W.M mi C&XG,' HO /^n 'a^ce^ &o<^^^i^ Ofe^^^l:^!. MEMORIAL OF THE Centennial Celebration OF THE Battle of Paulus Hook, AUGUST 19th, 1879 I J-w I vy , ^tith a 13istotii] of the JJaiily j'gettlenient and !t;h|esent Condition JERSEY CITY, N. J. Edited by George H. Farrier. "By contemplating that whioh is past we feel our span of existence lengthened; we enter into the thoughts, hopes, and aspirations of people before us, and hold communion with the departed spirits of antiquity."— Joftn Warner Barber. Jkrsky City; M . M U L L 0 N K , P It I N T K U . AIDCCCLXXIX. At (I m^eeting of the Citizen's Committee, held in, the City Rail, on August 20th, 1879, it was unanimously RESOLVED, That George H. Farrier, Augus tus A. Hardenburgh, Henry A. Greene, Barberie W. Throckmorton and Frederick G. Wolbert, be appointed a- Committee to compile and publish a Memoir of the Centennial Celebration of the Battle of Paulus Hook. mwmn PREFACE. The Committee desire to express their obligations to Hon. Charles H. Winlield for a number of the plates used in this work, and also to the many business firms for their uniform courtes}' and kindness in giving information and illustrations of their manufactories. The map of Paulus Hook in 1779, portraits of Major Henry Lee, Lord Stirling, Hon. Dudley' S. Gregory and Hon. Henry J. Hopper were made expressly for this publication ; the illustra tions of the procession and the meeting in the Tabernacle were used (after having been reduced in size) by permission of the ¦publishers of The Graphic, in which paper they appeared on August 20th, 1879. The statistics given are from official sources. It was the wish of many citizens that the part relating to Jersey City should be made more comprehensive, but the com mittee felt that it was not their province to enlarge upon what must be the labor of some future historian. The manufactories have been selected solely with a view to exhibit the rapid growth of the city, and while many more establishments could with propriety have been added, it was not thought to be necessary or desirable, suflicient being given to illustrate the vast interests which centre here, and which have contributed in a few yeai-o — within the memoi\y of many of its inhabitants — to transform the sand-hills and marshes of Paulus Hook into a large commercial and manufacturing emporium, which must soon become the Metropolis of the State. THE CENNTENNIAL OF The Battle of Paulus Hook, CELEBRATED AUGUST 19th, 1879. INTRODUCTORY. " Gather up the fragments which remain, that nothing be lost." St. John, VI. Chop., 12 Ver. On June 27th, 1879, a call was published for a meeting in the City Hall, of citizens, for the purpose of making arrange ments for the celebration in an appropriate manner of the Cen- t^'nnial of the Battle of Paulus Hook. A number of gentlemen responded to the call, and the meeting was organized by electing Mayor Henry J. Hopper to preside. . Kev. C. K. Benson was appointed Secretary. Speeches were made by Hon. A. A. Hardenburgh, F. G. Wolbert, Eev. P. D. Van Cleef, Major D. A. Peloubet, B. W. Throckmorton, G. W. Clerihew and Hon. G. H. Farrier. After discussing various plans which were proposed, it was finally decided to appoint committees which should report a programme to a subsequent meeting. The following were appointed : — Cornmittee of Arrangements. — F. G. Wolbekt, Geo. H. Fak- KiEE, B, W. Throckmorton. 6 Committee on Orators.— k. A. Hakdknbubgh, Eoht. Gil- OHEIST, John A. Blair. Committee on Invitations. — Jas. B. VRKonNBUROir, Geo FI. Farrier, D. A. Peloubet. Gomflnittee on Music. — Geo. W. Clerihew, D. A. Peloubet. Committee on Fireworks. — C. H. Benson, W. E. Laird. As, under the city charter no appropriation could be made to defray the necessary expenses of the celebration, Finance Com mittees were appointed to receive subscriptions for the purpose. They were appointed by Districts, as follows : — First District. — A. A. Haedenbuegii, George H. Faeeiek, Henry A. Greene. Second District. — Patrick Sheeran, T. J. McDonald, B. MoCarty. Third District. — 0. L. Krugler, D. A. Peloubet, W. Ii. Waite. Fourth District. — A. W. Fey, I. W. Taussig, Peter Semlee. Fifth District. — Amadee Spadone. Siaith District. — Matthew Aemsteong, Jas. B.Yeedenbuegh. Mayoe Hoppee was elected Treasurer. At a subsequent meeting the Committee of Arrangements reported the following PEOGEAMME. FIRST. His Honor Henry J. liopper, to request the ringing of bells and the blowing of all steam whistles in the city and harbor for fifteen minutes at sunrise, the same at meridian and at sunset on the 19th of August, and also to request the display of the American flag from all public and private buildings during the day. SECOND. I?atlorv A, Capt. Potor Klilor, of the Hudson County Artillery, to lire a l'\uloriil Salute [\,\ gnns) at sunrise ; a NaiiomU Salute (!5S guns) nt noon ; and a Koderal Salnio at sundown of ti\o iOtli. THIRD. An Oration, Addrosaos, Singing of National Songs, Instru- luontal Music, etc., at 12 o'clock m., at the Taliornai-li-, York and lliMideraon stroels. FOURTH. Parade of Civic and Military Organi/ations, tho Police and Fire Dopnrtments. at 8.;U> o'clock r. m. FIFTH. Display of liroworks at the brow of the hill, on Montgomery stroet, in the evening. SIXTH. The Mayor to roquost the closing of all stores and idaeos of busiinoss, in order that tlio day may bo observed as a holiday. Tiu> Mayor will also roquest a giMioral illumination from S to ;> o'clock in tlie ovcMiing. SEVENTH. During the evening, bands of music will be stationed at the various public parks and sqmiros throughout the city. This progiainmo was adopted by the meeting. Tiie same Committee reported that tliey had selected and appointed Gen. .lohn liainaey (h-aiul Marshal. The Committee on (">rators reported t)u>t Hon. Ciias. 11. Winlield iiad consented to be tlie (.)rator of the Day, and that Jas. 1>. Vredenburgh and H. W. Throckn\orton would also deliver addresses. Tiie other Com mittees re}iorted that they had made all necessary arrangements for music, fireworks, badges, carriages, collation, etc., all of which were approved. At the next meeting the Committee on Invitations reported that civic and military organizations in all parts of the county were rapidly completing their arrangements, and also that many from other places had signified their intention to participate in the parade, which promised to be a grand success. The Marshal read a letter which he had received from Maj. Gen. Hancock, of the U. S. Army, who regretted that other engagements would prevent his attendance at the celebration, but that he had detailed three Companies of Eegular Infantry from Fort Hamilton, one Company from Governor's Island, and one Battery of Bragg's Artillery, which he requested might be assigned a place in the procession. The request was granted, and a vote of thanks was given to the General for his kindly action and assistance. After a violent storm, which continued for three days, the morning of the 19th opened gloriously. " The sun comes forth ; each mountain height, Glows with a tinge of rosy light, And flowers that slumbered through the night Their dewy leaves unfold ; A flood of splendor bursts on high, And ocean's breast gives back a sky All steeped in molten gold." Doubly beautiful seemed the sun after his long obscurity, and as he tipped with golden sheen the top of Bergen Hill the bells rang out a glad welcome, and steam whistles screamed for joy, while the air shook under the thundering of the cannon, just as it did a hundred years ago with the booming of King George's guns. Everywhere the Stars and Stripes were flung to the gentle breeze, making the whole prospect rich with glorious tints. It was gratifying to see the unanimity with which the people gave expression to their patriotic impulses. On every house whose occupant possessed a piece of bunting it was dis played from roof or window, and even the little hovels in back alleys were beautified with the national colors. Every nation ality seemed merged in one — American. On many buildings there were elaborate displays of decora tions ; the streets presented a holiday appearance, stores being closed early in the morning. Good order and good nature reigned supreme. Thousands of people arrived from all direc tions, until the gay streets were thronged with such crowds as Jersey City had never before witnessed. It was the people's gala day — an outburst of sympathy with the cause that gave to the Colonies their independence, and to their deseendents a prosperous country and a happy home. The Committees, who had labored so assiduously, were amply rewarded ; they had even " builded better than they knew," for the celebration was an educator, and thousands who knew it not before went home that night to tell their children about brave Harry Lee and freedom's fight at Paulus Hook. The order of proceedings as promulgated by the Committee was strictly adhered to, and nothing occurred to mar the plea sures of the day. Exercises at the Tabernacle. The civic ceremonies in the Taiiernacle liegaii ])romptlv at 12 o'clock M. The church was tastefully festooned with flag?- mid InintinL'. which, together with tiie bright colors of tlic ladii'^" ajMiMicl, made the scene Inilliant. PEOGEAM>,LE. Mayor Henry J. Hopper presided, and was a?!-:stpd iiy tlu- following Vice-Presidents and Secretaries : VICE-PRESIDENTS. Ex-Gov. Joseph D. Bedle, Hon. John E. MgPherson, Hon. L. A. Brigham, Hon. A. A. HARDENBr'KGir, Hon. I. W. ScuDDEK, Hon. Eobert Gilchrist, Hon. EuDOLPH F. Eabe, Hon. Leon Abbett, Hon. John J. Toffey, Hon. Asa W. Fey, Hon. Jonathan Dixox, Hon. B. F. Eandolph, Hon. J. N. Davis, Hon. John Gareick, Hon. W. T. Hoffman, Hon. J. Owen Eouse, Hon. T. J. McDonald, Hon. S. W. Stilsing, Jno. G. Fishek, Abm. p. IS'ewkirk, Jamf.s Reid, .Jxo. E. Smith. Dr. T. R. Vakick. Dr. D. L. Rkkvi:, Dr. William .V. Dri;i;ii Dr. WiLLLVM C. LriKiN^ Dr. J. H. VoNDv. Dr. Jno. D. McCrii.i,. Dr. 1. N. QriMBv. F. O. Mattuik^j-k.n. H. A. , under command of Captain Wallace, with their decks protected, by sand bags, and accompanied by three tenders, came sweeping up the river, having the advantage of both wind and tide." Then for the first time the god of war thundered among the sand hills of Paulus Hoeck. The battery opened a lively fire upon the ships, which returned 'it with broadsides as they sailed harmlessly by. It does iiotjappear that damage came to either sidoin this exchange of salutations. As the militia were now pouring in for the protection of New York, General Mercer was kept busy in transferring them over to that city, and as Paulus Hoeck was in the line of passage, it grew in importance. He suggested to his superior the propriety d—Irving's Life of Waxldngtmi, II., 260.. 28 of stationing a body of four hundred men, well accoutred, from the Delaware counties at this place, and four hundred of the Jersey men for the flying-camp at. Bergen." On the 27th of August he received orders to march with his whole army to the Hoeck. His force at the time numbered 8,300 men.ii The battle of Long Island was being fought when he ordered the concen tration. On the night of the 29th, he had at Bergen, ready to pass to New York, between three and four thousand of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey militia, but, on learning of the retreat from Long Island, retained them on this side of the river, and strengthened the posts at Paulus Hoeck and Bergen Neck to the complement of twenty-five hundred men.'^ The British took possession of New York on the 1.5th of September. On the morning of that day three ships of war, the Eoebuck and Phcenix each of forty giins, and the Tartar of twenty guns stood up the Hudson, " causing a most tremendous firing.'"* The raw militia on Paulus Hoeck were little prepared for the peltings of such a pitiless storm. It was said by those who desired to make the troops believe that they had acted in a most becoming manner, that the vessels " were roughly treated by the American battery at Paulus Hoeck.'"* But the old soldier, who had learned his lesson of war on the field of Culloden, took a different view of the deeds of these doughty heroes. He accused them of having " behaved in a scandalous manner, run ning oft" from their posts on the first cannonade from the ships of the enemy."^' In consequence of such conduct he was obliged to send a detachment of the men enlisted for the flying-camp to this post. During the firing two shots from the ships struck the tavern, then occupied by Verdine Elsworth. What more urgent invitation to quit the premises could have been required by tliose who were not over fastidious in the ethics of practical warfare? I cannot doubt that these raw troops thought it greatly to their 10— American Archives, Wh Series, Vol. I., 964. U-IWd., 1193. 12— ISM., Vol. IL, 158. -13-lbid., Vol. I., 1193. U— Freeman's Journal, October 5th, 1776. iS-American Archives, Wh Series, Vol. IL, 367. These men were from Delaware. ' 29 credit, that they stood not upon the order of their going, but went at once. Certainly they were justified in their sudden retirement by the metrical philosophy : " He who fights and runs away May live to fight another day ; But he who is in battle slain Can never rise and fight again." It was manifest, after the occupancy of New York by the British, that Paulus Hoeck had lost its importance to the Americans. General Mercer made preparation for abandoning the post, being convinced that the enemy were determined to attack it by a stronger force than he could oppose. He removed all the stores and useful cannon, so that nothing could fall into the enemy's hands but the guns that had been rendered unfit for further service.''" He kept at the post, however, for purposes of observation, a small guard, who had orders to evacuate the place at the first approach of the enemy." On the afternoon of the 23d of September, the British came up and began a cannonade on the Hoeck, and after cannonading " for half an hour or a little more," they landed a party from the ships. This accomplished, they sent over from New York twenty boats and took possession of the abandoned post. At this time the Americans were posted at the town of Bergen, with an advanced party in possession of Prior's Mill, then situate on Mill Creek, at the Point of Eocks. This position they held until the 5th of October, when Washington found it necessary to collect his forces. preparatory to his retreat to the Delaware. Then Bergen was abandoned to the enemy. They stationed a considerable body of troops at Paulus Hoeck and strengthened the defences. They afterwards occupied the works on Bergen Neck, which they named Fort De Lancey, in honor of Oliver De Lancey, of Westchester.^^ These two posts \t— American Archives, 6th Serie.% Vol. II., 523. n—Ibid., 494. IS— Winfield' s HisUtry of Hudson County, 147. 30 were garrisoned principally by tories, or " refugees," as they called themselves. They were active and unscrupulous in the cause of the King. Their zeal, however, exhibited itself more in plundering and murdering their old neighbors than in honor able warfare. Yet, though the}"^ were in possession of these posts and generally of the surrounding country, their possession was not one of undisturbed repose. The " rebels," though cast down, were neither subdued nor discouraged. In small but intrepid bauds they hovered around the outposts of the enemy, swooping down upon now a tory and then a red-coat. In fact, from 1776 to 1780 the territory between the Liberty Pole^^ and the town of Bergen was a debatable land. It was overrun, and its 'inhabitants, with judicial impartiality, harried by scouting parties from both sides. A few references to the exploits of these parties, as described by either side, will show that, to the inhabitants, it must have been a matter of indifference as into whose hands they fell. To them it was a matter of some difl[i- culty to distinguish friend from foe, so far as present loss of personal possessions went, and from each it would not have been inappropriate to pray the good Lord for deliverance. " The rebels came down to Secaucns last Wednesday, and carried away all the grain, horses, cows and sheep they could get together, which they were obliged to swim over the Hack ensack for want of boats."'" "A party of about forty rebels came down to Colonel Bayard's Mills last Friday, moving near Hoebuck Ferry, and carried off some cattle, but being pursued by a few of the 57th Eegiment, now stationed at Powles Hook, took to their heels and made oft'."'^ " The rebels were as low down in Bergen last Friday night as Mr. Van Eipen's, the blacksmith, and carried off from thence some horses. "^^ 19-The pole stood a few hundred feet west of the depot at Englewood, New Jersey. 20— iVcio York Mercury, April 7, 1777. •Zl—lbid., June 30, 1777. 32— iibici., November 24, 1777. 31 " On Sunday, March 22d, a party of rebels came as near Powles Hook as Prior's Mill and attempted to carry off some cattle. They are under command of one Johnson and act on their own hook."^ " On Sunday night, May 10th, a small party of rebels were as far down as Prior's Mill, and carried off two negro men, who were coming to market with eggs and butter."^^ These numerous and petty depredations of the rebels were casting a shade over their enterprizing foes. So in September, 1777, Sir Henry Clinton, acting "' on his own hook," made a more pretentious steal from the inhabitants. He came over in four columns, having New Bridge for the point of rendezvous. The result of this steal was 400 cattle, 400 sheep and a few horses.^ Now again we have a little offset on the other side, by way of impartially balancing accounts with the inhabitants : ''A party of rebel light horse came down as far as Bergen Poist last Tuesday night and returned next morning toward Hackensack. They visited Hoebuck on their way and carried off a great number of cattle from the inhabitants."^ We are now privileged to hear again from the other side : "Last Sunday night a party of about thirty men belonging to Lieutenant Colonel Van Buskirk's corps of tories and embodied refugees * * went out as far as Closter on a horse stealing and thieving expedition."^ Change the picture once more : "At the late irruption of the rebel light horse (about sixty) to Bergen, on Sunday, the 13th inst., they found the inhabitants going to the church; some they insulted, others they robbed, and condescended to such pitiful exploits as changing hats and cloathes, taking the buckles from their shoes, and in one instance SS—Xcic York Mercury, March 30, 1777. 24— ITrid., May 18, 1778. fS—Bemembrancer, V., 420. 26— iVeio York Mercury, August 3, 1778. 87- JVeio Jersea Gazette, April 28, 1779. 32 of stripping off a man's breeches and leaving an old pair of trowsers to cover his nakedness."^ But the efforts of these predatory bands .were not confined exclusively to property. They and their friends were respect ively liable to capture, and now and then cruelty and murder followed. The headquarters of the British and their general starting point in all these excursions was Paulus Hoeck. Among the other troops here stationed was a body of tories at whose head was Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Van Buskirk, of Saddle Eiver.'^ He had formerly been friendly to the' American cause, but when New York was captured he made his peace with the King. With the zeal of a new convert, or repentant backslider, he sought to atone for past sins by sustain ing those whom he formerly despised, and seeking the ruin of his former associates. Being well acquainted with the people and this portion of the State, by night and by day he and his tory followers prowled over the country as far north as Para- mus. If he failed to capture a patriot, his ardent soul was satisfied with a few cattle. If he could not capture or disperse a rebel camp, his patriotic impulses to serve his King found consolation in a hen-roost. I have said that after the British captured Paulus Hoeck, they strengthened the works. As the Americans designed them, they were only to prevent the passage of the enemy's fleet. But its new occupants, intending to make this an important and perma nent post, and to Hold it, both as a defence to New York and a gate way into New Jersey, it was necessary to make the works more elaborate and thus render the place impregnable. The position was one of immense natural strength. It was bounded on the north by the cove of Ahasimus, on the east by Hudson's river, on the south by the cove of Communipaw, and on the west by a salt marsh several hundred feet in width, over which the tide ebbed and flowed. So low was this marsh that atordi- •.18—Bivington's Gazette, August 26, 1780. 29-Van Buskirk was with Arnold in his expedition to New London, and the traitor, ,n his official account of his deeds there, speaks of the volunteers, and of the exertions of Colonel Van Buskirk. He settled in Nova Scotia at the close of thewar andinl784 was Mayor of Shelburne. He received half pay. He died m that Province. Safyine's Loyalists of the American Bevolution, Vol. II p 376 33 nary flood tide, boats could pass over it from cove to cove.^" To overcome the diificulty of crossing this marsh for foot, an elevated walk was constructed east of and parallel to the road, and known as '' Howe's Bridge." Winding through this marsh from the southeasterly corner of Morris and Van Vorst streets to the easterly side of Warren street, and then westerly through York street to a point near Van Vorst street ; then northerly until it crossed Newark avenue, was a tide creek. This creek had been enlarged, and a ditch cut across an elbow df the creek from York street to the centre of the block between Grand and Sussex, one hundred and twenty-five feet west of Warren. The creek and ditch were about twenty feet in width and of sufficient depth for the passage of ordinary oyster boats. In addition to this the bottom was oozy and of difficult passage even at low water. Jutting out from the upland into the cove of Ahasimus was a peninsula, afterwards known as North Point, then in part salt marsh and in part rocky, but all covered by the flood tides. To render the place yet more difficult of access, the British cut a ditch about twenty feet in width through the marsh from a point on the river fifty feet north of Mercer and fifty feet west of Greene street to the main ditch north of Warren street.^^ Over the ditch on the line of Newark avenue was a draw-bridge, and on the easterly side of the marsh in the line of the abatis was a strong barred gate.^^ This was the only entrance to the Hoeck by land. Along the edge of the upland was a line of abatis of great strength, extending from Communipaw cove around the westerly and northerly side of the upland to the river.'' Within and along 30— Ex-Sheriff Jaquins, yet living, recently informed the writer that he has frequently rowed his boat up to the lot on which Trinity M. E. Church now stands in York street, between Washington and Warren streets. 31— Vide Appendix, XVI. " Paulus Hook is by nature almost an island, and the British had made it quite so, by cutting a ditch through the marsh, into which the tide flowed and recdeied it Impassable, except at low water." Dunlap's History of New York, II., 163. W— Marshall's Life of Washington, IV., 136. 3&—Peniisylvania Packet, August 28, 1779. " Interior of this runs a line of abatis of great strength which extends to the extreme verges of the island." Irving, lAfe of Washington, III., 513, says: "A creek fordable only in two places rendered the Hook difficult of access. Within this a deep trench had been cut across the isth- 34 this abatis were three block-houses — one near Communipaw cove, one a little west of the road, the other east of the road, and all on the edge of the upland. These were designated by the British as the left-hand, centre and right-hand block-houses, numbering northerly.^ Along Communipaw cove was a chain of breast-works which covered every portion of that shore. Ex tending from the southerly to the northerly side of Grand street, about one hundred feet west of Greene street, was an oblong work or fort mounting three 12-pounders and one 18-pounder, and which (except its gateway) was considered impregnable.'^ Within this fort was the magazine. To the southwest of this work, on the line of Sussex street, about one hundred feet east of Washington street, was a hill about thirty feet above the present grade, on which was a round redoubt surrounded by an abatis.'" On the westerly edge of the lot belonging to St. Mat thew's Church, in the middle of the Uock between Sussex and Grand streets, was the Indian Spring. On the westerly line of mus, traversed by a draw-bridge with a barred gate ; and still within this was a double row of abatis extendingintb the water." Dawson, Battles oftheUnited States by Lamd and Sea, I; 543, says: "On the margin of the marsh which separated the Hook from the mainland was a deep creek fordable only in two places ; a short distance inside of this creek a deep ditch had been dug from the river to the bay * * » about thirty paces within this ditch had been placed a heavy abatis, which extended around the eastern front of the Hook, both on the river and the bay." Marshall, Life of Washington, IV., 136, says : " Lee peist first the creek and then the ditch." If from this is to be understood that between the creek and the upland a ditch had been dug, there is room to doubt the correct ness of the statement. The northerly end of the creek whioh extended beyond Newark avenue at that point was very small. Vide Meld Map in Winfi£.ld's Land Titles. When the causeway (now Newark avenue) was fitted for public travel in 1764 the crossing of the creek I doubt not was flUed in and the creek connected with Ahasimus cove by the ditch nearer Warren street. There is no pretence that there was a draw-bridge at the creek. If no draw-bridge, it was either spanned by a permanent bridge or filled in. In either case where was the necessity of fording the creek ? As to the ditch on the north side of the Hoeck, there never was a creek in that neighborhood. 34— The right hand block-house was also known as " No. 6," which seems to Indicate that the fortifications were numbered. There is a tradition that the logs of these block-houses were used in corduroying the causeway across the marsh. 35—Appmdiic, XVI. 36-Lee says,, in his report, "After most of the troops had retired from the works and were passed and passing the canal, a fire of musketry commenced from a few stragglers who had collected in an old work on the right of the main fort " There can be no doubt but this firing came from Major Sutheriand and tlie •LAN of THE FORTIFICAT'IONS ON PHULUS HOOK, Copied fbom the Orioinaljm CoNaRESslo^AL Library' Washington street, between Sussex and a point a little south of Morris street, was the burying ground. I have now described the situation of Paulus Hoeck, and as far as I am able, the works for its defence, at the time of Major Lee's assault. From this description it will be seen that the position should have been impregnable. Naturally difficult of access except by water, it had been fortified by the appliances of labor and skill until it would seem that nothing more was needed than ordinary care and watchfulness. But this very strength of the post proved its ruin, by inducing a negligence of which the watchful Americans were swift to take advantage. What troops garrisoped the post in August, 1779? The prisoners takeiiby the Americans,; as wo shall presently see, were credited to the 64th Regiment, the Garrison Begimcnt, Van Buskirk's Regiment and the Artillery. As to the 64tli, but one man belonging to that rogiment was taken. Judging Hessians. The round redoubt then must be the old work referred to by Lee. 1 f it wa^ an old work, it must have been the one consriioted by the American.^ in 1776, in which was placed the artillery which they removed or rendered iiiitlt for service before evacuating the post. Mr. Lossing, Field Book of the Revolution, II.. 622, says the circular redoubt mounted six heavy guns. Mr. Dawson, in Battles of the Beuolution, Sec, and mysell' in History of Hudson County, adopted this statement. In the absence of proof to support it I now present the following reasons why I hesitate to readopt it : 1— The two works were so close together that artillery in both would have been unnecessary and useless 2— Not a piece of artUlery was fired that night. Had ibis round reiloubt mounted six guns as described, it is almost certain they would have been fired, for two reasons : a, to drive off the assailants ; b, to give the signal agreed upon between Gen. Pattison and Major Sutherland. Again, the artillerymen were captured in the fort. This was their proper place. If both works mounted artillery, it is reasonable to assume that there were artil lerymen in both places. Lieut. Cockburne, the artillery officer on duty at the Hoeck, on receiving the alarm, ran to the fort where his men were and found Lee's force in possession. Why did he not then run to the circular redoubt, where, it artillery was placed, he had men and means of defence? The Map of Paulus Hoeck herein inserted is a foe simile of one now in the Congressional Library at Washington. It is without date and there is i:o evidence how it gut into that Library. But trom the fact that the 57th Kegiinent is marked thereon as stationed at the Hoeck, I conclude that the map was made in 1777. The right hand block-bouse is not shown on the plan, and this is another proof that it was made before 1779. This map shows artillery in the oblong fort onl.v. Einim- eratio utiius est ej:clnsio alterius. This maxim would seem to be conclusive that there was no artillery in the round redoubt but for the fact that it might have been placed therein after the map was made, if, as I believe, it was made prior to 1779. But the fact that no artillery was fired from that redoubt seems to he sufficient to warrant the assertion that there was none in it. 5 36 from this and other evidence, we may safely conclude that the 64th was not stationed here at the time. The Garrison Regi ment spoken of was the Invalid Battalion. Van Buskirk's Regiment was the 3d Battalion of Skinner's Provincial Brigade, or in plain words, a lot of New Jersey tories." There was also a detachment of artillery under Lieutenant Cockburne." Major William Sutherland, of the Invalid Battalion, was in command of the post. ' On the 18th of August Major Sutherland determined to send out that night a detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel Van Buskirk to capture or disperse a body of one hundred "rebels" near the English Neighborhood." As the detaching a suffi cient body of troops for that purpose would dangerously weaken the garrison, he applied to General Pattison for a captain and forty men ,as a reinforcement for that night. General Pattison granted the application, and sent the number frorp Knyphansen's Hessian Regiment, with Captain Von Schal- lern.