Ili!ilil!i!a^;li;l ■r-frri'. 'JhW ^V;y7?^.C, : ^ .^e^ ^kSr'^%^ %^. r^^^ mm ^0^9■ <5> * 3 « o ° " ° '^ V . . „ -^ .> V v^^ /"^ ^^Wm: .^^\ V .0' Vo^'^v»!>.--/%v" o V o " • °- O, ^^^^^ /"% --^^^p,^ ^'"^ ° %* -^^ V -.^^^^^v^/ .^ .3.^ .^^ A^ ■i?o ^0' .V A >. .0 .^^ '^^^^ •*:^ & W""'j?S.' ■ CWPenli; Pui)> ur. ji t >i &y.l.'Xi';lJ?e Uaitford CI . • ■.J'hAO. A ^f1^ HISTORICAL COLLECTION, FROM OFFICIAL RECORDS, FILES, &c., OF THE PART SUSTAINED BY CONNECTICUT, DURING THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING IMPORTANT LETTERS, DEPOSITIONS, &c., WRITTEN DURING THE WAR. COMPILED BY ROYAL R. HINMAN, SECRETARY Ol- bT* T£. HARTFORD : PRINTED BY E. GLEASON. 1842. Entered according to act of Congress, April 23d in the year 1842 by Royal R. Hinman, in the office of the Clerk of the District Court of Connecticut. .# PREFACE It was with reluctance that the compiler of this collection of His- torical facts, undertook his herculean task ; he had to wade through an immense mass of records, old files of petitions, letters, depositions, reports, &c. &c., many of which papers had been illy preserved in the offices of the Secretary of State and Comptroller ; and many were mutilated and torn, and difficult to decipher. The compiler flatters himself that he has not performed a useless task to the State. Many of the facts contained in this collection, will be found new and inter- esting to most of the present generation ; the whole work will give a livelier character to the deeds of their ancestors during this eventful struggle for liberty and independence. The work contains about 100 pages of general history, so far as Connecticut Avas concerned in the war of the revolution. Then follows an epitome, not only of all the acts of the General Assembly, relating to the war, but also of the acts of the Governor and his Council of Safety, or Council of War, until ! May, 1778, as taken from the original records in the Secretary's office. The language of the records and files, and in some instances the orthography, has been faithfully followed by the compiler. Coimecticut, though one of the great producing States during the war, not only of provisions, but of men and money to carry on the contest, has never had her full merit recognized, in any historical notice yet published, of that eventful time that so thoroughly tried men's souls. It has, therefore, been the object of the compiler to rescue from oblivion, a sufficient amount of authentic facts, to place the citizens of our own State on their true ground, as among the earlier, most zealous, and efficient movers of that physical and moral machinery, which tore America from the cruel embrace of England. IV ^ PREFACE. The compiler is satisfied from the investigations lie has already made, that no State supplied more men, money, and means of every kind, according to her ability, than did Connecticut ; or did more to hasten on the glorious issue of the revolutionary war. Her troops were found in nearly every action in all the States. She not only furnished her full quota, and more than her quota of the materiel of war, but furnished some of the wisest heads, who planned and executed the great deeds of that important time. Her Putnam was on Bunker Hill ; her Spencer in Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island, &c. ; her Parsons, Wolcotts, Huntingtons, Griswolds, Shermans, Ellsworth, Davenports, Bishops, Wooster, Silliman, Dean, and a host of others, with Governor Trumbull at their head, were foremost in the service — in our State Legislature, and in the Councils of the Continental Congress. Should errors be found in this work, the reader would readily excuse them, could he see the perfect chaos from which the compiler has extracted the facts here published. To such gentlemen in this city, and other parts of the State, who have aided in collecting facts, for this work, the compiler tenders them his sincere thanks, because they have been instrumental in preserving some historical facts, for the benefit of their State and country. R. R. HINMAN. Hartford, April 28th, A. D. 1842. k AMERICAN REVOLUTION A GENERAL VIEW OF CONNECTICUT AT THE COMMENCEMENT OP THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. The Colony of Connecticut, in 1775, was divided into the six following Counties : Hartford, New Haven, New London, Fair- field, Windham, and Litchfield. These were sub-divided into 76 townships, which by the census taken in 1774, were found to contain the following aggregate of inhabitants : — Whites, 191,448. Blacks," 6,562. Total, 198,010. Westmoreland, it will be noticed, was included in this census. It contained only 1,922 inhabitants in 1774, but increased rapidly after that period. When the massacre of Wyoming took place (in 1778) the population was estimated at 5,000. The General Assembly of Connecticut, at their session held at Hartford, in January, 1771, resolved that the lands west of the river Delaware, and in the latitude of that part of the colony of Connecticut east of New York were contained in the boundaries and description of the Charter of King Charles H. to the colony of Connecticut ? and as many people had settled on a part of the lands at or near a place called Wyoming, under a claim of the Connecticut colony, they applied to Connecticut to take them under her protection and government. As there were many per- sons of suspicious and bad characters, who had escaped from jus- tice and resorted to said place to carry on their villanous designs with impunity, to the disgust and annoyance of the good people of the settlement ; the Assembly therefore, in January, 1774, enacted that the inhabitants within the bounds of Connecticut colony, on the west side of the river Delaware, were constituted a distinct town, with all the privileges of other towns in the colony of Connecticut. The town was bounded east by the Delaware 2 b REVOI.UTIONARY WAR, 1775. river, north by the north Hne of Connecticut colony, west by a north and south line across the colony at 1 5 miles distance west from a place in Susquehannah river called Wyoming, and south by the south line of Connecticut colony ; which town was also annexed to Litchfield county, and called by the name of West- moreland. It was however provided, that no person who resided in any other town in the colony should be sued before any justice of the peace in Westmoreland, or the people of Westmoreland be sued in any civil action in any other town before a justice ; and that the sheriff or his deputies of Litchfield county should not be compelled to receive any civil writ to be served in West- moreland. And during the same session (1774) the Governor of the col- ony was desired and authorized to issue a proclamation, to forbid all persons taking up, entering on, or settling any of the lands included in the charter of the colony, which lay west of the province of New York, without liberty obtained from the colony of Connecticut. The Assembly therefore appointed Roger Sher- man, J. A. Hillhouse, and Thomas Howell, Esq'rs. (when 'applied to) to take into consideration the claims and settlements made on lands situate on or near the waters of the Susquehannah river within the boundaries of Connecticut by the charter, and settle the same with the claimants, and quiet their titles under Connect- icut colony ; and to quiet the titles of all the settlers west of the Delaware river in the colony who had been settled there more than fifteen years, preceding January, 1774. The Legislature of Connecticut at their May session, 1775, made the the town of Westmoreland a probate district, by the name of the district of Westmoreland. The tovi'n was incorpo- rated in January, 1774, by the Legislature of Connecticut ; and in May, 1775, the bounds of the town were extended until it should meet with the line (then) lately settled with the Indians at Fort Stanwix, called the Stanwix line, north and south on the north and south lines of the colony of Connecticut, (with the families on said lands,) were incorporated with the town of Westmore- land, and in the same act it was annexed to the county of Litch- field. As early as 1754, the inhabitants of Connecticut made a pur- chase of the natives of a large tract of land extending from the Delaware river westward about 170 miles, including the whole REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 7 breadth of the 42° of north latitude, and confirmed to Connecti- cut, April 23, 1662, by the charter from Charles II. In October, 1763, the settlers were dispossessed by the savages with the loss of many lives and much property, and did not resume their pos- session until 1769, and continued under the jurisdiction of Con- necticut until 1782 ; during the period from 1774 to 1782 many of the peaceable citizens of Connecticut moved on to the lands, pur- chased small farms contiguous to each other for better defence, with their small farms for immediate use, and located other lands as a future dependence. And in the year 1776, they furnished the continental army with near three hundred officers and soldiers, to fight the battles of the country, which left the settlement at Wyoming, weak and unguarded. In July, 1778, the settlements were cut off by the savages, tories, and British troops, but they soon regained their position, by the zeal and prowess of those who escaped the carnage of the first attempt of the savages ; but by the great loss of men and property, the settlers were reduced and greatly distressed ; many widows and orphans were left destitute of the necessaries of life ; and the families of near two hundred officers and soldiers then in the army, became extremely helpless and needy, but were soon assisted by the return of their inhabit- ants and relieved only by the activity of the people of that section of country. They were continually harassed by the savages and tories until the close of the war, with immense loss of lives and property. The settlers of Wyoming were a most important and mighty barrier to the interior of the country, during the revolu- tionary war, with little compensation or reward. REVLUTIO.NARY WAR, 1775. 1^ "10 g f'S: in CO O Tf rf o rt (>» CO -^ CO -rf (N 05 O (>» ^ •* r4" C^f ^ g QO 05 QO 00 ^ M CuO i> Tti " s ^ CO i-i C^ i~< C< >-i "a JJ CO CO Oi lO (>} rt Oi — 1 rt< ^ Oi C* I-H F— 1 ,-H I— 1 u. m -^ Tj< 1— 1 qC J> Ci 00 CD C30 lO ■^ i; :^ ^^ t/v N f^? CO Ci D C<> 00 Tt< Oi CO s § Tf F^ C^ rH C^ r-1 E ^ Tj< :o c O CD G-* CD -^ kO i> ci -^ CO Ci o O 00 u-^O ■^O'S^ CT O r-T QfT t-T o O (N CO C-J OJ Oi O lO 1^) O lO o i: C* O O 00 Tf* r-H ■2 CD I-;!, ?0^ ^ O O S 1> -^rf rf Tt -^ , o: lO CD CO o 00 ii t- J> 00 .-1 t^ --1 tp CD_ '^ CD Tt* CO CO S o? -^ >-r r-^" P^ P-? Oi o t^ c^ 00 o CD CD O Cl O CO ■^ o_ CD »q_ os^ •-^ t>. Tf '^ '^ CO '^ „, C 00 ii. Ot l-^ CO i> O -^ l>^i>^0 00 ?J 1> ■^ lO of CO CO CO (?f 1-^ ifS CO CD 00 C? rH rH F— 1 r-" I-H . CO 1> Oi (>? O 00 " Tf CD 10 »— < kO 1— I •i CO C^N O 00 TjT »0 Tt rf T^r O CD C; tA s r>, "— ' a 3 3 S ^ rl 3 o o o c o o cj U O oj ^ O - ^ ^h2 92 §^ ^O ffi 1-5 13 ^ q:i ti ^ ?: tH c y n3 a> 0) '3 i^ •- REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 9 The territory embraced in the colony of Connecticut, was one of the best and most compactly settled portions of the confederacy at the beginning of the revolution. There was very little wilder- ness in that portion of the colony east of the Delaware. That part of Litchfield, called the Greenwoods, comprising the town- ships of Colebrook, Winchester, and Barkhamsted, was the only section that was very thinly settled at that time. Connecticut had sent forth several colonies previous to this period. She had contributed largely in settling the western townships in Massachusetts ; had furnished her thousands for the settlement of the up river country, both New Hampshire and the country on the opposite side of Connecticut river, since formed into the state of Vermont. She had also established considerable settlements in the eastern borders of the province of New York, and on the distant coast of Nova Scotia ; and finally, after a long struggle, had planted a favorite colony in the beautiful valley of the Wyoming. This last settlement, she had cherished with {)a- rental solicitude, and extended to it the protection of her govern- ment, and created a separate township, attached to Litchfield county. THE MILITIA OF CONNECTICUT IN 1775. h From the first settlement of the colony until 1739, the militia of Connecticut had only a company organization. This year, a law was enacted by the Governor, Council, and Representatives in General Court assembled, that the Governor of the colony for the time being, should be Captain General and commander in chief, and the Deputy Governor for the time being, should be Lieutenant General, of and over all the military forces within the colony ; and that all the military companies in the colony, should be formed into regiments. That there should be in each regiment, appointed from time to time by the General Assembly, a colonel, lieutenant-colonel, and major, who should be commis- sioned by the Governor of the colony for the time being. It /; 10 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. was further enacted, tliat all male persons from 16 years of age to 50, except those exempted by law, should bear arms, and duly attend all musters and military reviews of the respective com- panies. The companies in thcjcolony at this time were organ- 7 ized into 13 regiments, and to each regiment was permission given to have one troop of horse. There was an annual inspec- tion of arms on the first Monday in May, besides several train- ings yearly, and a regimental muster once in four years. In October, i7567)it was enacted by the Governor, Council, and Representatives in General Court assembled, that there should be two company reviews ; one in May, and one in October. In 1767, the 14th regiment of militia was formed from the towns of Cornwall, Sharon, Salisbury, Canaan, and Norfolk. In 1769, the 15th regiment was formed from the towns of Farmington, Harwinton, and New Hartford. In 1771, the 16th regiment was constituted from the towns of Danbury, Ridgefield, Newtown, and New Fairfield. In 1774, the 17th regiment was organized from Litchfield, Go- shen, Torrington, and Winchester. The same year the towns of Simsbury, New Hartford, Hartland, Barkhamsted, and Colebrook were formed into the 18th regiment. In October of the same year, four additional regiments were organized. One comprising the military companies in the towns of East Windsor, Enfield, Bolton, and that part of Hartford on the east side of the Con- necticut river ; this was the I9th regime'nt. Another including the military companies in the town of Norwich, the 20th regi- ment. The military companies in Plainfield, Canterbury, Volun- town, and the south company in Killingly, formed the 21st regi- ment. And lastly, the companies in Tolland, Somers, Stafford, Willington, and Union, for the 22d regiment. So it seems that there were twenty-two organized regiments of militia in Connec- ticut at the commencement of the war in 1775. In May, 1775> two more regiments were formed, one beyond the'Delaware, in Westmoreland, and the other in Middletown and Chatham. In 1776, the 25th regiment was formed from the military companies in East Haddam, Colchester, and the society of Marlborough. The troops of horse were this year organized into five regiments of light horse, so that the whole number of regiments in the State were thirty ; twenty-five of foot, and five of horse. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 11 The regiments were formed in the following manner in 1776. The military companies in the towns of Hartford, (that part on the west side of Connecticut river,) Windsor, Suffield, and that portion of Farmington, lying in the parish of Wintonbury, conlti- tuted the 1st regiment ; those in the towns of New Haven, Mil- ford, Branford, and Derby, the 2d regiment ; those in New London and Lyme, the 3d regiment ; those in Fairfield, Strat- ford, and Reading, the 4th regiment ; those in Windham, Mans- field, Coventry, and Ashford, the 5th regiment ; those in Weth- ersfield and Glastenbury, the 6th regiment ; those in Saybrook, Guilford, Killingworth, and Haddam, the 7th regiment ; those in Stonington, Preston, and Groton, the 8th regiment ; those in Norwalk, Stamford, and Greenwich, the 9th regiment ; those in Wallingford, Waterbury, Cheshire, and Durham, the 10th regi- ment ; those in Pomfret, Killingly, and Woodstock, except the south company in Killingly, the 11th regiment ; those in Leba- non, Hebron, and the company in the society of Marlborough, in Colchester, formed the 12th regiment; those in Woodbury, New Milford,and Kent, the 13th regiment ; those in Cornwall, Sharon, Salisbury, Canaan, and Norfolk, the 14th regiment ; those in Farmington, exclusive of the parishes of Wintonbury and South- ington, formed the 15th regiment ; those in Danbury, Ridgefield, Newtown, and New Fairfield, the 16th regiment ; those in Litch- field, Goshen, Torrington, Harwinton, and Winchester, formed the 17th regiment; those in the towns of Simsbury, New Hart- ford, Hartland, Barkhamsted, and Colebrook, the 18th regiment ; those in East Windsor, Enfield, Bolton, and that part of Hart- ford, on the east side of Connecticut river, the 19th regiment ; those in Norwich, the 20th regiment ; those in Plainfield, Can- terbury, Voluntown, and the south company in Killingly, the 21st regiment ; those in Tolland, Somers, Stafford, Willington, and Union, the 22d regiment ; those in Middletown and Chatham, the 23d regiment ; those in Westmoreland, the 24th regiment ; those in East Haddam and Colchester, except the company in Marl- borough, in Colchester, formed the 25th regiment. In the autumn of 1776, another organization of the militia took place. All the regiments in the State were formed into six brigades. It was enacted that there should be appointed by the General Assembly, from time to time, two major generals to command as first and second over the whole militia of the State, 12 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. who were commissioned to said ofiice by the Governor, and had at all times power to call forth the militia, or any part of them, as should from time to time be ordered by the Assembly or Gover- noV, for the immediate defence of this State, or the United States. It was further enacted, that there should be appointed by said Assembly, from time to time, one brigadier general to the command of each of the brigades aforesaid, who should be commissioned by the Governor, and have the same command over the respective brigades, as the major general had over the whole militia, and should be subject to the command of his supe- rior officer in calling forth or marching the militia for defence ; and every brigadier should review each regiment of his brigade once in a year, and oftener, if the Assembly ordered. It was also enacted that the colonel, or chief officer of every regiment, should nominate and appoint a suitable person, to serve as an assistant in their respective regiments, and commission them ac- cordingly. The male population of the colony, in 1775, from sixteen to fifty years of age, were subject to military duty, and may be esti- mated, from a careful examination of the census of 1774, to amount to about twenty-six thousand persons. Of these there were nearly one thousand beyond the Delaware, and near two thousand disaffi^cted persons, so that the whole military force in the compact settled part of the colony, that could be relied on for its defence, did not much exceed twenty-three thousand men. THE GOVERNMENT, AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE COLONY, AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE. The Government of Connecticut, founded on the Charter of Charles II. contained in its structure some of the most liberal provisions that ever received the sanction of royal authority. The administrators of government, chosen by the governed, had possessed for a long period of time the unbounded confidence of their constituents. The Governor, and both branches of the legislature, having derived their authority from the same source, REVOIX'TIONARY WAR, 1775. 13 exercised their functions in the utmost harmony, and were con- tent to co-operate together for the public welfare. This was not the case in most of the other colonies, where the governors re- ceived their appointments from royal authority, and were often engaged in violent contests with the legislatures, whereby the influence of both governors and legislatures for usefulness, was much lessened. Nearly all the constituted authorities of the colony were carried along with the people in the popular movement in 1775, so that the measures of the colony were more effective than those of any other, (except, perhaps, Rhode Island,) at this period, which of course added much to the strength of the first movement in com- mencing the great struggle. ^ The municipal institutions of Conneclicat, at this time, ('75) were in many respects superior to those of any other colony, and highly favorable to the cause of liberty. The town meetings were schools where the people were instructed in the art of self- government. Here they learned to resist oppression, and co- operate mutually for their own defence. The town system of government, with the annual election of selectmen to manage the town affairs ; the cheap and convenient method of recording deeds in the town clerks' offices ; the district probate court sys- tem, were, most of them, organizations peculiar to this coIony> and added much to the comfort and convenience of the people. TAXATION, VALUATION OP PUOPERTV, COMMERCE, AGRICULTURE, AND MANUFACTURES OF THE COLONY. It was enacted that all rates and taxes that were granted by the general court, should be made in proportion to the general list of polls and rateable estate. It was subsequently enacted that the several towns in the colony should be chargeable and responsible for the full amount of the colony rates or taxes that were at any time granted by the general court, in proportion to the sum total of the respective lists of said towns. The subjects 3 14 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. of taxation were — all male persons in the several towns in the colony, from 16 years old to 70, except those exempted by law ; also, lands, dwelling houses, ships, ware houses, mills, shops, and work houses, cattle, horses and swine. There were occasionally other subjects of taxation. The grand list was made from the returns of the several towns to the general court, in October, annually. In 1775, the returns were the following : Grand List of the Colony, in 1775. Ashford, Bolton, Branford, Coventry, Canterbury, Canaan, Chatham, Cornwall, Colchester, Durham, Danbury, Derby, East Haddam, East Windsor, Enfield, Fairfield, Farmington, Greenwich, Groton, Glastenbury, Guilford, Goshen, Hartford, Hebron, Haddam, Harwinton, Killingly, Killingworth, Kent, Lebanon, Litchfield, Lyme, Milford, Middletown, Mansfield, £17,273 10,526 23,472 20,856 20,730 15,212 22,881 9,358 34,762 12,205 28,501 19,315 26,674 27,409 12,478 51,278 66,577 24,632 26,902 . 18,752 36,406 11,348 48,120 23,815 16,591 8,023 27,907 20,221 16,971 41,632 23,396 28,570 29,181 42,567 22,077 11 1 3 8 1 14 « 3 8 14 6 6 7 6 10 8 19 7 18 15 6 15 15 6 3 10 7 11 6 3 15 7 14 5 18 10 10 4 7 18 12 4 1 5 9 6 7 8 13 16 2 11 5 12 9 18 3 New Haven, New Milford, New Hartford, New London, Norwich, Norwalk, New Fairfield, Newtown, Plainfield, Preston, Pomfret, Redding, Ridgefield, Stonington, Simsbury, Suffield, Salisbury, Stratford, Staftbrd, Saybrook, Stamford, Sharon, Somers, Tolland, Torrington, Voluntown, Windham, Wethersfield, Waterbury, Wallingford, Windsor, Woodstock, Willington. Woodbury, £73,210 28,169 8,837 35,528 66,678 41,955 12,273 23,737 14,216 25,272 27,711 14,263 17,491 38,213 30,631 19,140 17,087 52,611 10,412 26,304 34,078 17,325 9,153 1,432 5^816 13,801 32,222 32,674 37,064 51,504 24,095 20,800 8,660 56,495 6 18 19 18 3 10 3 2 18 6 17 6 11 11 16 14 11 12 4 4 4 8 6 5 10 8 9 16 16 7 10 8 2 9 16 19 8 15 4 2 11 7 1 14 10 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 15 The commerce of tlie colony was very extensive and valuable at this time. The colony afforded continual supplies of cattle, sheep, hogs, wheat, rye, and indian corn, besides salt provisions, which it furnished to its neighbors on every side ; New York and Albany, westwardly ; the northern settlements, with Newport and Boston, east. In addition to her extensive trade with the neighboring colonies, Connecticut had nearly two hundred sail of vessels, engaged in the West India trade, whose cargoes, more or less, consisted of provisions, with horses and cattle on deck. The West India trade had greatly enriched many of the inhabitants of the colony. There are said to have been three individuals at that time in Hartford, each of whose estates was estimated at 1G,000 pounds sterling. Connecticut was at this time as celebrated for its sea captains as Nantucket is now. The agriculture of the colony was in excellent condition ; it was called the " provision colony." Its manufactures were chiefly of the domestic or household kind, and were very productive, furnishing a large supply of woollen and linen clothing for the use of the inhabitants. THE EXTENT, COMPARITIVE INFLUENCE OF THE COLONY IN 1774 AND 1775, AND ITS FINAL DISMEMBERMENT. Connecticut was one of the most important of the American colonies at the commencement of the revolutionary war. The territorial claim beyond the Delaware had been of long standing. For more than twenty years the people and government of Con- necticut had been engaged in investigating and establishing a title to the extensive region that lay between the Delaware and the Mississippi, in the same parallels of latitude as the old settled part of the colony. This region comprised an extent of territory of more than 700 miles in length from east to west, with a breadth from north to south, of about 70 miles, embracing an area of more than 50,000 square miles. This extensive region possessed a salubrious climate, and a soil equal to any part of North Amer- 16 REVQU'TlOiNARY WAR, 1775. ica in point of fertility. It was watered on the west by that great artery of the continent, the Mississippi, on the north by the waters of lake Erie and lake Michigan, all affording great and nu- merous navigable advantages. These and other advantages combined to render it fully as de- sirable for settlement as any other portion of that vast and then unpopulated tract lying west of the settled part of the colonies. Some of the most sagacious of the inhabitants of Connecticut had at an early period, with a prophetic eye that does honor to their intelligence, seen, in the vast region beyond the Delaware, the germs of future greatness, and had fondly hoped to see the swarms of emigrants thaf had then begun to leave the parent hive, accommodated with homes in this western region where they might enjoy, under the excellent municipal institutions of the parent colony, much comfort and tranquillity. A spirit was soon awakened in Connecticut as to the importance of this western tract of country, and after many years of patient exertion in quieting Indian titles, and many laborious efforts to effect settlements — attended with various contests both with Indians and with people in the interest of the proprietary govern- ment in Pennsylvania, success finally crowned the efforts of the projectors of this enterprise. In 1774, the colony had become so numerous, that it was taken under the protection of the govern- ment of Connecticut, and organized into a township as a part of Litchfield county, by the name of Westmoreland. In 1775, the township was made into a probate district, by the name of West- moreland. In the same year the militia of the township were formed into the 24th regiment of Connecticut militia. In 1776, it was enacted that the town of Westmoreland, lying on the west side of the river Delaware in this State, should be a distinct county, and be called the county of Westmoreland, and should have and exercise, the same powers, privileges, and authorities, and be subject to the same regulations as the other counties in this state, except in cases limited by this act. By this act W'est- moreland became the seventh county in Connecticut, and fully under its jurisdiction. This section of Connecticut prospered, flourished, and increas- ed in population, until the fatal massacre and devastation of the settlement, in 1778. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 17 In 1778, at the time of its destruction, the settlement extend- ed over eight townships, and was estimated to contain about a thousand families, and five or six thousand inhabitants. The set- tlement was scarcely resuscitated, when by the unjust decree of Trenton, in 1782, it was torn from Connecticut, and subjected to the authority of Pennsylvania, contrary to the wishes, and without the consent of the inhabitants. By this unrighteous act, Connecticut which had held rank in the confederacy of 1775, as a colony of the first magnitude, and had been, literally the key- stone State of the confederaxiy during the revolutionary struggle ; had met every crisis with the greatest promptitude and vigor, and had made such great sacrifices to establish the cause of lib- erty and independance, underwent the mortification of seeing the integrity of her territory violated, her size diminished, her laws solemnly enacted nullified without her consent, and her rank in the Union reduced. THE SPIRIT OF '74 AND '75, IN CONNECTICUT. The remote predisposing causes of the American revolution, were various and numerous ; but the prominent and immediate cause of this great and memorable popular movement, was un- doubtedly the Boston Port Bill. This act of the British Parlia- ment, to destroy the trade of Boston, excited universal sympathy for Massachusetts throughout the colonies, but in no colony was the sympathy manifested stronger than in Connecticut. The people of Connecticut w^ere connected with those of Massachu- setts by the strongest ties of blood, friendship, and interest, and the veneration for the parent colony was almost universal. Boston was the great commercial emporium of the New England colonies, and the seat of refinement and intelligence. The misery and distress brought on this town by the unjust act of the British Parliament, raised such a spirit of resistance as had never before been witnessed in the " land of steady habits." The House of Representatives, then in session at Ilarlford, on the re- 18 REVOUJTIONARY WAR, 1775. ceipt of the intelligence of the passage of the Boston Port Bill, passed strong resolutions against the unjust act, and the towns expressed their disapprobation of it, and their sympathy with the people of Boston, by calling large meetings, and passing Reso- lutions. New Haven took the lead, and was followed by most of the towns in the eastern and central sections of the colony, who adopted, most unanimously, resolutions of the most patriotic character, pledging every aid to their suffering brethren in Boston. In these town meetings was generated the spirit of enquiry and resistance to tyranny so essential to that future progress of the war of independence. Windham county was conspicuous as the seat of this spirit of patriotism and sympathy. Here resided Gov. Trumbull, Gen- Putnam, and many other master spirits of the revolution. This county had been more recently settled by emigrants from Massa- chusetts, than most of the other counties in Connecticut, and her trade was almost entirely with Boston ; hence the sympathy of the inhabitants was ardent in the cause of their distressed breth- ren in Massachusetts. The contiguous counties were but little behind Windham in their patriotic devotion to what they con- sidered the common cause. But the western section of the colony, especially Fairfield county, does not appear to have par- ticipated so strongly in this incipient spirit of the revolution. The remoteness of this part of the colony from Boston, its almost exclusive trade with New York, together with other reasons which were developed in the course of the revolution, explain the cause of the comparative want of patriotic ardor in this portion of the colony. Paper resolutions, and patriotic words, were not the only effect of these town meetings ; but deeds of the most benevolent char- acter, were common events. Donations from almost every town, were sent to the relief of the distressed inhabitants of Boston and Charlestown. Live stock, bread stuff, &c., were sent in great abundance. The town of Windham, at one time, generously gave two hundred and fifty fat sheep ; Wethersfield collected and sent on a large quantity of wheat, &c. The inhab- itants of Georgia sent to the inhabitants of Boston, sixty three barrels of rice, and £122, in specie sterling, under the care of John Eaton Le Conte, Esq. The city of London subscribed £30,000 sterling for the poor of Boston. In Schoharry, in the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 19 county of Tryon, N. Y. the committee men of that place, col- lected five hundred and twenty-five bushels of wheat for the relief of the sufterers in the towns of Boston and Charlestown, which was sent. The town meetings at this time, were conducted with the utmost propriety, and the resolutions adopted, were generally characterized with decision and firmness, and undoubtedly had great influence in establishing among the people, an almost uni- versal spirit of resistance to British oppression, and a determina- tion to support their friends in Boston with every possible aid in their power. Amidst the glow of enthusiasm, and the strong excitement and indignation against the British ministry and its supporters and upholders, which pervaded Connecticut so generally, in the sum- mer of 1774, it is much to the credit of the inhabitants, that very few acts of violence were committed. Only two are recorded, that are worthy of notice. The first is the case of the Rev. Samuel Peters, of Hebron, an Episcopalian clergyman. It seems that he and his friends had got up for publication, some resolutions approving the conduct of the British parliament, and condemning the opposition of the people of the colonies. This occasioned a visit from some three hundred people, from the towns of Tolland, Bolton, and Hebron, on the morning of the 15th of August, who coerced Mr. Peters to comply with their requisitions. The other case occurred in Farmington, where the act of the British parliament, (the Boston Port Bill) was burnt in great contempt, by the common hangman, in presence of the assembled multitude. One of the most remarkable events of the year, was the great alarm from Boston, by which the adage that " coming events cast their shadows before," was most truly exemplified. The alarm was, that the ships of war were cannonading Boston, and the regular troops massacreing the inhabitants, without distinction of age or sex. This news spread like wild-fire throughout Massa- chusetts and Connecticut, and in less than thirty-six hours, the country was rallied for more than one hundred and seventy miles in extent. From the shores of Long Island Sound to the green hills of Berkshire, " to arms !" " to arms !" was the universal cry. Instantly, nothing was seen on all sides, but men of all ages, 20 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. cleansing and burnishing their arms, and furnisliing themselves with provisions and warlike stores, and preparing for an immedi- ate march ; gentlemen of rank and fortune, exhorting and encour- aging others by their advice and example. The roads were soon crowded with armed men, marching for Boston with great rapidity, but without noise or tumult. No boisterous mirth or irregularity of any kind, attended their march, but silent firm- ness and invincible determination were portrayed in every face. By the most moderate computation, there were in the colony of Connecticut alone, not less than twenty thousand men completely armed, actually on their march for Boston, with full speed, until counter intelligence was received on the road. This alarm was on the 3d of September, 1774. On the 15th of September, of the same year, there was a patriotic assemblage at Hartford, of delegates from most of the towns in the eastern and central, and a number from the western sections of Connecticut. This might be called the first " Hart- ford Convention," and was somewhat different in character from that which assembled at the same place nearly forty years after that period. This convention adopted many strong resolutions in favor of a Non-consumption Agreement, being entered into by the con- sumers of British goods, and reprobated in the strongest lan- guage, the spirit of monopoly and forestalling, that then prevailed to a great degree among the mercantile portion of the community. About this time, the patriotic opposers of the doctrine of uncon- ditional submission to the authority of the British parliament, adopted the appropriate appellation of " sons of liberty." Liberty poles (having the word " liberty" inscribed on them) were raised in every direction, emblematic of the spirit of the times. Some of these were of an extraordinary elevation. One in East Had- dam was 147 feet high ; another in the parish of Chester, in Saybrook, 106 feet high. On the one in East Haddam, was hoisted a large union flag, with the emblem of liberty neatly por- trayed thereon, fighting the cause of America against tyranny. At the dedication of this pole, by the " sons of liberty," cheers were given, and several guns fired en the occasion, and resolu- tions adopted, to promote good order and unity. The press — the Palladium of Liberty — was conducted with great ability, and breathed forth the language of freedom, at this REVOLUTIONARY WAR,' 1775. 21 eventful period. The columns of the newspapers then abounded with animating and instructive essays, and dissertations on the abstract principles of justice, with examples taken from ancient and modern history. The three newspapers then published in the colony, were all faithful to the cause of freedom ; but the one in New I^ondon, called the " Connecticut Gazette, and Uni- versal Intelligencer," published by Timothy Green, was distin- guished for its superior devotion to the cause of liberty, and the rights of America. The delegation to the General Assembly which met in New Haven, in October, 1774, was of the most patriotic character, being composed for the most part, of men who had taken an active part in the town meetings of the preceding summer, or belonged to the association of the " sons of liberty.'' They were men of determined spirit, devoted to the rights and liberties of their country. This Assembly held an adjourned session in March, 1775, and another in April of the sam'e year. At the April session, a law was enacted to raise one-fourth of the militia for the special defence of the colony ; formed into companies of one hundred men each, and into six regiments. A major general, two brigadier generals, and six colonels, were appointed. This force was subsequently sent to Boston, after the affair of Lex- ington.* This Assembly also authorised the purchase of three * The annexed companies marched from the following towns in Connecticut, for the relief of Boston, &c., in the Lexington alarm, April, 1775. Woodstock, Capt. Benjamin Lyon, with 35 men ; East Windsor, Capt. Charles Ellsworth, 37, "Capt. Matthew Grant, 28 ; Woodstock, Capt. E. Man- ning, 22 ; Branford, Capt. Josiah Fowler, 36 ; Hartford, Capt. Abrahtam Sedg- wick, 33 ; Woodstock, Capt. Daniel Lyon, 27 ; Windham, Capt. Wm. Warner, 41; East Haddam, Col. Joseph Spencer, John Willey, Capt., 43 ; Canterbury, Capt. Aaron Cleveland, 20 ; Somers, Capt. Emery Pease, 47 ; East Windsor, Capt. Amasa Loomis, 43 ; Windham, Capt. James Stedman, 49, Capt. Return J. Meigs, 43; Norfolk, Capt. Timothy Gaylord,24 ; New Hartford, LieutTUnalT' Seymour, 5 ; Simsbury, Capt. Amos Wilcox, 25 ; Wethersfield, Capt. John Chester, about 60 ; Lyme, Capt. Joseph Jewitt, 55 ; Canterbury, Capt. Joseph Burgess, 20 ; Union, Capt. Thomas Lawson, 26 ; Enfield, Capt. Nathaniel M^ Terry, 57 ; Wallingford, Capt. Isaac Cook ; Killingwortb, Capt. Aaron St^- > vens, 26 ; Canterbury, Lt. Col. A. Johnson, Shrebiah Butt, Capt., 30 ; Ashford, Capt. Thomas Knowlton, 78 ; Chatham, Capt. Silas Dunham, 36 ; Fairfield, Capt. David Dimon, about 50 ; Glastenbury, Capt. Elizur Hubbard, 47 ; Brook- lyn, Gen. Putnam ; Milford, Capt. Peter Perrit, from different places, 73; Wind- sor, Capt. Nathaniel Hayden, Jr. ; New Haven, Capt. Hezekiah Dickerman, 9 ; 4 22 REVOLpTIONARY WAR, 1775. thousand stand of arms, and the issuing of £50,000 in bills of credit equal to lawful money, and laid a tax of seven pence on the pound on all polls and rateable estate in the colony, Bolton, Capt, Ezekiel Olcott, 34; Colchester, Capt. Eliphalet Bulklcy, 69 ; Mid- dletown, Capt. Cumfort Sage, 43 ; East Windsor, Capt. Lemuel Slougliton ; Pomfret, Capt. Zebulon Ingalls, 89 ; Norwich, Capt. Jedediah Huntington, 70 ; Tolland, Capt. Solomon Willis, 50 ; Plainfield, Capt. Andrew Backus, 54 ; Staf- ford, Lt. Col. Stephen Moulton, Zephaniah Alden, Capt., 17 ; Wallingford, Capt. John Couch ; Hartford, Lieut. Col. George Pitkin ; Hebron, Capt. Worthy Waters, 61 ; Guilford, Capt. Noah Fowler, 45 ; Durham, Col. James Wads- worth, Stephen Norton, Capt. ; Mansfield, Lieut. Col. Experience Storrs, Jona- than Nichols, Capt. ; Derby, Maj. Jabez Thompson, Capt. Nathaniel Johnson, 32; Lyme, Lieut. Thomas Way, Jr., 6 ; Killingworth, Capt. Samuel Gale, 25 ; Capt. Lemuel Roberts, ID; Preston, Capt, Ebenezer Witter, 99; Col. Samuel H. Parsons ; Maj. Thomas Brown ; New Hartford, Capt. Seth Smith; Killingly, Maj. Wm. Danielson, Joseph Cady, Capt., 88 ; Coventry, Maj. Thos. Brown, Joseph Talcott, Lieut., over 100 ; Lebanon, Capt. Daniel Tilden ; Windham, Capt. John Kingslty ; Suffield, Capt. Elihu Kent ; Woodstock, Lieut. Mark Elwell, 22 ; Greenwich, Capt. Abraham Mead, 58 ; Stonington, Capt. Benjamin 'V/ Park ; Bolton, Capt. Thomas Pitkin, 27 ; Woodstock, Capt. Samuel McLelland, (troop of horse,) about 45 ; Willington, Maj.^ Elijah Fenton, Ebenezer Heath, Capt., 30 ; Stafford, Capt. Amos Walbridge, 23 ; Saybrook, Capt. John Ely, 59 ; Stafford, Capt. Paul Blodget, 23 ; New Haven, Capt. Benedict Arnold ; GuiU ford. Ensign Jehiel Meigs, 23 ; Simsbury, Capt. Zachariah Gillet, 26 ; Hartford, Capt. Jonathan Welles, Capt. Timothy Cheney, 24 ; Middletown, Lieut. Amos Hosford, 16; Woodstock, Capt. Nathaniel Mercy, 38; Killingly, Capt. Joseph Elliott, 58 ; Windham, Lieut. Mather Bingham, 22; Stamford, Capt. Joseph Hart, with 33 men marched to New York for its protection, occasioned by the alarm of the battle at Lexington ; Capt. Amos Wallbridge and his company; Capt. Lemuel Stoughton and his company. The number of men, where given, are generally correct, the files from which they are taken are so badly mutilated, they may not be perfectly accurate — and to some Captains, their number of men cannot be ascertained, and in some cases even the towns from which they marched. There were but few towns in this State who were not fully represented at Lexington and Boston immediately after the alarm reached Connecticut. All account of moneys paid by Connecticut to the inhabitants of the following loums^ for their services and expenses in the Lexington alarm, in April, 1775, per order of the Assembly, in May, 1775. To the Selectmen of ) To the Selectmen of } Enfield, ^ £191 2 6 Windham, \ £373 15 5 Lebanon, 339 2 Enfield, 191 2 3 Suffield, 295 18 2 Tolland, 157 3 New Haven, 238 1 11 Wallingford, 146 14 10 Norfolk, 66 9 2 Willington, 57 19 1 ^. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 23 Some members of this Assembly projected the famous Ticon- deroga expedition, on their own responsibility, without the sanc- tion of the colonial authority. The delegation to the General Assembly that was elected in April, '75, to meet at Hartford, in the succeeding May, were not less patriotic than their predecessors. This Assembly held an adjourned session, in July. They sanctioned the successful northern enterprise of the capture of the forts at Ticonderoga and Crown Point ; provided for the prisoners there taken, and sent a force of a thousand men to occupy those important posts ; besides affording every aid to their suffering bretheren in Massa- chusetts. , In the July session, two additional regiments were raised, making in the whole, eight regiments. An additional sum of East Windsor, £228 6 7 Canterbury, £171 1 6 Fairfield, 174 8 2 Lyme, 222 7 Coventry, 204 12 11 Derby, 10 4 Mansfield, 221 8 Windsor, 69 15 6 Plainfield, 138 16 6 Somers, 153 16 8 Middleto wn, 177 14 4 Preston. 102 2 Stafford, 100 12 5 Killingsworth, 65 19 11 Haddam, 89 2 9 Hebron, 218 3 2 Saybrook, 43 19 Colciiester, 217 18 7 Greenwich, 53 14 6 Bran ford. 52 15 1 Stonington, 4 17 8 Durham, 102 9 5 Killingiy, 227 7 7 Voluntown, 141 9 6 Woodstock, 332 13 5 New Hartford, 62 9 Pomfret, 201 5 6 Wethersfield, 156 2 11 Union, 40 7 9 Bolton, 116 4 5 Guilford, 140 15 4 Glastenbuiy, 38 4 9 Chatham, 28 10 8 Stamford, 28 8 4 Simsbury, 14 5 East Haddam, 239 10 9 Norwich, 152 8 5 New London, 251 18 6 Ashford, 153 1 3 Capt. Peter Perrit's com'y of Rangers^ I 138 11 4 £454 3 2 Total, £7,370 3 4 Also to individuals for provisions purchased before the "i colony could supply, \ Total, £7,824 6 6 Certified by THO'S. SEYMOUR, EZEK'L. WILLIAMS, O. ELLSWORTH, Committee of Pay Table. 24 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1775. £50,000 in bills of creoil, was issued, making the whole amount issued in 1775, £100,000. Duties of the highest responsibihty, and most dangerous character, were assumed by the members that composed both delegations of the General Assembly of 1775; but all these duties were discharged in such a judicious and successful manner, that few bodies of men in the history of legislation, are better entitled to the gratitude of the friends of liberty and human rights, than were the disinterested and patri- otic members that composed the General Assembly and Govern- ment of Connecticut, in 1775. Oncers of the Colony of Connecticut, 1775. Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor — Hon. Matthew Gris- woLD, Lieut. Governor. Assistants, Jabez Hamlin, Elisha Shel- don, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington, William Pitkin, Roger Sherman, Wm. Samuel Johnson, Abraham Davenport, Joseph Spencer, Oliver Wolcott, and James Abraham Hillhouse, Esq'rs. Representatives of the Freemen in the several Towns in the Colony. Hartford County. — Hartford, Col. John Pitkin, Col. Samuel Wyllys ; Wethersfield, Mey. Thomas Belding ; East Windsor, Wm. Wolcott, Col. Erastus Wolcott; Simsbury, Capt. Judah Holcomb, Asahel Holcomb ; Windsor, Capt. Henry Allyn, Capt. Josiah Phelps ; Farmington, Col. Isaac Lee, Jonathan Root ; Suffield, Alexander King, Capt. John Leavitt ; East Haddam, Daniel Brainard, Jabez Chapman ; Stafford, Capt. Isaac Pinney, Capt. Samuel Davies ; Iladdam, Capt. Joseph Brooks, Joseph Smith ; Colchester, Maj. Henry Champion, Doct. John AVatrous ; Somers, Reuben Sikes, Capt. Emery Pease ; Hebron, Benjamin Buell, Capt. Obadiah Horsford ; Canterbury, Capt. Jonathan Wells, Ebenezer Plummer; Middletown, Col. Matthew Talcott, Titus Hosmer ; Bolton, Benjamin Trumbull, Seth King ; Tolland, Capt. Solomon Welles, Capt. Samuel Chapman ; Willington, Maj. Elijah Fenton, Capt. Thnothy Pearl ; Enfield, Maj. Nathan- iel Terry, Nathaniel Chapin ; Chatham, David Sage, Ebenezer White. New Haven County. — New Haven, Samuel Bishop, Capt. Jonathan Fitch ; Durham, Col. James Wadsworth, Daniel Hall ; Guilford, Col. Andrew Ward, John Burgiss ; Derby, Capt. John Holbrook, Joseph Hull ; Waterbury, Joseph Hopkins, Col. Jona- REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 25 than Baldwin ; Milford, Capt. John Fowler, Ephraim Strong ; Branford, Capt. Edward Russell, Daniel Page ; Wallingford, Samuel Beach, Capt. Thaddeus Cook. Fairfield County. — Fairfield, Jonathan Sturgess, Capt. Samuel Squire ; Stratford, Capt. Robert Fairchild, Capt. Ichabod Lewis ; Stamford, Col, Charles Webb, Col. David Waterbury ; Danbury, Col. Joseph Piatt Cook, Thomas Taylor, Jr. ; Ridgefield, Capt. Lemuel Morehouse ; Redding, Wm. Hawley ; Norwalk, Thomas Belding; New Fairfield, Ephraim Ilubbell, Capt. Nehemiah "Beardslee ; Greenwich, Maj. John Mead, Peter Mead ; New- town, John Beach, Jr. Litchfield County. — Litchfield, Jedediah Strong, Maj. David Welch ; Woodbury, Daniel Sherman, Capt. Increase Mosely ; Salisbury, Col. Joshua Porter, Capt. Abiel Camp ; Kent, Ephraim Hubbell, Jr., Capt. Eliphalet Whittlesey ; Canaan, Asahel Bebee, Capt. Samuel Forbes ; Sharon, Maj. Ebenezer Gay, James Pardy ; New Milford, Maj. Samuel Canfield, Capt. Sherman Boardman ; Goshen, Col. Ebenezer Norton, Capt. Samuel Nash ; New Hartford, Maj. Abel Merrell, Zebulon Merrell ; Cornwall, Heman Swift, Capt. Thomas Porter ; Torrington, Maj. Epaphras Sheldon, Noah Marshall ; Harwinton, Josiah Phelps, Mark Prindle ; Westmoreland, Capt. Zebulon Butler, Maj. Ezekiel Pierce. New London County. — New London, Richard Law, Wm. Hillhouse ; Norwich, Benjamin Huntington, Samuel Huntington ; Stonington, Maj. Charles Phelps, Nathaniel Miner ; Ivlling- worth, Capt. Elnathan Stevens, Capt. John Pierson ; Groton, Thomas Mumford, Nathan Gallop ; Preston, Capt. Roger Sperry, Col. John Tyler ; Lyme, Marshfield Parsons, Ezra Selden ; Say- brook, Capt. John Ely. Windham County. — Windham, Col. Jedediah Elderkin, Ebe- nezer Devotion ; Lebanon, Col. Wm. Williams, Jonathan Trum- bull, Jr. ; Mansfield, Col. Experience Storrs, Nathaniel Atwood ; Woodstock, Capt. Elisha Child, Capt. Samuel McLellan ; Cov- entry, Capt. Ebenezer Kingsbury, Jeremiah Ripley ; Canterbury, David Payne, Eleashel Adams ; Killingly, Stephen Crosby, Capt. Eleazer Warren ; Pomfret, Gen. Israel Putnam, Elisha Lord ; Ashford, Capt. Benjamin Sumner, Capt. Ichabod Ward ; Plain- field, Capt. James Bradford, Wm. Robinson ; Voluntown, Maj. James Gordon, Robert Hunter. 26 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. William Williams, speaker. Richard Law, Clerk. John Lawrence, Treasurer. George Wyllys, Secretary of State. Election Sermon delivered by the Rev. Joseph Perry. Hon. Matthew Griswold appointed Chief Judge of the Superior Court. Eliphalet Dyer, Roger Sherman, Wm. Pitkin, and Samuel Huntington, Judges of the Superior Court. Jabez Hamlin, Judge of the County Court for Hartford county. Elihu Chauncey, Judge of the County Court for New Haven county. Richard Law, Judge of the County Court for New London county. Abraham Davenport, Judge of the County Court for Fairfield county. Shubael Conant, Judge of the County Court for Windham county. Oliver Wolcott, Judge of the County Court for Litchfield county. Probate Judges. — Joseph Talcott, Joseph Spencer, Jabez Hamlin, Isaac Pinney, Solomon Whitman, John Owen, John Whiting, Gurdon Saltonstall, Aaron Elliott, Jabez Huntington, Charles Phelps, Ebenezer Silliman, Abraham Davenport, Thomas Benedict, Wm. Williams, Jabez Fitch, Ebenezer Williams, Oli- ver "Wolcott, Daniel Sherman, Joshua Porter, (Joseph Sherman Judge of Probate for Westmoreland.) William Wolcott, Seth Wetmore, Samuel Talcott, and Erastus Wolcott, Esq'rs., Justices of Peace and Quorum for Hartford county. Thomas Darling, John Fowler, Samuel Bishop, Jr., and James Wadsworth, Jr. Esq'rs., for New Haven county. Samuel Coit, William Hillhouse, Jeremiah Mellen, and Samuel Selden, Esq'rs., for New London county. Samuel Adams, Robert Fairchild, Joseph Piatt, and Joseph Piatt Cook, Esq'rs., for Fairfield county. Jabez Fitch, Joshua West, Ebenezer Williams, and William Williams, Esq'rs., for Windham county. Increase Mosely, Daniel Sherman, Bushnell Bostwick, and Joshua Porter, Esq'rs., for Litchfield county. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 27 The Governor of the colony received as a salary in 1775, the sum of £300 ; Lieutenant Governor, £lOO ; Treasurer, £180; Secretary of State, £20. Justices of the Peace appointed for Hartford County, May, 1775. George Wyllys, Joseph Talcott, John Pitkin Benjamin Payne, John Lawrence, Thomas Seymour, Oliver Ellsworth, Elisha Williams, Solomon Welles, Thomas Belding, Josiah Bis- sell, Henry AUyn, Roger Newberry, Charles Ellsworth, Jr., Na- thaniel Chauncey, Matthew Talcott, Richard Alsop, Titus Hos- mer, Solomon Whitman, Joseph Hart, Jared Lee, John Strong, Selah Hart, Isaac Lee, Jr., Fisher Gay, Stephen Hotchkiss, John Owen, Josiah Holcomb, Jonathan Pettibone, Hezekiah Hum- phrey, Oliver Humphrey, Joseph Welles, Jabez Brainard, Joseph Brooks, William. Wells, Elizur Talcott, Jonathan Wells, Alexander King, Daniel Brainard, Jabez Chapman, Dyer Throop, Samuel Huntington, Epaphras Lord, John Watrous, Daniel Foot, Peter Bulkley, Henry Champion, of Colchester, Daniel Barber, John Phelps, Samuel Gilbert, Ephraim Terry, Joseph Olmsted, Benja- min Talcott, Thomas Pitkin, Joel White, Samuel Cobb, Samuel Chapman, Isaac Pinny, Daniel Alden, Abner Barker, Moses Holmes, David Sage, Nathaniel Freeman, Ebenezer White, Reu- ben Sikes, Emery Pease, John Leavitt, Asahel Holcomb, Benja- min Colton, Jesse Root, Silas Dean, George Pitkin, John Chester, and Samuel Eastbrook, Esq'rs. Justices for the County of Neio Haven. Elihu Chauncey, James Abraham Hillhouse, John Whiting, Daniel Lyman, Samuel Sack- et, Samuel Ilemmingway, Caleb Beecher, Simeon Bristol, Enos Ailing, David Wooster, David Baldwin, Ephraim Strong, Charles French, John Daviss, Joseph Hull, Jr., John Wooster. Thomas Matthews, Joseph Hopkins, Jonathan Baldwin, Timothy Judd, Samuel Lewiss, Phineas Roger, Aaron Lyman, Dan Johnson, Caleb Hall, Oliver Stanly, Reuben Atwaler, Nathaniel Ruggles, Timothy Todd, John Burgiss, Samuel Brown, Oliver Dudley, Samuel Barker, Josiah Rogers, James Barker, Wm. Gould, Wm. Greenough, Lamberton Smith, Jr., Joel Hotchkiss, Gideon Buck- ingham, Samuel Beach, Eliakim Hall, and Timothy Hill, Esq'rs. Justices for the County of New Jjondon. — Richard Law, Gurdon Saltonstall, John Murdock, John Hemsted, Joshua Ray- mond, Jonathan Lattinier, Jr., Winthrop Saltonstall, John Still Winthrop, Wm. Whiting, Ebenezer Hartshorn, Elisha Fitch, 28 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. Jacob Perkins, Simeon Tracy, Jr., Benjamin Huntington, Elislia Lathrop, Christopher Lefllngwell, Samuel Tracy, Rufus Lathrop, Nehemiah Huntington, Nathaniel Backus, Daniel Bishop, Wm. Witter, Benjamin Coit, Sam'l. Mott, Robert Crary, John Tyler, Joseph Dennison, John Williams, Charles Phelps, Paul Wheeler, Nathaniel Miner, Stephen Babcock, Joseph Palmer, Luke Per- kins, Wm. Williams, Nathan Smith, Benadam Gallop, William Avery, Robert Geer, Ebenezer Ledyard, Thomas Mumtord, Wm. Morgan, Benjamin Lee, John I^ay, 2d, Samuel Ely, Samuel Holden Parsons, Eleazer Mather Noyes, llezekiah Whittlesey, John Shipman, Justus Buck, Benjamin Williams, Wm. Wor- thington, Elnathan Stephens, Aaron Elliott, John Pierson, Theo- philus Morgan, David Avery, Ezra Selden, Samuel Leffingwell, Jr., Richard Wait, Samuel Field, and Roger Strong, Esq'rs. Justices for the County of Fairfield. John Brooks, Daniel Judson, Ichabod Lewiss, David Wilcoxson, Daniel Fairchild, James Walker, Philip Nichols, Samuel Odell, Ebenezer Silliman, Gold S. Silliman, Nathan Bulkley, Jonatlian Sturgess, Samuel Bradley, Ebenezer Banks, Abraham Andrews, David Cooley, Samuel Wakeman, Thomas Belding, Thomas Fitch, Samuel Fitch, Elias Betts, Theophilus Fitch, Thomas Youngs, Charles Webb, David Waterbury, Jr., Benjamin Weed, Messenger Pal- mer, Peter Mead, John Mead, Amos Mead, Samuel Olmsted, Philip Burr Bradley, Daniel Cooley, Thomas Benedict, Samuel Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Thaddeus Benedict, Ephraim Hubbell, Thomas Brush, Nehemiah Beardslee, Alexander Stewart, Zech- ariah Towner, Richard Fairman, John Chandler, John Read, Lemuel Sanford, Jr., David Wood of Greenwich, Joseph Bradley of Fairfield, and Wm. Hawley of Redding, Esq'rs. Justices for the County of Windham. Samuel Gray, Jede- diah Elderkin, Nathaniel Wales, Jr., Jacob Simons, Hezekiah Manning, Ebenezer Devotion, Benajah Bill, John Clark, Joseph Storrs, John Salter, Elijah Dyer, E. Adams, Elijah Wheaton, Benjamin Sumner, Nathaniel Child, Samuel Child, Jr., Jedediah Morse, Charles Church Chandler, John Grosvenor, Thomas Will- iams, Samuel Craft, Nathan Frink, Isaac Coit, James Bradford, Jacob Dresser, Thomas JMotlatt, Bryant Brown, Wm. Daniel- son, Thomas Strong, Ephraim Root, Abraham Burnap, Jere- miah Keeney, Robert Dixon, Samuel Stewart, Abncr Sessions, and Solomon Wales, Esq'rs. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 29 Justices for the County of Litchfield. Jacob Woodruff, Isaac Baldwin, David Welch, Reuben Smith, Andrew Adams, Daniel Everit, Benjamin Hinman, Gideon Walker, Thomas Warner, Joseph Pierce, Paul Welch, Samuel Bostwick, Samuel Canfield, Joseph Ruggles, William Cogswell, John Ransom, Daniel Lee, Nathaniel Eliott, Ephraim Hubbell, Jr., Daniel Griswold, John Canfield, Joseph Lord, James Landon, John Hutchinson, Charles Burrall, Elisha Baker, Samuel Forbes, Thomas Russell, Heman Swift, Thomas Porter, Samuel Nash, Ebenezer Norton, John Cook, Epaphras Sheldon, Abijah Catlin, Daniel Catlin, Matthew Gillett, Zebulon Merrell, Michael Humphrey, Giles Pettibone, Nehemiah Andrews, Zebulon Butler, Nathaniel Dennison, Silas Park, Edward Hinman, John Vensent, Wm. Judd, and Bezaleel Tyler, Esq'rs. Joseph Sherman, Esq. of *Westmoreland, was appointed a Judge of Probate, and a Justice of the Peace for the county of Litchfield. The capture of Ticonderoga,f one of the most brilliant ex- ploits of the revolutionary war, was a Connecticut measure. The * Westmoreland (in the State of Pennsylvania, in 1775) belonged to Connec- ticut, and constituted a part of Litchfield county, and was represented in the General Assembly of this colony, by Capt. Zebulon Butler, and Maj. Ezekiel Pierce, whose names are favorably known in the history of Wyoming. t In the spring of 1775, a project to capture the British Fort, at Ticonderoga, was concerted in Connecticut. Several gentlemen proceeded from Connecticut to Vermont for that purpose ; among whom was Capt. Noah Phelps, of Simsbury. He was selected to proceed to the fort, examine its situation and condition, and make report to his associates. He proceeded from the southern part of Lake Champlain in a boat, and stopped for the night at a tavern near the fort. The officers of the garrison occupied a room, adjoining that in which he slept, for a supper party, and as usual on such occasions protracted their entertainment to a very late hour. They spoke of the commotion in the colonies and the condition of their fort. Very early m the morning, Capt. Phelps gained admission into the fort for the purpose of being shaved. While retiring through it, the com- mandant walked with him, and conversed about the rebels, their movements and their object. Capt. Phelps seeing a portion of the wall of the fort in*, dilapidated condition, remarked that it would afford but a feeble defence against the rebels if they should attack it. The commandant replied, yes, but that is not our greatest misfortune, for all our powder is damaged, and before we can use it, we are obliged to sift and dry it. He left the fort, and soon after proceeded to the lake shore and employed a boatman to transport him in a small boat down the lake. He entered the boat in plain view from the fort and under her guns. He had not proceeded a great distance before he urged the boatman to 5 30 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. projectors of this ex^Iition, were, as has already been stated, several patriotic members of the General Assembly, convened at Hartford, in April, 1775. They obtained the funds from the Co- lony treasury as a loan, for which their individual receipts, with security, was given. The committee appointed by the origina- tors of the expedition, collected sixteen men in Connecticut, and exert himself and terminate the voyage as soon as possible. The boatman requested Capt. Phelps to take an oar and assist — this was dechned, being in full view of the fort, by replying that he was not a boatman. After rounding a point of land, projecting into the lake and intercepting the view from the fort he proposed taking the oar, and did so. Being a strong and active man, he excited the surprise of the boatman by the velocity of the boat, who with an oath, replied you have seen a boat before now, sir. This circumstance, at the time, excited the boatman's suspicion that his passenger was not a loyal subject, but fear of superior strength prevented an attempt to carry him back to the fort, as he told Capt. Phelps after the surrender. Capt. Phelps reached his place of destination, met his associates, and told them what he had discovered. The next morning, May 10th, 1775, the fort, upon demand made by Col. Allen, by authority of " the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress" was surren- dered. The cannon, small arms and ball contained in it, rendered this achieve- ment more important in the success of the revolutionary war than posterity can appreciate. After the fort was surrendered to Ethan Allen and his company, of about eighty-three armed men, who had proceeded on the expedition without any authority from Connecticut, who had taken the aforesaid measure so effectually to surprise them, that little or no resistance was made. One corner of the fort having fallen down, and all their powder being wet and unfit for use, the officers and soldiers were obliged to surrender to Col. Allen and his company, having also been overpowered by a superior force. After they were disarmed, they were ordered immediately to be sent to Hartford, in the colony of Connecticut, where they were detained as prisoners of war, consisting of forty-seven private soldiers of his majesty's troops, together with Gov. Skeen, Maj. Skeen, (his son,) Maj. French, Capt. Delaplace, Szc, besides women, children and several servants. After the arrival of said prisoners at Hartford, on the 24th of May, 177.5, Capt. Wm. Delaplace, commandant of the fort of Ticonderoga, (one of snid prisoners,) brought his petition to the Assembly of this State, in which he stated that on the morning of the 10th of May, 1775, the garrison of the fortress of Ticonderoga had been surprised as aforesaid ; and stated that neither the ftiicers or soldiers held by this colony had been guilty of any crime, and en- quired, why they should be taken and held as prisoners, by Col. Allen and his company ; and enquired by what authority he had acted ; and asked the pro- tection of said Assembly, and wished to be set at liberty, that they might return to tlie post from whence they had been taken, and join the 26th regiment to which they belonged — or wished to be informed in what light they were to bo regarded, as prisoners of war or not — and if as prisoners, by whom detained, &c. The Legislature had no particular action upon the petition of Capt. Delaplace, REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 31 proceeded to Berkshire county, Mass., where they obtained the aid of some influential citizens, and forty or fifty volunteers were added to their small force. The expedition then advanced to Bennington, Vt., where it was joined by Ethan Allen, Seth Warner, and nearly one hundred volunteers. The little army, consisting of about one hundred and fifty men, thus raised, but continued to hold them as prisoners of war. Gov. Skeen, Maj. Skeen, and Maj. French, were taken from Hartford to West Hartford, on an order of the Assembly, for their better security — they boarded in the family of widow Hooker in West Hartford about a year, at their own expense. Gov. Skeen had his family with him. They were often insulted by our inhabittants as enemies of the colony, and narrowly escaped tar and feathers by his neighbors at West Hartford, for his insults offered the inhabitants. In May, 1775, the General Assembly directed the committee of the pay table, to give orders on the Trea- surer of this colony for the payment of all persons who had actually expended moneys, or given their written obligations therefor, or for personal service in obtaining possession of Ticonderoga and Crown Point; also for men and provis- ions used in taking and securing said fortresses, by any inhabitants of this colony, or others employed by them for that purpose. Two years after, viz. in May, 1777, Samuel Holden Parsons, Esq., informed by his memorial to the General Assembly of this State, that in April, 1775, himself, together with Col. Samuel Wyllys, Silas Dean, Esq., and others, did undertake surprising and seizing the enemy's fort at Ticonderoga, without the knowledge of said Assem- bly, and for that purpose took a quantity of money from the Treasury, and i gave their notes and I'eceipts for said money, all which had been expended in said service ; and prayed the Assembly to cancel said notes and receipts so given to the Treasurer, which amounted to the sum of ,^810. The persons who signed said notes, &c., were said Parsons, Dean, Wyllys, Samuel Bishop, Jr., William Williams, Thomas Mumford, Adam Babcock, Joshua Porter, Jesse Root, Ezekiel Williams, and Charles Webb ; which sum was directed to be charged over to the General Government. At this early period of the war, (May 11, 1776) the Americans were jealous and alarmed at the rustling of every leaf, and watchful of everj' movement. At this time it was the custom of the blacks, as it had been for years j)revious, and continued to be, some time after the war closed, for the negroes in Connecticut, in imitation of their masters, to elect a negro for their Governor, who by them, was uniformly treated with great attention, and by their respect for hira, he never failed to get his title of Governor when addressed by his colored brethren. Cuff was at this time their Governor, and had held the office for ten years, and on the 11th day of May, aforesaid, he resigned his office to John Anderson, a negro servant of Gov. Skeen, which resignation and appointment were in the words and figures following, viz. : "Hartford, 11th May, 1776. "I Governor Cuff of the Niegro's in the province of Connecticut, do Resign my Govermentshipe, to John Anderson Niegor Man to Governoi Skene. 32 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. marched to Castlctoi^^vhcre a military organization took place and Ethan Allen, a native of Connecticut, was appointed com- mander, James Easton, of Berkshire, second, and Seth Warner, an officer from Connecticut, third in command. After de- taching a small force to take possession of Skeensborough, the remainder marched directly to a point opposite to Ticonderoga, " And I hope that you will obcye liim as you have Done me for this ten year's past, when Colonel Willis' Niegor Dayed I was tiie next. But being weak and unfit for that otfit-.e do Ilesine the said Governmentshipc to John Anderson. " I :.John Anderson having the Honour to be apointed Governor over you I will do my utmost endevere to serve you in Every Respect, and I hope you will obey me accordingly. JoH.v Anderson Governor over the Niegors in Connecticut. Witnesses present, The late Governor Cuff, Hartford, Quackow, Fetter Wadsworth, Titows, Pomp Willis, •Tohn Jones, Fraday." May, 1776. At tliis appointment the citizens of Hartford became alarmed Gov. Skeen was at once suspected of being concerned in his negro's election with some design upon the citizens of the State. Therefore the Governor and Council of the colony, convened at Hartford, took the subject into solomn con- sideration, and appointed a committee to investigate the subject, of which Jesse Root, Esq, was chairman ; the committee took with them a constable and imme- diately repaired to Gov. Skeen's lodgings, found his door locked, and the gover- nor absent. One of the committee remained to guard his room while the others proceeded after him, and found him returning home, and brought him before the committee, and on enquiry whether he had carried on any corres- pondence with our enemies ; he answered he had sacredly kept his engagements in his parole, and had no papers but his own private papers, and offered his keys to the committee to examine his papers. He was asked if he had any previous knowledge of the negroes electing his servant governor of the negroes, or had any hand in effecting said election — which he denied, except a few words that passed between a Mr. Williams and his negro, which he supposed was mere sport, and had no hand in bringing it to pass directly or indirectly. He was enquired of, if he gave his negro money to make a feast for the negroes— he answered that he gave him a half-joe to keep election, but that he knew nothing of the treat at Knox's; that on Friday, he heai'd his negro was chosen governor, and was fearful it might excite jealousy, and even avoided speaking to him to avoid suspicion, and declared upon his honor, he had no papers about him. The committee then proceeded to examine the negro governor, who stated REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 33 where, after obtaining the assistance of Nathan Beman, a young rnan, for a guide, and waited the return of Capt. Phelps from the fort, &c., a select body, amounting to only eighty-three men, assaulted on the morning of the 10th of May, the fortress of Ti- conderoga, and captured it without the loss of a man.* A large quantity of ordnance and military stores were obtained by this exploit. The officers and forty-seven were privates taken prisoners. that one Sliarper, a negro man first mentioned to him about being governor, and that he informed the negroes, if they would elect him, he would treat them to the amount of $20, and it had cost him $25, but declared that no regular officer or soldier had spoken to him on the subject ; that there was no scheme or plot, and that he had done it as a matter of sport, and intended no injury to the country, but had the curiosity of seeing an election ; that he had been informed the negroes chose a governor annually, and thought he would set up for it. He stated that he got his |25 by going in a vessel on the lakes, where he had certain perquisites of his own. The committee made many other enquiries of Gov. Skeen and his servants, together with the captain, (Delaplace). And ex-Governor Cuff stated that he had been advised to resign his office to Skeen's negro by some of his black friends and some of the regulars, and that he appointed him without an election as some of them declared they would not have a tory for a governor. On Friday night after the election, the negroes had a dance and entertainment at Mr. Knox's, in Hartford, at an expence of 50s., which was paid by others, and Gov. Skeen's negroes were not allowed to pay any thing. This bill was paid by Majors French and Dermet ; which facts were stated to the Governor and Council by Jesse Root, Esq., Chairman, May 22, 1776. * Joseph Allen, the father of Col. Ethan Allen, was born in Coventry, in this State, and when young he married Mary Baker, of Roxbury, then a society of Woodbury, Connecticut, at which place they resided until the birth of their two eldest children, of which Ethan is supposed to be one of them. Joseph Allen then removed his family to Litchfield, from Litchfield he again removed to Corn- wall or Salisbury, from which place several of the sons with Ethan emigrated to Vermont, in the early part of the settlement of that territory. Capt. Seth Warner, (afterwards Col. Warner) was the third in command in the taking of Ticonderoga, though he did not cross the Lake and reach Ticon- deroga until after Col. Allen, with hia 83 men were in full possession of it. Col. Allen sent Capt. Warner with a detachment of men to take Crown Point, who were met at Crown Point by Capt. Remember Baker with his company, and united with Capt. Warner in taking the post. Col. Allen, and Captains Warner and Baker were all born at Roxbury, then a society in Woodbury. After the close of the war. Col. Warner returned to his farm in Roxbury, on which he remained until his death. He was interred at Roxbury, over whose remains was erected a marble table, on which is inscribed a short history of his valorous deeds in the revolution. 34 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. This, the first offensive miHtary operation of the revolution- ary war, was of great importance to the colonies. Besides fur- nishing a large supply of arms, it opened to them the entrance into Canada. The honor of the first conquest, made by the colonies, belongs chiefly to Connecticut. She also had to sustain the burthen of maintaining her acquisition, although the captured posts were within the jurisdiction of the colony of New York. One thou- sand men, under the command of Col. Hinman, were sent from Connecticut, in the summer of 1775, to garrison the forts of Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Note. The following is an account of moneys advanced and paid out of the public Treasury of Connecticut, for the benefit and defence of the colonies in the year 1775 to Nov. 18th, 1775. To the militia marched in the Lexington alarm, £7,824 6 6 ; in reducing and securing the fortresses at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, j£l,511 5 0; raising, and advanced for wages to the eight regiments, £49,330 4 5 ; for supplying said troops with stores and provisions, £56,951 8 2 ; for equipping said troops with arms, accoutrements, and ammunition, ^1,213 4 8 ; for supplying the battalion of riflemen on their march, £297 9 ; fitting out two armed vessels, £1,415 0; for raising troops for defence of the sea coast, mounting cannon, and erecting the battery at New London, £930 8 6 ; for procuring powder, lead, flints, three thousand stands of arms, &c., £7,563 19 7 ; to supply loss of blankets and arms at Bunker Hill, £204 9 7 ; to non-commissioned oflicers and soldiers of militia for special attendance on military discipline, per order of Assembly, October, 1774, £5,152 4 0; to expense of the special session of the Assembly, &c., £2,216 19 8; for post riders and expreses, £345 3 5 ; for various services, transportation, &c., £2,094 18 10. Total amount, £137,051 1 5. NoTK. When the news of the Lexington alarm reached Gen. Putnam, he was ploughing in his field. So anxious was he for the fight, that he stopped his team and left them in the unfinished furrow, without even taking off the yoke from his oxen, went to his house, bid farewell to his wife, mounted his horse and started for Lexington and Boston. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 35 THE SPIRIT OF THE YEAR 1774. The great object in the year 1774, by those who supposed war with the mother country was inevitable, was to form pubUc opinion in favor of war with Great Britain ; to do which, it became necessary to inform the people of their just rights, by The following scraps of Historical Facts are inserted for preservation. In December, 1774, Gen. Timothy Ruggles, of Hard wick, in,^-^ Massachusetts, who was one of the leaders of the royalists, bold- ly espoused the cause of the King, by forming an association of lories in that and other colonies, under a constitution or compact, of six articles, to which, the signatures of such as united in said association were subscribed, which was openly published in the newspapers in Boston, Hartford, and other places. 1st. That they would on all occasions with their lives and fortunes, stand by and assist each other, in defence of life, liberty and property, when attacked or endangered by any body of men, riotously assembled under any pretence or authority not warrant- ed by the laws of the land. 2d. To mutually support each other in the free exercise of their undoubted rights to liberty, in eating, drinking, buying, selling, (Tea) communing and acting, what, with, whom and as they pleased, consistent with the laws of God and the King. 3d. That they would not acknowledge or submit to the pre- tended authority of any Congresses, committees of correspon- dence, or other unconstitutional assemblies of men, but to oppose the forcible exercise of all such authority at the risk of their lives. 4th. That they would to the utmost of their power, promote and encourage, when called, and enforce obedience to the rightful authority of King George the 3d, and of his laws. 5th. That when the person or property of any so associated should be invaded by any committees, mobs or unlawful assem- blies, that notice being given, would forthwith repair properly 36 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. holding town meetingl^for the discussion of their greivances and their rights. A large majority of the yeoman of Connecti- cut became greatly excited, exasperated and patriotic, by holding armed, to the person on whom such invasion or threatening should be, and to the utmost of their power defend such person and his property, and if need be, to oppose and repel force with force. 6th. That if any of such associates should be unjustly or un- lawfully injured in his person or property by such assemblies, the others should unitedly demand, and if in their power, compel such offenders to make full reparation for such injury, and if all other means of security should fail, to have recourse to the natural laws of retaliation. Several letters from England were received, stating that the King had issued his proclamation, and prohibited the exportation of either arms or ammunition from Great Britain to the colonies, and had ordered two men-of-war to the Texel, in Holland, to prevent the transportation of those articles in English bottoms to America. In December, 1774, a letter from Connecticut to a gentleman in New York, gave the information that the towns of Newtown and Ridgefield had protested against the proceedings of the Grand Continental Congress, and that other towns were expected to follow the example. In the latter part of January, 1775, a gentleman of Hartford went to New York, to procure a town stock of powder, where he purchased it, and on his return with it, through the town of Stamford, a customhouse officer seized it. When the news reached Hartford, thirty respectable men immediately went to Stamford to recover the powder, which they effected. Feb. 1775. At a meeting of the committees of observation of the towns in Litchfield county, at Litchfield, Feb, 22d, to consider and advise upon the most effectual method of carrying into exe- cution the continental association, according to the true spirit thereof; to cultivate that union and harmony which so happily REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 37 town meetings. I therefore insert in this work, a few of the doings of several towns in this State, shewing the manner of forming pubhc opinion on the subject. At a legal meeting, held at New Haven, on the 23d day of May, 1774, Daniel Lyman, Esq., Moderator. Voted, That we will to the utmost of our abilities, assert and subsisted among them, and which the dark and insidious foes of their peace and liberty, by every base and treacherous device, were endeavoring to weaken and confound. They passed sev- eral resolutions, expressing their views upon the subject of their meeting ; among which they strongly recommended to the people of the county that they should treat all persons who should en- deavor by any means or ways to sow the seeds of discord, with that utter contempt that such criminals justly deserved ; and that all who should transgress the rules of the association ; that the people of the county should be governed by the great line of conduct marked by the Continental Congress, by withdrawing all communion from such persons, as being inimical to the rights of human nature ; and resolved to adopt the mode of proceeding agreed upon by the counties of Hartford and New Haven, in regard to persons accused of violating the articles of said associa- tion. By request of the students of Yale College, the exhibitions of the seminary were to be discontinued during the unfavorable aspect of the affairs of the colonies ; and the senior class appointed a committee to wait upon the authority of college with a petition for a private commencement. The House of Representatives of the colony of Connecticut voted an address of thanks to the House of Assembly of the im- portant island of Jamaica, for their kind and seasonable mediation, by their petition and remonstrance to his Majesty in favor of the colonies. The Speaker was directed to write to the Assembly of said island and enclose a copy of their resolution, and of the one passed May, 1773, as to appointing a committee of correspon- dence, inviting them to come into that method of communicating such intelligence as should be of public importance, and immedi- ately affecting the inhabitants of the British colonies and islands in America. 6 38 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. defend the liberties aWT immunities of British America, and that we will co-operate with our sister towns, in this and the other colonies, in any constitutional measures that may be thought most conducive to the preservation of our invaluable rights and privileges. Voted, That Joshua Chandler, Esq., Samuel Bishop, Jr., Esq., The distress was such in Boston, in 1775, that large quantities of grain, rum, &c. &c., were sent from the other colonies for their relief, generally done by subscriptions, particularly for the use of the poor ; and one John Prette John, of Barbadoes, in February, advertised to the people of Barbadoes, that he would receive on board of his vessel, rum, &c. for said purpose, together with what he then had for the poor of Boston. The Black Act had its first reading before Parliament, Feb. 10, 1775'; in which it was resolved to bring in a bill to restrain the trade and commerce of the provinces of Massachusetts bay, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Providence planta- tions, in North America, to Great Britain, Ireland, and the British islands in the West Indies, and prohibit such colonies carrying on any fishery on the banks of Newfoundland, &c. The New York General Assemhly. For the city of New York. John Cruger, the present speaker, a merchant, uncle to the counsellor who married brigadier De Lancey's daughter, and to one of the present members for Bris- tol, in Parliament ; James De Lancey, nephew to brigadier De Lancey, and brother-in-law to governor Penn ; James Jauncey, a merchant, father to the counsellor, who married sir Gilbert Elliott's neice ; Jacob Walton, a merchant, brother-in-law to Mr. Cruger, the counsellor, and nephew to the speaker. Richmond county. Benjamin Seaman, a shop keeper, colonel of the militia, and judge of the county during pleasure, and father- in-law to the clerk of the county, who holds his office likewise during pleasure ; Christopher Billop, a farmer, who married Col. Seaman's daughter, also a colonel of the militia. King's county. Simon Boerum, clerk of the county, and one of the delegates to the general congress ; John Rapalje, colonel of the militia, a farmer. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 39 Daniel Lyman, Esq., Mr. Stephen Ball,. Pierpont Edwards, Esq., John Whiting, Esq., Mr. Isaac Doolittle, Mr. David Austin, Capt. Joseph Munson, Mr. Peter Colt, Mr. Jeremiah Atwater, Mr. Timothy Jones, Jr., Mr. Isaac Beers, Capt. Timothy Bradley, Mr. Silas Kimberly, Simeon Bristol, Esq., Mr. Joseph Woodward, and Capt. Joel tlotchkiss, be a standing committee for the Queen's county. Zebulon Williams or Seamans, a farmer, and captain in the militia ; Daniel Kiffam, a farmer, and justice of the peace during pleasure. Suffolk county. Nathaniel Woodhull, a farmer, colonel of the militia, and judge of the inferior court ; William Nicoll, clerk of the county, a lawyer. West Chester county. Isaac Wilkins, a native of Jamaica, educated under doctor Cooper, at the New York college, now studying divinity, and intending soon to go home for Episcopal orders, likewise an intimate friend of Dr. Chandler, of Eliza- bethtown ; John Thomas, judge of the county during pleasure ; Frederick Philipse, colonel of the militia, and brother-in-law to Col. Morris the counsellor ; Pierre Van Cortlandt, colonel of the militia. Dutchess county. Dirck Brinckerhoff, a shop keeper, and colonel of the militia : Leonard Van Kleck, a shop keeper, and colonel of the militia. Albany county. Peter R. Livingston, colonel of the militia, eldest son of the proprietor of the manor of Livingston, and brother-in-law to Mr. Duane, one of the delegates, and nephew to Philip Livingston, another of the delegates ; Philip Schuyler, colonel of the militia, and first judge of Charlotte county ; Jacob H. Ten Eyck, a justice of the peace, and father to the sheriff of Albany county, both holding their offices during the pleasure of the governor ; Abraham Ten Broek, colonel of the militia, uncle to the lord of the manor of Renselaerwyck, and brother-in-law to Philip Livingston, Esq., one of the delegates at the Congress ; Jacobus Mynderffe, a farmer of Schenectady. Cumberland County. Samuel Wells, colonel of the militia, judge of the inferior court, and father-in-law to Mr. Gale, clerk of that county ; Crean Brush, a native of Ireland, practising the law in Cumberland county, who sold the clerkship of the county t o Judge Webb's son-m-law. 40 RKVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. salutary purpose of kc4fmg up a correspondence with the towns of this and the neighboring colonies, and in conjunction with them, pursuing in the present important crisis, sucIj judicious and constitutional measures as shall appear to be necessary for the preservation of our just rights, the maintenance of public peace, and support of general union, which at this time is so absolutely requisite to be preserved throughout this continent. Tryon county. Guy Johnson, superii^endant of the Indian affairs, in the room of sir William Johnson, colonel of the militia, and judge of the inferior court ; Ilendrick Frey, colonel of the militia, and judge. Ulster County. George Clinton, a lawyer, and clerk of Ulster county ; Charles De Witt, a farmer. Orange county. John Goe, a judge of the inferior court ; Samuel Gall, a tavern keeper at Goshen, and major in the militia. When the grand question was put for considering the proceed- ings of the Congress, there appeared for taking them into con- sideration, Messrs. Boerum, Seamans or Williams, Woodhull, Nicoll, Van Courtlandt, Livingston, Schuyler, Ten Broek, Clin- ton, DeWitt. And against taking them into consideration, Messrs. Jauncey, Billop, Philipse, De Lancey, Rappleje, Van Cleck, Walton, Kis- sam, Brush, Col. Seaman, Wilkins. The other members, viz. : Thomas, Brinkerhoff, Ten Eyck, Mynderffe, Wells, Johnson, Frey, and Coe, being absent, when the question relating to the proceedings of Congress was pro- posed, the public must wait for some future opportunity to be informed of their sentiments on the interesting measures of the continent, for the preservation of the liberties of America. A correspondent, at the end of this list, raised the following very pertinent queries : First, Whether the great number of crown oflicers, or their near relations in the Asseinbly, is not a proof either of our extreme negligence of our liberties, or of the vigilance of govern- ment for biasing our members ? Second, Whether though the highest honor is due to the in- tegrity of so many gentlemen who nobly risked their offices by their fidelity to the country, it is not nevertheless a scandal to the province, that we have as yet no place bill to exclude such REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1775. 41 Also, Voted, That a copy of the above resolves, shall be trans- mitted to the committee of correspondence for the town of Boston, in answer to their letter to this town. A true copy of record, examined by Samuel Bishop, Jr., Town Clerk. from the House of Assembly, as after an election render them- selves dependent upon the Crown for offices held during plea- sure. And, Third, Whether upon the arbitrary project of the late Parlia- ment for introducing a council into the Massachusetts bay, at the pleasure of the Crown, it does not appear to be an indispensable duty firmly to insist upon a law utterly to exclude the dangerous influence of his Majesty's council, at the elections for represen- tatives of the people. [Connecticut Courant, April 17, 1775.] A gentleman from New London, who was at Cork, in Ireland, April 2d, 1775, wrote to his friend in New London, that there were then lying in Cork, ready to sail, twenty-five large transport ships, for Boston ; and many more were ordered to prepare for the same purpose ; who wrote to forewarn the Americans to be in readiness for the crisis. June 7, 1775. News arrived in Hartford, June 5th, that the General Committee for Albany, (N. Y.,) had resolved to raise eight hundred men for the defence of American liberty, and as soon as it was made known, three companies were immediately enlisted and marched for the defence of Ticonderoga and Crown Point. The preceding week, Col. Hinman, from Connecticut, in the command of the 4th Regiment of troops raised in this colony, marched for their station at Ticonderoga. Maj. Gen. Wooster, with a regiment, and Col. Waterbury's regiment had marched for Greenwich — eight companies of Col. Parsons' regiment were en- camped at New London. June 14, 1775. The birth-day of His Majesty, (he being 37 years of age) was celebrated in N. York, by a royal salute from the Asia man-of-war, of 64 guns, in New York harbor, under the command of George Vandeput, the crew gave three cheers, which was answered by some few on the docks ; no illuminations in the city, except a solitary house, which lights were soon with- 42 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. ^ Lebanon, June 2d, 1774. Yesterday being the 1st of June, the day on which the cruel Edict of the British Parhament respecting the town and port of Boston took place, was observed here with marks of distinction. The bells of the town early began to toll a solemn peal, and con- tinued the whole day. The town house door was hung with drawn, which was done to shew their disapprobation of the pub- lic measures of the King. June, 1775. A letter was received at Hartford, June 19th, from Albany, giving the news that three Sachems had been to Albany, desirous to befriend the colonies, provided they did not interfere with the safety of Col. Johnson and Capt. Close, whom they intended to defend, in duty to their father-in-law. Also, that Gen. Johnson and his family, with fourteen batteaus and thirteen wagons, laden with goods and furniture, had gone to fort Stanwix ; and that Col. Johnson had summoned the Indians far and near to meet him in Oswego in General Congress. 1775. John Ransom, of Kent, who had used bohea tea, which was a breach of the "non-consumption agreement" of the Asso- ciation, in drinking tea ; on the 24th of April, 1775, published in the Connecticut Journal his acknowledgment for once using inad- vertently that " detestable and obnoxious vegetable, called East India tea." The Continental Congress appointed George Washington, of Virginia, Commander-in-Chief, of all the American forces ; Arte- mus Ward, of Massachusetts, Charles Lee, of Pennsylvania, Philip Schuyler, of Albany, N. Y., Israel Putnam, of Connecticut, Major Generals ; John Sullivan, of New Hampshire, Brigadier General ; and Horatio Gates, Adjutant General. Thomas Mifflin, of Philadelphia, was appointed Aid-de-Camp by General Washington. General Lee appointed Samuel Griffin, of Vir- ginia, his Aid-de-Camp. The Newport Mercury, stated that the troops from Connecti- cut, at Cambridge and Roxbury, • in the fore part of July, 1775, were three thousand, and several other companies on their way there. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 43 black, with the Act affixed thereto ; the shops in town were all shut and silent ; their windows covered with black and other ensigns of distress. Towards evening, a respectable number of freeholders of the place, and others, (upon short notice) appeared at the town house, when the Act was publicly read and observed New Haven, July 12, 1775. Last Sunday the sloop-of-war Lively chased an inward bound vessel from Connecticut, and with two of her armed boats, (while the sloop-of-war was aground on Saybrook bar) and after a short examination left the vessel, though the report of the guns had drawn many of the militia from the country to the shore, where several random shots were exchanged with the boats. The sloop-of-war King Fisher, from New York, was cruising in the Long Island sound, and on the 11th day of July, she came to anchor at Branford. July, 1775. The regiment, quartered at Cambridge, Mass., were assembled on parade, when the Rev. Dr. Langdon read to the general officers and soldiers, " a Declaration by the Represen- tatives of the United States, in General Congress," which set forth the causes and necessity of the war, which was received with great applause by the army, and a large concourse of citizens assembled, which was evinced by three huzzas from all present. Soon after Major General Putnam, convened all the Continental troops under his immediate command, on Prospect Hill, near Boston, where the Declaration was read to them, after which a pathetic address was made by the Rev. Mr. Leonard (chaplain of Gen. Putnam's regiment) to the army, succeeded by a perti- nent prayer. Gen. Putnam then gave a signal, and the whole army shouted their loud amen, by three cheers : a cannon was then fired from the fort, while the standard which had been pre- sented to Gen. Putnam was flourishing in the air, with the motto on one side " an appeal to Heaven," on the other side, " Qui transtulit sustinet." July 6th, 1775. A German hussar, a veteran in the wars of Germany, appeared at the door of Congress, in Philadelphia, in his uniform and on horseback, with a fortorn cap upon his head, with a streamer waving from it, half down to his waistband, with a death's head painted in front, a beautiful hussar cloak, orna- mented with lace and fringe and cord of gold, a scarlet waist- 44 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. upon ; when the foll^ing Address was made, and Resolutions unanimously adopted : Gentlemen, The occasion of our meeting is interesting and solemn — I hope we are met together with dispositions suitable to the occasion. We are now, my brethren, to determine whether we will tamely submit to every act of cruel oppression, coat under it, with shining yellow mettle buttons ; a light gun strung over his shoulders ; a turnpike sabre, much superior to an highland broad sword, very large and well fortified by his side ; holsters and pistols upon his horse ; indeed a most war-like and formidable figure. He reported he had fifty such men ready to enlist under him, who were used to the service as hussars in Germany, and wished immediately to visit Boston to see Bur- goyne's light horse. [Connecticut Journal.] Several towns in Connecticut sent to Boston, provisions, stockings, and other clothing. A new plan was adopted in Connecticut as to post riders and post masters, in 1775. The constitutional post offices on the southern road were kept by Winsley Hobby, at Middletown ; Elias Beers, at New Haven ; Thaddeus Burr, at Fairfield, and John Holt, Esq., (printer) at New York, who was the only person authorized to receive the eastern letters for New York, and the mails for the southern provinces. In May, 1775, the inhabitants of New London received the information from Cambridge, that Gen. Gage intended seizing all our vessels on the sea doast, and that New London would soon be visited, which caused several persons to move their families and effects out of New London. The congregational clergy of New England were active in the cause of liberty during the revolution, and taught the people from their pulpits, tlfat the Christian religion was a stranger to mere despotic power, as the great Montesquieu declared. The clergy declared to the King and his tories, as did Socrates when accused by the Atheneans of corrupting and seducing the youth of Athens by his philosophy, he defended himself more like an REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 45 or indignantly reject, and with manly resolution remonstrate to, every instance of unjust power, by whatever hand attempted. Persuaded you cannot hesitate one momemt in tlie choice of the alternative, and will propose the following Resolutions. That we do all at this time, heartily sympathise with our brethren of Boston, in the scenes of distress which this day opens upon them. apostle than a philosopher, by saying " that he believed the pro- vince was committed to him by God, that he was called by him to this employment, to endeavor to reform the world, and there- fore for him to forsake his station for fear of death, or of any other temporal evil, would be a most grievous sin. I am not (said he) afraid to die ; but this I am afraid of, to disobey the commands of my Superior, and to desert the station, he has placed me in, and to give over the work he has appointed me : this I must affirm to you, that I ought to obey God rather than you ; and so long as I have breath, I will never give over exhort- ing and teaching the people." Major Skeen had a commission appointing him Governor of Ticonderoga, Crown Point, and Montreal, with orders to raise a regiment of Canadians to join Gen. Gage against the Americans. On the 16th of July, an express passed through Hartford from Crown Point to Governor Trumbull. The camp distemper raged at Boston, not only in the army, but among the citizens. On the 19th of July, a company of riflemen arrived in Hart- ford from Philadelphia, of one hundred and seven men, the next day they proceeded on their march to join the army. On the 23d of July, the Derby company passed through Hart- ford from their station at New Haven, on their way to Cambridge. On the 25th of July, his majesty's ships of war, the Rose, com- manded by Wallace ; the Swan, commanded by James Ascough ; the King Fisher, commanded by Montague, with a small tender, arrived in New London harbor and cast their anchors. On Tuesday preceding the 27th day of July, about one thou- 7 46 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. That we view witl^he utmost indignation, the cruel act of unjust power which introduces this distress. That we consider them as suffering under the hand of minis- terial vengeance for their noble exertions in the cause of liberty ; the common cause of all America. sand men under Col. Waterbury, of Connecticut, marched from the camp at Harlaem for Albany. Among the many who signalized themselves by heir gallantand intrepid conduct in the battle at Bunker Hill, from Connecticut, were Maj. Gen. Putnam, whose capacity to plan and execute great designs, and whose undaunted courage on that occasion, raised him to an enviable height in the estimation of the Ameri- cans; Maj. John Chester, of Wethersfield, captain of a company in Gen. Spencer's regiment ; Lieut. Col. S. Webb, who marched up to the lines with their men and reinforced the troops, by their undaunted courage, were justly entitled to the grateful acknowl- edgment of their country ; Lieut. John Keyes, in Capt. Knowl- ton's company, of Ashford, was on the l^ft wing in the action, and fought with invincible resolution ; Lieut. Thomas Grosvenor, of Thompson, charged the enemy closely and maintained his ground like a hero, until wounded in his hand; Lieut. Bingham, of Nor- wich, and Ensign Bill, of Lebanon, gave full proof of their cour- age ; Capt. Knowlton, Capt. Coit, Lieuts. Dana and Hide, and many other officers and soldiers, who distinguished themselves by their courage and merit, deserve recording in the history of their country. August 7, 1775. General Putnam who commanded the Con- necticut troops at Boston, was esteemed as a veteran soldier ; he had served during the whole of the (then) last war against the French ; he was wounded fifteen times in the service of his country ; he was once taken prisoner by the Indians, who first attempted to scalp him, then tied him to a tree, and when about to set fire to the combustibles thrown around him, a French officer happening at the instant to pass by, saved his life. Such a man was qualified to command the virtuous provincials of Connecticut ; one who was noticed for his undoubted bravgry, good sense, honor, and patriotism. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, U75. 47 And that we are heartily wilHng and desirous to unite our little powers in whatever general measure shall be thought best for the- security and permanency of the just rights and privileges of our country. Being determined, as far as we are able, to stand fast in the liberties wherewith God has made them free. And at The Continental Congress established a continental post office, and appointed Dr. Benjamin Franklin, post master, with a salary of $1,000 per annum. About sixty aged gentlemen at Middletown, (as was the case in other towns in Connecticut) formed themselves into a com- pany to attain the military art, with a determination of preserving the liberty of their country ; the drummer of said company was over eighty years of age, and was as much engaged and alert as in his younger days. Nine companies of riflemen from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, passed mrough Hartford, on their way to Head Quarters at Cambridge, commanded by able and spirited officers ; even the soldiers vs^re many of them gentlemen of fortune. Three companies raised in Connecticut, passed through Hart- ford, to join the army at Cambridge. Col. Thompson, colonel of the Pennsylvania firsl^ regiment of riflemen, with a number of young gentlemen volunteers, passed through Hartford for the camp at Cambridge. About the 6th day of August, nine ships, one brig, one scow, one schooner, and two sloops, were discovered beating up New London harbor, which alarmed the people of the town ; they immediately sent out expresses to alarm the neighboring towns. But it was discovered they were bound for Fisher's Island to take off stock, which they effected by the next morning, viz. : 1,130 sheep, 3 milch cows, 1 pair of working oxen, 25 young cattle, and 10 hogs, (the fat beef had been carried off" the day be- fore). On Tuesday morning, they anchored on the east side of Gardner's Island, where they took off" the stock. News was received from Westmoreland, in the west part of the colony of Connecticut, that about fifty Indians of the Six 48 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. the same time wo4V unite our ardent supplications to our Almighty Helper, the Great Father of the distressed, that American councils may be directed by his wisdom, to those measures that shall be most conducive to the desired end. nations came there and encamped a short distance from the settlement, and the next day came into the village and delivered their message, and declared their grief at the ditlerence between Great Britaui and the Colonics ; that they should not take up the hatchet on either side ; that they wished to be at peace with the English as long as thf stream ran down the Susquehannah river. That should a difference arise, they would try every healing measure for the redress of the greivance ; that as Col. Grey Johnson had left his habitation and they had no superin- tendant, they desired Col. Butler to take the trust ; and that they might in future hold their Congresses at Westmoreland. On the 13th of August, 1775, a rifle co^npany from Lancaster county, Penn., and two companies raised in Connecticut, passed through Hartford to join the army near Boston. A treaty with the six nations of Indians, as reported by Capt. Breed, of Wyoming, was made, who was desired by some of the chiefs to give their love to the great man at the head of the Con- gress at Philadelphia, and desired that all future messages from Congress to the Six Nations, should be made through Col. Butler. The fleet of men-of-war who plundered Fisher's Island, took also about 50 cattle and 800 sheep from Gardner's Island, and 1 1 cattle from Plumb Island, and sailed for Boston. Mr. Brown, the owner of the stock r.t Fisher's Island was applied to for the stock, and payment oftered for it, but wishing not to dispose of it, they threatened to take it without paying him, when he reluct- antly received payment ; but the stock taken from the other two Islands were taken without paying any consideration. General Wooster, of Connecticut, soon arrived at Oyster Pond, from New York, with four hundred troops, who took the stock that was left on Gardner's and Plumb Islands, and ordered the grain on the Islands to be immediately threshed and carried on to Long Island. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 49 At a very full meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Nor- wich, legally warned and held in said Norwich, the 6th day of June, 1774. Hon. Jabez Huntington, Moderator. Voted, We will to the utmost of our abilities, assert and defend the liberties and immunities of British America; and that we will co-operate with our brethren in this and the other colonies, in In August, 1775, an express arrived at New London from Black Point, with the news that a British man-of-war was anchored near there, and it was supposed to take off the stock. A detachment of troops, marched immediately for Black Point, but before the party arrived notice was given, that the man-of- war had weighed anchor and put out to sea. August, 1775. News was received at Hartford, August 28th, that Congress had appointed Col. Samuel Mott, Chief Engineer in the army, under Gen. Schuyler ; and that Gen. Washington had appointed Major Thomas Mifflin, Quarter Master General, John Parker, Esq., Assistant Quarter Master General, John Trumbull, Esq., of Connecticut, Major of Brigade, Richard Cary, Esq., Major of Brigade, Edmond Randolph, and George Baylor, Esqrs., Aids-de-Camp, in place of Majors Mifflin and Trumbull promoted. Hartford, Sept. 4th, 1775. Jonathan Pettibone, colonel of the 18th regiment of militia in this colony, on receiving the notice from the Continental Congress to enlist the one-fourth part of the militia to be in readiness on the shortest notice for service, gave orders to the captains of his regiment tQ muster their men for said purpose, as minute men. The spirit was so generous in the soldiery, that a number sufficient to form three companies of sixty- eight men each, exclusive of officers, immediately enlisted, chose their officers, soon equipt, and were ready for any expedition on the shortest notice. On the 28th day of August, 1775, Col. Waterbury's regiment, and a regiment from New York, being about eleven hundred men, embarked from Ticonderoga for the Isle Aux Noix, four- teen miles below St. John's, to fortify, and gain the command of the lake. 50 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. such reasonable mes0tes as shall in General Congress, or other- wise, be judged most proper to relieve us from the burthens we now feel, and secure us from greater evils we fear will follow from the principles adopted by the British Parliament respecting the town of Boston. In the war against the French, a woman by the name of Huntly, of Connecticut, had thirteen sons, each of them not less than six feet high, in the service, at the same time. A prolific and heroic family. On the 25th of September, 1775, three wagons from Philadel- phia, loaded with cloathing for the American Army passed through Hartford. Anecdote of General Putnam. During the late French war, when Gen. Amherst was marching across the country of Canada, the army coming to one of the lakes, which they were obliged to pass, found the French had a vessel of 12 guns upon it. He was in great distress ; his boats were no match for her ; and she alone was capable of sinking his whole army in that situation. While he was pondering what should be done, Putnam came up to him and said General that ship must be taken. Aye, says Amherst, I would give the world if she was taken. I'll take her, says Putnam. Amherst smiled and asked how ? Give me some wedges, a beetle, and a few men of my own choice. Amherst could not conceive how an armed vessel was to be taken by four or five men, a beetle and wedges. How- ever, he granted Putnam's request. When night came Putnam with his materials and men, went in a boat under the vessel's stern, and in an instant drove in the wedges behind the rudder in the little cavity between the rudder and ship and left her. In the morning the sails were seen fluttering about ; she was adrift in the middle of the lake ; and being presently blown ashore, she was easily taken. The return made by Gen. Gage to Lord Dartmouth of the bat- tle of Bunker's Hill, was as follows, viz : 1 Lieutenant Colonel, 2 Majors, 7 Captains, 9 Lieutenants, 15 Sergents, 1 Drummer, 191 Rank and File, killed ; 3 Majors, 27 Captains, 32 Lieuteii- REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 51 Voted, That Capt. Jedediah Huntington, Christopher Leffig- well, Esq., Doct. Theophilus Rodgers, Capt. William. Hubbard, and Capt. Joseph Trumbull, be a standing committee for keep- ing up a correspondence with the towns of this and the neigh- boring colonies, and that they transmit a copy of these votes to the committee of correspondence for the town of Boston. Voted very unanimously. • A true copy. Attest, Benjamin Huntington, Jr., Town Clerk. At a town meeting, legally warned and held on Monday, the l3th day of June, 1774, in the town of Preston. Col. Samuel Coit, Moderator. This meeting, taking into consideration the dangerous situa- tion of the British colonies in North America, from the princi- ples lately adopted by the Parliament of Great Britain, by inflict- ing pains and penalties on the town of Boston, without a legal trial, or even notice of a fault ; and likewise another Act is pending and far advanced for vacating an important part of the ants, 8 Ensigns, 40 Sergents, 12 Drummers, 706 Rank and File wounded. In October several of Paxton Boys, dressed and painted like Indians arrived in Hartford, being a part of a body of 200 volun- teers on their way to Gen. Washington's Head-quarters at Cam- bridge. On the 10th of October, 1775, an armed schooner of the Con- necticut colony, took into New London a large ship, Barron, mas- ter, which she met near Stonington ; the ship had on board 8000 bushels of wheat, taken m at Baltimore and had cleared from New York, for Falmouth in England ; she met with g. gale of wind, was overset and lost her main-mast, and was putting into Stoning- ton ; she was taken to Norwich with her cargo. October, 1775, Wm. Goddard, Esq. was appointed surveyor to the General Post Office of the United colonies, a place similar to the one held by the Hon. Hugh Finly of Quebec ; Mr. Goddard came to New London from a tour through the southern colo- nies ; next day went eastward. 52 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. Massachusetts Charte^^ilhout any pretence of its being forfeited- and without trial, &c., and by sending other acts of said ParHa- ment, all which being carried into execution would render the lives, liberties, and estates of all the inhabitants of said colony, precarious and entirely dependent on the arbitrary will and plea- sure of a British Minister of State : Therefore, Voted, That the Royal Charters of the colonies ought to be maintained, as the only sacred and indissoluble bond of union between the Crown of Great Britain and her colonies. Voted, That we will join with the towns in this and the neigh- boring colonies in all reasonable measures as shall be thought best by a General Congress, or other general agreement, to assert and maintain all our rights and privileges, and transmit them inviolate to posterity. Voted, That if it should be thought best by said Congress, &c., to break off all trade with Great Britain, &c., as the best means to attain said end ; that (although we are not a sea-port town) yet we will cheerfully deny ourselves of all those advantages that arise to us from said trade. Voted, That Col. Samuel Coit, William Witter, Esq., Mr. John Avery, Jr., John Tyler, Esq., Capt. William Belcher, Samuel Mott, and Benjamin Coit, Esq'rs., be a committee for keeping up a correspondence with the* towns in this and the neighboring colonies. A true copy. Attest, Roger Sterry, Town Clerk. At a town meeting legally warned and held in Groton, on Mon- day the 20th day of June, 1774. William Williams, Esq. Mode- erator. This town taking into serious consideration the dangerous situ- ation of the British colonies in North America, respecting sundry acts of the British Parliament, particularly those for shutting up the port of Boston, the metropolis of the province of Massachu- setts Bay, and abridging their charter rights, &c., which, if carried into execution, not only deprive us of all our privileges, but render life and liberty very precarious. And as we esteem the inhabitants of Boston, now suffering under the tyranny of said acts of Parliament, and in the common cause of America. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 53 Therefore, Voted, That we will join with the other towns of this colony in such reasonable measures as shall be judged best for the general good, and most likely to obtain redress of our grievances. Voted, That we esteem a General Congress of all the colo- nies the only probable method to obtain a uniform plan for the preservation of the whole. Voted, That if it shall be judged best by said Congress to stop all exports to Great Britain and the West India Islands, and imports from thence, we will most cheerfully acquiesce in their determination; esteeming the benefits arising therefrom, mere trifles, compared with the rights and privileges of America. Voted, That Messrs. William Ledyard, Thomas Mumford, Benadam Gallup, Esq., Amos Prentice, Charles Eldridge, Jr., Deac. John Hurlburt, and Amos^Geer, be a committee to corres- pond with the committees of the several towns in this and the other British colonies. A copy of record, examined by William Avery, Town Clerk. At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Lyme, in New London county, by legal notice, convened and held in said Lyme the 20th of June, 1774. Eleazer Mather, Esq., was chosen Moderator of said meeting. At the same meeting it was voted and Resolved, That we sincerely profess ourselves to be true and loyal subjects of his sacred majesty King George the Third. Also Voted, &c.. That we are heartily concerned for the dif- ficulties attending the town of Boston, in consequence of the late extraordinary measures taken with them by the British Parlia- ment, that affairs appear to us with a threatening aspect on the liberties of all British America. Also Voted, &c.. That we will to the utmost of our abilities, assert and defend the liberties and immunities of British America, and that we will co-operate with our brethren in this and the other colonies, in such reasonable measures as shall in General Congress, or otherwise, be judged most proper to relieve us and our brethren in Boston, from the burdens now felt, and secure us 8 54 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. from the evils we feai^gpill follow from the principles adopted by the British Parliament respecting the town of Boston. Also Voted, That Eleazer Mather, Esq., Mr. John McCurdy, John Lay, 2cl, William Noyes, Esq'rs., and Mr. Samuel Mather, Jr., be a standing committee for the purpose of keeping up a correspondence with the towns of this and the neighboring colo- nies ; and that they transmit a copy of these votes to the com- mittee of correspondence for the town of Boston. A true copy of record, examined by John Lay, 2d, Reg'r. At a town meeting held in New London, Monday, the 27th day of June, A. D. 1774. Richard Law, Esq. chosen Mod- erator. • This town taking into serious consideration the alarming situa- tion of the North American colonies, with regard to divers acts of the British Parliament, for raising a revenue on the subjects of said colonies without their consent, and also a late act of Parlia- ment for blocking up the port of Boston, the metropolis of the province of Massachusetts Bay, a province that has ever afforded its utmost aid to Great Britain and her American dominions : and being advised that divers other acts of Parliament are probably passed since the last mentioned act, whereby their charter privi- leges will be utterly destroyed, and the inhabitants of said pro- vince reduced to a state of abject vassallage, unless relief can be had in the case. We consider the province of Massachusetts Bay as destined to be the first victim of ministerial tyranny, and after her, the other colonies will share the same fate. It is manifest to us that the design of the British ministry is to reduce North America to slavery, with as much rapidity as possible ; and then exert their utmost efforts against the liberties of Great Britain, and thereby reduce the British empire under the nod of an absolute mon- arch — whereby property and liberty — civil and religious, will be annihilated, and the life of the subject be at the will of a despot. Therefore we hold it an indispensable duty, both to ourselves and posterity, to exert the powers heaven has endowed us with, to contribute every thing in our power, in a constitutional manner, to avert the calamity hanging over this continent. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 55 And therefore we declare and resolve : In the First place, we most expressly declare, recognize, and acknowledge His Majesty King George the Third, to be the lawful and rightful King of Great Britain, and all other of his dominions and countries ; and that it is our indispensable duty, as being part of His Majesty's Dominions, always to bear faithful and true allegiance to His Majesty, and him to defend to the ut- most of our power, against all attempts upon his person, crown, and dignity. Note for Preservation. — Soon after the ratification of the treaty of Paris, by which Great Britain acquired Nova Scotia, Canada, the Isle of Cape Breton, and other islands in the gulf and river St. Lawrence, the ministry announced their intention of quartering troops in Amei'ica, at the expense of the colonies. They also avowed liieir determination of raising the revenue, necessary for that purpose, by a duty on foreign sugar, molasses, and stamped paper. The act of Parliament, imposing the duty on the tvvo first mentioned articles, was passed in 1764, and, though it caused general uneasiness and suspicion, yet the people peaceably submitted ; but the act laying a duty on stamped paper, and making it essential to the validity of all legal and mercantile transactions, passed in the early part of the year 1765, was considered a violation of the British constitution, and an encroachment on British liberty. The right, claimed by Parliament, to tax the colonies without their consent, or even representation, more than the amount demanded, called forth a spontaneous burst of popular indignation. Several of the colonial legislatures animadverted with great sever- ity upon the acts of Parliament, and passed spirited resolutions, asserting th rights of the colonies, and denying the constitutional power of Parliament to tax them without their consent. The legislature of Massachusetts proposed a Congress of deputies from each colony to deliberate upon the subject, and adopt the proper measures to procure the repeal of the act. On the first Tuesday in October, 1765, twenty-eight deputies from the colonies of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of Delaware, Maryland, and South Carolina, met in the city of New York. The legislatures of Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia, were prevented from sending deputies by their governors. This Congress, after recapitulating the grievances complained of, resolved to petition the King and Parliament for their redress. They also recommended to the several colonies to appoint special agents for the same purpose. In the mean time combinations were formed in several of the colonies for resisting tlie execution of the law, by compelling the officers, appointed by the crown for the sale of stamped paper, to resign their offices. In the month of August, the effigy of Andrew Oliver, Esq., who had been appointed stamp- master for the colony of Massachusetts, was found hanging on a tree, ever since known by the name of " liberty tree," standing on one of the principal streets in Boston. The following night, a small building, which Mr. Oliver had erected for an"" ofllice, was pulled down ; the windows of his dwelling house 56 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 2d. That the cause ^FBoston is the common cause of all the North American colonies. 