belonging to Peter Baldwin. 
 
 Four Brigades were upon the farm of 
 Thos. Menzies. Evidences found and re- 
 lated by the late Riley Turner, troops were 
 on the farm of Col. Henry Ludington, and 
 in this vicinity as stated by local historians. 
 While it is more than probable, every loca- 
 tion named on the maps was occupied by 
 the officers and others attached to the army. 
 No other conclusion seems possible. 
 
 i8 
 
SUBSISTENCE OF THE ARMY. 
 
 No question gave Washington greater 
 concern than the subsisting of the Army. 
 It was one of the first to have consideration 
 at Fredericksburg. 
 
 To Vice-President George Bryan, he 
 wrote : "The important article of forage, the 
 great difficulty in obtaining, owing to the 
 reluctance of the holders to part with it, 
 the exhorbitant and enormous prices they 
 demand for it, unless some means are pro- 
 vided to obtain it with more certainty and 
 at more moderate prices, it will be impos- 
 sible for it (the army) to exist long, while 
 this condition existed. Another reason ex- 
 isted for the scanty supply, the absence of 
 the militia prevented threshing, while the 
 better disposed of the farmers were wilHng 
 to sell, if it were not for the fact their more 
 avaricious neighbors would obtain higher 
 prices, unwilling to lose any advantage ex- 
 perience had taught them, by withholding 
 their commodities from the market." The 
 use of wheat had been prohibited by Con- 
 gress and the restrictive laws of the States 
 rendered it impossible to obtain a sufficient 
 supply unless further aid was invoked, the 
 Quartermaster General notwithstanding, we 
 see the country full of forage, he wrote 
 Washington, "he was under the necessity to 
 call for a warrant to impress such quantities 
 as he found deficient." 
 
 The warrant was issued the 20th of No- 
 vember, authorizing the Commissary of 
 Forage to impress the amount necessary 
 from the inhabitants in the vicinity of camp, 
 on the borders of Connecticut and on the 
 
 19 
 
route through the Jerseys, and to pay. the 
 established price. The orders were to take 
 an equal share from each farm and to take 
 care not to insult or injure the inhabitants. 
 
 CONDITION OF THE ARMY. 
 
 Putnam, who had been relieved of his 
 command pending the inquiry who was re- 
 sponsible for the loss of the forts on the 
 Hudson, was restored. Humphrey, his 
 biographer, sa3^s : ''This was soon after the 
 Battle of Monmouth. When the three 
 armies, which last year had acted separ- 
 ately joined at White Plains, our effective 
 force in one camp was at no other time so 
 respectable as at this juncture." General 
 Parsons wrote his friend Mumford: "To 
 the immortal honor of Great Britain, she 
 has expended nearly 30 millions sterling, 
 wasted her best blood, transported a greater 
 army than ever before passed the Atlantic, 
 in three campaigns conquered the capitals 
 of five States, fought ten battles, lost one 
 army prisoner, another by death, and at the 
 opening of the fourth campaign may secure 
 a City strongly fortified sufficient to cover 
 20,000 men from immediate destruction. 
 The army is now united. '" * '^ I assure 
 you it would afford you great satisfaction 
 to see them and compare their situation with 
 two years ago in this place." **A marvelous 
 change, and is to be ascribed to that Just 
 Being who directs all events." 
 
 Baron Steubens to President Laurens, 
 dated at Fredericksburgh : "Let us now 
 drop this subject (Inspection of the Army) 
 and examine the present situation of our 
 
Military Affairs. Do not suffer yourself to 
 be dazzled by the accounts of the strength 
 of our Regiments and Brigades. At least 
 a third of them are unable to suffer the 
 fatigue of a march in this season when the 
 nights begin to grow cold and damp, and, 
 that for the want of clothes, even shoes and 
 stocking. I don't fear displeasing you by 
 laying the naked truth before your eyes, on 
 the contrary, I think it my duty not to 
 suffer 3^ou to be ignorant of the true state 
 of our Army." 
 
 Gen'l Wayne to Rob't Morris, Oct. 5, 
 1778: 
 
 "I wish with you it had been in your 
 power, to give full satisfaction to our poor 
 worthy fellows, the articles of clothing — 
 their distresses are great," and to the offi- 
 cers, "They seem desirous of catching any 
 pretext for quitting the service which has 
 or soon will reduce them to beggary and 
 want." 
 
 The relief. ''The General is deeply sen- 
 sible of the sufferings of the Army, he 
 leaves no expedient unassayed to relieve 
 them and he is persuaded Congress and the 
 several Stats are doing everything in their 
 power for the same purpose." 
 
 PUNISHMENTS.* 
 
 Many no doubt will be surprised to know 
 how severe and stern was the martial law 
 during the Revolution and with what sev- 
 erity its penalties were inflicted. 
 
 One hundred lashes on the bare back 
 
 * Bolton's Private Soldier. 
 
well laid on, stood for the penalty next to 
 death penalty. Yet upon the sullen and 
 wilful transgressor it made but little impres- 
 sion. One instance is given. Two soldiers 
 in March, 1778, were sentenced to one hun- 
 dred lashes each, fifty per day, and one of 
 them to be well washed with salt, when he 
 had received his last fifty. 
 
 Five were whipped at Fredericksburgh. 
 One hung, and others reprimanded and dis- 
 charged from service. 
 
 These penalties were not due to the stern- 
 ness of the times, they were the British 
 Code, and prevailed from the Provincial 
 Armies into those of the Revolution. It 
 was not the season to try experiments, when 
 every sinew of discipline and efficiency was 
 strained to the utmost. 
 
 COUNCILS OF WAR. 
 
 Previous to the march to Fredericksburg, 
 two councils of war were held, one the 25th 
 of July, 1778, at Reuben Wrights, near 
 White Plains, and the other September ist, 
 1778, at White Plains. The third Council 
 of War was assembled at Fredericksburg 
 1 6th of October, 1778. 
 
 Washington, who had been waiting im- 
 patiently for the movements of the enemy, 
 that he might ascertain their intention, 
 addressed a circular letter October 14th, to 
 Putnam, Stirling, DeKalb, Clinton, Wood- 
 ford and Muhlenberg containing the main 
 propositions to be considered, and these 
 were, "the security of the army, the protec- 
 tion of the country, the support of import- 
 ant posts, the relation which ought to be 
 
preserved with the French fleet, the main 
 questions to be decided, whether the Army 
 should be kept in a collected state and 
 where, whether it should be distributed into 
 cantonments and in what manner and 
 places, and how soon it shall enter into 
 quarters and what precautions shall be used 
 with respect to covering provisions and 
 forage." 
 
 The same questions were submitted to the 
 Council on the i6th and requested the ad- 
 vice of the officers present, Maj. Gen'ls 
 Gates, Greene, DeKalb, McDougall, Steu- 
 ben, Brig. Gen'ls Nixon, Parsons, Small- 
 wood, Knox, Patterson, Wayne and Hand. 
 Written opinions were returned. 
 
 The Quartermaster General, Gen'l Greene, 
 desired to know the intentions of Washing- 
 ton in order to enable him to make neces- 
 sary preparation, was informed "That upon 
 full consideration of the subject and a 
 comparison of the opinions of the General 
 Officers upon cantoning the Army for the 
 winter, I am led to fix upon three places, 
 Danbury, West Point and its vicinities upon 
 both sides of the river, and Middlebrook in 
 Jersey. Washington's letter of the 27th 
 of November to the President of Congress, 
 contains the final disposition and the fol- 
 lowing last order issued at Fredericksburgh, 
 the movement is, the "Army marching by 
 Brigade into winter quarters." 
 
 One of the interesting Journals of the 
 Revolution, the only one found containing 
 a record of occurrences here, bears this 
 title : 
 
 23 
 
"Elijah Fisher's Book." 
 
 "Wherein is a memorandum of his Trav- 
 els and Preseedings of Events that was 
 worthy a Remark that has not slipt Mem- 
 mary Since May, 1775, until now." 
 
 Sylvester, Feb. 4, 1784. 
 
 He was a member of Washington's Life 
 Guard. His Journal was printed in Au- 
 gusta, Maine, 1880. 
 
 The events recorded in many instances 
 are found in accordance with official records. 
 
 ELIJAH FISHER'S JOURNAL. 
 
 1775-1784. 
 
 Sept. 16, 1778, p. 9 : 
 
 "We left the White Plains and March- 
 ing through North Castel and after six- 
 teen miles March we came to Mr. Rage- 
 mand in Bedford. 
 
 i8th: 
 
 We left Bedford and Marched and came 
 to Fredrexburg after the March of fifteen 
 miles and Pitched our tents. 
 
 Page 10, the 19th: 
 
 We left Fredericksburg and after thirteen 
 miles march we pitched our tents at Mr. 
 Reed's field in oblong. 
 
 The 25th : 
 
 Head Quarters and likewise the guard 
 left Oblong and come to Mr. Cain's in 
 Fredrexburg four miles and pitched tents. 
 
 The 20th : 
 
 A large Detachment under Command of 
 Gen. Lord Stirling Marched for the Jar- 
 seys, Capt. Levenston his adde Camp. 
 