*" Thus made up, the total strength of the garrison, after Lieutenant-Colonel Van BusMrk marched out with one hundred and thirty men, was about two hundred. This change in the forces at the Hoeck was entirely unknown to the Americans, and Major Lee afterwards lamented, as among the many nnfor- tunate circumstances of that night, the absence of Van Buskirk and the greater part of his regiment. Well trained and vigilant Hessians had taken the place of the negligent tories. This rendered the approach more precarious, and at the same time diminished the object of the enterprise by a reduction of the number of the garrison." To provide for assistance in case of 37— Sabine, Loyalists of the American Bevolutioii, II., 306, says that only three battalions were raised by Skinner, numbering a total of 1,101 men. Skinner had the privi lege of naming his own officers. Van Buskirk's battalion is sometimes spoken ot as the Fourth. 38;- Fide A%)pendix; XI. 39— Fide Appendix, X. 40— VMe AppendLe, XXX. il-Vide Lee's Beport.. The British pretended to believe that Lee seized the occasion of Van Buskirk s absence. " The absence from the Hook of Van Buskirk was communicated to Lee and he resolved to avail himself of the opportunity." Stedmoi, « History ,,/ the A iiwricav Ttrvulution, }L, m. Vide Aupemlir \r 37 possible attack at any time, a mode of signal had, a short time before, been agreed upon between General Pattison and Major Sutherland, wliich would, without delay, bring from New York the needed succor. The signal agreed upon was the firing of two pieces of artillery and hanging out three lights. We will, presently see how the best laid plans of British officers as well as of mice " gang aft aglee." Shortly after the capture of Stony Point, plans began to take shape for the surprise of Paulus Hoeck. In Lee's Legion, as captain of the Fourth company of Foot, was the discreet, active and untiring Allen M'Lane, of Delaware.^' It seems to have been the fortune of this vigilant officer — perhaps misfortune, for in this position he made himself so useful that his superiors could not aflFord to assign him to other duty when this was to be done — to be assigned to observation of the enemy and scouting over the territory between the two armies. While the contending forces lay at Philadelphia and Valley Forge, at New York and the Highlands, and in Virginia, he was espe cially useful. Nothing escaped his sleepless eye, nor could he be deceived by appearances. He was in command of a party of observation from 1777 to 1781, under the direction of Wash ington, except from July, 1779, to February, 1781, when he was attached to Lee's Legion, in command of a company of infantry. It was to him that Washington owed much of his information as to the condition of the enemy's works at Stony Point, and which led to the success of that brilliant assault. It was also through him that Major Lee obtained information of the negligence of its garrison which suggested the attack on Paulus Hoeck. True, his name does not stand above the' ordi nary level in the bulletin announcing its successful assault.^' The 42— Oi)uyres.s Tuesday, July 13, 1779. " BnAved, That' Captain M'Lane's company, now attached to the Delaware regiment, and the dismounted dragoons belonging to Mao'or Lee's partizan corps, be formed into a fourth troop and added to the corps; this troop to be commanded by Captain M'Lane, and to serve on foot." * * 43— He seems to have been dissatisfied with this want of especial mention. In his Mss., now in possession of theiV. Y. Historical Society, he says: "M'Lane also discovered the situation of Powles Hook in August * * whioh led to the surprise of the post ; and Major Lee wasthe only offlcer mentioned of theLegion in Lee's report." 38 world does not yet know the full extent of his connection with that coup de main, for "it seldom happens that the reapers of the harvest concern themselves about those who sow the seed."" But as long as Stony Point and Paulus Hoeck shall stand asso ciated with the " most daring and insolent assaults that are to be found in the records of chivalry," the name of Allen M'Lane cannot be forgotten. When the idea of assaulting this post was first conceived I do not know, but it seems to have assumed shape in the latter part of July.^ From that time until the eventful night the work to insure the enterprise went quietly and cautiously forward. The first care of Major Lee was to be informed of the condition of the roads leading from New Bridge to Bergen, and the passes from the river to the top of the mqantain, through which an enemy might approach his line of march. As to the roads : One extended from the New Bridge by way of the Liberty Pole, English Neighborhood and Three Pigeons to Bergen. This was the only well-established road. From this road at what is now Leeonia a road extended eastward to Fort Lee. From the Hackensack turnpike at Union Hill up to Bull's Ferry was a rough mountain road. This was on the east brow of the mountain, but ran down the hill just below the ferry, and thence along the river to Fort Lee. There was a rude continuation of this road also on top of the mountain to the road from Fort Lee to the main road. There was also a road which bore to the left from a point just above the Brill's Ferry pass across the mountain to the English Neighborhood. There was also a rough wood road made by the Bergen farmers, over which they hauled their fuel in the winter, on the west- 41— Kichard Peters to Capt. M'Lane, May 7, 1816. M'Lane Mss. 45— Major Lee to Capt. M'Lane : " Camp Havekstkaw, July 30, 1779. " Sir : You will move your troop to the vicinity of Bergen Town. The object you are to have in view is the interruption of the correspondence and Trade now sub sisting between the Enemy and the disaffected of the County. You are to communi cate with Captain Peyton daily. You are to keep with you two expresses from the militia who well know the country, necessary guides to be provided. Conduct your self with perfect caution, or you meet with sure loss and disgrace. Wishing you success, I am, Sse." M Lane Mss. 39 erly brow of thie mountain, and generally along the line of the present ^Dallytown road. This probably extended but a short distance, dying out in the woods south of the way or path lead ing from the ferry to the English Neighborhood. In his report Lee designates this as the " central route." There were three passes between Fort Lee and Paulus Hoeck through which an enemy could pass from the river to the top of the mountain, and thence by a short march from one to three miles through the woods to the road leading from Bergen to the Liberty Pole. The first one going north was the ravine of the Awilhaken, the second one was the ravine which lies between Guttenberg and Block-house Point, and the third one was the break or depression in the mountain at Bull's Ferry. Through these passes a retreat along the Bei-gen road could be easily intercepted. The plans and preparations for the surprise of Paulus Hoeck seem to have been left in a great measure to Major Lee. Before these plans were submitted to Washington, Major Lee entered upon practical preparation to carry them out. For this pur pose he issued the following orders to Captain M'Lane : " Dk. Sir — It is his Excellency's command that you cause the Roads leading from Fort Lee to Bull's Ferry and the intermediate passes from the shore to be obstructed by the falling of trees, (the four months men will be ordered for this service). The Mountain Road from near Fort Lee through the mountains to the' Old Bridge near Hobuck to be reconnoitred, and reported whether convenient for the march of Horse and Foot. The distance to be also known. The Marsh at Van Horn's Mills to be examined, the diretjt route from the New Bridge to the mills to be used and the distance to be ascertained." The report upon this order is as follows : " Executed the within orders, the 8th and 9th of August, 1779. Find the passes leading through the Mountains from Fort Lee to Bergen to be difficult for foot and impassable for horse ; the distance about nine miles to the Hobuck bridge. The road by way of Van .Horn's Mills, likewise difficult for foot and impassable for horse ; 40 the marsh near the Mill being miry. The distance through the fields, three miles. "^^ Captain M?Lane was the person on whom Major Lee seemed to rely in preparing for the grand assault which was soon to be made on Paulus Hoeck. He left Haverstraw in the latter part of July and moved toward " Bargain Woods "^' to enter upon his work. From this time until the morning when he took part in the capture of the post, he was, by night and by day, scouting over the territory between Hackensack and Prior's Mill. On the morning of the 18th he received from Major ^Lee the follow ing instructions : " Take down fifteen good .Men including the Riflemen, to proceed by the most secret Route to the Vicinity of Bergen, get a private interview with Van Riper, or — (the for mer's the man,) engage him to go into the Hook any time after Dinner and return in the Evening, meeting Captain McLane at the place to be fixed on. Van Riper to enquire the News from New York, if the fleet is come, etc., etc. Captain McLane to leave Mr. Neil with the Riflemen, either posting them himself, or giving such Directions as they can with secresy throw 'emselves in or close to the communication leading from Bergen to Prior's Mills after Dark, and there act as Mr. Neil has been particularly informed. "When Van Riper returns, Captain McLane will convey him to the place in the Woods where Major Lee, Major Burnett and all hands sat down on our Return from Reconnoitre. There Major Lee will be found and will expect to see Captain McL., and the remainder of the men, who are on no account to chal lenge on the approach of any Person or Persons. " The greatest Secresy to be observed, a seeming indifiterence to be put on. " Mr. Neil and Party will not take post till after Dark. If Captain McL., meets with the guides, etc., he will send 'em back to meet Major Lee. a— M'Lane M.-5ii> A ' I, '-11 '^V -¦'lii Vj, -^ »; # p> } m o 1 go \ *• r« *«»*- 3* .J 3t- M .i-i -1 I J 67 The body which moved in our rear, having excessively fatigued them selves by the rapidity of their march, thought prudent to halt before they came in contact with us. Thus, Sir, was every attempt to cut off our rear completely baffled. The troops arrived safely at the New Bridge with all the prisoners, about one o'clock P. M. on the nineteenth. I should commit the highest injustice, was I not to assure your Excellency that my endeavors were fully seconded by every officer in his station ; nor can any discrimination justly be made, but what arose from opportunity. The troops vied with each other in patience under their many sufferings, and conducted themselves in every vicissitude of fortune with a resolution which reflects the highest honor on them. During the whole action, not a single musket was fired on our side, — the bayonet was our sole dependence. Having gained the fort, such was the order of the troops, and attention of the officers, that the soldiers were prevented from plundering, altho' in the midst of every sort. American humanity has been again signally manifested. Self preserva tion strongly dictated, on the retreat, the putting the prisoners to death, and British cruelty fully justified it; notwithstanding which, not a man was wantonly hurt. During the progress of the troops in the works, from the different reports of mv officers I conclude not more than fifty of the enemy were killed, and a few wounded. Among the killed is one officer, supposed (from his descrip tion) to be a captain in Colonel Buskirk's regiment. Our loss on this occasion is very trifiing. I have not yet had a report from the detachment of Virgin!" ans ; but, as I conclude their loss to be proportionate to the loss of the other troops, I can venture to pronounce that the loss of the whole in killed, wounded, and missing, will not exceed twenty. As soon as the report comes to hand, I will transmit to head-quarters an accurate return. I herewith inclose a return of the prisoners taken from the enemy. At every point of the enterprise I stood highly indebted to Major Clarke for his zeal, activity, and example. Captains Handy and Forsyth have claim to my particular thanks for the support I experienced from them on every occasion. The Captains Reed, M'Clane, Smith, Crump, and Wilmot, behaved with the greatest zeal and intrepidity. I must acknowledge myself very much indebted to Major Burnet and Captain Peyton, of the dragoons, for their counsel and indefatigability in the previous preparations for the attack. The prema ture withdrawal of the boats was owing to the non-arrival of my despatches ; and though a most mortifying circumstance, can be called nothing more than unfortunate. Lieutenant Vaudeville, who was to have commanded one of the forlorns, but was thrown out by the alteration of the disposition of the battle, conducted himself perfectly soldier-like. The whole of the officers behaved with the greatest propriety ; and, as I said before, no discrimination can justly be made, but what arose from opportunity. The Lieutenants M'Callister, Armstrong, Reed, and Rudolph, distin guished themselves remarkably. Too much praise cannot be given to tliose 9 68 gentlemen for their prowess and example. Captain Bradford, of the train, who volunteered it with me for the purpose of taking direction of the artil lery, deserves my warmest thanks for his zeal and activity. I am personally indebted to Captain Rudolph, and Dr. Irvine of the dragoons, who attepded me during the expedition, for their many services. I beg leave to present your Excellency with the flag of the fort by the hands of Mr. M'Callister, the gentleman into whose possession it fell. It is needless for me to explain my reasons for the instantaneous evacuation of the fort. Your Excellency's knowledge of the post, will suggest fully the pro priety of it. Tlie event confirms it. Among the many unfortunate circumstances which crossed our wishes, none was more so than the accidental absence of Colonel Buskirk, and the greatest part of his regiment. They had set out on an expedition up the North River the very night of the attack. A company of vigilant Hessians had taken their place in the fort, which rendered the secrecy of approach more precarious, and, at the same time, diminished the object of the enter prise by a reduction of the number of the garrison. Major Sutherland fortunately saved himself by a soldier's counterfeiting his person. This imposition was not discovered until too late. I intended to have burnt the barracks ; but on finding a number of sick soldiers and women with young children in them, humanity forbade the execution of my intention. The key of the magazine could not be found, nor could it be broken open in the little time we had to spare, many attempts having been made to that purpose by the Lieutenants M'Callister and Reed. It was completely impracticable to bring off any pieces of artillery. I con sulted Captain Bradford on the point, who confirms me in my opinion. The circumstance of spiking them being trivial ; it was omitted altogether. After most of the troops had retired from the works, and were passed and passing the canal, a fire of musketry commenced from a few stragglers, who had collected in an old work on the right of the main fort. Their fire being ineffectual, aiid the object trifiing, I determined not to break in upon the order of retreat, but continue passing the defile in front. I cannot, con clude this relation without expressing my warmest thanks to Lord Stirling for the full patronage I received from him in every stage of the enterprise. I must also return my thanks to the cavalry for their vigilant execution of the duties assigned them. Captain Rudulph waits on your Excellency with these despatches. I beg leave to refer to this officer for any further explanation that may be required. Paramus, August 30, 1779. [Pennsylvania Packet, September 3, 1779.] Major Lee to John Jay. West Point, Head Quarters Sept 1—1779 Sir. On perusing my report to the Commander in Chief, I find that Capt. Dudley's name is omitted. It arises from the hurry with which my account 69 to the General was copied. Be pleased to include his name among the Cap. tains Reed, M'Lane &e. before the report goes to the press, also Captain Brackenridge's. I am sorry to give this trouble, but as I am conscious that the omission is injurious, must beg a compliance with my request. [Peniisyhiania Packet September 14, 1779.] IX. General Washington to Lord Stirling. West Point 31 August 1779 My Lord : I have been duly favored with your letter of the 19th, written at nine o'clock in the morning, and that of the same date, of one o'clock in the after noon, containing the agreeable information of Major Lee's having succeeded against Paulus Hook. I join my congratulations with your Lordship's on this occasion, and thank you for the effectual assistance afforded to Major Lee in completing the enterprise. The increase of confidence, which the army will derive from this affair and that of Stony Point, I flatter myself, though great, will be among the least of the advantages resulting from these events. As the enemy must feel themselves disgraced by these losses, they may endeavor to lessen it by a retaliation in kind. It is natural to expect their attempts on such parts of the army as lie most exposed. This sentiment, I make no doubt, has occurred to your Lordship, and will of course proportion your vigilance to the nature of your situation, and to the danger which may be apprehended. Your Lordship will be pleased to give my thanks to the officers and troops concerned in the capture of the garrison at Paulus Hook, for their good conduct and gallant behavior on the occasion. The commissary of prisoners is directed to attend, and receive the British prisoners. [Writings of Washington, VI., 336.] On the 19th Instant, The Garrison of Paulus Hook being reinforced. Lieutenant Colonel Buskirk was detached with part of the Troops to cut off some small parties who interrupted the supplies of Provision, a considerable body of the Rebels availed themselves of that opportunity to attempt the Post. At three in the Morning they advanced to the Gate of the Works, and being mistaken by a negligent Guard for Lieut. Colonel Buskirk's Corps returning entered without opposition. I fear they found the Garrison so 70 scandalously absorbed in confidence of their Security, that they made them selves Masters of a Block house and Two Redoubts with scarcely any diffi culty. The Alarm being now spread. Major Sutherland the Commandant threw himself with Forty Hessians into a Redoubt, by an incessant fire from which he forced the Enemy to quit the Post without either damaging any of the Cannon, or setting fire ,tn the Barracks. In short their retreat was as disgraceful as their attempt was well conducted. They carried off with them near Forty Invalids prisoners : A Detachment being sent over from New York, Major Sutherland pursued the Enemy and coming up with their rear made a Captain and some Privates prisoners. Lieut. Colonel Buskirk on his return had a small Skirmish with the Rebels & took four prisoners with out any loss on his part. I cannot as yet decide upon this affair. I have ordered Major Sutherland to be tried on a charge of general misconduct as Com mandant. XL General Pattison to Lord Tov(?nshend. , New York August 33, 1779 * * , Thursday last, when a most Extraordinary Attempt was made to take by Assault the Post at Paulis Hook, that has been occupied by the King's Troops ever since they took Possession of New York. It is on the Je-sey Shore opposite to this Town and considered an Appendage to it. I am sorry to say the Enterprise, bold as it was, succeeded but too well, and little to the Honor of the Defendants. That your Lordship may judge of the Strength of this Post, from its Natural Situation, and from the Works raised for its Pro tection, I send the enclosed Plan, which will show how far it ought to have been out of the Reach of Insult.* *— The following letter of Lord Salisbury to W. J. Hoppin, Esq., Secretary of Legation, who at my request made an effort to secure a copy of the " Plan," will show that it cannot be found : " Foreign Office, " October 15, 1879. " Sir : With reference to your letter of the 15th September last, requesting that a tracing or copy might be made ot the plan of the works on Powles Hook (Jersey City), which accompanied the account by General Pattison, the British Commander at New York, of its capture by Major Lee in 1779, I have now the honor to inform you that your request was duly forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, who re ferred it to the Record Departnjent, In whose custody the papers of that period exist, and who have replied that a careful search has been made for the plan, but without success. " A letter, however, from Sir Henry .Clinton, then commanding the British forces at New York, has been found, which appears to relate to the circumstances of the 19 August, 1779, to which you allude, andlhave much pleasure in forwarding to you a copy of it. The Keeper of the Records, however, states that It contains the only infor mation that can be discovered on the subject. " I have the houor to be, &c., " Salisbury." 71 The Troops allotted to garrison it, were the 4th Battalion of Skinner's Provincial Brigade, under the Command of Colonel Buskirk, and a part of the Invalid Battalion. Major Sutherland of the Invalid Battalion was the Com mandant. On .the preceding Day it was determined that Colonel Buskirk shou'd march out a Detach'nt that Evening with a Design of surprising a party of 100 Rebels near English Neighbourhood. As the Garrison would thereby be much weakened. The Major applied to me for a Reinforcement for that Night of a Capt'n & 40 Men, which I complied with and sent them from the Hessian Reg't of Knyphausen. At half past 3 o'Clock the next Morning Ad vice was brought to me, that Firing of Musquetr.v being heard at Paulis Hook, it was probably attacked, but having soon after the Command was given to me of this Garrison, established with Major Sutherland the Signal he was to make iu Case he should be attacked in such Force as to require Succour from hence, namely to fire two Pieces of Cannon & to hang out three Lights,f and being informed that no Cannon had been heard or Lights seen, I concluded that Buskirk was on his Return and that some Small Party had been harassing his Rear, the Firing at that Time having nearly ceas'd, however I immediately sent over to know what was the real state of the Post. Upon the Return of the Messenger I was filled with Astonishment at receiving a Letter from Major Sutherland, saying that the Enemy having got thro' the Abbatis had taken the right-hand and center Block-Houses & the Principal Fort, but that the Round Redoubt in which was himself with a Captain & 35 Hessians had been defended, that the left Block-House was likewise safe and that the Enemy had retreated carrying off with them the Guards of the two Block- Houses which (tho' almost impregnable except by Cannon) were shamefully abandoned, the Detachment of Artillery from the Fort, and such Officers and Soldiers as were in the Barricks. He further added that he was under great Apprehensions of Colonel Buskirk's Corps being cut off. I thereupon without loss of Time sent over the Flank Companies of the Guards with 100 Men from the Brigade and nearly the same Number of Hessians with a party of Artillery under the Command of the Field Officer of the Day, Lieut. Colonel Gordon. The Light Infantry were pushed forward aboijt ten Miles beyond Bergen, and Colonel Buskirk, after the Coup manque, made his Retreat good to Paulis Hook, before it was dark, without any Loss, bringing four Prisoners & the Guards likewise took a Captain & Six Prisoners on their March. What was nearly as Extraordinary as the Enterprize itself & the Success of it, is that the Enemy, tho' in full Possession of the Fort, did not Spike a Gun, destroy the Ammunition or do the least Injury to any of the Buildings. The Strength of the Garrison at the time it was Assaulted, was about 200, and by the Returns I have received there were Killed 4 Serj 'ts, 2 Corp'ls & 8 +— " S. P. A. to Major Sutherland. " New York, July 25, 1779 " Sir : I am directed by Major Gen'l Pattison to signify to you his approbation of the signals you propose to be made from Paulis Hook, in case of an alarm, and to de sire that they may be adopted accordingly." N. Y- Hist. Soc. Coll., 1875, p. 230. 72 Privates, Wounded 3 Serj'ts & taken or missing 4 Subalterns, 7 Seij'ts, 5 Corp'ls & 97 Privates. Lieut. Cockburne who was the Artillery Officer on Duty there, says that a Soldier came to the Hut where he slept within 30 Yards of the Fort, to give him the Alarm, that he instantly flew towards the Fort, but found the Enemy Masters of it, whereupon he ran to the Block-House, and thereby sav'd himself from being taken Prisoner The Commander in Chief was pleased to order a Board of two Brig'r Gen'Is and three Field Officers to assemble the Day following to enquire into the Cause of the Affront suffered at Paulis Hook on the Morning of the 19th and to report to him thereupon, & yesterday having received the Opinion of the Board, He gave Orders for putting Major Sutherland in Arrest, and for him to prepare to take his Tryal before a Court Martial, upon a Charge of General Misconduct as Commandant at Paulis Hook, on the Morning of the 19th Instant * * [New York Historical Society's Collections, 1875, 99.] ¦ XIL Captain Levin Handy to George Handy. Paramus 23 July 1779 Before this reaches you, I doubt not but you have heard of our success at Powles Hook, where the enemy had a very strong fort, within one and a quarter miles from New York. We started from this place on Wednesday last [at] half after ten o'clock, taking our route by a place called the New Bridge on Hackensac River, where my two companies were joined by three hundred Virginians and a company of Dismounted Dragoons commanded by Capt McLane. We took up our Line of March about 5 o'clock in the evening from the Bridge, the nearest route with safety, to Powles, distant then about twenty miles, with my detachment in front, the whole under command of the gallant Major Lee. The works were to be carried by storm — the whole to advance in three solid columns, one of which I had the honour to com mand. The attack was to commence at half after twelve o'clock, but having been greatly embarrassed on our march, and having a number of difficulties to surmount, did not arrive at the point of attack till after four o'clock in the morning, when, after a small fire from them, we gained their works, and put about fifty of them to the bayonet, took one hundred and fifty seven prison ers, exclusive of seven commanding officers ; this was completed in less than thirty minutes, and a retreat ordered, as we had every reason to suppose, unless timely, it would be cut off. Our situation was so difficult that we could not bring off any stores. We had a morass to pass of upwards two miles, the greatest part of which we were obliged to pass by files, and several canals to ford up to our breast in water. We advanced with bayonets, pans open, cocks fallen, to prevent any fire from our side ; and believe me, when I assure, we did not fire a musket. 73 Yo» win see a more particular account of It In the papers than it Is in my power to give you at present. It is thocight to be tho greatest onterprlHo ever undertaken In America, Our loss is so inconsiderable that I do not mention It. [Life mid (forrcspondrnci' of lleed. 11. , 125.] XIIL W. Cbooan to Bkknari) Giutz. Camp North of Smiths Clove ) August 33. 1779 f I suppose you have had a variety of accounts of the sacking of Powel's Hook, which was taken by surprise about 8 o'clock tho morning of the lOtli Inst,, and instantly evacuated again by us, after doing no greater damage than taking 7 officers and about 100 Hank and File prisoners, and killing about 30 in tlio Garrison. We have about 7 privates missing. Had not the ofllcer who comnianded — Major Lee — been iu so great a hurry from the Gar I'lson, much more execution might have been done, ns they did not take time to carry off all the prisoners, or even to take a Major and party of men who were then in their power. Not the least damago whatever was done to X\w Oorrlson. Tho Magazine was not blown up, the Barricks not sett on fire, tho cannon not spiked, no ai'tlolo of Stores, (!lothing, &o, &c. of which a great plenty were there, was the least damaged ; in fact, nothing further was done than rushing into the f(o,rrison iu confusion and driving out the prisoners, mostly without (heir clothes. Porhaps tlioro will bo an inquiry into i\w roasous of thi^ confusion and great haste tho party made to get out of the fort without destroying so many valuable stiu'es as were in thoir possession. Several olllcers have been much injured in the Virginia line, on account of giving Mnjor Leo tlio command of 800 ot our men to reduce Powel's Hook, and unjuHt iiiothods taken by him to luivo the command, by telling one of our Majors, who nmrchod with tlin 800 men, that his commission was older than it really is — othorwiso he would not havo had tho command over him. I believe Major Lee will bo arrested. I inarched with a covering party but did not go near the Garrison. Lord Stirling, who commands here, is very uneasy at our complaints on this affair. Several lottors have passed between his lordship and the officers of our line concerning 800 of our imui under Major Lee. « » » [7/wit. jl%«t»,', /,180,] 74 XIV. General Washington to Major Lee. Head Quarters 33 August 1779 I have received your report of the attack of Paulus Hook, transmitted by Captain Rudulph, which I have forwarded to Congress by Lieutenant McAl lister. I shall be sorry if this should be contrary to your wish, or Captain Rudulph's expectation, as I have the best opinion of that gentleman's merit. My motives for sending Lieutenant McAllister with the despatches were, that he commanded a forlorn hope, and got possession of the standard. As custom required the sending of this to Congress, I thought the bearer of it ought to be the person, who had the good fortune to gain possession of it, especially as you had forwarded it by him to me ; nor would it have been warranted by precedent to send one with the despatches, and another with the standard. You will find my sense of your conduct, and of that of the officers and men under your command, expressed in the general order of yesterday, and in my letter to Congress. I congratulate you on your success. You will send a small escort of dragoons with Lieutenant McAllister. [Writings of Washington, VI., 333.] XV. On the evening of the 18th inst. Lieut. Col. Buskirk, in consequence of intelligence received,of the rebels intending to carry off the forage and grain from the English Neighborhood and Bergen, marched with a part of the 4tli Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers, and about 30 of the garrison Battalion from Powles Hook, towards the liberty pole, near which, they lay concealed till after sunrise, when they observed a considerable body of rebels moving towards the New Bridge, which induced them to think their design had been discovered ; they therefore moved into the main road, where they found themselves in the center of a column of 600 rebels, who were returning from Powles Hook ; it being no time to deliberate, they attacked the enemy with such spirit, that notwithstanding their great superiority iu numbers, took three prisoners, and threw them into such confusion, as obliged them to throw away coats, knapsacks, hats, &c. and 30 stands of arms, which were mostly destroyed; at which time fresh troops coming to the rebels assist ance, they began to form, and endeavour, by moving on the right and left of the Colonel's party, to surround it, which pointed out the necessity of pushing for the height, to gain which, was a matter of contest for some time, at about 60 yards distance, when perceiving the rebels (from the advantage of ground) •were likely to succeed, the men were ordered to fix bayonets and advance 75 briskly, which so disconcerted them, that they immediately wheeled to the right and left, and let the party continue their route to Powles Hook without farther interruption, and without the loss of a single man either of the 4th or garrison battalion. The conduct of the Officers and Privates of both was such, as justly entitled them to applause. * * As the Printer of Satur days Paper has not represented Facts relative to the Attack on Powlis Hook, on the 19th Instant it is not amiss that the Printers will have the Candor to insert the following : That nearly about half an Hour after two, the Rebels in three Divisions (exceeding 400 Men) passed the Ditch in Front of the Abbatis, about 20 Yards from the Abbatis, where they were fired upon by a few Gentries, but having seized immediately on the Block House Guards, who in place of defending their Post, ran out to see what was the Matter, they proceeded to the Work, which they soon became Masters of, with the Cannon, &c. But they were so confused and alarmed, they neither spiked the Cannon, nor damaged the Bar racks, or made any other use of their Victory, than carrying off about 100 prisoners, among whom there are ten Hessians (whose Loss is much regretted) and four Officers of Colonel Buskirk's Battalion, and plundering a few women. This Pauic (amongst them) was occasioned by an incessant Fire kept on .them from a small Eedoubt into which Maj. Sutherland threw himself with a Capt., Subaltern, and 25 gallant Hessians, on the first Alarm. The Rebels repeatedly challenged the Redoubt to surrender, or they would bayonet tliem, to which they received a Fire and No, for Answer. About half after 8 o'Clock Major Sutherland was joined by one Light Infantry Company of the Guards, under the Command of Captain Dundass with which he immediately marched, and Captain Maynard was shortly after ordered to follow Major Sutherland by Colonel Gordon, on which Major Sutherland marched both companies, in order to succour Colonel Buskirk, and after going about 15 Miles, he found that Colonel Buskirk had a smart Engagement with the Rebels some Time before and had returned. There-were a few Prisoners made, amongst whom is a Captain Meale, who was found asleep from the great Fatigue he under went; and surely unless, he had been a Livingston, Laurens, or Adams, he could not in that Situation, forfeit his Claim to British Valour and Humanity. The Light Infantry rested here for an Hour, during which Dr. Gordon gal lantly charged two Rebels who fired at him, and took one of them. Major Sutherland finding one Object of his March answered, by Colonel Buskirk's being safe, and 100 Men not sufficient to answer his other Inten tions, returned, this charming Body of Men, having made a March of about SO Miles in less than 10 Hours. Ensign Barrete (who was a Volunteer) reported to Major Sutherland, that he destroyed a Gunsmith's Tools &c. to the Amount of £100. [Nmc York Gazette, August 38, 1779..] 