3d. That the preservation of the lives, liberties, and properties of the subjects in North America, depends (under God) on a strict union of all the colonies throughout the continent. 4th. That we earnestly wish for, and will promote all in our power, a General Congress of Commissioners from all the colo- nies on this continent, to be convened with all possible speed. broken in, and a part of his furniture destroyed. The next day, he announced his determination of having no agency in the execution of the stamp act. The same month, Jared IngersoU, Esq., who had received the appointment of stamp-master in Connecticut, was burnt in effigy at New Haven ; but notwith- standing this modest hint to resign his office, he signified his determination to disciiarge its duties. This annunciation, instead of allaying the indignation of the populace, aroused it to a still higher degree, and prompted them to secure his person, and convey him to Hartford for farther proceedings. The following account of their proceedings is copied from the Connecticut Courant of Sept. 23d, 1765, and does not differ materially from the relation given by Mr. Inger- soU, and published in the Connecticut Gazette of the 27th of the same month, (viz.) : " Last Wednesday afternoon, a large company of able bodied men, came to town (Hartford) on horseback from the eastern part of this government, and informed those who were willing to join them, that they were on their way to New Haven, to demand the stamp-master of this colony to resign his office ; that a number of their companions were gone on the lower roads, and that they had all agreed to rendezvous at Branford, the next day, (Thursday) and that fhey should tarry in town that night ; they then dispersed to different parts of the town for lodging. In the evening advice was received, that Mr. Ingersoll was on the road to this place ; that he would be in town the next day, and that he intended to apply to the Assembly for protection ; and it being conjectured that he might come to town in the night to shun the mob, (who he had heard were on their way to pay him a visit) it was agreed that a watch should patrol the streets all night, to prevent his coming in unnoticed; but they made no dis- coveries. " On Thursday morning, the whole body, including a considerable number from this town, (Hartford) set off on their intended expedition, and in about an hour, met Mr. Ingersoll at the lower end of Wethersfield, and let him know their business. He at first refused to comply, but it was insisted upon, that he should resign his office of stamp-master, so disagreeable to his countrymen. After many proposals, he dehvered the resignation, mentioned below, which he read himself in the hearing of the whole company ; he was then desired to pronounce the words liberty and property, three times, which he having done, the whole body gave three huzzas. Mr. Ingersoll then went to a tavern and dined with several of the company ; after dinner the company told Mr. Ingersoll, as he was bound to Hartford, they would escort liim there ; which they did, to the number of about five hundred persons on horseback. After they arrived in town, Mr. Ingersoll again read his resignation in public, when three huzzas more were REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 57 5tli. That it is our hearty desire said General Congi'ess should, among other of their determinations, resolve to stop all imports and exports to and from Great Britain, and otherwise discontinue trade as they shall see fit. That a General Congress should be annually held on this continent, and in that case point out the method for best effecting so noble a design on which the future happiness of the colonies greatly depends. 6th. That we will religiously abide by the resolves of the Gen- eral Congress of the united North American colonies. 7th. That the resolves of the General Assembly of this colony at their session in May last, be recorded at large in the Town Book. 8th. That Richard Law, Esq., Col. Gurdon Saltonstall, Mr. Nathaniel Shaw^, Jr., Maj. Samuel Holden Parsons, and Capt. Guy Richards, be, and they are hereby appointed a committee to correspond with the committees of correspondence in this or any other colony in North America ; and they are hereby directed to given ; when the whole company immediately dispersed without making the least disturbance." The following is a copy of Mr. Ingersoll's resignation. " Wethersfield, Sept. 19th, 1765. " I do hereby promise, that I will never receive any stampt papers, which may arrive from Europe, in consequence of any act lately passed in the Parliament of Great Britain, nor officiate in any manner as stamp-master, or distributor of stamps within the colony of Connecticut, either directly or indirectly ; and I do hereby notify all the inhabitants of his majesty's colony of Connecticut (notwith- standing the said office, or trust has been committed to me) not to apply to me, ever hereafter, for any such stamped paper, hereby declaring that I do decline said office, and execute these presents of my own free will and accord, without any equivocation, or mental reservation. " In witness whereof, I have hereto set my hand, " J. Ingersoll." " An aged gentleman, of Wethersfield, who was an eye witness, and distinctly remembers the transaction, represents it as being peculiarly pompous and im- posing. He says Mr. Ingersoll was a middle aged man, dressed in the full costume of the time — brown coat, buckskin breeches, long boots, bob-tailed wig, and three cornered hat ; that he mounted a stage, which had been prepared for his accommodation, and addressed the multitude with great ease and fluency, and that when he gave up his commission, he thre\)( up his hat and commission, both of which he held in his hand ; they cheered him with great enthusiasm. There were several other out-breakings of indignant feeling in other parts of the colony, but none worthy of particular notice. 58 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. transmit a copy of i\y0t resolves to the committee of correspon- dence in Boston ; and that any three of the above said committee be a quorum. A true copy of record, examined by GuuDON Saltonstall, Recorder. Note. — The following song shews the spirit of the Americans, previous to the war. COMPOSED BY A SON OF LIBERTY. [Written Feb. 13th, 1770.] TUNE— The " British Grenadier." That seat of science, Athens, and earth's great mistress, Rome — Where now are all their glories ? — we scarce can find their tomb ! Then guard your rights, Americans ! nor stoop to lawless sway : — Oppose, oppose, oppose, oppose — my brave America ! Proud Albion bow'd to Csesar, and num'rous lords before — To Picts, to Danes, to Normans, and many masters more : But we can boast, Americans, we never fell a prey ! — Huzza, huzztf, huzza, huzza, for brave America ! We led fair Freedom hither, and lo ! the desert smil'd ! A Paradise of pleasure was open in the wild : Your harvest, bold Americans — no power shall snatch away ! — Assert yourselves, yourselves — ye sons of brave America ! Torn from a world of tyrants, beneath this western sky We formed a new Dominion — a land of liberty : The world shall own their masters here — then hasten on the day — Huzza, huzza, huzza, huzza, for brave America ! God bless this maiden climate ! and through her vast domain, Let hosts of heroes cluster, who scorn to wear a chain ; And blast the venal sycophants, who dare our rig-hts betray — Preserve, preserve, preserve, preserve my brave America I Lift up your heads ray heroes ! and swear with proud disdain, The wretch who would enslave you, shall spread his snares in vain ! Should Europe empty all her force, we'd meet them in array, — And shout, and shout, and fight, and fight for brave America ! Some future day shall crown us the masters of the main. And giving laws and freedom to England, France, and Spain : When all the isles o'er Ocean spread, shall tremble and obey Their lords, their lords, their lords, their lords" of brave America ! REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 59 At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Windham, legally warned and held in Windham, June 23d, 1774. Nathan- iel Wales, Jr., Esq., Moderator. This meeting being impressed with a deep sense of the pres- ent alarming aspects of Divine Providence over the British colo- nies in North America, arising from the present depressed situa- tion and condition of the capital of a neighboring province, in having their harbor and port blocked up by ships-of-war, in hos- tile array, to the terror of the people, totally and actually ob- structing all commerce by sea into or from said port, thereby forcibly preventing the due performance of all private maritime contracts, rendering useless their whole navigation, stores, and wharves, built and erected at a vast expense by the inhabitants ; a principle which threatens ruin and destruction both to the liberties and properties of every subject throughout the British empire. And being further alarmed by a bill late depending before the Parliament of Great Britain, for regulating the government of the Massachusetts Bay, too long to be here recited, though re- plete with arbitrary, threatening resolutions, threatening destruc- tion to all corporations in Great Britain, and all chartered rights in America. In view of these, as well as many other impending dangers and calamities, and from a firm belief and persuasion that there is a supreme, almighty, infinitely good and merciful Being, who sits at the helm of universal nature, by whom kings reign, and princes decree justice, and who has the hearts of all princes and potentates of the earth in his hands, and under his almighty control ; and however faulty the instruments and procurers of those calamities may be, yet, considering our sins and impieties, they are just as coming from the hand of God, and are to be averted by humiliation, deep repentance, and reformation. We therefore sincerely wish and hope a day may be set apart for solemn fasting and prayer, as recommended by our late General Assembly ; and beg further to intimate to our brethren in the several towns in this colony, to render the observation of that day more agreeable to the divine direction, (viz : to undo the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free, to distribute to the necessities of the distressed,) that on that day we be united in opening our hearts in contributing to the relief of the injured and oppressed indigent inhabitants of the town of Boston, es- 60 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. pecially those who ar^Wbw more immediately so, by means of the late iron hand of oppression on that worthy metropolis. But fully to express our sense of the late attempts upon the town and port of Boston, the arbitrary attacks on the most sacred rights of communities, the violent depredations on private property and liberty, and those more virulent efforts to break down the great barriers of civil society, founded on the solemn compact of kings ; a principle proclaiming sudden destruction upon all corporations throughout the British dominions, at the will and pleasure of a vengeful British ministry, even without complaint, notice, trial, or constitutional adjudication or forfei- ture, words fail, and the English language is deficient. But this is in part executed, and much more than threatened, only under the pretence at most, that some of the inhabitants of Boston, or the neighboring towns, have committed a trespass on the prop- erty of the East India Company, a company (horrendum dictu !) who have spread destruction over the eastern world ! Behold the tragic scenes in that eastern clime ! the murders of millions, by sword and baneful famine ; depriving those innocents of the necessaries of life, who by the favor of heaven and their own industry, were overflowing with the wealth and profusion of the Indias, and all to satisfy the insatiable lust of gain and oppres- sion ! Let the Spanish barbarities in Mexico, and the name of a Cortez, sink' in everlasting oblivion, while such more recent su- perior cruelties bear away the palm in the late annals of their rapine and cruelty ; though many worthy individuals of that body ought, no doubt to be excused from the general imputation. We applaud the solemnity of the noble Virginians and Philadelphiaris, in their religious observations of that memorable first day of June ; we approve their opinions and sentiments as to the threat- ened calamities and dangers impending America ; as also the Maryland resolves, with the others by many worthy towns and bodies of people in this and neighboring provinces. We only wish there may be no delay in appointing time and place for a General Congress, which only can give union, firmness, and sta- bility to the whole. We impatiently wait for injured Boston to give the lead in that appointment. Providence, no doubt has put into our hands the means to work out our temporal salvation, which has been repeatedly suggested. Let us, dear fellow Ameri- cans, for a few years at least, abandon that narrow, contracted REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 61 principle of self-love, which is the source of every vice ; let us once feel for our country and posterity ; let our hearts expand and dilate with the noble and generous sentiments of benevo- lence, though atttended with the severer virtue of self-denial. The blessings of heaven attending, America is saved ; children yet unborn will rise and call you blessed ; the present generation will, by future — to the latest period of American glory, be ex- tolled and celebrated as the happy instruments, under God, of delivering millions from thraldom and slavery, and secure per- manent freedom and liberty to America. We cannot close this meeting, without expressing our utmost abhorrence and detestation of those few in a devoted province, styling themselves ministers, merchants, barristers, and attorneys, who have, against the sense and opinion of the rest of that re- spectable government, as also of the vast extended continent, distinguished themselves, in their late fawning, adulating addresses to Governor Hutchinson, the scourge of the province which gave him birth, and the pest of America. His principles and conduct, (evidenced by his letters, and those under his approbation) are so replete with treason against his country, and the meanness of self- exaltation, as cannot be palliated by art, nor disguised by subtilty. In general, we esteem those addresses a high-handed insult on the town of Boston, and the province of Massachusetts Bay in particular, and on all the American colonies in general. Those styled merchants may plead their profound ignorance of the con- stitutional rights of Englishmen, as an excuse in some degree ; but for those who style themselves barristers and attorneys, they have either assumed a false character, or they must in some measure be acquainted with the constitutional rights of English- men, and those of their own province — for them to present such an address, is a daring affront to common sense, a high insult on all others of the profession, and treason against law ; and from that learned profession, (who are supposed to be well acquainted with the English constitution, and have the best means, and are under the greatest advantages to defend the rights of the subject, and yvho have been famed as the great supporters of English liberty,) for any of them to make a sacrifice of all to their pagod of vanity, and fulsome adulation, is mean, vile, and unpar- donable, and cannot be accounted for upon any other principles, but those of their master, who would sacrifice his country, to be- 9 62 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. come the independen^gjleacl of a respectable province ; and the few leaders of this infamous law-band, would, it seems, give their aid and support therein, to obtain the first places in his new kingdom. The addressing clergy, we leave to the reproaches of their own consciences, but lament to find that they are the first in the ignominious homage of their idol. The foregoing is a true copy of record, Test, Samuel Gray, Town Clerk. At a very full meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Far- mington, legally warned and held in said Farmington, the 15th day of June, A. D. 1774. Col. John Strong, Moderator. Voted, That the act of Parliament for blocking up the port of Boston, is an invasion of the rights and privileges of every Amer- ican, and as such are determined to oppose the same, together with all other such arbitrary and tyrannical acts, in every suitable way and manner that may be adopted in General Congress, to the intent we may be instrumental of securing, and transmitting our rights and privileges inviolate to the latest posterity. That the fate of American freedom depends greatly upon the inhabitants of the town of Boston, in the present alarming crisis of public aflliirs : — We therefore entreat them by every thing that is dear and sacred, to persevere with unremitted vigilance and resolution, till their labors shall be crowned with the desired success. That, as many of the inhabitants of the town of Boston, must, in a short time, be reduced to the utmost distress, in consequence of their Port Bill, we deem it our indispensable duty, by every proper and effectual method, to assist in affording them speedy relief In pursuance of which, a committee was appointed with all convenient speed, to take in subscriptions of wheat, rye, Indian corn, and other provisions, of the inhabitants of this town, and to collect and transport the same to the town of Boston, there to be delivered to the selectmen of said town, to be by them distributed at their discretion, to those who are incapa- citated from procuring a necessary subsistence, in consequence of the late oppressive measures of administration. That William Judd, Fisher Gay, Selah Hart, and Stephen Hotchkiss, Esq'rs., Messrs. John Trcadwcll, Asahel Wadsworth, REVOLUT[ONARY WAR, 1775. 63 Jonathan Root, Samuel Smith, Ichabod Norton, Noadiah Hooker, and Gad Stanley, be, and are hereby appointed a committee to keep a correspondence with the towns of this, and the neighbor- ing colonies ; and that they forthwith transmit a copy of the votes of this meeting to the committee of correspondence for the town of Boston, and also to cause the same to be made public. Certified, per Solomon Whitman, Town Clerk. At a town meeting, legally warned and held at Wethersfield, in Connecticut, on the 17th June, 1774. The resolutions of the honorable House of Representatives, by them come into, at their session at Hartford, in May last, being read, were unanimously approved of, and ordered to be entered at large on the records of the town, as being expressive of the sentiments of the inhabitants on the important subjects to wdiich they refer, and proper to be transmitted to future times, in such a manner that all may have access to them on every proper occasion. The extreme distress to which our brethren of Boston are reduced by the merciless arm of tyranny, was then brought under consideration — and, Voted and Resolved, That this town do consider the inhabit- ants of Boston to be now suffering for the common cause of American liberty, and that we are bound in common justice, as well as by the early ties of friendship between our ancestors^ when despising every other hardship and danger, they fled from tyranny, civil and religious, to this continent, then a savage wilderness, and here erected a standard of liberty, as well as by the common laws of humanity, to afford them all the assistance in our power, both by our advice and counsel, as well as by giving them part of that substance which God hath blessed us with from time to time, as their necessities shall require. This town being informed that a Congress of the colonies is proposed, and likely to take place soon, do hereby approve of it as a necessary and salutary measure, when we hope and trust, a general non-importation and non-exportation agreement will be come into, and take place in the colonies. But to the delibera- tions of so respectable a body, and to their superior wisdom, 64 RKVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1775. submit what mcasun^^rc projDcr, at so alarming and critical a period as this, in which nothing less is attacked than the lives and liberties ot" all the free born inhabitants of British America. Most cheerfully engaging, to the utmost of our power and in- fluence, to come into and promote that universal similarity of sentiment and proceeding, on which (under God) our all, in life, and every agreeable prospect for posterity, is depending. And in order to afford reasonable relief to those in said town of Boston, who may more immediately suffer by the present mea- sures, a contribution was recommended, and a large committee, of the most respectable inhabitants appointed to receive sub- scriptions in wheat, or other provisions, or money, and the same to be transmitted to the selectmen of the town of Boston, or such other persons as the said town of Boston shall appoint to receive the same. N. B. We have the pleasure to inform the public, that although this subscription was opened but on Friday last, it has already become almost universal in said town, and that considerable wheat, &c., is already collected. At a very full meeting of the respectable inhabitants of the town of Hartford, convened at the court house, on the 20th day of June, A. D. 1774. John Pitkin, Esq., Chairman. This meeting with hearts filled with loyalty, duty, and obedi- ence to our rightful sovereign. King George the Third, and with the most poignant grief at the gloomy situation the affairs of Great Britain and her colonies are like to be thrown into by the unconstitutional claim of the British Parliament to impose duties and taxes on the Americans without their consent ; do think themselves obliged, by all the ties which ever ought to preserve a firm union amongst Americans, as speedily as possible, to make known their sentiments to their distressed brethren of Boston ; and therefore do firmly resolve and declare. That they look upon the cause of Boston, in its consequences, to be the common cause of America. That the measures now pursuing against Boston, and the Mas- sachusetts Bay, appear to them an innovation of their natural rights as men, and constitutional rights as English subjects ; and, REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 65 if not removed, will be a foundation for the utter destruction of American freedom. That all legal and constitutional means ought to be used by all America, for procuring a removal of the same. That the only eft'ectual means for obtaining such removal, they are at present of opinion, is an association, under the strongest ties, for breaking off such commercial connections with Great Britain, as shall be generally agreed upon, until American freedom be asserted and settled upon a permanent and constitu- tional foundation. That the most practicable mode of forming such an effectual association, they conceive, will be a General Congress, to be appointed from the several colonies. That in the mean time, they will forthwith freely contribute, each one, a proportion of his substance, for the relief of the poor of Boston, in their present distress. That Thomas Seymour, Ehsha Pitkin, Jesse Root, George Pitkin, Isaac Sheldon, Samuel Wyllys, Caleb Bull, and Abijah Colton, be a committee of correspondence to receive and answer all letters, and to promote and forward such contributions that may be made in this town, so as to answer the purposes for which the same are designed, and that any five of the number have power to act. Signed by order, George Wyllys, Clerk. At a very full meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Wood- stock, legally warned and held at said Woodstock, on the 21st day of June, A. D. 1774. Nathaniel Childs, Esq., was chosen Moderator. The resolves of the House of Representatives of this colony in May, 1774, were read, and then voted unanimously — 1st. That the thanks of this town be given to Capt. Elisha Child, and Jedediah Morse, Esq., the representatives of this corporate body, for their consenting to, and voting the above resolves in conjunction with the other representatives of this colony, in General Court assembled, — as said resolves do honor to the worthy representatives of a free, loyal, and virtuous people, are very expressive of the sentiments of the inhabitants of this town, and by them judged necessary in such a day as this, when 66 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. we have the most coi^ncing proofs of a fixed and determined plan* of the British administration, to overthrow the hberties of America, and subject these colonies to a bondage, that our fathers did not, would not, — fled into the wilderness that they might not, and God grant that we, their posterity, never may — bear. 2dly. Being animated from the consideration of the absolute importance of adopting every rational and probable means in our power for the political salvation of our country ; we engage to contribute our utmost exertions in defence of our American liberties and privileges, and stand ready to join our brethren in this and the other American colonies, in every probable measure that may influence Great Britain to withdraw her oppressive hand. At the same time we apprehend that a General Congress, consisting of delegates from each colony on the continent, is necessary, speedily to be formed, that the sentiments of the whole may be known, and such an unity in measures established, as may constitute a strength invincible by tyranny, and break out in one general burst against the attempts that are made, and making, to destroy the constitution of these governments. 3dly. And inasmuch as the promotion of industry, frugality, economy, arts and manufactures among ourselves, is of great importance to the good of a community ; we determine, from this very day, to live as much within ourselves, and purchase as few British goods, wares, and merchandises, as possible, and give all due encouragement to every useful art among us. 4thly. It having been judged needful at this alarming crisis, and generally come into, that committees of correspondence be appointed, &c. Voted, That Capt. Elisha Child, Charles C. Chandler, Jedediah Morse, Esq'rs., Capt. Samuel McClellan, and Nathaniel Child, Esq., be a committee for maintaining a correspondence with the towns of this and the neighboring colonies. 5thly. Voted, That a copy of these votes be printed in the New London Gazette, to manifest the deep sense we have of the Parliamentary invasion of the constitutional rights of the British Americans. A true copy. Attest, Elisha Child, Town Clerk. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 67 At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Pomfret, legally- warned and assembled on the 23d day of June, A. D. 1774. Col. Ebenezer Williams, Moderator. The present situation of the American colonies and planta- tions, on account of the measures pursued by the Parliament of Great Britain respecting them, has become of so much import- ance, and of so serious a nature, that it calls aloud for the senti- ments of every town and even every individual, to be known and communicated. We therefore hereby assure our brethren, that we will to the utmost of our abilities, contribute to the maintaining and supporting of our just rights and privileges, and to the removal of those evils already come upon us, and more particularly felt by the town of Boston, viewing them as the more immediate sufferers, yet that our liberties and privileges are all thereby threatened and endangered. We do therefore Resolve to this important end, we will unite in the necessary measures that may be adopted, and more partic- ularly pointed out at the proposed General Congress, which we pray may be hastened — the several dissolutions of Houses of Assemblies by their Governors, to prevent the same, notwith- standing. And in the mean time, we cannot refrain from adding, we will exert ourselves in promoting and encouraging useful and necessary manufactures, and such a spirit of economy and frugality among ourselves, as may prevent much of our pre- sent demands for British manufactures. And do Resolve, That every person who shall hereafter send for, and import any British manufactures from Great Britain, or trade or deal with any who shall do so, until the loyal subjects of America are restored to, and can enjoy their just rights and privileges, shall be deemed and treated by us an ungrateful enemy to America, and with such person or persons we will have no commerce or deal. The town then proceeded to and made choice of Ebenezer Williams, Thomas Williams, and Samuel Craft, Esq'rs., as their committee to correspond with the committees of correspondence in this, or the neighboring colonies, from time to time, as shall be thought necessary. A true copy of the original. Attest, George Sujiner, Town Clerk. 63 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. A meeting of the ^Ipectable inhabitants of Middletown, in Hartford county, was called, and held in said town, on the 15th day of June, 1774, when there was assembled more than five hundred of said inhabitants, and the Hon. Jabez Haiiilin, being chosen chairman, they unanimously came into the following Resolves, viz : 1st. That we will heartily concur in any salutary measures that may or shall be devised and come into, or recommended by a General Congress, from all or most of the colonies, or by the greater places of trade and commerce on the continent, or by the inhabitants of this colony, for the preservation of the rights of British Americans. 2d. That Messrs. Matthew Talcott, Richard Alsop, and Titus Hosmer, be our committee of correspondence, whose duty it shall be to collect all such intelligence as may be necessary to enable us to act our part presently, and to good effect in the system of America ; to communicate such intelligence to others as may be useful to them, and the common cause, and in our behalf, to co-operate with the committees of other towns in this colony, in concerting or executing any general plan of proceed- ing for the good of the whole. Certified by Titus Hosmer, Clerk. At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Glastonbury, on the 23d day of June, A. D. 1774. Col, Elizur Talcott, Chairman. Voted, That it is the opinion of this meeting that the act of Parliament imposing a duty on tea exported to America, for the purpose of raising a revenue, is subversive of the rights and lib- erties of the British Americans, unconstitutional and oppressive. And we consider the late act of Parliament for blocking up the port of Boston, and others that are pending with respect to the province of Massachusetts Bay, designed not only to enslave that province, but as we all hold our liberties and privileges on the same footing with them, we consider those acts as aimed at the liberties of all the English colonies in America. We, therefore, are resolved to exert ourselves to the utmost of our power, in every lawful way, to oppose, resist, and if pos- sible, defeat the designs of our enemies to enslave us. And we REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 69 arc of opinion, that the safest and most effectual method to obtain a repeal of those acts, and to restore us to the enjoyment of our rights and privileges, will be an universal agreement of all the colonies, that all commercial connections with Great Britain and the West Indies be withheld. And as we are informed that a General Congress of all the colonies is proposed, we are of opinion that such a Congress would be very expedient, and that is the most probable method to cement the colonies together in a firm union, on which (under God) our only security depends. And when this Congress shall convene (which we hope will be as soon as possible) we shall be ready to adopt any measures which shall be thought by them to be the most effec- tual to obtain relief from the burdens of which we justly complain. Voted, That Col. Elizur Talcott, William Welles, Ebenezer Plummer, Isaac Mosely, Thomas Kimberley, Josiah Hale, and Capt. Elisha Hollister, be a committee of correspondence, to receive and answer all letters, and to promote and forward such contributions as shall be made in this town, for the relief of our distressed friends in Boston, and that they transmit a copy of the proceedings of this meeting to the committee of correspondence at Boston, as soon as possible. A true copy. Test, WiLLiAJi Welles, Clerk. At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Lebanon, legally warned and holden the 18th of July, A. D. 1774, on account of the most alarming and dangerous situation of American liberties, occasioned by the all-grasping claim of the Parliament of Great Britain to tax the colonies, and bind them by their acts in all cases whatsoever ; and to consider what we ought to do for the relief of Boston, suffering the bitter effects of those claims, first carrying into dreadful execution on them by several late acts, &c. Present about three hundred respectable freeholders. At the desire of the selectmen, a discourse well adapted to the important occasion, was previously delivered by the Rev. Dr. Williams, from Luke, chap, iii., verses 2, 3. Col. William Williams, Moderator. 10 70 KKVOLIJTIOIVAUY WAR, 1775. The town liaving t4Kn the matters aforesaid into their serious consideration, are of opinion — That the controversy now sub- sisting between the Parliament of Great Britain and tlie Enghsh American colonies, respecting the rights and liberties of the latter, is a matter and cause of the most important and interesting nature, that can aflcct our minds, next to our own everlasting welfare. We do therefore, In the First place, with humble gratitude and reverence, this day again acknowledge, recognize, and adore the marvellous loving kindness of the Lord our God, who inspired our ancestors with resolution and fortitude to forsake their native land, where they could not enjoy civil and religious liberty, to explore and settle a new world, and supported them through a painful and distressing variety of perils and hardships, too many to be recounted, and enabled them to accomplish a happy settlement in this now fruitful land, to plant his Gospel here, and in the course of his providence, granted them great and important liberties, civil and religious ; which, by his goodness, and the pious care of our fathers, are transmitted to us, their children. And we do also, with pious and affectionate gratitude, call up the dear remembrance of our excellent and renowned fore- fathers, who with incredible labor, obtained, and transmitted to us the precious rights and liberties we have enjoyed, and resolve to imitate their example and virtues ; and in humble confidence that our God will not yet forsake us, though our iniquities testify against us, yet trusting in his mercy, we believe it to be his com- mand, and our indispensable duty to him, to ourselves and pos- terity, to stand fast in the liberty wherewith he has made us free. We do therefore, 2dly. Profess, testify, and declare it to be our firm and unshaken opinion and belief, that the claim of this and the other colonies to all the rights, immunities, and privileges of free and natural English subjects, born within the realm of England, being founded on compact, grants, stipulations, and charters from the rightful kings of England, by them and their successors recog- nized, and by us long enjoyed ; is a claim founded also in the laws and rights of nature, in the highest principles of justice and equity, and on the only foundation principles of legal govern- ment ; and is therefore a just, valid, and effectual claim, and that in which all that is valuable and dear to us in this world, is REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 71 embraced and compi'chcnded ; and as such we will ever consider, and to the utmost of our power defend and support it. 3dly. That the late act of Parliament for blocking up the port and harbor of Boston, thereby depriving them of the only means of their subsistence ; and the two more recent ones, essentially violating the charter rights of the Massachusetts Bay, and making material alterations in the mode and administration of govern- ment, and justice therein, is an axe laid to the root of the tree, and in direct opposition to, and utterly subversive of this and every claim and idea of liberty and property in English America. 4tlily. That therefore the cause of Boston and the Massachu- setts Bay, is the common cause of all the English American colonies. 5thly. That forasmuch as we assume not wisdom enough to prescribe ways and means to avoid the dreadful evils comprised in said acts, and the principles on which they are founded ; nor can they be averted but by the joint act and approbation of the whole ; we therefore ardently approve of, and rejoice in the proposal of a General Congress of commissioners from all the colonies ; from whose joint wisdom, integrity, and virtue, we have the strongest hopes a sure foundation will be laid for the restoration and security of the just and precious privileges of the millions of America ; and to their wisdom and prudence, we do for the present, so far as to us appertains, cheerfully refer the all important cause. And if they should think proper to come into a joint agreement to break off all commercial intercourse with Great Britain and the West Indies, except for the necessaries of life, (if such there be included in it) until American liberties are restored and placed on a solid basis ; we will most cheerfully acquiesce in, and inviolably adhere to such agreement, as a measure most likely (in our opinion) to effect that grand and im- portant design. 6thly. In contradiction to the infamous slanders and lies spread by wicked and designing men, and which have prejudiced the mind of our king, that the people of the colonies are "factious and rebellious, aim at total independence," &c,, we declare it to be our steadfast design and fixed resolution to maintain our duty and loyalty to the king, and delight in a constitutional dependence on the crown of Great Britain ; and that nothing but a perse- vering design to deprive us of the freedom which we have 72 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. earned, to which w^^e entitled by every principle of justice, for which \vc have soloinnly compacted with our king, which our God has given us to possess, and to which, by his favor, we are born, can ever render us willing to become thus independent. 7thly. That in our opinion, Boston, the capital town of New England, is first made to suffer the almost unparalleled hardship and distress aforesaid, not so much on account of the destruction of East India tea in their harbor, as for their having been ever forward and resolute in defence of their, and the common rights of the colonies ; and we are the more grounded in this opinion, as it is most notorious that they used their utmost endeavors in a variety of ways, to accomplish the safe return of the aforesaid tea to the owners, and that all their endeavors for that purpose were effectually defeated by the power and authority of the late Governor Hutchinson, and the commissioners of the customs. Sthly. That forasmuch as this town is resolved to contend earnestly for liberty and property, and are not willing that either should be violated, even in the hands of our enemies, and as the aforesaid tea in the harbor of Boston, fell a just and necessary sacrifice in defence of both, it is the opinion of this town, that the proprietors of it, (base as they are in becoming the tools of oppression) ought to be indemnified therefor by the aforesaid Governor Hutchinson, and the commissioners of the customs, whose joint and successful eftbrts to prevent its return to them was the cause, without which it had never been destroyed. 9thly. That all those persons of what class or denomination soever, who have lately paid servile adulation to the aforesaid Governor Hutchinson on his departure to Great Britain ; and in their addresses complimented him for his attachment to the interest of his country, the wisdom and faithfulness of his admin- istration, &c. ; have thereby counteracted the united voice and sense of their whole legislature, strengthened and increased the credit and influence of the said Governor with the King and Parliament of Great Britain, which we have reason to believe has been and will be exerted to injure and oppress his country, and have therefore forfeited the confidence of their countrymen, and ought to be treated by all with the utmost neglect and contempt. lOthly. That in the opinion of this town, it is of the utmost importance that the town of Boston, and province aforesaid, REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 73 should be encouraged and enabled to hold out against, and steadfastly resist this most violent attack upon our common liberties, until redress can be obtained ; and therefore, that it is the duty of every inhabitant of this town to contribute according to his circumstances and ability, to the relief of those poor and distressed inhabitants of said Boston, who are least able to sup- port their families, while all means of acquiring subsistence are taken away, and business stagnated by the cruel act for blocking up their harbor; and that subscriptions be opened for that purpose, and that the selectmen be a committee to receive the charitable donations of such as are disposed to contribute to the relief of those of our brethren in Boston, suffering as aforesaid ; and the same in the most prudent way remit to the selectmen of said Boston, or to the overseers of the poor therein, to be improved accordingly. llthly. That Col. William Williams, Mr. Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., Joshua West, Esq., Benjamin Bill, Esq., John Clark, Esq., and Mr. Pelatiah Marsh, be a committee to maintain a corres- pondence with the towns in this, and the neighboring colonies, as occasion shall require, on the interesting and important mat- ters respecting the liberties of our country. The foregoing draft of resolutions being repeatedly read, and maturely considered, were passed as the opinion, act, and resolves of said town without one dissentient voice, and ordered to be entered on the records of this town, and inserted in the New London Gazette. Attest, Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., Clerk. At a meeting of delegates of the towns in the counties of New London and Windham, convened at Norwich, the 8th day of September, 1774, to consult for their common safety, &c. Hon. Gurdon Saltonstall, Chairman ; Col. Wm. Williams, Clerk. This convention, taking into their serious consideration, the present state of this country, in that we are threatened with the loss of our liberties and constitutional rights, &c. And when we view its state, as to arms, military knowledge, proper stores, and the attention of this people to their just defence, whenever it shall so happen that any common enemy shall rise against us, and attempt our subjection by force of arms, we cannot but be 74 REVOI.UTIONARY WAR, 1775. animated to address ^rselves to all whose business it is to attend upon military affairs. And in the First place, we do seriously recommend to the select- men of every town, within the counties of New liondon and Windham, that as speedily as possible, they supply their town stock with a full complement of ammunition and military stores, as by law is required. 2dly. We recommend earnestly to every particular troop and military company within said two counties, both officers and soldiers, and all others living within their several and respective hmits, who by \slw are required to provide and keep arms and ammunition, as speedily as possible to arm and equip them- selves, agreeable to the directions of the laws of this colony, (excepting where in arms it may be thought expedient to vary, that such variation be uniformly adopted.) 3dly. We seriously recommend it to all such, as a matter of very great importance, that they, as expeditiously as may be, improve in, and learn the use and design of their arms, by artil- lery exercises or otherwise, that so they may answer the import- ant purpose of their instruction, when occasion shall require, and become fitted to attend their colonel, and other field officers, when by them called to regimental reviews. And, as every great and special advantage must arise from regimental reviews and exercises in the militia of this colony, at least as often as once in four years, as the law requires, and the same having been omitted and neglected, we now earnestly recommend to every colonel and other the field officers of each regiment within the two counties, that on some proper day or days, the present autumn, they call together their several and respective regiments, or such parts of them as shall be conven- ient, at some suitable and appointed places for the purposes above mentioned. And would also further recommend to the colonel or chief officer of each regiment in said two counties, that they forthwith issue their orders to the captains of the several companies in their respective regiments, that they and their companies immediately comply with the requisitions of the laws of this colony, both as to their equipment with arms and ammunition, &c., and a due attention to the cultivation of military skill and the art of war ; and that said chief officers exert themselves in every proper and legal way, in their import- REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 75 ant department, for a general improvement in, and cultivation of tiie noble and important art of military skill and discipline. Voted and passed unanimously. Test, William Williams, Town Clerk. At a legal tow^n meeting, held in Coventry, August 15; con- tinued, by adjournment, September 15, 1774. Phineas Strong, Esq., Moderator. Justly alarmed from a consideration of the gloomy aspect which threatens the subversion of American liberty, from the late attempts of the British Parliament, to tax the Americans without their voice or consent ; the subsequent acts to carry their meas- ures into execution, relative to the towns of Boston and Chai'les- town, and the province of the Massachusetts Bay ; vacating an essential part of their charter right, and depriving them of the use of private property ; condemning them without a hearing or legal trial ; and by coercive measures, and military force, to dis- tress and dragoon into a compliance with the arbitrary will of the British ministry ; the establishment of arbitrary government, and the Popish religion in a neighboring province, contrary to the late Act of settlement for the limitations of the Crown in the Protestant line. Which measures, we are hereby of opinion are a manifest infringement upon natural right, and subversive of the constitution, as founded in compact, stipulation, and charter, and as ever peaceably enjoyed under the late auspicious reigns of his present Majesty's most glorious ancestors. - This meeting, apprehending that unity of sentiment and meas- ures, in every constitutional way, is the most probable method to obtain a redress of those grievances we feel, and to avert those we fear : Do cordially acquiesce in the general sentiment of a non- importation, non-exportation and non-consumption agreement, until our rights shall be restored ; highly approving of the well- concerted measures of a General Congress, in whose wisdom we will confide, and in whose determinations we will cheerfully acquiesce ; humbly imploring wisdom from above to direct them in their consultations and determinations for the general good ; gratefully acknowledging the favorable omens of Providence, in that happy unity, propitious plenty, sympathetic charity, noble fortitude, and manly resistance of despotism, universal through- 76 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. out America. We 10^ leave to recommend mutual prudence and caution, whilst we are opposing, to the utmost of our power, the execution of arbitrary laws and tyrannical government. — That it is our duty, and we will religiously observe and carefully adhere to the good and wholesome laws of our own land ; afford our aid and assistance to the magistrates thereof, and, to the ut- most of our power, maintain and preserve order and government amongst ourselves. Whilst we view with grief and detestation those unnatural enemies of our constitution, from amongst our- selves ; those vile anathemas, who from motives selfish or servile, to court arbitrary promotion, or servilely to cringe to despotic sway, are affording their aid and assistance to, and co-operating with, the ministerial tools of arbitrary power ; are unworthy of that friendship and esteem which constitutes the bond of social happiness, and ought to be treated with contempt, and a total neglect ; whilst we applaud the fortitude of our suffering breth- ren, and feel ourselves charitably inclined, and have appointed a committee to take in subscriptions for their relief. And judging it expedient, and being desirous of keeping up a mutual corres- pondence with the towns of this and the neighboring govern- ments, — do appoint Ephraim Root, Esq., Capt. Ebenezer Kings- bury, Doct. John Crocker, Capt. Elias Buell, and Mr. William Wilson, a committee of correspondence, for the purpose afore- said. The foregoing is a true copy of record, passed unanimously, and ordered to be entered on the records of the town, and in- serted in the New^ London Gazette. Attest, Noah Pouter, Clerk. At a meeting of delegates from the towns in the counties of Hartford, New London, and Windham, and part of the county of Litchfield, held at Hartford, on the 15th of September, 1774. William Wolcott, Esq., Chairman ; and Capt. Samuel Wyllys, Clerk. This meeting, taking into their serious consideration the abso- lute necessity of a non-consumption agreement, being entered into by the consumers, in order to support, and render perma- nent, such non-importation agreement as shall be recommended REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 77 by the General Congress of delegates from all the free British colonies in America, now convened at Philadelphia; and also, that their opinion and resolution thereon hath not been yet fully made known to the delegates from this colony in said Congress : Do Declare and Resolve, That in case the said General Con- gress shall recommend a non-importation of British goods onl}^ or of British and West India goods, we will enter into a solemn contract and agreement, not to purchase or consume any article that shall be prohibited by such non-importation agreement, and to use our utmost endeavors to render the same general and effec- tual ; and do hereby make known, that we have in general been assured by the towns we represent, that they will readily accede to, adopt, and religiously observe such non-consumption agree- ment as aforesaid. And whereas this meeting is informed, that great quantities of English and India goods are ordered by sun- dry sordid and avaricious men in our neighboring colonies, to be purchased in England, and imported this fall, to give them an unreasonable advantage, and prevent the salutary effects of a non-importation agreement : Resolved, That such mercenary wretches, whose avarice can seek for gratification in the distress and ruin of their country, are wholly unworthy of our confidence, friendship, or support ; and that our non-consumption agreement may be useful to any good purpose, we will not purchase any merchandise of them, or transact any business for them, or suffer them to transact any for us, but will wholly withdraw from them, and leave them to the consolation of possessing, and contemplating the curious monu- ments of British industry, and American slavery, which they would so greedily amass to themselves, for such sordid, wicked purposes ; and shall consider in the same light, and treat in the same manner, every person that shall purchase any such goods of them, or do business for them, or emj^loy them in their business. Resolved, That the committees of correspondence for the several towns we represent, be desired to make diligent enquiry after the persons who have ordered goods as aforesaid, and inform the next county and colony meeting, of what they may discover, that their names may be published, their conduct exposed, and their persons avoided. Resolved, That if any merchant, or traders in the towns afore- said, shall attempt to engross any great or unusual quantity of 11 78 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. goods, with design to forestall and elude a non-Importation agreement, we will find ways and means, without violating his private rights, to defeat his views, and make him sensible that virtue and public spirit will be more for his interest than low selfishness and avarice can be. These measures, dictated by- necessity, we enter upon for the preservation of our liberties which we have received from our Creator, and may not resign, or suffer to be ravished from us ; at the same time, it is the warmest wish of our hearts, that the wisdom and equity of the British Parliament may relieve us from our fears and dangers, and that we may once more and forever, look up to our parent country with confidence and pleasure, and secure our own rights, contribute all in our power to promote the honor, interest, and happiness of our elder brethren in Great Britain. And, Whereas we cannot yet be advised what measures the General Congress will recommend, and therefore are at present unable to adjust the particulars of a non-consumption agreement, we think it may be of use to the merchants and traders in the afore- said towns, to be made acquainted with our resolutions afore- said, and that we determine in proper time to carry them into execution. Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be given to the committee of correspondence, for the town of Hartford, for their care and attention to the interest of the public in calling this meeting ; and that they be desired to call a colony meeting at a suitable time and place, to finish the business now begun and entered upon, taking the advice of the committees of corres- pondence for the towns of Windsor, Wethersfield, and Middle- town therein. The inhabitants of many towns in the colony, viz. : — Plainfield, East Haddam, Enfield, Bolton, Stonington, Colchester, Iladdam, Ashford, Tolland, Coventry, and others, held similar meetings, and passed patriotic resolves in favor of sustaining Massachu- setts, in her oppressed situation by the crown. REVOF.UTIONARY WAR, 177G. 79 CONNECTICUT, AND THE CAMPAIGN OF 1770. The campaign of 177G, was one of the most interesting periods of the revolutionary war. It commenced under the most pros- perous and favorable circumstances to the American cause, and was full of extraordinary and exciting incidents. The success- ful resistance made to the arms of Great Britain in 1775; the high reputation which the Bunker Hill battle had given to the American militia, and the final expulsion of the British from Boston, had raised the highest expectations of success among the American people — who had gained from the past more confidence than wisdom, and had vainly thought the contest nearly at an end, when it was scarcely begun. The British, on the other hand, had profited by the experience of the last, and were making the most extensive and thorough preparations for the ensuing campaign. At this critical juncture of the war of the revolution, no colony was more deeply interested in the result than Connecticut, and none better prepared for the emer- gency. The people of this colony had for more than a century, enjoyed one of the most beneficent colonial governments that ever fell to the lot of the subjects of a monarchical government. They had literally governed themselves, although nominally sub- ject to the crown of Great Britain. Notwithstanding their extra- ordinary privileges, no colony stepped forth with more alacrity to the aid of the oppressed people of Massachusetts than Con- necticut ; and none exhibited more sympathy or poured forth their blood and treasure more freely in the onset. In the cam- paign of 1775, she sent forth her thousands to the aid of Mas- sachusetts ; and not only this, but she was the first to commence offensive operations against Great Britain. Her citizens, unaided by any other colony, had conquered the forts on Lake Cham- plain, captured the garrisons, and secured the prisoners and munitions of war in Connecticut. She had also been the first to rally in sustaining the cause of the revolution in the commer- cial city of New York, where she had sent her militia under Gen. Wooster, in the summer of 1775. Again in the autumn 80 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177r>- of the same year, h(^citizens had destroyed one of tlie most oifensive royal presses in tlie colonics ; and finally, by the advice of Gen. Washington, Connecticut had raised a tbrce, which, commanded by Gen. Lee, had wrested New York from the royal authority early in 1776. The last movement was not graciously received by the committee of safety of New York, who exercised the powers of government during the recess of the Provincial Congress of New York. The Connecticut forces were met on the frontier by the committee of safety, who earnestly entreated Gen. Lee, and his little army, to pause on the borders of Connecticut ; but the heroic Connecticut forces were not dissuaded from their patriotic enterprise by the timid and vacillating policy of the New York committee, but marched into the city, and for the first time planted the standard of liberty, independence, and resistance to British oppression in that city, which has since become the commercial emporium of this great republic. It is an historical fact, that there was not suili- cient patriotism or energy in the city of New York, in 177G, although having the glorious example of Boston before them, to acheive their own independence, and establish a government of their own choice ; but for their first emancipation from the thraldom of the British government, the citizens of New York were indebted to the generous sympathy of the hardy yeomen of Connecticut. The patriotic band from Connecticut maintained their position in New York until the arrival of the American army, under Washington, in the beginning of April, '70. The design of the British during this campaign, proved to be, the possession of New York. A part of their fleet, from Halifax, arrived off Sandy Hook, on the 23d of June ; the remainder followed within a week, and Gen. Howe established his head quarters at Staten Island. On the 8th of August, Gen.- Washington states that for the several posts on New York, I^ong Island, Governor's Island, and Paulus Hook, he had but 13,557 cfiective n)en. His nominal force was somewhat larger. Opposed to him was the entire British force, concentrated at Sandy Hook, consisting, by the middle of August, of more than 24,000 men, combined with a fleet of more than 130 vessels. Subsequently, the American army was augmented by fourteen regiments of" militia, from (.Connecticut, comprising from nine REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 81 to ten thousand men, some three thousand mihtia from the State of New York, and tw^ thousand from the south ; so that the whole force under Gen, Washington, at the commencement of operations on Long Island, on the 22d of August, was more than 25,000 men. This was the largest body of American troops ever collected at one point during the revolution ; and the British force was proportionately large. The fourteen regiments of militia sent to New York city, together with the Connecticut quota in the regular army, constituted at least one-third of Gen. Washington's army in the neighborhood of New York, at the commencement of operations on Long Island. Shortly after, nine out of the eleven regiments left in Connecticut, were sent to the relief of Suffolk county, L. I., so that, as Connecticut had at that period but twenty-five regiments, all of them but two, were summoned to the aid of New York at one time, and that in the most busy season of the year. After the defeat on Long Island, the evacuation of New York, and the retreat of Wash- ington acx'oss the Hudson, the Connecticut militia having dis- banded, and gone home, for the defence of the State, there was only a force of 4,000 men left under Gen. Lee, at White Plains, which force was speedily withdrawn, although composed princi- pally of Connecticut men, so that the State was left to rely on its own resources, and in a measure defenceless. This was one of the most gloomy periods of the war of independence. The situation of Connecticut was critical in the extreme. Two British armies occupied strong positions on her right and left ; Long Island Sound was covered with a large British fleet ; and the British force in New York and Newport, was scarcely inferior in number to the whole militia of the State. The militia had been harassed by repeated calls of duty, and had suffered greatly in the defence of New York, by privation and sickness,-^so that had the British invaded Connecticut at this time, the militia would have been ill-qualified to have resisted them with success. In addition to other evils, the harvest of the past season, had been scanty, and gathered with great difficulty from the want of laborers ; the women became familiar with the use of the plough, hoe, axe, and sickle ; and but a small supply of seed had been put into the ground for the coming season. But, notwithstanding these numerous and appalling difficulties, neither Athens, when she was beset by the legions of Xerxes, nor Rome, 82 REVOI.UTIONARV WAR, 177C. when she had lost thc^fattlc of Cannx ,cxhil)itc(l a more indomi- table spirit of firmness than the {Temple and government of Con- necticut at the close of the autumn of 1770. The high character for bravery which the people of Connecticut had acquired in the various contests in the beginning of the revolution — the great • unanimity which prevailed among them — their patriotic devotion to the cause of independence — together with the unconquerable spirit of resistance which had so signally displayed itself in the heroic bravery of Knovvlton, and the ever-memorable martyr- dom of the gallant Hale — all had their influence to protect the people of Connecticut from the incursions of the enemy, and preserve them from the danger then so apparently formidable and threatening. In going over the events of the campaign of 1776, which re- late to Connecticut, it may be well, in this place, to give a brief account of one, whose lamentable fate ought to be preserved in the memory of every American.* Nathan Hale was a son of Connecticut, born in South Coventry, on the 6th of June, 1755. * The following is a genuine specimen of tory benevolence, and may be depended upon as real matter of fact. Newburyport, February 13, 1777. Samuel Hale, late of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, after his elopement from thence, visited an uncle in Connecticut, where he was hospitably entertained. But as his uncle was a Whig, and had a sori, a young gentleman of a liberal education and most amiable disposition, who strongly felt for his bleeding country, and being very active in the military way, was urged and prevailed'on to take a commission in the continental army ; consequently Samuel was obliged to conduct with caution, and counterfeit as well as he could, a whigish phiz while he tarried, which however, was but for a short time, before ho made his escape to Gen. Howe, in New York. Some time after tliis, Capt. Hale, at the request of the General, (Washington) went into New York in disguise, and having nearly accomplished his designs, whom should he meet, but his aforesaid cousin Samuel, whom he attempted to shun, but Sam knew him too well. Capt. Hale soon found he was advertised, and so particularly described that he could not get through Long Island. He therefore attempted to escape by the way of King's Bridge, and so far succeeded as to get to the outer guard, where he was suspected, apprehended, carried back and tried, and yet would have been acquitted, had not his affectionate and grateful cousin Samuel, appeared and made oath that he was a captain in the continental army, and that he was a spy; in consequence of which, he was immediately hung up. However, at the gallows, he made a sensible and spirited speech ; among other things, told them they were shedding the blood of the innocent, and that if he had ten thousand lives, he would lay them all down, if called to it, in defence of his injured, bleeding country. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 83 Gifted with a high order of intellect, he was a scholar from choice — and parental assistance encouraged his youthtul efforts. He graduated at Yale College in the year 1773, with the highest reputation as a scholar, a man of truth, and a lover of humanity. Before reaching the early age of twenty-one, the battle of Lex- ington prompted him to obey the watch-word of liberty which NoTK. — 1776- Maj. John Bigelow, with a fine company of matross, started from Hartford for Quebec, on the 2d of April, 1776. There were in New York over 10,000 continental troops, besides those of the New York province, April 8th, 1776. Congress resolved that all ships and other vessels, and all goods, wares, and merchandise, owned by any inhabitants of Great Britain, taken on the high seas, or between high or low water mark, should be judged a lawful prize. On the 27th day of March, 1776, the committee of inspection of fifteen towns in Hartford county, duly warned, met at the state house, in Hartford, to take into consideration the alarming prices of West India goods, and to regulate prices in the country — which tJiey did on West India rum, New England rum, molasses, sugars, coffee, and salt. And as indirect means had in some cases been used, upon committees of inspection, to obtain India tea, under a pretence for the sick, by applying to committees of other towns for permission to pur- chase it. The board resolved that no license to purchase tea except for the sick, should be granted, and then only when the person applying, and the sick person needing it, resided in the town where such application siiould be made — with the name of the person applying, the exact quantity wanted, and the name of the sick person entered in the permit, and the permit left with the seller to whom directed— and the tea to be sold at the rate of 4s. and 6d. per pound. — [Connecticut Courant.] y April 15, 1776. So violent were the whigs against the tories in this State during the war, that the tories were published in capitals, in the Connecticut Courant, on the first page of the paper, in the following manner : Pe.rso7is held up to Public Vieiv as Enemies to the Country — Jonathan Hill, Alford, Massa- chusetts Bay ; Stephen Sears, Sharon, Ct. ; Lieut. Ebenezer Orvis, Farmington, Ct. ; David Vaughn, Jericho, Massachusetts Bay. — Note. Stephen Sears made his confession befoi"e the committee of inspection of Sharon, which was accept- -A ed 30th of April, '76. ^'• May 20th 1776. Capt. David Hawley sailed from Stratford on the 17th of March, 1776: on the 21st day of March he was taken by the Bellona of 6 guns and 8 swivels ; the British crews sprang on board eager for plunder, damned Capt. Hawley, his crew, and country ; he with his men were taken and put on board the Bellona — about 10 at night they joined the Rose, Glasgow, and Swan, men-of-war ; he with his crew were put on board the Rose, and the next day sailed into Newport. Liberty was given him to get his clothes from his own sloop, he found his chest broken, and all his clothes stolen. They otfered Capt. Hawley 5s. sterling per day, a good cabin for his use, and to pay for his vessel after the war closed, his choice of a plantation in any part of tl>c 84 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. called him to the harelips of war, and he accepted the commis- sion of a captiiin, under Col. Knowlton, of Ashford. He was soon called to encounter the dangers of war, and was actively engaged in the disastrous campaign for the defence of New York. Here he conceived the bold project of capturing a sloop of the enemy, containing supplies ; success crowned his etibrts, continent, if he would act as their pilot, which he refused ; in consequence of which, he was parted from his men on board the Glasgow, without even the privilege of writing to his mate. The Glasgow on the 5th of April, sailed from Newport, and after a severe action at sea, arrived in Halifax in eleven days, where Capt. Hawley remained two weeks ; but on the 7th of May, he with eight others, escaped in a small boat and went to Old York. [Conn. Courant.] Extract of a letter published in the Connecticut Courant, May 20th, 1776. " A gang of tories have been discovered in the neighborhood of Fairfield, taken and imprisoned. These and others undoubtedly corresponded with the enemies of America ; and a line of intelligence from hence to Quebec has been kept up, whereby every movement of ours has been made known to our enemies. And by these miscreants, the British prisoners are assisted to escape. If these internal enemies are sutFered to proceed in their hellish schemes, our ruin is certain ; but if they are destroyed, the power of Hell and Britain will never prevail against us. Rouse then, my countrymen, search out the nest of these vultures, and bring them to the punishment they merit." On the 30th of May, 1776, Capt. Nilcs, in the Spy, privateer, on a cruise between Montauk Point and Block Island, was chased into New London, by the Cerberus frigate : she followed the Spy in as far as the race and left her ; the Spy lost her top-mast. Capt. Jones in a privateer, Capt. Brooks in a Now Haven privateer, who sailed from New London with Capt. Niles, put into Newport. News arrived at New London, June 7th, 1776, that the French Court had taken off the prohibition on the exportation of gun powder from France, and that large quantities of it arrived daily in the West Indies — which caused great joy in the States. By a letter dated Boston, June 13lh, 1776, the writer states that on Friday last, the frigate Milford, of 28 guns, came up with the Ya«k«e Hero, privateer, Capt. Tracy, of Newburyport, otT Cape Ann, and had an engagement of near two hours ; when the Yankee Hero, struck to the frigate, being vastl}'^ superior in force. Capt. Tracy was wounded in his leg ; Lieut. Main badly wounded ; Rowe, of Cape Ann, lost an arm ; four were killed, and fourteen wounded. June 24lh. Thirty-three and a quarter tons of salt potre manufactured in Connecticut previous to the 4th of June, had been received in store for the colony, to supply the powder mills, two of which mills were in full operation, and the third nearly completed. By a letter dated Boston, June 19tli, 1776, from Capt. Seth Harding, of the brig Defence, in the Connecticut service, to Gov. Trunjbull, it is Btaled thfvt he RICVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 85 and the heroic character which he gained in the army, for this daring enterprise, probably cost him his hfe. After the fatal action of the 27th of August, and the subsequent retreat of the Americans from New York, Gen. Washington, desirous of obtaining information with regard to the strength, position, and probable movements of the enemy, determined, with sailed last Sunday from Plymouth, that he soon heard firing at the northward ; and in the evening he fell in with four armed schooners, near the entrance of Boston harbor ; he there learned, that the schooners had been engaged with an English ship and brig, and were obliged to quit the action — that the Defence soon after went into Nantucket road, where he found a ship and brig at anchor ; and the Defence fell in between them and cast anchor, about 11 o'clock, P. M. He then hailed the ship, and received the answer — from Great Britain. Capt. Harding ordered her to strike her colors, to America. They answered, by asking, what brig is that? he told him the brig Defence. Then Capt. Harding again hailed him, and informed him he disliked to kill his men, but that he would have the ship at all events, and again ordered her to strike her colors. When the Ma\or replied yes, PU strike, and then fired a broad side at the Defence, which was immediately returned, and the engagement lasted three hours, when the ship and brig both struck to the Defence. The Defence lost no men, and had but nine wounded ; the enemy had eighteen killed, and several wounded. Capt. Harding took from the two vessels, 210 prisoners, among whom was Col. Campbell, of Gen. Frazer's regiment of Highlanders. The Mafor was killed in the battle. Capt. Harding also stated, that on the luth of June, a ship was seen in Boston Bay, and came towards the entrance of the harbor — that Capt. Plarding hoisted sails, with four schooners in company, and took the ship without an engagement, with 112 Highlanders on board. He stated his brig was much damaged in her sails and rigging. In June, 1776, there was a meeting of the inn keepers, on the East side of Connecticut river, in Hartford county, when they unanimously resolved to pur- chase no rum by the hogshead or barrel at the exorbitant price it was then selling, for four months. And further agreed to sell all liquors at their houses, at their usual prices, for the time. Said meeting was then adjourned until October, and all inn holders and retailers of liquors, were requested to take such measures as would prevent monopolies for the good of the country. June 29, 1776. The committee to superintend prisoners stationed in this colony, resolved that no prisoner under the committee should be absent from their lodgings after dark, on pain of imprisonment. And that all prisoners of war in the colony (except officers) should be permitted to work at their trades for wages, who wore able, and such as would not work as aforesaid, should be confined, and subsist upon the billeting allowed by Congress. New York, July 4lh, 1776. Last Wednesday, passed through New York, Gov. Franklin, of New Jorscj', on his way to Gov. Trumbull, at Lebanon ; Gov. Franklin is a noted tory uiid ministerial tool, and exceedingly busy in perplexing 12 86 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. the consent of a coutlRl of war, to send an officer of adequate talents and courage intp the British camp, to examine their force, and discover their designs. This proposition was submitted by Gen. Washington to the young officers of the army, but not a single individual was found willing to undertake the hazardous enterprise, except Hale. Washington gave the parting blessing the cause of liberty. His principles, connexions, abilities, and address, have rendered him a dangerous enemy in New Jersey ; he therefore is removed under a strong guard to Connecticut, He is the son of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, the genius of the day, and the great patron, of American liberty. On Friday last, forty-nine dirty tory prisoners, taken at Johnstown, N. Y., were brought under guard from Albany to Hartford, and others were on their way. The several regiments of foot which were ordered to be raised in this colony, with three regiments of the troop of light horse marched for New York, to defend the invaded province. It was reported that it was proposed, after three months, that all copper coin made of base metal or light in weight, should be suppressed, and the remainder to pass at the rate of 15 for an 8th of a dollar ; and if not then a supply for use, in such case, all were to be called in and a new issue made, of continental copper coin of a large size, 12 of which should be passed for the 8th of a dollar, and no other coppers to pass. July 8lh, 1776. Last week twenty-two prisoners were taken on board a barge of the British fleet, as they were sounding a channel below New York, and arrived at Farinington, in this State. The committee for prisoners, resolved that no prisoner on parole, should go out of the parish where he was stationed, except by a written permit, on pain of imprisonment. And that it would be unsafe to employ prisoners to make fire arms, gun powder, cast cannon, cannon balls, or erect fortifications ; it Was also recommended to all the towns in the colony, where prisoners were stationed, to have a watch to guard the avenues into and out of towns, to be set by 9 o'clock, P. M., to preserve peace and prevent intelligence prejudicial to the liberties of America. — [Connecticut Courant ] Hartford, July 15, 1776. Last week about one hundred and fifty tories in the Nine Partners, N. Y., rose in a body, fell upon the sons of liberty, disarmed tliem, and took possession of their committee chamber, but were quelled by a party from the west part of Connecticut of about three hundred ; and twenty of them taken prisoners. Governor Trumbull issued a proclamation for all persons excused by law from military duty, householders, to form themselves into companies, to keep 1 up the spirit of the times, &c. After which East Windsor, Saybrook, and various other towns, formed thera- I selves into companies, appointed their officers, Szc. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 87 and instructions to the heroic youth in person. In obedience to his directions, Hale passed over to Long Jsland, and fulfilled the object of his mission by obtaining the desired information. On his return he was recognized and betrayed 'by a relative. He was immediately arrested and brought before Sir William Howe, who, without even the formalities of a trial, ordered him to be The following General Orders, dated Chamblee, Au^st 7, 1776, were sent to Gov. Trumbull by express from Ticonderoga : "ss." General Orders. Parole, St. Jerome. Countersign, Paris. " His Excellency Gen. Carlton, orders the commanding officers of corps, to take special care, that every one under their command should be informed that letters or messages from rebel traitors in arms against tlieir king, rioters, dis- turbers of the public peace, plunderers, robbers, assassins or murderers, are on no occasion to be admitted. That should emissaries from such lawless men again presume to approach the army, whether under the name of a flag of truce men, or embassadors, except when they come to implore the king''s mercy, their persons shall be immediately seized and committed to close confinement, in order to be proceeded against as the law directs ; their papers and letters for whomsoever, even those for tiie commander-in-chief, are to be delivered to the provost marshal, that unread and unopened, they may be burned by the handd of the common hangman. At the same time, the commander-in-chief expects that neither the assassination of Brigadier General Gordon, nor the late notori- ous breach of faith, in resolving not to return the troops, and Canadians taken at St. John's in exchange for those rebels who fell into the hands of savages at the Cedars, and Quinchin purchased from them at a great price, and restored to their country, on those express conditions, be not. imputed to the provincials at large, but to a few wicked and designing men, who first deceived them step by step, misled the credulous multitude to the brink of ruin, afterwards usurped authority over them, established a despotic tyranny not to be borne, and now wantonly and foolishly endeavor to provoke the spilling the blood of our unhappy countrymen, of this continent, in hopes of covering their own guilt, or confirming their tyranny by the general destruction of their country. Let their crimes pursue these faithless, bloody-minded men, who assert that white is black, and black white ; it belongs to Britons to distinguish themselves, not less by their humanity than their valor ; it belongs to the king's troops to save the blood of his deluded subjects, whose greatest fault perhaps is in having been deceived by such men to their own destruction ; it belongs to the crown, it is the duty of all faithful servants of the crown, to preserve from oppression, and restore to liberty, the once happy, free and loyal people of this continent. " All prisoners from the rebellious provinces that choose to return home, are to hold themselves in readiness to embark at a short notice. The commissary, Wm. Murray, shall visit the transports destined for them, and see that whole- some provisions, necessary clothing, with all possible convenience for their pas- sage, be prepared for the unfortunate men. They are to look on their respec- tive provinces as their prison, and there to remain until further enlarged, or summoned to appear before the commander-in-chief of this province, or any other coramander-in-chief, for his majesty for the time bein^, which summons 88 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. executod on the gibbcffis a spy ; which inhuman order was car- ried into effect at an early hour the next morning, in an ignomin- ious manner, by the hands of a refugee. This cruel execution, or rather assassination, has generally been supposed to have taken place on Long Island, but it has lately been ascertained from undoubted authority, that the scene of Hale's last sufferings was in New York city. shall be obeyed. Gen. Howe will regulate the place of their landing. N. B. If he is allowed the liberty. Ticonderoga, August 12." The above is Gen. Carleton's orders at Ciiamblee, which was sent us by Maj. Bigelow, who went with a flag, and was detained 24 days. Brig. Gen. Gordon was killed within about 60 rods of the enemy's camp. August 12, 1776. Last week from twenty to thirty torics arrived in Hart- ford from Albany, fifteen of them wcre'to be stationed at New London. A new ship-of-war, owned by this colony, was struck by lightning at Saybrook, and considerably damaged. By a letter from Mount Independence, (opposite Ticonderoga) to a gentleman in Salisbury, dated August 5, 1776, a list of the American fleet on the lake, is given as follows, viz. : — Royal Savage, Capt. Wyncoop, twelve carriage guns, nine 6 and 4 pounders, ten swivels, and 50 men ; Enterprize, Capt. Dixon, twelve carriage guns, nine 5 and 4 pounders, ten swivels, and fifty men ; Revenge, Capt. Laman, ten carriage guns, 4 and 2 pounders, ten swivels, and thirty-five men ; Liberty, Capt. Primer, ten carriage guns, 4 and 2 pounders, 8 swivels, and forty-five men ; four gondolas, Mansfield, Simmons, Sumner, and Ustins, captains, each gondola three guns, one 12 and two 9 pounders, 8 swivels, and forty-five men ; three row galleys on a new contruction, ready to launch ; and ten gondolas and more soon to be ready, with which he thought the Americans could hold the superiority on Lake Champlain. The whole standing militia of Connecticut, west of Connecticut river, with two regiments on the east side, have marched to join the grand American army, at New York, consisting of at least ten thousand men. — Connecticut Courant, August, 1776] 1776. By a letter from Ticonderoga, dated August 10, 1776, to a gentleman in New Haven, it is stated that the American fleet of ten sail would go down the lake within a day or two on a cruise. Also, that Brig. Gen. Gordon was killed by a Lieut, of one of our reconnoitering parties between Chamblee and St. Johns. I New London, August 23, 1776. Last Lord's day the ship-of-war owned by f this State, built at Saybrook, commanded by Capt. Wm. Coit, came out of the river, being the largest vessel that had ever been over Saybrook bar, (piloted by James Harris.) Three vessels arrived in New London in one week, from New York, with tories collected in New York city, and on Long Island, who were sent into the country towns for safe keeping. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 89 " Thus fell Nathan Hale, in the morning of life, and in the dawn of high promise of reputation and honor to himself, and of usefulness to his country. The manner and circumstances of his death must ever be abhorrent to the feelings of humanity. He was treated in the most unfeeling and indecent manner ; and every indulgence, — every mark of sympathy and respect was _ In consequence of tlie great number of prizes taken by us and carried into different ports at the eastward, Jamaica rum is only 4s, and 4d. per gallon, and sugar $'5 per hundred, in Boston. August 26, 1776, List week three ships and two tenders appeared off New London, and anchored off Fisher's Island. Last Saturday, a number of gentlemen tories were brought to New London, and were sent to Norwich. Last Monday, David Matthews, Mayor of the city of New York, was brought from Litchfield, and on Friday was returned to Litchfield, to remain under the care of Capt. Moses Seymour. All the women and children, with the sick and infirm, were removed out of New York, by the recommendation of Gen. Washington. — [Conn. Courant.] Sept. 4lh, 1776. By the advice of a council of war, the Thursday night previous to tlie above date, the whole of the American army on Long Island returned to New York, with their camp equipage, cannon, stores, &,c., and &o still were they in their movements, and secret in their designs, that it was not discovered by the enemy until the army and baggage were got over, and only three men in the battalion, the last, fell into their hands. Saturday and Sun- day our troops evacuated our fortifications on Governor's Island and Red Hook, and brought off their cannon, &c., under a heavy fire from the enemy on Long Island, when the Americans lost some men. In the batile of the 27th of August, Col. Huntington's regiment suffered much ; there were missing after the action, six captains, six lieutenants, twenty, one sergeants, two drummers, and one hundred and twenty-six rank and file. Sixty.four women arrived in one day at Milford, from Long Island. The post office of New York was removed to Dobb's Ferry, thirty miles up the North river. , The following is a list of the names of officers in Col. Huntington's regi- ment, who were prisoners with the enemy, who sent a flag of truce for tiieir baggage and money, viz. : — Lieut. Makepeace, Capt. Brewster, Ensign Lyman, Ensign Chapman, Ensign Hinsman, Ensign Bradford, Lieut. Orcott, Ensign Higgins, Capt. Bissell, Lieut. Gillett, Lieut. Gay, Adjutant Hopkins, Doctor Holmes, and Col. Clark. — [Connecticut Courant.] On the 16th of September, 1776, the following persons from Connecticut, were confined with others, in one room, at Halifax, among felons, theivcs, negroes, &c. : — Sergeants Levi Munson, of Wallingford, Zachariah Brinsniade, 90 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. denied him. He desilRl the attendance of a clergyman, — it was refused. But what was more inhuman, the letters which he had written to his mother and friends, were destroyed on the morning of his execution. This savage outrage on the feelings of humanity could only be equalled by the reason which was assigned for it ; which was, " that the rebels should not know of Woodbury; Corporals Cliarles Steward, of Stamford, Roger Moore, of Sails, bury, Samuel Lewis, Win. Gray, David Goss, and Adoriijah Maxum, of Sharon, Ebenezer Mack, and Levi Barnum, of Norfolk, and Flowers, of New Hartford. In the hospital — Amos Green, of Norwich, J. Mathews, of Goshen, and Wm. Drinkwater, of New Milford, All Col. Ethan Allen's men lived to return from England. Sept. 30, 1776. The following is an extract of a letter, dated Camp, Long Island, July 15, 177G, by Wm. Falconer, a Scotch oiRcer, to his brother in Scotland. " Dear Brother — With the greatest difBculty I have obtained this small piece of paper, to inform you I am very well, notwithstanding our miserable situa. tion. We have been encamped on this Island the month past, and lived upon nothing but salt pork and pease — we sleep upon the sea shore, nothing to shelter us from the violent rains, but our coats or miserable paltry blankets. Nothing grows on the Island, being a mere sand bank, with a few bushes which harbor a million of mus-quitoes, a greater plague than there can be in hell itself, &,c. &c." About the 5lh of October, 177G, arrived four transports at Elizabethtown, in New Jersey, from Quebec, with four hundred and twenty Americans, who had been prisoners in Canada. The officers from Connecticut, were, Maj. Return J. Meigs, Capt's. Samuel Lockwood, E. Oswald, O. Hanchett, A. Savage, B. Chatten. — [Connecticut Courant.] Monday, Oct. 7, 1776. On the 29th, a prize ship from Jamaica, bound to London, was sent into New London, by the armed brig Defence, Capt. Harding; she sailed from Montego Bay in company with two hundred sail under a convoy of two ships-of-war, which returned to port ; the cargo of the prize consisted of 306 hogsheads of sugar, 150 do. of rum, 16 bales of cotton, a quan. tity of coffee and mahogany, and 2 sea turtles — of about 300 tons, cilled the John, McDonald, master. On the 3d of October, Capt. Harding arrived in the Defence, from a cruise — the same morning ofi' Narragansctt beach, he fell in with two British frigates ; the frigates fired sixty or seventy shots at the Defence, and the Defence returned a like number — and the frigates came to anchor off Goshen reef, about five miles west of New London harbor. Two days after, Capt. Harding took the aforesaid prize ; he also took a Guinea.man, homeward bound, from the West Indies, Wm. Jackson, master. October, 1776. At the naval action on lake Champlain, on the 11th day of October, 1776, when the American fleet was defeated, and their fleet left in a shattered and ruined condition, by the superior force of the British, in &hips> REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 91 that they had a man in their army who could die with so much firmness." It is difficult to conceive of a situation more awful, or of one that in a more eminent degree, was calculated to overcome the firmest mind. Among entire strangers, in the hands of his enemies, every face presenting the aspect of hostili- ty, and without a single friend to sympathize with, or console guns, and men ; though the action lasted five hours, within musket shot of each other, only one galley, sloop Entcrprize, two small schooners, and ono gondola, escaped ; the remainder of the fleet was taken and burnt. General Arnold fought in the galley Congress, as long as possible, then ran her ashore, burnt her, and escaped by land to Ticonderoga, with a loss of twenty men. Gau. Waterbury, in the Washington galley, fought until the galley was sinking under him, and was obliged to strike to the enemy. — [Connecticut Courant.] P. S. Generals Arnold and Waterbury, were ofEcers from Connecticut. The regiments from Connecticut who met the enemy near White Plains, in 1776, wiiere Gen. Lee marched to attack them, were commanded by Colonel Chester, Col. Douglass, and Col. Silliman, when about one hundred and fifty men were killed and wounded, in an engagement of about one hour. On the 4th of November, 1776, the British had four ships cruising near Block Island, of 32, 28, 18 and 28 guns. On the third day of December, the inhabitants of New London were much alarmed by the appearance of eleven ships from the eastward, going into Long Island sound, most of which appeared to be men-of-war, and by thoir course for some time appeared bound to New London, but towards night anchored near Long Island shore ; the next morning they were joined by other ships-of-war and transports from New York, nearly one hundred in number . they sailed to, and anchored at Black Point, about eight miles west of New London harbor, where they remained on the 6lh. The appearance of so largo a fleet within one hours sail, threw the inhabitants into great consternation. The Governor gave orders for the whole of the militia in this State, east of Connecticut river, with three regiments from the west side, immediately to march to Black Point, but the fleet disappeared on Friday morning, and the orders were countermanded. On the 9lh of December, twenty. four sail of the British fleet were at anchor between Fairfield and Norwalk. Nov. 8th, 1776. A number of troops from Rhode Island, from the east end of Long Island, and from Connecticut, embarked at New Haven and landed at Shelocket, on Long Island, to bring off some lories, and the effects of a gentle, man friendly to America. Being interrupted by some tories who fired at them the crow killed ten and brought off twenty. three, two of whom were deserters from the American army. They lost one sergeant killed in the contest. About the same time, Samuel Glover, a noted offender, was taken on said Islanii, and commit-led to jail in New London. He had taken an ensign's commission in the service of the British, and some important papers were found in his pos- session. Friday, Nov. 15th, 1776. Last Friday was sent into the port of New Lon- don, by tiie Continental armed brig Cabot, Capt. E. liinman, a prize ship of 92 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. him, in this hour of^|ial. and subjected to contumely and re- proach — having the oppi'obrious epithet of ' rebel' contmually be- stowed upon him, he had nothing but the consciousness of his moral innocence, and the justness of the cause in which he was engaged, to sustain him — and these were sulhcient. He met his fate with the most dignified composure and firmness. His last 200 tons, bound from Jamaica to Scotland, laden with rum, sugar, «fcc. — [Green's Connecticut Gazette.] On the 18lh of September, 177G, several of the most respectable ladies in East Haddam, about thirty in number, met at J. Chapman's and husked in four or five hours about 240 bushels of corn. A noble example, so necessary in this bleeding country, while their fathers and brothers were fighting the battles of the nation.— [Green's Gazette.] Nov. 20th, 177(). A few days since, some of the men of one of the British tenders, landed at Stamford, on a point of land, and shot, and carried off two lat cattle.— [Green's Gazette,] On the 5lh day of December, 1776, an order was issued to John McKalli captain of the veteran guards in Norwich, that from appearances, the enemy designed an attack on New London — therefore ordered him forthwith to call out, marshal, equip, and march his company for the defence of New London, or any other place that might be attacked. And the company under the command of Col. E. V/olcott, commander of the fort at JNevv London. (On the back of which, are the names of tliose who enlisted in said company.) Dec. 12, 1776. Capt. Harding informed the Governor that Mr. Bartram was in poor health, and unable to go to sea, which he much regretted, as ho was a man of courage, and wished him kept under pay, for his former good services. Dec. 23, 1776. The British fleet at Black Point, hoisted sail on Friday morning, and about mid-day, wore in breast of New London harbor, and made a most formidable appearance. The inhabitants of New London were again alarmed for about half an hour; they had every appearance of being about to come in ; after which they stood out again, and at night anchored the south side of Fisher's Island. On Saturday Commodore Sir Peter Parker, who had the command of said fleet, proceeded to Rhode Island with the ships-of-vvar, and anchored above tho harbor of Newport, and on the Sabbath landed a body of troops, under Generals Clinton and Piercy, who took possession of Newport, with little or no resistance. The few American troops on the Island retreated to Bristol, though they left some pieces of artillery. The British troops wero supposed to be about 5,000 in number, many of them Hessians, some troops of horse, &c. They immediately began intrenchments at a place called Meeting House Hill, three miles from Bristol ferry. From the first appearance of the fleet, the militia of Rhode Island were in motion, and joined by a large body of troops from other States, and some companies of artillery. It was reported that the fleet and troops were escorted into Newport by a set of well known infamous torics, who had infested tho town. Two of the British frigates lay REVOLUTIOINARY WAR, 177G. 93 words were, " that he only lamented that he had hut one life to lose for his country ^ " Capt. Hale possessed a fine genius, had received an excellent education, and disclosed high promise of future talents and useful- ness. He was open, generous, brave, and enthusiastic in the cause of liberty and his country, in which he had engaged, and for which he was destined to die an early nnartyr. The fate of Hale, it will be observecl, was in almost every respect, strikingly similar to that of Major Andre. As it respects character, quali- at Scconet passage, one near Bristol, and a fourth at the north end of Provi- dence Island. — [Connecticut Courant.] An Jljiccdote. — In 1776, when Col. ]\JcLellan acted as major, (as is related by one of his regiment,) and his regiment had arrived at their station, where they were to encamp, the major divided them into messes, while the colonel was to see the commissary, and find where to draw their rations. The commissary in- formed the colonel he had provisions, hut that at that time he could not furnish his regiment with provisions, as others might arrive in camp. The colonel inform- ed him, his regiment was entirely destitute of supplies, and he must furnish them to save them from starvation ; that his men were respectable at home, and thi-s their first experience in actual service, &:c. But the commissary still refused to furnish his men as requested. The colonel having been long detained, Maj. Mc- Lellan met him, and the colonel informed him of their hopeless predicament, v;ith a starving regiment, and yet provisions enough in the hands of the com- missary. The major at once replied, I will see them turned out ! and returned in haste to his regiment, and ordered the informant with nine others, each over six feet in height, to turn out, fix on tlieir bayonets and follow him — (his object unknown to his men) they obeyed and followed him to the commissary store? and again reciucstcd provisions for the regiment, and received the same answer that was given to the colonel. Maj. McLellan replied, "you rascal, do you think I will permit my regiment to starve and perish in a cook's shop, furnished by the public — do you, sir, instantly turn out sufficient, or I will despatch you," while his ten 6 feet soldiers all presented their bayonets at the breast of the commissary, who instantly and tremblingly threw open his store door and turned out a necessary supply, to the great joy and mirth of the soldiers. The following facts are related of a noble horse that was rode by Col. Mc- Lellan during the war : so accustomed had he become to martial music, that for years after the war closed, whenever he heard the drum and fife on training days, he would leap from his pasture and parade himself before the company with as much apparent satisfaction as the captain who commanded it. June, 1776. The colony of Connecticut, at the special session in June, 1776, instructed the delegates of the colony, in the General Congress, to propose to said Congress, that the United Colonies should be declared Independent Slates, &c., as appears by the following Preamble and Resolution, viz. : 13 94 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. fications, and persoi^^interest, Hale would not suffer from a comparison with Andre. Yet strange as it may seem, the fate of Andre, even in America, has been universally lamented, and his memory universally respected ; whilst it is scarcely known that there was ever such a man as Nathan Hale. Andre has had a monument erected to his memory by his country, and the most DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the English Colony of Connecticut, in New England, in America, holden at Hartford, in said Colony, by special order of the Governor, on the 14th day of June, A. D. 1776. Whereas the King and Parliament of Great Britain, by many acts of said Parliament have claimed and attempted to exercise povpers incompatible with, and subversive of the ancient, just, and constitutional rights of this and the rest of the English colonies in America, and have refused to listen to the many and frequent, humble, decent, and dutiful petitions for redress of grievances and restoration of such their rights and liberties, and turning from them with neglect and contempt to support such claims, after a series of accumulated wrong and injury, have proceeded to invade said colonies with fleets and armies, to destroy our towns, shed the blood of our countrymen, and involve us in the calamities incident to war; and are endeavoring to leduce us to an abject surrender of our natural and stipulated rights, and subject our property to the most precarious dependence on their arbitrary will and pleasure, and our persons to slavery, and at length have declared us out of the king's protection, liave engaged foreign mercenaries against us, and are evidently and strenuously seeking our ruin and destruction. These and many other transactions, too well known to need enu- meration ; the painful experience and effects of which we have suffered and feel, make it evident, beyond the possibility of a doubt, that we have nothing to hope from the justice, humanity or temperate councils of the British King or his Parliament, and that all hopes of a reconciliation, upon just and equal terms are delusory and vain. In this state of extreme danger, when no alternative is left us but absolute and indefinite submission to such claims as must terminate in the extreme of misery and wretchedness, or a total separation from the King of Great Britain, and renunciation of all connection with that nation, and a success- ful resistance to that force which is intended to effect our -destruction. Appeal- ing to that God, who knows the secrets of all hearts, for the sincerity of former .declarations of our d I 146 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. of the militia, with(^|pDrders from the Governor and Council, for the defence of this or the neighboring States. The militia, in 1777, enjoyed comparative repose ; not being subjected to those severe draughts which they had experienced in the preceding years. There were only three considerable requi- sitions of the standing militia during this year. The first was to Peekskill, under Brig. Gen. Ward, to reinforce the army on that station, under Gen. Putnam. The second was a draught of two regiments for the northern army. These regiments were com- manded by Col. Cook, of , and Col. Samuel McLellan, of Woodstock. Also, a regiment of light-horse, commanded by Maj. Elijah Hyde. In the ever-memorable victory of Saratoga, Connecticut had her full share of troops on the ground, and her officers and sol- diers fully sustained that high character for skill and bravery, which had been awarded to them in the previous campaigns. The last requisition of the militia this season, was for a bri- gade from the eastern section of the State, under the command of Brig. Gen. John Douglass, to aid Maj. Gen. Spencer in a pro- jected expedition against the enemy on Rhode Island. This ex- pedition was designed to take place in October, of that year, but failed from the badness of the weather, and other causes. In addition to the many other evils incident to a protracted and calamitous civil and foreign war, a spirit of monopoly and en- grossing of provisions, as well as other necessaries and luxuries, now prevailed to a most alarming extent. In order to check this demoralizing spirit of cupidity, the Legislature of Connecticut, at the October session of 1777, enacted a severe law against mo- nopoly, and the engrossing both of agricultural products and im- ported goods. The title of this act was as follows : " An Act to encourage fair dealing, and to restrain and punish sharpers and oppressors." The most important event in which Connecticut was concern- ed, in 1778, was the great and terrible calamity that 'overwhelm- ed the settlement beyond the Delaware — the massacre at Wyo- ming. The following article, describing that catastrophe, was published about that time : "July 20, 1778. — Since our last, many of the distressed refu- gees from Wyoming, who escaped the general massacre of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 147 inhabitants, have passed this way, — from whom we have collect- ed the following account : — " The settlement consisted of the towns of Lackawana, Exe- ter, Kingston, Wilkesbarre, Plymouth, Nanticoak, Huntington, and Salem, each containing five miles square, and were in a flour- ishing condition. The lower towns were pretty full of inhabi- tants ; the land extremely good, and beautifully situated along both sides of the Susquehanna ; producing immense quantities of grain, &c. The settlement had lately supplied the continental army with five thousand bushels of grain, and the ground was loaded with the most promising crops of every kind. The set- tlement included upwards of one thousand families, which had furnished our army one thousand soldiers, besides garrisoning four forts in the towns of Lackawana, Exeter, Kingston, and Wilkesbarre. One of these forts was garrisoned by upwards of four hundred soldiers, chiefly militia, the principal officers in which, were Cols. Denison, and Zebulon Butler. The tories and inhabitants, had given some disturbance to these settlements last year, before Gen. Harkenrer's battle, near fort Stanwix, and our skirmishes soon after, when the enemy were dispersed, and the tories concealed themselves among our different settlements. The people had remained undisturbed during the rest of the year. About this time, the inhabitants, having discovered that many of the villainous tories who had stirred up the Indians, and been with them in fighting against us, were within the settlements, — twenty-seven of them, were, in January last, taken and secured, but were afterwards, for want of sufficient evidence, set at lib- erty. They immediately joined the enemy, and became active in raising in the Indians a spirit of hostility against us. The people had frequent intimations that the Indians had some mis- chievous design against them, but their fears were somewhat abated by the seeming solicitude of the Indians to preserve peace. They sent down, at different times, several parties with declara- tions of their peaceable disposition towards us. They were always dismissed with assurances that there was no design to disturb them. But one of those Indians, getting drunk, said that he and the other messengers were only sent to amuse the people in the , settlement ; but that the Indians intended, as soon as they were in order, to attack them. On this, the Indian men were confin- ed, and the women sent back with a flag. In March, appearan- 148 REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1778. ces became more a^phiing, and the scattered families, settled thirty miles up the river, were collected in. In April and May, strolling parties of Indians and torics, about thirty, and less in a company, made frequent incursions into the settlement, robbing and plundering the inhabitants. In June, several persons being at work on a form, from which the tory inhabitants had gone to the enemy, were attacked, and one man of them killed. Soon after, a woman, (wife of one of the twenty-seven tories before mentioned,) was killed, with her five children, by a party of to- ries and Indians, who plundered the house of every thing they could take away, and destroyed the rest. " On the 1st instant, (July) the whole body of the enemy, con- sisting, it is supposed of near 1600, about 300 of whom were thought to be Indians under their own chiefs ; the rest, tories, painted like them, except their officers, who were dressed like regulars ; the whole under the command of Col. John Butler, (a Connecticut tory, and cousin to Col. Z. Butler, the second in command in the settlement) came down near the upper fort, but concealed the greatest part of their number. Here they had a skirmish with the inhabitants, who took and killed two Indians, and lost ten of their own men, three of whom, they afterwards found killed, scalped, and mangled in the most inhuman manner. " Thursday, July 2. The enemy appeared on the mountains back of Kingston, where the women and children then fled into the fort. Most of the garrison at Exeter fort were tories, who treacherously gave it up to the enemy. The same night, after a little resistance, they took Lackawana fort, killed Squire Jenkins and his family, with several others, in a barbarous manner, and made prisoners of most of the women and children. A small number only escaped. " Friday, July 3. This morning, Col. Z. Butler, leaving a small number to guard the fort, (at Wilkesbarre) crossed the river with about 400 men, and marched into Kingston fort. The enemy sent in a flag, demanding a surrender of the fort in two hours. Col. Butler answered that he should not surrender, but was ready to receive them. They sent in a second flag, demanding an immediate surrender, otherwise, that the fort should be stormed, plundered, and burnt, with all its contents, in a few hours ; and said they had with them 300 men. Col. Z. Butler proposed a parley, which being agreed to, a place in Kingston was appointed REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 149 for the meeting, to which Col. Z. Butler repaired, with 400 men, well armed : but finding nobody there, he proceeded to the foot of the mountain, where at a distance, he saw a flag, which, as he advanced, retired as if afraid, twenty or thirty rods. He fol- lowed, was led into an ambush, and partly surrounded by the enemy, who suddenly rose and fired upon him. Notwithstanding the great disproportion of sixteen hundred to four hundred, he and his men bravely stood and returned the fire for three-quarters of an hour, with such briskness and resolution that the enemy began to give way, and were on the point of retiring, when one of Col. Z. Butler's men, either through treachery or cowardice, cried out that the Colonel ordered a retreat. This caused a ces- sation of their fire, threw them into confusion, and a total rout ensued. The greatest part fled to the river, which they endeav- ored to pass to fort Wilkesbarre, the enemy pursuing them with the fury of devils. Many were lost or killed in the river, and no more than about seventy,* some of whom were wounded, escaped to Wilkesbarre. " Saturday morning, July 4. The enemy sent a hundred and sixty-nine scalps into fort Kingston, which they invested on the land side, and kept up a continual fire. This evening, Col. Z. Butler, with his family, quitted the fort, and went down the river. Col. Nathan Denison went with a flag to Exeter fort, to know of Col. John Butler what terms he would grant on a surrender. Butler answered, " the hatchet." Col. Denison returned to fort Kingston, which he defended till Sunday morning, when his men being nearly all killed or wounded, he could hold out no longer, and was obliged to surrender at discretion. The enemy took away * When the Americans marched out to meet Col. John Butler and his tories, &,c., they all stimulated themselves with s])irits. One of the soldiers, wiio had been habituated to use more than Iiis comradcF, had taken so freely of ihe bever- age, that he had not travelled far, before he was unable to proceed and crawled into the bushes by the way side and fell aslcisp, when tiie sevenly men fled. On their return, the soldier in the bush awoke, rubbed his eyes and discovering one of his neighbors running at full speed, and an Indian close beliind liim with liis uplifted hatchet, about to strike his fellow soldier, he drew up his gun and killed the Indian on the spot. The other Indians coming in the rear, and hearing the report from the buslics, and seeing one of their number fall, at once concluded there must be a large body of men lying in ambush to kill them as they passed, and therefore retreated, by which the seventy men were saved. A solitary instance of saving life by drunkenness. 20 150 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. some of the unhappy jM»soners, and shutting up the rest in the houses, set fire to them, and they were all consumed together. These infernals then crossed the river to fort Wilkesbarre, which in a few moments surrendered at discretion. About seventy of the men who had enlisted in the continental service to defend the frontiers, they inhumanly butchered, with every circumstance of horrid cruelty, and then, shutting up the rest, with the women and children, in the houses, set fire to them, and they all perish- ed in the flames. After burning all the buildings in the fort, they proceeded to the destruction of every building and improvement, (except what belonged to some tories,) that came within their reach, in these once flourishing settlements, which they have ren- dered a scene of desolation and horror, almost beyond descrip- tion, parallel, or credibility. When these miscreants had destroy- ed the other improvements, they proceeded to destroy the crops on the ground. Great numbers of the cattle they shot and de- stroyed ; and cutting out the tongues of the others, left them to perish in misery. The course of these truly diabolical proceedings, was marked by many particular acts of distinguished enmity, — among which are the following: " The Captains James Bidlock, Robert Durkee, and Samuel / Ransom, being made prisoners by the enemy, they stripped Capt. Bidlock, tied him to a tree, and stuck him full of sharp splinters of pine knots ; then piling a heap of pine knots around him, they set all on fire, put Durkee and Ransom into the fire, and held them down with pitchforks.<^Thomas Terry, (whose father was killed by the Indians, last Indian war,) with his own hands, killed his own mother, his father-in-law, his sisters, and their families. --^Partial Terry, the son of a man who bore a very respectable character, had several times sent his father word, that he ' hoped to wash his hands in his hearts hlood! Agreeable to such a hor- rid declaration, the monster, with his own hand, murdered his father, mother, brothers and sisters, stripped off their scalps, and cut off 1 lis father's head. " Col. Zebulon Butler is supposed to be the only officer escap- ed. It is said he had several times written to Congress and Gen. Washington, acquainting them with the danger the settlement was in, and requesting assistance ; but that he received no an- swer, except that, " he had no cause to fear, since the Indians were all for peace, and quite averse to war." However, he lately REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 151 received a letter from Gen. Spaulding, acquainting him, that neither the Congress, nor Gen. Washington, had received any of his letters, which had been intercepted by the Pennsylvania tories, who, in all probability, acted in concert with these execra- ble miscreants, against Wyoming. It is reported that these wretches, after completing their horrid business at AVyoming, are going, or have gone, to Cherry Valley, and the parts adjacent. " We hear that a party of Infernals of the like kind, have, within this week or two, infested the parts about Leghawegh, near Rochester, on the Minisink road to Philadelphia, where a party of them, about forty in number, have plundered and burnt seve- ral houses, abused some people, and carried off three men. " The distress of the surviving inhabitants of that late flourish- ing settlement, are rendered striking objects of charity. Having escaped with little more than their lives, they could bring nothing with them, — hardly clothes to cover them, and nothing to eat. Many were two or three days without sustenance, and pregnant women were delivered in the woods. " This, it is hoped, will be the concluding scene of the trage- dy, acted by the British tyrant, and his murderous, diabolical em- issaries, in a part of his late kingdom, which he has justly forfeit- ed, and which is now forever departed from him." The able-bodied men of Wyoming were in the line of the army, and the settlement left unprotected, — the British, tories, and savages, came down upon and slaughtered the inhabi- tants — devastated the settlement with fire and sword, to the total loss of houses, barns, cattle, and the year's harvest, every thing but the naked soil. It was an exposed frontier, bordering on the Six Nations of Indians, numerous, fierce, and accustomed to war. From Tioga Point, where they could rendezvous, they could, in twenty-four hours, descend the Susquehannah in boats to Wyoming. Nearly the whole of the able-bodied men, fit to bear arms, had been called into the line, as continental troops, away from Wyoming ; which fact exasperated the British and savages, and they breathed vengeance against a settlement which had shewn so much spirit in the cause of liberty. Their defence- less situation could not be concealed, and would naturally invite aggression. The hope of weakening the army, by forcing a re- call of the veteran soldiers of Westmoreland, was probably their policy, which marked the new settlement an early victim. 152 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. The savages^were iri^^sscssion of a part of the town — Tioga Point and Sheshequin, the first, their rendezvous, when they in- tended descending the river, which in fact were parts of Connec- ticut. The battle fought by Gen. SulUvan, in 1779, with the In- dians, was within eight miles of the north line of the town — thus, indeed, were the inhabitants exposed. In July, 1778, Col. John Butler, the tory, descended the Sus- quehannah, with four hundred British and tories, and about seven hundred Indians. To defend the settlement against such a force was a half-raised company of Capt. D. Hewitt's, of about forty men, and the remains of one militia regiment, from which Gore's, and the two independent companies of Durkee and Ransom, had been enlisted. There were several forts at Wyoming. The name fort, might convey some idea of a place of strength and places of security, with walls and embrazures, and with mounted guns. But in all Westmoreland, there was but one cannon, and that a four-pounder, without any balls, kept at the Wilkesbarre fort, as an alarm gun. And their forts were built by placing logs on end in ditches, compactly together, surrounding a space for a retreat for the women and children, defended only by small arms, fired through loop holes between the standing logs. — Against such a force as the enemy had mustered, none of their forts could have stood one hour, before they would bo reduced to ashes and the inmates destroyed. Many of the aged men, not liable to do military duty, formed themselves into compa- nies, to garrison these feeble forts and give to the helpless such protection as they were able. Pittston, from its position, was immediately exposed ; no com- pany was retained for its defence. The company from Lacka- wack, being forty miles distant, was not expected. The Hunt- ington and Salem companies, twenty miles west, under Capt. John Franklin, did not arrive until the battle was over. The Wilkesbarre company assembled at Forty fort, on the Kingston side, under Capt. James Bidlock ; a company under Capt. Will- iam McKarrikan ; the Plymouth company, under Capt. Asaph Whittlesey ; the upper Wilkesbarre company, under Capt. R. G. Gore ; the Kingston company, under Capt Aholiab Buck, and a new partly-raised continental company, under Capt. D. Hewitt. Each and every of which Captains fell at the head of their com- panies. There was spirit and courage enough, but men and arms REVOLUTION AKY WxVR, 1778. 