 24 
 
The 30th : 
 
 His Excellency with his adde camps went 
 to the FishKills. 
 
 October ist: 
 
 I had a pass for five Days to go to New 
 Milford (Mr. N. Fisher) to see a relation 
 of mine. 
 
 The 5th : 
 
 As I was returning from New Milford 
 Missed my way which Detained me. 
 
 The 6th : 
 
 I returned and Jines the guard again and 
 at my Return I finds an alteration in the 
 Dress of my Mates. I asked one of them, 
 I Herrick, it Seams as though there had 
 been an Alteration Since I had been gone. 
 He said, that he had that Money sent to 
 him that he sent for (Now I know that he 
 had Sent for Som Money from his father) 
 I said I was glad off it for I hoped we 
 Should not be so puttout for money to bye 
 things with now and that you now will 
 be able to pay me that trifill you* owe me 
 (Sixteen Dollars) he said he hoped he 
 Should. 
 
 Presently in comes one or two more I 
 said have you had money Sent you from 
 home too I fear that you have taken some 
 other way to git it than that, then Harrick 
 Said as, I. Herrin was out after things for 
 the Genarl's Famely (now Herrin was one 
 that was sent after to bye things for the 
 Genarl's Family and he had a horse and 
 a pass to go where he Could git such things 
 as wanted for the Genral's Famely) he 
 Come to an old Tory's house and they 
 would not Let him have anything and he 
 
 25 
 
See Several things that he wanted so when 
 he Come home he gos and to his Messmates 
 and takes them and they gos and robed him 
 of Several things. I said that whether he 
 was a tory or not If it should be found out 
 (which such things as Robery Seldim is) 
 Some or all of you will be hung Which 
 Surprisd them very much but there was no 
 more heard about it. 
 
 The 8th: 
 
 His Exelency and Addecamp returned 
 from Fishkill to Mr. Cane's. 
 
 Page lo, the 17th: 
 
 In Remembrance of Gen Burgoins De- 
 feet the Day was Selebrated with the firing 
 of Canon and in throing of Skilokets in 
 the are thirteen was fired then they begun 
 to through the skilolets and a merry Day 
 they hadd too at the Park of Artillery. At 
 night Some of the Guard was a going to 
 the park, Col Harrisons waiter was a com- 
 ing from there under way, run over one of 
 them, which hurt him so that he died the 
 Same Night. 
 
 The i8th: 
 
 John Lovjoy the man that was killed by 
 the horse was Desently Burried. There was 
 them four that was Said that Robed the 
 Tory brought to an Examination viz John 
 Herron, John Herrick, Moses Walton and 
 Elias Brown. The Same day John Strog- 
 dal one of the Guard was to Mr. Howlens 
 and he was a telling him how that he had 
 been Robed So and So at Such a time and 
 that the liver that the men had on that 
 Robed him was a round hatter with a piece 
 of Bare Skin on it but they ware all blacked 
 
 26 
 
and that he had made Enquirey through the 
 army but Could not find any that wore such 
 hats but the guard asked him if he had seen 
 any of the guard more fuller of money than 
 usual he said he did not Know but he had 
 but Did not know how they Come by it. 
 The man said that he did not want any 
 hurt upon his account for he Knew that 
 they would be hung if they were found out 
 and told Stogdal that if he would find the 
 things and put them where he mite find 
 them he would say no more about it. Stog- 
 dal gos home to the guard and was Con- 
 sulting with one of his messmates about it 
 for they had Destroyed a Part of the things 
 and if they did anything about it it would 
 bring it all out. In the meen while there 
 Come Mr. Howage to the officers of the 
 guard on Suspicion that Some one had 
 Robed him (for they Robed one on Friday 
 Night and the other on Monday Night) and 
 as they was a talking about it one of the 
 waiters Come and Told them that Strogdal 
 knew Something about them. He was 
 Called and Exemend but he tryed to hide 
 what he could but they told him that if he 
 Did not tell all he Knew about it he would 
 be taken up on Suspicion and fare acord- 
 ingly then he thought it would be known 
 and if he Did not tell about it What he 
 knew it would bring him into Difficulty so 
 he up and tells all that he knew Consarning 
 the affare then they Sends an Confined Her- 
 rick and Brown and Sends Sarjt • Harris 
 with two Lite horse men into the Country 
 after Walton that was not well and he was 
 abed and asleep and they tells the wooman 
 
 27 
 
that they wanted a Candle and so they gos 
 up Chamber and Stands over him with there 
 Swords drawn in there hands and awakes 
 him and told him he was there prisoner and 
 he gits up and had a pare of Bearskin 
 Breeches that they got to Mr. Howlens So 
 they feches him to the gard and Confinds 
 him with the others and Herrin was out 
 and having a general pass they were afrade 
 that he would hear of it So they Sends to 
 a place where he Did Sometimes Reside 
 but he being not there they Returned. 
 
 The 19th: 
 
 The next morning Leut Livinstone was 
 to the Park of Artilery (Herrin in his re- 
 turn from the Country Come by there) 
 Sends a man with him for fear he would 
 make his Escape So he was garded to Head 
 Quarters and Confind with the others. The 
 same Day they was Examend and Herrick 
 Said that he was loth to go after they had 
 Set out and Gon a little way he would fane 
 have had them gon back but they told him 
 that if he did not go that they would De- 
 spach him for they would not have him 
 Enform against them So he was obliged to 
 go So he turned States Evedence against 
 the others So after Examination was found 
 gilty and what things that Could be found 
 that they had not Desposed of was Restored 
 to them again that they belonged too and 
 where they had Payd any Dets they was 
 obliged to Restore it to them again and 
 they to the ones they got it from, then the 
 Same day they was all sent to the purvey 
 guard. 
 
 28 
 
The 22nd: 
 
 They all had ther Tryel and Herrin, Wal- 
 ton and Brown was sentenst to be hung 
 and Herrick to have a Hundred Lashes. 
 Walton made his escape from the purvey 
 gard and Herrin was hung at FishKills and 
 Brown made his escape from the gard that 
 was sent to gard him to the Place of Exe- 
 cusion to New Milford to the part of the 
 army that lay there. Herrick was carried 
 to Fredrixburg and had a hundred Lashes. 
 
 The 23rd: 
 
 Gen. Patison's, Gen. Huntington's and 
 Gen. Nixon's Brigades Marched to Hart- 
 ford save Col. Parson's Reg't that went 
 onward. 
 
 The 24th : 
 
 The Gard Marcht down to Fredrexburg 
 to see a man hung for Robing he was Exe- 
 cuted at Eleven in the fournoon, Thomas 
 Glover by Name and there was five Whipt 
 One Hundred lashes apease all Save one 
 for Robing two of them belonged to the 
 Gard, viz. John Harrick and Joseph Tim- 
 berlake was for Striking an Officer. 
 
 The 25th : 
 
 The Pensylvania Troops Marcht for the 
 Jarseys. 
 
 The 26th : 
 
 Gen. Nocks Parke of Artilery Marched 
 for the Jarseys. 
 
 Nov. 28th: 
 
 His Exelency and also his Gard left 
 29 
 
Fredericksburg and Marched for the Jar- 
 says and at Night we Pitcht our tents by 
 Clane's Tavern in Philipespatten after a 
 March of Sixteen Miles." 
 
 Note— Sept. i6th to Nov. 28th, Elijah 
 Fisher's Journal. Pages 9 to 11. 
 
 30 
 
KNOWLEDGE OF THE COUNTRY, 
 
 Washington's knowledge of the country 
 was as definite and accurate as possible to 
 obtain except by personal inspection. 
 
 During the summer of 1778, while the 
 Army lay at White Plains, Rufus Putnam 
 reconnoitered the country about Fredricks- 
 burgh and Quaker hill, and made sketches 
 and plans for use, and, after, completing 
 examination of the roads and passes to- 
 ward Boston and reporting to McDougall, 
 he was ordered to continue his examination 
 and to report his observations direct to 
 Washington. 
 
 When it was suggested to Congress that 
 the Army should have a good Geographer 
 "to survey the roads and make sketches of 
 the country where the Army is to act, while 
 extremely useful and might be attended 
 with valuable results," Washington's recom- 
 mendation of Erskine was urged, "because 
 he is thoroughly skilled in his business, has 
 already assisted us in makitig maps of the 
 Country." After the death of Erskine, in 
 recommending DeWitt "Who being in the 
 department gives him a pretension and his 
 abilities are still better, and from whot I 
 have seen of his performances, he seems 
 to be extremely well qualified," leaves no 
 doubt that these men had certain and par- 
 ticular knowledg of this section, and Wash- 
 ington acted upon the knowledge they 
 imparted. 
 
 Letter in Public Library, N. Y., Col. 
 Hamilton to Lord Stirling, Sept. 20th. 
 
 31 
 
THE QUAKER HILL HOSPITAL. 
 