10 XVL Sundry late military occurrences, which you cannot be unacquainted with, gave the alarm to the enterprising genius of Major Lee, who being ordered into this country, took into contemplation an attempt on Powles-Hook, a place naturally difficult of access, and highly improved by art. He busily employed himself in gaining a knowledge of the place, its situation, strength &c. This done, he communicated the matter to his Excellency, who, sur prised at the many obstacles, declined his assent to an affair so replete with danger. But on a fuller representation from the Major, whose endeavours were unremitted until the necessary intelligence was collected — having devised the mode of attack, the method of retreat, and the number of troops adequate, transmitted them accurately to the General, who was pleased to approve of the disposition, and ordered everything requisite for a matter of so much difficulty. A description of the place will not be improper, as it will serve to give you an idea of the many obstructions to be met with. The Hook is formed by a winding curve of North River, directly opposite New York ; a wide gut intersects the tongue of land, and leaves the place of fortification an entire island ; the gut in depth is so considerably increased, as to render it impas sable at a little more than half flood, interior to this runs a line of abbattis of great strength, which extends to the extreme verges of the island ; still within these is a fort (except the gateway) impregnable, assisted by a chain of redoubts situate on its left, of superior strength; the whole surrounded by a marsh two miles in breadth, rendered almost impervious, by reason of a number of guts, which irregularly intersect it at various points. Three huntlred Virginians, under the command of Major Clark, two companies of Maryland, and M'Lane's dismounted dragoons, composed the assailants. The whole, directed by Major Lee, took their route from the New Bridge on Hackensack, attended by a number of Wagons to convey the opinion of a foraging party. The timid apprehensions of a principal guide, on our nearer approach to the enemy, proved the source of numberless mis takes, which retarded the execution of the design three hours, and occasioned an alteration in the primary disposition, instead of attacking in three different places as at first intended. — The body was formed into two columns, and after forcing the abbattis, a separation took place by Major Clark's inclining to the right, the other column to the left ; the forlorn preceded at some distance, instantly seized the grand fort, and reechoed the Watchword; iu less than ten minutes a complete possession of the works was effected, with little or no loss. The necessity of a retreat every moment became evident ; day light approached apace, and obliged us to retire precipitately, tho' without confu sion. Relying on the boats which were to transport us over the Hackinsack, 3 miles distant from the scene of action, and which constituted our safety— we moved on with the prisoners— but our arrival soon convinced us of a disap- 77 pointment. The dangers of the situation were manifest ; the North River on the right was in many places not more than two miles distant from the party with the major part of the British army strewed along the opposite shore, obliged the exertion of every device and stratagem to obviate their intercept ing a retreat of eighteen miles, which was j udiciously effected, not withstanding all their efforts to the contrary. [Pennsylvania Pa-cket, Augiist 38, 1779.] XVII. New York August 34th 1779 Sir : I am directed by Major Gen'l Pattison to signify to you his Approba tion of your Conduct with respect to the Flag, which came to Paulis Hook this day, and to desire that no Flags, who may come in future from the Enemy, be permitted to come within your most advanced Picquets, but wait there and deliver any Letters &c they may bring to such Officer as you shall send out to receive them. I am Sir &c. S. P. A. P, S The Flag now at Paulis Hook, is to be immediately sent back. Col. Buskirk. XVIII. Major Lee to President Reed. August 37, 1779 I never conceived myself so important in the army as I find I am. Cap tains and subalterns used to seek me ; Generals and Colonels are now barking at me with open mouth. Colonel Gist of Virginia, an Indian hunter, has formed a cabal. I mean to make the matter very serious, because a full explanation will recoil on my foes, and give new light to the enterprize. In my report to General Washington * * * i passed the usual general compliments on the troops under my command. I did not tell the world that near one half of my countrymen left me— that it was reported to me by Major Clarke as I was entering the marsh — that notwithstanding this and every other dumb sign, I pushed on to the attack. Had I been unsuccessful, I was determined to leave my corpse within the enemy's lines. The brave Marylanders stood by me faithfully. Major Clarke, with the Virginians exerted himself. Their efforts to second his endeavors were not the most vigorous. What I now write I write in confidence. You will probably see the whole matter in print, I am determined to Dush Colonel 78 Gist and party. The brave and generous throughout the whole army support me warmly. I do not know that anv general officers are my foes. I have received the thanks of General Washington in the most flattering terms, and the congratulations of General Greene, Wayne and the officers of the Light Infantry. Do riot let any whispers affect you, my dear sir. Be assured that the more full the scrutiny, the more honour your friend will receive, and the more ignominy will be the fate of my foes. * * * * [Life & Correspondence ofBeed,II,l%Q.] XIX Head Quarters, New York 30th August 1779 Major William Sutherland commanding the Garrison Battalion, tried by the General Court Martial of which Lt. Col, Bruce is President, accused of misconduct as commandant of Paulus Hook, on the Night between the 18th and 19th of this Month ; (August) is found not Guilty of the Charge alledged against him, and is therefore Honorably Acquitted. The Commander in Chief approves the Sentence and Orders Major Wm. Sutherland to be released from his arrest. [From Original in CoUection of New York Historical Society.'] XX. General Washington to Major Lee. Head Quarters 1 September 1779. I received your letter of this date, " requesting me to give you in writing the instructions, which you verbally received from me on the subject of Paulus Hook, when you were last at head-quarters, and particularly concerning the immediate evacuation of the post after the reduction, and concerning the retreat." When you were last at head-quarters, the enterprise against Paulus Hook was in contemplation, but not finally determined, as there were some points of information still to be more fully obtained. I gave you then in general, my ideas of the manner in which it should be conducted, whenever attempted, and desired you to use your best endeavours to procure information in such matters, as appeared not to be sufficiently well understood, and mentioned the precautions that should be taken to cover the design, and secure the party, which might be employed in the enterprise, in its approach. But with respect to the point to which your request more particularly extends, to wit, " the evacuation of the post, and concerning the retreat " my principal fear. 79 from the moment I conceived a design against the post, was on account of the retreat, founded on the relative situation of the post to that of the enemy on York Island. This circumstance induced me to add, that, in case the enter prise should be found eligible on farther inquiries, and determined on, no time should be lost, in case it succeeded, in attempting to bring off cannon, stores, or any other articles, as a few minutes' delay might expose the party at least to imminent risk. I further recollect, that I likewise said, that no time should be spent, in such case, in collecting stragglers of the garrison, who might skulk and hide themselves, lest it should prove fatal ; also that, if the post could not be carried in an instant by surprise, the attempt must be relinquished. My objects were to surprise it, to bring off the garrison imme-^ diately, and to effect a secure retreat. [Writings of Washington, VI., 836.] XXI. Head Quarters, New York 6th September 1779. Serg't John Taswell, of the 4th Battalion New Jersey Volunteers tried by the General Court Martial of which Lt. Col. Leland, Foot Guards is President for quitting his Post, at the Left Hand BlocK House at Paulus Hook in a shameful and scandalous manner on the Night between the 18th and I9th of August, is found Guilty of the Crime alleged against him, in Breach of the 18th Article of the 14th Section of the Articles of War ; and, is therefore Sentenced to suffer Death by being Hanged by the Neck untill he is Dead, The Commander in Chief approves the Sentence. Head Quarters, New York 7th Sept. 1779. Serg't John Taswell of the 4th Batt'n, New Jersey Volunteers, under Sentence of Death, is to be executed on Thursday next, the 9th Inst., between the Hours of Nine and Twelve, within the Garrison of Paulus Hook. [From Original in Collection of New York Historical Society.] XXII. After Orders 9th September 1779. In Consideration of the former Good Character of Serg't John Taswell, (who was to have been executed this day,) and at the Uecommendation of the President and Members of the Court Martial, His Excellency, the Commander in Chief is pleased to grant him Free Pardon, and orders him to be Discharged from his Majesties Service. [F¥om Original in Collection of New York His torical Society.] 80 XXIII. Major Lee to President Reed. Head Quarters Sept 9 1779. Believe me, sir, the congratulations of my friends are more pleasing to me, (although a young soldier,) than any applause from the public. Congress have not yet published any report. I presume they have good reasons for it. If they have not, they treat me inj uriously. My trial goes on apace ; the evidence of the prosecution throws additional lustre on^every part of my con duct. I expect concessions will be offered this day from the chief of the conspiracy : their own interest, not candour, will induce the offer ; if made perhaps I may be good-natured on the occasion. Pity already has got the better of resentment. I mean to have my trial printed, for the satisfaction of some gentlemen of the Virginia line. I enclose my order of battle and dispo sition on the march ; I wish it to be published with my report, as it will serve to elucidate the enterprises. [Life & Correspondence of Beed, II, 137.] XXIV. During the whole war only six gold medals were ordered by Congress, as follows : 1. Gen. Washington, March 25, 1776; Seige of Boston. 2. Gen. Gates, November 4, 1777 ; Surrender of Burgoyne. , 3. Gen. Wayne, July 26, 1779 ; Stony Point. 4. Major Lee, September 24, 1779 ; Paulus Hoeck. 5. Gen. Morgan, March 9, 1781. ; Cowpens. 6. Gen. Greene, October 39, 1781 ; Eutaw Springs. This indicates how Congress regarded Hoeck " ¦ ' the little stroke at Paulus 81 On one side of the medal that was stiuck is a bust of Lee with the words Henrico Lee Legionis Equit. Prafecto. Comitia Americana. " The Ameri can Congress to. Henry Lee, Colonel of Cavalry." On the reverse is the inscription, " Non Obstantib. Fluminibus Vallis Astutia & Vertute Bellica Parva Manu Hostes Vicit Victosq. Armis Humanitate Devinxit. In Mem. Pugn. Ad. Paulus Hook Die XIX Aug 1779. " Notwithstanding rivers and intrenchments, he with a small band conquered the foe by warlike skill and prowess, and firmly bound by his humanity those who had been conquered by his arms. In memory of the conflict at Paulus Hook, Nineteenth of Aug., 1779." On the 24th of September Congress passed the following resolutions re specting the affair : " Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to his Excellency, Gene ral Washington, for ordering with so much wisdom the late attack on the enemy's fort and works at Powles Hook. " Besolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to Major General Lord Stirling for the j udicious measures taken by him to forward the enterprize and to secure the retreat of the party. " Besolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to Major Lee for the remarkable prudence, address and bravery displayed by him on the occasion, and that they approve the humanity shown in circumstances prompting to severity as honorable to the army of the United States and correspondent to the noble principles on which they were assumed. " BesoVoed, That Congress entertain a high sense of the discipline, forti tude and spirit manifested by the officers and soldiers under the command of Major Lee in the march action and retreat and while with singular satisfaction they acknowledge the merit of these gallant men, they feel an additional pleasure by considering them as part of an army in which very many brave officers and soldiers have proved by their cheerful performance of every duty under every difficulty th;it they ardently wish to give a truly glorious example they now receive. " Besolved, That Congress justly esteem the military caution so happily combined with daring activity by Lieutenants McCallister and Rudolph in leading on the forlorn hope. " Besolved, That a medal of gold emblematical of this affair be struck under the direction of the Board of Treasury and presented to Major Lee. " Besolved, That the brevet and the pay and subsistence of Captain be given to Lieutenant McCallister and to Lieutenant Rudolph respectively. " Besolved, That the sum of fifteen thousand dollars be put into the hands of Major Lee, to be by him distributed among the non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the detachment he commanded at the attack and surprize of Powles-Hook in such manner as the commander in chief shall direct."* [Jour nals of Congress, (1779) V., 368-370.] *— . General Washington to Major Lee. 1 have given a Warrant to Captain Rudulph for the sum granted by Congress to the non-commissioned otficers and privates concerned in the attack of Paulus Hook. You will be pleased to distribute this money in proportion of the non-commissioned ofScers and privates, which was the manner observed in the case of Stony Point. iWritirms of WasMrwton, VL, 376.] 82 XXV. General Orders. Head Quarters, Moors House, Sept'r 11th 1779. At a Gen'l Court Martial of the Line the 2nd Instant, whereof Colonel Marshall is President, Major Henry Lee of the Light Dragoons was tried upon the following Charges : 1st. For withholding a Letter sent by him from Lord Stirling to Colonel Gist (of the 16th Virginia Regiment) on the Morning of the 18th August ; by that means keeping him ignorant of a matter which required his immediate Information. 3ndly. After having obtained three Hundred men from Colonel Gist's Detachment with which Major Clark was ordered, to inform him that his Commission was dated in 1777, thereby assuming the Command of him when in fact it was dated in 1778, and of a Junior Date to Major Clarke's, which he could aot be ignorant of. 3rdly. For conducting the Detachment under his (Major Lee's) Command on the March to Powles Hook with so much Disorder and Confusion as to cause almost the whole of the 1st Batt'n under his immediate Com mand to be lost. 4thly. For ordering Capt. Smith of Colonel Gist's Regt. who was leading one of the Divisions under the Command of Capt. Forsythe of his own Corps of Horse who was a Junior Officer. 5thly. For giving the Command of the Forlorn Hope to Lieut. McAulister for some Time past annexed to his Corps, when the rest of the sub alterns solicited that it should be balloted for. 6thly. For ordering a Retreat from the Fort before a Party of the Enemy in a Redoubt had been made Prisoners, which might easily have been effected, and was sollicited by many of the officers, and not only leaving that undone, but suffering the Stores, Block-Houses and Works to remain entire when they might so easily have been destroyed, 7thly. For bringing off the Party in such a confused irregular and unmili- tary Manner that they might have fallen an easy Prey to a very inconsiderable Number of the Enemy, had they attempted to have intercepted them. 8thly and Lastly. For behaving in a manner unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman. The Court having considered the 1st Charge are of opinion it is unsup ported by Evidence, and is groundless, and do Acquit him with Honor. The Court having considered the 3d Charge are of Opinion that Major Lee did thro' inattention give Major Clark a wrong date of his Commission, but by no means intended to impose on Major Clark by assuming the Command of him, having express Orders from his Excellency the Commander in Chief for that special Command, do Acquit him with Honor, 83 The Court having considered the 3d Charge are of Opinion that there were some disorders in the Line of March to Powles-Hook & that the greater Part of the first Batt'n was separated from the Column in the Darkness of the Night and marching thro' the Woods. They are further of Opinion that the disorders & separation did not proceed from any neglect, or want of Attention in Major Lee, and do Acquit him with Honor. The Court having considered the 4th Charge, Are of Opinion that Major Lee ordered Capt'n Forsythe to take the Command of the Column which had been before commanded by Capt'n Smith which Order was in consequence of Captain Forsythe's being well Acquainted with the Situation of the Enemy, That it was impossible for Major Lee to know the dates of the Officers Com missions And do Acquit him with Honor. The Court having considered the 5th Charge Are of Opinion that Major Lee gave the Command of the Forlorn Hope to Lieut. McAulister which was occasioned by his being under the Necessity of altering his Mode of Attack in consequence of a seperation of the Troops and do acquit him with Honor. The Court having considered the 6th Charge are of Opinion, That Major Lee in evacuating the Fort immediately after it was taken, acted in perfect conformity to the Orders of his Excellency the' Commander in Chief. The time the Assault was mSde and the apprehensions of being intercepted in his Retreat fully Justifies his Conduct, and the Court do Acquit him with Honor, The Court having considered the 7th Charge are of Opinion that perfect Military Order was preserved in the Retreat of the Troops in the Rear where Major Lee commanded in Person, That the Enemy made an Attempt to inter cept his Retreat, which he subverted by his Activity and Judgement, and do Acquit him with Honor. The Court having considered the 8th & last Charge are of Opinion that Major Lee's Conduct was uniform and Regular, supporting his Military Char acter with Magnanimity and Judgement and that he by no Means Acted derogatory to the Gentleman and the Soldier which Characters he fills with Honor to his Country and the Army. The Commander in Chief confirms the Opinion of the Court. Major Lee is Released from his Arrest. [Ms. Ord&rly Book in- possession •of the New Yoi-k Historical Society!] The order appointing the court which tried Major Lee was dated August 29th, 1779. It was constituted as follows ; " Colonel Marshall, President " A Lieut-Colonel, or Major next for this duty and two Captains from the Maryland and Connecticut Lines, the Garrison and Nixon's Brigade, and at Lt. Col. or Major and one Captain from the Penn'a Line to attend as Members." 11 84 XXVI. Major Lee to Major Clark. Be pleased to transmit me p'r bearer a return of the non-commissioned [officers] and soldiers who joined me under your command the 18th of August. I have received the money presented by Congress to the assailants of Powles Hook, and cannot proceed to the distribution of it till I receive your return. , Oct'r 19th '79 Monmouth. Major Lee to Major Clark. [Without date.] Lieutenant Rudulph waits on you with the returns of the Powles Hook assailants from this quarter. Be good enough to adjust the money matters with him, as Captain Handy is down, and wishes to'take up with him the quota due his detachment — Rudulph brings up a G. R., one of the wounded has had him in possession. > Major Lee to Major Clark. I have waited a long time for your return which I had wrote three times requesting. I cannot detain the money any longer. I have guessed, with Mr. Rudulph's aid, at your numb'r. I hope it may be accurate. I must beg you will please pay Thos. Davis, a Soldier in the 1st Virg'a Regt. a mare which Mr. Lewis will present. Edentown ISov. 1. 1779. [Copies of Originals in possession of Lyman C. Draper, of the Wisconsin Historical Society.] XXVII. General Morgan to Major Clark. 10th October 1779 I now congratulate you on your success at Powlus Hook ; but I assure you till lately, and within these few days, I did not know you ware in the Scuffle ; but since I have found it out, I endeavored to make it as public as possible, as it was alwais my wish, that Every Man's Merits should be made publick. * * » 85 Major Lee to Major Clark. Major Lee begs that Major Clark will be pleased to acquaint him with the loss of his troops in the late action, and the names and the regiments, Lt, Vaudeville, Capt. Crump, & whether Capt Reed was not Senior officer next to himself, — if he was not, who was ? Major Lee begs that Major Clark would put off the sale of the Negroes ' till the 23d, when the horses might be sold at the same time. A place ought to be appointed, & hour. Suppose Suffrains tavern — pre vious notice to be given. Oct. 11, 1779. [Reply to above, without date.] Major Clark has not yet been furnished with lists from the Beg'ts of the No. of men lost in the late attack on Powles Hook. The Messenger says he is in a hurry, or the Major would send to such Reg'ts as have not given him an acc't. Lt Vandeville, I am told, is in the First Reg't. Capt Crump in the First State. Capt. Reed was the eldest Captain, and marched in front of the command. Suffern's tavern is a very convenient place for the sale. [Copies of the Originals in possession of Lyman C. Draper, of the Wisconsin Historical So ciety.] XXVIII. Lord Stirling to Major Clark. Paramis August 18th 1779 On receipt of this, you will put yourself, with your detachment, under the command of Major Lee, and give your best assistance to him in carrying into execution certain measures I have concerted with him. [Copy of the Original in possession of Lyman C. Draper, of the Wisconsin Historical Society.] As Major Jonathan Clark was a prominent figure in the attack on Paulus Hoeck, and as the incidents of his active and eventful life have never been published, I will be pardoned for the following brief reference to him : He was born in Albemarle County, Va., in 1750. When about four years of age his father removed to Caroline County, in that State, and afterwards located at Woodstock, in the Virginia Valley. In this county (Dunmore) Jonathan was made clerk of the court, and in 1774 was chosen with Rev. (afterwards General) Peter Muhlenburg to represent that county in the House 86 of Burgesses. At the same time, he was chosen a delegate to the State Con vention. In July, 1775, he was appointed First Lieutenant in an Independent Rifle Company in that county. At the close of that year he was appointed Captain in Muhlenburg's 8th Virginia Regiment. He raised a company of 75 men and eight officers. Early in 1776 this regiment was stationed at Suffolk, on the Virginia coast, to guard against Lord Dunmore. In June the regiment was sent to Charleston to aid in its defence against Sir Peter Parker and Clinton. In July the regiment was sent to Savannah on an intended expe dition against St. Augustine. This matter falling through, the regiment was sent north to join General Washington. In February, 1777, Muhlenburg was made a Brigadier General, and Abraham Bowman was appointed Colonel of the 8th Virginia. Clark was in the several battles in which his regiment was engaged in the following two years. During a part of this time he was in Colonel Wood's 13th Virginia Regiment, probably owing to a union of the 8th and 12th Regiments. The 8th seems to have suffered severe losses, for a letter, in the Fall of 1778, to Major Clark, laments " the poor old 8th reduced Reg't," and Colonel Bowman was relieved as a supernumerary officer. Yet on the 30th of March, 1779, Clark was appointed Major in the 8th Virginia Regiment, to take rank as such from the 10th of January, 1778. [Vide Lee's letter to Clark in Appendix, XXIX., where Lee says he supposed Clark's commission was in 1779.] On the 23d of November, 1 779, he was appointed Lieu tenant-Colonel of the 8th Virginia, to take rank on the 10th of May preceding. This shows that the " poor old 8th," though reduced, had not been incorpo rated into the 13th, and Clark, it would seem, was not in the 13th very long. On the 33d of July, 1779, he commanded the guard over the prisoners taken at Stony Point. In December, 1779, he was in command of the 8th, Early in 1780 he was sent south to the defence of Charleston, and was made prisoner in May of that year. After the war he settled in Spotsylvania County. In 1785 he was appointed by Governor Patrick Henry a Major in the Militia. In November, 1798, he was elected by the Legislature of Virginia one of the four Major Generals of the State. About 1800 he removed to Kentucky, and settled about four miles from Louisville, where he died of apoplexy in the fall of 1811. He was an elder brother of General George Rogers Clark, so famous in the history of Kentucky. XXIX. Lord StiEling to Major Clark. Camp Ramopogh, August 21st 1779 When it was determined to attempt a surprise of the Garrison of Powles Hook, Major Lee requested that I would appoint you to the Command of the party I was to furnish him with, in a manner particularly favorable to youi; 87 character, and under a supposition that you were a junior officer to him. Under that apprehension I appointed you for that service ; and I do assure you, I did not know the contrary till yesterday on my way to this place ; had I known it, your going should have depended on your own option, for I never would have hurt the feelings of any officer so much as to order him to serve under a junior officer. Your readiness to go on the service, and your behavior on it, not only have my highest approbation, but demand my particular thanks. Major Lee to Major Clark. Paramus Aug. 33, 1779 It affects me most sensibly to flnd the mistake committed respecting our commissions. On being honored with the command of the troops destined for the storm of P. Hook, I inquired previous to my producing General Washington's let. to Lord Stirling of the rank of the Virginia Majors. I was repeatedly told you were in '79. This presumption was so impressed on my mind that I gave a thoughtless answer to your question about commissions during the hurry of the march, confirming our mutual opinions. It is so evident that I must have supposed you a junior officer that none but those gentlemen who hate me for reasons unknown to me, can seriously raise a doubt on the subject. Why should I have solicited your being joined to me on the Expedition had I not believed you to be younger in office. Lord Stirling, if called on, will declare my solicitation to have been made, and that we both presumed your self junior in commission. It is not in my power to say more on the subject. I can only declare most sacredly that I believed you to have been one of the youngest Majors of the Line, and that this belief actuated my conduct, nor did I ever know the con trary till informed by Major Cabell on the 19tli. I assure you. Sir, that I am under great obligations to you for the temper and coolness with which you conduct yourself. It must proceed from the persuasion you possess that the clash was unfortunate, and all owing to mistake and hurry. Make what use you please of this I'r, and believe me to be. Sir, with great respect, &c. Major Clark, Woodfords Brigade. [Copies of the Originals in possession of Lyman C. Draper, of the Wisconsin Historical Society.] XXX. In the night of the 18th to the 19th of August they fell upon the post at Paul's Hook. This is a tongue of land on the Jersey side and opposite to New York, which extends out into the mouth of the Hudson and is separated from 88 the land by a brook and a morass. There was only one solid road leading through the latter, and only one bridge over the brook, and as the peninsula besides the steep hills and the rocks scattered over it was also provided with redoubts and block-houses at the more important points, it was considered quite impregnable. An abatis was also constructed along the brook. The garrison usually consisted of a British battalion, 60 invalids, and a division of provincials. * On the night mentioned a part of the garrison was ordered off on an expe dition in the region of New Bridge. The American General Stirling, being in the vicinity, determined to take advantage of this opportunity for an attack upon the weakly garrisoned post and destined 500 men under Major Lee for this purpose. To reinforce somewhat the weakened garrison, the Hessian Captain Von Schallern, of the Regiment Hereditary Prince, received orders to go over from New York to Paul's Hook with 40 men of his company. When the division appointed for the expedition had marched off. Major Lee, who had hitherto been lying in ambush, set about executing his design. He passed over the morass and the brook by the bridge, and attacked in the rear the Hessian post stationed on it, consisting of one subaltern officer and ten men, who could not hold out against the superior force and were captured after the bravest resistance. The invalids, sleeping carelessly in a block house, were now attacked. Captain Von Schallern with his men might have been doing the same, for the English commander himself had told him to go quietly to bed ; but luckily for both, he had a better judgment of his situation and kept his men under arms. As the enemy unexpectedly and quickly advanced, Schallern threw himself into a fleche lying in his rear, and here awaited the enemy. Major Lee called out to him to surrender, as he was sur rounded and all resistance was consequently useless, and in case of refusal no quarter would be given. Schallern answered : " If you want me, attack me, both sides will then have more honor from the affair." Then he ordered, " fire " ! and with his band of 80 men bravely resisted every assault of the superior force, until towards morning assistance arrived, upon which, the enemy withdrew. [Translated from Die deutschen Hulfstruppen im, nord- amerikanishen Befreiungskriege, 1776 Us 1783, von Max von Biking, Vol. 2. p. 54.] XXXI. For the Pennsylvania Packet. To impede a young man climbing to fame through the difficult and tedious path of merit, requires a depravity of soul which few possess. It is in such exertions that human nature discovers its baseness. With what infamy then are we to mark the attempts that have been made to throw a shade over the splendid enterprise of Paulus Hook V How must we lament that officers in the American Army have undertaken the ungenerous business! 