153 were greatly deficient, being only about four hundred men and boys, including many under 16 years of age. The grand-fathers and grey-headed turned out to the muster. Constant Searle, for- merly of Stonington, had several children married and a family of grand-children. Capt. Hewrtt had a son in the battle, 18 or 19 years of age. Boys were called into the companies to make a show of numbers. William Buck, (the son of Capt. A. Buck,) aged 14, was in the engagement, and fell with his father. These cases shew the distress and weakness to which the settlement was reduced, by their soldiers being absent in the army. Col. Zebulon Butler happened to be at Wyoming, and though he had no proper command, the people invited him to place him- self at their head, and lead them to battle, which invitation, out of duty, he accepted. Never was more courage displayed in the many scenes of the revolution, nor has history pourtrayed an instance of more gallant devotion. Though they were so situa- ted, they must fight and conquer, or die, for retreating with their families was impossible — like brave men they took counsel of their courage — and on the 3d day of July, 1778, as before stated, they marched out to meet the enemy. Col. Z. Butler command- ed the right wing, aided by Maj. Garrett : Col. Denlson the left wing, aided by Lieut. Col. George Dorrance, of Voluntown. The field of battle was a plane, partly cleared of timber, though mostly covered by scrub oaks and yellow pine ; their right rested on a steep bank, which descended to the low river flats ; the left extended to a marsh, thickly covered with timber and brush. — The enemy were composed of Col. John Butler, with his compa- ny of rangers, (in their green uniform,) and their tory allies and Indians. The enemy's right wing, opposed to Col. Denison, was mostly composed of Indians. It was between 4 and 5 o'clock, P. M., when the bloody engagement began, and for awhile it kept up with great spirit. On the right, in open field, our men fired and advanced a step, and the enemy gave back, but their numbers, three to one, ena- bled them to outflank the citizens, particularly on the left, where the ground was peculiarly fitted for savage warfare. The Ameri- cans rapidly fell before the Indian rifles : the rear as well as the flank was gained, and it became impossible to maintain their posi- tion. An order to fall back, to present a more imposing front to the enemy, could not be executed without confusion. The ene- 154 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. my, not more brave,Jp»t far more numerous and familiarized to war, in many battles, sprung forward, raised their horrid yell from one end of the line to the other, rushed in with their tom- ahawks and spears — defeat followed. They richly merited a better fate. One of the men yielded a little ground, — Col. Dor- ranee, a few moments before he fell, with his accustomed cool- ness, said to him, " stand up to your work, sir." After the enemy was in the rear, " see," said an officer to Capt. Hewitt, " the enemy is in force behind us, shall we retreat ?" " I'll be d — d if I do," he replied, and fell at the head of his men. • " We are nearly alone," said Westbrook, " shall we go ?" " I'll have one more shot first," replied Cooper ;" that instant a savage sprung towards him with his spear ; Cooper stretched him upon the earth, and re-loaded his gun before he left the ground. Then followed the most dreadful massacre, the most cruel and horrid slaughter, that took place in any State during the war. One of the Gore family was away in the army, five brothers and two brothers-in-law were in the battle ; at evening five of them lay dead on the field, one returned with his arm broken by a rifle ball, and one unhurt — Silas and Asa Gore, both (ensigns) fell ; the widow of Asa, with an infant son in her arms, fled on foot to Preston, where the orphan son resides. From the farm of a Mr. Weeks, (of Fairfield county) seven went out to the battle, five sons and sons-in-law, and two inmates — not one of them escaped, but all perished. About two-thirds of those who went out fell. John Abbott, of Windham county, was in the action and escaped, but was murdered by the Indians when trying to save a portion of his crop of harvest ; and his house, barn and furniture, were all burnt ; his cattle lost, his widow and nine children, the eldest a boy aged nine years, begged their way back to their friends in Windham county, in a state of utter destitution. Anderson Dana, Esq., had just returned from attending the General Assembly of Connecticut, (as a member) he went into the battle with Stephen Whiting, his son-in-law, wrapped in bloody garments, the field of death was the resting place of both ; the family fled, Anderson Dana, the son, nine or ten years old, their only protector ; their whole property was left to savage destruction ; they also begged REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 155 their way to Ashford in this State ; the loss was estimated from two hundred and fifty to three hundred men. The day ^fter the massacre, Col. Z. Butler retired from the settlement, and Col. Denison entered into articles of capitulation with Col. John Butler, in which secOrity to the inhabitants was stipulated ; but the British commander, either could not or would not restrain the savages, who continued to rob and burn, and with very few exceptions, all the inhabitants were expelled from the valley, and their property given up a total prey to pillage and conflagration. It would be nearly impossible to estimate the amount of damage sustained, but the list of assessments in 1777—8, amounted to £20,322 17; and in November, 1780, the list of Westmoreland, was £2,353, making the difference of £17,969 17. The miseraljle state of destitution in Wyoming, was such that in August, 1781, that all the males from sixteen to seventy years of age, were only 143; they all had but 24 yoke of oxen, 14 three year old steers, 18 two year old steers and heifers ; while at the same time Connecticut counted sixty-one soldiers from Westmoreland in the army. It should be remarked here, that the people of Westmoreland were the greatest sufferers in this State, though not the least meritorious, but did not participate in the 500,000 acres of reserve lands, to indemnify the sufierers of New London, and other towns in Connecticut, who had been injured by the common enemy. When no part of the State drank more deeply of the afflictions of the revolution than Westmoreland, neither was the rich school fund of Connecticut divided with its fellow citizens at Wyoming, and though peace was made with Great Britain and the savages, it brought no peace to Wyoming, as they con- tinued to be harassed by new and distressing conflicts ; their chief men, soldiers in war, and their counsellors in peace were slain, and most of such as remained were widows and orphans. But the sufferings did not close with the bloody battle of July, 1778. It appears by a manuscript journal kept by Col. John Jenkins, that in August, 1778, he joined Capt. Spalding's company, under Col. Butler, and marched on the 3d to Lehigh, and 4th to Wyoming, and found Indians driving off cattle, fired upon them and took the cattle with some horses. On the 5th had a skirmish with the Indians and took a number of blankets, &c. : 156 REVOLUTIONARY AVAR, 1778. 7th, began to fortify -^jj pickets, and continued till the 18th of August, when a partj^ were discovered on Jacobs' plains, where John Abbott and Isaac Williams were killed and scalped. On the 19th, a widow Utly and her son, were killed ; on the 22d, Esquire Tripp and Lieut. Keys, with six others, were taken prisoners, three of whom were released. September 14, Capt. Spalding marched with one hundred and thirty men to Muncy for an expedition up the river, and on the 29th were attacked by the Indians, and lost three men, but killed four Indians ; and on the 1st of October, they returned to Wyoming. On the 2d three of Col. Morrows' men were killed on the west side of the river, the fourth man was scalped, but he recovered ; Col. Hartly marched with a part of his troops for Shamokin, and began to work on the walls of the fort. On the 8th, Capt. Bush marched down with five prisoners. On the 14th, Wm, Jameson was killed near Capt, Stewarts. November 2d, the enemy at Slocum killed Nathan Kingsbury, and carried oft" two children. Nov. 5th, a party of the enemy at Nanticoke, burnt houses and grain, killed Jackson and Lester, and took off" or killed Franklin ; took Lester's family ; murdered Hagaman ;< took old Kelly, but dismissed him ; six fires at Lackawana, or near to it. Nov. 7, John Perkins was killed on the lower end of Shawney flats ; Captains Carr and Goss were killed. Dec. 16, Esquires Tripp and Slocum were killed in Town Plot, and Young Slocum wounded. On the 10th of February, the Indians came down on the west side of the river in Kingston, and killed Lieut. Buck, Lieut. Williams, Ste- phen Pettibone, and speared and scalped Follet, (who recovered.) March 21, 1779, the Indians were discovered on the west side of the river in Kingston, where they took Capt. Bidlock ; killed and carried oft" a number of horses and cattle ; burnt houses and barns, when a skirmish of two hours was fought, but lost no men, though several were shot through their clothes, and their ramrods shot out of their hands. On the 24th of March, a party were discovered on the side near the fort, which they surrounded, and an engagement ensued for three hours ; two men were wounded but soon recovered — the enemy withdrew in the evening after burning a number of houses, barns, grain, hay, i&c. On the 26th, a number were discovered on the west side of the river, burning and plundering. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 157 Without recapitulating farther from the Journal of Col. Jen- kins, in this volume, I only add, that thus to the last of the war were the good people of Wyoming harassed, carried off by the Indians, tories and British, murdered and scalped.* * These facts are gathered from petitions to the General Assembly of Connec- ticut at different times. 21 AN EPITOME OF ALL THE ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CONNEC- TICUT, FROM THE YEAR 1774, TO MAY SESSION, 1778, RELATING TO THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. The General Assembly of tlio Colony of Connecticut, held on the second Thursday of May, at Hartford, being the 12th day of said month, and contin- ued in session until the 4th day of June, A. D. 1774. Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. Hon. Matthew Griswold, Deputy Governor. Jabez Ilanilin, Shubael Conant, Elisha Sheldon, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Hun. tington, William Pitkin, Roger Sher.-nan, William S. Johnson, Abraham Davenport, Joseph Spencer, Oliver Wolcotl, James A. Hilihouse, Esq'rs., Assistants. This day bsing appointed by the Royal Charter and tiie lawo of this colony for the election of the public officers of the colonj', viz. : Governor, Deputy Governor, Assistants, Treasurer and Secretary ; proclamation was made in the manner accustomed, and then the votes of the freemen were given in to the persons appointed by the Assembly to receive, sort and count them, and to declare the names of such persons as should be chosen to any of the before mentioned offices according to law ; w hich persons so appointed were Jabez Hamlin, Shubael Conant, Elisha Sheldon, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington, William Pitkin, Roger Sherman, Abraham Davenport, William Samuel John, son, Oliver Wolcolt, James Abraham Hilihouse, Esq'rs. Mr. Benjamin Payne, Mr. Titus Ilosmcr, Mr. Thomas Darling, Maj. James Wadsworth, Mr. Isaac Tracy, Mr. Thomas Mumford, Mr. Thomas Belding, Capt. Daniel Starr, Major Jedediah Elderkin, Mr. Samuel Craft, Mr. Joshua Porter, and Capt. Increase Mosely, who were all sworn to a faithful discharge of that trust. And the votes of the freemen being brought in, sorted, and counted — The Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, was chosen Governor of this colony for the year then ensuing. Hon. Matthew Griswold, was chosen Deputy Governor of this colony, for the year then ensuing. 160 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1774. Jabez Hamlin, ShubaelApiant, Elisha Slioldon, Eliphalel Dyer, Jabcz Hun- tington, William Pitkin, Roger SliernKin, William Samuel Johnson, Abraham Davenjiort, Joscpii Spencer, Oliver VVolcolt, James Abraham Hillhouse, Esq'rs., were chosen Assistants for the year ensuing. John Lawrence, Esq., was chosen Treasurer. Georgo Wyllys, Esq., was chosen Secretary of " this colony for the year ensuing." When the oaths of office were administered, as prescribed by the laws of the colony, and by the act of Parliament, as made and passed in the fourtii year of the reign of His Majesty George the I'liird, to liie several officers chosen. Whereas the threatening aspect of Divine I'rovidence on the Liberties of the people and the dangers tliey were threatened with, called for humiliation and prayer to the God of all mercies to avert his judgments and save his people. Therefore it was Resolved by the Asseml)ly, That his Honor the Governor be and is hereby desired to issue a Proclamation for appointing a day of public Fasting and Prayer, to be observed throughout the colony, at such time as he with the advice of the Council, shall think most proper, to humble ourselves before God for our sins, and supplicate his mercies that he would avert his judgments which threaten us.* May, 1774, Charles Burrall was appointed colonel of the 14lh regiment, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the decease of Col. John Williams. Joshua Porter, lieutenant colonel, 14lh regiment, instead of Tiiotnas Chillen- den, removed out of the colony. Capt. Ebenezer Gay, of Sliaron, to be major of the 14th regiment, instead of Major Burrall, promoted. Oliver Wolcolt, Esq., to be colonel of the 17tli regiment. _ Ebenezer Norton, lo be lieutenant colonel of the 17th regiment. Epaphraa Sheldon, Esq., to be major of the 17tli regiment of militia, in this colony. Jonathan Pcttibone, Esq., colonel of the 18th regiment. Jonatlian Humphrey, Esq., lieutenant colonel of the 18th regiment. Abel Merrell, Esq., to be major of the 18lh regiment of militia, in tlie colony. At the October session, 1774, the following Resolution was passed, (without stating the cause) doubling the munitions of war— to wit, "Resolved by this Assembly, That the scviM-al towns in this colony be and are hereby ordered to provide as soo7i as may be, double the quantity of powder, ball and flints that Ihoy were heretofore by luvv obliged to provide, under the same directions and penalties as by law already provided."* lull volume of Colony Record, page 284 — 5; October, 1774 — By the IIouso of Representatives of the English colony of Connecticut, held on the second Thursday of May, 1774. *This Resolution appears to be the first recorded evidence, that indicates the dangers apprehended by this colony of the war of the revolution, and the first act of the Legislature, upon that subject, tiiough the subject matter is not openly declared, yet there is little doubt but the difficulties with the mother country were referred to in the above Resolutions. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1774. 161 This House taking into consideration sundry acts of the British Parliament, in which the power and right to impose duties' and taxes upon his Majesty's Buhjects in the British colonies and plantations in America, for the purpose of raising a revenue oniy, are declared, attempted to be exercised, and in various ways enforced and carried into execulion, and especially a very late act in which pains and penalties are inflicted on the Capital of a neighboring province ; a precedent alaiming to every British colony in America, and which being adinitted and established, their lives, liberties and property are at the mercy of a tribunal where innocence may be punished, upon the accusation and evidence of wicked men, without defence, and without knowing its accusers, a precedent calculated to terrify them into silence and submission, whilst ihcy are stripped of their invaluable rights and liberties, do think it expedient, and their duty at this time, to renew tlieir claim to the rights, privileges and immunities of free born Englishmen, to which they are justly entitled, by the laws of nnture, by the royal grant and charier of his late majesty king Charles the Second, and by long and uninterrupted possession, and thereupon — Do Declare and Resolve as follows, to wit : — In the first place, We do most expressly declare, recognize and acknowledge llis Majesty king George the Third to be the lawful and rightful king of Great Britain, and all other his dominions and countries ; and that it is the indispensable duty of the people of this colony as being part of his majesty's dominion, always to bear faithful and true allegiance to his majesty, and him to defend to the utmost of their power against all attempts upon his person, crown and dignity. 2d. That the subjects of his majesty in tliis colony ever have had, and of right ought to have and enjoy all the liberties, immunities, and privileges of free and natural born subjects within any of the dominions of our said king, his heirs and successors to all intents, constructions and purposes whatsoever, as fully and amply, as if they and every one of them were born within the realm of England ; that they have a property in their own estates, and are to be taxed by their own consent only, given in person or by Iheir representatives, and are not to bo disseized of their liberties or free customs, sentenced or condemned, but by lawful judgment of their peers, and that the said rights and imnmnities are recognized and confirmed to the inhabitants of this colony by the royal grant and charter aforesaid, and are their undoubted right to all intents, con- struction and purposes whatsoever. 3d. That the only lawful representatives of the freemen of this colony, are the persons they elect to serve as members of the General Assembly thereof. 4lh. That it is the just right and privilege of his majesty's leige subjects of this colony to be governed by their General Assembly in the article of taxing and internal policy, agreeable to the powers and privileges recognized and confirmed in the royal charter aforesaid, which they have enjoyed for more than a century past, and have neither forfeited, nor surrendered, but the same have been constantly recognized by the king and Parliament of Great Britain. 5th. That the erecting new and annual courts of admiralty, and vesting them with extraordinary powers, above and not subject to the control of the com- mon law courts in this colony, to judge and determine in suits relating to the duties and forfeitures contained in said acts, foreign to the accustomed and established jurisdiction of the former courts of admiralty in America, is in the opinion of this House, highly dangerous to the liberties of his majesty's Ameri- 162 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1774. can subjects, contrary ioJhm great charter of English liberty, and destructive of one of their most darling rights — that of trial by jury — which is justly esteemed one chief excellence of the British constitution, and a principal land, mark of English liberty. 6th. That the apprehending and carrying persons beyond tho soa to be tried for any crime alleged to be committed within this colony, or subjecting them 10 be tried by commissioners, or any court constituted by act of Parliament or otherwise within this colony, in a summary manner without a jury, is uncon- stitutional and subversive of the liberties and rights of the free subjects of this colony. 7th. That any harbor or port duly opened and constituted, cannot be shut up and discharged but by an act of the Legislature of the province or colony in which such port or harbor is situated, without subverting the rights and liberties and destroying the property of his majesty's subjects. 8th. That the late act of Parliament inflicting pains and penalties on the town of Boston, by blocking up their harbor, is a precedent justly alarming to the British colonics in America, and wholly inconsistant with, and subversive of, their constitutional rights and liberties. 9lh. That whenever his majesty's service shall require the aid of tlie inhab. itants of this colony, the same fixed principles of loyalty as well as self-preser- vation which have hitherto induced us fully to comply with his majesty's requisitions, together with the deep sense we have of its being our indispensable duty, in the opinion of this House, will ever hold us under the strongest obli- gations which can ba given or desired, most cheerfully to grant his majesty from time to titnc our further proportion of men and money for the defence, protection, security and other services of the British American dominions. 10th. That we look upon the well being and greatest security of this colony to depend (under God) on our connexion with Great Britain, which is ardently wished may continue to the latest posterity. And that it is the humble opinion of this House that the constitution of this colony being understood and prac- tised upon, as it has ever since it existed till very lately, is tho secret bond of union, confidence and mutual prosperity of our mother country and us, and the best foundation on which to build the good of the whole, whether considered in a civil, military or mercantile light, and of the truth of this opinion we are the more confident, as it is not founded on speculation only, but has been verified in fact, and by long experience, found to produce, according to our extent and other circumstances, as many loyal, virtuous and well governed subjects as any part of his majesty's dominions, and as truly zealous, and as warmly engaged to promote the best good and real glory of the grand whole which constitutes the British empire. 11th. That it is an indispensable duty which we owe to our king, our coun- try, ourselves, and our posterity, by all lawful ways and means in our power to maintain, defend, and preserve these our rights and liberties, and to transmit them entire and inviolate to the latest generation — and that it is our fixed determination and unalterable resolution faithfully to discharge this our duty. In the Lower House. The foregoing Resolutions being read distinctly three several times and considered, were voted and passed with great unanimity. — And it is further REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. * 163 voted and requested by the House, that the same be entered on the Records, and remain in the File of the General Assemblyof this colony. Test, William Williams, Clerk, D. R. In the Upper House. The consideration of the request of the Lower House, that the aforesaid Resolutions should be entered on the Records of the Assembly, &c., is referred to the General Assembly, to be holden at New Haven, on the second Thursday of October next. Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. General Assembly, on the second Thursday of October, A. D., 1774. In the Upper House. On further consideration, &c., it is agreed and consented to, that the fore, going Resolutions, according to the request of the Lower House, be entered on the Record, and remain on the File of the General Assembly of this colony. Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. At the March Term of the General Assembly, 1775, the following officers were commissioned for the several military offices attached to each, most of whom afterwards proved themselves the flower of the American army, viz. :— Jedediah Eldcrkin, to be colonel of the 15th regiment of militia. Experience Storrs, to be lieutenant colonel of the 15th regiment. * Thomas Brown, to be major of the 15th regiment. Increase Mosely, Jr., to be lieutenant colonel of the 13tli regiment. Samuel Canfield, to be major of the 13lh regiment. Matthew Talcott, to be lieutenant colonel of the 6th regiment. Thomas Belding, of Wethersfield, major of 6th regiment. Andrew Ward, Jr., to be colonel of the 7th regiment. Isaac Lee, Jr., to be colonel of the 15th regiment. Fisher Gay, to be lieutenant colonel of the 15th regiment. Simeon Strong, to be major of the 15th regiment. William Worthington, to be lieutenant colonel of the 7th regiment. Silvanus Graves, to be major of the 7th regiment, Charles Webb, to be colonel of the 9th regiment. David Waterbury, Jr., to be lieutenant colonel of the 9th regiment — all of the militia of the colony of Connecticut. At the April Term of the General Assembly, 1775, a Resolution was passed, that an embargo should be forthwith laid upon the exportation out of the colony by any water carriage, of the following articles, viz. : — " Wheat, rye, Indian corn, pork, beef, live cattle, peas and beans, bread, flour, and every kind of meat, except necessary stores for vessels, bound to ssa." And the Governor was desired to issue his proclamntion laying such embargo, and pro- hibiting the exportation of such provisions, which embargo was ordered to con- tinue until the 20th day of May then next. As clouds of danger were constantly now gathering over this country from the throne, it became necessary to preparo to meet the crisis, particularly to be able to communicate with each other in the difl'erent parts of the colony, over a mountainous and rough country, and rougher roads. To do which, tho Legislature passed a resolution at said April term, that Thaddeus Burr, of 164 REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1775. Fairfield, and Charles Church Chandicr, of Woodstock, at the expense of the colony, slioald employ tw^^evvs carriers to perform regular stages from Fair- field to Woodstock, and from Woodstock to Fairfield, so as to arrive in Hartford each Saturday, and forward all proper intelligence, through the country, to and from the towns mentioned, with all convenient speed. Also that Gurdon Sal. tonstall, of New London, should engage two news carriers at the expense of the colony, to perform regular stages from Woodstock to New Haven, on the Fairfield stage, in such manner that they sliould severally arrive in New Lon- don on each Saturday, and forward all their inloiligence on every Monday morning to Woodstock and New Haven. Also that Thaddeus Burr and C. C. Chandler, and said Saltonstali, should be a committee to forward at the public expense, all such extraordinary and important intelligence which should be received at either place, as should to the committee appear proper and neces. sary, which act was to be continued in force until the session of the General Assembly in May, and no longer. It had been represented to the Assembly that sundry acts of hostility and violence had lately been committed in Massachusetts Bay, by which many lives had been lost, and that some inhabitants of this colony had gone to the relief of those who were in distress at the Bay. It was Resolved by the Assem. bly, that Capt. Joseph Trumbull and Amasa Keycs, should be a committee to procure provisions for the families of those who had gone to the relief of the people at the Bay, and to superintend the delivery and apportioning the same among them.* Soon after, during the session in April, the Legislature, finding it prudent and necessary to make open preparation, passed an act for assembling, equip, ping, &c., a number of the inhabitants of the colony, for tlie special defence and safety thereof, viz. : that one-fourth part of the militia of the colony should bo forthwith enlisted, equipped, accoutred and assembled for the safety and defence of the colony and under the order of the Assembly, and to be distri. buted into companies of one hundred men each — formed into six regiments, under the command of a major general, assisted by two brigadier generals, each of which general oflicers were to take the command of a regiment as colonel ; and each regiment to be commanded by a colonel, lieutenant colonel, and major ; also to command a company as captain — and each general officer to be assisted by two majors to his regiment, together with one captain, two lieutenants, and an ensign ; also one adjutant, one quarter master, one chap, lain, one surgeon, and two surgeon's mates to each regiment, enlisted during the pleasure of this Assembly, not exceeding seven months; giving a premium of 52s. per man, advanced to each non-commissioned officer and inhabitant upon his enlistment, if they supplied themselves with a blanket, knapsack, clothing, &.C., to the acceptance of their captains, and one month advance pay should be made to each of said officers and enlisted inliabitants. The Legislature established the rale of pay per each callendar month, viz. : to the major general, £20; brigadier general, £17; colonel, £15; lieutenant * The above resolution shews with what cautious steps the Legislature moved, they dare not nientiou even the name of Lexington, as our own act for treason was yet unrepealed. The words used by the Legislature shew the true yankeo character. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 165 colonel, .£12; major, £10 ; captain, £6; licuienant, £4 ; ensign, i;3 ; adju- tant, £5 10 ; quartei- master, £3 ; chaplain, £Q ; surgeon, £7 10 ; surgeon's mate, £1 ; sergeant, £2 8 ; corporal, £2 4 ; filer and drummer, £2 4 ; and each private, £2. It was farther enacted that those so enlii^tcd should be furnished with good fire arms, belonging to the colony, if tiiey werO'^unable to furnish tliemselves ; and if they found their own arms, to be paid 10s. for the use of sucii arms. — And in case that more arms should be required, arms were to be impressed from householders not enrolled ; ten shillings was awarded to all such as freely hired their guns, cartouch box and bayonet for the soldiers. — And it was farther enacted that 3,000 stand of arms should be procured as soon as might be, and held in readiness for use for the defence of the colony ; also was ordered 500 spades, as many pick-axes, 300 narrow axes, and 500 tents for tlie use of the colony. To encourage the inhabitants to enlist in defence of tlioir country aa speedily as possible, a premium of 52s. was to bo pnid at the time of enlistment, and one months advanced pay, and the wages raised of all concerned during tlieir con- tinuance in service ; and if their arms should be lost in service, by accident, the colony was to pay the just value of such arms ; also that each so enlisted should bo entitled to six pence per day for billeting money, until provided for by the colony stores. It was also resolved that the 3,000 arms ordered to bo procured for the colony, should measure each barrel, three feet ten inches, diameter of the bore three, fourths of an inch ; bayonet blade, fourteen inches long, &c., with iron ram- rods, and a spring in the lowest loop to secure the rods, a good lock and stock, well mounted with brass, and the name of the maker on it. The Legislature during said session afso constituted forms of eniistment for all general, stafl", and other officers ; and the Governor was desired and empow. ored to sign and deliver ordcfs to the respective officers appointed to enlist men for the service, and for the purposes set forth in said order on record. Immediately after the laws specified before and during the same session in April, 1775, the officers for six regiments were appointed to take the com. mand of the enlisted troops for the defence of tlio colony ; when the Governor was desired and authorized to commission said officers according to their rank, and warrants for the staff", as follows, viz. : David Wooster, Esq., to be major general. Joseph Spencer, Esq., brigadier general. Israel Putnam, Esq., second brigadier general. FIRST REGIMENT. Major general David Wooster, colonel of the 1st regiment, and captain of 1st con>pany. 1st company, 1st regiment — Jesse Leavenworth, 1st lieutenant ; James Blake- ly, 2d lieutenant; Amos Shepard, ensign. Andrew Ward, Jr., Esq., lieutenant colonel of the Ist regiment, and captain of 2d company. 2d company, 1st regiment— Stephen Hall, 1st lieutenant; Jehul Meigs, Jr. 2d lieutenant; Augustus Collins, ensign. Jabez Thompson, 1st major of the 1st regiment, and captain of 3d company. 3d company, 1st regiment — Bradford Steel, 1st lieutenant; Ambrose Hind, 2d lieutenant ; Nathan Pierson, ensign. 22 166 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. David Welch, 2d major ^|iho 1st regiment, and 2d captain of 4th company. 4lh company, 1st regiment — Bezaleel Beebo, 1st lieutenant ; Aaron Foot, 2d lieutenant; Tiiomas Callin, ensign. 5lh company, 1st regiment — Benedict Arnold, captain ; Caleb Trowbridge, 1st lieutenant; Jesse Curtis, 2J lieutenant; Nathan Edwards, ensign. 6lh company, 1st regiment — William Douglass, captain; Samuel Blackman, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Jared Robertson, 2d lieutenant; Ebenezer Trusdcl, ensign. 7th company, 1st regiment — Isaac Cooper, Jr., captain ; John Hough, 1st lieutenant; Thomas Shepard, 2d lieutenant; James Peck, ensign. 8th company, 1st regiment — Phineas Porler, captain ; Stephen Matthews, 1st lieutenant; Isaac Brownson, 2d lieutenant; David Smith, ensign. 9Lh company, 1st regiment — James Arnold captain ; Samuel Wilmott, 1st lieutenant; Nathaniel Bunnell, 2d lieutenant; Philemon Potter, ensign. 10th company, 1st regiment — Samuel Peck, Jr., captain ; John Fowler, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Israel Terrell, 2d lieutenant ; Daniel Doolittle, ensign. This Assembly do appoint Rev. Benjamin Trumbull, chaplain for the Ist regiment. Jared Potter, surgeon. Levi Ives and Isaac Chalker, surgeon's mates. SECOND REGIMENT. This Assembly do appoint Joseph Spencer, colonel of the 2d regiment and captain of 1st company. 1st company — Samuel Cone, Jr., Ist lieutenant ; James Smith, 2d lieutenant ; Joel Arnold, ensign. Samuel Wyllys, lieutenant colonel, and captain of 2d company, 2d company — Ezekiel Scott, 1st lieutenant ; Samuel Cooper, 2d lieutenant ; Marcus Cole, ensign. Roger Enos, Isl major, and captain of 3d company. 3d company — Elijah Robinson, 1st lieutenant; Silas Blodget, 2d lieutenant; Benjamin Farlee, ensign. Return J. Meigs, 2d major, and captain of 4th company. 4th company — Elijah Blackman, 1st lieutenant; Ebenezer Sumner, 2d lieu- tenant ; Joseph Savage, ensign. 5th company — Solomon Willes, captain ; Jonathan Parker, 1st lieutenant ; Samuel Fitch, Jr., 2d lieutenant ; Noah Chapin, ensign. 6lh company — Noadiah Hooker, captain; Peter Curtiss, 1st lieutenant; Joseph Byington, 2d lieutenant; Amos Wadsworlh, ensign. 7lh company — Abel Pettibone, captain ; Amasa Mills, 1st lieutenant; Joseph Forward, 2d lieutenant ; Jonathan Pettibone, cnsij/n. 9lh company — John Chester, captain; Barnabas Dean, 1st lieutenant; Ste- phen Goodrich, 2d lieulenant; Charles Butler, ensign. 10th company — John Marman, cnptain ; Samuel Wright, 1st lieutenant ; Consider Willeston, 2d lieutenant ; Oliver Hanchet, ensign. 8lh company — Levi Welles, captain ; James Ransom, 1st lieutenant ; John Isham, 2d lieutenant ; Samuel Palmer, ensign. Rev. Benjamin Boardnian, chaplain. William Jepson, surgeon. Daniel Southmayd and John Richard Walrous, surgeon's mates. REVOLUTIOINARY WAR, 1775. 167 THIRD REGIMENT. This Assembly do appoint Israel Putnam, colonel of the 3d regiment, and captain of 1st company. 1st company — Jonathan Kiiigsley, 1st lieutenant ; Thomas Grosvenor, 2(1 lieutenant; Elijah Loomis, ensign. Experience Storrs, lieutenant colonel, and captain of 2d company. 2d company — James Dana, 1st lieutenant ; Ebenezer Gray, 2d lieutenant ; Isaac Farewell, ensign. John Durkee, major, and captain of 3d company. 3d company — Joshua Huntington, 1st lieutenant; Jacobus Delbet, 2d lieu, tenant ; Lemuel Bingham, ensign. Obadiah Johnson, 2d major, and captain of 4th company. 4lh company — Ephraim Lyon, 1st lieutenant; Wells Clift, 2d lieutenant; Isaac Hide, Jr , ensign. 5th company — Thomas Knowlton, Jr., captain; Reuben Marcey, 1st lieuten. ant; John Keyes, 2d lieutenant; Daniel Allen, Jr., ensign. 6th company — James Clark, captain ; Daniel Tilden, 1st lieutenant ; Andrew Filch, 2d lieutenant; Thomas Bell, ensign. 7lh company — Ephraim Manning, captain ; Stephen Lyon, 1st lieutenant ; Asa Morris, 2d lieutenant ; William Irisseli, ensign. Sth company— Joseph Elliott, captain ; Bcnoni Cutler, 1st lieutenant ; Daniel Waters, 2d lieutenant ; Comfort Day, ensign. 9th company — Ebenezer Mosely, captain ; Stephen Brown, 1st lieutenant ; Melaliah Bingham, 2d lieutenant ; Nathaniel Wales, ensign. lOtli company— Israel Putnam, Jr., captain ; Samuel Robinson, Jr., 1st lieu, tenant ; Amos Avery, 2d lieutenant ; Caleb Stanley, ensign. Rev. Abiel Leonard, chaplain. John Spalding, surgeon. Fenuel Cheeny and Elijah Adams, surgeon's mates. ^ FOURTH REGIMENT. This Assembly do appoint Benjamin Hinman, colonel of the 4th regiment, and captain of the 1st company. 1st company — David Hinman, 1st lieutenant ; Benjamin Hungerford, 2d lieutenant ; Asahcl Hurd, ensign. George Pitkin, lieutenant colonel, and captain of 2d company. 2d company — Isaac Fellows, 1st lieutenant ; David Bissell, 2d lieutenant; Edward Payne, ensign. Samuel Ellmoro, major, and captain of 3d company. 3d company — Amos Chappel, Ist lieutenant ; Oliver Parmaly, 2d lieutenant; Moses Shepard, ensign. 4lh company — Nathaniel Bull, captain ; Timothy Holconib, 1st lieutenant ; Luther Stoddard, 2d lieulenant; Nathan Dawsey, ensign. 5th company — Shubacl Griswold, captain ; Benjamin Mills, 1st lieutenant ; Aaron Austin, Jr., 21 lieutenant; Caleb Lyman, ensign. 6th company — Josiah Starr, captain; Asaph Hull, 1st lieutenant; Paul Yates, 2d lieutenant ; Asahel Hodge, ensign. 7th company — Eleazer Curtiss, captain ; John Ransom, Ist lieutenant ; Mor- gan Noble, 2d lieutenant ; John Rockwell, ensign. 168 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 8th company — John Sct^pick, captain ; imes Thomson, 2d lieutenant ; Maltliew Pa Warham Gibbs, let lieutenant; James Thomson, 2d lieutenTTit ; Matthew Patterson, ensign. 9th company — Joim Watson, Jr., captain ; Tlieodore VVoodbridge, 1st lieu, tenant; Titus Watson, 2d lieutenant; John Hull, ensign. lOtli compuiiy — Ilczokiah Parsons, captain ; Ilezekiah Iloldridgo, 1st lieuton. ant; John Skinner, 2d lieutenant ; Ebenuzcr Watson, ensign. Rev. Cotton Mather Smith, chaplain. Lemuel Wheeler, surgeon. Daniel Sheldon and Abel Callin, surgeon's mates. FIFTH REGIMENT. David Waterbury, Jr., colonel of the 5lh regiment, and captain of the 1st company. 1st company — Sylvanus Brown, 1st lieutenant ; Jonathan Whiting, 2d lieu- tenant ; Samuel Hoit, ensign. Samuel Whiting, lieutenant colonel, and captain of 2d company. 2d company — Elijah Beacli, 1st lieutenant ; Robert Walker, 2d lieutenant ; Abijah Starling, ensign. Thomas Hobby, major, and captain of 3d company. 3d company — Bezaleel Brown, 1st lieutenant ; Samuel Lockwood, Jr., 2d lieutenant; John Waterbury, the 5th ensign. 4th company — David Dimon, captain ; Peter Hendrick, 1st lieutenant ; Ebe- nezer Hill, 2d lieutenant ; Wakeman Burr, ensign. 5th company — Matthew Mead, captain; Levi Taylor, 1st lieutenant; Samuel Cannon, 2d lieutenant; William Seymour, ensign. 6th company — Noblo Benedict, captain ; J jmes Clark, 1st lieutenant ; Ephraim Lyon, 2d lieutenant; Daniel Hicox, ensign. 7th company — Abraham Gray, captain; Sleplicn Wakeman, 1st lieutenant ; Thaddeus Rockwell, 2d lieutenant ; George Burr, ensign. 8tft company — Joseph Smilii, Jr., captain; Abel Bolsfbrd, J., Ist lieutenant ; Nathan Blackman, 2d lieutenant; Silas Hubbel, ensign. 9th company — Nehemaiii Beardslee, captain; Samuel Keeler, Jr., 1st lieuten- ant; Zephaniah Briggs, 2d lieutenant; William Benedict, ensign. 10th company — Zalmon Read, captain ; Peter Fairchild, 1st lieutenant ; David Peet, 2d lieutenant ; Benjamin Nichols, ensign. Rev. Samuel Wood, chaplain. John Wood, surgeon. Asel Filch and Samuel Whiting, surgeon's mates. SIXTH REGIMENT. Samuel Holden Parsons, Esq., colonel of the 6th regiment, and captain of the 1st company. 1st company — David Fisher Sill, 1st lieutenant ; Christopher Ely, 2d lieuten- ant ; Elisha Wade, ensign. John Tyler, lieutenant colonel, and captain of 2d company. 2d company— Elnathan Rossitcr, 1st lieutenant ; Ebenczer Brewster, 2d lieu- tenant ; Joseph Hillyard, ensign. Samuel Prentice, major, and captain of 3d compan}'. 3d company— James Eldridge, 1st lieutenant ; Richard Hewit, 2d lieutenant ; Oliver Babcock, ensign. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 169 4th company — William Coit, captain ; Jedediah Hide, 1st lieutenant ; James Day, 2d lieutenant ;' William Adams, ensign. 5th company — James Chapman, Jr., captain; Christopher Darrow, 1st lieu- tenant ; John Raymond, Jr., 2d lieutenant ; George Lattimore, ensign. 6th company — Waterman Cleft, captain; WilUam Edmond, 1st lieutenant; John McGregor, 2d lieutenant ; Nathaniel Morgan, ensign. 7th company — Edward Mott, captain ; Benjamin Throop, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Jeremiah Halsey, 2d lieutenant ; Nathan Peters, ensign. 8th compcny — Samuel Gale, captain ; Josiah Baldwin, 1st lieutenant ; Elisha Lee, 2d lieutenant ; David Nevins, ensign. 9th company — John Ely, captain ; Abraham Waterhouse, 1st lieutenant ; Mar- tin Kirtland, 2d lieutenant ; Israel Doan, ensign. 10th company — Abel Speer, captain ; Isaac Gallop, 1st lieutenant ; Samuel Williams, 3d, 2d lieutenant ; William Latham, 2d, ensign. Rev. Stephen Johnson, chaplain. Philip Turner, surgeon. Thomas Fosdick and Benjamin Ellis, surgeon's mates. (These six regiments of men were the first enlisted troops in Connecticut, raised for the revolutionary war ; and I discover in the list of the officers, the names of many, who survived the war, and lived to honor the highest court in the State, and the legislative halls of the State and Nation.) The Legislature in April, 1775, passed a resolve, that should the officers so appointed refuse to accept the trust, or should vacancies occur, by death, &c., the Governor was to fill the vacancies, and commission the officers that he should appoint. At the same session of the Assembly, Capt. Joseph Trumbull was appointed commissary general, to take charge of the provisions purchased at Salem, by Brigadier General Spencer, or any other provisions that should be sent to him, for the inhabitants, either enlisting or assembling for special defence of the colony, who was to distribute such provisions among them; also to purchase fur- ther supplies, if he could purchase on better terms, than in this colony; and was directed to report his doings, for the direction of the commissaries employed in this colony. At the same time, Oliver Wolcott, Henry Champion, Thomas Mumford, Jede- diah Strong, Jeremiah Wadsworth, Thomas Howell, Samuel Squire, Amasa Keyes, and Hezekiah Bissell, were appointed commissaries to supply all neces- sary stores and provisions for the troops then to be raised under the previous order of the Assembly. Commissary Trumbull was, by a resolution, then directed by the Legislature to purchase immediately, one hogshead of New England rum, and one hundred tin kettles ; and Commissary Wadsworth, to procure as soon as might be, one hundred tin kettles, fifly barrels of pork, fifty bushels of peas and beans, and immediately forward the peas and beans to the commissary general, together with two hundred weight of bread; Commissary Bissell, was directed to procure sixty barrels of pork, and forty-two hundred pounds of bread ; the commissary in Litchfield county, was directed to procure twenty barrels of pork, and eight thousand pounds of bread ; and each of the commissaries for the counties of New London, New Haven and Fairfield, were directed to procure for the army, fifty barrels of pork, and twenty thousand pounds of bread. 170 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. These were the first st^M| ordered or procured by Connecticut for the army. During the same sessio^^^^illiam Pitkin, Thomas Seymour, Oliver Ellsworth, and Ezckiel Williams, Esq'rsr, or any three of them, were appointed a committee with full power to examine, liquidate, settle, and give needful orders for the pay- ment of the several accounts of expenses that had been,, or should be incurred relative to the assembling, equipping, supporting, or paying wages to such of the colony as should, or might enlist or assemble for the defence of the colony, for the then current year ; and said committee were to act under the orders of the General Assembly. The committee of Pay Table, were empowered to take bonds with sureties, of each commissary ; in which bond such commissary was obliged faithfully and justly to dispose of all money he should receive, and account with the committee of Pay Table for the same. It was also enacted that the chief officers and captains of the several companies then to be enlisted, should be the pay masters of their respective companies ; and the committee of pay table were directed to take bonds with sureties of each captain, or other person who should act as pay master, and account also with the committee of pay table ; and receive as a compensation for such service, one and a half per cent. The immense amount of money required at this time, by the colony, to equip their recruits, provision and march them, in the then impoverished state of the country, could not be procured on so sudden an emergency. The Legislature! therefore, bold and daring in the enterprize, it being a war for their dearest rights and their liberty ; passed an act (in April, 1775) that there should be forthwith imprinted the sum o? fiftij Ihousand pounds, bills of credit on the colony, equal to lawful money, of suitable denominations as the committee should direct, and of the same tenor with the (then) late emission of bills of credit, without interest, and payable at or before the 10th day of May, 1777 ; and dated the lOth day of May, 1775. William Pitkin, George Wyllys, Elisha Williams, Benjamin Payne, and Thomas Seymour, Esq'rs., or any three of them, were appointed a commit- tee to take charge of imprinting said bills, with all convenient speed, and to sign and deliver the same to the Treasurer of the colony, taking Ris receipt iherefor, and the Treasurer was to pay the same out of the Treasury, under orders ol' the Assembly. And providing for a Sinking Fund, a tax of seven pence on the pound, was levied on all the polls and rateable estate in the colony, to be paid by the lOth day of May, 1777, in bills of credit of this emission, or lawful money, and the Treasurer was ordered to issue his warrants to collect the same. The colony powder, was ordered by the Legislature to be placed in the hands of one gentleman in each county, in the colony, viz. : Capt. Jabez Huntington, jo take charge of all the powder in Windham county ; Winthrop Saltonstall, in New London, and Jabez Huntington, of such as should be lodged in Norwich. That 28 half barrels of powder lodged at New Haven, should be sent into Fair- field county, to the care of Thaddeus Burr ; and that 14 half barrels of powder at New Haven, be sent to the care of Lynde Lord, Esq., at Litchfield, and the remainder of the powder at New Haven, to be taken charge of by Jonathan Fitch, Esq., of New Haven — all of which powder was to remain in the care of said persons, subject only to the order of the General Assembly, except on some sudden emergency, then by order of the selectmen of the several towns where lodged. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 171 It was also resolved that if any more powder should be sent into the colony for colony use, that a suitable proportion should be delivered to John Lawrence, Esq., of Hartford, and the remainder distributed into the several counties in suitable proportions, to the care of the gentlemen above named. April, 1775. Robert Fairchild, Esq., and Daniel Judson, were appointed by the Assembly, to enquire after, and take charge of, for the use of the colony, all stores of the camp of a military kind, owned by the colony, or which could be found with the heirs of Theophilus Nichols, Esq., then late deceased, and a com- missary of the government, &;c., and report the next session of said Assembly.^ April, 1775. Jedediah Strong, was also appointed to enquire at Albany, for arms belonging to this colony, left there during the last war, and return them as soon as might be. April, 1775. Daniel Lyman, Enos Allyn, Thomas Howell, Dudley Wood- bridge, Joseph Denison, 2d, Stephen Babcock, Gurdon Saltonstall, Thomas Mumford, John Lay, John Deshon, Richard Dickinson, and John McCurdy, were appointed a committee by the Legislature, to consider on the best method and means of securing, defending, and ^protecting the sea coast, ports and ship- ping in the colony ; to state facts, and report their opinions Ihereon to said Assembly in May (then) next, without expense to the colony. The Legislature appointed Col. Gurdon Saltonstall, Samuel Mott, Esq., and Capt. John Deshon, a committee forthwith to prepare carriages and necessary apparatus for the cannon at New London, so that they might be put in the best order for use, in case of necessity for defence. A resolution was passed authorizing the Governor to give Brig. Gen, Spencer an order, to direct the colonels of the six regiments under his command, to order the respective captains, to forward the enlistments of men for the special service, defence, and safety of the colony, and to hold themselves in readiness to march on the shortest notice. And the four regiments commanded by Brig's. Spencer and Putnam, and Col's. Hinman and Parsons, or such part of them as the Gover- nor should order, forthwith to be in readiness, and march to Boston, or to some place contiguous, as should be ordered. An act was passed repealing the act constituting the action of Book Debt — the Legislature believing, if it existed, many accounts would be barred by the statute of limitations, in time of war, to the prejudice of officers and soldiers, who were necessarily absent from their homes. Also for the same reasons, was an act passed, exempting debtors from impris- onment for debt, and releasing those who were in prison for debt, on execution or attachment ; which act was to continue in force until the rising of the Legisla- ture in October (then) next. Note. John Patterson, Esq. of Piermont, of the province ofN. Hampshire, agent of said town, preferred a petition in favor of said Piermont, stating its exposed situation to Quebec, at that alarming period, and expecting an attack by the French and Indians from Canada ; that said town had voted to supply themselves with arms and ammunition, of which they were nearly destitute ; and being without money in the infant state of the town, prayed the colony of Connecticut to sell them fifty pounds of powder, offering their note, with security, to be paid in May, 1776, with interest, and signed by John Patterson, Agent. A resolution passed, dii'ecting the powder to be delivered, and to take said Patterson's note for the same, payable the 1st day of May, 1776, with interest. 172 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. An enquiry was had in^^ town of Watcrbury, as to the major part of a com- pany who were discoveref^o be inimical to the American cause, composed of officers and soldiers ; the true whigs praying to be annexed to a new company. A committee was appointed, consisting of Thomas Mattthewson and Timothy Judd, to examine the facts, and report to the next Assembly. Joseph Munson, of New Haven, and Joseph Webb, of Wethersficld, had leave given to export to the West India Islands, 46 cattle and CO barrels of pork, which had been purchased before tiie laying of the embargo. The session of the Assembly was closed by passing the following preamble and resolution, viz. : Considering the dark and gloomy aspect of Divine Providence, over this colony and land, and that it is the indispensable duty of every people suffering under the afflictive chastisements of a righteous God, with deep repentance, sup- plication, and amendment of life, to endeavor by all the ways which God has prescribed, to avert his anger and incline him to become reconciled to his people, It is therefore Resolved by this Assembly, That it be recommended to all the Ministers of the Gospel in this colony, that they earnestly endeavor to dissuade their several congregations from all excess and all diversions which may be improper in the present day of distress ; and that both they and their people cry mightily to God, that he would be pleased to spare his people, and be gracious unto them, and visit them with his loving kindness and tender mercies, and not give up his heritage to reproach ; but preserve unto them their great and impor- tant rights and privileges, and guide and prosper the public counsels of this colony and land ; and in this hour of difficulty and distress, graciously manifest his power in the deliverance and salvation of his people, to the glory of his own name. GENERAL ASSEMBLY, MAY SESSION, Held on the 11th day of said month, A. D. 1775, and continued in session until the 31st day of said May. Hon. Jonathan Trumboll, Governor. The same Assistants, (Conant absent.) At this session of the Assembly, the town of Westmoreland was to form the 24th regiment, with all the powers, privileges, and advantages that other regi- ments of the colony had. A sum of money being required to defray the incidental charges of Govern- xnent, it was enacted forthwith to print fifty thousand pounds, in bills of credit on the colony, equal to lawful money, of the tenor of the last emission of bills of credit, without interest, payable by the 1st day of June, 1778, to be dated the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 173 l3t day of June, A. D. 1775'; and Jabez Hamlin, Win. Pitkin, George VVyllys, Elislia Williams, Benjamin Payne, Thomas Seymour, and Jesse Root, Esq'rs. or any three of them were to be ^committee to see that said bills were immedi- ately printed, and to sign and deliver them to the Treasurer of the colony. And as a Sinking Fund, a, tax of seven pence on the pound was granted, and ordered to be levied on all the polls and rateable estate in the colony, payable into the Treasury by the 1st of June, A. D. 1778; pa3'able also in bills of this emission or lawful money. Warrants were issued to collect said tax.* Tlie embaro-o laid by the Assembly in April last, was continued on the articles mentioned in said act, until the 1st day of August (then) next, and the Governor was so directed to make proclamation, reserving to the Governor and Council, power to discontinue in whole or part at an earlier time, if they should judge it expedient. The Legislature ordered that there should be provided 90 marques or offi- cer's tents, 500 tents for privates, and cloth for 48 tents, 460 tents for private soldiers, 1092 iron pots that would contain about ten quarts each, if pots could not be procured, then to purchase tin kettles and 1098 pails; two brass kettles often gallon size, for the use of each company ; 2,500 wooden bowls ; four fry- ing pans for each company ; 6,000 quart rumlets ; 60 drums, and 120 fifes for » the use of said troops ; six standards, one for each regiment, distinguished by their color, as follows, viz. : for the 1st regiment, yellow ; for the 2d, blue ; for the 3d, scarlet ; for the 4th, crimson ; for the 5th, white ; for the 6th, azure — a med- icine chest and apparatus, to the value not exceeding £40, for each regiment ; a set of surgical instruments for the whole corps on each destination, and such medicine as should be left, to be returned to the colony ; 70 books, each in quarto of one quiie each, covered with cartridge paper ; 2 reams of writing paper ; 10 reams of paper for cartridges ; one cart or wagon for each company. Allowed to the troops three-fourths of a pound of pork or one pound of beef, one pound of bread or flour, three pints of beer to each man per day, beef to be fresh two days in a week ; also a half pint of rice or a pint of Indian meal; 6 ounces of butter ; three pints of peas or beans, to each man per week. Also one gill of rum to each man upon faligue per day, and at no other time ; milk, molasses, candles, soap, vinegar, coffee, chocolate, sugar, tobacco, onions in the season, and vegetables be provided for said troops at the discretion of the general and field officers. That Is. and 6d. be paid to each man that should supply himself three pounds of ball ; 3s. for a pound of powder ; 3d. for six flints ; otherwise to be supplied from the town stock, or out of the colony ammunition. Soldiers marching east, to be furnished out of the colony stock at New London, Norwich, and Windham, or Mansfield ; and two assistants or justices to adjust the accounts of what should be received of the towns, and the pay table give an order on the Treasurer. The pay masters to keep the ammunition account for such as provide for themselves, ball, powder, &c. The flints to be distributed to each county, and one ton of the balls in the care of the Treasurer to be sent to Windham. * It will be observed that in April, an emission of j£50,000 of bills of credit were issued, making in April and May, £100,000 in bills of credit, issued within two months, and the colony taxed fourteen pence on the pound to redeem the bills. 23 174 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. An act was passed directijM|4he manufacture of 3,000 fire arms, for the use of the colony, describing the kind of guns, length, bore, &:c., giving a bounty of 5s. for each stand of arms, with a good lock that skouid be made in the colony, by the 20th day of October (then) next, (if not sold out of the colony) ; and a bounty of Is. and 6d. for every good gun lock made within the colony by the 20th day of October; and that all such arms so manufactured within the colony should be purchased at a reasonable price, over and above the premium given. A committee was appointed to enquire and report to the Governor, as soon as might be, the probable number of arms that could be manufactured in the colony by the 20lh of October aforesaid ; and to call upon tlie Treasurer for the necessary funds to pay for them, and receive liie arms so purchased ibr the use of the colony, and secure the same. It was also enacted, that a bounty of ten pounds should be paid for every fifty pounds of salt petre that should be made from materials found in this colony, within one year after the rising of the Assembly. Also a bounty of five pounds for every one hundred weight of sulphur, that should bo manufactured within the colony, from materials found in any of the British colonies, ki America, within one year as aforesaid. # An act for regulating and ordering the troops that were or should bo raised for the defence of the colony. Whereas God in his providence halh been pleased in great mercy to bestow upon the inhabitants of this colony, all the rights, liberties, and immunities of the free and natural born subjects of the realm of England, which have been established and confirmed by a sacred compact, and secured by a royal charter ; which rights, liberties, and immunities, were the birth. right of our bravo, virlu. ous, and religious ancestors whilst in England, who rather than submit lo reli. gious or cruel tyranny, chose to leave their pleasant seats and all their happy prospects in their native country, bravely encountered the danger of untried seas and coasts of a howling wilderness, barbarous men, 'and savage beasts, at the expense of their ease and safety of their blood, their treasure, and their lives ; transplanted and reared the Englisli constitution in these wilds, upon the strong pillars of civil and religious liberty, and having led the way by their great example, bequeathed their inestimable purchase as a sacred and unalienable legacy to their posterity, who have ever since united the sincerest loyally to their sovereign, and the warmest affection for their elder brethren in England, with the enjoyment of their aforesaid rights, liberties, and iminuni- lies, nor have they till lately been thought incompatible. And whereas, since the close of the last war, the British Parliament claiming a power of right to bind the people of America by statute in all cases whatsoever^ hath in some acts expressly imposed taxes upon them, and in others, under various pretences, but in fact for the purpose of raising a revenue, hath imposed rates and duties, payaiile in these colonics, established a Board of Commissioners with unconstitutional powers, and extended the jurisdiction of courts of admir. alty, not only for collecting said duties, bat also for the trial of causes merely arising within the body of a country. And whereas in consequence of other statutes, judges who before held only estates at will in their offices, have been made to depend on the crown alono for their salaries ; and standing armies kept in time of peace ; and it has been lately resolved in Parliament, that by force of a statute made in the thirty-fifth REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. • 175 year of the reign of king Ilonr}' the Eiglith, colonists mny bo transported to England, and tried there upon accusations for treason, and misprisons, or concoalnient of treasons committed or alleged to be committed in the colonies; and by a late statute such trials have been directed in cases tiierein mentioned. And whereas, three acts of Parliament have been passed, by one of wiiich the port of Boston is shut up, and thousands reduced from affluence to poverty and distress ; by another, the ciianer of the province of Massacliusetts Bay is subverted and destroyed ; and by the third, under pretence of the impartial administration of justice, all hope of justice is taken away in certain cases. And whereas, another statute has been made, by which the Roman Calholie religion is established, tiic equitable system of English laws arc abolisiicd, and a /j/rffnnj/ erected, in the province of Quebec, to the great danger of the neigh- boring colonies. And also in the present session of Parliament, another act is passed, by which tiie New England colonies are in a great measure deprived of their trade and fishery, the blessings which God and nature have indulged them with, being atlcmpted by force to be wrested from them. And whereas, all our humble, dutiful, and loyal petitions to the throne for redress of grievances, have been treated with contempt, or passed by in silence, by his majesty's ministers of state, and the refusal to surrender our just rights, liberties, and immunities, hath been styled rebellion ; and fleets and armies have been sent into a neighboring colony to force thcni to submit to slavery, and awe the other colonics into submission, by the example of vengeance inflicted on her, who had besides the casual calamities and insults that proceed iVoni stand- ing armies, fortified the town of Boston, driven the peaceable inhabitants from their dwellings, and imbrued their hands in the blood of our countrymen. All which acts and measures have relation to ail the British colonies, in the princi. pies from which they flow, and are evidently intended to force or terrify them into a submission to Parliqjnentary taxation, or at least into a surrender of their property at the pleasure of the British Parliament, and in such proportion as they shall please to prescribe, with which we must comply, or be at the mere]/ of those who cannot know our situation and circumstances, and will be interested to oppress and enslave us ; our liberty, our lives, and property, will become precarious and dependent upon the will of men over whom we can have no check or control; religion, property, personal safety, learning, arts, public and private virtue, social happiness, and every blessing attendant on libertV) will fall victims to the principles and measures advanced and pursued against us ; whilst shameless vice, infidelity, irreligion, abject dependence, igno- rance, superstition, meanness, servility, and the whole train of despotism pre- sent themselves to our view in melancholy prospect. And whereas, although this Assembly wish for no new rights and privileges, and desire only to preserve their ancient constitution, as it has been under- stood and practised upon from the beginning ; freely yielding to the British Parliament the regulation of our external commerce, for the purpose of secur. ing the commercial advantages of all the dominions of our sovereign to the mother country, and the commercial benefits of its several jnembers, excluding every idea of taxation, for raising a revenue without our consent ; and claiming only a right to regulate our internal police and government, and are most earnestly desirous of peace, and deprecate the horrors of war. Yet when they see military preparations against them at hand, and the hopes of peace and bar- 176 • REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. inony placed al a greater (^teiicc, being fully determined never to make & voluntary sacrifice of tlieir rights, not knowing how soon parliamentary arfd minisleriiil vengeance may be directed against them immediately, as it is now against the province of Maasacluisetts Bay, who are suffering in the common cause of British America, trusting in the justice of their cause, and tiie righteous providence of Almighty God, for the restoration of quiet and peace, or for suc- cess in the efforts for tlieir defence, have thought it their duty to raise troops for the defence of tliis colony. And whereas it is necessary that such troops, both officers and soldiers, should be made acquainted with their duly, and that articles, rules, and regulations, should be established to preserve order, good govenimenl, and discipline in tho army, agreeable to the mild spirit of our constitution, and not according to the severities practised in standing armies. Therefore, Be it enacted by tho Governor, Council, and Representatives in General Court assembled, and by authority of the same — Article I. That all officers and soldiers not having just impediment, shall diligently frequent divine service and sermon in the places appointed for tho assembling tlie regiment, troop or company, to which they belong, and such as wilfully absent themselves, or being present, behave indecently, or irreverently, shall, if commissioned officers, be brought before a regimental court-martial, there to be publicly and severely reprimanded by the president ; if non.commis- sioned officers or soldiers, every person so offending shall, tor his first offence, forfeit Is. to be deducted out of his wages ; (or his second offence, he shall not only forfeit Is. but be confined not exceeding twenty. four hours ; and for every like offence shall suffer and pay in like manner ; which money so forfeited shall be applied to the use of the sick soldiers of the troop or company to which the offender belongs. Art. II. That whatsoever non-commissioned officer or soldier shall use any unlawful oath or execration, shall incur the penalties expressed in the first article ; and if a commissioned officer be tlius guilty of profane cursing or swearing, he shall forfeit and pay for each and every such offence, the sum of 4s. lawful money. Art. III. That any officer or soldier who shall behave himself with con- tempt or disrespect towards the General or Commander-in-chief, or shall speak words tending to his or their hurt or dishonor, shall be punished according to tho nature of his offence by tho judgment of a general court martial. Art. IV. That any officer or soldier who shall begin, excite, cause or join in any meeting or sedition in the regiment, troop, or company, to which he belongs, or in any other regiment, troop, or company of the forces of this colony, cither by land or sea, or in any party, post, detachment, or guard, on any pretence whatsoever, shall suffer such punishment as by a general court martial shall be ordered. Art. V. That any ofiicer, non-commissioned officer, or soldier, who being present at any meeting or sedition, does not use his utmost endeavors to sup. press the same ; or. coming to the knowledge of any meeting or intended meeting docs not without delay, give information thereof to the commanding officers, shall be punished by order of a general court martial, according to tho nature of his offence. Art. VI. That any officer or soldier who shall strike his superior officer, or REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 177 draw or offer to draw, or shall lift up any weapon, or offer any violence against him, being in the execution of his office, on any pretence wiiatsoevcr, or shall disobey any lawful command of his superior officer, shall suffer such punishment as shall, according to the nature of his offence be ordered by ihe senlcnco of a general court martial. Art. VII. Tliat any non-commissioned officer or soldier who shall desert, or without leave of his commanding officer, absent himself from the troop or company to which he belongs, or from any detachment of the same, siiall, upon being convicted thereof, be punished according to the nature of his offence, at the discretion of a general court martial. Art. VIII. That whatsoever officer or so'dler shall be convicted of having advised or persuaded any other officer or soldier to desert, shall suffer such pun- ishment as shall be ordered by the sentence of a general court martial. Art. IX. That all officers of what condition soever shall have power to part and quell all quarrels, frays, and disorders, though the persons concerned should belong to anotlicr regiment, troop, or company ; ajid either order officers to be arrested, or non-commissioned officers or soldiers to be confined and imprisoned till tjieir proper superior officers shall be acquainled tiierevvilh ; and whoever shall refuse to obey such officer, though of an inferior rank, or shall draw his sword upon him, shall be punished at the discretion of a general court martial. Art. X. That no officer or soldier shall use any reproachful or provoking speeches or gestures to another; nor shall any officer or soldier presume to send a challenge to any person to fight a duel, or second, promote, oj carry'any chalhmge, shall be deemed a principal therein; and whatsoever officer or soldier shall upbraid another lor ro.fusiiig a challenge, shall also be considered as a challenger ; and all such offenders in any of these or such like cases, shall bo punisiied at the discretion of a general court martial. Art. XI. That every officer commanding in quarters, or on a march, shall keep good order, and to the utmost of his power, redress all such abuses or disorders which may be commillcd by any officer or soldier under his command; if upon any complaint made to him, of officers or soldiers beating or otherwise ill treating any person, or of committing uny kind of riot to the disquieting of the inhabitants of this continent, ho the said commander who shall refuse or omit to see justice done on tho offender or offenders, and reparation made to the party or parties injured, as far as the offender's wages shall enable him or them — shall upon due proof thereof be punished as ordered by a general court martial, in such manner as if he himself had committed the crimes or disorders complained of. Art. XII. That if any officer should think himself to be wronged by his colonel or the commanding officer of the regiment, and shall upon due applica- tion made to him be refused to be redressed, he may complain to the general or commander-in-chief of the forces of this colony, in order to obtain justice; who is hereby required to examine into said complaint, and see that justice be done. Art. XIII. That if any inferior officer or soldier shall think himself wronged by his captain, or other officer commanding the troop or company to which ho belongs, he is to complain thereof to the commanding officer of the regiment, who is hereby required to summon a regimental court martial for the doiiig justice to the complainant ; from which regimental court riiartial either party 178 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. may, if lie thinks himself s^^ aggrieved, appeal to a general court martial; but if, upon a second hearing, TTie appeal shall appear to be vexatious and ground, less, the person so appealing shall bo punished at the discretion of the general court martial. Akt. XIV. That vvliiilsocver non-commissioned officer or soldier shall be convicted at a regimental court inarlial, of having sold, or designedly, or through neglect, wasted the ammunition, arms, or provision, or other military stores, delivered out to him to bo employed m the service of this colony, shall, if an officer, be reduced to a private sentinel, and if a private soldier, shall suffer such punishment as shall be ordered by a regimental court martial. Art. XV. That all non-commissioned officers and soldiers who shall bo found one mile from the camp, without leave in writing from their commanding officer, shall suffer such punishment as shall be inflicted on him or them by the sentence of a regimental court martial. Art. XVI. That no officer or soldier shall lie out of his quarters or camp without leave from their commanding officers of the regiment, upon penalty of being punished according to the nature of his offence, by order of a regimental court martial. Art. XVII. That every non-commissioned officer and soldier shall retire to his quarters or tent at the beating of the retreat, in default of which ho shall be punished according to the nature of his offence, by order of the commanding officer. Art. XVIII. That no officer, non-commissioned officer or soldier, shall fail of repairing, at the time fi.^ed, to the place of parade or exercise, or other rendezvous appointed by the commanding officer, if not prevented by sickness or some other evident necessity ; or shall go from the said place of rendezvous or from his guard without leave fron) his commanding officer, before ho shall bo regularly dismissed or relieved, on penalty of being punished according to the nature of his offence, by the sentence of a regimental court martial. Art. XIX. That whatsoever commissioned officer shall be found drunk on his guard party or other duly, under arms, shall be cashiered for it ; any non- commissioned officer or soldier so oTending, shall suffer such punishment as shall be ordered by the sentence of a regimental court martial. Art. XX. That whatsoever sentinel shall be found sleeping upon his post, or shall leave it before he shall be regularly relieved, shall sulfur such punishment as shall be ordered by the sentence of a general court martial. Art. XXI. That any person belonging to the troops of this colony, who by discharging of fire arms, beating of drums, or by any other means whatsoever, shall occasion filse alarms in camp or quarters, shall suffer such punishment as shall be ordered by the sentence of a general court martial. Art. XXII. That any officer or soldier who shall, without urgent necessity, or without leave of his superior officer, quit his platoon or division, shail be punished according to the nature of his offence, by tho sentence of a regimental court martiiil. Art. XXIII. That no officer or soldier shall do violence, or offer any insult or abuse to any perf-on who shail bring provisions or other necessaries to the camp or quarters of the army; any officer or soldier so offjnding, shall, upon complaint being made to the commanding officer, suffer such punishment as shall bo ordered by a regimental court martial. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 179 Art. XXIV. That whatsoever officer or soldier shall shamefully abandon any post committed to Ills ciiarge, or shall speak words inducing others to do the like in time of an engagement, shall suffer dcalli immediately. Art. XXV. That any person belonging to tlio forces raised, or that may bo raised for the defence of tlie cokmy, wiio sliall make known the walch-word to any person who is not entitled to receive it according to the rules and discipline of war ; or shall presume to give a parole or walch-word diflcrciit from what he received it, shall suffer death, or such other punisiinient as shall be ordered by the sentence of a general court martial. Art. XXVI. That whosoever belonging to the forces raised, or that may be raised for the defence of this colony, shall relieve the enemy with money, victuals, or ammunition ; or shall knowingly harbor or protect an enemy, shall suffer sucii punishment as by a general court martial sliull be ordered. Art. XXVII. That whosoever belonging to the forces already raised, or that may be raised for the defence of tiiis colony, shall be convicted of holding cor- respondence with, or of giving intelligence to the enemy, either directly or indirectly, shall suffer such punishment as by a general court martial shall be ordered. Art. XXVIII. That all public stores taken in the enemy's camp, or maga- zines, whether of artillery, ammunition, clothing or provisions, shall be secured for the use of this colony. Art. XXIX. That if any officer or soldier shall leave his post or colors in time of an engagement to go in search of plunder, he shall, ujion being con. victed thereof, before a general court martial, suffer such punishment as by said court martial shall be ordered. Art. XXX. Th^it if any commander of any post, intrencbment or fortress, shall be compelled by the officers or soldiers under his command, to give it up to the enemy, or to abandon it, tiie commissioned officer, non-commissioneti officers or soldiers, who shall be convicted of having so offended, shall suffer death, or such other punishment as may be inflicted upon them by the sentence of a general court martial. Art XXXI. That all sutlers and letailers to a camp, and all persons what, soever serving with the forces already raised, or that may be raised for the defence of this colony, in the field, thougli not enlisted soldiers, are to be sub. jecled to the same articles, rules, and regulations to which the officers and soldiers are or shall be subjected. Art. XXXII. That no general court martial shall consist of a less number than thirteen^ none of which shall bo under the degree of a commissioned officer ; and the president of each and every court martial whether general or regimental, shall have power to administer an oath to every witness in order to the trial of offenders; and the members of all courts martial shall be duly sworn by the president, and the next in rank on the court martial shall administer the oath to the president. Art. XXXIII. That the members both of general and regimental courts martial shall, when belonging to different corps, take the same rank which they hold in the army ; but when courts martial shall be composed of officers of one corps, they shall take their ranks according to their commissions, by which they are mustered in the said corps. 180 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. Art. XXXIV, That all tjj^members of a court martial are to behave with calmness, decency, a with the lowest. Art. XXXV. Tliat no field officer shall be tried by any person under tho degree of a captain ; nor shall any proceedings or trials be carried on excepting between the hours of eight in the morning and three in the afternoon, except in cases which require an immediate example. Art XXXVI. Tiiat the commissioned officers of every regiment may, by tho appointment of their colonel or commanding officer, hold regimental courts martial for tho enquirj' into such disputes or criminal matters as may come before them, and for the inflioliiig corporal punishments for small offijnces ; and shall give judgment by tho majority of voices; but no sentence shall be exe. culed till the commandnig officer (not being a member of ihe court martial) shall have confirmed the same. Art. XXXVII. That no regimental court martial shall consist of less than five officers, except in cases where that number cannot be conveniently asscm. bled, when three may be sufficient, who are likewise to determine upon the sentence, by a mnjorily of voices; which sentence is to be confirmed by the com. manding offioer, not being a member of tiie court n)artial. Art. XXXVIII. Tliat every officer commanding in any fort, castle, or barrack, or elsewhere, where the corps under his command consists of detachn)ents from diffisrent regiments, or of independent companies, may assemble courts martial for the trial of offenders in the same manner as if they were regimental ; whose sentence is not to be executed till it shall be confirmed by the said commanding officer. Art. XXXIX. That no person whatsoever shall use menacing words, signs, or gestures, in the presence of a court martial then sitting, or shall cause any disorder or riot, so as to disturb their proceedings, on the penalty of being pun- ished at the discretion of said court martial. Art. XL. That to the end that off"enders may be brought lo justice whenever any officer or soldier shall commit a crime deserving punishment, he shall, by his commanding officer, if an officer, be put in arrest, if a non-comnjissioned officer or soldier, be imprisoned, till he shall be either tried by a court martial, or shall be lawfully discharged by proper authority. Art. XLI. That no officer or soldier who shall be put in arrest or imprison- ment, shall continue in his confinement more than eight days, or till such time as a court martial can be conveniently assembled. Art. XLII. That no officer commanding a guard, or provost marshal, shall refuse to receive or keep any person committed to his charge by an officer belong- ing to the forces aforesaid ; which officer shall at the same time deliver an account in writing, signed by himself, of the crime with which the said prisoner is charged. Art. XLIII. That no officer commanding a guard or provost marshal, shall presume to release any prisoner committed to his charge, without proper author- ity for so doing, nor shall he suffer any prisoner to escape, on the penalty of being punished for it by the sentence of a general court martial. Art. XLIV. That every officer, or a provost marshal, to whose charge pri- soners shall be committed, is hereby required, within twenty-four hours after such commitment, or as soon as he shall be relieved from his guard, to give in REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 181 writing to the colonel of the regiment to whom the prisoner belongs, (where the prisoner is confined upon the guard belonging to the said regiment, and that his office only relates to the neglect of duty in his own corps,) or to the commander- in-chief, their names, their crimes, and the names of the officers who committed them, on the penalty of being punished for his disobedience or neglect, at the discretion of a general court martial. Art. XLV. And if any officer under arrest shall leave his confinement before he is set at liberty by the officer who confined him, or by a superior power, he shall be cashiered for it. Art. XLVI. That whatsoever commissioned officer shall be convicted before a general court martial of behaving in a scandalous, infamous manner, such as is unbecoming the character of an officer and a gentleman, shall be discharged from the service. Art. XLVII. That all officers, conductors, gunners, matrosses, drivers, or any other persons whatsoever, receiving pay or hire in the service of the artil- lery of this colony, shall be governed by the aforesaid rules and articles, and shall be subject to be tried by courts martial in like manner with the. officers and soldiers of the troops. Art. XLVIII. That for differences arising among themselves, or in matters relating solely to their own corps, tlie courts martial may be composed of their own officers ; but where a number sufficient of such officers cannot be assembled, or in matters wherein other corps are interested, the officers of artillery shall sit in courts martial with the officers of the other corps. Art. XLIX. That all crimes not capital, and all disorders and neglects which officers and soldiers may be guilty of, to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, though not mentioned in the articles of war, are to be taken cognizance of by a general or regimental court martial, according to the nature or degree of the ofl^ence, and be punished at their discretion. Art. L. That no courts martial shall order any offender to be whipped, or receive more than thirty-nine stripes, for one offence. Art. LI. That the field officers of each and every regiment, are to appoint some suitable person belonging to such regiment, to receive all such fines as may arise within the same, for any breach of any of the foregoing articles, and shall direct the same to be carefully and properly applied to the relief of such sick, wounded, or necessitous soldiers as belong to such regiment; such persons shall account with such officer for all fines received, and the application thereof. Art. LII. That all members sitting in courts martial shall be sworn by the president of said courts, which president shall himself be sworn by the officer in said court next in rank. The oath to be administered previous to their pro- ceeding to the trial of any offender, in form following, viz : You, A. B. swear |hat you will well and truly try, and impartially determine, the cause of the prisoner now to be tried, according to the rules for regulating the forces raised, or to be raised, for the defence of the colony of Connecticut — so help you God. Art. LIII. That all persons called to give evidence in any case before a court martial, who shall refuse to give evidence, shall be punished for such refusal at the discretion of such court martial. The oath to be administered in the form following, viz : You swear the evidence you shall give in the case now in hearing, 24 182 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. shall be the truth, the w^^ truth, and nothing but the truth— so help you God. A resolution passed directing all officers who assisted in assembling or fur- nisliing ainmunilion to sucli ot' llie colony in tiie (then) iale alurms, who marched cast or west, to deliver to the selectmen of their resp(!clive towns, their accounts, and the names of those who niarciied in relief of those in distress, and the time detained until their return. The selectmen were ordered to collect a particular account of expenses, for provisions, &c., and the names of those who supplied, to be laid before the committee of pay table for settlement.* It was also resolved, that the committee of the pay table should give orders on the treasurer for the payment of all money actually expended, or lor obliga- tions given therefor, in obtaining the possession of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, by said accounts being liquidated and approved by the committee. And the committee were directed to receive the accounts of the cosis and expenses for men and provision in taking and securing said fortresses, by any inhabit, ants of this colony, or any other colony, if employed by the colony of Connec- ticut, and digest and put in proper form all such accounts, and lay the same before the Assembly. It was resolved, that each non-commissioned officer and soldier, of any mili- tary company in the colony, should be paid out of the colony treasury, six pence for each half day he had performed mililary duty, and one shilling for each day ho had performed regimental duty, in obedience to a law of the colony passed the October preceding. * At this time there was convincing proof that a design was formed by the British ministry, of making an invasion from Canada, i. e, from Quebec upon the northern colonies, to take the lives and liberties of the colonists. Some steps had actually been taken to carry their designs into execution. Some of the citizens in the vicinity of Ticonderoga, who were immediately exposed to incursions, being impelled by a just regard for their defence and self prescrva. tion, had taken possession of that post, and also of Crown Point, where was then lodged a quantity of cannon a!id military stores, which were exposed to be taken by the enemy, as well as the few officers and soldiers who were stationed there. And as the colony of Connecticut had of right no command of said posts exclusively, said posts being in possession of people of diffijrent colonies, it was considered impracticable for the officers and soldiers of this colony to return either to Ticonderoga, or Crown Point at that time ; and it therefore became necessary that such officers and soldiers and their families, for the time being, should be provided for by the colony. It was therefore resolved, that Col. Eraslus Wolcott, Capt. Samuel Wads. worth, Capt. Ezekiel Williams, Epaphras Bull, Henry Allyn, Col. Fisher Gay, Col. Matthew Talcott, Col. James Wadsworth, Capt. Jonathan Welles, Eliene. zor White, and Col. Jonathan Humphrey, should be a committee, or any three of them, at the expense of the colony, to take care of and provide for the officers and soldiers and their families, in procuring labor for the soldiers until the con. tincntal Congress, or the Assembly, should take farther order concerning them. Directing the commander-in-chief to make proper returns under bis hand to said committee, of such corps as were under his command. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 183 It was resolved, that Jabez Hamlin, Matthew Talcott, and Titus Hosmer, Esq'rs., bo a committee to provide stores of lead, as they should judge neces. sary for tlie use of the colony, or to take tlie lead ore raised out of the mine at Middietown, and refined and fitted for the use of the colony ; with power to receive out of the colony treasury any sums of money that should be necessary to procure said lead, or purchase said lead ore and smelt and refino it, not exceeding the sum of ;C400 — Provided that the owners of said mine, should be allowed for any loss or damage they might sustain by reason of the premises. It was resolved, that the commander-in-chief of the forces raised in tha colony, at their respective destinations, were empowered to procure armorers to repair all fire arms damaged in service. And the committee of pay table were directed to repair the arms of the colony in the hands of the treasurer, and deliver them to the inhabitants enlisted, to have them appraised, and take a receipt for them. Samuel Molt, Esq., was appointed an engineer to repair forthwith to Ticon- deroga and Crown Point, to act in that capacity, and to take rank as a lieuten. ant colonel among the troops raised for the defence of the colony of Con. necticut. The Legislature appointed the Hon. Matthew Griswold, Hon. Eliphalet Dyer, J. Huntington, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, N. Wales, Jr., J. Elderkin, Joshua West, and Benjamin Huntington, Esq'rs., to assist the Governor when tlie Assembly was not in session, to direct the marches and stations of the soldiers enlisted for the defence of the colony, or any part of them, as they should judge proper, and supply with every matter and thing that should be needful for the defence of the colony.* That the commissions ordered by the special Assembly in April, bo dated May 1st, 1775. That the warrants for the staif be dated 20th day of May, 1775, viz. : chap, lain, surgeon, and surgeon's mate. The sum of £i per month was granted to Major General Wooster, to assist him to provide a proper secretary for the necessary service of his department. Also the sum of £4 per month to Brigadier Generals Spencer and Putnam, to provide secretaries for their respective departments. Jonathan Fitch, Esq., v?as appointed commissary, in the room of Thomas Howel, resigned. It was resolved, that the commissaries sliould bo allowed one and a half per cent, commission on all supplies purchased and paid for by them, by order of the Assembly. The Treasurer of tho colony was ordered to pay Captain Edward Mott, the sum of ;C20, and said Mott to account to the Assembly. Jabez Hamlin and Jesse Root, Esq'rs. were added to the committee to sign the bills of credit in the colony, ordered by the Assembly on the 2Gth day of April, 1775. It was resolved, that 500 pounds of powder should be forthwith borrowed by the committee of pay table from the town stocks of the adjacent towns, and to * This was the first Committee of Safety appointed by Connecticut, to aid the Governor in his deliberations and acts during the recess of the General Assembly. 184 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. be transported by Col. Ja^WEaslon, with the utmost expedition, to Crown Point and Ticonderoga, and to be tiiure used for the iinmcdiato defence of those posts, until tiie resolves of the Continental Congress should be carried into execution ; directing the committee of pay table to draw on ihe colony treasurer in favor of Col. Easton for the sum of .£200, to be expended in defraying the expenses of transporting said powder, and other necessary purposes, for the immediate support of said fortresses. The pay of an adjutant was fixed at £6 per month ; the pay of the 1st lieu, tenant of the colonel's companies in each regiment fixed at £5 per month. jCIO was ordered paid to Capt. Eleazer Oswald. Fees of six shillings per day was allowed for the committee of the pay table for euch attending on the service, and so in proportion for the time served. David Johnson, Jr., was appointed 2d li(!Ulenant, 2d company, 4th regiment, in the room of David Biscell, superseded. Capt. John Chester enlisted five men more than his quota, the Assembly gave him liberty to retain them in his company. Col. Charles Burrall received an order of £12:9:11 for repairing arms of the colony. Jabez Thomson, Ichabod Lewis, Thomas Belding, John Mead, Henry Cham, pion, Comfort Sago, and Nathan Denison, were appointed lieutenant colonels of militia, Zebulon Butler, Matthew Talcott, Samuel Chapman, William Williams, and Gold S. Silliman, were also appointed colonels of the militia. William Douglass, John Chester, Stephen St. John, Dyer Throop, John Pen- field, William Judd, and Oliver Smith, were also appointed majors in the militia of the colony. Abraham Blakely, of New Haven, captain of a company, was cashiered, and removed from ofRce, for manifesting dissatisfaction with the government. Andrew Philip Skeen, of Skeensborough, in the State of New York, on the 9th of May, 1775, was taken at home, with his aunt, two sisters, and a man by the name of Beach, and brought to this colony. On his application to the Assembly to return with his family, and be protected in their return to his farm; or that the Legislature would send some suitable person to take care of his farm in Skeensborough. The Assembly granted liberty to the family of said Skeen to return home, or to Quebec, under the direction of O. Wolcott, Elisha Shel. don, of Salisbury, and John Bigelow, of Hartford. And said Skeen had liberty granted under the direction of said committee, to appoint and send a suitable man to take charge of his farm and business. And the commander from this colony at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, were directed to sec that Major Skeen's estate should receive no unnecessary damage from the troops under their charge. Public affairs were such, that public attention was called from private matters to things of greater importance. Therefore it was resolved, that all private business'of a civil nature, and dis- putable, should be referred over to the October session of the Assembly. The Assembly adjourned, subject to the call of the Governor, and in his absence, the Deputy Governor. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 185 GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SPECIAL SESSION. The General Assembly, convened by special order of the Governor, on the 1st day of July, A. D. 1775. Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. Only eight of the Council present ; and Samuel Huntington, added to the Assistants. An act in addition to an act passed 26th da)' of April, 1775, to raise troops, it was enacted, that in addition to, and reinforcement of, the inhabitants in and by said act directed to be assembled, &c., to raise a further body of 1,400 men, exclusive of commissioned officers, who were forthwith enlisted, equipped, accoutred, and assembled for the special defence of the colony, to serve during the pleasure of the Assembly, not exceeding five months, to be led and conducted as the Assembly should order ; to be formed into two regiments, often companies each, and each company to consist of seventy non-commissioned officers and privates, (besides commissioned officers) with the same number of commission and staff officers as in the regiment then raised and assembled for defence by the act aforesaid. And that the said troops, both officers and soldiers, should receive the same bounty and pay, and be allowed for arms, blankets, knapsacks, accou- trements, and provisions ; be furnished with the same quantity of ammunition, and in every respect be under the same regulations as was provided for troops assembled. In pursuance of the above act, the following appointments were made, and in the form following, viz. : This Assembly do appoint the persons hereafter named to the respective offices hereinafter mentioned, to take tlie command of the inhabitants to be enlisted and assembled for the special defence and safety of this colony, in addition to the six regiments heretofore raised for the same purpose, to lead and conduct them as the General Assembly shall order ; and his Honor the Governor is desired, and is hereby authorized and empowered to give com- missions according to the form provided and ordered for each officer, according to his office and rank, and warrants to such as are appointed in the staff, viz. : SEVENTH REGIMENT. This Assembly do appoint Charles Webb, Esq., colonel of the 7th regiment, and captain of the 1st company. 1st company — Ebenezer Hill, captain and lieutenant ; Stephen Betts, Jr., 2d lieutenant ; Sylvanus Mead, ensign. Street Hall, lieutenant colonel, and Ctiptain of 2d company. 2d company — William Hull, 1st lieutenant; Stephen Potter, 2d lieutenant ; Titus Moss, ensign. 186 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. Jonathan Lattimer, Jr.,^^}., major, and captain of 3d company. 3d company — Nathan Hale, 1st lieutenant ; John Belcher, 2d lieutenant ; Joseph Milliard, ensign. 4th company — Joseph Hoit, captain; Joseph Allen Wright, 1st lieutenant; Gamaliel Northrop, Jr., 2J lieutenant; John Odell, ensign. 5th company — Nathaniel Tattle, captain; John Watkins, 1st lieutenant; Lemuel Gibbs, 2d lieutenant ; Samuel Hurlbut, ensign. 6th company — Edward Shipman, captain ; Aaron Stevens, 1st lieutenant ; Lemuel Nichols, 2d lieutenant; John Shumway, ensign. 7th company — Isaac Bostvvick, captain ; Jesse Kimball, 1st lieutenant ; Peter Mills, 2d lieutenant ; Daniel Brinsmade, ensign. 8th company — William Gaylord Hubbel, captain ; John Trowbridge, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Jesse Cook, 2d lieutenant ; David Lilly, ensign. 9th company — Peter Perrit, Jr., captain; John Yates, 1st lieutenant; Henry Firman, 2d lieutenant ; Charles Pond, ensign. 10th company — Eli Leavenworth, captain ; William Rossiter, 1st lieutenant ; Peter Johnson, 2d lieutenant ; Robert Lewis, ensign. Rev. Samuel Bird, chaplain. Francis Forgue, surgeon. Ebenezer Beardslee and Isaac Swift, surgeon's mates. EIGHTH REGIMENT. Jedediah Huntington, Esq., colonel of the 8th regiment, and captain of the 1st company. 1st company — Asa Kingsbury, captain and lieutenant ; Jonathan Brewster, 2d lieutenant ; Piiineas Lyman Tracy, ensign. John Douglass, Esq., lieutenant colonel, and captain of 2d company. 2d company — Elizur Hubbard, 1st lieutenant ; Moses Campbell, 2d lieutenant; Nathaniel Bingham, ensign. Joel Clark, Esq., major, and captain of 3d company. 3d company— Abiel Pease, 1st lieutenant ; Epaphras Andrus, 2d lieutenant ; Abraham Wright, ensign. 4th company — Elihu Humphrey, captain; Ebenezer Fitch, 1st lieutenant; Timothy Cossett, 2d lieutenant ; Jonathan Filly, ensign. 5th company— Charles Ellsworth, Jr., captain ; Moses Hall, 1st lieutenant ; Samuel Bancroft, 2d lieutenant ; Barzillai Markham, ensign. 6th company — Abijah Rowley, captain ; Zebadiah Farnum, 1st lieutenant ; Epaphras Bull, 2d lieutenant ; Joseph Tinker, ensign. 7lh company — Daniel Lyon, captain ; Elijah Sharp, 1st lieutenant ; Joseph Burgiss, 2d lieutenant ; John Sumner, ensign. 8th company — Joseph Jewet, captain ; Jabez Fitch, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Na- thaniel Gove, 2d lieutenant; Elisha Leffingwc!;, ensign. 9th company— Abraham Tyler, Jr., captaiu ; Timothy Percival, 1st lieutenant ; Solomon Orcutt, 2d lieutenant ; Aaron Hile, ensign. 10th company — John Ripley, captLiin , Thomas Tyrrell, 1st lieutenant ; Joel Cha'mberlin, 2d lieutenant ; John Vaughan, ensign. Rev. John Ellis, chaplain. Philip Turner, surgeon. Albigens Waldo and Filas Holmes, surjeon'i mate*. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 187 The commissions and warrants for the officers in the troops now to be raised, be made similar to those for officers already in the service, and to bear date 6th of July, 1775. If any declinature of officers should occur, the Governor was to fill such vacancies. It was resolved, that there should be provided 48 marques, or officer's tents ; 233 tents for soldiers ; 281 iron pots, to contain ten quarts each, or tin kettles ; 14 brass kettles, to contain from eight to twelve gallons each, for the use of each regiment ; 600 wooden bowls ; 3 frying-pans for the use of each company ; 1400 quart canns ; 20 drums ; 40 fifes, for the use of said troops ; 2 standards — for the seventh regiment, a blue one — for the eighth regiment, an orange ; a medicine chest and apparatus, of the value of j£30, to be under the direction of the sur- geons ; and if any apparatus or medicine should be left, it was to be returned to the colony ; 15 books in quarto, consisting of one quire of paper each, cov- ered with cartridge paper ; iialf a ream of writing paper ; 3 reams of car- tridge paper ; 1 cart or wagon for each company. The provisions, arms, and ammunition, to be provided and distributed in the same manner and proportion as was allowed to troops raised in April, 1775. Also, an act was passed for supplying the troops to be raised as aforesaid, with the necessary fire arms, on the same terms, and with like arms, &;c. as were ordered to be furnished to the six regiments previously raised, with the same duties devolving upon selectmen of towns, committee of pay table, captains, Hzc. The committee appointed in May, 1775, to procure fire arms for the use of the colony, were again authorized to contract for such number of arms, of like con- struction of those ordered in May aforesaid, as are therein directed, and to draw on the Treasurer for the payment of the same. Also, it was resolved, that the Governor and Council, (appointed to assist him in the recess of the Assembly,) should be authorized and empowered to direct the marches and stations of the troops then to be raised for the defence of the colony, either in whole or parts of said troops, as they should judge neces- sary for the public service, and to see they were furnished in every respect, and to every purpose, that should be needful to render the defence effectual. It was resolved, that Jabez Hamlin, Matthew Talcott, and Titus Hosmer, Esq'rs., a committee appointed in May (then) last, to work the lead mines in Middletown, for the use of the colony, be ordered to proceed to work the same, and to receive out of the colony treasury such sums of money as should be suffi- cient to carry the same into execution, and render their account to said Assem- bly. And the committee of pay table were directed to draw on the Treasurer for such sums as should be necessary for said purpose. It was resolved, that two vessels, of a suitable burden, should be immediately fitted, and armed with a proper number of cannon, swivel guns, and small arms, and furnished with necessary warlike stores, and well officered and manned, for the defence of the sea coast in the colony, under the care of the Governor, and the council appointed to assist him in the recess of the Assembly, who were directed to procure and furnish the same. It was resolved, that the Governor should draw from the colony treasury, and deliver to Walter Livingston, Esq. immediately, the sum of £15,000 in bills of credit, at the request of Gen. Philip Schuyler ; and that the Governor and Coun- cil should furnish Gen. Schuyler with such quantity of ammunition as they should judge proper and necessary. 188 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. It was resolved, that the C^vcrnor should make a kind and friendly answer to the speech sent to tliis TOlony by the Oneida Indians, and procure a belt of wampum to be sent them ; and that tlie sum of £12 for the expense of trans- mitting the same should be paid out of the treasury ; and that the Governor should direct Col. Hinman to assure the Indians of the peaceable disposition of the people of the colony towards them. Hon. Jabez Hamlin was directed to collect the salt petre and sulphur that could be found in the several towns in the colony, and send it, with all despatch, to the powder mills in Dutchess county, to be made into powder ; and a|)ply to the pay table for money necessary for the service, and account to that office for the expenditure thereof. The Governor was authorized to grant permits for (he exportation of live cattle and provisions, by water, in such cases and to such ports as he should judge proper for the public service. A sum of money being found necessary for the payment of incidental charges of government, the Assembly ordered to be forthwith printed and issued £50,000 in bills of credit on the colony, equal to lawful money, of like denominations and tenor of the last emissions, without interest, and payable at or before the last day of December, 1779, and dated July 1st, 1775. J. Hamlin, William Pitkin, Geo. Wyllys, Elisha Williams, Benjamin Payne, Thomas Seymour, and Jesse Root, Esq'rs., or any three of them, were a committee to take care of the printing, &c., of said bills of credit. And a sinking fund or tax of seven pence on the pound was levied on all polls and rateable estate in the colony, to be paid into the trea- sury on the last day of December, 1779, to be payable in bills of credit of this emission, or lawful money. Upon the memorial of Capt. Wm. Delaplace, Brig. Maj. Andrew P. Skeen, and Ensign Joseph Moland, (prisoners of war) praying that they might be kept together and not separated, as per memorial on file, July 6, 1775 ; it was' resolved, that they should not at that time be separated, but that they should be removed from Hartford to some other town, as should be directed by a commit- tee before appointed. It was also resolved, that on the arrival of Maj. Skeen the elder, (who had been ordered to Hartford by the Continental Congress) that said committee should provide him suitable lodgings in some remote part of the town of Hartford ; and if the committee should see fit, might permit Major Skeen the younger, to reside with (his father) Major Skeen the elder.* Josiah Hart was appointed surgeon's mate in Col. Parsons' regiment. Nathan Baily, of New London, presented his account for bayonets furnished Col. S. H. Parsons' regiment in June, 1775, then encamped at New London, of £50 : 8 : 2. The committee of pay table were directed to pay the same. The provincial Congress of Massachusetts Bay, represented to the General Assembly of Connecticut, that the town of Machias, and other towns and places in the eastern parts of the province, were then, or soon might be reduced to necessitous circumstances for want of provisions ; and that application had been made to the Assembly by said Congress, requesting that the inhabitants of said eastern towns might be permitted to purchase provisions in the colony of Connec- ticut, and transport them by water out of the colony. * They were removed to Mrs. Hooker's, in West Hartford. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 189 It was therefore resolved, that if application should bo made for said pur- poses, by any of the inhabitants of said eastern towns to the Governor, and proof made to his satisfaction that tiiey were, or were likely to be in distress for want of necessary provisions — in such case to grant license to purchase and transport from the colony by land or water, to such towns. Daniel Strong, of Lebanon, represented that in the engagement near Charles, town, in the province of Massachusetts Bay, he lost a wagon in tlie service of the army, and forty shillings in cash, and £3 worth of clothing, and two draft chains ; for which loss he was allowed £16 lawful money out of the public treasury. GENERAL ASSEMBLY. OCTOBER SESSION. Session of the Governor and Company of the English colony of Connecticut, at New Haven, October 2d, A. D. 1775. Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. (The Assistants were the same as last session, only eight present.) Br a resolve of said Assembly, an embargo was forthwith laid upon the expor. tation out of the colony, by water, of the following articles, viz.: wheat, rye, Indian corn, pork, beef, live cattle, peas and beans, butter, cheese, bread, flour, and every kind of meal, except to supply necessary stores for vessels bound to 8oa. And the Governor was desired to issue a proclamation laying such embargo, to bo continued until June, 1776. Reserving to the Governor the privilege of giving permits, for exportation in case of public service, as he should judge necessary and cxpedieril. Also provided that the Governor and Council should be empowered to discontinue the embargo, in whole or part, at any time they should judge expedient. The Legislature having been informed that disputes had arisen amongst tho troops (then) lately raised in this colony, who had been sent into the colony of New York ; and such troops as were employed against the ministerial forces in Canada ; and fearing the result of such disputes, that they might be attended with unhappy and disastrous consequences: — Therefore resolved, that all tho troops which had been (then) lately raised by tliis colony and sent to the colony of New York, and such as were then employed against the ministerial troops ih Canada, should be subject to the rules, orders, regulations, and discipline of the Congress of the twelve United Colonies during tho time of their enlistment. lion. Roger Sherman, Oliver Wolcolt, Samuel Huntington, Titus Ilosmer, and William Williams were appointed delegates to represent the colony of Con- nectiout at the General Congress of tho United Colonies in America for the 25 190 REVOLUTIONARr WAR, 1775. year (then) ensuing, and ^n1 others should l)o chosen. And should either Roger Sherman, Wolcott,^or Huntington, fail to attend said Congress, by sick- ness or otherwise ; then Titus Ilosmcr or William Williams were appointed to supply the place or vacancy — so that three, and three only should attend the Congress, and act upon all measures necessary to bo pursued for the defence, Becurity, and preservation of the riglits and liberties of the United Colonies and their common safety ; and of tlieir proceedings, to transmit authentic copies to the General Assembly of this colony — to take their seats by the 1st day of Jan. uary, 1776, or as soon as Congress should convene; and tliose who were then attending said Congress should keep their seats until the new ones should arrive at said Congress. The committee appointed in May, 1775, to procure 3,000 stands of arms for the use of tlie colony, »fcc., reported, that they procured many of the arms lo be made in the colony, and which was then in the possession of the committee, but 'had not been able lo procure the 3,000 arms ordered by the act within the time limited. And the Assembly diiscted the committee to purchase and receive all the stands of arms which sliould be completed in the colony under said act, and delivered any time before the 1st day of Maj', 1776, and the bounty paid the same, as if the arms had been finished by the 20th day of Octo- ber, 1775. It was enacted, that the chief officer of every troop should cause the arms and ammunition of all under his command, and the chief officer of every company of foot should cause the arms, &c., of all under his command, and also of all others dwelling within the limits of iiis company, who were by law obliged lo keep arms, to be reviewed on the first Monday of May and October, annually ; and were required to bring their arms, &c., at a certain place and time, by such officer, or be fined for a deficiency in either arms or ammunition. It was also enacted, that every trooper enlisted into any troop of horse in tho colony, should within lliree months from the 1st day of November, 1775, furnish and provide himself with a suitable horse and furniture, a carbine, and every article of fire arms and accoutrements directed by law, and constantly have them in readiness for service. And such as should afterwards enlist, should wilhin three montiis equip himself, on penalty of being dismissed by his captain — and doing duty in a coinpany of foot. And if the captain should neglect his duty, to be fined ten shillings. The polls of officers and soldiers that were in the service having been omitted by the listers, were ordered to be entered in said lists ; and the forty shillings school money on every XI, 000 was ordered to be paid the same as if said polls had been originally added. It was resolved, that tlie Treasurer of the colony should receive into the treasury all sums of money or bills (then) lately emitted by order of the Con. tinental Congress, to be sent to the colony. There then being a large sum in the hands of William Williams, Esq.; he was ordered to deliver said bills to the Treasurer and take his receipt, and lodge said receipt with the Secretary of the colony, and to take like receipt for all sucii bills afterwards paid, and deposite said receipts as aforesaid. The Legislature appointed John Canficld, Esq., to receive out of the colony treasury XlSu, to be applied to the relief of sick soldiers at Ticonderoga, and in REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 191 that vicinily. And said Canfiold was directed to apply to Colonel William Williams for so many continental bills as lo amount to the sum of ;Ci50. It was also resolved, that John Canfield, Esq., should receive out of the colony treasury ;C150, and forthwith repair to Ticonderoga, and apply to the proper officers of the United Colonies. That they should afford all proper relief to all sick soldiers in that quarter, who had enlisted, or on the road home, on the account of the United Colonies — which if refused on the account of said colonies, then said Canfield was directed, to relieve the soldiers enlisted in tliis colony, at the expense of the colony of Connecticut, and have his account adjusted by the committee of pay table. It was enacted, that a company of seventy men should bo enlisted and sta- tioned at New London, from the 20th day of October, 1775, until the 1st day of December; that a captain, two lieutenants, and an ensign should command them; the works begun on the old fort at New London should be finished, and that the men so to be enlisted be employed in perfecting the same ; and that the cannon at New London be mounted on said fort ; and the fort supplied with ono ton o'f gun powder out of the colony stores ; that a platform be erected on the fort, and that the colony Treasurer by orders of the committee of pay table, should pay to the captain of said company the sum of £100, to be laid out in purciiasing materials for said platform, and other expenses on said works. That a company of thirty men, should be enlisted, and stationed at New Haven, under the command of a lieutenant, from the 20th of October, until the 1st day of December, 1775, for the defence thereof. That fifteen men should be enlisted, and stationed at Lyme, under the com. mand of a lieutenant, from the 20th of October, till the 1st day of December aforesaid. That a company of forty men should be enlisted, and stationed at Stonington, under a captain for the same period, for the defence thereof. That said officers and soldiers should receive tlie same montlily wages with officers and soldiers before raised for the defence of the colony. Also said officers and soldiers were allowed for said term, five siiillings and three pence per week for their billeting ; and that the officers before appointed by the Governor and Council of Safety should continue tiieir command of said respec- tive bodies of men. It was resolved, that the committee of pay table, as soon as might be, should prepare and stale an account of all tiie expense and disbursements the colony had been at, in raising, equipping, &c., troops raised in the colony under acts of said Assembly for the defence of the invaded rights of America ; and all other expense incurred in defence of the United Colonies, and send to the Governor a copy of said accounts, who was directed to transmit said copy to the Contin- ental Congress, and request payment of the balance due the colony. The committee of pay table were directed to receive, adjust, and allow what should be reasonable, of the accounts of physicians, surgeons, nurses, and others who had attended or should attend on, or support the sick troops raised by the colony, either sick in the service, at or before their march to or from their encampment, and not under the advantage of being taken care of, or the sick in the army. The news carrier from Woodstock to Hartford, through Lebanon, was con. tinued in said service at the public expense. 192 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. The Governor and Comn^pie of S;ifety ordered men, to bo raised, and sta- tioned at Now Haven, New London, Lyme, and Slonington, from the 20tli day of September to the 20tli day of October, 1775. A resolution passed, that the committee of pay table should receive and adjust their accounts, and draw orders on the Treasurer for the same, and pay it to the chief officer of each company. Col. Erastus Wolcott, Samuel Wadswortb, Ezekiel Williams, Epaphras Bull, Henry Allyn, Col. Fislier Gay, Col. M. Talcott, Col. James Wadsworth, Jona. than Wclle.