 Whatever description and history there 
 may be of the Quaker Hill Church, as a 
 church, there is but little of record as a 
 hospital. The historians have treated only 
 in a general way, the medical department of 
 the Revolution. This is particularly true 
 of the Quaker Hill Hospital. The record 
 and pension office of the War Department 
 states : "An exhaustive search of the Revo- 
 lutionary war records in this office have re- 
 sulted in failure to find any information 
 relative to the Quaker Hill Hospital, Dutch- 
 ess Co., N. Y., Revolutionary War." 
 
 The only official record is that of Wash- 
 ington's order, Oct. i6th: ''No more sick 
 to be sent to the Hospital at Quaker Hill, 
 without first inquiring of the Chief Surgeon 
 there whether they can be received, as the 
 house is already full." This order was re- 
 peated the same day in McDougall's divi- 
 sion orders. 
 
 The conditions existing, the prejudices 
 prevailing, and the probable number in the 
 hospital. Dr. Fallon's letter to Gov. Clinton, 
 furnishes the only account known to exist. 
 "Out of the I GO sick. Providence took but 
 three of my people off since I came here, 
 which was far from the case before my 
 arrival." On the occasion of the arrival 
 of Col. Palfrey, the Paymaster General, at 
 Boston from Fredericksburgh ; General 
 Gates writing to Gen'l Sullivan : "I am 
 shocked at our poor fellows being still en- 
 
 32 
 
HBHQ|^p.-'>' V 
 
 ^m 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 k*, .' 
 
 
 ^^B 
 
 ^^^K 
 
 
 Ki 
 
 w»- 
 
camped and falling sick by the hundreds." 
 
 The death list: Out of the oblivion of 
 the past but four names have been found: 
 John Morgan, Capt. James Grier's Co., died 
 at Quaker Hill Hospital Oct. 19, 1777. ( ?) 
 
 Alexander Robert, Capt. Geo. Calhoun's 
 Co., 4th Pa., Nov. 6, 1778. 
 
 James Tryer, Capt. James Lang's Co., 
 5th Pa., Oct. 22, 1778. 
 
 Peter King, ist Pa., enlisted 1777, Quaker 
 Hill Hospital, N. J.,( ?) 1778 (no such 
 hospital). 
 
 Some doubt may exist as to two of these, 
 but as the hospital is named, an error may 
 exist in copying the original record. Let 
 us believe they died here and lie buried in 
 the opposite premises, unknown and in 
 nameless graves, companions of the untold 
 number. Lest we forget, let us remember 
 that these heroes died for liberty, that they 
 died for us. They sleep in the land they 
 made free under the flag they created, the 
 stainless emblem that has not gone down 
 to defeat. They sleep beneath the shadows 
 of the clouds regardless of the sunshine 
 or storm, unmindful of the Joy of Victory 
 are the Shadow of Sorrow or defeat. Let 
 us remember that the mother gave her son, 
 the wife her husband, the betrothed her be- 
 loved, that the conquering leader lives in 
 history, the conquering soldier sleeps, name- 
 less. They were engaged in a great con- 
 flict, it had mighty sorrows, it had its un- 
 uttered joys. This nation stands for the 
 right and truth. It has had its conflicts, 
 its sacrifices, and its triumphs. Let us then 
 erect to these men and their unknown com- 
 
 33 
 
panions, a memorial that shall remind us 
 of their sacrifices, their services and the con- 
 sequence to mankind, and let it be engraved 
 with a pen of iron in the rock, that it may- 
 endure forever. 
 
 WASHINGTON'S ORDERLY BOOK 
 
 Covering the period when he was in this 
 section is in the Library of Congress and is 
 described in the Calendar of Washington 
 Manuscripts, p. 47, as follows : 
 
 1778. Washington, George, General and 
 Commander in Chief. Orderly Book 1778 
 Jan. I -Dec. 31, 1778 Containing the "Orders 
 issued by his Excellency, General Wash- 
 ington. Anno Domini 1778 Copied by Capt. 
 John Singer Dexter A(ssistant) A(dju- 
 tant) G(eneral)" Exd by Alex'd Scammell 
 A(djutant) G(eneral)" i Vol. Fo. pp. 439, 
 21 Indexed. 
 
 I have a verified copy of pp. 372 to 419 
 inclusive, dated Sept. 15 to Nov. 25, 1778. 
 The first order is dated at Hdqrs. at White 
 Plains Sept. 15th. The last at Fredericks- 
 burgh, dated Wednesday, Nov. 25th, 1778. 
 The orders include the order to March to 
 Fredericksburgh, the determination of rank, 
 Court-martials, promotions, dismissals from 
 the service, the infliction of the death pen- 
 alty, the celebration of the Surrender of 
 Burgoyne, Pardons, executions, reprimands, 
 notice of a drawing of the U. S. Lottery 
 and other interesting items. Among them, 
 the order of the 20th of October, a most in- 
 teresting one, is quoted indicating the char- 
 
 34 
 
acter and purity of Washington. "Purity 
 of Morals being the only sure foundation 
 of publick happiness in any Country and 
 highly conducive to order, subordination 
 and success in an Army, it will be well 
 worthy the emulation of officers of any rank 
 and class to encourage it both by the influ- 
 ence of example and the penalties of Au- 
 thority. It is painful to see many shameful 
 instances of Riot and Licentiousness among 
 us. The wanton practice of swearing has 
 risen to a most disgusting height. A regard 
 for decency should conspire, with a sense of 
 morality to vanish a vice productive of 
 neither advantage or pleasure. The fre- 
 quent robberies which have lately prevailed 
 in the vicinity of Camp are truly alarming 
 and demand the most vigilant exertion to 
 detect the perpetrators and bring them to 
 the severest punishment." 
 
 The order of Oct. 23rd contains the find- 
 ings and sentences of the Court Martial 
 convened on the 15th and are chiefly inter- 
 esting to this section, as to the sentences 
 imposed upon the soldiers. Hateevil Col- 
 son for robbing Reuben Crosby; Moses 
 Walton, John Herring, Elias Brown for 
 robbing Prince Rowland, and John Herrick 
 for robbing John Hoag. Herring and Wal- 
 ton to suffer death. Brown and Colson, one 
 hundred lashes on the bare back well laid 
 on." 
 
 "His Excellency, the Commander in chief 
 approves these sentences. Shock at the 
 frequent horrible villanies of this nature 
 committed by the troops of late, he is de- 
 termined to make examples which will deter 
 
 35 
 
the boldest and most hardened offenders. 
 Men who are called by their Country to 
 defend the Rights and property of their fel- 
 low citizens, who are abandoned enough to 
 violate those rights and plunder that pro- 
 perty deserve, and shall receive no mercy." 
 
 EXPENSE BOOK. 
 
 One of the Washington's papers in the 
 possession of the Treasury Department is 
 an expense book bearing the inscription: 
 "Daily Expenses. Kept by Caleb Gibbs." 
 Daily purchases of articles of food are the 
 principal items. Few of the entires are 
 amounts paid to individuals for other 
 purposes. 
 
 In 1901, I made a personal examination 
 of this book and made some extracts bear- 
 ing upon the events and the time when 
 Washington was here. Some doubt hav- 
 ing been expressed that the items were 
 incorrect, during the summer I have had 
 another examination made by an expert, of 
 the personal items confirming my examina- 
 tions. 
 
 Item Nov. 17th. To Mr. Reed Ferris 
 Account of the 25th Sept., '78, for articles 
 had for the family's use as per bill £20 is. 
 
 A liberal interpretation of this account in 
 the absence of the bill, means some commo- 
 dity, something tangible and measurable. 
 
 "Had for the family's use." The officers 
 of a General's Staff immediately about his 
 person are termed in military phrase, his 
 family. It is not probable that Washington 
 had his own immediate and personal family 
 
 36 
 
here. These articles were for the use of 
 Washington, his staff, his military and not 
 personal family. 
 
 The rendering of the bill, the 25th Sept., 
 the day the life guard states the headquar- 
 ters left the Oblong and went to Mr. 
 Kane's, terminated all transactions and sev- 
 ered all connections with Reed Ferris. 
 
 Item Nov. 28th. To Cash paid Mr. John 
 Kane, for the use of his house, &c., 144 
 Dollars. £57 12s. 
 
 Washington left Fredericksburgh the 
 morning of the 28th of November, this bill 
 being paid the day of departure, can have 
 the one construction only, that he had had 
 the use and occupancy of the house of John 
 Kane. It is not admissable, it could mean 
 horse hire, as it has been stated, the return 
 of horses Dec. ist, 1778, Washington had 
 for his and family use, 30 horses besides 
 three teams for the family and guard, not 
 including the horses belonging to the other 
 officers of the Army who had their required 
 number" 
 
 THE 17TH OCTOBER. 
 
 The Colonists and the American Army 
 had just cause to celebrate this day, desig- 
 nated by Washington as the "glorious 
 Anniversary of the surrender of General 
 Burgoyne and his troops to the Arms of 
 America." This day. Dearborn in his Jour- 
 nal, states, "The Great Burgoyne with his 
 whole army surrendered themselves pris- 
 oners of War, with all their Public Stores, 
 
 2>7 
 
and after grounding their arms marched off 
 for New England, the greatest conquest 
 ever known." 
 