89 It is well known that Major Lee has been arrested, arraigned and tried by a court martial. On what ground, or from what motives, the prosecution was maintained, his honorable acquittal from every charge may sufficiently explain. However, in justice to the Army, let it be known, that it was begun and conducted by the venerable Col. Gist, who was led to believe it his duty from the insinuations of some obscure officers in the Virginia line. How distressing that a gentleman of his rank and age should declare himself so open to imposition ! How fortunate for the chagrined whisperers that their names are as unknown as their actions are insignificant ! Happy in their obscurity, they are secure from ignominy. It is observable that one of the charges exhibited against Major Lee conveys an idea that the objects of the enterprise were not completely accomplished. Let the following extracts from his Excellency's letter of instructions illustrate that point. " My objects are to surprise it, to bring the garrison off immediately, and to effect a secure retreat." Was not the. post of Paulus Hook surprised? Was not the garrison brought off immediately ? Was not a secure retreat effected ? Character. [Pennsylvania Packet, September 28, 1779.J The following is Colonel Gist's reply to the above letter : To the Printer of the Pennsylvania Packet : I observe in your paper of the 38th of Sept. a piece signed " Character.'' Whoever the anonymous author is, or whatever his character in life may be, he certainly will never be entitled to the character of an impartial historian unless his future productions prove essentially different. That Major Lee was arrested, tried and honorably acquitted by a court Martial is a truth ; and the extract from his instructions may be genuine likewise, but in the other part of his narative he has either ignorantiy or with design perverted things in the grossest manner. I am not at present inclined to enter into a detail of matters or examine by what means a shade was cast over ihe splendid enter prise against Powles Hook. I am unaccustomed to paper wars and have a total aversion to them ; but if I am compelled to engage, it shall not be in the dark. I must first know who my antagonist is, that I may frame my answer accordingly, for I should be very sorry to waste time and employ my pen in answering the productions of a genius upon whom a cane might be employed to much better purpose. I shall, therefore, call upon Mr. Character to throw aside the fictitious and assume the real name, that I may know to whom I am beholden for the favor intended me. If Mr. Character is a gen tleman I make no doubt this request will be complied with ; in that case it is more probable that he will hear further from me. Mr. Character would add greatly to the favors already conferred, and perhaps avoid further interroga tions, if, at the same time, he would point out those obscure officers in the Virginia line, who are so ready to impose upon the unwary, that gentlemen who have hitherto escaped the snare may in future be guarded against them. Nathanial Gist Col. 16th Virginia Reg't. 90 XXXIL Diary oe Cap't M'Lane, beginning '-Philadelphia June 10 1779," AND ending "Burlington Jan'y 1780." Thursday July 39— Whet morning, all well, this afternoon joined Maj. Lee at the New City — lay this night at Steveii Stevenson's. Friday morning 30 July, Moved down towards Bergan County, lay this night near Clarkstown. Saturday July 31, Mr. Rudolf joined me at Smith's house and moved the Infantry to Scromburg church, reconnoitred the Enemy with Mr. Sitcher and Kelly, found them moving from Philip's farms at 3 o'clock their whole fleet sallied towards New York. Sent an express to Maj Lee, this night took post near the liberty pole, Detacht Lieut. Rudolf towards Bergen town—this night all well. Sunday morning reconoitred towards New York, could observe a large incampment near Hell gate below harlem bights, counted fifty topsail vessels at New York and 20 at fort Washington, Rec'd intelligence that the Gray- hound sloop of War arrived friday last, next day all the ships of forse put to sea and the army moved from Philip's farm to York Island. Gen. Tryon had returned from the eastward with the fleate, this Evening sent a letter to Maj Lee, took post at Quackinbushes near Scraulenburg church, Report prevails in New York that a french fleet is on the cost, Cornwallis is arrived from Eng'd, no ringforcements, a hott >* took place friday last, two Regt's imbarked on bord the fleet * * orders I found to stop the intercours between New York and polleshooke. Monday August 3, moved down to fort Lee, detacht a party towards Bar gain town, the Inteljance of this day confirms the account of yesterday, this Evening a covering party came from Lord Stirling to forridg in Tea Neck, this night lay near Closter Dock. Tusday 3d August moved down towards Bargain Woods reconoitred New York from Green point, cold discover an incampment near New York Com mons, heard a fireing at Sea, the transports drawn up indicate a imbarkation some conjecture for Boston, their main incampment still below harlem hights, this night took post at the old bridge, all Well. Wensday 4th August, moved to the new bridge, the men employed cooking three day's provisions. Calep Lewick joined me, he had bene in the service 'of the Enemy but chuse to retun to the service of his Country, he served in Buskerks Regt capt Rattans company. One of the six months men took a man Returning to bergan and insisted on making him a prize altho' he had Maj'r Lee's pass, on my interfering he abused me mutch, I confined him and reported him to Maj Lee, this Evening moved to Hackensack. Thursday August 5th moved to old bridge, 5 Deserters came from Lord Rodners corps of Irish VoUunteers, they inform the Enemy are fortifying 91 across from river to river near Spiking devil creek. Joseph Marshall is a * in the corps they run from, this night moved towards powleshock lay in th« woods all night Friday 6th August moved to Bargain town, several people were taken coming out New York the Enemy lay Viary Closn cold observe an incamp ment on the river shore near New York, this night lay near the old bridge, Cojl Dabney came from Lord Sterling's division to * as a forridging party in English nabourhood. Satuday Augt 7 '79 cooked provisions near Storm's house Detacht a party to act with Coll Dabneys troops, lay all night near the widow Sebriskers house, all well. Sunday July 8 '79 Detacht Mr Rudolf with a party to lay near burgan Woods, moved myself to throw obstructions in the rods leading from fort Lee and Bull ferry, a Graite freshet in Hackinsack river owen to a heavy rain lay near Cornelius Buscarks. Monday Augt 9th continued throwing obstructions in the different passes leading from the north river between opposite Spiken devil creek and Bulls Feiry, imployed most of the farmers in English naberhood cutting down trees,* drew sixty Rashsions, the Rifal men joined me sent them down with SSrgt hagan lay this night near widow Sebriscers Tusday Augt 10th cooked Provisions whent up to Kakiat, left my party in care of Capt Payton Wensday Augt 11, Returned to Bargain, found the party at the old Bridg. Mr Rudolf not yet joined, lay this night near Hackensack Creek, Detacht Sergt Mitchell with six men to serch for Mr Rudolfs party Thursday 13th '79 Mr Rudolf joined 9 o'clock detacht a party in pursuit of one Sebrisker and another refugee, lay this night at Sebriskers Mills. Friday 13th August Sebrisker woss taken at Paramas and Brought under Guard, he pleads he came out to Give himself up his behaver is Viary Sos- pitious, it is a practise with those raskals to come out under the Sanction of deserters till they make discovery. This Evening Sargt Mitchell Returned, lay at Isaac Vourhosers on Perhamas, rode from old bridg. Saturday 14th August, drew two days provisions and cooked them, a '*— The following are the names of the English Neighborhood farmers from the Liberty Pole towards Bergen : Thomas Harris, at Lozier's Mills; Ellas Ridecker; Widow Benson on Dominie Snedeker's place; John Benson on the right ; Jacob Naugle and William Day on the left ; Peter De Groot on the right ; Widow Lemater on Covenhoven's place ; Jacob Demot on the left ; John Moor at Van Horn's Mill ; Derick Freeland and John Klase on the left, on Moor's place ; Moor on the left ; Widow Maree, Samuel Moor, Samuel Moor, P. Zame, Peter Bedett. Below the road leading down to the Fort : Roelof Westervelt, John Moor, Daniel Bralton and Abraham Day on the left ; Michael Smith, Anderson and Montania on the right ; Stephen Bedet, John Blinker, Widow Edsall, Jacob Bdsall, Jacob Edsall and Benjamin Westervelt on the left. [MLane Jkfss.] 13 92 deserter came from the Enemy at Powlas Hook an intelijant fellow, he informs the Garrison consists of Buskerks Regt 300 strong, invalids 300 strong, a Lieut, commd of Artilery, the whole under Maj'r Sutherland lay at John Boverts Sunday Aug 15 Enlisted Richard House a boy that formely lived with Halsteds. Detached Mr Rudolf to lay in Bargain Woods, this night lay myself at Henry Bonters in Sluckup. Monday August 16th Moved towards Powles Hook to reconoitre, took two prisoners on Hobuck one boy siner of Buskcarks, and AblePett of the invalids com'd by Maj'r Sutherland. Returned with the party to Hackinsack. This night lay at Storms house. Tusday 17 Augt. Drew four days provisions. Detached two Seigts with 13 men eatch to lay in Bergain Woods this night lay near the liberty pole Wensday 18 August this morning received Orders from Mj'r Lee to take post in the woods near Bargain in order to intercept the communication between Powls hook and the country and to Join him at a sertain place in the woods near the Three Pidgaons in order to conduct him to attack Powless hook met him and after some Deficalty arrived in morning at the works half past three, stormed them without more loss than two men killed and five wounded, we killed about fifty took 150 prisoners, 9 officials and then retired to new Bridg the distance of 33 Miles, John Page was among the Prisoners. [Copy of the Original in possession of the New York Historical Society.] ' The Star Spangled Banner." — By the Ssengerrunde and Orchestra. Address, by B. W. Throckmorton, Esq. Ladies and Gentlemen : When the invitation was accepted by me to deliver an address on this auspicious occasion, it was with the distinct proviso on my part that it should be short. But had this not been the case so fully have the distinguished and eloquent gentlemen who have preceded me performed the task of describing Paulus Hook and its battle as to leave for me but little in this direction save need less reiteration of facts already presented. 93 To borrow an illustration, I feel like tiie gleaner, \vlu\ on going into the fields, finds tiie harvest all gathered into sheaves and the work well and completely done. If for no other purpose, however, than that of identit'ving myself witli so important an event as this celebration is in the history of tlie city in which I live, permit me to indulge in a few observations and reflections pertinent to such an occasion. I think it was the "3'oung gentleman" in the " Noctcs Anibrosiana? " who on 'liearing Cliristopher North talk, ex claimed in his enthusiasm : "If I should be struck blind I could see again listening to your words." It is no idle compliment to the gentleman who has preceded me when I sa}' that so vivid were his descriptions that Paulus Hook and its surroundings and all that had to do with the event we celebrate stand out as clearly as in a magnificent picture. The preliminary reconnoitering of Light Horse Harry Lee — the discovery that Panlus Hook was negligently guarded — Lee's ambition to rival the brilliant coup de main of Mad Anthony Wayne at Stony Point — the daring proposition on his part to Wasliington to strike the fort by surprise at night and thus insult the proud foe within cannon shot of their stronghold — New York — the relnctance of the Commander-in-Chief, overcome by the enthusiastic impetuous ardor of the gallant Lee — the careful plans and orders cnlminating in the instructions of Washington to " surprise the post, bring off the garrison immediately and effect a retreat," and at last the movement of the troops on the night of the 18th of August. We can see the 300 men of Lord Stirling's division, and the trooJ)S or dismounted dragoons marching, under the cover of the darkness, along tliat belt of rocky and wooded heights that bordered the Hudson, and at length approach the coveted fort. Perceived by the sentinel, but mistaken for Van Buskirk's foraging party (the friendly darkness favoring this mistake), they boldly advance, pass the creek and ditch, and before the British garrison are wholly roused from sleep the gallant invaders are masters of the main- work. We can see Sutherland, the British Commandant of the post, with a few Hessians, throw themselves into a small block- 94 house on the left of the fort, and open an irregular tire. But so rapid and so sure is the work of Lee and his men that the fort is gained before a piece of artillery is fired. One hundred and fifty-nine are made prisoners, among whom are three officers. The barracks Lee intends to burn are spared because he discovers that tiiey contain sick soldiers and a number of women with young children. So the retreat is begun, witliout even tarrying to destroy the artillery. " But," says Irving, "he (Lee) had achieved his object — a cou]^ de main of signal audacity. Few of the enemy were slain, for there was but little fighting and no massacre. His own loss was two men killed and three wounded." I do not propose to follow Lee in his masterly retreat. In the meagre outline I have already given I have indulged too much in repetition of what the preceding speakers have stated, suffice it to say this brilliant and audacious stroke under the very guns of New York galled and humbled the British and tories and made the Americans correspondingly exultant. It won the praises of Washington, who coupled the mention of it with the brilliant capture of Stony Point. General Charles Lee speaking of Stony Point, said that this exploit was " one of the most brilliant in history." On Jersey City's soil that romantic bril liant achievement was equalled. Of Lee's attack on Panlus Hook, James Duane, September lOtli, 1779, thus writes to Alexander Hamilton : It was " one of the most daring arid insolent assaults that is to be found in the records of chivalry; achievement so brilliant in itself, so romantic in the scale of British admiration, that none but a hero, inspired by the forti tude, instructed by the wisdom, and guided by the planet Washington, could by the exploit at Paulus Hook have furnished materials in the page of history to give it a parallel." But to pass from the immediate contemplation of this affair to some more general observations. It has been said that New Jersey has a peculiar hold upon the affections of her sons ; that they never leave her without regret, or return to her without joy. There is ample cause for this, and they who laugh or sneer at this gallant commonwealth know little of its history. 95 Call the battle-roll of the American Eevolution, and where do we find New Jersey? Let Princeton, Trenton, Monmouth and Panlus Hook answer. Search the pages of history, and find a battle among the many fought to create this great nation in which Jerseymen did not take part, and always with honor ; and on the historic page, too, read the fact, that during the revolutionary struggle New Jersey contributed more in blood and treasure in proportion to her wealth and population to the patriot cause than any other colony. Again, no one can read the record of New Jersey and her troops in our late gigantic contest waged to secure equal justice to all men — to preserve what our forefathers had created — to prove this government a nation, not a league, no one, I say, can read that record without a quicker beating of the heart in pride. More than 90,000 men were by New .lersey sent first and last to the front — an excess of over 11,000 more than was required of her. And in all that goes to make good soldiers — in order, discipline, obedience, coolness, daring, staying power, self-sacrifice, unquestionable patriotism — New Jerse3''s troops had and could have had no superiors. Nor is it alone the war record of the State of which New Jerseymen have a right to be proud. From her early existence she has been conservative in the exactment and just in the execution of her laws, pure and able in her judiciary, enlightened and liberal in the cause of educa-. tion, and has always been a friend to progress. Then again note her agricultural and mineral resources. Her advantages of position between the two great cities of New York and Philadelphia making her land per acre higher in value than any other Middle State, her minerals causing her to rank as one of the great mineral States. In manufacturing resources, too, she is almost unequalled. These are fair subjects for contemplation even on a day on which we celebrate a particular event. They are part of the results of the successful revolutionary struggle. They serve to stimulate even at this centennial celebration, a pride in and love for the State. The various centennial celebrations that have 96 blazed in a circle of burning patriotism around the land, have been great national educators, and inspirers to lofty thoughts and fervent devotion to country. It would have been a lasting : shame had the citizens of Jersey City failed to make provision for the proper celebration of so gallant an achievement as the battle of Panlus Hook. And let me add that their, I might say our duty, does not end with the conclusion of to-day's exercises and observances. Subscriptions to the Paulus Hook Fund should be continued until a monument marks the spot where the old fort stood, wliich shall bear appropriate inscriptions, so that young and old may be daily reminded of a daring and audacious blow struck on Jersey City's soil for liberty. It M'as love of liberty and justice and right that nerved the arm and fired the heart of the early patriot to bear all the trials and sufferings of seven years of arduous struggle, at last to be rewarded by the establishment of a free and independent nation. It was love of liberty, justice and right best to be preserved within the Union that lately called from every walk in life three millions of defenders and enabled them to endure with uncomplaining fortitude the rigors of camp, the exhaustion of the toilsome march, the perils of skirmish and of battle, the terrors of prison life, the agony of starvation, and the ravages of disease — with death lurking on every side eager for its victims. And, my friends, the citizens of Jersey ought to erect another monument besides one in lionor of Paulus Hook. They should erect a monument to the memory of gallant Phil Kearney and the Union soldiers who died to save the countrv. And this morning when at sunrise I heard the hoarse cannon boom its welcome to the god of day, followed by the salute fired in honor of the Centennial of the Battle of Paulus Hook ; when, too, the air was filled with the shrill sounds of steam whistles and the musical tones of ringing bells ; when now the citizens of Jersey City pause in their ordinary avocations, and distinguished guests and organizations from and out of the city and State, lend the encouragement of their presence to this occasion, I could and cannot but feel it to be an indication of pride in an heroic and exceptionally brilliant exploit, and an indication as well of a 97 love of liberty, justice, right and country, without which the nation would be paralytic with disease, instead of vigorous in health. If the few who died, and the many who took part in the assault on and capture of Paulus Hook, could to-daj' be present with us in the flesh, I am sure they would commend the public spirit that prompts its centennial celebration, for those know best who risk life either to create or preserve a nation, how well- deserved is the gratitude that is shown by such remem brance. The country, given to us by the sacrifices and brave deeds of our Revolutionary sires, has. expanded in greatness far beyond what they could foresee. It was not possible that they should ever even have dreamed of the magnitude. of its develop ment. A future of grander development yet awaits this country. But the lesson this day teaches is simply that it was through vigilance, courage, never-dying patriotism and self- sacrifice, that our liberties were won and preserved. We must develop and keep alive these feelings and sentiments in our selves if we would be true to the duty not only of the hour, but of our lives. If those who shall follow us learn this lesson, then as the ages roll on the sun shall rise and set upon a nation more grand than the world has ever before seen — then its record will be as bright as though written with the finger of an angel in letters of living glory upon the outstretched canopy of the heavens. ' Sweet Spirit, Hear Mt Pbatee." — Orchestra. Benediction, by the Rev. R. M. AbercromMe, Dean of the Diocese of New Jersey. The peace of God, which passeth understanding, keep our heai-ts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 98 May the God who holdeth the waters in the hollow of His hand, be with us as He was with our fathers, prospering our country more and more as the land of the brave and the home of the free. May His blessing rest upon our religious and civil institutions, and make them strong in the education of a wise and holy people. May His blessing, which permits ns this day to celebrate the bravery of our departed heroes, lead us to greater deeds, and fruits of heroism and devotion, till He gathers His elect as sheaves into His bosom, the home of eternal rest and reward ! The blessing of God Almighty, the Father and Son and Holy Spirit, be with us, and remain with us forever. Amen ! ANTHEM — " This is the Day of the Lord." — By the Ssengerrunde. THE PARADE of Civic and Military Organizations, the Police and Fire Departments, at 8:SO o'clock P. M. The parade was probably the most popular feature of the day's programme. At an early hour the various orgariizations that intended to participate in it assembled at their respective rendezvous and mustered. Major-General John, Kamsey, the Marshal of the occasion, established his headquarter at Taylor's Hotel, where he received reports and issued orders to the detach ments under his control. He was assisted in his arduous duties by a brilliant staff consisting of Major D. A. Peloubet and Captains William B. Mason, Frederick T. Farrier, Robert Clark, Henry E. Farrier, Thomas J. Armstrong, Roderick B. Seymour, Frederick Payne, L. E. Brown and Michael Nathan. Casper Speck acted as staff bugler. At half past two o'clock the differ ent Organizations marched to the ground assigned to them and effected their formations. The first division. Colonel Dudley S. Steele commanding, with staff, formed with its infantry on Grand street, right resting on Washington street, the artillery on Mercer street, right resting on Henderson street, and the carriages on Washington street, right resting on the south side of Grand street. The second division. Marshal William A. Fisher commanding, formed in Sussex street, right resting on Washington street. The third division. Colonel John G. Fisher commanding, formed on York street, right resting on 13 100 the west side of Washington street. The fourth division, Chief of Police Murphy commanding, formed on Washington street, the right resting on Grand street. The fifth division. Captain John Hart commanding, formed on Newark avenue. The sixth division. Chief Coyle commanding, formed in Bright street, right resting on Grove. Major Genera,l Hancock, though prevented by his other engagements from being personally pres ent, sent three companies of the Third and one company of the First United States Infantry from Governor's Island, under Major Gibson. They presented a magnificent appearance, and their execution of the manual excited general admiration among the throng of spectators that assembled to witness the exhibi tion. One battery of Bragg's Artillery from Fort Hamilton was also in attendance, and contributed largely to the military effect of the parade. At three o'clock Marshal Ramsey and his aids rode to the head of the first division and the march com menced. The procession passed through Washington street to Sussex, to Greene, up Montgomery to Newark avenue, thence through Grove street to Ninth, around Hamilton Square into Jersey avenue, to Mercer street, to Barrow, to Grand, thence to Washington street, where the commands were dismissed. The reviewing stand had been erected across Fourth street at the junction of Jersey avenue, and was handsomely draped with flags, streamers and bunting of every description. The windows of the houses along the line of march, and especially opposite the stand, were occupied and adorned by beautiful ladies in brilliant costumes, who smiled benignly upon the dif ferent columns. On the- grand stand were Mayor Hopper, Major General Mott, Major-General Ward, Hon. A. A. Harden- bergh, Ex-Governor Price, Aldermen Wood and Reardon, Freeholders Gannon, Dean, McArdle and O'Gready, Mayor Besson of Hoboken, the Committee of Arrangements (F. G. Wolbert, Geo. H. Farrier and B. W. Throckmorton), and a large number of the members of the municipal government of this city and Hoboken. The parade, preceded by Sergeant Wilson and a platoon of police, marched past in the following order : 101 Marshal John Ramsey and Staff. First Division. Colonel Dudley S. Steele, Commanding, with Staff. Band. Fourth Regiment, National Guard, Commanding Lieutenant Colonel W. B. Shaffer. Ninth Regiment Band. Ninth Regiment, National Guard, Commanding Colonel B. F. Hart. Jersey City Schutzen Corps, Captain B. Lippmann. Regular Infantry, Major Gibson, Commanding. Battery, Second Regiment, IT. S. A., Captain Sinclair. ' Captain Ehlee's Battery. Carriages Containing Guests and Committee of Arrangements. Second Division. Marshal William A. Fisher and Aids. Fink's Band. Washington Battalion, No. 1, Uniformed Patriarchs. Lodges of I. O. of O. F., of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Districts. Washington Band, Chapter No. 4, Patriotic Sons of America. Third Division. Marshal John G. Fishes and Staff. Muller's Band. Van Houten, Wilson, Thomas, Zabriskie and Ellsworth Posts, G. A. R., Forming One Battalion. Veteran BAT'rALioN, Commanded by F. T. Farrier. Van Houten Cadets. Wilson Guard. Fourth Division. Benjamin Murphy, Commanding. Muller's Band. Carriages Containing the Police Commissioners, Clerk McAghon and E.X-Sheeipf Laveety. 