«, Ebcnczer White, and Col. J. Humplirey, had been appointed a committee to provide for a number of officers and soldiers with their families, &c., who were then prisoners of war in tho town of Hartford ; and the Assam, bly having discovered that no provision had been made for their confinement and support ; it was resolved, that said committee bo authorized to take care of and provide for said officers, &c., at public expense as before directed. The Governor was desired to write to the Continental Congress and state all matters relating to the prisoners of war, who were then, or tl)ere5fler should be brought into the colony ; and request Congress to direct in what manner the officers and soldiers who were prisoners as aforesaid, should be provided for, and how the expense incurred should be defrayed. Also that he should trans, mit a copy of Gen. Washington's letter to the committee of inspection at Hart, ford, respecting Maj. French and his companions, (prisoners of war) ; also said French's request contained in his billot to Mr. Payne, and Capt. Wm. Dola. place's memorial to the Legislature. The accounts of John Belles, Jr., and John Bolles, 3d, of New London, for articles supplied officers and soldiers, were referred to the commiitee of pay table for settlement, A.c. Joseph Hopkins, Esq., and Capt. Samuel Forbes, were appointed a committee to visit the lead mines in Now Canaan, and examine the quality of the ore, tho state of the mines, &,g., and report to the next Legislature. The Legislature having been informed that Benjamin Stiles, of Woodbury, had publicly and contemptuously spoken many things against the three delegates in Congress, from this colony, as to their ability, integrity, and uprightness, and against the measures that had been adopted on the continent, for the relief and security of the rights and privileges of our inhabitants; by which said Stiles had shewn his inimical temper and unfriendly disposition to the measures pursued for a union of defence in the American cause. It was therefore resolved, to cite said Sliles to appear before said Assembly, to answer to said charges against him ; and the Secretary of Stale was ordered to cite said Stiles to appear at the next session of said Assembly, and all witnesses who could testify in said cause. Jonathan Weaver, Jr., of Slonington, who was a music man in the company of Capt. Oliver Smith, and was dangerously wounded at Slonington Long Point, was allowed £12 : 4 : 4 by the Assembly. Daniel Gray, of Stamford, had liberty of the Assembly to transport a sloop load (if rye and corn to Machias and Falmouth, by giving a bond of ;C500 for its faithful transport to those places. Also, Leonard Dupan, of Cape Francais, had liberty to load his schooner with lumber, and export it to the West Indies. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 193 Also, Stephen Thorp, of Fairfield, had liberty to transport a sloop load of rye, corn, and flour to Falmouth, Machias, or Sheepscut, by giving a bond of :£;500, &c. Increase Bradley and Peter Whitney, of Fairfield, also had liberty to ship a sloop load of rye and corn to Machias, Falmoutli and Sheepscut. It was resolved, that the situation of public affairs was such that the Assem. bly would not attend to any private matters before them. It was resolved, that as William Williams and Nathaniel Wales had received a sum in continental currency of the Continental Treasurer, at Philadelphia, for the use of the colony, that ihey should pay of said money to Samuel Bishop and Fisher Gay, Esq'rs., the sum of §1,678, equal to f 503 : 8 lawful money of sail! currency, to be by them used to disciiarge the debenture of said Assembly, for the session — when said Assembly, on the 25lh day of October, was adjourned without day. . GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SPECIAL' SESSION. At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the English Colony of Connecticut, holden at New Havon, by special order of the Governor, on the 14th day of December, A. D. 1775. Hon ..Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. Eight Assistants only in attendance. An act for raising and equipping a body of minute men, to be held in readiness for defence of the colony. It was enacted, that one-fourth part of the militia of the colony should bo forthwith selected by voluntary enlistment, with as many other able bodied men, not included in any militia roll, as should be inclined to enlist, to stand in read- iness as mmute men for the defence of tiiis and the United Colonics. And that the colonel or chief oificers of the respective regiments of the militia in the colony should forthwith give orders to the captains, or chief officers of the several military companies, that they should call their respective companies together, and enlist the fourth part of the same, with such other able bodied men not in any roll, as should offer to enlist. And the captains or chief officers of said companies should immediately execute said orders, and make return to the colonels or chief officers of the respective regiments ; when the field officers of each regiment of militia were ordered to form said men into distinct com. panics, consisting of about sixty-eight rank and file ; with liberty given to said companies to choose their officers, viz. : one captain, two lieutenants, and an ensign, four sargeants, one clerk, one drummer, one fifer, and four corporals. 194 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. The field officers to lcnd^|M company to tlio choice of their commissioned officers, and make returns of sucli choice, with a muster roll of their company, to the Governor, who, on the receipt of said choice, was autliorized to grant tiiose elected, their commissions. It was further enacted, that the Governor and his conimitteo (to assist him in the recess of the Assembly) were authorized to form said companies into regiments, and to .ippoint such of the field officers of the regiments of militia, for the time being, to the command of the new formed regiments. Also, that such officers and soldiers should cqviip themselves with arms and ammunition, according to law, with good bayonets and knapsacks, for which each should be paid eight shillings at the colony treasury. The captain of each company to procure a drum and fife for his company, and be paid therefor. The companies to meet one day in each fortnight, (the three summer months excepted) either in whole or in such divisions not exceeding four, in number, as the officers should direct, for military exercise, and to be subject to the same penalties for absence or misbehaviour as the militia were by law ; and said officers and soldiers were to be paid out of the public treasury for each half day they should meet and exercise. That each officer should be paid, viz. : captain, three shillings; lieutenant, two shillings; ensign, ono shilling and six pence; sargeant, one shilling and six pence ; clerk, one shilling and three pence ; cor- porals, fifers, drummers, and private soldiers, each one shilling. That the officers and soldiers of the regiments and companies so raised, should hold themselves in constant readiness to march on the shortest notice, for the defence of this or [any other of the united colonies, by order of the Captain General of the colony, or other of their superior officers, and when so called out to receive like wages and billeting allowance, and be subject to the same laws as the enlisted soldiers were subject. Said companies so raised, to be exempted from military duty in any other military company or service ; to be held in said service during the pleasure of said Assembly, not exceeding twelve months after the first day of January, 1776 ; — then to be disbanded and returned into the militia companies. No officer or soldier to receive any of his wages until he should be entirely equipped and armed. It was provided that the twenty-fourth regiment of militia should come within the provisions of said act. An act passed to encourage the manufacture of salt-petre and gun powder.— It was enacted that a bounty of £10 should be paid on every 100 lb. of salt- petre or nitre made in the colony between the 1st day of June, 1776, and 1st of January, 1777, and in proportion for a greater or less quantity. It was provi- ded that if any manufacturer of salt-petre refused to give information as to the materials out of which salt-petre was made, or of the process of manufacturing it, that such person should not be entitled to such bounty. Inspectors of salt- petre were appointed, who were to inspect all such salt-petre on which a bounty was claimed ; and said inspectors were empowered to administer an oath to wit- nesses, proving that the article was manufactured in the colony, out of materials collected therein, by him or on his or their account, and that he has had no other certificate for the same. That such certificate should be recognized by the committee of pay table and paid. That each town in the colony that sent repre- sentatives to the General Assembly, where no works for making salt-petre had been erected, were enjoined, as soon as might be, to erect one set of such works, and carry on the manufacture of nitre and salt-petre. And the select- REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 195 men of such towns were directed, at the expense of such towns, to erect and carry on one establishment for this purpose in each town. That no salt-petre or powder made in the colony should be exported out of it, by land or sea, without license of said Assembly, or the Governor and his committee, under a penalty of £20 for every 100 lb. It was farther enacted, that a bounty or premium of j£30 should be paid out of the treasury to the person who should erect the first powder mill in the colony, and manufacture five hundred pounds of good mer- chantable gun-powder. And that a premium of £30 should be paid out of the treasury to the person who should erect the second powder mill in the colony, and make five hundred pounds of good and merchantable gun-powder. The inspectors were directed to receive all such salt-petre as should pass inspection, for the colony use, and give his receipt therefor, to be paid for out of the treasury at sush price as the General Assembly should fix. It was enacted that no powder mill should be erected in the colony without license from and given by the Gene- ral Assembly, on penalty of £30. An act for restraining and punishing persons inimical to the liberties of this and other of the united colonies, &c. It was enacted, that if any person within the colony should directly or indirectly supply the ministerial army or navy with provisions, military or naval stores, or should give any intelligence to the officers, soldiers, or mariners belonging to said army or navy, or should enlist or pro- cure others to enlist into the service of said army or navy, or should take up arms against this or any of the united colonies, or should undertake to pilot any of the vessels belonging to their navy, or should in any other way aid or assist them, and be thereof duly convicted before the Superior Court, should forfeit all his estate, which should be seized by order of said Court for the use of the colo- ny ; — and should be further punished by imprisonment in any gaol in the colony, at the discretion of the court, not exceeding three years. It was also enacted, that if any person, by writing or speaking, or by any overt act, should libel or defame any resolves of the Congress of the united colonies, or the acts or pro- ceedings of the General Assembly of Ihe colony, that were made or should be made for the defence or security of the rights and privileges of the same, and be duly convicted before the Superior Court, should be disarmed, allowed to keep no arms, and made incapable to hold or serve in any office, civil or military, and be further punished, either by fine, imprisonment, or disfranchisement, and find surety of the peace, as the court should order, and pay ?he cost of prose- cution. It was further enacted, that on complaint being made to the civil authority, selectmen, and committee of inspection of the several towns in the colony, against any person residing in such town, or an adjoining town in the same coun- ty, where there was not a committee of inspection, that they were inimical to the liberties of the colony, and the other united colonies in America, it should be the duty of the civil authority, selectmen, and committee to cause every such person to appear before them to be examined ; an^ if on examination they should not be able to satisfy said authority, selectmen, and committee, or the maior part of them, that they were not inimical to this or the other united American colonies ; then such person or persons should be by order of said authority, selectmen, and committee, or by a majority of them, disarmed, until they should satisfy a majority of them that they were friendly to this and the other colonies. 196 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. And for the more effectu|j|^ carrying Baid act into effect, it was further enact- ed, that when any person should be duly convicted, and ordered to be disarmed, that the Superior Court, or civil authority, selectmen, and committee, (as the case might be,) were empowered to issue a warrant, signed by the Clerk of the Superior Court, or by one at least of said civil authority, directed to the sheriffs, ordering such officer forthwith to disarm him or them ; and if such person should refuse to give up his arms, then the officer by and with the advice of one of said authority, or two justices, was authorized to raise the militia of the county, or any part of them, to aid in executing the warrant; and if said officers and soldiers should refuse to obey said sheriff, that they should be subject to the same penalty as in other cases of refusing to obey the sheriff in his office ; and it was made the duty of all informing officers to make presentment of all breaches of said law. It also enacted,, that on information being made to any County Court in the colony, by the selectmen of any town, that there were real estates in such town owned by any person who had since the making of the act aforesaid put, or should continue to hold or screen themselves under the protection of the ministe- rial army or navy, or should have aided in carrying into execution, the ministe- rial measures against the colonies ; that in such case, that the County Court within the county where such land might lie, were authorized to issue a warrant, and attach the estate. And if on enquiry said court should find the facts true, then said courts were directed to place such property in the care of some proper person, to improve said estate for the use of the colony, and account for the rents to the colony. The Treasurer of the colony by law was empowered to make sale of all esclieats, and of all lands that then were or should bo recovered of any person, to the public Treasury, to be sold only at public vendue, and by appraisement made by three judicious freeholders under oath, or private sale, as the Treasurer should judge would conduce most to the benefit of the colony, and execute deeds accordingly. In May, 17G9, the military exercise called the JVorfolk Militia Exercise^ was ordered to be the military exercise in this ctolony. And the Legislature finding that the continental army had adopted the Manual Exercise, so called, directed by His Majesty, in 1764, which was deemed preferable for actual service ; there, fore it was resoived, tiiat in future the military exercise culled the Manual Exercise, ordered by His Majesty, in 17G4, shall be observed and practised by the militia in this colony ; and that the colonel and chief commanding officer of the regiment give orders to the commanding officers of each company under their command accordingly. A law was also enacted for the punishment of deserters. That if any soldier or marine who had been regularly enlisted in the service of the colony, who should depart without license of his commander, and desert the service, or deserlin-g from another colony into this, that it should bo the duty of all persons, and particularly constables and grand jurors immediately to give notice thereof to the next assistant or justice, who were required to issue warrants, and forth- with apprehend them and commit them to gaol, &c. And if any person should harbor a deserter, knowing him to be such, he was made liable to pay to the Treasurer of the colony a sum not exceeding £\o, or be imprisoned not exceeding two mouths. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177o. 197 Tlie Legislature being desirous to encourage the future service of tlie non. commissioned officers and soldiers, and to favor those with some token of appro, bation who had conducted meritoriously, and served out faithfully their stipu- lated time of service — passed an act, that those non-commissioned officers and soldiers who liad faithfully discharged their duties during the campaign then past, should bo exempted from paying any taxes arising on their polls on the list of 1775 ; and that those who had or should enlist into the continental army for the (then) ensuing campaign, should also be exempted from the poll tax on the list of 1776; and also tliat their bodies should be exempt from arrests for debts during their term of service. A la\y was passed that the commander-in-chief of the army, or any officer in the service of the united colonics, commanding any detachment or out post, should be authorized to administer an oath on any matters relative to the public service. It was resolved, that the delegates of the General Congress of the united colonies, should be annually chosen by the Assembly, at their session in October, and that the delegates directed to attend, should so attend on the 1st day of January then next after their election, (if Congress should be then in session); always provided, tliat the old members should continue to hold their seats, until the new elected members should arrive and take their seals in Congress. The Legislature resolved,, that the selectmen, for the time being, of each town in the colony, should be inspectors of nitre and salt petre made in th^ colony, with the same authority as olher inspectors of salt |)etre by a former act. Titus Hosmer, Ephraini Strong, John Holbrook, Jabez Hamlin, Esq'rs., and Doct. John Dickinson, were appointed a committee to examine where any mines or mineral substances that contained sulphur might be found in the colony, and procure experienced workmen to make experiments on ores, that they might be able to judge of the expense of manufacturing sulphur, &c., and mako report to the next session, or to the Governor. And that in case the commit. tee should report to the Governor, that the Governor with his Council of Safety, should be empowered to give orders to said committee to proceed in the manu- facture of sulphur for the use and at the expense of the colony, for the purpose of being manufactured into powder for the colony. Col. David Waterbury was appointed a committee to purchase a brigantine of John Griggs for the use of the colony, to bo fitted as an armed vessel for the defence of the coast, and he was authorized to pay for said vessel, not to exceed the sum of ;C1,00(), and to take an inventory of all appurtenances belonging to said brigantine, with a bill of sale to the Governor and company of the colony ; and make report to said Assembly in case he should purchase said vessel, and proceed with her to New Haven with all convenicint despatch. Col. David Waterbury and Capt. Isaac Sears, were also appointed a commit- tee to enquire after a suitable vessel to bo improved as an armed vessel in defence of the colony, either to purchase or charier, with their estimate and opinions, to report during the session. Col. Waterbury and Capt. Sears were also appointed to view and examine a brigantine at Greenwich, and report whether in their opinion she was fit to be improved for an armed vessel for the defence of the colony, together with the terms of sale or charter. It was resolved, that the troops stationed on the sea coast, in (.his colony, by order of the Governor and Council of Safety, should be continued in Bervice. 26 198 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. And that the battery of G||^n should be furnished with six cannon, 32 pound- ers, or in heu thereof, six 24 pounders. And that the battery at Stonington should be supplied with six cannon, two 18 and four 12 pounders. And that the battery at New Haven should be supplied with sixteen cannon, viz : six 18 and ten 12 pounders. And that the harbor at Milford should be furnished with six of the cannon then at New Haven, if they could be obtained. And the Governor and his Council of Safety were empowered to supply the batteries with cannon and ammunition, from time to time, as they should find necessary ; with power vested in the Governor and Council of Safety, to augment, disband, or discharge any or all the troops then stationed on the sea coast, from time to time, as they should judge expedient. Capt. Giles Hall, commander of the brigantine Minerva, in the colony service, was directed forthwith to deliver Jonathan Fitch, Esq. at New Haven, all the guns and warlike stores on board said brigantine, and dismiss as many hands as he should think proper, reserving enough to sail said vessel into Connecticut river, and sail her with all possible despatch to Rocky Hill, and deliver her to the owner, according to the charter ; and make up his bill and muster roll, and lay them before the committee of pay table for payment, &c. The Governor and his committee were directed to build, or otherwise procure, one armed vessel in addition to those before ordered, and four row gallies, suita- bly manned, armed, and equipped for the defence of this and the neighboring colonies. The colonel of each regiment of militia in the colony, (except the 24th regi- ment,) or in the absence of the colonel, the chief officer in the regiment was ordered, as soon as might be, or at the time of enlisting minute men, to cause the arms and ammunition of all the militia under their command, to be viewed and examined, and an account taken thereof; also, an account of the ammuni- tion in the several town stocks in each regiment, and an exact account of the several sorts and quantity of ammunition that each town had supplied or diliv- ered out of their town stocks for the use of the troops in the continental service ; also, an account of the number of companies and troops in their regiments, with the names of commissioned officers, and number of men in each, and forth- with make returns to the Captain General. William Samuel Johnson, Esq., for the counties of Fairfield and Litchfield ; Titus Hosmer, Esq., for the county of Hartford ; Samuel Bishop, Esq., for New Haven county ; and Nathaniel Miner, Esq., for the counties of New London and Windham, were appointed to procure a just and an authenticated account of the hostilities committed by the ministerial troops or navy, where damage had been done to the property or person of any in the colony, after the month of March, 1775 ; with the evidence of the facts by them related ; the number and value of the vessels, either inward or outward bound, which had been seized by them since said March ; also, as near as might be, their value with their cargoes when taken, and make return to the Governor of the colony, that he should be enabled to make proper returns to the committee of the Continental Congress, according to the resolution of Congress.* * The report of this committee, having been returned to the Governor, is not found in the Secretary's office, but is probably with Governor Trumbull's other executive papers, at Boston. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775. 199 The Governor was authorized to appoint a chaplain to each regiment in the continental service from this colony, with the same wages that had been allowed chaplains in the last campaign ; and as a further inducement, granted to each chaplain that should thereafter so serve, the sum of forty shillings per month during their actual service, to enable them to supply their respective pulpits with preaching in their absence. Hon. Andrew Adams, attorney of the king for Litchfield county, informed that Benjamin Kilbourn who was a lieutenant in the 1st military company in Litchfield, had at sundry times, declared that he wished there were ten hundred thousand regular troops then landed in the colony, and that he would join them to subdue the Americans, who were in a state of rebellion ; that the commanding officer who fired upon the town of Falmouth, treated the inhabitants too mildly and gently, much more so than he would have done, if he had had the command ; that he would join the regulars, and would kill some of the inhabitants of the colony, &:c. &c. The Legislature cashiered the said Benjamin of his office, and an order was given to fill the vacancy in said company. And said attorney was ordered by said Assembly to prosecute said Benjamin for his offences. William and George Pitkin had license of the Assembly for erecting a mill for manufacturing of gun powder about three miles east of Connecticut river, in Hartford. The information of Peter Bulkley, vs. Henry Champion, of Colchester, was continued to the next session with an order of notice. David Hawley, of Stratford, made a voyage to the West Indies, with a small cargo on board, to purchase a quantity of gun powder if it could be obtained, under the advice of the committee of inspection of Stratford and Fairfield ; that he went to several West India Islands and could procure only 100 pounds of gun powder ; that he made a contract there to be supplied with a cargo of gun powder, if he should be permitted to make a second voyage ; that on his return voyage he had found that the Governor's proclamation continuing the first embargo, that had expired a few days before he sailed to the West Indies ; that he had it not in his heart to disobey the laws of his country — and asked the Assembly to exempt him from prosecution or punishment, and that he should be directed as to the disposal of said gun powder. Said Hawley was exempted from punishment, and ordered to divide said powder equally between the towns of Fairfield and Stratford. Adam Babcock, of New Haven, had liberty given to export 5,000 pounds of cheese to North Carolina, to defray his expense of a voyage there to recover his debt, fo| the sale of a brigantine there sold ; provided he should procure a quan- tity of rice for the use of the army. Liberty was given to Jedediah Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales, Jr., to erect a powder mill in the town of Windham, for manufacturing gun powder, pursuant to an act of said Assembly. A further day of payment to Aaron Elliott, of Killingworth, was given for the sum of £500 due the colony. Thomas Darling, Amos Botsford, and Jeremiah Atwater, were appointed a committee, to enquire into the claims of Eliphalet A. Beecher, of New Haven, for flums of money expended in procuring teams, in the (then) last war. Daniel CliflPord, of Fairfield, had exported in his boat to New York, four bushels of Indian corn, and sold of it one bushel and a half, and returned to Fair- 200 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. field with the remaindcr,^^ knowing the embargo was continued — asked the Assembly to exempt him from prosecution, which was granted. The Treasurer of the colony was directed to pay the Hon. Oliver Wolcott and Samuel Huntington, the sum of £200 towards defraying their expense of attendance on the Continental Congress, as delegates from Connecticut, and to take their receipts to account. The General Assembly was adjourned by proclamation, on the 14th day of December, 1775. GENERAL ASSEMBLY, MAY SESSION. General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the English Colony of Connecticut, at Hartford, held on the 2d Thursday of May, (being the 9th day of the month) and continued until the 8th day of June, A. D. 1776. Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. An act repealing the act of the colony, against high treason, wag passed in these words — " That the aforesaid act and every part and paragraph, thereof "be and the san)o is hereby repealed and made null and void." The forms of oaths at this session were changed and established, swearing to be true and faithful to the Governor and company of the colony, and tlio gov- ernment thereof. The oath of allegiance was also repealed. The paragraph of an act for preventing and punishing riots and rioters, was repealed, and the form of the proclamation altered so as to read " the Gover- nor and company of this colony, charge and command all persons, &c." (and not his Miijesly.) The following acts for forming the militia, and encourugement of military Bkill, &c., were also passed, viz. : An act in further addition to an act, entitled, an act for forming anckregula- ting the mijitia, and for the encouragement of military skill, for the better defence of this colony. Be it enacted by the Governor, Council, and Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, that all the troops of horse in this colony, shall be formed into regiments of light horse as followeth, viz.: That the troops of horse in the first, second, sixth, seventh, tenth, and twenty, third regiments of militia, be, and they are hereby made and declared to be one entire and distinct regiment of lighl^ horse, and shall be distinguished and called by the name of the first regiment. That the troops of horse in the third, eighth, twelfth, twentieth, and twenty, fifth regiments of militia, be, and they are hereby made and declared to be one REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776, 201 entire and distinct regiment of liglit iiorse ; and shall be distinguished and called by the name of the second regiment. That the troops of horse in the fourth, ninth, and sixteenth regiments of militia, bo, and they are hereby declared to be one entire and distinct regiment of light horse; and shall be distinguished and called by the name of the third regiment. That the troops of horse in the fifTli, eleventh, nineteenth, twenty-first, and twenty-second regiments of militia, be, and they are hereby declared to be one entire and distinct regiment of light horse; and shall be distinguished and called by llie name of the fourth regiment. Tiiat the troops of horse in tho thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth regiments of militia, be, and they are hereby declared to be one entire and distinct regiment of light horse ; and shall be distinguished and called by the name of the fifth regiment. That there shall be only one colonel and one lieutenant colonel to command the whole, and one major in each of sajd regiments, from time to time appointed by the General Assembly, who shall be commissioned by tho Governor of this colony for the time being. And the said colonel, lieutenant colonel, and the majors of each of said regiments, shall be subject to the command of the general or commander-in-chief of the militia for the time being, and shall have the same duty, powers, and authority, as the officers of tho same rank in the regiments of militia already by law have. And said regiments of light horse ehall be liable to such regimental duty as the regiments of militia are already by law liable. And be it further enacted, that every trooper, already enlisted in any troop of light horse in this colony, shall equip himself with arms and accoutrements, according to law, within three months next after tho rising of this Assembly ; And that every person that shall hereafter enlist into any of said troops of light horse, shall, within six months next after his enlistment, equip and accoutre himself as aforesaid; and in default thereof, such trooper or troopers shall be reduced to the foot company or companies, within the limits of which they inhabit, and be liable to do duty in the same, as he or they were before they enlisted into such troop, as aforesaid; any law or usage to the contrary not- withstanding. Also an act as^follows, viz. : Be it enacted by the Governor, Council, and Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by tho authority of the same, that whensoever any soldier or soldiers, belonging to any of tho regiments in this colony, shall refuse to muster and march, according to orders given him by his commanding officer, for the purposes mentioned in said act; such soldior, so refusing, shall suffi^r the penalty of pounds lawful money, for the use of the colony; any law, usage, or custom to the contrary notwithstanding. The act establishing naval officers and governing the same, is as follows, viz. : Be it enacted by the Govornor, Council, and Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by authority of tiie same, that tho Governor for the time being shall be naval officer in this colony. And be it further enacted by the authority afoiesaid, that there shall be kept at the port of New London one naval office, at the port of New Haven one other naval office, at the port of Middletown one other naval office, and at the port of Norwalk one other naval office : and that the Governor for the time 202 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. being depute Eome proper ^^on at each of Baid ports as naval officers, and take bond, with sufficient surely, in the sum of one thousand pounds, for tho faithful discharge of tiieir duly therein, lo enter and clear out vessels and tlieir cargoes, and to do and act therein in such way and manner, and according to such rules and orders, as to such their offices respectively appertain. Whereas it is recommended by the Honorable Continental Congress to the several Legislatures in tho united colonies, as soon as possible, to erect courts of justice, or give jurisdiction to the courts now in being, for the purpose of determining concerning captures, &c., and to provide that all trials in such case, be had by a jury, under sucli qualifications as to the respective Legislatures shall eeem expedient. Be it therefore enacted by the Governor, Council, and Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by tiie authority of the same, that the respective county courts in this colony be, and they are hereby autiiorizod, empowered, constituted and appointed to try, judge, and determine, by jury or otherwise, as in other cases, concerning all captures ijiut have or shall be taken and brought into said respective counties: and tiiat the civil law, the laws of nations, and the resolutions of Congress, be the rule of their adjudications, determinations, and proceedings therein. And said respective county courts are hereby author- ized and empowered to constitute and appoint such proper officers under them, as they sliall find necessary and expedient for the purposes aforesaid. Be it further enacted by tiie authority aforesaid, that appeals, be allowed to the Continental Congress, under tlie restrictions, and agreeable to the direc- tions and resolves of said Congress. And that the fees for said court, and tho respective officers thereof, be reasonable, and such as are customary in the neighboring colonies, or may be established by said Congress, or by this Assem- bly. And tho judge of said respective county courts is hereby authorized to call said court, for said purpose, at any place within tlio respective counties, as shall bo most convenient and expedient. An act for the more efFectually carrying into execution several acts relative to making salt petie and gun powder was passed, as follows, viz. . Whereas by an act of this Assembly, in May, 1775, there was a premium of four shillings on the pound granted Cor all salt petre made in this colony, before the first day of June, 177G ; and in December, 1775, a bounty or premium of two shillings on tho pound for all salt petre nianutactured in this colony, from and after the first day of June, 1776, and before the first day of January, 1777 ; and that inspectors should be appointed to view and inspect the same, and administer an oath and certify as therein directed ; and purchase and receive the same for the use of the colony ; and by a further act, in the same sessions, it was resolved, that the selectmen in each town, within this colony, shall be the inspectors of salt petre, with all the powers and authorities by said acts given to inspectors of salt petre, &.c. But no time being mentioned in said acts for delivering the salt petre to the inspectors, nor price affixed for the purchase ; and sundry other regulations being necessary to carry the aforesaid acts into execution. Be it therefore enacted, by the Governor, Council, and Rcpresenta. tives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, that for all the salt petre made in this colony, before the first day of Juno, 1776, on which the premium of four shillings on the pound is claimed, shall be delivered for REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 203 inspection, to the selectmen, authorized and empowered to inspect the same, or be by them inspected, within fifteen days at fiirlhest, after the last day of May, instant ; and that after the first day of Juno, tlie manufacturers producing tlie same for inspection, shall make oath before tiie inspector or inspectors, that the said nitre or salt petre produced as aforesaid, was made and manufactured before the first day of June, otherwise it shall be considered as made after ; and that all the salt petre made as aforesaid, after the last day of May, and before the first day of January next, in order to be entitled to the premium of two sliillings on the pound, shall be treated and conducted in the same manner, having respect to the first day of January, as before, to the first day of June ; and that upon the whole it shall be the duty of the inspector or inspectors, carefully to see that all the salt petre offered or delivered to them for inspection, be pure, clean, and dry, and free from any corrupt mixture, before they give any certificate of the same, and on the same being so found, shall give a certificate thereof, with the other requisites, before cither the premium or purchase money shall be paid therefor, and the salt petre produced to the inspectors as aforesaid, shall be delivered in casks or other packages proper and sufficient for transportation to the powder works, with the maker's name and the name of the town wherein made, fairly marked ihereon. And be it further enacted, that for all the salt petre made and manufactured in this colony, before the first day of January next, inspected and found to be pure, clean, dry and unmixed, and fit for use, according to law, and so delivered to the inspector or inspectors, in proper packages, marked as aforesaid, for the use of this colony, shall be paid therefor, out of the colony treasury, the sum of three shillings per pound, for every pound, only deducting therefrom one halfpenny on each pound delivered as aforesaid, as a general estimate on the ^hole, for transportation to the respective powder mills, erected and allowed in this colony, and for other charges attending the same. Provided nevertheless, that all persons who have made and manufactured salt petre, and have already procured the same to be inspected, and delivered to the inspector for the use of this colony, shall be entitled to receive the price aforesaid therefor, notwith- standing the same may not be put up in casks or packages marked as afore- said. And it is further enacted, that the several inspectors convey and deliver, with all convenient despatch, all the salt petre by them received as aforesaid, to the owner or owners of the several powder mills in this colony, assigned by the Governor and Committee of Safety for the time being, to receive the same, taking his or their receipt therefor, and the same transmit and lodge with the committee of pay table. And the inspector or inspectors performing their duty, as aforesaid, shall be entitled to a reasonable allowance for his or their trouble and services, as aforesaid, to be adjusted by the committee of pay table, who shall order payment of the same accordingly. And to the intent that all frauds, and impure or corrupt mixtures may be de- tected, and the persons concerned therein be duly punished : Be it enacted, that the inspector or inspectors delivering, as also the owner, owners, or overseers of the powder mills, receiving the salt petre as aforesaid, shall make and keep a true, just, and fair entry, of all the salt petre delivered and received as aforesaid, and of the names of the makers thereof. And who- ever shall be found guilty, and be convicted of any fraudulent and impure 204 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. mixture, in the salt petre by Jtam made and delivered for inspection as aforesaid, shall forfeit to the Treasurer of this colony, the value of the premium and pay, granted and allowed on the salt petre in which such mixture shall be found. And the owner or owners of the several powder mills, shall well, truly, and faithfully make up, or cause to be made, all the salt petre delivered to them as aforesaid, into good, merchantable powder, well dried, fit for use, and find all the other materials necessary therefor, and the same put up in good, tight, siza- ble casks, which shall contain either one hundred, one half, or one quarter hun- dred weight of powder each, marked with the just and true weight of the cask, and also with the initial letters of the maker's name, and the same deliver to the Governor and Committee of Safety of this colony, or to their order, for the use of this colony ; and shall receive therefor, out of the colony treasury, at the rate of nine dollars per hundred, for every hundred weight of good, merchantable powder, made and delivered as aforesaid, upon a certificate thereof, had and obtained of the Governor, or Governor and Committee of Safety, produced to the committee of pay table of this colony. Be it further enacted, that the Governor and Committee of Safety, for the time being, from time to time, order, and give directions for the disposition of all their powder, made at the several powder mills within this colony, and, if need be, erect convenient houses for the reception of the same, in such places as they think proper. The article of salt being of great importance, and obtaining it by importation difficult, uncertain, and dangerous ; the Legislature, to encourage the manufac- ture of salt in the colony, offered a premium of j£100, to be paid out of the public treasury of the colony, to the person or persons, who should erect proper works and vats for manufacturing salt in the colony, and make the first five hundred bushels of good merchantable salt ; and the sum of £80 to th(A person who should erect works, &c., and manufacture the second five hundred bushels of salt ; and the sum of £60 for the manufacture of the third quantity of five hundred bushels of common salt ; and the sum of £40 to the fourth person who should manufacture five hundred bushels as aforesaid. Provided that said salt should be made, and a certificate under oath should be produced by or before the first day of October, 1777. An act for raising and equipping a body of minute men, to be held in readi- ness for the better defence of the colony ; and for repealing an act for the same purpose, enacted December, 1775, The Legislature, finding that the American colonies were threatened with immediate ministerial power, and great exertions were making to reduce the colonies to obedience and bondage by their own and foreign additional troops, which at the time were daily expected to invade the colonies ; it was deemed of great importance for the safety and salvation of this country, that the inhabitants should be put in the best situation possible for self- defence : — It was therefore ordered, that one-third part of the 2d, 3d, 4lh, 7th, 8th> 9th, and 20th regiments ; and one-fourth part of the other regiments of militia, or a number equal thereto, should be forthwith enlisted, or detailed from the limits of the several regiments in the colony, to be held in readiness for the defence of this or any of the adjoining colonies. And that it should be imme- diately effected ; the colonels or chief officers of the regiments, were directed forthwith to order the chief officer of each company in their regiments to con- vene their companies, (and all others within the limits of said companies who REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 205 were obliged to keep arms, and under 55 and over 16 years of age,) then to en- list out of any of tliem the number aforesaid. But if a sufficient number should not voluntarily enlist, the captain, with the advice and assistance of the other commissioned officers, were directed to detach and impress out of said con)pa- nies to make the complement required ; and those detached to perform like du- ties with those who should enlist, on a penalty of j£ 10 for refusing; and the captains, &c. were to make immediate returns to their respective colonels. — The field officers were then ordered to form said men into companies of about sixty-eight rank and file ; and with the advice of the captains and commissioned officers of said companies, nominate officers for said new companies, viz : 1 cap- tain, 2 lieutenants, and 1 ensign, out of such as had or did then hold commis- sions of equal rank, and return a muster roll, and their doings to the Governor, who was authorized to commission said officers. The Governor and Committee of Safety was then authorized to form said companies into regiments, and place them under field militia officers, to take the command of the new troops, as he should think proper. And said officers and soldiers were ordered to equip them- selves to the acceptance of the captains, and the same hold in constant readi- ness for service ; for which it was provided they should receive a premium of 40 shillings each. The captain of each company was ordered to procure a drum and fife, to be paid for by the colony ; all which it was made the duty of the captains and commissioned officers to see performed — furnished with arms and equipped ; and if any soldier was found deficient in arms, and arms could not be obtained, they were ordered to impress them, by a warrant for that pur- pose, by the civil authority ; for which deficienc}', said soldier was to lose half his premium, which was to be paid for tlie use of impressed arms, &c. Officers and minute men to be allowed for necessary time to meet for exercise, at the rate before allowed in like cases. And said officers and soldiers were to hold themselves in constant readiness to march at the shortest notice, by order of the Captain General, or other superior officers ; and when in actual service, to receive the same "wages and billeting as other troops before raised in the colony. Also to be exempt from duty in other military companies. To be held in service not exceeding one year after the 1st day of June, 1776, then to be disbanded. (This act not to be extended to include the twenty-fourth regiment.) It was also enacted, that the third part of the 3d, Cth, and 20th regiments, and. a fourth part of the militia in the 1st regiment, and the remainder on the east side of Connecticut river, then lately ordered by the Governor and Committee of Safety to be drafted, equipped, and held in readiness according to order. — The act raising minute men, passed December 1, 1775, was repealed by this act, and made void. And such men as were raised under said repealed act, were made minute men under this act. And those minute men raised under this act, not to be continued in service more than three months at one time, before reliev- ed, or permitted to return home. No premium was to be paid to either officer or soldier until completely equipped ; directing such, (if an)') who had received a premium and not equipped, the premium to be deducted from his wages. An act for raising a battalion or regiment of troops to march to Boston, or elsewhere, (in pursuance of a requisition, then made by the Continental Con- gress, for the defence of the united colonies,) was passed ; in which it was pro- vided, that the first reg-iment or battalion of troops should be forthwith raised in the colony, by voluntary enlistment, for the defence of the colonies ; to consist 27 206 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1770. of 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant (^iBicl, 1 major, and eight companies, with 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 4 sargcants, 4 corporals, 1 drummer, 1 filer, and 76 pri- vates to each conii)any ; and a staff of 1 chaplain, 1 adjutant, 1 quarter mas- ter, 1 surgeon, and 1 surgeon's mate ; to be under the same laws, rules, and reg- ulations as continental troops then were ; same pay, wages, allowances, billeting, provisions, premiums for arms, See. to be enlisted for and holden in said service, two years from the 14th of May, 1776, unless sooner discharged by Congress ; and if so discharged, to be allowed one months pay on their discharge ; or enlisted for one year only from the said 14th of May, and be accordingly held, unless sooner discharged. And to cncounigc men to enlist in said service, it was resolved, that the pay of each sargcant should bo 48 shillings ; C()r|)ora!, 44 shillings ; diuininer and fifer each, 44 sliillings ; each private, 40 shillings per calendar month during their service, and one months pay in advance before they should march, and allowed one penny per mile for expenses out and home, and 12 shillings to each man who should supply himself a good blanket, and take it wilh him until the close of the campaign ; and such iurther encouragements as were allowed by Congress to the forces then raising for said servici;. The alarming movements of the ministerial army and navy, were such as rendered it probable that a sudden attack would soon be made by them upon this and the other colonies; the Legislature, therefore, deemed it necessary to raise two additional regiments of troops within the colony ; that one regiment of the inhabitants should be immediately raised by voluntary enlistment ; that the troops then raised at and about New London and New Haven should be aug. nionted into a second regiment, for the special defence of this and the other colo- nies, as the case should require. Each regiment to consist of 1 colonel, 1 lieuten- ant colonel, 1 major, and eight companies with 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 4 sargeants, 4 corporals, 1 drummer, 1 fifer, and 76 privates to each company; and the usual staff to each regiment, and the same pay, wages, billeting, pro. visions, premiums for supplying themselves with arms, accoutrements, &,c., as was given to the troops raised in April, 1775, and under the same laws, regula- tions, &.C. To be held in service until the 1st day of January, 1777, unless sooner discharged. To be marched and stationed from time to time under the orders of the Captain General ; to be subject to join the continental army, if so ordered by tin! Governor ; and if so, to bo under the same laws, regulations, pay, &c., as the troops in the conlinonlal arn>y, and subject to the same general command. And in case that the troops so raised should neglect, or be unable to furnish arms, &c., for the premium, they were to be furnished as provided for furnish, ing troops raised in July, 1775. And for the eneour.igement to men to enlist as aforesaid, it was enacted, that each person on such enlistment should be entitled to 12 sliillings premium, if he should supply himself with a blanket, knapsack, and clothing, to the acceptance of his captain, and one months pay advanced. Each sargeant to receive 48 shillings ; corporal, drummer, and fifer eaf3h, 44 shillings ; and pri- vates 40 shillings, per calendar month for wages during service. Each supply- ing himself svith arms, with a good bayonet and cartoueh box, to be paid a premium of 10 shillings ; which arms, &c., if lost by acci 8th company — Elisha Chapman, captain; John Hart, 1st lieutenant; Job Wright, 2d lieutenant; Nathaniel Jones, Jr., ensign. FIFTH BATTALION. William Douglass, colonel ; James Arnold, lieutenant colonel ; Phineas Porter, major. 1st company — Nathaniel Johnson, captain; Nathan Parson, 1st lieutenant ; Ambrose Ilinc, 2d lieutenant ; Charles Norton, ensign. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 227 2d company — Edward Russell, captain; Samuel Baldwin, Ist lieutenant; Stephen Potter, 2d lieutenant; Joseph Shay lor, ensign. 3d company — Robert Brown, captain ; Peter Johnson, 1st lieutenant ; Joseph Mansfield, 2d lieutenant; Samuel Newton, ensign. 4th company — Noah Ives, captain ; Jared Robinson, 1st lieutenant ; Jared Hill, 2d lieutenant; John Mansfield, ensign. 5lh company — Samuel Peck, Jr., captain ; Johiel Bryant, 1st lieutenant ; Jesse Goodyeai, 2d lieutenant ; Titus Peck, ensign. 6th company — John Lewiss, Jr., captain ; James Warner, 1st lieutenant ; Michael Bronson, 2d lieutenant ; Joseph Beach, Jr., ensign. 7th company — Nathaniel Bunnel, captain ; Hawkins Hart, 1st lieutenant ; Thomas Lyman, 2d lieutenant ; Miles Hull, ensign. 8th company — Cornelius Higgins, captain ; James Arnold, 1st lieutenant ; Amos Beecher, 2d lieutenant; Samuel Scovil, ensign. SIXTH BATTALION. John Chester, Esq., colonel ; Solomon Wills, lieutenant colonel ; John Rip. ley, ensign. 1st company — Israel Seymour, captain ; John Barnard, 1st lieutenant ; Sam- uel Mattox, 2d lieutenant ; Joseph Bunce, ensign. 2d company — Hezekiah Wyllys, captain ; Jolin Hurlbut, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Josepii Skinner, 2d lieutenant; Andrew Hylyer, ensign. 3d company — Chester Wells, captain ; Edward Bulkley, 1st lieutenant ; Ben- jamin Tallmadge, 2(1 lieutenant ; James Hecox, ensign. 4th company — Benjamin Clark, captain; James Tyler, 1st lieutenant; Sam- uel Marcy, Jr., 2d lieutenant; Daniel Knowlton, ensign. 5th company — Stephen Lyon, captain; Josiah Childs, 1st lieutenant ; John Kimball, 2d lieutenant ; Richard Peabody, ensign, 6th company — Asa Bacon, captain ; Abner Bacon, 1st lieutenant ; Amaziah Rust, 2d lieutenant ; Aaron Cleveland, ensign. 7th company — Samuel Thomson, captain ; Gershom Parsons, 1st lieutenant ; Daniel Dunham, 2d lieutenant; Ebenezer Sessions, ensign. 8tli company — John Isham, Jr., captain ; Eliphalet Chamberlain, 1st lieuten- ant ; Asaph Trumbull, 2d lieutenant ; Joshua Ransom, Jr., ensign. William Hawley was appointed 1st lieutenant, and John Blackleach, 2d lieu- tenant, under Capt. Elijah Abell, in a company raised in May last. Thomas Abbee, of Enfield, was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. John Harmon's com- pany, and Nathaniel Pomeroy, Jr., of Suffield, 1st lieutenant in Capt. Abel Pease's company. , The officers' commissions appointed May session, 1776, were to be dated on the 10th day of June, 1776, and issued by the Governor. And the officers' com- missions of this session were to bear date June 20th, 1776. The Governor was authorized to appoint others, and fill vacancies, if any officers appointed in the aforesaid companies should decline their appointment ; and to appoint armorers for the several regiments aforesaid. It was ordered, that the colonel of each battalion ordered to be raised, should receive of his pay master of the continental army, the first months pay of each soldier, and pay it into the colony treasury, deducting out what should be due to 228 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. each enlisted soldier from the day of his enlistment to his march ; and what should be deducted, to be flM to the captains of said companies, and by them paid to the soldiers, according to the act of Assembly. It was ordered, that the committee of pay table should order and pay to the several captains of companies, ordered raised either in May or June, 1776, the amount of the several premiums, advance pay and wages, ordered to them and their companies, to be advanced to them on their enlistment, or march out of the colony. It was directed, that the troops then at New London, Groton, Stonington, and New Haven, and the additional troops raised to augment said troops into a regi- ment, should receive the same pay, wages, and allowances, &:c., as troops raised by order of the Continental Congress for continental service. And that any able bodied man that had or should enlist to augment said troops into a regiment, should receive a premium of twenty shillings over and above contine'ntal allow- ance. The colonels of the several regiments to be raised to join the army at New York, were permitted to ship to the place of their destination, four hogsheads of rum, two hogsheads of molasses, and two barrels of sugar, for each of their re. giments. Samuel Abbott, Hezekiah Lane, Thaddeus Burr, Jonathan Fitch, Elisha Child, and Joseph Hopkins, were appointed, in addition to a former committee, to procure fire arms. The Legislature had reason to apprehend that there would be large demands for the article of pork, to supply the tories that had been and were about to be raised for public service and that measures should be taken to procure a supply thereof; and that danger was apprehended that large quantities might be clan- destinely purchased and conveyed to the enemy, or engrossed by individuals, which might distress both the public and the poor in the colony : the Legislature therefore appointed Jeremiah Wadsworth, of Hartford, John Deshon, of New London, J. Fitch, of New Haven, Samuel Squire, of Fairfield, David Trumbull, of Lebanon, Lynd Lord, of Litchfield, and any or either of them to purchase for the colony, all the pork within the same, at the market price, to be kept in pro- per stores, and disposed of for public use, as the exigences of aff'airs should require for the colony or the continental army, under the direction of the Assem- bly or the Governor and Council ; and the committee of pay table were directed to draw on the Treasurer for money to pay for the same. It was also provided, that if any person should be possessed of any quantity of stores of pork more than sufficient for his own use, and should refuse to sell and deliver said pork to said committee, on his or their request and tender of the money or bills of credit therefor, at the market price, that such person so refusing should forfeit the value of all such pork so refused for the use of the colony, and to be recovered in any court proper to try the same. And either of said committee was authorized to prosecute. The article of lead being scarce, and greatly wanted in the colony for the use of the army; it was provided, that the selectmen of all the towns in the colony, should forthwith purchase such lead weights, and all other implements of lead, all bar lead and old lead, (except sheet lead on buildings), all shot at a reasonable price, and certify the quantity by them obtained and the price paid, to the com- mittee of pay table, who were directed to draw orders on the Treasurer for REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 229 the same — which was directed to be certiticd to tlie Governor, quantity, &.c. &c. It was further provided, that in case any person refused to deliver said lead to the selectmen as aforesaid, that it was made the duty of the civil authority to issue warrants, and impress such lead for the use of the colony. The committee appointed to procure tin kettles and iron hollow ware, for the use of the battalions of foot, were also directed to purchase two suitable brass wash kettles, for each company in said battalion, and deliv|r them to Ihn com. missary general. Daniel Brainard, Dyer Throop, and Jabez Chapman were a committee, (for the purpose of fully carrying into effect the contract of Thomas IJidwell in manufacturing sulphur) ; to contract with all persons in whose lands sulphur could bo discovered, for liberty to use tlie ore for a reasonable rent ; and in case such persons should refuse so to contract, the Assembly authorized said Bid- well, or his agents, to enter upon their lands and dig, take, and use such ore as they found impregnated with sulphur, by paying such rent as s;iid committee should judge just, and such writing of said committee should operate as effectual as a lease from the owner of the lands, for said Bidwell to enter and use the ore. Maj. Nathaniel Terry was appointed, (instead of Col. Porter) to procure twenty pots and receivers for Thomas Bidwell, to manufacture sulphur. Joseph Hopkins, Esq., Mr. Isaac Doolitlle, Capt. Eiisha Childs, Col. Samuel Chapman, and Capt. Henry Allyn were appointed a conmiittee severally, or iu conjunction, to search after lead mines in the colony, and directed to inform tho Governor should any be discovered, that the Governor might inform the Con. tinental Congress. It was enacted, that .£50,000 in bills of credit should be imprinted, on the credit of the colony, equal to lawful money, of denominations from 1 shilling and 6 pence to 40 shillings inclusive, of the same tenor of the former emissions of bills of credit, payable before the 1st day of January, 1782, and dated 19lli day of June, 1776, — and J. Hamlin, William Pitkin, George Wyllys, Elislia Williams, B. Payne, Thomas Seymour, and Jesse Root, Esq'rs., were appointed to take charge of the printing, &c. of said bills as the act directed. A tax of seven pennies on the pound was laid on all the rateable estate and polls in tho colony, to pay said bills of credit; which tax was made payable in any bills emitted by the Assembly, continental bills, or lawful money. A report was made on the memorial of the committee of inspection of the town of Norwich, regarding tho brig Nancy and her cargo, brought into Nor- wich in July, 1775 ; that the said brig and cargo was the property of Joshua Winslow, of Boston, deceased ; that the said Joshua, at the time of his death, was reputed an enemy of this country ; that said brig, &.C., was the property of said Joshua's widow and heirs ; that the widow also was an enemy of this country ; that said brig went into Stonington in July, 1775, and was seized by . some persons in Norwich, who sent Ciipt. Robert Niles to take her to Norwich, to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy, then in Boston; that Capt. Niles was not then in the service of tlie colony ; that the brig and cargo was laid up in Norwich on the 18th day of July, 1775, by the committee of correspond, ence and inspection in Norwich, &c. The Legislature ordered said brig and cargo to bo sold, and the molasses sold to householders, or to such persons as would dispose of it to householders, and of the avails of said sale, to pay the demand of Dodge and company, of Boston, and liie remainder to pay to the 30 230 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. Treasurer of the colony^ad to pay any other persons who should satisfy the Assembly they had any laWful title to the same. Amos Barnes, Dan Hill, and James Stoddard, three of the committee of inspection in Farniinglon, informed the Assembly, tiiat Thomas Brooks, of said town, was h lieutenant of tlio 12lli company and ] 5lh regiment ; and that he had openly declared before said committee that he was not satisfied that the colonies could be justified in their measures ; that he refused to join them against Great Britain, or the King. The Legislature appointed Col. John Pit^n, and Col. Thomas Belden, a committee to examine the case of said Brooks, and report to said Assembly. The Governor was authorized to employ a suitable person for a post rider, from Hartford to Albany, or farther north, as he should think necessary, to carry and bring letters and intelligence for the year then ensuing, or until the Assembly, or Governor and Committee of Safety should otherwise order. Gold S. Silliman, Esq., was appointed colonel of the regiment of horse, in the colony, established in May, 1776. Thomas Seymour, Esq., lieutenant colonel, and William Hart, major of said regiment of horse. William Hillhouse, major of the 2d regiment of horse. Daniel Starr, Esq., major of the 3d regiment of horse. Ebenezer Backus, major of the 4th regiment of horse. Eiisha Sheldon, major of the 5th regiment of horse established as aforesaid. Timothy Scranton asked the Assembly for compensation for nursing his sick son, who was a soldier under Col. Ward, with the wages of said soldier. The Assembly ordered said account adjusted and paid. Gershom Clark, of Lebanon, claimed that ho was a soldier in Gen. Putnam's regiment, and that at the battle at Bunker Hill, on the 17lh of June, 1775, he received a shot through his body, by which he was dangerously wounded, and was unable to labor and support liimself and family ; and therefore, asked aid of the Assembly. The Assembly ordered to be paid to said Clark the sum of £30 out of the treasury of the colony. Gr;>ce Meigs, (the wife of R. J. Meigs, a major in the service,) who was detained a prisoner of war at Quebec, from the 1st of September, 1775, to the 1st of June, 1776 ; asked said Assembly to pay to her, her husband's wages; which said Assembly ordered to be paid. The Legislature was adjourned, until the Governor should see cause again to convene it. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 231 GENERAL ASSEMBLY, OCTOBER SESSION. At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the State of Connecticut, in New England, in America, holden at New Haven, October 10th, and adjourned the 7th day of November, A. D. 1776. Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. Eight Assistants (only) present. The first act of the Assembly was to pass " The Declaration of Independ. ence," by Connecticut. (See the 95lh page of Ibis work.) The first law enacted at this session, was an act for the punishment of high treason against the State. It was enacted, that if any person or persons belonging to or residing in the State, and under the protection of its laws, should levy war against the State, or knowingly aid or assist enemies at open war against the State, or United States of America, by joining their armies, by enlisting, or procuring others to enlist for that purpose ; or furnishing such enemies with arms, ammunition, provisions, or any articles for their aid or comfort ; or carrying on a treacherous correspondence with them ; or bo any way concerned in ibrming any combina- tion, plots, or conspiracy, for betraying the State, or United Stales into the hands or power of any foreign enemy; or give or send any intelligence to the enemies of the State for that purpose ; every person so offending, and being thereof convicted, should suffer death. It was also enacted, that if any person should attempt to join the enemies of the State, or United States, or use an influence to persuade any person to aid, comfort, or assist them in any manner whatsoever, or have knowledge of any person endeavoring or using influence, and conceal the same, that lie should be punished by Jine, according to the nature of the offence, and imprisoned, at the discretion of the superior court, in any gaol in the State, not exceeding ten years. An act was passed for prescribing and enjoining an oath of fidelity to the State ; in which it was provided, that, as the King of Great Britain had abdicated the government of the United States, by placing them out of his protection, and un- justly levying war against them ; and as the States had declared their indepen- dance and sovereignty, which had been approved by this State : — The Legisla- ture, for the security of the State, resolved, that an oath of fidelity should be taken by the freemen and officers thereof, to truly and faithfully adhere to and maintain the government established in the State, by the people, according to the laws of the State; and that each believed in his conscience, that the King of Great Britain neither had, nor of right ought to have any authority in or over 232 RKVOLIJTIONARY AVAR, 1776. the State, and tliat {hey ^^pot liold themselves bound to yield any alle^ance to the King, and that tliey would, to Ihe wtmost of their power, maintain and de- fend the freedom, independence, and privileges of the State, against all open enemies or traitorous conspiracies ; and that no person should be authorized to execute any office, after the 1st day of January, 1777, until he had taken the oath of fidelity ; that no freeman should vote for any officer of government, until he had taken said oath, and his name enrolled in the records of the town where sworn. A law was enacted, that the bills of credit, emitted and made current by the General Assembly of Connecticut, and such as had been issued by the United States, should be a legal lendfr as money, in all payments within the State. At the same time it was provided, that if any person within the State, should at- tempt to depreciate, or urrdervalue the bills of credit aforesaid, by offering, de- manding, or receiving more in said bills, in exchange for Spanish milled dollars, or other coins of gold or silver or bullion, than the nominal value thereof; or re- ceiving directly or indirectly, a greater sum in bills for houses, lands, goods, or other commodities, than the same could be purchased for in gold or silver ; or whoever should sell or offer for sale house, land, &c. for hard money, and should refuse to sell the same for any kind of bills ; every person so offending, forfeited the full value of the money so exchanged, or the houses, &c. so sold, one half to the public treasury of the State, and the other half to the person who should prosecute. As it was of the utmost importance, not only to the State, but equally so to all the States, and the commerce of the country, that entire confidence should be kept up in the bills of credit emitted, or that should be issued by order of the Continental Congress, as well as the bills or notes of the continental loan offices. And as counterfeiting was fast becoming more and more frequent, a law was enacted, that whoever forged or altered any bills of credit emitted by Con- gress, or notes or bills issued from any of the continental loan offices established in any of the United States, engrave plates or instruments to be used for such purposes, &c. should be punished by the same pains and penalties provided for the crime of counterfeiting the bills of credit of this and the other States. A law was enacted, empowering the civil authority, selectmen, and committee of inspection of the several towns in the State, to confine within certain limits' or to remove all inimical persons within their respective towns, if on examination they should judge them inimical or dangerous to the United States, at the cost of the offenders. The Governor and Council of Safety were to determine the pla- ces of confinement of such inimical persons as should be removed as aforesaid, and give orders for their government and support, and order a guard, if neces- sary, to secure them, and cost that might arise for officer's fees, &c., on such confinement and removal was taxed by any of said civil authority, and execution granted for the same. And it was provided, that the said committee appointed to take charge of prisoners were authorized to call out guards, by liberty obtain- ed of the civil authority and selectmen in any town in the State. The Assembly appointed an inspector of gun powder, to examine and brand all that was made for the State ; the fees of which office was one-eighth part of a dollar for each 100 pounds he should examine. All powder offered for sale, made in any of the ITnited States, not inspected, was forfeited. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 233 It liaving been found that much of the salt petre manufactured in the colony, was impure, and unfit for making good gun powder ; therefore the Assembly appointed an inspector of salt petre for each powder mill in the State, to be sworn carefully to inspect all salt petre brought to the respective mills, before any pre- miums should be paid thereon. It was a subject of great complaint in the !, State, that in this time of public distress and struggle, many individuals endeavored to engross the necessaries of life that were immediately required for the comfort and support of the armies, and extortion and oppression arose upon the poor and the soldiery ; to prevent which, the Assembly ordered, that the Governor, with the advice of his Com- mittee of Safety, were empowered, that whenever and whatever article of neces- sary support for the army should be wanted, to impress and seize the same out of the hands of any engrosser, to have the property appraised by two indifferent men under oath, and pay'^such price to the owner or engrosser. The article of salt was scarce in the State, and the previous bounty offered by the Assembly for its manufacture, not having been a sufficient inducement to supply the wants of the inhabitants ; a bounty of one shilHng per bushel was offered for any quantity manufactured in the State, less than five hundred bush- els, before the 1st day of November, 1777. The Governor and Council of Safety were empowered for the benefit of the public, at their discretion, to lay any further embargo upon the exportation of swine, or any other article, out of the State, in the recess of the General As- sembly. As the Continental Congress had recommended that a loan office should be established, in each of the States ; and that a commissioner to superintend such office should be appointed in each State. The Legislature judging that such loan office might aid in the monitary concerns in the State, approved of the measure — and therefore appointed John Lawrence, Esq., of Hartford, commis. sioner, to superintend such loan office as Congress should establish in this State, Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, Eliphalet Dyer, Oliver Wolcott, Rich. ard Law, and William Williams, Esq'rs., were appointed delegates to Congress. And said delegates were instructed that only three of them should attend at one time at the public expense; that they were to attend by turns, and agree between themselves as to time and convenience for each. Col. Thomas Seymour was appointed a member of the Council of Safety, in the place of Richard Law, Esq,, excused. Jesse Root, Esq., was appointed one of the committee of pay table. A bounty of 1 shilling per pound was ordered to be paid for all salt petre and nitre that should be manufactured, "according to previous laws, from the 1st of January, 1777, and before tlie 1st of June, 1777. An embargo was forthwith laid upon the exportation, by land or water, with- out a permit from the Governor, of wheat, rye, Indian corn, pork, salt, peas, beans, bread, flour, and every kind of meal, except necessary stores for outward bound vessels; also all kinds of cloths, linen and woolen, suitable for clothing for the army. Also an embargo was laid upon beef, live cattle, sheep, butter, and cheese ; provided that the act should not extend to prevent any person from carrying or sending to such soldiers in the army as might be under the care and special relation of such person, any necessary clothing or provisions for their own use. And the Governor was required to issue his proclamation accordingly. 234 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. The Legislature, in comuliance with the resolution of Congress of the 16th of September, 1776, ancWr the 8lh of October, 1776, that eight battalions should be immediately raised out of the colony troops then in the army, and of other inhabitants of llie State as would enlist, to serve during the war on the encouragement ofl'ercd by Congress. The Assembly in addition to thai encour- agoment, to induce the citizens of Connecticut to enlist, oflered to make suitable provision for furnishing said troops with clothing and other necessaries (not provided by Congress) on the best terms for which they could be procured, and delivered to said soldiers at first cost ; and to take care of the sick and wounded, that they should be provided with all necessaries for their comfort and relief. The State of Massachusetts Bay having added to the wages and allowance of the troops tlien about to be raised in that Stale for the service, the Assembly resolved, that every non-commissioned officer and soldier of the State, who had enlisted into the eight battalions ordered to bo raised, should have and receive from the State of Connecticut so much over and above the wages allowed and offered, or that should bo allowed and offered by the Continental Congress, as would make up the pay of a soldier to £3 per month during said service, and the pay of a non-commissioned officer in proportion thereto ; and in addi. tion, that each non-commissioned officer or soldier that should enlist in either of said eight battalions, should annually have from the State a good blanket. It was ordered by the Assembly, that each tent ordered made in the several towns, should contain 27 yards of cloth, one yard wide, well manufactured of yarn, not coarser than 30 knots to the pound. The Assembly appointed John Durkee, Jedediah Huntington, Andrew Ward, Jr., William Douglass, John Chester, Philip Burr Bradley, Heman Swift, and John Douglass, Esq'rs., to be colonels of the eight battalions ordered raised in this State. Samuel Prentice, Giles Russell, Solomon Wells, Obadiah Johnson, James Arnold, Thomas Hobby, John Chandler, and Josiah Starr, Esq'rs., to be lieu- tenant colonels of the eight battalions aforesaid. John Sumner, John Ely, Waterman Clift, Hezekiah Iloldridgc, David Dimon, John Ripley, Matthew Mead, and John Bigelow, Esq'rs., to be majors of said eight battalions aforesaid. CAPTAINS. Noah Phelps, Hezekiah Parsons, Elijah Robinson, Abner Pryor, Amasa Mills, John Isham, Jonathan Johnson, Eliphalot Holmes, Ichabod Norton, John Har- mon, John Wells, Chester Wells, John Parker, Simon Wolcolt, Abraham Tyler, and Edward Eells, to be captains in the said eight battalions. Edward Russell, Jonas Prentice, Nathaniel Bunnell, William Hull, Peter Perritt, Eli Leavenworth, Stephen Hall, and David Smith. David Fisher Sill, Christopher Darrow, Jr., Jedediah Hide, Abel Spicer, Christopher Ely, William Belcher, Aaron Stephens, Edward Shipman, Richard Deshon, Ebenezer Brewster, and Ebenezer Huntington. Robert Walker, Elijah Abel, Samuel Keeler, Joseph Hart, Sylvanus Brown, Noble Benedict, Phineas Beardsley, Jabez Botsford, Ezekiel Sanford, and Albert Chapman. Thomas Grovesnor, John Keyes, James Clark, James Dana, Benoni Cutler, Vine Elderkin, Wells Clift, Stephen Brown, Daniel Allen, and Daniel Tilden. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 236 Nathaniel Tuttle, Isaac Bostwick, Abraham Bradley, Simeon Smith, Edward Rogers, Jesse Kimball, Solomon Strong, Bezaleel Bebee, and Theodore Wood- bridge, Esq'rs., to be captains in the eight battalions ordered raised in this State. FIRST LIEUTENANTS. The Assembly appointed Edward Dulkley, John Barnard, Eliphalet Chamber- lain, Henry Champion, Jr., Marcas Cole, George Griswold, Jr., Thomas HoUis. ter, Jr., Isaac Spencer, Ambrose Sloper, David McClure, Thomas Abby, Icha- bod Ilinkley, Samuel Carver, Stephen Palmer, Samuel Granger, and Ebenezer Wright, to be 1st lieutenants in said eight battalions. Joseph Mansfield, Israel Potter, Nathan Parsons, Michael Brunson, Ephraim Chamberlin, Gilbert Dudley, Samuel Barker, Jr., and Samuel Baldwin, Jr. David Nevins, Edward Hallam, Thomas Avery, Jonathan Palmer, Caleb Baldwin, Elisha Lee, Simeon Huntington, William Adams, Jacob Dowit, Oliver Babcock, and Beriah Bill. Robert Lewis, Josiah Lacy, Joseph A. Wright, Joseph Webb, Jr., John Jones, Lemuel Benedict, William Hawley, James Betts, Sylvanus Mead, and William Green. John McGregor, John Shumway, Abner Bacon, William Trezel, James Sprague, Josiah Child, Elias Wold, Joseph Talcolt, Abner Robinson, and Andrew Fitch. Peter Mills, Thomas Converse, Jesse Cook, Nathan Stoddard, Asahel Hodge, Elisha Bostwick, Eleazur Claghorn, John Rockwell, and Obadiah Gore, Jr., to be 1st lieutenants in the eight battalions ordered raised in this State. SECOND LIEUTENANTS. The Assembly appointed Roger Hooker, Edward Payne, Joseph Booth, Jr., Simeon Newell, Thomas Hayden, Ezekiel P. Balding, Abraham Wright, Aaron Hale, Jonathan Humphrey, Jr., Peleg Heath, Samuel Hazard, Jr., David Starr, Elijah Chapman, Jr., Silas Blodget, Samuel Felt, Jr., and Jonathan Hart. Charles Norton, Amos Fowler, Ambrose Hine, Ebenezer Fowler, Jr., Stephen Potter, Wm. Clark, Nathaniel Edwards, and Elias Stilwell. John Blackleach, Ebenezer Banks, Jr., Thaddeus Weed, Henry Warring, John St. John, James Hughs, Judson Whiting, Reuben Scovil, Samuel Hoit, and James Barns. Enoch Reed, William Richards, Park Avery, Jr., Nathaniel Bishop, Moses Dudley, Jr., Daniel Collins, William Raymond, Ezra Selden, Jr., Henry Hill, Ebenezer Perkins, and Joshua Tracy. Daniel Knowlton, Josiah Fuller, Joseph Birge, Sanford Kingsbury, Joshua Bottom, Ebenezer West,'Paul Brighafti, Sylvanus Perry, Samuel Campbell, and Benjamin Durkee. Noah Judson, John Holenbeck, Reuben Calking, Ebenezer Hill, John Jenkins, Jr., Josiah Stoddard, Jesse Grant, Samuel Stone Butler, and Samuel Pettibone, to be 2d lieutenants in the eight battalions aforesaid. ENSIGNS. The Assembly appointed Elijah Ransom, Samuel Richards, Elisha Brister, Jr., Simeon Belding, Powning Doming, Josiah Blakeslee, Benjamin Holcomb, Simeon Gains, John Buell, Orlando Mack, Benjamin Henshaw, Jr., Bildad Granger, Titus Bunnell, David Spencer, Samuel Smith, Phineas Grover, John Odell, Jer- 236 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. emiah Beard Eells, Gideon Waterbury, Thornas Hobby, Jr., Ebenezer Olmsted, Benjamin Hicock, Timothjjraylor, Clement Botsford, James Bebee,and Stephen Belts. William Smith, David Dudley, 3d, Joseph Shaylor, Joseph Beach, Jr., John Mansfield, David Hitchcock, Edward Riggs, Timothy White, Obadiah Child, Ichabod Bosworth, Joseph Hull, Lemuel Grosvenor, Lemuel Clift, Ebenezer Wales, Jonathan Nichols, Simon House, David Dorrance, and John Alden. Daniel Wait, Daniel Billings, John Durkee, Jr., Jabez Smith, Jr., David Bill, Asa Story, Richard Douglass, Benoni Shipman, Charles Fanning, Thomas Updike, Fosdick Clark, and Reuben Clark. David GofF, Elihu Smith, Salmon Agard, Zerah Beach, Alexander Waugh, Israel Jones, Jr., Charles Goodwin, Asa Brunson, and John Jameson, to be ensigns in the eight battalions so raised as aforesaid. The Governor and Council of Safety were authorized to appoint all the staff officers, for the eight battalions ordered raised within the colony, and to fill all such vacancies as should occur in said battalions, either of commissioned ofliicers or of the staff, by reason of refusal or otherwise, during the recess of the As- sembly ; and to appoint paymasters to the several regiments. David Wooster, Esq., was appointed major general of the militia. The seaport towns on Long Island sound being greatly exposed to the incur- sions of the enemy, the Legislature authorized the Governor to apply to Con- gress to allow two battalions, at the expense of the United States, to be stationed along the coast in this State, at such places as the Governor and Council of Safety should direct. The near approach of the enemy to the western part of Connecticut, and the critical situation of the continental army, together with the danger there was of the enemy's cutting off the communication between the country and the troops, called for the speedy exertion of all the strength in that quarter, to oppose their further inroads ; and it was therefore ordered, that as many of the militia as were fit for service, and other householders and able bodied, effective men, within the limits of the 9th, 10th, 13th, and 16th regiments, should be immediately called out, well armed, equipped, and embodied under the command of Major General Wooster, appointed for this purpose, to lead and command the troops in the necessary operations against the enemy, and to relieve the army ; and notify the commander-in-chief of the continental army of his situation, and his readiness to co-operate with him, take his directions, and consult with other generals of our army that should be most convenient. And it was also ordered, that the 3d reg^ent of light horse, and the troop of horse in the 10th regiment of militia, should forthwith march to the western part of this State, and join the forces under the command of Maj. Gen. Wooster, who was empowered to give orders for their march, operations, and stations. It was farther ordered, that the committee of pay table should draw upon the Treasurer in favor of the colonel of each regiment of the militia ordered to march as aforesaid, for such sum as would enable the colonels to pay 20 shillings to each officer and soldier of the regiment that should join and march as ordered. And it was resolved, that the troops of horse and militia so ordered out, should not be liolden in said service longer than two months from the time of their march. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. ^o7 A number of non-commissioned officers and soldiers neglected lo march to New York in August and Seplernbor, 1776, after liaving been so ordered l)y the Governor; it was resolved, that Col. J. Fitch, of New Haven, and Col. Jolin Mead, should pay each of said officers and soldiers that should march according to the Governor's proclamation, 20 shillings lawful money, and exhibit their account to the pay table for allowance. An act was passed to compel all persons to furnish necessary stores and assistance to the quarter master general of the continental army. That if any person within the State should on request, refu.se lo sell or supply the quarter master, or his agent, with the articles of timber, boards, shingles, brick or stone, or let their horses, oxen, carts or carriages to transport the same, or other necessary supplies and aid for the use of the army ; it was made the duty of any assistant or justice of the peace, on complaint of the quarter master, to grant a warrant, ;j and impress from persons so refusing, all articles aforesaid necessary for the supply of the army, by paying the reasonable value of such articles, on appraisal, taken or used. It was ordered by the Assembly, that there should be provided in this Slate, as soon as might be, for the use of the militia when called into actual service, the following articles of camp equipage and utensils, viz. : 2,000 tents, 2,000 iron pots, containing 2 gallons each; 4,000 wooden bowls, and 6,000 canteens or wooden bottles. And it was resolved, that the same should be provided by the several towns in this State, in manner and proportion following, viz. : that 1 tent, 1 iron pot, 2 wooden bowls, and 3 canteens, should be provided for every £1,000 of the grand list of such towns in the year 1775. And the select. men were ordered to procure said articles, and hold them in constant readiness for the use of the militia when called into service, the cost whereof was dirrcted to be paid and borne by such towns respectively ; and also procure boxes to secure said articles for transportation. The committee of pay table were authorized and directed to adjust and allow all reasonable sums for inevitable losses of clothing, blankets, arms, and accou- trements of the officers and soldiers of the militia, or new levies that were pro- vided for and used by them ; provided they should produce a certificate from two of the general officers then in the army, of this State, or from one general officer^and one colonel of this State; and all sums justly due for costs by sickness on the road, going or returning from either of said armies, or for medi. cine at the army, that could not have been obtained out of the public stores. Also that all officers and soldiers of the militia who inarched in obedience to orders of the Governor, to the assistance of the army after the 1st of July, 1776, and produced a discharge, or were permitted to return on furlough, or by reason of sickness, and not returned as deserters, should be allowed 20 shillings each for their extraordinary expenses at that season of the year ; al.'so the repre. Bcntatives of such as died in the service, over and above the wages and mileage allowed by Congress. And the commanding officers of the regiments, were ordered to return the names of all deserters in tiieir regiments, to the committee of pay table, to enable said committee to execute the trust. Gen. Gates, by a letter to the Assembly, requested to be sent to Tieonderoga, a number of iron spades and shovels ; and a quantity of flour and shingle nails to Skeensborough, for the use of the army under his command. Maj. Ebenezer Gay was therefore appointed by the Assembly, to purchase 200 spades and 31 238 KEA^OLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. shovels, and send them forthwith to Gen. Gates, at Ticonderoga. Also to pur- chase ten tons of wheal flWr and transport it immediately to Skeensborough, to bo there stored as Gen. Gates should direct. And the Treasurer was directed to deliver to Maj. E. Gay the sum of jCSOO, and take his receipt to account for the same. Dr. John Dickinson was appointed to employ u number of nail makers forthwith to manuf.icturo shingle nails ; and the Governor was requested to inform Gen. Gates thereof, and request him to inform the Governor the quan- tity required. The committee appointed to take into consideration what further measures were best to be taken to provide for the relief of the militia of the Slate, and to obtain their early release from service— reported, that the Legislature should request the Governor to write to Gen. Washington, and request him, as soon as might be, to discharge all the sick in the militia, who should be judged incapa. ble for further service : and provide blankets and clothing for such of the militia as had been so unfortunate as to have lost them in retreating from the enemy, or to permit some suitable persons on furlough, to repair to the different parts of the State to inform the friends of such soldiers, and procure the articles of them. The committee of pay tabic were directed to draw an order upon the Trea- surer for the sum of .£400 in bills, in favor of Elisha Sheldon, to defray the expense of llie light horse under liis command ordered to march into the State of New York. Wait Goodrich, Eneas Munson, Guy Riciiards, Abraham Bcardslee, Constant Southworth, Asahel Bebee, and Zcbulon Butler, were appointed inspectors of gun powder, until the 1st day of June, 1777 ; and Constant Southworth, Dr. Eneas Munson, Col. Joshua Porter, and Wait Goodrich, Esq'rs., were appointed re-inspeclors of salt potrc at the powder mills, until tlie 1st day of June, 1777. It was represented to the Logishiture, that the act passed in June, 1776, appointing Samuel Squire, to purchase pork, &c., for the use of the colony, that some persons in Fairfield county, in violation of said act, retained quanti- ties of pork wanted for tiie public ; Samuel Squire was therefore directed to seize any quantity of pork that should be wanted for public use, from any person that had or should refuse to sell the same, as provided in said act ; and when seized, to pay for it as provided in the last act aforesaid. And said Squire was empowered to take with him assistance for that purpose, and to break open any shop or store, in order to carry said law into full effect. The Assembly having been informed of the distressed condition of many of the militia that had been ordered to join the continental army, by want of phy- sicians and medicines for the sick; they appointed Doct. Samuel Gale, and Dr. Jonathan Todd, (as his mate) forthwith to repair to the cojitinental troops and militia in New Jersey, to carry with them as many medicines* and refreshments as they conveniently could, and to take care of any of the sick from this State. And .£100 was ordered to be paid to Dr. Gale to enable them to provide for and do the business. The Assembly was also informed, by letter from Dr. Morgan to the Governor, of the necessity of some person's being appointed to take immediate care of the hospital stores for tho Connecticut troops in the continental service, and offering 8 shillings per day for such persons as should bo so appointed. Tho Legisla- ture therefore appointed Dr. Philip Turner, of Norwich, to be physician and REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 239 stirgoon for the Connecticut troops in the continental service, and director of eaid liospitul stores for said troops ; and authorized said Turner to procure all medicul stores he should judge necessary. And ihe Assembly directed that said Turner should be puid 4 shillings, in addition to the 8 shillings per day offered as an inducement for his acceptance of said appointment. And the Governor was requested to give notice of said appointment to said Turner, and urge his acceptance of the trust, and order him to repair immediately to said troops— and an order from the pay table of ,£300 lawful money, was given to said Tur. ncr, to procure hospital stores for the Connecticut troops. It was ordered by the Assembly, that the fire arms that were ordered made for the use of the Slate, should he of the followihg dimensions, viz.: the length of the barrel from 3 feet 8 inches to 3 feet 10 inches; the bore from inside to inside should be so large as to receive an ounce ball in a cartridge ; blade of bayonet 16 inciies in length, and socket four inches; iron ram rods with a spring in the lowest loop to secure the ram rods ; a good bridle lock ; mounted with brass, and marked with the name of the maker, and also the letters, S. C on the barrel of each gun. It was resolveil by the Assembly, that Capt. Robert Fairchild, Capt. Epliraim Pease, Capt. Dudley Wright, Dr. John Dickinson, Asahel Holcomb, Nathan Frink, Capt. Jahez Huntington, and (i^apt. John Phelps, should be a committee, in addition to a former one, to procure fire arms and gun locks, offering the same encouragement as before. And Elihu (;!lark, Maj. Nathaniel Brown, Samuel Smith, Capt. L. Stoughlon, Isaac Dooliltle, Joseph Hopkins, Samuel Noycs, John Raymond, Capt. D. Judson, Capt. J. Huntington, Elnathan Walker, Edmond Beach, and Capt. M. Gillett, were appointed inspectors, to examine and approve of all such fire arms and locks as should be made within the Slate. Ab it was necessary to keep the foundry at Salisbury in blast, for the purpose of making a sufficient number of cannon for the public defence ; and it. being difficult in the ordinary method to procure wood to keep the same in blast ; the Assembly ordered the purchase of a quantity of wood of the heirs of Daniel Edwards. It became necessary that a commissory of prisoners of war should be appointed in the several States. It was resolved, that Epaphras Bull, of Hartford, should be a commissary of prisoners of war, in this State, whose duty it was made, to take care of all such prisoners as were then or should be sent into this State, and provide for them ; and observe all rules and orders of the General Assem. bly. Governor, and Committee of Safety, and the Continental Congress, regard, ing such prisoners, and make monthly returns of the condition of said prisoners to the board of war appointed by Congress. Doctors Alexander Wolcott, John Dickinson, John Watrous, Eneas Munson, Leverit Hubbard, Elias Carrington, Elisha Tracy, Benjamin Gale, Eieazer Mather, l!latt Townsend, Amos Mead, James Cogswell, John Clark, Elisha Lord, Samuel Lee, Reuben Smith, Elisha Sill, and Seth Bird, or any three of them, were appointed a committee to examine all persons in this State that were offered to serve as surgeons or surgeon's mates, in the continental army or navy, and if found qualified, to give them certificates accordingly. Ffrstly being sworn to a faithful performance of said duty. 240 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. A resolution pnssed to desire llie Governor to request the commanding officer of the northern army, tc^Wflcr suitable provision made for the officers and soldiers of Connecticut, particularly for the sick on^their return home. And if it should he found difficult for said officer to attend to said business, the Gover- nor and Council of Safety were desired to make such provision. Elijah Hyde, Jr., was appointed major of the 2d regiment of light horse, in the place of William Hiiliiouse, Esq., resigned. The Legislature were apprehensive that the stores and provisions for the use of the army and the people of Connecticut, were in great danger of being taken by the enemy, particularly such as were stored in the various parts along the sound in several towns in the western part of the State ; they therefore appointed John Davenport, Esq,, forthwith to proceed, with the advice of any agent under the commissary general, and romovo all such stores back into the country, from the sea shore, to some safe place of deposite, with full power to impress men, teams, and carriages, as they should find necessary. The Governor was requested to issue iiis proclamation, offering a pardon to all such non-commissioned officers and soldiers, as had not mustered according to his orders, for the defence of the country ; and such as had deserted the service after they had joined and niarclicd with their corps, after the 1st day of July, 1776 ; provided they would immediately return to their duty, and join their respective companies, or to any company then ordered to march under Maj. Gen. Wooster, with full pay and rations. And it was further ordered, that the Governor should direct immediate process to be issued against all such as should still refuse to compl)' with their duty; and thai said proclamation should be published in the several newspapers in this State. The 3d and part of the 1st regiment of light horse were ordered to march to the west part of llie State, under the command of Gen. Wooster; and he was authorized to draw on the pay table, and to pay 20 shillings to each person, as advance pay, that should so march, and render his account therefor. It was ordered by the Assembly, that a hospital should be provided and main- tained by the State, for the reception of all such soldiers of this State, as should serve in the continental army, and such of the militia as should join the army during the war. And that said hospital should be under the direction of a chief surgeon, appcinlud by the State, and furnished with skilful surgeons, medicines, &c., and should deal out the same to the regimental surgeons. The organiza- tion of which, and provisions therefor, was submitted to the care and order of the Governor and his Council of Safely, with the advice of the general. And said Assembly ordered 400 bed sacks, 400 shirts, 400 blankets, and 800 sheets, to be forthwith procured for the use of the sick in said hospital. It was ordered, that Roger Sherman, Abraham Davenport, Thaddeus Burr, and John Davenport, Esq'rs., or any three of them, should repair to the army, under the command of Gen. Washington, and with Ihe advice of the general officers belonging to this State in said army, to arrange into regiments and companies, the officers appointed by the Assembly for said battalions to i)o raised in the State, and number their commissions according to their rank. The exposed situation of the towns on the sound, by reason of the British being in our waters on the coast, and the danger of our being taken by surprise, induced the Legislature to direct the Governor forthwith to issue his orders to the chief commanders (then present) of the 2d, 3d, 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 241 12th regiments of militia; to havo special care that the officers and soldiers of said regiments should be well equipped with arms and ammunition, and tneir post assigned them to which to repair in case of an alarm, and the captains well instructed, as well as the subalterns and soldiers, to be careful not to be unawares surprised. And that in case the enemy should land on the coast in any town, to give speedy notice to the adjoining towns, to collect all possible force, and us«?all means to repel the enemy. The great distress in the State for money, induced the Legislature to direct the pay table to forthwitli call the several commissaries to settle their accounts, and particularly the disbursements of commissary Filch, at New York, to Gen. Wooster's regiment, for the purpose of settling with the Continental Congress, for such sums as had been advanced by the State for their benefit. The Assembly having been informed that a number of persons in the western towns in the State, were inimical to the liberties of this and the United States, and were forming dangerous insurrections, and were taking all methods to com. municate intelligence to the enemy, and comforting and assisting them, and distressing and annoying the inhabitants of llie^said towns: — whereupon the Legislature appointed Abraham Davenport, Daniel Siierman, Thomas Fitch, Andrew Adains, and Josiah Bisscll, Esq'rs., forthwith to repair to said towns, and bring before them all suspected persons, and those dangerous to the rights and liberties of America, in that critical state of affairs. And on examination, such as should be found dangerous, to send them, under a proper guard, to such place in the colony as they should think best, there to remain for the safety of the colony, under the direction of the Governor and Council of Safety. And the Governor was desired to direct Gen. Wooster to render the committee all the aid required to execute said trust. And three of said committee were authorized to do the duly. Joseph Thomson, Jonathan Latlimer, Samuel Whiting, John Tyler, Thad- deus Cook, Increase Mosely, Sclah Hart, Comfort Sage, and Jonathan Hum. phrey, were appointed colonels of militia. Benjamin Fenn, Marshfield Parsons,5Abraham Gould, Oliver Smith, Jeremiah Mason, Samuel Canfield, John Chandler, Noadiah Hooker, John Penfield Epaphras Sheldon, and Seth Smith, were appointed lieutenant colonels in the militia. Edward Russell, Joseph Harris, Jr., Jonathan Dimon, Nathan Gallop, Joel Jones, Jelhro Hatch, Nehemiah Beardsley, Medad ^.Hills, Gad Stanly, Abiel Pease, Nathaniel Brown, and Amos Wilcox, were appointed majors in the rnilitia of this State. An order of £lOO was given in favor of Thomas Fitch, Josiah Bissell, and Andrew Adams, by the pay table, to enable them to execute the duties of their appointment, in the western towns. Lamberton Smith, and others, of New Haven, preferred a memorial to the Assembly, complaining of two gentlemen in that city as being inimical to the rights and liberties of the State, etc, and asked for their removal, &;c. A trial was had, and the offenders found guilty, and sentenced to be removed to the society of Eastbury, in the town of Glastenbury, there to remain in said society, under the civil authority and selectmen of the town, at their own cost, until fur- ther orders ; — with directions that they were not to receive, or send any letters, until they should have been perused by the civil authority, &c., &c. 242 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. George Philips, ensign oj^light infantry company of the 23d regiment of mi- litia, and others, complainflWliat N. Shailor, captain of said company, had been, in August, 1776, duly ordered by Matthew Talcott, colonel of said regiment, to muster his company and march them to the assistance of the army under Gen. Washington, then at New York; and that said? Shailor wilfully disobeyed said orders, &c. After his arrest and trial, said Assembly resolved, that said captain was cashiered of his office, and incapacitated in holding any offlce or place of trust under the State, &c. thereafter. It was recommended to all able bodied men in the State, who were not inclu- ded in any military company, to form themselves into military companies, choose their officers, Szc. The Assembly resolved, that if a sufficient number of such men united and formed a company, and made a return thereof to the Governor, that he should commission the officers of such company or companies. The Assembly recommended to the civil authority and selectmen of the seve- ral towns situated on the sea coast and sound, forthwith to set up a sufficient military watch and ward, and order sufficient sentries to be set in all proper pla- ces contiguous to the sea coast, to take special care of all water craft in said towns, and that Ihey be carefully inspected by said watch in the night season. It was represented to the Assembly, that Col. Ethan Allen, together with about eighteen other native citizens of Connecticut, had been taken prisoners in the service of the United States of America, by a party of armed forces of the King of Great Britain, near Montreal, in the province of Quebec, on the 25th day of September, 1775 ; that they had suffered great hardships during their cap- tivity, and that they were then confined in a suffering condition, incarcerated in a common gaol, in Halifax ; and that Levi Allen, of Salisbury, was about to attempt to visit his brother, and that a supply might be transmitted to said pri- soners, to whom wages were due ; the Legislature therefore requested the Gov- ernor to address a letter to Gen. Washington, to the Continental Congress, or the commander at Boston, or each of them, to earnestly request such seasonable and friendly interposition in their favor as might be thought necessary, and most likely to procure a speedy exchange of said prisoners. And tJie pay table were directed to draw an order in favor of Levi Allen, for the sum of £120, lawful money, to be paid by said Allen to said prisoners, towards their wages due from this government. Upon a memorial of the selectmen of New Haven, shewing sundry things were required for the defence of New Haven ; the Assembly directed that the three 12 pounders brought to said town, should remain there, at the expense of the State, and the charge of transporting the same should be paid out of the State treasury, and liable to be removed by the Governor, &c. And that the company under Capt. Thomson should remain where they were stationed, as a guard at Black Rock ; that the roofs of the barrack should be shingled and a chimney built ; that the militia of New Haven should hold themselves equipped, and in constant readiness"to defend the town, and not be liable to be removed. — And the Governor and Council of Safety were authorized to carry said directions into full effect, and make such further provision for the security of said town, and the rest of the sea coast, as they should think expedient. It was ordered, that ,£30 : 3, be paid to Thomas Bidwell, for the time he had lost in waiting for the commiitee to procure the twenty iron pots and receivers, ^ REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 243 lo manufacture sulphur, under a contract with the State, which could not be procured by said committee. The inhabitants of Stratford shewed to the Assembly, their exposed situation to be assailed by the enemy, both foreign and domestic ; that their distance from Long Island was about twenty miles ; that a large point of land ]a.^ between said town and the sound, with a good shore for landing troops, and of easy access to the town ; that the fears of the inhabitants were greatly increased in their then alarming circumstances, &c. ; and prayed the Assembly to station a guard of twenty men in said town, for one month. The Legislature gave the inhabi- tants of Stratford liberty to raise, by voluntary enlistment, twenty able bodied men, exclusive of their officers, to be well armed and equipped, with a lieuten- ant, two sargeants, and two corporals ; and Lieut. Ebenezer Cos was directed immediately to enlist said soldiers for one month, to have their billet and pay, while in said service, and paid by the State. A memorial of the civil authority and selectmen of Norvvalk, stated to the Assembly, the exposed and dangerous situation of the town, and the necessity of having a body of militia stationed there, and the great difficulty of billeting troops there on account of the number of sick soldiers that had been sent to Nor- walk, Stamford, and Greenwich ; and pray that the militia of Norwalk might be stationed at Norwalk. The Legislature therefore directed that the Governor should direct Maj. Gen. Wooster to station a sufficient number of troops under his command, in the towns of Norwalk, Stamford, and Greenwich, where he should judge most needful for the safety of those towns. And that Gen. Woos- ter should so order that the respective militia of said towns should be stationed in said several towns where they belonged, so far as was convenient. Jabez West, of Norwich, a sutler in the army, was allowed for supplying the sick with sundry articles for their relief, £70 13: 6. The snm of £20, lawful money, was allowed EHphalet Beacher, of New Ha- ven, for money expended in hiring teams for the use of the army. James Wilson, of Boston, who was wounded in the service, was allowed £3, lawful money. The cargo of molasses, imported in the brig Nancy, as reported by N, Lathrop, &c., of the committee of inspection ; R. Lathrop, J. Perkins, and D. Wood- bridge, were appointed a committee to appraise, under oath, said cargo, and make a full inventory thereof, &;c. ; and deliver, with an invoice of what they deliver, said cargo to the commissaries of supplies for Connecticut troops, under the order of the Governor and Council of Safety, to be deposited with the Trea- surer of the colony, Szc, and the avails thereof lo be disposed of as before or- dered. Edward Hinman, Esq. of Woodbury, chairman of the committee of inspec- tion for said town, represented to the Assembly, that the Committee of Safety for the State of New York, on the 21st of October, 1776, had sent nine persons, as prisoners of war, eight of whom were sailors, and one child, who were taken at Staten Island during the summer of 1776, to the committee aforesaid ; that said prisoners from the time of their capture had been stationed at Pound Ridge, in Westchester county, N. Y., and that the Committee of Safety there were ap- prehensive that the place was not a secure one for the prisoners to reside longer, as the enemy were within a few miles of them ; and the committee in this State doubted whether said Committee of Safety were authorized, by the resolves of 244 REVOLUTIONARY VVAB, 177G. the Continental Congress, to send said prisoners into tiiis State, and whether, if so, tlie committee here wellWrnpowered to provide for them ; but that said com- mittee, considering the extraordinary circumstances of the case, and the apparent necessity of the prisoners being removed from tl)at place ; the committee did receive them, and made provision for them, and appointed Col. I, INIosely to attend to their conduct until the committee should be instructed by the Assembly. The prisoners were destitute of clothing and needed full suits to protect them against the inclemency (of the then) approaching winter, (Petition dated 22d day of October, 1776.) The Assembly directed the Committee of Safety to keep, and afford comfortable support to said prisoners, until further orders should be received. The names of said prisoners, as certified by Increase Mosely, town clerk of Woodbury, were — James Willson, John Murray, SamUel Coppin, Jere- miah Rurdon, Henry Killigroce, Michael Couney, Csesar Freeman, William Pat- terson, and his daughter, Mary Ann Patterson. All petitions of a private or personal nature, were continued to the Assembly, to be holden in May, 1777. The Assembly adjourned on the 7th day of November, 1776. GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SPECIAL SESSION. At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the State of Connecticut, in New England, holden at Hartford, by special order of the Governor, on the 19th day of November, 1776. Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. Nine Assistants present. The rapid and exorbitant rise upon the necessaries of life in that day of public calamity and distress, were chiefly occasioned by the monopolizers of pro- visions,[a class of men who preferred tlieir own private gain to the interest, com. fort, and safety of their country — to prevent which the Legislature passed an act governing the price of labor, for farming in the summer not exceeding 3 shil. lings per day, and in proportion at other seasons of the year. The labor of mechanics to be reduced in the same proportion. Wheat, not exceeding 6 shillings per bushel ; rye, 3 sliillings and 6 pence; Indian corn, 3 .shillings ; good merchantable wool, not to exceed 2 shillings per pound; best kind of well dressed flax, 10 pence per pound ; pork, weighing from five to seven scores not more than 3 pence 1 farthing per pound, over that weight 3 and half pence per pound, up to ten scores, if over ten scores, 3 and three-fourths pence per pound ; grass-fed beef of the best quality, not to exceed 24 shillings per hundred, and in proportion according tu quality ; raw hides, not to exceed 3 ponce per pound ; REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177(5. 245 salt, 10 sliiHings per bushel ; good West India rum, of merchantablo proof, 6 shilling-s per gallon, by the hogshead; best muscovado sugar, 60 shillings per hundred by the hogshead ; molasses, 3 shillings by the hogshead, and so in pro- portion to be sold ; New England rum, of the beat quality, 3 shillings and 6 pence per gallon by the hogshead; bohea tea, 4 shillings and 6 ponce by the chest; cheese, 6 pence per pound ; fall butler, 10 pence per pound ; and all other articles not mentioned, were to bo in a reasonable proportion to the aforesaid reduction. It was further enacted, that if any person should contract or receive for labor, or vend, sell, or receive for any of the aforesaid articles more than at the rates aforesaid, or for others not enumerated in an unreasonable dispropor- tion thereto, should bo accounted oppressive and guilty of a breach of the act, and suffer the penalties of the laws of this State against oppression. The time for taking the oath of fidelity was by act suspended until the first Monday after the first Tuesday in April, 1777. The exportation of necessaries and other articles that were required in the State, in that time of scarcity and war, endangered the inhabitants of the State to great want, and was likely to prove prejudicial to flhe public. The Legislature therefore directed the Governor, with the advice of his Council of Safety, from time to time, as he should see cause, to issue his proclamation to prohibit the transportation, either by land or water, of any article that ho should think necessary and expedient to prohibit, for such time as he should limit in his proclamation ; provided that said embargo should not extend to necessary provisions for ships of war, or privateers, or merchant ships, that belonged to the State or the United States, lor their necessary stores ; and not to continue in force after the expiration of twenty days, next after the first day of the session, of the (then) next session of said Assembly. And that said embargo so laid should be eft'eetual. That upon publishing a proclamation for an embargo, all persons and masters of ships, &c., within this .Stale, should forthwith, land all embargoed articles that they should have on board their vessels, &c., or loaded on carts, pack horses, &c , or otherwise for transporta. tion, on penalty of five times the value of such embargoed article, (unless a bond was given.) And it was provided, that if any person should neglect, or refuse to conform to the act, that any assistant, or justice of the peace might, ex-officio, or by warrant, seize such embargoed articles, and hold them until he should conform to said act, and pay all costs occasioned by his refusal. And if any person should wilfully violate the act, by carrying or driving any embargoed articles out of the State, contrary to said proclamation, that he should forfeit double the value thereof; one-half to the prosecutor, and the other half to the public. Also repealed the former act, to enable the Governor to lay an embargo, and for rendering the same effectual. An additional act to prevent engrossing was passed, giving the commissaries in the diflferent parts of the State, appointed for collecting articles of clothing &c., for the army, special direction to give information against all persons they might find purchasing up, and engrossing such articles aforesaid, contrary to the true intent of the former act. And an act to prevent the monopolizing of salt, was passed, empowering the civil authority and selectmen of the several towns, npon application to them made, to cause a warrant to be issued, signed by proper authority, and directed to some officer, to cause the stores, &c., of any engrosser or monopolizer, within 32 246 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. their rcspeclivo towns, to be^^ncd, seized, and distributed among the inliabit- ants who sliould need it, ;it me price of the article affixed by law ; and render such account to the owner or owners of said salt. Il was etiacted, that four battalions, properly officered, should bo forthwith raised, by voluntary enlistment, to supply and join the continental army (then) near New York, until the 15th day of March, 1777, unless they should be sopner discharged. And that each non-commissioned officer and soldier who should so enlist, should be entitled to the same wages and supplies as was estab- lished in the continental army ; and should also be entitled to a premium of 40 shillings, if they should furnish themselves with clothing, arms, and accoutre- ments ; also a blanket and knapsack fit for said service. But if said officer should fail to provide himself with a good gun and bayonet, that the same should be supplied by the selectmen of the town to which he should belong, as provided in the act of June, 1777, with a deduction of 6 shillings from the premium. And that the act passed in October, 1777, adding 20 shillings per month to the wages of the non-commissioned officers and soldiers in the eight battalions, was repealed. It was also enacted, that all non-commissioned officers and soldiers who did not incline to enlist during the war, and should enlist for the term of three years, unless sooner discharged by Congress, should be entitled to ali such bounty and pay as were allowed to those who enlisted during the war, except the 100 acres of land which was to be granted to those only who enlisted with- out limitation of time. And each recruiting officer was required to provide two distinct enlisting rolls, one for sucli as should enlist during the war, the other for such as should enlist for three years, if not sooner discharged by Congress, The AsbCmbly appointed the following persons, to their respective offices in the four battalions ordered to be raised by the preceding act, for continental service, until the 15th day of March, 1777, — arranged as follows, viz. : FIRST BATTALION. This Assembly do appoint, Samuel Whiting, colonel; Samuel Canfield, lieutenant colonel; Stephen St. John, major. Sliubael Griswold, captain ; Jonathan Mason, 1st lieutenant ; Theodore Cat- lin, 2d lieutenant; Jesse Buel, ensign. Dan Towner, captain; Amos Northrop, 1st lieutenant ; Charles Smith, 2d lieutenant ; Hugh Cane, ensign. Amos Chapell, captain; Benjamin Brownson, 1st lieutenant; Morgan Noble, 2d lieutenant ; Stephen Dodge, ensign. Eliphalot Thorp, captain ; George Burr, 1st lieutenant; Gamaliel Taylor, 2d lieutenant; Seth Bradley, ensign. Jesse Bell, captain ; Gershom Morehouse, 1st lieutenant ; Sylvanus Marshall, 2d lieutenant; Isaac Howe, Jr., ensign. Daniel Hicock, captain ; Henry Fairman, 1st lieutenant ; William Oakloy, 2d lieutenant ; Daniel Sanford, ensign. Samuel Comstock, captain ; Nathaniel Blackman, 1st lieutenant ; Eli Reed, 2d lieutenant ; Uriah Raymond, ensign. David Hinman, captain ; David Bebee, 1st lieutenant ; John Givins, 2d lieu- tenant ; Enoch Parsons, ensign. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. 