 Boardman tells us that there was a grand 
 parade and festival, the tables were set 
 under a long shade of green boughs, and 
 when the general arrived, the spectators 
 dismounted and took their stand outside of 
 the assembly of officers, who joined in 
 numerous parties in conversation for a long 
 time before dinner was served." 
 
 Fisher in his Journal tells us, "in remem- 
 brance of Gen'l Burgoyne's defeat, the day 
 was celebrated with the firing of cannon and 
 the throwing of sky rockets ..." "and 
 a merry day they had too at the Park of 
 Artillery." 
 
 The day was celebrated by the Division 
 under Gen'l Bates at Danbury. Dearborn's 
 Journal gives us a more particular account 
 of this and from it we may judge what kind 
 of a day, the merry day at Fredericksburgh 
 was. 
 
 "17th. This being the first anniversary 
 of the glorious 17th of October, 1777, the 
 field officers of this Division make an enter- 
 tainment for all the officers of the Division 
 and gentlemen of the town. We eat dinner 
 on a small hill between two of the brigades. 
 After, the officers of the three brigades had 
 asembled on the hill by marching in Divi- 
 sions 13 in each. 13 cannon were dis- 
 charged from each brigade at which time 
 Gen'l Gates arrived with a number of other 
 Gen'l Officers, there was then three cheers 
 from the whole Division. At dinner we 
 had about 350 Officers and other gentle- 
 
 38 
 
men. After dinner there was 13 toasts 
 drank and a cannon discharged for each. 
 At evening, we retired to the town and 
 spent the evening very agreeably. 
 i8th. "We are getting sober." 
 
 GENERAL WAYNE. 
 
 The State Historical Society of Pennsyl- 
 vania controls the papers of Gen'l Wayne 
 with a restriction, none to be given out until 
 the Society itself is able to publish them. 
 There are twenty-five or more letters be- 
 sides other papers, written or dated at Fred- 
 ericksburg. What they may contain, no 
 information can be given. We are entirely 
 without data of this ideal General of the 
 Revolution, dated at and pertaining to 
 Fredericksburgh. Early in the Revolution 
 he maintained this idea of the soldier: "For 
 the Colonel lays it down as a position that 
 every soldier who neglects to appear as 
 decent as the nature of his situation will 
 admit, is unfit for gentlemen's company and 
 is a coward. Soldiers are ever held in the 
 light of gentlement and if it is the power 
 of the Colonel, his people shall support that 
 character." Pa. Archives, Vol. 10, p. 117. 
 He insisted upon this, and his orders were 
 while here that his men should be in the 
 most soldierly manner possible. His head- 
 quarters were at the house of Benjamin 
 Haviland. Here he summoned Henry and 
 Jam.es Birdsell and William March to pre- 
 sent their account of an assault upon them 
 by some of the officers of this division. 
 
 39 
 
These officers were arrested, tried by court- 
 martial, who, complaining they were de- 
 prived of the benefit of Military law, he 
 answered : "You certainly cannot be ignor- 
 ant of the superior power of the Civil law 
 over the Military. You have been guilty of 
 exercising the Military law over the peace- 
 able inhabitants of this State, the Governor 
 demands you to be given up to the Civil 
 power. It has never been deemed honor- 
 able for armed men to assault or wound 
 unarmed men in any time whatever, but has 
 been particularly reprobated in the Army.'^ 
 
 When the Convention troops were on the 
 march to Virginia, they were escorted to 
 the state line by the militia. The Connecti- 
 cut militia were unwilling to march further 
 than the border. Col. Bland in command 
 informed Washington of the possible de- 
 lay. He ordered Wayne to send 500 men 
 of his Command with the least possible de- 
 lay to Sharon to meet and escort the Con- 
 vention troops. Wayne with them, sent this 
 message, ''Dear Bland : I find that the Con- 
 necticut militia, are militia, I send you 
 soldiers. Lieut. Col. Hay who commands 
 is an Irishman and a soldier." 
 
 The division orders for Oct. 22 were for 
 the whole of the troops to parade under 
 arms Saturday morning. The commanding 
 officers received the order of maneuvers for 
 the day and are herewith given: 
 
 "The Division formed for charging will 
 wheel by Platoons to the Left and march 
 to the exercising grounds, the light Infantry 
 in front formed in Platoons. The follow- 
 ing words of Command will be given : Form 
 
 40 
 
Divisions, Close Column. At all times when 
 the colmun is marching to the points of 
 view, the Lt. Infantry will advance and 
 skirmish, ranging themselves loo yards in 
 front of the points of view, and retreat as 
 the columns display. Display Columns. To 
 the right face firing usual. 
 
 ''Forward, March, March, March, Charge 
 Bayonets. Battl. Halt. Two Volleys will 
 be fired. By platoons to the right wheel 
 march. Form Division. Close Column. 
 The Column closes except 4 platoons on 
 the left of the ist Brigade and 4 Platoons 
 on the left of the Second Brigade, who will 
 remain in open order. 
 
 "When marching to the points of view, 
 the lead of the first and second Brigade 
 Dresses with the lead of the first Brigade. 
 
 ''Display Column to the right and left 
 face. The first Brigade Displays to the 
 right, the four platoons of the first Brigade 
 face to the right. March to the extremity 
 of the Line, face to the left. Close Column. 
 Wheel to the right and Display to the Right 
 on the 4th Platoon. The 4 Platoons of the 
 2nd Brigade face to the left. March to the 
 extremity of the Line, face to the Right, 
 and wheel by Patoons to the Left. Firing 
 by Battalions — By Brigades, by Divisions. 
 When the firing ceases, the flanks wheel 
 into Line. Forward, March, March, March. 
 Charge Bayonets. Battalions Halt. To the 
 Right about face, March, Halt, &c. 
 
 Fire by Divisions advancing. 
 
 Fire by half Battalions, Retreating. 
 
 M. Ryan, 
 Major Inspector.*'" 
 
 41 
 
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE. 
 
 That there was no religious sentiment in 
 the army would be a mistake. General, 
 Division and Brigade orders attest to the 
 statement. 
 
 Huntington orders, June 28, 1778, "while 
 he had the fullest confidence in the ability 
 and bravery of his officers and men, doubted 
 not they would preserve a cool and deter- 
 mined spirit and confiding in the justice of 
 their cause and in the God of Heaven, they 
 would honor themselves and their Country." 
 
 McDougall with his division at rest near 
 New Milford, 1778. 'Xet us not forget our 
 God, who has appeared in numerous in- 
 stances for us and America; let prayers be 
 attended morning and evening at such 
 hours as the Commanding Officers shall 
 direct, the order to be continually observed 
 while the division is encamped. Officers to 
 set an example to the men by attending, and 
 the guard to patrol the Camp to arrest such 
 as shall be found creating any noise or dis- 
 order, to the dishonor of God." 
 
 Washington's order to observe the 22nd 
 day of April, *'that day had been set aside 
 as a day of Fasting Humiliation and 
 Prayer, that the righteous dispensation of 
 Providence might be acknowledged and His 
 goodness and mercy towards our army 
 supplicated and implored, directed that the 
 day should be most religiously observed." 
 "We certainly ought not to be inattentive to 
 the higher duties of religion. To the dis- 
 
 42 
 
tinguished Character of the Patriot it 
 should be our highest glory to add the more 
 distinguished Character of Christian. The 
 instances of Providential Goodness demand 
 from us, the warmest gratitude and piety 
 to the Supreme Author of all Good." 
 
 WASHINGTON. 
 
 It is a question whether the eulogists of 
 the Revolution have fully characterized the 
 greatness of the man, Washington. 
 
 Do we sufficiently comprehend the at- 
 tainments, the character and the wisdom of 
 the man? 
 
 The patient and prayerful Washington 
 at Valley Forge, the impetuous and wrath- 
 ful Washington at Monmouth, the waiting 
 and watching at Fredericksburgh, lead us to 
 exclaim, the incomparable man. 
 
 "The changeless attitude and steadfast 
 heart during the seven years of trouble and 
 gloom which make up the history of the 
 Revolution, will be the wonder until the 
 end of time." 
 
 Here at Fredericksburgh, we see him ap- 
 proving the severest sentences and ordering 
 their executions with an unyielding purpose, 
 and yet, we find him tempering justice with 
 mercy, in all instances. He was pleased to 
 pardon a soldier of Gen'l Clinton's Brigade, 
 who had been sentenced to be shot to death,, 
 pardoning and admonishing him that "The 
 recent instances of the many criminals hav- 
 ing been executed for breaches of military 
 duty, which he hopes will not only deter 
 
 43 
 
him but every other soldier of the Army 
 from violating his solemn obligations." 
 
 His wonderful influence and magical 
 power over men, stamped on the memory of 
 Boardman, a picture that he saw and never 
 forgot, "the greatest man of his or any 
 other age." 
 
 Thatcher describing his personal appear- 
 ance said "The serenity of his countenance, 
 and majestic gracefulness of his deport- 
 ment, impart a strong impression of that 
 dignity and grandeur which are his pecu- 
 liar characteristics, and no one can stand 
 in his presence without feeling the ascend- 
 ancy of his mind and associating with his 
 countenance the idea of wisdom, philan- 
 thropy, magnanimty and patriotism." 
 