1 102 Police Department. Jersey City Grocers' Association, Captain H. F. Newman. Jersey City Turners. Fifth Division. Finck's Band. HiBERNiA Rifles, Captain John Hart. Emerald Zouaves, Captain Richard Gill. Ancient Order of Hibernians. Sixth Division. Blanchard's Band. Carriages Containing the Fire Commissioners, Clerk doremus and superintendent ashhurst. Fire Department, Commanded by its Chief, John Coyle. In passing in review the military organizations saluted in the manner prescribed for such commands, while in the civic socie ties the officers alone saluted — those carrying swords using them for that purpose, and those not so equipped raising their hats. The marching of the police was especially commendable, and reflected credit upon the discipline of the department and the arrangements of Chief Murphy. They were divided into five companies, of ten file front each, commanded respectively by Captains Jordan, Lennon, Glenny and Mullaney and Sergeant Mann. Their alignments were perfect, and they bore them selves in the most approved manner. Applause greeted them at every block, and the Chief, as he preceded the column with regulation step, had good reason to be proud of his men. The crush of people at the reviewing stand was very great, and at one time it seemed as if a serious accident was inevitable. Several women were nearly crushed to death, and many of them who were carrying babies handed up the little ones to gentlemen on the platform for protection. Sergeant Wilson, however, succeeded finally in forcing back the crowd, and opened a passage for the procession. Most of the detachments marched sixteen file front, and it is computed that nearly five thousand must have been engaged in the parade. THE COLLATION. After the parade was dismissed, by invitation of the Com mittee, a large party of guests gathered in Taylor's Hotel. Led by the Mayor and Hon. C. H. Winfield, they filed into the spacious dining room, and filled the tables spread for their reception. Among the gentlemen present were Ex-Governor Price, Hon. A. A. Hardenbergh, Rev. Dr. Abercrombie, Rev. Dr. Van Cleef and Rev. Mr. Benson ; Judge Fry, General John Ramsey, F. G. Wolbert, B. W. Throckmorton, Hon. Geo. H. Farrier, Jas. B. Vredenburgh, Postmaster Greene, Colonels D. S. Steele and D. S. Gregory ; Lieutenant Colonels Marvin, Dodd and Wendell ; Majors Peloubet, Davis and Meeker ; Captains G. W. Dickson, Jr., R. B. Seymour, F. T. Farrier, W. B. Mason, T. J. Armstrong and Robert Clark ; Bugler Caspar Speck, Ex-Judge Blair, Ex-Chief Nathan, of the Police Department ; Ex-Chief H. E. Farrier, of the Fire Department; F. M. Edge; C. H. Benson, of the Journal; J. Noonan, of the Argus. The Mayor, who presided, introduced Rev. Dr. Van Cleef, who asked a blessing, and the company proceeded to dispose of the good things so timely provided for them, after which came the "Feast of reason and the flow of soul." The President, with brief complimentary remarks, proposed a toast to " The Militia of New Jersey^'' which was responded to by Col. D. S. Gregory, as follows : Me. Chairman : In the absence of those commanding the military to-day, whose duty it would be to respond to the sentiment just pro- 104 posed, permit me to briefly recall the recollections I have of the efforts to foster military organizations in this city. While I am not "to the manor born," my residence here was for so long a time, that I feel as a Jerseyman and am accepted as such. Before my day, possibly, there were soldiers in Paulus Hook, for I have heard older men than I relate of " general training " at Hackensack ; but my first recollection of a grand display was when the troops formed " upon the square," said square being a perfect circle, surrounded by a picket fence, and located where now stands the Centennial flagstaff at the junction of Wash ington and Grand streets. The commanding officer was Colonel Nathaniel Ellis, for many years our City Marshal ; and the battalion was made up of a few companies gathered from all over the county, one of which only — the Washington Greys, Captain Paradise — was in uniform. Gradually uniforms became popular, and we had them in all the hues of the rainbow. Musters took place regularly at " Five Corners," Hudson City. About 1850, an effort was commenced to uniform the militia of the county in one dress ; and, in 1858, the effort had proved a great success, two regiments, with two batteries, being the strength of the brigade, with, in addition, one separate troop of cavalr}'. Colonel Alexander Shaler commanded the First Regi ment and I the Second. This uniformity of dress was a grand incentive to the increase of the militia. I cannot, in the few moments I have the floor, give you a full history of its doings, either during the riots at the Tunnel, or its subsequent partici pation in the Rebellion ; but, on all occasions, the State and Nation have felt confidence in our local organizations, and have tested their willingness and bravery on other and trying occasions since the Civil War closed. What the militia of to-day are you have witnessed. They are, pre-eminently, noticeable for their discipline and neatness. They are well oflicered, and, 1 am happy to hear, well satisfied with the management of their officers. Considering our prox imity to New York, we have done well to keep up our syste: as we have; and we are justly proud of our citizen soldiery. m 105 " The health of Ess-Governor Price " was proposed, and he responded : Me. Mayor and Gentlemen : I thank you for the toast so complimentary to myself, which was received and drunk so cordially. I have also to thank the Committee of Arrangements for their invitation to join with the citizens of Jersey City in celebration of the battle of Panlus Hook on this its centennial anniversary. The day and the occasion have been exceedingly pleasant, but I am as much surprised upon being toasted as the English Major, Sutherland, was wlien the daring Major, Harry Lee, of the Continental Army, came down upon him like one of those eagle's swoops which so marked the bold, daring and heroic deeds of our com mon ancestry in the contest for liberty, independence and human freedom ; and I feel as if I should surrender at your discretion, but cannot do it without firing a shot in return as an acknowledgment of your compliment. The capture of Panlus Hook by the gallant Lee, so imme diately succeeding the victory at Stony Point by Wayne, inter twine as two of the most glorious episodes in our history. The celebration of .such events keeps alive the daring and sacrifices made in the cause of liberty, and warms the hearts of those now enjoying the blessings of a people's government, and tends to make them better citizens. None of the thousands who par ticipated in or witnessed the imposing ceremonies of this day, but will wake up in the morning feeling greater national pride than ever. The orations delivered at the Tabernacle exhibited historical research, and abonnded in glowing, scholarly eloquence, affording evidence that the sons of New Jersey have not lost the fire and enthusiasm which so distinguished the citizens of the little Revolutionary State in the dark days of their struggle for national independence. On occasions like this, memory runs back and revives remin iscences of the past when reviewing the grand procession and seeing the great masses of people on the sidewalks and in the streets of your city. You thus showed your large population 106 and material wealth, the grand display of your military, your perfect Fire and Police Departments ; and, Mr. Mayor, it was a most creditable exhibition of a well supervised city govern ment. This exhibition, sir, carries my mind back to my early recollections of this locality ; and it is probable, sir, that there is no person present who has known this locality longer than myself. My first recollections of Paulus Hook carry me back to about the year 1824; and to-day, when I contrast the opu lence of this great commercial city, and know that it has grown up in fifty-five years of time from the then small place of three or four hundred inhabitants to not less than 130,000 people, it is very curious and interesting to trace the growth of such a locality. When Hudson county was set off from that of Ber gen in 1840, it contained a population of about eight thousand— that is to say, only about forty years ago. New York City at that time had a population of about 200,000 souls, comprised within the whole island of Manhattan, which is about the area of Hudson county, the latter being now estimated to contain 175,000 inhabitants. The present population of New York somewhat exceeds 1,000,000. Thus New York in forty years has increased her numbers five-fold, while Hudson county has increased twenty-one-fold. It is an interesting fact to us Jerseymen to know that the Jersey shores of the Hudson river and New York bay have increased in so much greater ratio than New York City ; but, upon investigation, the reasons for this become very apparent, our great and superior natural advantages of location affording better commercial facilities for carrying on the trade and busi ness of the port. Our advantages for external and internal commerce are just beginning to be recognized ; and it does seem to me that future increase and growth of commerce, trade and population will be in a far greater ratio in favor of Jersey City in comparison with New York. As Jersey City is the terminus of the railroad system of the continent, its commercial develop ment by means of the proposed grain elevators, docks and water basins becomes of momentous importance, since it will cheapen the handling of cargoes, the loading and unloading of vessels, loT and transferring freights from shipping to rail cars, thereby reducing the cost of trans-shipment of merchandise by the full developiVient of our great natural advantages of location. The laws of economy will always assert themselves. For one life to have witnessed the great changes wrought in this locality — to look back upon this quiet shore fifty years ago, with its rowboat ferry ; its waters then undisturbed by steam boats or steamships ; unmindful of the magnificent ferryboats of which we now so justly boast ; of the locomotive's shrill whistle and the bustling activity of teeming commercial life — this is a mighty change indeed! The advance in civilization and dis coveries in the arts and sciences,' have beeij greater during the past fifty years than in all time before ; thus men of my age can truly say they have lived during the most eventful period of the world's history. The application of steam and the control of electricity have revolutionized everything ; but great as the change has been, the people of this generation will undoubtedly see much greater in the next fifty years, because the mass of brain has been enormously stimulated by education and experi ence. Research, discovery and science will not stand still ; nor will free, independent, liberty-loving Americans, tutored and inspired as thjey are by the victories of a century ago in the cause of freedom and independence. With pride I may add that our own dear New Jersey has kept herself in the van of the States and nations in all that tends to elevate mankind. She has given as much glory to God and as much happiness to man as any other State or nation ; and her schools to-day fairly rank with the best, whilst her educational system is as broad and comprehensive as any in the Union. With these reflections, Mr. Mayor and gentlemen, I again return you my thanks for the invitation which has afforded me such a pleasant, delightful and memorable day — a day so auspicious in commemorating the centennial anniversary of the battle of Paulus Hook by the enlightened and patriotic citizens of Jersey City on the very spot where it actually occurred. 14 108 " The health of Mr. A. A. Rardenbergh " was drank, and that gentleman arose and said : Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen : Let me thank you for the kindness which suggested the sentiment, and the manner in which it has been received. I had not supposed, sir, as we gathered this evening at the festive board, that any remarks would be expected from those of us who have been instrumental in the inauguration of the ceremonials we have this day witnessed, as we are honored by the presence of gentlemen of distinction from other portions of our State. I am sure you would rather lend a listening ear to them during the brief hour allotted, ere we pass hence to wit ness on yonder heights the display of pyrotechnics, so gener ously provided to close the celebration of a day which marks an epoch in the history of Jersey City. And this all the more, sir, as we greet the presence of our honored Ex-Governor, Rodman M. Price; two Ex-Senators, Cornelius Lydecker and George Dayton, from the county of Bergen, within whose limits was Paulus Hook during and long after the period when the gallant Lee led his patriot band to storm its fortifications, then under the cover of British arms, and deemed most import ant to the British service. Hudson county, Mr. Mayor, is the child of Bergen, and now only thirty-nine years of age. Her history is our history, and her fame is our fame. We greet her as the child greets its mother, at whose breast it was nursed, and from whom she has received those principles of fidelity to law, of resistance to oppression of whatever sort, and that undying devotion to the sacred truths asserted in that sublime Declaration which have won a world's respect, and given to a continent the mightiest of earth's great empires, with no slave upon its soil and "' its service perfect freedom." It is many years, Mr. Mayor, since such large bodies of our citizens have joined in a civic service; and never before, sir, in such grand procession. Your citizen-soldiers and the repre sentatives of your public departments, with their bannered 1C9 hosts, passed through our streets to-day with serried tramp to the strains of sweetest music, all heartfully commemorating a hundred years of progress, and a brave and brilliant historic achievement. If I remember rightly, our last great concourse in peace was whe:i the waters of the Passaic wooed from their source by engineering skill, leaped to onr households in sportive gladness ; blessing ns with their abundance and filling our city with wealth and happiness. A quarter of a century has passed, but how few who gathered there are here to-day ; and, ah ! how many who then gave laws and policy to our city, now sleep their last sleep ! Dudley S. Gregory, Robert Gilchrist, J. Dickinson Miller, David B. Wakeman, Peter Bentley, John D. Ward, Moses B. Bram- hall, with many others known to you and embued with their public spirit, all, all are gone. We fill, but I fear too feebly some of us, the place they once filled ; we join in the cheer which once was theirs ; and shall we not this day pledge anew our devotion to that public spirit which guided their actions as the founders of a city whose destiny they foresaw would, if it were permitted by a liberal policy to expand, rank at no distant date among the greatest of our continent ? The services of this occasion have been most interesting in their character. These are our anniversary years. Each one, as we gi-eet them in rapid succession, bids us remember the stern obligations we owe to the patriots of the Revolution. It is but a short time since the peaceful navies of the world rode at anchor within our harbors, freighted with the treasures of the Orient and Occident ; while near the hall where liberty was first proclaimed, the'representatives of every race gave their attesta tion to the mighty progress and the magic wonders of a hundred years of freedom. Lexington and Concord, Monmouth, Stony Point and Saratoga have been fought anew ; Yorktown will come again, and American youths will draw new inspirations from the recitals which lips of eloquence will give, telling how Cornwallis made surrender of his sword and the young Republic was assured of triumph. Could the Revolution have been other than successful 110 when >' at the North was Gates, at the South was the faithful Greene, while at the Chieftain's camp was the sword of the Lord and of Washington ? " Mr. Mayor, this day belongs to history, and on its reverend page its story will be written. But think you that, in other years, its muse will ever forget in her recitals those who laid so deep, so firm, so everlastingly, those corner-stones on which was reared the structure most splendid of the ages; that she will fail to engrave on its columns the names of those who gave their lives when the Republic was endangered, amid fierce dissensions more inimical to its safety than a world in arms? Yes ! we shall rear a monument to Lee, a true son of Virginia, in the Revolution, bat also to our own New Jersey heroes, who, within your recollection and mine, poured out their blood that the Republic might still survive. On Chantilly's field, amid the lightning's flash and the thunder's roar, as Heaven's artillery awed to silence the terrible conflict, the spirit of the Bayard of the army took its flight, and a nation's tears fell thick and fast, for Kearney was no more.' On Salem's Height, as the victors' cheers gave immortality to Sedgwick's corps. Van Houten — his regiment being the recipient of a cross-fire which no bravery could withstand — fell pierced with rebel balls. At Drury's Bluff — his last thoughts for his regiment, his benedictions for his country — the young and daring Zabriskie gave, too, his life for freedom. At Hagerstown — wearied and worn by insidious disease which alone could quench the spirit of the patriot-soldier — the exhausted energies of Hughes resigned a life whose coronet was fame. Rome, in her triumphant days, when the trophies of the world bespoke her magnificence, possessed more monuments than the numbers of her citizens. She was true to those who for her glory died, and bade her children to recite the stories of the sacrifices they made who, in her cause, surrendered all for Rome. Their names were inscribed upon the warrior's shield, adorned the temples dedicated to Justice, were lifted up as tlffe silent guardians of the public weal, and in all places and on all Ill occasions where patriotism sought examples, the heroes of all- conquering Rome claimed the reverence and affection bf the people. Mr. Mayor, I speak the rather of the dead than of the living. Dulce et decorum est pro patria rnori. Yet I would not forget there are those around this table who have not only thought well of, but fought grandly for .the Re public. Ramsey, Peloubet, Farrier, Clark, Mason, Seymour and others, who went from onr midst to the music of martialstrains, resolved to return with their shields or upon theirj. They have given to Hudson county a title for bravery and honor that will remain as imperishable as the wondrous confiict in which they were engaged. Before taking my seat, Mr. Mayor, permit me to offer my congratulations upon an interesting feature in your festivities. I allude to those of the clergy of Jersey City who'have honored us with their presence to-day. It has been a pleasing circum stance, and one which, I trust, in future gatherings, may add dignity to onr ceremonials. The union of Church with State must surely be most gratifying on occasions such as this. Freedom, sir, has but one shrine, one ritual. Permit me, then, Mr. Mayor, to offer as a sentiment: " The patriotic Clergy of Jersey City / we greet with pleasure their representatives to-dayP Rev. Dr. Abercrombie replied. He said : In response to the courteous allusion to the clergy, I presume we are expected as representatives of the church to address our selves more especially to the religious aspect of this commemo ration. Surely we are not without the language of gratitude this day in reviewing the blessings of heaven upon our State and country. ? The history of America is a history of Providences. While full honor is due to the heroism and sacrifices, the industry and 112 virtue of her sons and daughters ; while we hail with pride the record of the pluck and prowess of New Jersey troops in every battle which glorifies the past on the pages of our country's his tory, yet we cannot be unmindful that it was the arm of the Lord brought these mighty things to pass. There is a record that runs like a golden thread through American history, telling of that constant recognition of Divine favor and power which hold the nations in the hollow of God's hand. It was manifest in the suggestions and resolutions of her statesmen and con gresses ; in the prayers of her Washington and other stalwart champions of her liberties, as well as in the devotions and wor ship of her loyal people. Never will I forget the impression I received when a boy from a little incident related to me by my beloved father, who had entered the ministry when Washington was invested with his honors. The mighty chieftain was present in a church in Phila delphia when my father preached, and in the course of his remarks rebuked those in high offices of trust who neglected to set an example of constant worship and communion, that their light might lead others to glorify God and bless the land. This was accompanied with a special address to the President. Some one after service observed to the preacher : " I wonder at your temerity, and that one of the soldiers did not throw a prayer- book at your head." " He is too much of a man and true lover of his country to do otherwise than approve it," said the preacher. "At least, I have done my duty." To his surprise, Washington came forward and thanked him for his courageous remarks, adding : " In God is onr trust." The recognition of God and His sovereignty is the hope of our Republic. He will bless us as we are faithful to Him, and while we celebrate the praises of our heroes and patriots, let us not fail to celebrate the praises of our God, for " righteousness oxalteth a nation." I rejoice that this page of history which records the marvel lous exploit of Major Lee at Paulus Hook, the capture of the garrison, and his most skillful retreat, is rescued from obscurity and assured a place in our country's annals. It is not alone in the fierce and bloody battle where brute 113 force may reign supreme, or where the hot passion of war dashes to victory and carnage, that ennobles our arms, but often there is a more potent influence wielded, more terror struck into the ranks of the enemy, and more lasting effect when some deed of prowess, some skill in mancEUvre, some longsighted successful show of personal effort and bravery has evinced the capability of a cause, and of what stuff' its advocates are made. In face of a thousand difficulties, of a vast surrounding force of the watch ful enemy, the exposure of the fort, the dangers of the way, the paucity of men under command, the garrison was captured and American heroism glorified. The result was secured by retreat, and a well executed retreat with prisoners and spoils is a most glorious achievement. The retreat of the ten thousand Greeks under Zenophon is one of the most celebrated acts in history, and the burden of the songs of centuries. Glory to the success of Lee. May we profit by his example ! New Jersey has a past of which we are justly proud, a future full of brilliant promise. And now like Lee, not desiring to retain the position I have taken, may I capture your kind wishes and beat a sure and successful retreat. The Rev. P. D. Van Cleef was also called upon, and said : Mr. Mayor : I cannot understand why it should be necessary to call upon two speakers to respond to the toast to the clergy. It appeared to me that the very appropriate remarks of my brother, Dr. Abercrombie, covered the whole ground. Perhaps it is thought that the clergy for whom we speak, although comparatively few in number, deserve a double representation. However that may be, since you have invited us to participate in these closing festivities, I cannot refuse to respond, if it be merely to endorse what has been so well said already, and to express the great gratification I have felt, as one long resident in Jersey City, in the celebration of this day. When I read the call for a meeting of patriotic citizens to 114 consider the propriety of commemorating the Centennial of the battle of Panlus Hook, claiming to be a patriotic citizen, I went to the City Hall expecting to see a large gathering. I was very much surprised to find so few gentlemen to represent the patriotism of Jersey City. His Honor the Mayor, Mr. Wolbert, Mr. Hardenbergh, Mr. Farrier, Mr. Benson, and about as many more whose names I do not recall, constituted the . meeting. But out" of that small spring has flowed the large stream of enthusiasm which we have seen to-day. The importance of the event which occurred on this soil one hundred years ago was at first, perhaps, hardly appreciated. A great many had never read or heard of it. But it grew in magnitude as the history of that period became better known. Public interest widened and deepened. A fine programme was arranged, and the money was forthcoming to cany it out successfully. Never has onr city witnessed such a grand display, and what is rare and worthy of special record, is the fact that there has been no appropriation for it from the City Treasury. There has been no extravagance. The whole celebration has been economically conducted, and paid for by the contributions of private indi viduals. As I looked upon the immense crowds of people thronging the avenues through which the procession passed, I could not but contrast this city to-day with what it was nearly thirty years ago. Having been invited to make Jersey City my home, I came over to spy out the land. The only public conveyances I found at the ferry were two old broken-down rockaway wagons — one drawn by a single and the other by a double team of animals corresponding with the vehicles. The passenger could pay his money, one shilling, and take his choice. No matter which one he chose, he was pretty sure to wish he had taken the other. Since that time our city has made a wonderful advance in population, in resources, in edu cation, in public improvements, in everything that constitutes a great municipality. What we have sadly lacked, and ought to possess, is more of a laudable city pride in founding and building up institutions of our own, so that we need not be dependent for even our amusements and intellectual resources 115 upon the great city across the river. I look upon this celebra tion to-day as a specimen of what Jersey City can do when she tries, and as an earnest of greater things in the future. His tory has given us the record of an event worthy of being celebrated with music and oratory and military display. Our own city has furnished eloquence worthy of the occasion, and I am sure that if Harry Lee could have led to the attack on the fortifications of Paulus Hook the soldiers who have marched through our streets to-day, he would not have retreated, even to carry off every man a prisoner. And now, with energetic managers, aided by the powerful influence of the press,' and supported by public opinion, what good enterprises may not Jersey City accomplish ? May we not hope for the purification of politics, the advancement of education and the promotion of all moral reforms, as well as the religious welfare of our people? Let me say iu conclusion, gentlemen, that if you would insure success in future enter prises, do not forget to place the name of Mr. Wolbert on the Committee of Arrangements. The Mayor proposed " The health of Mr. Wolbert,^'' and that gentleman spoke as follows : Mr. President and Gentlemen : I thank you for the courtesy of this sentiment, to which I suppose I am expected to respond ; I did not expect to be called upon to speak here this evening, and would prefer to be one of the " silent workers in the hive." As Chairman of the Commit tee of Arrangements, I cannot help but feel gratified at the splendid success of our labors, and I take this opportunity to thank those gentlemen who have been associated with me on the various committees for having with their energy and determina tion contributed so largely in making this a red-letter day in the history of onr city. The story of Paulus Hook which has lain in forgetfulness so long, has been by this day's proceedings given the living place 15 116 in history, which its importance and brilliancy entitles it to occupy ; we have cleared it of the doubts which enshrouded it and emblazoned it upon a scroll to be seen by those who are not willfully blind, where even " he who runs may read." The chivalrous attack of Major Lee on Paulus Hook on that memorable 19tli of August, one hundred years ago, makes one of the brightest pages of Revolutionary history, and Jersey City may well be proud to celebrate its glory, for we thus educate our children in a love of patriotism and bravery that in the future may return a thousand fold to bless us for the lesson. What child that has witnessed the enthusiasm of to-day will ever forget the story of that deed which inspired many an American heart to more daring acts and sacrifices for liberty in a time when many almost despaired ? What boy that will not want to be a hero and emulate Lee at Paulus Hook? The exertions and the money spent in such celebrations as this are well expended, for it shows, how brave deeds are remembered by grateful hearts. Our city has to-day been exalted, and now exalts in a pride of which before our citizens were ignorant ; the masses of people who to-day thronged our streets have learned what many did not know before, but which they will never now forget — the fact that Jersey City is historic ground — and it will stimulate them to be ever ready in the future, as they have been in the past, to encourage and when necessary to defend those uoble principles, the struggle for the establishment of which made the names of Henry Lee and Paulus Hook immortal. Gentlemen, again I thank yon. Major D. A. Peloubet was called upon. He arose and said : Gentlemen : I am not " to the manor born," but for strong reasons I take a deep interest, in the development of our State, and particu larly in that of Jersey City. I also believe that the centennial celebrations of revolutionary events are the best of educators for the young, as well as prompters for the old; calling to mind, as they do, the history of those days and events, and 117 suggesting word pictures wliich thrill the heart with admira tion for tho men who fought and died for their — and now our — country. My children and my grandchildren will be better for this Paulus Hook celebration, and, together with your children, will be better versed in tho history of their country and State. I doubt not that every library, every old history in this city, has been culled over and over in order to learn all about Paulus Hook and other noted events connected with our early annals. For this reason I took so great an interest in the present suc cessful commemoration. And, besides, I have the honor of being one of thousands who fought under the honored flag of New Jersey. Permit me to relate an incident which has become a matter of history — the story of a day in my life's career, and the proudest day of all. Our regiment (33d N. J. V.) was suddenly ordered to leave home for the front, and our State colors not yet having been received, we marched under our national standard only. We arrived at Lookout Valley, 1,500 miles distant from our beloved State, participated in the battle of Chattanooga, received our baptism of blood ; and after many a Jersey boy had found an honored grave, the splendid emblem of our great State was received on the field of victory. In the presence of those dis tinguished soldier-patriots, Major-Generals Hooker and Thomas, with their division and brigade commanders, the flag of Niew Jersey was presented to us by Major-General O. O. Howard, who for the occasion represented the State. I had the dis tinguished honor of receiving it in behalf of the regiment, and of placing it in the hands of our color sergeant. I can well assure you tlirtt its reception inspired the boys ^ith renewed patriotism and a firm determination that no hand should dis honor or insult it. As wo wish our children to honor us, so we must honor our fathers. For that reason I took a deep interest in the success of this day. We encountered much diflBculty in raising the necessary funds, being ofttimes laughed and sneered at, and sometimes insulted with flippant remarks and personal reflec- 118 tions. There was unparalleled ignorance displayed on the part of some citizens. One man said : "Why, it was only a potato patch invaded by boys." Another remarked: " There was no battle at Panlus Hook." This want of patriotism and local pride was a shame ; but to-day's events will make them wiser, if not better citizens. When your committee was looking around for a suitable per son to occupy the responsible position of Grand Marshal, it was decided that some individual fully competent, and yet positively identified with New Jersey, would be the proper man. Their attention was called to one who, when but eighteen years old, had gone out from his home to participate in the late war, fighting for the honor of his country and native State; who went as a private soldier, struggled valiantly during four long years, and was mustered out of the service with honorable scars. His country recognized his bravery and fidelity, and rewarded him with two stars upon his shoulders. I refer, gentle men, to the Grand Marshal of this glorious day, Major-General Ramsey. Much of the credit for the brilliant success of this centennial celebration is due to him, showing that he has not forgotten how to organize ; and we may all congratulate our selves not merely on the magnificent procession and parade wo have this day witnessed, but, still more, that there are many other young Jerseymen ready and able to follow in his steps when their country and their State shall require their services. General Ramsey being called upon, responded : Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen : The hour is late, and the time for any further speeches or ceremonies is short. Your exhibition of fireworks is announced for eight o'clock and we have already passed that hour. If I were accustomed to public speaking and had been chosen as one of the orators on the present occasion, it would still be useless for me to attempt to add anything to what has already been said, and said so admirably by the gentlemen to whom we have had the pleasure of listening. But I cannot take my seat 119 without thanking the committee for the great honor they con ferred in selecting me as Chief Marshal on this occasion, and still more, for the flattering confidence they displayed in leavino- to me all the details of the parade. It was a source of disappointment to all of ns that the pres sure of military duty prevented Major-General Hancock beino' with us to-day, but he was well represented by Brigadier-General Gibson commanding the splendid body of United States reo'ular troops which gave so great an effect to the procession, and by Captain Sinclair and his famous "Sherman's Battery." My thanks are due to those distinguished officers for the help they afforded me in making the day's proceedings a success, as like wise to Major Peloubet and the other officers of my staff. These gentlemen, with myself, have endeavored to make the parade a success, and I think I may assure yon in their behalf — as I certainly can in my own — that we are amply rewarded for our efforts by the kind marks of your approbation. Mr. Hardenbergh said there was one sentiment that siiould not be forgotten — a toast to " The Ladies of Hudson county P He called, he said, on the most incorrigible bachelor of the county to reply — the Hon. John. A. Blair. Mr. Blair spoke as follows : Me. Chairman : I cannot but regard myself handsomely complimented in being called upon to respond to this, the most interesting toast of the evening. It would be the affectation of an ability I do not possess to pretend to be equal to this subject, especially as I am before you in the unfortunate character (as the gentleman who announced the toast has said) of an "incorrigible bache lor " — a condition which implies both ignorance and innocence. I am not surprised that I am so designated by my friend, and I find ample excuse for him in the very pleasant fact, that he was taken captive at a very early age by one of the " fairest of the daughters of Eve ;" and I suppose, from his standpoint, it appears 120 incomprehensible and unmanly to have attained my length of years without submitting to that same sort of captivity which he has found so delightful. Of course, his "coigne of vantage" furnishes an easy and rose-colored survey of the field, and I have little doubt that the wide prospect reveals to my eloquent friend every young man a mailed and plumed cavalier, engaged in knightly tournament for the delivery of some fair captive, or in the still more inter esting situation of receiving, the warm thanks — perhaps the warmer heart — of the happy maiden whom his prowess has rescued; in short, that there are none in sight but Ivanhoes and Lady Rowenas. I need hardly say, sir, that his good fortune has reared too high and too poetic a standard for general application, and I must remind him that the John Smiths are not yet all dead — neither are the Mary Anns;, that they sometimes marry ; and that there is no romance in their lives except the romance of a most prosaic existence at the cost of hard and continuous labor. I shall not now stop to demonstrate that I am not "incorri gible ;" but the fact that I am a " bachelor " is, to my mind, a sufficient reason why another should have been chosen to dis cuss this charming and complicated toast. I am free to say that, upon the subject now before us, I have only such informa tion as has been gathered from a rather limited observation ; and whatever happy conclusions I have reached cannot be of much interest to you who are older, nor at all instructive to tliose of you who are younger than myself. Of course, I do not wish to be understood as having no opinions upon this subject. It would, indeed, be most anomalous to have no ideas upon a theme so fascinating, and whose influence has shaped the course of human history from the hour when the first pair, " Hand in hand, with wandering step and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way." It would, indeed, be strange not to have given some consider ation to that part of the human race which has monopolized most of the beauty and " all the fascination and the namelesa 121 charms" of the whole; whose virtues brighten the noblest literature, and whose graces have given life to those splendid and enduring works which, for so many generations of men, have been the wonder, the admiration and the despair bf the wo'rld of art. I have no sympathy for those whose alliances, formed in the lotus time of life, based upon impossible con ditions, have proved disappointing; nor for those young, sad- faced gentlemen whose ardor, outrunning their discretion, have had their lights extinguished in the first preliminary skirmish with some fair antagonist ; nor have I faith in the inelancholly muistrel who sings : " 'Woman's faith and woman's trust ! Write the characters in dust; Stamp them on the running stream ; Paint them on the moon's pale beam ; And each evanescent letter Shall be clearer, firmer, better, And more permanent, I ween, Than the thing those letters mean." I know, sir, there are those who judge of the toast before us by isolated and abnormal cases, and point you to the Trojan beauty whose caprices for so many years vexed the soft face and peaceful air of the JEgean with the stern preparations and the hoarse shouts of war ; to the fair " daughter of the Ptole mies," in whose unfaithful lap Antony buried the hope of the Empire of the World ; to a De Medecis or a Borgia, black with the secrets, superstitious and crimes of the Middle Ages ; or to the beautiful Mary of Scotland, every recital of whose wayward steps and tragic fate opens anew the fountain of our tears ; and to such other and similar instances as may chance to recur to them at the moment. I admit the force of the illustrations, and that the citations form but an inconsiderable section of the circle of those whose power and intrigue have sadly scarred and seamed the face of history ; but, sir, they might as well point to the Alpine peaks glittering in the splendid barrenness of eternal ice for evidence of the fertility of the rich valleys which sleep below in eternal summer, as to point to these lone, 122 shining, widely separated instances to prove the splendid quali ties or the richness of the wealth of womanhood. I have not been led to seek in these high altitudes the best examples of womankind. I have not regarded woman as illus trating her highest qualities in the open or secret councils of the cabinets of nations, where the springs of history have so many of their unknown sources, nor like the " Maid of Orleans," bearing a plume amid the shifting tides of battle ; but in the calm and sweet serenity of home, far from the noisy world, the gentle queen of fireside life, her voice mingling with the laughter of the children, like a "linnet in the pauses of the wind." I would rather believe the impress which woman has left upon every age to have been that of a soft hand and tender heart, and that the broad and sweet philanthropy of Elizabeth Fry and Florence Nightingale, and " The Cry of the Children" of Mrs. Browning, have lightened more sad hearts than all the waywardness of their sex has burdened. If there are no Raphaels or Angelos, no Mendelssohns or Handels, in all the sisterhood, they certainly have furnished the subject, and have given the highest and best interpretation to the masterpieces of these immortal artists. If woman has not written the sweetest and purest verses (and I am not certain she has not) she has at least been the inspiration of those who have. She may not be a discoverer in the diamond fields of science, but she polishes and turns into shapes of beauty and attractiveness with wonderful dexterity the rough, hard nuggets which the Newtons and Agassizes dig out of the miserly earth or wrench from the closed hand of the jealous elements. I doubt, sir, if ever the prow of a female Columbus had parted the waters of the " astonished sea" to the new world ; but the dis covery made the Mary Brewsters, Rose Standishes and Elizabeth Winstons soon follow ; and the new earth sown by thein with the seeds of hope, faith and charity blossoms into civilization beneath the watchful care of the " pilgrim mothers." The lateness of the hour and attractions elsewhere admonish me to stop, but on some future occasion, perhaps when I shall have changed my present status in relation to the subject of the 123 toast : when my name shall no longer appear in the sad cate gory of the " incorrigible ; " when I have become as gray, perhaps as bald, and possibly as wise as some of the distinguished gentle men by whom I am surrounded ; when my opinion shall be heavy with the weight of experience, and finally, when I am capable of rising to the " height of this great argument," I shall be happy to enter, in extenso, upon the discussion of this fascin ating and many-sided topic. Until then I take leave of the 8nhieiii collectively ; I do not say individxially . Capt. George H. Farrier was then called upon, and read an original poem on the subject of Major Lee's Victory. Mayor Hopper proposed a toast to the press. Coloned Steele seconded the proposition. He said the thanks of the citizens and committee were due to the press as they had acted kindly and advocated the measure throughout. *a Mr. Noonan, of The Argus staff, responded : Me. Mayoe and Gentlemen : When a fellow is called upon to make a speech, he should do one of two things. He may either make the speech, or he may, with withering and reproving sarcasm, shoot the man who in vited him to speak. For convenience sake, I prefer the former alternative. This Battle of Paulus Hook is a very much mixed-up and intricate piece of business. That there was a battle, or a stab bing affray, or a disorderly scene of some kind, around this vicinity about a century ago, must be obvious to the dullest intelligence. The exact nature of that disturbance was, until recently, the subject of the wildest and most reckless conjecture. When it became absolutely necessary for every educated per son to possess a more or less intimate knowledge of the history of Paulus Hook, I borrowed the erudite work on Hudson County of my accomplished friend, ex-Senator Winfield, and set myself deliberately to the task of mastering the details of 16 124 that engagement. The first record of anything in the sanguinary line that I struck, in connection with Paulus Hook, was a graphic account of how a few Hessians kicked the American forces ignominiously out of the Fort. Having progressed so far in my historical studies, I closed the volume in disgust, purchased a revolver, disguised myself as a bank burglar or midnight assassin, and proceeded, with a murderous gait, to the residence of Mr. Wolbert. I assured that gentleman, in a solemn and formal manner, that he had just ten minutes to live, unless he renounced his intention of publicly celebrating such a humili ating event in our revolutionary struggle as the evacuation of Paulus Hook. He explained to me that there had been a second battle, and exhorted me to read further. I respited him for an hour, hurried back to Winfield, discovered my error, and have ever since been in "a condition of mental coma, resulting from the contemplation of an achievement so magnificent in its conception, so successful in its execution, and so prolific in its beneficent results. Among those results, permit me to en- numerate this very acceptable dinner of which I have just par taken. THE FIREV^^ORKS. In the evening a general illumination begun and continued until midnight. So many of the private residences were re- splendant with lights and decorations that it would be invidious to particularize. Private displays of fireworks were given in many of the streets. The public pyrotechnic exhibition which completed the pro gramme and finished- the public proceedings was given on the heights at the head of Montgomery street. This place was selected because it afforded better facilities than any other for witnessing the display. Soon after sunset people thronged the brow of the hill and the adjacent streets, and at 7:30 o'clock, when the band str\ick up the Star Spangled Banner, a vast con course of men, women and children were assembled. The arrangements were in charge of the Committee on Fire works, C. H. Benson and Wm. R. Laird. The pieces were furnished by our old citizen, Isaac Edge, who was one of the first in the country to manufacture fireworks, and the exhibition was the finest onr city has ever seen. These were : 1. Six dozen 2-lb. Rockets. 9. Four flights of Large Rockets. 2. Five flights of Shells. 10. Liberty Tree. •3. Cascade. 11. The Old "Wind Mill and the Bay. 4. Ten Batteries. 12. Temple with equestrian statue of 5. Six flights of Small Rockets. Light Horse Harry, and Mottoes. 6. Star of Independence. And lastly, twenty-five pounds of col- 7. Ten 8-Inoh Shells. ored fire. 8. Fairies Frolic. An efficient corps of police, by their careful conduct, contri buted greatly to the success of the display. HENRY LEE Henry Lee was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, January 29th, 1756. He received his early education from a private tutor, and was afterwards sent to Princeton College, New Jersey, where he graduated in 1774. Though young, at the breaking out of the Revolution, he at once espoused the cause of the Colonists, and soon became noted, under the sobriquet of " Light Horse Harry," as one of the most vigilant, daring, and successful cavalry officers. His troop of horse, "Lee's Legion," were famed throughout the land for their fearless bravery, as well as for their sterling patriotism, and it was undoubtedly the most courageous and effective body of troops raised by the struggling patriots. In the famous retreat of General Greene before Lord Cornwallis, it formed the rear-guard, the post of honor, and covered itself and its intrepid leader with glory ; at the battles of Guilford Court House and Eutaw Springs the corps were, particularly distinguished ; Lee's signal bravery at the sieges of Forts Wat son, Grierson, Motte, Granby and Augnsta, made his name con spicuous where all were brave, and through Georgia and the Carolinas is, to this day, a synonym for fearless courage and intrepid leadership. At the age of twenty-three he led the attack on Paulus Hook, one of the most daring and brilliant events of the war; so hazardous was the attempt considered, that Washington's prudence and caution gave but a half-willing consent to it. Lee's energy and skill carried it through successfully; with less than two hundred men, he surprised the British works and brought off one hundred and sixty prisoners, although the forts 128 were covered by the guns of the enemy's fleet lying in the bay, and was within a short distance of their headquarters in New York. Congress quickly appreciated the value of the achieve ment, and one month subsequently voted a gold medal and resolutions of thanks to Lee, and also thanked those engaged with him in the enterprise. (See page 81.) After the war he was sent to Congress as a delegate from his native State ; he soon became eminent as a debater, and was instrumental in the adoption of the Federal Con stitution. In 1792, he was elected Governor of Virginia, and his administration was marked by wisdom and pru dence. He was an eloquent speaker, and was chosen to delWer the public oration at the obsequies of Washington, ex tracts from which might, with impartial justice be applied to himself: " How, my fellow-citizens," said he, " shall I signal to your faithful hearts his pre-eminent worth ? Where shall I begin, in opening to your view a character throughout sublime? Shall I speak of his warlike achievements, all springing from obedience to his country's good ? * * * * He commiserated folly, dismayed treason, and invigorated despondency. * * * * He was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere ; uniform, dignified and commanding ; his example edifying to all around him, as were the effects of that example lasting. To his equals he was condescending, to his inferiors kind, and to the dear objects of his affection exemplary tender. Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence, and virtue always felt his fostering hand ; the purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues." He was also the author of the resolutions passed by Congress on the demise of Washington, in which originated the o-lywinsr eulogium which has since become so familiar, " First in warj first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." To few men are given talents so varied, and fewer still use them so worthily. His whole life was devoted to his country. He was a deep thinker and trenchant writer, and in 1809 pub- 129 lished a valuable Work entitled Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department of the United States, which had a wide circulation, and is now highly prized by all students of Revolu tionary history. In 1812 he was lamed for the remainder of his life, while striving, during a riot in Baltimore, to protect the life and property of a friend, Gen. Lingan who was with him at the time being killed. Lee's eventful life peaceably closed at Cumberland Island, Georgia, March 25th, 1818. He was a devout christian, a firm patriot, a brave soldier, a learned scholar, a wise states man, and a kind parent ; not a meteor whose sudden brilliancy dazzles for a moment, and leaves the succeeding darkness more profound, but a star whose radiance scintillates across the page of history. WILLIAM ALEXANDER, EARL OF STIRLING, There are few of our Revolutionary generals about whom so little is known as Lord Stirling. To attribute a reason for this fact is difficult, unless it be explainable by his dying in the last year of the war; for his services to his native country and adopted State were so many and devoted as to entitle him to a far higher position than is accorded him. His father, James Alexander, a native of Scotland, in conse quence of being involved in the political disturbances of his time, came to this country in 1716, and shortly after received an appointment under the Crown in the office of the Secretary of the Province of New York. He soon became prominent, and with Benjamin Franklin, Francis Hopkinson, and others, founded the American Philosophical Society. William Alexander, his only son, the subject of this memoir, was born in New York City, in 1726. He received an ordinary school education, with private tuition from his father, com mencing life as clerk to his mother, and subsequently entering into partnership with her. The firm supplied the king's troops with clothing and provisions, and he thus became acquainted with many army officers, acquiring by this association a know ledge and love of the military art. Being offered the position of aid-de-camp and private secretary to General Shirley, then commander-in-chief, he accepted it, and served in that capacity during the French and Indian campaigns. In 1766, he accompanied General Shirley to England, where he won the friendship of many of the statesmen and nobles of the kingdom, particularly the Duke of Argyle and the Earl of Bute, and was advised by them to assert his hereditory right to 17 132 the vacant earldom of Stirling, in Scotland. We cannot, in this brief sketch, give the reasons why he failed to establish his claims; but, probably, his sympathy with the Colonists, who had begun to remonstrate against the arbitrary acts of the Crown, finally prevented his being awarded the title and estates which belonged to him. Lord Stirling returned to America in 1761, and settled in New Jersey, making Basking Ridge, Somerset County, his home. Being elected to the Provincial Council of the State, shortly afterwards, he was one of the first to oppose the odious " Stamp Act," and warmly defended the rights of the Colonists. Upon the organization of the independent State government, two battalions of infantry were ordered to be raised, and Stirling was appointed to the command of the first, with the rank of Colonel. The language of his first " General Order," dated October 18th, 1776, is unique ; we extract the following from it : "Every man to bring with him the best arms he can; and those who have no firelocks are, notwithstanding, desired to attend, as other arms will be furnished for them." The arms were furnished at his own expense. He was soon after commissioned by Congress, and received orders to watch the British forces around New York city, during the per formance of which duty he was in constant correspondence with President John Hancock. Congress, on January 29th, 1776, passed resolutions of thanks to him for capturing a British armed transport off" Staten Island. The same year, while in command of 2,000 men, he was made prisoner in the disastrous Battle of Long Island, but was exchanged for General Mont- ford Brown. On February 19th, 1777, by recommendation of Washington, he was appointed Major-General, and commanded divisions at the battles of Brandywine and Germantown ; acting also under the Commander-in-Chief during the terrible winter of 1776-'77, at Valley Forge. He it was who made public the famous con spiracy against Washington — called, in the language of the day, the Cabal — initiated by Generals Conway, Gates, and Mifilin, 133 who secretly endeavored to influence leading members of Con gress to remove the Commander-in-Chief, on the ground of what they were pleased to term his " Fabian policy." At the Battle of Monmouth, fought June 28th, 1778, Gen. Nat. Greene com manded the right wing of the American forces. Gen. Lafayette the centre, and Lord Stirling the left. The first attack was made by the British against the latter's command, who repulsed and drove them on Greene, he repulsing them in turn; and they retreated in hot haste, during the night, to Sandy Hook. After the battle, Stirling was detailed to preside over the court- martial which tried and condemned Major-General Charles Lee for disobedience of orders. In August of the same year, he arranged the attack on Paulus Hook, in conjunction with Major Henry Lee, for which he received the thanks of Congress. (See page 81.) In 1781, he was appointed to command the Northern Department, with headquarters at Albany, N. Y., Washington fearing a British attack from Canada. The second battle of Saratoga was fought by the forces immediately under his command, the enemy soon after retiring from that part of the country. Lord Stirling died at Albany, on January 15th, 1783, while in performance of the active duties of his department. The whole country deplored^ the loss of so brave and energetic an officer ; and the State of New Jersey, most especially, one of its firmest patriots. No man had rendered more efficient ser vice in that grand struggle for liberty. He had commanded every brigade in the Revolutionary army, except those of South Carolina and Georgia. He placed his fortune and his life on the altar of his country, and sacrificed both. There are few who have done so much ; no man can do more. Congress, upon being noti'tied of his death, passed the follow ing resolution : " Besolved, That the President signify to the Oommander-in-Ohief, in a manner most respectful to the memory of the late Major-General the Earl of Stirling, the sense Congress entertains of the early and meritorious exertions of that General in the common cause ; and of the bravery, perse verance, and military talents he possessed ; which, having fixed their esteem 134 for him while living, induce a proportionate regret for the loss of an officer who has rendered such constant and important services to his country." We cannot close our short memoir of this famous Revolu tionary general without showing the estimation in which he was held by Washington. In his letter of condolence to his widow, the Countess of Stirling, the "Father of his Country" states as follows : " It only remains, then, as a small but just tribute to the memory of Lord Stirling, to express how deeply I share the common affliction, on being deprived of the public and professional assistance, as well as the private friendship of an officer of so high rank, with whom I had lived in the strictest habits of amity; and how much those military merits of his Lord ship, which rendered him respected in his lifetime, are now regretted by the whole army." As an eminent author has remarked : " The man thus SPOKEN OF BY WASHINGTON, NEEDS NO OTHEE EPITAPH OR THE LAY OF PAULUS HOOK, " Uncunque placuerit Deo.''^ Around this spot where now we hear the busy hum of toil. Was a battle fought for freedom — our city's hallowed soil ; Here patriots the foe repelled, and made a tyrant see That men will conquer soon or late who fight for liberty. Where the noble Hudson yonder ebbs grandly to the bay, A strong fleet of British war-ships, at anchor proudly lay ; From the steeples of Manhattan St. George's banner flew — It had stood the storm for ages ; its might the whole world knew. Within that park whose foliage glints beneath the summer's sun. Where rests the weary artisan, his daily labor done ; And the little children prattle as merry as the birds, Was heard the Briton's reveille, his sentry's warning words. Where points that tapering church spire, the Christian's way to God, The red cross proudly fluttered, and hireling legions trod There on the battlements beneath, their loud-mouthed morning guns. The echoes of the hills awoke and frowned at freedom's sons. Many patriot hearts had yearned to hurl that ensign down, And oaths were sworn of vengeance 'gainst the embleni of the Crown ; All knew death was failure's forfeit ; time brought at length the day. And the hero, too, to lead them, and well he led the way. 136 From o'er the quiet Hackensack the daring band had come, Few were their numbers and they marched cheered not by fife nor drum : The Bergen wood they quickly passed, and threading down the hill, Weary, footsore, but undaunted, they halted by the Mill. " Stand you ready, men, for orders, our scouts will soon report, " If the road is clear before us, and all's still within the fort; " He may now turn back who wishes " — their leader to them said ; But to follow all were ready, when Light Horse Harry led. He thanked them and with swelling heart knelt on the dewy sod, And prayed "Lord, be our shield to-night, and help Thou us, oh God ! "Thine the power is, only Thine, through Thee comes victory; '¦ And Thy will be done, our Father, Thine all the glory be." 'Amen " was softly said by all, that fervent voice who heard, As they calmly stood there waiting their brave commander's word ; And each pressed his musket firmly against his throbbing heart, Touched his comrade's elbow lightly, all ready for the start. They all felt that in the darkness, for them was stubborn strife, Victory they thought would cost them many a precious life : But love of liberty inspired — it moves the mind of man. And nerves the heart to sacrifice, as no other purpose can. Far on their left Harsiraus lay, all silent in the night. The shores of old Communipaw, shed forth no guiding light ; The hills of Bergen were behind where many a Tory slept — Before, the sentry of the foe, his lonesome night watch kept. The order came in tones subdued like to a muffled drum — "Now forward, men, we'll win to-night or our last battle's come ; " And quickly must the work be done — let no man speak a word, " Nor musket fire, for all depends on bayonet and sword." 137 They hastened o'er the marshy road and reached the strong barred gate, Which would not open readily, and 'twas dangerous to wait ; So clearing ditch and abattis they rushed upon the foe, " The fort is ours, hurrah ! hurrah ! " almost without a blow. " Hurrah for Lee and victory, the Hook is ours to-night ! " Take all the prisoners you can, spare those who do not fight ; " The morning sun begins to gild the steeples of New York, " The foe swarms o'er the river, and his guns begin to talk. " We've scourged the lion in his den, and he may snarl and roar, " He'll ne'er feel safe on Jersey soil, as did he heretofore ; " Now, as Washington has ordered, we'll secure a safe retreat, "Back to the Hackensack we'll march, and reinforcements meet." 