247 SECOND BATTALION. Thaddeus Cook, colonel ; Epaphras Sheldon, lieutenant colonel ; Edward Russell, majoi". John Walson, captain ; Samuel Mills, Isl lieutenant ; Russel Hunt, 2d lieu, tenant; Zachariah Watson, ensign. Asa Cray, captain ; Silas Ilolcomb, 1st lieutenant; Amasa Hitchcock, 2d lieutenant; Nathaniel Churchill, ensign. Augustus Collins, captain; Isaac Sherman Kimberly, 1st lieutenant; Dan Johnson, Jr., 2d lieutenant ; Thomas Powers, ensign. Benjamin Richards, captain; Isaac Brownson, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; William Law, 2d lieutenant; Benjamin Fenn, Jr., ensign. Samuel Osborn, captain ; Jared Robinson, 1st lieutenant ; Joseph Loveland, 2d lieutenant; Edward Mulford, ensign. James Robinson, captain; Benjamin Hine, 1st lieutenant ; James Smith, 2d lieutenant; Charles Burritt, ensign. Asaph Hall, captain; Warham Gibbs, 1st lieutenant ; Jacob Hinsdale, 2d lieutenant ; Daniel Kingsbury, ensign. Elijah Smith, captain ; John Tredway, 1st lieutenant ; Joshua Brainard, 2d lieutenant ; Robert Bradford, ensign. THIRD BATTALION. Roger Enos, colonel ; Samuel Gale, lieutenant colonel ; Amos Wilcox, major. Roger Ryley, captain ; Elijah Blackman, 1st lieutenant ; Joseph Kellogg, 2d lieutenant; John Johnson, ensign. Edward Griswold, captain ; Samuel Jones, 1st lieutenant ; Alexander Kenny, 2d lieutenant ; Nathaniel Root, ensign. Elijah Wright, captain ; Isaac Goodrich, 1st lieutenant ; Solomon Phelps, 2d lieutenant; Josiah Brown, ensign. Phinoas Lovcjoy, captain ; Samuel Felt, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Abner Granger, 2d;lieutenant ; John Russell, ensign. William Orcutt, Jr., captain ; Samuel Tudor, 1st lieutenant ; Joshua Wells, 2d lieutenant ; Medad Hunt, ensign. Peter Curtiss, captain ; Daniel xMarsh, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; John McMurian, 2d lieutenant; Abner Loornis, ensign. Josiah Hammond, captain; John Hough, 1st lieutenant; Amos Avery, 2d lieutenant ; Gamaliel Ripley, ensign. Amaziah Wright, captain ; Squire Hill, 1st lieutenant; Caleb Stanly, Jr., 2d lieutenant^; Ephraim Kingsbury, ensign. FOURTH BATTALION. John Ely, colonel ; Samuel McLallen, lieutenant colonel ; Benjamin Clark, major. Ephraim Carpenter, captain ; Ephraim Lyon, 1st lieutenant ; Thomas Bing- ham, 2d lieutenant ; Timothy Bibbins, ensign. Jonathan Calkins, captain; John Raymond, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; Robert Stan, ton, 2d lieutenant ; Benjamin Atwell, ensign. Jabez Wright, Jr., captain ; Nehemiah Smith, Jr., 1st lieutenant ; David Breed, 2d lieutenant ; Joseph Gale, ensign. 248 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. Ebenezer Ilolbrook, ca^^im ; Benjamin Crnry, Isl lioulonanl ; Mark Evans, 2d lieutenant ; John VVillce, 3cl, ensign. Jeremiah Halsey, captain ; Sanford Billings, 1st lieutenant ; Andrew Frink, 2d lieutenant ; Nathaniel Cheesborough, ensign. Abner Lord, captain ; Dan Piatt, 1st lieutenant ; Abnor Griffin, 2d lieuten- ant; Jonathan Lay, Jr., ensign. Oliver Grant, captain ; Isaac Geor, 1st lieutenant ; Joseph Hylyard, 2d lieu- tenant ; Job Sewyard, ensign. Payne Converse, Jr., captain; David Perry, 1st lieutenant ; Asa Lyon, 2d lieutenant ; Ebenezer Bingham, ensign. It was ordered, tliat the commissions of the aforesaid officers should bear date the 2d day of December, A. D. 1776. It was resolved, that if Gen. Washington, or tlio commander of the continen. tal army, near New York, siiould deem it necessary for the safety of the United States that the troops, or any pnrl of them, who belonged to this colony, should remain in service longer than their enlistment to complete the new army, or other extra emergency ; that in such case, the troops were by the Assembly earnestly requested, for the sake of their country, and all its inestimable rights, themselves, and all posterity, to comply with such requisition t'or so short a time as the general should request; for which continuance in service they were to be reasonably rewarded. The Governor was desired to write the general, and in the most pressing manner, to recommend to said troops to comply with tho request of the Assembly. Bonds, with surety, were ordered to be taken, by the pay table, of the cap- tains of tho several companies in the four battalions ; and to draw orders in their favor for the premiums ordered to the non-commissioned officers and sol- diers who should enlist. The Governor and Council of Safety were ordered to appoint the staif officer.s for the four regiments so raised as aforesaid, and fill all vacancies that might occur by refusal or otherwise, in the recess of the Assembly. The Governor and Council of Safety were authorized to supply any town in the State, on application, with such quantity of powder, imported into and belonging to the State, as they should judge proper. The soldiers in the continental service were suffering for the want of blank, ets; therefore the Assembly directed the selectmen of the several towns in the State, at the cost of the State, to procure in their respective towns such propor- tion of blankets, as should be one blanket to the sum of £500 in the general list of such town, in the year, 1775, and to be immediately sent to the army for the soldiers. And it was provided, that if a sufficient number could not be obtained in this manner, that a warrant should issue to supply the deficiency by impressment. And the Governor was desired to send said blankets to the army as fast as procured. The Assembly resolved to lay a farther embargo upon the exportation, by land or water, of all West India goods, viz : rum, sugar, and molasses, brought into this State, and also New England rum ; under the same regulations and excep- tions mentioned in the act laying the last embargo. And the Governor was re- quested to issue his proclamation therefor, subject to the order of the Governor and Council as to the time of its continuance. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 249 The Legislature were informed, that some persons in the State, had large quantities of wheat and flour in their possession, which they refused to sell, and which was greatly needed for public use :— Whereupon, Capt, Jeremiah Wads- wortli was directed to seize any quantity of wheat or flour wanted for public service, from any person who had refused to sell the same, (excepting necessary stores for the use of their families ;) and when seized, to pay the owners six shillings per bushel for the wheat, and eighteen shillings per hundred for the flour, and take the same for the use of the army, at the request of the commis- sary general. Provided, that in case of a refusal to deliver the articles to said Wadsworth, he was empowered to take with him assistance, and break open any shop or store, for the purpose of seizing the property. To try the strength of such fire arms as should be purchased for the State,— it was provided, that before any gun was purchased, it should be loaded with four inches of powder, and two balls, properly wadded and rammed down, and discharged ; and afterwards twice loaded with a sulflcient charge of powder and ball, and fired at a target ; and if guns were found on trial, strong, certain, and direct, in such case they might be purchased for the State. Tlie Governor and Council of Safety were directed to appoint all the staflT ofiiccrs^f the eight regiments ordered raised in October, 1776. Capt. Ephraim Bill was empowered, by the Assembly, to purchase of the cargo of the prize ship John, for the State, fifty hogsheads of sugar, the whole of the rum of said cargo— two-thirds of said rum to be kept for the State ; and the sheriff" was directed not to make sale of the same ; and ordered that the late captain of said ship should be presented with so much*of the cargo as he could prove his own private adventure. Information was given the Legislature, that Lieut. Barker had been sent to New London to propose an exchange of prisoners in the marine department ; upon which information, Col. Erastus Wolcott and Capt. John Deshon were em- powered by the Assembly, to consider and determine on the expediency of enter- ing into any negotiation with said Barker on such exchange of prisoners ; but if they should judge best, to enquire after and obtain such marine prisoners as they should be able, and agree on time, place, and manner of exchange, and deal with said Barker as they might deem prudent and best. Thomas fielding, Esq. was appointed colonel ; John Chester, Esq., lieuten- ant colonel ; and Howell Woodbridge, Esq., major of the 6th regiment of militia. The inhabitants of Norwalk shewed to the Assembly, that they were situated upon the sea shore, and were greatly exposed to the depredations of the enemy, and that they needed cannon for their defence, Sic. The Assembly desired the Governor to order six cannon, (6 pounders,) with a sufficient quantity of powder and ball, for the defence of said town, to be delivered to the selectmen of Nor- walk, at such place as the Governor should direct ; conditioned that said town should mount said cannon on suitable carriages. Amos Mead, &c., of Greenwich, represented to the Assembly, that Green- wich was situated upon the sea shore, and that the inhabitants had no cannon to defend themselves against the attacks of the enemy ; and asked the Assembly to grant them six small cannon, ball, &c. It was resolved, that the selectmen of said town, upon application by them to Joshua Porter, of Salisbury, should have SIX small cannon ; and the said Porter was directed to deliver to the selectmen of 250 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177(5. Greenwich, on their api^^tion, six 4 pounders, with a sufficient quantity of shot for said cannon, to T^n^ept at Greenwich, for the defence thereof ; and the Governor, with the advice of his Council of Safety, was authorized to deUver to tlie selectmen of said town a sufficient quantity of powder for said guns ; con- ditioned, that said town sliould mount said guns on proper carriages for use. Epaphras Sheldon, Esq. and Capt. John Strong, of Farinington, represented to the Assembly, that the prisoners of war in said town, could not be supported upon the continental allowance ; that the commissary .that had been recently ap- pointed by the Assembly, to take care of prisoners, had received no orders from Congress for the regulation of his conduct in the premises ; and that the com- mittee appointed by said Assembly looked upon their powers to act, incompetent to remedy the inconveniences. The committee of prisoners were directed to make such suitable provision for the support of all prisoners of war, that then were, or thereafter should be brought into this State, until said prisoners should be exchanged, or other provision made. And the committe were authorized to take all such measures with regard to said prisoners, as they should find requisite. Silas Phelps, of Lebanon, was allowed 3 shillings each, for fifty-five gun locks he had manufactured for the State, as a premium. The committee appointed to consider the expediency of adjourning the Assem- bly for a short time, in order to resume the consideration of the public affairs of the State — reported, by Jabez Hamlin, Esq., that the situation of the army, the great necessity of providing and forwarding, the raising of the new arrny, and of putting the milftia upon the best footing, and the probability of soon receiving further intelligence from Congress and the army, very interesting to this and the other States, would speedily require a further session ; and therefore that the same should be adjourned to the 3d Wednesday of December (then) next, to be convened at Middletown, It was adjourned accordingly. GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ADJOURNED SESSION. At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of Con- necticut, holden at Middletown, by adjournment, on the 3d Wednes- day of December, A. D. 1776. Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. Eight Assistants present. The Legislature, feeling that it was not only the interest, but the duty of all nations to defend their lives, liberties, and property, against the unlawful attacks and depredations of all enemies, by their militia ; at the same time felt that the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 251 laws then in force, regulating the militia, were not adquate for the purpose of the defence required ; they therefore enacted a law, that all the regiments of militia within the State, sitould be formed into six brigades, (and in said law, defined the lines of each of the six brigades.) It was enacted, there should be two major generals, to take the command of all the militia in the State, with pow- er to call all or part into service, by order of the Assembly, or the Captain Gene- ral and commander-in-chief, for the immediate service of this State, or the Uni- ted States, with one brigadier general for each brigade, &c. And it was enacted, that all male persons from 16 years of ago to 60 years, not included in the train band, and exempted from ordinary training, should constitute an alarm list, (except members of council, representatives, and delegates to Congress for the time being, the treasurer, secretary of state, ministers, president and officers of Yale College, negroes, Indians, and molattoes,) and should provide for and equip themselves with such arms as the law directed for the train band, and be under the command of the officers aforesaid on an alarm, &c., (provided in said act that all persons over 50 years of age sliould not be compelled to march out of this State, (or millers and ferrymen to march out of their towns, if the select- men should judge necessary to excuse them therefrom) — and be formed into companies for an alarm list. And it was made the duty of the captains of said companies to forthwith take an exact list of the names of such as were of the alarm list, and deliver them to the colonel of the regiment where located, and by the colonel, &c., formed into companies in their towns, to consist of 64 privates, as near as might be ; and the companies choose their company officers, and be commissioned. It was provided, that if any of said companies should refuse to choose their commissioned officers, the field officers of said regiment should appoint them, and if the company should refuse to appoint the non-commissioned officers, the commissioned officers of the company should appoint them. And said .several companies of alarm lists, in case of alarm, or orders given by their superior officers to march for the defence of this or any of the United States were to be under the officers of the regiments of the militia in whose limits they resided, and to be liable to be detached or drafted, and to do the same duty on their march, or in service, and suffer the same penalties for not marching, &c., as militia companies were by law liable. And when in service to take rank before the other militia companies, with the privilege of substitutes in case of draft, to the acceptance of the captain, or paying £5 in money to be paid to the town treasurer where said soldier should belong, which should excuse him from service in such detachment. And if a soldier or officer, when detached, deserted or left without leave of his commander, he forfeited £15. The commanding officer of the 6th brigade should order the colonels of the militia in Westmore- land, to receive, and make returns to him. The selectmen to certify who were unable to equip themselves, &c., and equip such at the expense of the town — all fines belonged to the towns where the offender belonged. All captains of militia and other companies, in this act provided, to make returns once in two months to their colonels, of the state of their companies particularly, and the colonels to make like returns to the brigadier general, and each to his superior officer to the Captain General once in two months ; and if a colonel neglected or refused to make such return, ho forfeited £10 lawful money. It was pro- vided that said soldiers should bo numbered in a muster roll, and called forth by 252 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 177G. the officers, and divided in^^our equal divisions, taking care that those of the same office, family, busi^^s, trade, or occupation, should bo divided and placed in different divisions. That the turn of duly should be settled by lot ; each drawing for himself, from number one to ti»e highest number in the com- pany, and be so placed upon the roll ; and all persons to be added at the end of said rolls as fast as they arrived to the age of 16 years. That in case of a draft on the militia, &c., the first on said rolls to be first drafted, and so on from time to time until all of said companies had been drafted, (except as before pro. vided) in case of draft w^hen sick or about to take the next draft. If a non- commissioned officer or soldier should refuse, when drafted to marcii, the select, men of his town should hire a substitute, and pay him out of the fines collected in the town. (Mode of trial of delinquents given, and collecting of fines.) An act was passed to prevent monopolies and oppression by excessive, unrea- sonable prices for many of the necessaries and conveniences of life, which was proving disastrous and ruinous to the country, and particularly in New England ; the passing of which law had been recommended to the Assembly by several of the New England States, to prevent the monopolizers in their depredations upon the rights of the people, fixing prices for labor at the difii'erent seasons of the year, making the per diem allowance for farmers, in the summer, at three shil- lings and four pence, and in proportion for other seasons of the year ; for the labor of mechanics to be reduced in like proportion ; and wheat at six shillings per bushel ; good rye, three shillings and six pence ; good corn, three shillings per bushel ; good wool, two shillings per pound ; seven score pork, three pence one farthing per pound — seven to ten, three pence halfpenny per pound — above ten score, three pence three farthings per pound ; best grass-fed beef, twenty-four shillings per hundred, and in proportion for stall-fed beef, and in proportion for an inferior quality of beef; raw liides, three pence per pound ; well-tanned sole leather, one shilling and five pence per pound ; good salt, ten shillings per bushel ; good West India rum, six shillings and eight pence per gallon per hogshead — seven shillings and eight pence for a single gallon, and two shillings per quart, and so in proportion, for less, allowing one penny per gallon for every ten miles the same should have been conveyed by land from the first port of delivery, for cost of transporting it ; — New England rum of the best quality, three shillings and ten pence per gallon by the hogshead— four shillings per gallon per the barrel, four shillings and six pence by the single gallon where first distilled, and in proportion for smaller quantities, saving one penny per gallon for transportation for every ten miles from the place distilled ; — musco- vado sugar, fifty-six shillings per hundred per hogshead, sixty shillings per single hundred, and eight pence per pound at the first port of delivery, and nine pence for every ten miles of transport for each hundred weight ; good molasses, three shillings and four pence per gallon by the hogshead, three shillings and eight pence per gallon by the barrel, and four shillings by the single gallon, with one penny added as aforesaid ; American cheese, six pence per pound ; butter, ten pence ; peas, eight shillings per bushel ; beans, not to exceed six shillings per bushel ; Irish potatoes in the fall of the year, one shilling and four pence per bushel, and two shillings in the spring ; men's good yarn stockings, six shillings per pair ; men's leather shoes, best common sort, eight shillings per pair, others according to value in proportion ; barrel pork of 220 pounds not over £4 : 4, per barrel ; raw cotton, three shillings per pound by the bag, and three shillings and REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 253 eight pence by the single pound ; oats, two shillings ; well-dressed flax, ten pence per pound ; good coflee, one shilling and four pence per pound ; tried tallow, seven pence halfpenny per pound ; good tow cloth a yard wide, two shillings and and three pence per yard, and in that proportion for narrower ; coarse linen to be computed after the rate of tow cloth ; good yard wide striped flannels, three shillings and six pence per yard, and other flannels in proportion, and other woolen cloths in like proportion. And as imported goods that had been sold at wholesale at the exorbitant advance of five and six hundred per cent, over their prime cost, and retailed at forty and fifty per cent, in addition thereto, which op- erated oppressively upon the poor consumer ; — therefore, to correct the evil, it was enacted, that the price of European goods should not exceed the following prices, (viz.) woolen goods, coarse linen duck, ticklenburghs, and osnabergs, not sold higher by wholesale than in proportion of £275 sterling for what cost £100 sterling in Europe, and to be sold no higher if brought in a prize vessel, than £250 sterling for what cost £100 sterling, except warlike stores, the price of which was not limited to an advance, over twenty per cent, over wholesale prices, under a penalty for selling any of said articles at a higher price ; and for any article under the price of twenty shillings, a penalty of twenty shillings, and if over twenty shillings, a penalty equal to the price of the article sold, fcc. The act proposing an oath of fidelity was repealed. A law was enacted, that no person in a sea port town, should, under any pre- tence, depart from any port, harbor, bay, creek, river, or other place in the State, in any boat, skiff", canoe, Scc. without a written license from one of the selectmen of the town from which he should depart. And it was made the duty of the selectmen in said towns, to have all the small craft drawn up in some convenient place, and secure them as the circumstances should require ; — a breach of which law incurred a penalty not to exceed forty shillings. On account of the extreme hazard and difficulty in importing salt, it was found necessary that some encouragement should be given by the State, to in- duce its citizens to manufacture it within the State. The State therefore offered a bounty of two shillings upon each bushel of salt made of natural salt water, after the 1st day of January, 1777, and before the 1st day of January, 1779, in- stead of the one shilling bounty before offered, s v^ounded by tlie British, and taken prisoner and soon died; that he had in his hands $13, which the enemy look from him, and asked relief of tlie Assembly. The pay table were ordered to draw an order for said $13. Samuel Camp, of Durham, marched tlie 17lh day of August, 1776, as a lieutenant under Capl. Hicox, in Col. Baldwin's regiment, and in the pay abstract allowed one days pay for every twenty miles to return home, and was taken sick in Stamford ; prayed said Assembly to allow his wages for the time of his sickness, &c., being £3 : 15 : 7. The pay table were ordered to draw on the Treasurer for said sum. Nathan Dayton, of New Milford, represented to the Assembly, that at the com- mencement of the war, waged by the King of Great Britain, to establish tyranny over the American States, he was an active friend of the States ; but that in November, 1776, his mind was filled with gloomy apprehensions for the fate of his country, and many of his acquaintance, by stratagem, in magnifying the dangers, and by the strongest assurances of the safety and peace he might enjoy under the regulars, on Long Island, deluded said Dayton then to abscond to said Island, in the possession of the British, and place himself under their protection. But on his arrival at the enemy's, head quarters, on said Island, Col. Delancy, commander at said post, tyrannically compelled him to bear arms with the enemy, under pain of military execution ; that he escaped from his military bondage in November, 1776 ; and on his arrival in New Milford, the 9th of December, was arraigned before Samuel Canfield, Esq., by Thomas Hays, for his conduct, and committed to gaol in Litchfield ; for which he implored pardon of the Assembly. The Assembly directed, to stay all further prosecutions against said Dayton, but ordered that upon his taking the oath of fidelity, he should enjoy the rights of the subjects of this State, and on paying the whole costs of prosecution, be released from gaol. Solomon Leet, of Guilford, shewed to the Assembly, that on the 17th day of June, 1777, the enemies of the American States landed at Sachem's Head, in Guilford, and set fire to his dwelling housaand two large bams, which consumed the whole, with all his furniture, &c., which he had appraised by S. Brown, J. Elliott, and E. Hobson, with an inventory by them made, &c. ; and prayed the Assembly for liberty to lodge sai^ inventory on file. The Assembly ordered the same lodged on file, amounting to £522 : 7 : 7. Daniel Brown and John Parker, Jr., of Coventry, who enlisted in May, 1775, and marched to Cambridge, asked for their pay and wages. The pay table were ordered to adjust their accounts. Samuel Hawley, of Redding, who was imprisoned for joining the British, under the influence of the belief that the States would be subdued ; and on seeing the proclamation of Gen. Putnam, offering a pardon to such as should return home, and he immediately returned home. The Assembly ordered said Haw- ley released from his confinement, by his paying the cost of prosecution. The Assembly adjourned to the 12th of February, 1778. 306 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ADJOURNED SESSION. At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of tlie State of Connecticut, held at Hartford, on the 12th day of February, A.D. 1778. His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. Hon. Matthew Griswold, Deputy Governor. Jabez Hamlin, Elisha Sheldon, Jabez Huntington, William Pitkin, Roger Sherman, Abraham Davenport, Richard Law, and William Williams, Esq'rs., Assistants, and present. An act was passed for the regulation of the prices of labor, produce, manu- factures, &;c. within the State. Congress having premised the necessity of re- ducing the quantity of circulating medium, in order to support its value, recom- mended to the States, in strong terms, to raise supplies to carry on the war by taxes ; to draw in and cancel all the bills of credit by each State emitted, small bills or change under a dollar excepted ; to refrain from further emissions, and appoint commissioners to meet in three divisions, to regulate and ascertain the prices of labor, manufactures, internal produce, and commodities imported from foreign parts. And the commissioners from New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Isl- and and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, met at New Haven, and agreed on a regulation of prices for said States, and reported their doings to said Assembly, which was accepted. The Assembly considered that the __quantity of the circulating medium would be in some measure reduced by the means aforesaid, which would tend to facili- tate the reduction of the unequal and exorbitant prices of articles, and put a stop to that growing and alarming evil, not only fraught with the greatest injus- tice to the States, but threatened the dissolution of the armies of our country, and ruin of the States, unless timely prevented by a vigorous exertion of the States, in carrying into execution the system of regulations required by Con- An act was passed, that the various kinds of labor of farmers, mechanics, and others, should not exceed the rate of 75 per cent, advance on the prices which they were respectively held at in the same places in the State, in the vari- ous seasons of the year, in 1774. Merchantable wheat, peas, and white beans, at 9 shillings and 9 pence per bushel ; rye or rye meal, 6 shillings and 6 pence per bushel ; oats, 3 shillings ; wheat flour, 27 shillings per hundred weight ; In- dian corn, 4 shillings and 6 pence per bushel ; pork well-fatted, weighing from 100 to 150 pounds, 5i per pound — from 150 to 200 pounds per hog, 6 pence per pound, and weighing more than 200 pounds per hog, 6i per pound ; best Amer- ican cheese, 9 pence per pound ; best grass-fed beef with the hide and tallow. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 307 35 shillings per hundred ; best stall-fed 48 shillings, and in proportion less for inferior qualities ; good firkin butter, 1 shilling and 3 pence ; fresh butter in small quantities, 1 shilling and 4 pence ; raw hides 4J ; well-tanned sole leather, 2 shillings per pound ; skins and all kinds of curried leather in proportion ; men's good neat leather shoes, common sort, 12 shillings ; best calfskin, 15 shillings per pair ; women's and children's shoes in due proportion to the price of men's shoes ; blooming iron where made, £, 48 per ton, and in proportion for a less quantity ; pig iron, £, 16 per ton ; American steel for edge tools, 2 shil- lings per pound, common steel, 1 shilling and 4 pence ; good West India rum, by wholesale, 18 shillings \)er gallon ; molasses, 9 shillings per gallon ; beat mus- covado sugar, 10 pounds per hundred, gross ; other sugars in proportion ; coffee, not over 4 shillings and 6 pence per pound by the hundred ; good whisky, 7 shil- lings per gallon ; New England rum, Geneva brandy, and other distilled spirits, not to exceed 12 shillings per gallon, with the addition of cartage or transporta- tion. The price of team work, not to exceed 2 shillings and 6 pence for the carriage of 2,000 pounds net weight, per mile, including all expenses; and no kinds of home manufactures and internal produce, not enumerated, to be sold at prices exceeding 75 per cent, advance on the prices they were usually sold at in 1774. The price of hemp, flax, sheep's wool, woolen and linen cloths, stockings, felt hats, wire and wool cards, manufactured in America, not to be sold at more than double the price they sold for in 1774. Salt, made here, not over 27 shillings per bushel. No goods, wares, or merchandize imported by capture or otherwise, not before stated, to exceed the rate of one dollar, continental currency, for each shilling sterling, prime cost of such goods in Europe, or other foreign country where purchased, exclusive of other charges where sold by the importer or cap- tors, excepting woolen and linen goods, and checks suitable for the army ; broad- cloths, not over 7 shilUngs sterling per yard, and other woolen cloths in propor- tion in value ; holland and checks of all kinds, not over 2 shillings per yard, prime cost in Europe ; drugs and medicines, duck of all kinds, cordage, tin plates, copperas, alum, files, brimstone, felt hats, nails, window glass, salt, wire, steel, wool, and cotton cords, naval and military stores. That all woolen cloths, blan- kets, linens, shoes, stockings, hats, and other articles of clothing suitable for the army, before imported, which should be seized by authority, for the use of the army, should be estimated at the rate of one dollar, continental currency, or cash, one shilling sterling prime cost of such goods in Europe, with the stated allowance for land carriage. If prime cost was not known, then to be ap- praised, &c. It was enacted, that all venders of imported articles, should produce an authen- tic invoice of prime cost ; and when on trial for over-selling, should be judged guilty, unless he could shew by such invoice, or other sufficient evidence, he was not guilty. To sell no goods above 25 per cent, over the price of the importer, with price of transporting, not exceeding the price of land carriage aforesaid. No innholder to receive more than 50 per cent, advance on the wholesale price of his liquors, or other foreign articles before stated, and by him sold in small quantities, with the addition of land carriage, or any other articles of entertain-' ment, refreshment, or forage, more than at the rate of 75 per cent, advance upon the price the same were held at in 1774. 308 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. It was also enacted, tha^Uie price of labor, charges of innholders, and the prices of such articles of ABffican produce and manufactures as were not stated in the act, should be ascertained by the civil authority and selectmen in the towns, according to the portions in the act prescribed, who were to make lists of such articles, with the prices, and lodge said lists with the town clerks, by the 20th of March, 1778 ; and no article was to be sold for a higher price than was stated in said list. And it was provided, that whosoever should ask or receive for labor, or any of the articles enumerated in the act, more than at the sate sta- ted, either in bills of credit of this State or of the United States, or by way of barter or exchange, should forfeit for each article contracted for at a sum not exceeding 40 shilhngs, a penalty of 40 shillings ; and if for a greater sum than 40 shillings, a penalty equal to the price received for such labor done or article sold. And if convicted, and unable to pay the penalty, the court were empow- ered to dispose of such person in service on board any armed vessel of this State, or in any regiment raised for the defence of the State, for a time sufficient to pay the same ; and also be incapable of holding any office, civil or military, in the State, or maintaining any suit at law, or taking out any executions. It was also enacted, that no person in the State should commence any suit in law or equity in any court, after the 20th day of March, 1778, while said act continued in force, until he had taken an oath, that neither himself or his agents, had received, or contracted to receive for any labor or articles sold in this State, after the 20th of March aforesaid, more than at the rates or prices fixed by law ; and a certificate thereof endorsed on the writ, without which said writ should abate. Provided, if any person had been guilty of a breach of said act, (and not prosecuted,) he should go before authority, under oath, and render an account of all labor done, or articles sold over the stated price, and pay double of such surplus to said authority. Proof of probable guilt was made sufficient evidence to convict, unless the criminal should make oath that he was not guilty of the facts charged against him. It was also provided, that property impressed for the army should be paid for at the aforesaid prices. The Legislature were informed that many selfish and evil minded tories con- tinucd clandestinely to trade with the enemy, endangering tlip liberties and safety of the States ; to prevent which, it was provided by said Assembly, that no person should at any time, pass from any town in Connecticut to Long Island, or any other island or place in possession of tiie British, without a license in writing, under the hands of tlie selectmen of the town, and one assistant or justice of the peace, on penally of ;C100 lawful money ; and if the offender sliould be unable, or refuse lo pay the fine, said court were directed to bind over said convict, to serve in any military company raised for the defence of the State, or on board of any ship of war of the United Stales, without bounty or wages, or confined in gaol, at the court's discretion, not exceeding one year. It was farther provided, that no such license should be given until the appli- cant had given iiond, with surety, lo the Stale Treasurer, in the penal sum of i;400, with conditions that he should not carry with him any moneys, wares, goods, or merchandise, to carry on any trade with the enemy, or any other person, on any of the islands or places within the enemy's lines or possession ; or buy any such wares, goods, &c., at or on any of said islands or places, or import the same into this State or the United Stales, during the war. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 309 II was also provided, that when any wares, jroods, &,<•,, should be found in this State, imported from Long Island, or any other of said islands and places; such goods, &.C., should be the properly of the finder of said property, and he seized b}' warrant, at the expense of such finder, &,c., and bo proceeded against as provided in case of captures taken from tiie enemy on the sea ; and if taken on the sound, within the enemy's lines, or coming from any of the said islands, contrary to this law, they were made lawful prizes to the captors, and subject to be libelled. And the selectmen of the towns in this State, with the advice of one assistant or justice of the peace, wore auliiorized to seize and secure any vessel, boat, skiff, or other water craft they should have reason to suspect was intended for carrying on any of the evil practices forbidden by the law; which act was not intended to extend to prevent any friendly refugee from the islands aforesaid, resident in this State, from bringing his effects left on said islands, or the produce of his farm, having first procured a license therefor. Congress, on the 22d of November, 1777, recommended to this Slate, to raise during the year 1778, by taxes, for the use of the United States, for the sup. plies of the war, the sum of ^GOO.OdO, though not to be considered as the proportion of this Slate; but when paid, to bo placed to the credit of the State, at 6 per cent, interest, from the time of its payment, until the respective quota should be finally adjusted by Congress, agreeable to the confederation to bo adopted and ratified by the States ; all which was approved by the Assembly. And to carry the same into effect, said Assembly laid a tax of 1 shilling on the pound, on the list of polls and rateable estates given in 1777, to be paid into the treasury by the 1st of June, 1778. And a further tax of 1 sliilling on the pound on said list, and paid into the treasury by the 1st of November, 1778. Provided for the relief of the indigent, who should be unable to [lay their proportion, that the authority and selectmen were directed to abate the whole or part of the taxes of such indigent persons who should most need such abatements, to the amount of one.tweniieth part of such town's quota of said taxes. The Assem- bly directed the Stale Treasurer to pay to the order of Congress, $600,000 of the money that should be brought into the treasury by said taxes, and debit the same in the account of the United Slates. It was enacled by the Assembly, that no bills of credit, emitted by order of said Assembly, except bills under the value of one dollar, should be current in any payment, trade, or dealing in this State, after the 20th day of March, 1778, except in the State treasury, or in payment of public taxes, or received into the treasury after the 1st day of July, 1778, except from persons in the army, or absent from the State, in which cases they were receivable until the Isl day of November, 1778. It was also provided, that the possessors of said bills, on delivering them into the treasury within the time limited aforesaid, should receive the Treasurer's promissory notes, or bills emitted on the credit of the United Stales, in exchange therefor. And the Treasurer was authorized to issue such notes, payable in one year after dale, at 6 per cent, interest, of like form and tenor of those issued in May, 1777 ; the amount of which notes were ordered, by said Assembly, not to exceed the sum of £235,000, and none of them for a less sum than £10. Representation was made to the Assembly, that several persons in Ihe State, under the law where any two men were allowed to hire a recruit, during the war, or for three years, and be exempt from detachments, &,c., had in a 10 310 RKVOLUTIONAKY WAR, 1778. fraudulent manner, prosumec^ procure to enlist prisoners of war, who belonged to the British fleet or army^^nd stationed in this State ; to prevent which it was enacted, that no person should be so exempted on account of any soldier or recruit thereafter procured to enlist, until he should procure a duplicate written certificate, under the hand of a recruiting officer, specifying the name, and place of abode of the recruit, so to enlist, the lime of his enlistment, &c., nor until such certificate should be delivered to the commanding officer of the military company to which such exempted person belonged, nor in any casa whore sucli recruit should appear to have been, at the time of his enlistment, a prisoner of war, or belonging to the British army or navy. The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, proposed by Congress, to he entered into by the thirteen United States of America, was laid before the Assembly, by the Governor, read and considered. It was resolved, as the opinion of said Assembly, that said articles, in general, appeared to be well adapted to cement and preserve the union of said States, to secure their freedom and independence, and promote their general welfare ; but that with some amendments they might bo rendered more perfect, equitable, and satisfactory. And the delegates of this Slate were, by said resolution, instructed to propose to the consideration of Congress, the following amendments, viz. : 1st. That in the 8lh article, as a rule for determining each State's proportion of the com- mon expense, instead of the value of I ho lands, buildings, &c., as expressed in said article, be inserted, the number of inhabitants in each State; this being in the opinion of litis Assembly, a more certain, equitable, and peaceable rule than the other. Traders and manufacturers who employ and sujiport great numbers of inhabitants, being sources of wealth to a State, as well as the produce of lands ; besides it beiii^ very difficult, if not impossible to obtain such an esti. mate of the value of the lands and buildings in the United States, as would do justice or give satisfaction to the several States. 2d. That next after the 5th paragraph, in the 9th article, be inserted the following clause, viz. : Provided thai no land army shall be kept up by the United Stales, in time of peace, nor any officers or prisoners kept in pay by them, who are not in actual service, except such as are or may be rendered unable to support themselves, by wounds received in battle in the service of said States, agreeable to the provision already made by a resolution of Congress. The said amendments were approved of in substance, and the form left to Congress to adopt. And as other amend- ments might be proposed by other States, and as it was highly necessary and expedient for the welfare and security of the Slates that the articles of confede- ration should be finally concluded and ratified as soon as possible ; it was resolved, that the delegates of this State, who should be present in Congress should be and were fully authorized and empowered, in behalf of Connecticuti to agree to, and ratify the said articles of confederation, with such amendments, if any should be, as by them, in conujnction with the delegates of the other States in Congress, should be thought proper. It was enacted to raise two brigades in Connecticut, by voluntary enlistment ; six battalions to be held in constant readiness, to march on the shortest notice, upon any tour of duty wherever the militia were liable to be called. Each bat- talion to consist of eight companies, and each company of 90 men, including officers; each field officer to command a company; each company (except the field officers) to bo commanded by 1 captain, and each company to have 2 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778, 311 lieutenants and 1 ensign, 4 sargeants, 4 corporals, 1 drummer, and 1 fiTor ; each battalion to be commanded by 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant colonel, and 1 major. The fi(!!d officers of each battalion to nominate tlie commissioned officers and staff of their battalion, oat of such as had borne like commissions; and to ho appointed to each battalion, 1 adjutant, 1 quarter master, 1 surgeon, 1 sargeant major, and quarter master sargeant ; and the whole formed into two brigades, each under a brigadier general, appointed by the Assembly. The non-commis. sioned officers and soldiers, who should enlist into said battalions, and furnish themselves with a gun and bayonet, cartouch box, blanket, and knapsack, should receive therefor a premium of 10 shillings for a gun and bayonet, 2 shillings for a cartouch box, 16 shillings for a blanket, and 2 shillings for a knapsack. The brigadier general to appoint a brigade major in each brigade ; and ouch able bodied recruit entitled to a bounty of ;C3 : 10, exclusive of previous allowance, and 20 shillings per callendar month during his continuance in said service when not on duty ; and all commissioned, non-commissioned, and staff officers to have half pay, when not on duty ; and when called out on duty, to have the same wages, pay, and rations as the continental troops raised in the State were entitled ; and if called and while in service out of the tetate, to Iho same refresh- ments as continental troops, and their polls exempt from taxes during their continuance in said battalions; said battalions to be kept up until the 1st day of March, 1779, 'unless sooner discharged. Each company to be called out for exercise once in 15 days, and the battalions called out for exercise three times in a year, with the same wages and rations when called out as aforesaid, in actual service ; that said battalions should not be continued in service, at any one time, longer than three months from the time they should arrive at the place of their destination ; said battalions to be under the articles of war, formed by this State, when called into service ; to be furnished with cartridges by the captain of each cosnpany, as occasion might require ; each regiment to have one ammunition wagon ever ready for use, and each company, a baggage cart or wagon, tents, camp equipage, &.c. ; the captain made accountable for the tents to the towns, and for baggage carts and camp equipage of his company to be liable to the Treasurer of the State. Also to raise two companies of artillery, of 50 men in each company, including officers, to be raised one company out of each brigade, with the same pay^ wages, &,c., as other matross companies, the same premium, under the same regulations, as to pay, and tours of duty, as the said battalions. Each company to have 1 captain lieutenant, I lieutenant, 1 lieutenant fire worker, 4 sargeants, 4 corporals, 1 drummer, and 1 lifer; each company to have 4 field pieces, 1 ammunition wagon, and horses to draw them, to beiong one company to each brigade aforesaid. Said battalions to be subject to the orders of the Assembly, the Governor, and other superior officers. Provided that if said battalions should not be filled up within a reasonable time, the Governijr and Council of Safety were empowered to discharge so many of the commissioned officers as should be supernumerary, in proportion to the privates, under the rule adopted by (Congress, and allow their wages until so discliarged. A resolution passed, allowing bills of credit of the United States to be received by the Treasurer of the State, in filling the loan ordered, for calling in and sinking the bills of credit of the State, and to exchange the same for bills of Connecticut. 312 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. The committee oCpay taU«^'erc onlerncl to setlle llie accounts of tlie soldiers made prisoners on Long Island, fori Wasiiingloii, and places adjacent, while in service oflho United Stales, and who relumed iiome between ti)c 1st of Novem- ber, 1776, and the 1st day of February, 1777, who were sick with the small pox, or other disorders soon after their return, by disease which originated in service or in prison, with expense of sickness. At tlie January session, 1778, sundry companies of artillery were ordered to be raised for the garrisons at New London, Groton, &c., to defend the sea coast, and having found such companies could not be raised according to Iho plan then adopted ; the Assembly ordered, that the company of 50 men ordered for Groton and Stonington, should bo stationed at Groton, with the same number of non-commissioned officers as were stationed there in 1777 ; and tliat an addi. tional number of 20 men, including 1 sargeant and 1 corporal, commanded by 1 lieutenant, should be raised for the fort at Stonington, under the same rules, &,c., as those ordered raised in January aforesaid ; with a bounty of ^£4 to each non-commissioned officer and private who should enlist, and be furnished, as provided in January aforesaid ; and some proper person appointed to command at the forts at New London, Groton, and Stonington, with the rank and pay of major, to superintend the works, give orders about military stores and tools in said fortifications, and to continue in service until January, 1779. The Gover- nor and Council of Safety to appoint said officers, and carry said resolution info full effect. Col. Joseph Thomson, of the 2d regiment of militia, was directed immediately to order a guard of 20 men for the defence of New Haven, to bo drafted from the companies in said regiment, to be under 1 lieutenant, 1 sargeant, and 1 corporal, under the direction of Col. Thomson; and Jonathan Fitch, Esq., com. missary, was directed (o supply them with provisions, to be continued in service until the 1st of April, 1778, unless sooner discharged. Joseph Spencer, Esq., was appointed a member of the Council of Safety, until the rising of said Assembly, in May, (then) next, in the place of Titus Hosmcr, resigned. Maj. Thomson, commanding officer of a continental battalion, stationed at Farmington, and under marching orders, to proceed to the Saw Pitts, in the State of New York, informed the Governor, that said battalion was destitute of monej', and many articles of clothing necessary for their niarch ; and suggested the difficulties of marching without a sum of money, and the necessary articles of clothing from the State. The Assembly finding that said battalion had but recently received an ample supply of clothing, except stockings, shoes, and shirts ; and that the men would probably soon receive their pay, or so much as would be necessary to procure said articles, and assist them on their march ; the Governor was therefore requested to write to the commanding officer of said battalion, upon the subject, informing him that he expects him to march said l)attalion to the p'acc of destination, according to his order, as soon as the circumstances of said battalion would allow, and to excite him to surmount every obstacle that might hinder the necessary service required. And the Governor and Council of Safety were authorized (if necessary) to afford such aid as they might judge expedient, to expedite the march, and charge the expenses to the United States. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 313 The authority and powers of the Governor, were vested in the Lieutenant Governor, in the absence of tlie Governor, and devolved upon tiic Deputy Governor and Council of Safety, to be executed. A committee was appointed in the year 1775, to work the ore at the lead mine at Middletowrti, and the sum of £500 appropriated for that purpose ; but the Assembly were informed that the manufacture of said ore was unprofitable to the State. The committee were therefore directed to discontinue any farther smelting of lead at said mine, after having finished the ore, then on hand. The General Assembly, in October, 1777, ordered £5250, in bills of 2 pence, 3 pence, 4 pence, 5 pence, and 7 pence, 60,000 bills of each to be issued ; and appointed John Chester and others, a committee to sign said bill.s, without fee or reward. And with such pay, it was found burdensome ; therefore the Assembly added to said committee. Col. Isaac Lee, Maj. Gad Stanly, Mr. Pierpont Ed- wards, Mr. Ezra Brownson, Ephraim Root, Constant Southworth, Lynd Lord, Reuben Smith, Esq., Mr. Thomas Hayes, Maj. Hezekiah Bissell, Col. C. Sage, and Joseph Webb, to assist in signing said bills, without fees for said service. It was resolved by the Assembly, that Richmond Berry, Philip Buck, Tho- mas Silk, Edward Hicks, Edward Hicks, Jr., John Young, Jacob Bowman, Adam Bowman, Jr., Jacob Brenner, John Henry Short, Henry Hover, John Hover, Nicholas Philips, Nicholas Philips, Jr., John Philips, Jacob Anguish, George Rentner, and Frederick Frank, who were taken in arms against the United States, by the militia of Westmoreland, and sent to the deputy com- missary general of prisoners in this State, were ordered, received, and treated as prisoners of war : Provided that nothing in the aforesaid resolve, should be construed to excuse said prisoners from any treasonable oft'ence against the laws of other States. A resolution passed to immediately raise a company, consisting of 1 subaltern, 3 sargeants, and 30 privates, by voluntary enlistment, to guard the treasury and loan office, the secretary and pay table offices, agreeable to an order from the Treasurer, Secretary, and committee of pay table ; to receive half pay, and be exempt from other military duty, while continued in service, and to continue in said service until the 1st day of June, 1778. By a letter from Gen. Parsons, of the 27th of February, 1778, stating that a number of teams were absolutely necessary, for the transportation of provisions from the line of the State of New York, to King's Ferry, and other places on the North river, for the use of the troops under Gen. Washington, which could not be procured in the ordinary way. The Assembly therefore resolved, that upon application made by Gen. Parsons, to any assistant or justice of the peace, in Fairfield or Litchfield counties, praying that teams might be impressed, &c., that warrants should be issued to impress such number of teams as Gen. Parsons should direct, and apply to the quarter master general for payment of the ex- penses. It was resolved, that each lieutenant, adjutant, and quarter master in the regi- ments of Gol's. Enos and Ely, (who were ordered out of this State, and subjected to great hardships and expense,) should receive the sum of £6 ; and each ensign the sum of ^5, for their extraordinary marches and expenses. The three regiments of light horse of this State, west of Connecticut river, marched in the summer of 1776, under Lieut. Col. Thomas Seymour, to aid the continental army then at New York, for which service they had received no 314 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. pay. The Assembly directed Col. Seymour, forthwith, to procure from the cap- tains of each troop in said^^iments, a pay roll of the troop while in service, and make a pay abstract, and present the same to the commander-in-chief of the continental army, or other proper officer, for acceptance and payment, and pay over the same to the captain of each troop, and by said captain to be paid to the troops in their several companies their several dues. The Assembly appointed Roger Enos, Esq., colonel ; Howell Woodbridge, lieutenant colonel ; and Abel Pease, major, of one of the six battahons, to be raised for the defence of the State and United States. Thaddeus Cook, colonel ; James Arnold, lieutenant colonel ; and Abraham Tyler, major, of one of said battalions. Samuel Mott, colonel; Nathan Gallop, lieutenant Colonel; and Joshua Hun- tington, major, of one of said battalions. John Mead, colonel; Ely Mygatt, lieutenant colonel; and Eteazer Curtiss, major, of one of said battalions. Noadiah Hooker, colonel ; Seth Smith, lieutenant colonel ; and Bezaleel Re- bec, major, of one of said battalions. Samuel McLellan, colonel ; Thomas Brown, lieutenant colonel ; and Levi Welles, major, of one of said battalions. It was found by the As^mbly, that the transporting of private property, the goods and effects of particular persons from place to place, in and through this State, had greatly increased and employed so large a number of oxen, as was likely to lessen the business of agriculture, particularly the raising of grain and provisions, and shorten the supply of beef for the use of the army. To prevent which, it was enacted, that after the 1st day of April, 1778, no private property, (i. e.) no goods, wares, merchandise, or effects, not the property of the United States, or any of the States, unless by the order of some lawful officer of the State or the United States, should be transported fi-om place to place in this State, or through the same, by any inhabitants, or oxen owned in this State, in or on any wagon, cars, carts, or carriages, wherein should be used more than one pair of oxen, on penalty of forfeiting all such goods, &c. as aforesaid, and all oxen more than one pair. It was made the duty of all continental officers and other persons, who should employ any teams or carriages for tansporting goods, &;c., where more than one pair of oxen were used, to furnish the driver of such team, or the conductor of any number of teams, where more than one yoke should be employed, with a written permit, signed with the name and office, date and time when given, place from and to which, such goods were destined, the owner and number of teams employed therein ; without which no team was allowed to pass in this State. It was made the duty of grand jurors and consta- bles of the towns, and of freeholders, who had taken the oath of fidelity, to in- quire and take up any such suspected teams, and make due inquiry of the dri- vers or conductors of such teams, as to the ownership, ire. of such goods and teams ; and if it should be found that said goods, &c., were transported contrary to said law, the court before whom an examination should be had, was to give orders for the safe keeping of such goods, and all oxen, more than one pair as aforesaid. And it was the duty of such court, to certify all the proceedings to the next county court, in the county where said teams were stopped ; and if np person appeared at said court to claim said oxen, &:c., or satisfy the court that said goods, &c., were, when seized, transporting within the liberty of this law ; REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 315 such court should sentence said goods and oxen forfeited to the Treasurer of the State, and one-half to be paid the informer, (all costs first deducted,) and sold by the sheriff, &c., at public vendue, or as said court should direct. It was also provided, that in case such driver or conductor should neglect or refuse to pro- duce his permit, when required, no costs should be allowed him on the trial of his case. Which said act was not t.o extend to teams transporting masts, mill stones, iron ore, and pig iron, wood, or to any person using his own or neigh- bor's oxen in or about his usual and lawful business within the town where he resided, or carrying his provisions to market to a convenient town, for the use of such town, or returning home with such effects as he should have occasion to carry ; which act was to continue in force until the rising of the Assembly, to be he.'d in May, 1778, Amos Hubbell, and others, shewed the Assembly, that the guard of 25 men, under Lieut. Aaron Hawley, stationed at Newfield, in Stratford, had been con- fined in a place illy calculated to discover the enemy, or prevent their landing, should they attempt ; and that great uneasiness had been given to the inhabitants at Newfield ; and prayed that a sargeant's guard might be appointed, and sta- tioned on the sound, near the dividing line between Fairfield and Stratford ; and that said Hawley and his company should be dismissed. The Assembly directed the colonel of the 4th regiment to order a sargeant's guard stationed in the most convenient place, near said dividing line, on the sound, and continue there durinw the pleasure of the Assembly. And said Hawley was directed to deliver the two field pieces, and public stores in his custody, to the commanding ofiicers of the 4th regiment, when said Hawley and his party were to be dismissed. Maj. Thomas Bull complained against cornet Asahel Hays and cornet William Wadsworth, for disobedience of orders. The Assembly dismissed said Hays and said Wadsworth from office, with costs, being £11 : 11 :2. Capt. Eliphalet Curtiss complained against Lieut. Elijah Case, for desertion, &c. The Assembly cashiered said Case, and ordered him to pay the cost, taxed at £5 : 9. Samuel Chapman, Esq., colonel of the 22d regiment of militia, in this State, complained against Paul Blodget, captain of the 6th company, in said regiment; ^ L »,/.-, stating that said Blodget, when ordered into public service near New York, in ' the year 1777, attempted to desert said service, and occasioned uneasiness in said company, &c. The Assembly ordered said Blodget cashiered of his office, and to pay the cost, taxed at 13 shillings, lawful money. And the colonel was directed to lead the company to the choice of another captain. The town of Guilford, stated to the Assembly, that in pursuance of a recom- mendation of the Assembly, in October, 1776, they, at the expense of said town, set guards, equal in respect to time and numbers, to 51 men, eight months, and prayed relief therefor. The Assembly ordered paid to the selectmen of said Guilford, to defray said expenses, the wages and rations of 2 lieutenants, 2 sar- geants, 4 corporals, and 43 privates, for four months, and the rations estimated at 8 pence per ration. The sum of £21 : 2 : 6 was allowed Lemuel Deming, for expenses of the sick- ness of his son, with the small pox and dysentery, in the army, in the year 1777. James Hinman and Israel Burritt, of Durham, were employed in October, 1777, by the seletmen of Durham, to transport articles of clothing to the companies of captains Robinson, Camp, and Norton, in the regiment then commanded by 316 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. Lieut. Col. Baldwin, at FishkUl ; for which services they asked couipensatioii of the Assembly ; and the pay^iffie were ordered to adjust their accounts, and give orders for the payment thereof. Joshua Stone, who was confined in New York as a spy, and escaped, and was apprehended in Stamford, tried, imprisoned, and fined £20. The Asscm. bly ordered the release of said Stone from prison, on his taking the oath of fidelity, and paying the State Treasurer ;C30 lawful money, and enlist into the continental army, in any regiment raised by the State, to serve during the war, or for three years. Michael Towsley, of Suffield, asked the Assembly to remunerate him for ;C20 of public money burned in his mother's house, which was allowed him. On the memorial of the inhabitants of the town of Fairfield, it was shewn, that the British troops, on their march to Danbury, plundered a great number of families of every thing in their houses, that was subject of plunder, as well as their cattle, horses, and teams, and took the same away with them ; whereby some persons were reduced to abject poverty and distress, who previously had lived comfortably, In Session, February 17. Sheriflf Williams represented to the Governor and Council the great difficulty of managing the prisoners at Hartford ; and moved to have an addition made to the committee of prisoners, as four of the committee were in the army, and on other business. B. Payne, Esq. and Capt. J. Wadsworth, were added to the committee. Voted an order on the pay table of £9 : 13 : 5 for Mr. Torry, for going with a wagon and the Indian chiefs on the 14th of January, 1776^ to Cambridge ; 6s. to Daniel Throop, for going to Windham with him ; and £2 : 7 : 9 to Capt. Hyde, for three journeys to New Haven con- cerning Salisbury furnace, for the colony ; also £2 : 5 : 2 to Jude Aldcn for a horse twice for John Walker, the Congress post. Edward Mott was appointed captain of the company to be raised and stationed at Groton fort, and commandant of said fort. Dr. John REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. 347 Ely, of Lyme, was appointed captain of the company to be stationed at Mannacock fort. Samuel Mott and Josiah Waters were appointed engineers, to superintend the building of works of defence and forts at New London and Groton. In Session, February 23. Another letter was received from Gen. Washington, complaining of his deficiency of powder. Maj. Smith, of Stonington, urged an addition to be made to his men in Stonington, for the defer^ce of the town and harbor. The Governor and Council ordered said company of 40 men to be augmented to 90 men, by voluntary enlistment, and to be continued in service until the 1st of December (then) next, unless sooner discharged ; and to be sta- tioned at or near the fortification at Stonington. Nathan Palmer, Jr., was appointed 1st lieutenant ; John Belcher, 2d lieutenant, and Clement Miner, ensign, of the company above mentioned, under captain or Maj. Oliver Smith, who was authorized to enlist said men with all speed. Nathaniel Miner, Esq., was appointed commissary to provide supplies for the company at said fort. The provisions to be procured according to the regulations on that subject near Boston. Simeon Davis, who was authorized by Gov. Cook, of Rhode Island, to go to the foreign West Indies, after a cargo of powder ; asked leave of the Governor and Council of this colony, to purchase certain articles in this colony, to carry with him. The Council advised the Governor lo permit him to purchase and ship 2,000 pounds of cheese ; 2,000 pounds of lard ; 60 barrels of pork, and 30 barrels of beef. Col. Saltonstall was appointed captain of the company to be sta- tioned at Winthrop's Point, to be raised by enlistment ; and Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., was appointed commissary to provide for the company, to be stationed at Groton Hill. Capt. Deshon was appointed a com- missary for the two companies, to be stationed at Winthrop's Point, and at Mannacock, in New London. Seth Harding was appointed captain, of the brig-ofwar Defence. Jehiel Tinker was appointed captain, of the row galley, then building at East Haddam. In Session, February 24. (The Governor, E. Dyer, J. Huntington, and Nathaniel Wales, Esq'rs., were all of the Council that were present.) The Governor and Council appointed Ebenezer Bartram, of Fair- field, 1st lieutenant ; James Hopkins, of Middletown, 2d lieutenant, and John McCleave, master of the brig Defence. 348 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. Martin Kirtland was ^Pointed 1st lieutenant, and David Piatt, 2d lieutenant, of the company to be stationed at Mannacock. Oliver Coit was appointed 1st lieutenant ; Wm. Latham, 2d lieuten- ant, and William Whiting, ensign, of the company to be stationed at Groton fort. In Session, February 27. Adriel Ely was appointed ensign, in the company under Capt. John Ely. In Session, February 28. It was voted, that Nathaniel Green & Co., of Rhode Island, might purchase in this colony, three cargoes of produce, (under the direction of the Governor,) to be transported to the West Indies, to purchase war- like stores, in pursuance of a contract made between the said Green & Co., and the committee of secrecy of the Continental Congress, for the benefit of the united colonies. One cargo to be shipped in a brig at Norwich, owned in Rhode Island ; the other two cargoes to be shipped in vessels owned in this colony. Capt. Ephraim Bill was ordered to Saybrook, to inspect the colony ship-of-war, at Capt. Hayden's yard, aid and urge the work in the best and most speedy manner. And the builders, riggers, blacksmiths, sail makers, &;c., were directed to consult Capt. Bill, in their several branches of work. It was voted, that the Governor and Council should take up the matter of the taking of Ticonderoga, &c., and adopt some measures to represent the same to Congress, that those to whom rewards were due for service, should receive it ; and that those who had received money to disburse in that service should be called to account. N. B. One Thomas Lusk, who was a captain at St. John's, was to be remembered for a reward. Col. Saltonstall, Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., and Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq'rs., were directed to provide teams and tools for the use of the fortifications at New London and Groton. The Governor was requested to write to the northward for as many gun barrels as could be obtained, to be repaired. In Session, March 5. £150 was voted to be paid to Capt. Uriah Hayden. Col. Sears was ordered to send 3 tons of iron to Capt. B. Williams, or Capt. Hayden, at Saybrook. An order was given J. Fitch, Esq., to furnish provisions for the brig Defence, for a cruise of nine weeks. REVOLUTIOINARY WAR, 1776. 349 ♦ In Session, March 14. John McCleave, of New Haven, was appointed 2d Ueutenant of the brig Defence, instead of Lieut. Hopkins. Capt. Joseph Thomson was appointed as a heutenant, to enhst 30 men, to finish the work at Black Rock, ip New Haven, and to serve as troops under him at said works, or wherever they should be ordered in the colony, until farther orders ; said Thomson to appoint two sar- geants to assist him in said service. The Treasurer of the colony doubted the propriety of receiving con. tinental bills in payment of colony taxes ; but the Governor and Council considered it necessary to support the union of the colonies in the fi'ee circulation and credit of continental bills ; and ordered that they should be received in all payments ; and ordered the Treasurer, so to advertise in the newspapers. Voted unanimously. Capt. Edward Mott Avas ordered to repair with his company to his station at Groton. E. Dyer and William Williams, Esq'rs., were a committee to repair to the Congress, in Philadelphia, and apply for a remittance of conti- nental bills due to Connecticut ; to inform the Congress of the situation of the two regiments sent to New York, and take directions concerning them ; to ask the loan of cannon from New York ; and also request the colonels of the two Connecticut regiments to remain there until further orders ; to confer with the Connecticut delegates, &;c., relative to the state of the united colonies. J. Huntington and B. Huntington were appointed to take advice as to the mode of rigging the row galley then building by Capt. Lester, and order accordingly. In Session, March 18. A special session of the Governor and Council was called, upon receiving advices from Gen. Washington, with information that the British troops were withdrawing from Boston, as he supposed bound for New York, entreating the Governor and Council to send 2,000 men from the frontiers of Connecticut, forthwith to New York, until he could march his army there. Samuel Bryant was, from the necessity of the case, allowed as cannon founder, $2 per day ; and Zebulon White as moulder, was allowed 8s. per day, if they succeeded at Salisbury, but if they failed of success, they were to have their board only. Col. J. Porter was appointed chief provider and overseer of the men and furnace, at SaUsbury. 45 350 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. A letter was receiij^ from Gen. Washington, by the Governor, dated the 14th of March, 1776, which informed him that the enemy had embarked their troops, and were making a shameful retreat from Boston, and probably were destined to New York, — a place of infinite importance to the British and ourselves ; also shewing the advantage of a priority of possession of the place, &c. The Governor and Council unanimously resolved that the present was a very important crisis, and might determine the fate of America : Therefore the Coun- cil advised the Governor to give immediate orders to the colonels, or commanding officers of the 4th, 9th, 16th, 2d, 7th, 10th, and 23d regi- ments of militia, forthwith to assemble their respective regiments, in whole or part as they should judge proper, and unless a suitable pro- portion should freely and forthwith voluntarily, (as was hoped they would) offer themselves, that they should immediately detach from the 4th regiment, 360 men ; from the 9th regiment, 360 men ; from the 16th regiment, 180 men, inclusive of officers, to be formed into a regiment of ten companies of 90 men each, including officers, under the com- mand of Col. G. S. Silliman, Lieut. Col. John Mead, and Maj. John Chandler, under such company officei"s in the militia, or such as had lately been in service, as the field officers in the regiments from which they should be drafted, should appoint. Also from the 2d regiment, 270 men ; from the 7th regiment, 360 men ; from the 10th regiment, 180 men, and from the 23d regiment, 90 men, including officers, or near that number, but not to exceed it ; and formed into a regiment as afore- said, under the command of Col. M. Talcott, Lieut. Col. Jabez Thorn- son, and Maj. Sylvanus Graves ; and when formed, forthwith to march, by land or Avater, to New York, and place themselves under the com- mander-in-chief there, and assist in securing and holding New York, until Gen. Washington should arrive with his army from Boston, and be dismissed bv him ; and to be entitled to the same wages, &;c., as the other New England troops in service were. J. Fitch, Esq., and Capt. S. Squire were appointed to make proper provision for the march and transportation of the troops ordered to New York. In Session, March 19. (Mr. Wales being sick with the gout, not present.) Mr. Babcock, of New Haven, moved for liberty to erect a powder mill in behalf of Jeremiah Atwater, J. Doolittle, David Austin, and him- self immediately, for manufacturing gun powder, at New Haven. Mr. Lane, of Killingly, was despatched with letters as to raising said troops. REVOLUTIOiSARY WAR, 1776. 351 Mr. Waters, an engineer, urged to be excused from the service, apprehending that Col. Mott and himself should disagree ; which was not granted, but was advised to go directly and assist, in the best man- ner he could, in erecting said fortifications. In Session, March 22. A letter was received from Col. Talcott, which shewed his insupe- rable difficulties in procuring guns, and want of money to march his troops to New York. It was voted, that Mr. Hosmer should furnish Col. Talcott for his regiment, such number of guns and bayonets, (which belonged to the colony,) as should be found indispensably necessary for his regiment ; and Col. Fitch was ordered, (as there was no money in the treasury,) to provide for the march, &c., and advance or borrow money, if necessary, to march the troops. Sims Edgerton, gaol keeper, in Norwich, was allowed for keeping Dr. Church, from the 24th of November, to the 22d of March, £30 : 4. Seth Miner, for building a yard and pickets about said gaol to secure Dr. Church, £19 : 13 : 10. The sheriif of New London county was directed not to suffer Dr. Church to go out of a close prison but once in a week, and then only with the sheriff in person. E. Dyer and William Williams, Esq'rs., were empowered to solicit the convention of New York, or in their absence the Council of Safety of that colony, for the loan of such a number and such size of cannon as they could spare ; to urge the necessity of the measure, and if they succeeded, to forward them, and report to the Governor and Council. Also to consult with the commander-in-chief at New York on the necessity that the two Connecticut regiments under Col's. Waterbury and Ward, should continue in service ; also that the two militia regi- ments (then lately) ordered there, should remain to see the colonels and consult them, and to order them, if needed, to continue in service until advice could be received from the Continental Congress, &c., and report to the Governor and Council. E. Dyer and William Williams, Esq'rs., were appointed to repair to Philadelphia, and apply to the Continental Congress for a remit- tance of continental bills for this colony, and forward the same, if obtained, to the Treasurer of the colony, and to urge upon Congress the necessity and expediency of such a supply ; to give information of the state and number of Connecticut battalions in continental service, and particularly of those (then) lately sent to New York ; also to shew the number and circumstances of these troops, and ask directions respecting the prisoners of all denominations in this colony, and report to the Governor and Council. 352 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776. The same conimittelwere authorized and directed to confer with our delegates in Congress, and others, respecting the state of the united colonies, on all things needful for our defence and safety ; on the sub. ject and manner of treating the commissioners sent from Great Britain ; and inform what they find necessary for the safety and security of New York. ness to take up arms in defence of said cause. Gardner Olmsted, of Norwalk, Nathaniel Munday, and Samuel Crissy, of Stamford, came in and signed the aforesaid declaration, and were also permitted to return home. Gen. Spencer arrived from Providence, and moved the Governor and Council, if practicable, to have some further relief and assistance of men, &c., to enable him to carry into execution the proposed plan of making an attack upon the island of Rhode Island, with a view to dislodge the enemy's troops posted there, having made great prepara- tion for that purpose ; and stated that more men were wanted to make the attempt. Maj. Wyllys, who had been to solicit an exchange of himself, and was not able to effect it, but had liberty to do so, if he could send Capt. Luke, a prisoner, into this State, &c. Hubbard and John Wilson, tory prisoners, in Lebanon, had fre- quently visited houses infected with the small pox, and returned into company to expose those who had not been infected, which greatly alarmed the inhabitants of Lebanon ; and had travelled over their limits to Mhich they were confined, &c. The Governor and Council 418 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. ordered them, under UM^direction of the selectmen of said town, as to their residence and conduct, on pain of imprisonment, or other punish- ment, directed by said Board. In Session, February 26. It was decided by the Governor and Council that the proportion of men to be raised by Connecticut, of the sixteen regiments to be raised in the United States, was 1,000 men. And directed the bounty money to be distributed as follows, viz. : to those under Col. Samuel B. Webb, to the number of 500 ; to those under Lieut. Col. R. J. Meigs, 250 ; those under Lieut. Col. Thomas Dyer, 250. And the committee of pay table were ordered to draw on the Treasurer for said bounty to be advanced to the captains in said battalions, in this State. In Session, February 27. A consultation was held by the Governor and Council about the alarming accounts of extortion and evasions of dealers in all West India goods, and the great difficulties brought upon the people by means of such practices. John Harris was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. Nathaniel Webb's company. William Nichols was appointed pay master of Col. Swift's regiment. Gen. Spencer appeared again before the Governor and Council, and was greatly disappointed in not obtaining the troops he had been en- couraged to have received from Gen. Pars ons ; and thought it doubtful whether he could possibly get a sufficienj number of men for his pro- posed expedition to Newport, dtc. But Gen. Spencer concluded to return to Providence, and learn whether he could procure any aid from Massachusetts ; and if he could, he was authorized by the Governor and Council to call upon a number of officers at the eastern part of Connecticut to raise such a number of men as they could, to aid in said expedition, to be paid by the State. $60,000 was sent to Gov. Trumbull, by order of Gen. Washington, from Mr. Palfrey, pay master general of the continental army, towards the premium granted by Congress to the continental troops (then) raising in this State, to be delivered to the colonels of the battalions. The Governor and Council authorized David Trumbull to receive said money, and pay it to the several colonels of said battahons ; $20,000 of which, had by an express request of Gen. Washington, been sent to Gen. Knox, of the artillery. In Session, February 28. Benjamin Brown, of Fisher's Island, appeared, and moved for his compensation for stock taken from him in July, 1776. The amount of REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 419 said stock, appraised by E. Ledyard, E. Avery, Jr, and R. Mumford, was £570 : 3 ; which was allowed and paid. John Winthrop, admin- istrator of John Still Winthrop, Esq., (then) deceased, certified that said Brown was under bonds for the performance of his lease of said island, and accountable to the heirs of said Winthrop, for the use of said island, the stock, &c., therefore an order was drawn for the same, in favor of said Brown. A long consultation was held by the Governor and Council, how and in what manner they could check the extortion so prevalent. Nehemiah Rice was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. David ^mith's company, in Col. Chandler's regiment, and transferred Lieut. Bald- win from that «>company to Capt. Botsford's company, in Col. Swift's regiment. Mr. Griffith, of Guilford, was permitted to go out with a vessel loaded with staves, &c., five barrels of pork and beef, including vessel's stores, and return with a cargo of salt. Mr. Andrew Huntington, of Norwich, was directed to purchase 50 hogsheads of West India and New England rum, for a supply of the troops of the State, for a sum not to exceed the price fixed by law. Chauncey Whittlesey, of Middletown, was also ordered to purchase 100 hogsheads of West India and New England rum, for the same purpose. David Webb, of Stamford, was also directed to purchase 100 hogsheads of West India or New England rum, for said use, and each of them report their success. The Governor prepared and had printed a proclamation, to enforce the law for regulating prices, &;c. Ijv Session, March 5. A long consultation was holden by the Governor and Council, of the practicability, and how to effect an attempt upon Long Island, to des- troy forage, &;c., &c., according to Gen. Washington's proposal, in his letter to Gen. Parsons, who was present with the letter. [The let- ter is now in the hands of Enoch Parsons, Esq., son of Gen. Parsons.] It was voted, to draw off Col. Ely from Providence, to march to New London with four companies of his men, to wait further orders. Doolittle & Co. were ordered to deliver the selectmen of Milford 150 pounds of cannon powder, for the use of the fort in said Milford. Eli Catlin was appointed captain in Col. Heman Swift's regiment, instead of Capt. R. Walker, engaged in the train of artillery. In Session, March 6. Joseph Fisk was appointed 2d lieutenant in Capt. Lee's company, in Col. Durkee's regiment. 420 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. William Fitch, a tMMconvict, confined in Canterbury, was permit- ted to return to Stamford and back to Canterbury, within twenty days, by his giving a bond, 6i,c. Chauncey Whittlesey had an order of £540, to purchase clothing. In Session, March 7. Sailing orders were given to Capt. Niles to go in the Spy to Mary, land or Virginia, after flour, &;c. Isaac Sherman was appointed lieutenant colonel, in Charles Webb's battalion, in continental service. Hezekiah Holdridge was appointed major of Col. C. Webb's regi- ment aforesaid ; Mr. Webb was appointed pay master of pol. C. Webb's regiment. Upon a memorial of Capt. John Nott and others, commander and and owners of the brig of war America, then lying at Black Rock, in Fairfield, for a permit to take on board a sufficient number of men, and remove said brig to the port of New London ; which was granted, with an order to dismiss, on arriving there, all the men, except enough to work on board and take care of said brig. John Tuttle, of Southhold, on Long island, who fled for refuge to this State, was permitted to transport, by land, from this State, to the State of New York, 13 hogsheads of rum, and 10 hogsheads of sugar, for the continental army. David Munro was permitted to bring 3,600 pounds of flax, by him purchased in this State, to Hartford, and there deposite it with Capt. William Tyley, until further orders. Capt. Bill was directed to deliver a barrel of rum to Capt. R. Niles, for the schooner Spy. John Mills was appointed 1st lieutenant of a company in Col. Swift's regiment. £16 : 16 was paid John Mills, for money he advanced for expenses in defending Fairfield harbor. In Session, March 8. Thomas Allen was confined as a tory, to the limits of the first society in Windham, under the care of Maj. E. Backus, &c., until further orders. As the time of service of the militia, at New London and Groton, had nearly expired, the Governor and Council ordered, that one-fourth part of the" 3d and 8th regiments of militia, in the State, should be drafted, and formed into companies, and officered by 1 captain, 1 lieu, tenant, and 1 ensign, to be appointed by the field officers of those regi- REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 421 rnents. Those drafted from the 3d regiment, to form one company ; and those drafted from the 8th regiment, to be formed into two compa. nies. And the veteran guards in the 20th regiment was augmented to 64 privates, by a draft from other companies in said regiment, (exclu- sive of light infantry,) and placed under the officers of the veteran guards ; and when so formed, were ordered to be marched to said forts. Those from the 3d and 20th regiments, to garrison at or near New London. Those of the 8th regiment, at the forts at Groton ; and all to be under the command of Mfaj. Nathan Gallup, until the 15lh of April, 1777, unless sooner discharged. John Mills was appointed captain of a company in Col. Swift's regi- ment, in the continental service ; Sylvanus Mead, of Greenwich, was appointed 1st lieutenant of the same company. Andrew Huntington, commissary of clothing for the army, was di- rected to deliver Col. J. Huntington 700 hats for his regiment. David Spencer was appointed 2d- lieutenant in Capt. Holmes' compa- ny, in Col. Huntington's regiment, histead of Thomas Updike Fos- dick ; Gideon Baily was appointed ensign of the same company. An order of £1,500, in favor of Capt Deshon, was drawn on Prosper Wetmore, Esq., for services and expenses. The military guard, stationed at Fairfield, was placed under the di- rection of Gen. Silliman, with the advice of the civil authority of said town, as to the particular place where said guards should do duty ; and the selectmen of said town were authorized to draw on Doolittle & Co., for such quantity of cannon powder, &;c., as they thought neces- sary, for the cannon, &c., in said Fairfield ; and Gen. Silliman, with the advice aforesaid, was empowered to use the cannon, &c., in said town, at his discretion. In Sessioiv, March 11. £20 was allowed to Jesse Brown, post to Gen. Washington and Congress, who rode to Connecticut ; charged the continent. David Strong was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. Solomon Strong's company, in Col. Bradley's regiment, instead of Lieut. Banks ; Ebene- zer Olmsted, appointed 2d lieutenant, in Capt. Sanford's company, in said Bradley's regiment, instead of T. Weed, resigned. It was voted, to raise a company of artillery, of 32 men, to be sta. tioned at Fairfield, properly officered, and John Greenell was appoint- ed captain of said company ; and Gen. Silliman was empowered to appoint a lieutenant for said company. Whereas the quota of troops from Connecticut, were greatly needed to join Maj. Gen. Spencer's division of the army, at Rhode Island, 54 422 RKVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. and the more eastern iiPments in the State had been frequently called into service, &;c., and were (then) returning with a great appearance of the British ships and troops off New London, &cc. ; it was thought advisable, and the Governor and Council did order that six companies should be detached, of 86 privates in each company, properly officered, for said purpose, viz. : to detach one company from the 11th regiment ; one from the 18th regiment ; two from the 19th regiment ; one from the 21st regiment ; and from the 22d regiment one company. Each company to be commanded by 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 1 ensign, appointed by the field officers of said regiment, accoutered and marched to Providence, under the command of Maj. John Ripley, and put them- selves under the commanding officers at Providence, until the 1st day of May, 1777, unless sooner discharged. Such as were drafted for this expedition, were to be excused from further drafts, until the remainder of their companies had been drafted. Jacob Griffin was permitted to carry 4 hogsheads of New England rum to the State of New York, for the use of the inhabitants of the State. Isaac Turner was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. R. Lewis' com- pany, in Col. Webb's regiment. In Session, March 14. Jonathan Sled was appointed ensign in Capt. Beardslee's company, in Col. Swift's regiment ; Jonathan Moore, ensign in Capt. Chapman's company, same regiment ; Adino Hale, ensign in Theodore Wood- bridge's company, same regiment. Col. Andrew Morehouse was permitted to purchase 2 hogsheads of West India rum, and 2 hogsheads of sugar, and transport them to the State of New York, for the use of the inhabitants of that State. Capt. Vine Elderkin, and his subalterns and company, in Col. Swift's regiment, were arranged as at first ; and Capt. John Mills annexed to Col. John Chandler's regiment, instead of Capt. Elderkin and his company. Capt. Michael Melally was dismissed from the ship Oliver Cromwell, on his own request. Gen. Sullivan came before the Governor and Council in the after, noon, with important letters from Gen. Washington, concerning another supply of militia, and the state of his army — which was considered. • Mr. Kirtland appeared before the Governor and Council, and had with him a number of Indian warriors from Onieda, and held a long conversation about the Indians. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 423 In Session, March 15. Aaron Butler was appointed ensign in Capt. Barnard's company, in Col. Wyllys' regiment. £25 was voted in favor of the Rev. Samuel Kirtland, to bear his expenses through this State to Gen. Washington. Mr. Kirtland again came in before the Governor and Council with six warriors, from the Six Nations, viz. : Kayendalongueva ; A Chosen Free Williamko, (head warrior) ; Thaghnegtotis, (pine splinter) ; Hen- drake, (the second warrior) ; Shaleslago, (blazing spear) ; Quedel, alais (Peter); Yeghlegtitzi, (Joseph) ; Thaghlaghquisene, (William); Yolonghyagewea, (clear sky), who were travelling through the States for information regarding the war, and report to the Six Nations ; the forepart of the day was principally spent in delivering to them a speech and belt, and hearing their answer ; when a gun, gun lock, belt, and strings were delivered them in token of friendship. The gun and lock was manufactured in Connecticut, and given as a specimen of Ameri- can workmanship. A letter from a great house in France, to the Governor, was read, offering supplies to this country ; and the Governor and Council appeared much pleased. In Session, March 17. One ton of flax was permitted to be purchased in Fairfield county, to be carried to New Braintree, in Massachusetts, to be made into clothes for the continental army. Gen. Parsons, Col. Bradley, and Lieut. Col. Dimon were present, and spent considerable time with the Governor and Council in arrang- ing officers, &;c., and exchanging some subalterns from one place to another. Tolland had an order for 100 pounds of powder, for town stock. A proclamation to several regiments to detach men to go to Peeks- kill, by a requisition of Gen. Washington, was issued by the Governor. In Session, March 18. Ebsnezer Gray was appointed major in Col. Douglass' regiment, in the continental service, in the place of Isaac Sherman. The Governor wrote a letter to the Committee of War, in Massachu- setts, to supply Gen. Parsons with proper medicine, for the purpose of inoculation for the small pox. A letter from Capt. Harding was before the Governor and Council, asking advice as to allowing Cornelius Dunham, of the brig Defence, who was wounded in the battle in Boston Bay, (and was at home lame 424 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. at the lime of a cruise iBllrwards,) his share of the prize money, and his wages, while he was disabled to serve, by reason of his wound ; which was ordered to be allowed by the Governor and Council. Little progress was made in filling the continental battalions ordered raised in the State, though it was deemed of vast importance that the troops should be immediately raised, and that no exertions should be spared in doing it, as from all appearances it was at least probable that should the United States freely exert themselves at that time, and a few months longer the war might be brought to a close, and peace restored to the country. The States had gained many advantages over the enemy, which ought to encourage the people of the States to exert themselves in defence of their just rights, and m filling said battalions for that purpose. It was therefore voted to ascertain the quota of each town to fill said battalions ; and it was ordered, that the civil authority, selectmen, and military officers, and all friends to the liberties of man- kind, should be requested and exhorted to exert themselves to their utmost, and that immediately, as they regarded the welfare and salva- tion of their country, in encouraging and procuring the quotas of their respective towns to engage in said service, and encourage such enlist- ments ; and lest some might be embarrassed in leaving their families unprovided for in their absence, it was earnestly recommended to the towns to engage and promise such soldiers as would enter said service, that their families should be supplied with all necessaries at the price fixed by law ; and that each town should appoint a committee to see them provided for, on such soldiers lodging or remitting money for that purpose, without any additional expense to said soldiers. Such com- mittees were accordingly ordered, with directions to adhere strictly to the law regulating prices, and to exert themselves to have their quotas of the continental army immediately completed, as the personal secu- rity, liberty, and happiness of every individual was deeply concerned, and freedom or bondage secured and entailed to all posterity by the issue of the struggle. And every person in their several capacities were called to a vigorous exertion for the defence and security of their country. It was most earnestly recommended to all her virtuous sons, without delay, to oflTer themselves for the service of God and their country, in the righteous cause, and lo prevent the disagreeable neces- sity of the frequent rotation of the men from the militia, whereby the husbandry and manufacturers were so much injured. And the Gov- ernor was desired to issue his orders, of the import aforesaid. A letter was written Capt. Coit, to come directly to Lebanon, and bring in his account for settlement. The committee of prisoners, at Windham, were ordered to collect REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 425 and send, in some safe way, all the prisoners at Windham, (that were taken by Commodore Hopkins,) who desired to be exchanged, and deliver them to the care of Mr. N. Shaw, Jr., at New London, to be exchanged ; first taking care that any officers among them pay or draw their bills for their expenses and charge of support, and keep an ac- coiiiit of the expense of the whole. In Session, March 19. Letters were received from Gen. Silliman, respecting the alarming situation of their affairs, &c., by attacks of the enemy, &c. The blankets that had been ordered by the General Assembly, to be provided by the towns for the use of the public, were ordered by the Governor and Council, to be delivered for the use of the continental soldiers of the towns, to the commanding officers of said troops, in this State ; and all the fire arms, blankets, &;c., belonging to the towns or the public, within said towns, that had been delivered to the soldiers on short marches or tours of duty, to collect and repair, and when repaired, delivered to such commanding officers or colonels, as had the charge of troops in this State. Gen. Silliman was desired to purchase for the State, 30 tons of flax, which he had notified the Governor and Council he could procure. In Session, March 20. A requisition from Gen. Washington, dated March 6, 1777, pressing and earnestly calling for one more exertion of the public spirit of Con- necticut, by cmother supply of 2,000 troops of the militia, to be irame- diately marched to Peekskill, in the State of New York, and there to wait further orders ; to continue in service six weeks after their arri- val at Peekskill. The requisition was grounded on reasons of very great, interesting, and irresistible weight and importance, such as would justify themselves to every friend of his country, of all ranks ; though the particular reasons and design could not, with propriety, be disclosed at that time. The Governor and Council, took said requisition into secret and serious consideration, and judged the same to be of too great and interesting a nature to either be delayed or neglected. The strange and unhappy delay of filling our quota of the continental army, and the expiration of the term of four battalions, rendered this meas- ure indispensably necessary. Though the Board were not unmindful of the difficulties which might be occasioned by calling aw^ay so many men, at that busy season of the year ; yet they considered the unspeak- able importance of the cause ; that the burden lay equally on all the States ; that the contest in all probability would be short, if the people 426 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. would be true to then^lves ; that the war would have been closed even before that time, if our exertions had been equal to the strength which God had given the country for defence ; that the blessings con- tended for were what the Almighty had bestowed upon us, with full confidence he would continue our faithful endeavors ; that the future generations would be established in the best and highest civil and reli- gious liberty, or bound by the most galling yoke of wretched slavery, according to our conduct and exertions for liberty for a very short time longer ; and that in the highest probability had the army been once filled, the country would have had no further occasion to have called for the militia, but could have made an effectual stand against all the efforts of the enemy, with a fair prospect of a speedy termina- tion of the war. Under these circumstances, it was most reasonably expected, that no friend of his country would grudge so short an ex. ertion as was required by Gen. Washington : — Therefore the com- manding officers of ten regiments were commanded, forthwith, to cause to be detached out of their regiments, in proportion, from the several companies and rolls to the number of 2,000 men in the whole, unless said number should turn out and voluntarily enlist for said service, which they were earnestly solicited to do, and supply themselves, as far as possible, Avith arms, &c., and such as should be deficient in arms, &;c., to be supplied by the authority and selectmen of said towns, either by impressing or otherwise ; and men were called upon to turn out their guns, &;c. freely for this sudden and important service, and that justice should be done them for it in every respect. The men were ordered to be formed into companies, by the field officers of the regi. ments to which they belonged, and mai'ch to Peekskill, without delay, under the command of such militia officers as should be selected by said field officers ; with 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 1 ensign for each com- pany ; formed into three regiments of equal numbers, and of the most convenient companies, and under field officers selected by the Gover- nor and Council ; conditioned that those who had not had the small pox, should not be exposed to it by going farther than Peekskill, (where it did not prevail,) &c. Letters of instruction to the field officers of the ten regiments for drafting 2,000 men, to march to Peekskill, agreeable to the earnest request of Gen. Washington, were sent them. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. Geii. Wads worth was appointed to command said as brigadier general. The 1st reg't. Col. Wyllys, 6th 10th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 23d do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. Belden, M. Cook, Mosely, Burrall, Hooker, P. Cook, O. VVolcott, 2 Humphrey, 2 Sage, 1 2 companies of 96 men 11 do. " 3 21 2 2 do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. 10 regiments, 20 companies. Four commissioned officers to each company, 427 ten regiments each, 192 men. ' 144 " ' 288 « ' 240 " •* 144 " '« 192 « '« 192 " 192 « « 192 « " 144 " 1,920 men 80 2,000 men The Is^regunent 2 companies,^ Thomas Belden, colonel. ^ * r Seth Smith, lieutenant colonel. 18th do. 2 do. I ivT .u • 1 D Nathaniel Brown, maior. 23d do. U do. J "^ 7 companies. The 13th regiment 2 J companies, 14th do. 11 do. 16th do. 2 do. 6 companies. Increase Mosely, colonel. Joshua Porter, lieut. colonel. Jethro Hatch, major. The 10th regiment 3 companies, j Noadiah Hooker, colonel. 15th do. 2 do. > Epaphras Sheldon, lieut. colonel. 17th do. 2 do. ) Gad Stanly, major. 7 companies. The above are the detachments regimented. A letter from a large number of men in Farmington, concerning the tories there, was received. An order was given to N. Miner, Esq., to purchase or seize 10,000 pounds of cheese, in Stonington, for the State. Capt. Nathan Palmer, of Stonington, was directed to purchase 20,000 weight of cheese to supply the State troops, at the price fixed by law ; provided he should be unable to purchase the same, and found in the hands of any person, 428 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. more than was sufficie^fcr tlieir family's use, he was authorized to seize and take the same for the purpose aforesaid, and pay them the price fixed by law, and make report of his doings. In Session, March 21. Commissions were filled for officers of alarm list, for Col's. Daniel- son's, Chapman's, and Lattimer's regiments. Despatched orders to the selectmen of all the towns, to encourage the raising of the army, &:c. Mr. Erkelens who had been sent for, came in and consulted with the Governor and Council about addressing Mr. DeCapelle, «Scc. In Session, March 22. A letter was sent by Mr. Bennet, to Gen. Washington, informing him that his request as to the 2,000 militia had been complied with ; and that the troops had been assured that they should not be sent into Jersey, if there should be any danger of taking the small pox, &c. Phineas Carey, Solomon Lord, Eleazer Welsh, Ely SpafFord, Samuel Stoddard, Hezekiah Abbe, Arad Simons, of Windham, and Thomas Holbrook, of Lebanon, were released from the ship Oliver Cromwell ; their wages were to cease at the time of their leaving the ship on furlough. John Winthrop, Esq., of New London, asked permission of the Gov- ernor and Council for his workmen and tenants on Fisher's Island, to be permitted to pass from town to town on the main, to procure necessa- ries, dtc. The Governor and Council authorized the selectmen of New London to permit said tenants, &c., to pass and repass to and from said island to the main, for necessaries, to visit their families, as they should think proper under such cautions, limitations, &c., to pre- vent any intelligence being given to the enemy, a written pass was to be given said tenants. In Session, March 25. Letters were sent to Col. Davenport in answer to his, concerning tories, and troops for defence, he was referred to Gen. Silliman ; and referred to Capt. Isaac Miles concerning armed vessels to cruise in the sound ; to Capt. Squire to supply said armed vessels with provis- ions, and to Gen. Silliman as to fixing said armed vessels, and supply, ing troops for Stamford. An order was given Doolittle & Co. to deliver the selectmen of Stam- ford, 600 pounds of powder, and to the overseers of the furnace, to deliver them thirty 6 pound shot, thirty 3 pound, and thirty 2 pound round shot, for Stamford ; and to Fairfield, one 6 pound and one 3 REVOLUTIOiNAKY WAR, 1777. 429 pound cannon ; and to Lieut. Havvley, of Stratford, one G pound and one 3 pound cannon, for the defence of Stratford harbor, with round shot for each cannon. Gen. VVadsworth decUned marching with the 2,000 troops to Peeks- kill ; and orders were sent to Gen. E. Wolcott, to march in his stead. David Webb, of Stamford, a commissary, was directed to purchase what shoes, stockings, felt hats, and homemade cloth, linen and woolen, rum, cheese, and spirits he could, in Fairfield county, and send his account to the Governor. Joseph Hait, Jr. and jBenjamia Hoit, confined in Fairfield gaol as tories, were ordered to be released, by letter to SheriflTBurr, on pay- ment of cost. The pay table were directed to adjust the accounts of bounty, wages, billeting, mileage, and rations of Col. Ely's regiment, and Capt. San. ford Kingsbury's company, of Col. Enos' regiment, (then) lately in service at Providence, in Rhode Island, and draw on the Treasurer for the balances. In Session, March 26. Roger Fanning, who had the care of the row galley Shark, in the Hudson river, from the 29th of October, 1776, to the 18tli of Decem- ber, as master ; and as keeper, from the 18th of December, 1776, to the 15th February, 1777, was allowed JE22 : 11 : 1, for rations, &c. Jonathan Fitch, commissary, was directed to purchase all the shoes, stockings, felt hats homemade cloth, linen or woolen, rum, cheese, and spirits he could, in the county of New Haven, and send his account of all such pui'chases to the Governor, &;c. John Tilton, of the Vineyard, was permitted to purchase 1,000 pounds of flax, and 200 pounds of flour, and carry it out of the State, as he had brought for Col. Fitch 300 pair of stockings. Nathaniel Wales, Esq., was allowed £118, for paying teams from Windham to transport nine cannon to Canaan, on their way to Albany, for Col. Stewart. Capt. Nathan Palmer seized 11,618 pounds of cheese, per order of the Governor and Council, the property of Church & Hakes, at 6d. per pound, with H per cent, commissions, being £294 : 16:6, cheese sent to Norwich ; also for services about the fort at Stonington, £15:7:6. In Session, April 2. An order for 400 pounds of powder, on Elderkiu & Wales, for Say- brook, was delivered to Charles Pomeroy. Letters from Mr. Hosmer and Col. Sage, enquiring whether the 430 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777, miners and Long Islaq^ptefugees were subject to drafts. The Gov- ernor and Council decided in the negative. Col. Mosely moved to be excused from going to Peekskill — was not excused. Absalom Russell was appointed surgeon in Col. C. Webb's regi- ment ; Peter Robertson was appointed 2d lieutenant in Capt. Hinkley's company, in Col. C. Webb's regiment. Col. Waters, engineer at New London, gave a full account of the state of affairs at New London. In Session, April 3. Maj. John Riplej^, commander of the Connecticut militia, (then) lately at Providence, and was appointed to take the charge of the five companies more lately sent there, as major. Liberty was given to Thomas Allen, to return from Windham to New London. Hezekiah Tracy, Jr., was appointed 2d lieutenant in Col. Hunting, ton's regiment, in place of Joshua Tracy, deceased, of small pox. Albigence Waldo was appointed surgeon in Col. J. Huntington's regiment. Thomas Gray was appointed surgeon's mate in Col. Durkee's regiment. Thirty-six shillings was allowed Col. Huntington for a curious gun lock, which the Governor gave to an Indian warrior, of Onieda. Allowed Col. Elderkin 823 for a finished gun, presented by the Gov- ernor to the Avarrior Indians, by Mr. Kirtland. John Shipman. Esq., represented the conduct of Mr. Hayden sus- picious. Capt's. Huntington, Backus, and Jabez Perkins, of Norwich, were appointed to adjust the accounts of Hayden & WiUiams for ser- vices, &;c., in building the Oliver Cromwell. John Shipman was appointed lieutenant and commandant of the fort at Saybrook, in place of Lee Lay, resigned. The Council approved of the Governor's sending j£l,000 of the con- tinental dollars, to Gen. Spencer. £800 continental money was ordered to be paid to Andrew Hunting- ton, by David Trumbull, to purchase clothing for the army. John Murray, Jr., was permitted to purchase a horse and some sugars in this State, for £200, and transport it to Long Island, for a quantity of linen, checks, and flax, he brought from said island. Josiah Waters, Jr., as engineer, was allowed £180 : 13:2 at New London. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 431 James Whelpley was appointed quarter master of Col. Bradley's regiment. An order was given on Dr. Elderkin, for 100 pair of shoes and 100 pair of stockings, for Col. Durkee's regiment. Ten Eyke was appointed adjutant of Col. C. Webb's regiment. In Session, April 4. Nathaniel Chipman was appointed 2d lieutenant, in Capt. David Parson's company, in place of Timothy White. Charles Stewart, ensign, in Capt. Mills' company. David Barber, ensign, in Capt. Manning's company, in Col. Webb's regiment. Capt. Jabez Perkins, of Norwich, was directed to receive 300 bush- els of salt, (property of the State,) at Norwich Landing, to sell to the inhabitants of this State, not exceeding a half bushel to any family, and in such less proportion as he judged reasonable, at the lawful price, and make his report of sales to the Governor. And on the arrival of any other salt, at said Norwich, (the property of the State,) he was directed to receive it into his store, and dispose of it as the Governor and Council should direct. Joshua Elderkin was ordered to deliver N. Durkee, Jr., quarter master of Swift's regiment, 223 pair of shoes, and as many pairs of stockings ; the same of lelt hats, and 223 pair of breeches, for the use of said regiment. Col. Fitch was directed to deliver to James Whelpley, quarter mas- ter of Col. Bradley's regiment, 171 felt hats, 171 pairs of men's shoes, and 171 pairs of stockings for said regiment. Also, James Gray was directed to deliver said Whelpley 124 pairs of breecjies, for said regi- ment, and 12 shirts for the officers of said battalion. Dr. Joseph Perkins was allowed £5, for amputating instruments, delivered on board the brig Defence. £1 : 4 : 9 was allowed for medicine supplied Capt. Lyon's company, when sick at Norwich. Elderkin & Wales Avere directed to apply to the Hon. James Bow- doin and Council of Massachusetts, to borrow one ton of sulphur, for their powder mill at Windham. Ten sets of the horse harness, at New Haven, were ordered to be brought to New London, and delivered to N. Shaw, Jr. Capt. Elijah Backus was ordered to make another cannon, like the one he had made for the public. Congress ordered raised in the United States, three regiments of artillery men, for continental service, to consist of 2,200 men, w'hich made the proportion of this State 170 men, over and above the battal- 432 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. ion of musketry, and d^m)portion of officers in this State. And Lieut. Col. Oswald of that d(>partment, in this State, applied for the same ad- ditional premium of £10, for each non-commissioned officer and soldier who should enlist in said service, as had been granted by the General Assembly and by the Governor and Council, to other regiments. The Governor and Council considered it necessary to raise said artillery men, and voted to allow the premium aforesaid ; , and the pay table were directed to pay Col. E. Oswald the said sum, and taking security for a faithful application of it. Col. Elderkin was desired to enquire at Boston, 6ic., for the best model for cannon of 1 8 pounds or less, and the best method of boring them. In Session, April 9. Roger Alden was appointed adjutant, in Col. Bradley's regiment. Much time was spent in considering how to fill the army. An order on Doolittle & Co. for 400 pounds of powder was given, to be delivered to Gen. Silliman, for the armed vessels then fitting out by him. Three dozen shirts for the oflicers of Col. Webb's regiment,- were ordered to be delivered by Doct. Gray, to Qr. Master John Elderkin. A. Huntington was ordered to deliver A. Wheatly, quarter master of Durkee's regiment, all the hats and knapsacks that were wanted for said regiment. In Session, April 10. Elihu Crane's account was referred to the pay table, for carrying a load of flints from Durham to Peekskill, when his team tired in the deep snow. An order of £4,000 was drawn on the pay table, for Capt. Deshon to import salt, and other necessaries for the State. Capt. J. Perkins was desired to deliver a barrel of molasses to the civil authority, dec. of Groton, for the continental soldiers under inocu- lation for small pox there. Maj. Nathan Gallup was appointed, instead of Luke Perkins, Esq., deceased, to assist to appraise the damage to J. Chester, of Groton, for building forts on his land at Groton. . Jacob Fox was appointed 2d lieutenant in Capt. John Shumway's . company, in place of Joel Gillet, resigned. Samuel Gray, Esq., was ordered to deliver to Elias Mather, quarter master in Col. William Douglass' regiment, 130 vests, 124 pairs of breeches, and 3 dozen officers' shirts for said regiment. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 433 Doct. S. Gray was directed to deliver Maj. E. Gray and Capt. Nathaniel Webb each, four shirts. In Session, April 11. Capt. Abner Bacon was appointed captain in Col. Durkee's regi- ment, in the place of Capt. Nathaniel Peters, resigned. Seth Harding, Esq., M^as appointed captain and commander of the ship Oliver Cromwell, during the will of the General Assembly. Timothy Parker was appointed 1st lieutenant of the Oliver Crom- well ; John Chapman was appointed 2d lieutenant of said ship ; John Smith, of East Hartford, was appointed 3d heutenant of said ship ; Capt. Eliphalet Roberts was appointed captain of marines of said ship ; John Prentice, 2d, was appointed 1st lieutenant of marines of said ship ; Bela Elderkin was appointed 2d lieutenant of marines of said ship ; Capt. Josiah Burnham was appointed master of said ship during the pleasure of the Governor and Council. Capt. William Coit was con- sidered discharged on the 14th day of April, 1777. Enlisting orders were given to Capt. Harding, to enlist men for a new cruise of the Oliver Cromwell, to serve until the 14th -of October, 1777, unless sooner discharged. In Skssion, April 12. Silas Blodget was appointed 1st heutenant in Capt. Walbridge's company, in Col. Webb's regiment, in place of John Waterbury, 4th, who was removed into Capt. Hoit's company, in Col. Bradley's regiment. The Governor and Council sent a letter to Gen. Silliman, instructing him to keep the utmost vigilance over the enemy, who were supposed to be collecting in New York, in order to go up the North river, to destroy the magazines at Danbury, and other places in that quarter, and to raise his brigade for defence, if he thought proper ; to give the earliest intelligence to the Governor and Council, of every alarming appear- ance of danger in his department. Isaac Hilliard had a permit to carry to Massachusetts, 3,800 pounds of flax, for the inhabitants there. The permit was directed to be en- dorsed to prevent fraud. Col. Lattimer, of the 3d regiment, was directed immediately to draft and march 200 men of his regiment, to take post at New London, to take the places of the military companies then there ; to serve not ex- ceeding one month, and under such officers of his regiment as he should assign, with himself the chief in command. The great difficulty that had constantly existed in raising troops, and the frequent calls for new recruits, became perfectly vexatious, and 434 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. every method that coulfflse devised to encourage men to enHst was resorted to, to fill up the continental army. A proclamation by the Governor and Council, for the purpose of hastening the raising of the army, was given as follows : " Whereas notwithstanding the encouragement given by the Conti- nental Congress, and by the General Assembly of this State, and the generous exertions of the towns, and of individuals in the State, in con- sequence of acts of said Assembly and the Governor and Council, to raise and furnish our quota of the continental army, for the great and unspeakably important purposes of defending all our property, our lives, and all the privileges which render life desirable and secures any of its blessings to posterity. The quota or proportion of the army is not yet completed in Connecticut, and the time swiftly approaches and is almost arrived, when, without more vigorous and succsssful efforts, all is lost ; there is, therefore, no more time to spare ; while the great laws of reason, virtue, and self-preservation call aloud for universal attention to this great object, of far greater importance than any other temporal concern. It is^^ therefore, 07ice more most pressingly and earnestly recommended to all whom it may concern, to use every in- fluence and exertion, immediately to fill up the quota of the respective towns, and forthwith to engage in this so greatly important and neces- sary service, which cannot be longer neglected, without the most immi- nent hazard of ruin and destruction to this State and continent ; and unless said army be immediately filled, constant rotfitions of the militia and husbandmen must be called off, which would afford the dismal, certain prospect of being devoured by famine. It is then in every view the duty and interest of all, to exert themselves to promote and encourage this great and good work, and of a sufficient number of able and effective men forthwith to undertake for defence of their countiy, and on the reasonable and generous rewards and encouragements offered them. And they have great reason to rely upon the protection and blessing of God Almighty, and to put their trust in him for success in this our righteous cause, though for our manifold sins He is pleased to suffer us to labor under so many delays and difficulties. But the voice and tokens of his Providence now seem clearly to point out, that longer delay would be fatal and destructive to ourselves and all succeeding generations ; and as some are absolutely necessary at home, for many great purposes, as well as to afford necessarie's for the subsistence of those abroad ; it is high time, and highly necessary that each should take their several stations ; and that every exertion to which God has enabled us, should be made, as we would do our duty to Him, and save ourselves and country, and avoid the keenest remorse and anguish for REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 435 having neglected any means in our power to preserve, and transmit to our children the most precious privileges that ever any people were blessed with." Therefore, as a reasonable, just, and necessary measure, in the then situation of the public affairs, the Governor and Council recommended and ordered, that the commissioned officers of every company in each town in the State, and field officers who resided therein, should within one day after the receipt of the order, meet together, and find the number wanting in each town, to complete their quota of said army ; and when so found, the commissioned and field officers in such towns, should forthwith class all the men of each company, within said town, into as many equal numbers or classes as there were deficiencies in said towns ; in so classing were included all persons formed by law into alarm companies, and use their best discretion ; and such classes were ordered enrolled and convened by the chief officer thereof, and by said officer called upon, and earnestly invited to freely enlist into said army, and be notified of such classing and divisions, and each of such divisions called upon to turn out, furnish or e7ilist one able bodied man into some company of the eight battalions. And in case any such divisions should fail at the end of three days, to enlist or procure a man so to enlist, and give the captain of the company to which he did belong, notice thereof. It was made the duty of such captain, with the advice of his subalterns, without further orders, to draft one able bodied man from each of said divisions, and join them to the nearest company in any of said eight battalions, where needed, and furnished as the enlisted soldiers, and mafch with them in the same service ; and held in said service until the 1st day of January, 1778, unless sooner discharged ; to which discharge they were to be entitled by lot, as fast as their places could be filled by enlistment into said army, from the town to which he belonged, or by procuring a fit substitute, with the same wages, &c. as the continental soldiers. The detaching officer was ordered to give the names of those detached, to the captain of the next continental company wanting men ; who was authorized to seize and take such detached person or persons, into said company, with a bounty of j£3, if said detached persons continued in said service for the term aforesaid, or in proportion for a shorter time, if he volun- tarily entered said service (before marching.) And if such detached persons refused to march, they Avere made liable to the penalty, as was provided in a law, passed December, 1776. In Session, April 15. £300 was paid Capt. Nathaniel Saltonstall m advance for his com- pany. 436 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. The overseers of the^phace, at Salisbury, wore directed, after they had supplied what cannon and shot were ordered to the north, to send the remainder, as well those of Norton & Porter's, as of the State, to Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield, in such proportions as the Gov- ernor should direct ; and to send all the pig iron to Hartford. In Session, April 17. It was voted, that the men of any town in the State, who had or should enlist into the continental train band, should be considered as part of the quota of men to be raised in such town for the continental service, not to include more than 170 in all. Mr. Whiting was allowed 15s. per day, at the furnace, as one of the managers, boarding himself, finding a horse to use about said fur- nace, and his own fire wood. Benjamin Henshaw was sent to estimate the cost of building a bridge over the Ousatonic river, in Salisbury, where wanted, for the use of the furnace, and make his report to the Governor and Council. An order on Isaac Doolittle & Co., for 625 pounds of powder, was given to the selectmen of Waterbury. An order of £8 : 14, was given John Alden, for carrying $20,000 to Gen. Knox, per order of Gen. Washington. An order was given Daniel Strong, for £15: 16: 3, for carting a load of clothing to Skeensborough in August, 1776. Roger Alden was allowed £6 : 18 : 6, for supporting John Beedle and his party, on the 14th of November, 1776, in bringing tory con- victs from Stratford. James Mason, a tory prisoner from New York, was permitted to re- turn to Kingston, in that State. At a meeting of the Governor and Council, at Norwich, on their way to New London, April 21, 1777, they appointed Dr. Philip Tur- ner, director of the hospital and store of this State, in the continental army ; and then proceeded to New London, and put up with Mr. Shaw. * In Session, April 22. The Governor and Council examined the hills, &c. about fort Truni- bull and at Mamacock, and examined the works at the forts ; then went on board the Oliver Cromwell, and examined said ship ; then pro- ceeded to Groton fort, after which examinations, returned to New London. The Governor and Council wrote letters to Mr. Elliot, the agent, with respect to prizes in Massachusetts ; and to Capt. Smedley, res- pecting two prizes he had taken and sent to Boston and Dartmouth. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777.. 437 Capt. Coit (then) late of the ship Oliver Cromwell, appeared before the Governor and Council, and complained of hard treatment in his dismission from said ship ; and asked for a committee to settle his and the officers of said ship's accounts ; and Capt. Deshon, Ebenezer Led. yard, Esq., and Capt. Joseph Hurlbut were appointed a committee to adjust said accounts against said ship ; the wages of officers, seamen, and marines. And Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, as agent, was directed to attend for the State, to said examination, and act for the State. Eight additional field pieces, furnished with carriages, were ordered as soon as might be, at or near the fort at New London. Col. Lattimer, commander of 200 men, ordered for defence at New London, was instructed, with the advice of Col. Waters, engineer, to employ such of said men as were skilful, as might be profitably used in blasting rocks at fort Trumbull, and a suitable number as guards at the fort, and the remainder in carrying on the works at Gi'oton fort. David Bushnell with Col. Huntington, appeared before the Governor and Council and exhibited a specimen of a new invention for annoying ships, &c., (torpedo) ; the Governor and Council gave him an order on officers, agents, and commissaries to afford him assistance of men, boats, powder, lead, &c., as he might want, delivered him without stint. Adam Babcock was allowed to purchase of Col. Porter, ten 4 pound cannon, and six swivels, with shot for them. In Session, April 25. A letter was received with the information that Capt. Smedley had taken another prize, called the Grog, which had arrived at Plymouth. Letters were written to Capt. Smedley, by Mr. Shaw, (who was going there,) and to Watson & Spooner, regarding the three prizes (then) JVotes on Prizes, Samuel Elliot, Jr., in account with the prize brig Med way, Boston, November 16, 1778— £3,959 : 9 : 9. Boston, October 7, 1778. The prize brig Medway, taken by the ship Oliver Cromwell, sold by William Greenleal" for j£3,501 : 13. May, 1777. Proceeds of the prize brig Grog, so far as was then accounted for £3,343 : 18 : 4 ; which was afterwards corrected, and amounted to £3,298 : 1 : 8, taken by Capt. Smedley. Mr. S. Elliot's account of the sales of the prize ships Admiral Kepple and Cyrus, taken by Capt. Smedley. Account rendered in 1778, by said Elliot, £81,235:14:5. Net amount of the sale of the prize Snow Swift and her cargo, captured by Capt. Smedley in the brig Defence, and account rendered, June 3d, by William Greenleaf, being ^5,644 : 9 ; total, £5,717 ; 16 : 6. Mr. Elliot's account of the Snow Swift being £5,903 : 5 : 6. Sale of the prize brig Anna and her cargo, for the State of Connecticut, taken 56 438 .REVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1777. lately sent in by Capti^Rnedlcy, &;c. ; and appointed said Samuel Smedley, captain of the armed brig Defence, and so informed him. Letters were received from Gen. Gates, with the information that Gen. Gates had been appointed commander at the northward ; and most earnestly requesting that the eastern troops should be forwarded ; with copies of many letters, shewing the danger they were in. Also requesting Gov. Trumbull to write to Massachusetts and New Hamp- shire, sivinff all the information in said letters to those States. In Session, April 26. Mr. Henshaw applied by letter for a guard about the furnace. A guard of four men was allowed each night, two at a time, of such men as he could trust, to be paid, and under the direction of Ihe overseers. Letters were sent to Boston and New Hampshire, pressing them to hasten their troops, as had been desired by Gen. Gates. Letters were sent (by Mr. Alden, prize master,) to Mr. Elliot, agent in Massachusetts, concerning the prizes of Capt. Smedley, and partic- ularly the last at Plymouth. Also to Watson & Spooner, at Plymouth, who had taken care of said prizes. An order for 16 shirts was given for Capt. Andrew Fitch, Samuel Gray, John White, and Capt. Vine Elderkin. In Session, April 27. The Governor and Council had received on the evening of the 26th of April, by express, the alarming news from the west, of troops land- ing at Fairfield, and others going up the North river ; and on the 27th a further account from Col. Huntington, at Dunbury, that 18 ships, with troops of the enemy, were then going up the North river near Peekskill. At evening on the 27th, news arrived that Danbury was on fire, and all the stores were taken by the British troops. The Governor by Capt. Smedley ; the account rendered June 3d, 1777, by William" Greenleaf, £2,635 : 9 : 7. By Mr. Elliot, £2,663 : 17 : 1. Sale of the prize barque Lydia and her cargo, rendered by S. Elliot, Jr., in December, 1777, £6,61Q : 13 : 1, taken by Capt. Smedley in the brig Defence, of which William Greenleaf sold at Bedford, £2,829 : 10. The prize brig Honor and her cargo, was sold for £10,692 : 2 : 4, as accounted by Samuel Elliot, Jr., agent for the State of Connecticut, 1777. The amount of the sale of the prize ship Cyrus, (taken by the Oliver Crom- well and Defence,) as rendered by William Greenleaf, was £22,561 : 14 : 4. The sum of £1,9C1 : 2 :5 was expended to fit out the brig Defence the first cruise, and until she was fitted out for the second. The sum of £1,852 : 8 : 1 for the second cruise. The sum of £3,254 : 1 : 4 was paid for the the third out- fit of the brig Defence, including the wages of seamen, &c. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 439 and Council concluded that Gen. Huntington should go on westward, with full power to order as many militia as he should deem necessary, and hasten the continental troops. In Session, April 28. William Starr, of Goshen, was appointed ensign in Capt. Chapman's company, in Col. Swift's regiment, in the place of David Rusco, resigned. Thomas Starr, 3d, was appointed ensign in Capt. Woodbridge's company, in Col. Swift's regiment, in place of Adino Hale. Philemon Hall, of Guilford, was appointed ensign in Capt. Hall's company, in Swift's regiment, instead of Dan Collins. Samuel Gray was ordered to deliver Lieut. Col. Josiah Starr, all articles of clothing wanted for Col. Swift's regiment. $40,000 was ordered to be loaned to the continental pay master for the northern department, by this State. Samuel Gray was ordered to deliver Lieut. Col. Meigs one dozen officers' shirts and 50 soldiers' shirts, for his regiment. An order was drawn on Elderkin & Wales for 64 pounds of pow- der, for Capt. James Chamberlain's company of horse, in the 4th regi- ment of horse. The town of Tolland had an order for 250 pounds of powder. The town of Coventry had an order for 300 pounds of pow^der. Bolton had an order on Elderkin & Wales for 150 pounds of powder. Rev. Ichabod Lewis was appointed chaplain of Col. Bradley's regi- ment, instead of Isaac Lewis. Job Smith was appointed pay master in Col. Bradley's regiment, instead of Hezekiah Rogers. Elijah Chapman was promoted to 1st lieutenant in Capt. Childs' company, in said regiment, instead of George Griswold, resigned. Edward Palmer was appointed 2d lieu- tenant, under Capt. Childs, and Benjamin Converse, ensign, and Gor- ham, ensign in said company. John Hubbard was appointed ensign in Capt. Lacy's company, in said regiment. Othniel Clark Avas ap- pointed ensign in Capt. Prior's company in said regiment. Daniel Bradley, ensign in Capt. Hart's company, in place of Cotton Mather, resigned. Cornelius Higgins was appointed 2d lieutenant in Capt. Catlin's company, in said regiment ; and Elias Child, ensign in the same company ; and William Henshaw, ensign in Capt. Wright's com- pany, same regiment. In Session, April 29. An order was given to furnish Greenwich with four 3 or 4 pound 440 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. cannon, and shot in f4BPortion, from Salisbury, in addition to what they had received. Andrew Huntington was directed to mount two cannon made by Ehjah Backus, Esq., on proper, plain field carriages. Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., of Groton, was directed to find what field carriages were at New London and Groton suitable for field cannon, not mounted ; and to mount six field pieces then on hand, for use at New London and Groton. Orders were given to the colonels of the eastern regiments, viz. : the 3d, 8th, 20th and 2Ist regiments, that as the operations of the enemy, and their descent upon the western parts of the State, opened an alarming prospect of their designs to lay waste the New England States, and had already aroused to action a great portion of the militia, west of Connecticut river, to oppose the British in that quarter ; it was considered not improbable that the enemy might suddenly change the place of their operations from the western to the eastern parts of the State, or the neighboring States, which was considered a reason why all should be in immediate preparation to exert themselves on the most sudden alarm. Therefore the said colonels were ordered to give notice to the captains within said regiments, to see their companies immediately furnished, and made ready to march to any place attacked by the enemy, on the shortest notice ; and each town to collect all military stores in some place that would be necessary on such an event or occasion. In Session, April 30. Mr. Brown, at this date, returned as an express from Congress, and brought a confirmation of the destruction of the stores at Danbury ; and that many houses, &c., had been burnt, and that the enemy were retiring back. Soon after another express from Gen. Silliman, with a letter arrived, which contained the sad news that Gen. Wooster w^as mortally wounded ; Doct. Atwater, Col. Gould, and others were killed ; and that the enemy had returned on board their ships, after some skirmishes, and several killed on both sides. An order from Congress was received, to confine Gov. Franklin, without pen, ink, or paper ; and directed him to be conveyed, under guard, by the sheriff of Hartford county, forthwith to Litchfield gaol. Titus Hosmer, Esq., was directed to deliver to the selectmen of Lebanon, 1 ,000 pounds of flax, in hands, the property of the State, sent from Fairfield county. In Session, May 4. Capt. Joshua Huntington, of Norwich, was directed to deliver REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 441 100 barrels of continental powder, to Ebenezer Devotion ; 100 barrels to Capt. J. Ripley, of Coventry ; and 100 barrels to David Trumbull, of Lebanon, and provide teams to transport it, and by them to be care- fully kept until further orders. Capt. Jabez Perkins was directed to sell the salt in his hands, to the inhabitants of the State, not exceeding one bushel to any one man. Orders were given to remove 30 hogsheads of molasses, owned by the State, at Norwich, to the West Farms, Potapaugue, and New Con- cord, to be deposited there for safety, in the care of Capt. J. Perkins, (who was to remove it.) Capt. Perkins was directed to deliver 40 hogsheads of molasses, to Andrew Huntington, to be distilled for pub- lie use. Gen. Huntington was directed to deliver 1,000 pounds of State powder, to the selectmen of Norwich. Capt. E. Bill was ordered to deliver to E. Devotion, Esq., of Wind- ham, 10 hogsheads of sugar, and 14 hogsheads of rum, to be stored ; and to deliver Capt. Ripley, of Coventry, 10 hogsheads of sugar, and 15 hogsheads of rum ; and the same of each to David Trumbull, for safe keeping. The colonels and commanding officers of the 5th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 21st, 22d and 25th regiments of militia had orders to draft one-fourth part of their said regiments of militia and alarm list, under proper officers, to man the forts at New London and Grot on, until relieved by the continental army. The commanding officers of the continental regiments in this State, were ordered to apply to any civil authority in the State, who were obUged to furnish enlisted soldiers with blankets, who were empowered to grant warrants to proper persons to impress blankets for the use of said soldiers, in their towns where said soldiers belonged, (ap- praised, &;c.) Brig. Gen. VVadsworth was directed to order one-fourth part of his brigade, properly officered, to march to New Haven, for defence of the coast there ; and to appoint the officers himself. Brig. Gen. Silliman was directed to order one-fourth part of his brigade to the sea coast, in Fairfield county, under proper officers, by him appointed, for defence of the coast. Col. Elderkin was directed to procure 6 men and 12 horses, and to go to Portsmouth, and apply to John Langdon, Esq., for six continental brass field pieces irf his hands, with the carriages and apparatus, and bring them to this State, as soon as might be, for our defence. The Governor gave an order on the New Haven powder mill, to deliver the selectmen of Stamford 600 pounds of powder. 442 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. ^^N Session, May 12. Mr. Shaw was directed to order Capt. Niles to land the provisions on board the Spy, with Deshon and Ledyard as comraissaries ; and to give orders to Capt. Niles what goods to bring from Bedford, on her next voyage to that place. Orders were given to the commanding officers of the forts at New London and Groton, to order the troops drafted from northern com- panies in Stonington, to march directly to the forts at Stonington, to man that place for defence ; and those drafted from southern companies in said town, to return home, and hold themselves in readiness to serve on the shortest notice, for the defence of those forts. Capt. Palmer was directed to remove the public stores at Stoning, ton, back in the country to a place of safety. Andrew Huntington was directed to cause the two guns on ship car- riages, at Norwich Landing, to be immediately mounted on field carriages. Asahel Clark was appointed ensign in Capt. Collins' company, in Col. Bradley's regiment. Doct. David Howe was appointed surgeon's mate in Col. Chandler's regiment, in continental service. In Session, May 14. Doolittle & Co. were ordered to deliver to the town of Durham, 200 pounds of powder. In Session, (at Hartford) May 16. Bayze Wells was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. Kimball's com- pany, in place of Nathan Parsons, resigned in Col. Chandler's regiment ; Lemuel Hitchcock was appointed 2d lieutenant in the same company. Theodore Wadsworth was appointed surgeon's mate in Col. Doug- lass' regiment, in place of Doct. Todd, resigned, (continental service.) Elijah Hubbard was appointed commissary and superintendent of the stores provided by the State for continental troops. In Session, May 19. Orders were given to Capt. R. Niles, of the schooner Spy, to put the Spy in a condition for a cruise, and to enlist a crew to serve not longer than the 1st of January, 1778— £300 was voted him for pub- lie use. In Session, May 22. The overseers of the furnace at Salisbury, were ordered to advance for the State, £50 to aid the building a bridge over the Ousatonic river where needed, for the use of the furnace. Also to mount two 4 or 6 pounders, on field carriages. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 443 Chauncey Whittlesey, Esq. was ordered to procure a warrant, and seize the wheat in the hands of John Birdsey & Sons, in Middletown, for the use of this State, leaving them sufficient for their own use ; and cause the same to be floured as soon as possible, and deliver 50 bush- els to the selectmen of Saybrook, for the troops in the fort there, and pay said Birdsey & Sons the lawful price. Benjamin Henshaw was directed to borrow 100 bushels of salt of Capt. Wadsworth, for the furnace at Salisbury. Jabez Perkins was directed to send, for the use of the furnace, to Capt. B. Henshaw, 3 hogsheads of molasses, 2 hogsheads of New England rum, 1 hogshead of West India rum, and 1 hogshead of sugar. Mr. Whittlesey, of Middletown, was directed to supply Capt. Hen- shaw with what tow cloth and rags he should want for the furnace at Salisbury. In Session, May 23. Mr. Wales and B. Huntington were appointed to prepare instruc- tions for the commissaries of supplies in this State ; and the following, in substance, were the instructions to Elijah Hubbard, Esq, as com- missary of supplies and refreshments for the troops raised in this State for the continental army. He was directed, without delay, to purchase one good team or wagon with horses, to each regiment, and employ a trusty man for each, and load said teams with rum, sugar, molasses and clothing, owned by this State, in the hands of such men as he would be informed from time to time, and they directed to deliver to said Hubbard. Informing said Hubbard that at that time there Avas West India rum and sugar in the hands of Capt. Ephraim Bill ; salt in the hands of Capt. J. Perkins ; New England rum and clothing in the hands of Mr. A. Huntington, of Norwich ; clothing, rum, and sugar in the possession of Capt. J. Elderkin, of Windham ; clothing in the hands of Mr. C. Whittlesey, of Middletown, Col. J. Fitch, of New Haven, Capt. S. Squire, of Fairfield, D. Webb and D. Gray, of Stam- ford, and Mr. Abel Hine, of New Milford. He Avas directed to transport and secure such stores in the safest places he could procure, near the continental army ; with an assurance of persons appointed to take care of and oversee the stores about the camp ; and an issuing commissary was appointed for each regiment. He was also empow- ered to impress teams, boats, &c., as occasion might require, to trans- port any stores, and employ men to execute the design ; and in cases of danger to advise with the officers of the army, apply for guards, &c. ; to purchase all things needful ; to provide forage and provender 444 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. for teams, cattle, an^plorses, as should be needful and convenient. The assistant and issuing commissaries to apply to said Hubbard for orders, under such directions as he should give for each soldier at each time, and how often. All articles to be delivered at the door of the tent or store, and the receiver to depart for others to be served ; and an exact account kept of what was delivered to each soldier, and sent to the pay master of each regiment, and deducted out of their wages when paid. If a regiment should be divided, the issuing commissary to supply them ; or in case the divisions are distant, to have a person specially assigned for that service, and keep an account, and send it to the commissary of the regiment. The said Hubbard was directed to keep an account of all expenses made by him, and of money re- ceived, and have the same in order for settlement. The troops at Peekskill were then in want, and he was ordered to render them the first assistance ; and to see that others were furnished with necessaries, as they should take the field. In Session, May 28. The schooner Mifflin, under the command oC Capt. Timothy White» with the officers and crew on board, were discharged from the service of this State. And Capt. White was directed to deliver said schooner, and the stores on board, owned by the country, to the agent for the State ; and such stores on board as belonged to the State were directed to be delivered to Gen. Silliman, or his order. Royal Flint, of Windham, was appointed an assistant commissary under Mr. Hubbard, with a captain's pay and rations, while in camp, and necessary expenses paid in lieu of rations when in service out of camp ; and necessary horses provided by the State. The pay and ra- tions of the issuing commissaries of supplies, &c., were £9 per month, and two rations per diem. James Jones, of Middletown, and David Breed, of Norwich, were appointed issuing commissaries of supplies, &c., for the troops from this State, in continental service. Capt. John Chenevard was allowed j£77 : 9 : 1, for one-half the expense of building the yard round the Hartford gaol. Liberty was given Capt. Smedley to consort with the privateer, own- ed by Thomas Mumford, Esq. and others, in a cruise, as said Smedley should please. The Governor sent Capt. Smedley's commission, dated 25th April, 1777, to him at Bedford, and his saihng orders, and three blank corn- missions for him to fill for subaltern officers, (Leeds, one of his lieu- -^nants being, d^ad.) J^' REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 445 In Session, May 30. Nathaniel Shaw, Jr. was permitted to purchase of Col. Porter, at Sahsbury, six cannou, and pay said Porter. Jabez Smith was appointed surgeon's mate, in Col. Philip Burr Bradley's regiment, in continental service. William Little, Jr., of Lebanon, James Davenport, of Stamford, and Ithamar Bingham, were appointed issuing commissaries of sup. plies, &;c. for the Connecicut troops in continental service. In Session, May 3L The account of Smith & Coit, for medicine delivered to Dr. Russel, for the army in the northern department, was referred to the pay table, for adjustment. The overseers of the cannon foundry were directed to sell to Daniel Tyler & Co. three 3 pound cannon, at the usual price. £1,500 was drawn in favor of E. Ledyard, commissary of the troops at Groton. Orders were given to Samuel Elliott, Jr., Esq., of Boston, agent for this State, to sell 100 barrels of beef and pork, and 40 fii-kins of butter, taken in the prize at Plymouth, (by the brig Defence,) to the inhabitants of Plymouth, at the lawful price in Massachusetts. One-half of the militia at the forts of New London and Groton, were ordered to be drawn off by lot, and dismissed ; and all the militia com. panics at Stonington dismissed ; and the officers at those posts were directed to execute the same. Wm. Seymour appointed lieutenant of the artillery company, in Nor. walk, and John Ben, lieutenant of the artillery company, at Stamford. In Session, June 1. Intelligence was received from Col. Burrall, of the 14th regiment of militia, that an attack was apprehended at Ticonderoga, and that troops were wanted for their assistance ; and the Governor and Coun- cil gave Col. Burrall the information that the copy of Gen. Poor's and Gen. Fellows' letters had been received with his ; and ordered Col. Burrall, first, to deduct the overseers, clerk, moulders, firemen, colliers, ore diggers, and such others as were necessarily employed at the can. non foundry, in Sahsbury ; and order the residue of the regiment under his command, to be in readiness when called, and to draft one-half of the same by rotation, according to law, with a suitable number of offi- cers ; to sec them armed, equipped, &c., M'ith ammunition, knapsacks, &c., and so much provision to carry with them as he should judge necessary ; to send (in the meantime) an express to get iotelligence* and when information should be received by said express, to judge for himself whether to march all or a part, as the urgency of the case should require. 57 446 RKVOUITIONARY WAR, 1777. ^^ Skssion, June 2. An order was given to the commanding officers of the militia in service at New Haven, to draft 90 men for a company, including offi- cers, from those then in service in New Haven, and anoint the officers ; to remain in service there, until further orders, and to dismiss the remainder of the militia at that post. Abraham WoodhuU, of Long Island, who had been taken on board a vessel in the sound, by the Schuyler sloop-of-war, was permitted, on his parole, that he would neither do or say any thing against the United States, &,c., and return to Long Island, and return to Connecticut on request. Rufus B. Abel was appointed pay master of the regiment commanded by Col. Jedediah Huntington. In Session, Juoe 3. Col. Champion was ordered to deliver to the selectmen of Saybrook, 8 barrels of beef, and 9 barrels of pork, for the use of the troops there. Capt. Ventris, commander of the troops at Saybrook, was directed to draw 50 men by lot, from the companies there, with a proportion of officers, and dismiss them ; and those not drawn were to remain, and be fornied into one company, until further orders. A representation was made by Messrs. Peter Vandervort and Rich- ardson. Sands, that Thomas Y. Jackson, of New York, taken on board an armed vessel on her way from New York to Rhode Island, by a privateer from Stonington, M'as desirous of going to Hartford, and take a part with the friends of the country ; that he had ever been esteemed a warm friend of this country, &;c. The Governor and Council per. mitted him to go to Hartford with said R. Sands. Orders were given to arrest W. Stewart, of New London, for being one of the owners of a vessel taken by the Schuyler, Capt. Hawley, going with provisions (to the enemy) to New York, that he should be examined touching the vessel and cargo. Orders were given to Capt. W. Ledyard, to procure what necessary artillery stores he could, such as shot, &c., if to be had at the furnace, at the eastward or elsewhere. Samuel Elliot, Jr., agent for the State, was ordered to deliver to Capt. Niles, of the Spy, two cannon at Dartmouth or Bedford, (the property of this State.) In Session, June 4. Capt. James Latham was directed to unlade the salt and other cargo, on board a vessel then arrived in Boston, and store the same at Boston, and unbend the sails and lay up the vessel until furthei orders. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 447 The overseers of the furnace were directed to supply all persons who should apply lor salt pans, (without interfering with casting can- non,) observing the order of applications, that each should have his turn, to be sold at a reasonable price. Andrew Adams, John Canfield, and Lynd Lord, Esq'rs., were a committee to adjust the accounts (of the last blast) of the furnace, with Col. Porter. ' John Fitch, of Canterbury, Sylvester Bearing, of Middletown, and Nathan Preston, of Woodbury, were appointed issuing commissaries of supplies, &;c., to the continental troops in service. In Session, June 5. Col. Meigs sent a letter to the Governor, urging the necessity of pressing teams, and clothing for his men. The Governor was desired by the Council to write to the clothier general, at Boston, tor supphes of clothing. Stephen Betts was appointed captain of a company in Col. Webb's regiment, in the place of Nathaniel Goodwin, deceased. Seth Weed was appointed 1st lieutenant in said company. Silas Bingham, 2d lieutenant, same company, and Isaac Sheeler, ensign of said company. In Session, June 7. The balance due Eliphalet Roberts, the late captain of marines of the ship Oliver Cromwell, being Jt;i26 ;5 : 2 was paid to Mr. Coit, pay master of said ship. Isaac Swift was appointed surgeon's mate in Col. Swift's regimentV In Session, June 9. The managers of Sahsbury furnace were directed to cast for Moses Craft, four salt pans, the larger the better ; and take the pay at 50s. per hundred. David Lowry was exempted from all military duty while he should be employed in making gun locks. In Session, June 10. Benjamin Welles, of Stamford, was appointed an issuing commissary of supplies, &c., for the Connecticut troops in continental service. Jabez Huntington, Nathaniel Wales, Jr., and Benjamin Huntington, Esq'rs., were a committee to settle with Capt. Coit all his accounts relating to the Oliver Cromwell ; the officers and ship's crew, (except the pay and wages of said officers and crew, which had been referred to Capt. Deshon, &;c.) Also to settle the accounts of N. Shaw, Esq., against the State, for articles found said ship and crew, and for all his 448 RF.VOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. demands agaitist the Stilton account of said ship, and his service in every respect. Three swivel guns, four dozen swivel shot, with a wormcr and ladle, at New London, were loaned to Col. Matthew Talcott. John Fragan, a sargcant in the .'iSth regiment, a prisoner of war at Hartford, was permitted to go to New York to procure clothing, &c., for the prisoners of war of sundry regiments, upon his parole, to say or do nothing to the prejudice of any of the United States, and to return Mithin 16 days. Timothy Kcyes was authorized to receive of the store keepers of salt, of this State, at Boston, 30 bushels of salt, for the town and county of Westmoreland, (at the price of £15, paid Benjamin Payne.) Ebenezer Heath, of Willington, certified Jcdediah Amidon chosen captain of the 10th company, 22d regiment of militia ; and Richard Pearl, lieutenant in said company, which was established by the Gov- ernor and Couvicil. In Session, June 11. Jesse Brown, of Norwich, post rider, w as permitted to purchase of James Church, of Hartford, 100 pounds of flax to make him some clothes, at lOd. per pound. The non-commissioned ofticers and soldiers raised and stationed on the sea coast, in this State, were permitted to enlist into the two battal- ions then raising. Edward Mulford was established an ensign in the 1 1th military com- pany, 2d regiment of militia. An order of £758 : 3 : 7 was drawn in favor of> Elderkin & Wales, of Windham, for powder. In Session, June 12. A commission was granted to Mr. Hilliard, of Hartford, who did the duty of captain in Col. S. Whiting's regiment, ordered raised in this State. The same pay and wages were granted to officers and soldiers in the companies of matross in service in this State, as was allowed by Congress to officers of equal rank, and privates in the companies of artillery in continental service. Moses Bull, of Hartford, was permitted, on his parole, to go to West- Chester, in the State of New York, to secure his effiicts there. The contract of Thomas Bidwell, to manufacture sulphur for the State, was extended for two years, after receiving the materials to work with ; and he was allowed for time, expenses, &.C., in hindrance, &c., £89:11. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 449 The managers of the furnace at Salisbury, were directetl to cast for Mr. Thomas Bidwell, as many iron pots and receivers, for the manu- facture of sulphur, as he should direct. In Session, June 13. The authority, &c., of the town of Killingworth, stated that John Wilcox and James Ward, of that town, who were sent to Willingtoii as enemies to the country, manifested a more friendly feeling, &;c. They were permitted, on taking the oath of fidelity, to be released from their confinement, to return home, and remain under the direction of the civil authority and selectmen, &,c., of said town. Commissaries Hubbard and Flint were ordered to purchase 100 tons of flour for their use and at the expense of the State, and cause as much as in their power to be transported to Hartford and other places, as should be directed, by the returning teams employed in transporting refreshments, &c., to the continental army. The selectmen of Milford were allowed for services about the fort there, £6:7:6. William Witter, of Hackensack, iu New Jersey, stated to the Gov- ernor and Council, that while he was after a doctor for his sick wife, he Avas taken by the adherents of the King of Great Britain, and com- pelled to stand upon guard, where he was retaken by our troops and brought to Wethersfield, and held as a prisoner of war, and in poor health, and asked to be discharged ; which was granted, and said Witter discharged. The commissaries appointed to purchase refreshments in the several counties, reported, that they could not purchase any West India goods for the use of the troops in their respective counties ; and the Board having been informed that there were large quantities of West India goods in the hands of several persons in the counties of Hartford, New Haven, New London, and Windham, desired the Governor to issue warrants to the sheriffs, &c., in said counties, to impress and take from such persons in said counties, in whose hands the same should be found, and deliver the same to Elijah Hubbard, commissary ; and make return of the articles, with the prices limited by law, viz. : In Hartford county. New Haven county. New London county, Windham county, Adam Babcock was directed to receive at Bedford, in Massachusetts, rum. sugar. molasses. coffee. 10 hhds. 20 hhds. 40 hhds. 7,000 lbs. 4 « 10 " 20 « 3,000 « 6 " 10 " 20 « 5,000 « 6 " 10,000 « 450 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 50 barrels of pork ant^Jpief, property of this State, for the ship Fanny, in return for articles furnished several privateers, of this State. George Folliot, of Ridgfield, who was committed to the gaol in Hartford, as a tory, was liberated from said prison, by paying all costs, and taking the oath of fidelity. The commissaries appointed in the several counties to purchase re- freshments for the troops from Connecticut, were directed to purchase for said troops, in their counties, as large quantities in their power as they could find of New England and West India rum, muscovado sugar, molasses, coffee, chocolate, cheese, tobacco, woolen cloths for vests and breeches, linen shirting, tow cloth, shoes, stockings, yarn and linen, felt hats, one pipe of wine, Madeira, Lisbon, or Caiiara. In Session, June 20. ' £1,500 was paid Andrew Huntington, for the purchase of clothing* and mounting cannon. In Session, June 21. Mary Codwise, of New York, had restored to her seven hogsheads of sugar, impressed by Ezekiel Williams, sheriff" of Hartford county. In Session, June 23. Jabez Clark, of Lebanon, w^as appointed issuing commissary to the regiment raised in this State for the continental service for three years, or during the war. The Governor was requested by the Council to sign an order to Samuel Elliot, agent, to deliver Capt. W. Hubbard 20 barrels of beef and pork, in exchange for an equal quantity of pork and beef, to be delivered by Capt. Hubbard, at Norwich, for this State. The overseers of Salisbury furnace were ordered to deliver to the selectmen of Norwalk, Stamford, and Greenwich, each, 100 round shot, to suit their field pieces, and grape shot in proportion. Ichabod Bosworth, of Lebanon, was appointed 1st lieutenant in Col. J. Ely's regiment, in place of E. West, resigned. Ebenezer West, of Lebenon, was appointed adjutant of Col. Ely's regiment. In Session, June 24. An order was drawn on C. Whittlesey, in favor of Aaron Comstock, quarter master of Col. Chandler's regiment, for 100 flannel shirts for said regiment. David Holmes, of Woodstock, was appointed surgeon in Col. Chand- ler's regiment. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 451 In Session, June 25. George Phillips & Co. were permitted to transport out of this State, 1,000 bushels of rye and corn, to the port of Bedford, in Massachu. setts, to purchase salt for the inhabitants of this State. In Session, June 26. The Council of Safety of the State of New York applied to this Board, for Dr. Piatt Townsend, and the inhabitants of the State of New York, to erect works in this State for manufacturing salt, to be transported out of this State ; which was granted, on condition no State premium should be paid on their salt so manufactured in Connecticut, by this State. Ralph Isaacs, upon his request, was permitted to leave Wallingford, and reside on his farm at Branford, under the direction of the civil authority, &c., of said Branford, and under the same restrictions as were given him at Eastbury. John Mulford, Esq., of Long Island, a resident in Stonington, sta- ted to the Governor and Council, that he was infirm, and had no means of support in this State ; that he owned an estate on Long Island, and desired to return with his family to said island. The Governor and Council gave liberty to said Mulford and his wife to return to the isl- and, and to take with them one horse and one cow. The overseers of the furnace at Salisbury, were ordered to deliver 100 round 4 pound shot, with grape shot in proportion, to the select- men of Guilford. The owners of the powder mill at New Haven, were ordered to de- liver the selectmen of Guilford, 150 pounds of cannon powder. Gen. Ward received it. John Cornwell, of New Haven, was permitted to transport from Connecticut to Bedford, &c., in Massachusetts, 7 barrels of pork, 7 of beef, 6 of flour, and 100 pounds of flax, to procure salt for our in- habitants. John Wells, Jr., of Glastenbury, was allowed to transport, by water, to the port of Dartmouth, in Massachusetts, 30 barrels of pork, 5 bar- rels of flour ; 10 barrels of pork, and the 5 barrels of flour,' to be put on board a boat, James Skiff", master ; and 20 barrels of pork to be laden on board a schooner, Israel Williams, master, to be transported, to procure salt for the inhabitants of Glastenbury. In Session, (at Lebanon,) June 27. Duncan Stewart, Esq., collector of customs, at New London, was permitted to remove his family and servants to New York, from New York to proceed to London, and to take with him, a white woman 452 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. with two young sona^Hs furniture, and Dr. Maffatt's, and a milch cow, for the benefit of his children on the passage. Francis Bayard Winthrop, on board the sloop Union, in New Lon- don harbor, (a flag from New York,) was permitted to go from said sloop, by water, to the dwelling house of John Winthrop, and to con- tinue in said house and on Winthrop's Neck, (so called,) until said flag should return ; and then return by water from said neck on board the flag. Duncan Stewart, Esq. was allowed to land from the sloop Union, (a flag) then lying near the light house, at New London, three or six packages of necessaries for sundry persons, under the instructions of the selectmen of New London, and to be disposed of under their inspection. Mr. Shaw was directed by the Governor and Council, at the request of D. Stewart, Esq., to assist said Stewart to have the sloop Union navigated to the wharf at New London, by some of the people of this State, while those who came in her, should be kept below in some other vessel, until the Union should return to them, with all convenient speed, and said vessel despatched ; and if said Stewart should have articles that he could not carry in the Union, that Mr. Shaw should cai:ry them in the next flag he should send, at the expense of said Stewart. Noah Colman, of Lebanon, was appointed surgeon in Col. Webb's regiment, in the place of Dr. Cogswell, resigned. I^^ Session, June 28. David Trumbull was desired to procure a wagon or ox team, and proceed immediately to Boston, and transport from Boston, on the most direct road to the army, a quantity of shirts for the use of the soldiers. The officers of the militia at New London and Groton, under Gen. Tyler, were directed to make their pay roll until the next Wednesday, and on the evening of that day be dismissed from service. It was ^ordered, that there should be allowed to each non-commis- sioned officer and soldier of the militia who had or should be called for the defence of the sea coaster as guards, that in lieu of rations granted by the General Assembly, they should be allowed 1 pound of bread or flour, 12 ounces of pork or 1 pound of beef, and 3 pence 1 farthing per diem, and when sauce could not be supplied .by the comniissary and in case of a deficiency of any of the articles, to be allowed in the follow, ing proportion per week, viz. : deficiency of peas, 8^d. ; butter, o\d. ; milk, lOid. ; molasses, 4|-d. ; Indian meal, O^d. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 4f53 It was resolved, that no fatigue rum should be delivered to the troops stationed at any post in the State, except by a written order from the commanding officer of tlie post. An order of £4,000 was drawn in favor of Capt. Deshon. In Session, June 30. , A letter was sent to Gen. Spencer, to inform him of the movements of the enemy in the Jerseys, and in the northern department, by advice received from Gen. Washington and Gen. Schuyler. An order was drawn on Gen. Silliman and Thaddeus Burr, in favor of Nathaniel Shaw, for 4 tons of flax. An order was sent to Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, to send to New Haven all the whale boats, and the armed sloops Schuyler and Mifflin, to cruise off the harbor of New Haven and west of it. Orders were sent to Capt. Niles, of the Spy, to proceed on a cruise to New Haven, and as far west of it as he should think prudent, and towards Long Island, to annoy the enemy, and give any intelligence or interesting discovery he should make of the designs of the enemy. A permit was given to Francis Bayard Winthrop, then on board the sloop Union, a flag, near the light house in New London, to go on shore in the day time, to the house of Thomas Harris, near said light house, to visit his mother, brothers, and sisters, under the direction of the com. manding officer of the fort, civil authority, and selectmen of New London. Advice was received from Gen. Schuyler, that the British fleet and army had advanced as far as Crown Point ; and that a strong party had gone by the way of Otter Creek, for the purpose of falling in be- tween Ticonderoga and Skeensborough ; and that another detachment had marched on the west side of lake George, in order, if possible, to cut off" fort George, &;c., and requested that the militia might be ordered to march as soon as possible to their assistance, and rendezvous either at fort Edward or fort Ann. An order by the Governor was sent to Gen. Oliver Wolcott, stating to him the aforesaid facts ; and that all the continental troops on this side the lakes which occupied the several posts did not exceed 700 men ; that the aid of the militia was required, which he had called upon in the States of New York, MassTichusetts, and Connecticut, to rendezvous at forts Edward and Ann, as soon as might be. Therefore Gen. Wolcott was ordered by the Governor and Council, forthwith to order his brigade, (the 24th regiment excepted,) to hold themselves in readiness to march on the shortest notice. Also to draft by rotation one half of said brigade, (said 24th regiment and overseers, &c., at Sahsbury furnace excepted,) according to law, with a suitable number of officers ; to see them armed, equipped, furnished with ammunition, blankets, d:c., and so much provision as should be 58 454 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. necessary ; and to app^l suitable officers to command them. In the mean time to take care to get intelligence of the state of affairs at the northward, and to act his discretion from such information as he might receive, to order those drafted by rotation, or such other part of his brigade as he should think proper, to march for the assistance of the northern army, or for the relief of any place attacked, either on the North river, or at the northward. A letter was sent to Gen. Wolcott, informing him that a team would be sent to Litchfield loaded with powder, lead, and flints, and requesting him to send a team to Salisbury for a load of cannon shot, to be for- warded by the returning teams. N. B. 1,700 pounds of gun powder, 2,005 pounds of lead, 1,000 flints, and 300 pounds of cannon powder were sent to Litchfield. In Session, July 1. William Redfield, of Middletown, was appointed issuing commissary for the regiment raised in this State for continental service, in the place of James Jones, resigned. Gamaliel Babcock, of Lebanon, was appointed issuing commissary to the battalions raised in this State for continental service, in the place of Dearing, I'csigned. Nathaniel Walker, of Stafford, confessed he deserted from a militia company at New London ; professed penitence for the offence, and asked to be relieved from a prosecution for said desertion. It was shewn he had faithfully served the State before his desertion, and had again enlisted as a soldier in the continental army in Col. Webb's regi- ment for three years. The Governor and Council ordered said Walk- er released, by his paying all costs, and joining the regiment in Avhich he had enlisted. Col. Ely was directed to order Lieut. John Shipman, with 20 men, as a guard at Saybrook, to add 30 men, with an officer ; and to add so many men to the guard at Lyme, under Ensign J. Griswold, as would make the number of 30 men. Liberty had been given in June, to D. Stewart, Esq., on his way to London, to remove the furniture of Dr. Moffat on board the flag of truce sloop Union, from New London ; but it was represented to the Gov- ernor and Council that said Moffat withdrew from this State and had been in arms with the British against us, and by said act his goods were forfeited to the State : Whereibre said permit to remove said goods was recalled, and all said Moffat's goods, estate, and furniture ordered left at New London with the selectmen of the town ; with orders given them to procure a proper process against said goods, &c., and have them condemned as forfeited to this State, if it should be proved that said Moffat had been under arms with the enemy. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 455 Articles of goods had been purchased in New York, by Duncan Stewart, Esq., and brought to New London in the flag of truce Union. It was therefore resolved, that no goods of any kind should be imported from New York, or other place in the possession of the enemy, in flags of truce or otherwise, under a penalty of seizure and confiscation for the use of the State. Any pretended flag of truce to be confiscated, and the captain, and all others on board held as prisoners of war. Daniel Hinsdale, Jr., of Hartford, was permitted to transport by water to Bedford, or other port in Massachusetts, 8 tons of flour, owned in the State of New York, to be exchanged for salt, and transported to that State for their use. Ebenezer Barnard, Jr., of Hartford, was also permitted to transport by water, to Massachusetts, 8 tons of Indian corn, rye, or other provis- ion, or flax and lard, for any quantity of salt or sheep's wool he could procure to be imported into this State, from Massachusetts. If the non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the two regiments were unable to furnish themselves with arms, &;c., the selectmen of their respective towns were ordered to furnish such of them as needed their aid, with arms, blankets, &c. In Session, (at Lebanon) July 2. Joseph Torry, of Killingly, was permitted to carry to Massachusetts, 6 firkins of butter to exchange for salt, for the inhabitants of said Killingly. Daniel Brush, of Long Island, a prisoner of war in this State, was permitted to go at large in the State, on his parole. An order was drawn in favor of William Lase, of Norwich, for £200, and charged to him. Eliphalet Smith, Alexander Furever, and Stephen Woodhull, all of Long Island, and prisoners of war, at New Haven, were released from confinement on parole, so that they might be present at the trial of the capture of the sloop in which they were taken. An order was given to Benjamin Payne, Esq., to cause the goods taken from Peleg Hyde, to be appraised, and held for the use of the State. John Pride, of Poughkeepsie, New York, was permitted to carry by land, from this State, to the State of New York, 30 bushels of salt and 300 pounds of sugar. John Click, of Simsbury, was appointed ensign in Capt. Pettibone's company, in Col. Enos' regiment, in place of Benjamin Holcomb, resigned. Charles Goodwin, of New Hartford, was appointed 2d lieu- tenant in Capt. Abraham Bradley's company, in Col. Enos' regiment. 456 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. Samuel Mills, Daiii^^Iall, and Samuel Rockwell, of Colebrook, were permitted to transport to Massachusetts, three cart loads of flour, to be exchanged lor salt, lor the use of the inhabitants of said town. Jedediah Olcott, of Hartford, was permitted to transport to Massa- chusetts, one cart load of flour, to exchange for salt, for the inhabitants. Is Session, July 3. Isaac Knight was appointed surgeon, and William Morris, quarter master of a regiment raised for the defence of the sea coast. The Council of Safety of the State of New York, appointed Obadiah Jones, John Hurlbut, and Thomas Bearing, Esq'rs., to give permits to such of the refugees from Long Island as resided in Connecticut as they should think proper and prudent to pass to Long Island, to get their effects, and to other islands in said State, (except Fisher's Island,) which was consented to by the Governor and Council. Obadiah Jones, Esq., was desired to furnish the civil authority selectmen, &c., of the several towns in this State, in which any refugees from Long Island resided, with a vote of the Governor and Council on the subject. An order was drawn on Capt. Ephraim Bill, Prosper VVetmore, and Andrew Huntington, in favor of Gamaliel Babcock, an issuing commis- sary, for any quantity of rum, sugar, pepper, coffee, and rice in his custody. Gov. Trumbull sent an order to Brig. Gen. Ward, and informed him that he had been advised that the enemy had advanced from Canada as far as Crown Point, and were preparing to attack our army at Ticon- deroga. Also intormed him that Gen. Howe was leaving New Jersey with the grand army, and preparing to fall upon other places, and advised him of the necessity of being prepared for all events ; and therefore directed him to apply for powder and balls, to be formed into cartridges of ten in a bunch, with the same number of balls, place them in tight boxes, and the boxes numbered, to be kept in his care 25,000 cartridges, and to send the remainder to Durham, to the care of Maj. Gen. Wadsworth. (An order \vas given for 1 ton of balls and 700 pounds of powder to Gen. Ward.) Maj. Elias Buel was directed to repair with the troops, (then on their march) directly to New London barracks, to garrison the fort there, and to take the command in the absence of his superior officer, to dis- cipline his men, and carry on the works, (of erecting the fortifications,) under the direction of the engineer ; and to apply to Capt. Deshon for needful provisions. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 457 In Session, July 4. Col. J. Fitch was appointed commissary to purchase necessary pro- visions for the regiment raised, in this State under Col. Enos, and to see that the officers and soldiers were duly served with their rations. George Allen and Andrew Angell, of Scituate, in Rhode Island, were permitted to export from this State, to said Scituate, 100 bushels of Indian corn, 6 barrels of flour, 500 pounds of cheese, and 6 bushels of beans, to aid them in their tavern. An order was drawn on Capt. Jabez Huntington, to deliver Gamaliel Babcock, 2,000 pounds of coffee, for commissary Hubbard. Orders were sent to Capt. J. Perkins, of Norwich, to receive of Reuben Barnard, John Russell, and Reuben Giles, of Nantucket, a quantity of rum, molasses, salt, and oil, at the price fixed by law ; and to deliver them in exchange, provisions, at rated legal prices, for the use of this State. Isaac Day, of Torrington, was appointed surgeon's mate in the regi- ment of Col. Webb. It was directed that no board wages, when suitable provision had been made, should be allowed to the officers and men on board the ship Oliver Cromwell, in the settlement of their accounts, antecedent to the 14th day of April, 1777, unless such officer, &c., was so sick, as that his continuance would have endangered his life, or the health of others on board said ship. Capt. Coit was ordered to render an account of th^ arms, provisions, stores, &;c., on board said ship while he had her command. Joseph Raymond was permitted to pass to Long Island on his parole, to return ^*ithin eighteen days. In Session, (at Lebanon,) July 5. Brig. Gen. Silliman was directed to cause a sufficient number of cartridges immediately made and put in boxes, with a mark of the ball in each box, and deposite them in some safe place, to be used on direc- tion ; to be made of the public powder in his hands. And to order his brigade to stand equipped and in readiness to march at the shortest notice, in such detachments as the exigency should require, in case of an attack or an approach of the enemy in his neighborhood, or up the North river, at his discretion. Gen. Erastus Wolcott was ordered to procure of Col, Pitkin 350 pounds of gun poM^der, and 1,000 pounds of musket ball, of Tho's Dan- forth, and cause the same to be made into cartridges,' of ten in a bunch, and numbered with the number of balls each size required to make one pound, and put them in tight boxes and numbered, and deposite them 458 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. in some safe place, to li^^ady on any emergency. Also, to order one- fourth of his brigade to be drafted and equipped, with suitable officers appointed, and hold them in readiness to march on the shortest notice. Orders were also sent to Gen. Ward, to draft one-fourth part of his brigade, and order them armed and equipped, and to hold them in con- stant readiness to march on the shortest notice, with proper officers thereto appointed. Orders were sent to Col. Ely, to call the remainder of his regiment to New London, and make a return of the number, as soon as possible. Orders were sent to Col. Enos, to draw the remaining part of his regiment to New Haven, as quick as possible, and to make a return of the number, for further orders. Orders were sent Brig. Gen. Tyler, to apply to Maj. Gen. Hunting- ton for 1,000 pounds of lead, and 350 pounds of gun powder, to be made into cartridges, as was directed in an order to Gen. Wolcott, and similar orders as to drafting a part of his brigade. Orders were sent to Brig. Gen. Douglass, to apply to Capt. Eaton, of Plainfield, for 770 pounds of musket balls, and powder sufficient to make them into cartridges, as directed in the order to Gen. Wol- cott ; and orders to draft a part of his brigade. Received a letter from Col. John Fitch respecting the purchasing provisions for Col. Enos' regiment, and returned an answer, with or- ders to send a person to the northward to make purchases, per Samuel Thatcher. Capt. WiUiam Coit, the late commander of the ship Oliver Crom- well, who had applied to the Governor and Council for the settlement of the said ship's accounts, when under his command, wl^iph for rea- sons had failed. It was at this time agreed and voted by the Board, that Capt. Nathaniel Perkins, Jabez Perkins, and William Hubbard, of Norwich, should be a committee with full power to examine and adjust said Coit's accounts against said ship until a final settlement should be had, as well as his reasonable account of all provisions, utensils, and stores, of every kind, procured and delivered to his care, while in said command, as well as the accounts that might be exhibited in behalf of the State, including every matter, whether disputed or not, that might be laid before said committee; who had full power to hear and deter- mine the same, at such time and place as they should appoint, and re- port the result to the Governor and Council, which was agreed should be binding and conclusive, as well upon the State as upon said Coit in the fullest sense. William Hillhouse exhibited an account of money paid the commit. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 459 tee for appraising land at Groton fort, for his time and expenses, being £4 : 6 : 9, which was allowed, and an order drawn for said sum. Samuel Elliot, Jr., of Boston, agent for Connecticut, was directed to sell all the flour and butter brought in the several vessels taken by Capt. Smedley, in the armed brig Defence, of this State, then at Bos- ton, with orders to give notice of the sale, to the Board of War there, that they might have an opportunity to purchase, if they wished ; and was desired to transmit to the Governor an account of the articles not disposed of, under his care at Boston, Plymouth, and Dartmouth, and of the disposal of the property made, and the delivery on the orders sent him by this State. ' In Session, July 7. A letter was sent to Samuel Elliot, Jr., Esq., of Boston, with direc tions as to the action of the Governor and Council on the 5th of July. An order was given, July 6th, to Capt. John Deshon, to receive of Mr. Elijah Hubbard, of Middletown, flour, if he had purchased any. An order was made, July (Jth, on Mr. Peter Goodrich, to Capt. Deshon, for bread and flour on hand. On the memorial of Michael Judah, of Norwalk, he shewed that two hogsheads and one tierce of brown sugar, owned by him, on board a boat in Milford harbor, which in transporting from Rocky Hill to Nor. walk for the inhabitants of Norwalk, was seized by a warrant signed by the Governor. The said Judah was permitted by the Govern'or and Council to proceed to Norwalk with his sugar, the seizure notwith- standing. A letter was sent to Capt. Cockran, of Say brook, to purchase flour and meat, in the best manner he could, and to apply to the pay table for money. Gen. Silliman was directed to procure an exchange of some of our prisoners, who had been taken at Middlesex, in March, 1777, for some of the enemy's prisoners that were taken in the expedition to Danbury. He was also directed to permit Jane Mape, a single wo- man, a milhner of New York, to pass to New York on her parole, and to return when required by the commander-in-chief. The Governor and Council directed that the following orders should be given by the commander-in-chief to Col. Roger Enos, of the 1st regi- ment of troops, ordered raised for the defence of this State, viz. : " On consideration of intelligence received from Brig. Gen. Silliman since my last orders to you, dated the 5th inst., I have thought fit, by advice of Council, to alter those orders ; and you are hereby directed to order Capt. Edward Rogers and Capt. Reuben Scofield, to collect and march 460 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. their companies to th^pivn of Greenwich. Capt. Abraham Bradley to collect and march his company to the town of Stamford. Capt. Reuben Bostwick to collect and march his company to the town of Milford, and Capt. Stephen Thorp to collect and march his company to Fairfield. The companies commanded by Captains Abel Pcttibone, James Peck, and Peter Curtiss, you will order to be collected and marched to New Haven, leaving those marched in consequence of my first order, to remain in service according to the direction thus given imtil further orders. Where any company is not full, you will order a recruiting officer to be left to enlist men until the 15th inst. ; you will then make a return of your regiment to me, with every circumstance attending it. I am informed that the men who were on duty at the time of enlisting, left their duty by leave from their officer, until the 15th of July, which was rather weakening than strengthening our de- fence. All ought to remain in, or go on duty as soon as directed. You will direct your lieutenant colonel and major to repair to such post or town where the men are ordered, to take the command in your absence. The men are to be employed according to such orders as have been given, and to guard and defend the places where they are ; both you and they will obey such orders as you may receive from any general officer for the defence of this State, either within the same or on its borders. " Given in Lebanon, the 7th day of July, 1777. " Jonathan Trumbull." (Copy sent by Capt. Harper.) Capt. Peck's company of militia that was posted at Burwell's farms, at Milford, was ordered dismissed on the arrival of Capt. Bostwick's company, of Col. Enos' regiment, ordered to that post. The overseers of the furnace at Salisbury, were ordered to deliver to the selectmen of Milford, fifty 4 pound Shot, thirty 6 pound shot, and one hundred pounds of grape shot, and take their receipt. Zelotes Sanders, who was drafted by Capt. Edward Shipman, of Saybrook, to fill the continental battalions in this State, by reason of lameness and infirmity of body, and being unable to perform camp duty, was discharged from service. In Session, July 8. It was voted, that the overseers of the furnace at Salisbury, should supply Andrew Rowland with ten 3 or 4 pound cannon, as he should choose ; also two swivel guns, (if any to be spared,) in lieu of the cannon and swivels, he received an order for, on the 4th of November, 1776, and to receive the pay for the same. IlEVOLUTIOiNARY WAR, 1777. 461 Directions w ere sent to Mr. Thaddeus Burr, to purchase a sufficient quantity of tow shirts and trowscrs to be sent to the prisoners in New York, w-ho belonged to this State, to be deUvered to those who were the most needy, and an account taken to whom delivered. Sent by Dudley Baldwin, July 8. Directions were sent to Capt. Niles, in answer to his letter of the 3d of (inst.) July, regarding some prisoners, viz. : to send Alexander Clark to the care of General Siliiman ; Ephraim Betts and Joseph Waterbury to Hartford gaol ; John Curry and John Casey to remain on board the Spy until her return to New London, then to deliver said Curry to Mr. Shaw, and said Casey to remain on board until his cir- cumstances should be further known, and if an opportunity should pre- sent, he was at liberty to send to Setocket for their clothes and money. The letter was delivered Mr. Baldwin, July 8. Israel Newton was appointed captain ; Zebulon Waterman, lieuten- ant ; and Jesse Billings, ensign of the 5th company, 25th regiment of militia in this State. Job Yorle was appointed lieutenant, and Lucius Tuttle ensign of the 5th company ia the 10th regiment of militia. Experience Robinson, of Windham, exhibited his account of his time, expenses, and wages of sundry persons employed by him for going to Portsmouth, in May, 1777, to bring field pieces into this State, amount- ing to £43 : 6 : 7, which was approved ; and an order drawn on the pay table for the same, July 8. Mr. Andrew Huntington w^as directed to apply to Capt. Jabez Per- kins, for 20 hogsheads of the poorest quality of molasses, owned by the State in his care, with orders to deliver the same ; and when re- ceived, to distil it into rum. Order delivered Gen. Huntington, July 8. A letter was sent to Benjamin Huntington, Esq., to inform him of the mobs, &,c., at New Loudon in taking Mr. Winthrop's goods and others, desiring Mr. Huntington to enquire into the affair, and bring the offenders to justice. Messrs. Joseph Denison, 2d, and William Elliot, of Stonington, owners of the sloop Dove, were permitted to transport out of this State, two loads, for said sloop, of cheese and Indian forn, to Massachusetts, to procure salt for the inhabitants of this State. The permit delivered to Mr. Denison, July 8. In Session, July i). Reuben Scofield, of Stamford, was appointed captain in the battal- ion ordered to be raised in this State, to defend the sea coast, under Col. Roger Enos, in the place of Jesse Bell, resigned. Christopher Wolcott was appointed surgeon and physician of said regiment. Robert Rice, of Wallingford, was drafted and ordered to join the 59 462 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. continental army, but Jb^ lameness in his feet for years, he was unable to march and do the duty of a soldier, and was therefore dismissed fi'om said draft and service in the battalions raised in this State, for the continental army. Acors Sheffield exhibited an account of wages due to a number of matrosses, who had served at Stonington, in December, 1776, and Janu- ary, 1777 ; which was referred to the pay table for adjustment, &c. Simeon Hicox exhibited an account of provisions supplied the militia companies and troops, posted at Stonington, to the 7th of July, 1777. Referred to the pay table. Joshua Hubart, of Goshen, in the State of New York, was permitted to transport by land to said State, 25 bushels of salt, for the use of the people of said Goshen. The civil authority, selectmen, and committee of inspection of Kil- lingworth, stated that Ira Ward, of said town, was confined at Willing, ton, as a tory ; that he had made such assurances of his future good conduct, they asked for his release and return to said Killingworth. The Governor and Council voted to release him, and directed him to return to Killingworth, and remain under the direction of the civil authority, selectmen, and committee of inspection in said town. In Session, July 10. Nicholas Brown, of Hartford, had (then, lately) gone over to the enemy in New York»and left his wife Hannah, and four children, viz. : one son Nicholas, about 6 years old, and three daughters, Ruth, Hannah, and Cynthia ; Ruth, the eldest, about 16 years of age. The Governor and Council gave liberty to the wife of said Brown, and to the eldest daughter, if either should choose to go to New York to said Nicholas, to permit them at their own expense to go to said Nicholas. And the Governor and Council recommended to the selectmen of Hartford, to take care of and bind out to some good families the other three children. (The permit delivered to Jacob Brown.) Chauncey Whittlesey, of Middletown, was directed to deliver to the overseers of the lead mine, at Middletown, such provisions and small clothing for the use of the miners employed, as the overseers should judge necessary. Delivered to Capt. Russell. An order was given to the selectmen of New Milford to receive 100 pounds of musket powder and 200 pounds of musket balls, (which Avere sent by the selectmen of Woodbury, to New Milford, to the care of Col. Canfield. On the back of said order directions were given to apply to Gen. Silliman for flints, and to make every effort to be supplied. (Order delivered to Mr. Hine, July 10. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 463 In Session, July 11. An order was sent to Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., Esq., to procure a vessel and proceed with a flag to New York, at the expense of the State of New York, to deliver to the gentlemen who were permitted to go to New York on their parole, to return in ten days after the receipt of such order ; and. in case of refusal, to take care the evidence thereof might be preserved. Also to apply to Ezekiel Williams, Esq., com- missary of prisoners of war, for Alexander Clark and John Curry, and any other marine prisoners in his care, to be carried to New York and exchanged. An order was given to Ezekiel Williams, Esq., to deliver to Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Alexander Clark and John Curry, and any other marine prisoners in his care who were desirous of it, to be exchanged. Order sent to Mr. Lattimer. Sent to Gen. Jubez Huntington, at Norwich, 2,309 pounds of sheet lead. An order was sent to Capt. Josiah Child, of Col. Bradley's regi- ment, touching Elam Hulet and Nathaniel Kee, soldiers impressed from Capt. David Cooley's company, in Killingly, represented not to be able bodied men ; directing him not to march soldiers who were apparently disabled ; if any to inform the Governor. Nathaniel Raymond to be lieutenant of the 2d company in Norwalk, in the 9th regiment of militia in this State. Received a letter from Col. Moses Robinson, dated at Bennington, July 8th, 1777, by William Field, advising of the evacuation of the posts at the northward. In Session, July 12. A permit was granted to Daniel Hinsdale, Jr., of Hartford, to trans- port out of this State, 3 tons of flour, 18 barrels of beef, and 1 barrel of hog's lard, to Massachusetts. Said articles on board a boat or sloop at East Haddam, Capt. James, master. Salt to be brought in return. Sent per Thomas Loomis 1 hogshead sugar, contents 12 cwt. 1 qr. 21 lbs. ; 1 hogshead New England rum, contents 1 17 gallons. And per Joseph Loomis, 3 hogsheads of clothing, contents 1,000 shirts, 768 hose ; to be delivered to Messrs. Elijah Hubbard and Royal Flint, at Danbury, or where directed by them, for the use of the continental troops. The Governor was desired to endorse to Maj. Joshua Huntington, an order drawn by the Hon. John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, in favor of Gov. Trumbull, on John Lawrence, Esq., com- missioner of the continental loan office, in the State of Connecticut, for 464 RKVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. $20,000, ill part paj^Rit for the frigate (then) building at Norwich, for the United States of America. Said Huntington to account for the same in the settlement for building said frigate ; which was endorsed by the Governor and delivered to Maj. Huntington, July 14, 1777, and his receipt taken. An order was drawn on the pay table for the sum pf £787 : 12 : 6^ in favor of Capt. William Coit, (then) late commandeY of the ship Ohvcr Cromwell, in full of all his demands on the State of Connecticut, on account of wages of himself, his officers and men on board said ship, or any other account whatever, agreeable to the award of Capt. Nathaniel Backus, Jabez Perkins, and William Hubbard, to whom said accounts were referred. Received an order for the above sum, July 14th, 1777. Wm. Coit. An order was given to the pay table to allow to William Wheeler, a just reward for riding express from Salisbury to Lebanon, and to draw on the Treasurer for the balance, and charge the same to the United States. Mr. Brown, the post rider, was sent express to head quarters with letters of importance, which took a great part of the day to prepare. David Trumbull was appointed to receive the old fire arms brought from Albany, and to have them appraised by two indifferent men, to examine them, and have repaired all that were worth repairing, and have them fit for service, at the expense of the State, as soon as might be. In Session, July 15. Orders were given to Col. Enos in the words following, viz. : " State of Connecticut, by the Captain General : To Roger Enos, Esq., colonel of the 1st regiment raised for the defence of the sea coast, &c. You are hereby ordered, forthwith, to order the fullest company now at New Haven, under your command, to march to the town of Noi'walk, and the captain of the same, to post them as guards where most needed, for defence of that part of the coast ; to obey such orders as he shall receive from Brig. Gen. Silliman, or other his superior officers." John McCleave Avas permitted to transport 1 ton of flax, 2J tons of rye flour, and 400 bushels of corn, on board the schooner George, Samuel Perkins, master, to Massachusetts, for the purpose of purchas- ing salt, to be imported into this State. Capt. John Venters was ordered to dismiss the militia men under his common duty, at Saybrook, and to secure the public arms, car- tridges, &c. The order delivered to Mr. Smith, of Chatham. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 465 A permit was granted to Shubael Chase and Nathaniel Bunker, of Nantucket, to purchase and export from Connecticut, to said Nantucket, for their inhabitants, a small boat load of provisions and flax ; the embargo notwithstanding. A like permit was granted to Zebediah Cleaveland, of Martha's Vinyard. A like permit was also granted to Mr. John Wass, to export the same quantity of the same articles to Martha's Vinyard. Ix Session, July 16. An order on the pay table was drawn for £1,000, in favor of Eben- ezer Ledyard, Esq., commissary at Groton. A permit was given to Col. Joseph Drake, (then) late of New Ro- chelle, to transport through and carry out of this State, 22 hogsheads of sugar, by him brought from Providence, to be marked by Capt. Ja- bez Perkins, and shipped for Hartford, and there examined by Ezekiel Williams, Esq., and certified by him as laden with the same, and per- mitted to pass. Orders were given to Ezekiel Williams, Esq., in the words follow- ing, to wit : " State of Connecticut, by the Governor : To Ezekiel Williams, Esq., commissary of prisoners : — You are hereby directed to deliver to Capt. Samuel Lyon, of Rye, in the State of New York, Henry Hallock, a seaman, and one other seaman, prisoners in this State, such as you may judge convenient, (never an inhabitant in this State,) to be exchanged for a son of said Capt. Samuel Lyon, and one other person^ a friend of his, who are prisoners with our enemies, taking Capt. Lyon's receipt to return said Hallock and other prisoner, if not ex- changed ; keeping an account of your doings and what is done thereon, and make return to the Governor and Council." Joshua Bottom was appointed 1st lieutenant in Capt. James Smith's company in Col. Ely's regiment. Norwich, June 1st, 1777. Received of Mr. Adam Babcock, by order of His Excellency Gov. Trumbull, eight bales of woolen cloth, No. 21, 22, 32, 36, 37, 38, 44, and 48, containing 2,853| ells ; two bales, No. 51, and 54, con- taining 110 blankets ; also two bales of blankets, No. 50, and 53, and two bales of cloth, No. 26, and 35, contents unknown, forwarded to Hartford, for the use of the continental battalions in this State. Like- wise, received sixteen bales. No. 14, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 39, 40, 45, 49, 52, forwarded to Jeremiah Wadsworth, Esq., to be transported to the clothier genera], the contents unknown, having signed two receipts of the same tenor and date. Received per An- drew Huntington ; which was endorsed and signed by Gov. Trumbull. 466 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. A permit was give^Wohn Deming, of Wethersfield, to ship 300 bushels of corn, 200 of rye, 2 barrels of beans, and 20 barrels of rye flour, and transport it in the schooner Speedwell, to exchange for salt for the use of the inhabitants of this State, any embargo notwith- standing. In Session, July 17. Edward Hallam was appointed commissary for the troops at New London fort, in place of Capt. John Deshon, appointed by the Conti- nental Congress, one of the Naval Board for the eastern department ; and said Hallam was directed to apply to Capt. Deshon for all the stores he had on hand, and for directions from him ; and said Hallam was ordered to attend to such further orders as he should receive from time to time. Col. John Ely was ordered to dismiss a Negro slave, (owned. by Jo- seph .Crandall,) fi'om his regiment, to return to said Crandall ; and his premium, arms, &;c. to be returned before his dismission. Capt. Deshon was directed to purchase a house and lot of land, in New London, the property of Eliphalet Lester, at as reasonable a price as he could, for the purpose of a barrack for the troops of this State, and to take the deed to the Governor and company. Capt. Deshon was directed to send a small vessel to Bedford, to load with salt, the property of this State, which the commissary general imported in the vessel commanded by Capt. Allen Stillman, for the State ; to deliver one-half of said salt at Norwich, for the commissary general, and the other half for the use of this State ; and the remain- der of his cargo, Capt. Stillman was ordered to store at Bedford, in the best manner he could, for safety, except so much salt as should be a sufficient ballast for his vessel, and proceed to Hartford, and deliver one-half of said salt to the commissary general for his use, and the other for the use of this State ; and then to deliver the vessel to the owner ; and to deliver the State's half of the salt, at Norwich, to Capt. Jabez Perkins. Capt. Deshon was directed to furnish the old brig Defence with four carriage guns, 6 pounders, and QJght swivels, with ten small arms, and ammunition enough to defend her for her voyage then to bp per- formed ; to apply to Elderkin & Wales for powder ; to Gen. Hunting- ton for shot ; to Capt. Jabez Huntington, of Windham, for the small arms. In Session, July 18. The Governor was desired to give the following orders to Col. John Ely : REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 467 " By the Captain General : To John Ely, colonel of the 2d regiment of troops ordered raised by the Assembly, in May, 1777, for the de- fence of the sea coast and frontiers of this State and places adjacent : — You are hereby directed to station Capt. Palmer, with his 2d lieuten- ant Chapman, and the soldiers they enlisted at Stonington ; those troops stationed by former orders at Lyme and Saybrook, are to con- tinue there until further orders. You will order two companies of the regiment into Groton fort, for the present. The remaining part of the regiment, you will order to fort Trumbull and thereabouts, and employ them in completing the works there ; and the men at each of those forts are to take the tour of fatigue equally ; those of Groton that may be spared from the necessary guards and works, you will order over, and employ in the works at fort Trumbull, in rotation, leaving there what are needed to complete the works at Groton. You will take care that the men are kept clean, and to duty ; and when on fatigue, they are to receive, by your orders in writing, or the order of the commanding officer, in your absence, the rum allowed when on fatigue duty. You will take care and prevent all kinds of embezzlements and abuses of arms, ordnance stores, tools and utensils owned by the pub- lic. A keeper of the ordnance and*military stores will be appointed, whose duty will be pointed out. . The plan of the works is laid out, to which you will attend, and when any further directions are needful, you will apply to this Board, and follow such orders as may be given. Mr. Edward Hallam is appointed commissary to provide for the men on New London side ; Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq. is appointed commis- sary on Groton side ; Capt. Cockran at Saybrook. You will take care that the military officers and matrosses attend, and do faithfully their duty, and from time to time give information and all needful intel- Hgence to this Board. You will attend to the services to be performed by every part of your regiment ; to see it duly ordered and performed, and direct advice to be given you in case of the appearance of an enemy, or an attack ; you will put all in proper posture of defence. And on every necessary occasion forward intelligence to me, and make needful alarms. You will give the necessary orders for preventing the landing of the enemy. You will, as soon as may be, send me a re- turn of your regiment, in due form. And you will attend and obey all orders you may receive from me or other your superior officers. You are also to take care and make proper enquiry of all such vessels, boats, &c., as pass the fort, and attend to the law and the orders which may be further given for your direction. Given under my hand, at Lebanon, the 18th day of July 1777. "Jonathan Trumbull." k 468 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. An order in favor oPBapt. Nathaniel Saltonstall was drawn on Na- thaniel Shaw, Jr., Esq., for £200, towards paying the artillery under his command. In Session, July 20. Consulted on some matters of importance in relation to the letters from the westward, with the information that a fleet of the enemy was in the sound, proceeding eastward. In Session, July 21. Orders were given to Brig. Gen. Douglass, of the 5th brigade of militia in this State, to call together the field officers of his brigade, to consult on the best and most expeditious manner of collecting and marching the companies of his brigade to any place attacked. On the alarm which then existed, he was advised to settle the officers for each of the four divisions, and their rotation ; and to use prudence, how the men of the 1st division should be well armed and equipped for a march, so as to be in immediate readiness, and hindered as little as possible by their business ; as it was probable their march would be to Provi- dence, of which he would soon •be informed by further orders, if it should be so. It appeared in the alarm list that many men were cripples and incurable, which rendered it impracticable for them to march and perform the duties of soldiers : Therefore Gen. Douglass was directed to examine the several cases and excuse such as the law had provided for ; and not to dismiss, but to hold such as were of abil- ity of estate, to be well furnished with arms, ammunition, and ready to do whatever was reasonable, and promote the defence of the rights and liberties of their country. No returns had been received from any brigade or regiment, which by law should be done every two months. An order was given on Elijah Hubbard to supply Ebenezer Ledyard and Edward Hallam, commissaries, with flour needful for the troops in their department. An order for 20 bushels of salt was given on Capt. Deshon, for the use of the troops at New London. An order was given on Andrew Huntington to deliver one hogshead of New England rum to Edward Hallam, for the use of the troops of the State at New London. An order was voted to be drawn on the pay table in favor of Edward Hallam, for the sum of £600 lawful money, to enable him to provide for the troops at New London, and render his account. A commission was given by the Governor to the Hon. Roger Sher- man, Samuel Huntington, and Titus Hosmer, to act as a committee REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 469 from tliis State, in conjunction with committees from the States of Mas- sachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and New York, to consult on the state of the currency of those States, the expediency of calling it in, &c., to meet at Springfield, on the 30th day of July, 1777. The Governor gave a permit to Isaac Beers and Henry Dagget, of New Haven, to transport 200 bushels of corn, 200 bushels of rye, or flour equivalent, 1 ton of flax, and 10 barrels of salted beef from Connec- ticut to Massachusetts Bay, in small boats under the inspection of Sam- uel Bishop, Jr., Esq., and to be exchanged for salt, oil, and sugar, for the use of the inhabitants. Permit delivered to Roger Sherman, Esq. In Skssion, July 22. A permit was given Vandervoort, Drake, Sands & Co., to transport 25 hogsheads of sugar, they had on hand, into the State of New York, to be first inspected, marked and certified by E. Williams, Esq., and then transported, the embargo notwithstanding, for the use of the army and friendly inhabitants in the State of New York. Orders were given to Brig. Gen. Erastus Wolcott, in the same form as had been given Gen. Douglass. An order was given on Elderkin & Wales for 200 pounds of musket powder, to the selectmen of Voluntown, to be accounted for as part of their proportion of public powder. The order delivered to Capt. Isaac Gallup, July 22. The Governor and Council were informed that there were a number of public arms in the hands of Col. John Durkee, in Norwich, which required repairs before they could be used ; therefore Col. Samuel Abbott was directed to receive said arms, and see them in the most prudent method repaired. An order was drawn in favor of Elijah Barker, Esq., on Capt. Tyley, for 4 tons of pig iron, the property of the State. It was resolved that a company of artillery, of thirty-four men, in- cluding officers, should be raised within the 20th regiment of militia, in this State. The non-commissioned officers and privates were to be raised by voluntary enlistment ; to exercise the mounted field pieces at Norwich, in case of an invasion or attack by the enemy, and subject to the orders of the Captain General, and other superior officers, and the field officers of said regiment ; who were also to be excused from any other military duty while said company should be continued. The commissioned officers appointed by the Governor and Council, and the non-commissioned officers to be chosen by the company ; and all future vacancies of commissioned officers to be filled by said company. Jacob Devvitt was appointed captain of said company ; Joseph Howland, 60 470 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. captain-lieatenant ; Isai^lS>bel, lieutenant ; and William Lax, lieuten- ant fire worker of said company. The Governor was desired to com- mission the officers, provided a number sufficient should be enlisted within three weeks from the 22d day of July, 1777. Ralph Williams, a soldier in the service of the State, had liberty to enlist into the continental service for three years, or during the war. Sarah Ketchum, of Fairfield, the wife of James Ketchum, shewed to the Governor and Council that her husband was at Huntington, on Long Island, and desired that she might be permitted to go to him with her family ; and that William Lieet, then in Connecticut, had a family at said Huntington, that he was desirous to remove to Connecticut, which could not be done except by an exchange of families ; and prayed the Governor and Council to grant her liberty to go to Long Island with her family, household furniture, and provisions, and be exchanged for the family, household furniture, and provisions of the said William Lieet, &c. The said Sarah Ketchum was permitted to go to said Huntington with her family of three small children, to be exchanged for the whole family of said William Lieet ; and to keep her household furniture and a small quantity of provisions, provided the same indulgence should be granted to the said William Lieet, other- wise to be returned ; and Gen. Silliman was ordered to grant a flag for said purpose. I^' Session, July 23. Joseph Chew had liberty granted him to fish in any part of the fish pond within the limits of his parole, and go round the pond for that piu'pose, provided he should commit no trespass in so doing. The Governor and Council directed David Trumbull to purchase and procure for this State, four teams, to consist of one yoke of oxen, one horse, and a convenient cart, and proper harness for each team, to be used at the works at fort Trumbull that season, at as cheap a rate as he prudently could, and report the expense to the Governor and Council. An order was drawn on David Trumbull for £25 ; 5 ; 10 money, in favor of John and Daniel Dewey, for carting powder and lead from Lebanon to Litchfield, in July, 1777, and a load of cannon shot from Litchfield to Lebanon, and two loads from Lebanon to Norwich, and expenses. Edward Hallam was directed to provide four ammunition carts for the use of the troops at New London, of a proper construction to be useful at the forts ; and to be advised by Col. Ely and Maj. Saltonstall as to the construction of said carts. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 47 J John Raymond was appointed to engage 12 draught horses in New London, to be ready on the shortest notice, to be used in the field car- riages, or other use at New London, on any emergency ; the horses to be appraised, and their hire to be paid while in actual service, and the horses paid for if lost in public use ; and to confer with Maj. Wil- liam Hillhouse, and take his directions therein. L\ Session, July 24. Catherine Spalden, (then) late from Scotland, a resident in Norwalk, in this State, stated and shewed to the Governor and Council, that she with her husband, some years previous, came from Scotland to New York ; that her husband about three years previous sailed on a voyage to Europe ; that she had heard nothing from him since he sailed, and supposed him deceased ; that when the enemy came to New York, she fled to Norwalk, in this State, with some small effects ; that James Bradley fled with her to Norwalk, and was then sick with the con- sumption, and depended upon her for supplies ; that she had parents then living in Scotland, and no friends in this country ; and prayed the Governor and Council for liberty to go with said Bradley to New Y^'ork, and take with her, her furniture and clothes, for the purpose of sailing for Scotland, from New York. All which was granted ; and Gen. Silliman was directed to grant a flag for that purpose. In Session, July 25. Upon the desireof Peter Bulkley and others, church wardens, and Jonathan Sturges, Thaddeus Burr, &;c., and at the request of the civil authority, selectmen, and committee of inspection, at Fairfield, request, ing the Governor and Council that the Rev. John Sayer might be released from confinement at Farmington, and return to Fairfield to his care and charge, dec. The Governor and Council directed the said Sayer to be released from his confinement, and permitted him to return to Fairfield, and there to remain within the limits of the first society, by his giving bond with sufficient surety for his future good behavior. The bond taken by Jonathan Sturges and Thaddeus Burr, to whom he was delivered. The fore part of the day was occupied in writing letters to Gen. Washington and members of Congress. In Session, July 26. The fore part of the day was employed in preparing letters to head quarters, and to delegates at Congress ; and sent by Samuel Hunt, an express. 472 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. Orders were given t^iol. John Ely, concerning ammunition carts, teams, tools, utensils, draught horses, pay master, commissary of ord- nance stores, muster master, artificers, magazines, Saybrook fort, &.C., as on file. In Session, July 28. Samuel Burrall, of Norwalk, was permitted to transport out of this State, 30 barrels of flour, and 50 bushels of rye, to Dartmouth, on board a boat, to be exchanged for West India goods. A like permit was given to Jesse Lockwood, of said Norwalk, for 30 barrels of flour, and 400 bushels of rye and corn, for the same place, and fur the same purpose. In Session, July 29. An order was given on the Treasurer to deliver 500 pounds of musket powder to the selectmen of Simsbury ; order delivered to Joseph Tul- ler, selectman. Capt. Cotton, of Middletown, came before the Governor and Coun. cil for advice in the difficulties he met with in building the continental ship, and for directions how to obtain needful moneys and provisions for said purpose ; who was heard and answered. David Trumbull was desired to send two teams to East Hartford, to bring to Lebanon, and to remain under his care, 500 stand of arms, or one-half the arms received (then) lately from Springfield, lodged in the hands of Capt. Russel Woodbridge ; and to send up by the same teams a set of tyre for a four wheel carriage, to the care of said Woodbridge, to be used by the selectmen of Hartford, for mounting a cannon brought from Windsor, in the care of the selectmen of Hart- ford. [In Session, July 30. An order was given on Capt. E. Bill, in favor of Thomas Mumford, Esq., for 235 gallons of rum, to be paid out of the State stores, for the same quantity borrowed of him ; with orders to give intelligence if he had any or could get any. Orders were given to the several brigadier generals, to put the mili- tia of the State in readiness to march, on the shortest notice, to any place attacked. At 5 o'clock, P. M. an express arrived at Lebanon, from head quar. ters, at Peekskill, with the intelligence that Gen. Washington had marched, with the main body of his army, to the southward, towards Philadelphia, expecting the British fleet had gone there ; and the troops at Peekskill apprehended the moving of the fleet was only a decoy, and REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 473 that the return of the enemy might be expected, and an attack made upon their post in the absence of the American troops ; and required the mihtia, &;c. Upon which a despatch was sent to Springfield, to the committees of the States then in session there, for their advice, &c. ; and for ammunition to be furnished and forwarded from the labo- ratory at Springfield, to Peekskill, &c. Orders to the brigadier gene- rals had been given and Were renewed and enforced. In Session, July 31. A permit was given to James Church to ship 2 tons of flour, 200 bushels of corn, and some onions, and 8 barrels of provisions, to Mas- sachusetts ; the barrels of provisions for the use of a vessel, &;c., and the remainder to exchange for salt. A permit was given to Charles Caldwell to ship and transport to Massachusetts, 7 tons of flour, on board the sloop Eleanor, Capt. Ben- jamin Horton, master, for Bedford, to purchase salt. Thomas Clark, of Nantucket, had a permit to transport to Massa- chusetts. In Session, August 1. A consultation was had on the subject matter of letters from Gen. Schuyler, and from the Convention of New York, requesting 2,000 of the militia of this State, to join the continental forces at the north- ward, in order to repulse the progress of the enemy, and make an inroad in that part of the country. The whole day was spent in con- sultation on this subject, and the farther consideration deferred to the 2d day of August. In Session, August 2. Barber, the post rider, returned from the States' committees met at Springfield ; then resumed the subject of yesterday's consultation. Seth Mayo, of Nantucket, was permitted to purchase 300 bushels of rye and corn in exchange for salt, to transport in his boat Fanny, to Nantucket. A letter was sent to Gen. Schuyler, by his own express, informing him of the determination of the Governor and Council, agreeable to their former proposal to forward troops to join the continental army at Peekskill, with the expectation that the army at the northward would be reinforced from'the continental troops at Peekskill, or more south- ern parts of the country ; which appeared to the Board would serve the common cause much better than to reinforce the northern army with militia, as well as on the account of the facility of the march, and the steadiness of the continental troops inured to service, which rendered 474 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. them preferable to tl^^ilitia, who are ever impatient in a lengthy campaign. Mr. Andrew Huntington was directed to send one hogshead of New England rum, to the care of Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., for the troops at Groton. Orders were given to Col. Ely, to remove the platform from the old fort in New London town, to fort Trumbull. Orders were given to Elderkin & Wales to send one ton of gun pow. der to Maj. Gen. Jabez Huntington, for the use of this State. Maj. Gen. Huntington was desired to send 150 pounds of musket powder, and 10 fire arms, (sent him from Windham,) to Capt. John Deshon, for the brig Defence ; and 500 pounds of musket powder, one- half to Maj. Saltonstall, and the other half to Maj. WiUiam Ledyard, for the use of the forts at New London and Groton. The Governor and Council confirmed an order drawn by the Gov- ernor, on Col. Pitkin or John Lawrence, for 200 pounds of powder, in favor of Col. Hamlin, for the miners at Middletown. Job Bartram was established captain ; David Wheeler, lieutenant, and Samuel Silliman, ensign of the 1st company of alarm list, in the 4th regiment of militia in this State ; which were commissioned by the Governor. In Session, August 4. Many matters of a public nature were consulted by the Governor and Council, especially with regard to the movements of the enemy at the northward and westward. Those at the northward had penetrated the country as far as fort Edward ; and the fleet at the westward had arrived within the capes of Delaware, which called for our speedy and vigorous efforts to prevent their designs. In Session, August 5. This day was spent in preparing letters and sending expresses to Providence, Boston, &c., and giving information of the situation of the affairs of the army at the westward. Also consulted on various public matters, particularly on the necessity of calling the General Assembly to sit at Hartford, on the 2d Wednesday of August, 1777. In Session, August 6. A letter was received by Gen. Wadsworth from Brig. Gen. Silliman, which enclosed copies of letters from Gen. Parsons and Col. Root, to him ; also a copy of a letter from Gen. Washington to Gen. Putnam, which gave the information that the British had sailed out from the capes of Delaware in an eastern course, and desired the militia of Gen. Silliman's brigade to aid them. An express immediately after REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 475 arrived with a letter from Peekskill, which contained the same infor- mation as the above ; also that the army at Peekskill were in reason, able apprehension of an attack at the Highlands, on the North" river. Gen. Silliman stated in his letter, that in consequence of the contents of the copies above, he had ordered the two northern regiments of his brigade, to immediately march to Peekskill ; also a detachment of Col. Enos' regiment in Fairfield county ; and one company of horse from the 3d regiment, and the whole of the 5th regiment, to march to the same place. All of which was approved by the Governor and Council. A letter was received by the Governor and Council from Brig. Gen. Oliver VVolcott, which stated that he had ordered all the effective men of Sheldon's horse, and Humphrey's regiment, who had not done a tour of duty under the (then) late act, and were by law liable to do duty out of the State, to march well armed, &c., and with four days provisions to Peekskill, to defend that post, which appeared to the enemy an object worth attaining ; which was approved by the Gov. ernor and Council. The Council to promote the march of the militia to Peekskill, gave orders to the pay table to draw on the Treasurer of this State, for £1,000 in favor of Gen. O. Wolcott ; and £1,000 in favor of Gen. G. S. Silliman ; £400 in favor of Gen. Erastus Wolcott, and £300 in favor of Gen. A. Ward, by them to be paid to the com- manding officers of the marching militia, from their respective brigades, towards Peekskill, for the purpose of advancing 18s. to each non-com. missioned officer and soldier, and the remainder to continue in said officers' hands to defray contingent charges of the march. The sum for Gen. O. Wolcott was forwarded by Mr. Sheldon, and the remainder by express. Orders were given to Gen. Erastus Wolcott to draft 400 men of his brigade, officered and equipped, to go on horse back to Peekskill. And like orders were given Gen. Ward to draft 300 men of his brigade for the same purpose. And it was resolved, that Brig. Gen. Andrew Ward, Jr., should take the command of the militia then sent to Peekskill. It was also resolved, to forward the 100 barrels of powder stored at Lebanon, to the care of Thomas Lewis, in Farmington, to be stored under a proper guard, until further orders from Gen. Washington, or the Governor and Council. An express was sent to Peekskill, to the general officers there, to inform them where said powder was deposited for their use if needed. Letters were sent to Generals E. Wolcott, Oliver Wolcott, Silliman, and Ward, with orders to draft men from their brigades as had been 476 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. resolved, by the Gova^^- and Council. A letter was sent by the Governor and Council to Gen. Silliman, as follows, viz. : " State of Connecticut, by the Governor : To the Hon. Brigadier General Silliman. Yours of the 4th inst. I have before me, informing that you have given orders to your two northern regiments in your brigade ; a detachment from Col. Enos' battalion ; one troop of horse from the 3d regiment, and the whole of the 5th regiment of horse to march immediately to Peekskill, for the defence of that post, in conse- quence of letters received from Generals Washington and Parsons, 77 State's rum, in his hands, to Capt. Ephraim Bill, of Norwich, who was desired to receive it, and pay, or replace it to Thomas Mumford, Esq., of Gi'oton, (being 235 gallons of rum borrowed of him,) to observe the quality of the rum borrowed, and of that replaced, so as to do justice. In Session, August 8. Mr. David Trumbull was desired to procure a team, and send it to Bedford, in Massachusetts, and bring the flints imported by Capt. Deshon for this State, and as much of the Ticklinburgh duck and rig- ging imported at the same time, as M'ould make a load to Lebanon. It was resolved, that Messrs. Daniel Sherman and Benjamin Hun. tington, should be desired to give a bond with Capt. Daniel Deshon, in the sum of £ 1 ,000, that he as captain oi' the letter of marque brig, (called the Old Defence,) owned by this State, should fiiithfully execute his office and trust, according to the orders of Congress ; and the said Sherman and Huntington were to be indemnified by the State against all damages for so doing. An order was given on the pay table for £120, in favor of Lieut. William Seymour, of the artillery company at Norwalk, tow^ards his pay and wages, and of his company. Stephen Fish, of Nantucket, was permitted to exchange salt in this State, for 200 barrels of flour, 200 bushels of corn, 200 bushels of rye, and flax as much as he should want ; and transport the same to Nan- tucket, the embargo notwithstandiog. In Session, (at Hartford) August 16. Consulted on sundry matters. In Session, August 18. Capt. Chew applied to enlist a number of men from the forts, at New London, on board his brig Resistance ; which was refused, as the men could not be spared. It was voted, that Nathaniel Barnard, of Nantucket, and Gideon Delano, of Dartmouth, might exchange their small cargoes of salt, molasses, and rum in this State, for produce, and transport it to Mas- sachusetts. Gen. Silliman was directed to enquire into the suspected forgery of a permit from Gen. Jones, to the sloop Sally, to pass from New York to Rye, to carry off" some tories and their efiectsfrom said Rye, to New York. In Session, August 20. Capt. Allen Stillman was directed to store the salt in his hands, (the property of the State,) in a safe store, and deliver one bushel to Capt. 01 478 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. Ebenezer Grant, of E^PVVindsor, for supporting and for the use of the guard that kept. Gen. Prescott. Capt. Samuel Squire was directed to attend the vendue of prize goods at Fairfield, and to purchase such provisions as he could that would be useful to this State, as he should judge prudent. In Session, August 21. An order was given to James Church, to deliver to Dr. Joshua Elderkin the flax in his hands, owned by the State, not exceeding one ton. An order was given on Titus Hosmer, Esq., to deliver all the flax in his care, to Chauncey Whittlesey, Esq., to be manufactured for pub- lic use. An order was given on the pay table in favor of Col. Nathaniel Terry, for £19 : 3, for his trouble and expense for his bringing 36 chests of fii'e arms from Springfield to Hartford. The order given to purchase provisions at vendue, in Fairfield, was countei'manded. Capt. Samuel Squire was directed to continue to supply the troops in service in this State, in Fairfield county, and to purchase clothing, dsc. The sheriff" of New London county was directed to make further and diligent search for sugar, &c., under his warrant to seize the same for public use ; and to take 10 hogsheads of sugar out of the whole. In Session, August 22. An order was drawn on the pay table for £658 : 10 : 2, in favor of J. Huntington, of Windham county, for rum and coffee, for persons imprisoned by him in that county, by order of the Governor and Council. An order was drawn in favor of David Trumbull, on the agent of the prizes of this State, in Massachusetts, to deliver him such quantities of the wines, tea, and clothing, brought in the prize taken by the ship Oliver Cromwell, as he could conveniently bring to Lebanon with his teams then going there. An order was given on Elderkin & Wales for 500 pounds of gun powder, in favor of Nathaniel Shaw, for the use of the brig Resistance. In Session, August 23. Jonathan Woodworth, prize master of brigantine Honor, bound from Dartmouth, in England, to Newfoundland, taken by the Oliver Crom- well, Seth Harding, Esq., commander, on the 8th of July, 1777, in latitude 45, longitude 34, had safely arrived at Dartmouth, in New England. He reported the cargo to the Governor and Council as folio*'. 3. viz. : 2 chests of tea, If* hogsheads of porter. 1 case of linens, REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 479 8 barrels of pitch, 5 barrels of tar, 3 casks of leather and clothing, 50,000 pounds of bread and flour, 2 tons of cordage, 2 pipes of port wine, 120 barrels of pork, 120 barrels of beef, and 180 firkins of butter. A letter was sent by the Governor and Council to Samuel Elliot, Jr., Esq., agent of this State, to inform him of said prize, at Dartmouth, and gave him instructions relating to it. An order was given to Ichabod Allen, of Sharon, to receive 18 cwt. 3 qrs. 19 pounds of flour, at Dartmouth, a part of the said cargo, for a like quantity of said Allen, in the care of William Bull, of Hartford. A letter was written and forwarded to the Marine Board, respecting the continental ship-of-war, (then) building at Middletown, in this State, under the direction of Capt. John Cotton. In Session, August 23. James Bull was appointed to make provision for the militia ordered to march and join and assist the northern army ; was directed to save the hides and tallow of such cattle as he should purchase for said troops, for the use of the State ; and to take care that the hides should be kept from spoiling, and the tallow tried, and cause them to be trans- ported to Hartford, by the return teams and carriages that should go to transport the baggage of the troops to the army, unless he should find it best for the State to sell the same. An order Avas drawn on Capt. Allen Stillman, in favor of James Bull, for 10 bushels of salt owned by the State, for the use of the militia of the State, on their march to join the northern army. It was resolved, that orders be given to Marshfield Parsons, Esq., lieutenant colonel of the 3d regiment of militia in this State, to call out the militia of the town of Lyme, or such part of them from time to time, as should be thought necessary for the defence of said town against the incursion of the enemy on the sea coast, and to oi'der them as would be most effectual, «Stc. A letter was sent to Col. Ely, to order Capt. Collins, of his regiment, ordered to Lyme with his company, to return to New London. In Session, August 26. Dr. John Endicott was appointed surgeon to the battalion of militia under Col. Thaddeus Cook, ordered to the northern army, under the command of Gen. Gates. Nine barrels of flour in William Bull's hands were ordered sent to Saybrook, to Capt. John Cockran, to supply the guards there. The committee of pay table were ordered to settle the accounts ex- hibited to them for procuring, collecting, and making cartridges for the militia of the State, when ordered into service. Former warrants had been issued to the sheriffs of Hartford, New 480 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. Haven, and New Lond^^buiities, to impress certain West India goods for the use of the .State, Mhich were suspended until further orders; and a resokition passed desiring the Governor to issue warrants and an order to the sherifis of Hartford, New Haven, New London, Fairfield, and Litchfield counties, directing them to propose to the merchants in the several counties, to furnisli the quantities of West India goods spe- cified herein, in proportion to such goods as they should have, at a reasonable price as said sherifis and merchants could agree, or as should be determined by two or three judicious freeholders elected by the parties ; and if said merchants should not voluntarily furnish said goods ; in such case said sherifis were ordered to im[)ress and take said quantities of West India goods in their respective counties, from any person in whose hands the same should be found, and have the same appraised by two or three judicious freeholders elected by the parties, or appointed by the next assistant or justice of the peace ; and to make returns of their doings. The quantities and kinds of West India goods to ba taken in the several counties were as follows, viz. : Hartford county, 10 hogsheads of rum, 20 of sugar, 40 of molasses, and 7,000 pounds of cofiee ; New Haven county, 4 hogsheads of rum, 10 of sugar, 20 of molasses, and 3,000 pounds of coffee ; New Lon- don county, 6 hogsheads of rum, 10 of sugar, 20 of molasses, and 5,000 povmds of coffee ; Fairfield county, 4 hogsheads of rum, G of sugar, and 2,000 pounds of coffee ; Litchfield county, 4 hogsheads of rum, 6 of sugar, and 2,000 pounds of coffee. And it was provided, that in case the quantities aforesaid could be, and was supplied in manner aforesaid, that the suspended warrants should be recalled. Benjamin Payne, Esq., was ordered to deliver to Capt. Abner Prior, for the use of Col. Bradley's regiment, all the shoes of the State, in his possession. It was resolved, that the managers of Salisbury furnace, were em- powered and ordered to exchange the pig iron in their custody, owned by the State, so far as necessary, for rum, sugar, molasses, salt, provis- ions, and other necessaries, to enable them to carry on said furnace and continue the blast. It was voted for the time being, that 30 bushels of salt out of the salt at Hartford, imported by Capt. Allen Stillman, for the State ; 2 hogsheads of molasses from Norwich, and 7 barrels of pork, (out of Thomas Mumford's pork in the hands of the commissary general,) should be sent to Salisbury, to the managers of the furnace. I^ Skssiox, August 27. The Governor was desired by the Council, to give orders to Col. William Worthington, and issue a warrant to enable him to reclaim a a certain whale boat of this State, taken by one Tryon, of Wethersfield, REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 481 tVom Richard Dickinson, of Sa} brook ; and retain the other whale boat owned by the State, and use them in the State service. Dr. George Olcott was appointed physician and surgeon to the regi- ment of mihtia ordered to the northward, by the General Assembly, on the 13^1 of August, 1777. In Session, (at Lebanon,) August 29. A permit was given to Ebenezer Griffin, Jr., of Windham, to trans- port to Massachusetts or Providence, 10 head of fat cattle, 10 firkins of butter, and 2,000 pounds of cheese, in order to purchase salt and other West India goods. The day was spent on sundry matters of consequence in consultation. In Session, August 30. Complaint was made to Col. J. Lattimer, of the 3d regiment, that Elisha Fox, captain of the 13th company of militia in said regiment, had conducted badly in many respects ; that he was intemperate in the use of strong liquor ; had attempted to obtain a protection from Lord Howe, and unfriendly to the American States, and disobedient to his said colonel ; all which was laid before the Governor and Council. The Governor and Council suspended said Fox in his office, until the session of the Assembly, in October (then) next, and gave the command of said company to the lieutenant of said company. A number of letters were written to the Governor of Rhode Island, and to the General Assembly of Massachusetts, giving intelligence of the good news from fort Stanwix, as well as the doings of the Assem- bly with regard to raising militia for the northern department. David Luce, of Martha's Vineyard, had liberty to transport by water to said place, 20 barrels of rye flour, and 200 pounds of flax. Abisha Luce had liberty to transport to the same place, 12 barrels of rye flour, and 200 pounds of flax. In Session, September 1. The principal part of the day was spent in wTiting letters to Con- gress, and to the westward. Gen. Parsons came before the Governor and Council, and proposed the design of Gen. Putnam in an expedition to Long Island ; some consultation on the subject was had, and the further consideration deferred to the 2d of said September. In Session, September 2. A commission was given by the Governor, to Peter Griffing, as a captain of a company of rangers, to guard the sea coast, sound, and 482 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. islands, on the coast^^this State ; to make prisoners of such as he should take in arms against the States. Instructions were given said Griffing ; and the Board approved of said commission, and the bond given for his faithful observance of his instructions. Orders were ^ent, in positive terms, to Lieut. Shipman, to afibrd the necessary assistance to Col. Worthington, in his expedition, and to suffer him to pass with boats, &c. by the fort at Saybrook, without molestation. In Session, September 4. Capt. George Chase, of Martha's Vineyard, had a permit to trans- port by water to the island, 12 barrels of flour, and 100 pounds of cheese. Orders were given to Capt. Jonathan Parker, in Col. Webb's regi- ment, in the continental service, by Gov. Trumbull, to enlist into any of the regiments of continental troops raised in Connecticut, any able bodied man for the term of three years or during the war, from the two battalions raised in this State for the defence of the sea coast and frontiers, under Col's. Enos and Ely, (with their £6 received as a premium,) as part of the £10 given by the State, to encourage the fill- ing of the continental army ; and the officers of said two regiments aforesaid were ordered to aid Capt. Parker, or any other officer recruit- ing, and affijrd all needed encouragement to enlist said recruits. An order was given to' the selectmen of Stamford, on Samuel Elliot, Jr., Esq., agent for Connecticut, for 30 bushels of salt owned by the State. In Session, September 5. An order was delivered to Maj. Hillhouse, on the pay table, for J£99, in favor of Capt. Jonathan Chester, of Groton, in full for lands deeded to the Governor and Company of Connecticut, for the use of the fort, at Groton, (£15 having been before paid to him.) An order of 19s. was given in favor of Ebenezer Bushnell, for sev- eral short journeys on public service. At this critical juncture, when the forces of the enemy were scat- tered, vigorous exertion was required to dislodge them from their posts, and prevent their future designs and operations, and rescue the couiitrj- from their hands ; every person who loved himself, his family, his country, and posterity, were called upon to exert themselves, and ex. cite others to accomplish so desirable an end. It was therefore resol- ved, that the two battalions raised in this State for the defence of the sea coasts, frontiers, dz;c., should be filled to the number of 728 men each, inclusive of officers. And to encourage men to enlist into said REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 483 battalions agreeable to former enlistments, a bounty of £4 : 10, lawful money, with the same pay and wages, with the subsistence of others in said regiments, was offered, by furnishing themselves with arms and equipments, (Stc, as others before enlisted had done. And officers were sent out to procure such recruits, to complete the full complement for said companies. James Parker, of Barnstable, who was a prisoner of war in this State, and who had been forced into the King's service, was ordered discharged by the Governor. It had been represented that said Parker, who had been taken by Maj. Meigs, on Long Island, in the service of Great Britain, and held as a prisoner of war in Willington, in this State, was forced into said service against his will ; that he and his father were friendly to the States ; that he was destitute of clothes ; he therefore petitioned for liberty to return to said Barnstable, to his pa- rents. He was therefore discharged, and permitted to return home. Barnabas Payne, of Cornwall, was permitted to transport by land or water, 7 or 8 tons of wheat flour, to exchange for salt, in Massa- chusetts. In Session, September 6. An order was drawn on Capt. William Hubbard, for 8 barrels of pork, in favor of Edward Hallam, commissary of Col. Ely's regiment. Also an order on Andrew Huntington, for 1 hogshead of New Eng. land rum, to be delivered to said Hallam. Commissaries Fitch, Squire, and Hallam were ordered to reserve for the use of this State, the hides of the cattle butchered for the supply of the troops. An order was given to the overseers of the furnace, at Salisbury, in favor of Lieut. Aaron Hawley, of Newfield, for fifty 3 pound round shot, and 100 weight of grape shot. Joel Chamberlain was permitted to transport 2,000 pounds of cheese to Providence, in the State of Rhode Island. Capt. J. Elderkin and Andrew Huntington, were each of them or- dered to send a load of clothing to the commissary of supplies and re- freshments. In Session, September 8. Aaron Fuller was established a captain ; Thomas Goodell, lieuten- ant, and Samuel Bull, ensign of the 7th company in the alarm list, in the 21st regiment of militia. An order was given Capt. Cockran, on Capt. William Hubbard, for four barrels of pork. 484 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777, ik Session, September 10. jrpTo dipt. Stephen Thorp; of Col. Enos' regiment, came before the Gov- ernor and Council, and offered to resign his commission, for the rea- son that his company was not full, and the command of so few men not superior to that of a lieutenant ; which was accepted. In Session, September 11. An order was drawn on the pay table for £56, in favor of Elisha Prior, of Groton, for one acre and a quarter of land, taken from him for the use of the fort at Groton. Ansel M. Helm, of Goshen, in the State of New York, was permit- ted to transport 5 hogsheads of sugar, by water, from Norwich to Fair- field, and thence by land to Goshen ; provided that Prosper Wetmore, sheriff of New London, had not seized the same, or any part thereof, for the use of this State ; and to endorse upon the permit, that said sheriff had no demands upon said sugar ; and if any, to certify what part, and the remainder to be carried to Goshen. Solomon Lee applied to the Governor and Council, and stated, that he had undertaken as a teamster for the State, and he was absent with his team, with a load of powder to Farmington, and on his return found he was detached to march with the troops in the 3d regiment of horse, to join the northern army ; M'hen he hired a substitute, and gave him 40s. per month more than his wages allowed ; and continued his business with his teaming to Providence uid Dartmouth, in the State's, and the United States' service ; and on his again returning home, on the 8th of September, 1777, found that his substitute, on a better offer from a man at Norwich, at 50s. per month, had engaged to go for him in said service ; and that his place was vacant, and the troops had marched ; and asked the Governor and Council, for these reasons, to excuse him from going after said troops. He was excused from the tour of duty. Nathaniel Bingham, of Canterbury, Mas appointed issuing commis- sary of supplies and refreshments to Col. Durkee's regiment, in the place of John Fitch, resigned. A permit was given to Capt. William Punchard, to ship from New Haven, on board his boat, to Massachusetts Bay, to exchange for salt, for the use of the inhabitants of this State, 5 barrels of wheat flour, 25 barrels of rye flour, 10 barrels of beef, 150 bushels of rye and corn, 400 pounds of cheese, and 300 pounds of flax. The Governor and Council had been informed, by Ensign John Smith, in Capt. E. Lathrop's company,' in Col. Lattimer's regiment, that several persons belonging to said regiment, who had been drafted to REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 485 join said Lathrop's company in the northern army, had refused to march as ordered : —Therefore, the Governor, as Captain General, ordered Col. Abbott to convene such persons as had refused as afore- said, and hear and examine their reasons for such refusal, and with the advice of his lieutenant colonel and major to excuse such, whose reasons should be judged sufficient, and to assist said ensign, with sufficient guards, to carry to camp, those w'hose reasons should be found insufficient to excuse them, if such guards should be necessary. Capt. Christopher Mordenbrugh moved the Governor and Council for a flag of truce, to carry his family and his household furniture, &c., to St. Kitts. He was encouraged that his request should be granted. In Skssiox, September 12. Capt. Jabez Perkins, agent for the officers and' crew of the ship Oliver Cromwell, for the captor's part of the chest of bohea tea taken in a prize by said ship, and sent into Dartmouth, then in store at Leba- lion. It was resolved, that one-third part of the tea in said chest should be delivered to said agent, for the use of the captors, as part of their share in said prize. It was resolved, that each town in the State should be requested, as soon as might be, to convene and make provision as should appear best, to procure immediately, one shirt or more if they saw fit, either linen or woolen, one hunting shirt or frock, one pair of woolen over- halls, one or two pair of stockings, and one pair of shoes for each non- commissioned officer and soldier in the continental army, who belonged to such towns, and deliver the same to Elijah Hubbard and Royal Flint, superintending commissaries for this State, and by them dehvered to the issuing commissaries of the battahons of the continent, raised in Connecticut, and by them delivered to the non-commissioned officers and soldiers at the following prices, viz. : shoes at 8s. 6d. ; stockings at 6s. ; shirts, hunting frocks and overhalls, according to the quahty, in proportion to good yard wide tow cloth at 2s. 9d. per yard, one yard wide check or striped flannel at 3s. 6d. per yard. That the issuing commissaries pay into the treasury of the State, such sums as they should receive on the sale of said clothing ; and the selectmen of each town should transmit to the Assembly, in October, an account of said clothing delivered to said commissaries, and be paid for the same as said Assembly should determine. The towns to see the same properly packed and marked, with an invoice of the same. The boxes for Mr. Hubbard, to be sent to Middletown, and those for Mt. Flint, to Peeks- kill ; to be conveyed by the commissaries in carriages owned by the State, to the Connecticut battalions ; with liberty given to such as 62 486 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. ■wished, to send to thei^Rends in the army, to put up sucli articles as they should think proper, and mark and direct the same, and put in the general package, to be delivered to whom directed. An order on the pay table was given in favor of Gen. Jabez Hun- tington, for money advanced by him, for the sum of £103 : 10 : 9. An order was drawn on the pay table in favor of Benjamin Hunting, ton, Esq., for sums advanced, and his trouble in settling Capt. William Coit's account, for the sum of £23 : 14 : 6. Maj. WiUiam Hillhouse produced a receipt of £13 : 10 for a horse and saddle sold, owned by a tory by the name of John Shepard, a transient person. In Session, September 13. Capt. John Deshon was ordered to send one half the salt which arrived in the sloop Catherine, at New London, to Mr. Andrew Hun- tington, at Norwich ; and to store the other half in some safe place in New London, and discharge the sloop. (The whole quantity of salt about 900 bushels.) In Session, September 19. It was voted, that 213 gallons of rum, the property of Martin Fos- borough, 55| gallons of rum, owned by Josiah Grant, Jr., and 108 gallons owned by Thomas Sheldon, which had been seized by Lynd Lord, sheriff of Litchfield county, by a warrant dated the 25th day of August, 1777, for the use of this State, should be released to the owners. An order on the pay table was drawn in favor of Lynd Lord, Esq., for £100, towards the expense of the guard placed over Gov. Franklin, September 19, 1777. Mary Vose, a resident in Colchester, the wife of Henrj' Vose, of Nova Scotia, then a soldier in a continental battalion from Rhode Island, stated to the Governor and Council, that she Avas destitute of the means of subsistence ; that she had with her three sons of the same birth, nine months old, by the names of John Hancock, George Wash- ington, and Charles Lee. The Governor and Council sent a letter to the selectmen of Colchester, to provide said Mary all necessary sub- sistence, over and above her earnings and what might be provided by her husband, and lay their account before said Board. In Session, September 20. It was voted, that Mrs. Ketchum's family and furniture was permit- ted to be exchanged for Mrs. Ritchie, wife of William Ritchie, of the State of New York, and his familv, who were at Cow Neck, on Long REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 487 Island, and her household furniture ; and Gen. SilUman was directed to send a flag of truce for that purpose, at the expense of Mrs. Ketchum and Mrs. Ritchie. Wilham Ritchie of the State of New York, was permitted to trans- port out of this State, by land or water, 13 hogsheads of rum. Also Peletiah Webster to transport 5,000 pounds of sugar to Pennsylvania. J. Huntington, sheriff, and Nathaniel Hubbard, gaoler at Windham, Windham county, exhibited their charges for the guard kept at the said gaol. The keeping the guard was approved, and referred to the pay table for settlement. Mr. David Trumbull was desired to pay Jabez Huntington, Esq., £658 : 10 : 2, out of the continental money in his hands, and receive of him an order draMn by the pay table committee on the 23d of August, 1777, on the Treasurer of the State for that sum, endorsed over by said Huntington. It was voted, that the sum of j£9 : 17:7 should be paid by J. Hun. tiugton, Esq., to Thomas Lee and others, of Pomfret, for the interest of a suai due them from the State, for rum and coffee taken from them by warrants, for the use of the army. An order was drawn for the same. It was voted, that Gen. Sillimam should be directed to procure an exchange of Buchanan, Chadague, and one citizen to be furnished by the commissioner of prisoners in this State, for Samuel Parsons, Hudson English, and David Lyon, taken off by the enemy at Compo. It was voted, that an order be given to Messrs. Henshaw & Whiting to receive of Mr. David Trumbull, at his store in Bolton, 8 barrels of Expense of the Revolutionary War paid by Connecticut. Account expended by the State of Connecticut for carrying on the war of the Revolution, was £6,059,859 : 06 : 03|, equal to $20,199,531 05 Paid to the State by the Gen. Government, £733,703:17:11, equal to $2,445,679 65 ^5,326,155 : 08 : 04| $17,753,851 40 Leaving a balance in favor of the State at the close of the war, of seventeen millions seven hundred and fifty-three thousand eight hundred and fifty-one dollars and forty cents : from which take the State's quota, and the remainder was funded at 2i cents on the dollar. Mr. Huntington, the comptroller of this State in 1834, devoted three months at least, in ascertaining the amount above ; which computation does not include the immense expense borne by towns and individuals, which were never paid by the State or the United States. 