 How the different classes of people re- 
 garded him may be told in brief extracts 
 from two letter recently published. One, 
 Letter of Peter Colton, "When he sees me 
 standing by the door, what do you suppose 
 he did. There came over his face one of 
 them smiles of his, like the sun breaking 
 through the clouds on a wintry day, and he 
 slips up and shakes my hand and he says, 
 Why here's my old sargeant. And is this 
 your boy, a Fine lad, says he. What is his 
 Nems. George Washington Colton, says I, 
 as proud as a Peacock . . . and yet there 
 is some sneaks who ought to be on the gal- 
 lows, that says that George Washington is 
 cold and haoughty and has no heed for 
 the common people." 
 
 The other letter, Enoch Day, "He is 
 treacherous in private Friendship, a hypo- 
 crite in public life, and the world will be 
 
 44 
 
puzzled to know whether he is an Apostate 
 or an Imposter. Whether he has aban- 
 doned his principles or whether he ever 
 had any ... It will be a happy day for 
 the country, when G. Washington, Charla- 
 tan, politcal trickster, Apostate and coward, 
 is removed from our midst." 
 
 Letters written on the occasion when 
 Washington came to Springfield, 1789. 
 
 He had a clear comprehension of the 
 struggle for independence the difficulties 
 and hardships to be encountered and ex- 
 perienced, for he says: "We began a con- 
 tes for Liberty and Independence, ill pro- 
 vided with the means of war, relying on 
 our patriotism to supply the deficiencies. 
 
 "We expected to encounter many diffi- 
 culties, wants and distresses and we should 
 neither shrink from them when they hap- 
 pen, nor fly in the face of Law and Gov- 
 ernment to procure redress ..." "Ours 
 is a kind of struggle designated I dare say 
 byProvidence to try the patience, fortitude 
 and virtue of men. None who engage in it 
 will suffer himself, I trust, to sink under 
 difficulties or be discouraged by hardships." 
 
 NEW YORK IN THE REVOLUTION. 
 
 It was not until the 20th of April, 1777, 
 that New York declared itself. Then the 
 Representatives in convention assembled, re- 
 solved, "That reasons assigned by the Con- 
 tinental Congress, were cogent and conclu- 
 sive . . . " "and will at the risque of our 
 lives and fortunes join with the other col- 
 onies in supporting it." Satisfaction with 
 
 45 
 
the state of affairs as they were, the security 
 of property, were among the potent factors 
 that held New York, and yet, while the 
 historians have until recently held, that she 
 did not furnish only about 18,000 men, it 
 has been found that nearly 44,000 men were 
 in the service. In patriotism, New York 
 was second to none, and acted promptly 
 upon the recommendations made by the 
 Provincial Congress of New York and the 
 Continental Congress. 
 
 The first Continental Congress adopted 
 a policy of non-interference, recommended 
 that committees be appointed in every prov- 
 ince, county and town to »ign the associa- 
 tion that was drawn up and to be enforced 
 as vigorously as possible. Subscribers to 
 the Dutchess County Proceedings under 
 date of Jan. 18, 1775, declared that our 
 Sovereign Lord, King George, was the only 
 Sovereign to whom British Americans can, 
 could or ought to owe and bear true and 
 faithful allegiance, and they would when 
 called upon, enforce obedience to the au- 
 thority of King George the 3rd. (Signed 
 by a number of inhabitants of Dutchess 
 Co.) 
 
 The pledge adopted after the Battle of 
 Lexington, signed in several precincts of 
 Dutchess Co., declared, "We will in all 
 things follow the advice of our General 
 Committee ... for the preservation of 
 peace, and good order and the safety of in- 
 dividuals and property." 
 
 The Archives of the State do not con- 
 tain any record of any signers from the 
 Fredericksburgh and Pawling precincts. 
 
The Misses Patterson of Patterson have an 
 original pledge signed by Matthew Patter- 
 son, Joseph Chandler, Comfort Ludington, 
 Reuben Miers(?), James Dickenson, Jr., 
 Josiah Bennett, Malcolm Morrison, Alex 
 Kidd, Henry Ludington, Elijah Oakley, 
 William Calkin, David Atkins, Stephen 
 Baxter. 
 
 Some of these adhered to their allegiance 
 to the Brtish Crown, and the others ren- 
 dered meritorious service in the War of the 
 Revolution. 
 
 OBLIGATIONS. 
 
 I am under great obligation to the Librar- 
 ians of the Public Libraries of New York 
 and Boston, to Mr. Bolton of the Athenaeum 
 of Boston, the Librarians of the following 
 Historical Societies: New York, Long 
 Island, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Pennsyl- 
 vania; the Washingon Papers in the Li- 
 brary of Congress, the Pensylvania Archives 
 and various publications and other sources 
 of information too numerous to mention, 
 containing much of interest, copies of or- 
 ders, resolutions of Congress, letters and 
 other interesting material unused. The limit 
 of time and space forbid mention of all. 
 
 47 
 
ADDRESS DEUVERED BY 
 
 MR. L. S. PATRICK 
 
 at the 
 
 Unveiling of Memorial Tablet 
 
 On the Site of Washington's Headquarters 
 
 in Pawling, New York 
 
 SEPTEMBER 16th, 1905 
 
 One hundred and twenty-seven years 
 have come and gone since the tramp of men, 
 the command of officers of the Revolution- 
 ary Army were heard in this section. There 
 is no clash of arms, no roar of battle to de- 
 scribe, no victory to celebrate, but rather 
 to commemorate the honor and patriotism 
 of a gallant band of men, who offered all, 
 sacrificed, suffered all, that this great na- 
 tion might be established. 
 
 Let us for the moment invoke the spirit 
 of the Soldier of the Revolution; what 
 think he would see, what would he do, 
 what would he say? 
 
 What a scene would he view, what a spec- 
 tacle, what a memory, what a reverie? 
 Wonderful almost beyond comprehension. 
 
 A mighty, marvelous change has been 
 wrought. What a contrast. To-day — yes- 
 
 48 
 
^ttliHHI 
 
 BHEiKW''^ 
 
 
 ^^^m^magmm 
 
 ^Rft^ 
 
 "^^a"' ■ 
 
 ^^^^^^^^^■K|vM V ' ' ' 
 
 
 
 ^^^^^^R-:^' ^ — Z^* ■ll^ttltf 'J': . Z: :^^1 
 
 P*^ 
 
 ^^ 
 
 
 
 ^JT^^w 
 
 1 
 
terday — ^tomorrow are not so far apart, 
 when we consider there may be here, some 
 like myself, who have known those who 
 were old enough to remember some of the 
 events of the Revolution, or toiled, while 
 their fathers stood in the ranks or led. 
 
 To-day, a great world power. Yesterday, 
 but struggling and feeble colonies. To-day 
 great in achievements, great in enterprises, 
 great in possibilities. Yesterday, poor, 
 weak, scorned. To-day, a nation whose 
 friendship is sought, recognized. Yester- 
 day, a small people contending against great 
 odds. To-day, a most wonderful nation, 
 enjoying a liberty unthought of and a free- 
 dom undreamed of by our fathers. What, 
 ., of the to-morrow, what of the future 
 of this great Nation, of this grand Republic ? 
 
 Only one answer can be given. A 
 greater, a grander, a mightier empire, will 
 rise — for freedom, truth and the rights of 
 man. 
 
 We are here assembled on an auspicious 
 occasion to designate and mark the site of 
 the headquarters and to commemorate an 
 event of him "Who was first in war, first 
 in peace, and first in the hearts of his 
 countrymen," the incomparable and match- 
 less Washington. 
 
 The Washington orderly book tells us 
 that on the i6th day of September, 1778, 
 one hundred and twenty-seven years ago 
 to-day, the Army was marching by Divi- 
 sions to Fredericksburg. 
 
 The same authority indicates a three-day 
 march. So that on the 19th we find at least 
 a portion of it had arrived in this vicinity. 
 
 49 
 
Just which day Washington himself ar- 
 rived here is involved in some uncertainty, 
 possibly the 20th, as he passed through 
 Fishkill on his v/ay here on that day. The 
 non-appearance of any letters or orders 
 make it probable it was during the day of 
 the 2 1st, as his first letter is dated the 22nd 
 and the first order the 23rd. 
 
 The order of the 23rd gives us an in- 
 definite knowledge of the headquarters. The 
 Court-martial ordered to meet at General 
 Lincoln's quarters states near Quaker Hill, 
 where headquarters are at present. This 
 "at present" admits the headquarters were 
 not permanently located. Lossing, in his 
 life of Gen. Schuyler, confirms this opinion. 
 He says : "General Schuyler was put on his 
 trial where Washington had his headquar- 
 ters and which he had just evacuated." The 
 trial begun on the first day of October. On 
 this day the headquarters were not at Gen- 
 eral Lincoln's quarters but somewhere else. 
 In further confirmation of this, the Elijah 
 Fisher's Journal tells us on the 25th of 
 September, "Headquarters and likewise the 
 guard left Oblong and came to Mr. Cain's, 
 Fredericksburgh." 
 