'Twas but a little spark, and yet a great blaze from it spread, For from hearts that had desponded, all doubt and fear soon fled ; Too long they'd feared the tyrant's power, but then blessed Harry Lee, Who on that August morning taught them how they might be free. A hundred years have flown since then, but lingers 'round this spot, The spirit which inspired our sires ne'er by their sons forgot ; And often when in deadly strife, our starry banner shook, The flrst to rally 'round it were the sons of Paulus Hook ! Bt the Editor. EXTRACTS FROM THE PRESS, [New York Herald, August 20, 1879.] Jersey City enjoyed her centennial celebration— that of the capture of Paulus Hook — quite enthusiastically yesterday. Descendants of the cap tured garrison were notably scarce. PAULUS HOOK. Ptkotbohnios and Okatort. Light Horse Habrt Lbb's Daring Achievement. Jers^ City awoke yesterday morning to the booming of cannon and the waving of flags, intermingled with the ringing of bells and the blowing of steam whistles. Most of the houses were decorated with bunting, and the ferryboats carried the Stars and Stripes in honor of the day. * * * The event of the day was an oration, addresses, singing of national songs, and a glorification generally at the Tabernacle. [New Yorh Times, August 20, 1879.] JERSEY CITY'S EEVOLUTIONARY BATTLE. Jersey City has .just had her centennial celebration. It was her fortune, or misfortune, that but one battle was fought on her soil during the war of the Revolution, and she made the most of that one historical event yester day. * * * It is known in history as the battle of Paulus Hook. * * * The object of the attack was not to secure the fort and hold it, 18 140 for, with New York in the hands of the British, Paulus Hook would not have been valuable enough to the Revolutionary Army to warrant it in holding the position. The object of the surprise was to capture as many prisoners as possible, and to give to the British a lesson which they sorely needed. They had been accustomed to look upon the yeoman soldiery of the colonies with contempt. Dashing Harry Lee, in his brilliant victory at Paulus Hook, thoroughly disabused them on this point, and the moral eficct of his bold enterprise upon the American Army was invaluable. * * * Every flag-staflf in the city threw its banner to the breeze, and the masts and rigging of the ships and steamers on the Jersey side of the Hudson were liberally decked with bunting.' Even the ferryboats, whioh are supposed to ply their monotonous course unaffected by ought save the ice in winter, caught the infection of patriotic display, and were so gaily decorated, fore and aft, that they looked more like excursion steamers than common ferryboats. The houses and places of business were mantled in bunting during Monday night, and when the morning broke it was upon a scene such as used to be witnessed in our large cities on the Fourth of July. [Neto York Daily Tribune, August 20, 1879.] IN MEMORY OF PAULUS HOOK. Jersey City takes a Holiday, and Celebrates the One Hundredth Anniversary of her Battle — Good Speeohes and a Fine Parade. The battle ground, which Jersey City owns in fee simple, is not a very spacious one, but Jersey City deserves the credit of making the most of it, such as it is. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine how any city could be more demonstrative. * * * * -pj^g solemnities broke out suddenly and with great violence at sunrise, with a chorus from all the steam whistles of all the factories, locomotives and steamboats, rendered fortissimo, and accom panied by a furious ringing of all the bells. All the roosters crowed, and everybody who was awake and had anything to shoot, tired it ofi'; and it is alleged that Captain Ehler's battery delivered a salute of thirteen guns, but nobody heard it for the noise. * .? * Beyond question, it was the finest display of the kind ever seen in Jersey City. * * * It was ex pected that Governor McClellan would review the column, but he only had three weeks' notice and was away off at Long Branch, and therefore 141 couldn't reach the battle ground until after the fight was over. * * * The city and the people were the most interesting part of the show. The streets were gaily decorated, and everybody was out of doors for a holiday. * * * Business was almost totally suspended, with the conspicuous exception of the beer business, which enjoyed a season of activity which was astonishing to persons not familiar with the capabilities of patriotism as an absorbent of moisture. Revolutionary enthusiasm was on tap all day, and everybody was liable to explode in three cheers and a " tiger " at the slightest provocation. * * * j^ ^he evening there were more salutes, a general illumination, and a big sputter of fireworks on the hill where Allan McLean had scouted through the woods a hundred years ago, and all was over. Light Horse Harry Lee may be celebrated again some day for his deeds at Eutaw or Guilford, or for inventing the historic phrase, "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen," but his memory will never receive a heartier or noisier tribute than it received yesterday in Jersey for capturing the fort in the sand hills of Paulus Hook. [The Sun, August 30, 1879.] PAULUS HOOK REMEMBERED. An all-day Celebration by the Patriotic Jerseymen — A Confusion OF Sounds Awakening Sleepers at Dawn— Listening to the Stoey OF Major Lee's Exploit — Veterans and Infants. At sunrise yesterday ringing bells, sounding steam whistles, and boom ing cannon awakened sleepers in Jersey City, the west side of New York, and surrounding regions, and reminded them that the day was the one hundredth anniversary of the affair at Paulus Hook. It was a strange uproar that this combination of sounds made, and, heard at a distance, it was continuous and not distressingly discordant. For a long time patriotic Jerseymen had been preparing to suitably observe the centennial of "Light Horse Harry's" twilight exploit, and when the day broke yesterday there was a wealth of decoration on public and private buildings, with flags, streamers, and mottoes. Business was generally suspended in Jersey City, and at an early hour the streets were alive with men, women and children, in their holiday clothes. Every incoming train brought reinforcements from the surrounding regions, and early in the forenoon the principal streets were thronged. Men in uniforms hurried to and fro in search of their respec- 142 tive corps, and women leading screaming children by the hand, or carrying them in their arms, pushed and jostled their way to neighboring points of vantage. * * * Near the grand stand there was a dense throng, and several women and children were injured. Distracted mothers, fearing that their lives were in danger, passed up their babies to gentlemen on the plat form, and more than one distinguished veteran found himself with a scream ing infant in his arms, and the cause of merriment in the throng. [Journfil of Commerce, August 20, 1879.] CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION— BATTLE OF PAULUS HOOK. * * * Yesterday morning the celebration was opened by a salute of thirteen guns, the blowing of whistles and ringing of bells. On all sides the city was gay with displays oi bunting. At noon there was a public meeting in the Tabernacle, where appropriate addresses were delivered, and in the afternoon there was a grand parade of military and civic organiza tions. In the evening many houses were brilliantly illuminated. [The World, August 20, 1879.] 1779 GOOD GRACIOUS ! 1879. The Bloody and Never-to-be-Foegotten Field of Paulus Hook Rescued foe History. Jersey City was in a patriotic furor yesterday over the centennial cele bration of the most daring and important — in the opinion of Jersey City — event of the Revolution, to wit, the assault on Paulus, Po'ulus or Powles Hook or Hoeck. The orthography is appropriately shifting, because the blood-bought ground itself, originally an up-river sand-bar, became sta tionary (at a point where the Cunard docks were) only a few years before it— to speak of it in the light of its old tricks— slid into history. The tale of its capture from the eddying tide is quite as remarkable as that of the event which was yesterday honored. No one but a dogged plodding Dutch man would ever have thought, with land plentiful and cheap all around him. 143 of riveting a swamp sand-bar to the solid underground as Cornelius Van Vorst riveted down what is now the most valuable part of lower Jersey City.t That is what he did, and his heirs and the heirs of the Van Ripers, Van Horns, Van Winkles and Van Wagenens, whose distinguished ancestors owned land contiguous to the swamp, rose yesterday morning before day break to show how thankful they were for it, as well as to do honor to the assault. These descendants, with their friends, and with those who were impelled by a sympathizing and energetic Citizens' Committee to become oo-operators in the work of house and street decoration, so bedecked the houses and streets with bright-colored bunting that the morning sun, steal ing up over the water beyond the Battery, was outdazzled and by compari son with the splendor of the city was a cat looking at a king. * ^ * There was a salute of guns and chaotic bell ringing and whistle screeching at sunrise. * * * Before the Tabernacle exercises ended the streets were busy with moving crowds. Along Jersey and Newark avenues, Mont gomery, Grand, "Washington and Sussex streets the sidewalks were packed. The City Hall, Police Headquarters and other pubhc buildings and many of the store fronts were hidden behind folds of bunting. * * * The newsboys, hackdrivers, horsecars and grocery wagons severally grinned and bore the weight of decorations lavished upon them. All the surroundings of everything were magnetic and exhilerating. [New York Daily Witness, August 20, 1879.] A HUNDRED YEARS AGO. An Enthusiastic Centennial Celebration. The good people of Jersey City celebrated yesterday the Centennial Anniversary of the Battle of Paulus Hook. There was a general suspension of business, and the city was gay with bunting. * * * Xhe first public exercises of the day began at noon, in the Tabernacle, on York street. * * * The walls of the hall were beautifully decorated with streamers and festoons, while the city emblem and the emblems of the thirteen Federal States adorned the chancel. * * * The procession was one of the most imposing affairs ever witnessed in Jersey City. * * * i^ (;},g evening, the city was a blaze of light. +— The World is Baistaken. Three New Yorkers did this.— Editor. • 144 [New Yorh Star, August 20, 1879.] RECALLING A HEROIC DEED. Jersey City Celebrating Light Horse Harry Lee's Triumph — Cannon AND Bells awakening the City at Sunrise. The Centennial Anniversary of the Battle of Paulus Hook was celebrated' brilliantly in Jersey City yesterday. The ferryboats' were gay with bunting, and the entire city was in holiday attire. * * * The parade was a creditable one, the spectators breaking out in cheers at times, at the steady marching of the men. * + * Bands of music, during the evening, were in the various public parks. At eight o'clock there was a fine pyrotechnic display. [The Christian Intelligencer {New York City), August 28, 1879.] The Centennial Anniversary of the Battle of Paulus Hook was cele brated by the citizens of Jersey on Tuesday of last week. The Rev. Dr. Paul D. Van Cleef, of the "Wayne Street Reformed Church, delivered the invocation, and the Jersey City Sfflngerrunde sang national airs. James B. Vredenbergh delivered an address, in which he referred to the sacrifices which secured American liberty. Ex-Senator Winfield was the orator of the day. He painted in glowing colors the dashing brilliancy of Light Horse Harry Lee's surprise of the British fortifications at Panlus Hook ; the capture of more than 150 prisoners, and of a quantity of arms ; and the orderly retreat of the American force. The achievement, he said, was all the more brilhant, as having been done under the guns of the British army posted in New York. B. W. Throckmorton followed with an address, and the Rev. Dr. Abercrombie pronounced the benediction. A civic and mil itary parade took place in the afternoon, and in the evening there was a display of fireworks. [The Evening Journal {Jersey City), August 20.] Yesterday will probably never be forgotten by the thousands of people who participated in the exercises of the centennial celebration of the battle of Paulus Hook. The day is over, the celebration has taken place and is a 145 thing of the past, but the results of it in awakening and renewing patriotic feelings, who shall compute ? From the firing of the first gun at sunrise to the blazing of the last pyrotechnic piece last night the whole affair was a complete and prominent success. The Committee of Arrangements felt proud and happy over this, and the people who contributed funds for the object are doubtless perfectly satisfied with the results. * * * n^ was a grander sight to see the packed masses of people which everywhere lined the streets along the route of procession. Where they came from is a mystery, unless we accept the hypothesis that all Jersey City, reinforced by a part of New York and Hoboken, turned out to see the parade. That thousands of people came from abroad is certain. The trains and the ferries brought them by scores and hundreds, and the lower part ofthe city by four o'clock was a solid mass of people. Every window, shed, awning and every other point of advantage was filled with eager-eyed people watching the parade. The displays of bunting were marvelous, many buildingg being literally covered with the national colors in some form. It was a time for the outpouring of the patriotic sentiment of the people, and right worthy they responded. The parade was universally admired, and the promptitude ¦with which Gen. Ramsey and his aids moved it was a theme of favorable comment. The appearance of the troops and organizations was very creditable. [The Argots {Jersey City), August 20.] * * * Measured by such battles as marked the rebellion — the reader will bear in mind that we are now speaking of the second rebellion — Paulus Hook was an ant-hill to Mount Blanc. But it was a blow of some sort. Feeble, perhaps, because it was struck by a few ; but it was the blow of patriot arms nerved by patriot hearts— the work of men who would have done better had the opportunity offered. New York was full of opportu nities. What did New York do ? * * * In point of numbers, tasteful and profuse decorations, a wide-spread enthusiasm and a magnificent civic and military display, the anniversary yesterday was an unquahfied success. Nature seemed to be in sympathy with the effort of our citizens and furnished a day of unexceptionable quality, which tendered greatly towards the success of the whole affair. * * * The ferryboats, street cars and locomotives running on the different railroads centering in our city, were gaily decked with the national emblem in honor of the occa- 146 sion. Early in the day crowds of people from everywhere congregated in the streets, dressed in their holiday attire. The banks^ public buildings and most of the prominent places of business were closed. Decorations, some of them costly, others unique and appropriate, were to be seen evgrywhere. Flags floated out upon the breeze as if pleased to once more have an airing. So plentiful were they that to the casual observer the query at once in truded itself— where did all the flags come from ? The rising generation, not to be behind their elders in the matter of patriotism, made the air resonant with the reports from Chinese crackers and toy cannons. Peddlers of all kinds of wares ; the inevitable lemonade and peanut men, and the vender of suspicious-looking ice cream, added their quota to what might be properly termed a season of carnival. * * * f jjg exhibition of fireworks at the head of Montgomery street attracted an immense throng. Prior to the display a band discoursed popular airs and kept the crowd in good humor. As the balloons, rockets and other pieces were sent flying heavenward they were greeted with exclamations of delight. The setpieces. Liberty Tree, Fairies' Frolic, Star of Independence, the Old Wind Mill and the Bay and the equestrian statute of Light Horse Harry, with appropriate mottoes, were exceptionally good. The exhibition lasted about two hours. There was a large gathering of people at the different parks throughout the city, where, bands were stationed and gave open air concerts. [The Mail {New York City), August 19.] Up to a late hour last night great fears were entertained by the Committee of Arrangements having in charge the proper celebration of this, the 100th anniversary of the battle of Paulus Hook, lest the storm of the last few days should continue and thus seriously interfere with the character and enthu siasm of the demonstration. * * * The severe rain of yesterday had the effect of thoroughly cleaning the streets and adding a bright, crisp look to the verdure on trees and shrubs. The American flag, which could be seen floating in the cool west wind from every nook and corner, palace and hovel, locomotive and street car, presented the appearance of having been newly washed under the auspices of the Goddess of Liberty, so brightly did its color gleam in the rays of the morning sun. 147 [The Commercial Advertiser {New York City), August 19, 1879.] The Centennial Anniversary of the Battle of Paulus Hook, in Jersey City, is being celebrated to-day in an appropriate manner. At sunrise, every bell in the city rang out a glad welcome, and every whistle screamed with joy, while the air over the salt marshes, back of the city, shook under the thundering of Battery A. Dwelling-houses and stores on Henderson, York and Montgomery streets, as well as those in other parts of the city and in Lafayette, were gaily decorated with bunting and flags, and the national colors were displayed from all the hotels and public buildings. The streets have been thronged all day with citizens in holiday attire. The memorial services at the Tabernacle, corner of Henderson and York streets, were of an interesting character, and attracted an immense, con course. [The Evening Post {New York City), August 19, 1879.] The people of Jersey City began early this morning the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Battle of Paulus Hook. * * * The city was gay throughout with displays of bunting. The national colors floated from all the public buildings, and from very many of the private dwefling-houses. A federal salute of thirteen guns was fired at sunrise by Battery A, under command of Captain Peter Ehler, of the Hudson County Artillery, and for fifteen minute's after sunrise the air resounded with the blowing of steam whistles and the ringing of bells. * * * A civic and military parade is taking place this afternoon, and in the evening there will ¦ be a display of fireworks. [The Evening Express {New York City), August 19, 1879.] * * The day among the citizens is being observed as a general holiday. The banks. City Hall, public offices, and many prominent business houses are closed, the decorations on the same being ornate and tasteful. The fronts' of most of the private residences exhibit emblems appropriate to the occasion, and evince frhe sympathy of the occi:jpants with the cause that gave to the struggling colonies their independence, and to their descendants 19 148 a prosperous home. Thousands of people have been arriving during the morning, from all parts of Hudson county and the neighboring cities, to witness the grand civic and military parade this afternoon, and the evening display of fireworks, which will clo.se the festivities of the occasion. I Tlic Evening Telegram- {Neir York City), August 19, 1879.] To-day the citizens of Jersey City celebrated the one hundredth anni versary of the Battle of Paulus Ilook, or " Paulus Hoeck," as it was called in early times. At sunrise this morning, the people were awakened from their slumbers by the ringing of bells, blowing of steam whistles and boom ing of cannon from Battery A, of the Hudson County Artillery, which honored the occasion with a federal salute — thirteen guns. At an early hour bunting was profusely displayed from all the public and most of the private buildings. From a number of windows the " Old Red " of Great Britain floated upon the air, beside the stars and stripes. But little business was done in the city during the day, and toward noon the people began to throng the streets in holiday attire. At noon, a national salute of thirty- eight guns was fired, and the people began to throng into the Tabernacle, York and Henderson streets, where the civic services were held. His honor Mayor Henry J. Hopper occupied the chair. The ceremonies con sisted of music, addresses, etc. * * * At sundown, a federal salute will be flred. * * * There will be displays of fireworks on the brow of the hill at Montgomery street. During the evening, bands of music will be stationed at the various public parks throughout the city, where they will discourse national music until midnight, thus appropriately closing the cen tennial celebration of a most interesting and important event in American history. [The Sunday Mercury {New York City), August 24, 1879. | THE PAULUS HOOK CENTENNIAL. The battle of Paulus Hook was celebrated with enthusiasm in Jersey City last Tuesday. * * » There was a lengthy street parade. The Fourth N. G. S. N. J., Col. Steele, and Ninth N. G. S. N. J,-, Col. Hart; 1-1!) I'liiir ooiiipiuiio.'i of regular iiil'iuitry, ii lull tory of llio Tliinl .\rl.illor.v, U. S. .\. ; Uiilliiiry A, of Ninv .Ior,>iov ; sovornl |)osI,m of tlio (i. A. K, luvd nmiioniiis (livid orgiUliziltloUH \vor(> in tlio prooossioii, whioli wiis quito iliipusiiin', llio military proMoiiliiiK il luuuUoiiio uppoaraiioo, luul iimrohiiig vory well. A blUlquol. luul pyi'otooliiiioM (\oiioliiilod llio oolohriitioii. \ /'^H'liiiig Jonniiil {,/rrni-j/ ('iti/)^ .{ iigiiKt 'M, IHTll.j .\ I'UKSKNT.ATION. A |ilo(i.siiig inoiiloiil, of llio piirmlo wiis a proNoiidilioii lo Wilson I'n.sl,, (I, ,\, K., of a luiiulsoiiio pnir ol silk sj;uiili>iis. .Iiisl, boforo llio pnriulo movoil, llio I'osl. WHS drinvii up in front of Mr, .\. lliiusbook's rosidoiioo on (iriuitl sl.root, Tlio sl,oo[) wiisi'rowdoil willi llio wivosmid sisfors of llio ooiii- riuK's of tlio Post. Oii|i|.iiiii K. H. Soviuour, ill llioir boliiilf, prosoiilod llio oiilors, wliioli woro roooivod by Coiiiiiiniulor Koiil, with ii lilliiij;' spoooli. Mosdaiaos Ilmisbook and Koiil, woro llio priiiio movors in this pK'jisir.it iiwkloni, Tlio (i. \. K. .mihI llio N'oIoi'mm Miitiilliou woro liloriilly iip]iliiiulo(l all alonjf (lio lino hy ovoryliody. .\flor Mio piu'iido WHS ilisinissod, llio ollioors tiiul iiioii ol tlio visiliiiii' oimiiiiniiils woro fjiUoii in ohjii'so by oili/.oiis .'iiul homo ooiiiiiiiiiuls, ;iiul woro iiiildo do otit, drink iiiul bo iiiorry. Tlio ollioors of llio rosuliir troops woro entordiiiioil nt llio Now .lorsoy liliib Uoiiso by Mo.ssrs. D. \ an Winklo, William K. Ttiylor, niid AiidrowJ linrrioklo. I /-.'ivii /¦//;/ Joiirniil {,/,r.i,l/ City). -•<, pt, nil; r :<. ISTU.] Tho Panlus Hook Oonuuittoo of Aruuijionioiils iiiol last nisht to oloso llio Imsino.ss of llio ooiitonnial oolobrntion. Miiyor lloppor, ns tronsnror, roportod Hint ho lind roooivod !?I,AS,\TA, nn.l i-ni.l $l,-ll9.lo. Tlioro will bo a balaiioo of about SlOO, lo bo iisod by llio Oommilloo in piiblisliiiij;' n history ol Mio oolobriition.^Tliis is a vory oomlortnblo outlook, and is crodital.lo to tbo (loiiimilloo, wboso oaro in tbo oxpoiidiluro ol tho iiioiioy is to bo oommoiidod. HISTORICAL SKETCH JERSEY CITY, N. J., SEAL OF THE CITY. WITH A DESCRIPTION OF SOME OP ITS MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRIES, STATISTICS, &c. 1SV9 JERSEY CITY. The first mention in history of the place known to-day as Jersey City was in 1638, one Abraham Isaacson Planck pur chasing the land from the " West India Company," on May first, in that year. Its original Indian name was Aressick, but after its settlement by the Hollanders it received the name of Paulus Hoeck, and it was subsequently called Powloss's, Pow- ley's and Powles Hook. "Hoeck," in the Dutch language, signifies a spur, or blnflp of land stretching into water; thus, for instance, Sandy and Kinder Hoeeks, or Hooks, in our modern style. Paulus was the first Dutch owner, it being the fashion of well-to-do people of that nationality at that time to latinize their family names. The land purchased by Paulus was a collection of sand hills, some sixty acres in extent, reaching from about midway be tween Hudson and Greene streets of our time, to Warren, and from Essex street to a small portion of Montgomery. This patch of ground was surrounded on the east and north by Hudson river and Harsimus cove, and on the west and south by swamps and Communipaw bay, the swamps being covered by water at iiigh tide, thus making the place for the nonce an island. Tlie next mention we find ofthe Hook is in connection with the ferry across the Hudson river to New York. This was established in June, 1764, for the convenience of travellers be tween that city and Newark and Philadelphia. The stage road ran along what is now Bergen avenue to Prior's Mill at Point of Eocks ; thence by a road across the marsh to Paulus Hook, 154 continuing over the latter to the river at wiiat is to-day Grand street. For full particulars relating to this ferry, the reader will do well to consult the " History of the County of Hudson," by Hon. Charles H, Winfield. In March, 1776, Lord Stirling, with a small Federal force, took possession of Paulus Hook and partially fortified it. The occu pation was of short duration, for in September following the British crossed over from New York in force, and with the assistance of three heavily-armed ships drove out the patriot garrison, took possession and subsequently strengthened the for tifications and held the place until 1783. For many years after its evacuation by the British, Paulus Hook was almost a forgotten point in history, and there was nothing to attract notice, unless it was the passengers between New York and Philadelphia who frequented the ferry. For their convenience a small frame building had been constructed, and this so-called "hotel" with stables were in close proximity to the dock. No further addition was made to the settlement until the commencement of the present century, when a man by the name of John Murphy put up a rival shanty and vended oysters and applejack, for which the State was as famous then as now. A carefully taken census of the inhabitants of the place in 1802 disclosed the fact that the entire resident population num bered thirteen souls. Major David Hunt, of tlie hotel, Murpliy, of the shanty, with their families, and an unplaced individual named Joseph Bryant. The Hook had at an early date (1699) been purchased by the Van Vorst family, and it remained in their possession until 1804, when it and the ferry rights became the property of Anthony Dey in return for an annuity of six thousand Spanish milled dollars. The new owner shortly after wards transferred his purcliase to Abraliam Varick, who the same month conveyed it to Richard Varick, Jacob Eadclifl and Anthony Dey. By the courtesy of Hon. C. H. Winfield we are enabled to give a sketch of the lives and the portraits of these, whom he very properly styles the " Founders of Jersey City." U6 A^^ Anthony Dey was born at Preaknesa, Bergen county, in this State, in February, 1776. Both his father and grandfather served in the Eevolutionary Army, the former rising to the rank of General and the latter to that of Colonel. He studied law in New York and amassed a large fortune in the practice of his profession, most of which* he invested in New Jersey real estate, particularly along the Hackensack and Passaic rivers. He was a very energetic, industrious and persevering man. He made it a rule through life to ignore political preferment, and never held any office, but was, nevertheless, foremost in everything that could be called a public improvement, especially in Bergen county, or that part of it now called Hudson county. He was also a Director of the New Jersey Eailroad and a large importer of blooded stock from Europe. He died in this city in 1859. 30 156 Eicliard Varick was born in 1752 and commenced practicing law ill New York City in 1774. In the following year he was appointed Military Secretary-General witii the rank of Captain. In 1776 Congress appointed iiim Depu ty Commissary-General with the grade of Lieutenant-Col onel, lie was in active service at the battles of Stillwater and Saratoga, and served on Ar nold's staff at West Point, sub sequently becoming Washing ton's Recording Secretary. After the war he held succes sively tiie offices of Eccordur of New York City, Attorney- General of tiie State, and fin ally Mayor of New York City, holding tlie latter office twelve years. He died in Jersey City in 1831. Jacob Eadc-lift' was a native of New York, and the son of a Eevolutionary Gene ral. He also was a lawyer, practicing mainly in Poughkeep sie. He rose to the dignity of Judge of the Supreme Court, on vacating which po sition he removed to New York and became Mayor of that city in 1810,. and again iu 1815, 1816 and 1817. History does not re- iiL, cord the place and date of his death. 