488 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. pork ; .111(1 to receive of ^ffjah Hvibbard, of Middletowii, 1 hogshead ol New England nun, for the furnace at Salisbury. David Trumbull was desired to send an ox team to Boston, to bring to Connecticut a hogshead of shoes, and such other articles as should be ordered. In Session, September 22. The brig Defence, in the poi't at Boston, was ordered to be rigged into a ship. Samuel Elhot, Jr., of Boston, agent for Connecticut, was ordered to provide sufficient spars, rigging, and duck, for rigging the brig Defence into a ship, (the property of this State.) In Session, September 23. The General Assembly, on the 13th day of August, 1777, resolved to raise a regiment by voluntary enlistment, to serve in the northern de- partment, or elsewhere ; and appointed Samuel McLellan, colonel ; Noah Phelps, lieutenant colonel ; and Bezalecl Beebe, major of said regiment ; and resolved, that the Governor and Council should have power to give all necessary orders for raising the same, if necessary, in the recess of the General Assembly. It was therefore resolved, by the Governor and Council, that one regiment should be. raised to serve in Rhode Island or parts adjacent, to consist of nine companies of 90 men each, the officers included, to be commanded by the officers afore- said ; and to continue in service 31 days from the time they should arrive at the place of general rendezvous, unless sooner dismissed ; with the same wages, pay, &c., as were allowed to the continental troops raised in Connecticut ; and a bounty of 48s. allowed to non- commissioned officers and soldiers, if they provided themselves with blankets and knapsacks ; and a further bounty of 4s. to such as provi- ded themselves with cartouch boxes and bayonet belts. A permit was given to Benjamin Walworth, of Goshen, in the State of New York, to carry from Hartford to said Goshen, 36 bushels of salt he purchased at Martha's Vineyard. An order was given on Elderkin & Wales for 300 pounds of pow. der, to be delivered to the selectmen of New London, to supply the town stock, and the selectmen made accountable. In Session, September 24. Elizur Burnham, of Pittsfield, in Massachusetts, was permitted to transport from Norwich to said Pittsfield, one hogshead of West India rum. An order was drawn on Capt. Russel Woodbridge, to deliver to REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 489 Maj. Samuel Nichols, of Philadelphia, 10 chests of continental arms in said Woodbridge's custody, brought from Springfield. David Trumbull, Esq., was desired to forward for the supply of the militia from Connecticut in the northern arni)^, 5 hogshead of New England rum, and so much sugar as would make loads for three ox teams, and deliver the same to Col's. Cook and Lattimer. Lieut. Col. Return Jonathan Meigs was appointed colonel of a regi- ment of continental troops raised in Connecticut, in the place of Col. William Douglass, deceased. (Certificate delivered to Maj. Holding.) The General Assembly had directed that a recruiting officer to enlist men for the continental army, and to take up and secure deserters, should be appointed in each of the brigades of militia in the State ; and directed the Governor and Council to appoint such officers, and affix their place of rendezvous for said recruits in each brigade. The Gov- ernor and Council therefore resolved, that Maj. James Lockwood was appointed a recruiting officer iu the limits of the 1st brigade, Capt. Miles Johnson in the 2d, Capt. Jeremiah Halsey in the 3d, Maj. Elijah Abell in the 4th, Maj. John Ripley in the 5th, and Maj. Bezaleel Beebe in the 6th brigade of militia in this State ; and that the town of Wethersfield, in the 1st brigade, • Wallihgford in the 2d, Preston in the 3d, Fairfield in the 4th, Windham in tlie 5th, and Litchfield in the 6th, wei'e appointed the places of rendezvous in said brigades. Ix Skssiox, September 25. Col. John Ely was empowered by the Governor and Council, to raise a company of 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 50 non-commissioned officers and privates, to serve as watermen, and by land in the expedi- tion against Rhode Island ; with the same pay, subsistence, and refresh- ments as was allowed the continental troops raised in Connecticut, with 48s. bounty, for such as provided their own blankets and knap- sacks ; and 4s. for a gun and bayonet ; also 4s. for such as provided their own cartouch boxes and bayonet belts. It was voted, that a lieutenant and 24 privates, with other suitable officers, should be detached from the matross companies at New Lon- don and Groton, to proceed with the wrought iron field pieces, at Nor- wich, with suitable horses and harnesses, from New London to the State of Rhode Island, and to assist in the descent upon the island of Rhode Island, under the command of Col. John Ely ; and Col. Ely was ordered to make such detachment accordingly.. An order of £1,000 was given by the pay table on the Treasurer, in favor of Col. Ely, for the use of the regiment under his command. The Governor was desired by the Council to order the prisoners 490 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. taken by Capt. Seth I^MWing, in the ship Oliver Cromwell, in the ser- vice of this State, in the prize ship Weymouth, and in the prize bri- gantine Honor, to be sent, under proper guards, to Connecticut and kept, to be disposed of for the redemption of the subjects of the State in the hands of the enemy. The Governor and Council approved of the conduct of Capt. Har- ding in discharging a part of the crew of the Oliver Cromwell. And the Governor and Council desired his Excellency to order Capt. Har- ding to discharge as many of the inarincrs and marines who belonged to said ship as could be conveniently spared, reserving enough to refit said ship, and prepare her for another cruise. His Excellency was also desired to order the Oliver Cromwell refitted, graved, and prepared for sea, with all convenient despatch. An order of £810 was drawn for Col. Samuel McLellan, to be by him delivered to the captains in the regiment then ordered to be raised under his command, and by said captains paid to the non-commissioned officers and soldiers who should enlist, at,20s. each, in advance. Seth Grosvenor was appointed captain ; Elisha Downer, 1st lieuten- ant ; Isaac Hyde, 2d lieutenant ; and Robert Sessions, ensign of a com- pany in a regiment then ordered to be raised, and under the command of Col. S. McLellan. Ebenezer Witter, Jr. was appointed captain ; Alpheus Chapman, 1st lieutenant ; Moses Porter, 2d lieutenant ; and Jonas Morgan, ensign of said company, under Col. McLellan. Also, William Lyon, captain ; Jacob Dresser, 1st lieutenant ; Isacher Bates, 2d lieutenant of another company. Also, Abner Robinson, captain ; Samuel Campbell, 1st lieu- tenant ; Joseph Coy, 2d lieutenant ; and Abijah Fuller, ensign of a company. Aaron Austin, captam ; James Clark, 1st lieutenant ; Titus Bunnel, 2d lieutenant. Isaac Gallup, captain ; Reuben Hewit, 1st lieutenant ; Libbeus Chapman, 2d lieutenant ; and George Gallup, en- sign. John Vaughan, captain ; John Tennant, 1st lieutenant ; Durius Waterman, 2d lieutenant ; and Abraham Bliss, ensign. Israel Con- verse, captain ; Oliver Hubbard, 1st lieutenant ; Timothy Wadsworth, 2d lieutenant ; and John Lathrop, ensign. Amasa Mills, captain ; Abra- ham Wright, 1st lieutenant ; Benjamin Holcomb, 2d lieutenant ; and George Wolcott, ensign, in the companies in a battalion ordered raised under the command of Col. McLellan. . In Session, September 26. A permit was given to Dennis Sweeny, with two others, to pass through this State with 8 hogsheads of sugar, on the way to Philadel- phia, from Boston. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 491 Jonathan Nichols, of Mansfield, was permitted to transport by land to Boston, 800 pounds of rye flour, 600 pounds of wheat flour, 400 pounds of cheese, and 200 pounds of butter, to exchange for iron and steel. Also a permit given to Stephen Brigham, of Mansfield, to trans- port to Boston, to exchange for salt, 1 ton of wheat flour, 1 ton of rye flour, 1,400 pounds of cheese, and 600 pounds of butter. Also a permit given to Nathaniel Williams and Stephen Brigham, to drive to Boston 40 fat cattle, and 250 fat sheep. It was voted, that Maj. Gen. Huntington should be desired to cause to be made up 15,000 musket cartridges, fitted to the new French arms provided for the use of the continental army, and pack them in bunches of 18 cartridges each, and lodge them in some safe place in the town of Plainfield. The small arms from Springfield, then in Lebanon, were ordered examined, cleansed, repaired, branded, and fitted for immediate use. The selectmen of Milford, shewed the Governor and Council, that the company at the post at Milford, was destitute of a commissioned officer, and that more men were needed there. Therefore, Capt. Ben- jamin Hine was appointed to take the command at the fort at Milford, in the rank and pay of a lieutenant ; and to enUst six men in addition to the number then on duty there ; to continue in service until the 1st day of January, 1778 ; to keep up necessary guards, and employ the men in the fortification as constant as might be. Nehemiah Brainard was established captain ; William Smith, lieu- tenant ; and Nathan Tyler, ensign of the 3d alarm list company, in the 7th regiment of militia. Christopher Brown was established captain, and Joshua Whitford, ensign of the 6th military company, in Stonington, in the 8th regiment of militia. Elderkin & Wales were directed to deliver to Capt. Daniel Tyler, of Pomfret, 25 pounds of cannon powder, to prove the field pieces at said Pomfret. The order delivered to Uriah Holt. Brig. Gen. John Douglass was appointed to take the command of the troops raised, and ordered on an expedition to Rhode Island. In Session, September 27. A permit was granted to Andrew Craig, of Voluntown, to transport by land, to Bedford, in Massachusetts, 1 ton of cheese, and 500 pounds of butter, to exchange for salt. Also a permit was given to Benjamin Henshaw, to transport from this State to the West Indies, 40 barrels of flour, in the schooner Elizabeth. Also a permit was given to Thomas Lewis, of Norwich, to transport by land, to Providence, 70 bushels of .oats, to exchange for salt. 492 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. Liberty was given ^^icnjamin Henshaw, to purchase of the man- agers of Salisbury furnace, G swivel guns for his own use. Elijah Hubbard, Esq., vi'as directed to deliver to Benjamin Henshaw, one hogshead of New England rum, for the use of the furnace at Salisbury. The Governor was desired by his Council, to give orders to Gen. Tyler, to detach from his brigade, 1 lieutenant colonel, 3 captains, 4 lieutenants, 3 ensigns, and 330 men, including non-commissioned officers, to serve until the 15th day of November, 1777, unless sooner discharged. And to direct the lieutenant colonel, 2 captains, 2 lieuten- ants, and 2 ensigns, w'ith 200 men, with a proper proportion of non-com. missioned officers included, to take post in and about fort Trumbull, at New London ; 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and 1 ensign, with 100 men, including non-commissioned officers, as aforesaid, to take post at Groton fort ; and 1 lieutenant, with 30 men, including officers as afore- said, to take post at Stonington ; and to direct the commanding officer to carry on the works at the fortifications at New London and Groton, in the best manner he could. Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., was appointed to provide eight ox teams to transport the baggage of Col. Ely's regiment from Groton, to such part of Rhode Island as said Ledyard should direct ; and procure con- tinental provisions for them for 8 days, and if he could not otherwise provide for them, to call on Andrew Huntington, of Norwich. And Andrew Huntington was directed to deliver said provisions to said Ledyard, for the supply of said troops. Said Huntington w^as also desired to distil 20 hogsheads of the molasses in the custody of Capt. Perkins, owned by this State, into New England rum. In Session, September 29. Nathaniel Backus, Jonathan Lester, and Joshua Norman, of Nor- wich, with the consent of Capt. Robert Niles, commander of the armed schooner Spy, were appointed to appraise the sloop Dolphin and ap- purtenances, (then) lately taken by Capt. Niles, on a cruise on board said schooner against the British. John Ripley w'as appointed major of brigade, to the brigade under Brig. Gen. Douglass in the intended expedition to Rhode Island. In Session, September 30. Permission was given to Capt. William Coit, to transport by land, to the State of Massachusetts, 25 barrels of flour, and 8 or 10 fat oxen. It was voted, that Capt. Robert Niles' account for wages of his officers and crew of the armed schooner Spy, provisions, and repairs, 6lc., should be referred to the committee of pay table for adjustment, REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 493 &.€. Cupt. Niles had received of Mr. Shcrmun, '$750 out of $1,000 granted by Congress, to be accounted for by Mr. Sherman. The last balance to said Niles was paid by an order on Prosper Wetmore, Esq., of New London, and one other order on said Wetmore for £100. The Governor with the advice of the Council of Safety, ordered John Shipman, Esq., lieutenant at the fort at Saybrook, to immediately raise by voluntary enlistment, 20 able bodied men, to serve as a guard at the fort at Saybrook, until the 30th day of November, 1777, unless sooner discharged ; to be entitled to the same wages, &c., as the con- tinental troops were ; and in case he could not raise them by enlist- ment, to advise the Governor thereof, that further orders might be had. The oi'der was sent to Col. Ely, and forwarded to Lieut. Shipman by him. Mr. Elhot was appointed surgeon's mate in the battalion under Col. John Ely. The Governor and Council approved of the orders of Gen. Silliman, for the marching of one-fourth part of the 4th and 9th regiments of militia, to rendezvous at Horse Neck, under the command of Col. John Mead and Maj. Abel, for the defence of the adjacent country. A permit was given to the selectmen of Norfolk, to transport to Boston, 2,000 pounds of flour, to be exchanged for salt. The Governor was desired by the Council, to issue orders to Brig. Gen. Erastus Wolcott, forthwith, to draft from the 1st brigade in the State, 300 able bodied men, including officers, and cause them to be well equipped, with arms, &c. And to issue orders to Brig. Gen. A. Ward, forthwith, to draft 300 like men, including proper officers, from the 2d brigade in this State, and cause them to be equipped, with arms* 6cc. And the brigadier generals were directed to form them into one regiment, and give orders for them to march, with all convenient speed, to Peekskill, to act in conjunction with the continental troops under Maj. Gen. Putnam, for the defence of this and the United States ; to be held in said service two months after their arrival at Peekskill, unless sooner discharged. And Brig. Gen. Wolcott was to be directed to give orders to one colonel and one major in his brigade, to march with and take the command in said battalion. And that Gen. Ward should give orders to one lieutenant colonel of his brigade, to march with and take command as heutenant colonel of said battalion. Benjamin Huntington, Esq., was appointed to receive the journals of this Board, and to collect accounts of all the articles proper therefor, as soon as might be, and provide himself needful assistance. L\ Session, October 3. Sarg't. Ehhu Avery was appointed lieutenant fire worker in Maj. 63 494 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. William Ledyard's coin^Ry of artillery in the State service, instead of Lieut. Latham, deceased. Andrew Huntington, Esq., was directed to deliver one hogshead of New England rum to William Ledyard, Esq., commissary at Groton, and one hogshead of New England rum to Edward Hallam, at New London, for the troops there. It was resolved, that orders should be given to Brig. Gen. Douglass, to march on Monday (then) next, to Providence, and there put himself under the command of Maj. Gen. Spencer. (Order given October 4th, 1777.) A resolution passed for Col. Ely's direction to march at the same time to the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, by the route directed by Gen. Spencer, and place himself and his regiment under Maj. Gen. Spencer. (Order given October 4th, 1777.) It was resolved, that the service of those who enlisted into Col. Mc- Lellan's regiment, should be considered to them as a tour of duty. A company of artillery of 34 men, including officers, were ordered to be raised within the 20th regiment of militia, in this State. The non-commissioned officers and privates to be raised by voluntary enlist, ment ; to exercise the field pieces, mounted on carriages in Norwich, and to manage them in case of invasion or attack by the enemy, and be subject to the orders of the Captain General, and their other superior officers, and the field officers of said regiment ; and excused from all other military duty while continued in said company. The Governor and Council to appoint the captain and lieutenant ; the other officers of said company to be appointed by the company, and to fill future vacancies also. Jacob Dewitt was appointed captain, and Isaac Abel was appointed lieutenant of said company. The Governor was desired to grant them their commissions, and give orders accordingly. Voted, to give an order on J. Lawrence, Esq., treasurer, for 500 pounds of powder, to prove cannon at Salisbury furnace. Delivered to Mr. Henshaw. Voted, to give an order on Mr. David Trumbull, to deliver Benjamin Henshaw 5 barrels of pork, and-2 barrels of beef, for the same number delivered to the overseers of the furnace. David Trumbull was directed to deliver to Mr. Nathaniel" Wales, 32^ pounds of ten penny nails, at a reasonable price. Orders were given to Brig. Gen's. Erastus Wolcott, Andrew Ward, and G. S. Silliman, to forward the detachments ordered from their brigades to Peekskill, under the command of Gen. Silliman, with all possible despatch, without regard to fines. Similar orders were given to the colonel commandant of Gen. Oliver Wolcott's brigade. The above orders were given by an application from Gen. Putnam, by Col. Root, who represented to the Governor and Council, the preparations JIEVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 495 and disposition of the enemy at New York, to be such as threatened an attack upon them at Peekskill soon. (Orders were given to Col. McLellan as on file. In Session, October 4. Orders were given by the Governor, to Gen. Douglass and Col. Mc- Lellan, respecting their march to Gen. Spencer's head quarters. Benjamin Huntington was applied to by the sheriff and gaol keeper, John Barney, Jr., for flour to support the prisoners in gaol, and those taken by Capt. Seth Harding ; and stated they could not possibly obtain flour from the farmers ; and that the prisoners in gaol had suffered with hunger for want of bread ; and he had presumed to give an order on Elijah Lathrop, to deliver to said Barney, two barrels of the public flour in his hands, (as loaned to be replaced in a short time.) In Session, (at Hartford) October 13. David Trumbull was directed to settle the accounts and expenses of bringing into this State, Capt. William Judd, of the Antelope, Capt. Flinn, of the Weymouth, with the other prisoners taken in the Wey- mouth, by Capt. Harding in the ship Oliver Cromwell, and pay said expenses. And that said Trumbull should be reimbursed such sum as he should so pay, from the public treasury. In Session, October 15. Capt. Robert Niles was directed to borrow of Maj. Joshua Hunting, ton, a suitable stick for a mast for the sloop Dolphin, and a similar stick provided and delivered to said Huntington in return. The Governor was desired to give a letter of credit of £5,000 ster- ling, to purchase articles for the use of this State, agreeable to such in- structions as should be given Capt. Niles for that purpose. The committee of pay table were dii'ected to draw an order on the Treasurer of this State, in favor of Roger Sherman, Esq., for the sum of $750 ; which sum had been loaned at Philadelphia, April 5th, 1777, of said Sherman, by Capt. R. Niles, to purchase flour for this State. The managers of the Salisbury furnace were directed to hire eight teams for the use of said furnace, and pay for them as they should judge best for the State. Col. Charles Burrall was directed to order such guard as he should judge necessary for the security of the furnace at Salisbury, and to give such orders as should be necessary for their regulation and the security of the furnace, until further orders. Mr. David Trumbull was directed to deliver to the managers of Salisbury furnace, all the woolen cloth, and one half of the flannel and baize in his hands, taken by the vessels of war owned by this State, to be improved by said managers for the workmen at the furnace. The 496 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. said n;ianngc3rs were iVu0/tv(\ lo cast a quantity of grapo sliot, at tlieir discretion. Benjamin Huntington, Esq., was directed to fit the schooner Spy, of this State, for sea. Zebediah Smith, of Norwich, was appointed Ueutenant and com. mander of the schooner Spy ; and was ordered to enhst a suitable number of seamen and marines for cruising in Long Island sound, and to take the command of said schooner and proceed on a cruise, until some person should be appointed captain of her. In Session", October 17. Orders Averc given to Gen. Erastus Wolcott, on the selectmen of Windsor, for 400 pounds of lead in their hands, owned by the State, to be made into cartridges ; and an order on Elderkin & Wales for 300 pounds of gun powder, to be made into cartridges for his brigade. Jabez Hamlin and Titus Hosmer, Esq'rs., M^ere appointed by the Governor and Council to treat with Mrs. Mary Alsop and Mr. Nathan, iel Shailer, upon the terms on which they would sell or loan their gin still, worm and works in Chatham, and report to the Board. In Session, October 20. Ebenezer Jewit, of Norwich, was permitted to carry out of this State, one load of grain, to consist of one half oats, not to exceed £15, to purchase dye stuff. Capt. J. Perkins, of Norwich, was directed to pay to Benjamin Huntington, Esq., JEIOO of the public money in his hands, for advanced wages of the crew to be shipped on board the Spy, and other necessary purposes for fitting said schooner for sea. Capt. William Hubbard was directed to deliver to Benjamin Hun- tington, Esq., two barrels of pork said Hubbard owed the State, for the use of the schooner Spy. Mrs. Phebe Halsted was permitted to go to the city of New York with her family and effects, under the directions of the Governor. Mrs. Elizabeth F . . h, at Norwalk, was permitted to go to the city of New York ; also Sarah Cowdry was permitted to go to her parents, in the city of New York, to get her support, and remain there, under the directions of the Governor. Upon the petition of Capt. John Longstreet, Capt. Garrit Keating, John Barberiff, Capt. John Whrockmorton, William Patterson, Surgeon John Prolias, Ensign Charles Stockton, prisoners of war, prayed the Governor and Council for liberty for one of them to go to the city of New York, to procure clothing and other necessary articles for them, and procure an exchange of one of the United States' officers there, as the Governor might direct. It was voted, that either of said captains, REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. . 497 as they should agree, might go to the city of New York for the pur- poses aforesaid, on his parole to return, and not give any intelligence, or prejudice the United States ; and that the captain who should go, should be at liberty to procure his exchange for Capt. Caleb Trow- bridge, of this State, then a prisoner at New York, under such direc lions as the Governor should give. In Session, October 22. Samuel Elliot, Jr., Esq., of Boston, in Massachusetts, was appointed agent for Connecticut, in all maratime affairs, vessels of war, and cap- tures of the enemy's vessels, &c., in Massachusetts. The Governor was desired to send him a commission for said purpose. In Session, October 23. Consulted about the gin distillery, as to the best method for the State to manage it, and adjourned. In Session, October 24. Voted, to refer the matter relative to taking the gin distillery into the use of the State, to the General Assembly. Voted, to refer the matter as to the two bolts of duck, taken from Mr. Saltonstall, for them to determine the price. Mr. Elijah Hubbard was directed to deliver to the overseers of the lead mines, 400 pounds of wheat flour, to replace what had been bor- rowed for the miners ; and to supply them with so much flour as they might need, to supply said miners. It was resolved, that John Lawrence, Esq., Treasurer of this State, should be directed to receive of Thomas Mumford, Esq., agent of the secret committee of Congress, the money for 8,640 pounds of gun powder, at 5s. 4d. per pound, in part of what this State loaned the United States at the request of Gen. Washington, when at Cambridge, in 1775-6. The Council consulted further on the subject of the distillery ; about the prisoners going to New York ; and with the commissary of conti- nental prisoners, about his erecting barracks in this State, for the pur- poses of the war. In Session, October 28. Several petitions for permits were referred to the General Assembly. In Session, October 29. Thomas Mumford, Esq. was directed to examine the state and cir- cumstances of a certain large prize ship, then in New London harbor, whether she was fit to be used as a prize ship, and if so, to treat with 498 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. the owner of her, foriJPpurchase or hire of her for that purpose ; get his terms, and report to the Board, with his opinion of the ship, as soon as might be. In Session, October 30. An order was drawn in favor of Maj. Nathaniel Saltonstall, for £300, for the matross company under his command. Elderkin & Wales were requested to send 500 pounds of powder to the care of Gen. Huntington ; 300 pounds for N. Saltonstall, and 200 pounds for Maj. William Ledyard, for the use of the forts at New London and Groton. Capt. John Barnes, of Middletown, was appointed an issuing com- missary for this State. Benjamin Huntington, Esq. was appointed to settle the expense that had arisen on the sloop Dolphin, taken by Capt. Robert Niles, viz. : the expense of the trial and otherwise, and the cargo of wood, and what was due the captors, and whether an appeal had been taken, and report to the Governor and Council. It was voted, that the following towns should have orders to receive their proportions of State salt, at Dartmouth, viz. : New Haven, 138 bushels ; Milford, 35 ; Branford, 34 ; Guilford, 48 ; Killingworth, 33 ; Saybrook, 44 ; Lyme, 68 bushels. Edward Hallam, commissary of our troops stationed at New Lon- don, had liberty to receive 20 bushels of the State salt, in the store of Capt. Deshon, at New London, for the use of said troops. The Governor gave an order to the selectmen of Norfolk, on Doo- little & Co., for 100 pounds of musket powder. (Order delivered to Mr. Walter.) In Session, October 31. An order was given to the selectmen of Norwalk, to receive of Samuel Elliot, Jr., 73 bushels of State salt, at Dartmouth. An order also to the selectmen of Greenwich, for 46| bushels of salt, to be re- ceived at Dartmouth, of Mr. Elliot. The two last orders were deliver, ered to Col. Davenport. The orders for Branford and New Haven, were delivered to Roger Sherman, Esq., with an order for the select, men in each case to pay storage. In Session, November 3. It was resolved, that at least one-half of the cannon at the foundry, at Salisbury, should be exchanged for West India goods, cloths, or other imported articles necessary for the army ; and the remainder in bills of credit of this State or the United States. The cannon to be REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 499 sold at the price sold for last year, and the articles received in pay- ment at the prices fixed by l4w. The Treasurer of the State was ordered to deliver to the overseers of the cannon foundry, at Salisbury, 400 pounds of cannon powder, for use there. The overseers of the cannon foundry, at Salisbury, were ordered not to dispose of any more pig iron than what they had engaged, unless on special orders given. Mrs. GUn, the wife of the (then) late contractor, was permitted to go to New York in a flag ship ; and Peggy, the wife of Mr. Henry, and her two children ; and Polly Bane and three children, were per- mitted to return, to New York in flags, and the Governor was desired to give necessary orders. In Session, November 4. An order was given in favor of Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., commis. sary to provide for the troops at Groton, for the sum of £1,500, lawful money, to provide for said troops ; with an order to receive 15 bushels of salt of Capt. Deshon. It was resolved, that Col. Marshfield Parsons should be directed to dismiss the militia under his command, stationed at New London and Groton, and parts adjacent, as soon as Col. Ely should return with his regiment to their post. And the Governor was desired to give said order. It was voted, that the Governor should be desired to give liberty to such persons of other States, to trade by water in small boats, in salt and other necessaries wanted in this State, for the produce of this State, that the Governor should think could be reasonably spared, at legal prices. An order was delivered by the pay table, in favor of Ebenezer Led- yard, Esq., to Jonathan Led3'ard, for £1,500; and another on Capt. Deshon, for 15 bushels of salt. An order was sent by Jonathan Ledyard, to Lieut. Col. Marshfield Parsons, to disband the militia under his command. The committee of pay table were ordered to liquidate the account for postage of the Governor for letters, &c. ; and draw on the Treas- urer for the same in favor of the post master. It was represented to the Board, by a deputy commissary of prison- ers for the United States, that there was a convenient place at Enfield, in this State, for keeping continental prisoners of war ; that he could procure of Isaac Kibbe, a convenient house and land for that purpose, which would require some barracks and a yard to enclose it, with ^„ 500 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. pickets ; and wished a^0t.e of the Governor and Council. The Gov- crnor and Council were of opinion that the place was a proper place for said purpose, as pine boards and timber were near, and approved of the object. In Session, November 5. It was voted, that the committee of pay table should settle the account of Capt. Ebenezer Bartrani, for the balance due him for his service on board the Brig Defence, according to the common usage, and draw on the Treasurer of the State for the balance. Lieut. Col. Thomas Seymour, of the light horse, in this State, was directed by the Governor and Council to send forward twelve of the light horse of the 1st regiment of light horse, with a proper officer, to Gen. Parsons, to be under his command for the term of two months. The pay table were directed to settle with Elderkin &. Wales for guarding the magazine of powder and salt petre, at Windham, at 12s. per day from the 9th of June, 1777, to the oth of November, 1777 ; and draw on the Treasurer of the State for the balance. Nathaniel Hubbard was allowed £18:7: 3^ for the balance for sup- porting John Shepard in gaol. An order was drawn in favor of John Trumbull, printer, for £10: 1 for the balance of his account for printing for the State. Capt. Isaac Bidwell, of Farmington, was permitted to carry to the State of New York, 20 bushels of salt, to exchange for iron. The committee of pay table were directed to settle the account of Capt. Seth Harding, for the officers and crew onboard the ship Oliver Cromwell, owned by the State, and to draw on the State Treasurer for the balance due said Harding and crew. Alexander Cutler, of Litchfield, was permitted to carry out of this State, butter and cheese sufficient to purchase three tons of iron, for the use of the inhabitants of this State. It was voted, (on the 4th of November) that Maj. Gen. Jabez Hun- tington, Brig. Gen. Erastus Wolcott, and Nathaniel Wales, Jr., Esq., were appointed to repair to Providence, in Rhode Island, and there join such gentlemen as should be appointed by the States of Massa- chusetts and Rhode Island, to enquire into the reasons and causes of the failure of the expedition formed against the island of Rhode Islandj agreeable to the request of Maj. Gen. Spencer in his letters to the Governor, and make their report to the Governor. (Commissioned by the Governor. ) Col. Joseph Trumbull was appointed commissary general of this State, to purchase beef and pork for the use of the State ; provided, if REVOLUTIONARY AVAR, 1777. 501 he did not undcrtiike the duty before the Council should meet, the Gov- ernor was desired to appoint some other person. An order was given to Chauncey Whittlesey of j£33 : 5 : 10, for his balance as commissary to provide clothing. The commissary general of this State, was directed to purchase salt, dec, for putting up provisions, under such directions as the Gov- ernor and Council should give. Gen. Jabez Huntington was appointed to import clothing, &c., under the direction of the Governor and Council. Elijah Hubbard, Esq., was appointed agent for this State, and directed to purchase rye, and receive the gin, and superintend the distillery at Chatham, in behalf of the State, under the direction of the Governor and Council. The several sheriffs in this State, viz. : WiHiams, Wetmore, Fitch, Abel, and Lord, were directed to release such articles of West India goods as they had taken, and had in their hands by virtue of warrants from the Governor, for the use of the State. Thomas Mumford, Esq., (on the 24th of November, 1777,) was per- mitted to Jransport 50 barrels of flour and 800 pounds of bacon, to Isaac Apes, in the West Indies. In Session, (at Lebanon,) November 18. Orders were,sent to Gen. Silhman, by the Governor and Council to detach, and send forward to join Maj. Gen. Putnam, out of Silliman's Brigade, 200 men, properly officered, with one colonel from said brigade. Also, like orders to Gen. Oliver Wolcott, to send from his brigade the same number, properly officered, with one major. A like order to Gen. Andrew Ward, Jr., to send 200 men from his brigade, properly officered, and a lieutenant colonel ; all to join Gen. Putnam, and be subject to his command ; to serve for two months from the time they should arrive on the ground, unless sooner dismissed. A letter was sent to each of said brigadier generals enclosing said orders, which directed said brigadier generals to order said men so to be raised, and to join in and form one regiment, and march immediately and join Gen. Putnam. (Orders sent by Col. William Pitkin.) The Governor and Council sent orders to Col. Ely, forthwith to march with his regiment, (except Lieut. Shipman,) officered as when he marched to Providence, and join Maj. Gen. Putnam, and be under his command until further orders ; with orders to commissary Hallam to provide such carriages as Col. Ely should wish to convey said regi- ment's baggage, by land or water, as said Ely should direct. (Orders sent by Lieut. Angel.) 64 502 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. Orders were seat bj^Bfe Governor and Council to Gen. Tyler, to send from his brigade, (by draft,) 115 men without delay, properly officered and equipped ; 50 men to be stationed at the New London posts, 30 men at the post at Groton, 20 men at Stonington, and 15 men to guard at Lyme ; to serve two months from the time of their arrival at their several posts. In Session, November 25. An order was given to the selectmen of Groton, to receive at Dart- mouth, in Massachusetts, 58 bushels of (State) salt, by their paying the storage. In Session, November 27. It was resolved, that Ensign Seth Miner, and the 15 men ordered by Gen. Tyler to keep guard at Lyme, be dismissed from said service ; and that the selectmen ot said Lyme should raise a guard when needed. It was resolved, that Col. Henry Champion was appointed to put up with salt 1,000 barrels of pork for this State ; and to employ such per- sons to assist him as he should judge necessary. Voted, to draw an order on the pay table in favor of Col. Henry Champion, for £8,000 lawful money, to purchase pork for this State. It was voted, to draw an order on William Bull, of Hartford, or the store keeper at Hartford, to deliver the salt of this State, in their hands, to Col. Champion, for salting pork for this State. In Session, November 28. Permits were given to Chara Coleman, William Chadwick, Riley Cogswell, Thomas Clark, Pierce Gardner, &;c., to dispose of their cargoes of salt. In Session, November 29. A permit was granted to Maj. Clift, of Plainfield, and Oliver Coit, of Preston, to sell 19 or 20 fat cattle, agreeable to the laws of the State. The committee of pay table were directed to draw an order in favor of Capt. Jabez Perkins, for £490 : 13 ;2, the sum due him as agent for the captors of the sloop Dolphin, taken by the schooiler Spy. The account exhibited to the Governor and Council by Capt. Per- kins, agent for the captors of the sloop Dolphin, taken by Capt. Niles. The sloop Dolphin sold for .... £1,000:00:00 Sundries sold by Capt. Niles, - . . - 6 : 08 : 08 £1,006:08:08 Court fees paid by said Perkuis in the case of the Dolphin, £25 : 2 : 4. Belonging one half to the State, £981 : 6 : 4, being £1,006 : 13 : 2. Connecticut purchased said sloop Dolphin at £1,000. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 503 The account of Andrew Huntington, for services done the State, and for clothing and other necessaries purchased as commissary for the State, for the use of the soldiers of the continental army, were ordered settled by the pay table, and to draw on the Treasurer for the balance, and charge the United States for such part as was purchased for their use. It was voted, that Col. Joseph Trumbull should be desired to pur- chase in Massachusetts and elsewhere, blankets and other coarse woolens, linens, stockings, shoes, and hats, for the use of this State, to supply the continental army, to the amount of £5,000, at the best rates he could, and forward the same to this State. Also to make diligent enquiry at what rate he should be able to purchase any quantities of like goods, not exceeding the sum of £10,000. Also to enquire after bills of exchange on France or Carolina, the rate of exchange ; to apply to Samuel Elliot, Jr., Esq., for his account with the State ; to advise relating to the two vessels of war, the Oliver Cromwell and Defence, of their situation and circumstances ; and order the Defence rigged for a ship ; and advise the Governor and Council thereof by express, or otherwise, and observe their further orders. Mr. David Trumbull was appointed by the Governor and Council, to purchase and put up 300 barrels of pork, and 100 barrels of beef, for this State. The pork and beef to be barreled at or near Roxbury, with salt owned by this State, for the use of said State, on the best terms he should be able. An order was drawn on the pay table in favor of Col. Joseph Trum- bull, for £5,000 to purchase blankets, coarse woolens, linens, stockings, shoes, and hats for the State, to supply the continental army. (Order delivered Col. Trumbull, December 1st. Is Session, December 1. An order was given to the selectmen of New London, to receive of Josiah Elliot, at Bedford, 98 bushels of salt. An order was given to the selectmen of Stonington, to receive of Josiah Elliot, at Bedford, 90 bushels of salt. (Order delivered to Wil. liam VVoodbridge.) A permit was granted to Elisha Scovil, to transport from any part of this State, four horse loads of salt, 20 yards of plain cloth, and 20 yards of flannel, to Westmoreland, for the inhabitants there. In Session, December 2. A permit was given to Hezekiah Crowell, to sell or exchange 12 barrels of oil, 30 quintals of cod fish, 250 kegs of lamp black, and 145 bushels of salt, in this State. 504 RF,V0r.UTI(3NARY WAR, 1777. Prepared and forwarder despatches to Congress, and Gen. Wash- ington. In Session, December 3. An order was given Capt. Samuel Mattocks, to receive of Col. Jere- miah VVadsworth, a piece of woolen cloth in his custody, for the conti- nental army. And to receive of Mr. Payne, the various articles of clothing in his care, taken from Peleg Hyde, of Norwich, for the use of said army. Also, to deliver the clothing referred to above, to the sol- diers according to appraisal, and take their receipts, and deliver them to the pay masters of regiments, or their respective captains. Rowland Luce, of Rochester, was permitted to sell or exchange at a reasonable rate, 55 bushels of salt, 5| gallons of rum, and 1 quintal of codfish, for money, flour, beef, pork, butter, cheese, or grain. In Session, December 4. It was voted, that the Governor be desired to cause the resolutions of Congress of the 1st of November, 1777, recommending the 18th day of December, 1777, to be observed as a day of public thanksgiving through the United States, to be published, with a recommendation of a due observance thereof in this State. (Sent the proclamation to Mr. Green, to print.) A letter was sent to Mr. Shaw, to effect an exchange of Lieut. Otway, for Capt. Palmer, and WilHam Brooks, midshipman, and ahoy, for proper persons. An order was given to the selectmen of Lyme, to receive of Josiah Elliot, at Bedford, 68 bushels of salt. Capt. Gideon Olmsted, of Hartford, was permitted to transport on board the sloop Sea Flower, 40 shoats to Martinico. A permit was given to Aaron Olmsted, of Hartford, to sell 2 hogs- heads of rum, 1 hogshead of sugar, 100 pounds of chocolate, and 100 pounds of coffee. Stone Mills had permission to drive out of this State, 40 head of fat and lean cattle, to Massachusetts. Joshua Robins, of Tolland, was permitted to transport by land, to Massachusetts, 1 firkin of butter, 600 pounds of cheese, 1,000 pounds of pork, and 1 ton of flour, to be exchanged for iron and salt. An order was given to the selectmen of Norwich, to receive of Josiah Elliot, at Bedford, 122 bushels of salt, owned by this State. Permission was given to Capt. Sylvanus Waterman, to go to Jamaica, to transact his mercantile business, (on parole.) A permit was given to Thomas Coffin, of Martha's Vineyard, to sell or exchange 28 bushels of salt, 3 cwt. 3 qrs. and 14 pounds of sugar, REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 505 5 barrels of liver oil, 14 gallons of rum, 25 pounds of wool, 6 pair of stockings, and 6 pair of mittens — for 12 barrels of flour, 4 barrels of pork, 1 firkin of butter, 400 pounds of cheese, 1 hogshead of tallow, and 20 bushels of corn. It was resolved, that Mr. Elijah Hubbard should forward, with the utmost despatch, the clothing provided by the towns for the soldiers of this State, in the continental army. And immediately send a person, by him appointed, to the several stores where said clothing had been lodged, and direct them to forward the same with the utmost despatch to the issuing commissaries to the respective regiments, to be by them delivered to the soldiers of the respective towns, from whence such clothing should be sent, under former orders. And that there should be one or more persons appointed in each county, employed forthwith, to apply to the selectmen or committee of clothing in each town, and cauge to be immediately collected in such town, the various articles of clothing provided ; and the transportation paid by this State, of such articles to the army as they might think best to send on pack horses or otherwise, at the san)e rate as articles sent by the commissary. And in case of neglect or refusal of such selectmen or committee to trans- port such clothing, the persons aforesaid appointed were to send said clothes to Middletown, or other place, as commissary Hubbard should appoint, and by him to be sent immediately to the army. Roger Hooker on the west side of Connecticut river, and Elijah White on the east side of said river. In the county of Hartford, Thomas Seymour. In the county of New Haven, Capt. John Cockran, on the west of said river, and Capt. Nehemiah Waterman, Jr., on the east side of said river in New London county. William Hawley, Esq., in Fairfield county. Subaiel Abbe in the county of Windham, and Alexander Catlin in the county of Litchfield, were appointed for the purposes mentioned aforesaid, with power given to each of them to appoint suit- able persons under them, if needed, to assist them. ly Session, December 5. David Trumbull was directed to exchange beef and pork, at Boston, for such quantity of salt as should be required to put up the provisions he was ordered to salt in barrels for this State, for victualing our navy there, if said exchange could be made on reasonable terms. The Governor was desired to draw an order in favor of Maj. Na- thaniel Ruggles, of Roxbury, (near Boston,) on Samuel Elliot, Jr., agent for Connecticut, at Boston, for 300 bushels of salt, owned by this State, for the purpose of curing provisions for the armed vessels 506 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. owned by this State, (^Ri) fitting out at Boston, if said salt could not be procured by barter. David Trumbull was directed to pay the expense of returning the teams owned by the State, from New London to Lebanon, being £4. The Governor and Council appointed Andrew Adams, Esq, to en- quire into the right of the use and improvement of the lot and barn, Col. Joshua Porter occupied, owned by Mr. Richard Smith, the owner of the furnace, lands, and appurtenances, at Salisbury ; and the matters in dispute between Col. Porter and the managers of said furnace, in behalf of this State, and report to the Governor and Council. Col. Champion had an order on the store keeper of salt, (owned by this State,) at New London, for 200 bushels of salt to cure provisions for the State. Order delivered to Joel Jones. Nathaniel Hovey, Jr., of Windham, was permitted to transport by land, to Rhode Island, 40 bushels of corn, 20 bushels of wheat, 30 bushels of rye, and 20 bushels of oats, to exchange for iron. Capt. Perkins was directed to receive a box of tea, brought from Bedford to Lebanon, as though he had received it at Bedford, and a small quantity of green tea, from Boston to Lebanon, as though he had received it at Boston. The ships of war, Oliver Cromwell and Defence, then in Boston harbor, were ordered to be immediately fitted out on a cruise against the British. And the captains of said ships of war were directed to enlist their crews, with all convenient speed, in order to proceed on their cruises. The officers, marines, and seamen on board said ships, while in said service, to be under the rules, orders, &c. prescribed by Congress for the continental navy, relative to the government of said ships, and the officers, marines, and seamen on board the same. And the officers, seamen, and marines, besides the provisions and their stip- ulated pay and wages, after all other necessary expenses were dischar- ged, should be entitled to a division of one-half of all their captures, whether ships of war armed, or other vessels, their cargoes and appur- tenances, legally condemned as lawful prizes, made agreeable to the rules and directions given by Congress ; and the other half to belong to this State. In Session, December 6. Timothy Parker, of Norwich, was appointed captain of the ship Oliver Cromwell, of this State ; and the Governor desired to commis- sion him as such. John Chapman, of New London, was appointed 1st lieutenant of said ship, under Capt. Parker. John Smith, of Hart- ford, was appointed 2d lieutenant of said ship. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. 507 The pay table were directed to draw on the Treasurer of the State, in favor of William Lax, for £35 : 9, for services due him. In Session, December 8. A letter was received from Gen. Parsons, and answered. Also a letter from Congress by express. Wrote to Gen. Putnam, wishing the raw hides sent to this State, for shoes for the soldiers in the continental army. A permit was given Zachariah Gardiner, of Nantucket, to exchange in this State 133i gallons of rum, 1 hogshead of molasses, 13 bushels of salt, and 1 barrel of sugar — for flour, corn, beef, pork, flax seed, flax, 200 pounds of cheese, and 60 pounds of butter. An order was drawn in favor of Capt. John Skinner, of Hartford, for £30, lawful money, to send to the detachment of light-horse from his company, in service with Gen. Parsons. Capt. Parker received his commission, and a form for enlistment. In Session, December 9. Several matters agitated. In Session, December 10. A flag of truce was granted for the exchange of John Tully, a pri- soner of war, for John Smith, of Haddam, at New York, to be trans- acted by Aaron Isaacs. The Governor was desired to write to Messrs. Otis & Andrews, of Boston, to deliver Col. Joseph Trumbull, continental clothing in their hands, to clothe 4,000 men, with trimmings — crimson, scarlet, bufi*, or light colors for lappels for the same, and take Col. Trumbull's receipt therefor ; to get the same made up and transported to the army, and delivered to the clothier general, or to the soldiers of this State, as Gen. Washington should direct. Also to apply to said Otis & An- drews for a proportion of blankets, shirts, caps, shoes, and stockings, to be forwarded as aforesaid. It was also voted, that Col. J. Trumbull was empowered to apply to said Otis &; Andrews, commissaries to purchase clothing for the continental army, and receive from them clothing sufficient for 4,000 men, and give his receipt therefor, and forward the same to Connecticut, by the teams sent to Boston for that purpose. And he was directed to cause said clothing to be made as soon as might be ; and for the purpose of expeditmg said business, to distribute said clothing to as many towns in this State as should be necessary to have it speedily made ; and when made, to forward the same to the clothier general, or to the issuing commissaries of the respective regiments which belonged to this State, for the use of the 508 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777. non-commissioned of^^s and soldiers in the continental service, en- listed for three years, or during the war, as Gen. Washington should direct ; and to make up their accounts of the expense of making and transporting, and apply to said commissaries for payment. David Trumbull was directed to procure and send to Boston, 20 ox or horse teams, with carts or sleds to fetch such clothing as Col. J. Trumbull had to send to this State, and delivered in such places as J. Trumbull should direct ; and to load such teams with salt iti the hands of S. Elliot, Jr., as should not be needed for transporting said clothing. George West was permitted to exchange a quantity of salt, rum, wool, &c., for country produce, to transport to Massachusetts. Cleaveland of the same place, had a like permit. In Session, December 11. A letter was sent to New Haven, by Mr. David Austin, regarding a difficulty that arose there with some people from Nantucket, with goods for barter in this State. The Governor was desired to grant a license to Caleb Huntington, of Norwich, to distil from rye, the spirit called Geneva, to supply the inhabitants of the State, as far as he could ; provided he should retail the same at a reasonable price, not to exceed 15s. per gallon, during the pleasure of the Governor and Council. Abiather Camp, of New Haven, who was confined by an order of the General Assembly, at Eastbury, prayed to be removed, either to his farm in North Branford, to his house at Wallingford, or to Glastenbury, . In Session, March 28. John Shipman, Jr., was appointed lieutenant of the company of matross, of 24 men, ordered raised and stationed at Saybrook, by the General Assembly for 1778. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 529 In Session, March 30. Commissions were sent by Col. Bradley for three of the six regi- ments ordered by the (then) last Assembly to be raised for the defence of this and the United States, (I'or Col. Mead, Col. Enos, and Col. Hooker.) And sent commissions filled, to sundry officers of the artil- lery companies, viz. : Lieut. Bradley, of New Haven ; Benjamin Hine, of Milford ; John Odcl, of Fairfield ; William Seymour, of Norwich ; John Bean, of Stamford, and Sylvanus Marshall, of' Greenwich. N. B. The commissions for Col. Thaddcus Cook's regiment were sent on the 27th, by Col. Street Hall. John Trumbull exhibited an account for printing, of £15 ; referred to the pay table. Thomas Fanning exhibited an account of transferring the account of the Governor and Council ten days, at r2s. per day, to be adjusted by the pay table. An order was given to Capt. Dewitt, of Norwich, to receive of Maj. Ledyard,the two wrought iron 4 poimd cannon with the apparatus, which had been removed from Norwich, by Col. Ely's regiment. The order delivered Gen. Huntington. In Session, March 31. Capt. Jacob Dewitt was directed to provide the necessary apparatus for preparing for service the two field pieces at Norwich, mounted on carriages, and receive of Maj. Gen. Huntington a sufficient quantity of powder and balls to complete 80 cartridges, and 40 cartridges for said pieces, and 40 for the wrought iron iield pieces under his care. Paul Pinkham, of the island of Nantucket, master of the sloop Fanny, was permitted to sell in this State, 100 bushels of salt, 400 pounds of coffee, 50 gallons of rum, 9 barrels of tar, 6 of turpentme, and IGO kegs of lampblack, at the regulated prices ; and to purchase any article except provisions of every kind, and flax exceeding 1 ton weight, lard exceeding 3 firkins, leather and iron, the property of the people of this State. Capt. Seth Harding was directed to pay to Justus Jennings, his wages for services on board the brig Defence, being £54. Maj. Elijah Hyde, Jr., exhibited an account for the expense and wages of four light horse men, to escort Gen. Prescott from Lebanon to East Windsor, being £5 : 5 ; referred to the pay table, and charged to the United States. It was voted, that the resolution of Congress of the 2d of March, 1778, respecting the raising of light horse in this and several other States, to serve in the (then) next campaign, &c., should be sent to the majors of the light horse in this State as soon as could be ; and a copy of said resolution enclosed to each major accordingly. 530 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. Sent by Gen. Huntinglon the commissions for Col. Mott's battalion, ordered by the Assembly, in February, 1778, to be raised, &;c. Also the commissions of Maj. William Ledyard, as commander of the fort at New London, George Stanton, Youngs Ledyard, Capt. W. Latham, Capt. Shapley, Lieut. Richard Chapman, and Dan Dee, New London ; Lieut. Achas Sheffield, for Stonington artillery companies. In Session, April 1. The day was spent in writing letters to Congress, the Board of War, Gen. Putnam, Gen. Silliman, &c. In Session, April 2. Mr. Samuel Fitch, issuing commissary to Col. Durkee's regiment, made his resignation to the Governor and Council, dated Februaiy, 1778, and was accepted. The day spent in consultation, and preparing letters. In Session, April 3. Daniel Hall, Jr., of Durham, exhibited his account, for making 50 cartouch boxes and 50 bayonet belts, of £45 ; delivered the same to Gen. Wadsworth. Jeremiah Butler, of Durham, offered his account for making 20 cartouch boxes and 20 bayonet belts, of £46. The pay table drew for the same. Orders to the following effect were sent to Col. Mott, of the 3d regiment, ordered to bo raised for the defence of this and the United States. To detach from the regiment under his command, 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, and 86 non-commissioned officers and privates, if such a number were enlisted, to take post at Great Neck, in New London. Also, 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, and 86 non-commis- sioned officers and privates, to take post at Groton, for the defence of those places. And in case a sufficient number to complete two com- panies were not enlisted, to apply to Gen. Tyler, who was directed immediately to give orders for detaching from his brigade such number of non-commissioned officers and privates as should be wanting in Col. Mott's regiment to complete said two companies ; and order the men so detached to join said companies, and stationed at New London and Groton ; to continue in service until relieved by such as should enlist into said battalion, who Col. Mott was to order on for that purpose ; and to make weekly returns, until further orders. The Governor was directed to give orders to Col. Mott, to send on one company in addition to the one before ordered to New London, as soon as a sufficient number should be enlisted in the regiment under his command, with a field officer to command. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. 531 All order was given in favor of Col. William Worthington, for £200, for service done in attempting to annoy the enemy's shipping, by order of the Governor and Council. The account of Capt. Richard Dickinson, for services, «Scc., for the armed vessel, brig Minerva, owned by this State, (then) lately under the command of Capt. Giles Hall, was referred to the pay table for settlement, &c. The Governor was desired to write to the delegates from Connecti- cut, in Congress, relative to Bushnell's machine, and request them to lay the same before Congress, &c. Dr. Samuel Lee, of Windham, was discharged from the office of surgeon to Col. Durkee's regiment, in continental service ; and Dr. David Adams, of Preston, appointed in his place in said regiment. The Governor gave an order on Col. H. Champion, to deliver Col. Jonathan Fitch, 8 barrels of pork ; another order on Mr. Elijah Hub- bard, to deliver 1 ton of flour to Col. Fitch, for the troops stationed at New Haven. Order delivered in a letter sent by Samuel Thatcher. Sent an answer to Capt. Levi Leavenworth as to shoes. On motion of Ezekiel Williams, Esq., deputy commissary general of prisoners in this State, for liberty to obtain a guard over the prison- ers of the United States, (then) about to be confined on board a prison ship then fitted at New London, and ready to receive the prisoners on board, agreeable to the orders of Congress. The Governor and Coun- cil resolved, that said commissary should be supplied with a guard, of 1 lieutenant, 1 sargeant, 1 corporal, and 20 privates, for guarding the said prisoners, under the direction of said commissary, at the expense of the United States ; provided that said men could not be otherwise obtained, the commissary was directed to apply to Samuel Abbott, colonel of the 20th regiment of militia of this State, who was in such case, if need be, to order a detachment of as many men out of his regiment as should be wanting to complete said number for the purpose. In Session, April 20. Sundry matters consulted, but no votes passed. In Session, April 21. An order in favor of Samuel Elliot, Jr., Esq., agent at Boston, for £6,000, to be in account of business by said Elliot for this State, in the naval department. Said Elliot was desired to prepare his account for settlement at Hartford, during the session of the General Assembly, in May. Said Elliot was directed to sell the guns, tallow, fat, and bad bread in his hands owned by this State, to the best advantage, for the benefit of said State ; and render his account as soon as might be. 532 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. Also, that said Elliot sliOTld be instructed to act his discretion to secure the stores in the State of Massachusetts owned by this State, in such manner as he should judge prudent, that they should not fall into the hands of the enemy. It was voted, to draw on Capt. Samuel Squire, commissary, for four tons of flour, in favor of Samuel Elliot, Jun., Esq., to be replaced where borrowed by him for the use of this State. Samuel Butt was appointed lieutenant, and Benjamin Brown, ensign of the 6th company of alarm list, in the 21st regiment of militia of this State, and were commissioned. Jabez Stow was appointed lieutenant fire worker to the company of artillery under Capt. Adam Shaply, at New London, and commissioned. Henry Denison, of Stonington, was appointed 2d lieutenant of the artillery company under Capt. Latham, at Groton, and commissioned. It was resolved, that four men should be allowed, in addition to the number of artillerymen under Lieut. Sheffield, at Stonington ; and said Sheffield was ordered to enlist them. An order was drawn on the store keeper at Preston, to deliver 12 barrels of pork, for the use of the matross at Groton and Stonington. An order was drawn on Gen. Jabez Huntington, for about 1,200 pounds of cannon powder, in favor of William Ledyard, major of artillery, at New London, Groton, and Stonington. And ordered Na- thaniel Wales, Jr., Esq., to send 400 pounds of musket powder to Maj. Ledyard, as soon as might be. Gen. Huntington was desired to prepare apparatus for the two wrought field pieces at Norwich. Capt. Nathan Palmer was directed to deliver to Lieut. Sheffield, as many guns, over and above the eight guns he had to arm his whole party of 24 men. Maj. Gen. Wadsworth was directed to enquire into the state of the guards at New Haven, and dismiss the militia there, in whole or part, as he should judge best ; and to order the two companies raised in Col. Cook's regiment, to New Haven, to take the place of the militia in service there ; and order the next company raised in those parts to Guilford, to guard the coast of that town, as he should judge best, till further orders. Capt. Niles, of the Spy, and Capt. Smith, of the Dolphin, were or- dered to immediately refit said vessels. Capt. Robert Niles was appointed to the command of the sloop Dol- phin ; and was ordered forthwith to refit her for sea, and engage sea- men necessary to man her for a merchant voyage to the West Indies, with such loading as should be prepared. REVOLUTIOINARY WAR, 1778. 533 Capt. Zebadiali Smith was ordered to refit for sea, the schooner Spy, and engage seamen necessary to man her for a voyage to the West Indies, with sueh cargok as should be prepared, and apply to Capt. J. Perkins for money and advice. Capt. Perkins was ordered to procure a suitable quantity of staves and hoops, to load the Dolphin and Spy, for a voyage to the VVest In- dies, and to collect all the hog's lard that belonged to this State, in the care of Col. Champion and others, to be disposed of as he should be ordered, &c., by the Board. In Session, April 27. John Way was appointed lieutenant fire worker for the company of artillery under Capt. Adam Shapley. Benjamin Huntington was desired to permit Capt. Jabez Perkins to cut staves on lands in his care, owned by the heirs of C. Shillby, of London, deceased. Capt. J. Perkins had liberty to use one hogshead of molasses, and one of sugar, owned by this State, to purchase staves and other arti- cles, to fit out the Dolphin and Spy, to the West Indies ; and Capt. Bill was directed to deliver said Perkins the sugar. In Session, April 28. Maj. John Bigelow was appointed and directed to purchase woolen cloths, at the lawful prices, suitable for officers' clothing, from this State, in the continental service, to an amount not to exceed £3,000, lawful money. Also, to take half the pieces of linen in his hands, purchased of Capt. Michel, master of the French ship at New Lon- don, suitable for officers' shirts, and procure them to be made for that use. The clothing for the officers, to be sent forward for them, such as could be made, and the residue sent unmade, with suitable linings and trimmings ; and take receipts of the officers so furnished, by the rules of Congress. That said Bigelow should lay the prices of said clothing and linen, before the commissioners of accounts at Hartford, who were directed to settle the prices at which the oflicers should ac- count, and to charge the surplus to the United States ; and to lay his own doings and expenses in said business, before the Governor and Council, as soon as might be. In Session, May 6. It was voted, that Mr. Dart, of New London, should be exempted from all military duty, for and during the time he should be employed in cutting and carrying 50 loads of wood to the fort — having been requested by Capt. Hallam. It was voted, that Capt. Cockran might receive of Col. Champion, 68 534 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778. four barrels of pork, i'S^he guard of 20 men stationed at Saybrook, Also, that Mr. David Trumbull might receive of said Champion, two barrels of pork, for so much received for Capt. Niles, of the schooner Spy, before, and not charged. Mark Foquet, in behalf of his father, Capt. Nicholas Foquet, and himself, stated to the Governor and Council, that they were employed by the Continental Congress to inspect powder mills, and powder and salt petre in the United States ; and while in any particular State, to be under the direction of the Governor thereof, and supported by the United States, and empowered by Congress to call upon any continental quarter master in any State for such assistance and support they should need ; that Congress furnished them, at Yorktown, with a wagon, four horses, and a wagon master, to convey them and their baggage from State to State, and that the wagon master deserted them at Hartford, in this State ; that their money was nearly expended, and considerable expense had arisen since they came to Connecticut, and more expense would arise, and they should be obliged to go to the eastern States when Gov. Trumbull should direct ; that there was no quarter master to whom they could apply ; and therefore asked to be furnished with a wagon master, and necessary funds to defray their expense while here, and to convey them to such State as they should be directed. The Governor and Council ordered that Nathaniel Wales, Esq., should be desired to advance to the said Nicholas and Mark not exceeding $200, to be repaid to him, and charged to the Continent. On the request of Maj. William Ledyard, Avho represented the necessity of having 5 dozen spades and shovels, to carry on the works at New London and Groton forts ; the Governor and Council authorized Maj. Ledyard to procure said number of spades and shovels, for said purpose, to be under his care, and obtained in the most reasonable manner. And to employ three or four head workmen for carrying stone, of the men employed in the public service at and about the forts, if practicable, with an additional allowance to said men, or in the best and most reasonable manner he could, to be employed in the works on fort Trumbull, at New London. And it was voted, that Capt. Edward Hallam, commissary of the fort at New London, should receive of Mr. Crary, at Preston, eight barrels of pork owned by this State, in his hands, for the use of the garrison at said fort, and said Crary was ordered to deliver the same, and take a receipt accordingly. APPENDIX The following correspondence, in 1774, between Samuel Holden Parsons and Silas Dean, of this State, and Pelatiah Webster, of Philadelphia, was handed the author of this work by S. H. Parsons, Esq., of Hartford, (a grandson of Gen. Parsons,) which letters contain some important facts never before published ; particularly the plan adopted to procure a country at the west, to which the whigs, in case of a war with Great Britain, and a defeat should ensue, might retreat from New England, for their (then) future safety. A LETTER FROM PELATIAH WEBSTER. Philadelphia, 2d April, 1774. Mr. Silas Dean, Sir, — I received your favor of 21st ult., per post, and note its contents. My knowledge of the Virginia settlements on the Ohio is not perfect, but on the best information I can get, and which I think I have no reason to doubt the truth of the facts, are as follows, viz. : 1st, The several charters formerly rhade to the Virginia company, have been all at sundry times, surrendered to the crown. They now are a royal government, the limits of which are ascertained by the commission of their Governor, or instructions he receives from the crown ; and all lands within those limits, not private property, belong to the crown, and are granted by the Governor pursuant to such instructions, general or special, as he receives from the crown. 2d. The government of Virginia have lately erected two new countries extending beyond the Alleghany mountains ; the one (called Fin Castle,) covering the great tract of land through which the grand Conaway runs ; the other covers the several rivers which have their conflux at or near fort Pitt to a vast extent. 3d. The lands within these two countries are granted by the Governor of Virginia to the officers, &c,, who served in the late American expe- ditions, and to none others. 4th, The government of Virginia have granted all necessary commissions of peace and militia, within both said countries, some of which are given to persons residing at fort Pitt and its neighborhood. 5th. The Virginians consider all the crown lands, (i, e.) lands not granted to any other colony, as belonging to their jurisdiction ; and that Maryland and Pennsylvania on one side, and both the Carolinas and Georgia on the other, are carved out of their province ; but all the lands contiguous, which have not been granted, do still belong to them in right of their being the oldest colony, &c, I shall soon be more perfectly informed of these matters. I lately suggested the importance of such information to Dr. Johnson, but he did not seem immediately to apprehend it, so it was neglected. 536 APPENDIX. As to the expediency ^^^mling a party on discovery to Mississippi, &c., J do not see any advantage that can arise Ironi it at present. It is in my opinion most vain to attempt any settlement westward of Pennsylvania, without first making a fast lodgement on the Delaware and Susquehannah. Such a lodgement you have already on the east branch of the Susquehannah, which I apprehend our proprietors, or Assembly, have no present thought of disturbing, and which you ought to increase and strengthen as soon, and as much as possible. The lands on the west branch of Susquehannah, are mostly granted and settled by grantors of our proprietors, and worth from 20 shillings to 80 shillings per acre ; but of such doubtful title, that if your colony had a land office open here, most of those patentees would api)ly and purchase your colony right, at 1 shilling or 2 shillings per acre, which would soon fill your treasury with cash to an amount of many thousands sterling, and enable you, without being burdensome to your own colony's company, to make a very respectable figure wherever you may be dis- posed to appear. The western lands within your latitude, from the Alleghany mountains to the sources of the Missouri river, 500 miles west of the Mississippi, have been sufficiently explored already, to put it past doubt that they are the finest lands, and most healthy climate in the universe, and naturally secure of the advantages of the most extensive inland navigation, and will in time be the seat of grand population in America, from whence the numerous legions must issue that will give law to the whole land ; from which it is easy to foresee the advan- tages that will accrue to New England, from having a settlement of their own sons extending through that vast region of 150 miles wide, (for if you succeed you may be assured Boston stands ready to extend their width to the South sea also, which with yours will make a breadth of 150 miles at least). These ideas arc indeed vast, and will, therefore, without any regard to their natural probability, be treated as chimerical ; but if sagely weighed, must be allowed of great moment and importance. Another century will begin to realise them ; all our grand children will see them ; the authority and influence of Great Britain, or any other part of the earth over America, will lessen fast till it dwindles into nothing. Therefore I apprehend any application to Great Britain, further than just to keep up appearances and delay, their decisions to be altogether needless ; and not needless only, but very improper. I lament the strong opposition made in Con- necticut, to attempt to settle and secure these vast western lands ; but one advan- tage will arise from them — they lull our proprietors asleep, who cease to exert themselves against you ; firmly expecting your divisions will do their business. But all these matters are too much for a letter. I wish I could see you before your next Assembly meets. You must come to New York on spring business. Can't you come as far as Philadelphia? I have straw and provinder at your service. I am, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant, PELATIAH WEBSTER. P. S. Fort Augusta, half a mile south-east of the conflux of the east and west branches of the Susquehannah is by exact observation, in latitude 40° 53 : 32 ; fort Durkee, at Wyoming, in 41° 14:27; of Buffalo creek, 41° 1, as taken by Mr. Sanniel Wallace, a gentleman of great merit and well known to the Wyo- ming people, who is now going up with very accurate instruments to take the latitude 42°, in order to ascertain, how far north you extend ; and off'ers the use of his instruments to any gentleman you will appoint to attend him. I think APPENDIX. 537 it of consequence to take tlie exact latitude of the mouth of Maromack river, wiiich I take to be your southern bounds, as the commissioners in 1669, con- firmed your line so far ; if so, and the mouth of Maromack river is in north latitude 40" 46, as generally computed ; the conflux of the two branches of the Susquehannah is 8 miles north of your southern line. My best compliments to Messrs. Dyer, Johnson, Strong, and all your company. The Ohio has English settlements from the mouth of Conaway up to Kittanning, 300 )niles, who gen- erally claim under Virginia, and call themselves Virginians ; but by what partic- ular title tliey hold I don't certainly know ; the government of Virginia protects them, but whether that government really claims higher up than 41*', the utmost northern extent of any charter they ever had, is uncertain. I should be obliged if you will keep me advised of the most material occurrences relative to this im- portant subject. Though I have no interest, yet I have a curiosity somewhat anxious to know the step you are taking. I will pay you in any kind of advices which you may need, and I can procure from this city. I am, &:c. PELATIAH WEBSTER. FROM SILAS DEAN TO S. H. PARSONS. Wethersfield, April 13, 1774. Dear Sir, — 1 have this moment wrote Mr. Bishop and the Speaker, per post, to meet the 22d inst., in order to choose members for the Congress, and have left it uncertain as to place — saying that Middletown or Wethersfield may be the place as most agreeable to the committee. You will see Capt. Trumbull, to whom communicate this ; and though I am not over solicitous as to the place, am unwilling to meet at Middletown, and hope you will prefer Wethersfield, or even Hartford. The reasons I have for calling a meeting, are these : The south- ern colonies appear ardently engaged, to confer togethei', and to form one gene- ral plan for future action and proceeding. It is judged by all of the greatest importance ; the calling of town meetings is growing fast into fashion in the colony ; the consequent diversity, and in some instances, perhaps, inconsistency and absurdity of their resolves, will soon throw us into a scene of confusion, and gradually sink all proceedings of this kind into contempt. While fixing the attention of the public on so rational, manly, and promising a mode of proceed- ing, as that of a general conference, will calm their minds, and they will be ready to receive, and comply with whatever may be advised them by such assem- bly ; and in the mean time they will be kept from forming those narrow, partial, and indigested resolves, which thoy otherwise may come into, and grow fond of, from principle paternal, though from no other, and be averse to exchange them even for belter, or the best possible to be invented. I have wrote to Portsmouth, Newport, Boston, New York, New. Jersey, Phila- delphia, Maryland, and Virginia, and ihclosed the needful, which has cost me much time, beside clerk hire in copying; for I could not well make one letter answer as a circular for all, as our correspondence with them is various, as well as their situations and tempers. Boston, in sending out their solemn league and covenant, before they have consulted any other colony in the aftair, is, in my humble opinion, very wrong, totally and absolutely so ; as it is directly con- trary to every principle of good reason and sound policy, to apply partial means 538 APPENDIX. to remedy a general evil,^F to take measures on a subject so universal and im- portant, equally interesting to all, without consulting all. Good steps, and the best meant endeavors, so taken and pursued, lose greatly, and are often as fatal to the cause, as the very worst that can be taken. But their present distracted situation must atone for their errors, and we must do the best we can, for and with them. I am fully persuaded the ministry design to seize on some of the Boston leaders, and try them capitally in Great Britain ; if so, (and Lord North's speech in Parliament fully points out such a design,) will they submit to go like prisoners of the holy office, to a distant country, to take their trial ; or will they have the spirit to die like men, and sell their lives as dearly as they can, leaving to posterity their testimony, sealed with their blood, that death is to be preferred to slavery. I fear we are degenerated ; but this is nothing more than what our ancestors actually did for us, and for liberty. This town met on Thursday, this week ; they are spirited. But Sheriff Williams, in his boiling zeal, has almost preached them to death ; he neglects serving writs or levying executions, and is now so hoarse that he can only whisper, but his desire of communicating is no way abated, which, were the subject less interesting than it is, would render him a diverting figure. My design in our meeting, is, if possible, to carry only two points : Ist. Ap- prove of the resolves of the Assembly, in a strong style, and order them to be preserved as parcel of our records, to oblige our people now and hereafter, with ready access to them on all occasions. 2d. To anticipate the general constitution, by giving now our proportion to the relief of Boston, to be raised in an equal way, by subscription ; each one entering against his name so much on the grand list as he has a mind to give, whether it be one penny or more on the pound. I have wrote a long letter to our friend E. Hazard, a copy of which is enclos- ed, and after perusal, you will return to me, as I have no other. To which wild scheme, as you may freely call it without offence to me, I subjoin this alterna- tive — that if tracing the river Mississippi so far up be considered as too remote and laborious, that we attempt the south-west corner of lake Erie, which will bo less so, and may answer our purpose quite as well, if it succeed. Had tlie memorial been granted, and we seriously pursued it, one of these places must have been the spot for our first beginning on ; and ten thousand pounds will go so far in making the experiment of a settlement on either place, that if it answer our expectations, we may easily obtain partners able to carry it on. Isitimpos- sible, while the crown and its slaves are busy in quarreling with the old colonies, to fix such a lodgement at one or the other of those places, that let the affairs of America turn as they will, we may be secure in our possessions ? There is now six thousand, and in less than one year, there will bo ten thousand iniiabitants at Susquehannah. This settlement had every discouragement and obstacle that we can possibly meet with, and some that wo maj'' most probably avoid. Dis- owned by every government ; persecuted with fire and sword by one of the most powerful ; unsupported by any proprietaries of wealth, or influence, and so wretcliedly poor themselves, that the place was an asylum from tiio gaol, or on assignment in service to most of them"; yot this has thus increased in about three or four years, and will in all probability soon become an opulent and popu. lous plantation. Can we not start on as good grounds and better, though dis. owned by government ? We shall have none to contend with on our first settling down ; and put the case — the American difficulties — if they should last but four or five years, and there is not, in my view, the least prospect of their ending in twice that time, we may have without charge to ourselves, at least two thousand APPENDIX. 539 men able to bear arms, with their families on the spot. Then, I say, let tlie affairs of America turn as they will, we may be secure ; for if arbitrary measures arc still pursued, whatever success the arms of these tyrants may meet with, they will not in that time subdue the tempers of the colonists, so but that it will require all their attention to keep up the appearance of submission ; which is all they can ever hereafter expect in America. And such a proceeding on their part will cause many to fly to any place that will a^'ord them peace, and a tolerable competency for support ; so that unobserved or beyond the power of their immediate attention, our plantation in ten years may bo some thousand strong ; and by a properly humane and timely hospitable treatment of the natives, have some powerful tribes in our allegiance and friendship. Should, as I observed, arbitrary and coercive measures be pursued, this may the more readily be effected. And on the other hand, wo are not to expect lenient and conciliating measures on other terms than a general alteration of the whole system of American government, by the repeal of all revenue laws now in being, enacted by the parliament of Great Britain ; and in lieu thereof, have a new but an equivalent code formed by a Parliament of our own, with a Lord Lieutenant at their head, or some alteration similar ; for I have not the least prospect, even in idea, that Great Britain will ever condescend to give up their right of taxing America, without fixing some hold on us, in their view equally binding. And ii«3eed should they now repeal the tea act, and restore Boston to the state they once were in, we all know it would have no decisive effect as to ending the dispute. The post office, and the admiralty judges, would be our next grievances, and would doubtless be productive of as serious consequences. Now as a general system, either of tyrannical, arbitrary, and despotic govern- ment, supported by the sword, or some civil constitution adopted, to take in the whole continent, must take place soon ; that is, within ten years at farthest. We have no great to fear, situated in that inland country, from the former, after we have got but two thousand men. [The remainder of the letter is not to be found.] FROM SILAS DEAN TO S. H. PARSONS. Wethersfield, 21st of June, 1774. Dear Sir, — Yours I received per post. The proposed meeting of the com. niittee is laid aside, and I have wrote accordingly to Messrs. Bishop and Silli- man. We had last Thursday a town meeting, and yesterday there was one at Hartford ; the result of each of which you will have a sketch of in the papers. I like well to have the people spirited, and to give proof of it ; but confess I do not so well approve of any town's striking out a plan of their own, as it is next to impossible but that they should be in some degree inconsistent with each other; but I have said the same thing to you before— so will drop the subject. If you see Col. Williams, I pray you to get a copy of his journal of our appoint- ment, May, 1773; and of the resolution of the House last session, respecting the CongrcsB. I arn in haste, Sir, yours, &c. S. DEAN, 540 APPENDIX. DEPOSITIONS TAKj^IM MEDIATELY AFTER THE BATTLE OF LEXINGTON, CONCORD, &c. Concord, April 23, 1775. I, Timoihy Minot, Jr., of Concord, on the 19ih day of this inst., (April) after that I had heard of the regular troops firing upon Lexington men, and fearing hostilities might bo commenced at Concord, thought it my incumbent duly to secure my family. After I had secured my family — sometime after that — returning towards my own dwelling, and finding that the bridge on the northern part of said Concord was guarded by regular troops, being a spectator of what had happened at said bridge ; declare tliat the regular troops stationed on said bridge, afler they saw the men that were collected on the westerly side of said bridge, marched towards said bridge, then the troops returned towards the easterly side of said bridge, and formed themselves, as I thought, for a regular fight ; after that they fired one gun, then two or three more, before the men that were stationed on the westerly part of said bridge fired upon them. TIMOTHY MINOT, Jr. Sworn before us, William Reed, Jonathan Hastings, John Cummings, Dun. can Ingraham, Justices of the Peace, Sworn by Nathaniel Gorhara, Notary Public. Middlesex, April 23, 1775. • Medford, April 25, 1775. I, Edward Thoraton Gould, of his Majesty's own regiment of foot, being of lawful age, do testify and declare, that on the evening of the 18th inst., under the order of Gen. Gage, I embarked with the light infantry and grenadiers of the line, commanded by Col. Smith, and landed on the marsh of Cambridge, from whence we proceeded to Lexington. On our arrival at that place, wo saw a body of provincial troops, armed to the number of about 60 or 70 men. On our approach they dispersed, and soon afler firing began, but which party fired first, I cannot exactly say, as our troops rushed on shouting and huzzaing previ- ous to the firing, which was continued by our troops so long as any of the provincials were to be seen. From thence we marched to Concord. On a hill near the entrance of the town, we saw another body of provincials assembled ; the light infantry company were ordered up the hill to disperse them ; on our approach they retreated towards Concord ; the grenadiers continued the road under the hill towards the town. Six companies of light infantry were ordered down to take possession of the bridge, which the provincials retreated over ; the company I commanded was one of three companies of the above detach, ment, went forwards about two miles ; in the mean time the provincial troops returned to the number of about 300 or 400. We drew up on the Concord side of the bridge ; the provincials came down upon us, upon which wo engaged, and gave the first fire. This was the first engagement after the one at Lexington. Continued firing from both parties lasted through the whole day. I myself was wounded at the attack of the bridge, and am now treated with the greatest humanity, and taken all possible care of by the provincials at Medford. EDWARD THORATON GOULD. Sworn before Thaddeus Mason, Josiah Johnson, Simon Tufts, Justices of the Peace. Sworn before Nathaniel Gorhani, Notary Public. APPENDIX. 541 Lexington, April 23, 1775. I, James Barrett, of Concord, colonel of a regiment of inilitiu, in the county of Middlesex, do testify and say, that on Wednesday morning last, about day break, I was informed of the approacli of a number of the regular troops to the town of Concord, where were some magazines belonging to this province, and where there was assembled some of the militia of tliis and the neighboring towns ; when I ordered them to march to the norlh bridf the King's troops. JAMES BARRETT. Sworn before us, Jonathan Hastings, Duncan Ingraham, Justices of the Peace. Sworn before Nathaniel Gorliani, Notary Public. We, Nathan Barrett, captain ; Jonathan Farrer, Joseph Butler, and Francis Wheeler, lieutenants ; John Barrett, ensign ; John Brown, Silas Walker, Ephraim Melvin, Nathan Butlrick, Stephen Hosmer, Jr., Samuel Burnett, Thomas Jones, Joseph Chandler, Peter Wheeler, Nathan Pierce, and Edward Richard, Jr., ail of Concord, in the county of Middlesex, in tiie province of Massachusetts Bay, of lawful age, testify and declare, that on Wednesday, the 19th inst., about an hour after sun rise, we assembled on a liill near the meotins: house, in Concord aforesaid, in consequence of information that a number of regular troops had killed six of our countrymen at Lexington, and were on their march to said Concord; and about an Jiour afterward we saw them ap. preaching to the number, as we in)agined of about 1,200 ; on which we retreated to a hill about eighty rods back, and the aforesaid troops tiicn look possession of a hill where we were first posted. Presently after this we saw them moving towards the north bridge, about one mile from said meeting house ; we then immediately went before them, and p.assed the bridge just before a party of them, to the number of about 200 arrived ; they there left about one half of these 200 at the bridge, and proceeded with the rest towards Col. Barrett's, about two miles from the said bridge; we then seeing several fires in the town, thought our houses were in danger, and immediately marched back towards said bridge ; and the troops who were stationed there, observing our approach, marched back over the bridge, and then took up some of the planks. We then hastened our steps toward the bridge, and when we had got near the bridge they fired on our men, first three guns one after the other, and then a consider, able number more ; upon which, and not before, (having orders from our com. manding officer not to fire till wo were fired upon,) we fired upon the regulars, and they retreated. At Concord, and on their retreat through Lexington, they plundered many houses; burnt three at Lexinglcm, together with a shop and a barn, and committed damage more or less to almost every house from Concord to Charlestown. (Signed) Samuel Barrett, Thomas Jones, Joseph Chandler, Peter Whcclfr, Nathan Pierce, Edward Richardson, John Barrett, John Brown, Silas Walker, Ephraim GO 542 APPENDIX. Mclvin, Nathan Itiittrick.^Wophcn Ilosmcr, Jr., Nutlian Barrett, Jonathan Farrar, Joseph Butler, Francis Wheeler. Sworn before Jonathan Hastings, John Cummings, Duncan Ingraham, Justices of the Peace. Sworn before Nuthaniel Gorham, Notary Public. Lexington, April 23, 1775. We, John Hoar, John Whitehead, Abraham Garfield, Benjamin Monroe, Isaac Park, William Ilosmer, John Adams, and Gregory Stone, all of Lincoln, in the county of Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay, all of lawful age, do testify and say, that on Wednesday last, we wore assembled at Concord, in the morning of said day, in consequence of information received, that a brigade of regular troops were on their march to the said town of Concord, who had killed six men at the town of Lexington. About an hour afterwards we saw them ap- proaching to the number, as we apprehended, of about 1,200 ; on which we retreated to a hill about eighty rods back, and the said troops then took posses, sion of the hill where we were first posted. Presently afier this we saw the troops moving towards the north bridge, about one mile from the said Concord meeting house ; we then immediately went before them, and passed tiie bridge just before a party of them to tlie number of about 200 arrived ; they there left about one half of their 200 at the bridge, and proceeded with the rest towards Col. Barrett's, about two miles from the said bridge ; we then seeing several fires in the town, thought the houses in Concord were in danger, and marched toward the said bridge ; and the troops who were stationed there observing our approach, marched back over the bridge, and then took up some of the plank. We then hastened our march towards the bridge, and when wo had got near the bridge, they fired on our men, first three guns one after the other, and then a considerable number more, and then, and uoi before, (having orders t'rom our commanding officers not to fire till wo were fired upon,) wc fired upon tlio regulars, and they retreated. On their retreat through this town, (Lexington) to Charlestown, they ravaged and destroyed private property, and burnt three houses, one barn, and one shop. (Signed) John Hoar, John Whitehead, Abraham Garfield, Benjamin Monroe, Isaac Park, William tlosmcr, John Adiims, Gregory Stone. Sworn before William Reed, John Cummings, Jonathan Hastings, Justices of tlie Peace. Sworn before Nathaniel Gorham, Notary Public. Lexington, April 23, 1775. We, Joseph Butler and Ephraim Melvin, do testify and declare, that when the regular troops fired on our people at the north bridge in Concord, as related in the foregoing depositions, they shot one, and we believe two of our people before wo fired a single gun at them. JOSEPH BUTLER, EPHRAIM MELVIN. APPENDIX. 543 COPY OF A LETTER TO GREAT BRITAIN. April 26, 1775. By the Governor and Company of the colony of Connecticut, in General Assembly, convened at Hartford, 26th of April, 1775. To the people of Great ♦Britain. Whereas on the 19tlT day of April, 1775, a number of the inhabitants of the Massachusetts Bay, and also a number of the King's troops in that province, were killed by their firing on each other, in consequence of which, a genural alarm has taken place through all the colonies, and a very great army of Americans are collected near Boston, to oppose force to force. And whereas it is credibly reported to us, that depositions are taken and transmitted to Great Britain, affirming and shewing that the Americans were the aggressors, and began the fire: — Be it known, that a brigade of about 1,000 of the King's troops marched, in the night following the 18th, from Boston to Lexington, twelve miles, and there found in the morning following about 50 Americans collected for military exercise, without any knowledge that soldiers were near them, and accosted them with most profane and opprobrious language, and commanded them instantly to disperse ; which they obeyed, and began to disperse ; but at the same time the King's troops fired upon them, and repeated the fire a second time, and killed 8 men on the spot, before any fire was returned, and then but one American opened on them. And is it then possible to believe, that such a hand- ful would expose themselves to certain death, by beginning a fire on such a body of well-armed troops ? And it is declared by every voice, and universally believed to be without the least doubt or hesitation, that the firing began in manner afore- said, which may and will certainly be proved and attested by irrefragable evi- dence. This Assembly is firmly persuaded that this is the truth. And it is earnestly requested that if any of the nation doubts, they will suspend their belief, till evidence be received, which must convince every rational mind, that said troops were first in hostilities ; such evidence will be transmitted as soon as possible ; but it is impossible for this Assembly, at such a distance, to obtain it immediately. May, 1775. In the Lower House, Mr. Hosmer, Col. VVolcott, Col. Elderkin, and Mr. Stur- ges were appointed a committee, with such gentlemen as the Senate appointed, to consider what intelligence, papers, and documents were material and neces- sary to be transmitted to the Coiftinental Congress, then sitting in Philadelphia. Also, what matters and things relative to the transactions at Boston, it was ex- pedient to make public, and report. Report of the committee : — To the Honorable tlie General Assembly, now sitting in Hartford. We, your Honor's committee to consider what intelligence, papers, and documents are material and necessary to be transmitted and commu- nicated to the Continental Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia ; and likewise what matters and things relative to the late hostile transactions, it is expedient to make public — beg leave to report our opinion. First, That it is material and necessary, that copies of the letter wrote by the Governor to Gen. Gage, at the request and in behalf of the Assembly, and of Gen. Gage's answer to said letter, and of his narration of the proceedings of the troops on the 18th and 19th of April last, accompanied with a letter from this 544 APPENDIX. Asseml)ly, slionld ho prrpn^BFand Iransmittcd to Col. E. Dyer, Roger Sherman, and Silas Dean, delofratos in the Continental Congress, as soon as may he. The narrative trotn the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts Bay, and the deposi- tions taken by and received from them, being, as we are well informed, already sent to said Contindital Congress, we arc of opinion it is not necessary to for- ward from hence. Secondly, That a concise and true narration of the late hostile attack, made by the troops undor the connnand of Gen. Gage, upon the inhabitants of the province of tiie Massachusetts Bay, with the depositions to support and confirm tJie same, should he prepared for the press, and printed and dispersed through this colony. And we further beg leave to submit it to the consideration of the As- sembly, whether it would not answer some good purpose, if the narrative of said transactions received from Gen. Gage, were printed and published with the narrative and proofs aforesaid. Per order, J. HAMLIN. THE PETITION OF OAPT. DELAPLACE, A PRISONER TAKEN AT TICONUEROOA, BY COL. ETHAN ALLEN, AND SENT TO HARTFORD, IN MAY, 1775. Tho Memorial of William Delaplace, a captain in His Majesty's 26th regi- ment, and commandant of the fort and garrion of Ticonderoga, in behalf of liimself and the officers and soldiers under his command, beg leave to represent our difficult situation to your Honors, and petition for redress. Your memorialist would represent, that on tho morning of the 10th of May, the garrison of the fortress of Ticonderoga, in the province of New York, was surprised by a parly of armed men, under the command of one Ethan Allen, consisting of about 150, wlio had taken such measures so eflfectually to surprise the same, that very liltle resistance could be made, and to whom your memori- alists were obliged to surrender as prisoners ; and overpowered by a superior force, were disarmed, and by said Allen ordered immediately to be sent to Hart- ford, in the colony of Connecticut, where your memoralists now are detained as prisoners of war, consisting of officers, and 47 private soldiers, of His Majesty's troops, besides women and children. That your memorialists being ignorant of any crime by them committed, whereby they should be thus taken and held ; also are ignorant by what authority said Allen thus took ihem, or that they are thus detained in a strange country, and at a distance from the post assigned thenf, they know not in what light they are considered by your Honors, conscquetitly know not what part to act > would therefore ask your Honors' interposition and protection, and order that they be sot at liberty, to return to the post from whence they were taken, or to join the regiment to which they belong; or if they are considered in the liglit of prisoners of war, your Honors would be pleased to signify the same to them, and by whom they are detained ; and tliat your Honors would affiard us your favor and proteclion during the time we shall tarry in the colony, and your me- morialist shall ever pray. Dated at Hartford, the 24th day of May, A. D. 1775. WILLIAM DELAPLACE, Captain, Commandant of Ticonderoga, [The General Assembly had no action upon the petition.] APPENDIX. 545 FORTIFICATIONS AT NEW LONDON. On the 13lh of May, 1775, G. Salfonstall, Deshon, and Mumford, Esq'ra., who lind been appointed by the Assembly to devise the best method for securing, defending, and protecting the sea coast in the colony, with the ports and ship, ping — stated in tlioir report, that they found tlie battery at Now London in a ruinous condition, with four new 18 pounders, and two new 12 pounders, with several other small old cannon, upon vvhicli no dependence could be placed ; and proposed to the Assembly, to provide fourteen more new cannon, 24 pound- ers, to defend the port and shipping at New London. The committee advised, not that tlie twenty-four now cannon should be planted in one battery, but to place them in diverse places, where their forces would be divided, and their attention brought to different batteries at the same time, and of course render the attack of the enemy of less importance to us, and the resistance from the different points of mucii greater advantage. And proposed to mount five cannon at Mamacock, in New London, on the west side of the harbor, and five at Gro- ton, on the east side, nearly opposite to Mamacock; and ten of the heaviest cannon to be mounted on the high bank on Winthrop's Neck, fronting south to Iho entrance of the harbor, and near the middle of it. At that particular junc. ture, they deferred giving an opinion as to securing the sea coast and shipping, in any other manner than by making New London port an asylum for the ships, but referred it to the wisdom of the General Assembly. GOVERNOR TRUMBULL'S LETTER. A letter to Eliphalet Dyer, Roger Sherman, and Silas Dean, Esq'rs., by Jonathan Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut, dated Hartford, July 7th, 1775. Gentlemen, — I received your joint letter of the 26th and Mr. Sherman's of the 28th of June, and am now to acquaint you that the General Assembly, which met here on Saturday last, have agreed to augment our troops with two regi. ments of 700 men each, who will be raised and sent forward to join the conti- ncntal army before Boston, with all possible despatch. It was much wished we could have had the advice and direction of Congress, before we took this step ; but it was thought that the delay of obtaining that direction, would be too great in the present critical situation of our affairs, and we hope it may meet the ap- probation of Congress. As the expense we are daily incurring is so very great, we should be extremely glad to find that the continental currency is in such forwardness as to be applied to the purpose of equipping and furnishing these troops ; should this be the case, you will be so good as to apply for the money, and forward it to me with all despatch. We estimate the present expense at ;e40,000. It will be so much more convenient and less expensive for our troops stationed at New York, by order of Congress, to be supplied with provisions, &c., by New York, than from us, that we hope the Congress will direct the convention of that province to furnish them during their residence there, in the same manner as this colony has agreed to do — less than we have engaged them, I need not tell you, will by no means give them satisfaction. We were a little surprised that so large a requisition of money, especially, was made upon us in favor of Gen. Schuyler, when it is known how much we have already exhausted ourselves; and we cannot suspect but that the money might have been raised with great ease in a short time, either in Philadelphia or New 54G APPENDIX. York, However tlint lining in oar power miglit be omitted to proniolo the service, the Assembly have agreed to advance him .ClSjOOO, knowing the ina. bility of other colonies with respect to llie other article, we should very gladly have complied with the full requisition, but it was impossible. VVc have done all that we could, arid are only sorry that wo could do no more. I cannot tell you that we are all well pleased with the arrangement, made by Congress, of the general officers. Wo wish the order, &c., adopted with our generals had been preferred, and fear Gen's. Wooster and Spencer will think they have reason to complain. Indeed we should have rather expected thai a matter of so much delicacy would have been first submitted to the approbation of the Assembly, before it was finally fixed. However, we will do the best wo can to prevent its being any prejudice to the service. JONATHAN TRUMBULL. P. S. I am now further desired, by the Assembly, to acquaint you that Gon's. Wooster and Spencer are held in great estimation by them, and by the officers and troops under their command. And from the intelligence lately received from the army, they are under some apprehensions that great inconven. ience will be the consequence of the alteration made by the Congress, -in ihe rank and station of those generals. At the same time they have the highest sense of Gen. Putnam's singular merit and services ; and request, if it be prac- ticable, that some method may be devised to obviate the difficulties thai are apprehended. Mr. James Dean, the bearer of this, is lately returned from a mission among the tribes of Indians in Canada. His information appears to us of importance ; we have therefore employed him on this journey, that he may communicate his intelligence to ihe Congress. . J. TRUMBULL. To Eliphalet Dyer, Roger Sherman, and Silas Dean, Esq'rs. GEN. Sl'ENCER SUPERSEDED BY GEN. PUTNAM. July, 1775. Soon after Congress had superseded Gen. Spencer, by the appointment of Gon. Putnam to the office of major general in the American army, it was appar- ent that it gave great offence to Gen. Spencer, and many of the officers and soldiers under his command, so much so that the officers of the army, at Rox- bury, in Massachusetts, made a representation to the General Assembly of Con- necticut, respecting the arrangement of general officers. And the Assembly, in July, 1775, appointed a comn)ittee, of which Matthew Griswold, Esq., was chairman, to take said representation into consideration. The committee to obviate the inconvenience that might arise from the alteration made by Con- gress in the rank of Gen's. Wooster, Spencer, and Putnam, which had caused so great uneasiness to Gen. Spencer, and the officers more immediately under his command, reported — That the Governor of Connecticut, in behalf of said Assembly, should be desired to confer with, and acquaint Congress with the estimation in which Gon's. Wooster and Spencer were held by the Assembly, and the officers and troops under their command ; that they had been so far overlooked in the ap. pointment of general officers by them, and of the probable inconvenience that might ensue ; and at the same time to testify their sense of the singular merit of APPENDIX. 547 Gen- Putnam, and request Congress, if practicable, to devise some method. of obviating the difficulties apprehended. Also to desire the Governor to acquaint Gen. Spencer of said ppplicalion in his behalf, and conjure him, by the love of his country, to call to mind the signal affection of his country to him, so often testified, and request Gen. Spencer not to precipitately resign his command, which would distress the troops, attached to him by the warmest affection and duty, and give great dissatisfaction and anxiety to his country, which had placed and continued to place high confidence in his wisdom, prudence, integrity, and military skill. Gen. Spencer went to Roxbury the first in command of tho Connecticut forces, and had continued so, respected by his officers, and loved by his soldiers, until he was degraded from the rank he held, by the appointment of Gen. Putnam over him, by Congress. Though the appointments of Generals Washington and Lee were perfectly satisfactory lo the Connecticut troops, yet Gen. Spencer's men had too much military pride to see their general degraded by the appointment of (Jen. Putnam, who had held an inferior rank in the army. Therefore, S. II. Parsons, John Tyler, S. Prentice, Return J. Meigs, H. Champion, J.