 The question has been raised that it is 
 strange the local tradition is not better sus- 
 tained that the headquarters were at John 
 Kane's. That no better remembrance re- 
 mains of the headquarters at John Kane's 
 is neither surprising nor strange. It must 
 be remembered he was a large landholder 
 and the possessor of other property to a 
 large amount. With him, like others simi- 
 larly situated, property possession was 
 
 so 
 
greater than patriotic purpose. It is more 
 than probable he had no faith in the success 
 of the patriots' cause. It was neither pru- 
 dent, safe nor politic to espouse it. Re- 
 maining" loyal to the British crown, the cir- 
 cumstances of war brought severe penalty, 
 the loss of property, dispossession, forfeiture 
 and removal. 
 
 Under these conditions it is not surpris- 
 ing nor strange there is so little retained 
 in this community. It is fair to presume 
 his immediately family had no incentive to 
 perpetuate any recollection of the event of 
 the occupancy of his premises by the Com- 
 mander-in-chief of the army, or that in fu- 
 ture years, it would be a matter of any 
 importance. It is more than probable hib 
 nearest descendants were told their ancestor, 
 John Kane, was despoiled of his property 
 so that the memory of the event left but 
 slight impression and recollection. How- 
 ever as this may be, the documentary proof 
 is ample and sufficient to establish the head- 
 quarters at John Kane's. 
 
 First, the letter of Gov. Clinton to Robert 
 R. Livingston, dated at Pokeepsie, 23rd 
 Sept., 1778. Clinton Papers, Vol. 4, p. j'j'. 
 "The army has left the plains and are now 
 posted along the mountains from Danbury 
 to West Point. Headquarters at John 
 Kane's at Fredericksburgh, for which place 
 Gen'l Washington after visiting the forts, 
 passed through Fishkill on Sunday last." 
 (20th Sept., 1778.) 
 
 Second, Elijah Fisher's Journal, 1775- 
 1784, p. 10, 25th Sept. : "Headquarters and 
 likewise the guard left Oblong and come to 
 
 51 
 
Mr. Cain's in Fredrexburg four miles and 
 pitched tents." 
 
 30th: ''His Exelency and addecamp re- 
 turned from Fishkills to Mr. Cain's." 
 
 Third, Washington's Order Book, Oct. 
 22nd. "Nixon's, Huntington's and Parsons' 
 Brigade are to march to-morrow from the 
 left under command of Maj. Gen'l Mc- 
 Dougall. The Quartermaster General will 
 give the route. Order repeated in the Divi- 
 sion orders. Gen'l McDougall's Order 
 book. Orders of March, Oct. 22nd : 
 
 "The Rout will be by headquarters to 
 Col. Morehouses, then to Deacon Gaylords 
 from thence to Shawan River through New 
 Milford, then to Southington Meeting house 
 and last to Farmington." 
 
 Division orders McDougall's order book, 
 Oct. 22nd. Order of March. 
 
 "Gen'l Nixon's Brigade leads. Hunting- 
 ton's follows and Parson's brings up the 
 rear. Nixon will throw out a vanguard. 
 Parson and Huntington will furnish a rear 
 guard. 
 
 "As there is no forage between this and 
 Deacon Gaylord's, the general desires the 
 troops will be in motion as early as possible. 
 
 "The two Connecticut Brigades will halt 
 at the Cross Road near headquarters to let 
 Gen'l Nixon's Brigade pass by them. The 
 Route will be by Headquarters to Col. 
 Morehouses then to Deacon Gaylord, re- 
 peating the continuance of the route al- 
 ready given." 
 
 Fourth, Gen'l Rufus Putnam in a letter 
 to Washington Oct. 15th, reporting the most 
 feasible and convenient halting place on the 
 
route to Boston, furnishes this description: 
 "From the Park by Headquarters to Deacon 
 Gailers 13 miles. On this route the road is 
 very good. 20 miles to New Milford. The 
 hills are very few and easy of ascent." 
 
 Fifth, The maps, whose accuracy and au- 
 thenticity is supported by the prevailing sys- 
 tem of roads. 
 
 Sixth, the letter (Boardman letter) read 
 before the conference, 1901, at Quaker Hill. 
 
 Seventh, the Sarah Morris letter recently 
 quoted. 
 
 Eighth, Clinton, in giving the location 
 of the troops, is in accordance with the 
 facts. The system of correspondence in 
 vogue, the means of conveying information 
 rapidly for the time, it is improbable that 
 Gov. Clinton could have been mistaken. 
 
 The Fisher Journal quoted as authority 
 by others, kept by one who belonged to 
 Washington's life guard. It is hardly pos- 
 sible that he could have been mistaken in 
 his knowledge of the movements of his 
 General, or where the headquarters were. 
 
 The order directing the march of General 
 McDougall towards Boston leaves no doubt 
 of the direction taken and travelled. 
 
 The letter of Gen'l Rufus Putnam, de- 
 scribing the route, and in that letter inform- 
 ing Washington that if he had received his 
 letter sooner, he would have been more par- 
 ticular, but the report then made he con- 
 sidered sufficiently accurate and would 
 prove no material detriment to the service. 
 
 The maps hardly admit of a question that 
 the maker of them had definite and personal 
 knowledge of their courses and direction, 
 
 53 
 
the locations, prominent features and habi- 
 tations then existing. 
 
 The letters of Boardman and Morris of 
 such date, no disposition can be maintained 
 against their truthfulness. 
 
 These authorities are sufficient, ample and 
 conclusive to prove and set at rest the loca- 
 tion of the Headquarters of Washington at 
 Fredericksburg from Sept. 24 to Nov. 28^ 
 1778, at John Kane's and at no other place. 
 
 In arriving at this conclusion, it is with- 
 out prejudice, impartially but with the de- 
 termination to present the facts as found 
 and to relate them. I am not unmindful of 
 the claims of the Reed Ferris premises. It 
 is to be regretted there is no documentary 
 evidence to sustain the contention. I doubt 
 not that Washington was there, but that his 
 stay was only temporary. 
 
 In passing let us fix some other events 
 of the Revolution in this locality. Previous 
 to the court-martial of Gen'l Schuyler at 
 the Reed Ferris house as stated by Lossing, 
 the assembling of the court under the order 
 of the 23rd of September, that the court was 
 the continuance of the court assembled at 
 White Plains the 23rd of August, at which 
 Gen'l St. Clair was put on trail for neglect 
 of duty. When the court assembled here 
 it was composed of the same officers as 
 were named at White Plains and only 
 changed on account of the illness of Col. 
 Wyllis for the trial of Gen'l Schuyler. 
 
 Gen'l Schuyler, in a letter to William 
 Duer, a member of Congress from this state, 
 makes it clear that St. Clair's trial was con- 
 
 54 
 
eluded by the covtrt first assembled at White 
 Plains. 
 
 Here at this place was held the Council 
 which determined the location of the Army 
 for the winter ; here also was a drawing of 
 the clothing by lot which had been received 
 during the stay of the Army here. Col. 
 Alexander Hamilton drew for New York 
 and drew blue for the New York troops, 
 and here all the important letters of Wash- 
 ington were written during the period, and 
 here the orders that governed the move- 
 ments of the army were issued, the pro- 
 motions named, the punishments ordered, 
 and the morality of the troops counseled. 
 
 Elijah Fisher s Journal, Oct. 6th to 2^rd. 
 
 "The 6th Oct. I returned and jines the 
 guard again and at my return I finds an 
 alteration in the dress of my mates. I asked 
 one of them I Herrick it seams as though 
 there had been an Alteration Since I had 
 been gone. He said that he had that money 
 sent to him that he sent for (Now I know 
 that he had Sent for Som Money from his 
 father) I said I was glad off it for I hoped 
 we Should not be so putt out for money to 
 bye things with now and that you now will 
 be able to pay me that trifil you owe me 
 (Sixteen Dollars) he said he hoped he 
 should. 
 
 "Presently in comes one or two more I 
 said have you had money Sent you from 
 home too I fear that you have taken some 
 other way to git it than that, then Herrick 
 Said as I. Herrin was out after things for 
 
 55 
 
the Genarl's Famely (Now Herrin was one 
 that was sent after to bye things for the 
 Genar'l Famely and he had a horse and a 
 pass to go where he Could get such things 
 as wanted for the Genral's Famely) he 
 come to an old Tory's house and they would 
 not Let him have anything and he See 
 Several things that he wanted so when he 
 come home he gos to his Messmates and 
 takes them and they gos and robed him of 
 Several things. I said that whether he was 
 a tory or not If it would be found out 
 (which such things as Robery Seldim is) 
 Some or all of you will be hung which 
 Surprised them very much but there was no 
 more heard about it. 
 The 8th. 
 
 ''His Exelency and Addecamp returned 
 from Fishkill to Mr. Cane's. 
 The 17th. 
 