157 These three eminent citizens engaged Joseph F. Mangin to make a map of Paulus Hook, and dividing their purchase into one thousand shares, offered them for sale. A corporation was the result, which was called the "Associates of the Jersey Com pany," and as such it was incorporated by act of tlie Legislature in November of 1804, by an act entitled "An act to incorporate the city of Jersey, in the county of Bergen." It was incorpo rated under the name of Jersey City, January 28th, 1820, but remained a part of Bergen township. Thus passed away Paulus Hook, leaving a name in musty records and renowned only for Lee's gallant attack in 1779, which gave it a bright page in our country's history. With its English name began an era of enterprize, and its rapid progress would be astonishing in any other country than this, and even here it is almost unrivalled. In 1838 it became a distinct municipality with Mayor and Common Council; in 1851 it received the adjoining township of Van Vorst ; Bergen and Hudson cities were annexed in 1869, and the township of Green- tille in 1873. The streets were first lighted in 1843. Gas was introduced in 1852, and water from the Passaic river in 1854. In 1841 there were less than 400 houses ; there are now about 15,000 ; in the same year there was but one public school with 253 pupils. We now have 38 schools (including Annexes) with an average attendance of over 13,000 children. Everything connected with the city has grown in like proportion. It is now less than 50 years old and has become the seventeenth city in the Union. What may it be at its first centennial ? There is probably no great centre of population in the vast area of the United States which labors under so many disabilities as Jersey City. While it is the terminus and depot of the greatest and wealthiest railroads in the world, it receives very little from them toward defraying the expenses of the munici pality. Most of their property is exempt from municipal taxa tion. They pay heavily to the State, which has grown rich by taking that which properly belsngs to the city ; for those cor porations help largely to increase the burdens of, and receive many benefits and privileges from, the city, for which, accord- 158 ing to all laws of justice and equity, they ought to pay. We have more than six miles of water frontage, and yet the city owns but a single dock, and to obtain that it was compelled to pay $124,000 ; all the rest is claimed by the State, and corpora tions wliich have purchased or leased from it, and the revenue which is derived from this source goes into the State treasury, but a small share of which comes to us. This invaluable pos session belongs to us, and should benefit us principally. Would New York City be the grand emporium of the western world if her water frontage was owned at Albany, and legislated for their own benefit by the farmers of Lawrence, Schoharie and Plerkimer ? We believe these wrongs under which we suffer can and will be corrected ; all we ssk of the State is justice, and it must, in the near future, listen to and heed our demand ; all property must bear an equal share of taxation, and our city must ultimately control its water front. Jerseymen everywhere should recognize the fact that what ever builds up the prosperity of a port which soon will be the metropolis of their State, must of necessity increase their own; and they ought to be too proud and too patriotic to allow a city like this, with natural advantages equal, if not superior, to any in the Union, to remain the Cinderella of her imperious sisters. New York and Philadelphia. Population, Vote, &c. The population of Jersey City, according to the State census of 1875, was 109,229, and it ranked as the seventeenth city in the Union ; it now contains probably 130,000 inhabitants. In the presidential election of 1876 the vote of the city was 19,776. The number of voters registered was 21,156. The number of houses, as reported by the Assessors in 1877, was 14,270. Tliere are 66,313 lots, 200 miles of streets, and 3,808 street lamps. There is laid 654,080 feet of water pipe. Daily consumption of Passaic water, 1,742,726 cubic feet; annual consumption, 636,094,990 cubic feet. 169 The valuation of property for taxation- for tiie year ending November 30,1879, was: real estate, $54,505,470; personals, $5,790,119 ; total, $60,295,589. The taxes levied for the same year were: City, $1,071,443.60; County, 192,902.67; State school tax, $121,449.65; State general, $60,749.53. Total, $1,446,545 45. The tax rate was: on $1,000, City, $17.00; County, $4.00; State school tax, $2.00; State general, 60 cents. Aggregate, $23.60. Chtteches. There are seventy-nine churches in the city, viz. : Methodist Episcopal, nineteen ; Episcopal, eleven ; Eeformed, eleven ; Baptist, eight; Roman Catholic, eight; Presbyterian, six; Evangelical Lutheran, four ; Congregational, two ; Universalist, two; Reformed Episcopal, two; United Presbyterian, two; United Brethren, one; Free Church, one; Evangelical Associ ation, one ; Isaac Ephraira Congregation (Hebrew), one. Public Schools. Jersey City has, including annexes, thirty-eight schools. Number of children of school age (5 to 18) 39,203 Number of children enrolled 21,193 Number on register ,13,246 Average attendance 13,000 Number of teachers 314 Number of books in Public Library 4,800 Amount appropriated for support of schools, which includes $1,000 for Library, $222,550. The school accommodation i^ inadequate for the number of children in the city ; the same complaint is heard from most of the large cities in this country, and also in Great Britain. Police Depaetment. Tlie Police Department consists of 1 Chief, 1 Inspector, 4 Captains, 21 Sergeants, 132 Patrolmen, and 6 Roundsmen — 160 making a total of 165 'men. Number of arrests made in 1878, 6,289. The appropriation for the year ending November 30, 1879, was $288,250, which sum includes election expenses, cost of lighting streets, and support of City Hospital. Fire Department. In the Fire Department there are 102 permanent men, and 160 men at call ; 13 engine companies, 6 hook and ladder companies, 2 tenders, 2 coal wagons, 1 company supply wagon, 51 horses, 21 houses, and 19,000 feet of hose. The loss by fire in 1878 was $220,000, which was covered by insurance of $325,835. There was appropriated for the support of the de partment for the year ending November 30, 1879, $109,000. Post Office. The average weekly business of the Post Office in this city is : Number of letters mailed, 42,126 ; number of postal cards mailed, 8,610; number of papers and books, 4,848; newspapers mailed to subscribers, 4,168 ; merchandise, 679 packages. Received and delivered: Letters, 63,282; postal cards, 9,722 ; papers, 15,558 ; money orders issued, $2,627.71 ; paid, $2,582.11. Militia. The Militia force is composed of one Eegiment (Fourth) of National Guard, and one Battery of Artillery, equipped and uniformed by the State, and three independent companies, self- supporting. The Fourth Eegiment, N. G. S. N. J., is composed of six companies, numbering 400 rank and file. With them originated the system of rifle practice, which has since become so popular with the National Guards of most of the States, and it has also been adopted in the Eegular Army. 161 Savings Banks. The amounts due depositors by the Savings Banks of Jersey City was in January, 1879 : Bergen Savings Bank^ $77,194 93 Germania Savings Bank 143,649 24 Hudson City Savings Bank 238,371 84 The Fifth Ward Savings Bank 405,177 99 The Provident Institution 4,342,352 50 $5,206,746 50 And there is probably an equal amount deposited by the peo ple of this city in the savings institutions of New York and Newark. 163 DUDLEY S. GREGORY, First Mayor op Jersey City. The subject of the present memoir was born in Eeading, Fairfield county. Conn., February 5th, 1800. His ancestors, who took an active part in tiie Eevolutionary War, removed to Albany, N. Y., in 1808, and five years subsequently he was appointed clerk in the Comptroller's Office, filling the position nearly fourteen years, and declining the Deputy Comptroller- ship. Mr. Gregory held several important eoiumands during that period in the New York Militia, and was one of the guard-of- honor that j-eceived the Marquis de Lafayette on his second visit to this country. Mr. Gregory removed, to Jersey City in 1834, and soon be came conspicuous in public life. He represented Bergen town ship, as Hudson county was then called, three successive terms in the Board of Freeliolders ; was twice elected to the Board of Selectmen of Jersey City, and became the first Mayor under the charter, being elected three times, and feeling compelled to decline, positively, when nominated for a fourth term. In 1846, he was elected to Congress from the Fifth District— comprising Bergen, Essex, Passaic and Hudson counties — by a majority of 2,560, receiving 1,142 votes out of the 1,671 polled in his own county. He peremptorily declined a rcnominatioii. Mr. Gregory was largely identified with many of our manu factories and public institutions. He organized the Provident Institution for Savings (the first savings bank in our State); as also the first bank of discount established in Jersey City, namely, the Hudson County Bank ; and he was likewise one of the Commissioners to introduce water into our city. There was, in fine, scarcely any enterprise or industry calcu- 31 164 lated to increase the wealth and prosperity of this community, in which he was not prominent ; and he was equally well noted for his acts of public and private benevolence. After an active and successful life, his demise took place in this city on Decem ber 8th, 1874. HEITRY J. HOPPER, Prhsbnt Mayor op Jersey City. Henry J. Hopper was born in the village of Acquackanonck (now called Passaic), Passaic county. New Jersey, March 10th, 1830. His father was a farmer and miller, and the son re mained with him until fourteen years of age, attending the town school, when he was sent to New York, and finished his education at the Crosby-street High School. At sixteen years of age, he was engaged as clerk, and subse quently as salesman, in the wholesale hardware and steel busi ness in New York City, where he remained until 1862 ; he then became traveling salesman for the Adirondac Steel Company, in Jersey Cityj and was soon made manager of the works, with an interest in the business, which under him has been largely extended. While engaged in business in New York, Mr. Hopper resided in Hoboken, and was elected, and served two successive terms, as Collector of that city. He removed to Jersey City in 1864, and was, in 1878, elected its Mayor for two years. 165 THE STEEL MANUFACTURES OF JERSEY CITY. The manufacture of steel in this country is of comparatively recent date; and it was not until 1848 that the industry made any mark whatever. Its progress was slow, our citizens being blindly prejudiced in favor of English and other European steel, until the enormous duties on all foreign imports, during and subsequent to our civil war, compelled them to purchase the home manufacture. They then began to recognize the fact that in this department of industry, as in so many others, America was, at all events, the peer of her rivals ; but so ingrained was the prejudice, that onr manufacturers of all de scriptions of steel goods found it necessary, during a long period, to represent them as of English production. This condition of affairs is rapidly changing, as the following statistics from United States Treasury Reports satisfactorily prove : Value of Imports and Exports — American and Foreign Iron and Steel. Y Foreign Exports of American Balance ^^^^ Imports. Foreign. Exports. Exports. 1875 $18,475,733 |1,037,087 $13,049,403 $5,389,344 For. 1876 18,191,618 1,019,913' 9,963,349 3,309,457" 1877 9,570,600 304,575 9,438.993 162,968 Am. 1878 9,057,633 455,180 13,969,375 5,366,833 " It is evident from the above figures that American iron and steel are beginning to be recognized in the markets of the world as equal, if not superior, to those of Europe. Tlie present remarkable development of the steel manufac ture of the United States is due to a small number of far-seeing, energetic men ; and notably to three of our own citizens— Mr. James L. Thompson and the late David Henderson, and Dudley S. Gregory. The two establishments founded by these gentle men are among the most important of our city's industries, as the following record will prove : 166 THE JERSEY CITY STEEL WORKS. (James R. Thompson & Co.) Mr. James R. Thompson, senior member of the above firm, and one of the pioneers in American steel manufacture, has made this industry the study of his life. The present works of the company, facing tiie water front, at the foot of Warren street, Jersey City, were erected fourteen years ago; but extensive additions have been made since, and they now occupy an area of fifty city lots, thirty-five of which are covered with buildings. The raw material used by the company is composed of the best quality of American iron, from the Lake Champlain region, together with Norwegian and Swedish iron ; a considerable portion of the stock being puddled from cold-blast-pig, for which Jefferson ville, Jefi'erson county, N. Y., is noted. The " crucible process " is used in this factory, the iron being thoroughly car bonized, and becoming what is known as " blistered," or " Ger man " steel. Machinery of the most improved description is worked by five steam engines aggregating 565 horse power; and there are three puddling and six heating furnaces, with fifty-four melting holes. Five vertical and two trip steam- hammers, together with numerous powerful cranes, shears, etc., complete the equipmeut of this establishment. The manufactures of the firm comprise every shape and size of bar steel, hammered and rolled, besides all descriptions of steel forgings for machinery ; and special attention is given to the production of material for agricultural implements, railroad springs and axles, machinists' tools, and bars for wire drawing. The annual consumption of coal in these works is 10,000 tons. One hundred hands are at present employed ; and last year's production was 2,500 tons of the finest manufactured steel. vmw^''-^ i': L ft' i^ 1% '-M*' .* -^w '|ii A::' '^! '^ 167 THE ADIRONDAC STEEL WORKS. (Gregory & Co.) These old established works, dating back to 1848, cover an area of 98,000 square feet, and are located at foot of Warren street, facing those of J. E. Thompson & Co. The original factory was burned down in 1854, but immediately rebuilt; being considerably enlarged in 1864, and again in 1866 and 1874. Tiie company was reorganized under its present style and title in December of the latter year. The principal manufacture of this firm is crucible cast steel, the iron used being the best American mixed with Swedish. There are six heating furnaces, and forty four-pot melting holes ; every modern appliance being provided in tiie works which can be found in similar establishments elsewhere. Three steam engines, with an aggregate of 260 horse power, drive the heavy machinery of tlie factory, among which are four steam hammers. The steel produced by Messrs. Gregory & Co. is especially adapted for many divers purposes, such, for instance, as ma chinists' tools, drills, chisels, hammers, axes, dies, cutlery, and edge tools. Cast spring and machinery steel form another branch, including spindles and rollers, valve, pump, piston, lathe and connecting rods, and steel forgings. Cast steel is also prepared for railroad purposes, such as springs for engines and carriages, frog-points and plates, tapered and plain slide-bars for locomotives, together with spiral, taper, and bevel-edge springs. Steel for war purposes is a branch by itself, including decarbonized, or gun metal ; besides that for swords, bayonets, gun and pistol springs, with other appendages of tlie gunsmith's art. Every variety of steel agricultural implements is manufac tured by this firm, for forks, rakes, hoes, scythes, sickles, mow ing-machine cutters, and planters' hoe and finger-steel ; while rnaay other articles might be mentioned under the suggestive heading of " miscellaneous." The annual consumption of iron, including " scrap," in these works is 2,800 tons, for which 8,000 tons of coal are required in the manufacturing process. 2,600 tons of crucible steel were pro duced by the firm during the past year ; and the present number of hands employed is 90. 168 THE JOSEPH DIXON CEUCIBLE COMPANY. Our city feels a laudable pride in possessing such an evidence of energy and enterprise as the above company afford, not merely on account ofthe area occupied by the firm, but still more be cause the company in question stands alone, both in this country and Europe, in operating every branch of the graphite business. They own their own mines, mine their own ore, sell the raw stock as well as the manufactured article, and in fine, are admittedly ahead of other houses in the exploitation of plum bago. This widely-known firm was established by the late Mr. Joseph Dixon in 1827. Its immense premises in this city, occupying no less than 50,000 square feet, are covered with four-story brick buildings, the principal items of manufacture being crucibles for all purposes, stove polish, graphite axle-grease, lead-pencils, &c. The mines of the Dixon Company at Ticonderoga, N. Y., cover 1,500 acres, their mill tliere for preparing the ore being sixty feet square and four stories high. Another portion of their property is at Tampa, Florida, whence they obtain the beautiful cedar-wood for their celebrated pencils. Their steam mill at at Tampa is 100 feet square, and they also possess there excel lent dock and river frontage. The hands employed in tlie various branches of the company are more than 500 in number, but so extensive and improved is their patented machinery that the above figures afford only a small idea of their operations. The following statistics of the company's business during the present year will miich better show tiie position held by the firm in the manufacturing world : Products op the Joseph Dixon Crucible Co. in 1879. Lead Pencils 34,000,000 Stove polish 6,000,000 cakes, J lb. each. Axle grease ' 3 tons per day. Crucibles for brass melting Nine-tenths of all made in U. S. Graphite for other purposes .1 000 tone! 169 THE MATTHIESSEN-WIECHEES SUGAR REFINERY. It would be eminently proper to regard this colossal estab lishment as a typical exemplification ofthe progress of our city, with whose fortunes it has been intimately associated since 1863. The above firm commenced the manufacture of sugar in that year, with only a single factory ; in 1868, they added a second one, larger than the first, and a third in 1875; until, what witii joining their buildings together by means of bridges, annexes and wings, and heightening previous erections with additional stories, their vast range of premises resembles some huge edifice of Cyclopean antiquity. The area of ground occu pied by these numerous buildings covers no less than eighty (80) city lots, or 200,000 square feet; but this statement affords a very moderate idea of the firm's capabilities, for stories are constantly being added to the various factories, and more land being occupied. ;.The manufacture of sugar requires a large area, and the machinery employed is of the most labor-saving description. The number of hands employed must therefore be an unreliable criterion of a firm's business ; but the trade of this company is on such an extended scale as to require the employment of 600 men. Messrs. Matthiessen and Wiechers use 1,000,000 pounds of raw sugar per day, from which is produced 85 to 90 per cent, of refined sugar, besides a large quantity of molasses ; and our city may therefore take pride in possessing one of the largest sugar refineries in the Union. 170 HAVEMEYERS, EASTWICK & GO'S SUGAR REFINERY. ¦ . The name of Haveineyer has long been associated throughout New York a,nd its vicinity with the manufacture of sugar; and although the refinery of the above firm in this city has only ex isted since 1873, it alrea'dy promises to shortly equal other estab lishments of a similar character, both in the extent of ground -occupied and the amount of business transacted. So rapid has its progress been, that the company had to extend their works two y6^rs_,after opening, and again in 1876, the entire area now occupied being 15,200 square feet. This, however gives but a very moderaite idea of the firm's capabilities; for the main building, with its wings and numerous annexes, rises to an immerise height, forming a conspicuous object from the bay and its approaches. The machinery employed in this refinery is of the most im proved construction, thus lessoning the amount of manual labor required. There are 200 hands constantly employed iu the works; the contiguity of the Morris canal affording the com- company unusual facilities for the transportation of their goods. The amount of sugar manufactured by Messrs. Havemeyers, Eastwick & Co., during the preceding twelve months, reached 89,'0'06,060 pounds; besides molasses, and their business is vearly ¦increasing. ¦ ¦ c H O ISK P o 171 ROUSE & TURNER'S POTTERY WORKS. The inhabitants of Jersey City look with justifiable pride upon the above establishment, for it is not merely the oldest one of the kind in the United States, but also the most exten sive, and by far the best known. It was established in 1825, the original buildings having been largely added to, until they now cover 22,500 square feet. The multiplicity of articles here manufactured, ranging from common potteryware to the most elaborate percelain and bisque, require tlie consumption of twenty tons of clay weekly, a considerable portion of which is obtained by Messrs. Rouse & Turner from the celebrated mines at Westchfester, Penn., and is probably unequalled for ceramic purposes by any similar clay in Europe. The number of hands employed by the firm is seventy, many of whom belong to the highest rank of skilled labor, being designers and decorators. The ivory white-ware produced at these works from the Westchester clay is unsurpassed for artistic purposes by any European importations ; and it is highly glazed by a process unused elsewhere as to be impervious to injury by anj' liquid whatever. The productions of Messrs. Rouse & Turner are rapidly supplanting those of European manufacturers among the virtuosi and art-lovers of our people. 22 172 THE CENTRAL STOCK YARD AND TRANSIT COM PANY'S BUILDINGS. This immense aggregation of cattle-yards, pens, sheds, slaugh terhouses, refrigerating buildings and numerous other annexes, forms one of the most important business establishments in onr State, and is naturally looked upon with pride by the enterpris ing inhabitants of Jersey City. Commonly known as the "Abattoir," it was originally located at Communipaw in Octo ber, 1866, but the business grew so rapidly as soon to require more convenient quarters, and the company, therefore, removed in January, 1874, to their present commodious premises on the shore of Harsimus cove, at foot of Sixth street. The various buildings, yards, &c., cover a vast area of ground arid water, the entire construction being on the most improved . scientific principles. No healthier locality for the production of wholesome human food could possibly be imagined. It is far removed and com pletely isolated from other buildings, besides being open on every side to all the winds of heaven ; whilst its proximitj' to the wharves of the great trans-Atlantic steamship lines gives full facility for carrying on tiie vast and constantly increasing European cattle and meat trades. Some idea may be formed of the extent of business transacted here when it is known that niore than 1,000 beef-cattle, 1,300 sheep and 2,000 hogs reach the yard daily. The following official returns of the last five years will be interesting and instructive in this connection : Received. Slaughtered. Year. Cattle. Hogs. Sheep. Cattle. Hogs. Sheep. 1874 350,146 547,747 435,315 78,894 543,919 431,341 1875 358,550 640,149 685,734 73,191 635,933 684,114 1876 379,993 567,448 603,565 113,867 555,735 600,917 1877 310,454 634,803 480,461 78,577 611,834 484,889 1878 317,003 788,339 437,565 70,630 780,871 436,371 Central Stock Yard and Transit Co. 173 COLGATE & CO'S SOAP WORKS. , The extensive range of buildings occupied by the above firm foyers no less than a block and a half, or 120,000 square feet. Their present factory was erected in 1847 ; but the company is one of the oldest in the State, for its establishment dates as far back as 1806. The products of this firm, in all grades of soap manufacture, have long been household requisites ; and no other manufac turers in their line of business are more widely known, or sur pass th,em in the extent of their transactions. They employ 350 hands in their Jersey City factory, besides 50 additional in their sales department at New York. The quantity of soaps manu factured by them during the last twelve months reached the enormous aggregate of 25,000,000 pounds. Messrs. Colgate & Co. justly claim to possess the largest soap factory in the Union. 174 HUDSON COUNTY NATIONAL BANK. The Hudson County Bank was chartered by the State July 7t]i, 1851, and was incorporated as a national bank in 1865. Capital, $250,000. Surplus fund and other undivided profits, $236,918.93. President, Aug. A. Hardenbergh ; Vice-President, Thomas Eairle ; Cashier, David W. Taylor. Directors, Matthew Armstrong, Robert C. Bacot, Peter Bentley, Jr., Hampton A. Coursen, Thomas Earle, Peter Henderson, Job Male, Titus B. Meigs, James R. Thompson, Garret D. Van Reipen, Lansing Zabriskie, Aug. A. Hardenbergh, Richard C. Washburne, Hudson County National Bank. First National Bank. 175 FIRST NATIONAL BANK. Originally the Mechanics and Traders, and chartered as such, in July, 1853. Incorporated as a national bank, April 18th, 1864. Capital, $400,000. Surplus and undivided profits, $362,026.06. Its oflBcers are: President, Edward F. C. Young; Vice-President, James L. Ogden ; Cashier, George W. Conklin ; .Assistant-Cashier, John W. Omberson. Directors, Edward F. C. Young, James L. Ogden, Benj. G. Clarke, Andrew Clerk, Jas. S. Davenport, B. F. Randolph, William Brinkerhoff", W. A. Wiechers, A. M. Fuller, Joseph D. Bedle, Hamilton Wallis, Charles Siedler. 176 SECOND NATIONAL BANK. Incorporated as the" Bank of Jersey City," June 25,1856, and'became a national bank in 1865. Capital, $500,000. Sur plus arid other undivided profits, $334,072.33. . President, W. Hogencamp ; Vice-President, I. I. Vanderbeek ; Cashier, E. N. Wilson. Directors, Joseph M. Brown, Henry M. Trap- jiagen, Isaac I. Vanderbeek, Horatio N. Ege, Orestes Cleveland, W. Hogencamp, .Thomas E. Bray, Morillo H. Gillette, Wm. M. .Force, Isaac W. Scudder, F. O. Matthiessen, Alfred A. Lutkins, Edward N.Wilson. iSSOK, *pi feL '^! fc*: " hi" k ill '^ ^ Second National Bank. o o Q ?J o 177 P. LORILLARD & CO'S TOBACCO WORKS. The above celebrated firm, whose transactions are carried on in every civilized country of our globe, possess not merely the largest tobacco factory in the United States or elsewhere, but, so far as we can learn, they are the oldest business house continu ing under the same name in the Union, having been first estab lished in 1760. Their vast factory, with its many dependencies in the immediate vicinity, covers three acres of our city's area ; but even this fact will give only a faint idea bf the magnitude of their operations, for they employ more than 3,000 hands, manufacturing annually 20,000,000 pounds of tobacco. They have paid the Government, during the last fourteen years, a gross revenue exceeding $26,000,000, and yet their business is rapidly increasing. 178 JERSEY CITY DRUG AND SPICE MILLS. (R. HrLLiER's Son & Co.) This firm, whose productions are known throughout the Union, was established in 1860 by Mr. Richard Hillier, and upon his retirement from business in 1874, his son, George R. Hillier, and Mr. Francis A. Moore entered into partnership under the above style and title. The mills of the firm stand on the original site in Hudson street, and now co.ver an area of 7,500 square feet, the number of hands employed therein being thirty-nine. The business transacted during the preceding twelve months amounted to upwards of 3,000,000 pounds. SS;^=-^=r-^-.'rtei?:rnFCp.?jCTs: 179 JERSEY CITY MACHINE WORKS. (Nicholas B. Cushing.) The above factory, established in 1866, is known particularly among the various ocean steamship lines whose termini are located on tho river front of our city. The machinery manu factured here consists of portable, yacht, horizontal and hoisting engines ; hydraulic and hydro-pneumatic elevators, together with those known as power or belt, and hand-and collar ; besides dredging and mining machinery of every description. The present works were erected in 1876 and cover an area of 5,000' square feet ; the various floors of the factory being filled with the heaviest machinery used in this peculiar branch of construc tion. The number of hands employed is eighty, most of them being skilled artificers. 23 180 THE EVENING JOURNAL. The Evening Journal of Jersey City was established in May, 1867, by Major Z. K. Pangborn and William B. Dunning. The publication and editorial ofiice of the newspaper shared one small room at No. 13 Exchange place, and its available capital, after paying for its equipment of stands and cases for six compositors and a hand " railway " press, was $119.00. In 1868 Joseph A. Dear, previously editor ofthe Jersey City Times, joined the con cern and the firm of Pangborn, Dunning & Dear was formed November 16th of that year. The offices of the Journal were removed to No. 142 Greene street in May, 1869, and an engine and a double cylinder press procured. The increase of business soon made the two floors first used inadequate, a third was occupied, and then the next building was acquired. In 1872 a lot was bought, and in 1874 the erection of the fine building, of which an illustration is given, was commenced. The building comprises a basement and four stories, 90x25 feet, and is solidly built of brick and granite. Under the sidewalk is the coal vault and boiler room, containing two 20-horse boilers. In the front half of the basement is a fine and compact engine, the office for sales to newsdealers, and space for newsboys and the newspaper press. This machine, the invention of Andrew Campbell, of Williamsburg, L. I., is remarkable as the first web printing machine made in this country capable of printing from one set of plates over ten thousand perfect copies of the newspaper per hour, and folding the same as fast as printed, and though the flrst of their kind, both press and folder have been a success from the start. The machines for wetting the paper and for planing and trimming the newspaper stereotype plates are also in this room. The rear half of the basement is occupied as a job pi-essroom and contains eight large and small job presses and a powerful paper cutter. On the floor above are the job composition room, 40x25x18 feet, a room 15x25 feet, used for storage of paper, and in the front is the business and publication ofBoe, one of the handsomest rooms of the kind in the country. The two next floors are divided into handsome offices, with all modern conveniences and heated by steam, which are rented. On the top floor are the editorial, reporters', newspaper composition and stereotyping rooms, reached from the floors below by stairs and one of Otis's elevators. In the stereotyping room is a small steam engine for driving the machinery for finishing the stereotype plates for the job department, and here also the plates for the newspaper are moulded and cast. The newspaper composition room is a lofty, well lighted and ventilated room, with space for working twenty-five men. In 1877 Wm. B. Dunning died soon after the dissolution of the firm of Pang born, Dunning & Dear, and the formation of The Evening Journal Associa tion, by which the business is now carried on. The officers of the Associa tion are Z. K. Pangborn, president and editor-in-chief; F. W. Pangborn, secretary and city editor ; Joseph A. Dear, treasurer and business manager. P5 s-K O ?Jo o W o I? o tH INDEX Preface. page Introductory. 5 Exercises at the Tabernacle 11 Invocation 14 Address, Mayor Hopper 15 J as. B, Vredenburgh, Esq 17 Oration, Hon. C. H. Wiufield 21 Appendix to Oration 59 Address, B. W. Throckmorton, Esq 92 Benediction 97 The Parade 99 The Collation 103 Speech, Col. D. S. Gregory 103 ExUov. Price ! 105 Hull. A. A. Hardenbergh 108 Riiv. Dr. Abercrombie HI Rev. P. D. Van Cleof US V. a . Wolbert, Esq 1^^ Maj. D. A. Peloubet ^^^ 118 CU'U. John Riimsoy 11Q Hon. J. A. Blair ^^-^lOQ Mr. J. M. Noonan 135 The Fireworks . . 127 Henry Lee— Memoir 131 Lord Stirling— Memoir , „ , 135 The Lay of Paulus Hook 189 Extracts from the Press 182 page Historical Sketch of Jersey City 158 Anthony Dey 155 Richard Varick 156 Jacob Radclifi' 156 Population, Vote, &c 158 Churches, Schools, Police 159 Fire Department, Post Office, Militia 160 Savings Banks. . .' 161 Dudley S. Gregory 163 Henry J. Hopper 164 The Steel Manufacturers of Jersey City 165 Jersey City Steel Works 166 Adirondac Steel Works 167 Joseph Dixon Crucible Company 168 Matthiessen & Wiechers' Rugar Refinery 169 Havemeyers, Eastwick & Co.'s Sugar Refinery 170 Rouse & Turner's Pottery 171 Central Stock Yard and Transit Company. 173 Colgate & Co.'s Soap Works 178 Hudson County National Bank 174 First National Bank 175 Second National Bank 176 Lorillard & Co.'s Tobacco Works 177 Jersey City Drug and Spice Mills 178 Jersey City Machine Works 179 The Evening Journal 180 YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 5/ /*.l<^-'*f "^" ( ?