-., and about forty. five others, officers and principal men in tho Connecticut troops, stated to the General Assembly of Connecticut, that tho appointment of Gen. Putnam would and must force Gen. Spencer from tho army ; and tliat the procedure they apprehended would be injurious to the morals, good order, and discipline of the troops ; and most earnestly inlreated the Assembly to use every exertion with Congress, to prevent Gen. Spencer's being superseded, and to satisfy his troops. EFFECT OF THE EMBARGOES. July, 1775. Tho embargoes, which had been laid by this colony, and prevented the ex- porting from this State, might have conduced to the safety of it in supplying the Connecticut troops, and its .inhabitants; yet while it afforded these comforts, it operated most destructively upon tho vessels owned in the colony, which were long laid up and useless, decayed, destroyed by worms, and suffered to rot at the wharves ; while the large quantities of provisions that had been purchased for exportation were either sold at such prices as the commissaries chose to pay, or remained on the hands of the owners, much of which was ruined and became a total loss, with large bills of expense for storage. Frequent petitions were preferred to the General Assembly during the war, to be relieved from the burthens imposed upon importers, by the different embargoes that were laid upon the people of the colony and State, yet the love of country and a desire lo shake off the British yoke, induced the inhabitants to endure, with christian patience, every hardship of a most unjust, oppressive, and unequal war. WATERBURY TORIES. October, 1775. To the Honorable General Assembly, to be holden at New Haven, on the 2d Thursday of October, A. D. 1775. The memorial of the subscribers, inhabitants of Waterbury, within the limits of the military company, or train band, under the command of Capt. Hezekiah Brown, humbly sheweth — That your memorialists, sensible of the importance of supporting the natural and chartered rights, liberties, privileges, and properties 548 APPENDIX. of the inhabitants of th«^Pherican colonies, and anxious to find any person or persons unfriendly to the continental method of defending said colonies, think ourselves obliged to inform your Honors, that the said Brown is disaflccted with, and unfriendly to the present method advised by the Continental Congress, and adopted by your Honors, for our common defence ; which fully appears by the followihg sentences pronounced by said Brown in the hearing of sundry people, at sundry times, viz. : that the Congress ought to be punished for putting the country to so much cost and charge ; for they did no more good than a parcel of squaws. And some time in the latter end of May last, did say, that he did not see the necessity of this colony raising soldiers, as it was unnecessary expense, and the Assembly had no right to do it ; and that Boston had wrongfully under- taken to quarrel with the Parliament about the tea, and we had no hand in it ; and by his justifying his brother, John Brown, in exclaiming against the authority of this colony for raising men to defend the colony ; and by saying that our Gen- eral Assembly was as arbitrary as the Pope of Rome, when they cashiered Capt. Amos Bronson, and Ensign Samuel Scovill, by saying that the Congress, in some of the Articles of their Association, was as arbitrary as ever they were in Rome. And soon after the battle of Lexington, in April last, by saying in the time of the alarm, that he would not go one step further for the relief of the people of Boston, than he was obliged to go. Therefore your memorialists would humbly observe, that as all military officers in this colony, hold their commissions by your Honors' authority, solely for the purpose of defending the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, we think it is very inconsistent that any person should hold a commission, who is inclined to use his influence against the authority that granted it ; and very unsafe for this colony at the present critical and important crisis, and is very grievous to your memorialists to be under the command of an officer in whom we cannot confide. And therefore pray your Honors to grant such relief as your wisdom and justice shall direct ; and we as in duty bound shall ever pray. Dated at Waterbury, this 3d day of October, A. D. 1775. (Signed) Joseph Beach, Phineas Castle, Daniel Bronson, Moses Cook, Amos Prichard, Thomas Bronson, Jr. On the 1st day of October, 1775, the warrant was served, which was signed by Jonathan Baldwin, Justice of the Peace. PETITION OF REV. SAMUEL SEABURY. December 20th, 1775. Samuel Seabury, rector of the parish of Westchester, in the province of Now York, brought his petition on the 20lh day of December, 1776, to the General Assembly of Connecticut, then sitting at New Haven, in which he stated, That on the 22d day of November, 1775, he was seized at his gratnmar school in said Westchester, by a company of about 40 armed men, carried by force to his own house, allowed only time to get his horse, then compelled to take the road to King's Bridge, where they soon met another company of armed men who joined them, and proceeded to Eastchester. Capt. Lathrop commanded the first com. pany, and after the union, Capt, Isaac Sears took the command of the whole, being about 100 men ; that after their arrival at Eastchester, said Seabury, with Jonathan Fowler, Esq , of Eastchester, and Nathaniel Underbill, Esq., of West- Chester, were sent under a guard of about 20 armed men, to Horse Neck, in this State ; and on the following Monday, was taken to New Haven, where he APPENDIX. 549 was carried in triumph about the city, escorted by a large number of men on horses and in carriages, most of them armed, and arranged themselves in front of the house of Capt. Sears ; there fired two cannon, and huzzaed for Seabury; lie was then put under a guard of five men, and sent to, and kept under said guard at the house of Mrs. Lyman, where he was kept, and refused any inter- course with his friends, even in company with his guard ; prohibited reading prayers in church, or performing divine service, though often invited by the Rev. Mr. Hubbard, of New Haven ; interdicted the use of pen, ink, and paper, except to write to his family, and his letters in such case examined and licensed ; though he was permitted by Capt. Sears to write his own petition to the General Assembly. He had received but one letter from his family, and that had been opened, though sent by the post. He farther stated, that he had been informed that on the 22d of said Novom. ber, one of his daughters, when said armed men were at his house, had been abused and insulted, by having a bayonet thrust through her cap on her head; also by thrusting a bayonet through her handkerchief on her neck, before and behind, and cut in pieces a quilt around which his daughters wore at work, with their bayonets, and destroyed it. That said soldiers ordered his wife to open his paper and money desk, and examined his papers, and took from the desk several dollars in money, and left but a single English shilling and three or four coppers. They also took a new beaver hat, a silver mounted horse whip, and two silver spoons. He had been informed by Mr. Meloy, of New Haven, that a bayonet had been pointed at the breast of one of his daughters, while ho was absent at his school; that his daughter met him when he was brought from his school house, and stated that one of the men had pushed his bayonet against her breast, and otherwise insulted her; and when she met her father, she had no cap on, and her handkerchief was hanging over her shoulders. After Mr. Seabury had been eight or ten days at New Haven, Jonathan Mix, in whose care he was placed, took him to the inn of Mr. Beers, in said town, where he found Capt. Sears, Capt. Lathrop, Mr. Brown, and others, \?hen and where they questioned him ; he explicitly answered them until he discovered some insidious designs were had against him, when he refused to answer them further, Capt. Sears informed him they should not release him ,o rmake a com- promise as had been made with Judge Fowler and Mr. Underbill, but should keep him a prisoner until the dispute between Great Britain and America should be closed. Mr. Seabury asked of them an explicit declaration of the charges against him ; and was told that he had entered into a combination with six or seven others to seize Capt. Sears, as he was passing through Westchester, and convey him on board a man-of-war. That he had signed a protest, at White Plains, against the proceedings of the Continental Congress. That he had neglected to open his church on the day of the continental fast. And that he had written pamphlets and newspapers against the liberties of America, To the first and last charges, Mr. Seabury pleaded not guilty, and informed them ho should be ready to prove his innocence when he should bo restored to his liberty in the province of New York, where alone ho conceived himself amenable. He considered his arrest as a high infringement of that liberty, for which the sons of America were then so nobly struggling ; to be carried by force from one 70 550 APPENDIX. colony into anollicr for imprisonment, or trial ; to be judged by tlio laws oJ' Connecticut, for acts done in tho colony of New York, wlicrc he bad resided nearly 20 years ; to be dragged under guard from the committee of his own county, and from the Congress of his own province ; cut off from all inter, course with his friends ; deprived of his evidence of innocence, and judged by strangers, ignorant of his character and general conduct in life. One great grievance justly complained of by the American people, and for which they were then struggling against, was the act of Parliament, which directed persons to be carried from America to England, for trial; and he be- lieved llio Legislature of Connecticut would not suffer him to be treated in a manner so destructive of that liberty, they were then contending for. Ho claimed, if he was to be judged by tho regulations of Congress, that the county committee, or tho provincial Congress of New York, were to be his judges. Ho claimed that no law authorized so urgent, cruel, arbitrary, and tyrannical treatment. Mr. Scabury answered the charge of signing a protest against the proceedings of Congress, by stating that the General Assembly of Now York, at their session previous, had determined to send a petition to the King, a memorial to tho House of Lords, and a remonstrance to the House of Commons, on the subject of American grievances ; and the members of said Assembly, as ho had been informed, recommended it to their constituents to keep quiet until the issue of the applications should bo known. In April, 1775, the people met at White Plains, to elect delegates to the pro- vincial Congress ; many there opposed the measure, and signed a protest ; said Seabury, with two members of said Assembly and more than 300 others, signed the protest, though he did not think he acted against the liberties of America, or that it was a crime to sign what two representatives of the people had ap. proved and signed, to support measures, he then hoped it would have had a good effect by inducing a change of conduct towards America. He stated, that over eight months had expired since he signed the protest — and asked, if his crime was so atrocious, why ho had been suffered so long to go unpunished ? And why /le had been singled out of more than 300 signers, to endure the unex- ampled punishment of captivity and unlimited confinement. To the other crime charged, of not opening his church on the day of the con- tinental fast, he answered— that he had no notice of the appointment, except by report. That he had been tried on this charge, with a full hearing, on a com- plaint by Capt. Sears, to tlie provincial Congress of New York, and acquitted. That he considered it cruel, arbitrary, and highly unjust, after his supposed offence had been examined, to be twice tried for the same offence ; to be dragged like a felon, 70 miles from home, and again tried. He also stated, that he had a wife and six children, to whom he owed his protection, support, and instruc. tion ; that his family in a great measure depended upon his daily care for their broad ; that he was bred a physician, and that several families at Westchester, depended upon his medical advice; that as a clergyman, he had in charge the towns of Eastchester and Westchester, and that there was then no other clergy- man of any denomination nearer than 9 miles from his residence, and but one within that distance; so that in his absence there was none to officiate in any religious service, to visit the sick, or bury the dead ; that to discharge his debts, he had opened a grammar echool, and had made ;C100, York money, the previous APPENDIX. 551 year, nnd was in a fair way of discliarsring liis debts; that ho had five young men from tlie island of Jamaica, one from Montreal, four children of a gentle- man then in England, with others in his care from New York, and the country ; tliat it might be impossible to recover his school, in which case, iie should be entirely at the mercy of his creditors. Mr. Seabury had applied to the judges of the superior court, while holding a court at New Haven for relief; but they deemed it improper to interfere, llo therefore applied to the Assembly to be released ; and asked for their protection, to pass peaceably out of the colony. lie had been accused of violating the rules of the Continental Congress ; but he thought he could satisfy reasonable men on that point, that he violated no regulation of Congress, in so gross a manner, as those had violated the law, who, in an arbitrary manner, had forced him from his house, and kept him (then) four weeks a prisoner, without any means or prospect of relief. He wished, if any further enquiry should be made, tliat he might be purmitled to appear at the Bar of the House, and answer for himself, or by counsel, or as they should direct. The petilion, in the Assembly, was referred to a joint committee of the two Houses, with William Samuel Johnson, Esq., as chairman, who reported, that a letter had been received from the President of the New York Congress on the subject; and that to enable the Assembly to ansvi'er said letter, a public hearing should be had before both Houses of said Assembly. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FORTIFICATIONS AT NEW LONDON. November, 1775. To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor of the Colony of Connecticut: Whereas your Honor and Council of Safety, on the 2d day of November inst. appointed me, with Maj. Dawes, (now residing in Norwich,) with such engineer as your Honor should procure from his Excellency Gen. Washington to repair to, and view the circumstances of the harbor and port at New London and neighboring places, and consider of the most proper i)laces, and manner of fortifying the same against our enemies, fee, according to act of Assembly, yrus, of 16 carriage guns, which with the Admiral Kcppel, of 18 guns, taken by the ships Oliver Cromwell and Defence, after a smart engagement of three glasses. The gallant Capt. Day, with one man, was killed, and some wounded. The particulars of the engage. inent to be given by Mr. Cohoun, an oificcr of the Cromwell, (the bearer) to the Governor. The prize arrived safe at Capo Ann on the 19th day of May. Tho Admiral Kcppel had not yet arrived. May 21, 1778. By a letter from Samuel Elliot, Jr., at Boston, to Gov. Trumbull, dated JMay 24, 1778, it appears that iho ship Admiral Keppel, which had been captured by the Cromwell and Defence, and arrived in Boston on Thursday previous to the aforesaid date, had on board a very valuable cargo, and the lion. Henry Sliirly and fi^mily, as passengers. Capt. Parker and Mr. Elliot gave Mr. Shirly a letter to Gov. Trumbull, to obtain liberty to return to his own country, or wlut would be more gratifying to him, to proceed to Jamaica. This prize was stated by Mr. Elliott, to be by far the most valuable prize that had been taken by the State's vessels, and that he would lake charge of that moiety of the cargo which belonged to Connecticut. Capt. Parker staled in a letter to Gov. Trumbull, that Capt, Brown commanded the Admiral Keppel, bound from Bristol to Jamaica, transporting said Shirly and bis lady and family to that island, to settle the affairs of his estate there. Mr. Shirly was a gentleman of estimable char, actor, and bad been ambassador from the court of Great Britain to that of Russia. June 2, 1778. Gov, Trumbull, in a letter to Samuel Elliot, Jr.. dated Hartford, Juno 2, 1778, permitted Mr. Shirly to visit Connecticut by the middle road from Boston, with permission for Mr. Phipps and hiy surgeon and servants to accompany him, if he wished them, when the Governor would conclude on his claims, with dircc. tions to Mr. Elliot to assist him on his journey, and to make Mrs. Shirly and her daughter, as easy as their unfortunate situation would admit in his absence; with directions that the prisoners who were seamen, should be kept on board the prize ship. May 24, 1778, A letter, dated Boston, May 24, 1778, from Col. J. Trumbull to Gov. Trum. bull, regarding Mr. Shirly ; in which he remarked, that Mr. Shirly was a gen- tlenoan of groat fortune, of powerful connexions, and of course enabled to 77 606 APPENDIX. become a mighty engine ^For against this country ; that at that time he was favorably inclined towards us, and had taken no active part against the States; and was of the opinion that good policy, not to say justice, would induce him to grant Mr. Shirly a flag, to transport him and his family to his estate in Jamaica, as he was the gentleman who formerly presented the Jamaica petition to the King of Great Britain in our favor. Also that he used his influence in the prize ship, over the prisoners on board to keep them quiet, without which it would have been impossible to have brought said prize into port, as the Oliver Cromwell had few seamen, and most of them sick with the small pox. Col. Trumbull also wished that the men, who so honestly brought in said ship, might be rewarded by a permission to return as hands on board the flag that should bo granted to Mr. Shirly. Mr. Trumbull stated that it had been suggested to take from Mr. Shirly his personal furniture, such as bedding, clothing, &c. ; which act he conceived would be most infamous, and contrary to all practice. A diffi- culty had again arisen as to the prisoners, as the Council had demanded them of Mr. Elliott, to be confined on board the guard ships until exchanged ; but Mr. Elliot had refused to comply with the demand, until he should receive orders from the Governor of Connecticut. Col. Trumbull wished the dispute settled, by defining how far the authority of one State, might with propriety, interfere with that of another. The seamen of the Keppel disliked to be exchanged as prisoners of war, as they feared the consequence would be, their being impressed for the navy, a service which they detested. May, 1778. Samuel Efliott, Jr., Esq., agent for Connecticut in Massachusetts, petitioned the Council of Massachusetts; in which memorial ho stated, that a number of passengers were on board the prize Keppel, viz. : Henry Shirly, Esq., his lady and daughter, a hand maid of Mrs. Shirly, and three servants of his ; also Mr. Phipps, of Jamaica, and Mr. Jcpson, for whom he asked liberty to accommodate in Boston in a manner suited to their rank and character. Also that there were on board said prize ships, taken by the ships of war then in the Boston harbor, a number of sailors who enlisted to bring the vessels Into port, which was neces. sary, as 60 of the men on board the Defence were inoculated for the small pox ; and that the Oliver Cromwell had been obliged to sail with a number of men far short of her complement; and that the enlisted men had conducted well, of which he had informed Gov. Trumbull, and had engaged they should be kept on board said prize ships, and abide the directions of the Governor of Connecticut. Mat 30, 1778. A letter from Gov. Trumbull to Mr. Elliott, dated at Hartford, on the 30th of May, 1778, was received, congratulating him on the news of the arrival of the prize Admiral Keppel and cargo, with the prisoners, Mr. Shirly, &c., with directions to pay proper attention to Mr. Shirly, and allow him all the indul- gence consistent with his duty and the safety of the State. May 30, 1778. . By a letter from Gov. Trumbull to S. Elliott, Jr., dated Hartford, May 30, 1778, directing him to dispose of the provisions of the Cyrus and the other cargo, such as butter, cheese, hams, tripe, and sour crout, &c., owned by this APPENDIX. 607 State, and to suspend the sale of other articles, until further orders, when a particular invoice of the cargoes should be received. Also gave directions that the seamen and marines taken on board said prize ships, should be humanely treated, and not confined in gaols or prison ships, with permission given them to enlist into the sea service, and such of them as should not so enlist, to be kept and exchanged for American seamen in the hands of the enemy. The prize ship Admiral Keppel, captured by Capt. Farkar, of the Cromwell, and Capt. Smedley, of the Defence— the ship and cargo sold at auction, Boston, July 8, 1778. for the sum of £22,320 : 18 : 9 ; net proceeds i;22,013 : 18 : 9, by William Greenleaf, Dated at Boston, September 23, 1778, NAMES OF SHIPS OF WAR. The vessels of war in service, in this State, in the American revolution, were the brig Minerva, schooner Spy, Defence, ship Oliver Cromwell, row galley Shark, row galley Whiting, brig America, sloop Dolphin, sloop Mifflin, Resist, ance, sloop Schuyler, brig Silliman, frigate TrumLull, Bourbon frigate, row galley Crane, The Guilford, New Defence, Putnam, Revenge, sloop Stark, Young Cromwell, Confederacy, Count De Grasso, sloop Tiger, Alliance, and sloop Phcenix. [Connecticut Courant.] ATTACK OF THE BRITISH UPON NEW HAVEN. July, 1779. The following account was published in the Connecticut Gazette, a paper then printed by Timothy Green, Esq., at Now London. On the evening of the 5th of July, two expresses arrived at New London with despatches for the commanding officer at that post, with the information that 70 sail of British shipping from New York wore in the sound, and supposed to be bound for New London. The second express stated, that they had landed at West Haven, at 6 o'clock, on Monday morning, and were advancing towards New Haven. Expresses were immediately sent into the towns back of New London, to notify the militia; and the militia of New London and Groton were forthwith ordered under arms. By news from East Haven, Monday night, at 12 o'clock, it appeared the enemy on Monday morning, landed 700 men at East Haven Point, and took possession of a small fort, which mounted four guns . that a brisk fire was heard at New Haven, at 11 o'clock, on Monday ; that the British came round the west part of the town, burnt the powder mill and paper mill, and marched through the north part of the town to Callow's Hill, (an eminence which commanded the Hartford road, where they were intrenching, and had the entire possession of the town ; that the army consisted of about 2,600 men, a part of whom came from the North river to New Rochelle and embarked on board the ships. Heavy firing was heard at New Haven on Tues- day. The militia came in, in great numbers. July 14, 1779. A farther account was given, that the troops were under Gen. Tryon, and landed in three divisions at 5 o'clock, on Monday morning, one at West Haven, another at East Haven, and a third at long wharf. The first division marched direct for the west bridge, where a few of the inhabitants were collected, and took up the bridge, by which they obliged the British to 608 APPENDIX. march up the west sidc^^lic river, about two miles to Thompson's bridge, where the people had collecied, and a smart skirmish ensued, and continued until the enemy entered the town, at 11 o'clock. The third division landed in town, (New Haven) about half after 11 o'clock ; each party had killed about 23 persons, among whom were some uflicers. The British left New Haven about 7 o'clock, A. M., on Tuesday, after having set fire to the stores, houses, and shipping at long wharf, and landed in East Havan, where they burned several houses, and at 6 P. M. embarlicd, and sailed at 7 o'clock. The British fleet then sailed direct to Fairfield, where the troops landed and burnt all the com- pact part of the town, except a few houses (10) ; they then embarked and went to Huntington, (Long Island,) where they lay until Saturday, and on that evening, they landed at Norwalk, in two parties, one on the east and the other on the west side of the harbor, about 2,500 men ; the next morning they marched to the town, and about (i o'clock, set fire to the buildings, and consumed the whole town, except a few scattering houses. A few continental and militia troops, commanded by Gen's. Wolcott and Parsons, made considerable resist. ance, and a few were killed on both sides, and about 2 o'clock, the same day, the troops embarked on board their vessels. The west bridge on Milford road was taken up, and several field pieces carried there, and some slight works thrown up for the defence of that pass. The divi- sion under Gen. Garth being landed, immediately began their march towards the town. The first opposition made to them was by about 25 of the citizens to an advanced party of the enemy of two companies of light infantry. These, though advancing on Milford Hill, were attacked with great spirit, by the mere handful of inhabitants, driven back nearly to West Haven, and one of them taken prisoner. The British then advanced in their main body, with strong flanking parties and two cannon ; but finding a smart fire kept up from the field pieces at the bridge aforesaid, dare not force an entrance to the town by the bridge, the usual road, but to make a circuitous march of nine miles, in order to enter New Haven by the Derby road. In this march, the small party of citi- zens on the Milford Hill increased to about 150 men, promiscuously collected from several companies of the militia, and had a smart encounter with the ene- my's left flank, near the Milford road, where their Adjutant Campbell was killed, whom they greatly lamented. Our people being greatly overpowered by num- bers on the Hill, gave way, but kept up a continual fire on the enemy and galled them much, on their march to Thompson's bridge, on the Derby road (to New Haven.) Those who were posted at the v/est bridge perceived the move- ments of the enemy ; and that another large body of them had landed at the south end, on the east side of tVie harbor, quit the west bridge and marched to Thompson's bridge, but by the time they reached the banks of the river, the enemy were in possession of the bridge, and the places at which the river was there fordable ; yet having received some strength by the coming in of the militia, they gave the British a smart fire from two field pieces and the small arms, which continued with little abatement, until the enemy were in possession of New Ha- ven. The New Haven troops and people were obliged to retreat, either to the fields north and west of the town, or through the town across the neck bridge. The enemy entered the town between 12 and 1 o'clock. In the mean time, the division of the enemy, before mentioned to have landed at the end, which was under the immediate command of Gen. Tryon, was bravely resisted by a small APPEiNDIX. 609 party of men, with one field piece, who, besides other execution, killed an officer of the enemy in one of their boats at their landing. This division marched up by land and attacked the fort at Black Rock ; at the same time, their shipping drew up and attacked it from the harbor. The fort had only 19 men and three piecee of artillery, yet was defended as long as reason or valor dictated, and then the men made their retreat. The town being now in the full possession of the enemy, it was, notwithstanding their proclamation, delivered up, except a few instances of protection, to promiscuous plunder ; in which, besides robbing the inhabitants of their watches, moncji^ plate, buckles, clothing, bedding, and pro- visions. Sic. ; they broke and destroyed household furniture and other property to a very great amount ; some families lost all, and many were left without food or a change of clothing. A body of militia sufficient to penetrate the town could not be collected that evening ; and the inhabitants were obliged to be satisfied with annoying the enemy, which was done with spirit most of the afternoon, about Ditch Corner. Early on Tuesday morning, the enemy unexpectedly, and with perfect still- ness and despatch, called in their guards and retreated to their boats, and carried with them several of the inhabitants as prisoners, most of whom were taken without arms, a part of whom went on board the British fleet, and others crossed over to Gen. Tryon, at East Haven. On Tuesday afternoon, the militia had collected in such numbers, and crowded so close upon Gen. Tryon, that he re- treated on board his fleet, and set sail to the westward. The loss of the enemy was not known, but was supposed to be considerable, including some officers, besides Adjutant Campbell. The Americans had,- from the best information, 27 killed and 19 wounded. Several of our men appeared to have been wounded with shot, though not moilally, but were afterwards kill- ed with bayonets. Gen. Garth declared to one of the militia who was wounded, that he was sorry his men had not killed him, instead of taking him, and that he would not have his men give quarters to one militia man taken under arms. Although, in this expedition, it must be confessed, to the credit of the Britons, that they did not do all the injury in their power, yet the brutal ravishment of women, the wanton and malicious destruction of property, (he burning the stores on the wharf, and eight houses in East Haven. The beating Stabing, and insult- ing the Rev. Dr. Daggett, after he was made a prisoner, the mortally wounding of Mr. Beers, Sen., in his own door, andotherwise abusing him ; the murdering the worthy, aged, and helpless Mr. English, in his own house ; the beating, cut. ting out the tongue, and killing a deranged man, are sufficient proofs of their being Britons. ^- » The troops were conducted to New Haven by one William Chandler, son of Joshua Chandler, then late of New Haven, who with his family, left the place with the enemy in their retreat. • The British carried away between 30 and 40 of the inhabitants ; among them John Whiting, Esq., judge of probate and clerk of the county court. They left New Haven Tuesday evening, and on the next day (7th) landed at Fairfield, and notwithstanding some force there collected, they entered it, and plundered all they could carry ofl", and burned the compact part of the town, being near 100 dwelling houses, besides the public buildings, and the meeting house, and 13 dwelling houses at Green's Farms, and 8 at Mill River, within Fairfield bounds. On Saturday, of the same week, the enemy's fleet appeared oft" Norwalk, and 610 APPENDIX. early next morning, lan^^^he British troops at Norwalk, and laid the town in ashes, together with the church and meeting house, stores, barns, &c., and killed 5 or 6 men at Norwalk, and 3 or 4 at Fairfield. [depositions,] Sarah Townscnd, of New Haven, testified, that wiien the British forces en. tered New Haven, about noon, oti the 5lli of July, 1779, a parly of them soon came to her husband's house, and in a very (urious manner, with horrid execra. tions, seized her husband, and stripped him instantly of his buckles and shoes, and took him away at the point of their bayonets, down to the wharf, on board a vessel, and left her with a number of small children and an aged annt in the utmost distress. At other times, other British soldiers visited the house, who she tried to oblige and mollify as far as possible by provisions and drink, as they wished, yet they plundered, took away or spoiled the furniture of the house, and threatened her life, with the most shocking execrations, until through her fears and the cries of her children, she was ready to sink and give out. Late in the afternoon, she understood that Sir George Collier was in the next house ; she resolved to apply to him for protection from «uch perpetual abuses, and trusted that an officer of such distinction, would at least act the gentleman, and take pity on her. She met liiin in the street, and applied to him in the most complacent manner, slie was able, with a child hanging on each side of her, and a babe in her arms. He heard her story, but answered her roughly, and said ho supposed her husband was a rebel, &c. ; she replied, that her husband was quiet in his house, when taken, and had not been under arnjs that day, &c. Sir George looked at her babe, and said " You have got a pretty child there ; is it yours ?" she told him it was. He then said to her, " Are you willing that it should bo cut up, and made a pie of? the Congress, they say, eat such pies, and they are very good." Shu made no direct reply, for she was so affected, she was unable to express herself; but continued to importune for relief and protection. Ho at last told her, " You may tell them Sir George Collier says, they must not hurt you," and went off; she complied with his direction, to very little effect. She said this is a very imperfect representation of the abuse and cruel treatment sl-.e received. (Signed) SARAH TOWNSEND. Sworn before Samuel Bishop, Jr., Justice of the Peace. John Collins, formerly an officer in the continental navy, sick at the house of Capt. Thomas Wooster, in New Haven, testified, that on the 5lh day of July, 1779, soon after the British army took possession of New Haven, a number of British soldiers entered Mrs. Wooster's house, (the widow of Gen. Wooster,) and demanded of her, her silver and silver plate ; she told them she had none in the house. They then demanded her f)ockets, which she refused ; one of the soldiers seized her by her shoulder, swore she had plate, and he would kill her unless she delivered it. She then took awatch from her pocket and gave it to them, and luid some other trifles on the table, and attempted to escape at the door. They cried, damn her, stop her, and laid violent hands upon her; and one leveled his gun at her breast, damned her, and swore if she moved a step, he would shoot her dead. They then demanded her ear rings, and her handker- chief from her neck. She asked them if they were not ashamed to treat a woman thus; one replied, damn you, do you think you must wear a silk APPENDIX. 611 handkerchief when I have none? As they were about to use violence to obtain llicm, Mrs. Wooster delivered them up. They then turned their attention to Mr. Collins, and made him a prisoner, when Mrs. Wooster escaped ; as they found Mr. Collins was unable to go with them, they took from him his hat, stock buckle, shoe and kneebuckles, they then seized him by the shoulder, threw him upon the floor, presented a bayonet at his breast, then reeking with blood, as he supposed of the aged Capl. English,- who had just been murdered, and swore they would kill him, if he did not immediately tell them where his money was. He told them he had none, and ho was not the owner of the house. They damned him, and swore he lied, and they would run him through if lie did not disclose where his money was ; they searched his pockets and found a paper they swore was his commission, and swore he was a damned officer in the rebel service, and they would kill him instantly. Sworn July 26, 1779, before Samuel Bishop, Jr., Justice of the Peace. [Note. — It appears by the testimony of Rose Luke and Mrs. Gatter, that several attempts, to violate chastity, by the soldiers, occurred in New Haven, on the 5lh of July, 1779.] / Elias Beers, of lawful age, testifies and says, that he saw his father, Nathan Beers, late of New Haven, about three hours after he was wounded by the enemy, on the 5iIj of July, 1779, and received from his mouth the following account of the treatment he received from the enemy, viz. : that upon their entrance into town; an officer, mortally wounded, near his father's house, was brought in and dressed there, whom his father assisted with bandages, &c., for dressing his wound, besides treating them with kindness and hospitality, for which the (British) officer, on his departure, returned him thanks, and said he should not be hurt, but protected for his kindness. After the officer was carried away, a party of soldiers came upon him as he was peaceably standing at his front door, and charged him with firing out of his house, which he denied : he told them he had no arms in his house ; he saw by their motions, they intended murdering him ; he added, I am an old infirm man, I am not able to do you any hurt, and have done nothing to oppose you, all I have is in your hands, why should you take away my life. Unmoved by this remonstrance, they snapped three guns with fixed bayonets at his breast, one of the guns only went off, which he struck down from his breast, and the ball entered his right hip, and as ho fell, they were about to end his life with their bayonets, but he begged to be spared, told them he was mortally wounded. The party then left him, and went to plundering the house. After the loss of much blood, he got to the bed, and in some measure stopped the blood ; another party came in soon after, hauled him from the bed, demanded his money, kicked and otherwise abused and insulted him, and set his wound bleeding again ; being deaf to all entreaties, several parties, one after another, plundering, and destroying furniture, &c., came at him with fixed bayonets, insulted, threatened, and abused him; of these wounds he died on the 10th of July, 1779, in the 61st year of his age. ELIAS BEERS. New Haven, July 26, 1779. Sworn before Samuel Bishop, Jr., Just. Peace. Isaac Beers agreed to the facts testified by his brother Elias, and testified, that he was himself taken a prisoner in his own house, and when a prisoner ho heard Gen. Garth tell Mr. Isaac Woodin, who was a wounded prisoner, that 612 APPENDIX. ho was sorry his men fa^^nol killed liim instead of making him a prisoner, and that he would not have his men give quarters to one militia man taken in arms. July 26, 1779. Sworn before Samuel Bisuop, Jr., Justice of the Peace. On the 24th of July, 1779, Lois Cook, of New Haven, testified, that on the 5th day of July, 1779, Elisha Tuttle, of New Haven, a distracted person, was laid at her door, wounded and in his gore, by the British troops soon after they entered the town. They asked her if she knew him ? She washed off the blood, and told them his name and circumstances. One of the officers seemed affected, and permitted her to take charge of him. He had many wounds on his head and body, and one on his tongue ; and a part of his tongue on the 3d day came off, and he soon after died. The wounds appeared to have been made by a bayonet. Sworn before Eneas Munson, Justice of the Peace. Abigail English, of New Haven, testified, that on the 5th day of July, 1779, when the British troops were in New Haven, that Benjamin Englisli, aged 74 years, was alone in his house, and she saw a number of British troops at his well, drinking water ; and soon saw a soldier come out of his house, at the back door. Said English came to the back door, with his hand on his breast, and the blood running ; and he cried out — he has stabbed me, he has stabbed mc. And she asked why he stabbed him .'' he answered, he could not say, for he humored them as much as lay in his power. Said English walked about two rods, and fell, and instantly expired. He had three wounds in his breast, as if made by a bayonet. She went into the house, and found blood in the great chair where he usually sat, and where she supposed he received his mortal wound. July 28, 1779. Sworn before Eneas Munson, Justice of the Peace. Charles Ailing, of New Haven, testified, that he saw examined, and assisted in burying Capt. John Gilbert, Asa Todd, Joseph Dorman, Samuel Woodin, and Silas Woodin. That Capt. Gilbert was shot through the knee, and then appeared to have been killed with a club, as his head was badly bruised, and a bloody club lay upon him. That no wound appeared upon -the person of Asa Todd, except he was pierced with a bayonet, once through the head, and twice through the body. That Joseph Dorman had his thigh broken just above his knee, but it appeared to have been done with a stone, which lay by him bloody ; and yet he was pierced with bayonets, once through the head and once through the -body, but no other wound. That Samuel Woodin appeared to be shot through the body with a grape shot, and no otherwise wounded ; that he could say nothing in particular, as to Silas Woodin. (Signed) CHARLES ALLING. Sworn at New Haven, July 2G, 1779, before Samuel Bishop, Jr., Just. Peace. [Note. — The Deposition of the Rev. Napthali Daggett, is omitted in this work, as it has been published in the Connecticut Historical Collections, by J. W. Barber.] DAMAGE BY THE BRITISH TROOPS IN NEW HAVEN. July 5, 1779. A committee was appointed by the General Assembly of this State, in Octo. ber, A. D. 1779, to enquire into and estimate the losses of the inhabitants of Now Haven, by the hostile invasion of the British troops. The committee met APPENDIX. 613 at New Haven, on the 14lli day of Docenibor, 1779, and examined the losses of the sufferers, and computed each article at tlie price of the article in the year 1774, except West India rum, which was estimated at 6 shillings per gallon, molasses at 4 shillings per gallon, wine at 12 shillings per gallon, French brandy at 15 shillings per gallon, salt at 12 shillings per bushel, brown sugar at 1 shilling per pound, bohea tea at 6 shillings per pound, loaf sugar at 2 shillings per pound, and chocolate at 3 shillings per pound ; and said committee reported to the General Assembly, in January, 1780, the name and loss of each suiFerer. which report was accepted by said Assembly, and approved, and ordered to be lodged on file in the Secretary's office. The amount of the total loss so reported was £24,693 : 7 : 6, as cash in 1774, (and £l,b9-2 continental money,) which was destroyed by the British ; which report was made by Samuel Barker, Joseph Hopkins, and Gideon Buckingham, as committee, and by them signed. July 5, 1779. An account of the losses sustained by the inhabitants of New Haven, by the British troops, July 5, 1779, as estimated by the sufferers, is found in the Secre- tary of State's office, without any action of the Legislature endorsed upon it, which amounts to the sum of i;23,703 : 10 ; which account is certified by Samuel Bishop, Jr., to bo an account of ihe losses sustained when the enemy came into New Haven, which certificate is dated at Lebanon, August 3, 1779, from which facts, it is presumed, the account was lodged with Gov. Trumbull. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES UPON THE LOSSES IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY BY THE INVASION OF THC BRITISH. GREENWICH. In the month of October, 1779, the General Assembly of this State, appointed James Beard, Increase Mosely, and Elisha Mills, a committee to enquire into and estimate the losses of every individual in the town of Greenwich, occasioned by the hostile invasion of the British troops ; and to abate State taxes, (in whole or part) of such of the sufferers, as in their opinion were proper subjects. The committee met at Greenwich, on the 30lh day of November, 1779, and enquired into said losses, by receiving from each claimant, under oath or affirmation, a list of the several articles they had lost, with the prices affixed, at the rate they were usually sold in the year 1774; and the committee examined and adjusted said lists and prices as uniformly alike as possible, with each person's loss an. nexed to his name, which was so reported to the Assembly, holden in January, 1780, which amounted to the sum of £6,365 : 11 : 8 ; beside £369 : 17 : 7, which last was exhibited to the committee by persons who had not taken the oath of fidelity to this State, a part of whom, were of a suspicious character, and there- fore were reported separate from the others. The committee then considered the circumstances of the inhabitants of said town, for the purpose of designating the greatest sufferers, in being robbed of their effects, drove from their farms, and otherwise harassed by the enemy, in order to determine who were proper persons to have their State taxes abated, which were then due, and would be due, by the 20th of the ne.xt January ; whose names and sums annexed, were reported to the General Assembly, which amounted to the sum of £5,010 : 1 :4, signed by said committee, and dated at Derby, December 24, 1779, The com- mittee's wages, fourteen days, at £9 each per day, is £378 ; expenses of men and horses, £237 : 7 : 8 ; which report was accepted and ordered on file. 78 614 APPENDIX. ^jl'.REEAWICII rr.TITION.] Jolin Mead and Jabcz Fitcli, of Greenwich, in behalf of the sufferers of said Greenwich, wlioso property had been destroyed by the BriliBh, after March, A. D. 1779, brought their petition to tlio General Assembly, holdcn at New Haven, January, 1783, for reparation of damages. The Assembly appointed Philip B. Beardsley and Nehcmiah Boardsley, a committee to examine into the the losses of the inhabitants of said town. The committee notified the sufferers, and on the 17th day of December, 1782, repaired to Greenwich, consulted with the authority and selectmen of the town, upon the subject of their mission, and proceeded strictly to examine on oatli, every sufl'erer by the British depredators, who cxiiibiled an account, and other evidence. And at the May term of the Assembly, in 1787, reported, each sufferer in said Greenwich, with the sum they found he had been injured by tho British, annexed to his or her name, which amounted in tiie whole, to the sum of jC12,430 : 18 : 7 ; the consideration of said report in May, 1787, was referred by the Assembly to the Legislature, to be holden at New Haven, October, 1787. DANBURY. A committee which consisted of Daniel Sherman, Increase Moseley, Nehemiah Beardsley, and Lemuel Sanford, Esq'rs., appointed by the General Assembly in May, 1777, on a memorial of the selectmen of Danbury, to estimate the dama- ges sustained by the inhabitants of said town, by the incursion of the British troops : In which they stated, that about twenty dwelling houses, with a number of barns, stores, and other buildings, were destroyed ; and that the enemy on their retreat, collected and drove away all the cattle, horses, and sheep, &c., they could find. The committee were appointed to estimate the damage and loss of each sufferer in said town, occasioned by the British, and make their report of the same to the Assembly, that the actual losses should be distinctly known, and subject to the acts of some future Legislature. The committee re- paired to Danbury on the 3d day of June, 1777, after having notified the inhabi- tants, and from day to day examined the losses of each sufferer on oath, and by other evidence, and allowed to each his damage at the time said property was destroyed ; they found that by reason of the price of articles, the inhabitants had been obliged to pay large sums over and above the value, in procuring neces- saries for their families ; that many of them had their teams forced from them, to remove the public stores, &:c. The committee reported to the Assembly the name of each sufferer with his loss allowed, annexed to his name, which amount- ed to the sum of £16,181 : 1 : 4 — which report was accepted by the Assembly, and ordered to be lodged on file, to perpetuate the evidence of the loss of each person, that when Congress should order a compensation, to make out the claims of sufferers. RIDGEFIELD. In the year 1777, Increase Moseley, Nehemiah Beardsley, and Lemuel San- ford, Esq'rs., were appointed a committee to estimate the losses of the inhabitants of Ridgefield, by the incursion of the enemy on their return from Danbury, as they passed through said Ridgefield, where they burned several dwelling houses and other buildings, killed and took with them many of their cattle, plundered their provisions and clothing, &c. The committee repaired to Ridgefield on the 1st day of December, 1777, (after having notified ?a.\d sufferers,) and held seve- APPENDIX. 615 val days' session, in esaminincr the accounts of the sufferers on oath, and report- ed the names of the sufferers, and the amount of loss sustained by each ; the full amount of which was £2,625 : 1 : 8-which report was accepted by the Assem- bly, and ordered lodged on file, for the purpose of perpetuating the evidence of each person's loss, the more easily to make out their claims, whenever Congress should order a compensation to said sufferers. FAIRFIELD. At a session of the General Assembly, holden at Hartford, January 12, 1778, a committee, consisting of Thomas Fitch, Thaddeus Betts, and Lemuel Sanford, Esq'rs., were appointed to estimate the damages to each individual in Fairfield, by the hostile invasion of the British troops in their route to Danbury, in April, 1777, and report thereon. The committee notified all the sufferers to meet at the dwelling house of Benjamin Wynkoop, in Fairfield, on the 5th day of April, 1779, and then and there exhibit their accounts of losses sustained by the troops as aforesaid; and at said time and place the committee examined and estimated the losses of each sufferer in said town ; and reported to the General Assembly, holden in May, 1779, the names of each of the sufferers, with the sums allowed, annexed to each name, which sums were estimated by the committee at the usual and customary prices of such articles in the year 1774 ; which amounted, for all sufferers, to the sum of £1,616 : 7 : 10-which report was dated at Fairfield, May 8, 1779. The committee examined B. Wynkoop's account of expenses of the committee, and his collecting the people at his house, and £29 : 18 : 9 was allowed to him by the General Assembly, May Session, 1779. At the October session of the General Assembly, 1779, Mr. Chandler, Daniel Bennet, and William Hawlcy, Esq'rs, were appointed a committee, on the solici- tation of the inhabitants of Fairfield, who had suftered by the conflagration and depredations of the enemy in said town, to appraise the losses of each individual. The committee reported, that at sundry times they repaired to Fairfield, and the sufferers, (by the incursion of the enemy under the command of Gen. Tryon, on the 7th and 8th days of July, 1779,) produced their accounts of losses, stated and \ f attested, which the committee carefully examined and adjudged, which included ' both real and personal property, allowed at such prices as conformed to a rule or : standard fixed on by the committee, and such property as did not come within r their rule, they allowed them at the rate of prices of 1774. The damage to buildings was appraised by three carpenters, (employed by said committee,) which appraisement was examined and corrected by the committee, and allowed. The committee also abated to those sufferers, who had been burned out of their own or hired houses, all their State taxes that had been or should be laid on their list for 1778— which report contained the following names, as specified hereafter, with their accounts as allowed by said committee, and signed by said committee. Dated at Fairfield, April 27, 1780. Fees— Mr. Chandler, 10 days at 10s. per day, and three journeys to Fairfield, £5:18; Daniel Bennett, 7 days at lOs. per day, three journeys at 6s. £4:8; William Hawley, 8 days at 10s. per day, three journeys at 6s. £4 : 18. GREENWICH, DANBURY, &.C. Hon, Andrew Adams, and others, were appointed a committee to consider the memorial of the inhabitants of Greenwich, Danbury, and other places, who G16 APPENDIX. liad siillbred in the vva^JPSstinguisheil losses and damages by the depredations and burnings by the Brilisli, and methodically slate the facts, what had been, and what still further ought to be or could be done for the relief of said sufferers. The chairman of said commiUcc reported, that for want of exhibits and doc- uments they were unabio methodically and correctly to state the facts of losses and estimate of damages ; and also for the want of proper certificates from the Treasurer and Secretary of State, to report what had already been done by the State for their relief. But were of opinion that the houses and buildings, and necessary household furniture in the frontier towns, (mentioned in the memorial,) burned and destroyed by the enemy during the war, ought to be paid for by this State, at their just value ; and that the only manner in the power of the State, at that time, (viz. 1787,) was to pay the same in Western Lands^-wh'ich report was, in October, 1787, accepted by the House, but rejected by the Upper House. DAMAGE SUSTAINED IN THE TOWN OF FAIRFIELD. Account of the losses sustained in the town of Fairfield by the Britisii, val. ucd as in tlie year 1774. At Grekn's Farms — The meeting house and bell, £000; llev. Mr. Ripley's liouse and b.irn, ilSOO, also clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., ;C114:2:6; Nathan Godfrey's liouse, barn, clothing, furniture, and ])rovisions, .£3G2 : 18 ; Grummond Morehouse's house, barn, provisions, &c., £80 : 4 :5 ; Doct. Ebe- ! nezer Jcssup's house, barn, corn house, furniture, provisions, &,c., £421 :2 :G ; / Simon Couch's liouse, burn, provisions, furniture, &c., £2:24 : 12; Widow I Eunice Morehouse's house, barn, clothing, furniture, &c., £103: 6; Ebenczer I Morehouse's house, barn, and i)rovisions, &c., £122:7:2; George Batterson's ! liouse, furniture, &lc , £53 :11 ; John Davis' house, furniture, provisions, cloth. I intr, &-C., £58 : 16 ; Abraham Andrews' house, barn, store, clothinp:, furniture, I &c., £468 : 10 : 5 ; Widow Sarah Andrews' house, barn, clothing, provisions, I &c., £156 : 14 ; Jossup Wakeman's house, barn, provisions, clothing, furniture, I &c., £194:18; Gideon Morehouse's house, barn, clothing, provisions, furni- \ ture, «&c., £73:14; John Morehouse's barn, &:c., £253:19; Moss Kent's house, clothing, provisions, and furniture, «fcc., £316:2. At the Old Society of Fairfield — Stephen Thorp's house, barn, store. house, clothing, provisions, furniture, &,c., £746 : 17 ; Aaron Jennings' store. house, clothing, provisions, furniture, i"fcc., £91 : 19 ; Eliphalet Thorp's house, barn, store.house, provisions, clothing, furniture, &lc., £039 ; Increase Bradley's liouse, store-honsc, provisions, clothing, I'urnilure, «&c., £150; Jonathan Dar- rows' house, barn, clothing, and provisions, &c., £306 : 9 ; Samuel Slurges' liouse, shop, provisions, furniture, &c., £280:3 :3; James Bulkley, clothing, provisions, and furniture, £18 :4 ; Moss Bulkley's house, £40 ; David Beers' house, shop, clothing, provisions, and furniturfe, £196 ;3 ; Joseph Beers' house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., £132 : 12 ; Reuben Beers' Jiouse, shop, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., £530 : 6 ; Nathaniel Fiersons' house, clothing, &-e., £D0 ; Samuel Beers' house, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., £141 : 19 : 7 ; Solomon Sturgcs' house, barn, store, clothing, provisions, furni. ture, &c., £270 ; David Barlow's house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c, £387 : 12 : 6 ; Jabez Thorp's house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., £181:13; Samuel Burr's house, barn, shop, furniture, provisions, &c., APPENDIX. 617 .£761 : 7 : 5 ; Ilezekiah SUirges' house, two barns, a sliop, cloUiitigr, provisions, furniture, &c., iJSlQ : 1 : 5 ;• the licirs of Benjamin Osborn, a house, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., i;i86 : 13 : 6 ; Daniel Graham's barn, provisions, furniture, clothing, &c., £20; the lieirs of Joseph Sturges, a house, two barns, store, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., £400 ; the heirs of Peter Bulkley, a house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c., £118:17; Ansel Trubee's house, furniture, clothing, and provisions, £111 :6; Jonathan Siurges' house, barn, storehouse, clothing, provisions, and furniture, £759 : 2 : 6 ; William Levcjoy, house of Doct. Forque, £160 ; the widow and iieirs of Seth Osborn, two houses, a store, provisions, clothing, and furniture, £553 : 7 :6; Seth Stur^ gos' house, barn, furniture, provisions, and clothing, £453 ; Samuel Smedley's i^. two houses, barn, shop, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £795 ; Stephen. ^/^_^'-'' Jenning's house, barn, provisions, furniture, and clothing, £279 ; J)avj^dJ^ii._^^ nings' house, shop provisions, furniture, and clothing, £310:10; Widow Eliz- abeth Sturges' house, clothing, provisions, and furniture, £100 ; the heirs of Andrew Jennings, house clothing, furniture, and provisions, £255:17:6; John Smedley's two houses, clothing, provisions, &c. £792 : 18 ; the widow and heirs of Gershom Burr, a house, furniture, clothing, provisions, &c., £556 :9 : G; Ebenezcr Wakeman's house, furniture, provisions, and clothing, £141:17:11; the Episcopal society in Fairfield, a house and barn, £195 ; heirs of Col. David Burr, house, barn, &c., clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £427:11:0; Andrew Rowland's house, barn, store, clothing, furniture, and provisions, £475 ; Hezekiah Nichols' house, barn, shop, furniture, provisions, and clothing, £.i24 : 6 ; Joseph Squire's shop, clothing, provisions, and furniture, £424 : 4 : 7 ; Samuel Rowland's house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £522:2:2; Widow Cutler's house, £30 ; Wakeman Burr's house, shop, fur- niture, clothing, and provisions. £456 : 12 : 11 ; William Dimon's house, shop, barn, clothing, furniture, and provisions, £754 : 18 : 11 ; Thomas Hills' house, barn! corn-house, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £330 ; Doct. John Allen's house, two barns, store, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £830 ; Jonathan Lewis' house, four barns, store, corn-liouse, three out.liouses, clothing, furni- ture. provisions, &c. £973: 13 : 6 ; Tl.addeus Burr's house, barn, store, out. houses, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £1,590 : 19 : 8 ; Widow Ann Dimon's house, barn, and two out houses, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £386 : 7 : 9 ; David Allen's two houses, barn, shop, clothing, provisions, furniture, &,c. £551:18:2; Samuel Fenfield's house, barn, shop, out.house, stable, provis- ions, furnituie, clothing, &c. £1,120: 10; Jon:ithan Maltbie's house damaged, £1 : 10, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £47 : 7 ; Doct. Nathaniel Lathrop, a house' occupied by William Elliott, £180; Rev. Mr. Elliott, clothing, provis- ions, furniture, &c. £365 : 1 : 2 ; Capt. Job Bartram's house, shop, two barns, store, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £1,210 : 3 : 8 ; Thomas Hanford Wake- man's house, barn, furniture, clothing, provisions, &c. £197 : 8 ; Doct. Francis Forque, a barn and appendages, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £454; Widow Abigal Hubbell's house, provisions, furniture, clothing, &c. £214 : 16 : 6 ; Maj. Elijah Abel's house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £691 : 2 : 10; Stephen Turney's house damaged, two barns, provisions, clothing, furniture, &c. £94 : 5 : 10 ; the heirs of Ebenezer Burr, a house damaged, £10 ; Abel Gold, a barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, and clothing, £124 ; John Parsott's house, provisions, clothes, furniture, kc. £136 :6:6; Eleazer Osborn, Jr's. housci (318 APPENDIX. clothing, provisions, furnii^p, fcc. ^211 : 9 : 4 ; tlie widow of Col. Gold, house, provisions, furniture, clotliing, &c. jC282 : 15 i Edwtird Budington, (property of Samuel Squire,) house, £80, clothing, provisions, &c. the property of said Bud- ington, <£57 : 8 : 10 ; John Wasson, a house, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. j£220 ; Capt. Ebenezcr Bartram's house, £200 ; Samuel Squire, Jr., clothing, provisions, &c. £80 : 18 : 6 ; Abraham Parrot, clothing, provisions, &c. £4 : 11 ; Daniel Osborn's house, clothing, furniture, and provisions, .£246 : 15 : 6 ; George Allen's house, barn, shop, clothing, provisions, and furniture, i!;31 6 : 9 ; Thomas Staples' house, barn, clothing, provisions, and furniture, jC294 : 2 : 2 ; Moses Jennings' house, barn, shop, clothing, provisions, &c. ,£697 : 13 : 6; Isaac Jennings' house, barn, shop, provisions, furniture, clothing, &c. £409 : 7 : 10 ; Peter Burr's house, barn, store, clothing, ])rovisions, furniture, &.c. £377 : : 9 ; Anthony Anabel, a house and shop, £60 ; Widow Rebecca Jenning's house, £80, barn, £15, clothing, provisions, furiiilnrc, &,c. £47 : 17 ; Peter Hendricks' house, clothing, furniture, provisions, &c.«C392; Andrew Wakeman's house, clothing, &c. £252 : 18 ; Setli Smith's house, clothing, &c. £56 : 7 ; the Widow Smith's bouse, provisions, furniture, &,c. £41:0:6; Joseph Smith, clothing, provis- ions, — ; Widow Hannah Taylor's house, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £!45 : 4 ; Widow Mary PenfieUl's house, barn, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. £135 ; John Turney's two houses, barn, clothing, furniture, provisions, &c. jE509:10; Capt. Samuel Squire's house, provisions, clothing, furniture, &c. £518:6:4; Jeremiah Jennings' house, provisions, clothing, furniture, &c. :e220:8; the gaol and gaoler's houses, £500, clothing, provisions, furniture, &c. — ; the county house, £1,000 ; two school houses, £115 ; the meeting house, £1,200; the Episcopal church, £500; Nathan Thompson Michols' house, £80, shop, £10, clothing, &c. £5 : JO. Total — 97 dwelling houses, 67 barns, 48 stores, 2 school houses, 1 county house, 2 meeting houses, and 1 Episcopal church. Damage was do!ie to other individuals not mentioned aforesaid, to the amount of £1,855 : 3 : 2, by the destruction of pcrssonal property, a large share of which was owned by widows and other females. [depositions.] The testimony of Eunice Burr, wife of Thaddeus Burr, Esq., respecting the proceedings of the enemy at Fairfield, on the 7th and 8th days of July, 1779, is as follows : — On Wednesday morning, 7ih of July, 1779, between 9 and 10 o'clock, some friends came in and told me that they believed that the enemy's shipping were standing in, and that it was their opinion that the enemy would land. Being formerly well acquainted with a number of the British officers, and ever finding them of a polite, humane disposition, and observing the good order they kept up among their soldiers, I was induced, once to act against all the entreaties of my friends, and risk my life, and all that was dear to me, in hopes to save an ancient, pleasant mansion house, with its valuable furniture and stores. This I was the more willing to undertake, as I had been told, " that if people would stay in their own houses (they) the enemy would not molest them, and their property would be safe." By the time the main body of the enemy liad got up to the court house ; instead of the once humane and polite Britons, a pack of the most barbarous ruffians came rushing into the house, and repeat, edly accosted nie with. You damn'd rebel, where is your husband, he is a select, man ; at the same time stripping me of my buckles, tearing down the curtains of APPENDIX. 619 my bed. breaking Iho frame of my dressing glass, pulling out llie drawers of my table and desk ; and atier taking what they could find, llioy then went up stairs, and proceeded much in tiie same manner- At this juncture, there came in an officer, who, I suppose was a captain, and demanded tlio arms; those which I knew of, were produced, and he immediately ordered them out of the house; upon my representation of the conduct of the ruffians towards me, he ordered them out of the house. No sooner were one set out, but another came in, calling for cider, breaking down the china, stone, and glass ware in the closets, and •wherever they found it. In the midst of this confusion, Gen. Tryon came into the house ; he behaved with politeness ; he demanded the papers. I told him there were none but of very old dates, which related to the old estates. The general said, those are what we want, for we intend to have the estates. Upon which he ordered an officer to take them to the court house. Very soon after he had taken leave of me, there came in a set, more dreadful than the ruffians who first attacked me ; these being informed, or suspicious, that I was possessed of a watch, attempted to search me ; I drew back to the yard, the only shelter that I had, and there committed myself to God, whose protection and mercy is beyond the reach of such cruel monsters. They, however, were permitted to pursue me, throw me upon the ground, and search me, pulling and tearing my clothes from me in a most barbarous manner ; no enfteaties or persuasions, prevailing upon them to desist. Heaven directed the steps of the before mentioned captain to the gate, who perceiving the horrid situation that I was in, ran to my relief, and drove the ruffians from the yard. Soon after this, Gen. Tryon, with Mr. Thomas Chapman, of Stratford, who is said to be a captain in the new levies, called in. Mr. Chapman made himself known to me ; upon which, I reminded him of his often waiting upon a more soft and delicate set of company to the house, than those I had been visited with in the course of the day. I asked him if he could have a heart to burn the house where he had spent so many agreeable hours. Upon which, he assured me, he would do every thing in his power to save the building. Gen. Tryon, upon hearing the said captain relate the situation he found me in, was kind enough to order two sentries at the house, which caused me a more quiet night than I feared ; though horror and distress were my con- stant companions, a great part of the town being then in flames. Just before the sun rose, Capt. Chapman came to me very politely, and told me that Gen- Tryon wanted to speak to me. I immediately waited on him ; he told me that through the entreaties of Mr. Sayer, and some other friends, and knowing my situation, he should spare my buildings, Mr. Elliot's, the church, and meeting ' house ; that he did not like destroying those buildings. I told him, I was obliged • to him for the favor, and felt as happy to have those buildings saved, as my own, and that I thought he would do himself honor. He asked for pen, ink, and paper. I very readily procured them ; he then, unasked, and unsolicited by me, gave me ■ a protection for my house and property, and the Rev. Mr. Elliot's, written with his^wn hand, and signed with his own name. Thus deluded with a false hope, after the fatigue of the day, night, and more dreadful morning, when every build- ing around me, was on fire ; and some of my poor neighbors, whose habitations were in flames, had run into my house for shelter, instead of attempting to carry out and secure what was in the house ; our whole attention was taken up in sup- plying the house with water, and although they were almost buried in flames, neither the barn or house took fire. The pleasure and satisfaction I felt for a few minutes, in thinking that I had a shelter for myself and some of ray distressed 620 APPENDIX. friends, was great ; but ^/B- liow soon was it over. No sooner Iiad the horn blow, I suppose for the wliole to retreat, my sentries went oft", and a band of those savage creatures were left as a rear guard to complete the destruction ; some of whom, -unperceived by me, came into the house. I lieard a most dreadful screaching in one of the rooms; upon which I ran to it, and to my great surprise, found some of tliose monsters abusing an aged lady, one of my neighbors, by pulling off her cap and tearing her liair from her head. Her daughter, who had fled for protection, fared but little better. Seeing a number more of them come into the gate, I once more took courage, went out and entreated them to spare the house ; told them that I had Gen. Tryon's protection in writing ; upon which they damned the general and protection, and tore it from me, while a number went into the house to set fire to it ; two or three others come to search me ; they took my pocket book and buttons, which till then, I had preserved. Fearing that I should be insulted, as I had been before, I disengaged my pocket and fled into tiie meadow. The house, with every thing they had left, both furniture and stores, were consumed. Much more might be told both of ofiicers and soldiers, which would bring disgrace upon the once humane, but now savage Britons ; but it would make this narrative too lengthy. One more instance of their cruelty, I must not fail to relate. On a base suspi- cion, that a gun was fired from a window, by an aged negro of my neighbor Lewis, they first shot him, then bayoneted him as my sentry, wiio was one of the number, told me, and left his body to be consumed by the flames, which were immediately kindled in the dwelling house. Should this narration fall into the hands of any of those officers, who afforded me assistance, in those hours of horror and distress, they have my sincere thanks for it. Sworn at Fairfield, August 2, 1779, before Samuel Squire, Justice of Peace, Testimony of Jane Bulkley, the wife of Andrew Bulkley, is as follows, viz. : That when the enemy entered the town of Fairfield, ihat part of the army under Gen. Garth, were stationed in the westerly part of the town, and a num. ber of oflScers and men came to my house, and received such refresiiments as they required ; and said that persons who stayed in their houses, should be safe in person and property ; and at their request, I went and milked my cow, and gave them the milk ; whereupon, the cow was led away by them, and killed. My house was fired five times, and I extinguished it. The men were at full liberty, and behaved with great licentiousness. I heard a number of under officers at my door, say, that before morning, every house would be laid in ashes; that we should not fare so well as New Haven. They plundered my house, stripped my buckles out of my shoes, and abused me with insulting language. Their ofiicers had not, or did not exercise command over them, so as in the least to restrain them ; they continued burning houses and barns'the whole night. I had a protection from Garth, by word, and he ordered a guard for me ; but it served only to save my property until day light, and then my house was plundered, and attempted to bo burned. The latter part of the night, the soldiers appeared in drink, tiiey plundered a plenty of spiritous liquors. JANE BULKLEY. July 24, 1779. Sworn before Andrew Rowland, Justice of Peace. APPENDIX. 621 The testimony of Mary Beers, wife of Reuben Beers : — That about 1 o'clock, succeeding the 7th inst., a picquet of Hessians, in Gen. Garth's division, broke into our house, and thereupon I came out of the cellar, with two small chiklrea and a negro child ; and on opening the cellar door, they cried out, kill her, kill her, and came at me with a number of fixed bayonets. I begged and entreated, implored and prayed to spare my life, and ran backdown cellar, and opened the out cellar door, and went into the door-yard with the three children ; and 1 found there a number of the enemy with an officer. I expostulated with them; I told the officer, that my husband was sick, and had not been out for two days; that he was a sick man and in bed ; when they came to tlie house, that ho was not in arms, and begged for his life and property. Whereupon the captain said, ho was not killed, but was a prisoner. Whereupon I applied to the gen- era], as I supposed, who was a Hessian cailed ; I asked protection for myself, children, and property, and release of my husband. The Hessian general and a colonel said, my husband should be well used : that my person, property, children and house should be safe; but said he, (the general laying his hand on the head of my little babe,) poor cliild, I pity you, I cannot spare your house, it must bo burnt. Thereupon up came the officer of those who first broke into the house, and he said, " go, woman, in haste, you may perhaps put the fire out of your house;" and I went protected by a guard, who behaved decently ; and I found my house effectually plundered of linen by them, and great destruc- tion of moveables in the house, and I extinguislied the fire. Whereupon I went to the house of David Beers, who to my knowledge was in peace at home with his wife and family, and they entered the said house with violence, and took Mr. Beers a prisoner, and plundered his house, and pretended that he had fired out of his house, but it was groundless; and in the morning, without dis. tinction, they burnt his house and shop, and all moveables in them. Their be- havior was like distracted or mad men, and pretended, many of them, not to speak English. MARY BEERS. The aforesaid deposition, confirmed by Reuben Beers, and both sworn at Fairfield, 24th July, 1779, before Andrew Rowland, Justice of the Peace. The testimony of Isabella Trubee, wife of Ansel Trubee, of Fairfield, is as follows, viz. :— That when the enemy, on the night of the 7lh of July, 1779, came to the westerly end of the town, (of Fairfield) they appeared to be gener- ally, Hessians ; and I concealed myself with two children in the cellar, under the dwelling house of uncle David Beers, and there continued until the enemy set fire to the house. Mr. Beers, aforesaid, was at home, with his wife and daughter, and some grand children, in peace and about his lawful business ; they seized him, and made him prisoner. My aunt, his wife, told them ho was unarmed, and had not shot a gun, she supposed, within 30 years ; and there, upon, they set fire to the house and burnt it down, and also his shop and all therein. About this time, my father, Mr. Joseph Beers, came a few rods out of his house, where he had been all the day, in peace with my mother, and he was taken by the Hessians, and remains in captivity, and his house and barn was burnt, and property destroyed. Mr. David Beers has since returned, and says, ho was released at their embarkation. her ISABELLA X TRUBEE. mark. Sworn at Fairfield, July 23, 1779, before Andrew Rowland, Justice of Peace. 79 622 APPENDIX. Tlie testimony of Rua^^fcoberson, of lawful age, and wife of John Robeison, of Fairfield, is as follows, viz. : — When the enemy, on the evening of the 7th inst^., first came into the west end of this town, I soon left my house and went to a neighbor's, which I heard was guarded, and there I found the general and a great number of officers ; and one Mrs. Beardsley, who belonged to the house was there, and pregnant, and appeared to be in travail. All the officers appeared disposed to treat her and her assistants with decency ; and in the course of the night, I often heard the officers and general say, there should not bo left a house or barn standing in the town, by, or in the morning. Tliere were but few soldiers in the house, and they employed in waiting on tables ; and they spared that dwelling house on account of Mrs. Beardsley, who was supposed to be in labor. They said the commissioners made offi^rs of peace, and the Americans refused to accept them, and that their orders were to burn all, and I understood the orders were from England. They said they would burn the church, for that it was not the church of England, nor had it been since the war, for the professors did not comply with the articles of the church of England. The Hessians appeared active in plundering and burning, and seemed not to under- stand English. 'Twas at sundry houses where they came and plundered, and they gave to understand they pursued orders. And further saith not. RUANA ROBERSON. Fairfield, July. 22, 1779. Sworn before Andrew Rowland, Justice of Peace. The testimony of Abigail Bulkley, wife of Josiah Bulkley, of lawful age, is as follows, viz. : — That the enemy, on their coming to the westendof the town, on the night of the 7th inst., they enquired after my husband. I told them ha was out of the town, and was not under arms ; however, they plundered my house of almost all the moveables in it. I went with Mrs. Beardsley, who was supposed to be in travail, and the officers then behaved decently to me, and by the aid and assistance of one of them, I saved my house, and some trifle of furniture from the flames. It appeared to me there were a number of Hessians at liberty to act without restraint. And further deponent saith not. her ABIGAIL X! BULKLEY. mark. Fairfield, July 23, 1779. Sworn before Andrew Rowland, Justice of Peace. The testimony of Ann Nichols, of lawful ago, and wife to Hezekiah Nichols, of Fairfield, is as follows, viz.: — That when the troops under the command of Gen, Tryon, came into Fairfield, I was peaceably at home; and thereupon, one of the soldiers came to me and with strong hand, robbed me of the buckles out of my shoes; and in the course of the night, I was often treated with extrava- gant, insulting, and abusive language, and threatening at my own house. I told them my husband was from home, bu< it availed nothing; and in the course of the night, the soldiers appeared to have full liberty, and many came in parties, at different hours, and destroyed almost every thing of furniture ; and in the morning burnt down the house and barn. Whereupon I saw Gen. Tryon, who appeared to be exceeding angry at something, I know not what; and I heard him tell a person, that he would not spare one house more than another. One Thomas Chapman, formerly of Stratford, a tory, was called a captain, and ap- peared to be a principal hand in burning. I escaped from the conflagration of APPEiNDIX. 623 tlio town, in the morning, and concealed myself in a wet ditch and miry swamp. The soldiers, generally, appeared to be in a great panic through the night, and exceedingly afraid that the rebels, as they called us, would be upon them in the morning early. ANN NICHOLS. Fairfield, July 21, 1779. Sworn before Andrew Rowland, Justice of Peace. COL. SAMUEL V/HITING'S ANSWER TO THE BRITISH FLAG. Connecticut having nobly dared to take up arms against the cruel despotism of Britain, and as the flames, have now preceded the answer to your flag, they will persist to oppose to their utmost, that power exerted against injured innocence. SAMUEL WHITING, Colonel Commanding. To Maj. Gen. Tryon. Dated Fairfield, 7th July, 1779. CHURCH RECORD OF FAIRFIELD. The following is a copy of the Church Record in tiio town of Fairfield, made at the time Fairfield was burnt by the British, in 1779, by the Rev. Andrew Elliot, who was the Pastor of the Congregational Church at that time, and forwarded for publication by the Rev. Lyman H. Atwater, the present Pastor. "1779, JULY 7. " A part of the British enemy, consisting of Britons, Germans, and American "refugees, under the command of Maj. Gen. Tryon and Brig. Gen. Garth, " landed in this town from a fleet, commanded by Sir George Collier. " In the evening and night of the same day, great part of the buildings in tho " town plot were consumed in the flames by said troops. "July 8lh. In the morning the Meeting House, together with the Church of " England buildings, the Court House, Prison, and almost all the principal ♦' buildings in the Society, were laid in ashes. " Our holy and our beautiful house " Where our fathers praised thee, is " Burnt up with fire : and all our " Pleasant things are laid waste. " The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken " Away : Blessed be the name of the Lord. " All things work together for good to them " That love God — to them who are the " Called according to his purpose. " Alleluia. " The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. — " Amen." — [Note. The Rev. Andrew Elliot's Letter is published in the Massachusetts Historical Collections, and is therefore omitted in this work.] A PETITION TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL FROM THE INHABI- TANTS OF NORWALK. Te His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Governor and Commander-in- Chief in and over the State of Connecticut ; comes the civil authority and select, men of the town of Norwalk, in behalf of themselves and the rest of the inhab. 624 APPENDIX. itants of said Nor walk, and^Rh submission beg leave to represent to your Ex- cellency, that numbers of tlie soldiers in Col. Sheldon's regiment of light-horso belonging to the continental army, and others, frequently come into the parish of Canaan and other back parts in said Norwalk, and by force and violence enter the inhabitants' barns, and at will and pleasure, with the same force, take their oats and carry them off, and in some instances thresh oats and destroy and make much waste ; and also take such kinds of grain and stover as they think proper, and carry it away without ever applying to any authority, or shewing any power or authority to do the same, and against the mind and will of the inhabi- tants and without their consent ; and also in many instances strip the inhabitants to such a degree of their oats, that if it is not prevented there will not be a suffi- ciency of oats left in the town for seed next year ; and the inhabitants are appre- hensive that they will next attack their Indian corn, and then their wheat, as tho light-horsemen in some instances in some of the back places have taken the peoples' wheat to feed their horses ; and that if they should be suffered to conduct in that sort, the people arc apprehensive they shall be put to great straights and difficul- ties for want of the necessary articles of bread-corn. And that these light-horse- men come armed and with such force, that the inhabitants cannot prevent them from taking their substance, without taking up arms, and in that way defend their property, which method they would by all means avoid, in hopes that their property may be secured to them without taking such desperate methods ; and that as there does not seem to be any rule given by law upon an application for a press warrant in such cases, we would beg leave humbly to propose to your Excellency, whether it is not necessary at this time, and the property of the people more secure, to have some rules and laws made respecting these matters. And that there has been one instance this week wherein one of the inhabitants took out a writ against one or two of the light-horsemen for threatening his life, and of burning his dwelling house and barn, for refusing to let them take his oats ; and that one of said light-horsemen was taken with said writ soon after, while Capt. Stoddard came into the town with a number of his men and rescued him out of the hands of the officer and carried him off, and the complainant and his son ; which we imagine and are fearful will ever be the case, and the people distressed, if it is not prevented ; all which is humbly submitted, by your Excel- lency's most obedient humble servants. Norwalk, 1778. (Signed) Thaddeus Betts, Charles Raymond, Justices of the Peace ; Jesse Raymond, Nehemiah Benedict, Nathaniel Benedict, David Comstock, Daniel Betts, Se- lectmen. PETITION OF JOHN LOCKWOOD AND OTHERS OF NORWALK. It appears by a petition of John Lockwood, and 37 others, of Norwalk, to the General Assembly, in December, 1780, tbat in July, 1779, all the subscribers were burned out of house and home, and stripped and plundered by the British, of nearly all their household furniture ; their barns also destroyed by fire, with the greater part of their wheat harvest and English hay, to the very great dis- tress and impoverishment of the inhabitants. Representations had before been made to the Assembly of the distress and losses, to which the Legislature had listened in tenderness, and granted the relief APPENDIX. 625 of the abatement of the State tax on list 1778, for which the sufferers in the con- flagration, tendered them their unfeigned thanks. Many of the suffering farmers had not sufficient wheat to support their famihcs until the next harvest, though they would have had large quantities to have sup- plied others, had it not been destroyed. So many buildings were burnt, that it was impossible to rent houses, so as to be comfortably located to use their farms ; and many of them were obliged to build small houses, and disposed of all they could spare, to re-settle upon their farms, and most of them left in debt, and obliged to live without barns to preserve their grain, because they were unable to build them ; and many who had built their houses were unable to finish them, and lived in them through the following winter, cold and half finished, for want of money and materials for building, while labor was exceedingly high, and it . appeared to many of them as if it was impossible ever to settle themselves again in any tolerable manner. In addition to the burden of building, they were des- titute of the necessary utensils for keeping house ; town, state, and society taxes to pay ; taxes for re-building public buildings that were burnt ; the provision tax then lately laid ; the expense of raising soldiers from time to time to fill the conti- nental army : In all which, with their misfortunes, they were obliged to suffer with their neighbors, which appeared insupportable to many of the sufferers, in their then distressed situation ; and yet declared they would exert themselves in assisting to discharge all public demands, as far as possible, willingly and cheer- fully, and only regretted that they were not of the same ability to do, as they had been before they had been burnt out. The memorialists closed by asking the Assembly to abate their State taxes, laid on list 1779 and 1780. [Col. Benjamin Hinman, Nehemiah Beardsley, and William Heron were ap- pointed a committee to go to Norwalk, to examine and report to the Assembly.] Sard committee reported in May, 1781, that the State tax of 123 persons in said Norwalk, on list of 1779; and that said tax, on list 1780, on 119 persons in said town, should be abated — which was accepted. DEPOSITION OF CAPT. STEPHEN BETTS. Norwalk, July 26, 1779. Capt. Stephen Betts, of Col. Butler's regiment, in the continental service, per- , ■, sonally appeared and made solemn oath— That on the 11th inst., while the T -\ enemy invaded Norwalk, he, with about 50 continental troops, and some militia, t engaged a superior number of the enemy, which obliged them to give way to an unequal force. As they retreated, John Waters, a continental soldier fell into the enemy's hands, delivered up his arms, and begged for his life ; but the enemy not- withstanding, assaulted him with their bayonets, with which they stabbed him in sundry places, and then one of them presented his peice, and aimed (as the cap- tive supposed) at his body, but missing that, the ball sliattered his arm ; where- upon finding no quarters, he made a strong effort to escape, which he happily effected. Soon after the above accident, John Rich, another continental soldier, was shot so as to fall, and as the enemy were nigh, and crowded fast on over our people, he desired Capt. Betts to leave him, as they could not take him off with- out the greatest hazard. Capt. Betts saw Rich no more, but says Capt. Eclls, of Col. Wyllys' regiment, told him, he saw Rich after the enemy had retreated 626 APPENDIX. about two hours after CaJ^Bctts saw him ; he was then dead, and tlie top of liis skull torn off, supposed to be blown off'by a musket to despatch him. And further saith not, before me. Thaddeus Betts, Justice of the Peace. LETTER FROM SAMUEL C. SILLIMAN, ESQ., TO COL. ST. JOHN. It appears by a letter from Samuel C. Silliman, Esq., of Norwalk, dated 1778, to Col. St. John, then a member of the General Assembly, that Col. St. John issued a writ in favor of a Mr. Comstock, against two of Sheldon's light horse- men, taken by constable Lockwood, for taking property not their own, who were taken before said Silliman for trial ; but before the trial had began, the captain of the two light horsemen, (i. e. Capt. Stoddard of Col. Sheldon's regiment) came in, in great fury, with a party of his light horsemen, all armed, and their swords drawn, and pointed at the breasts of tiio court and by-standers, and wrested the offenders from them, and defied the authority ; laid violent hands on Mr. Com- stock the prosecutor, and dragged him from the house. The court, when attempt- ing to quell the riot, was accosted by one of said light horsemen, with his sword pointed at the breast of the court, swore he would run him through, if he offered the least resistance. They then forced Mr. Comstock and one of his sons, on to horses and carried them off, and swore they would take them to their quarters and keep them under guard. They drove them two or three miles, constantly threatening them, in the most abusive language, and then dismissed them. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON DAMAGES SUSTAINED IN WEST HAVEN BY THE INCURSION OF THE BRITISH. It was represented to the Legislature, held at Hartford, January 10, 1782, that on the 30lh day of August, 1781, a party of British troops and refugees, made an incursion into tiie parish of West Haven, in New Haven, and destroyed much of the property of the inhabitants. Whereupon, the Assembly appointed Gen. Andrew Ward, Col. Edward Russel, and Gideon Buckingham, a commit- tee to estimate the losses of each individual, by the enemy, and abate such part of the State taxes of said sufferers as said committee should judge proper, and report thereon to the next session of said Assembly. The committee met at West Haven on the 13lh day of March, 1782, and examined the sufferers on oath, and reported to the Assembly each sufferer in said parish, and the amount of loss found by tiiem annexed to his name, together with a list of names of such as should be abated on said taxes, to the amount of £30: 15:2, together with £3G5 : 18 : 6, allowed the sufferers in said parish ; which report was accepted by the Assembly, and ordered to be lodged on file, with liberty of a bill to make said abatement. May, 1787. At the General Assembly holden in May, 1787, the sufferers in different parts of the State united in a petition to the Assembly, for remuneration ; in which they stated, they had twice before petitioned the Assembly, and had re- ceived no answer ; which petition was signed by Daniel Taylor for the suffer- ers in Danbury; Thomas Fitch for those in Norwalk; Jonathan Sturges for Fairfield ; John Mead for Greenwich ; Ebenezer Ledyard for Groton ; John Deshon for New London ; Charles Cnauncey for New Haven ; Philip B. Bradley for Ridgefield ; and Andrew Ward and Daniel Leete for the sufferers of Guilford ; which petition was continued to the next General Assembly. APPENDIX. 627 LANDS GIVEN THE SUFFERERS. FOR LOSSES SUSTAINED DURING THE WAR. Upon a memorial in 1791, of the inhabitants of the towns of Fairfield and Norwalk, in Fairfield county, the great losses occasioned by the devastations of the British during the war, were shewn to the General Assembly ; on which they prayed for remuneration from the State. A committee wa? appointed by the Legislature, in May, 1791, to ascertain from documents in the public offices, the losses, not only of the memorialists, but of others who had been sufferers under similar circumstances, that had been estimated in conformity to previous acts of the Assembly, such as had been occasioned by incursions of the enemy during the war. The Assembly, therefore, in May, 1792, by a reso- lution, released and quit-claimed, to the suflferers, named on the State record, or to their legal representatives, if deceased, and to their heirs and assigns forever, 500,000 acres of land, owned by Connecticut, situated west of Pennsylvania, bounded north on lake Erie, beginning at the west line of said lands, and ex- tending eastward to a line running northerly and southerly parallel to the east line of said tract of land owned by this State, and extending the whole width of said lands, and easterly so far ag to comprise said quantity of 500,000 acres, (exclusive of former grants to sufferers, if any) to be divided among said suffer- ers and their legal representatives, in proportion to the several sums annexed to their names on record, (which land is located in Huron county, in the State of Ohio.) The following sums were allowed to the sufferers in the several towns here, afler named, viz. :-Sufferers in Greenwich, £12,291 : 14 : Oi ; sufferers in Nor. walk, i;26,066 : : 1 ; sufferers in Fairfield, i;23,893 : 12 : 8. Additional losses sustained by several inhabitants of Fairfield, in tho enemy's expedition to Danbury, viz. :-;ei,436 : 10 : 11 ; in Danbury, i;8,303 : 17 : lOi ; in New Haven and East Haven, £16,912 : 16 : 6 ; in New London, £42,062 : 13 : 7; in Ridgefield, £1,730 : 1 : 10. The sums advanced to Ridgefield by grants of the Assembly, were deducted, and the net balances allowed. To sufferers in Groton, £7,719 : 12 : 2. Whole amount of losses allowed to the sufferers by the grant of said lands, being £251,606: 8: 8i. GALLANT CONDUCT OF CAPT. HILLYER. In 1779, one Bearmore, a famous cow boy chief or tory, was eminently sue cessful in plundering and committing depredations on his countrymen about the lines, and as a spy for the British troops in that vicinity. Captain Andrew Hillyer, (late Col. Hillyer, of Granby, Conn.) was then sta. tioned at Horse Neck, with his troop of light horse, and was ordered to " beat up" Bearmore's quarters, and if possible make him prisoner. Accordingly Capt. Hillyer mustered his troop in the evening, and marched in the night, with all caution to Bearmore's rendezvous ; but he in some way was alarmed, and leaped from his bed, through a window, naked, escaped in the darkness of the night, leaving his clothes, sword, and some plunder, in the hands of the continentals. The troop then being in the vicinity of the enemy, it became necessary they should make a hasty march for their own quarters, which they did, keeping out scouts in all directions, to avoid surprise. About day break, the troop overtook 628 APPENDIX. a company of infantry, ^phboring about 50 men, commanded by Capt. White, who had been out tluough the night on some special service. At this moment, two scouts that had covered the rear of the light horse, came dashing in among them, one of which, was covered with blood, his hand hanging by the skin, having been lopped oiF at the wrist by a British dragoon ; and reported that a squadron of British cavalry were close upon them. Capt. White exclaimed, I am lost, my infantry cannot escape. Capt. Ililiyer said no, that must not be ; follow my directions, we will make a stand, and fare alike ; divide your men and throw them over the stone wall on each side of the road, in a quartering direction, that the fire of one party may not injure the other ; bo deliberate, and when you have the word '« charge," do what you can. The light horse were formed across the road, out of the fire of the infantry, and displayed as largo a front as their numbers would warrant. The arrange- ment was barely completed, when the Britisli cavalry in large force, was discov- ered sweeping along with great speed, apparently intending to ride down tho small troop of continentals, who, with swords loosened, and pistols cocked, were drawn up to receive them. When tho British had reached the mark, about four rods from the light horse, and against the spot where the infantry were posted, and who had not been discovered, Capt. Hillyer gave the signal " charge them, my lads." The troopers discharged their pistols, drew their swords, and spurred against the enemy ; at the same time, the infantry rose from behind the wall and poured in such a deadly and well directed fire, that a considerable number of the enemy were killed, while the ranks of the light horso were much embarrassed by the rush of horses, without riders, among them. The British were completely surprised, and immediately faced about and retired beyond tho reach of the infantry, when they again formed, and advanced to the attack, but before they were within reach of shot, the infantry could not be restrained, and commenced firing. The British then wheeled, and retreated in good order ; the light horse highly excited, urged their commander to allow them to follow and cut the red coats in pieces. The Americans kept their ground until the British had crossed Byram river. Capt. White then made for the woods. The light horse, after securing what was valuable on the field, and the horses that had lost their riders, with all speed made their own head quarters. The plunder taken from Bearmore and tho British on that occasion, was sold for more than $20,000 continental money. Capt. Hillyer was presented with a beautiful Yager's Rifle, as testimony of his gallant conduct. Bearmore soon after tf ceived his deserts ; while robbing a dwelling house, in Bloomsbury, New Jersey, he attempted to take a string of gold beads from tho neck of a lady, (Mrs. Eunice Die,) who had at her side, a pair of long, sharp pointed scissors, which she plunged into his body, and killed him instantly. THE END. INDEX A Pasfe. Abbot, John 154 Abljot, Col, Samijel 228, 266, 279. 357, !■• -^- - ~^0\ 469,485 Abbot, Joseph 266 Abel, Joseph 415 Abel, Maj. Elijah 278, 489 Abel, Rufus B. (pay master) 446 Adams, Andrew 199, 241, 276, 290, 295,447,506,615 Adams, Dr. David 531 Address by the Gen. Assembly to the people of Connecticut 290 Admiral Keppel, ship 437 Alarm List 231, 286 Alden, John 436 Alden, Roger 432, 436 Alden, Judah 408 Alfred, ship of war 511 Alien, Col. Ethan 30,33, 90, 122, 141, 142, 546, 571, 584 Allen, Levi 242 Allen, Heman 302 Allen, Thomas 430 Allen, Ethan's reception in Ireland 575 Allyn, Henry 182, 192 Ailing, Charles 612 Amazon, frigate 123, 124 American revenue ship 122 America, sloop-of-war 420, 511 American flag altered 114 Anchors 353 Andre, Maj. 144 Anna, prize ship 437, 580, 581 Annabella, do. 598 Antelope, do. 495 Armorers 183 Arms prohibited by the King 36 Arms. &c.. furnished by Connecticut, 165, 173, 174, 187, 188, 190, 211, 213, 217, 222, 223, 228, 229, 237, 239,240,242, 249. 253, 263, 291, 292, 293, 294, 299, 302, 329, 342, 345, 348, 352, 358, 359, 369, 409 Arnold, Moses 129 Arnold, James 223, 276 Arnold, Gen. 91, 115—117, 121, 123, 131, 166, 511 Articles of war 274 80 Page. Artillery 209, 258, 260, 267, 283, 300, 312,365,369, 370, 412, 413, 418, 419,421,431,446—448, 469, 489, 494, 498, 518, 520, 526—528, 532, 533 Ashford, town of 14, 23, 78, 155, 277 Atwater, J. 350 Atwater, Dr. 440 Atwater, Dr. David 127 Atwater, Jeremiah 218 Atwell, Capt. 512 Auditors of accounts 216 Austin, David 350 Avery, John, Jr. 264 B Babbage 356, 564, 570 Babcock, Adam 31, 199, 218, 281, 350, 358, 359, 391, 437, 449, 465 Babcock, Gamaliel 400, 454, 456 Backus, Nathaniel . 464 Backus, Capt. Elijah 353, 395, 416, 430, 431,440 Backus, Maj. Ebenezer 230, 268, 386 Bacon, Capt. Abner 433 Badger, Edmund 357, 380, 393 Baldwin, Caleb 295, 301, 570 Baldwin, Jonathan 215 Barber, David 510 Barrack masters 298 Barkhamsted, town of 9 Barnard, Ebeftezer, Jr. 455 Barnes, John 498 Bartrara, Ebenezer 500 Barrett, James 541 Barrett, Nathan 441 Baylor, George 49 Beach, Joseph 524 Beach, Timothy 303 Beardsley, Nehemiah 278, 279 Beebe, Samuel 124 Bebee, Bezaleel 166, 187, 314, 488, 489 Beedle, John 394 Beers, Mary 621 Beers, Isaac 469, 611 Beers, Elias 611 Beever, Col. Samuel 509 Belding, Benjamin 267 Belding, Thomas 149, 159, 163, 184 6;30 hNDEX. Keldiiig, Col. ^ 427 Benedict, Thaddeu;* 282 Benedict, Capt. Noble 137 Benedict, Eli 138, 140 Bennington battle 112, 129 Bethel 115 Betts, Stephen 625 Belts, Thaddeus 316 Bidlock, Capt. James 150, 132, 156 Bidwell, Thomas 214, 2'29, 242, 288, 411, 448, 449 B^gelow, Maj. John 127, 184, 295, 361, 408, 527, 533 Bill, Ensign 46 Bill, Solomon 304 Bill, Ephraim 249, 331, 348, 354, 362, 388, 389, 397, 398, 405, 420, 443, 45G, 472, 477 Billings, Capt. Henry 127, 381, 409 Bills of other States not received 269 Bills made a tender 232, 269 Bills called in 510 Bills of credit issued 22.24,99, 170, l72, 173, 183, 188, 209, 210,215,220, 229, 253, 261, 269, 291,295,306, 309, 311, 313, 349, 351, 589 Bingham, Ozias 218 Bingham, Lieut. 46 Bingham, Ithainar 445 Bingham, Nathaniel 484 Biography of Gov. Trumbull 319, 320 Biography of Gen. Parsons 141, 142, Bishop, Samuel, Jr. 31, 193, 198, 216, 280, 295, 469 Bissell, Josiah 241 Bissell, Hezekiah 169 Black Point 49, 92 Black act of Parliament 38 Black Rock 126, 242 Blankets to be imported 291 Blodget, Paul 267 Block Island 91, 129, 380 Bolton, town of 14, 23, 78, 439 Book debt, law repealed 171 Boss, Benjamin, of Baltimore 415 Bostwick, Isaac 216 Bostwick, Reuben 460 Boston 17—19, 21, 23, 38, 44, 45, 79, 80, 84, 89, 205 Bradford, John 598 Bradley, Col. Anan 127 Bradley, P. B. 102, 142, 207, 216, 234, 423, 529 Bradley, Abraham 460 Branford, town of 14, 23, 218, 257,296, 451, 498, 508, 563 Bread stuffs 253 Brewster, Zadock 358 Bridge over Oiisatonic river 436, 442, 527 Bridgeport 116,315 Rrigg.s, Capt. 130 «rooklvn 283 PagR. Broom, sloop 363, 365 Broom, Samuel 356 Brooks, Capt. 117, 295 Brooks, captain of a privateer 84 Brooks, John's letter 115 Brooks, David 356, 375 Brown, Gov. Montford 356, 358, 389 Brown, Capt. Wheeler Brown, Maj. Thomas Brown, Capt. Hezekiah Brown, Nicholas Bryant, Samuel Bryant, Jehiel Buel, Maj. Nathaniel Buel, Solomon Buel, Eiias Buck, William Bull, Epaphras Bull, Thomas Bull, Jonathan Bull, William Bull, James Bull, Moses Bulkley, Peter Bulkley, Jane Bulkley, Abagail Bunker Hill Burnet, Maj 121 133, 256, 163, 314, 398 215 462 349 317 339 304 456 153 182, 192, 239, 274 266, 315 283 479, 502 479 448 471 620 622 46, 79, 331 114 Burrall, Col. Charles 104, 159, 184,214, 216,239,341, 343, 361, 389, 427, 445, 495 Burrall, Samuel 472 Burr, Thaddeus 163, 170, 215, 228,240, 256, 276, 346, 356; 411, 453, 460, 471 Burr, Eunice H^ Bush, Capt. 156 Bushnell, David 343, 437, 482, 531, 585 Bushnell's machine 343 Butler, Col. John 148, 149, 153, 155 Butler, Col. Zebulon 48, 147, 153, 155, 184 C Cabot, a brig 91 Calder, John 508 Camp, Abiatha 508, 574 Campaign of 1776 '9 Canaan 14, 216, 218, 336, 338, 341, 429, 527 Canada, (9 battalions) 340 Canfield, Col. S. 163, 295, 462 Canfield, John, Esq. 190, 191, 236,404, 447 Canterbury 14, 23. 277, 332, 420, 447, ■^ 484 Captains to give bonds Carlton, Gen. Carr, Capt. Cary, Richard Catherine, sloop Cavalry Census of Connecticut in 1774 248 87 156 49 402, 486 266 8 INDLX. 631 .-^ Page. Chamberlain, Capt. James 381 Champion, Henry 169, 184, 199, 216, 366, 398, 400, 446, 502, 506, 514, 524, 525, 531, 533 Champlain, lake 90, 103, 141 Champlin, Lodowick 122, 125, 127— 129,513 Chandler, Col. John 142, 223, 422 Chandler, C. C. 164 Chaplain 199 Chapman, Col. Samuel 184, 315, 428 Chappell, Capt. Frederick 380 Chatham 14, 23, 340, 382, 389. 414, 464, 496 Cheeny, Fenuel 335 Cheeny, Timothy 267 Chenevard, John 277, 385, 444 -Chester, Col. John 46, 91, 166, 184, 278, 295, 301, 524 Chester, Capt. Jason _- 128 ' ester, Capt. J. 131, 223, 234, 249, 273 Chester, Jonathan 357, 369, 432, 482 Chew, Capt. 134 Chew, Joseph 470, 477 Child, Elisha 228 Church, James 277, 331, 387, 448, 473. 477 Church, Dr. (a tory) 351, 376 Clarendon, ship 399 Clark, Gershom 230 Clark, Jabez 450 Clark, Alexander 461 Clay, Capt. 122 Cleft, Maj. Waterman 364 t^lergy of New England 44 Cleveland, Moses 335 Coe, Ebenezer 288 Cockran, Capt. 467, 479, 505. 533 Coit, Capt. 46, 88 Coit, Capt. Oliver 406, 407 Coit, Capt. William 371, 376. 377, 388. 391, 394, 424, 433, 437, 447. 457. 464, 492, 578, 579 Coit, Col. 385, 387 Colchester 14, 23, 78, 279, 304. 354, 363. 386, 486 Colebrook, town of 9, 340, 456 Coleman, Noah 432 Collins, John's deposition 610 Colony of Conn., dismemberment of 17 , her influence in 1775, ire. 15 Cotton, Capt. John 392, 414, 472. 479. 514. 522 Colt, Peter 515, 523, 524. 526 Columbus, ship 512 Commissary General in partnershi)) with the State 393 Commissaries 169, 183, 212, 213. 241, 245, 258, 294, 326. 329. 342, 397, 400, 402. 449, 450 Commissary of prisoners 239, 274, 302 Pa^c. Committee to aid m rai.sing troops 256 Committee to examine surgeons 239 Committee on the sea coast 171 Compo Hill 120, 133 Comstock. Aaron 450 Conant, S. 159 Confederation of the States 97, 103, 110, 310, 508 Congress 83, 197, 200, 202, 210, 214. 215, 23.3, -290 Congress, delegates 349. 352, 371 Conklin, Capt. 126, 128, 130, 131 Connecticut Gazette 21 Connecticut troops at Cambridge in 1775 42, 47 Connecticut 44, 50, 79, 80, 82, 89. 96, 97, 111, 112, 141, 143, 146 Continental army, quota for~^70, 273 Convention at New Haven 300 Conventions (note 55.) 97 Cook, Lois 612 Cook, Col. Thaddeus 111, 479, 528, 529, 532 .Cook, P. 427 Cook, Col. M. 291, 344, 427 Cooper. Thomas, commissary 412 Cornwall, town of 14, 483 Council of Safety of New York 80 Counties in Connecticut in 1775 5 Coventry, town of 14 23, 75, 78, 277, 305, 317, 398, 405, 417. 439, 441, 522 Council of Safety 183, 187. 210. 276. 277, 312, 326 Council, pay of 274 Counterfeiting 232 Courts martial 181 Courts 202 Crane, Elihu 432 Crane, Lydia 217 Crane, galley 368, 369, 372, 399 Crown Point 23 Currency 260, 269, 469 Curtis, Matthew 399 Cyrus, ship 437, 604, 606 D 612 469 154 46 Daggett, Napthali Daggett, Henry Dana, Anderson, Esq. Dana, Capt. Danbury, 14,113,117, 118, 134, 135, 261,278,281, 282, 285, 295, 317, 410, 433, 438, 440, 459, 463, 524, 587, 601. 602, 614, 6 1 5, 626, 627 Danielson, William 223, 266 Danielson, Col. 363, 428 Darling, Thomas 159 Darlington, William's deposition 135 Da}', Isaac, surgeon's mate 457 Day,Jame.s, 509, 514, .520 Dayton, Nathan 305 Davenport. James 145, 445, 498 Davenport, John 240, 256, 428 (332 1^DEX. ^— Page. Davonport, Abialiam Wi, 2 40, 241, 276, 590 Dean, Silaa, letter to Geii. Parsons 537—5^9, 544, 545 Dean, Silas 31, 141, 2«0, 339 Dearinjr, Sylvester 447, 454 Dearing-, Tliornas 4.56 Deatli I'or tleslroyin1, 260, 269, 277, 284—286. 293, 295, 301, 302, 310 Militia, allowance 452 Militia exercise 196 Mills, Lieut. John 378, 420—422 Minerva, brig 198, 216, 328, 333, 335, 354, 359, 362, 399, 531 Miner, Nathaniel 198, 347, 399 Miner, Seth 502 Minot, Timothv 540 Mines, - 215, 217 Minute men 193, 194, 204—206, 358 Mitchell, S. Mix 256 Moffatt, Dr. 454 Moland, Joseph , 188 Money advanced by Conn, in 1775, 34 P/Ionopoly 146, 210, 233, 244, 245, 249, 252, 269, 284, 289 Page. Montgomery, Gen, 136 Moore, Nathan 51 1 Morehouse, Col. Andrew 422 Morgan, William 385 Morgan, D. 238 Morrows, Col, 156 Morris, William, Qr. Master 456 Mosely, Ebenezer 406 Mosely, Increase 159. 163, 244, 279, 281, 293, 427, 430, 601 Mott, Edward 183, 346, 349. 355, 364, 369, 525, 530 Mott, Col. Samuel 49, 101, 171, 183, 263, 314, 339, 345, 347, 351, 364, 366, 369, 373 Moulton, Col. Stephen 279 Mumford, Thomas 31, 159, 169, 280, 295, 444, 497, 501 Mumford, David 397, 402 Munson, Dr. Eneas 279 Murray, John, Jr. 430 Muster masters 270 Mygatt, Capt. 372 Mygatt, Col. Eli 314 Nancy, brig 229, 243, 280 Naval officers 201, 339, 354, 382, 386, 390 Navy 197—199 Navy of Conn., rules for 592—595 Newbury, Roger 273, 523 New Canaan ^^'- New England committee 260, 262, 265 New Fairfield 14, 138, 139, 282 Newfield 116, 267, 315, 483, 576 Newgate 372 New^Hampshire 171, 332, 469, 589 New Hartford 14, 23, SO, 455 New Haven 14, 18, 22, 37, 91,98, 122— 1^4, 141, 164, 172, 184, 191, 192, 197, 198, 201, 206, 207, 209, 228, o41_243, 257—259, 264, 278, 288, 296, 300, 306, 312, 316, 317, 327, 329, 331, 333—338, 343, 346, 349, 350, 352, 353, 355, 362, 370, 378, 382, 386, 388, 389, 431, 436, 441, 446, 451, 453, 455, 460, 464, 498, 508, 510, 512, 521, 528, 529, 532, 550, 551, 556, 566, 588, 607—609, 612, 613, 626, 627 New Haven county 449, 479 New Jersey 255, 367, 368, 428, 453, 456 New London, 14, 23, 41—49, 51, 54, 84, 88—92, 98, 99, 104, 121, 123—130, 13.1, 141, 164, 170, 173, 191, 192, 198, 201, 206—209, 211, 228, 249, 258—260, 263, 287, 300, 312, 326, -328, 331-335, 337, 339, 340, 342, 351-356, 366, 369, 372, 373, 378, 382-384, 386, 397, 401, 402, 405, 408, 413, 419, 420, 422, 428, 431, 445, 452, 453, 456, 461, 466, —468, 474, 488, 492, 498, 499, 592, INDEX. ^^ Pa.gf>. 503, 509, 511, 520, 525, 526, 530, 532, 533, 551, 626, 627 New London sheriti"381, 382, 391, 398, 407, 409, 413. 417, 478, 479, 484 New London county 449, 505 New London and Windham counties 73 New Milfocd 14, 90, 125, 216, 257, 303, 305, 402, 443, 462. 574 Newport 81, 92 New Providence 356, 564 New Providence, sloop 378, 380 Newspapers in Conn, in 1775 20, 21 Newtown 14, 399, 570 New York 38, 41, 79—81, (note 83) 84—86, 88. 89, 101, 103, 105, 107, 111, 375, 451, 456, 460, 463. 469. 473, 589 Nichols, Ann's deposition 622 Nichols, William, pay master 576 Niger, ship-of-war 122, 128 Niles, Capt. Robert, of the Spv 84, 127, 130, 229, 328, 330. 333, 337—339, 356, 367—370, 372, 389, 407, 420, 441, 442, 446, 453, 461, 492, 495, 522, 525, 532, 533 Nixon, Col. 301, 523 Norfolk 22, 90, 218, 387, 498 Norfolk militia exercise 196 Northrop, Moises, Patience, Eunice 316 Northam, Timothy, 304 Norton, Lot 265 Norton, Col. Ebenezer 160, 301 Norton, Elias 340 Norwich, 14, 23, 49, 125, 129, 173, 229, 238, 243. 280, 281, 291, 327, 328, 330, 332, 337, 351, 352, 354. 361, 377, 381, 385, 386, 389, 395, 397. 411. 413, 414, 417, 429, 441, —444,450. 455, 469, 504,526, 529 Norwalk 14. 90, 91. 98, 112, 116, 121, 124, 127, 142, 201, 243, 249, 265, 267, 275, 294, 297, 300, 316, 337, 401, 417, 445, 450, 459, 463, 464, 471, 472, 477, 496, 498, 520, 565, 574, 586, 597, 608, 609, 623—627 O Oath of fidelity in 1777 590 Oaths 197, 200, 231. 270. 308 Oath of fidelity 231, 245, 2.S3. 268, 287, 288 Officers of Connecticut in 1775. 24— 29, 164, 165 Officers, pay of ]65, 184 Officers, staff 236, 249 Officers refused to obey orders 266 Officers to account 269 Officers and soldiers wounded 273 Officers, prisoners at New York 275 Officers, &c., families supported 285, 291, 292, 301 Officers for recruiting, &c. 293 Offices of State, guarded 313 Officers, naval, appointed 328, 333, Page. 334, 382, 396, 402. 406, 409, 438, 485, 503. 506, 514, 521, 605 Officers ttiken at Quebec 554 Officers of ships of war 371, 376, 377, 381, 400, 402 Officers of row galleys appl'd. 362, 363 Officers appointed 165—168, 184, 185, 191. 201, 207, 208, 216, 223—227, 230, 234-236. 241, 246— 249, 251, 256—259, 266, 276, 277,284,287, 288, 314, 326, 344, 347, 348, 354, 364, 3r35, 369, 370, 375, 376, 379, 381, 386, 392, 396, 397, 399-401, 405-416,418,419,421,422,427, . 428, 430, 431, 433, 439, 441, 442, 445—448, 450, 455, 461,469,474, 476, 483, 489, 490, 492-494, 520, 526, 532, 533, 595 Ogden, Samuel 514 Olcott, Jodediah 456 Olcott, Dr. George 481 Olive, schooner 124 Oliver Cromwell, ship-of.war 129 — 131, 386, 388, 390, 391, 394, 396, 400, 401, 406, 412, 422, 430, 433, 436, 437, 447, 457, 464, 478, 490, 495, 500, 506, 509, 513, 514, 519, 578, 581, 588, 604 Olmsted, Capt, Gideon 504 Osborn, David ^ 278 Osborn, Farrington, &,c. 393 Osborn, .Joseph 4O3 Oswald, Col. 432 Otis & Andrews 527 Ousatonic bridge 442 Oxen, when forfeited 314 Palfrey, p»«j,iinasler gener.al 418 Palmer, Ciipt. 123, 127, 128, 412, 4l3, 427, 429, 442, 532 Parker, Capt. T. of the O. Crom. well 506, 507, 583, 604, 605, 607, 612 Parker, John 49 Parker, Col. 482 Parmal}', Amos 217 Parsons, S. Holden 31,41, 57, 110,121, J26, 131, 140, 141, 168, 170, 18J, 188, 274, 278, 280, 304, 313, 325, 326, 412, 413, 416, 418, 419, 423, 474, 476, 481, 500, 507, 516, 547, 583, 598, 608 Parsons, Enoch 419 Parsons, Marshfield 479, 499 Pay master, northern department 439 Pay masters 170 | Payne, Benjamin 159, 170, 173, 188. P^ - 209, 229, 276, 346, 455, 480 U Pay table committee 137, 184, 211, V 212, 228, 241, 277, 265 Peck, Capt. James 410 Peck, Ruth 587 Pease, Maj. Abel 314 INDEX. 639 Pag^e. Pcnfield, Moj. Joliu 184, 526, 528 Perkins, Dr. Josepli 431 Perkins, Jabez 383, 389, 397, 415, 430— 432, 441, 443, 457, 461, 464—466, 485, 496, 502, 506, 533 Perkins, Dr. Elisha 340 Permits gjranted 308, 516, 409, 412, 414,415, 422, 429, 433, 451, 453, 455—457, 461—466, 469, 473, 476, 477, 481,482, 484,487,488, 490— 492, 496, 500, 502—504, 507, 508, 518, 519 Perritt, Capt. 23, 326 Pettibone, Col. Jonathan 49, 132, 160, 233, 374, 377 Pettibone, Stephen 156 Pettibone, Abel 460 Phelps, Noah 29, 207, 287, 488, 517 Phelps, coiniuissary 330, 331 Pliillips, Col. 400 Plainfield 14, 23, 78, 277, 491, 502 Plumb, Amariah 216 Plumb Island 48 Plummer, Ebenezer 295 Pitkin, William 159, 170, 173, 188, 199, 209, 229, 276, 343, 402, 411, 457, 474 Pitkin, Col. George 167, 199, 301, 374, 387, 501 \ Pitkin, John § 230 * Polls taxed 190, 197 • Pomfret 14, 23, 67, 277, 331, 487, 491 Pomeroy, Charles 429 Pomeroy, Ralph 410 Poor, Gen. 445 Pork and provisions 228, 238, 256, 263, 330, 370, 499 Porter, Col. Joshua 31, 159, 160, 214, 215, 264, 277, 278, 281, 294, 304, 349, 373, 377, 387, 388, 391, 392, 403, 427, 437, 447, 506 Post riders 163, 191,213,230,265,327, 337. 369, 372, 409, 421, 440, 448, 564, 473, 499, 518, 520 Post offices 44, 47, 51, 89, 213, 215 Potter, Capt. 327 Powder 170, 183, 191, 194, 199, 202, 204, 214, 232, 238, 248, 267, 277, 325, 326, 333—335, 337, 339, 341, 344—347, 356, 358, 263—365 Powder mills 84, 216—218, 262, 266, 277. 350, 366, 375, 387, 556 Prentice 168 Prescott, Gen. 127, 477 Preston, Nathan 447 Preston, town of 14, 23, 51, 154, 317, 369, 383, 395, 405, 489, 502, 531, 532, 534 Prices regulated 244, 252, 253, 260, 306, 307, 419 Prior, Capt. Abner 479 Prisoners of war 85, 86, 128, 130, 132, 133, 139, 150, 192, 249, 250, 262, Pago. 264, 265, 274, 277, 291, 295, 302, 313, 332, 336, 338, 342, 355 — 357, 373, 374, 376—378, 381, 382, 384, 595, 397, 399. 400, 403, 404, 408. 410, 424, 448, 459, 461, 463, 482, 487. 490, 495—497, 499, 504, 513, 571, 572 Prisoners of war not to be enlisted 310 Prisoners exchanged 504 Prisoners taken at Danbury 587 Prison ship 291, 531 Proclamation to raise troops 434 Putnam, Gen. 18, 34, 42, 43. 46, 50. 113, 131, 141, 144, 146, 165, 167. 170, 286, 292, 301, 302, 304, 325— 327, 474, 493, 494, 501, 507, 523, 530, 546 Q t Quarter Master General 237, 397 Qr. Master Gen. to furnish stores 237 R Randolph, Edmund 49 Ransom, John, of Kent 42 Ransom, Capt. S. 150 Rapalji, John 395 Rapalji ^>''> "^'S 228, 232, 237, 245, 248' 261^ 262 285, 291—293, 298, 299, 308, 309,' 341, 386, 387, 409, 424—426, 428, 434, 440, 455, 456, 485, 505, 508 Tow cJotli 373^ 389 Townsend, Sarah 610 Tracy, Capt. 84 Transporting property forbidden 314 Travellers to have u permit 268, 308, rr, . 314,374 Ireadwell, John 294 295 Treason 200, 231, 268, 276, 284^ 316 Treasurer to borrow £72,000 271 Treasury exhausted 343 Tripp, Esq. 15g Troops released from the ship Oliver Cromwell 403 Troops refused to march 408 Troops stationed 328 Troops raised 19, 193, 205, 206, 208 209, 221, 227, 228, 234, 236, 246' 254,255,258,260—262 265 27l' 285, 299, 300, 310, 313, 334', 335,' 340, 345—347, 349, 350, 352, 353 356,361,366,369, 375, 379-381 383, 405, 406, 416, 418, 420—428 431, 433, 435, 438, 446, 469, 482' 488, 489, 491—494, 496, 509, 510, ,p ,., 527,528,531, 545 1 roops of horse 98, 200, 384—387 Iroops, how furnished 165,185, 189, rp , 190 iroops of Connecticut, in Massa- chusetts 326 Troops marched 327, 364, 374, 378 379, 384—386, 397, 398, 421,' 44o' 454,456,459, 460, 475, 479, 489 493,494,501,502,511,530 1 roojjs enlisted 349 Troops required 349, 351, 358, 364, 365, 396, 407, 422, 423, 425, 433, 436, 438, 441, 445, 446, 453, 468 47'* Tr„ I •, 473, 520, 521, 527, 563, 57"o 1 rowbridge, Caleb 497 Trumbull, Governor 18, 84—87 91 il8, 126, 129, 140, 460, 464, *465.' Trnr^K U T , '^^''^ ' ^^^' ^55, 560 IrumbuII, John, Esq. 49 Trumbull, Joseph 164, 169, 500, 50.S T u n^?J' ^^4' ^^4, 555, 557, 558 Irumbull, David 228,335,345 350 377, 408, 412, 418, 430, 44l' 4'-,2' 464, 470, 472. 470-478, 487-489' 494, 495, 503, 505, 506, 508, 517 Trumbu , ship 511, 521, 522, 526 Irumbull, Jonathan, Jr. 355 Trumbull, John, (printer) 500, 605 Trumbull, Benjamin 528 Trubee, Isabella Q21 Tryou, Gen. 137, 139, 140, 142, 512, rr, ^ 609 lurner. Dr. Philip 238,261,436 Tullle, Elisha ~^ (312 Two brothers, privateer 131 Tyler, Gen. John 168, 278, 452, 492, 502, 528, 530, 547 Tyler, Daniel, Jr. 283, 326 U Unicorn, man-of-war 124, 356 Union, town of 23 356 Usher, Dr. Robert 340' 371 V Vandervort, Peter 446, 469 Veils, Roger 283 Ventris, Capt. 445, 464 Veteran guards , 44^ 563 Vessels 349, 352—359, 361, 362, 367, 381, 384-380, 389, 396,-398, 401, 402, 405, 409, 411, 415, 428, 432. fc 497, 525 Vessels, for armed ships 328, 330, 339— 341, 348, 509, 511 Vessels to be detained 367 Vessels to be buili. by the State 413, 414, 446, 464, 479 Vessels of war in Connecticut 607 Voluntown ' 14, p3, 277, 469, 491 Vose, Mary 486 W Wadsworth, Capt. Sam'I 182, 192, 342 Wadsvvorth, Theodore 442 Wadsworth, Gen. James, 102, 109, 111, 145, 159, 182, 192, 212, 215, 223, 265—267, 276, 278, 294, 301, 340, 427, 429, 441, 456, 474, 476, 525. 532, 584 Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 169, 211, 215, 222, 228, 229, 258, 335, 346, 465, 504, 523 Wages of officers of row galleys 36 1 Waldo, Nathaniel, Jr. 212 Waldo, Dr, John 335 Waldo, Dr. A. 400, 430 Wales, Nathaniel, Jr. 59, 183, 193, 199, 210, 215, 217, 260, 276, 294, 326, 329, 333, 334, 354, 356, 357, 384, 395, 396, 426, 443, 447, 500 Walker, Charles 380 Walhngford 14, 22, 89, 279, 282, 288, 295, 368, 373, 408, 411. 451, 461, 489, 508 Ward, Gen. Andrew 42, 146, 163, 165, 207, 234, 263, 265, 278, 285, 301. 344, 351, 373 Ward, Stephen 268 Warner, Col. Seth 33 Washburn, David 303 Washington, Gen. 42, 49, 51, GO, 85, 116, 121, 150, 273, 274, 326, 333, 344, 580, 583 INDEX. 643 Page. Waterbury, Gen. 41, 46, 49, 91, 100, 136, 163, 168, 197, 207, 223. 265, 326, 351, 385, 392, 406 Waterbuiy, town of 14, 172, 303, 316, 436, 547, 559 Waters, (engineer) 351, 372, 430 Waters, Josiah 347, 430 Watson, John 218 Wattles, Capt. 125 Webb, C. 31, 102, 163, 185, 281, 420 Webb, David 258, 419, 429 Webb, Col. Sam'I. 46, 110, 133, 134, 142,329,333,418,431,512 Webb, Joseph 313, 372 Webster, Pelatiah 487, 535, 536 Weeks, Mr. 154 Welch, Maj. D. 166 Welles, Benjamin 447 Welles, Maj. Levi 314, 399 Welles, Jonathan 182, 192, 259, 266 Wells, Solomon, 223 Wells, Bayze 442 Wells, John, Jr. 451 Westbrook, 154 West Haven 626 Westmoreland, 5, 6, 16, 17, 29, 47, 146, 151, 155, 172,217,313.335,369, 448, 503, 536, 600 West, Joshua 183, 326 Westport 119, 120 Wethersfield 14, 23, 63, 78, 133, 163, 172 217, 218, 257, 303, 328, 333, 338, 372, 373, 384, 392, 413, 449, 466, 480, 489, 524 Wetmore, Gurdon 303 Wetmore, Prosper 357, 376 Weymouth, packet 132, 490, 495 Wheat, Samuel 367 Whcatly, A. (quarter master,) 432 Wheeler, Wm. (commissary) 393, 464 Whelplev, James 431 Whigs ■ 83 White Plains 81. 91 White, Timothy 444 White, Ebenezer 182, 192 Whiting, Samuel 111, 168, 623 Whiting, William 265 Whiting, row galley 354, 355, 358, 361, 362, 370, 372, 392, 393, 399 Whittlesey, Chauncey 258, 340, 373, 378, 388, 393, 409, 419, 420, 443, 450, 462, 501 Whittlesey, Capt. Asaph 152, 274 Williams, Ezekiel 23. 31, 170, 182, 192, 209, 274, 281, 295, 333,343, 346, 450, 463, 465, 469, 531, 538, 590 Williams, Wm. 31, 183, 184, 189, 190, Page. 193, 210, 220, 223, 276, 280, 326, 327, 329, 333, 334, 349, 351, 352, 371, 401, 412, 414, 524 Williams, Elisha 170, 173, 229 Wilhams, Benjamin 341, 391 Wilhngton, town of 14, 22, 448, 449, 462, 583 Wilmot, Samuel 207 Wilson, James 569 Winchester, town of 6, 257 Windham countv 18, 198, 354, 356, 357, 449, 505 Windham 14. 22, 59, 125, 133, 173, 212, 277, 291, 332, 334, 376, 398, 399, 406, 410, 413, 420, 424, 429, 430, 443, 444, 487, 489, 500, 505, 506, 531, 553 Windsor 14, 23, 78, 496, 524 Winslow 341 Winslow, Job 368 Winthrop, John 419, 428, 452, 553, 461, 525 Winthrop, Francis B. 452 Witter, William 449 Wolcott, Gen. Erastus 29, 104, 111, 142, 182, 192, 249, 266, 267, 294, 326, 383—385, 390, 400, 429, 457, 469, 475, 493, 494, 496, 500, 509, 514, 564, 573, 608 Wolcott, Gen. Oliver 107, 111, 145, 159, 160, 169, 184, 189, 200, 215, 233, 266, 290, 296, 371, 379, 407, 427, 453, 454, 475, 494, 501, 543, 555, 558, 590 Wolcott, Alexander 239 Wolcott, Erastus, Jr. 416 Wolcott, Christopher, (surgeon) 461 Woodbridge, Col. Howell 249, 314 Woodbury, town of 14, 89, 243, 296, 302, 392—394, 403, 410, 447, 476 Woodstock, town of 14, 22, 23, 65, 164, 191,277, 303,332,450 Wooster, Gen. 41, 48, 79, 111, 114, 117, 130, 134, 139, 141, 145, 16o, 183, 216, 236, 240, 241, 243, 261, 265, 266, 278, 326, 327, 440, 546 Worthington, William 163, 223, 480, 482, 531 Wyllys, George 159, 170, 173,209,229 Wyllys, Samuel 31. 142, 166, 280, 281, 410,417,427 Wyoming, (see Westmoreland) Yaie College 37, 83, 131, 251 Yankee Hero 84 Young, Samuel's deposition 134 ERKATA. Page 85, lines 12lh and I7th (in note) from the top, for Mayor, read " Major.'' Page 147, line 19th from the top, for Harkenrer''s, read " Herkimer's." Page 149, (note) line 9th from the bottom, erase the period after the word fled, and insert it after the word asleep. Page 228, line 20th from the top, for lories, read " forces." Page 319, line 9th from the top, for clergyman, read " farmer." Page 320, erase in the 2d line from the bottom, the words within the parenthesis. Page 320, in the 16th line from the bottom for " 1770," read "1769, during which year Gov. Pitkin died, and J. Trumbull, Esq., was appointed Governor by the General Assembly, May session, 1770." Page 320, in the 2d line from tlic bottom, for they, read " the General Assem- bly" — same page, 5th line from the bottom, for electors, read " Legis- lature." Page 394, line 7th from tlie top, (in note) for John, read " Thomas." Page 609, in the I7th line from the bottom, for Stating, read " stabbing." 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