 "In Remembrance of Gen. Burgoins De- 
 feet the Day was Selebrated with the firing 
 of Canon and in throing of Skilokets in the 
 are thirteen was fired then they begun to 
 through the skilokets and a merry Day they 
 had too at the Park of Artillery. At night 
 some of the Guard was a going to the park 
 Col. Harrisons waiter was a coming from 
 there under way run over one of them 
 which hurt him so that he died the Same 
 Night. 
 The 1 8th. 
 
 "John Love joy the man that was killed by 
 the horse was Decently Buried. There was 
 them four that was Said that Robed the 
 Tory brought to and Examination Viz 
 John Herron John Herrick Moses Walton 
 
and Elias Brown. The same day John 
 Strogdal one of the Guard was to Mr. How- 
 lens and he was a telHng him how that he 
 had been Robed So and So at such a time 
 and that the lever that the men had on that 
 Robed him was a round hatter with a piece 
 of Bare Skin on it but they were all blacked 
 and that he had made Enquiry through the 
 Army but Could not find any that wore such 
 hats but the guard asked him if he had 
 seen any of the Guard more fuller of money 
 tan usual he said he did not know but he 
 had but did not know how they Come by it. 
 The man said that he did not want any 
 man hurt upon his account for he knew that 
 they would be hung if they were found out 
 and told Strogdal that if he would find the 
 things and put them where he mite find 
 them he would say no more about it. 
 Strogdal gos home to the guard and was 
 consulting with one of his messmates about 
 it for they had Destroyed a Part of the 
 things and if they did anything about it 
 it would bring it all out. In the meenwhile 
 there come Mr. Howage to the officers of 
 the Guard on Suspicion that Some one had 
 Robed him (for they Robed one Friday 
 Night and the other on Monday Night) and 
 as they was a talking about it one of the 
 waiters Come and Told them that Strogdal 
 knew something about them. He was 
 Called and Exemend but he tryed to hide 
 what he could but they told him that if he 
 Did not tell all he knew about it he would 
 be taken up on Suspicion and fare accord- 
 ingly then he thought it would be known 
 and if he Did not tell about it What he 
 
 57 
 
knew it would bring him into Difficulty so 
 he up and tells all that he knew Consarning 
 the affare then they Sends an Confined 
 Herrick and Brown and Sends Sargt Har- 
 ris with two Lite horse men into the Coun- 
 try after Walton that was not well and he 
 was abed and asleep and they tells the 
 woman that they wanted a Candle and so 
 they gos up Chamber and stands over him 
 with there Swords drawn in there hands 
 and awakes him and told him he was there 
 prinoner and he gets up and had a pare of 
 Bearskin Breeches that they got to Mr. 
 Howlens So they feches him to the gard 
 and confinds him with the others and Her- 
 rin was out and having a general pass they 
 were afrade that he would hear of it So 
 they Sends to a place where he Did Some- 
 times Reside but he being not there they 
 Returned. 
 The 19th: 
 
 "The next morning Leut Livingstone was 
 to the Park of Artillery (Herrin in his re- 
 turn from the Country Come by there) 
 Sends a man with him for fear he would 
 make his Escape So he was garded to Head- 
 Quarters and Confind with the others. The 
 same Day they were Examend and Herrick 
 Said that he was loth to go after they had 
 Set out and Con a little way he would fane 
 have had them gon back but they told him 
 that if he did not go that they would De- 
 spach him for they would not have him 
 Enform against them. So he was obliged 
 to go So he turned States Evedende against 
 the others So after Examiniation was 
 found gilty and what thing that Could be 
 
 58 
 
found that they had not Desposed of was 
 Restored to them again that they belonged 
 too and where they had Payd any Dets they 
 was obliged to Restore it to them again and 
 they to the ones they got it from, then the 
 Same day they was all sent to the purvey 
 guard. 
 
 The 22nd : 
 
 "They all had ther Tryel and Herrin, Wal- 
 ton and Brown was sentenst to be hung and 
 Herrick to have a Hundred Lashes. Wal- 
 ton made his escape from the purvey gard 
 and Herrin was hung at Fishkills and 
 Brown made his escape from the Gard that 
 was sent to gard him to the Place of Exe- 
 cusion to New Milford to the part of the 
 army that lay there. Herrick was carried 
 to Frederixburg and had a hundred Lashes. 
 The 23rd : 
 
 "Gen. Pattisons, Gen. Huntington and 
 Gen. Nixon's Brigades Marched to Hart- 
 ford Save Col. Parson's Reg't that went on- 
 word. 
 
 The 24th : 
 
 "The Gard Marcht down to Fredrexburg 
 to see a man hung for Robing he was Exe- 
 cuted at Eleven in the Fournoon Thomas 
 Glover by Name and there was five Whipt 
 One Hundred lashes apease all Save one 
 for Robing two of them belonged to the 
 Gard Viz: John Harrick and Joseph Tum- 
 berlak, for Striking an Officer. 
 
 59 
 
Celebration of Biirgoine's Surrender. 
 October 17th. 
 
 The Colonists and the American Army 
 had just cause to celebrate this day. This 
 day. Dearborn in his Journal, states, ''The 
 Great Burgoyne with his whole army sur- 
 rendered themselves prisoners of War, with 
 all their Public Stores, and after grounding- 
 their arms marched off for New England, 
 the greatest conquest ever known." 
 
 Boardman tells us that there was a grand 
 parade and festival, the tables were set 
 under a long shade of green boughs, and 
 when the general arrived, the spectators 
 dismounted and took their stand outside of 
 the assembly of officers, who joined in nu- 
 merous parties in conversation for a long 
 time before dinner was served." 
 
 Fisher in his Journal tells us, "In re- 
 membrance of Gen'l Burgoyne's defeat, the 
 day was celebrated with the firing of can- 
 non and the throwing of sky rockets, . . . 
 and a merry day they had too at the Park 
 of Artillery." 
 
 The day was celebrated by the Division 
 under Gen'l Gates at Danbury. Dearborn's 
 Journal gives us a more particular account, 
 and from it we may judge what kind of a 
 day the merry day at Fredericksburg was. 
 
 "17th, this being the first anniversary of 
 the glorious 17th of October, 1777, the field 
 officers of this Division make an entertain- 
 ment for all the officers of the Division and 
 gentlemen of the town. We eat dinner on 
 
 60 
 
a small hill between two of the brigades. 
 After the officers of the three brigades had 
 assembled on the hill by marching in Divi- 
 sions 13 in each, 13 cannon were discharged 
 from each brigade at which time Gen'l 
 Gates arrived with a number of other Gen'l 
 Officers, there was then three cheers from 
 the whole Division. At dinner we had 
 about 350 Officers and other gentlemen. 
 After dinner there was 13 toasts drank and 
 a cannon discharged for each. At evening 
 we retired to the town and spent the even- 
 ing very agreeably. 
 
 i8th. "We are getting sober." 
 
 Nezv York in the Revolution. 
 
 It was not until the 20th of April, 1777, 
 that New York declared itself. Then the 
 Representatives in Convention assembled 
 resolved ''That reasons assigned by the 
 Continental Congress, were cogent and con- 
 clusive . . . and will at the risque of 
 our lives and fortunes join with the other 
 colonies in supporting it. Satisfaction with 
 the state of affairs as they were, the security 
 of property, were among the patent factors 
 that held New York, and yet, while the his- 
 torians here until recently held that she did 
 not furnish only about 18,000 men, it has 
 been found that nearly 44,000 men were in 
 the service. In patriotism New York was 
 second to none, and acted promptly upon 
 the recommendations made by the Provin- 
 cial Congress of N. Y. and the Continental 
 Congress. 
 
 61 
 
The first Continental Congress adopted a 
 policy of non-interference, recommended 
 that committees be appointed in every prov- 
 ince, county and town to sign the associa- 
 tion that was drawn up and to be enforced 
 as vigorously as possible. Subscribers to 
 the Dutchess County Proceedings under 
 date of Jan. i8, 1775, declared that our 
 Sovereign Lord, King George, was the only 
 Sovereign to whom British Americans can, 
 could or ought to owe and bear true and 
 faithful allegiance, and they would when 
 called upon, enforce obedience to the au- 
 thority of King George the 3rd. (Signed 
 by a number of inhabitants of Dutchess Co.) 
 
 The pledge adopted after the Battle of 
 Lexington, signed in several precincts of 
 Dutchess Co., declared, "We will in all 
 things follow the advice of our General 
 Committee . . . for the preservation of 
 peace, and good order and for the safety 
 of individuals and property." 
 
 The Archives of the State do not contain 
 any record of any signers from the Fred- 
 ericksburgh and Pawling precincts. The 
 Misses Patterson, of Patterson, have an 
 original pledge signed by Matthew Patter- 
 son, Joseph Chandler, Comfort Ludington, 
 Reuben Miers, James Dickenson, Jr., Josiah 
 Bennett, Malcolm Morrison, Alex Kidd, 
 Henry Ludington, Ehjah Oakley, William 
 Calkin, David Atkins, Stephen Baxter. 
 
 Afterwards some of these adhered to their 
 allegiance to the British Crown, and others 
 rendered meritorious service in the War of 
 the Revolution." 
 
 In the exercises held here this day, let 
 
 62 
 
us not forget the one who unveils this tab- 
 let, Laura A. Stuart Sherwood. It is re- 
 markable that by her, we are but one remove 
 from those who, under the most discourag- 
 ing circumstances, conducted and brought 
 to a successful conclusion, a war which has 
 broughtest results to mankind. 
 
 The great problems that have been met 
 and solved, the great achievements, the 
 great expansion of our country, have oc- 
 curred during her lifetime, and yet, we look 
 back upon the past and think the country 
 is old. Not so. Let us not forget we 
 are honored by her presence. Let us honor 
 her, and in going, remember we have wit- 
 nessed one of the events of our lives, a liv- 
 ing connection with those of the Revolu- 
 tionary times, and with those of our own 
 progressive present, and the great future 
 that lies before us. 
 
 Read Sept. i6th, 1905, at the unveiling 
 of the tablet marking the site of Washing- 
 ton's Headquarters at Fredericksburg, N. 
 Y., during the fall of 1778. 
 
 LEWIS S. PATRICK. 
 
 63 
 
DUTCHESS CO., N. Y., RECORDS. 
 Co. Clkrk's Office. 
 
 Vol. 8:i8. 
 
 Mch. 28, 1 781, by Comrs. of For. 
 
 Former owner, John Kain. 
 
 Purchaser, Col. Henry Ludington. 
 
 Con., £150. 
 
 150 acres in Pawling Precinct. 
 
 Boundaries, a hill called Mount Tom, 
 Beekman Pre. line, a road leading over the 
 mountain, a tree "near Nichol's House," 
 etc. 
 
 Vol. 8: 57. 
 
 May I, 1781, by Comrs. of For. 
 Former owner, John Kain. 
 
 Purchaser, Wm. B. Alger. 
 
 Con., £1,300. 
 
 486 acres in Pawling Pre. 
 
 Boundaries, a fork in roads (one to 
 Fredericksburgh, other to mountain), Edy's 
 line, Corban's line, "top of a mount called 
 purgatory," etc. 
 
 Vol. 8 : 287. 
 July 3, 1784, by Comrs. For. 
 
 Former owner, John Kain. 
 
 Purchaser, John Morin Scott. 
 
 Con., i8io. 
 
 3 lots in RomboHt Pre. of 21, 20^i, and 
 15 acres, near Fishkill. 
 
 64 
 
Vol. 8: 294. April 3, 1783. 
 
 Former owner, John Kain. 
 
 Purchaser, Caleb Hains. 
 
 Con., £230. 
 
 150 acres PawHng Pre. 
 
 Boundaries, the lines of Jeremiah Sabin, 
 Wm. Pearce, John Hoeg, Wm. Alger, Isaac 
 Van Vert, Wm. Hunt, and "Willis's line," 
 subject to a lease in Caleb Hains possession. 
 
 Vol 10 : 9. 
 Feb. 28, 1 77 1. 
 John Kane & Sybill h. w. 
 
 To 
 Reed Ferris of Pawling Pre. 
 Con., £100. 
 
 Land Pawling Pre. near Jabez Sherman 
 & Nehemiah Merritt, "WiUis's Hne," etc. 
 
 Statk o^ New York. 
 
 COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE. 
 
 Albany, January 5, 1903. 
 Lewjs S. Patrick, Esq., 
 
 Marinette, Wisconsin. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 With this you will find certified copy of 
 the record of John Kane, as requested. 
 Yours respectfully, 
 
 Nathan L. Miller, 
 
 Comptroller. 
 This is to certify that the name of John 
 Kane appears in ''Manuscripts of the Col- 
 ony and State of New York in the Revolu- 
 tionary War," on file in this department, as 
 follows : 
 
 65 
 
Volume 41, folio 59, page 21. 
 "List of farms and houses leased by the 
 Commissioners of sequesr. in Dutchess 
 County : 
 
 John Kane — Pawlings. 
 Sep. 7th, 1779 — ^About 40 Acres of his 
 farm leased to Danl. Sering to May ist, 
 1780. 
 
 Volume 41, folio 61, page i. 
 "Effects sold by Commissioners of Se- 
 questration in Dutchess County belonging to 
 the following Persons, Vist. : 
 
 John Kane, Augt. 'Zj, 1779. . . £627 4 — 
 
 ditto. Sept. 7, 1779 2,201 4 — 
 
 ditto. June 15, 1780. . . . 600 
 
 ditto. Oct. 5, 1780 3,984 
 
 Volume 42, folio 70, page 2. 
 "Abstract of Vouchers and Evidence of 
 the Value of Firewood, Timber, &c., taken 
 by the Army of the United States at differ- 
 ent times, for the use of said Army from 
 Sequestered Estates within the State of 
 New York, as Valued by proper judges 
 chosen by me on the part of the United 
 States and James Roosevelt on the part of 
 the State aforesaid. 
 
 66 
 
No. of Names of persons Former Names of 
 
 Certifs. appointed to Proprietors Persons now 
 
 Issued. Dates, value property. Names. Possessing. 
 
 568 
 
 John Kane 
 
 District in which each 
 farm is situated. 
 
 Fredericksburgh, 
 Dutchess Co. 
 
 Value of 
 Property taken. 
 
 £5 ir — 
 
 Amt. of each 
 Certificate. 
 
 Volume 43, foHo 45, page 7. 
 
 "Dr. JOHN KANE:. 
 
 To amount brought from 
 
 Folio 23 £118 
 
 To Elizabeth Sleght... 
 To Elias Desbrosses . . 
 To EJlias Desbrosses . . 
 To James Desbrosses . . 
 To Thomas Regan .... 
 To Joseph EJlderton... 
 To Nathaniel Marston. 
 To Charles McEJvers . . 
 To Robt. G. lyivingston 
 
 118 9 
 
 2 
 
 
 689 I 
 
 10 
 
 71 5 
 
 9 
 
 45 
 
 414 13 
 
 4 
 
 313 15 
 
 
 45 
 
 1825 I 
 
 9M 
 
 35 12 
 
 4 
 
 45 
 
 207 4 
 
 4 
 
 40 S 
 
 9 
 
 45 
 
 235 5 
 
 554 
 
 2 3 
 
 8 
 
 45 
 
 12 14 
 
 
 6 8 
 
 II 
 
 45 
 
 37 10 
 
 
 62 3 
 
 7 
 
 45 
 
 361 13 
 
 
 116 14 
 
 5 
 
 45 
 
 969 16 
 
 6M 
 
 14 II 
 
 I 
 
 45 
 
 84 13 
 
 4 
 
 831 12 8 
 
 Dividend . 
 
 3 Sd. 
 
 26-100 
 
 Or. 
 
 By amount Brought from Folio 23 2,863 i 
 
 By Sundry Accounts from large ledger 38. . 480 6 
 
 67 
 
Volume 44, folio 32. 
 ''To the Treasurer of the State of New 
 York. 
 Samuel Dodge, John Hathorn and Daniel 
 Graham, late Commissioners of Forfeiture 
 for the Middle District of said State, do 
 hereby Certify and make known to the said 
 Treasurer that we have sold the Estate of 
 John Kain late of the Co. of Dutchess. 
 By appraisement agreeable to 
 the La\v of the 4th October, 
 1780, for Two thousand five 
 hundred and seventeen pounds 
 six shillings and eight pence in 
 Certificates 
 
 2517 6 8 
 Which is all the Estate of said John 
 Kain sold by us and the amount 
 paid into the Treasury. 
 
 Saml. Dodge 
 Danl. Graham 
 ToHN Hathorn'' 
 
 68 
 
Certificate of John Kane. 
 "Sir 
 
 In consequence of the provision in the 
 Twenty-third section of the Act for the 
 Setlement of the PubHc Accounts passed the 
 22d day of March last, I have agreed with 
 John Young of the City of New York, 
 Sadler, that he shall be allowed the sum of 
 Eight hundred and Eleven pounds, as the 
 proportion to be paid by the State of the 
 Sum of One Thousand Pounds the amount 
 of the monies paid by him to the Executors 
 of Elias Desbrosses deceased, in full pay- 
 ment of the principal and interest due on a 
 certain Mortgage of Lands in the County 
 of Dutchess from John Kane attainted of 
 adhering to the enemies of this State, to the 
 said EHas Desbrosses, and assigned by the 
 said Executors to the said John Young, in 
 consideration of the said Sum of One Thou- 
 sand Pounds, and the said John Young hav- 
 ing executed and delivered to me such re- 
 lease as I have deemed requisite for secur- 
 ing the persons holding parcels of the said 
 Mortgaged premises by Title derived from 
 the State against you to Pay, to the said 
 John Young, the said Sum of Eight hun- 
 dred and eleven pounds. 
 
 I remain your most Obedt Servt, 
 
 Egbkrt Benson, Atty. Genl, 
 
 Novr. 25th, 1788. 
 To Gerard Bancker, Esqr., 
 Treasurer. 
 
 (Copy) 
 
 G. Bancker, Treasr." 
 WiiyUS E. Merriman, 
 [SEAI,] Second Deputy Comptroller. 
 
 69 
 
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